Medicina clinica
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Anaemia of chronic disease (ACD) is generated by the activation of the immune system by autoantigens, microbial molecules or tumour antigens resulting in the release of cytokines that cause an elevation of serum hepcidin, hypoferraemia, suppression of erythropoiesis, decrease in erythropoietin (EPO) and shortening of the half-life of red blood cells. Anaemia is usually normocytic and normochromic, which is the most prevalent after iron deficiency anaemia, and it is the most frequent in the elderly and in hospitalized patients. ⋯ Treatment is aimed at controlling the underlying disease and correcting anaemia. Sometimes intravenous iron and EPO have been used, but the therapeutic future is directed against hepcidin, which is the final target of anaemia.
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The utility of lung ultrasound as a prognostic tool for patients with acute heart failure is well known, but most studies have been conducted in mixed groups of patients with preserved and reduced ejection fraction. While some subgroup analysis suggests that lung ultrasound is useful regardless of ejection fraction, no specific studies have addressed this question. Our objective is to determine the utility of bedside lung ultrasound as a prognostic tool for patients with preserved ejection fraction, acute heart failure. ⋯ Subclinical congestion evaluated with lung ultrasound before discharge is associated with worse prognosis in patients with acute heart failure and preserved ejection fraction. Patients with 15Blines are 2.5times more likely to be readmitted for acute heart failure than less congestive patients.
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Observational Study
Classic fever of unknown origin: analysis of a cohort of 87 patients according to the definition with qualitative study criterion.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of fever of unknown origin (FUO) according to the definition with qualitative study criterion and of patients without diagnosis. ⋯ The definition of FUO with qualitative study criterion incorporates a diagnostic protocol that provides clear benefits in terms of cost-effectiveness.