Postgraduate medical journal
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To systematically review the effect of vitamin D supplementation on diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) healing. ⋯ The current evidence suggests that vitamin D supplementation can significantly promote DFU healing by lowering blood sugar and alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress. Key messages What is already known on this topic Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus, with high morbidity, mortality and resource utilization. Vitamin D has the effect of lowering blood sugar, improving insulin sensitivity, and increasing anti-inflammatory response. Clinical research on vitamin D supplementation for the treatment of DFU is increasing, but due to the lack of combing and integration, the actual efficacy of vitamin D in patients is unclear. What this study adds This meta-analysis has shown that vitamin D supplementation can significantly promote DFU healing by lowering blood glucose and alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress. How this study might affect research, practice or policy This study preliminarily found the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation on the healing of DFU, which can provide a reference for the treatment of DFU by medical staff.
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To compare the speed of achieving painless uterine contractions in parturients undergoing epidural analgesia at different lumbar puncture levels. ⋯ Puncturing through the L2-3 interspace is associated with faster pain relief and a better experience for parturients. These findings present a superior option for anesthesiologists when conducting epidural labor analgesia. Key messages What is already known on this topic? Epidural analgesia is an effective way to relieve labor pain. What this study adds? Puncturing via lumbar 2-3 interspace induces more rapid onset of epidural analgesia. How this study might affect research, practice or policy? Lumbar 2-3 interspace is a superior option in terms of the speed of pain relief and satisfaction of parturients when conducting epidural labor analgesia.
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The term neurodiversity was coined in the 1990s to describe a diversity in thinking, learning, and processing the world around us, and is associated with strengths as well as challenges. Rates of diagnosis of neurodivergent conditions are rising rapidly amongst patients and healthcare professionals, largely due to a recent surge in awareness and understanding of neurodiverse conditions and more inclusive diagnostic criteria. Societal adaptation, however, has lagged, and likely explains some of the psychosocial comorbidities of neurodiversity, as individuals are forced to adapt their personality and how they display their emotions to fit societal norms. ⋯ Here, we use a case study, focusing on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to explore the relationship between neurodiversity and work from the perspective of a neurodiverse health care professional. We challenge the notion that neurodiversity itself is a disability, but more likely a result of lack of societal awareness and adaption. We suggest accommodations and training in the clinical environment to raise awareness and support neurodiverse healthcare professionals in order that they flourish rather than struggle in the workplace.
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Defective telomerase function or telomere maintenance causes genomic instability. Alterations in telomere length and/or attrition are the primary features of rare diseases known as telomere biology disorders or telomeropathies. Recent advances in the molecular basis of these disorders and cutting-edge methods assessing telomere length have increased our understanding of this topic. ⋯ In this context, apart from dyskeratosis congenita, disorders formerly considered idiopathic (i.e. pulmonary fibrosis, liver cirrhosis) frequently correlate with underlying defective telomere maintenance mechanisms. Moreover, these patients are prone to developing specific cancer types and exhibit exceptional sensitivity and toxicity in standard chemotherapy regimens. The current review describes the diverse spectrum of clinical manifestations of telomere biology disorders in pediatric and adult patients, their correlation with pathogenic variants, and considerations during their management to increase awareness and improve a multidisciplinary approach.
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Subspecialty consultations are becoming highly prevalent in hospital medicine, due to an ageing population with multimorbid conditions and increasingly complex care needs, as well as medicolegal fears that lead to widespread defensive medical practices. Although timely subspecialty consultations in the appropriate clinical context have been found to improve clinical outcomes, there remains a significant proportion of specialty referrals in hospital medicine which are inappropriate, excessive, or do not add value to patient care. ⋯ In addition, we discuss the underlying contributing factors that predispose to inappropriate use of the specialist referral system. Finally, we offer a practical, multitiered approach to help rationalize subspecialty consultations, through (i) a systematic model ('WISE' template) for individual referral-making, (ii) development of standardized healthcare institutional referral guidelines with routine clinical audits for quality control, (iii) adopting an integrated generalist care model, and (iv) incorporating training on effective referral-making in medical education.