Wiener klinische Wochenschrift
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Jul 2005
Prostate cancer and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening in Austria.
The possible effect of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing on prostate cancer mortality has remained controversial, despite the test's widespread application. We examined age-specific mortality trends for prostate cancer in Austria before and after the introduction of (opportunistic) PSA testing, to ask whether PSA screening reduces prostate cancer mortality in a uniform cohort of men with equal access to health care. Prostate cancer mortality data covering all 9 federal states of Austria were analysed from 1970 to 2002. ⋯ In this age group the join points 1989 and 1991 cannot be related to PSA testing. PSA screening does not appear to reduce prostate cancer mortality in a uniform cohort of men with equal access to health care. However, given the long lead-time for prostate cancer, even longer follow-up may still be needed to detect any important trends.
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Jul 2005
Clinical TrialInitial experience with oral valganciclovir for pre-emptive cytomegalovirus therapy after lung transplantation.
The most common opportunistic viral pathogen after lung transplantation is cytomegalovirus (CMV). Oral valganciclovir, a prodrug of ganciclovir, has been introduced as a potential drug for prophylaxis and treatment of CMV infection and disease in lung transplantation. The goal of this study was to describe our initial experience with oral valganciclovir for pre-emptive treatment of CMV infections after lung transplantation. ⋯ Pre-emptive therapy with oral valganciclovir for CMV infections detected by PCR in either plasma or bronchoalveolar lavage after lung transplantation seems to be efficacious and safe. However, regular blood counts should be performed to detect developing leucopenia.
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Duplication of the vermiform appendix is extremely rare. It is found in only 1/25.000 patients (0.004%) operated on for acute appendicitis. A 60-year-old male patient was hospitalized for a peridiverticular sigmoid abscess without signs of a free abdominal perforation and an abscess cavity in the small pelvis. ⋯ Because of signs of a chronic appendicitis a second resection was performed. Although the diagnosis of an appendix duplex is a rarity, surgeons should be aware of the possibility, especially when clinical signs and symptoms point to appendicitis, although at laparotomy the appendix looks normal. A routine exploration for a second appendix is definitely not indicated because of the rarity and the increased complication rate.