Wiener klinische Wochenschrift
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Jul 2024
ReviewGenetic relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular diseases : A systematic review of Mendelian randomization studies.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is recognized as a chronic autoimmune disorder with systemic inflammation and joint damage. Its potential role as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is increasingly noted. This review delves into the causal relationship between RA and CVD, with Mendelian randomization (MR) offering a genetic perspective. ⋯ The systematic review corroborates a genetic causal link between RA and CVD, as evidenced by eight of the nine MR studies reviewed. This suggests a need for integrated cardiovascular risk management in the treatment of RA patients. The findings advocate considering anti-inflammatory treatment that can reduce cardiovascular risk. The overarching evidence signifies a potential direction for new therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing cardiovascular health in RA patients.
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Jul 2024
Attitudes of the general population and mental health practitioners towards blended therapy in Austria.
Mental health problems are steadily increasing worldwide. In Austria, the overall supply of mental health services is low, especially in rural areas. Mobile technology and a blended care approach have the potential to overcome problems with service provision. The aim of this study was to map the attitudes of practitioners and people living in Austria towards blended therapy. ⋯ Practitioners' attitudes are important for implementation of blended therapy. More awareness might help against the cautiousness as well as implementing digital health applications in Austrian health policies.
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Asthma is a multifaceted and multicausal disease. Childhood asthma is strongly influenced by genetic traits and is characterized by hyperreactivity of the airways so that also unspecific triggers including moulds can trigger an asthma attack. Therefore, it is undisputed that moulds in the home can cause asthma attacks in asthmatic children. ⋯ The cohort studies also showed no publication bias but substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 60.5, p = 0.005). Heterogeneity could be partly explained by percentage of male children, age of participants, and publication year, but was not affected by study quality. In conclusion, living in mouldy homes during childhood seems to increase the risk of later developing bronchial asthma.
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Jul 2024
Analysis of the impact of a university distance learning course on digitalization in medicine on students and healthcare professionals.
The public medical universities in Austria (educating 11,000 students) developed a joint public distance learning series in which clinicians discussed current digital lighthouse projects in their specialty. This study aims to examine the changes in attitude and knowledge of the participants before and after the lecture series to gain insights for future curriculum developments. ⋯ The study shows that the presentation and discussion of lighthouse projects improves understanding of digitalization in medicine but does not trigger a strong desire for additional further training.
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Jul 2024
Statements of Austrian hospices and palliative care units after the implementation of the law on assisted suicide : A qualitative study of web-based publications.
Since January 2022, assisted suicide (AS) in Austria is legal under certain conditions. One of these conditions is informative consultations with two physicians, one of whom must be qualified in palliative medicine. Patients who are thinking about AS can approach palliative care institutions. This study aims to assess the availability and nature of Austrian palliative care institutions' web-based statements about AS. ⋯ The results of this study indicate that people in Austria who wish to have AS and who may use the internet as their first source of information largely find no relevant information. There is no online statement of a palliative care or hospice institution that endorses AS. Positions on AS are mostly lacking, while reluctant attitudes of Christian institutions are predominant.