Medicine
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Observational Study
Gut-flora metabolites is not associated with synchronous carotid artery plaque and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in asymptomatic adults: A STROBE-compliant article.
Synchronous non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and carotid artery plaque formation increase the risk of mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Metabolic status and host gut flora are associated with NAFLD and CVD, but the risk factors require further evaluation. To evaluate the risk factors associated with NAFLD and CVD, including gut-flora-related examinations. ⋯ Endotoxin and trimethylamine-N-oxide levels were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Host metabolic status, such as elevated BMI, TG, and systolic blood pressure, are associated with synchronous NAFLD and carotid artery plaque in asymptomatic adults. Aggressive TG control, blood pressure control, and weight reduction are indicated in patients with NAFLD.
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The current global health crisis due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has prompted the medical community to investigate the effects of underlying medical conditions, including sleep-disordered breathing, on inpatient care. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common form of sleep-disordered breathing that may complicate numerous acquired conditions, particularly in inpatient and critical care settings. ⋯ Additionally, it will highlight pertinent evidence for the complications of OSA in an organ-systems approach. Finally, this review will also discuss impatient treatment approaches for OSA, particularly in relation to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
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Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare and sometimes fatal systolic heart failure that affects women during late pregnancy or the early postpartum period. Heart failure symptoms can mimic the physiological changes of normal pregnancy, and the diagnosis is based on echocardiography. ⋯ Prolonged tocolysis may contribute to cardiomyopathy and should be used with caution. PPCM management requires standard treatments for acute heart failure with modifications for fetal safety.
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The relationship between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and reflux esophagitis (RE) was controversial. We investigated the factors influencing RE development in patients with COPD and evaluated the association between RE and AECOPD. Patients with COPD who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy from January 2003 to December 2013 in St. ⋯ The use of theophylline (OR 2.05; 95% CI, 1.16-3.65, P = .014) was associated with an increased incidence of RE. The use of theophylline might increase the risk of RE in COPD patients. RE may not be associated with airflow limitation or AECOPD.
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Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Common sites for metastasis are the liver and peritoneum, whereas skeletal muscle metastases are rare. ⋯ In cases of skeletal muscle metastasis diagnosed during a period of adjuvant imatinib therapy following the recurrence of a GIST of the small intestine, whole exome sequencing may be used to discover more gene variations.