Medicine
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Observational epidemiological studies indicate a higher fracture incidence in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients compared to the general population. However, the causal relationship between RA and fracture risk, particularly traumatic and osteoporotic fractures, is not well established. We performed Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to evaluate the causal relationship between RA and fracture risk. ⋯ The primary analysis used inverse-variance weighting, supplemented by MR-Egger regression and other methods to assess causal relationships and sensitivity analyses, including heterogeneity and pleiotropy assessments, using R software with appropriate packages. The inverse-variance weighting results demonstrated a causal relationship between genetically predicted RA and an elevated risk of fractures, particularly traumatic fractures of the long bones and osteoporotic fractures, including fractures of shoulder and upper arm (odds ratio [OR] = 1.041, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.020-1.062, P = 9.06e-05), fractures of forearm (OR = 1.026, 95% CI: 1.007-1.044, P = .006), fracture of femur (OR = 1.036, 95% CI: 1.009-1.064, P = .009), fractures of lower leg, including joint (OR = 1.031, 95% CI: 1.016-1.047, P = 6.38e-05), fractures of rib(s), sternum, and thoracic vertebrae (OR = 1.041, 95% CI: 1.018-1.064, P = 4.08e-04), osteoporotic with pathological features (OR = 1.128, 95% CI: 1.071-1.188, P = 5.54e-06), postmenopausal osteoporotic with pathological features (OR = 1.060, 95% CI: 1.002-1.123, P = .044), and drug-induced osteoporotic with pathological features (OR = 1.255, 95% CI: 1.124-1.400, P = 5.02e-05). This study highlights the genetic causal link between RA and an increased risk of traumatic and osteoporotic fractures, presenting a new direction for future exploration of the mechanisms underlying RA-related fractures.
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A vast amount of literature is available on the burden of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Yet, most information on AIS burden does not stratify by stroke severity, and the inclusion of mild strokes (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale < 5) might obscure the true impact of moderate-to-severe AIS. Therefore, it is important to understand the literature as it pertains to the epidemiological, clinical, humanistic, and economic burden of moderate-to-severe AIS from a global perspective. ⋯ The review highlighted the huge burden of moderate-to-severe AIS, with patients experiencing worse outcomes with increased stroke severity. Further focus is needed on outcomes relating to moderate-to-severe AIS to fully understand the burden of stroke in this patient population.
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Case Reports
Extensive small cell lung cancer treated by integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine: A case report.
Patients with extensive small cell lung cancer (SCLC) generally have a dismal survival rate and are conventionally treated with chemotherapy. This study aimed to explore an alternative treatment approach by combining traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. ⋯ The combination of TCM and Western medicine in treating SCLC proves effective in managing systemic symptoms, mitigating bone marrow suppression, gastrointestinal reactions, immunosuppression, and other chemotherapy-induced adverse reactions. It also significantly prolongs the survival period, suggesting it as a preferable treatment option for SCLC.
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Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (CPF) is a rare cardiac tumor that can lead to severe and potentially fatal complications such as stroke, myocardial infarction, and sudden cardiac death. The rarity of CPF makes it challenging for clinicians to diagnose and treat, highlighting the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis to prevent catastrophic outcomes. This case report aims to contribute to the clinical understanding of CPF involving the mitral valve (MV), providing insights into diagnosis and treatment strategies. ⋯ Echocardiography is a valuable diagnostic tool for identifying CPF and guide treatment decisions. This case emphasizes the importance of recognizing this rare valve tumor for timely clinical intervention.
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Temporary central venous catheters are commonly used for patients who require emergency hemodialysis. In rare instances, this procedure can result in a very serious complication known as arteriovenous fistula (AVF). Although some cases of femoral arteriovenous fistula have been reported previously in the literature; however, the incidence of iliac AVF precipitated by a hemodialysis catheter is exceedingly uncommon. The purpose of this study is to report a case in which a hemodialysis catheter caused a femoral arteriovenous fistula and to describe the successful treatment, thereby providing a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of such conditions in the future. ⋯ If the patient has a history of femoral venous catheter placement and develops limb swelling, in addition to considering the presence of a femoral arteriovenous fistula, it is important to consider the possibility of an iliac AVF. Iliac AVF are rare disorders. The primary goal for treatment of IAVF is to relieve associated symptoms. Based on the results of this study, the endovascular approach is safe and effective for the treatment of iliac AVF. Iliac AVFs are rare disorders. The primary goal of treatment for iliac AVFs is to relieve associated symptoms. Based on the results of this study, the endovascular approach is safe and effective in the treatment of iliac AVFs.