The New England journal of medicine
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Multicenter Study
Rapid measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide in the emergency diagnosis of heart failure.
B-type natriuretic peptide is released from the cardiac ventricles in response to increased wall tension. ⋯ Used in conjunction with other clinical information, rapid measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide is useful in establishing or excluding the diagnosis of congestive heart failure in patients with acute dyspnea.
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The presence of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) in serum indicates active viral replication in hepatocytes. HBeAg is thus a surrogate marker for the presence of hepatitis B virus DNA. We conducted a prospective study to determine the relation between positivity for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBeAg and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. ⋯ Positivity for HBeAg is associated with an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Regression of splenic lymphoma with villous lymphocytes after treatment of hepatitis C virus infection.
Some epidemiologic studies suggest a link between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and some B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. We undertook this study after a patient with splenic lymphoma with villous lymphocytes had a hematologic response after antiviral treatment of HCV infection. ⋯ In patients with splenic lymphoma with villous lymphocytes who are infected with HCV, treatment with interferon can lead to regression of the lymphoma.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
A controlled trial of arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee.
Many patients report symptomatic relief after undergoing arthroscopy of the knee for osteoarthritis, but it is unclear how the procedure achieves this result. We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of arthroscopy for osteoarthritis of the knee. ⋯ In this controlled trial involving patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, the outcomes after arthroscopic lavage or arthroscopic débridement were no better than those after a placebo procedure.