Der Internist
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Malignant diseases lead to a decline in physical performance in a large number of patients. This includes a reduction of the musculoskeletal system, restrictions in cardiovascular fitness and psychogenically influenced syndromes such as fatigue and asthenia. It is not yet clear to what extent physical training can counteract these limitations or undesirable side effects and how this training needs to be designed in the individual situation. ⋯ In summary, a physical training program to accompany cancer therapy should be offered to virtually all patients with malignant disease.
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As a result of the continuous development of modern cancer treatment, more cancer patients can be cured every year. However, since many patients experience cardiovascular problems before, during and after their cancer treatment, cardio-oncology is becoming increasingly important. Numerous therapies can cause cardiotoxicity, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, antibody therapy and radiotherapy. ⋯ Cardio-oncology also deals with the effects that cancer has on the cardiovascular system. New research indicates that the tumor itself also has direct negative effects on the heart, mediated by messenger substances. Therefore, it is important to understand which cancer patients are at increased cardiovascular risk, thereby enabling the development of new therapeutic approaches in the long term to maintain mobility and improve patient prognosis.
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Acute liver failure (ALF) is a rare disease with high mortality. It is defined as coagulopathy and encephalopathy in a person with a previously healthy liver. The etiology of ALF is a decisive prognostic factor and varies depending on the country of origin of the patient. ⋯ In the best case scenario this can completely avoid liver damage. In the complete picture of ALF the main focus is on the intensive medical care of a threatening multiorgan failure. In this context new standards of treatment were established by studies on plasmapheresis.