Der Internist
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We describe the case of a 24-year-old woman who was admitted to the emergency department with dyspnea and sinus tachycardia. The suspected diagnosis of pulmonary embolism was confirmed by computed tomography (CT) scan. ⋯ The patient survived without sequelae and was discharged on oral anticoagulation from the hospital 8 days after the initial admission. In our opinion unknown factor-V Leiden in combination with a local form of hormonal contraception (NuvaRing®) was responsible for the deep venous thrombosis of the left leg and the pulmonary embolism.
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Bloodstream infections due to intravascular catheterization, peritoneal catheters for dialysis, suprapubic or transurethral catheters, are one of the major sources of nosocomial infections. Therefore, the prevention of catheter-associated infections is an important issue for physicians and nursing staff working in hospitals or in outpatient settings. The risk can be minimized by diligent checking of the indications, hygienic measures, using the right materials, thorough follow-up and education of the medical and nursing staff. Thus it is possible to avoid individual suffering of patients and to reduce costs in the healthcare system.
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Since the early days of lung transplantation the demand for donor organs has outstripped donor organ availability. Consequently waiting times continue to increase with patients of highest priority often waiting several weeks or even months until a suitable donor organ becomes available resulting in considerable mortality on the waiting list. These issues have led to renewed interest in bridging strategies for patients with end-stage lung disease. ⋯ New bridging strategies with awake extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) seem to be hopeful alternatives in some patients. In the early intensive care unit (ICU) phase primary graft dysfunction, acute rejection, infections and surgical complications are common problems. Later, rejection, infection and sepsis, special airway complications and pulmonary bleeding may be reasons for ICU treatment.
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β-blockers clearly prolong life in patients with heart failure and after myocardial infarction in all controlled prospective trials. Nevertheless, many colleagues and even more patients fear unwanted effects like low blood pressure, bradycardia, increased bronchial resistance, or erectile dysfunction. ⋯ In spite of these, we should encourage our patients, who profit from the beneficial actions of β-blockers, to take them regularly. Some controversial aspects of β-blocker therapy are discussed in the light of newer studies.