The American journal of medicine
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Review Meta Analysis
Milk thistle for the treatment of liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Milk thistle, an herbal compound, is the dietary supplement taken most frequently by patients with chronic liver disease. We performed a systematic review of the literature to determine the efficacy and safety of this herb for the treatment of liver disease. ⋯ Treatment with milk thistle appears to be safe and well tolerated. We found no reduction in mortality, in improvements in histology at liver biopsy, or in biochemical markers of liver function among patients with chronic liver disease. Data are too limited to exclude a substantial benefit or harm of milk thistle on mortality, and also to support recommending this herbal compound for the treatment of liver disease.
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Mutations of the HFE gene that cause hereditary hemochromatosis may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We examined the relation between two HFE mutations (C282Y and H63D), indicators of iron homeostasis, and the prevalence of coronary heart disease in a large population of white adults. ⋯ The results do not support a consistent association between HFE mutations or serum iron indicators and the prevalence of coronary heart disease.
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To determine whether nosocomial candidemia is associated with increased mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. ⋯ Nosocomial candidemia does not adversely affect the outcome in ICU patients in whom mortality is attributable to age, the severity of underlying disease, and acute illness.
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To estimate the cost-effectiveness of gastric bypass in the treatment of severe obesity. ⋯ Gastric bypass is a cost-effective alternative to no treatment, providing substantial lifetime benefits in patients who are severely obese.