The American journal of medicine
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Anemia is common in patients with cancer. This systematic literature review of reports published in 1966 through February 2003 identified the prevalence of anemia in specific cancers and assessed the impact of anemia on survival and quality of life (QOL). Studies about chemotherapy-induced anemia were excluded. ⋯ Tumor hypoxia, which has been associated with resistance to radiation therapy and chemotherapy, may stimulate angiogenesis, leading to poor local control of tumors and increased morbidity and mortality. Treatment of anemia may have a significant impact on patient survival and QOL. However, a standard definition of anemia is needed, as is research about the effect of anemia on cancer progression.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Effects of carvedilol on oxidative stress in polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cells in patients with essential hypertension.
To compare the effects of carvedilol and propranolol on oxidative stress in leukocytes and C-reactive protein levels in patients with hypertension. ⋯ These findings suggest that carvedilol inhibits oxidative stress in polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cells, as well as lowers C-reactive protein levels, to a greater extent than does propranolol in hypertensive patients.
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Comparative Study
Elevated blood urea nitrogen level as a predictor of mortality in patients admitted for decompensated heart failure.
Hospitalization for decompensated heart failure is associated with high mortality after discharge. In heart failure, renal function involves both cardiovascular and hemodynamic properties. We studied the relation between renal dysfunction and mortality in patients admitted for decompensated heart failure. ⋯ Blood urea nitrogen is a simple clinical variable that provides useful prognostic information in patients admitted for decompensated heart failure. In this setting, elevated blood urea nitrogen levels probably reflect the cumulative effects of hemodynamic and neurohormonal alterations that result in renal hypoperfusion.
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To assess the rate of diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and venous thromboembolism; the incidence in hospitalized patients; and mortality from pulmonary embolism among Asians/Pacific Islanders in the United States. ⋯ Rates of deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and venous thromboembolism; incidences in hospitalized patients; and the mortality rate from pulmonary embolism were markedly lower in Asians/Pacific Islanders than in whites and African Americans. Clinical assessment of the prior probability of venous thromboembolic disease at the bedside should probably be adjusted based on these ethnic differences.