Maturitas
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Delirium is a common occurrence in older hospitalised patients, particularly in the setting of surgical intervention and acute illness. Delirium is associated with a number of adverse clinical and social outcomes with higher financial cost and risk of developing dementia, as well as increased likelihood of need for residential care. Current interventions for the prevention of delirium typically involve recognition and amelioration of modifiable risk factors and treatment of underlying conditions that predispose the individual to delirium. ⋯ Other agents such as benzodiazepines, corticosteroids, statins and gabapentin have been suggested but lack evidence to support their role in delirium prevention. To date, there is inconsistent and conflicting data regarding the efficacy of any particular pharmacological agent although some interventions do show promise. Larger, well-designed, placebo-controlled clinical trials are needed.
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Comparative Study
Clinical characteristics and the risk for malignancy in postmenopausal women with adnexal torsion.
To compare clinical characteristics and management of adnexal torsion in postmenopausal patients as compared to premenopausal ones. ⋯ Adnexal torsion in postmenopausal women is rare, but presents similarly, results in more delayed and extensive surgery and involves malignancy in 3%.
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Menopause is a risk factor for oxidative stress. The aim of our study is to assess antioxidant system parameters (α-tocopherol, retinol, reduced glutathione, total antioxidant activity) in peri- and postmenopausal women. The antioxidant defense activity by estimation of total antioxidant activity, α-tocopherol, retinol, oxidized and reduced glutathione levels was studied in women of reproductive age (n=37), in perimenopausal (n=41) and postmenopausal women (n=41). ⋯ Statistical analysis was performed by non-parametric tests with p<0.05 as the level of significance. The results of our study showed the decrease of α-tocopherol and retinol concentrations and the increase of oxidized glutathione level in blood serum both in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, the total antioxidant activity of blood serum was decreased in postmenopausal women only. The results of our study demonstrate that decrease of antioxidant defense system resources depends on the menopausal phase.
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Review
Modern surgical management of breast cancer therapy related upper limb and breast lymphoedema.
Breast cancer is the commonest cancer in the UK. Advances in breast cancer treatment means that the sequelae of treatment are affecting more women and for a longer duration. Lymphoedema is one such sequela, with wide-ranging implications, from serious functional and psychological effects at the individual level to wider economic burdens to society. ⋯ Liposuction reduces the volume and symptoms of lymphedema, but requires continual compressive therapy to avoid recurrence. Lymphatic reconstruction or bypass techniques including lymph node transfer (inguinal nodes are transferred to the affected limb), lymphatico-lymphatic bypass (lymphatics bypass the axilla using a lymph vessel graft reconstructing lymphatic flow from arm to neck) and lymphaticovenous anastomoses (lymphatics in the arm are joined to the venous system aiding lymph drainage) show promise in reducing lymphedema significantly. Further research is required, including into the role of primary lymphaticovenous anastomoses in the prevention of lymphedema at the time of axillary dissection.
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Observational Study
Time trends in leisure time physical activity and physical fitness in the elderly: five-year follow-up of the Spanish National Health Survey (2006-2011).
To estimate the trends in the practice of leisure time physical activity, walking up 10 steps, and walking for 1h, during the years 2006-2011, in elderly Spanish people. ⋯ A decrease in the proportion of respondents who self-reported undertaking leisure-time physical activity, walking up 10 steps, and walking for 1h was observed in the Spanish population of over 65 years between 2006 and 2011.