Upsala journal of medical sciences
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Cataract is a major cause of visual impairment worldwide. There is a paucity of prevalence studies from Sweden. Therefore, we report the prevalence of cataract and its risk factors in a population-based study of older adults in Sweden. ⋯ Nearly one-third of the sample were estimated to have lens opacities, or had undergone cataract surgery, making cataract a frequent disorder of older age. The study provided further evidence that increasing age, female gender, and myopia are associated with cataract.
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Clinical Trial
Implementation of a decision aid for recognition and correction of volume alterations (Recova®) in haemodialysis patients.
Fluid overload is associated with mortality in haemodialysis patients, and 30% of patients remain fluid-overloaded after dialysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate if implementation of Recova®, a decision aid combining clinical assessment with bioimpedance spectroscopy, facilitates individualization of target weight determination and thereby contributes to improved fluid status in maintenance haemodialysis patients. ⋯ Implementation of Recova in haemodialysis care increased the monthly frequencies of bioimpedance measurements and target weight adjustments, and it contributed to symptom reduction.
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The most profound effect of vasopressin on the kidney is to increase water reabsorption through V2-receptor (V2R) stimulation, but there are also data suggesting effects on calcium transport. To address this issue, we have established an isolated perfused kidney model with accurate pressure control, to directly study the effects of V2R stimulation on kidney function, isolated from systemic effects. ⋯ A stable isolated perfused kidney model with computer-controlled pressure regulation was developed, which retained key physiological functions. The preparation responds to pharmacological inhibition of ENaC channels and activation of V2R. Using the model, the dynamic effects of V2R stimulation on calcium handling and urine osmolality could be visualised. The study thereby provides evidence for a stimulatory role of V2R in renal calcium reabsorption.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the entire health care system, internationally as well as in Sweden. We aimed to study excess deaths (all death causes, but also COVID-19-related deaths) during the COVID-19 pandemic regarding age, socio-economic status, the situation in nursing homes, and place of death for nursing home residents. ⋯ Dying from COVID-19 mainly affects the elderly, nursing home residents, and persons from less advantaged socio-economic groups. The pandemic has resulted in an increase in acute admissions of dying nursing home residents to acute hospitals.
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Case Reports
Complete response with combined BRAF and MEK inhibition in BRAF mutated advanced low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma.
More effective treatments are needed for low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (LGSOC). Our patient, who suffers from metastatic LGSOC, had received all established treatments. ⋯ After eight months of therapy, the response was assessed as complete and the treatment is still, 3.5 years after initiation, of benefit. To our knowledge, no complete response on combined BRAF and MEK inhibitor treatment of low-grade serous ovarian cancer has previously been reported.