Journal of internal medicine
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Vascular risk factor control and adherence to secondary preventive medication after ischemic stroke.
Studies regarding adequacy of secondary stroke prevention are limited. We report medication adherence, risk factor control and factors influencing vascular risk profile following ischaemic stroke. ⋯ Risk factor control is suboptimal despite high medication persistence and adherence. Improved understanding of this complex clinical setting is needed for optimization of secondary preventive strategies.
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Prevalence of obesity and associated diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are increasing. Underlying mechanisms, especially in humans, are unclear. Bariatric surgery provides the unique opportunity to obtain biopsies and portal vein blood-samples. ⋯ The BARIA study can add more understanding in how gut-microbiota affect metabolism, especially with regard to obesity, glucose metabolism and NAFLD. Identification of key factors may provide diagnostic and therapeutic leads to control the obesity-associated disease epidemic.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Telehealth mitigates COPD disease progression compared to standard of care: a randomized controlled crossover trial.
We showed excellent adherence and satisfaction with our telehealth care (TC) approach for COPD. Here, the results of a consecutive randomized controlled trial are presented. ⋯ Whilst receiving TC, the slope of the CAT increase - an indicator of the naturally progressive course of COPD - was reduced by 50%. Satisfaction with care increased with TC. The higher number of detected moderate exacerbations probably indicates a higher diagnostic sensitivity than without TC.
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Systemic amyloidosis is a rare protein misfolding and deposition disorder leading to progressive organ failure. There are over 15 types of systemic amyloidosis, each caused by a different precursor protein which promotes amyloid formation and tissue deposition. Amyloidosis can be acquired or hereditary and can affect various organs, including the heart, kidneys, liver, nerves, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, muscles, skin and soft tissues. ⋯ The advent of mass spectrometry-based shotgun proteomics has revolutionized amyloid typing and has led to the discovery of new amyloid types. Accurate typing of the precursor protein is of paramount importance as the type dictates a specific management approach. In this article, we review each type of systemic amyloidosis to provide the practitioner with practical tools to improve diagnosis and management of these rare disorders.