Annals of medicine
-
Recently, monocyte-to-high density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) has been proposed as a novel prognostic indicator of cardiovascular diseases. However, no study is currently available regarding the comparison between MHR and monocyte count (MC) in predicting the outcomes among patients undergoing coronary angiography. ⋯ Our data firstly indicated that MHR was an independent predictor of MACEs whereas the prognostic impact was not superior to MC in patients who underwent coronary angiography. Key Messages MHR has been suggested as a novel prognostic indicator of several cardiovascular diseases. No study is currently available regarding the comparison of MHR to MC in predicting the outcomes in a large cohort of patients undergoing coronary angiography. Our data firstly indicate that MHR is independently associated with MACEs in patients undergoing coronary angiography whereas the prognostic impact is similar to MC.
-
Exercise stress testing is used as a diagnostic and prognostic tool. We determined the prognostic significance of exercise test findings for cardiovascular (CVD) and all-cause mortality in men and women. ⋯ Among exercise test variables exercise capacity was the strongest predictor of CVD and all-cause mortality in both genders, and especially CVD deaths in women. Key Messages Exercise capacity was the most powerful predictor of CVD and all-cause mortality in both men and women. Low exercise capacity is a strong predictor of CVD death, especially among women.
-
Review
Hereditary and acquired C1-inhibitor-dependent angioedema: from pathophysiology to treatment.
Uncontrolled generation of bradykinin (BK) due to insufficient levels of protease inhibitors controlling contact phase (CP) activation, increased activity of CP proteins, and/or inadequate degradation of BK into inactive peptides increases vascular permeability via BK-receptor 2 (BKR2) and results in subcutaneous and submucosal edema formation. Hereditary and acquired angioedema due to C1-inhibitor deficiency (C1-INH-HAE and -AAE) are diseases characterized by serious and potentially fatal attacks of subcutaneous and submucosal edemas of upper airways, facial structures, abdomen, and extremities, due to inadequate control of BK generation. A decreased activity of C1-inhibitor is the hallmark of C1-INH-HAE (types 1 and 2) due to a mutation in the C1-inhibitor gene, whereas the deficiency in C1-inhibitor in C1-INH-AAE is the result of autoimmune phenomena. ⋯ Diagnosis of hereditary and acquired C1-inhibitor-dependent angioedema may be troublesome as illustrated by the fact that there is a significant delay in diagnosis; a certain grade of suspicion is therefore crucial for quick diagnosis. Submucosal edema formation in hereditary and acquired C1-inhibitor-dependent angioedema is potentially life threatening and can occur at any age. To date effective therapies for acute and prophylactic treatment are available.
-
Comparative Study
Comparison of use of diabetic medication and clinical guidelines in four Nordic countries.
Clinical guidelines form one of the cornerstones for providing high-quality care for patients with diabetes. We compare the national guidelines and the use of glucose lowering medication for type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. ⋯ All guidelines stress regular and comprehensive diabetes care. Danish and Finnish guidelines strongly underline the importance of individualized glycemic targets. All guidelines recommend metformin as the initial oral antihyperglycemic drug. In relation to recommended second line drug therapy and initial insulin type for patients with T2D, the guidelines vary largely between the four countries.
-
Herbal cannabis has been used for thousands of years for medical purposes. With elucidation of the chemical structures of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) and with discovery of the human endocannabinoid system, the medical usefulness of cannabinoids has been more intensively explored. While more randomized clinical trials are needed for some medical conditions, other medical disorders, like chronic cancer and neuropathic pain and certain symptoms of multiple sclerosis, have substantial evidence supporting cannabinoid efficacy. ⋯ Medical cannabis patients must be informed about potential adverse effects, such as acute impairment of memory, coordination and judgment, and possible chronic effects, such as cannabis use disorder, cognitive impairment, and chronic bronchitis. In addition, social dysfunction may result at work/school, and there is increased possibility of motor vehicle accidents. Novel ways to manipulate the endocannbinoid system are being explored to maximize benefits of cannabinoid therapy and lessen possible harmful effects.