European journal of internal medicine
-
Eur. J. Intern. Med. · Oct 2011
Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical TrialDiagnostic yield and clinical impact of wireless capsule endoscopy in patients with chronic abdominal pain with or without diarrhea: a Greek multicenter study.
Wireless capsule endoscopy has become the gold standard for the examination of small bowel. However, its role in the evaluation of patients suffering from chronic abdominal pain is not yet clearly defined. We conducted an open-label prospective multi-center study to evaluate the yield and clinical outcome of capsule endoscopy in patients with chronic abdominal pain with/without diarrhea. ⋯ Chronic abdominal pain with/without diarrhea should be accompanied by elevated inflammatory markers to be regarded as a valid indication for capsule endoscopy. The yield of capsule endoscopy in such patients is reasonably high and clinical outcomes of patients treated with capsule endoscopy findings as a guide are significant.
-
Eur. J. Intern. Med. · Oct 2011
ReviewInflammatory biomarkers for the diagnosis, monitoring and follow-up of community-acquired pneumonia: clinical evidence and perspectives.
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is defined as an infection of the alveolar or gas-exchanging portions of the lungs occurring outside the hospital, with clinical symptoms accompanied by the presence of an infiltrate in the chest radiograph. Due to the high prevalence and the large demand of healthcare resources, an accurate clinical and therapeutic decision making is crucial in patients with CAP. ⋯ At variance with other traditional inflammatory and innovative biomarkers, PCT might help limiting unnecessary antibiotic use, reduce bacterial resistance and decrease medical costs and drug-related adverse events. PCT however carries some additional advantages over CRP, such as the greater specificity for infections and a more narrow range of normal concentrations.
-
Eur. J. Intern. Med. · Oct 2011
Comparative StudyRisk factors and mortality for nosocomial bloodstream infections in elderly patients.
To determine risk factors for nosocomial bloodstream infection (BSI) and associated mortality in geriatric patients in geriatric and internal medicine wards at a university hospital. ⋯ Intravenous catheters and being bedridden are the main risk factors for nosocomial BSI. Although associated with higher mortality, this infectious complication seems not to be an independent risk factor for death in geriatric patients.
-
Eur. J. Intern. Med. · Oct 2011
Comparative StudyAttitude of Swiss physicians towards opioid-induced constipation: a national survey.
Opioid-induced constipation is a severe complication affecting up to 90% of chronic pain patients treated with opioids, causing considerable suffering and non-adherence to treatment. ⋯ Swiss physicians consider opioid-induced constipation to be a major and early developing adverse effect of opioid therapy that negatively affects QoL and treatment adherence. To avoid opioid-induced constipation, administration of laxatives or a combination of opioids with receptor antagonists must be considered as preventive measures.
-
Eur. J. Intern. Med. · Oct 2011
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyThe effect of NeuroAiD™ (MLC601) on cerebral blood flow velocity in subjects' post brain infarct in the middle cerebral artery territory.
Stroke is the third common cause of mortality and the most common cause of morbidity in adults. MLC601 (NeuroAiD™) is a treatment indicated for post stroke recovery. An increase of impaired cerebral blood flow may be an important parameter for recovery processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of MLC601 on cerebral blood flow velocity as an indirect evidence of cerebral blood flow increase in post stroke subjects. ⋯ This is the first study suggesting that treatment with MLC601 may increase cerebral blood flow in stroke subjects. This may be mediated by an effect on stimulating microcirculation, an important process contributing to neuroplasticity in the central nervous system. This effect on cerebral blood flow may be associated with improvement in measures of functional recovery.