The American journal of the medical sciences
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Decompensated cirrhosis is associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality. Variceal hemorrhage (VH) further increases the risk of mortality, and of future variceal bleed events. Non-selective beta-blockers (NSBBs) are effective therapy for primary and secondary prophylaxis of VH and have become the cornerstone of pharmacologic therapy in cirrhosis. ⋯ Long-term treatment with beta-blockers may improve decompensation-free survival in compensated cirrhosis with clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH). Carvedilol more effectively lowers the hepatic vein portal gradient than traditional NSBBs and has been shown to improve survival in compensated cirrhosis. Treatment goals in compensated cirrhosis with CSPH should focus on early utilization of beta-blockers to prevent decompensation and reduce mortality.
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Acute blood loss anemia is the most common form of anemia and often results from traumatic injuries or gastrointestinal bleeding. There are limited studies analyzing outcomes associated with acute blood loss anemia in hospitalized patients. ⋯ Acute blood loss anemia is associated with adverse outcomes in hospitalized patients.
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Massive gastrointestinal bleeding is a life-threatening condition without a well-established definition. We aimed to analyze the characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of patients with massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding. ⋯ Inpatient status and comorbidities, especially systemic diseases, and malignancies, were associated with a higher risk of massive bleeding. Mortality was linked to chronic kidney disease, cirrhosis, severe comorbidities, and alcohol consumption. We observed increased 6-months mortality, probably related to a health status in which gastrointestinal bleeding heralded poor outcomes, some of them potentially preventable. Innovative healthcare interventions, such as Emergency Department-based intermediate care areas or Intensive Care Units, and multidisciplinary follow-up, could potentially improve survival.
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Influenza infection is rarely associated with cardiac conduction disorder. Cardiac arrhythmias due to such an infection have a full spectrum with ventricular arrythmias being the most common. ⋯ ACE 2 binder influenza viruses have more prone to be associated with cardiac conduction disorder. Oseltamivir for influenza infection is also associated with bradycardia and can shorten or lengthen QT segment. Influenza vaccination has found to be protective from cardiac arrhythmia.
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Letter Case Reports
An Unusual Case of Rapid Death: Diffuse Artery Occlusion.