The American journal of the medical sciences
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We evaluated the role of presepsin (soluble CD14 subtype, sCD14-ST) in predicting the outcome of critically ill septic patients in parallel with procalcitonin and C-reactive protein. ⋯ Presepsin revealed an optimal prognostic performance in patients with severe sepsis and provided interesting diagnostic value. Prediction of outcome in critically ill patients is crucial to optimize management decisions and level of treatment.
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Letter Case Reports
Dextrocardia With Situs Inversus and Levo-Transposition of Great Vessels.
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Review
Effective Self-Management Interventions for Patients With Lupus: Potential Impact of Peer Mentoring.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with significant mortality, morbidity and cost for the individual patient and society. In the United States, African Americans (AAs) have 3-4 times greater prevalence of lupus, risk of developing lupus at an earlier age and lupus-related disease activity, organ damage and mortality compared with whites. Evidence-based self-management interventions that incorporate both social support and health education have reduced pain, improved function and delayed disability among patients with lupus. ⋯ This article presents the argument that peer mentoring may be an especially effective intervention approach for AA women with SLE. SLE peers with a track record of success in lupus management and have a personal perspective that clinicians often lack. This commonality and credibility can establish trust, increase communication and, in turn, decrease disparities in healthcare outcomes.
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Letter Case Reports
Renal Infarction due to Renal Artery Dissection: A Diagnostic Challenge.