The American journal of the medical sciences
-
Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the second most common cause of mortality and morbidity in cancer survivors (CS). Limited data exist on the knowledge and awareness of CS about CV effects of cancer therapies and its effect on lifestyle of survivors. It is important to identify gaps in CV care of CS. ⋯ The survey demonstrates that CS have self-reported CV symptoms and there may be unmet needs for CV preventive services. Further work is needed to develop collaborative patient counseling and management strategies between oncology and cardiology for improving CV health and symptoms of CS.
-
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious condition that can be induced by liver transplantation, major hepatic resection or prolonged portal vein occlusion. The AKI can increase the frequency of postoperative complications. In the current study, we aimed to investigate whether interleukin-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) pretreatment has a protective effect against possible kidney injury-mediated liver ischemia-reperfusion (IR) achieved by Pringle maneuver in an experimental rat model. ⋯ It has been demonstrated that IL-18BP pretreatment may have inflammatory, antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects against AKI induced by hepatic IR.
-
The relationship between the seniority of emergency physicians (EPs) and disposition decision-making is not well defined. As most responsibility by EPs involves developing an appropriate disposition plan, this study aimed to examine the influence of EP seniority on decisions regarding patient dispositions in the emergency department (ED). ⋯ Senior EPs had the best quality of care (lowest mortality, fewest 72-hour returns). This best quality of care is accompanied with a slightly longer length of stay.
-
High Serum sTREM-1 Correlates With Myocardial Dysfunction and Predicts Prognosis in Septic Patients.
This study aimed to evaluate the predictive and prognostic value of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) in patients with myocardial dysfunction induced by severe sepsis and septic shock. ⋯ Myocardial dysfunction is common in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock and high serum levels of sTREM-1 correlates with myocardial dysfunction to some extent but is not an independent predictor, which more importantly showed prognostic value for septic shock outcome.
-
Observational Study
Serum Procalcitonin for Differential Diagnosis of Acute Exacerbation and Bacterial Pneumonia in Patients With Interstitial Lung Disease.
Acute exacerbation and bacterial pneumonia are major life-threatening conditions in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). The rapid recognition of these 2 different conditions is important for their proper treatment. An elevated procalcitonin (PCT) level is commonly detected in patients with bacterial infections. This study assessed the usefulness of the serum PCT level as a biomarker for the differential diagnosis of acute exacerbation and bacterial pneumonia in patients with ILD. ⋯ These findings suggest that the serum PCT level is useful in the differential diagnosis of acute exacerbation and bacterial pneumonia in patients with ILD.