International journal of clinical practice
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Nov 2020
Decreased left atrial appendage emptying velocity as a link between atrial fibrillation type, heart failure and older age and the risk of left atrial thrombus in atrial fibrillation.
Decreased left atrial appendage emptying velocity (LAAV) is a known predictor of LAA thrombus in atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of our study was to identify which of the clinical risk factors for LAA thrombus are associated with decreased LAAV. ⋯ One in five AF patients with decreased LAAV had LAA thrombus, regardless of the type of OAC. Non-paroxysmal AF, HF and age ≥ 65 years might increase LAA thrombus risk via reduced LAAV.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Nov 2020
Diagnostic performance of Transrectal ultrasound for Prostate volume estimation in Men with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia.
Despite transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) being regarded as gold standard for prostate volume estimation, concerns have been raised in the literature concerning its accuracy especially in men with above-average prostate volumes. We aimed to evaluate the performance of TRUS for prostate volume estimation in a cohort of sub-Saharan African men since they are known to have relatively large mean prostate volumes. ⋯ TRUS underestimates prostate volume, independent of prostate size. We propose simple formulae that could be used to improve the prostate volume determination from TRUS, especially if magnetic resonance imaging is not readily available or contraindicated.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Nov 2020
Observational StudyMonocentric single-arm study of desmopressin acetate efficacy on nocturnal polyuria in the elderly.
We designed a retrospective, monocentric, observational study to assess the efficacy and short-term side effect profile of desmopressin, a synthetic analogue of antidiuretic hormone, in 42 elderly patients affected by nocturnal polyuria (NP), a subset of nocturia (nocturnal overproduction of urine at night), which is characterised by nocturnal urine volume (NVU) exceeding 33% of the 24-hours total urine output. ⋯ Our findings show efficacy of desmopressin in the elderly for NP treatment supporting further clinical trials in larger cohorts of patients.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Nov 2020
Criticality of physical/social distancing, handwashing, respiratory hygiene, and face-masking during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Physical/social distancing, handwashing, respiratory hygiene and face-masking have been recommended as realistic counterstrategies to control the COVID-19 pandemic. These strategies have been critical in the fight against the present pandemic in many countries. Here we detail the background to such countermeasures, present some examples in different settings and finally emphasise that they should remain in place worldwide as a cultural and behavioural "new normal" until a vaccine or a decisive treatment for COVID-19 is developed and made available globally.