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
A Retrospective Analysis Comparing Persistence and Adherence to Treatment With Free- Versus Fixed-Dose Combination of an Alpha-Blocker and an Antimuscarinic Agent in Men With LUTS in Spain.
Combination therapy with an alpha blocker (AB) plus an antimuscarinic (AM) is recommended for men with moderate-to-severe mixed lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) when monotherapy is not effective in relieving storage symptoms. This study compared treatment persistence and adherence with an AB plus AM fixed-dose combination (FDC) vs an AB plus AM free-dose combination in men with LUTS in Spain. ⋯ Treatment with an AB/AM FDC is associated with better persistence and adherence vs a free-dose combination in men with LUTS in Spain.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Nov 2020
ReviewPersonal protective equipment (PPE) and infection among healthcare workers - what is the evidence?
The worldwide outbreak of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has already put healthcare workers (HCWs) at a high risk of infection. The question of how to give HCWs the best protection against infection is a priority. ⋯ Covering more of the body, and a higher-level specification of masks and respirators could provide better protection for HCWs. Community mask usecould be beneficial. High quality studies still need to examine the protection of PPE against COVID-19.