International journal of clinical practice
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Mar 2021
Multicenter StudyPrevention of long-lasting atrial fibrillation through antitachycardia pacing in DDDR pacemakers.
The MINERVA trial showed that in pacemaker patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) history, DDDRP pacing combining three algorithms - (a) atrial antitachycardia pacing with Reactive ATP enabled, (b) atrial preventive pacing and (c) managed ventricular pacing (MVP)-may effectively delay progression to persistent/permanent AF compared with standard DDDR pacing. We performed a comparative non-randomised evaluation to evaluate if Reactive ATP can be the main driver of persistent/permanent AF reduction independently on preventive pacing. ⋯ In a real-world population of dual-chamber pacemaker patients with AF history, the use of Reactive ATP is associated with a low incidence of persistent AF, highlighting that the positive results of the MINERVA trial were related to the effectiveness of Reactive ATP rather than to preventive pacing.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Mar 2021
Influence of constipation on atopic dermatitis: A nationwide population-based cohort study in Taiwan.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the chronic inflammatory disorder that affects both in childhood and adulthood. Mounting evidence indicates that gut dysbiosis contributes to AD via the gut-skin axis. Constipation can result in alteration of the gut microflora. The clinical impact of constipation on AD has not been researched. Therefore, we aim to assess the risk of AD in constipated patients by the population-based cohort study. ⋯ Constipation is associated with a significantly risk factor of AD. Clinicians should be careful of the possibility of AD in constipated people. Further study is warranted to investigate the possible pathological mechanisms of this relationship.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Mar 2021
Utility of the FebriDx point-of-care test for rapid triage and identification of possible coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is straining healthcare resources. Molecular testing turnaround time precludes having results at the point-of-care (POC) thereby exposing COVID-19/Non-COVID-19 patients while awaiting diagnosis. We evaluated the utility of a triage strategy including FebriDx, a 10-minute POC finger-stick blood test that differentiates viral from bacterial acute respiratory infection through detection of Myxovirus-resistance protein A (MxA) and C-reactive protein (CRP), to rapidly isolate viral cases requiring confirmatory testing. ⋯ FebriDx could be deployed as part of a reliable triage strategy for identifying symptomatic cases as possible COVID-19 in the pandemic.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Mar 2021
Adherence to methotrexate therapy in Polish patients with inflammatory joint diseases.
Methotrexate (MTX) is the first-line medicine used in most inflammatory joint diseases. It is highly effective but, it's burdened with common side effects and the result of treatment is not immediately visible. This fact significantly increases the risk of unsatisfying patients' compliance. It may lead to difficulties in achieving disease remission and unjustified escalation of treatment. ⋯ High adherence with prescribed MTX is associated with good treatment tolerance, while the occurrence of side effects significantly increases the risk of discontinuation, often without consulting the physician.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Mar 2021
Clinical TrialIntralesional low dose methylprednisolone for the treatment of active phase peyronie's disease: a single center, preliminary prospective non-randomised study.
There are a few types of drugs that can be used in the active phase of Peyronie's disease. Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid with a strong anti-inflammatory effect. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of intralesional low-dose methylprednisolone treatment on patients in the active phase of Peyronie's disease. ⋯ In order to recover the symptoms and signs, new and easily accessible drugs are required for use in the acute period of Peyronie's disease. In this context, treatment with intralesional low-dose methylprednisolone in acute phase Peyronie's Disease is a promising and safe treatment option.