Minerva medica
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Hepatic encephalophathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric syndrome with a prevalence in the cirrhotic population ranging from 20 to 80%. HE is a cause of inappropriate hospitalization, caregiver burdening and increased social costs. There is need to create dedicated care pathways to better manage patients and support family caregivers. ⋯ DTAP was created based on the most recent recommendations of the international scientific literature. The present DTAP highlight the need for a multidisciplinary activity integrated with territorial medicine in close connection with caregivers. This guarantees improved therapeutic adherence, hospital readmission reduction, improved quality of life for patients and caregivers and a significant reduction in costs.
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Hypercoagulability is often seen in COVID-19 patients and thromboembolic events appear frequent; antithrombotic treatment has been proposed therefore as part of standard treatment for COVID-19. Under these premises, prior-to-infection antithrombotic treatment may have a protective effect with respect to COVID-19 related thromboembolic events. Aim of the present work was to evaluate the impact of prior-to-infection anticoagulant or antiplatelet treatment on COVID-19 outcomes. ⋯ In a large population-based study evaluating more than 79,000 COVID-19 patients, pre-existing antithrombotic therapy was not associated to a benefit in terms of mortality. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of antithrombotic therapy as standard treatment among COVID-19 patients.
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Adaptive increases in kidney and gastrointestinal excretion of K+ help to prevent hyperkalemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) as long as the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) remains >15-20 mL/min. K+ balance is maintained by increased secretion per functioning nephron, which is mediated by elevated plasma K+ concentration, aldosterone, increased flow rate, and enhanced Na+-K+-ATPase activity. Fecal losses of potassium also increase in CKD. ⋯ Effective diuretic therapy and correction of metabolic acidosis are effective strategies to minimize the potential for hyperkalemia. Discontinuation or use of submaximal doses of renin-angiotensin blockers should be discouraged given the cardiovascular protective effect these drugs provide. Potassium binding drugs can be useful to enable use of these drugs and potentially allow liberalization of the diet in CKD patients.
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Electrical spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an alternative to conventional medication for chronic pain relief. Several hypotheses exist concerning the neurophysiological, vascular, and neurochemical mechanism behind SCS. ⋯ High-frequency stimulation can block the conduction of spikes but the distance of the fiber to the lead is a critical factor.