Minerva medica
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We aimed to investigate predictors for long-term survival of in-hospital patients with medical emergency team (MET) consultation with or without in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) in Austria's largest medical center. ⋯ Patients triggering MET calls have an increased mortality, especially those with IHCA. Predictors of mortality comprise age, comorbidities, and cardiac arrest-related parameters. A better characterization of MET call populations and their outcome might help to improve clinical decision making.
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Vitamin D deficiency is involved in the etiology of a broad range of diseases. Recently, some studies have shown a link between vitamin D and susceptibility to the onset of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is characterized by chronic inflammation and irreversible airway obstruction. ⋯ Vitamin D exerts beneficial effects and exhibits anti-inflammatory actions. Vitamin D deficiency in COPD patients affects inflammation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairment and can generate the development of skeletal atrophy. This systematic review offers a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms linking vitamin D deficiency to COPD and muscle weakness, and aims to establish whether vitamin D supplementation could be useful to mitigate inflammation in COPD patients.
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A prompt set of suitable biomarkers is needed in suspected COVID-19 patients. This study aims to assess patients positive for one or more gene associated with the C reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) as non-specific pro-inflammatory markers and IgG and IgM kinetic as specific diagnostic and prognostic tools in SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positive patients. ⋯ The relevant finding of the present study is the significant and consistent increase of IgG and IgM in deceased patients. The associated evaluation of antibody kinetics and non specific inflammatory markers (CRP and PCT) in positive patients stratified according to the presence of one gene or three genes could help the clinician in both the diagnosis and prognosis of COVID-19 patients.