Minerva medica
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Since its first description in 1992 as a new clinical entity, the Brugada syndrome has stimulated great interest among physicians and basic scientists. In 2002 and 2005, two consensus conferences have respectively defined the diagnostic criteria for the syndrome. Currently the diagnosis of Brugada syndrome is based on a combination of clinical events (syncope and/or sudden cardiac death due to malignant ventricular arrhythmias) and electrocardiographic features (pathognomonic ST-segment elevation morphology). ⋯ Syncope is ubiquitously recognized as a bad prognostic marker in Brugada syndrome. However, young individuals with this disease may suffer from vaso-vagal instead of arrhythmic syncope. The prognostic significance of syncope in patients with Brugada syndrome is discussed in this review.
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Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the commonest cause of syncope accounting for up to 60% of all cases. The head-up tilt-table test (HUTT) was first described as a diagnostic test for VVS in 1986 and is now in widespread use as a research and diagnostic tool. Vasovagal syncope was previously thought to be confined to younger patients but with the introduction of HUTT, it is now being diagnosed with greater frequency in the elderly. ⋯ Individuals with typical presentations and infrequent episodes do not require investigation with HUTT as history alone is often diagnostic. The head-up tilt-table test is, however, required with atypical features, seizure activity, occupational issues, and is more likely to be required in older patients. The practicalities of conducting the HUTT and limitations of HUTTs are also discussed.
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Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an age related disease, so the aging of the population has meant to more elderly people undergoing AAA repair. The authors conducted a systematic review of the literature to analyze the perioperative mortality and complication rates and long-term survival of elderly people after AAA repair. The literature was searched using the Embase, Cochrane library and Medline databases as at May 2008. ⋯ The major systemic morbidity rate was significantly higher after OAR (P<0.001; 95% CI, 1.47 to 2.34). Although the perioperative mortality rate was comparable between the two surgical procedures, the marked selection bias cannot be ignored and may well mean that the mortality rates are actually higher for both procedures. Although the mid- and long-term survival rates after OAR and EVAR could seem acceptable, more information is needed on the long-term outcome after EVAR in larger samples in order to assess the durability of this less invasive procedure.
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Case Reports
DEFEAT - Heart Failure: a guide to management of geriatric heart failure by generalist physicians.
Over 80% of all heart failure patients are 65 years and older. The diagnosis and management of heart failure in older adults can be challenging. However, with the correct clinical skill and experience, most geriatric heart failure can be properly diagnosed and managed. ⋯ However, if left ventricular ejection fraction cannot be determined, as in many developing nations, all geriatric heart failure patients should be treated as if they have low ejection fraction, and should be prescribed an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and a beta-blocker. Diuretic and digoxin should be prescribed for all symptomatic patients with heart failure. An aldosterone antagonist may be used in select patients with advanced systolic heart failure, carefully avoiding hyperkalemia.
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Review Case Reports
[The combination acetominophen/tramadol in hematological daily practice].
The combination acetominophen/tramadol implies the use of two molecules which are different in the pharmacological structure but share a biological similarity in kinetics. Their respective actions are directed to different components of the nociceptive afference. ⋯ The use of acetaminophen/tramadol combination in the common ward or outward activity with myeloma patients indicates how it is possible to reach a good control of chronic pain with a minimum overlapping of the toxicities related to the primary disease as well as to the specific treatment. Furthermore, acetaminophen/tramadol combination is extremely useful also in those clinical situations in which a short term pain control is needed, particularly for the optimal safety profile.