Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde
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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd · Jan 2015
[Are we on the verge of lung-cancer screening in the Netherlands?].
Previous studies of low-dose computed tomography (CT) screening for lung cancer have shown a decrease in lung-cancer-related deaths. Data from the NELSON trial, using new thresholds for defining a positive test, resulted in less over-diagnosis without a decrease in test-specific sensitivity. However, in our opinion it is still too early to implement screening in the Netherlands. Further development of the optimal screening algorithm based on defined volumetric thresholds and stratified by personal characteristics such as age, smoking habits, gender and comorbidities, will probably result in a better balance between the harms and benefits of lung-cancer screening to individuals and society.
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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd · Jan 2015
Case Reports[Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia; possible diagnosis in cases of syncope and sudden death of family members].
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a rare inherited cardiac arrhythmia syndrome. CPVT is characterised by polymorphic ventricular arrhythmias induced by exercise or emotion. These arrhythmias may lead to sudden death. ⋯ CPVT should be considered in young patients who present with syncopal episodes during exercise or emotions, or who display polymorphic ventricular arrhythmias. Family history can also be indicative, particularly if family members have died suddenly at a young age under similar circumstances.
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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd · Jan 2015
Case Reports[Oculocardiac reflex associated with orbital floor fracture; the value of a reliable patient history].
The oculocardiac reflex presents when traction is applied to ocular muscles or on compression of the eyeball in the orbit. It is a vasovagal reaction that may be accompanied by bradycardia, nausea and vomiting. ⋯ When patients present with acute pain in the eye and vasovagal symptoms, the oculocardiac reflex that can accompany a fracture of the orbital floor should be considered. The early recognition and treatment of this fracture are necessary to prevent permanent motility restrictions of the eye. A patient's history is not always reliable and should not limit a differential diagnosis.
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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd · Jan 2015
[Mild traumatic brain injury in children: can we predict intracranial complications?].
To investigate whether clinical signs and symptoms can predict intracranial bleeding (ICB) in children with mild traumatic brain injury. ⋯ In this study, no clinical sign or symptom could predict the risk of ICB in children with mild traumatic brain injury. Taking the low likelihood of ICB and the radiation damage associated with CT scanning into account, we conclude that a wait-and-see approach without initial imaging is justified and safe in children with mild traumatic brain injury without serious neurological symptoms.
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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd · Jan 2015
[Criticism of evidence-based medicine: from reductionism to realism in the application of guidelines].
This article discusses recent criticism of evidence-based medicine (EBM), which has tended to place unilateral emphasis on evidence originating from randomised trials into effectiveness. The goal of the pioneers of EBM, however, was actually the application of scientific evidence to the individual patient, including the doctor's experience ('practice-based') and the patient's preference ('preference-based') in decision making. ⋯ The application of guidelines should not involve pursuit of 'standard care' but, primarily, the pursuit of shared decision making. This could lead to 'real EBM', in which medical knowledge is translated to practical choice options from different perspectives.