Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde
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Checkpoint inhibition has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for several types of cancer. Immune-related adverse effects (irAEs) commonly involve the endocrine system. Distinguishing endocrine side effect-related symptoms from disease progression or treatment-related toxicity can be challenging. ⋯ These cases underline both the frequency of diagnostic delay and the importance of patient education with regard to glucocorticoid stress dosage. The third patient presented with diabetes mellitus after administration of nivolumab. A multidisciplinary approach is warranted to ensure optimal care for patients with endocrine irAEs.
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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd · Oct 2019
Review[Steps for reducing the carbon footprint of the operating room].
The healthcare sector contributes significantly to global warming due to carbon emissions; this sector is, therefore, partially responsible for the negative effects of climate change on public health. Carbon emissions by the healthcare sector amount to 7% of the total carbon footprint of the Netherlands. It is anticipated that measures to reduce carbon emissions in the operating room (OR) can make an important contribution to reducing carbonemissions in the hospital as a whole. ⋯ Direct carbon emissions by the OR can be reduced through the use of sustainable energy and setback of the HVAC outside office hours. Anaesthetists can dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of the OR by choosing for intravenous anaesthetics instead of inhalation anaesthetics. Indirect carbon emissions and waste production by the OR can be reduced through circular procurement, choosing reusable over disposable products and recycling.
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A large population-based cohort study by Gharbi et al. found an association between deferred or no antibiotic prescribing in patients with a urinary tract infection (UTI) or suspected UTI and an increased incidence of bloodstream infections and all-cause mortality. The study concludes that early initiation of antibiotics in (high risk) elderly is recommended. ⋯ Critical appraisal of the study, however, reveals several arguments that challenge the clinical relevance of the findings; a nuanced interpretation of this study's conclusion is therefore indicated. Altogether, current guidelines for elderly with UTI provide sufficient standards for safe care, since they emphasize that holding back antibiotics should be combined with a careful watchful waiting policy and adequate safety net advice.
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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd · Aug 2019
Review Case Reports[Penetrating neck injury caused by stabbing: a rare but complex problem in the Netherlands].
Penetrating neck injuries (PNIs) as a result of stabbing or deliberate self-harm are complex and potentially life-threatening. Nowadays, selective non-operative management of PNI has become common practice. Diagnostic and treatment algorithms originating from high-volume trauma centres in South-Africa and North-America are used in Dutch clinical practice. ⋯ One patient, aged 57, was haemodynamically unstable and therefore received immediate surgical exploration of the neck. A penetrating injury of the jugular vein was discovered and repaired. A summary of literature and guidelines is presented for the benefit of Dutch physicians that may be confronted with these complex injuries.
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Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd · Jul 2019
[Should older patients with cancer visit a geriatrician as well? The value of geriatric assessments].
The value of geriatric assessments The ASCO guideline for Geriatric Oncology recommends submitting older patients with cancer to a geriatric assessment. Although we recognise the importance of awareness of geriatric problems in older patients with cancer, this approach where two different doctors are treating the same patient is not ideal for several reasons. We therefore recommend educating medical oncologists on geriatric problems, aging and different treatment goals.