Bratisl Med J
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The differentiation of congestive heart failure from pulmonary cause of dyspnea is of extreme importance in patients presenting with acute shortness of breath. It seems that the use of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) can speed up the diagnostic process significantly. ⋯ The rapid, highly sensitive and specific measurement of BNP concentrations in the patients with dyspnea can significantly help to differentiate the cardiac and pulmonary causes of dyspnea (Tab. 1, Fig. 1, Ref. 24).
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To demonstrate the applicability and efficacy of spontaneous ventilation during cardiac surgery. ⋯ The recent interest in rapid recovery and early out-patient care of patients after cardiac surgery has prompted investigations into the use of neuraxial analgesia for these procedures. The above mentioned technique would be beneficial for patients with preoperative pulmonary dysfunction and may be particularly useful in endoscopic cardiac surgery. (Tab. 1, Fig. 2, Ref. 18.)
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Based on our experience with stereotactic evacuation of spontaneous supratentorial hematomas this method has also been used for evacuation of spontaneous infratentorial hematoma by the transtentorial approach. ⋯ The measuring of the ICP and the analysis of dynamic changes during stereotactic evacuation suggest that this procedure can significantly reduce the ICP performed in connection with ICH and we believe that our results can improve management of patients with spontaneous infratentorial and supratentorial intracerebral hematoma. (Fig. 1, Ref. 21.).
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It has been convincingly established that cardiopulmonary bypass routinely used in cardiac surgery induces an oxidative stress. The extensive production of reactive oxygen species occurring during cardiopulmonary bypass has a deleterious effect on the endogenous antioxidant defense pool. The recovery of antioxidant enzyme activities as well as other antioxidatively substances is one of the important tasks for the effective defense of patients in the postoperative period. ⋯ Regardless of the surgical technique, both groups of patients had a markedly decreased antioxidant capacity with a significantly increased production of lipid peroxides especially in patients operated with cardiopulmonary bypass. The decreased antioxidant status was connected with decreased erythrocyte activity of SOD. Therefore, we recommend the regular supply of antioxidant acting substances (antioxidant vitamins and coenzyme Q10) be included in their standard therapeutic strategy especially in the preoperative period. (Tab. 2, Fig. 4, Ref: 22.)
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The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of noradrenaline and furosemide in combination for the treatment of impending acute renal failure in early stage of severe sepsis. ⋯ We consider renal rescue protocol as an effective method in the treatment for acute renal injury/failure syndrome in early phase of severe sepsis, when it is instituted very early with low/moderate dosage of noradrenaline and furosemide. (Tab. 6, Ref. 29.)