Bratisl Med J
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Cardiac myxoma is a rare benign cardiac tumor observed in approximately 0.5-1 case per 1 million people per year. The aim of this study is to review our 12-year experience in the surgical treatment of cardiac myxoma with an emphasis on the clinical, pathologic, diagnostic, and surgical features. ⋯ Cardiac myxoma is the most common heart tumor with a low incidence. Surgical excision yields very good short and long-term outcomes with low recurrence rate after surgery, and remains the treatment of choice (Tab. 4, Fig. 2, Ref. 13). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: cardiac myxoma, cardiac tumor, recurrence, survival.
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Multicenter Study
Risk of genitourinary malignancy in patients that receive anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy.
Haematuria is a common indication for a urology evaluation. In many cases, its cause is not determined unequivocally, but it does not pose any threat to the patient. However, it can represent the first symptom of urinary tract cancer. ⋯ Malignancy risk for patients who received anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy was similar to the risk observed in the general population. Antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy were not significant risk factors of urological malignancy in patients with haematuria. The results from the present study will be used in a power analysis for an upcoming multicentre study (Tab. 4, Ref. 17). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: anticoagulation therapy, antiplatelet therapy, cancer, haematuria, risk factor.
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The term kratom is commonly used for both Mitragyna speciosa and herbal products prepared mainly from leaves. Kratom is well known as a drug that can serve as a less toxic and less-addictive pain-relieving substitute for opium, as well as a therapy for hypertension, cough, and diarrhea. ⋯ This paper reviews basic facts about kratom and its potential use in pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacokinetics of its major alkaloid mitragynine (Tab. 3, Fig. 1, Ref. 87). Keywords: 7-hydroxymitragynine; alkaloid; anesthetics; antitussive; drug; mitragynine; Mitragyna speciosa; addictive substance; opioid receptor.
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Patients in intensive care unit (ICU) require close follow up and clinical attention due to variability in the course of their underlying morbidities. The estimation of prognosis in these subjects has an utmost importance. Recent studies showed that C-reactive protein-to-serum albumin ratio (CAR) could be a reliable marker of inflammation in certain conditions. We aimed to compare CAR levels of deceased patients to those in survived subjects treated in ICU. ⋯ We suggest that CAR levels of the subjects in ICU should be evaluated during medical care. Increased CAR levels should alert physicians for a worse outcome in those subjects (Tab. 1, Fig. 1, Ref. 21). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: C-reactive protein-to-serum albumin ratio, intensive care, mortality.
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To evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic and surgical intervention in treating anastomotic leaks after oesophagectomy. ⋯ Self-expanding metal stents can reduce leak-related morbidity and mortality after oesophagectomy and may be considered a cost-effective treatment alternative (Tab. 2, Fig. 2, Ref. 21).