Dtsch Arztebl Int
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Review Meta Analysis
Angiotensin blockade to reduce microvascular damage in diabetes mellitus.
Diabetic retinopathy and microalbuminuria are often thought of as distinct disease entities despite their common pathophysiology. Many studies have addressed the prognostic significance of these conditions and their treatment. ⋯ Diabetic retinopathy and microalbuminuria are expressions of microvascular damage. They often appear together and point toward possible future macrovascular events. Multifactorial intervention can lessen the consequences of these pathological conditions.
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Acute infectious enteritis is one of the more common childhood diseases worldwide, especially in the first three years of life. Every year, in Germany, one in six children under age 5 is taken to a physician at least once because of infectious diarrheal disease. 10% of the children presenting with rotavirus infection are admitted to hospital. The existing national and international recommendations for the treatment of acute infectious diarrheal disease are inadequately followed, despite the high level of evidence on which they are based. ⋯ The therapeutic goal is to replace the fluid and electrolyte losses resulting from diarrhea and vomiting. The administration of a hypotonic oral rehydration solution (ORS) is indicated to treat impending dehydration (infants aged up to 6 months with diarrhea and/or more than 8 watery stools in the last 24 hours and/or more than 4 episodes of vomiting in the last 24 hours), or when mild or moderate dehydration is already present. Oral rehydration with ORS given in frequent, small amounts over 3-4 hours is successful in more than 90% of cases. Regular feeding can be begun immediately afterward. Laboratory testing of blood or stool is usually unnecessary. Children who can be rehydrated orally or through a nasogastric tube should not be given intravenous fluids.
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The late descent of a testicle into the scrotum may impair its development. Reduced fertility is the main risk of primary cryptorchidism even after timely treatment, as histopathological changes (Leydig cell hypoplasia) already become apparent in the first few months of life. There is evidence, however, that treatment is often delayed. Hormonal and surgical treatments complement each other and should be provided before the child's first birthday. ⋯ Hormone therapy is the best initial treatment in most cases, with a few exceptions. If this is unsuccessful, surgery should be performed without delay. The success of treatment depends on the initial position of the testicle. Treatment does not lessen the risk of malignancy. Parents must be informed about this risk. The undescended testicle is the most common genital malformation in boys. When diagnosed, it should be treated hormonally and/or surgically before the child's first birthday to minimize the risk of impaired fertility. Successful treatment before age 13 appears not to lessen the risk of testicular cancer, but it does facilitate early detection by enabling physical examination of the testicle.