Dtsch Arztebl Int
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Pacemakers have been available for 50 years, and implantable cardiac defibrillators for 25. Clear indications for each have been established on the basis of data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs). ⋯ Pacemakers and implantable defibrillators are well-established electrotherapeutic devices that are highly effective and have only rare complications.
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Women over age 65 with breast cancer are often not treated in accordance with current guidelines as far as adjuvant therapy is concerned, because of the lack of adequate scientific evidence. ⋯ Women with breast cancer over age 65 whose life expectancy is greater than 5 years, and who are not otherwise too ill, should be given chemotherapy, trastuzumab, and radiotherapy as standard adjuvant treatment. Adjuvant therapy can be reduced or omitted in frail patients. Patients over age 65 should be given the opportunity to enroll in clinical trials.
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The elderly need strength training more and more as they grow older to stay mobile for their everyday activities. The goal of training is to reduce the loss of muscle mass and the resulting loss of motor function. The dose-response relationship of training intensity to training effect has not yet been fully elucidated. ⋯ Progressive strength training in the elderly is efficient, even with higher intensities, to reduce sarcopenia, and to retain motor function.