Dtsch Arztebl Int
-
Osteomyelitis was described many years ago but is still incompletely understood. Its exogenously acquired form is likely to become more common as the population ages. We discuss biofilm formation as a clinically relevant pathophysiological model and present current recommendations for the treatment of osteomyelitis. ⋯ Surgery combined with anti-infective chemotherapy leads to long-lasting containment of infection in 70% to 90% of cases. Suitable drugs are not yet available for the eradication of biofilm-producing bacteria.
-
Target values for cardiovascular risk factors in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) are stated in guidelines for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. We studied secular trends in risk factors over a 12-year period among CHD patients in the region of Münster, Germany. ⋯ The observed trends in cardiovascular risk factors under-score the vital need for better preventive strategies in patients with CHD.
-
Secular trends in health-related behavior, the frequency of illness, and life satisfaction in rural areas are inadequately documented. Such information is essential for the planning of health-care policy. ⋯ Over the long term, there have been both improvements, particularly in lifestyle, and turns for the worse, e.g., in life satisfaction. While the latter might be due to the increasing marginalization of rural eastern Germany, we interpret the observed improvements as benefits of modernization.