Dtsch Arztebl Int
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Acute angioedema of the upper airways can be life-threatening. An important distinction is drawn between mast-cell-mediated angioedema and bradykinin-mediated angioedema; the treatment of these two entities is fundamentally different. ⋯ Angioedema of the upper airways requires a well-coordinated diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Steroids and antihistamines are very effective against mast-cell-mediated angioedema, but nearly useless against bradykinin-mediated angioedema. For angioedema induced by ACE inhibitors, no causally directed treatment has yet been approved.
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Working the night shift interferes with the circadian chronobiological rhythm, causing sleep disturbances, fatigue, and diminished wellbeing, and increases the risk of serious disease. The question whether night work increases the risk of depression has not been adequately studied to date. ⋯ Although there is evidence that nighttime shift work (at least, in occupations outside the health sector) does increase the risk of depression, this evidence is not strong enough to sustain a general medical recommendation against shift work for employees with depressive conditions. It would seem appropriate to address this question on an individual basis, with strong support from physicians and close attention to the deleterious psychosocial factors associated with shift work.
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For the treatment of patients with cancer to be successful and well-tolerated, the complications and side effects of the disease and its treatment must be treated and limited as far as possible. Summarized recommendations based on the constantly increasing evidence in the area of supportive care must be defined, standardized, and communicated. ⋯ Supportive measures are an integral component of all oncological treatments. More research is needed to determine how side effects can be lessened and prevented.