Dtsch Arztebl Int
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The preterm birth rate in Germany has remained unchanged at 8-9% since 2009. Preterm birth is the most common cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. In the absence of a causal treatment, it is important to lower the risk of preterm birth by preventive measures in prenatal outpatient care. ⋯ The meticulous assessment and elimination of treatable risk factors at the outset of ambulatory prenatal care can help lower the preterm birth rate. Further velopment of causally directed treat- ments (e.g., changes of relevant environmental and epigenetic factors).
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Nearly 1000 permanent ventricular assist devices (VADs) are implanted in patients with severe congestive heart failure in Germany each year. VADs are miniaturized centrifugal pumps that generate continuous blood flow; they are powered and controlled through a cable that passes through the skin. Para- corporeal systems are only rarely implanted, usually in children. ⋯ A VAD system can be implanted as an alternative to cardiac transplan- tation or as a bridging treatment until the patient can be listed for transplantation and receive the transplant. Because of the organ s , only a minority of VAD patients ever receive a transplant.
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Hypertriglyceridemia affects 15-20% of the adult population and is associated with overweight, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus. It is often discovered incidentally. ⋯ Hypertriglyceridemia is causally linked to cardiovascular disease and pancreatitis. Lifestyle modifications play a paramount role in its treatment.