Dtsch Arztebl Int
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Infection of the spinal column is rare, and often recognized and treated too late. Spondylodiscitis is osteomyelitis of the spine and can cause severe symptoms. Hospital mortality is in the region of 2% to 17%. ⋯ Spondylodiscitis should be borne in mind in cases of diffuse back pain and non-specific symptoms. MRI is the diagnostic modality of choice for detecting spondylodiscitis. Thanks to precise monitoring of conservative treatments and primarily stable surgical techniques, prolonged immobilization of the patient is no longer necessary nowadays.
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Data on the prevalence and regional distribution of the metabolic syndrome in Germany are lacking, in particular for primary care. ⋯ The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in German primary care is high. Prevention efforts should focus in particular on differences in gender, socioeconomic status, and region.
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Acetylic salicylic acid (aspirin) intolerance relates to altered generation and metabolism of arachidonic acid and eicosanoids, and prostaglandins and leukotrienes ingestion of salicylates or COX-inhibitors. ⋯ Asthma, rhinitis and nasal polyps, as well as chronic gastrointestinal irritation and urticaria following acetylic salicylic acid ingestion may suggest intolerance.
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An organized mammography screening program is being implemented in Germany since the end of 2005. Even before its inception, a heated debate surrounded the question of how to communicate its rationale appropriately. ⋯ The actuarial concept of risk is defined by the probability of the undesired event multiplied by the expected magnitude of loss. This approach appears more appropriate for the appraisal of risk in the context of mammography screening than a pure event probability. It could help understand why women attend screening even if they perceive the risk of getting breast cancer as low--namely, that they rank the consequences of getting the disease as highly significant for themselves and others in their social environment.