Dtsch Arztebl Int
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Hair loss is caused by a variety of hair growth disorders, each with its own pathogenetic mechanism. ⋯ Hair loss is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The pathogenesis of the alopecias involves a range of genetic, endocrine, immune, and inflammatory processes, each of which calls for its own form of treatment.
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Review Meta Analysis
Fine Needle Aspiration in the Investigation of Thyroid Nodules.
Thyroid nodules are a common finding in Germany. Most are benign; thyroid cancer is very rare. The challenge for the physician is to diagnose malignant tumors early. Fine needle aspiration is an important tool for this purpose. ⋯ Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid gland in experienced hands is an easily performed diagnostic procedure with very little associated risk. It should be performed on ultrasonographically suspect nodules for treatment stratification and before any operation for an unclear nodular change in the thyroid gland.
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Review Meta Analysis
The Pharmacological Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are markedly less effective against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than against asthma, and also have worse side effects. Whether ICS should be used to treat COPD is currently a matter of debate. ⋯ ICS monotherapy has no clinically useful effect on pulmonary function in COPD. The main form of drug treatment for COPD is with broncho - dilators, either alone or in combination with ICS. ICS can be given to patients with grade III or IV COPD to make exacerbations less frequent. Patients with an asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS) can benefit from ICS treatment.
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Review Meta Analysis
The Efficacy, Safety and Applications of Medical Hypnosis.
The efficacy and safety of hypnotic techniques in somatic medicine, known as medical hypnosis, have not been supported to date by adequate scientific evidence. ⋯ Medical hypnosis is a safe and effective complementary technique for use in medical procedures and in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Waking suggestions can be a component of effective doctor-patient communication in routine clinical situations.
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The main objective of hospital hygiene and infection prevention is to protect patients from preventable nosocomial infections. It was recently stated that the proper goal should be for zero infection rates in sterile surgical procedures. In this article, we attempt to determine whether this demand is supported by the available literature. ⋯ A multimodal approach with the participation of specialists from various disciplines can further reduce the rate of postoperative infection. A reduction to zero is not realistic and is not supported by available evidence.