Dtsch Arztebl Int
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In 2011, German hospitals treated approximately 205 000 patients suffering from acute poisoning. Change is seen over time both in the types of poisoning that occur and in the indications for specific treatment. ⋯ Most exposures to poisons can be treated with general emergency care and, if necessary, with symptomatic intensive-care measures. Poison information centers help ensure that cases of poisoning are dealt with efficiently. The data they collect are a useful aid to toxicological assessment and can serve as a point of departure for research projects.
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The spread of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), particularly E. faecium, in hospitals leads to many cases of colonization, but only sporadic infections. Detailed and valid risk assessment is needed so that patients at risk can be protected from VRE infection. The principal aims of risk assessment must include not only lowering VRE-associated morbidity and mortality in patients at risk, but also refraining from unnecessary anti-infective measures among those who are not at risk. ⋯ The chain of infection can be broken by improved and consistently applied standard hygienic measures (hand and surface disinfection). Some patients are nonetheless at elevated risk of VRE infection. In specific clinical situations, the optimal protection of these patients against VRE infection demands the obligatory enforcement of stricter hygienic measures (contact isolation).
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The incidence of proximal humeral fractures lies between 105 and 342 per 100 000 persons per year. Around the world, this type of fracture remains a major challenge for treating surgeons. While non-displaced fractures can be managed conservatively, displaced ones are often treated surgically. ⋯ Current evidence supports the individualized treatment of proximal humeral fractures. Treatment decisions must always be made jointly with the patient in consideration of his or her individual needs and characteristics. Particularly for elderly patients, the possibility of conservative treatment should be carefully considered. If conservative treatment is not possible, then the type of operation performed should also be a function of the surgeon's individual skills and experience with particular types of implant.
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Review Meta Analysis
Shortness of breath and cough in patients in palliative care.
Shortness of breath and cough are common, disturbing symptoms in patients receiving palliative care. They arise in 10% to 70% of patients with advanced cancer and in 60% to nearly 100% of patients with non-malignant underlying diseases, depending on the type of disease. ⋯ In most patients, shortness of breath and cough can be relieved by a series of therapeutic measures.
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Review
The perioperative management of treatment with anticoagulants and platelet aggregation inhibitors.
When giving anticoagulants and inhibitors of platelet aggregation either prophylactically or therapeutically, physicians face the challenge of protecting patients from thromboembolic events without inducing harmful bleeding. Especially in the perioperative period, the use of these drugs requires a carefully balanced evaluation of their risks and benefits. Moreover, the choice of drug is difficult, because many different substances have been approved for clinical use. ⋯ Anticoagulants and platelet aggregation inhibitors are commonly used drugs, but the evidence for their perioperative management is limited. The risks of thrombosis and of hemorrhage must be balanced against each other in the individual case. Anticoagulation need not be stopped for minor procedures.