Med Klin
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Sexuality in chronic diseases is of increasing significance. In the majority of patients with chronic lung diseases, sexual activity is reduced. Most available data on this topic are based on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). ⋯ An intact communication between physician and patient is an important issue within a therapeutic strategy. Applying both treatment and behavioral strategies enables even patients with severe lung diseases to be sexually active. Somatic therapy consists of both systemic medication and local interventions to treat sexual dysfunction. If oxygen therapy is indicated, it should be administered also during intercourse. In patients with chronic ventilatory failure, sexual activity may profit from noninvasive mechanical ventilation.
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GENETIC RISK FACTORS: Recently, several genetic risk factors for chronic pancreatic diseases were found. In patients with chronic pancreatitis several mutations of the cationic trypsinogen were identified. ⋯ Further variants were identified in CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator), a chlorid transporter initially identified a disease-causing molecule in cystic fibrosis. In approximately 20-25% of the patients with chronic pancreatitis a mutation of one of these genes can be found.
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Case Reports
[Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis--a rare cause of bilateral extensive pulmonary infiltrates].
Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is a rare disease, which is characterized by pulmonary deposition of calcium phosphate microliths. The radiographic features can be pathognomonic with a "sandstorm"-like opacification throughout the lungs. ⋯ Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis is a rare cause of bilateral pulmonary infiltrates and should be considered in the differential diagnosis. In some cases there is also an association with calcifications of extrapulmonary organs.
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Inhibition of platelet aggregation with aspirin and anticoagulation with unfractionated heparin can be considered the gold standard treatment of patients with acute coronary syndromes. Replacement of unfractionated heparins by low-molecular weight heparins seem to further improve the cardiovascular risk. Additional treatment with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor blockers led to a further reduction of the clinical event rate, especially in patients undergoing coronary interventions during an acute coronary syndrome (more than 30% relative risk reduction). ⋯ Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor blockers should be used especially during coronary interventions. Antianginal treatment should include nitrates and betablockers. A treatment with statins and ACE-inhibitors should be initiated in the early course of acute coronary syndrome for plaque stabilization.
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[Prevention of thromboembolism with low molecular weight heparin (Dalteparin-Na) in risk pregnancy].
Venous thrombotic events still remain the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. During pregnancy as well as post partum, hemostasis changes also in normal pregnant women. Coagulation is activated and fibrinolysis suppressed, the concentration of particular coagulation factors is increased, while inhibitor potential is decreased. Additionally, the venous blood stream is mechanically hampered by the gravid uterus. As a result of these physiologic changes, the risk of thromboembolism is elevated. The risk increases frequently in women with previous thromboembolic episodes, a family history of thromboembolism, hereditary or acquired thrombotic disorders as well as the appearance of additional exposure prothrombogenic factors such as immobilization, inflammation, and operation. Simultaneous presence of combined prothrombogenic factors conducts a potentiation of the risk of thromboembolism. To avoid thromboembolism or rethromboembolism during pregnancy or puerperium, an individual risk-adapted heparin prophylaxis is indicated. ⋯ The individual thromboembolic prophylaxis with LMWH represents an effective and safe therapy in risk pregnancy with previous thromboembolic events and/or thrombotic disorders. TAT seems to be an effective marker for monitoring of the coagulation activity during pregnancy and puerperium. Under this management, thromboembolic prophylaxis can be optimized.