Polskie Archiwum Medycyny Wewnętrznej
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Pol. Arch. Med. Wewn. · Jan 2015
Corticosteroids in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia: an evidence summary.
A strong inflammatory response to community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is associated with excess morbidity and mortality. There is a growing interest in corticosteroids as an adjunctive treatment for patients hospitalized with CAP. We review recent randomized trials addressing the use of corticosteroids across the full range of CAP patients. ⋯ Some studies have also suggested a possible reduction in mortality. Adverse effects, primarily hyperglycemia and neuropsychiatric symptoms, are uncommon and neither serious nor prolonged. The results indicate a possibility that steroid administration should become a standard of care for patients with CAP.
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Pol. Arch. Med. Wewn. · Jan 2015
Comaparison of conventional and ultrasound-guided needle biopsy techniques in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis: a randomized trial.
Endoscopic biopsy techniques are useful in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. There is a need for randomized trials to establish where these procedures fit in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. ⋯ In stages I and II of pulmonary sarcoidosis, endoscopic ultrasound is a reasonable approach but EUS-FNA seems to be the method of choice.