Polskie Archiwum Medycyny Wewnętrznej
-
Endoscopic stenting is a commonly applied method of treatment in patients with malignant biliary strictures. It involves the use of self‑expandable metal stents (SEMSs) or plastic stents (PSs). ⋯ In patients with malignant strictures of the biliary tree SEMSs outperform PSs. SEMSs should be used as a treatment of choice for biliary drainage in that group of patients.
-
Pol. Arch. Med. Wewn. · Mar 2024
24-hours urine metanephrines excretion in patients diagnosed with adrenal incidentaloma: impact of commonly used drugs on clinical decision.
Incidentaloma is an adrenal tumor detected during diagnostic imaging performed for extra‑adrenal causes. Evaluation of metanephrine concentrations in a 24‑hour urine collection can be a significant challenge in patients with multiple medications and comorbidities. ⋯ Many drug groups interfere with the measurement of urinary fractionated metanephrines. These interactions should be taken into account during interpretation of a hormonal evaluation, as they can be crucial for further management, especially for making a decision on surgical treatment.
-
Pol. Arch. Med. Wewn. · Mar 2024
Does the atrial fibrillation still increase the risk of death? Results from the NOMED study in one-year follow-up.
Although atrial fibrillation (AF) is a well‑known risk factor for ischemic stroke and hospitalization, its effect on mortality has not been clearly established. ⋯ AF is an independent risk factor for death and cardiovascular hospitalization. The risk of death and stroke in patients with AF is significantly higher than in the patients without this arrhythmia. Oral anticoagulation in patients with AF significantly reduces the rates of death and stroke; however, its use is suboptimal in this group of patients.