Recenti progressi in medicina
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Review
[Relationship between erectile dysfunction and thyroid disorders: a review of current knowledge].
Several factors can disrupt the normal physiologic mechanisms involved in penile erection. Although thyroid disorders as the sole or predominant etiology of erectile dysfunction are uncommon, their detection is easy, seldom requiring more than a single blood sample. ⋯ Therefore, discussion on erectile dysfunction should be considered a basic part of the medical evaluation for men with thyroid disorders. The physiopathology and diagnosis of erectile dysfunction, and the current knowledge on the relationship between thyroid disorders and erectile dysfunction are reviewed.
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Oral tissue damage and mucositis pain can be a significant problem for patients. The frequency and severity of these problems can vary significantly from patient to patient. Oral complications primarily are associated with discomfort and interference with oral function. ⋯ The body uses pain to tell the brain that something is wrong. Never ignore pain. Any type of pain symptom needs prompt professional medical advice for diagnosis of the underlying cause of the pain.
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Vertebral fractures are the most common consequences of severe osteoporosis. The chronic pain from collapse of osteoporotic vertebrae affects quality of life and autonomy of patients. The management of pain with oral or transdermal opiates can cause severe side-effects. Continuous intrathecal administration of morphine with an implantable pump represents a good alternative therapy and has advantages in pain relief and quality of life. ⋯ Our results show that intrathecal administration of morphine efficiently relieves the symptoms of pain and improve the quality of life. Continuous intrathecal administration of morphine represents a good alternative therapy and has advantages in those patients who suffer from severe side-effects with systemic administration.
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Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are an important cause of both morbidity and mortality. Both infection of the tracheobronchial tree and air pollution are common causes of exacerbations. The guidelines comment that inhaled bronchodilators, theophyllines, systemic glucocorticoids, antibiotics (the latter if clinical signs of airways infection are present) are effective treatments for exacerbations of COPD. In severe exacerbations, non-invasive positive pressure ventilation is a useful adjunct to other medical therapy and improves blood gases and pH, reduces hospital-mortality, decreases the requirements for invasive mechanical ventilation and intubation and decreases the stay in hospital.
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Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is characterized by burning sensations of the oral cavity in the absence of abnormalities of the oral mucosa. BMS predominantly affects middle-aged women. ⋯ Multiple approaches to treatment have been described. This article examines BMS, its related factors, and treatment options.