Polski merkuriusz lekarski : organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego
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Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is an autosomal-dominant condition, characterized by episodic recurrent attacks of angioedema, which can be occasionally life-threatening. Therapy for HAE consists of three points: treatment of acute attacks and both short- and long-term prophylaxis. ⋯ Finally authors present future therapeutic options including new drugs being in clinical trial at present. In the near future, such drugs will be available to provide more effective treatment for HAE attacks with fewer adverse effects than the currently available treatment options.
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Pol. Merkur. Lekarski · Jul 2008
Review[Neuraminidase inhibitors in prophylaxis and treatment of influenza].
Influenza is an acute infectious disease which may cause spectacular health, social and economic effects. Influenza may be prevented and treated in a sufficient way. ⋯ There was emphasized the necessity of the early introduction of treatment with neuraminidase inhibitors (36-48 hours after first symptoms) and the short duration of treatment (5 days). It is also discussed the role of neuraminidase inhibitors in the clinical management of avian influenza (H5N1) and their role in fighting with a pandemic disease.
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Psoriatic arthritis was reported in approximately 6-39% of patients with psoriasis. It is a chronic disease that commonly leads to disability. ⋯ Numerous studies have shown efficacy of these medical agents including inhibition of the disease progress, improvement of skin changes, inhibition of bone destruction, and improvement in quality of life. Other agents which can be used in psoriatic arthritis treatment are being tested in clinical trials.
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Pol. Merkur. Lekarski · Jul 2008
Editorial[Environmental risk factors in the territory of military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan].
Military service in Iraq and Afghanistan is burdened by series of environmental factors such as high and low air temperature, wind, sand, dust, and local fauna. In summertime the main hazard are heat injuries. ⋯ In Afghanistan additional threat pose mountain conditions, especially in wintertime when appear intense snowfalls. Hard conditions more than once characteristic for duty of Stabilization Forces soldiers in both countries can cause significant threat for health and life.
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Actual European guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension (AH) have recognized the importance of renal function impairment on long-term prognosis in patients with this condition. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) below 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events particularly among patients with AH. The aim of the study was to evaluate the predictors for CKD in patients with AH. ⋯ CKD is present in about 40% of patients with AH. Simple clinical parameters (age > 65 years, female gender, atherogenic dyslipidemia, clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis) are predictors of the prevalence of this serious complication of AH which is characterized by high cardiovascular risk. More frequent estimation of GFR in clinical practice will allow to identify this population of patients earlier.