Revue médicale suisse
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Respiratory failure results from the incompetence of the respiratory system to eliminate the CO2 produced by the metabolism and to extract the O2 from the atmosphere. Manifestations of the chronic form are: dyspnea, fatigue, headaches, oedema, polyglobulia, and also anxiety, denutrition, social isolation. ⋯ Major goals of chronic treatment are: control of dyspnea and anxiety, maintenance of a regular physical activity and a sufficient alimentation. These goals can only be achieved by a network of professionals taking charge of these complex patients, with their periodic inclusion in a pulmonary rehabilitation program.
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Revue médicale suisse · Feb 2007
Review[The differential diagnosis of cognitive disorders in general practice: dementia and delirium].
Cognitive deficits are frequently encountered in primary care settings, in particular in the elderly. Screening of these deficits is recommended and aims at identifying subjects who are likely to benefit from treatment. ⋯ Laboratory tests and neuro-imaging are often necessary. This multi-dimensional assessment may require the expertise of a memory clinic to distinguish normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, and to identify the different organic and functional aetiologies of the dementia syndrome and delirium.