Revue médicale suisse
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Revue médicale suisse · Apr 2007
Review[Role of antibiotherapy in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].
Two thirds of the exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are caused by infections of the respiratory tract. The causative microorganisms differ according to the degree of COPD severity, previous antibiotic therapy and prior bacterial infections. ⋯ Prompt therapy of COPD exacerbations has been shown to reduce the likelihood of hospitalisation and improve the quality of life. In this article, we have reviewed current recommendations regarding the use of antibiotics in the treatment of COPD exacerbations.
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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.
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Revue médicale suisse · Jan 2007
Review[Pneumology. Anti-IgE antibodies in the treatment of asthma].
Omalizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that is directed against IgE. It has been shown to improve the control of severe allergic asthma in adults and adolescents. Candidates to the treatment are asthmatic patients with positive prick tests and/or in vitro markers of allergy, altered pulmonary function tests, and persistent daytime or nocturnal symptoms despite appropriate treatment with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-2-agonists.