Revue médicale suisse
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Alcoholic liver disease is a spectrum of lesions, of which the most severe is alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH). Recent European guidelines define alcoholic hepatitis as a clinical syndrome: the recent onset of jaundice and/or ascites in a patient with ongoing alcohol misuse. Next to infection, the most frequent aetiology is ASH, a histological diagnosis. ⋯ Non-severe forms of ASH may improve with interruption of alcohol abuse only; however survival of severe forms of ASH is improved by the association of corticosteroids and N-acetylcysteine. In case of uncontrolled infection, pentoxifylline may be administered. The Lille score, measured at the 7th day of corticosteroid therapy, measures response to therapy and guides the total duration of treatment.
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Athletes often exhibit structural and electrical cardiac adaptations that are influenced by several factors including sporting discipline, gender and ethnicity. These changes are considered physiological and reversible in most cases. ⋯ The differential diagnosis between the athlete's heart and heart diseases that are potential etiologies of sudden cardiac death, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, may be challenging. New recommendations about electrocardiogram interpretation in athletes may help to improve prevention strategies.