Southern medical journal
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Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a unique low-density lipoprotein-like lipoprotein that is considered an independent and causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and calcific aortic valve stenosis. The Lp(a) molecule also contains apolipoprotein A and apolipoprotein B, which collectively promote atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and inflammation. Lp(a) is highly genetic and minimally responsive to nonpharmacological measures. ⋯ There are currently four investigational RNA-based therapeutic agents that reduce Lp(a) by 70% to 100%. Two of these agents are being evaluated for ASCVD risk reduction in adequately powered outcomes trials, with results expected in 2 to 3 years. Until such therapies become available and demonstrate favorable clinical outcomes, strategies for elevated Lp(a) primarily involve early and intensive ASCVD risk factor management.
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Southern medical journal · Apr 2024
Improving Communication with Family Members during a Global Pandemic: Effect on Patient Experience.
Communication with patients and their families/caregivers to facilitate informed decision making is an integral part of patient/family-centered care. Due to the high coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection rates and limited personal protective equipment, healthcare systems were forced to restrict patient visitors, limit patient-provider interactions, and implement other changes in treatment protocols that disturbed traditional communications and risked eroding patient/family-centered care and adversely affected patient satisfaction. This article focuses on changes in patient experience in two dedicated COVID-19 units of an academic medical center located in the US South as a result of the enhanced communication process implemented specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic. ⋯ Our findings suggest that communication is a critical factor in patient satisfaction, demonstrating the efficacy of a swift and innovative initiative to improve communication with family/caregivers, which may have been linked to better patient experiences. Developing communication strategies is crucial for enhancing patient satisfaction.
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Southern medical journal · Apr 2024
Utilization of Mental Health Services Within 1 Year of Delivery among Different Language Groups.
Cultural differences can affect postpartum mental health disorders and the utilization of mental health services. We compared women speaking English, Spanish, Russian, and Urdu/Bengali/Punjabi from postpartum through 1 year after delivery. ⋯ Russian language was associated with lower utilization of mental health services postpartum. These findings can help clinicians determine among postpartum women who will be affected with mental health concerns and who will seek treatment for mental health concerns.
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Southern medical journal · Apr 2024
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Helicobacter pylori Eradication in a Clinical Population.
Eradication of Helicobacter pylori reduces the risk of gastric cancer (GC). Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are known to be at increased risk for GC. In a cohort of H. pylori-positive individuals, we assessed whether those with T2DM were at risk of persistent infection following H. pylori treatment compared with individuals without T2DM. ⋯ H. pylori eradication rates do not differ by T2DM status, providing support for clinical trials of H. pylori eradication to reduce GC incidence among high-risk populations in the United States, such as individuals with T2DM.