Mayo Clinic proceedings
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Mayo Clinic proceedings · Dec 2007
ReviewEmergency management and commonly encountered outpatient scenarios in patients with hyperkalemia.
Hyperkalemia is a common electrolyte disorder with potentially lethal consequences. Severe hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, making a clear understanding of emergency management crucial. Recognition of patients at risk for cardiac arrhythmias should be followed by effective strategies for reduction in serum potassium levels. ⋯ True elevations in serum potassium levels are commonly due to medications used for cardiovascular disease in the setting of impaired glomerular filtration rate. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease is steadily increasing, likely leading to increases in risk of hyperkalemia. A systematic approach will aid in timely diagnosis and management of hyperkalemia.
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Mayo Clinic proceedings · Dec 2007
Advance directives among health care professionals at a community-based cancer center.
To determine the proportion of health care professionals at our community-based cancer center who had completed advance directives (ADs) and to identify barriers to their doing so. ⋯ Despite work experience with patients who have a high mortality rate, health care professionals at our cancer center do not adequately communicate (via a written AD) end-of-life planning decisions to their own primary care physicians.
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Mayo Clinic proceedings · Dec 2007
Safety of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy with direct bronchoscopic guidance for solid organ allograft recipients.
To determine the safety of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) for solid organ allograft recipients, who have increased risks of bleeding and infection. ⋯ Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy was tolerated well in recipients of solid organ allografts and had a relatively low risk of major complications and a low procedure-related mortality rate. This method should be considered an acceptable alternative to surgical tracheostomy.
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Mayo Clinic proceedings · Dec 2007
Comparative StudyPrevalence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance among men in Ghana.
To determine the prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a precursor of multiple myeloma (MM), in Ghanaian men vs white men and to test for evidence to support an underlying race-related predisposition of the 2-fold higher prevalence of MGUS in African Americans vs whites. ⋯ The prevalence of MGUS in Ghanaian men was twice that in white men, supporting the hypothesis that race-related genetic susceptibility could explain the higher rates of MGUS in black populations. An improved understanding of MGUS and MM pathophysiology would facilitate the development of strategies to prevent progression of MGUS to MM.