Mayo Clinic proceedings
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Mayo Clinic proceedings · Apr 2021
Review Comparative StudySex Differences in Alcohol Consumption and Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease.
Alcohol-associated liver disease is becoming increasingly prevalent throughout the United States. Previously alcohol-associated liver disease was known to affect men more often than women; however, this gap between the sexes is narrowing. Studies show that women develop liver disease with lesser alcohol exposure and suffer worse disease as compared with men. ⋯ Due to the paucity of literature on some of the relevant subject matter and inclusion of landmark studies, no date range was selected. Studies were included if their methods were sufficiently robust and they made a comparison between the sexes that is clinically relevant. Understanding of the changing epidemiology and mechanisms of liver disease development unique to women are paramount in creating appropriate and effective interventions for women who represent a rapidly growing subset of patients with alcohol-associated liver disease.
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Mayo Clinic proceedings · Apr 2021
ReviewPernio (Chilblains), SARS-CoV-2, and COVID Toes Unified Through Cutaneous and Systemic Mechanisms.
Pernio or chilblains is characterized by erythema and swelling at acral sites (eg, toes and fingers), typically triggered by cold exposure. Clinical and histopathologic features of pernio are well described, but the pathogenesis is not entirely understood; vasospasm and a type I interferon (IFN-I) immune response are likely involved. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, dermatologists have observed an increase in pernio-like acral eruptions. ⋯ However, a form of COVID-19‒associated pernio (also called COVID toes) is probable because of increased occurrence, frequently in young patients with no cold exposure or a history of pernio, and reports of skin biopsies with positive SARS-CoV-2 immunohistochemistry. PubMed was searched between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020 for publications using the following keywords: pernio, chilblain, and acral COVID-19. On the basis of our review of the published literature, we speculate that several unifying cutaneous and systemic mechanisms may explain COVID-19‒associated pernio: (1) SARS-CoV-2 cell infection occurs through the cellular receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 mediated by transmembrane protease serine 2, subsequently affecting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system with an increase in the vasoconstricting, pro-inflammatory, and prothrombotic angiotensin II pathway. (2) Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 cell infection triggers an immune response with robust IFN-I release in patients predisposed to COVID-19‒associated pernio. (3) Age and sex discrepancies correlated with COVID-19 severity and manifestations, including pernio as a sign of mild disease, are likely explained by age-related immune and vascular differences influenced by sex hormones and genetics, which affect susceptibility to viral cellular infection, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system balance, and the IFN-I response.
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Mayo Clinic proceedings · Apr 2021
ReviewPreventing Breast Cancer Through Identification and Pharmacologic Management of High-Risk Patients.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women in the United States. For certain women at high risk for breast cancer, endocrine therapy (ET) can greatly decrease the risk. Tools such as the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (or Gail Model) and the International Breast Cancer Intervention Study risk calculator are available to help identify women at increased risk for breast cancer. ⋯ Among the various ETs, which include tamoxifen, raloxifene, anastrozole, and exemestane, tamoxifen is the only one available for premenopausal women aged 35 years and older. A shared decision-making process should be used to increase the usage of ET and must be individualized. This individualized approach must account for each woman's medical history and weigh the benefits and risks of ET in combination with the personal values of the patient.
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Mayo Clinic proceedings · Apr 2021
Risk of Cardiac Morbidities and Sudden Death in Patients With Epilepsy and No History of Cardiac Disease: A Population-Based Nationwide Study.
To investigate the impact of epilepsy on secondary cardiac morbidities and sudden death in patients with epilepsy. ⋯ Our results indicate that the risks for development of MI and arrhythmia and the occurrence of sudden death were higher in patients with epilepsy. These findings support the hypothesis that epilepsy may lead to secondary cardiac dysfunction and increases the risk of sudden death.
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Mayo Clinic proceedings · Apr 2021
ReviewChronic Coronary Syndromes in Women: Challenges in Diagnosis and Management.
Sex matters in science. This particularly applies to ischemic heart disease, which displays key differences in pathophysiology, presentation, and effectiveness in diagnostic strategies and management between women and men. However, underrepresentation of women in randomized trials has led to an evidence gap in clinical practice. ⋯ This novel concept has recently been referred to as chronic coronary syndromes, which better meets the female phenotype of ischemic heart disease, questioning current management recommendations that still largely apply to flow-limiting stenoses in epicardial coronary arteries typically found in men. The goal of this review is to highlight the most recent scientific advances in understanding chronic coronary syndromes in women. It provides practical advice with focus on challenges in diagnosis and management, and discusses perspectives towards the implementation of sex-specific, safer, and more effective therapeutic strategies.