Panminerva medica
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Gore external valve support for superficial saphenous vein incompetence: a 10-year, follow-up registry.
This long-term (10-year) study evaluated the safety and efficacy of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) external valve support (EVS) implants used for external valvuloplasty in the treatment of incompetence of the proximal long saphenous veins. ⋯ EVS implants used to correct superficial venous incompetence at 10 years were well tolerated and produced good results on incompetence and on the evolution of varicose veins.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Topical formulation of heparin is effective in reducing the symptoms of superficial venous thrombosis: a monocenter, observer-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study.
The aim of the present, randomized, placebo controlled study was to assess the dose-dependent symptom reduction efficacy, safety and tolerability of heparin-spraygel (Viatromb 2.400 IU/g heparin spraygel) in patients with superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) of the lower limbs. ⋯ Viatromb was significantly more effective than placebo in the symptomatic treatment of SVT.
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In the last years, a considerable number of studies have been performed on the relationship between infection from Helicobacter Pylori and atherosclerotic diseases, like stroke and ischemic heart disease. In particular, some infections could have a role on the genesis and development of damage to the vascular wall and of atheromatous plaque. It has been suggested that HP could influence the development of IHD through different pathways, such as endothelial cells colonization, changes in the lipid profiles, increased coagulation and platelet aggregation levels, induction of molecular mimicry mechanisms and the promotion of a low-grade systemic inflammation. ⋯ Most of this trials gave conflicting results, some denying the presence of a possible relationship between HP infection and increased risk of CAD. Despite of that, results from these studies have raised new interesting perspectives on coronary heart disease, especially regarding the possibility of modifying the clinical history of the disease through eradication of these microorganisms. The results are contradictory and require further investigation.
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Asthma attack is characterized by episodic attacks of cough, dyspnea and wheeze occurring due to bronchoconstriction, airway hyperresponsiveness and mucous hypersecretion. Although nationwide clinical guidelines have been published to establish the standard care of asthma, choices in the treatment of fatal asthma attacks remain of clinical significance. Especially, in a severe asthma attack, despite the application of conventional medical treatment, respiratory management is critical. ⋯ Although selecting the appropriate patients for NIV use is a key factor in successful NIV application, how to distinguish such patients is quite controversial. Larger high quality clinical trails are urgently required to confirm the benefits of NIV to patients with severe asthma attack. In this article, we focus on the body of evidence supporting the use of NIV in asthma attacks and discuss its advantages as well its problems.
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While conventional wisdom has always affirmed the value of animals in promoting human well-being, only recently has their therapeutic role in medicine become the focus of dedicated research. Therapeutic modalities that use animals as a tool for improving the physical, emotional, cognitive and/or social functioning of humans are called animal-assisted interventions (AAI), and are classified into: animal-assisted activities (AAA); animal-assisted therapy (AAT); and service animal programs (SAP). The aim of this review is to analyze the papers published between 2001 and 2010 in the most influential medical journals dealing with AAI, and discuss their findings in the light of what may be of interest for internal medicine and rehabilitation. ⋯ Regarding AAT, horses are often used as a complementary strategy to facilitate the normalization of muscle tone and improve motor skills in children with cerebral palsy and persons with lower limb spasticity. Finally, most SAP utilize dogs, that assist people with various disabilities in performing everyday activities, thus reducing their dependence on other persons. Further studies are needed to better define the fields and programs for the therapeutic use of animals and to increase their utilization in medicine, as a promising, complementary and natural means to improve both functional autonomy and quality of life.