Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift
-
Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Dec 2005
[Forgoing life-sustaining measures in patients at the end of life in the German-speaking part of Switzerland: results of a death certificate study].
There have not been any comprehensive data from German-speaking countries on the medical practice of withholding or withdrawing treatment at the end of life. This study from the German-speaking part of Switzerland provides the first in-depth analysis in this field. This study is based on data from this region and is a contribution to a large empirical research project on medical end-of-life decisions in 6 European countries (EURELD). ⋯ Forgoing life-sustaining medical treatment comprises a wide range of decisions taken in many different clinical settings. In most cases the likely lifespan is only slightly shortened.
-
Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Dec 2005
Review[Primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases with acetylsalicylic acid].
Although the benefit of aspirin for patients with known cardiovascular disease is well established, the protective effect in primary prevention remains the subject of a controversial discussion. This meta-analysis was undertaken to ascertain whether a risk reduction regarding mortality and/or cardiovascular events can be achievement with aspirin in persons without known cardiovascular disease? ⋯ In view of the absence of life prolonging effect and no possibility of determining a definite risk group, that would have a special or accessory effect from a primary prevention with aspirin, there is no indication for such a scheme.