Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift
-
A cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) can be observed in patients with end-stage liver disease and is characterized by a systolic and/or diastolic dysfunction in the absence of pre-existing heart diseases. While the cardiac dysfunction is often masked at rest, it typically manifests itself during cardiovascular challenges such as hypovolemia, physical stress, or sepsis. ⋯ There is no specific therapy for CCM. Supportive measures and regular cardiac evaluation of high-risk patients and transplant candidates are important to reduce the risks associated with invasive procedures and treatments.
-
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia. The European Society of Cardiology released a new version of the guideline to streamline AF-management and current studies highlight the importance of early treatment. Oral anticoagulation to prevent thromboembolic events remains essential in AF-management for patients at risk. ⋯ In general rhythm or rate control strategies are available. Symptomatic patients and patients with heart failure should be offered an early rhythm control. Catheter ablation is effective for rhythm control and and should be offered early in AF treatment additional to treatment of risk factors and comorbidities.
-
Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Aug 2021
[Organ donation: A treatment option in end-of life intensive care?]
A newly issued policy statement of the German Medical Association considers organ donation as an integral part of end-of-life intensive care in patients with devastating brain afflictions. Hence, patients' wishes towards organ donation and medical suitability should be evaluated when prognosis is considered futile and goals of treatment need to be reconsidered. ⋯ Thus, a potential recovery of transplantable organs is supported by appropriate intensive care treatment. Decisions to employ extended intensive care options (like extracorporeal circulatory support or cardiopulmonary resuscitation) in potential organ donors should be carefully outbalanced with patients' wishes, organ donation being considered an achievable goal and even potential frictions in medical teams.
-
Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Aug 2021
[Intravenous fluid therapy and acute kidney injury - What's new?]
Optimization of intravascular volume is crucial for patients who are at risk or undergo Acute Kidney Injury. In sepsis or after acute fluid loss extensive fluid expansion is mostly needed. However, in cardiorenal syndroms fluid overload can even lead to AKI itself and reduction of intravascular volume is needed. Thus, an individualized fluid guidance in terms of a "fluid management stewartship" for the right patient, the right drug, the right route and the right dose 1 has to be applied.
-
Urinary incontinence and gait disorders are common health related problems that occur especially in old age. Therefore they are called geriatric syndromes. ⋯ And further, both syndroms seem to interact closely and can be influenced by improvements of each other. Knowing and recognizing the interaction of micturition and physical performance is essential to working towards prevention of UI and to improving quality of treatment and quality of life.