Clinical medicine (London, England)
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of Sulfur Thermal Water inhalations in long-COVID syndrome: spa-centred, double-blinded, randomised case-control pilot study.
The long-COVID syndrome is characterised by a plethora of symptoms. Given its social and economic impact, many studies have stressed the urgency of proposing innovative strategies other than hospital settings. In this double-blinded, randomised, case-control trial, we investigate the effects of sulphur thermal water inhalations, rich in H2S, compared to distilled water inhalations on symptoms, inflammatory markers and nasal microbiome in long-COVID patients. ⋯ Inhalations of sulphur thermal water exerted objective and subjective improvements on participants affected by long-COVID. Significant reduction of inflammatory markers, dyspnoea scores and quantitative and qualitative changes in the nasopharyngeal microbiome were also assessed.
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Comparative Study
Differential effects of oral versus intravenous hydrocortisone and dexamethasone on capillary blood glucose levels in adult inpatients - a single centre study.
Corticosteroids raise blood glucose concentrations; however, it remains unknown which form of administration, oral or intravenous, is associated with the greatest degree of blood glucose rise in hospitalised patients. Furthermore, it is not known whether the pattern of the associated hyperglycaemia throughout the day differs depending on the route of administration. ⋯ This study found that oral and intravenous administration of hydrocortisone and dexamethasone do not have a significantly differing impact on blood glucose levels. Capillary glucose monitoring is strongly recommended in all individuals who are on either oral or intravenous corticosteroids.
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Minimal residual disease (MRD) testing is a promising approach to tailor the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). However, several major concerns remain to be addressed before moving it into daily practice, most of which stem from the dynamic nature of the MRD status. Thus, it is crucial to understand the MRD dynamics and propose its clinical implications. ⋯ Longitudinal assessment of MRD during the treatment course and follow-up is required for monitoring disease progression or relapse, to guide treatment decisions. Accordingly, a prospective study is currently ongoing to investigate the feasibility and benefit of the MRD-tailored therapy according to the longitudinal changes of the MRD status.
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This case illustrates a rare cause of facial pain due to glossopharyngeal neuralgia in a 66-year-old male patient. Imaging confirmed an aneurysm of the cervical internal carotid artery as the cause; the aneurysm itself, likely secondary to an elongated styloid process (Eagle's syndrome). The imaging findings and management options are discussed below.