Articles: treatment.
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Status epilepticus is a common neurological emergency that is characterised by prolonged or recurrent seizures without recovery between episodes and associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Prompt recognition and targeted therapy can reduce the risk of complications and death associated with status epilepticus, thereby improving outcomes. The most recent International League Against Epilepsy definition considers two important timepoints in status epilepticus: first, when the seizure does not self-terminate; and second, when the seizure can have long-term consequences, including neuronal injury. ⋯ If status epilepticus continues, management should entail second-line and third-line treatment agents, supportive EEG monitoring, and admission to an intensive care unit. Future research to study early seizure detection, rescue protocols and medications, rapid treatment escalation, and integration of fundamental scientific and clinical evidence into clinical practice could shorten seizure duration and reduce associated complications. Furthermore, improved recognition, education, and treatment in patients who are at risk might help to prevent status epilepticus, particularly for patients living in low-income and middle-income countries.
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Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality that disproportionately affects rural residents and Veterans. ⋯ Rural VHA hospitals have a higher proportion of patients admitted with AUD-related diagnoses and higher readmission rates, but lower mortality rates. Approximately, one in three patients admitted with an AUD-related diagnosis died within the 5-year follow-up period. The mortality rates observed are extraordinary and deserve urgent attention. A comprehensive plan to address AUD in the Veteran population, including how we approach and engage patients in treatment during hospitalizations with any primary or secondary AUD diagnoses, is needed.
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To assess intrinsic capacity, an important component of ageing well, in older Aboriginal people living in remote Western Australia. ⋯ Impaired intrinsic capacity in older Aboriginal people living in the Kimberley was most frequent in the sensory and locomotion domains. Reduced capacity in these domains could be highly amenable to treatment that would ensure that Elders can continue to take part in activities important for quality of life.
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory condition that primarily affects the joints and periarticular soft tissue. The development of joint swelling is traditionally regarded as the starting point of the disease. Emerging evidence indicates that RA patients often experience a preclinical stage characterized by immunological and inflammatory changes before developing the disease. ⋯ This situation underscores the need for reliable biomarkers to guide therapy more effectively, improve personalized treatment approaches and monitoring strategies (i.e. precision medicine). In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive overview of RA, covering new research on the 'pre-clinical' phase of the disease, as well as its epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, imaging, and management strategies. It highlights key clinical aspects of RA and addresses ongoing challenges in disease management, particularly in the areas of prevention and treatment.