Articles: function.
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We present 2 cases of patients with septic shock and discuss changes in B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. While previous increases in BNP in septic shock were attributed to the accompanying myocardial depression, recent work claims that high levels of BNP in sepsis are related to an alteration in the BNP clearance pathway. We postulate from these cases that increased BNP should not automatically be associated with cardiac dysfunction and may assist in an early, difficult diagnosis of septic shock.
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Clinical lung cancer · Nov 2013
Interdisciplinary palliative care intervention in metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer.
Challenges and barriers continue to hinder the integration of palliative care models into comprehensive, ambulatory oncology care. This article aims to describe how symptoms, distress, and quality of life (QOL) data from the usual care phase of a National Cancer Institute-supported Program Project informed the development of an interdisciplinary, tailored palliative care intervention for patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). ⋯ Patients with metastatic NSCLC continue to experience high symptom burden and diminished physical well-being over time while receiving cancer treatments. An interdisciplinary palliative care intervention is currently being tested to improve symptom burden and overall QOL.
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Arch Phys Med Rehabil · Nov 2013
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyMuscle energy technique versus corticosteroid injection for management of chronic lateral epicondylitis: randomized controlled trial with 1-year follow-up.
To determine the short- and long-term effectiveness of the muscle energy technique (MET) compared with corticosteroid injections (CSIs) for chronic lateral epicondylitis (LE). ⋯ This study showed that while both MET and CSI improved measures of strength, pain, and function compared with baseline, subjects receiving MET had better scores at 52 weeks for PFGS and the VAS for pain. We conclude that MET appears to be an effective intervention in the treatment of LE.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Two-Year Follow-up in Patients Treated With Emphysematous Lung Sealant for Advanced Emphysema.
Endoscopic lung volume-reduction therapy for emphysema has been associated with therapeutic responses smaller in magnitude and less durable than surgical volume reduction (LVRS). Bronchoscopic emphysematous lung sealant (ELS) therapy has been shown to produce improvements in pulmonary function similar to surgery at 1 year. This case series summarizes safety and efficacy data of all patients from the initial ELS study out to 2 years. ⋯ An exponential model fit to FEV₁ data at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months predicted improvements from a baseline of > 5% out to 4.1 years, similar to what has been reported following surgery. This report confirms long-term safety and efficacy following ELS therapy in advanced emphysema. Studies in a larger cohort are needed to define the role of ELS therapy in the treatment algorithm of patients with this condition.