Articles: cations.
-
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by a clinical spectrum of diseases ranging from asymptomatic or mild cases to severe pneumonia with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) requiring mechanical ventilation. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used as rescue therapy in appropriate patients with COVID-19 complicated by ARDS refractory to mechanical ventilation. In this study, we review the indications, challenges, complications and clinical outcomes of ECMO utilization in critically ill patients with COVID-19 related ARDS. ⋯ Although the risk of mortality and complications is very high among patients with COVID-19 requiring ECMO, it is similar to that of non-COVID-19 patients with ARDS requiring ECMO. ECMO is a resource-intensive therapy, with an inherent risk of complications, which makes its availability limited and its use challenging in the midst of a pandemic. Well-maintained data registries, with timely reporting of outcomes and evidence-based clinical guidelines, are necessary for the careful allocation of resources and for the development of standardized utilization protocols.
-
Review Case Reports
Transesophageal Echocardiography in Patients With Magnetic Gastroesophageal Reflux Devices: A Report of 2 Cases.
Magnetic gastroesophageal reflux devices are becoming a common treatment option for reflux refractory to medical therapy. These devices are inserted laparoscopically with successful outcomes; however, patients may still complain of dysphagia after implantation. ⋯ However, we present 2 cases where intraoperative TEE was performed in patients with reflux devices without complication or image degradation. The described cases, in addition to a review of the perioperative management of these devices, support the use of TEE in this patient population.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Efficacy and safety of fumaric acid esters in young patients aged 10-17 years with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.
Apart from biologics, no systemic drugs are approved in Europe for children with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Retrospective observational studies have shown promising results for fumaric acid esters (FAE) in this setting. ⋯ FAE administered over a period of 20 weeks demonstrated a better response than placebo; the difference was statistically significant and clinically meaningful. Application up to 40 weeks was generally well tolerated. However, further studies are required.