Medicina clinica
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Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is the most common clinical disease of the oral mucosa. Its prevalence in the general population varies between 5 and 25%, with its peak appearance in the second decade of life. So far, the etiopathogenesis is not clear. ⋯ The ulcers may reappear at intervals of a few days and months. Given the appearance of periodic thrush in the oral mucosa, the first thing to do is to make a correct differential diagnosis, rule out associated systemic diseases and assess treatable causes before reaching the diagnosis of RAS. At present, there is no curative treatment.
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Peptic ulcer disease is a frequent pathology; although the incidence has decreased in recent years, it continues to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality associated with high healthcare costs. The most important risk factors are Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Most patients with peptic ulcer disease remain asymptomatic, with dyspepsia being the most frequent and often characteristic symptom. ⋯ The diagnostic technique of choice is upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Treatment with proton pump inhibitors, eradication of H. pylori and avoiding the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the basis of treatment. However, prevention is the best strategy, it includes an adequate indication of proton pump inhibitors, investigation and treatment of H. pylori, avoiding non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or using those that are less gastrolesive.
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Paget's disease of bone is characterized by the alteration, in one or several bone locations, of the equilibrium between bone formation and bone resorption. This imbalance results in a disorganized, widened bone, in many cases with increased bone density, although more fragile. A genetic predisposition for Paget's disease of bone could explain between 5% and 40% of the cases. ⋯ However, in recent decades there has been a marked decrease in both incidence and clinical severity. These changes have led to believe that the influence of some environmental factor may have diminished or even disappeared. This decrease in incidence should not be an excuse for abandoning Paget's disease of bone research, but rather it should be the reason to remain searching to try to understand better its pathogenesis.
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Monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance is a premalignant plasma cell neoplasm with a high prevalence in the population over 50 years of age and an annual risk of progression of 1%. Multiple recent studies have led to advances in understanding both the pathogenesis of these disorders and their risk of progression to other diseases. Patients require lifelong follow-up, and a multidisciplinary and risk-adapted approach is essential. In recent years, an increasing number of entities associated with a paraprotein, known as clinically significant monoclonal gammopathies, have been recognized.