Wiener klinische Wochenschrift
-
Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Jan 2008
ReviewThe European surveillance activities EARSS and ESAC in the context of ABS International.
Development of resistance obstructs the successful use of antimicrobial drugs, since shortly after each and every introduction of a new antibiotic resistant pathogens have emerged. The hope of being able to reverse or at least slow down the occurrence of antibiotic resistance has led to a number of actions and initiatives. ⋯ The data generated by EARSS and ESAC are an essential prerequisite for targeted interventions to cope with the problem of antibiotic resistance. The project ABS International constitutes an impressive initiative to optimize the situation in hospitals in nine European member states.
-
Prolongation of the ventricular repolarisation manifests itself as a prolongation of the QT intervall on the surface ECG and represents a major risk for a special form of ventricular tachycardia called "torsades de pointes". Torsades de pointes are often self limited and are associated with palpitations, dizziness or syncope. Degeneration into ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death can occur. ⋯ Repeated ECG controls during therapy with QT prolonging drugs are mandatory, especially when drug doses are changed, additional drugs are prescribed, or in case of vomiting and diarrhea. QT prolongation in individual medical therapy is not always predictable. Therefore, updated lists of drugs with the potential of QT prolongation are available on the Internet (e.g. www.qtdrugs.org ).
-
Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Jan 2008
Abnormal pulmonary arterial pressure limits exercise capacity in patients with COPD.
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) is often only slightly elevated at rest but is increased by exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine whether abnormal pulmonary artery pressure impairs exercise capacity in patients with COPD. ⋯ In patients with COPD, abnormal pulmonary artery pressure impairs gas exchange, decreases maximum oxygen uptake during exercise and impairs exercise capacity.
-
Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Jan 2008
Editorial Biography Historical Article[The beginning -- and how it progresses: 125 years of the Clinical Institute for Neurology].