Wiener klinische Wochenschrift
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Aug 2024
Addressing healthcare vulnerabilities in nursing homes : Insights from human rights monitoring in two Austrian provinces.
Current demographic changes bear challenges for national care systems due to higher life expectancy of older citizens. Largely cut off from society, nursing home residents are at risk for violence, neglect, and other potential human rights violations. This study aimed to investigate healthcare vulnerabilities in nursing homes and evaluate the Austrian National Preventive Mechanism (NPM). ⋯ Human rights monitoring reveals critical aspects in nursing home care, including insufficient accessibility, understaffing and inadequate training. Although the authorities' handling times hinder prompt responses, the NPM may foster systemic improvements and accountability within nursing homes.
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Aug 2024
Healing chronic idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonia using mepolizumab alone without corticosteroids.
While glucocorticoids remain the standard first-line treatment for chronic idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonia (CIEP), the long-term use is marred by significant side effects. This case study explores the effectiveness of mepolizumab, an anti-interleukin‑5 (IL-5) monoclonal antibody, as a novel corticosteroid-free alternative in treating CIEP. A 50-year-old woman presented with a 3-week history of progressive shortness of breath, dry cough and night sweats. ⋯ Treatment with mepolizumab was remarkable for effectively resolving symptoms and improving radiological findings without any prior or concurrent glucocorticoid therapy. Notably, the patient remained relapse-free over a 2-year follow-up, underscoring mepolizumab's efficacy as a corticosteroid-free treatment for CIEP. This case study calls for further research into anti-IL‑5 treatment of rare respiratory conditions.
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Aug 2024
Does surgeon or hospital volume influence outcome in dedicated colorectal units?-A Viennese perspective.
A clear relationship between higher surgeon volume and improved outcomes has not been convincingly established in rectal cancer surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of individual surgeon's caseload and hospital volume on perioperative outcome. ⋯ Treating center standards impacted on outcome, while individual caseload of surgeons or mode of surgery did not independently affect complication rates in this analysis. The majority of rectal cancer resections are performed by a small number of surgeons in Viennese hospitals.
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Aug 2024
A pilot study evaluating stress factors during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Viennese families who have the suspicion of child maltreatment or abuse.
The global population was affected by the unprecedented coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of the pandemic on children who suffer child maltreatment has not been explored sufficiently. Child abuse is known to increase in stressful circumstances, and therefore potentially during this pandemic. ⋯ A total of 35 carers participated, with almost equal numbers in both intervention and control groups. Results show that there was statistically significantly higher stress level perception before and during the pandemic period in the study group. Several families in this group commented on the positive effect of support received from health professionals, especially after the pandemic.