The American journal of medicine
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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging infectious disease that first appeared in Wuhan, China, and quickly spread throughout the world. We aimed to understand the relationship between diabetes mellitus and the prognosis of COVID-19. ⋯ Diabetes is an independent risk factor for the prognosis of COVID-19. More attention should be paid to the prevention and treatment for diabetic patients, especially those who require insulin therapy.
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We aimed to investigate whether history of venous thromboembolism should be considered a prognostic factor for future thromboembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation. ⋯ Patients with atrial fibrillation and previous venous thromboembolism carried similar risk of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism compared with patients with atrial fibrillation without previous venous thromboembolism. Nonetheless, patients with previous venous thromboembolism remain a high-risk population due to an excess risk of future venous thromboembolism. Patients and physicians should keep this excess thromboembolic risk in mind when weighing the expected risks and benefits of oral anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation.
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Observational Study
Leukocytosis and Tobacco Use: An Observational Study of Asymptomatic Leukocytosis.
This study aimed to characterize the white blood cell differential of tobacco smoking-induced leukocytosis and describe the longitudinal impact of smoking cessation on this peripheral blood abnormality. ⋯ Tobacco-induced leukocytosis was characterized by a mild elevation in total white blood cell count and was most commonly associated with neutrophilia, lymphocytosis, monocytosis, and basophilia. Cessation of smoking led to improvement in leukocytosis. Tobacco history should be elicited from all patients presenting with leukocytosis to limit unnecessary diagnostic testing, and counseling regarding smoking cessation should be offered.
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There has been an increase in the use of smokeless tobacco recently. Whether smokeless tobacco use may predispose individuals to use other addictive substances is unknown. The use of multiple addictive substances may compound an individual's adverse health effects. ⋯ In a large, nationally representative sample, smokeless tobacco use was associated with the increased use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and alcohol. Simultaneous use of these substances may compound the adverse health effects of smokeless tobacco use. Public health interventions addressing this concerning trend are warranted.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Spinal manipulation for subacute and chronic lumbar radiculopathy: a randomized controlled trial.
We evaluated the efficacy of spinal manipulation for the management of nonacute lumbar radiculopathy. ⋯ Spinal manipulation improves the results of physiotherapy over a period of 3 months for patients with subacute or chronic lumbar radiculopathy.