The American journal of medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Systemic Inflammation, Vascular Function and Endothelial Progenitor Cells after an Exercise Training Intervention in COPD.
Exercise training is a cornerstone of the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in all disease stages. Data about the training effects with supplemental oxygen in nonhypoxemic patients remains inconclusive. In this study we set out to investigate the training and oxygen effects on inflammatory markers, vascular function, and endothelial progenitor cells in this population of increased cardiovascular risk. ⋯ This is the first randomized controlled trial in patients with COPD to show beneficial effects of exercise training not only on exercise capacity, but also on systemic/eosinophilic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Randomized Comparison of Exercise Intervention Versus Usual Care in Older Adult Patients with Frailty After Acute Myocardial Infarction.
Older adult patients with frailty are rarely involved in rehabilitation programs after myocardial infarction. Our aim was to investigate the benefits of exercise intervention in these patients. ⋯ Mean age was 80 years (range = 70-96). In the intervention group, 44 (60%) out of 73 patients participated in the program and 23 (32%) completed it. Overall, there was a decrease in the Fried score in the intervention group at 3 months, with no effect at 1 year. However, in the intention-to-treat analysis, such change did not achieve statistical significance (P = 0.110). Only treatment comparisons made among the subgroups that participated in (P = 0.033) and completed (P = 0.018) the program achieved statistical significance. There were no differences in clinical events. Worse Fried score trajectory along follow-up increased mortality risk (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24-4.55, P = 0.009) CONCLUSIONS: Recruitment and retention for a physical program in older adult patients with frailty after myocardial infarction was challenging. Frailty status improved in the subgroup that participated in the program, although this benefit was attenuated after shifting to a home-based program. A better frailty trajectory might influence midterm prognosis. (ClinicalTrials.govNCT02715453).
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Vasculogenic erectile dysfunction has been aptly called the "canary in the coal mine" for cardiovascular disease because it almost always precedes other manifestations of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction and stroke. It is common, associated with the presence of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, and impacted by diet and lifestyle choices. This concise review provides an update on the use of dietary and other lifestyle interventions to improve vasculogenic erectile dysfunction and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
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Intimate partner violence and elder abuse are common in the United States but often remain undetected. The incidence of these forms of abuse is difficult to quantify, but those with a history of abuse are at risk of chronic health conditions. ⋯ By increasing awareness, through physician education and increased screening, earlier detection of abuse may prevent more serious injuries and consequences. Therefore, this review evaluates current literature regarding the orthopedic manifestations of abuse in hopes of increasing physician awareness.
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Review Case Reports
Decision-Making in the Management of Venous Thromboembolism.
Venous thromboembolism comprising deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus is common. Patients with venous thromboembolism may present to a variety of health care providers, and while a significant proportion of patients begin treatment in the hospital, ambulatory management of both deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus is feasible and becoming more common. ⋯ Comprehensive management of venous thromboembolism requires coordinated care from the time of presentation in order to expedite diagnosis, initiate timely anticoagulant treatment, determine the need for extended anticoagulation based on risk of bleeding and recurrent thrombosis, and advise on thromboprophylaxis during future high-risk periods for venous thromboembolism. In this review we use case scenarios to provide an operational framework, based on current evidence-based recommendations, for informed decision-making about a number of clinical practice issues that are frequently encountered in the management of venous thromboembolism patients.