The American journal of medicine
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Meta Analysis
Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Criteria Influences Diagnostic Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Criteria classifying fever of unknown origin (FUO) patients remains subject to discrepancies. A minimal standardized set of investigative tests serves as the foundation for the qualitative criteria, whereas quantitative incorporates the length of evaluation (7 or 3 days). A systematic review of studies would help physicians anticipate the frequency of illness types that could influence management. ⋯ Use of either qualitative or quantitative FUO criteria was associated with a statistically significant risk of over- or under-estimating infectious diseases and undiagnosed illnesses when using an ICD-10 adjusted FUO five-category system. Clinicians should anticipate differences depending on which criteria are used. While further research is warranted, qualitative criteria provide the best framework for study comparisons.
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Review
Inclusion of Dental Services in Medicare to Improve Oral and General Health for Older Americans.
Poor oral health negatively impacts overall health, quality of life, and well-being. Increasing evidence suggests that provision of basic dental care for elderly Americans would improve outcomes for a variety of systemic diseases and reduce the overall cost of healthcare. ⋯ This article outlines evidence, rationale, and approaches required for inclusion of dental benefits for more Americans through the Medicare program. Improving access to dental services through Medicare to help prevent and manage common chronic diseases is an important step toward integration of dental care with general healthcare to improve the overall health, quality of life, and well-being for many older Americans.