The American journal of medicine
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Primary biliary cholangitis is an autoimmune condition characterized by destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts. It causes debilitating symptoms that dramatically affect the patient's quality of life. Pruritus affects 60% to 70% of individuals with primary biliary cholangitis and leads to sleep disturbances, fatigue, depression, and suicidal ideation. ⋯ These therapies lack long-term efficacy and have side effects. Patients who have not responded to these initial treatments can be considered for experimental therapies or clinical trials. This review outlines the current and emerging treatment modalities for patients with primary biliary cholangitis who have pruritus.
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Joint hypermobility syndrome, also known as benign hypermobility syndrome, is a connective tissue disease characterized by joint instability, chronic pain, and minor skin changes. It shares many clinical features of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Hypermobility Type; enough so that many authorities consider them as one disease process. ⋯ This leads to delayed or missed opportunities for diagnosis, and inappropriate interventions that frustrate both providers and patients. We review the literature regarding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis of joint hypermobility syndrome, and advocate for primary care physicians to consider it in the differential diagnosis of patients with chronic pain.
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In recent years, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have come under great scrutiny due to possible adverse, long-term side effects. At the same time, Barrett's esophagus, a premalignant condition in the esophagus, continues to be a disease whose course is thought to be improved by the use of PPIs. ⋯ Because the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma is on the rise, we explore other factors that may contribute to the progression of Barrett's from non-dysplastic mucosa to esophageal adenocarcinoma. By revisiting the need for adequate acid suppression in Barrett's and increasing our understanding of other possible factors that may have an effect of Barrett's progression, we hope to support our multifaceted approach to acid suppression in patients with Barrett's esophagus.
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The spleen is the most commonly injured abdominal organ in blunt trauma. Immediate treatment is aimed at assessing for bleeding and abating it when it is severe. Methods for the management of blunt splenic injury-associated bleeding include observation, splenectomy, and splenic salvage procedures through splenorrhaphy or embolization. ⋯ Patients may often present to their primary care provider with complaints related to splenic injury or long-term care of their immunocompromised state. Knowledge of the spleen's function, as well as common complications and risks, is important to physicians caring for splenic injury patients. This narrative review provides clinicians an understanding of the spleen's immune function and management strategies for patients sustaining blunt splenic injury.
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Review Meta Analysis
Cardiovascular Risks of Exogenous Testosterone Use Among Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
We sought to evaluate whether exogenous testosterone therapy is associated with increased risk of serious cardiovascular events as compared with other treatments or placebo. ⋯ We did not find any significant association between exogenous testosterone treatment and myocardial infarction, stroke, or mortality in randomized controlled trials. The very low quality of the evidence precludes definitive conclusion on the cardiovascular effects of testosterone.