Irish journal of medical science
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Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder in lung cancer, and it particularly occurs in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients. The prognostic significance of hyponatremia has been reported in several studies with controversial results. ⋯ Serum sodium concentration did not have an impact on survival in SCLC patients; thus, we concluded that neither the presence nor the severity of hyponatremia affected the outcome of these patients.
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Cystic fibrosis (CF)-associated liver disease commonly manifests as portal hypertension and its complications. We investigated the proposal that the pathophysiology is of non-cirrhotic rather than cirrhotic portal hypertension. This distinction may have important implications for treatment. ⋯ This study demonstrates that non-cirrhotic portal hypertension or obliterative portal venopathy is the predominant hepatic pathophysiology in adult CF patients requiring liver transplantation. It suggests that treatments directed at the hepatic portal venous system may be more effective than current treatment directed at the biliary system in cystic fibrosis.
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Investigate the survival and risk factors that affect the survival of aged patients in a palliative care center (PCC). ⋯ EN via PEG was found to be a positive factor affecting survival rates of older adult patients in palliative care, whereas malignity, high neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, high CRP and ferritin levels, and prolonged hospital stays were negative risk factors.
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Studies published from hospitals in other countries have reported rates of between 69 and 90% of cataract referrals being listed for surgery (1-3). This potentially represents unnecessary outpatient appointments, time off work and transport costs for patients and carers (2). ⋯ It is possible that an appropriately focussed referral form will aid in triaging cataract referrals and potentially reduce unnecessary appointments.
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Observational Study
Is disposable continuous positive airway pressure system effective for the management of acute hypercapnic respiratory failure?
This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of disposable continuous positive airway pressure (DCPAP) system in decreasing the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels in patients with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF). ⋯ The study demonstrated that the treatment of AHRF patients with a DCPAP provides a faster decrease in PaCO2 levels in hypercapnic patients compared to standard medical therapy alone.