Annals of medicine
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Multiple myeloma is a malignant tumour of the blood in which abnormal proliferation of plasma cells leads to bone destruction, renal impairment, anaemia, and hypercalcaemia. Renal impairment caused by multiple myeloma is a common and serious condition; however, the prognosis of multiple myeloma at the time of diagnosis remains unclear. ⋯ The limited low-quality evidence available does not support an association between prognosis and multiple myeloma complicated by kidney injury.
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Some patients with severe asthma may benefit from treatment with biologics, but evidence has been mostly collected from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), in which patients' characteristics are different from those encountered in asthma patients in the real-world setting. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features of complete responders versus non-complete responders to long-term treatment with biologics in patients with severe asthma attended in routine daily practice. ⋯ This study shows that omalizumab, benralizumab, and mepolizumab improved the clinical outcomes of patients with severe asthma in a clinic environment with similar effect sizes to RCTs in the long term follow-up. Airflow obstruction, however, was a predictor of a non-complete response to biologics.
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Haemodialysis (HD) patients are predisposed to physical ailments, and their occurrence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) could potentially lead to a more unfavourable prognosis. However, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 (Omicron variant) infection on the prognosis of HD patients remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the impact of Omicron variant infection on the prognosis of HD patients. ⋯ Omicron variant infection was associated with increased mortality risk in HD patients, and Omicron infection worsen the prognosis of HD patients. Enhancing immune protection against SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for HD patients during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
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Previous research has raised concerns about high prevalence of drug-related problems, polypharmacy and inappropriate benzodiazepine prescribing in nursing homes (NHs) and confirmed lack of studies from Central and South-Eastern Europe. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of polypharmacy, hyperpolypharmacy and inappropriate benzodiazepine prescribing in NH residents in Croatia. ⋯ Our research underscores the persistent challenge of inappropriate medication use and drug-related harms among older NH residents, despite existing evidence and professional campaigns. Effective regulatory and policy interventions, including the implementation of geriatrician and clinical pharmacy services, are essential to address this critical issue and ensure optimal medication management for vulnerable NH populations.
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can precipitate a deterioration of an individual's physical performance and overall health. Evidence suggests that, along with pulmonary functions, several other factors are related to the significant impairment of walking performance in individuals with COPD. This study compared the depressive symptoms, health status, upper and lower extremity functions, and peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in a group of individuals with COPD based on walking performance using a cutoff distance of 350 m in the six-minute walking test (6MWT). The study also investigated the associations between these factors and walking performance. ⋯ This study shed light on the association of depressive symptoms, health status, extremity function, and VO2peak with walking performance, providing valuable insights that may impact the management and care of individuals with COPD.