European journal of internal medicine
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Eur. J. Intern. Med. · May 2016
ReviewCardiorenal syndrome type 4: From chronic kidney disease to cardiovascular impairment.
Cardiorenal syndrome type 4 (CRS type 4), or chronic renocardiac syndrome, has been defined as "chronic abnormalities in renal function leading to cardiac disease" and recognizes the extreme burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD is common and increasingly recognized as a risk factor for CVD. ⋯ For this reason, patients with CKD should be thoroughly evaluated for cardiovascular risk factors that require careful management, given the significant burden of CRS type 4 on the healthcare system. This review focuses on the most significant conventional and non-conventional CVD risk factors related to CKD.
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Eur. J. Intern. Med. · May 2016
Comparative StudyCost-minimization analysis favors outpatient quick diagnosis unit over hospitalization for the diagnosis of potentially serious diseases.
Quick diagnosis units (QDUs) are a promising alternative to conventional hospitalization for the diagnosis of suspected serious diseases, most commonly cancer and severe anemia. Although QDUs are as effective as hospitalization in reaching a timely diagnosis, a full economic evaluation comparing both approaches has not been reported. ⋯ QDUs appear to be a cost-effective resource for avoiding unnecessary hospitalization in patients with anemia and cancer. Internists, hospital executives, and healthcare authorities should consider establishing this model elsewhere.
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Eur. J. Intern. Med. · May 2016
The association between mean platelet volume and cardiovascular risk factors.
Mean platelet volume (MPV) correlates with platelet activation and has recently emerged as a potential marker of cardiovascular diseases. Previous publications also suggest possible association between MPV and some cardiovascular risk factors but the evidences are still conflicting and inconclusive. ⋯ After adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors, the independent factors remain associated with MPV included female gender, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, serum triglyceride, hypertension and prehypertension. MPV has significant, but inverse association with platelet count and hematocrit.
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Eur. J. Intern. Med. · May 2016
Comparative StudyAcute pancreatitis in elderly patients: A retrospective evaluation at hospital admission.
Acute pancreatitis (AP) in elderly may have an aggressive course due to co-morbidity high rate and severe presentation. We retrospectively evaluated AP severity and its underlying factors in a group of elderly patients compared with an adult population sample. ⋯ Elderly patients usually undergo a severe AP course, but without increase of mortality. High WBC, LDH, AST and Ransom score at the onset may predict AP severity.