Medicina
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Landiolol, an ultra-short-acting β1-selective blocker, is more effective in controlling heart rate compared with digoxin in patients with atrial tachyarrhythmias and left ventricular dysfunction. However, the effect of atrial tachyarrhythmia type on the effectiveness of landiolol remains unknown. ⋯ To this end, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of landiolol in managing tachycardiac AF and tachycardiac atrial flutter/AT in 44 patients with reduced left ventricular function. We found that while landiolol was effective in managing patients with AF and heart failure with a preserved or mid-range ejection fraction, however, it might be more challenging to control heart rate in patients with AT using a similar dosage of landiolol.
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Background and Objectives: Asthma is associated with several comorbidities, one of which is obesity. The worldwide increase in obesity has been accompanied by a parallel rise in asthma prevalence, with obesity recognized as a significant risk factor for both the development and severity of asthma. Obesity is often linked to various comorbidities, which can complicate asthma management and lead to poorer clinical outcomes. ⋯ Conclusions: This study investigates obesity prevalence and associated comorbidities in adult asthmatics in a single center in Saudi Arabia. The findings reveal a 72.1% rate of obesity and overweight among asthmatic patients, with higher BMI and comorbidity prevalence in females. These results underscore the need for targeted interventions addressing obesity and comorbidities, especially in female asthmatics.
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Background and Objectives: To evaluate the value of the postvascular phase of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in differentiating between benign and metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) in patients with breast cancer (BC). Materials and Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 96 suspicious LNs in the lymphatic drainage area of the breast from 90 patients with BC. All LNs were assessed by conventional ultrasound (US) and CEUS following intravenous Sonazoid injection. ⋯ The mean postvascular phase intensity (MPI) was significantly lower for malignant (median MPI, 12 dB) than for benign (median MPI, 75 dB) LNs. The postvascular phase was more sensitive, specific, and accurate than conventional US or the vascular phase of CEUS for the diagnosis of LNM, with an area under the curve of 0.95 (95% confidence interval: 0.89-0.99). Conclusions: Qualitative and quantitative indicators of the postvascular phase of CEUS provide a reliable diagnostic approach to differentiate benign and metastatic LNs in patients with BC.
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Background and Objectives: Respiratory and periodontal diseases are among the most common diseases affecting humans worldwide. Periodontal disease is a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia and other respiratory diseases. However, the evidence supporting the link between respiratory and periodontal disease is inconclusive and insufficient. ⋯ Conclusions: Chewing discomfort is a major periodontal health-related factor associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although the exact mechanism underlying the relationship between masticatory discomfort and COPD remains unclear, masticatory discomfort is an early symptom of oral diseases. The findings from this study provide additional basic data for the prevention of oral diseases and COPD in Korea.
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Background: This case report describes the clinical management of a traumatic palatal ulcer, a complication associated with mini-implant-assisted rapid maxillary expansion (MARPE). Case Report: A 13-year-old female patient with maxillary constriction underwent MARPE treatment using a custom acrylic expander anchored by four mini-implants. Despite proper planning and device design, the patient missed her first follow-up appointment and continued activations, resulting in tissue inflammation and embedding of the device. ⋯ This case highlights the importance of precise treatment planning, proper mini-implant selection, and regular follow-ups in MARPE therapy. It also emphasizes the need for patient compliance and effective hygiene measures to prevent complications. Conclusions: The successful management of the traumatic ulcer demonstrates that prompt action and consideration of cost-effective treatment options can lead to positive outcomes in addressing MARPE-related complications.