International journal of clinical practice
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Nov 2020
ReviewReview on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic: its outbreak and current status.
In late December 2019 and on 1st January 2020, the coronavirus (COVID-19) infecting humans was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Later cases have also been confirmed worldwide. Coronaviruses are RNA viruses that are phenotypically and genotypically diverse. Globally, as of 6th April 2020, laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) amounted to 1 211 214, including 67 666 deaths. ⋯ The corona virus transmits quicker than its two predecessors the MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, but has reduced casualty. The global effects of this latest pandemic are still unclear. Nevertheless, considering that so far no vaccine has been available; preventive approaches are the best way to fight against the virus.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Nov 2020
Decreased left atrial appendage emptying velocity as a link between atrial fibrillation type, heart failure and older age and the risk of left atrial thrombus in atrial fibrillation.
Decreased left atrial appendage emptying velocity (LAAV) is a known predictor of LAA thrombus in atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of our study was to identify which of the clinical risk factors for LAA thrombus are associated with decreased LAAV. ⋯ One in five AF patients with decreased LAAV had LAA thrombus, regardless of the type of OAC. Non-paroxysmal AF, HF and age ≥ 65 years might increase LAA thrombus risk via reduced LAAV.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Nov 2020
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyFebuxostat therapy in outpatients with suspected COVID-19: A clinical trial.
The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of febuxostat (FBX) in comparison with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) on clinical symptoms, laboratory tests and chest CT findings in outpatients with moderate symptoms of COVID-19 infection. ⋯ This trial suggests that FBX is as an alternative treatment to HCQ for COVID-19 infection and may be considered in patients with a contraindication or precaution to HCQ.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Nov 2020
A Retrospective Analysis Comparing Persistence and Adherence to Treatment With Free- Versus Fixed-Dose Combination of an Alpha-Blocker and an Antimuscarinic Agent in Men With LUTS in Spain.
Combination therapy with an alpha blocker (AB) plus an antimuscarinic (AM) is recommended for men with moderate-to-severe mixed lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) when monotherapy is not effective in relieving storage symptoms. This study compared treatment persistence and adherence with an AB plus AM fixed-dose combination (FDC) vs an AB plus AM free-dose combination in men with LUTS in Spain. ⋯ Treatment with an AB/AM FDC is associated with better persistence and adherence vs a free-dose combination in men with LUTS in Spain.