Clin Med
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Comparative Study
Low vitamin D levels are associated with increased risk for fatty liver disease among non-obese adults.
Recent data have revealed an inverse relationship between insulin resistance, which is associated with fatty liver disease, and blood 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels. The aim of the present study was to determine the association of vitamin D levels with the presence and stage of fatty liver disease among non-obese subjects and to determine the effect of vitamin D status on fatty liver disease development. A total of 613 non-obese (body mass index <30 kg/m(2)) gastroenterology and internal medicine outpatients (472 women and 141 men) were enrolled in the study. ⋯ When the patients were evaluated as low or normal vitamin D groups, low vitamin D levels was determined to be a risk factor for fatty liver disease, with an odds ratio of -1.59 (confidence interval -1.22 to -1.97). The increased risk for fatty liver disease among patients with low vitamin D status may be suggestive of mechanisms promoting fat flow and accumulation in the liver. Molecular studies are warranted to elucidate the action of vitamin D on the liver with respect to fat metabolism.
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Models suggested for managing acute, non-elective, medical admissions include expanding geriatric services, extending the role of the acute physician and rejuvenating the role of the general physician. We investigated improving inpatient care by changing consultants' work patterns and placing a higher priority on the ward rounds. A focus group and a questionnaire were used to study the impact on several ward round parameters. ⋯ Length of stay reduced to 4 days from 5.3 days without an increase in readmission. The main themes showed improved quality of care, better assured patients and relatives, and better consultant job satisfaction, but also showed reduced junior doctors' independent decision-making and a slight reduction in specialty-related activity. The study concluded that placing a higher priority on ward rounds by altering consultants' work patterns has a positive impact on inpatient care.