Dtsch Arztebl Int
-
Hair loss is caused by a variety of hair growth disorders, each with its own pathogenetic mechanism. ⋯ Hair loss is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The pathogenesis of the alopecias involves a range of genetic, endocrine, immune, and inflammatory processes, each of which calls for its own form of treatment.
-
Falls and fall-related injuries are common in community-dwelling elderly people. Effective multifactorial fall prevention programs in the primary care setting may be a promising approach to reduce the incidence rate of falls. ⋯ A complex falls prevention program in a primary care setting was effective in reducing falls and fall-related injuries in community dwelling older adults at risk.
-
Review Meta Analysis
Fine Needle Aspiration in the Investigation of Thyroid Nodules.
Thyroid nodules are a common finding in Germany. Most are benign; thyroid cancer is very rare. The challenge for the physician is to diagnose malignant tumors early. Fine needle aspiration is an important tool for this purpose. ⋯ Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid gland in experienced hands is an easily performed diagnostic procedure with very little associated risk. It should be performed on ultrasonographically suspect nodules for treatment stratification and before any operation for an unclear nodular change in the thyroid gland.
-
Review Meta Analysis
The Pharmacological Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are markedly less effective against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than against asthma, and also have worse side effects. Whether ICS should be used to treat COPD is currently a matter of debate. ⋯ ICS monotherapy has no clinically useful effect on pulmonary function in COPD. The main form of drug treatment for COPD is with broncho - dilators, either alone or in combination with ICS. ICS can be given to patients with grade III or IV COPD to make exacerbations less frequent. Patients with an asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS) can benefit from ICS treatment.