Dtsch Arztebl Int
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Lipedema is often unrecognized or misdiagnosed; despite an estimated prevalence of 10% in the overall female population, its cause is still unknown. There is increasing awareness of this condition, but its differential diagnosis can still be challenging. In this article, we summarize current hypotheses on its pathogenesis and the recommendations of current guidelines for its diagnosis and treatment. ⋯ The diagnosis of lipedema remains a challenge because of the hetero - geneous presentation of the condition and the current lack of objective measuring instruments to characterize it. This review provides a guide to its diagnosis and treatment in an interdisciplinary setting. Research in this area should focus on the elucidation of the pathophysiology of lipedema and the development of a specific biomarker for it.
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Chronic congestive heart failure is a common condition that, if untreated, markedly impairs the quality of life and is associated with a high risk of recurrent hospitalization and death. ⋯ The treatment of chronic systolic heart failure as recommended in the relevant guidelines, with drugs and implanted devices if indicated, can significantly improve the clinical outcome.
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Adequate immunity to so-called childhood diseases can lower the occupational risk of vaccine-preventable infectious diseases in persons who work in day-care centers for children. ⋯ Childcare workers have a higher occupational risk of infection but do not always receive the appropriate vaccinations. In particular, women of child-bearing age working in day-care centers should be made more aware of the need for vaccination.
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Neurofibromatosis of types 1 and 2 (NF1, NF2) and schwannomatosis are the diseases that make up the neurofibromatosis spectrum. With respective incidences of 1 in 3000, 1 in 33 000, and 1 in 60 000 births, they form part of the group of rare tumor-suppressor syndromes. They give rise to a greater tumor burden for the nervous system than any other type of neoplastic disease. New approaches to symptomatic treatment are emerging. ⋯ Patients with neurofibromatoses need individualized care. They should be treated in centers of expertise where interdisciplinary consultation is available and new types of pharmacotherapy can be provided.
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The various epidemiological indicators used to communicate the impact of COVID-19 have different strengths and limitations. ⋯ Various indicators of the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic at population level are used in daily communication. Considering the relevance of the pandemic and the importance of relevant communications, however, the strengths and the limitations of each parameter must be considered carefully.