Postgraduate medicine
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Postgraduate medicine · Mar 2021
Physicians' knowledge of potential covid-19 drug-drug interactions: An online survey in turkey.
Given the many medications used to treat novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and its comorbidities and complications, the risk of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) and resulting patient harm is concerning. This study aimed to shed light on physicians' knowledge of potential DDIs related to COVID-19 treatment, to determine the effect of an information brief about these DDIs on their correct response rates, and to identify factors associated with higher levels of knowledge about these DDIs. ⋯ Physicians involved in the treatment of COVID-19 patients had more knowledge regarding clinical significance and appropriate management of potential DDIs than those not involved. Therefore, it may be beneficial to organize trainings and issue guidelines about potential DDIs for physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Postgraduate medicine · Mar 2021
ReviewHeart failure with preserved ejection fraction: Disease burden for patients, caregivers, and the healthcare system.
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) will soon become the most prevalent form of HF because of an aging population and an accompanying increase in the number of risk factors for this disease. The high frequency of comorbidities typical of this population contributes to an increased risk for hospitalization and death. ⋯ Financial burden is associated with HFpEF, stemming from hospitalization and long-term care costs, as well as absenteeism from work in the case of caregivers. Early identification of patients at risk and aggressive management are key to preventing this disease and its progression.
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Postgraduate medicine · Mar 2021
Review Case ReportsExercise parameters for the chronic type B aortic dissection patient: a literature review and case report.
The conservative management of a Stanford type B aortic dissection (TBD) is optimal blood pressure management, cardiac rehabilitation, and progressive return to activities of daily living (ADL) while preventing advancing dissection and aortic dilation. Recent case reports indicate higher levels of activity may be safe; however, the exercise parameters for chronic TBD conditions span a broad range and the research is limited. ⋯ In conjunction with the appropriate anti-hypertensive medication treatment, understanding the concepts of aortic hemodynamics as they relate to exercise can serve as a guideline for clinicians in developing an individualized exercise program for their TBD patients. Moreover, these physical training programs may include particular exercise guidelines beyond general recommendations of light to moderate cardiovascular activities.
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Postgraduate medicine · Mar 2021
ReviewHeart failure with preserved ejection fraction: strategies for disease management and emerging therapeutic approaches.
Approximately 50% of patients with heart failure (HF) have a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and the incidence of HFpEF is increasing relative to HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Both types of HF are associated with reduced survival and increased risk for hospitalization. However, in contrast to HFrEF, there are no approved treatments specifically indicated for HFpEF, and current therapy is largely focused on management of symptoms and comorbidities. ⋯ Primary care providers (PCPs) play a pivotal role in the delivery of holistic, patient-centric care from diagnosis to management and palliative care. As the prevalence of HF continues to rise in an aging population, PCPs will need to play a greater role in HFpEF care. This article will review HFpEF etiology and pathophysiology, diagnostic workup, and management of symptoms and comorbidities, with a focus on the critical role of PCPs throughout the clinical course of HFpEF.
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Postgraduate medicine · Mar 2021
Sex-specific cardiac and vascular responses to hypertension in Chinese populations without overt cardiovascular diseases.
The aim of current study was to evaluate sex-specific cardiac and vascular responses to hypertension in Chinese populations without overt cardiovascular disease. ⋯ In conclusion, the current study indicates cardiac and vascular responses to hypertension are greater in women than in men, manifesting as an increased estimated LV filling pressure and arterial elastance in women.