Postgraduate medicine
-
Postgraduate medicine · May 2024
ReviewNonobstructive epicardial coronary artery disease: an evolving concept in need of diagnostic and therapeutic guidance.
For decades, we have been treating patients presenting with angina and concerning electrocardiographic changes indicative of ischemia or injury, in whom no culprit epicardial coronary stenosis was found during diagnostic coronary angiography. Unfortunately, the clinical outcomes of these patients were not better than those with recognized obstructive coronary disease. Improvements in technology have allowed us to better characterize these patients. ⋯ Despite all the progress made regarding INOCA and MINOCA, many important knowledge gaps continue to exist. For the time being, prompt identification and early diagnosis remain crucial in managing these patients. Even though we are still not clear whether intensive medical therapy alters clinical outcomes, we remain vigilant and wait for more data.
-
Postgraduate medicine · May 2024
Comparative StudyUsefulness of risk assessment tools in predicting hemodynamic outcome after balloon pulmonary angioplasty: a comparative analysis.
Several parameters of widely used risk assessment tools for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have been linked to hemodynamic outcomes of balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA). Therefore, we aimed to determine whether these risk assessment tools could be used to predict hemodynamic outcomes following BPA. ⋯ Although the risk strata distribution varied among different risk assessment tools, the proportion of patients achieving favorable hemodynamics decreased with the escalation of risk stratification in most models. The well-validated risk assessment tools for PAH could also predict hemodynamic outcomes following BPA, and the refined COMPERA 2.0 model exhibited the highest predictive ability among these. Applying risk assessment tools before BPA can facilitate early identification of patients in need of closer monitoring and more intensive interventions, contributing to a better prognosis after BPA.
-
Postgraduate medicine · May 2024
Predictive value of the HALP score for pre-eclampsia with severe features.
Predictive tests are needed to ensure the development and subsequent follow-up of pre-eclampsia, which is responsible for significant rates of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocyte, and Platelet (HALP) score for the severity of preeclampsia. ⋯ We found a significant correlation between the HALP score and preeclampsia with severe features. The HALP score may be useful in predicting the severity of preeclampsia.
-
Postgraduate medicine · May 2024
Observational Study2023 catastrophic Turkey earthquake: clinical outcomes of pediatric patients rescued under the rubble.
Children are the most vulnerable population affected by the earthquake. We aimed to examine the characteristics, morbidity, mortality, and the factors affecting these pediatric earthquake victims to guide the follow-up of pediatric patients who were rescued under the rubble in possible future disasters. ⋯ While evaluating earthquake-induced trauma, pediatric patients should be approached carefully.
-
Postgraduate medicine · May 2024
Randomized Controlled TrialDaridorexant for patients with chronic insomnia disorder: number needed to treat, number needed to harm, and likelihood to be helped or harmed.
Appraise the evidence for daridorexant 50 mg and 25 mg versus placebo when treating chronic insomnia disorder in terms of number needed to treat (NNT), number needed to harm (NNH), and likelihood to be helped or harmed (LHH). ⋯ Daridorexant 50 mg and 25 mg have a favorable benefit-risk ratio over 3 months. Daridorexant 50 mg demonstrated more robust (lower) NNT estimates versus placebo than daridorexant 25 mg.