Postgraduate medicine
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Postgraduate medicine · Jun 2024
Meta AnalysisMeta-analysis of the association between sex hormones and pulmonary fibrosis.
This study aimed to investigate the association between sex hormones and the risk of pulmonary fibrosis by conducting a meta-analysis of previously published studies. ⋯ This meta-analysis indicates that reduced levels of DHEA-S, testosterone, estrogen may serve as potential risk factors for pulmonary fibrosis. There is a pressing need for additional studies to confirm this association and explore the underlying biological mechanisms. Clinicians should recognize the potential influence of sex hormones in the etiology of pulmonary fibrosis and consider this aspect during the patient management process.
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Postgraduate medicine · Jun 2024
ReviewAre all ADHD medications created equal? Exploring the differences that enable evening dosing.
With more than 30 available stimulant medications, choosing among therapeutic options for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has become increasingly complex and patient specific. All ADHD stimulants owe their action to variants of either amphetamine or methylphenidate, yet formulation and delivery system differences create unique pharmacokinetic and clinical profiles for each medication. A benefit of the diversity within ADHD pharmacotherapy is that it facilitates tailoring treatment to meet patient needs. ⋯ The introduction of delayed-release and extended-release methylphenidate (DR/ER-MPH) is the first long-acting stimulant that patients take in the evening, with the clinical effect delayed until awakening in the morning. This paradigm shift has generated questions among clinicians and continued interest in real-world experience and data. This review used available clinical data, real-world evidence, emerging analyses, and clinical experience to evaluate the characteristics of DR/ER-MPH and its clinical utility within the greater context of ADHD medications and to provide clinicians with practical guidance on the use of DR/ER-MPH in children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD.
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Postgraduate medicine · Jun 2024
Identifying malnutrition risk in hospitalized patients: an analysis of five tools in the light of GLIM criteria.
The prompt identification of malnutrition among hospitalized patients using the appropriate screening tool is paramount. The objective of our study is to compare the most recommended screening tools concerning the new GLIM criteria for malnutrition in hospitalized patients. ⋯ We emphasized MST's alignment with GLIM criteria, underscoring the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for early malnutrition diagnosis. Patients at risk of malnutrition can be diagnosed more quickly and accurately with appropriate screening tools and the effectiveness of treatments can be increased.
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Postgraduate medicine · Jun 2024
Comparative StudyComparison of two ablation procedures combined with high ligation and foam sclerotherapy and compression therapy for patients with venous leg ulcers.
To compare the ablation techniques' efficacy of endovenous microwave ablation (EMA) combined with high ligation (HL), foam sclerotherapy (FS) and compression therapy (CT) and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) combined with HL-FS-CT in the treatment of VLUs. ⋯ EMA+HL-FS-CT and EVLA+HL-FS-CT are both effective at treating VLUs. Both of the two comprehensive treatments were beneficial to the healing of ulcers, but no evidence showed which one was superior in the ulcer healing time.
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Postgraduate medicine · Jun 2024
Exploring the interplay of atopic dermatitis severity with sleep and mental health: a case-control study in adult patients.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease often associated with non-atopic comorbidities. Recently, a severity-dependent relationship between AD and sleep/mental health diseases has been proposed. However, few studies investigated these comorbidities and their association with AD severity through validated questionnaires. This study aimed to use a set of validated instruments to assess the impact of AD on sleep and psychological disorders and estimate the association of itch and AD severity with sleep disorders and psychological symptoms, distinguishing between clinical-oriented and patient-oriented measures. ⋯ The study demonstrated poor sleep quality and high levels of insomnia, depression, and stress in AD patients, with an aggravated psychological status for adults with more severe skin disease. We suggest implementing a multidisciplinary approach to AD management/treatment that considers objective and subjective measures of disease severity.