Mayo Clinic proceedings
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Mayo Clinic proceedings · Mar 2017
ReviewCardiac Rehabilitation for Women: A Systematic Review of Barriers and Solutions.
Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) services improve various clinical outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease, but such services are underutilized, particularly in women. The aim of this study was to identify evidence-based barriers and solutions for CR participation in women. A literature search was carried out using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, OVID/Medline, and CINAHL to identify studies that have assessed barriers and/or solutions to CR participation. ⋯ A small number of studies suggest that incentive-based strategies, as well as home-based programs, may contribute to improving CR attendance and completion rates. A systematic approach to CR referral, including automatic CR referral, may help overcome barriers to CR referral in women and should be implemented in clinical practice. However, more studies are needed to help identify the best methods to improve CR attendance and completion of CR rates in women.
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Mayo Clinic proceedings · Mar 2017
ReviewClinical Practice Guidelines: A Primer on Development and Dissemination.
Trustworthy clinical practice guidelines should be based on a systematic review of the literature, provide ratings of the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations, consider patient values, and be developed by a multidisciplinary panel of experts. The quality of evidence reflects our certainty that the evidence warrants a particular action. ⋯ Empirical evidence shows that adherence to guidelines improves patient outcomes; however, adherence to guidelines is variable. Therefore, guidelines require active dissemination and innovative implementation strategies.
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Guillain-Barré syndrome is an acute inflammatory immune-mediated polyradiculoneuropathy presenting typically with tingling, progressive weakness, and pain. Variants and formes frustes may complicate recognition. The best known variant is the sensory ataxic form of Miller Fisher syndrome, which also affects the oculomotor nerves and the brain stem. ⋯ Full recovery is often seen; most patients regain ambulation, even in severe cases, but disability remains in up to 10% and perhaps more. Numerous challenges remain including early identification and control of infectious triggers, improved access of modern neurointensive care worldwide, and translating our understanding of pathogenesis into meaningful preventive or assistive therapies. This review provides a historical perspective at the centenary of the first description of the syndrome, insights into its pathogenesis, triage, initial immunotherapy, and management in the intensive care unit.
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Mayo Clinic proceedings · Mar 2017
CHA2DS2-VASc Score: A Predictor of Thromboembolic Events and Mortality in Patients With an Implantable Monitoring Device Without Atrial Fibrillation.
To determine if the CHA2DS2-VASc score (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes mellitus, stroke or transient ischemic attack, vascular disease, age 65-74 years, sex category) predicts thromboembolism and death in patients without atrial fibrillation in a population with implantable cardiac monitoring devices. ⋯ The CHA2DS2-VASc tool predicts thromboembolic events and overall mortality in patients without atrial fibrillation who have implantable devices.
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Mayo Clinic proceedings · Mar 2017
Skilled Nursing Facility Use and Hospitalizations in Heart Failure: A Community Linkage Study.
To examine the effect of skilled nursing facility (SNF) use on hospitalizations in patients with heart failure (HF) and to examine predictors of hospitalization in patients with HF admitted to a SNF. ⋯ Approximately 40% of patients with HF were admitted to a SNF at some point after diagnosis. Compared with SNF nonusers, SNF users were more likely to be hospitalized. Characteristics associated with hospitalization in SNF users were mostly noncardiovascular, including reduced ability to perform activities of daily living. These findings underscore the effect of physical functioning on hospitalizations in patients with HF in SNFs and the importance of strategies to improve physical functioning.