Mayo Clinic proceedings
-
Mayo Clinic proceedings · Aug 2003
ReviewEfficacy and safety of plant stanols and sterols in the management of blood cholesterol levels.
Foods with plant stanol or sterol esters lower serum cholesterol levels. We summarize the deliberations of 32 experts on the efficacy and safety of sterols and stanols. A meta-analysis of 41 trials showed that intake of 2 g/d of stanols or sterols reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by 10%; higher intakes added little. ⋯ A trial with clinical outcomes probably would not answer remaining questions about infrequent adverse effects. Trials with surrogate end points such as intima-media thickness might corroborate the expected efficacy in reducing atherosclerosis. However, present evidence is sufficient to promote use of sterols and stanols for lowering LDL cholesterol levels in persons at increased risk for coronary heart disease.
-
To identify the frequency and spectrum of clinically relevant diagnoses found at autopsy but not determined before death in adult patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). ⋯ Diagnoses with impact on therapy and outcome are missed in approximately 4% of deaths of adult patients admitted to the ICU. Transplant recipients are especially likely to have occult conditions for which additional therapy might be indicated.
-
Mayo Clinic proceedings · Jul 2003
ReviewSARS: epidemiology, clinical presentation, management, and infection control measures.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a recently recognized febrile respiratory illness that first appeared in southern China in November 2002, has since spread to several countries, and has resulted in more than 8000 cases and more than 750 deaths. The disease has been etiologically linked to a novel coronavirus that has been named the SARS-associated coronavirus. ⋯ There is no specific therapy, and management consists of supportive care. This article summarizes currently available information regarding the epidemiology, clinical features, etiologic agent, and modes of transmission of the disease, as well as infection control measures appropriate to contain SARS.