Vnitr̆ní lékar̆ství
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Vnitr̆ní lékar̆ství · Sep 2009
Review[Target values in hypertension treatment. Will they apply in older patients with hypertension, diabetics and in patients with IHD?].
The incidence of isolated systolic hypertension increases with age since 50 years. Systolic pressure appears to have higher prognostic importance than diastolic pressure in patients older than 50 years. Treatment of isolated systolic hypertension importantly decreases cerebrovascular events, coronary events as well as overall mortality. ⋯ We believe that this should apply to older patients with ischemic heart disease in particular. In summary, it is possible to conclude that hypertension treatment target blood pressure values of less than 140/90 mmHg are justified. However, target values of less than 130/80 mmHg in diabetics, in patients with a cardiovascular disease and in other patient groups (metabolic syndrome, overall cardiovascular risk of 5% or higher) are challenged by the results of a range of large studies, and verification in prospective studies is of utmost importance.
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Hyperglycaemia is a typical feature of metabolic syndrome (MeTS) and one of its independent diagnostic criteria. The term includes impaired glucose homeostasis (impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance) and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although glycaemic control has been shown to lower the risk of microvascular events, the effect of intensive glycaemic control on macrovascular outcomes is less clear. ⋯ It is possible to use a range of different combinations, metformin is administered with a glitazone (zero risk of hypoglycaemias is the advantage) with sulphonylurea derivatives (low price is the advantage) with glinides, with incretins, acarbose, antiobesity agents or insulin. The next step is a triple combination of hypoglycaemic agents with different mechanisms of action. Therapy also includes education focusing on changes to dietary and lifestyle habits, including smoking cessation, and education related to the prevention of complications, with particular regard to prevention of diabetic foot and atherosclerosis.
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Anticoagulant therapy is one of the most common forms of medical intervention. It is the mainstay of prevention and treatment of thrombotic events. Omission of adequate anticoagulant prophylaxis at least for moderate-risk and high-risk patients is a widely recognized medical error. ⋯ Whereas unfractionated heparin and warfarin, the oldest and most widely used anticoagulants, have specific antidotes for their anticoagulant effect, many of the newer agents (direct and indirect inhibitors of coagulation factors Xa and/or IIa) do not have specific antidotes to reverse their actions. The use of novel anticoagulants is further complicated by a lack of easily available laboratory tests to measure their levels and thereby optimize their benefit and safety in clinical practice. In this review, we evaluate the risk of bleeding associated with current anticoagulants, review the data available on current and experimental agents used for the reversal of anticoagulation, and provide recommendations for the management of major bleeding associated with anticoagulant therapy and for the management of asymptomatic overdosing of the anticoagulants.
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Vnitr̆ní lékar̆ství · Mar 2009
Review[Inferior vena cava filters in pulmonary embolism prevention].
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the most serious sign of venous thromboembolism and the 3rd most frequent cause of cardiovascular death. Therapy with anticoagulants represents, among other measures, the mainstay of PE treatment. However, anticoagulant therapy does not prevent recurrence of pulmonary embolism in 3-20% of patients. ⋯ This was one of the causes of relatively high incidence of complications related to the use of these filters, particularly venous thromboses, as confirmed by so far the only randomised study PREPIC. Consequently, retrievable filters that are currently preferred have been developed. The authors also provide an overview of studies in progress, describe the process of implantation and describe own patient group.
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Vnitr̆ní lékar̆ství · Mar 2009
Review[Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in orthopaedics and traumatology].
The paper formulates the following recommendations: 1. Patients with total hip or knee replacement should be prescribed higher prophylactic dose of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) or fondaparinux or rivaroxaban or dabigatran, patients with proximal femur fracture should be prescribed higher prophylactic dose of LMWH or fondaparinux. Pharmacological prophylaxis should in patients with knee replacement be administered for at least 14 days and longer in patients with increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). ⋯ Computer tomography (CT) or nuclear magnetic resonance imagining (NMRI) should be performed in patients with spinal injury with incomplete spinal lesion to exclude perispinal haematoma. Should haematoma occur, IPC should be used and CT or NMRI repeated after a few days; it is recommended to commence LMWH administration only when the haematoma had been stabilized. In case of persisting immobility, continuing LMWH or warfarin prophylaxis is recommended.