Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift
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Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Apr 2008
Review[The effects of air pollution and climate change on pulmonary diseases].
From as early as 1930 there has been evidence for effects on health of air pollution. Ozone, particulates and nitrogen dioxide are the most important pollutants today. The acute increase in air pollution leads to a significant raise in morbidity and mortality. ⋯ Chronic exposure to pollution causes bronchitis, accelerated decline of lung function and impaired maturing of the lungs. Ozone and a residence in proximity to major roads seem to play a role in the development of asthma. A further important environmental factor is climate change, which has an impact on air pollution but also on distribution and quality of aero-allergens and the dissemination and transmission of respiratory pathogens.
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Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Apr 2008
Case Reports[Bilateral fractures of the humerus after hypoglycemic seizure].
An 87 year-old woman with insulin dependent diabetes was referred to our hospital because she had sustained a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Initial blood sugar concentration before hospital admission was 1.1 mmol/l. ⋯ The presentation of simultaneous bilateral fractures of the humerus is a rare but severe and almost pathognomonic complications of generalized tonic-clonic seizures, for example in the context of marked hypoglycemia. Appropriate monitoring and treatment of blood sugar levels in diabetics must be emphasized.
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Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Apr 2008
Review[Complications after lung transplantation. Part 1: Intensive medical and pneumologic complications].
Primary graft dysfunction and/or phrenic nerve lesion are common complications in the early phase after lung transplantation. Respiratory insufficiency is the most common reason for admission to the intensive care unit for patients after lung transplantation. Pulmonary complications in the post transplant management are acute allograft rejection (50% in the first year), infections, endobronchial bleeding, necrosis and fibrinous bronchitis. Chronic graft dysfunction (bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome) and infections are major obstacles to long-term survival.