Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift
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Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Mar 2020
Case Reports[STEMI equivalents on the ECG - a case-based presentation].
The 12-lead resting ECG remains an indispensable diagnostic tool in patients with acute chest pain. This is particularly important as the identification of ST-segment elevations leads to the diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and subsequent, immediate coronary reperfusion (usually via primary PCI). ⋯ Among these, hyperacute T-waves, subtle ST-segment elevations, ST-segment elevation in leads aVR/V1 with concomitant ST-segment depression in ≥ 8 other leads and high R-peak with positive T-waves combined with horizontal ST-segment depression in leads V1/V2 can be found. This article provides a case-based presentation of STEMI equivalents on the ECG in order to improve correct ECG interpretation and prognosis of such patients.
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Antibiotic stewardship (ABS) denotes structured and continuous measures to improve the quality of prescribing anti-infectives. The aim is to achieve optimal treatment results and to minimize undesirable effects, especially the emergence of antibiotic resistance. This review summarizes the most important ABS principles based on recently published studies with implications for the management of community-acquired pneumonia. ⋯ However, the implementation of ABS programs requires trained personnel and may be impeded by limited structural and time resources. Hence, electronic health records and computer-based interventions are useful support for ABS programs and offer potential to facilitate ABS in inpatient and outpatient care. PCR-based rapid diagnostic tests, PCT-guided algorithms and penicillin allergy testing are suitable procedures to supplement ABS programs.
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Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is one of the most common infectious diseases worldwide. To reduce the high morbidity and mortality of CAP, appropriate diagnosis, risk stratification and therapy are necessary. This review summarizes the current recommendations for the management of CAP in Germany. ⋯ A reevaluation in the first 48-72 hours is mandatory. A therapy duration of 5-7 days is usually sufficient. Preventive influenza and pneumococcal vaccination and nicotine withdrawal are important.
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Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Mar 2020
Case Reports[Dermatomyositis associated with rapid progression of pulmonary involvement].
In this case series we present three patients with autoimmune dermatomyositis or polymyositis with rapid-progressive interstitial pulmonary involvement. Despite intensive escalation of the immunosuppressive therapy the patients developed acute respiratory distress syndrome with lethal outcome only a few months after diagnosis. ⋯ Dermatomyositis and polymyositis are rare autoimmune diseases with variable clinical manifestations and several different antibody constellations. In particular the presence of anti-MDA5 antibodies is associated with progressive pulmonary involvement, complicated progression and poor prognosis.
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Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are rare, autoimmune mediated cholestatic liver diseases. Other auto-immune diseases are often associated with PBC and PSC, and inflammatory bowel disease is present in the majority of PSC patients. In the course of disease, chronic inflammation in the liver leads to fibrotic restructuring and ultimately cirrhosis. ⋯ For both PBC and PSC novel treatments are currently being tested in clinical trials. Disease management should address compromising symptoms like pruritus and sicca as well as complications due to maldigestion and concomitant autoimmune diseases. The only curative treatment available is liver transplantation and should be considered at a MELD score of 15.