Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift
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Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Jun 2021
[Update on treatment resistant hypertension and secondary hypertension].
Resistant hypertension (RH) is defined in patients who do not meet their blood pressure targets despite the daily intake of three antihypertensive drugs in maximally tolerated dosages. This triple treatment should comprise (1) an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-I) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), (2) a calcium channel blocker and (3) a diuretic. RH should also be diagnosed in patients on four or more antihypertensive drug classes. ⋯ In most patients on triple treatment (ACE-I or ARB plus calcium channel blocker plus diuretic), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) should be the next treatment choice. As MRA may be associated with hyperkalemia (particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease), the concurrent use of potassium-lowering agents such as patiromer may allow a safe long-term treatment. In contrast, novel interventional treatment options in RH such as renal denervation are still controversially discussed.
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With the increasing prevalence of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, time in range (TIR) is gaining importance as a parameter for optimization of glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Recent studies showed improved prevention of cardiovascular events and pregnancy complications in patients with optimized TIR. In addition to TIR, it is recommended to consider Time below Range (TBR) as well to include an assessment of hypoglycemia. ⋯ Since 2019, the SGLT-2 inhibitor dapagliflozin and the combined SGLT-1/2 inhibitor sotagliflozin have been approved for the therapy of inadequately controlled type 1 diabetics with a BMI above 27 kg/m² and no elevated risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. The most relevant side effect is atypical normoglycemic ketoacidosis, which is why initial risk assessment and adequate training of the patient to perform and interpret ketone body and pH measurements during therapy are of central importance.
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Lyme borreliosis is a tick-borne infectious disease caused by the spirochete bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. Lyme borreliosis is the most frequent zoonosis in Germany. Most cases show dermatological manifestations, like erythema migrans, followed by infections of the nervous system. ⋯ This corroborates current German guideline recommendations. The prognosis of Lyme disease after antibiotic treatment is usually favorable. Frequency of fatigue, depression, impairments in quality of life and cognitive impairment are similar in patients after treatment of Lyme neuroborreliosis when compared to the general population.
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Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Jun 2021
[Asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis - treatment recommendations].
For the asymptomatic carotid stenosis, defined as an atherosclerotic carotid stenosis without neurological symptoms for more than 6 months, there are in contrast to a symptomatic carotid stenosis still no reliable treatment recommendations. Possible therapy recommendations based on current data are presented below.
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The use of combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) is a well-established risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). The VTE risk depends on the specific combination of oestrogen and gestagen components. Progestin-only contraceptives with the exception of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate are not associated with a significant VTE risk and can therefore be offered to women with known thrombophilia or a prior VTE. ⋯ The risk of recurrence is low in women with hormone-associated VTE. Anticoagulation is therefore in general discontinued after 3-6 months. Thromboprophylaxis with low molecular heparin is recommended for women with prior hormone-associated VTE during pregnancy and the postpartum period.