Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift
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Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Mar 2023
[Management of prolactinoma prior to, during, and after pregnancy].
Hyperprolactinemia should actively be investigated as a potential reason of infertility. Underlying prolactinomas may successfully be treated with dopamine agonists. However, patients with micro- or well-circumscribed macroprolactinomas (Knosp 0 or 1) should also be informed about transsphenoidal surgery offering cure in contrast to long-lasting medical therapy. Management prior to and during pregnancy is usually unremarkable but may pose some specific challenges.
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Autoimmune diseases may affect all parts of the gastrointestinal system and the liver. Autoantibodies can be very helpful in the diagnosis of these diseases. For detection, two main diagnostic techniques are available: indirect immunofluorescence technique (IFT) as well as solid phase assays as e. g. ⋯ Antibody diagnosis for celiac disease has been implemented in all common guidelines. For liver and pancreatic autoimmune diseases, there is a solid history for the significance of the detection of circulating autoantibodies. Knowledge of available tests and accurate implementation accelerates correct diagnosis in many cases.
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Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Mar 2023
[ESC guideline 2022: management of ventricular arrhythmias in clinical practice].
The recently published guideline of the European Society of Cardiology for the management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden cardiac death updates the guideline from 2015. Overall, the current guideline is characterised by a great practical relevance: Illustrative algorithms, e.g., for diagnostic evaluation, and tables make the guideline a user-friendly reference book. In the diagnostic evaluation and risk stratification of sudden cardiac death, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and genetic testing are significantly upgraded. ⋯ Criteria for primary prophylactic defibrillator therapy remain controversial. In the context of dilated cardiomyopathy, imaging, genetic testing, and clinical factors are given special weight in addition to left ventricular function. Additionally, revised diagnostic criteria for a large number of primary electrical diseases are provided.
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Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Mar 2023
[Immunotherapy in Hepatogastroenterology - update 2022: efficacy and immune-related adverse events].
Immune-checkpoint-inhibitors (ICI) are used for adjuvant therapy of squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction after prior radiotherapy. The combination of ICI with chemotherapy (CTx) is approved for first-line therapy in a palliative setting (Nivolumab and Ipilimumab) and as second-line option (Nivolumab). Squamous cell carcinoma probably has a higher response rate to ICI and Nivolumab and Ipilimumab are approved as a single therapy for this entity. ⋯ The disinhibition of the immune response by ICI can cause irAE. IrAE most frequently affect the skin, gastrointestinal tract, liver, and endocrine organs. Starting with grade 2 irAE, ICI should be paused, differential diagnosis excluded and if necessary steroid therapy has to be started. Early high-dose use of steroids negatively affects patient outcome. New therapy strategies for irAE are currently tested, such as extracorporeal photopheresis, but larger prospective trials are lacking.