Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift
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About 0,5% of the population in Germany has a chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Untreated, chronic HBV infection can progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). ⋯ HBV/HDV co-infection leads to liver cirrhosis in approximately 50% of patients within 5-10 years. Since 2020, the cell entry inhibitor bulevirtide is available as a specific therapy for HBV/HDV co-infection.
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Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Aug 2024
[Vaccinations in pulmonary diseases - part 1: Covid and influenza].
SARS-COV-2 : During the COVID-19 pandemic, mRNA-based vaccines were approved for the first time. The mRNA encodes for the viral spike protein, leading to the development of specific antibodies and T-cells, providing effective protection against severe illness and death from COVID-19. New variants regularly emerge due to rapid viral evolution. ⋯ The WHO predicts and recommends which genetic variants should be included in the vaccine. Quadrivalent vaccines were recommended previously, but for 2024/2025, trivalent vaccines are advised as the Influenza B/Yamagata lineage has not circulated since 2020. For all people over 60 years of age, a high-dose vaccine is recommended, showing slightly improved efficacy.
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Port systems provide safe venous access for patients with poor venous status and are essential for the long-term administration of drugs such as chemotherapeutics. However, they are not without complications. Port infection is a life-threatening situation; the infection rate in current studies varies from 0.8% to 7.5% and is significantly higher in cancer patients at 16-31%. The purpose of this SOP is to provide an overview of the management of port infections.