Articles: function.
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It is well recognized that amyloid protein can infiltrate many regions of the body. This can include the peripheral nerves, the liver, kidney, spleen, the gastrointestinal tract, and most importantly the myocardium. The amyloid proteins that cause cardiomyopathy may come from genetically altered liver genes (transthyretin amyloid, ATTR) or from the bone marrow with malignant plasma cells (light chain amyloid, AL) generating the aberrant protein. ⋯ In the operating room patients are exposed to dramatic hemodynamic changes and may have difficult airways, autonomic dysfunction, and conduction abnormalities. Although the topic of amyloidosis is well described in cardiology literature, it is underdiagnosed. The purpose of this review is to describe some of the pathophysiology behind the principle proteins that cause cardiac amyloidosis and to comprehensively describe perioperative considerations for anesthesia providers.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effectiveness of a new "focused pulse" high-frequency chest wall oscillation in patients with moderate to severe COPD.
Chest physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of COPD, although the optimal techniques for airway clearance have not been definitively established. Among the different techniques, high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) has gained attention for its potential to create a widespread lung percussion, facilitating the removal of secretions and potentially clearing the peripheral bronchial tree. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a novel "focused pulse" HFCWO in patients with moderate to severe COPD. ⋯ The focused pulse HFCWO technique improves daily life activities and lung function in patients with stable COPD. The device demonstrated significantly greater effectiveness in lowering COPD exacerbations as well as visits to ED or practitioner.
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Comparative Study
Comparison among populations with severe and intermediate alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Severe alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency (AATD) is associated with a high risk of airflow obstruction and emphysema. The risk of lung disease in those with intermediate AAT deficiency is unclear. Our aims were to compare pulmonary function, time of onset of symptoms, and indicators of quality of life among patients with severe AATD (PI*ZZ), patients with intermediate AATD (PI*MZ) from the Italian Registry of AATD with a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cohort of patients without AATD (PI*MM). ⋯ The comparison of populations with PI*ZZ, MZ and MM genotypes allows to delineate the role of alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency on respiratory function and on the impact on quality of life, in relation to other risk factors. These results highlight the crucial role of primary and secondary prevention on smoking habits in PI*MZ subjects and the importance of an early diagnosis.
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Performance status (PS) is associated with the severity of liver cirrhosis and is also an important survival determinant in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade and easy (EZ)-ALBI grade have been proposed to evaluate liver dysfunction in HCC, but their role in patients with different PS is unclear. We aimed to investigate the prognostic role of ALBI and EZ-ALBI grade in a large HCC cohort with variable PS. ⋯ Patients with good PS have better long-term survival compared with those with poor PS. ALBI and EZ-ALBI grade can discriminate long-term outcome in the entire cohort as well as in patients with different PS. ALBI and EZ-ALBI are objective and feasible prognostic models to evaluate liver dysfunction in HCC patients independent of PS.
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J Coll Physicians Surg Pak · Feb 2024
Spectrum of Liver Injury in Dengue Fever: Cause or Effect of Severe Dengue?
The study aimed to determine if deranged liver function tests (LFTs) can predict severe dengue or mortality. It included 135 dengue patients, with a mean age of 30.9 ± 12.09 years. Among the patients, 82 (60.7%) were under 30 years of age. ⋯ The study findings suggested that hepatic derangement is a common occurrence in dengue patients, and increased ALP levels could be an indicator of a higher risk of mortality. These findings can help improve patient care by identifying the potential risk factors for mortality. Key Words: Dengue, Liver function tests, Alanine transaminase, Alkaline phosphatase.