左西孟旦对慢性心力衰竭患者心功能和心肌损伤的影响

目的探究左西孟旦对慢性心力衰竭(心衰)患者心肌损伤和心功能的影响。方法选择2014年3月~2016年1月在山东省单县东大医院进行住院治疗的慢性心衰患者70例,其中男性39例,女性31例,年龄53~76岁。所有患者随机分为2组,左西孟旦组(36例)和对照组(34例)。对照组采用常规抗心衰药物治疗,左西孟旦组在此基础上加用左西孟旦。治疗后评价两组临床疗效,并于治疗前后检测两组心肌肌钙蛋白T(c Tn T)、类胰岛素生长因子-1(IGF-1)、N末端脑钠肽前体(NT-pro BNP)水平以及左室射血分数(LVEF)、每搏心输出量(SV)、左室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)及左室收缩末期内径(LVESD)等指标。结果治疗结束后,左西孟旦组总有效率为83.33%,高于对照组的73.53%,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。两组治疗后较治疗前c Tn T及NT-pro BNP水平均降低,IGF-1升高,差异有统计学意义(P均0.05)。与对照组治疗后比较,左西孟旦组c Tn T及NT-pro BNP水平下降,IGF-1升高,差异有统计学意义(P均0.05)。两组治疗后较治疗前LVEF和SV均增加,差异有统计学意义(P均0.05)。治疗后,左西孟旦组较对照组SV增加,(76.32±15.37)ml vs.(65.45±13.58)ml,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。治疗期间两组患者并未出现明显的不良反应。结论在传统药物基础上加用左西孟旦治疗慢性心力衰竭患者能够显著改善心脏收缩能力,减轻心肌损伤,疗效显著,值得积极推广。     

左西孟旦联合多巴胺治疗充血性心力衰竭合并低血压患者的疗效观察

目的观察左西孟旦联合多巴胺治疗慢性充血性心力衰竭(CHF)合并低血压患者的疗效及安全性。方法将我院住院的50例Ⅲ～Ⅳ级心功能的CHF合并低血压患者随机分为治疗组和对照组,对照组给予米力农联合多巴胺治疗;治疗组给予左西孟旦联合多巴胺治疗,均治疗7d,并观察两组患者治疗前后血浆脑钠肽(BNP)、左室射血分数(LVEF)和左室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)指标的变化。结果治疗7d后,治疗组总有效率为88.0%;对照组总有效率为64.0%,两组疗效比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后两组患者血浆BNP水平、LVEDD、LVEF比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论临床上左西孟旦联合多巴胺治疗CHF合并低血压效果较好,血浆BNP、LVEF和LVEDD水平在心力衰竭疗效评价中有较高敏感性。     

左西孟旦对老年慢性心力衰竭心室重构及相关指标的影响

目的探讨米力农与左西孟旦对慢性心力衰竭(CHF)心室重构的影响。方法选择老年CHF患者104例,按照随机数字表法分为左西孟旦组和米力农组,每组52例。比较2组临床疗效以及治疗前后6 min步行试验(6MWT)和超声心电图指标,包括左心室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)、左心室收缩末期内径(LVESD)、室间隔厚度、左心室舒张末期容积、左心室收缩末期容积(LVESV)、左心室质量(LVMW)、左心室后壁厚度、心排血量、LVEF、左心室舒张早期二尖瓣血流最大速度(E)与左心室舒张晚期二尖瓣血流最大速度(A)比值等参数。检测患者血清半乳糖凝集素3(galectin-3)和人多配体蛋白聚糖4(syndecan-4)水平,并记录患者用药期间不良反应发生情况。结果左西孟旦组临床治疗总有效率明显高于米力农组(94.2%vs 73.1%,P=0.004)。左西孟旦组治疗后6MWT明显高于米力农组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01)。左西孟旦组治疗后LVESD、LVEDD、LVESV、心排血量、LVMW、LVEF和E/A改善程度明显优于米力农组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。左西孟旦组不良反应发生率明显低于米力农组(7.7%vs 23.1%,P=0.030)。左西孟旦组治疗后galectin-3和syndecan-4水平明显低于米力农组(P<0.05)。结论左西孟旦治疗CHF患者临床疗效明显,且安全性较高。     

芪苈强心胶囊联合左西孟旦对慢性充血性心力衰竭病人血浆NT-proBNP水平的影响

目的观察芪苈强心胶囊联合左西孟旦对慢性充血性心力衰竭病人血浆N末端B型脑钠肽原(NT-proBNP)水平的影响。方法选取2016年1月—2016年12月在南阳市中心医院心内科住院治疗的慢性充血性心力衰竭病人96例,将入选的病人随机分为A组、B组和C组,各32例。A组给予常规抗心力衰竭治疗,B组在A组治疗基础上加用左西孟旦,C组在B组治疗基础上加用芪苈强心胶囊。分别于治疗前及治疗后24 h及1个月测量并比较3组左室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)、左室射血分数(LVEF)、每搏输出量(SV)、6 min步行距离(6MWT)及NT-proBNP水平。结果与治疗前比较,治疗后3组LVEDD、LVEF、SV明显改善,6MWT延长,NT-proBNP水平降低(P0.05);治疗后24 h、治疗后1个月B组和C组较A组明显改善,且C组优于B组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论芪苈强心胶囊联合左西孟旦较单用左西孟旦能改善慢性充血性心力衰竭病人的心功能。     

芪参益气滴丸对首次急性ST段抬高型前壁心肌梗死病人PCI术后hs-CRP水平及短期心功能的影响

目的探讨芪参益气滴丸对首次急性ST段抬高型前壁心肌梗死病人经冠状动脉介入术(PCI)术后超敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)水平及短期心功能的影响。方法将98例病人随机分为两组,对照组(n=50)行常规治疗,治疗组(n=48)在常规治疗基础上加用芪参益气滴丸治疗,两组均治疗2个月。观察两组治疗前后左室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)、左室收缩末期内径(LVESD)、左室射血分数(LVEF)、每分输出量(CO)、心脏指数(CI)、血清N端脑钠肽前体(NT-proBNP)及hs-CRP含量。结果两组病人治疗后LVEDD、LVESD均有缩小,LVEF提高(P0.05),且治疗后NT-proBNP及hs-CRP水平均下降(P0.05);治疗后治疗组较对照组心功能恢复更好,血清NT-proBNP、hs-CRP含量有进一步下降(P0.05)。结论在常规治疗基础上联合芪参益气滴丸治疗急性心肌梗死可进一步改善病人短期心功能,降低血清NT-proBNP、hs-CRP水平,其作用机制可能与芪参益气滴丸抑制炎性因子hs-CRP有关。     

芪参益气滴丸对慢性心力衰竭患者心功能和细胞因子的影响

目的 探讨芪参益气滴丸对慢性心力衰竭(CHF)患者心功能和细胞因子的影响.方法 CHF患者119例,分别予常规治疗(常规治疗组,59例)及常规治疗加用芪参益气滴丸(芪参益气滴丸组,60例)治疗3个月.观察两组的临床疗效,心脏彩色多普勒超声诊断仪测量治疗前后的左心室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)与收缩末期内径(LVESD)、左心室射血分数(LVEF)值;快速荧光免疫法测定治疗前后血清B型脑钠肽(BNP)含量,免疫化学发光仪检测治疗前后血清肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)和白介素(IL)-6的含量,观察治疗前后两组心功能和血清TNF-α、IL-6水平的变化及组间差异.结果 两组治疗后LVEDD与LVESD均有缩小、LVEF均有提高,两组治疗后血清BNP、TNF-α和IL-6的水平均有下降,治疗后芪参益气滴丸组较常规治疗组心功能恢复更好,血清BNP、TNF-α和IL-6的含量较常规治疗组有进一步下降.结论 在常规治疗基础上加用芪参益气滴丸治疗慢性心力衰竭可以进一步改善患者心功能,降低血清TNF-α、IL-6水平,其作用机制与芪参益气滴丸抑制细胞因子有关.     

芪参益气汤联合比索洛尔对老年慢性心力衰竭病人BNP及心功能的影响

目的探讨芪参益气汤联合比索洛尔对老年慢性心力衰竭病人血浆脑钠肽(BNP)及心功能的影响。方法将2016年4月—2018年1月我院78例老年慢性心力衰竭病人,随机分为观察组与对照组,每组39例。对照组采用比索洛尔2.5~10.0mg口服;观察组采用比索洛尔2.5~10.0mg口服联合芪参益气汤治疗,持续治疗8周。比较两组临床疗效、左室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)、左室收缩末期内径(LVESD)、左室射血分数(LVEF)及BNP、肌钙蛋白I(cTnI)水平,记录不良反应情况。结果对照组有效率为74.36%,低于观察组的92.31%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后两组LVEDD、LVESD、LVEF、BNP及cTnI比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。对照组不良反应发生率为12.82%,观察组不良反应发生率为17.95%,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论芪参益气汤联合比索洛尔对老年慢性心力衰竭病人疗效确切,有助于降低血浆BNP,改善心功能,且安全性较高。     

芪参益气滴丸对冠状动脉旁路移植术后病人心室重构及心功能的影响

目的观察芪参益气滴丸对冠状动脉旁路移植术后病人心室重构及心功能的影响。方法选取符合标准的非体外循环冠状动脉旁路移植术病人80例,随机分为对照组和治疗组,各40例。对照组术后接受常规治疗,治疗组在对照组基础上加用芪参益气滴丸治疗,疗程为1年。研究期间观察并比较两组主要心血管不良事件(MACE)发生情况,治疗前后白介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)和N末端B型钠尿肽原(NT-proBNP)变化情况及超声心动图所示心脏结构及功能变化情况。结果研究期间,治疗组MACE中心力衰竭发生率低于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗后,两组TNF-α、IL-6、NT-proBNP较治疗前均降低(P<0.05),且治疗组TNF-α、IL-6、NT-proBNP较对照组显著改善。治疗后,两组左心室收缩末期内径(LVESD)、左心室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)、左心室重量指数(LVMI)均较治疗前降低,左室射血分数(LVEF)较治疗前升高(P<0.05),且治疗组LVESD、LVEDD、LVEF、LVMI较对照组显著改善(P<0.05)。结论冠状动脉旁路移植术能改善冠心病病人的心室重构及心功能,术后配合芪参益气滴丸效果更佳。     

左西孟旦对老年性顽固性心力衰竭患者心脏功能及N-末端前体脑钠肽水平的影响

目的分析左西孟旦对老年性顽固性心力衰竭患者心脏功能及N-末端前体脑钠肽(NT-pro BNP)水平的影响。方法选择北京积水潭医院顽固性老年心力衰竭患者80例作为研究对象,将其随机分为左西孟旦组(40例)和对照组(40例)。80例患者入院后均评估心脏功能情况,超声心动图检查心脏功能指标,电化学发光法测定血清NT-pro BNP水平,并常规给予基础的抗心力衰竭药物治疗,左西孟旦组在抗心力衰竭药物基础治疗后给予左西孟旦注射液静滴治疗,对照组继续给予抗心力衰竭基础治疗,用药后第3天,评估患者的心脏功能改善情况。结果左西孟旦组和对照组患者年龄、性别、收缩压(SBP)和舒张压(DBP)之间比较差异无显著性(P0.05),两组具有可比性。左西孟旦组和对照组治疗后左室射血分数(LVEF)较治疗前均明显增加(P0.05),左西孟旦组治疗后LVEF明显高于对照组(P0.05)。左西孟旦组和对照组治疗后左室短轴缩短率(LVFS)较治疗前均明显增加(P0.05),左西孟旦组治疗后的LVFS明显高于对照组(P0.05)。左西孟旦组和对照组治疗后左室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)较治疗前无明显差异(P0.05),左西孟旦组治疗后LVEDD和对照组也没有明显差异(P0.05)。左西孟旦组和对照组治疗后血清NTpro BNP水平较治疗前明显降低(P0.05),左西孟旦组治疗后血清NT-pro BNP水平明显低于对照组(P0.05)。治疗后3 d时,左西孟旦组的心功能分级改善有效率高达90.0%,明显高于对照组(P0.05)。结论左西孟旦治疗老年性顽固性心力衰竭疗效明显,可以改善患者的心脏功能。     

左西孟旦治疗老年慢性心力衰竭急性发作的临床研究

目的探讨左西孟旦治疗老年慢性心力衰竭急性发作的临床疗效及对血清标志物和左心功能指标的影响。方法将120例老年慢性心力衰竭急性发作病人随机分成观察组与对照组,各60例。两组病人均给予常规抗心力衰竭药物治疗,观察组给予左西孟旦治疗,对照组给予多巴酚丁胺治疗,两组均治疗7 d。观察两组治疗前后心功能分级、左室射血分数(LVEF)、左室收缩末期内径(LVESD)、左室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)、心脏指数(CI)、氨基末端B型利钠肽前体(NT-proBNP)水平、超敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)及药物不良事件。结果两组治疗后心功能分级、LVEF、LVESD、LVEDD、CI、NT-proBNP、hs-CRP均较治疗前有明显改善,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05);但观察组LVEF、CI较对照组明显升高,LVESD、LVEDD、NT-proBNP和hs-CRP均较对照组明显降低,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。观察组、对照组不良反应发生率分别为6.67%、8.33%,两组比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论左西孟旦可以明显提高老年慢性心力衰竭急性发作的临床疗效,并在较短时间内明显提高病人左心功能及降低心力衰竭标志物水平,且无严重不良反应。     

Calcium channel antagonists part V: Second-generation agents

Summary Second-generation agents include new dihydropyridines, such as amlodipine, felodipine, isradipine, nicardipine, nimodipine, nisoldipine, and nitrendipine. Verapamil-like agents include tiapamil, gallopamil, and anipamil. Among the diphenylalkylamines, bepridil is of special interest. New preparations of existing agents include slow-release formulations of nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem. From all these agents will be selected those that are longer-acting and provide higher vascular selectivity.     

Calcium channel antagonists part V: Second-generation agents

Summary Second-generation agents include new dihydropyridines, such as amlodipine, felodipine, isradipine, nicardipine, nimodipine, nisoldipine, and nitrendipine. Verapamil-like agents include tiapamil, gallopamil, and anipamil. Among the diphenylalkylamines, bepridil is of special interest. New preparations of existing agents include slow-release formulations of nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem. From all these agents will be selected those that are longeracting and provide higher vascular selectivity.[This article appeared in Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy, 2:191–203, 1988.]     

Les atteintes rénales au cours des hémopathies malignes. Stratégie diagnostique

Kidney involvement is frequent in hematologic malignancies. It is associated with adverse outcome and treatment difficulties. It can affect every area of the renal parenchyma (tubules, interstitium, glomerulus, vessels). Various mechanisms could be implicated: deposits of immunoglobulin fractions or crystals, renal infiltration by malignant cells, urinary tract obstruction, paraneoplastic or storage glomerulopathies… Diagnostic strategy relies on the clinical presentation: acute renal failure, chronic kidney disease, glomerular proteinuria with or without nephrotic syndrome, tubular proteinuria, hydroelectrolytic disorders. In this review, we detail the diagnostic tests that are needed for the detection and the follow-up of renal involvement in hematologic malignancies, and clarify the indications of renal biopsy. We propose diagnostic strategies of renal involvement in myeloma, Waldenström's disease, high grade lymphomas and acute leukemias, low grade lymphomas and chronic leukemias. The adverse effects of treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, stem cell graft …) are not addressed in this review.     

Cinedefecography and electromyography in the diagnosis of nonrelaxing puborectalis syndrome

A prospective study was undertaken to assess the correlation between electromyography (EMG) and cinedefecography (CD) for the diagnosis of nonrelaxing puborectalis syndrome (NRPR). Clinical criteria for NRPR included straining, incomplete evacuation, tenesmus, and the need for enemas, suppositories, or digitation. EMG criteria included failure to achieve a significant decrease in electrical activity of the puborectalis (PR) during attempted evacuation. CD criteria included either paradoxical contraction or failure of relaxation of the PR along with incomplete evacuation. In addition, other etiologies for incomplete evacuation, such as rectoanal intussusception or nonemptying rectocele, were excluded by proctoscopy and defecography in all cases. One hundred twelve patients with constipation, 81 females and 31 males, with a mean age of 59 (range, 12–83) years were studied by routine office evaluation, CD, and EMG. Forty-two patients (37 percent) had evidence of NRPR on CD (rectal emptying: none, 24; incomplete, 18). Twenty-eight of these patients (67 percent) also had evidence of NRPR on EMG. EMG findings of NRPR were present in 12 of 70 patients (17 percent) with normal rectal emptying. Conversely, 14 of 72 patients (19 percent) with normal PR relaxation on EMG had an NRPR pattern on CD. The sensitivity and specificity for the EMG diagnosis of NRPR were 67 percent and 83 percent, and the positive and negative predictive values were 70 percent and 80 percent, respectively. Conversely, if EMG is considered as the ideal test for the diagnosis of NRPR, CD had a sensitivity of 70 percent, a specificity of 80 percent, and positive and negative predictive values of 66 percent and 82 percent, respectively. In summary, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of EMG and CD are suboptimal. Therefore, a combination of these two tests is suggested for the diagnosis of NRPR.Poster presentation at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, San Francisco, California, June 7 to 12, 1992.Dr. Ger was a visiting colorectal surgeon from the Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Defense Medical Center and Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.     

Neuropeptide evolution: neurohormones and neuropeptides predicted from the genomes of Capitella teleta and Helobdella robusta

Genes encoding neurohormones and neuropeptide precursors were identified in the genomes of two annelids, the leech Helobdella robusta and the polychaete worm Capitella teleta. Although no neuropeptides have been identified from these two species and relatively few neuropeptides from annelids in general, 43 and 35 such genes were found in Capitella and Helobdella, respectively. The predicted peptidomes of these two species are similar to one another and also similar to those of mollusks, particular in the case of Capitella. Helobdella seems to have less neuropeptide genes than Capitella and it lacks the glycoprotein hormones bursicon and GPA2/GPB5; in both cases the genes coding the two subunits as well as the genes coding their receptors are absent from its genome. In Helobdella several neuropeptide genes are duplicated, thus it has five NPY genes, including one pseudogene, as well as four genes coding Wwamides (allatostatin B). Genes coding achatin, allatotropin, allatostatin C, conopressin, FFamide, FLamide, FMRFamide, GGRFamide, GnRH, myomodulin, NPY, pedal peptides, RGWamide (a likely APGWamide homolog), RXDLamide, VR(F/I)amide, WWamide were found in both species, while genes coding cerebrin, elevenin, GGNG, LFRWamide, LRFYamide, luqin, lymnokinin and tachykinin were only found in Capitella.     

Multiple vaginal deliveries increase the risk of permanent incontinence of flatus and urine in normal premenopausal women

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the risk of permanent flatus or urinary incontinence after repeated vaginal deliveries. METHODS: In 1989 a questionnaire on obstetric history and urinary and fecal incontinence was sent to a sample of 304 women selected from the birth records from 1976 to 1988; 242 responded (80 percent). RESULTS: Participants had one, two, or three vaginal deliveries, all without an obstetric tear of the anal sphincter. After the first, second, and third deliveries, 1.2, 1.5, and 8.3 percent developed permanent flatus incontinence. The risk was significantly increased after the third delivery compared with the first and second deliveries (odds ratio, 6.6; confidence interval, 2.4–18.3). Permanent urinary incontinence after the first, second, and third delivery developed in 3.3, 1.0, and 6.8 percent. The risk was significantly increased after the third delivery compared with the first and second (odds ratio, 3.2; confidence interval, 1.1–9.1). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that repeated vaginal deliveries increase the risk of minor anal and urinary incontinence, which were found to be a common problem in premenopausal women.Supported by a grant from the Danish Medical Research Council. Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Chicago, Illinois, May 2 to 7, 1993, and at the Tripartite Meeting, Sydney, Australia, October 17 to 20, 1993.     

Anti-inflammatory effects of medications used for viral infection-induced respiratory diseases

Respiratory viruses like rhinovirus, influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and coronavirus cause several respiratory diseases, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, and coronavirus disease 2019, and exacerbate bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiectasis, and diffuse panbronchiolitis. The production of inflammatory mediators and mucin and the accumulation of inflammatory cells have been reported in patients with viral infection-induced respiratory diseases. Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and regulated on activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted are produced in the cells, including human airway and alveolar epithelial cells, partly through the activation of toll-like receptors, nuclear factor kappa B and p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase. These mediators are associated with the development of viral infection-induced respiratory diseases through the induction of inflammation and injury in the airway and lung, airway remodeling and hyperresponsiveness, and mucus secretion. Medications used to treat respiratory diseases, including corticosteroids, long-acting β₂-agonists, long-acting muscarinic antagonists, mucolytic agents, antiviral drugs for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and influenza virus, macrolides, and Kampo medicines, reduce the production of viral infection-induced mediators, including cytokines and mucin, as determined in clinical, in vivo, or in vitro studies. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effects of these medications on viral infection-induced respiratory diseases may be associated with clinical benefits, such as improvements in symptoms, quality of life, and mortality rate, and can prevent hospitalization and the exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma, bronchiectasis, and diffuse panbronchiolitis.     

Evaluation of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) for immunodiagnosis of hydatid diseases in sheep

This study was undertaken to investigate antigenic characteristics of hydatid cyst fluid in sheep by SDS-PAGE method, to evaluate sensitivity and specificity of Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) assay for diagnosis of sheep hydatidosis, and to determine seroprevalance of hydatidosis in sheep population in Elazig, Turkey. SDS-PAGE analysis of hydatid cyst fluids indicated that 6 specific-protein bands were detected at molecular weights of 29, 45, 58, 68, 98 and 116 kDa. EITB analysis showed presence of 29, 38, 42, 58, 62, 68, 98, 116, 120, 150 and 205 kDa bands in positive sheep sera, while 38, 58, 62, 68, 116 and 205 kDa bands were detected in negative sheep sera. Therefore, it was concluded that the 116 kDa band was specific for diagnosis of sheep hydatid disease by EITB assay. Sensitivity and specificity of EITB assay were determined as 88% and 84%, respectively, whereas corresponding rates for ELISA were 60% and 94%, respectively. Sensitivity of ELISA was 47.3% in hepatic cysts, 60% in pulmonary cysts, 69.2% in hepato-pulmonar cysts. Sensitivity ratios of ELISA were 67.8%, 75%, and 38.4% for fertile, sterile, and under-growth cysts, respectively. Sensitivity of EITB was found 84.2% in hepatic cysts, 80% in pulmonary cysts, and 92.3% in hepato-pulmonar cysts. Corresponding ratios for sensitivity of EITB for fertile, sterile, calcified, and under growth cysts were 92.8%, 75%, 100%, and 84.6%, respectively. In addition, seroprevalance of hydatidosis in sheep was found as 62% by ELISA and 66.4% by EITB in Elazig, Turkey and seroprevalance increased by age.     

Étiologies et orientation diagnostique devant un flush

The flush is a transient and recurrent erythema of the upper region of the body, due to a sudden arterial dilatation. First, physicians should confirm the flush and ascertain the location and timing of skin manifestations. The rapid onset and location of the skin rash to the face and anterior chest are the main characteristics of flush. In most of the cases, the flush is emotional, but this should remain a diagnosis of exclusion, as flush may be the presenting manifestation of many systemic or neoplastic disorders. Therefore, a comprehensive diagnostic work-up is necessary, including clinical, biological, and imaging testing. Neoplastic and endocrine causes of flush include VIPoma, carcinoid syndrome, medullary thyroid cancer, mastocytosis, renal cell carcinoma, and pheochromocytoma. Mast cell activation syndrome has been recently described, but it remains a diagnosis of exclusion. This review will first present the different causes of flush, and then will propose a diagnostic algorithm for the physician.     

Polypharmacy prevalence among older adults based on the survey of health,ageing and retirement in Europe

Polypharmacy, a common condition among the elderly, is associated with adverse outcomes, including increased healthcare costs, due to higher mortality, falls and hospitalizations rates, adverse drug reactions, drug–drug reactions and medication nonadherence. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and factors related to polypharmacy in older adults across 17 European countries, plus Israel.In this cross-sectional analysis, we used data from participants aged 65 or more years from Wave 6 of the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) database. Polypharmacy was defined as the concurrent use of five or more medications. Age, gender, education, physical inactivity, number of limitations with activities of daily living, network satisfaction, quality of life, depression, number of chronic diseases and difficulty taking medication variables were found to be associated with polypharmacy.Our results showed a prevalence of polypharmacy ranging from 26.3 to 39.9%. Switzerland, Croatia and Slovenia were the countries with the lowest prevalence, whereas Portugal, Israel and the Czech Republic were the countries where the prevalence of polypharmacy was the highest. Age, gender, number of limitations with activities of daily living, number of chronic diseases, quality of life, depression, physical inactivity, network satisfaction, difficulty in taking medications, years of education and shortage of money were significant variables associated with polypharmacy.Polypharmacy is a highly prevalent condition in the elderly population. Identification of variables associated with polypharmacy, such as those identified in this study, is important to identify and monitor elderly groups, which are most vulnerable to polypharmacy.