Langzeitergebnisse der Katheterablation von Vorhofflimmern

Knowing the pitfalls when evaluating the long-term results after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation enables a critical analysis of the outcome presented in numerous studies on this topic. Nevertheless, catheter ablation is a long-term successful and safe therapeutic procedure for symptomatic atrial fibrillation, especially for patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. In patients with persistent symptomatic atrial fibrillation, the decision for ablation has to be made with caution due to a higher recurrence rate and higher likelihood for multiple procedures.     

Temporary Placement of Self-Expanding Oesophageal Stents as Bridging for Neo-Adjuvant Therapy

Background  

Placement of self-expanding stents is an effective palliation for dysphagia in non-resectable oesophageal or proximal gastric cancer. The aim of this analysis was to assess the efficacy of temporary stent placement for dysphagia relief during neo-adjuvant treatment for locally advanced disease.     

Costs and effects of a 'healthy living' approach to community development in two deprived communities: findings from a mixed methods study

Background  

Inequalities in health have proved resistant to 'top down' approaches. It is increasingly recognised that health promotion initiatives are unlikely to succeed without strong local involvement at all stages of the process and many programmes now use grass roots approaches. A healthy living approach to community development (HLA) was developed as an innovative response to local concerns about a lack of appropriate services in two deprived communities in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. We sought to assess feasibility, costs, benefits and working relationships of this HLA.     

Prevalence of dental erosion in children: a national survey

Arnadottir IB, Holbrook WP, Eggertsson H, Gudmundsdottir H, Jonsson SH, Gudlaugsson JO, Saemundsson SR, Eliasson ST, Agustsdottir H. Prevalence of dental erosion in children: a national survey. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2010; 38: 521–526. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Abstract – Objectives:  To measure the prevalence of dental erosion in permanent teeth in Iceland as part of the National Oral Health Survey. Methods:  A representative, nationwide sample of 2251 Icelandic children, 20% of those aged 6, 12 and 15 year, was examined. Dental erosion was recorded for all erupted permanent teeth and graded using the modified scale of Lussi. Results:  Erosion was not seen in the permanent teeth of six‐year‐olds, but was present in 15.7% of 12‐year‐olds, more frequently in boys than girls (19.9% boys, 11.0% girls; P < 0.001). Among 15‐year‐olds, dental erosion was seen among 30.7% of subjects (38.3% boys, 22.7% girls; P < 0.001). Severity of erosion was mostly scored as grade I, with only 5.5% of 15‐year‐olds scored as grade II, mostly on tooth 46 (4.3%) and 36 (4.2%). For 12‐year‐olds, 0.9% had erosion scores of grade II mostly on tooth 46 (0.8%) and 36 (0.7%). No subjects had erosion of grade III. The most common clinical manifestation of erosion was the appearance of cup‐like lesions on the cusps of lower first molars. Conclusions: Dental erosion was frequently present by the age of 12; the prevalence doubled by age 15 and was seen almost twice as often among boys than girls. Teeth most frequently showing signs of erosion were the lower first molars. The rapidly growing prevalence of erosion demonstrated by this nationwide survey emphasizes the need for further research into the aetiology of erosion and possible methods of preventing and treating this emerging dental problem.