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Complex Syndrome (complex + syndrome)
Selected AbstractsAssociation between serum bicarbonate and death in hemodialysis patients: Is it better to be acidotic or alkalotic?HEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2005D.Y.J. Wu The optimal acid base status for survival in maintenance hemo-dialysis (MHD) patients (pts) remains controversial. According to some reports acidosis is associated with improved survival in MHD pts, i.e., reverse epidemiology. We examined associations between baseline (first 3-month averaged) serum bicarbonate (HCO3), divided into 12 categories, and 2-yr mortality in 56,376 MHD pts across the US after controlling for confounding effects of malnutrition-inflammation complex syndrome (MICS). Three sets of Cox regression models were evaluated to estimate hazard ratios (HR) of death and 95% confidence intervals (CI): (1) Unadjusted; (2) Multivariate adjusted for case-mix (age, gender, diabetes, race, insurance, marital status, vintage, standardized mortality ratio, residual renal function, dialysate HCO3, and Kt/V); and (3) Additional adjustments for 8 markers of MICS (body mass index, serum albumin, creatinine, ferritin, TIBC, dietary protein intake, WBC and lymphocyte counts). See Figure for HR and 95% CI: We conclude that, although high HCO3 levels appear to be associated with increased mortality in MHD pts, this paradoxical effect is almost entirely due to the overwhelming impact of MICS on survival. [source] CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE,MINERAL AND BONE DISORDER (CKD-MBD): A NEW TERM FOR A COMPLEX APPROACHJOURNAL OF RENAL CARE, Issue 2009Franti, vára MD SUMMARY The global widespread of the chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide health problem. Its increasing incidence and prevalence and adverse outcomes (including decreased quality of life, increased morbidity and mortality) represents a huge challenge for all recent health are systems. Reflecting this situation, the new, global initiative (KDIGO) was established to enhance communication and clinical decision-making, promote the use of evidence based medicine and facilitate clinical research. The new definition, evaluation and classification of "renal osteodystrophy"; has been one of the first outcome of this initiative, suggesting the topic of chronic kidney disease,mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) to be a hot problem of recent nephrology. The new terminology is consistent with a recent view on this topic and describes CKD-MBD as a complex syndrome, including abnormal mineral and PTH metabolism, altered bone structure as far as extra-skeletal calcifications. [source] Genes regulating molecular and cellular functions in noninfectious nonallergic rhinitisALLERGY, Issue 9 2009L. O. Cardell Background:, Chronic noninfectious, nonallergic rhinitis (NINAR) is a complex syndrome with a principally unknown pathophysiology. New technology has made it possible to examine differentially expressed genes and according to network theory, genes connected by their function that might have key roles in the disease. Methods:, Connectivity analysis was used to identify NINAR key genes. mRNA was extracted from nasal biopsies from 12 NINAR patients and 12 healthy volunteers. Microarrays were performed using Affymetrix chips with 54 613 genes. Data were analysed with the Ingenuity Pathway System for organization of genes into annotated biological functions and, thereafter, linking genes into networks due to their connectivity. The regulation of key genes was confirmed with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results:, In all, 43 genes were differentially expressed. The functional analysis showed that these genes were primarily involved in cellular movement, haematological system development and immune response. Merging these functions, 10 genes were found to be shared. Network analysis generated three networks and two of these ,shared genes' in key positions, c-fos and cell division cycle 42 (Cdc42). These genes were upregulated in both the array and the RT-PCR analysis. Conclusion:, Ten genes were found to be of pathophysiological interest for NINAR and of these, c-fos and Cdc42 seemed to be of specific interest due to their ability to interact with other genes of interest within this context. Although the role of c-fos and Cdc42 in upper airway inflammation remains unknown, they might be used as potential disease markers. [source] Altered pharmacology in the intensive care unit patientFUNDAMENTAL & CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 5 2008Giovanni Zagli Abstract Critically ill patients, not infrequently present alterations of physiological parameters that determine the success/failure of therapeutic interventions as well as the final outcome. Sepsis and polytrauma are two of the most common and complex syndromes occurring in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and affect drug absorption, disposition, metabolism and elimination. Pharmacological management of ICU patients requires consideration of the unique pharmacokinetics associated with these clinical conditions and the likely occurrence of drug interaction. Rational adjustment in drug choice and dosing contributes to the appropriateness of treatment of those patients. [source] Are chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia the same?JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 10 2009Implications for the provision of appropriate mental health intervention Accessible summary ,,This paper views the historical perspectives of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and fibromyalgia (FM) that gives an understanding of the background to these complex syndromes. ,,The relationship between CFS/ME and FM are considered based on the evidence presented, which identifies that there is compelling evidence that these two syndromes may in fact be the same. This is interesting as current evidence suggests that these two syndromes are currently treated differently. ,,The long-standing controversy surrounding the aetiology CFS/ME is discussed in relation to the issues of mental health, in particular anxiety and/or depression that has been associated with this condition. In contrast, FM is reviewed in relation to the associated symptomology of anxiety and/or depression. ,,This review provides the reader with compelling evidence to suggest that the initial presenting symptoms of these two diseases may dictate differential diagnosis and the subsequent treatment they receive if any and, moreover, if indeed these syndromes are confused with that of a psychiatric disorder. ,,This paper will give the reader time for thought over the issue that: just because there is at present no specific diagnostic test or treatment for this condition, why then is the conclusion reached that this must be a psychiatric condition. Abstract Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia represent distinct diagnostic entities within both the clinical and research literature. A common feature of both presentations is that they are often accompanied by a significant mental health burden. A further salient feature of both conditions is that there is no consistent consensus on aetiology. Evaluation of the features of each disorder seems to present a convincing case that both disorders may indeed have a common aetiology and further, the possibility exists that chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia represent the same underlying disorder. Paradoxically, given this possibility it is remarkable that both patient groups are treated clinically with considerably different approaches to care and management. Mental health practitioners will come into contact with both groups of patients when support for the psychological consequences of diagnosis are necessary; however, many practitioners will be unaware of the debate regarding the aetiological ambiguities surrounding these presentations. The purpose of this review is to highlight the above issues in order to both facilitate awareness of the current aetiological/diagnostic impasse and facilitate provision of optimum mental health support. [source] Cutaneous embolization of cardiac myxomaBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2002M.J. García-F-Villalta Summary Atrial myxoma is the most common primary tumour of the heart. Skin manifestations in patients with a cardiac myxoma are frequent and may be due to cutaneous emboli, or may be specific findings as part of more complex syndromes. We present a 33-year-old-man with a history of episodes of pain in both legs and an ischaemic neurological event, who also had episodes of acral papular erythematous lesions on the legs and feet including the soles. The histological finding of dermal vessels occluded by a myxomatous material was the clue to the diagnosis of a cardiac myxoma. The diagnosis of this entity can be very difficult, because of the broad spectrum of clinical features; rarely the skin manifestations lead to the diagnosis of this tumour. The histological recognition of the myxomatous emboli is of vital importance for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. [source] |