Ultrasound Diagnosis of Ulnar Neuropathy: Comparison of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Nerve Thickness.
Ultrasound diagnosis of ulnar neuropathy: Comparison of symptomatic and asymptomatic nerve thickness.
J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2013 Apr 16;
Yalcin E, Unlu E, Akyuz M, Karaahmet OZ
There is still no consensus on a normal value for the cross-sectional area of the ulnar nerve at the elbow. Such data would be valuable for the ultrasound diagnosis of ulnar neuropathy. Comparison of the symptomatic and contralateral asymptomatic sides has been recommended. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not the asymptomatic ulnar nerve could be a reference value. High-resolution ultrasonic measurements of the cross-sectional areas of the ulnar nerves at the elbow were compared with 38 contralateral asymptomatic elbows of patients with unilateral ulnar neuropathy and 38 healthy controls. There were significant differences in the cross-sectional areas at all levels between the healthy control subjects and asymptomatic side of the ulnar neuropathy patients (p < 0.05). The findings of this study suggest that there is a limitation in using the asymptomatic side for obtaining reference values in ultrasonographic studies. Each ultrasonographic laboratory should determine its own reference values. HubMed – rehab
[Innovative individualized rehabilitation concepts in oncology.]
Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 2013 Apr; 138(17): 895-901
Reuss-Borst MA, Wentrock S
Die onkologische Rehabilitation zielt auf die Verbesserung der körperlichen, psychischen und sozialen Fähigkeiten und Unterstützung bei der Bewältigung der Krankheit (“Coping”) ab. Ein wichtiges Ziel ist dabei neben der psycho-onkologischen Therapie die Steigerung der körperlichen Aktivität zur Prävention und Therapie chronischer Krankheiten, insbesondere auch der mit steigender Überlebensrate an Bedeutung zunehmenden Folge- und Begleiterkrankungen. Immer mehr Beobachtungsstudien weisen außerdem darauf, dass körperliche Aktivität auch die Prognose der Krebserkrankung günstig beeinflussen kann. Die beste Evidenz besteht dabei bislang für das (Hormonrezeptor-positive) postmenopausale Mamma-Karzinom. Eine nachhaltige Lebensstilmodifikation ist bislang oft nur schwer erreichbar. Langfristig angelegte, interdisziplinäre Rehabilitationskonzepte, deren Ziel eine intensive und nachhaltige Steigerung der körperlichen Aktivität ist, scheinen bei Brustkrebspatientinnen ein erfolgversprechender Ansatz zu sein und werden durch das hier vorgestellte Studienkonzept exemplarisch erläutert. HubMed – rehab
[Individualized (personalized) treatment – now in rehabilitation, too?]
Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 2013 Apr; 138(17): 879
Reuss-Borst MA
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – a treatable disease.
Swiss Med Wkly. 2013; 143: 0
Osthoff M, Jenkins C, Leuppi JD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a global health challenge and a leading cause of death worldwide. Several risk factors have been identified, with cigarette smoking being the most important. Diagnostic assessment is based on symptoms, risk of exacerbations and results of lung function testing. A fixed post-bronchodilator ratio for forced expiratory volume in one second to forced expiratory volume (FEV1/FVC) of <0.7 is required to make the diagnosis, and the severity of airflow obstruction defines the grade according to GOLD (Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of COPD). The GOLD strategy makes therapeutic recommendations taking into account the grade, symptomatic assessment and future risk of exacerbations. This review focuses on the therapeutic options for COPD, in accordance with the GOLD strategy. Smoking cessation is the most effective treatment option in all COPD stages. Bronchodilators, namely long-acting antimuscarinic drugs and long-acting beta-agonists, form the mainstay of treatment in COPD. Patients with frequent exacerbations also benefited from the addition of inhaled corticosteroids. Roflumilast is an add-on option for patients with severe COPD. Several controversies are the subject of discussion: (1.) whether pharmacotherapy can modify the natural history of COPD; (2.) whether pharmacotherapy should be started in the early stages of COPD; (3.) the impact of therapy on comorbidities; (4.) whether patients benefit from a combination therapy with a long-acting beta-agonist, a long-acting antimuscarinic drug and an inhaled corticosteroid; (5.) step-down therapy. This overview also reviews the evidence for recommended vaccines in COPD, as well as nonpharmacological therapies. Rehabilitation is an essential part of COPD treatment. Oxygen therapy, noninvasive nocturnal ventilation and surgical treatment options only apply to a highly selected group of patients. Disease management programmes and guideline adherence are briefly discussed. In conclusion, although there is debate as to the extent with which pharmacological therapies influence mortality, adherence to the GOLD strategy is recommended. HubMed – rehab