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News How to Achieve Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling and Improve Outcomes in Heart Failure? Summary from HFA ESC Webinar
The current treatment algorithm for chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is well-known to clinicians. But how was its current form developed, and does it have the potential to change in the future? Experts discussed this and more at a web symposium on reverse remodeling sponsored by Novartis during the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology (HFA ESC) congress. Notable presenters included HFA ESC President Professor Petar Seferovic and Professor Carolyn Lam from the National Heart Centre in Singapore.
News With Dr. Miroslav Nečas, Ph.D., on the conclusions of the recent consensus of the expert panel on the practice of biological treatment of psoriasis
This February, an expert consensus on the use of bimekizumab in the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) was published based on a literature review of 102 articles, from which 19 relevant publications were selected. A panel of 9 dermatologists then voted to accept 14 consensus statements and recommendations, 12 of which received an 'A' grade, one a 'B' grade, and one a 'C' grade. We discuss key conclusions and recommendations with Dr. Miroslav Nečas, Ph.D., from the 1st Department of Dermatovenereology at MU and St. Anne's Faculty Hospital in Brno.
News The main advantage of sartans is a very good safety profile. Now it is about increasing adherence in hypertensive patients
The rules for initiating hypertension treatment have been simplified. The trend is to achieve blood pressure control as early as possible, making it unnecessary to wait for a longer period for the effect of non-pharmacological measures. One of the 4 main classes of antihypertensives is AT1 receptor blockers for angiotensin II – sartans, which bring several advantages. These include a low incidence of side effects, a good antihypertensive effect, or the possibility of use in fixed combinations. We will take a closer look at the current position of sartans in the treatment of hypertension with Assoc. Prof. Ondřej Petrák, MD, PhD, from the Center for Research, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Hypertension at the 3rd Internal Clinic - Clinic of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, and General University Hospital in Prague.
News Probiotic L. reuteri in combination with vitamin D3 and krill oil suppresses experimental intestinal inflammation
Previous placebo-controlled studies have shown that oral administration of a probiotic containing Lactobacillus reuteri is associated with a significant increase in plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. According to a recent experimental work, the combination of this probiotic with vitamin D3 and krill oil leads to the suppression of intestinal mucosal inflammation.
News Focused on MS: Statistics Are Boring, But They Have Valuable Data!
What is the prevalence of multiple sclerosis? Has the proportion of patients treated with highly effective therapy changed? We bring you the latest data from around the world and domestically.
News Eletriptan as an effective and safe drug in acute migraine therapy
In the pharmacotherapy of acute migraine attacks, a pharmacologically diverse group of triptans is particularly used. The choice of the right antimigraine drug should be individualized, based on the intersection of the patient's nature of complaints and the pharmacological profile of the drug. The following text briefly summarizes the basic characteristics and profile of eletriptan.
News EMA Approved Empagliflozin for the Treatment of Heart Failure Regardless of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Prague, March 8, 2022 – Hundreds of thousands of patients in the Czech Republic can soon look forward to a treatment that may positively influence the progression of their disease. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved the registration of Jardiance® (empagliflozin) for the treatment of adults with symptomatic chronic heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction at the beginning of March. It thus becomes the first drug that doctors can prescribe to all patients, regardless of ejection fraction status. EMA had previously approved empagliflozin for the treatment of patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and for the treatment of adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes. The drug was developed by Boehringer Ingelheim.
News Mechanism of Action of Venopharmaceuticals and Their Use in the Treatment of Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Venopharmaceuticals are the cornerstone of conservative treatment for chronic venous insufficiency (CVD). Their mechanism of action is complex and not yet fully understood. They act on both micro- and macrocirculation, influence the tone of the venous wall, and their anti-inflammatory action is also significant.
News New ESMO Recommendations for Investigating Circulating Tumor DNA
Liquid biopsy has been discussed in oncology for several decades. As we move from conference abstracts to its real-world application in clinical practice, the new recommendations of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) describe the examination of circulating tumor DNA from peripheral blood.
News How to Reduce the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Users of Combined Hormonal Contraceptives?
The use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) is a known risk factor for thromboembolism. Therefore, we should consider the individual risk of each patient before prescribing COCs. Women with a positive personal or family history of thromboembolic events should undergo molecular genetic testing for the presence of thrombophilic mutations.
News Li-Fraumeni Syndrome – Indication for Testing and Recommended Surveillance
A germline mutation of the TP53 gene, which causes Li-Fraumeni syndrome, results in a congenital predisposition to the occurrence of malignant tumors, such as pediatric malignancies, breast cancer, bone sarcomas, and others. We bring a summary of indications for testing the pathogenic variant of the TP53 gene according to the recommendations of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the surveillance program for carriers of this variant according to the consensus of the current recommendations of the European, American, Japanese, and Australian scientific societies compared to the recommendations of the Czech Oncology Society ČLS JEP.
News Indication of Bilastine in Specific Patient Groups − Practical Tips for Clinical Practice
Bilastine is a non-sedating H1-antihistamine, which is very well tolerated by patients. It can be indicated in the therapy of allergic diseases in both pediatric and adult populations. What are the possibilities of its use in specific patient groups?
News Use of Medical Cannabis in Patients with Fibromyalgia to Relieve Pain and Depression
Medical cannabis is prescribed to patients with chronic pain resistant to conventional treatments. The efficacy of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) therapy in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) was recently evaluated in a German study.
News New Strategies in the Treatment of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia was primarily associated with dopamine dysfunction. Previous and current treatments have mainly targeted the mesolimbic dopamine pathway in the CNS and D2 receptors. However, the cited review article primarily addresses newer treatment targets and strategies beyond the dopamine hypothesis.
News Angiodysplasia as a Serious Problem in Patients with von Willebrand Disease − Case Study
Bleeding into the gastrointestinal tract can become a very significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with von Willebrand disease (vWD). It has been described that gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding associated with angiodysplasia is more common in individuals with vWD compared to other causes. Evidence suggests that von Willebrand factor (vWF) is associated with the regulation of angiogenesis, and its deficiency increases the risk of angiodysplasia. It is also known that this type of bleeding is difficult to treat because it is associated with recurrences. The following case study also very well illustrates and summarizes this issue.
News Can antihypertensive treatment also have a beneficial effect on neurocognitive functions?
Observational studies suggest that a desirable side effect of AT1 receptor blockers for angiotensin II (sartans) could be cognitive protection of patients. A randomized study published last year evaluated the potential positive impact of candesartan and lisinopril on neurocognitive functions in older patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
News Discontinuation of Methotrexate After Initiation of Tofacitinib in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
New real-world data show that in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who started treatment with tofacitinib combined with oral methotrexate (MTX), it is possible to discontinue MTX and achieve the same treatment results as with its continued use, additionally at lower costs.
News Effect of PCSK9 Inhibitors on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Hypercholesterolemia – Meta-Analysis of 35 Randomized Controlled Trials
The authors from several American institutions examined the efficacy and safety of two proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9i) inhibitors, alirocumab and evolocumab, in their work. They conducted a systematic meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials comparing the administration of these two PCSK9i with standard treatment.
News When the Cause of Hematomas in Anticoagulated Patients is Not Anticoagulants – Case Report
Not every bleeding during anticoagulation, especially if within the therapeutic range, can be attributed to this treatment. Particularly in older individuals and the presence of typical extensive hematomas, it is necessary to consider another cause, such as acquired hemophilia A. The following case report illustrates how such a case can be detected and what can be done to improve the patient's prognosis.
News Magnetic Resonance Can Reduce the Need for Prostate Biopsies
As early as 2013, Czech experts demonstrated that in patients with elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, imaging using a 3-Tesla magnetic resonance (3T MRI) can replace biopsy in many cases when detecting prostate cancer.
News Urgent Administration of Romiplostim in Life-Threatening Bleeding Associated with ITP
Recommendations for the care of acute, especially major bleeding in individuals with severe immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) are not entirely clear. Various methods (steroid boluses, intravenous immunoglobulins, platelet transfusions, etc.) can be used to quickly increase platelet count, but the response may not always be straightforward. Recently, reports have been published regarding the use of thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) specifically aimed at rapidly increasing platelet count. The use of romiplostim in patients with ITP and intracranial hemorrhage is illustrated by the following case studies.