The 50 most-cited articles in DMW - Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift, 2020

The Coronavirus Disease Pandemic 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), started in December 2019 in China. SARS-CoV-2 is easily transmitted by droplet infection. After an incubation period of 1-14 days, COVID-19 shows a mild course in 80 % of observed cases and a severe course in 20 %, with a lethality rate of 0.3-5.8 %. Elderly people and people with underlying diseases have a higher risk of severe courses with mandatory ventilation. So far there are neither effective drugs nor vaccinations available, so only public health interventions such as physical distancing and hygiene measures on the one hand and targeted testing followed by isolation and quarantine measures on the other hand are available. China has shown that maximum use of these measures can control the epidemic. The further course and also the consequences for the global economy cannot be clearly predicted at present.

We have recently observed several clusters of psychiatric symptoms in the context of COVID-19: (1) increased anxiety in psychiatric in- and outpatients with different diagnoses; (2) more cases of domestic violence often associated with increased drug- or alcohol-consumption in offenders and victims; (3) a nihilistic "apocalyptic" syndrome of elderly patients cut-off from their families; (4) visual and acoustic hallucinoses due to pneumonia and sepsis-related confusional states. Cases of chloroquine-related toxicity have been reported elsewhere, but have not been observed in our hospital so far. Mental issues related to COVID-19 reported from China and practical recommendations are briefly summarized. Many patients with serious mental disorders will suffer world-wide due to a reallocation of medical, social and financial ressources.

INTRODUCTION: International studies indicate that pandemics and quarantine can lead to significantly increased stress levels and mental illness in those affected. Stress levels and quality of life in selected population groups in the early phase of the lockdown of the corona pandemic were examined. Associations of coping strategies with perceived stress levels and associations of activities to increase well-being with health-related quality of life as an aspect of well-being are presented. METHODS: Data from the first survey wave of the CoPa study were evaluated, which were collected via online survey. Group differences regarding stress and quality of life were explorative tested by means of Chi-square tests and T-tests. Associations of coping strategies with stress and of activities to increase well-being with health-related quality of life were calculated using linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Among the 5315 participants, persons at risk of mental health and those who did not go out in public showed signs of depression, anxiety disorders and stress significantly more often…

The initial presentation of gouty arthritis can be a dramatic event. Chronic gout may lead to the destruction of joints, invalidity and increased mortality. The incidence of this disorder is high, despite effective therapeutic measures. The treatment of refractory cases may be a challenge to the general practitioner and the specialist alike. The article presented here summarizes the current state of diagnostics and treatment of acute and chronic gout.

Acute abdomen is a common and sometimes dramatic clinical condition, which can be fatal if diagnosis is not made in time. A large number of diseases can cause an acute abdomen which makes a targeted and rapid diagnostic approach utterly important. The initial diagnostic approach is based on the clinical assessment (including medical history and physical examination) which allows doctors to quickly establish a suspected diagnosis with a relatively high sensitivity but a rather low specificity. Further diagnostics, including laboratory markers, imaging and - if necessary - interventional diagnostics should be initiated quickly after the first clinical assessment in order to confirm the suspected diagnosis or to further classify unclear cases. The clinical assessment is the leading diagnostic tool that determines further diagnostic approaches for patients with an acute abdomen and thus enables adequate and timely therapy.

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Das Leipziger Adipositasmanagement ist das deutschlandweit erste interdisziplinäre Therapieprogramm für Patienten mit Adipositas Grad 2 und 3 mit einem langfristigen (i. e., 4-jährigen) konservativen Behandlungsarm, welches über einen Vertrag der integrierten Versorgung (IV) komplett durch eine gesetzliche Krankenkasse finanziert wird. Die vorliegende Arbeit evaluiert die Effektivität des ersten Abschnitts des Programms mit einer mittleren Laufzeit von 72 Wochen. Methoden Von 243 Personen wurden Gewicht, Körperumfänge sowie ausgewählte metabolische und psychologische Parameter vor Beginn (t0) und nach Abschluss des ersten Therapieabschnitts (t1) erhoben. Das methodische Design entspricht einer prospektiven Auswertung klinischer Real-World-Daten. Ergebnisse Die Kosten pro Patient betrugen durchschnittlich 2022 €. Die Teilnehmer erreichten eine durchschnittliche Gewichtsreduktion von 5 kg (95 %-Konfidenzintervall (KI) 3,8–6,2) bzw. 4 % (KI 3,1–4,9) des Ausgangsgewichts. Der Hämoglobin-A1c-Wert reduzierte sich in der Gesamtkohorte von 5,9 % auf 5,6 % und bei…

The assessment of the QT interval has been an integral part of ECG interpretation since the first descriptions of long QT syndrome by Wolff in 1950 and by Jervell and Lange-Nielsen in 1957. The correct measurement of the QT interval as well as a correct interpretation of the causes and of the clinical consequences of a QT prolongation, however, may be difficult even for trained internists and cardiologists. In this review, we give an overview on physiological determinants of cardiac repolarization, its marker in the surface ECG - the QT interval -, methods to correctly assess QT interval duration, causes for pathologically prolonged QT intervals, and resulting clinical consequences. A correct measurement of the QT interval should be performed by using the "tangent method", excluding possible U waves. A heart rate correction formula should be employed to determine the heart rate corrected QT interval (QTc).Many factors, which may prolong the QT interval, should be checked whenever a QTc prolongation is observed. These include drugs, electrolyte imbalances, hormonal influence, and…

Malnutrition, dehydration and obesity are relevant health problems with far-reaching consequences for older people. Routine screening for malnutrition and dehydration should be carried out in order to identify vulnerable and affected persons at an early stage and to be able to take timely countermeasures. In many cases, adequate nutrition and hydration can be supported by simple nursing measures and optimisation of the food and drink supply. Nutritional advice, sip feed, enteral and parenteral nutrition are further effective measures for the prevention and therapy of malnutrition. An ingestion deficiency dehydration should be diagnosed on the basis of serum osmolality and requires a rapid compensation of the deficit by hypotonic fluids - depending on the severity, in the form of drinks, subcutaneously or intravenously. Weight loss in old age should only be considered in cases of obesity with associated health problems and should be achieved by moderate energy reduction in combination with physical exercise.

INTRODUCTION: A "smoke-free" society is assumed if less than 5 % of a population smoke. We predict when this goal could be reached in Germany. To reduce the proportion of smokers in the population, the World Health Organization recommends a bundle of measures (MPOWER) that should minimize both the supply of and the demand for tobacco. The current level of implementation of these recommendations in Germany is presented. METHODS: A total of 21 representative cross-sectional surveys of the Drug Affinity Study and the Epidemiological Survey of Substance Abuse since 2000/2001 with adolescents and adults show the smoking behavior of the population until 2018. Per capita consumption of factory-built and self-made cigarettes during the same period is used as an objective data basis. Regression analyses are used to model the date at which less than 5 % of the German population smoke. A selective literature review is carried out to describe the implementation of the MPOWER program. RESULTS: Before 2000 there was no trend in Germany towards non-smoking. After the implementation of various…

The increasing aging demographics never seen before is associated with the enormous challenge of dementia epidemics which urgently needs a paradigm shift in the approach to cognitive functions in health and disease. If on one hand the achievement or maintenance of a healthy lifestyle should be a medical priority, the early recognition of cognitive disturbances is mandatory. Cognitive impairment is not only associated with disability and lack of compliance and adherence, but also with dangerous geriatric syndromes such as instability, falls, and delirium. The evaluation of cognitive performance, particularly in older patients and especially in those hospitalized for other reasons, should be performed in all cases. While the National Institute of Aging and Alzheimer Association established new criteria for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, the large majority of dementia cases are assigned to a multifactorial syndrome presenting as a long-lasting continuum from organ/function integrity to dementia. While the monoclonal antibody aducanumab is under careful evaluation for release on…

PATIENT HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS: A 46-year old construction worker presented at the emergency department with two orthostatic syncopes. The patient complained of prolonged fever and coughs for 7 days which had not improved after oral treatment with sultamicillin for 5 days, prescribed by the patient's general practitioner. Physical examination showed high blood pressure due to previously known hypertension. Other vital signs without pathological findings. Pulmonary auscultation showed basal soft crackling noises of the left lung FINDINGS AND DIAGNOSIS: Laboratory examination showed increased values for LDH, pro-BNP and CRP and normal values for leucocytes and procalcitonin. Conventional X-Ray of the chest showed bipulmonal lateral atypical infiltrates. After the first PCR turned in negative another PCR-analysis for SARS-CoV-2 of a deep oral swab-sample was performed since the clinical, laboratory and radiological findings were typical for COVID-19. Again, SARS-CoV-2-RNA was not detected. A CT-scan of the chest showed bipulmonal lateral ground-glass attenuation, again typical…

BACKGROUND: The new pandemic coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causing coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) poses immense challenges to health care systems worldwide. In the current manuscript we summarize the strategies, organisational approaches and actions of the Task-force Coronavirus at the University Medical Center Freiburg. We also report on experiences with implementation of these approaches and treatment outcomes in the first 115 COVID patients. METHODS: Retrospective, narrative process description and analysis of the time period between end of January and beginning of April 2020, performed by representatives of the involved departments and institutes. Additionally a retrospective observational cohort study with descriptive analysis of epidemiological and clinical data of COVID patients admitted until March 31st was performed. RESULTS: A multidisciplinary Task-force Coronavirus initiated measures concerning outpatient testing and counseling, reorganisation and separation of patient flow processes alongside with substantial escalation of inpatient capacities on regular wards and…

BACKGROUND: At inpatient admission, the timeliness and completeness of the Germany-wide standardised medication list ("Bundeseinheitlicher Medikationsplan") often seems inappropriate. It is also unclear which characteristics of the lists increase the probability of discrepancies. METHODS: A total of 100 medication lists of elective patients of a surgical clinic were retrospectively evaluated with regard to potential discrepancies compared to the standardised medication reconciliation. The discprepancies were assigned to 7 categories: drug taken is missing on the list, drug on the list is no longer taken, strength or dosage is missing at the list or is incorrect, or the documented dosage form is different. Advice on patient safety, involved drugs and dosage forms were also recorded. Multivariate analyses were used to investigate the influence of the timeliness, number of drugs and issuing medical specialty of the lists on the type and number of discrepancies. RESULTS: Compared to the medication reconciliation, 78 % (78/100) of the lists showed discrepancies. A total of 226 deviations…

The long-term sequelae of COVID-19 on are not yet predictable. Radiological and histopathological data on COVID-19 and observational studies after the SARS-CoV-1 pandemic 2003/2004 suggest that in a proportion of COVID-19 patients, functional limitations due to pulmonary fibrosis and other patterns of lung damage may persist. Systematic follow-up, based on prudent pulmonary function testing, is warranted for the correct diagnosis, graduation and treatment of the underlying pathology at an early stage. This review summarizes the potential spectrum of Post-COVID-19 pulmonary disease patterns and provides recommendations for the follow-up care of COVID-19 patients in the field of respiratory medicine.

BACKGROUND: In children, the infection with SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19, tends to be clinically inapparent more often or less severe than in adults. The spread of this infection from children poses a danger to vulnerable adults. Therefore, child care institutions and schools currently are widely closed. METHODS: Since the status of infection tends to be congruent in mothers and their children, we tested 401 mothers of children between 1 and 10 years in the city of Rostock (State of Mecklenburg-Westpomerania, northeast of Germany), for the presence of RNA of SARS-CoV-2 in throat swabs, and of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in serum. RESULTS: In none of the mothers tested, RNA of this virus was detected in the throat swab. In the ELISA test, IgG antibodies were positive in one serum sample, IgA antibodies were positive in 11, and borderline in 3 serum samples. All 401 sera were negative in the indirect immunofluorescence test (IIFT) with FITC-labeled IgG, IgA, und IgM antibodies. CONCLUSION: At the time of this study, neither SARS-CoV-2 RNA, nor specific antibodies against…

The COVID-19 pandemic poses unprecedented challenges for the German health care system. What is already the case in some other countries, may occur in Germany in the near future also: Faced with limited ICU resources, doctors will be forced to decide which patients to treat and which to let die. This paper examines the legal implications of such decisions. It takes up arguments from the general discussion on prioritization in medicine. A constitutional hurdle for the application of utilitarian criteria (in particular patients' age or social role) comes from the principle that every human life is of equal value and must not be traded off against others ("life value indifference"). However, the limits that the Grundgesetz (German Basic Law) sets for state actions do not apply directly to doctors. According to the Musterberufsordnung (professional code of conduct), doctors act based on their conscience and the requirements of medical ethics and humanity. The implications of this normative standard for the prioritizing in an exceptional situation as the COVID 19 pandemic have not been…

Thyroid disorders are among the most common endocrine alterations. Ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland is a rapid and radiation-free method, adding important information to a patient's medical history, physical examination, and laboratory results. This article describes a practical approach to an ultrasound examination in a step by step manner. The most important findings and most common causes of thyroid disorders are discussed on the basis of typical images.

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund nutzen nach dem Stand der Forschung das palliative Versorgungsangebot wenig. Die möglichen Gründe sind weitgehend unklar. Häufig werden kulturelle Unterschiede geltend gemacht. Eine Untersuchung der Bedürfnisse von krebskranken Patienten mit Migrationshintergrund, ihren Angehörigen und medizinischen und pflegenden Versorgenden in Deutschland bietet einen Überblick über die Versorgungsprobleme. Methoden In dem qualitativen Forschungsdesign stehen biografische Erzählungen der Patienten, ihrer Angehörigen und der medizinischen und pflegenden Versorgenden im Vordergrund. Mit der Grounded Theory wurde eine Zeile-für-Zeile-Analyse der Daten durchgeführt, mit der verschiedene Kategorien und Handlungsstrategien im Umgang mit der Krankheit und der Versorgungssituation gefunden werden konnten. Ergebnisse Wenn schwerkranke Patienten mit Migrationshintergrund in einer palliativen Versorgungsstruktur ankommen, erleben sie in dieser politische und soziale Abgrenzungen. Migrationsspezifische Einflüsse erschweren deshalb die Bearbeitung…

BACKGROUND: In Germany, the habilitation proves one's qualification for independent research and teaching. It is a prerequisite for obtaining the teaching qualification in the respective specialist area. The prerequisites are laid down in the habilitation regulations of universities and equivalent institutions. This review article aims to show the requirements for the habilitation of medical faculties. METHODS: The current regulations regarding habilitation and implementation of all 39 German medical faculties were analyzed according to the following criteria: total publications (n), first and last authorships (n), teaching achievements, considerations of third-party funding, patent rights, abstracts at congresses, participation in further didactic training, cumulative habilitation, prerequisite of doctorate or equivalent achievements, reviewer (n) and their affiliation, giving a university-wide and scientific lecture, as well as a teaching sample. RESULTS: A total of 37 habilitation requirements were included in the analysis. The requirements differ in several central points: above…

Was ist neu? Zeitlich begrenzter Therapieversuch (Time-limited Trial, TLT) Kann die Entscheidung für oder gegen eine Intensivtherapie nicht unmittelbar getroffen werden, ist die zeitlich begrenzte Behandlung auf einer Intensivstation eine gute Strategie, um im Verlauf die erforderlichen prognostischen Informationen für die Entscheidung zu gewinnen. Prognosefaktoren im Rahmen einer Intensivbehandlung Die Kenntnis von Prognosefaktoren ist für ein informiertes Patientengespräch relevant. Während das kurzfristige Überleben maßgeblich vom Schweregrad der akuten Erkrankung bestimmt wird, haben Alter und Komorbiditäten einen großen Einfluss auf das langfristige Überleben. Die aus diesen Faktoren resultierende Gebrechlichkeit (Frailty) beeinflusst ebenfalls wesentlich die langfristige Prognose. Konzept für die Entscheidungshilfe bei knappen Ressourcen Stehen nicht ausreichend Ressourcen zur Versorgung aller Patienten zur Verfügung, muss unter dem ärztlichen Handlungsprinzip der Gerechtigkeit eine Priorisierung der Patienten erfolgen. Die aktuellen Leitlinien schlagen in solchen Situationen…

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is one of the most common infectious diseases worldwide. To reduce the high morbidity and mortality of CAP, appropriate diagnosis, risk stratification and therapy are necessary. This review summarizes the current recommendations for the management of CAP in Germany. CAP is often a medical emergency. The management of a CAP is based on the individual patient risk. The DS-CRB-65 Score and ATS/IDSA major and minor criteria are well suited for risk stratification. The initially calculated antibiotic therapy is based on the expected spectrum of pathogens and should be adjusted as necessary. Antibiotic therapy is usually administered intravenously in inpatients. With oral therapy, the bioavailability of the antibiotic should be considered. A reevaluation in the first 48-72 hours is mandatory. A therapy duration of 5-7 days is usually sufficient. Preventive influenza and pneumococcal vaccination and nicotine withdrawal are important.

Letter to: COVID-19 – Übersterblichkeit in Deutschland Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2021; 146(06): 426-426 DOI: 10.1055/a-1385-7650 „Was kommt auf uns zu“ [ 1 ] fragten Kern et al. mit Bezug auf offene Fragen zur Sterblichkeit im Zusammenhang mit SARS-CoV-2-Infektionen. Um bei der Bewältigung der Pandemie „mit viel Sicht fliegen“ [ 2 ] [ 3 ] zu können, sollten in SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19-Zeiten Virus-Testergebnisse um epidemiologische Ergebnisse zur Sterblichkeit ergänzt werden. Auswertungen der Mortalität für Frauen und Männer, die das Alter berücksichtigen, und mit angemessener räumlicher Auflösung erfolgen [ 4 ], d. h. in den 16 Bundesländern, bieten wichtige Informationen. Supplement Supplementary Material special analysis-mortalities_2020-11-27.xlsx (Input Statistisches Bundesamt) smr_CI_WEEKS_LNV.txt (Stata-analysis program) SMR_MONTH_LNV_27Nov2020_all.xls (SMR-Results per Month) SMR_WOCHE_LNV_27Nov2020_all.xls (SMR-Results per week) Publication History Article published online: 16 December 2020 © 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart,…

Magnesium deficiency is to be expected in the population and particularly among risk groups. Magnesium deficiency can cause numerous symptoms, is per se pathological and thus requires treatment. Diagnostics is based on clinical symptoms in conjunction with anamnestic criteria and laboratory parameters. Insufficient magnesium supply is associated with an increased risk for many diseases, e. g. metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Magnesium deficiency often appears as comorbidity and may exacerbate diseases. Physicians should pay more attention to magnesium in order to avoid deficits as a cause for multiple symptoms and risk factor for diseases. Optimisation of magnesium status may make an important contribution to the prevention of diseases. Oral magnesium therapy is safe and cost effective.

INTRODUCTION: The effect of non pharmacological interventions (NPIs) during an epidemic disease outbreak is well accepted dating back to historical events. NPIs involve numerous measurements like hygiene rules or contact restriction that are applied during given situations, while so far only limited quantitative data exist to rate the overall effectiveness. METHODS: Using the official counts of Robert Koch Institute in Berlin/Germany, press reports and Twitter messages, the early phase of the current COVID-19/Sars-CoV2 in Bavaria is being reconstructed. RESULTS: The first cases have been observed in Munich by the end of January 2020. While the initial outbreak could be sufficiently covered using isolation and quarantine measurements, the consecutive early spreading falls into three phases, starting with winter school holidays at the end of February, a number of beer festivals in the following week, and general elections on March, 15. The disaster plan on March, 16 indicates the end of the early phase. Using the official case counts, a rather coherent picture evolves although…

Long term intravenous antibiotic therapy is required for the treatment of selected infections. Outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) allows patients who require intravenous treatment to be treated outside of the hospital with equal efficacy and safety as in-hospital; prolonged intravenous antibiotic therapy is required for the treatment of selected infections. OPAT is particularly beneficial for patients. Staying at home and resuming everyday life lead to significantly higher patient satisfaction and quality of life. Furthermore, the risk of nosocomial infections can be reduced, especially through multi-resistant pathogens. Outpatient prescriptions shorten the inpatient length of stay and costs can be saved. Additionally the reception capacities of hospitals will be increased.

In recent years, high-flow oxygen therapy (HFNC) has become established and proven as an oxygenation method for patients with severe respiratory restrictions in most intensive care units. Advantages of this method, which is used especially for patients with hypoxaemia, are the easy application and the compliance by the patient. Devices are used which enable individual oxygen therapy by means of humidification, warming up and gas flow regulation options.

Zusammenfassung Anamnese und klinischer Befund Bis zum 24.02.2020 vereinzelt auftretende, nicht schwerverlaufende SARS-CoV-2-Infektionen in Deutschland. Notfallmäßige Vorstellung eines Ehepaars in der zentralen Notaufnahme. Der Mann gibt an, seit 7 Tagen an hochfieberhaften Temperaturen, trockenem Reizhusten und körperlicher Schwäche zu leiden, während die Ehefrau ähnliche Symptome in milderer Ausprägung bietet. In der klinischen Untersuchung fallen feinblasige Rasselgeräusche über beiden Lungen beider Patienten und eine respiratorische Insuffizienz des Ehemanns auf. Untersuchungen und Diagnose Laborserologisch Erhöhung der Inflammationsparameter sowie der Transaminasen und der Laktatdehydrogenase. Röntgenologisch pulmonale Infiltrate unterschiedlicher Ausprägung bei beiden Patienten. Im weiteren Verlauf Nachweis einer SARS-CoV-2-Infektion der Ehepartner mit schwerem Verlauf beim männlichen Patienten. Therapie und Verlauf Intubation und Beatmung des männlichen Patienten bei mittelschwerem ARDS mit langer intensivmedizinischer Behandlung. Genesung der weiblichen Patientin unter…

Secondary causes of fatty liver disease are important to recognize since specific therapy options are available for some of these causes. Common causes of secondary fatty liver disease comprise hepatitis C virus infection (HCV), endocrinological diseases, nutritional and intestinal diseases as well as genetic liver and metabolic diseases. Certain drugs may also predispose to the development of fatty liver disease. Primary fatty liver disease, also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined by the presence of steatosis hepatis without relevant alcohol consumption or other causes of secondary fatty liver disease. NAFLD occurs more frequently in patients with metabolic syndrome and thus can be seen as the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome.Therefore, presence of features of the metabolic syndrome should be assessed in all patients with fatty liver disease. Furthermore, alcohol consumption should be determined to rule out alcoholic liver disease (ASH). Further diagnostic work up for secondary causes of fatty liver disease should include screening for HCV…

Conspiracy theories are a most elaborate form of gossip. They have a long tradition and arise preferably during times of drawn out crises, as for example the Corona-pandemic. Hard-wired anxiety, personal powerlessness, palpable socioeconomic consequences, complex causes and insufficient solutions, disconcerting leadership and modern means of communication form fertile ground for conspiracy theories. They are much more than a peculiar marginal phenomenon as they undermine concerted action and distort open discussions, spreading germs and doubts, increasing risks and costs. This paper describes individual, social and communicative mechanisms underlying conspiracy theories and their inclusive ("we, who know"), conclusive (cognitive closure versus inconclusive facts) and exclusive effects ("we versus the establishment and the ignorants").

Both in hospitals and outpatient settings, fewer fluoroquinolones have been prescribed in Germany in recent years. The consumption of cephalosporins also decreased somewhat in favor of penicillin derivatives. The aminoglycosides, which have only rarely been prescribed, can now be used again as a suitable alternative - but only parenterally - due to their relatively favorable activity and low resistance rates among typical urinary tract infection pathogens. In acute severe infection such as sepsis, addition, e. g. of tobramycin, to a suitable betalactam of a single dose has been discussed as a useful option, but the evidence for such a recommendation is weak. There is little news about the rational use of antibiotics in hematology-oncology patients. In the case of fever and neutropenia, the initial empirical regimens of choice remain piperacillin-tazobactam or a pseudomonas-active carbapenem as monotherapy. These betalactams should be given with extended infusion times, e. g. over 4 hours. Linezolid should be considered as a reserve drug and not be used empirically, but only in…

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Aktive Sterbehilfe und ärztlich assistierter Suizid werden in Deutschland kontrovers diskutiert. Empirische Studien fehlen, um ihr jeweiliges Vorkommen, einschließlich dem von passiver und indirekter Sterbehilfe, in deutschen Krankenhäusern einschätzen zu können. Ärztinnen und Ärzte sowie Pflegerinnen und Pfleger in deutschen Krankhäusern wurden zu ihrer Anwendung von Sterbehilfe befragt und mögliche Einflussfaktoren erhoben. Methode Angaben zu Sterbehilfe wurden mit deskriptiven Begriffen und zugeordneten Definitionen in einer anonymen Online-Befragung erhoben. Die objektive und subjektive Arbeitssituation der Befragten und ihre Befürwortung von aktiver Sterbehilfe wurden erfasst. Die finale ärztliche Stichprobe umfasste n = 2507, die pflegerische Stichprobe umfasste n = 2683 Personen. Ergebnis Die Anwendung von passiver und indirekter Sterbehilfe innerhalb von 24 Monaten wurde von einem großen Anteil der ärztlichen und pflegerischen Befragten angegeben, aktive Sterbehilfe und assistierter Suizid von deutlich weniger Befragten. Die Varianz in der…

Twenty years ago, an enzyme homologous to the previously known angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) was identified, and subsequently named ACE2. In the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), ACE2 has counter-regulatory functions against the classical effector peptide angiotensin II, for example in blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular remodeling. However, ACE2 provides an initially unexpected interesting link between virology and cardiovascular medicine. That is, ACE2 represents the binding receptor for the cellular uptake of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Thus, ACE2 is relevant for COVID-19. In this context, it was suspected that therapy with RAS blockers might promote transmission and complications of COVID-19 by upregulation of ACE2 expression. The aim of this short review is, to describe the link between the RAS, particularly ACE2, and COVID-19. Based on our analysis and evaluation of the available findings, we justify our conclusion: important drugs such as ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers should continue to be prescribed according to guidelines to stable…

An increasing number of studies underlines the role of noise and air pollution as important environmental risk factors. It is unclear, how noise and air pollution impact mental health. Current study results indicate that environmental noise (in particular traffic noise) and various components of air pollution (in particular particulate matter) can increase the risk of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, psychoses and suicide. Pathophysiological mechanisms include both biological (such as oxidative stress and inflammation) and psychosocial factors (such as mental stress). Environmental risk factors such as noise and air pollution can have a significant impact on mental health. Due to the partly heterogeneous study results and the limited availability of methodically high-quality longitudinal studies, further studies are absolutely necessary, which allow deeper insights into these relationships.

In Germany and in other regions with former iodine deficiency, thyroid nodules and nodular goiter are still much more frequent than in the U.S.A. The American Thyroid Association (ATA) has published 2015 revised guidelines for patients with thyroid nodules and differentiated thyroid cancer. For evaluation of suspected thyroid nodules the authors describe high, intermediate, low and very low suspicion pattern and recommend further fine needle aspiration cytology, depending on the pattern and the size of the nodule. The high suspicion pattern includes irregular margins of the nodule, which may be an important criterion for malignancy of solitary nodules. In nodular goiters with multiple nodules grown together and without clear margins, frequently observed in former iodine deficiency regions, irregular margins may not be a significant criterion for malignancy. Another pattern, hypoechogenicity, which is frequently seen in benign nodules in former iodine deficiency areas, is also not a clear criterion for malignancy. Only strong hypoechogenicity may indicate malignancy. Another…

BACKGROUND: Stroke and dementia have several modifiable risk factors in common. In the primary care prevention project INVADE (INtervention project on VAscular brain diseases and Dementia in the district of Ebersberg), these vascular risk factors were recorded systematically and treated according to evidence-based guidelines. METHODS: All insurants of the AOK Bayern who were ≥ 50 years of age and lived in the Upper Bavarian district of Ebersberg received the offer to participate in INVADE, about one-third enrolled in the program. Examinations by the family doctor, self-reports of the participants, laboratory analyses, and a duplex sonography of the extracranial neck vessels were used to create individual risk profiles, from which the intervention measures were derived. GPs documented the treatment and health status of the participants at quarterly intervals. The entire examination program was repeated every two years. The success of the intervention was determined in comparison with the district of Dachau, where the insurants received the primary care treatment as usual.…

Gallstones develop in the gallbladder or the bile ducts. According to their chemical composition, gallstones can be divided into cholesterol stones, which are common, and the rare bile pigment stones. Altogether, up to 20 % of all adults develop gallstones and more than 20 % of them symptoms or complications. Female sex, age, pregnancy, physical inactivity, obesity, overnutrition and genetic factors such as ABCB4 deficiency of the hepatic lecithin transporter are kown risk factors for gallstone formation. In about one half of all patients biliary symptoms precede the three common and potentially life-threatening complications (acute cholecystitis, acute cholangitis and biliary pancreatitis). Although our knowledge about the genetics and pathophysiology of gallstones has improved, current treatment algorithms are predominantly invasive (ERC and surgery). Thus, better strategies are needed to prevent the formation of gallstones in general.

Cerumen obturans kann das Hörvermögen einschränken und den Gehörgang reizen. Häufig betroffen sind Kinder und ältere Menschen [ 1 ]. Durch eine Ohrenspülung lässt sich das Problem einfach und schnell beheben [ 2 ]. Die Ohrenspülung gehört zu den am häufigsten durchgeführten Maßnahmen zur Entfernung von Zerumen und wird insbesondere in Hausarztpraxen einer Extraktion mit Instrumenten vorgezogen [ 3 ].

Was ist neu? Therapie mit Eisenpräparaten Mit PIVOTAL erschien 2018 die erste kardiovaskuläre Endpunktstudie zur Eisensubstitution bei Dialysepatienten, die eine prognostische Überlegenheit einer Hochdosiseisentherapie gegenüber einer restriktiveren Eisenapplikation aufzeigte. Mit AFFIRM-AHF, IRONMAN, FAIR-HF2 und HEART-FID überprüfen aktuell gleich 4 Studien die Bedeutung einer intravenösen Eisenapplikation auf kardiovaskuläre Endpunkte bei Patienten mit Herzinsuffizienz. Ausblick HIF-Stabilisatoren erlauben eine orale Anämie-Behandlung bei chronischer Nierenerkrankung. Erste klinische Studien zeigten eine „Nichtunterlegenheit“ von HIF-Stabilisatoren gegenüber der Behandlung mittels rekombinanten Erythropoetins (EPO)/Erythropoese-stimulierenden Agenzien (ESA) in Bezug auf den Hämoglobinanstieg. Finale Ergebnisse großer Studien mit kardiovaskulären Endpunkten sind aktuell noch ausstehend. In diesen Studien muss das Sicherheitsprofil von HIF-Stabilisatoren überprüft werden, da HIF-Stabilisatoren die Transkription zahlreicher Gene auch jenseits der Hämatopoese verändern. In der…

Sarcopenia is characterized by a generalized loss of muscle function, strength and mass and is codable in Germany since 2018 in the ICD-10-GM (M62.50). For screening in primary care, it is possible to determine muscle function and strength by means of a sarcopenia questionnaire (SARC-F) as a self-filler with 5 questions of restrictions. With an increased score of 4 and higher, an examination of the musculature and a determination of the skeletal muscle mass index should be performed via dual energy X-ray absorption measurement (DXA) or bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA).If hand and/or leg strength is limited, the patient has probable sarcopenia and, according to the current revised version of the European consensus on sarcopenia, therapy can already be started and the cause clarified. A DXA or BIA examination confirms the diagnosis of sarcopenia by a lowered skeletal muscle index. A follow-up examination is recommended to differentiate between acute or chronic sarcopenia and to assess the progression of the disease. The severity of the disease is defined by additional examinations…

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, the number of patients requiring mechanical ventilation has increased steadily. In some cases, weaning is not successful. These patients depend on home mechanical ventilation and intensive outpatient care. Surprisingly, most of these patients were never treated in a weaning center. Thus, weaning might still be possible in at least some of them. Health insurance companies have recognized this problem. METHODS: AOK Hessen, a major health insurance company in the German federal state of Hesse, identified some starting points for improvement after having surveyed their patients in ambulant intensive care. Principal points for future measures are expertise of the treating medical center (weaning experience, weaning center), establishment of new centers for homecare ventilation for long term therapy of these patients and a coordinated follow up. RESULTS: Centers for homecare ventilation are wards with a non-hospital atmosphere affiliated to a weaning center. The main focus here is not weaning itself but daily physical and speech therapy. Patients in home…

Invasive mechanical ventilation can be terminated by immediate (palliative) extubation or by gradual reduction of ventilation with the ventilation access left open (terminal weaning). Both procedures are ethically equivalent and can be performed in everyday life, so that individual patient factors and the experience of the treatment team are decisive. However, the primary goal is to ensure that the patient and relatives do not suffer. This article presents step by step which aspects are relevant: communication, adjust or stop monitoring, selection and implementation of the appropriate procedure, preparatory measures, recognition and treatment of distressing symptoms by means of drug or non-drug therapy options and last but not least accurate documentation.

Excess body weight (EBW) is the second most important and potentially modifiable risk factor of cancer in Germany. The longer and the more excess body weight a person has, the higher the cancer risk. About 60 % of adult Germans have EBW (BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m²) and more than 23 % are obese (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m²). Excess body weight is causally associated with colorectal, esophageal (adenocarcinoma), gastric (cardia), pancreatic, biliary, hepatocellular, kidney, thyroid, breast (postmenopausal), endometrial and ovarian cancer as well as multiple myeloma and meningioma. In recent years, more and more young adults (20-40 years) were diagnosed with EBW-associated tumors. People with EBW should be encouraged to join programs of cancer screening. Keeping a healthy weight is a major public health concern in Germany.

The pandemic due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus challenges all of us in the many areas of life. Our health systems are tested for their sustainability and load capacity. SARS-CoV-2 virus-infections will become part of our lives, but they mainly threaten vulnerable and multimorbid older adults. Older people with a frailty-syndrome are challenged not only in physical, but also psychological and social domains. Adapted caring structures are required and the pandemic will introduce important ethical discussions. As examples, distribution of limited resources, requests for more Advance Care Planning as well as balancing between infection protection versus the drawbacks of long-lasting social isolation should be named. This article therefore focuses on ethical questions for older adults in times of the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic.

The global prevalence of osteoporotic fractures and the socioeconomic burden is increasing with aging of the population. Frailty, sarcopenia, malnutrition and a propensity to falls are contributing to osteoporotic fractures in old age with an estimated 750 000 fragility fractures per year in Germany. Despite this increasing number of fractures, osteoporosis remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in the geriatric population. In order to estimate fracture risk in elderly patients, it is important to combine bone mineral density measurement by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) with a problem-oriented geriatric assessment. This includes evaluation of muscle strength, walking speed, nutritional status, risk of falls, as well as cognitive function. Since age per se is the dominant fracture risk factor in women over 70 and men over 80, it is possible to omit DXA measurement in this age group, especially after an incident fragility fracture. The cornerstones of an effective fall and fracture prevention include a targeted training of strength, endurance, coordination and balance in…

Was ist neu? Definition, Klassifizierung und Prävalenz Der primäre Hyperaldosteronismus (PA) ist die häufigste chirurgisch therapierbare Form der sekundären Hypertonie. Hauptursachen des PA sind ein 1-seitiges Aldosteron-produzierendes Nebennierenadenom oder eine bilaterale idiopathische Nebennierenrindenhyperplasie (Bilateral Adrenal Hyperplasia, BAH). In den letzten Jahren ist das Phänomen der autonomen Kortisol-Co-Sekretion (ACS) im Rahmen des Conn-Syndroms in den Fokus gerückt. Während der Mineralokortikoidexzess für die Hypertonie verantwortlich ist, scheint die ACS vor allem zu metabolischen Komorbiditäten wie erhöhtem BMI, gestörter Glukosetoleranz und Diabetes mellitus Typ 2 zu führen. Das sogenannte „Connshing“-Syndrom (zusammengezogen von Conn- und Cushing-Syndrom) wird als neuer metabolischer Subtyp angesehen. Diagnose Folgende Hypertoniegruppen sollen unter anderem gescreent werden (etwa 50 % aller Hypertoniker): Patienten mit therapierefraktärer Hypertonie, mit arterieller Hypertonie und Hypokaliämien, mit arterieller Hypertonie und obstruktivem Schlafapnoe-Syndrom…

Was ist neu? Nomenklatur: Überbegriff maligne biliäre Tumoren Unter dem Begriff maligne biliäre Tumoren (engl. biliary tract cancer) werden weiterhin Karzinome der intra- und extrahepatischen Gallengänge und der Gallenblase zusammengefasst, deren auch molekularpathologische Unterschiede immer besser verstanden werden. Als klinisch relevante Veränderungen wurden neben einer Mikrosatelliteninstabilität bisher IDH-1- und BRAF-Mutationen, FGFR-Alterationen sowie eine HER2-Überexpression identifiziert. Eine Vorstellung der betroffenen Patienten in einem molekularen Tumorboard ist zu empfehlen, um potenzielle zielgerichtete Therapieoptionen sowie ggf. eine Studienteilnahme zu evaluieren. Aktuelle Therapiestandards Patienten nach einer kurativ intendierten Resektion sollte eine adjuvante Chemotherapie mit Capecitabin über 6 Monate angeboten werden. Die Kombination aus Gemcitabin und Cisplatin bleibt etablierter Standard in der palliativen Erstlinientherapie. Patienten in einem guten Allgemeinzustand kann aufgrund der positiven Ergebnisse der randomisierten ABC-06-Studie eine…

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) and glomerulopathy with dominant C3 deposits are very rare autoimmune disorders of the kidney that had been classified in its current form in 2010 due to a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology.Today, the immune complex-associated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN) and C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) represent a disease spectrum which is heterogeneous in terms of pathophysiology and the clinical time course. Interestingly, recent research demonstrated more common pathophysiological aspects with respect to secondary causes, autoantibodies, and genetics of IC-MPGN and C3G than it had been suggested with the creation of the 2010 classification.This knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology is of specific importance for the identification of potential secondary causes. Therefore, following histologic diagnosis a comprehensive complement analysis, accompanied by antibody screening and human genetics should be carried out consistently. The published evidence provides a robust basis for the use of available…

Lyme borreliosis caused by at least six Borrelia burgdorferi species, is the most important tick-borne disease in the northern hemisphere. With a wide spectrum of possible symptoms, the microbiological diagnosis of this disease is associated with a wide variety of ideas, divergent approaches and much uncertainty. The aim of the article is to introduce the treating physicians to a meaningful microbiological diagnostic procedure. Most important messages include that (I) the suspected diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis is first based on anamnestic data and clinical symptoms (compare "case definitions") which is substantiated by microbiological examinations; (II) microbiological diagnostics - primarily antibody detection, downstream PCR and culture - are only indicated if there are indicative symptoms, with typical erythema migrans not requiring microbiological diagnostics; (III) keep in mind: The more unspecific the symptoms are the lower the positive and the higher the negative predictive value of microbiological testing; (IV) serological diagnosis should follow a two-step procedure: a…

Was ist neu? Epidemiologie und Pathogenese Campylobacter jejuni/enteritidis ist in Westeuropa zu einem der häufigsten Erreger der ReA geworden. Auch nach mit Reisediarrhö assoziierten Escherischia-coli-Infektionen (DEC-Infektionen) können Arthralgien und milde ReA auftreten. HLA-B27 spielt eine Rolle bei der Erregerinvasion und -persistenz in Zellen der Mukosa und als antigenpräsentierendes Molekül. Neu sind Erkenntnisse, dass durch Auslösung einer Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) als Folge einer Fehlfaltung des HLA-B27-Moleküls eine proinflammatorische Stressantwort ausgelöst werden kann und dass enterobakterielle Infektionen diese Reaktion des angeborenen Immunsystems auslösen oder verstärken. Diagnostik Die Diagnostik beruht nicht auf einzelnen Parametern, sondern auf einer Kombination von klinischen, anamnestischen und serologischen bzw. PCR-basierten Faktoren. Therapie Antibiotika werden nur zur Therapie einer noch bestehenden Chlamydophilia-trachomatis-Infektion an der Eintrittspforte (urogenital) eingesetzt, nicht aber zur Therapie der posturethritischen oder postenteritischen…

Abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints that lead to an emergency department visit. Depending on the interpretation of the definition, 20-40 % of these patients present with an acute abdomen. This term summarizes a variety of diseases that often occur in the abdominal cavity, mostly acute, and can be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. The challenge for the physician is to differentiate a whole range of vital diseases from less urgent causes of complaints. Extra-abdominal differential diagnoses should also be considered. Initial diagnosis often requires a great deal of clinical experience.The targeted medical history and clinical assessment together with the selection of the appropriate technical investigation play a central role. The goal must be to move from symptom-based to causal therapy as quickly as possible and to clarify whether a patient needs to be referred to an emergency operation or whether there is time for further differential diagnostic measures. The prognosis of the acute abdomen often depends on the time latency until the definitive…