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Deutsches Arzteblatt International Aug 2023Neoplasms of the vermiform appendix are rare. They comprise a heterogeneous group of entities requiring differentkinds of treatment. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Neoplasms of the vermiform appendix are rare. They comprise a heterogeneous group of entities requiring differentkinds of treatment.
METHODS
This review is based on publications retrieved by a selective literature search in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochranedatabases.
RESULTS
0.5% of all tumors of the gastrointestinal tract arise in the appendix. Their treatment depends on their histopathologicalclassification and tumor stage. The mucosal epithelium gives rise to adenomas, sessile serrated lesions, adenocarcinomas,goblet-cell adenocarcinomas, and mucinous neoplasms. Neuroendocrine neoplasms originate in neuroectodermal tissue. Adenomasof the appendix can usually be definitively treated by appendectomy. Mucinous neoplasms, depending on their tumorstage, may require additional cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC). Adeno -carcinomas and goblet-cell adenocarcinomas can metastasize via the lymphatic vessels and the bloodstream and should thereforebe treated by oncological right hemicolectomy. Approximately 80% of neuroendocrine tumors are less than 1 cm in diameterwhen diagnosed and can therefore be adequately treated by appendectomy; right hemicolectomy is recommended if the patienthas risk factors for metastasis via the lymphatic vessels. Systemic chemotherapy has not been shown to be beneficial forappendiceal neoplasms in prospective, randomized trials; it is recommended for adenocarcinomas and goblet-cell adenocarcinomasof stage III or higher, in analogy to the treatment of colorectal carcinoma.
Topics: Humans; Appendix; Appendiceal Neoplasms; Prospective Studies; Hyperthermia, Induced; Adenocarcinoma; Appendectomy
PubMed: 37282595
DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.m2023.0136 -
Nature Reviews. Gastroenterology &... Sep 2023The appendix is thought to have a role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis, but the nature and basis of this association remains unclear. In this Perspective, we... (Review)
Review
The appendix is thought to have a role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis, but the nature and basis of this association remains unclear. In this Perspective, we consider the biology of the appendix with respect to its immunological function and the microbiome, and how this relates to evidence that supports the involvement of the appendix in ulcerative colitis. In experimental models, removal of the inflamed appendix prevents colitis, and in human observational studies, appendectomy is associated with protection against ulcerative colitis. Further, among people who develop ulcerative colitis, appendectomy before diagnosis might influence the course and outcomes of the disease - some evidence suggests that it protects against colectomy but could increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Appendectomy after onset of ulcerative colitis seems to have disparate consequences. Clinical trials to understand whether appendectomy has a role in the treatment of ulcerative colitis are ongoing. Major questions about the role of the appendix in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis remain unanswered, and further research is needed to establish whether the connection is clinically relevant.
Topics: Humans; Colitis, Ulcerative; Appendix; Appendectomy; Colitis
PubMed: 37081213
DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00774-3 -
Chest Mar 2024Albumin is used commonly across a wide range of clinical settings to improve hemodynamics, to facilitate fluid removal, and to manage complications of cirrhosis. The...
BACKGROUND
Albumin is used commonly across a wide range of clinical settings to improve hemodynamics, to facilitate fluid removal, and to manage complications of cirrhosis. The International Collaboration for Transfusion Medicine Guidelines developed guidelines for the use of albumin in patients requiring critical care, undergoing cardiovascular surgery, undergoing kidney replacement therapy, or experiencing complications of cirrhosis.
METHODS
Cochairs oversaw the guideline development process and the panel included researchers, clinicians, methodologists, and a patient representative. The evidence informing this guideline arises from a systematic review of randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews, in which multiple databases were searched (inception through November 23, 2022). The panel reviewed the data and formulated the guideline recommendations using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. The guidelines were revised after public consultation.
RESULTS
The panel made 14 recommendations on albumin use in adult critical care (three recommendations), pediatric critical care (one recommendation), neonatal critical care (two recommendations), cardiovascular surgery (two recommendations), kidney replacement therapy (one recommendation), and complications of cirrhosis (five recommendations). Of the 14 recommendations, two recommendations had moderate certainty of evidence, five recommendations had low certainty of evidence, and seven recommendations had very low certainty of evidence. Two of the 14 recommendations suggested conditional use of albumin for patients with cirrhosis undergoing large-volume paracentesis or with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Twelve of 14 recommendations did not suggest albumin use in a wide variety of clinical situations where albumin commonly is transfused.
CONCLUSIONS
Currently, few evidence-based indications support the routine use of albumin in clinical practice to improve patient outcomes. These guidelines provide clinicians with actionable recommendations on the use of albumin.
PubMed: 38447639
DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2024.02.049 -
BMC Nephrology Oct 2023Large placebo-controlled trials have demonstrated kidney and cardiovascular clinical benefits of SGLT-2 inhibitors. Data from the EMPA-KIDNEY and DELIVER trials and... (Review)
Review
Large placebo-controlled trials have demonstrated kidney and cardiovascular clinical benefits of SGLT-2 inhibitors. Data from the EMPA-KIDNEY and DELIVER trials and associated meta-analyses triggered an update to the UK Kidney Association Clinical Practice Guideline on Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) Inhibition in Adults with Kidney Disease. We provide a summary of the full guideline and highlight the rationale for recent updates. The use of SGLT-2 inhibitors in people with specific medical conditions, including type 1 diabetes, kidney transplants, and people admitted to hospital with heart failure is also considered, along with Recommendations for future research and Recommendations for implementation. A full "lay" summary of the guidelines is provided as an appendix to ensure that these guidelines are accessible and understandable to people who are not medical professionals.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Blood Glucose; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Hypoglycemic Agents; Kidney; Kidney Diseases; Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors; United Kingdom
PubMed: 37880609
DOI: 10.1186/s12882-023-03339-3