RESUMEN
Objective: To identify frequency, causes and outcomes of hospitalisations among adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE]
Methods: A record-based retrospective study was conducted at Aseer Central Hospital for a period of four and half years from January 2012 to June 2016. The study includes adult SLE patients who were diagnosed according to the 1997 SLE criteria
Results: A total of 155 patients [8 males and 147 females] with 251 hospital admissions were included. The average admission rate for all cases was about 2.0 +/- 1.0 times. The most commonly recorded causes of admissions were SLE nephritis flare [33.9%], and infections [16.3%]. Mortality rate for SLE patients is almost 7.7% and the recorded main causes of death were pulmonary hemorrhage [33.3%], sepsis [25%], bilateral massive pulmonary oedema and pneumonia [8.3% for each]
Conclusion: Almost half of adult SLE patients are frequently hospitalized. Female patients and those with associated chronic co-morbidity have more frequent admissions. Consequences of SLE remain the most frequently recorded causes for hospital admission. Pulmonary complications are the main cause for death. Therefore, prompt and aggressive management of pulmonary consequences could markedly reduce disease mortality. Adopting preventive measures such as using prophylactic antibiotics and pneumococcal vaccination, early in the disease course, should be accentuated
RESUMEN
Anticoagulation is the mainstay treatment of pulmonary embolism. Using low molecular weight heparin versus unfractionated heparin remains a matter of debate
Objectives: the aim of this review is to study the prognosis of using low molecular weight versus unfractionated heparin in treatment of pulmonary embolism
Methods: pubMed and Cochrane library were searched for articles comparing the efficacy of low molecular weight heparin and unfractionated heparin in management of pulmonary embolism. Ten related results were selected for review
Results: literatures studies indicated that low molecular weight heparin was effective in therapeutic treatment of acute sub-massive and massive pulmonary embolism. It was as effective as intravenous unfractionated heparin. It was not associated with higher risk of major, minor bleeding, or thrombocytopenia. Low molecular weight heparin was as effective as unfractionated heparin in prophylaxis of deep venous sinus thrombosis as well as pulmonary embolism
Discussion: low-molecular-weight heparin seemed to be as effective safe as intravenous unfractionated heparin for the treatment as well as prophylaxis of pulmonary embolism. It was also safe with no major bleeding risk or higher risk of thrombocytopenia
Conclusion: both low molecular weight and unfractionated heparin had similar efficacy and safety in management of PE