[Practical guidelines for diagnosis and therapy of restless legs syndrome]. / Praktische Diagnostik und Therapie des Restless-legs-Syndroms.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is the most common neurological sleep disorder affecting 10 % of the Caucasian population. The disorder is characterized by painful sensations in the lower limbs, especially during the evening, at night and during rest, resulting in an urge to move the legs and insomnia. As a result the quality of life is significantly reduced. Dopaminergic agents, opioids and anticonvulsants have proven to be effective for RLS with only the former being currently licensed; however, affected patients have to be identified, which is not always the case, especially in outpatient settings. Possible impediments to the adequate management of patients with RLS may include a lack of awareness, comorbidities and other medical conditions mimicking RLS. To overcome some of these difficulties practical guidelines for the diagnosis and therapy of RLS are provided.

[REM sleep behavior disorder as a prodromal stage of α-synucleinopathies: symptoms, epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapy]. / REM-Schlaf-Verhaltensstörung als prodromales Stadium von α-Synukleinopathien: Klinik, Epidemiologie, Pathophysiologie, Diagnose und Behandlung.

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is defined as a parasomnia characterized by loss of REM sleep-associated atonia and the presence of motor activity during dreaming typically presenting with an aggressive dream content. Epidemiological data on the prevalence of RBD are insufficient but it can be idiopathic or symptomatic. A video-audio polysomnography is essential for diagnosis. Clonazepam and melatonin are available as pharmaceutical treatment. Recent studies demonstrated that individuals suffering from idiopathic RBD carry a high specific risk (up to 80 %) for developing a neurodegenerative disorder of the α-synucleinopathy type (e.g. Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy) within 10-20 years. The current article provides a short overview of symptoms, epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapy of RBD.

Unplugging the mystery of carotid endarterectomy patient care.

The first two goals of health care must always be quality care and achievement of patient outcomes. In today's health care environment, these goals are achieved with an eye on the financial picture. Cost-saving efforts by decreasing LOS, decreasing the use of ICUs, and lowering laboratory and radiologic expenses without affecting the quality of care are requirements in today's setting. The process of creating a clinical pathway for patients undergoing CEA can help to examine your care and determine evidence-based practice.

Peripheral vascular assessment: finding your way through arteries and veins.

Vascular disease is a widespread health problem. Despite the advent of new, noninvasive and invasive testing methods, a thorough health history and physical examination remain the primary means of diagnosis. In this article, the author discusses vascular assessment of acute and critically ill patients, including inspection, palpation, and auscultation. Specific assessments for arterial disease and venous disease are discussed. A thorough vascular assessment aids in the planning and implementation of care and evaluation of response to treatment for these patients.