Do Herbal Supplements and Probiotics Complement Antibiotics and Diet in the Management of SIBO? A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) arises from dysbiosis in the small intestine, manifesting with abdominal symptoms. This study aims to assess the efficacy of combined antibiotic therapy, herbal supplements, probiotics, and dietary modifications in SIBO management. A total of 179 SIBO-diagnosed patients underwent clinical evaluation and breath testing.

Valvular calcifications at the start of dialysis predict the onset of cardiovascular events in the course of follow-up.

Objective: To analyse the presence of VC at the start of dialysis and its relationship with events and/or death from cardiovascular causes in the course of follow-up.

Methods: In the study, we included patients who started dialysis between November 2003 and September 2007. In the first month of treatment, we assessed the presence of VC by Doppler echocardiography, along with demographic factors and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, stroke, atrial fibrillation (AF), and cardiac dimensional and functional electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters.

Sudden death in incident dialysis patients.

Background: Sudden death (SD) constitutes one of the principal causes of death and is an important problem in healthcare provision. Cardiovascular diseases have a high prevalence in dialysis patients and constitute the principal cause of death. We sought to analyze retrospectively the incidence of SD in patients commencing dialysis and the factors related to its presence.

Ischaemic stroke in incident dialysis patients.

Background: Despite the high frequency of cardiovascular disease among the population on dialysis, there are few studies on ischaemic stroke and associated factors. The objective of the present study is to assess the prevalence of ischaemic stroke at the start of dialysis, its incidence in the course of follow-up and possible factors associated in its presentation.

Methods: All patients in our dialysis programme between 1 January 1999 and 31 December 2005 were included in the study and followed up until death, transplant, transfer out of our catchment area, or conclusion of the study on 31 December 2008.

Atrial fibrillation in incident dialysis patients.

Despite the importance of cardiovascular disease in dialysis patients, the frequency of atrial fibrillation in incident dialysis patients has not been determined. We analyzed the prevalence of atrial fibrillation in patients starting dialysis over a 4-year period, its occurrence over the course of dialysis, and its influence on ischemic stroke and mortality. Factors predisposing to atrial fibrillation were noted, as was the influence of arrhythmia on mortality and presentation of ischemic stroke.