[Obstructive sleep apnoea].

Obstructive sleep apnoea Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a complex condition with many different phenotypes. Historically, OSA has been defined using the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI). However, because there is no clear relationship between the AHI and the severity of symptoms and comorbidities the degree of hypoxia is increasingly being used to define OSA severity.

[Endarterectomy in asymptomatic carotid stenosis: not worth the risk].

A recent trial revealed a reduction in ischaemic infarcts after carotid endarterectomy in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis. However, the number needed to treat (NNT) was 22 to prevent 1 stroke in 10 years (including perioperative death as a primary outcome measurement). This is a modest effect in comparison to the trials with symptomatic patients with a 70-99% stenosis (NNT: 6).

Aspirin in Alzheimer's disease: increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhage: cause for concern?

Background And Purpose: In a randomized controlled trial in Alzheimer's disease (AD), we found a higher number of intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs) in patients randomized to aspirin treatment. Here, we evaluate the literature on the risk of ICH as a complication in patients with AD treated with aspirin.

Methods: Systematic review and comparison of the occurrence of events over time between the aspirin and control group in each trial using Cox regression analysis.

Six-minute walk test in patients with Down syndrome: validity and reproducibility.

Objectives: To examine the validity of the six-minute walk test (6MWT) as a tool to evaluate functional exercise performance in patients with Down syndrome (DS).

Design: Comparison of the six-minute walk distance (6MWD) in 2 distinct groups of DS patients: with and without severe cardiac disease. To test reproducibility, a group of patients with DS performed the 6MWT twice.