Diagnostic Performance of Self-Assessment for Constipation in Patients With Long-Term Opioid Treatment.

Constipation is a prevalent comorbidity affecting ∼50% of patients with long-term opioid therapy. In clinical routine different diagnostic instruments are in use to identify patients under risk. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of an 11-item Likert scale for constipation used as a self-assessment in opioid-treated patients.

Influence of levosimendan on organ dysfunction in patients with severely reduced left ventricular function undergoing cardiac surgery.

Objectives: Levosimendan is an inotropic drug with organ-protective properties due to its activation of mitochondrial K(ATP) channels. This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated whether administration of levosimendan prior to cardiopulmonary bypass could reduce organ dysfunction and influence subsequent secondary endpoints.

Patients And Methods: Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction <30% scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass surgery (with or without valve surgery) received either levosimendan (12.