Unexpected liaisons between old cytokines and new deadly virus

Researchers in Italy have not only identified new unexpected liaisons between old cytokines and the new coronavirus that open the way to the use in COVID-19 of drugs already approved for other diseases, but they have also provided valuable indications on how to better prepare ourselves to face a possible second wave of infection.

Shared decision making: patients have a right to be informed about possible treatment options and their risks and benefits

Shared decision making is a key concept in the process of working towards high-quality, patient-centred care for all patient populations. It is relevant not only for current care decisions, but also for advance care planning, and it is needed particularly during times of crisis such as we are seeing currently with COVID-19.

Actionability and scope should determine the extent of counselling for presymptomatic genetic testing

Patients considering undergoing presymptomatic genetic and genomic testing commonly receive prior genetic counselling. However, there is a need to discuss further why genetic counselling has such unique and high importance in many countries worldwide. This discussion will help to rationalise resource allocations within healthcare systems and improve patient communication in genetics and other fields.

The many faces of interstitial pneumonia: a case of presumed SARS-CoV-2 infection

The importance of differential diagnostics in clinical practice should be a given, especially during times of pandemic. The novel coronavirus infection introduced new guidelines for and approaches to the investigation of immunocompromised patients, so it is especially important not to forget the basis of differential diagnosis, to and adopt a thorough approach when assessing these complex patients. 

Osteogenesis imperfecta: towards an individualised interdisciplinary care strategy to improve physical activity and quality of life

The interdisciplinary approach presented in this article aimed at offering the same thorough management for all patients from the French part of Switzerland, and at improving both the physical activity and the satisfaction of the patients and their family.

Association between levator ani muscle avulsions and technique of vacuum extraction – a prospective exploratory study

Trauma of the levator ani muscle in the form of partial or complete avulsions is common after vaginal births, especially after vaginal-operative births. There is little information available regarding associations between the technique of vaginal-operative births and levator ani muscle trauma.

Effect of guideline revisions by the Swiss Society of Hypertension on blood pressure control in hypertensive patients from primary care

The 2009 guideline change in high-risk patients was associated with a reduction in systolic office blood pressure together with an increase in pharmacological combination therapy. These results highlight primary care physicians’ efforts to implement blood pressure guidelines. Further, blood pressure goal attainment was more likely to be achieved in later follow-up visits.