Aims In this study, we aimed to investigate whether body composition analysis (BCA) derived from bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) could be used to monitor the hydration status of patients with acute heart failure (AHF) during intensified diuretic therapy. Methods and results This observational, single-centre study involved a novel, validated eight-electrode segmental body composition analyser to perform BCA derived from BIVA with an alternating current of 100 μA at frequencies of 5, 7.5, 50, and 75 kHz. The BCA-derived and BIVA-derived parameters were estimated and compared with daily body weight measurements in hospitalized patients with AHF. A total of 867 BCA and BIVA assessments were conducted in 142 patients (56.3% men; age 76.8 ± 10.7 years). Daily changes in total body water (TBW) and extracellular water (ECW) were significantly associated with changes in body weight in 62.2% and 89.1% of all measurements, respectively (range, ±1 kg). Repeated measures correlation coefficients between weight loss and TBW loss resulted with rho 0.43, P < 0.01, confidence interval (CI) [0.36, 0.50] and rho 0.71, P > 0.01, CI [0.67, 0.75] for ECW loss. Between the first and last assessments, the mean weight loss was −2.5 kg, compared with the −2.6 L mean TBW loss and −1.7 L mean ECW loss. BIVA revealed an increase in mean Resistance R and mean Reactance X_c across all frequencies, with the subsequent reduction in body fluid (including corresponding body weight) between the first and last assessments. Conclusions Body composition analysis derived from BIVA with a focus on ECW is a promising approach to detect changes in hydration status in patients undergoing intensified diuretic therapy. Defining personalized BIVA reference values using bioelectrical impedance devices is a promising approach to monitor hydration status.

Background/Objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF) remains a major risk factor for stroke. It is often asymptomatic and paroxysmal, making it difficult to detect with conventional electrocardiography (ECG). While photoplethysmography (PPG)-based devices like smartwatches have demonstrated efficacy in detecting AF, they are rarely integrated into hospital infrastructure. The study aimed to establish a seamless system for real-time AF screening in hospitalized high-risk patients using a wrist-worn PPG device integrated into a hospital’s data infrastructure. Methods: In this investigator-initiated prospective clinical trial conducted at the University Hospital Basel, patients with a CHA₂DS₂-VASc score ≥ 2 and no history of AF received a wristband equipped with a PPG sensor for continuous monitoring during their hospital stay. The PPG data were automatically transmitted, analyzed, stored, and visualized. Upon detection of an absolute arrhythmia (AA) in the PPG signal, a Holter ECG was administered. Results: The analysis encompassed 346 patients (mean age 72 ± 10 years, 175 females (50.6%), mean CHA₂DS₂-VASc score 3.5 ± 1.3)). The mean monitoring duration was 4.3 ± 4.4 days. AA in the PPG signal was detected in twelve patients (3.5%, CI: 1.5–5.4%), with most cases identified within 24 h (p = 0.004). There was a 1.3 times higher AA burden during the nighttime compared to daytime (p = 0.03). Compliance was high (304/346, 87.9%). No instances of AF were confirmed in the nine patients undergoing Holter ECG. Conclusions: This study successfully pioneered an automated infrastructure for AF screening in hospitalized patients through the use of wrist-worn PPG devices. This implementation allowed for real-time data visualization and intervention in the form of a Holter ECG. The high compliance and early AA detection achieved in this study underscore the potential and relevance of this novel infrastructure in clinical practice.

Background: The transition from hospital to primary care is a vulnerable period for patients. Telemedicine may enhance continuity of care; however, evidence on its role in supporting hospital-to-primary-care transitions remains limited. Objective: We implemented and evaluated a telephone-based follow-up program to support the transition from hospital to home and primary care, focusing on patient health as well as patient and health care provider satisfaction. Methods: In this prospective, single-center intervention study (University Hospital Basel, September 2022-December 2024), 234 patients discharged from the emergency unit or internal medicine wards received structured telemedical follow-up for up to 10 days until their first primary care appointment. Primary outcomes were patient health and satisfaction; secondary outcomes were health care provider satisfaction. Data were collected using patient-reported outcome measures, patient-reported experience measures, and provider assessments and analyzed descriptively and analytically ( P =.05). Results: Patient-reported outcome measure and patient-reported experience measure scores changed during follow-up, while no deterioration was observed. Health care provider satisfaction varied, with telemedical physicians reporting the highest ratings, hospital physicians intermediate ratings, and general practitioners the lowest, citing challenges in information transfer and perceived added value. Conclusions: This study outlines both the potential benefits and the practical challenges of implementing a telephone follow-up program after hospital discharge. Variations in physician satisfaction highlight the need for more user-friendly technical infrastructure and clearer role definitions. Future multicenter studies with broader patient samples, usual care controls, and simplified recruitment processes are required to strengthen the feasibility and generalizability of this approach.

Brownʼs syndrome is a rare variation of restrictive strabismus characterized by limited elevation of the affected eye in adduction. This motility restriction results from mechanical impairment of the superior oblique tendon as it passes through the trochlea [1] [2] [3] [4]. Brownʼs syndrome occurs in both congenital and acquired forms, the latter is usually secondary to identifiable causes such as inflammation, trauma, or surgery [2], [4]. Trochleitis – an inflammatory process of the trochlea and peritrochlear region – is an uncommon cause of acquired Brownʼs syndrome. It can be detected on MRI, which typically shows focal enhancement and thickening of the trochlear region [5]. Because of its rarity and often nonspecific clinical presentation, it may be mistaken for cranial nerve palsies. Awareness of this entity is essential, as targeted orbital imaging can confirm the diagnosis and prevent unnecessary invasive investigations or interventions. Received: 31 October 2025 Accepted: 12 January 2026 Article published online: 17 February 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

Branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) is typically not considered an indication for systemic thrombolysis. However, in selected cases with relevant central or paracentral visual field loss, early reperfusion with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) may be beneficial [1]. Evidence remains limited, and no standardized treatment exists. While (IVT) has shown promise in central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) [2], [3], [4], its role in BRAO remains under investigation. Received: 31 October 2025 Accepted: 15 December 2025 Article published online: 11 February 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany