RESUMEN

Point of care ultrasonography (POCUS) has evolved to become the fifth pillar of the conventional physical examination, and use of POCUS protocols have significantly decreased procedure complications and time to diagnose. However, lack of experience in POCUS by preceptors in medical schools and nephrology residency programs are significant barriers to implement a broader use. In rural and low-income areas POCUS may have a transformative effect on health care management.

RESUMEN

Tuberculosis-diabetes mellitus (TB-DM) is linked to a distinct inflammatory profile, which can be assessed using multi-omics analyses. Here, a machine learning algorithm was applied to multi-platform data, including cytokines and gene expression in peripheral blood and eicosanoids in urine, in a Brazilian multi-center TB cohort. There were four clinical groups: TB-DM(n = 24), TB only(n = 28), DM(HbA1c ≥ 6.5%) only(n = 11), and a control group of close TB contacts who did not have TB or DM(n = 13). After cross-validation, baseline expression or abundance of MMP-28, LTE-4, 11-dTxB2, PGDM, FBXO6, SECTM1, and LINCO2009 differentiated the four patient groups. A distinct multi-omic-derived, dimensionally reduced, signature was associated with TB, regardless of glycemic status. SECTM1 and FBXO6 mRNA levels were positively correlated with sputum acid-fast bacilli grade in TB-DM. Values of the biomarkers decreased during the course of anti-TB therapy. Our study identified several markers associated with the pathophysiology of TB-DM that could be evaluated in future mechanistic investigations.

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common disorder that can affect the quality of life and increase the risk for psychiatric, neurological and cardiometabolic diseases. Despite the significant burden, it poses on health and well-being, there is a lack of evidence regarding the use of drug therapies in these patients. This work aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmacological treatment alternatives for patients with OSA. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, SciELO, LILACS, Scopus, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov, will be used for the search. A search strategy was developed to retrieve clinical trials that have evaluated polysomnographic primary outcome (Apnoea-Hypopnoea index) and secondary outcomes (eg, daytime sleepiness, adverse events) of any drug therapy used for OSA. No date or language restrictions will be applied. Two authors will independently select the studies meeting the inclusion criteria by screening the title, abstract and full text. Data will be extracted, and the risk of bias will be evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Review Manager V.5.4.1 will be used for data synthesis. The Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation will be used to assess the strength of the evidence. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: As a review of published data, it is not necessary to obtain ethical approval. The findings of this systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022362639.

Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: Hospitalized patients receive potassium (K+) supplementation for hypokalemia, with clinicians often estimating a rise in serum K+ levels of 0.1 mEq/L per 10 mEq delivered. However, there is limited evidence to support this expectation. Patients also concomitantly take medications that may alter K+ levels, and it is not known to what degree these may impact interventions to correct K+ levels via supplementation. The objective of this study was to identify the impact of oral and/or intravenous K+ supplementation on serum K+ levels, including the influence of selected concomitant medications, in adult hospitalized patients. METHODS: A single-center, retrospective descriptive study of adult hospitalized patients receiving K+ supplementation at a tertiary hospital between 2021 and 2022 was conducted. Patients were included if they received at least one dose of potassium chloride while admitted to the general medicine ward. The primary outcome was the daily median change in serum K+, normalized per 10 mEq of supplementation administered. The secondary outcome was the impact of selected concomitant medication use on supplement-induced changes in serum K+. RESULTS: A total of 800 patients and 1,291 daily episodes of K+ supplementation were evaluated. The sample was approximately 53% women, was 78% white, and had a median age of 68 years. The overall daily median change in serum K+ level was 0.05 mEq/L per 10 mEq of supplementation delivered. Patients received a median of 40 mEq of supplementation per day, primarily via the oral route (80.6%). Among the concomitant medications assessed, loop diuretics significantly dampened the impact of K+ supplementation. CONCLUSION: Supplementation of K+ in non-critically ill hospitalized patients is variable and dependent on concomitant medication use.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Introdução: Há alguns fatores preditores para ocorrência de Infecção de Trato Urinário (ITU) no processo do cuidado na Clínica Médica (CM) de um Hospital Universitário (HU) como idade e tempo de internamento sendo o controle um desafio para a saúde pública. Objetivo: Descrever os principais agentes microbiológicos de ITU hospitalar na CM nos anos de 2015-16 e avaliar a suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo seccional e de busca na base de dados da CCIH do HU. Resultados: Em 2015 obteve se uma prevalência de 6,5% de ITU hospitalar, o agente biológico mais comum foi Klebsiella pneumoniae. Já em 2016, a prevalência foi de 5,3%; os agentes microbiológicos foram Candida spp. e Escherichia coli. Conclusão: A ITU hospitalar demonstra ser uma condição ainda bastante prevalente no HU, tendo como principal agente em 2015 a Klebsiella pneumoniae e em 2016 a Escherichia coli, ambos com uma maior susceptibilidade aos carbapenêmicos.

Introduction: There are some predictive factors for the occurrence of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in the care process at the Medical Clinic (CM) of a University Hospital (HU) such as age and length of stay, being control a challenge for public health. Objective: To describe the main microbiological agents of hospital UTI in CM in the years 2015-16 and to assess susceptibility to antimicrobials. Methodology: It is a descriptive and sectional study with research through the database of hospital infection control committee (HICC). Results: In 2015, there was a 6.5% prevalence of hospital UTI, the most common biological agent was Klebsiella pneumoniae. In 2016, the prevalence was 5.3%; the microbiological agents were Candida spp. and Escherichia coli. Conclusion: Hospital UTI proves to be still a very prevalent condition in HU, having Klebsiella pneumoniae as its main agent in 2015 and Escherichia coli in 2016, both with greater susceptibility to carbapenems.

Introducción: Existen algunos factores predictores de aparición de Infección del Tracto Urinario (ITU) en el proceso asistencial en la Clínica Médica (CM) de un Hospital Universitario (HU), como la edad y el tiempo de estancia, y su control es un reto para la salud pública. Objetivo: Describir los principales agentes microbiológicos de ITU de adquisición hospitalaria en la CM en 2015-16 y evaluar la susceptibilidad antimicrobiana. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, transversal, basado en una búsqueda en la base de datos CCIH del HU. Resultados: En 2015, la prevalencia de ITU adquirida en el hospital fue del 6,5%, y el agente biológico más frecuente fue Klebsiella pneumoniae. En 2016, la prevalencia fue del 5,3%; los agentes microbiológicos fueron Candida spp. y Escherichia coli. Conclusión: La ITU hospitalaria sigue siendo una patología muy prevalente en la UH, siendo Klebsiella pneumoniae el principal agente en 2015 y Escherichia coli en 2016, ambos con mayor susceptibilidad a carbapenems.

RESUMEN

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the rate of bacterial infections in COVID-19-hospitalized patients and to analyze the most prevalent germs, sources, risk factors, and its impact on in-hospital mortality. METHODS: This observational retrospective study was conducted on 672 patients hospitalized between April and August 2020 in Nossa Senhora da Conceição Hospital, a public hospital located in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The inclusion criterion was adult patients hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19. Data were collected through chart review. Risk factors for bacterial infection and mortality were analyzed using both univariate and multivariate robust Poisson regression models. RESULTS: Bacterial coinfection was observed in 22.2% of patients. Risk factors for bacterial infections were dementia (RR=2.06 (1.18-3.60); p=0.011), cerebrovascular disease (RR=1.75 (1.15-2.67); p=0.009), active cancer (RR=1.52 (1.082-2.15); p=0.01), need for noninvasive ventilation (RR=2.320 (1.740-3.094); p<0.01), invasive mechanical ventilation (RR=4.63 (2.24-9.56); p<0.01), and renal replacement therapy (RR=1.68 (1.26-2.25); p<0.01). In the adjusted model, bacterial infections were not associated with mortality (0.96 (0.75-1.24); p=0.79). The most common source of infection was due to respiratory, blood, and central venous catheters, with 69 (29.36%), 61 (25.96%), and 59 (25.11%) positive cultures, respectively. CONCLUSION: We observed a high rate of bacterial infections in COVID-19-hospitalized patients, most commonly of respiratory source. Neurologic and oncologic morbidities and need for ventilation and renal replacement therapy was associated with risk factors for bacterial infections. Nevertheless, an association between bacterial infections and hospital mortality was not established.

RESUMEN

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Brazilian medical schools equitably divide their medical education assessments into five content areas: internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and public health. However, this division does not follow international patterns and may threaten the examinations' reliability and validity. OBJECTIVE: To assess the reliability indices of the content areas of serial, cross-institutional progress test examinations. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: This was an analytical, observational, and cross-sectional study conducted at nine public medical schools (mainly from the state of São Paulo) with progress test examinations conducted between 2017 and 2023. METHODS: The examinations covered the areas of basic sciences, internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and public health. We calculated reliability indices using Cronbach's α, which indicates the internal consistency of a test. We used simple linear regressions to analyze temporal trends. RESULTS: The results showed that the Cronbach's α for basic sciences and internal medicine presented lower values, whereas gynecology, obstetrics, and public health presented higher values. After changes in the number of items and the exclusion of basic sciences as a separate content area, internal medicine ranked highest in 2023. Individually, all content areas except pediatrics remained stable over time. CONCLUSIONS: Maintaining an equitable division in assessment content may lead to suboptimal results in terms of assessment reliability, especially for internal medicine. Therefore, content sampling of medical knowledge for general assessments should be reappraised.

RESUMEN

Abstract Jean-Martin Charcot, widely regarded as a leading founder of modern neurology, made substantial contributions to the understanding and characterization of numerous medical conditions. His initial focus was on internal medicine, later expanding to include neuropathology, general neurology, and eventually emerging fields such as neuropsychology and neuropsychiatry. Furthermore, Charcot's intellectual pursuits extended beyond medicine, encompassing research in art history, medical iconography, sociology, religious studies, and the arts, solidifying his status as a polymath.

Resumo Jean-Martin Charcot, amplamente considerado como um proeminente fundador da neurologia moderna, fez contribuições substanciais para a compreensão e a caracterização de várias condições médicas. Seu foco inicial era a medicina interna, expandindo-se posteriormente para incluir a neuropatologia, a neurologia geral e, por fim, campos emergentes como a neuropsicologia e a neuropsiquiatria. Além disso, as buscas intelectuais de Charcot foram além da medicina, abrangendo pesquisas em história da arte, iconografia médica, sociologia, estudos religiosos e artes, solidificando seu status de polímata.

RESUMEN

Introducción: El estudio de la comorbilidad requiere de un enfoque multilateral con vistas a mejorar la calidad de la atención de los enfermos por el sistema de atención. Objetivos: Explorar la magnitud de la comorbilidad de enfermedades crónicas en adultos internados en los hospitales. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo-observacional-longitudinal-analítico. Se incluyeron pacientes internados en las Salas de Clínica Médica o pacientes clínicos en Salas de Internación Indiscriminada. Se realizó un estudio multicéntrico en 42 centros en un período de 2 años, con un muestreo consecutivo. Para el estudio se tuvo en cuenta la estadística descriptiva, inferencial y de regresión. Resultados: El total de pacientes en el estudio fue de 5925, masculinos con el 50,3 por ciento de edad 60,66 ± 0,25 años. Principal procedencia desde la guardia el 73 por ciento. La estadía hospitalaria de 12,61 ± 0,24 días, mayormente en pacientes quirúrgicos (15,45 ± 0,67 vs 11,76 ± 0,23; p < 0,00001). El 23 por ciento recibió tratamiento quirúrgico. El principal nivel educativo: secundario completo 21,6 por ciento. Dificultades económicas: 20 por ciento, mortalidad 9,26 por ciento; prevalencia de dislipemia, diabetes e hipertensión: 22,53 por ciento; 28,82 por ciento y 51,86 por ciento con 473 nuevos diagnósticos, IMC: 27,88 ± 0,65, Charlson global 2,09 ± 0,02 y en óbitos 3,84 ± 0,11. La media de patologías por paciente fue de 2,14 ± 0,01 y aumentó con la edad (p valor regresión lineal < 0,00001). Conclusiones: La hipertensión, la diabetes y la dislipemia representaron las entidades más prevalentes en Salas de Internación Clínica, Las enfermedades cardiovasculares, respiratorias, infectológicas, oncológicas, neurológicas, metabólicas y nefrológicas fueron predictores independientes de mortalidad(AU)

Introduction: The study of comorbidity requires a multilateral approach with a view to improving the quality of care for these patients by the care system. Objectives: To explore the magnitude of the comorbidity of chronic diseases in adults admitted to hospitals. Methods: Prospective-observational-longitudinal-analytical study. Patients hospitalized in a medical clinic room or clinical patients in indiscriminate hospitalization rooms are included, Multicenter study in 42 centers, with 2 years of recruitment. Consecutive sampling. Descriptive, inferential and regression statistics. Results: 5925 recruited, male gender 50,3percent, age 60,66 ± 0,25 years, main origin from the guard 73percent, stay 12,61 ± 0,24 days, longer in surgical (15,45 ± 0,67 vs 11,76 ± 0,23, p < 0,00001), 23percent received surgical treatment. Main educational level: complete secondary school 21,6%. Economic difficulties: 20percent, mortality 9,26percent, prevalence of dyslipidemia, diabetes and hypertension: 22,53percent, 28,82percent and 51,86percent with 473 new diagnoses in said pathologies, BMI: 27,88 ± 0,65, Global Charlson 2,09 ± 0,02 and in deaths 3,84 ± 0,11. The average number of pathologies per patient was 2,14 ± 0,01 and increased with age (p value for linear regression < 0,00001). Conclusions: Hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia represented the most prevalent entities in the clinical hospitalization room, cardiovascular, respiratory, infectious, oncological, neurological, metabolic and nephrological diseases were independent predictors of mortality(AU)

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Rare diseases are chronic conditions, generally incurable, progressive and disabling, which may result in early death. Access to therapeutic products, both medicines and appropriate medical devices, is essential to prevent the progression of the disease and maintain the patients' quality of life. Pharmacists can be part of health teams, in charge of guiding patients' journey, monitoring pharmacotherapy and identifying risks. This scoping review aims to identify and summarise evidence on the role of pharmacists and its impact in the field of rare diseases. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The searches will be conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guideline for protocols. Three electronic databases will be consulted. Studies reporting on qualitative and/or quantitative data from any world region will be considered. There will be no language or initial time limit for studies inclusion, until December 2022. To be eligible for inclusion, studies must focus on the role pharmacists in clinical services aimed at promote the access to medicines, prevention and resolution of problems related to pharmacotherapy. No assessments of items' quality will be made, as the purpose of this scoping review is to synthesise and describe the coverage of the evidence. Clinical, humanistic or economic outcomes from studies that meet the inclusion criteria will be included in the review. The analysis will synthesise the available evidence and may be able to push pharmaceutical practice forward, aiding professionals, educators and managers in the implementation of new approaches to better meet the needs of rare diseases and providing opportunities for future research. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Primary data will not be collected in this study and formal ethical approval is not required. The findings of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Introduction. The management of patients with chronic noncommunicable diseases, when it follows evidence-based recommendations, improves clinical outcomes and health costs. Despite its importance, little is known about adherence to guidelines and the processes for its monitoring in our environment. The objective of this study was to report the applicability and adherence to a selection of recommendations from clinical practice guidelines for noncommunicable chronic diseases by doctors in Bogotá. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study, the baseline of a cluster experiment that assessed the impact of disseminating recommendations on seven chronic diseases to patients, caregivers, and physicians. A total of 177 physicians from public and private health institutions were invited. Consecutive samples of their medical records were manually reviewed in predefined time ranges (up to 20 patients per physician, with up to two diseases of interest). The proportions of applicability and adherence were calculated according to 40 recommendations. Results. The 177 physicians who participated (out of 266 eligible) were from seven institutions, and 3,747 medical records (21,093 patients/recommendation) were analyzed. The general applicability was 31.9% (95% CI 31.3-32.6%), and it varied considerably by recommendation (range 0.3-100%) and disease (range 10.7-65%). Overall adherence was 42.0% (95% CI 40.8-43.2%), with higher adherence in acute coronary syndrome patients (58.4%) and lower adherence in diabetes mellitus patients (23.7%). Discussion. This is the most up-to-date, exhaustive, and representative measurement of adherence to guideline recommendations by doctors in Bogotá. Conclusions. Adherence to evidence-based recommendations for patients with chronic noncommunicable diseases in Bogotá is poor and highly variable. Keywords: Practice Guideline; Evidence-Based Medicine; Noncommunicable Diseases; Quality of Health Care; Implementation Science; Internal Medicine; Primary Health Care

Introducción. El manejo de pacientes con enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, cuando se realiza a partir de recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia, mejora los desenlaces clínicos y los costos en salud. Pese a su importancia, poco se conocen la adherencia a las recomendaciones de guías y los procesos para su monitoreo en nuestro medio. El objetivo de este estudio es reportar la aplicabilidad y la adherencia a una selección de recomendaciones de guías de práctica clínica, en enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, por médicos de Bogotá. Metodología. Estudio de corte MSc.Participaron 177 médicos de instituciones de salud públicas y privadas. Se revisaron manualmente muestras consecutivas de sus historias clínicas en rangos de tiempo predefinidos (meta hasta 20 pacientes por médico, en hasta dos enfermedades de interés). Se calcularon las proporciones de aplicabilidad y adherencia en 40 recomendaciones. Resultados. Participaron 177 médicos (de 266 elegibles), de 7 instituciones, con 3,747 historias clínicas (21,093 pacientes/recomendación) analizadas. La aplicabilidad general fue 31.9% (IC95% 31.3%-32.6%), y varió considerablemente por recomendación (rango 0.3%-100%) y enfermedad (rango 10.7%-65%). La adherencia general fue 42.0% (IC95% 40.8% -43.2%), siendo mayor en síndrome coronario agudo (58.4%) y menor en diabetes mellitus (23.7%). Discusión. Esta es la medición más actualizada, exhaustiva y representativa de la adherencia a las recomendaciones de guías por parte de médicos de Bogotá. Conclusiones. La adherencia a recomendaciones basadas en evidencia, para pacientes con enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles de Bogotá, es deficiente y altamente variable. Palabras clave: Guía de Práctica Clínica; Medicina Basada en la Evidencia; Enfermedades no Transmisibles; Calidad de la Atención de Salud; Ciencia de la Implementación; Medicina Interna; Atención Primaria de Salud

Introdução. O manejo de pacientes com doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, quando realizado com base em recomendações baseadas em evidências, melhora os resultados clínicos e os custos de saúde. Apesar da sua importância, pouco se sabe sobre a adesão às recomendações das diretrizes e os processos para monitorá-la em nosso meio. O objetivo deste estudo é relatar a aplicabilidade e adesão a uma seleção de recomendações das diretrizes de prática clínica, em doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, por médicos em Bogotá. Metodologia. Estudo transversal (linha de base de um experimento cluster que avalia o impacto da divulgação de recomendações sobre sete doenças crônicas a pacientes, cuidadores e médicos). Participaram 177 médicos de instituições de saúde públicas e privadas. Foram revisadas manualmente amostras consecutivas de seus prontuários em intervalos de tempo pré-definidos (alvo de até 20 pacientes por médico, em até duas doenças de interesse). Foram calculadas proporções de aplicabilidade e adesão para 40 recomendações. Resultados. Participaram 177 médicos (de 266 elegíveis), de 7 instituições, com 3,747 prontuários (21,093 pacientes/recomendação) analisados. A aplicabilidade geral foi de 31.9% (IC 95% 31.3%-32.6%) e variou consideravelmente por recomendação (intervalo 0.3%-100%) e doença (intervalo 10.7%-65%). A adesão geral foi de 42.0% (IC 95% 40.8%-43.2%), sendo maior na síndrome coronariana aguda (58.4%) e menor na diabetes mellitus (23.7%). Discussão. Esta é a medição mais atualizada, exaustiva e representativa da adesão às recomendações das diretrizes por médicos em Bogotá. Conclusões. A adesão às recomendações baseadas em evidências para pacientes com doenças crônicas não transmissíveis em Bogotá é fraca e altamente variável. Palavras-chave: Guia de Prática Clínica; Medicina Baseada em Evidências; Doenças não Transmissíveis; Qualidade da Assistência à Saúde; Ciência da Implementação; Medicina Interna; Atenção Primária à Saúde

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

One of the main skills in internal medicine is clinical decision making. To make clinical decisions, physicians in training reorganize their knowledge in order to optimally perform their clinical functions (diagnosis, research methods and treatment), which are organized according to disease scripts. This ability develops with experience and is acquired during their academic training. The script concordance test has been described as an innovative evaluation tool, designed to evaluate clinical decision making (clinical reasoning) in addition to the degree of knowledge. The script theory, understood as the organization of knowledge, is the basis for decision making. Disease scripts play a key role in supporting and developing clinical reasoning skills, which should be acquired in order to produce differential diagnoses and interpret clinical data. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2569).

RESUMEN

Introducción: El Dr. C. Oscar B. Alonso Chil (1930-2021) formó parte de los médicos que permanecieron en Cuba después del triunfo de la Revolución. Fue fundador de servicios de asistencia en medicina interna y geriatría, y realizó importantes contribuciones a la docencia médica. Objetivo: Exponer la trayectoria de Oscar B. Alonso Chil como médico y docente de la medicina cubana revolucionaria, a través de su historia de vida. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de tipo descriptivo y de corte cualitativo, donde se utilizó la técnica de la historia de vida, centrada en el aspecto profesional. Para ello se hizo una entrevista semiestructurada al testimoniante como fuente fundamental de información. Se validó el testimonio oral mediante la revisión de la documentación oficial en su expediente docente y la literatura científica existente relacionada con el tema, además de entrevistas a sus alumnos y compañeros de trabajo. Desarrollo: Se constató que fundó servicios; organizó la actividad docente; realizó tutorías, publicaciones y asesorías; y fue miembro de tribunales y consejos científicos. Cada una de sus actividades las desempeñó con gran compromiso e incondicionalidad a su profesión, lo cual le generó mucha satisfacción con la vida. Llegó a ostentar las más altas distinciones por su trabajo: Especialista de Segundo Grado en Medicina Interna, y Profesor Titular, Consultante y de Mérito de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana. Conclusiones: Oscar B. Alonso Chil contribuyó al desarrollo de la medina interna en Cuba en la etapa revolucionaria. Este profesor representa un modelo para los estudiantes de ciencias médicas por su prestigio profesional y científico(AU)

Introduction: Ph.D. Oscar B. Alonso Chil (b. 1930-d. 2021) was one of the physicians who stayed in Cuba after the triumph of the Revolution. He was a founder of the healthcare services for internal medicine and geriatrics, and made important contributions to medical teaching. Objective: To present the professional career of Oscar B. Alonso Chil as a physician and teacher of revolutionary Cuban medicine, through his life history. Methods: A descriptive and qualitative study was carried out, using the life history technique, focused on the professional aspect. For this purpose, a semistructured interview was conducted with the testimony witness as a fundamental source of information. The oral testimony was validated by reviewing the official documentation in his teaching file and the existing scientific literature related to the subject; in addition to interviews with his students and coworkers. Development: It was observed that he founded services, organized the teaching activity, supervised research, made publications and consultancies, and was a member of scientific boards and councils. He performed each of these activities with great commitment and unconditionality to his profession, which gave him great satisfaction with life. He achieved holding the highest distinctions for his work: second-degree specialist in Internal Medicine, as well as Full Professor, Faculty Consultant and Emeritus Professor of the University of Medical Sciences of Havana. Conclusions: Oscar B. Alonso Chil contributed to the development of internal medicine in Cuba during the revolutionary period. This professor represents a role model for students of medical sciences due to his professional and scientific prestige(AU)

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND The knowledge about the epidemiological profile of patients admitted to the hospital for severe COVID infection, allows an adequate health care planning and resource allocation. AIM: To describe the epidemiology of patients with COVID-19 admitted to a public hospital between March 2020 and July 2021. Material and Methods: Demographic variables, comorbidities, ventilatory support requirements, and hospital resources were recorded from clinical records and hospital databases of diagnosis related groups. The primary outcomes were overall mortality and need of ventilatory support. RESULTS: In the study period, 4,474 patients (56% males) were hospitalized with a diagnosis of COVID-19. Overall mortality was 25.8% and in-hospital mortality was 18%. Invasive and non-invasive ventilatory support was required in 1349 (30.2%) and 2060 (46%) patients, respectively. The most common comorbidities in admitted patients were diabetes mellitus (29.2%), chronic kidney disease (11.1%), and chronic liver disease (10.4%). The readmission rate was 3.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality associated with COVID-19 in this hospital was similar to the rates reported abroad. Local risk predictors for this infection should be identified.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Fibromyalgia is a polysymptomatic syndrome with a prevalence between 0.2% and 13% of the population and causes work disabilities in approximately half of affected patients. Several treatments to fibromyalgia have been proposed with partial improvement. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and when it should be introduced to fibromyalgia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a protocol for an open-label, crossover, randomised clinical trial comparing treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and standardised treatment to fibromyalgia. In the proposed study, 56 individuals with fibromyalgia will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio into a single, fixed, random block, in which one group will receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy and another will receive standard treatment. Subsequently, the groups will be crossed. Participants will be evaluated at baseline, eight and 16 weeks based on functional impairment assessed with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire-Brazilian Portuguese version, psychopathological symptoms questionnaire and short-form quality of life questionnaire. The improvement of symptoms concerning the moment of therapy used will be compared between groups. For sample size calculation, a moderate effect size, 80% power and 95% CI will be estimated, in a total of 46 patients. Considering a dropout of 20%, 56 patients should be recruited. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study was approved by the Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora Teaching Hospital ethics committee and assigned the number 53058421.9.0000.5133 (version 3). The results will be disseminated via publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations in medical meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: RBR-6prps8g)/UTN U1111-1278-3224.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To assess the MEWS association with the clinical outcomes (CO) of patients admitted to an internal medicine ward (IMW) at a Brazilian university hospital (UH). INTRODUCTION: It is important to quickly identify patients with clinical deterioration, especially in wards. The health team must recognize and act before the situation becomes an adverse event. In Brazil, nurses' work to overcome performance myths and the application of standardized predictive scales for patients in wards is still limited. DESIGN: An observational cohort study designed and developed by a registered nurse that followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist. METHODS: Data were collected from the IMW of a UH located in the city of São Paulo, Brazil (2017). An ROC curve was calculated to strengthen the use of a MEWS of < or ≥ 4 as a cutoff. CO of the two subgroups were compared. RESULTS: Three hundred patients completed the study; their vital signs were recorded consecutively throughout hospitalization in the IMW. The highest MEWS value each day was considered for analysis. Scores < 4 were significantly associated with a higher probability of hospital discharge, a lower chance of transfer to the ICU, a lower total number of days of hospitalization, and a lower risk of death. Score ≥ 4 had worse CO (orotracheal intubation and cardiac monitoring), transfer to the ICU, and increased risk of death. CONCLUSION: Scores < 4 were associated with positive outcomes, while scores ≥ 4 were associated with negative outcomes. MEWS can help prioritize interventions, increase certainty in decision-making, and improve patient safety, especially in a teaching IMW with medical teams undergoing professional development, thereby ensuring the central role of the nursing team in Brazil. RELEVANCE FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: MEWS aid nurses in identifying and managing patients, prioritizing interventions through assertive decision-making.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Introducción: Cuando se habla del símbolo de las generaciones de especialistas que se dedican a la Medicina Interna es necesario referirse al Doctor Alfredo Darío Espinosa Brito, destacado internista cienfueguero que cuenta con una fecunda trayectoria merecedora del reconocimiento de la comunidad médica. Objetivo: Describir los acontecimientos significativos de su vida y obra. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación de tipo descriptiva, que utiliza la historia de vida para lograr su propósito. Fue empleado el método teórico histórico-lógico; para la recolección de datos, se realizó una revisión documental y el testimonio directo de la voz del profesor como fuente primaria de obtención de la información. Desarrollo: los progenitores le inculcaron nobles principios de honradez que definieron su personalidad. Tuvo una trayectoria estudiantil sobresaliente marcada por ideas progresistas. Cuenta con una brillante carrera profesional merecedora de múltiples condecoraciones, pues su influencia ha sido esencial en la enseñanza del método clínico. Conclusiones: El doctor Espinosa ha contribuido sobremanera al desarrollo de la Medicina Interna, la Terapia Intensiva y la Geriatría en el territorio, además de realizar importantes aportes docentes, investigativos, teóricos y prácticos al avance de la enseñanza y de la Salud Pública en Cuba(AU)

Introduction: When talking about the symbol of the generations of specialists dedicated to Internal Medicine, it is necessary to refer to Dr. Alfredo Darío Espinosa Brito, an outstanding internist from Cienfuegos who has a fruitful career deserving the recognition of the medical community. Objective: To describe the significant events of his life and work. Methods: A descriptive research was carried out, using life history to achieve its purpose. The historical-logical theoretical method was used; for data collection, a document review and the direct testimony of the professor's voice were used as the primary source of information. Development: His parents instilled in him noble principles of honesty that defined his personality. He had an outstanding student career marked by progressive ideas. He has a brilliant professional career deserving of multiple decorations, as his influence has been essential in the teaching of the clinical method. Conclusions: Dr. Espinosa has contributed greatly to the development of Internal Medicine, Intensive Care and Geriatrics in the territory, in addition to making important teaching, research, theoretical and practical contributions to the advancement of teaching and Public Health in Cuba(AU)

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: Brazil nuts (Bertholletia excelsa) are consumed world-wide and have become a new trend in weight loss supplementation. We present a unique case of severe hypertriglyceridemia-associated acute pancreatitis following daily usage of a Brazil nut supplement product. SUMMARY: A Hispanic female presented with severe hypertriglyceridemia and acute pancreatitis several months after starting a Brazil nut weight loss supplement in the setting of poorly controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Her initial triglyceride level was undetectably high >10,000 mg/dL but improved rapidly following euglycemic insulin infusion and supplement cessation. The patient was managed with supportive care, started on oral fibrate therapy after abdominal symptoms improved, and was discharged to home in stable condition. CONCLUSION: It is essential for pharmacists to maintain a high index of suspicion for patients taking complementary and alternative medications and supplements who present with acutely altered laboratory parameters or onset of acute disease. In this instance, a patient was found to have profound hypertriglyceridemia with onset of acute pancreatitis following usage of a Brazil nut weight loss supplement.

Asunto(s)