Hospital-Acquired Sacral Pressure Ulcer Complicated by a Spinal Epidural Abscess.

A spinal epidural abscess is a rare condition characterized by the accumulation of pus between the dura mater and vertebral column, often caused by hematogenous spread from a distant site or local spread from infection in nearby structures. The abscess leads to compression of the spinal cord and can result in neurological damage, including dysfunction or permanent neurological deficits. Treatment of spinal epidural abscesses should not be delayed and requires a combination of decompression by surgical drainage and antibiotic therapy. The authors present a rare case in which a spinal epidural abscess developed from a hospital-acquired pressure ulcer, further complicated by bacteremia.

Is Intensive Blood Pressure Control Indicated in Older Patients with Hypertension?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to evaluate intensive blood pressure control in older adults, assessing its necessity, effectiveness, benefits and risks including cardiovascular outcomes, adverse events, quality of life, and overall mortality. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have supported that intensive antihypertensive treatment lowers the rates of cardiovascular events compared to standard treatment in older patients with hypertension, and it may also reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Intensive blood pressure lowering strategies are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality as well as all-cause mortality, without compromising quality of life or functional status, and are relatively well tolerated in this patient population. Evidence suggests that maintaining systolic blood pressure below 130 mm Hg can yield cardiovascular and cognitive benefits in older patients with hypertension, particularly among those at risk of myocardial infarction or stroke. However, clinicians should vigilantly monitor for adverse events and engage in shared decision-making when pursuing intensive blood pressure goals tailored to individual risks and benefits.

Sodium Homeostasis and Hypertension.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to summarize and discuss the relationship between sodium homeostasis and hypertension, including emerging concepts of factors outside cardiovascular and renal systems influencing sodium homeostasis and hypertension. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies support the dose-response association between higher sodium and lower potassium intakes and a higher cardiovascular risk in addition to the dose-response relationship between sodium restriction and blood pressure lowering. The growing body of evidence suggests the role of genetic determinants, immune system, and gut microbiota in sodium homeostasis and hypertension. Although higher sodium and lower potassium intakes increase cardiovascular risk, salt restriction is beneficial only to a certain limit. The immune system contributes to hypertension through pro-inflammatory effects. Sodium can affect the gut microbiome and induce pro-inflammatory and immune responses that contribute to salt-sensitive hypertension.

A Rare Case of Page Kidney With Superimposed Infection.

Page kidney (PK) is a rare renal condition characterized by external compression of the kidney, typically by a subcapsular hematoma, leading to resistant secondary hypertension due to hypoperfusion and ischemia. This hypertension is caused by the external compression of the kidney by a chronic subcapsular hematoma that activates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) system. Hematoma formation can result from external or internal trauma. The resolution of the hematoma can take months, and, in some cases, may necessitate a nephrectomy. Unresolved subcapsular hematomas can be complicated by infection, leading to sepsis, hospitalization, and the need for surgical drainage. This report presents a unique case of a 67-year-old female with a spontaneous left renal subcapsular hematoma that did not resolve with conservative measures and was complicated by superimposed infection requiring percutaneous drainage.