ABSTRACT
Heart failure (HF) poses a significant healthcare burden, with distinct subtypes based on ventricular function. HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) presents unique epidemiological and mechanistic features compared to HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The pathophysiology of HFpEF is complex and involves multiple factors. Current pharmacological therapies for HFpEF remain suboptimal, with inconsistent mortality outcomes observed despite improvements in symptoms and quality of life. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have emerged as promising agents in HF management and hospitalizations, particularly in HFpEF patients. The cardioprotective mechanisms of SGLT2 inhibitors are multifactorial. In this article, we performed a comprehensive review of SGLT2 inhibitor use in HFpEF and discussed the implications in the management of HF.
ABSTRACT
This case study reviews a 48-year-old Hispanic male working in construction who presented with left upper medial thigh pain, redness, and swelling after exposure to hazardous chemicals during cement processing. Initially diagnosed with cellulitis and adjacent myositis, the patient met sepsis criteria and received empiric antibiotics. However, negative cultures and an evolving wound appearance shifted the diagnosis towards bullous diseases and chemical injury. Occupational history and physical exam findings pointed towards injury secondary to chemical exposure, common in cement workers with inadequate protective gear. Cement burns, often insidious, are underreported due to their slow progression, mainly affecting the lower extremities. These burns involve chemical, mechanical, and hypersensitivity mechanisms that can mimic infection on imaging. This case highlights the importance of recognizing and managing cement burns promptly, emphasizing protective measures, decontamination, and potential early intervention by burn specialists.
