ABSTRACT
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a significant global impact due to the millions of deaths it has caused secondary to respiratory failure. However, the disease has also been associated with a wide array of manifestations in other organ systems. Among them, the presence of anosmia, which occurs in up to half the patients, has become a new sign of alarm to suspect the infection. Although up to 90% of affected patients will experience an improvement of their olfactory alterations within a month after the infection, the variety and severity of olfactory disturbances clearly cannot be summarized by the dichotomy of having anosmia or not. Parosmias are a type of olfactory dysfunction characterized by altered perception of odors, which can reflect both damage at some level of the olfactory tract, as well as the possibility of reversibility of said damage. The present manuscript describes possible olfactory disturbances associated with COVID-19, their pathophysiology, and potential clinical significance.
La enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) ha tenido un impacto mundial trascendente por los millones de muertes que ha causado secundarias a insuficiencia respiratoria. Sin embargo, la enfermedad también se ha asociado a una amplia gama de manifestaciones en otros sistemas. Entre ellas, la presencia de anosmia, la cual ocurre en hasta mitad de los pacientes, se ha vuelto un nuevo dato de alarma para sospechar la infección. Aunque hasta el 90% de los pacientes afectados presentarán mejoría de sus alteraciones olfatorias dentro del mes posterior a su cuadro, la variedad y gravedad de alteraciones olfatorias claramente no pueden resumirse en la dicotomía de tener o no anosmia. Las parosmias son un tipo de alteración olfatoria caracterizadas por percepciones alteradas de los olores, las cuales pueden reflejar tanto daño a algún nivel del tracto olfatorio, así como la posibilidad de reversibilidad de dicho daño. En el presente manuscrito se describen las posibles alteraciones olfatorias asociadas a COVID-19, su fisiopatología, y potencial significancia clínica.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Olfaction Disorders , Emotions , Feces , Humans , Olfaction Disorders/diagnosis , Olfaction Disorders/etiology , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: Hepatic steatosis (HS) is associated with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, comorbidities recently related to COVID-19 severity. Here, we assessed if tomographic HS is also a risk factor for severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods: We included 213 patients with a positive real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test and chest computed tomography (CT) from an out-hospital facility and a hospital. We obtained information on demographics; weight; height; smoking history; diabetes; hypertension; and cardiovascular, lung, and renal disease. Two radiologists scored the CO-RADs system (COVID-19 Reporting and Data System) (1 = normal, 2 = inconsistent, 3-4 = indeterminate, and 5 = typical findings) and the chest CT severity index (≥20 of 40 was considered severe disease). They evaluated the liver-to-spleen ratio (CTL/S) and defined tomographic steatosis as a CTL/S index ≤0.9. We used descriptive statistics, χ2 and t student tests, logistic regression, and reported odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Of the patients, 61% were men, with a mean age of 51.2 years, 48.3% were CO-RADs 1 and 51.7% CO-RADs 2-5. Severe tomographic disease was present in 103 patients (48.4%), all CO-RADs 5. This group was older; mostly men; and with a higher prevalence of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and HS (69.9 vs 29%). On multivariate analysis, age (OR 1.058, 95% CI 1.03-1.086, P < 0.0001), male gender (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.03-3.8, P = 0.04), and HS (OR 4.9, 95% CI 2.4-9.7, P < 0.0001) remained associated. Conclusion: HS was independently associated with severe COVID pneumonia. The physiopathological explanation of this finding remains to be elucidated. CTL/S should be routinely measured in thoracic CT scans in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.
ABSTRACT
Resumen En la actualidad se ha generalizado la administración de los inhibidores de la bomba de protones casi de manera universal, pero con especial insistencia en los pacientes hospitalizados. Su administración se ha considerado inocua y con efectos protectores; sin embargo, la administración indiscriminada de este grupo de fármacos tiene serias consecuencias para la salud.
Abstract Currently the use of proton pump inhibitors has become widespread almost universally but with special emphasis on hospitalized patients. Its use has been considered innocuous and with protective effects; however, the indiscriminate administration of this group of drugs has health consequences.
ABSTRACT
Preoperative assessment in non-cardiac surgery is essential to reducing the rate of in-hospital complications. Its purpose is to identify patients with higher levels of risk. Preoperative assessment should not be restricted to cardiovascular aspects, but it should focus on all organs and systems and include medication reconciliation. The purpose of this article is to approach the performance of a preoperative assessment in non-cardiac surgery from the perspective of the internist, with the purpose to help prevent adverse events and improve the overall outcome.
La valoración preoperatoria en cirugía no cardiaca es fundamental para disminuir la tasa de complicaciones hospitalarias; su finalidad es identificar pacientes con riesgos mayores. La valoración preoperatoria no se debe limitar a los aspectos cardiovasculares, sino enfocarse en todos los órganos y sistemas e incluir la conciliación de medicamentos. El objetivo de este escrito es abordar la realización de una valoración preoperatoria en cirugía no cardiaca desde la perspectiva del médico internista, con el fin de ayudar a prevenir eventos adversos y mejorar el desenlace general.
Subject(s)
Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Preoperative Care/methods , Surgical Procedures, Operative/methods , Cardiovascular Diseases/prevention & control , Humans , Surgical Procedures, Operative/adverse effectsABSTRACT
Resumen La valoración preoperatoria en cirugía no cardiaca es fundamental para disminuir la tasa de complicaciones hospitalarias; su finalidad es identificar pacientes con riesgos mayores. La valoración preoperatoria no se debe limitar a los aspectos cardiovasculares, sino enfocarse en todos los órganos y sistemas e incluir la conciliación de medicamentos. El objetivo de este escrito es abordar la realización de una valoración preoperatoria en cirugía no cardiaca desde la perspectiva del médico internista, con el fin de ayudar a prevenir eventos adversos y mejorar el desenlace general.
Abstract Preoperative assessment in non-cardiac surgery is essential to reducing the rate of in-hospital complications. Its purpose is to identify patients with higher levels of risk. Preoperative assessment should not be restricted to cardiovascular aspects, but it should focus on all organs and systems and include medication reconciliation. The purpose of this article is to approach the performance of a preoperative assessment in non-cardiac surgery from the perspective of the internist, with the purpose to help prevent adverse events and improve the overall outcome.
Subject(s)
Humans , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Surgical Procedures, Operative/methods , Preoperative Care/methods , Surgical Procedures, Operative/adverse effects , Cardiovascular Diseases/prevention & controlABSTRACT
RESUMEN El estudio del microbioma humano ha crecido de manera exponencial en la última década, y su importancia en el proceso de salud enfermedad del ser humano se hace cada vez más evidente. Se le ha implicado en múltiples enfermedades autoinmunes, autoinflamatorias, en cáncer, obesidad, síndrome metabólico y riesgo cardiovascular. La transgresión del microbioma en ocasiones puede ocurrir por el abuso de ciertos fármacos como antibióticos e inhibidores de bomba de protones, entre otros. Reestablecer el equilibrio entre la microbiota y el ser humano debe de ser prioritario para mantener la salud del individuo.
ABSTRACT The study of the human microbiome has grown exponentially in the last decade and its importance in the human health-disease process is becoming more and more evident. It has been implicated in multiple autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases, cancer, obesity, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk. The transgression of the normal composition of the microbiome can sometimes occur due to the abuse of drugs such as antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors, among others. Re-establishing the balance between the microbiota and the human being must be a priority to maintain the health of the individual.
ABSTRACT
Resumen En la actualidad la aplicación de mensajería WhatsApp® se ha convertido en una de las principales formas de comunicación virtual porque permite establecer relaciones interpersonales y grupales; incluso, ha generado un lenguaje basado en emoticones que permite transmitir ideas y sentimientos. La consulta médica no ha quedado fuera de esta nueva modalidad de comunicación; cada vez es más frecuente que los pacientes consulten a los médicos mediante el uso de esta aplicación para teléfonos inteligentes. Sin embargo, debido a la importancia que entraña la relación médico-paciente, no es el medio ideal para dar la atención adecuada a los pacientes en relación con la consulta de algún padecimiento.
Abstract Currently, the WhatsApp® messaging application has become one of the main forms of virtual communication since it allows to establish interpersonal and group relationships, and has even generated a language based on emoticons that allows transmitting ideas and feelings. The medical consultation has not been left out of this new mode of communication as it is increasingly common for patients to consult doctors through the use of this application for smartphones. However, due to the importance of the doctor-patient relationship, it is not the ideal means to provide adequate care to patients in relation to the consultation of a condition.
ABSTRACT
The magnitude which sleep has on personal well-being is similar to the effects of diet and exercise. Sleep deprivation has severe negative effects on an individual's overall health, and this is usually overseen. From 30 to 40 % of the population has presented insomnia at a certain moment of life and from 9 to 15 % have evolved into a chronic and severe insomnia. Recent investigations have related sleep deprivation with obesity, metabolic disorders, heart disease, mental health problems and dementia. Recently, more investigations have focused on the multiple alterations suffered by the immune system in cases of sleep deprivation. In order to make an opportune diagnosis of insomnia, it is vital to obtain a detailed history of the patients' sleep habits. In the physical exam one must search for signs and symptoms which might suggest an organic cause that generates the patient's insomnia. One of the pillars in treatment of these patients consists in acquiring an adequate sleep hygiene based on the optimization of the environment and the behavior that are associated with sleep.
La magnitud que tiene el sueño en el bienestar integral de una persona es similar a los efectos de la dieta y el ejercicio. La privación del sueño tiene efectos deletéreos graves en la salud del individuo y por lo general estos son ignorados. Entre un 30 y un 40 % de la población ha presentado insomnio en algún momento de su vida y del 9 al 15 % ha desarrollado insomnio crónico grave. Diversos estudios vinculan la falta de sueño con obesidad, enfermedades metabólicas, problemas cardiacos, desórdenes psiquiátricos y demencia. Existen actualmente grupos que se enfocan en las alteraciones en la respuesta inmune que genera la falta de sueño. Para realizar un diagnóstico oportuno de insomnio, es indispensable que durante la consulta se obtenga una historia clínica detallada de los hábitos del sueño. En la exploración física se debe enfatizar la búsqueda de signos y síntomas que sugieran una causa orgánica específica que contribuya a la alteración del sueño. Uno de los pilares del tratamiento es establecer en todos los pacientes una buena higiene del sueño con base en la optimización del ambiente y de las conductas asociadas con el mismo.
Subject(s)
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders , Acute Disease , Antidepressive Agents/therapeutic use , Chronic Disease , Combined Modality Therapy , Global Health , Health Behavior , Humans , Hypnotics and Sedatives/therapeutic use , Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/complications , Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/diagnosis , Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/epidemiology , Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/therapyABSTRACT
Recurrent clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a challenge for infectious disease specialists. A third of first recurrences will fail antibiotic therapy. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain this, such as persistence of spores, inadequate antibody response, and altered gut microbiota. Standard recommendations for CDI treatment include metronidazole and vancomycin. Fecal transplant has proven to be an effective therapy for recurrent CDI. Infusion of stools can be administered to the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract during an endoscopic procedure or using nasogastric/duodenal or rectal tubes. Elderly persons have an increased incidence of recurrent infection and have a higher mortality rate. We propose a home-based delivery method using a 5 ml syringe for intrarectal infusion of stools.
Subject(s)
Clostridium Infections/therapy , Feces , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Remission InductionSubject(s)
Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary/diagnosis , Adult , Hemoptysis/etiology , Humans , Male , Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary/complications , Time Factors , Weight LossSubject(s)
Humans , Male , Adult , Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary/diagnosis , Hemoptysis/etiology , Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary/complications , Time Factors , Weight LossABSTRACT
Pericarditis is usually a complication of viral or bacterial infection. In addition, it can be associated to systemic diseases such as autoimmune disorders, rheumatic fever, cancer, tuberculosis and AIDS. It can also be related to familial Mediterranean fever, an autosomic recessive inflammatory disease, characterized by fever, abdominal pain, and pleuritis mainly seen in persons from the Mediterranean area. In this study, we described the evolution and treatment response to colchicine in three patients with pericarditis associated to familial Mediterranean fever. Two of the patients had a pericardiectomy showing in their biopsy nonspecified inflammatory changes. Later their diagnosis were confirmed by genetic markers, echocardiogram and EKG. They were treated with antiviral and antibiotics without any improvement; subsequently they had good results with colchicine.
Subject(s)
Familial Mediterranean Fever/complications , Pericardial Effusion/etiology , Adult , Humans , Male , Recurrence , Young AdultABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to correlate the socio structural variables of the Simplified Index of Family Poverty with the self-perception of resources that conform social capital among patients with acute respiratory disease (ARD). We used a qualitative and quantitative methodology. The sample included 848 cases distributed in seven Rural Medicine Units of Mexico. We considered three pathways described by Kawachi where social capital might have an impact on individual health. The bivariate correlation and discriminant analysis showed that when there is evidence of poverty in the family, the statistically significant differences are mainly observed in self-perception. Moral support of sons and daughters is thereby increased when there is an ARD. We concluded that when there is a higher index of family poverty there is a decreased access to social resources when a family member is diagnosed with an ARD.
Subject(s)
Poverty , Respiration Disorders , Self Concept , Social Support , Acute Disease , Cross-Sectional Studies , Family , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Respiration Disorders/epidemiology , Respiration Disorders/psychology , Socioeconomic Factors , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To correlate the sociostructural variables with the knowledge about pneumonia and to explore the social representations about the etiology, prevention, development and treatment in poor communities. METHODS: A survey in 848 adults from seven Rural Health Centers affiliated to IMSS-Oportunidades Program in four States, was carried out. RESULTS: One-third of the sample did not understand the term pneumonia; 35 % of the patients with risk factors did not know its etiology; 43 % did not know about associated complications but 85 % considered that it causes death. The use of antibiotics was recognized as a therapeutic measure by 78 % and 20 % did not know how to prevent pneumonia. CONCLUSION: The findings showed a positive attitude to immunization but inadequate information about respiratory diseases. In neighborhoods with insufficient public services (purified water, electricity and paved roads) the ignorance about pneumonia tended to increase.
