RESUMEN
Background Multiple myeloma is a crippling cancer that puts a significant strain on patients and their families alike. The long and exhausting treatment journey with the disease is challenging not only for patients but also for healthcare systems. This exploratory study was conducted to look into these patients' experiences with their treatment and explore their recommendations and views to improve the Palestinian healthcare system, which can be viewed as an evolving healthcare system within a resource-limited and developing country. Methods The consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist was used for conducting this multicenter exploratory qualitative study. A total number of eight patients with multiple myeloma who received treatment in the Palestinian healthcare system participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews. The semi-structured in-depth interviews followed a set interview schedule. Thematic analysis of the data was done using the qualitative interpretive description approach. Results A total of 5.48 h (329 min) of total interview time was analyzed. Among the patients, 6 (75%) were males, 5 (63.5%) lived in urban areas, 5 (62.5%) reported satisfaction with their household income, 6 (75%) underwent bone marrow transplantation, and all of them (100%) had governmental insurance. The qualitative data that emerged after analysis were classified into three major themes and multiple sub-themes. The three major themes were: (1) treatment side effects, (2) factors affecting treatment experience, and (3) recommendations to improve healthcare service. Conclusion The results of this qualitative study offer insight into how people with multiple myeloma view the healthcare system in Palestine and shed light on the variable and challenging experiences with their treatment, side effects, and communication with healthcare providers within the context of a resource-limited and developing country. Future research should involve hemato-oncology doctors and benefit from their expertise in the field.
RESUMEN
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) often presents with a wide range of complications, including respiratory distress, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and hypercoagulable states with resultant cerebrovascular incidents. Intra- and extra-pulmonological shunts can further complicate patient courses, leading to persistent hypoxemia and paradoxical emboli, resulting in potentially life-threatening consequences, necessitating a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Here we present the case of a 73-year-old male who experienced severe persistent hypoxemic respiratory failure, superimposed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia, and stroke with a previously undiagnosed patent foramen ovale (PFO) contributing to his clinical presentation.
RESUMEN
Antithrombin (AT) deficiency and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) are distinct but potentially overlapping disorders with significant implications for thrombosis. We present a case of a 28-year-old male with hereditary AT deficiency who subsequently developed primary APS. Despite the challenges of overlapping symptoms and anticoagulation therapy, a careful diagnostic approach revealed the coexistence of these rare conditions. The patient was successfully managed with long-term anticoagulation, hydroxychloroquine, and other supportive measures. This case underscores the importance of comprehensive laboratory testing, especially when managing patients with pre-existing anticoagulation needs.