Long COVID Clusters of Symptoms Persist beyond Two Years after Infection: Insights from the CARDIO COVID 20-21 Registry.

Long COVID presents with diverse symptoms after COVID-19. Different clusters of symptoms have been reported; however, their persistence beyond 2 years after COVID-19 remains unclear. In this cohort study, we prospectively evaluated individuals with previous severe COVID-19 presenting with long COVID at a two-year follow-up. We characterized the included patients and performed a cluster analysis of symptoms through multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical clustering. A total of 199 patients with long COVID were included. The median age was 58 years (48-69), 56% were male, and the median follow-up time since the COVID-19 diagnosis was 26 months (IQR: 25, 27). Three symptom clusters were identified: Cluster 1 is characterized by fatigue, myalgia/arthralgia, a low prevalence of symptoms, and a lack of specific symptoms; Cluster 2 is defined by a high prevalence of fatigue, myalgia/arthralgia, and cardiorespiratory symptoms, including palpitations, shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain; and Cluster 3 is demonstrated a high prevalence of ageusia, anosmia, fatigue, and cardiorespiratory symptoms. Our study reinforces the concept of symptom clustering in long COVID, providing evidence that these clusters may persist beyond two years after a COVID-19 diagnosis. This highlights the chronic and debilitating nature of long COVID and the importance of developing strategies to mitigate symptoms in these patients.

Pre-Existing Atrial Fibrillation in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: Insights from the CARDIO COVID 19-20 Registry.

Pre-existing (chronic) atrial fibrillation (AF) has been identified as a risk factor for cardiovascular complications and mortality in patients with COVID-19; however, evidence in Latin America (LATAM) is scarce. This prospective and multicenter study from the CARDIO COVID 19-20 database includes hospitalized adults with COVID-19 from 14 countries in LATAM. A parsimonious logistic regression model was used to identify the main factors associated with mortality in a simulated case-control setting comparing patients with a history of AF to those without. In total, 3260 patients were included, of which 115 had AF. The AF group was older, had a higher prevalence of comorbidities, and had greater use of cardiovascular medications. In the model, AF, chronic kidney disease, and a respiratory rate > 25 at admission were associated with higher in-hospital mortality. The use of corticosteroids did not reach statistical significance; however, an effect was seen through the confidence interval. Thus, pre-existing AF increases mortality risk irrespective of other concomitant factors. Chronic kidney disease and a high respiratory rate at admission are also key factors for in-hospital mortality. These findings highlight the importance of comorbidities and regional characteristics in COVID-19 outcomes, in this instance, enhancing the evidence for patients from LATAM.

Incidence of intra-abdominal injuries in hemodynamically stable blunt trauma patients with a normal computed tomography scan admitted to the emergency department.

OBJECTIVES: Blunt abdominal trauma is a common cause of emergency department admission. Computed tomography (CT) scanning is the gold standard method for identifying intra-abdominal injuries in patients experiencing blunt trauma, especially those with high-energy trauma. Although the diagnostic accuracy of this imaging technique is very high, patient admission and prolonged observation protocols are still common practices worldwide. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of intra-abdominal injury in hemodynamically stable patients with high-energy blunt trauma and a normal abdominal CT scan at a Level-1 Trauma Center in Colombia, South America, to assess the relevance of a prolonged observation period. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of patients admitted to the emergency department for blunt trauma between 2021 and 2022. All consecutive patients with high-energy mechanisms of trauma and a normal CT scan at admission were included. Our primary outcomes were the incidence of intra-abdominal injury identified during a 24-hour observation period or hospital stay, ICU admission, and death. RESULTS: We included 480 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The median age was 33 (IQR 25.5, 47), and 74.2% were male. The most common mechanisms of injury were motor vehicle accidents (64.2%), falls from height (26%), and falls from bikes (3.1%). A total of 99.2% of patients had a Revised Trauma Score of 8. Only 1 patient (0.2%) (95% CI: 0.01-1.16) presented with an abdominal injury during the observation period. No ICU admissions or deaths were reported. CONCLUSION: The incidence of intra-abdominal injury in patients with hemodynamically stable blunt trauma and a negative abdominal CT scan is extremely low, and prolonged observation may not be justified in these patients.

Evidence-Based Learning Strategies in Medicine Using AI.

Unlabelled: Large language models (LLMs), like ChatGPT, are transforming the landscape of medical education. They offer a vast range of applications, such as tutoring (personalized learning), patient simulation, generation of examination questions, and streamlined access to information. The rapid advancement of medical knowledge and the need for personalized learning underscore the relevance and timeliness of exploring innovative strategies for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into medical education. In this paper, we propose coupling evidence-based learning strategies, such as active recall and memory cues, with AI to optimize learning. These strategies include the generation of tests, mnemonics, and visual cues.

Li-Fraumeni syndrome presenting with de novo TP53 mutation, severe phenotype and advanced paternal age: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is an autosomal dominant hereditary cancer syndrome caused by pathogenic variants in the gene TP53. This gene codes for the P53 protein, a crucial player in genomic stability, which functions as a tumor suppressor gene. Individuals with LFS frequently develop multiple primary tumors at a young age, such as soft tissue sarcomas, breast cancer, and brain tumors. CASE PRESENTATION: A 38 years-old female with a history of femur osteosarcoma, ductal carcinoma of the breast, high-grade breast sarcoma, pleomorphic sarcoma of the left upper limb, infiltrating lobular carcinoma of the breast, gastric adenocarcinoma, leiomyosarcoma of the right upper limb, and high-grade pleomorphic renal sarcoma. Complete molecular sequencing of the TP53 gene showed c.586 C > T (p.R196X) in exon 6, which is a nonsense mutation that produces a shorter and malfunctioning P53. Family history includes advanced father's age at the time of conception (75 years), which has been associated with an increased risk of de novo germline mutations. The patient had seven paternal half-siblings with no cancer history. The patient received multiple treatments including surgery, systemic therapy, and radiotherapy, but died at the age of 38. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced paternal age is a risk factor to consider when hereditary cancer syndrome is suspected. Early detection of hereditary cancer syndromes and their multi-disciplinary surveillance and treatment is important to improve clinical outcomes for these patients. Further investigation of the relationship between the pathogenic variant of TP53 and its phenotype may guide the stratification of surveillance and treatment.

Survival of patients living with HIV and cancer in Cali, Colombia.

Background: People living with HIV have an increased risk of cancer compared to the general population. However, with the increase in life expectancy and advances in antiretroviral therapy, the survival of patients with cancer and HIV has changed. Objective: To determine the survival of patients living with HIV and cancer in Cali, Colombia. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia. Data from the HIV database was crossed with data from the hospital and population-based cancer registries between 2011-2019. Patients <18 years, limited available clinical information on the diagnosis and treatment of HIV and cancer, and non-oncological tumor diagnosis were excluded. Results: A total of 173 patients were included. The frequencies of AIDS-defining neoplasms were: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (42.8%), Kaposi sarcoma (27.8%), and cervical cancer (4.6%). Overall survival was 76.4% (95% CI 68.9-82.3) at five years. Poorer survival was found in patients with AIDS-defining infections (56.9% vs. 77.8%, p=0.027) and non-AIDS-defining infections (57.8% vs. 84.2%, p=0.013), while there was better survival in patients who received antiretroviral therapy (65.9% vs. 17.9%, p=0.021) and oncological treatment (66.7% vs. 35.4%, p<0.001). The presence of non-AIDS-defining infections increases the risk of dying (HR = 2.39, 95% CI 1.05-5.46, p=0.038), while oncological treatment decreases it (HR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.14-0.80, p=0.014). Conclusions: In people living with HIV, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Kaposi sarcoma are the most common neoplasms. Factors such as AIDS-associated and non-AIDS-associated infections have been identified as determinants of survival. Cancer treatment seems to improve survival.

Antecedentes: Las personas que viven con VIH tienen un riesgo mayor de cáncer en comparación con la población general. Sin embargo, con el aumento de la esperanza de vida y los avances en la terapia antirretroviral, la supervivencia de los pacientes con cáncer y VIH ha cambiado. Objetivo: Determinar la supervivencia de los pacientes que viven con VIH y cáncer en Cali, Colombia. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo en la Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia. Los datos de la base de datos de VIH se cruzaron con los datos de los registros de cáncer de base hospitalaria y poblacional entre 2011-2019. Se excluyeron los pacientes <18 años, con información clínica limitada disponible sobre el diagnóstico y tratamiento del VIH y el cáncer y los casos con diagnóstico de tumor no oncológico. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 173 pacientes. Las frecuencias de neoplasias definitorias de SIDA fueron: linfoma no Hodgkin (42.8%), sarcoma de Kaposi (27.8%) y cáncer cervical (4.6%). La supervivencia global fue del 76.4% (IC 95% 68.9-82.3) a los cinco años. Se encontró una peor supervivencia en pacientes con infecciones definitorias de SIDA (56.9% vs. 77.8%, p=0.027) e infecciones no definitorias de SIDA (57.8% vs. 84.2%, p=0.013), mientras que hubo una mejor supervivencia en pacientes que recibieron terapia antirretroviral (65.9% vs. 17.9%, p=0.021) y tratamiento oncológico (66.7% vs. 35.4%, p<0.001). La presencia de infecciones no definitorias de SIDA aumentó el riesgo de morir (HR = 2.39, IC 95% 1.05-5.46, p=0.038), mientras que el tratamiento oncológico lo disminuyó (HR = 0.33, IC 95% 0.14-0.80, p=0.014). Conclusiones: En las personas que viven con VIH, el linfoma no Hodgkin y el sarcoma de Kaposi son las neoplasias más comunes. Se han identificado factores como las infecciones asociadas al SIDA y las infecciones no asociadas al SIDA como determinantes de la supervivencia. El tratamiento del cáncer parece mejorar la supervivencia.

Survival of patients living with HIV and cancer in Cali, Colombia

Background: People living with HIV have an increased risk of cancer compared to the general population. However, with the increase in life expectancy and advances in antiretroviral therapy, the survival of patients with cancer and HIV has changed. Objective: To determine the survival of patients living with HIV and cancer in Cali, Colombia Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia. Data from the HIV database was crossed with data from the hospital and population-based cancer registries between 2011-2019. Patients <18 years, limited available clinical information on the diagnosis and treatment of HIV and cancer, and non-oncological tumor diagnosis were excluded. Results: A total of 173 patients were included. The frequencies of AIDS-defining neoplasms were: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (42.8%), Kaposi sarcoma (27.8%), and cervical cancer (4.6%). Overall survival was 76.4% (95% CI 68.9-82.3) at five years. Poorer survival was found in patients with AIDS-defining infections (56.9% vs. 77.8%, p=0.027) and non-AIDS-defining infections (57.8% vs. 84.2%, p=0.013), while there was better survival in patients who received antiretroviral therapy (65.9% vs. 17.9%, p=0.021) and oncological treatment (66.7% vs. 35.4%, p<0.001). The presence of non-AIDS-defining infections increases the risk of dying (HR = 2.39, 95% CI 1.05-5.46, p=0.038), while oncological treatment decreases it (HR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.14-0.80, p=0.014). Conclusions: In people living with HIV, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Kaposi sarcoma are the most common neoplasms. Factors such as AIDS-associated and non-AIDS-associated infections have been identified as determinants of survival. Cancer treatment seems to improve survival.

Antecedentes: Las personas que viven con VIH tienen un riesgo mayor de cáncer en comparación con la población general. Sin embargo, con el aumento de la esperanza de vida y los avances en la terapia antirretroviral, la supervivencia de los pacientes con cáncer y VIH ha cambiado. Objetivo: Determinar la supervivencia de los pacientes que viven con VIH y cáncer en Cali, Colombia. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo en la Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia. Los datos de la base de datos de VIH se cruzaron con los datos de los registros de cáncer de base hospitalaria y poblacional entre 2011-2019. Se excluyeron los pacientes <18 años, con información clínica limitada disponible sobre el diagnóstico y tratamiento del VIH y el cáncer y los casos con diagnóstico de tumor no oncológico. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 173 pacientes. Las frecuencias de neoplasias definitorias de SIDA fueron: linfoma no Hodgkin (42.8%), sarcoma de Kaposi (27.8%) y cáncer cervical (4.6%). La supervivencia global fue del 76.4% (IC 95% 68.9-82.3) a los cinco años. Se encontró una peor supervivencia en pacientes con infecciones definitorias de SIDA (56.9% vs. 77.8%, p=0.027) e infecciones no definitorias de SIDA (57.8% vs. 84.2%, p=0.013), mientras que hubo una mejor supervivencia en pacientes que recibieron terapia antirretroviral (65.9% vs. 17.9%, p=0.021) y tratamiento oncológico (66.7% vs. 35.4%, p<0.001). La presencia de infecciones no definitorias de SIDA aumentó el riesgo de morir (HR = 2.39, IC 95% 1.05-5.46, p=0.038), mientras que el tratamiento oncológico lo disminuyó (HR = 0.33, IC 95% 0.14-0.80, p=0.014). Conclusiones: En las personas que viven con VIH, el linfoma no Hodgkin y el sarcoma de Kaposi son las neoplasias más comunes. Se han identificado factores como las infecciones asociadas al SIDA y las infecciones no asociadas al SIDA como determinantes de la supervivencia. El tratamiento del cáncer parece mejorar la supervivencia.