Medicina
-
Epidemiological models have been widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic, although performance evaluation has been limited. The objective of this work was to thoroughly evaluate a SEIR model used for the short-term (1 to 3 weeks) prediction of cases, quantifying its actual past performance, and its potential performance by optimizing the model parameters. ⋯ Simple epidemiological models, without large requirements for their implementation, can be very useful for making quick decisions in small cities or cities with limited resources, as long as the importance of their evaluation is taken into account and their scope and limitations are considered.
-
Renal abscesses are a rare complication of urinary tract infections and may be associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Most cases occur in patients with predisposing factors such as immunosuppression. Diagnosis requires high clinical suspicion and its treatment consists in the use of parenteral antibiotics and antifungals associated or not with surgical interventions such as nephrostomy and nephrectomy. ⋯ Contrast enhanced abdominal tomography showed bilateral multifocal abscesses and Candida albicans was isolated in one of the samples obtained from lesions. She received fluconazole 400 mg, 6 weeks i.v. and 2 weeks via enteral route, evolving favorably with clinical and imaging improvement, continuing outpatient clinical monitoring. This report highlights the importance of diagnosis and treatment of this rare complication in complex diseases such as diabetes mellitus.
-
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have been shown to improve the prognosis of multiple oncological diseases. Recently, adverse events related to immunotherapy have been reported. Neurologic toxicity is infrequent. We present the case of a patient with encephalitis associated to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
-
Malaria is a wide-spread disease in tropical areas. The severe form is characterized by organic involvement and/or hyperparasitaemia. Criteria for early monitoring in intensive care rooms are defined; without a timely and early treatment, severe malaria has a 100% mortality. ⋯ We describe the case of a 36-year-old man with a diagnosis of severe malaria according to WHO criteria. He began treatment with intravenous artesunate and due to a torpid evolution, a sudden increase in bilirubinemia with encephalopathy, parameters of acute kidney injury and acute pulmonary edema, undergoes extracorporeal sequential treatment, coupled with plasma filtration adsorption, high-exchange plasmapheresis, and continuous hemodiafiltration with favorable evolution. This case shows that extracorporeal support in trained hands and in a timely manner is effective when organ failure evolves rapidly to achieve stability and provide necessary time for definitive treatment, in this case rapid action antimalarials until parasitemia becomes negative.
-
Obesity rates in Latin America are increasing overall and among people with low socioeconomic status (SES). Obesity and SES disparities can vary by region-a valuable indicator of local drivers. The objective of this study was to examine regional and SES differences in obesity in Argentina. ⋯ SES associated disparities in obesity in Argentina were pronounced for women but not men. Disparities were particularly high in Patagonia. Further research is needed to understand the drivers behind these SES, regional, and gender disparities.