Medicina
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Clinical features and outcomes of SARSCoV-2 infections may change between different waves of the pandemic. The objective of this study was to compare clinical characteristics and outcomes between two cohorts of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 during the first and second waves in Argentina. ⋯ Compared to patients admitted during the first wave, patients admitted with SARS-CoV2 during the second wave in Argentina were more seriously ill and had a higher mortality.
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Right ventricular longitudinal strain (RVLS) is frequently used as a measure of right ventricular systolic function. Abnormal RV strain is associated with poor prognosis in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH); however, the measure is not always easy to obtain in patients with poor apical acoustic windows. ⋯ Subcostal RVLS free wall is a feasible and accurate alternative to conventional RVLS free wall from the apical view in patients with pulmonary hypertension and could be useful in patients with poor acoustic apical four-chamber windows.
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Observational Study
[Long-term follow-up of tracheostomized patients post severe acquired brain injury].
About 50% of patients hospitalized for severe acquired brain injury require tracheostomy, and many of them need long-term care. The main objective of this study was to describe the evolution of patients with severe acquired brain injury (sABI) tracheotomized who entered rehabilitation. Secondarily, mortality related to the success or failure of decannulation and survival at 12 months of discharge were studied. ⋯ Addressing the decannulation process early and properly guided is relevant as it may impact long-term survival.
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Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), also known as Sudeck syndrome, is a chronic painful condition usually affecting the limbs after trauma or surgery. Its presentation is heterogeneous and its physiopathology, diagnosis and treatment remain controversial. The objective of this study was to analyze a group of patients with this rare syndrome, describing in detail the results of the dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and the response to bisphosphonate treatment. ⋯ In our cohort, lower limbs CRPS predominantly affects middle aged women. DXA scans are tests used to quantify bone loss and the response to treatment. The use of bisphosphonates is an interesting therapeutic option to improve clinical symptoms in most patients. Future prospective randomized studies will be needed to confirm our results.
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Asymptomatic infections with SARS-CoV-2 are associated with viral transmission and have a key role in the propagation of the pandemic. Understanding viral shedding during asymptomatic infections is critical. Unfortunately, data on asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in children is extremely limited. ⋯ The positive samples from both children were consistent with B.1.1.28.1 lineage (Gamma). In both asymptomatic children, anti-Spike IgG was detected. Asymptomatic children may represent a source of infection that should not be underestimated during this pandemic.