Medicina
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Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM) usually presents as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Its diagnosis has a significant clinical impact, as specific treatment is currently available. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of ATTR-CM in patients hospitalized for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and septal thickness in our region. ⋯ In patients admitted for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and septal thickness, the diagnosis of ATTR-CM was relatively common (1/5). We believe that it should be routinely explored.
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Critically ill patients often develop the Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS). Current sedation guidelines mainly rely on intravenous agents. Inhaled sedatives are a promising alternative with favorable pharmacokinetics and potential benefits in critical care settings. However, their application in Latin America remains unexplored. ⋯ Sevoflurane effectively achieved sedation goals in ICU patients, reducing the need for additional sedatives and opioids. Our findings support the safety and efficacy of inhaled sedatives in ICU settings and highlight the importance of further research in this area. Longer-term studies are needed to fully determine the impact of inhaled sedatives in ICU patients.
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90% of cases of acute low back pain have no specific underlying cause. International guidelines are available to help identify those individuals who require specialized care. However, in our country, there is a limited emphasis on primary healthcare, with the primary focus on hospital-based care. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the diagnostic and therapeutic resources utilized in the initial care of patients experiencing low back pain at their first consultation with a specialist physician. ⋯ Most of the referrals were appropriate; however, informal referrals were more common. Only 1/5 of the patients underwent an physical examination, and less than 30% of those with red flag symptoms presented with suitable complementary studies. The median waiting time for the consultation was 24 days.
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Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is an increasingly prevalent condition, particularly among elderly population and is associated with elevated morbidity. The pathophysiology of cSDH involves proliferation of dural edge cells, fibroblasts, and release of vascular angiogenic factors leading to angiogenesis of a vascularized neomembrane perfused by the middle meningeal artery (MMA). MMA embolization is a technique that can be employed as treatment in conjunction with surgery or as a standalone therapy. ⋯ After discharge, no patient required a new surgical intervention. MMA embolization is impressive to be a safe and an option to treat cSDH. We present our experience in six patients in a hospital in Argentina.
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Knee osteochondral lesions represent a frequent pathology within young active patients. One possible indication for severe lesions or in case of impossibility of harvesting an autograft is the use of fresh frozen allograft. The objective of this study was to retrospectively analyze functional results and failure rate after osteochondral transplants using fresh frozen allografts. ⋯ Our results after a mean seven-year follow-up evidenced an overall improvement in functional scores and a failure rate of 20%. Osteochondral transplant using fresh frozen allografts is a reliable and feasible treatment for patients with large osteochondral defects.