Medicina
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Recently it has been demonstrated the clinical effectiveness of tocilizumab (TCZ) associated with systemic steroids for the treatment of severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia with rapid progression. The objective of this work was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and evolution characteristics of the patients who received this treatment. Between March and June 2021, TCZ was administered in a cohort study of adults with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, in a private hospital in the City of Buenos Aires; 30 patients were included, 63% men, middle age 55 years. ⋯ Of the entire cohort, seven who died during hospitalization had the highest requirement for IMV (100% vs. 43% p = 0.010) and secondary infections (100% vs. 35%, p = 0.006). In this relatively young cohort of patients with severe or critical SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, obesity does not appear to be a predisposing factor for superinfection or death. The presence of secondary infections, organ failure and shock are presented as probable factors of worse evolution, as well as the requirement of IMV.
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Some patients diagnosed with idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis could be reclassified as IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD). Classification criteria have not been uniform and prevalence of IgG4-related retroperitoneal fibrosis (IgG4-RPF) is unknown in our region. We aimed to describe IgG4-RPF frequency relying on criteria published recently and comparing clinical, histopathologic and radiologic features with non-IgG4-RPF. ⋯ Over half of the patients in our cohort met the criteria of IgG4-RPF. New criteria may harmonize the identification of IgG4-RD. As IgG4-RD may be reversible at initial stages, these findings may lead to early recognition, treatment and integral follow-up.
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The introduction of foreign bodies in the urethra are uncommon. Given its rarity, the approach to this condition is not standardized but it is highlighted that minimally invasive procedures should be prioritized depending on its feasibility. In the present study, we report a case of a 60-year-old male patient with bipolar disorder and a foreign body impacted in the bulbar urethra with open surgical resolution after a failed endoscopic treatment. We perform an analysis into the diagnostic and therapeutic methods used, with postoperative results.
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Stereotactic radiosurgery with gamma knife (GKS) is a treatment option for persistent or recurrent pituitary adenoma. The aim of our study was to report Argentine experience in GKS, assessing the efficacy and safety in our patients with pituitary adenomas. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with pituitary adenomas treated with GKS between 2002 and 2017 in a single institution. ⋯ This study shows argentine experience with the use of GKS in patients with pituitary adenomas, with similar results to those reported by centers with large radiosurgical experience. We achieved biochemical remission in more than 50% of patients and global tumor control in most of them. Hypopituitarism was the most frequent adverse effect, while others were infrequent.
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The COVID-19 pandemic elicited important changes in community habits and behaviors, including a distancing of people from the healthcare system. The objective of this work was to understand the causes that gave rise to changes in behavior from an individual perspective in the Argentine Republic. We performed a cross-sectional, web-based survey using an online questionnaire. ⋯ The most common form of consultation was through unconventional means (e-mail, telephone, or WhatsApp). One of 5 respondents had difficulties to obtain a medication prescription and 5% stopped the use of at least one medication. Regarding healthy habits, almost 2/3 of those surveyed stated that they became more sedentary; 11% of hypertensive patients increased their consumption of salt and 15% saw their blood pressure values increase, while 16% of dyslipidemic patients showed increased consumption of fats.