Medicine
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Given the need to measure parents' perceptions of their children's exposure to tobacco smoke, the Parental Perceptions of Children's Exposure to Tobacco Smoke (PPE) instrument was developed and validated in Hebrew and later translated into English and Portuguese. The PPE has already been translated and adapted to the Brazilian context but a more robust sample is necessary to investigate the measurement properties. Thus, this study evaluated the measurement properties of the Brazilian version of the PPE instrument. ⋯ Analysis of variance demonstrated that nonsmoking and former smoking parents have similar scores, although they are higher than those of current smokers. Our findings provide evidence that the PPE version translated and adapted for the Brazilian context is a reliable and valid instrument. Thus, it can help us understand how parents cope with exposure to tobacco smoke.
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Intravenous catheter placement in the healthy upper extremity is preferred for chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer. Common venous accesses are peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and totally implantable intravenous port catheters (TIVPs). In this case, a patient with breast cancer had a history of infusion port placement through the left internal jugular vein, with ipsilateral innominate vein stenosis after placement. The patient was re-treated with a PICC placed ectopically through the left upper limb into the intrathoracic vein. After multidisciplinary consultation, a transfemoral PICC combined with intracavitary electrocardiography (IC-ECG) was performed to establish venous access. This case can assist PICC catheterization nurses in developing optimal venous access strategies tailored to the specific situations of patients in similar situations. Through adequate evaluations and optimal selection of venous access, the success rate of disposable catheterization can be improved, and the risk of complications reduced. ⋯ This case presents a rare and insightful clinical scenario. For patients with a history of infusion port placement, particularly via the left internal jugular vein, careful analysis of the innominate vena cava and examination of chest wall vein exposure are essential to determining the optimal vascular access strategy.
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Meningitis caused by concurrent infections with Cryptococcus neoformans, Streptococcus equi subsp. equi, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis is extremely rare. ⋯ Infectious meningitis requires a combination of microscopy, culture, and rapid molecular diagnostics for early diagnosis and treatment.
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Case Reports
Spontaneous rectus sheath hematoma complicated by deep venous thrombosis: A case report.
Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is an unusual cause of acute abdominal pain. It is more common in elderly patients on anticoagulation. The diagnosis is often challenging, as it mimics other more common causes of acute abdomen. No standard treatment guidelines exist, presenting therapeutic dilemmas. Herein, we describe a case of spontaneous RSH complicated by deep venous thrombosis (DVT). ⋯ Although rare, RSH is a potential cause of acute abdomen, particularly among patients on anticoagulation, and can be life-threatening. A high index of suspicion is therefore important for early diagnosis. Clinicians should also appreciate the heightened risk of DVT in the immediate postoperative period despite mechanical anticoagulation.
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Trousseau syndrome (TS) is a thrombosis disorder characterized by a hypercoagulable state linked to underlying malignancies, resulting in various thrombotic events such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and arterial thrombosis. This syndrome serves as a crucial indicator of malignancy and can often be the first sign of an underlying tumor. In this case, we report a case of gastrointestinal malignant tumor as the first onset, and analyzes its clinical characteristics to improve the clinicians' understanding of this kind of disease. ⋯ Currently, TS has a complex and varied clinical presentation and is relatively difficult to diagnose, especially in patients with an unknown tumor history. Focus should be placed on patients with recurrent cerebral infarctions and increased D-dimer levels, and anticoagulation may be an effective treatment for patients with TS.