Medicina
-
In the last two decades, three unknown pathogens have caused outbreaks, generating severe global health concerns. In 2003, after nucleic acid genotyping, a new virus was named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). After nine years, another coronavirus emerged in the middle east and was named MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus). ⋯ In all cases, autopsy provided much information about each unknown coronavirus. Despite advanced technologies in the diagnostic fields, to date, autopsy remains the gold standard method to understand the biological features and the pathogenesis of unknown infections, especially when awareness of a pathogen is restricted and the impact on the healthcare system is substantial. The knowledge gained through this technique may positively influence therapeutic strategies, ultimately reducing mortality.
-
With the advent of fast-track pathways after cardiac surgery, there has been a renewed interest in regional anesthesia due to its opioid-sparing effect. This paradigm shift, looking to improve resource allocation efficiency and hasten postoperative extubation and mobilization, has been pursued by nearly every specialty area in surgery. ⋯ These novel procedures enable safe, effective, opioid-free pain control. Although experience within this field is still at an early stage, available evidence indicates that their use is poised to grow and may become integral to enhanced recovery pathways for cardiac surgery patients.
-
Background: female androgenetic alopecia (FAGA) is a common cause of non-scarring alopecia in women, affecting approximately 40% of women by age 50, bearing a significant psychosocial burden on affected patients. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been widely investigated as a potential effective treatment for several dermatological conditions, including male androgenetic alopecia (MAGA). However, few studies have been conducted focusing on the use of PRP in FAGA. ⋯ PRP is a well-tolerated procedure which showed promising results in males-only and mixed populations of AGA patients. PRP showed to produce high levels of satisfaction and improvement in the quality of life in patients affected by FAGA. In the light of this evidence, PRP may be proposed in patients who did not respond or did not tolerate topical minoxidil, as well as in combination with topical and oral treatments.
-
Background and Objectives: Microcirculation dysfunction is present in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Intermittent hypoxia generates "oxidative stress", which contributes to chronic inflammation. The secretion of nitric oxide (NO), which is responsible for adequate regulation of the endothelium, is impaired due to a decrease in endothelial nitric oxide synthetase (eNOS) expression and an increase in endogenous eNOS inhibitors. ⋯ Conclusions: The first-choice treatment-CPAP-reduces the number of apneas and hypopneas during the night, induces the reversal of hypopnea and the chronic inflammatory state, and enhances activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Changes are visible as improved blood flow in both macro- and microcirculation, increased arterial elasticity, and decreased stiffness. Thus, early implementation of adequate treatment could be essential to reduce high cardiovascular risk in patients with OSA.
-
Observational Study
What Is the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients with Pre-Existing Mood or Anxiety Disorder? An Observational Prospective Study.
Background and Objectives: This observational prospective study aims to examine the psychological and psychopathological impact of the pandemic stress on patients with pre-existing mood, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Materials and Methods: The study includes 386 consecutive patients recruited from 10 March to 30 June 2020 among those being treated at the Institute of Psychopathology in Rome (Italy) with an age ≥18 years and meeting DSM-5 criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD) (35.2%), bipolar I (BD-I) (21.5%) or II (BD-II) (28.8%) disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (7.5%), panic disorder (PD) (7.0%) or social anxiety (SA). A total of 34.2% had lifetime comorbid Axis I disorders and 15.3% had alcohol/drug abuse disorders. ⋯ Patients with OCD had a higher rate of worsening due to pandemic stress compared to patients with MDD (p = 0.033), although, overall, the χ2 test was not significant among primary diagnoses (χ2 = 8.368; p = 0.057). Conclusions: The psychological and psychopathological consequences of COVID-19 stress in our outpatients were very modest. The continuity of care offered during the lockdown could explain the results.