International journal of clinical practice
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Jan 2022
Pyogenic Liver Abscess: Contemporary Trends in a Tertiary Institute.
Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening condition. In recent years, advances in diagnostics and management have led to early diagnosis and treatment and decreased mortality. We present recent data from a large series of patients with PLA and examine the trends in the management of PLA over a period of 50 years. ⋯ Patients diagnosed with PLA are older, the male predominance is less pronounced, and the offending pathogens are likely to originate from the biliary tract. This study questions the utility of abdominal US as the initial diagnostic imaging in patients with suspected PLA (versus CT) and demonstrates improved outcomes for patients with PLA over the years.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Jan 2022
NUTRIC Score Is Not Superior to mNUTRIC Score in Prediction of Mortality of COVID-19 Patients.
The NUTRIC (nutrition risk in the critically ill) score and the modified NUTRIC score are two scoring systems that show the nutritional risk status and severity of acute disease of patients. The only difference between them is the examination of interleukin-6 (IL-6) level. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not the NUTRIC score is superior to the mNUTRIC score in the prediction of mortality of patients with COVID-19 followed up in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Material and Method. This retrospective study included 322 patients followed up in ICU with a diagnosis of COVID-19. A record was made of demographic data, laboratory values, clinical results, and mortality status. All the data of the patients were compared between high and low variations of the NUTRIC score and the mNUTRIC score. ⋯ Although the NUTRIC score was seen to be superior to the mNUTRIC score, no statistically significant difference was determined. Therefore, when IL-6 cannot be examined, the mNUTRIC score can be considered safe and effective for the prediction of mortality in COVID-19 patients.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Jan 2022
The Association of Seasonal Variations and COVID-19 Clinical Features: A Comparative Study on the Fourth and Fifth Waves.
The COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed many healthcare systems. Seasonality is a feature of several infectious diseases. Studies regarding the association of seasonal variations and COVID-19 have shown controversial results. Therefore, we aimed to compare COVID-19 characteristics and survival outcomes between the fourth and fifth waves in Iran, which corresponded to spring and summer, respectively. ⋯ Our study indicated that patients in the summer COVID-19 wave were more likely to present with gastrointestinal symptoms. They also experienced a more severe disease in terms of peripheral capillary oxygen saturation, percentages of pulmonary involvement in CT scans, and length of hospital stay.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Jan 2022
Adherence to Medication among Parkinson's Disease Patients Using the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale.
Adherence to medication is an important factor that can influence Parkinson's disease (PD) control. We aimed to explore patients' adherence to antiparkinsonian medication and determine factors that might affect adherence to medications among PD patients. ⋯ Depressed PD patients compared to PD patients without clinical depression had a three times higher risk for lower adherence to pharmacotherapy. Recognition and adequate treatment of depression might result in improved adherence.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Jan 2022
COVID-19 Vaccination Intention and Vaccine Hesitancy among Patients with Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Rheumatological Diseases: A Survey.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine hesitancy or refusal has arisen as a major global public health concern. The aim of this study was to address the attitudes of patients with autoimmune and autoinflammatory rheumatological diseases (AIIRDs) about COVID-19 vaccination and investigate the factors that influence their decision. ⋯ There is a high acceptability rate of COVID-19 vaccination among AIIRD patients. Public health workers and policymakers must emphasize efficient COVID-19 vaccine acceptance messaging for all AIIRD patients.