Acta Medica Port
-
The impact of air pollution on respiratory diseases, particularly in asthma, has been the subject of several studies. The impact of pollution on the daily symptoms of patients with asthma has been less studied. The aim of this study is to assess the association between the intensity of asthma symptoms and the variation of pollution levels. ⋯ In the place and period studied the air pollutants behaved as factors of variation in the intensity of asthma symptoms. The ozone level was the best predictive factor of symptom variation. Levels of particulate matter, carbon monoxide and nitrogen were identified as secondary markers. The time lag between the variables with the best correlation suggests there could be a delayed effect of pollutants on respiratory symptoms.
-
Case Reports
A Multidisciplinary Approach to the First Autochthonous Case of Tularemia Reported in Portugal.
Francisella tularensis, a Gram-negative coccobacillus, is a highly virulent pathogen responsible for several zoonotic outbreaks in Europe in the last few decades. The authors report the case of a 46-year-old male who developed fever, myalgias and headache a week after having contact with animal feed contaminated by rodents. ⋯ This first case of autochthonous tularemia in Portugal led to an intensive investigation involving several healthcare services and national governmental authorities. The authors address the possible underdiagnosis of this infection in the country.
-
Heart failure is a disease with survival estimates of around 10% after 10 years of the disease. Being a chronic and debilitatingillness, it is important to investigate the potential efficacy of a palliative care approach for these patients. The aim of this study is to systematically review the efficacy of integrating palliative care in patients with advanced heart failure, including the outcomes overall quality of life and well-being, overall symptom burden and possible specific symptoms, hospital admission rates and mortality. ⋯ Palliative care interventions seem, overall, to be significantly effective in patients with heart failure. Future studies with more rigorous study designs are needed, in order, to further develop the role of palliative care in heart failure patients.