Acta Medica Port
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A 61-year old male was referred to the Ophthalmology department because of decreased bilateral visual acuity. The patient had metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma and was being treated with gemcitabine+nab-paclitaxel. On examination, the patient presented best corrected visual acuities of 4/20 and 2/20 in the right and left eye, respectively. ⋯ Macular edema is a very rare side effect of taxanes, and the etiopathology is still unknown. Edema is usually reversible upon discontinuation of the offending agent. Clinicians should be aware of this adverse effect of taxanes, and a high index of clinical suspicion is essential for diagnosis.
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Excessive chronic alcohol users, and particularly patients with alcohol use disorder, may present an alcohol withdrawal syndrome if they abruptly stop drinking. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome requires pharmacological treatment for the treatment of withdrawal symptoms and to prevent withdrawal complications. Medically assisted withdrawal treatment is used in alcohol treatment units, but it is also frequently required in patients admitted to hospital for other conditions. ⋯ Maintaining a high level of suspicion for alcohol withdrawal syndrome is important across all clinical settings, and it should be promptly treated.
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Observational Study
Epidemiology of Clostridioides difficile Infection in Portugal: A Retrospective, Observational Study of Hospitalized Patients.
Clostridioides difficile is the main cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea in Europe and North America. The aim of this study was to characterize the epidemiology and clinical burden of Clostridioides difficile infection among hospitalized patients in Portugal. ⋯ In Portugal, hospitalized patients with Clostridioides difficile infection are mostly older patients presenting risk factors for the development of this infection, particularly recent antibiotic exposure. Mortality is disproportionately high among the older population. Community-associated Clostridioides difficile infection is common among inpatients with this infection.
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Clostridium difficile infection has been increasingly reported, with a significant healthcare burden and important morbimortality. This study aimed to characterize and describe the severity and outcomes of this event at a Portuguese hospital. ⋯ Data concerning Clostridium difficile infection severity and prognosis in Portugal is scarce, and future studies should focus on this important topic.
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Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has gained relevance as a method of prevention for HIV in certain people and settings. Following the publication of the guideline on PrEP prescribing in Portugal, we aimed to assess the knowledge of Portuguese Medical Students about PrEP. ⋯ The differences between Medical Schools could be harmonized through changes in the medical curricula that would allow this topic to be addressed more often.