Arch Iran Med
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The incidence of smuggling and illegal transport of substances by internal concealment, also known as body packing, is increasing. The clinical approach to body packers has changed significantly over the past two decades. In addition, the mortality of body packers is an important issue in patient management. The purpose of the current study is to determine the statistics and mortality related to body packing. ⋯ Conservative treatment seems to be better for the management of body packers. In addition, it is necessary to monitor patients for possible signs and symptoms of intoxication and gastrointestinal obstruction.
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Reducing maternal mortality is one of the Sustainable Development Goals. Although there is no vigorous evidence that pregnant women are in the high-risk groups in response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it is crucial to respond to the pandemic through providing required action plans for confirmed or suspected pregnant women cases while maintaining routine functions. ⋯ Iran's experience in providing maternity care during the COVID-19 can guide other countries affected by COVID-19. However, it should be adapted to local health-care facilities, as well as in response to any further updates on COVID-19.
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The coronavirus infection is an evolving pandemic with high morbidity and mortality, especially in people with comorbidities. The case fatality rate (CFR) is 9.2% in the presence of diabetes, while it is 1.4% in those without any comorbidity. Diabetes is a prevalent disease globally; hence, healthcare professionals are highly concerned about severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic progression. ⋯ Optimal metabolic control is a challenging concept, especially in the presence of an acute and severe respiratory viral infection. In this consensus, we considered the challenging issues in management of patients with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The consensus covers various aspects of outpatient as well as inpatient care based on the current evidence.
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Identification of critically ill patient is particularly important in the emergency department (ED). The prolonged duration from hospital admission to delivering intensive care service is related to increased mortality. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) for identifying critical patients with malignancy in ED settings. ⋯ We found in our study that MEWS evaluation for patients with malignancy on admission to ED is predictive of mortality in the subsequent 30 days, and it is a valuable tool for identifying the critical group. Also, AVPU scores alone can predict mortality in patients admitted to ED.