Gac Med Mex
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Multicenter Study
Clinical features of patients with Rocky Mountain spotted fever, dengue and chikungunya infection.
Clinical distinction between arbovirus infections and those caused by rickettsia is crucial to initiate appropriate medical treatment. ⋯ Rash on the palms and soles, edema and absence of pruritus, together with high levels of direct bilirubin and severe thrombocytopenia could be useful indicators to differentiate patients at RMSF advanced stages from those with dengue and chikungunya.
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Since its foundation, more than 75 years ago, the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) has carried out multidisciplinary research -biomedical, clinical and epidemiological- focused on understanding and solving the medical problems that afflict its beneficiaries (more than 50% of the Mexican population). Initially, research was the result of individual and isolated efforts. In the 1960s, a small number of researchers formed the first research groups. ⋯ In addition, approximately 270 doctors carry out clinical research at different primary, secondary and tertiary care units. During these seven decades, IMSS scientists have made relevant contributions to medicine, which have not only helped increase knowledge on the etiopathogenesis of numerous diseases, but also their diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. This article presents an overview of medical research carried out at IMSS, based on a historical approach and a review of some of the most relevant contributions in different fields of research.
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In Mexico, neither the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) nor the Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) instruments have been used to assess quality of life (QoL) before and after bariatric surgery (BS). ⋯ When measured with the SF-36 and BAROS questionnaires, QoL of Mexican patients with severe obesity was found to improve after BS.
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Whether there is an influence of the ABO blood system on SARS-CoV-2 infection is unknown. ⋯ Blood group A is a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection, but not for disease severity, although in critically ill patients it is a risk factor for mortality.
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Observational Study
Is Clostridioides difficile toxins detection necessary when the glutamate dehydrogenase enzyme is detected?
Clostridioides difficile causes diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis. Its diagnosis is made with glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) or toxins A and B detection and is confirmed with nucleic acid amplification tests. ⋯ A negative GDH result considerably reduces the probability of infection but does not rule it out. Clostridioides difficile toxins detection may be necessary in institutions where nucleic acid amplification is not affordable or accessible.