Revista médica de Chile
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Revista médica de Chile · Dec 2021
Review[Fasciculations and cramps: physiological bases and clinical approach of a complex phenomenon].
Fasciculations and cramps originate in the motor unit, a functional unit that includes the lower motor neuron and their innervated muscle fibres. Both are common complaints in outpatient practice. ⋯ The symptomatic management of fasciculations and cramps depends on their etiology and includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. This article aims to present an updated review of the most relevant aspects of physiopathology, clinical approach, and differential diagnosis of both phenomena.
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Academic performance is an important issue for universities. Andrés Bello University's academic risk factors identification system focuses on performance variables, such as scores on university entrance examinations and scores in high school. Since medical students have high entrance scores, their academic risk is not detected. ⋯ A low score in the science test of the university entrance examination is the variable that initially determines the probability of academic risk. It is modulated by variables related to reward system. In the most complex branch, the terminal node is represented by the emotional intelligence variable of executive functions.
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Revista médica de Chile · Dec 2021
[Health-related quality of life of patients on peritoneal dialysis].
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important predictor of health outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD) including those patients in renal replacement therapy. Its evaluation through validated questionnaires is essential for comprehensive care in people undergoing renal replacement therapy. ⋯ These patients on peritoneal dialysis report a good quality of life, especially in the specific components of kidney disease.
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Revista médica de Chile · Dec 2021
Case Reports[Takotsubo syndrome associated with an earthquake. report of two cases].
Takotsubo syndrome is an acute heart disease usually triggered by significant emotional or physical stress, very occasionally described in association with natural disasters such as earthquakes. Clinically, it simulates an acute myocardial infarction with similar symptoms, laboratory tests, and electrocardiographic changes. ⋯ We report two women, aged 71 and 80 years, and who developed a Takotsubo syndrome after an earthquake. In both, the syndrome was diagnosed with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.
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Revista médica de Chile · Dec 2021
[Open surgical treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. Experience in 45 patients].
Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) is an infrequent disease and demands a highly specialized and experienced management. Open repair (OR) is the gold standard but it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Paraplegia and renal failure are the most important complications. ⋯ OR of TAAA is a complex procedure. Our results show perioperative mortality rates comparable to highly experienced centers. Although being a major procedure, OR remains an alternative to treat this serious condition.