Southern medical journal
-
Southern medical journal · Dec 2024
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyComparison of Standard and Extended Dexamethasone Duration on Mortality in Patients with Severe COVID-19.
Current guidelines recommend dexamethasone 6 mg/day for up to 10 days in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requiring supplemental oxygenation or mechanical ventilation. The practice has significant variation, however, and dexamethasone has been used for >10 days for many patients with severe COVID-19. The aim of this study was to assess the benefits and risks associated with standard versus extended use of dexamethasone in patients with severe COVID-19. ⋯ The results show that extended duration of dexamethasone compared with standard duration is associated with a significant increase in in-hospital mortality in patients with severe COVID-19. These findings need to be confirmed in well-designed and performed randomized controlled trials.
-
Hyperphosphatemic familial tumoral calcinosis (HFTC) is a rare, autosomal recessive condition characterized by fibroblast growth factor 23 signaling pathway dysregulation, hyperphosphatemia and ectopic calcifications (which manifest as joint motion limitations), inflammatory bony pain, and disability. Given the rarity and multiorgan involvement of HFTC, a multidisciplinary approach including Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Dentistry, Nephrology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Genetics is necessary for diagnosis and treatment. We present a multidisciplinary diagnostic and treatment approach for a patient with HFTC due to a GALNT3 gene mutation with unique imaging highlighting the extent of calcinosis seen in HFTC. ⋯ Genetic testing revealing a homozygous c.1319C > A variant in GALNT3 predicted to result in a missense mutation p. Ala440Glu. HFTC should be considered for patients presenting with diffuse calcinosis cutis-like features, and a multidisciplinary evaluation should be pursued.
-
This study used a qualitative research approach to grounded theory to identify factors that contributed to resident distress during 2021-2022 in multiple different specialties and at different postgraduate years of residency. By better understanding these contributors to distress, the aim was to inform the design of optimal interventions to reduce burnout and other emotional distress. ⋯ The findings of the grounded theory qualitative analysis were used to examine ways to better mitigate the sources of distress that the residents enrolled in this study described. As institutions strive to diminish distress among residents, they can consider opportunities to assess environmental factors and design targeted interventions for their institutions or programs.
-
Southern medical journal · Dec 2024
Secondary Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pregnancy Intention.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had many downstream effects, including, for some women, altering the wish to become pregnant. This study examines the effects on pregnancy intention and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score at the initiation of prenatal care in a low-income population during the COVID-19 pandemic. ⋯ There was a significant increase in the number of unplanned pregnancies during the COVID-19 pandemic in a large Medicaid patient population, although the demographics of those having unplanned pregnancies and the average EPDS score did not change significantly.
-
Southern medical journal · Dec 2024
Patient Interest in Mental Health Screening by Endocrinologists.
Endocrine disorders often coexist with mental health issues. Little is known about patient beliefs regarding endocrinologists' involvement in mental health screening. We studied the beliefs of patients with endocrine disorders regarding endocrinologists' asking about mental health and whether patients perceive that endocrinologists are capable of recognizing mental health concerns. ⋯ Many patients with endocrine disorders want endocrinologists to ask about their mental health. We recommend that endocrinologists consider incorporating mental health screening for depression and anxiety into routine patient care because many patients would welcome this approach.