São Paulo medical journal = Revista paulista de medicina
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Making the differential diagnosis between central fever and infectious fever is critically important among intracerebral hemorrhage patients followed up in intensive care units (ICUs). Serum procalcitonin (PCT) has been found to be a promising biomarker for the initial diagnosis of infection, even before culturing results. ⋯ PCT can possibly be used as a biomarker to differentiate between infectious and central fever among ICU patients.
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Brazilian opportunistic screening programs for cervical cancer have limited impact. In the regions of two cities (Campinas and Curitiba) with high human development indices, consistent information from 96-97% of all cervical cancer cases managed within the public healthcare system is available. ⋯ Cervical cancer incidence estimates showed slowly decreasing trends in both regions, most evidently for women aged 45 years or older and for squamous-cell histology. These findings reflect the opportunistic nature of the population screening program, despite the comparatively high economic development level in the two regions.
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Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial malignant solid tumor that occurs during childhood. It arises from primitive cells and is seen in the adrenal medulla and sympathetic ganglia of the sympathetic nervous system. ⋯ There are still no standard treatment guidelines for adult neuroblastoma patients. Although they have a poor prognosis, the main treatment option should be complete surgery at an early stage. This situation may become clarified through biological and genetic studies in the future.
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Acne needs to be treated early to prevent negative psychosocial impacts. In severe or moderate forms, which tend to leave scars, oral isotretinoin is the first-line therapy. However, concern about its adverse events, especially in developed countries, delays effective treatment. In contrast, isotretinoin is widely prescribed in Brazilian private clinics. ⋯ Sequelae of acne at the onset of treatment reveal delayed indication of isotretinoin, which can have negative psychosocial impacts on quality of life. Isotretinoin should be indicated early to prevent this. Its use is supported by its lack of laboratory alterations and controllable adverse events.