Medicina
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In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), single lung transplantation (SLT) is sometimes performed as an alternative to bilateral lung transplantation due to limited organ availability. However, the postoperative management of SLT presents challenges, including complications related to the distinct compliance of each lung. This case report presents the case of a 65-year-old male patient who underwent SLT and was in the weaning period from mechanical ventilation. ⋯ The drop in tidal impedance after applying HFOT did not indicate hypoventilation but rather overdistention and air trapping in the native lung, while the transplanted lung showed evidence of hypoventilation. These findings suggest that HFOT may not be beneficial for SLT patients and could potentially worsen outcomes. However, due to the limited scope of this case report, further prospective studies with larger patient cohorts are needed to confirm these results.
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Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are monoclonal antibodies that are increasingly used in cancer treatments. As experience in the use of immunotherapy increases, more is known about its safety profile and immune-mediated adverse effects. ⋯ In this paper we describe the cases of three patients who presented with episodes of DKA during treatment with ICIs, two of which manifested with fulminant forms, leading to an acute course with initially normal glycosylated hemoglobin values. In addition, we conducted a review of the literature on DKA associated with ICIs in order to highlight the importance of noticing these potentially fatal complications and promptly establishing appropriate therapy.
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Adult smokers, those with comorbidities, and the elderly, are at greater risk of contracting infections and their complications. Community acquired respiratory infections due to viruses, pneumococcus and other bacteria, affect both healthy and sick adults. There are vaccines that the pulmonologist must know and prescribe. ⋯ The double (diphtheria + tetanus), and triple (double + pertussis) bacterial vaccines, and the vaccines against measles, chickenpox, rubella, human papillomavirus, Haemophilus influenzae, meningococcus, herpes zoster, Argentine hemorrhagic fever and yellow fever, are of a more limited use. Soon we will have new vaccines such as the one recently approved by the FDA against respiratory syncytial virus. Through a consensus of experts in respiratory infections, we review the new evidence regarding the immunization of adults who consult a pulmonologist, and thus update the recommendations on vaccination made eight years ago.
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Vaccination impact: mortality and time shift to COVID-19 maximum severity in hospitalized patients. An Argentine multicenter registry.
The COVID-19 vaccine became an effective instrument to prevent severe SARS-CoV-2 infections. However, 5% of vaccinated patients will have moderate or severe disease. ⋯ The time elapsed between the onset of COVID-19 symptoms to the highest severity was similar in vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. However, hospitalized vaccinated patients had a lower risk of mortality than unvaccinated patients.