Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical
-
Rev. Soc. Bras. Med. Trop. · Jan 2009
[Mortality trend due to accidental tetanus from 1981 to 2004 in Pernambuco and analysis of the impact on intensive care unit attendance].
Despite reductions in the incidence of accidental tetanus cases in Brazil, there has not been any significant decrease in its mortality. In this case series, the mortality rates before and after establishing standard management practices for tetanus patients in the intensive care unit at the Oswaldo Cruz University Hospital are compared over the period from 1981 to 2004. Over these 24 years, 1.971 patients were admitted. ⋯ This trend was seen in all age groups and both sexes. The centralization of attendance for these patients into a single specialized service with early treatment in an intensive care unit has therefore been decisive in reducing the mortality rate. This service can count on the medical team's vast experience of tetanus management, with better treatment of symptoms that forestalls the serious complications from this disease.
-
Rev. Soc. Bras. Med. Trop. · Jan 2009
Biography Historical Article[The assessment process within science and the nomination of Carlos Chagas for the Nobel prize for Physiology or Medicine].
One of the greatest achievements in the history of medicine was the description of Chagas disease by the physician and scientist Carlos Chagas. A hundred years after the discovery of the disease, speculation still remains regarding the two official nominations of Carlos Chagas for the Nobel Prize, the biggest worldwide scientific award, in 1913 and in 1921. ⋯ Analysis of the database of the Nobel prize archives, with the revelation of the names of nominators, nominees and prizewinners spanning the years 1901-1951, brought information not only about what was considered to be a scientific achievement at that time, but also about who the important scientists were and what the relationships between them were. The non-recognition of Carlos Chagas' discoveries by the Nobel Committee appears to be more correctly explained by these factors than by the negative impact of the local opposition.
-
Rev. Soc. Bras. Med. Trop. · Nov 2008
Case ReportsPyoderma gangrenosum and ulcerative colitis in the tropics.
Pyoderma gangrenosum is a rare inflammatory skin condition, characterized by progressive and recurrent skin ulceration. There may be rapidly enlarging, painful ulcers with undermined edges and a necrotic, hemorrhagic base. Disorders classically associated with pyoderma gangrenosum include rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, paraproteinemia and myeloproliferative disorders. ⋯ The frequency of the bloody diarrhea decreased, and was completely resolved by the second week after admission. The ulcers also showed accelerated healing. The goal of therapy is directed towards the associated systemic disorder, if present.