Annals of medicine
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Review
Ultrasound assessment of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia: a literature review for the primary care physician.
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is considered one of the most critical global health emergencies in the last century. The diagnostic approach to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and its possible complications through a point-of-care-ultrasound (POCUS) evaluation could represent a good solution in the primary care setting. POCUS is a non-invasive technique that can be used outside hospitals to screen COVID-19 patients and their complications safely. ⋯ Key MessagesPOCUS is an important tool for the diagnostic approach in the primary care setting already before the start of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Portable devices are useful in monitoring the clinical evolution of patients with infection from SARS-CoV-2 at home. The ultrasonographic features can help the general practice physicians to evaluate the presence of lung involvement and to diagnose complications from the SARS-CoV-2 infection involving districts such as the cardiovascular system.
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Introduction: Phytochemicals have garnered much attention because they are useful in managing several human diseases. Yohimbine is one such phytochemical with significant pharmacological potential and could be exploited for research by medicinal chemists. It is an indole alkaloid obtained from various natural/synthetic sources. ⋯ Key MessagesYohimbine is a natural indole alkaloid with significant pharmacological potential. Humans have used it as a stimulant and aphrodisiac from a relatively early time. It blocks the pre- and postsynaptic α2-adrenergic receptors that could be exploited for managing erectile dysfunction, myocardial dysfunction, inflammatory disorders, and cancer.
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Pancreatitis is the leading gastrointestinal cause of hospitalizations. There are multiple short- and long-term complications associated with pancreatitis. Post-pancreatitis diabetes mellitus (PPDM) is one of the less explored complications of pancreatitis. ⋯ KEY MESSAGESPost-pancreatitis diabetes mellitus (PPDM) is now the second most common cause of new-onset diabetes mellitus (DM) in adults after type II DM surpassing type 1 DM. New-onset diabetes in patients with pancreatitis could also be an early marker of occult pancreatic malignancy. Management of PPDM is complex and requires a team-based approach including gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, primary care physicians, nutritionists, and behavioural health specialists.
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Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is associated with progressive dyspnoea and exercise intolerance, but despite the central role of physiotherapy on pulmonary rehabilitation, there is a huge lack of physiotherapy approaches used specifically for LAM patients. ⋯ Endurance and resistance training is the keystone for physiotherapy in patients with LAM, but despite the reported benefits, there is a huge lack of studies related to the modalities, safety and dosage of physiotherapy prescription for patients with LAM.KEY MESSAGESLymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare disease, leads to progressive dyspnoea and exercise intolerance;Physiotherapy can improve dyspnoea and exercise intolerance in LAM through endurance and resistance exercises.
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The objective of this meta-analysis was to identify whether headache increase the risk of dry eye disease (DED). ⋯ This study indicates that headache is related to a higher risk of DED, especially in the migraine patients. These results suggest that headaches should be regarded as an independent risk factor for DED.KEY MESSAGESIn this meta-analysis, 11 studies (one cohort study, four case-control studies and six cross-sectional studies) covering 3,575,957 individuals were included.Pooled analysis indicated that all-cause headache was related to a higher risk of dry eye (OR = 1.586, 95% CI: 1.409-1.785, I2 = 89.3%, p < .001).These results suggest that headaches should be regarded as an independent risk factor for dry eye.