Acta Clin Belg
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Adequate nutrition plays an important role in the maintenance of cognitive function, particularly during aging. Malnutrition is amongst the risk factors for developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Epidemiological studies have associated deficiencies in some nutrients with a higher risk of cognitive dysfunction and/or AD. ⋯ V., Zoetermeer, The Netherlands) was developed. Clinical trials with Souvenaid(®) have shown improved memory performance in patients with mild AD. Further clinical trials to evaluate the effects of nutritional intervention in MCI and early dementia due to AD are on-going.
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Late presentation for human immunodeficiency virus HIV diagnosis results of a Belgian single centre.
Antiretroviral therapy reduces mortality and morbidity in HIVinfected individuals, most markedly when initiated early, before advanced immunodeficiency has developed. Although the international guidelines recommend starting antiretroviral therapy ART with a high CD4 cell count level, in the practice, this is particularly challenging to achieve, especially in late presentation of HIV diagnosis. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and the demographic features associated with late presentation for HIV diagnosis in our Centre. ⋯ A considerable proportion of patients continue to be diagnosed with advanced HIV disease, despite the fact that risk factors for late presentation have been clearly identified. Despite high testing rate for HIV in Belgium, highrisk population like migrant, heterosexual contact, remain under tested. In order to be able to detect and treat all patients with high CD4 cell count as recommended by all international guidelines, we recommend developing testing policies specifically focused on these categories at high risk for late presentation.
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Tetanus is a very serious neuromuscular disease caused by a powerful exotoxin, tetanospasmin, from the Clostridium tetani bacillus. Its incidence in the developed world has diminished considerably since the introduction of primary vaccination. Tetanus is diagnosed clinically, through recognition of the characteristically inducible muscle spasms. ⋯ Management of tetanus aims at removing the source of tetanospasmin, neutralising circulating toxin, and providing adequate supportive care for muscle spasms, respiration and autonomic instability. Tetanus is a forgotten disease in developed countries since many practicing primary care physicians have not seen a single case in their career. We present a case of tetanus and review briefly the pathogenesis, clinical features and therapy in order to educate the internist in recognising and adequately treating this disease.
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is underestimated, underdiagnosed and often under-treated in the general population. A survey of 17 structured questions, delivered to all Belgian pulmonary physicians (PPs) (116 responses), evaluated diagnosis and treatment strategies in accordance with the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines 2010 and assessed opinions about the importance of diurnal variation of COPD symptoms. All COPD diagnoses (37% new cases) were spirometry confirmed. ⋯ Symptoms were perceived to vary throughout the day, affecting quality of life (97%) and mobility (89%). In particular, respiratory symptoms were more severe in the morning (51-92%), leading PPs to adapt treatment (69%). This survey demonstrated that management of COPD by PPs in Belgium is generally in line with the GOLD guidelines 2010 and that they perceive morning symptoms as being frequent and having an impact on patient's life.
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Review Case Reports
Diaphragm plication for unilateral diaphragm paralysis: a case report and review of the literature.
Unilateral diaphragm paralysis is an often not recognised cause of dyspnoea. We present a patient with a unilateral phrenic nerve paralysis treated with diaphragmatic plication. Patient presented with life-style limiting dyspnoea and pulmonary function showed a decrease in FVC when lying down. ⋯ Although comparison of the available data is difficult a diaphragm plication seems an effective and safe procedure for patients with symptomatic, acquired unilateral diaphragm paralysis. Improvement of dyspnoea is present in the majority of patients and we even observed an impressive amelioration in exercise capacity. Consequently, it seems appropriate to propose plication to patients with clear symptoms from the moment spontaneous recovery seems unlikely; yet, prospective randomised controlled studies are needed to prove this.