Acta Medica Port
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Pandoraea species are a newly described genus of multidrug-resistant, non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli, mainly isolated from sputum samples of cystic fibrosis patients. In immunocompromised patients or with high antibiotic selective pressure, these pathogens are generally opportunistic and invasive. Although Pandoraea spp. are rare, the true incidence of these infections may be underestimated due to difficulties in microbial identification by phenotypic methods. ⋯ Mass spectrometry assays identified Pandoraea pnomenusa in the blood cultures taken from the central venous catheter and in the catheter tip. Fever cessation after catheter removal suggests a catheter-related bloodstream infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first isolation of a Pandoraea spp. in Portugal, which should raise awareness to the emergence of these opportunistic and multidrug-resistant microorganisms, and the importance of its prompt identification.
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A growing number of countries have legalized the process of hastening death. At a time when laws decriminalizing hastened death have been passed in the Portuguese Parliament, the development of research related with decision making regarding this issue is of crucial importance. This study seeks to evaluate, in a sample of Portuguese doctors, whether the presentation of clinical vignettes changes the agreement with the practice of hastened death compared with general scenarios. ⋯ Agreement increased when the clinical vignette was presented in comparison with the respective standard for most of the cases of hastened death presented.
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Salmonellosis represents a considerable health, social and economic burden in both high- and low-income countries. Recently, in Portugal, most cases of Salmonella infections have been reported in children under 15 years of age. The main aim of this study was to characterize, from an epidemiological, microbiological, and clinical perspective, cases of Salmonella isolation among children. ⋯ Given the obtained results, we intend to improve knowledge on salmonellosis in Portugal and, consequently improve prevention strategies, treatment and its notification. Although the incidence of salmonellosis has been decreasing in recent years it is the second most frequent gastrointestinal infection in the European Union, contributing to significant rates of hospitalizations and use of antibiotics in Portugal.
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Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory dermatosis characterized by the presence of inflammatory nodules and abscesses in the apocrine gland-rich areas that may progress to suppurative fistulas and scars. Despite being considered one of the dermatological conditions with the greatest impact on patient quality of life, it is often underdiagnosed. Hidradenitis suppurativa, especially in its severe forms, is associated with numerous comorbidities, so a holistic and multidisciplinary perspective is crucial for the management of these patients. ⋯ The medical treatment options are diverse and must be adapted to clinical presentation and disease severity. Surgical therapy should be considered as an adjuvant to medical treatment, particularly in refractory cases and in the presence of scars or anatomical and/or functional mutilation. These recommendations reflect the main aspects of the management of the patient with hidradenitis suppurativa and are addressed to all healthcare professionals who take part in their follow-up.