Articles: ninos.
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Human migration is a worldwide phenomenon that receives considerable attention from the media and healthcare authorities alike. A significant proportion of children seen at public sector health facilities in South Africa (SA) are immigrants, and gaps have previously been noted in their healthcare provision. The objective of the study was to describe the characteristics and differences between the immigrant and SA children admitted to Kalafong Provincial Tertiary Hospital (KPTH), a large public sector hospital in the urban Gauteng Province of SA. ⋯ Although there were health-related differences between immigrant and SA children accessing in-hospital care, these were fewer than expected. Differences were found in parental educational level and socioeconomic factors, but these did not significantly affect ANC attendance, delivery outcomes, immunisation coverage, HIV prevalence, or PMTCT coverage. The immigrant population should be viewed as a high-risk group, with potential problems including suboptimal child growth. Health workers should advocate for all children in the community they are serving and promote tolerance, respect, and equal healthcare access.
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J Coll Physicians Surg Pak · Mar 2021
Case ReportsHenoch-Schönlein Purpura Presenting with Acute Abdomen.
Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP) is an autoimmune, systemic, non-granulomatous vasculitis characterised by self-limiting clinical course, and leukocytoclastic vasculitis of small vessels. Deposition of immune complexes that contain IgA is the hallmark of vascular involvement. Adults with HSP have a higher incidence of complications and death. ⋯ Although corticosteroids do not prevent recurrences, evidence in literature suggests that these are beneficial in resolution of the arthritis and abdominal pain. Aggressive therapy with corticosteroids or cyclophosphamide is not successful in reducing renal damage, except in patients with crescentic nephritis. Key Words: Henoch-Schönlein purpura, Gastrointestinal complications, Steroids, Surgery.
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Case Reports
Quarantine-induced Stress Cardiomyopathy (Takotsubo syndrome) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a non-ischemic cardiomyopathy characterized by an acute reversible left ventricular dysfunction with typical apical ballooning, usually with subsequent complete spontaneous recovery. TTS may be triggered by several physical and emotional stressors. The name Covidsubo was recently adopted to describe this emerging entity. TTS during quarantine may be a reasonable outcome of the overwhelming stress and fear of this pandemic. However, according to the current literature, conflicting results have been reported regarding the incidence of this syndrome during the first wave of the pandemic, and further studies are needed. High index of suspicion is needed to identify patients during the next waves of the pandemic, particularly given the need for minimizing imaging modalities and contact with the patients. ⋯ The only prominent stressor in the two cases in this article was the stress accompanying quarantine.
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Southern medical journal · Mar 2021
Effects of Norepinephrine Infusion on Cutaneous Surface Temperatures of the Distal Extremities.
The etiology of vasopressor-induced digital necrosis is poorly understood, but the skin changes resemble those of frostbite, and it is known from experience that patients taking vasopressors have decreased digital temperatures. We aimed to examine the effects of norepinephrine use on surface temperatures of the distal extremities because there have been no studies examining this relation. ⋯ Norepinephrine use was associated with greater core-to-fingertip temperature gradients and were more pronounced in the toes compared with the fingers.
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Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disease in the United States. Up to 17% of asthma cases are classified as difficult to treat, and 3.7% of these are considered severe. Uncontrolled asthma is characterized by poor symptom control or frequent exacerbations. ⋯ Breathing exercises may improve quality of life, asthma symptoms, lung function, and number of exacerbations. Vitamin D and soy supplementation are ineffective. Bronchial thermoplasty is a procedural option that may be considered if there is inadequate response to other therapies.