Browsing by Author "Castelo Branco, S"
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- CURB-65 and Other Markers of Illness Severity in Community-Acquired Pneumonia Among HIV-Positive PatientsPublication . Almeida, A; Almeida, AR; Castelo Branco, S; Vesza, Z; Pereira, RAs the relative burden of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia among HIV-positive patients increases, adequate prediction of case severity on presentation is crucial. We sought to determine what characteristics measurable on presentation are predictive of worse outcomes. We studied all admissions for community-acquired bacterial pneumonia over one year at a tertiary centre. Patient demographics, comorbidities, HIV-specific markers and CURB-65 scores on Emergency Department presentation were reviewed. Outcomes of interest included mortality, bacteraemia, intensive care unit admission and orotracheal intubation. A total of 396 patients were included: 49 HIV-positive and 347 HIV-negative. Mean CURB-65 score was 1.3 for HIV-positive and 2.2 for HIV-negative patients (p < 0.0001), its predictive value for mortality being maintained in both groups (p = 0.03 and p < 0.001, respectively). Adjusting for CURB-65 scores, HIV infection by itself was only associated with bacteraemia (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 7.1, 95% CI [2.6-19.5]). Patients with < 200 CD4 cells/µL presented similar CURB-65 adjusted mortality (aOR 1.7, 95% CI [0.2-15.2]), but higher risk of intensive care unit admission (aOR 5.7, 95% CI [1.5-22.0]) and orotracheal intubation (aOR 9.1, 95% CI [2.2-37.1]), compared to HIV-negative patients. These two associations were not observed in the > 200 CD4 cells/µL subgroup (aOR 2.2, 95% CI [0.7-7.6] and aOR 0.8, 95% CI [0.1-6.5], respectively). Antiretroviral therapy and viral load suppression were not associated with different outcomes (p > 0.05). High CURB-65 scores and CD4 counts < 200 cells/µL were both associated with worse outcomes. Severity assessment scales and CD4 counts may both be helpful in predicting severity in HIV-positive patients presenting with community-acquired bacterial pneumonia.
- Fungal GastroduodenitisPublication . Castelo Branco, S; Ferreira, AT; Saraiva, S; Silva, MJ; Garcia, TCandida infection of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is rare in the immunocompetent individual. In immunocompromised patients, it frequently involves the oesophagus, but extra-oesophageal involvement is uncommon. We report a case of primary and isolated gastroduodenal candidiasis. Upper GI endoscopy with biopsy of gastric mucosa was crucial for making the diagnosis. The patient showed transient improvement after therapy with fluconazole. Learning points: Gastroduodenal candidiasis is rarely documented in the literature.Old age is an independent risk factor for fungal infection of the gastrointestinal tract.In this case, fungal gastroduodenitis was associated with gastroparesis.
- Hemopneumotórax Espontâneo InterlobarPublication . Boattini, M; Castelo Branco, S; Toscano Rico, M
- Propylthiouracil Induced Pulmonary-Renal Syndrome: a Case Report.Publication . Boattini, M; Rodrigues, A; Nascimento, P; Luz, KC; Castelo Branco, S; Rodrigues, N; Cachado, P; Garcia, TPropylthiouracil (PTU) is known to induce antineutrophil cytoplasmatic antibody (ANCA) seropositivity; however, small vessel vasculitis (SVV) with pulmonary and renal involvement is rare. We present the case of an 81-year-old woman on PTU treatment due to toxic nodular goitre who developed alveolar hemorrhage and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. The authors highlight the importance of early recognising drug-induced pulmonary-renal syndrome (PRS) in order to avoid unnecessary tests, a delay in the diagnosis and evolution to end-stage kidney disease or life-threatening conditions.