scholarly journals Chikungunya and the Heart

Cardiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Juan I. Cotella ◽  
Ana L. Sauce ◽  
Clara I. Saldarriaga ◽  
Gonzalo E. Perez ◽  
Juan M. Farina ◽  
...  

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Neglected tropical diseases are a group of communicable diseases that occur in tropical and subtropical conditions and are closely related to poverty and inadequate sanitation conditions. Among these entities, chikungunya remains one of the most widely spread diseases. Although the main symptoms are related to a febrile syndrome, cardiovascular (CV) involvement has been reported, with short- and long-term implications. As part of the “Neglected Tropical Diseases and other Infectious Diseases involving the Heart” (NET-Heart) Project, the aim of this review is to compile all the information available regarding CV involvement of this disease, to help healthcare providers gain knowledge in this field, and contribute to improving early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement in conducting and reporting this systematic review. The search was conducted using MEDLINE/PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases to identify any relevant studies or reviews detailing an association between chikungunya and cardiac involvement published from January 1972 to May 31, 2020. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Despite its mechanism not being fully understood, CV involvement has been described as the most frequent atypical presentation of chikungunya (54.2%). Myocarditis is the most prevalent CV complication. Different rhythm disturbances have been reported in 52% of cases, whereas heart failure was reported in 15% of cases, pericarditis in 5%, and acute myocardial infarction in 2%. Overall estimated CV mortality is 10%, although in patients with other comorbidities, it may increase up to 20%. In the proper clinical setting, the presence of fever, polyarthralgia, and new-onset arrhythmia suggests chikungunya virus-related myocarditis. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Although most cases are rarely fatal, CV involvement in chikungunya infection remains the most frequent atypical presentation of this disease and may have severe manifestations. Timely diagnosis and appropriate management are necessary to improve patient outcomes.

BMC Medicine ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaobi Zhang ◽  
Chad MacArthur ◽  
Likezo Mubila ◽  
Shawn Baker

2020 ◽  
pp. 449-494
Author(s):  
Alexandra Dimitrova

Over the past 20 years acupuncture has been rapidly gaining in popularity both in clinical practice and in research. New evidence for the benefits of acupuncture in various disorders is emerging seemingly every week, and recent large-scale systematic reviews and meta-analyses have suggested that acupuncture’s benefits in pain conditions can be maintained long term. At present the strongest evidence for acupuncture in the treatment of neurological disorders is in the fields of migraine, tension headaches, diabetic neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, and Bell’s palsy. Recent trials suggest that acupuncture may be used as an adjunct in stroke rehabilitation and in improving the quality of life in patients with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Despite recent mechanistic research advances, much remains unknown about acupuncture’s mechanism of action and there are common misconceptions about the origins of modern-day acupuncture. As acupuncture is being rapidly integrated into mainstream medical practice and increasingly being sought by patients, healthcare providers and neurologists in particular need to be educated about its applications and benefits for various neurological disorders. Our hope is that this chapter will serve toward this educational goal.


2019 ◽  
Vol 113 (12) ◽  
pp. 839-844 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Kuper

AbstractNeglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of infectious conditions that vary in their epidemiology, impact and control. They are among the most common conditions globally, affecting approximately one billion people. Many NTDs have long-term consequences, such as visual and physical impairments. As a result, people with NTDs may have difficulties in carrying out activities or participating in society—in other words, NTDs can cause disabilities. Additionally, NTDs are often strongly linked to stigma and can have mental health consequences. It is therefore important to incorporate rehabilitation within NTD programmes. Rehabilitation can be conceptualized narrowly in terms of the provision of clinical services (e.g. physiotherapy and assistive devices) or, more broadly, including efforts to improve employment, overcome stigma and enhance social participation of people with disabilities. Approximately 15% of the global population has a disability, and this large group must be considered when designing NTD programmes. Improving the inclusion of people with disabilities may require adaptations to NTD programmes, such as making them physically accessible or training staff about disability awareness. Without incorporating disability within NTD programmes, the quality of life of people with NTDs will suffer and global targets for elimination and management of NTDs will not be met.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 108-112
Author(s):  
Ahmadreza Karimianpour ◽  
Leah John ◽  
Michael R Gold

The ICD is an important part of the treatment and prevention of sudden cardiac death in many high-risk populations. Traditional transvenous ICDs (TV-ICDs) are associated with certain short- and long- term risks. The subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD) was developed in order to avoid these risks and complications. However, this system is associated with its own set of limitations and complications. First, patient selection is important, as S-ICDs do not provide pacing therapy currently. Second, pre-procedural screening is important to minimise T wave and myopotential oversensing. Finally, until recently, the S-ICD was primarily used in younger patients with fewer co-morbidities and less structural heart disease, limiting the general applicability of the device. S-ICDs achieve excellent rates of arrhythmia conversion and have demonstrated noninferiority to TV-ICDs in terms of complication rates in real-world studies. The objective of this review is to discuss the latest literature, including the UNTOUCHED and PRAETORIAN trials, and to address the risk of inappropriate shocks.


Author(s):  
Genevieve E. Becker

Breastfeeding has short- and long-term positive influences on the health and wellbeing of the child. There are situations where breastfeeding does not occur and expressed or pumped mother’s milk is used. Mothers and healthcare providers report problems or negative views on using pumps in studies across the globe. This systematic review and secondary analysis of 18 random control trials related to mothers’ views of breast pumps examines the range of viewpoints gathered, the variety of measurement instruments used, how the outcomes are reported and the challenges that occur. It aims to inform critical reading of research as well as future research design. Devices which the mother views as comfortable and useful will facilitate more infants to receive human milk when direct breastfeeding does not occur, and they will have a positive influence on health and wellbeing.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcy Simpson ◽  
Olajumoke Bamgbose ◽  
Harpriya Singh ◽  
Aaron McKay ◽  
Matthew O'Connor

Background/Hypothesis: Coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19) in the state of Indiana garnered over 50,000 positive cases since the first exposed patient in March 2020. Covid-19 is associated with pneumonia, as well as symptoms such as fevers, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste/ smell, and fatigue.  A positive COVID diagnosis is prevalent amongst those with comorbidities and has been positively correlated with the severity of the adverse effects caused by Covid-19. As the number of positive cases rise in the US, it’s imperative to understand the potential shortcomings experienced in the care of patients and to address the short and long-term outcomes in those patients. This study aimed to identify patterns in the course of illness, limitations of care, effects on co-morbidities, and overall community needs to improve patient access and outcomes. We hypothesize that subjects with comorbidities will report more serious symptoms at onset and take longer for symptoms to resolve. We also expect to see subjects living in the same zip codes will report similar levels of access to care.    Methods: In order to achieve these goals we conducted semi-structured, one-on-one interviews with study participants, in which telephone based patient follow up interviews were conducted twice a week for 2 weeks or until symptoms were resolved. Inclusion criteria included being a legal adult over 18 years of age, a COVID-19 positive diagnosis via RT-PCR testing, and an ED visit at one of the Methodist Hospital Systems.     Results: Through TACTIC qualitative rapid analysis of the data, results are pending and we hope to find useful patterns within a younger demographic, more indicative of the second wave of COVID spread within our Northwest population.     Potential Impact: Through this study, we aim to identify the barriers to care in the community and then address and provide possible solutions within the community.  


2020 ◽  
Vol 83 ◽  
pp. 170-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonardo Solaini ◽  
Andrea Avanzolini ◽  
Carlo Alberto Pacilio ◽  
Alessandro Cucchetti ◽  
Davide Cavaliere ◽  
...  

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