Herpes Zoster Infection in an Immunocompromised Patient: A Case Report and Review of Corticosteroid's Role.

Herpes zoster infection is more frequent and severe in the immunocompromised population. Its incidence is significantly higher in this population when compared to immunocompetent individuals. The authors present a case of an 88-year-old man with a history of arterial hypertension and myelodysplastic syndrome. The patient was evaluated in the emergency department (ED) for edema of the frontal facial region with left periorbital involvement and multiple purulent vesicles. He was diagnosed with viral infection by herpes zoster and was prescribed valaciclovir and deflazacort. He returned two days later due to an increase in the lesions affecting the left hemi-cranium, with decreased visual acuity and painless purulent drainage in the ipsilateral eye. The ophthalmological evaluation revealed exuberant edema with associated chemosis and involvement of the cornea of ​​the affected eye. He was hospitalized and began antiviral therapy with intravenous acyclovir and chloramphenicol with topical ganciclovir. There was a progressive resolution of the skin lesions but no reversal of the loss of vision in the affected eye. Herpes zoster infection is more frequent and severe in the immunocompromised population. The clinical presentation is often similar to that of the immunocompetent population; however, it can have exuberant manifestations. The authors emphasize the need for close clinical monitoring of the immunocompromised patient with herpes zoster infection and review the role of corticosteroids when treating this particular population.

Equality or disparity? Cardiovascular risk factors and their correlation within the metabolic syndrome. The secret of gods.

AIMS: The primary objective of our study is to determine the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in the population. The secondary objective is to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and their correlation with the metabolic syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample for the study was obtained by means of a consecutive population-based demonstration in 803 adults over 18 years of age belonging to the labor force of the company Grupo Delta SA. The study was carried out according to the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki. The individuals included in the study voluntarily participated, once informed of the purpose of the study, giving their prior verbal consent, to the company's human resources department, in the case of Delta Group workers. RESULTS: 23.8% of the population has metabolic syndrome. Each cardiovascular risk factor has different importance in the metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSION: The correlation of cardiovascular risk factors with the metabolic syndrome differs from one another.

Cardiovascular risk factors: Is the metabolic syndrome related to aging? Epidemiology in a Portuguese population.

AIMS: The primary objective of our study is to determine the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in the population. The secondary objective is to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, anthropometric alterations and the prevalence of target organ damage and their relationship with aging. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample for the study was obtained by means of a consecutive population-based demonstration in 803 adults over 18 years of age belonging to the labor force of the company Grupo Delta SA. The study was carried out according to the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki. The individuals included in the study voluntarily participated, once informed of the purpose of the study, giving their prior verbal consent, to the company's human resources department, in the case of Delta Group workers. RESULTS: 23.8% of the population has metabolic syndrome more prevalent in males, no smoking, no significant alcohol consumption, sedentary, with a high Body mass index (BMI). Its prevalence increases with age. CONCLUSION: We found that the prevalence of metabolic syndrome increases with age and is present in people of working age, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, work-related absences, and socio-economic costs.