ABSTRACT
Background: Penicillin is essential for secondary prevention of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). However, the incidences of ARF recurrence and RHD progression remain high, particularly in endemic countries. This meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of penicillin adherence in secondary prevention of ARF recurrence and RHD progression. Methods: The authors included original articles employing an observational study design in which the study population included patients with ARF or RHD and documented adherence to secondary prophylaxis with penicillin for secondary prevention. Systematic searches of the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were performed. Moreover, the authors also conducted a snowballing literature search from Europe PMC to expand the included studies. The quality of each study was assessed using the National Institute of Health Quality Assessment Tool. The statistical analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.4.1 software developed by Cochrane. In addition, the authors utilized pooled odds ratios (ORs) to compare the adherence techniques. Results: A total of 310 studies were identified, of which 57 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. The authors included six studies with 1364 patients for the qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis. Good adherence to penicillin for the secondary prophylaxis of ARF and RHD, significantly reduced the odds of ARF recurrence or RHD progression by up to 71% compared to that associated with poor adherence [pooled OR 0.29 (0.21-0.40); I²=0% (p=0.56); Z=7.64 (p <0.00001)]. Conclusion: Good adherence to penicillin for secondary prophylaxis in patients with ARF or RHD is essential for reducing the risk of ARF recurrence or RHD progression.
ABSTRACT
Large pericardial effusion may possess potential risks of hemodynamic consequences and may progress into cardiac tamponade unexpectedly. Pericardiocentesis is advisable in asymptomatic large pericardial effusion when there are signs of hemodynamic collapse on echocardiography. However, in a limited setting, the ideal equipment is rarely available. Thus, we present a case of echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis using a central venous catheter (CVC) in a large pericardial effusion with massive pleural effusion in a rural area.
ABSTRACT
Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) is a rare form of chronic pyelonephritis, which is challenging to diagnose because its clinical presentation mimics other entities and is commonly associated with a history of urinary tract obstruction. We report a case of XGP in a young adult without nephrolithiasis and urinary tract obstruction. A 23-year-old woman presented with intermittent abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant persisting for the last ten months. The pain was dull, poorly localized, and started spreading to the right back, right shoulder, and right thigh in the last three months. Other complaints included fever, chills, pain during urination, and nausea. The patient had a history of infrequent urination, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), and a low fluid intake. A physical examination revealed that the patient had right upper quadrant abdominal tenderness and right costovertebral angle tenderness. Laboratory findings showed leukocytosis and neutrophilia. The radiological examination revealed a round mass in the superior pole of the right kidney with mixed cystic and solid components, and a well-defined margin. It further enlarged from 4.5 cm to 10.6 cm in diameter in three months. The urologist performed a total right nephrectomy. The histopathological examination showed XGP with renal abscess. Proteus mirabilis was identified from the pus specimen culture. XGP should be considered in the diagnosis of patients having chronic UTI presented with or without the findings of urinary tract obstruction.
