Psychosocial and Demographic Factors That Influence HbA1c Testing Frequency in Diabetics: Data From the 2018 Behavioral and Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS).

Background HbA1c testing is an essential measure of glycemic control in diabetic patients. This study aims to determine the social and psychological determinants that have a role in the frequency of HbA1c testing in diabetics. Methods We used data from the Behavior and Risk Factor Surveillance Survey to develop a hierarchical linear regression model to examine associations between annual HbA1c testing frequency and the following types of variables: demographics, socioeconomic factors (SES), living environment, healthcare access, psychosocial factors, clinical factors, and diabetes self-care and knowledge. Results The study included 18,505 diabetics from the BRFSS 2018 dataset with a mean age of 61.2 years. There were significant associations between age, gender, race, insurance status, SES, healthcare access, psychosocial factors, and HbA1c testing frequency. Being American Indian or Alaskan Native was associated with increased HbA1c testing frequency compared to Whites, and non-Hispanics. Higher education/income was associated with increased HbA1c testing frequency. Regular doctor visits for diabetes were associated with increased HbA1c testing frequency. Conclusions In our analysis of a national survey, income, education level, and diabetes-specific care variables were significantly associated with the frequency of HbA1c testing. These results help identify patient groups that need more attention in managing diabetes, including the use of HbA1c testing.

Correction: Vancomycin Flushing Syndrome Due to Oral Vancomycin in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Case Report.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.28024.].

Red Man Syndrome Due to Oral Vancomycin in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Case Report.

The red man syndrome is a known complication of vancomycin. It is commonly seen with intravenous (IV) use but is also documented with oral use. We aim to describe a case of a chronic kidney disease (CKD) patient who developed red man syndrome secondary to oral vancomycin use. Our case is about an immunosuppressed 68-year-old man who received oral vancomycin for pseudomembranous colitis, which was caused by Clostridium difficile. On the eighth day of the treatment, the patient experienced pruritus and an erythematous rash, which was diagnosed as red man syndrome, and the oral vancomycin was immediately discontinued. Upon the discontinuation of the drug, the rash disappeared, thus confirming the diagnosis. The patient's status of chronic kidney disease stage four resulted in reduced clearance of the drug, thus causing the adverse effect. This case highlights the importance of prophylaxis to prevent red man syndrome in a chronic kidney disease patient. Red man syndrome is commonly seen after the initiation of vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, or amphotericin B. Prompt diagnosis and management are required to prevent the complications due to this condition.

Superior Vena Cava Syndrome Due to Right Anterior Mediastinal Hematoma: A Case Report.

The superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) has been frequently reported to be secondary to malignancy, specifically, small cell bronchogenic carcinoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. There is some data suggesting causes like postprocedural hematomas. We aim to describe a case of a patient who developed SVCS secondary to a mediastinal hematoma secondary to epicardial pacer leads (postprocedural). Our case is about a 75-year-old male with a past medical history of coronary artery disease and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with moderate-to-severe right axillary pain radiating to the ipsilateral side of the neck, arm, and chest, associated to right temporal headache. A computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the chest was indicated at the time and revealed a hematoma with an active extravasation within the right superior anterior mediastinum, outside the pericardium. The patient was admitted to the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) and was started on nicardipine as his blood pressure in the ED was 217/125 and remained elevated despite proper pain management. A repeat CT scan of the chest showed a regressing hematoma that coincided with an improvement of the symptoms. This case highlights the importance of the complications of anterior mediastinal hematoma. The superior vena cava syndrome can develop after cardiologic procedures, after the implantation of devices. Prompt clinical diagnosis, including imaging, and treatment are necessary to manage this condition.

Video Conferencing Dysmorphia: Assessment of Pandemic-Related Body Dysmorphia and Implications for the Post-lockdown Era.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to global effects on human interaction and mental health. The most drastic changes are seen in ways people continue to stay connected with each other. Video-conferencing applications like Zoom gained popularity and have become the primary means of communication for social or work events and meetings. These applications have also in many places replaced face-to-face healthcare visits and have penetrated school-based learning. The long-term implications of this digital technology on self-esteem and body image require further study. MAIN BODY: Video-conferencing applications have led to people being more conscious of their appearance and this has resulted in increased cases of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). There is increased focus on body appearance and cosmetic procedures to fix minor defects. Although the treatment for BDD is like depression, it requires the personalization of therapy specific to the needs of the patient. CONCLUSION: In this review, we aim to highlight the impact of the pandemic on body image and the long-term implications of virtual conferencing. The review also highlights available pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment approaches in the management of body dysmorphic disorder related to virtual video conferencing.