Effective pharmacotherapy for lung abscess in a patient with alcoholism

A case of necrotic pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae was diagnosed using a pneumonia antigen test in BALF: A case report

RATIONALE

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia. Currently, it is believed that many cases of pulmonary infection with negative results on pathogenic testing are caused by S. pneumoniae. There have been no reports of the detection of S. pneumoniae antigen in lung lavage fluid.

PATIENT CONCERNS

An elderly male patient with suboptimal fasting blood glucose control and a history of liver abscess.

DIAGNOSIS

Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed inflammatory lesions in both lungs with consolidation in the middle lobe of the right lung.

INTERVENTIONS

After admission, we collected alveolar lavage fluid in a timely manner and performed pneumococcal antigen detection and etiological testing.

OUTCOMES

Prompt testing for pneumococcal antigen in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid yielded a positive clinical outcome. Subsequent analysis via bacterial culture of sputum and next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of BALF definitively identified S. pneumoniae as the etiological agent. Following the analysis of drug sensitivity test results from the identified pathogens, adjustments were made to the antibiotic regimen, and appropriate pus puncture drainage was performed. Subsequently, the patient's condition improved, leading to discharge.

CONCLUSION

The identification of S. pneumoniae antigen in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid may facilitate earlier and more precise diagnosis of pneumonia attributed to S. pneumoniae.

Effectiveness of Jacobson Relaxation and Lamaze Breathing Techniques in the Management of Pain and Stress During Labor: An Experimental Study

Background and objective The mother's ability to tolerate labor discomfort has an impact on how the labor progresses. Good pain management will boost mothers' ability to labor collaboratively and will shorten the time it takes for the uterus to open completely. Many women prefer not to use pharmaceutical or invasive pain relief during labor, which may have contributed to the popularity of complementary pain relief approaches. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the Jacobson relaxation technique and Lamaze breathing technique in the management of pain and stress during labor. Methods Thirty-six women aged between 25 and 35 years were randomly assigned to two groups for the purpose of this study. Group A received the Jacobson relaxation technique while Group B received the Lamaze breathing technique for four weeks. The patients were instructed to practice breathing techniques at the time of labor. The outcomes measure included the Numerical pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), which would be measured before and after the delivery. Results The subjects showed improved labor pain and anxiety following the physiotherapy intervention. The results were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion Based on our findings, physiotherapy intervention plays an integral role in the multidisciplinary approach to relieving labor pain and helping patients have a normal vaginal delivery.

Candida Albicans Lung Abscess in an Illicit Drugs User With Hepatitis C Virus Chronic Infection

Illicit substances are widely used all over the world. Among them, crack cocaine results to be the most used drug for the fact that it can be taken in different ways, such as inhaled or intravenous. Pulmonary complications are well known in people snorting it, mostly due to contamination with other substances contained in the objects able to infuse the drug. Herein, we present a case of lung candida abscess related to nasal insufflation of cocaine in an abuser patient suffering from hepatitis C virus (HCV) and not immunocompromised.