Potential role of intermittent fasting on decreasing cardiovascular disease in human immunodeficiency virus patients receiving antiretroviral therapy

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become one of the commonest causes of comorbidity and mortality among People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH) on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Nearly 50% of PLWH are likely to have an increased risk of developing CVD, including coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease and aortic atherosclerosis. Aside from the common risk factors, HIV infection itself and side effects of antiretroviral therapy contribute to the pathophysiology of this entity. Potential non-pharmacological therapies are currently being tested worldwide for this purpose, including eating patterns such as Intermittent fasting (IF). IF is a widespread practice gaining high level of interest in the scientific community due to its potential benefits such as improvement in serum lipids and lipoproteins, blood pressure (BP), platelet-derived growth factor AB, systemic inflammation, and carotid artery intima-media thickness among others cardiovascular benefits. This review will focus on exploring the potential role of intermittent fasting as a non-pharmacological and cost-effective strategy in decreasing the burden of cardiovascular diseases among HIV patients on ART due to its intrinsic properties improving the main cardiovascular risk factors and modulating inflammatory pathways related to endothelial dysfunction, lipid peroxidation and aging. Intermittent fasting regimens need to be tested in clinical trials as an important, cost-effective, and revolutionary coadjutant of ART in the fight against the increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease in PLWH.

Scurvy: an often misdiagnosed condition in the modern days?

Scurvy is a rare disease in developed countries and few cases have been reported in adults within the last years. We aimed to report and discuss a case of a 35-year-old male with a medical history of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who initially presented to the emergency department with complaints of right leg pain, swelling, and weakness. Physical exam revealed low degree fever associated with right knee and ankle ecchymosis and edema, in addition to a well healing laceration on the anterior tibia with hyperpigmentation. Laboratory results showed elevated inflammatory markers. Due to the high suspicion of bone or soft tissue infection, antibiotic treatment was started without improvement. Upon reassessment and closer inspection of the skin, the patient was noted to have follicular hyperkeratosis and perifollicular hemorrhage; that in combination with a restrictive diet due to IBS, raised the suspicion of scurvy. Vitamin C levels were.

[Late rhabdomyolysis secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection]

SARS-CoV-2, the cause of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), has shown to produce a variety of extrapulmonary manifestations. Rhabdomyolysis due to SARS-CoV-2 infection has been reported mainly in the early course of the disease. In this report, we present the case of a female patient with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who recovered from respiratory compromise and developed a late-onset rhabdomyolysis successfully managed with oral corticosteroids and aggressive hydration. Prompt recognition of this underdiagnosed entity could help prevent subsequent life-threatening complications.

Severity of climacteric symptoms among Peruvian women from an urban coastal community and a rural Andean community

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate the severity of climacteric symptoms among two Peruvian communities, adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical variables in climacteric women.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 90 subjects from two different communities (an urban coastal and a rural Andean district from Peru). The Menopause Rating Scale was used to assess climacteric symptoms. Prevalence ratios with 95% confidence interval (PR 95%CI) were estimated using generalized linear Poisson models with family robust standard errors.

RESULTS

A higher probability of severe climacteric symptoms was found in women who were from the Andean community than those who were from the coastal one (PR 2.42, 95%CI 1.47-3.99; p=0.001), which remained in the adjusted model (RP 1.72, 95%CI 1.04-2.86; p=0.035).

CONCLUSION

Understanding the variation of climacteric symptoms among geographically distinct communities could contribute to improving women's quality of life.