Factors Related to the Development of Infective Endocarditis in Hemodialysis Patients in a Third-Level Hospital in Panama.

Introduction: Venous access for hemodialysis (HD) makes patients more susceptible to transient bacteremia, predisposing them to the development of infective endocarditis (IE). Among the risk factors observed in this population are temporary access to HD, hypoalbuminemia, diabetes mellitus, female gender, anemia, and colonization by methicillin-resistant (MRSA).

Methodology: A retrospective case-control study with a one-to-two ratio was carried out on patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing renal replacement therapy with at least one vascular access for HD at Complejo Hospitalario Dr.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Emergency Department Encounters in a Major Metropolitan Area.

Background: The end of 2019 marked the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Public avoidance of health care facilities, including the emergency department (ED), has been noted during prior pandemics.

Objective: This study described pandemic-related changes in adult and pediatric ED presentations, acuity, and hospitalization rates during the pandemic in a major metropolitan area.

Extensile Exposures in Revision and Complex Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Review of Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Techniques.

Developing adequate exposure when performing a revision total knee arthroplasty is critical to an efficient and safe intraoperative course. Proper planning and knowledge of the relevant anatomy are important when dissecting scar tissue associated with previous trauma or surgery and navigating bone loss. We present a review of the different total knee arthroplasty extensile exposure techniques that have been described in the literature.

Maximizing wound coverage in full-thickness skin defects: A randomized-controlled trial of autologous skin cell suspension and widely meshed autograft versus standard autografting.

Background: Traumatic insults, infection, and surgical procedures can leave skin defects that are not amenable to primary closure. Split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) is frequently used to achieve closure of these wounds. Although effective, STSG can be associated with donor site morbidity, compounding the burden of illness in patients undergoing soft tissue reconstruction procedures.

Pemphigus Vulgaris: More Than Just a Skin Disease.

Introduction: Pemphigus is a group of autoimmune diseases of the skin and mucous membranes that is characterized by multiple bullae formation. It is caused by autoantibodies directed against the cell surface of keratinocytes, resulting in the loss of cell-cell adhesion of keratinocytes. This disease can be very debilitating and difficult to treat if large surface areas are involved.