ObjectiveInfection by the Zika virus is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern as defined by the World Health Organization. Resolution no. 72, issued by the Collegiate Board of the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) on March 30, 2016, made ZKV testing mandatory prior to procedures involving germ cells and tissues. This paper aims to discuss the aforementioned Resolution from the standpoint of evidence and cost-effectiveness of the measures taken within the first two months of mandatory testing.MethodsThe medical staff at the clinic looked into the steps needed to comply with the new rules and checked laboratories in the city to perform the tests with their lead times and costs, health insurance refunds, data maintenance capabilities, how to contact patients, decision-making processes in ongoing cases, deadlines for implementation, in addition to exchanging ideas with other clinics and gathering information from the guidelines being produced. A SWOT analysis was performed.ResultsA total of 152 tests were performed within the first two months of mandatory testing, in five different clinical situations: one previously symptomatic woman with a negative PCR test before starting the cycle; two asymptomatic women had positive IgM (1.3%) and negative PCR tests on days 25 and 60; one husband enrolled as a suspect with a negative RT-PCR on day 13 and another untested suspected case; a couple decided to have their oocytes cryopreserved because the husband's test result was not available on pickup day. The mean cost of USD 200 per couple is equivalent to 1.2 day of the stimulation protocol. The staff worked more efficiently and was able to respond promptly to the increased demand for ZKV testing; however, the tests failed to reassure patients of the safety of the procedure and increased costs.ConclusionThe testing requirement for asymptomatic patients prior to ART should be reviewed.
Background: The pandemic caused by the sars-cov2 coronavirus can be considered the biggest international public health crisis. Outbreaks of emerging diseases can trigger fear reactions. Strict adherence to the strategies can cause harmful consequences, particularly for people with pathology on the spectrum of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Case presentation: We describe the clinical case of a woman, with a history of anxiety disorder, who develops obsessive-compulsive symptoms, she started cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacological therapy, with appropriate follow-up. Conclusions: The intense focus on the risk of contamination and the adoption of new hygienic behaviors can be internalized as normative and become an enhancing trigger for obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviors. It is an important focus on prevention, early intervention and adequate follow-up, through measures to promote mental health.
IntroductionThe first description of syphilis was made in Europe around the year 1493, and although perceived as a disease relegated to its historical importance, recent studies demonstrate that the prevalence of these infections is on the rise. Spanning decades after initial infection, 30% of affected individuals without treatment may develop tertiary syphilis, which includes neurosyphilis. Its notoriously “chameleon-like” presentation implies the necessity to not overlook neurosyphilis as a differential diagnosis in psychiatric settings.ObjectivesCase report study and discussion.MethodsThe authors present a case of affective and psychotic symptoms (including auditory and visual hallucinations and persecutory delusions) of rapid onset in a 61-year old woman without prior psychiatric history. A clinical investigation was conducted, which subsequently revealed a positive Venereal Disease Research Laboratories (VDRL) test. A lumbar puncture was performed and cerebrospinal fluid analysis confirmed neurosyphilis.ResultsSteady improvements in initial psychopathological manifestations were noted after completing recommended treatment for neurosyphilis. After discharge, the patient was medicated with an antidepressant and antipsychotic, demonstrating a complete return to baseline mentation and functionality on follow-up.ConclusionsThis case demonstrates the vital importance of considering syphilis in our differentials, especially due to the wide range of manifesting psychiatric symptoms. Although considered a disease of the past, this case reminds us that syphilis remains present in our society and its timely diagnosis and treatment can ameliorate the debilitating psychopathological manifestations of the disease. Due to the potential difficulties in identifying this great imitator, routine screening tests are still recommended in the psychiatric setting.
IntroductionLyme disease (LD) is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) and has been reported to be associated with various psychiatric presentations.ObjectivesTo report a case with LD and to highlight the importance of differential diagnosis in a first psychotic episode.MethodsCase report and non-systematic review of the literature.Results A woman aged 31 was admitted to the psychiatric department, after a car accident with a mortal victim, due to a first psychotic episode with visual hallucinations, disorientation in time and space, persecutory and grandiosity delusions. She had a personal psychiatric history of obsessive-compulsive disorder and no previous admission to an inpatient Unit. On psychotropic drugs the condition failed to improve, and subsequently neurological symptoms developed. EEG abnormalities prompted a lumbar puncture. In the CSF a strong plasma cell reaction with atypical cells was observed. The enzyme immunoassay for Borrelia burgdorferi was positive and after treatment with penicillin the psychiatric and neurological signs and symptoms remitted. Screening assessment followed by a thorough history, comprehensive psychiatric clinical exam, review of systems, mental status exam, neurological exam and physical exam relevant to the patient’s complaints and findings with clinical judgment, pattern recognition and knowledgeable interpretation of laboratory findings facilitates diagnosis. Psychotropics and antibiotics may help improve functioning and prevent further disease progression.ConclusionsLD is relatively rare, but awareness of the association between LD and neuropsychiatric presentations can improve understanding of the causes of mental illness and result in more effective prevention, diagnosis and treatment.DisclosureNo significant relationships.
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