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  • A Multidisciplinary Approach to Polycythemia Secondary to Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Case Report

    Abordagem Multidisciplinar da Policitemia Secundária à Síndrome de Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono: Caso Clínico

    Pedro Cebola, Susana Sousa, Paula Moleirinho-Alves, João Paço, Cristina Caroça
    Abstract

    Apresenta-se um caso clínico de policitemia secundária à síndrome de apneia obstrutiva do sono (SAOS), sem patologia respiratória concomitante. Doente do sexo masculino, com SAOS ligeira (Índice de Apneia-Hipopneia = 14,8/h e dessaturação mínima de oxigénio de 82%), função nasal comprometida e policitemia (hemoglobina = 18 g/dL; hematócrito > 50%). Iniciou tratamento com ventilação em pressão positiva contínua (CPAP), que permitiu a resolução completa dos eventos respiratórios. Contudo, o doente referiu desconforto com o CPAP, pelo que se realizou endoscopia do sono induzido por fármacos com poligrafia em simultâneo. Procedeu-se à redução intersticial dos cornetos inferiores por radiofrequência e a fisioterapia, o que melhorou significativamente a adesão ao CPAP, sem desconforto adicional. Ao fim de dois meses, verificou-se redução da hemoglobina para 16,4 g/dL e do hematócrito para 48%, ambos estáveis. Este caso reforça a importância de uma abordagem multidisciplinar e individualizada na avaliação e tratamento da SAOS.

    Date: 2025-09-29
  • Experiência Vivida pelas Enfermeiras na Consulta de Enfermagem do Serviço de Sangue e Medicina Transfusional/Centro de Referência de Coagulopatias Congénitas

    Lived Experience of Nurses in the Nursing Consultation of the Blood and Transfusion Medicine Service/reference Center for Congenital Coagulopathies

    Mário Simões, Ana Rita Esteves, Sandra Oliveira
    Abstract

    Understanding nurses' perceptions of the nursing consultation they conduct enables the enhancement of patient care. To describe and comprehend the inherent characteristics of the experience lived by nurses in nursing consultations, we conducted a qualitative, phenomenological, exploratory, and descriptive investigation. Seven nurses who work in the respective consultation participated in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and subjected to thematic content analysis. The data analysis revealed seven central themes: Opinions, Significance, Emotions and Feelings, Challenges, Relevant Aspects, Facilitating Factors, and Personal Impact. In conclusion, the nursing consultation fosters a patient-nurse proximity that eases the health-disease transition, and professional development is promoted through education and the sharing of experiences. However, structural and process improvements must be implemented to address dissatisfaction and the need to manage emotions and feelings. These improvements should involve in-person, interdependent practice that connects the various stakeholders to enhance patient and professional satisfaction.

    Date: 2025-09-29
  • 10 Anos de Evolução de um Carcinoma Basocelular: Um Relato de Caso

    10-Years Evolution of a Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report

    Sara Fernandes Martins de Sousa, Andreia Dias, Filipa Torres, Sofia Soares
    Date: 2025-09-29
  • Tratamento de Soluços Persistentes num Doente Paliativo: Uma Breve Revisão através de um Caso Clínico Ilustrativo

    Management of Persistent Hiccups in a Palliative Care Patient: A Brief Review through an Illustrative Case Report

    Catarina Távora, Maria Ana Sobral, Maria Ferreira, Luisa Pereira
    Abstract

    Hiccups are a very uncomfortable experience for palliative care patients and can greatly impact their quality of life.
    Physical manoeuvres can often terminate acute hiccups. Persistent and intractable hiccups that continue for progresdays or months are rare and difficult to treat. In situations where no reversible cause is identified, or where physical manoeuvres have failed, a systematic approach is required.
    The causes of hiccups may be divided into central and peripheral types. The drugs of choice for central causes of persistent hiccups are baclofen and gabapentin as an alternative, with metoclopramide recommended as the first choice for peripheral causes.
    The management of persistent hiccups presents a clinical challenge requiring further research on pathophysiology and treatment strategies. With this case report we provide a brief overview of the causes and treatment of this condition.

    Date: 2025-09-15
  • Osteoradionecrosis After Tooth Extraction: A Case Report

    Osteorradionecrose Após Extração Dentária: Um Relato de Caso

    Teresa Girão, Filipe Cortesão, Maria do Carmo Girão
    Abstract

    This clinical case reports on a 65-year-old woman with a previous history of facial basal cell carcinoma (BCC), initially treated with surgery, and after recurrence, with surgery and radiotherapy. Nine years later, a tooth extraction was performed in the same site where she had previously received radiation therapy, leading to the development of osteoradionecrosis (ORN).

    Date: 2025-09-15
  • Innovative Learning in Undergraduate Medical Teaching: Perspective Based on Thirty Years’ Experience | Innovation in Undergraduate Medical Teaching

    Aprendizagens Inovadoras no Ensino Médico Pré-graduado: Perspetiva Baseada em Trinta Anos de Experiência | Inovações no Ensino Médico Pré-graduado

    António Rendas, Nuno Neupart, Pedro Carreiro-Martins, Hélder Dores, Beatriz Oliveira, Teresa Costa, Patrícia Rosado-Pinto, Marta Fonseca, Marta Fonseca
    Abstract

    We reviewed an innovative project in undergraduate medical education, which used problem-based learning and concept maps in pathophysiology teaching. We analyzed publications starting in 1995 and until 2024, to identify factors contributing to its continuity and impact, nationally and internationally.
    Problem-based learning was based on the methodology developed by Howard Barrows, a founder of the method. In 1998, we published, internationally, the results of this initial experience, completed by three international publications.
    In the early 21st century, this methodology became closer to case-based learning but maintained tutorial sessions, self-directed orientation and small group learning. Simultaneously, concept maps, developed by Novak, as leading promoter of the method, began to be used and were part of final assessment tools. In 2006, an international publication emphasized meaningful learning, recognized by tutors and students, as facilitator to understanding pathophysiological mechanisms of disease, applying basic science to explain clinical manifestations. In 2020, another international publication revisited the whole teaching and learning process.
    In 2023 and 2024, two international papers were published, a BEME systematic review on the effectiveness of concept maps in critical thinking and a scoping review on the need to standardize concept maps methodology. In 2024, for the first time in Portugal, we published two international papers on the use of concept maps to promote clinical reasoning in the undergraduate teaching of Family Medicine.
    Key elements of continuity and impact were: inclusion in the core curriculum, open information to students, training medical tutors, use of educational methods and materials validated internationally.

    Date: 2025-09-15
  • Vasculite Leucocitoclástica Secundária a Conjuntivite por Staphylococcus aureus

    Leucocytoclastic Vasculitis Secondary to Staphylococcus aureus Conjunctivitis

    Ana Martins Neves, Sócrates Vargas Naranjo, Ana Bela Mateus, Isabel Ensina Lavadinho, Carlos P. Quintana
    Abstract

    Authors present a case of leucocytoclastic vasculitis secondary to exuberant conjunctivitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus in a young man with a history of allergy to various environmental factors, atopic dermatitis and chronic sinusitis. After anamnesis, laboratory tests, photographic documentation and a histopathological study, the diagnosis of leucocytoclastic vasculitis was confirmed. The patient was hospitalized and underwent targeted antibiotic treatment combined with high doses of corticosteroids. The therapeutic response was favorably progressive, with the dermal maculopapular lesions disappearing and his general condition improving, with the resolution of the infectious process.

    Date: 2025-09-15
  • Crowned Dens Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Cervicalgia

    Síndrome do Dente Coroado: Uma Causa Rara de Cervicalgia

    Pedro Henrique Segatt, Mayara Pinheiro Roza, Márcio Luís Duarte
    Date: 2025-09-08
  • The Impact Of COVID-19 on Asthma Control and Lung Function in Patients with Severe Asthma

    Impacto do COVID-19 no Controlo da Asma e da Função Pulmonar em Doentes com Asma Grave

    Margarida Gomes, Júlia Cunha Silva, Sara Morgado, Ana Craveiro, Ana Rita Presa, Carlos Lopes, Ana Mendes
    Abstract

    Introduction: Severe asthma affects approximately 4%-5% of asthmatic patients and increases susceptibility to respiratory infections, including SARS-CoV-2. The impact of COVID-19 on severe asthma remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on asthma control, quality of life, and lung function.
    Methods: A retrospective study of 114 severe asthma patients followed in our severe asthma unit from March 2020 to July 2022. We compared pre- and post-COVID-19 scores of the Asthma Control Test (ACT), Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test (CARAT), Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (mini-AQLQ) and lung function. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25 (p <0.05).
    Results: Among 49 infected patients, ACT scores significantly decreased (p = 0.002). CARAT, mini-AQLQ, and lung function showed no significant differences.
    Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 infection negatively impacted asthma control, with a significant decrease in ACT scores. Further studies are needed to clarify long-term effects.

    Date: 2025-08-06