The case of comorbidity of sinus node dysfunction and new coronavirus infection with Sjogren’s disease and Thompson’s myotonia

Coronavirus infection, according to modern data, poses a threat not only to the respiratory system, in more than 15% of patients it can lead to cardiovascular complications, including in young and middle-aged people. COVID-19 is probably the trigger of a detailed clinical picture of chronic diseases occurring in a latent form. The article considers the case of sinus node dysfunction and polyneuropathy in a young patient after coronavirus infection against the background of concomitant diseases such as Sjogrens disease and Thompsons myotonia. To observe the dynamics of the three diseases, the timely organization of a multidisciplinary approach is important. It is necessary to consider all three diseases in the paradigm of the main and concomitant in order to timely and adequate therapy. Further study of the clinical features, therapeutic approaches and complications in patients with COVID-19 is required.

Features of management and vaccination of comorbid patients with rheumatic diseases in a pandemic of a new coronavirus infection

The review presents the results of scientific studies devoted to the features of the course and outcomes of a new coronavirus infection COVID-19 in patients with immuno-inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IIRD). It was noted that the risk of developing COVID-19 for patients with IVR, apparently, is similar to the population or slightly increased and mostly depends on the presence of established risk factors for its severe course (old age, obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases). Patients receiving long-term immunosuppressive therapy and high doses of glucocorticoids may have a long period of positive viral replication and isolation of a viable virus, which requires dynamic monitoring of such patients and correction of anti-rheumatic therapy. The issues of post-COVID-19 joint syndrome, which can occur within the framework of post-viral arthritis or be the debut of an immuno-inflammatory rheumatic disease, are highlighted. The draft recommendations of the All-Russian Public Organization Association of Rheumatologists of Russia on the management and temporary recommendations of V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology for vaccination of patients with rheumatic diseases in the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic are presented.

The viral myocarditis with cardiac аrrhythmia as complication of COVID-19 in the practice of family doctor of the tuberculosis dispensary

BACKGROUND: About 70% of TB dispensary patients have chronic somatic diseases which not only prevent effective treatment of TB but also take progressive course themselves. AIMS: To timely detect and treat acute and chronic somatic disease combined with TB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: since 2020 the algorithm of patient complex investigation by specialists of therapeutic profile was developed in the Tuberculosis Dispensary No. 5, among them the general practitioner was the coordinator of the patients medical route. This became especially relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: In accordance with the developed algorithms of diagnostic search the patient was comprehensively examined. There were no signs of tuberculosis were in him, however the general practitioner involving to specialists team could diagnose signs of complex cardiac arrhythmia the probable cause which was a new coronavirus infection that he had had six weeks before. CONCLUSIONS: The organization of a new form of medical service for phthisiatric patients allowed general practitioner to reveal serious cardiac pathology directly at the TB dispensary, to refer the patient for consultation to the cardiologist-arrhythmologist, to follow the patient and perform recommended cardiologic treatment simultaneously with measures or medical supervision over persons contacting with tuberculosis.

Geriatric medicine: achievements and prospects

The article is a lecture on the history of development and the current state of geriatric medicine. The purpose of the lecture is to consider the stages of the formation of geriatrics as a scientific and clinical discipline and to substantiate its significance. The lecture defines concepts such as holistic approach, complex geriatric assessment, geriatric syndrome. The role of the founders of international and domestic geriatrics, such as M. Warren, B. Isaac, D. Sheldon, I.I. Mechnikov, V.N. Anisimov, E.S. Pushkova, is described. Various directions of geriatric medicine are considered and the necessity of their study is justified. The results of scientific research in geriatrics are analyzed. The basic principles of the ortho-geriatric approach, which becomes crucial for the successful treatment of elderly patients with fractures, as well as the features of geriatric rehabilitation, geriatric cardiology, are described. In conclusion, the author offers several models for the development of geriatric medicine.

Multifactorial interventions to prevent falls in older adults

BACKGROUND: Falls are one of the most common syndromes in old age. An estimated 646,000 deaths from falls occur each year worldwide. Moreover, most fatal falls occur in people over 65 years of age. Most falls are the result of the interaction of several factors. AIMS: To examine the long-term effectiveness of multifactorial interventions in preventing falls in elderly and senile patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of patients territorially attached to the Family Medicine Center of the North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov was established four years ago. Individual fall prevention programs were developed for all study participants (n = 260) because they had different falls risk factors. Patient follow-up was continued for 12 months. The results of the multifactorial intervention were evaluated after 12 months and after 3 years, 2 times in total, the last study in a random subsample of patients (n = 84). Aging asthenia screening, questionnaires, assessment of emotional status, and presence of sleep disturbances were performed to assess the risk of falls. The effectiveness of multifactorial interventions was assessed based on repeated assessment of risk factors for falls. RESULTS: Participants with a history of falls were significantly more likely to have symptoms of depression, anxiety, symptoms of frailty, visual and hearing impairment (p 0.05). On average, each participant in the group with falls had 6.1 2.1 risk factors for falls and 3.8 2.3 in the group without falls (p = 0.000). During the follow-up period after the interventions, the incidence of falls decreased 9-fold after one year (from 28.5% to 3.1%) and then increased to 23.8%. All patients who fell after the multifactorial intervention had a history of cognitive impairment and falls. In addition, in the group of patients with falls, fall risk factors such as low levels of physical activity, hearing impairment, and the presence of a traumatic environment at home were not eliminated. As a result of the interventions, fear of falls disappeared in 9 patients, 95% CI (2.35-65.89), p = 0.039. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated a decrease in the effectiveness of multifactorial interventions to prevent falls at three years. A less persistent effect was seen in patients with a history of falls. A history of falls, symptoms of frailty, complaints of fear of falls, sleep disturbances, and anxiety symptoms were factors that increased the risk of falls. Individualized fall prevention programs resulted in decreased fear of falls.

Elderly patients with cognitive impairments on an ambulance care

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment is one of the most common geriatric syndromes that occur in the elderly. Dementia is a severe cognitive disorder that results in the professional, social, and functional impairment and gradual loss of independence. However, in most cases, the stage of dementia is preceded by a long period of non-dementia cognitive impairment. In this regard, one of the priorities of public health is to identify potentially reversible forms of dementia and cognitive impairment in the early stages. AIM: To assess demographic characteristics, co-morbidities and factors that are associated with cognitive impairment in adults aged 65 years and over and to determine the prevalence of cognitive disorders in aging population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: cross-sectional study included all patients aged 65 years and older who attended the ambulance care from 24.10.2019 to 15.12.2019 in Saint Petersburg. Measurements: the Montreal cognitive assessment test, the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. Data collection included a full medical history, blood pressure measurement, a medication review and blood tests (complete blood count, lipids, hormones, glucose, ALT, AST and creatinine). RESULTS: The prevalence of mild cognitive impairment was 62.9 % (95 % CI 56-70), severe cognitive impairment 8.2 %. We detected that hypertension, stroke, sleep disorders, subjective memory complaints and symptoms of depression were identified as factors associated with CI after adjustment for covariates. Hypertension and depression were related with cognitive impairment (p 0.05). Also patients with depression scored worse in global cognition and attention function (p 0.05). Patients with diabetes had association with a decrease in abstraction function (p = 0.02). Low hemoglobin levels were related with poor global cognition and memory impairment (p 0.01). Beta-blocker use was significantly associated with poor global cognition and memory impairment (p 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We found that elders have a high prevalence of cognitive disorders. We also demonstrated association between co-morbidities and factors as hypertension, anemia, diabetes, depression and administration of beta-blockers with poor cognitive performance in the elderly.

Organization of primary medical care for patients with osteoporosis

The author revises the latest evidence in the literature regarding of organizing medical care for patients with osteoporosis in primary medical care. In the world, there is an increase in the group of older people (60 years and older), therefore, the problem of osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures becomes very urgent. In Russia, the number of hip fractures will increase by 70% by 2050 compared to 2015. The article provides an overview of studies demonstrating the clinical and cost-effectiveness of population-based screening programs for the identification and subsequent treatment of patients at high risk of fractures, and discusses the issues of secondary prevention of fractures. With the active identification of patients at high risk of fractures and the initiation of antiosteoporotic therapy, a decrease in the incidence of osteoporotic fractures, including hip fractures, is expected.

The prevalence of urinary incontinence and its relationship with physical and cognitive status in older adults: Results of the Crystal and the Eucalipt studies

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence worsens the psychological state of older adults, increases the risk of developing anxiety, depression, falls-related injuries, leads to a decrease in the quality of life, and a decrease in the level of physical activity in old age. AIM: To assess the prevalence of urinary incontinence according to the data of the Crystal and Eucalyptus studies, to identify factors associated with the development of urinary incontinence, as well as factors that reduce the risk of urinary incontinence in old age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A random sample of 1007 people aged 65 and older. The main parameters: urinary incontinence, frailty, nutritional status, anemia, CRP, functional status, depression, dementia, chronic diseases, grip strength, level of physical functioning, falls. The observation time is 2.5 years. RESULTS: According to the Eucalyptus study, urinary incontinence syndrome was detected in 48.0%, in the Crystal study in 41.2%. In 62.4% cases urinary incontinence was diagnosed for the first time. Urinary incontinence was associated with a higher prevalence of COPD, history of stroke, sensory deficits, frailty and other geriatric syndromes. Improved nutrition and increased protein intake led to the disappearance of urinary incontinence complaints in 47.7% of cases. The disappearance of complaints of urinary incontinence was associated with an improvement in the emotional status. A decline in cognitive function has been associated with an increased risk of urinary incontinence in old age. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the high prevalence of urinary incontinence, it often remains undiagnosed. The correct wording of the question in the conversation with the patient allows to identify 30% more cases of urinary incontinence. Given the high prevalence of urinary incontinence among patients with COPD, stroke, sensory deficits, frailty and other geriatric syndromes, all patients in these groups should be purposefully asked about the presence of symptoms of urinary incontinence. Improved nutrition and increased protein intake are associated with the disappearance of urinary incontinence complaints.

Department of Family Medicine NWGMU named after I.I. Mechnikov. First 25 years

The article describes the history of the creation of the Department of Family Medicine of the NWSMU named after I.I. Mechnikov, notes the role of international projects in its establishment and development of the main areas of activity. Examples of successful long-term cooperation are given, in particular, with the University of Iowa (USA). The main stages of the formation of teaching the specialty General Practice (Family Medicine) within the framework of professional retraining of primary health care doctors and residency are described. The importance of using various interactive technologies in the learning process is emphasized, including the development of skills in simulation conditions, which were introduced at the department long before their use in the process of accreditation of specialists. The features of teaching the discipline Polyclinic Therapy for the 6th year students of the medical faculty, as well as the experience of leading scientific research that was carried out by participants of the student scientific society are noted. The main directions of scientific research carried out at the department in recent years are described, aimed at a comprehensive study of the features of the management of elderly patients in general medical practice and the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in St. Petersburg and Arkhangelsk. The role of international cooperation in the implementation of large-scale scientific projects, in particular with the Catholic University of Leuven (Belgium), is emphasized. The perspectives for the development of the Department of Family Medicine in the near future are outlined.

Congratulations to the Department of Family Medicine of NWSMU named after I.I. Mechnikov for 25 years anniversary. Letter to the editorial board

The letter briefly describes cooperation of the St. Petersburg Medical Academy of Postgraduate Studies and Royal college of general practitioners (Great Britain) with active participation of the author, aimed at improving the training of general practitioners in Russia and the contribution of the Department of Family Medicine of St. Petersburg Medical Academy of Postgraduate Studies (now North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov) in the implementation of joint international projects.