Enterococcus faecalis

Transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy (TRUS) has rarely been associated with disseminated infection, yet the occurrence appears to be increasing. Resistance to fluoroquinolones, the most commonly used prophylaxis, is one of the likely causes, with Escherichia coli being the most commonly reported cause of these infections. Herein we present what is, to our knowledge, the first case of Enterococcus faecalis septicemia and vertebral osteomyelitis after TRUS. Previously reported cases of this condition are referenced also

Effects of systemic racism on the mental health of children and adolescents from racial minorities: A global perspective

Introduction: The roots of systemic racism theory dates back to the 1960s’ civil rights movement in the United States. Kwame Ture and Charles Hamilton named ‘institutional’ (now also called ‘systemic’) racism that which is ‘less overt’ and ‘less identifiable’ in terms of specific individuals committing the acts, but it is no less deleterious for individuals and society and destructive of human life’ (1). The effects of racism have been associated with birth disparities and mental health problems in children and adolescents. Biologically speaking, chronic stress can lead to increased and prolonged levels of stress hormones (e.g. cortisol) and oxidative stress at the cellular level (2). There are certain factors (such as housing, unemployment, education, health insurance, juvenile justice system, etc.) that affect health and have been globally discussed as ‘social determinants of health’. While the original and current discussions regarding systemic racism and its effects on health and mental health have been largely contextualized in the U.S. context, racial minorities exist worldwide, and pediatric populations globally may be subject to its worst effects. However, geographically wide literature on the topic is scarce and lacks from global perspectives. Objectives: To describe and systematically collect and synthesize the perspectives of early career psychiatrists from different countries across world regions regarding the effects of systemic racism in the mental health of children and adolescents

Suicidality and Self-Harming Behaviors in Patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS): Case Report and Literature Review

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder which is often associated with significant behavioral challenges and poor intellectual functioning. Research has shown that individuals with PWS are more likely to experience mental health problems, have higher relapse rates, and are at risk of self-harming behavior. Although PWS is associated with mild intellectual disability, which in itself confers a higher mortality rate, suicidality in this population is so far unreported in the literature. We present the case of an 18-year-old male patient who was admitted to our facility following exogenous insulin administration with suicidal intent. The main clinical characteristics, self-harming behaviors, and suicide risk factors of patients with PWS are discussed in this report. The article’s objective is to redirect clinicians’ attention to carefully screen and treat the underlying behavioral problems in PWS patients

Management of psychiatric conditions and delirium during the COVID-19 pandemic across continents: lessons learned and recommendations

Background: With the uncertainties of COVID-19, people infected with coronavirus present with diverse psychiatric presentations. Some institutions have had to manage their patients with existing protocols, others have had to create them. In this article we aimed to report the challenges and good practices in the management of psychiatric conditions and delirium coexisting with COVID-19 across continents. Methods: Early Career Psychiatrists (ECPs) from across five continents were approached to share their experiences on the management of psychiatric conditions in patients with COVID-19 during the current pandemic. Results: We collected information about the experiences from sixteen countries. Commonalities were similar psychiatric presentations and poor preparedness across countries. Differences were varying adjustments made in the management of psychiatric conditions coexisting with COVID-19 and different innovations. Good practices which can be adopted by other countries are novel approaches such as telepsychiatry, proactive consultation-liaison units and enhanced community services targeted at circumventing challenges faced when providing mental health services. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for global preparedness in the mental health sector during outbreaks of infectious diseases, and the need for concerted efforts targeted at global and locally sensitive adaptation of existing protocols and the development of new guidelines for the management of psychiatric conditions for the present pandemic and subsequent occurrences

Scaling Up Global Mental Health Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond

Every health care system requires an adequate health care workforce, service delivery, financial support, and information technology. During the COVID-19 pandemic, global health systems were ill prepared to address the rising prevalence of mental health problems, especially in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), thereby increasing treatment gaps. To close these gaps globally, task shifting and telepsychiatry should be made available and maximized, particularly in LMICs. Task shifting to nonspecialist health workers to improve essential mental health coverage and encourage effi-cient use of the available resources and technology has become the most viable strategy. Psychiatric Services 2022; 73:231-234; doi: 10.1176/appi.ps.20200077