intercorrências

Intercorrências is a term used in Portuguese-language medical literature to describe events that occur during the evolution of a disease, hospitalization, or treatment that are not part of the primary diagnosis but can influence the clinical course. These events may arise spontaneously or as complications of the initial condition or its management, and they often require additional assessment, investigations, or therapeutic adjustments.

Intercorrências encompass a range of problems, including infectious complications (such as pneumonia or urinary tract infection in hospitalized patients), organ dysfunction (for example, acute kidney injury), metabolic or hemodynamic disturbances (electrolyte imbalances, fluid overload), adverse drug reactions, or complications related to procedures or devices (such as wound infection or catheter-related issues). They are distinguished from the principal diagnosis and from expected side effects, and they can be transient or persistent.

Detection and management rely on routine clinical monitoring, laboratory tests, imaging, and timely clinical judgment. Prevention and control include measures such as asepsis, early mobilization, appropriate pharmacotherapy, careful fluid and electrolyte management, and multidisciplinary care. Prompt recognition and treatment of intercorrências are important to minimize harm, optimize recovery, and reduce extended hospital stays or costs.

In clinical practice, the occurrence of intercorrências is often recorded in medical notes and used to assess quality of care, patient outcomes, and the effectiveness of treatment plans.