scholarly journals Should COVID-19 Mother Breastfeed her Newborn Child? A Literature Review on the Safety of Breastfeeding for Pregnant Women with COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harshil Bhatt
Keyword(s):  
Direct Contact ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Limited Evidence ◽  
Her Family ◽  
Viral Antibodies ◽  
Newborn Child ◽  
Droplet Transmission

Abstract Purpose of Review Breastfeeding is beneficial to both the newborn and the mother. During the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns have been raised on whether the SARS-CoV-2 virus could be transmitted from COVID-19 positive mother to the newborn through breastmilk. The purpose of this review is to examine the available evidence on the risks of transmission of infection from COVID-19 mothers to their newborns through breastfeeding. Recent Findings Data is very limited in this regard, with only a few smaller case series, and case reports have been published so far. In most of the studies, breastmilk samples from COVID-19 mothers tested negative for the virus. In the case reports where the virus was detected in breastmilk and the infants were diagnosed with COVID-19, it remained unclear whether the disease was transmitted through breastmilk or direct contact or through delivery. Another hypothesis is that the viral antibodies could pass to the newborn passively through breastmilk of COVID-19 positive mothers and give immunity to the child, but data is minimal. Summary Based on the currently available limited evidence and recognizing the benefits of breastfeeding, it may be concluded that if the health of the mother and her newborn allows, direct breastfeeding or extracted breastmilk should be encouraged by the healthcare providers after a careful discussion of the risks of vertical transmission to the mother and her family. Preventive measures should be taken by COVID-19 mothers to prevent droplet transmission of infection to the infants while breastfeeding.

scholarly journals Neurological manifestations and neuroimaging findings in patients with SARS-CoV2—a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikita Mohan ◽  
Muhammad Ali Fayyaz ◽  
Christopher del Rio ◽  
Navpreet Kaur Rajinder Singh Khurana ◽  
Sampada Sandip Vaidya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Altered Mental Status ◽  
Common Finding ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Neurological Manifestations ◽  
The Cochrane Library ◽  
Ct And Mri

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically affected everyone in a hit or miss manner. Since it began, evidence of the neuro-invasive potential of the virus has been intensifying significantly. Several pathways have been hypothesized to elucidate the neurotropic nature of SARS-CoV2. It is the need of the hour to collect vital information. Objective To evaluate and correlate the neuro-radiological and neurological manifestations in patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV2. To identify neuro-invasive pathways of COVID infection. Methods Relevant studies were identified through four databases—the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science. These were searched using relevant keywords—“COVID-19,” “SARS-CoV2,” “neurological manifestations,” “neuroimaging,” “CT,” and “MRI.” Relevant articles were screened according to a pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria from December 2019 to August 2020. Results Our review included a total of 63 full text publications with 584 patients, composed mainly of observational studies, case reports, and case series. The most common neurological manifestations associated with COVID-19 were altered mental status, stroke, and paralysis. About 17.85% patients who underwent neuroimaging were found to be having ischemic changes suggestive of a stroke. This was followed by hemorrhagic changes as the second most common finding. The most commonly involved vessel was the Middle Cerebral Artery. Besides stroke, we found that SARS-CoV2 could be the cause for new-onset seizures, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, encephalitis, and many other severe neurological diseases. Conclusion The information that we have obtained so far will prove dynamic to healthcare providers working against the COVID-19 pandemic. It is necessary to be aware of these atypical neurological findings for the early diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 infected patients. However, to completely understand the connection between SARS-CoV2 and the nervous system, further research is necessary.

scholarly journals Eruptive Seborrheic Keratoses Are Associated With a Co-Occurring Malignancy in the Majority of Reported Cases: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 120347542110351
Author(s):  
Sara Mirali ◽  
Asfandyar Mufti ◽  
Rafael Paolo Lansang ◽  
Muskaan Sachdeva ◽  
Jensen Yeung
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Latency Period ◽  
Skin Condition ◽  
Case Control Studies ◽  
Drug Induced ◽  
Seborrheic Keratoses

Background Eruptive seborrheic keratoses (ESK) is a benign skin condition that has been associated with malignant and nonmalignant diseases. We conducted a systematic review of reported cases of ESK to identify and summarize associated comorbidities. Methods MEDLINE and Embase were searched from database inception (1946) to July 31, 2020 for original articles describing ESK with or without a co-occurring condition. Subject demographics, as well as details of ESK and associated diagnoses were extracted from 76 articles (70 case reports, 3 case series, 3 case control studies) representing 92 patients. Results In total, 76.1% ( n = 70/92) of patients with ESK had a co-occurring malignancy, 4.3% ( n = 4/92) presented with a nonmalignant condition, 9.8% ( n = 9/92) experienced ESK as an adverse drug reaction, and 9.8% ( n = 9/92) did not report any underlying medical condition. ESK preceded a cancer diagnosis in 76.1% ( n = 70/92) of patients with a mean latency period of 4.0 months (range: 0.25-9 months). The most common malignancies associated with ESK were cutaneous T-cell lymphoma ( n = 10/70, 14.3%) and gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma ( n = 9/70, 12.9%). ESK preceded nonmalignant conditions or no disease in 14.1% ( n = 13/92) of patients with a mean latency period of 3.1 months (range: 0.75-6 months). Drug-induced ESK occurred in 9.8% ( n = 9/92) of patients with a mean latency period of 7.1 weeks after changing medication. Conclusion Although the role of ESK as a paraneoplastic cutaneous marker is debated, healthcare providers should consider screening for underlying malignancy in patients presenting with ESK. Larger studies are needed to confirm its role as a marker for disease.

scholarly journals The Association between Vaccination and Autoimmunity

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. RV9-RV13
Author(s):  
Meenakshi Chopra ◽  
Yagyeshwar Malhotra ◽  
Varsha Sharma ◽  
Sourav Chandra Bidyasagar Bal
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Potential Association ◽  
Vast Literature ◽  
Autoimmune Conditions

Vaccines are one of the prime preventive measures against infectious diseases. Administration of vaccination may lead to significant autoimmune manifestations. There is a vast literature on autoimmune issues associated with vaccines including animal and in-vitro studies, case reports and case series. Contrary to this, epidemiological research work does not report this association. This review on the potential association between vaccines and the development of autoimmune diseases is based on currently available scientific literature. We conclude that vaccines have a very positive impact on human health. Further research is required to clarify the association between vaccines and autoimmune conditions and also the detailed mechanisms behind this.

Cannabis-associated arteritis

VASA ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grotenhermen
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Cardiovascular Effects ◽  
Causative Factor ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
Thromboangiitis Obliterans ◽  
Pathological Features ◽  
Scientific Support ◽  
Clinical And Pathological Features

Background: To investigate the hypothesis that cases of arteritis similar to thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) and associated with the use of cannabis were caused by cannabis or THC (dronabinol), or that cannabis use is a co-factor of TAO. Patients and methods: A systematic review on case reports and the literature on so-called cannabis arteritis, TAO, and cardiovascular effects of cannabinoids was conducted. Results: Fifteen reports with 57 cases of an arteritis associated with the use of cannabis and two additional case series of TAO, in which some patients also used cannabis, were identified. Clinical and pathological features of cannabis-associated arteritis do not differ from TAO and the major risk factor of TAO, tobacco use, was present in most, if not in all of these cases. The proposed pathophysiological mechanisms for the development of an arteritis by cannabis use are not substantiated. Conclusions: The hypothesis of cannabis being a causative factor or co-factor of TAO or an arteritis similar to TAO is not supported by the available evidence. The use of the term “cannabis arteritis” should be avoided until or unless more convincing scientific support is forthcoming.

Thrombosis in Cancer Patients Treated with Hematopoietic Growth Factors - A Meta-Analysis

1996 ◽  
Vol 75 (02) ◽  
pp. 368-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Barbul ◽  
G Finazzi ◽  
A Grassi ◽  
R Marchioli
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Hematopoietic Growth Factors ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Cytotoxic Treatment ◽  
Pertinent Data ◽  
Thrombotic Complications ◽  
Vascular Occlusions

SummaryHematopoietic colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) are largely used in patients with cancer undergoing cytotoxic treatment to accelerate neutrophil recovery and decrease the incidence of febrile neutropenia. Clinical practice guidelines for their use have been recently established (1), taking into account clinical benefit, but also cost and toxicity. Vascular occlusions have been recently reported among the severe reactions associated with the use of CSFs, in anedoctal case reports (2, 3), consecutive case series (4) and randomized clinical trial (5, 6). However, the role of CSFs in the pathogenesis of thrombotic complications is difficult to ascertain, because pertinent data are scanty and widely distributed over a number of heterogenous investigations. We report here a systematic review of relevant articles, with the aims to estimate the prevalence of thrombosis associated with the use of CSFs and to assess if this rate is significantly higher than that observed in cancer patients not receiving CSFs.

Herpetic Whitlow of the Hand in Infants

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad M. Al-Qattan ◽  
Nada G. AlQadri ◽  
Ghada AlHayaza
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Infection ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Individual Case ◽  
Senior Author ◽  
Secondary Bacterial Infection ◽  
Clinical Appearance ◽  
History Of ◽  
Mode Of Transmission ◽  
Time Of Presentation

Abstract Introduction Herpetic whitlows in infants are rare. Previous authors only reported individual case reports. We present a case series of six infants. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective study of six cases of herpetic whitlows in infants seen by the senior author (MMA) over the past 23 years (1995–2017 inclusive). The following data were collected: age, sex, digit involved in the hand, mode of transmission, time of presentation to the author, clinical appearance, presence of secondary bacterial infection, presence of other lesions outside the hand, method of diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. Results All six infants initially presented with classic multiple vesicles of the digital pulp. In all cases, there was a history of active herpes labialis in the mother. Incision and drainage or deroofing of the vesicles (for diagnostic purposes) resulted in secondary bacterial infection. Conclusion The current report is the first series in the literature on herpetic whitlows in infants. We stress on the mode of transmission (from the mother) and establishing the diagnosis clinically. In these cases, no need for obtaining viral cultures or polymerase chain reaction; and no medications are required. Once the vesicles are disrupted, secondary bacterial infection is frequent and a combination of oral acyclovir and intravenous antibiotics will be required.

Congenital Zika Virus Infection Paradigm: What is in the Wardrobe? A Narrative Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-56
Author(s):  
Mariam M. Mirambo ◽  
Lucas Matemba ◽  
Mtebe Majigo ◽  
Stephen E. Mshana
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
English Language ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Ocular Manifestations ◽  
Zika Virus Infection ◽  
N 93

Background: Zika virus infection during pregnancy has been recently associated with congenital microcephaly and other severe neural tube defects. However, the magnitude of confirmed cases and the scope of these anomalies have not been extensively documented. This review focuses on the magnitude of laboratory-confirmed congenital Zika virus cases among probable cases and describing the patterns of congenital anomalies allegedly caused by the Zika virus, information which will inform further research in this area. Methods: We conducted a literature search for English-language articles about congenital Zika virus infection using online electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, POPLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, and Web of Knowledge). The search terms used were, “zika”, “pregnancy”, [year], “microcephaly”, “infants”, “children”, “neonates”, “foetuses”, “neural tube defect”, and “CNS manifestations” in different combinations. All articles reporting cases or case series between January 2015 and December 2016 were included. Data were entered into a Microsoft Excel database and analysed to obtain proportions of the confirmed cases and patterns of anomalies. Results: A total of 24 articles (11 case series, 9 case reports, and 4 others) were found to be eligible and included in this review. These articles reported 919 cases, with or without microcephaly, presumed to have congenital Zika virus infection. Of these cases, 884 (96.2%) had microcephaly. Of the 884 cases of microcephaly, 783 (88.6%) were tested for Zika virus infection, and 216 (27.6%; 95% confidence interval, 24.5% to 30.8%) were confirmed to be Zika virus-positive. In addition to microcephaly, other common abnormalities reported – out of 442 cases investigated – were calcifications of brain tissue (n=240, 54.3%), ventriculomegaly (n=93, 20.8%), cerebellar hypoplasia (n=52, 11.7%), and ocular manifestations (n=46, 10.4%). Conclusion: Based on the available literature, Zika virus infection during pregnancy might lead to a wide array of outcomes other than microcephaly. There is a need for more epidemiological studies in Zika-endemic areas, particularly in Africa, to ascertain the role of Zika virus in causing congenital neurological defects.

Congenital Zika Virus Infection Paradigm: What is in the Wardrobe? A Narrative Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-56
Author(s):  
Mariam M. Mirambo ◽  
Lucas Matemba ◽  
Mtebe Majigo ◽  
Stephen E. Mshana
Keyword(s):  
Virus Infection ◽  
Neural Tube ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
English Language ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Ocular Manifestations ◽  
Zika Virus Infection ◽  
N 93

Background: Zika virus infection during pregnancy has been recently associated with congenital microcephaly and other severe neural tube defects. However, the magnitude of confirmed cases and the scope of these anomalies have not been extensively documented. This review focuses on the magnitude of laboratory-confirmed congenital Zika virus cases among probable cases and describing the patterns of congenital anomalies allegedly caused by the Zika virus, information which will inform further research in this area. Methods: We conducted a literature search for English-language articles about congenital Zika virus infection using online electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, POPLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, and Web of Knowledge). The search terms used were, “zika”, “pregnancy”, [year], “microcephaly”, “infants”, “children”, “neonates”, “foetuses”, “neural tube defect”, and “CNS manifestations” in different combinations. All articles reporting cases or case series between January 2015 and December 2016 were included. Data were entered into a Microsoft Excel database and analysed to obtain proportions of the confirmed cases and patterns of anomalies. Results: A total of 24 articles (11 case series, 9 case reports, and 4 others) were found to be eligible and included in this review. These articles reported 919 cases, with or without microcephaly, presumed to have congenital Zika virus infection. Of these cases, 884 (96.2%) had microcephaly. Of the 884 cases of microcephaly, 783 (88.6%) were tested for Zika virus infection, and 216 (27.6%; 95% confidence interval, 24.5% to 30.8%) were confirmed to be Zika virus-positive. In addition to microcephaly, other common abnormalities reported – out of 442 cases investigated – were calcifications of brain tissue (n=240, 54.3%), ventriculomegaly (n=93, 20.8%), cerebellar hypoplasia (n=52, 11.7%), and ocular manifestations (n=46, 10.4%). Conclusion: Based on the available literature, Zika virus infection during pregnancy might lead to a wide array of outcomes other than microcephaly. There is a need for more epidemiological studies in Zika-endemic areas, particularly in Africa, to ascertain the role of Zika virus in causing congenital neurological defects.

Mechanical thrombectomy in pediatric stroke: systematic review, individual patient data meta-analysis, and case series

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 558-571 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kartik Bhatia ◽  
Hans Kortman ◽  
Christopher Blair ◽  
Geoffrey Parker ◽  
David Brunacci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Neurological Outcomes

OBJECTIVEThe role of mechanical thrombectomy in pediatric acute ischemic stroke is uncertain, despite extensive evidence of benefit in adults. The existing literature consists of several recent small single-arm cohort studies, as well as multiple prior small case series and case reports. Published reports of pediatric cases have increased markedly since 2015, after the publication of the positive trials in adults. The recent AHA/ASA Scientific Statement on this issue was informed predominantly by pre-2015 case reports and identified several knowledge gaps, including how young a child may undergo thrombectomy. A repeat systematic review and meta-analysis is warranted to help guide therapeutic decisions and address gaps in knowledge.METHODSUsing PRISMA-IPD guidelines, the authors performed a systematic review of the literature from 1999 to April 2019 and individual patient data meta-analysis, with 2 independent reviewers. An additional series of 3 cases in adolescent males from one of the authors’ centers was also included. The primary outcomes were the rate of good long-term (mRS score 0–2 at final follow-up) and short-term (reduction in NIHSS score by ≥ 8 points or NIHSS score 0–1 at up to 24 hours post-thrombectomy) neurological outcomes following mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke in patients < 18 years of age. The secondary outcome was the rate of successful angiographic recanalization (mTICI score 2b/3).RESULTSThe authors’ review yielded 113 cases of mechanical thrombectomy in 110 pediatric patients. Although complete follow-up data are not available for all patients, 87 of 96 (90.6%) had good long-term neurological outcomes (mRS score 0–2), 55 of 79 (69.6%) had good short-term neurological outcomes, and 86 of 98 (87.8%) had successful angiographic recanalization (mTICI score 2b/3). Death occurred in 2 patients and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in 1 patient. Sixteen published thrombectomy cases were identified in children < 5 years of age.CONCLUSIONSMechanical thrombectomy may be considered for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (ICA terminus, M1, basilar artery) in patients aged 1–18 years (Level C evidence; Class IIb recommendation). The existing evidence base is likely affected by selection and publication bias. A prospective multinational registry is recommended as the next investigative step.

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