SARS-CoV-2 infection. Descriptive analysis of a selected case series

Repeated positivity and reinfection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) is a significant concern. Our study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of repeatedly positive testing after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recovery. We performed a systematic literature search following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. With available individual patient data reporting on repeatedly SARS-CoV-2 positive (RSP) patients, case reports, and case series were included in this analysis. We performed a descriptive analysis of baseline characteristics of repeatedly positive cases. We assessed the cases according to the length of their polymerase chain reaction (PCR) negative interval between the two episodes. Risk factors for the severity of second episodes were evaluated. Overall, we included 123 patients with repeated positivity from 56 publications, with a mean repeated positivity length of 47.8 ± 29.9 days. Younger patients were predominant in the delayed (>90 days) recurrent positive group. Furthermore, comparing patients with RSP intervals of below 60 and above 60 days, we found that a more severe disease course can be expected if the repeated positivity interval is shorter. Severe and critical disease courses might predict future repeatedly positive severe and critical COVID-19 episodes. In conclusion, our results show that the second episode of SARS-CoV-2 positivity is more severe if it happens within 60 days after the first positive PCR. On the other hand, the second episode’s severity correlates with the first.

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Functional assessment of foot and ankle tendinopathies treated with tendoscopy

Journal of the Foot & Ankle ◽

10.30795/jfootankle.2021.v15.1531 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (2) ◽

pp. 128-132

Author(s):

Rodrigo Guimarães Huyer ◽

Mário Sérgio Paulillo Cillo ◽

Carlos Daniel Cândido Castro Filho ◽

Hallan Douglas Bertelli ◽

Renato Morelli Berg

Keyword(s):

Functional Assessment ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Case Series ◽

P Value ◽

Peroneal Tendon ◽

Foot And Ankle ◽

Treatment Results ◽

Duration Of Treatment ◽

Aofas Score ◽

Level Of Evidence

Objective: To assess postoperative clinical functional outcomes, based on the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, of tendoscopies performed in the treatment of foot and ankle pathologies. Methods: Our comparative assessment used AOFAS scores obtained preoperatively and at early and late postoperative stages - 1 month and 6 to 12 months after surgery - of 14 patients with foot and ankle tendinopathies. These included peroneal tendon dislocation, peroneal tendonitis, and tearing of the peroneus longus or brevis, all treated with tendoscopy for peroneal reconstruction and tenorrhaphy. The AOFAS score was obtained by functional assessment during outpatient physical examination. We presented a descriptive analysis of cases, comparing scores over time through the Friedman test followed by Dunn’s test. The relationship between score variations and sex was assessed using the Mann-Whitney test; their comparison with age used Spearman’s linear correlation coefficient. Significance levels were 5%.Results: The AOFAS score showed important improvements such as preoperative scores of 56 and 67 followed by postoperative scores of 100 both in the early and late stages, supporting the efficacy and persistence of this treatment strategy. The p-value obtained after statistical analysis was <0.0001. Conclusion: We concluded that the treatment of foot and ankle comorbidities with tendoscopy, in addition to being less invasive, shows consistency and efficacy as demonstrated by the AOFAS score and functional assessment via postoperative physical examinations. AOFAS scores were increased and maintained at high levels in the postoperative period, demonstrating the efficacy of this procedure and the duration of treatment results. Level of Evidence IV; Case Series; Therapeutic Studies - Investigation of Treatment Results.

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Real-world risk of anosmia with cancer directed systemic therapy: A pharmacovigilance assessment using FDA Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) database.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.e18790 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. e18790-e18790

Author(s):

Anahat Kaur ◽

Shuai Wang ◽

Arlene Yu ◽

Tarek N. Elrafei ◽

Lewis Steinberg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adverse Events ◽

Reporting System ◽

Case Reports ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Package Insert ◽

Case Series ◽

The United States ◽

Chemotherapeutic Agents ◽

United States Food ◽

Pharmacovigilance Database

e18790 Background: Anosmia is a rare and under-reported adverse event associated with the use of several oncologic drugs. Instances of olfactory disturbances following administration of chemotherapeutic agents have been sporadically documented in case reports and case series. We aimed to conduct a more comprehensive study to generate signal for anosmia as adverse effect of drugs used for oncologic indications. Methods: The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) database, a pharmacovigilance database, was used to extract data. All reported cases of anosmia in the database were filtered for an indication of cancer. Descriptive analysis was conducted using SPSS 26. Results: Total 10250 cases of anosmia were extracted from FAERS database. Out of these, cancer as an indication for medication use was noted in 139 cases. Some of the most common suspect medications exclusively associated with more than one case of anosmia were palbociclib (n=16), enzalutamide (13), pazopanib (8), cabozantinib (8), letrozole (6), leuprolide (5), niraparib (5), rucaparib (4), tamoxifen (4), capecitabine (3), everolimus (3), anastrazole (2), exemestane (2), zoledronic acid (2), vandetanib (2) and vismodegib (2). Detailed description of medications with highest number of reported cases is listed in Table. Median age at diagnosis was 66 years (interquartile range 58-71). Anosmia was reported more commonly in females (64% ) as compared to males (33.8%). Reactions were reported to the FDA more commonly by consumers (56.8%) as compared to healthcare professionals (40.3% cases). Out of 139 patients with anosmia, 93 (66.9%) had concomitant ageusia, 8 (5.7 %) had dysgeusia and 6 (4.3%) patients had neuropathy. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a signal for anosmia as side effect in patients receiving select oncologic medications based on the FAERS database. It is worth noting that none of the suspect medications identified in this study have anosmia listed as known adverse reaction on accompanying package insert. Further studies need to be conducted to confirm if causal relationship exists between use of these drugs and olfactory function compromise. [Table: see text]

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(P2-44) Use of Non-Traditional Technological Methodologies to Advance the Epidemiology & Management of Human Stampedes in Developing Countries: Case Series on Chinese School Stampedes

Prehospital and Disaster Medicine ◽

10.1017/s1049023x11004882 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 26 (S1) ◽

pp. s150-s150 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

K.M. Ngai ◽

W.Y. Lee

Keyword(s):

Social Networking ◽

English Language ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Case Series ◽

Mortality And Morbidity ◽

Mass Gatherings ◽

News Reports ◽

Crowd Control ◽

Chinese School ◽

Epidemiological Characteristics

ObjectiveHuman-stampede events are emerging epidemics with large unplanned or impromptu mass gatherings. They are increasing in frequency worldwide, yet little is known of the epidemiology and other characteristics that would allow for communities to prepare, prevent and properly manage medical outcomes. We report a non-traditional methodology to identify a stampede's epidemiological characteristics using news reports, social networking, and systematic search of the internet. This hitherto unused technological dimension is a useful adjunct to obtain crucial data on mortality and morbidity, improve immediate understanding of the pathophysiology of the event, and provides opportunities to develop public education to remove potential bottlenecks and improve crowd control of these preventable tragedies.MethodA LexisNexis search was followed by sequential searches of multiple internet-based English-language news agencies and the few research reports available in the scientific literature. Date, country, geographical region, time of occurrence, type of event, location, mechanism, number of participants, number injured, and number of deaths were recorded. Descriptive analysis was performed for deaths, injuries and location for this abstract.ResultsFollowing an extensive search of media accounts and research reports, a total of 263 human stampede events were identified worldwide between 1980 and 2011 resulting in 8,268 deaths and over 16,707 injuries. Major Religious assemblages, particularly in India and the Middle East, accounted for the highest number of fatalities. Precipitants of stampedes follow a geographical pattern; In Africa, sporting and political events and in Europe, entertainment venues sparked stampedes. This case series reports 7 incidents in China. All cases occurred in the recess hour of schools, when students formed a bottleneck at narrow staircases, resulting in 27 deaths and 168 injured.ConclusionUnderstanding the triggers in mass gatherings for a human stampede have been greatly aided by advances in social networking, internet and video mobile phones. Particularly in difficult environments which were previously difficult to document. The patterns identified in this study can appreciably add to community level preparedness, prevention and improved clinical understanding and management at prehospital and hospital levels.

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Risk Factor Assessment of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis

Journal of Nepal Health Research Council ◽

10.3126/jnhrc.v7i2.3013 ◽

1970 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 89-92 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

R Pant ◽

KR Pandey ◽

M Joshi ◽

S Sharma ◽

T Pandey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Case Series ◽

Previous Treatment ◽

Local Context ◽

Multi Drug Resistance ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Case Series Study ◽

Mdr Tb ◽

Age Range

Background: Despite increasing numbers of MDR TB cases seen in Nepal, a lot remains to be understood about the disease in the local context. We evaluated possible risk factors for MDR TB among patients enrolled for treatment at a district hospital in western Nepal. Methods: A descriptive case-series study using structured interviews and abstraction of treatment records of all patients registered at the DOTS Plus clinic at Bhim Hospital, Bhairahawa from April 2008 to Dec 2008 was done. Descriptive analysis was done to find out frequencies and relations. Results: Of the total 31 patients, 22 were males (age range 18-68, median 36.7) and the remaining 9 females (age range 23-56, median 33.7). 27(87%) of the patients had monthly income below Rs 3000 and 24 (77%) of them were illiterate. 21(67%) had missed at least a few weeks of drugs during their previous treatment and 4 (13%) had been marked as defaulters. 6 (20%) had treatment failure. 74% of the patients were smokers, 2 were HIV positive. 20 (58%) had lived in India for at least 6 months where they had incomplete treatment of TB. 30 (97%) patients had disclosed their MDR status to their families; however 70% said they did not do so immediately. Conclusions: Previous TB treatment, male sex, poverty, migration to India, illiteracy and smoking have been observed in a majority of the cases in this study. These findings need to be corroborated with multi-centre casecontrol studies to bring out nationally relevant risk factors for MDR TB. Key words: directly observed treatment short course-plus; multi- drug resistance; risk factors; tuberculosis. DOI: 10.3126/jnhrc.v7i2.3013 Journal of Nepal Health Research Council Vol.7(2) Apr 2009 89-92

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Safety and feasibility of ulnar artery access for neuroangiography and neurointervention: a case series

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery ◽

10.1136/neurintsurg-2020-016416 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. neurintsurg-2020-016416

Author(s):

Rimal H Dossani ◽

Muhammad Waqas ◽

Michael K Tso ◽

Gary B Rajah ◽

Daniel Popoola ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Radial Artery ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Case Series ◽

Ulnar Artery ◽

Middle Meningeal Artery ◽

Artery Occlusion ◽

Femoral Access ◽

Radial Access ◽

Diagnostic Angiography ◽

Neurointerventional Procedures

BackgroundRadial access has become popular among neurointerventionalists because it has favorable risk profiles compared with femoral access. Difficulties in accessing or navigating the radial artery have been viewed as a reason to convert to femoral access, but ulnar artery access may prevent complications associated with transfemoral procedures.ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and feasibility of ulnar access for neurointerventions and diagnostic neuroangiographic procedures.MethodsConsecutive patients who underwent diagnostic angiography or neurointerventional procedures via ulnar access between July 1, 2019 and April 15, 2020 were included. Data recorded were demographics, procedure indication, devices, technique, and complications. Descriptive analysis was performed.ResultsUlnar artery access was obtained for 21 procedures in 18 patients (mean age 70.3±7.8 years; nine men). Procedures included 13 diagnostic angiograms and eight neurointerventions (3 left middle meningeal artery embolization, 1 of which was aborted; 2 carotid artery stenting; 2 angioplasty; 1 mechanical thrombectomy for in-stent thrombosis). A right-sided approach with ultrasound guidance was used for all cases except one. Indications included small caliber radial artery (n=9), radial artery occlusion (n=10), and radial artery preservation for potential bypass (n=2). A 5-French slender sheath was used for diagnostic angiography; a 6-French slender sheath was used for neurointerventions. No case required conversion to femoral access. Two patients had minor hematomas after the procedure; one other had ulnar artery occlusion on 30-day ultrasonography.ConclusionUlnar access is safe and feasible for diagnostic and interventional neuroangiographic procedures. It provides a useful alternative to radial access, potentially avoiding complications associated with femoral access.

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Brachioradial pruritus - descriptive analysis of Brazilian case series

JDDG Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft ◽

10.1111/ddg.12009 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 530-535 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Paula Y. Masuda ◽

Antonio Carlos Ceribelli Martelli ◽

Patrick A. Wachholz ◽

Hélcio T. Akumatsu ◽

Ana L. G. P. Martins ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Case Series ◽

Brazilian Case

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Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid in racemose form of neurocysticercosis

Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria ◽

10.1590/0004-282x20150120 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 73 (10) ◽

pp. 852-855 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Rodrigo Bazan ◽

Newton Satoru Odashima ◽

Gustavo José Luvizutto ◽

Pedro Tadao Hamamoto Filho ◽

Marco Antonio Zanini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽

Cohort Study ◽

Retrospective Cohort ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Case Series ◽

Elisa Test ◽

Patient Chart ◽

Inflammatory Pattern ◽

Student’S T ◽

Lymphocytic Meningitis

The present work aimed to evaluate the pattern of CSF alterations in patients diagnosed with neurocysticercosis (NCC) in racemose form.Method This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with diagnosis of NCC in racemose form. CSF samples from 26 patients were analyzed. After patient-chart analysis was performed descriptive analysis of case studies and comparison between sexes in relation to variables were obtained with CSF by Mann-Whitney and Student’s t-tests.Results The sexes did not differ statistically when compared to pleocytosis in CSF. Eosinophils were present in 31% in samples while the ELISA test presented 80% sensitivity in this case series. Of the patient total, 24 presented a meningitis pattern with lymphocytic predominance.Conclusion There was no difference in inflammatory pattern between the sexes, with predominance of lymphocytic meningitis and 80% sensitivity by ELISA test of CSF patients with racemose form of NCC.

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Endovascular management of radial artery loop for neuroangiography: Case series

Interventional Neuroradiology ◽

10.1177/1591019920982812 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 159101992098281

Author(s):

Rimal H Dossani ◽

Muhammad Waqas ◽

Michael K Tso ◽

Justin M Cappuzzo ◽

Daniel Popoola ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Radial Artery ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Case Series ◽

Endovascular Management ◽

Transradial Approach ◽

Significant Challenge ◽

Radial Loop ◽

Transradial Access ◽

Loop Pattern ◽

Artery Branch

Background Radial loops are rare congenital radial artery anomalies that may pose a significant challenge to successful transradial neuroangiography. In this case series, we describe the anatomy and frequency of radial artery loops and provide a technique for successful navigation of this anatomic anomaly. Methods We reviewed our database of radial diagnostic or interventional neuroangiographic procedures to identify cases in which a radial loop was encountered during the procedure. The loop pattern, the presence of an associated recurrent radial artery branch, navigation technique, and procedure-related complications were recorded. A descriptive analysis was performed. Results A total of 997 transradial approach procedures were performed over a 9-month period. A radial loop was identified in 10 (1.0%) patients. The average age was 68.6 ± 14.3 years. A microcatheter advanced over a microwire was used to navigate the loop and avoid entry into the recurrent branch. A diagnostic neuroangiographic procedure was performed successfully in 8 cases and an intervention was performed successfully in 1 case. A 360° loop was present in 2 of these cases. In each case, transradial access was performed successfully. In 1 other diagnostic case, transradial access was aborted, and the femoral artery was accessed to perform the procedure. Conclusions A radial loop was present in 1% of the cases in this series. Our technical results suggest that this anomaly should not be considered a contraindication to transradial neuroangiography because the procedure was successfully performed in most (9 of 10) cases using a microcatheter system to navigate the loop.

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