Herpetic Whitlow of the Hand in Infants

Author(s):  
Mohammad M. Al-Qattan ◽  
Nada G. AlQadri ◽  
Ghada AlHayaza

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.

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S122-S123
Author(s):  
Sigrid A Blome-Eberwein ◽  
Cassandra Pinataro

Abstract Introduction Heterotopic ossification of large joints is a commonly seen and described entity in Burn survivors. We have observed a rather uncommon phenomenon in a series of 4 Burn survivors who presented to our Burn center for scar treatment and open wounds many years after their injuries. A chronic, small, splinter-like subcutaneous irritation led to open wounds and infections in their burn scars. A similar condition is known as dystrophic calcinosis cutis in the dermatologic literature, but caused by calcium metabolism changes in otherwise healthy skin. Methods The demographics and history of illness was documented in all 4 patients. A literature review was performed. The calcified bone-like irritant was removed surgically in all patients, sometimes in more than one location. Pathologic evaluation was performed on the removed specimen. Strategies leading to healing of the wounds were evaluated. Results Four publications were found addressing this phenomenon in Burn scars, all case reports. All of our patients had undergone curettage of the lesions by a dermatologist in the past without resolution. All lesions were excised surgically and proved to extend subcutaneously far more extensively than the visible skin lesion. X rays proved not helpful in preoperative assessment of the extent. All wounds healed after the irritant was removed. Conclusions All lesions appeared to have formed along tendon or fascia remnants underneath the burn scars, exerting pressure on the overlying epithelium which eventually led to breakdown and necrosis. This finding prompted the term “heterotopic cutaneous ossification”. Chronic tension and inflammation were assumed in the etiology, rather than calcium metabolism abnormalities or systemic connective tissue disease, which were not present in these patients. Research is needed to establish the prevalence, cause, and prevention of this condition in Burn survivors.


Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Z Memon ◽  
Taha Nisar ◽  
Amit Singla ◽  
Anil Nanda ◽  
Gaurav Gupta ◽  
...  

Background: COVID-19 has been shown to induce a hypercoagulable state thereby increasing the risk of arterial thrombosis resulting in Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke (LVOs) Objective: We performed a systematic review of published reports to study the clinical characteristics, and outcomes of COVID-19 acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with LVO treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) and compared them with historical controls. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search from December 2019 to July 2020 using multiple combinations of keywords from PubMed and Ovid databases according to the PRISMA meta-analyses and systemic reviews guidelines and then pooled data from individual case series. We included studies where COVID -19 associated LVO cases were treated with MT and their clinical outcomes were reported. We then compared these findings with the historic patient data from the five landmark randomized MT trials, the Hermes collaborators (HC). Results: An initial search generated 12 studies but after excluding case reports and multiple reports comprising of the same series of patients, a total of five reports consisting of 51 patients were analyzed. The mean age of patients was 59 years (IQR 36-75), and 40 (78 %) were men. Median NIHSS on presentation was 20 (IQR 10-29). AIS with LVO was the presenting manifestation of COVID-19 in 16 (20%) of patients. Intracranial ICA was the most common site of occlusion found in 27 (53%) of patients with multi-territory occlusion in 10 (20 %). Final recanalization TICI ≥ 2b was achieved in 33 (64%) of patients but reocclusion was noted in 7 (14 %). Modified Rankin score (mRS) 0-2 was reported in 12 (23 %) of patients with 40 % in-hospital mortality. When compared to historic data from HC, COVID -19 patients were younger (59 vs 69 years), presented with a higher median NIHSS score (20 vs 17), and had a higher prevalence of ICA terminus occlusion (53% vs 21% ). Similarly, patient outcomes were poor in the COVID -19 group with mRs 0-2 in (23 % versus 46 %) and mortality (40 % vs 15 %) compared to Hermes group. Conclusion: COVID -19 AIS patients with LVO who underwent MT were younger, had multiple territory occlusions with a propensity for ICA terminus location, and had poor angiographic and clinical outcomes as compared to historic data.


Author(s):  
AG Florendo-Cumbermack ◽  
MW Nicolle

Background: Distal/asymmetric presentations of myasthenia gravis (MG) are uncommon and occur in 3-7% of patients with MG. This pattern of weakness is often not recognized as a manifestation of MG, leading to inappropriate investigations, delayed diagnosis and potentially missed opportunities for treatment. Our knowledge about this atypical presentation is limited to small case series and individual case reports. This study therefore aims to expand our understanding by describing the clinical course, diagnosis and treatment of a larger series of patients with this presentation. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with definite MG (either acetylcholine receptor [AChR] or MuSK antibody positive or clear evidence of postsynaptic neuromuscular junction dysfunction on electrodiagnostic studies), who attended the MG Clinic in London. Details of the clinical course, electrodiagnostic studies, antibody testing and response to treatment are reported. Results: 5.9% (54/921) of patients with definite MG had distal/asymmetric limb involvement, 56% at onset and 4% developing more than 10 years later. Males predominated (2:1). Finger extensors were most affected. 83% were AChR antibody positive. 7% had thymomas. On repetitive nerve stimulation most patients showed the most significant decrement distally on the more affected side. Almost all patients improved with treatment. Conclusions: This study expands our understanding of distal/asymmetric presentations of MG.


2009 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. CMT.S1948
Author(s):  
Curtis D. Collins ◽  
Jeannina A. Smith ◽  
Daniel R. Kaul

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) cause significant morbidity, mortality, and increased cost of care in patients with hematological malignancies, prolonged (i.e. >7-10 days) treatment induced neutropenia, and other disease states causing underlying immunosuppression. One strategy often used to combat the development of invasive infections is the use of antifungal agents as prophylaxis in at risk patients. Posaconazole is an oral triazole with a useful spectrum of activity against many fungal pathogens of concern in patients at risk for the development of IFIs. Posaconazole is only available in oral formulation and therapeutic drug monitoring may provide value due to variable absorption and serum concentrations. Clinical efficacy and pharmacoeconomic data have demonstrated the utility of posaconazole in the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis and for prophylaxis in patients at risk for development of IFIs. Several organizations or expert groups involved in developing guidelines for the management of IFIs recommend posaconazole anti-fungal prophylaxis in patients with AML or MDS and chemotherapy induced neutropenia or significant GVHD. In addition, nonrandomized studies (largely of salvage therapy) and case series suggest that posaconazole may be effective as treatment for invasive aspergillosis, zygomycosis, and coccidiomycosis. Further, small case series or individual case reports suggest activity against other less commonly encountered filamentous fungi and Histoplasma.


2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 141-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael G. dos Santos ◽  
José Carlos Bouso ◽  
Jaime E. C. Hallak

Ayahuasca is a hallucinogen brew traditionally used for ritual and therapeutic purposes in Northwestern Amazon. It is rich in the tryptamine hallucinogens dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which acts as a serotonin 5-HT2A agonist. This mechanism of action is similar to other compounds such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin. The controlled use of LSD and psilocybin in experimental settings is associated with a low incidence of psychotic episodes, and population studies corroborate these findings. Both the controlled use of DMT in experimental settings and the use of ayahuasca in experimental and ritual settings are not usually associated with psychotic episodes, but little is known regarding ayahuasca or DMT use outside these controlled contexts. Thus, we performed a systematic review of the published case reports describing psychotic episodes associated with ayahuasca and DMT intake. We found three case series and two case reports describing psychotic episodes associated with ayahuasca intake, and three case reports describing psychotic episodes associated with DMT. Several reports describe subjects with a personal and possibly a family history of psychosis (including schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorders, psychotic mania, psychotic depression), nonpsychotic mania, or concomitant use of other drugs. However, some cases also described psychotic episodes in subjects without these previous characteristics. Overall, the incidence of such episodes appears to be rare in both the ritual and the recreational/noncontrolled settings. Performance of a psychiatric screening before administration of these drugs, and other hallucinogens, in controlled settings seems to significantly reduce the possibility of adverse reactions with psychotic symptomatology. Individuals with a personal or family history of any psychotic illness or nonpsychotic mania should avoid hallucinogen intake.


Author(s):  
Mona Zvanca ◽  
Cristian Andrei

ABSTRACT Fetal malignancies are rare complications during pregnancies, but when they appear, they are very challenging for the perinatology team. Because of their low incidence, the information is limited, with data provided from individual case reports or small case series. Although neuroblastoma is the most frequent extracranial solid tumor in childhood, prenatal diagnosis by ultrasound is very rare and almost always discovered during routine third trimester ultrasound. Expectant management is usually indicated prenatally, with serial ultrasound examination. Delivery should be planned in a tertiary center together with pediatric oncologists and surgeons to allow appropriate postnatal management. We present two cases of neuroblastoma diagnosed at 36 and 33 weeks of gestation with multiple aspects of this tumor identified by ultrasound. Both cases needed surgery and had a favorable outcome. The key role of ultrasound in diagnosis and follow-up of neuroblastoma in pregnancy is discussed, together with the management options recommended in literature. How to cite this article Andrei C, Vladareanu R, Zvanca M, Vladareanu S. Prenatal Diagnosis of Neuroblastoma. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2014;8(3):321-327.


2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 83
Author(s):  
Desiana Widityaning Sari ◽  
Sawitri Sawitri ◽  
Muhammad Yulianto Listiawan ◽  
Dwi Murtiastutik ◽  
Linda Astari ◽  
...  

Background: Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a complex multifactorial disease that includes defects in skin architecture, immune dysregulation, and changes of skin flora, and it predominantly occurs in infancy and childhood. The defects in skin barrier structures are mentioned as one of the factors that facilitates bacterial colonization. Bacterial infection in AD can worsen the inflammation. It requires treatment with antibiotics, which takes longer therapy time, higher costs, and ultimately affects the patient’s quality of life and his/her family members. Purpose: To find out the epidemiology, diagnosis, management of AD, and analyze the risk factors of secondary bacterial infection in new AD patients at the Pediatric Dermatology Division, Dermatovenereology Outpatient Clinic, Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective study with a total sampling method. The research data were medical records of new AD patients at the Pediatric Dermatology Division, Dermatovenereology Outpatient Clinic, Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital Surabaya from January 2012 to December 2018. Result: There were 404 new patients with AD at the Pediatric Dermatology Division from January 2012 to December 2018, and 210 of them were accompanied by secondary bacterial infection. There was a correlation between a history of dry skin (p=0.000) with the incidence of secondary bacterial infection in AD patients. Conclusion: In this study, AD patients with a history of dry skin had a risk of complication such as bacterial secondary infection.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A618-A618
Author(s):  
Sharini Venugopal ◽  
Binita Neupane ◽  
Mahesh Nepal ◽  
Luis F Chavez

Abstract Introduction: Central diabetes insipidus is a rare complication of neurosarcoidosis. In patients with concomitant adrenal insufficiency (AI), the symptoms of Diabetes Insipidus (DI) can be masked. Case: A 55-year-old female with past medical history of sarcoidosis presented to the hospital with hematemesis, nausea and dizziness. She has a past medical history of cardiac sarcoidosis that was revealed on a PET scan done before 10 years for which she was being treated with methotrexate and prednisone. She was off prednisone for a year prior to hospitalization. She underwent an upper endoscopy that showed diffusely erythematous gastric mucosa in the antrum. She was also hypotensive on admission, and she received packed red blood transfusions after which her sodium increased from 145mmol/L to 165mmol/L (Normal: 135-145mmol/L) in 48 hours. Further workup revealed persistent hypernatremia and urine osmolality was 75mOsm/kg H2O. (Normal: 50-1200mOsm/kg H2O). She was also hypoglycemic and hypotensive requiring multiple fluid boluses throughout her hospitalization. This prompted us to perform a random cortisol that came back at 2.1ug/dl (Normal: 3-23ug/dl) and 1.8ug/dl on two occasions. Cortisol Stimulation test was subsequently ordered, but was done only at 30 minutes, and Cortisol increased from 1.8ug/dl to 6.3ug/dl. Free thyroxine was 0.5 ng/dl (Normal: 0.9-1.8 ng/dl) and her TSH was 7.58uIU/ml (Normal: 0.55-4.78uIU/ml). MRI of the brain revealed extensive areas of extra-axial supra-sellar/infundibular nodular homogeneous intense enhancement that is most consistent with neuro-sarcoid. She was started on prednisone 40 mg daily, Desmopressin 0.05 mg twice daily, and levothyroxine as well. Her sodium level normalized and was 137mmol/L at discharge. She followed up later with outpatient Endocrinology and reported around 90lbs weight gain and no more episodes of nausea or vomiting or epistaxis or lightheadedness. Conclusion: The involvement of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in sarcoidosis is extremely rare and attributes to < 1% of patients with a sellar mass. Small case series have shown that hypogonadism is the most common endocrine abnormality followed by DI. Our patient had a long-standing history of sarcoidosis with her pituitary dysfunction unmasked only on admission for other causes. She did not manifest any symptoms of DI or AI. There have been case reports where the symptoms of DI are masked due to underlying glucocorticoid deficiency. There have been theories that glucocorticoid deficiency impairs renal water excretion by both ADH (Anti-diuretic hormone) dependent and ADH independent pathways. Another notable feature in our case is that our patient presented with primary hypothyroidism. In fact, sarcoidosis has been commonly implicated in auto-immune polyglandular syndromes type 3, which can present with auto-immune thyroiditis more so in females.


Author(s):  
Mohammed Salah Hussein ◽  
Faisal Mohammed Alyahya ◽  
Husam Fouad K. Barradah ◽  
Adeeb Abdullah Almuhanaa ◽  
B. Alzhrani, Olayan Mohammed ◽  
...  

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are both prevalent medical conditions that are frequently accompanied with neurologic and neuromuscular dysfunction. Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) hormones are produced by the thyroid gland and play a crucial role in tissue formation and metabolism. Both of these hormones have a variety of impacts on the brain and neuromuscular system. Specially in children, because brain development can be effected by any disturbances in Thyroidal hormones level. And thus, conditions like Allan-Herndon-Dudley Syndrome & Benign Hereditary Chorea is considered genetic thyroidal diseases both will be discussed in this review. hypothyroidism can have serious consequences for neuropsychiatric function. The pathophysiological processes underlying the neurological symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are likely to be multifactorial, in this review we will be looking at multiple neurological as well as psychiatric manifestations related to thyroidal hormones disorders. Methods: We used the phrases "hypothyroidism," "hyperthyroidism," "neurological problems," "neuropathy," "myopathy," "congenital hypothyroidism," and "encephalopathy" in a PubMed search, google scholar and google search engines. Case series, individual case reports, systematic reviews, retrospective analyses, and randomized controlled trials were among the papers examined. Classification of thyroidal dysfunction has been made depending on the thyroidal hormones level. The neurological consequences of congenital hypothyroidism were examined, as well as the clinical aspects of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism-related neuromuscular disorders, as well as other autoimmune illnesses. Hashimoto encephalopathy's evidence and pathophysiological issues were also examined. Conclusion: Thyroid is critical organ due to role of its thyroidal hormones, both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism induce some serious neurological and phycological disorders, some of which is genetic, hypothyroidism can impact the development of child and thus regular thyroidal hormones testing is recommended in children who demonstrates any signs of neurological psychiatric  or cognitive disease.


Author(s):  
Morena J ◽  
◽  
Antimisiaris M ◽  
Singh D ◽  
◽  
...  

Objective: We present the distinct clinical and laboratory findings in two cases of Ehrlichia meningoencephalitis, along with one suspected case. Background: The number of cases of Ehrlichia chaffeensis reported to the CDC has more than doubled from 2007-2017. A PubMed literature search using the words “Ehrlichiosis and meningoencephalitis” revealed five case reports with neurologic manifestations. Design/Methods: This is a retrospective observational study. Two elderly patients presented with encephalopathy, fever, transaminitis, thrombocytopenia, a positive E. chaffeensis Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in Serum, and Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) with a lymphocytic or neutrophilic pleocytosis and elevated protein. One patient had similar symptoms and a positive E. chaffeensis PCR, but lumbar puncture was unable to be performed due to severe thrombocytopenia. They presented in May or June. Doxycycline was started within 2-3 days after presentation to the hospital. Follow up five months later revealed all patients were close, or back to baseline. Results and Conclusions: Suspicion of Ehrlichia meningoencephalitis should be raised in elderly patients presenting with fever and encephalopathy in the summer season with history of tick bite or residence in wooded areas. Thrombocytopenia and transaminitis should raise further suspicion. CSF studies typically show a lymphocytic pleocytosis and elevated protein. PCR technique allows for direct detection of pathogen-specific DNA and is the preferred method of detection during the acute phase of illness. Prompt treatment with doxycycline results in good outcomes. Doxycycline is not included in the typical meningitis regimen, therefore, this disease is important to quickly identify as delay in Doxycycline can result in worse outcomes.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document