scholarly journals Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 671 COVID-19 patients in Henan Province, China

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 1085-1095
Author(s):  
Yifei Nie ◽  
Jitian Li ◽  
Xueyong Huang ◽  
Wanshen Guo ◽  
Xiaobai Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Despite many reports on the characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Wuhan, China, relatively little is known about the transmission features of COVID-19 outside Wuhan, especially at the provincial level. Methods We collected epidemiological, demographic, clinical, laboratory, radiological and occupation information, along with contact history, of 671 patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 reported from January 23 to February 5, 2020, in Henan province, China. We described characteristics of these cases, compared the diagnostic accuracy and features of blood testing, computed tomography (CT) scans and X-rays, and analysed SARS-CoV-2 transmission sources and patients’ occupations in Henan province. Results The mean age of patients in this case series was 43 years, 56.2% were male and 22.4% had coexisting medical disorders. The death rate was 0.3%. Fourteen patients did not show any symptoms. Lymphocyte percentage was associated with disease severity (χ2 = 6.71, P = 0.035) but had a large variation in each sample group. The mean time from illness onset to diagnosis was 5.6 days. A total of 330 patients had ever lived in or visited Wuhan, 150 had contact with confirmed cases, 323 had been to a hospital and 119 had been to a wet market. There were 33 patients who did not have a traceable transmission source, with 21.2% of these being farmers and 15.2% being workmen. Conclusions Lymphocyte percentage was a sign of severe COVID-19 in general but was not a good diagnostic index. Longer time from illness onset to diagnosis was associated with higher COVID-19 severity, older age, higher likelihood of having coexisting cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, and being male. Farming was found to be a high-risk occupation in Henan province, China.

2012 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 112-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Marsland ◽  
AP Sanghrajka ◽  
B Goldie

INTRODUCTION Rolando fractures are often difficult to manage because of their inherent instability. We describe a simple technique for the treatment of this fracture using the principle of ligamentotaxis, with a static, two-pin external fixator spanning the trapeziometacarpal joint, and present the results of a single-surgeon case series. METHODS Eight consecutive patients (mean age: 32.8 years) with Rolando fractures were treated using a Hoffmann II® Micro small bone external fixator using blunt ended 2.0mm half pins, inserted into the trapezium and diaphysis of the first metacarpal. Functional outcome was assessed with the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score at a mean time of 2.7 years following the fracture (range: 4 months – 6.0 years). The mean time to frame removal was 28 days. RESULTS There were three cases of superficial pin site infection. Follow-up x-rays at four months did not demonstrate significant joint incongruity or malunion in any case. The mean QuickDASH score was 7.95 and all patients returned to their previous levels of activity. CONCLUSIONS Although external fixation risks pin site infection, the results of this study support the use of spanning trapeziometacarpal external fixation for Rolando fractures as it reliably gives excellent functional outcomes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1916
Author(s):  
Ágnes Kinyó ◽  
Anita Hanyecz ◽  
Zsuzsanna Lengyel ◽  
Dalma Várszegi ◽  
Péter Oláh ◽  
...  

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering disease of elderly patients that has shown increasing incidence in the last decades. Higher prevalence of BP may be due to more frequent use of provoking agents, such as antidiabetic dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP4i) drugs. Our aim was to assess DPP4i-induced bullous pemphigoid among our BP patients and characterize the clinical, laboratory and histological features of this drug-induced disease form. In our patient cohort, out of 127 BP patients (79 females (62.2%), 48 males (37.7%)), 14 (9 females and 5 males) were treated with DPP4i at the time of BP diagnosis. The Bullous Pemphigoid Disease Area Index (BPDAI) urticaria/erythema score was significantly lower, and the BPDAI damage score was significantly higher in DPP4i-BP patients compared to the nonDPP4i group. Both the mean absolute eosinophil number and the mean periblister eosinophil number was significantly lower in DPP4i-BP patients than in nonDPP4i cases (317.7 ± 0.204 vs. 894.0 ± 1.171 cells/μL, p < 0.0001; 6.75 ± 1.72 vs. 19.09 ± 3.1, p = 0.0012, respectively). Our results provide further evidence that DPP4i-associated BP differs significantly from classical BP, and presents with less distributed skin symptoms, mild erythema, normal or slightly elevated peripheral eosinophil count, and lower titers of BP180 autoantibodies. To our knowledge, this is the first case series of DPP4i-related BP with a non-inflammatory phenotype in European patients.


Author(s):  
Francesco Luceri ◽  
Davide Cucchi ◽  
Enrico Rosagrata ◽  
Carlo Eugenio Zaolino ◽  
Alessandra Menon ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction The coronoid process plays a key-role in preserving elbow stability. Currently, there are no radiographic indexes conceived to assess the intrinsic elbow stability and the joint congruency. The aim of this study is to present new radiological parameters, which will help assess the intrinsic stability of the ulnohumeral joint and to define normal values of these indexes in a normal, healthy population. Methods Four independent observers (two orthopaedic surgeons and two radiologists) selected lateral view X-rays of subjects with no history of upper limb disease or surgery. The following radiographic indexes were defined: trochlear depth index (TDI); anterior coverage index (ACI); posterior coverage index (PCI); olecranon–coronoid angle (OCA); radiographic coverage angle (RCA). Inter-observer and intra-observer reproducibility were assessed for each index. Results 126 subjects were included. Standardized lateral elbow radiographs (62 left and 64 right elbows) were obtained and analysed. The mean TDI was 0.46 ± 0.06 (0.3–1.6), the mean ACI was 2.0 ± 0.2 (1.6–3.1) and the mean PCI was 1.3 ± 0.1 (1.0–1.9). The mean RCA was 179.6 ± 8.3° (normalized RCA: 49.9 ± 2.3%) and the mean OCA was 24.6 ± 3.7°. The indexes had a high-grade of inter-observer and intra-observer reliability for each of the four observers. Significantly higher values were found for males for TDI, ACI, PCI and RCA. Conclusion The novel radiological parameters described are simple, reliable and easily reproducible. These features make them a promising tool for radiographic evaluation both for orthopaedic surgeons and for radiologists in the emergency department setting or during outpatient services. Level of evidence Basic Science Study (Case Series). Clinical relevance The novel radiological parameters described are reliable, easily reproducible and become handy for orthopaedic surgeons as well as radiologists in daily clinical practice.


2019 ◽  
Vol 98 (5) ◽  
pp. 291-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saudamini J. Lele ◽  
Mickie Hamiter ◽  
Torrey Louise Fourrier ◽  
Cherie-Ann Nathan

Sialendoscopy has emerged as a safe, effective and minimally invasive technique for management of obstructive and inflammatory salivary gland disease. The aim of our study was to analyze outcomes of sialendoscopy and steroid irrigation in patients with sialadenitis without sialoliths. We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent interventional sialendoscopy with steroid irrigation from 2013 to 2016, for the treatment of sialadenitis without sialolithiasis. Twenty-two patients underwent interventional sialendoscopy with ductal dilation and steroid irrigation for the treatment of sialadenitis without any evidence of sialolithiasis. Conservative measures had failed in all. Eleven patients had symptoms arising from the parotid gland, 4 patients had symptoms arising from the submandibular gland, while 6 patients had symptoms in both parotid and submandibular glands. One patient complained of only xerostomia without glandular symptoms. The mean age of the study group which included 1 male and 21 females was 44.6 years (range: 3-86 years). Four patients had autoimmune disease, while 7 patients had a history of radioactive iodine therapy. No identifiable cause for sialadenitis was found in the remaining 11 patients. The mean follow-up period was 378.9 days (range: 16-1143 days). All patients underwent sialendoscopy with ductal dilation and steroid irrigation. Twelve patients showed a complete response and 9 patients had a partial response, while 1 patient reported no response. Only 3 patients required repeat sialendoscopy. The combination of sialendoscopy with ductal dilation and steroid irrigation is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with sialadenitis without sialoliths refractory to conservative measures. Prospective studies with a larger case series are needed to establish its role as a definitive treatment option.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 232596712110108
Author(s):  
Andrea Bardos ◽  
Sanjeeve Sabhrawal ◽  
Graham Tytherleigh-Strong

Background: Sternal fractures are rare, and they can be treated nonoperatively. Vertical sternal fractures have rarely been reported. Purpose: To describe the management and surgical treatment of a series of elite-level athletes who presented with symptomatic nonunions of a vertical sternal fracture. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patients with an established symptomatic nonunion of a vertical sternal fracture, as diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), underwent open reduction and internal fixation using autologous bone graft and cannulated lag screws. The patients were assessed preoperatively and at the final follow-up using the Rockwood sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) score; Constant score; and shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) scores. Bony union was confirmed on postoperative CT scan. Results: Five patients (4 men and 1 woman) were included; all were national- or international-level athletes (rugby, judo, show-jumping, and MotoGP). The mean age at surgery was 23.4 years (range, 19-27 years), the mean time from injury to referral was 13.6 months (range, 10-17 months), and the mean time from injury to surgery was 15.8 months (range, 11-20 months). The mean follow-up was 99.4 months (range, 25-168 months). There was a significant improvement after surgery in the mean Rockwood SCJ score (from 12.6 to 14.8 [ P < .05]), Constant score (from 84 to 96.4 [ P < .05]; 80% met the minimal clinically important difference [MCID] of 10.4 points), and QuickDASH (from 6.8 to 0.98 [ P < .05]; 0% met the MCID of 15.9 points). Four of the patients were able to return to sport at their preinjury level, and 1 patient retired for nonmedical reasons. All of the fractures had united on the postoperative CT scan. There were no postoperative complications. Conclusion: Vertical fractures of the sternum are very rare and tend to behave clinically like an avulsion fracture injury to the capsuloligamentous structure of the inferior SCJ. The requirement of advanced imaging to diagnose this injury means that the actual incidence and natural history are not known. For high-demand athletes, early identification, surgical reduction, and fixation are likely to achieve the best outcome.


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.


Author(s):  
Yu Lei ◽  
Xiaobo Huang ◽  
Bamu SiLang ◽  
YunPing Lan ◽  
Jianli Lu ◽  
...  

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, has rapidly spread throughout China, but the clinical characteristics of Tibetan patients living in the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau are unknown. We aimed to investigate the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and radiological characteristics of these patients. We included 67 Tibetan patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of clinical symptoms at admission, with 31 and 36 patients in the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups, respectively. The epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and radiological characteristics were extracted and analysed. No patient had a history of exposure to COVID-19 patients from Wuhan or had travelled to Wuhan. The mean age of Tibetan patients was 39.3 years and 59% of the patients were male. Seven patients presented with fever on admission and lymphocytopenia was present in 20 patients. 47 patients had abnormal chest CTs at admission instead of stating that 20 were unchanged. Lactate dehydrogenase levels were increased in 31 patients. Seven patients progressed to severe COVID-19; however, after treatment, their condition was stable. No patients died. Of the 36 asymptomatic patients, the mean age was younger than the symptomatic group (34.4±17.3vs 44.9±18.1 years, P=0.02). Lymphocyte count and prealbumin levels were higher in the asymptomatic group than the group with clinical symptoms (1.6±0.5 vs 1.3±0.6 and 241.8±68.2 vs 191.9±60.3, respectively; P<0.05). Imported cases of COVID-19 in Tibetan patients were generally mild in this high-altitude area. Absence of fever or radiologic abnormalities on initial presentation were common.


Author(s):  
Parth B. Kapadia ◽  
Manit M. Mandal ◽  
Ajay J. Panchal ◽  
Rakesh Kumar ◽  
Neel Parmar ◽  
...  

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Tracheostomy is a common surgical procedure used to achieve a secure airway in patients in elective as well as emergency conditions. Our study accounts for our first-hand experience with the procedure in our tertiary multi-speciality hospital.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> It is a four year (January 2017 to February 2021) retrospective study in which all the 246 cases of tracheostomies were taken into account which were performed during this study period in the department of otorhinolaryngology (ENT), Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research (SMIMER), Surat (India). The patients were thoroughly followed up until the final outcome of the tracheostomy was established.  </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> A total of 246 tracheostomies were performed, 63.82% of which were in men. The mean patient age was 42 years. The majority (76%) were elective, performed for various indications, while the remaining 24% were emergency tracheostomies. All tracheostomies were performed by otorhinolaryngologists. Complications relating to tracheostomy were documented in 40 patients (16%) intra-operatively and/or post-operatively which included bleeding, surgical emphysema, granulations along the stomal site and rarely shock. The mean time to decannulation was 13.48 days.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Our study takes into account and discusses the findings of all the 246 tracheostomies which were performed during the study period of 4 years. Elective cases form the majority although there is a significant case series of emergency tracheostomies performed for a range of pathologies.</p><p class="Default"> </p>


2021 ◽  
pp. 279-282
Author(s):  
Chairul Adilla Ardy ◽  
Muara Panusunan Lubis ◽  
Cut Adeya Adella ◽  
Hotma Partogi Pasaribu ◽  
Muhammad Rusda ◽  
...  

Background: Preeclampsia with severe features is an endothelial disease that causes renal system disorders during pregnancy. Preeclampsia is an important cause of acute kidney injury and risk for chronic kidney disease. Methods: This study was a case series conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, H. Adam Malik General Hospital Medan, Indonesia starting from December 2019 until January 2020. Total sampling technique was employed obtaining 31 subjects with a history of preeclampsia with severe features for at least 3 months to 2 years postpartum, without a history of chronic disease, diabetes mellitus, and congenital kidney disorders. Proteinuria, serum creatinine, and GFR calculations were performed. Results: There were 31 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. At a time interval of 4 - ≤13 months postpartum, 2 levels of proteinuria +1 (0-2), serum creatinine 0.81 ± 0.21 mg/dl, and levels of GFR 109.57 ± 25.13 (ml/min/1.73 m ). Whereas at the time interval of >13 - 24 months postpartum, levels of proteinuria +1 (0-3), serum creatinine 0.85 ± 0.23 mg/dl, and GFR 2 levels of 104. 41 ± 28.45 (ml/min/1.73 m ). The mean of serum creatinine before delivery was 0.69 ± 0.15 mg/dl and after delivery was 0.83 ± 0.22 mg/dl. The mean of GFR postpartum at group of history of early onset preeclampsia was 103.07 ± 25.23 2 2 (ml/min/1.73 m ) and group of history of late onset preeclampsia was 113.40 ± 28.24 (ml/min/1.73 m ). Conclusion: There was a tendency for a decrease in renal function among women with a history of preeclampsia with severe features with ndings of persistent proteinuria from more than 3 to 24 months postpartum, an increase in mean of serum creatinine levels from before and after delivery and a decrease in GFR, but it was not signicant. This was related to the slow course of chronic kidney disease, so it had to be followed up periodically.


2019 ◽  
Vol 267 (1) ◽  
pp. 239-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Sammaraiee ◽  
G. Banerjee ◽  
S. Farmer ◽  
B. Hylton ◽  
P. Cowley ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective Deferiprone is an iron chelator that has recently been used to treat patients with infratentorial superficial siderosis (iSS). It is considered to have a generally favourable safety profile but concerns have been raised due to the risk of agranulocytosis. We aimed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of oral deferiprone as a treatment for patients with iSS. Methods We present a case series of 10 consecutive patients presenting with classical iSS treated with deferiprone. Results Ten patients were followed up for a mean period of 2.3 years (range 0.5–5.5 years). Four patients (40%) were withdrawn from treatment because of treatment-related side effects. The reasons for treatment discontinuation were neutropenic sepsis (n = 3) and fatigue (n = 1). In 2 out of the 3 cases of neutropenic sepsis, patients initially developed neutropenia without sepsis. The mean time to neutropenic sepsis following deferiprone was 1.2 years (range 0.3–2.5) with mean neutrophil count of 0.4 (range 0.3–0.5). Six patients (60%) reported no change in neurological function while on treatment, and four patients (40%) reported that their condition deteriorated. Conclusions Deferiprone was poorly tolerated, with 40% of patients withdrawing from treatment, most commonly due to neutropenic sepsis, after an average of 2 years on treatment. This study increases the number of reported cases of agranulocytosis in patients with iSS treated with deferiprone. Clinicians treating iSS patients with deferiprone should be aware that this drug has a potentially life-threatening side effect of neutropenic sepsis, and should ensure that appropriate haematological monitoring is in place.


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