scholarly journals 1365. How Severe Are Rickettsial Infections Among Children

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S693-S693
Author(s):  
Fatma Hammami ◽  
Makram Koubaa ◽  
Amal Chakroun ◽  
Khaoula Rekik ◽  
Fatma Smaoui ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Rickettsial infections (RI) usually mimic benign viral infection due to similarities in clinical symptoms. However, severe forms and complications have been reported with rickettsiosis. Children can be affected as well. We aimed to study the particularities of RI among children. Methods We conducted a retrospective study including all patients aged ≤ 18 years hospitalized for RI between 2000 and 2018. The diagnosis was confirmed by serologies (seroconversion). Results In total, we encountered 59 children with confirmed RI, among whom 45 were male (76.3%). The mean age was 14 ±3 years. Forty children had a close contact with animals (71.4%). All patients consulted for a febrile maculopapular skin rash, which was associated to headache in 45 cases (76.3%), vomiting in 28 cases (47.4%) and cough in 8 cases (13.5%). Physical examination revealed an eschar in 13 cases (22%) and meningeal syndrome in 11 cases (18.6%). Laboratory investigations showed thrombocytopenia (31 cases; 52.5%) and liver cytolysis (26 cases; 44%). Severe forms of RI were represented by meningitis in 11 cases (18.6%), pneumonia in 2 cases (3.3%) and myocarditis in one case (1.6%). The treatment was based on doxycycline in 42 cases (71.2%), fluoroquinolones in 10 cases (17%) and macrolide in 7 cases (11.8%) for children aged less than 8 years. The mean duration of treatment was 9 ±3 days. The disease evolution was favourable in all cases. Conclusion The diagnosis of RI among children should be largely based on high index of suspicion, careful clinical and laboratory results. Prompt diagnosis is crucial in order to start antibiotics and avoid, therefore, fatal untreated forms. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S428-S428
Author(s):  
Fatma Hammami ◽  
Makram Koubaa ◽  
Amal Chakroun ◽  
Khaoula Rekik ◽  
Fatma Smaoui ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Rickettsiosis is a common tick-borne disease in tropical regions. The treatment is usually delivered in front of high index of suspicion, since the diagnosis confirmation might be delayed. We aimed to study the epidemiological and clinical features of rickettsiosis in our region. Methods We conducted a retrospective study including all patients hospitalized in the infectious diseases and pediatric department for confirmed rickettsiosis between 1995 and 2017. The diagnosis was confirmed by serological tests (seroconversion) or a positive polymerase chain reaction assays for Rickettsia. Results There were 424 patients among whom 232 (54.7%) were male. The mean age was 39 ±18 years. There were 62 children aged ≤18 years (14.6%). During six months period, from May to October, 360 patients were diagnosed with the disease (84.9%). In total, 334 patients had a close contact with animals (78.7%). The revealing symptoms were fever (100%), arthralgia (77.6%), cephalalgia (72.4%) and vomiting (44.8%). Physical examination showed maculopapular skin rash in 350 cases (82.5%), inoculation eschar in 105 cases (24.8%) and meningeal syndrome in 43 cases (10.1%). There were 43 cases (10.1%) of meningitis, 6 cases of meningoencephalitis (1.4%) and 5 cases of myocarditis (1.2%). Laboratory investigations revealed liver cytolysis (60%) and thrombocytopenia (57.5%). Doxycycline was used in 288 cases (68%), fluoroquinolones in 113 cases (26.6%) and macrolide in 23 cases (5.4%). The mean duration of antibiotics was 8 ±4 days. The disease evolution was favourable in 418 cases (98.6%). Four patients (1%) were dead and 2 patients (0.4%) were transferred to intensive care unit. Conclusion Rickettsiosis is not a rare disease. Careful clinical and laboratory investigations guide the diagnosis process, which is confirmed with serological tests. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S817-S817
Author(s):  
Fatma Hammami ◽  
Makram Koubaa ◽  
Amal Chakroun ◽  
Khaoula Rekik ◽  
Fatma Smaoui ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among children remains challenging due to the non-specific clinical symptoms, laboratory features and the difficulty of sampling for microbiological investigations. We aimed to study clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary features of PTB among children. Methods We conducted a retrospective study including all children aged ≤ 18 years diagnosed with PTB between 1995 and 2016. Results We encountered 67 children with PTB, among whom 37 (55.2%) were female. The median age was 15 years [1-18years]. According to residency, 36 patients came from rural area (53.7%). We noted 7 cases (10.4%) of miliary tuberculosis (TB). Three cases of pleural TB (4.5%), one case of lymph node TB (1.5%) and one case of neuromeningeal TB were associated to PTB. Induced sputum or gastric aspirate were positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 67.9% of the cases. Serologic tests for human immunodeficiency virus was positive in one case (1.5%). The mean duration of antitubercular therapy was 8 ±2 months. The treatment regimen was based on a quadritherapy for the first 2 months, followed by a bitherapy for the rest of the period. Fixed dose drug combinations were prescribed in 17 cases (25.3%). The disease evolution was favourable in 65 cases (97%). Two patients were dead (3%). There were no relapsing cases. Conclusion Prompt diagnosis and treatment of PTB among children improve the prognosis. Screening for PTB among children exposed to adult tuberculosis is crucial in order to prevent the disease. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (08) ◽  
pp. 994-999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmet Karakas ◽  
Omer Coskun ◽  
Cumhur Artuk ◽  
Umit Savasci ◽  
Hanefi Cem Gul ◽  
...  

Introduction: This study aimed to review the possible sources of infection of 16 oropharyngeal tularemia hospital cases, and to document their epidemiological and demographical characteristics, laboratory findings, treatment methods, and treatment results. Methodology: Sixteen cases from a Turkish military hospital between January 2011 and December 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. The age, sex, occupation, place of residence, symptoms, duration of symptoms, laboratory results, treatment and duration, and treatment results were recorded. Tularemia was diagnosed through tularemia-specific tests once the other conditions that may have caused lymphadenopathy were excluded. Results: Twelve of the patients included in this study were males. The average age of the patients was 32.1±17.2 years. Sore throat, fatigue, and fever were the most frequent symptoms. The mean duration of symptoms was 21.6±6.9 days. All the patients had been treated for tonsillopharyngitis in primary healthcare institutions previously. However, despite the treatment, cervical lymphadenopathy had developed in these cases. Patients were given streptomycin, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin monotherapy or in combination. Ten of the cases fully recovered, while five required surgical lymph node drainage. Spontaneous drainage occurred in the single remaining case. Conclusions: Turkey is considered to be an endemic country with regards to tularemia. Prompt diagnosis and proper treatment of the disease is imperative in providing cure. Since it can be potentially confused with tuberculous lymphadenitis, differential diagnosis is vital. Patients presenting with a condition of tonsillopharyngitis in endemic areas must be carefully monitored.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S233-S233
Author(s):  
Fatma Hammami ◽  
Makram Koubaa ◽  
Amal Chakroun ◽  
Khaoula Rekik ◽  
Chakib Marrakchi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The misleading clinical presentation of brucellar sacroiliitis, which is usually confused with involvement of the lumbosacral hinge or the hip, is responsible for diagnostic and therapeutic delay. We aimed to study the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic features of brucellar sacroiliitis. Methods We conducted a retrospective study including all patients hospitalized in the infectious disease department for brucellar sacroiliitis between 1992 and 2020. The diagnosis of brucellosis was based on positive wright agglutination test and/or positive blood cultures. Results We included 12 patients, among whom 8 were males. The mean age was 35±13 years. Ten patients consumed unpasteurized milk and 9 had a close contact with animals. Three patients were previously treated for brucellosis and 4 patients had a family history of brucellosis. The revealing symptoms were sacroiliac joint pain (7 cases) and low back pain (5 cases), associated with fever and night sweats (9 cases). There were 8 cases localized on the left side of the joint. Spondylodiscitis was associated with sacroiliitis in 3 cases and genitourinary brucellosis in one case. An accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and elevated C-reactive protein levels were noted in 7 cases, anemia in 7 cases and leukopenia in 4 cases. X-ray examination of sacroiliac joints revealed thickening of the sacroiliac joint (3 cases). Bone scintigraphy, which was performed in 8 cases, showed hyperfixation of the sacroiliac joint. Sacroiliac computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, performed in 6 cases and 4 cases, respectively, showed signs of sacroiliitis in all cases and soft tissue abscess in 2 cases. Blood cultures were positive to Brucella in 2 cases. All patients received doxycycline and rifampicin, associated with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole in 2 cases. The median duration of treatment was 4.5 months [3-9 months]. The disease evolution was favorable in 10 cases. Sequelae represented by sacroiliac joint pain was noted in 4 cases. There were 2 relapsing cases. Conclusion The diagnosis of brucellar sacroiliitis is based mainly on the imaging results and serological testing. Respecting preventive measures is a priority in order to eradicate brucellosis. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S242-S242
Author(s):  
Fatma Hammami ◽  
Makram Koubaa ◽  
Amal Chakroun ◽  
Khaoula Rekik ◽  
Chakib Marrakchi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Infection of the central nervous system is a severe and fatal disease. Causative agents include bacteria, viruses or fungi. Intracellular bacteria are not only overlooked, but also underdiagnosed. We aimed to study the clinical, laboratory and evolutionary features of neurological involvement caused by intracellular bacteria. Methods We conducted a retrospective study including all patients hospitalized in the infectious disease department for neurological involvement caused by intracellular bacteria between 1995 and 2020. The diagnosis was confirmed by serology. Results We encountered 76 cases among which 43 were males (56.6%). The mean age was 32±18 years. The revealing symptoms included fever (97.4%), cephalalgia (73.7%), vomiting (64.5%) and arthralgia (51.3%). Lumbar puncture revealed a median white blood cell count of 120[56-340]/mm3. Lymphocytic pleocytosis was noted in 62% of the cases. Elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein level was noted in 37 cases (48.7%) with a median of 0.84[0.6-1.37] g/L. Low CSF fluid glucose level was noted in 14 cases (18.4%). There were 70 cases (92.1%) of meningitis and 6 cases of meningoencephalitis (7.9%). The causative agent included Rickettsia species in 47 cases (61.8%), Brucella species in 17 cases (22.4%) and Mycoplasma species in 12 cases (15.8%). Laboratory investigations included elevated C-reactive protein levels (40.7%), thrombocytopenia (32.8%) and increase in hepatic enzyme levels (21%). Anemia was noted in 27 cases (35.5%), leukocytosis in 24 cases (31.5%) and leucopoenia in 6 cases (7.8%). Blood and CSF cultures were positive for Brucella in 2 cases (2.6%) and 5 cases (6.5%), respectively. The mean duration of treatment was 156±94 days for brucellosis cases, 9±4 days for rickettsiosis cases and 10±6 days for Mycoplasma cases. The disease evolution was favorable in 72 cases (94.7%). Four patients were dead (5.3%). Complications were noted in 5 cases (6.5%) and sequelae in 2 cases (2.6%). Conclusion Intracellular bacteria including Brucella, Rickettsia and Mycoplasma species should be considered in front of neurological symptoms. Meningitis with lymphocytic pleocytosis was the most common clinical presentation. An early diagnosis followed by the adequate treatment might avoid complications and death. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-21
Author(s):  
Farnaz Tavakoli ◽  
Fatemeh Yaghoubi ◽  
Davood Babakhani ◽  
Farnoosh Tavakoli

Introduction: Patients suffering from chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) are more likely to have a small bowel obstruction, sepsis, and death. Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate how the EPS is prevalent in Iranian patients suffering from continuous chronic PD. It was also tried to detect risk factors, clinical symptoms, signs, complications and mortality rate. Patients and Methods: The study population consisted of all incident patients undergoing PD for more than 6 months from 1994 until 2015. The criterion to detect EPS was either positive radiological or surgical results in terms of the clinical short bowel obstruction (SBO) or a thickened peritoneum in the absence of an alternative etiology. Control groups were non-EPS patients that were twice the EPS patients. These patients were being followed up for at least 6 months after the end of PD. Results: This study showed that in people with EPS, 58.3% were women. The mean age was 47 years. The duration of treatment with PD in these patients was 58 months. Mortality rate in patients with EPS was 61.1 percent. Conclusion: It is advisable that individuals should be treated with chronic PD for a maximum period of three to 4 years.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S718-S718
Author(s):  
Fatma Hammami ◽  
Makram Koubaa ◽  
Fatma Smaoui ◽  
Amal Chakroun ◽  
Khaoula Rekik ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Brucellosis is a multi-organ zoonotic disease which may present with a myriad manifestation. In our country, brucellosis remains endemic and represents a public health problem. We aimed to study the clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary features of brucellosis. Methods We conducted a retrospective study including all patients hospitalized for brucellosis in the infectious diseases department between 1990 and 2018. Positive blood cultures to Brucella spp and/or standard agglutination test (SAT) titer > 1/160 confirmed the diagnosis. Results During the study period, we encountered 216 cases of brucellosis, among whom 140 cases were males (64.8%). The mean age was 40±17 years. Patients came from rural areas (89.8%) and had a close contact with animals (70.8%). The consumption of unpasteurized milk was noted in 182 cases (84.2%). A family history of brucellosis was noted in 53 cases (24.5%). In total, 68 patients had a previous medical history of treated brucellosis (31.4%). There were 113 cases (52.3%) of acute brucellosis and 103 cases (47.7%) of sub-acute brucellosis. Spondylodiscitis (65 cases; 63.1%), neurobrucellosis (17 cases; 16.5%) and sacroiliitis (12 cases; 11.7%) were the most common forms of the sub-acute brucellosis. The revealing symptoms were fever (83.8%), night sweats (71.3%), arthralgia (55.1%) and back pain (53.2%). Laboratory investigations revealed leukopenia (14.4%), anemia (49%) and elevated C-reactive protein levels (42.1%). Blood cultures were positive to Brucella in 17.1% of the cases. Patients received a combination therapy based on doxycycline and rifampicin in 141 cases (65.2%). Triple therapy regimen including doxycycline, rifampicin and co-trimoxazole was prescribed in 51 cases (23.6%). The mean treatment duration was 52±20 days in the acute form and 6±3 months in the sub-acute form. The disease evolution was favourable in 94.4% of the cases. Sequelae were noted in 12% of the cases and relapse in 3.7% of the cases. Four patients were dead (1.9%). Conclusion Due to its various clinical presentation, the diagnosis of brucellosis might be delayed. High index of suspicion is required in order to promptly diagnose the disease. Control and eradication of brucellosis in animals are mandatory so as to eradicate brucellosis. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (13) ◽  
pp. 7-17
Author(s):  
Hatice ESEN ◽  
Tuğba ÇALIŞKAN ◽  
Ayşegül SEREMET KESKİN

Background/aim: COVID-19 cases originated in Wuhan and it has become a global problem. The purpose of study to examine the rate of re-hospitalisation within 30 days after the completion of medical treatments for patients suffering from COVID-19. Materials and methods: In this study, the results of COVID-19 patients who were re-admitted to the hospital within 30 days were examined. The general and clinical characteristics of the patients and laboratory results were evaluated using parametric and nonparametric tests. Results: Included in this study were 22 patients, comprising 14 males and 8 females, with re-hospitalisation rate within 30 days and a diagnosis of COVID-19 that was 0.6%. The mean age of the patients who were re-hospitalised was 56.45 years. The major clinical symptoms of the patients who were re-hospitalised, respectively, were cough, shortness of breath, fever. When the levels from the first hospitalisation and the second hospitalisation were compared, an increase in the LYM count and N/L ratio was detected and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: A holistic patient assessment and care approach should be adopted by evaluating the symptomatic complaints as well as the comorbidities of the patients, so as to reduce the number of re-hospitalisations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S722-S722
Author(s):  
Fatma Hammami ◽  
Makram Koubaa ◽  
Amal Chakroun ◽  
Khaoula Rekik ◽  
Fatma Smaoui ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Rickettsiosis, an acute febrile illness, is generally considered as a benign disease. However, severe cases were reported, among which acute renal failure (ARF) represented 13 to 18% of the cases. We aimed to study the clinical and evolutionary features of rickettsiosis complicated with ARF, when compared with all rickettsial infections. Methods We conducted a retrospective study including all patients hospitalized for rickettsiosis in the infectious diseases department between 1995 and 2018. The diagnosis was confirmed by serologies (seroconversion). Results Overall, we encountered 28 patients (6.4%) with ARF among 440 patients with rickettsiosis. There were 19 males (67.9%). Patients with ARF were significantly older (53±16 vs 38±17 years; p< 0.001). They consulted for eruptive fever (78.6%), febrile cephalalgia (10.7%) or isolated fever (10.7%). Arthralgia and vomiting were noted in 75% and 35.7% of the cases, respectively. There were 4 cases (14.3%) of meningitis and 2 cases (7.1%) of meningoencephalitis. The mean creatinine levels were 158 µmol/L [120-444 µmol/L]. In comparison with all rickettsial infections, eschars were more frequently noted among patients with ARF (46.4% vs 23.8%; p=0.008). They were more frequently diagnosed with septic shock (14.3% vs 0.5%; p< 0.001) and retinitis (10.7% vs 1.5%; p=0.015). Comparison of the disease evolution showed that death was significantly more frequent among cases with ARF (7.1% vs 0.2%; p=0.011). The mean length of hospital stay was significantly longer among patients with ARF (8.7±4.7 vs 5.3±3.5 days; p=0.001). As to gender and the revealing symptoms, no significant difference was noted. Conclusion Rickettsial infections complicated with ARF had a poor prognosis, especially among the elderly. Prompt empiric antibiotic therapy might improve the prognosis. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-47
Author(s):  
Mohsena Akhter ◽  
Ishrat Bhuiyan ◽  
Zulfiqer Hossain Khan ◽  
Mahfuza Akhter ◽  
Gulam Kazem Ali Ahmad ◽  
...  

Background: Scabies is one of the most common skin diseases in our country. It is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis, which is an ecto-parasite infesting the epidermis. Scabies is highly contagious. Prevalence is high in congested or densely populated areas. Individuals with close contact with an affected person should be treated with scabicidal which is available in both oral and topical formulations. The only oral but highly effective scabicidal known to date is Ivermectin. Amongst topical preparations, Permethrin 5 % cream is the treatment of choice. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy & safety of oral Ivermectin compared to topical Permethrin in the treatment of scabies. Methodology: This prospective, non-randomized study was conducted at the out-patient department of Dermatology and Venereology of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College & Hospital over a period of 6 months, from August 2016 to January 2017. The study population consisted of one hundred patients having scabies, enrolled according to inclusion criteria. They were divided into two groups. group A was subjected to oral Ivermectin and the group B to Permethrin 5% cream. Patients were followed up on day 7 and 14 for assessment of efficacy and safety. Result: The mean scoring with SD in group A (Ivermectin) and group B (Permethrin) were 8.26 ± 2.22 and 7.59 ± 2.01 respectively at the time of observation. The difference between the mean score of the two group is not significant (p=0.117) the mean scoring with SD in group A and group B were 4.54 ± 2.05 and 1.64 ± 1.84 respectively at 7thdays. The difference between the mean score of the two group is significant (p<0.001). The mean scoring with SD in group A and group B were 2.68± 2.35 and .36± 1.10 respectively at 14th day difference between the mean score of the group is significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: Topical application of permethrin 5% cream is more effective and safer than oral Ivermectin in the treatment of scabies. TAJ 2020; 33(1): 41-47


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