scholarly journals Microbiology of Vertebral Osteomyelitis and Implications on Empiric Therapy

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S6-S6
Author(s):  
Abbye Clark ◽  
Neha Sharma ◽  
Sharon Weissman ◽  
Majdi N Al-Hasan ◽  
Caroline Derrick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Carolina ◽  
Antimicrobial Therapy ◽  
Vertebral Osteomyelitis ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Empiric Therapy ◽  
Empiric Antibiotic Therapy ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Male Predominance ◽  
Case Series Study

Abstract Background The management of vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) includes empiric antibiotic therapy while clinical cultures are being processed. Optimal antimicrobial therapy for VO, particularly when Gram-negative (GN) organisms are involved, is an area of ongoing debate. Narrow spectrum and oral antimicrobial therapy are preferred. The objective of this study was to identify characteristics of local pathogens and to formulate an institution-specific antibiotic protocol for empiric treatment of VO. Methods We conducted a retrospective case series study of adults diagnosed with VO from August 1, 2010 to August 31, 2015 at Palmetto Health Hospitals in Columbia, South Carolina. Cases identified by ICD-9 codes were included in the analysis if they met clinical, imaging and microbiology, criteria. Results Analysis is based on 150 cases of VO with a mean age of 61 years, a male predominance (91; 61%), and an average body mass index of 29kg/m2. Comorbidities included diabetes mellitus (69; 46%), tobacco use (33; 22%), and hemodialysis (20; 13%). Thirty-seven (25%) cases had recent related injury or vertebral surgery, and 14 (9%) had prior hardware. Bone, disc, or adjacent tissue cultures were obtained in 129 (86%) of cases; 60 (40%) of these had >1 sample taken. The remaining 14% had blood cultures alone. Thirty-six cases (24%) had culture negative VO. In the remaining 114 cases, 132 organisms were isolated. A total of 111 (84%) organisms were Gram-positive cocci (GPC). Of those, the majority was Staphylococcus aureus. (66; 59%) (26/66 were methicillin-resistant), coagulase-negative staphylococci (20; 18%) and Streptococcus spp. (17; 15%). Enterobacteriaceae accounted for 13/17 Gram-negative bacilli (GNB), with only one isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Of the GNB, 11/17 were susceptible to either ceftriaxone or ciprofloxacin. Conclusion There was a predominance of VO due to GPC suggesting that intravenous vancomycin monotherapy may be reasonable for empiric therapy in noncritically ill patients while awaiting Gram stain and clinical culture results. Addition of either ceftriaxone or ciprofloxacin to vancomycin would increase cumulative antimicrobial coverage from 84 to 92%. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Clinical Characteristics, Treatments and Outcomes of 18 Lung Transplant Recipients with COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 229-245
Author(s):  
René Hage ◽  
Carolin Steinack ◽  
Fiorenza Gautschi ◽  
Susan Pfister ◽  
Ilhan Inci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Transplant ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Invasive Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Transplant Recipients ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Lung Transplant Recipients

We report clinical features, treatments and outcomes in 18 lung transplant recipients with laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. We performed a single center, retrospective case series study of lung transplant recipients, who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 between 1 February 2020 and 1 March 2021. Clinical, laboratory and radiology findingswere obtained. Treatment regimens and patient outcome data were obtained by reviewing the electronic medical record. Mean age was 49.9 (22–68) years, and twelve (67%) patients were male. The most common symptoms were fever (n = 9, 50%), nausea/vomiting (n = 7, 39%), cough (n = 6, 33%), dyspnea (n = 6, 33%) and fatigue (n = 6, 33%). Headache was reported by five patients (28%). The most notable laboratory findings were elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Computed Tomography (CT) of the chest was performed in all hospitalized patients (n = 11, 7%), and showed ground-glass opacities (GGO) in 11 patients (100%), of whom nine (82%) had GGO combined with pulmonary consolidations. Six (33%) patients received remdesivir, five (28%) intravenous dexamethasone either alone or in combination with remdesivir, and 15 (83%) were treated with broad spectrum antibiotics including co-amoxicillin, tazobactam-piperacillin and meropenem. Four (22%) patients were transferred to the intensive care unit, two patients (11%) required invasive mechanical ventilation who could not be successfully extubated and died. Eighty-nine percent of our patients survived COVID-19 and were cured. Two patients with severe COVID-19 did not survive.

Electrophysiological effects and clinical utility of propafenone in children

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Manavotam Singh ◽  
Keore McKenzie ◽  
Mark L. Hudak ◽  
Anil K. Gehi ◽  
Sunita J. Ferns
Keyword(s):  
Case Series ◽  
Clinical Effectiveness ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Cardiac Side Effects ◽  
Cardiac Depression ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Baseline Characteristics ◽  
Antiarrhythmic Medication ◽  
Electrophysiological Effects ◽  
Series Study

Abstract Aim: This retrospective case series study sought to describe the safety and clinical effectiveness of propafenone for the control of arrhythmias in children with and without CHD or cardiomyopathy. Methods: We reviewed baseline characteristics and subsequent outcomes in a group of 63 children treated with propafenone at 2 sites over a 15-year period Therapy was considered effective if no clinically apparent breakthrough episodes of arrhythmias were noted on the medication. Results: Sixty-three patients (29 males) were initiated on propafenone at a median age of 2.3 years. CHD or cardiomyopathy was noted in 21/63 (33%). There were no significant differences between demographics, clinical backgrounds, antiarrhythmic details, side effect profiles, and outcomes between children with normal hearts and children with CHD or cardiomyopathy. Cardiac depression at the initiation of propafenone was more common amongst children with CHD or cardiomyopathy compared to children with normal hearts. Systemic ventricular function was diminished in 15/63 patients (24%) prior to starting propafenone and improved in 8/15 (53%) of patients once better rhythm control was achieved. Other than one child in whom medication was stopped due to gastroesophageal reflux, no other child experienced significant systemic or cardiac side effects during treatment with propafenone. Propafenone achieved nearly equal success in controlling arrhythmias in both children with normal hearts and children with congenital heart disease or cardiomyopathy (90% versus 86%, p = 0.88). Conclusion: Propafenone is a safe and effective antiarrhythmic medication in children.

scholarly journals Safety of alemtuzumab in a nationwide cohort of Finnish multiple sclerosis patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilkka Rauma ◽  
Tiina Mustonen ◽  
Juha Matti Seppä ◽  
Maritta Ukkonen ◽  
Marianne Männikkö ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Serious Adverse Events ◽  
Highly Active ◽  
Disease Modifying Therapy ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Abstract Background Alemtuzumab is an effective disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for highly active multiple sclerosis (MS). However, safety concerns limit its use in clinical practice. Objectives To evaluate the safety of alemtuzumab in a nationwide cohort of Finnish MS patients. Methods In this retrospective case series study, we analyzed the data of all but two MS patients who had received alemtuzumab in Finland until 2019. Data were systematically collected from patient files. Results Altogether 121 patients were identified, most of whom had received previous DMTs (82.6%). Median follow-up time after treatment initiation was 30.3 months and exceeded 24 months in 78 patients. Infusion-associated reactions (IARs) were observed in 84.3%, 57.3%, and 57.1% of patients during alemtuzumab courses 1–3, respectively. Serious adverse events (SAEs) were observed in 32.2% of patients, serious IARs in 12.4% of patients, and SAEs other than IARs in 23.1% of patients. Autoimmune adverse events were observed in 30.6% of patients. One patient died of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, and one patient died of pneumonia. A previously unreported case of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura was documented. Conclusions SAEs were more frequent in the present cohort than in previous studies. Even though alemtuzumab is a highly effective therapy for MS, vigorous monitoring with a long enough follow-up time is advised.

scholarly journals Urinary and sexual functions after surgical treatment of penile fracture concomitant with complete urethral disruption

2014 ◽  
Vol 86 (1) ◽  
pp. 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Abdel Raheem ◽  
Hassan El-Tatawy ◽  
Ahmed Eissa ◽  
Abdel Hamid Elbahnasy ◽  
Mohamed Elbendary
Keyword(s):  
Case Series ◽  
Surgical Reconstruction ◽  
Urethral Injury ◽  
Penile Curvature ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Penile Fracture ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Long Term Follow Up

Objectives: Penile fracture with concomitant complete urethral disruption is an uncommon urologic disorder. Data about the treatment and outcome measurements of this condition are scarce in the literature. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the long term urinary and sexual functions of patients with penile fracture associated with complete urethral injury after immediate surgical reconstruction. Patients and methods: Twelve patients met our inclusion criteria and were included in this retrospective case series study; however, one was lost during follow-up. Patient's medical records were reviewed and all patients were interviewed for clinical evaluation. Urinary function was assessed by history, uroflometry and retrograde urethrography, while, sexual function was assessed by questionnaire (Sexual Health Inventory for Men) and penile Doppler for patients with erectile dysfunction. Results: Patients’ mean age was 32.3 ± 7.5 years (range 21-43) and the mean follow-up period was 72.6 ± 45.4 months (range 14-187). Vigorous sexual intercourse was the main cause in 91% of our patients. No serious long term complications was found. Only 1 patient (9%) suffered from anterior urethral stricture, 1 patient (9%) complained of weak erection, 3 patients (27%) had a palpable fibrosis and 2 patients (18%) reported a slight penile curvature during erection. Ninety one percent of all our patients maintained their normal urinary and sexual functions. Conclusion: On the long term follow-up, most of the patients maintained their normal erectile and voiding functions with no harmful long-term complications. We advocate immediate surgical intervention and reconstruction of both corpora cavernous and urethra as a first line treatment for those patients.

scholarly journals Safety and efficacy of posterior iris claw intraocular lens fixation in aphakic patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-133
Author(s):  
Rosemary Tomy ◽  
Rajkumar Maheshwari ◽  
Ansa Parveen Kunhu Muhammed ◽  
Venkataramana Kalikivayi ◽  
Sajeev Cherian Jacob
Keyword(s):  
Intraocular Lens ◽  
Anterior Segment ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Visual Outcome ◽  
Applanation Tonometry ◽  
Long Term Results ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Wide Range

Purpose: To assess the indications and visual outcome of eyes undergoing posterior iris fixated intraocular lens (IFIOL) implantation for aphakia, to identify reasons for poor visual outcome, and report occurrence of complications. Methods: In this retrospective case series study, all cases of posterior IFIOL fixation performed over a 30-month period were identified retrospectively. Preoperative and postoperative evaluations comprised objective and subjective refraction, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit lamp biomicroscopy, applanation tonometry, and dilated fundus examination. Results: Fifty-six eyes of 56 patients were analyzed. Mean age was 60.55 ± 17.2 years. The most common indication for IFIOL implantation was surgical aphakia following complicated cataract surgery (n = 33; 58.9%) followed by trauma (n = 10; 17.9%), dropped nucleus/IOL during primary surgery (n = 6; 10.7%), and subluxated/dislocated lens-induced glaucomas (n = 5; 8.9%). BCVA better than or equal to their preoperative BCVA was achieved in 96.43% patients. The surgical aphakia and paediatric/adolescent groups had the best visual results while the dropped nucleus/IOL group and subluxated lens-induced glaucoma groups fared poorly. On the long-term follow-up visit, the most common complication noted was pigment dusting on the corneal endothelium (65.7%). Conclusion: The long-term results suggest that posterior IFIOL implantation is a safe and effective method for correction of aphakia and can be used for a wide range of indications in eyes without adequate capsule support. It may be considered an easier and faster alternative with minimal manipulation to anterior segment structures in paediatric and post-traumatic aphakic eyes.

scholarly journals Functional outcome of diaphyseal fractures of forearm in adolescents treated with TENS

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 69
Author(s):  
Divyanshu Goyal ◽  
S. L. Sharma ◽  
Laxmikant Meena ◽  
Ravindra Lamoria ◽  
Mahesh Bansal
Keyword(s):  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Forearm Fractures ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Superficial Infection ◽  
Fractures In Children ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Diaphyseal Fractures

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> A retrospective case series study was done on forearm diaphyseal fracture in adolescents treated with TENS (titanium elastic nailing system). Purpose of the study was analysis of functional outcome of TENS in forearm diaphyseal fractures in children between 12-18 year age group.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> We retrospectively evaluated 30 patients operated by same senior surgeon during the period from March 2014 to February 2015 with closed diaphyseal forearm fractures in age group 12–18 years treated with TENS in whom closed reduction could not be achieved. Nail diameter taken as 33-40% of narrowest diameter of diaphysys were introduced proximally in ulna and distally in radius under image intensifier in closed manner. Postoperatively, patients encouraged for active shoulder, elbow and finger movements and suture removal done after 2 weeks. Patients were followed up for minimum period of one year.  </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> In terms of union and range of motion using Anderson et al criteria 24 patients had excellent results, 4 patients had satisfactory results and one patient had poor result having non-union of ulna. Two patients had superficial infection at the nail entry site which eventually resolved. One patient lost for follow up.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> We conclude that TENS in both bone forearm fractures in adolescent age group in terms of union and range of motion is a minimally invasive and effective method of fixation.</p>

scholarly journals Tracheo-bronchial foreign bodies: our experience at a tertiary care hospital

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shashidhar S. Suligavi ◽  
Mallikarjun N. Patil ◽  
S. S. Doddamani ◽  
Chandrashekarayya S. Hiremath ◽  
Afshan Fathima
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Body ◽  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Foreign Bodies ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Team Work ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Presenting Symptoms ◽  
Case Series Study

<p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Background:</span></strong>Tracheo- bronchial foreign bodies have always posed a challenge to the ENT surgeon as they present with varied symptomatology ranging from a simple cough and fever to more grave respiratory distress. It requires a strong suspicion, early diagnosis and timely intervention to reduce the overall morbidity and mortality .This study was undertaken to highlight our experiences in handling cases of tracheo- bronchial foreign bodies (FB) at our setup.</p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Methods:</span></strong>It is a retrospective case series study conducted in S. Nijalingappa Medical College between January 2011 and January 2015.  </p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Results:</span></strong>Most commonly affected were children between 1year to 3years of age. Chronic cough and wheeze were the commonest presenting symptoms. Vegetative foreign body was found to be the commonest variety of foreign body. The mortality rate in our study was 4.7% (n=3).</p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Conclusions:</span></strong>A good clinical acumen, team work, early diagnosis and timely intervention are all needed to reduce the overall mortality and morbidity associated with tracheo- bronchial foreign bodies.</p>

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