Progression, recovery and fatality in patients with SARS-CoV-2 related pneumonia in Wuhan, China: a single-centered, retrospective, observational study

Objectives To determine the case fatality rates and death risk factors. Design Retrospective case series. Setting A COVID-19 ward of a secondary Hospital in Wuhan, China. Participants Consecutively hospitalized COVID-19 patients between Jan 3, 2020 and Feb 27, 2020. Outcomes were followed up to discharge or death. Results Of 121 patients included, 66 (54.6%) were males. The median age was 59 (IQR: 46 to 67) years, and hypertension (33 patients; 27.3%) the leading comorbidity. Lymphopenia (83 of 115 patients; 72.2%) frequently occurred and then normalized on day 4 (IQR: 3 to 6) after admission in the survivors, with lung lesion absorbed gradually on day 8 (IQR: 6 to10) after onset (33 of 57 patients; 57.9%). The real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays for SARS-CoV-2 were positive in 78 (78/108; 72.2%) patients, and a false-negative RT-PCR occurred in 15 (13.9%) patients. Hypoxemia occurred in 94 (94/117; 80.3%) patients, and supplemental oxygen was given in 88 (72.7%) patients, and mon-invasive or invasive ventilation in 20 (16.5%) cases. Corticosteroid use might link to death. The case fatality rates were 4.4% (one of 23 patients), 29.3% (12/41), 22.8% (13/57) or 45% (9/20) for patients with moderate, severe, critical illness or on ventilator. The length of hospital stay was 14 (IQR: 10 to 20) days, and selfcare ability worsened in 21 patients (21/66; 31.8%) cases. Patients over 60 years were most likely to have poorer outcomes, and increasing in age by one-year increased risk for death by 18% (CI: 1.04-1.32). Conclusions In management of patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, especially the elderly with hypertension, close monitoring and appropriate supportive treatment should be taken earlier and aggressively to prevent from developing severe or critical illness. Corticosteroid use might link to death. Repeated RT-PCR tests or novel detection methods for SARS-CoV-2 should be adopted to improve diagnostic efficiency.

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Peripartum hysterectomy: a five year review at a tertiary care centre

International Journal of Reproduction Contraception Obstetrics and Gynecology ◽

10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20173490 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 6 (8) ◽

pp. 3590

Author(s):

Deepak A. V. ◽

K. J. Jacob ◽

Sumi P. Maria

Keyword(s):

Tertiary Care ◽

Case Series ◽

Case Fatality ◽

Tertiary Care Centre ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

College Hospital ◽

Peripartum Hysterectomy ◽

Medical College ◽

Obstetric Haemorrhage ◽

Suboptimal Care

Background: Peripartum hysterectomy is a life-saving procedure resorted to when conservative measures fail to control obstetric haemorrhage. Several predisposing factors, suboptimal care and lack of infrastructure may lead to this emergency procedure. We wanted to find out factors associated with peripartum hysterectomy and the adverse maternal outcomes at our centre.Methods: A retrospective case series analysis of 40 cases of peripartum hysterectomy performed over a period of 5 years from January 2010 to December 2014 at Government Medical College Hospital, Thrissur, Kerala was done.Results: The incidence of peripartum hysterectomy was 0.29%. The most common indication for peripartum hysterectomy was hysterectomy was uterine atony (50%). Thirty-five women (88%) were between 20 and 35 years. Most of the subjects were unbooked. There were two maternal deaths (case fatality rate of 5%) following peripartum hysterectomy during this period. All the subjects required blood transfusion.Conclusions: Prompt performance hysterectomy before the patient’s clinical condition deteriorates is the key to success. The incidence of adherent placenta is increasing, so every effort should be taken to reduce the caesarean section rates globally.

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Ultrasound Biomicroscopy Documented Anterior Uveal Melanoma Regression after Ruthenium-106 Plaque Therapy

Ocular Oncology and Pathology ◽

10.1159/000512030 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Biljana Kuzmanović Elabjer ◽

Mladen Bušić ◽

Andrej Pleše ◽

Mirjana Bjeloš ◽

Daliborka Miletić ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Uveal Melanoma ◽

Tumor Regression ◽

Corneal Thickness ◽

Case Series ◽

Ultrasound Biomicroscopy ◽

Close Monitoring ◽

Single Institution ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Caucasian Patients

Introduction: Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) is the only widely used method for the evaluation of anterior uveal melanoma (AUM). Objective: Documentation of regression of AUM treated with ruthenium-106 (Ru-106) plaque types CCB and CCC using UBM. Methods: This single institution-based retrospective case series involved 10 Caucasian patients with AUM followed after brachytherapy with UBM from January 2014 until February 2019. The largest prominence of the tumor perpendicular to the sclera or the cornea (including scleral/corneal thickness) (D) and the largest basal dimension (B) were measured in millimeters with UBM for all patients prior to the brachytherapy and at 4-month interval follow-up. Tumor regression was calculated as a percentage of decrease in the initial D and B values. Results: The study involved 10 patients with a mean age of 64.4 years (yr) (range 46–80 yr). D ranged from 1.82 to 5.5 mm (median 2.99 mm) and B from 2.32 to 12.38 mm (median 4.18 mm). The apical radiation dose in all patients was 100 Gy. The median follow-up was 42.02 months. Regression for D was 21.11 ± 13.66%, 31.09 ± 14.66%, and 34.92 ± 19.86% at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year of the follow-up, respectively, while for B it was 21.58 ± 16.05%, 28.98 ± 17.71%, and 32.06 ± 18.96%, respectively. Tumor recurrence was documented in 2/10 patients. Conclusion: The major regression of AUM, treated with Ru-106 plaque types CCB and CCC, was documented in the first 2 years after brachytherapy in our study group. In the following years, only minimal regression was documented that warns of the need for close monitoring and active search for local recurrences.

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Effectiveness and Safety of Sitagliptin in Patients with Beta-thalassaemia Major and Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Series

Mediterranean Journal of Hematology and Infectious Diseases ◽

10.4084/mjhid.2017.004 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. e2017004 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Shahrzad Zonoozi

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Case Series ◽

Close Monitoring ◽

Thalassaemia Major ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Antidiabetic Agent ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Beta Thalassaemia ◽

Equivalent Reduction

Sitagliptin, a modern antidiabetic agent which is weight neutral and associated with low rate of hypoglycaemias, is being increasingly used in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). However there is paucity of data about its efficacy and safety in beta-thalassaemia major (β-TM).This retrospective case series of five patients (mean age of 45 years) is the first study evaluating the use of sitagliptin in patients with β-TM and DM.Four patients responded well to sitagliptin, as evidenced by decrease in fructosamine by 77 and 96µmol/L (equivalent reduction in HbA1c of 1.5% and 1.9%) observed in two patients and reduction in the frequency of hypoglycaemia without worsening glycaemic control in two others. One patient did not respond to sitagliptin. No patients reported significant side effects.This study provides evidence that sitagliptin may be considered, with caution, for use in patients with β-TM and DM, under the close monitoring of a Diabetologist.

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Tocilizumab in the treatment of rapidly evolving COVID-19 pneumonia and multifaceted critical illness: A retrospective case series

Annals of Medicine and Surgery ◽

10.1016/j.amsu.2020.10.061 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 60 ◽

pp. 417-424 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ahmed Mady ◽

Waleed Aletreby ◽

Basheer Abdulrahman ◽

Mohammed Lhmdi ◽

Alfateh M. Noor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Critical Illness ◽

Case Series ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Retrospective Case Series

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Diagnostic value of real-time PCR of brain mass lesion in HIV-associated toxoplasmic encephalitis: a case series

Parasites & Vectors ◽

10.1186/s13071-020-04443-1 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Bo Liang ◽

Si-Yuan Yang ◽

Jia-Min Chen ◽

Ting-Yu Liang ◽

Hong-Xin Zhao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Outpatient Service ◽

Case Series ◽

Diagnostic Value ◽

Toxoplasmic Encephalitis ◽

Diagnostic Efficiency ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Hiv Viral Load ◽

Brain Mass ◽

Csf Analysis

Abstract Background Toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) is a leading cause of brain mass lesions (BML) in human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV)-infected patients. Yet, so far, no accurate diagnostic approach for TE has been developed. Herein, we presented a case series (9 HIV-infected patients with TG confirmed by RT-PCR of BML) to assess the diagnostic value of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on TE. Methods A total of 9 HIV-infected patients with TE confirmed by RT-PCR of BML were included in this study. Clinical data, including clinical symptoms, blood and CSF analysis, neuroimaging features, histopathological characteristics, treatment, and prognosis, were assessed in all patients. According to the results of RT-PCR of BML, all the patients received oral administration of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole combined with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Patients were followed up by telephone or outpatient service. Results There were 8 male and 1 female patients; their age ranged from 26 to 56 years-old. The main symptom was intracranial hypertension (6/9). Six patients presented multiple brain lesions, which were mainly located in the supratentorial area (7/9). CD4+ count ranged from 11 to 159 cells/μl (median 92 cells/μl), and serological HIV viral load 0–989190 copies/ml (median 192836 copies/ml). IgG and IgM against serum TG were positive in 7 and 1 patients, respectively. Moreover, regarding CSF, IgG against TG was positive in 3 patients, while all patients were negative for IgM. The neuroimaging features on MRI showed no specificity. Four patients were diagnosed with TE by histopathological findings. After receiving anti-Toxoplasma therapy, 8 (8/9) patients improved clinically to a considerable extent. Conclusions The application of RT-PCR of BML, together with conventional methods, may significantly improve the diagnostic efficiency of TE.

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COVID-19 hospitalizations in five California hospitals: a retrospective cohort study

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-021-06640-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Miriam Nuño ◽

Yury García ◽

Ganesh Rajasekar ◽

Diego Pinheiro ◽

Alec J. Schmidt

Keyword(s):

Mortality Rate ◽

Hospital Admissions ◽

Large Population ◽

Case Series ◽

The United States ◽

Composite Outcome ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Hospital System ◽

Icu Admission ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract Background The novel coronavirus pandemic has had a differential impact on communities of color across the US. The University of California hospital system serves a large population of people who are often underrepresented elsewhere. Data from hospital stays can provide much-needed localized information on risk factors for severe cases and/or death. Methods Patient-level retrospective case series of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 hospital admissions at five UC hospitals (N = 4730). Odds ratios of ICU admission, death, and a composite of both outcomes were calculated with univariate and multivariate logistic regression based on patient characteristics, including sex, race/ethnicity, and select comorbidities. Associations between comorbidities were quantified and visualized with a correlation network. Results Overall mortality rate was 7.0% (329/4,730). ICU mortality rate was 18.8% (225/1,194). The rate of the composite outcome (ICU admission and/or death) was 27.4% (1298/4730). Comorbidity-controlled odds of a composite outcome were increased for age 75–84 (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.11–1.93) and 85–59 (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.04–1.87) compared to 18–34 year-olds, males (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.21–1.59) vs. females, and patients identifying as Hispanic/Latino (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.14–1.61) or Asian (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.23–1.82) compared to White. Patients with 5 or more comorbidities were exceedingly likely to experience a composite outcome (OR 2.74, 95% CI 2.32–3.25). Conclusions Males, older patients, those with multiple pre-existing comorbidities, and those identifying as Hispanic/Latino or Asian experienced an increased risk of ICU admission and/or death. These results are consistent with reported risks among the Hispanic/Latino population elsewhere in the United States, and confirm multiple concerns about heightened risk among the Asian population in California.

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Incidence of Electrographic Seizures in Patients With COVID-19

Frontiers in Neurology ◽

10.3389/fneur.2021.614719 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Brandon L. Waters ◽

Andrew J. Michalak ◽

Danielle Brigham ◽

Kiran T. Thakur ◽

Amelia Boehme ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Critical Illness ◽

Case Series ◽

Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽

Convulsive Status Epilepticus ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Predictive Values ◽

Electrographic Seizure ◽

Epileptiform Discharges ◽

Interictal Epileptiform Discharges ◽

Electrographic Seizures

Critical illness and sepsis are commonly associated with subclinical seizures. COVID-19 frequently causes severe critical illness, but the incidence of electrographic seizures in patients with COVID-19 has been reported to be low. This retrospective case series assessed the incidence of and risks for electrographic seizures in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 who underwent continuous video electroencephalography monitoring (cvEEG) between March 1st, 2020 and June 30th, 2020. One hundred and twenty-two patients were initially identified who resulted SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal RT-PCR swab positivity with any electroencephalography order placed in the EMR. Seventy-nine patients met study inclusion criteria: age ≥18 years, >1 h of cvEEG monitoring, and positive SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal swab PCR. Six (8%) of the 79 patients suffered electrographic seizures (ES), three of whom suffered non-convulsive status epilepticus. Acute hyperkinetic movements were the most common reason for cvEEG in patients with ES (84%). None of the patients undergoing cvEEG for persistent coma (29% of all patients) had ES. Focal slowing (67 vs. 10%), sporadic interictal epileptiform discharges (EDs; 33 vs. 6%), and periodic/rhythmic EDs (67 vs. 1%) were proportionally more frequent among patients with electrographic seizures than those without these seizures. While 15% of patients without ES had generalized periodic discharges (GPDs) with triphasic morphology on EEG, none of the patients with ES had this pattern. Further study is required to assess the predictive values of these risk factors on electrographic seizure incidence and subsequent outcomes.

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Endovascular Embolization in the Treatment of Epistaxis

Otolaryngology ◽

10.1177/0194599819829743 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 160 (5) ◽

pp. 822-828 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Phillip Huyett ◽

Brian T. Jankowitz ◽

Eric W. Wang ◽

Carl H. Snyderman

Keyword(s):

Tertiary Care ◽

Surgical Techniques ◽

Case Series ◽

Major Complication ◽

Endovascular Embolization ◽

High Risk Group ◽

Care Hospital ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Operative Control

Objective The cost-effectiveness of endovascular embolization (EE) for intractable epistaxis has been questioned, especially as endoscopic surgical techniques have become standard of care at many institutions. Our objectives were to review the safety profile and effectiveness of EE for epistaxis. Study Design Retrospective case series. Setting Tertiary care hospital. Subjects There were 54 patients and 64 unique encounters. Patients were 66.7% male, with a mean age of 64.5 years. Bleeding disorders were present in 18.8%, hypertension was present in 71.7%, and 61.1% were on anticoagulant/platelet drugs. Methods Charts of patients undergoing EE for epistaxis between 2005 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Results The immediate bleeding control rate was 92.6%. Three patients died within 1 week of EE and were excluded from further analysis. Overall, 64.7% of the remaining patients had no further episodes of epistaxis. Thirteen patients (25.4%) rebled within 1 week, 11 of whom required repeat EE or operative control. Five patients (9.8%) rebled more than 1 week following the procedure with 4 requiring repeat EE or operative control. The major complication rate was 7.4% and included transient stroke, diplopia, facial skin necrosis, and extraperitoneal hemorrhage. Conclusion While the immediate success rate of EE for epistaxis was comparable to the literature, the overall short- and long-term rebleed rate was high in this selected population. The results suggest that patients who are referred for EE represent a high-risk group with increased risk of repeat hemorrhage and morbidity. Patients who undergo EE for epistaxis should be carefully monitored for complications, including repeat hemorrhage.

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Sclerotherapy in an undetected pregnancy - a catastrophe?

VASA ◽

10.1024/0301-1526/a000199 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 41 (4) ◽

pp. 243-247 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Reich-Schupke ◽

Leiste ◽

Moritz ◽

Altmeyer ◽

Stücker

Keyword(s):

High Probability ◽

Spontaneous Regression ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Varicose Veins ◽

Case Reports ◽

Case Series ◽

Current Data ◽

Unborn Child ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Increased Risk

According to the guidelines and the manufacturers information, pregnancy is a contraindication for sclerotherapy with Polidocanol. However, in some cases sclerotherapy has been conducted in a period when the pregnancy is not known by the patient. When pregnancy is diagnosed, patients and gynecologists often ask the phlebologist if there is an indication for the interruption of pregnancy. Up to now, there is only rare information on sclerotherapy, polidocanol and pregnancy. Current knowledge is summed up in this article together with case reports. The existing case reports and mainly retrospective case series on intended or accidentally conducted sclerotherapy with common sclerosants and doses show no increased risk for the mother and the unborn child. However, in view of the limited literature data available and the high probability for spontaneous regression of varicose veins postpartum, sclerotherapy should be avoided in pregnancy, if possible. Conservative measures during pregnancy or an elimination of varicose veins before pregnancy should be preferred. In single cases e.g. painful genitoanal varices, the use of sclerotherapy can be helpful even during pregnancy. Thereby, a very thorough clarification of the mother with a final written consent and an implementation according to the guidelines are especially important. According to the current data, there is no reason for an interruption after a sclerotherapy that has been conducted during undetected pregnancy.

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Critical Care Admissions following Total Laryngectomy: Is It Time to Change Our Practice?

International Journal of Otolaryngology ◽

10.1155/2016/8107892 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hussein Walijee ◽

Alexandria Morgan ◽

Bethan Gibson ◽

Sandeep Berry ◽

Ali Jaffery

Keyword(s):

Critical Care ◽

Total Laryngectomy ◽

Average Length ◽

Case Series ◽

Limited Resource ◽

District General Hospital ◽

Close Monitoring ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Potential Cost ◽

Average Length Of Stay

Critical Care Unit (CCU) beds are a limited resource and in increasing demand. Studies have shown that complex head and neck patients can be safely managed on a ward setting given the appropriate staffing and support. This retrospective case series aims to quantify the CCU care received by patients following total laryngectomy (TL) at a District General Hospital (DGH) and compare patient outcomes in an attempt to inform current practice. Data relating to TL were collected over a 5-year period from 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2015. A total of 22 patients were included. All patients were admitted to CCU postoperatively for an average length of stay of 25.5 hours. 95% of these patients were admitted to CCU for the purpose of close monitoring only, not requiring any active treatment prior to discharge to the ward. 73% of total complications were encountered after the first 24 hours postoperatively at which point patients had been stepped down to ward care. Avoiding the use of CCU beds and instead providing the appropriate level of care on the ward would result in a potential cost saving of approximately £8,000 with no influence on patient morbidity and mortality.

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