scholarly journals Fatal Mucormycosis and Aspergillosis in an Atypical Host: What Do We Know about Mixed Invasive Mold Infections?

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Tsikala-Vafea ◽  
Weibiao Cao ◽  
Adam J. Olszewski ◽  
John E. Donahue ◽  
Dimitrios Farmakiotis

Mixed invasive mold infections (MIMIs) are considered rare. We present a case of fatal aspergillosis and mucormycosis in an elderly host with history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and potential mold exposures. Notably, he had no classic risk factors for IMI other than high-dose corticosteroids, which may be an important risk factor for (M)IMI, based on the current and previous reports. There is an urgent need for studies on the “net state of immunosuppression,” environmental exposure as risk factors for (M)IMIs, and noninvasive fungal diagnostics.

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 131 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arbia A Gorrab ◽  
Asma Abed Bouaziz ◽  
Linda Spigelblatt ◽  
Anne Fournier ◽  
Nagib Dahdah

Background: The real incidence of Kawasaki disease (KD) in the Maghreb countries (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia) is unknown. It is estimated low according to the literature. However, the number of Maghrebi children living in Quebec (Qc) affected by KD seems important. We sought to determine the incidence of KD among Maghrebi children in Qc, Canada, and to study its epidemiological and clinical features and to clarify possible risk factors related or superimposed to their immigration. Methods: A retrospective study of KD in Maghrebi children living in Qc (n=24) (1996-2013), compared to reports from Fes, Morocco (n=23) a doctoral thesis published in 2010 (2001-2009) and from Tunisia (n=31) collected in five university hospitals with four from the Great Tunis and one from Nabeul city (1996-2013). There are no reports available from Algeria. The “country of origin” specific population in the Province of Qc was obtained from Statistics Canada. Results: The annualized incidence rate (AIR) of KD among Maghrebi children in Qc was 9.58/100,000 children under 5 years(Standard-Denominator (SD)).This is 6 times higher in Qc (5.57/SD and 19.02/SD among Tunisian and Moroccan descents) vs Tunisia (Nabeul Governorate) and Morocco (Fes) (0.95/SD and 3.15/SD). Personal and family history of allergy were significantly higher in Qc 42% (10/24) and 75% (18/24), respectively, whereas these features were reported near 0% in both reports from Morocco and Tunisia. The prevalence of incomplete KD criteria was relatively high in the 3 series 46% (11/24) in Qc vs 43% (10/23) and 35% (11/31); (p=NS). Diagnosis was late (gt day 10 of fever) in 1/24(4%) in Qc vs 7/23 (30%) in Morocco and 11/31 (35%) in Tunisia; (p 0.01). IVIG were administered in the acute phase to all patients in Qc, 5/23 in Morocco and 28/31 in Tunisia. However coronary complications were more common in Qc 42% (10/24) vs 22% (5/23) vs 19% (6/31) (p=0.02). Aneurysms were significantly associated with the incomplete form in the 3 groups (p=0.01). Conclusions: The observed AIR of KD in the Maghreb community in Qc is higher than the countries of origin where underdiagnosis is possible. Atopy may still be a risk factor in Qc. The coronary artery disease seems linked not only to therapeutic delay but also to the underlying terrain.


Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rakhee Lalla ◽  
Ryan Dunlow ◽  
Karen L Yarbrough ◽  
Prachi Mehndiratta ◽  
Michael S Phipps ◽  
...  

Introduction: The AHA notes that more than 76% of strokes are the first occurrence. There are class 1 recommendations for the management of common risk factors such as atrial fibrillation (AF), hyperlipidemia (HLD), hypertension (HTN), diabetes (DM), and vascular disease. The purpose of this study is to investigate the percentage of large vessel strokes that are potentially preventable with adequate management of vascular risk factors. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on all patients undergoing endovascular therapy (EVT) from 2012-2019. Data was collected on vascular risk factors present prior to admission including HTN, DM, HLD, AF, and smoking. Preventable stroke was defined as having at least one of the following: untreated AF, untreated HLD, poorly controlled HTN (presence of left ventricular hypertrophy on transthoracic echo), history of vascular disease not on an antiplatelet agent, poorly controlled DM (A1c>10), current smoking. Groups were compared based on age, sex and 90 day functional outcomes, with favorable outcome defined as mRS ≤ 2. Results: Our sample included 396 patients who underwent EVT (mean age 65, 50% female). 42% of patients with Afib were not on anticoagulation, 31% of patients with HLD were untreated, 39% of patients with HTN were poorly controlled, 27% of patients with a history of vascular disease were not on an antiplatelet, 14% of patients with DM were poorly controlled, and 46% of all patients were smokers. In total, 78% of patients had at least 1 poorly controlled risk factor and 37% had at least 2. There was no difference in rates of preventable stroke between males and females (48% vs 52%, p=0.30) and between age groups above and below 70 (40% vs 60%, p=0.68). 64% of patients with well controlled risk factors had a favorable outcome compared to 51% with at least one poorly controlled risk factor (p=0.03). Conclusions: Our data suggests that despite guidelines on management of vascular risk factors, a large number of these are poorly controlled prior to admission for large vessel stroke, leading to a potentially preventable procedure. Not only could improved primary prevention save the wide array of resources utilized in EVT, but it could also influence long term outcomes in this cohort of patients.


2019 ◽  
Vol 131 (3) ◽  
pp. 941-948
Author(s):  
Eric S. Nussbaum ◽  
Kevin Kallmes ◽  
Jodi Lowary ◽  
Leslie A. Nussbaum

OBJECTIVEUndiagnosed hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV in patients present risks of transmission of bloodborne infections to surgeons intraoperatively. Presurgical screening has been suggested as a protocol to protect surgical staff from these pathogens. The authors sought to determine the incidence of HCV and HIV infection in elective craniotomy patients and analyze the cost-effectiveness of universal and risk factor–specific screening for protection of the surgical staff.METHODSAll patients undergoing elective craniotomy between July 2009 and July 2016 at the National Brain Aneurysm Center who did not refuse screening were included in this study. The authors utilized rapid HCV and HIV tests to screen patients prior to elective surgery, and for each patient who tested positive using the rapid HCV or HIV test, qualitative nucleic acid testing was used to confirm active viral load, and risk factor information was collected. Patients scheduled for nonurgent surgery who were found to be HCV positive were referred to a hepatologist for preoperative treatment. The authors compared risk factors between patients who tested positive on rapid tests, patients with active viral loads, and a random sample of patients who tested negative. The authors also tracked the clinical and material costs of HCV and HIV rapid test screening per patient for cost-effectiveness analysis and calculated the cost per positive result of screening all patients and of screening based on all patient risk factors that differed significantly between patients with and those without positive HCV test results.RESULTSThe study population of patients scheduled for elective craniotomy included 1461 patients, of whom 22 (1.5%) refused the screening. Of the 1439 patients screened, 15 (1.0%) tested positive for HCV using rapid HCV screening; 9 (60%) of these patients had active viral loads. No patient (0%) tested positive for HIV. Seven (77.8%) of the 9 patients with active viral loads underwent treatment with a hepatologist and were referred back for surgery 3–6 months after sustained virologic response to treatment, but the remaining 2 patients (22.2%) required urgent surgery. Of the 9 patients with active viral loads, 1 patient (11%) had a history of both intravenous drug abuse and tattoos. Two of the 9 patients (22%) had tattoos, and 3 (33%) were born within the age-screening bracket (born 1945–1965) recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rates of smoking differed significantly (p < 0.001) between patients who had active viral loads of HCV and patients who were HCV negative, and rates of smoking (p < 0.001) and IV drug abuse (p < 0.01) differed significantly between patients who were HCV rapid-test positive and those who were HCV negative. Total screening costs (95% CI) per positive result were $3,877.33 ($2,348.05–$11,119.28) for all patients undergoing HCV rapid screening, $226.29 ($93.54–$312.68) for patients with a history of smoking, and $72.00 ($29.15–$619.39) for patients with a history of IV drug abuse.CONCLUSIONSThe rate of undiagnosed HCV infection in this patient population was commensurate with national levels. While the cost of universal screening was considerable, screening patients based on a history of smoking or IV drug abuse would likely reduce costs per positive result greatly and potentially provide cost-effective identification and treatment of HCV patients and surgical staff protection. HIV screening found no infected patients and was not cost-effective.


Author(s):  
Tadeusz Robak ◽  
Magda Witkowska ◽  
Piotr Smolewski

The use of the Bruton&rsquo;s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors has changed the management and clinical history of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). BTK is a critical molecule that interconnects B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) signaling. BTKIs are classified into two categories: irreversible (covalent) inhibitors and reversible (non-covalent) inhibitors. Ibrutinib is the first irreversible BTK inhibitor approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2013 as a breakthrough therapy in CLL patients. Subsequently, several studies evaluated the efficacy and safety of new agents with reduced toxicity when compared with ibrutinib. Two other irreversible, second-generation BTK inhibitors, acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib, were developed to reduce ibrutinib-mediated adverse effects. Additionally, new reversible BTK inhibitors are currently under development in an early phase studies to improve their activity and to diminish adverse effects. This review summarizes the pharmacology, clinical efficacy, safety, dosing, drug-drug interactions associated with the treatment of CLL with BTK inhibitors, and examines its further implications.


Blood ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. 307-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
S O'Brien ◽  
A del Giglio ◽  
M Keating

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common type of leukemia in the western hemisphere. Diagnosis and staging of CLL are usually straightforward, but predicting an individual patient's prognosis is still a challenge. Cytogenetic abnormalities provide important prognostic information in CLL and may show its molecular heterogeneity. A search for oncogene abnormalities continues, although no consistent defects have been identified. New agents such as fludarabine produce high complete remission rates and have generated interest in earlier treatment as a first step in a potential cure. Fludarabine also makes autologous bone marrow transplant feasible as a consolidation therapy. Immunologic abnormalities and minimal residual disease persist in most patients in remission. Combining fludarabine with other active agents and devising effective postremission strategies may change the natural history of CLL.


Author(s):  
Denny Khusen

Objective: To analyze risk factor, both clinical and laboratory findings, associated with maternal mortality from severe preeclampsia and eclampsia in Atma Jaya Hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective case control study. All medical records of maternal death associated with severe preeclampsia and eclampsia between 1st January 2009 and 31st December 2011 were obtained and then information about risk factors were collected and tabulated. Risk factor analyzed were maternal age, gestational age, parity, coexisting medical illness (hypertension), antenatal examination status, maternal complications, systolic and diastolic blood pressure at admission, and admission laboratory data. Results: There were 19 maternal deaths associated with severe preeclampsia and eclampsia during period of study (Consisted of 6 cases of eclampsia and 13 cases of severe preeclampsia). Maternal mortality rate for severe preeclampsia and eclampsia were 16.7% and 33.3% respectively. Multivariate analysis identified the following risk factors associated with maternal death: gestation age <32 week, history of hypertension, thrombocyte count < 100.0000/μl, post partum bleeding, acute pulmonary edema, HELLP syndrome, and sepsis. Conclusion: In this study, we found that gestational age, history of hypertension, and platelet count are the cause of maternal mortality. Maternal complications associated with maternal mortality are post partum bleeding, acute pulmonary edema, HELLP syndrome, and sepsis. [Indones J Obstet Gynecol 2012; 36-2: 90-4] Keywords: eclampsia, maternal mortality, preeclampsia


Blood ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 134 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 5467-5467
Author(s):  
Salem Alshemmari ◽  
Ramesh Pandita ◽  
Abdulaziz Hamadah ◽  
Ahmad Alhuraiji

Background :Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is common malignancy in Western countries. However, little known about this disease entity in our area. This study exploring the biology in out patients' population. Method:Patients with confirmed CLL under IGHV and TP53 mutational analysis at presentation or during follow up. We also integrated other clinical and biological parameter in this study. Results: A total of 137 cases were analyzed, median age 61 years (range:34-89); 30% of the cases age was<55 years at presentation. There was 108 males vs. 29 females M:F ratio 3.7. Two patients gave a family history of CLL, while 1 patient gave a history of other lymphoproliferative disorders. Binet staging system available in 134 cases, A: 109 (81.3%), B: 12 (9%), C:13 (9.7%). B2 macroglobulin elevated in 40/112 (36%) cases and 10/103 (10%) had M-spike. CD38 positivity reported in 37/112 (33%) of cases. Cytogenetics data evaluable in 85 cases: isolated del(13q): 35%, isolated trisomy 12 (16.5%), del(11q) (4.5%), del(17p)(2.4%). IGHV mutational status mutated vs unmutated: 40% vs 60%. Cases with available treatment information on 132 cases. Fifty cases required treatment due to disease progression. First line treatment Bendamustine-Rituximab (BR) 3 cases, Fludarabine Cyclophosphamide Rituximab (FCR) 30 cases and Chlorambucil with anti-CD 20 antibody 6 cases. At the time of review, 3 cases on ibrutinib (2 in 3rdline and 1 case in the 4thline). Conclusion: This is the first study to shed light on CLL in our area. There are biological differences between our patients' population and the western countries. Disclosures Pandita: Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Janssen Cilag: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Takeda: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.


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