ECMO in COVID-19—prolonged therapy needed? A retrospective analysis of outcome and prognostic factors

Background: The role of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) in patients with COVID-19-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) still remains unclear. Our aim was to investigate the clinical course and outcome of those patients and to identify factors associated with the need for prolonged ECMO therapy. Methods: A retrospective single-center study on patients with VV ECMO for COVID-19-associated ARDS was performed. Baseline characteristics, ventilatory and ECMO parameters, and laboratory and virological results were evaluated over time. Six months follow-up was assessed. Results: Eleven of 16 patients (68.8%) survived to 6 months follow-up with four patients requiring short-term (<28 days) and seven requiring prolonged (⩾28 days) ECMO support. Lung compliance before ECMO was higher in the prolonged than in the short-term group (28.1 (28.8–32.1) ml/cmH2O vs 18.7 (17.7–25.0) ml/cmH2O, p = 0.030). Mechanical ventilation before ECMO was longer (19 (16–23) days vs 5 (5–9) days, p = 0.002) and SOFA score was higher (12.0 (10.5–17.0) vs 10.0 (9.0–10.0), p = 0.002) in non-survivors compared to survivors. Low viral load during the first days on ECMO tended to indicate worse outcomes. Seroconversion against SARS-CoV-2 occurred in all patients, but did not affect outcome. Conclusions: VV ECMO support for COVID-19-induced ARDS is justified if initiated early and at an experienced ECMO center. Prolonged ECMO therapy might be required in those patients. Although no relevant predictive factors for the duration of ECMO support were found, the decision to stop therapy should not be made dependent of the length of ECMO treatment.

Download Full-text

Quality of Life Following Urgent LVAD Implantation for ECMO Therapy in Cardiogenic Shock: A Long-Term Follow-Up

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina57080747 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 57 (8) ◽

pp. 747

Author(s):

Rafal Berger ◽

Hasan Hamdoun ◽

Rodrigo Sandoval Boburg ◽

Medhat Radwan ◽

Metesh Acharya ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Cardiogenic Shock ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Ecmo Support ◽

Circulatory Support ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Va Ecmo ◽

Ecmo Therapy

Background and Objectives: Over the past decade, veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) has developed into a mainstream treatment for refractory cardiogenic shock (CS) to maximal conservative management. Successful weaning of VA-ECMO may not be possible, and bridging with further mechanical circulatory support (MCS), such as urgent implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), may represent the only means to sustain the patient haemodynamically. In the recovery phase, many survivors are not suitably prepared physically or psychologically for the novel issues encountered during daily life with an LVAD. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of our institutional database between 2012 and 2019 was performed to identify patients treated with VA-ECMO for CS who underwent urgent LVAD implantation whilst on MCS. Post-cardiotomy cases were excluded. QoL was assessed prospectively during a routine follow-up visit using the EuroQol-5 dimensions-5 level (EQ-5D-5L) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) surveys. Results: Among 126 in-hospital survivors of VA-ECMO therapy due to cardiogenic shock without prior cardiac surgery, 31 (24.6%) urgent LVAD recipients were identified. In 11 (36.7%) cases, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was performed (median 10, range 1–60 min) before initiation of VA-ECMO, and in 5 (16.7%) cases, MCS was established under CPR. Mean age at LVAD implantation was 51.7 (+/−14) years and surgery was performed after a mean 12.1 (+/−8) days of VA-ECMO support. During follow-up of 46.9 (+/−25.5) months, there were 10 deaths after 20.4 (+/−12.1) months of LVAD support. Analysis of QoL questionnaires returned a mean EQ-5D-5L score of 66% (+/−21) of societal valuation for Germany and a mean PHQ-9 score of 5.7 (+/−5) corresponding to mild depression severity. When compared with 49 elective LVAD recipients without prior VA-ECMO therapy, there was no significant difference in QoL results. Conclusions: Patients requiring urgent LVAD implantation under VA-ECMO support due to CS are associated with comparable quality of life without a significant difference from elective LVAD recipients. Close follow-up is required to oversee patient rehabilitation after successful initial treatment.

Download Full-text

Cardiovascular predictors associated with poor short-term prognosis in patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 in Spain

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.2468 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

L Esteban-Lucia ◽

A Devesa-Arbiol ◽

M A Zambrano Chacon ◽

A M Venegas Rodriguez ◽

M Gonzalez-Rodriguez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lung Disease ◽

Renin Angiotensin System ◽

Orotracheal Intubation ◽

Channel Blockers ◽

Short Term ◽

Angiotensin System ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Single Center Study ◽

Male Sex

Abstract Background On January 2020, the first patient with coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was detected in Spain. Since then, 3 280 000 cases have been confirmed and 75.305 people have died. We aimed to clarify the epidemiological and clinical characteristics related with poor short-term prognosis in patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2. Methods Observational, retrospective single-center study including consecutive patients (≥40yo) diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 through PCR, since March 2nd to 20th 2020 in our center in Spain. The primary endpoint (PE) was the combined of all-cause death or need for orotracheal intubation within the first 30 days of infection symptoms. Results 704 patients were included (table). A follow-up period of thirty-days was fully completed in 692 of 704 patients (98.3%). At the end of this period, 148 patients (21.4%) met the PE; they were older, more frequently male, obese and smokers. Patients who met the PE had a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, peripheral and cerebrovascular disease, cancer and lung pathologies. They received more frequently therapies with renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, betablockers, calcium channel blockers and statins, as well as antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies Multivariate analysis showed that age (OR 1.99 for every 10 years, 95% CI [1.637–2.4], p<0.001), female sex (OR 0.49, [0.30–0.80], p=0.004), diabetes (OR 2.09, [1.17–3.71], p=0.012), lung disease (OR 1.99, [1.14–3.44], p=0.014) and body mass index (OR 1.33 for each 5 kg/m2 increased, [1.05–1.68], p=0.017) were predictors of the PE. Hypertension was not significantly related to the PE (OR 1.55, [0.93–2.60], p=0.09) Conclusion In our group of patients with SARS-CoV-2, age, male sex, diabetes, lung disease and obesity were found to be independent predictors of the combined of all case death or need for orotracheal intubation within the first 30 days of infection symptoms. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Description of studied population Odds-ratio and CI for the combined PE

Download Full-text

Role of ctDNA to predict risk of recurrence following potentially curative resection of biliary tract and pancreatic malignancies.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2021.39.3_suppl.336 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 39 (3_suppl) ◽

pp. 336-336

Author(s):

Angela Lamarca ◽

Mairead Geraldine McNamara ◽

Richard Hubner ◽

Juan W. Valle

Keyword(s):

Relapse Rate ◽

Curative Resection ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Molecular Profiling ◽

P Value ◽

Relapse Risk ◽

Baseline Characteristics

336 Background: The potential role of ctDNA to identify residual disease after potentially curative resection has been suggested in some malignancies; its role in resected pancreatico(P)-biliary(B) malignancies is unknown. Methods: Patients diagnosed with PB malignancies underwent molecular profiling (ctDNA) using FoundationMedicine Liquid (72 cancer-related genes) following potentially curative resection. Baseline patient characteristics and molecular profiling outcomes, including mutant allele frequency (MAF) for pathological alterations were extracted. Primary objective: prevalence of ctDNA identification and its correlation with recurrence (relapse-free survival (RFS) and relapse rate). Results: Total of 11 individuals had ctDNA analysed following potentially curative resection for PB malignancies: 8 B (4 extra-hepatic cholangiocarcinoma (eCCA), 2 ampulla, 1 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), 1 gallbladder cancer (GBC)) and 3 P. Baseline characteristics: 6 female (54.55%), median age 71.59 years (range 39.98-81.19). Most were pT2 (45.45%), pN0 (54.55%) and R0 (63.64%). Following surgery, 6 patients were started on adjuvant chemotherapy; at the end of follow-up (data cut-off 25/6/2020; median follow-up 11.15 months (range 5.45-13.52); 5 relapsed (45.45%) and 2 died (18.18%). Estimated median RFS was 11.43 months (95% CI 2.28-not reached); median overall survival was not reached. No sample failed ctDNA analysis; presence of ctDNA was identified in 3/11 (27.27%) of the samples; 2 and 1 samples had 2 and 1 pathological alterations identified, respectively: ALK fusion (1 sample; GBC), TP53 mutation (2 samples; eCCA and GBC), CHEK2 mutation (1 sample; pancreas), IDH2 mutation (1 sample; eCCA). Mean maximum MAF was 1.47 (2 in biliary; 0.43 in pancreas). Variants of unknown significance were identified in 72.73% of the samples (87.5% in B; 33.33% in P; p-value 0.152). None of the baseline characteristics explored correlated with presence of ctDNA. There was a trend towards increased relapse risk in the patients with ctDNA present following potentially curative surgery; Cox regression for RFS [HR 2.64 (95% CI 0.36-19.31); median RFS 11.44 months (95% CI 2.28-not reached) vs 10.87 (95% CI 2.21-not reached)]; relapse rate 37.5% (ctDNA absent) vs 66.67% (ctDNA present); statistical significance was not reached (p-value 0.340 and p-value 0.545, respectively). Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of testing for ctDNA following potentially curative resection in PB malignancies. Presence of ctDNA may be associated with increased relapse risk; further studies are required to increase sample size and assess clinical implications.

Download Full-text

Thrombosis associated with ventriculoatrial shunts

Journal of Neurosurgery Pediatrics ◽

10.3171/ped.2008.2.10.286 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 2 (4) ◽

pp. 286-291 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Norka Wilkinson ◽

Sandeep Sood ◽

Steven D. Ham ◽

Holly Gilmer-Hill ◽

Patricia Fleming ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Characteristics ◽

Anticoagulation Therapy ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

Outcome Data ◽

Single Center Study ◽

Prophylactic Anticoagulation ◽

Risk For Thrombosis ◽

Work Up

Object In this single-center study, the authors examined the clinical characteristics, risk factors, treatment strategies, and outcomes in patients with thrombosis associated with ventriculoatrial (VA) shunts. Methods Inpatient and outpatient charts of patients who underwent treatment and follow-up in the Hematology-Oncology Division at the authors' institution and in whom thrombosis developed secondary to a VA shunt placement were reviewed. A complete thrombophilia work-up was performed in each patient, and these records were also reviewed. Treatment including medical and surgical management was noted and outcome data were recorded. Results Resolution of thrombosis was seen after anticoagulation therapy in all patients; this may be an alternative to surgical therapy. Conclusions Patients with VA shunts represent a unique group at risk for thrombosis. The duration of anticoagulation therapy must be individualized. However, larger studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of screening for asymptomatic thrombosis and to investigate the role of prophylactic anticoagulation.

Download Full-text

P1520Management and outcome of women with NSTEMI. Have there been any changes in recent years?

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz748.0282 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

C Cacho ◽

T Gonzalez Ferrero ◽

A Torrelles Fortuny ◽

M Perez Dominguez ◽

C Abbou Johk ◽

...

Keyword(s):

P Value ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Short Term ◽

Killip Class ◽

Hospitalization Period ◽

Short Term Mortality ◽

Baseline Characteristics ◽

Long Term Mortality

Abstract Introduction Women have been less represented in every NSTEMI clinical trial. Moreover, it has been observed that this group of patients have usually received less revascularization and evidence based treatment, therefore presenting with a greater long and short-term mortality. Purpose The purpose of our study is to analyze the presence of differences in baseline characteristics, management and outcome of women with NSTEMI during the last decade. Methods and results Retrospective study including 861 women admitted for NSTEMI between 2003 and 2015 in our center. We divided 2 groups according to hospitalization period (2003–2008 and 2009–2015) with a medium follow up of 4.5±2.9 years. Baseline characteristics and treatment at discharge are described on table 1. We noticed a greater use of statins and ACEI/ARB on the second period as well as a greater percentage of patients receiving early revascularization. It is remarkable on women a non-significant reduction of heart failure hospitalization at follow up (6.8% vs 4.5%; p=0.091), neither differences on 30-day mortality (1.3% vs 0,4%) or 1-year mortality (7.1% vs 5.8%). However, long-term mortality for the second group is reduced (HR 0.69; CI 95% 0.52–0.89), even after performing a multivariate analysis (HR 0.64; CI 95% 0.48–0.85). Characteristic Population (n=861) 2003–2008 (n=395) 2009–2015 (n=466) p-value Age (years) 73±12 73±12 72±12 0.316 Hypertension 629 (73.1%) 285 (72.2%) 344 (73.8%) 0.318 Hypercholesterolemia 414 (48.1%) 190 (48.1%) 224 (48.1%) 0.523 Killip class 0.292 I 664 (77.1%) 299 (75.7%) 365 (78.3%) II 143 (16.6%) 74 (18.7%) 69 (14.8%) III 47 (5.5%) 20 (5.1%) 27 (5.8%) IV 4 (0.5%) 2 (0.5%) 2 (0.4) GRACE score 129±32 130±37 128±33 0.897 Early PCI 249 (29.3%) 76 (19.2%) 173 (38.0%) <0.005 Treatment at discharge AAS 698 (81.1%) 313 (79.2%) 385 (82.6%) 0.120 Clopidogrel 465 (54.0%) 221 (55.9%) 244 (52.4%) 0.162 ACEI/ARB 466 (54.1%) 191 (48.4%) 275 (59.0%) 0.001 Beta-blocker 509 (59.1%) 238 (60.3%) 271 (58.2%) 0.290 Statins 643 (74.7%) 275 (69.6%) 368 (79.0%) 0.001 Conclusions In recent years, early interventionist management and greater use of evidence-based therapies have been observed in women with NSTEMI. This has been associated with a lesser long-term mortality, although short-term events have remained the same.

Download Full-text

Can EPS Development be Avoided with Early Interventions? The Potential Role of Tamoxifen—A Single-Center Study

Peritoneal Dialysis International ◽

10.3747/pdi.2012.00286 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 34 (6) ◽

pp. 582-593 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Erika De Sousa–Amorim ◽

Gloria Del Peso ◽

M. Auxiliadora Bajo ◽

Laura Alvarez ◽

Marta Ossorio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Peritoneal Dialysis ◽

Cumulative Number ◽

Randomized Controlled Studies ◽

Single Center Study ◽

Ultrafiltration Failure ◽

Life Threatening ◽

Severe Peritonitis ◽

Prompt Diagnosis

BackgroundEncapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a severe complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Identification of patients at high risk for EPS (“EPS-prone”) and delivery of appropriate interventions might prevent its development. Our aim was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of all EPS and EPS-prone patients diagnosed at our PD unit.MethodsFor a 30-year period representing our entire PD experience, we retrospectively identified all patients with EPS (diagnosed according to International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis criteria) and all patients defined as EPS-prone because they met at least 2 established criteria (severe peritonitis, PD vintage greater than 3 years, severe hemoperitoneum, overexposure to glucose, and acquired ultrafiltration failure).ResultsOf 679 PD patients, we identified 20 with EPS, for an overall prevalence of 2.9%. Mean age at diagnosis was 50.2 ± 16.4 years, with a median PD time of 77.96 months (range: 44.36 – 102.7 months) and a median follow-up of 30.91 months (range: 4.6 – 68.75 months). Of patients with EPS, 10 (50%) received tamoxifen, 10 (50%) received parenteral nutrition, and 2 (10%) underwent adhesiolysis, with 25% mortality related to EPS. Another 14 patients were identified as EPS-prone. Median follow-up was 54.05 months (range: 11.9 – 87.04 months). All received tamoxifen, and 5 (36%) received corticosteroids; none progressed to full EPS. We observed no differences in baseline data between the groups, but the group with EPS had been on PD longer (84 ± 53 months vs 39 ± 20 months, p = 0.002) and had a higher cumulative number of days of peritoneal inflammation from peritonitis (17.2 ± 11.1 days vs 9.8 ± 7.9 days, p = 0.015). Overall mortality was similar in the groups. The incidence of EPS declined during our three decades of experience (5.6%, 3.9%, and 0.3%).ConclusionsBeing a serious, life-threatening complication of PD, EPS requires high suspicion to allow for prompt diagnosis and treatment. Early detection of EPS-prone states and delivery of appropriate intervention might prevent EPS development. Tamoxifen seems to be a key strategy in prevention, but caution should be used in interpreting our results. Additional randomized controlled studies are needed.

Download Full-text

Successful percutaneous stenting of coarctation of the aorta in Turner syndrome – a case report and literature review

Romanian Journal of Pediatrics ◽

10.37897/rjp.2021.3.6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 70 (3) ◽

pp. 197-201

Author(s):

Daniela Toma ◽

◽

Dorottya-Anna Miklosi ◽

Anca Sglimbea ◽

Laszlo Hadadi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Aortic Dissection ◽

Turner Syndrome ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Coarctation Of The Aorta ◽

Interventional Therapy ◽

Short Term ◽

Contradictory Data

Turner syndrome (TS) is the most common chromosomal abnormality affecting females and cardiac abnormalities have been described in up to 50% of patients. Although coarctation represents one of the most frequent cardiac malformation, treatment options in these patients represent an area of debate, due to associated aortopathy and risk for aortic dissection. In addition to the contradictory data found in the literature, regarding the safety profile and utility of stenting of coarctation of the aorta in TS patients, we present the case of a patient of pediatric age, who successfully underwent the procedure, being free from periprocedural and short-term complications. Beside the presentation itself, we aimed to review and summarize the data available in the literature regarding this topic. As a conclusion, we emphasize the role of minimally invasive interventional therapy and wish to underline the need of further, larger scale studies and guidelines in this patient group. Given the related aortopathy, all preventive measures should be undertaken to avoid aortic dissection during stent implantation in this vulnerable population. Although the evolution of our patient was favorable, data found in the literature is somewhat contradictory and a close follow-up is indicated to help evaluate the risk of long-term complications.

Download Full-text

Procalcitonin in myocarditis patients: role in aetiology identification and risk stratification

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.2062 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

G Peretto ◽

A Villatore ◽

S Sala ◽

A Riccio ◽

M Ripa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bacterial Infections ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Fulminant Myocarditis ◽

Short Term ◽

Potential Biomarker ◽

The Mean ◽

Malignant Arrhythmias

Abstract Background Procalcitonin (PCT) is an established predictor of bacterial infections and sepsis. However, PCT involvement in cardiovascular diseases has been scarcely investigated so far. In particular, no studies at all ever addressed the role of PCT in myocarditis patients. We aimed at evaluating PCT in myocarditis patients, as a potential biomarker of: a) aetiologic diagnosis; b) prognosis. Methods A cohort of 130 consecutive patients with a novel diagnosis of myocarditis confirmed by both endomyocardial biopsy and cardiac magnetic resonance were included in the study. Patients with known bacterial infections or bacterial myocarditis were excluded (n=5). PCT concentration was measured on admission in all patients. Prospective follow-up (FU) was performed every 6 months up to 5 years. Results Of 125 patients analyzed (mean age 45±15 years, males 62%, mean LVEF 48±15%), 22 (18%) had fulminant myocarditis (FM). The remaining 103 cases had non-fulminant myocarditis (NFM), including infarct-like presentation and non-malignant arrhythmias. Aetiology was viral or virus-negative in 23 and 102 patients, respectively. The mean PCT value was 0.44±0.18 mcg/ml, with no significant differences between viral and virus-negative myocarditis (0.43±0.19 vs. 0.44±0.18 mcg/ml, p=0.90). Baseline PCT concentration was significantly higher in FM patients (0.69±0.21 vs. 0.39±0.16 mcg/ml, p=0.07). Consistently, PCT was higher in patients with LVEF <60% (0.51±0.20 vs. 0.30±0.14 mcg/ml, p=0.03) and in those with elevated (>400 pg/mL) NT-proBNP (0.55±0.19 vs. 0.36±0.17 mcg/ml, p=0.03). As for inflammatory biomarkers, patients with high ESR (>20 mm/h) had also higher PCT values (0.56±0.20 vs. 0.37±0.16 mcg/ml, p=0.03). By converse, no association was found between PCT and CRP abnormal values (p>0.05). At univariate analysis, high PCT (≥0.20 mcg/ml) was predictive of heart failure recurrence (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.18–6.48, p=0.02) or arrhythmic cardiac arrest (OR 3.22, 95% CI 1.19–8.71, p=0.02) by discharge, with overall hospitalization prolonged by 10±4 days (p<0.05). Furthermore, patients with high PCT were more prone to myocarditis recurrences (13/80 vs. 4/45, p=0.03) by 5-year FU. Conclusions In myocarditis patients, elevated PCT values at presentation are not associated with myocarditis aetiology. Nonetheless, PCT suggests a worse short-term clinical outcome, and also a higher risk of myocarditis recurrences at long-term FU. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Download Full-text

Clinical Factors Predictive Of Myelofibrotic Evolutions In Patients With Essential Thrombocythemia and Polycythemia Vera

Blood ◽

10.1182/blood.v122.21.4082.4082 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 122 (21) ◽

pp. 4082-4082 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Mario Tiribelli ◽

Federico De Marchi ◽

Daniela Barraco ◽

Luciana Marin ◽

Erika Codarin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Polycythemia Vera ◽

Essential Thrombocythemia ◽

Conflicts Of Interest ◽

Myeloproliferative Neoplasms ◽

Clinical Feature ◽

Baseline Characteristics ◽

Wbc Count ◽

Prognostic Risk Factors

Abstract Introduction Evolution to myelofibrosis (MF) represents a relatively rare but always severe event in patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) and polycythemia vera (PV). Few reports have focused on the clinical and biological features at diagnosis of ET and PV that correlate with progression to MF. Aims and Methods We retrospectively studied a series of patients with post-ET and post-PV MF and compared with a group of ET and PV patients with a long follow-up without myelofibrotic evolution, with the aim to identify prognostic factors for MF. Forty-three patients with post-ET (n=29) and post-PV (n=14) MF followed at our institution were compared with 125 ET and 75 PV patients with at least 9 years of follow-up without evolution. Diagnosis of ET and PV was confirmed according to WHO criteria (including JAK2 analysis, performed since 2006 and study), evolution to MF was defined according to IWG-MRT proposed criteria. The following parameters, available for all patients at diagnosis of ET or ET, were taken into consideration to find prognostic risk factors for myelofibrosis: age, platelet (PLT) count, hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels, white blood cell (WBC) count. Statistical analyses were conducted using Student t test. Results Median time from diagnosis of ET/PV and progression to MF was 156 months (range: 29-314). Comparing baseline characteristics of patients who evolved to MF and those who did not, we did not found any significant correlation. Mean data at diagnosis for patients with (n = 43) or without (n=200) subsequent evolution to MF were as follow: age 52.1 vs 53.1 years (p=0.79), Hb 15.4 vs 15.7 g/dl (p=0.59), Hct 47.2 vs 47.1% (p=0.67), WBC 9.8 vs 9.1 x 109/l (p=0.11), PLT 713 vs 689 x 109/l (p=0.87). Also when considering only the 29 post-ET MF and the 125 ET patients, there was no clinical feature present at diagnosis that could foresee a future myelofibrotic evolution. Conversely, in the 14 post-PV MF and 75 PV patients, progression to MF was predicted only by higher WBC count (11.4 vs 9.3 x 109/l, p=0.046), while no correlation was found with age, Hb, Hct or PLT [Table 1]. Conclusions Concordant with some previous reports, our data suggest a possible role of leucocytosis as an adverse risk factor for progression to MF in patients with PV, though not in ET. Other clinical characteristics present at diagnosis, such as advanced age, anemia or polycythemia and thrombocytosis do not seem to be associated with higher risk of fibrotic evolution in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Download Full-text

Development of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy following Chalazion Removal with Intralesional Triamcinolone Injection: A Case Report

Case Reports in Ophthalmology ◽

10.1159/000492714 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 416-420 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Luca Rosignoli ◽

Stephen Myles Potter ◽

Andres Gonzalez ◽

Sarina Amin ◽

Syed G. Khurshid

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy ◽

Low Dose ◽

Subretinal Fluid ◽

Intralesional Injection ◽

Short Term ◽

Corticosteroid Administration ◽

Triamcinolone Injection

We report a case of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) that developed 1 month after an intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide that was administered during removal of a chalazion. The subretinal fluid and ipsilateral visual acuity (VA) worsened with initial observation. The edema resolved with verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) 1 month after diagnosis, but VA did not improve during short-term follow-up. We conclude that CSC can occur as a complication of low-dose intrapalpebral corticosteroid administration and provide another example of the therapeutic role of PDT in the management of this disease.

Download Full-text