scholarly journals Mucormycosis coinfection associated with global COVID-19: a case series from India

Author(s):  
Deepthi Satish ◽  
Divya Joy ◽  
Anita Ross ◽  
Balasubramanya .

<p><strong> </strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Background: </strong>Mucormycosis is a life-threatening fungal infection that occurs in immunocompromised patients. There has been increasing number of mucormycosis cases during COVID-19 pandemic and also as post COVID-19 sequelae. Our study aimed at scrutinizing a possible coinfection of invasive mycoses and COVID-19 and also its management</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods: </strong>We did a retrospective case study of 25 patients presenting as invasive fungal infection from March -December 2020. Majority of patients were immunocompromised, since they presented during the pandemic, all patients were subjected to rapid antigen and RT -PCR testing for COVID-19.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results: </strong>11 patients tested COVID-19 positive out of 25. Diagnosis of mucormycosis was based on clinical features, culture, and histopathology from sinus biopsy. COVID-19 positive patients were managed in the high dependency units and COVID-19 wards. Severe COVID-19 positive patients were empirically started on IV Amphotericin based on clinical suspicion of mucormycosis and were taken up for debridement once stable. Negative patients underwent surgical debridement and were started on IV Amphotericin postoperatively.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions: </strong>There have been lot of case reports from India showing COVID-19 recovered patients presenting with invasive fungal infections, this could be because of their immunocompromised status and long-term corticosteroid use. In our case series we had three patients with post COVID-19 mucormycosis. There was a surge in COVID-19 positive mucor cases during August and September which also coincided with the maximum peak of cases in India, thereafter, there has been a declining trend. There have been significant challenges in treatment modality and outcome due to the pandemic.</p>

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 44
Author(s):  
Omer Sefvan Janjua ◽  
Muhammad Saad Shaikh ◽  
Muhammad Amber Fareed ◽  
Sana Mehmood Qureshi ◽  
Muhammad Ikram Khan ◽  
...  

It has been nearly two years since the pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has affected the world. Several innovations and discoveries related to COVID-19 are surfacing every day and new problems associated with the COVID-19 virus are also coming to light. A similar situation is with the emergence of deep invasive fungal infections associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Recent literature reported the cases of pulmonary and rhino-cerebral fungal infections appearing in patients previously infected by COVID-19. Histopathological analysis of these cases has shown that most of such infections are diagnosed as mucormycosis or aspergillosis. Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis usually affects the maxillary sinus with involvement of maxillary teeth, orbits, and ethmoidal sinuses. Diabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor for both COVID-19 as well as mucormycosis. At this point, there is scanty data on the subject and most of the published literature comprises of either case reports or case series with no long-term data available. The aim of this review paper is to present the characteristics of COVID-19 related mucormycosis and associated clinical features, outcome, diagnostic and management strategies. A prompt diagnosis and aggressive treatment planning can surely benefit these patients.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Laurenti ◽  
F. Giovannangeli ◽  
E. Gubinelli ◽  
M. T. Viviano ◽  
A. Errico ◽  
...  

Immunosuppressive drugs commonly used in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis make patients more susceptible to viral, bacterial, and fungal infections because of their mechanism of action. They not only increase the risk of new infections but also act altering the natural course of preexisting infections. While numerous data regarding the reactivation of tuberculosis infection are available in the literature, poor information about the risk of reactivation or exacerbation of hepatitis viruses B and C infections during treatment with biologics has been reported. Furthermore, reported series with biological therapy included short periods of followup, and therefore, they are not adequate to verify the risk of reactivation in the long-term treatment. Our study evaluated patients with a history of hepatitis B and psoriatic arthritis treated with adalimumab and monitored up to six years. During the observation period, treatment was effective and well tolerated in all patients, and liver function tests and viral load levels remained unchanged.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 558-571 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kartik Bhatia ◽  
Hans Kortman ◽  
Christopher Blair ◽  
Geoffrey Parker ◽  
David Brunacci ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEThe role of mechanical thrombectomy in pediatric acute ischemic stroke is uncertain, despite extensive evidence of benefit in adults. The existing literature consists of several recent small single-arm cohort studies, as well as multiple prior small case series and case reports. Published reports of pediatric cases have increased markedly since 2015, after the publication of the positive trials in adults. The recent AHA/ASA Scientific Statement on this issue was informed predominantly by pre-2015 case reports and identified several knowledge gaps, including how young a child may undergo thrombectomy. A repeat systematic review and meta-analysis is warranted to help guide therapeutic decisions and address gaps in knowledge.METHODSUsing PRISMA-IPD guidelines, the authors performed a systematic review of the literature from 1999 to April 2019 and individual patient data meta-analysis, with 2 independent reviewers. An additional series of 3 cases in adolescent males from one of the authors’ centers was also included. The primary outcomes were the rate of good long-term (mRS score 0–2 at final follow-up) and short-term (reduction in NIHSS score by ≥ 8 points or NIHSS score 0–1 at up to 24 hours post-thrombectomy) neurological outcomes following mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke in patients < 18 years of age. The secondary outcome was the rate of successful angiographic recanalization (mTICI score 2b/3).RESULTSThe authors’ review yielded 113 cases of mechanical thrombectomy in 110 pediatric patients. Although complete follow-up data are not available for all patients, 87 of 96 (90.6%) had good long-term neurological outcomes (mRS score 0–2), 55 of 79 (69.6%) had good short-term neurological outcomes, and 86 of 98 (87.8%) had successful angiographic recanalization (mTICI score 2b/3). Death occurred in 2 patients and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in 1 patient. Sixteen published thrombectomy cases were identified in children < 5 years of age.CONCLUSIONSMechanical thrombectomy may be considered for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (ICA terminus, M1, basilar artery) in patients aged 1–18 years (Level C evidence; Class IIb recommendation). The existing evidence base is likely affected by selection and publication bias. A prospective multinational registry is recommended as the next investigative step.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 232470962110264
Author(s):  
Taylor Warmoth ◽  
Malvika Ramesh ◽  
Kenneth Iwuji ◽  
John S. Pixley

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a form of hemophagocytic lymphohistocytosis that occurs in patients with a variety of inflammatory rheumatologic conditions. Traditionally, it is noted in pediatric patients with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematous. It is a rapidly progressive and life-threatening syndrome of excess immune activation with an estimated mortality rate of 40% in children. It has become clear recently that MAS occurs in adult patients with underlying rheumatic inflammatory diseases. In this article, we describe 6 adult patients with likely underlying MAS. This case series will outline factors related to diagnosis, pathophysiology, and review present therapeutic strategies.


2021 ◽  
pp. 112067212110000
Author(s):  
Annabel LW Groot ◽  
Jelmer S Remmers ◽  
Roel JHM Kloos ◽  
Peerooz Saeed ◽  
Dyonne T Hartong

Purpose: Recurrent contracted sockets are complex situations where previous surgeries have failed, disabling the wear of an ocular prosthesis. A combined method of surgery and long-term fixation using custom-made, three-dimensional (3D) printed conformers is evaluated. Methods: Retrospective case series of nine patients with recurrent excessive socket contraction and inability to wear a prosthesis, caused by chemical burns ( n = 3), fireworks ( n = 3), trauma ( n = 2) and enucleation and radiotherapy at childhood due to optic nerve glioma ( n = 1) with three average previous socket surgeries (range 2–6). Treatment consisted of a buccal mucosal graft and personalized 3D-printed conformer designed to be fixated to the periosteum and tarsal plates for minimal 2 months. Primary outcome was the retention of an ocular prosthesis. Secondary outcome was the need for additional surgeries. Results: Outcomes were measured at final follow-up between 7 and 36 months postoperatively (mean 20 months). Eight cases were able to wear an ocular prosthesis after 2 months. Three cases initially treated for only the upper or only the lower fornix needed subsequent surgery for the opposite fornix for functional reasons. Two cases had later surgery for cosmetic improvement of upper eyelid position. Despite pre-existing lid abnormalities (scar, entropion, lash deficiency), cosmetic outcome was judged highly acceptable in six cases because of symmetric contour and volume, and reasonably acceptable in the remaining two. Conclusions: Buccal mucosal transplant fixated with a personalized 3D-designed conformer enables retention of a well-fitted ocular prosthesis in previously failed socket surgeries. Initial treatment of both upper and lower fornices is recommended to avoid subsequent surgeries for functional reasons.


Dermatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Jurr Boer

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are still often disappointed with the current treatments offered and there is a clear demand for more effective options. Since the late 1990s there has been a revival in the use of radiotherapy (RT) for different benign diseases, including HS. During the past 20 years one case series and some scattered case reports have described promising results of RT. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> To evaluate the long-term efficacy of RT in early-stage HS. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A postal survey-based long-term follow-up with simple factual questions of partly retrospective and partly contemporary characteristics was performed. Sixty-four patients (96 axillae), diagnosed with mild to moderate HS were irradiated with a orthovoltage unit with 100 kV, 3 mm Al or 200 kV, 0.5 Cu filtering, respectively. Four to six biweekly fractional doses ranging from 0.75 to 1 Gy up to a total dose of 6 Gy in one series, and in chronic cases followed by four daily fractions of 2 Gy up to a total dose of 14 Gy, were given. Late treatment toxicity and the rate of remission of the disease were evaluated. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The overall response rate of the survey was 64.1% with 40.6% (26/64) valid, complete questionnaires. In total, 40 axillae were irradiated in these 26 patients. After a median follow-up of 40 years (range 32–52) complete remission of the lesions occurred in 34 of the 40 sites (85%). None of the 26 patients with 40 irradiated sites reported adverse effects at the time of the survey. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> RT appears to be an effective treatment for early and mild HS in the majority of patients. In this case series, no side effects were reported after a median follow-up period of 40 years.


2017 ◽  
Vol 88 (6) ◽  
pp. 536-542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrin Nickles ◽  
Bettina Dannewitz ◽  
Kerstin Gallenbach ◽  
Tatjana Ramich ◽  
Susanne Scharf ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
pp. 13-31
Author(s):  
Kevin Wong

Background: Intracranial hypotension (IH) among patients with persistent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage remains a challenging problem. The majority of these cases resolve spontaneously with conservative measures. The customary treatment for IH is epidural blood patch (EBP). In some cases, CSF leaks can persist for months or even years despite multiple trials of EBP. To date, there are only a limited number of published studies documenting the percutaneous injection of fibrin sealant for treatment of IH refractory to conservative measures and EBP. Objective: Our objective was to perform a literature review and retrospective case series regarding patients who underwent percutaneous injection of fibrin sealant for treatment of refractory IH at our institution. Study Design: This case series used a singlecentered retrospective observational study design and literature review. Setting: Patients in this case series were treated at a community-based tertiary care medical center. Methods: Five consecutive patients with the diagnosis of IH refractory to conservative measures and EBP who underwent percutaneous patching with fibrin sealant were identified at our institution between January 1, 2000 and January 1, 2016. A retrospective chart review was performed and data including demographics, characteristics, interventions, clinical outcomes, and complications were collected. A critical review of the current literature regarding the percutaneous use of fibrin sealant for treatment of IH was conducted. Results: Four of the 5 patients (80%) experienced no further symptoms of IH and no adverse events were noted. One patient (20%) ultimately required surgical duroplasty. Review of the current literature showed a total of 2 prospective case series, 4 retrospective case series, and 11 case reports. Our present case series and literature review demonstrated that fibrin sealants were well-tolerated by most patients and associated with low incidences of complications and recurrence. Limitations: This study is limited by the small retrospective case series of 5 patients. Conclusions: Percutaneous injection of fibrin sealant may be considered in refractory cases of IH when repeated trials of EBP have persistently failed. It appears to be a highly effective, safe, and easy-touse alternative therapy for patients with refractory IH in an ambulatory setting. Our review of the literature revealed only studies with low quality of evidence, including case series and case reports. There is a substantial need for high-quality studies and clinical evidence to corroborate the efficacy and safety of this percutaneous technique. However, this ideal is very challenging because of the relative rarity and heterogeneous etiologies of cases. Keywords: Fibrin sealant, intracranial hypotension, CSF leak, epidural blood patch, orthostatic headache, refractory, quality of life, percutaneous


2014 ◽  
Vol 86 (1) ◽  
pp. 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Abdel Raheem ◽  
Hassan El-Tatawy ◽  
Ahmed Eissa ◽  
Abdel Hamid Elbahnasy ◽  
Mohamed Elbendary

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.


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