scholarly journals Clinical characteristics of HIV-negativepatients with cryptococcemia in a Chinese tertiary-care hospital: 
A 10-year study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liling Liang ◽  
Zhixin Liang ◽  
Liang-an Chen

Abstract Objective: Cryptococcosis is a severe opportunistic fungal infection. Cryptococcemia is a rare manifestation of cryptococcosis with high mortality. Objective: To characterize patients with cryptococcemia in Chinese PLA General Hospital since 2010 to 2019.Methods: We identified retrospectively those blood cultures with Cryptococcus sp. growth, and then obtained their clinical information which were analyzed by two independent reviewers.Results: A total of 8 patients withcryptococcemiawere identified, of which only 2 patients survived. There were 3 males and 5 females, whose age ranged from 23 to 72 years. They were all HIV negative. 1 (12.5%) had ovarian adenocarcinoma, 2 (25%) had systemic lupus erythematosus, 3 (37.5%) had primary nephrotic syndrome, 1 (12.5%) had viral myocarditis, and 1 (12.5%) were after lung transplantation. The most common symptoms were fever (100%) and confusion (50%). Out of the 8 episodes, 6 (60%) had meningeal infection and 2 (25%) presented as pulmonary involvement meanwhile. Six patients were dead at half a year follow up.Conclusions: Cryptococcemia is an unusual infection characterized by a high mortality. It requires early identify and prompt antifungal therapy.

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 96-100
Author(s):  
Mohammad Imnul Islam ◽  
Kalayan Benjamin Gomes ◽  
Mujammel Haque ◽  
Mohammed Mahbubul Islam ◽  
Manik Kumar Talukder ◽  
...  

Background: There are several forms of pulmonary manifestations in Paediatric Rheumatic Diseases (PRDs), not only by the disease itself, but also by infections and toxicity of medications used for treatment.Objectives: To evaluate the pulmonary manifestations and to identify their pattern in PRDs including Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) and Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN) patients.Methods: It was a cross-sectional analytical study. PRDs with pulmonary problems who attended the Paediatric Rheumatololgy follow up clinic of BSMMU from January 2010 to December 2014 were enrolled in this study. All patients having PRDS with pulmonary symptoms were investigated by chest x-ray. High regulation CT scan of Chest (HRCT) and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were done in some of the feasible cases.Results: Total 20 cases were identified as paediatric rheumatic diseases with pulmonary manifestations. Out of them 8 patients were diagnosed as SLE, 6 patients as SSc, 4 patients as JIA, and 2 patients as JDM and PAN respectively. Mean age of the patients were 8.5 years. Fever (86.8%), prolonged cough (65%), dyspnoea (29%) and chest pain (3%) were the common pulmonary features. Pneumonitis (35%), pleural effusion (29.3%), consolidation (23.5%) were important radiological findings. Chest CT were done in 5 patients and features of brochiectasis (75%), thickening (25%), pleural effusion (50%) and pneumonitis (50%) were found. The higher rate of pulmonary involvement was found in Ssc (100%). Spirometric analysis were done in only 7 patients and found restrictive pattern of defect and most of them were SSc.Conclusion: Pulmonary manifestations in PRDs were not uncommon. SLE, JIA and SSc were the predominant PRDs who had pulmonary manifestations obsevered in this study. So timely intervention of this issue could minimize morbidity and mortality of these diseases in the long run.Bangladesh J Child Health 2017; VOL 41 (2) :96-100


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 92-96
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Masoodi ◽  
Irshad A. Sirwal ◽  
Shaikh Khurshid Anwar ◽  
Ahmed Alzaidi ◽  
Khalid A. Balbaid

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary haemorrhage (PH) is a serious complication during Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). AIM: The aim was to present data on 12 patients of SLE with classic symptoms and signs of PH admitted throughout eleven years. METHODS: This retrospective study was carried out at King Abdul Aziz Specialist hospital in Taif-a tertiary care hospital in the western region of Saudi Arabia. The data was analysed from the case files of SLE patients who had episodes of PH throughout 11 years (January 2007 to December 2017). RESULTS: Twelve patients (10 females and 2 males) were found to have diffuse pulmonary haemorrhage during their SLE in the study period. Of 12 patients with confirmed pulmonary haemorrhage (hemoptysis, hypoxemia, new infiltrates on chest radiography, fall in haemoglobin and hemorrhagic returns of bronchoalveolar lavage with hemosiderin-laden macrophages) 4 patients had PH as the first presentation of SLE and 8 patients developed this complication during the disease. All patients presented with shortness of breath and hemoptysis. The most common extra-pulmonary involvement in the study cohort was renal (83%), which ranged from clinical nephritis, nephrotic syndrome to acute renal failure. All patients were managed in intensive care of the hospital, and of 12 patients, 9 (75%) required mechanical ventilation. All patients were uniformly treated with pulse Methylprednisolone; 9 received Cyclophosphamide, 6 received IVIG, and 4 received Plasmapheresis. Only 3 patients (25%) survived despite maximum possible support during their mean hospital stay of 18 ± 5 days. CONCLUSION: The requirement of mechanical ventilation and the association of renal and neuropsychiatric complications predicted mortality in patients with pulmonary haemorrhage.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 304-311
Author(s):  
Mervat E. Behiry ◽  
Sahar A. Ahmed ◽  
Eman H. Elsebaie

: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) has a profound impact on quality of life. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the quality of life among Egyptian SLE patients and to assess its relationships with demographic and clinical features. Methods: One hundred sixty-four SLE patients were recruited for this study. Demographic information; clinical parameters; disease activity, as evaluated by the systemic lupus erythematosus Disease Activity Index; and organ damage, as assessed by the systemic lupus international Collaborative Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index, were reported. Quality of life was assessed with a quality of life questionnaire specifically designed for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus; the questions are grouped in the following six domains: physical function, sociooccupational activities, symptoms, treatment, mood, and self-image. Higher values indicate poorer quality of life. Conclusion: Poor quality of life among Egyptian SLE patients and disease activity are strongly related to impaired lifestyles in these patients.


Author(s):  
Fahima Hossain ◽  
Mohammad Delwer Hossain Hawlader ◽  
Dipak Kumar Mitra ◽  
Mohammad Hayatun Nabi ◽  
Md. Mujibur Rahman

Abstract Background Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) is well known for its varying presentations and poor outcomes, but little is evident about its distribution and characteristics among the Bangladeshi population. This study aimed to assess the pattern and prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in female systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients of Bangladesh. A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, between January and December 2018. One hundred female SLE patients were included in the study purposively. Data were collected on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of diagnosed SLE cases visiting the SLE clinic and indoor medicine department. Neuropsychiatric (NP) syndromes were defined according to the widely accepted American College of Rheumatology (ACR) nomenclature and case definitions. Results A total of 244 NP events were identified in fifty-five patients. Headache was the most frequent symptom (55%), followed by cognitive dysfunction (50%), anxiety (49%), psychosis (43%), seizure (23%), depression (17%), and cerebrovascular disease (ischemic type, 7%). The NP manifestations were more prevalent among urban residents (58.2%), younger patients (41.8%), and patients with graduate-level education (34.5%). Besides, young age at diagnosis (p = 0.038), Raynaud’s phenomenon (p = 0.015), other organ involvement (p < 0.001), and time of NPSLE development (p < 0.001) were found to be significantly associated with the development of these manifestations. Conclusion NP damage is prevalent among Bangladeshi female SLE patients (55%) with headache and cognitive dysfunction being the most common symptoms. Routine screening for neuropsychiatric symptoms among suspected SLE cases and further evaluation with a larger population are warranted.


2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 132-141
Author(s):  
Saru Thakur ◽  
Geeta Ram Tegta ◽  
Prakash Chand Negi ◽  
Kunal Mahajan ◽  
Ghanshyam Verma ◽  
...  

Background: There is a paucity of contemporary Indian data about the prevalence of cardiac abnormalities in patients of connective tissue disorders (CTD) and their risk determinants. Methods: We prospectively recorded data from 35 consecutive CTD patients who presented to our out-patient department and had no significant cardiovascular risk factors at baseline. We also recorded data from their age- and sex-matched controls. All cases and controls were subjected to 12 lead electrocardiogram and echocardiography after routine investigations. Results: The CTD group comprised 19 (54.3%) patients of systemic lupus erythematosus, 12 (34.3%) patients of systemic sclerosis, 2 (5.7%) patients of mixed CTD, and 1 (2.9%) patient each of overlap syndrome and dermatomyositis. Cardiovascular involvement on echocardiography was documented in 71.4% of CTD patients despite majority of them having no cardiac symptom. Overt left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction was observed in 3 (8.6%) CTD patients, while subclinical LV systolic dysfunction was recorded in 13 (37.1%) patients. LV diastolic dysfunction was observed in 11.4% (n = 4) patients. RV systolic dysfunction was prevalent in 20% (n = 7) patients. Pulmonary hypertension was observed in 40% (n = 14) of CTD patients. Conclusion: The present study evaluated subclinical LV systolic dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension in about one third of CTD patients. It is imperative to screen for these abnormalities in CTD to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.


2013 ◽  
Vol 20 (02) ◽  
pp. 256-260
Author(s):  
FAAIZ ALI SHAH ◽  
ABDUL AZIZ ZIA ◽  
ZAHIR KHAN ◽  
Kifayatullah -

Objectives: This study was designed to estimate the incidence rate of pulmonary metastasis at the time of diagnosis ofprimary osteosarcoma distal femur in a tertiary care hospital. Study Design: Descriptive case series. Setting and Duration: OrthopaedicSurgery Unit, Mardan Medical Complex Teaching hospital, Bacha Khan Medical College, Mardan, KPK, Pakistan from March 2011 toSeptember 2012. Methodology: Nine patients of primary osteosarcoma distal femur were assessed with CT chest for pulmonarymetastasis. The frequency and patterns of pulmonary metastasis on CT chest were documented. After the biopsy reports all patientswere referred for neo adjuvant chemotherapy before any definite surgical procedure. The histological types of osteosarcoma were noted.RESULTS: Nine patients including 7 male (77.7%) and 2 females (22.2%) with mean age 12.4 years were included in our study. 66.6 %(n=6, 5 males, 1 female) had pulmonary metastasis on CT chest at initial presentation while 33 %( n=3,2 males,1 female) had nopulmonary metastases on CT chest. Three (50%) patients had pulmonary metastasis in the right lung, 1(16.6%) had on left side while2(33.3%) had bilateral pulmonary involvement. Of the cases with metastases at diagnosis, 55.5% had osteoblastic histology ofosteosarcoma compared with 33.3% of those with non metastatic disease. Conclusions: Majority of osteosarcoma distal femurpresented with pulmonary metastasis at initial presentation. A high index of suspicion accompanied by careful examination of the limband appropriate radiographs at initial assessment may reduce the incidence of such delays in diagnosis and the associated risks.


2014 ◽  
Vol 52 (196) ◽  
pp. 1005-1009
Author(s):  
Sweta Kumari Gupta ◽  
Bhawani Kanta Sarmah ◽  
Damodar Tiwari ◽  
Amshu Shakya ◽  
Dipendra Khatiwada

Introduction: Birth asphyxia is a serious clinical problem worldwide. It claims approximately 9 million deaths each year. It can lead to serious neurological sequaele, such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and epilepsy. Methods: All babies admitted in College of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Chiwan, Nepal, NICU from January 2013 to December 2013 with a diagnosis of birth asphyxia (5 min Apgar<7 or those with no spontaneous respirations after birth) were included in the study (n=125). This was a descriptive observational study. Clinical information was collected (gravida, hour at presentation, mode of delivery, sex of baby, gestational age of the baby, requirement of resuscitation). Neonates were admitted to NICU, observed for complications and managed as per hospital protocol. Results: Among the 722 neonates admitted to NICU, 125 had perinatal asphyxia (17.3%). Babies with Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy(HIE) Grade I had a very good outcome but HIE III was associated with a poor outcome. Outborn neonates had higher grades of perinatal asphyxia as compared to inborns (p=0.018). Term gestation, Males and Multigravida were associated with a higher rate of birth asphyxia. 22.4% neonates were delivered via caesarean section and 74.4% required bag and mask ventilation at birth. Conclusions: Birth asphyxia was one of the commonest causes of admission NICU. Babies with HIE Grade III had a very poor prognosis. Outborn neonates with birth asphyxia had a higher mortality. Males were frequently affected than females.  Keywords: birth asphyxia; HIE; mortality; measurement.


Author(s):  
Francisco Cabrera-Diaz ◽  
Claudia Zaugg ◽  
Silke Lim ◽  
Kim Blum ◽  
Ali Reza Salili

Abstract Background Paracetamol is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic drug in hospitals. The development and implementation of an electronic tool with algorithm-based alerts (e-agent) in a clinical information system could reduce the risk of overdose. Objective In this study, the performance of such an e-agent developed to detect paracetamol overdosing was analyzed. Setting Swiss tertiary care hospital. Method All patients ≥ 18 years old who had documented paracetamol administration in the used clinical information system during 2017 were retrospectively screened for an absolute and relative overdosing of paracetamol (> 4 g and > 60 mg/kg/24 h, respectively). This was compared with the patients for which the e-agent had, during the same period, prospectively made an alert for absolute or relative overdosing or for a dosing interval < 4 h (potentially leading to an absolute overdose). Main outcome measure E-agent performance defined as detection rate. Results of the 13,196 adult patients who received at least one dose of paracetamol, 2292 were exposed at least once to > 4 g/day (17.4%), 39 of these (0.3% of total) were given > 5 g paracetamol. None received more than 6 g. The e-agent detected 87.2% of cases with doses > 5 g. In most cases (87.9%), the cause of the absolute overdose was a switch from intravenous to oral paracetamol, resulting in an absolute overdose the day of the change. The maximal daily dose of 60 mg/kg was exceeded in 30.1% of patients weighing < 50 kg, as well as in 42.3% of patients weighing < 60 kg. The e-agent detected 73.4% and 75.5% of those cases. Multiple absolute overdoses were found in 204 patients. The e-agent detected 72.7% of those. 90 multiple overdoses occurred during the same hospital stay and 11 on consecutive days. Conclusion Paracetamol overdose is a common medication error in hospitalized patients, which may occur due to process failures such as wrong timing when changing administration route or when factors like comedication and low body weight are ignored. The e-agent detects cases of paracetamol overdose, and therefore, can help prevent this kind of medication error in the clinical setting.


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