Presence of Anti-Thyroid Antibodies Correlate to Worse Outcome of Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis

ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics and prognosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis with the prevalence of anti-thyroid antibodies (ATAbs).MethodsThe clinical data of anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients admitted to Xuanwu Hospital from January 2012 to August 2018 was prospectively analyzed, and the patients were followed up for 24 months.ResultsA total of 120 patients were enrolled, of which 34.2% (41/120) were positive for ATAbs. The antibodies were more frequent in patients with severe disease compared to the non-severe group (51.4% vs. 25.6%, P=0.008). In addition, prevalence of ATAbs correlated with a higher incidence of disturbed consciousness, autonomic dysfunction, central hypoventilation and mechanical ventilation. The ATAbs-positive patients were also more likely to receive intravenous gamma immunoglobulin and immunosuppressor compared to the ATAbs-negative cases (P=0.006; P=0.035). Although the presence of ATAbs was associated with longer hospital stays and worse prognosis at 6 months (P=0.006; P=0.038), it had no impact on long-term patient prognosis. Positive status of anti-thyroglobulin antibody was an independent risk factor for worse prognosis at 6 months [odds ratio (OR)= 3.907, 95% CI: 1.178-12.958, P=0.026].ConclusionATAbs are prevalent in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis, especially in severe cases, and correlate with poor prognosis and impaired short-term neurological recovery.

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Corticosteroids in Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients: a practical guide for physicians.

Current Clinical Pharmacology ◽

10.2174/1574884715666200714114044 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 ◽

Author(s):

Maria Carla Di Paolo ◽

Cristiano Pagnini ◽

Maria Giovanna Graziani

Keyword(s):

Severe Disease ◽

Unknown Etiology ◽

History Of Disease ◽

Bowel Diseases ◽

Literature Evidence ◽

History Of ◽

Inflammatory Bowel ◽

Favorable Safety ◽

Pass Metabolism

: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic conditions characterized by unknown etiology and pathogenesis with deregulation of mucosal immunity. Among possible treatments, corticosteroids, already available from the 50’, are still the mainstay of treatment for moderate-severe disease. Nonetheless, the use of steroids is still largely empirical and solid evidence about therapeutic schemes are lacking. Moreover, due to the important side-effects and for the unsatisfactory impact on long-term natural history of disease, the steroid sparing has become an important therapeutic goal in IBD management. Besides conventional steroids, the so called “low bioavailability” steroids, which are steroids with high affinity for peripheral receptors and elevated hepatic first-pass metabolism, have demonstrated efficacy and more favorable safety profile. In the present review of the literature evidence of efficacy and safety of conventional and low bioavailability steroids in IBD patients are evaluated, and practical suggestions for a correct use in clinical practice are presented according to the current clinical guidelines.

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Cerebrospinal fluid microscopy as an index for predicting the prognosis of cryptococcal meningitis patients with and without HIV

Future Microbiology ◽

10.2217/fmb-2020-0086 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (17) ◽

pp. 1645-1652

Author(s):

Keming Zhang ◽

Hang Li ◽

Lei Zhang ◽

Wanqing Liao ◽

Liyan Ling ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cerebrospinal Fluid ◽

Clinical Data ◽

Cryptococcal Meningitis ◽

Fungal Burden ◽

Hospital Patients ◽

Patient Prognosis ◽

Worse Prognosis ◽

Fluid Test

Aim: To evaluate the clinical data and quantitative cerebrospinal fluid for associations with the outcome of cryptococcal meningitis (CM) patients in the hospital. Patients & methods: We retrospectively analyzed a total of 139 CM patients comprising 108 without HIV and 31 with HIV admitted in a Jiang Xi hospital. Resμlts: We found that CM patients with the high fungal burden (≥10 yeasts/μl) (26.3%) had a worse prognosis than those with the low fungal burden (<10 yeasts/μl). (4.9%) (p = 0.0007 <0.05). Conclusion: In CM patients, a fungal burden of 10 yeasts/μl in the first cerebrospinal fluid test may be used as an indicator of patient prognosis, and we can personalize patients’ treatment based on the fungal burden to improve prognosis.

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Differences in coagulopathy indices in patients with severe versus non-severe COVID-19: a meta-analysis of 35 studies and 6427 patients

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-89967-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Alberto Polimeni ◽

Isabella Leo ◽

Carmen Spaccarotella ◽

Annalisa Mongiardo ◽

Sabato Sorrentino ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Platelet Count ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Severe Disease ◽

Coagulation Factors ◽

Primary Analysis ◽

Severe Group ◽

Intravascular Coagulopathy ◽

The Difference ◽

D Dimer

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious disease that appeared in China in December 2019 and spread rapidly around the world. Several patients with severe COVID-19 infection can develop a coagulopathy according to the ISTH criteria for disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) with fulminant activation of coagulation, resulting in widespread microvascular thrombosis and consumption of coagulation factors. We conducted a meta-analysis in order to explore differences in coagulopathy indices in patients with severe and non-severe COVID-19. An electronic search was performed within PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus electronic databases between December 2019 (first confirmed Covid-19 case) up to April 6th, 2020. The primary endpoint was the difference of D-dimer values between Non-Severe vs Severe disease and Survivors vs Non-Survivors. Furthermore, results on additional coagulation parameters (platelet count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time) were also analyzed. The primary analysis showed that mean d-dimer was significantly lower in COVID-19 patients with non-severe disease than in those with severe (SMD − 2.15 [− 2.73 to − 1.56], I2 98%, P < 0.0001). Similarly, we found a lower mean d-dimer in Survivors compared to Non-Survivors (SMD − 2.91 [− 3.87 to − 1.96], I2 98%, P < 0.0001). Additional analysis of platelet count showed higher levels of mean PLT in Non-Severe patients than those observed in the Severe group (SMD 0.77 [0.32 to 1.22], I2 96%, P < 0.001). Of note, a similar result was observed even when Survivors were compared to Non-Survivors (SMD 1.84 [1.16 to 2.53], I2 97%, P < 0.0001). Interestingly, shorter mean PT was found in both Non-Severe (SMD − 1.34 [− 2.06 to − 0.62], I2 98%, P < 0.0002) and Survivors groups (SMD − 1.61 [− 2.69 to − 0.54], I2 98%, P < 0.003) compared to Severe and Non-Survivor patients. In conclusion, the results of the present meta-analysis demonstrate that Severe COVID-19 infection is associated with higher D-dimer values, lower platelet count and prolonged PT. This data suggests a possible role of disseminated intravascular coagulation in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 disease complications.

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COVID-19 in an Asymptomatic Renal Transplant Recipient Employed in the Health Care Setting: A Case Report

International Journal of Angiology ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1725183 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Harsha Adnani ◽

Akshay Khatri ◽

Nirav Agrawal ◽

Ernesto Molmenti ◽

Madhu Bhaskaran

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Renal Transplant ◽

Transplant Recipient ◽

Renal Transplant Recipient ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Severe Disease ◽

Care Facility ◽

Health Care Facility ◽

Asymptomatic Patients

AbstractDuring the ongoing pandemic, there have been varying presentations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, with the concern that patients who are immunosuppressed (due to underlying medical conditions and/or therapies) are at higher risk of severe disease. We report the case of an elderly renal transplant recipient working in a long-term health care facility who was being monitored by weekly surveillance testing and tested positive for COVID-19 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, despite having no clinical symptoms. He recovered with supportive care, despite being on multiple long-term immunosuppressant drugs and having multiple comorbidities. Additionally, it was found that he did not mount an antibody response, when he tested negative by serologic testing. Through this case, we wish to highlight the unique clinical scenario of asymptomatic patients who may have an underwhelming immune response to COVID-19, but may nevertheless be an important source of dissemination. We further discuss the probable mechanism of such asymptomatic presentations in immunosuppressed patients, while reinforcing the importance of self-isolation of COVID-19 patients (particularly in asymptomatic health care workers).

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Cytokine-Laden Extracellular Vesicles Predict Patient Prognosis after Cerebrovascular Accident

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22157847 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (15) ◽

pp. 7847

Author(s):

Anthony Fringuello ◽

Philip D. Tatman ◽

Tadeusz Wroblewski ◽

John A. Thompson ◽

Xiaoli Yu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Extracellular Vesicles ◽

Inflammatory Cytokines ◽

Hemorrhagic Stroke ◽

Term Outcome ◽

Long Term Outcome ◽

Interleukin 7 ◽

Poor Outcomes ◽

Patient Prognosis ◽

The Brain

Background: A major contributor to disability after hemorrhagic stroke is secondary brain damage induced by the inflammatory response. Following stroke, global increases in numerous cytokines—many associated with worse outcomes—occur within the brain, cerebrospinal fluid, and peripheral blood. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) may traffic inflammatory cytokines from damaged tissue within the brain, as well as peripheral sources, across the blood–brain barrier, and they may be a critical component of post-stroke neuroinflammatory signaling. Methods: We performed a comprehensive analysis of cytokine concentrations bound to plasma EV surfaces and/or sequestered within the vesicles themselves. These concentrations were correlated to patient acute neurological condition by the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and to chronic, long-term outcome via the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E). Results: Pro-inflammatory cytokines detected from plasma EVs were correlated to worse outcomes in hemorrhagic stroke patients. Anti-inflammatory cytokines detected within EVs were still correlated to poor outcomes despite their putative neuroprotective properties. Inflammatory cytokines macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC/CCL2), colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF1), interleukin 7 (IL7), and monokine induced by gamma interferon (MIG/CXCL9) were significantly correlated to both negative GCS and GOS-E when bound to plasma EV membranes. Conclusions: These findings correlate plasma-derived EV cytokine content with detrimental outcomes after stroke, highlighting the potential for EVs to provide cytokines with a means of long-range delivery of inflammatory signals that perpetuate neuroinflammation after stroke, thus hindering recovery.

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Electrical storm reveals worse prognosis compared to myocardial infarction complicated by ventricular tachyarrhythmias in ICD recipients

Heart and Vessels ◽

10.1007/s00380-021-01844-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Julian Müller ◽

Michael Behnes ◽

Tobias Schupp ◽

Dominik Ellguth ◽

Gabriel Taton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Electrical Storm ◽

Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

St Segment ◽

All Cause Mortality ◽

Worse Prognosis

AbstractBoth acute myocardial infarction complicated by ventricular tachyarrhythmias (AMI–VTA) and electrical storm (ES) represent life-threatening clinical conditions. However, a direct comparison of both sub-groups regarding prognostic endpoints has never been investigated. All consecutive implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) recipients were included retrospectively from 2002 to 2016. Patients with ES apart from AMI (ES) were compared to patients with AMI accompanied by ventricular tachyarrhythmias (AMI–VTA). The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at 3 years, secondary endpoints were in-hospital mortality, rehospitalization rates and major adverse cardiac event (MACE) at 3 years. A total of 198 consecutive ICD recipients were included (AMI–VTA: 56%; ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI): 22%; non-ST-segment myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) 78%; ES: 44%). ES patients were older and had higher rates of severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 35%. ES was associated with increased all-cause mortality at 3 years (37% vs. 19%; p = 0.001; hazard ratio [HR] = 2.242; 95% CI 2.291–3.894; p = 0.004) and with increased risk of first cardiac rehospitalization (44% vs. 12%; p = 0.001; HR = 4.694; 95% CI 2.498–8.823; p = 0.001). This worse prognosis of ES compared to AMI–VTA was still evident after multivariable adjustment (long-term all-cause mortality: HR = 2.504; 95% CI 1.093–5.739; p = 0.030; first cardiac rehospitalization: HR = 2.887; 95% CI 1.240–6.720; p = 0.014). In contrast, the rates of MACE (40% vs. 32%; p = 0.326) were comparable in both groups. At long-term follow-up of 3 years, ES was associated with higher rates of all-cause mortality and rehospitalization compared to patients with AMI–VTA.

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B2M overexpression correlates with malignancy and immune signatures in human gliomas

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-84465-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Hao Zhang ◽

Biqi Cui ◽

Yulai Zhou ◽

Xinxing Wang ◽

Wantao Wu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Critical Role ◽

Cell Types ◽

Potential Candidate ◽

Egfr Amplification ◽

Immune Signatures ◽

Idh Mutations ◽

Pten Deletion ◽

R Project ◽

Patient Prognosis ◽

Worse Prognosis

AbstractBecause of the limited treatment strategy of gliomas, the key of diagnosis and treatment is finding new molecular biomarkers. Here, we explored the potential of β2-microglobulin (B2M) to serve as a hopeful candidate for immunotherapy or diagnostic biomarker in gliomas. The genomic profiles, clinical characteristics, and immune signatures were analyzed based on TCGA and CGGA databases. We carried out the whole statistical analyses using R project. High B2M expression correlated with worse prognosis. Somatic mutations of gliomas with high B2M expression are associated with PTEN deletion and EGFR amplification. Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations accounted for 82% in gliomas with low B2M expression. In addition, B2M positively correlated with ESTIMATE scores, interacted with infiltrating immune and stromal cell types. B2M also suppressed anti-tumor immunity through immune related processes. Meanwhile, B2M was associated with immune checkpoint molecules and inflammatory activities. Finally, functional annotation of the identified B2M related genes verified that B2M was a potential candidate for immunotherapy. We confirmed that B2M played a critical role in tumor progression, patient prognosis and immunotherapy of gliomas.

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MO388DEVELOPMENT OF ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY DURING A RHABDOMYOLYSIS EPISODE: DIFFERENCES IN LONG-TERM KIDNEY FUNCTION

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation ◽

10.1093/ndt/gfab082.0042 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Sara Núñez Delgado ◽

Miren Iriarte-Abril ◽

Júlia Farrera-Núñez ◽

Sergi Pascual-Sánchez ◽

Laia Sans-Atxer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Chronic Kidney Disease ◽

Acute Kidney Injury ◽

Renal Function ◽

Kidney Function ◽

Kidney Injury ◽

Inpatient Mortality ◽

Short Term ◽

Worse Prognosis

Abstract Background and Aims Acute renal failure (AKI) associated to rhabdomyolysis conditions a worse prognosis in short-term, its implication in the long-term renal function has been less evaluated. Method Retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis defined by creatinine kinase > 5000 IU/L between 2015-2019. Basal and 12-month renal function was evaluated. AKI was classified as either non-severe (AKI-KDIGO 1/2) or severe (AKI-KDIGO 3). Results Eighty-seven patients were included, 25 (28.74%) had some degree of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on admission. 56 (64.37%) had AKI on admission, 17 of which were severe (6 required hemodialysis). The patients with AKI had more cardiovascular disease (CVD) and worse analytical parameters on admission (table). Patients with severe AKI showed no difference in CVD from those with non-severe AKI but were younger and had more hyperkalemia. There were no significant differences between patients with severe AKI who required hemodialysis and those who did not. Inpatient mortality was 8%, higher in patients with AKI but without differences according to severity. In 45 patients kidney function was available 12 months after the episode, loss of eGF was -4.90 ± 14.35 ml/min-1.73m2 (p=0.007). There was no difference between patients who developed AKI and those who did not (-4.10 ± 14.4 vs. -5.39 ± 14.57 ml/min-1.73m2; p=0.67), nor between non-severe and severe AKI (-5.50 ± 14.76 vs. -5.12 ± 15.08ml/min-1.73m2; p=0.98). Of the 33 patients without previous CKD, 5 developed CKD, with greater decrease in eGF than those who did not (-22.69 ± 6.04 vs. -2.63 ± 13.92 ml/min-1.73m2; p=0.003). Female sex (60% vs. 12%; p=0.031) and previous basal eGF (72.22 ± 4.37 vs. 95.6±19.97 ml/min-1.72m2; p=0.016) were related to this deterioration. Conclusion After an episode of rhabdomyolysis, the loss of eGF is similar in patients who develop AKI compared to those who do not.

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Prescribing practice: an overview of the principles

British Journal of Nursing ◽

10.12968/bjon.2021.30.17.1016 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 30 (17) ◽

pp. 1016-1022

Author(s):

Aby Mitchell ◽

Reuben Pearce

Keyword(s):

Hospital Admissions ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Valuable Resource ◽

Long Term Conditions ◽

Legal Principles ◽

Nurse Prescribing ◽

Prescribing Practice ◽

Hospital Stays

Nurse prescribing has become a well-established aspect of advanced clinical practice working alongside key NHS principles and drivers to address the increasing complexities in patient care and the demands on the health service. Prescribing practice is governed by ethical and legal principles to ensure a holistic patient-centred approach. It has been recognised as a valuable resource that could effectively transform healthcare services to reduce hospital admissions and long hospital stays and improve the quality of life for patients with long-term conditions and multiple comorbidities. This article will provide an overview of prescribing practice.

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Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review and Future Challenges

Journal of Respiratory Medicine ◽

10.1155/2014/856149 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Karin Ljubič ◽

Iztok Fister ◽

Iztok Fister

Keyword(s):

Ventilatory Support ◽

Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome ◽

Phox2b Gene ◽

Central Controller ◽

Future Challenges ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

Central Hypoventilation ◽

Hypoventilation Syndrome ◽

Cardiovascular Functions

Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome is a disorder predisposed by a paired-like homebox PHOX2B gene. A mutation in the PHOX2B gene is a requisite when diagnosing congenital central hypoventilation syndrome. This mutation is identified in 93–100% of diagnosed patients. The mutation regarding this disorder affects the sensors, the central controller, and the integration of the signals within the central nervous system. This, inter alia, leads to insufficient ventilation and a decrease in PaO2, as well as an increase in PaCO2. Affected children are at risk during and after the neonatal period. They suffer from hypoventilation periods which may be present whilst sleeping only or in more severe cases when both asleep and awake. It is important for clinicians to perform an early diagnosis of congenital central hypoventilation in order to prevent the deleterious effects of hypoxaemia, hypercapnia, and acidosis on the neurocognitive and cardiovascular functions. Patients need long-term management and appropriate ventilatory support for improving the qualities of their lives. This paper provides a detailed review of congenital central hypoventilation syndrome, a congenital disorder that is genetic in origin. We describe the genetic basis, the wider clinical picture, and those challenges during the diagnosis and management of patients with this condition.

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