scholarly journals A Retrospective Case Series of Thiamine Deficiency in Non-Alcoholic Hospitalized Veterans: An Important Cause of Delirium and Falling?

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1449
Author(s):  
Elisabeth Mates ◽  
Deepti Alluri ◽  
Tailer Artis ◽  
Mark S. Riddle
Keyword(s):  
Thiamine Deficiency ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Chronically Ill ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Inflammatory Stress ◽  
Inflammatory Conditions ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Manifestations ◽  
Specific Symptoms ◽  
Thiamine Level

Thiamine deficiency (TD) in non-alcoholic hospitalized patients causes a variety of non-specific symptoms. Studies suggest it is not rare in acutely and chronically ill individuals in high income countries and is underdiagnosed. Our aim is to demonstrate data which help define the risk factors and constellation of symptoms of TD in this population. We describe 36 cases of TD in hospitalized non-alcoholic veterans over 5 years. Clinical and laboratory data were extracted by chart review +/− 4 weeks of plasma thiamine level 7 nmol/L or less. Ninety-seven percent had two or more chronic inflammatory conditions (CICs) and 83% had one or more acute inflammatory conditions (AICs). Of possible etiologies of TD 97% had two or more of: insufficient intake, inflammatory stress, or increased losses. Seventy-five percent experienced 5% or more weight loss. Ninety-two percent had symptoms with the most common being weakness or falling (75%) followed by neuropsychiatric manifestations (72%), gastrointestinal dysfunction (53%), and ataxia (42%). We conclude that TD is underdiagnosed in this population with consequent morbidity and mortality. TD likely develops because of inflammatory stress from CIC’s compounded by AIC’s combined with decreased energy intake or increased nutrient losses.

scholarly journals Clinical characteristics of a group of deaths with COVID-19 pneumonia in Wuhan, China: retrospective case series

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tao Yao ◽  
Yan Gao ◽  
Qin Cui ◽  
Bo Peng ◽  
Yan Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Control Strategies ◽  
Antiviral Treatment ◽  
Invasive Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Case Series ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Initial Symptoms ◽  
Comorbid Diseases ◽  
Death Cases

Abstract Background: With the widespread outbreak of novel coronavirus diseases 2019(COVID-19), more and more death cases were reported, however, limited data are available for the patients who died. We aimed to explore the clinial characteristics of deaths with COVID-19 pneumonia Methods: We abstracted and analyzed epidemiological, demographic, clinical, and laboratory data from 83 death cases with COVID-19 pneumonia in East hospital of Wuhan university Renmin hospital,between January 26, 2020, and February 28, 2020.Results: Of the 83 deaths, none was the medical staff. The mean age was 71.8 years (SD 13.2; range, 34-97 years) and 53(63.9%) were male. The median from onset to admission was 10 days (IQR 7-14: range, 2-43 days), to death was 17days (IQR 14-21: range, 6-54 days). Most deaths (66[80%]) had underlying comorbid diseases, the most of which was hypertension [47(57%)]. The main initial symptoms of these 83 deaths were shortness of breath(98.8%), fever(94%) and myalgia or fatigue(90.4%). Laboratory analyses showed the lymphocytopenia in 69(83%) deaths, hypoalbuminemia in 77(93%) deaths, the elevation of lactate dehydrogenase in 79(95%) deaths, procalcitonin in 69(83%) deaths and C-reactive protein in 79(95%) deaths. All 83 patients received antiviral treatment, 81(97.6%) deaths received antibiotic therapy, and 54(65.1%) deaths received glucocorticoid therapy and 20(24.1%) patients received invasive mechanical ventilation.Conclusion: Most of the deaths with COVID-19 pneumonia were elderly patients with underlying comorbid diseases, especially those over 70 years of age. The time of death was mostly 15-21 days after the onset of the disease. More care should be given to the elderly in the further prevention and control strategies of COVID-19.

Immunosuppressive therapy of systemic lupus erythematosus associated peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review

Lupus ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (12) ◽  
pp. 1509-1519
Author(s):  
Alexandru Constantin ◽  
Daniela Năstase ◽  
Delia Tulbă ◽  
Paul Bălănescu ◽  
Cristian Băicuș
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Immunosuppressive Agents ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Manifestations

Introduction Peripheral neurologic manifestations may be associated with most of the collagen vascular diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), yet most of the times it is not clear what therapy should be prescribed. EULAR recommendations for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus with neuropsychiatric manifestations suggest the use of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents for the treatment of SLE associated peripheral neuropathy (PN) (strength of statement A, category of evidence 1), however these recommendations are based on studies that did not focus specifically on PN but rather on neuropsychiatric manifestations of SLE out of which only one was a randomized controlled clinical trial that included 7 patients with peripheral neuropathy. The objective of this systematic review is to determine whether the pathogenic treatments (corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents, intravenous immunoglobulins, plasmapheresis) are effective for SLE associated PN. Methods We searched MEDLINE for all the studies that included the pathogenic treatment of SLE associated PN. The purpose was to identify randomized clinical trials, and in the absence of these, we included observational studies and case reports or case series. Results The search returned only retrospective case reports or case series. Only one prospective study, a randomized controlled study, was focused on neuropsychiatric SLE and included few patients with PN (7). Some studies reported cases of PN responsive to glucocorticoids (GC), cyclophosphamide (CYC), rituximab (RTX), azathioprine (AZA), plasmapheresis (PPH), intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or different combinations of these immunosuppressive agents, whereas others noticed effectiveness of sequential treatments (i.e. administration of a therapeutic agent after another single agent or a combination of agents had previously failed). Many studies did not mention how the outcomes were objectively measured. Conclusions There are no interventional studies dedicated to the SLE associated PN, only retrospective case reports or case series which not only did they show contradictory results, but they also represent the lowest level of evidence. There is a strong need for new analytical studies dedicated to SLE associated PN. Protocol registered with PROSPERO (number CRD42019121748).

scholarly journals Clinical characteristics of a group of deaths with COVID-19 pneumonia in Wuhan, China: a retrospective case series

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tao Yao ◽  
Yan Gao ◽  
Qin Cui ◽  
Bo Peng ◽  
Yan Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Antiviral Treatment ◽  
Invasive Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Case Series ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Initial Symptoms ◽  
Comorbid Diseases ◽  
Death Cases

Abstract Background With the widespread outbreak of novel coronavirus diseases 2019(COVID-19), more and more death cases were reported, however, limited data are available for the patients who died. We aimed to explore the clinical characteristics of deaths with COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods We abstracted and analyzed epidemiological, demographic, clinical, and laboratory data from 83 death cases with COVID-19 pneumonia in East Hospital of Wuhan University Renmin Hospital, between January 26, 2020, and February 28, 2020. Results Of the 83 deaths, none was the medical staff. The mean age was 71.8 years (SD 13.2; range, 34–97 years) and 53(63.9%) were male. The median from onset to admission was 10 days (IQR 7–14: range, 2–43 days), to death was 17 days (IQR 14–21: range, 6–54 days). Most deaths (66[80%]) had underlying comorbid diseases, the most of which was hypertension [47(57%)]. The main initial symptoms of these 83 deaths were shortness of breath(98.8%), fever(94%), and myalgia or fatigue(90.4%). Laboratory analyses showed the lymphocytopenia in 69(83%) deaths, hypoalbuminemia in 77(93%) deaths, the elevation of lactate dehydrogenase in 79(95%) deaths, procalcitonin in 69(83%) deaths and C-reactive protein in 79(95%) deaths. All 83 patients received antiviral treatment, 81(97.6%) deaths received antibiotic therapy, 54(65.1%) deaths received glucocorticoid therapy, and 20(24.1%) patients received invasive mechanical ventilation. Conclusion Most of the deaths with COVID-19 pneumonia were elderly patients with underlying comorbid diseases, especially those over 70 years of age. The time of death after the onset of the disease was mostly 15–21 days. More care should be given to the elderly in further prevention and control strategies of COVID-19.

Thiamine deficiency in the outpatient psychiatric oncology setting: A case series

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 609-613
Author(s):  
Rose Zhang ◽  
Sudhakar Tummala ◽  
Deepti Chopra
Keyword(s):  
Thiamine Deficiency ◽  
Vitamin B1 ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Outpatient Setting ◽  
Inpatient Setting ◽  
Related Information ◽  
Fluid Analysis ◽  
Thiamine Treatment ◽  
Thiamine Level

AbstractObjectiveB vitamins are essential for the functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency is associated with neuropsychiatric syndromes such as Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE), which, if untreated, has an estimated mortality of 17–20%. Although the prevalence of thiamine deficiency in the general population is difficult to estimate, it is being increasingly recognized in oncology, especially in the inpatient setting. We describe three cases of thiamine deficiency (TD) in the outpatient psychiatric oncology setting.MethodRetrospective chart review of three adult patients, who were seen in the psychiatric oncology clinic and found to have TD on laboratory testing, was done. Patient, disease, and thiamine treatment-related information were obtained, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.ResultsThe average age was 59 years, mean body mass index (BMI) was 22.00 ± 4.58 (mean ± SD), and mean thiamine level was 59.10 ± 7.69 that ranged from 45 to 68 nmol/L (normal thiamine level reference: 70–180 nmol/L). None of the patients had brain imaging nor cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Risk factors such as unbalanced nutrition, prior GI surgery, renal disease, and chemotherapy were noted.Significance of resultsTD can have a multifactorial etiology in oncology. Identification of TD in both inpatient and outpatient setting is important. Our report highlights how early identification of TD in the outpatient setting can help prevent further clinical progression.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Chronic Inflammatory Conditions of the Pouch

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Badar Hasan ◽  
Yunjoo Yim ◽  
Mamoon Ur Rashid ◽  
Rumman A Khalid ◽  
Deepika Sarvepalli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hyperbaric Oxygen ◽  
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy ◽  
Oxygen Therapy ◽  
Ileal Pouch ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Inflammatory Conditions ◽  
Anal Anastomosis

Abstract Background Pouchitis can be a chronic complication of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis (CARP) and other inflammatory conditions of the pouch. Methods This was a retrospective case series of adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and then developed CARP and received HBOT between January 2015 and October 2019. A modified Pouchitis Disease Activity Index (mPDAI) score was used to quantify subjective symptoms (0–6) and endoscopic findings (0–6) before and after HBOT. Results A total of 46 patients were included, with 23 (50.0%) being males with a mean age of 43.6 ± 12.9 years. The median number of HBOT sessions was 30 (range 10–60). There was a significant reduction in the mean mPDAI symptom subscore from 3.19 to 1.91 after HBOT (P < 0.05). The pre- and post-HBOT mean mPDAI endoscopy subscores for the afferent limb were 2.31 ± 1.84 and 0.85 ± 1.28 (P = 0.006); for the pouch body, 2.34 ± 1.37 and 1.29 ± 1.38 (P < 0.001); and for the cuff, 1.93 ± 1.11 and 0.63 ± 1.12 (P < 0.001), respectively. Transient side effects included ear barotrauma in 5 patients (10.9%) and hyperbaric myopic vision changes in 5 patients (10.9%). Conclusions Despite minor adverse events, HBOT was well tolerated in patients with CARP and significantly improved symptoms and endoscopic parameters.

scholarly journals Replaceable Jejunal Feeding Tubes in Severely Ill Children

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tabea Pang ◽  
Sergio B. Sesia ◽  
Stefan Holland-Cunz ◽  
Johannes Mayr
Keyword(s):  
Enteral Nutrition ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Chronically Ill ◽  
Feeding Tube ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Feeding Tubes ◽  
Complex Disorders ◽  
Malnourished Children ◽  
Nasogastric Tubes ◽  
New Type

Long-term enteral nutrition in chronically ill, malnourished children represents a clinical challenge if adequate feeding via nasogastric or gastrostomy tubes fails. We evaluated the usefulness and complications of a new type of surgical jejunostomy that allows for easier positioning and replacement of the jejunal feeding tube in children. We surgically inserted replaceable jejunal feeding tubes (RJFT) connected to a guide thread which exited through a separate tiny opening of the abdominal wall. In a retrospective case series, we assessed the effectiveness and complications of this technique in severely ill children suffering from malnutrition and complex disorders. Three surgical complications occurred, and these were addressed by reoperation. Four children died from their severe chronic disorders within the study period. The RJFT permitted continuous enteral feeding and facilitated easy replacement of the tube. After the postoperative period, jejunal feeding by RJFT resulted in adequate weight gain. This feeding access represents an option for children in whom sufficient enteral nutrition by nasogastric tubes or gastrostomy proved impossible. Further studies are required to investigate the safety and effectiveness of this surgical technique in a larger case series.

Premature Pubarche due to Exogenous Testosterone Gel or Intense Diaper Rash Prevention Cream Use: A Case Series

2019 ◽  
Vol 91 (6) ◽  
pp. 411-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina de Oliveira Ramos ◽  
Delanie Bulcão Macedo ◽  
Tania Aparecida Sartori Sanchez Bachega ◽  
Marilza Leal Nascimento ◽  
Guiomar Madureira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pubertal Development ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Pubic Hair ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Adrenal Androgen ◽  
Androgen Exposure ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
Testosterone Gel ◽  
Premature Pubarche

Background/Aims: Premature pubarche is associated with conditions such as virilizing congenital adrenal hyperplasia, androgen-secreting tumors, and exogenous exposure to androgen products. We describe the clinical and hormonal features of a series of children who were referred to endocrine evaluation due to premature pubarche. Methods: This is a retrospective case series study of 14 children with premature pubarche and/or virilization. Five were unintentionally exposed to testosterone gel (parental use). Nine patients were intensely exposed to diaper rash prevention creams. Clinical and laboratory data were revised. Results: Moderate to severe virilization was detected in the 5 patients (2 boys and 3 girls) who were exposed to testosterone gel. These patients had pubic hair development associated with clitoromegaly (3/3), penile enlargement (2/2), and accelerated growth (5/5). Testosterone levels were elevated in 4/5 patients associated with normal prepubertal gonadotropin levels and adrenal androgen precursors. The 9 children who were intensely exposed to diaper rash prevention creams had mild pubarche (intermediate hair) without any other clinical manifestation of pubertal development. Three of them exhibited pubic hair thinning after cream withdrawal. Conclusion: Unintentional topical androgen exposure or the intense use of diaper rash prevention cream should be ruled out in children with precocious pubarche and/or virilization signs to avoid misdiagnosis and expendable investigation.

scholarly journals Corticosteroids May Have Negative Effects on the Management of Patients with Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome: A Case–Control Study

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 785
Author(s):  
Takeshi Kawaguchi ◽  
Kunihiko Umekita ◽  
Atsushi Yamanaka ◽  
Seiichiro Hara ◽  
Tetsuro Yamaguchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
Hemorrhagic Fever ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Case Fatality Ratio ◽  
Severe Fever

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging viral hemorrhagic fever in China, Korea, and Japan. To date, no standardized treatment protocol for SFTS has been established. Corticosteroids (CS) may be administered to patients with SFTS and hemophagocytic syndrome, but its effectiveness and safety are still debatable. We conducted a retrospective case series review at four medical facilities in Miyazaki, Japan. Based on the medical records, clinical data, including the patients background, symptoms, physical findings, laboratory data at initial presentation, treatment, and outcome, were compared between the CS-treated and the non-CS-treated group. A total of 47 patients with confirmed SFTS in each hospital were enrolled in this study; there were 14 fatal cases and 33 nonfatal cases. The case fatality ratio was 29.8%. After adjusting patients’ background by propensity score matching, the case fatality ratio was higher (p = 0.04) and complications of secondary infections, including invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, tended to be more frequent (p = 0.07) in the CS-treated group than in the non-CS-treated group. These data suggested that administration of CS to patients with SFTS should be carefully considered.

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