scholarly journals Gram stain microscopy in septic arthritis

2021 ◽  
Vol 87 (3) ◽  
pp. 553-556
Author(s):  
Karam Al-Tawil ◽  
Frederick Quiney ◽  
Louis Pirkis ◽  
Nicholas Birkett ◽  
Aaron Rooney
Keyword(s):  
Septic Arthritis ◽  
Biochemical Markers ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Gram Stain ◽  
Single Centre ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Prosthetic Joints ◽  
Rapid Destruction ◽  
Low Threshold

Septic arthritis is a serious condition that can lead to rapid destruction of joint if it is not rapidly diagnosed and treated appropriately. The reported annual incidence is 10 in 100 000 although this increases to 70 in 100 000 in those with risk factors for developing septic arthritis mainly rheumatoid arthritis and immune-compromised patients. The aim of this study is to examine the sensitivity and specificity, and thus the clinical usefulness, of gram stain results. This was a single centre, retrospective case series. All joint aspirates over a three year period from May 2015 to April 2018 were reviewed. The gram stain and final culture results noted. 830 samples were included from both native and replaced joints. Native joints accounted for a total of 701 cases (84%) of the aspirates, whilst those obtained from prosthetic joints 129 (16%). In 74 (9%) cases there was a discrepancy between the gram stain and culture results. The sensitivity of the gram stain in this case series is 22% and the specificity of the test is 99.6%. The clinician should have a low threshold for overlooking a negative gram stain result and place greater emphases on the clinical findings in conjunction with biochemical markers.

scholarly journals Paediatric admissions to a district general hospital adult intensive care unit over a six year period: A single centre retrospective case series, with review of practitioner confidence and competence in paediatric critical care

2021 ◽  
pp. 175114372110121
Author(s):  
Stephen A Spencer ◽  
Joanna S Gumley ◽  
Marcin Pachucki
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Intensive Care Units ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Critically Ill Children ◽  
Single Centre ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Retrospective Case Series ◽  
Paediatric Critical Care ◽  
Doctors And Nurses

Background Critically ill children presenting to district general hospitals (DGH) are admitted to adult intensive care units (AICUs) for stabilisation prior to transfer to paediatric intensive care units (PICUs). Current training in PICU for adult intensive care physicians is only three months. This single centre retrospective case series examines the case mix of children presenting to a DGH AICU and a multidisciplinary survey assesses confidence and previous experience, highlighting continued training needs for DGH AICU staff. Methods all paediatric admissions to AICU and paediatric retrievals were reviewed over a 6-year period (2014-2019). Cases were identified from the Electronic Patient Record (EPR) and from data provided by the regional paediatric retrieval service. A questionnaire survey was sent to AICU doctors and nurses to assess confidence and competence in paediatric critical care. Results Between 2014-2019, 284 children were managed by AICU. In total 35% of cases were <1 y, 48% of cases were <2 y and 64% of cases were <5 y, and 166/284 (58%) children were retrieved. Retrieval reduced with increasing age (OR 0.49 [0.40-0.60], p < 0.0001). The survey had an 82% response rate, and highlighted that only 13% of AICU nurses and 50% of doctors had received prior PICU training. Conclusion At least one critically unwell child presents to the AICU each week. Assessment, stabilisation and management of critically unwell children are vital skills for DGH AICU staff, but confidence and competence are lacking. Formalised strategies are required to develop and maintain paediatric competencies for AICU doctors and nurses.

Real-world outcomes with extended-release buprenorphine (XR-BUP) in a low threshold bridge clinic: A retrospective case series

2021 ◽  
Vol 126 ◽  
pp. 108316
Author(s):  
Alyssa M. Peckham ◽  
Laura G. Kehoe ◽  
Jessica R. Gray ◽  
Sarah E. Wakeman
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Extended Release ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Retrospective Case Series ◽  
Low Threshold

scholarly journals Clinical features of cats with aqueous tear deficiency: a retrospective case series of 10 patients (17 eyes)

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 944-950 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa K Uhl ◽  
Akihiko Saito ◽  
Hiroko Iwashita ◽  
David J Maggs ◽  
Jonathan P Mochel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Features ◽  
Ocular Surface ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Reference Interval ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Response To Therapy ◽  
Ocular Surface Disease ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Schirmer Tear Test

Objectives The aim of this study was to describe the clinical findings, diagnostic test results and response to therapy of cats with Schirmer tear test 1 (STT-1) values below the reference interval. Methods The medical records of three institutions were searched for cats with ocular surface disease and STT-1 values <9 mm/min, confirmed at two or more separate visits. Results Ten cats (17 eyes) were included. The mean ± SD (range) age and STT-1 values in affected eye(s) were 6.1 ± 5.7 (0.2–16) years and 2.4 ± 3.1 (0–8) mm/min, respectively. Concurrent ocular surface disease was bilateral in 5/10 cats. Clinical signs included conjunctivitis (14/17 eyes), corneal ulceration (6/17 eyes), non-ulcerative keratitis (4/17 eyes), symblepharon (4/17 eyes), eosinophilic keratitis (3/17 eyes), corneal sequestrum (3/17 eyes), corneal fibrosis (2/17 eyes) and meibomitis (2/17 eyes). Management included: topically applied lacrimomimetics, antiviral drugs, corticosteroids or immunomodulatory drugs; orally administered famciclovir; or surgical procedures, in various combinations. Response to therapy (defined as an increase in STT-1 value of ⩾5 mm/min) was transient (seen at a single reassessment) in 65% of eyes and sustained (seen at ⩾2 consecutive reassessments) in 18% of eyes. Conclusions and relevance Clinical features seen in cats with low STT-1 values are described, although the association between aqueous deficiency and the reported ocular changes is unknown at this time. We encourage clinicians to assess the tear film in cats with ocular surface disease, and initiate therapy with lacrimomimetics if STT-1 values are repeatedly below normal. Such information will further define aqueous tear deficiency in cats, providing a better understanding of disease prevalence, pathogenesis and treatment.

scholarly journals Acute bacterial nephritis. A descriptive study of an underdiagnosed entity

2020 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Pedro Antonio Madero-Morales ◽  
Rigoberto Pallares-Méndez ◽  
Rodrigo Romero-Mata ◽  
Guillermo Vizcarra-Mata ◽  
Andrés Guillén-Lozoya
Keyword(s):  
Acute Pyelonephritis ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Clinical Course ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Therapy Response ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Imaging Features ◽  
Imaging Studies ◽  
Retrospective Case

Background: Acute bacterial nephritis is an infectious process diagnosed through imaging studies. The clinical course of the disease has been shown to be more aggressive than acute pyelonephritis. It continues to be underdiagnosed, thus there are few studies on the entity in the literature. Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics and imaging features of acute bacterial nephritis, as well as its clinical course. Design: A descriptive, retrospective case series was conducted. Materials and methods: Thirty-two cases of acute bacterial nephritis in patients admitted to the hospital within the time frame of 2009 to 2016 were reviewed. The patients’ clinical characteristics upon admission were registered, as well as inpatient clinical progression, culture results, and antibiotic therapy response. The imaging studies were re-evaluated and the diagnostic consistency with either the focal or multifocal disease presentation was confirmed. Results: Cases predominated in women (n=29, 90.62%) and the most frequently associated comorbidities were diabetes (n=16, 50%) and obesity (n=9, 28.25%). The most important clinical findings upon admission were fever (n=15, 46.87%) and leukocytosis (n=27, 84.38%). Escherichia coli was the most commonly isolated bacterium (63.63%). Both acute focal bacterial nephritis and acute multifocal bacterial nephritis were observed in 46.87% (n=15) and 53.13% (n=17) of the patients, respectively. Imaging studies were required for all diagnoses. Conclusion: Fever and leukocytosis are the main findings in acute bacterial nephritis. Imaging studies are necessary for making the diagnosis, given that acute pyelonephritis and acute bacterial nephritis cannot be clinically differentiated.

scholarly journals Pseudo paralysis of the shoulder and increased C-reactive protein are predictive factors for septic shoulder in children superior to other clinical symptoms: a retrospective case series of 25 patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cezara Danilov ◽  
Christoph Ihle ◽  
Francisco F. Fernandez ◽  
Gunnar Blumenstock ◽  
Thomas Wirth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Septic Arthritis ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Diagnostic Procedures ◽  
White Blood Count ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Shoulder Arthritis

Purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate predictable parameters with the highest sensitivity used in the diagnosis of children septic shoulder arthritis. Methods All children treated in our paediatric orthopaedic hospital between 2000 and 2017 with intraoperative verified septic arthritis of the shoulder were included in this retrospective study. Diagnostic procedures e.g. ultrasound, MRI, radiograph or blood samples as well as typical clinical symptoms were evaluated as predictable parameters for septic shoulder arthritis in paediatric patients. Descriptive statistics as well as sensitivity analysis were performed. Results In all, 25 children, 20 boys and five girls, aged from eight days to 15 years, were included for further statistical analysis. All parameters included were tested for sensitivity with binomial confidence intervals (Cis) of 95%. Predictive parameters with highest sensitivity were pseudo paralysis (100%, CI 0.86 to 1.00) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (96%, CI 0.79 to 0.99) superior to temperature (52%, CI 0.3 to 0.73), white blood count (11%, CI 0.01 to 0.34), radiograph (21%, CI 0.04 to 0.50), ultrasound (71%, CI 0.47 to 0.88) or MRI (100%, CI 0.78 to 1.00). Conclusion The diagnosis of a septic arthritis of the shoulder in children can be challenging for the clinician and especially for the resident doctor. Clinical symptoms such as pseudo paralysis and increased CRP level must be considered as predictive markers not to delay further diagnostics and treatment. Level of Evidence IV

scholarly journals MP031: Synovial fluid analysis in the diagnosis of septic arthritis: comparing local data to the literature

CJEM ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (S1) ◽  
pp. S76-S77
Author(s):  
E. Logan ◽  
J. Fedwick
Keyword(s):  
Synovial Fluid ◽  
Septic Arthritis ◽  
Emergency Departments ◽  
Positive Culture ◽  
Diagnostic Algorithm ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Gram Stain ◽  
Local Data ◽  
Fluid Analysis ◽  
Synovial Fluid Analysis

Introduction: A hot, painful, swollen joint is a common presentation to the emergency department. Of the potential etiologies, septic arthritis (SA) is the most devastating. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to improve outcomes. Both culture proven and clinically suspected SA are thought to have the same prognosis, with similar morbidity and mortality estimates. No clinical exam or serum lab finding has the sensitivity or specificity to diagnose or exclude SA. Instead, diagnosis relies mainly on joint aspiration and synovial fluid analysis. A synovial white blood cell count (sWBC) greater than 50,000 cells/microliter is suggestive of SA and organisms seen on gram stain or growing in culture effectively makes the diagnosis. However, culture and gram stain are positive in only 67% and 50% of cases respectively. The objective of this study was to analyze the accuracy of synovial fluid analysis in our local practice environment. Methods: All those encounters with diagnoses related to SA at four adult emergency departments in Calgary between 2013-2014 were reviewed. Hospital records were analyzed for synovial analysis, antibiotic usage and surgical procedures. Results: Of 286 encounters, 87 were determined to satisfy the definition for SA in that culture was positive, gram stain was positive or clinical findings lead to treatment with antibiotics and/or surgical intervention. Gram stain was positive in 22% of cases with cultures positive in 51% of patients. sWBC were less than 50000 in 55% of cases and less than 25000 in 24% of cases. Of 88 gram stains performed, 28% were negative but had positive culture. All positive gram stains were associated with positive cultures. Conclusion: Culture, gram stain and sWBC of patients diagnosed with SA in Calgary show differences compared with the published literature. In Calgary, the majority of SA diagnoses were made clinically. The sWBC is central to making the diagnosis. Interestingly, 55% of patients diagnosed with SA had a count less than 50,000. It remains unclear what features of history, physical exam, imaging and lab analysis lead to the diagnosis of SA in these cases. Future studies will focus on these outliers to see if a more appropriate diagnostic algorithm would be useful in Calgary. Collaboration between infectious disease specialists, orthopedics, and emergency departments guided by local data is needed to ensure accurate and timely diagnosis.

scholarly journals Urological cancer patients receiving treatment during COVID-19: a single-centre perspective

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Therese Williams ◽  
Salma El Badri ◽  
Syed Anwer Hussain
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Upper Urinary Tract ◽  
Urological Cancer ◽  
Single Centre ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Treatment Risk ◽  
Anticancer Treatment ◽  
Active Cancer

Abstract Background Active cancer, immunosuppressive treatments and immunotherapies have been reported to increase cancer patients’ risk of developing severe COVID-19 infection. For patients and clinicians, treatment risk must be weighed against disease progression. Methods This retrospective case series surveys urological cancer patients who made informed decisions to continue anticancer treatment (ACT) at one centre from March to June 2020. Results Sixty-one patients (44 bladder, 10 prostate, 7 upper urinary tract cancers) received 195 cycles of ACT (99 chemotherapy, 59 immunotherapy, 37 as part of ongoing clinical trials), with a range of indications: 43 palliative, 10 neoadjuvant, 8 adjuvant. One patient tested positive for COVID-19 but experienced only mild symptoms. Fourteen patients interrupted treatment outside of their schedule, seven of these due to potential COVID-19 associated risk. ACT supportive steroids were not associated with higher rates of COVID-19. Conclusions This single-centre series reports that ACT administration did not result in an apparent excess in symptomatic COVID-19 infections.

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