Abdominal Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19 in Children

: COVID-19 is an ongoing pandemic that is not known well. According to our current knowledge, although respiratory manifestations are the most common symptoms of COVID-19, but non-pulmonary manifestations are also commonly reported, such as rashes, appendicitis, volvulus, diverticulitis, and mesenteric lymphadenitis. In this case series, we introduced four children with COVID-19 who presented with gastrointestinal symptoms.

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COVID-19 Infection in Children with Kidney Transplantation in Iran: A Case Series

Iranian Journal of Pediatrics ◽

10.5812/ijp.111830 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 31 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Shahrbanoo Nakhaei ◽

Amin Alsadat Sharif ◽

Rozita Hoseini Shamsabadi ◽

Hasan Otukesh ◽

Saeide Ghasemi

Keyword(s):

Kidney Transplantation ◽

Urine Volume ◽

Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽

Case Series ◽

Temporary Increase ◽

Case Presentation ◽

Pediatric Kidney Transplantation ◽

Transplant Patients ◽

Pulmonary Manifestations ◽

Kidney Transplant Patients

Introduction: Since mid-April 2020, infection with coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) has affected more than 2 million people worldwide. Little is known about the effects of COVID-19 infection on kidney transplant patients treated with immunosuppressive (IS) drugs. Case Presentation: Here, we report three Iranian pediatric kidney transplantation cases who acquired COVID-19 infection and were admitted to Hazrat Ali Asghar Hospital in Tehran, Iran, in March-April 2020 (first wave). They were treated with prednisolone, cyclosporine, and cellcept. All of them had gastrointestinal symptoms, and one patient also had respiratory symptoms. In two patients who had only gastrointestinal symptoms, chest radiographies were considered normal. They did not need the intensive care unit (ICU), ventilator respiratory support, and dialysis due to a temporary increase in serum creatinine and no change in urine volume. Cellcept was stopped and other medications continued. The patient, who had pulmonary and gastrointestinal symptoms, expressed more severe manifestations that led to ICU admission and dialysis. Prednisolone was increased to a stress dose and the other drugs were discontinued. Conclusions: Pulmonary manifestations significantly worsen the prognosis compared to gastrointestinal manifestations in pediatric kidney transplants with COVID-19.

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Clinical Case Series of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Patients With Novel Coronavirus 2019 Infection

Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Research ◽

10.18502/pbr.v7i2.7366 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Hamideh Abbaspour Kasgari ◽

Amir Mohammad Shabani ◽

Hafez Fakheri ◽

Parnian Mohammadzadeh

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Symptoms ◽

Acute Phase Proteins ◽

Severe Disease ◽

Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽

Case Series ◽

Stable Condition ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Case Series Study ◽

Gi Symptoms ◽

Loss Of Appetite

Background: Various digestive symptoms have been frequently reported in a significant portion of patients infected with the virus since the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Most patients with COVID-19 have a fever accompanied by respiratory signs and symptoms, such as cough and dyspnea. We present 36 cases with a chief complaint of Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms along with respiratory symptoms. In this study, we aimed at investigating the prevalence and outcomes of COVID-19 patients with digestive symptoms. Methods: A variety of observed GI symptoms included nausea and vomiting (72.2%), diarrhea (25%), abdominal pain (19.4%), loss of appetite (14%), and anosmia (14%). The most nonGI symptoms were dyspnea (66.7%), fever (66.7%), dry cough (58.3%), myalgia (52.4%), and others. Six patients (16.6%) were critically ill, 7 (19.4%) were in stable condition, and 23 patients (64%) showed moderate symptoms. Among the patients, 7 (19.5%) needed critical care and were admitted to ICU. Leucopenia, lymphopenia, and elevated acute-phase proteins were other features observed in these patients. The most common antiviral regimen was hydroxychloroquine and oseltamivir. Finally, 32 patients (89%) were discharged, and 4 (11%) died. Conclusion: This case series study highlights that patients with COVID-19 are prone to GI symptoms along with fever and respiratory symptoms. Patients may even present with digestive symptoms and without any respiratory symptoms. Hence, clinicians should pay more attention to these patients and help diagnose COVID-19 earlier to start prompt treatment before the occurrence of severe disease.

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Presentation and management of N-acetylglutamate synthase deficiency: a review of the literature

Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases ◽

10.1186/s13023-020-01560-z ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Aileen Kenneson ◽

Rani H. Singh

Keyword(s):

Current Knowledge ◽

Case Reports ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Case Series ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Protein Restriction ◽

Therapeutic Trials ◽

Acetylglutamate Synthase ◽

Clinical Signs And Symptoms

Abstract Background N-Acetylglutamate synthase (NAGS) deficiency is an extremely rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder affecting the urea cycle, leading to episodes of hyperammonemia which can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Since its recognition in 1981, NAGS deficiency has been treated with carbamylglutamate with or without other measures (nutritional, ammonia scavengers, dialytic, etc.). We conducted a systematic literature review of NAGS deficiency to summarize current knowledge around presentation and management. Methods Case reports and case series were identified using the Medline database, as well as references from other articles and a general internet search. Clinical data related to presentation and management were abstracted by two reviewers. Results In total, 98 cases of NAGS deficiency from 79 families, in 48 articles or abstracts were identified. Of these, 1 was diagnosed prenatally, 57 were neonatal cases, 34 were post-neonatal, and 6 did not specify age at presentation or were asymptomatic at diagnosis. Twenty-one cases had relevant family history. We summarize triggers of hyperammonemic episodes, diagnosis, clinical signs and symptoms, and management strategies. DNA testing is the preferred method of diagnosis, although therapeutic trials to assess response of ammonia levels to carbamylglutamate may also be helpful. Management usually consists of treatment with carbamylglutamate, although the reported maintenance dose varied across case reports. Protein restriction was sometimes used in conjunction with carbamylglutamate. Supplementation with citrulline, arginine, and sodium benzoate also were reported. Conclusions Presentation of NAGS deficiency varies by age and symptoms. In addition, both diagnosis and management have evolved over time and vary across clinics. Prompt recognition and appropriate treatment of NAGS deficiency with carbamylglutamate may improve outcomes of affected individuals. Further research is needed to assess the roles of protein restriction and supplements in the treatment of NAGS deficiency, especially during times of illness or lack of access to carbamylglutamate.

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Pulmonary Manifestations in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis and Peripheral Spondyloarthritis Prevalence, Diagnostic Approach and Treatment Options

Current Rheumatology Reviews ◽

10.2174/1573397116666200905122757 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 16 ◽

Author(s):

Daniel Dejcman ◽

Valentin Sebastian Schäfer ◽

Dirk Skowasch ◽

Carmen Pizarro ◽

Andreas Krause ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Psoriatic Arthritis ◽

Lung Disease ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Pulmonary Diseases ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Pulmonary Manifestations ◽

Major Cluster ◽

Peripheral Spondyloarthritis

: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the most common form of pulmonary impairment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, patients with RA or other arthritic diseases such as psoriatic arthritis (PsA) or peripheral spondyloarthritis (pSpA) may develop several other pulmonary diseases such as chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) with a higher risk than patients without arthritis. The article at hand aims at summarizing the current knowledge on the prevalence of pulmonary diseases in the above-mentioned forms of arthritis, the challenges for prevalence studies and detecting pulmonary diseases in patients with arthritis as well as possible treatment options. Dyspnea, cough or other pulmonary symptoms or findings in arthritis patients should prompt gradual diagnostic procedures considering pulmonary manifestations as a major cluster of differential diagnosis. Considering its poor prognosis and morbidity burden, RA-ILD needs to be ruled out. Treatment of manifestations often lacks solid evidencebased guidelines and referrals to specialized centers are often necessary.

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Cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 in Mexican patients: A case series and review of literature

SAGE Open Medical Case Reports ◽

10.1177/2050313x21997194 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 2050313X2199719

Author(s):

Juan Carlos Palomo-Pérez ◽

Maria Elisa Vega-Memije ◽

David Aguilar-Blancas ◽

Erik González-Martínez ◽

Lucia Rangel-Gamboa

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Symptoms ◽

Case Series ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Skin Lesions ◽

World Health ◽

Medical Community ◽

Atypical Pneumonia ◽

Cutaneous Lesions ◽

Cutaneous Manifestations ◽

Mexican Patients

China officially recognized atypical pneumonia outbreak in December 2019; on 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a pandemic that is produced by a new coronavirus, named SARS-CoV-2, of rapid transmissibility, which can be asymptomatic, with mild to severe respiratory symptoms, and with cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal, and cutaneous complications. Considering that the pandemic prolonged more than initially expected was prognostic, it is essential for the medical community to identify the signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Thus, this work’s objectives were to present cases of cutaneous lesions observed in COVID-19 Mexican patients. We register cutaneous lesions in COVID-19 patients referred from internal medicine and otorhinolaryngology services to dermatology. We presented four interesting cases with cutaneous lesions, including exanthema morbilliform, urticaria, chilblains, ecchymosis, and facial edema, and review the available literature. The most frequent cutaneous markers are rash, chilblains, and urticaria. Skin lesions may be the first manifestation of COVID-19, accompany initial respiratory symptoms, or appear during the disease course. Symptoms associated with vascular changes (livedo reticularis and vasculitis) are considered of poor prognosis.

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Lactobacillus Reuteri DSM 17938 (Limosilactobacillus reuteri) in Diarrhea and Constipation: Two Sides of the Same Coin?

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina57070643 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 57 (7) ◽

pp. 643

Author(s):

Angela Saviano ◽

Mattia Brigida ◽

Alessio Migneco ◽

Gayani Gunawardena ◽

Christian Zanza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽

Emergency Department ◽

Abdominal Pain ◽

Human Health ◽

Bowel Disease ◽

Chronic Constipation ◽

Lactobacillus Reuteri ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽

Inflammatory Bowel

Background and Objectives: Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (L. reuteri) is a probiotic that can colonize different human body sites, including primarily the gastrointestinal tract, but also the urinary tract, the skin, and breast milk. Literature data showed that the administration of L. reuteri can be beneficial to human health. The aim of this review was to summarize current knowledge on the role of L. reuteri in the management of gastrointestinal symptoms, abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation, both in adults and children, which are frequent reasons for admission to the emergency department (ED), in order to promote the best selection of probiotic type in the treatment of these uncomfortable and common symptoms. Materials and Methods: We searched articles on PubMed® from January 2011 to January 2021. Results: Numerous clinical studies suggested that L. reuteri may be helpful in modulating gut microbiota, eliminating infections, and attenuating the gastrointestinal symptoms of enteric colitis, antibiotic-associated diarrhea (also related to the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection), irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic constipation. In both children and in adults, L. reuteri shortens the duration of acute infectious diarrhea and improves abdominal pain in patients with colitis or inflammatory bowel disease. It can ameliorate dyspepsia and symptoms of gastritis in patients with HP infection. Moreover, it improves gut motility and chronic constipation. Conclusion: Currently, probiotics are widely used to prevent and treat numerous gastrointestinal disorders. In our opinion, L. reuteri meets all the requirements to be considered a safe, well-tolerated, and efficacious probiotic that is able to contribute to the beneficial effects on gut-human health, preventing and treating many gastrointestinal symptoms, and speeding up the recovery and discharge of patients accessing the emergency department.

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Diversity of Cardiac and Gastrointestinal Presentations of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Associated with COVID-19: A Case Series

Global Pediatric Health ◽

10.1177/2333794x21996613 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. 2333794X2199661

Author(s):

Anuja R. Shikhare ◽

Rimsha M. Iqbal ◽

Rabail Tariq ◽

Daniel R. Turner ◽

Bassam M. Gebara ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Kawasaki Disease ◽

Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽

Case Series ◽

Asymptomatic Infection ◽

Cardiac Monitoring ◽

Delayed Presentation ◽

Terminal Ileitis ◽

Serologic Evidence ◽

Cardiac Manifestations ◽

Inflammatory Syndrome

COVID-19 is generally a benign or asymptomatic infection in children, but can occasionally be severe or fatal. Delayed presentation of COVID-19 with hyperinflammation and multi-organ involvement was recently recognized, designated the Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). Six children with MIS-C with molecular and serologic evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection were admitted to our hospital between May 5, 2020 and June 25, 2020. All had fever and weakness; 4/6 presented with gastrointestinal symptoms. Two children had features of complete Kawasaki disease, 3 had incomplete Kawasaki disease, while 1 had terminal ileitis with delayed onset of circulatory shock. Treatment consisted of intravenous immunoglobulin and aspirin for Kawasaki-like disease. Remdesivir, corticosteroids, and infliximab were used when indicated. Median hospitalization was 7 days. Immediate treatment resulted in rapid clinical improvement. In children presenting with hyperinflammatory syndromes without cardiac manifestations, testing for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antibodies, with close cardiac monitoring should be pursued due to the manifold presentations of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children.

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Trans-hiatal herniation following esophagectomy or gastrectomy: retrospective single-center experiences with a potential surgical emergency

Hernia ◽

10.1007/s10029-021-02380-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

P. U. Oppelt ◽

I. Askevold ◽

R. Hörbelt ◽

F. C. Roller ◽

W. Padberg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hernia Repair ◽

Hiatal Hernia ◽

Surgical Repair ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽

Case Series ◽

Gastric Surgery ◽

Hiatal Hernia Repair ◽

Single Center ◽

Asymptomatic Patients

Abstract Purpose Trans-hiatal herniation after esophago-gastric surgery is a potentially severe complication due to the risk of bowel incarceration and cardiac or respiratory complaints. However, measures for prevention and treatment options are based on a single surgeon´s experiences and small case series in the literature. Methods Retrospective single-center analysis on patients who underwent surgical repair of trans-hiatal hernia following gastrectomy or esophagectomy from 01/2003 to 07/2020 regarding clinical symptoms, hernia characteristics, pre-operative imaging, hernia repair technique and perioperative outcome. Results Trans-hiatal hernia repair was performed in 9 patients following abdomino-thoracic esophagectomy (40.9%), in 8 patients following trans-hiatal esophagectomy (36.4%) and in 5 patients following conventional gastrectomy (22.7%). Gastrointestinal symptoms with bowel obstruction and pain were mostly prevalent (63.6 and 59.1%, respectively), two patients were asymptomatic. Transverse colon (54.5%) and small intestine (77.3%) most frequently prolapsed into the left chest after esophagectomy (88.2%) and into the dorsal mediastinum after gastrectomy (60.0%). Half of the patients had signs of incarceration in pre-operative imaging, 10 patients underwent emergency surgery. However, bowel resection was only necessary in one patient. Hernia repair was performed by suture cruroplasty without (n = 12) or with mesh reinforcement (n = 5) or tension-free mesh interposition (n = 5). Postoperative pleural complications were most frequently observed, especially in patients who underwent any kind of mesh repair. Three patients developed recurrency, of whom two underwent again surgical repair. Conclusion Trans-hiatal herniation after esophago-gastric surgery is rare but relevant. The role of surgical repair in asymptomatic patients is disputed. However, early hernia repair prevents patients from severe complications. Measures for prevention and adequate closure techniques are not yet defined.

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Exercise-Induced Scalenus Syndrome

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546507312166 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 36 (2) ◽

pp. 369-374 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Panagiotis Baltopoulos ◽

Charalampos Tsintzos ◽

George Prionas ◽

Maria Tsironi

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome ◽

Surgical Intervention ◽

Case Series ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Underlying Mechanism ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Full Activity ◽

Exercise Induced

Background Thoracic outlet syndrome is described as a group of distinct disorders producing signs and symptoms attributed to compression of nerves and blood vessels in the thoracic outlet region. Purpose To describe the exercise-induced scalenus anticus syndrome attributed to the anterior scalenus hypertrophy as a thoracic outlet syndrome underlying mechanism and to give recommendations for a safe and effective surgical treatment. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Twelve young professional athletes admitted for thoracic outlet syndrome (8 cases of neurologic thoracic outlet syndrome, 4 cases of mixed neurologic and vascular thoracic outlet syndrome) who reported numbness, tingling, early fatigue, muscle weakness, and pain were enrolled in the study. Scalenus hypertrophy was suspected to be the causative factor. Scalenectomy was performed in all cases. Results All patients had moderate to severe hypertrophy of the anterior scalenus muscle. Scalenectomy was performed, and there were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Full activity was quickly achieved, and no recurrence of symptoms was documented. Conclusion Surgical intervention for scalenus anticus syndrome can allow an athlete to return to full activity and improve quality of life. Surgical intervention seems to be the treatment of choice in terms of restoring quality of life and physical activity.

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Efficacy and Safety of a New Formulation of Pancrelipase (Ultrase MT20) in the Treatment of Malabsorption in Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in Cystic Fibrosis

Gastroenterology Research and Practice ◽

10.1155/2010/898193 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 2010 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Michael W. Konstan ◽

Theodore G. Liou ◽

Steven D. Strausbaugh ◽

Richard Ahrens ◽

Jamshed F. Kanga ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cystic Fibrosis ◽

Pancreatic Insufficiency ◽

Pancreatic Enzyme ◽

Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽

Signs And Symptoms ◽

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Protein Nitrogen ◽

Enzyme Replacement ◽

New Formulation

Background. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy is the standard of care for treatment of malabsorption in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (PI).Aim. To evaluate efficacy and safety of a new formulation of pancrelipase (Ultrase MT20) in patients with CF and PI. Coefficients of fat absorption (CFA%) and nitrogen absorption (CNA%) were the main efficacy parameters. Safety was evaluated by monitoring laboratory analyses, adverse events (AEs), and overall signs and symptoms.Methods. Patients (n=31) were randomized in a crossover design comparing this pancrelipase with placebo during 2 inpatient evaluation periods (6-7 days each). Fat and protein/nitrogen ingestion and excretion were measured from food diaries and 72-hour stool collections. CFA% and CNA% were calculated for each period and compared.Results. Twenty-four patients provided analyzable data. This pancrelipase increased mean CFA% and CNA% (+34.7% and +25.7%, resp.,P<.0001for both), reduced stool frequency, and improved stool consistency compared with placebo. Placebo-treated patients reported more AEs, with gastrointestinal symptoms being the most frequently reported AE.Conclusions. This pancrelipase is a safe and effective treatment for malabsorption associated with exocrine PI in patients with CF.

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