Urticarial eruption in COVID-19-positive children: A report of two cases

Recent literature has reported a variety of dermatological manifestations in children and adults associated with COVID-19. Herein, we report urticarial eruptions in two COVID-19-positive children. In the first case, urticaria with angioedema preceded a febrile episode and only partially responded to conventional doses of antihistamines. In the second case, urticaria followed the appearance of fever and upper respiratory symptoms. Both cases recovered completely within two weeks of diagnosis. These cases demonstrate that urticaria and angioedema, precedent or following a febrile illness, with or without respiratory symptoms, may be a presenting symptom of COVID-19 infection in children. A high index of suspicion in such cases helps the early administration of treatment and isolation of the patients to limit the spread of the virus.

Correlation between potassium administration and resolution in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis

Background: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication of acute diabetes mellitus (DM). Insulin is one of the therapies for DKA, which can reduce potassium levels by shifting potassium from extracellular to intracellular. Consequently, early administration of potassium is important in the resolution of DKA. Objective: To determine the correlation between potassium administration and resolution in patients with DKA and the factors affecting such resolution. Methods: An observational study was employed with a retrospective cohort design for inpatients with a diagnosis of DKA during the period of January 2015-August 2020 at Dr. Sardjito Hospital Yogyakarta. Appraisal of the resolution of DKA variable was based on the achievement of blood glucose targets, followed by 2 criteria of serum bicarbonate, pH, and anion gap during 24 hours of therapy. This study involved 55 patients divided into groups with potassium administration and without potassium administration. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression. Results: The resolution of DKA achieved in less than equal to 24 hours in the group with potassium was 48.5% (16 patients) while it was 18.2% (4 patients) without potassium. Based on the chi-square analysis, there was a relationship between potassium administration and the resolution of DKA (p=0.045; RR=2.667; 95%CI=1.028-6.920). The multivariate analysis showed that the severity and history of DM were positively related to the resolution of DKA (p=0.025; OR: 8.901; 95%CI=1.318-60.123 and p=0.017; OR: 0.090; 95%CI=0.012-0.652). Conclusion: Potassium administration resulted in 48.5% of the DKA patients achieving a resolution in less than equal to 24 hours from the commencement of DKA therapy. The severity and history of DM became the factors that affected the resolution of DKA. Keywords: diabetic ketoacidosis, potassium, resolution

Diabetic Ketoacidosis Updates: Titratable Insulin Infusions and Long-Acting Insulin Early

Background. To compare a titratable insulin infusion order set (vs. nontitratable) and early administration of long-acting insulin in adult patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Methods. Single health system, retrospective study of adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for DKA. The primary outcomes were insulin infusion duration and ICU/hospital length of stays (LoS). Secondary outcomes included ICU/hospital survival, hypoglycemia, and hypokalemia. Results. 151 patients were included in the titratable versus nontitratable insulin infusion comparison. Patients treated with the titratable insulin had shorter hospitalization (6.4 vs. 10.4 days, p = 0.03 ) and reduced the number hypoglycemic events by over half (20.6% vs. 46.0%, p < 0.01 ). 110 patients were identified to compare overlapping a long-acting insulin for more than 4 h with the insulin infusion versus the standard 1-2 h overlap. Patients who received the insulin early spent over 18 h longer on the infusion ( p < 0.01 ). Conclusions. A titratable insulin infusion added to the institutional DKA order set was associated with fewer days in the hospital and a significant reduction in hypoglycemic events. Furthermore, overlapping the long-acting insulin earlier with the insulin infusion early showed no benefit and could potentially be worse than the standard overlap.

The Early Coasting Method during Ovarian Stimulation in Antagonist Protocols with Combined Use of Cabergoline is Useful in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of withholding gonadotropins (coasting) and early administration of cabergoline in a flexible Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol for patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

High Flow in the Storm. Early Administration of High-Flow Nasal Cannula in Patients with Severe Acute Hypoxic Respiratory Failure Due to Clinically Suspected COVID-19

Background: The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has created a shortage of ICU beds and ventilators. The objective was to assess whether administration of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in patients with acute hypoxic respiratory failure due to COVID-19 averted mechanical ventilation (MV). Methods: Prospective observational study performed at Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur (Madrid). The protocol included early administration of HFNC in clinically suspected COVID-19 patients with progressive desaturation. Results: Twenty patients were started on respiratory support with HFNC. Hospital admission took place after a median of 7 days since symptom onset and clinical deterioration was apparent at 9 days after symptom onset. Anti-inflammatory treatment with methylprednisolone and tocilizumab was initiated at 9 days (6.5–12), followed by HFNC at 9.5 days (7–12). HFNC was maintained for an average of 4.5 days (2.8–6.3), was successful in eighteen patients (90%), as defined by not needing invasive MV, and failed in two cases (10%) resulting in death. Since HFNC was implemented, there has been a decrease in the number of patients admitted to the ICU and treated with MV for acute hypoxic respiratory failure. Conclusions: HFNC administration may represent a viable therapeutic option for patients in the early stages of severe respiratory failure due to clinically suspected COVID-19.

Bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss in a patient with scrub typhus: a case report

<p class="abstract">Scrub typhus is a febrile illness caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, a gram negative alpha proteobacterium and transmitted by the bite of leptotrombidium, chigger mite larvae. The disease is endemic to Southeast Asia and Northern Australia and derives its name from the vegetation that harbours the mite. The patient usually presents with high-grade fever, an eschar at the inoculation site, generalised lymphadenopathy, organomegaly and pneumonitis. Rarely, the patient may go into acute renal failure, disseminated intravascular coagulation and shock. A case of scrub typhus presenting with acute sensorineural hearing loss which resolved with treatment is being reported. Hearing impairment with fever in a patient in endemic region of scrub typhus can give a clue to health care worker towards the diagnosis of scrub typhus and thus early administration of treatment.</p>