A Nomogram Model for Predicting the Response to Transcatheter Arterial Embolization in Patients With Symptomatic Hepatic Hemangioma

Background: Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is regarded as an effective treatment for patients with symptomatic hepatic hemangioma. However, few studies have evaluated the efficacy of TAE alone for treating hepatic hemangioma. The aim of this study was to identify the factors that influence the response to TAE and formulate a quantitative nomogram to optimize the individualized management of hepatic hemangioma.Methods: We retrospectively studied 276 patients treated with TAE for hepatic hemangioma at our center from January 2011 to December 2019. The full cohort was randomly divided into training and validation cohorts. After assessing the potential predictive factors for the efficacy of TAE in the training cohort, a nomogram model was established and evaluated by discrimination and calibration.Results: During follow-up, the symptom relief rate was 100%. The tumor blood supply (p < 0.001), tumor number (p = 0.004), and tumor size (p = 0.006) were identified as significant predictors of the failure of tumor shrinkage in response to TAE. The nomogram model showed favorable discrimination and calibration, with a C-index of 0.775 (95% CI, 0.705–0.845) in the training cohort, which was further confirmed in the validation cohort (C-index 0.768; 95% CI, 0.680–0.856). The side effects of TAE were relatively minor and included mainly abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and the presence of elevated hepatic transaminases.Conclusion: TAE is a safe and effective treatment for symptomatic hepatic hemangioma. The established nomogram performed well for the estimation of the effect of TAE in patients with hepatic hemangioma and can facilitate the selection of patients who would benefit most from the treatment.

Cytolytic syndrome associated with the treatment for COVID-19

The article describes a clinical case of an increased level of hepatic transaminases during a delayed period of the treatment in a patient with coronavirus disease COVID-19 using remdesivir and a possible effect of hepatic steatosis on the severity of cytolytic syndrome associated with the course of COVID-19.

Identification of a novel MICU1 nonsense variant causes myopathy with extrapyramidal signs in an Iranian consanguineous family

Background Ca2+ as a universal second messenger regulates basic biological functions including cell cycle, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and cell death. Lack of the protein mitochondrial calcium uptake1 (MICU1), which has been regarded as a gatekeeper of Ca ions, leads to the abnormal mitochondrial Ca2+ handling, excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and increased cell death. Mutations in MICU1 gene causes a very rare neuromuscular disease, myopathy with extrapyramidal signs (MPXPS), due to primary alterations in mitochondrial calcium signaling which demonstrates the key role of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. To date, 13 variants have been reported in MICU1 gene in 44 patients presented with the vast spectrum of symptoms. Case presentation Here, we report a 44-year-old Iranian patient presented with learning disability, muscle weakness, easy fatigability, reduced tendon reflexes, ataxia, gait disturbance, elevated hepatic transaminases, elevated serum creatine kinase (CK), and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). We identified a novel nonsense variant c.385C>T; p.(R129*) in MICU1 gene by whole exome sequencing (WES) and segregation analysis. Conclusions Our finding along with previous studies provides more evidence on the clinical presentation of the disease caused by pathogenic mutations in MICU1. Finding more variants and expanding the spectrum of the disease increases the diagnostic rate of molecular testing in screening of this kind of diseases and in turn improves the quality of counseling for at risk couples and helps them to minimize the risks of having affected children.

Gastrointestinal Manifestation of Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection in an Immunocompromised Dog

SARS-CoV-2 infects a range of host species. However, the susceptibility of companion animals to SARS-CoV-2 and their potential ability to transmit the virus to humans remains unclear. Here, we present a detailed clinical description of an immunosuppressed dog that was infected with SARS-CoV-2. The dog had severe gastrointestinal (GI) clinical signs, coagulopathy, elevated hepatic transaminases, and met canine systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria, without respiratory clinical signs, mirroring a subset of humans with GI-restricted COVID-19. Viral sequencing demonstrated divergence from other reported sequences, based on phylogenetic analysis. The dog shed high levels of virus for a prolonged time period with positive virus isolation. The dog’s immunosuppressed state may have increased both susceptibility to infection and disease progression. Together, our findings suggest that certain individual companion animals may be at higher risk for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19-like disease, and high viral shedding, which may pose a transmission risk to humans.

COVID-19 in Children With Liver Disease

Background: The global pandemic caused by novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19) is a major threat to the general population and for patients with pre-existing chronic conditions. We report data concerning SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with chronic liver disease (CLD).Methods: A literature review using the online database PubMed was performed to summarize available findings on the association between pre-existing liver disease and COVID-19 infection in children.Results: Children with COVID-19 have preserved effector and immunosuppressive components resulting in a milder disease compared to adults. The most common hepatic manifestation is an elevation of hepatic transaminases. Liver damage may be directly caused by viral infection of liver cells, by medications or by the chronic hypoxia seen in COVID-19 patients. A multicenter study reported that the majority of children with a CLD remained healthy during the outbreak. Similarly, studies reported that children on immunosuppressive treatment, including patients with autoimmune liver disease (AILD) and liver transplantation (LT), maintained good health during the outbreak without experiencing major complications even if infected with COVID-19.Conclusion: COVID-19-related liver injury presents with a mild elevation of transaminases, although its clinical significance is unclear. Children with CLD, including those with AILD and post-LT, do not have an increased risk for severe disease course of SARS-CoV-2 infection with little or no liver dysfunction. These data highlight the necessity to ensure normal standards of care while adhering to national Covid-19 guidelines, and particularly to maintain immunosuppressive medication to prevent relapse or rejection. Further research is required to evaluate the differences in clinical course between immunosuppressed adults and children and in particular whether asymptomatic infection is a concern.

Murine Typhus Infection in Pregnancy: Case Series and Literature Review

Murine typhus is a flea-borne disease of worldwide distribution with a recent reemergence in the United States of America. There are limited data about the presentation, treatment, and outcomes in the pregnant population. We report on two cases of murine typhus during pregnancy and review the literature to compile previously reported cases. A comprehensive search was performed via the PubMed database for published articles between 1990 and 2020. Seven articles met the criteria of symptomatic pregnant murine typhus infection. A total of 37 patients were identified. Patients frequently presented with a prolonged duration of fevers prior to presentation, headache, and elevated hepatic transaminases. The diagnosis was predominantly based on serology. Treatment varied. Overall, the pregnancy outcome was favorable. Murine typhus can mimic other pregnancy-related pathologies. More exclusive and large-scale studies are needed to learn more of murine typhus during pregnancy.

Comparative analysis of perinatal complications in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnant women

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy is associated with a higher incidence of adverse neonatal outcomes, including preterm birth, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), and stillborn foetuses. Despite the successes achieved in the problem of Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnant women (ICPW), a significant number of unfavorable outcomes for the mother and the fetus are associated with insufficiently developed possibilities for predicting them. Unsatisfactory results of pregnancy, childbirth and perinatal indicators, which cause a number of medical and social problems, can be reduced with the availability of effective methods for predicting and, if it, successful prevention and treatment of ICPW. Purpose of the study. To study the relationship between clinical and laboratory parameters in pregnant women with ICP W with obstetric and perinatal outcomes. Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of 600 birth histories and exchange cards of pregnant women in the period from 2015 to 2019 with ICPW was carried out, of which 301 pregnant women with intrahepatic cholestasis in the main group, and 299 pregnant women without intrahepatic cholestasis in the control group. Results and discussion. The most frequent complications of pregnancy and childbirth in ICPW were preterm labor, threatening fetal healthcare, preeclampsia, and postpartum hemorrhage. In patients with ICPW, an increase in the level of hepatic transaminases was significantly associated with a high perinatal risk. Respiratory disorders prevailed in the structure of diseases in newborns. An increase in the incidence of unfavorable neonatal outcomes (fetal distress, low Apgar score, low gestational age) is associated with severe hyperenzymemia in severe forms of ICPW. Conclusions. An increase in the level of hepatic transaminases is significantly associated with a high perinatal risk. The isolated use of ultrasound doppler in ICPW does not allow to reliably assess the risk of unfavorable perinatal outcomes. Analysis of the results of ultrasound doppler, with an increase in the level of transaminases, is insufficient to assess the degree of risk of antenatal death or a threatening condition of the fetus. Keywords: Intrahepatic cholestasis, pregnancy, perinatal outcomes.

Clinical Profile and Outcome of Dengue Fever in Tertiary Care Hospital at Kerala

Background: Among all flaviviruses, Dengue is the most common fever. Every year 2-5 lakh cases of Dengue hemorrhagic fever occur. The objective of the study was to evaluate the clinical profile of patients with Dengue fever at a hospital in Kerala. Subjects and Methods: Patients with more than 12 years of age and those admitted with fever, headache, and myalgia were assessed with other clinical characteristics (warning signs of dengue fever, signs of hemorrhage, signs of plasma leakage and signs of shock). Laboratory examinations such as Hb, total count, differential count, platelet count, packed cell volume, peripheral smear for the malarial parasite, and liver function test (including S. protein) and renal function test were carried out. Blood coagulation profiles such as Bleeding Time, Clotting Time, Prothrombin Time and aPTT were performed. Radiological findings like X-ray chest and USG abdomen were also performed. Results: Consequently dengue fever is ordinary in young adults. In the current study, males were more pretentious than females. Males were affected by 63.7% while females are affected by 36.3%. The most usual indication was fever (94.8%) experienced in all patients followed by headache (41.3%), Generalized weakness (77.5%), myalgia (51.7%), vomiting (57.7%). Predominant organ involvement was hepatic (transaminases, jaundice) followed by gastrointestinal (abdominal pain, distension, loose stools, vomiting, ascites) systems. The total survivors are 86(74.1%) whereas 30(25.8%) were non-survivors. Conclusion: Dengue fever usually affects male and young populace. Headache, fever, myalgia are ordinary at hand grumble however in the recent few years, the world has observed the diverse experimental appearance of the dengue fever in dissimilar epidemics, even in the same regions and even with the period of times.

Severity of hepatitis & it's correlation with dengue hemorrhagic fever: Experience from a tertiary care hospital

Background: Dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever is one of the most frequent febrile viral infections in our community as well as among patients admitted in Internal Medicine Department. This study examined the extent of hepatic involvement in dengue hemorrhagic fever Objectives: To evaluate the incidence of hepatic involvement and its correlation in dengue syndromes. Design: This Cross-sectional observational study done in Internal Medicine Department of BIRDEM General Hospital. Method: A total 50 patients were included in this study who was serologically positive dengue fever patients (IgM ± IgG). These patients were admitted to Internal Medicine Department of BIRDEM General Hospital from July, 2011 to December 2011. Hepatic transaminases (AST and ALT) of these patients were measured and correlation was seen by standard methods. Informed written consent was taken from patients. Results: Total number of patients was 50; their mean age was 45.98±18.37 years. Male: Female ratio was 1:1.85. Common co-morbidities were DM (48%) and hypertension (26%), CKD (8%) and bronchial asthma (6%). Among the 50 patients 23 had CD (Classical Dengue), 20 had DHF (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever) grade 1, six had DHF grade 2 and one had DHF grade 3. Mean AST among CD and Grade 1, 2, 3 DHF were 58.48±8.99, 96.65±9.06, 217±31.82, 296.00 respectively. Mean ALT among CD and grade 1, 2, 3 DHF were 52.39±9.08, 88.10±13.14, 181.67±12.11 respectively. There was significant difference between AST (P value ˂0.001) and ALT (P value ˂0.001) in each group of patients. It was observed that rise of AST and ALT was significantly higher in grade 1, 2 and 3 when compared with CD. AST and ALT was higher in grade 2 then grade 1 DHF patients. Conclusion: Rise of hepatic transaminases is common in patients with dengue syndromes. There is significant rise in AST then ALT. The rising pattern of these enzymes correlates with severity of dengue syndromes Bangladesh Crit Care J September 2020; 8(2): 76-80