Development of Rhabdomyolysis in the Long-term Period of Previous New Coronavirus Infection COVID-19 (Clinical Case Report)

Relevance. Rhabdomyolysis is one of the complications of the new coronavirus infection COVID-19, which may cause acute kidney injury (AKI). The reason for the development of rhabdomyolysis in our observation in a patient after suffering COVID-19 in the long-term period was an increased muscle load.Aim of study. Presentation of a case of rhabdomyolysis with AKI in a patient after COVID-19 in the long-term period.Material and methods. In clinical observation, a 25-year-old patient L. is presented, who was being treated in the Department for the Treatment of Acute Endotoxicosis of the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine. In 2020, he developed COVID-19, complicated by rhabdomyolysis and AKI in the long term period.Results. Examination revealed an increase in creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) — 106,000.0 U/L, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) — 553.0 U/L, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) — 1582.0 U/L, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) — 2809.0 U/L, levels of serum creatinine 164 μmol/L and myoglobin — 201 ng/ml. Virological research: IgM — 0.27 units per ml; IgG — 7.28 units per ml. 3 Three-phase scintigraphy with 99mTc-pyrfotech revealed signs of necrotic changes in the muscles of the upper half of the back, muscles of the chest (mainly on the right), muscles of the shoulder and upper half of the forearm on both sides. Kidneys: decreased perfusion of the right kidney (relative to the left), moderate slowdown of urodynamics at the level of the calyx-pelvis complex on both sides.Conclusions. The reason for the development of rhabdomyolysis in the long-term period in the patient after suffering from COVID-19 was an increased muscle load. Targeted research and medical history can help identify signs of rhabdomyolysis. The use of the radionuclide diagnostic method makes it possible to identify areas of soft tissue damage with a one-step assessment of renal function in rhabdomyolysis in the acute period of the disease, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment with dynamic observation. When rhabdomyolysis is confirmed, it is necessary to carry out detoxification and infusion therapy, to monitor renal function in order to detect acute kidney injury, and in case of deterioration of renal function and intoxication, renal replacement therapy is indicated.

Symptomatic Epileptic Seizures in Patients with Brain Gliomas

Introduction. Epileptic seizures are an important problem that significantly worsens the quality of patients’ life with both newly diagnosed and recurrent brain gliomas.Review. The analysis of domestic and foreign literature showed that low-grade gliomas, this symptom occurs on average in 76%, with high-grade gliomas – in 21% of patients. Despite the maximum allowable tumor resection, it is likely that epileptic seizures persist in 18-64% of patients, and in 5% of patients they first appear in the postoperative period. From 15 to 50% of epileptic seizures in cerebral gliomas are drug-resistant. In patients undergoing chemotherapy, it is better to use new antiepileptic drugs because their cross-effects are minimal.Conclusion. There is no generally accepted algorithm for prescribing and discontinuing antiepileptic drugs in patients with symptomatic epileptic seizures with cerebral gliomas. Further research is needed to determine the optimal combination and dosage regimen of antiepileptic drugs, especially during chemotherapy.

COVID-19 and Cardiovascular System. Part 3. COVID-19 Current Treatment Approaches: Evidence-Based Review

Unified management plan and treatment strategy for COVID-19 patients are yet to be discovered. Many trials on COVID-19 interventions have been registered or are ongoing. In this article the results of large-scale clinical trials on COVID-19 treatment are presented, the potential mechanism of action of some drugs is discussed, the features of the main pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic options for COVID-19 patients are described.

Emergency Carotid Endarterectomy for Internal Carotid Artery Thrombosis in the Course of COVID-19

A case of successful emergency carotid endarterectomy (CEE) in the acute period of ischemic stroke (within an hour after the onset of symptoms) in a patient with acute occlusive thrombosis of the internal carotid artery in the course of moderate-severe COVID-19 with a positive result of the polymerase chain reaction of the nasopharyngeal smear for SARS-CoV-2. The diameter of the ischemic focus in the brain according to multispiral computed tomography did not exceed 2.5 cm. The course of ischemic stroke was characterized by mild neurological deficit (score 5 according to National Institute of Health Stroke Scale). It was demonstrated that the severity of the patient’s condition was associated with bilateral, polysegmental, viral penvmonia with 65% damage to the lung tissue, a decrease in SpO2 to 93%. Laboratory noted coagulopathy with an increase in D-dimer (2837.0 ng/ml), prothrombin according to Quick (155.3%), fibrinogen (14.5 g/l) and signs of a “cytokine storm” with leukocytosis (28.4 10E9/l), an increase in C-reactive protein (183.5 mg/l), ferritin (632.8 ng/ml), interleukin-6 (176.9 pg/ml). The patient underwent glomus-sparing eversional CEE. The intervention was performed under local anesthesia due to the high risk of developing pulmonary barotrauma when using mechanical ventilation. To prevent the development of acute hematoma, a double active drainage was used into the paravasal space and subcutaneous fatty tissue (SFT). In case of thrombosis of one of the drainages, the second could serve as a spare. Also, upon receipt of hemorrhagic discharge from the drainage located in the SFT, the patient would not need to be transported to the operating room. Removal of skin sutures with revision and stitching of the bleeding source could be performed under local anesthesia in a dressing room. The postoperative period was uneventful, with complete regression of neurological symptoms. Used anticoagulant (heparin 5 thousand units 4 times a day s/c) and antiplatelet therapy (acetylsalicylic acid 125 mg at lunch). The patient was discharged from the hospital on the 12th day after CEE in satisfactory condition.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Treatment of COVID-Associated Complications After Pancreatoduodenal Resection (Case Report)

We report a clinical case of treatment of a complicated postoperative course in a patient who underwent pancreatoduodenal resection associated with coronavirus infection. Prevention and treatment of such complications have been suggested.Pancreatoduodenal resection (PDR) is indicated for malignant tumors of the pancreatic head, duodenum or its large papilla, distal common bile duct, as well as in chronic pancreatitis with a predominant lesion of the pancreatic head with severe pain syndrome.The given clinical observation describes an example of treatment of a patient who developed a series of thromboembolic complications in the early stages after PDR performed for a neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreatic head. The oncology disease, extensive surgery such as PDR, and the postoperative period itself are risk factors for the development of various thromboembolic complications. According to the literature, the incidence of thromboembolic complications after PDR is 3–3.3%.The reason for the atypical course of the postoperative period when performing pancreatoduodenal resection in patients with tumor of the pancreas may be conditions that are not directly related to either the pathology of the pancreas or the features of the surgical intervention. When analyzing the patient’s condition, one should take into account the conditions of treatment. In such situations, proper detection of COVID-19 and adequate correction of therapy can fundamentally change the outcome of the disease.

Non-Operative Management of Blunt Abdominal and Retroperitoneal Solid Organs Trauma, with Retroperitoneal Hemorrhage – Indications, Methodology and Necessity

Introduction. The article is devoted to an actual problem — blunt trauma of the abdomen and organs of the retro­peritoneal space.Aim of study. Specify the indications for non­operative management of patients with blunt trauma of the solid organs of the abdominal cavity, retroperitoneal space, with retroperitoneal hemorrhage and measures for this treatment option.Material and methods. The analysis of literature sources of Russian and foreign authors is carried out and the indications, methods and necessity of non­operative management of patients with blunt trauma of solid organs of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space, retroperitoneal hemorrhages are substantiated.Conclusion. Non­operative management of patients with blunt trauma of solid organs of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space, retroperitoneal hemorrhages is possible only in large specialized centers with a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities.

Oxygen-Helium Gas Mixture «Heliox» for the Treatment of Respiratory Failure in Patients with New Coronavirus Infection Covid-19 (Randomized Single-Center Controlled Trial)

Introduction. Treatment of respiratory failure in pneumonia caused by coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is still an unsolved problem that requires a comprehensive approach and the development of new methods that expand the range of possibilities of modern therapy. There is evidence that the heated oxygenhelium mixture has a positive effect on gas exchange in the infiltration zone by improving both ventilation and diffusion.AIM of study. To evaluate the effectiveness of the inclusion of a heated oxygen-helium mixture HELIOX (70% Helium/ 30% Oxygen) in the complex intensive care of respiratory failure of pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection.Material and methods. The study included 60 patients with confirmed viral pneumonia caused by COVID-19. The patients were randomized into two groups: group 1 (n=30) — patients who were treated with the standard COVID-19 treatment protocol with the heated oxygen-helium mixture HELIOX, and group 2 (control) (n=30) — patients who received standard therapy. Lethality was studied for 28 days, the time in days until a steady increase in SpO2>96% was achieved when breathing atmospheric air; the time until the patient is transferred from the intensive care unit (ICU) to the general department.Results. Inhalation of the HELIOX mixture (70% Helium / 30% Oxygen) resulted in a faster recovery of the hemoglobin oxygen saturation index (SpO2). Starting from day 3, these differences became statistically significant. The time in days from inclusion in the study to a persistent increase in the degree of oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (SpO2>96%) when breathing atmospheric air in the group with inhalation of the HELIOX mixture was less — 8 (7; 10), compared to 10 (8;13) in the control group (p=0.006). In the group with inhaled HELIOX mixture, the median treatment time in the ICU was 8 (7; 9.5) days vs 13 (8; 17) days (p<0.001) in the comparison group.Conclusions. Inhalation of the HELIOX mixture (70% Helium / 30% Oxygen) led to a faster recovery of the hemoglobin oxygen saturation index SpO2, which contributed to reduction in the duration of oxygen therapy and a decrease in mortality.

Thrombectomy in patients with basilar artery thrombosis

Introduction. This article is devoted to the discussion of a life-threatening condition - basilar artery thrombosis (BAT). The article presents the results of a comparative analysis of two groups of patients with angiographically confirmed BAT: with and without reperfusion therapy.Relevance. Basilar artery thrombosis is a life-threatening condition in which mortality can reach 95%, and severe neurological deficits and dependence in everyday life on others (modified Ran-kin Scale (mRS), score 4–5) are observed in 65% of surviving patients. Ischemic stroke (IS) due to BAT is diagnosed in 1–4% of patients with acute cerebrovascular event (ACVE). Currently, reperfusion therapy (RT) in the form of systemic thrombolytic therapy (sTLT) with rt-PA and/or thrombectomy (TE) is the only effective and safe method for treating patients with IS. In randomized trials, it was found that RT, whether it is sTLT, TE or a combination of these techniques, despite the best degree of functional recovery in patients by day 90 from the onset of the disease, does not lead to a statistically significant decrease in mortality. Nevertheless, the results of 10 prospective studies of the use of endovascular treatment in patients with IS in the posterior circulation system indicate that this type of therapy leads to a decrease in 90-day mortality from 95% to 16–47% in case of successful recanalization (mTICI (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction), 2–b–3).Aim of study. To assess the safety and efficacy of TE in patients with BAT.Material and methods. This study included 15 patients with IS, admitted within the 6-hour therapeutic window, and confirmed BAT by CT and/or MRangiography. The baseline level of wakefulness was assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and the severity of neurological deficit was assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).Results. Basilar artery thrombectomy was performed in 7 patients (endovascular treatment group), 8 patients received no endovascular treatment (standard therapy group). Good clinical outcomes by day 90 from the onset of the disease (mRS, score 0–2) were observed in 57.1% of patients in the endovascular treatment group and in 12.5% of patients in the standard therapy group. However, these differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). There were also no differences between the two groups in functional outcomes and Rivermead mobility index (RMI) by day 90 from the onset of the disease (Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living (BI) score 97±5.0 and 100, RMI score 14.0±0.0 and 15 in the endovascular treatment group and standard therapy group, respectively). Mortality by day 90 in the endovascular treatment group was 42.9% (3 patients), in the standard therapy group — 87.5% (7 patients). In the subgroup of patients with GCS score at admission no more than score 8, there was a statistically significant strong two-way negative correlation between TE performance and mortality (r=-1.0; p=0.000), as well as a positive correlation between TE and a Rankine score by day 90 (r=0.956; p=0.003). Mortality was statistically significantly lower in the endovascular treatment group compared to the standard therapy group (0% versus 100%, respectively, p=0.025). Clinical outcomes of the disease by day 90 were statistically significantly better in the endovascular treatment group: mRS, score 0–2 in 100% of cases versus 0% in the standard treatment group (p=0.028).Conclusion. Currently, the only effective treatment for basilar artery thrombosis is thrombectomy. The possibility of performing thromboectomy in these cases should be considered in all patients, regardless of the severity of the stroke and the decrease in the level of wakefulness, since endovascular treatment in this case is a life-saving procedure. The symptom of a hyperdense basilar artery can be used as a diagnostic tool for suspected basilar artery thrombosis, but should not rule out angiography. In our series of observations, the mortality rate in patients who underwent thrombectomy was 42.9%. Good functional outcomes (mRS, score 0–2) and the absence mobility limitation (RMI, score 14) were observed in 57.1% of patients by day 90 after thrombectomy.

Laparoscopic Treatment оf Mirizzi Syndrome

Background. Mirizzi syndrome (MS) is a relatively rare complication of cholelithiasis, which occurs in a wide range from 0.2 to 5% according to different authors. Today, the surgical treatment of MS remains a challenge.Aim of study. To determine the possibilities of laparoscopic interventions in the surgical correction of various types of MS.Material AND methods. The work is based on a prospective analysis of cases of laparoscopic treatment of 19 patients with MS who were treated in the emergency surgery departments of the Republican Scientific Center for Emergency Medical Care in 2017–2019. This is 22.9% of all admitted patients (83) with MS during this period. Type 1 MS was diagnosed in 3 patients (15.7%), type 2 was diagnosed in 16 patients (84.2%).Results. In all cases of type 1 MS, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed. A new method for the correction of type 2 MS by forming a sleeve from the gallbladder wall was suggested, which was performed in 10 patients with good results. In the postoperative period, no nonspecific complications were observed in patients undergoing laparoscopic interventions. One patient had residual choledocholithiasis, which was managed by day 5 after the surgery with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic papillosphincterotomy and the removal of the calculus from the common bile duct. The average duration of stay of patients in a hospital bed was 10.8 days. Fatal outcome was observed in 1 case (5.3%).Conclusion. 1. The inclusion of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and magnetic resonance imaging cholangiography in the diagnostic scheme improves the accuracy and quality of recognition of Mirizzi syndrome and allows the indications for the use of video laparoscopy to be evaluated. 2. Indication for laparocopic treatment of type 2 Mirizzi syndrome is the presence of a single calculus in the supraduodenal part of the common bile duct, which makes it possible to reduce the number of conversion to laparotomy. 3. In cases of type 1 Mirizzi syndrome, the operation of choice is laparoscopic cholecystectomy. 4. The operation of choice in patients with type 2 Mirizzi syndrome is laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy, fistula plasty with a gallbladder flap on the Kehr’s T-tube drain with the formation of a “cystic duct”-type sleeve.