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Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences 2022Little is known how COVID-19 is affecting children. Autopsies help gain an understanding of the pathophysiology of new and developing diseases. Numerous post-mortem...
BACKGROUND
Little is known how COVID-19 is affecting children. Autopsies help gain an understanding of the pathophysiology of new and developing diseases. Numerous post-mortem studies had been conducted in adults with COVID-19, but few in children. Thereby, this systematic review aims to investigate the autopsy findings from pediatric COVID-19 patients.
RESULTS
There were a total of 15 patients from eight studies. COVID-19 mainly affects the heart and lungs. Pathology findings from the heart of COVID-19 pediatric patients include diffuse inflammatory infiltrate, myocarditis, cardiomyocyte necrosis, pericarditis, and interstitial edema. Histopathology abnormalities observed in the lungs are diffuse alveolar damage, cytopathic changes, thrombi in arterioles and septal capillaries, lung congestion, focal acute hemorrhage and edema, focal exudative changes, and mild pneumocyte hyperplasia. In addition, pathological findings from other organs, such as the liver, kidney, brain, bone marrow, lymph node, skin, spleen, muscle, colon, parotid gland, and adrenal of COVID-19 pediatric patients are also included in this review.
CONCLUSION
Cardiomyocyte necrosis, interstitial edema, lung congestion, and diffuse alveolar damage are the most significant pathologic findings of the heart and lung in pediatric COVID-19 patients. More studies are needed to elucidate the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 in autopsy findings and to determine the exact cause of death since it could be related to COVID-19 or other comorbidities.
PubMed: 35855892
DOI: 10.1186/s41935-022-00288-0 -
Medicine Dec 2015Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPG) are rare and late-diagnosed catecholamine secreting tumors, which may be associated with unrecognized and/or severe... (Review)
Review
Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPG) are rare and late-diagnosed catecholamine secreting tumors, which may be associated with unrecognized and/or severe cardiomyopathies. We performed a computer-assisted systematic search of the electronic Medline databases using the MESH terms "myocarditis," "myocardial infarction," "Takotsubo," "stress cardiomyopathy," "cardiogenic shock", or "dilated cardiomyopathy," and "pheochromocytoma" or "paraganglioma" from 1961 to August 2012. All detailed case reports of cardiomyopathy due to a PPG, without coronary stenosis, and revealed by acute symptoms were included and analyzed. A total of 145 cases reports were collected (49 Takotsubo Cardiomyopathies [TTC] and 96 other Catecholamine Cardiomyopathies [CC]). At initial presentation, prevalence of high blood pressure (87.7%), chest pain (49.0%), headaches (47.6%), palpitations (46.9%), sweating (39.3%), and shock (51.0%) were comparable between CC and TTC. Acute pulmonary edema (58.3% vs 38.8%, P = 0.03) was more frequent in CC. There was no difference in proportion of patients with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LV Ejection Fraction [LVEF] < 30%) at initial presentation between both groups (P = 0.15). LVEF recovery before (64.9% vs 40.8%, P = 0.005) and after surgical resection (97.7% vs 73.3%, P = 0.001) was higher in the TTC group. Death occurred in 11 cases (7.6%). In multivariate analysis, only TTC was associated with a better LV recovery (0.15 [0.03-0.67], P = 0.03). Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma can lead to different cardiomyopathies with the same brutal and life-threatening initial clinical presentation but with a different recovery rate. Diagnosis of unexplained dilated cardiomyopathy or TTC should lead clinicians to a specific search for PPG.
Topics: Acute Disease; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Cardiomyopathies; Chronic Disease; Humans; Pheochromocytoma; Prognosis
PubMed: 26683930
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000002198 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Oct 2015To investigate the efficacy (survival) and safety of treatments for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in liver transplantation (LT) patients. (Review)
Review
AIM
To investigate the efficacy (survival) and safety of treatments for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in liver transplantation (LT) patients.
METHODS
Literature search was performed on available online databases without a time limit until January 2015. Clinical studies describing survival after HCC recurrence in LT patients were retrieved for a full-text evaluation. A total of 61 studies were selected: 13 case reports, 41 retrospective case series, and 7 retrospective comparative studies.
RESULTS
Based on all included studies, the mean HCC recurrence rate was 16% of all LTs for HCC. A total of 1021 LT patients experienced HCC recurrence. The median time from LT to HCC recurrence was 13 mo (range 2-132 mo). The majority of patients (67%) presented with HCC extra-hepatic recurrences, involving lung, bone, adrenal gland, peritoneal lymph nodes, and rarely the brain. Overall survival after HCC recurrence was 12.97 mo. Surgical resection of localized HCC recurrence and Sorafenib for controlling systemic spread of HCC recurrence were associated with the higher survival rates (42 and 18 mo, respectively). However, Sorafenib, especially when combined with mTOR, was frequently associated with severe side effects that required dose reduction or discontinuation
CONCLUSION
Management of recurrent HCC in LT patients is challenging and associated with poor prognosis independently of the type of treatment.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Liver Transplantation; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Niacinamide; Phenylurea Compounds; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Reoperation; Risk Factors; Sorafenib; Survival Analysis; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 26494973
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i39.11185 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023In patients with bilateral pheochromocytoma, partial adrenalectomy offers the chance to preserve adrenal function and avoid the need for lifelong steroid... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
In patients with bilateral pheochromocytoma, partial adrenalectomy offers the chance to preserve adrenal function and avoid the need for lifelong steroid supplementation. However, the risk of tumour recurrence raises questions about this procedure. The aim of our study was to compare partial and total adrenalectomy in bilateral pheochromocytoma through a systematic review with meta-analysis.
METHODS
A systematic search was carried out using databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL) and registers of clinical trials (ClinicalTrials.gov, European Trials Register, WHO International Trials Registry Platform). This meta-analysis included studies up to July 2022 without language restrictions. A random effects model meta-analysis was performed to assess the risk of tumor recurrence, steroid dependence and morbidity in these patients.
RESULTS
Twenty-five studies were included in the analysis involving 1444 patients. The relative risk (RR) of loss of adrenal hormone function during follow-up and the need for steroid therapy was 0.32 in patients after partial adrenalectomy: RR 0.32, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.26-0.38, P < 0.00001, I2 = 21%. Patients undergoing partial adrenalectomy had a lower odds ratio (OR) for developing acute adrenal crisis: OR 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1-0.91, P=0.03, I2 = 0%. Partial adrenalectomy was associated with a higher risk of recurrence than total adrenalectomy: OR 3.72, 95% CI: 1.54-8.96, P=0.003, I2 = 28%.
CONCLUSION
Partial adrenalectomy for bilateral pheochromocytoma is a treatment that offers a chance of preserving adrenal hormonal function, but is associated with a higher risk of local tumor recurrence. There was no difference for the risk of metastasis and in overall mortality among the group with bilateral pheochromocytomas undergoing total or partial adrenalectomy. This study is in line with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and AMSTAR (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews) Guidelines (10, 11).
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://osf.io/zx3se.
Topics: Humans; Pheochromocytoma; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Adrenalectomy; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms
PubMed: 36998480
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1127676 -
International Journal of Surgery... May 2023Surgical resection of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) is associated with a significant risk of intraoperative hemodynamic instability and cardiovascular... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Surgical resection of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) is associated with a significant risk of intraoperative hemodynamic instability and cardiovascular complications. α-blockade remains the routine preoperative medical preparation despite controversies over the lack of evidence. We presented an updated meta-analysis to ulteriorly evaluate the potential efficacy of preoperative α-blockade versus no blockade for PPGL patients undergoing surgery.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Randomized and nonrandomized comparative studies assessing preoperative α-blockade for PPGL surgery in adults were identified through a systematic literature search via MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and CENTRAL up to November 2022. Outcome data of intraoperative hemodynamic parameters and major postoperative events were extracted. Mean difference and risk ratio were synthesized as appropriate for each outcome to determine the cumulative effect size.
RESULTS
Fifteen nonrandomized studies involving 3542 patients were finally eligible. Intraoperatively, none of the analyzed hemodynamic parameters differed between patients with or without α-blockade: maximum and minimum systolic blood pressure, hypertensive and hypotensive hemodynamic instability episodes, and peak heart rate, subgroup analysis of normotensive PPGL patients yielded similar results with the overall effects. Postoperatively, α-blockade was associated with prolonged hypotension and vasopressor usage (risk ratio: 4.21, 95% CI: 1.17-15.18, P =0.03). ICU admission, length of stay, overall cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality were similar between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative α-blockade ensured neither more stable intraoperative hemodynamics nor better perioperative outcome over no blockade for PPGL surgery. However, large-volume randomized controlled trials are still warranted to ascertain these findings.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Pheochromocytoma; Paraganglioma; Hypotension; Blood Pressure; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37037514
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000390 -
Endocrine-related Cancer May 2019Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) can be divided into at least four molecular subgroups. Whether such categorizations are independent factors for prognosis or... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) can be divided into at least four molecular subgroups. Whether such categorizations are independent factors for prognosis or metastatic disease is unknown. We performed a systematic review and individual patient meta-analysis aiming to estimate if driver mutation status can predict metastatic disease and survival. Driver mutations were used to categorize patients according to three different molecular systems: two subgroups (SDHB mutated or wild type), three subgroups (pseudohypoxia, kinase signaling or Wnt/unknown) and four subgroups (tricarboxylic acid cycle, VHL/EPAS1, kinase signaling or Wnt/unknown). Twenty-one studies and 703 patients were analyzed. Multivariate models for association with metastasis showed correlation with SDHB mutation (OR 5.68 (95% CI 1.79-18.06)) as well as norepinephrine (OR 3.01 (95% CI 1.02-8.79)) and dopamine (OR 6.39 (95% CI 1.62-25.24)) but not to PPGL location. Other molecular systems were not associated with metastasis. In multivariate models for association with survival, age (HR 1.04 (95% CI 1.02-1.06)) and metastases (HR 6.13 (95% CI 2.86-13.13)) but neither paraganglioma nor SDHB mutation remained significant. Other molecular subgroups did not correlate with survival. We conclude that molecular categorization accordingly to SDHB provided independent information on the risk of metastasis. Driver mutations status did not correlate independently with survival. These data may ultimately be used to guide current and future risk stratification of PPGL.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Biomarkers, Tumor; Genetic Association Studies; Humans; Mutation; Paraganglioma; Pheochromocytoma; Prognosis
PubMed: 30893643
DOI: 10.1530/ERC-19-0024 -
Oman Medical Journal Jan 2020Histoplasmosis is uncommon in many parts of the world, including Bangladesh, where, in recent years, cases are increasingly reported. We sought to describe the... (Review)
Review
Histoplasmosis is uncommon in many parts of the world, including Bangladesh, where, in recent years, cases are increasingly reported. We sought to describe the sociodemographic characteristics, clinical presentation, investigations, treatment, and outcome of histoplasmosis in Bangladesh. We conducted a retrospective data review of published literature from 1962 to 2017, containing information on histoplasmosis in and/or from Bangladesh. Unpublished, well-documented histoplasmosis cases were also included. A total of 26 male patients aged 8-75 years, with a diagnosis of histoplasmosis were included; nine were farmers, seven had diabetes, one was a renal transplant recipient, and four had HIV/AIDS. Fever (n = 20), weight loss (n = 17), anemia (n = 15), lymphadenopathy (n = 9), and hepatosplenomegaly (n = 7) were common. Eleven patients had bilateral adrenal enlargement. Diagnosis was confirmed by histo/cytopathology from skin (n = 1), oropharyngeal ulcers (n = 8), lymph nodes (n = 3), adrenal glands (n = 11), paravertebral soft tissue (n = 2), and bone marrow (n = 4). Cultures of representative samples and antibodies were detected in three and two cases, respectively. Twenty-two patients had disseminated histoplasmosis and four patients had localized oropharyngeal disease. Nine patients were prescribed anti-tuberculosis drugs empirically before establishing the diagnosis of histoplasmosis. Treatment consisted of amphotericin B and itraconazole. Six patients died in hospital, 14 patients recovered with relapse in two cases, and the outcome of the other patients could not be ascertained. Histoplasmosis is thought to be endemic in Bangladesh, but few cases are reported to date, which may be due to many asymptomatic, undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or under-reported cases. Histoplasmosis should be considered as a differential in appropriate clinical scenarios.
PubMed: 32095275
DOI: 10.5001/omj.2020.09 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency (IAD) is a rare but potentially fatal disease. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency (IAD) is a rare but potentially fatal disease.
METHODS
We comprehensively searched the PubMed database and made a systematic review of immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiency. If the status of other anterior pituitary hormones was not mentioned, the case was excluded.
RESULTS
We identified 123 cases diagnosed as immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced IAD, consisting of 44 female and 79 male patients. The average age of these patients was 64.3 ± 12.6 years old, and 67.5% were 60 years old or above. The majority (78.9%) of these patients received anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (anti-PD-1) antibodies or anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 (anti-PD-L1) antibodies or both, and 19.5% received combined therapy, sequential therapy, or both. A total of 26 patients received anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 antibodies (anti-CTLA-4). The median ICI treatment cycle before the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency was 8 (6, 12), and the median ICI treatment duration before the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency was 6 (4, 8) months. Eleven cases developed IAD 1 to 11 months after discontinuation of ICIs. Fatigue and appetite loss were the most common symptoms, and surprisingly, there were two asymptomatic cases of IAD. Most patients (88 cases) had normal pituitary magnetic resonance imaging, only 14 cases reported mild atrophy or swelling pituitary gland, and 21 cases reported no imaging results. Most diagnoses were made by basal hormone levels, and pituitary stimulation tests were performed in only a part of the cases. No cases had been reported of discontinuation of ICI use due to IAD nor had there been any deaths due to IAD.
CONCLUSION
IAD was predominant in elderly male patients mainly receiving anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibodies. It was sometimes difficult to recognize IAD at first glance since non-specific symptoms were common and asymptomatic cases of IAD were also reported. Although IAD can be deadly, it usually does not affect the continued use of ICIs.
Topics: Humans; Adrenal Insufficiency; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Endocrine System Diseases; Genetic Diseases, Inborn; Hypoglycemia; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
PubMed: 38318292
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1326684 -
Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira... Jun 2019The Guidelines Project, an initiative of the Brazilian Medical Association, aims to combine information from the medical field in order to standardize producers to...
The Guidelines Project, an initiative of the Brazilian Medical Association, aims to combine information from the medical field in order to standardize producers to assist the reasoning and decision-making of doctors. The information provided through this project must be assessed and criticized by the physician responsible for the conduct that will be adopted, depending on the conditions and the clinical status of each patient.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Adrenalectomy; Humans; Laparoscopy; Peritoneum; Reproducibility of Results; Retroperitoneal Space; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31166429
DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.65.5.578 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2017Neuroblastoma is a rare malignant disease and mainly affects infants and very young children. The tumours mainly develop in the adrenal medullary tissue, with an... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Neuroblastoma is a rare malignant disease and mainly affects infants and very young children. The tumours mainly develop in the adrenal medullary tissue, with an abdominal mass as the most common presentation. About 50% of patients have metastatic disease at diagnosis. The high-risk group is characterised by metastasis and other features that increase the risk of an adverse outcome. High-risk patients have a five-year event-free survival of less than 50%. Retinoic acid has been shown to inhibit growth of human neuroblastoma cells and has been considered as a potential candidate for improving the outcome of patients with high-risk neuroblastoma. This review is an update of a previously published Cochrane Review.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of additional retinoic acid as part of a postconsolidation therapy after high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) followed by autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), compared to placebo retinoic acid or to no additional retinoic acid in people with high-risk neuroblastoma (as defined by the International Neuroblastoma Risk Group (INRG) classification system).
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in the Cochrane Library (2016, Issue 11), MEDLINE in PubMed (1946 to 24 November 2016), and Embase in Ovid (1947 to 24 November 2016). Further searches included trial registries (on 22 December 2016), conference proceedings (on 23 March 2017) and reference lists of recent reviews and relevant studies. We did not apply limits by publication year or languages.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating additional retinoic acid after HDCT followed by HSCT for people with high-risk neuroblastoma compared to placebo retinoic acid or to no additional retinoic acid. Primary outcomes were overall survival and treatment-related mortality. Secondary outcomes were progression-free survival, event-free survival, early toxicity, late toxicity, and health-related quality of life.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.
MAIN RESULTS
The update search did not identify any additional studies. We identified one RCT that included people with high-risk neuroblastoma who received HDCT followed by autologous HSCT (N = 98) after a first random allocation and who received retinoic acid (13-cis-retinoic acid; N = 50) or no further therapy (N = 48) after a second random allocation. These 98 participants had no progressive disease after HDCT followed by autologous HSCT. There was no clear evidence of difference between the treatment groups either in overall survival (hazard ratio (HR) 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46 to 1.63; one trial; P = 0.66) or in event-free survival (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.49; one trial; P = 0.59). We calculated the HR values using the complete follow-up period of the trial. The study also reported overall survival estimates at a fixed point in time. At the time point of five years, the survival estimate was reported to be 59% for the retinoic acid group and 41% for the no-further-therapy group (P value not reported). We did not identify results for treatment-related mortality, progression-free survival, early or late toxicity, or health-related quality of life. We could not rule out the possible presence of selection bias, performance bias, attrition bias, and other bias. We judged the evidence to be of low quality for overall survival and event-free survival, downgraded because of study limitations and imprecision.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We identified one RCT that evaluated additional retinoic acid as part of a postconsolidation therapy after HDCT followed by autologous HSCT versus no further therapy in people with high-risk neuroblastoma. There was no clear evidence of a difference in overall survival and event-free survival between the treatment alternatives. This could be the result of low power. Information on other outcomes was not available. This trial was performed in the 1990s, since when many changes in treatment and risk classification have occurred. Based on the currently available evidence, we are therefore uncertain about the effects of retinoic acid in people with high-risk neuroblastoma. More research is needed for a definitive conclusion.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Antineoplastic Agents; Bone Marrow Transplantation; Consolidation Chemotherapy; Disease-Free Survival; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Infant; Neuroblastoma; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Selection Bias; Tretinoin
PubMed: 28840597
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010685.pub3