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Infectious Diseases of Poverty Jan 2024Scrub typhus, an acute febrile disease with mild to severe, life-threatening manifestations, potentially presents with a variety of complications, including pneumonia,...
BACKGROUND
Scrub typhus, an acute febrile disease with mild to severe, life-threatening manifestations, potentially presents with a variety of complications, including pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, cardiac arrhythmias (such as atrial fibrillation), myocarditis, shock, peptic ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding, meningitis, encephalitis, and renal failure. Of the various complications associated with scrub typhus, splenic rupture has rarely been reported, and its mechanisms are unknown. This study reports a case of scrub typhus-related spontaneous splenic rupture and identifies possible mechanisms through the gross and histopathologic findings.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 78-year-old man presented to our emergency room with a 5-day history of fever and skin rash. On physical examination, eschar was observed on the left upper abdominal quadrant. The abdomen was not tender, and there was no history of trauma. The Orientia tsutsugamushi antibody titer using the indirect immunofluorescent antibody test was 1:640. On Day 6 of hospitalization, he complained of sudden-onset left upper abdominal quadrant pain and showed mental changes. His vital signs were a blood pressure of 70/40 mmHg, a heart rate pf 140 beats per min, and a respiratory rate of 20 breaths per min, with a temperature of 36.8 °C. There were no signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, such as hematemesis, melena, or hematochezia. Grey Turner's sign was suspected during an abdominal examination. Portable ultrasonography showed retroperitoneal bleeding, so an emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed, leading to a diagnosis of hemoperitoneum due to splenic rupture and a splenectomy. The patient had been taking oral doxycycline (100 mg twice daily) for 6 days; after surgery, this was discontinued, and intravenous azithromycin (500 mg daily) was administered. No arrhythmia associated with azithromycin was observed. However, renal failure with hemodialysis, persistent hyperbilirubinemia, and multiorgan failure occurred. The patient did not recover and died on the fifty-sixth day of hospitalization.
CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians should consider the possibility of splenic rupture in patients with scrub typhus who display sudden-onset abdominal pain and unstable vital signs. In addition, splenic capsular rupture and extra-capsular hemorrhage are thought to be caused by splenomegaly and capsular distention resulting from red blood cell congestion in the red pulp destroying the splenic sinus.
Topics: Male; Humans; Aged; Azithromycin; Scrub Typhus; Splenic Rupture; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage; Renal Insufficiency
PubMed: 38254176
DOI: 10.1186/s40249-024-01177-5 -
Revista Espanola de Enfermedades... Jun 2024A 63-year-old man presented with left abdominal pain, abdominal distention, and black stool following emotional stress and strenuous exercise. CT examination revealed a...
A 63-year-old man presented with left abdominal pain, abdominal distention, and black stool following emotional stress and strenuous exercise. CT examination revealed a large cystic mass in the left abdominal cavity, as well as the presence of a teratoma in the hepatogastric space and a descending duodenal diverticulum. Subsequently, he underwent surgical resection, and the pathological findings indicated that the cyst wall consisted of mucinous glandular epithelium and smooth muscle, displaying a structure similar to normal intestinal wall tissue. Furthermore, the cyst was lined with ciliated columnar epithelium, confirming the diagnosis of an isolated enterogenous cyst (EC). Due to the potential trauma associated with excising the EC, the patient did not undergo resection of the teratoma, especially given its proximity to a branch of the trunk abdominal artery.
Topics: Humans; Male; Teratoma; Middle Aged; Cysts; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Retroperitoneal Space
PubMed: 37539533
DOI: 10.17235/reed.2023.9799/2023 -
Journal of Indian Association of... 2023A 7-day-old male child presented with abdominal distention and jaundice. Radiological investigations revealed an encapsulated sac encasing three fetus-in-fetu (FIF) in...
A 7-day-old male child presented with abdominal distention and jaundice. Radiological investigations revealed an encapsulated sac encasing three fetus-in-fetu (FIF) in the retroperitoneum. Laparotomy revealed a sac occupying almost the whole of the abdomen. The sac was stretching the duodenum and barely visible common bile duct, which were carefully separated. The rest of the bowel was displaced to the left. The sac containing three FIFs was excised intact. One of the fetuses was highly differentiated and had thoracic meningomyelocele, which has never been reported in FIF.
PubMed: 37842209
DOI: 10.4103/jiaps.jiaps_113_23 -
International Journal of General... 2023Tigecycline-induced acute pancreatitis (AP) has been frequently increasingly reported in solid organ transplant patients. This review aimed to summarize the...
INTRODUCTION
Tigecycline-induced acute pancreatitis (AP) has been frequently increasingly reported in solid organ transplant patients. This review aimed to summarize the characteristics, possible mechanisms, and management of tigecycline-induced AP.
METHODS
Case reports of tigecycline-induced AP published in Chinese or English were collected until February 2023 for retrospective analysis.
RESULTS
Thirty-four patients from 29 articles were included. Fifteen patients (46.9%) had solid organ transplantation, and 4 patients (12.5%) had malignant tumors. Twenty-five patients (89.3%) received a recommended maintenance dose of tigecycline (50 mg q12 h). The median age was 50 years (range 9-87). Compared to the nontransplant patients, the median age of the transplant patients was significantly younger, 44 years (range 12.5-61) versus 57.5 years (range 9-87) (=0.03). The median time of symptom onset was 7 days (range 2-29), and 91.2% (31/34) were less than 14 days. Typical initial symptoms included abdominal pain (90.6%), nausea (46.9%), vomiting (43.8%), and abdominal distention (21.9%). Most cases were accompanied by elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes. The main radiological features included edematous infiltrate and acute pancreatitis on computed tomography (CT) scan and abdominal ultrasound. Except for one patient who continued tigecycline treatment, all patients discontinued treatment and received symptomatic support such as fasting, acid suppression, and enzyme suppression. The median time to recover pancreatic enzymes to the normal range was 5 days (range 1-43), and the median time to relieve symptoms was 4 days (range 1-12). Four patients died, of whom two died of severe pancreatitis complications and two of cardiogenic shock and septicemia.
CONCLUSION
Tigecycline-induced AP was a rare and serious complication that occurred mainly within two weeks of the medication. This serious side effect should be kept in mind while treating severe infections especially in transplant recipients.
PubMed: 37465554
DOI: 10.2147/IJGM.S410542 -
Japan Journal of Nursing Science : JJNS May 2024Abdominal massage facilitates gastric and colonic motility, reduces intra-abdominal distension and increases circulation. In-bed range of motion (ROM) exercise has...
The effect of abdominal massage and in-bed ROM exercise on gastrointestinal complications and comfort in intensive care unit patients receiving enteral nutrition: A randomized controlled trial.
AIM
Abdominal massage facilitates gastric and colonic motility, reduces intra-abdominal distension and increases circulation. In-bed range of motion (ROM) exercise has effects on muscle strength, cardiac parameters and excretion. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of abdominal massage and in-bed ROM exercise on gastrointestinal complications and patient comfort in intensive care patients receiving enteral nutrition.
METHODS
This randomized controlled trial was conducted in the internal intensive care units of two tertiary public hospitals. The sample consisted of 130 patients randomly assigned to three groups (abdominal massage = 44, in-bed ROM exercise = 43, control = 43). The individuals received abdominal massage and in-bed ROM exercises every morning before enteral feeding for 3 days. We assessed gastrointestinal complications and comfort levels of the patients 24 h after each intervention.
RESULTS
While the differences in abdominal distention, defecation status, constipation, and gastric residual volume complications were significant (p < .05), there was no significant difference in diarrhea and vomiting (p > .05). Comfort level showed a statistically significant change in the experimental groups in the in-group comparison (p < .05).
CONCLUSION
Abdominal massage and in-bed ROM exercise reduce abdominal distention, constipation and gastric residual volume. Abdominal massage affects the frequency of defecation; and, both interventions increase the comfort while reducing the pain level over time.
PubMed: 38720481
DOI: 10.1111/jjns.12602 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Dec 2023It is unclear whether Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) supplementation in standard triple therapy (STT) is effective in eradicating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The effect of Saccharomyces boulardii supplementation on Helicobacter pylori eradication in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of Randomized controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
It is unclear whether Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) supplementation in standard triple therapy (STT) is effective in eradicating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in children. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effect of S. boulardii supplementation on H. pylori eradication in children.
METHODS
We conducted electronic searches in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Wanfang database from the beginning up to September 2023. A random-effects model was employed to calculate the pooled relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) through a meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Fifteen RCTs (involving 2156 patients) were included in our meta-analysis. Results of the meta-analysis indicated that S. boulardii in combination with STT was more effective than STT alone (intention-to-treat analysis : 87.7% vs. 75.9%, RR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.10-1.19, P < 0.00001; per-protocol analysis : 88.5% vs. 76.3%, RR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.10-1.19, P < 0.00001). The S. boulardii supplementation group had a significantly lower incidence of total adverse events (n = 6 RCTs, 9.2% vs. 29.2%, RR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.21-0.48, P < 0.00001), diarrhea (n = 13 RCTs, 14.7% vs. 32.4%, RR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.37-0.56, P < 0.00001), and nausea (n = 11 RCTs, 12.7% vs. 21.3%, RR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.40-0.72, P < 0.0001) than STT group alone. Similar results were also observed in the incidence of vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, abdominal distention, epigastric discomfort, poor appetite and stomatitis.
CONCLUSIONS
Current evidence indicated that S. boulardii supplementing with STT could improve the eradication rate of H. pylori, and concurrently decrease the incidence of total adverse events and gastrointestinal adverse events in children.
Topics: Child; Humans; Saccharomyces boulardii; Helicobacter pylori; Drug Therapy, Combination; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Helicobacter Infections; Abdominal Pain; Dietary Supplements; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Treatment Outcome; Probiotics
PubMed: 38102568
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08896-4 -
Revista Espanola de Enfermedades... Dec 2023We report the case of a middle-aged man who had undergone two diagnostic laparoscopies with no significant findings after he was attended at the emergency department...
We report the case of a middle-aged man who had undergone two diagnostic laparoscopies with no significant findings after he was attended at the emergency department with cramping pain, abdominal distention and vomiting, with radiological images simulating a small bowel obstruction. After multiple hospitalisations and an extensive set of tests, including a genetic study, he was diagnosed with chronic pseudo-obstruction, an uncommon, unrecognides syndrome with high morbidity. Being aware of this pathology can make it easier to diagnose, and thereby, we can avoid unnecessary surgical interventions, because its management and treatment are mainly based on pharmacological therapy. After a proper diagnosis our patient's progression was satisfactory due to the treatment introduced, with no further hospitalisations.
Topics: Male; Middle Aged; Humans; Intestinal Obstruction; Pain; Intestine, Small; Vomiting; Laparoscopy
PubMed: 37114416
DOI: 10.17235/reed.2023.9630/2023 -
Quality of Life Research : An... Sep 2023The aim of this study was to generate evidence supporting the development and content validity of a new PRO instrument, the Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to generate evidence supporting the development and content validity of a new PRO instrument, the Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) Symptom Measure (SSM) daily diary. The SSM assesses symptom severity in SIBO patients, with the ultimate goal of providing a fit for purpose PRO for endpoint measurement.
METHODS
Qualitative research included 35 SIBO patients in three study stages, using a hybrid concept elicitation (CE)/cognitive interview (CI) method with US patients, ≥ 18 years. Stage 1 included a literature review, clinician interviews, and initial CE interviews with SIBO patients to identify symptoms important to patients for inclusion in the SSM. Stage 2 included hybrid CE/CI to learn more about patients' SIBO experience and test the draft SSM. Finally, stage 3 used CIs to refine the instrument and test its content validity.
RESULTS
In stage 1 (n = 8), 15 relevant concepts were identified, with items drafted based on the literature review/clinician interviews and elicitation work. Within stage 2 (n = 15), the SSM was refined to include 11 items; with wording revised for three items. Stage 3 (n = 12) confirmed the comprehensiveness of the SSM, as well as appropriateness of the item wording, recall period, and response scale. The resulting 11-item SSM assesses the severity of bloating, abdominal distention, abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, flatulence, physical tiredness, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, appetite loss, and belching.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides evidence supporting the content validity of the new PRO. Comprehensive patient input ensures that the SSM is a well-defined measure of SIBO, ready for psychometric validation studies.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Qualitative Research; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Psychometrics; Physical Examination
PubMed: 37212941
DOI: 10.1007/s11136-023-03407-z -
International Medical Case Reports... 2023Intestinal knotting syndromes are rare causes of mechanical bowel obstruction, ileo-sigmoid knotting being the most common type. Ileocecal knotting is the rarest type...
INTRODUCTION
Intestinal knotting syndromes are rare causes of mechanical bowel obstruction, ileo-sigmoid knotting being the most common type. Ileocecal knotting is the rarest type among knot syndromes and there are few case reports across the world.
CASE PRESENTATION
We present a case of ileocecal knotting in a postpartum patient with abdominal distention, vomiting and failure to pass feces and flatus. Plain abdominal radiograph revealed dilated small bowel loops with multiple air fluid levels. Exploratory laparotomy was performed with intra-operative finding of ileocecal knotting with viable bowel, mobile cecum and ascending colon and gangrenous tip of appendix. We untied the knot and performed an appendectomy. Due to intra-operative instability of the patient's vital signs, right hemicolectomy was differed and cecum as well as ascending colon were fixed to right posterolateral abdominal wall.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
Ileocecal knotting is a very rare finding, and few case reports have been published. The intra-operative findings of the mobile cecum and ascending colon are consistent with previous reports and it is a predisposing factor for knot besides low BMI and young age of our patient. Surgical management is dictated by intra-operative conditions such as viability of the bowel, intra-operative stability of the patient, extent of resection and length of the remaining bowel. Surgical options include en bloc resection of knot with gangrenous bowel and end to end anastomosis or end ileostomy with closure of distal end.
CONCLUSION
Ileocecal knotting should be considered as a differential diagnosis for patients presenting with intestinal obstruction with unusual radiographic findings. Early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention prevents bowel infarction and enhance the prognosis. Preoperative abdominal CT scan is helpful in such cases with unusual radiographic findings.
PubMed: 38146343
DOI: 10.2147/IMCRJ.S448334 -
Drug Delivery and Translational Research Sep 2023Subcutaneous (SC) delivery is a preferred route of administration for biotherapeutics but has predominantly been limited to volumes below 3 mL. With higher volume drug...
Subcutaneous (SC) delivery is a preferred route of administration for biotherapeutics but has predominantly been limited to volumes below 3 mL. With higher volume drug formulations emerging, understanding large volume SC (LVSC) depot localization, dispersion, and impact on the SC environment has become more critical. The aim of this exploratory clinical imaging study was to assess the feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify and characterize LVSC injections and their effect on SC tissue as a function of delivery site and volume. Healthy adult subjects received incremental injections of normal saline up to 5 mL total volume in the arm and up to 10 mL in the abdomen and thigh. MRI images were acquired after each incremental SC injection. Post-image analysis was performed to correct imaging artifacts, identify depot tissue location, create 3-dimensional (3D) SC depot rendering, and estimate in vivo bolus volumes and SC tissue distention. LVSC saline depots were readily achieved, imaged using MRI, and quantified via subsequent image reconstructions. Imaging artifacts occurred under some conditions, necessitating corrections applied during image analysis. 3D renderings were created for both the depot alone and in relation to the SC tissue boundaries. LVSC depots remained predominantly within the SC tissue and expanded with increasing injection volume. Depot geometry varied across injection sites and localized physiological structure changes were observed to accommodate LVSC injection volumes. MRI is an effective means to clinically visualize LVSC depots and SC architecture allowing assessment of deposition and dispersion of injected formulations.Trial Registration: Not applicable for this exploratory clinical imaging study.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Injections, Subcutaneous
PubMed: 36913105
DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01318-7