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Cureus May 2024Pulmonary hamartomas (PH) are rare but are the most common benign tumors found in the lungs. They are slow-growing and are usually found incidentally on chest imaging...
Pulmonary hamartomas (PH) are rare but are the most common benign tumors found in the lungs. They are slow-growing and are usually found incidentally on chest imaging during the sixth decade of life. Approximately 10% of pulmonary hamartomas are endobronchial. Rarely, pulmonary hamartomas can cause a spectrum of pulmonary symptoms depending on their size and location. We present a case of endobronchial hamartoma causing airway obstruction and recurrent post-obstructive pneumonia.
PubMed: 38910726
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60916 -
Medicine Jun 2024Acute epiglottitis is not uncommon and it can cause high mortality due to airway obstruction. Acute epiglottitis complicated with cervical necrotizing fasciitis has...
INTRODUCTION
Acute epiglottitis is not uncommon and it can cause high mortality due to airway obstruction. Acute epiglottitis complicated with cervical necrotizing fasciitis has rarely been reported, and it is also a life-threatening disease with a fatality rate of 7% to 50%.
PATIENT CONCERNS
A 64-year-old woman presented to our hospital with chief complaints of sore throat and cervical swelling, long with foreign body sensation and hoarseness. Endoscopic laryngoscopy showed erythematous and swollen epiglottis with purulent secretions on the surface. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed swollen epiglottis and swelling of the neck with air- and fluid-containing necrotizing tissue.
DIAGNOSES
The diagnosis was acute epiglottitis and abscess complicated with cervical necrotizing fasciitis.
INTERVENTIONS
With the patient in awake condition, airway access was established by performing intubation with adjunctive use of gum elastic bougie, followed by surgical debridement under general anesthesia; a flap was used for skin coverage and intravenous piperacillin-tazobactam was administered.
OUTCOMES
The patient was discharged without complications.
CONCLUSION
Gum elastic bougie is a usable tool in difficult intubation. Adequate pre-anesthesia evaluation, patient sedation, and gentle manipulation assured the intubation success in this case.
Topics: Humans; Female; Fasciitis, Necrotizing; Middle Aged; Epiglottitis; Intubation, Intratracheal; Abscess; Acute Disease; Neck; Debridement; Laryngoscopy; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 38905392
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038658 -
BMJ Open Respiratory Research Jun 2024Asthma is a heterogeneous disease with a prevalence and severity that differs between male and female patients. (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease with a prevalence and severity that differs between male and female patients.
QUESTION
What are differences between male and female patients with asthma with regard to asthma control, lung function, inflammation and exacerbations?
METHODS
We performed a post hoc analysis in the ATLANTIS (Assessment of Small Airways Involvement in Asthma) study, an observational cohort study including patients with asthma from nine countries with a follow-up of 1 year during which patients were characterised with measures of large and small airway function, questionnaires, inflammation and imaging. We compared differences in baseline characteristics and longitudinal outcomes between male and female patients with asthma.
RESULTS
773 patients were enrolled; 450 (58%) of these were female. At baseline, female patients with asthma were in higher Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) steps (p=0.042), had higher Asthma Control Questionnaire 6 (F: 0.83; M: 0.66, p<0.001) and higher airway resistance as reflected by uncorrected impulse oscillometry outcomes (ie, R-R: F: 0.06; M: 0.04 kPa/L/s, p=0.002). Male patients with asthma had more severe airway obstruction (forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity % predicted: F: 91.95; M: 88.33%, p<0.01) and more frequently had persistent airflow limitation (F: 27%; M: 39%, p<0.001). Blood neutrophils were significantly higher in female patients (p=0.014). With Cox regression analysis, female sex was an independent predictor for exacerbations.
INTERPRETATION
We demonstrate that female patients are in higher GINA steps, exhibit worse disease control, experience more exacerbations and demonstrate higher airway resistance compared with male patients. The higher exacerbation risk was independent of GINA step and blood eosinophil level. Male patients, in turn, have a higher prevalence of persistent airflow limitation and more severe airflow obstruction. These findings show sex can affect clinical phenotyping and outcomes in asthma.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
NCT02123667.
Topics: Humans; Asthma; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Adult; Sex Factors; Lung; Disease Progression; Forced Expiratory Volume; Respiratory Function Tests; Severity of Illness Index; Vital Capacity; Airway Resistance; Aged; Cohort Studies; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38901877
DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2024-002316 -
Cureus May 2024Sublingual hematoma, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, can arise spontaneously or secondary to various triggers, including trauma, dental procedures, or...
Sublingual hematoma, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, can arise spontaneously or secondary to various triggers, including trauma, dental procedures, or anticoagulant therapy. We present a case of massive spontaneous sublingual hematoma in a 45-year-old woman receiving aspirin therapy for rheumatic heart disease. Despite the absence of trauma or procedural triggers, the patient presented with bleeding from the floor of the mouth and significant submental swelling, prompting urgent intervention to secure the airway and manage coagulopathy. Conservative measures, including discontinuation of aspirin and intravenous vitamin K administration, led to gradual hematoma resolution and favorable patient outcomes. This case highlights the importance of prompt recognition and early management of sublingual hematoma, particularly in the context of aspirin therapy-induced coagulopathy.
PubMed: 38899276
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60684 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Oropharyngeal dysphagia, or difficulty initiating swallowing, is a frequent problem in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and can lead to aspiration pneumonia. The...
Oropharyngeal dysphagia, or difficulty initiating swallowing, is a frequent problem in people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and can lead to aspiration pneumonia. The efficacy of pharmacological options is limited. Postural strategies, such as a chin-down manoeuvre when drinking, have had some degree of success but may be difficult for people who have other limitations such as dementia or neck rigidity, to reproduce consistently. Using a user-centred design approach and a multidisciplinary team, we developed and tested an anti-choking mug for people with PD that helps angle the head in the optimum position for drinking. The design reflected anthropometric and ergonomic aspects of user needs with features including regulation of water flow rate and sip volume, an inner slope, a thickened handle and a wide base, which promoted a chin-down posture when used. Prototype testing using digital technology to compare neck flexion angles (the primary outcome), plus clinical outcomes assessed using standard tools (Swallowing Clinical Assessment Score in Parkinson's Disease (SCAS-PD) and Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) Parts II and III), found significant improvements in a range of parameters related to efficient swallowing and safe drinking when using the anti-choking mug versus a sham mug.
Topics: Parkinson Disease; Humans; Male; Female; Deglutition Disorders; Aged; User-Centered Design; Deglutition; Middle Aged; Airway Obstruction; Posture
PubMed: 38898235
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65071-8 -
Sao Paulo Medical Journal = Revista... 2024Concerns regarding high open surgery-related maternal morbidity have led to improvements in minimally invasive fetal surgeries.
BACKGROUND
Concerns regarding high open surgery-related maternal morbidity have led to improvements in minimally invasive fetal surgeries.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the perinatal and maternal outcomes of minimally invasive fetal surgery performed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
DESIGN AND SETTING
Retrospective cohort study conducted in two tertiary reference centers.
METHODS
This retrospective descriptive study was conducted using medical records from 2011 to 2019. The outcomes included maternal and pregnancy complications, neonatal morbidity, and mortality from the intrauterine period to hospital discharge.
RESULTS
Fifty mothers and 70 fetuses were included in this study. The pathologies included twin-twin transfusion syndrome, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, myelomeningocele, lower urinary tract obstruction, pleural effusion, congenital upper airway obstruction syndrome, and amniotic band syndrome. Regarding maternal complications, 8% had anesthetic complications, 12% had infectious complications, and 6% required blood transfusions. The mean gestational age at surgery was 25 weeks, the mean gestational age at delivery was 33 weeks, 83% of fetuses undergoing surgery were born alive, and 69% were discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit.
CONCLUSION
Despite the small sample size, we demonstrated that minimally invasive fetal surgeries are safe for pregnant women. Perinatal mortality and prematurity rates in this study were comparable to those previously. Prematurity remains the most significant problem associated with fetal surgery.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Retrospective Studies; Brazil; Adult; Infant, Newborn; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; Pregnancy Outcome; Fetal Diseases; Pregnancy Complications; Gestational Age; Young Adult; Perinatal Mortality
PubMed: 38896578
DOI: 10.1590/1516-3180.2023.0159.R1.16022024 -
Cureus May 2024Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare type of tumor that usually originates from minor salivary glands in the oral cavity. ACC of the larynx is even rare. This case...
Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare type of tumor that usually originates from minor salivary glands in the oral cavity. ACC of the larynx is even rare. This case study describes a 36-year-old non-smoking male farmer who initially presented with dyspnea and was misdiagnosed with bronchial asthma. Spirometry revealed fixed airway obstruction. Further evaluation revealed a pedunculated mass obstructing the airway, which was diagnosed as ACC by histopathological examination of the biopsy specimen. The patient was treated with radiation therapy, resulting in clinical improvement after six weeks. ACC is highly invasive and slow-growing, with perineural extension and a higher risk of recurrence. Metastasis in the lungs is common. Adequate preoperative staging, including imaging with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging, is important for planning treatment. The role of radiation therapy with concurrent chemotherapy is still under trial.
PubMed: 38894795
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60571 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024Asthma, a prevalent chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the airways and bronchoconstriction, has demonstrated a potential association with... (Review)
Review
Asthma, a prevalent chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the airways and bronchoconstriction, has demonstrated a potential association with hemoglobinopathies such as thalassemia and sickle cell disease (SCD). Numerous studies have highlighted a higher prevalence of asthma among thalassemia patients compared to the general population, with rates ranging around 30%. Similarly, asthma frequently coexists with SCD, affecting approximately 20-48% of patients. Children with SCD often experience heightened lower airway obstruction and airway hyper-reactivity. Notably, the presence of asthma in SCD exacerbates respiratory symptoms and increases the risk of severe complications like acute chest syndrome, stroke, vaso-occlusive episodes, and early mortality. Several studies have noted a decrease in various cytokines such as IFN-γ and IL-10, along with higher levels of both IL-6 and IL-8, suggesting an overactivation of pro-inflammatory mechanisms in patients with hemoglobinopathies, which could trigger inflammatory conditions such as asthma. The exact mechanisms driving this association are better elucidated but may involve factors such as chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune dysregulation associated with thalassemia-related complications like chronic hemolytic anemia and iron overload. This review aims to comprehensively analyze the relationship between asthma and hemoglobinopathies, with a focus on thalassemia and SCD. It emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among pulmonologists, hematologists, and other healthcare professionals to effectively manage this complex interplay. Understanding this link is crucial for improving care and outcomes in affected individuals.
PubMed: 38892971
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113263 -
MedRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jun 2024Serum total immunoglobulin E levels (total IgE) capture the state of the immune system in relation to allergic sensitization. High levels are associated with airway...
Serum total immunoglobulin E levels (total IgE) capture the state of the immune system in relation to allergic sensitization. High levels are associated with airway obstruction and poor clinical outcomes in pediatric asthma. Inconsistent patient response to anti-IgE therapies motivates discovery of molecular mechanisms underlying serum IgE level differences in children with asthma. To uncover these mechanisms using complementary metabolomic and transcriptomic data, abundance levels of 529 named metabolites and expression levels of 22,772 genes were measured among children with asthma in the Childhood Asthma Management Program (CAMP, N=564) and the Genetic Epidemiology of Asthma in Costa Rica Study (GACRS, N=309) via the TOPMed initiative. Gene-metabolite associations dependent on IgE were identified within each cohort using multivariate linear models and were interpreted in a biochemical context using network topology, pathway and chemical enrichment, and representation within reactions. A total of 1,617 total IgE-dependent gene-metabolite associations from GACRS and 29,885 from CAMP met significance cutoffs. Of these, glycine and guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) were associated with the most genes in both cohorts, and the associations represented reactions central to glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism and arginine and proline metabolism. Pathway and chemical enrichment analysis further highlighted additional related pathways of interest. The results of this study suggest that GAA may modulate total IgE levels in two independent pediatric asthma cohorts with different characteristics, supporting the use of L-Arginine as a potential therapeutic for asthma exacerbation. Other potentially new targetable pathways are also uncovered.
PubMed: 38883716
DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.05.24308502