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PloS One 2024The frequency and characteristics of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) may vary by SARS-CoV-2 variant.
Excess burden of respiratory and abdominal conditions following COVID-19 infections during the ancestral and Delta variant periods in the United States: An EHR-based cohort study from the RECOVER program.
IMPORTANCE
The frequency and characteristics of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) may vary by SARS-CoV-2 variant.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize PASC-related conditions among individuals likely infected by the ancestral strain in 2020 and individuals likely infected by the Delta variant in 2021.
DESIGN
Retrospective cohort study of electronic medical record data for approximately 27 million patients from March 1, 2020-November 30, 2021.
SETTING
Healthcare facilities in New York and Florida.
PARTICIPANTS
Patients who were at least 20 years old and had diagnosis codes that included at least one SARS-CoV-2 viral test during the study period.
EXPOSURE
Laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection, classified by the most common variant prevalent in those regions at the time.
MAIN OUTCOME(S) AND MEASURE(S)
Relative risk (estimated by adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]) and absolute risk difference (estimated by adjusted excess burden) of new conditions, defined as new documentation of symptoms or diagnoses, in persons between 31-180 days after a positive COVID-19 test compared to persons without a COVID-19 test or diagnosis during the 31-180 days after the last negative test.
RESULTS
We analyzed data from 560,752 patients. The median age was 57 years; 60.3% were female, 20.0% non-Hispanic Black, and 19.6% Hispanic. During the study period, 57,616 patients had a positive SARS-CoV-2 test; 503,136 did not. For infections during the ancestral strain period, pulmonary fibrosis, edema (excess fluid), and inflammation had the largest aHR, comparing those with a positive test to those without a COVID-19 test or diagnosis (aHR 2.32 [95% CI 2.09 2.57]), and dyspnea (shortness of breath) carried the largest excess burden (47.6 more cases per 1,000 persons). For infections during the Delta period, pulmonary embolism had the largest aHR comparing those with a positive test to a negative test (aHR 2.18 [95% CI 1.57, 3.01]), and abdominal pain carried the largest excess burden (85.3 more cases per 1,000 persons).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
We documented a substantial relative risk of pulmonary embolism and a large absolute risk difference of abdomen-related symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection during the Delta variant period. As new SARS-CoV-2 variants emerge, researchers and clinicians should monitor patients for changing symptoms and conditions that develop after infection.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Female; Male; Middle Aged; SARS-CoV-2; Retrospective Studies; Electronic Health Records; Adult; Aged; United States; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; Florida; Cohort Studies
PubMed: 38843159
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282451 -
Clinical Case Reports Jun 2024In this case report, we describe the successful management of severe scrub typhus with pneumonia, sepsis, and multiple organ dysfunction in a pregnant woman. Despite...
KEY CLINICAL MESSAGE
In this case report, we describe the successful management of severe scrub typhus with pneumonia, sepsis, and multiple organ dysfunction in a pregnant woman. Despite initial challenges, the patient responded favorably to fecal microbiota transplantation and oral fecal microbiota capsule therapy.
ABSTRACT
Scrub typhus, caused by , can lead to severe multiorgan dysfunction and carries a mortality rate of up to 70% if not treated properly. In this report, we present the case of a 27-year-old pregnant woman at 18 + 6 weeks gestation whose symptoms worsened 15 days after onset and progressed to severe pneumonia with sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. After the pathogen was confirmed by next-generation sequencing analysis of bronchoalveolar-lavage fluid and blood samples, the patient's treatment was switched to antiinfective chloramphenicol. The patient also underwent uterine evacuation due to a miscarriage. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was discontinued once the pulmonary infection significantly improved. Subsequently, the patient had recurrent diarrhea, abdominal distension, and difficulty eating. The antibiotic regimen was adjusted according to the drug sensitivity, but the diarrhea and abdominal distension still did not improve. Following a comprehensive multidisciplinary risk assessment, we initiated fecal microbiota transplantation and oral fecal microbiota capsule therapy. As a result, the patient's condition was effectively managed, and they were gradually discharged. Fecal microbiota transplantation may be a safe and effective treatment for severe pneumonia and shock in pregnant women. This has significant implications for maternal health. However, further clinical cases are required to observe its long-term effectiveness.
PubMed: 38840756
DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8815 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024A dog with bilateral renal dioctophymosis presented with stage 5 acute kidney injury, weight loss, vomiting, apathy, and hematuria. Laboratory tests showed creatinine of...
A dog with bilateral renal dioctophymosis presented with stage 5 acute kidney injury, weight loss, vomiting, apathy, and hematuria. Laboratory tests showed creatinine of 17.2 mg/dL and eggs in the urine. It underwent a 30-min session of hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning at a pressure of 2 ATA. Subsequently, bilateral nephroscopy was performed, without warm ischemia, using Amplatz-type renal dilators. Five parasites were removed, three females from the right kidney, one female from the left kidney, and one male from the abdominal cavity. After surgery, the patient continued doing daily hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) sessions and clinical therapy. Postoperative care consisted of analgesics, antimicrobials, antioxidants, gastric protector and fluid therapy. Ultrasound monitoring showed a reduction in the area of renal dilation and the hematological and biochemical tests showed rapid recovery from acute kidney injury. There was no bacterial growth in the urine sample collected directly from the kidneys. The patient had an excellent clinical progression and was discharged from hospital 7 days postoperatively, with creatinine values of 2.9 mg/dL. This is the first report of the use of nephroscopy in the treatment of dioctophymosis and indicates excellent chances of cure even in severe cases of bilateral parasitosis. HBOT was shown to be an ally in the clinical therapy of patients with by helping with stabilization and postoperative recovery.
PubMed: 38840630
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1396467 -
Cureus May 2024A 47-year-old male, a known case of alcoholic chronic liver disease with portal hypertension, presented with complaints of abdominal distension and shortness of breath....
Iatrogenically Acquired Mycobacterium abscessus Infection in an Indwelling Intercostal Drainage In Situ in a Patient With Alcoholic Liver Disease and Bilateral Hepatic Hydrothorax: A Report of a Rare Case.
A 47-year-old male, a known case of alcoholic chronic liver disease with portal hypertension, presented with complaints of abdominal distension and shortness of breath. A provisional diagnosis of ethanol-related compensated chronic liver disease (CLD) with portal hypertension and splenomegaly, gross ascites with bilateral hepatic hydrothorax was made. The left-sided pleural effusion subsided after three pleural taps, but the right-sided effusion kept refilling even after four to five days of repeated therapeutic taps, so a pigtail catheter was left in situ. The pleural fluid was sent for culture which did not grow any pathogenic organisms. Cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification tests where complex (MTBC) was not detected, Ziehl-Neelsen staining was done in which acid-fast bacilli were not seen, and cytology was done where no malignant cells were seen. The patient was discharged with the pigtail in situ on the right side and, after 20 days, the patient again presented with shortness of breath, and imaging revealed moderate right-side pleural effusion. Draining of pleural fluid was done and sent for investigation which again revealed no infective etiology. The patient was admitted to the hospital for one month as the right-sided effusion did not resolve. Suddenly, the patient developed shortness of breath, and a chest X-ray was done, which showed pigtail blockage; pigtail flushing was done, and the bag was drained. The patient was empirically started on IV meropenem 500 mg TID, IV teicoplanin 400 mg BD, and inj polymyxin B 500,000 IU IV BD. The pleural fluid was sent continuously for investigation for the first two months which again did not reveal any infective etiology. After two months of pigtail in situ, the pleural fluid was sent for CBNAAT where MTBC was not detected, and ZN stain showed smooth acid-fast bacilli. The sample was cultured, and it grew acid-fast bacilli in 72 hours on blood agar, MacConkey agar, and Lowenstein-Jensen media. A line probe assay done from the isolate revealed it to be subsp. abscessus which was resistant to macrolides and sensitive to aminoglycosides. subsp. abscessus was isolated from repeated cultures of pleural fluid, and the patient was advised on a combination treatment of amikacin, tigecycline, and imipenem. The patient was discharged with the indwelling pigtail with the advised treatment; unfortunately, we lost patient follow-up as the patient never returned to us.
PubMed: 38832176
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59626 -
Journal of Surgical Case Reports Jun 2024Neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) of the gallbladder are very rare and aggressive tumors with poor prognosis. Most of them are poorly differentiated and belong to the...
Neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) of the gallbladder are very rare and aggressive tumors with poor prognosis. Most of them are poorly differentiated and belong to the small cell type. We report a case of a 59-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain and distension. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a large heterogeneous mass in the liver, adjacent to the gallbladder, and omental nodules. CA 19-9 level was elevated and ascitic fluid cytology was suspicious for malignancy. Percutaneous biopsy of the liver mass confirmed the diagnosis of small cell NEC of the gallbladder. The patient was considered inoperable and planned for chemotherapy, but she died 20 days after admission. This case illustrates the diagnostic challenges and the dismal outcome of small cell NEC of the gallbladder. Early detection and multimodal treatment are essential for improving the survival of these patients.
PubMed: 38832057
DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjae386 -
The American Journal of Case Reports Jun 2024BACKGROUND Peritoneal dialysis (PD) serves as a critical renal replacement therapy for individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), leveraging the peritoneum for... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND Peritoneal dialysis (PD) serves as a critical renal replacement therapy for individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), leveraging the peritoneum for fluid and substance exchange. Despite its effectiveness, PD is marred by complications such as peritonitis, which significantly impacts patient outcomes. The novelty of our report lies in the presentation of a rare case of PD-associated peritonitis caused by 2 unusual pathogens, emphasizing the importance of rigorous infection control measures. CASE REPORT We report on an 80-year-old African-American female patient with ESRD undergoing PD, who was admitted twice within 8 months for non-recurring episodes of peritonitis. These episodes were attributed to the rare pathogens Achromobacter denitrificans/xylosoxidans and Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Despite presenting with similar symptoms during each episode, such as abdominal pain and turbid dialysis effluent, the presence of these uncommon bacteria highlights the intricate challenges in managing infections associated with PD. The treatment strategy encompassed targeted antibiotic therapy, determined through susceptibility testing. Notably, the decision to remove the PD catheter followed extensive patient education, ensuring the patient comprehended the rationale behind this approach. This crucial step, along with the subsequent shift to hemodialysis, was pivotal in resolving the infection, illustrating the importance of patient involvement in the management of complex PD-related infections. CONCLUSIONS This case underscores the complexities of managing PD-associated peritonitis, particularly with uncommon and resistant bacteria. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous infection control measures, the need to consider atypical pathogens, and the critical role of patient involvement in treatment decisions. Our insights advocate for a more informed approach to handling such infections, aiming to reduce morbidity and improve patient outcomes. The examination of the literature on recurrent peritonitis and treatment strategies provides key perspectives for navigating these challenging cases effectively.
Topics: Humans; Peritonitis; Female; Aged, 80 and over; Peritoneal Dialysis; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Acinetobacter baumannii; Achromobacter denitrificans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections; Acinetobacter Infections; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 38831580
DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.943953 -
Clinical Case Reports Jun 2024The case highlights the importance of decisive action in addressing large gallstones causing gastric outlet obstruction. The chosen single-stage surgical approach...
KEY CLINICAL MESSAGE
The case highlights the importance of decisive action in addressing large gallstones causing gastric outlet obstruction. The chosen single-stage surgical approach reflects the need to manage both obstruction and the gallstone simultaneously.
ABSTRACT
Bouveret's syndrome is a rare cause of gastric outlet obstruction secondary to gallstones entering the enteric system through an acquired cholecystoduodenal fistula. Here, we present the case of an 85-year-old female who presented to our emergency department with gastric outlet obstruction secondary to a large gallstone in the third part of the duodenum. Abdominal X-ray did not demonstrate air-fluid levels but revealed a dilated gastric shadow, suggesting gastric outlet obstruction. EGD showed a dilated stomach and a hard, golf ball-sized gallstone in the duodenum. CT scan showed a distended stomach with a large gallstone obstructing the DJ junction and air in the biliary tree. Findings were suggestive of perforation of the gallbladder with stone impaction in the duodenojejunal (DJ) junction. The patient was managed surgically with a one-stage procedure comprising enterotomy, fistula closure, and cholecystectomy. Although Bouveret's syndrome is rare, it is important for practicing surgeons to have a high index of suspicion for this condition due to the high mortality associated with it.
PubMed: 38827939
DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8969 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... Apr 2024Portal hypertension commonly occurs due to liver cirrhosis, and esophageal varices (EV) is one of the major complications associated with it. The most common cause of...
BACKGROUND
Portal hypertension commonly occurs due to liver cirrhosis, and esophageal varices (EV) is one of the major complications associated with it. The most common cause of death in liver cirrhosis is EV bleeding. Hence, GE screening for EV is required, which is an invasive procedure. Regular use of endoscopy results in low compliance due to cost and discomfort for patients. Hence, identifying non-invasive markers that could grade EV provides a useful screening tool for family physicians and primary health centers (PHCs) by referring the patient to higher centers for definitive treatment, which could reduce mortality due to variceal bleeding in cirrhotic patients.
AIMS
To assess non-invasive predictors of grade EV in patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis.
SETTINGS AND DESIGN
Cross-sectional study.
METHODS AND MATERIAL
A total of 109 patients with liver cirrhosis underwent clinical and biochemical evaluation, USG abdomen with spleen bipolar diameter, ascitic fluid analysis, and upper GE with a grade of EV are recorded.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED
SPSS software with Student -test, Chi-square -test, analysis of variance, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves, and Spearman correlation with 95% CI is used. <0.05 is considered significant.
RESULTS
Aminotransferase to Platelet count Ratio Index (APRI) score >1.815, PC/SD ≤909, and SAAG >1.1g/dl showed EV in liver cirrhosis ( < 0.05). The order of prediction with ROC curves shows APRI score > PC/SD > SAAG. In grading EV, APRI scores of 1.9-2.5 and >2.5 showed small and large EV, respectively ( < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
APRI score may be used in PHC as an early intervention to grade EV and refer the patient to higher centers for definitive treatment. This would prevent the progression of varices to rupture and reduce mortality due to variceal bleeds in liver cirrhosis patients.
PubMed: 38827661
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_792_23 -
Urology Case Reports May 2024Orchiepididymitis is a rare complication of acute pancreatitis and leads to misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgery. Abdominal pelvic CT and testicular Doppler ultrasound...
Orchiepididymitis is a rare complication of acute pancreatitis and leads to misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgery. Abdominal pelvic CT and testicular Doppler ultrasound are the two key examinations in this situation. This is about a 38-year-old patient, seen in the emergency room in an initial picture of right orchiepididymitis secondary to a migration of pancreatic fluid collection treated with antibiotic therapy with monitoring. No consensus as to management has not been established so far. - According to the 2012 Atlanta Consensus: basic antibiotic therapy is recommended in case of suspected infection of these collections.
PubMed: 38827534
DOI: 10.1016/j.eucr.2024.102703 -
Food and Waterborne Parasitology Jun 2024and are known human pathogens responsible for eosinophilic angiostrongyliasis and abdominal angiostrongyliasis, respectively. Humans are accidental hosts, where... (Review)
Review
and are known human pathogens responsible for eosinophilic angiostrongyliasis and abdominal angiostrongyliasis, respectively. Humans are accidental hosts, where infection occurs through the consumption of the infective larva stage 3 in intermediate or paratenic hosts. The proven method for abdominal angiostrongyliasis diagnosis is the histological examination through tissue biopsy, while the diagnosis of eosinophilic angiostrongyliasis is the detection of larva in the cerebrospinal fluid. As there is molecular evidence of cryptic species within and lineages, along with morphological similarities within both lineages, accurate species identification and disease diagnosis may be challenging. Moreover, species within the lineages share similar intermediate and definitive hosts and geographic distribution. For example, both and (a closely related species in lineage) overlap in their geographic distribution in Southeast Asia. Additionally, variations in the molecular makeup of and lineages may impact the pathogenicity, infectivity, and disease severity of angiostrongyliasis. Understanding of the genetic diversity of both lineages is a cornerstone for improved diagnosis and disease intervention, especially in a changing global environment. To shed light and provide insights into the genetic diversity of the lineages causing human angiostrongyliasis, we aim to present an up-to-date review of the studies conducted and genetic markers used for and lineages. The implications for accurate molecular identification and diagnosis of human angiostrongyliasis are also discussed.
PubMed: 38827346
DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2024.e00230