Electrolyte disturbances in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 infection: An observational study.

There are multiple mechanisms by which The Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) infection can cause electrolyte abnormalities, which may not be the case for bacterial causes of pneumonia. This study aimed to assess the differences in electrolyte levels between patients suffering from COVID-19 and bacterial pneumonia. This is an original, retrospective study. Two cohorts of hospitalized patients were included, 1 suffering from COVID-19 and the other from bacterial pneumonia. Their day 1 and day 3 levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, as well as their outcomes, were extracted from the charts. Statistical analysis was subsequently performed. Mean admission levels of sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium were 135.64 ±â€…6.13, 4.38 ±â€…0.69, 3.53 ±â€…0.69, and 2.03 ±â€…0.51, respectively. The mean day 3 levels of these electrolytes were 138.3 ±â€…5.06, 4.18 ±â€…0.59, 3.578 ±â€…0.59, and 2.11 ±â€…0.64, respectively. Patients suffering from bacterial pneumonia were significantly older (N = 219, mean = 64.88 ±â€…15.99) than patients with COVID-19 pneumonia (N = 240, mean = 57.63 ±â€…17.87). Bacterial pneumonia group had significantly higher serum potassium (N = 211, mean = 4.51 ±â€…0.76), and magnesium (N = 115, mean = 2.12 ±â€…0.60) levels compared to COVID-19 group (N = 227, mean = 4.254 ±â€…0.60 for potassium and N = 118, mean = 1.933 ±â€…0.38 for magnesium). Only magnesium was significantly higher among day 3 electrolytes in the bacterial pneumonia group. No significant association between electrolyte levels and outcomes was seen. We found that COVID-19 patients had lower potassium and magnesium levels on admission, possibly due to the effect of COVID-19 on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system as well as patient characteristics and management. We did not find enough evidence to recommend using electrolyte levels as a determinator of prognosis, but more research is needed.

Resolution of severe gastroparesis induced by parasympathetic surge following facial trauma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the motility of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, causing a delay in the emptying process and leading to nausea, vomiting, bloating, and upper abdominal pain. Motility treatment along with symptom management can be done using antiemetics or prokinetics. This study highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of gastroparesis and suggests a potential link between facial trauma and symptom remission, indicating the need for further investigation. CASE PRESENTATION: A 46-year-old Hispanic man with hypertension, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and hyperlipidemia on amlodipine 10 mg, lisinopril 5 mg, empagliflozin 25 mg, and insulin glargine presented with a diabetic foot ulcer with probable osteomyelitis. During hospitalization, the patient developed severe nausea and vomiting. The gastroenterology team advised continuing antiemetic medicine and trying very small sips of clear liquids. However, the patient didn't improve. Therefore, the gastroenterology team was contacted again. They advised having stomach emptying tests to rule out gastroparesis as the source of emesis. In addition, they recommended continuing metoclopramide, and starting erythromycin due to inadequate improvement. Studies found a 748-min stomach emptying time. Normal is 45-90 min. An uneventful upper GI scope was done. Severe gastroparesis was verified, and the gastroenterology team advised a percutaneous jejunostomy or gastric pacemaker for gastroparesis. Unfortunately, the patient suffered a mechanical fall resulting in facial trauma. After the fall, the patient's nausea eased, and emesis stopped. He passed an oral liquids trial after discontinuation of erythromycin and metoclopramide. CONCLUSION: This case exemplifies the difficulties in diagnosing and treating gastroparesis. An interesting correlation between parasympathetic surges and recovery in gastroparesis may be suggested by the surprising remission of symptoms following face injuries.

Fatal Itching and Failing Liver: A Case Report and Literature Review of Rare, Atypical DRESS (Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) Syndrome.

DRESS (Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) syndrome is a rare, life-threatening, hypersensitivity reaction. The prolonged course and non-specific symptoms of the condition make diagnosis challenging. We present a case of DRESS syndrome that was misdiagnosed as urticaria. Investigations revealed deranged liver and kidney functions and abnormal blood count. The presented case emphasizes the need to have a high suspicion for DRESS syndrome in patients who present with jaundice, generalized rash, acute renal failure, and acute liver failure.

Relation between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and carotid artery intimal media thickness as a surrogate for atherosclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by hepatic steatosis without heavy alcohol consumption or other chronic conditions, encompasses a spectrum from non-alcoholic fatty liver to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis leading to cirrhosis. This analysis aimed to investigate the correlation between NAFLD and carotid intimal media thickness (C-IMT), a non-invasive surrogate for atherosclerosis. METHODOLOGY: Database searches, including PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library, yielded studies up to April 2023. Included were studies exploring the NAFLD-C-IMT relationship in populations aged >18 years. Exclusions comprised non-English papers, those involving animals or pediatric populations and studies lacking control groups. RESULTS: No statistical significance was noted between mild and moderate NAFLD compared to the control group regarding C-IMT [95% confidence intervals (CI): -0.03, 0.12] and (95% CI: -0.03, 0.21), respectively. There was a statistically significant difference only in the Severe NAFLD group ( P value 0.03). NAFLD with and without metabolic syndrome showed statistically significant differences compared to control regarding C-IMT (95% CI: 0.04, 0.12) and (95% CI: 0.01, 0.07), respectively. Fifty-nine studies were mentioned without classification of NAFLD severity and revealed a high statistically significant difference between NAFLD and controls regarding C-IMT with (95% CI: 0.09, 0.12, P < 0.00001). Stratified analysis according to sex was done in two studies and revealed statistical differences between NAFLD and control regarding C-IMT in both groups. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis underscores a significant association between NAFLD and increased C-IMT, emphasizing the importance of assessing C-IMT in NAFLD patients to identify cardiovascular risk and tailor therapeutic interventions for improved patient outcomes.

The impact of EndoCuff-assisted colonoscopy on the polyp detection rate: A cross-over randomized back-to-back study.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and most CRCs develop from polyps with malignant potential. We aimed to study the difference in polyp detection rate between EndoCuff-assisted colonoscopies (EAC) and standard colonoscopy (SC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was conducted at Cairo University Hospitals on patients referred for screening or diagnostic colonoscopy from July 2018 to August 2020. All included patients underwent back-to-back standard colonoscopy (SC) and ENDOCUFF VISION-assisted colonoscopies (EAC). RESULTS: 214 patients were included in this study. In comparison between EAC and SC, EAC increased the polyp detection rate (69 (32.24 %) vs. 57(26.64 %) (p < 0.05), EAC increased the detection of diminutive polyps ≤ 5 mm (104 vs. 81) (p < 0.05), and small polyps 6-9 mm (12 vs. 10) while there was no difference in large polyps ≥ 10 mm. EAC increased the adenoma detection rate (ADR) (37 (17.2 %) vs. 32(14.9 %) (p < 0.05). The findings detected by EAC shortened the interval of surveillance determined by SC findings. EndoCuff caused six mucosal erosions (2.8 %) in patients. CONCLUSION: EAC increases the number of detected colonic polyps, primarily small polyps on the left and right sides of the colon.

Intrapericardial Diaphragmatic Hernia Following the Convergence Procedure for Atrial Fibrillation.

This case report highlights a very rare variant of diaphragmatic hernia, namely, an intrapericardial diaphragmatic hernia, which can arise as a complication of the convergence procedure. A 77-year-old man, presenting with chronic shortness of breath and fatigue, was unexpectedly found to have herniation of the transverse colon into the pericardial cavity through a diaphragmatic-pericardial defect. The diaphragmatic defect was repaired with mesh via robotic surgery. The patient reported resolution of his symptoms at the six-month follow-up.

Association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and coronary artery disease outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cardiovascular outcomes, including angina, coronary artery disease (CAD), coronary artery calcification (CAC), myocardial infarction (MI), and calcified coronary plaques. METHODS: A comprehensive search of databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library, was conducted up to January 2023. Studies were included investigating the relationship between NAFLD and cardiovascular outcomes in adult populations. Exclusion criteria were studies on animals, pediatric populations, and those not published in English. Two reviewers assessed the risk of bias in the included studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 32 studies with a total of 5,610,990 participants. NAFLD demonstrated significant associations with increased risks of angina (Relative Risk (RR): 1.45, 95% CI: 1.17, 1.79), CAD (RR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.38), CAC >0 (RR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.69), and calcified coronary plaques (RR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.27). However, no significant association was found between NAFLD and CAC >100 (RR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.97, 1.38) or MI (RR: 1.70, 95% CI: 0.16, 18.32). CONCLUSION: The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant association between NAFLD and cardiovascular outcomes independent of conventional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. These findings emphasize the importance of prevention, early detection, and proper management of NAFLD.

Increasing trend of endoscopic drainage utilization for the management of pancreatic pseudocyst: insights from a nationwide database.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The pancreatic pseudocyst (PP) is a type of fluid collection that typically develops as a delayed complication of acute pancreatitis. Drainage is indicated for symptomatic patients and/or associated complications, such as infection and bleeding. Drainage modalities include percutaneous, endoscopic, laparoscopic, and open drainage. This study aimed to assess trends in the utilization of different drainage modalities for treating PP from 2016 to 2020. The trends in mortality, mean length of hospital stay, and mean hospitalization costs were also assessed. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample database was used to obtain data. The variables were generated using International Classification of Diseases-10 diagnostic and procedural codes. RESULTS: Endoscopic drainage was the most commonly used drainage modality in 2018-2020, with an increasing trend over time (385 procedures in 2018 to 515 in 2020; p=0.003). This is associated with a decrease in the use of other drainage modalities. A decrease in the hospitalization cost for PP requiring drainage was also noted (29,318 United States dollar [USD] in 2016 to 18,087 USD in 2020, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic drainage is becoming the most commonly used modality for the treatment of PP in hospitals located in the US. This new trend is associated with decreasing hospitalization costs.

Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Secondary to Duodenal Wall Perforation by Inferior Vena Cava Filter: A Rare Clinical Presentation.

Patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) frequently employ inferior vena cava (IVC) filters to keep them from getting pulmonary embolisms. Even though they are usually thought to be safe, there can be complications during or after their placement. IVC filter perforation into adjacent structures, such as the duodenum, is an uncommon but potentially serious complication. We present a case of a 62-year-old female with a past medical history of recurrent deep vein thrombosis (DVTs) and pulmonary embolism who presented with dizziness and dyspnea due to gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, resulting in anemia. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) was done and revealed a metallic object extending into the duodenum, identified as the IVC filter.

Systematic Review on the Efficacy, Effectiveness, Safety, and Immunogenicity of Monkeypox Vaccine.

BACKGROUND: The variation in the reported vaccine safety and effectiveness could contribute to the high rates of vaccine hesitancy among the general population and healthcare workers in areas where monkeypox (mpox) is circulating. In this review, our objective was to evaluate the safety, immunogenicity, effectiveness, and efficacy of the mpox vaccines. METHODS: An extensive search for articles across multiple databases was performed, including searching six databases (PubMed Central, PubMed Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, ProQuest), two pre-print databases (European PMC Preprint and MedRxiv), and Google Scholar. RESULTS: A total of 4290 citations were retrieved from the included databases. Following the removal of duplicates and the initial screening of records, a total of 36 studies were included into the analysis. Additionally, we identified five more studies through manual searches, resulting in a total of 41 eligible articles for qualitative synthesis. The study findings revealed that mpox vaccines demonstrate the ability to generate adequate antibodies; however, their effectiveness may decrease over time, exhibiting varying safety profiles. Most of the included studies consistently reported substantial levels of effectiveness and efficacy against mpox. Interestingly, the number of vaccine doses administered was found to influence the degree of immunogenicity, subsequently impacting the overall effectiveness and efficacy of the vaccines. Furthermore, we found that smallpox vaccines exhibited a form of cross-protection against mpox. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccines can be used to prevent mpox and effectively control its spread.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Systemic Sclerosis Overlap: A Unique Clinical Presentation.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease (KFD), or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL), is a rare self-limiting disorder presenting with fever and swollen lymph nodes. It is characterized by the focal proliferation of reticular cells, the presence of nuclear debris, and histiocytes. In advanced cases, it can present with hepato-splenomegaly and generalized lymphadenopathy. Historically, it has been associated with viral infections, as it frequently was found to be associated with upper respiratory symptoms. Alternative explanations include the immune response of T-cells leading to alteration in CD8-positive T-cell-mediated cell apoptosis. It is also speculated that KFD can be associated with rheumatological autoimmune diseases. We present a case of a 21-year-old African American female with a known diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-systemic sclerosis (SS) overlap presented with febrile lymphadenopathy and was diagnosed to have HNL on histological exam of lymph node biopsy.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis hospitalizations in the United States: characteristics and predictors of clinical outcomes.

Background: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic progressive disease that primarily affects the medium and large biliary ducts. Methods: This study investigated the baseline characteristics and predictors of clinical outcomes among hospitalized patients with PSC in the US. Using the National Inpatient Sample database from 2018 to 2020, we included adults with a principal diagnosis of PSC. Results: Our study included 2585 adult hospitalizations. The prevalence of cirrhosis, ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn's disease (CD), and cholangiocarcinoma among hospitalized PSC patients was 44.5%, 32.3%, 13.15%, and 5.2%, respectively. Over a third of patients (38.1%) underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). UC, CD, cholangiocarcinoma, and autoimmune hepatitis had no impact on mortality, length of stay, or ERCP utilization. Interestingly, individuals of Asian/Pacific Islander ethnicity had higher odds of undergoing ERCP compared to White ethnicity (odds ratio 4.67, 95% confidence interval 1.25-17.4). Conversely, patients with cirrhosis and liver transplant recipients were less likely to undergo ERCP. Conclusion: This is the first nationwide study to assess the clinical characteristics and outcomes of hospitalized patients with PSC. It highlights various factors associated with increased utilization of ERCP, longer length of stay, and increased inpatient mortality. Further research is warranted to explore these associations.

Altered Mental Status on Top of Anaplasmosis-Induced Severe Rhabdomyolysis: A Rare Clinical Presentation.

Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is a disease caused by tick-borne infection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The typical symptoms are fever, malaise, and body aches accompanied by abnormal blood tests such as leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and transaminitis. Some rare complications may occur, especially in patients living in heavily wooded areas, with a mean age of 70 years. We present a case of a 67-year-old male who was admitted for lower abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea with derangement of his blood tests. Despite treatment, his condition deteriorated and complicated rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney dysfunction. Empiric treatment including doxycycline was initiated while waiting for the infection blood work results. PCR came back positive for HGA. Empiric therapy was narrowed down to doxycycline for 14 days, and the patient's condition began to improve gradually and steadily. Aggressive hydration markedly improved rhabdomyolysis and, in turn, kidney function. Our case underscores the importance of considering HGA in ambiguous clinical scenarios and highlights the value of early diagnosis, empiric treatment, and intravenous hydration, especially in the presence of rhabdomyolysis.

An Acute Large Pericardial Effusion in a Scleroderma Renal Crisis.

This case report describes a patient with systemic sclerosis (SSc) who presented with a large pericardial effusion and a scleroderma renal crisis (SRC). The patient's clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, and treatment plans are reviewed. The coexistence of these complications presents a challenging clinical scenario requiring an interdisciplinary approach. The management of pericardial effusion in SSc and SRC is discussed, emphasizing the need for early detection and prompt treatment. Further research is needed to better understand and manage these complex complications in SSc patients.

An Unusual Case of Schwann Cell Hamartoma in Colon.

Schwann cell tumors are benign tumors originating from Schwann cells of the peripheral nervous system and are extremely rare in the gastrointestinal system. They usually originate in the colon or rectum but can also occur in the esophagus and small intestine. Their occurrence is rare in GI tract and mainly in the sigmoid colon. Schwann cell tumors have no association with any familial cancer syndromes. We present a 65-year-old female patient who underwent routine colon cancer screening. In addition to open mouth diverticulosis, she was found to have a 3 mm polyp, which was diagnosed as a Schwann cell hamartoma after a biopsy. This study aimed to present this rarely reported case in the literature as an example of a tumor that should be included in the differential diagnosis when considering submucosal colonic lesions. Though the reported reoccurrence rate is low, this case highlights the lack of published guidelines regarding appropriate follow-up surveillance periods.

A Case of Diabetic Ketoacidosis Presented With Severe Rhabdomyolysis-Induced Acute Kidney Injury.

We present a patient who presented with diabetic ketoacidosis and severe rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury. The patient developed generalized edema, nausea, and vomiting, and his kidney function deteriorated, necessitating renal replacement therapy, despite the successful treatment of his initial conditions. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted to determine the underlying cause of the severe rhabdomyolysis, including autoimmune myopathies, viral infections, and metabolic disorders. A muscle biopsy revealed necrosis and myophagocytosis but no significant inflammation or myositis. The patient's clinical and laboratory results improved with appropriate treatment, including temporary dialysis and erythropoietin therapy, and he was discharged to continue his rehabilitation with home health care.

Moyamoya Disease and Steno-Occlusive Disease in a Young Stroke Patient: A Case Report.

Moyamoya disease is a rare cerebrovascular disorder characterized by progressive stenosis and occlusion of the intracranial arteries, resulting in the formation of collateral vessels. We present a case of a 24-year-old South Asian female with no prior medical history who presented with persistent headaches, right-hand numbness and pain, and global aphasia. Imaging revealed severe steno-occlusive disease involving the left internal carotid artery terminus, the proximal middle cerebral artery (MCA), and the anterior cerebral artery. The patient underwent a hemicraniectomy due to malignant MCA syndrome and was prescribed aspirin and fluoxetine. Further evaluation with a cerebral angiogram revealed severe steno-occlusive disease involving the left internal carotid artery terminus, the proximal middle cerebral artery, and the anterior cerebral artery. The patient had Moyamoya disease. This case emphasizes the necessity of including Moyamoya disease in the differential diagnosis, as it can result in serious neurological impairments.

Distal Gastrectomy With Roux-en-Y Reconstruction for a Seriously Dilated Stomach With Gastric Outlet Obstruction Secondary to Sarcina ventriculi: A Case Report.

Sarcina ventriculi is an anaerobic gram-positive coccus that can resist the acidic media of the stomach and cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Here, we report the case of a 43-year-old male patient with a history of schizophrenia presenting with abdominal distention, nausea, vomiting, early satiety, and weight loss. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast revealed a severely dilated stomach and signs of gastric outlet obstruction on multiple occasions. The endoscopic evaluation showed a dilated stomach, and biopsies revealed non-specific gastritis, negative Helicobacter pylori, and positive S. ventriculi with metaplasia. Medical treatment with proton pump inhibitors, pro-kinetics, ciprofloxacin, and metronidazole failed to improve his symptoms. Finally, the patient was managed surgically with distal gastrectomy with Roux en Y reconstruction, and gastrostomy tube placement was done with satisfactory improvement in his symptoms.

Silent Bowels From a Silent Bite: A Rare Case of Paralytic Ileus Complicating Plasmodium falciparum Infection.

Malaria is a life-threatening, parasitic disease that continues to infect millions of people, especially in endemic regions. Despite advancements in malaria treatment, treating the disease remains challenging. One major challenge is identifying the disease from its unconventional manifestations. Therefore, recognizing its unusual clinical presentations is imperative in early detection and management with a better prognosis. This case report highlights the unique finding of paralytic ileus from a patient with confirmed malaria. Further investigation on the concurrence between paralytic ileus and malaria may aid in identifying the disease and subsequent improvement in treatment.

Noninsulin-based antihyperglycemic medications in patients with diabetes and COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with diabetes are more likely to suffer COVID-19 complications. Using noninsulin antihyperglycemic medications (AGMs) during COVID-19 infection has proved challenging. In this study, we evaluate different noninsulin AGMs in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: We searched Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane on 24 January 2022. We used the following keywords (COVID-19) AND (diabetes mellitus) AND (antihyperglycemic agent). The inclusion criteria were studies reporting one or more of the outcomes. We excluded non-English articles, case reports, and literature reviews. Study outcomes were mortality, hospitalization, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. RESULTS: The use of metformin rather than other glucose-lowering medications was associated with statistically significant lower mortality (risk ratio [RR]: 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47, 0.77, p < .001). Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4i) use was associated with statistically significantly higher hospitalization risk (RR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.23, 1.68, p < .001) and higher risk of ICU admissions and/or mechanical ventilation vs nonusers (RR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.48, p < .02). There was a statistically significant decrease in hospitalization for SGLT-2i users vs nonusers (RR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.84-0.95, p < .001). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) use was associated with a statistically significant decrease in mortality (RR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.42, 073, p < 0.001), ICU admission, and/or mechanical ventilation (RR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.69-0.89, p < .001), and hospitalization (RR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.98, p = .04). CONCLUSIONS: AGM use was not associated with increased mortality. However, metformin and GLP-1RA use reduced mortality risk statistically significantly. DPP-4i use was associated with a statistically significant increase in the risk of hospitalization and admission to the ICU.