Bacterial Meningitis With Cerebral Edema in a Young Adult: A Simulation Case for Medical Students.

Introduction: Simulation in the preclinical medical education setting is a beneficial tool for students to develop clinical skills, supplement preexisting knowledge, and prepare for clinical rotations and beyond. We detail the complete simulation scenario, including a participant postresponse questionnaire, of a 28-year-old male who developed bacterial meningitis after experiencing an upper respiratory infection in the days prior. Methods: Simulation fellows and faculty at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine created a simulation scenario pertaining to bacterial meningitis. The scenario utilized a high-fidelity patient simulator, one standardized participant for patient voiceover, one standardized participant as a patient family member, and one standardized participant as a physician consultant on an as-needed basis. Sixteen preclinical medical students from various specialty interest groups were recruited to participate in the scenario and complete the postscenario questionnaire. Results: The simulation scenario was well received by the participants, and 15 of 16 completed the postscenario questionnaire. Ninety-three percent strongly agreed the simulation was a valuable clinical experience. Additionally, 73% of participants strongly agreed that the simulation experience was realistic, 80% strongly agreed that it tested their clinical reasoning ability, and 53% strongly agreed it was appropriate for their level of clinical knowledge. Discussion: Medical simulation is a valuable educational tool tailored to maximize student learning and supplement the traditional didactic curriculum. The successful development and implementation of our meningitis simulation case further supports the continued use of medical simulation in the preclinical setting.

Evidence-Based Approach of Biologic Therapy in Bronchial Asthma.

The emergence of biologic agents in the treatment of bronchial asthma has a wide impact on improving quality of life, reducing morbidity, and overall health care utilization. These therapies usually work by targeting specific inflammatory pathways involving type 2 inflammation and are particularly effective in severe eosinophilic asthma. Various randomized controlled trials have shown their effectiveness by reducing exacerbation rates and decreasing required glucocorticoid dosages. One of the relatively newer agents, tezepelumab, targets thymic stromal lymphoprotein and has proven its efficacy in patients independent of asthma phenotype and serum biomarker levels. This article reviews the pathophysiologic mechanism behind biologic therapy and offers an evidence-based discussion related to the indication, benefits, and adverse effects of such therapies.

The Interplay of COVID-19 and Hereditary Angioedema: Preventing an Acute Attack.

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare inherited disease that is caused by the inactivation of the C1 esterase inhibitor. In this case report, we present a 51-year-old female previously diagnosed with HAE who tested positive for SARS-Cov-2 (COVID-19). The patient was treated symptomatically. Dexamethasone was used to treat COVID-19 pneumonia. Broad-spectrum antibiotics (vancomycin and meropenem) were utilized to prevent future infection. Although the patient did not experience an acute angioedema attack during her hospital stay, the patient expired due to the exacerbation of COVID-19 pneumonia.

Contrast-Induced Neurotoxicity: An Inside Look at a Rare Presentation.

Imaging modalities frequently utilize iodinated-based contrast agents (IBCAs) to assist professionals in deficit identification and improve clinical outcomes for patients. However, they are not without risk. In patients with post-radiological neurological deficits, contrast-induced neurotoxicity (CIN) should be among the top differentials. In this case report, we present the case of a 61-year-old female who experienced classical signs and symptoms of neurotoxicity after a cerebral angiogram. The patient's clinical detriments stemming from iodinated contrast resolved after a multi-day treatment of high-dose steroid use.

A Case of Fastidious Mycobacterium chelonae-Causative Cellulitis: Clinical Manifestations of a Rare Bacterial Infection.

Cellulitis is rarely caused by the organism Mycobacterium chelonae (M. chelonae). In this case report, we detail the clinical course of a 43-year-old female with persistent cellulitis in her right lower extremity despite intensive empiric therapy. The patient was formally diagnosed with Mycobacterium chelonae-causative cellulitis after an extensive workup including a prolonged hospital stay involving surgical biopsy and a delayed result of an acid-fast bacilli stain. The patient was treated appropriately, including a complete resolution of symptoms, with an extended regimen of clarithromycin and doxycycline to target M. chelonae.

Remdesivir-Associated Sinus Arrest in COVID-19: A Potential Indication for Close Cardiac Monitoring.

Remdesivir is an antiviral, nucleoside analog used extensively during the coronavirus-disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with proven efficacy against COVID-19-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Our case report details the clinical course of a 50-year-old, COVID-19-positive patient who developed sinus arrest after being treated with remdesivir. Within 24 hours of discontinuing remdesivir therapy, the patient's sinus arrest resolved to a normal sinus rhythm. The findings from our case report add to a growing body of evidence on the cardiotoxic profile of remdesivir. Remdesivir's ability to cause bradyarrhythmias, and specifically sinus arrest, should be acknowledged when considering the use of this drug in at-risk patients.