An "out of the box" approach for prevention of ketoacidosis in youth with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes: combined use of insulin pump and long-acting insulin.

BACKGROUND: Poorly controlled adolescents living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and pump failure of insulin delivery leading to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) are still challenging in the western world. AIM: To investigate the effect of a combination modality of long-acting insulin for basal coverage and a pump for boluses, on the incidence of DKA and glycemic parameters in pediatric and young adults with poorly controlled T1D. METHODS: This multicenter, observational retrospective study included 55 patients (age range 3-25 years, 52.7% males) who were treated with the combination modality for a median of 18 months [(IQR)12,47], as part of their clinical care. Data were retrieved at initiation of the combined modality, after 6 months, and at last visit. RESULTS: Cohort's median age at combination modality initiation was 14.5 years [IQR12.4,17.3], and its median HbA1c level was 9.2% [IQR 8.2,10.2]. The main reasons for combination modality initiation were: (a) concern about sustained hyperglycemia on current management in 41.8%, (b) previous DKA episodes in 30.8%, and (c) refusal to wear a pump continuously in 14.6%. The percent of patients experiencing DKA who used the modality till end decreased from 25.4 to 8.8%. The frequency of DKA events per patient month decreased after 6 months from 0.073 (min 0, max 0.5) to 0.020 (min 0, max 0.5), p = 0.01, and at end to 0.016 (min 0, max 0.25), p = 0.007. CONCLUSIONS: The combination modality of once-daily long-acting insulin and pump for boluses is safe, feasible, and effective in preventing DKA among poorly controlled young people living with T1D, unable or un-willing to use advanced closed pumps.

Echis coloratus envenomation in children: a retrospective case series.

BACKGROUND: Antivenom has been used successfully to treat systemic and progressive, local manifestations of envenomations inflicted by Echis coloratus, the second most common cause of snake envenomation in Israel. There is a paucity of published data regarding the use of monovalent (equine) immunoglobulin G antivenom in children. This study describes outcomes from the regimen used in two large, tertiary care pediatric centers. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of children admitted with definite or probable signs of Echis coloratus envenomation to Sourasky (Tel Aviv) and Soroka (Be'er Sheva) Medical Centers from January 1st 2008-to June 1st 2019. Extracted data included age, location of bite, time to hospital arrival, laboratory test results, complications, time to antivenom administration if indicated, adverse effects of the antivenom, and outcomes. Indications for antivenom were: diagnosis of Echis coloratus as the etiology of envenomation, local and systemic signs e.g. skin puncture wounds, swelling of the involved limb, local hematoma, and abnormal coagulation blood test results. RESULTS: During the study period, 11 children were treated with intravenous Echis coloratus antivenom. Median age was 9 years and 10 of 11 patients were male. Two patients underwent fasciotomy; in one, compartment syndrome was diagnosed by pressure measurement, and in the second, clinically. One patient developed mild urticaria 30 min after initiation of the antivenom; the treatment was stopped and then restarted at a slower rate after he was treated with hydrocortisone and diphenhydramine. No further adverse reactions were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In children, Echis coloratus antivenom appeared to be effective and safe for the treatment of systemic and progressive local manifestations of envenomation by Echis coloratus.

Severe disseminated intravascular coagulation in a child envenomated by Echis coloratus and successful treatment with monovalent equine immunoglobulin G antivenom.

BACKGROUND: Echis coloratus (Burton Carpet viper), a highly venomous snake belonging to the family Viperidae, is responsible for a large proportion of the venomous snakebites in Israel and Palestinian Authority. Procoagulant enzymes are present in Echis coloratus venom and significant coagulopathy is typical after envenomation. Here we report a case of envenomation by Echis coloratus that involved severe coagulopathy as the main systemic manifestation with severe bleeding after fasciotomy. CASE DETAILS: A 3-year-old boy was admitted to our pediatric critical care unit after a snakebite to his left hand, 2-3 hours post-bite. Based on the possibility of compartment syndrome, a fasciotomy was performed before administration of antivenom. At our hospital, he had altered prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), with low fibrinogen levels. The snake responsible for the bite was later identified as a 38-cm long Echis coloratus. Five vials of Israeli monovalent antivenom were subsequently administered with step-wise improvement in hematological abnormalities. Other treatments included massive blood products transfusion (packed RBC, FFP, cryoprecipitate, PLT), inotropes and ventilatory support. After a prolonged hospital course the patient had a positive outcome.