Cardioprotective effects of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor versus dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor in type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis of comparative safety and efficacy.

Background: Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors are recommended for the treatment of heart failure due to their cardioprotective effects, despite primarily being used as antidiabetic medications. However, the comparative profile of two antidiabetic drugs, sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors with dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor remains unclear. Study hypothesis: This study aims to compare the safety and efficacy profiles of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors versus dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor drugs. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov using appropriate Medical Subject Headings terms from inception until February 23, 2023. The outcomes were pooled using a random-effects model for hazard ratio with a 95% confidence interval. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Twelve studies were included after systematic screening, with a sample size of 745,688 for sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and 769,386 for dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor. The mean age in each group was 61.1 (8.52) and 61.28 (9.25) years, respectively. Upon pooling the included articles with sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors versus dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor, the primary outcome of all-cause death demonstrated an hazard ratio of 0.64 (0.57, 0.70), I 2: 65.54%, p < 0.001, and major adverse cardiovascular events yielded an hazard ratio of 0.76 (0.65, 0.86), I 2: 87.83%, p < 0.001. The secondary outcomes included myocardial infarction with an hazard ratio of 0.84 (0.78, 0.90), I 2: 47.64%, p < 0.001, stroke with an hazard ratio of 0.81 (0.75, 0.87), I 2: 36.78%, p < 0.001, and hospitalization with an hazard ratio of 0.62 (0.53, 0.70), I 2: 83.32%, p < 0.001. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that compared to dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor, initiating treatment with sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors provides cardiovascular disease protection and may be considered in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Bilateral thalamic stroke due to occlusion of the artery of Percheron: A case report and literature review.

Bilateral thalamic infarction resulting from the occlusion of the artery of Percheron (AOP) is a rare cerebrovascular event with distinctive clinical presentations. This case report explores the intricate relationship between vascular anatomy, midbrain function, and clinical manifestations. A 48-year-old male farmer with a history of diabetes mellitus presented with sudden-onset visual disturbances, diplopia, bilateral eyelid drooping, and loss of consciousness. Extensive evaluations, including advanced imaging techniques, led to the diagnosis of bilateral upper midbrain infarction involving AOP. This case underscores the complexity of neurovascular interactions, highlighting the importance of precise diagnosis, and tailored management in addressing rare cerebrovascular conditions.

Effects of Concurrent Dosing on the Efficacy of Tissue Plasminogen Activator and Deoxyribonuclease in the Treatment of Pleural Infection.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to evaluate how the administration of concurrent tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and deoxyribonuclease (DNase) therapy with variable dosing for complicated parapneumonic effusions and empyema affects patient outcomes in an inner-city community hospital. METHODS: This retrospective analysis was performed at an inner-city hospital located in Raleigh, North Carolina. A list of all patients treated with tPA and DNase between July 1, 2015, and December 31, 2017, was generated and screened. Data were collected through a review of past medical records, including demographics, past medical history, and details about their hospital course. RESULTS: A total of 38 patients were found to have been treated with concurrent tPA and DNase for complicated parapneumonic effusion or empyema. Twenty (52.6%) patients received the full six doses of combined concurrent tPA/DNase. Of the 18 (47.4%) patients who did not receive the full six doses, 11 did not require the full six doses for effusion resolution, and seven had to discontinue therapy due to tube blockage or pain. Only seven (18.4%) patients had complications related to tPA/DNase administration, most commonly pain. Nineteen (50%) patients had complete radiological clearance of effusion, with 13 (34.2%) having partial clearance, and six (15.8%) having no change or worsening of their effusion. Eight (21.1%) patients needed further surgical management of their effusion. CONCLUSIONS: The current most common dosing pattern for combined tPA and DNase therapy of twice daily for three days may not be optimal for all patients. The dosing regimen should be individualized depending on clinical response. Concurrent dosing is safe.

Prolonged use of noninvasive ventilation in the management of COVID-19-induced ARDS: a case report.

The severity of coronavirus disease 2019 and its manifestations varies considerably from person to person. Acute respiratory distress syndrome is the more feared and severe complication usually managed with early intubation and invasive ventilation. We report a case from a tertiary hospital in Nepal admitted with coronavirus disease 2019 acute respiratory distress syndrome and managed primarily on noninvasive ventilation. Considering the scarcity of invasive ventilation and the rising number of cases during the pandemic and its complications, early use of noninvasive ventilation in appropriate patients can decrease the need for invasive ventilation.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in a Male With Polysubstance Abuse: A Case Report.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neurologic disorder with multiple etiologies. The signs and symptoms of PRES are non-specific, making the differential diagnosis broad. Although PRES is suspected clinically, a diagnosis requires characteristic findings on imaging. In patients with undiagnosed PRES, the coexistence of substance abuse can divert the care provider from pursuing imaging studies, leading to a missed diagnosis. We describe the case of a 51-year-old male who presented with altered mental status and was diagnosed with PRES despite having a positive urine drug screen.

Acute liver failure in a young patient with dengue shock syndrome: a case report.

Dengue fever is caused by dengue virus, which has four different serotypes and is transmitted by the Aedes mosquitos. This disease is endemic to Southeast Asian countries, including Nepal. Liver involvement in dengue is a crucial feature, and the effect ranges from an asymptomatic rise in liver enzymes to the development of acute liver failure. Acute liver failure often results in multiorgan dysfunction including hemodynamic instability, renal failure, cerebral edema, and even death because of shock. Prompt diagnosis and management are necessary to prevent complications. However, there is no proven proper treatment for this condition, and the only treatment modality is to prevent the symptoms. We presented the case of a young female with dengue fever who developed a life-threatening acute liver failure because of dengue shock syndrome.

Long COVID Syndrome and Cardiovascular Manifestations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: Long COVID syndrome is a significant cause of morbidity in COVID-19 patients who remain symptomatic with varied clinical presentations beyond three weeks. Furthermore, the relevance of considering cardiovascular outcomes in post-COVID-19 syndrome is important in the current COVID-19 pandemic; (2) Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed for this systematic review and meta-analysis. Systematic searches were conducted from multiple databases without language restrictions until October 8, 2022, to find studies evaluating cardiovascular outcomes such as arrhythmias, myocardium and pericardium diseases, coronary vessel disease, and thromboembolic disorders in post-COVID cases. The pooled odds ratio (OR), and standard mean difference (SMD) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed to find the association; (3) Results: Altogether, seven studies with a total of 8,126,462 (cases: 1,321,305; controls: 6,805,157) participants were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled odds ratios of cardiovascular outcomes were significantly higher in post-COVID cases (OR > 1, p < 0.05) than in controls. However, the mortality (OR: 4.76, p = 0.13), and heart rate variability (SMD: -0.06, p = 0.91) between cases and controls were not statistically significant; (4) Conclusions: Significant cardiovascular sequelae in long COVID syndrome highlight the importance of careful cardiac monitoring of COVID-19 patients in the post-COVID phase to address cardiovascular complications as soon as possible; larger-scale prospective studies are required for accurate estimation.

Diagnosis and management of hepatolithiasis in an adult patient: A case report.

Hepatolithiasis or intrahepatic calculi are common in South East Asia but are rare in Western nations. The primary symptom of the condition is recurrent pain in the upper abdomen. Stones in the cystic duct or common bile duct are also common findings. Recurrent pyogenic cholangitis is the most frequent complication. Radiological studies and percutaneous procedures are vital for diagnosing and managing this condition. The primary goal in treating the condition is to decrease the chance of developing cholangitis and to stop the progression of the disease, which may lead to biliary cirrhosis.

Association of asthma and herpes zoster, the role of vaccination: A literature review.

Herpes Zoster (HZ) is the reactivation of a previous infection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV) which shares the same mode of transmission as HZ. It presents with painful erythematous vesicles in a dermatome which is characterized by a burning sensation before and after the rash. Any conditions with suppressed cellular immunity example diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, chronic steroid uses, malignancy, etc. causes reactivation of the virus. Impaired immune responses in asthma patients either in any age group may increase their susceptibility to HZ infection owing to skewed Th1/Th2 immunity, resulting in predominant Th2 conditions and an unwarranted Th2 cell response against respiratory allergens. Similarly, many studies have delineated the association of asthma with HZ. However, the relation between steroid use in asthma and HZ is uncertain, its immunosuppressive effect might be responsible for increased susceptibility to the infection. As HZ increases the economic burden and morbidity, its prevention should use vaccines. There are two types of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved vaccine available against HSV one of which is given as a single dose vaccine called Zostavax, for people 50-59 years but its efficacy falls after 3rd dose and on the subsequent 4th dose and is also contraindicated in human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, pregnancy and people taking immunosuppressive drugs. Shingrix is preferred by FDA which is a two doses vaccine that is given 6 months apart for people above 50 years and to immunocompromised people. Hence, proper counseling and education about the risks of herpes should be informed to the patients with timely utilization of the vaccine.

Cefixime induced Steven Johnson syndrome: A case report from Bangladesh.

Introduction: Stevens Jonson syndrome, a type IV mediated hypersensitivity reaction is a rare mucocutaneous disorder accounting for <10% of TBSA. It affects skin, oral mucosa, eyes, esophagus, mouth, pharynx, larynx, skin and genitals. SJS is caused mainly due to drugs, infectious agents, immunization, and radiation therapy. Presentation of case: We present a case of a 40 years old male who developed SJS after being administered cefixime for a short period. Given the patient's past profile, he was admitted due to RTA and was under treatment with cefixime. Irrespective of any symptoms of SJS in the past, he started developing symptoms soon after being treated with cefixime giving us a clue about cefixime-induced SJS. Discussion: Steven-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are opposite ends of a spectrum of diseases arising usually from an adverse reaction to medications. The most common drug reactions include penicillin in antibiotics, carbamazepine in antiepileptics and allopurinol in gout treatment in the Asian community. In our case, the patient was under Cefixime for 6 days after which cutaneous manifestations were seen. SJS is a fatal condition, with a global mortality rate stretching between 10% and 34%. The first step in its management is to identify the culprit drug and stop its use. Other is symptomatic, with special attention to airway and hemodynamic stability, wound care, and pain alleviation measures. Medical therapy include corticosteroids, cyclosporine, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and TNF- α inhibitors. Conclusion: Cephalosporin group, like cefixime, is a commonly prescribed drug in developing countries due to its efficacy and cost-effectiveness. Therefore, physicians must beforehand be mindful of the consequences of its use and advice patients to visit the hospital with even the slightest cutaneous manifestation.