Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in acute hospitalized older patients focused on hydration.

BACKGROUND: Acutely ill older patients frequently suffer not only from their acute disease, but also polymorbidity and frailty. Dehydration is another typical symptom, usually occurring in its both forms: low-intake dehydration and volume depletion. POCUS is goal-directed bedside ultrasound examination and several studies refer to its positive impact on hydration assessment. The aim of our study was to determine whether POCUS might influence (de)hydration diagnostics and/or treatments in older patients with acute illness. METHODS: We randomized 120 acutely ill patients, aged ≥65 years, into POCUS and non-POCUS groups. All participants underwent routine laboratory tests, including haematocrit, serum and urine osmolality, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, BUN/creatinine ratio, and C-reactive protein (CRP). POCUS was performed twice during the first two days to determine chest and abdominal status, with inferior vena cava (IVC) measurements. Length of hospital stay (HL) and consumption of infused fluids (CIF) was evaluated too. Data were analysed with exploratory methods and appropriate statistics. RESULTS: Among all participants, the serum osmolality significantly correlated with age, BUN, creatinine and CIF. HL correlated with CRP and CIF. No significant correlations between IVC and other followed parameters were found. The POCUS group consumed significantly less infused fluids than the non-POCUS group, what could be influenced by POCUS examination of defined body compartments. CONCLUSION: Dehydration is a common feature in older individuals and its diagnostics is rather complicated. The role of POCUS in assessing hydration status remains unclear. However, our study showed, that ultrasound assessment provides next important information for comprehensive understanding of clinical status in older patients and can be beneficial for optimizing the treatment strategy, including fluid management decisions.

High Prevalence of Clostridioides difficile Ribotype 176 in the University Hospital in Kosice.

Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota, caused by antibiotics, plays a key role in the establishment of Clostridioides difficile CD). Toxin-producing strains are involved in the pathogenesis of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), one of the most common hospital-acquired infections. We cultured a total of 84 C. difficile isolates from stool samples of patients hospitalized at Louis Pasteur University Hospital in Kosice, Slovakia, that were suspected of CDI and further characterized by molecular methods. The presence of genes encoding toxin A, toxin B, and binary toxin was assessed by toxin-specific PCR. CD ribotypes were detected using capillary-based electrophoresis ribotyping. A total of 96.4% of CD isolates carried genes encoding toxins A and B, and 54.8% of them were positive for the binary toxin. PCR ribotyping showed the presence of three major ribotypes: RT 176 (n = 40, 47.6%); RT 001 (n = 23, 27.4%); and RT 014 (n = 7, 8.3%). Ribotype 176 predominated among clinical CD isolates in our hospital. The proportion of RT 176 and RT 001 in four hospital departments with the highest incidence of CDI cases was very specific, pointing to local CDI outbreaks. Based on our data, previous use of antibiotics represents a significant risk factor for the development of CDI in patients over 65 years of age.

Antibiotic resistance in the invasive bacteria Escherichia coli.

OBJECTIVES: The beta-lactamases with extended spectrum of activity (ESBL) are medically one of the most important group of enzymes. Another group of beta-lactamases representing of Enterobacteriaceae is group of the AmpC-type cephalosporinases. The presented study provides identification and determination of the spectrum of resistance against different and clinically used antimicrobial drugs in the clinical isolates of Escherichia coli. METHODS: These isolates had origin in different departments of the L. Pasteur University Hospital in Kosice. The goal was the detection of beta-lactamase production with extended-spectrum effect and testing of AmpC-type cephalosporinases by several phenotypic tests in clinical isolates. MALDI-TOF MS analysis was performed on a Microflex MALDI Biotyper. Samples were positively tested for ESBL with the use of the disc diffusion method. PCR were performed with a series of primers designed for the detection of Ambler class A, B and C beta-lactamase genes. RESULTS: For all 485 isolates, we determined the production of ESBL, which we detected in 166 E. coli isolates, which represents a 34.2% prevalence of ESBL production. It is clear from the results that the prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli out of the total number of E. coli investigated reached 34.2%. In the monitored period, we confirmed at least one resistance gene from 485 E. coli in 188 positive isolates. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a complex ESBL epidemiology. The study revealed a high rate of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates; blaTEM and blaSHV enzymes dominated in ESBL-positive E. coli isolates in the L. Pasteur University Hospital in Kosice.

Undiagnosed cryptococcal meningoencephalitis with extensive hypoxic-ischemic brain injury mimicking grade 3 diffuse axonal injury.

In this article, we report the autopsy findings of a 50-year-old immunocompetent woman, who was hospitalized with an altered state of consciousness. Examinations, including cerebrospinal fluid analysis, carried out during hospitalization failed to identify the infectious agent causing progressive loss of consciousness and quadriparesis. The patient died within 8 days of admission to the hospital. Post-mortem microscopic and culture examination revealed Cryptococcus species. Death was attributed to cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. Histologic examination revealed accumulation of cryptococcus mimicking erythrocytes and extensive hemorrhage in hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections of the brain. Multifocal obliteration of the vascular bed by yeast was accompanied by hypoxic-ischemic brain injury mimicking traumatic diffuse axonal injury.

Bone Metabolism in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease encompasses Crohns Disease, which is capable of affecting the entire GI tract, although usually favors the ileocolonic and perianal areas, and Ulcerative Colitis, which is limited to the colon. The pathophysiology is not fully understood but is thought to be caused by a complex interplay among gut microbiota, dysregulation of the hosts immune system, genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. Osteopenia and osteoporosis are considered to be extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease. Osteoporosis is usually diagnosed by dual-energy X-ray absortiometry. Early interventions to treat active CD and preventative treatment strategies to reduce excessive bone loss might prevent long term consequences of bone loss, including fractures. The immune response in IBD includes increased production of variety of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL1β, TNFα, IL6 a IL1 from T cells and macrophages. These have both direct and indirect effects on bone turnover. Vitamin D is vital in mantenance of bone strenght, mineralisation and fracture prevention. Vitamin Ds physiological importance has also been implicated in a number of inflammatory diseases, mainly asthma, atherosclerosis and autoimmune disease.

Bone metabolism in inflammatory bowel diseases 1.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease encompasses Crohns Disease, which is capable of affecting the entire GI tract, although usually favors the ileocolonic and perianal areas, and Ulcerative Colitis, which is limited to the colon. The pathophysiology is not fully understood but is thought to be caused by a complex interplay among gut microbiota, dysregulation of the hosts immune system, genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. Osteopenia and osteoporosis are considered to be extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease. Osteoporosis is usually diagnosed by dual-energy X-ray absortiometry. Early interventions to treat active CD and preventative treatment strategies to reduce excessive bone loss might prevent long term consequences of bone loss, including fractures. The immune response in IBD includes increased production of variety of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL1β, TNFα, IL6 a IL1 from T cells and macrophages. These have both direct and indirect effects on bone turnover. Vitamin D is vital in mantenance of bone strenght, mineralisation and fracture prevention. Vitamin Ds physiological importance has also been implicated in a number of inflammatory diseases, mainly asthma, atherosclerosis and autoimmune disease.

Acute Kidney Injury in Septic Patients Treated by Selected Nephrotoxic Antibiotic Agents-Pathophysiology and Biomarkers-A Review.

Acute kidney injury is a common complication in critically ill patients with sepsis and/or septic shock. Further, some essential antimicrobial treatment drugs are themselves nephrotoxic. For this reason, timely diagnosis and adequate therapeutic management are paramount. Of potential acute kidney injury (AKI) biomarkers, non-protein-coding RNAs are a subject of ongoing research. This review covers the pathophysiology of vancomycin and gentamicin nephrotoxicity in particular, septic AKI and the microRNAs involved in the pathophysiology of both syndromes. PubMED, UptoDate, MEDLINE and Cochrane databases were searched, using the terms: biomarkers, acute kidney injury, antibiotic nephrotoxicity, sepsis, miRNA and nephrotoxicity. A comprehensive review describing pathophysiology and potential biomarkers of septic and toxic acute kidney injury in septic patients was conducted. In addition, five miRNAs: miR-15a-5p, miR-192-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-486-5p and miR-423-5p specific to septic and toxic acute kidney injury in septic patients, treated by nephrotoxic antibiotic agents (vancomycin and gentamicin) were identified. However, while these are at the stage of clinical testing, preclinical and clinical trials are needed before they can be considered useful biomarkers or therapeutic targets of AKI in the context of antibiotic nephrotoxicity or septic injury.

Virulence, phylogenetic background and antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli associated with extraintestinal infections.

BACKGROUND: Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a major cause of urinary tract infections and bloodstream infections and an important agent in the resistance to antibiotics. The present study sought to determine associations between virulence, phylogenetic background and antimicrobial resistance of E. coli strains isolated from patients with extraintestinal infections. METHODS: A total of three hundred ten E. coli strains were isolated from blood, skin and soft tissue and urine. PCR methods were used to detect four main phylogenetic groups (A, B1, B2 and D) and 11 virulence genes (3 toxins, 3 adhesins, 1 siderophore, 4 capsule synthesis proteins and protectins). Standard broth microdilution test was used to determine sensitivity to 12 antimicrobial drugs. RESULTS: The most common and the most virulent phylogenetic group B2 was found in 193 (62.3%) isolates. The lowest virulence was observed among the group A. Analysis of virulence factors revealed the kpsMTII gene in 212 (68.4%), aer in 194 (62.6%) and tra in 184 (59.4%) of isolates, respectively. Multi-drug resistant (MDR) phenotype was noticed in 165 (53.2%) isolates. Lower representation of the MDR phenotype was detected in E. coli containing all groups of virulence genes and in the avirulent E. coli. CONCLUSIONS: Our study documented that E. coli associated with 3 different extraintestinal infections contain various virulence factors. Genes afa, pap, aer, neuC show significant differences among the 3 groups of the strains tested and might be the prerequisite virulence factors in bloodstream infections. Isolates containing all groups of virulence genes predominantly originate in the blood and belong to the B2 phylogenetic group. Overall, we identified significantly higher incidence of all the groups of virulence genes examined among the B2 group. Prevalence of the MDR phenotype and high levels of resistance to ampicillin, ciprofloxacin and trimetoprim/sulfamethoxazole reflect the trend observed worldwide in recent years.

Changes in cholesterol metabolism during acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding: liver cirrhosis and non cirrhosis compared.

BACKGROUND: Cholesterol is derived via de novo synthesis and dietary absorption. Both processes can be monitored by determination of non-cholesterol sterol concentrations (lathosterol for synthesis; sitosterol and campesterol for absorption). The hypocholesterolemia that occurs during acute illness is a result of a multifactorial inability to compensate for the increased needs for this metabolite. The aim of this study was to examine the plasma cholesterol profile and both processes of cholesterol acquisition during acute upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage with emphasis on liver cirrhosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty five patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (cirrhosis n=14, non-cirrhosis n=21) were evaluated over a 6 day period. The control cohort consisted of 100 blood donors. Serum concentrations of total, LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol were measured enzymatically. Sterol concentrations were analysed using gas chromatography, data were statistically analysed. RESULTS: In all patients, we found lower plasma levels of total cholesterol (P Conclusion: Our results showed substantial abnormalities in the cholesterol plasma profile including both the processes of cholesterol acquisition in patients with upper acute gastrointestinal bleeding. The patients with or without liver cirrhosis had similar trends in cholesterol plasma levels. Depression of cholesterol synthesis was, however, prolonged in the cirrhotic group and the data also suggest a different phytosterol metabolism.

Distribution and antifungal susceptibility of yeasts isolates from intensive care unit patients.

Yeasts frequently colonize non-sterile sites in the body. The aim of the study was to determine distribution in clinical samples and antifungal susceptibility to five antifungals. From January 2013 through June 2015, 800 isolates were obtained from intensive care unit patients. Candida albicans (58.9%), Candida glabrata (20.4%), Candida krusei (8.6%), and Candida parapsilosis (3.6%) were the leading species. Majority of the C. albicans isolates were susceptible to the fluconazole. Elevated voriconazole minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were observed in isolates exhibiting high fluconazole MICs, most frequently in C. glabrata. Isolates with echinocandins MICs suggesting reduced susceptibility were only sporadic cases with the exception of Trichosporon spp. The amphotericin B MICs were slightly higher for some C. krusei.

[The rational diagnostic of cholangiocarcinoma]. / Racionální diagnostika cholangiokarcinomu.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is a rare malignant tumour arising from cholangiocytes, and its prognosis is usually unfavourable, mostly as a result of late diagnosis of the tumour. The current incidence of cholangiocarcinoma in the Czech Republic is 1.4/100,000 inhabitants per year; in less than 30 % of patients with CC, one of the known risk factors can be identified, most frequently, primary sclerosing cholangitis. Only patients with early diagnosed and surgically amenable cholangiocarcinoma are likely to have a longer survival time; in their case, survival for more than five years has been achieved in 20 % to 40 %. From the perspective of the need for early diagnosis of CC, a significant part is played by imaging and histopathologic evaluation; the early diagnostic significance of oncomarkers is limited. The rational early diagnosis of CC consists in effective use of differentiated advantages of different imaging modalities - MRI with DSA appears to be the optimal method, endosonography is a sensitive method for the identification of malignancy in the hepatic hilum or distal common bile duct, MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) is used to display pathological changes in the biliary tree, ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) allows material removal for histopathological examination. Other new approaches are also beneficial, such as IDUS - intraductal ultrasonography of biliary tract or SPY-GLASS, enabling examination of the bile ducts by direct view with the possibility of taking targeted biopsies. Sensitivity and specificity of histology and cytology can be increased by using the molecular cytogenetic FISH method, i.e. fluorescence in situ by hybridization, with a specificity of 97 %.

[Hepatorenal syndrome - pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment]. / Hepatorenální syndrom - patofyziologie, diagnostika a lécba.

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a life-treating complication of liver diseases. This functional kidney impairment is classified into acute (type I) and chronic (type II) types and is connected with high mortality. Treatment options are limited, but administration of vasoconstrictors (terlipressin), albumin and portosystemic shunt may improve their prognosis. Liver transplantation is the most effective method for these patients. Authors want to present recent data relating to HRS, including therapeutic recommendations.

Cholesterol metabolism in acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding, preliminary observations.

Hypocholesterolemia is commonly found in critically ill patients; however, the aetiology of this condition remains unclear. Several clinical studies refer to the possible negative impact of haemodilution on cholesterol (CH) metabolism in acute medical conditions. The aim of this study was to examine the serum CH profile (total CH, LDL and HDL CH) during acute gastrointestinal bleeding which is a life-threatening condition characterised by alterations in lipid metabolism. Serum non-CH sterols (lathosterol, squalene, sitosterol and campesterol) concentrations as markers of CH synthesis and CH absorption were measured at the same time. Twenty-four patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) were measured for these parameters over a 6-day period. The control group was 100 healthy blood donors.We found lower plasma levels of total CH (p < 0.001) and LDL CH (p < 0.05) in patients with UGIB than in the control group. The decreased HDL CH plasma levels in patients were not statistically significant. In addition, patients had significantly lower plasma levels of lathosterol, squalene, campesterol and sitosterol (p < 0.05).Our results showed abnormalities not only in the CH plasma profile, but also in plasma concentrations of non-CH sterols. These findings of alterations in both the CH synthesis and absorption process could be a contributory cause of hypocholesterolemia during acute gastrointestinal bleeding. However, further research is necessary.

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding in liver cirrhosis patients.

OBJECTIVES: This study focuses on the etiology of acute upper gastrointestinal (GIT) bleeding in liver cirrhosis patients. METHODS: A prospective examination of 137 liver cirrhosis patients with acute upper GIT bleeding. All patients underwent endoscopic examination and in the case of multiple findings, definition of the source of bleeding was based on the endoscopic report. RESULTS: The most frequent causes of acute bleeding were: oesophageal varices (57.7%), peptic gastric and duodenal ulcers (18.2%), portal hypertension gastropathy (9.5%), gastric varices (5.1%), reflux oesophagitis (2.9%), Mallory-Weiss syndrome (2.9%) and erosive gastropathy (1.5%). A negative diagnosis was made in not more than 2.2% of patients. The majority of cases showed multiple findings in the upper digestive tract, each of which was a potential cause of bleeding. The mortality in all bleeding cirrhotic patients was 14.6%, 18.6% of which occurred in the varicose type of bleeding and 7.8% in the non-varicose type. CONCLUSIONS: Portal hypertension led to bleeding caused by varices and portal hypertension gastropathy in 72.3% of patients, 62.8% of patients suffered from purely varicose bleeding and 37.2% from non-varicose bleeding. Early, detailed endoscopic examination leading to appropriate diagnosis and treatment is of paramount importance.

Acute interstitial pneumonia (Hamman-Rich syndrome) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and bronchoalveolar carcinoma: a case report.

AIM: Acute interstitial pneumonia is characterized by rapid progressive dyspnoea degenerating into respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. Acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are separate clinic/pathological entities although overlap may be present. It is well-known that patients with IPF have increased risk of lung carcinoma; Adenocarcinoma in connection with IPF is less common. Moreover the subtype of adenocarcinoma, diffuse bronchoalveolar carcinoma has not yet been described. CASE REPORT: We report the case of 45 yr old former hockey player with increased bilateral reticular shadowing on chest radiograph, dyspnoea, velcro-like crackles, restrictive respiratory disease and mixed high-resolution computed tomography finding. During brief in-patient treatment the patient developed acute respiratory failure accompanied by multiorgan failure and disseminated coagulopathy. Deterioration of the microcirculation was followed by loss of peripheral vascular resistance, which was irreversible even with normalization of the blood gases achieved by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. At autopsy, bronchoalveolar carcinoma in usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) combined with areas of alveolar damage with hyaline membranes was found. CONCLUSION: This case alerts clinicians to unusual idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis manifestations and its complications. Close collaboration between clinicians, pathologists and laboratory physicians is highly recommended for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Cholesterol metabolism in active Crohn's disease.

Hypocholesterolemia has been investigated as a typical feature of critical illness and is connected with poor prognosis. Crohn's disease is an inflammatory process and is associated with several metabolic disturbances. In recent decades clinical studies have established a link between lipid metabolism and systemic inflammation. In our study we examined the serum profile of cholesterol (total cholesterol, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol) and changes in the cholesterol absorption/synthesis process by determination of plasma non-cholesterol sterol (squalene, lathosterol, campesterol, sitosterol) concentrations. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol and non-cholesterol sterols were evaluated in 24 patients with active Crohn's disease during a period of 28 days. We detected lower serum levels of total cholesterol (P < 0.001), LDL- and HDL-cholesterol (P < 0.05) in the patients with active Crohn's disease than in the control group. In addition, the patients had significantly lower plasma levels of lathosterol (P < 0.001) and higher concentrations of squalene, although without significant differences. A significant decrease of campesterol plasma levels (P < 0.001) was detected, but lower plasma concentrations of sitosterol were without statistical significance. The active phase of Crohn's disease is characterized by altered metabolism of lipids, mainly of cholesterol. Our results show abnormalities in plasma concentrations of non-cholesterol sterols and provide evidence that the process of cholesterol synthesis and absorption is altered in active Crohn's disease.

Lipid metabolism in active Crohn's disease: pre-results.

BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic relapsing disease. Especially acute period may be associated with metabolic disturbances. Alteration of lipid metabolism has been described in critically ill patients and hypocholesterolemia is associated with poor prognosis. The human organism acquires cholesterol by two principal processes - synthesis de novo, and absorption from the diet. It is possible to assess, using cholesterol synthesis markers (lathosterol) and cholesterol absorption markers (sitosterol, campesterol) the leading form of cholesterol acquisition. AIM: The aim of this study is assess the association between the lipid profile in plasma and the plasma concentration of sterols in active CD patients and in control subjects. METHOD: Routine laboratory tests, CDAI, lipid and non-cholesterol sterols plasma levels were performed on days 3, 14 and 28. The metabolic parameters have been compared with a control cohort of 100 healthy blood donors. RESULTS: Presently, complete data for 8 patients are available The serum total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations were lower in patients with acute Crohn's disease than in the control group. Moreover lathosterol, campesterol and sitosterol concentrations were lower, whereas squalene concentration was higher than in controls. As mentioned above, complete data are not currently available. Therefore statistical analysis has not been finished. CONCLUSION: Our pre-results show substantial abnormalities in the concentrations of plasma lipids and non-cholesterol sterols, which are presented as markers of cholesterol requirement, in patients with acute CD.