Ogilvie's Syndrome in a Young Female With Chronic Constipation.

Ogilvie's syndrome, also known as acute colonic pseudo-obstruction, is often encountered in post-surgical patients or those with serious comorbidities requiring intensive care. For this reason, it has rarely been reported in patients younger than 50 years without any predisposing risk factors. Our case report highlights a unique case of Ogilvie's syndrome in a young female with no recent trauma or surgical history. To that extent, we discuss risk factors that predisposed her to this condition, including her history of chronic constipation. We also emphasize the need for outpatient workups for such patients to prevent the worsening of their symptoms.

The Severity of the Co-infection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in COVID-19 Patients.

Background and objective The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, with symptoms ranging from mild upper respiratory illness to multisystem organ failure, and even death. Since its discovery in December 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has led to a global pandemic, rapidly spreading to countries around the world, with millions of reported deaths to date. As researchers around the world continue to analyze and interpret the data gathered regarding the novel virus, it is evident that its co-infection with various bacterial pathogens is associated with a worse overall prognosis. One such bacterial pathogen, Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae), has been associated with an increase in inpatient mortality, length of hospital stay, and need for mechanical ventilation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of patients co-infected with SARS-CoV-2 and M. pneumoniae. We sought to determine if this co-infection led to increased incidence of ventilatory support, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and mortality. Materials and Methods A multi-center retrospective study was conducted involving patients aged 18 years and older. We compared the incidence of in-hospital mortality, ICU stay, and mechanical ventilation support between COVID-19-positive patients with and without M. pneumoniae co-infection. Based on the collected data, a binary logistic regression model was implemented to assess the correlation between mortality and ventilatory support, while linear regression was used to study the length of stay (LOS) independent variable. Results A total of 1,208 patients with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test were identified. Among them, 604 (50%) had an M. pneumoniae co-infection. LOS (95% CI for the coefficient estimate [0.86, 1.05], p<0.001), need for mechanical ventilation (95% CI for the odds ratio [2.60, 6.02], p<0.001), and inpatient mortality (95% CI for the odds ratio [1.43, 2.97], p<0.001) among those co-infected were significantly higher compared to COVID-19 patients without concomitant M. pneumoniae infection. Conclusion COVID-19 with a concomitant M. pneumoniae infection was found to have worse outcomes and overall prognosis when compared to individuals with independent disease states. Based on retrospective data gathered from a large multicenter database, the rates of mortality, ventilatory support, and length of hospital stay were significantly worse in patients with a co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 and M. pneumoniae.

Investigation Into the Effect of COVID-19 Infection on Length of Hospital Stay and Mortality in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Background SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is a positive-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA) virus of the coronavirus family, which has resulted in one of the most serious pandemics, with more than 14 million cases confirmed globally. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is estimated to be prevalent in 0.5-1% of the U.S. population. So far, there has been little evidence of COVID-19 infection and its propensity to result in increased mortality or length of hospital stay in patients with RA. To contribute to this body of literature, this study will assess the degree to which COVID-19 is associated with increased mortality and length of hospital stay in patients with RA while also taking into account these patients' comorbidities. Methods Our retrospective study included 14,180 patients (age >18, median 58, range 18-90) who tested positive for COVID-19 or were assumed to have COVID-19 infection from January 1st, 2020, through July 31st, 2020. Patients were grouped based on the diagnosis of RA and COVID-19 infection versus those without RA. Patients who were diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and hypertension were excluded. Covariates included age, body mass index (BMI), race, sex, maximum C-reactive protein value, maximum D-dimer value, and comorbid diabetes mellitus. Outcome measures were length of hospital stay (LOS), in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, ICU LOS, mechanical ventilation, time on mechanical ventilation, and discharge to hospice. The logistic regression model was used to estimate the probability of in-hospital mortality, ICU admission, placement on mechanical ventilation, discharge to hospice, and in-hospital mortality related to home anti-inflammatory use when comparing patients with RA and COVID-19 infection to COVID-19 infected patients without RA. Results Of the total 14,180 patients (males 57.1%, females 42.9%), 159 patients (1.1%), had a diagnosis of RA. There was no significant association between RA and hospital LOS, ICU admission, ICU LOS, LOS on mechanical ventilation, or discharge to hospice among those infected with COVID-19. Yet, RA was associated with higher mortality (OR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.07-2.53; p=0.02) and placement on mechanical ventilation (OR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.22-2.71; p<0.01) amidst patients infected with COVID-19. Conclusion This study suggests that patients with RA and COVID-19 have a significantly increased likelihood of in-hospital mortality and placement on mechanical ventilation. While challenging to realize in a pandemic situation, large studies nationwide are necessary to improve our understanding of COVID-19 infection in patients diagnosed with RA.

Cerebrovascular Accident and SARS-CoV-19 (COVID-19): A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: While the most common neurologic symptoms reported in patients affected by SARS-CoV-2 are headache, dizziness, myalgia, mental fog, and anosmia, there is a growing basis of published peer-reviewed cases reporting stroke in the setting of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The peer-reviewed literature suggests an increased risk of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) in the setting of COVID-19 infection. METHODS: We searched 3 databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, and CINAHL) with search terms COVID-19, novel coronavirus, stroke, and cerebrovascular accident. Case series and case studies presenting patients positive for both COVID-19 and CVA published from January 1 through September 1, 2020, were included. Data collection and analysis was completed and risk of bias assessed. RESULTS: The search identified 28 studies across 7 counties comprising 73 patients. Amongst patients hospitalized for COVID-19 infection and CVA, the average age was 60; the most common preexisting conditions were hypertension and diabetes mellitus, and those without preexisting conditions were significantly younger with an average age of 47. Amongst hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and CVA, there was a bimodal association with COVID-19 infection severity with majority of patients classified with mild or critical COVID-19 infection. DISCUSSION: The data suggest SARS-CoV-2 is a risk factor for developing stroke, particularly in patients with hypertension and diabetes. Furthermore, the younger average age of stroke in patients with SARS-CoV-2, particularly those patients with zero identifiable preexisting conditions, creates high suspicion that SARS-CoV-2 is an independent risk factor for development of stroke; however, this cannot yet be proven without comparable control population. The data suggest the risk of developing CVA in the setting of COVID-19 infection is not dependent upon severity of illness. Continued studies must be done to understand the epidemiologic factors of COVID-19 infection and stroke and the pathophysiology of the COVID-associated hypercoagulable state.

An Interesting Presentation of Testosterone-Induced Arterial Thrombosis.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is an industry on the rise in large part due to an increase in direct-to-customer advertising targeting middle-aged men with non-specific symptoms. The biggest problem with unnecessary prescribing is that testosterone therapy is not without side effects. One of the more common adverse effects is erythrocytosis with subsequent thrombosis. It was originally postulated that thrombosis seen in patients on TRT was solely related to increasing in hemoglobin however, new studies demonstrate increasing episodes of thrombosis unrelated to hemoglobin or hematocrit. We report the case of a 38-year-old white male presenting to the clinic with infarction of bilateral feet and digits due to testosterone-induced thrombosis of dermal and epidermal arteries. Laboratory workup including vasculitis panel was negative and complete blood count (CBC) was within appropriate parameters. He was treated with anticoagulation, pain control, and vasodilatory therapy with subsequent improvement of symptoms. There have been many reported cases of testosterone-induced thrombosis of the venous system with occasional involvement of the renal arteries. However, cases involving thrombosis of dermal or epidermal arteries due to testosterone supplementation have never been reported. It could be beneficial to screen potential patients requiring TRT for hypercoagulable states such as Factor V Leiden and lupus anticoagulant.

Effect of an Electronic Order Set on Newborn Hepatitis B Immunization Rates.

Objective: Hepatitis B is an infectious deoxyribonucleic acid virus which can cause significant morbidity and mortality. There is no current definitive treatment, however in the United States immunization is widely available. A paper published by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices/Centers for Disease Control (ACIP/CDC) in 2018 made updated recommendations regarding vaccination practices in the United States. The most notable change made was that all healthy newborns weighing ≥2000 g with a negative hepatitis B-status mother should receive hepatitis B immunization within 24 hours of birth. This quality improvement project studied the effect of the electronic medical record newborn admission order set, altered to reflect current societal recommendations, and the resulting newborn hepatitis B immunization rates. Methods: The electronic medical record admission order set was modified to reflect the most recent recommendations made by ACIP/CDC. Hepatitis B immunization rates were then analyzed prior to and following the order set changes. Results: The most significant effect was seen in the overall rate of hepatitis B immunization achieved prior to hospital discharge. In the 12 months before order set modifications were implemented the rate was 9.5%. Following electronic medical record changes it improved to over 90%. In addition, the immunization rate performed within the first 24 hours increased from 74.1% to 91.1%. Finally, these records were made accessible to outpatient providers via a statewide immunization database. Conclusions: This project serves as an example of how modifying order sets can have a dramatic effect on ordering practices and therefore allows for quality improvement.

Alcohol consumption and cancer risk: understanding possible causal mechanisms for breast and colorectal cancers.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this report is to systematically examine the possible causal mechanism(s) that may explain the association between alcohol (ethanol) consumption and the risk of developing breast and colorectal cancers. DATA SOURCES: We searched 11 external databases, including PubMed® and Embase, for studies on possible mechanisms. These searches used Medical Subject Headings and free text words to identify relevant evidence. REVIEW METHODS: Two reviewers independently screened search results, selected studies to be included, and reviewed each trial for inclusion. We manually examined the bibliographies of included studies, scanned the content of new issues of selected journals, and reviewed relevant gray literature for potential additional articles. RESULTS: Breast Cancer. Five human and 15 animal studies identified in our searches point to a connection between alcohol intake and changes in important metabolic pathways that when altered may increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Alterations in blood hormone levels, especially elevated estrogen-related hormones, have been reported in humans. Several cell line studies suggest that the estrogen receptor pathways may be altered by ethanol. Increased estrogen levels may increase the risk of breast cancer through increases in cell proliferation and alterations in estrogen receptors. Human studies have also suggested a connection with prolactin and with biomarkers of oxidative stress. Of 15 animal studies, six reported increased mammary tumorigenesis (four administered a co-carcinogen and two did not). Other animal studies reported conversion of ethanol to acetaldehyde in mammary tissue as having a significant effect on the progression of tumor development. Fifteen cell line studies suggested the following mechanisms: Increased hormonal receptor levels. Increased cell proliferation. A direct stimulatory effect. DNA adduct formation. Increase cyclic adenosine monophosphate (camp). Change in potassium channels. Modulation of gene expression. Colorectal Cancer. One human tissue study, 19 animal studies (of which 12 administered a co-carcinogen and seven did not), and 10 cell line studies indicate that ethanol and acetaldehyde may alter metabolic pathways and cell structures that increase the risk of developing colon cancer. Exposure of human colonic biopsies to acetaldehyde suggests that acetaldehyde disrupts epithelial tight junctions. Among 19 animal studies the mechanisms considered included: Mucosal damage after ethanol consumption. Increased degradation of folate. Stimulation of rectal carcinogenesis. Increased cell proliferation. Increased effect of carcinogens. Ten cell line studies suggested: Folate uptake modulation. Tumor necrosis factor modulation. Inflammation and cell death. DNA adduct formation. Cell differentiation. Modulation of gene expression. One study used a combination of animal and cell line and suggested intestinal cell proliferation and disruption of cellular signals as possible mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our systematic review of the literature, many potential mechanisms by which alcohol may influence the development of breast or colorectal cancers have been explored but the exact connection or connections remain unclear. The evidence points in several directions but the importance of any one mechanism is not apparent at this time.

Hematologic problems in psychosomatic medicine.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with problems in cognition, mood, psychosis, and less commonly, anxiety. Folate deficiency primarily is associated with problems in mood. Patients who have sickle cell disease, a disease of chronic pain, experience difficulties with depression, anxiety, stigma, and are at risk for substance abuse and dependence. Patients with hemophilia have benefited from advances in treatment; however, their morbidity and mortality were compounded in those who received blood products contaminated with HIV, or hepatitis B and C. Psychiatrists who practice psychosomatic medicine should expect to encounter patients with the above problems, as they are frequently seen in medical settings. Finally, most of the commonly used psychotropic medications have uncommon but potentially important hematologic side effects or may interact with the anticoagulants used in medically ill patients.