Cardiac involvement in anti-MDA5 dermatomyositis: a case-based review.

Among myositis-specific antibodies, anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (anti-MDA5) is one of the antibodies with a unique spectrum that is expressed principally in clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM) and, to a lesser extent, in dermatomyositis (DM). In addition to muscle and classical skin involvement, patients with anti-MDA5 DM/CADM are characterized by the expression of rapidly progressive interstitial lung diseases, vasculopathic lesions, and non-erosive arthritis. Although cardiac involvement has been described in other inflammatory myopathies, such as myocarditis, pericarditis, and conduction disorders, in anti-MDA5 DM/CADM patients, heart disease is infrequent. We report a case of a young male presenting with constitutional symptoms, polyarthritis, skin ulcers, and mild muscle weakness who developed an episode of high ventricular rate atrial fibrillation during his hospitalization. The anti-MDA5 DM diagnosis was supported by increased muscular enzymes, positive anti-MDA5 and anti-Ro52 antibodies, and the presence of organizing pneumonia. He was treated with high-dose glucocorticoids, rituximab, and beta-blocker drugs and received pharmacological cardioversion, which improved his myopathy symptoms and stabilized his heart rhythm. Here, we describe eight similar cases of anti-MDA5 DM/CADM with cardiac involvement. The case presented and the literature reviewed reveal that although rare, physicians must be aware of cardiac disease in patients with suggestive symptoms to guarantee early assessment and treatment, thereby reducing life-treating consequences.

Hospital outcomes in patients evaluated by rheumatology in a Colombian historical cohort

Introduction: Hospitalized patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) generate high impact in clinical terms. Objectives: To characterize the study population and estimate risk factors associated with the presence of adverse outcomes in hospitalized patients consulting rheumatology at Clínica Imbanaco between January 2013 and December 2019. Methods: We analyzed a historical cohort of hospitalized patients who were evaluated by rheumatology. The population was classified as follows: group 1, patients with new onset diagnosed SARDs; group 2, patients with known diagnosed SARDs; group 3, patients without diagnosed SARDs; and group 4, patients with unconfirmed suspicion of SARDs. A composite adverse outcome was defined if at least one of the following occurred: (1) hospital mortality, (2) admission to the intensive care unit, (3) hospital infection, or (4) readmission. Results: Information was collected from 327 hospitalization events (307 patients). The median age was 48 (34-63) years and 222 (72.3%) were women. The composite adverse outcome occurred in 136 (41.5%) hospitalization events. Group 2 had the highest number of adverse outcomes (61/128; 47.6%). The variables associated with the worst outcomes were cardiovascular diagnosis at admission (OR = 4.63; CI: 1.60-13.43; p = 0.005), longer hospital stay (OR = 1.04; CI: 1.01-1.07; p = 0.005), and a treating specialty other than internal medicine (OR = 2.79; CI: 1.26-6.17; p = 0.011). Male sex (OR = 0.29; CI: 0.12-0.66; p = 0.004), having special health coverage (OR = 0.39; CI: 0.15-.099; p = 0.047), and hemoglobin > 11.4 g/dL (OR = 0.82; CI: 0.69-0.99; p = 0.039) were the factors associated with lower odds of developing the composite outcome. Conclusions: In this historical cohort, the group of patients with known diagnosed SARDs presented a higher number in percentage terms of adverse outcomes. The most frequent adverse outcomes were admission to the ICU and hospital readmission.

Introducción: Los pacientes hospitalizados con enfermedades reumáticas o autoinmunes sistémicas (ERAS) generan gran impacto en términos clínicos. Objetivos: Caracterizar a la población y estimar factores de riesgo asociados con la presencia de desenlaces adversos en pacientes evaluados hospitalariamente por reumatología en la Clínica Imbanaco durante los arios 2013-2019. Metodología: Se analizó una cohorte histórica de pacientes hospitalizados que fueron evaluados por reumatología. La población se clasificó así: grupo 1, pacientes con ERAS diagnosticada de novo; grupo 2, pacientes con ERAS diagnosticada conocida; grupo 3, pacientes sin ERAS diagnosticada; y grupo 4, pacientes con sospecha no confirmada de ERAS. Se definió un desenlace adverso compuesto si se presentó al menos uno de los siguientes casos: 1) mortalidad hospitalaria; 2) ingreso a la unidad de cuidado intensivo; 3) infección intrahospitalaria; 4) reingreso. Resultados: En un total de 327 eventos de hospitalización (307 pacientes), la mediana de edad fue 48 (34-63) años y 222 (72,3%) fueron mujeres. El desenlace adverso compuesto se presentó en 136 (41,5%) eventos. El grupo 2 tuvo mayor número de desenlaces adversos (61/128; 47,6%). Las variables asociadas con peores resultados fueron: diagnóstico inicial cardiovascular (OR = 4,63; IC: 1,60-13,43; p = 0,005), mayor estancia hospitalaria (OR = 1,04; IC: 1,01-1,07; p = 0,005) y tener una especialidad tratante diferente a medicina interna (OR = 2,79; IC: 1,266,17; p = 0,011). El sexo masculino (OR = 0,29; IC: 0,12-0,66; p = 0,004), pertenecer a un régimen especial de salud (OR = 0,39; IC: 0,15-0,99; p = 0,047) y tener hemoglobina > 11,4 g/dL (OR = 0,82; IC: 0,69-0,99; p = 0,039) fueron factores asociados con menor oportunidad de desarrollar el desenlace compuesto. Conclusiones: En esta cohorte histórica se encontró que porcentualmente el grupo de pacientes con ERAS diagnosticadas conocidas presentó mayor número de desenlaces adversos, entre los que se destacan para el mismo grupo, el ingreso a UCI y el reingreso hospitalario.

Ocular toxocariasis: new diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives.

PURPOSE: To provide an updated insight of concepts regarding the overview, epidemiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ocular toxocariasis. DESIGN: Perspective of literature review. METHODS: Review and synthesis of literature about toxocariasis, with interpretation and perspective. A literature search for "ocular toxocariasis" was performed using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, SciELO and LILACS databases. RESULTS: Mild to moderate infections are frequently reported in ocular toxocariasis which usually occurs in children and typically presents as unilateral vision impairment, blindness is common and could present invasion of the retina. There are three groups of presentation of toxocariasis (according to the physical examination): chronic endophthalmitis, posterior granuloma and peripheral granuloma. Standard diagnosis of ocular toxocariasis is based on the identification of clinical signs, supported by additional diagnostic methods. Regarding treatment, there is no commonly accepted regimen but most of the authors prefer to use steroids and anthelminthic agents, but nowadays there are no standardized parameters in terms of dosage, duration and route of administration. Surgery has been recommended in some cases. CONCLUSION: Toxocariasis is still a problem of public health, particularly in developing countries with an increasing epidemiological burden in terms of morbidity and mortality and most of the authors agree on the utmost relevance of its prevention. Clinical experience and suspicion of ophthalmologists make an important role in its diagnosis, but always with supportive diagnostic methods. Additional studies should explore new therapeutic options for toxocariasis.