Tigecycline-induced pancreatitis in a patient with recurrent malignancy: a case report and literature review.

Introduction and importance: Drug-induced pancreatitis is an important health issue that makes a minority of causes of acute pancreatitis. Tigecycline-induced pancreatitis is a rare condition with poorly understood mechanism and has a small incident compared to other causes of pancreatitis. Case presentation: The authors present a case of a 39-year-old female patient with acute pancreatitis. Tigecycline was the suspected culprit by exclusion. The patient was managed by keeping her nill per os, rehydration, pain management and discontinuation of the drug. The patient improved gradually. Clinical discussion: Tigecycline-induced acute pancreatitis is a rare but known complication that is mostly seen in patients with chronic renal insufficiency combined with high dose of administration. Onset is usually within 14 days of initiation. Discontinuation of the drug is the most effective intervention in addition to supportive management. Conclusion: Acute pancreatitis should be suspected in any patient presenting with vomiting, abdominal pain and acidosis while on tigecycline. Monitoring of amylase and lipase can be beneficial especially in those with chronic renal insufficiency or those receiving a high dose.

Recurrent Bioprosthetic Valve Serratia marcescens Endocarditis in Intravenous Drug Users.

BACKGROUND We report 2 cases of recurrent right-sided endocarditis in 2 young patients known to be intravenous (i.v.) drug users. We highlight the importance of early diagnosis and management, especially in recurrent infection, which has a higher mortality rate and poor prognostic outcome despite antibiotic treatment. CASE REPORT A 30-year-old woman with a medical history of active i.v. drug use and tricuspid valve replacement owing to Serratia marcescens endocarditis 2 months prior to presentation was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for septic shock. The patient did not respond to i.v. fluids and required vasopressors. Blood cultures returned positive for S. marcescens again. The antibiotic regimen consisted of meropenem and vancomycin. The patient underwent redo sternotomy, explant of old tricuspid valve bioprosthesis, debridement of tricuspid valve annulus, and bioprosthetic valve replacement. She continued antibiotic treatment during hospital admission for 6 weeks. In another similar case, a 30-year-old woman, also an i.v. drug user, was admitted to the hospital for tricuspid bioprosthetic valve S. marcescens endocarditis after tricuspid valve replacement 5 months prior to her presentation with S. marcescens endocarditis. Her antibiotic regimen consisted of meropenem and vancomycin. She was eventually transferred to a tertiary cardiovascular surgery center for further case management. CONCLUSIONS In the setting of recurrent bioprosthetic valve S. marcescens endocarditis, it is suggested that treatment should be more focused on source control, including cessation of i.v. drug abuse and providing appropriate antibiotic treatment to prevent recurrence because, in the case of recurrence, morbidity and mortality risk can increase significantly.

Risk of developing depression among breast cancer patients in Palestine.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women. Studies have shown that cancer patients can develop depression impacting their quality of life, treatment outcomes, and survival rates. This study aimed to determine the risk factors, severity and prevalence of depression among females diagnosed with BC in multiple hospitals across Palestine. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at different cancer treatment centers in Palestine using a previously developed questionnaire consisting of 23 questions to assess the severity of major depressive disorder among females diagnosed with breast cancer. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was included in the questionnaire. RESULTS: Out of 223 respondents, 79 (35.4%) have developed moderate to severe depression. Chi-square results revealed that the risk of developing moderate to severe depression was higher among females who suffer from side-effects related to BC treatment (P < 0.011), females who knew the BC stage at the diagnosis step (P < 0.031), and negative implications on BC patients in Palestine (P < 0.009). CONCLUSION: Breast cancer patients have an increased risk of developing major depressive disorder. Patient assessment and treatment for depression at the time of BC diagnosis, during the treatment journey, and monitoring after treatment completion is essential for patient quality of life and BC treatment outcomes.