Mpox impact on different organ systems: Complications, mechanisms, and management.

Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) continues to raise concerns since many cases are still being recorded globally. Various reports have shown changing epidemiology of the disease, together with different atypical clinical characteristics of affected patients. The condition has reportedly been self-limited since most patients do not usually require hospitalisation. However, recent reports showed that some patients might suffer from related complications and require hospitalisation. Different systems were reportedly affected, including cardiac, neurological, respiratory, and renal events. In the present literature review, we aim to review these complications, discuss their potential mechanisms, and provide insight into the currently recommended diagnostic and management practices.

The impact of COVID 19 on the outcomes of thrombectomy in stroke patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

We aimed to conduct the current meta-analysis to provide better insight into the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in managing COVID-19 patients suffering from a stroke. An electronic search was conducted through eight databases for collecting the current evidence about the efficacy of MT in stroke patients with COVID-19 until 18 December 2021. The results were reported as the pooled prevalence rates and the odds ratios (ORs), with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Out of 648 records, we included nine studies. The prevalence of stroke patients with COVID-19 who received MT treatment was with TICI ≥2b 79% (95%CI: 73-85), symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage 6% (95%CI: 3-11), parenchymal haematoma type 1, 11.1% (95%CI: 5-23), and mortality 29% (95%CI: 24-35). On further comparison of MT procedure between stroke patients with COVID 19 to those without COVID-19, we found no significant difference in terms of TICI ≥2b score (OR: 0.85; 95%CI: 0.03-23; p = 0.9). However, we found that stroke patients with COVID-19 had a significantly higher mortality rate than stroke patients without COVID-19 after MT procedure (OR: 2.99; 95%CI: 2.01-4.45; p < 0.001). Stroke patients with COVID-19 can be safely and effectively treated with MT, with comparable reperfusion and complication rates to those without the disease.

Monkeypox viral detection in semen specimens of confirmed cases: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The current literature shows increasing concerns about potential seminal transmission of monkeypox virus (MPXV). Accordingly, we aimed to understand better the potential presence of MPXV in the seminal fluids and others specimens obtained from MPX cases. On June 26, 2022, a systematic search of the literature was conducted to find articles that examine the presence of MPXV in the seminal fluid of confirmed cases. The search was updated once on August 12 and another on October 12, 2022, to include newly published articles. The prevalence of MPXV DNA presence in the seminal fluid and other specimens was pooled in a meta-analysis (from studies with sample size > 5 to reduce overestimation) and results were presented as effect sizes (ES) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Nine articles were included. Only five studies were eligible for a meta-analysis, and the pooled prevalence of MPXV DNA in semen specimens was 72.4% (95% CI: 55.7%-84.5%) among 115 patients. The positive rate of MPXV viral polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was higher among skin samples (89%; 95% CI: 78.2%-94.8%; N = 62; studies = 2), followed by anogenital/rectal samples (74.3%; 95% CI: 60.4%-84.5%; N = 54; studies = 2). On the other hand, the positivity rate was lower in nasopharyngeal (62.4%; 95% CI: 20.4%-91.5%; N = 587; studies = 3), urine (21.1%; 95% CI: 4.3%-61.1%; N = 617; studies = 4), and blood/plasma (14.3%; 95% CI: 11.3%-18.1%; N = 609; studies = 3) samples. Besides, MPXV can be detected in semen early from Day 1 and up to 19 days after symptoms onset. Finally, two articles investigated the infectivity of MPXV particles detected in seminal specimens by testing their replication competence. Culturing MPXV was successful in two out of four patients included in these studies. MPXV is highly prevalent in seminal specimens of MPX cases, further corroborating the role of sexual transmission of the disease. However, further evidence is still needed to shed more light on the replication competence of these particles.

Learning transfusion medicine through scoring objective structured clinical examination.

BACKGROUND: Transfusion medicine education at the undergraduate level is typically limited in duration. In view of limitations of traditional teaching methods, we explore effectiveness of scoring (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) OSCE as an educational method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was of a randomized interventional three group pre-test-post-test design. Participants were undergraduate medical students in their two final years. The intervention was watching and scoring 2 videotaped OSCE stations about obtaining consent for blood transfusions and assessing the ability to explain risks, benefits, and alternatives of blood transfusion. Participants were asked to assess the performance of the videotaped actor using checklists. Participants were randomized to watch and evaluate one set of videos at either the highest, intermediate, or lowest compliance with required consent elements. Main measure was performance in a knowledge test containing multiple-choice and true/false questions. This was given before (pre-test), immediately after the intervention (post-test 1), and after 8 weeks (post-test 2). Student perceptions regarding the intervention was assessed immediately after the session. RESULTS: Sixty-nine students were randomized. Post-test 1 results (mean 16.52, SD 1.88) were significantly greater than pre-test results (mean 11.83, SD 2.13) by group and across all groups (p < 0.001). Post-test 2 results for the complete cohort showed maintenance of significant improvement in comparison with the pre-test. The majority of students agreed that learning through scoring OSCE was an effective educational experience. CONCLUSIONS: In the undergraduate medical setting, scoring OSCE stations may enhance learning of content discussed and evaluated in the stations.

Off-Label Use of the 8-F Angio-Seal for Closure of Greater than 8-F Common Femoral Arterial Access: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety of >8-F access closures using 8-F Angio-Seal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines using Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and PubMed databases from inception until January 17, 2022. Actionable and nonactionable bleeding events were defined in conjugation with the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium definition. Prevalence rates with corresponding 95% CIs were calculated using R software version 4.2.2. Eight articles, with 422 patients, were included in the analysis. RESULTS: The overall groin adverse event rate was 5.92% (95% CI, 3.01-11.34). The most commonly reported adverse events were any bleeding (5.74%; 95% CI, 3.23-10.00) (nonactionable bleeding, 0.96% [95% CI, 0.10-8.30]; actionable bleeding, 2.30% [95% CI, 0.89-5.84]), pseudoaneurysm (1.18%; 95% CI, 0.49-2.81), and groin hematoma (1.28%; 95% CI, 0.23-6.79). The least commonly reported adverse events were device failure and vessel occlusion/stenosis, with rates 0.29% (95% CI, 0.01-7.41) and 0.45% (95% CI, 0.02-7.74), respectively. No studies recorded events regarding the following adverse events: mortality, infection, deep venous thrombosis, and retroperitoneal hematoma. Moreover, the results showed significant differences, based on the sheath size used, in actionable bleeding (P = .04) and the rate of need for surgical repair (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Common femoral artery access of >8-F can be effectively closed with the Angio-Seal with comparable outcomes to those of <8 F; however, larger access approaching 14 F is associated with a significant increase in morbidity. Further safety is needed, especially for the larger access sizes.

Does dengue and COVID-19 co-infection have worse outcomes? A systematic review of current evidence.

In dengue-endemic regions, the co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and dengue is a significant health concern. Therefore, we performed a literature search for relevant papers in seven databases on 26 Spetember 2021. Out of 24 articles, the mortality rate and intensive care unit (ICU) admission were 19.1% and 7.8%, respectively. The mean hospital stay was 11.4 days. In addition, we identified two pregnancies with dengue and COVID-19 co-infection; one ended with premature rupture of membrane and intrauterine growth restriction fetus, while the other one ended with maternal mortality and intrauterine fetal death. COVID-19 and dengue co-infection had worse outcomes regarding mortality rates, ICU admission, and prolonged hospital stay. Thus, wise-decision management approaches should be adequately offered to these patients to enhance their outcomes. Establishing an early diagnosis might be the answer to reducing the estimated significant burden of these conditions.

The impact of Parkinson's disease on manifestations and outcomes of Covid-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Parkinson's disease (PD) patients who contracted Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) had a decline in motor functions; nevertheless, there is limited evidence on whether PD patients have a higher risk for contracting Covid-19 or have worse outcomes. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to review the impact of PD on the prognosis of Covid-19 patients. We performed a systematic search through seven electronic databases under the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses statement (PRISMA) guidelines. The R software version 4.0.2 was used to calculate pooled sample sizes and their associated confidence intervals (95%CI). Finally, we included 13 papers in this study. The pooled prevalence rate of Covid-19 was 2.12% (95%CI: 0.75-5.98). Fever, cough, fatigue and anorexia were the most common symptoms with a rate of 72.72% (95% CI: 57.3 - 92.29), 66.99% (95% CI: 49.08-91.42), 61.58% (95% CI: 46.69-81.21) and 52.55% (95% CI: 35.09-78.68), respectively. The pooled rates were 39.89% (95% CI: 27.09-58.73) for hospitalisation, 4.7% (95% CI: 1.56-14.16) for ICU admission and 25.1% (95%CI: 16.37-38.49) for mortality. On further comparison of hospitalisation and mortality rates among Covid-19 patients with and without PD, there were no significant differences. In conclusion, the prevalence and prognosis of Covid-19 patients seem comparable in patients with PD and those without it. The increased hospitalisation and mortality may be attributed to old age and co-morbidities.

Exchange transfusion in the management of critical pertussis in young infants: a case series.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It is proposed that severe leucocytosis mainly contributes to pulmonary hypertension by blocking pulmonary capillaries and restricting blood flow. Exchange transfusion (ET) in pertussis has been demonstrated as a safe and useful technique for depleting the leucocyte mass. We aim to discuss four cases of pertussis-induced respiratory distress and the effectiveness of ET in such a setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case series at the Infectious Disease Department of Children's Hospital 2 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and included four pertussis patients that were confirmed by PCR tests on respiratory secretions, presented with severe leucocytosis and respiratory distress and required mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: Among the included patients, three underwent a double volume ET for leucodepletion, two of whom were discharged after the procedure with proper vitals and laboratory test results. On the other hand, one patient died despite ET, performed late in the course of the disease. Exchange transfusion was not performed in the last patient who died as well. CONCLUSION: Early ET may be a useful and rapid life-saving treatment in children with critical pertussis and severe leucocytosis before cardiopulmonary complications appear.

Microporous P-doped carbon spheres sensory electrode for voltammetry and amperometry adrenaline screening in human fluids.

An electrochemical sensor-based phosphorus-doped microporous carbon spheroidal structures (P-MCSs) has been designed for selective adrenaline (ADR) signaling in human blood serum. The P-MCS electrode sensor is built with heterogeneous surface alignments including multiple porous sizes with open holes and meso-/macro-grooves, rough surface curvatures, and integral morphology with interconnected and conjugated microspheres. In addition, the P atom-doped graphitic carbon forms highly active centers, increases charge mobility on the electrode surface, creates abundant active centers with facile functionalization, and induces binding to ADR molecules. The designed P-MCS electrode exhibits ultrasensitive monitoring of ADR with a low detection limit of 0.002 µM and high sensitivity of 4330 µA µM-1 cm-2. In addition, two electrochemical techniques, namely, square wave voltammetry (SWV) and chronoamperometry (CA), were used; these techniques achieve high stability, fast response, and a wide linear range from 0.01 to 6 µM. The sensing assays based on P-MCSs provide evidence of the formation of active interfacial surface-to-ADR binding sites, high electron diffusion, and heavy target loads along with/without a plane of spheroids. Thus, P-MCSs can be used for the routine monitoring of ADR in human blood serum, providing a fast response, and requiring highly economical materials at extremely low concentrations. Electrode surface modulation based on P-doped carbon spheres (P-MCS) exhibits high electrochemical activity with fast charge transport, multi-diffusible active centers, high loading of ADR, and facile molecular/electron diffusion at its surface. The P-MCS sensitively and selectively detects the ADR in human fluids and can be used for clinical investigation of some neuronal diseases such as Alzheimer diseases.

Blood exchange transfusion in viral hepatitis in a small infant: a case report.

We report a case of blood exchange transfusion to treat acute liver failure following hepatitis B infection at the Infectious Disease Department of Children's Hospital No.2 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A 3.5-month old baby boy was admitted to the hospital with a presentation of progressively worsening jaundice for the past one month. The patient was diagnosed with hepatitis B infection with a positive HBV DNA quantitative assay. Plasma exchange was indicated in view of progressive liver failure and gradually increasing hepatic coma. However, it was impossible to perform plasmapheresis in this case because the patient was small (in terms of age and weight) and there was no suitable plasma exchange filter. Accordingly, the patient was treated with 3 times of blood exchange transfusion in combination with an antiviral drug, lamivudine. After each blood exchange transfusion, the biochemical values (bilirubin, liver enzymes, and coagulation profile) gradually improved and he was discharged after 1 month of treatment. Blood exchange transfusion is an effective procedure for managing acute liver failure, where plasma exchange is not possible while waiting for the recovery of liver functions or liver transplantation.

Surgical versus interventional coronary revascularization in kidney transplant recipients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To study the most beneficial coronary revascularization strategy in kidney transplant recipients (KTR). METHODS: In 16th June 2022 and updated on 26th February 2023, we searched in five databases including PubMed for relevant articles. The odds ratio (OR) together with the 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were used to report the results. RESULTS: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was significantly associated with significant lower in-hospital mortality (OR 0.62; 95%CI 0.51-0.75) and 1-year mortality (OR 0.81; 95%CI 0.68-0.97), but not overall mortality (mortality at the last follow-up point) (OR 1.05; 95%CI 0.93-1.18) rather than coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Moreover, PCI was significantly associated with lower acute kidney injury prevalence (OR 0.33; 95%CI 0.13-0.84) compared to CABG. One study indicated that non-fatal graft failure prevalence did not differ between the PCI and the CABG group until 3 years of follow up. Moreover, one study demonstrated a short hospital length of stay in the PCI group rather than the CABG group. CONCLUSION: Current evidence indicated the superiority of PCI than CABG as a coronary revascularization procedure in short- but not long-term outcomes in KTR. We recommend further randomized clinical trials for demonstrating the best therapeutic modality for coronary revascularization in KTR.

The impact of chronic rhinosinusitis on COVID-19 risk and outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The impact of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and subsequent steroid therapy on acquiring COVID-19 and severe outcomes remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to provide cumulative evidence regarding the risk of COVID-19 and the impact of steroid therapy, length of hospital stay, mechanical ventilation, and mortality among CRC patients. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive electronic search strategy using the relevant keywords. The outcomes and risk factors of COVID-19 in CRS patients was estimated and compared to a healthy control group when applicable. Results: A total of seven studies were included, with an estimated prevalence of 6.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.5-15.7) for COVID-19 in the CRS group. COVID-19 prevalence did not differ between CRS and controls (odds ratio (OR): 0.92; 95%CI: 0.84-1.01; p = 0.08). Moreover, using steroid/immunosuppressive therapy did not significantly increase the risk of acquiring COVID-19 in CRS patients compared to the control group (OR: 3.31; 95%CI: 0.72-15.26; p = 0.12). Length of hospital stay, mechanical ventilation, and mortality rates were comparable between the two groups. Furthermore, we found that male sex, cardiovascular morbidity, renal diseases, and hypertension were inversely associated with COVID-19 infection (p < 0.01). Conclusion: CRS had a neutral effect on acquiring COVID-19 and developing severe outcomes. However, further studies are needed.

Monkeypox-Associated Manifestations and Complications Involving the Eye: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Previous and Current Outbreaks.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to pool the prevalence rate of monkeypox-associated eye manifestations and/or complications during the current and previous outbreaks. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: On August 7, 2022, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant articles. We included all studies that reported the involvement of the eye (either as a manifestation or a complication) among patients with monkeypox. The primary outcome included pooling the effect size (ES) of reported manifestations and complications, and the secondary outcome included the conduct of a subgroup analysis based on the timing of the monkeypox outbreak (before vs. during 2022). RESULTS: Eleven studies reporting 3179 monkeypox-confirmed cases were included. Eye manifestations included conjunctivitis, corneal, conjunctival, and eyelid lesions, photophobia, and eye pain. Compared with previous monkeypox outbreaks, the current outbreak revealed much lower rates of ocular involvement in terms of conjunctivitis (ES=1%; 95% CI: 0%-1% vs. ES=17%; 95% CI: 11%-22%), corneal and conjunctival lesions (ES=1%; 95% CI: 0%-2% vs. ES=13%; 95% CI: 4%-22%), and eyelid lesions (ES=1%; 95% CI: 0%-4% vs. ES=13%; 95% CI: 5%-28%). Monkeypox-associated eye complications were reported only in the previous outbreaks which included keratitis (ES=4%; 95% CI: 3%-6%), corneal ulceration (ES=4%; 95% CI: 2%-5%), unilateral (ES=3%; 95% CI: 1%-4%) and bilateral blindness (ES=0%; 95% CI: 0%-2%), and impaired vision (ES=4%; 95% CI: 1%-8%). CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmic manifestations and complications are common among monkeypox-confirmed cases. Although these data are mainly related to previous outbreaks, health care workers should familiarize themselves with these signs to provide better care for monkeypox patients.

COVID-19 and monkeypox co-infection: A rapid systematic review.

In this paper we aimed to study the characteristics, laboratory data and outcomes of monkeypox virus (MPV) and COVID-19 co-infection. On 2nd October 2022, we used the search term "("monkeypox virus" OR "MPV" OR "monkey pox" OR "monkeypox") AND ("COVID-19" OR "COVID 19" OR "novel coronavirus" OR "SARS-CoV-2")" in five databases to collect the relevant articles. We found three male patients, who had sex with men prior to the infection, had multiple comorbid conditions, were diagnosed with PCR, and were admitted to the hospital. The length of hospital stay was 4, 6, and 9 days. On admission, two cases had multiple vesicular lesions on various sites of the body associated with tonsillar inflammation, while the third case had genital ulcers and inguinal lymph node enlargement. All cases were managed in the hospital and recovered well. It might still be too early to establish solid evidence about the exact cause-effect association between SARS-CoV-2 and MPV co-infection and patient's outcomes because of the current low sample size. Accordingly, future relevant investigations, estimating the risk ratio of this association are needed to formulate definite evidence.

More Evidence about Monkeypox Sexual Transmission in the Current 2022 Multi-Country Outbreak. Reply to Vera et al. Comment on "Sah et al. Monkeypox and Its Possible Sexual Transmission: Where Are We Now with Its Evidence? Pathogens 2022, 11, 924".

We want to thank Milagros N. Vera and colleagues [...].

The Emergence of Monkeypox: A Global Health Threat.

Monkeypox (MPX) is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV) belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus. It results in a smallpox-like disease in humans. Recently, MPX has been declared a public health emergency of international concern. The disease is characterized by fever, muscle ache, malaise, and pustules. The presence of characteristic significant lymphadenopathy helps it to be differentiated from other similar illnesses. Early detection of cases and effective contact tracing is necessary for breaking the chain of transmission. Diagnosis can be confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of the lesions or by demonstrating the virus in other body fluids. There is no specific treatment for monkeypox, although the smallpox vaccine is thought to have high levels of protection. In this review, we have tried to collect all relevant information about the current outbreak, including epidemiological data, modalities of diagnosis, and treatment options.

Improving Public Health Policy by Comparing the Public Response during the Start of COVID-19 and Monkeypox on Twitter in Germany: A Mixed Methods Study.

Little is known about monkeypox public concerns since its widespread emergence in many countries. Tweets in Germany were examined in the first three months of COVID-19 and monkeypox to examine concerns and issues raised by the public. Understanding views and positions of the public could help to shape future public health campaigns. Few qualitative studies reviewed large datasets, and the results provide the first instance of the public thinking comparing COVID-19 and monkeypox. We retrieved 15,936 tweets from Germany using query words related to both epidemics in the first three months of each one. A sequential explanatory mixed methods research joined a machine learning approach with thematic analysis using a novel rapid tweet analysis protocol. In COVID-19 tweets, there was the selfing construct or feeling part of the emerging narrative of the spread and response. In contrast, during monkeypox, the public considered othering after the fatigue of the COVID-19 response, or an impersonal feeling toward the disease. During monkeypox, coherence and reconceptualization of new and competing information produced a customer rather than a consumer/producer model. Public healthcare policy should reconsider a one-size-fits-all model during information campaigns and produce a strategic approach embedded within a customer model to educate the public about preventative measures and updates. A multidisciplinary approach could prevent and minimize mis/disinformation.

Neuroprotection in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Battle Against the Biology of Nature.

Stroke is the second most common cause of global death following coronary artery disease. Time is crucial in managing stroke to reduce the rapidly progressing insult of the ischemic penumbra and the serious neurologic deficits that might follow it. Strokes are mainly either hemorrhagic or ischemic, with ischemic being the most common of all types of strokes. Thrombolytic therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and endovascular thrombectomy are the main types of management of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). In addition, there is a vital need for neuroprotection in the setting of AIS. Neuroprotective agents are important to investigate as they may reduce mortality, lessen disability, and improve quality of life after AIS. In our review, we will discuss the main types of management and the different modalities of neuroprotection, their mechanisms of action, and evidence of their effectiveness after ischemic stroke.

Association of self-reported allergic rhinitis with dengue severity: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The severity of dengue infection has been reportedly associated with patients' allergic reactions. To further elucidate the role of allergy in dengue severity, we conducted a matched case-control study to assess the association between allergic background and dengue shock syndrome. METHODS: This is a matched case-control study that was carried out in the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from January to December 2017. Dengue infection was determined by non-structure protein 1 (NS1) diagnostic quick test or anti-dengue antibodies (IgM). The total and dengue-specific IgE levels were measured using ELISA. Patients' demographics, clinical, and allergic profiles were collected using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 572 dengue patients with positive NS1 (92.7%) or IgM antibodies (7.3%) results were included in this study. Of these patients, 143 patients developed dengue shock syndrome (case group) while the other 429 patients did not (control group). None of the baseline characteristics including age, sex, or being overweight was significantly different between the two groups (p>0.05). In multivariable analysis, having a history of dengue infection (OR=3.35, 95% CI: 1.8-6.17, p<0.001) and allergic rhinitis (OR=1.95, 95% CI: 1.11-3.4, p = 0.019) were found to be associated with dengue shock syndrome. Higher levels of dengue-specific IgE were not associated with worse outcomes in patients with allergies (p = 0.204) or allergic rhinitis (p = 0.284). CONCLUSION: Dengue patients presenting with a history of a previous dengue infection or allergic rhinitis should be considered high-risk patients for the development of dengue shock syndrome.

Burden and mortality of sepsis and septic shock at a high-volume, single-center in Vietnam: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis and septic shock have high mortality rates and often require a prolonged hospital stay. Patient outcomes may vary according to multiple factors. We aim to determine the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and factors associated with mortality and hospital stay. METHODS: Clinical and microbiological data of patients with sepsis or septic shock were retrospectively collected for 15 months. Patients with negative blood cultures and patients that did not meet the SEPSIS 3 criteria were excluded. RESULTS: We included 48 septic shock and 28 septic patients (mean APACHE II 20.32 ± 5.61 and mean SOFA 9.41 ± 3.17), with a mean age of 60.5 ± 16.8 years and 56.6% males. WBCs, neutrophils, INR, and fibrinogen levels were significantly associated with mortality. 59.5% of the cultured bacteria were gram-negative (most common E. coli) and 27.8% were gram-positive (most common S. aureus), while 7.6% were other types of bacteria and 5.1% were fungi. Resistance patterns to gram-negative were varying, and resistance to piperacillin/tazobactam, carbapenems, and aminoglycosides were from 60% to 100% (A. baumanii), while they were highly sensitive to Colistin. E. coli was also resistant to ceftriaxone (77.8%) and sulbactam/cefoperazone (44.4%). Resistance rates for Gram-positives were high, from 86% to 100% for oxacillin, while for vancomycin, teicoplanin, and linezolid, they were often low but arrived up to 42.8%. According to our logistic regression analysis, patients over 65 year-old and those who received corticosteroids had a significantly increased risk of in-hospital mortality (OR: 4.0; OR: 4.8). CONCLUSION: Sepsis still poses a significant threat to patients' health, even when positive blood culture results allow the administration of specific antibiotic treatment.