Evaluation of Genetic Variants Associated with the Risk of Thiopurine-Related Pancreatitis: A Case Control Study from ENEIDA Registry.

INTRODUCTION: Risk factors for developing pancreatitis due to thiopurines in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are not clearly identified. Our aim was to evaluate the predictive pharmacogenetic risk of pancreatitis in IBD patients treated with thiopurines. METHODS: We conducted an observational pharmacogenetic study of acute pancreatitis events in a cohort study of IBD patients treated with thiopurines from the prospectively maintained ENEIDA registry biobank of GETECCU. Samples were obtained and the CASR, CEL, CFTR, CDLN2, CTRC, SPINK1, CPA1, and PRSS1 genes, selected based on their known association with pancreatitis, were fully sequenced. RESULTS: Ninety-five cases and 105 controls were enrolled; a total of 57% were women. Median age at pancreatitis diagnosis was 39 years. We identified 81 benign variants (50 in cases and 67 in controls) and a total of 35 distinct rare pathogenic and unknown significance variants (10 in CEL, 21 in CFTR, 1 in CDLN2, and 3 in CPA1). None of the cases or controls carried pancreatitis-predisposing variants within the CASR, CPA1, PRSS1, and SPINK1 genes, nor a pathogenic CFTR mutation. Four different variants of unknown significance were detected in the CDLN and CPA1 genes; one of them was in the CDLN gene in a single patient with pancreatitis and 3 in the CPA1 gene in 5 controls. After the analysis of the variants detected, no significant differences were observed between cases and controls. CONCLUSION: In patients with IBD, genes known to cause pancreatitis seem not to be involved in thiopurine-related pancreatitis onset.

Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Lurbinectedin Administrated with Itraconazole in Cancer Patients: A Drug-Drug Interaction Study.

This open-label, two-part, phase Ib drug-drug interaction study investigated whether the pharmacokinetic (PK) and safety profiles of lurbinectedin (LRB), a marine-derived drug, are affected by co-administration of itraconazole (ITZ), a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, in adult patients with advanced solid tumors. In Part A, three patients were sequentially assigned to Sequence 1 (LRB 0.8 mg/m2, 1-h intravenous [IV] + ITZ 200 mg/day oral in Cycle 1 [C1] and LRB alone 3.2 mg/m2, 1 h, IV in Cycle 2 [C2]). In Part B, 11 patients were randomized (1:1) to receive either Sequence 1 (LRB at 0.9 mg/m2 + ITZ in C1 and LRB alone in C2) or Sequence 2 (LRB alone in C1 and LRB + ITZ in C2). Eleven patients were evaluable for PK analysis: three in Part A and eight in Part B (four per sequence). The systemic total exposure of LRB increased with ITZ co-administration: 15% for Cmax, area under the curve (AUC) 2.4-fold for AUC0-t and 2.7-fold for AUC0-∞. Co-administration with ITZ produced statistically significant modifications in the unbound plasma LRB PK parameters. The LRB safety profile was consistent with the toxicities described in previous studies. Co-administration with multiple doses of ITZ significantly altered LRB systemic exposure. Hence, to avoid LRB overexposure when co-administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, an LRB dose reduction proportional to CL reduction should be applied.

Nasolacrimal sac foreign body extraction using vitreoretinal forceps in 28 dogs.

PURPOSE: To describe a novel technique of nasolacrimal foreign body extraction in dogs by using a 20G vitreoretinal forceps introduced through the superior lacrimal punctum. METHODS: A retrospective review of the medical records of dogs with dacryocystitis due to nasolacrimal foreign bodies between the years 2001 and 2022 was performed. We recorded the breed, age, affected eye, type and number of foreign bodies, concomitant diseases, and the use of imaging techniques. All animals underwent the same procedure of a 20G vitreoretinal forceps insertion through the upper canaliculus reaching the lacrimal sac and retrograde extraction of the foreign bodies. RESULTS: A total of 28 dogs were included, 16 males and 12 females, with a mean (±SD) age of 4.7 (±3.2) years. The most common breeds were Wire-Haired Dachshund (4/28; 14.29%) and Labrador Retriever (3/28; 10.71%). Additional imaging techniques were used, such as orbital ultrasound in 13 cases (13/28; 46.43%) and computed tomography in one case (1/28; 3.57%). The most common type of foreign body retrieved was grass awns, although seeds and plant debris were also found. Dacryocystitis resolved after removal of the foreign body and appropriate medical therapy was ensured in all cases in the 1-month postprocedure follow-up. CONCLUSION: Extraction of nasolacrimal foreign bodies with vitreoretinal forceps is a novel, noninvasive, and easily applicable technique that, although not successful in all cases, can be attempted before performing more aggressive surgery.

Presumed calcific band keratopathy in a 10-month-old domestic shorthair cat.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of presumed band keratopathy in a young cat with no known history of corneal disease who was not receiving topical phosphate-based steroids. ANIMAL STUDIED: A 10-month-old domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for severe ocular discomfort that did not improve despite the initiation of topical antibiotic treatment. METHODS: A complete ophthalmic examination and ancillary tests such as biomicroscopy and corneal cytology were performed at the time of presentation. A superficial lamellar keratectomy was excised, and the corneal button was sent for histopathology. In addition to routine hematoxylin-eosin staining, sections were stained with Gram, PAS, von Kossa, and trichrome stains. RESULTS: Biomicroscopic examination revealed an extensive corneal epithelial ulcer with a hard white plaque in the central area of the right cornea with associated superficial neovascularization. Ultrasound biomicroscopy showed a 0.63 mm, slightly hyperechoic band in the anterior corneal stroma. Corneal cytology evidenced numerous neutrophils with toxic changes and few macrophages. Histopathologic analysis excluded corneal sequestration as a differential diagnosis and confirmed superficial corneal mineralization. At the last follow-up, 16 months after surgery, corneal transparency had returned, and visual acuity was good with some corneal conjunctivalization. CONCLUSIONS: In this case report, the presumptive diagnosis is calcific band keratopathy. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first presumed case in a cat not receiving topical phosphate-based steroids and without previous corneal damage. Lamellar keratectomy represents a curative approach that successfully resolved the clinical signs, with no reported recurrence.

Real-World Evidence of Tofacinitib in Ulcerative Colitis: Short-Term and Long-Term Effectiveness and Safety.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to assess the durability, short-term and long-term effectiveness, and safety of tofacitinib in ulcerative colitis (UC) in clinical practice. METHODS: This is a retrospective multicenter study including patients with UC who had received the first tofacitinib dose at least 8 weeks before the inclusion. Clinical effectiveness was based on partial Mayo score. RESULTS: A total of 408 patients were included. Of them, 184 (45%) withdrew tofacitinib during follow-up (mean = 18 months). The probability of maintaining tofacitinib was 67% at 6 m, 58% at 12 m, and 49% at 24 m. The main reason for tofacitinib withdrawal was primary nonresponse (44%). Older age at the start of tofacitinib and a higher severity of clinical activity were associated with tofacitinib withdrawal. The proportion of patients in remission was 38% at week 4, 45% at week 8, and 47% at week 16. Having moderate-to-severe vs mild disease activity at baseline and older age at tofacitinib start were associated with a lower and higher likelihood of remission at week 8, respectively. Of 171 patients in remission at week 8, 83 (49%) relapsed. The probability of maintaining response was 66% at 6 m and 54% at 12 m. There were 93 adverse events related to tofacitinib treatment (including 2 pulmonary thromboembolisms [in patients with risk factors] and 2 peripheral vascular thrombosis), and 29 led to tofacitinib discontinuation. DISCUSSION: Tofacitinib is effective in both short-term and long-term in patients with UC. The safety profile is similar to that previously reported.

Efficacy, Efficiency, and Acceptability of Telemedicine for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients' Follow-Up Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, ambulatory clinic visits were replaced by the implementation of telehealth modalities in most inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) units. AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy, efficiency, patient satisfaction, and acceptability of using telephone consultation in an IBD unit. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed in IBD patients who underwent telephone consultation during COVID-19 lockdown (between 16th March and 13th April 2020). To assess the efficacy of this telephone consultation (lockdown visit), nonscheduled visits, emergency consultation, hospital admission, and surgery from lockdown visit to the next scheduled consultation (post-lockdown) were checked. To evaluate efficiency, the time between lockdown visit and post-lockdown consultation was compared with previous consultation (pre-lockdown), and the total number of visits 12 months before and after lockdown visit was checked. A telephone survey was designed to rate perception for a telephone consultation. RESULTS: Out of a total of 274 patients, 220 patients (52.2% male; mean age 49 ± 16 years; Crohn's disease, n = 126; ulcerative colitis, n = 83; indeterminate colitis, n = 11) were included. Only one patient was consulted at the emergency department, 11 patients needed to rearrange the visit, and none patient underwent surgery before the scheduled post-lockdown visit. The interval to post-lockdown visit compared to pre-lockdown visit increased in 37.7% of patients. The satisfaction survey (n = 185) revealed that 94.6% perceived it was effective. However, 44.4% of patients rather prefer on-site consultation for follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic was shown to be effective and efficient to care for IBD patients. In addition, telephone consultation is well accepted by patients in non-extended follow-up periods.

Serum Levels of Lipoprotein Lipase Are Increased in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Disruption of the lipid profile is commonly found in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is a key molecule involved in triglyceride metabolism that plays a significant role in the progression of atherosclerosis. In this study, our aim was to study whether serum LPL levels are different in IBD patients and controls and whether IBD features are related to LPL. This was a cross-sectional study that encompassed 405 individuals; 197 IBD patients with a median disease duration of 12 years and 208 age- and sex-matched controls. LPL levels and a complete lipid profile were assessed in all individuals. A multivariable analysis was performed to determine whether LPL serum levels were altered in IBD and to study their relationship with IBD characteristics. After the fully multivariable analysis, including cardiovascular risk factors and the changes in lipid profile that the disease causes itself, patients with IBD showed significantly higher levels of circulating LPL (beta coefficient 196 (95% confidence interval from 113 to 259) ng/mL, p < 0.001). LPL serum levels did not differ between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. However, serum C-reactive protein levels, disease duration, and the presence of an ileocolonic Crohn's disease phenotype were found to be significantly and independently positively related to LPL. In contrast, LPL was not associated with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. In conclusion, serum LPL levels were independently upregulated in patients with IBD. Inflammatory markers, disease duration and disease phenotype were responsible for this upregulation.

COVID-19 vaccination rate and willingness of an additional dose among inflammatory bowel disease patients receiving biologic therapy: Fearless and with desire.

Effective vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 are already available and offer a promising action to control the COVID-19 pandemic. IBD patients on biological agents accept the vaccine as well as an additional dose if recommended. BACKGROUND: Vaccination against COVID-19 prevents its severe forms and associated mortality and offers a promising action to control this pandemic. In September 2021, an additional dose of vaccine was approved in patients with immunosuppression including IBD patients on biologic agents. We evaluated the vaccination rate and additional dose willingness in this group of at risk patients. METHODS: A single-center, cross-sectional study was performed among IBD patients on biologic agents and eligible for an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. IBD clinical characteristics and type of vaccine and date of administration were checked in medical records. Acceptance was evaluated after telephone or face-to-face surveys in IBD patients. RESULTS: Out of a total of 344 patients, 269 patients (46.1% male; mean age 47±16 years; Crohn's disease 73.6%) were included. Only 15 (5.6%) patients refused the COVID-19 vaccine mainly (40%) for conviction (COVID-19 pandemic denial). 33.3% would re-consider after discussing with their doctor and/or receiving information on the adverse effects of the vaccine. Previous to the additional dose, the COVID-19 vaccination was present in 94.4% of patients (n=254). Adverse effects occurred in 53.9% of the cases, mainly pain in the arm (40%). Up to 94.1% of the patients agreed to an additional dose and 79.4% had already received the additional dose at the final time of the assessment. CONCLUSIONS: IBD patients on biological agents accept the vaccine as well as an additional dose if recommended. Physicians in charge of IBD units should provide information and confidence in the use of the vaccine in these IBD patients.

Comparative genomic analysis of Mycoplasma related to cell culture for infB gene-based loop-mediated isothermal amplification.

Mycoplasma contamination in cell culture affects the properties of cell lines. Gold standard detection by microbiological culture takes days and requires specialists. The polymerase chain reaction and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) are fast molecular options, but LAMP only requires one heating block for DNA amplification. This study presents a comparative genomic analysis of Mycoplasma species to identify common target genes different from the rrsA gene, which encodes 16 S rRNA. The aim is to implement a LAMP assay to detect Mycoplasma species, reducing the time and specialized equipment required for detection. We performed a comparative genomic analysis through Mauve software and the GView server and selected infB and clpB genes as target candidates for designing LAMP primers. We evaluated both genes by multiple sequence alignment (MSA). The infB gene presented the best score MSA assessment with lower odd-log values (5,480,281) than other genes. We selected the infB gene to design LAMP primers specific to Mycoplasma spp. We used these primers to implement LAMP at 63 °C for 30 min, which showed 100% positive amplifications for detecting Mycoplasma spp. In conclusion, we present a methodology utilizing the infB gene-based LAMP assay to detect three of the six most prevalent Mycoplasma species in cell culture.

Effect of oils on the transmission properties of a terahertz photonic crystal.

The transmission properties of a photonic crystal immersed in several different oils have been characterized using terahertz time domain spectroscopy in the spectral range of 0.3-1.5 THz. As in previous works, oil samples can be distinguished using terahertz transmission measurements. When the same oils are introduced into a photonic crystal, we find that the effective refractive index of the photonic crystal is sensitive to the properties of the oils and shows differences not seen in bulk measurements. These effects are described in detail and have potential applications in both the sensing of very small volumes of oils and in the fine control of the refractive indices of photonic crystals.

Trajectories of Severe Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Their Relationship with Mortality Risk.

PURPOSE: Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are important factors contributing to mortality risk. The rate of exacerbations varies overtime. An inconsistent pattern of exacerbation occurrence is a common finding. The mortality risk associated with such a pattern is not entirely clear. Our objective was to assess the risk of mortality associated with various possible patterns of AECOPD trajectories. METHODS: This is a multicenter historical cohort study. Four different exacerbation trajectories were defined according to the incidence of severe AECOPD requiring hospital admission 2 years before and after the date of the first visit to the respiratory clinic-Consistent non-exacerbators (NEx): no AECOPD before or after the index date; consistent exacerbators (Ex): at least one AECOPD both before and after the index date; converters to exacerbators (CONV-Ex): no exacerbations before and at least one AECOPD after the index date; converters to non-exacerbators (CONV-NEx): at least one AECOPD before the index date, and no exacerbations after said date. All-cause mortality risk for these trajectories was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 1713 subjects were included in the study: NEx: 1219 (71.2%), CONV-NEx: 225 (13.1%), CONV-Ex: 148 (8.6%), Ex: 121 (7.1%). After correcting for confounding variables, the group with the highest mortality risk was Ex. The CONV-Ex and CONV-Nex groups had a mortality risk between Ex and NEx, with no significant differences between them. CONCLUSION: Different possible trajectories of severe AECOPD before and after a first specialized consultation are associated with different mortality risks. An inconsistent pattern of exacerbations has a mortality risk between Ex and NEx, with no clear differences between CONV-Ex and CONV-NEx.

Adherence to subcutaneous biologic treatment for inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: Nonadherence to medication is common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and can result in disease complications, therapy escalation, and the need for corticosteroids. The aim of this study was to assess the adherence to self-administered subcutaneous biologic medications prescribed for IBD and to identify the risk factors for nonadherence. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study on IBD patients initiated on subcutaneous biologic therapy between January 2016 and July 2019 was performed. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for collection of demographic and IBD data. Medication possession ratios (mMPRs) during the first 12 months of treatment and at the end of the follow-up period (global, 42 months) were calculated. Nonadherence was defined as an mMPR of <90%. Multiple regression analysis was performed to assess the risk factors for nonadherence to therapy. RESULTS: A total of 154 patients (84 male and 70 female; mean age at biologic treatment initiation, 36±14 years; Crohn's disease, n=118; ulcerative colitis, n=31; indeterminate colitis, n=5) were included; 121 received adalimumab (ADA) and 33 received ustekinumab (UST); 63% were naive to anti-TNF therapy, while 16.9% previously received more than two biologic treatments. Mean time from IBD diagnosis to subcutaneous biological agent use was 16±10 months. Mean duration of subcutaneous agent use was 17.6 (SD, 11.0) and 17.08 (SD, 6.8) months for ADA and UST, respectively. Global nonadherence (mMPR≤90%) rate was 6.6% for all patients receiving subcutaneous treatment, 6.3% for ADA, and 6.5% for UST. Nonadherence during the first 12 months of treatment (n=98) was 6.1% for all patients, 2.7% for ADA, and 16% for UST. In the multivariate analysis, UST use was independently associated with higher nonadherence only within the first 12 months (OR, 6.7; 95% CI, 1.1-39.5). CONCLUSIONS: High global adherence to self-administered subcutaneous biologic treatment was shown in our study, with higher rates of adherence to ADA than to UST within the first 12 months.

Predictive factors for inadequate bowel cleansing in colon capsule endoscopy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Achieving adequate bowel cleansing is of utmost importance for the efficiency of colon capsule endoscopy (CCE). However, information about predictive factors is lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive factors of poor bowel cleansing in the CCE setting. METHODS: In this observational study, 126 patients who underwent CCE at two tertiary care hospitals were included between June 2017 and January 2020. Participants prepared for bowel cleansing with a 1-day clear liquid diet, a 4-L split-dose polyethylene glycol regimen and boosters with sodium phosphate, sodium amidotrizoate and meglumine amidotrizoate. Domperidone tablets and bisacodyl suppositories were administered when needed. Overall and per-segment bowel cleansing was evaluated using a CCE cleansing score. Simple and multiple logistic regression analysis were carried out to assess poor bowel cleansing and excretion rate predictors. RESULTS: Overall bowel cleansing was optimal in 53 patients (50.5%). Optimal per-segment bowel cleansing was achieved as follows: cecum (86 patients; 74.8%), transverse colon (91 patients; 81.3%), distal colon (81 patients; 75%) and rectum (64 patients; 66.7%). In the univariate analysis, elderly (OR, 1.03; 95% CI (1.01-1.076)) and constipation (OR, 3.82; 95% CI (1.50-9.71)) were associated with poor bowel cleansing. In the logistic regression analysis, constipation (OR, 3.77; 95% CI (1.43-10.0)) was associated with poor bowel cleansing. No variables were significantly associated with the CCE device excretion rate. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that constipation is the most powerful predictor of poor bowel cleansing in the CCE setting. Tailored cleansing protocols should be recommended for these patients.

Psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with inflammatory bowel disease in Spain. A post lockdown reflection.

OBJECTIVES: This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Spain during lockdown and the first wave of the pandemic. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A self-report questionnaire that integrated the Spanish version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 items (DASS-21) and the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSS) was designed to gather sociodemographic data and information related to the effects of lockdown on the lives of IBD patients. Twelve IBD units invited their patients to answer the anonymous online survey between the 1st July and the 25th August 2020. RESULTS: Of the 693 survey participants with IBD, 67% were women and the mean age was 43 (SD 12). Sixty-one percent had ulcerative colitis, 36% Crohn's disease and 3% indeterminate colitis. DASS-21 scores indicate that during lockdown the estimated prevalence of depression was 11% [95% CI 8.2-13%], anxiety 20% [95% CI 17 to 23%] and stress 18% [95% CI 8.2-13%]. Multivariate analysis showed that the perceived high risk of COVID-19 infection because of having IBD and maladaptation to government measures to reduce the spread of disease doubled the risk of anxiety and stress during lockdown. CONCLUSIONS: In the short-term, lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic seemed to have an impact on the already affected mental health of our IBD patients in Spain.

Photolithographically-patterned C-MEMS graphene by carbon diffusion through nickel.

In recent years the most studied carbon allotrope has been graphene, due to the outstanding properties that this two-dimensional material exhibits; however, it turns out to be a difficult material to produce, pattern, and transfer to a device substrate without contamination. Carbon microelectromechanical systems are a versatile technology used to create nano/micro carbon devices by pyrolyzing a patterned photoresist, making them highly attractive for industrial applications. Furthermore, recent works have reported that pyrolytic carbon material can be graphitized by the diffusion of carbon atoms through a transition metal layer. In this work we take advantage of the latter two methods in order to produce multilayer graphene by improving the molecular ordering of photolithographically-defined pyrolytic carbon microstructures, through the diffusion (annealing) of carbon atoms through nickel, and also to eliminate any further transfer process to a device substrate. The allotropic nature of the final carbon microstructures was inspected by Raman spectroscopy (AverageID/IGof 0.2348 ± 0.0314) and TEM clearly shows well-aligned lattice planes of 3.34 Å fringe separation. These results were compared to measurements made on pyrolytic carbon (AverageID/IGof 0.9848 ± 0.0235) to confirm that our method is capable of producing a patterned multilayer graphene material directly on a silicon substrate.

The acute systemic toxicity of thallium in rats produces oxidative stress: attenuation by metallothionein and Prussian blue.

Thallium (TI) is one of the most toxic heavy metals. Human exposure to Tl occurs through contaminated drinking water and from there to food, a threat to health. Recently, environmental contamination by Tl has been reported in several countries, urging the need for studies to determine the impact of endogenous and exogenous mechanisms preventing thallium toxicity. The cytoprotective effect of metallothionein (MT), a protein with high capacity to chelate metals, at two doses (100 and 600 µg/rat), was tested. Prussian blue (PB) (50 mg/kg) was administered alone or in combination with MT. A dose of Tl (16mg/kg) was injected i.p. to Wistar rats. Antidotes were administered twice daily, starting 24h after Tl injection, for 4 days. Tl concentrations diminished in most organs (p < 0.05) by effect of PB, alone or in combination with MT, whereas MT alone decreased Tl concentrations in testis, spleen, lung and liver. Likewise, brain thallium also diminished (p < 0.05) by effect of PB and MT alone or in combination in most of the regions analyzed (p < 0.05). The greatest diminution of Tl was achieved when the antidotes were combined. Plasma markers of renal damage increased after Tl administration, while PB and MT, either alone or in combination, prevented the raise of those markers. Only MT increased the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) in the kidney. Finally, increased Nrf2 was observed in liver and kidney, after treatment with MT alone or in combination with PB. Results showed that MT alone or in combination with PB is cytoprotective after thallium exposure.

Severe manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 in children and adolescents: from COVID-19 pneumonia to multisystem inflammatory syndrome: a multicentre study in pediatric intensive care units in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome temporally associated with COVID-19 (MIS-C) has been described as a novel and often severe presentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children. We aimed to describe the characteristics of children admitted to Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs) presenting with MIS-C in comparison with those admitted with SARS-CoV-2 infection with other features such as COVID-19 pneumonia. METHODS: A multicentric prospective national registry including 47 PICUs was carried out. Data from children admitted with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection or fulfilling MIS-C criteria (with or without SARS-CoV-2 PCR confirmation) were collected. Clinical, laboratory and therapeutic features between MIS-C and non-MIS-C patients were compared. RESULTS: Seventy-four children were recruited. Sixty-one percent met MIS-C definition. MIS-C patients were older than non-MIS-C patients (p = 0.002): 9.4 years (IQR 5.5-11.8) vs 3.4 years (IQR 0.4-9.4). A higher proportion of them had no previous medical history of interest (88.2% vs 51.7%, p = 0.005). Non-MIS-C patients presented more frequently with respiratory distress (60.7% vs 13.3%, p < 0.001). MIS-C patients showed higher prevalence of fever (95.6% vs 64.3%, p < 0.001), diarrhea (66.7% vs 11.5%, p < 0.001), vomits (71.1% vs 23.1%, p = 0.001), fatigue (65.9% vs 36%, p = 0.016), shock (84.4% vs 13.8%, p < 0.001) and cardiac dysfunction (53.3% vs 10.3%, p = 0.001). MIS-C group had a lower lymphocyte count (p < 0.001) and LDH (p = 0.001) but higher neutrophil count (p = 0.045), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (p < 0.001), C-reactive protein (p < 0.001) and procalcitonin (p < 0.001). Patients in the MIS-C group were less likely to receive invasive ventilation (13.3% vs 41.4%, p = 0.005) but were more often treated with vasoactive drugs (66.7% vs 24.1%, p < 0.001), corticosteroids (80% vs 44.8%, p = 0.003) and immunoglobulins (51.1% vs 6.9%, p < 0.001). Most patients were discharged from PICU by the end of data collection with a median length of stay of 5 days (IQR 2.5-8 days) in the MIS-C group. Three patients died, none of them belonged to the MIS-C group. CONCLUSIONS: MIS-C seems to be the most frequent presentation among critically ill children with SARS-CoV-2 infection. MIS-C patients are older and usually healthy. They show a higher prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms and shock and are more likely to receive vasoactive drugs and immunomodulators and less likely to need mechanical ventilation than non-MIS-C patients.

An acute episode of inflammatory bowel disease vs a rare manifestation of an Epstein-Barr virus-positive mucocutaneous ulcer. Case report.

The Epstein-Barr virus-positive mucocutaneous ulcer is an entity that has been recently accepted in the literature, included under the lymphoproliferative disorders. Some publications provide information about a limited number of cases describing lesions that mainly involve the oropharynx and skin. However, its rapid onset in the colon, causing a perforation, has not been reported.

Predictive factors of clinical response to treatment with anti-TNF agents in ulcerative colitis: what have we learned from our patients?

INTRODUCTION: inhibitors of tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFs) are effective drugs for the treatment of moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC). However, many patients do not respond or lose therapeutic response during follow-up. OBJECTIVES: to analyze the determining factors of clinical response to anti-TNFs in UC. METHODS: a multicenter retrospective study was performed in 79 patients with UC who started treatment with anti-TNFs between 2009 and 2015. The primary endpoint was clinical remission (pMayo index ≤ 1) at 12 months. Furthermore, remission and clinical response (final pMayo score ≤ 3) and corticoids discontinuation were assessed at three, six and 12 months. An analysis was performed to identify variables predictive of clinical response. RESULTS: at 12 months, remission and clinical response were seen in 59.2 % and 77.8 % of patients, respectively. Corticoids could be discontinued in 82.4 % of patients. At 12 months, corticoids discontinuation (< 3 months) (OR 0.06; 95 % CI: 0.01-0.24) and clinical response at six months (OR 0.008; 95 % CI: 0.001-0.053) were independent factors predictive of clinical remission. CONCLUSION: in patients with active UC on anti-TNFs, corticoid discontinuation within three months and clinical response at six months after treatment onset are predictive of clinical disease remission.

The Ratio Serum Creatinine/Serum Cystatin C (a Surrogate Marker of Muscle Mass) as a Predictor of Hospitalization in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Outpatients.

BACKGROUND: In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), low muscle mass has been associated with several clinical outcomes such as low exercise capacity, hospital admission, and mortality. The Sarcopenia Index (SI) is a novel way to estimate muscle mass based on the ratio of serum creatinine (produced exclusively by muscle)/cystatin C (produced by all nucleated body cells). OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the SI in stable COPD outpatients, as compared with a healthy control group, to quantify its relationship with several important clinical features in COPD, and to study its potential usefulness to predict COPD exacerbations and hospital admissions. METHODS: The SI was calculated in 18 healthy control subjects and 65 stable COPD outpatients were included in the study. Patients were prospectively followed for 1 year after being enrolled in the study. RESULTS: COPD patients had a lower SI than controls, that is lower muscle mass. Furthermore, patients with a modified Medical Research Council dyspnea score ≥2, patients with a COPD Assessment Test score ≥10, and patients with a high risk of exacerbation had lower levels of SI compared with patients without these characteristics. SI correlated with FEV1 (r = 0.491, p < 0.001), the 6-min walking test (r = 0.560, p = 0.001), and the Fat-Free Mass Index (r = 0.431, p = 0.017). Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional risk analysis showed that a low SI is an independent predictor of hospital admission in COPD outpatients followed for 1 year (HR 5.16, p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: The ratio serum creatinine/serum cystatin C correlates with several COPD characteristics, and it can be used to predict COPD hospitalization.