Managing Severe Acute Asthma Exacerbation in Pregnancy during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Report from a Resource-limited Setting

BACKGROUND: One-third of pregnant women will experience worsening asthma requiring emergency hospitalization. However, no report comprehensively discussed the management of asthma attacks in pregnant women in impoverished settings. We attempt to illuminate what general practitioners can do to stabilize and improve the outcome of severe acute asthma exacerbations in primary care with resource limitations. CASE REPORT: A nulliparous 29-year-old woman in her 21st week of pregnancy presented severe acute asthma exacerbation in moderate persistent asthma with uncontrolled asthma status along with gestational hypertension, uncompensated metabolic acidosis with a high anion gap, anemia, respiratory infection, and asymptomatic bacteriuria, all of which influenced her exacerbations. This patient was admitted to our resource-limited subdistrict hospital in Indonesia during the COVID-19 pandemic for optimal stabilization. Crystalloid infusions, oxygen supplementation, nebulized beta-agonist with anticholinergic agents, inhaled corticosteroids, intravenous methylprednisolone, broad-spectrum antibiotics, subcutaneous terbutaline, mucolytics, magnesium sulphate, oral antihypertensives, and continuous positive airway pressure were used to treat her life-threatening asthma. After she was stabilized, we referred the patient to a higher-level hospital with more advanced pulmonary management under the supervision of a multidisciplinary team to anticipate the worst scenario of pregnancy termination. CONCLUSION(S): Limitations in primary care, including the lack of sophisticated intensive care units and laboratory panels, may complicate challenges in managing severe acute asthma exacerbation during pregnancy. To enhance maternal-fetal outcomes, all multidisciplinary team members should be well-informed about key asthma management strategies during pregnancy using evidence-based guidelines regarding the drug, rationale, and safety profile.Copyright © 2023 Muhammad Habiburrahman, Triya Damayanti, Mohammad Adya Firmansha Dilmy, Hariyono Winarto.

A Case Report of Iatrogenic Esophageal Perforation: Complication of Orogastric Tube Placement

Introduction: Orogastric tube insertion is a routine procedure in medical care. However, misplacement of the tube can cause a variety of complications, which can be life threatening in some instances. Case Description/Methods: 71-year-old male presented with dyspnea, fever, chills, cough, and myalgia for 2 weeks. He had tachycardia, tachypnea, and was hypoxic to 66% in room air. He was found to have acute hypoxic respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19 Pneumonia and was admitted to ICU. But, he continued to be hypoxic and was started on BiPAP. He eventually became altered, and was intubated. Post intubation orogastric tube (OGT) placement was unsuccessful on the first attempt due to resistance. On the second attempt, the nurse was able to advance partially (Figure). But, a chest XR showed OGT in the mediastinum, and OGT was removed. CT of neck and chest revealed pneumomediastinum with possible mid-thoracic esophageal perforation. The patient was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics and thoracic surgery was consulted. Given his mechanical ventilation requirement, surgery deemed him unfit to tolerate thoracotomy and the endoscopic procedure was not available in the hospital. So, recommendation was to manage conservatively. His hospital course was complicated by hypotension requiring vasopressors and metabolic acidosis in setting of acute renal failure requiring CRRT. Code status was changed by the family to Do Not Resuscitate due to his deteriorating condition. Eventually, he had a PEA arrest and was expired. Discussion(s): OGT intubation is performed at hospitals for feeding, medication administration or gastric decompression. Although it is considered a safe procedure, complications can arise due to OGT misplacement or trauma caused by the OGT itself or the intubation process. OGT misplacement is typically endotracheal or intracranial. Misplacement within the upper GI lumen is usually detected by a kink in the oropharynx or esophagus. The subsequent complications are identified by the structure that is perforated (e.g., mediastinitis or pneumothorax). Regardless of whether counteraction is perceived, the physician must be careful not to apply excessive force. The location of the OGT tip should be determined by a chest radiograph;visualization of the tip below the diaphragm verifies appropriate placement. Complications of OGT insertion are uncommon;however, the consequences are potentially serious, and the anatomy of the upper GI tract should be understood by all who are involved in the care.

Placental Thrombosis Resulting in Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy in an Infant of a Mother with Covid-19

Case Report: Since the beginning of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there has been much work to understand the negative effects of SARS-CoV-2 on tissues expressing the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor, including the placenta. However, there is limited information regarding placental pathology findings in mothers with COVID-19 and the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the placenta. The available research reports effects on the fetus ranging from minimal to intrauterine fetal demise. Case Description: A 4680g baby boy was born at 38+1 weeks of gestation to 36y old G4P1021 female via repeat cesarian section. The pregnancy was complicated by advanced maternal age, chronic hypertension with superimposed pre-eclampsia with severe features, BMI of 80, and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The mother had mild COVID-19 symptoms and did not require hospitalization or oxygen support. Prenatal ultrasounds were limited due to body habitus. At the time of delivery, there was clear amniotic fluid. Upon delivery the infant was cyanotic and limp and was brought to the warmer immediately. Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation was initiated at 5 minutes of life with improvement in infant color and oxygen saturation. He was then admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). APGARs were 2, 3, 5, and 7 at 1, 5, 10, and 15 minutes respectively. Cord gases showed severe metabolic acidosis. The patient was diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and therapeutic hypothermia was initiated. Both the NICU and obstetric teams were unable to identify a clear perinatal cause of HIE in this patient. Later, the placenta pathology report revealed a large placenta for estimated gestational age corresponding to the 75th percentile, villous parenchyma with focal chorangiosis and thrombi, with unremarkable fetal membrane and three vessel umbilical cord. The cause of HIE was then thought to be due to the placental thrombi likely caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Discussion(s): Fetal vascular malperfusion and fetal vascular thrombus have been noted as a common finding in the placentas of pregnant women who test positive for SARS-CoV-2. There are various causes of HIE, from maternal, placental and fetal factors. This patient had no clinically evident hypoxic event, but information was limited due to the lack of monitoring of the fetus in utero. Given the mother's SARS-CoV-2 infection and the placental pathology findings, it is likely that the cause of this patient's HIE was related to the effects on the placenta from SARS-CoV-2. Conclusion(s): As more information comes to light about the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the placenta, it is important to consider a maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy as a cause of HIE in a newborn.

Fungal pneumonia in COVID-19 patients: Risk factors and early prediction

Objective To determine the risk factors for developing secondary fungal pneumonia in moderate to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. Using predictors of fungal infection helps to guide the diagnosis and treatment in these cases and save their lives. Patients and methods A total of 257 patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia were examined in this retrospective study at Al Qassimi Hospital of EHS. An assessment of clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings was performed upon admission. The data were collected and analyzed. Results Overall, 32% of critically ill COVID cases had fungal infection;47% of them were candida, whereas aspergillosis and yeast were positive in 26.5% each. At the time of hospitalization, computed tomography chest findings had a strong correlation with fungal culture results in COVID-19 cases. Fungal infection in COVID-19 cases correlated strongly with metabolic acidosis, high erythrocyte sedimentation rate, high blood sugar, need for mechanical ventilation at admission, vasopressor use, renal replacement, long duration of steroid treatment, long stay in ICU, and long duration on mechanical ventilation. The longer the duration of PCR positivity, the higher the incidence of positive sputum fungal culture result. Conclusion COVID-19-infected patients with other risk factors for fungal infections should always be considered to have fungal infections if pathogenic organisms are isolated from respiratory secretions or other microbiological or immunological markers appear positive. Computed tomography chest finding in COVID-19 cases is an important predictor for fungal infection.Copyright © 2023 The Egyptian Journal of Chest Diseases and Tuberculosis.

COVID-19 Viral Infection Presenting With Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome, or Mixed Hyperglycemic Crisis: A Case Series.

Cardiovascular disease, COPD, and diabetes (DM) are associated with increased complications with COVID-19. A correlation between COVID-19 and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome (HHS) has been suggested; however, the precise mechanism remains unclear. We present a case series of six patients with COVID-19 infections who were found to have DKA, HHS, or mixed picture. Wedescribe an association between COVID-19 and hyperglycemic emergencies. Six patients (50% male, 50% female, mean age 47.667 ± 18.747) were identified from November 2021 to February 2022. Comorbidities included DM (83.3%), HTN (50%), as well as ESRD, A-Fib, ISLD, HIV, and dementia (each 16.7%). Common review of systems included nausea and vomiting (50%), abdominal pain (33.3%), dyspnea (33.3%), and decreased appetite (33.3%). Additional findings were dysarthria, facial droop, generalized weakness, productive cough, myalgias, and increased urinary frequency (16.7%). Patients were diagnosed with DKA (50%), mixed process (33.3%), andHHS(16.7%). In terms of COVID-19 symptoms, most patients were asymptomatic (83.3%), with one patient developing hypoxia. The survival rate was 100%. Infections can incite DKA/HHS; yet, COVID-19 may have factors that amplify this process, in the setting of pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction from the virus itself. This may contribute to why diabetic patients have a ten times higher risk of death if they develop COVID-19. This virus binds to ACE2 receptors in the pancreas and damages the islets, ultimately decreasing insulin release. Here, we introduce cases of DKA/HHS in the setting of COVID-19, to understand the relationship between how COVID-19 infections may exacerbate diabetic complications.

A Deadly Case of Dehydration: Organic Acidemias in the Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND: Organic acidemias are rare genetic mutations, most commonly identified in the newborn period. Late-onset presentations present a diagnostic conundrum. Early identification and appropriate management can be lifesaving. CASE REPORT: We describe the case of a 3-year-old boy who presented to urgent care with 2 days of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea followed by respiratory distress, shock, and encephalopathy. Brisk recognition of his shock state led to an urgent transfer to a tertiary care pediatric emergency department by air where his shock was treated and hyperammonemia was uncovered, leading to the diagnosis of late-onset propionic acidemia, which was subsequently managed with a good outcome. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Late-onset presentations of inborn errors of metabolism, including organic acidemias, represent one of the most challenging pediatric cases an emergency physician can encounter. This case reviews the management and diagnosis of a late-onset inborn error of metabolism and emphasizes how prompt diagnosis and treatment can lead to a favorable outcome.

Repeated COVID-19 infection in recipients of post-living donor liver transplantation: Two real-life cases

COVID-19 is an emerging pandemic. The course and management of the disease in the liver transplant setting may be difficult due to a long-standing immunosuppressive state. In Egypt, the only available option is living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). In our centre, we have transplanted 440 livers since 2008. In this study, we report a single-centre experience with COVID-19 infection in long-term liver transplant recipients. A total of 25 recipients (5.7 %) had COVID-19 infections since March 2020. Among these recipients, two developed COVID-19 infections twice, approximately three and two months apart, respectively.Copyright © 2021 The Author(s)

Sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma accompanied by elevated serum beta-HCG: Two case reports

Sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma is a rare and aggressive variant. Serum beta-hCG levels are used as a tumor marker in gestational trophoblastic diseases and germ cell tumors, but may also be elevated in high-grade bladder cancers. Here, we report two urothelial carcinoma cases with sarcomatoid differentiation that relapsed early after surgery with elevated serum beta-hCG levels. The first case was a 65-year-old female and the second case was a 67-year-old man with sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma located in the ureter and renal pelvicalyceal system, both of them relapsed with elevated beta-hCG serum level to 146.8 mIU/ mL and 242 mIU/mL, respectively. They died a few months after initial diagnosis;4.9 and 2.5 months respectively. Both sarcomatoid variant and beta-hCG expression were associated with poor prognosis and advanced stage. However, beta-hCG is not used as a tumor marker in urinary tract cancers yet, and its relationship with variant pathologies has not been clarified. We need multi-centered studies to reveal this relationship.Copyright © 2023, Derman Medical Publishing. All rights reserved.

Hypernatremia in Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A Rare Metabolic Derangement Requiring a Cautionary Approach in Fluid Resuscitation.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) with hypernatremia is an atypical metabolic derangement that warrants additional consideration in choosing IV fluids. Our patient, a middle-aged male with a history of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus type 2 and hypertension, presented with DKA and hypernatremia in the setting of poor intake, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), and COVID-19. DKA and hypernatremia led to a meticulous approach to fluid resuscitation, where a crystalloid solution was the choice in treating and preventing exacerbation of either condition. Successful treatment of these conditions requires understanding the unique pathophysiology, which demands further research on management.

Hypofibrinogenemia in a Patient with Cardiogenic Shock, Left Ventricular (Lv) Thrombus, Covid-19, and Severe Liver Injury: A Case Report of Complex Decision Making in the Setting of Multiorgan Failure with Unclear Causality

Background We present a case of a young male with new severe cardiomyopathy requiring critical care within 24 hours. Case A Latino male with alcoholism was admitted for COVID and severe liver injury due to alcohol-induced hepatitis. Within hours, he developed hypoxia, worsening metabolic acidosis with undetectable bicarbonate level and partial respiratory compensation, coagulopathy, acute kidney injury, right lower lobe infiltrates without pulmonary embolism. Reduced ejection fraction heart failure at 15-20% with a large left ventricle apical thrombus was also found. Worsening signs of cariogenic shock despite sustaining normal blood pressure was identified on a physical exam. The patient was transferred to ICU with confirmation of cardiogenic shock with right ventricular failure with Swan-Ganz Catheter. With Concern for impending fulminant liver failure, transfer to a tertiary care center for emergent liver transplant was initiated. Decision-making The dichotomy of requirement for anti-coagulation for LV thrombus with cardiogenic shock and worsening coagulopathy due to liver failure was a challenge. Decision was made to transfuse blood products as needed with goal fibrinogen of 150 mg/dl, later changed to 100-120 mg/dl with heparin. Liver enzymes were down-trending, but it was difficult to determine if this was due to recovery or worsening of liver failure with stabilization of hemodynamics. While awaiting transfer, he developed acute cerebrovascular accident requiring emergent mechanical thrombectomy of a left MCA occlusion with suspension of heparin complicated by acute large intraventricular and intraparenchymal hemorrhage with rapid decline in neurological function. The family declined decompressive craniotomy with evacuation of parenchymal hemorrhage and the patient was transitioned to comfort care measures. Conclusion There are no clear guidelines for transfusion of plasma-based blood products in the setting of cardiogenic shock and liver disease. Expert opinion recommends maintaining fibrinogen levels above 100-200 mg/dl, however, this is in the setting of acute blood loss and is not studied in patients with liver disease. Further studies are needed.Copyright © 2023 American College of Cardiology Foundation

Another Cause of DKA in T2DM in COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: 47-year Emirati female, has history of T2DM since age of 39. Her overall diabetes poorly controlled with HbA1C of 8.6% (69 mmol/mol IFCC) on Empagliflozin 10 mg OD over the last 2 years well tolerated. NO micro- or macrovascular complications of her diabetes. No other significant medical history apart from hypertension she is taking Amlodipine 10 mg OD for it with good control. She has presented twice to the hospital 24 hours apart. 1st Visit to ER in our Hospital with fever epigastric pain discharged on Ciprofloxacin suspected gastroenteritis with PPI and sent home. Approximately, 24 hours later she presented again with same symptoms namely fever and epigastric pain but this time associated with diarrhea and nausea for last 20 hours. There was no shortness of Breath or cough. This time she has been admitted to isolating room giving suspicion of COVID-19. Vital signs as following: Temp 38.5 HR 105, BP 135/65 mmHg O2 Sats 96%. on RA. On examination, she was conscious, oriented to time place person. No signs of dehydration. abdomen soft non tender, Chest good air entry no added sound. Hear S1-S2 no murmurs. HRCT has been done at ER. HRCT shows wide spread area of multifocal ground glass opacification are seen in both lungs most of them shows peripheral sub-pleural distribution Around small size consolidation are seen within the ground glass opacification, CT findings are in favour of possibility of COVID-19. Result(s): Blood test as following On admission, FBC was normal, with Hb 13.2, WBC 8.0, Plt 388 cellX 10/ul, U/Es: S.NA 132, s.K 4.2 mmo/l, s. Creatinine normal (58 umol/L -NR 49-90 umol/L) LFTs, Amylase and lipase normal, LDH mild elevation 304 U/L (NR 81-234), Very low Phosphate 03 mmol/L (NR 0.87-1.45), D-Dimer 0.6 mg/L (NR 0.0- 0.5), Corrected Calcium normal, S. Ferritin was 242 ug/L (NR 8.00- 388.00 ug/L), Urinalysis Protein =1 and 4+ ketones, CRP was normal 1 mg/dl ( increased to 214 mg/ l 3rd day) before it goes done 41 mg/L on 7th day of admission. Giving the pandemic of COVID 19 and according to MOHAP Criteria for presenting symptoms. This lady underwent HRCT and COVID19 test by Nasal Swab. Meanwhile, Her Venous Blood gas shows sever metabolic acidosis pH 7.107, PCO2 12.90, PCO2 69.10 On RA, BC 8.9, BE -25.5. Blood sugar 13.2 mmol/L with Urinary Ketones of 4+. Patient has put on DKA Protocol according to our Hospital DKA protocol in addition Stopped her SGLT2 and start on Lantus as a basal. She has put on Scale C (which is the higher scale with infusion about 10 units per hour, for about 96 hours (i.e. 4 days till the blood sugar back to normal for Ketones to disappear, her acidosis didn't improve 1st 24 hours till we give her 1.26% of 500 ml of Sodium Bicarbonate over 6 hours. COVID 19 Test back after 72 hours with positive results. Once out of DKA Diabetes team has stopped her Lantus a stared-on Humalog mix 50% 25 unit TDS. Meanwhile, she has received the following medications waiting for COVID 19 test. Treated with Favipiravir 1600 mg BD for 1 day and 600 mg BD, Start Tazocin 4.5 (stopped after 3 days) Metronidazole, and with prophylactic dose of Clexane. The Hydroxychloroquine hasn't started as Prolong QTC has been notice). Discussion(s): This patient presentation with DKA is another example how COVID- 19 could be a reason for DKA, though SGLT2 could be another cause of her presentation, however the huge insulin requirement and unusual prolong DKA status even with sever acidosis is making COVID-19 more likely causing her presentation It. Conclusion(s): We report this case to highlight the fact DKA - and in fact sever resistant DKA need prolong treatment can happen to Patient with T2DM and COVID 19 positive, and special attention to be paid (with early referral to the diabetes team) if the patient already on SGLT2. And we recommend that to have low threshold to start investigation and treatment as early as possible, regardless the type of Diabetes these patient might have.

Acid-base imbalance as a risk factor for mortality among COVID-19 hospitalized patients.

Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection can lead to extensive lung infiltrate, a significant increase in the respiratory rate, and respiratory failure, which can affect the acid-base balance. No research in the Middle East has previously examined acid-base imbalance in COVID-19 patients. The present study aimed to describe the acid-base imbalance in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, determine its causes, and assess its impact on mortality in a Jordanian hospital. The study divided patients into 11 groups based on arterial blood gas data. Patients in normal group were defined as having a pH of 7.35-7.45, PaCO2 of 35-45 mmHg, and HCO3- of 21-27 mEq/L. Other patients were divided into 10 additional groups: mixed acidosis and alkalosis, respiratory and metabolic acidosis with or without compensation, and respiratory and metabolic alkalosis with or without compensation. This is the first study to categorize patients in this way. The results showed that acid-base imbalance was a significant risk factor for mortality (P<0.0001). Mixed acidosis nearly quadruples the risk of death when compared with those with normal levels (OR = 3.61, P=0.05). Furthermore, the risk of death was twice as high (OR = 2) for metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation (P=0.002), respiratory alkalosis with metabolic compensation (P=0.002), or respiratory acidosis with no compensation (P=0.002). In conclusion, acid-base abnormalities, particularly mixed metabolic and respiratory acidosis, were associated with increased mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Clinicians should be aware of the significance of these abnormalities and address their underlying causes.

A Case Report of Nearly Missed Renal Tubular Acidosis in the Setting of Sjögren's Syndrome.

The association of renal tubular acidosis (RTA) and Sjögren's syndrome (SS) has been well-documented in the literature previously but is often undiagnosed in clinical practice. In this case report, we present a case of a woman with distal RTA who presented with nausea, vomiting, and confusion. The case shows the diagnostic value of urine studies when evaluating a patient who has exaggerated and unexplained electrolyte losses and how this will change management. Recognizing the extra glandular manifestations of patients with SS is important for patient care to prevent delays in care and treatment.

Diverse Presentation of Mucormycosis: A Post COVID Catastrophe - A Case Series

The corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19) produced by SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in a wide spectrum of illness ranging from mild to life-threatening conditions thus enhancing the incidence of opportunistic infections among individuals harbouring comorbidities. Mucormycosis is a dreadful angio-invasive opportunistic infection produced by zygomycetes fungus in an immunocompromised host. The clinical manifestations of mucormycosis include rhino-orbital-cerebral (ROC), pulmonary, cutaneous, gastrointestinal, with ROC accounting for around 40% of cases. Diabetes, neutropenia, iron overload, cancer, and organ transplant are all major culprits. Both Aspergillus and Candida have been identified as the primary fungal pathogens causing co-infection in COVID-19 preyed individuals. The most predominant variety, Rhizopus Oryzae, is responsible for roughly 60% of mucormycosis infections in humans, as well as 90% of the Rhino-orbital-cerebral (ROCM) variant. Mucormycosis is the most widespread ailment in India. Until lately, India was declared to be the world's diabetes capital, with the second-largest number of people suffering from diabetes mellitus (DM). Diabetes has been recognised as the most common predictive marker for mucormycosis which explains the dramatic rise in Mucor cases in India lately particularly during second wave of COVID-19. The inflammatory onslaught caused by COVID 19 has debilitated patients' immune systems, making individuals vulnerable to mucormycosis outbreaks. The possible explanation that Mucorales spores appear to be expediting germination in people with COVID-19 is due to the perfect scenario of oxygen deprivation (hypoxia), hyperglycemia (steroid-induced), acidic form of media (metabolic acidosis, diabetic ketoacidosis), increased iron levels (elevated ferritin), and significantly reduced phagocytic activity of white blood cells (WBC) due to immunosuppression (SARS-CoV-2 or steroid mediated or associated comorbidities). Copyright © 2022 International Medical Sciences Academy. All rights reserved.

Clinical Dilemma of Diabetic Ketoacidosis and COVID-19 Infection

The COVID-19 Pneumonia with diabetic ketoacidosis is a dreadful health condition. Diabetic ketoacidosis is one of the severe metabolic complications and it can be precipitated by infection. We presented a case of 48 years female with no known comorbidities who presented with COVID-19 symptoms and with Diabetic Ketoacidosis. The case presented with elevated inflammatory markers, high anion gap metabolic acidosis with type I respiratory failure. During admission, the oxygen saturation had marked drop, later her improvement was steady followed by gradual tapering of the oxygenation. Marked improvement was noticed in the subsequent follow-up. COVID-19 infection can be precipitated by preexisting diabetes or newly diagnosed diabetes and the severity of COVID-19 infection is more pronounced in patients with diabetes mellitus, thus should be managed timely and accordingly. The scarce studies among the COVID-19 cases with diabetic ketoacidosis reflect the need for further studies for the availability of a wider range of information. Copyright © 2021, Kathmandu University. All rights reserved.

Not all shortness of breath and throat pain is COVID

Case Report: A previously, healthy 18-year-old female presents to a Pediatric Emergency Medicine Department with shortness of breath, fever, and worsening throat and abdominal pain for 3 days. She had a sick contact, a teacher that tested positive for COVID-19 2 weeks prior to presentation. She denies runny/stuffy nose, cough, loss of taste/smell, or rashes/lesions. She denies any significant past medical history including allergies, as well as any history of smoking or any illicit drug use. Upon arrival to the ED, the patient was noted to be tachycardic, hypotensive and febrile. There were no desaturations. Initial physical examination revealed a generally uncomfortable female that was alert and oriented, with noted tenderness over the right anterior neck region, diffuse cervical lymphadenopathy, and painful neck range of motion. Her pharynx was noted to be erythematous without exudates or any unilateral tonsillar swelling. In the ED patient received IV fluid resuscitation and was started on norepinephrine drip, broad spectrum antibiotics. Initial lab workup revealed an anion gap metabolic acidosis, likely secondary to uremia or lactic acidosis from poor perfusion in setting of sepsis and hypovolemia. BUN and creatinine were elevated, likely due to an acute kidney injury (AKI) secondary to hypovolemia. The patient was also found to have an elevated LDH, fibrinogen, and mild elevation of AST. D-Dimer was elevated at 29 000. Covid PCR, Rapid Strep, and respiratory PCR panel were negative. Her chest X-ray (CXR) was negative and ECG showed sinus tachycardia. Given the patient's history of throat and neck pain with shortness of breath, in the setting of a septic picture, a CT scan of neck, chest, abdomen was ordered prior to transferring the patient to the PICU. CT scan of the chest revealed small patches of consolidation with ground glass opacities in the right lung apex, as well as an nearly occlusive, acute thrombosis of the anterior right facial vein. The patient's initial blood cultures grew gram negative bacilli which later were revealed to be Fusobacterium necrophorum. These findings are consistent with Lemierre's syndrome. The patient was treated in the PICU on vasopressors, heparin anticoagulation, and antibiotics for 6 days and discharged with a course of Augmentin. Lemierre's syndrome is an infectious thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein. First described by Andre Lemierre in 1936, it begins as a bacterial pharyngitis, generally developing into a peritonsillar abscess or other deep space neck infection with progressive erosion into the internal jugular vein. Diagnostic criteria for Lemierre's syndrome includes radiographically evidence of thrombophlebitis of the internal vein and positive blood cultures. CT and MRI can help make the diagnosis, but are not always required. Treatment is prompt intravenous antibiotics with beta-lactamase penicillins, metronidazole, clindamycin, and third generation cephalosporins. [Figure presented] Copyright © 2023 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation.

Negative alactic base excess is reversed by hemoperfusion in septic patients

Introduction: Gattinoni et al. have recently introduced a new parameter: the "alactic base excess"(ABE). ABE is equivalent to the number of strong acids, other than lactate, which are present in the plasma in abnormal concentrations, negative ABE being associated with higher mortality in sepsis. Hemoperfusion (HPF) is an extracorporeal procedure that involves the passage of blood through an adsorption cartridge, where solutes are removed by direct binding to the sorbent material. Then, it was decided to explore the influence of HPF on negative ABE value in sepsis. Material(s) and Method(s): Basal values of ABE, standard base excess (SBE), and lactate (mean, standard deviation [SD]) were obtained. The difference between these parameter values before and after four sessions of HPF (HA330) (delta value) was evaluated. Student's t-test and Wilcoxon test were applied. Result(s): From 32 patients (age: 57+/-13) suffering from respiratory insufficiency secondary to COVID-19 who were treated with HPF in the critical care unit of Clinica de la Mujer, Bogota (Colombia), 6 patients presented with metabolic acidosis with negative ABE value (-2.7+/-1) with negative SBE (-4.7+/-1) and high lactate serum value (2+/-0.7 mmol/L). Delta ABE, SBE, and lactate were: 7.7 (p = 0.005), 6.1 (p = 0.003), and 1.6 (p = NS), respectively. Thus, negative ABE was significantly reversed by HPF, since SBE value turned positive without significant change in lactate. Conclusion(s): Negative alactic parameter was significantly reversed by HPF in septic patients. It is necessary to carry out evaluations in larger groups to estimate their impact on clinical outcomes. Copyright © 2022 The Authors.

Community-acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Pneumonia and Parapneumonic Effusion in a Male Patient with Diabetes: A Case Report

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are a primary health concern. They are commonly differentiated as hospital-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (HA-MRSA) and community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections, based on their epidemiology, susceptibility findings, and molecular typing patterns. Therefore, appropriate contact precautions and isolation measures should be implemented. CA-MRSA mostly causes skin and soft-tissue infections, but the probability and incidence of it causing sepsis and invasive infections have increased dramatically in recent years. In this study, we report a case of CA-MRSA pneumonia with pan-pneumonic effusion in a 59-year-old male diabetic patient with preexisting comorbidities such as diabetic ketoacidosis and non-ST elevated myocardial infarction. The early reporting of the organism's identity and its antimicrobial susceptibility, as well as timely initiation of antibiotic therapy, aided in the successful management and cure of the patient.

Associated risk factors for post-COVID-19 mucormycosis at a tertiary care centre: A cross-sectional study

Objective: To explore risk factors of mucormycosis in COVID-19 recovered patients. Methods: A total of 101 patients, who were diagnosed with mucormycosis after recovery from COVID-19 and admitted to the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, a tertiary care hospital in India, were included in the study. The presenting clinical features and associated risk factors were assessed and analyzed subsequently. Results: Of 101, 68 (67.3%) were males, and 33 (32.7%) were females. A total of 89 (88.1%) patients were between 46 and 65 years old. The most common subtypes were rhino-ocular (61.4%), followed by paranasal sinuses (16.8%), rhino-ocular cerebral (16.8%), ocular (3.0%), and pulmonary (2.0%). Diabetes mellitus was present in 71% of cases of mucormycosis as co-morbidities. A total of 76.2% of patients were given systemic corticosteroids in oral or intravenous form during COVID-19 treatment. Severe COVID-19 was present in 45.5% of patients with mucormycosis, while the moderate infection was present in 35.6% of mucormycosis. Most patients had gap between the onset of mucormycosis and COVID-19 <15 d. Conclusions: A lethal confluence of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, corticosteroid usage, and COVID-19 could cause a dramatic rise in mucormycosis. So, clinicians must be aware of these risk factors in patients suffering as well as recovering from COVID-19 to prevent mucormycosis.