Palforzia for Peanut Allergy: A Narrative Review and Update on a Novel Immunotherapy.

With Palforzia appearing as the first oral immunotherapy for patients with peanut allergy, the present investigation aims to summarize recent clinical trials, the mechanism of dosing, and the real-world usage of this novel therapy. Palforzia offers a new avenue for treating the human allergic response in previous immune modulation refractory patients or patients who have undergone immune environment sensitivity testing, which allows for more specialized treatment. Current studies are focusing on certain age groups that have been shown to be more receptive to treatment. Further, studies are tailoring oral immunotherapy treatment alongside other immune modulators to elicit greater targeted immune tolerance. With an increasing prevalence of patient allergies, many questions remain surrounding the optimization of therapies in reaching therapeutic goals. Overall, Palforzia offers a hopeful treatment for peanut-allergic patients to attenuate their immune response while furthering research in related therapies.

Pulmonary Embolism and Cardiac Tamponade in Critical Care Patients with COVID-19; Telemedicine's Role in Developing Countries: Case Reports and Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, two cases that demonstrate the importance of bedside echocardiography and hands-off telemedicine technology for diagnosis and intervention in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are discussed. CASE PRESENTATION: We report two cases of cardiac emergency associated with COVID-19. Case 1 is a 50-year-old female patient with chronic hypertension and chronic renal failure. Case 2 is a 64-year-old female with atrial fibrillation and recent stroke. Both were admitted to an isolation intensive care unit that was designated specifically to patients with COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: During admission, both patients had sudden deterioration characterized by oxygen desaturation and hypotension necessitating inotropic support. As a result, for both patients, bedside echocardiography was performed by the attending intensivist. Echocardiographic findings showed cardiac tamponade and acute pulmonary embolism, respectively, which were confirmed by a cardiologist through telemedicine technology. Proper emergency management was initiated, and both patients recovered well. Limited bedside transthoracic echocardiography had a front-line impact on the treatment and outcome of the two patients with COVID-19. By implementing telemedicine technology, the lives of two patients were saved, demonstrating the significance of telemedicine in isolation intensive care units in the developing countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Related Acro-Ischemic Neuropathic-like Painful Lesions in Pediatric Patients: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: A variety of skin manifestations have been associated with COVID-19 infection. Acral lesions on hands and feet, closely resembling chilblains, have been reported in association with COVID-19, which are nonspecific. These acro-ischemic painful lesions have been described mainly in asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic pediatric COVID-19 positive patients, without a precise pathogenetic mechanism. COVID-19-induced chilblains may portend an indolent course and a good outcome. In young patients, the IFN-1 response induces microangiopathic changes and produces a chilblain lupus erythematosus-like eruption with vasculitic neuropathic pain features. OBJECTIVES: This paper presented a case series of pediatric patients with COVID-19-related skin lesions and neuropathic-like pain. METHODS: Clinical outcomes were collected from 11 patients diagnosed with painful erythematous skin lesions with neuropathic-like pain and positive IgG for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). RESULTS: It is a mildly symptomatic condition not related to severe pain rates, and it is treated with paracetamol due to the transitory nature of the problem, which provides good results. CONCLUSIONS: A particular point of interest is skin lesion manifestation as a further indirect sign of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Due to the initial manifestation of chilblains in pauci-symptomatic pediatric patients, they need to be immediately tested and isolated. Chilblains can be considered a clinical clue to suspect SARS-CoV-2 infection and help in early diagnosis, patient triage, and infection control.

Factors for Timely Identification of Possible Occurrence of Delirium in Palliative Care: A Prospective Observational Study.

Delirium occurs in 50-80% of end-of-life patients but is often misdiagnosed. Identification of clinical factors potentially associated with delirium onset can lead to a correct early diagnosis. To this aim, we conducted a prospective cohort study on patients from an Italian palliative care unit (PCU) admitted in 2018-2019. We evaluated the presence of several clinical factors at patient admission and compared their presence in patients who developed delirium and in those who did not develop it during follow-up. Among 503 enrolled patients, after a median follow-up time of 16 days (interquartile range 6-40 days), 95 (18.9%) developed delirium. Hazard ratios (HR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were computed using Cox proportional hazard models. In univariate analyses, factors significantly more frequent in patients with delirium were care in hospice, compromised performance status, kidney disease, fever, renal failure, hypoxia, dehydration, drowsiness, poor well-being, breathlessness, and "around the clock" therapy with psychoactive drugs, particularly haloperidol. In multivariate analyses, setting of care (HR 2.28 for hospice versus home care, 95% CI 1.45-3.60; p < 0.001), presence of breathlessness (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.03-2.83, p = 0.037), and administration of psychoactive drugs, particularly haloperidol (HR 2.17 for haloperidol, 95% CI 1.11-4.22 and 1.53 for other drugs, 95% CI 0.94-2.48; p = 0.048) were significantly associated with the risk of developing delirium. The study indicates that some clinical factors are associated with the probability of delirium onset. Their evaluation in PC patients could help healthcare professionals to identify the development of delirium in those patients in a timely manner.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition often involving hyperalgesia and allodynia of the extremities. CRPS is divided into CRPS-I and CRPS-II. Type I occurs when there is no confirmed nerve injury. Type II is when there is known associated nerve injury. Female gender is a risk factor for developing CRPS. Other risk factors include fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Unfortunately, the pathogenesis of CRPS is not yet clarified. Some studies have demonstrated different potential pathways. Neuropathic inflammation, specifically activation of peripheral nociceptors of C-fibers, has been shown to play a critical role in developing CRPS. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is involved. Depending on whether it is acute or chronic CRPS, norepinephrine levels are either decreased or increased, respectively. Some studies have suggested the importance of genetics in developing CRPS. More consideration is being given to the role of psychological factors. Some association between a history of depression and/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the diagnosis of CRPS has been demonstrated. Treatment modalities available range from physical therapy, pharmacotherapy, and interventional techniques. Physical and occupational therapies include mirror therapy and graded motor imagery. Medical management with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has not shown significant improvement. There have been supporting findings in the use of short-course steroids, bisphosphonates, gabapentin, and ketamine. Antioxidant treatment has also shown some promise. Other pharmacotherapies include low-dose naltrexone and Botulinum toxin A (BTX-A). Sympathetic blocks are routinely used, even if their short- and long-term effects are not clear. Finally, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been used for decades. In conclusion, CRPS is a multifactorial condition that still requires further studying to better understand its pathogenesis, epidemiology, genetic involvement, psychological implications, and treatment options. Future studies are warranted to better understand this syndrome. This will provide an opportunity for better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CRPS.

Neuromodulation for Pain Management in the Inpatient Setting: A Narrative Review.

Pain is highly prevalent and pharmacological therapy is not always efficacious. There are a few pathophysiological reasons to believe that neuromodulation would increase the rate of success of pain management. This review article is focused on that aspect, discussing non-invasive or minimally invasive neuromodulation techniques in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. This article provides an in-depth discussion of the multiple neuromodulation techniques available over time to be suitable and effective when used as analgesic therapies for chronic pain. We reviewed the literature and discussed all available neuromodulation options that were tested in the inpatient and outpatient setting. Neuromodulation plays a very important role in treating chronic pain in both inpatient and outpatient setting.

Anesthetic Considerations for Cesarean Delivery After Uterine Transplant.

Infertility has many etiologies and can have devastating consequences for young couples attempting to bring children into the world. Uterine factor for infertility is related to either uterine agenesis (Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser [MRKH] syndrome), unexpected hysterectomy, or presence of a nonfunctioning uterus. In this review, a patient with MRKH syndrome underwent donor uterus transplantation at the Cleveland Clinic, conceived, and delivered the first healthy baby in the United States and the second worldwide. Additionally, we review the pertinent literature on anesthesia problems. Donor-related uterine transplant is a recent medical innovation requiring multidisciplinary expertise. In patients who deliver successfully, according to the current literature, the transplanted uterus can be used for one more pregnancy only if the mother so desires, otherwise cesarean hysterectomy (C-Hyst) should be performed. In the observed case, C-Hyst was performed because the patient developed placenta accreta and the couple desired no further pregnancy. In summary, with our limited data, careful management of these patients is required to ensure the best outcome for the mother and the newborn fetus.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Narrative Review.

Thoracic outlet syndrome comprises a group of disorders that result in compression of the brachial plexus and subclavian vessels exiting the thoracic outlet. Symptoms include pain, paresthesia, pallor, and weakness depending upon the compromised structures. While consensus in diagnostic criteria has not yet been established, a thorough patient history, physical exam, and appropriate imaging studies are helpful in diagnosis. General first-line therapy for thoracic outlet syndrome is a conservative treatment, and may include physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, NSAIDs, and injection therapy of botulinum toxin A or steroids. Patients who have failed conservative therapy are considered for surgical decompression. This article aims to review the epidemiology, etiology, relevant anatomy, clinical presentations, diagnosis, and management of thoracic outlet syndrome.

Influence of Physical Activity on Pain, Depression and Quality of Life of Patients in Palliative Care: A Proof-of-Concept Study.

INTRODUCTION: Palliative care not only focuses on physical ailments associated with the disease, but also considers the psychological, social and spiritual needs of the patients. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of physical activity on palliative care patients, with special regard to the subjective assessment of severity of total pain and quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 92 palliative care patients either in a hospice or at home. The tool used to assess the patients was an original questionnaire focusing on the area of their independence and motor abilities. The study attempted to understand whether an appropriate physical activity and the instruction of palliative care patients and their families in the field of independence would improve the quality of life and reduce the intensity of total pain in the patients. RESULTS: All of the patients were at an advanced stage of cancer. The survey at time "0", conducted before the start of the instructions for patients and their relatives, showed that a majority of patients (47, 51.09%) often experienced limitations during the performance of daily activities. In the fourth visit, conducted one week after the fourth educational session, there was a significant increase in patients who did not experience any limitations in performing their daily activities or experienced them just sometimes. CONCLUSIONS: The ultimate effect of the proposed educational program on physical activity was an increase in the quality of life, a reduction in pain and a mood improvement. These results would need confirmation with more extensive studies.

Balneotherapy for Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: The efficiency of balneotherapy (BT) for fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) remains elusive. (2) Methods: Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, Clinicaltrials.gov, and PsycINFO were searched from inception to 31 May 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with at least one indicator were included, i.e., pain, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Tender Points Count (TPC), and Beck's Depression Index (BDI). The outcome was reported as a standardized mean difference (SMD), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and I2 for heterogeneity at three observational time points. GRADE was used to evaluate the strength of evidence. (3) Results: Amongst 884 citations, 11 RCTs were included (n = 672). Various BT regimens were reported (water types, duration, temperature, and ingredients). BT can benefit FMS with statistically significant improvement at different time points (pain of two weeks, three and six months: SMD = -0.92, -0.45, -0.70; 95% CI (-1.31 to -0.53, -0.73 to -0.16, -1.34 to -0.05); I2 = 54%, 51%, 87%; GRADE: very low, moderate, low; FIQ: SMD = -1.04, -0.64, -0.94; 95% CI (-1.51 to -0.57, -0.95 to -0.33, -1.55 to -0.34); I2 = 76%, 62%, 85%; GRADE: low, low, very low; TPC at two weeks and three months: SMD = -0.94, -0.47; 95% CI (-1.69 to -0.18, -0.71 to -0.22); I2 = 81%, 0; GRADE: very low, moderate; BDI at six months: SMD = -0.45; 95% CI (-0.73 to -0.17); I2 = 0; GRADE: moderate). There was no statistically significant effect for the TPC and BDI at the remaining time points (TPC at six months: SMD = -0.89; 95% CI (-1.85 to 0.07); I2 = 91%; GRADE: very low; BDI at two weeks and three months: SMD = -0.35, -0.23; 95% CI (-0.73 to 0.04, -0.64 to 0.17); I2 = 24%, 60%; GRADE: moderate, low). (4) Conclusions: Very low to moderate evidence indicates that BT can benefit FMS in pain and quality-of-life improvement, whereas tenderness and depression improvement varies at time phases. Established BT regimens with a large sample size and longer observation are needed.

The assessment of the kinematics of the rescuer in continuous chest compression during a 10-min simulation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

BACKGROUND: In pursuit of improvement in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), new technologies for the measurement and assessment of CPR quality are implemented. In our study, we assessed the kinematics of the rescuer during continuous chest compression (CCC-CPR). The proper performance of the procedure is a survival predictor for patients with cardiac arrest (CA). The purpose of the study was a prospective assessment of the kinematics of the rescuer's body with consideration given to the depth and rate of chest compression (CC) as the indicator of properly performed CC maneuver by professional and non-professional rescuers during a simulation of a 10-min CCC using a manikin. METHODS: Forty participants were enrolled in the study. CCC-CPR was performed in accordance with the 2015 AHA guidelines on a manikin positioned on the floor. Kinematic data on the movement were obtained from the measuring system (X-sens MVN Biomech) transmitting information from 17 inertial sensors. Measurement data were imported to the author's program RKO-Kinemat written in the Matlab and C # environments. Two groups of results were distinguished: Group I-results of CC with the depth of ≥ 40 mm and Group 2-CC results with the depth of < 40 mm. RESULTS: The multiple regression model demonstrated that the path length, left knee flexion angle, and left elbow flexion angle were the essential elements of the rescuer's kinematics that facilitated achieving and maintaining the normal depth of CC. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that raising the rescuer's hips by moving the center of the rescuer's body over the point of sternal compression increases the value of the CC force vector, thereby increasing the depth of CC. In addition, we observed that, during an effective CC, the rescuer was unable to maintain arms straight and, in consequence, a slight elbow flexion was observed. It, however, did not influence the quality of the maneuver.

[Diagnostic difficulties in rare causes of gastrointestinal bleeding]. / Trudnosci diagnostyczne w rzadkich przyczynach krwawienia z przewodu pokarmowego.

Peptic and duodenal ulcer and haemorrhagic gastritis are the most common causes of gastrointestinal bleeding. Pathologic changes of the small intestine are rare and difficult to diagnose. The aim of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic strategy regarding patients with gastrointestinal bleeding of obscure origin. From 1996 to 1999, 626 patients were treated for gastrointestinal bleeding. There were difficulties in finding the source of bleeding in three out of 626 patients. Endoscopy of the upper and the lower gastrointestinal tract, hydrosonography of the large intestine and gastrointestinal passage were performed in these three patients. The site of bleeding was not determined after the above mentioned medical examinations. Three patients underwent exploratory laparotomy, and two of them also intraoperative endoscopy of the small intestine. One patient had tumor of the small intestine, and pathologic examination revealed leiomyoma. One patient had Meckel's diverticulum with presence of ectopic gastric mucosa diagnosed. One patient had inflammatory infiltration in the distal ileum. The presence of chronic, non-specific inflammation was proved by histologic examination. In case of patients for whom it was difficult to determine the source of gastrointestinal bleeding the very reason for such a bleeding is often found in the small intestine. It frequently happens that laparotomy and intraoperative endoscopy of the small intestine allows making the diagnosis.

[Evaluation of the knowledge of teachers and high school students in Silesia on the principles of first aid]. / Ocena stanu wiedzy nauczycieli i uczniów szkól srednich województwa Slaskiego na temat zasad udzielania pierwszej pomocy.

Bystander CPR in first minutes after cardiac arrest appears to be a crucial component of the chain of survival. Failure of the circulation for 5-6 minutes will lead to irreversible cerebral damage and death. The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of knowledge about first aid among Polish society on the example of secondary school students and teachers. The study was conducted on students and teachers from Silesian voivodeship from November 2001 to March 2002. The study was based on a sample of 227 secondary school students (34 males and 193 females) and 79 secondary school teachers (28 males and 51 females). The anonymous survey evaluating the level of first aid knowledge was carried out. It consisted of general and particular part. 7 of surveyed students achieved an excellent result, 57 a good result and 163 represented inadequate level of knowledge. None of surveyed teachers achieved an excellent result, 11 achieved a good result and 63 represented inadequate level of knowledge. Higher level of knowledge was presented by those with a driving licence. The knowledge of secondary school students and teachers appears to be insufficient to perform basic life support. Education programs in secondary school should be initiated in terms of extending social safety.