Tocilizumab treatment in severe COVID-19: a multicenter retrospective study with matched controls.

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) associated pneumonia may progress into acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Some patients develop features of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). Elevated levels of IL-6 were reported to be associated with severe disease, and anti-IL-6R tocilizumab has been shown to be effective in some patients. This retrospective multicenter case-control study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of tocilizumab in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, who received standard of care with or without tocilizumab. Primary outcome was the progression to intubation or death. PSMATCH (SAS) procedure was used to achieve exact propensity score (PS) matching. Data from 1289 patients were collected, and study population was reduced to 1073 based on inclusion-exclusion criteria. The composite outcome was observed more frequently in tocilizumab-users, but there was a significant imbalance between arms in all critical parameters. Primary analyses were carried out in 348 patients (174 in each arm) after exact PS matching according to gender, ferritin, and procalcitonin. Logistic regression models revealed that tocilizumab significantly reduced the intubation or death (OR 0.40, p = 0.0017). When intubation is considered alone, tocilizumab-users had > 60% reduction in odds of intubation. Multiple imputation approach, which increased the size of the matched patients up to 506, provided no significant difference between arms despite a similar trend for intubation alone group. Analysis of this retrospective cohort showed more frequent intubation or death in tocilizumab-users, but PS-matched analyses revealed significant results for supporting tocilizumab use overall in a subset of patients matched according to gender, ferritin and procalcitonin levels.

Health care workers' mobile phones: a potential cause of microbial cross-contamination between hospitals and community.

This study evaluated the microbial contamination of health care workers' (HCWs) mobile phones. The study was conducted at a secondary referral hospital in July 2010. Samples were taken from all surfaces of the mobile phones using a sterile swab, and incubated on Brain Heart Infusion agar at 37.5°C for 24 hr. Any isolated microorganisms were grown aerobically on 5% sheep blood agar and eosin methylene-blue agar medium at 37.5°C for 24-48 hr. The Sceptor microdilution system was used to identify the microorganisms, together with conventional methods. The oxacillin disc diffusion test and double-disc synergy test were used to identify methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and expanded-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Gram-negative bacilli, respectively. The mobile phones were also categorized according to whether the HCWs used them in the intensive care unit (ICU). Overall, 183 mobile phones were screened: 94 (51.4%) from nurses, 32 (17.5%) from laboratory workers, and 57 (31.1%) from health care staff. In total, 179 (97.8%) culture-positive specimens were isolated from the 183 mobile phones, including 17 (9.5%) MRSA and 20 (11.2%) ESBL-producing Escherichia coli, which can cause nosocomial infections. No statistical difference was observed in the recovery of MRSA (p = 0.3) and ESBL-producing E. coli (p = 0.6) between the HCW groups. Forty-four (24.6%) of the 179 specimens were isolated from mobile phones of ICU workers, including two MRSA and nine ESBL-producing E. coli. A significant (p = 0.02) difference was detected in the isolation of ESBL-producing E. coli between ICU workers and non-ICU workers. HCWs' mobile phones are potential vectors for transferring nosocomial pathogens between HCWs, patients, and the community.

Primary pituitary abscess case series and a review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: Pituitary abscess is a rare condition, with approximately 300 cases reported in the literature. Primary pituitary abscess, the most common type, occurs in previously healthy normal glands. Secondary pituitary abscess is secondary to pre-existing lesions in the pituitary region, such as pituitary adenoma, Rathke's cleft cysts, or craniopharyngioma and infections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 2281 patients underwent pituitary surgery via endoscopic transsphenoidal approach in Kocaeli University Pituitary Gland Research Center between 1997 and 2018. Among this cohort 9 patients (4 female and 5 male) were diagnosed with primary pituitary abscess based on both intraoperative findings and postoperative histopathological evidence. RESULTS: Primary pituitary abscess incidence was obtained 0.39% in our center. Mean age of the patients was 50 years old. There was no history of pituitary surgery, radiotherapy and infection diseases in our patients. Visual symptoms were prominent in two patients, hypopituitarism was found in 5 out of the 9 patients. All patients have typical pituitary lesion on pituitary magnetic resonance imaging. Staphylococcus species were the most commonly isolated organisms in the culture. A few weeks of antibiotic therapy were administered after surgery. CONCLUSION: Presentation of fever, headache, diabetes insipidus, hypopituitarism and a sellar cystic mass with an enhanced rim after gadolinium contrast on pituitary magnetic resonance imaging may be suggestive of a pituitary abscess. Transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery, proper antibiotics and appropriate hormone replacement therapy when necessary are the keys of pituitary abscess treatment.

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis associated with tigecycline.

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a severe and rare eruption that develops mostly from factors related to drugs. It is characterized by a fever and a pustular eruption on the erythematous skin with an acute onset and without follicular localization. Etiopathogenesis has not yet been fully explained. Although it is similar to pustular psoriasis, its clinical, historical and histopathological characteristics are different. In this article, we present a case of AGEP associated with tigecycline that developed in a patient followed up in the intensive care unit for three months with an intra-abdominal injury after a trauma and Acinetobacter baumannii infection.

Risk factors for occupational brucellosis among veterinary personnel in Turkey.

Veterinarians and veterinary technicians are at risk for occupational brucellosis. We described the risk factors of occupational brucellosis among veterinary personnel in Turkey. A multicenter retrospective survey was performed among veterinary personnel who were actively working in the field. Of 712 veterinary personnel, 84 (11.8%) had occupational brucellosis. The median number of years since graduation was 7 (interquartile ranges [IQR], 4-11) years in the occupational brucellosis group, whereas this number was 9 (IQR, 4-16) years in the non-brucellosis group (p<0.001). In multivariable analysis, working in the private sector (odds ratio [OR], 2.8; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.55-5.28, p=0.001), being male (OR, 4.5; 95% CI, 1.05-18.84, p=0.041), number of performed deliveries (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.002-1.02, p=0.014), and injury during Brucella vaccine administration (OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 3.16-9.3, p<0.001) were found to be risk factors for occupational brucellosis. We suggest that all veterinary personnel should be trained on brucellosis and the importance of using personal protective equipment in order to avoid this infection.

[Loeffler's syndrome mimicking bronchial asthma and pneumonia in a child: case report]. / Çocukluk çaginda astim ve pnömoniyi taklit eden Löffler sendromu: olgu sunumu.

A 14-year-old male child was hospitalized with complaints of a bronchial wheezing, cough, dyspnea, and sputum and a preliminary diagnosis of bronchial asthma and pneumonia. The patient was treated empirically for bronchial asthma and pneumonia, but gave neitherr clinical nor radiological response to treatment. On the high-resolution computerized tomography, a typical spiral image of Ascaris lumbricoides was identified inside a cavity in the upper lobe of the left lung with a diameter of 8x7 cm. Also,migratory pneumonic infiltrations progressing between the lower lobe and hilary region of the left lung were seen. Examination of the peripheral blood smear of the patient revealed eosinophilia (40%), while IgE was measured as 350 IU/mL. The patient was diagnosed as "Loeffler's syndrome" due to A. lumbricoides", and successfully treated with mebendazole 2x100 mg/day for three days. Loeffler's pneumonia should be considered when patients with bronchial asthma and pneumonia do not respond to specific treatment in developing countries. Radiological investigations may be available in the diagnosis of parasitic infections. In this case, early diagnosis by radiologic methods have prevented unnecessary drug use and related complications.

The effects of fever on hormone ghrelins, immunoglobulins, and heat shock protein 70 expression after swine flu vaccinations.

For analyzing the changes in immunoglobulins, HSP70, ghrelin levels in blood samples were collected from volunteers vaccinated against swine flu before the vaccinations and on days 3, and 15, and 1 and 2 months after the vaccination in the presence or absence of fever associated with the it. The study included 11 subjects having developed a fever, and 13 subjects not having a fever, and 20 control subjects. Immunoglobulins were measured by nephelometry, and HSP70 and ghrelins by appropriate ELISA tests. The level of ghrelin was reduced, while the level of HSP70 was significantly increased in subjects who developed fevers. When temperatures were normalized, both levels were found similar to the control group. These results indicate that the increase in serum immunoglobulins levels associated with vaccinations, along with, elevations in HSP70 and reduced ghrelin levels associated with fever, may be the important parameters in the clinical evaluation and follow-up of treatments with vaccines.

[A case of radiologically diagnosed pediatric Fasciola hepatica]. / Radyolojik Olarak Tani Konulan Pediatrik Fasciola hepatica Olgusu.

Fasciola hepatica is a parasitic infection is seen especially in developing countries. A 9-year-old boy with nausea, gastric pain, decreased appetite, and eating complaints was referred to our polyclinic and hospitalized with a prediagnosis of parasitic infection. His physical examination was normal, but anemia and significant eosinophilia were detected in the blood sample. F. hepatica serology was positive in blood, and signs of adult F. hepatica parasites were seen on abdominal ultrasonography. On further examination, F. hepatica signs were seen on abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Triclabendazole was started in a single dose of 10 mg/kg, and the same dose was repeated one month later. Patient completely recovered after triclabendazole treatment. Systemic parasitic infection should be considered among patients with gastric pain, decreased appetite, and pica (especially soil eating). Serologic tests are also beneficial as well as radiologic techniques in the diagnosis of parasitic infections.

The accuracy and validity of a weekly point-prevalence survey for evaluating the trend of hospital-acquired infections in a university hospital in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the validity of a weekly point-prevalence survey (WPS) by comparing it with a prospective-active incidence survey (PIS). METHODS: WPS and PIS were conducted at a tertiary referral hospital between January and December 2006. Each Wednesday, an infection control team reviewed all clinical records of patients with hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) by WPS. Routine PIS was conducted with daily visits by the same team. The Rhame and Sudderth formula was used for converting the data between WPS and PIS. RESULTS: During the study period, 1287 HAIs were detected in 37 466 patients by WPS. The mean observed prevalence and calculated prevalence were 5.42% and 5.45%, respectively. The reanimation intensive care unit (ICU) (49.4%) and burns unit (27.6%) had the highest prevalence rates. Pneumonia (0.94%) and urinary tract infections (0.37%) were the most frequent infections. Overall 602 HAIs were detected in 545 patients by PIS. The mean observed incidence and calculated incidence were 2.42/1000-admissions and 2.41/1000-admissions, respectively. The Critical care ICU (37.0/1000-admissions) and burns unit (24.8/1000-admissions) had the highest incidences of HAI. Pneumonia (0.64/1000-admissions) and urinary tract infections (0.37/1000-admissions) were the most frequent infections. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms a close relationship between prevalence and incidence data. WPS may be a useful method for following HAIs when PIS cannot be performed.

[Primary disseminated pulmonary hydatid cyst manifesting with right-side cardiac failure: case report]. / Sag kalp yetmezligi bulgulari ile basvuran primer yaygin tutulumlu pulmoner kist hidatik: olgu sunumu.

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infection caused by a tapeworm of the genus Echinococcus. There are three known species of Echinococcus that lead to the disease among humans. E. granulosus is the most common of the three. A 26-year-old man admitted to emergency room with a cough, dyspnea, tachycardia, and chest pain was hospitalized with suspected pneumonia. The patient was in poor general condition and was conscious. On physical examination, fever: 37.3°C/axillary, blood pressure: 165/100 mmHg, cardiac pulse: 114/min, remarkable bilateral pretibial edema, peripheral cyanosis, and disseminated rales and rhonchi were found. Chest radiography showed the multiple disseminated cystic formations, and thorax computed tomography showed remarkable dilatation in the ring of pulmonary artery, and multiple cystic formations in the lung area. The disseminated pulmonary hydatid cyst disease was diagnosed according to clinical and laboratory findings. Albendazole 800 mg/kg daily was administered to the patient for three months. The patient recovered markedly after this treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first case of primary disseminated pulmonary hydatid cyst to manifest with right-side cardiac failure. In endemic areas, the morbidity and mortality due to hydatid cyst may be decreased if hydatid cyst is considered among patients with suspected radiologic findings.

Two cases of bacterial meningitis accompanied by thalidomide therapy in patients with multiple myeloma: is thalidomide associated with bacterial meningitis?

Morbidity and mortality in multiple myeloma is often attributed to life-threatening infections. A defect in humoral immunity has been proposed for the predisposition to bacterial infections. Most of the infections are of bacterial origin, and the most serious are septicemia, meningitis, and pneumonia. Thalidomide is a drug with pleiotropic effects. The immunomodulatory effects of thalidomide are at least partially mediated through its ability to down-regulate the pathogenic over-production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). TNF-alpha is a cytokine that plays a central role in the regulation of the host immune and inflammatory response to infection. In the central nervous system, TNF-alpha is involved in induction of a fever response and triggers the release of other cytokines, and may also influence transport of compounds into the brain, leading to cerebrospinal fluid leukocytosis, increased protein influx, and lactate accumulation. Thalidomide has been shown to down-regulate the production of TNF-alpha. On the other hand, knowledge of the effects of thalidomide on granulocyte functions is limited. Thalidomide has been shown to attenuate neutrophil adhesion and chemotaxis. We present herein two cases of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterial meningitis that developed soon after the initiation of thalidomide treatment, and discuss the effect of thalidomide on the immune system. Although, it is not clear whether thalidomide caused the development of the bacterial infections and meningitis, or what its pathogenetic mechanisms are, physicians should be alert for signs and symptoms of meningitis in patients with multiple myeloma who are treated with thalidomide, especially those in neutropenic states.

A case of brucellar spondylodiscitis involving the cervical spine.

We have presented a patient of 71-year-age with brucellar spondylodiscitis, involving the cervical spine, especially the C3-C4 segment. The patient had painful percussion of the cervical spine and passive mobilization of the neck, decreased range of motion, and cervical paravertebral tenderness; but no abnormalities observed on neurological examination. Wright agglutination test for brucella was positive at 1/320. Cervical localization for brucellar spondylodiscitis is an unusual case and should be detected and treated as early as possible. In endemic regions, spinal involvement of brucellosis should be considered in cases with fever, neck and low back pain.