Right subclavian artery injury during catheter insertion into the right internal jugular vein treated with endovascular stent graft placement after balloon occlusion test: A case report.

Subclavian artery injuries during internal jugular vein puncture when attempting central venous catheter insertion are rare. A 60-year-old man undergoing treatment for neuromyelitis optica with paralysis and sensory loss developed a complication during catheter placement into his right internal jugular vein for plasmapheresis. His previous physician felt resistance and discontinued the procedure. The patient later developed mild dyspnea and dysphagia. Computed tomography scans indicated thrombus formation and tracheal deviation. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans showed right subclavian artery injury with extravasation and a large pseudoaneurysm. Following transferal to our hospital, he was stable and asymptomatic; however, contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans showed a pseudoaneurysm located proximal to the right subclavian artery. Considering challenges with compression hemostasis and the invasiveness of open surgery, endovascular treatment was selected using a VIABAHN stent graft. A balloon occlusion test of the right vertebral artery was performed to assess stroke risk. Prophylactic embolization of the right vertebral artery, internal thoracic artery, and thyrocervical trunk were performed to prevent a type 2 endoleak. On hospital day 5, our patient showed no postoperative complications and was transferred to the referring hospital. Follow-up imaging showed the graft was intact with no pseudoaneurysm, confirming successful treatment. Endovascular treatment with a stent graft is highly effective for peripheral artery injuries. Using a balloon occlusion test to assess collateral blood flow and stroke risk is essential pretreatment, especially when a graft might occlude the vertebral artery. Balloon occlusion tests are recommended when planning treatment for iatrogenic and other types of subclavian artery injuries.

Nafamostat mesylate decreases skin flap necrosis in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes by protecting the endothelial glycocalyx.

The success rate of flap tissue reconstruction has increased in recent years owing to advancements in microsurgical techniques. However, complications, such as necrosis, are still more prevalent in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic individuals, presenting an ongoing challenge. To address this issue, many previous studies have examined vascular anastomoses dilation and stability, primarily concerning surgical techniques or drugs. In contrast, in the present study, we focused on microvascular damage of the peripheral microvessels in patients with diabetes mellitus and the preventative impact of nafamostat mesylate. Herein, we aimed to investigate the effects of hyperglycemia on glycocalyx (GCX) levels in mice with type 2 diabetes. We examined the endothelial GCX (eGCX) in skin flap tissue of 9-12-week-old type 2 diabetic mice (db/db mice) using a perforator skin flap and explored treatment with nafamostat mesylate. The growth rates were compared after 1 week. Heterotype (db/+) mice were used as the control group. Morphological examination of postoperative tissues was performed at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days post-surgery. In addition, db/db mice were treated with 30 mg/kg/day of nafamostat mesylate daily and were evaluated on postoperative day 7. Seven days after surgery, all db/db mice showed significant partial flap necrosis. Temporal observation of the skin flaps revealed a stasis-like discoloration and necrosis starting from the contralateral side of the remaining perforating branch. The control group did not exhibit flap necrosis, and the flap remained intact. In the quantitative assessment of endothelial glycans using lectins, intensity scoring showed that the eGCX in the db/db group was significantly thinner than that in the db/+ group. These results were consistent with the scanning electron microscopy findings. In contrast, treatment with nafamostat mesylate significantly improved the flap engraftment rate and suppressed eGCX injury. In conclusion, treatment with nafamostat mesylate improves the disrupted eGCX structure of skin flap tissue in db/db mice, potentially ameliorating the impaired capillary-to-venous return in the skin flap tissue.

Urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein levels may be associated with the occurrence of acute kidney injury induced by trauma.

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI), with a fatality rate of 8.6%, is one of the most common types of multiorgan failure in the intensive care unit (ICU). Thus, AKI should be diagnosed early, and early interventions should be implemented. Urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) could aid in the diagnosis of AKI. Methods: In this prospective, single-center, observational study, we included 100 patients with trauma. Urinary L-FABP levels were measured using a semi-quantitative rapid assay kit 6 and 12 h after injury. Negative, weakly positive, and strongly positive urinary L-FABP levels were examined using two protocols. Using protocol 1, measurements were performed at 6 h after injury negative levels were considered "negative," and weakly positive and strongly positive levels were considered "positive." Using protocol 2, strongly positive levels at 6 h after injury were considered "positive," and negative or weakly positive levels at 6 h after injury were considered "positive" if they were weakly positive or positive at 12 h after injury. Results: Fifteen patients were diagnosed with AKI. Using protocol 1, the odds ratio (OR) was 20.55 (p = 0.001) after adjustment for the injury severity score (ISS), contrast media use, and shock index. When the L-FABP levels at 6 and 12 h were similarly adjusted for those three factors, the OR was 18.24 (p < 0.001). The difference in ORs for protocols 1 and 2 was 1.619 (p = 0.04). Discussion: Associations between urinary L-FABP and AKI can be examined more precisely by performing measurements at 6 and 12 h after injury than only one time at 6 h.

First case of necrotizing fasciitis and septicemia caused by Pigmentibacter ruber.

We herein report the first case of necrotizing fasciitis caused by Pigmentibacter ruber. The isolated strain could not be identified by biochemical characterization and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The isolated strain was identified as P. ruber by 16S ribosomal RNA and whole genome sequencing. Although much remains unknown about the pathogenicity of this bacterial specie in humans, it has been revealed to cause life-threatening infections, such as septicemia and necrotizing fasciitis. Since the isolate was highly resistant to beta-lactams, it could be difficult to treat with antimicrobial therapy. Thus further documentation of cases and analyses are needed.

Inverse relationship between platelet Akt activity and hippocampal atrophy: A pilot case-control study in patients with diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Akt plays diverse roles in humans. It is involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is caused by insulin resistance. Akt also plays a vital role in human platelet activation. Furthermore, the hippocampus is closely associated with memory and learning, and a decrease in hippocampal volume is reportedly associated with an insulin-resistant phenotype in T2DM patients without dementia. AIM: To investigate the relationship between Akt phosphorylation in unstimulated platelets and the hippocampal volume in T2DM patients. METHODS: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was prepared from the venous blood of patients with T2DM or age-matched controls. The pellet lysate of the centrifuged PRP was subjected to western blotting to analyse the phosphorylation of Akt, p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Phosphorylation levels were quantified by densitometric analysis. Hippocampal volume was analysed using a voxel-based specific regional analysis system for Alzheimer's disease on magnetic resonance imaging, which proposes the Z-score as a parameter that reflects hippocampal volume. RESULTS: The levels of phosphorylated Akt corrected with phosphorylated p38 MAP kinase were inversely correlated with the Z-scores in the T2DM subjects, whereas the levels of phosphorylated Akt corrected with GAPDH were not. However, this relationship was not observed in the control patients. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that an inverse relationship may exist between platelet Akt activation and hippocampal atrophy in T2DM patients. Our findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying T2DM hippocampal atrophy.

Adjunct Acupuncture Improved Respiratory Status and Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation After Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia.

Background: A patient with severe COVID-19 pneumonia had adjunctive acupuncture to improve respiration and facilitate weaning off prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV). Case: A man in his 40s with COVID-19 was in an advanced critical-care center on symptom day 5 for respiratory failure due to pneumonia requiring MV therapy. He received high-dose corticosteroid pulse therapy, antiviral agents, and multiple antibiotics for complicated bacterial pneumonia and bacteremia. Repeated MV weaning attempts failed, although his pneumonia gradually improved. Then, acupuncture 4 times per week was started to improve his respiration and facilitate MV weaning from day 49 of his symptoms' onset. Results: His weaning-related indices improved, including reductions in respiratory rate and Rapid Shallow Breath Index. His O2 saturation increased immediately after each acupuncture treatment. The day after the first acupuncture treatment, his MV support was reduced by changing ventilation mode from synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation mode to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mode during the day without exacerbation of respiratory status. After 3 days of acupuncture, this patient was on CPAP support alone. MV therapy was discontinued completely after 8 days of acupuncture (6th acupuncture treatment). Conclusions: Acupuncture improved respiration and facilitated MV weaning in a patient with respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19. Adjunctive acupuncture may benefit such patients and others after severe pneumonia. Large cohort studies are needed.

Recombinant antithrombin attenuates acute kidney injury associated with rhabdomyolysis: an in vivo animal study.

BACKGROUND: Rhabdomyolysis is characterized by the destruction and necrosis of skeletal muscle tissue, resulting in acute kidney injury (AKI). Recombinant antithrombin (rAT) has DNA repair and vascular endothelial-protection properties. Herein, we investigated whether rAT therapy has beneficial effects against rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI. Ten-week-old male B6 mice were injected with 5 mL/kg of 50% glycerol intramuscularly in the left thigh after 24 h of fasting to create a rhabdomyolysis mouse model. Further, 750 IU/kg rAT was injected intraperitoneally at 24 and 72 h after the rhabdomyolysis model was established. The mice were euthanized after 96 h for histological analysis. Saline was administered to mice in the control group. RESULTS: Blood tests show elevated serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels in rhabdomyolysis. Loss of tubular epithelial cell nuclei and destruction of the tubular luminal surface structure was observed in the untreated group, which improved with rAT treatment. Immunostaining for Ki-67 showed increased Ki-67-positive nuclei in the tubular epithelial cells in the rAT group, suggesting that rAT may promote tubular epithelial cell regeneration. The microvilli of the brush border of the renal tubules were shed during rhabdomyolysis, and rAT treatment reduced this injury. The vascular endothelial glycocalyx, which is usually impaired by rhabdomyolysis, became functional following rAT treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with rAT suppressed rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI, suggesting that rAT therapy may be a novel therapeutic approach.

Impact of augmented renal clearance on anticoagulant therapy in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019: A retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the impact of augmented renal clearance (ARC) on anticoagulation therapy in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included adult patients with severe COVID-19 with ARC who had been treated at our hospital between 2020 and 2021. We measured the estimated glomerular filtration rate calculated by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration formula (eGFRCKD-EPI) every morning, and ARC condition was defined as eGFRCKD-EPI ≥ 130 mL/min/1.73 m2. Multivariate regression analysis with Huber-White sandwich estimator was performed to examine the association of unfractionated heparin (UH) dosage between blood test timings with activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) compared with and without ARC. RESULTS: We identified 38 enrolled patients: seven and 31 in the ARC and non-ARC groups, respectively. In the ARC coexisting condition, a higher dose of UH, which corresponded to the total dose in 24 h from the previous day, was required to achieve the same APTT prolongation, with a significant difference (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that careful monitoring and consideration of higher UH doses in critically ill patients with COVID-19 is necessary because anticoagulation failure can occur during ARC.

Decreased neutrophil counts prolong inflammation in acute pancreatitis and cause inflammation spillover to distant organs.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Acute pancreatitis is an aseptic inflammation caused by pathologically activated pancreatic enzymes and inflammatory mediators produced secondarily by neutrophils and other inflammatory cells and is one of the most difficult diseases to treat. This study aimed to investigate the role of neutrophils in pancreatitis by examining tissue dynamics. METHODS: We created a model of caerulein-induced pancreatitis in 12-week-old male granulocyte colony-stimulating factor knockout mice (G-CSF-KO) and wild-type littermate control mice (six intraperitoneal injections of caerulein [80 µg/kg body weight] at hourly intervals for 2 days). Mice were sacrificed 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 168 h after caerulein administration and examined histologically. RESULTS: The survival rate after one week of caerulein administration was 100 % in the control mice, whereas it was significantly lower (10 %) in the G-CSF-KO mice. Histological examination revealed significant hemorrhage and inflammatory cell migration in the G-CSF-KO mice, indicating prolonged inflammation. CONCLUSION: Prolonged inflammation was observed in the G-CSF-KO mice. Tissue cleanup by neutrophils during the acute phase of inflammation may influence healing through the chronic phase.

Delayed diagnosis of Lemierre's syndrome in a patient with severe coronavirus disease 2019: importance of comprehensive oral and neck examination - a case report.

BACKGROUND: Given the widespread prevalence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), oral and neck examinations tend to be avoided in patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. This might delay the diagnosis of conditions such as Lemierre's syndrome, which involves symptoms resembling COVID-19-related throat manifestations. CASE PRESENTATION: A 24-year-old man without any underlying conditions was diagnosed with COVID-19 7 days before presentation. He was admitted to another hospital 1 day before presentation with severe COVID-19 and suspected bacterial pneumonia; accordingly, he was started on treatment with remdesivir and meropenem. Owing to bacteremic complications, the patient was transferred to our hospital for intensive care. On the sixth day, the patient experienced hemoptysis; further, a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed new pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms. Successful embolization was performed to achieve hemostasis. In blood cultures conducted at the previous hospital, Fusobacterium nucleatum was isolated, suggesting a cervical origin of the infection. A neck CT scan confirmed a peritonsillar abscess and left internal jugular vein thrombus; accordingly, he was diagnosed with Lemierre's syndrome. The treatment was switched to ampicillin/sulbactam, based on the drug susceptibility results. After 6 weeks of treatment, the patient completely recovered without complications. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the significance of thorough oral and neck examinations in patients with suspected or diagnosed COVID-19 for the detection of throat and neck symptoms caused by other conditions.

Investigation of the relationship between intradialytic hypotension during hemodialysis and serum syndecan-1 concentration.

Intradialytic hypotension and arrhythmias are complications of hemodialysis. They are associated with decreased intravascular volume due to reduced ultrafiltration volume, cardiac function, and arterial tone. The vascular endothelial glycocalyx, which exists on the surface of healthy vascular endothelial cells and maintains vascular permeability, has been suggested to be impaired by hemodialysis. This single-center retrospective study evaluated the association between syndecan-1, an endothelial glycocalyx dysfunction marker, and complications of hemodialysis. We enrolled 92 patients who underwent outpatient hemodialysis at Gifu Seiryu Hospital from April to July 2022 (346 hemodialysis sessions). The median duration and time of hemodialysis were 40 months and 4.1 h, respectively. Median serum syndecan-1 levels were 67.7 ng/mL before and 98.3 ng/mL after hemodialysis. Hemodialysis complications were noted in 68 sessions, all of which were hypotension. No correlation between pre-hemodialysis syndecan-1 levels and the incidence of complications was observed. However, a positive correlation between the amount of change in syndecan-1 levels before and after hemodialysis and the incidence of hemodialysis complications was noted. Conversely, syndecan-1 levels did not correlate with brain or atrial natriuretic peptides, suggesting that impairment of the vascular endothelial glycocalyx may be a possible cause of intradialytic hypotension and may be useful in preventing intradialytic hypotension.

Corrigendum: Retrospective cohort study to determine the effect of preinjury antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy on mortality in patients with major trauma.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1089219.].

Pre-hospital airway management and neurological status of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A retrospective cohort study.

Purpose: Little is known about whether pre-hospital advanced airway management (AAM) under the presence of a physician could improve outcome of patients with cardiac arrest, compared with pre-hospital AAM under the absence of a physician. Methods: This retrospective multicentre-cohort study enrolled consecutive patients who were transported to participating hospitals after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Japan between 1 June 2014 and 31 December 2019. We included patients who underwent pre-hospital AAM and resuscitation after arrival at hospital, and who were ≥18 years of age, with medical aetiologies. The primary outcome was favourable neurological survival (Cerebral Performance Category score of 1 or 2) one month after cardiac arrest. The primary outcome was called one-month favourable neurological survival. The first confirmed cardiac rhythm was defined using 3-lead electrocardiogram monitor or an automated external defibrillator and by determining whether the carotid artery was pulsating. Previous research found that the presence of a pre-hospital physician was associated with improved patients' outcomes, after the type of first confirmed cardiac rhythm was considered. Therefore, the first confirmed cardiac rhythm in current study was subdivided into non-shockable or shockable groups. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed on propensity score-matched patients. Results: We analysed 16,703 patients. Among the 2,346 patients in the non-shockable group, 1.2% (N = 29) achieved the primary outcome. The adjusted odds ratio of pre-hospital AAM with or without a physician for the primary outcome in the results of the non-shockable group was 4.64 (95% confidence interval: 1.81-14.4). Among the 826 patients in the shockable group, 16.9% (N = 140) achieved the primary outcome and the adjusted odds ratio of pre-hospital AAM with or without a physician for the primary outcome in the results of the shockable group was 1.05 (95% confidence interval: 0.67-1.63). Conclusions: This retrospective multicentre-cohort study found that pre-hospital AAM under the presence of a physician was significantly associated with increased neurological outcome in specific patients with cardiac arrest, compared with pre-hospital AAM under the absence of a physician.

Synergy by Ristocetin and CXCL12 in Human Platelet Activation: Divergent Regulation by Rho/Rho-Kinase and Rac.

CXCL12, belonging to the CXC chemokine family, is a weak agonist of platelet aggregation. We previously reported that the combination of CXCL12 and collagen at low doses synergistically activates platelets via not CXCR7 but CXCR4, a specific receptor for CXCL12 on the plasma membrane. Recently, we reported that not Rho/Rho kinase, but Rac is involved in the platelet aggregation induced by this combination. Ristocetin is an activator of the von Willebrand factor that interacts with glycoprotein (GP) Ib/IX/V, which generates thromboxane A2 via phospholipase A2 activation, resulting in the release of the soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) from human platelets. In the present study, we investigated the effects of a combination of ristocetin and CXCL12 at low doses on human platelet activation and its underlying mechanisms. Simultaneous stimulation with ristocetin and CXCL12 at subthreshold doses synergistically induce platelet aggregation. A monoclonal antibody against not CXCR7 but CXCR4 suppressed platelet aggregation induced by the combination of ristocetin and CXCL12 at low doses. This combination induces a transient increase in the levels of both GTP-binding Rho and Rac, followed by an increase in phosphorylated cofilin. The ristocetin and CXCL12-induced platelet aggregation as well as the sCD40L release were remarkably enhanced by Y27362, an inhibitor of Rho-kinase, but reduced by NSC23766, an inhibitor of the Rac-guanine nucleotide exchange factor interaction. These results strongly suggest that the combination of ristocetin and CXCL12 at low doses synergistically induces human platelet activation via Rac and that this activation is negatively regulated by the simultaneous activation of Rho/Rho-kinase.

Atypical drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome with multiple organ failure rescued by combined acute blood purification therapy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS), including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), is a severe rash that often develops 2-6 weeks after the intake of the causative drug; however, its diagnosis is sometimes difficult. This article describes a case in which a patient with DIHS-induced multiple organ failure was successfully treated with blood purification therapy. CASE PRESENTATION: A male patient in his 60s was admitted to our hospital with autoimmune encephalitis. The patient was treated with steroid pulse therapy, acyclovir, levetiracetam, and phenytoin. From the 25th day, he presented with fever (≥ 38 °C) as well as miliary-sized erythema on the extremities and trunk, followed by erosions. DIHS and SJS were suspected; accordingly, levetiracetam, phenytoin, and acyclovir were discontinued. On the 30th day, his condition further deteriorated, and he was admitted to the intensive care unit for ventilatory management. The next day, he developed multi-organ failure and was started on hemodiafiltration (HDF) for acute kidney injury. Although he presented with hepatic dysfunction and the appearance of atypical lymphocytes, he did not meet the diagnostic criteria for DIHS or SJS/toxic epidermal necrolysis. Therefore, he was diagnosed with multi-organ failure caused by severe drug eruption and underwent a 3-day treatment with plasma exchange (PE) in addition to HDF. Accordingly, the patient was diagnosed with atypical DIHS. After being started on blood purification therapy, the skin rash began to disappear; moreover, the organ damage improved, with a gradual increase in urine output. Eventually, the patient was weaned off the ventilator and transferred to the hospital on the 101st day. CONCLUSIONS: HDF + PE could effectively treat multi-organ failure caused by atypical DIHS, which is difficult to diagnose.

Impact of respiratory bacterial infections on mortality in Japanese patients with COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Although cases of respiratory bacterial infections associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have often been reported, their impact on the clinical course remains unclear. Herein, we evaluated and analyzed the complication rates of bacterial infections, causative organisms, patient backgrounds, and clinical outcome in Japanese patients with COVID-19. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study that included inpatients with COVID-19 from multiple centers participating in the Japan COVID-19 Taskforce (April 2020 to May 2021) and obtained demographic, epidemiological, and microbiological results and the clinical course and analyzed the cases of COVID-19 complicated by respiratory bacterial infections. RESULTS: Of the 1,863 patients with COVID-19 included in the analysis, 140 (7.5%) had respiratory bacterial infections. Community-acquired co-infection at COVID-19 diagnosis was uncommon (55/1,863, 3.0%) and was mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Hospital-acquired bacterial secondary infections, mostly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, were diagnosed in 86 patients (4.6%). Severity-associated comorbidities were frequently observed in hospital-acquired secondary infection cases, including hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. The study results suggest that the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (> 5.28) may be useful in diagnosing complications of respiratory bacterial infections. COVID-19 patients with community-acquired or hospital-acquired secondary infections had significantly increased mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Respiratory bacterial co-infections and secondary infections are uncommon in patients with COVID-19 but may worsen outcomes. Assessment of bacterial complications is important in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, and the study findings are meaningful for the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents and management strategies.

Serum syndecan-1 concentration in hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets syndrome: A case report.

Background: Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome occurs in pregnant and postpartum individuals. We observed serum syndecan-1 (SDC-1) levels, which is a component of the glycocalyx, in a patient with HELLP syndrome from admission to the postpartum period and examined their association as reflecting the pathophysiology related to endothelial injury. Case presentation: A 31-year-old primiparous female patient without a previous medical history at a gestational age of 37 weeks and 6 days was transferred to our hospital the morning after a visit to a previous hospital with headache and nausea. Elevated transaminase, platelet count, and proteinuria were noted. Head magnetic resonance imaging revealed a caudate nucleus hemorrhage and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. After she delivered her newborn through an emergency cesarean section, she was admitted to the intensive care unit. On day 4 post-delivery, the patient's D-dimer concentration was elevated, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography was performed. The results indicated pulmonary embolism, and heparin administration was initiated. The serum SDC-1 level was highest on day 1 post-delivery and quickly decreased subsequently; however, it remained elevated during the postpartum period. Her condition gradually improved, and she was extubated on day 6 and discharged from the ICU on day 7 post-delivery. Conclusion: We measured SDC-1 concentration in a patient with HELLP syndrome and found that the clinical course correlated with SDC-1 levels, indicating that SDC-1 is elevated immediately before and after pregnancy termination in patients with HELLP syndrome. Therefore, SDC-1 fluctuations, combined with the elevation of the D-dimer level, may be a potential marker for the early detection of HELLP syndrome and estimation of the syndrome's severity in the future.

Prospective study examining the probability of cerebral fat embolism based on magnetic resonance imaging.

Purpose: Cerebral fat embolism (CFE) is a rare syndrome caused by the embolization of fat particles into the brain circulation. This prospective single-center observational study investigated the incidence of CFE in long-bone or pelvic fractures based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of CFE by MRI findings with or without symptoms suggestive of CFE. Methods: Eligible patients were consecutive, aged 15 years or older, with high-energy traumas, including pelvic or femur fractures. Excluded patients were those who died, could not undergo MRI resulting from medical conditions, or had insufficient mental capacity and no consultee to provide consent. The MRI was scheduled within 4 weeks of the injury, and the images were reviewed by one of the three neuroradiologists who were unaware of the patient's clinical information. Patient data regarding demographics, preceding trauma, injury severity score (ISS), presentation and examination timing of MRI, management including surgery, and outcome were collected. Results: Sixty-two patients were recruited, and three patients were excluded. All patients were injured by blunt trauma. The median patient age was 44 years. The median ISS was 13, and 53 patients needed surgical fixation. There were 22 patients with long-bone fractures, all of whom received external fixation or intramedullary nailing on admission day. MRI was performed after a median hospital day of 18 days. Using MRI imaging, three (5.0%) patients were diagnosed with CFE, and three patients were suspected of CFE. Conclusions: This is the first study to prospectively examine the probability of CFE based on MRI. Since fat embolism syndrome (FES) is confirmed in patients without clinical symptoms, CFE may be more common in patients with trauma than currently believed. Therefore, studies to determine the diagnostic criteria combined with symptoms, MRI, or other objective findings are required in the future.

Spinal injury with spinal ankylosing disorders as a primary cause of death: report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Spinal ankylosing disorders (SADs) refer to a group of conditions resulting in spontaneous or postsurgical ossification and fusion of the spinal segments. The spine becomes increasingly susceptible to injury over time such that even low-energy trauma can cause a spinal injury. We report two cases of SADs, associated with massive thoracic hemorrhage. CASE PRESENTATION: The first patient was an 85-year-old male, who suffered from a vehicular crash. He was diagnosed with a fracture of the first lumbar vertebra, accompanied by SADs. Intubation was required, and thoracic drainage tubes were inserted. The patient underwent a massive transfusion and thoracotomy with packing. Despite prompt treatment, the hemorrhage from the vertebral fracture was uncontrolled, and the patient died 180 min after the injury. The second case features an 88-year-old male who fell from a height. He was diagnosed with flail chest, hemothorax, pneumothorax, and a fracture of the eighth thoracic vertebra with SADs. After intubation, four thoracic drainage tubes were placed, and a massive transfusion was conducted. He died after 3 days due to hypoxemia secondary to persistent bleeding of the vertebral fracture for 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: The patients died of persistent thoracic hemorrhage, and the sources of bleeding were the fracture site of the spine fractures. Controlling spinal hemorrhage is difficult due to the absence of a bleeding artery, which is managed via trans-arterial embolization. This report emphasized that fracture of SADs could be a fatal disease that requires prompt intervention.

Clinical characteristics of patients with snow sports trauma transported to a trauma care center: A retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Snow sports are a popular recreational activity; however, the incidence of injury of snow sports can be high for skiers and snowboarders. Our hospital receives severe trauma cases from snow resorts and hospitals throughout the region. This study aimed to determine whether the risk of snow sports-related major trauma that requires emergency surgery under general anesthesia varies by the equipment and injury mechanism. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients with snow sports trauma referred to Gifu University Hospital, Japan between November 2010 and March 2020. We analyzed the need for emergency operation under general anesthesia within 24 h using Fisher's exact test. We identified 106 patients: (1) 90 in the snowboarders' group and 16 in the skiers' group or (2) 46 in the fall after jumping group (jumping group), 27 in the collide with other people and obstacle group (collision group), and 33 in the fall during gliding group (gliding group). RESULTS: Snowboarders were nearly twice as likely as skiers to require emergency surgery under general anesthesia (44% vs. 25%; p = 0.236]. No significant associations were found between emergency surgery under general anesthesia and injury mechanism, but half of the patients in the jumping group required emergency surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Snowboard as equipment and falls after jumping as a mechanism of injury tended to be associated with emergency surgery under general anesthesia, with no significant differences. In order to provide adequate resources for snow sports trauma, the cause of the patient's injury is strongly related to the urgency of the condition, and transport to a trauma center should be actively considered. Further studies are warranted with respect to the effects of personal protective equipment and skill level.