Correlation between early changes of serum lipids and clinical severity in patients with wasp stings.

BACKGROUND: Wasp stings are a serious problem worldwide, and patients in severe cases may experience multi-organ failure. However, the mechanism of hypolipidemia in patients with wasp stings is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between early changes in lipid levels and clinical severity and the possible underlying mechanisms. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 212 patients (mild: 77; moderate: 50; severe: 85) with wasp stings was conducted. Clinical data, including lipid test results within 24 h of admission, were analysed. A total of 1060 healthy age- and gender-matched controls were used. RESULTS: Patients with wasp stings had lower lipid levels than healthy controls (P<0.01). Lipid levels decreased with disease severity, except for triglycerides (P<0.05). The number of stings, degree of organ failure, need for mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal blood purification, and mortality were higher in the severe group than in the mild and moderate groups (P<0.01). A decrease in lipid levels was accompanied by an increase in inflammatory indicators. In the severe group, a reduction in lipid levels was associated with ventilator application and blood purification, independent of survival status. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with wasp stings experience a reduction in lipid levels, which is related to the severity of clinical manifestations. Early lipid levels may serve as a simple indicator for the severity of wasp stings, and targeting lipid metabolism may be a novel treatment.

Psoas Major and Iliopsoas Hematomas without Anticoagulant Therapy as a Complication of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Carbon monoxide poisoning is a common reason for Emergency Department admissions worldwide. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning vary from headache and dizziness to severe neuropsychological and cardiac impairment. However, psoas major and iliopsoas hematomas are a rare complication of carbon monoxide poisoning. CASE REPORT A 46-year-old man with carbon monoxide poisoning, after he had been exposed to burning coal without proper ventilation, presented with right low back pain on day 7 after onset. After 2 days, ecchymosis of the right flank occurred, and his hemoglobin concentration gradually decreased. Psoas major and iliopsoas hematomas were shown on computed tomography (CT). The hematomas were successfully treated with transfusions and physical therapy. Owing to the absence of skeletal muscle compartment syndrome, surgical decompression was unnecessary. The patient did not receive anticoagulant therapy during his hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS The direct toxicity of carbon monoxide on the muscles and body weight-induced muscle compression caused skeletal muscle ischemia and necrosis in our patient. The risk of rhabdomyolysis and coagulation abnormality was elevated. Finally, intramuscular hemorrhages occurred in our patient. When a patient has back pain and decreased hemoglobin levels, clinicians should consider the possibility of psoas major and iliopsoas hematomas, and the administration of anticoagulation should be used with caution after admission.