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1.
Cureus ; 16(1): e53240, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38425618

ABSTRACT

Portal vein thrombophlebitis is a rare complication that can occur in various hypercoagulable states, including COVID-19. We are presenting a 74-year-old female with a history of hypertension, diabetes, and lymphoma who contracted the COVID-19 infection and presented with persistent fever, leukocytosis, and mild epigastric tenderness. She developed hypotension, acute hypoxic respiratory failure, and worsening leukocytosis with bandemia and was diagnosed with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis. The patient received broad-spectrum IV antibiotics and full anticoagulation therapy with heparin and was discharged on oral Warfarin after completing 14-day antibiotic therapy. She presented again with recurrent watery diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, and fatigue and was diagnosed with pylephlebitis and multiple small liver abscesses. The patient was treated with antibiotics for six weeks and was discharged on warfarin, furosemide, and spironolactone with close outpatient follow-up. Prolonged fever in COVID-19 patients can indicate extensive thrombosis at unusual sites, which can lead to major morbidity and mortality in patients.

2.
Cureus ; 15(10): e46547, 2023 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37933369

ABSTRACT

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading global healthcare emergencies, contributing to over three million global deaths. The purpose of this study is to investigate further the efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan over angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in reducing the risk of heart failure (HF) in post-MI patients and providing a clear evidence-based medicine guideline for future use. An electronic database search was conducted on English databases. Eight articles were included, fulfilling our inclusion criteria, i.e., adult patients of ≥18 years with a recent diagnosis of acute MI. Pooled analysis was done using Review Manager version 5.4.1 (Cochrane Collaboration, London, England), and the data for each outcome were analyzed as dichotomous variables. A total of eight clinical trials were included in the meta-analysis. Six studies analyzed the sacubitril/valsartan and ACEI combination. The pooled analysis reported a significant increase in the risk of hypotension (relative risk {RR}: 1.29 {1.18, 1.41}) in the sacubitril/valsartan compared to the ACEI alone group. In addition, a significant increase was observed in the left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) after using the sacubitril/valsartan combination compared to using ACEI alone (RR: 3.08 {2.68, 4.48}). Furthermore, no significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of mortality rate (RR: 0.86 {0.73, 1.02}), the risk of heart failure (RR: 0.62 {0.39, 1.00}), the frequency of recurrent MI (RR: 0.86 {0.27, 2.76}), and the mean difference of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (weighted mean difference {WMD}: -174.36 {-414.18, 65.46}) between both the groups. However, the sacubitril/valsartan combination proved to be beneficial in significantly reducing the risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (RR: 0.64 {0.48, 0.84}) and rehospitalizations (RR: 0.53 {0.39, 0.71}) as compared to ACEI post MI. Additionally, sacubitril/valsartan and ARB's combination was reported in two studies. This led to a significant decrease in NT-proBNP concentration (WMD: -71.91 {-138.43, -5.39}) post MI in the sacubitril/valsartan combination group compared to the ARB usage alone. However, no significant difference was observed in the improvement of LVEF (WMD: 0.88 {-5.11, 6.87}) between both groups. Although the sacubitril/valsartan combination has no difference in mortality and outcomes compared to ACEI, there is evidence that using it proves to be more beneficial post MI compared to ACEI and ARB usage alone.

3.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37868680

ABSTRACT

According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 14.5 million people ages 12 and older had alcohol abuse disorder. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) can be defined as a collection of physical symptoms experienced due to abrupt cessation of alcohol after long-term dependence. In instances where regular inpatient management fails to control AWS symptoms, patients are shifted to intensive care units (ICUs) for closer monitoring and prevention of life-threatening complications like withdrawal seizures and delirium tremens (DTs), labeled as severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome (SAWS). Although this represents a significant healthcare burden, minimal studies have been conducted to determine objective predictors. In this study, we aim to determine the effect of patient demographics, socio-economic status, biochemical parameters, and clinical factors on the need for escalation to ICU level of care among admissions for AWS. Our study showed that factors such as a history of DTs or alcohol-related seizures, the initial protocol of management, degree of reported alcohol usage, activation of rapid response teams, mean corpuscular value, alcohol level on admission, highest Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment Alcohol Revised (CIWA-Ar) scored during the hospital stay, and the total amount of sedatives used were significantly associated with escalation to ICU level of care. Clinicians must use these objective parameters to identify high-risk patients and intervene early. We encourage further studies to establish a scoring algorithm incorporating biochemical parameters to tailor management algorithms that might better suit high-risk patients.

4.
AIMS Neurosci ; 10(3): 232-251, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37841344

ABSTRACT

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating autoimmune condition caused by demyelination, neurodegeneration and persistent inflammation of the central nervous system. Pediatric multiple sclerosis (PMS) is a relatively rare form of the disease that affects a significant number of individuals with MS. Environmental exposures, such as viral infections and smoking, can interact with MS-associated human leukocyte antigens (HLA) risk alleles and influence the immune response. Upregulation of immune response results in the disruption of immune balance leading to cascade of inflammatory events. It has also been established that gut microbiome dysbiosis poses a higher risk for pro-inflammation, and it is essentially argued to be the greatest environmental risk factor for MS. Dysbiosis can cause an unusual response from the adaptive immune system and significantly contribute to the development of disease in the host by activating pro-inflammatory pathways that cause immune-mediated disorders such as PMS, rendering the body more vulnerable to foreign attacks due to a weakened immune response. All these dynamic interactions between biological, environmental and genetic factors based on epigenetic study has further revealed that upregulation or downregulation of some genes/enzyme in the central nervous system white matter of MS patients produces a less stable form of myelin basic protein and ultimately leads to the loss of immune tolerance. The diagnostic criteria and treatment options for PMS are constantly evolving, making it crucial to have a better understanding of the disease burden on a global and regional scale. The findings from this review will aid in deepening the understanding of the interplay between genetic and environmental risk factors, as well as the role of the gut microbiome in the development of pediatric multiple sclerosis. As a result, healthcare professionals will be kept abreast of the early diagnostic criteria, accurately delineating other conditions that can mimic pediatric MS and to provide comprehensive care to individuals with PMS based on the knowledge gained from this research.

5.
Cureus ; 15(6): e40145, 2023 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37304388

ABSTRACT

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common entrapment neuropathy characterized by pain, numbness, and impaired function of the hand due to compression of the median nerve at the level of the wrist. Although CTS can develop from repetitive strain, injury, or medical conditions, there are also congenital and genetic risk factors that can predispose individuals to the condition. With respect to anatomical factors, some individuals are born with a smaller carpal tunnel, which increases their susceptibility to median nerve compression. Variations in specific genes, such as those encoding proteins involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, inflammation, and nerve function, have also been linked to an increased risk for CTS. CTS is associated with a high cost of health care maintenance and loss of work productivity. Therefore, it is vital that primary care physicians fully understand the anatomy, epidemiology, pathophysiology, etiology, and risk factors of CTS, so they can be proactive in prevention, diagnosing, and guiding proper treatment. This integrated review also provides insights into how biological, genetic, environmental, and occupational factors interact with structural elements to determine who is most likely to acquire and suffer from CTS. Keeping health practitioners abreast of all the factors that could impact CTS should go a long way in decreasing the health care and socioeconomic burden of CTS.

6.
Cureus ; 15(3): e36184, 2023 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36937127

ABSTRACT

Systemic hypertension (HTN) is the hallmark of cardiovascular disease and the forerunner of heart failure. These associations have been established over decades of research on essential HTN. Advancements in the treatment of patients diagnosed with HTN, consisting of alpha- or beta-adrenergic receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, thiazide, or aldosterone receptor blockers known as anti-mineralocorticoids, in the presence or absence of low sodium salt diets, often fail to control blood pressure adequately to prevent morbidity and mortality. Low sodium diets have had limited success in controlling HTN because low sodium intake is associated with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system upregulation. Therefore, upregulating aldosterone secretion, sodium, and water retention which, in turn, moves the blood pressure back toward the range of HTN dictated by the baroreceptor reset value, as a compensatory mechanism, especially in resistant HTN. These impediments to blood pressure control in HTN may have been effectively circumvented by the advent of a new class of drugs known as aldosterone synthase inhibitors, represented by baxdrostat. The mechanism of action of baxdrostat as an aldosterone synthase inhibitor demonstrates the inextricable linkage between sodium and blood pressure regulation. Theoretically, combining a low sodium diet with the activity of this aldosterone synthesis inhibitor should alleviate the adverse effect of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system upregulation. Aldosterone synthesis inhibition should also decrease the oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction associated with HTN, causing more endothelial nitric oxide synthesis, release, and vasorelaxation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review to summarize evidence-based articles relevant to the use of a novel drug (aldosterone synthase inhibitor) in the treatment of HTN and cardiovascular disease. Making the current database of relevant information on baxdrostat and other aldosterone synthase inhibitors readily available will, no doubt, aid physicians and other medical practitioners in their decision-making about employing aldosterone synthase inhibitors in the treatment of patients.

7.
Cureus ; 14(9): e28746, 2022 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36072784

ABSTRACT

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune condition with many clinical presentations. It is classically seen in young to middle-aged females and can present with cutaneous, renal, serosal, hematological, joint, and/or neurological manifestations at the time of diagnosis or may develop over the course of the disease. Late-onset SLE or SLE in the elderly is a subtype that differs from the classic SLE in age group, clinical presentation, involvement of organs, and severity. Here, we present the case of a geriatric Hispanic male noted to have worsening renal function. The patient was diagnosed with lupus nephritis (LN) upon obtaining serological markers and renal biopsy. LN, a renal sequela of SLE, presents with a full-house immunofluorescence pattern. LN, along with high titers of the antinuclear antibody (ANA) and/or anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody, is an effective tool to diagnose SLE in patients without extrarenal manifestations of the disease. The patient was managed with glucocorticoids and mycophenolate mofetil therapy, which led to a rapid downtrend of creatinine, resulting in stabilization of renal function and deferring the need for a hemodialysis. This case highlights the topic of late-onset SLE presenting with LN in geriatric patients.

8.
Cureus ; 13(10): e18893, 2021 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34820217

ABSTRACT

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most common hematological malignancies having both nodal and extranodal sites of involvement. The thyroid gland is one of the rarest primary sites. Most cases of primary thyroid lymphoma are diffuse large B-cell in nature; thus, aggressive and in extreme cases can rapidly lead to airway compromise, especially in patients who have been living with goiter for years. We present one such case of a 64-year-old female who presented with signs of airway compromise, requiring emergent airway intubation and surgical debulking. She was treated with emergent chemotherapy (DA-EPOCH-R regimen), without radiotherapy and this resulted in complete remission.

9.
Am J Trop Med Hyg ; 106(1): 150-155, 2021 11 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34758449

ABSTRACT

The risk of acute respiratory tract infections is particularly pronounced in patients deficient in 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). With respect to COVID-19, there are conflicting evidence on the association of 25(OH)D levels with disease severity. We undertook this study to evaluate the 25(OH)D status in COVID-19 patients admitted in Karachi, Pakistan, and associated vitamin D deficiency with primary outcomes of mortality, length of stay, intubation, and frequency of COVID-19 symptoms. A total of 91 patients were evaluated for 25(OH)D status during their COVID-19 disease course. 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were classified as deficient (< 10 ng/mL), insufficient (10-30 ng/mL), or sufficient (> 30 ng/mL). The study population comprised 68.1% males (N = 62). The mean age was 52.6 ± 15.7 years. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with intensive care unit (ICU) admission (RR: 3.20; P = 0.048), invasive ventilation (RR: 2.78; P = 0.043), persistent pulmonary infiltrates (RR: 7.58; P < 0.001), and death (RR: 2.98; P < 0.001) on univariate Cox regression. On multivariate Cox regression, only death (RR: 2.13; P = 0.046) and persistent pulmonary infiltrates (RR: 6.78; P = 0.009) remained significant after adjustment for confounding factors. On Kaplan Meier curves, vitamin D deficient patients had persistent pulmonary infiltrates and a greater probability of requiring mechanical ventilation than patients with 25(OH)D ≥ 10 ng/mL. Mechanical ventilation had to be initiated early in the deficient group during the 30-day hospital stay (Chi-square: 4.565, P = 0.033). Patients with 25(OH)D ≥ 10 ng/mL also demonstrated a higher probability of survival than those with 25(OH)D concentrations < 10 ng/mL. 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficient population had longer hospital stays and worse outcomes.


Subject(s)
COVID-19/blood , Vitamin D/blood , Adult , Aged , Body Mass Index , COVID-19/complications , COVID-19/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Outcome Assessment, Health Care , Pakistan/epidemiology , Retrospective Studies , Tertiary Care Centers
10.
ACG Case Rep J ; 8(9): e00643, 2021 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34522699

ABSTRACT

Deglutition syncope and carotid sinus hypersensitivity are neurally mediated events, leading to potentially dangerous arrhythmias and cardiovascular events. Mostly related to underlying gastroesophageal or cardiovascular causes, sometimes, this might not be the case. We report the first-ever documented case of deglutition syncope with acute suppurative parotitis, which resolved after resolving the parotid gland's swelling.

11.
Pan Afr Med J ; 38: 356, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34367435

ABSTRACT

Pharyngeal-cervical-brachial (PCB) variant of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is characterized by weakness in cervicobrachial and oropharyngeal region, together with areflexia of upper limbs. Being an uncommon variant, it is often misdiagnosed as other neurological conditions resembling GBS. Although most of the cases occur as a post-infectious complication, no reports describing its development following dengue-chikungunya co-infection have been documented. A young female presented with a progressive history of swallowing difficulty, bilateral arm weakness and neck weakness. Three weeks earlier, she was presented with clinical features corresponding to dengue and was symptomatically treated. Currently, hypotonia and decreased muscle strength were observed in both upper limbs and neck. Detailed investigation revealed the presence of Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against dengue antigen (NS 1) and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), confirming the possibility of previous dengue-chikungunya co-infection. Nerve conduction studies and electromyography of upper limbs pointed towards findings consistent with the early stages of acute motor demyelinating and possible axonal neuropathy. The detection of antiganglioside antibodies (anti-GT1a antibodies), confirmed the diagnosis of the pharyngeal-cervical-brachial variant of GBS. A five days treatment of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) along with physical rehabilitation was started which led to significant improvement and the patient was discharged after 15 days. PCB is an unfamiliar variant of GBS for many clinicians. Diagnosis can be made by a thorough history, clinical examination and investigations that can rule out other potential causes of cervicobrachial and oropharyngeal weakness. It also necessitates careful monitoring and followups after mono- and co-arboviral infections to prevent any debilitating neurological complications.


Subject(s)
Chikungunya Fever/complications , Dengue/complications , Guillain-Barre Syndrome/diagnosis , Adult , Chikungunya Fever/diagnosis , Chikungunya Fever/therapy , Coinfection , Dengue/diagnosis , Dengue/therapy , Female , Guillain-Barre Syndrome/physiopathology , Guillain-Barre Syndrome/therapy , Humans , Immunoglobulin M/immunology , Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/administration & dosage
12.
Int J Hematol ; 114(5): 626-629, 2021 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34264514

ABSTRACT

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a known menace in hematology and is quite rare in practice with known triggers. Lately, in the COVID-19 pandemic, hematology has seen a new pathology amongst which TTP associated with COVID-19 messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine is unique. We report a case of a 69-year-old male with multiple comorbidities who presented to the hospital with severe fatigue and shortness of breath. Labs were significant for thrombocytopenia, anemia, and hemolysis with schistocytes consistent with TTP with a second dose of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine as a likely culprit been documented.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 Vaccines/adverse effects , COVID-19 , Immunization, Secondary/adverse effects , Pandemics , Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic/etiology , SARS-CoV-2 , ADAMTS13 Protein/immunology , Aged , BNT162 Vaccine , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology , Combined Modality Therapy , Dyspnea/etiology , Fatigue/etiology , HIV Infections/complications , Hepatitis B, Chronic/complications , Humans , Hypertension/complications , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Kidney Failure, Chronic/complications , Male , Plasma Exchange , Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic/blood , Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic/therapy , Venous Thrombosis/complications
13.
Pan Afr Med J ; 38: 318, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34285741

ABSTRACT

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder characterized by the sudden urge to move the lower limbs during periods of rest accompanied by an unpleasant sensation like tingling or burning in the legs. Often, this urge is partially relieved by the movement of legs. However, it causes disturbance of sleep leading to daytime fatigue. Herein, we present an unusual case of new-onset of restless leg syndrome in a COVID-19 infected patient who presented three weeks after an uncomplicated delivery via caesarean section. The patient was managed with sleep hygiene measures, oral iron and vitamin C tablets apart from general COVID-19 management medications, subsequently leading to significant improvements. Here we have discussed possible associated factors, pathophysiological mechanisms and management of RLS in the case of COVID infected individuals.


Subject(s)
COVID-19/complications , Restless Legs Syndrome/therapy , Adult , Ascorbic Acid/administration & dosage , Cesarean Section , Female , Humans , Iron Compounds/administration & dosage , Pregnancy , Restless Legs Syndrome/virology , Sleep Hygiene
14.
Rev Cardiovasc Med ; 22(1): 83-95, 2021 03 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33792250

ABSTRACT

The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has forced hospitals to prioritize COVID-19 patients, restrict resources, and cancel all non-urgent elective cardiac procedures. Clinical visits have only been facilitated for emergency purposes. Fewer patients have been admitted to the hospital for both ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMI) and non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarctions (NSTEMI) and a profound decrease in heart failure services has been reported. A similar reduction in the patient presentation is seen for ischemic heart disease, decompensated heart failure, and endocarditis. Cardiovascular services, including catheterization, primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), cardiac investigations such as electrocardiograms (ECGs), exercise tolerance test (ETT), dobutamine stress test, computed tomography (CT) angiography, transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) have been reported to have declined and performed on a priority basis. The long-term implications of this decline have been discussed with major concerns of severe cardiac complications and vulnerabilities in cardiac patients. The pandemic has also had psychological impacts on patients causing them to avoid seeking medical help. This review discusses the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision of various cardiology services and aims to provide strategies to restore cardiovascular services including structural changes in the hospital to make up for the reduced staff personnel, the use of personal protective equipment in healthcare workers, and provides alternatives for high-risk cardiac imaging, cardiac interventions, and procedures. Implementation of the triage system, risk assessment scores, and telemedicine services in patients and their adaptation to the cardiovascular department have been discussed.


Subject(s)
COVID-19/epidemiology , Cardiology/organization & administration , Delivery of Health Care/organization & administration , Infection Control/organization & administration , COVID-19/prevention & control , COVID-19/transmission , Cardiovascular Surgical Procedures , Humans , Telemedicine , Triage
15.
Ochsner J ; 21(1): 108-110, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33828435

ABSTRACT

Background: Duplication of the vas deferens, a rare congenital anomaly of the pelvic anatomy, is often an incidental finding during surgeries involving the spermatic cord, such as inguinal hernia repair, varicocelectomy, orchidopexy, and vasectomy. Case Report: A 25-year-old male presented to our surgical outpatient clinic with bilateral swelling in the inguinal region. A diagnosis of bilateral inguinal hernia was established. While performing spermatic cord dissection during hernioplasty, a duplicated vas deferens was revealed within the left spermatic cord. Doppler ultrasonography confirmed the absence of waveforms in both vasa deferentia, differentiating them from adjacent vessels. The hernia repair was performed without complications. Conclusion: Our case highlights the importance of radiologists' and surgeons' ability to recognize a duplicated vas deferens to avoid possible iatrogenic injury.

16.
Minerva Pediatr (Torino) ; 73(5): 460-466, 2021 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33845565

ABSTRACT

Inevitably, along with other healthcare specializations, pediatric surgery was affected by the Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. Children were reported to manifest mild to moderate symptoms and mortality was primarily observed in patients aged <1 year and having underlying comorbidities. Most of the cases were asymptomatic in children, hence, posing a challenge for pediatric surgery centers to take drastic measures to reduce the virus transmission. Telemedicine was introduced and out-patient consultations were conducted online as out-patient clinics were closed. Elective surgeries were postponed with delayed appointments while the healthcare sector was diverted towards tackling COVID-19. Case urgency was classified and triaged, leading to limited surgeries being performed only in COVID-19 negative patients following an extensive screening process. The screening process consisted of online history taking and RT-PCR tests. Newer practices such as mouth rinse, video laryngoscopy, and anesthesia were introduced to restrict patients from crying, coughing, and sneezing, as an attempt to avoid aerosolization of viral particles and safely conduct pediatric surgeries during the pandemic. Surgical trainees were also affected as the smaller number of surgeries conducted reduced the clinical experience available to medical enthusiasts. There is still room for advanced practices to be introduced in pediatric surgery and restore all kinds of surgeries to improve the quality of life of the patient.


Subject(s)
COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , Pandemics , Pediatrics , Surgical Procedures, Operative , Asymptomatic Infections/epidemiology , COVID-19/diagnosis , COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Testing/methods , Child , Child, Preschool , Elective Surgical Procedures , General Surgery/education , Humans , Incidence , Infant , Patient Selection , Pediatrics/education , Preoperative Care/methods , Surgical Procedures, Operative/education , Telemedicine/organization & administration , Triage
17.
Pan Afr Med J ; 38: 37, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33777305

ABSTRACT

The development of spontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema are few of the rare clinical manifestations observed in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) patients which are yet to be fully understood. Most cases of spontaneous pneumomediastinum arise due to factors causing high intra-alveolar pressure. Herein, we report a case of a COVID-19 positive elderly male, who presented with spontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema unrelated to high-pressure ventilatory measures, detected on chest computed tomography (CT). Despite acute medical care, the patient progressed towards a more serious clinical course. Male gender and diffuse alveolar damage caused by COVID-19 seems to be the most relevant association in this case. However, we have enlightened other possible pathological mechanisms and their association with severity index of COVID-19.


Subject(s)
COVID-19/complications , Mediastinal Emphysema/diagnostic imaging , Subcutaneous Emphysema/diagnostic imaging , COVID-19/physiopathology , Disease Progression , Humans , Male , Mediastinal Emphysema/virology , Middle Aged , Subcutaneous Emphysema/virology , Tomography, X-Ray Computed
18.
Cureus ; 13(1): e12889, 2021 Jan 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33633915

ABSTRACT

Introduction Traumatic injury to peripheral nerves is a major medical problem worldwide. Moreover, injury to the hand and wrist can lead to extreme morbidity and disable the injured for life. In this study, we highlight the most commonly damaged nerves and tendons that get ruptured in different types of hand trauma patients. No recent study has been done to document the etiologies and quantify the patterns of nerve and tendon involvement in hand injuries to the best of our knowledge. Methodology This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the largest trauma center in the city and the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery ward of Civil Hospital, Karachi. A convenient sampling of 200 patients was done with the help of a preformed, well-structured questionnaire. Patients whose hand was injured solely were included in the study and those with the involvement of the whole limb or other parts of the body were excluded. Results We found that most males between the ages of 11 and 20 years presented predominantly with right-hand injury while working with machines. Nerve injury proved to be a rare occurrence. However, combined nerve injury of the ulnar, median, and radial nerve was seen in poly digit trauma. The median nerve was the most commonly damaged nerve in poly digit trauma. Among the tendon injuries, the incidence of combined tendon injury was the greatest. The flexor digitorum superficialis was the most common tendon injured overall. Conclusion This study significantly states that tendons are frequently injured in hand accidents. Plastic surgeons must also be aware of optimal nerve repair and reconstruction techniques to limit the physical disabilities and economic burden arising from nerve injury of the dominant hand.

19.
Cureus ; 12(10): e11077, 2020 Oct 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33224671

ABSTRACT

Budd-Chiari associated with celiac disease is a rare phenomenon in the medical literature with annual incidence of less than five per million. The majority of the cases are reported from the North African region. Our patient presented in the out-patient department with symptoms of progressive abdominal distension, diffuse abdominal pain and shortness of breath for one year. She was a known case of celiac disease for the last three years. The clinical examination revealed ascites, jaundice, decreased air entry in basal segments bilaterally, and multiple hemangiomas all over the body. Haematological and biochemical investigations, including levels of pro-thrombotic factors and homocysteine level, turned out to be normal. However, computed tomography (CT) revealed hepatic vein obstruction. Hence, a diagnosis of Budd-Chiari syndrome was confirmed. The patient was managed with anticoagulants, diuretics and gluten-free diet. Within a month, the patient showed marked improvement with a significant reduction in ascites. To the best of our knowledge, this rare association is the first case to be reported from Pakistan and third from the region of South Asia.

20.
J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad ; 32(3): 331-335, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32829546

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Stress and burnout have been soaring among doctors. It does not only have deleterious effects during working hours but also impact personal lives of the doctors. The primary focus of this study is to gauge level of burnout among surgical residents working in two major tertiary care hospital of Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS: This was a cross sectional study comprising of 118 candidates who completed the questionnaire based on demographics variables, professional details and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), which scores the burnout level on the basis of three components namely emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal accomplishment. The duration of study was one month starting from 1st January to 31st January 2019. Residents working in Department of General Surgery were part of inclusion criteria. Consultants and medical students met the exclusion criteria. Data was analysed by SPSS-23. RESULTS: Mean MBI score was 57.15 with mean scores of Emotional Fatigue, Personal Fulfilment and Depersonalization were 22.42, 19.89 and 14.81 respectively. In terms of emotional fatigue, female residents (49.2%) were more likely to suffer than their male counterpart (50.8%) (p=0.018). Married residents (37.3%) tend to have higher mean personal fulfilment scores (p=0.02). Residents who were living alone (31%) have higher mean depersonalization score (p=0.02). With respect to personal factors, higher MBI scores were observed among doctors who were married, worked about 75-90 hours and remain sleep-deprived and those who were not able to sustain their families financially. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of higher MBI scores in married, sleep deprived residents who were working for extensive hours and felt financial constraints, there is an extensive need of comprehensive support groups, humane number of working hours, improved salary packages, de-stressing activities like sports etc. to ameliorate the mental health of resident physicians and enhance their productivity.


Subject(s)
Burnout, Professional/epidemiology , Internship and Residency , Surgeons , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Pakistan , Surgeons/education , Surgeons/statistics & numerical data
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