Predictors of mortality and morbidity in critically ill COVID-19 patients: An experience from a low mortality country.

Background and Aims: Clinical characteristics and factors associated with mortality in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in countries with low case fatality rates (CFR) are unknown. We sought to determine these in a large cohort of critically ill COVID-19 patients in Qatar and explore the early mortality predictors. Methods: We retrospectively studied the clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients admitted to the ICU at the national referral hospital for COVID-19 patients in Qatar. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with mortality. Results: Between March 7 and July 16, 2020, a total of 1079 patients with COVID-19 were admitted to the ICU. The median (IQR) age of patients was 50 (41-59) years. Diabetes (47.3%) and hypertension (42.6%) were the most common comorbidities. In-hospital mortality was 12.6% overall and 25.9% among those requiring mechanical ventilation. Factors independently associated with mortality included older age ([OR]; 2.3 [95% CI; 1.92-2.75] for each 10-year increase in age, p < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (OR; 1.9 [95% CI; 1.02-3.54], p = 0.04), active malignancy (OR; 6.15 [95% CI; 1.79-21.12], p = 0.004), lower platelet count at ICU admission (OR; 1.41 [95% CI; 1.13-1.75] for each 100 × 103/µl decrease, p = 0.002), higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio at admission (OR; 1.01 [95% CI; 1-1.02] for each 1- point increase, p = 0.016), higher serum ferritin level at admission (OR; 1.05 [(95% CI; 1.02-1.08] for each 500 µg/L increase, p = 0.002), and higher serum bilirubin level at admission (OR; 1.19 [95% CI; 1.04-1.36] for each 10 µmol/L increase, p = 0.01). Conclusions: The mortality rate among critically ill COVID-19 patients is low in Qatar compared to other countries. Older age, chronic kidney disease, active malignancy, higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios, lower platelet counts, higher serum ferritin levels, and higher serum bilirubin levels are independent predictors of in-hospital mortality.

Use of Pamidronate to Treat Hypercalcemia in an Oncology Dialysis Patient: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Hypercalcemia is a common complication in the intensive care unit (ICU). It can be a result of diverse etiologies, such as malignancy. In this case, bisphosphonates can serve as an effective therapeutic option. However, bisphosphonates are not safe to use in patients with end stage renal disease. CASE REPORT We report a case of severe hypercalcemia possibly secondary to bone metastasis. The patient is known to have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and undergoing dialysis 3 times a week. She had severe persistent hypercalcemia which did not resolve with regular measures or calcitonin. The literature was searched for the possibility of administering bisphosphonate as a treatment option. It was found that pamidronate pharmacokinetics can be safe and effective in end-stage renal disease patients. Therefore, Pamidronate was administered, showing effective results with regards to the level of calcium and no observed adverse effects. Re-dosing was required at an 8-week interval, with no adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS Pamidronate is a safe option to use in treating hypercalcemia in end-stage renal disease patients on dialysis. This can be especially beneficial in patients with sustained hypercalcemia secondary to malignancy.

Colopleural fistula: case report and review of the literature.

We report a 28-year-old woman, pregnant, at 24 weeks, with 3-day history of right-sided chest pain and shortness of breath. Few hours after admission, she delivered a dead baby. She had a history of right partial hepatic lobotomy and cholecystectomy at UK on May 2004 because of multiple pyogenic liver abscesses. Chest examination revealed signs of hydrothorax on the right side. Chest X-ray showed pleural effusion on the right side. Pleural fluid was exudative with high neutrophils. Gram stain and culture showed multiple organisms. CT scan chest and abdomen with contrast, combined with barium enema, revealed right colothorax communication. Colothorax fistula was closed surgically. On the following days, the patient's symptoms resolved, and she was consequently discharged.