Validation of Thermal Imaging and the ALT-70 Prediction Model to Differentiate Cellulitis From Pseudocellulitis.

Importance: Cellulitis is misdiagnosed in up to 30% of cases due to mimic conditions termed pseudocellulitis. The resulting overuse of antibiotics is a threat to patient safety and public health. Surface thermal imaging and the ALT-70 (asymmetry, leukocytosis, tachycardia, and age ≥70 years) prediction model have been proposed as tools to help differentiate cellulitis from pseudocellulitis. Objectives: To validate differences in skin surface temperatures between patients with cellulitis and patients with pseudocellulitis, assess the optimal temperature measure and cut point for differentiating cellulitis from pseudocellulitis, and compare the performance of skin surface temperature and the ALT-70 prediction model in differentiating cellulitis from pseudocellulitis. Design, Setting, and Participants: This prospective diagnostic validation study was conducted among patients who presented to the emergency department with acute dermatologic lower extremity symptoms from October 11, 2018, through March 11, 2020. Statistical analysis was performed from July 2020 to March 2021 with additional work conducted in September 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures: Temperature measures for affected and unaffected skin were obtained. Cellulitis vs pseudocellulitis was assessed by a 6-physician, independent consensus review. Differences in temperature measures were compared using the t test. Logistic regression was used to identify the temperature measure and associated cut point with the optimal performance for discriminating between cellulitis and pseudocellulitis. Diagnostic performance characteristics for the ALT-70 prediction model, surface skin temperature, and both combined were also assessed. Results: The final sample included 204 participants (mean [SD] age, 56.6 [16.5] years; 121 men [59.3%]), 92 (45.1%) of whom had a consensus diagnosis of cellulitis. There were statistically significant differences in all skin surface temperature measures (mean temperature, maximum temperature, and gradients) between cellulitis and pseudocellulitis. The maximum temperature of the affected limb for patients with cellulitis was 33.2 °C compared with 31.2 °C for those with pseudocellulitis (difference, 2.0 °C [95% CI, 1.3-2.7 °C]; P < .001). The maximum temperature was the optimal temperature measure with a cut point of 31.2 °C in the affected skin, yielding a mean (SD) negative predictive value of 93.5% (4.7%) and a sensitivity of 96.8% (2.3%). The sensitivity of all 3 measures remained above 90%, while specificity varied considerably (ALT-70, 22.0% [95% CI, 15.8%-28.1%]; maximum temperature of the affected limb, 38.4% [95% CI, 31.7%-45.1%]; combination measure, 53.9% [95% CI, 46.5%-61.2%]). Conclusions and Relevance: In this large diagnostic validation study, significant differences in skin surface temperature measures were observed between cases of cellulitis and cases of pseudocellulitis. Thermal imaging and the ALT-70 both demonstrated high sensitivity, but specificity was improved by combining the 2 measures. These findings support the potential of thermal imaging, alone or in combination with the ALT-70 prediction model, as a diagnostic adjunct that may reduce overdiagnosis of cellulitis.

First-in-Class Humanized Antibody against Alternatively Spliced Tissue Factor Augments Anti-Metastatic Efficacy of Chemotherapy in a Preclinical Model of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

Alternatively spliced tissue factor (asTF) promotes the progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) by activating ß1-integrins on PDAC cell surfaces. hRabMab1, a first-in-class humanized inhibitory anti-asTF antibody we recently developed, can suppress PDAC primary tumor growth as a single agent. Whether hRabMab1 has the potential to suppress metastases in PDAC is unknown. Following in vivo screening of three asTF-proficient human PDAC cell lines, we chose to make use of KRAS G12V-mutant human PDAC cell line PaCa-44, which yields aggressive primary orthotopic tumors with spontaneous spread to PDAC-relevant anatomical sites, along with concomitant severe leukocytosis. The experimental design featured orthotopic tumors formed by luciferase labeled PaCa-44 cells; administration of hRabMab1 alone or in combination with gemcitabine/paclitaxel (gem/PTX); and the assessment of the treatment outcomes on the primary tumor tissue as well as systemic spread. When administered alone, hRabMab1 exhibited poor penetration of tumor tissue; however, hRabMab1 was abundant in tumor tissue when co-administered with gem/PTX, which resulted in a significant decrease in tumor cell proliferation; leukocyte infiltration; and neovascularization. Gem/PTX alone reduced primary tumor volume, but not metastatic spread; only the combination of hRabMab1 and gem/PTX significantly reduced metastatic spread. RNA-seq analysis of primary tumors showed that the addition of hRabMab1 to gem/PTX enhanced the downregulation of tubulin binding and microtubule motor activity. In the liver, hRabMab1 reduced liver metastasis as a single agent. Only the combination of hRabMab1 and gem/PTX eliminated tumor cell-induced leukocytosis. We here demonstrate for the first time that hRabMab1 may help suppress metastasis in PDAC. hRabMab1's ability to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy is significant and warrants further investigation.

Evaluation of hematological changes and immune response biomarkers as a prognostic factor in critical patients with COVID-19.

COVID-19 disease has been a challenge for health systems worldwide due to its high transmissibility, morbidity, and mortality. Severe COVID-19 is associated with an imbalance in the immune response, resulting in a cytokine storm and a hyperinflammation state. While hematological parameters correlate with prognosis in COVID patients, their predictive value has not been evaluated specifically among those severely ill. Therefore, we aim to evaluate the role of hematological and immune response biomarkers as a prognostic factor in critically ill patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit. From May 2020 to July 2021, a retrospective cohort study was conducted in a reference hospital in Manaus, which belongs to the Brazilian public health system. This study was carried out as single-center research. Clinical and laboratory parameters were analyzed to evaluate the association with mortality. We also evaluated the role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and C-reactive protein-to-lymphocyte ratio (CLR). We gathered information from medical records, as well as from prescriptions and forms authorizing the use of antimicrobial medications. During the study period, 177 patients were included, with a mean age of 62.58 ± 14.39 years. The overall mortality rate was 61.6%. Age, mechanical ventilation (MV) requirement, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, high c-reactive protein level, NLR, and CLR showed a statistically significant association with mortality in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, only MV (OR 35.687, 95% CI: 11.084-114.898, p< 0.001) and NLR (OR 1.026, 95% CI: 1.003-1.050, p = 0.028) remained statistically associated with the outcome of death (AUC = 0.8096). While the need for mechanical ventilation is a parameter observed throughout the hospital stay, the initial NLR can be a primary risk stratification tool to establish priorities and timely clinical intervention in patients with severe COVID-19 admitted to the ICU.

Exposure to BTEX is associated with cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia and leukocytosis in national US population.

BACKGROUND: Comprehensive research on the effects of individual benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) and their mixture measured in blood samples, on cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and related risk factors among the general population is limited. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of blood individual and mixed BTEX on total CVD and its subtypes, lipid profiles, and white blood cell (WBC) count. METHODS: Survey-weighted multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the associations between blood individual and mixed BTEX with CVD and its subtypes in 17,007 participants from NHANES 1999-2018. The combined effect of BTEX mixture on CVD was estimated using weighted quantile sum modeling and quantile g-computation. Weighted multivariate linear regression assessed the effects of BTEX on lipid profiles and WBC, including its five-part differential count. RESULTS: In comparison to the reference quartile of BTEX mixture, individuals in the highest quartile had a significantly increased adjusted odds ratio of CVD risk (1.64, 95 % CI: 1.23 to 2.19, P for trend = 0.008). Positive associations were observed for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and m-/p-xylene, demonstrating a monotonically increasing exposure-response relationship. Mixed BTEX was associated with congestive heart failure (CHF), angina pectoris, and heart attack. Individual benzene, toluene, and ethylbenzene were associated with CHF, while toluene, ethylbenzene, and all xylene isomers were linked to angina pectoris. Benzene, toluene, and o-xylene were associated with heart attack. Both mixed and individual BTEX showed positive associations with triglycerides, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and WBC, including its five-part differential count, but a negative relationship with high-density lipoprotein. Subgroup analyses identified modifying effects of smoking, drinking, exercise, BMI, hypertension, and diabetes on the associations between specific toxicants and CVD risk. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to BTEX was associated with cardiovascular diseases and cardiovascular risk factors. These findings emphasize the importance of considering blood BTEX levels when assessing cardiovascular health risks.

Case 322: Pyothorax-associated Lymphoma.

HISTORY: An 81-year-old man living in South Korea was referred to the pulmonology clinic because of abnormal findings at routine surveillance CT. His past medical history included right radical nephroureterectomy for ureteral cancer in 2016, transurethral resection of a bladder tumor in 2015, and tuberculous pleurisy in his third decade of life that was complicated by a chronic calcified empyema. He had been doing well clinically until 6 months prior, when he presented to an outside hospital with progressive right-sided chest pain and dyspnea and was found to have active tuberculosis. During that hospitalization, he underwent chest CT and CT-guided biopsy of an incidentally found thoracic lesion, which revealed chronic active inflammation. His symptoms improved after initiation of antituberculous medication, and he was discharged home to complete treatment. Because of interval growth of this lesion noted on a subsequent surveillance CT scan, he was referred to pulmonology for further evaluation. Laboratory tests obtained during his visit revealed mild leukocytosis (1258 cells × 109/L; normal range, 4000-10 000 cells × 109/L) with neutrophilic predominance (82% neutrophils; normal range, 50%-75% neutrophils), and a mildly elevated C-reactive protein level (3.17 mg/dL; normal range, 0-0.5 mg/dL). A sputum culture was negative for tuberculosis. The patient reported mild chest discomfort and dyspnea. Liver MRI was performed to further evaluate an abnormal lesion seen at CT. Given the patient's recent nonspecific biopsy results and tuberculosis treatment, no further work-up was pursued. Contrast-enhanced chest CT was performed 6 months later because the patient developed worsening chest pain and dyspnea. He remained afebrile, with persistent leukocytosis (1485 cells × 109/L) and an elevated C-reactive protein level (3.56 mg/dL). On the basis of the imaging findings, repeat CT-guided biopsy and PET/CT were performed, thereby enabling confirmation of the diagnosis, and appropriate treatment was initiated.

Predicting Serious Bacterial Infections Among Hypothermic Infants in the Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND: There is insufficient evidence to guide the initial evaluation of hypothermic infants. We aimed to evaluate risk factors for serious bacterial infections (SBI) among hypothermic infants presenting to the emergency department (ED). METHODS: We conducted a multicenter case-control study among hypothermic (rectal temperature <36.5°C) infants ≤90 days presenting to the ED who had a blood culture collected. Our outcome was SBI (bacteremia, bacterial meningitis, and/or urinary tract infection). We performed 1:2 matching. Historical, physical examination and laboratory covariables were determined based on the literature review from febrile and hypothermic infants and used logistic regression to identify candidate risk factors. RESULTS: Among 934 included infants, 57 (6.1%) had an SBI. In univariable analyses, the following were associated with SBI: age > 21 days, fever at home or in the ED, leukocytosis, elevated absolute neutrophil count, thrombocytosis, and abnormal urinalysis. Prematurity, respiratory distress, and hypothermia at home were negatively associated with SBI. The full multivariable model exhibited a c-index of 0.91 (95% confidence interval: 0.88-0.94). One variable (abnormal urinalysis) was selected for a reduced model, which had a c-index of 0.82 (95% confidence interval: 0.75-0.89). In a sensitivity analysis among hypothermic infants without fever (n = 22 with SBI among 116 infants), leukocytosis, absolute neutrophil count, and abnormal urinalysis were associated with SBI. CONCLUSIONS: Historical, examination, and laboratory data show potential as variables for risk stratification of hypothermic infants with concern for SBI. Larger studies are needed to definitively risk stratify this cohort, particularly for invasive bacterial infections.

The pathogenesis of cancer-associated thrombosis.

Patients with cancer have a higher risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), compared to the general population. Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) is a thrombotic event that occurs as a complication of cancer or cancer therapy. Major factors determining VTE risk in cancer patients include not only treatment history and patient characteristics, but also cancer type and site. Cancer types can be broadly divided into three groups based on VTE risk: high risk (pancreatic, ovarian, brain, stomach, gynecologic, and hematologic), intermediate risk (colon and lung), and low risk (breast and prostate). This implies that the mechanism of VTE differs between cancer types and that specific VTE pathways may exist for different cancer types. This review summarizes the specific pathways that contribute to VTE in cancer patients, with a particular focus on leukocytosis, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), tissue factor (TF), thrombocytosis, podoplanin (PDPN), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), the intrinsic coagulation pathway, and von Willebrand factor (VWF).

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in an alpaca.

A 6-year-old female huacaya alpaca was referred to the clinic for evaluation with a 1-month history of rapid weight loss, inappetence, lethargy, and severe leukocytosis refractory to medical management. Physical examination revealed a body condition score of 1 out of 5 and a large, firm structure palpable in the right caudoventral abdomen. Abdominal ultrasonographic examination revealed 3 masses with hyperechoic, swirling centers. The largest mass measured 15 cm in diameter with a 2-centimeter capsule, and extended from right of midline into the left inguinal region. Transrectal ultrasonography identified a small uterus and clear delineation between the abdominal masses. Complete blood (cell) count findings were consistent with marked systemic inflammation. Based on initial examination and laboratory findings, exploratory laparotomy was elected. Multiple mesenteric masses strongly adhered to the jejunum were observed within the abdomen. Due to the inoperable conditions and the poor long-term prognosis, the alpaca was euthanized under general anesthesia. Bacterial culture of fluid aspirated from the largest mass revealed Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Key clinical message: Clinical progression and attempted treatment of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in camelids have not been previously described and the bacterium should be considered as a differential diagnosis for abscessation and persistent leukocytosis. Yersinia pseudotuberculosis is also considered a zoonotic agent and proper precautions should be taken when handling cases of abdominal abscessation.

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis chez un alpaga. Une alpaga huacaya femelle de 6 ans a été référée à la clinique pour évaluation avec des antécédents d'un mois de perte de poids rapide, d'inappétence, de léthargie et de leucocytose sévère réfractaire à la prise en charge médicale. L'examen physique a révélé un score d'état corporel de 1 sur 5 et une structure large et ferme palpable au niveau de l'abdomen caudoventral droit. L'examen échographique abdominal a révélé 3 masses à centres hyperéchogènes et tourbillonnants. La plus grande masse mesurait 15 cm de diamètre avec une capsule de 2 centimètres et s'étendait de la droite de la ligne médiane jusqu'à la région inguinale gauche. L'échographie transrectale a identifié un petit utérus et une délimitation claire entre les masses abdominales. Les résultats de la numération globulaire (cellulaire) sanguine complète étaient compatibles avec une inflammation systémique marquée. Sur la base de l'examen initial et des résultats de laboratoire, une laparotomie exploratoire a été choisie. De multiples masses mésentériques fortement adhérées au jéjunum ont été observées dans l'abdomen. En raison des conditions inopérables et du mauvais pronostic à long terme, l'alpaga a été euthanasié sous anesthésie générale. La culture bactérienne du liquide aspiré de la plus grande masse a révélé Y. pseudotuberculosis.Message clinique clé :La progression clinique et les tentatives de traitement de Y. pseudotuberculosis chez les camélidés n'ont pas été décrites auparavant et la bactérie doit être considérée comme un diagnostic différentiel d'abcès et de leucocytose persistante. Yersinia pseudotuberculosis est également considérée comme un agent zoonotique et des précautions appropriées doivent être prises lors de la manipulation des cas d'abcès abdominal.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

One thousand patients with essential thrombocythemia: the Florence-CRIMM experience.

We describe 1000 patients with essential thrombocythemia seen at the Center Research and Innovation of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (CRIMM), Florence, Italy, between 1980 and 2023: median age 59 years (18-95), females 65%, JAK2/CALR/MPL-mutated 66%/19%/4%, triple-negative (TN) 11%. Extreme thrombocytosis (ExT, platelets ≥1000 × 109/L) in 16%, leukocytosis (leukocytes >11 × 109/L) in 16%, and at least one cardiovascular risk factor in 52% of cases. JAK2-mutated patients were older (median 62 years) and CALR-mutated and TN (53 years for both) younger (p < 0.001). Female gender clustered with TN (76%) and JAK2 (67%) vs CALR (46%) mutations (p < 0.001). ExT clustered with CALR (type-2 more than type-1), TN and MPL, and leukocytosis with JAK2 mutation (p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, risk factors for arterial thrombosis-free survival were age ≥60 years (HR 2.0; p < 0.001) and JAK2 mutation (HR 1.3; p = 0.02) with borderline significance for male gender (p = 0.08) and cardiovascular risk factors (p = 0.08); for venous thrombosis-free survival, JAK2 mutation (HR 1.9; p = 0.03) with borderline significance for venous thrombosis history (p = 0.07); for overall survival, older age (p < 0.001), male gender (HR 1.9; p < 0.001), absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 8 × 109/L (HR 1.8; p = 0.01), absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) < 1.7 × 109/L (HR 1.2; p = 0.03); for myelofibrosis-free survival, CALR mutation (HR 2.7; p < 0.001, particularly for CALR type 1/1-like, HR 3.3) and MPL mutation (HR 3.9; p = 0.001); for leukemia-free survival, older age (p = 0.03). Cytoreductive therapy appeared to mitigate both venous (HR 0.3; p = 0.01) and arterial thrombosis (HR 4; p = 0.04); there was a trend for aspirin in preventing arterial thrombosis recurrence. The current study provides real-world observations in essential thrombocythemia, representing a valid source document for interpreting current literature and planning future studies.

One thousand patients with essential thrombocythemia: the Mayo Clinic experience.

We describe 1000 patients with essential thrombocythemia seen at the Mayo Clinic between 1967 and 2023: median age 58 years (18-90), females 63%, JAK2/CALR/MPL-mutated 62%/27%/3%, triple-negative (TN) 8%, extreme thrombocytosis (ExT; platelets ≥1000 × 109/L) 26%, leukocytosis (leukocyte count >11 × 109/L) 20%, and abnormal karyotype 6%. JAK2-mutated patients were older (median 71 years), and CALR mutated (52 years), and TN (50 years) younger (p < 0.01). Female gender clustered with TN (73%) and JAK2 (69%) vs. CALR/MPL (49%/47%) mutations (p < 0.01). ExT clustered with CALR (type-2 more than type-1) and TN and leukocytosis with JAK2 mutation (p < 0.01). In multivariable analysis, risk factors for overall survival were older age (p < 0.01), male gender (HR 1.8), absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 8 × 109/L (HR 1.6), absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) < 1.7 × 109/L (HR 1.5), hypertension (HR 1.7), and arterial thrombosis history (HR 1.7); for leukemia-free survival, ExT (HR 2.3) and abnormal karyotype (HR 3.1); for myelofibrosis-free survival, ANC ≥ 8 × 109/L (HR 2.3) and MPL mutation (HR 3.9); for arterial thrombosis-free survival, age ≥60 years (HR 1.9), male gender (HR 1.6), arterial thrombosis history (HR 1.7), hypertension (HR 1.7), and JAK2 mutation (HR 1.8); for venous thrombosis-free survival, male gender (HR 1.8) and venous thrombosis history (HR 3.0). Associations between ExT and leukemic transformation and between ANC and fibrotic progression were limited to JAK2-mutated cases. Aspirin therapy appeared to mitigate both arterial (HR 0.4) and venous (HR 0.4) thrombosis risk. HR-based risk models delineated patients with median survivals ranging from 10 years to not reached and 20-year leukemia/myelofibrosis incidences from 3%/21% to 12.8%/49%. The current study provides both novel and confirmatory observations of essential thrombocythemia.

Abnormal preoperative haematological parameters in Endometrial cancer; reflecting tumour aggressiveness or reduced response to radiotherapy?

BACKGROUND: In endometrial cancer (EC), preoperative anaemia, thrombocytosis and leucocytosis appear to be associated with worse prognosis. It remains unclear whether these parameters solely reflect tumour aggressiveness, or also impact response to adjuvant treatment. Therefore, our primary aim is to evaluate the prognostic relevance of anaemia, thrombocytosis and leucocytosis on survival in EC. Secondary, to explore their predictive relevance in response to radiotherapy in EC. METHODS: A retrospective multicentre cohort study was performed within 10 hospitals. Preoperative haematological parameters were defined as: Anaemia - haemoglobin <7.45 mmol/L (<12 g/Dl), thrombocytosis - platelets >400 × 109 platelets/L, leucocytosis - leukocytes >10 × 109/L. The relationship of haematological parameters with clinicopathological characteristics, ESGO/ESTRO/ESP risk groups and survival were evaluated. Furthermore, the predictive value of haematological parameters was determined on the overall response to adjuvant radiotherapy and for the ESGO/ESTRO/ESP intermediate-risk group solely receiving radiotherapy. RESULTS: A total of 894 patients were included with a median follow-up of 4.5 years. Anaemia was present in 103 (11.5%), thrombocytosis in 79 (8.8%) and leucocytosis in 114 (12.7%) patients. The presence of anaemia or thrombocytosis was significantly associated with ESGO/ESTRO/ESP high-risk (respectively, P = 0.002 and P = 0.041). In the entire cohort, anaemia remained independently associated with decreased disease-specific survival (HR 2.31, 95% CI (1.19-4.50), P = 0.013) after adjusting for age, the abnormal haematological parameters and ESGO/ESTRO/ESP risk groups. In patients that were treated with adjuvant radiotherapy (n = 239), anaemia was associated with significant reduced 5-year disease-specific and recurrence-free survival (P = 0.005 and P = 0.025, respectively). In ESGO/ESTRO/ESP intermediate risk patients that received solely vaginal brachytherapy (n = 74), anaemia was associated with reduced disease-specific survival (P = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Current data demonstrate the importance of preoperative anaemia as independent prognostic factor in patients with EC. Moreover, anaemia seems to be associated with reduced response to radiotherapy. Prospective validation in a larger study cohort is needed to verify anaemia as predictive biomarker for radiotherapy.What is already known on this subject? In endometrial cancer, preoperative abnormal haematological parameters like, anaemia, thrombocytosis and leucocytosis appears to be associated with FIGO advanced-stage and unfavourable outcome.What do the results of this study add? It remains unclear whether anaemia, thrombocytosis or leucocytosis solely reflecting worse prognosis by advanced tumour stage, or also impact response to adjuvant treatment. Current data demonstrate that anaemia is independent associated with decreased disease-specific survival and anaemia seems related with reduced response to radiotherapy and in specific to vaginal brachytherapy in ESGO/ESTRO/ESP intermediate risk patients.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Specific applied adjuvant treatment is needed if patients with anaemia have a reduced response to radiotherapy in EC. Prospective validation in a larger study cohort is required to verify anaemia as predictive biomarker for radiotherapy and to further evaluate the prognostic/predictive impact of anaemia in addition to the molecular subgroups.

In this study we focused on three specific blood values before surgery to predict survival outcomes in endometrial cancer patients: low haemoglobin (anaemia), high platelet count (thrombocytosis) and high white blood cell count (leucocytosis). We studied 894 patients with endometrial cancer over about 4.5 years, in which 11.5% had anaemia, 8.8% thrombocytosis and 12.7% leucocytosis. Anaemia was linked to a lower chance of surviving endometrial cancer, even after we considering patients' age, thrombocytosis, leucocytosis and the endometrial cancer risk classification groups. In patients who received radiotherapy after surgery (293 patients), anaemia was linked to a lower change of surviving and cancer coming back within 5 years. In patients within the intermediate endometrial cancer risk classification group who only received specific radiotherapy (74 patients), anaemia was even linked with lower chance of survival. In conclusion, anaemia is an important factor in predicting endometrial cancer outcomes, and it might also make radiotherapy less effective for some patients.

Prognostic Factors for Predicting Post-COVID-19 Condition in Patients With COVID-19 in an Outpatient Setting.

BACKGROUND: Although data on post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) conditions are extensive, the prognostic factors affecting symptom duration in non-hospitalized patients with COVID-19 are currently not well known. We aimed to investigate the various prognostic factors affecting symptom duration among outpatients with COVID-19. METHODS: Data were analyzed from 257 patients who were diagnosed with mild COVID-19 and visited the 'post-COVID-19 outpatient clinic' between April and December 2022 after a mandatory isolation period. The symptom duration was measured from diagnosis to symptom resolution. Laboratory and pulmonary function test results from their first visit were collected. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 55.7 years, and the median symptom duration was 57 days. The development of post-COVID-19 conditions (> 12 weeks) were significantly correlated with not using antiviral drugs, leukocytosis (white blood cell > 10,000/µL), lower 25(OH)D3 levels, forced vital capacity (FVC) < 90% predicted, and presence of dyspnea and anxiety/depression. Additionally, in multivariable Cox regression analysis, not using antiviral drugs, lower 25(OH)D3 levels, and having dyspnea were poor prognostic factors for longer symptom duration. Particularly, vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/mL) and not using antivirals during the acute phase were independent poor prognostic factors for both post-COVID-19 condition and longer symptom duration. CONCLUSION: The non-use of antivirals, lower 25(OH)D3 levels, leukocytosis, FVC < 90% predicted, and the presence of dyspnea and anxiety/depression symptoms could be useful prognostic factors for predicting post-COVID-19 condition in outpatients with COVID-19. We suggest that the use of antiviral agents during the acute phase and vitamin D supplements might help reduce COVID-19 symptom duration.

Autoimmune Cerebellar Ataxia Associated with Anti-Glutamate Receptor δ2 Antibodies: a Rare but Treatable Entity.

We report two novel cases of autoimmune cerebellar ataxia (ACA) associated with anti-glutamate receptor δ2 antibodies (Gluδ2-Abs). The first case was confirmed by indirect immunofluorescence and cell-based assays: a 29-year-old woman presented after 5 days of headache and vomiting, a pancerebellar syndrome, downbeat nystagmus, decreased visual acuity linked to bilateral retrobulbar optic neuritis (RON), and lymphocytic pleocytosis in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) without any abnormality detected using cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Second-line immunotherapy allowed progressive clinical improvement, with full recovery achieved after a 4-year follow-up. Thereafter, we retrospectively tested Gluδ2-Abs in 350 patients with a suspicion of autoimmune encephalitis without characterized autoantibody. We identified a second case, a 12-year-old boy who developed 10 days after a respiratory infection, a static cerebellar syndrome with lymphocytosis in the CSF, and right cerebellum hyperintensity in MRI. Five days of corticosteroid treatment allowed a quick clinical improvement. No tumor was identified in both cases, whereas laboratory analyses revealed autoimmune stigma. The present cases suggested that ACA associated with Gluδ2-Abs is an extremely rare but treatable disease. Therefore, testing for Gluδ2-Abs might be considered in the setting of suspected ACA and no initial antibody identification. The visual deficits and ocular motility abnormalities observed in the first reported case might be part of the clinical spectrum of Gluδ2-Abs ACA. Young age, infectious prodromes, lymphocytic pleocytosis, and autoimmune background usually appear together with this syndrome and should lead to discuss the initiation of immunotherapy (after ruling out differential diagnosis, especially infectious causes).

Delayed Perforation Occurring after Gastric Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: Clinical Features and Management Strategy.

Background/Aims: Delayed perforation is a rare but serious adverse event of gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical features and appropriate management strategy of patients with delayed perforation. Methods: Among 11,531 patients who underwent gastric ESD, the clinical features and outcomes of patients who experienced delayed perforation were retrospectively reviewed and compared with those of the control group. Results: Delayed perforation occurred in 15 of 11,531 patients (0.13%). The patients with delayed perforation were significantly older than those without delayed perforation (p=0.027). The median time to diagnosis of delayed perforation was 28.8 hours (range, 14 to 71 hours). All 15 patients with delayed perforation complained of severe abdominal pain after gastric ESD and underwent subsequent chest X-rays (CXRs) for evaluation. In subsequent CXR, free air was found in 12 patients (80%). For three (20%) patients without free air in CXR, delayed perforation was finally diagnosed by computed tomography. Leukocytosis was significantly less frequent in the patients without free air in CXR (p=0.022). A perforation hole smaller than 1 cm in size was more frequently observed in the six patients who underwent successful non-surgical treatments than in the nine patients who underwent surgery (p<0.001). There was no mortality related to delayed perforation. Conclusions: One-fifth of the patients with delayed perforation did not show free air in CXR and exhibited less leukocytosis than those with free air. Non-surgical treatments including endoscopic closure might be considered as an initial treatment modality for delayed perforation smaller than 1 cm.

Red cell exchange for rapid leukoreduction in adults with hyperleukocytosis and leukostasis.

ABSTRACT: We show that red cell exchange (RCE) treats hyperleukocytosis in acute leukemia. RCE provided similar leukoreduction to standard therapeutic leukoreduction and could be superior in patients with severe anemia or monocytic leukemias or when requiring rapid treatment.