The effect of favipiravir versus hydroxychloroquine on clinical and laboratory findings in COVID-19 in healthcare workers.

OBJECTIVES: Comparative data on hydroxychloroquine and favipiravir, commonly used agents in the treatment of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19), are still limited. In this study, it was aimed to compare treatment outcomes in healthcare workers with COVID-19 who were prospectively followed by the occupational health and safety unit. METHODS: A total of 237 healthcare-workers, diagnosed as mild or moderate COVID-19 between March 11, 2020 and January 1, 2021, were given hydroxychloroquine (n = 114) or favipiravir (n = 123). Clinical and laboratory findings were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 33.4±11.5 years. The mean time to negative PCR was found to be significantly shorter in patients receiving favipiravir compared to the hydroxychloroquine group (10.9 vs. 13.9 days; p < 0.001). The rate of hospitalization in the hydroxychloroquine group was significantly higher than favipiravir group (15.8% vs. 3.3%). In terms of side effects; the frequency of diarrhea in patients receiving hydroxychloroquine was significantly higher than that in the favipiravir group (31.6% vs. 6.5%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Favipiravir and hydroxychloroquine were similar in terms of improvement of clinical symptoms of healthcare workers with mild or moderate COVID-19 infection, but favipiravir was significantly more effective in reducing viral load and hospitalization rates. Furthermore, favipiravir caused significantly less side-effects than hydroxychloroquine.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and simultaneous acute anteroseptal and inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a recently recognised pandemic spreading rapidly from Wuhan, Hubei, to other provinces in China and to many countries around the world. The number of COVID-19-related deaths is steadily increasing. Acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a disease with high morbidity and mortality rates, and primary percutaneous coronary intervention is usually recommended for the treatment. A patient with diabetes mellitus and hypertension for five years was admitted to the emergency unit with symptoms of fever, cough and dyspnoea. These symptoms were consistent with viral pneumonia and a COVID PCR test was performed, which tested positive three days later. The patient had chest pain on the eighth day of hospitalisation. On electrocardiography, simultaneous acute inferior and anterior STEMI were identified. High levels of stress and increased metabolic demand in these patients may lead to concomitant thrombosis of different coronary arteries, presenting with two different STEMIs.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and simultaneous acute anteroseptal and inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a recently recognised pandemic spreading rapidly from Wuhan, Hubei, to other provinces in China and to many countries around the world. The number of COVID-19-related deaths is steadily increasing. Acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a disease with high morbidity and mortality rates, and primary percutaneous coronary intervention is usually recommended for the treatment. A patient with diabetes mellitus and hypertension for five years was admitted to the emergency unit with symptoms of fever, cough and dyspnoea. These symptoms were consistent with viral pneumonia and a COVID PCR test was performed, which tested positive three days later. The patient had chest pain on the eighth day of hospitalisation. On electrocardiography, simultaneous acute inferior and anterior STEMI were identified. High levels of stress and increased metabolic demand in these patients may lead to concomitant thrombosis of different coronary arteries, presenting with two different STEMIs.

Effect of cefazolin prophylaxis on postoperative infectious complications in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: In patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis, laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the standard method of treatment. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has a low rate of postoperative infections probably owing to smaller wounds and minimal tissue damage compared with the open procedure. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the effect of cefazolin prophylaxis on postoperative infection in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Additionally, we determined the risk factors of cases with postoperative infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 753 patients were enrolled in the study. Among these, 206 were excluded from the study. As a result, 547 patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were selected for this prospective study. Patients were randomized consecutively and divided into 2 groups: patients in the cefazolin (CEF) group (n = 278) received 1 g of cefazolin and those in the control group (n = 269) received 10 mL of isotonic sodium chloride solution. Patient characteristics and overall surgical outcomes were compared between the groups. All patients were followed for development of postoperative infections. RESULTS: Postoperative infections occurred in 4 patients in the CEF group and in 2 patients in the control group; no significant difference existed in this regard(P = .44). Risk of infection increased in patients with previous cholecystitis and/or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (P < 0.001), patients with ruptured gallbladders, and patients for whom a suction drain was used (respectively, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: No correlation existed between cefazolin prophylaxis and postoperative infections in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients. There may be an increased risk of infection in patients with previous cholecystitis or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. In addition, there was an increased risk of postoperative infection in patients with gallbladder rupture and suction drain use.

Risk factors for candidemia with non-albicans Candida spp. in intensive care unit patients with end-stage renal disease on chronic hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to describe factors associated with bloodstream infections (BSIs) with non-albicans Candida species (NAC), compared with Candida albicans BSIs, and antifungal susceptibility patterns in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the potential factors for NAC candidemia in ICU patients with end-stage renal disease on chronic hemodialysis. METHODS: This prospective, observational, multicenter study was conducted in the two centers of Baskent University between January 2007 and July 2010. All adult patients excluding patients with neutropenia, malignancy, glucocorticoid treatment or AIDS, were included. RESULTS: Sixty cases (58.8%) of candidemia were due to C. albicans and 42 (41.2%) to NAC. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the presence of a central venous catheter was the only risk factor independently associated with BSI due to NAC (p=0.046, odds ratio: 5.90, 95% confidence interval: 1.032-33.717). Mortality was more frequent in those with NAC than C. albicans BSIs (64.3% vs. 55%), but the difference was not significant (p=0.067). Except for two Candida glabrata strains, which were dose-dependently fluconazole susceptible, all Candida species were susceptible to fluconazole, caspofungin, voriconazole and amphotericin B. CONCLUSION: Central venous catheterization was the only factor significantly associated with BSI due to NAC in ICU patients with end-stage renal disease.

Osteoarticular involvement among 202 brucellosis cases identified in Central Anatolia region of Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: The musculoskeletal system is one of the most commonly affected systems in brucellosis. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency, types, and clinical features of osteoarticular involvement among cases with brucellosis in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey and to establish the differences between patients with and without osteoarticular involvement. METHODS: Included in this study were 202 patients with Brucellosis presented between June 2003 and June 2009. The diagnosis of osteoarticular system complications was established by physical examination and radiological findings obtained by diagnostic imaging tools. Magnetic resonance images of thoracic, lumbar or sacral vertebrae were acquired from patients with back pain, low back pain and sacro-iliac joint pain. RESULTS: Osteoarticular involvement was noted in 94 patients (46.5%). The most common sources of infection are employment in farming and/or consumption of un-pasteurized milk or dairy products, especially fresh cheese in 53 (75.7%) cases. The mean age is 46.7±18 years. Sacroiliitis is the most frequent osteoarticular involvement (60.6%), 82.4% of which is bilateral. Sacroiliitis was followed by spondylodiscitis in 36 (38.3%), peripheral arthritis in 15 (16%), bursitis in 1(1.1%) case. Patients with osteoarticular involvement received medical treatment for at least three months. CONCLUSION: The ratio and anatomical region of osteoarticular involvement in brucellosis show variability among countries. In this study, it is demonstrated that sacroiliitis is the most common form of osteoarticular involvement in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey. In endemic countries such as Turkey, this disease should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients with symptoms of sacroiliitis, spondylodiscitis or those with articular pain.

Bloodstream infections caused by ESBL-producing E. Coli and K. pneumoniae: risk factors for multidrug-resistance

This prospective case-control study was conducted from October 2003 to June 2007 to evaluate risk factors for multidrug resistance among extended-spectrum-b-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. (ESBL-EK) isolates in blood cultures. All adult patients (>18 years old) whose blood cultures grew ESBL-EK during the study period were included. An ESBL-EK isolate was defined as MDR if it was resistant to at least one member of following two classes of antibiotics: aminoglycosides (amikacin, gentamicin, or netilmycin) and fluoroquinolones (ofloxacin, or ciprofloxacin). Case patients were those with a MDR ESBL-EK isolate, and control patients were those with a non-MDR ESBL-EK isolate. A total of 94 bloodstream infections, including 37 (39,4 percent) bloodstream infections with ESBL-producing E. coli and 57 (60,6 percent) with ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae,in 86 patients were enrolled. Thirty episodes (31.9 percent) were due to MDR ESBL-EK. The only independent risk factor for MDR ESBL-EK was duration of hospitalization before bacteraemia (OR 3.88; 95 percent CI 1.55-9.71; p=0.004). The rate of multidrug resistance among ESBL-EK bloodstream isolates was high, and duration of hospitalization before bacteraemia was the only indeepended risk factor for the MDR ESBL-EK bloodstream infections.

Evaluation of oxidative status in patients with brucellosis

Oxidative stress can be defined as an increase in oxidants and/or a decrease in antioxidant capacity. We aimed to determine total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total peroxide, malondialdehyde and catalase levels in plasma samples, and calculation of oxidative stress index (OSI) in patients with brucellosis to evaluate their oxidative status using a novel automated method. Sixty-nine patients with brucellosis and 69 healthy control subjects were included in the present study. Plasma levels of total peroxide and malondialdehyde were significantly increased in patients as compared with healthy controls (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). In contrast, TAC level was significantly lower in patients as compared with controls (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the catalase results of the two groups (p>0.05). OSI level was significantly increased in patients as compared with healthy controls (p<0.001). In conclusion, oxidants were increased and antioxidants were decreased in patients with brucellosis. Oxidative stress was increased in patients with brucellosis.

A case of brucellosis with abscess of the iliacus muscle, olecranon bursitis, and sacroiliitis.

Brucellosis is a systemic infection involving many organs and tissues. The musculoskeletal system is one of the most commonly affected. The disease can present with sacroiliitis, peripheral arthritis, spondylitis, paraspinal abscess, bursitis, and osteomyelitis. A 25-year-old male patient was admitted with fever of 20-day duration, right-sided hip pain, and night sweating. A Brucella standard tube agglutination test was positive at a titer of 1/160. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the hip joint showed right sacroiliitis and a hyperintense, nodular, lobulated mass within the right iliacus muscle, consistent with abscess. The patient was started on intramuscular streptomycin at a dose of 1 g/day, oral rifampin 600 mg/day, and doxycycline 200 mg/day. On day 20 of treatment, the patient was admitted with swelling and pain over the left elbow for the past week. MRI of the left elbow was performed, which showed fluid edema suggestive of olecranon bursitis. Taking the patient's complaints into consideration, rifampin and doxycycline treatment were maintained for a year. Pain at the hip joint and elbow resolved and MRI findings disappeared. Abscess of the iliacus muscle, which has not been reported before, and the olecranon bursitis that developed during treatment make this case worth presenting.

Bloodstream infections caused by ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae: risk factors for multidrug-resistance.

This prospective case-control study was conducted from October 2003 to June 2007 to evaluate risk factors for multidrug resistance among extended-spectrum-b-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. (ESBL-EK) isolates in blood cultures. All adult patients (>18 years old) whose blood cultures grew ESBL-EK during the study period were included. An ESBL-EK isolate was defined as MDR if it was resistant to at least one member of following two classes of antibiotics: aminoglycosides (amikacin, gentamicin, or netilmycin) and fluoroquinolones (ofloxacin, or ciprofloxacin). Case patients were those with a MDR ESBL-EK isolate, and control patients were those with a non-MDR ESBL-EK isolate. A total of 94 bloodstream infections, including 37 (39,4%) bloodstream infections with ESBL-producing E. coli and 57 (60,6%) with ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae,in 86 patients were enrolled. Thirty episodes (31.9%) were due to MDR ESBL-EK. The only independent risk factor for MDR ESBL-EK was duration of hospitalization before bacteraemia (OR 3.88; 95% CI 1.55-9.71; p=0.004). The rate of multidrug resistance among ESBL-EK bloodstream isolates was high, and duration of hospitalization before bacteraemia was the only indeepended risk factor for the MDR ESBL-EK bloodstream infections.

Evaluation of oxidative status in patients with brucellosis.

Oxidative stress can be defined as an increase in oxidants and/or a decrease in antioxidant capacity. We aimed to determine total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total peroxide, malondialdehyde and catalase levels in plasma samples, and calculation of oxidative stress index (OSI) in patients with brucellosis to evaluate their oxidative status using a novel automated method. Sixty-nine patients with brucellosis and 69 healthy control subjects were included in the present study. Plasma levels of total peroxide and malondialdehyde were significantly increased in patients as compared with healthy controls (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). In contrast, TAC level was significantly lower in patients as compared with controls (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the catalase results of the two groups (p>0.05). OSI level was significantly increased in patients as compared with healthy controls (p<0.001). In conclusion, oxidants were increased and antioxidants were decreased in patients with brucellosis. Oxidative stress was increased in patients with brucellosis.

Septic pulmonary embolism secondary to dental focus.

A 24-year-old female was admitted to an infectious diseases unit with complaints of dyspnea and fever. She had suffered from multiple episodes of fever for 1 year. The diagnostic workup revealed multiple pulmonary nodules on the chest CT scan, suggesting septic pulmonary embolism, and a periapical abscess around the maxillary right central incisor. Because no other infectious source was found and resolution of the fever and the pulmonary lesions occurred only after extraction of the affected tooth and antibiotic therapy, the condition was diagnosed as a periapical abscess complicated by septic pulmonary embolism.

Frequency, risk factors, and responsible pathogenic microorganisms of asymptomatic bacteriuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Urinary tract infection is a serious problem in diabetic patients, and asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in these patients is a risk factor for pyelonephritis and renal dysfunction. In the present study, we investigated the relationships between age, body mass index, duration of diabetes, HbA1c level, glucosuria, glomerular filtration rate and microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetic patients with ASB. One hundred and twenty-three patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to ASB; Group I consisted of 22 patients with ASB, and Group II of 101 patients without ASB. There were no significant differences between the groups in regard to age, body mass index, creatinine clearance or microalbuminuria, while there were significant differences in HbA1c, duration of diabetes mellitus, glucosuria and pyuria (P < 0.05). The most commonly isolated microorganism was Escherichia coli. The present study identified the duration of diabetes, high HbA1c, glucosuria and pyuria as risk factors for ASB in type 2 diabetic patients.

Clinical subgroups and antifungal susceptibilities in fungal culture-positive patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

The goal of this study was to investigate clinical characteristics of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in patients with positive fungal cultures. Fungal cultures were taken from 55 CRS patients and 20 healthy volunteers. Susceptibilities of isolated fungi to fluconazole, amphotericin B, itraconazole, voriconazole, and caspofungin were determined in CRS patients. Fungi grew in the cultures from 44 (80%) CRS patients and 17 (85%) healthy volunteers. Of the patients with positive fungal cultures, 5 (11.3%) had fungal hypersensitivity (FH), and 21 (47.7%) had eosinophilic mucin (EM). Fungal culture-positive patients with EM were more likely to be associated with presence of polyps and higher CT scores than those without EM (P < 0.05). All the patients with FH had EM and polyps, and CT scores of those patients were highest. The sensitivity rates of fungal isolates were 97.8% for amphotericin B, caspofungin, and voriconazole; 74.4% for itraconazole; and 6.4% for fluconazole. The presence of EM with or without FH leaded to more extended CRS, but a part of positive fungal cultures were together with EM in patients with CRS. Sensitivity to antifungal agents, except fluconazole, was high. Because many factors can contribute to the pathogenesis of CRS, medical treatment should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease in an immunocompetent individual following cardiac surgery.

A 65-year-old man underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery at our tertiary care hospital. Perioperatively, he was transfused with four units of nonirradiated whole blood from first-degree relatives and discharged from the hospital at postoperative day seven. He presented six days later with fever, skin rash, elevated liver enzymes, and progressive pancytopenia. Elevated bilirubin levels and diarrhea were added to the clinical picture over the following days. Clinical findings and results of a skin biopsy specimen were consistent with transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease. The patient died 20 days after transfusion.