Cardiac function in relation to myocardial injury in hospitalised patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported on myocardial injury in patients with coronavirus infectious disease 19 (COVID-19) defined as elevated cardiac biomarkers. Whether elevated biomarkers truly represent myocardial dysfunction is not known. The aim of this study was to explore the incidence of ventricular dysfunction and assess its relationship with biomarker analyses. METHODS: This cross-sectional study ran from April 1 to May 12, 2020, and consisted of all consecutively admitted patients to the Radboud university medical centre nursing ward for COVID-19. Laboratory assessment included high-sensitivity Troponin T and N­terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Echocardiographic evaluation focused on left and right ventricular systolic function and global longitudinal strain (GLS). RESULTS: In total, 51 patients were included, with a median age of 63 years (range 51-68 years) of whom 80% was male. Troponin T was elevated (>14 ng/l) in 47%, and a clinically relevant Troponin T elevation (10â€¯× URL) was found in three patients (6%). NT-proBNP was elevated (>300 pg/ml) in 24 patients (47%), and in four (8%) the NT-proBNP concentration was >1,000 pg/ml. Left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction <52% and/or GLS >-18%) was observed in 27%, while right ventricular dysfunction (TAPSE <17 mm and/or RV S' < 10 cm/s) was seen in 10%. There was no association between elevated Troponin T or NT-proBNP and left or right ventricular dysfunction. Patients with confirmed pulmonary embolism had normal right ventricular function. CONCLUSIONS: In hospitalised patients, it seems that COVID-19 predominantly affects the respiratory system, while cardiac dysfunction occurs less often. Based on a single echocardiographic evaluation, we found no relation between elevated Troponin T or NT-proBNP, and ventricular dysfunction. Echocardiography has limited value in screening for ventricular dysfunction.

Osteopontin promotes host defense during Klebsiella pneumoniae-induced pneumonia.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common cause of nosocomial pneumonia. Osteopontin (OPN) is a phosphorylated glycoprotein involved in inflammatory processes, some of which is mediated by CD44. The aim of this study was to determine the role of OPN during K. pneumoniae-induced pneumonia. Wild-type (WT) and OPN knockout (KO) mice were intranasally infected with 104 colony forming units of K. pneumoniae, or administered Klebsiella lipopolysaccharides (LPS). In addition, recombinant OPN (rOPN) was intranasally administered to WT and CD44 KO mice. During Klebsiella pneumonia, WT mice displayed elevated pulmonary and plasma OPN levels. OPN KO and WT mice showed similar pulmonary bacterial loads 6 h after infection; thereafter, Klebsiella loads were higher in lungs of OPN KO mice and the mortality rate in this group was higher than in WT mice. Early neutrophil recruitment into the bronchoalveolar space was impaired in the absence of OPN after intrapulmonary delivery of either Klebsiella bacteria or Klebsiella LPS. Moreover, rOPN induced neutrophil migration into the bronchoalveolar space, independent from CD44. In vitro, OPN did not affect K. pneumoniae growth or neutrophil function. In conclusion, OPN levels were rapidly increased in the bronchoalveolar space during K. pneumoniae pneumonia, where OPN serves a chemotactic function towards neutrophils, thereby facilitating an effective innate immune response.

Haemophilia patients aged 0-18 years in the Western Cape.

OBJECTIVES: To record the number of haemophilicas aged 0-18 years in the Western Cape (WC), what event led to the diagnosis, the level of clotting factor, treatment, functional status of their joints and impact of the disease on the family. DESIGN: A prospective study of patients registered with the South African National Haemophilia Registry and new patients, utilising the patients' paediatricians, hospital records, patient and guardian interviews, physical examination and provincial nurse haemophilia co-ordinators. SETTING: Haemophilia care centres at the three WC academic hospitals, regional hospitals and homes of patients. Two elective medical students, MHH and JJH, collected the information. SUBJECTS: All boys with confirmed haemophilia A or B in the WC. OUTCOME MEASURES: Events that led to diagnosis, degree of haemophilia, use of clotting factor, functional status, and effect on family. RESULTS: Of 78 patients (59 haemophilia A, 19 haemophilia B) identified, 49 could be studied. Forty-three per cent had severe, 29% moderate and 22% mild disease (6% unknown). Family history was present in 49%, but led to diagnosis in only 12%. The most common first symptoms were subcutaneous and mucosal bleeding. Delay in diagnosis varied from 0 to 9 months. Twenty-nine per cent of guardians were suspected of child abuse. RSA produced clotting factor was used 'on demand' in 73% of patients, for periodic prophylaxis in 20% and as continuous prophylaxis in 7%. Joints were functionally restricted in 43% of patients. The majority of guardians (59%) said the disease had a major impact on the family. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of haemophilia in children with a positive family history was often delayed. Haemophilia causes significant morbidity in our patients and their families.