Prevalence of digestive disorders associated with imported Chagas disease (PADChI study): an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Chagas disease (CD) is a parasitic disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, in which up to 10-20% of those affected may suffer digestive disorders. Multiple studies have been carried out on CD in non-endemic countries, mainly related to cardiological involvement. However, digestive disorders have not been analyzed in such depth. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of digestive disorders in imported CD at the time of first care. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional descriptive analysis of imported CD was performed. Chagasic structural damage and infectious digestive comorbidity were evaluated. The association between Chagasic structural damage and heart disease in Chagas patients was also investigated. RESULTS: After reviewing a total of 1,216 medical records, those of 464 patients were selected for analysis. Globally, the prevalence of digestive disorders in imported Chagas was 57.76%, 95% CI (53.25-62.27). The prevalence of comorbidity of infectious diseases was 40.73% CI 95% (36.25-45.22). Colonic abnormalities were found in 84 of 378 barium enema patients. CD-related esophageal abnormalities were present in 63 of 380 patients studied with esophagogram. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of digestive disorders associated with CD is high, so the presence of infectious diseases (mainly parasitic and H. pylori infection) should be ruled out. It is important to exclude structural involvement in all symptomatic patients, and asymptomatic patients should also be considered and offered.

Características clínicas, tratamiento y evolución de una serie de niños con síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico asociado a SARS-CoV-2 hospitalizados en dos centros de salud / Clinical characteristics, treatment and evolution of a series of children with multisystemic inflammatory syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 hospitalized in two health centers / Características clínicas, tratamento e evolução de uma série de crianças com síndrome inflamatória multissistêmica associada ao SARS-CoV-2 internadas em dois centros de saúde

Introducción: en marzo del 2021 se registró el pico de incidencia de COVID-19 en Uruguay y un aumento de la infección en pediatría. Objetivo: describir las características clínicas, el tratamiento y la evolución de una serie de menores de 15 años con SIM-Ped S hospitalizados en dos centros de salud. Metodología: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, de los niños hospitalizados entre el 1/3 y el 31/6 de 2021 que cumplieron los criterios diagnósticos de SIM-Ped de la OMS. Se analizan variables clínicas, paraclínicas, tratamiento y evolución. Resultados: se incluyeron 12 niños, mediana de edad 7 años (22 meses-10 años). Se presentaron complicación posinfecciosas en 8 y en el curso de la infección en 4. Las manifestaciones fueron: fiebre (media 6 días, rango 3-10), digestivas 10 y mucocutáneas 7. Se presentaron como enfermedad Kawasaki símil 5 y como shock 2. La infección por SARS CoV-2 se confirmó por PCR en 6, serología 4 y test antigénico 2. Recibieron tratamiento en cuidados moderados 8 e intensivos 4: inmunoglobulina 9, corticoides 11, heparina 7 y ácido acetilsalicílico 7. Presentaron dilatación de arterias coronarias 2, alteraciones valvulares 2, disminución de la FEVI 2 y derrame pericárdico 2. Todos evolucionaron favorablemente. Conclusiones: en estos centros, los primeros casos de SIMS-Ped S coincidieron con el pico de incidencia de COVID-19 en el país. Predominaron las formas postinfecciosas en escolares con manifestaciones digestivas. Este estudio puede contribuir al reconocimiento de esta entidad y adecuar los algoritmos nacionales de manejo.

Introduction: in March 2021, there was a peak incidence of COVID-19 and an increase in pediatric infections in Uruguay. Objective: describe the clinical characteristics, treatment and evolution of a group of children under 15 years of age with SIM-Ped S hospitalized in two health centers. Methodology: descriptive, retrospective study of children hospitalized between 3/1 and 6/31 of 2021 who met the WHO diagnostic criteria for SIM-Ped. Clinical and paraclinical variables, as well as treatment and evolution were analyzed. Results: 12 children were included, median age 7 years (22 months-10 years). Eight of them showed post-infectious complications and 4 of them had complications during the course of the infection. The manifestations were: fever (mean 6 days, range 3-10), digestive symptoms 10 and mucocutaneous 7. Five of them presented a Kawasaki-like disease and 2 of them shock. SARS CoV-2 infection was confirmed by PCR in 6 cases, serology in 4 and antigenic test in 2. Eight of them received treatment in moderate care and 4 of them in intensive care: immunoglobulin 9, corticosteroids 11, heparin 7 and acetylsalicylic acid 7. Two of them presented dilated arteries coronary , valvular alterations 2, decreased LVEF 2 and pericardial effusion 2. All progressed favorably. Conclusions: in these centers, the first cases of SIMS-Ped S coincided with the peak incidence of COVID-19 in the country. Post-infectious forms predominated in schoolchildren who showed digestive manifestations. This study may contribute to the recognition of this entity and to the adaptation of national management algorithms.

Introdução: em março de 2021, foi registrado no Uruguai um pico de incidência da COVID-19 e um aumento dos casos da infecção pediátrica. Objetivo: descrever as características clínicas, tratamento e evolução de uma série de crianças menores de 15 anos com SIM-Ped S internadas em dois centros de saúde. Metodologia: estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, de crianças internadas entre 1/3 e 31/6 de 2021 que preencheram os critérios diagnósticos da OMS para o SIM-Ped. Foram analisadas variáveis clínicas e para-clinicas, tratamento e evolução. Resultados: foram incluídas 12 crianças, com idade média de 7 anos (22 meses-10 anos). Oito delas apresentaram complicações pós-infecciosas e 4 delas durante o curso da infecção. As manifestações foram: febre (média de 6 dias, intervalo 3-10), digestivas 10 e mucocutânea 7. Cinco delas apresentaram doença de Kawasaki-like e 2 delas sofreram Shock. A infecção por SARS CoV-2 foi confirmada por PCR em 6, sorologia em 4 e teste antigênico em 2. Oito delas receberam tratamento em cuidados moderados e 4 delas em cuidados intensivos: imunoglobulina 9, corticosteroides 11, heparina 7 e ácido acetilsalicílico 7. Duas delas apresentaram artérias coronárias dilatadas 2, alterações valvares 2, diminuição da FEVE 2 e derrame pericárdico 2. Todas evoluíram favoravelmente. Conclusões: nesses centros, os primeiros casos de SIMS-Ped S coincidiram com um pico de incidência de COVID-19 no país. As formas pós-infecciosas predominaram em escolares com manifestações digestivas. Este estudo pode contribuir para o reconhecimento desta entidade e adaptar algoritmos nacionais de gestão.

Significance of digestive symptoms after COVID-19 vaccination: A retrospective single-center study.

OBJECTIVE: There is insufficient research on digestive symptoms and outcomes following coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination. We aimed to investigate digestive symptoms and related complications among South Koreans who were administered COVID-19 vaccines. METHODS: Forty-six patients (men: 22, women: 24) with a median age of 68 years (interquartile range:55.5, 73.8 years) who experienced digestive symptoms following COVID-19 vaccination between March 1 and July 30, 2021, were included. This retrospective single-center study collected information on clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, imaging results, comorbidities, complications, treatment type, and prognosis. RESULTS: Thirty-three (71.7%), nine (19.6%), and three (6.5%) patients were administered AZD1222 (AstraZeneca), BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech), and JNJ-78436735 (Johnson and Johnson) vaccines, respectively. Patients were classified with mild (25 patients, 54.3%), moderate (five patients, 10.9%), and severe (16 patients, 34.8%) based on disease severity. Digestive symptoms included abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia, and nausea, which usually developed within 1 day (78.3%) following the first vaccination. In total, 14 (30.4%) patients experienced only gastrointestinal symptoms, whereas 32 (69.6%) experienced non-gastrointestinal symptoms. Complications included enterocolitis (76%), acute kidney injury (9%), anaphylactoid reaction (2%), and duodenal perforation (2%). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 vaccines caused digestive symptoms and other complications that ranged from mild to severe. While further validation is required, our results suggest that monitoring digestive symptoms following COVID-19 vaccination can help detect rather severe complications that require medical intervention.

Chronic Drug Use and Abdominal Pain.

There are a variety of gastrointestinal pathologies that may be emergently identified in the patient who chronically uses alcohol or other substances. Patients may present to an Emergency Department with abdominal complaints existing on a spectrum from vague and benign to systemically toxic and potentially life-threatening. This article highlights ethanol, opioids, and other common substances of abuse and how they may contribute to gastrointestinal complaints.

Predictors of development of cardiac and digestive disorders among patients with indeterminate chronic Chagas Disease.

American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease, CD) affects circa 7 million persons worldwide. While of those persons present the asymptomatic, indeterminate chronic form (ICF), many will eventually progress to cardiac or digestive disorders. We studied a nonconcurrent (retrospective) cohort of patients attending an outpatient CD clinic in Southeastern Brazil, who were admitted while presenting the ICF in the period from 1998 through 2018 and followed until 2019. The outcomes of interest were the progression to cardiac or digestive CD forms. We were also interested in analyzing the impact of Benznidazole therapy on the progression of the disease. Extensive review of medical charts and laboratory files was conducted, collecting data up to year 2019. Demographics (upon inclusion), body mass index, comorbidities (including the Charlson index) and use of Benznidazole were recorded. The outcomes were defined by abnormalities in those test that could not be attributed to other causes. Statistical analysis included univariate and multivariable Cox regression models. Among 379 subjects included in the study, 87 (22.9%) and 100 (26.4%) progressed to cardiac and digestive forms, respectively. In the final multivariable model, cardiac disorders were positively associated with previous coronary syndrome (Hazzard Ratio [HR], 2.42; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.53-3.81) and negatively associated with Benznidazole therapy (HR, 0.26; 95%CI, 0.11-0.60). On the other hand, female gender was the only independent predictor of progression to digestive forms (HR, 1.56; 95%CI, 1.03-2.38). Our results point to the impact of comorbidities on progression do cardiac CD, with possible benefit of the use of Benznidazole.

Burden of Outpatient Visits Attributable to Ambient Temperature in Qingdao, China.

Climate change has been referred to as one of the greatest threats to human health, with reports citing likely increases in extreme meteorological events. In this study, we estimated the relationships between temperature and outpatients at a major hospital in Qingdao, China, during 2015-2017, and assessed the morbidity burden. The results showed that both low and high temperatures were associated with an increased risk of outpatient visits. High temperatures were responsible for more morbidity than low temperatures, with an attributed fraction (AF) of 16.86%. Most temperature-related burdens were attributed to moderate cold and hot temperatures, with AFs of 5.99% and 14.44%, respectively, with the young (0-17) and male showing greater susceptibility. The results suggest that governments should implement intervention measures to reduce the adverse effects of non-optimal temperatures on public health-especially in vulnerable groups.

Dysregulation of the ESRP2-NF2-YAP/TAZ axis promotes hepatobiliary carcinogenesis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the hepatic correlate of the metabolic syndrome, is a major risk factor for hepatobiliary cancer (HBC). Although chronic inflammation is thought to be the root cause of all these diseases, the mechanism whereby it promotes HBC in NAFLD remains poorly understood. Herein, we aim to evaluate the hypothesis that inflammation-related dysregulation of the ESRP2-NF2-YAP/TAZ axis promotes HB carcinogenesis. METHODS: We use murine NAFLD models, liver biopsies from patients with NAFLD, human liver cancer registry data, and studies in liver cancer cell lines. RESULTS: Our results confirm the hypothesis that inflammation-related dysregulation of the ESRP2-NF2-YAP/TAZ axis promotes HB carcinogenesis, supporting a model whereby chronic inflammation suppresses hepatocyte expression of ESRP2, an RNA splicing factor that directly targets and activates NF2, a tumor suppressor that is necessary to constrain YAP/TAZ activation. The resultant loss of NF2 function permits sustained YAP/TAZ activity that drives hepatocyte proliferation and de-differentiation. CONCLUSION: Herein, we report on a novel mechanism by which chronic inflammation leads to sustained activation of YAP/TAZ activity; this imposes a selection pressure that favors liver cells with mutations enabling survival during chronic oncogenic stress. LAY SUMMARY: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) increases the risk of hepatobiliary carcinogenesis. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Our study demonstrates that chronic inflammation suppresses hepatocyte expression of ESRP2, an adult RNA splicing factor that activates NF2. Thus, inactive (fetal) NF2 loses the ability to activate Hippo kinases, leading to the increased activity of downstream YAP/TAZ and promoting hepatobiliary carcinogenesis in chronically injured livers.

Relevance of gastrointestinal manifestations in a large Spanish cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: what do we know?

OBJECTIVE: SLE can affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. GI symptoms are reported to occur in >50% of SLE patients. To describe the GI manifestations of SLE in the RELESSER (Registry of SLE Patients of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology) cohort and to determine whether these are associated with a more severe disease, damage accrual and a worse prognosis. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide, retrospective, multicentre, cross-sectional cohort study of 3658 SLE patients who fulfil ≥4 ACR-97 criteria. Data on demographics, disease characteristics, activity (SLEDAI-2K or BILAG), damage (SLICC/ACR/DI) and therapies were collected. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared between lupus patients with and without GI damage to establish whether GI damage is associated with a more severe disease. RESULTS: From 3654 lupus patients, 3.7% developed GI damage. Patients in this group (group 1) were older, they had longer disease duration, and were more likely to have vasculitis, renal disease and serositis than patients without GI damage (group 2). Hospitalizations and mortality were significantly higher in group 1. Patients in group 1 had higher modified SDI (SLICC Damage Index). The presence of oral ulcers reduced the risk of developing damage in 33% of patients. CONCLUSION: Having GI damage is associated with a worse prognosis. Patients on a high dose of glucocorticoids are at higher risk of developing GI damage which reinforces the strategy of minimizing glucocorticoids. Oral ulcers appear to decrease the risk of GI damage.

Extra-pulmonary complications of 45 critically ill patients with COVID-19 in Yichang, Hubei province, China: A single-centered, retrospective, observation study.

ABSTRACT: Mortality of critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was high. Aims to examine whether time from symptoms onset to intensive care unit (ICU) admission affects incidence of extra-pulmonary complications and prognosis in order to provide a new insight for reducing the mortality. A single-centered, retrospective, observational study investigated 45 critically ill patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in ICU of The Third People's Hospital of Yichang from January 17 to March 29, 2020. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to time from symptoms onset to ICU admission (>7 and ≤7 days) and into 2 groups according to prognosis (survivors and non-survivors). Epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, radiological characteristics and treatment data were studied. Compared with patients who admitted to the ICU since symptoms onset ≤7 days (55.6%), patients who admitted to the ICU since symptoms onset >7 days (44.4%) were more likely to have extra-pulmonary complications (19 [95.0%] vs 16 [64.0%], P = .034), including acute kidney injury, cardiac injury, acute heart failure, liver dysfunction, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, hyperamylasemia, and hypernatremia. The incidence rates of acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumothorax, and hospital-acquired pneumonia had no difference between the 2 groups. Except activated partial thromboplastin and Na+ concentration, the laboratory findings were worse in group of time from symptoms onset to ICU admission >7 days. There was no difference in mortality between the 2 groups. Of the 45 cases in the ICU, 19 (42.2%) were non-survivors, and 16 (35.6%) were with hospital-acquired pneumonia. Among these non-survivors, hospital-acquired pneumonia was up to 12 (63.2%) besides higher incidence of extra-pulmonary complications. However, hospital-acquired pneumonia occurred in only 4 (15.4%) survivors. Critically ill patients with COVID-19 who admitted to ICU at once might get benefit from intensive care via lower rate of extra-pulmonary complications.

The Way to Man's Heart Is through the Stomach.

Organ systems do not exist in a vacuum. However, in an era of increasingly specialized medicine, the focus is often on the organ system alone. Many symptoms are associated with differential diagnoses from upper gastrointestinal (GI) and cardiovascular medical and surgical specialties. Furthermore, a large number of rare but deadly conditions cross paths between the upper GI tract and cardiovascular system; a significant proportion of these are iatrogenic injuries from a parallel specialty. These include unusual fistulae, herniae, and embolisms that transcend specialties. This review highlights these conditions and the shared anatomy and embryology of the two organ systems.

Changes of Laryngeal and Extralaryngeal Symptoms and Findings in Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Patients.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To assess the evolution of laryngeal and extralaryngeal symptoms and findings of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) throughout a 3-month to 9-month treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective Controlled Study. METHODS: One hundred twenty-seven LPR patients and 123 healthy individuals were enrolled from four European hospitals. Patients were managed with a 3-month personalized treatment considering the LPR characteristics at the impedance-pH monitoring. Regarding the clinical therapeutic response, treatment was adapted for 3 to 6 additional months. Symptoms and findings were assessed throughout the therapeutic course with the Reflux Symptom Score (RSS) and the short version of the Reflux Sign Assessment (sRSA). The relationship between patient and reflux characteristics, symptoms, and findings was assessed. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-one LPR patients completed the study. LPR patients exhibited more laryngeal and extralaryngeal symptoms and findings than healthy individuals. RSS significantly improved from baseline to 6 weeks posttreatment and continued to improve from 3 months to 6 months posttreatment. sRSA significantly improved from baseline to 3 months posttreatment. No further improvement was noted at 6 months posttreatment for pharyngeal and oral findings. Laryngeal findings continued to improve from 3 months to 6 months posttreatment. There was a significant association between patient stress level and RSS (P = .045). At 3 months posttreatment, 28.1% of patients had high or complete response, whereas 47.1% required 6 months or 9 months of treatment. Overall, 24.8% of patients had an LPR chronic course. CONCLUSIONS: Laryngeal and extralaryngeal symptoms and findings significantly improved throughout treatment in LPR patients. The improvement of laryngeal findings was slower. Regarding the low prevalence of some digestive or otolaryngological symptoms, a short version of the RSS could be developed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:1332-1342, 2021.

Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Manifestations of COVID-19: Evolving Recognition and Need for Increased Understanding in Vulnerable Populations.

The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has caused a global pandemic with high morbidity and mortality. It was first observed to cause a severe acute respiratory syndrome. However, gastrointestinal and hepatic manifestations have been increasingly recognized. Gastrointestinal symptoms include diarrhea, epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting. Diarrhea is the most common GI manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 and can present without or without respiratory symptoms. Patients with GI symptoms have been associated with longer duration of illness and may be associated with more severe illness. Mechanism of diarrhea is thought to be related to direct viral cytotoxicity occurring when the SARS-CoV-3 enters GI cells via the ACE-2 receptor. Inflammatory response and cytokine release likely contributes to symptoms. SARS-CoV-2 can cause hepatic injury. Studies have shown mild to moderate elevation of liver enzymes. The pattern of liver abnormalities can be hepatocellular, cholestatic or mixed. Patients with severe infection have significantly higher rates of liver injury and worse outcomes. Proposed mechanisms for injury include immune mediated systemic inflammatory response, direct cytotoxicity from viral replication and hypoxia-reperfusion dysfunction. Recent data suggests that GI and hepatic injury may be under-recognized manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Patients with diarrhea and liver disease may have a worse prognosis. The rapidly evolving literature continues to reveal a growing body of information which enables updated guidance for management. More investigation is needed which focuses on vulnerable patients, including the elderly, those with underlying illness, as well as, racial and ethnic minorities.

SARS-CoV-2 pathophysiology and its clinical implications: An integrative overview of the pharmacotherapeutic management of COVID-19.

Common manifestations of COVID-19 are respiratory and can extend from mild symptoms to severe acute respiratory distress. The severity of the illness can also extend from mild disease to life-threatening acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). SARS-CoV-2 infection can also affect the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreatic functions, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 can cause central and peripheral neurological manifestations, affect the cardiovascular system and promote renal dysfunction. Epidemiological data have indicated that cancer patients are at a higher risk of contracting the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Considering the multitude of clinical symptoms of COVID-19, the objective of the present review was to summarize their pathophysiology in previously healthy patients, as well as in those with comorbidities. The present review summarizes the current, though admittedly fluid knowledge on the pathophysiology and symptoms of COVID-19 infection. Although unclear issues still remain, the present study contributes to a more complete understanding of the disease, and may drive the direction of new research. The recognition of the severity of the clinical symptoms of COVID-19 is crucial for the specific therapeutic management of affected patients.

Involvement of the digestive system in covid-19. A review. / Afectación del aparato digestivo en la covid-19. Una revisión sobre el tema.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is leading to high mortality and a global health crisis. The primary involvement is respiratory; however, the virus can also affect other organs, such as the gastrointestinal tract and liver. The most common symptoms are anorexia and diarrhea. In about half of the cases, viral RNA could be detected in the stool, which is another line of transmission and diagnosis. covid19 has a worse prognosis in patients with comorbidities, although there is not enough evidence in case of previous digestive diseases. Digestive endoscopies may give rise to aerosols, which make them techniques with a high risk of infection. Experts and scientific organizations worldwide have developed guidelines for preventive measures. The available evidence on gastrointestinal and hepatic involvement, the impact on patients with previous digestive diseases and operating guidelines for Endoscopy Units during the pandemic are reviewed.

Association of Digestive Symptoms and Hospitalization in Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

INTRODUCTION: High rates of concurrent gastrointestinal manifestations have been noted in patients with corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, the association between these digestive manifestations and need for hospitalization has not been established. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of consecutive patients diagnosed with COVID-19. A total of 207 patients were identified; 34.5% of patients noted concurrent gastrointestinal symptoms, with 90% of gastrointestinal symptoms being mild. RESULTS: In a multivariate regression model controlled for demographics and disease severity, an increased risk of hospitalization was noted in patients with any digestive symptom (adjusted odds ratio 4.84, 95% confidence interval: 1.68-13.94). DISCUSSION: The presence of digestive symptoms in COVID-19 is associated with a need for hospitalization.

Eye, hepatobiliary, and renal disorders of erlotinib in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Erlotinib is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors used to treat EGFR mutation positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Skin rash and diarrhea are well-known and common adverse events in patients receiving erlotinib, whereas other adverse events, including eye, liver, or renal disorders have not been evaluated adequately. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the ocular, hepatobiliary, and renal toxicities of erlotinib in patients with NSCLC cancers. METHODS: In total, sixty studies were assessed, and the results of the included studies were quantitatively integrated using meta-analysis. The incidence of ocular, hepatobiliary (alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and bilirubin elevations; other hepatic adverse events), and renal adverse events were estimated. Additionally, the erlotinib-treated groups and the control groups (placebo or other treatment) were compared with respect to ocular disorders and ALT elevation. The study protocol has been registered in the International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) CRD42018093758. RESULTS: The overall incidence of ocular disorders was 3.30% (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.20%-5.00%). The incidence of ALT elevation, bilirubin elevation, and other hepatobiliary disorders was 6.40% (95% CI 3.90%-10.4%), 3.80% (95% CI 2.30%-6.10%), and 1.00% (95% 0.60%-1.80%), respectively. The incidence of renal disorder was 3.10% (95% CI 1.90%-5.00%). The risk of ocular toxicity in the erlotinib treatment group was significantly increased (risk ratio = 2.91; 95% CI 1.70-4.98) compared to that in the control group. ALT elevation was not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, careful monitoring of ocular toxicity in patients receiving erlotinib should be recommended and closer monitoring of hepatic toxicity should be also recommended in patients with liver-related risk factors.

Intravenous Glucocorticoid Treatment for Korean Graves' Ophthalmopathy Patients.

BACKGROUND: High-dose intravenous steroids are the first-line treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe and active Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). We aimed to investigate the response rate of methylprednisolone (MPD) treatment among Korean patients with active moderate-to-severe GO and to identify predictive factors of treatment response. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study. We included 54 active moderate-to-severe GO patients treated with 4.5 g intravenous MPD over 12 weeks between November 2011 and November 2018. Response was defined as an improvement in at least two of five indicators (clinical activity score [CAS], soft-tissue involvement, exophthalmos, diplopia, and visual acuity) at immediate and 3 months after treatment completion. We examined predictive factors for response using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-four (44.4%) and 22 (40.7%) patients showed response at immediate and 3 months after intravenous (IV) steroid treatment. Of the five ophthalmic parameters, all patients in the responsive group (100.0%) showed a decrease in CAS and 90.9% showed less soft tissue involvement after IV steroid treatment. Among variables, the sum of extraocular muscle width was positively (odds ratio [OR], 1.163; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.973-1.389; P = 0.096) associated with treatment response. While, the OR of age was 0.918 (95% CI, 0.856-0.985; P = 0.017) and thyrotropin binding inhibitory immunoglobulin (TBII) was 0.921 (95% CI, 0.864-0.982; P = 0.012). CONCLUSION: In Korean active moderate-to-severe GO patients, intravenous steroid treatment is not as effective as previously reported. Parameters associated with CAS and soft-tissue involvement were found to be influenced by IV MPD treatment. Extraocular muscle enlargement, younger age and lower TBII are predictive factors for a good steroid treatment response.

Investigation of COVID-19-related symptoms based on factor analysis.

BACKGROUND: The application of factor analysis in the study of the clinical symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was investigated, to provide a reference for basic research on COVID-19 and its prevention and control. METHODS: The data of 60 patients with COVID-19 in Jingzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Second People's Hospital of Longgang District in Shenzhen were extracted using principal component analysis. Factor analysis was used to investigate the factors related to symptoms of COVID-19. Based on the combination of factors, the clinical types of the factors were defined according to our professional knowledge. Factor loadings were calculated, and pairwise correlation analysis of symptoms was performed. RESULTS: Factor analysis showed that the clinical symptoms of COVID-19 cases could be divided into respiratory-digestive, neurological, cough-wheezing, upper respiratory, and digestive symptoms. Pairwise correlation analysis showed that there were a total of eight pairs of symptoms: fever-palpitation, coughexpectoration, expectoration-wheezing, dry mouth-bitter taste in the mouth, poor appetite-fatigue, fatiguedizziness, diarrhea-palpitation, and dizziness-headache. CONCLUSIONS: The symptoms and syndromes of COVID-19 are complex. Respiratory symptoms dominate, and digestive symptoms are also present. Factor analysis is suitable for studying the characteristics of the clinical symptoms of COVID-19, providing a new idea for the comprehensive analysis of clinical symptoms.