Venous Thromboembolism in Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 in a Non-Intensive Care Unit.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may contribute to venous thromboembolism (VTE) with adverse effects on the course of COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to investigate an incidence and risk factors for VTE in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a non-intensive care unit (non-ICU). Consecutive adult patients with COVID-19 hospitalized from November 2021 to March 2022 in the isolation non-ICU at our center were included in the study. Incidence of VTE including pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), clinical characteristics, and D-dimer plasma levels during the hospitalization were retrospectively evaluated. Among the 181 patients (aged 68.8 ± 16.2 years, 44% females, 39% Delta SARS-CoV-2 variant, 61% Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant), VTE occurred in 29 patients (VTE group, 16% of the entire cohort). Of them, PE and DVT were diagnosed in 15 (8.3% of the entire cohort) and 14 (7.7%) patients, respectively. No significant differences in clinical characteristics were observed between the VTE and non-VTE groups. On admission, median D-dimer was elevated in both groups, more for VTE group (1549 ng/mL in VTE vs. 1111 ng/mL in non-VTE, p = 0.09). Median maximum D-dimer was higher in the VTE than in the non-VTE group (5724 ng/mL vs. 2200 ng/mL, p < 0.005). In the univariate analysis, systemic arterial hypertension and the need for oxygen therapy were predictors of VTE during hospitalization for COVID-19 (odds ratio 2.59 and 2.43, respectively, p < 0.05). No significant associations were found between VTE risk and other analyzed factors; however, VTE was more likely to occur in patients with a history of VTE, neurological disorders, chronic pulmonary or kidney disease, atrial fibrillation, obesity, and Delta variant infection. Thromboprophylaxis (83.4% of the entire cohort) and anticoagulant treatment (16.6%) were not associated with a decreased VTE risk. The incidence of VTE in patients hospitalized in non-ICU for COVID-19 was high despite the common use of thromboprophylaxis or anticoagulant treatment. A diagnosis of arterial hypertension and the need for oxygen therapy were associated with an increased VTE risk. Continuous D-dimer monitoring is required for the early detection of VTE.

Intramuscular Hematomas in Patients Receiving Prophylaxis or Anticoagulant Treatment after Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)-A Rare Complication: Description of Seven Cases and a Literature Analysis.

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are associated with a high risk of thromboembolic complications (VTE), despite the use of antithrombotic prophylaxis in the form of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). The occurrence of VTE requires, as in other diseases, full-dose antithrombotic treatment. Herein, we describe seven cases of soft tissue hemorrhagic complications in the form of spontaneous intramuscular hematomas (SMHs) in patients after SCI undergoing rehabilitation. Four patients received anticoagulant therapy due to previously diagnosed deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and three patients received anticoagulant prophylaxis. None of the patients had a significant injury immediately before the hematoma appeared, and the only symptom was a sudden swelling of the limb without accompanying pain. The hematomas in all patients were treated conservatively. In three patients, significant decreases in hemoglobin were observed; in one patient, a blood transfusion was required for this reason. In all patients treated via anticoagulation, the anticoagulation treatment was modified at the time of diagnosis of the hematoma; in three patients, oral anticoagulants were changed to LMWH in a therapeutic dose, while in one patient, anticoagulant treatment was completely discontinued. Conclusions: Intramuscular hematomas are rare complications after SCI. Each sudden swelling of a limb requires ultrasound-based diagnostics. At the time of diagnosis of a hematoma, the level of hemoglobin and the size of the hematoma should be monitored. The treatment or anticoagulation prophylaxis should be modified if necessary.

A Case Report of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) in a Nonsevere Case of COVID-19.

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare complication that the exact pathophysiological mechanism of which is still unclear. PRES most often occurs in connection with severe hypertension and autoimmune diseases. It can also appear during chemotherapy or immunosuppressive treatment. A 38-year-old woman with a negative medical history was admitted to the local hospital due to loss of consciousness accompanied by seizures and high values of blood pressure, and a PCR test for COVID-19 was positive. The patient's condition was preceded by weakness, wet cough, runny nose, and low-grade fever for three days. Due to the conducted diagnostics after negative CT scans and angio CT studies, an MRI of the head with contrast was performed, where changes characteristic of PRES syndrome were found. During the hospitalization, the patient did not require invasive ventilation and did not receive antiviral drugs or tocilizumab as a result of treatment for her high blood pressure values, and after establishing the diagnosis, the patient was discharged home with a significant improvement in her well-being. In the literature, there are discussions as to whether COVID-19 predisposes patients to PRES. Isolated cases have been described, but its frequency is not yet established. Case reports in the literature appear to be specifically associated with a severe course of the disease, unlike in our patient. Even with a mild course of COVID, the diagnosis of PRES should be taken into account in patients with seizures, visual disturbances, or other focal neurological deficits.

Bleeding into the Abdominal and Ilio-Lumbar Muscles-A Rare Complication in the Course of COVID-19: Analysis of Four Cases and a Literature Review.

The risk of venous thromboembolic (VTE) complications, mainly in the form of pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), in COVID-19 is well known, necessitating the administration of thrombotic prophylaxis in most patients. With a high risk of VTE complications or their presence, full anticoagulation may be associated with hemorrhagic complications. COVID-19 bleeding is rarely reported. Here, we present four cases of patients with muscle bleeding: two in the iliopsoas muscle, which resulted in death despite the embolization of the bleeding vessel, and two in the oblique and straight abdominal muscles, which were treated conservatively. In the reported cases, the severity of the bleeding coincided with the severity of the course of COVID-19. When observing a sudden drop in hemoglobin (Hb) in a patient with COVID-19, one must always remember the possible complications in the form of muscle bleeding, which can be fatal.

Usefulness of D-dimer and Ultrasonography Screening for Detecting Deep Vein Thrombosis in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury Undergoing Rehabilitation.

Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This study aims at assessing usefulness of D-dimer and compressive Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) for detecting DVT in patients undergoing rehabilitation at various time-points post-SCI. One-hundred forty-five patients were divided into three groups based on time elapsed since SCI: I (≥3 weeks to 3 months), II (≥3 to 6 months), and III (≥6 months). On admission, D-dimer plasma level measurement and CDUS of the lower limbs venous system were performed. DVT was diagnosed using CDUS in 15 patients (10.3% of entire group), more frequently in group I (22.2% of group) and II (11.7%) compared to group III (1.5%). Most DVT patients received thromboprophylaxis (80%) and were asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic (60%). Median D-dimer was elevated in patients with DVT from all groups, and also patients without DVT from groups I and II, but not group III. D-dimers were higher in patients with DVT than without DVT in the entire group (p = 0.001) and group I (p = 0.02), but not in groups II and III. The risk of DVT in SCI patients undergoing rehabilitation and thromboprophylaxis including asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic cases, is high within 6 months post-injury, and especially within 3 months. Measurement of D-dimer level should be complemented by routine CDUS for detecting DVT within 6 months post-SCI. Over 6 months, the usefulness of D-dimer screening alone is better for DVT detection.

Massive Edema of the Lower Limbs in Patients after Spinal Cord Injury-One Picture, Different Diagnoses.

Diagnosis of the cause of massive edema of the lower limbs in patients after spinal cord injury (SCI) can be difficult because of loss of pain sensation, commonly occurring in this group of patients. This paper reviews several different pathologies that can lead to lower-limb edema and the associated diagnostic difficulties. We present four cases of patients with massive edemas of lower limbs at different times after SCI undergoing treatment in the Department of Rehabilitation, University Hospital in Bydgoszcz, Poland. All patients had a lack of pain sensation in the lower limbs and significantly elevated levels of D-dimer. In two cases, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and intramuscular hematomas (IHs) were diagnosed. IHs were probably a consequence of antithrombotic treatments implemented due to the occurrence of DVT. Heterotopic ossification (HO) was diagnosed in a third case, and, in another patient, who was hospitalized for the longest period after injury, we found humeral bone fractures. Heterotopic ossification, intramuscular haematomas, and bone fractures of the lower limb can mimic DVT. Careful observation of the edema evolution is recommended, as the onset of new symptoms may indicate a different cause of edema from that initially established.

Hemostatic parameters in patients with spinal cord injury in subacute and chronic phase of the rehabilitation.

Objective: The goal of this study was to measure hemostatic markers after SCI.Design: Assesing changes in coagulation and fibrynilitic system in SCI patients in different time post injury to Cross-sectional study.Setting: Rehabilitation Department of the Bydgoszcz University Hospital, Poland from 2011 to 2017.Participants: SCI patient during acute and chronic rehabilitation (N = 88).Outcome Measures: Assesing following parameters: platelet counts and levels of D-dimer, antithrombin III (ATIII), tissue factor (TF), tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) and the inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein (CRP).Interventions: Eighty-eight SCI patients were divided into three groups based on the time elapsed from injury: group I (three weeks to three months), group II (three to twelve months) and group III (more than twelve months). All patients underwent ultrasonography (US) to detect acute or chronic recanalized deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Platelet counts and levels of D-dimer, ATIII, TF, TFPI and CRP were assessed. TF and TFPI levels were measured in the control group of forty healthy individuals without SCI, the rest of the parameters were compared to laboratory norms.Results: D-dimer levels were significantly higher in group I compared to group II (P = .0002) and group III (P < .001). Group II had higher D-dimer levels than group III (P = .032). TFPI levels were higher in group II compared with group III (P = .0041) and control group (P = .000033). TF was significantly higher in all the SCI groups compared with the control group (P < .001).Conclusions: D-dimer and TF levels were still elevated twelve months after SCI. TF levels were also elevated over 12 months after inury. The results may indicate that sub-acute and even chronic SCI patients have disturbed coagulation and fibrynolitic system.

Effects of Four-Week Rehabilitation Program on Hemostasis Disorders in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury.

BACKGROUND: Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) exhibit hemostasis disorders. This study aims at assessing the effects of a 4-week rehabilitation program on hemostasis disorders in patients with SCI. METHODS: Seventy-eight in-patients undergoing a 4-week rehabilitation were divided into three groups based on time elapsed since SCI: I (3 weeks-3 months), II (3-6 months), and III (>6 months). Tissue factor (TF), tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) and D-dimer levels, antithrombin activity (AT), and platelet count (PLT) were measured on admission and after rehabilitation. RESULTS: Rehabilitation resulted in an increase in TF in group III (p < 0.050), and decrease in TFPI (p < 0.022) and PLT (p < 0.042) in group II as well as AT in group I (p < 0.009). Compared to control group without SCI, TF, TFPI, and TAT were significantly higher in all SCI groups both before and after rehabilitation. All SCI groups had elevated D-dimer, which decreased after rehabilitation in the whole study group (p < 0.001) and group I (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: No decrease in activation of TF-dependent coagulation was observed after a 4-week rehabilitation regardless of time elapsed since SCI. However, D-dimer levels decreased significantly, which may indicate reduction of high fibrinolytic potential, especially when rehabilitation was done <3 months after SCI.

Ultrasound therapy: Dose-dependent effects in LBP treatment.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) affects most people at least once in their lives. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound therapy (UD) in patients with LBP receiving two different treatment dosages. METHODS: The study design was a randomized prospective study. Patients were subjected to UD for two weeks. All persons in the study were evaluated at the Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic at the Antoni Jurasz University Hospital in Bydgoszcz, Poland. Inclusion criteria were lumbosacral pain lasting more than 8 weeks, signs of osteoarthritis on imaging studies, and ages30-65 years. Exclusion criteria were radicular pain, nonmechanical causes of pain, contraindications for UD, or the patient received other LBP therapy during the study. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RM), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the results. RESULTS: For both groups, the ODI scores were significantly reduced by 13.7% and 8.84%, the RM scores decreased by 3.37 points and 3.59 points, and pain remissions on the VAS scale were 20.28 mm and 16.31 mm (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: UD decreased patients' disability levels and pain intensity. However, effective ultrasound parameters must be determined because of the wide dosage variations.

The influence of low level laser irradiation on vascular reactivity.

PURPOSE: The mechanism of action of low level laser irradiation on tissues is unclear. Authors of publications present the positive clinical impact of low and medium power laser irradiation on vascular reactivity. The purpose of this study was to analyze the role of vascular endothelium in laser-induced constricted by endothelin-1 and phenylephrine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experiments were performed on isolated and perfused rat tail arteries of weighing 250-350g male Wistar rats. Contractility of arteries as a response to endothelin-1 and phenylephrine was measured after exposure to laser stimulation (10, 30 and 110mW). RESULTS: Laser irradiation inhibits vascular smooth muscle contraction induced by endothelin-1 and an alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist, phenylephrine proportionally to the laser power. Concentration-response curves were shifted to the right with significant reduction in maximal response. Laser irradiation at the power of 10mW, 30mW, and 110mW reduced the maximum response of arteries stimulated with phenylephrine sequentially to 88%, 72%, and 52%. Similar findings were observed during stimulation of endothelin-1. Laser irradiation at the power of 10mW, 30mW and 110mW resulted in maximal response respectively reduced to 94%, 62% and 38%. CONCLUSION: Our results strongly suggest that during low level laser irradiation vascular smooth muscle cells reactivity is reduced, this effect is present in arteries with normal endothelium. The mechanism of action of laser biosimulation on tissues is unclear. Authors of publications present the positive clinical impact of low level laser irradiation on vascular reactivity.

Deep venous thrombosis in patients with chronic spinal cord injury.

CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a well-known complication of an acute spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the prevalence of DVT in patients with chronic SCI has only been reported in a limited number of studies. The aim of our study was to examine the prevalence of DVT in patients with SCI beyond three months after injury. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Rehabilitation Department at the Bydgoszcz University Hospital in Poland. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-three patients with SCI that were more than 3 months post injury. The patients, ranging in age from 13 to 65 years, consisted of 15 women and 48 men; the mean age of the patients was 32.1 years. The time from injury varied from 4 to 124 months. OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical assessment, D-dimer and venous duplex scan. RESULTS: The venous duplex scan revealed DVT in 5 of the 63 patients. The post-injury time in four of the patients varied between 4 and 5 months; one patient was 42 months post-injury. CONCLUSION: DVT occurred in patients with chronic SCI, mainly by the 6th post injury month.