Successful Treatment of Persistent SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a B-Cell Depleted Patient with Activated Cytotoxic T and NK Cells: A Case Report.

We report a lymphoma patient with profound B-cell deficiency after chemotherapy combined with anti-CD20 antibody successfully treated with remdesivir and convalescent plasma for prolonged SARS-CoV-2 infection. Viral clearance was likely attributed to the robust expansion and activation of TCR Vß2 CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and CD16 + CD56- NK cells. This is the first presentation of TCR-specific T cell oligoclonal response in COVID-19. Our study suggests that B-cell depleted patients may effectively respond to anti-SARS-CoV-2 treatment when NK and antigen-specific Tc cell response is induced.

High-throughput matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry as an alternative approach to monitoring drug resistance of hepatitis B virus.

Long-term antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can lead to the selection of drug-resistant HBV variants and treatment failure. Moreover, these HBV strains are possibly present in treatment-naive patients. Currently available assays for the detection of HBV drug resistance can identify mutants that constitute ≥5% of the viral population. Furthermore, drug-resistant HBV variants can be detected when a viral load is >10(4) copies/ml (1,718 IU/ml). The aim of this study was to compare matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and multitemperature single-strand conformation polymorphism (MSSCP) with commercially available assays for the detection of drug-resistant HBV strains. HBV DNA was extracted from 87 serum samples acquired from 45 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. The 37 selected HBV variants were analyzed in 4 separate primer extension reactions on the MALDI-TOF MS. Moreover, MSSCP for identifying drug-resistant HBV YMDD variants was developed and turned out to be more sensitive than INNOLiPA HBV DR and direct sequencing. MALDI-TOF MS had the capability to detect mutant strains within a mixed viral population occurring with an allelic frequency of approximately 1% (with a specific value of ≥10(2) copies/ml, also expressed as ≥17.18 IU/ml). In our study, MSSCP detected 98% of the HBV YMDD variants among strains detected by the MALDI-TOF MS assay. The routine tests revealed results of 40% and 11%, respectively, for INNOLiPA and direct sequencing. The commonly available HBV tests are less sensitive than MALDI-TOF MS in the detection of HBV-resistant variants, including quasispecies.

An initial assessment of correlations between host- and virus-related factors affecting analogues antiviral therapy in HBV chronically infected patients.

BACKGROUND: Success in treating hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with nucleoside analogues drugs is limited by the emergence of drug-resistant viral strains upon prolonged therapy. In addition to mutation patterns in the viral polymerase gene, host factors are assumed to contribute to failure of treatment in chronic HBV infections. The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between efficacy of antiviral therapy and the prevalence of HBV pretreatment drug-resistant variants. We also analyzed the role of heterogeneity in the promoter region of the IL-10 on the HBV pol/s gene polymorphisms and efficacy of analogues-driven therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: HBV DNA was extracted from 54 serum samples from chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Drug-resistance mutations were analyzed using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry technology (MALDI-TOF MS) and Multi-temperature single-strand conformation polymorphism (MSSCP). IL-10 gene promoter region polymorphisms at positions -1082, -819, and -592 were determined in allele-specific PCR reactions (AS-PCR). RESULTS: Drug-resistance mutations were detected in 74% of naïve and 93% of experienced patients, but the effect of pre-existence of drug-resistant HBV variants on antiviral therapy was not statistically significant (p=0.86). The role of polymorphisms at positions -1082 (p=0.88), -819 (p=0.26), and -592 (p=0.26) of IL-10 promoter region polymorphisms was excluded from the response-predicting factors. The main host factors predicting successful response to antiviral therapy were female sex (p=0.007) and young age (p=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of drug-resistant HBV variants in baseline is not a viral predictor of good response to nucleoside/nucleotide analogues therapy. Only low HBV viral load predicted positive response to antiviral therapy. The ideal candidate for antiviral therapy is an immunocompetent, young female with low HBV viral load and elevated ALT activity.

Distribution of HCV genotypes in Poland.

UNLABELLED: Available data on prevalence of HCV genotypes in Poland are insufficient. The aim of the study was the analysis of distribution of HCV genotypes in Poland over the period of recent 10 years regarding the age of patients and the regions of the country. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of HCV genotypes in Poland was carried out between 2003 and 2012, and included 14 651 patients from 22 centers where patients with chronic viral hepatitis C are diagnosed and treated. Genotypes were analyzed in age groups (< 20 years of age, 20-40 years of age, > 40 years of age) as well as in populations of HBV and HIV co-infections. RESULTS: Genotype (G) 1 infection was demonstrated in 79.4%, G2 -0.1%, G3- 13.8%, G4- 4.9%, G6-0.09% and mixed infections in 1.6%. There was no infection with genotype 5. The highest prevalence of G1 was observed in the Lódzkie voivodship (89.2%) and the Slaskie voivodship (86.7%) while the lowest one in the Warminsko-mazurskie (62.0%) and the Podlaskie voivodships (68.2%). Genotype 3 most commonly occurs in the Warminsko-mazurskie (28.1%), and the Podlaskie voivodships (23.0%) and is least common in the Malopolskie (7.9%) and the Lódzkie voivodships (9.0%). Genotype 4 is more common in the Kujawsko-pomorskie (11.7%) and the Podlaskie voivodships (8.6%) and relatively less common in the Lubelskie (1.1%) and the Lódzkie voivodships (1.8%). Prevalence of G1 infection in 2003-2004 was 72% and increased up to 85.6% in 2011-2012, that was accompanied by decrease of G3 prevalence from 17% to 8% in this period. In HBV co-infected (n = 83), G1 infection was demonstrated in 85.5%, G3 - in 7.2%, G4 -4.8%, and mixed genotypes in 6%. Among HIV co-infected (n = 391), a much lower prevalence of G1 (33.0%) and a high of G3 (40.4%) as well as G4 (24.0%) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: There is a geographic variability of HCV genotypes prevalence in Poland. Increase of HCV G1 infections and decrease of G3 and G4 were observed in the last 10 years. Genotypes G3 and G4 occur more often in HCV/HIV co-infected than in HCV mono-infected patients.

Local and Systemic Immunity Are Impaired in End-Stage-Renal-Disease Patients Treated With Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis and Kidney Transplant Recipients Immunized With BNT162b2 Pfizer-BioNTech SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine.

Vaccination against COVID-19 in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on replacement therapy and kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) is particularly important due to the high mortality rate. Here, we tested the local and systemic immunity to the novel Pfizer BioNTech (BNT162b2) messenger RNA (mRNA) in ESRD, KTR patients, and healthy individuals (150 subjects). The ESRD group was divided into: hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). We investigated the local and systemic immunity based on anti-N (nucleoprotein) and anti-S (spike1/2) Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, respectively. Additionally, we performed an Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) release test Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) to monitor the cellular component of vaccine response. The control group had the highest level of anti-S IgG antibodies (153/2,080 binding antibody units (BAU)/ml) among all analyzed patients after the 1st and 2nd dose, respectively. The HD group (48/926 BAU/ml) had a diminished antibody level compared to PD (93/1,607 BAU/ml). Moreover, the seroconversion rate after the 1st dose was lower in HD than PD (56% vs. 86%). KTRs had extremely low seroconversion (33%). IgA-mediated immunity was the most effective in the control group, while other patients had diminished IgA production. We observed a lower percentage of vaccine responders based on the IFN-γ level in all research participants (100% vs. 85% in control, 100% vs. 80% in PD, 97% vs. 64% in HD). 63% of seropositive KTRs had a positive IGRA, while 28% of seronegative patients produced IFN-γ. Collectively, PD patients had the strongest response among ESRD patients. Two doses of the Pfizer vaccine are ineffective, especially in HD and KTRs. A closer investigation of ESRD and KTRs is required to set the COVID-19 vaccine clinical guidance. Clinical Trial Registration Number: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04 905 862.

COVID-19 - Toward a comprehensive understanding of the disease.

The evidence on the pathophysiology of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection is rapidly growing. Understanding why some patients suffering from COVID-19 are getting so sick, while others are not, has become an informal imperative for researchers and clinicians around the globe. The answer to this question would allow rationalizing the fear surrounding this pandemic. Understanding of the pathophysiology of COVID-19 relies on an understanding of interplaying mechanisms, including SARS-CoV-2 virulence, human immune response, and complex inflammatory reactions with coagulation playing a major role. An interplay with bacterial co-infections, as well as the vascular system and microcirculation affected throughout the body should also be examined. More importantly, a compre-hensive understanding of pathological mechanisms of COVID-19 will increase the efficacy of therapy and decrease mortality. Herewith, presented is the current state of knowledge on COVID-19: beginning from the virus, its transmission, and mechanisms of entry into the human body, through the pathological effects on the cellular level, up to immunological reaction, systemic and organ presentation. Last but not least, currently available and possible future therapeutic and diagnostic options are briefly commented on.

Dermoscopic Features of Giant Molluscum Contagiosum in a Patient with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

Giant molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a peculiar variant of the disease with the presence of multiple or single lesions larger than 5 mm. In contrast to typical molluscum contagiosum, dermoscopic features of giant lesions have been poorly described, and none of the reports included multiple giant lesions in an immunocompromised patient. We present a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome diagnosed with multiple giant molluscum contagiosum along with the dermoscopic features of this entity. We examined a 40-year-old patient who had been diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) two months earlier. The disease defining AIDS was cerebral toxoplasmosis (initially presenting as a brain tumor several months earlier). Laboratory investigation showed a decreased CD4 cell count of 11 cells/mm3 and HIV viral load of 252 472 copies/mL. The patient was referred to the Department of Dermatology due to multiple flesh-colored, asymptomatic nodules with superficial telangiectasia that had been observed on the face for several weeks (Figure 1, a). Dermoscopy of larger (>5 mm) skin lesions showed yellowish globules of different size and random distribution, separated by smaller, oval-shape white globules and polymorphic vessels (Figure 1, b-d). Dermoscopy of smaller skin lesions showed the presence of a central yellow globule and white structureless area with irregular linear vessels of radial arrangement at the periphery (Figure 1, e). Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum (MC); special staining showed the details of the lesion (Figure 2, a-c). Antiretroviral therapy with Triumeq® (dolutegravir + abacavir + lamivudine) was initiated. After discussing MC treatment options with the patient, we decided to delay the treatment and wait for the effect of antiretroviral therapy. Partial regression of MC lesions was observed after 5 months; laboratory investigations showed a CD4 cell count of 99 cells/mm3 and a HIV viral load of 56 copies/mL. Along with continuation of antiretroviral therapy, the patient received treatment with topical imiquimod (Aldara®) for 12 weeks. Subsequently, a few lesions resistant to previous treatment were treated with cryosurgery and the patient was instructed to apply imiquimod only to new-onset/regrowing lesions. Clinical evaluation after 2 months revealed a good clinical and aesthetic effect (Figure 3). MC is a viral disease caused by a DNA virus of the Poxviridae family (MCV-1 or MCV-2). The infection most commonly affects children and sexually active adults, and may be diagnosed based on physical examination in the majority of cases. Typical clinical presentation includes single to multiple, 2-5 mm, flesh-colored, asymptomatic nodules with central umbilication. Dermoscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic method that allows skin examination with magnification, therefore improving the accuracy of dermatological diagnosis. It was primarily developed to detect melanoma, but in recent years the role of this method in general dermatology has been constantly increasing. There have been several published reports that demonstrated the utility of dermoscopy in the diagnosis of MC. Most commonly observed structures include a central orifice and blood vessels arranged in punctiform, radial or mixed flower pattern (1). Giant molluscum contagiosum is an atypical variant of the disease, with the presence of multiple or single lesions larger than 5 mm (2). The diagnosis of giant MC usually indicates immunodeficiency and has been mainly described in HIV-positive patients, but also in coexistence with leukemia, sarcoidosis, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, selective immunoglobulin M deficiency, atopic dermatitis, and after splenectomy, bone marrow transplantation, and during immunosuppressive therapy (3). Giant MC may mimic other benign or malignant dermatoses, and the final diagnosis is usually based on histopathological examination. The list of differential diagnoses is long and includes basal cell carcinoma, keratoacanthoma, viral wart, varicella, intradermal nevi, pyogenic granuloma, lichen planus, atypical mycobacterial infection, pneumocystosis, cutaneous cryptococcosis, and histoplasmosis (3). In contrast to typical MC, dermoscopic features of giant MC have been poorly described, and none of the reports included multiple lesions in immunocompromised patient. Mun et al. described a pattern of multiple shiny white clods in giant MC observed in a 2-year-old girl in the perianal area (4). A different dermoscopic image - with prominent arborizing vessels and polylobular white structureless areas - was reported by Uzuncakmak et al., who described giant MC on the eyelid in a 25-year-old woman (2). Similar dermoscopic features of atypical MC (5 mm in size) were described by Zaballos et. al. (5). The course and treatment of MC differ in immunocompetent and in immunocompromised individuals. While the infection is usually mild and self-limiting in the former group, in the latter it may be extensive, symptomatic, and resistant to therapy. Treatment methods commonly applied in immunocompetent patients such as cryotherapy, curettage, and electrocautery are not generally recommended in patients with severe immunodeficiency as they pose a risk of secondary infection or autoinoculation (6). Additionally, such treatment of multiple lesions is connected with pain and higher risk of postinflammatory changes/scarring (7). According to the literature, treatment with local immunomodulators - including imiquimod cream, interferon-a (IFN-a) injections and cidofovir - appears to be effective (6). Topical 5% imiquimod was most commonly used, and although not licensed for this indication it was shown to be effective in HIV-positive individuals, including treatment of giant MC lesions (7). Regardless of the topical treatment, previous reports documented a correlation between immunity status and the extension of MC lesions. Therefore, effective antiretroviral therapy may itself lead to resolution of MC [8]. To sum up, the presented report introduced additional observations into the dermoscopic spectrum of giant MC. The observed dermoscopically large yellowish globules seem to correspond with the crypts and the surrounding white structures with the areas of lobulated, endophytic epidermal hyperplasia. The presence of vascular structures in dermoscopy corresponds with the blood vessels tightly surrounding inverted hyperplastic epidermal lobules (Figure 2, b). Dermoscopic features od giant MC are different than those observed in small lesions. Interestingly, the dermoscopic appearance of smaller lesions observed in our patient seemed to be similar to MC eruptions described in immunocompetent patients (1). In case of clinical suspicion giant MC coexisting with smaller lesions, dermoscopic assessment of the latter may serve as a clue to diagnosis.

[Assessment of energy intake in HIV--positive adults]. / Ocena wartosci energetycznej calodziennych racji pokarmowych osób doroslych HIV-pozytywnych.

The purpose of this study was to determine energy intake in HIV-positive adults. In the study participated 150 adults. Energy intake and percentage of energy from protein, carbohydrate and fat were measured using 24-hour dietary recalls and computer program Wikt 1.3. The results of the study showed that energy intakes were below the dietary reference values for HIV-positive. Moreover the analyzed diets contained too small protein and carbohydrate contents but too high level of fat. Despite of this fact, the majority of respondents had correct BMI value.

Streptococcus suis Meningitis: Epidemiology, Clinical Presentation and Treatment.

Streptococcus suis, a prevalent porcine pathogen, may sporadically cause infections in humans, and has recently emerged as a cause of zoonoses in some professionals. The aim of this article was to review available data on epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, diagnostics, and management of the most common form of S. suis infection, purulent meningitis. Literature data show that S. suis is an important etiological factor of purulent meningitis, especially in subjects being occupationally exposed to contact with pigs and/or pork meat. Owing to growing incidence of S. suis meningitis, a history of such exposure should be verified in each patient presenting with typical meningeal symptoms. Whenever S. suis was confirmed as the etiological factor of purulent meningitis, therapeutic protocol should be adjusted appropriately, to avoid patient's exposure to potentially ototoxic antimicrobial agents and corticosteroids. Considering the biphasic character of S. suis meningitis and its frequently atypical outcome, all individuals with this condition should be optimally supervised by a multidisciplinary team, including an ENT specialist.

[HIV infected child in otolaryngological practice]. / Dziecko zakazone HIV w praktyce otolaryngologicznej.

The authors present material about 12 HIV infected children at the age between 0 and 18 years observed and treated in Department of Infectious Diseases Medical University of Gdansk in the period between 1991 till 2006. Retrospectively medical records of 4 of them currently undergoing observation and treatment have been analyzed taking into consideration: ways of HIV infection, applying the possible retroviral profilactic to a mother and a child, the damaging o of immunological condition in the period of observation and treatment as well as the possible head and neck changes. The authors come to conclusion that changes in oral cavity may be the first symptom of child HIV infection and in the oral candidiasis symptoms the possibility of HIV infection should be taken into account.

Aging and the evolution of comorbidities among HIV-positive individuals in a European cohort.

OBJECTIVES: To describe changes in the prevalence of comorbidities and risk factors among HIV-positive individuals in the EuroSIDA study. DESIGN: Comparison of two cross-sectional cohorts of HIV-positive adults under active follow-up in 2006 and 2014. METHODS: Baseline demographics and prevalence of comorbidities were described. Factors associated with the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) were assessed by logistic regression modelling using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: Nine thousand, seven hundred and ninety-eight individuals were under active follow-up in EuroSIDA during 2006 and 12 882 during 2014. Compared with study participants in 2006, those in 2014 were older [median age 48.6 years (IQR 40.3-55.1) vs. 43.1 years (37.2-50.0) in 2006] and had higher prevalence of hypertension (59.6 vs. 47% in 2006), diabetes (6.3 vs. 5.4%), CKD (6.9 vs. 4.1%) and CVD (5.0 vs. 3.7%). Individuals in the 2014 cohort had higher odds for CKD (unadjusted OR 2.62, 95% CI 2.30-2.99, P < 0.0001) and CVD (OR 1.88, CI 1.68-2.10, P < 0.0001), but after multivariable adjustment for age group, comorbidities and other factors, year of cohort was no longer significantly associated with the odds of CKD [adjusted OR (aOR) 0.97, CI 0.52-1.82, P = 0.92) or of CVD (aOR 0.94, CI 0.54-1.63, P = 0.82). CONCLUSION: Between 2006 and 2014, the population aged and experienced an overall higher prevalence of non-AIDS comorbidities, including CKD and CVD. The increase in CVD could be explained by the aging population, and the increase in CKD by aging and changes in other factors. Treatment strategies balancing HIV outcomes with long-term management of comorbidities remain a priority.

[Relationship between inflammatory changes revealed in cerebrospinal fluid and prognosis in acute viral encephalitis]. / Zaleznosc pomiedzy wystepowaniem zmian zapalnych w plynie mózgowo-rdzeniowym a rokowaniem w ostrym wirusowym zapaleniu mózgu.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between inflammatory changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and prognosis in patients with acute viral encephalitis (AVE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: retrospective medical records analysis of 99 cases of AVE, 37 females and 62 males, age 4-71. Patients were assigned to 2 subgroups: group I--without inflammatory changes in CSF (cytosis < or = 10/mm3 - 40 cases) and group II--with detectable abnormalities in CSF (cytosis >10/mm3 - 59 cases). Long term prognosis and unfavorable outcome were assessed at the moment of discharge from hospital and with a use of questionnaire sent to patients and were described as: 0--complete recovery, 1--long-term disabilities, 2--death. MAIN OBSERVATIONS: Among 99 patients with acute viral encephalitis complete recovery was observed in 61% of cases, in 32% the disease resulted in long term consequences and disabilities and 7% died from reasons related to encephalitis. RESULTS: Patients without inflammatory changes in CSF statistically significantly (p < 0.05) more frequently suffered from coma, early epileptic episodes, respiratory disorders, unfavorable outcome and epilepsy. In a group II statistically significantly more often fever and Herpes simplex etiology were observed. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Among 99 patients in 32% AVE resulted in long-term (subtle as well as severe) disabilities and 7% died from reasons related to AVE. (2) Patients without inflammatory abnormalities in CSF tended to have more severe clinical course and worse prognosis than those with detectable increase of CSF cytosis (>10 cells/mm3).

Interferon lambda polymorphisms associate with body iron indices and hepatic expression of interferon-responsive long non-coding RNA in chronic hepatitis C.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within DNA region containing interferon lambda 3 (IFNL3) and IFNL4 genes are prognostic factors of treatment response in chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Iron overload, frequently diagnosed in CHC, is associated with unfavorable disease course and a risk of carcinogenesis. Its etiology and relationship with the immune response in CHC are not fully explained. Our aim was to determine whether IFNL polymorphisms in CHC patients associate with body iron indices, and whether they are linked with hepatic expression of genes involved in iron homeostasis and IFN signaling. For 192 CHC patients, four SNPs within IFNL3-IFNL4 region (rs12979860, rs368234815, rs8099917, rs12980275) were genotyped. In 185 liver biopsies, histopathological analyses were performed. Expression of five mRNAs and three long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) was determined with qRT-PCR in 105 liver samples. Rs12979860 TT or rs8099917 GG genotypes as well as markers of serum and hepatocyte iron overload associated with higher activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and liver steatosis. The presence of two minor alleles in any of the tested SNPs predisposed to abnormally high serum iron concentration and correlated with higher hepatic expression of lncRNA NRIR. On the other hand, homozygosity in any major allele associated with higher viral load. Patients bearing rs12979860 CC genotype had lower hepatic expression of hepcidin (HAMP; P = 0.03). HAMP mRNA level positively correlated with serum iron indices and degree of hepatocyte iron deposits. IFNL polymorphisms influence regulatory pathways of cellular response to IFN and affect body iron balance in chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

[Occurrence of disseminated intravascular coagulation in purulent meningitis and influence on mortality in 118 patients]. / Wystepowanie wykrzepiania sródnaczyniowego w ropnym zapaleniu opon mózgowo-rdzeniowych i wplyw na smiertelnosc u 118 pacjentów.

UNLABELLED: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is an important, but not satisfactory explained risk factor of death in purulent meningitis (PM). OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of: 1) acute thrombocytopenia (ATP) in patients with PM, 2) dynamics in changes of peripheral blood platelet (PLT) count and serum coagulation factors, 3) correlation between acute DIC and mortality in PM. METHODS: Analysis ofATP (platelets < or = 150 K/microL and/or decrease in PLT > or = 100 K/microL/24 hours) and prothrombin ratio, fibrinogen, d-dimmer and antithrombin III in survivors and nonsurvivors in 118 adult patients with PM. 37 further patients have been disclosed because of non-bacterial PM or chronic conditions predisposing to ATP or DIC. MAIN OBSERVATIONS: DIC defined as ATP occurred in 56 %, defined as elevated d-dimmer level in 72%. 16 (14%) patients died. RESULTS: Mortality correlated significantly with the lowest PLT count on first 3. days (p=0,049) and with PLT decline (p=0,015). Differences in survivors/nonsurvivors were observed in: ATP on 1. day 48% vs. 75% (p<0,05), daily PLT decline 9%/day vs. 32%/day (p<0,05), prothrombin ratio 89% vs. 74% (p<0,05) and INR 1,2 vs. 1,7 (p<0,005). CONCLUSION: DIC is an important risk factor in PM. Aggravated DIC do correlate significantly with higher risk of death.

The prevalence and co-occurrence of hematological complications at the time of diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C in Poland: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the frequency, co-occurrence, and risk factors for hematological complications at the time of diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C (CHC). METHODS: This study included 1237 patients with CHC aged 18-88 years diagnosed in the years 1998-2010 in the Pomeranian region of Poland. Clinical data, cell blood count, liver biopsy, and biochemistry results were obtained retrospectively. RESULTS: Hematological complications were found in 31% of patients. The most frequent complication was thrombocytopenia (23.8%). The multivariate analysis showed a 5.1-fold increased risk (P<0.05) of at least one additional hematological complication in patients with thrombocytopenia. The greatest increase in risk (7.3) was related to leukopenia and cryoglobulinemia (2.3). The risk of leukopenia was correlated with the severity of thrombocytopenia. The risk of leukopenia and thrombocytopenia increased significantly from, respectively, stages 3 and 2 of liver fibrosis compared with patients without fibrosis. CONCLUSION: In patients with CHC, decreases in cell blood count occur quite frequently. The most often is mild and solitary thrombocytopenia, but if severe, it may be accompanied by leukopenia, especially in women. The presence of thrombocytopenia and leukopenia in patients with CHC may indicate advanced liver fibrosis or its final stage: cirrhosis.

Associations between HIV-RNA-based indicators and virological and clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the performance of six HIV-RNA-based quality of care indicators for predicting short-term and long-term outcomes. DESIGN: Multinational cohort study. METHODS: We included EuroSIDA patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) with at least three viral load measurements after baseline (the latest of 01/01/2001 or entry into EuroSIDA). Using multivariate Poisson regression, we modelled the association between short-term (resistance, triple-class failure) and long-term (all-cause mortality, any AIDS/non-AIDS clinical event) outcomes and the indicators: viraemia copy years; consecutive months with viral load ≥ 50 copies/ml; percentage of time on ART spent fully suppressed (%FS); stable on ART; 48 weeks snapshot; and current viral load. Indicators were compared using area under the ROC curve (AUC) and different measures of model fit. RESULTS: Adjusted incidence rate ratios for all outcomes tended to increase with increasing viraemia copy years, number of consecutive months with viral load ≥ 50 copies/ml, current viral load and with lower %FS, but the gradient of increased risk was weak across strata. None of the indicators reliably identified those at risk of long-term outcomes (AUC 0.54-0.58), but performed consistently better with short-term outcomes [triple class failure (AUC 0.67-0.76) and resistance (AUC 0.64-0.79)]. Goodness of fit varied with the outcome evaluated, but differences between indicators were small. CONCLUSION: Differences between quality of care indicators were small and no indicator performed consistently better than current viral load. Given the simplicity in assessing and interpreting this indicator, we propose to use current viral load when HIV-RNA-based indicators are used to evaluate the efficacy of ART programs.

[Immune mechanisms in HIV infection and their role in antiretroviral therapy]. / Mechanizmy odpornosciowe w zakazeniu HIV i ich znaczenie w leczeniu antyretrowirusowym.

In this article mechanisms of CD4 cells depletion, apoptosis, necrosis and T-cell activation, cellular immune responses to HIV infection, with emphasis on involvement of CD4 and CD8 HIV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in human immunodeficiency virus infection are being discussed. Author reviews recent reports on immune restoration resulting from antiretroviral therapy, T-cell turnover within CD4 and CD8 subsets, including rapidly (activated effector and memory) and slowly (naïve) proliferating T-cells and the influence of IL-7 on regeneration of T lymphocytes. Finally function of dendritic cells in pathomechanisms of HIV disease is summarized.

Anaesthesia for ophthalmologic surgical procedures in a patient with advanced amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Anaesthesia procedures for surgical interventions in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are not commonly found in clinical practice, and often have special considerations that must be taken into account in treatment planning. As a result, these procedures are rarely subject to publication, rendering it difficult for the anaesthesiologists to find useful and reliable information on this topic. ALS also presents a contraindication to the use of nondepolarising neuromuscular blocking drugs during general anaesthesia. CASE PRESENTATION: In the case presented here, a 52-year old, White man, the progression of the disease to tetraparesis and respiratory failure, in addition to having the patient on chronic mechanical ventilation support, provided additional challenges to the handling team. The maturation of cataracts severely impaired communication with the patient, and surgical treatment of the cataract presented the only means to save communication. Such interventions are generally performed under local anaesthesia with the advice of the attending anaesthesiologist. However, in this case the patients' announcements during the operation would be unreadable to the advising anaesthesiologist. Here, the authors share experiences from a successfully applied combination of topical and general anaesthesia for two cataract operations and a vitrectomy. This was tolerated well by the patient, and without any side-effects. CONCLUSION: The applied treatment resulted in a substantial improvement of the vision and allowed communication to be maintained with the patient.

Coagulation, coma, and outcome in bacterial meningitis--an observational study of 38 adult cases.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of intravascular coagulation in bacterial meningitis and to recognise the associations with disease severity and outcome. METHODS: Thirty-eight consecutively admitted adult patients with microbiologically proven bacterial meningitis were observed prospectively for platelets count (PLT), platelets-decline (dPLT), prothrombin ratio (PTr), INR, and D-dimer levels during the first three days in relation to disease severity (Glasgow Coma Scale--GCS, APACHE-III) and outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale--GOS). RESULTS: The prevalence of activated coagulation measured by abnormal laboratory results varied respectively: PTr--30%, INR--36%, PLT--38%, dPLT--50%, and D-dimer--88%. Patients with GCS <9 at admission presented with laboratory results suggesting triggered coagulation: dPLT 48 vs. 15%/day (p=0.0246), INR 1.6 vs. 1.12 (p=0.0014), PTr 76 vs. 93% (p=0.0020). An unfavourable outcome (GOS 1-4) was observed in 42% of patients and was associated with: PLT <170 or >265 G/L (OR--24.4; p=0.0006), PTr <82% (OR--5.00; p=0.0388), INR >1.1 (OR--5.04; 0.0336), and D-dimer >850 ng/ml (OR--24.0; p=0.0033). CONCLUSIONS: Coagulation was activated in a majority of patients with bacterial meningitis and related to coma and unfavourable outcome.