Clinical Grounds Research Articles

Point-of-care testing, antibiotic prescribing, and prescribing confidence for respiratory tract infections in primary care: a prospective audit in 18 European countries.

BackgroundBetween-country differences have been described in antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infection (RTI) in primary care, but not yet for diagnostic testing procedures and prescribing confidence.AimTo describe between-country differences in RTI management, particularly diagnostic testing and antibiotic prescribing, and investigate which factors relate to antibiotic prescribing and GPs’ prescribing confidence.Design & settingProspective audit in 18 European countries.MethodAn audit of GP-registered patient, clinical, and management characteristics for patients presenting with sore throat and/or lower RTI (n = 4982), and GPs' confidence in their antibiotic prescribing decision. Factors related to antibiotic prescribing and confidence were analysed using multi-level logistic regression.ResultsAntibiotic prescribing proportions varied considerably: <20% in four countries, and >40% in six countries. There was also considerable variation in point-of-care (POC) testing (0% in Croatia, Moldova, and Romania, and >65% in Denmark and Norway, mainly for C-reactive protein [CRP] and group A streptococcal [strep A] infection), and in laboratory or hospital-based testing (<3% in Hungary, the Netherlands, and Spain, and >30% in Croatia, Georgia, Greece, and Moldova, mainly chest X-ray and white blood cell counting). Antibiotic prescribing was related to illness severity, comorbidity, age, fever, and country, but not to having performed a POC test. In nearly 90% of consultations, GPs were confident in their antibiotic prescribing decision.ConclusionDespite high confidence in decisions about antibiotic prescribing, there is considerable variation in the primary care of RTI in European countries, with GPs prescribing antibiotics overall more often than is considered appropriate. POC testing may enhance the quality of antibiotic prescribing decisions if it can safely reverse decisions confidently made on clinical grounds alone to prescribe antibiotics.

Tocilizumab and Cytokine Release Syndrome in COVID-19 Pneumonia: Experience From a Single Center in Pakistan.

BackgroundTocilizumab (TCZ), an interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor blocker, emerged as a treatment for cytokine release syndrome (CRS) in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. The main objective of the study is to discuss the treatment response of TCZ in severe and critically ill patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Patient demographics, laboratory parameters before and after TCZ therapy, and clinical outcomes in 20 patients in a single center were prospectively reviewed.ResultsOut of 120 patients, 96 (80%) were males and 24 (20%) were females. Only eight (10%) patients did not have any previously known comorbidity. There were 78 (65%) patients with severe disease, while 42 (35%) have critically severe disease. Of the 120 patients, only 36 required a second dose of TCZ in our study based on clinical background. Neutrophils and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were observed to be raised in all patients, while lymphopenia was observed in 114/120, and D-dimer levels were elevated in 102 (85%) patients. After the second dose of tocilizumab, 102 (85%) patients reduced oxygen requirement within four days, and 14 patients were removed on the second dose of tocilizumab on clinical grounds. Of these 120 patients, in two weeks, 30 (25%) were discharged. Within three weeks, 60 of them were discharged, while 12 were discharged after three weeks, and 18 patients died in our study despite treatment.ConclusionTCZ appeared to be a good treatment option in patients with CRS and severe and critical pneumonia, and for patients with raised IL-6 levels despite single TCZ therapy, a repeat dose is recommended.

Gene polymorphism in tissue epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) influences clinical and histological vulnerability of carotid plaques

IntroductionDifferent models have been proposed for the prediction of the risk/benefit ratio of surgery in patients with carotid atheromasic disease, mainly based on clinical patients’ characteristics and risk factors, but no definite biological markers predictive of plaque instability and disease evolution have emerged so far, able to help the surgeon in the choice and timing of treatment. The main purpose of the present study was to assess the role of the polymorphism for genes commonly implicated in cell proliferation and neoangiogenesis in the clinical and histopathological carotid plaque vulnerability. Materials and methodsWe retrospectively studied 29 consecutive patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy in 6 months. All histological variables were collected, as well as patients’ cardiovascular risk factors, clinical presentation, and brain computed tomography (CT) for the presence of ischemic lesions. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) was performed on 10-µm FFPE sections by means of a multi-gene panel used for sequencing 343 amplicons in 28 genes. ResultsAmong the gene variants observed, the polymorphism p.(Gln787=) in the EGFR gene was inversely correlated with intraplaque hemorrhage (p = 0.014), but also with the presence of ischemic brain lesions at CT (p = 0.001). Also p.(Gly105=) polymorphism in the IDH1 gene was inversely correlated with the presence of ischemic brain lesions (p = 0.038). ConclusionsThe variant p.(Gln787=) in the EGFR gene seems to play a role in plaque stability in patients with carotid atheromasic disease, on both histopathological and clinical grounds, probably acting on plaque matrix remodeling. This can open new scenarios on the pre-surgical management of these patients.

Abstract 9203: Role of Artificial Intelligence and Utilisation of Deep Learning Methods in Screening for Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Eligibility

Introduction: There is a Class I recommendation for S-ICD in patients with no pacing indication at a high risk of infection. S-ICD eligibility is assessed at pre-implant screening where ECG traces taken in multiple postures are used as a surrogate for S-ICD vectors. In HF patients undergoing diuresis, changes in electrolytes, and fluid shifts can cause changes in R and T waves amplitudes. Subsequently, T:R ratio - a major predictor of S-ICD eligibility - is dynamic. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that prolonged screening for S-ICD eligibility identifies HF patients with high probability of T wave oversensing (TWO) and inappropriate shocks that can otherwise be missed using current screening practices. Methods: We ran a prospective study where participants with structurally normal hearts and HF patients undergoing diuresis on clinical grounds were fitted with Holters®. The leads were placed to correspond to the 3 vectors of an S-ICD. We used a convolutional neural network-based model utilising phase space reconstruction matrix as a state-of-the-art tool to assess T:R ratios over 24 hours against eligibility cut-off of 1:3 based on the manufacturer screening tool. Results: A total of 21 patients (mean age 58.43 ± 18.92, 62% male) were enrolled (14 HF, 7 normal hearts). We found a significant difference in the mean and SD of the T/R ratios between both groups. Mean T/R ratio was 0.181 ± 0.084 and 0.104 ± 0.054, and SD was 0.093 ± 0.048 and 0.067 ± 0.036 in HF and normal heart groups, respectively. T/R ratio was above the eligibility threshold with medians of 4.68% (0- 64.6%) and 0.03 % (0 - 30.4%) in HF and normal heart groups, respectively. There was no difference in the mean, SD or median between leads within the same group. Conclusions: T:R ratio, a main determinant for S-ICD eligibility is higher and with more tendency to fluctuate in HF patients. We report an accurate method that utilises prolonged screening to select HF patients eligible for S-ICD with low probability of TWO and inappropriate shocks.

Abstract 10370: Personalised Approach is the Key When it Comes to Pacing a Patient with an S-ICD

Introduction: Patients with an S-ICD may develop a pacing indication. When transvenous pacing is not feasible, the combination of an S-ICD and a leadless pacemaker (LP) might be a sound option. There are increased reports of concomitant use of LPs and S-ICDs. However, the effect of pacing on the S-ICD sensing is not well studied. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that pacing changes R and T waves morphology and amplitudes, causing changes in R:T ratios perceived by an S-ICD, increasing the risk for T wave oversensing (TWO) during paced rhythm with a subsequent risk of inappropriate shocks. Methods: We ran a prospective study in patients undergoing an electrophysiological study on clinical grounds. Participants were fitted with a Holter®, the leads of which placed to correspond to the three vectors of an S-ICD. We used a standard catheter to pace the right ventricle at four positions (figure 1) for 10 beats each at 8mA/2ms. We analysed the Holter® traces and used two-way ANOVA to assess the effect of pacing on the R:T ratio. Results: A total of 47 patients (mean age 56.02 ± 16.02,72% male) were enrolled (81% structurally normal heart, 15% DCM, 2% ICM, and 2% congenital heart disease). Age, sex, and aetiology had no effect on the R:T ratio. Pacing caused significant decrease in the R/T ratio, but there was no significant difference in the R/T ratio between different pacing sites. (P &lt;0.001). (figure 2) Conclusions: Pacing- regardless of position- causes the S-ICD perceived R:T ratio to fall below the eligibility screening threshold in most patients, increasing the risk of TWO and inappropriate shocks. Caution needs to be exercised and tailored programming of both devices is key for concomitant use of LPs and S-ICDs.

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF FUNCTIONAL AND RADIOLOGICAL OUTCOME OF PERTROCHANTERIC FEMUR FRACTURES TREATED WITH PROXIMAL FEMORAL NAIL ANTI ROTATION II ( PFN A2)

BACKGROUND: Femoral Inter-Trochanteric fracture is one of the most frequently occurring fractures in the elderly, usually following trivial trauma. In the younger age group of people, it occurs almost always due to high velocity trauma. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to study the functional and radiological outcomes of operative management of intertrochanteric fracture treated by PFN-A2. MATERIAL &amp; METHODS: A prospective study of 20 cases of intertrochanteric femur fracture treated by PFN-A2, minimum 6 months of follow up. All cases are evaluated according to Modified Harris Hip Score on residual effects on clinical ground at final examination. Pain &amp; functional capacity are the two basic considerations for this scoring system. Points are given for pain, function, range of motion &amp; absence of deformity. RESULT: Functional result according to Modified Harris Hip score was found to be excellent in 11(55%) patients, good in 5(25%) patients, fair in 3(15%) patients &amp; poor in 1(5%) patients. poor outcome occurs due to development of complications. CONCLUSION : PFN A2 has the advantage of minimal incision, shorter operative time, rapid rehabilitation, lower medical complications among other options.

Diagnostic armamentarium of infectious keratitis: A comprehensive review

Infectious keratitis (IK) represents the leading cause of corneal blindness worldwide, particularly in developing countries. A good outcome of IK is contingent upon timely and accurate diagnosis followed by appropriate interventions. Currently, IK is primarily diagnosed on clinical grounds supplemented by microbiological investigations such as microscopic examination with stains, and culture and sensitivity testing. Although this is the most widely accepted practice adopted in most regions, such an approach is challenged by several factors, including indistinguishable clinical features shared among different causative organisms, polymicrobial infection, long diagnostic turnaround time, and variably low culture positivity rate. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current diagnostic armamentarium of IK, encompassing conventional microbiological investigations, molecular diagnostics (including polymerase chain reaction and mass spectrometry), and imaging modalities (including anterior segment optical coherence tomography and in vivo confocal microscopy). We also highlight the potential roles of emerging technologies such as next-generation sequencing, artificial intelligence-assisted platforms. and tele-medicine in shaping the future diagnostic landscape of IK.

Influenza

The influenza virus is a segmented RNA virus with different mechanisms for mutations, and hence for minor (antigenic drift) and major (antigenic shift) changes. Influenza virus A was responsible for pandemics on average every 30 years in the past, with the most recent being the 2009 swine-origin influenza A H1N1 (SO-H1N1). The clinical picture is unspecific: seasonal or pandemic influenza cannot be differentiated from other viral respiratory infections on clinical grounds. PCR has become the standard for microbiological confirmation of the diagnosis. Treatment options remain limited with neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir; zanamivir). Resistance may occur under treatment or under prophylaxis; however, it is still rare overall. Vaccination is still the preferred method for prevention. However, the long lead time for production (at least 6 months) poses a challenge. Innovative new techniques like cell culture or recombinant productions are urgently needed. Pandemic influenza vaccines for SO-H1N1 were shown to be effective and safe in children, pregnant women, adults, and also in elderly. Pre-pandemic vaccines (H5N1) are also available.

M-ficolin: a valuable biomarker to identify leukaemia from juvenile idiopathic arthritis

ObjectiveDistinction on clinical grounds between acute lymphoblastic leukaemia presenting with arthropathy (ALLarthropathy) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is difficult, as the clinical and paraclinical signs of leukaemia may be vague....

A rare case of rickettsial fever with isolated third cranial nerve palsy causing hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis

Rickettsial infections are being increasingly diagnosed in the Indian subcontinent with the advent of affordable and sensitive diagnostic techniques. Rickettsial infections are sometimes complicated by the development of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) which is life-threatening unless identified early and treated. Here, we describe a case of rickettsial fever in a 41-year-old male who presented with fever, skin rash, and neurological obtundation, complicated by both third cranial nerve palsy and HLH. The patient showed a good recovery in sensorium with intravenous doxycycline and dexamethasone, although the oculomotor nerve palsy persisted for about two months after discharge. This case highlights the need to initiate treatment for rickettsial fever and HLH on clinical grounds before waiting for confirmation by laboratory tests.

Asymmetry at Disease Onset Is Not a Predictor of Parkinson's Disease Progression.

Even though a significant fraction of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients presents with only minor or no motor asymmetry, the motor symptoms in PD typically start on one side of the body and worse symptoms on the side of the disease onset usually persist long after the disease has become clinically bilateral. The asymmetric presentation of PD has been studied over the years, with some studies showing slower progression in PD subjects with asymmetric disease presentation. In other studies, however, it was not possible to relate the asymmetry to disease progression. The main objective of the present study was to assess the effect of asymmetry at disease onset on disease progression. Using the data available in the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) database, at baseline, 423 subjects with de-novo PD were included in the study. Instead of dichotomizing the subjects in asymmetric and symmetric, we kept the asymmetry index and the non-motor, disability, and motor progression at one-, three-, and five-year follow-up continuous. Pearson's r correlational analysis and the coefficient of determination R2 were used to correlate asymmetry indices and disease progression. There was no correlation between neither clinically, nor DatSCAN defined asymmetry and non-motor, motor, and disability progression in the de-novo PD subjects with a 5-year follow-up. Asymmetry at disease onset does not predict progression of PD. Further studies are needed to investigate whether early detection of asymmetry on clinical grounds could successfully distinguish between PD and symmetric types of atypical parkinsonism in the early stages of the disease.

Acute Limb Ischemia

Acute limb ischemia (ALI) is one of the most challenging conditions in vascular surgery and carries a high risk of amputation and mortality when treatment is delayed. Limb ischemia occurs when there is abrupt interruption of blood supply to an extremity because of either embolic or in situ thrombotic arterial or bypass graft occlusion. The goals of management include limb salvage, minimization of morbidity, and prevention of death. However, given that no objective markers of limb viability are currently available, the initial determination of whether a limb is likely to be viable must be made on clinical grounds. An early clinical evaluation is crucial for the diagnosis and identification of the underlying etiology of the ALI. As ALI is a clinical diagnosis, this review describes all aspects of the clinical evaluation as essential: patient history, staging of limb ischemia, and investigative studies. Atheromatous embolization is also discussed in depth. The characteristic signs of ALI may be summarized as the “six p’s”: pulselessness, pain, pallor, poikilothermia, paresthesia, and paralysis. Pain is the most common symptom in an ischemic limb and progresses along with the ischemia. As ischemia continues to progress, severe pain can be replaced by anesthesia of the limb, which can confound the examiner. Thus, pain should be documented with regard to severity, localization, and progression. ALI therapies covered are heparin therapy, thrombolytic therapy, thrombectomy, and surgical embolectomy and revascularization. The pathophysiology of limb ischemia is related to the progression of tissue infarction and irreversible cell death. Compared with other organs and tissues (e.g., the brain and the heart), the extremities are relatively resistant to ischemia. However, the various tissue types of which an extremity is composed have different metabolic rates. This review has 2 figures, 6 tables, and 165 references.

CARDIAC TAMPONADE WITHOUT CHARACTERISTIC ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC FEATURES DUE TO HIGH RIGHT HEART PRESSURE FROM PULMONARY HYPERTENSION

TOPIC: Critical Care TYPE: Medical Student/Resident Case Reports INTRODUCTION: Introduction: Cardiac tamponade occurs when pericardial effusion leads to equalization of intrapericardial pressure and diastolic intracardiac pressure, which reduces the systemic venous-to-right atrial pressure gradient, leading to depression in cardiac output. The lower this gradient, the greater the risk for cardiac tamponade. Cardiac tamponade manifests clinically as shock, jugular venous distention, and muffled heart sounds, known collectively as Beck's triad. Typical findings on echocardiogram are right atrial and ventricular collapse.[2] These findings may not be seen in patients with elevated right-sided intracardiac pressure and can lead to misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis of cardiac tamponade.[1] We present a patient with a cardiac tamponade to highlight this point. CASE PRESENTATION: Case presentation: A 46 year old male with hypoxia and respiratory failure from COVID-19 pneumonia supported with mechanical ventilation for several weeks developed refractory shock of multifactorial etiology. The patient was known to have pulmonary hypertension with dilated right atrial and ventricular pressure in addition to paradoxical septal motion, as seen on echocardiogram of recent past. Clinical examination revealed jugular venous distention and muffled heart sounds. Electrocardiogram detected sinus tachycardia and low cardiac voltage. Echocardiogram revealed large pericardial effusion without right atrial or ventricular collapse, and therefore cardiac tamponade was not considered as the cause of shock. As shock remained refractory to multiple vasopressors and inspiratory variation of the mitral valve inflow was noted on echocardiogram, it was decided to initiate pericardial drainage. However, the patient went into cardiac arrest before it could be performed. DISCUSSION: Discussion: A clinical diagnosis of cardiac tamponade can be made in the presence of Beck's triad. However, echocardiogram is most often relied on to make the diagnosis. The most sensitive echocardiographic findings of cardiac tamponade are right atrial and ventricular collapse.[2] Though sensitive, these changes may not be present in a patient who has preexisting elevated right sided intracardiac pressure. In such cases, the diagnosis must be based on clinical evidence and can be aided by the findings of exaggerated changes in mitral/tricuspid inflow during respiration. CONCLUSIONS: Conclusion: A hallmark finding of cardiac tamponade is right atrial or ventricular collapse on echocardiogram. However, these findings may be absent in the setting of elevated right-sided intracardiac pressure. The absence of right atrial or ventricular collapse in our patient can be attributed to the elevated right-sided intracardiac pressure due to pulmonary hypertension.[3] In such cases, the diagnosis of cardiac tamponade should be made on clinical grounds and pericardial drainage should not be delayed. REFERENCE #1: 1. Adams JR, Tonelli AR, Rokadia HK, Duggal A. Cardiac tamponade in severe pulmonary hypertension. A therapeutic challenge revisited. Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2015;12(3):455-460. REFERENCE #2: 2. Spodick DH. Acute cardiac tamponade. N Engl J Med. 2003;349(7):684-690. REFERENCE #3: 3. Vallabhajosyula, S., Kanuri, S., Sundaragiri, P., & Alla, V. (2014). Management of cardiac tamponade in severe pulmonary hypertension. Chest, 146(4). DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by George Apergis, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Dushyant Damania, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Aaron Douen, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Padmanabhan Krishnan, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by George Mbolu, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Ryan Panetti, source=Web Response

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome

Objectives:To determine the prevalence of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome in patients presenting with abdominal pains, and to evaluate computed tomographic (CT) findings needed for its diagnosis.Methods:This retrospective record-based study was carried out at the radiology department, from January 2016 to January 2021. All young patients (aged under 25) who underwent CT scans for abdominal pains were reviewed. Post-surgery, tumor, and trauma cases were excluded. Imaging findings for SMA syndrome were recorded as ‘suggestive’ (reduced aortomesenteric angle and distance with proximal duodenal dilatation), ‘possible’ (reduced angle and distance without proximal duodenal dilatation) and ‘probable’ (reduction of either angle or distance). Two radiologists interpreted the findings and consensus reporting was made. Diagnoses were confirmed on clinical grounds (symptomatic improvement by specific treatment and exclusion of other diagnoses), or barium studies. Imaging findings were compared to final diagnoses. McNemar’s Chi-square test was used to determine association.Results:Out of 141 patients (mean age=10.8, standard deviation=4), 7 (4.9%) patients mostly females were having SMA syndromes based on ‘suggestive’ imaging criteria (p=0.0005), and one patient underwent surgery.Conclusion:Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is not an uncommon condition and should be considered in differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in young patients after excluding other diagnoses.

Evaluation of Slit-Skin Smear Against Punch Biopsy in Diagnosing Leprosy: A Cross-sectional Study in a Tertiary Care Centre of West Bengal

Background: Leprosy is an infectious disease which faces diagnostic challenges. Slit-skin smear (SSS) is an age simple diagnostic technique, yet not commonly applied by health care providers. The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of SSS in terms of validity, diagnostic accuracy, and percentage agreement against punch biopsy in diagnosing leprosy among leprosy patients who were diagnosed with leprosy on clinical grounds only (i.e., number of skin lesions and/or peripheral nerve thickening). Methods: An evaluation study of diagnostic tests with a cross-sectional design was conducted at a tertiary care center of Bankura. In general, 70 new untreated leprosy patients, diagnosed solely by clinical grounds (i.e., count of skin lesions and/or thickening of the nerve) and attending the dermatology outpatient department (From February 2019 to January 2020) were enrolled in this study. After excluding pure neuritic, relapse, and seriously ill patients by consecutive sampling, they were subjected to both SSS and punch biopsy using a standard process. SPSS for Windows (Version 16.0., Chicago, SPSS Inc.) was used to analyze data. Z test, chi-square test, and kappa test were conducted to test the statistical significance between the effectiveness of SSS and punch biopsy. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and diagnostic accuracy of SSS were 81.81%, 95.83%, 90%, 92%, 20%, 0.19%, 102.87%, and 91.42%, respectively. Based on the results, SSS could detect acid-fast bacilli (AFB) in clinically diagnosed leprosy cases slightly less than punch biopsy, but it was statistically insignificant (Z=0.3689, P=0.71138, df=1). Finally, Cohen’s Kappa coefficient was 0.796, representing substantial agreement between SSS and punch biopsy (95% CI: 0.641-0.951). Conclusions: Overall, SSS is more or less equally effective as compared to punch biopsy in confirming leprosy cases. Interest and training on SSS among resident doctors should be emphasized accordingly.

Outcomes for Newborns with Mild Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: A Retrospective Study

Background: HIE remains a significant cause of mortality and long-term disability in late preterm and term newborns. At birth, the only available distinction between mild, moderate, and severe HIE is based on the clinical ground. Nevertheless, mild HIE can be presented with subtle or subjective clinical features which may mislead the treating physician and delay his decision to intervene. Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study examined all inborn newborns ≥ 35 weeks gestational age born at a single, tertiary level Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in women’s hospital. The study revised newborns who were admitted to NICU during the period from November 2014 till November 2020 under the diagnoses of mild HIE. The decision to start therapeutic hypothermia in cases of mHIE was off-label and it was taken according to the clinical judgment of the treating team. Results: Out of the 265 newborns admitted with a history suggestive of HIE or neurological deficits, only 116 newborns matched the diagnosis of mHIE according to the above-mentioned exclusions. 19 newborns out of the 116 mHIE cases received therapeutic hypothermia. Antepartum and or intrapartum complications were recorded in 48 mothers including an infant of insulin-dependent diabetic mother 12, pre-eclampsia 3, cord prolapse 2, shoulder dystocia 2, antepartum hemorrhage 8, chorioamnionitis 6, poor CTG tracing 13, and ruptured uterus 2. Mean gestation was 38±2 weeks, mean birth weight was 3.0±0.5 kg, Cesarean section was 57 % in the un-cooled group vs 75% in the cooled group. Mean Apgar score at 10th minute was 7.9±1.8 vs 5.3±2.2 in the un-cooled vs cooled group, the p-value is 0.002. Arterial cord pH was 7.15±0.3 vs 6.92±0.26. The base deficit in the first-hour blood gas was -7.83±5 vs -12± 5.6 (P=0.005). The Total number of cooled newborns was 19 (16%). Respiratory support was required in 76% of un-cooled newborns vs 95 % of cooled newborns. Most of the newborns have achieved full sucking power within 10 days (99%). Cooled newborns had to stay longer in the NICU because of the added number of cooling where the length of stay was 11±4.7 days vs 6.9±4.7 days in un-cooled newborns. The MRI brain was done on 25 newborns, 12 MRIs were reported as abnormal (48 %) and consistent with hypoxic-ischemic changes, 5/97 in the un-cooled cases and 7 in the cooled cases. Neurodevelopmental assessments at 12 months and 18 months of age were abnormal in 14/116 newborns (12%). Conclusion: The current assumptions about the benignity of mild form of HIE may not be accurate. More attention to this category of HIE, clear diagnostic criteria, longer clinical observation, and vigilant neurological assessment are all required.

Vitamin D levels and mortality with SARS-COV-2 infection: a retrospective two-centre cohort study

BackgroundThe role of vitamin D in increased mortality with SARS-COV-2 virus, namely, COVID-19, remains uncertain. We analysed all the patients who were treated as COVID-19-positive with or without a positive...

1054P FDG-PET to predict long-term outcome from anti-PD1 (PD1) therapy in metastatic melanoma

We have shown that 75% of patients (pts) with metastatic melanoma treated with PD1 who have not progressed by 1-year on RECIST or clinical grounds have complete metabolic response (CMR) on PET imaging, including two-thirds of pts with partial response (PR) on CT. CMR pts have excellent medium-term survival, with progression seldom seen in 2 years. We now report 5-year outcomes.

Nivolumab induced hypophysitis in a patient with recurrent non-small cell lung cancer

Nivolumab is a programmed death receptor-1 blocking monoclonal antibody which has been approved by United States Food and Drug Administration for patients with metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer. Endocrinopathies like thyroid dysfunction and adrenal insufficiency are its known immune related adverse effects. Hypophysitis is very rare and usually presents with minimal symptoms. We report development of hypophysitis in an 84-year-old female patient who developed a range of symptoms (fatigue, headache, nausea) as well as laboratory confirmation of both central hypothyroidism and central adrenal deficiency which is unusual in cases of nivolumab induced hypophysitis. The patient had well differentiated adenocarcinoma of the left upper lobe of the lung. She underwent wedge resection followed by chemotherapy and was started on nivolumab due to recurrence. After 14 cycles of nivolumab, she started complaining of intense fatigue. She was found to have central thyroid deficiency and was started on levothyroxine. But her symptoms did not improve. Then she underwent adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test which showed central adrenal deficiency, but her brain magnetic resonance imaging did not reveal any pituitary or sellar changes. A diagnosis of nivolumab induced hypophysitis was made, based on clinical grounds and hormonal profile and she was started on oral steroids. She responded dramatically to this steroidal therapy within four weeks of its initiation and her immunotherapy with nivolumab was restarted.

Pulmonary Sarcoidosis: Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis.

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disorder of unknown origin and poorly understood pathogenesis that predominantly affects lungs and intrathoracic lymph nodes and is characterized by the presence of noncaseating granulomatous inflammation in involved organs. The disease is highly heterogeneous and can mimic a plethora of other disorders, making diagnosis a challenge even for experienced physicians. The evolution and severity of sarcoidosis are highly variable: many patients are asymptomatic and their disease course is generally benign with spontaneous resolution. However, up to one-third of patients develop chronic or progressive disease mainly due to pulmonary or cardiovascular complications that require long-term therapy. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis requires histopathological evidence of noncaseating granulomatous inflammation in one or more organs coupled with compatible clinical and radiological features and the exclusion of other causes of granulomatous inflammation; however, in the presence of typical disease manifestations such as Löfgren’s syndrome, Heerfordt’s syndrome, lupus pernio and asymptomatic bilateral and symmetrical hilar lymphadenopathy, the diagnosis can be established with high level of certainty on clinical grounds alone. This review critically examines the diagnostic approach to sarcoidosis and emphasizes the importance of a careful exclusion of alternative diagnoses.