Laboratory Findings Research Articles

Role of Claudin- 3 as a biomarker of gut-skin axis integrity in patients with psoriasis.

Increased intestinal permeability and gut dysbiosis are important factors in the pathophysiology of psoriasis and its associated conditions. Claudin-3 is a protein that is found in tight junctions and may be used to assess the integrity of the gut barrier. The aim of this study was to investigate serum concentration of Claudin- 3 (CLDN3) in patients with psoriasis. Exploring its possible relations with patients' demographic, clinical and laboratory findings was another objective. Fifty psoriatic patients and thirty-five age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers served as the study's control group in this case-control, hospital-based research. The amount of serum CLDN3 was determined by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent test (ELISA). Concentration of serum CLDN3 was found to be significantly higher in patients with psoriasis. (p = 0.002). There was no statistically significant correlation between CLDN3 and patient's clinical & laboratory variables. We demonstrated that gut permeability is dysfunctional in patients with psoriasis as indicated by reduction of serum CLDN3. Further investigations are needed to determine whether modulation of gut barrier may represent a new therapeutic approach for psoriasis.

A multimodal approach to diagnosis of neuromuscular neosporosis in dogs.

Early diagnosis of neosporosis in dogs is challenging. To evaluate the feasibility of a compound multimodal testing approach for diagnosing in dogs neuromuscular and combined forms of neosporosis. A total of 16 dogs diagnosed with solely neuromuscular neosporosis or with a combination of neuromuscular and central nervous system neosporosis. Retrospective review of clinical signs, laboratory findings, treatment, and outcome with focus on the diagnostic utility of different tests. Development of a chromogenic in situ hybridization (ISH) assay for the identification of Neospora caninum in paraffin-embedded muscle samples. 13/16 dogs had only neuromuscular signs of neosporosis, 3/16 had disease signs with concomitant central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Serology was performed in 15/16, with 10/15 showing titers >1 : 160 at admission. PCR on muscle samples detected N. caninum DNA in 11/16. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) detected N. caninum in 9/16 and ISH in 9/16. Histopathology revealed inflammatory myopathy in 10/16, necrotizing myopathy in 5/16, borderline changes in 1/16 and tachyzoites in 9/16. In 4 cases, N. caninum infection was confirmed with all 5 diagnostic methods, 3 cases with 4, 2 with 3, 6 with 2, and 1 animal with 1. Diagnosis of N. caninum infection should rely on a multimodal diagnostic approach and negativity of 1 single test should not allow for exclusion. Serology in combination with direct parasite identification via histopathology, DNA via PCR, or both modalities, appears a reliable diagnostic approach.

Laboratory Findings in Atrial Fibrillation-related Stroke Patients Underwent Reperfusion Treatment

Laboratory Findings in Atrial Fibrillation-related Stroke Patients Underwent Reperfusion Treatment

Assessment of Biochemical Parameters as Indicators of Protein Energy Malnutrition in Turkish Children: A Comprehensive and Retrospective Study

This study aims to address this research gap by meticulously analyzing the biochemical parameters of children aged 0-59 months diagnosed with Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) within the confines of a state hospital over a two-year period. This study is a retrospective study evaluating the biochemistry and hormone laboratory findings of 302 children aged 0-59 months who were diagnosed with Protein Energy Malnutrition between the years 2020-2022 in the pediatric health and diseases clinic of XXX State Hospital. This study investigated the distribution of various biochemical parameters in children diagnosed with protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) and explored their significance within this context. The findings, based on reference values, revealed substantial proportions of children with abnormal values for iron, immunoglobulins (IgM and IgA), liver enzymes (ALT and AST), creatinine, CRP, and vitamin D. Gender-based differences were observed for calcium, IgM, Folate, and TSH, with notable variations between male and female children. Correlations between age and various parameters were identified, underscoring the complex interplay between developmental stages and biochemical values. The study highlights the importance of addressing deficiencies, potential complications, and demographic influences in managing PEM. The absence of demographic data integration in existing studies serves as a limitation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive research in this domain. Overall, these insights contribute to a deeper understanding of biochemical dynamics in children with PEM, aiding targeted interventions for improved health outcomes.

Clinical spectrum and risk factors of severe dengue among hospitalized patients - a cross-sectional study during the 2023 dengue epidemic in Bangladesh

Introduction: Dengue is a significant public health concern for Bangladesh with recurrent epidemics. This study aimed to investigate the clinical and biochemical presentations and identify risk factors for severe dengue among patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital during the 2023 epidemic in Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh between July and September 2023. Data were collected from 176 adult patients with serologically confirmed dengue infection. Clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded, and severity of dengue was categorized according to WHO guidelines. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of severe dengue. Results: Of the 176 patients included, 113 had severe dengue and 63 had non-severe dengue. The mean age was 34.5 (SD 14.3) years, with a male-female ratio of 1:1.07. Conventional symptoms including fever, myalgia, headache, and retro-orbital pain were present in majority of patients, with warning signs present in twothirds of them. Laboratory findings showed leukocytopenia (53%), thrombocytopenia (25.6%), elevated hematocrit level (4.5%), elevated ALT, AST and ferritin level (36%, 24% and 50% respectively). Logistic regression identified persistent vomiting (aOR 3.22, 95% CI 1.41–8.04), clinical fluid accumulation (aOR 2.23, 95% CI 1.13–5.74), and elevated serum AST (aOR 3.13, 95% CI 1.30–7.79) as predictors of severe dengue. Conclusion: Most dengue cases presented with typical symptoms and warning signs, with associated laboratory abnormalities. Persistent vomiting, clinical fluid accumulation, and elevated serum AST levels upon admission could predict severe dengue. J MEDICINE 2024; 25: 121-128

Risk factors for treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria in a rural health system.

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. Asymptomatic bacteriuria is often inappropriately treated, leading to antimicrobial-related adverse events and contributing to antimicrobial resistance. This study examined the asymptomatic bacteriuria treatment rate at a rural Wisconsin health system and the patient-specific factors that may be influencing clinicians' decisions to treat. This is a retrospective descriptive report of patients admitted from January to May 2022 at 7 rural Wisconsin hospitals. Patients were included if they were a hospitalized adult with asymptomatic bacteriuria. Patients were excluded if they had a urinary tract abnormality, active infection, symptoms of a urinary tract infection, a planned urological surgery, or treatment or prophylaxis for a urinary tract infection within 72 hours of admission, were immunocompromised, or were transferred from an outside facility. Electronic and manual chart abstraction were used for data collection. Of 429 patients with a positive urine culture, 137 patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria were included in the study. The median age was 75 years, and most patients were female (80.3%). The treatment rate of asymptomatic bacteriuria was 78.1%, amounting to 393 days of unnecessary antimicrobial therapy. Symptoms of fatigue (P = 0.014) and altered mentation (P < 0.006) and urinalysis results of nitrite positivity (P = 0.026) and pyuria (P < 0.001) were each independently associated with antimicrobial treatment. Despite guideline recommendations to avoid treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria, treatment rates in rural hospitalized patients remain high. Nonspecific signs and symptoms of altered mentation and fatigue as well as laboratory findings of nitrite positivity and pyuria were factors associated with a decision to treat. Future stewardship efforts should speak to the poor specificity of these factors.

Study of liver abscess in pediatrics patients in tertiary health care institute

liver abscess is mostly occurring due to the infection of bacteria, parasite like amoeba. The incidence of amoebic liver abscess varies all over the world and most of cases found in developing countries remain unreported. study of liver abscess in pediatric patients in tertiary health care institute. This was a prospective study, carried out in 64 at our tertiary care center, J K Lon Hospital, SMS Medical College, Jaipur from May 2022 to April 2023. We collect all data related to patients like demography, clinical features, laboratory finding, and imaging records and recorded on a pre-decided proforma. There were 64 patients (36 male, 56.25% and 28 females, 43.75%), The male to female ratio was 1.25:1. The mean age of presentation was 7.5 years. The common presenting symptom was anorexia in 55 (85.93%) cases. Most common symptom was abdominal pain in 60 (93.75%) cases, fever 58 (90.625%), and vomiting in 40 (62.5%%) cases. Diarrhoea was present in 5 patients. Anemia was most common clinical sign in present in 40 (62.5%) patients, weight loss 38 (59.37%). Respiratory distress was present in 4 (6.25%) due to pleural effusion and peritonitis cases. Jaundice was present in 5 (7.81%) . 5 case [7.81%] of patients had raised bilirubin and 28 patients [43.75%] had raised alkaline phosphatase levels. Raised SGOT and SGPT was 43.75 %. 34 patients of Amoebic liver abscess and 30 of Pyogenic liver abscess. 53.12% (34 cases) patients had amoebic liver abscess in the right lobe. less than 50 cc size of abscess was present in 24 patients (37.5%) cases. Most of the patients have cavity size 50-150cc. more than 200cc cavity found only in 10 cases. Average cavity size is 166cc. peritoneal ruptured liver abscess in 2 cases [3.12%%] had features of peritonitis, pleural effusion in 2 cases with complain of respiratory difficulties. Conservative medical management was done in 2 patients, USG guided needle aspiration 20 patients and 40 patients underwent pigtail catheter insertion. 12 fr pigtail catheter insertion was done in 30 patients and 10 patients underwent double pigtail catheter insertion. Exploration and drainage of liver abscess was done in 2 patients. In present study, mean hospital stay was 10.28 days. Hospital stays ranges from 5 to 17 days. Most of the patients stays 5 to 10 days [56.25%]. all amoebic liver abscesses were sterile. Most commonly found organism on pus culture was Staphylococcus in 25% cases followed by E. coli in 21.87% cases in pyogenic liver abscesses. from this study we found that ultrasonography is the standard modality for diagnostic and therapeutic management as well as for drainage and follow up. We also found that USG guided pigtail catheter drainage is a superior therapeutic approach than needle aspiration for large liver abscess, and abscess cavity resolves better in case of pigtail catheter drainage. We also concluded that ruptured liver abscess can also be managed with two pig tail catheter insertion.

Dermatomyositis in a young patient: A rare paraneoplastic syndrome of renal cell carcinoma

IntroductionParaneoplastic syndromes are frequent in patients with renal cell carcinoma. Dermatomyositis is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy that may be associated with neoplasms. This case aims to describe the rare association of dermatomyositis with renal cell carcinoma and to increase clinical suspicion of this neoplasm when systemic rheumatologic symptoms are present.Case presentationA 35‐year‐old female developed severe rheumatologic symptoms (progressive muscle weakness, heliotrope rash, and Gottron's papules). Clinical and laboratory findings indicated dermatomyositis. During the investigation, computed tomography revealed a left kidney solid mass. She underwent a left radical nephrectomy, and histology confirmed renal cell carcinoma. After 3 months, dermatomyositis manifestations disappeared and the patient withdrawn steroid therapy.ConclusionMost paraneoplastic syndromes associated with renal cell carcinoma are only cured with nephrectomy. We highlight the potential role of surgery in dermatomyositis caused by renal cell carcinoma. The recurrence of symptoms related to the syndrome should alert for disease progression.

Burosumab Efficacy and Safety in Patients with X-Linked Hypophosphatemia: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Real-World Data.

To assess the efficacy and safety of burosumab in children and adults with X-linked hypophosphatemia based on real-world evidence. MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Cochrane Library were searched until 18 October 2023 for single-arm (before-after) studies. Registries including Clinicaltrials.gov, EU Clinical Trials, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and conference abstracts. The outcomes were a change in serum phosphorus concentrations and change in RSS, a change in serum ALP, bone-specific ALP, a change in the ratio of Tubular maximum reabsorption of Phosphate to Glomerular Filtrate rate, a change in serum 1,25(OH)2D and 25(OH)2D concentrations, change in height Z-score, McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and safety outcomes. An inverse variance random-effects meta-analysis was applied for data synthesis. Fifteen studies (289 participants) were included. Burosumab treatment improved serum phosphate concentrations [mean difference 0.88mg/dl, 95% confidence interval 0.70 to 1.07, I2 = 92%), Rickets Severity score (mean difference -1.86, 95% confidence interval -2.5 to -1.21, I2 = 71%), serum alkaline phosphate concentrations (mean difference -1.86, 95% confidence interval -2.5 to -1.21, I2 = 71%), serum 1,25(OH)2D concentrations (mean difference 18.91pg/ml, 95% confidence interval 6.39 to 31.43, I2 = 96%) and renal phosphate reabsorption (mean difference 1.22 mg/dl, 95% confidence interval 0.70 to 1.74, I2 93%). Burosumab treatment improved overall clinical and laboratory findings in patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia.

Phycoremediation of Potato Industry Wastewater for Nutrient Recovery, Pollution Reduction, and Biofertilizer Production for Greenhouse Cultivation of Lettuce and Celery in Sandy Soils

Microalgae-based wastewater treatment offers an eco-friendly opportunity for simultaneous nutrient recovery and biomass generation, aligning with the circular bioeconomy concept. This approach aims to utilize the nutrients of potato industry wastewater (PIW) for algal growth while mitigating the environmental impact of this industrial byproduct. This study focused on cultivating three cyanobacterial strains, Anabaena oryzae, Nostoc muscorum, and Spirulina platensis, in PIW and synthetic media for 30 days to assess feasibility. Growth performance was monitored by measuring chlorophyll content, dry weight (DW), optical density (OD), and pH at 3-day intervals. The high-performing cyanobacterial biomass from the laboratory findings was formulated into a biofertilizer, which was then evaluated in a controlled greenhouse experiment on celery and lettuce plants. The biofertilizer replaced conventional NPK mineral fertilizers at different levels (25%, 50%, and 75%), while a control group received 100% chemical fertilizer. The results showed favourable growth of all three cyanobacteria strains and their mixture in PIW throughout the experiment. The mixed cyanobacteria followed by Spirulina platensis exhibited the highest growth rates, achieving chlorophyll contents of 3.75 and 2.30 µg·mL−1, DWs of 1.79 g·L−1 and 1.63 g·L−1, and ODs of 0.41 and 0.38, respectively, surpassing the other treatments. The formulated biofertilizers, Spi-PIW (Spirulina platensis + potato industry wastewater) and Cyano-PIW (mixed culture+ potato industry wastewater), significantly enhanced plant height, root and stem lengths, and the number of leaves per plant in celery and lettuce compared to the control group. These biofertilizer treatments also improved chlorophyll contents, as well as macro- and micronutrient levels, in the two crops. Additionally, the application of these biofertilizers improved certain sandy soil properties, i.e., pH, total organic matter, total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. In conclusion, utilizing PIW as a substrate for cultivating cyanobacteria strains and producing high-quality liquid bio-organic fertilizers holds potential for reducing recommended NPK fertilizer doses by 25–50% in celery and lettuce growth, providing an environmentally friendly approach.

Diagnostic accuracy of voluntary and stimulated neuromuscular jitter studies in ocular myasthenia gravis.

There is a lack of studies comparing the accuracy of neuromuscular jitter analysis during voluntary activation (v-jitter study) versus axonal stimulation (s-jitter study). The study aimed to compare these two techniques in the same population of patients with suspected ocular myasthenia gravis (OMG). Fourteen control subjects (mean age: 55.5 ± 15.2 years) and 34 patients with suspected OMG (mean age: 59 ± 13.9 years) were prospectively evaluated. Twenty spike pairs and 30 individual spikes were analyzed during v-jitter and s-jitter study, respectively. Two different criteria for abnormal individual jitter values were evaluated: ≥ or > than 10% values exceeding the upper normal limit. OMG was diagnosed in 19 patients based on clinical and laboratory findings, without considering jitter measurements. In most patients, v-jitter and s-jitter analyses provided comparable results. The maximum sensitivity (89%) was achieved with s-jitter study using the ≥10% criterion, while the maximum specificity (93%) was found with v-jitter study using the >10% criterion. Both v-jitter and s-jitter studies showed good to very good accuracy for the diagnosis of OMG, in the absence of any statistically significant difference. Therefore, the patient's cooperation level and examiner's experience should guide the choice of performing v-jitter or s-jitter analysis in patients with suspected OMG.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized multiple dose phase 1b trial of a CDK4/6 inhibitor, TCK-276, in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy (as an exploratory endpoint) of TCK-276, a novel CDK4/6 inhibitor, after multiple oral doses for 7 days in patients with active RA. This multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-ascending, double-blind, phase 1b, multiple-dose study included 32 patients with active RA in 4 cohorts of 8 patients (6 active and 2 matching placebo), each receiving an oral dose of TCK-276 or matching placebo for 7 days (once daily). The doses of TCK-276 were 10, 25, 75, and 175 mg/day. Safety and pharmacokinetic endpoints, and exploratory disease activity parameters for RA were assessed. There were no deaths, serious adverse events, notable clinically meaningful laboratory findings (including hematological changes), clinically meaningful vital sign changes, or clinically meaningful electrocardiogram or cardiac telemetry changes. TCK-276 was rapidly absorbed and the half-life time ranged approximately from 6 to 12 hours. No obvious accumulation was observed, and the increase in TCK-276 exposure was dose proportional. At day 7, DAS28-CRP responses (EULAR good or moderate responses) were observed in 40%, 80%, and 66.7% at 25, 75, and 175 mg/day TCK-276, respectively, versus 12.5% in placebo; ACR20 responses were 33.3%, 60%, and 50% respectively, versus none in placebo. TCK-276 (≤175 mg) was well tolerated with no clinically meaningful safety signals in patients with active RA. Together with the preliminary efficacy (≥25 mg/day), these data warrant further study of TCK-276 for the treatment of active RA. ClinicalTrails.gov, NCT05437419.

Late-Term Outcomes of Surgical Treatment of Infective Endocarditis.

Background: This study aims to evaluate the long-term outcomes of surgical interventions in patients with infective endocarditis (IE) who underwent surgical treatment and to determine the treatment approach for new patients. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively examined the long-term results of patients who underwent surgical treatment for IE between 2007 and 2017. The evaluation included late-term outcomes of IE surgery, surgical procedures, complications, the postoperative period, and clinical findings. Results: The study included 20 patients (12 male, 8 female) with a mean age of 45.1 ± 17.25. The most common cardiac risk factors for endocarditis development were the presence of prosthetic valves and heart valve disease. In addition, non-cardiac risk factors included chronic renal failure, systemic lupus erythematosus, and pemphigus vulgaris. Preoperative and postoperative laboratory findings were compared with in terms of morbidity and mortality, revealing no significant differences. The most prevalent preoperative laboratory findings were anemia (100%), elevated CRP (100%), and leukocytosis (50%). Anemia persisted as the most common laboratory finding in the postoperative evaluation. Conclusion: Our study identified comorbid chronic medical conditions, neurological complications because of IE, postoperative impaired left ventricular function, and treatment strategies such as monotherapy as poor prognostic factors in patients who underwent surgical treatment for IE. The management of IE is observed to be complex in the presence of comorbidities and complications, adversely affecting both survival and quality of life.

Outcomes of deep venous thrombosis management and associated factors among patients in tertiary hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a multicenter retrospective cohort study

BackgroundPulmonary embolism (PE) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) are the two most important manifestations of venous thromboembolism (VTE). DVT remains a significant condition since associated morbidity is significant and has elevated healthcare-related costs.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted among DVT patients admitted to Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Zewditu Memorial Hospital and St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College on follow-up from July 1, 2017, to July 01, 2020. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, types of DVT, laboratory findings, medications, risk factors of DVT, complications and outcomes of DVT were collected. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine predictors of DVT recurrence and major bleeding. A P value < 0.05 was considered to identify significant predictors.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 45.2 years, with SD of 15.36. The major causes of DVT included immobilization (29.9%), previous surgery (27.5%) and cancer (21.1%). The DVT recurrence rate was 22.5%. Nine (2.2%) of the participants died, and 19.9% developed complications. Bilateral DVT (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.8, 95% Confidence interval (CI) = 1.14, 6.66), obesity (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.15, 9.59), hypertension (AOR = 6.5, 95% CI = 2.90, 14.70) and retroviral infection (AOR = 6.3, 95% CI = 2.34, 16.94) were predictors of recurrent DVT. Nineteen (4.7%) patients had major bleeding, and patients with bilateral DVT, active cancer and terminal age had an increased risk of major bleeding.ConclusionsThe overall DVT recurrence rate was alarmingly high and further complicated by PE, post thrombotic syndrome and chronic vein insufficiency, resulting in a 2.2% death rate. Major bleeding after DVT and PE remained high. Close monitoring should be performed for patients with advanced age, active cancer, bilateral DVT, retroviral infection, obesity and hypertension to prevent the recurrence of DVT and major bleeding.

When it itches, dengue switches off: a retrospective case series

BackgroundDengue fever (DF) is a viral illness caused by the dengue virus transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoe. It manifests with a range of symptoms, from mild DF to severe forms like dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. Common symptoms include fever, headache, rash, muscle and joint pain, and itching. The relationship between itching and clinical improvement in dengue patients remains unclear.Case presentationA retrospective analysis was conducted on hospital data from a tertiary care centre in South India from April 2021 to April 2023. Patients diagnosed with dengue fever (confirmed by Immunoglobulin (Ig) M and Non-Structural protein (NS) 1 positivity) who experienced itching were included. Clinical details, age, sex, and laboratory findings were collected. A total of 261 patients were examined. Itching typically occurred around day eight from fever onset and was associated with improved platelet count and hematocrit levels.ConclusionsDengue fever, caused by the dengue virus, presents with various symptoms, including itching during the recovery phase. Studies suggest a correlation between itching and clinical improvement in dengue patients, indicating itching as a potential prognostic marker. Possible mechanisms for itching include direct viral infection of skin cells and cytokine release. However, further research is needed to understand this association fully. Despite limitations such as retrospective analysis, these findings highlight the significance of itching in dengue prognosis and emphasise the need for large-scale studies.

Clinical and pathophysiological correlates of basilar artery measurements in Fabry Disease.

Alterations of the Basilar Artery (BA) anatomy have been suggested as a possible Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) feature of Fabry Disease (FD). Nonetheless, no information about their clinical or pathophysiological correlates is available, limiting our comprehension of the real impact of vessel remodeling in FD. Brain MRIs of 53 FD subjects (40.7±12.4 years, M/F=23/30) were collected in this single center study. Mean BA diameter and its Tortuosity Index (TI) were calculated on MRA. Possible correlations between these metrics and clinical, laboratory and advanced imaging variables of the posterior circulation were tested. In a subgroup of 20 subjects, a two-year clinical and imaging follow-up was available, with possible longitudinal changes of these metrics and their ability in predicting clinical scores that were also probed. No significant association was found between MRA metrics and any clinical, laboratory or advanced imaging variable (ρ values ranging from -0.006 to 0.32). At the follow-up examination, no changes were observed over time for mean BA diameter (p = 0.84) and TI (p = 0.70). Finally, baseline MRA variables failed to predict the clinical status of FD patients at follow-up (p=0.42 and 0.66, respectively). Alterations of BA in FD lack of any significant association with clinical, laboratory or advanced imaging findings collected in this study. Furthermore, this lack of correlation seems constant over time, suggesting their stability over time. Taken together, all these results suggest that the role of BA dolichoectasia in FD should be reconsidered. CNS = Central Nervous System; FASTEX = FAbry STabilization indEX; FD = Fabry Disease; Gb3 = Globotriaosylceramide; LysoGb3 = globotriaosylsphingosine; MSSI = Mainz Severity Score Index.

Extremely rare complication in high-risk newborn on long-term parenteral nutrition and large stool losses through ileostomy.

To analyse postnatal characteristics, clinical and laboratory findings, results of investigations in the newborn (25 gestational weeks; Apgar score: 6/9 points; born per caesarean section; birth weight: 600 g; birth length: 31 cm; head circumference: 21 cm) from the first high-risk pregnancy with acquired form of acrodermatitis enteropathica. After summarizing the clinical picture with laboratory findings, we analysed the components of parenteral nutrition with regard to the deficiency of trace elements and vitamins. The zinc depletion dominated. The diagnosis is clinical, based on the presence of atypical clinical picture together with alow serum zinc concentration. Standard preparations with elementary elements do not sufficiently cover the daily needs of children, other possibilities of supplementation in intravenous form are not available. It is necessary to supplement zinc in premature children, in children with high losses of zinc (with diarrhoea, in patients with astoma, in patients with severe skin disease) (Fig. 4, Ref. 15).

A retrospective observational study on disseminated herpes zoster in immunocompetent patients

IntroductionDisseminated herpes zoster (DHZ) is a severe infection associated with high incidences and mortality rates in immunocompromised patients. Although studies have shown its occurrence in immunocompetent patients, its epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment outcomes in this cohort remain unknown. Thus, this study aimed to examine the clinical presentation, treatment, complications, and outcomes of DHZ in immunocompetent patients and compare these findings with previous studies. MethodsWe included 20 immunocompetent patients of DHZ at our institution and reviewed 42 previously published cases. We then investigated the clinical features, predisposing factors, laboratory findings, treatment, and outcomes of all cases including in-hospital mortality, neurological dysfunction at discharge, and postherpetic neuralgia. We compared DHZ-immunocompetent patients to DHZ-immunocompromised patients. ResultsPatients had a median age of 71.5 years and were predominantly male. The trigeminal area was the most common site of initial rash, with a mean dissemination time of 6.5 days. Pain was the most common symptom, followed by fever (approximately 40% of cases); acyclovir was the most used treatment. Additionally, the in-hospital mortality was 0%, neuropathy at discharge was observed in approximately 10% of patients, and postherpetic neuralgia was present in approximately 40% of patients. In the immunocompromised cases, the mortality rate was 12%, which was higher than in our cases; however, the rates of neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia were lower. ConclusionsThis study provides new insights into the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes of DHZ cases in immunocompetent patients, highlighting its tendency for residual neurological damage despite having low mortality rates.

Valproic acid induced Stevens–Johnson syndrome

A 27-year-old transgender female at the stage of gender transition with bipolar disorder for which she received valproic acid developed multiple petechial rashes on the chest, upper and lower extremities, local erythematous lesions with forming blisters, large-platelet peeling on the face, neck, chest and inguinal area, erosion on the oral mucosa. She was diagnosed with drug eruption, Stevens–Johnson syndrome. The diagnosis was verified on the basis of complaints, medical history, clinical picture, laboratory findings. Treatment included valproic acid withdrawal, dexamethasone, infusion therapy, vancomycin, cyclosporine A. Against the background of the therapy, skin condition was improved: there was the epithelization of ulcerative defects and the absence of new elements.

Evaluation of Sexual Transmitted Infections among Gender based Violence Cases: Retrospective Cross Sectional Study, Kigali-Rwanda

Background: STIs are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. The causes of STIs are bacteria, parasites, yeast, and viruses. There are more than 20 types of STIs, including Chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, HIV/AIDS, HPV, Syphilis and Trichomonas1 . According to WHO (2013), Amin and Garcia presented the evidence of the increased risk of STIs and HIV associated with GBV; and looks at potential pathways by which gender-based violence and STI and HIV are linked2 . GBV is defined by the UN in the CEDAW as any act that is likely to or results in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women including threats or acts of coercion, arbitrary deprivation of liberty, private or public, in the family or community2,15 . The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of STIs among GBV cases attending Isange one stop center in Kibagabaga District Hospital.  Method: This study was retrospective conducted from January 2017 to September 2019 among GBV cases attending Isange one stop center in Kibagabaga District Hospital. Request forms describing the GBV case and indicating the demographic parameters and laboratory findings of the victim was evaluated. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 16.0.  Result: In total 320 cases for GBV cases was reported from 2017 up to November, 2019 at Isange One Stop Center in Kibagabaga District Hospital. 100% of study population was female, majority of them 96.25% (308) were young female adolescent in the range of 10 to 19 years old. Considering laboratory findings, this study showed that Only 5% of all GBV cases within period of 3 years reported STIs negative, Majority GBV cases reported pregnancy at high level 72% and the overall Prevalence of STIs was 23% all GBV cases. 7.2% of these had HIV and 6.8% had Hepatitis B virus. The prevalence of trichomonas and Syphilis was 4% and 5% of all GBV cases respectively and this study showed no HPV and Gonorrhea cases has been reported.  Conclusion: Although the proven steps that have been taken by government of Rwanda to against GBV, but not understood as desired because GBV cases continue to increase periodical, so more Strength and focus are needed to reduce this rate GBV among young female adolescents. According to this study finding which suggested that GBV cases promote STIs and unwanted pregnancy.