Received Steroid Therapy Research Articles

Pancreatic volume change using three dimensional-computed tomography volumetry and its relationships with diabetes on long-term follow-up in autoimmune pancreatitis.

Several studies found that early pancreatic atrophy detected by computed tomography (CT) within 6 months was associated with a high incidence of diabetes in patients with type-1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) receiving steroid therapy; however, no long-term follow-up studies have been performed. To investigate pancreatic volume (PV) changes using three dimensional (3D)-CT volumetry and their relationship with IgG4 and diabetes in patients with AIP. This retrospective study included 33 patients with type-1 AIP receiving steroid therapy. Patients were divided into diffuse (D-type) and mass-forming type (M-type) AIP. PV was determined by semi-automated 3D-CT volumetry, and changes between initial and follow-up values were calculated. The relationship between PV and serum IgG4 levels was analyzed by Spearman's rank correlation. The PV atrophy ratio compared with the presumed normal PV at the time of last follow-up CT and its relationship with diabetes were investigated. There were 16 D-type and 17 M-type patients with long-term follow-up (mean, 95.8 months). The regression curve of mean relative PV change reduced exponentially and rapidly during the first 25 months and then more slowly in both groups. The overall cumulative pancreas re-enlargement rates at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 years were 6.1%, 12.2%, 29.2%, 47.5% and 55.0%, respectively. There was a moderate-to-very strong positive correlation (ρ ≥ 0.4) between PV and serum IgG4 levels in nine (9/13, 69.2%) patients. All 33 patients showed pancreatic atrophy (mean 59.3%) after long-term follow-up. Patients with D-type AIP had a significantly higher atrophy rate and higher incidence of diabetes than M-type patients (P < 0.05). PV change initially reduced exponentially and then more slowly and is considered an important factor associated with diabetes. Serum IgG4 levels were positively correlated with PV during follow-up.

Stereotactic radiosurgery for fourth ventricle brain metastases: tumor control outcomes and the need for CSF diversion. Patient series.

Stereotactic radiosurgery is a favorable alternative to surgery for intracranial cerebral metastases. Fourth ventricle (V4) metastases are challenging because of the location and surrounding structures, with a high risk for obstructive hydrocephalus and brainstem compression. Here, the authors evaluate the effectiveness in terms of safety, tumor control rates, and permanent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion of primary Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) in treating V4 metastases. Eleven of 1060 patients had V4 brain metastases. No patients had pre-GKRS hydrocephalus. The mean tumor volume was 3.3 cm3, treatment dose was 18 Gy to the 50.5% isodose line (average 14 shots), conformity index was 1.4, and volume of brainstem receiving greater than 12 Gy was 0.2 cm3. Eight patients had radiographic and clinical follow-ups. The average time to initial follow-up was 3.1 months. Karnofsy Performance Status did not change from the initial consultation to the post-GKRS follow-up. No patients developed hydrocephalus or required permanent CSF diversion. One patient required transient external ventricular drain placement; however, neurological symptoms resolved with steroid therapy. Seven patients received steroid therapy post-GKRS. Seven patients had radiographic disease control at the 6-month follow-up. One patient had tumor progression at 6 months and underwent surgery. Primary GKRS for V4 metastases with a close follow-up is safe and optimizes quality of life for patients with significant cancer burden. https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE24293.

Brain biopsy and pathological diagnosis for drug-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) with inflammatory reactions.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by JC virus (JCV) infection. Although recognized as an AIDS complication in the 1980s, PML has emerged as a serious adverse event of immunosuppressive therapies since 2005, particularly disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) for multiple sclerosis (MS). PML can also occur in patients with collagenous diseases receiving steroid therapy or with age-related immunosuppression. In some cases, the etiology of immunosuppression remains unclear. These cases often present with early manifestations of PML, which, while common, are less well recognized, as PML was identified at more advanced stages in AIDS-related cases. Early diagnosis poses difficulty due to unfamiliar magnetic resonance (MR) images and low viral loads in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and brain biopsy may be conducted. This review summarizes the PML pathology identified through biopsy. Early cytopathological changes of JCV-infected cells, with the importance of dot-shaped inclusions associated with promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML-NBs), are described. The variability of host immune responses, including PML immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (PML-IRIS), is addressed. The potential role of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as pembrolizumab, is also explored. Understanding the pathology of early PML helps to optimize diagnostic strategies and therapeutic interventions, ultimately improving prognosis.

Turmeric supplement-associated hepatitis: a clinicopathological series of 11 cases highlighting pan-lobular and zone 3 injury.

Although turmeric is commonly ingested and well tolerated, there is increasing evidence that over-the-counter turmeric supplements can cause drug-induced liver injury. We sought to thoroughly characterise clinicopathological features of patients for whom liver injury was attributed clinically to turmeric supplements. We identified 11 patients via retrospective pathology archive review: 10 females (91%) and one male, with a median age of 58 years (range = 37-66 years). Six patients (55%) were asymptomatic with abnormal liver function tests, while five patients (45%) presented with malaise and/or jaundice. Ten patients (91%) showed predominant transaminase abnormalities, while one exhibited predominant alkaline phosphatase elevation. Histologically, biopsies showed acute hepatitis (eight cases, 73%, including five pan-lobular and three zone 3-predominant inflammation), scattered lobular aggregates of histiocytes (two; 18%) and a chronic hepatitis pattern of injury (one; 9%). Mild bile duct injury was present in five biopsies (45%). All patients stopped ingesting turmeric supplements after presenting with liver injury, and four patients additionally received steroid therapy; liver function tests normalised in all patients. Roussel Uclaf causality assessment method (RUCAM) analysis estimated the likelihood of turmeric supplement-associated liver injury to be probable (eight cases) and possible (three). Histological features in the 'possible' cases were consistent with drug-induced injury, highlighting the added benefit of histological analysis relative to RUCAM analysis isolation. This study underscores the need to obtain a full history of over-the-counter medications and supplements when investigating aetiologies for liver injury, including supplements purportedly containing innocuous compounds such as turmeric.

New therapeutic approaches in corticosteroid-induced diabetes mellitus in children

Corticosteroid-induced diabetes is a significant complication in pediatric patients receiving steroid therapy for various medical conditions. This article reviews the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of corticosteroid-induced diabetes in children. Key therapeutic strategies include lifestyle modifications, pharmacologic interventions, and careful monitoring of blood glucose levels. Emphasis is placed on individualized treatment plans tailored to the child's specific needs and underlying condition. The article also discusses the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare providers to optimize outcomes and minimize long-term complications. Early recognition and proactive management are critical in improving the quality of life for affected children.

Unilateral Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Palsy with H1N1 Pneumonia – An Uncommon Presentation

Abstract H1N1 pneumonia-associated vocal cord palsy is a rare condition. This case report highlights about a 70-year-old male, with multiple comorbidities, who presented with cough and shortness of breath. During hospitalization, he developed hoarseness of voice. On laryngoscopy, the right vocal cord was paralyzed. He was diagnosed with H1N1-associated right recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) paralysis. He received steroid therapy for the same and responded well. His voice completely recovered after 2 months. Viral infections are less common but important causes of recurrent nerve palsy. Other than influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, Epstein–Barr Virus, cytomegalovirus, and varicella-zoster virus can also affect RLN. A detailed history, general examination, and appropriate investigations are important to exclude other possible etiological factors. Unilateral RLN palsy associated with viral infections is usually reversible and responds well to steroids as well as speech therapy.

New insights into predictors of autoimmune pancreatitis relapse after steroid therapy

Objectives While autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) responds well to steroid therapy, the high relapse rate in type 1 AIP remains a critical problem. The present study examined predictors of relapse of type 1 AIP following steroid therapy. Materials and methods Nine factors potentially predictive of relapse were analyzed in 81 AIP patients receiving steroid therapy with follow-up ≥ 12 months. The rate of serum IgG4 decrease following steroid therapy was calculated by dividing the difference between serum IgG4 values before and at two months after the start of steroid by the IgG4 value before steroid. Results A relapse occurred in 11 patients (13.5%) during a median of 38 months. Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of IgG4-related retroperitoneal fibrosis (HR: 5.59; 95% CI: 1.42–22.0; p = 0.014) and the low rate of serum IgG4 decrease after steroid therapy (HR: 0.048; 95% CI: 0.005–0.46; p = 0.008) were significant, independent predictors of AIP relapse. The cut-off value based on receiver operating characteristic curve data for the rate of serum IgG4 decrease before and at two months after steroid therapy distinguishing patients with and without a relapse was 0.65. Using this cut-off value, the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity were found to be 0.63, 0.73, and 0.60, respectively. Conclusion The low rate of serum IgG4 decrease after the start of steroid therapy and the presence of IgG4-related retroperitoneal fibrosis were predictive of type 1 AIP relapse. Cautious, gradual tapering of steroid dosage and longer maintenance therapy are recommended for patients with these factors.

Prophylactic antibiotics in patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis receiving steroids: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The benefits of prophylactic antibiotics in patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) receiving steroids remain unclear. We aimed to assess the clinical impact of prophylactic antibiotics in AH patients receiving steroids. We systematically reviewed four electronic databases from inception to 30 November 2023. Pooled estimates were analysed using random-effects models. The primary outcome was 90-day survival. Secondary outcomes included infection at days 30 and 90 days, hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), acute kidney injury (AKI), hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and drug-related adverse events (AE). Trial sequential analyses were performed for the primary outcome of 90-day mortality. We screened 419 articles and included six eligible studies (four RCTs and two matched cohort studies) with a total of 510 patients. Compared to standard medical treatment (SMT), prophylactic antibiotics were associated with a lower risk of infection at 30 days (OR: 0.35, 95%CI: 0.20-0.59, I 2 = 0%), infection at 90 days (OR: 0.26, 95%CI: 0.10-0.67, I 2 = 0%) and a lower rate of HE (OR: 0.32, 95%CI: 0.12-0.87, I 2 = 0%). However, prophylactic antibiotics did not improve 90-day survival, sepsis-related mortality, HRS, or AKI. The risks of drug-related AE and fungal infections were similar in patients with AH who received prophylactic antibiotics or SMT. Using trial sequential analysis, the minimum sample size required to detect a 15% relative risk reduction in 90 days mortality with prophylactic antibiotics was 1171. In hospitalized AH patients receiving steroid therapy, prophylactic antibiotics reduced the risk of infection and HE, but did not improve survival or prevent AKI compared to SMT.

Demographic characteristics and risk factors for invasive fungal sinusitis in the context of COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesTo identify the demographic characteristics and potential risk factors of invasive fungal sinusitis (IFS) patients with Coronavirus Disease in 2019 (COVID-19). MethodsWeb of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and PubMed were searched from database inception to August 2023 using the combination of medical searching heading terms “invasive fungal sinusitis” and “COVID-19” and their free words. The research protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023467175). ResultsA total of 53 studies were included. The mean age of IFS patients with COVID-19 was 53.72 (95% credible interval [CI]: 51.08, 56.36), with 66% males (95% CI: 0.62, 0.70), and 81% diabetes (95% CI: 0.77, 0.86). The mean time from COVID-19 diagnosis to IFS onset was 19.09 days (95% CI: 16.96, 21.22). The percentage of patients with COVID-19 PCR positivity was 33% (95% CI: 0.21, 0.45). Overall, 71% of patients receiving steroid therapy during COVID-19 infection (95% CI: 0.63, 0.78). The odds ratio of diabetes mellitus, steroid administration, and COVID-19 PCR positivity were 6.09, 2.21, and 1.82, respectively. COVID-19 infection did not affect the IFS stage. ConclusionIFS patients with COVID-19 had an average age of 53.72 years and were predominantly males, with a mean interval of 19.09 days from COVID-19 diagnosis to IFS onset. Diabetes, steroid administration, and COVID-19 PCR positivity were risk factors.

Let's get physical: Aerobic capacity, muscle strength, and muscle endurance after pediatric heart transplantation.

Pediatric heart (HTx) and kidney transplant (KTx) recipients may have lower physical fitness than healthy children. This study sought to quantify fitness levels in transplant recipients, investigate associations to clinical factors and quality of life, and identify whether a quick, simple wall-sit test is feasible as a surrogate for overall fitness for longitudinal assessment. Aerobic capacity (6-min walk test, 6MWT), normalized muscle strength, muscle endurance, physical activity questionnaire (PAQ), and quality of life (PedsQL™) were prospectively assessed in transplanted children and matched healthy controls. Twenty-two HTx were compared to 20 controls and 6 KTx. 6MWT %predicted was shorter in HTx (87.2 [69.9-118.6] %) than controls (99.9 [80.4-120] %), but similar to KTx (90.3 [78.6-115] %). Muscle strength was lower in HTx deltoids (6.15 [4.35-11.3] kg/m2) and KTx quadriceps (9.27 [8.65-19.1] kg/m2) versus controls. Similarly, muscle endurance was lower in HTx push-ups (28.6 [0-250] %predicted), KTx push-ups (8.35 [0-150] %predicted), HTx curl-ups (115 [0-450] %predicted), and KTx wall-sit time (18.5 [10.0-54.0] s) than controls. In contrast to HTx with only 9%, all KTx were receiving steroid therapy. The wall-sit test significantly correlated with other fitness parameters (normalized quadriceps strength R = .31, #push-ups R = .39, and #curl-ups R = .43) and PedsQL™ (R = .36). Compared to controls, pediatric HTx and KTx have similarly lower aerobic capacity, but different deficits in muscle strength, likely related to steroid therapy in KTx. The convenient wall-sit test correlates with fitness and reported quality of life, and thus could be a useful easy routine for longitudinal assessment.

Bilateral pericapsular end nerve blocks for steroid-induced avascular necrosis following COVID-19 infection requiring bilateral total hip replacement

BACKGROUND Osteonecrosis or avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip was one of the dreaded complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which emerged in patients who received steroid therapy. Corticosteroids have been a mainstay in the treatment protocol of COVID-19 patients. Popular corticosteroid drugs used in patients suffering from COVID-19 were intravenous (IV) or oral dexamethasone, methylprednisolone or hydrocortisone. The use of such high doses of corticosteroids has shown very positive results and has been lifesaving in many cases. Still, long-term consequences were drug-induced diabetes, osteoporosis, Cushing syndrome, muscle wasting, peripheral fat mobilization, AVN, hirsutism, sleep disturbances and poor wound healing. A significant number of young patients were admitted for bilateral total hip replacements (THR) secondary to AVN following steroid use for COVID-19 treatment. AIM To assess the efficacy of bilateral pericapsular end nerve group (PENG) blocks in patients posted for bilateral THR post-steroid therapy after COVID-19 infection and assess the time taken to first ambulate after surgery. METHODS This prospective observational study was conducted between January 2023 and August 2023 at Care Hospitals, Hyderabad, India. Twenty young patients 30-35 years of age who underwent bilateral THR were studied after due consent over 8 months. All the patients received spinal anaesthesia for surgery and bilateral PENG blocks for postoperative analgesia. RESULTS The duration of surgery was 2.5 h on average. Seventeen out of twenty patients (85%) had a Visual Analog Score (VAS) of less than 2 and did not require any supplementation. One patient was removed from the study, as he required re-exploration. The remaining two patients had a VAS of more than 8 and received IV morphine post-operatively as a rescue analgesic drug. Fifteen out of seventeen patients (88.2%) could be mobilized 12 h after the procedure. CONCLUSION Osteonecrosis or AVN of the hip was one of the dreaded complications of COVID-19, which surfaced in patients who received steroid therapy requiring surgical intervention. Bilateral PENG block is an effective technique to provide post-operative analgesia resulting in early mobilization and enhanced recovery after surgery.

Prevalence of Steroid-Induced Hyperglycemia in King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital, Taif City, Saudi Arabia.

Background Hyperglycemia is a common side effect of high-dose steroid therapy in hospitalized patients. Objectives To assess the prevalence of hyperglycemia among hospitalized patients receiving steroid therapy. Methods A retrospective study was conducted among 245 patients. The inclusion criteria were patients undergoing steroid therapy and admitted to a single tertiary care hospital due to medical complications or exacerbation of the diseases they were suffering from. Data encompassing patient demographics, admission, discharge dates, comorbidities, medication histories, laboratory results (including blood glucose levels), and documented corticosteroid administrations were meticulously gathered from electronic health records (EHRs). A logistic regression model analysis was done to predict the risk factors of poor glycemic control among hospitalized patients. Results The prevalence of hyperglycemia among the patients who were on steroid therapy was 34.2%. About 70.7% of the patients who required insulin at the time of admission required >17 units, and the insulin requirement was significantly higher among patients who received dexamethasone compared to other steroids (p<0.05). Older age (>65 years) was found to be independently associated with poor glycemic control (p<0.05). Conclusion The study revealed that almost one-third of patients on steroid therapy had hyperglycemia. Monitoring of patients for hyperglycemia after beginning high-dose steroid therapy should be done.

Effect of pulse methylprednisolone on prognosis in SARS-CoV-2 patients with severe pneumonia.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pulse methylprednisolone treatment on prognosis in severe COVID-19 pneumonia. This retrospective cohort study included 128 patients hospitalized in our clinic for severe COVID-19 between March 2020 and February 2021. Standard treatment (plaquenil, favipravir, low molecular weight heparin, and antibiotics when necessary) was given to the patients in accordance with the Turkish Ministry of Health guidelines. After steroid treatment was included in the guidelines, dexamethasone 6 mg/day was administered along with standard treatment. In patients whose clinical condition did not improve despite this treatment, 250 mg/day methylprednisolone (pulse steroid therapy) was administered intravenous (i.v.) for 3 days, followed by a 40 mg/day maintenance dose. The group receiving methylprednisolone 250 mg/day for 3 days and the group receiving standard treatment without steroids were compared in terms of symptoms, comorbidities, laboratory and radiological findings, length of hospitalization, prognosis, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and intubation. Of the 128 patients included in the study, 85 (66.4%) were male, and the mean age was 61.7 ± 13.2 years (min: 25; max: 88). A total of 50 (39.1%) patients were transferred to the ICU, while the number of intubated patients was 37 (28.9%). Pulse methylprednisolone treatment was given to 98 (76.6%) patients, compared to the 30 (23.4%) patients who received only standard treatment. In total, 37 patients (28.9%) died. The presence of comorbid diseases (34.3% vs. 1.5%, p = 0.012), advanced age (67.7 vs. 59.3, p = 0.001), and not receiving steroid treatment (p = 0.046) significantly increased mortality. The mortality rate was 24.4% (24/98 patients) in the steroid therapy group and 43.3% (13/30 patients) in patients not receiving steroid therapy, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.046). Pulse steroid therapy also significantly decreased the rate of intubation (p = 0.014) and ICU admission (p = 0.007). In the logistic regression analysis that included comorbidity, advanced age, and pulse steroid therapy, advanced age (p = 0.022) and pulse steroid therapy (p = 0.048) were found to be effective independent variables of mortality. The results showed that pulse i.v. methylprednisolone significantly reduced mortality in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) patients with severe pneumonia requiring hospitalization, in addition to significantly reducing the need for intensive care and intubation. In SARS-CoV-2 patients with severe pneumonia, pulse i.v. methylprednisolone may be useful as a standard treatment in patients who do not respond to dexamethasone.

P822 Therapeutic Management And Risk Of Colectomy In Patients With Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis And Previous Exposure To Anti-Tnf Drugs. A Cohort Study Of Geteccu

Abstract Background There are few data regarding the management on acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) flare in patients with previous anti-TNF exposure. We evaluated the medical management, the risk of colectomy and factors associated comparing with a bionaive cohort. Methods A retrospective and multicentric study of GETECCU. Patients with ASUC episode between 2010-2020 were included in two cohorts: bio-exposed (cohort 1) and bio-naive (cohort 2). Patients with previous other biologics or JAK inhibitors exposure were excluded. Steroid response was defined as reduction of bowel movements and C Reactive Protein (CRP). Rescue therapy was used after steroid failure and maintenance therapy after steroid or rescue therapy response/remission. Clinical effectiveness of rescue and maintenance therapy was analyzed using partial mayo score (clinical response with decreased of 2-3 points, clinical remission ≤2). Colectomy rate was evaluated at short and long-term using survival analysis and was compared using cox logistic regression. Results Finally, 461 patients were included from 33 centres. Basal characteristics and medical management are shown in Table 1. Bioexposed patients received steroid therapy less frequently (82 vs 97%, p 0.001). Comparing with bionaive cohort, there were differences between medical management although steroid response and the use of rescue therapy were similar. However, clinical remission at one year was lower (44 vs 59%, p 0.03). Colectomy rates at 1 and 12 months were of 15 and 17% in Cohort 1, respectively. Comparing with bionaive cohort, there were a higher risk of colectomy at short and long-term, HR 2.46 (1.57-3.87, p 0.001) (Figure 1). There were no factors associated with colectomy at one year. Response to steroids was the only protective factor of colectomy at one year (RR 0.17, 0.07-0.45, p 0.001). Conclusion Management of ASUC in bio-exposed patients is heterogeneus and differs from bionaive patients. The risk of colectomy is increased. Although the response to medical treatment is not negligible, special efforts in standardizing therapies are warranted in order to improve prognosis.

Challenges in The Diagnosis and Management of Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathy: A Case Report

Background: Idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) is a group of heterogeneous disorders characterized by muscle weakness and muscle inflammation, elevated muscle enzyme, a sign of muscular inflammation, and other extra muscular manifestations. Due to how rare IIM is, as well as its lack of targeted treatments and the heterogeneity of the clinical presentation, significant challenges are posed to treatment deliveries. Case Illustration: A 30-year-old woman came with complaints of weakness in all four extremities 8 months ago accompanied by difficulty swallowing. The weakness worsened to the point where the patient had shortness of breath and a fever. Upon arrival at the hospital, the patient was in respiratory failure and intubated. Laboratory examination results showed an increase in serum creatine kinase (14.977 U/L), increased liver enzymes, and inflammatory biomarkers such as CRP and procalcitonin. Muscle biopsy results showed muscular dystrophy. Chest X-ray showed cardiomegaly with signs of pulmonary inflammation and pleural effusion. The patient received steroid therapy, cyclophosphamide, and antibiotic management for pneumonia. During treatment, the patient’s condition worsened and she was declared dead due to sepsis. Conclusion: IIM is a rare disease and has various clinical variations. Extra muscular manifestations such as pulmonary disease complicate the management of IIM.

Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: Another Legacy of COVID-19?

Background. Recovery from COVID-19 does not always proceed without complications, especially in patients who have suffered severe forms of the disease. Most researchers confirm a significant increase in the incidence of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) after COVID-19. However, there is no clear opinion on the individual aspects of the development and course of the disease. This is an extremely important issue that allows us to identify the main risk groups for the development of post-COVID-19 osteonecrosis and, consequently, to perform the earliest possible screening of this complication.&#x0D; Aims of the study: 1) To evaluate the impact of the past COVID-19 on epidemiologic parameters and clinical course of osteonecrosis of the femoral head in patients; 2) to study the causes of its development.&#x0D; Methods. We have analyzed the data of medical histories of 674 patients diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the femoral head who sought medical care in 2018 and in 2022. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to the presumed causes of development of the disease. The first group enrolled 183 patients who underwent COVID-19 and received steroid therapy (ST). The second group included 78 patients who underwent COVID-19 without ST therapy. The third group consisted of 103 patients with ONFH that manifested in 2022 without COVID-19 in the previous medical history. The comparison group was made up of 310 patients who developed ONFH in 2018 before the appearance of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.&#x0D; Results. The sample of patients with COVID-19-associated osteonecrosis differed significantly from patients without COVID-19, in terms of gender, age, time of disease onset, extent of the femoral head damage, and disease progression rate (p0.001). The level of early ONFH diagnosis was extremely low, not differing from that in the pre-pandemic period.&#x0D; Conclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the incidence of ONFH, significantly modifying both its epidemiology and clinical picture. Nevertheless, the vigilance of practitioners remains extremely low, which affects the timely diagnosis of the disease.

THU328 Appropriate Initial Insulin Dosage For Management Of Steroid-induced Hyperglycemia In Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

Abstract Disclosure: N. Ketaroonrut: None. S. Kiertiburanakul: None. C. Sriphrapradang: None. Introduction: Steroid was recommended for the treatment of severe COVID-19 infection. There are limited studies on the management of steroid-associated hyperglycemia in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. We aimed to determine the appropriate initial insulin dosage to control hyperglycemia in hospitalized COVID-19 patients who received steroid therapy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective single-center analysis of electronic medical records of COVID-19 patients with steroid-induced hyperglycemia who had been treated with insulin. We divided the patients into 4 groups according to the total daily dose (TDD) of subcutaneous insulin therapy at the initiation of dexamethasone ≥6 mg/day or an equivalent dose of glucocorticoid. Glycemic outcomes were compared between groups. Results: A total of 156 patients [age 64±14 years; 50% men; body mass index 26.9±6.9 kg/m2; initial TDD of insulin (units/kg/day): group A, &amp;lt;0.29 (n=79); group B, 0.3-0.49 (n=33); group C, 0.5-0.69 (n=27); group D, &amp;gt;0.7 (n=17)] were included. Most patients (62%) had pre-existing type 2 diabetes. Mean admission blood glucose (BG) and HbA1c were 233±112 mg/dL and 7.8±2.3%, respectively. HbA1c was lowest in group A (6.7±1.2%) and highest in group D (9.8±2.5%). The average daily dexamethasone dosage or equivalent was 49.49±45.4 mg and there were no significant differences between the groups in the dexamethasone dose. The proportion of treatment failure (mean BG &amp;gt;280 mg/dL after the first day of insulin therapy or BG &amp;gt;400 mg/dL for at least 1 time/day) was lowest in group A. Among patients who received TDD &amp;gt;0.3 units/kg/day, group D had the lowest in both the percentage of treatment failure (B (52%) vs C (37%) vs D (29.4%), p=0.006) and mean BG during the 3 days of insulin therapy (B (246.0± 56.7 mg/dL) vs C (246.9±59.0 mg/dL) vs D (228.5±64.4 mg/dL), p=0.21). Three patients had severe hypoglycemia (BG &amp;lt;54 mg/dL) in this study (A: n=1 vs B: n=1 vs C: n=0 vs D: n=1, p=0.51). Conclusions: In the patients who require TDD &amp;gt;0.3 units/kg/day, the treatment failure of hyperglycemia was lowest in the patients who received TDD &amp;gt;0.7 units/kg/day without increasing severe hypoglycemia. This initial insulin dosage may guide physicians to achieve better glycemic control among hospitalized COVID-19 patients who received steroid therapy. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Secondary infections in critically ill patients with COVID-19 receiving steroid therapy.

Secondary infections can occur during or after the treatment of an initial infection. Glucocorticoids may decrease mortality in patients with severe COVID-19; however, risk of secondary infection is not well described. Our primary objective was to investigate the risk of secondary infection among critically ill patients with COVID-19 treated with glucocorticoids. We examined patients with COVID-19 being treated in the intensive care unit at two academic medical centers from 1 to 7/2020. One hundred-seven patients were included. Of these, 31 received steroids and 76 patients did not. Analysis of the larger cohort was performed followed by a matched pairs analysis of 22 steroid and 22 non-steroid patients. Secondary infection was seen in 14 patients (45.2%) receiving steroids compared to 35(46.1%) not receiving steroids (p = 0.968). Secondary infections were most frequently encountered in the respiratory tract. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were the most frequently identified organisms. Mortality was 16.1% in the steroid-treated group compared to 23.7% in the control group (p = 0.388). After performing matched pairs analysis and multivariable logistic regression there was no significant difference between secondary infection or mortality and steroid receipt. Secondary infections were common among critically ill patients with COVID-19, but the incidence of secondary infection was not significantly impacted by steroid treatment.

The experience of diagnosis and treatment for TAFRO syndrome.

Early identification, diagnosis and treatment of TAFRO syndrome are very importants. We retrospectively analysed 6 patients with TAFRO syndrome. Their clinical manifestations, treatment methods, survival and other aspects were summarized. All patients were pathologically diagnosed with Castleman's disease, with fever, an inflammatory storm state and varying degrees of anasarca. All patients received steroid therapy; four of them also received chemotherapy, and 1 received rituximab. Of the 3 patients with severe disease, only 1 patient who received the recommended dose of glucocorticoids survived. Early administration of glucocorticoids can improve the prognosis, especially in patients with severe disease, and adequate glucocorticoids are important.

703 Parsonage Turner Syndrome After COVID-19 Vaccination – a Systematic Review

Abstract Aim Parsonage Turner Syndrome (PTS) is a rare acute neuritis usually reported after an antecedent event like surgery, infection, trauma, medication or immunisation. PTS presents as sudden, often unilateral, severe shoulder pain with progressive weakness and altered neurology. The global mass COVID vaccine program has resulted in increased reporting of post-vaccine PTS. The aim of this review is to report the outcomes of PTS after COVID-19 vaccination. Method A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA statement. An electronic search was performed on Medline, PubMed, Embase and CINAHL databases using the keywords ‘COVID-19’, ‘Coronavirus’, ‘Parsonage Turner Syndrome’, ‘Brachial neuritis’, ‘Neuralgic Amyotrophy’, ‘Vaccine’, ‘Immunisation’ and ‘Shoulder’. Results 16 articles with a total of 35 patients, 24 males and 11 females, were reviewed. The mean age was 52 years. The median time to develop symptoms was 7 days, with 69% patients reporting ipsilateral symptoms to the vaccinated arm. 91% patients presented with sensory and motor symptoms. MRI scan was normal in 26% while denervation muscle oedema was present in 20%. 37% patients were treated with physiotherapy and rest, while 63% received steroid therapy. 23% showed no improvement while 69% showed partial or complete improvement. The mean follow-up time was 3 months (range one week to six months). Conclusions PTS is a rare complication described with vaccines like influenza, tetanus and hepatitis. PTS is also associated with the COVID vaccine. The limited reports suggest the treatment and recovery are consistent with that for other aetiology. This complication is not a reason to avoid the COVID vaccine.