Liver biomarkers for prognosis in COVID-19

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2).Mortality attributable to COVID-19 remains considerably high, with case fatality rates as high as 8-11%. Early medical intervention in patients who are seriously and critically ill with COVID-19 reduces fatal outcomes. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify biomarkers that could help clinicians determine which patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection are at a higher risk of developing the most adverse outcomes, which include intensive care unit (ICU) admission, invasive ventilation, and death. In COVID-19 patients experiencing the most severe form of the disease, tests of liver function are frequently abnormal and liver enzymes are found to be elevated. For this reason, we examine the most promising liver biomarkers for COVID-19 prognosis in an effort to help clinicians predict the risk of ARDS, ICU admission, and death at hospital admission. In patients meeting hospitalization criteria for COVID-19, serum albumin < 36 g/L is an independent risk factor for ICU admission, with an AUC of 0.989, whereas lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) values > 365 U/L accurately predict death with an AUC of 0.943.The clinical scores COVID-GRAM and SOFA that include measures of liver function such as albumin, LDH, and total bilirubin are also good predictors of pneumonia development, ICU admission, and death, with AUC values ranging from 0.88 to 0.978.Thus, serum albumin and LDH, together with clinical risk scores such as COVID-GRAM and SOFA, are the most accurate biomarkers in the prognosis of COVID-19.Copyright © 2021 Sociedad Medica del Hospital General de Mexico. Published by Permanyer.

Frequency of Diabetes Mellitus and Newly Diagnosed Hyperglycemia and Their Impacts on Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its associated morbidities are a great global concern. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with adverse clinical outcomes and high mortality in patients with COVID-19. Objective(s): This study examined the frequency of BM, newly diagnosed hyperglycemia, and their impacts on hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Method(s): This retrospective study examined 810 medical records of PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to Razi Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran. The clinical presentations, severity, and impacts of COVID-19 were compared between patients with and without DM. Disease severity was determined based on the NEWS2 scoring system. Result(s): This study included 810 medical records of COVID-19 patients, of whom 326 had pre-existing DM, and 484 were non-DM. The rates of diabetes and newly diagnosed hyperglycemia were 40.2% and 11.2%, respectively. The most common underlying diseases were hypertension (35.3%), ischemic heart disease (17.9%), and chronic kidney disease (11.9%), which were higher in people with diabetes than non-diabetics. The rate of acute kidney injury was higher in patients with diabetes than in non-diabetics (30.7% vs. 19.2%;P < 0.001) and in patients with severe COVID-19 than in those whose disease was not severe (27.8% vs. 21.5%;P = 0.04). The rates of severe COVID-19 (46.3% vs. 34.7%;P = 0.093), ICU admission (40.7% vs. 27.4%;P = 0.012), and mortality (18.5% vs. 10.5%;P = 0.079) were higher in patients with newly diagnosed hyperglycemia than in euglycemic patients. Conclusion(s): This study showed that COVID-19 infection is linked with newly diagnosed hyperglycemia and pre-existing DM, both associated with severe COVID-19, more need for ICU admission, and mortality.Copyright © 2023, Author(s).

The Association of COVID-19 Severity with Laboratory Parameters, Radiologic Findings, Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women: A Multicenter Study in Indonesia

Objectives: Severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2/COVID-19 infection is still a global concern, with pregnant women are considered as vulnerable population. Until now, the characteristics of pregnant women in Indonesia who are infected with COVID-19, as well as pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, are still unknown. This study aims to obtain national data, which are expected to be useful for the prevention and management of COVID-19 in pregnant women in Indonesia. Method(s): There were 1,427 patients recruited in this retrospective multicenter study. This study involved 11 hospitals in 10 provinces in Indonesia and was carried out using secondary patient data from April 2020 to July 2021. COVID-19 severity was differentiated into asymptomatic-to-mild symptoms and moderate-to-severe symptoms. The collected data include maternal characteristics, laboratory examinations, imaging, pregnancy outcomes, and neonatal outcomes. Result(s): Leukocyte, platelets, basophil, neutrophils segment, lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), C-reactive protein (CRP), urea, and creatinine were found to be significantly associated with severity differences (p < 0.05). Moderate-severe symptoms of COVID-19 also shown to have suggestive pneumonia findings on chest X-ray findings. Patients with asymptomatic-to-mild symptoms had significantly (p < 0.001) higher recovery rate, shorter hospital stay, less intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and had more vaginal delivery. Neonates from mother with mild symptoms also had significantly (p < 0.001) higher survival rate, higher birth weight, and higher APGAR score. Conclusion(s): Several laboratory and radiology components, as well as maternal and neonatal outcomes are related to the severity of COVID-19 in pregnant women in Indonesia.Copyright © The Author(s). 2023.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors of patients with COVID-19 developing barotrauma

Background: At our hospital, people with COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) had a high rate of pulmonary barotrauma. Therefore, the current study looked at barotrauma in COVID-19 patients getting invasive and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation to assess its prevalence, clinical results, and features. Methodology: Our retrospective cohort study comprised of adult COVID-19 pneumonia patients who visited our tertiary care hospital between April 2020 and September 2021 and developed barotrauma. Result(s): Sixty-eight patients were included in this study. Subcutaneous emphysema was the most frequent type of barotrauma, reported at 67.6%;pneumomediastinum, reported at 61.8%;pneumothorax, reported at 47.1%. The most frequent device associated with barotrauma was CPAP (51.5%). Among the 68 patients, 27.9% were discharged without supplemental oxygen, while 4.4% were discharged on oxygen. 76.5% of the patients expired because of COVID pneumonia and its complications. In addition, 38.2% of the patients required invasive mechanical breathing, and 77.9% of the patients were admitted to the ICU. Conclusion(s): Barotrauma in COVID-19 can pose a serious risk factor leading to mortality. Also, using CPAP was linked to a higher risk of barotrauma.Copyright © 2021 Muslim OT et al.

Monoclonal antibodies to the interleukin-6 receptor in the treatment of COVID-19 in patients with chronic kidney disease

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19, which determines the indications for the therapeutic use of its antagonists. However, data on their effectiveness and optimal timing of appointment are contradictory. The question of the possibility of their use in patients with impaired kidney function has not been studied. The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the use of monoclonal antibodies to IL-6 receptors in COVID-19 in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) of stages 2-5 (predialysis) who do not need renal replacement therapy. Material and methods. A clinical retrospective uncontrolled single-center study included 45 patients (60% of men) with CKD stages 2-5 aged 22-95 years (median - 58 years) hospitalized with predominantly severe uncritical COVID-19 infection. Treatment of COVID-19 was carried out in accordance with the Interim guidelines for the prevention and treatment of new coronavirus infection of the Ministry of Health of Russian Federation. Results. The majority of patients (n=36;73.3%) had CKD stage 3b-5, CKD stage 2 was in 7 (15.5%) and stage 3a - in 5 (11.1%) patients. The median serum creatinine level (Cr) was 164 [131;292] mumol/l, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 30 [13;49] ml/min/1.73 m2, CRP 67.5 [37.2;106.75] mg/l. The introduction of monoclonal antibody to IL-6 receptors led to a decrease in the activity of the infectious process (CRP 1.55 [0.33;4.15] mg/l, p<0.001), regression of pneumonia, which did not require mechanical ventilation and hospitalization in the intensive care unit. According to the decision of the medical commission, patients were injected with monoclonal antibodies to IL-6 receptors: tocilizumab (n=36;80%), levilimab (n=2;4.4%), combined therapy with two drugs (n=7;15.5%). Therapy with IL-6 antagonists did not have a negative effect on kidney function. The levels of Cr decreased on average from 224.3+/-145.2 mmol/l at admission to 160+/-92.55 mmol/l at discharge (p<0.001), GFR increased from 32.6+/-20.9 ml/min/1.73 m2 at admission to 53+/-31.7 ml/min/1.73 m2 at discharge (p<0.001). In the majority of patients (n=36, 80%) GFR has risen, and only in 9 (20%) cases it remained approximately at the same low level. No serious adverse events have been reported with the use of IL-6 antagonists, as well as concomitant infectious complications. No deaths have been reported. The median length of stay in bed was 14 [10;19] days. Conclusion. The results of the study allow us to state that in patients with CKD, monoclonal antibodies to IL-6 receptors have a good safety profile and can be successfully used in moderate and severe forms of COVID-19, regardless of the state of kidney function.Copyright © 2022 by the authors.

Personalized approach to the management of a patient with COVID-19 with a complicated comorbid background

The aim of the work is to form the principles of a personalized approach to the management of patients with COVID-19 with a complicated comorbid background. Material and methods. The article describes a clinical case of successful recovery of an 87-year-old patient from a new coronavirus infection COVID-19, complicated by pneumonia involving 36% of the lung parenchyma area. Along with age, the situation was aggravated by the comorbid status of the patient: the presence of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, hypertension, mechanical prostheses of the mitral and aortic valves, postinfarction cardiosclerosis, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, type 2 diabetes mellitus, stage 4 CKD, anemic syndrome, and subclinical hypothyroidism. Results. The C-reactive protein level at admission was 114.46 mg/L. The patient refused hospitalization. Baricitinib 4 mg, favipiravir according to the scheme, vitamin D 2000 units were prescribed for the previously taken therapy. Already after 3 days, C-reactive protein decreased by 4.6 times, and by the 8th day by 15.5 times and amounted to 7.38 mg/ml. The temperature returned to normal on day 2 from the start of baricitinib. In dynamics, a decrease in creatinine level to 177.0 mumol/l was noted, the glomerular filtration rate increased to 30 ml/min/1.73 m2, which corresponded to stage 3b of CKD (a pronounced decrease in glomerular filtration rate). Conclusion. Despite the age of the patient, many comorbidities, each of which could be fatal, the timely use of baricitinib on an outpatient basis made it possible to stop the progressive course of the disease.Copyright © Eco-Vector, 2023. All rights reserved.

Acute Pancreatitis as a Rare and Unusual Manifestation of COVID-19 in a Child with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mainly causes pulmonary disease. However, extrapulmonary manifesta-tions, which affect the gastrointestinal tract and hepatobiliary system, have been reported. Case Presentation: Here we reported a 4-year-old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and abdominal pain who had acute necrotic pancreatitis secondary to COVID-19. Conclusion(s): According to the COVID-19 epidemic, if drug-induced pancreatitis is ruled out, viral causes, especially COVID-19, should be considered.Copyright © 2023, Author(s).

Post-Covid mucormycosis presenting as retropharyngeal abscess: a rare case report

Background: Post-Covid retropharyngeal mucormycosis is a rare presentation, and no case has been reported in literature until date. Case presentation: A-32-year-old female post Covid presented to our OPD with history of dysphagia and with a history of steroid intake. Radiology confirmed it as retropharyngeal abscess. Endoscopic-guided aspiration was done. HPE (histopathological examination) revealed classic broad aseptate hyphae of mucormycosis. Patient was managed conservatively with broad-spectrum antifungal. Conclusion(s): Retropharyngeal mucormycosis is a rare entity in Covid era. Rapid diagnosis and management are needed to save life of an individual, or results could be fatal.Copyright © 2022, The Author(s).

Comparison of biomarkers of COVID-19 patients with the alpha variant (B.1.1.7), the delta variant (B.1.617), and no mutation detected

Objectives: We aimed to compare biomarkers of COVID-19 patients with the Alpha variant (B.1.1.7), the Delta variant (B.1.617), and no mutation detected in our study. Method(s): A total of 600 patients with positive COVID PCR test and Alpha, Delta variant and no mutation detected with Covid PCR mutation test were included in the study. Troponin I, creatinine, Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), fibrinogen, D-dimer, ferritin, number of lymphocytes, lymphocytes (%), platelet (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), trombosite ratio in the blood (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) values were analyzed retrospectively. The age, gender, and hospitalization of the patients were evaluated concurrently. Result(s): Age, troponin, creatinine, LDH, PLT, MPV, and D-dimer were laboratory parameters that vary significantly with COVID-19 virus mutation. Age, troponin, LDH, and MPV values were lower in patients with Delta variant according to patients with the Alpha variant. Lymphocytes (N) and lymphocytes (%) values were lower in hospitalized patients relative to outpatients while age, troponin, LDH, CRP, and D-dimer values were higher in hospitalized patients than outpatients irrespective of mutation. Creatinine values were higher only in hospitalized patients with no mutation detected while ferritin and fibrinogen values were higher in hospitalized patients with Delta variant and no mutation detected. Conclusion(s): Age, troponin, creatinine, LDH, PLT, MPV, D-dimer, fibrinogen, ferritin, CRP, lymphocytes (N), and lymphocytes (%) values can guide to evaluate the diagnosis and hospitalization of patients with future different mutations.Copyright © 2023 by Prusa Medical Publishing.

FAVIPIRAVIR IN THE TREATMENT OF MILD CORONAVIRUS INFECTION: RESULTS OF A MULTICENTER OPEN-LABEL, POST-REGISTRATION, NON-INTERVENTIONAL STUDY.

Clinical parameters characterizing the efficacy and safety of favipiravir were examined in a multicenter, non-interventional (before-and-after study design) trial in 264 patients with mild COVID-19. It is shown that on the background of 14-day therapy with favipiravir body temperature normalized, blood oxygen saturation improved, and the frequency of tachycardia detection reduced by 16% (p < 0.0001). A statistically significant decrease by 91,3% (p 0.0001) in the frequency of SARS-nCoV-2 RNA detection in the nasopharyngeal mucosa discharge was revealed. A decrease in the concentration of ferritin (by 69% compared to initial values), blood glucose (by 21%), creatinine (by 10%), C-reactive protein (by 36%) (p 0.0001), and D-dimer by 61% (p = 0.016) was noted. The results of the SF-36 health survey questionnaire revealed a significant (p 0.05) improvement in the quality of life in terms of physical functioning (by 35%), and role functioning associated with physical and emotional state by 107% and 160%, respectively. Analysis of the COV19-QoL questionnaire revealed a decrease by 24% in negative perception of the disease (p < 0,01). Among the identified adverse events, elevated level of ALT (in 39.47% of patients), hyperuricemia (in 28.95% of patients), and elevated AST (in 23.68% of patients) prevailed. All the adverse events occurred with mild or moderate severity. There were no lethal outcomes in the studied sample of patients. The analysis showed a satisfactory level of the tolerability of the treatment.Copyright © 2023 Izdatel'stvo Meditsina. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Urine L-FABP Point of Care Kit in the Philippines as Predictive Marker of Clinical Severity of COVID-19 (EPOCH COVID study)

Background: The search for simple clinical and laboratory markers to help predict the clinical severity of patients presenting with COVID-19 has prompted this study to look at the predictive value of urine L-FABP (Liver Type-Fatty Acid Binding Protein) point-of-care test kit at the initial presentation of COVID-19 patients to the hospital. Method(s): The validation study prospectively included 109 consecutive patients with mild to moderate COVID-19, mean age of 52.2 years (range 19-84) presenting at the Emergency Rooms of 4 participating Metro-Manila hospitals from February to April 2021, with available data for analysis for 103 patients. Urine L-FABP POC (Point-of-Care) test and other clinical parameters and the level of severity of COVID-19 were determined at Day 0, Day 4 and Day 7. Computations for Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive and Negative Predictive values and Likelihood ratios were performed Results: Twenty-three patients tested positive for urine L-FABP, out of the 103 patients analyzed, while 80 tested negative. Of the 23 patients who tested positive for urine L-FABP, 6 has progressed in severity, while 17 did not progressed. Of the 80 patients who tested negative for urine L-FABP, 13 progressed, while 67 did not progressed in severity. Giving a Sensitivity of 31.58%, Specificity of 79.76%, Positive predictive value of 26.09%, Negative predictive value of 83.75%. Combining urine L-FABP and initial clinical parameters like SIRS (Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) criteria to predict progression of severity yielded a higher Specificity of 91.67 % and Negative Predictive value of 84.62%. Conclusion(s): The study shows the utility of initial urine L-FABP POC test as a negative screening test in triaging adult patients presenting to the ER with mild to moderate COVID-19. Patients at the ER with a negative urine L-FABP test, will most likely not progressed to severe COVID-19. Combining clinical parameters like SIRS Criteria with the urine L-FABP result can increase the negative predictive value.Copyright © The PHILIPPINE JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE is a peer reviewed journal and a copyrighted publication of the Philippine College of Physicians.

A new logistic regression derived combined index for early prediction of in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients

BACKGROUND: While the type and the number of treatments for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) have substantially evolved since the start of the pandemic a significant number of hospitalized patients continue to succumb. This requires ongoing research in the development and improvement of early risk stratification tools. METHOD(S): We developed a prognostic score using epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and treatment variables collected on admission in 130 adult COVID-19 patients followed until in-hospital death (N.=38) or discharge (N.=92). Potential variables were selected via multivariable logistic regression modelling conducted using a logistic regression univariate analysis to create a combined index. RESULT(S): Age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, P/F ratio, prothrombin time, C-reactive protein and troponin were the selected variables. AUROC indicated that the model had an excellent AUC value (0.971, 95% CI 0.926 to 0.993) with 100% sensitivity and 83% specificity for in-hospital mortality. The Hosmer-Lemeshow calibration test yielded non-significant P values (chi2=1.79, P=0.99) indicates good calibration. CONCLUSION(S): This newly developed combined index could be useful to predict mortality of hospitalized COVID-19 patients on admission.Copyright © 2022 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA.

Efficacy of N-acetyl Cysteine in Severe COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized Controlled Phase III Clinical Trial

Background: Today, various drugs have been investigated as the primary or complementary treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been used as a mucolytic in pulmonary diseases. This drug apparently contributes to the retrieval of the intracellular antioxidant system. Objective(s): This study aimed to determine the efficacy of NAC in severe COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Method(s): This single-blinded randomized controlled phase III clinical trial included 40 patients with confirmed COVID-19 (based on polymerase chain reaction) admitted to the Shahid Mohammadi Hospital's ICU, Bandar Abbas, Iran, in 2020. All cases had severe COVID-19. They were allocated randomly to two equal groups. Patients in the control group received standard drug therapy based on the treatment protocol of the national COVID-19 committee, while those in the NAC group received a single dose of intravenous NAC (300 mg/kg) upon admission to the ICU in addition to standard drug treatment. Clinical status and laboratory tests were done on admission to the ICU and then 14 days later or at discharge without knowing the patient grouping. Result(s): The two groups were comparable regarding age, gender, and other baseline laboratory and clinical parameters. At the final evaluation, respiratory rate (21.25 +/- 4.67 vs. 27.37 +/- 6.99 /min) and D-dimer (186.37 +/- 410.23 vs. 1339.04 +/- 2183.87 ng/mL) were significantly lower in the NAC group (P = 0.004 and P = 0.030, respectively). Also, a lower percentage of patients in the NAC group had lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) <= 245 U/L (0% vs. 25%, P = 0.047). Although the length of ward and ICU stay was shorter in the NAC group than in controls, the difference was statistically insignificant (P = 0.598 and P = 0.629, respectively). Mortality, on the other hand, was 75% in the control group and 50% in the NAC group, with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.102). Concerning the change in the study parameters, only the decrease in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was significantly higher with NAC (P = 0.042). The intubation and mechanical ventilation rates were higher, while oxygen with mask and nasal oxygen rates were lower with NAC, but the difference was statistically insignificant. Conclusion(s): Based on the current research, NAC is related to a significant decrease in RR, D-dimer, and DBP in severe COVID-19. Also, LDH was significantly lower in the NAC group than in the controls. More research with larger sample sizes is needed to validate the current study results.Copyright © 2023, Author(s).

A local outbreak as mirror-like scenario for COVID-19 worldwide progression. Clinical presentation to the Emergency Department during one of the first sub-regional outbreak in Italy A lesson to learn

BACKGROUND: One of the most precocious Italian COVID-19 outbreaks began in February 2020 in Medicina, a small town in the province of Bologna. We compared the characteristics of different cohorts, to identify potential predictive factors for outcome: patients of Medicina outbreak versus those of the surrounding district (Imola), and before or after the local medical intervention. METHOD(S): Between March the 3rd and April the 9th, 2020 167 adults with COVID-19 were admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) (78 from Medicina cluster, 89 from Imola district). Data at ED presentation were collected;hospitalized patients were followed until death or discharge. RESULT(S): Medicina and Imola cohorts were similar in age, main comorbidities, clinical presentation, laboratory tests, arterial blood gas analysis (ABG), death and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) rates. Age, hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dyspnea, body temperature, quickSOFA Score, elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), creatinine, urea, DELTA A-a O2, respiratory rate and FiO2 were associated with death and ARDS. Elevated Glasgow Coma Scale, diastolic blood pressure, oxygen peripheral saturation, P/F and pH were associated with patient survival and protective from ARDS. After the intervention in Medicina district, patients presenting at ED were younger and with long-lasting symptoms;CRP values were significantly lower, ABG and respiratory clinical parameters were less severely impaired. These differences did not affect the outcome. CONCLUSION(S): Since the results of our study are consistent with worldwide evidences, we suggest that the early insight of a small local SARS-CoV-2 outbreak can be representative and predictive of the subsequent course of the virus in wider areas. This must be kept in mind to manage next epidemic waves.Copyright © 2022 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA.

Repeated COVID-19 infection in recipients of post-living donor liver transplantation: Two real-life cases

COVID-19 is an emerging pandemic. The course and management of the disease in the liver transplant setting may be difficult due to a long-standing immunosuppressive state. In Egypt, the only available option is living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). In our centre, we have transplanted 440 livers since 2008. In this study, we report a single-centre experience with COVID-19 infection in long-term liver transplant recipients. A total of 25 recipients (5.7 %) had COVID-19 infections since March 2020. Among these recipients, two developed COVID-19 infections twice, approximately three and two months apart, respectively.Copyright © 2021 The Author(s)

Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) complicating myocarditis

Myocarditis can lead to myocardial infarction in the absence of coronary artery obstruction. We report a case of probable myocarditis, complicated by myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries. A 19-year-old man presented with chest pain typical of myocarditis. He was a smoker but was otherwise well. Electrocardiogram revealed diffuse ST-elevation and echocardiography revealed a thin, akinetic apex. Troponin-T levels on admission were raised leading to an initial diagnosis of myocarditis being made. However, late gadolinium enhancement study on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated transmural enhancement typical of ischaemia. Coronary angiogram was normal, leading to a likely diagnosis of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries. It is important to highlight that coronary assessment remains important when working up for myocarditis, as myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries can often complicate myocarditis in cases of normal angiography. Another important lesson was on how cardiac magnetic resonance imaging provided vital evidence to support underlying ischaemia despite normal coronary angiogram, leading to a diagnosis of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries. Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries remains a broad 'umbrella' term and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, as well as more invasive coronary imaging techniques during angiography, can further assist in its diagnosis. Our case provides a reminder that myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries, although increasingly recognised, remains under-diagnosed and can often overlap with peri-myocarditis, highlighting the need to employ multi-modality imaging in guiding management.Copyright © The Author(s) 2021.

Massive polyuria associated with severe COVID-19-related pneumonia complicated by pulmonary embolism

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) predominantly manifests with signs of respiratory system injury;however, multi-systemic manifestations may occur. Renal pathology develops in up to 80% of patients with COVID-19. The aim of the study was to describe the case of isolated massive polyuria of unknown etiology in the patient with severe COVID-19-related pneumonia complicated by pulmonary embolism (PE). A 54-year-old male with bilateral pneumonia, related to COVID-19, developed PE. The next day after successful thrombolysis with alteplase (90 mg) the diuresis of the patient began to increase and fluctuated between 5000 mL and 8000 mL. The diuresis returned to normal ranges two weeks after PE episode. The rise of the diuresis was not accompanied by electrolyte disorders and elevation of serum creatinine. Changes in the urine tests were minimal, only once the urine protein was detected (0.25 g/L). The highest urine excretion was observed in evening hours (16.00-24.00). Chest CT on the day 14 after the patient's admission revealed 90% of lung tissue injury, cranial CT showed no brain abnormalities, including hypothalamus and pituitary gland. The patient's condition met neither diagnostic criteria of acute kidney injury, nor acute interstitial nephritis, nor pituitary gland damage. The course of the polyuria in the presented case was benign (self-limiting, no blood electrolyte abnormalities, compensated by oral rehydration only). Polyuria in patients with COVID-19 may not be a life-threatening condition that does not require active treatment.Copyright © 2021 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA.

Causes of COVID-19's Mortality and Prognostic Effect of Neutrophile-Lymphocyte Ratio

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the neutrophile-lymphocyte ratio and the effects of age, gender, and comorbidities on mortality. Method(s): In our study, 100 patients who had a ground-glass opacification on computed thorax tomography and who had a positive polymerase chain reaction test were included in our study. Demographic data, laboratory data and comorbidities of the patients were recorded. Result(s): Sixty-five (65%) of the patients participating in the study were male. The mean age of the patients was 66 (21.5). The mortality rate was found to be 27% (n=27) High neutrophile-lymphocyte ratio, low lymphocyte count, high urea, and creatin levels were significant in terms of mortality. In addition, advanced age, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension are other factors that have an impact on mortality. Conclusion(s): The neutrophile-lymphocyte ratio can solely be used as a prognostic marker because it is simple and economical.©Copyright 2022 by The Cardiovascular Thoracic Anaesthesia and Intensive Care.