ABSTRACT
Introduction: Urine drug testing has been the standard for monitoring opioid compliance in chronic pain patients. The COVID-19 pandemic created a dilemma for opioid monitoring by severely limiting in-person testing due to safety concerns. Oral fluid toxicology emerged as a feasible, alternative test due to its ability for remote sample collection under virtual supervision while minimizing infringements on patient privacy. However, the efficacy of these two tests for reliably detecting opioids should be explored prior to transitioning to testing only with oral fluids. Method(s): In this study, we compared morphine levels in oral fluid and urine toxicology studies from 5 randomly selected patients from a Chronic Pain Center who were regularly taking high doses (>=90 mEq) of extended-release morphine. Charts from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic until July 2022 were reviewed for urine and oral fluid testing results and medication regimens. All oral fluid and urine test results and collection methods were validated by a nationally recognized toxicology lab. Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) reports were reviewed for each patient to observe pre-testing prescription trends. Result(s): We found that the overwhelming majority of patients had at least 1 false negative oral fluid test result. The remainder of the oral fluid results were below threshold (10 ng/mL) or ranged from 11.3 to 54 ng/mL of morphine. 80% of patients (n = 5) had at least one negative or positive-but-below-threshold (10 ng/mL) result in their oral fluid sample analyses. In contrast, none of the urine studies had negative results. Urine studies for all patients were positive for morphine and well-above primary cutoff values (100 ng/mL) with levels >6000 ng/mL. PMP reports did not reveal any aberrant drug taking behavior in any of the patients. No unprescribed medications or illicit substances were detected in any of the oral or urine samples. Conclusion(s): The prevalence of false negative results for the detection of morphine metabolites in oral fluid toxicology may be higher than clinicians are currently aware of. Physicians and other providers monitoring opioid compliance in chronic pain patients should keep this possibility in mind when selecting toxicology tests and making conclusions about aberrant drug-taking behavior. Larger scale studies are needed to compare oral fluid and urine levels of morphine with extension to other commonly prescribed opioids. Disclosure: Evan Chung, MD: None, Joseph Valenza, MD: NoneCopyright © 2023
ABSTRACT
Background/Aims Rheumatology is a complex specialty covering many conditions of varying severity, from muscle pain through inflammatory arthritis such as Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and connective tissue diseases. Most of the conditions can be managed in an outpatient/day case setting. However, acutely ill patients require safe and prompt inpatient management including specific intravenous infusions. This need to be done urgently and cannot wait to be accommodated through the Infusion unit at our hospital. Historically Medicine Acute Admission Unit has been the route to bring in these patients. However, operational bed pressures faced challenges leading to instances of delayed treatment with complications including fatality. This led to creating a direct inpatient admission pathway to the specialist ward. Methods Ward Matron designed the following robust pathway for direct patient admission to our specialist Rheumatology ward, Jevington ward. This was implemented in February 2022 after discussion and agreement with Clinical Lead consultant, pharmacist, clinical site managers and other colleagues. Rheumatology team and nurses covered the ward during working hours and by the on-call team out of hours. The overall responsibility remained with the rheumatology team. The referrals accepted only after completing appropriate paperwork. Patients carried out Lateral Flow Test (LFT) at home prior to admission. We ensured negative results and followed the Trust COVID 19 screening protocols. Subsequent screenings were done according to the updated guidelines. The planned assessment and treatments were carried out by the ward team complying with BSR/ EULAR Guidelines, infusion protocols such as standard and continuous Iloprost Infusion Protocols of the Trust. Results We assessed the delay in patient's admission, length of stay, patient outcome and experience after implementing the pathway. The significant change has been in the time to admit;from two weeks in 2018 & 19 to two days this year. This is reflected in the patient feedback. All our acutely ill patients were assessed, treated and discharged promptly on this specialist ward. Conclusion This pathway allowed safe and prompt treatment, prognosis and excellent experience for acutely ill patients with rheumatological disorders. This additionally enabled reduced length of stay supporting financial sustainability of the Trust. (Table Presented).
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir is a new medication approved for the treatment of COVID-19 infection. It prevents viral replication by inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. While mild adverse effects were described, including dysgeusia, diarrhea, hypertension and myalgia1, there were no reported cases of pancreatitis. Case Description/Methods: An 81-year-old female with a past medical history of hypertension and COPD presented to the hospital complaining of abdominal pain and nausea for one day. She had no history of alcohol, tobacco or marijuana use, recent travel, or trauma. Her medications included lisinopril and prednisone, and she had completed a 5-day course of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir for the treatment of COVID-19 infection 2 days prior to presentation. On abdominal exam, she had left upper and lower quadrant tenderness. Blood tests revealed an amylase of 1333 U/L, lipase of 3779 U/L, triglycerides of 297 mg/dL and calcium of 8.7 mg/dL. CT scan revealed an indurated pancreatic body and tail with peripancreatic fluid along the paracolic gutter. Ultrasound of the abdomen and MRCP did not reveal any acute findings. IgG subclasses 1-4 were normal. Discussion(s): According to the revised Atlanta criteria, the patient had clinical findings consistent with acute pancreatitis. Common causes such as gallstone, alcohol, autoimmune and hypertriglyceridemiainduced pancreatitis were ruled out. There were no masses or structural abnormalities on imaging that might have explained her diagnosis. There have been at least 2 reported cases of lisinopril and prednisone induced pancreatitis, however according to Badalov et al.2 both of these medications are class III drugs that lack any rechallenge in the literature. Moreover, the patient had been taking these medications for many years, making them an unlikely cause of the presenting diagnosis. There are no reports of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir associated pancreatitis or known pharmacologic interaction with her home medications, and a meta-analysis conducted by Babajide et al. revealed no association between acute pancreatitis and COVID-19 infection (3). Given the negative findings stated above and the recent initiation of a new medication, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir was the likely cause of acute pancreatitis.
ABSTRACT
Background/Aims Since the COVID-19 outbreak the rheumatology community have been concerned about the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients prescribed immunosuppressing medications. Data suggests that patients receiving Rrtuximab are at increased risk of developing severe outcomes from COVID-19 (1). In our unit all patients receiving rituximab were selected to receive a targeted vaccination and booster programme with all patients receiving at least 2 vaccinations and up to 3 booster vaccinations. We studied the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines in rituximab patients, by checking the the Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2-S (Spike) IgG/IgM total antibody levels post vaccination. Our aim was to assess the vaccination response in patients receiving rituximab and to offer advice on continued shielding or alternatively passive immunization with tixagevimab/cilgavimab in those patients who did not mount a response. Methods Taking 39 patients currently on rituximab therapy, we measured Anti- SARS-CoV-2-S (Spike) antibody levels post vaccination. We recorded whether the test was positive or negative, and the numerical result. We recorded rituximab dates of administration and dates of vaccines. We also recorded diagnosis, co-prescribed DMARDs, immunoglobulin levels, white cell and lymphocyte counts. We took record of whether or not the patient subsequently contracted COVID-19, required a hospital admission, ICU or died. Results Of our 39 patients, 21 had Anti-SARS-CoV-2-S (Spike) antibody levels checked. Of these patients, 7 (33%) had a negative spike protein result. Of the patients with a positive result, 8 (38%) had an antibody level between 0-250U/ML, and only 6 (28.6%) had a level >250U/ML (The manufacturer advises that a level above 0.8U/ML is a positive result). Of patients with a negative result, 1 patient had received 3 vaccines, 5 patients had received 4, and 1 patient had 5. All of the patients had received a vaccine >4 weeks prior to receiving the drug. Two patients were co-prescribed Belimumab, 3 were co-prescribed low-dose methotrexate and 2 were not on additional disease modifying agents. The diagnoses of these patients were, 2 patients with SLE, 4 with SPRA, and 1 MPO Vasculitis. There were no significant findings in lymphocyte count, white cell count or immunoglobulin levels. Conclusion These findings suggest that our current COVID-19 vaccination and booster programme may not provide adequate response in patients receiving rituximab therapy. Despite this being a small cohort, these results show that 33% of patients have not mounted a vaccine response and this is concerning. We suggest that vaccine response should be checked in all patients receiving rituximab therapy and those patients who do not mount a vaccine response should be offered passive immunity and advised of possible additional risks regarding COVID-19 exposure.
ABSTRACT
Background: Evolution evidence of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and viral clearance time remains limited in tropical settings. Understanding this is crucial for public health control measures at community-level. We evaluated the viral dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 infection and factors associated with positivity duration in COVID-19 cases in Cameroon. Method(s): We conducted a prospective cohort-study of SARS-CoV-2 positive cases from the first to third wave (March 2020-October 2021) in Yaounde- Cameroon. RT-PCR was performed on nasopharyngeal swabs. SARS-CoV-2 positivity duration was evaluated from the first to last positive test before a negative result. Epi-info V.7.0 was used for data analyses with p< 0.05 considered statistically significant Results: A total of 282 participants were enrolled. The mean age was 41+/-14 years, with male predominant (62.1%). We had 15.6% symptomatic cases and cough most common (59.09%). The overall median positivity duration was 15[IQR: 9-23] days with 15[ IQR: 13-16] in the first, 17[ IQR: 11-26] in the second and 8[ IQR: 4-12] in the third wave (p= 0.007). Positivity duration was significantly higher in males (16 versus 14 days, p=0.03) and people aged >40 years (15 versus 14 days, p=0.02). Positivity duration was not affected by presence or absence of symptoms (p=0.80). No significant correlation was found with viral load (r=0.03;p=0.61). Considering baseline (24.7+/-7.2Ct) and last viral load (29.3+/-5.9 Ct), the DELTACt (4.6+/-1.3) and positivity duration (15 days) revealed a kinetic in viral decay of 0.3+/-0.087 Ct/day. Conclusion(s): A median positivity duration of 15 days is in accordance with viral clearance around 2 weeks for optimal confinement at community-level. Men and/or the elderly stand at higher risk of prolonged infection. Given the viral decay (0.3 Ct daily), we suggest personalized confinement periods. The variability of positivity duration according to phases could be function of strains which could be a factor of positivity duration.
ABSTRACT
Introduction/Aim: The interferon gamma release assay (IGRA), used in diagnosing latent tuberculosis infections (LTBI), relies on the release of interferon gamma from T-cells exposed to M. tuberculosis specific peptides. An 'indeterminate' IGRA result is most commonly due an inadequate control (or 'mitogen') response, which may reflect underlying T-cell dysfunction, that is potentially associated with markers of severity in patients with COVID-19. The aim of this study was to determine associations and predictors of an indeterminate IGRA in hospitalised patients with COVID-19. Method(s): We performed a single centre, retrospective study on COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary referral hospital who had IGRA testing performed over a 5 months period. Demographics, markers of COVID-19 severity and other parameters were recorded, along with outcomes of COVID-19 infection. The primary outcomes included predictors of indeterminate IGRA results and associations with COVID-19 outcomes (severity, length of stay and mortality). Result(s): A total of 181 patients were included for analysis. Outcomes of IGRA testing included negative (n = 117) and indeterminate (n = 60) results. Patients with a positive IGRA (n = 4) were excluded from analysis. The odds of an indeterminate IGRA were increased with a higher severity grade of COVID-19 (OR 2.5;95% CI 1.3-4.9), immunosuppression at baseline (OR 2.3;95% CI 1.1-4.7) and when IGRA testing was done after immunosuppression for COVID-19 was commenced (OR 1.4;95% CI 1.1-1.8). A longer length of stay was more likely with an indeterminate IGRA compared to a negative result (OR 1.08;95% CI 1.03-1.14), No difference in mortality between the two IGRA subgroups was found. Conclusion(s): Our study demonstrates an indeterminate IGRA was associated with markers of disease severity and immunosuppression. In this cohort an indeterminate result was also associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes in hospitalised patients. This result could potentially be used as a prognostic marker for patients admitted with COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
Case report Trometamol (tromethamine, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (TRIS)) is an excipient frequently used as buffer in fluids and semisolid agents, including many drugs such as antibiotics, iodinated contrast agents and the COVID-19 vaccine mRNA-1273. Here, we report the first case of a delayed-type hypersensitivity after oral intake of trometamol. A 64-year- old female patient presented to our emergency department with generalized erythematous rash, pruritus and swelling of the face five hours after the intake of one tablet of fosfomycin trometamol for a urinary tract infection. Further medical history revealed a previous erythematous rash five to six hours after administration of the iodinated contrast agent iopromide. We performed skin prick and intradermal tests with trometamol, fosfomycin trometamol and various iodinated contrast agents, including iopromide, iomeprol, iobitridol, iopamidol and iodixanol. These tests showed no reactions initially. However, 48 hours after intradermal testing, macular erythematous lesions developed at the sites tested with trometamol 0.1%, trometamol 0.01% and all sites tested with iodinated contrast agents. Furthermore, when we performed a lymphocyte transformation test with trometamol, fosfomycin trometamol and iopromide, we recorded a positive reaction with cytokine release after stimulating T cells with trometamol and iopromide. In contrast, basophil activation testing showed a negative result for these agents. Based on these results and our patient's history, we diagnosed a clinically relevant type IV sensitization to trometamol. There are only a few case reports about immediate-type allergic reactions to gadolinium contrast agents caused by the excipient trometamol. There are some published cases which report contact dermatitis after topical administration of trometamol-containing agents. To our knowledge, ours is the first case to report a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to oral administration of trometamol. Excipients are indispensable for drugs, vaccines and other products since they stabilize and preserve the active agents. Nevertheless, excipients should always be considered during an allergy workup, especially if the patient reports prior drug reactions that cannot be explained by a chemical cross-reaction. In our case, we diagnosed delayed-type hypersensitivity to the excipient trometamol. This is a consequential diagnosis for the patient, because trometamol is contained in many drugs and in the COVID-19 vaccine mRNA-1273.
ABSTRACT
Background: Remote rhythm monitoring with wearable devices is increasingly used especially for early detection of atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF/Afl), being the access to hospital discouraged, especially for frail elderly patients, due to the burden and risk of COVID-19 pandemic. Whereas devices using photo plethysmography (PPG) may misinterpret as AF pulse irregularities due to extrasystoles, patient-directed recording of a single (usually wrist-to-wrist) lead ECG (LEAD I) with hand-held devices or smartwatches have been developed to increase accuracy in AF detection. However, although recent studies validating such devices single-lead ECG recording have shown high sensitivity and specificity, false negative findings such as those reported here are still possible and must be prevented [1]. Purpose(s): Given previous experience of diagnostic uncertainty or failure of the smartwatch ECG (SW-ECG) LEAD I to detect AF/Afl, we have tested if false negative diagnosis could be avoided by recording in addition at least one right precordial (pseudo-V1) lead analyzed by a trained healthcare professional. Method(s): Over one calendar year observation, five patients with previous history of ablated supraventricular arrhythmias suffering sudden palpitations suspected of paroxysmal AF/Afl were instructed to record with their smartwatch at least one precordial lead in addition to LEAD I, to monitor ECG until the termination of symptoms. The SW-ECG strips were sent by telephone for professional interpretation. Diagnostic accuracy based on LEAD I and pseudo-V1 were independently validated by two cardiologists (diagnostic goldstandard - DGS). Result(s): 22 AF/Afl events occurred. Pharmacological cardioversion to sinus rhythm (SR) was obtained in 64%. 192 ECG strips were transmitted. 43,7% of the strips were automatically classified as not significant (or not valid ). Compared to DGS, out of 108 valid strips, correct automatic identification of AF/Afl was obtained in 36,4% with LEAD I, in 33,3% with pseudo V1 and in 54,5% with combined leads, respectively. Interestingly, the SW algorithm has wrongly diagnosed as SR, not only LEAD I, but also 39,4% of pseudo-V1 strips, despite clear-cut evidence of typical flutter waves (Figure 1), when RR intervals were regular due to high degree (e.g., 4:1) A-V block. Conclusion(s): With simple instructions, patients (or their relatives) can easily record an additional precordial (pseudo-V1) SW-ECG lead, that may enhance sensitivity and specificity for remote detection of AF/Afl. However, at present, visual interpretation of SW-ECG by a trained healthcare professional is still needed to guarantee 100% correct diagnosis of AF/Afl, crucial to reduce thromboembolic risk and timely initiate the appropriate treatments. The automatic interpretation of SW's ECG could be improved by appropriate training of a machine learning approach to detect and analyze the atrial waveform provided by an additional pseudo-V1 lead.
ABSTRACT
Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of therapy for acute respiratory viral infections (ARVIs) in children with antiviral medications: inosine pranobex (Groprinosin, Gedeon Richter) and Kagocel (Kagocel, Niarmedic Pharma LLC) in comparison with symptomatic treatment without etiotropic agents based on clinical and laboratory parameters. Patients and methods. The clinical and laboratory observation was conducted in an outpatient setting in the pre-COVID-19 period between 2018 and 2020. Acute respiratory infections were diagnosed using licensed testing systems by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with detection of nucleic acid viral genomes: influenza, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, metapneumovirus, parainfluenza, seasonal coronaviruses, adenoviruses, and bocavirus). A total of 151 children aged 3 to 15 years were examined and monitored in dynamics, with 78.7% of positive and 21.3% of negative results detected by PCR in the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs. The patients were randomized into three groups depending on the antiviral medication prescribed: group 1 (53 children) received Groprinosin;group 2 (52 children) received Kagocel;group 3 (control, 46 children) received only symptomatic therapy without antiviral agents. Results. The study demonstrated a significant positive effect in patients in group 1 treated with Groprinosin (n = 53). At the end of therapy for both mono- and mixed infections, there were 95.8% of negative results (according to PCR diagnosis, that is, the absence of viral genome). In children in group 2 (n = 52) treated with Kagocel, the absence of viral nucleic acids (NAs) was observed less frequently (in 77.3% of cases). In children in group 3 (n = 46) who did not receive etiotropic antiviral therapy, there were only 40.3% of negative results after the end of treatment, and viral NAs were detected in 59.7% of patients. In this case, a 5-day course of Groprinosin was prescribed, after which the PCR results became negative in all patients. Therefore, children with recurrent respiratory infections, mixed infections, and herpesvirus infections require longer therapy. Additionally, a high frequency of ARVI complications was noted in group 3 (5 (10.9%) patients, where otitis was observed in 1 case, sinusitis - in 2 cases, bronchitis - in 2 cases), whereas 1 (1.8%) patient taking Groprinosin had otitis, and 1 (1.9%) patient taking Kagocel had pneumonia. Conclusion. This study was the first to investigate antibody titers to respiratory viruses in dynamics at 3, 6 and 12 months after the onset of ARVI. It showed that the development of antibodies to respiratory viruses is very unstable and does not occur in all patients. Antibodies almost disappeared by the third month after ARVI and were no longer detectable by the sixth month. After 12 months, patients suffered a new ARVI and developed the corresponding antibodies. This information will be especially relevant in conditions of the rise in the incidence of ARVIs, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic observed in recent years.Copyright © 2022, Voprosy Prakticheskoi Pediatrii. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a significant challenge for public health and clinical medicine. COVID-19 mainly impairs the respiratory tract. However, gastrointestinal manifestations of COVID-19 are increasingly being recognized. Although acute viral pancreatitis has been described in other viral infections, pancreatic involvement in SARS-CoV-2 disease is still poorly defined. We reported a case of acute maternal pancreatitis in an early postpartum period woman with confirmed COVID-19. Case Presentation: A 31-year-old woman in term pregnancy had a caesarean section due to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by COVID-19 pneumonia. One day after surgery, her stomach appeared bloated, bowel sounds were weak, and her abdominal circumference increased. Ultrasound examination did not reveal any suspicion of bleeding or hematoma. Her abdominal contrast-enhanced computerized tomography (CT) scan showed small bowel obstruction and oedematous pancreas. Amylase levels increased to 382 units/litre and lipase levels to 724 units/litre. C-reactive protein and procalcitonin were also increased. The diagnosis of sepsis was made, and she received broad-spectrum antibiotics and treatment for the COVID-19 infection. Recovery was characterized by a gradual resolution of abdominal and pulmonary signs and symptoms. A decline of amylase and lipase was observed by the tenth day. On the 13th day, she was extubated and gradually recovered from respiratory symptoms, with a negative result for COVID-19 RT-PCR. Based on this case, we consider that pregnancy and COVID-19 support each other as the cause of acute pancreatitis. Conclusion(s): Early diagnosis and severity classification are essential steps for successful management because late recognition and treatment may allow a greater prevalence of associated complications.Copyright © 2022, Philippine College of Physicians. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Background: Public concern has risen regarding the risk of hypersensitivity reactions (HSR) due to vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV- 2) in the general allergic population, especially in those with a history of anaphylaxis. Moreover, the associated alarm that patients diagnosed with allergies to polyethylene glycol (PEG) could suffer from an allergic reaction to vaccines against SARS-CoV- 2 has become a limitation during the mass immunization campaign. Method(s): Objective: 1. To describe the management implemented between allergology and primary care physicians (PCP) in our territory during the first mass immunization campaign in order to safely reach the largest number of people immunized. 2. To only asses patients at risk of having an HSR to the components of the SARS-CoV- 2 vaccine according to the algorithm implemented in primary care centers. Method(s): A retrospective study was performed including patients referred to the allergist by PCP due to the potential risk of presenting HSR to SARS-COV- 2 vaccines between March and September 2021. An algorithm was created, to assess the potential risk of presenting HSR to SARS-COV- 2 vaccine in allergic population. Patients were visited firstly by PCP, who applied the algorithm proceeding with virtual consultation with the allergist if needed. Risk assessment performed by the allergist determined if vaccination could continue at their assigned place or if an allergological diagnosis approach was needed. The rate of virtual and physical consultations with the allergist as well as the results of skin test and drug provocation tests were recorded. Result(s): A total of 181 patients were assessed virtually. A total of 147 (81%) patients were immunized at their assigned vaccination point after virtual consultation without incidences. On the other hand, 19% of the patients were assessed by the allergist physically and only 12 (6.6%) patients underwent skin tests and drug provocation test with negative results and good tolerance to the vaccine in all cases. Conclusion(s): A careful allergological risk assessment protocol significantly reduced the number of patients who would have avoided vaccination due to a history of allergies or apparent HSR to the first doses of SARS-CoV- 2, demonstrating the low incidence of true allergy to SARS-COV- 2 vaccines in our territory.
ABSTRACT
Background: Until January 2022, 8.975.458 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Spain. In December of 2020, the European Union authorized the first mRNA vaccines against SARS-COV- 2, developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, with two doses separated by 21 and 28 days, respectively. Reports of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have prompted concern that the new mRNA vaccine platform has the potential to cause allergic reactions (including anaphylaxis) at a greater rate than other vaccines. Method(s): Immunization process started at Hospital Ramon y Cajal (Madrid, Spain) in January 2021. The hospital provided a form to report any adverse effect after the first or second dose of the vaccine. Until today, in our Allergy Department, we have received more than 500 patients with suspected adverse reaction to the vaccine, although the data in this publication are collected from January 2021 to September 2021. All of them were referred from different services (Occupational Risk Prevention Department, Preventive Medicine Department, General Practitioners and other specialties) by telephone, e-mail or personally at our service. Result(s): Out of the 139 vaccinated patients who reported adverse effects, 131 had a reaction with the first dose, of whom 65% were women. 51% were local reactions and 49% systemic, of which 62% were immediate reactions. We performed diagnostic tests in 55% of the patients: prick test (with macrogol, triamcinolone, dexketoprofen, methylprednisolone acetate, PEG), ID test (with triamcinolone, dexketoprofen, methylprednisolone acetate) with immediate reading and delayed reading in case of delayed reactions, epicutaneous tests (with PEG and polysorbate 80) and blood tests in systemic reactions. All diagnostic tests showed negative results. 82% of patients that reported adverse effects after the first dose tolerated the second dose of the vaccine without incidents. Only one patient had a reaction to the first and second dose despite a negative study, a 58-year- old woman who presented an urticarial rash 24 hours after administration. 8 patients, all of them women, were referred for reaction after the second dose, 87% of whom had tolerated the first dose. Conclusion(s): This single-center experience suggests that most patients who had mild reactions to the first dose of mRNA vaccines have received the second dose uneventfully or with only mild repeat reactions.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: With the rapid spreading of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the limited capacities of realtime reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) at the laboratory level, there is an emerging need for rapid, point-of-care (POC), molecular testing in the Emergency Department (ED). Aims and objectives: To compare the diagnostic performance of ID NOW COVID-19 assay (Abbott, Chicago, Il, USA) performed by ED doctors with a gold standard reference RT-PCR test (GeneXpert assay developed by Cepheid). Method(s): Paired nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from consecutive adult patients suspected of having COVID-19 in the ED of a tertiary hospital in Athens (Greece);the first swab was directly used for the ID NOW COVID-19 assay in POC by an emergency physician and the second was analyzed with reference RT-PCR by a central laboratory technician. Cohen's kappa was run to determine if there was sufficient agreement between the two diagnostic methods. Result(s): Seventy one consecutive patients (36 female, mean age 64.6) were enrolled in the present study from 15th January to 21th February, 2022. The two tests agreed on 20 positive and 50 negative results. On the contrary, ID NOW COVID-19 assay was found positive in one patient with a negative reference RT-PCR test. There was very good agreement between the two diagnostic methods [kappa = 0.966 (95% CI, 0.900 to 1.032), p < 0.0001]. Conclusion(s): Comparison of a POC and a standard laboratory RT-PCR test in an ED patient population yielded high positive (95%) and negative percent agreement (100%). ID NOW COVID-19 assay seems to be a highly reliable POC test for early screening and triage of suspected COVID-19 patients.
ABSTRACT
Objective: to carry out an updated bibliographic review focused on maternal and neonatal morbidity due to SARSCoV-2 infection with the purpose of evaluating the severity that could occur in these risk groups. Methodology: this study consisted of a systematic review between December 2019 and September 2020 using platforms such as: PubMed, Scopus, Digital Library of the Complutense University of Madrid, Google Scholar and Scielo. The data were tabulated according to the recommendations of the PRISMA guide. Result(s): Of 116 pregnant women with a positive diagnosis for COVID 19, 91.3% had a favorable evolution without requiring intensive care;8.62% presented severe pneumonia and mechanical respiratory assistance and none of them died. On the other hand, of 117 neonates, 93.2% had negative results for COVID-19 while 6.8% had positive results and there were three neonatal deaths not related to COVID-19. Conclusion(s): This indicates that SARS-CoV-2 does not generate greater susceptibility in obstetric patients or neonates and usually only manifests with mild to moderate symptoms. Copyright © 2022, Venezuelan Society of Pharmacology and Clinical and Therapeutic Pharmacology. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Background: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome is a rare but severe complication of Coronavirus 19 infection (COVID-19) occurring about 2-12 weeks after the initial infection. It was initially reported in children (MIS-C) but later identified in adults (MIS-A). We report a case of MIS-A in a patient presenting with myocarditis.\ Method: Case report Results: A 36 years old female admitted due to 3 days history of fever and severe epigastric pain. She had exposure to a relative with COVID-19 3 weeks prior to symptoms and antigen test done was negative. On the day of admission, she started to experience shortness of breath and easy fatigability during activities of daily living. Upon examination, she was hypotensive requiring vasopressors. 12 lead ECG showed acute anteroseptal wall myocardial infarction and 2D echocardiography revealed hypokinesia of the entire interventricular septum and inferior left ventricular free wall, and reduced ejection fraction (EF) at 43.3%. Coronary angiogram showed normal findings. On work-up, she had mild normochromic, normocytic anemia, normal serum lipase, elevated AST 222 (<34 U/L), ALT 250 (<49 U/L), Troponin T > 2000 ng/L, CPK-Total 669 (<192 U/L), Ferritin 456.90 (<204 ng/ml), ESR 13 mm/hr, CRP 24 (<6 mg/L) and procalcitonin 0.35 (<0.5 ng/ml). Infectious workup revealed negative results and PCR for COVID-19 was negative. However, further workup revealed COVID-19 Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA) IgG positive at 44.75 (>1.00) and IgM negative. The patient was managed as a case of MIS-A and was started on intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and short course steroids with significant improvement in symptoms. On the 10th day of hospitalization, follow-up 2D echocardiography showed improvement in previously noted ventricular wall hypokinesia and normalization of EF to 55.8%. The patient was discharged well and improved. Conclusion(s): Diagnosis of MIS-A is challenging in patients without a previously known COVID-19. A positive serology result is required to fulfill the case definition of MIS-A. Determining a history of COVID-19 and its relationship to a patient's clinical course is important for making diagnosis and determining subsequent management.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Anxiety manifestations are one of the most described symptoms during pregnancy. Meanwhile , the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the mental health and anxiety distress in particular , of pregnant and postpartum women remains unclear. Objective(s): the purpose of our study was to evaluate anxiety among prgnant women during covid19 and describe its associated factors Methods: It was a comparative cross-sectional case- control study in a Tunisian gynecologic department. All women were in the third term of pregnancy. Anxiety symptoms were evaluated using Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI).The datawere compared to a control group assessed in a similar study conducted before the pandemic in the same city. Eighty pregnant women was investigated during the covid pandemic and 100 pregnant women investigated before theCOVID- 19 outbreak in Tunisia was assigned to the control group. Result(s): Pregnant women during COVID-19 scored less on BAI than controls (15.49+/-9.223 vs 17.40+/-7.410). Less patients presented moderate to severe anxiety during pandemic (38.8% (n=31) than controls 51% (n=51)). The difference between groups in means and prevalence values was not significant. The negative results could be related to the low power of the test (P=0.36). Conclusion(s): Despite the expected psychological distress among vulnerable population , Covid-19 didn't impact anxiety prevalence or scores among pregnant women in our current study.
ABSTRACT
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder with variable clinical presentation and low immunity. Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19)is a pandemic disease with a high-risk in chronic disease patients and older adults. SCD is widely distributed in Sudan;many SCD patients are infected with COVID-19. Despite this, no published data is available. This case report demonstrated the haematological and clinical course of a Sudanese sickle cell anaemia patient with COVID-19. A 20-year-old male patient was admitted to a hospital for 15 days. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from his medical records. A blood sample was taken at the time of admission and during hospitalisation. Tests were performed during admission, including Complete Blood Count (CBC), liver function test, renal function test, coagulation studies, viral screening, and urine general. The patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 using the Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test based on the nasopharyngeal swab and COVID-19 IgG and IgM using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for the previous infection. The patient received intravenous fluids, antibiotics, analgesia, oxygen supplementation, and blood transfusion two times during hospitalisation, and there was no need for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission. The patient's prognosis was good;he was discharged on day 16 with no symptoms and a negative result of the COVID-19 PCR test. A severe illness was expected because he was infected twice by COVID-19, the patient showed mild clinical symptoms with a good prognosis, so further studies are required to understand COVID-19 among Sudanese SCD patients.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants may be associated with a higher risk of breakthrough infections compared to wild-type (WT) virus in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). The purpose of this study was to evaluate antiviral immune responses against WT and Delta (B.1.617.2) variant of SARS-CoV-2 after 3 doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines in KTRs. Method(s): We conducted a multicenter prospective cohort study of adult KTRs who received 3 doses of BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273. Blood samples were collected from KTRs before and 4 weeks after the 3rd vaccine dose. Sera from pre-pandemic healthy controls (HCs) and pre-pandemic kidney transplant control patients (KCs) were used for comparison. A Luminex-based multiplex assay was used to measure anti-spike antibodies for the WT, Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta variants of SARSCoV- 2. A surrogate virus neutralization test was used to assess neutralization against the WT and Delta variant. Patients were also monitored for rejection using several non-invasive biomarkers. Result(s): 54 KTRs were enrolled in the study. The median age was 63, 44% were female and the median time post-transplantation was 42 months. 94% received BNT162b2 vaccine. After the 3rd vaccine dose, there was a significant increase in anti-spike antibody MFIs against the WT, Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta variants (Fig. 1A, p<0.0001 for all). For comparison, all pre-pandemic HCs and KCs had a negative result for anti-spike antibody levels (Fig. 1B). Prior to the 3rd vaccine dose, 29% of KTRs had anti-spike antibodies against the WT compared to only 2% against the Delta variant (Fig. 1C, p=0.0001). After the 3rd vaccine dose, 67% of KTRs had anti-spike antibodies against the WT compared to 25% against the Delta variant (p<0.0001, Fig. 1D). Differences between WT and other variants are shown in Figure 1C-D. After the 3rd vaccine dose, there was a 2.1-fold and 2.5-fold increase in the percentage of KTRs with neutralizing responses against the WT and Delta variant respectively (p<0.0001 for both). There was no significant change in serum creatinine, proteinuria, or donor-derived cell-free DNA levels after vaccination. No episodes of rejection occurred during follow-up. Conclusion(s): Two doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines in KTRs are associated with minimal anti-spike antibody response directed against the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2. After the third dose, a quarter of KTRs developed anti-spike antibodies directed against the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2.
ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: Accumulation of cases is needed to determine whether vaccines should be recommended for children because of their potential to cause myocarditis in healthy children. Method(s): We report a case in which changes in laboratory data, electrocardiogram (ECG), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were tracked at our hospital. Result(s): A 12-year-old girl developed fever a day after receiving the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Three days after vaccina-tion, she also developed chest pain and went to a hospital. ECG showed ST-T segment elevation. However, the symptoms were mild, and she was treated with antipyretics and analgesics. The next day, she visited the hospital again because she had mild chest pain. ECG showed a negative T-wave, and she was referred to our hos-pital. Her real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reac-tion tests for COVID-19 yielded negative results. Computed tomography revealed no anatomical abnormalities of the coronary arteries. The serum concentration of troponin T was elevated by 131 ng/L. Echocardiography showed the left ventricular ejection fraction to be 64%. MRI showed a normal T2 value on T2-weighted imaging;however, extracellular volume increased by 33%. Although the Lake Louise criteria was not met, we diagnosed the condition as myocarditis. She was hospitalized for 2 days and discharged without the need for steroids or gamma globulin treat-ment to relieve her symptoms. Although these findings improved 17 days after vaccination, late gadolinium enhancement was noticed on MRI. Conclusion(s): The COVID-19 vaccine-related myocarditis (C-VAM) in this case was mild and like as cases in Europe and the United States. The risk of COVID-19 associated myocarditis is more than three times the risk of C-VAM. In addition, the mor-tality rate for COVID-19 associated myocarditis is higher than that for C-VAM. The need for a vaccine to protect populations from COVID-19 should be properly recognized. However, because the symptoms of C-VAM are mild, there may be many potential patients with C-VAM. Therefore, it may be advisable to avoid strenuous exercise for approximately 1 week after vaccination. Further research is needed to determine the long-term outcomes of C-VAM because of the late enhancement identified on MRI.
ABSTRACT
SESSION TITLE: Issues After COVID-19 Vaccination Case Posters SESSION TYPE: Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/19/2022 12:45 pm - 01:45 pm INTRODUCTION: More reports are indicating a temporal association between Bell's palsy and the mRNA vaccine for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, collecting vaccine history is becoming important in post-marketing surveillance to monitor the safety of vaccines in real-world settings. We report the case of concomitant occurrence of Bell's palsy and glossopharyngeal neuralgia leading to severe symptomatic hyponatremia in a previously healthy patient. CASE PRESENTATION: A 60 year-old-female without significant medical history presented to the hospital with odynophagia, and generalized weakness for two weeks. She decreased her oral intake due to stabbing pain in the back of her throat triggered by swallowing. She reported hyperacusis and frequent shooting pain in the left cheek managed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The symptoms occurred several days after the first dose of the mRNA vaccine for COVID-19. She denied previous COVID-19 infection and herpes zoster. Examination revealed dry mucosa, left facial muscle weakness, inability to raise the left eyebrow or lift the labial commissure, effacement of the nasolabial fold, and left-sided frontal wrinkles. Laboratory investigation revealed sodium of 110. Computerized Tomography of the brain revealed negative findings for intracranial abnormalities. Severe symptomatic hyponatremia was managed with hypertonic saline. The neurologist made the diagnosis of Bell's palsy and glossopharyngeal trigeminal neuralgia leading to poor oral intake. We initiated acyclovir, prednisone, and gabapentin. The patient recovered from hyponatremia and experienced improvement of neurological symptoms with initiated medications. DISCUSSION: High morbidity and mortality of patients with COVID-19 accelerated the development and production of the vaccines. During the pandemic, mRNA COVID-19 vaccines reduced asymptomatic and prevented severe symptomatic COVID-19 infection and its complications. Although the benefits and protective effects of the COVID-19 vaccines outweighed the risks associated with them, we have reports of associations between vaccines and certain disorders such as Bell's palsy. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is defined as sudden severe brief pain in the distribution of the glossopharyngeal nerve. It can be described as transient stabbing pain experienced in the ear, tonsillar fossa, and base of the tongue. Unusual presentation is fear to eat as this can be a precipitating cause of the pain. It overlaps with trigeminal neuralgia and can create a diagnostic dilemma. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, it is unknown what causal relationship exists between the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and neurological diseases such as Bell's palsy and glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is frequently overlooked as a diagnosis. This is a unique case of concomitant glossopharyngeal neuralgia and Bell's palsy that is coincidental with a history of COVID-19 vaccine. Reference #1: El Sahly HM, Baden LR, Essink B, et al. Efficacy of the mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine at Completion of Blinded Phase. New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;385(19):1774-1785. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2113017 Reference #2: Singh PM, Kaur M, Trikha A. An uncommonly common: Is glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2013;16(1):1-8. doi:10.4103/0972-2327.107662 Reference #3: Cellina M, D'Arrigo A, Floridi C, Oliva G, Carrafiello G. Left Bell's palsy following the first dose of mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine: A case report. Clin Imaging. 2022;82:1-4. doi:10.1016/j.clinimag.2021.10.010 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Nemanja Draguljevic No relevant relationships by Katherine Hodgin No relevant relationships by Kristina Menchaca No relevant relationships by Catherine Ostos Perez