Severe Acute Hepatitis: An Emerging Grave Illness in Children

Acute hepatitis of unknown origin in children has been recently described in the literature, and a case definition has also been proposed for this condition. The exact etiology is unknown and exclusion of infectious, metabolic, autoimmune and toxin mediated injuries is essential. Management for this condition is supportive, but some may require liver transplantation. Infection prevention and control practices are important as the etiology remains unidentified.Copyright © 2023, Indian Academy of Pediatrics.

Peritoneal dialysis after failed kidney transplantation, a case series with review of the literature

Kidney transplantation is a definite treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, management of allograft dysfunction has remained a major challenge and some patients return to dialysis after renal transplantation. Studies showed that peritoneal dialysis (PD) results in a higher chance of survival and a lower risk of delayed allograft dysfunction compared to hemodialysis (HD). For this reason, this study explored the initiation of PD in six patients with renal allograft dysfunction in Tabriz Imam Reza hospital (referral PD center). This case reported the results of PD and incremental PD among these patients with failed kidney transplantation. Creatinine and hemoglobin levels, duration of starting PD, PD exchange, PD modality, immunosuppressive drugs mortality rate and urine volume were evaluated during the study. In conclusion, although re-transplantation is a gold standard therapy in failed kidney transplant patients, PD or incremental PD could be a suitable and home-based modality for preserving renal function and urine output in these patients.Copyright © 2022 The Author(s);Published by Society of Diabetic Nephropathy Prevention.

The relationship between the ratio of neutrophil to lymphocyte and platelet to acute kidney injury associated with sepsis

Introduction: Sepsis refers to systemic inflammatory reactions caused by infections, which was the common complication after severe infections, trauma, burns, shock, and major surgery. Septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndromes associated with sepsis and its progression were common in intensive care units (ICU). Acute kidney injury (AKI) was a common complication of sepsis. The clinical mortality rate for sepsis was about 20%-50%, and may be as high as 70% if sepsis was associated with acute kidney injury (S-AKI). Therefore, there was a need to initiate the diagnosis and risk stratification of AKI in patients with sepsis, which will contribute to effective intervention and good prognosis. Currently, although the treatment of S-AKI was becoming better understood, diagnostic criteria for AKI were still based on elevated serum creatinine levels or decreased urine volume with the low sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, the use of current diagnostic criteria was not sufficient. The ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes and platelets (N/LP) was a low-cost measure that could be obtained through routine blood tests and is often used to reflect the inflammatory state of the body. Its usefulness as a predictor of COVID-19 prognosis and the incidence of AKI after abdominal and cardiovascular surgery has been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to determine whether elevated N/LP is associated with the risk and severity of S-AKI within 7 days after admission to the ICU of adult sepsis patients in the Department of Intensive Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. Method(s): Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS22.0. Data with a normal distribution were expressed as mean +/- standard deviation, and data without a normal distribution was expressed as median and interquartile distance (IQR). When variables has normal distributions and homogenous variances, the independent sample T-test and one-way ANOVA were used to compare the means, and then the minimum significant difference (LSD) test was performed. The rank sum test was used to compare variables with non-normal distribution. P value below 0.05(*) was considered statistically significant. Result(s): A total of 45 patients with sepsis from 2021/01/1-2021/12/31 were enrolled in the first ward of Intensive Care Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, among which 20 patients with sepsis developed AKI within 7 days after admission to ICU. The N/LP values of sepsis patients and S-AKI patients did not conform to the normal distribution, but satisfied the normal distribution after logarithmic conversion. Independent sample T test showed that there was a significant difference between the two groups. Further comparison was made between patients with sepsis and patients with S-AKI at each stage. The data were in line with normal distribution after logarithmic conversion, and statistical difference was found after one-way ANOVA. There were significant increases in S-AKI3 stage compared with sepsis patients, S-AKI3 stage compared with S-AKI2 stage and S-AKI3 stage compared with S-AKI1 stage. Conclusion(s): Elevated N/LP levels may be associated with the development of S-AKI and severe AKI in patients with sepsis within 7 days after admission to ICU. No conflict of interestCopyright © 2023

MALIGNANT HYPERTENSION AFTER COVD-19 VACCINE INJECTION

Case;40 y/o male. Clinical course;The patient was transferred to our university hospital because of DOE and severe headache. He had been well and had no history of hypertension or obesity. He had experienced the COVID-19 vaccine injection two week before this visit. After the injection he had been experienced high fever and general fatigue as well as 7 kg of weight loss. On examnation, it was found that he had severe hypertension (190/110 mmHg) and hypertensive optic fundi. On chest X-ray, cardiomegaly and bilateral lung infiltrations was evident and biochemical data indicated renal dysfunction (serum creatinine 2.35 mg/dl), high levels of plasma renin activity (39.1 ng/ml/hour normal;0.6-3.9) and aldosterone concentration (176 pg/ml normal;4.0-82.1), and inflammatory changes (CRP = 23 mg/dl). We also found that increased levels of LDH and decreased levels of hemoglobin which indicated hemolytic anemia and thrombotic microangiopathy. After the control of high blood pressure by intravenous administration of Calcium channel blockades, We performed renal biopsy, which had a finding of diffuse findings of onion skin lesion and global glomerular sclerosis compatible with the diagnosis of malignant hypertension. Any secondary etiologies including renal artery disease or collagen disease had not been identified. Seven days after the admission, we started hemodialysis for this patient because of the renal failure was not resolved. We also had startred ACE inhibitors. We stopped the diuretics and minimized the ultrafiltration. Twenty-five days after the admission the patients was withdrawn from dialysis with the urine volume around 2000 ml/day and the serum creatinine concentration 5.29 mg/dl. He was discharged without any aid of dialysis and with small number of anti-hypertensives. Four months after the discharge, his serum creatinine concentration was 3.36 mg/dl and his blood pressure was 139/85 mmHg with the ACE inhibitor and calcium channel blockades. Conclusions;The case suggested that the malignant hypertension might be triggered by COVID-19 vaccine injection, which is of clinical importance.

Severe progression of autoimmune hepatitis in a young COVID-19 adult patient: A case report

Rationale: The impact of COVID-19 in patients with autoimmune liver disease treated with immunosuppressive therapy has not been described so far. This case report describes the clinical course of a patient with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) who developed COVID-19 and the features of cytokine syndrome leading to its deterioration in our intensive care unit. Patient's Concern: A 28-year-old male presented with generalized anasarca for two weeks and chronic liver disease for 8 months. Diagnosis: AIH and Covid-19 with features of cytokine storm syndrome. Interventions: Intravenous furosemide, mannitol, syrup lactulose, steroids (prednisolone 40 mg), azathioprine 1 mg/kg body weight, rifaximin, vitamin K, and blood products. Outcomes: The patient had hepatic encephalopathy and AIH and died on the 10th day after admission despite ventilatory support, sustained low-efficiency hemodialysis, and resuscition. Lessons: The dramatic release of cytokines and the inflammatory-immune responses not only alter the pathophysiology but also affects the onset and severity of disease progression in patients with AIH.

Safety and efficacy of REZUM for the treatment of BPH in an Australian cohort

Introduction & Objectives: Minimally invasive transurethral therapies for benign prostatic hypertension are becoming increasingly common in Europe and America. They may be performed under local anaesthetic and provide a good alternative to invasive procedures in a COVID era. REZUM, a minimally invasive transurethral water-vapor therapy, has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for BPH, especially where preserved sexual function is a priority. Although short-term clinical outcomes are promising, long-term data from robust studies is lacking. In Australia, there are few providers of REZUM, which utilises steam injections to reduce prostatic tissue. This study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of REZUM in an Australian cohort. Methods: A clinical audit was conducted of 50 patients who underwent REZUM to treat symptoms of BPH over a 12-month period. Procedures were performed under general anaesthetic. Demographics, comorbidities, sexual function, prostate volume, PSA, voiding flow rate, post-void residual volume and International Prostate Symptom Score were extracted from medical records, in addition to patient's reasons for seeking minimally invasive treatment. Corresponding post-operative data was collected. Descriptive statistics of the cohort were obtained using Stata 16.0. Paired t-test was used to identify if there was a significant difference between IPSS scores pre- and postprocedure Results: Patients accessing treatment ranged from 48 to 84 years (mean 64.6). Median prostate volume was 55mL (inter-quartile range 45-78mls) and mean International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was 20.3. 28% of the cohort cited concern for ejaculatory function, either from medication side effects or TURP, as their primary reason for seeking minimally invasive treatment. A further 25% of the cohort was additionally concerned about other side effects from medications and/or TURP or had experienced medication failure. The mean follow up period was 6 months (range 6-weeks-26 months). 69% of men were satisfied with their symptom improvement at the time of review, with the expectation of ongoing improvement in men who had attended a 6-week post-operative review only. Postprocedure mean IPSS was 7.9 (range 2-33). Mean reduction in IPSS score post-procedure was 12.7 points (p<0.001). 3 men experienced complications (retention, infection, bulbar stricture). Conclusions: REZUM provides a safe alternative to traditional invasive prostatic treatments. It may be performed under local anaesthetic, providing an effective alternative in a COVID era. Men concerned about medications, more invasive treatments and ejaculatory dysfunction are increasingly seeking relief from this minimally invasive option and experiencing good outcomes including significant symptom improvement sustained over medium-term follow up.

DEVELOPMENT OF HOME DIALYSIS PATIENT SUPPORT SYSTEM USING CLOUD SYSTEM II-ADDITION OF EXERCISE THERAPY FUNCTION

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The number of patients requiring home dialysis in Japan is increasing due to COVID-19 and the aging of the population. Home haemodialysis has been performed in Japan since the 1960s. However, as of March 2019, there were 720 home haemodialysis patients in Japan, which is only 0.2% of the total number of dialysis patients. The possible causes are as follows. The number of home haemodialysis patients has not increased markedly due to safety concerns as home haemodialysis patients perform dialysis at home, and the out-ofpocket costs are high. In addition, patients and caregivers must be able to manage themselves, and the burden on both patients and caregivers is heavy. Therefore, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (Japan) has advocated the need for home patients to share information with medical institutions to improve their quality of life, including COVID-19 measures. We have built a system to support home dialysis patients. Here, we have added an exercise therapy function to this system to encourage patients to continue exercising. METHOD: The items recorded/displayed in the patient's home peritoneal dialysis support system included records such as time, blood pressure, blood glucose level, urine volume, meal content, replacement start time, dialysate/plasma ratio, drainage volume, injection volume, water content and water removal and drainage. These inputs were entered via drop-down menus and displayed visually in graphs or by uploading images. The medical staff could see photographs of the affected areas and of meals entered by the patient. Patients could also share their opinions and treatment schedules with the medical staff at the medical institution. In addition, when exercising, the patients used an ergometer that allowed them to sit or lie down. The developed system incorporates records of the patient's exercises. Data were captured directly from the ergometer into the developed system in CSV format and could also be entered manually via drop-down menus. RESULTS: Using the developed system, we were able to enter and view patients' vital data and display photographs showing the color and volume of the drainage pack. By viewing these photographs, the medical staff could confirm the photographs of the affected areas, the color of the packs and the contents of the patients' meals. In addition, displaying the patient's vital records in a graph allowed for visual evaluation over time, which was useful when giving advice to patients. Using the two-way communication function, patients were also able to share their opinions and treatment schedules with the medical staff of the medical institution. Patients can now consult with medical staff, making their homes more like part of the hospital and giving them greater peace of mind. Figure 1 shows an example of the display of the developed system. Figure 2 shows an example of the patient's pedaling exercise results input from the ergometer. The amount of pedal movement performed by the patient was conserved through the dynamo and used to charge mobile devices. This allows the patient to charge their mobile devices while exercising, thus encouraging them to continue exercising. CONCLUSION: We have developed a support system for home haemodialysis patients that allows the input and display of patients' vital records and consultation with medical staff online. We have added a function to the system to encourage home haemodialysis patients to continue exercising. By using the developed system, patients can now perform home dialysis, including continuous exercise safely and with peace of mind, and healthcare professionals can access all medical information of patients, including changes over time. (Figure Presented).

RENAL RECOVERY AFTER ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY ASSOCIATED TO COVID REQUIRING CRRT DURING ICU HOSPITALIZATION

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Renal recovery (RR) after AKI is a determinant outcome of future comorbidity and mortality in critical care patients. Related predictive factors remain uncertain. METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed patients admitted to ICU between January 2020 and February 2021 from our critical nephrology database. We analyzed adult patients with diagnosis of AKI (KDIGO criteria) treated with renal replacement therapy (RRT) during ICU hospitalization. We excluded patients with dialysis support previous to the admission. The main outcomes we evaluated were (1) RR (successful suspension of RRT without hyperkalemia, increase in serum creatinine (SCr), hypervolemia or acidemia after 1 week without RRT, with urine volume > 500 mL/d without diuretic treatment or > 2000 mL/d with diuretics). (2) Mortality during hospitalization. RESULTS: We found 1442 patients were admitted to ICU, 418 presented AKI (29.8%), of them, 178 patients (64% male) required RRT (AKI-RRTd) in ICU during follow-up, with mean age of 66 year old (52.8% >65 year). Main comorbidity and demographic data are in Table 1. Mean time in ICU was 19 days (RIC 11-35). The most frequent admission cause was non-surgical pathologies (93%), 53% of admitted patients had COVID-19 as main diagnosis (95 patients). There was need of vasoactive support in 73.6%, ventilatory support (82.6) and 67.2% of patients had fluid overload. The indication of dialysis was determined by a nephrologist: mainly oliguria, acidosis, hyperkalemia, fluid overload and increase SCr. Mean SCR at admission was 2.5 mg/dL. There were missing data in 48% of basal SCr (known SCr between 1 and 12 months prior to admission). Total mortality in AKI-RRTd was 70.8% (126 patients). In COVID patients, was 77.9% (74 patients). We found renal recovery in 63.4% of total survivors (33/52 patients). When analyzing COVID, there were 21 survivors, and we found renal recovery in 80.9% of patients. Patients who did not achieved renal recovery had longer ICU stay (median: 20 days, RIC: 4-26) and inhospitalization (median: 41 days, RIC: 29-58). Those patients were older, and had higher morbidity (diabetes), higher SCr at ICU admission and lower urine output. Their fluid balance was higher at 48 h after CRRT initiation (OR 3.05, 95% CI 1.39-6.65, P <.01). In COVID population without renal recovery, there were more urgent dialysis onset (OR 8.33, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.04-66.2;P = .04), age > 65 year (OR 6.48, 95% CI 1.94-21.6;P < .01), positive fluid balance at 48 h after RRT (OR 3.25;95% CI 1.09-9.69;P = .03). The risk factors for mortality, were age > 65 year (OR 4.14, 95% CI 2.05- 8.35;P < .01), mechanical ventilation (OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.48-7.30;P < .01), haemodynamic support (OR 4.37, 95% CI 2.14-8.92;P < .01). Otherwise, lower SCr at admission (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.71-0.93;P < .01) and at instauration of RRT (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.065-0.88;P < .01) were associated to lower mortality. In COVID patients, fluid overload at RRT initiation (OR 10.83, 95% CI 1.37-85.36;P = .02), age > 65 year old (OR 8.85, 95% CI 2.68-29.1;P < .01) and FiO2 > 50% at RRT start (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.02-7.50;P = .04) were associated to higher mortality. CONCLUSION: In ICU patients with AKI-RRT dependence, negative fluid balance at 48 h after RRT onset and in COVID patients, age < 65 year old, negative fluid balance at 48 h after RRT onset and non-urgent onset of RRT were related with renal recovery. (Table Presented).

ATYPICAL HAEMOLYTIC UREMIC SYNDROME ASSOCIATED WITH COVID-19: CASE REPORT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Renal manifestations are common in hospitalized patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We report here the case of a patient with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection with the clinical picture of atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). METHOD: Case report RESULTS: Our case is a 31-year-old man with a nasopharyngeal swab with real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 positive, who was hospitalized in the Clinic of Infectious Diseases. His medical history had a respiratory illness of 7-day evolution characterized by cough, fever, dyspnoea, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and non-bloody diarrhoea, and decreased urine output with dark colour urine. The chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed few rounded ground-glass opacities. Laboratory tests at admission revealed the following: (i) acute kidney injury stage 3 with a serum creatinine of 3.85 mg/dL (basal value 0.9 mg/dL);serum urea 221 mg/dL. His urinary volume in the first 24 h of hospitalization was 800 mL. (ii) Severe haemolytic anaemia with haemoglobin (Hgb) level of 3.7 g/dL, and peripheral smear showing large number of schistocytes, haptoglobin <10 mg/dL and indirect bilirubin 9.7 mg/dL, direct coombs testing was negative;reticulocyte count 8.9%. (iii) Severe thrombocytopaenia with platelet count of 25 000/μL, prothrombin time 45%, international normalized ratio 1.7, D-dimer 1082 ng/dL and fibrinogen 880 mg/dL. Increased blood levels of enzymes and inflammatory markers were present: lactate dehydrogenase 1867 U/L and protein C reactive 9.1 mg/dL. Electrolyte disturbances characterized by hyperkalaemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcaemia and severe metabolic acidosis. Dynamic changes of laboratory data are presented in Table 1. The usual liver panel tests, alkaline phosphatase, γ -glutamyl transferase and albuminemia were normal. Toxic hepatitis was excluded. Hepatobiliary and spleen imaging (ultrasonography) was normal. ELISA serologic tests for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C virus and cytomegalovirus were negative. Serological and virological tests for hepatitis A, B, C, HIV and CMV were negative. Stool was negative for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). The results of antinuclear antibodies and anti-smooth-muscle antibodies were negative, C3 serum level was mildly depressed (82 mg/dL;normal range 88- 201 mg/dL) and C4 serum level was normal (20 mg/dL;normal range 10-44 mg/dL). ADAMTS13 activity was 90% on day 10. He was treated with broad spectrum antibiotics, intravenous dexamethasone and supportive therapy. One week from admission, renal function recovered, and 1 week after intravascular haemolysis and thrombocytopaenia recovered. The patient was hospitalized for 21 days. CONCLUSION: Close monitoring and early intervention can help for a better outcome of SARS-CoV-2 patients complicated with aHUS.

An interesting case of systemic amyloidosis with lung involvement - A case report

Introduction: Systemic amyloidosis is a rare disease with estimated incidence of 10 cases per million personyears. Amyloidosis is caused by misfolding of autologous protein and its extra- cellular deposition resulting in organ dysfunction and death. Case Report: A 63 year old male presented with complaints of breathlessness for past 3 months, bilateral swelling of legs & scrotum and abdominal distension for past 2weeks. He was diagnosed as a case of Amyloidosis (AL type)/ IgG lambda monoclonal gammapathy 2 months back. Renal biopsy s/o Amyloidosis (AL type) & Immuno-electrophoresis revealed IgG lambda monoclonal gammapathy, started on Bortezomib, Lenalidomide and dexamethasone regimen weekly. CT chest reported as interstitial lung disease. Swab for Covid19 negative. ECHO: mildly dilated right chambers, intact septae, corpulmonale. Urine for albumin: ++. 24 hour total urine volume and protein elevated. Bone marrow biopsy: plasma cells in clusters. IHC: CD138:10 to 15%. Sputum for AFB: negative, Mantoux: 0mm, Sputum for gram stain: gram positive cocci in pairs and short chains. Derm(o)- diffuse altered hyper and hypopigmentation (Macules of varying size) present over b/l upper and lower limb. Poikilodermic changes present. Multidisciplinary discussion done. He was treated with oxygen, albumin infusion, chemotherapy and supportive drugs. Conclusion: Pulmonary amyloidosis can be localized or part of systemic amyloidosis. It can present as diffuse alveolar-septal amyloidosis, nodular amyloidosis, tracheobronchial amyloidosis. Pulmonary interstitial involvement along with cardiac amyloidosis can result in cardiopulmonary failure and death.

Effectiveness of ketofol versus propofol induction on hemodynamic profiles in adult elective surgical patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Most of the time propofol and ketamine have been used as an induction agent in adult surgical patients but propofol may cause cardiorespiratory depression while ketamine increases heart rate and arterial blood pressure. On the other hand, the clinical effects of propofol and ketamine seem to be complementary. Ketofol is most commonly used for procedural sedation hence exploring its effectiveness for induction will be paramount for the clinical care of surgical patients. Objective: This study aims to compare the hemodynamic changes between ketofol and propofol within 30 min after induction of general anesthesia for elective surgical patients. Methodology: A Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial was done on 62 patients aged between 18 and 65 years and the American Society of Anesthesiologist class I & II those have been allocated randomly into ketofol and propofol groups. A change in systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate within 30mins was followed for both groups. After the normal distribution of data was tested analytic statistics were calculated for variables in the study using Mixed ANOVA, Independent samples T-test, and Mann Whitney U test as appropriate, and for categorical data Chi-square test or fisher's exact test was used for analysis. P-value < 0.05 is considered statistically significant with a power of 90%. Results: Both the mean systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure were significantly decreased in the propofol group immediately after induction, at 5th minute, 10th minute, and 15th minute compared to the baseline value with a statistically significant value of (p < 0.05). There was a significant increase in mean heart rate in the ketofol group immediately after induction and on the 5th minute after induction compared to the baseline value (p = 0.001 and p = 0.022 respectively). Conclusion and recommendations: We conclude the administration of ketofol (0.75 mg/kg of ketamine and 1.5 mg/kg of propofol) for induction of general anesthesia has better hemodynamic stability than propofol during the first 30 min after induction. We recommend to researchers to do further randomize controlled trials, with invasive blood pressure measurement and multicenter study.

Chronic Indolent Community-acquired Pneumonia due to Pseudomonas Infection in an Immunocompetent Patient- A Case Report

Pseudomonas is an uncommon cause of community-acquired pneumonia in immunocompetent patients. It is an opportunistic pathogen resulting in serious infection in patients who are hospitalised, mechanically ventilated, or immunocompromised. A 47-year-old male, forest worker without any co-morbidities presented with a history of chronic cough, fever, and shortness of breath complicated with pseudohemoptysis for 45 days. This patient was admitted and treated as a lower respiratory tract infection. Work-up for tuberculosis, invasive fungal balls, was negative but sputum culture revealed Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth. This case report demonstrates a rare Pseudomonas infection which can also cause chronic indolent respiratory illness in immunocompetent.