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Maintaining an active medical research career is a multifaceted undertaking, and many challenges arise, even under normal circumstances. Therefore, the Australian government mandated COVID19 lockdowns and worksite restrictions from 2020 2021 inflicted an additional layer of complexity to an already complicated career for most researchers. A critical issue I faced during these COVID19 lockdowns was to establish whether our research focus was considered an essential service during a period of time when the public health advice was to restrict the movement of research staff and students by enacting new laws to ensure they stay at home. My research team members were also rightfully worried about contracting COVID19 during a period when a viable vaccine was not available. In this presentation, I will be covering some of the adaptive changes I implemented during the COVID19 lockdowns to ensure the continuity of our research program, which includes: 1) Proactive engagement with our medical institute and university COVID-19 taskforces to formulate a joint vision of which research areas should be prioritised during these lockdowns in pursuit of both treatments and vaccines;2) Continuous communication with my research team to encourage, motivate and energise staff and students to allow them to contribute to the research program meaningfully;3) Provide flexible working hours for research team members to work within the confinements of a reduced worksite footprint with an appreciation for social distancing;and 4) Contingency planning to ensure if one research team member contracts COVID-19, there are others with the cross-functional skillset to take over their responsibilities. Taking such steps ensured the rapid development of a new treatment regime that was showing impressive results in reversing multi-organ dysfunction in another clinically challenging area in intensive care units (sepsis). Following the preclinical assessment of safety and efficacy of this new treatment regime, we were able to compassionately treat a critically ill COVID19 patient receiving intensive care at Austin Health. In a short period of time, we saw improved regulation of blood pressure, arterial blood oxygen levels and kidney function. The patient was able to be taken off machine ventilation 12 days after starting sodium ascorbate treatment and discharged from hospital without any complications 22 days later. This research has now informed the design and commencement of multi-centre randomised controlled clinical trials at four hospital intensive care units in Australia.
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Arterial thrombosis encountered during sars-cov2 infections is a rare complication with a poor prognosis compared to venous ones. They generally occur in severe and critical clinical forms of covid19 [1,2]. The physiopathology of arterial thrombosis, even if not completely understood highlights hypercoagulability and excessive inflammation as risk factors with a major role of the endothelial lesions in their occurrence. The presence of cardiovascular risk factors in patients infected with covid19 is also discussed as a predisposing factor for arterial thrombosis [2,3]. We report the case of a North African male patient hospitalized for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to covid19 pneumonia, complicated by the occurrence of multiple arterial thrombosis of the aorto-iliac axis with the rare finding of two free floating thrombus in the aorta and the right common iliac artery. Clinically, the patient had developed acute bilateral lower limb ischemia and multi-organ failure and the evolution was dramatic with rapid worsening of the patient…s health and eventually his death. Thromboembolic complications are frequent during covid19 infection but the aortic localization is very rare. Its diagnosis is difficult and it has a poor prognosis. Our objective through this case report is to increase knowledge about arterial thromboembolic events while discussing their link to the sars-cov2 viral infection. © 2022
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COVID-19 infection caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in China led to a pandemic all over the world. Although mortality rate between 4.3% to 14.6%, studies have shown that coagulation dysfunction is a major cause of death in patients with severe COVID-19 infection. The majority of the severely ill patients have underlying disease (i.e. diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension) and initially present with respiratory insufficiency but some of them progress to systemic disease causing multiple organ dysfunction. This manuscript reviews coagulation system abnormalities in patients with COVID-19 infection.
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Objectives: To measure the prevalence of viral infections, length of stay (LOS), and outcome in children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) during the period preceding the COVID-19 pandemic in a MERS-CoV endemic country. Methods: A retrospective chart review of children 0–14 years old admitted to PICU with a viral infection. Results: Of 1736 patients, 164 patients (9.45%) had a positive viral infection. The annual prevalence trended downward over a three-year period, from 11.7% to 7.3%. The median PICU LOS was 11.6 days. Viral infections were responsible for 1904.4 (21.94%) PICU patient-days. Mechanical ventilation was used in 91.5% of patients, including noninvasive and invasive modes. Comorbidities were significantly associated with intubation (P-value = 0.025). Patients infected with multiple viruses had median pediatric index of mortality 2 (PIM 2) scores of 4, as compared to 1 for patients with single virus infections (p < 0.001), and a median PICU LOS of 12 days, compared to 4 in the single-virus group (p < 0.001). Overall, mortality associated with viral infections in PICU was 7 (4.3%). Patients with viral infections having multiple organ failure were significantly more likely to die in the PICU (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Viral infections are responsible for one-fifth of PICU patient-days, with a high demand for mechanical ventilation. Patients with multiple viral infections had longer LOS, and higher PIM 2 scores. The downward trend in the yearly rate of PICU admissions for viral infections between the end of the MERS-CoV outbreak and the start of the COVID-19 pandemic may suggest viral interference that warrants further investigations. © 2022 Japanese Society of Chemotherapy and The Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases
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Case Report: Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (atypical HUS) is a rare and severe form of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) characterized by thrombocytopenia, intravascular hemolysis, and acute kidney injury with an incidence of 1 per million.1 Dysregulation and overactivation of the complement alternative pathway due to genetic mutations have been detected in 40-60% of patients with sporadic or familial atypical HUS.2,4 Triggers include viral illness, pregnancy, malignancy, sepsis, or sporadically with no known inciting event.1 Atypical HUS is a severe disease with a 2-10% risk of mortality, 33% risk of end-stage renal failure, and 50% chance of relapse.5 A 24-year-old female with prior history of atypical HUS at the age of 16 (with response to plasmapheresis) presented to the ER with a 5-day history of fever, chills, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and dark urine. She tested positive for COVID-19. The exam revealed scleral icterus and scattered petechiae. Labs demonstrated nadir hemoglobin (Hgb) of 9.2 g/dL, platelet count of 52 000k/uL, haptoglobin < 30 mg/dL, peak LDH 1128U/L and creatinine 4.62 mg/dL. Urinalysis is consistent with hemoglobinuria. Schistocytes were noted on the peripheral smear. Rapid streptococcal antigen test and C3, C4, and IgA levels were unremarkable. Chest X-Ray, X-ray KUB, and ultrasound abdomen were unremarkable. The pregnancy test was negative. ADAMTS13 was >100%. Genetic analysis after the initial episode at age 16 revealed autosomal recessive inheritance c.193A > c gene mutations in C3. The patient received IV fluids, ceftriaxone for cystitis, and two units of Fresh Frozen Plasma. She initiated treatment with eculizumab. She also received the MENVEO and meningitis B vaccine per protocol due to the risk of meningitis from terminal complement deficiencies. After 4 infusions of eculizumab, patient's labs improved to platelet count of 307 000 k/uL, Hgb 12.2 g/ dL (nadir 9.2 g/dL), haptoglobin 78 mg/dL normalization of LDH and improved creatinine. Atypical HUS is a rare form of TMAwith mutations in C3 noted in 5% of cases. Complement cascade dysfunction leads to endothelial deposits and microvasculature damage. The resulting prothrombotic state causes obstructive microvascular thrombi predominantly affecting the kidneys but can cause multiorgan dysfunction. The SARS-CoV-2 virus may precipitate atypical HUS relapse due to endothelial damage and complement activation further intensified in patients with existing complement aberrations. Plasma exchange remains a standard of care for atypical HUS, as it effectively removes the antibodies and other proteins. Eculizumab a humanized monoclonal IgG antibody binds to complement proteins, preventing cleavage into C5a and C5b blocking C5b-9(MAC) activation. In patients with CFH, CFI, C3, and CFB mutations, eculizumab is the preferred intervention. Copyright © 2023 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation.
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AIM: The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of death cases with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHOD(S): We collected clinical characteristics of confirmed COVID-19 patients who died from January 01, 2022, to March 31, 2022, in Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou General Hospital, Manado, Indonesia. The patient's clinical features were obtained from the electronic medical records: Age, sex, history of COVID-19 vaccination, type of vaccine, s-gene target failure (SGTF) result, duration of hospitalization, comorbidities, and cause of death. RESULT(S): Seventy-nine medical records of COVID-19 patients treated and died at Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou General Hospital, Manado, Indonesia, from January 01, 2022, to March 31, 2022. The mean age of patients was 56-years-old, 57% were males, and 43% were females. The mean duration of hospitalization was 5 days. Most patients (73%) had not received any COVID-19 vaccine. SGTF results showed a probable Omicron variant in 53% of the subject, 13% of non-probable Omicron, and 13% of others who did not have the test. A third of the deceased patients had at least one type of comorbid condition. Diabetes mellitus was the most common comorbidity in 66% of our subjects. Most of the issues died due to respiratory failure (63%), and the rest died due to multiple organ failures, septic shock, and cerebrovascular accidents. CONCLUSION(S): One-third of COVID-19 patients who died at least had one type of comorbidity, commonly diabetes mellitus. Most of the subjects died due to respiratory failure. Most of the deceased patients had not received any COVID-19 vaccination. Copyright © 2022 Erling David Kaunang, Erwin Gidion Kristanto, Jimmy Panelewen, Ivonne Elisabeth Rotty.
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SARS-CoV-2 infection continues to be relevant for healthcare systems because it is widespread and characterized by systemic lesions. Complications of the disease primarily affect the respiratory, cardiovascular and urinary systems. In severe cases, secondary infection may join and acute distress syndrome may develop. The most formidable complication, with a high frequency leading to the death of patients, is multiple organ failure. Undoubtedly, the presence of concomitant pathology in the patient has a negative impact on the course of COVID-19 and affects the prognosis of the disease, which requires special attention in clinical practice for their detection and rapid response in order to optimize therapy. The spectrum of complications is very wide. From the cardiovascular system, these are myocarditis, acute myocardial infarction, thromboembolic events. Acute kidney injury and/or worsening of the course of chronic kidney disease also often develops. This review examines several issues related to the defeat of vital organs, various clinical variants of the course of the disease. Particular attention is paid to the damage of the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as the most vulnerable systems for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. © Ю.В. Лаврищева, А.О. Конради, А.А. Яковенко, 2022.
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The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the enveloped RNA beta-severe acute respiratory syndromecoronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The COVID-19 may have a variable presentation, from an asymptomatic disease to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multi-organ failure. Impairment of endocrine systems may also occur in COVID-19 patients and thyroid gland involvement was reported in a not negligible number of patients, as documented in several studies since the pandemic outbreak. Abnormal thyroid function tests (TSH and/or thyroid hormones) are frequently reported in COVID-19 patients with variable prevalence and mild to moderate severity in available studies. Keys for understanding this dilemma are introduced in this overview. Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.
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Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in high hospitalization rates worldwide. Acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 is frequent and associated with disease severity and poor outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of kidney replacement therapy (KRT) in critically ill patients with COVID-19 and its implication on outcome. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all COVID-19 patients admitted to the Department of Intensive Care Medicine at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (Germany) between 1 March 2020 and 31 July 2021. Demographics, clinical parameters, type of organ support, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, mortality and severity scores were assessed. Results: Three-hundred critically ill patients with COVID-19 were included. The median age of the study population was 61 (IQR 51-71) years and 66% (n = 198) were male. 73% (n = 219) of patients required invasive mechanical ventilation. Overall, 68% (n = 204) of patients suffered from acute respiratory distress syndrome and 30% (n = 91) required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). We found that 46% (n = 139) of patients required KRT. Septic shock (OR 11.818, 95% CI: 5.941-23.506, p < 0.001), higher simplified acute physiology scores (SAPS II) (OR 1.048, 95% CI: 1.014-1.084, p = 0.006) and vasopressor therapy (OR 5.475, 95% CI: 1.127-26.589, p = 0.035) were independently associated with the initiation of KRT. 61% (n = 85) of patients with and 18% (n = 29) without KRT died in the ICU (p < 0.001). Cox regression found that KRT was independently associated with mortality (HR 2.075, 95% CI: 1.342-3.208, p = 0.001) after adjusting for confounders. Conclusion: Critically ill patients with COVID-19 are at high risk of acute kidney injury with about half of patients requiring KRT. The initiation of KRT was associated with high mortality.
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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has become a global public health emergency and has led to devastating results. Mounting evidence proposes that the disease causes severe pulmonary involvement and influences different organs, leading to a critical situation named multi-organ failure. It is yet to be fully clarified how the disease becomes so deadly in some patients. However, it is proven that a condition called "cytokine storm" is involved in the deterioration of COVID-19. Although beneficial, sustained production of cytokines and overabundance of inflammatory mediators causing cytokine storm can lead to collateral vital organ damages. Furthermore, cytokine storm can cause post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS), an important cause of morbidity after the acute phase of COVID-19. Herein, we aim to explain the possible pathophysiology mechanisms involved in COVID-19-related cytokine storm and its association with multi-organ failure and PCS. We also discuss the latest advances in finding the potential therapeutic targets to control cytokine storm wishing to answer unmet clinical demands for treatment of COVID-19.
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SARS-CoV-2 , Humans , Cytokine Release Syndrome/drug therapy , Multiple Organ Failure/etiology , CytokinesABSTRACT
Purpose: Currently there are no UNOS guidelines regarding the selection criteria required for simultaneous heart-kidney transplant recipients (SHKT). As of 2018 our center has begun performing these dual transplants for appropriate candidates. We report on the criteria devised to guide SHKT candidate selection at our institution and the subsequent clinical outcomes. Method(s): This is a single center, retrospective study of 26 patients who received SHKT at our institution from Dec 2018 to Oct 2021. A multidisciplinary team composed of heart and kidney transplant medical and surgical members determined appropriate recipient-donor SHKT candidate pairs. Selection criteria for SHKT was established by our kidney transplant group and included an evaluation for chronic kidney disease (CKD) or evidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) with a prolonged course or requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). The surgery was conducted according to our institution's standardized protocols. The majority of patients received IL2-RA and methylprednisolone induction therapy, and all patients received triple immunosuppression therapy with prednisone, mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus. Adjustments in long term therapy were made in collaboration between the heart and kidney transplant teams. Result(s): From Dec 2018 to Oct 2021, 26 patients underwent SHKT at our institution. 24 patients (92%) carried a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) as defined as an eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73m2 for at least 90 days on at least two separate tests. Clinical risk factors for CKD, the presence of proteinuria, and renal imaging data were also taken into consideration when determining a diagnosis of CKD. Two patients (8%) carried a diagnosis of stage III AKI for at least 4 weeks and required renal replacement therapy during their hospital course. Of our 26 patients, one patient received a DCD donor and 12 patients (46%) received hepatitis C donors. 25 patients (96%) received induction therapy with IL2-RA. During the first 3 months post-transplant, the only patient who received ATG had 7 severe infections;11 patients (44%) and 13 patients (52%) who received IL2 -RA had no infections and <= 4 mild infections, respectively. One patient died due to COVID 19 pneumonia complicated by multisystem organ failure. For a median follow up period of 410 (187-707) days, 8% patients in the IL2-RA induction cohort experienced a 2R/3A heart rejection, 8% patients remained on HD due to primary kidney graft nonfunction, and the survival rate was 96%. Conclusion(s): UNOS guidelines regarding selection criteria for SHKT are an important next step in the care of heart transplant candidates with kidney disease, particularly as the number of SHKT performed yearly increase. Compared to the literature, our data supports the use of standardized criteria for SHKT selection and the use of IL2- RA as an induction strategy with excellent patient survival.
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Background and Aim: Kawasaki-like (multisystem inflammatory) syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection is characterized by acute severe systemic vasculitis, often with multi-organ dys-function and cardiac involvement. Although most patients recover, long-term outcomes are poorly studied [Gema de Lama Caro-Paton et al., 2021;Guimaraes D. et et al., 2021;Sharma C. et al., 2021]. Method(s): We analyzed the results of laboratory, clinical, radiologi-cal, ECG and EchoCG data in the dynamic observation of 15 patients (M 9, 1.5-16 yo, m = 7) in 3 months after the suffered MIS-C. Result(s): At the disease onset high refractory fever was observed in all cases, symptoms of Kawasaki disease in 12 (80%) of them, shock with multi-organ dysfunction-in 8 (53.3%), including symptoms of acute heart failure-in 5 (33%), concomitant in two cases with severe left ventricular dilatation with low LV EF. Myocardial damage was seen in 11 patients (73%), pericarditis in 12 (80%), coronary dilatation in two (13%);troponin level increased in 5 (33%), CK-MB-in 5 (33%), BNP-in 3 (25%). After 3 months, there were no signs of myocardial dysfunction and/or cardiomegaly in any patient, troponin and BNP levels normalized in all patients, a moderate increase of CK-MB was seen in 8 (53%), and coronary dilatation persisted in one patient. Arrhythmias were documented at onset in 9 (60%) patients, 3 (20%) after 3 months (p = 0.028). Conclusion(s): preliminary results of follow-up of children after MIS-C demonstrate favorable course in the majority of patients by clinical, laboratory, ECG and echocardiographic data. Further observations are needed to determine the long-term prognosis.
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SESSION TITLE: Rare Cases of Nervous System and Thrombotic Complication Posters SESSION TYPE: Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/17/2022 12:15 pm - 01:15 pm INTRODUCTION: Covid 19 virus has impacted nearly 450 million people across the globe;ranging from an asymptomatic carrier state to respiratory symptoms, cardiovascular symptoms, hematologic manifestations and multiorgan failure to death. Thrombotic events are one of its devastating complications. CASE PRESENTATION: A 66 year old man with a history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and 30 pack years smoking history presented to the emergency room with hypoxia and altered mental status. On exam, his GCS was 8/15 and oxygen saturation was 85% on room air. He was subsequently intubated. CTA chest demonstrated bilateral diffuse ground glass opacities and left pulmonary embolism (PE). CT abdomen and pelvis showed multifocal infarcts in the right kidney with findings suggestive of renal artery thrombosis. Initial platelet count was 80,000/ul with creatinine of 3.9 mg/dl and creatine kinase (CK) of 3977 u/l. His INR was 1.4. Patient was not a candidate for thrombolysis given his thrombocytopenia. He was started on intravenous (IV) heparin and given IV hydration. On day 3 of his admission, he developed dry gangrene of the toes. Ankle brachial index of the right lower extremity (LE) was 1.16 and left LE was 0. Duplex ultrasonography of left LE showed mid to distal popliteal artery thrombus occluding below knee popliteal and tibial arteries. Echocardiogram showed ejection fraction of 55% and bubble study was negative for any intra atrial or pulmonary shunting. On day 4 of his admission, he developed oliguria and his gangrene got worse. His platelet counts decreased to 36,000/ul. Other pertinent labs showed INR 1.2, PT 15.3, PTT 34, D dimer 14.82, fibrinogen 498, CK 6434 mg/dl, hemoglobin 13.2 g/dl, haptoglobin 243 mg/dl and LDH 1041 U/l. Given his poor prognosis in the setting of ventilator dependent respiratory failure, multiple thrombosis and kidney failure requiring hemodialysis, the family decided to withdraw care. DISCUSSION: There are multiple hypotheses of thrombus formation in Covid 19 infection such as interleukin 6 and other cytokines induced endothelial injury, angiogenesis and elevated prothrombotic factors such as factor VIII and fibrinogen. Our patient had PE, renal artery thrombosis and popliteal artery thrombosis. Despite being on full dose anticoagulation, he developed gangrene of the toes. His lab results were not consistent with disseminated intravascular coagulation, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and he was not known to have any baseline hypercoagulable disorder. He did not have any intra cardiac shunts. Hence, it is most likely Covid 19 induced multiple arterial and venous thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of Covid 19 related thrombosis has become very challenging especially in the setting of multiple clots. It is crucial to have large multicenter studies to investigate vascular complications of Covid-19 and to formulate management strategies to ensure good patient outcomes. Reference #1: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa2015432 Reference #2: https://journal.chestnet.org/article/S0012-3692(21)01126-0/fulltext DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Devashish Desai No relevant relationships by Swe Swe Hlaing no disclosure on file for Jean Marie Koka;No relevant relationships by Hui Chong Lau No relevant relationships by Subha Saeed No relevant relationships by Anupam Sharma No relevant relationships by Muhammad Moiz Tahir
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SESSION TITLE: Studies on COVID-19 Infections Posters SESSION TYPE: Original Investigation Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/18/2022 01:30 pm - 02:30 pm PURPOSE: COVID-19 infection has a wide spectrum of clinical presentation ranging from asymptomatic carriers to severe critical illness associated with high morbidity and mortality. Although severe COVID-19 disease is associated primarily with pulmonary dysfunction and hypoxemia, many patients with lung disease can be supported by invasive mechanical ventilation allowing for other causes or complications to be the primary factor leading to death. The contribution of pulmonary dysfunction to the primary cause of death is not well-described. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) admitted to the MICU at Los Angeles County + University of Southern California (LAC + USC) hospital from April 2020 to December 2020 with a primary diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia associated with documented in-hospital death. Data including baseline patient characteristics, primary cause of death and/or circumstance prior to withdrawal of care, and disease course were collected. The primary organ system responsible for death was defined as the organ dysfunction that most directly resulted in the patient’s death or impacted the decision for withdrawal of life support with details adapted from Ketcham, et al (Crit Care, 2020). RESULTS: We identified 86 patients who were admitted to the ICU that met inclusion criteria for review, of which 75% were male and 93% were Latino/Hispanic. Mean age on admission was 64 years. Of the 86 patients, 47 (54%) died from a primary pulmonary cause, 28 (32%) died from sepsis, 5 (6%) died from neurologic causes, and 4 (5%) died from either renal or hemorrhagic causes. Of the 47 patients who died primarily from pulmonary causes, 34 (72%) died from hypoxemic respiratory failure, 8 (17%) died from hypercapnic respiratory failure, and 5 (11%) died from combined respiratory failure. Of the 28 patients who died primarily from sepsis, 13 (46%) died from pneumonia, 7 (25%) died from fungemia, and 3 (11%) died from bacteremia with an identified source. Overall, 58 (67%) patients had multi-organ failure at time of death. Mean time from symptom onset to death was 27 days. Of the 69 patients who were intubated, mean times from admission to intubation and intubation to death was 4 and 19 days respectively. Only 1 patient who died underwent tracheostomy. CONCLUSIONS: We found that pulmonary dysfunction was the primary cause of death in the first year of the pandemic in our patient population at our single center MICU. Future studies are needed to further evaluate the primary cause of death in COVID-19 infection throughout the pandemic as medical management evolved and virus variant changed with time. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our study confirmed that a majority of patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia died from hypoxemic respiratory failure. Further studies regarding COVID-19 interventions should focus on therapies to improve oxygenation. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Christopher Do No relevant relationships by Luis Huerta No relevant relationships by Janice Liebler
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SESSION TITLE: Challenging Cases of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis SESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Case Reports PRESENTED ON: 10/19/2022 12:45 pm - 1:45 pm INTRODUCTION: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare syndrome involving pathologic immune activation that is often fatal. The link between the cytokine storm related to COVID-19 and development of HLH has been reported since the onset of the pandemic, but little is known about clinical manifestations of HLH, thereby delaying treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: A 50 year-old male presented with a several day history of progressive weakness in the setting of missed dialysis session. Medical history was significant for ESRD on dialysis and diastolic heart failure (EF 35%). Initial vitals were unremarkable. Physical exam was notable for peripheral edema bilaterally. Laboratory studies were consistent with hyperkalemia, elevated ferritin (28,383) and elevated liver function tests. COVID-19 PCR was positive upon admission. Chest x-ray, CTA chest and a right upper quadrant ultrasound were unremarkable. He was admitted to the medical ICU for emergent dialysis. Soon after arrival to the ICU, he became lethargic and confused with increasing oxygen requirements and a subsequent a code blue was called. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was immediately initiated, with a first rhythm consistent with ventricular fibrillation. He was shocked and placed on an amiodarone infusion with return of spontaneous circulation. TTE revealed a severely reduced EF <10%. Despite initiation of advanced COVID-19 therapies with Solu-Medrol and tocilizumab he remained ventilator dependent. Due to hemodynamic instability and persistent metabolic acidosis, he was transitioned to continuous renal replacement. Further blood work showed worsening inflammatory markers (ferritin 33,500, LDH 6981). Because of the significantly elevated ferritin, there were concerns for possible HLH. Triglycerides and IL-2 receptor were 395 mg/dL and 9300 pg/mL respectively. Total NK cells were decreased to 1.2%. He remained persistently unstable despite aggressive measures. He suffered a second cardiopulmonary arrest, which was unable to achieve return of spontaneous circulation and he ultimately passed away. DISCUSSION: HLH is characterized by uncontrolled activation and proliferation of benign macrophages in reticuloendothelial organs. This results in histiocytic hemophagocytosis, worsening peripheral blood cytopenia(s), cytokine storm, and cytokine mediated biochemical alteration ultimately culminating in multiorgan dysfunction and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Although a distinctive constellation of features has been described for HLH, diagnosis remains challenging as patients have diverse presentations associated with a variety of triggers. CONCLUSIONS: As HLH is a medical emergency with poor prognosis, prompt recognition and early treatment is crucial for improving clinical outcomes. We hope this case will create increased awareness and timely diagnosis of cytokine storm syndromes in patients with severe COVID-19 infection. Reference #1: Meazza Prina M, Martini F, Bracchi F, Di Mauro D, Fargnoli A, Motta M, Giussani C, Gobbin G, Taverna M, D'Alessio A. Hemophagocytic syndrome secondary to SARS-Cov-2 infection: a case report. BMC Infect Dis. 2021 Aug 13;21(1):811. doi: 10.1186/s12879-021-06532-7. PMID: 34388982;PMCID: PMC8361241. Reference #2: Schnaubelt, Sebastian MDa,*;Tihanyi, Daniel MDb;Strassl, Robert MDc;Schmidt, Ralf MDc;Anders, Sonja MDb;Laggner, Anton N. MDa;Agis, Hermine MDd;Domanovits, Hans MDa Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in COVID-19, Medicine: March 26, 2021 - Volume 100 - Issue 12 - p e25170 doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000025170 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Garrett Fiscus No relevant relationships by Niala Moallem No relevant relationships by Resham Pawar
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SESSION TITLE: Unique Inflammatory and Autoimmune Complications of COVID-19 Infections SESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Case Reports PRESENTED ON: 10/19/2022 12:45 pm - 1:45 pm INTRODUCTION: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) is a rare but clinically significant complication of COVID-19 infection characterized by severe illness with extrapulmonary organ dysfunction, markedly elevated inflammatory markers in the absence of severe respiratory illness or other obvious source of infection (1). We present a case of a 37-year-old male, with negative infectious evaluation and marked clinical improvement after administration of IVIG. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a 37-year-old black male with a past medical history of type 2 diabetes who was admitted to the hospital with shock and organ failure;prior to his presentation, he was diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia requiring outpatient therapy. On presentation, he was tachycardic, febrile, hypotensive with significant renal failure and lactic acidosis;inflammatory markers were elevated (CRP 640, ESR 108). Imaging was significant for mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy, with clear parenchyma (Figure 1). Broad coverage antibiotics, vasopressors, and stress dose steroids were initiated. Infectious evaluation was unrevealing with negative blood, urine, and sputum cultures;Echocardiogram revealed LVEF of 40% with mild RV dysfunction. His renal failure worsened, requiring CRRT. Vasculitis evaluation with ANA, ANCA, MPO, PR3, GBM, HIV, C3-C4 and cryoglobulins returned normal. Eventually, the patient was weaned from vasopressor support on hospital day four. Trials of weaning steroids resulted in recurrence of fevers and increasing vasopressor support. Given continued fevers without obvious infection there were concerns for MIS-A occurring shortly after COVID-19 infection. Antibiotics were discontinued and he received 2g/kg of IVIG with marked clinical improvement and was rapidly weaned from vasopressor support. We initiated methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg twice daily with steroid taper. He had improvement in inflammatory markers after IVIG and high dose steroids (CRP-6.7, ESR-49 prior to discharge). DISCUSSION: MIS-A is a rare disease that occurs after COVID-19 infection, with few reported cases in literature. Presentation is variable, but symptoms include high fever, dyspnea, lethargy, myalgias, and a diffuse maculopapular rash. Notably, hypoxia is not a prominent feature, a significant distinction from classic COVID-19 infection. Patel et al noted a predominance in young adults, males, and non-Hispanic black or Hispanic persons (2). The proposed mechanism stems from dysregulated immune response, with abnormal interferon production which drives macrophage activation and organ damage (3). There are no treatment guidelines available, and treatment of MIS-A is extrapolated from MIS-C and includes immunomodulatory therapies with IV IG, IL-1 receptor antagonist, and methylprednisolone. CONCLUSIONS: Prompt recognition of MIS-A critical given its potential for significant multi-organ dysfunction. Reference #1: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults (MIS-A) Case Definition Information for Healthcare Providers. Available at Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults (MIS-A) Case Definition Information for Healthcare Providers (cdc.gov). Accessed 3/19/2022 Reference #2: Patel, P., Decuir, J., Abrams, J., Campbell, A. P., Godfred-Cato, S., & Belay, E. D. (2021). Clinical Characteristics of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults: A Systematic Review. In JAMA Network Open (Vol. 4, Issue 9). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.26456 Reference #3: Weatherhead, J. E., Clark, E., Vogel, T. P., Atmar, R. L., & Kulkarni, P. A. (2020). Inflammatory syndromes associated with SARS-cov-2 infection: Dysregulation of the immune response across the age spectrum. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 130(12). https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI145301 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Mohammed Al-Charakh No relevant relationships by John Pare t no disclosure on file for Maximiliano Tamae Kakazu;
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SESSION TITLE: Extraordinary Cardiovascular Reports SESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Case Reports PRESENTED ON: 10/18/2022 01:35 pm - 02:35 pm INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in millions of deaths worldwide. Many cases involved a primary pulmonary process, yet myocarditis associated with COVID-19 has been observed.1 We present a novel case of rapidly progressive fulminant peri-myocarditis with minimal lung involvement in acute COVID-19 infection. CASE PRESENTATION: A 39-year-old female with no medical history presented with chest pain and dyspnea with an acute COVID-19 infection. She had a brief cardiac arrest with rapid ROSC and no intubation. Chest CT angiogram showed essentially normal pulmonary parenchyma and moderate pericardial effusion. EKG showed sinus tachycardia with global ST segment elevation. An echocardiogram showed an ejection fraction (EF) of 25% with a moderate sized pericardial effusion and right ventricle collapse. She was transferred for emergent drainage of the effusion to our institution. Her circulatory shock initially improved following pericardial drainage, yet she declined warranting increasing vasopressor and inotropic support. An emergent echo showed an EF of less than 10% and no re-accumulation of pericardial fluid. It was clear that the patient required mechanical circulatory support (MCS) and was transferred to the catheterization lab. While in the lab, the patient suffered cardiac arrest and an Impella device was placed during prolonged ACLS without achieving ROSC. Venoarterial ECMO cannulation was then performed. She was transferred to a cardiac transplant center where she later developed multi-organ failure leading to death. DISCUSSION: While COVID-19 has been shown to affect multiple organs apart from the lungs, this case was notable due to minimal pulmonary involvement. The patient's manifestation of her infection was almost entirely cardiac in nature. MCS was discussed in the catheterization lab at the time of pericardial drain insertion. The decision was made to not pursue MCS as the patient's shock had improved. Additionally, the patient did not undergo pulmonary arterial catheter (PAC) placement. Prompt placement of a PAC has been associated with early access to MCS and reduced in-hospital mortality.2 Perhaps we would have obtained MCS earlier if PAC data supported this intervention before the patient deteriorated. It will be important to consider primary cardiac manifestations of COVID-19 infection and early consideration of invasive hemodynamic monitoring to identify a need for timely MCS. CONCLUSIONS: We present the first reported case of fulminant peri-myocarditis in the absence of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure or radiographic pulmonary parenchymal lung abnormality. Isolated rapidly progressive cardiogenic shock secondary to COVID-19 associated peri-myocarditis is a phenomenon important for critical care clinicians to be aware of during this pandemic. One should have a low threshold to establish invasive hemodynamic monitoring and consideration for early MCS in these cases. Reference #1: Siripanthong B, Nazarian S, Muser D, et al. Recognizing COVID-19-related myocarditis: The possible pathophysiology and proposed guideline for diagnosis and management. doi:10.1016/j.hrthm.2020.05.001 Reference #2: Osman M, Syed M, Patel B, et al. Invasive Hemodynamic Monitoring in Cardiogenic Shock Is Associated With Lower In-Hospital Mortality. Journal of the American Heart Association J Am Heart Assoc. 2021;10:21808. doi:10.1161/JAHA.121.021808 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Samuel Bullick No relevant relationships by Jonathan Greenberg No relevant relationships by Scott Slusarenko
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SESSION TITLE: Critical Renal and Endocrine Disorders Case Report Posters SESSION TYPE: Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/17/2022 12:15 pm - 01:15 pm INTRODUCTION: About 7% of acute pancreatitis (AP) cases are caused by hypertriglyceridemia (HTG). In such cases bowel rest, IV fluids, symptomatic therapy, and triglyceride (TG) lowering interventions are initiated. Plasmapheresis is one of the treatment options, but it has specific indications. We present a case of severe hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis that required plasmapheresis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 30 y/o man with type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, multiple previous admissions for HTG-AP, presented with severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting x 1 day. On admission, he was tachycardic, hypotensive, afebrile, SpO2 > 96% on RA. Labs: Glu 491 mg/dL, TG > 1000 mg/dL, Cholesterol 509 mg/dL, Lipase 987 U/L, Cr/BUN 2.4 mg/dL /20 mg/dL, VBG pH 7.25/PCO2 36.2 mmHg/PO2 19.4 mmHg/Ca 0.8/lactate 5.6;WBC 13.07 K/cm;COVID PCR positive. CXR: diffuse patchy opacities. CTAP with contrast was deferred because of AKI. He was admitted to the ICU and started on insulin drip with no improvement over 24hrs. He was still acidotic, Ca persistently low, TG still >1000, and kidney function worsened. Plasmapheresis was initiated. After one session his TG lowered to 700. He was restarted on insulin drip and in the next 24hr TG decreased to < 500 and metabolic acidosis resolved. Once AKI resolved, CT abdomen/pelvis with contrast confirmed acute pancreatitis, with focal hypodensities within the uncinate process and the proximal body, concerning infarcts as well as large phlegmon surrounding the pancreas, but no evidence of necrotizing or hemorrhagic pancreatitis. His hospital course was complicated with sepsis and DVT, which resolved with therapy. He was discharged home with TG lowering agents, Apixaban, and his previous T2DM regimen. DISCUSSION: Plasmapheresis is indicated in patients with severe HTG (>1000- 2000 mg/dl), severe HTG-AP, and when standard treatment options are inadequate. It lowers the lipid levels and removes proinflammatory markers and cytokines stopping further inflammation and damage to the pancreas and other organs faster compared to conservative therapy. Most patients need only one session which lowers TG level by 50-80%, as seen in our patient. CONCLUSIONS: Plasmapheresis should be considered in cases of HTGP with worrisome features such as lactic acidosis, hypocalcemia, worsening inflammation, and multi organ failure. Reference #1: Rajat Garg, Tarun Rustagi, "Management of Hypertriglyceridemia Induced Acute Pancreatitis", BioMed Research International, vol. 2018, Article ID 4721357, 12 pages, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/4721357 Reference #2: Pothoulakis I, Paragomi P, Tuft M, Lahooti A, Archibugi L, Capurso G, Papachristou GI. Association of Serum Triglyceride Levels with Severity in Acute Pancreatitis: Results from an International, Multicenter Cohort Study. Digestion. 2021;102(5):809-813. doi: 10.1159/000512682. Epub 2021 Jan 21. PMID: 33477149. Reference #3: Gavva C, Sarode R, Agrawal D, Burner J. Therapeutic plasma exchange for hypertriglyceridemia induced pancreatitis: A rapid and practical approach. Transfus Apher Sci. 2016 Feb;54(1):99-102. doi: 10.1016/j.transci.2016.02.001. Epub 2016 Feb 20. PMID: 26947356. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Adam Adam No relevant relationships by Moses Bachan No relevant relationships by Chen Chao No relevant relationships by Vaishali Geedigunta No relevant relationships by Zinobia Khan No relevant relationships by Jelena Stojsavljevic