Neurological complications associated with influenza in hospitalized children.

BACKGROUND: Influenza is a known respiratory and potential neurotropic virus. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and outcomes of influenza-related neurological complications among hospitalized children. METHODS: All medical records of hospitalized children aged <18 years old diagnosed with influenza at a tertiary care hospital in Bangkok were retrospectively reviewed. Influenza infection was confirmed by rapid antigen or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction tests. Neurological characteristics and clinical outcomes were analyzed using the Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category Scale. RESULTS: From 2013 to 2018, 397 hospitalized children with a median age of 3.7 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 1.6-6.9) were included. The prevalence of neurological complications, including seizure or acute encephalopathy, was 16.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.3-20.9). Influenza A and B were identified in 73.1% and 26.9% of the patients, respectively. Among 39 (58.2%) acute symptomatic seizure cases, 25 (37.3%) children had simple febrile seizures, 7 (10.4%) had repetitive seizures, and 7 (10.4%) had provoked seizures with pre-existing epilepsy. For 28 (41.8%) encephalopathy cases, the clinical courses were benign in 20 (29.9%) cases and severe in 8 (11.9%) cases. Ten (14.9%) children needed intensive care monitoring, and 62 (93.5%) fully recovered to their baselines at hospital discharge. Predisposing factors to the neurological complications included a history of febrile seizure (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 20.3; 95% CI: 6.6-63.0), pre-existing epilepsy (aOR: 3.6; 95% CI: 1.3-10.2), and a history of other neurological disorders (aOR: 3.5; 95% CI: 1.2-10.2). CONCLUSIONS: One fifth of hospitalized children with influenza had neurological complications with a favorable outcome. Children with pre-existing neurological conditions were at higher risk for developing neurological complications.

Neurological Adverse Events Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination.

How to cite this article: Jadali Z. Neurological Adverse Events Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination. Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(2):154-155.

Neurological Manifestations of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19 first reported from South East London has a wide spectrum of neurological signs and symptoms including headache, impaired consciousness, aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, seizure, ataxia, and stroke. It is important to diagnose these patients as soon as possible and treat them with a multidisciplinary ap-proach. A few studies have reported post-discharge follow-up data in MIS-C patients with neurological symptoms most of whom showed neurological improvement. Long-term follow-up of MIS-C patients is required to determine possible neurological sequelae. Copyright © 2022 Ankara Pediatric Hematology Oncology Training and Research Hospital. All rights reserved.

COVID-19 vaccine-associated autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases

Background/Purpose: Vaccination against the most recently COVID-19 is one of the critical tools to provide herd immunity, reduce mortality, and control the pandemic worldwide. Despite the immense benefits of vaccination, an occasional association between vaccination and autoimmunity induction has been detected in human subjects. The current study presented fourteen cases of autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) following various COVID-19 vaccines. Method(s): This observational two-center study was conducted in the rheumatology clinics of the Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences and Kashan University of Medical Sciences. All patients were referred to clinics with ARDs symptoms after implementing the COVID-19 vaccination program in Iran from April 2021 and were considered for enrollment in the study. Inclusion criteria were the onset of ARDs symptoms at four weeks post-vaccination, age >=16, no previous history of ARDs, meeting the classification criteria of one of the ARDs, and staying in the follow-up. Result(s): Between April 2021 and January 2022, 22 adult patients with symptoms of ARDs after COVID-19 vaccination were considered for eligibility. Eventually, 14 patients were diagnosed with ARDs based on classification criteria, and whose symptoms had started within four weeks after vaccination were included in the study. The duration of follow-up was 2-10 months. The vaccines used in these patients were Sinopharm [7 cases (50%)], AstraZeneca [6 cases (42.9%)], and COVIran Barakat [1 case (7.1%)]. It should be noted that vaccines that have been used for public vaccination in Iran until January 2022 were Sinopharm (78.9%), AstraZeneca (11.7%), and COVIran Barekat (8.1%), and Sputnik (1.3%). Crosstabulaton analysis showed that ARD was significantly more common in subjects who received AstraZenca vaccine than in subjects who received other vaccines (P < 0.001). Based on the results, the involved patients were diagnosed with RA or one of its subtypes (five cases), vasculitis (four cases), SLE (three cases), and peripheral SpA (pSpA) (two cases). In eleven cases, symptoms started two weeks after vaccination. However, diagnosis in eight patients was delayed for more than four weeks. Except for one patient with self-limitation of ARD, others required treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, which even one of them developed irreversible neurological complications. Conclusion(s): Indeed, our data can warn physicians about the possibility of ARDs post-vaccination, lead to faster diagnosis, prevent loss of window of opportunity for treatment, and prevent irreversible organ damages.

WE-160. Electrodiagnostic findings in COVID-19 patients: A single-center experience

Introduction: Neurological manifestations in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been reported from early features of anosmia and dysgeusia to widespread involvement of the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, as well as the neuromuscular junction and muscle. Our study objective is to evaluate the electromyography and nerve conduction study (EMG/NCS) findings among COVID-19 patients and look for possible correlations. Method(s): This is a hospital-based retrospective observational study. All COVID-19 patients between the period of 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2020 undergoing an EMG/NCS were included. Result(s): Eighteen patients (12 male and 6 female) were included. Mean age was 55 +/- 12 years. 11 patients required intubation for a mean period of 18.6 days (range: 3-37 days). Electrodiagnostic findings were consistent with a myopathy in a majority of these patients (82%). Five of them also had a concurrent axonal neuropathy. In the remaining patients who did not require intubation (n = 7), three patients had myopathic EMG changes and one had Guillain-Barre syndrome. Conclusion(s): At this time, there are no neuromuscular-specific recommendations for patients who contract COVID-19. Only time and additional data will unveil the varying nature and potential neurological sequelae of COVID-19. Copyright © 2022

Covid-19–associated diffuse posthypoxic leukoencephalopathy and microhemorrhages – A case report

Background Delayed post-hypoxic leukoencephalopathy (DPHL) with associated microbleeds is a clinical entity presenting with cognitive impairment days or weeks after an episode of acute hypoxic brain injury. Case report We describe a 68-year-old male with SARS-CoV2 infection who had cardiac arrest, required sedation and mechanical ventilation for 17 days, and after sedation was discontinued, he became unresponsive. Brain MRI showed diffuse confluent hyperintense signals in the subcortical white matter and multiple subcortical white matter microhemorrhages. EEG revealed diffuse attenuation of brain electrical activity with isolated polymorphic delta waves in the frontal region without epileptiform activity. Conclusions Clinicians need to be aware that patients with Covid-19 can develop delayed post-hypoxic leukoencephalopathy.

Retrospective Analysis of Arterial Carbon Dioxide Level and Arterial pH Level at the Time of Initiation of Respiratory ECMO and Outcome

Introduction Respiratory extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is well established and its popularity has increased during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) time. The efficacy of ECMO has been proved in refractory respiratory failure with varied etiology. More than 85,000 respiratory ECMO cases (neonatal, pediatric, adult) registered as per Extracorporeal Life support Organization (ELSO) statistics April 2022 report, with survived to discharge or transfer ranging from 58 to 73%. Early initiation of ECMO is usually associated with shorter ECMO run and better outcome. Many patient factors have been associated with mortality while on ECMO. Pre-ECMO patient pH and arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (paCO2) have been associated with poor outcome. We designed a retrospective study from a single tertiary care center and analyzed our data of all respiratory ECMO (neonatal, pediatric, and adult) to understand the effect of pre ECMO, paCO2, and arterial pH to ECMO outcome. Methods It is a retrospective analysis of data collected of patients with acute respiratory failure managed on ECMO from January 2010 to December 2021. Pre-ECMO (1-6 hours before initiation), paCO2, and arterial pH level were noted and analyzed with primary and secondary outcome. Primary outcome goal was survivor and discharged home versus nonsurvivor, while secondary goal was the number of ECMO days and incidence of neurological complications. The statistical analysis was done for primary outcome and incidences of neurological complications and p-value obtained by using chi-squared method. Meta-analysis was done by classifying the respiratory ECMO cases in three major category-COVID-19, H1N1 non-COVID-19, and H1N1 respiratory failure. Results The total 256 patients of respiratory failure were treated with ECMO during specified period by Riddhi Vinayak Multispecialty Hospital ECMO team. Data analysis of 251 patients (5 patients were transferred for lung transplant, hence been not included in study) done. Patients were divided on the basis of pH level less than 7.2 and more than 7.2 and analyzed for primary and secondary outcome. Similarly, patients were divided on the basis of paCO2 level of less than 45 and more than 45. Patient with pre-ECMO pH level more than 7.2 has statistically better survived extracorporeal life support (ECLS) (p-value: 0.008) and survival to discharge home (p-value: 0.038) chances. Pre-ECMO paCO2 level of less than 45 also showed better survival chance of survived ECLS (46.67 vs. 36.02) and survived to discharge home (42.22 vs. 31.06) but not statistically significant (p-value: 0.15 and 0.18, respectively). There was no significant difference in average number of ECMO days in patient survived to discharge home with paCO2 less than 45 and more than 45 (15.7 vs. 11.1 days), and also in pH more than 7.2 and pH less than 7.2 (15.8 vs. 11.6). The incidence of neurological complications was also found lower in patient with pH more than 7.2 (7.5 vs. 17.3%, p-value: 0.034) and in paCO2 level of less than 45 (4.4 vs. 12.65, p-value: 0.15). Conclusion Pre-ECMO arterial pH of more than 7.2 (statistically significant) and paCO2 of less than 45 (statistically not significant) have definitely better survival chances and have lesser incidences of neurological complications. There was no significance difference in the number of ECMO days in either group. Authors recommends early initiation of ECMO for mortality and morbidity benefits.

POSTINFECTIOUS COVID-19 ENCEPHALITIS RESPONSIVE TO PULSE-DOSE STEROIDS AND IV IMMUNOGLOBULINS

SESSION TITLE: Post-COVID-19 Infection Complications SESSION TYPE: Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/17/2022 12:15 pm - 01:15 pm INTRODUCTION: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Post-infectious encephalitis secondary to SARS-CoV-2 may present with delirium, seizures, or transient comatose state. The mechanism of encephalitis in patients with COVID-19 is multifactorial. Cytokine release syndrome, a systemic hyperinflammatory condition, might have an integral part in the pathophysiology of this manifestation. Beneficial effects of pulse dose glucocorticoid therapy, with and without plasma exchange or IVIG, have been described. (1, 2) In this case report, we disclose a case of a young healthy male that presented with acute encephalopathy after 10 days of contracting SARS-CoV-2 and aim to discuss the potential role of IVIG and pulse dose steroid. CASE PRESENTATION: A 37-year-old previously healthy Caucasian man initially presented to urgent care with fatigue and generalized weakness and was diagnosed with acute COVID-19 infection through positive PCR. Four days later, he developed shortness of breath, syncope and vomiting. He was taken to the ER, where he had a witnessed seizure complicated by status epilepticus requiring endotracheal intubation for airway protection. He was then airlifted to our University Hospital. Upon arrival, labs were notable for elevated troponin, leukocytosis, and mildly elevated liver enzymes. An echocardiogram revealed stress induced (Takotsubo) cardiomyopathy. CT head was normal and continuous EEG showed focal electrographic seizures of left temporal onset. MRI of brain with/without contrast showed subtle areas of cortical diffusion hyperintensity involving left cerebral hemisphere including left posterior temporal lobe, lateral occipital lobe, posterior lateral frontal lobe and posterior lateral parietal lobe with subtle patchy areas of cortical enhancement on postcontrast T1-weighted images. CSF analysis was benign and CSF PCR for SARS-CoV-2 was negative. One gram daily IV methylprednisolone and IVIG therapy was given for total 5 days. On Day 2 of therapy, seizures subsided, and patient was successfully extubated after. Repeat MRI brain with/without contrast done after day of therapy showed improvement in previously demonstrated findings. He improved clinically and was discharged home on hospitalization day. DISCUSSION: Post-infectious COVID-19 encephalitis falls under the spectrum of disease described under neurological syndromes related to SARS-CoV-2 infection.(3) Diagnosis is based on Clinical presentation, positive COVID PCR on nasopharyngeal swab and Imaging demonstrating cortical enhancement on post contrast T1-weighted imaging. Out of various treatment options described in literature (1,2), our patient responded well to pulse dose steroids and IVIG therapy for 5 days. CONCLUSIONS: Careful selection of patients and therapies should be considered when post-infectious COVID-19 encephalitis is suspected. Reference #1: Cao A, Rohaut B, Le Guennec L, et al. Severe COVID-19-related encephalitis can respond to immunotherapy. Brain. 2020;143(12):e102. doi:10.1093/brain/awaa337 Reference #2: Pugin D, Vargas MI, Thieffry C, et al. COVID-19-related encephalopathy responsive to high-dose glucocorticoids. Neurology. 2020;95(12):543-546. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000010354 Reference #3: Al-Ramadan A, Rabab'h O, Shah J, Gharaibeh A. Acute and Post-Acute Neurological Complications of COVID-19. Neurol Int. 2021;13(1):102-119. Published 2021 Mar 9. doi:10.3390/neurolint13010010 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Ali Ahmad No relevant relationships by Varun Halani No relevant relationships by Michael Lasky No relevant relationships by Posan Limbu

COVID-19 VACCINES: ADVERSE EVENTS FOLLOWING IMMUNISATION

Patients rely on healthcare providers as their most credible and frequent source of vaccine information. It is therefore crucial that healthcare providers are informed and have evidence-based, objective and clear guidance on vaccine efficacy and specific adverse events following immunisation (AEFI). Reported serious AEFIs are extremely rare for the COVID-19 vaccines. This article discusses the main AEFIs attributed to COVID-19 vaccines, including neurological complications of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and acute transverse myelitis (ATM), thrombosis;cardiac complications, including myocarditis, pericarditis and cardiomyopathy;and allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, urticaria and skin rashes. The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the risks;however, it is important that healthcare providers are aware of the risks and know how to recognise and manage them.

MANAGEMENT OF AUTOIMMUNE HAEMOLYTIC ANAEMIA DURING PREGNANCY OR POST-PARTUM: AN INTERNATIONAL MULTI-CENTRE EXPERIENCE

Background: Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) during pregnancy is a rare finding, and few is known about maternal and foetal outcomes. AIHA may either develop or relapse during gestation and postpartum or be an issue in a patient on active therapy who becomes pregnant. AIHA management during pregnancy and lactation is not standardized and drug use is often limited by safety concerns. Aims: We studied AIHA impact on pregnancy focusing on disease severity, treatment need and maternal/foetal outcome. Methods: Through a multicentric retrospective cohort study, we identified 38 pregnancies occurred in 28 women from 1997 to 2021 in 10 European centres in Italy, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, USA, and Spain. All included patients had a previous AIHA history or developed/exacerbated AIHA during gestation or postpartum. AIHA was classified according to the direct antiglobulin test. Results: We registered 18 warm AIHA (10 IgG;8 IgG+C3d), 2 cold agglutinin disease, 3 mixed and 5 atypical forms (Table 1). Evans syndrome (i.e., association of AIHA and immune thrombocytopenia or neutropenia) was present in 4. Mean age at AIHA diagnosis was 27 (3-39) and at pregnancy 32 (21-41) years. AIHA diagnosis predated pregnancy in 15 women and had required at least 1 therapy line in all of them, and >2 lines in 12 (rituximab, N=7;cytotoxic immunosuppressants, N=6;splenectomy, N=5). Among these 15 patients, 6 had a relapse during pregnancy, 3 during postpartum and 9 were on active treatment at the time of pregnancy (steroids, N=8;cyclosporine, N=1;azathioprine, N=1;the latter stopped after positive pregnancy test). A patient with a previous AIHA, relapsed as immune thrombocytopenic purpura during pregnancy. Further 8 patients had an AIHA onset during gestation and 2 postpartum. A patient had AIHA onset during the postpartum of the 1st pregnancy and relapsed during the 2nd one. In the 20 women experiencing AIHA during pregnancy/postpartum, median Hb and LDH levels were 6,4 g/dL (3,1 - 8,7) and 588 UI/L (269-1631), respectively. Management consisted in blood transfusions (N=10) and prompt establishment of steroid therapy+/-IVIG (N=20), all with response (complete N=13, partial N=7). After delivery, rituximab was necessary in 4 patients and cyclosporine was added in one. Anti-thrombotic prophylaxis was given in 7 patients. Overall, we registered 10 obstetric complications (10/38, 26%), including 4 early miscarriages, a premature rupture of membranes, a placental detachment, 2 preeclampsia, a postpartum infection and a biliary colic. Apart from the case of biliary colic and one of the two cases of preeclampsia, 8/10 complications occurred during active haemolysis and treatment for AIHA. Nine foetal adverse events (9/38, 24%) were reported: a transitory respiratory distress of the new-born in a mother with active AIHA, 3 cases of foetal growth restriction, a preterm birth, an infant reporting neurologic sequelae, a case of AIHA of the new-born requiring intravenous immunoglobulins, blood transfusions and plasma exchange, and 2 perinatal deaths. The latter both occurred in women on active AIHA therapy and were secondary to a massive placental detachment and a symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. (Figure Presented ) Summary/Conclusion: AIHA developing/reactivating during pregnancy or postpartum is rare (about 5%) but mainly severe requiring steroid therapy and transfusions. Importantly, severe maternal and foetal complications may occur in up to 26% of cases mostly associated with active disease, pinpointing the importance of maintaining a high level of awareness. Passive maternal autoantibodies transfer to the foetus seems a rare event.

Neurological manifestations of COVID-19 in adults and children.

Different neurological manifestations of COVID-19 in adults and children and their impact have not been well characterized. We aimed to determine the prevalence of neurological manifestations and in-hospital complications among hospitalized COVID-19 patients and ascertain differences between adults and children. We conducted a prospective multicenter observational study using the International Severe Acute Respiratory and emerging Infection Consortium cohort across 1507 sites worldwide from January/30th/2020 to May/25th/2021. Analyses of neurological manifestations and neurological complications considered unadjusted prevalence estimates for predefined patient subgroups, and adjusted estimates as a function of patient age and time of hospitalization using generalized linear models. Overall, 161,239 patients (158,267 adults; 2,972 children) hospitalized with COVID-19 and assessed for neurological manifestations and complications were included. In adults and children, the most frequent neurological manifestations at admission were fatigue (adults: 37.4%; children: 20.4%), altered consciousness (20.9%; 6.8%), myalgia (16.9%; 7.6%), dysgeusia (7.4%; 1.9%), anosmia (6.0%; 2.2%), and seizure (1.1%; 5.2%). In adults, the most frequent in-hospital neurological complications were stroke (1.5%), seizure (1%), and central nervous system (CNS) infection (0.2%). Each occurred more frequently in ICU than in non-ICU patients. In children, seizure was the only neurological complication to occur more frequently in ICU vs. non-ICU (7.1% vs. 2.3%, P < .001). Stroke prevalence increased with increasing age, while CNS infection and seizure steadily decreased with age. There was a dramatic decrease in stroke over time during the pandemic. Hypertension, chronic neurological disease, and the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were associated with increased risk of stroke. Altered consciousness was associated with CNS infection, seizure, and stroke. All in-hospital neurological complications were associated with increased odds of death. The likelihood of death rose with increasing age, especially after 25 years of age. In conclusion, adults and children have different neurological manifestations and in-hospital complications associated with COVID-19. Stroke risk increased with increasing age, while CNS infection and seizure risk decreased with age.

Pathogenesis of certain neurological complications of new coronavirus infection: a foreign literature review

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was first discovered in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic has become a serious challenge for all humanity. Although most patients develop respiratory symptoms, the neurological manifestations due to central and peripheral nervous system involvement are quite common. Objective of the review. To analyze and systematize current data on the COVID-19 effect on the central and peripheral nervous system. Material and methods. The material for the study was more than 70 papers published between 2019—2022 and indexed in the international databases Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. Results. Analysis of the relevant literature on the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and some neurological complications was performed. It was observed that in addition to the respiratory system, SARS-CoV-2 affects the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, and the muscular system, resulting in neurological disorders. Understanding the pathogenesis of nervous system damage contributes to improved diagnosis of neurological complications. In general, according to the literature, patients with severe new coronavirus infection are prone to neurological complications. Conclusion. Since most studies currently focus on respiratory symptoms, the prevalence of neurological effects of COVID-19 may be underestimated. A detailed analysis of the mechanisms of both central and peripheral nervous system damage is needed.

Multisystemic Complications Associated with COVID-19 in a South Indian Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Observational Study

Aim and background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a systemic disease with multi organ involvement and its systemic complications have varied effects ranging from mild to life threatening events affecting survival and increasing the overall morbidity and mortality. Objectives: To determine the incidence, association, and risk factors complicating coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 350 patients who are admitted to Meenakshi mission hospital and research centre, Madurai (TN) between 1 April 2021 and 15 September 2021. Adult patients aged 18 years and above with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in this study. The primary outcome of this study was the incidence of complications, defined as organ-specific diagnoses occurring alone or in addition to any hallmarks of COVID-19 illness. We used multilevel logistic regression and survival models to explore associations between these outcomes and in-hospital complications, age, and preexisting comorbidities. Results: Among the 350 recruited patients, 304 patients were analyzed. Of the patients admitted to the hospital almost 40.1% had at least one complication. The mean age of the study population was 60 (±5) years with males being 68.5% and females being 32.5% of the study population. The incidence of complications were complex respiratory complications 52.2%, cardiovascular complications 21.6%, renal complications 11.2%, neurological complications 9%, and gastrointestinal complications 6%. Conclusion: Male sex, respiratory distress, comorbidities, lethargy, immunosuppression, and long disease duration are critical risk factors for the development of complications associated with COVID-19.

Sequelae of COVID-19 Pneumonia: Our Experience in High Dependence Unit

Background: SARS COVID-19 infection has brought about myriad presentations that could be disease-related, or iatrogenic. Aim: To study the occurrence of complications or sequel arising after COVID-19 infection. Materials and methods: Study period: 15th August to 16th October 2020. Inclusion criteria: All adult patients shifted from COVID isolation units and who are critically ill. Exclusion criteria: Pediatric patients <14 years. Patients with negative RTPCR at the time of admission. COVID-19 negative pneumonia. Observation: Respiratory and neurological sequelae are most commonly observed. Pulmonary fibrosis presented as most respiratory sequelae with an incidence of 7.05% (pneumothorax in patients with spontaneous respiration or invasive ventilation. Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema are more found in invasive mechanical ventilation patients. Among neurological complications, delirium was seen in as many as 7.05% of patients. AIDP/GBS (2.35%) are not uncommon among neurological sequelae. Bleeding complication observed in 3.37% of the ICU population which includes intracranial hemorrhage, haematuria, intra-abdominal haematoma. Thromboembolic complication observed in 1.17% ICU population deep vein thrombosis being most common. Results: Pulmonary fibrosis is the most common sequelae in COVID-19 disease. This is the most common cause leading to pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum or surgical emphysema. Neurology symptoms are the most common symptom. Delirium being the most common form of presentation. COVID-19 being a prothrombotic disease we also observed some thromboembolic disease most common being DVT (deep vein thrombosis). Conclusion: COVID-19 involves almost each and every system of the body. This subsequently gives rise to some sequelae or complication directly from viral etiology or related to complication. The exact reasons are yet to be found out.

COVID-19: Cardiac and Neurological Complications among Ontario Visible Minorities: Chinese and South Asians

Background: This is a population-based retrospective study of cardiac and neurological complications of COVID-19 among Ontario Chinese and South Asians. Methods: From January 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020 using the last name algorithm to identify Ontario Chinese and South Asians who were tested positive by PCR for COVID-19, their demographics, cardiac, and neurological complications including hospitalization and emergency visit rates were analyzed compared to the general population. Results: Chinese (N = 1,186) with COVID-19 were found to be older (mean age 50.7 years) compared to the general population (N = 42,547) (mean age 47.6 years) (p < 0.001), while South Asians (N = 3,459) were younger (age of 42.1 years) (p < 0.001). For neurological complications, the 30-day crude rate for Chinese was 160/ 10,000 (p < 0.001);South Asians was 40/10,000 (p = 0.526), and general population was 48/10,000. The 30-day all-cause mortality rate was significantly higher for Chinese at 8.1% vs 5.0% for the general population (p < 0.001), while it was lower in South Asians at 2.1% (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Chinese and South Asians in Ontario with COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic were found to have a significant difference in their demographics, cardiac, and neurological outcomes. .

A Challenging Case of Central Nervous System (CNS) Involvement with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL): A Case Report

Background: CNS involvement in CLL is rare and it usually occurs in late-stage CLL disease. There is usual delay in the diagnosis due to its variable manifestations, challenging diagnosis process and possible misdiagnosis with a mimicker condition. I am sharing our relative successful experience with this challenging case that had satisfied outcome after going through comprehensive investigations and treatment journey treating his symptoms until arriving the final diagnosis and getting the best treatment option. Material(s) and Method(s): A 42 years old male, with recent COVID-19 infection, presented with multiple progressive neurologic symptoms over one month;started as numbness around the mouth, reduced facial sensation and a feeling of band like sensation below the costal margins. On exam, he had left abduction restriction, diplopia on left gaze and upbeat nystagmus, reduced facial sensation and hyperesthesia. The reflexes were 1+ in the upper limbs, 3+ in the lower limbs, up going planters, tingling from the feet up to T6 level and postural tremor bilaterally. His CSF showed high protein level. MRI brain/ spine revealed left frontal juxtacortical white matter and bilateral middle cerebral peduncles lesions with post-contrast enhancement and long segment spinal cord demyelinating plaques. He was initially treated as a case of Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) post viral infection in a background of CLL. The delayed diagnosis was due to temporal relation of neurological manifestation to viral infection, similar MRI lesions to ADEM and multiple negative CSF results of cytology and flow cytometry. He had persistent disabling symptoms and enhancing lesions in MRI despite being treated with IVMP, IVIG and PLEX. He was managed for ADEM based on responsiveness to the recommended therapy step by step. Firstly, he received a high-dose corticosteroids, secondly IV immunoglobulin but he was still progressing and considered as steroid-unresponsive ADEM. lastly, plasma exchange was done when he exhibited progressive symptoms with fair improvement. Interestingly, the patient showed significant improvement in the clinical and radiological parameters after starting him with a new anti-leukemia medication (Acalabrutinib) for his concurrent active condition. He run out of his medication for around 1 week and he experienced recurrent of the neurological manifestation and the previous lesions in the images. A repeated flow cytometry for the third time came positive for CLL cells and the final diagnosis of CNS involvement by CLL was established. The diagnosis was made after the exclusion of other etiologies. Result(s): The patient received Ibrutinib at a standard dose and as a monotherapy. It is an efficient chemotherapy that crosses the blood brain barrier and has showed a favorable clinical, biological and radiological outcome. The patient is back to his work and his daily activities have improved. Conclusion(s): In case of inconclusive work up, CSF analysis should be repeated testing for cytology and flow cytometry\immunophenotypes as the false negative results are common. Our patient had an active CLL proved in his investigations, and the fact that the patient responded very well to the new chemotherapy should alert the diagnosis of CNS involvement by CLL and directs towards repeating investigations and introducing aggressive treatment strategy to target both hematological and neurological complications of the condition.

COVID-19 Clinical Characteristics and Outcomesin Children Aged </=16 Years at theUniversityHospital ofthe WestIndies, Jamaica in 2020-2021

Background: By June 1, 2021, Jamaica recorded 48,639 RT-PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases and 951 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 2%. Children <18 years comprised 10.3% (4,999) of cases and 0.1% and 0.2% deaths in <10 and 10-18 year age-groups, respectively. Community transmission is ongoing, having been declared September 2020. Methods: Ambispective case series describing clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 in children aged. Results: Seventy-nine children aged 4 abnormal inflammatory biomarkers (13/72%) including D-dimers, Creactive protein, ESR, ferritin, troponins, lactate dehydrogenase, neutrophils, platelets, lymphocytes, albumen . MISC-positive cases were treated with intravenous immune gammaglobulin (78% vs. 0%;p < 0.01), aspirin (68% vs. 0%;p < 0.01) and steroids (50% vs. 9%;p = 0.003). MISC-positive cases had intensive care admissions (two), non-invasive ventilation (two) and inotropes/vasopressor support (none). Outcomes included readmission for MISC-related neurological complications two(5%), discharged with one month follow-up 39(95%), transferred one(2.4%) and demise from myocardial complications in a child with premorbid end-stage renal disease and haemodialysis one(2.4%). Conclusion: More than half of the children aged.

TRANSVERSE MYELITIS: A RARE BUT SERIOUS COMPLICATION OF COVID-19 VACCINATION

CASE: The patient is a 66-year-old male presenting with progressive ambulatory dysfunction and lower extremity weakness that began ten days ago. Notably, the patient was admitted to the hospital two months prior with similar complaints. At that time, he was diagnosed with transverse myelitis after MRI showed a spinal cord lesion concerning for demyelination at T3-T4. The patient was treated with IV steroids and discharged. Neurology impression at time of discharge was transverse myelitis possibly related to Covid vaccination two weeks prior to admission. The patient states he was doing fine after initial discharge before recurrence of his progressive weakness and difficulty walking that led to the current admission. He denies fever, chest pain, abdominal pain, and bladder/ bowel incontinence. The patient is a former smoker and denies current alcohol or drug use. Past medical history includes WPW status post ablation, stable thoracic aortic aneurysm, peripheral neuropathy secondary to past alcohol abuse, osteoarthritis, GERD, and anxiety. Family history is remarkable for cancer, coronary artery disease, and diabetes in his father. Medications include metoprolol, tamsulosin, pantoprazole, olanzapine, and venlafaxine. Neurological exam is positive for atrophy and decreased vibratory sensation in bilateral lower extremities. His gait is not assessed due to safety concerns, but the patient notes he has begun using a cane to assist with ambulation. Otherwise, physical exam is unremarkable. Imaging studies include MRI showing T3-T4 hyperintensity, as seen during previous admission two months prior. Labs including ANA, rheumatoid factor, SPEP, CSF studies, and AQP-4 were negative. After an unrevealing workup, the patient experienced symptomatic improvement with IV steroids and was discharged home. IMPACT/DISCUSSION: Our case illustrates a clinical picture of Covid-19 vaccine-related transverse myelitis, a rare but serious complication of the vaccine. The prolonged course of this patient's complications is concerning, although the benefit of receiving the vaccine remains unquestionable. Furthermore, although the timing of symptom onset and vaccination suggests a relation, there are other diagnoses that could explain the presentation and further research is needed regarding vaccine-related side effects. This case emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for neurological issues of unclear etiology following recent Covid-19 vaccination despite their rare occurrence. CONCLUSION: Teaching points: Diagnostic criteria for transverse myelitis includes sensory, motor, or autonomic dysfunction attributable to spinal cord, no evidence of cord compression, bilateral symptoms with clear sensory level, and inflammation defined by CSF analysis, elevated IgG, or MRI enhancement. Neurological complications of the Covid vaccine include general symptoms such as headache, fever, and fatigue, Bell's palsy, encephalomyelitis, myelitis, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.

OCULOMOTOR NERVE PALSY FOLLOWING COVID-19 INFECTION

CASE: Patient is a 60-year-old woman who works at a local hospital in billing department. She has a history of rheumatic fever, non ST elevation MI, osteoarthritis, Crohn's disease. Her husband was diagnosed with COVID-19 infection in November 2020. A Week later, patient developed myalgias, diarrhea and subsequent testing confirmed COVID-19 infection. Overall, her symptoms were mild and required no treatment or hospitalization. Six weeks following the infection she woke up one morning with diplopia and a large left pupil. She tried to manage this by covering one eye initially, but later visited with a neurologist, ophthalmologist, neuro-ophthalmologist. She was found to have fixed, dilated left pupil and horizontal diplopia with some diagonal component. There were no other neurological signs or meningismus. Laboratory tests showed hemoglobin of 12.5, White cell count 5.7, platelets 405. Electrolytes, kidney function, liver function tests were normal. ACH receptor antibodies were negative. Imaging studies included a negative CTA head, negative brain MRI, face, orbits and optic nerves. She was diagnosed with left third cranial nerve palsy possibly as a complication of COVID-19 infection. She was prescribed oral prednisone 60 mg with a slow taper. Her pupil size and vision gradually improved over the ensuing weeks and the recovery of the third cranial nerve was nearly complete. IMPACT/DISCUSSION: The third cranial nerve supplies the levator muscle of the eyelid, medial rectus, superior rectus, inferior rectus, and inferior oblique;constricts the pupil through its parasympathetic fibers. Patients with oculomotor cranial nerve palsy develop diplopia and droopy eyelid. Etiology for third cranial nerve palsy include many pathologies such as a structural lesion, infectious or inflammatory conditions, cerebrovascular disease and trauma. Our patient developed acute 3rd cranial nerve palsy 6 weeks following the COVID-19 infection. The workup was negative for any structural lesions, CVA or other known causes. This raised the possibility that her symptoms are possibly complications of COVID-19 infection. Neurological complications of COVID-19 infection have been well documented. These include encephalopathy, stroke, dysgeusia and anosmia. There were two case reports of oculomotor nerve palsy that occurred during the acute phase of COVID-19 infection. These were thought to be from direct invasion of the virus. Our patient however, had developed symptoms 6 weeks following the infection raising the possibility of immune mediated complication. She made near complete recovery with oral glucocorticoid treatment. However, it is not known whether the improvement is the result of the treatment. CONCLUSION: 1. Oculomotor cranial nerve palsy is potentially associated with COVID-19 infection. 2. Oculomotor cranial nerve palsy could present several weeks after the acute COVID-19 infection. 3. In patients presenting with 3rd cranial nerve palsy, it is important to obtain the history of past COVID-19 infection.