Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Hospital Admission Rate, Length of Stay, and Mortality Rate for Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation: A Retrospective Study.

Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is a common cause of hospital admissions. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has large impact on patients with pulmonary diseases. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on patients with AECOPD. Method: Retrospective study with two cohorts, the first period included patients with AECOPD before COVID-19 pandemic; the second period included patients with AECOPD since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic. The length of stay (LOS), number of patients requiring mechanical ventilation, and allcause mortality were calculated. Results: There was a total of 55 (44.72%) patients in the pre-COVID period compared to 68 (55.28%) patients in the COVID period. In the pre-COVID period: 14 (19.44%) had hypertension, 26(36.11%) had diabetes, 27(37.50%) had ischemic heart disease, 3(4.17%) had myocardial infarction; in the COVID period: 20 (29.41%) had hypertension, 24(35.29%) had diabetes, 27(39.71%) had ischemic heart disease, 1(1.47) had myocardial infarction. The LOS was shorter in pre-COVID period compared to COVID period, 6.51(SD 5.02) days vs 8.91(SD7.88) days with P-value of 0.042 respectively. The total number of patients needing mechanical ventilation in pre-COVID period was similar to the COVID period with P-value of 0.555. All-cause mortality number was 2 (3.64%) in the pre-COVID period compared to 6 (8.82%) in COVID period with P-value of 0.217. Conclusion: Study results revealed significant difference in length of stay for patients with AECOPD, patient in COVID period had increased LOS compared to pre-COVID period. There was no significant difference in the other parameters.

Severe hypercalcemia in a patient with extrapulmonary Mycobacterium abscessus: granuloma or immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome? First case of Mycobacterium abscessus presenting as retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy with severe hypercalcemia: a case report and literature review.

Background: Nontuberculous mycobacterium is a recognized cause of hypercalcemia, particularly in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Here we describe a case of severe hypercalcemia secondary to Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus) in a patient with AIDS. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case report describing a case of M. abscessus presenting as retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy and severe hypercalcemia. Case description: A 56-year-old man with AIDS presented with altered mental status and somnolence for four days. Laboratory investigations were significant for calcium 16.49 mg/dL (RI 8.9-10.3 mg/dL), 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D level 44.1 pg/ml (RI 19.9-79.3 pg/ml) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) 4 pg/mL (RI 15-65 pg/mL). CT scan of Abdomen and Pelvis showed hepatosplenomegaly with large retroperitoneal, retrocrural, and mesenteric lymphadenopathy which had an intense focal uptake on Gallium scan. Bone marrow biopsy revealed mild plasmacytosis (5%) with no evidence of myelodysplasia, acute leukemia or lymphoma. A subsequent lymph node biopsy showed fragments of fibrous tissue with lymphohistiocytic infiltrate and many acid-fast bacilli. Pre-antibiotic blood cultures grew Mycobacterium which was identified later as M. abscessus at four weeks. Conclusion: hypercalcemia in HIV-infected patients may suggest malignancy or infectious etiology, among other causes. Clinicians should be aware of the risk of hypercalcemia with nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) infection, whether as first manifestation or a late presenter in the disease course after initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART). We suggest careful monitoring of serum calcium level upon diagnosis of NTM infection and after initiation of ART, NTM therapy or vitamin D supplementation.

Severe hypokalemia with cardiac arrest as an unusual manifestation of alcoholism.

Introduction: Unhealthy use of alcohol can be associated with serious adverse events. Patients with alcoholism and malnutrition are at high risk for electrolyte disturbances, commonly hypokalemia. Here in we describe a case of alcohol use disorder presented with weakness and subsequently developed cardiac arrest secondary to severe hypokalemia. Case description: A 51-year-old lady presented to our emergency department because of generalized body ache and marked weakness in both lower extremities for two days duration. She had a long-term history of alcoholism, consuming two to three pints of vodka every day for about 20 years. Her last drink of alcohol was about 48 hours prior to presentation. Her examination revealed bilateral lower limb weakness of 4/5, with intact sensory system and reflexes. Biochemical analysis of the serum showed severe electrolytes disturbance, a potassium level of 2.3 mmol/L (reference 3.6-5.1 mmol/L). Electrocardiogram (ECG) showed no arrhythmias, but changes characteristic of hypokalemia with marked corrected QT segment prolongation (QTc 551ms). Aggressive supplementation of electrolytes was initiated, however, potassium level failed to increase and subsequently she had a sinus bradycardia followed by cardiac arrest. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated, return of spontaneous circulation was obtained. During the following days, potassium supplementation was continued to achieve normal plasma potassium level. She was then discharged from the hospital with recommendations for abstinence from alcohol. Conclusion: Patients with chronic alcohol-use can have serious electrolyte disturbances including hypokalemia which can have life-threatening consequences. Prolonged potassium supplementation over several days is required to achieve normal level of plasma potassium and replenish total-body potassium deficit.

Lung consolidation as a rare presentation of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma with extramedullary Waldenström's macroglobulinemia.

Objectives: Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) is a mature B cell lymphoma that usually involves the bone marrow, spleen and lymph nodes. Extramedullary involvement, including the lung, is rarely reported. Case description: A 73-year-old female initially presented to our hospital complaining of productive cough of white-colour sputum for three weeks duration. She reported unintentional weight loss of ten pounds over the last five months. There was no history of haemoptysis, fever, night sweats, chills, recent infections or hospitalization. Chest imaging showed right lower lobe consolidation, small right pleural effusion. She was treated with oral antibiotic for pneumonia. After two months, a follow up chest imaging revealed persistent right lower lobe consolidation. Therefore, she was worked up for the possibility of malignancy. Bronchoscopy showed polypoid nodularities surrounded by black discoloured mucosa in the sub-segmental bronchi of the right lower lobe, and biopsy specimen revealed atypical B cell lymphocytic infiltrate. Polymerase chain reaction confirmed a clonal B-cell gene rearrangement supportive for a low-grade B-cell Lymphoma. Subsequently; serum immunofixation showed IgM of 1491 mg/dL (normal range 26-217 mg/dl) with normal levels of IgG and IgA. Urine contained free kappa light chains. Cytology with immunophenotyping of pleural fluid revealed lymphoplasmacytic lymphocytes. This combination of lab and bronchoscopy findings established the diagnosis of extramedullary Waldenström's macroglobulinemia. Conclusion: Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, a manifestation of LPL, is associated with an IgM monoclonal gammopathy in the blood. Extramedullary involvement including the lung is rarely seen in LPL. Physicians need to be aware of this rare presentation.

Rare case of Mycobacterium nebraskense presenting as asymptomatic cavitary lung lesion.

Introduction: Mycobacterium Nebraskense is a rare nontuberculous mycobacterial infection. The first isolate of the species was from human sputum at University of Nebraska Medical Center. There are only a few cases have been reported and the exact behavior of the disease is not clearly described. Here, we present a case from New York City incidentally found to have a cavitary lung lesion due to M. nebraskense.Case report: An 82-year-old female with a history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dementia presented with constipation and urinary retention for 1 day. She had no fever, cough, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, appetite change, or weight loss. Computed tomography (CT) scan of abdomen and pelvis revealed retained fecal material in the colon, non-obstructing left renal calculus, and bilateral small pleural effusion with right-sided lung infiltrates. Subsequent CT scan of the chest showed 4.5 cm pleural-based opacity in right lung base with a small cavity. Sputum smear for Acid-fast bacilli was positive. Mycobacterial culture reported positive growth of M. nebraskense, while polymerase chain reaction returned negative for Mycobacterium gordonae, Mycobacterium kansasii, Mycobacterium avium complex and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. With the patient asymptomatic and her constipation improved, she was discharged with plans for close follow-up as outpatient. Conclusion: M. nebraskense is a very rare nontuberculous mycobacterial infection. From only a few cases reported in the USA, the exact presentation of infection, disease progression, and treatment have not been described well. Asymptomatic cavitary lung disease caused by M. nebraskense has not been reported before.

Fatal pulmonary cavitary disease secondary to Mycobacterium xenopi in a patient with sarcoidosis.

Introduction: Mycobacterium xenopi (M. xenopi) has low pathogenicity and usually requires either host immune impairment or structural lung disease to cause clinical disease. Fatal cavitary infection in a patient without immunosuppression is rarely presented. Case report: A 62-year-old female with history of sarcoidosis and hypertension presented with cough, fever and dyspnea for one week. Chest imaging showed irregular opacification of upper lung zones. The sputum samples tested positive for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) and the subsequent testing identified M. xenopi. She was started on rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol along with azithromycin, and was discharged with plans to continue the same. A follow up sputum test was negative for AFB. She was, however, readmitted ten months later with sepsis due to pneumonia. Chest imaging revealed worsening cavitary lung lesions. Despite starting her on intravenous antibiotics while continuing anti-tubercular therapy, she developed severe respiratory distress and had to be intubated. Her condition continued to deteriorate and she expired the following day. Conclusion: Fatal cavitary infections with M. xenopi have been reported in the absence of established optimal management. Well-designed studies with sufficient power are needed to establish new treatment guidelines.