Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm treated with open surgical repair (OSR) of a patient with active COVID-19 infection: A case report.

Introduction and importance: Patients continued to present vascular emergencies during the most severe phase of the COVID-19 outbreak. An abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture was considered the most life-threatening condition. Aim: To report a case report of a patient with active COVID-19 infection presenting as a ruptured abdominal aorta aneurysm and treated with open surgical repair at the Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Jordanian Medical Services (JRMS), Amman, Jordan. Case presentation: A 69-year-old male presented with an active COVID-19 pneumonic chest infection. Abdominal CT of angiography showed a 4.8-cm infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm unsuitable for endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). After a rapid deterioration in his general condition, he underwent an exploratory laparotomy which revealed the diagnosis of an AAA rupture. We managed his condition operatively with repair using a tube Dacron graft. Clinical discussion: Ruptured AAA is considered a devastating lethal vascular emergency with high mortality and morbidity rates and needs emergency intervention n eligible patients. COVID-19 patients with AAA rupture have a significantly increased risk of intervention and require special attention regarding the type of intervention and anaesthesia. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many guidelines in management vascular emergencies, among them AAA rupture patients. The National Societies guidelines recommended limiting interventions to emergencies only. Conclusion: The difficulties of surgical intervention, anaesthesia and the appropriate intervention selection increase the burden on the medical staff resisting the obstacles imposed on them by COVID-19 infection.

COVID-19 Intelligence-Driven Operational Response Platform: Experience of a Large Tertiary Multihospital System in the Middle East.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in global disruptions within healthcare systems, leading to quick dynamic fluctuations in hospital operations and supply chain management. During the early months of the pandemic, tertiary multihospital systems were highly viewed as the go-to hospitals for handling these rapid healthcare challenges caused by the rapidly increasing number of COVID-19 cases. Yet, this pandemic has created an urgent need for coordinated mechanisms to alleviate increasing pressures on these large multihospital systems and ensure services remain high-quality, accessible, and sustainable. Digital health solutions have been identified as promising approaches to address these challenges. This case report describes results for developing multidisciplinary visualizations to support digital health operations in one of the largest tertiary multihospital systems in the Middle East. The report concludes with some lessons and insights learned from the rapid development and delivery of this user-centric COVID-19 multihospital operations intelligent platform.

Polimorfismos de la metilenotetrahidrofolato reductasa C677T como factor de riesgo para el síndrome de ovario poliquístico en una muestra de mujeres jordanas / Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase C677T Polymorphisms as a Risk Factor for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in a Sample of Jordanian Women

Antecedentes: el síndrome de ovario poliquístico (SOP) es un trastorno endocrino reproductivo común, se puede identificar por hiperandrogenismo, oligomenorrea o anovulación y ovarios poliquísticos en la ecografía. Los polimorfismos de la metilentetrahidrofolato reductasa (MTHFR) C677T asociados con la hiperhomocisteinemia se encuentran entre los factores de riesgo del síndrome de ovario poliquístico. Objetivo: El presente estudio de casos y controles tiene como objetivo explorar la relación entre los polimorfismos C677T de la metilenotetrahidrofolato reductasa (MTHFR) como factor de riesgo y el síndrome de ovario poliquístico entre los pacientes jordanos que padecen esta enfermedad. Métodos: Se inscribieron en el estudio 306 sujetos (146 pacientes con SOP y 160 sujetos sanos como grupo de control). Se extrajo ADN de una muestra de sangre venosa extraída de cada participante para analizar los polimorfismos de MTHFR C677T utilizando la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) en combinación con digestión con enzima de restricción (PCRRFLP). Posteriormente, los productos de PCR-RFLP se digirieron con la enzima HinfI, luego se sometieron a electroforesis en un gel de agarosa al 2%, se tiñeron y se examinaron bajo luz ultravioleta. Los niveles de homocisteína en plasma se analizaron utilizando el método ELISA. Resultados: Se observó una diferencia significativa en los niveles plasmáticos de homocisteína entre los pacientes con SOP frente a los sujetos de control y entre los diferentes polimorfismos de los pacientes con SOP. No se detectaron diferencias significativas en la distribución y frecuencia alélica de los polimorfismos MTHFR C677T en pacientes con SOP en comparación con los controles. El genotipo 677 / TT y el alelo T se asociaron con un aumento de 1,54 y 1,46 veces en la susceptibilidad al síndrome de ovario poliquístico. Conclusión: El estudio ha demostrado que el polimorfismo MTHFR T677T y el alelo T son posibles factores de riesgo de SOP entre las mujeres jordanas y pueden desempeñar un papel en la patogenia de la enfermedad

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine reproductive disorder, it can be identified by hyperandrogenism, oligomenorrhea or anovulation and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound. Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphisms associated with hyperhomocysteinemia are among the risk factors for PCOS. Objective: The present case control study aims to explore the relationship between Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphisms as a risk factor and PCOS among Jordanian patients suffering from this disease. Methods: 306 subjects (146 PCOS patients and 160 healthy subjects as a control group) were enrolled in the study. DNA was extracted from venous blood sample withdrawn from each participant for analyzing MTHFR C677T polymorphisms using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in combination with restriction enzyme fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Later, PCR-RFLP products were digested with hinfI enzyme, then, electrophoresed on a 2% agarose gel, stained and examined under UV light. Plasma homocysteine levels were assayed using ELISA method. Results: A significant difference was observed in plasma homocysteine levels among PCOS patients versus the control subjects and in between the different polymorphisms of PCOS patients. No significant difference was detected in the distribution and allelic frequency of MTHFR C677T polymorphisms in PCOS patients compared to the controls. 677/TT genotype and T allele were associated with 1.54 and 1.46 folds increase in the susceptibility for PCOS. Conclusion: The study has shown that MTHFR T677T polymorphism and T allele are possible risk factors for PCOS among Jordanian women and may play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease.

The usefulness of an ambulatory care pharmacy performance dashboard during the COVID-19 pandemic in a complex tertiary care system.

PURPOSE: To describe the usefulness of an innovative "semi-real-time" pharmacy dashboard in managing workload during the unpredictable coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. SUMMARY: We created a pharmacy dashboard to monitor workload and key performance indicators during the dynamic COVID-19 crisis. The dashboard accessed the prescribing workload from our clinical information system and filled prescriptions from robotic prescription dispensing systems. The aggregated data was visualized using modern tools. The dashboard presents performance data in near real time and is updated every 15 minutes. After validation during the early weeks of the COVID-19 crisis, the dashboard provided reliable data and served as a great decision support aid in calculating the backlog of prescribed but unfilled prescriptions. It also aided in adjusting manpower, identifying prescribing and dispensing patterns, identifying trends, and diverting staff resources to appropriate locations. The dashboard has been useful in clearing the backlog in a timely manner, staff planning, and predicting the next coming surge so that we can proactively minimize accumulation of backlogged prescriptions. CONCLUSION: Developing a dynamic, semi-real-time pharmacy dashboard during unstable circumstances such as those that have arisen during the COVID-19 pandemic can be very useful in ambulatory care pharmacy workload management.

Tocilizumab-induced cytomegalovirus colitis in a patient with COVID-19.

The authors urge clinicians to observe for early signs of CMV reactivation in patients presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding and intestinal perforation after receiving tocilizumab or other immunosuppressive therapy as a treatment for COVID 19. Early recognition of CMV infection and treatment will prevent life-threatening bleeding and mortality.

Does Mode of Surgical Intervention Based on Oncotype DX Score Influence Disease Recurrence in Early Breast Cancer?

Introduction Routine utilization of multigene assays to inform operative decision-making in early breast cancer (EBC) treatment is yet to be established. In this pilot study, we sought to establish the potential benefits of surgical intervention in EBC based on recurrence risk quantification using the Oncotype DX (ODX) assay. Materials and Methods Consecutive ODX tests performed over a 9-year period from October 2007 to May 2016 were evaluated. Oncotype scores were classified into high (≥31), medium (18-30), or low-risk (0-17) groups. The primary outcome was breast cancer recurrence. Subgroup analysis offered assessment of the recurrence effect of mode of surgical intervention for patient groups as defined by the oncotype score. Results In total 361 patients underwent ODX testing. The mean age and follow-up were 55.25 (± 10.58) years and 38.59 (± 29.1) months, respectively. The majority of patients underwent wide local excision (86.7%) with 8.9 and 4.4% patients having a mastectomy or wide local excision with completion mastectomy, respectively. Fifty-one percent of patients fell into the low risk ODX category with a further 40.2 and 8.5% deemed to be of intermediate and high risk. Five patients (1.38%) had disease recurrence. Comparative analysis of operative groups in each oncotype group revealed no difference in recurrence scores in the low- ( p = 0.84) and high-risk groups ( p = 0.92) with a statistically significant difference identified in the intermediate risk group ( p = 0.002). Conclusion To date we have been unable to definitively identify a role for ODX in guiding surgical approach in EBC. There is, however, a need for larger studies to examine this hypothesis.

The Use of Arteriovenous Fistulae as an Adjunct to Peripheral Arterial Bypass: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral arterial bypass is an effective procedure for the management of patients with critical limb ischaemia. However, it is commonly associated with high rates of graft occlusion and subsequent limb loss. This is particularly apparent when the distal anastomosis is to the below-knee arterial segment. A number of studies have suggested that an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) sited at the distal anastomosis may reduce afterload, improve graft patency, and boost subsequent limb salvage. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of adjuvant AVF on the outcomes of peripheral arterial bypass. METHODS: The following databases were searched up to May 2015: Medline through Pubmed; the Cochrane Library; EMBASE; and reference lists of articles. STUDY ELIGIBILITY: All randomised controlled and observational studies that assessed the role of AVF as an adjunct to peripheral arterial bypass were included. Studies were required to include at least one pre-defined outcome. Data were extracted and assessed by two reviewers with any disagreements adjudicated on by the senior author. Pooled risk ratios were calculated using a random effects model. Additional subgroup analyses were performed. RESULTS: Two randomised controlled trials and seven retrospective cohort studies comprising 966 participants were included. Pooled standardized data showed no difference in primary graft patency (pooled RR = 1.25, 95% CI 0.73-2.16), secondary patency (pooled RR = 1.16, 95% CI 0.82-1.66), or limb salvage at 12-months (pooled RR = 1.13, 95% CI 0.80-1.60) for the peripheral bypass with AVF group compared with peripheral bypass alone. Subgroup analysis indicated a reduction in reintervention rates associated with AVF when performed in conjunction with a synthetic graft (pooled RR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.30-0.98). CONCLUSION: Although adjuvant AVF is not associated with additional operative complication there is little evidence to support its use. The evidence assessing its merits is weakened by small, retrospective studies with heterogeneous cohorts.

Are wound ring protectors effective in reducing surgical site infection post appendectomy? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the main causes of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Appendectomy for acute appendicitis is one of the most commonly performed surgical interventions worldwide. The use of ring retractors to protect the wound edge from contaminated intra-abdominal contents may be an effective method to reduce SSI. AIM: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine whether the use of wound ring retractors reduces SSI rates after open appendectomy. METHODS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analysis of ring retractors was undertaken using the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Cochrane RCTs Central Register, CINAHL, and ISRCTN registry were searched for eligible studies. Only studies in which open appendectomy was undertaken were included. The Cochrane Collaboration's RevMan 5.3 was used for analysis. A subgroup analysis by degree of appendiceal inflammation was performed. RESULTS: Four RCTs inclusive of 939 patients met eligibility requirements. One trial used single ring while three used double ring protectors. Differences in the definition of SSI, skin preparation, and type and duration of prophylactic antibiotic were found between the 4 studies. The use of ring retractors show some evidence of SSI reduction risk ratio 0.44 [95 % CI (0.21, 0.90)]. On sub-analysis, ring retractor was more effective in more severe degrees of appendiceal inflammation i.e., the contaminated group. CONCLUSION: Our review suggests some benefit in using ring retractors to reduce SSI post appendectomy; however the small number and variable quality of the studies suggest the need for more RCTs to confirm these results.

A MultiCenter Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Remote Ischemic Preconditioning in Major Vascular Surgery.

A pilot randomized controlled trial that evaluated the effect of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) on clinical outcomes following major vascular surgery was performed. Eligible patients were those scheduled to undergo open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, endovascular aortic aneurysm repair, carotid endarterectomy, and lower limb revascularization procedures. Patients were randomized to RIPC or to control groups. The primary outcome was a composite clinical end point comprising any of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, new-onset arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, congestive cardiac failure, cerebrovascular accident, renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy, mesenteric ischemia, and urgent cardiac revascularization. Secondary outcomes were components of the primary outcome and myocardial injury as assessed by serum troponin values. The primary outcome occurred in 19 (19.2%) of 99 controls and 14 (14.1%) of 99 RIPC group patients (P = .446). There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes. Our trial generated data that will guide future trials. Further trials are urgently needed.

The role of venous diameter in predicting arteriovenous fistula maturation: when not to expect an AVF to mature according to pre-operative vein diameter measurements? A best evidence topic.

This best evidence topic was investigated according to a described protocol. We asked the question: what is the minimal vein diameter that can successfully predict maturation of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in patients undergoing dialysis. Using the reported search 804 papers were found, of which five represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. All studies assessed the association between successful AVF maturation and the size of vein used. The strongest evidence came from a nonrandomised controlled follow-up study in which 76% of fistulas created using >2 mm cephalic vein successfully matured compared to 16% when the vein measured ≤2 mm. Another prospective, multicentre study showed 65% successful maturation using veins >4 mm compared to 45% with veins <3 mm. Vein diameter was found to be an independent predictor of maturation in multivariate regression analysis in two retrospective observational studies. Another retrospective observational study found that using venous measurements of ≥2.5 mm following tourniquet application resulted in more fistulas been created that would have otherwise been denied based on venous ultrasound mapping. A large multicentre randomised clinical trial assessing the use of different vein sizes both with and without tourniquet application using proper statistical tools - such as receiver operating characteristic - is required to make a final recommendation. Until then, a vein diameter of <2.5 mm should be considered inadequate for formation of an AVF, particularly if those measurements remain unchanged following the use of tourniquet.

Should patients with infrainguinal arterial bypasses using autologous vein conduit undergo follow-up surveillance with duplex ultrasound?

This best evidence topic was investigated according to a structured format. The question asked was: should duplex ultrasound (DUS) scanning be a routine component of surveillance following infrainguinal arterial bypass using vein conduit? We performed a systematic literature search and identified 4 studies (3 randomised controlled trials and 1 meta-analysis) that provided the best evidence. The highest quality study was a multi-centre randomised controlled trial (n = 594). At 18 months following surgery, it found no difference in patency rates, amputations, vascular mortality or mortality. However it achieved just over half of anticipated recruitment and thus was underpowered. The remaining two randomised controlled trials had smaller sample sizes and methodological weaknesses and found conflicting results. Lundell et al. (n = 106) found improved primary assisted and secondary patency rates and fewer graft occlusions with a routine DUS policy. Ihlberg et al. (n = 152) found no difference in primary assisted patency or amputations although secondary patency was improved. A meta-analysis of mostly observational data (n = 6649) found fewer occlusions with routine DUS surveillance and no effect on amputations or mortality. Results are conflicting. The strongest evidence comes from the single high quality multi-centre trial. It appears as though routine DUS surveillance does not yield benefits in patient important outcomes. Further studies are needed.

A comparison of fibrin sealant versus standard closure in the reduction of postoperative morbidity after groin dissection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Groin dissection is commonly performed in patients with lower limb malignant conditions such as malignant melanoma, vulvar, penile, anal and scrotal carcinomas with an associated high complication rate. Numerous surgical strategies have been suggested to reduce morbidity. We aimed to systematically review one of those methods - fibrin sealant (FS) - in comparison to standard closure (SC) in reducing postoperative morbidity from groin dissection. METHODS: A systematic search of the literature, study selection and data extraction using an independent screening process, assessment of risk of bias and statistical data analysis was performed. Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing fibrin sealant to standard care in patients with malignant disease undergoing groin dissection reporting at least one outcome measure relating to postoperative complications were included in the review. RESULTS: A total of 6 RCTs were included. There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) rates between FS and SC. The overall incidence of wound infection in the FS group was 32% (43/133) compared to 34% (45/132) in the SC group. (Pooled risk ratio = 0.0.94 [0.68, 1.32]; 95% CI; P = 0.74). The incidence of seroma for the FS group (30/133) and the SC group (30/132) did not differ (Pooled risk ratio = 1.03 [0.67, 1.58]; 95% CI; P value = 0.90). Complication rates were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: Based on current evidence, fibrin sealant does not significantly reduce morbidity in patients undergoing groin dissection for the management of malignant disease when compared to standard closure techniques.

Appendicitis in De Garengeot's Hernia Presenting as a Nontender Inguinal Mass: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Introduction. De Garengeot first described a femoral hernia containing the appendix in 1731. Appendicitis occurring in this rare clinical setting represents a challenge in diagnosis and management. Case Presentation. We present the case of a 71-year-old male with a three-day history of a nontender inguinal mass. Computed tomography (CT) suggested a femoral hernia. Intraoperatively, the hernia sac was noted to contain a perforated appendix. Discussion. This is an infrequently reported clinical scenario and only the 14th reported case in peer-reviewed literature which includes preoperative CT images. Our case adds to previously reported low sensitivity of CT for diagnosing De Garengeot's hernia. Furthermore, unlike our case the vast majority of previous reports noted a painful inguinal swelling. Conclusion. Perforated appendicitis in a femoral hernia is an extremely uncommon presentation. However, consideration should be given to De Garengeot's hernia in patients with a groin mass, even if nontender.

The impact of clinical pharmacist in a cardiac-surgery intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical pharmacists' interventions in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting with regard to their acceptance by the medical team, frequency, clinical significance, and targeted patient's outcomes. METHODS: This is a prospective, non-comparative, observational study evaluating the clinical pharmacist interventions in an ICU setting from December 2002 to May 2003. The study was conducted in a 19-bed Cardiac-Surgery ICU at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, a tertiary-care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The clinical pharmacist performed daily multi-disciplinary team rounds, with documentation of all his interventions. On the same day, a physician, who is a part of the team, verified all interventions for validity and clinical significance. The institutional Office of Research Affairs approved the study. RESULTS: The clinical pharmacist intervened 394 times on the 600 patients [0.66 intervention-per-patient]. The medical team accepted almost all interventions (94.3%). The main drug-related problems were the following: no drug prescribed for medical condition (33.2%), inappropriate dosing regimen (28.9%), and no indication for drug use (14.3%). Approximately 55.7% of the interventions targeted enhancing therapeutic outcomes, whilst 21.8% of interventions resulted in the prevention of an adverse drug reaction. The interventions that may have resulted in decreasing mortality, preventing, or reducing organ damage, or decreasing hospitalization, represented 8.1% of all interventions. CONCLUSION: Participation of a clinical pharmacist in the daily multidisciplinary team rounds in an ICU setting significantly reduces unfavorable morbidities and enhances therapeutic outcomes.