Prevalence, outcomes, and complications of vitamin D deficiency among patients with multiple myeloma: Nationwide burden of disease.

Multiple myeloma (MM), constituting 10% of hematological malignancies, poses significant morbidity and mortality, especially with skeletal involvement. Bisphosphonate use in MM may lead to severe hypocalcemia due to vitamin D deficiency (VDD), exacerbating bone-marrow plasma cell burden. We aimed to assess VDD prevalence and its impact on outcomes in MM patients. A retrospective cross-sectional analysis (2008-2018) of nationwide inpatient data identified adult MM hospitalizations with VDD using ICD-10-CM codes. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate prevalence, demographics, and outcomes, with significance set at p < 0.05. Among 330,175 MM hospitalizations, 3.48% had VDD. VDD was more prevalent among 50-75 year olds (61.72% vs 59.74%), females (53.36% vs 44.34%), Blacks (23.34% vs 22.94%), Whites (65.84% vs 65.79%), higher income brackets (26.13% vs 23.85%), and those with comorbidities like hypertension (71.12% vs 69.89%), dyslipidemia (42.47% vs 34.98%), obesity (13.63% vs 10.19%), and alcohol abuse (1.61% vs 1.34%). In regression analysis, VDD in MM patients correlated with higher morbidity (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.24, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.14-1.36) and major disability (aOR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.20-1.30). MM patients with VDD exhibit worse outcomes, underscoring the importance of recognizing and managing VDD promptly. Further prospective studies are needed to validate our findings and explore the impact of vitamin D supplementation on MM patient outcomes.

Rare case of primary bone lymphoma of the femur.

Primary bone lymphoma is a rare type of lymphoma that arises from skeletal tissue. Most cases described are non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma being the most common subtype. While it is common for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma to have secondary skeletal system involvement, primary involvement of the skeleton is surprisingly rare. Primary bone lymphoma accounts for less than 5% of all primary bone malignancies, 4%-5% of extranodal lymphomas and less than 1% of all non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. We present an interesting case of a young adult male who was diagnosed with primary bone lymphoma of the femur. Interestingly, his initial X-ray imaging revealed no osseous abnormality and subsequent MRI revealed an infiltrating mass. The patient was treated with chemotherapy of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone resulting in complete remission.

Disseminated Cryptococcosis in an HIV-Negative Patient With Liver Cirrhosis and Asplenia: A Rare but Dreadful Disease.

Cryptococcosis (cryptococcal infection) is a severe life-threatening fungal infection. It is seen worldwide, specifically in immunocompromised, mainly in human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS)-infected individuals. Cryptococcal infection can present with meningitis, pneumonia, peritonitis, disseminated cryptococcosis, and cryptococcal fungemia. Here, we report the case of an HIV-negative Caucasian male in his early 50s with liver cirrhosis and asplenia who presented to our hospital with bilateral foot cellulitis and pneumonia. He was eventually diagnosed with disseminated cryptococcosis. Even with appropriate treatment, he developed multiorgan failure and finally expired. The disseminated cryptococcal infection has a very high mortality rate in patients with liver cirrhosis and asplenia. Liver cirrhosis is an independent risk factor, and asplenia is a comorbid condition for cryptococcal infection in HIV-negative patients. Healthcare providers should have a high suspicion of cryptococcosis in these patients. Early testing with cryptococcal antigen assay and initiation of an appropriate antimicrobial regimen can help minimize bad outcomes.

Limited Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis Presenting as Recurrent Lung Abscess Without Pneumonia.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), previously called Wegener's granulomatosis, is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis affecting small and medium-sized vessels and is associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). GPA is a systemic disease but can present in a limited form, where the respiratory system is the most commonly involved. Here, we report a case of a 54-year-old African American female who presented with chronic cough and got diagnosed with recurrent right-sided empyema without pneumonia. She underwent a right thoracotomy, and the biopsy showed necrotizing granulomatous inflammation with vasculitis and rare non-necrotizing granuloma, suggesting GPA. Diagnosis of GPA was confirmed by strongly positive anti-proteinase 3 ANCA antibodies. Interestingly, her GPA is a limited form, and she had an excellent recovery after initiation of immunosuppression. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for better outcomes and survival in GPA.

Emphysematous Pyelonephritis Involving Native Kidneys and a Transplanted Kidney.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is an acute severe necrotizing form of UTI, with air collection in the renal parenchyma, collecting system, and surrounding tissues. Most common causative organisms are Escherichia coli and Klebsiella. Here we present a 71-year-old Caucasian male with multiple medical problems who was transferred to our ER from a long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) for hematuria, UTI, and septic shock. He is a recipient of a deceased donor renal transplant and was receiving IV amphotericin B for recent cryptococcal meningitis. CT abdomen showed bilateral EPN, including the transplanted kidney. He received aggressive fluid resuscitation, vasopressors, and IV antibiotics and got admitted to the ICU. Unfortunately, his clinical course worsened and required ventilatory support, and his family opted for comfort care because of the high mortality rate. The emphasis of this case report is to investigate immunocompromised patients presenting with UTIs for EPN.

A Rare Case of Stage IV Mixed Neuroendocrine Small Cell and Adenosquamous Cell Carcinoma of the Gallbladder.

Gallbladder (GB) carcinoma is the fifth most common type of gastrointestinal cancer. Although a majority of these cancers are found to be adenocarcinomas, we present a rare case in which the GB carcinoma was found to have mixed histology with both small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and adenosquamous cell carcinoma.

Primary Effusion Lymphoma Presenting As Parapneumonic Pleural Effusion.

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a rare form of high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that usually occurs in patients with compromised immunity or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. PEL is a B-cell lymphoma that principally presents as effusions without a tumor mass. We present a case of a 56-year-old African-American male with a medical history of HIV admitted to the hospital with right lung lower lobe pneumonia and parapneumonic effusion. Thoracentesis and pleural fluid cytology led to the diagnosis of PEL. He received treatment with chemotherapy and antiretroviral therapy (ART). The emphasis is to investigate immunocompromised patients presenting with pleural effusion for PEL, as it is a rare ailment with a high mortality rate.

Ventriculitis Presenting as a Complication of Haemophilus Influenzae Mastoiditis and Meningitis.

Ventriculitis is a rare intracranial disease with potentially life-threatening consequences. Here, we present a case of acute mastoiditis that progressed to Haemophilus influenzae meningitis evolving to ventriculitis. This case was complicated by hydrocephalus that subsequently required the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. In patients presenting with mastoiditis, it is imperative to initiate early and appropriate treatment to prevent disease progression and devastating outcomes. We aim to increase recognition of potential complications and encourage childhood vaccination of Haemophilus influenzae.

Pseudohyperkalemia in a Patient With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Hyperkalemia is a common electrolyte disorder with potentially life-threatening consequences, including cardiac dysrhythmias. Pseudohyperkalemia must always be ruled out before implementing treatment for true hyperkalemia. Here, we present a case of a 63-year-old male with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with a white blood cell count greater than 200 thousand/mm3 and persistently high serum potassium concentration as high as 8.4 mmol/L. A venous blood gas analysis was performed, which confirmed the patient's plasma potassium levels were within the normal range (3.7-4.4 mmol/L). In patients with CLL, due to the increased fragility of their white blood cells, mechanical stress such as centrifugation can lead to cell lysis resulting in pseudohyperkalemia. Our emphasis with clinicians is to familiarize themselves with these spurious laboratory values and prevent unnecessary invasive testing and treatment.

Acute Spontaneous Bilateral Adrenal Hemorrhage Presenting as Hyponatremia.

Bilateral adrenal hemorrhage is a very unusual cause of severe adrenal insufficiency and hyponatremia. It can result from trauma, infections, or antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated early. Here, we present a 58-year-old Caucasian man with fatigue, altered sensorium, bradycardia, and hypotension. He denied any abdominal pain, recent trauma, or anti-platelet or anti-coagulation agents. His laboratory workup showed hyponatremia with low serum cortisol levels. He was further worked up and underwent computerized tomography (CT) of the abdomen, which showed bilateral adrenal hemorrhage. He was treated with intravenous (IV) steroids followed by oral hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone. His symptoms resolved, and he was safely discharged home. Asymptomatic bilateral adrenal hemorrhage is a sporadic disease, and it should be in the differential diagnosis for disproportionately sick people with other adrenal insufficiency features.

Effect of Basti (oil enema) therapy for the management of cough in pertussis.

Bordetella pertussis continues to circulate even in countries with good childhood vaccination coverage. Sporadic cases are still observed either due to no vaccination, incomplete vaccination or as a result of failure of vaccination. Though acute in nature it has a longer disease span with multiple life-threatening complications despite adequate management. This study was undertaken to study the effect of Sneha Basti (oil enema) in pertussis in relation to reduction in intensity of cough and complications of the disease when administered along with the conventional pharmacological therapy. Patients with the clinical picture mimicking pertussis were screened, investigated for pertussis and appropriate conventional pharmacological therapy of Erythromycin a preferred antimicrobial agent was started. Concurrently, Sneha Basti was administered to these two children. Both patients showed favourable results in terms of reduction of Kasa (cough) and the disease period with a faster recovery when compared to conventional therapy alone as has been observed routinely. No complications incurred during the complete disease span. It was concluded that if the pharmacological therapy is augmented with the complimentary systems of medicines, it can reduce the prolonged span and intensity of the disease and prevent other complications.