Clinical Characteristics of Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a global pandemic of severe upper respiratory tract infections known as COVID-19. This single-center study aimed to investigate the demographics, comorbidities, symptoms, and disease severity of COVID-19 patients in Pakistan. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted at the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Center from April 2020 to August 2020. A total of 430 PCR-positive COVID-19 patients were categorized into symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. The symptomatic group was further classified into severe and non-severe subgroups. Patients' demographics, comorbid conditions, presenting symptoms, laboratory parameters, and clinical outcomes were assessed in these two subgroups. Statistical tests were applied to determine significant differences. RESULTS: A total of 430 patients with COVID-19 presented in our center, of whom 334 (78%) were symptomatic and included in the study. Severe disease was observed in 83 (24.8%) symptomatic patients, with a male predominance (75.9%) and higher mean age (61.7 ± 13.2). Travel to high-risk destinations (p < 0.002) and close contact with COVID-19 patients (p < 0.001) were significant risk factors. Major comorbid conditions included diabetes mellitus (30.5%) and hypertension (39.8%). Frequent symptoms included fever (71.8%), cough (68.8%), dyspnea (53.8%), and myalgias (35.9%). Higher C-reactive protein (median = 12.76 vs. 1.45, p = 0.001), ferritin (median = 996.70 vs. 628, p = 0.004), and D-dimers (median = 1121 vs. 439.50, p = 0.009) were noted in severe vs non-severe disease. Lymphopenia was more prevalent in severe vs. non-severe disease (83.1% vs. 14.3% p-value = 0.033). More deaths (28.9%) and ICU admissions (53%) with a prolonged hospital stay (median = 25 days, IQR = 16.0-31.0) were noted in the severe group. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study provides insights into the clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients. Age, male gender, comorbidities, and specific symptoms were associated with disease severity. Inflammatory markers, including D-dimers, ferritin, and CRP, were elevated in severe cases. These findings contribute to a better understanding of COVID-19 and may aid in clinical management and decision-making for patients affected by the disease.

Cholangioscope-Guided Electrohydraulic Lithotripsy as a Rescue Technique for an Impacted Dormia Basket With Large Common Bile Duct Stone.

Impaction of Dormia basket while extracting common bile duct (CBD) stones during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a well-known but relatively rare complication. Its management could be very challenging and may require percutaneous, endoscopic, or major surgical intervention. In this study, we present a case of a 65-year-old man with a history of obstructive jaundice secondary to a large CBD stone. For stone extraction, mechanical lithotripsy with a Dormia basket was attempted resulting in its entrapment within CBD. Subsequently, the entrapped basket and large stone were retrieved using a novel technique of cholangioscope-guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy with excellent clinical outcomes.

Effectiveness of multidisciplinary approach in patients undergoing therapy for chronic hepatitis C.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of a multidisciplinary approach on the outcome of treatment for hepatitis C virus infection. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted at the gastroenterology division by primary care providers at Phoenix VA Healthcare system in Phoenix, Arizona, United States, and comprised clinical and laboratory data of all hepatitis C patients treated between November 2002 and December 2006. The patients were clinically evaluated to determine whether they were candidates for treatment with pegylated interferon a-2a or a-2b plus ribavirin. Patients were given detailed orientation prior to the therapy, and were closely monitored during the treatment. RESULTS: Of the 295 patients, 179(60.7%) received pegylated interferon a-2b and ribavirin and 116(39.3%) received pegylated interferon a-2a and ribavirin. Overall, 202(68.47%) had genotype 1 and 93 (31.52%) had non-genotype 1. Age range was 35 to 66 years (mean 51±8.51 and Mean BMI was 28.2±4.22), and the majority was Caucasian males who served in the Vietnam era. The overall sustained virological response was 120(40.7%). CONCLUSIONS: High sustained virological response was achieved among the participants.

A rare case of Mirizzi syndrome due to pure calcium carbonate stones (Limy Bile).

We report the first case of Mirizzi syndrome in a patient who presented with biliary obstruction caused by pure calcium carbonate stones. A 61 years old male with history of portal vein thrombosis presented with rash, nausea and jaundice. An ultrasound of biliary tree showed gallstones with dilatation of hepatic duct and intrahepatic biliary tree. There was suspicion of a stone in proximal CBD. CT scan showed an opaque gallbladder with dense radio-opaque material in its lumen. An ERCP was then performed revealing external common hepatic duct obstruction at the neck of the gallbladder. A plastic biliary stent was placed across the obstruction, followed by a cholecystectomy. Resected gallbladder specimen revealed thick whitish paste like material, and formed stones filling the gallbladder lumen. Laboratory testing showed this material to be composed of 100% calcium carbonate crystals.

Cortical venous infarcts and acute limb ischaemia in acute carbon monoxide poisoning: A rare case report.

A case of carbon monoxide poisoning is presented with unusual complications; some of which have not been reported previously. A 48-years-old Asian male presented to the emergency department with dyspnoea, altered state of consciousness and pale discolouration of skin after being locked inside a factory room with burning coal. Patient was in acute respiratory distress. Arterial blood gas analysis showed respiratory acidosis with hypoxaemia. On 3rd day, patient developed dark coloured urine and right upper limb ischaemia. Acute renal failure was diagnosed. A doppler ultrasound showed stenosis of radial and ulnar arteries. 0n 8th day, patient regained consciousness and complained of loss of vision. An MRI of the brain revealed bilateral occipital venous infarcts. Cortical venous infarcts and arterial stenosis are rare complications of acute carbon monoxide poisoning.