Pre- and post-implementation protocol for non-operative management of grade III-V splenic injuries: An observational study.

Background: Grade (III-V) blunt splenic injuries (BSI) in hemodynamically stable patients represent clinical challenges for successful non-operative management (NOM). In 2014, Our institution proposed a treatment protocol requiring splenic angiography and embolization for stable, intermediate, and high-grade BSI. It also included a follow-up CT scan for grade III BSI. We sought to assess the success rate of NOM in treating intermediate and high-grade BSI, following a standardized treatment protocol at a level 1 trauma center. Methods: An observational retrospective study was conducted. Data of patients with BSI from June 2011 to September 2019 were reviewed using the Qatar National Trauma Registry. Patients' demographics, CT scan and angiographic findings, grade of splenic injuries, and outcomes were analyzed. The pre- and post-implementation of treatment protocol periods were compared. Results: During the study period, a total of 552 hemodynamically stable patients with BSI were admitted, of which 240 had BSI with grade III to V. Eighty-one patients (33.8%) were admitted in the pre-protocol implementation period and 159 (66.2%) in the post-protocol implementation period. The NOM rate increased from 50.6% in the pre-protocol group to 65.6% in the post-protocol group (p = 0.02). In addition, failure of the conservative treatment did not significantly differ in the two periods, while the requirement for blood transfusion dropped from 64.2% to 45.9% (p = 0.007). The frequency of CT scan follow-up (55.3% vs. 16.3%, p = 0.001) and splenic arterial embolization (32.7% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.001) in NOM patients increased significantly in the post-protocol group compared to the pre-protocol group. Overall mortality was similar between the two periods. However, hospital and ICU length of stay and ventilatory days were higher in the post-protocol group. Conclusions: NOM is an effective and safe treatment option for grade III-V BSI patients. Using standardized treatment guidelines for intermediate-to high-grade splenic injuries could increase the success rate for NOM and limit unnecessary laparotomy. Moreover, angioembolization is a crucial adjunct to NOM that could improve the success rate.

Evaluation of Olfactory Dysfunction Among COVID-19 Patients in Baghdad, Iraq.

Background SARS­CoV­2 (COVID-19) causes olfactory dysfunction which is characterized by anosmia or hyposmia. Characterization of olfactory dysfunction has added value to the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease. Nevertheless, scarce information exists about COVID-19 patients suffering from olfactory dysfunction in Iraq. This study aimed to identify olfactory dysfunction (anosmia or hyposmia) in Iraqi COVID-19 patients and examine their response to smell exercise at Baghdad Medical City Complex, Baghdad, Iraq. Methodology This case series prospective study involving 300 patients (160 males and 140 females) with COVID-19 infection was conducted from June 1, 2020, to October 1, 2021. We recorded signs and symptoms of COVID-19 among patients by examining olfactory dysfunction, n-butanol olfaction test, and smell test exercise. Results Anosmia and hyposmia were found in 69.3% and 30.7% of the patients, respectively; of these, 65.7% were of sudden onset. The association between olfactory dysfunction and smoking was not significant. The most frequent signs and symptoms of COVID-19 were fatigue, fever, loss of taste, myalgia, headache, sore throat, cough, depressed appetite, dyspnea, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The highest frequencies of occurrence of anosmia (30.7%) and hyposmia (13.3%) were in the age group of 31-40 years. The majority (47.7%) of patients with olfactory dysfunction recovered within one month of COVID-19 onset. The rest of the patients recovered within one month to 16 months. The most commonly encountered ear, nose, and throat symptoms were nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, and facial/ear pain. The percentages of patients with anosmia and hyposmia recovering with smell exercise were significant at 64.7% and 25.3%, respectively. Conclusions The prognosis of olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients was good as most cases recovered within a short period with concomitant smell exercise. Olfactory dysfunction in the majority of COVID-19 patients was self-limiting in young age groups, albeit in association with the non-severity of the disease. Being an important public health issue, examining olfactory dysfunction aspects should be considered in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment protocols of COVID-19 patients. In-depth exploration is needed to examine olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in patients suffering from severe COVID-19.

Adipsic Hypernatremia With Neurologic Manifestations in a Patient With Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia.

This report describes a case of a 50-year-old man with hypertension who was admitted with a history of fever, chills, and shortness of breath and tested positive for COVID-19. Shortly after resolving his acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), he developed adipsic hypernatremia with associated confusion, lethargy, and weakness. COVID-19 is a serious disease that mainly targets the respiratory system; however, we must not overlook its effects on other organ systems. When the etiology of hypernatremia is unclear, it requires extensive workup and monitoring, and the lack of rapid correction can cause serious and irreversible neurological damage.

Late development of giant hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm following abdominal trauma due to tire blast: case report and literature review.

Giant hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm is rare but could have a significant implication. A 35-year-old male was severely injured by a truck tire explosion and presented with hypotension and positive focused assessment with sonography in trauma scan. After resuscitation, abdomen computed tomography (CT) scan showed a Grade 4 liver injury. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit, and the liver injury was treated conservatively. Seventeen days later, he developed abdominal pain with deep epigastric tenderness. Repeated abdomen CT scan detected a giant hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm. Embolization was achieved using gel foam with the placement of six microcoils. The patient had an uneventful recovery. Late development of giant hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication of hepatic trauma and could be life-threatening. Timely identification and treatment with endovascular intervention are crucial. We recommend, especially when dealing with trauma related to blast injury, follow-up images for patients who develop symptoms suggestive of hepatic injury.

Epidemiological review of scorpion stings in Qatar. The need for regional management guidelines in emergency departments.

OBJECTIVES: To review the epidemiology of scorpion sting in Qatar, to explore both the clinical significance, and the role of the emergency department (ED) in the management of such cases. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we reviewed the records of all scorpion sting cases presented to the ED of Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar between October 2010 and May 2013. RESULTS: A total of 111 cases of scorpion stings were reviewed, 81 (72.9%) were males and 30 (27.1%) were females, with a mean age of 38 years. Localized pain was the most frequent presenting complaint (89 [80.2%]), whereas localized redness (44 [39.6%]) and swelling (38 [34.2%]) were the most common clinical signs. Abroug's classification was used, and all cases  were found to be class I. All patients received symptomatic treatment and were sent home. CONCLUSION: Scorpion sting problem in Qatar has a low clinical significance. Data from such studies should be utilized to create more specific (local) management guidelines, which should be more efficient with more rational utilization of ED resources.