ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Despite innovative advances in neonatal medicine, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) continues to be a significant complication in neonatal intensive care units globally. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to discern the variables heightening the risk of severe IVH (Grade III and IV) in extremely premature infants weighing less than 750 grams. We postulated that a descending hematocrit (Hct) trend during the first week of life could serve as a predictive marker for the development of severe IVH in this vulnerable population. METHODS: This retrospective case-control study encompassed infants weighing less than 750 grams at birth, diagnosed with Grade III and/or IV IVH, and born in a tertiary center from 2009 to 2014. A group of 17 infants with severe IVH was compared with 14 gestational age-matched controls. Acid-base status, glucose, fluid goal, urine output, and nutrient (caloric and protein) intake during the first four days of life were meticulously evaluated. Statistically significant variables from baseline data were further analyzed via univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses, ensuring control for potential confounding variables. RESULTS: The univariate logistic regression model delineated odds ratios (ORs) of 0.842 for day 2 average Hct (confidence interval [CI], 0.718-0.987) and 0.16 for urine output on day 3 (CI, 0.024-1.056), with the remaining six variables demonstrating no significant association. In the post-multivariable regression analysis, day 2 Hct was the only significant variable (OR, 0.731; 95% CI, 0.537-0.995; P=0.04). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis portrayed an area under the curve of 71% for the day 2 Hct variable. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that a dip in Hct on day 2 of life augments the likelihood of Grade III and IV IVH among extremely premature infants with a birth weight of less than 750 grams. This insight amplifies our understanding of risk factors associated with severe IVH development in extremely preterm infants, potentially aiding in refining preventive strategies and optimizing clinical management and treatment of these affected infants.
ABSTRACT
Paraganglioma is a rare type of neuroendocrine tumor with variable clinical presentations, making diagnosis relatively challenging. In this report, we present a case of retroperitoneal paraganglioma in a patient who experienced intermittent episodes of dizziness and chest pain. Imaging studies conducted during the patient's hospitalization revealed the presence of a lesion in the upper region of the right kidney, as well as a mass in the left retroperitoneal area that was suspected to be a paraganglioma. Biochemical studies were collected, including 24-hour urine metanephrines, urine catecholamines, urine cortisol, plasma metanephrines, renin, and aldosterone. However, it took an extended period of time for these results to come back. Given high clinical suspicion, alpha-blockade was initiated without a definite diagnosis of paraganglioma. Ultimately, the patient underwent tumor resection and the final pathology confirmed paraganglioma. The pathology of the contralateral renal mass showed oncocytoma. This case serves as an illustration of the difficulties that can arise when diagnosing and treating undiagnosed paragangliomas within a community healthcare setting.
ABSTRACT
Importance/Background: During current public health emergency of COVID-19 pandemic, repurposing of existing antiviral drugs may be an efficient strategy since there is no proven effective treatment. Published literature shows Remdesivir has broad-spectrum antiviral activity against numerous RNA viruses and has been recently recognized as a promising therapy against SARS-CoV-2. Methods: A systematic search was conducted for full length manuscripts published between inception and July 19th, 2020 focussing on efficacy and safety of Remdesivir in COVID-19. The primary outcomes were defined as mortality rate and median days to recovery based on the available pooled data. The secondary outcome was adverse events rate and drug discontinuation rate. Statistical Analysis: All outcomes were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software package (Bio stat, Englewood, NJ, USA). Results: A total of 1,895 patients from 9 studies were included in this qualitative synthesis. In patients treated with Remdesivir, the mean recovery time was 15.84 days (95% CI 11.68-20, SE 2.12; I 2 = 97.24) and the pooled mortality rate was 11.3% (95% CI 7.9-16%; I 2 = 74.85). However, treatment with Remdesivir was associated with adverse effects (55.3%, 95% CI 31.5-76.9%; I 2 = 97.66) eventually warranting the discontinuation of the drug (17.8%, 95% CI 8.6-33.1%; I 2 = 95.64). The meta-analysis of three clinical trials indicated that administration of Remdesivir significantly reduces the mortality compared to the placebo (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.58-0.84, p ≤ 0.001; I 2 = 16.6). Conclusions and Relevance: The result of contemporary meta-analysis suggests mortality benefit with Remdesivir in COVID-19 and median recovery time was over 2 weeks. The pooled mortality with Remdesivir was found to be very low, and this analysis can shed light on this potential treatment for COVID-19 patients.
