Use of inferior vena cava guided fluid therapy in the treatment of septic shock: A randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: By administering inferior vena cava (IVC) directed fluid, it is possible to avoid the use of additional fluid and fluid overload in patients with septic shock (SS) and sepsis-induced hypoperfusion (SIH). METHODOLOGY: In patients with SIH and SS, we conducted prospective observational research on fluid therapy. A time-motion trace of the IVC diameter was created using M-mode imaging. The ability to predict fluid responsiveness was based on the IVC collapsibility index (cIVC) > 40%. Participants were randomised into 2 groups using a permuted block-of-four randomization list, with the investigators being blinded prior to patient allocation. They were split equally between the usual-care (UC) group, which received sepsis-guided fluid treatment, and the interventional ultrasound-guided fluid therapy (UGFT) group. RESULTS: The average age of the participants was 63.2 years (62.8 years for the UGFT group and 63.7 years for the UC group). Co-morbid health conditions were practically the same in both arms at baseline. Prior to enrolment, both groups received the same quantity of fluid as part of resuscitation (UGFT arm received 2.4 0.6 L, UC group received 2.2 0.7 L). The UGFT group outperformed the UC group with a P value of 0.02 due to a significantly lower positive fluid balance after 72 hours of ICU discharge (-1.37 L), which rendered the UGFT group superior to the UC group. Even after accounting for the fluids consumed before enrolment, there was still a sizable difference in the fluids infused. When the pre-enrolment fluids were counted at 72 hours, UGFT participants still displayed a decreased positive fluid balance. However, there was no discernible difference in the 30-day mortality rate overall (6.3% difference, UGFT: 15.7%, and UC: 22.0%). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to the UC group, the UGFT arm of our study demonstrated a statistically significant benefit of Point of Care USG (POCUS) guided fluid therapy during resuscitation in sepsis in reducing the positive fluid balance in 72 hours, preventing fluid overload, and reducing the need for dialysis and invasive ventilation. However, there was no statistically significant variation in the 30-day mortality rate.

Diagnostic Performance and Clinical Utility of Conventional PCR Assay in Early Diagnosis of COVID-19 Associated Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis.

Early diagnosis and treatment of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) are crucial. Potassium hydroxide with Calcofluorwhite (KOH + CFW) smears can demonstrate the fungal hyphae, but mixed infections caused by both mucorales and non-mucorales pose a diagnostic challenge. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can detect mixed infections and differentiate mucorales from non-mucorales. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of a single reaction PCR in the diagnosis of ROCM and the efficacy of nasal biopsy and endonasal swab in the detection of fungus. Sixty-six clinical samples were collected from 33 patients and were subjected to KOH + CFW smear, culture and PCR. PCR was performed using pan-fungal primers targeting the 28S large subunit rRNA gene, and the amplified products were further sequenced to identify the fungi. KOH + CFW smear, culture and PCR detected mucorales in 54.6%, 27.3% and 63.6% patients, respectively. PCR detected mixed infection in 51.5% patients compared to 9.1% by KOH + CFW smear. PCR detected fungus in 90% of nasal biopsies and 77.8% of endonasal swabs. Rhizopus spp. was the most common fungi identified in 43.2% of PCR-positive samples. PCR is effective in detecting mixed infection and in the diagnosis of ROCM. Nasal biopsies had better fungal detection rates than endonasal swabs.

Early Eosinophilic Antibody-mediated Rejection in a Renal Allograft Recipient.

Although the predominant component of acute allograft rejection is the T-cells, the milieu is not devoid of other inflammatory cells including plasma cells, eosinophils, and histiocytes. Apart from the CD8 T cell and CD4 T cell-FasL cytotoxicity, experimental models had proven a pivotal role of Th-2 cells in acute rejection, and these have been associated with marked tissue eosinophilia. Herein, we present a unique case of severe eosinophilic acute antibody-mediated rejection in a 22 years old deceased donor renal allograft recipient, within 4 days of transplantation without peripheral eosinophilia. The pathology was successfully dealt with the prevailing modalities of therapy, including steroids, plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulin, and bortezomib. Concurrently, we have briefly reviewed the literature about the role of eosinophils in graft rejection and its prognostication.

Prognostic significance of nonthyroidal illness syndrome in critically ill adult patients with sepsis.

AIM: This study was performed to investigate the association of non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) with 28-day mortality in adults with sepsis. METHODS: We performed a prospective observational analysis of adult patients with sepsis. Patients' demographic data, comorbidities, the blood test results including thyroid hormone analysis at admission, Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation II score and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score were compared between 28-day survivors and non-survivors. Further patients were divided into 3 groups; non-NTIS, NTIS group A (low total tri-iodothyronine (T3) and NTIS group B (low T3 with low thyroxine (T4). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors for mortality. RESULTS: A total of 360 patients were included, and overall mortality was 30%. The mortality of non-NTIS patients was 13.4%; group A, 50.1%, and group B 69.1% (P < .001). The median T3 (IQR) in non-survivors and survivors was 0.74 (0.56-1.17) and1.58 (0.91-2.13) and median free T3 (IQR) 2.40 (1.13-3.01) and 4.03 (3.03-7.13) respectively (P < .001). In Cox proportional hazards analysis, NTIS group A (hazard ratio, 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00-2.76) and group B (hazard ratio, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.53-4.34). The area under the receiver-operating curve of NTIS groups was 0.68 (95% CI, 0.63-0.72). CONCLUSION: The T3 and free T3 were significantly lower in non-survivors compared with that in survivors and that a combination of low T3 with low T4 was associated with greater mortality than low T3 alone. A lower free T3 is independently associated with 28-day mortality.

Subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis in kidney transplant recipients: A series of seven cases.

BACKGROUND: Superficial and deep fungal infections are more frequent in transplant recipients primarily because of the failure of cell-mediated immunity and lesser amount of antigen-presenting Langerhans cells in their epidermis. Here, we report seven cases of post-renal transplant subcutaneous phaeohyphomycosis, all of which manifested within 1 year after transplantation and were unresponsive to prolonged courses of itraconazole. This is the first case series, to our knowledge, of phaeohyphomycosis in transplant recipients in India. METHOD: We performed a retrospective review of cases of phaeohyphomycosis among kidney transplant recipients for type of transplant, immunosuppression, histopathology, and treatment, with prospective follow-up of healed lesion. RESULTS: An overall incidence of 8.3% was noted, with a median duration of approximately 6 months post transplant to the onset of skin lesion. None of the lesions responded to itraconazole alone and 6/7 lesions were surgically excised. Histopathology showed various lesions and culture could isolate Neocytalidium and Exophiala jeanselmi in two cases. CONCLUSION: Dematiaceous fungi are increasingly implicated in cutaneous lesions in transplant recipients. Histopathology and surgical excision are the appropriate tools for diagnosis and treatment, respectively.

Vitamin D status in adult critically ill patients in Eastern India: An observational retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in critically ill patients has been reported to be as high as 80%. There is insufficient data regarding the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] levels and outcomes in medical intensive care unit (MICU). The goal of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of 25(OH) D deficiency in MICU and its relationship with outcomes. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study in a MICU of a teaching medical college hospital of Eastern India. All patients admitted to MICU, who had levels of 25(OH) D available, were included in the study. The discriminative powers of admission and lowest 25(OH) D values regarding day-30 mortality were evaluated by producing receiver operating curves (ROC). Binary end points were analyzed by means of a Fisher's exact test. Continuous variables were compared by using unpaired t-tests, Welch's tests, or Wilcoxon ranksum tests. All odds ratios and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated according to the profile-likelihood method. The time from inclusion to death in the two groups was compared with the use of the log-rank test, and the results are presented as Kaplan-Meier curves. Hazard ratios for death from hypo 25(OH) D were calculated by logistic regression model. All P values were 2-tailed and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 300 patients admitted during the study period, 25(OH) D levels were available in 152 patients (50.6%). Of these 152 patients, 15 patients (9.8%) had 25(OH) D insufficiency (20-29.9 ng/dL), 79 (51.9%) had 25(OH) D deficiency (0-19.9 ng/dL), and the levels were normal (>30 ng/dl) in 58 (38.2%) patients. Most of the patients with deficient 25(OH) D levels were females (P < 0.05). Higher mortality (P = 0.01), increased length of MICU stay, and prolonged ventilation were observed in patients with 25(OH) D deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with 25(OH) D deficiency in MICU have increased hospital mortality, longer mechanical ventilation, and longer MICU stay.

Hyponatremia in critically ill patients.

CONTEXT: Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte disturbance in critically ill hence understanding its implications is important. AIMS: This study was carried out to ascertain frequency, predisposing conditions and outcome in critically ill patients with hyponatremia on intensive care unit (ICU) admission. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was an observational, prospective study of a series of ICU patients during a 12-month period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: THE PATIENTS WERE DIVIDED INTO TWO GROUPS: Hyponatremic (serum sodium < 135 mmol/L) and Eunatremic groups (135-145 mmol/L). Clinical examination included volume status and drug history, biochemistries, clinical diagnosis and cause of hyponatremia. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Fisher's exact test, unpaired t-tests Wilcoxon ranksum tests, profile-likelihood method, log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier curves were used. P < 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: In the hyponatremic group, the frequency of hyponatremia on ICU admission was 34.3%, most were euvolumic, 58.96%. Females comprised of 36.5%. The mean age was 60.4 ± 17.2. The Syndrome of inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH) criteria was met in ninety-one patients (36.25%), peumonia being the leading cause of SIADH. Patients with severe sepsis, elective surgery patients, renal failure and heart failure, cirrhosis of liver and subarachnoid hemorrhage were other more likely etiologic causes (P < 0.05). The hyponatremic group spent a longer time in the ICU (P = 0.02), had longer mechanical ventilator days (P < 0.05) and had an increased mortality rate (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Hyponatremia present on admission to the ICU is independent risk factors for poor prognosis.

Hematological profile in neonatal jaundice.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal morbidity due to neonatal jaundice is an alarming situation, which needs to be detected and managed at the earliest possible. Many different etiologies come into play together, and at times, it is difficult to isolate the cause of neonatal jaundice. Certain diagnostic tests such as hemoglobin levels, reticulocyte count, leukocyte count, and blood grouping might hasten the diagnosis. This study analyzes the different parameters of hematological profile and how they influence the various etiologies of neonatal jaundice. METHODS: One hundred jaundiced neonates admitted to the pediatric care unit of MKCG Medical Hospital, Odisha, were considered as subjects for this study. Blood tests were done, and accordingly, the neonates were grouped into three depending on the leukocyte count, reticulocyte count, and hemoglobin levels. Blood grouping of mother and baby was done to see the pattern of ABO incompatibility. RESULTS: Physiological jaundice cases showed no significant variations in hematological profile, while jaundice due to ABO incompatibility, septicemia, Rh incompatibility, intracranial hemorrhage, and G6PD deficiency had anemia, reticulocytosis, and leukocytosis. CONCLUSIONS: The results can be used for early and simple investigation method for the diagnosis of neonatal jaundice.

Incidence of renal involvement in malaria in children of odisha.

About 500 million people suffer from malaria leading to death in 2-3 million cases every year, of which about 1 million are children. Horstman et al., 1985, and Weber et al., 1991, demonstrated an acute renal failure as a well-described complication of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in nonimmune adults and a major contributor to their mortality. In children, renal failure, though not very common, has become a rising issue leading to death. This study aims at determining the incidence of renal complication in malaria cases reported in children of Odisha. 108 cases of malaria who were admitted to Department of Paediatrics, SCB Medical College and Hospital and Sardar Vallab Bhai Patel Post Graduate Institute of Paediatrics, Cuttack, Odisha, India during the period from July 2006 to November 2008 were included in the prospective study. Extensive investigations were carried out to check for renal involvement in these cases. 50.9% of cases showed some form of renal involvement, most of which were recorded in age group of 5-10 years. Overall, males had a higher incidence than females. 62.7% of total cases infected with P. falciparum showed renal involvement though mixed infections with both P. falciparum and P. vivax had 100% renal involvement.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in recurrent sebaceous carcinoma of eyelid with orbital invasion and regional lymphadenopathy.

A 35-year-old man presented with a recurrent temporal conjunctival mass (25 × 12 mm) involving about six-clock hours of the limbus in the left eye. The mass encroached onto the temporal half of cornea and showed surface keratin, large intrinsic and feeder vessels. It infiltrated the deep corneal stroma. There were no cells in the anterior chamber. Ultrasound biomicroscopy confirmed infiltration of deep corneal stroma without intraocular invasion. Surgery involved excision of the conjunctival component with 4-mm margin, lamellar sclerectomy and a penetrating sclerokeratoplasty with 3 mm of healthy corneal margin. Cryotherapy (double-freeze-thaw) was done to the conjunctival margins. Histopathology showed it to be invasive sebaceous cell carcinoma. A thin layer of deep corneal stroma and all conjunctival margins were uninvolved. At thirty-six weeks after treatment the left eye recorded a visual acuity of finger counting at 1 meter distance and no recurrence.