Galectin-3 as a potential prognostic biomarker of severe COVID-19 in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients.

Severe COVID-19 is associated with a systemic hyperinflammatory response leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multi-organ failure, and death. Galectin-3 is a ß-galactoside binding lectin known to drive neutrophil infiltration and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines contributing to airway inflammation. Thus, we aimed to investigate the potential of galectin-3 as a biomarker of severe COVID-19 outcomes. We prospectively included 156 patients with RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19. A severe outcome was defined as the requirement of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and/or in-hospital death. A non-severe outcome was defined as discharge without IMV requirement. We used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine the prognostic ability of serum galectin-3 for a severe outcome. Galectin-3 levels discriminated well between severe and non-severe outcomes and correlated with markers of COVID-19 severity, (CRP, NLR, D-dimer, and neutrophil count). Using a forward-stepwise logistic regression analysis we identified galectin-3 [odds ratio (OR) 3.68 (95% CI 1.47-9.20), p < 0.01] to be an independent predictor of severe outcome. Furthermore, galectin-3 in combination with CRP, albumin and CT pulmonary affection > 50%, had significantly improved ability to predict severe outcomes [AUC 0.85 (95% CI 0.79-0.91, p < 0.0001)]. Based on the evidence presented here, we recommend clinicians measure galectin-3 levels upon admission to facilitate allocation of appropriate resources in a timely manner to COVID-19 patients at highest risk of severe outcome.

Early intervention and neurodevelopmental outcome of infants with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus: A case series and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is the most common central nervous system pathology in preterm infants. No consensus has been reached over the best indication for intervention in patients with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH). The authors present the neurological outcome of infants with IVH and an early treatment approach, defined as an intervention when ventricular dilation is less than 4-mm over the 97th-percentile of Levene's index. METHODS: We performed a retrospective case-series study of 12 infants who had IVH and an early intervention, their neurological development was evaluated after 18-months of corrected age using the Bayley-III Scales. Measures of central tendency and Pearson's correlation were used for data analysis. RESULTS: In a 15-month period, twelve patients were diagnosed with IVH and underwent an early intervention. At the time of diagnosis, 2 patients had grade II IVH, 7 grade III, and 3 grade IV. Subgaleal shunt was the first intervention. 9 (75 %) ultimately required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. A total of 9 (75 %) patients had normal cognitive scores, 7 (58.3 %) for the language-composite, and 8 (66.7 %) for the motor-composite. 6 (50 %) patients had normal scores in all composites. The average scores reported normal results (CC:98.33 ± 22.59; LC:98.25 ± 23.93; MC:88.58 ± 21.47). There was a significant correlation between antenatal steroids and the LC-score (p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: Half of the patients with PHH and early neurosurgical interventions had an average or above average neurodevelopmental score in all three areas. Current literature and undergoing clinical trials have shown promising results on the implementation of this type of intervention.

Intraventricular hemorrhage and posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus in preterm infants: diagnosis, classification, and treatment options.

PURPOSE: Intraventricular hemorrhage is the most important adverse neurologic event for preterm and very low weight birth infants in the neonatal period. This pathology can lead to various delays in motor, language, and cognition development. The aim of this article is to give an overview of the knowledge in diagnosis, classification, and treatment options of this pathology. METHOD: A systematic review has been made. RESULTS: The cranial ultrasound can be used to identify the hemorrhage and grade it according to the modified Papile grading system. There is no standardized protocol of intervention as there are controversial results on which of the temporizing neurosurgical procedures is best and about the appropriate parameters to consider a conversion to ventriculoperitoneal shunt. However, it has been established that the most important prognosis factor is the involvement and damage of the white matter. CONCLUSION: More evidence is required to create a standardized protocol that can ensure the best possible outcome for these patients.