Impact of hyperchloremia on inflammatory markers, serum creatinine, hemoglobin, and outcome in critically ill patients with COVID-19 infection.

Hyperchloremia has negative consequences, such as increased proinflammatory mediators, renal dysfunction, and mortality in patients with septic shock. However, data on the effects of hyperchloremia on COVID-19 infections are scarce. The study aimed to investigate the effects of hyperchloremia on inflammatory markers, serum creatinine, hemoglobin levels, and outcomes in critically ill COVID-19 patients. A retrospective review of all adult patients admitted to the ICU at King Fahd University Hospital with a moderate to severe COVID-19 infection from January 2020 to August 2021 was performed. Serum chloride levels, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP), creatinine, and hemoglobin levels were collected on the first and third days of ICU admission. Demographic data, oxygen support modality, ICU length of stay (ICU LOS), renal replacement therapy (RRT), and deaths were collected. Of 420 patients, 255 were included; 97 (38%) had hyperchloremia, while 158 (62%) did not. Hyperchloremic patients had a higher percentage of increases in ferritin (54.6%), CRP (6.2%), and LDH (15.5%) between the first and third days of admission, compared to non-hyperchloremic patients (43.7%, 6.3%, and 5.7%, respectively). The decrease in hemoglobin levels was similar in both groups (p=0.103). There was a significant association between hyperchloremia and an increase in serum creatinine (p<0.0001). Sixty-six (68%) patients required endotracheal intubation in the hyperchloremic group (p=0.003). The mortality rate was significant in the hyperchloremic cohort (p=<0.0001). Hyperchloremia was significantly associated with increased risks of kidney injury, endotracheal intubation, and death. However, hyperchloremia was not associated with increased ferritin, CRP, or hemoglobin decreases in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Liver Metastasis in a Young Female Secondary to Breast Cancer: A Case Report.

Breast cancer is common among females worldwide and is most commonly reported in women aged 30-40 years and less commonly in those aged <30 years. Presentation with liver metastasis is rare in breast cancer at all ages. Lactic acidosis in association with metastatic breast cancer is also rare. Here, the authors report a case of a 26-year-old female who presented with cholestatic jaundice, coagulopathy and ascites. Radiological examination showed evidence of infiltrating liver lesion. Computed tomography-guided liver biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of breast origin based on the strong estrogen receptor positivity. Chemotherapy could not be initiated because of the patient's critical condition. Unfortunately, the condition deteriorated rapidly, and the patient died secondary to liver failure manifested with disseminated intravascular coagulation and lactic acidosis. This is a rare case of breast cancer in terms of age group (<30 years), site of metastasis at presentation and complication of metastatic breast cancer (type B lactic acidosis), and thus highlights the distinct features of such breast cancers.

Reverse Atrial Remodeling and Resolution of Mitral Regurgitation after Rhythm Control in Atrial Fibrillation: A Case Report.

Atrial fibrillation is a common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide. In patients with hyperthyroidism, atrial fibrillation is the most common comorbid cardiac condition. Here, the authors report a case of a 47-year-old female with no significant medical history who presented with heart failure symptoms. Further analysis confirmed atrial fibrillation with a dilated atria and severe mitral regurgitation. In addition, she was found to be hyperthyroid. Accordingly, electrical cardioversion treatment was initiated, and her hyperthyroidism was managed. This resulted in her normal sinus rhythm being restored and subsequently being maintained. A repeat echocardiography 6 months later showed resolution of mitral regurgitation, improvement of atrial size and normalization of the left ventricular systolic function. Therefore, based on this case report, the authors suggest that atrial remodeling and functional mitral regurgitation secondary to atrial dilatation can be reversed by restoring and maintaining the sinus rhythm.