Scurvy: an often misdiagnosed condition in the modern days?

Scurvy is a rare disease in developed countries and few cases have been reported in adults within the last years. We aimed to report and discuss a case of a 35-year-old male with a medical history of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who initially presented to the emergency department with complaints of right leg pain, swelling, and weakness. Physical exam revealed low degree fever associated with right knee and ankle ecchymosis and edema, in addition to a well healing laceration on the anterior tibia with hyperpigmentation. Laboratory results showed elevated inflammatory markers. Due to the high suspicion of bone or soft tissue infection, antibiotic treatment was started without improvement. Upon reassessment and closer inspection of the skin, the patient was noted to have follicular hyperkeratosis and perifollicular hemorrhage; that in combination with a restrictive diet due to IBS, raised the suspicion of scurvy. Vitamin C levels were.

Potential role of intermittent fasting on decreasing cardiovascular disease in human immunodeficiency virus patients receiving antiretroviral therapy.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become one of the commonest causes of comorbidity and mortality among People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH) on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Nearly 50% of PLWH are likely to have an increased risk of developing CVD, including coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral artery disease and aortic atherosclerosis. Aside from the common risk factors, HIV infection itself and side effects of antiretroviral therapy contribute to the pathophysiology of this entity. Potential non-pharmacological therapies are currently being tested worldwide for this purpose, including eating patterns such as Intermittent fasting (IF). IF is a widespread practice gaining high level of interest in the scientific community due to its potential benefits such as improvement in serum lipids and lipoproteins, blood pressure (BP), platelet-derived growth factor AB, systemic inflammation, and carotid artery intima-media thickness among others cardiovascular benefits. This review will focus on exploring the potential role of intermittent fasting as a non-pharmacological and cost-effective strategy in decreasing the burden of cardiovascular diseases among HIV patients on ART due to its intrinsic properties improving the main cardiovascular risk factors and modulating inflammatory pathways related to endothelial dysfunction, lipid peroxidation and aging. Intermittent fasting regimens need to be tested in clinical trials as an important, cost-effective, and revolutionary coadjutant of ART in the fight against the increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease in PLWH.

[Late rhabdomyolysis secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection]. / Rabdomiólisis tardía secundaria a infección por SARS-CoV-2.

SARS-CoV-2, the cause of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), has shown to produce a variety of extrapulmonary manifestations. Rhabdomyolysis due to SARS-CoV-2 infection has been reported mainly in the early course of the disease. In this report, we present the case of a female patient with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who recovered from respiratory compromise and developed a late-onset rhabdomyolysis successfully managed with oral corticosteroids and aggressive hydration. Prompt recognition of this underdiagnosed entity could help prevent subsequent life-threatening complications.

El SARS-CoV-2, la causa de la enfermedad por el nuevo coronavirus de 2019 (COVID-19), ha demostrado producir una variedad de manifestaciones extra pulmonares. La rabdomiólisis debida a la infección por SARS-CoV-ha sido reportada principalmente en el curso temprano de la enfermedad. En el presente informe, presentamos el caso de una paciente con infección confirmada por SARS-CoV-2 que se recuperó de neumonía por COVID-19 y posteriormente desarrolló una rabdomiólisis de inicio tardío que fue manejada con éxito con corticosteroides orales e hidratación enérgica durante el curso de la hospitalización. El reconocimiento y diferenciación oportuna de esta subdiagnosticada entidad y las manifestaciones constitucionales usuales durante el COVID-19, podrían ayudar a prevenir y tratar tempranamente complicaciones posteriores potencialmente mortales.

Rabdomiólisis tardía secundaria a infección por SARS-CoV-2 / Late rhabdomyolysis secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection

Resumen El SARS-CoV-2, la causa de la enfermedad por el nuevo coronavirus de 2019 (COVID-19), ha demostrado producir una variedad de manifestaciones extra pulmonares. La rabdomiólisis debida a la infección por SARS-CoV-ha sido reportada principalmente en el curso temprano de la enfermedad. En el pre sente informe, presentamos el caso de una paciente con infección confirmada por SARS-CoV-2 que se recuperó de neumonía por COVID-19 y posteriormente desarrolló una rabdomiólisis de inicio tardío que fue manejada con éxito con corticosteroides orales e hidratación enérgica durante el curso de la hospitalización. El reconocimiento y diferenciación oportuna de esta subdiagnosticada entidad y las manifestaciones constitucionales usuales du rante el COVID-19, podrían ayudar a prevenir y tratar tempranamente complicaciones posteriores potencialmente mortales.

Abstract SARS-CoV-2, the cause of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), has shown to produce a variety of extrapulmonary manifestations. Rhabdomyolysis due to SARS-CoV-2 infection has been reported mainly in the early course of the disease. In this report, we present the case of a female patient with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who recovered from respiratory compromise and developed a late-onset rhabdomyolysis successfully managed with oral corticoste roids and aggressive hydration. Prompt recognition of this underdiagnosed entity could help prevent subsequent life-threatening complications.

Is there any role of intermittent fasting in the prevention and improving clinical outcomes of COVID-19?: intersection between inflammation, mTOR pathway, autophagy and calorie restriction.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is provoking a global public health crisis. Even though the academic world is intensively pursuing new therapies, there is still no "game changer" in the management of COVID 19. The Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) is an ancient signaling system that has been proposed as a molecular tool used by coronaviruses and other RNA and DNA viruses in order to replicate and persist in the host cell. In recent years, Intermittent Fasting (IF), a practice consisting on a strict calorie restriction during a prolonged period of time during the day, has gained popularity due to its potential benefits in multiple health systems and in regulating inflammation. IF inhibits the mTOR pathway which is similar to the effects of Rapamycin in some animal models. mTOR inhibition and promotion of autophagy could potentially be the link between the possible direct benefits of IF in COVID-19 due to the interruption of the viral cycle (protein synthesis). Besides, IF has shown to be a strong anti-inflammatory in multiple prior studies, and may play a role in attenuating COVID -19 severity. This review hypothesizes the possible intersection between viral, immunological, and metabolic pathways related to mTOR and the potential mechanisms through which IF may improve clinical outcomes. Future prospective randomized controlled clinical trials to evaluate intermittent fasting (IF) regimens in order to prevent and treat moderate to severe forms of COVID-19 in humans are needed.

Erratum: Author Correction: Use of a Launderable Bed Barrier and Antibiotic Stewardship to Decrease Hospital Onset Clostridioides difficile Infections in an Acute Care Hospital: A Retrospective Pre/Post Case Study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.36469/001c.11149.].

Acute pulmonary histoplasmosis related to occupational roofing: A case report of two brothers.

Background and Purpose: Histoplasma capsulatum is the cause of a prevalent fungal disease in certain regions in the United States of America, like Ohio and the Mississippi River. Its clinical manifestations range from asymptomatic to life-threatening diseases, according to the immune system. A definitive diagnosis is made by biopsy. Case report: Two middle-aged brothers presented with a nine-day history of severe progressive dyspnea. Both were living in Cincinnati, Ohio, and encountered bird droppings 7 days prior to symptoms while working on a roofing project. It should be mentioned that they were not wearing masks. After extensive testing, they were diagnosed with acute pulmonary histoplasmosis. Both were successfully treated with azole-derivative fungal therapy. Conclusion: This is the first case of histoplasmosis acquired through occupational exposure related to roofing and is unique given the two patients were siblings.

Treatment of Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Immunocompromised Adults: A Consensus Statement Regarding Initial Strategies.

BACKGROUND: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) guidelines have improved the treatment and outcomes of patients with CAP, primarily by standardization of initial empirical therapy. But current society-published guidelines exclude immunocompromised patients. RESEARCH QUESTION: There is no consensus regarding the initial treatment of immunocompromised patients with suspected CAP. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This consensus document was created by a multidisciplinary panel of 45 physicians with experience in the treatment of CAP in immunocompromised patients. The Delphi survey methodology was used to reach consensus. RESULTS: The panel focused on 21 questions addressing initial management strategies. The panel achieved consensus in defining the population, site of care, likely pathogens, microbiologic workup, general principles of empirical therapy, and empirical therapy for specific pathogens. INTERPRETATION: This document offers general suggestions for the initial treatment of the immunocompromised patient who arrives at the hospital with pneumonia.

Use of a Launderable Bed Barrier and Antibiotic Stewardship to Decrease Hospital Onset Clostridioides difficile Infections in an Acute Care Hospital: A Retrospective Pre-Post Case Study.

BACKGROUND: Hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile infection (HO-CDI) is a major source of morbidity and mortality. The objective of this research was to evaluate the reduction in HO-CDI through the use of a launderable bed barrier (BB) and an antibiotic stewardship program (ASP). METHODS: A retrospective pre-post study was conducted at an acute care hospital in Kentucky. The preintervention period was September 2014 through March 2016. The BB and the ASP were introduced in April 2016, and the post-intervention period for this study ended September 2018. The rate of HO-CDI was calculated from the actual number of HO-CDI divided by the number of patient days each month. The number of defined daily doses of antibiotic therapy was measured each quarter. Hand disinfection compliance, length-of-stay (LOS), case mix index (CMI), and average age of patients were collected to control for confounding in the regression models. RESULTS: There were 34 HO-CDIs and 42 672 patient days in the pre-intervention period and 31 HO-CDIs and 65 882 patient days in the post-intervention period. The average monthly count of HO-CDI was 1.79 (SD 1.51) and 1.03 (SD 0.96) during the pre- and post-periods, respectively. The average monthly rate (per 10 000 patient-days) was 7.94 (SD 6.30) in the pre-intervention period and 4.71 (SD 4.42) during the post-intervention period. The use of antibiotics decreased by 37% (p <0.0001) over the study period. The combination of the BB and the ASP were associated with a 59% (95% CI 36-96%, p 0.034) reduction in HO-CDI. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a launderable BB and the ASP were associated with a statistically and clinically significant reduction in HO-CDI in the acute care hospital setting.

Varicella Zoster aseptic meningitis: Report of an atypical case in an immunocompetent patient treated with oral valacyclovir.

Varicella Zoster when described has the typical presentation of a dermatomal distribution of a rash and can further lead to CNS complications. This can be treated accordingly with the proper protocol, but if the presentation is atypical and the protocol is challenged or changed per specific patient outcomes, new developments can occur. Here we present a case of a 29-year-old Caucasian female that presented to the emergency department with headache, photophobia, and chills for 5 days. She was previously healthy and immunocompetent; CSF PCR analysis revealed a VZV infection causing acute aseptic meningitis with no shingles rash eruption on physical examination. The patient was not willing to stay hospitalized for the duration of the treatment. This gave us an opportunity to treat her with an oral, rather than IV, antiviral. The patient was successfully treated with oral valacyclovir 2 g Q6H after only receiving two days of IV acyclovir. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a patient with VZV-associated meningitis successfully treated with oral valacyclovir.

Macrolide therapy is associated with lower mortality in community-acquired bacteraemic pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) has a potential complication of bacteremia. The objective of this study was to define the clinical outcomes of patients with CAP and bacteremia treated with and without a macrolide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Secondary analysis of the Community-Acquired Pneumonia Organization database of hospitalized patients with CAP. Patients with a positive blood culture were categorized based on the presence or absence of a macrolide in their initial antimicrobial regimen, and severity of their CAP. Outcomes included in-hospital all-cause mortality, 30-day mortality, length of stay, and time to clinical stability. RESULTS: Among 549 patients with CAP and bacteremia, 247 (45%) were treated with a macrolide and 302 (55%) were not. The primary pathogen was Streptococcus pneumoniae (74%). Poisson regression with robust error variance models were used to compare the adjusted effects of each study group on the outcomes. The unadjusted 30-day mortality was 18.4% in the macrolide group, and 29.6% in the non-macrolide group (adjusted relative risk (aRR)0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI)0.50-1.33; P = 0.41). Unadjusted in-hospital all-cause mortality was 7.3% in the macrolide group, and 18.9% in the non-macrolide group (aRR 0.54, 95% CI 0.30-0.98; P = 0.043). Length of stay and time to clinical stability were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: In-hospital mortality, but not 30-day mortality, was significantly better in the macrolide group. Our data support the use of a macrolide in hospitalized patients with CAP and bacteraemia.

Cumplimiento con las guías nacionales en pacientes hospitalizados con neumonía adquirida en la comunidad: resultados del Estudio Capo en Venezuela / Adherence With National Guidelines in Hospitalized Patients With Community-acquired Pneumonia: Results From the CAPO Study in Venezuela

Introducción: La Organización de Neumonía adquirida en la Comunidad (CAPO, siglas en inglés: Community Acquired Pneumonia Organization) es un estudio observacional internacional en 130 hospitales de un total de 31 países, para evaluar la gestión actual de los pacientes hospitalizados con neumonía adquirida en la comunidad (NAC). Utilizando la base de datos centralizada de CAPO, se realizó este subestudio con el objetivo de evaluar el grado de cumplimiento con las guías nacionales en Venezuela, para definir en qué áreas se puede intervenir para mejorar la atención del paciente hospitalizado con NAC. Métodos: En este estudio retrospectivo observacional, se usaron indicadores de calidad para evaluar la atención de pacientes hospitalizados con NAC en 8 centros de Venezuela. El nivel de cumplimiento fue clasificado como óptimo (> 90%), intermedio (60-90%), y bajo (< 60%). Resultados: Se enrolaron 454 pacientes con NAC. El tratamiento empírico administrado dentro de las 8 horas de la admisión fue óptimo (96%), el resto de los indicadores mostraron un bajo nivel de cumplimiento (< 60%). Conclusiones: Podemos decir que existen muchas áreas en el manejo de las NAC en Venezuela que no se efectúan de acuerdo a las guías nacionales de la SOVETHORAX1. En todo proceso de mejora de calidad la primera etapa es la evaluación de la diferencia entre lo recomendado y lo que se efectúa en la práctica clínica diaria. Este estudio cumple con este primer paso, pero el desafío a futuro es implementar los procesos necesarios para mejorar el manejo de la NAC en Venezuela

Introduction: The Community-Acquired Pneumonia Organization (CAPO) is an international observational study in 130 hospitals, with a total of 31 countries, to assess the current management of hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). 2 Using the centralized database of CAPO was decided to conduct this study with the aim of evaluate the level of adherence with national guidelines in Venezuela, to define in which areas an intervention may be necessary to improve the quality of care of hospitalized patients with CAP. Methods: In this observational retrospective study quality indicators were used to evaluate the management of hospitalized patients with CAP in 8Venezuelan’s centers. The care ofthe patients was evaluated in the areas of: hospitalization, oxygen therapy, empiric antibiotic therapy, switch therapy, etiological studies, blood cultures indication, and prevention. The compliance was rated as good (> 90%), intermediate (60% to 90%), or low (< 60%). Results: Atotal of 454 patients withCAP were enrolled. The empiric treatment administered within8 hours of the patient arrival to the hospital was good (96%), but the rest of the indicators showed a low level of adherence (< 60%). Conclusion: We can say that there are many areas in the management of CAP in Venezuela that are not performed according to the national guidelines of SOVETHORAX.1 In any quality improvement processthe first step is to evaluate the difference between what is recommended and what is done in clinical practice. While this study meets this first step, the challenge for the future is to implement the processes necessary to improve the management of CAP in Venezuela

Adherence with national guidelines in hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia: results from the CAPO study in Venezuela.

INTRODUCTION: The Community-Acquired Pneumonia Organization (CAPO) is an international observational study in 130 hospitals, with a total of 31 countries, to assess the current management of hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). 2 Using the centralized database of CAPO was decided to conduct this study with the aim of evaluate the level of adherence with national guidelines in Venezuela, to define in which areas an intervention may be necessary to improve the quality of care of hospitalized patients with CAP. METHODS: In this observational retrospective study quality indicators were used to evaluate the management of hospitalized patients with CAP in 8 Venezuelan's centers. The care of the patients was evaluated in the areas of: hospitalization, oxygen therapy, empiric antibiotic therapy, switch therapy, etiological studies, blood cultures indication, and prevention. The compliance was rated as good (>90%), intermediate (60% to 90%), or low (<60%). RESULTS: A total of 454 patients with CAP were enrolled. The empiric treatment administered within 8 hours of the patient arrival to the hospital was good (96%), but the rest of the indicators showed a low level of adherence (<60%). CONCLUSION: We can say that there are many areas in the management of CAP in Venezuela that are not performed according to the national guidelines of SOVETHORAX.1 In any quality improvement process the first step is to evaluate the difference between what is recommended and what is done in clinical practice. While this study meets this first step, the challenge for the future is to implement the processes necessary to improve the management of CAP in Venezuela.

Decrease in long-term survival for hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: The association of hospitalization because of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and long-term survival has not been fully examined. We measured the long-term survival of hospitalized patients with CAP adjusted for the effects of comorbidities. METHODS: A cohort of adult patients admitted to the medical services of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Louisville, Kentucky, was retrospectively examined. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was constructed to assess the effect of CAP admission status on patient survival. A Cox proportional hazards regression model included comorbidities as predictors and time to death as the outcome in the construction of a modified Charlson Comorbidity Index (mCCI). The mCCI was internally validated to evaluate the predictability of patient survival. The mCCI and age > 65 years were included as potential confounders in a final Cox proportional hazards regression model with CAP admission status as the main predictor and time to death as the outcome. RESULTS: CAP was identified in 624 (9%) out of 6,971 patients. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed a significantly shorter survival among patients with CAP than those without CAP (P < .0001). The internal validation of the mCCI showed that patients were more likely to die as the mCCI increased (P < .0001). The Cox proportional hazards regression modeling the association between time to death and CAP admission after adjusting for elderly age and the mCCI showed that hospitalization due to CAP was a statistically significant predictor of decreased survival (hazard ratio, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2-1.5; P < .0001). CONCLUSION: There is a decreased long-term survival among hospitalized patients with CAP after adjusting for comorbidities and aging. Future research to understand the pathophysiology of the long-term CAP outcomes is necessary to develop treatment strategies.