Can trajectory nor-epinephrine infiltration reduce blood loss during percutaneous nephrolithotomy? A double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy and safety of trajectory infiltration with 1:150 000 Norepinephrine (NE) in reducing blood loss during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial. In all, 140 consecutive patients underwent PCNL for the management of large renal calculi. They were randomly assigned (1:1) to one of either study groups, the NE-PCNL group (70 patients whose PCNL-trajectory was infiltrated by NE) or the Placebo group (saline PCNL) (70 patients whose PCNL tracts were infiltrated by normal saline). Procedure-related blood loss (the primary outcome) was assessed and statistically analyzed. Also, all other procedure-related events and complications were recorded and compared. RESULTS: The median blood loss was 378 ml (IQR: 252-504) in the NE-PCNL group versus 592 ml (IQR: 378-756) in the S-PCNL group (p < 0.0001). In addition, Hemoglobin and Hematocrit deficits were lower in NE-PCNL (p < 0.05). Patients who were randomized to the NE-PCNL group had a higher immediate stone-free rate (SFR) (80%) compared with those of the S-PCNL group (70%) (p = 0.034). However, no statistical differences were found in the final SFR. The reported overall complications between the 2 groups were similar (p > 0.05). Indeed, bleeding-related complications were 1 (1.4%) versus 10 (14.3%) for NE-PCNL and S-PCNL, respectively (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Trajectory infiltration of PCNL tracts by NE was found to be effective and safe in mitigation of PCNL-related blood loss. This step is a timeless and cost-effective as NE is readily available in surgical theaters and of very low cost.

Can pregnancy aggravate the criticality of COVID-19 infection in obese asthmatic peripartum woman? A peripartum COVID-19 mortality case report.

As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) sweeps all over the world, Information about COVID-19 is evolving rapidly and interim guidance by multiple organisations is constantly being updated and expanded. Early with discovery of COVID 19, it was reported that pregnancy did affect the progress of the disease severity. Recently, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that pregnancy is a risk factors for COVID-19 severity. The current case report is presenting a peripartum COVID-19 positive mortality case.

Idiopathic Arterial Calcification of Infancy: Case Report.

Idiopathic arterial calcification of infancy is a rare autosomal recessive disease, characterized by deposition of calcium along the internal elastic membrane of arteries, accompanied by fibrous thickening of the intima which causes luminal narrowing. Here we are reporting a case of idiopathic arterial calcification of infancy in a Saudi female newborn of non-consanguineous pregnant woman who had polyhydramnios. The newborn baby had severe respiratory distress, systemic hypertension and persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn. She was admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where she was ventilated and proper treatment was provided. Molecular genetic testing was positive for mutations of ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase1 gene which is reported in 80% of cases of Idiopathic arterial calcification of infancy. The baby died at about 5 month of age because of myocardial ischemia and cardiorespiratory arrest. Idiopathic Arterial Calcification of Infancy should be considered in any newborn who presented with persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn, severe systemic hypertension and echogenic vessels on any radiological study. Calcifications of large and medium-sized arteries are important diagnostic finding.