Ruxolitinib as a treatment strategy for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia: clinical experience in a real-world setting.

INTRODUCTION: Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection is characterised by a viral phase and a severe pro-inflammatory phase. The inhibition of the JAK/STAT pathway limits the pro-inflammatory state in moderate to severe COVID-19. METHODOLOGY: We analysed the data obtained by an observational cohort of patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia treated with ruxolitinib in 22 hospitals of Mexico. The applied dose was determined based on physician's criteria. The benefit of ruxolitinib was evaluated using the 8-points ordinal scale developed by the NIH in the ACTT1 trial. Duration of hospital stay, changes in pro-inflammatory laboratory values, mortality, and toxicity were also measured. RESULTS: A total of 287 patients were reported at 22 sites in Mexico from March to June 2020; 80.8% received ruxolitinib 5 mg BID and 19.16% received ruxolitinib 10 mg BID plus standard of care. At beginning of treatment, 223 patients were on oxygen support and 59 on invasive ventilation. The percentage of patients on invasive ventilation was 53% in the 10 mg and 13% in the 5 mg cohort. A statistically significant improvement measured as a reduction by 2 points on the 8-point ordinal scale was described (baseline 5.39 ± 0.93, final 3.67± 2.98, p = 0.0001). There were 74 deaths. Serious adverse events were presented in 6.9% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Ruxolitinib appears to be safe in COVID-19 patients, with clinical benefits observed in terms of decrease in the 8-point ordinal scale and pro-inflammatory state. Further studies must be done to ensure efficacy against mortality.

Diferencia de la presión arterial medida en el brazo vs antebrazo en pacientes con circunferencia de brazo mayor a 34 cm / Difference of blood pressure measured in the arm vs forearm in patients with arm circumference higher than 34 cm

Resumen OBJETIVO Determinar si existe diferencia entre la medición de la presión arterial en el brazo con brazalete de tamaño adecuado para el paciente (circunferencia del brazo > 34 cm) vs medición de la presión arterial en el antebrazo con brazalete estándar (circunferencia de brazo 22-33 cm) en pacientes con circunferencia de brazo > 34 cm. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO Estudio prospectivo, observacional y transversal realizado de enero a junio de 2017. Se incluyeron pacientes de consulta externa del Hospital General de Mexicali con circunferencia del brazo > 34 cm. Se midió la presión arterial en el antebrazo con brazalete estándar, se realizó una segunda toma de la presión arterial en el brazo con brazalete para pacientes con diámetro de brazo mayor a 33 cm. RESULTADOS Se incluyeron 320 pacientes, 67% eran mujeres, con media de edad de 41 años, la circunferencia promedio del brazo fue de 38 cm. En hombres, la media fue de 35 años, con circunferencia promedio del brazo de 38 cm. La media de la presión sistólica en el antebrazo fue de 128.6 ± 12.5 vs 125.5 ± 13.6 mmHg en el brazo, con diferencia de 3.54 con valor p = 0.0007. La media de la presión arterial diastólica en el antebrazo fue de 83.42 ± 8.95 vs 79.21 ± 8.88 mmHg en el brazo, con diferencia entre ambos de 4.21, p ≤ 0.0001. CONCLUSIONES La obtención de la presión arterial en el antebrazo con un brazalete estándar en pacientes con circunferencia del brazo mayor a 34 cm cuando no se cuente con un brazalete apropiado proporcionará cifras similares a las obtenidas con un brazalete adecuado, con lecturas mayores, pero con diferencias por debajo de 5 mmHg.

Abstract OBJECTIVE To determine if there is a difference between measuring blood pressure in the arm with and adequate size bracelet for patients (arm circumference > 34 cm) vs measuring blood pressure in the forearm with a standard bracelet (arm circumference < 22-33 cm) in patients with arm circumference > 34 cm. MATERIAL AND METHOD A prospective, observational, cross-sectional study was done from January to June 2017. Sample: patients from external consult of Hospital General de Mexicali with arm circumference > 34 cm. Blood pressure was measured in the forearm of the patient with a standard bracelet, blood pressure was measured again in the arm with an adequate bracelet (for patients with an arm circumference > 33 cm). RESULTS 320 patients were included for this study, 67% were women, with an average age of 41 years, average arm circumference was of 38 cm. In men, the average age was 35 years with an average arm circumference of 38 cm. Average of the systolic pressure in the forearm was 128.6 ± 12.5 vs 125.5 ± 13.6 mmHg in the arm, with a difference of 3.54 with a p = 0.0007. The average of the diastolic pressure in the forearm was 83.42 ± 8.95 vs 79.21 ± 8.88 mmHg in the arm with a difference of 4.21, p ≤ 0.0001. CONCLUSIONS Measurement of blood pressure in the forearm with a standard bracelet in patients with an arm circumference > 34 cm when we don't have the adequate bracelet will give us similar values compared to the blood pressure in the arm with an adequate bracelet, with higher values but differences below 5 mmHg.

Síndrome de seno cavernoso / Cavernous sinus syndrome

Resumen La trombosis del seno cavernoso es una enfermedad poco común, pero puede ser fatal. Se vincula con infecciones faciales, sinusitis o asépticas. El reconocimiento oportuno en pacientes con fiebre, cefalea y alteraciones en la exploración de movimientos oculares es importante para un buen pronóstico. Se comunica el caso de un paciente con síndrome de seno cavernoso, con meningitis por contigüidad.

Abstract Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a rare, life-threatening disorder that can complicate facial infection. Early recognition of cavernous sinus thrombosis in patients with fever, headache, eye findings such as periorbital swelling and ophthalmoplegia is critical for good outcome. We present the case of a patient with cavernous sinus syndrome with contiguous meningitis.