COVID19 infection in a patient with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired, life-threatening hemopoietic stem cell disorder characterized by the triad of hemolytic anemia, thrombosis, and impaired bone marrow function. Evidence suggests that severe outcomes in COVID19 infection are attributed to the excessive activation of the complement cascade leading to acute lung injury and associated is with an increased prothrombotic state. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 27-year-old Caucasian man with PNH presented to the Emergency Department of our hospital with acute onset shortness of breath, cough and blood in urine. DIAGNOSIS: The patient was diagnosed with acute hemolytic exacerbation of PNH complicated with moderate COVID19 pneumonia. OUTCOMES: The patient was initiated with an anticoagulant unfractionated heparin, dexamethasone, and cefuroxime injection. His symptoms quickly resolved, and he was discharged after 5 days. CONCLUSION: The complement system activation is a critical component in the sequalae of COVID19 infection. Evidence suggests that severe outcomes in COVID19 infection are attributed to the excessive activation of the complement cascade leading to acute lung injury and associated is with an increased prothrombotic state. Notably, C5a concentration was noted to be higher in patients with COVID19 infection. The use of complement inhibitors to attenuate immune mediated damage in COVID19 nevertheless represents a very interesting theoretical approach. However, careful consideration as to which patients may benefit will be required and the outcome of clinical trials needed.

Impact of Dabigatran Treatment on Rotation Thromboelastometry.

A rapid and reliable assessment of the dabigatran effect is desirable in dabigatran treated patients with uncontrolled bleeding or before acute surgery. The aim of this study was to study the anticoagulant effects of dabigatran in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) as assessed by the whole blood assays ROTEM, and how data from these methods correlate to plasma dabigatran concentrations measured by Hemoclot. ROTEM was performed with ROTEM Gamma (Pentapharm GmbH, Munich, Germany). The assays used in our study were Ex-tem and In-tem assay. Plasma dabigatran concentrations were determined by hemoclot thrombin inhibitor assay (Hyphen BioMed, France) at trough and post-dose in 27 patients on dabigatran 150 mg BID. Median plasma dabigatran concentrations at trough were 74 ng/mL (11.2-250) and post-dose (2 h after ingestion) 120 ng/mL (31-282). The ROTEM clotting time (CT) and maximum clot firmnes (MCF) correlated strongly with dabigatran concentrations when activated with the reagents Ex-tem (p < 0.0001) and In-tem (p < 0.0001). In summary, in our study, we have found that the ROTEM variable CT and MCF, when activated with triggers Ex-tem and In-tem, has a strong and highly significant correlation with the plasma dabigatran concentration in a real-life population of AF-patients and could thereby be an alternative to estimate dabigatran concentration in emergency situations. However, additional studies are needed to further validate these findings.

Impact of Edoxaban on Thrombin-Dependent Platelet Aggregation.

Edoxaban, a direct factor Xa inhibitor (FXa), is the fourth direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) approved for clinical use. As the main adverse event is bleeding, it is relevant whether edoxaban has additional effects on platelet function. We aimed to assess in vitro aggregation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) receiving edoxaban. We evaluated 20 AF patients treated with edoxaban. We assessed light transmittance platelet aggregation (LTA) with 100 nmol/L γ-thrombin. The LTA was performed at 2 time-points. The thrombin-induced platelet aggregation was significantly lower 2 hours after edoxaban was taken compared to baseline measurement (27.25% ± 30.8% vs. 60.35% ± 33.3%). In addition, we also performed 16 subanalyses in order to identify the differences in the outcome of different comorbidities, age, dosage, liver and kidney function tests, and concomitant treatment. Results of the subgroup analyses were consistent with the findings of the main analysis; there was no apparent heterogeneity across the prespecified subgroups. The thrombin-induced platelet aggregation is reduced in non-valvular AF patients receiving edoxaban.

Edoxaban affects TRAP-dependent platelet aggregation.

Edoxaban is an oral anticoagulant drug and a direct factor Xa inhibitor. However, it is still not fully understood if and how edoxaban impacts platelet function. This prospective study aimed to assess in vitro platelet function in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) receiving edoxaban. It was a single centre study quantifying platelet aggregation in 20 patients treated with edoxaban by light transmission aggregometry. The thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP)-induced platelet aggregation was significantly lower 2 h after taking edoxaban compared to baseline value (44.7 ± 32.03% vs. 73.3 ± 25.55%; p < 0.0001). In addition, we did not find any significant difference in results between the patient groups.The TRAP-induced platelet aggregation is reduced in non-valvular AF patients receiving edoxaban.

Heparin induced thrombocytopenia and up to date options of treatment - review of literature.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a profoundly dangerous, potentially lethal, immunologically mediated adverse drug reaction to unfractionated heparin or, less commonly, to low-molecular weight heparin. Some patients with HIT develop serious thrombotic complications like limb ischemia and gangrene, while others may not develop such complications. Current laboratory diagnostic tools incur significant time delays before confirming HIT, therefore upon clinical suspicion, treatment of HIT should start immediately. In this review, the authors highlight heparin-induced thrombocytopenias risk factors, clinical presentation, pathophysiology, diagnostic principles, and treatment.

Effect of Bisoprolol on the Level of Dabigatran.

BACKGROUND: Many patients receiving dabigatran treatment might also require bisoprolol therapy. However, there is a possibility that bisoprolol as significant P-glycoprotein inhibitor might interact with dabigatran. STUDY QUESTION: To investigate the impact of concomitant bisoprolol therapy on dabigatran plasma level in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. STUDY DESIGN: A pilot drug interaction study in 29 patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation on dabigatran therapy. Bisoprolol was administrated in 18 patients. Blood samples were collected at baseline (in the morning, before any medication was administered) and at hour 2 (2 hours after administration of dabigatran and bisoprolol). RESULTS: The dabigatran plasma level was significantly higher at baseline and at hour 2 in patients treated with bisoprolol compared with patients without bisoprolol therapy. In addition, we have shown that this increase is affected by dabigatran dosage and concomitant treatment with proton-pump inhibitor and digoxin. The impact of bisoprolol on dabigatran concentration was still significant despite these confounders. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the interaction between dabigatran and bisoprolol, which is modulated with dabigatran dosage and concomitant treatment with proton-pump inhibitor and digoxin.

Direct oral anticoagulants in oncology in clinical praxis.

Relation between oncological diseases and venous thrombo-embolism (VTE) is well known for almost 2 centuries. In 1823 Bouillaud assumed by three patients with tumor and recent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), that peripheral edema of lower limbs emerges as a result of „obturation“ of veins by „fibrinous coagulum“ (caillot fibrineux), which was induced by oncological disease. French physician Armand Trousseau wrote about this relation in his book „Phlegmasia alba dolens” again in the year 1865. Many studies were developed in times of Bouillaud a Trousseau, which just confirmed existence of relation between tumor and VTE. Oncological disease presents a significant risk factor of formation of VTE. Recent references favorising the use of light molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in long-term anticoagulation therapy of patients with cancer. Recently we have just few clinical data about efficiency and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in oncological patients, however many meta-analysis of clinical studies has shown benefit of therapy with DOACs towards conventional therapy. Key words: direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) - oncology - venous thromboembolism.

Trimeresurus albolabris (white-lipped green pit viper) - bite report: case report.

Toxicology is a specialized scientific discipline, focusing on microbiological, botanical and animal venoms, poisons and toxins. This discipline includes more than just the chemistry and mode of action of a toxin, but also with the biology of venom or poison producing organism, the structure and function of the venom apparatus, as well as the use of the venom or poison. The discipline of toxicology involves the study of the poison on living organisms and the therapy of the intoxication. A genus Trimeresurus, to which belongs Green Pit Viper, is large and includes around 36 types. Snake venoms have various composition and they can effect cardiovascular and nervous system, kidneys, hemocoagulation, vessel wall and muscle cells. In this article, we are presenting a rare case report about Trimeresurus albolabris, review of literature and general treatment after intoxication with snake venom. Prompt assessment, observation and early specific management are the keys to treat intoxication with snake venom. Key words: hemotoxin - intoxication - snake venom - treatment - Trimeresurus albolabris.

First evidence: rivaroxaban and apixaban reduce thrombin-dependent platelet aggregation.

Rivaroxaban and apixaban are direct oral anticoagulants whose target specificity is to activate factor X (FXa). It is still not fully understood how xabans impact platelet function. This single-center observational study aimed to assess in vitro platelet function in patients with atrial fibrillation receiving rivaroxaban or apixaban. It examined quantification of platelet aggregation assessed by light transmission aggregometry in thirty-four patients treated with apixaban or rivaroxaban. The thrombin-induced platelet aggregation was significantly lower 2 h after taking selected xabans compared to baseline value (69.55 ± 32.15% vs. 44.79 ± 34.97.9%; p < 0.0001). This effect was only observed in patients who received rivaroxaban or apixaban for more than 1 week. The thrombin-induced platelet aggregation is reduced in cardiovascular patients receiving rivaroxaban or apixaban. This reduction is likely to depend on the duration of the treatment. Duration of treatment should be considered in future studies focusing on DOACs and platelet aggregation.

Dabigatran affects thrombin-dependent platelet aggregation after a week-long therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Dabigatran is a direct thrombin inhibitor. As the main adverse event is bleeding, it is relevant whether dabigatran has additional effects on platelet function. If so, it could affect the bleeding risk. We aimed to assess in vitro aggregation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) receiving dabigatran. DESIGN: We evaluated 32 AF patients treated with dabigatran (study group) and 18 non-anticoagulated non-AF blood donors (control group). We assessed light transmittance platelet aggregation (LTA) with 100 nmol/L γ-thrombin in both groups. The LTA was performed at two time-points in our dabigatran group of patients. RESULTS: The thrombin-induced platelet aggregation was significantly lower two hours after dabigatran was taken compared to baseline measurement (9% ± 6% vs. 29% ± 21%) in our study group. Moreover, we observed that the baseline value of platelet aggregation in patients on dabigatran treatment was significantly lower compared to healthy volunteers (29% ± 21% vs. 89 ± 8). However, one subanalysis showed that this significant reduction in platelet aggregation at baseline was only observed in patients who received dabigatran for over a week. CONCLUSION: The thrombin-induced platelet aggregation is reduced in non-valvular AF patients receiving dabigatran after a week-long therapy.

[Virilization as demonstration of hypertestosteronism by ovarian tumor: case report]. / Virilizácia ako prejav hypertestosteronizmu pri ovariálnom tumore: kazuistika.

Hypertestosteronism as part of hyperandrogenic states in women is generally defined as abundance of male hormones (in this case abundance of testosterone). Spectrum of clinical symptoms include menstrual disorders, amenorrhoea, different range of hirsutism and virilization. Statistically, most androgen secreting tumors are ovarian aetiology (testosterone secreting tumors located in suprarenal gland are very rare). This rare tumor may produce excess amounts of testosterone, as well as its precursor androstenedione. The highest incidence is between 20-40 years and in postmenopausal period. The treatment is essentially surgical; with gradual adjustment of the hormones.Key words: androgen secreting ovarian tumors - hyperandrogenic states - testosterone - virilisation.

Outcomes of Patients with Newly Diagnosed Cardiac Myxoma: A Retrospective Multicentric Study.

The patient database at the First Department of Internal Medicine in Martin, the Central Slovak Institute for Cardiac and Vascular Diseases in Banska Bystrica, and the National Slovak Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Bratislava was searched to identify patients with benign tumors of the heart seen during the 5-year period between 2011 and 2016. Forty-one patients with primary cardiac myxomas were identified and their medical records were reviewed for details pertaining to presenting symptoms, staging modalities, treatment approaches, and outcomes. Most of the studied patients were diagnosed with echocardiography (n = 35, 85%). The occurrence of the tumor was higher in the female population (n = 25, 61%). The most common presenting symptoms were dyspnoea (n = 17, 42%), chest pain (n = 3, 7%), or pain and paraesthesia of the limbs (n = 2, 5%). Acute embolic event due to embolization of tumor fragments resulted in cerebral stroke (n = 5, 12%). All patients were treated by resection. Only one comorbid patient died due to multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome two weeks after the resection. The most common postoperative complication was bleeding (n = 2, 5%) and infection (n = 2, 5%). The early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are often curative, with very low risk of recurrence. Postoperative survival is high.

[Unusual history of Wilson disease: a case report and review of the literature]. / Atypický priebeh Wilsonovej choroby: kazuistika a prehlad literatúry.

Wilson disease (WD) belongs to autosomal recessive genetic metabolic disorders with gene mutation ATP7B located on 13th chromosome. The enzyme ATPase plays an important role in WD. It facilitates excretion of copper into bile. This gene is responsible for modification of apoceruloplasmin. In this disease, it leads to insufficient release of copper from organism and accumulation of copper in organs such as liver, brain which can cause dysfunction of a certain organ. According to specific symptoms, we can divide WD into psychiatric, neurologic or hepatic form. The WD usually manifests between 15 and 25 years of age. Hepatic form often occurs sooner, on the contrary, the neurological variant usually occur during the later stages. We present a case report of 45-years-old woman with atypical medical history of WD, in which the diagnostic process was very long and had interdisciplinary character.Key words: brain - copper - diagnostic - genetics - liver - panda - Wilson disease.

First Evidence: TRAP-Induced Platelet Aggregation Is Reduced in Patients Receiving Xabans.

The availability of direct oral anticoagulants has caused a paradigm shift in the management of thrombosis. Rivaroxaban and apixaban are 2 direct oral anticoagulants whose target specificity is activated factor X (FXa). However, it is still not fully understood if and how xabans impact platelet function. This observational study aimed to assess the in vitro platelet function in patients with atrial fibrillation receiving xabans. This was a single-center study quantifying platelet aggregation in 41 patients treated with apixaban or rivaroxaban by light transmission aggregometry. The thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP)-induced platelet aggregation was significantly lower 2 hours after taking rivaroxaban or apixaban compared to baseline value (56.15% [8.53%] vs 29.51% [12.9%]; P = .000). Moreover, concomitant use of angiotensin-converting enzyme blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and statins reduces the efficiency of xabans. The TRAP-induced platelet aggregation was reduced in patients with cardiovascular disease 2 hours after receiving xabans.

Thrombin Receptor Agonist Peptide-Induced Platelet Aggregation Is Reduced in Patients Receiving Dabigatran.

The availability of direct oral anticoagulants has caused a paradigm shift in thrombosis management. The direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran seems to obstruct tenase complex by inhibiting thrombin generated in the initial phase and feed back to the amplification phase of cell-based coagulation reactions. However, it is still not fully understood if and how dabigatran impact platelet function. This observational study aimed to assess in vitro platelet function in patients with atrial fibrillation receiving dabigatran. Platelet aggregability was tested with platelet-rich plasma using platelet aggregometry (PACKS-4 aggregometer). Blood samples were stimulated with thrombin receptor agonist peptide (TRAP; 32 µmol/L). RESULTS: A total of 28 patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation were enrolled. The mean age was 71.57 (9.75) years (range: 50-87 years), 16 patients were women, and the mean CHA2DS2VASc score was 3.93 (1.41). All patients began treatment with dabigatran as initial anticoagulant treatment. The minimum term use of dabigatran was 18 days. Dabigatran doses were 110 mg (57.14%) or 150 mg (42.86%) twice daily. The TRAP-induced platelet aggregation was significantly lower 2 hours after taking dabigatran compared to baseline value (79.39 [13.38] vs 90.14 [10.5]). CONCLUSION: The TRAP-induced platelet aggregation was reduced in cardiovascular patients 2 hours after receiving dabigatran. Our findings could have some important clinical implications because platelet aggregation and coagulation cascade are affected at the same time.

[Acute causes of sudden deaths in patients with severe hypoglycemia]. / Akútne príciny náhlych úmrtí u pacientov so závaznou hypoglykémiou.

UNLABELLED: Hypoglycemia is a serious event, which is associated with the neurological and cardiovascular events. Hypoglycemia can be also associated with sudden death, however, the prevalence of these sudden deaths is not exactly known. Hypoglycemia is associated with the risk of sudden death in patients with type 1. and 2. type diabetes mellitus and also in critically ill patients. Sudden death can occure due to cardiovascular, neurological or metabolic disorders associated with hypoglycemia. The article provides a review of current knowledge about the prevalence of severe hypoglycemia, the association between hypoglycemia and sudden deaths and about the causes of sudden death in patients with severe hypoglycemia. KEY WORDS: hypoglycemia - prevalence of these sudden deaths - severe hypoglycemia.

[Rare diagnostics of infective endocarditis after kidney transplantation]. / Raritná diagnostika infekcnej endokarditídy po transplantácii oblicky.

INTRODUCTION: Infective endocarditis in a patient after kidney transplantation is a serious infective complication which increases the risk of loss of the graft and also the mortality of patients. The most important predisposing factor is the immunosuppressive therapy - mainly induction immunosuppression.Material and case description: 250 patients underwent kidney transplantation throughout the period of 12 years in the Transplant Center Martin. This set of patients included 5 patients (2 %) after heart valve replacement. We present the case of a patient after kidney transplantation with development of endocarditis of the bioprosthesis of the aortic valve one month after successful kidney transplantation. Diagnostics of endocarditis by standard procedures (examination by transthoracic echocardiogram, transesophageal echocardiography, hemocultures) was unsuccessful. We rarely diagnosed endocarditis only by PET-CT examination with a consequent change of the antibiotic treatment and successful managing of this post-transplant complication. CONCLUSION: Endocarditis after kidney transplantation is a serious complication which significantly worsens the mortality of patients. The risk of development of infective endocarditis after transplantation is also increased by induction, mainly by antithymocyte globulin. Diagnostics only by PET-CT examination is rare; however, in this case it fundamentally changed the approach to the patient and led to a successful treatment.

Type 2 Diabetes and ADP Receptor Blocker Therapy.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with several abnormalities in haemostasis predisposing to thrombosis. Moreover, T2D was recently connected with a failure in antiplatelet response to clopidogrel, the most commonly used ADP receptor blocker in clinical practice. Clopidogrel high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) was repeatedly associated with the risk of ischemic adverse events. Patients with T2D show significantly higher residual platelet reactivity on ADP receptor blocker therapy and are more frequently represented in the group of patients with HTPR. This paper reviews the current knowledge about possible interactions between T2D and ADP receptor blocker therapy.

[Non usual cases of hypoglycaemia - hypoglycaemia factitia]. / Neobvyklé prípady hypoglykémie - hypoglycaemia factitia.

UNLABELLED: Hypoglycaemia factitia means also in recent time serious diagnostic and therapeutic problem in medical clinical practice, whereby often repeating episodes of serious hypoglycaemia in patients with diabetes mellitus, but also in patients without diabetes mellitus could be very difficult do resolve. First unsuccessful diagnosis implicit from wrong chose of examination algorithm, can lead to unidentified surgical interventions as are laparotomy and pancreatectomy, respectively. Hypoglycaemia factitia is considered to be one of many manifestations of so called Münch-hausens syndrome for that is typical acting of diabetic patient with goal to intentionally making hypoglycaemia or within suicidal attempt of patient on the basis psychological disease with intention to attract attention of surrounding community to himself due to application of insulin or sulfonylurea drugs. Diagnostic and therapeutic process could be in the case of hypoglycaemia factitia extremely difficult as from time side, than from health and also from economical side and that why necessary to approach with maximum responsibility. KEY WORDS: diabetes mellitus - hypoglycaemia factitia - Münchhausens syndrome.