'I Thought It Was My Diabetes': An Acute Presentation of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder.

Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) is an immune-mediated neuroinflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Patients typically present with sensory deficits, weakness, and incontinence. This is a case of a 43-year-old female with diabetes mellitus admitted for acute onset leg weakness and stool incontinence. Spinal MRI imaging revealed transverse myelitis, and her lab work was significant for an anti-aquaporin 4 (AQP4) antibody titer of 1:2,560. Initial treatment consisted of a high-dose steroid taper and plasmapheresis. This unique case illustrates the importance in recognizing delayed presentations of rare neuroinflammatory conditions previously assumed to be a sequela of diabetic neuropathy.

Meta-Analysis Assessing Efficacy and Safety of Vitamin K Antagonists Versus Direct Oral Anticoagulants for Atrial Fibrillation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

Patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF) are at a higher risk for thromboembolic and bleeding events. The optimal antithrombotic strategy for patients with AF after TAVI remains unclear. We sought to determine the comparative efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) versus oral vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in these patients. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched till January 31, 2023, for relevant studies evaluating clinical outcomes of VKA versus DOAC in patients with AF after TAVI. Outcomes assessed were (1) all-cause mortality, (2) stroke, (3) major/life-threatening bleeding, and (4) any bleeding. Hazard ratios (HRs) were pooled in meta-analysis using random effect model. Nine studies (2 randomized and 7 observational) were included in systematic review, and 8 studies with 25,769 patients were eligible to be included in the meta-analysis. The mean age of the patients was 82.1 years, and 48.3% were male. Pooled analysis using random-effects model showed no statistically significant difference in all-cause mortality (HR 0.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76 to 1.10, p = 0.33), stroke (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.16, p = 0.70), and major/life-threatening bleeding (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.35, p = 0.70) in patients that received DOAC compared with oral VKA. Risk of any bleeding was lower in the DOAC group compared with oral VKA (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.91, p = 0.0001). In patients with AF, DOACs appear to be a safe alternative oral anticoagulation strategy to oral VKA after TAVI. Further randomized studies are required to confirm the role of DOACs in those patients.

Three versus 12-month dual antiplatelet therapy duration in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: The American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) recommend at least 12 months of a P2Y12 inhibitor and low dose aspirin in patients with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) treated with a stent. Since that recommendation, several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have studied an abbreviated duration of DAPT in ACS. Therefore, we sought to perform a meta-analysis of RCTs comparing 3- versus 12-month DAPT in patients presenting with ACS undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases were searched until July 31, 2022, for RCTs comparing 3- versus 12-month DAPT in patients with ACS undergoing PCI. Outcomes assessed were major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), stent thrombosis (ST) and bleeding. A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: We included 5 trials comprising 16,781 patients with an ACS that underwent PCI. There was no significant difference in MACE (RR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.76-1.11), cardiovascular mortality (RR: 1.26; 95% CI: 0.38-4.17), or all-cause mortality (RR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.48-1.77) between the 2 groups. In addition, there was no difference in rates of MI (RR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.74-1.30), or ST (RR: 1.30; 95% CI: 0.55-3.05) between 3- and 12-month DAPT. However, compared with 12-month DAPT, 3-month DAPT significantly reduced risk of major bleeding (RR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.43-0.64). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ACS undergoing PCI, 3-month DAPT reduced risk of bleeding without evidence of harm.

Readmission Risk after COVID-19 Hospitalization: A Moderation Analysis by Vital Signs.

OBJECTIVE: Readmission to the hospital after hospitalization with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Hospital clinicians may identify the presence of a patient's comorbid conditions, overall severity of illness, and clinical status at discharge as risk factors for readmission. Objective data are lacking to support reliance on these factors for discharge decision making. The objective of our study was to examine risk factors for readmission to the hospital after COVID-19 hospitalization and the impact of vital sign abnormalities, within 24 hours of discharge, on readmission rates. METHODS: In total, 2557 COVID-19-related hospital admissions within the Lifespan Health System, a large multicenter health system (Rhode Island), of 2230 unique patients aged 18 years and older, occurring from April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 were analyzed. Risk factors associated with readmission within 30 days were identified and analyzed using Cox regression. A moderation analysis by vital signs at discharge on the risk of readmission was performed. RESULTS: Clinical factors associated with readmissions included existing cardiovascular conditions (risk ratio 2.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10-4.90) and pulmonary disease (risk ratio 3.25, 95% CI 1.62-6.52). The absence of abnormal vital signs within 24 hours of discharge was associated with decreased 30-day readmission rates (risk ratio 0.70, 95% CI 0.52-0.94). Elevated C-reactive protein and d-dimer values and in-hospital complications including stroke, myocardial infarction, acute renal failure, and gastrointestinal bleeding were not associated with an increased risk of readmission. In moderation analysis, the presence of normal vital signs within 24 hours of discharge was associated with decreased readmission risk in patients who had primary risk factors for readmission including pulmonary disease (risk ratio 0.80, 95% CI 0.65-0.99), psychiatric disorders, and substance use (risk ratio 0.70, 95% CI 0.52-0.94). CONCLUSIONS: Comorbid conditions, including pulmonary and cardiovascular disease, are associated with readmission risk after COVID-19 hospitalization. The normalization of vital signs within 24 hours of discharge during COVID-19 hospitalization may be an indicator of readiness for discharge and may mitigate some readmission risk conferred by comorbid conditions.

Management of the Patient with Chronic Critical Illness - Part 2.

Patients with chronic critical illness (CCI) represent a growing segment of the hospitalized population. Key aspects of care in CCI patients including tracheostomy, prolonged mechanical ventilation, nutritional support, wound care, and others require a comprehensive, goal-directed approach. Infectious complications of CCI including pneumonia, tracheobronchitis and urinary tract infection may be caused by nosocomial organisms requiring awareness and adjustment of treatment regimen. Finally, psychiatric, palliative, rehabilitative components of care impact heavily upon outcomes in CCI patients. As care that is typically associated with the intensive care unit is extended to the hospital ward, we aim to increase awareness among providers and outline a systematic approach to deliver high quality, patient centered care to CCI patients.

Management of the Patient with Chronic Critical Illness - Part 1: This is part one of a two part series. Part two will be published in September.

Patients with chronic critical illness (CCI) represent a growing segment of the hospitalized population. Key aspects of care in CCI patients including tracheostomy, prolonged mechanical ventilation, nutritional support, wound care, and others require a comprehensive, goal-directed approach. Infectious complications of CCI including pneumonia, tracheobronchitis and urinary tract infection may be caused by nosocomial organisms requiring awareness and adjustment of treatment regimen. Finally, psychiatric, palliative, rehabilitative components of care impact heavily upon outcomes in CCI patients. As care that is typically associated with the intensive care unit is extended to the hospital ward, we aim to increase awareness among providers and outline a systematic approach to deliver high quality, patient centered care to CCI patients.

Disease Severity in Vaccinated Adults Hospitalized with Breakthrough COVID-19.

Background: Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is widely used and confers protection against morbidity and mortality in COVID-19. Little is known about disease severity and outcomes in fully vaccinated patients during hospitalization for COVID-19. Aim: To determine whether vaccination status and time from vaccination-to-hospitalization impacted disease severity in patients admitted with COVID-19. Methods: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted on hospitalized adults with COVID-19 between January 1 and September 8, 2021, in Rhode Island, USA. Vaccination status and markers of disease severity, including C-reactive protein, D-Dimer values, and supplemental oxygen use during hospitalization, were obtained. Results: Two thousand three hundred forty-four patients were included. For every vaccinated patient, three unvaccinated patients were matched for a total of 424 patients in the analytic sample. Vaccinated patients had lower peak C-reactive protein (beta = -39.10, 95% CI [-79.10, -0. 65]) and supplemental oxygen requirements (beta = -38.14, 95% CI [-61.62, -9.91]) compared to unvaccinated patients. Patients who had a greater discrepancy between date of vaccination and admission had higher C-reactive protein (beta = 0.37, 95% CI [0.02, 0.71]) and supplemental oxygen requirements (beta = 0.44, 95% CI [0.15, 0.75]. Conclusion: Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 was associated with a protective effect on disease severity during hospitalization for breakthrough COVID-19. Time elapsed since vaccination was associated with indicators of greater disease severity suggestive of waning protection over time.

Baricitinib in hospitalised patients with COVID-19: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Background: To date, only dexamethasone and tocilizumab have been shown to reduce mortality in patients with COVID-19. Baricitinib is a Janus kinase 1/2 inhibitor with known anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. We performed a meta-analysis of RCTs assessing the role of baricitinib in hospitalised patients with COVID-19. Methods: Electronic databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central were searched up until March 31, 2022, for RCTs evaluating the efficacy of baricitinib in hospitalised patients with COVID-19. The outcomes assessed were 28-day mortality, progression to invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) or ECMO, progression to respiratory failure needing positive pressure ventilation, IMV or death, duration of hospitalisation and time to discharge. The meta-analysis was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42022314579). Findings: Four studies (with 10,815 patients) were included in the analysis. Pooled analysis using random-effects model showed a statistically significant reduction in 28-day mortality (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.50-0.94; p=0.04, I2=65%) and composite outcome of progression to severe disease needing positive pressure ventilation, IMV or death (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.80-0.99, p= 0.03, I2=0%). There was a favorable trend towards reduced progression to IMV or ECMO (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.58-1.01; p=0.06, I2=49%) in the baricitinib arm compared to standard therapy, even though it was not statistically significant. Statistical significance was achieved for all outcomes with fixed-effects model analysis. Interpretation: In hospitalised patients with COVID-19, baricitinib was associated with reduced 28-day mortality although there was not a statistically significant reduction in progression to IMV or ECMO. Baricitinib used in conjunction with standard of care treatments is associated with improved mortality in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 disease. Funding: None.

Efficacy of remdesivir for hospitalized COVID-19 patients with end stage renal disease.

BACKGROUND: Since the beginning of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there has been a widespread use of remdesivir in adults and children. There is little known information about its outcomes in patients with end stage renal disease who are on dialysis. AIM: To assess the clinical outcomes with use of remdesivir in adult patients with end stage kidney failure on hemodialysis. METHODS: A retrospective, multicenter study was conducted on patients with end stage renal disease on hemodialysis that were discharged after treatment for COVID-19 between April 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020. Primary endpoints were oxygen requirements, time to mortality and escalation of care needing mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: A total of 45 patients were included in the study. Twenty patients received remdesivir, and 25 patients did not receive remdesivir. Most patients were caucasian, females with diabetes mellitus and hypertension being the commonest comorbidities. There was a trend towards reduced oxygen requirement (beta = -25.93, X 2 (1) = 6.65, P = 0.0099, probability of requiring mechanical ventilation (beta = -28.52, X 2 (1) = 22.98, P < 0.0001) and mortality (beta = -5.03, X 2 (1) = 7.41, P = 0.0065) in patients that received remdesivir compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Larger studies are justified to study the effects of remdesivir in this high-risk population with end stage kidney disease on dialysis.

Severe multisystem inflammatory syndrome in a vaccinated adult with COVID-19.

The ability of SARS-CoV-2 to trigger hyperinflammatory response in children and adults is increasingly recognised. However, the detailed features that distinguish severe COVID-19-associated hyperinflammation from multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A) is not yet known. We describe a young, vaccinated patient with no prior SARS-CoV-2 exposure who developed COVID-19 and MIS-A. We also provide a review of the current literature on MIS-A and COVID-19-associated hyperinflammation.

The Treatment of COVID-19 Purgatory Syndrome With Tocilizumab and Steroids.

Hyperinflammation is a key component of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is associated with poor outcomes. It is imperative to distinguish severe COVID-19 from hyperinflammatory syndromes such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. There is a subset of post-COVID-19 patients who present with some symptoms characteristic of MIS in adults (MIS-A) yet do not meet all the criteria for a diagnosis. We describe the unique case of a patient with this kind of presentation who clinically improved following tocilizumab and corticosteroid usage.

Association of Treatment with Remdesivir and 30-day Hospital Readmissions in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a widespread use of remdesivir in adults and children. There is little known information about remdesivir's role in reducing 30-day readmissions after hospitalization with COVID-19. This study aimed to determine whether treatment with remdesivir was associated with reduced risk of 30-day readmission after index hospitalization with COVID-19. METHODS: The study was a multi-center cohort study in Rhode Island, USA. Patients included all adults that were discharged after hospital treatment for COVID-19 between April 1st and December 31st, 2020. The main study outcomes were length of hospital stay, 30-day readmission, and post-discharge 30 days mortality. RESULTS: A total of 2,062 patients (2,279 hospitalizations) were included in the analytic sample. Patients were less likely to be readmitted within 30 days if they received remdesivir relative to not receiving remdesivir; associations were strongest for those with mild disease (RR: 0.31; 95% CI: 0.13,0.75). Remdesivir treatment was associated with reduction in all-cause mortality (HR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.49,0.85) and an increase in length of stay (estimated average increase of 3.27 days; 95% CI: 2.11,4.44). LIMITATION: Unmeasured factors such as time-to-treatment and severity of disease prior to initiation of remdesivir. CONCLUSIONS: Remdesivir may be an effective strategy for reducing progression to severe COVID-19 disease and limiting morbidity associated with readmission to hospital. Larger prospective studies are justified to study the role of remdesivir in mild or early COVID-19 with high risk of disease progression and readmission to hospital within 30 days.

Heart failure in COVID-19 patients: Critical care experience.

Patients with heart failure (HF) may be at a higher risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and may have a worse outcome due to their comorbid conditions and advanced age. In this narrative review, we aim to study the interaction between COVID-19 and HF from a critical care perspective. We performed a systematic search for studies that reported HF and critical care-related outcomes in COVID-19 patients in the PubMed and Medline databases. From a total of 1050 papers, we identified 26 that satisfied the eligibility criteria for our review. Data such as patient demographics, HF, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, management, and outcome were extracted from these studies and analyzed. We reported outcomes in heart-transplant patients with COVID-19 separately. In hospitalized patients with COVID-19, the prevalence of HF varied between 4% and 21%. The requirement for ICU admission was between 8% and 33%. HF patients with COVID-19 had an overall mortality rate between 20% and 40%. We identified that HF is an independent predictor of mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, and patients with HF were more likely to require ventilation, ICU admission and develop complications. Patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction did worse than those with HF with midrange ejection fraction, and HF with preserved ejection fraction. COVID-19 patients with HF should be identified early and managed aggressively in an attempt to improve outcomes in this cohort of patients.

Acute Nephrotic Syndrome and Otosyphilis.

Syphilis, also known as the "the great masquerader," is a re-emerging infectious disease in the Western world, and may present with various signs and symptoms, making it difficult to distinguish from other diseases. Nephrotic syndrome due to syphilis has been rarely reported in modern times. Here, we describe a young male with acute hearing loss and peripheral edema, found to have acute nephrotic syndrome in the setting of otosyphilis. Given increasing incidence of syphilis, physicians must remain alert to syphilis as a possible cause of nephrotic syndrome.

Cryptic Presentation of Disseminated Cryptococcosis.

Cryptococcosis is a global invasive mycosis, commonly encountered in patients with HIV/AIDS with low CD4 counts, diabetics, organ and stem-cell transplant recipients, malignancies, and other patients with immunosuppression. The presentation depends on which organ is usually involved although multi-organ involvement may be present. Here, we describe a young female with an enlarging flank mass, found to have disseminated cryptococcosis in the setting of immunosuppression.

An Unusual Presentation of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease with Recurrent Fever and Syncope.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto (KF) disease, also known as necrotizing histiocytic lymphadenopathy, is a rare, benign disorder of the lymph nodes of young adults, predominantly young females. The exact cause of KF disease is unknown. Here, we report a young female with recurrent fever and syncopal episodes diagnosed with KF disease on lymph node biopsy.

Complete heart block associated with Remdesivir in COVID-19: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Since the pandemic began in 2020, Remdesivir has been widely used for the treatment of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Here, we describe a case of a patient with COVID-19 who developed transient complete atrioventricular (AV) block and bradycardia after initiating treatment with Remdesivir. CASE SUMMARY: A 72-year-old male with a history of atrial fibrillation and lung cancer was hospitalized for COVID-19. Electrocardiogram (ECG) on admission demonstrated atrial fibrillation and right bundle branch block. He was started on a course of Dexamethasone and Remdesivir. Within 24 h of starting Remdesivir, he was noted to be in atrial fibrillation with ventricular rates between 30 and 40 b.p.m. On Day 5 of Remdesivir therapy, ECG demonstrated complete AV block. Having completed the Remdesivir regimen, during the next 48 h, he was closely monitored, and the AV block resolved spontaneously. As he remained asymptomatic and had an adequate chronotropic response with activity, pacemaker implantation was not recommended. DISCUSSION: Despite the widespread use of Remdesivir, there is little known information about its cardiac toxicity. Daily ECGs and close cardiac surveillance of patients who develop severe bradycardia or AV block are essential. Discontinuation of the medication usually results in the resolution of these cardiac disturbances.

Tocilizumab in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A Meta Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: To date, only dexamethasone has been shown to reduce mortality in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) patients. Tocilizumab has been recently added to the treatment guidelines for hospitalized COVID-19 patients, but data remain conflicting. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Electronic databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane central were searched from March 1, 2020, until March 10, 2021, for randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of tocilizumab in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The outcomes assessed were all-cause mortality, mechanical ventilation, and time to discharge. RESULTS: Nine studies (with 6490 patients) were included in the analysis. In total, 3358 patients received tocilizumab, and 3132 received standard care/placebo. Pooled analysis showed a significantly decreased risk of all-cause mortality (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.80-0.98, p = 0.02) and progression to mechanical ventilation (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.71-0.89, p < 0.0001) in the tocilizumab arm compared to standard therapy or placebo. In addition, there was a trend towards improved median time to hospital discharge (RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.12-1.45, p = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: Tocilizumab therapy improves outcomes of mortality and need for mechanical ventilation, in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection compared with standard therapy or placebo. Our findings suggest the efficacy of tocilizumab therapy in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and strengthen the concept that tocilizumab is a promising therapeutic intervention to improve mortality and morbidity in COVID-19 patients.