Impact of secondary infections on dengue presentation: A cross-sectional study in a tertiary care hospital in Uttar Pradesh, India.

BACKGROUND: Recently, a wide range variety of manifestations, including a self­limiting to severe illness, has been increasingly reported in dengue. Few studies attract attention to severe dengue, mainly observed in secondary infection. With this background, this study aims to provide a comprehensive overview to differentiate primary from secondary dengue using serology (IgG) and the possible association of severity of illness in secondary dengue. METHODS: Present retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at a North Indian tertiary care center from September 2021 to January 2022. Clinical data of confirmed dengue patients from the medicine department were collected and assigned as primary and secondary dengue. RESULTS: Of the 220 dengue patients, 22 (10 %) had secondary dengue infection. Hemorrhagic manifestations were reported in 58/220 (26.4 %) cases while 7/22 (31.8 %) in secondary dengue. Prevalent hemorrhagic manifestations in secondary dengue include purpura (27.3 %), vaginal bleeding (4.5 %), melaena (9.1 %), and epistaxis (4.5 %). In addition, 42 (19.1 %) patients had pancytopenia, and 8 (36.6 %) cases were of secondary dengue. Hepatic dysfunction was noted in 164 (74.5 %) cases. Notably, all secondary dengue cases (22;100 %) had hepatic dysfunction and severe in 9 (40.9 %) cases. In addition, in secondary dengue patients, evidence of plasma leakages such as hypoproteinemia 7 (31.8 %) and ascites (35 %) were statistically more frequent. Overall, two deaths (0.9 %) were reported, and were one in each group. CONCLUSIONS: Many parameters, including hemorrhagic manifestation (melaena), hematological characteristic (pancytopenia), evidence of plasma leakage (hypoproteinemia and ascites), gastrointestinal (GB wall thickening and hepatic dysfunction) and reduction in mean hemoglobin and platelet count were found to be statistically significant in secondary dengue infection. Additionally, early classification of secondary dengue may help to anticipate its severity and allow for early strategic intervention/management to lower morbidity and mortality.

Plasma urea:creatinine ratio as a biomarker of gastrointestinal bleeding in dogs with anaemia.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal bleeding is a cause of anaemia in dogs. A reliable, non-invasive biomarker to differentiate gastrointestinal bleeding from other causes of anaemia would be advantageous to direct clinical decisions in anaemic patients. Plasma urea:creatinine ratio is an accepted biomarker of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in human medicine. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate plasma urea:creatinine ratio as a biomarker of gastrointestinal bleeding in a population of dogs with anaemia. METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study of dogs with anaemia presenting to referral centres for the investigation of anaemia. Cases were categorised as having overt gastrointestinal bleeding (melena on presentation), occult gastrointestinal bleeding (historical and diagnostic findings consistent with gastrointestinal bleeding without melena at presentation) or anaemia of other cause (confident diagnosis other than gastrointestinal bleeding reached, normal diagnostic imaging of gastrointestinal tract). Urea:creatinine ratio at presentation was calculated by dividing urea (mg/dL) by creatinine (mg/dL). RESULTS: Ninety-five dogs were included. Plasma urea:creatinine ratio was not significantly different between dogs with overt or occult gastrointestinal bleeding or those with anaemia of other cause (median urea:creatinine ratio 25.8, 20.7 and 22.5, respectively). No significant difference in urea:creatinine ratio was found between dogs with upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding (median urea:creatinine ratio 19.4 and 24.6, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma urea:creatinine ratio was not helpful in differentiating between dogs with anaemia resulting from gastrointestinal bleeding (overt or occult) and those with other causes of anaemia.

Case study of a migraine patient with multiple extracephalic symptoms including melena due to telangiectasia of the sigmoid colon : a possible new migraine-associated symptom.

Migraine is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by headaches and extracephalic symptoms. We report a 73-year-old male patient with a history of migraines as well as several other chronic conditions including abdominal pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting, pain and ecchymosis of the limbs, dysmetropsia, syncope, and melena due to telangiectasia of the sigmoid colon. After a thorough evaluation of the migraine condition, we hypothesized that the patient's melena due to telangiectasia of the sigmoid colon might in fact be a migraine-related phenomenon. In this report, we discuss a possible mechanism for melena due to telangiectasia in migraine patients, as well as "tips" for identifying subtle and/or unreported clinical features of migraine conditions. J. Med. Invest. 70 : 298-300, February, 2023.

Characteristics of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated Gastritis: Report from a Major Tertiary Care Center.

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have increased our ability to treat an ever-expanding number of cancers. We describe a case series of 25 patients who were diagnosed with gastritis following ICI therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study involving 1712 patients treated for malignancy with immunotherapy at Cleveland Clinic from January 2011 to June 2019 (IRB 18-1225). We searched electronic medical records using ICD-10 codes for gastritis diagnosis confirmed on endoscopy and histology within 3 months of ICI therapy. Patients with upper gastrointestinal tract malignancy or documented Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis were excluded. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were found to meet the criteria for diagnosis of gastritis. Of these 25 patients, most common malignancies were non-small cell lung cancer (52%) and melanoma (24%). Median number of infusions preceding symptoms was 4 (1-30) and time to symptom onset 2 (0.5-12) weeks after last infusion. Symptoms experienced were nausea (80%), vomiting (52%), abdominal pain (72%), and melena (44%). Common endoscopic findings were erythema (88%), edema (52%), and friability (48%). The most common diagnosis of pathology was chronic active gastritis in 24% of patients. Ninety-six percent received acid suppression treatment and 36% of patients also received steroids with an initial median dose of prednisone 75 (20-80) mg. Within 2 months, 64% had documented complete resolution of symptoms and 52% were able to resume immunotherapy. CONCLUSION: Patients presenting with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or melena following immunotherapy should be assessed for gastritis and if other causes are excluded, may require treatment as consideration for complication of immunotherapy.

A POEMS syndrome patient with idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension received the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: a case report and literature review.

Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is a rare plasma cell dyscrasia disease involving multiple organs combined with idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. It has been reported only four times in the English literature. Here, we present the first case of a 62-year-old male POEMS syndrome patient with portal hypertension treated with the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), after he presented with a 10-day history of melena. The diagnosis of POEMS syndrome was given because the patient presented with polyneuropathy, monoclonal plasma cell proliferative disorder, sclerotic bone lesions, splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, ascites, hypothyroidism, and hyperpigmentation. The presence of portal hypertension was confirmed by esophageal varices, congested and edematous stomach body, splenomegaly, and transudate ascites in which the serum-ascites albumin gradient of ascites fluid was over 11 g/L (a concentration considered to be associated with POEMS syndrome), as no other causes were found. The patient fasted and received conservative drug treatments on admission, but symptoms of melena soon recurred within 1 week after resuming his diet. After TIPS and venous embolization were performed, symptoms of bleeding were effectively controlled, while the patient subsequently developed hepatic encephalopathy, which ultimately led to death. The presence of gastrointestinal bleeding in POEMS syndrome with idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension indicates a poor prognosis. Given that this was the first patient to receive TIPS, and although the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy has increased, TIPS is still acceptable for refractory variceal bleeding.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in coronavirus disease 2019 patients.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) has significant morbidity and UGIB cases have been described in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Management of this condition can be challenging considering both the possible severe COVID-19-related pneumonia as well as the risk of the virus spreading from patients to health operators. The aim of this paper is to review the most recent studies available in the literature in order to evaluate the actual incidence of UGIB, its clinical and endoscopic manifestations and its optimal management. RECENT FINDINGS: UGIB has an incidence between 0.5% and 1.9% among COVID-19 patients, and it typically presents with melena or hematemesis. Peptic ulcers are the most common endoscopic findings. High Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), dialysis, acute kidney injury and advanced oncological disease increase the risk for UGIB. Although anticoagulants are commonly used in COVID-19 patients they are not associated with an increased incidence of UGIB. Conservative management is a common approach that results in similar outcomes compared to upper GI endoscopic treatment. Apparently, UGIB in COVID-19 seems not have a detrimental effect and only one study showed an increased mortality in those who developed UGIB during hospitalization. SUMMARY: Incidence of UGIB in COVID-19 patients is similar to that of the general population. Despite the widespread use of anticoagulants in these patients, they are not associated with an increased risk of UGIB. Conservative management could be an effective option, especially for patients that are at risk of intubation.

Successful Endoscopic Treatment of an Actively Bleeding Jejunal Dieulafoy's Lesion.

Although small bowel endoscopy is commonly performed, cases of ongoing bleeding from small bowel lesions have not been commonly encountered. In the present report, we describe a case of successful endoscopic treatment of an actively bleeding jejunal Dieulafoy's lesion in a 79-year-old man with persistent anemia and melena. Capsule endoscopy indicated active bleeding in the jejunum. Thereafter, double-balloon endoscopy-performed via the oral approach-showed active bleeding from a jejunal Dieulafoy's lesion, which was treated using argon plasma coagulation and hemoclips. The melena subsequently resolved, and the patient's condition improved after the endoscopic treatment.

A Giant Gastric Adenoma Embedded in the Duodenum.

Gastric adenomas are usually located in the antrum, or occasionally in the fundus of the stomach. Most adenomas are solitary, pedunculated mass. The report describes a 17-year girl who visited the emergency room with complaints of stabbing pain of upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting and melena for last one week. Emergency endoscopic examination revealed a giant polyp with a long about 15 cm pedicle embedded in the duodenum. The polyp was completely removed by surgery, about 15 x 3 x 4 cm in size. At 5-year follow-up by endoscopy and ultrasonography, the patient remained in good general condition. It emphasizes that giant gastric adenomas must be removed by endoscopy or surgery due to its potential of malignancy. It is necessary to follow-up for detecting early gastric neoplasm.

Esophageal Ulcer as a Cause of Death: A Population-Based Study. Mortality of Esophageal Ulcer Disease.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed at defining the mortality and the nature of fatal complications that arise out of esophageal ulcer for one clearly defined geographical area. METHODS: In this national, population-based study, the occurrence of fatal esophageal ulcer or ulcer requiring hospital treatment between January 1987 and December 2000 was assessed by the use of Finland's administrative databases. Medical records provided etiology of fatal ulcer and agonal symptoms. RESULTS: Due to an esophageal ulcer, 2,242 patients received treatment in Finnish hospitals, at an annual frequency of 3.2/100,000. Ulcer with hemorrhage (53.5%), perforation (38.4%), or aspiration pneumonia (2.3%) was the cause of death in 86 patients for an annual mortality of 0.12/100,000. Based on the number of ulcers treated, 3.8% cases ended fatally. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) seemed to be the etiologic factor for ulcer in 68 (79.0%) patients. The most common agonal symptoms were hematemesis (41.8%), abdominal pain (25.6%), melaena (22.1%), and dyspnea (17.4%). Twenty (23.3%) patients were found dead at home. CONCLUSION: The rarity of the disease, related disorders, and the diversity of symptoms make the complicated esophageal ulcer a diagnostic challenge. Effective monitored treatment for severe GERD may be an important step to prevent fatal outcome.

A case of variceal bleeding from the jejunum in liver cirrhosis.

While esophagogastric varices are common manifestations of portal hypertension, variceal bleeding from the jejunum is a rare complication of liver cirrhosis. In addition, ectopic variceal bleeding occurs in the duodenum and at sites of previous bowel surgery in most cases, including of stomas. We report a case of obscure overt gastrointestinal bleeding from jejunal varices in a 55-year-old woman who had not previously undergone abdominal surgery, who had liver cirrhosis induced by the hepatitis C virus. Emergency endoscopy revealed the presence of esophageal varices without stigmata of recent bleeding, and no bleeding focus was found at colonoscopy. She continued to produce recurrent melena with hematochezia and received up to 21 units of packed red blood cells. CT angiography revealed the presence of jejunal varices, but no active bleeding was found. Capsule endoscopy revealed fresh blood in the jejunum. The patient submitted to embolization of the jejunal varices via the portal vein, after which she had a stable hemoglobin level and no recurrence of the melena. This is a case of variceal bleeding from the jejunum in a liver cirrhosis patient without a prior history of abdominal surgery.

A case of variceal bleeding from the jejunum in liver cirrhosis

While esophagogastric varices are common manifestations of portal hypertension, variceal bleeding from the jejunum is a rare complication of liver cirrhosis. In addition, ectopic variceal bleeding occurs in the duodenum and at sites of previous bowel surgery in most cases, including of stomas. We report a case of obscure overt gastrointestinal bleeding from jejunal varices in a 55-year-old woman who had not previously undergone abdominal surgery, who had liver cirrhosis induced by the hepatitis C virus. Emergency endoscopy revealed the presence of esophageal varices without stigmata of recent bleeding, and no bleeding focus was found at colonoscopy. She continued to produce recurrent melena with hematochezia and received up to 21 units of packed red blood cells. CT angiography revealed the presence of jejunal varices, but no active bleeding was found. Capsule endoscopy revealed fresh blood in the jejunum. The patient submitted to embolization of the jejunal varices via the portal vein, after which she had a stable hemoglobin level and no recurrence of the melena. This is a case of variceal bleeding from the jejunum in a liver cirrhosis patient without a prior history of abdominal surgery.

A fibreoptic endoscopic study of upper gastrointestinal bleeding at Bugando Medical Centre in northwestern Tanzania: a retrospective review of 240 cases.

BACKGROUND: Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is recognized as a common and potentially life-threatening abdominal emergency that needs a prompt assessment and aggressive emergency treatment. A retrospective study was undertaken at Bugando Medical Centre in northwestern Tanzania between March 2010 and September 2011 to describe our own experiences with fibreoptic upper GI endoscopy in the management of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding in our setting and compare our results with those from other centers in the world. FINDINGS: A total of 240 patients representing 18.7% of all patients (i.e. 1292) who had fibreoptic upper GI endoscopy during the study period were studied. Males outnumbered female by a ratio of 2.1:1. Their median age was 37 years and most of patients (60.0%) were aged 40 years and below. The vast majority of the patients (80.4%) presented with haematemesis alone followed by malaena alone in 9.2% of cases. The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alcohol and smoking prior to the onset of bleeding was recorded in 7.9%, 51.7% and 38.3% of cases respectively. Previous history of peptic ulcer disease was reported in 22(9.2%) patients. Nine (3.8%) patients were HIV positive. The source of bleeding was accurately identified in 97.7% of patients. Diagnostic accuracy was greater within the first 24 h of the bleeding onset, and in the presence of haematemesis. Oesophageal varices were the most frequent cause of upper GI bleeding (51.3%) followed by peptic ulcers in 25.0% of cases. The majority of patients (60.8%) were treated conservatively. Endoscopic and surgical treatments were performed in 30.8% and 5.8% of cases respectively. 140 (58.3%) patients received blood transfusion. The median length of hospitalization was 8 days and it was significantly longer in patients who underwent surgical treatment and those with higher Rockall scores (P < 0.001). Rebleeding was reported in 3.3% of the patients. The overall mortality rate of 11.7% was significantly higher in patients with variceal bleeding, shock, hepatic decompensation, HIV infection, comorbidities, malignancy, age > 60 years and in patients with higher Rockall scores and those who underwent surgery (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Oesophageal varices are the commonest cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in our environment and it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The diagnostic accuracy of fibreoptic endoscopy was related to the time interval between the onset of bleeding and endoscopy. Therefore, it is recommended that early endoscopy should be performed within 24 h of the onset of bleeding.

Percutaneous retrograde sclerotherapy for refractory bleeding of jejunal varices: direct injection via superficial epigastric vein.

Small-bowel varices are rare and almost always occur in cases with portal hypertension. We encountered a patient with bleeding jejunal varices due to liver cirrhosis. Percutaneous retrograde sclerotherapy was performed via the superficial epigastric vein. Melena disappeared immediately after treatment. Disappearance of jejunal varices was confirmed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography. After 24 months of follow-up, no recurrent melena was observed.

Predictors of clinically significant upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage among children with hematemesis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the proportion of children with hematemesis who experience a clinically significant upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (UGIH) and to identify variables predicting their occurrence. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. All of the emergency department visits by children ages 0 to 18 years who presented with hematemesis between 2000 and 2007 were reviewed. The primary aim of the study was to determine the proportion of children who developed a clinically significant UGIH; the secondary aim was to identify risk factors predictive of a clinically significant UGIH. A significant UGIH was defined by any of the following: hemoglobin drop >20 g/L, blood transfusion, or emergent endoscopy or surgical procedure. RESULTS: Twenty-seven of 613 eligible children (4%; 95% confidence interval 3%-6%) had a clinically significant UGIH. Clinically significant hemorrhages were associated with older age (9.7 vs 2.9 years; P<0.001), vomiting moderate to large amounts of fresh blood (58% vs 20%; P<0.001), melena (37% vs 5%; P<0.001), significant medical history (63% vs 24%; P<0.001), unwell appearance (44% vs 6%; P<0.001), and tachycardia (41% vs 10%; P<0.001). The frequency of laboratory investigations increased with age (P<0.001). The hemoglobin level was the only laboratory investigation whose results differed between those with and without significant bleeds. The presence of any one of the following characteristics identified all of the children with a clinically significant hemorrhage: melena, hematochezia, unwell appearance, or a moderate to large volume of fresh blood in the vomitus, sensitivity 100% (95% confidence interval 85%-100%). CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of a clinically significant UGIH was uncommon among children with hematemesis, especially in well-appearing children without melena, hematochezia, or who had not vomited a moderate to large amount of fresh blood.