RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR-PA) is a life-threatening infection with limited treatment options. This is the first meta-analysis of recently published data to compare the clinical outcomes of ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ-AVI) with other antimicrobial agents in treating MDR-PA infections. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library have been systematically reviewed, for publications in the English language, from database inception to July 2023. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: Studies comparing CAZ-AVI outcomes with other antimicrobial agents were included. In-hospital mortality & 30-day mortality were assessed as the main outcomes. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Literature screening, data extraction, and the quality evaluation of studies were conducted by two researchers independently, with disagreements resolved by another researcher. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the bias risk for the included studies. Review Manager V.5.4 was employed for the meta-analysis. RESULTS: The meta-analysis included four retrospective studies, enrolling 1934 patients. The CAZ-AVI group demonstrated significantly lower in-hospital mortality (risk ratio (RR) = 0.60, 95% CI:0.37-0.97, I2 = 74%, p = 0.04) in three studies with 1444 patients and lower 30-day mortality, in 438 patients from three studies (RR = 0.54, 95% CI:0.28-1.05, I2 = 67%, p = 0.07). No significant difference in clinical success, microbiological success, length of hospital, and ICU stay was observed. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis demonstrated that CAZ-AVI treatment significantly lowered in-hospital mortality compared with other antimicrobial agents in MDR-PA infections. However, the analysis only included a few observational studies and high-quality, randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate further the scope of CAZ-AVI in MDR-PA infections.
RESUMEN
PURPOSE: To assess the utility of pig head model as an oculoplastic surgical training tool. METHODS: Fresh pig head was availed for surgical workshop for entropion correction, eyelid margin repair, and evisceration with implant for oculoplastic surgery-naïve participants. Skill improvement, surgical understanding, and performance of the participants were evaluated both subjectively and objectively by trained oculoplastic surgeons. Subjective assessment was done by a standardized questionnaire based on Likert scale shared with the participants post training. Objective evaluation was done by the faculty based on a three-point scale and a competency-based surgical assessment rubric. RESULTS: There were 18 surgery-naïve participants in the workshop which comprised ophthalmology residents and comprehensive ophthalmologists. About 88.88% of the participants were able to perform the lid margin and sub-tarsal dissection in entropion surgery. While performing lid tear repair, 94.44% were correctly able to identify the grey line and anterior and posterior lamellae. About 83.33% of the participants were able to place an implant in the scleral shell or intraconal space. About 83.33% of the participants noted that texture and tissue maneuvering were similar to the human eye while performing surgical steps. About 94.44% of the participants reported better understanding, development of skill and additional confidence after training. The median score on objective assessment was 3. The performance on real patients resulted in a median score of 4 for entropion correction. CONCLUSION: Porcine orbital dissection is an available, affordable, and useful tool for oculoplastic surgical training. Training on porcine model can improve anatomical understanding, clinical judgement, and surgical efficiency in trainees.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Platelet count and its associated indices like mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) are cost-effective biomarkers that are easily accessible and have a potent role in the diagnosis and management of thrombocytopenia. Since anaemia and thrombocytopenia often go together in pregnancy, it is advisable to utilise these indices for feto-maternal benefit. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at a tertiary care centre in New Delhi from July 2022 to December 2023 wherein pregnant women of age 18-40 years, period of gestation >28 weeks with thrombocytopenia or abnormal platelet indices were enrolled. Women with pancytopenia, bone marrow suppression or past or current SARS-CoV-2 positive status were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 150 women were enrolled in the study. The mean age of study population was 25.33 ± 2.90 (range 19-34) years. Subjects were divided into three groups - Group A (mild thrombocytopenia) 24.6%, Group B (moderate thrombocytopenia) 64.6% and Group C (severe thrombocytopenia) 10.6% based on thrombocytopenia severity. Analysing the risk factors, Group C was found to have a significantly higher number of patients with anaemia (p=<0.001), fever (p=0.031), abnormal liquor volumes (p=0.004) and need for blood and platelet transfusion (p=0.077). On correlation of thrombocytopenia with abnormal platelet indices, it was observed that manual platelet count (MPC) and MPV were indirectly correlated (p=0.027). PDW was found to be directly associated with severe thrombocytopenia and indirectly associated with moderate thrombocytopenia. Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia in pregnancy is directly correlated to factors like maternal fever and anaemia, fetal growth restriction, abnormal liquor, blood products and platelet transfusions. It was also concluded that platelet indices like PDW and MPV play an important role in predicting the feto-maternal outcome and hence timely interventions can be done to improve the same.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Cryptococcosis is an invasive, opportunistic fungal infection seen especially in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients. Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is the second leading cause of mortality in HIV patients. We report a case of disseminated cryptococcosis presenting with altered mental status in a newly diagnosed HIV infection. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 50-year-old with a short history of altered mental sensorium and a history of low-grade fever and weight loss for few months presented at a tertiary care hospital in North India. He was detected positive for HIV-1. Cryptococcal antigen (CRAG) was positive in Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and negative in serum. The fungal culture in CSF was sterile while the fungal blood culture grew Cryptococcus neoformans. The patient was treated with single high-dose Liposomal Amphotericin B (LAmB) therapy followed by Fluconazole and Flucytosine for the next two weeks followed by fluconazole daily for consolidation and maintenance therapy. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) was started 4 weeks after induction therapy. After 6 months, the patient is doing fine. CONCLUSION: Single dose LAmB along with the backbone of fluconazole and flucytosine appears promising in disseminated cryptococcal infection in HIV-infected individuals.
Asunto(s)
Anfotericina B , Antifúngicos , Criptococosis , Cryptococcus neoformans , Flucitosina , Infecciones por VIH , Humanos , Anfotericina B/uso terapéutico , Anfotericina B/administración & dosificación , Masculino , Antifúngicos/uso terapéutico , Antifúngicos/administración & dosificación , Persona de Mediana Edad , Cryptococcus neoformans/aislamiento & purificación , Cryptococcus neoformans/efectos de los fármacos , Infecciones por VIH/complicaciones , Criptococosis/tratamiento farmacológico , Criptococosis/diagnóstico , Criptococosis/microbiología , Resultado del Tratamiento , Flucitosina/uso terapéutico , Flucitosina/administración & dosificación , Infecciones Oportunistas Relacionadas con el SIDA/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones Oportunistas Relacionadas con el SIDA/diagnóstico , Infecciones Oportunistas Relacionadas con el SIDA/microbiología , Fluconazol/uso terapéutico , Fluconazol/administración & dosificación , Meningitis Criptocócica/tratamiento farmacológico , Meningitis Criptocócica/diagnóstico , Meningitis Criptocócica/microbiología , IndiaRESUMEN
Introduction: Burnout is often misconstrued for stress, whereas it is one of the consequences of stress when not managed prosperously. Stress leads to apprehensiveness, loss of energy, and the primary damage is physical. Whereas, burnout is characterized by disengagement where emotions are blunted thus fostering helplessness and hopelessness leading to detachment and despondence, loss of motivation and ideals with the primary damage being emotional. Objectives: To find out the prevalence and severity of stress and burnout among bank officers in Meerut District and to find the correlation between the two parameters. Methods: Banks were selected by simple random sampling through computer random table method for our study. Further, officer grade bank employees were approached for data collection. A prevalidated seven-point Likert scale Shriom-Melamed Burnout Questionnaire was used for the assessment of burnout. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests by EPI Info and Microsoft Excel 2013. Result: 19.7% bank officers have pathological burnout followed by 55.1% of bank officers who are at the brink of developing burnout. Severe stress was found only among 7.9% bank officers, whereas burnout was present in 19.4%. A positive correlation was found between stress and burnout. Conclusion: It was found that stress and job burnout are linked but do not entirely overlap, with individuals having a high risk of job burnout experiencing only moderate stress. Therefore, perceived stress cannot be taken as the only indicator of risk of burnout.
RESUMEN
Introduction: Bony subungual growths arising on the digital tip are uncommon. Among these, subungual exostosis is a common cause. Case Presentation: We describe a 35-year-old-male patient with a rare occurrence of a fibro-osseus pseudotumor of the digit. It presents with reactive intramembranous ossification, with no continuity with the distal phalanx, helping differentiate it from a subungual exostosis. The patient presented with an asymptomatic subungual growth, lifting up the nail plate distally causing onycholysis. The characteristic clinical, radiological, and histopathological features of the case are described, which helped confirm the diagnosis. Conclusion: Cases with fibro-osseus pseudotumor of the digit reported in literature are reviewed comprehensively. The factors helping differentiate this from the other bony tumors affecting the distal phalanx, including subungual exostosis, myositis ossificans, and osteosarcoma are also highlighted.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES: Early warning systems (EWS) involve serial observations (track) with criteria (trigger) to timely identify patients at risk of complications. Carle designed a statistically based clinically modified obstetric early warning score (Carle's OEWS). This study evaluated Carle's OEWS and its individual components for predicting admission to the obstetric critical care unit (OCCU). Maternal near-miss and maternal mortality were the secondary outcomes. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted among 1250 pregnant women with a period of gestation ≥28 week admitted in the labour wards of a tertiary centre over 18 months. The physiological parameters of OEWS were recorded and aggregate score was calculated at admission and at regular intervals thereafter, till discharge or OCCU admission. RESULTS: The area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of OEWS was 0.975 for predicting OCCU admission, 0.971 for near-miss, and 0.996 for predicting maternal mortality and was significant for all outcomes. All individual parameters, except diastolic blood pressure, had a significant relative risk for predicting OCCU requirement. INTERPRETATION CONCLUSIONS: Carle's OEWS is a useful screening tool for predicting obstetric OCCU admission and can be routinely used in labour wards to ensure timely intervention.
Asunto(s)
Puntuación de Alerta Temprana , Humanos , Femenino , Embarazo , Cuidados Críticos , Hospitalización , Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos , Presión Sanguínea , Curva ROC , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) associated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected millions of people worldwide and declared a Public Health Emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 30, 2020. Albeit, unprecedented efforts have been made from the scientific community to understand the pathophysiology of COVID-19 disease, the host immune and inflammatory responses are not explored well in the Indian population. Continuous arrival of new variants fascinated the scientists to understand the host immune processes and to eradicate this deadly virus. The aim of this study was to see the helper and cellular host immune responses including memory and activated cell subsets of COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at different time intervals during the treatment. PBMCs separated from nine patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were incubated with fluorescent conjugated antibodies and acquired on flow cytometer machine to analyze the T and B cell subsets. The results in COVID-19 patients versus healthy volunteers were as follows: elevated helper T cells (57.4% vs 44.9%); low cytotoxic T cells (42.8% vs 55.6%), and activated T (17.7% vs 21.2%) subsets. Both, TREG (40.15% vs 51.7%) and TH17 (13.2% vs 24.6%) responses were substantially decreased and high expression of TREG markers was observed in these patients compared with controls.
RESUMEN
Introduction: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is primarily managed by surgery with the use of systemic targeted therapy in a metastatic setting. Newer targeted therapeutic options are evolving; Eph-ephrin is a potential new pathway. The therapeutic potential of targeting the EphB4-EphrinB2 pathway has been demonstrated in many solid tumors; however, its expression in RCC has only been evaluated in a few studies with limited cases. We herein determine the immunohistochemical expression of EphrinB2 in RCC. Methods: A tissue microarray comprising 110 cases of different histological subtypes of RCC and 10 normal kidney tissues were stained with monoclonal anti-EphrinB2 antibody (Abcam, AB201512). The tumor and endothelial cells expressing the EphrinB2 were examined and its expression was correlated with sex, histological subtypes, and tumor nodes metastasis (TNM) stage. Results: Twenty cases of urothelial carcinoma and two unsatisfactory conventional clear cell RCC cases were excluded, and EphrinB2 expression was interpreted in the remaining 88 tumors. EphrinB2 was expressed in 42 out of 88 tumors (47.7%) and was negative in the normal renal parenchyma. There was a statistically significant difference in the expression of EphrinB2 in males (55%) and females (32%). However, no such difference of expression was noted for the histological subtypes and the stages. Half (51%) of Stage 1 (n = 30) and Stage 2 (n = 11) tumors showed EphrinB2 positivity. Conclusions: EphrinB2 is expressed in approximately half of RCC cases. EphrinB2 expression in the early stage cancer might indicate its induction as an early event.
RESUMEN
Dermatophytosis is a common superficial fungal infection of the skin and its appendages caused by dermatophytes. Recent times have witnessed a dynamic evolution of dermatophytes driven by their ecology, reproduction, pathogenicity and host immune response, influenced by population migration and socioeconomic status. Dermatophytes establish infection following successful adherence of arthroconidia to the surface of keratinized tissues. The proteolytic enzymes released during adherence and invasion not only ascertain their survival but also allow the persistence of infection in the host. While the cutaneous immune surveillance mechanism, after antigen exposure and presentation, leads to activation of T lymphocytes and subsequent clonal expansion generating effector T cells that differentially polarize to a predominant Th17 response, the response fails to eliminate the pathogen despite the presence of high levels of IFN-γ. In chronic dermatophytosis, antigens are a constant source of stimulus promoting a dysregulated Th17 response causing inflammation. The host-derived iTreg response fails to counterbalance the inflammation and instead polarizes to Th17 lineage, aggravating the chronicity of the infection. Increasing antifungal resistance and recalcitrant dermatophytosis has impeded the overall clinical remission. Human genetic research has the potential to generate knowledge to explore new therapeutic targets. The review focuses on understanding specific virulence factors involved in pathogenesis and defining the role of dysregulated host immune response against chronic dermatophytic infections for future management strategies.
Asunto(s)
Arthrodermataceae , Dermatomicosis , Tiña , Humanos , Arthrodermataceae/genética , Dermatomicosis/microbiología , Interacciones Huésped-Patógeno , Tiña/microbiología , Inflamación , Trichophyton/genéticaRESUMEN
Mycobacterium abscessus (MAB) is an emerging pathogen that leads to chronic lung infections. To date, the global population structure of non-cystic fibrosis (CF) MAB and evolutionary patterns of drug resistance emergence have not been investigated. Here we construct a global dataset of 1,279 MAB whole genomes from CF or non-CF patients. We utilize whole genome analysis to assess relatedness, phylogeography, and drug resistance evolution. MAB isolates from CF and non-CF hosts are interspersed throughout the phylogeny, such that the majority of dominant circulating clones include isolates from both populations, indicating that global spread of MAB clones is not sequestered to CF contexts. We identify a large clade of M. abscessus harboring the erm(41) T28C mutation, predicted to confer macrolide susceptibility in this otherwise macrolide-resistant species. Identification of multiple evolutionary events within this clade, consistent with regain of wild type, intrinsic macrolide resistance, underscores the critical importance of macrolides in MAB.
Asunto(s)
Antibacterianos/farmacología , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana , Infecciones por Mycobacterium no Tuberculosas/microbiología , Mycobacterium abscessus/clasificación , Mycobacterium abscessus/efectos de los fármacos , Fibrosis Quística/microbiología , Genoma Bacteriano , Humanos , Macrólidos/farmacología , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Infecciones por Mycobacterium no Tuberculosas/tratamiento farmacológico , Mycobacterium abscessus/genética , Mycobacterium abscessus/aislamiento & purificación , FilogeniaRESUMEN
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an emerging public health problem in modern times and the current COVID-19 pandemic has further exaggerated this problem. Due to bacterial co-infection in COVID-19 cases, an irrational consumption of antibiotics has occurred during the pandemic. This study aimed to observe the COVID-19 patients hospitalized from 1 March 2019 to 31 December 2020 and to evaluate the AMR pattern of bacterial agents isolated. This was a single-center study comprising 494 bacterial isolates (blood and urine) that were obtained from patients with SARS-CoV-2 admitted to the ICU and investigated in the Department of Microbiology of a tertiary care hospital in Delhi, India. Out of the total bacterial isolates, 55.46% were gram negative and 44.53% were gram positive pathogens. Of the blood samples processed, the most common isolates were CoNS (Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus) and Staphylococcus aureus. Amongst the urinary isolates, most common pathogens were Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. A total of 60% MRSA was observed in urine and blood isolates. Up to 40% increase in AMR was observed amongst these isolates obtained during COVID-19 period compared to pre-COVID-19 times. The overuse of antibiotics gave abundant opportunity for the bacterial pathogens to gradually develop mechanisms and to acquire resistance. Since the dynamics of SARS-COV-2 are unpredictable, a compromise on hospital antibiotic policy may ultimately escalate the burden of drug resistant pathogens in hospitals. A shortage of trained staff during COVID-19 pandemic renders it impossible to maintain these records in places where the entire hospital staff is struggling to save lives. This study highlights the extensive rise in the use of antibiotics for respiratory illness due to COVID-19 compared to antibiotic use prior to COVID-19 in ICUs. The regular prescription audit followed by a constant surveillance of hospital infection control practices by the dedicated teams and training of clinicians can improve the quality of medications in the long run and help to fight the menace of AMR.
RESUMEN
PURPOSE: We evaluated the prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer detection on systematic biopsy (SB), target biopsy (TB) alone and combined SB and TB in men with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System™ (PI-RADS™) 5 lesion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From a prospectively maintained prostate biopsy database, we identified consecutive patients with PI-RADS 5 lesion on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging. The patients underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging followed by transrectal TB of PI-RADS 5 lesion and 12-core SB. The prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer (Grade Group, GG ≥2) detection on SB, TB and SB+TB were determined for all men and accordingly to prostate specific antigen density. Statistic significant was set a p <0.05. RESULTS: Overall, 112 patients met inclusion criteria. The detection rate of prostate cancer for SB, TB and SB+TB was 89%, 93% and 95%, respectively, and for clinically significant prostate cancer it was 72%, 81% and 85%, respectively. SB added 2% prostate cancer and 4% clinically significant prostate cancer detection to TB. A total of 78 patients had prostate specific antigen density >0.15 ng/ml2, and the detection rate of PCa for SB, TB and SB+TB was 92%, 97% and 97%, respectively, and for clinically significant prostate cancer it was 79%, 91% and 95%, respectively. In this population, if SB was omitted, 0 prostate cancer and only 4% (3) of clinically significant prostate cancer would be missed. The clinically significant prostate cancer detection rate improved with increased prostate specific antigen density for SB (p=0.01), TB (p <0.0001) and combined SB+TB (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with PI-RADS 5 on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and prostate specific antigen density >0.15 ng/ml2, SB marginally increases clinically significant prostate cancer detection, but not overall prostate cancer detection in comparison to TB alone. Systematic biopsy did not affect patients' management and can be omitted on this population.
Asunto(s)
Biopsia Guiada por Imagen , Imágenes de Resonancia Magnética Multiparamétrica , Antígeno Prostático Específico/sangre , Próstata/patología , Neoplasias de la Próstata , Anciano , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Próstata/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias de la Próstata/diagnóstico , Procedimientos InnecesariosRESUMEN
PURPOSE: To determine whether multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) can reliably predict proximity of prostate cancer to the prostatic urethra in a contemporary series of men undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) at two academic centers. METHODS: Clinical characteristics of consecutive men undergoing pre-operative mpMRI prior to RP and whole-mount axial serial step-sectioned pathology examination at two academic centers between Jun 2016 and Oct 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. Every tumor was characterized by its pathologic minimum distance to the prostatic urethral lumen (pMDUL). Only the cancer closest to the urethra represented the prostatic urethral index lesion. The radiologic minimum distance of the index lesion to the prostatic urethral lumen was measured and noted as ≤ 5 mm versus > 5 mm. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predicting values (PPV and NPV) and area under the receivers operating characteristics curve (AUC) were calculated for performance of mpMRI for predicting pMDUL ≤ 5 mm. RESULTS: Of the 163 surgical specimens examined, 112 (69%) exhibited a pMDUL ≤ 5 mm. These men had significantly higher grade group (GG) and advanced pathological and clinical stage. The rates of high PI-RADS score and presence of gross extracapsular extension were also significantly greater for the group with pMDUL ≤ 5 mm. The AUC, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 0.641, 51.8, 76.5, 82.9, and 42.4%, respectively, for mpMRI to predict pMDUL < 5 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 70% of men undergoing RP present with tumor within 5 mm of the prostatic urethra. These tumors present higher risk characteristics, and mpMRI exhibited moderate performance and high PPV in their pre-operative detection. Physicians performing partial gland ablation should take these results into consideration during treatment selection and planning.
Asunto(s)
Criocirugía , Imágenes de Resonancia Magnética Multiparamétrica , Prostatectomía , Neoplasias de la Próstata/patología , Neoplasias de la Próstata/cirugía , Neoplasias Uretrales/diagnóstico por imagen , Neoplasias Uretrales/patología , Anciano , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Invasividad Neoplásica , Valor Predictivo de las Pruebas , Prostatectomía/métodos , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
PURPOSE: The purpose is to highlight the primary intracranial (meningeal-based) occurrence of Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (ES/PNET). METHODS: This report is a collation of clinicopathological features of eight cases of molecularly and clinicoradiologically confirmed primary (non-metastatic) intracranial (non-osseous) meningeal ES/PNET. RESULTS: The age range was 1 to 33 years with a median age of 9 years. Male to female ratio was 0.6:1. All patients were diagnosed on the debulking surgical material (gross total resection, 2 cases; subtotal resection, 6 cases) and showed primitive embryonal histomorphology with diffuse membranous CD99 immunoexpression and EWSR1 gene rearrangement by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Seven of them showed a typical FISH pattern of split signals with break-apart probe, while one showed an unusual signal pattern of loss of green signals. EFT-2001 adjuvant protocol was followed along with focal radiotherapy (RT) in all cases (except case 8, full course of chemotherapy could not be completed). Two cases had local recurrence-one of them died of disease recurrence before the administration of further treatment. CONCLUSION: This series adds non-osseous intracranial site to the list of uncommon sites of occurrence for ES/PNET and more importantly emphasizes the need to be considered in a differential list of primary intracranial primitive embryonal tumors before embarking as primary central nervous system (CNS) embryonal tumor, NOS.