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Background: Heart failure (HF) is a pervasive global health concern, with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. Medications used in patients with HF may exacerbate HF or prolong the QT interval, posing additional risks. Objective: The objective is to assess the prevalence and utilization patterns of medications known to cause or exacerbate HF and prolong the QT interval among patients with ADHF. Understanding these patterns is crucial for optimizing patient care and minimizing potential risks. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted at Huntsville Hospital, Huntsville, USA, covering 602 patients with ADHF over a 40-month period. Inclusion criteria involved age ≥ 18 years, a history of HF, and ADHF admission. The 2016 American Heart Association Scientific Statement was used to identify drugs that may cause or exacerbate HF and those that could prolong the QT interval Results: Among the 602 patients, 57.3% received medications causing or exacerbating HF, notably albuterol (34.9%) and diabetes medications (20.4%), primarily metformin, followed by urologic agents (14.3%), mostly tamsulosin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (6.1%). Moreover, 82.9% were on medications prolonging the QT interval, with loop diuretics, amiodarone, ondansetron, and famotidine most prevalent. Furthermore, 42.1% of the patients received more than two concomitant medications that prolong the QT interval, which can further exacerbate the risk of torsades de pointes. Conclusion: This study underscores the high prevalence of HF-causing or HF-exacerbating medications and QT-prolonging drugs in patients with ADHF. Healthcare professionals must be cognizant of these patterns, advocating for safer prescribing practices to optimize patient outcomes and reduce the burden of HF-related hospitalizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Acute pediatric mastoiditis is a bacterial infection of the mastoid bone most commonly associated with acute otitis media. Complicated mastoiditis is traditionally characterized by intracranial complications or subperiosteal abscess, but definitions are inconsistent in the literature. Surgical intervention is identified as the main treatment for complicated mastoiditis, but there is some evidence to support medical management of uncomplicated mastoiditis. This study sought to clarify the diagnostic criteria and management of uncomplicated acute mastoiditis. Methods: All cases of acute pediatric mastoiditis were identified from a single institution over a 16-year period and reviewed for demographic and clinical data. Two different definitions of uncomplicated mastoiditis were compared; the traditional one that excluded patients with intracranial complications or subperiosteal abscess (SPA) and the proposed definition that also excluded patients with any evidence of bony erosion including coalescence, not just SPA. Univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted. Results: Eighty cases were identified. Using the traditional definition of uncomplicated mastoiditis, 46.3% of cases were uncomplicated, compared to 36.2% when using the proposed definition. Truly uncomplicated patients, categorized with the proposed definition, were treated more consistently: no patients underwent mastoidectomy and they were less likely to receive a long term course of antibiotics. On multivariate regression analysis, only categorization with the proposed definition of uncomplicated mastoiditis was independently associated with less long-term antibiotic therapy and non-surgical management. Conclusion: Uncomplicated acute mastoiditis should be defined using clinical criteria and exclude any cases with evidence of bony erosion, including coalescence or subperiosteal abscess. These truly uncomplicated patients often do not require mastoidectomy and can be prescribed a shorter course of antibiotics. Further research into treatment pathways is necessary to optimize the management of uncomplicated acute pediatric mastoiditis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hospital-at-home (HAH) is increasingly becoming an alternative for in-hospital stay in selected clinical scenarios. Nevertheless, there is still a question whether HAH could be a viable option for acutely ill patients, otherwise hospitalized in departments of general-internal medicine. Methods: This was a retrospective matched study, conducted at a telemedicine controlled HAH department, being part of a tertiary medical center. The objective was to compare clinical outcomes of acutely ill patients (both COVID-19 and non-COVID) admitted to either in-hospital or HAH. Non-COVID patients had one of three acute infectious diseases: urinary tract infections (UTI, either lower or upper), pneumonia, or cellulitis. Results: The analysis involved 159 HAH patients (64 COVID-19 and 95 non-COVID) who were compared to a matched sample of in-hospital patients (192 COVID-19 and 285 non-COVID). The median length-of-hospital stay (LOS) was 2 days shorter in the HAH for both COVID-19 patients (95% CI: 1–3; p = 0.008) and non-COVID patients (95% CI; 1–3; p < 0.001). The readmission rates within 30 days were not significantly different for both COVID-19 patients (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1; 95% CI: 0.49–2.04; p = 1) and non-COVID patients (OR = 0.7; 95% CI; 0.39–1.28; p = 0.25). The differences remained insignificant within one year. The risk of death within 30 days was significantly lower in the HAH group for COVID-19 patients (OR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.11–0.86; p = 0.018) and non-COVID patients (OR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.14–0.9; p = 0.019). For one year survival period, the differences were significant for COVID-19 patients (OR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.31–0.9; p = 0.044) and insignificant for non-COVID patients (OR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.4–1; p = 0.052). Conclusions: Care for acutely ill patients in the setting of telemedicine-based hospital at home has the potential to reduce hospitalization length without increasing readmission risk and to reduce both 30 days and one-year mortality rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study of 2 health care claims databases (commercial, Medicaid) was undertaken to estimate the episodic cost of lower respiratory tract illness due to respiratory syncytial virus among infants aged <12 months overall, by age, and by birth gestational age. Among commercial-insured infants, mean costs were $28 812 for hospitalized episodes, $2575 for emergency department episodes, and $336 for outpatient clinic episodes. Costs were highest among infants aged <1 month and infants with a gestational age ≤32 weeks and were comparable among Medicaid-insured infants, albeit somewhat lower. The cost of lower respiratory tract illness due to respiratory syncytial virus during the acute phase of illness is high, especially among the youngest infants and those born premature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The aim of this study was to characterize the epidemiology of human seasonal coronaviruses (HCoVs) in southern Malawi. Methods We tested for HCoVs 229E, OC43, NL63, and HKU1 using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on upper respiratory specimens from asymptomatic controls and individuals of all ages recruited through severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) surveillance at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, and a prospective influenza-like illness (ILI) observational study between 2011 and 2017. We modeled the probability of having a positive PCR for each HCoV using negative binomial models, and calculated pathogen-attributable fractions (PAFs). Results Overall, 8.8% (539/6107) of specimens were positive for ≥1 HCoV. OC43 was the most frequently detected HCoV (3.1% [191/6107]). NL63 was more frequently detected in ILI patients (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR], 9.60 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 3.25–28.30]), while 229E (aIRR, 8.99 [95% CI, 1.81–44.70]) was more frequent in SARI patients than asymptomatic controls. In adults, 229E and OC43 were associated with SARI (PAF, 86.5% and 89.4%, respectively), while NL63 was associated with ILI (PAF, 85.1%). The prevalence of HCoVs was similar between children with SARI and controls. All HCoVs had bimodal peaks but distinct seasonality. Conclusions OC43 was the most prevalent HCoV in acute respiratory illness of all ages. Individual HCoVs had distinct seasonality that differed from temperate settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute gouty arthritis (AGA) is classified as 'arthritis' in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory. Shirebi granules (SGs), derived from the classic prescription SiMiaoWan, exerts satisfying therapeutic efficacy in ameliorating AGA clinically. However, the underlying mechanisms of SGs against AGA remain unclarified. Methods: AGA-related biological processes, signal pathways and biomarker genes were mined from the GEO database through bioinformatics. SGs components were systematically recognized using the UPLC-Q-TOF–MS/MS. A correlation network was established based on the biomarker genes and the chemical components, from which the signal pathway used for further study was selected. Finally, we established an AGA model using SD rats injected with monosodium urate (MSU) in the ankle joint for experimental validation. A combination of behavioral tests, H&E, safranin O- fast green, western blotting, and immunofluorescence were employed to reveal the mechanism of action of SGs on AGA. Results: The deterioration of AGA was significantly related to the imbalance between immunity and inflammation, neutrophil chemotaxis and inflammatory factor activation. HDAC5, PRKCB, NFκB1, MPO, PRKCA, PIK3CA were identified to be the candidate targets of SGs against AGA, associated with neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) signal pathway. Animal experiments demonstrated that SGs effectively repaired cartilage damage, blocked TLR4 activation, and inhibited the expression of NETs indicators and inflammatory factors. In addition, SGs prominently alleviated joint redness and swelling, improved joint dysfunction, inhibited inflammatory infiltration of AGA rats. Conclusion: Our data reveal that SGs may effectively alleviate the disease severity of AGA by suppressing NETs-promoted imbalance between immunity and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Remifentanil, an ultra-short-acting µ-opioid receptor agonist, is commonly used for anesthetic management due to excellent adjustability. Remifentanil is known to cause sinus bradycardia, however, because it has a direct negative chronotropic effect on the cardiac conduction system and there is an indirect negative chronotropic effect via the parasympathetic nervous system. Case presentation: An 8-year-old Japanese boy was diagnosed with acute hydrocephalus due to a brain tumor in the fourth ventricle and underwent emergency surgery. Imaging examination showed brainstem compression. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy and ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery were scheduled. Remifentanil was started during induction of general anesthesia, but electrocardiogram showed sinus bradycardia, then Wenckebach-type atrioventricular block, and then complete atrioventricular block. Remifentanil was immediately discontinued, and we administered atropine sulfate. Complete atrioventricular block was restored to sinus rhythm. When remifentanil was restarted, however, the electrocardiogram again showed sinus bradycardia, Wenckebach-type atrioventricular block, and then complete atrioventricular block. Remifentanil was again immediately discontinued, we administered adrenaline, and then complete atrioventricular block was restored to sinus rhythm. Fentanyl was used instead of remifentanil with continuous infusion of dopamine. There has since been no further occurrence of complete atrioventricular block. Conclusions: This is the first known case of complete atrioventricular block in a pediatric patient with increased intracranial pressure seemingly caused by administration of remifentanil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with acute cerebral infarction alone, the nutritional status of patients with acute cerebral infarction and dysphagia is significantly worse, which not only negatively impacts clinical treatment, but also contributes to the poor prognosis of patients. In traditional clinical treatment, more focus is placed on improving the neurological function of patients with acute cerebral infarction combined with dysphagia, often neglecting their nutritional status, leading to unsatisfactory prognosis. In this study, we explored the influence of enhanced recovery after surgery care on the neurological function and nutritional status of patients with acute cerebral infarction combined with dysphagia after thrombolytic therapy. It was found that the use of enhanced recovery after surgery care improved neurological function and nutritional status and reduced blood pressure and stress responses, while promoting the recovery of patients' muscle strength. Therefore, enhanced recovery after surgery care has high application value in the future clinical treatment of acute cerebral infarction combined with dysphagia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the effects of early rehabilitation nursing combined with enteral nutrition on acute myocardial infarction patients' recovery and nutritional status after percutaneous coronary intervention. A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 92 patients who underwent therapy in our hospital following percutaneous coronary intervention from February 2021 to February 2023. These patients were split into a control group and a study group. The control group received standard rehabilitation nursing and routine parenteral nutrition, while the study group was administered early rehabilitation nursing and enteral nutritional support. Post-intervention outcomes showed that the study group had higher left ventricular ejection fraction, cardiac output, 6-minute walking test results, Chinese Cardiovascular Patients' Quality of Life Assessment Questionnaire scores, and total protein and albumin levels compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the study group exhibited a lower incidence of complications and higher nursing satisfaction than the control group (P < 0.05). This indicates that early rehabilitation nursing combined with enteral nutrition is beneficial for enhancing postoperative recovery, improving nutritional status, and elevating the quality of life in patients with acute myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue is a significant health problem due to the high burden of critical infections during outbreaks. In 1997, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified dengue as dengue fever (DF), dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). It was revised in 2009 (updated in 2015), and the new guidelines recommended classifying patients as dengue without warning signs (DNS), dengue with warning signs (DWS), and severe dengue (SD). Although the utility of the revised 2009 classification for clinical studies is accepted, for immunological studies it needs to be clarified. We determined the usefulness of the 2009 classification for pediatric studies that analyze the circulating interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8, two inflammatory cytokines. Plasma levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were evaluated in the acute and convalescent phases by flow cytometry in children with dengue classified using the 1997 and 2009 WHO guidelines. The plasma levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were elevated during the acute and decreased during convalescence, and both cytokines served as a good marker of acute dengue illness compared to convalescence. There were no differences in the plasma level of the evaluated cytokines among children with different clinical severity with any classification, except for the IL-8, which was higher in DWS than DNS. Based on the levels of IL-8, the 2009 classification identified DWS plus SD (hospital-treated children) compared to the DNS group [area under the curve (AUC): 0.7, p  = 0.028]. These results support the utility of the revised 2009 (updated in 2015) classification in studies of immune markers in pediatric dengue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The global pandemic has resulted in the common occurrence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in the population. In the post‐pandemic era, it is imperative to understand the influence of donor SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on outcomes after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). We retrospectively analysed allo‐HSCTs from donors with mild SARS‐CoV‐2 infection or early recovery stage (ERS) (group 1, n = 65) and late recovery stage (group 2, n = 120). Additionally, we included allo‐HSCT from donors without prior SARS‐CoV‐2 infection as group 0 (n = 194). Transplants from donors with different SARS‐CoV‐2 infection status had comparable primary engraftment and survival rates. However, group 1 had higher incidences of acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGvHD), grade II–IV (41.5% vs. 28.1% in group 0 [p = 0.014] and 30.6% in group 2 [p = 0.067]) and grade III–IV (22.2% vs. 9.6% [p = 0.004] in group 0 and 12.2% in group 2 [p = 0.049]). Conversely, the risk of aGvHD in group 2 was similar to that in group 0 (p > 0.5). Multivariable analysis identified group 1 associated with grade II–IV (hazard ratio [HR] 2.307, p = 0.010) and grade III–IV (HR 2.962, p = 0.001) aGvHD, which yielded no significant risk factors for survival. In conclusion, we preliminarily demonstrated donors in the active infection state or ERS of mild SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were associated with higher incidences of aGvHD in transplants from related donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is paralleled by a rise in the peripheral levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL), suggesting early nervous system damage. In a cohort of 103 COVID-19 patients, we studied the relationship between the NfL and peripheral inflammatory markers. We found that the NfL levels are significantly predicted by a panel of circulating cytokines/chemokines, including CRP, IL-4, IL-8, IL-9, Eotaxin, and MIP-1ß, which are highly up-regulated during COVID-19 and are associated with clinical outcomes. Our findings show that peripheral cytokines influence the plasma levels of the NfL, suggesting a potential role of the NfL as a marker of neuronal damage associated with COVID-19 inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The development of acute kidney injury (AKI) after the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) reduces the chance of organ recovery and survival. The purpose of this study was to examine the AKI rate and attributable mortality in ARDS patients. Methods: We performed an individual patient-data analysis including 10 multicenter randomized controlled trials conducted over 20 years. We employed a Super Learner ensemble technique, including a time-dependent analysis, to estimate the adjusted risk of AKI. We calculated the mortality attributable to AKI using an inverse probability of treatment weighting estimator integrated with the Super Learner. Results: There were 5148 patients included in this study. The overall incidence of AKI was 43.7% (n = 2251). The adjusted risk of AKI ranged from 38.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 35.7 to 41.9%) in ARMA, to 55.8% in ROSE (95% CI, 51.9 to 59.6%). 37.1% recovered rapidly from AKI, with a significantly lower recovery rate in recent trials (P < 0.001). The 90-day excess in mortality attributable to AKI was 15.4% (95% CI, 12.8 to 17.9%). It decreased from 25.4% in ARMA (95% CI, 18.7 to 32%), to 11.8% in FACTT (95% CI, 5.5 to 18%) and then remained rather stable over time. The 90-day overall excess in mortality attributable to acute kidney disease was 28.4% (95% CI, 25.3 to 31.5%). Conclusions: The incidence of AKI appears to be stable over time in patients with ARDS enrolled in randomized trials. The development of AKI remains a significant contributing factor to mortality. These estimates are essential for designing future clinical trials for AKI prevention or treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To compare the clinical outcomes in patients with acute perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) treated with over-the-scope clip (OTSC), non-surgical, and surgical interventions, and to explore the effectiveness and safety of OTSC closure. Methods: Hospital stay, antibiotic use, diet resumption time, and mortality rate were analyzed retrospectively. Binary Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors influencing PPU complicated with sepsis. Results: Patients were divided into three treatment groups: OTSC (n = 62), non-surgical (n = 72), and surgical (n = 55) groups. The median time (IQR) from symptom onset to admission was 9.0 (4–23) h. 88.71% (55/62) of the patients in In the OTSC group underwent OTSC closure within 24 h (median [IQR] time: 14.5 [7.00–30.25] h). The perforation diameters in the OTSC and surgical groups were 9.87 mm ± 5.97 mm and 8.55 mm ± 6.17 mm, respectively. The median (IQR) hospital stays in the OTSC (9.50 [7.00–12.25] days) and non-surgical group (9.00[7.00–13.00]days) were similar (p > 0.05), but shorter than that in surgical group (12.00[10.00–16.00]days), (p < 0.05). The median duration of antibiotic use was shorter in the OTSC group (7.00[3.00–10.00]) than in the non-surgical group (9.00[7.00–11.00]) and surgical group (11.00[9.00–13.00]) (p < 0.05); and the time to resume oral feeding was shorter in the OTSC group (4.00[2.00–5.25]) than in the non-surgical group (7.00[6.13–9.00]) and surgical group (8.00[6.53–10.00]), respectively (p < 0.05). No mortality difference among groups (p = 0.109) was found. Lower albumin level at admission, older age, and elevated creatinine levels were associated with increased sepsis risk, with OR(95%CI) of 0.826 (0.687–0.993), 1.077 (1.005–1.154), and 1.025 (1.006–1.043), respectively (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: OTSC closure improves clinical outcomes of acute PPU patients without sepsis. Age, hypoalbuminemia, and baseline renal dysfunction increase the risk of sepsis, while mortality was associated with sepsis and multiorgan dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: The evidentiary standards and epistemic models of clinical care, especially those of evidence‐based medicine, are dissimilar to those used in philosophy and examination of how the two systems intersect may help clinicians make more informed treatment decisions. Aims and Objectives: This paper examines the use of ethical frameworks in routine clinical decision‐making, using the example of acute stroke treatment decisions to demonstrate that ethical evaluation is integral to clinical practice. Method: Utilising acute stroke care as a lens through which to examine the phenomenon of ethical evaluation in medical practice, we offer a philosophical analysis of the presence of ethical evaluation in medicine. Results and Conclusion: We find that the medical establishment should embrace ethical evaluation as intrinsic to medical practice and that medical training and treatment guidelines should reflect this reality. Patients deserve clarity and transparency about how physicians make determinations about their treatment, and physicians should be prepared to offer explanations for those decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protoporphyria is a subtype of porphyria characterized primarily by painful phototoxic skin reactions after light exposure at specific wavelengths. Historically, phototherapy is not contraindicated in patients with protoporphyria since there have not been any reports of phototoxic reactions. However, patients with protoporphyria are advised to avoid direct sunlight. In this case report, we describe a neonate not known to have X-linked protoporphyria who received phototherapy for 1 to 2 hours. Within hours after initiation of phototherapy, this neonate developed a life-threatening reaction consisting of rash over the distribution of phototherapy, acute liver failure with coagulopathy, diffuse hypotonia with diaphragmatic failure, and subsequent acute respiratory failure that required mechanical ventilation. As in this case, patients with protoporphyria-related acute liver failure can have signs and symptoms similar to that of an acute hepatic porphyria attack. Neither neonatal reactions to phototherapy nor liver failure temporally associated with phototherapy have been reported in patients with X-linked protoporphyria. Early recognition of this entity is crucial in light of potential life-threatening complications. Therefore, providers must react quickly when neonates have abnormal reactions to phototherapy and consider protoporphyria in the differential diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) is a serious complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, associated with significant mortality. Ruxolitinib was the first drug approved for aGvHD, based on results of the REACH2 trial; however, real-world data are limited. We retrospectively analyzed the safety and efficacy of ruxolitinib for treatment of aGvHD at our center from March 2016 to August 2022 and assessed biomarkers of risk. We identified 49 patients receiving ruxolitinib as second- (33/49), third- (11/49), fourth- (3/49), or fifth-line (2/49) treatment. Ruxolitinib was started on median day 11 (range, 7–21) after aGvHD onset; median duration of administration was 37 days (range, 20–86), with 10 patients continuing treatment at last follow-up. Median follow-up period was 501 days (range, 95–905). In the primary analysis at the 1-month assessment, overall response rate was 65%, and failure-free survival was 78%. Infectious complications ≥ CTCAE Grade III were observed in 10/49 patients within 1-month followup. Patients responding to ruxolitinib therapy required fewer steroids and exhibited lower levels of the serum biomarkers regenerating islet-derived protein 3-alpha, suppression of tumorigenicity 2, and the Mount Sinai Acute GVHD International Consortium algorithm probability. A univariate regression model revealed steroid-dependent aGvHD as a significant predictor of better response to ruxolitinib. Within 6-months follow-up, four patients experienced recurrence of underlying malignancy, and eight died due to treatment-related mortality. Overall, ruxolitinib was welltolerated and showed response in heavily pretreated patients, with results comparable to those of the REACH2 trial. Biomarkers may be useful predictors of response to ruxolitinib. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Preventable transmission of blood‐borne viruses (BBV), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV), continue in at‐risk populations, including people who use alcohol and drugs (AODs). To our knowledge, no studies have explored the use of ambulance data for surveillance of AOD harms in patients with BBV infections. Methods: We used electronic patient care records from the National Ambulance Surveillance System for people who were attended by an ambulance in Victoria, Australia between July 2015 and July 2016 for AOD‐related harms, and with identified history of a BBV infection. Descriptive and geospatial analyses explored the epidemiological and psychosocial characteristics of patients for these attendances. Results: The present study included 1832 patients with a history of a BBV infection who required an ambulance for AOD‐related harms. Amphetamines were reported in 24.7% of attendances where the patient identified HIV history, and heroin was reported more often for patients with viral hepatitis history (HCV: 19.2%; HBV: 12.7%). Higher proportions of attendances with a viral hepatitis history were observed in patients from the most socially disadvantaged areas. Geospatial analyses revealed higher concentrations of AOD attendances with a BBV history occurring in metropolitan Melbourne. Conclusions: Our study describes the utility of ambulance data to identify a sub‐population of patients with a BBV history and complex medical and social characteristics. Repeat attendances of BBV history patients to paramedics could present an opportunity for ongoing surveillance using ambulance data and possible paramedic intervention, with potential linkage to appropriate BBV services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the relationship between point‐of‐care β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentration and outcomes in adult patients without diabetes admitted through ED. Methods: This was a prospective study from 10 March to 2 July 2021. Admitted patients without diabetes had capillary BHB sampled in ED. Outcomes of length‐of‐stay (LOS), composite mortality/ICU admission rates and clinical severity scores (Quick Sepsis Organ Failure Assessment score/National Early Warning Score [qSOFA/NEWS]) were measured. BHB was assessed as a continuous variable and between those with BHB above and equal to 1.0 mmol/L and those below 1.0 mmol/L. Results: A total of 311 patients were included from 2377 admissions. Median length‐of‐stay was 4.1 days (IQR 2.1–9.8), 18 (5.8%) died and 37 (11.8%) were admitted to ICU. Median BHB was 0.2 mmol/L (IQR 0.1–0.4). Twenty‐five patients had BHB ≥1.0 mmol/L and five were >3.0 mmol/L. There was no significant difference in median LOS for patients with BHB ≥1.0 mmol/L compared to non‐ketotic patients, 5.3 days (IQR 2.2–7.5) versus 4.1 days, respectively (IQR 2.0–9.8) (P = 0.69). BHB did not correlate with LOS (Spearman ρ = 0.116, 95% confidence interval: 0.006–0.223). qSOFA and NEWS also did not differ between these cohorts. For those 25 patients with BHB ≥1.0 mmol/L, an infective/inflammatory diagnosis was present in 11 (44%), at least 2 days of fasting in 10 (40%) and ethanol intake >40 g within 48 h in 4 (16%). Conclusions: Routine BHB measurement in patients without diabetes does not add to clinical bedside assessment and use should be limited to when required to confirm a clinical impression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are at increased risk of incident cardiovascular disease. However, the clinical characteristics and prognostic importance of MASLD in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have yet to be examined. Methods: This study compared the characteristics and outcomes of patients with and without MASLD presenting with AMI at a tertiary centre in Singapore. MASLD was defined as hepatic steatosis, with at least one of five metabolic criteria. Hepatic steatosis was determined using the Hepatic Steatosis Index. Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for age and sex. The Kaplan‐Meier curve was constructed for long‐term all‐cause mortality. Cox regression analysis was used to investigate independent predictors of long‐term all‐cause mortality. Results: In this study of 4446 patients with AMI, 2223 patients with MASLD were matched with patients without MASLD using propensity scores. The mean follow‐up duration was 3.4 ± 2.4 years. The MASLD group had higher rates of obesity, diabetes and chronic kidney disease than their counterparts. Patients with MASLD had early excess all‐cause mortality (6.8% vs. 3.6%, p <.001) at 30 days, with unfavourable mortality rates sustained in the long‐term (18.3% vs. 14.5%, p =.001) compared with those without MASLD. After adjustment, MASLD remained independently associated with higher long‐term all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio 1.330, 95% confidence interval 1.106‐1.598, p =.002). Conclusion: MASLD embodies a higher burden of metabolic dysfunction and is an independent predictor of long‐term mortality in the AMI population. Its early identification may be beneficial for risk stratification and provide therapeutic targets for secondary preventive strategies in AMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is a widely used and well-established treatment modality for respiratory failure. In patients with increased respiratory work of breathing, accessory muscles are commonly activated along with the diaphragm. Whereas diaphragm ultrasound has been utilized to assess outcomes of mechanical ventilation, the data on intercostal muscle ultrasound remain limited. We aimed to investigate the association between intercostal muscle thickening fraction (TF) and NIV failure in critical care patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure. METHODS: Critical care subjects receiving NIV for hypercapnic respiratory failure were enrolled in the study. The intercostal muscle TF was measured on admission day (day 0) and the following day (day 1). NIV failure was defined as the need for invasive mechanical ventilation or death during NIV therapy. RESULTS: A total of 158 subjects were enrolled, and 30 experienced NIV failure. Age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) were similar in the NIV success and failure groups. Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were higher in the NIV failure group. In terms of causes of respiratory failure, the COPD exacerbation rate was higher in the NIV success group. TF was higher in the NIV failure group on both day 0 and day 1. The increased TF on the ICU admission day, with a cutoff value of 12%, was associated with NIV failure after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, APACHE II, and SOFA. Persistence of a higher TF value on both day 0 and day 1 was also associated with NIV failure risk. CONCLUSIONS: There was a positive relation between intercostal muscle TF measured by ultrasound and NIV failure, even after adjusting for APACHE II and SOFA scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In recent years, acute lung injury (ALI) and ARDS have emerged as critical health concerns, drawing considerable attention from clinicians. The volume of published articles on ALI/ARDS is on the rise, indicating the expanding research interest in this field. However, the precise quantity and quality of studies on ALI/ARDS remain unclear. Consequently, we employed bibliometric and visual techniques to comprehensively analyze the patterns and focal points of these articles. METHODS: To investigate the characteristics of highly referenced papers on ALI/ARDS and offer insights into the progress and advancements in research on ALI/ARDS, we conducted a comprehensive search in the core Web of Science database for cited articles using the terms "ALI," "acute lung injury," "ARDS," or "acute respiratory distress syndrome." A total of 60,282 citations were retrieved by narrowing the scope to reviews, articles, and publications in English. From the obtained citations, we selected materials for analysis from the top 100 articles with the highest number of citations. Subsequently, the articles were visualized and analyzed using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and bibliometric techniques. This analysis focused on identifying trends related to authors, journals, countries, institutions, collaborative networks, key words, and other relevant factors in the field of ALI/ARDS research. RESULTS: Among the top 100 cited articles, the highest and lowest number of citations were 6,957 and 451, respectively. The 100 articles were published between 1991-2020, with a peak in publications observed in 2004, 2005, and 2012 (no. = 7). Among 29 journals, The New England Journal of Medicine (no. = 21) had the highest number of publications, followed by the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (no. = 14). Among the 29 countries represented in the top 100 cited articles, the United States (no. = 51) emerged as the leading country in the number of publications, followed by Canada (no. = 19) (there was some overlap in paper output between countries due to co-publication). The 3 predominant keywords identified in studies within the ALI/ARDS domain were ALI, mechanical ventilation, and PEEP. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a historical perspective on the scientific advancements in ALI/ARDS research, highlighting the need for further investigation and development in specific areas within the field. Bibliometric analyses revealed that the United States is the predominant force in the field of ALI/ARDS, contributing significantly to its development. Through an examination of highly cited papers on ALI/ARDS, we have identified global research trends, assessed the quality of studies, and identified hot topics in the field of ALI/ARDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to assess the outcome of challenging documented moderate, severe, or unknown beta‐lactam allergies with full dose administration of a beta‐lactam antibiotic in emergency department (ED) patients admitted for acute bacterial infection. Methods: A single‐center, retrospective, descriptive study of adult patients challenged with a full dose of beta‐lactam in the ED from January 2021 to December 2022 was conducted. Included patients had at least one documented moderate, severe, or unknown beta‐lactam allergy in the electronic medical record (EMR) without documentation of prior tolerance. Patient demographics, prior beta‐lactam antibiotic reaction, beta‐lactam administered in the ED, inpatient beta‐lactam continuation, adverse drug reactions, and updates to allergy profiles were collected. Descriptive statistics for data analysis were performed using SPSS Version 22. Results: Of the 184 ED encounters with full‐dose beta‐lactam challenges, five (2.7%) patients with documented moderate, severe, or unknown beta‐lactam allergies experienced an allergic reaction after the challenge; one (0.5%) patient had an allergic reaction in the ED, and the remaining four (2.2%) occurred after admission. No anaphylactic reactions occurred. All allergic reactions were limited to mild rash or itching. Most patients (98.9%) were challenged with a cephalosporin. A beta‐lactam was continued in 86.4% of cases, and the allergy profile was updated for future utilization in 73.4% of patients. Conclusions: This study suggests that full‐dose challenge of moderate, severe, or unknown beta‐lactam allergies can be safely accomplished in the ED. This approach avoids unnecessary penicillin allergy skin testing and reduces utilization of suboptimal alternative antibiotic regimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Incomplete reperfusion (IR) after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) can be a consequence of residual occlusion, no-reflow phenomenon, or collateral counterpressure. Data on the impact of these phenomena on clinical outcome are limited. Methods Patients from the ESCAPE-NA1 trial with IR (expanded Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (eTICI) 2b) were compared with those with complete or near-complete reperfusion (eTICI 2c-3) on the final angiography run. Final runs were assessed for (a) an MT-accessible occlusion, or (b) a non-MT-accessible occlusion pattern. The primary clinical outcome was modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0--2 at 90 days. Our imaging outcome was infarction in IR territory on follow-up imaging. Unadjusted and adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were obtained. Results Of 1105 patients, 443 (40.1%) with IR and 506 (46.1%) with complete or near-complete reperfusion were included. An MT-accessible occlusion was identified in 147/443 patients (33.2%) and a non-MT-accessible occlusion in 296/443 (66.8%). As compared with patients with near-complete/complete reperfusion, patients with IR had significantly lower chances of achieving mRS 0--2 at 90 days (aIRR 0.82, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.91). Rates of mRS 0--2 were lower in the MT-accessible occlusion group as compared with the non-MT-accessible occlusion pattern group (aIRR 0.71, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.83, and aIRR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.98, respectively). More patients with MT-accessible occlusion patterns developed infarcts in the non-reperfused territory as compared with patients with non-MT occlusion patterns (68.7% vs 46.3%). Conclusion IR was associated with worse clinical outcomes than near-complete/complete reperfusion. Two-thirds of our patients with IR had non-MT-accessible occlusion patterns which were associated with better clinical and imaging outcomes compared with those with MT-accessible occlusion patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Unfractionated heparin (UFH) bolus is occasionally administered during endovascular treatment (EVT) to reduce thrombotic complications in acute ischemic stroke patients. However, the MR CLEAN-MED trial showed an increase in symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages (sICH) and a non-significant shift towards worse functional outcome with UFH administration. We aimed to analyze the impact of periprocedural UFH bolus in a real-world setting in anterior (ACS) and posterior circulation stroke (PCS) patients. Methods We analyzed data from the German Stroke Registry-Endovascular Treatment using propensity score matching. Primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale at 3 months, and secondary outcome measures included mortality, angiographic outcomes, post-EVT National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores and ICH at 24 hours. Results Among 13,082 patients, 7948 with ACS (UFH bolus use in 15%) and 841 with PCS (UFH bolus use in 16.3%) were included in the propensity score matching analysis. Applying MR CLEAN-MED study criteria, UFH bolus was associated with worse functional outcomes (odds ratio [OR] 1.44; 95% CI 1.06--1.96). Analyzing all ACS and PCS patients, UFH bolus did not provide any net benefit. In ACS patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), UFH bolus use was associated with worse functional outcomes (OR 2.40; 95% CI 1.34 to 5.06). Conclusion Our findings show transferability of the MR CLEAN-MED results into a real-world setting, confirming a negative effect of periprocedural UFH on functional outcome in this subgroup of patients. Considering all ACS and PCS patients, periprocedural UFH did not provide a net benefit and appears to be harmful, particularly in IVT-treated patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a rare adverse event of pembrolizumab with unclear clinical features. This study investigated the clinical features of pembrolizumab-induced AP to provide a reference for prevention and treatment. Case reports, case series and clinical studies of pembrolizumab-induced AP were collected by searching Chinese and English databases up to January 31, 2024. Thirty-one patients were included, with a median age of 59 years (range 39, 82). The median time from administration to onset of AP was 5.05 months (range 0.5, 16) and the median cycle was 7 cycles (range 1, 35). Twenty-two (71.0%) patients had elevated pancreatic amylase with a median value of 860 IU/L (range 105-12562), and 16 (51.6%) patients had elevated lipase with a median value of 282 IU/L (range 153–1034). Pancreatic biopsy showed neutrophil infiltration (9.7%) and lymphocyte infiltration (6.5%). Immunohistochemical staining showed CD8 dominated inflammatory infiltration (6.5%). The computed tomography showed diffuse enlargement (51.6%) and focal enlargement (51.6%) of the pancreas. Endoscopic ultrasound showed enlarged hypoechoic pancreas(16.1%). PET/CT showed increased FDG uptake (16.1%). The magnetic resonance cholangial pancreatography showed narrowing of main pancreatic duct (12.9%). AP symptoms and pancreatic enzymes improved after discontinuation of pembrolizumab and administration of steroids and infliximab. Clinicians should be aware that AP is a rare adverse reaction to pembrolizumab. Pembrolizumab induced AP can be initiated with steroids for control, and infliximab can be initiated with steroid-refractory AP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Cardiac metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) imaging provides prognostic information in patients with heart failure (HF). Recently, the trajectory of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) has been a focus in patients with reduced LVEF admitted for acute decompensated HF (ADHF). We sought to investigate the prognostic value of follow-up cardiac MIBG imaging in ADHF patients with reduced LVEF in relation to LVEF trajectory. Methods and results We prospectively studied 145 ADHF patients with a reduced LVEF of <40%. The cardiac MIBG heart-to-mediastinum ratio (the late HMR) was measured on the delayed image at discharge and at the 6-month follow-up (6FUP). At 6 months after discharge, 54 (37%) patients had complete recovery of LVEF ≥50% (HFcorEF), and 43 (30%) patients had partial recovery of LVEF 40–50% (HFparEF), while the remaining 48 (33%) patients had no functional recovery of LVEF (HFnorEF). The late HMR at the 6FUP in HFcorEF patients was significantly greater than that in HFparEF and HFnorEF patients. During a follow-up period of 4.3 ± 2.6 years, 43 patients had cardiac events, defined as a composite of readmission for worsening HF and cardiac death. Patients with a lower late HMR at the 6FUP had a greater risk of cardiac events than those with a higher late HMR at the 6FUP in the group with recovered LVEF, especially HFparEF, which was not observed in the HFnorEF subgroup. Conclusion Follow-up MIBG imaging after discharge could provide additional prognostic information in ADHF patients with recovered left ventricular function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of this study was to develop and validate a nomogram for predicting the risk of an acute complicated course in pediatric patients with Acute Hematogenous Osteomyelitis (AHO). Methods: A predictive model was developed based on a dataset of 82 pediatric AHO patients. Clinical data, imaging findings, and laboratory results were systematically collected for all patients. Subsequently, biomarker indices were calculated based on the laboratory results to facilitate a comprehensive evaluation. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors influencing early adverse outcomes in AHO. A nomogram model was constructed based on independent factors and validated internally through bootstrap methods. The discriminative ability, calibration, and clinical utility of the nomogram model were assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA), respectively. The developed nomogram model was compared with previously published A-score and Gouveia scoring systems. Results: Logistic regression analysis identified delayed source control, suppurative arthritis, albumin on admission, and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) as independent predictors of early adverse outcomes in pediatric AHO patients. The logistic regression model was formulated as: Log(P) = 7. 667–1.752 × delayed source control − 1.956 × suppurative arthritis − 0.154 × albumin on admission + 0.009 × PLR. The nomogram's AUC obtained through Bootstrap validation was 0.829 (95% CI: 0.740–0.918). Calibration plots showed good agreement between predictions and observations. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the model achieved net benefits across all threshold probabilities. The predictive efficacy of our nomogram model for acute complicated course in pediatric AHO patients surpassed that of the A-score and Gouveia scores. Conclusions: A predictive model for the acute complicated course of pediatric AHO was established based on four variables: delayed source control, suppurative arthritis, albumin on admission, and PLR. This model is practical, easy to use for clinicians, and can aid in guiding clinical treatment decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Aortic dissection, a rare but serious condition, requires timely diagnosis and treatment. Case report: A case report involving a 33-year-old female with Stanford type B aortic dissection at 32 + 3 weeks gestational age highlights the importance of being alert to the symptoms and signs of this condition, particularly in patients with hypertension or a history of connective tissue disorders. The case report suggests a delivery first strategy followed by TEVAR procedure as the preferred approach for managing aortic dissection in pregnancy. This approach can alleviate pressure on the aorta, reduce the risk of rupture, and provide time for stabilization and preparation for the TEVAR procedure. Conclusion: The case report emphasizes the criticality of recognizing and treating aortic dissection in pregnant patients promptly, given its potential life-threatening impact on both mother and fetus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of OM-85 BV in treating recurrent acute tonsillitis in children and adults during the first year after treatment, as well as to identify response predictors. Results: The study included 92 patients, and there was a significant decrease in the number of acute tonsillitis cases after OM-85 BV treatment (p < 0.001). Exposure to tobacco smoke predicts non-response or partial response to treatment (OR 5.24, p = 0.005, 95% CI 1.646–16.671/OR 4.57, p = 0.014, 95% CI 1.362–15.339). Conclusions: The study concludes that OM-85 BV is effective in preventing new episodes of tonsillitis in patients with a history of recurrent acute tonsillitis. Patients exposed to tobacco smoke tend to have a poorer response to treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence suggests that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, the results are inconsistent, and the causality remains to be established. We aimed to investigate the potential causal relationship between COVID-19 and CVDs by using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Methods: Summary‐level data for COVID-19 and CVDs including myocarditis, heart failure (HF), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), arrhythmia and venous thromboembolism (VTE) were obtained from the IEU OpenGWAS project, a public genome-wide association study (GWAS). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used as instrumental variables. Five complementary MR methods were performed, including inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, weighted median, weighted mode and simple mode methods. IVW method was considered as the primary approach. Besides, sensitivity analyses, including Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, and leave-one-out analysis, were performed to evaluate the robustness of the results. Results: According to the IVW results, our MR study indicated that genetically predicted COVID-19 was not causally connected with the risk of CVDs [myocarditis: odds ratio (OR) = 1.407, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.761-2.602, p-value = 0.277; HF: OR = 1.180, 95% CI = 0.980-1.420, p-value = 0.080; AMI: OR = 1.002, 95% CI = 0.998-1.005, p-value = 0.241; arrhythmia: OR = 0.865, 95% CI = 0.717-1.044, p-value = 0.132; VTE: OR = 1.013, 95% CI = 0.997-1.028, p-value = 0.115]. The supplementary MR methods showed similar results. Sensitivity analyses suggested that the causal estimates were robust. Conclusion: This two-sample MR analysis did not provide sufficient evidence for a causal relationship between COVID-19 and the risk of acute CVDs, which may provide new insights into the prevention of acute CVDs in COVID-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Our study investigated the potential of peripheral blood T cell CD25, CD28, and CTLA-4 gene transcription levels as predictive biomarkers for acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Methods: Real-time reverse transcription fluorescent quantitative PCR (RTqPCR) analysis was conducted on day +7, +14, and +21 post-transplantation in patients undergoing allo-HSCT. Results: Elevated levels of CD25 and CTLA-4 mRNA were found to be associated with the occurrence of aGVHD, as well as severe and gastrointestinal aGVHD. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was utilized to assess the predictive value of each biomarker. Combined analysis of CD25 and CTLA-4 mRNA levels demonstrated promising predictive potential for aGVHD. Conclusion: Our results confirmed that the transcription levels of CD25 and CTLA-4 genes could be used as early predictive biomarkers for aGVHD post-allo-HSCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusions Inflammation and immunity contribute pivotally to diverse acute and chronic diseases. Inflammatory pathways have become increasingly targets for therapy. Yet, despite substantial similarity in mechanisms and pathways, the scientific, medical, pharma and biotechnology sectors have generally focused programs finely on a single disease entity or organ system. This insularity may impede progress in innovation and the harnessing of powerful new insights into inflammation biology ripe for clinical translation.A multidisciplinary thinktank reviewed highlights how inflammation contributes to diverse diseases, disturbed homeostasis, ageing and impaired healthspan. We explored how common inflammatory and immune mechanisms that operate in key conditions in their respective domains. This consensus review highlights the high degree of commonality of inflammatory mechanisms in a diverse array of conditions that together contribute a major part of the global burden of morbidity and mortality and present an enormous challenge to public health and drain on resources.We demonstrate how that shared inflammatory mechanisms unite many seemingly disparate diseases, both acute and chronic. The examples of infection, cardiovascular conditions, pulmonary diseases, rheumatological disorders, dementia, cancer and ageing illustrate the overlapping pathogenesis. We outline opportunities to synergize, reduce duplication and consolidate efforts of the clinical, research and pharmaceutical communities. Enhanced recognition of these commonalties should promote cross‐fertilization and hasten progress in this rapidly moving domain.Greater appreciation of the shared mechanisms should simplify understanding seemingly disparate diseases for clinicians and help them to recognize inflammation as a therapeutic target which the development of novel therapies is rendering actionable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transitioning to end-of-life care and thereby changing the focus of treatment directives from life-sustaining treatment to comfort care is important for neurological patients in advanced stages. Late transition to end-of-life care for neurological patients has been described previously. Objective: To investigate whether previous treatment directives, primary medical diagnoses, and demographic factors predict the transition to end-of-life care and time to eventual death in patients with neurological diseases in an acute hospital setting. Method: All consecutive health records of patients diagnosed with stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Parkinson's disease or other extrapyramidal diseases (PDoed), who died in an acute neurological ward between January 2011 and August 2020 were retrieved retrospectively. Descriptive statistics and multivariate Cox regression were used to examine the timing of treatment directives and death in relation to medical diagnosis, age, gender, and marital status. Results: A total of 271 records were involved in the analysis. Patients in all diagnostic categories had a treatment directive for end-of-life care, with patients with haemorrhagic stroke having the highest (92%) and patients with PDoed the lowest (73%) proportion. Cox regression identified that the likelihood of end-of-life care decision-making was related to advancing age (HR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.007–1.039, P = 0.005), ischaemic stroke (HR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.034–2.618, P = 0.036) and haemorrhagic stroke (HR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.219–3.423, P = 0.007) diagnoses. End-of-life care decision occurred from four to twenty-two days after hospital admission. The time from end-of-life care decision to death was a median of two days. Treatment directives, demographic factors, and diagnostic categories did not increase the likelihood of death following an end-of-life care decision. Conclusions: Results show not only that neurological patients transit late to end-of-life care but that the timeframe of the decision differs between patients with acute neurological diseases and those with progressive neurological diseases, highlighting the particular significance of the short timeframe of patients with the progressive neurological diseases ALS and PDoed. Different trajectories of patients with neurological diseases at end-of-life should be further explored and clinical guidelines expanded to embrace the high diversity in neurological patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between central venous pressure (CVP) and acute right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled mechanically ventilated critically ill who underwent transthoracic echocardiographic examination and CVP monitoring. Echocardiographic indices including tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), fractional area change (FAC), and tricuspid lateral annular systolic velocity wave (S') were collected to assess RV function. Patients were then classified into three groups based on their RV function and presence of systemic venous congestion as assessed by inferior vena cava diameter (IVCD) and hepatic vein (HV) Doppler: normal RV function (TAPSE ≥ 17 mm, FAC ≥ 35% and S' ≥9.5 cm/sec), isolated RV dysfunction (TAPSE < 17 mm or FAC < 35% or S' <9.5 cm/sec with IVCD ≤ 20 mm or HV S ≥ D), and RV dysfunction with congestion (TAPSE < 17 mm or FAC < 35% or S' <9.5 cm/sec with IVCD > 20 mm and HV S < D). Results: A total of 518 patients were enrolled in the study, of whom 301 were categorized in normal RV function group, 164 in isolated RV dysfunction group and 53 in RV dysfunction with congestion group. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed a good discriminative ability of CVP for identifying patients with RV dysfunction and congestion(AUC 0.839; 95% CI: 0.795–0.883; p < 0.001). The optimal CVP cutoff was 10 mm Hg, with sensitivity of 79.2%, specificity of 69.4%, negative predictive value of 96.7%, and positive predictive value of 22.8%. A large gray zone existed between 9 mm Hg and 12 mm Hg, encompassing 95 patients (18.3%). For identifying all patients with RV dysfunction, CVP demonstrated a lower discriminative ability (AUC 0.616; 95% CI: 0.567–0.665; p < 0.001). Additionally, the gray zone was even larger, ranging from 5 mm Hg to 12 mm Hg, and included 349 patients (67.4%). Conclusions: CVP may be a helpful indicator of acute RV dysfunction patients with systemic venous congestion in mechanically ventilated critically ill, but its accuracy is limited. A CVP less than10 mm Hg can almost rule out RV dysfunction with congestion. In contrast, CVP should not be used to identify general RV dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emergency medical services (EMSs) face critical situations that require patient risk classification based on analytical and vital signs. We aimed to establish clustering-derived phenotypes based on prehospital analytical and vital signs that allow risk stratification. This was a prospective, multicenter, EMS-delivered, ambulance-based cohort study considering six advanced life support units, 38 basic life support units, and four tertiary hospitals in Spain. Adults with unselected acute diseases managed by the EMS and evacuated with discharge priority to emergency departments were considered between January 1, 2020, and June 30, 2023. Prehospital point-of-care testing and on-scene vital signs were used for the unsupervised machine learning method (clustering) to determine the phenotypes. Then phenotypes were compared with the primary outcome (cumulative mortality (all-cause) at 2, 7, and 30 days). A total of 7909 patients were included. The median (IQR) age was 64 (51–80) years, 41% were women, and 26% were living in rural areas. Three clusters were identified: alpha 16.2% (1281 patients), beta 28.8% (2279), and gamma 55% (4349). The mortality rates for alpha, beta and gamma at 2 days were 18.6%, 4.1%, and 0.8%, respectively; at 7 days, were 24.7%, 6.2%, and 1.7%; and at 30 days, were 33%, 10.2%, and 3.2%, respectively. Based on standard vital signs and blood test biomarkers in the prehospital scenario, three clusters were identified: alpha (high-risk), beta and gamma (medium- and low-risk, respectively). This permits the EMS system to quickly identify patients who are potentially compromised and to proactively implement the necessary interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Mayaro Fever (MF) is a tropical disease caused by the Mayaro virus (MAYV), with outbreaks documented in Latin America. Methods: A hospital-based fever surveillance in Leticia, Colombian Amazon, collected sera from 1,460 patients aged 5-89 between December 2020 and April 2023. Results: Dengue and malaria were the main diagnoses (19.4 and 5.8%, respectively), leaving 71.4% of cases unidentified after testing. Metagenomic sequencing and real-time RT-qPCR testing identified MAYV in two patients (25-year-old male and an 80-year-old female) exhibiting typical symptoms, of MF including rash, joint pain, and fever. Phylogenetics analysis of these two viruses revealed a close relationship to Peruvian strains within the MAYV D genotype. Discussion: The study of AFI in Leticia, Colombia, identified dengue as prevalent, with malaria, COVID-19, Influenza, and Zika viruses also detected. Despite extensive testing, most cases remained unexplained until metagenomic sequencing revealed MAYV, previously unseen in Colombia but known in neighboring countries. Conclusion: This study presents the first near full-length genomes of MAYV in Colombia, highlighting the need for further seroprevalence studies and enhanced surveillance to understand and control the spread of the virus in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Steroid-resistant (SR) lower gastrointestinal (LGI) tract graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is the predominant cause of morbidity and mortality from GVHD after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The role of vedolizumab in the treatment of SR-LGI acute GVHD (aGVHD) remains uncertain. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of vedolizumab combined with basiliximab as second-line therapy for SRLGI-aGVHD. Methods: This study aimed to explore the efficacy of vedolizumab combined with basiliximab for SR-LGI-aGVHD. The primary endpoint was the overall response (OR) on day 28. Secondary and safety endpoints included durable OR at day 56, overall survival (OS), chronic GVHD (cGVHD), non-relapse mortality (NRM), failure-free survival (FFS), and adverse events. Results: Twenty-eight patients with SR-LGI-aGVHD were included. The median time to start of combination therapy after SR-LGI-aGVHD diagnosis was 7 (range, 4-16) days. The overall response rate (ORR) at 28 days was 75.0% (95% CI: 54.8%-88.6%), and 18 achieved a complete response (CR) (64.3%, 95% CI: 44.1%-80.7%). The durable OR at day 56 was 64.3% (95% CI: 44.1%-80.7%). The 100-day, 6-month, and 12-month OS rates for the entire cohort of patients were 60.7% (95% CI: 45.1%-81.8%), 60.7% (95% CI: 45.1%-81.8%), and 47.6% (95% CI: 31.4%-72.1%), respectively. The median failure-free survival was 276 days; (95% CI: 50-not evaluable) 12-month NRM was 42.9% (95% CI: 24.1%-60.3%). The 1-year cumulative incidence of cGVHD was 35.7%. Within 180 days after study treatments, the most common grade 3 and 4 adverse events were infections. Nine (32.1%) patients developed cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation complicated with bacterial infections (25.0%, CMV infection; 7.1%, CMV viremia). Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation occurred in five patients (17.9%, 95% CI: 6.8%-37.6%). Only three patients (10.7%, 95% CI: 2.8%-29.4%) in our study developed pseudomembranous colitis. Conclusions: Vedolizumab plus basiliximab demonstrated efficacy in severe SRLGI-aGVHD and was well-tolerated. Vedolizumab plus basiliximab may be considered a potential treatment option for patients with LGI-aGVHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the relationship between activity engagement and dyadic illness perceptions of community-dwelling individuals with stroke and their caregivers. We performed a secondary analysis on a cross-sectional study encompassing eight rehabilitation settings. Participants were recruited from June to December 2019 via the distribution of flyers, use of admission databases, and direct onsite interactions. Activity engagement of individuals with stroke was measured by the Assessment of Life Habits. Dyadic illness perceptions were measured using the Stroke-Specific Illness Perceptions Questionnaire-Revised. Data from 202 dyads of individuals with stroke (mean age 61.3 ± 8.3 years; 76.7% male; stroke duration 314.3 ± 170.5 days), and caregivers (mean age 52.6 ± 11.6 years; 73.3% female) were analyzed. Results show that individuals with stroke who shared similar optimistic illness perceptions with their caregivers concerning the consequences of stroke had a higher level of activity engagement (ΔR2 =.020, F(2,193) = 5.42, p =.005). Gender differences were found in the dyadic illness perception components concerning acute/chronic and cyclical timeline (ΔR2 =.017, F(2,191) = 4.72, p =.01; ΔR2 =.02, F(2,190) = 3.45, p =.034) and illness coherence (ΔR2 =.012, F(2,191) = 3.42, p =.035). Illness perceptions and post-stroke activity engagement with gender differences should be considered at a dyadic level, as the individuals with stroke and their caregivers influence each other's beliefs. Activity engagement in individuals with stroke is related to how their individual–caregiver dyads perceive their health condition. Clinicians should provide opportunities for individuals with stroke and caregivers to better understand the nature of stroke, and to develop positive outlooks for the future. This information includes, but is not limited to, the relevant sequelae, stroke development and prognosis, treatment and rehabilitation protocols, and the potential impact on daily living. Depending on their genders, individuals with stroke may require different approaches to facilitate community-dwelling activity engagement. Future research is needed to determine the effect of dyadic illness perceptions on post-stroke activity engagement among individuals of different genders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have explored the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) in reducing cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes. Here we show that GLP-1 RAs are associated with lower risks of mortality, major cardiovascular events (MACEs), and major adverse kidney events (MAKEs) in type 2 diabetes patients with acute kidney disease (AKD). Utilizing global data from the TriNetX database (2002/09/01-2022/12/01) and propensity score matching, we compare 7511 GLP-1 RAs users to non-users among 165,860 AKD patients. The most common causes of AKI are sepsis (55.2%) and cardiorenal syndrome (34.2%). After a median follow-up of 2.3 years, GLP-1 RAs users exhibit reduced risks of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.57), MACEs (aHR: 0.88), and MAKEs (aHR: 0.73). External validation in a multicenter dataset of 1245 type 2 diabetes patients with AKD supports the favorable outcomes. These results emphasize the potential of GLP-1 RAs in individualized treatment for this population. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have been studied for their cardiovascular benefits in type 2 diabetes. Here, the authors show that GLP-1 RAs are associated with reduced mortality and improved cardio-renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes patients with acute kidney disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Methods Results Conclusion Fibrinolysis is a critical aspect of the hemostatic system, with assessment of fibrinolytic potential being critical to predict bleeding and clotting risk. We describe the method for a novel low‐plasma‐volume assay of fibrinolytic capacity utilizing the euglobulin fraction (the “modified mini‐euglobulin clot lysis assay [ECLA]”), its analytic sensitivity to alterations in key fibrinolytic substrates/regulators, and its initial applications in acute and convalescent disease cohorts.The modified mini‐ECLA requires 50 μL of plasma, a maximal read time of 3 h (with most results available within 60 min), and is entirely performed in a 96‐well microplate. Assay measurements were obtained in a variety of commercial control and deficient plasmas representing clinically relevant hypo‐ and hyperfibrinolytic states, and in three distinct adolescent cohorts with acute or convalescent illness: critically ill, following endotracheal intubation; acute COVID‐19‐related illness; and ambulatory, 3 months following a venous thromboembolic event.In 100% and 75% deficient plasmas, hypofibrinolysis for plasminogen‐deficient, fibrinolysis for alpha‐2‐antiplasmin‐deficient, and hyperfibrinolysis for plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1‐deficient plasmas were observed.The modified mini‐ECLA Clot Lysis Time Ratio (“CLTR”) demonstrated moderate‐strength correlations with the Clot Formation and Lysis (CloFAL) assay, is analytically sensitive to altered fibrinolytic states in vitro, and correlates with clinical outcomes in preliminarily‐studied patient populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present longitudinal investigation had two major goals. First, we intended to clarify whether depressed patients are characterized by impairments of emotional awareness for the self and the other during acute illness and whether these impairments diminish in the course of an inpatient psychiatric treatment program. Previous research based on the performance measure Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale (LEAS) provided inconsistent findings concerning emotional self-awareness in clinical depression. Second, we investigated whether cognitive and affective empathic abilities change from acute illness to recovery in depressed patients. Methods: Fifty-eight depressed patients were tested on admission and after 6–8 weeks of inpatient psychiatric treatment. A sample of fifty-three healthy individuals were also examined twice at an interval of 6–8 weeks. The LEAS and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) were administered to assess emotional awareness and empathic abilities. Written texts were digitalized and then analyzed using the electronic scoring program geLEAS, the German electronic Levels of Emotional Awareness Scale. Results: Depressed patients reported more depressive symptoms than healthy controls and less severe depressive symptomatology at time 2 compared to time 1. Independent of time, depressed individuals tended to show lower geLEAS self scores and had lower geLEAS other scores than healthy individuals. Depressed patients showed higher personal distress scores than healthy individuals at both measurement times. No group differences were observed for the cognitive empathy scales of the IRI (perspective taking and fantasy) and empathic concern, but empathic concern decreased significantly in depressed patients from time 1 to time 2. Empathic abilities as assessed by the IRI were not significantly correlated with emotional awareness for others, neither in the whole sample, nor in the patient and control subsample. Conclusions: Depressed patients seem to be characterized by impairments in emotional awareness of others during acute illness and recovery, but they also tend to show deficits in emotional self-awareness compared to healthy individuals. Self-reported cognitive empathic abilities seem to be at normal levels in depressed patients, but their heightened self-focused affective empathy may represent a vulnerability factor for depressive disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity remains a global health challenge linked to several comorbidities, such as obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. The prevalence of bariatric surgeries being performed is steadily increasing because it is a highly effective surgical tool used to achieve significant permanent weight loss. However, with all weight loss surgeries, several complications may not present for months to years after the initial procedure. In particular, the anatomical changes that occur after the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RNYGB) make the risk of internal hernias high. This particular complication is rare but lethal if unrecognized and not treated promptly. This clinical case study aims to provide readers with an overview of diagnosing and recognizing an internal hernia in the setting of previous laparoscopic RNYGB surgical history. Because of the sheer increase in the volume of patients undergoing bariatric surgery worldwide, health care providers must be well educated on the insidious presentations of this late complication and be prepared to act quickly to diagnose and treat these acute abdomen scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although infrequent, Sydenham's chorea (SC) may occur as a result of injury to the basal ganglia in children with acute rheumatic fever (ARF) secondary to group A Streptococcal infection. Certain hallmarks of SC, such as movement disorders, could be utilized as a predictive marker for carditis. The present study aimed to investigate neurologic and cardiologic symptoms in children with suspected SC after ARF. Methods: All children aged 5-16 who were admitted at Shahid Madani Pediatric Hospital (Tabriz, Iran), with an initial diagnosis of ARF and SC between 2009 and 2022 were included for echocardiographic assessment and prospective follow-up within 6 and 12 months after the start point. The pattern and severity of valvulopathy, as well as the prevalence of Jones criteria for rheumatic fever, were used to assess the effect. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics software (version 22.0) using Chi square and Fisher's exact tests. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study enrolled 85 children, 36 girls and 49 boys, with a mean age of 9.7±2.7. On the first echocardiography, 42.4% of patients had mitral valve regurgitation (MR), with a predominance of female patients (P=0.04). Of those diagnosed with SC (12 girls and 6 boys), 66.7% showed cardiac involvement, with a higher prevalence of MR in both sexes (P=0.04). The pattern of cardiac involvement after 6 months was significantly different between the groups (P=0.04). However, no such difference was observed during the one-year follow-up (P=0.07). Female sex was found to have a significant relationship with SC localization (P=0.01). Conclusion: In addition to its neurological manifestations, SC can be associated with clinical or subclinical cardiac valve dysfunction that might last for more than a year. In addition to attempting early detection and appropriate management, a precise cardiac and neurologic assessment during admission and follow-up is recommended. A preprint version of this manuscript is available at DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-772662/v1 (https://www.researchsquare.com/ article/rs-772662/v1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The research explores the predictive efficacy of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in conjunction with the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACEs) score for inhospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) among acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) subjects with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) history. Materials and Methods: Patients were categorized into MACE (n = 58) and non-MACE cohorts (n = 184) based on MACE occurrence events during hospitalization. The predictive value of the NLR, GRACE score, and their combination for inhospital MACE events in STEMI subjects was assessed by the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Results: NLR (8.99 [5.06, 12.01] vs. 5.15 [3.13, 7.66]) and GRACE scores (159.62 ± 43.39 vs. 116.96 ± 28.15) within MACE group notably surpassed the non-MACE group (P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the area under the curve (AUC) for NLR in forecasting inhospital MACE events was 0. 72 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.645-0.795), with 0.655 sensitivity and 0.723 specificity, and optimal cutoff value as 7.01. The AUC for the GRACE score was 0.791 (95% CI: 0.717-0.865), with 0.862 sensitivity and 0.598 specificity, and the optimal cutoff value was 121.5. The combined AUC of NLR and GRACE score was 0.814 (95% CI: 0.745-0.884), with 0.707 sensitivity and 0.837 specificity. Conclusion: Both NLR and GRACE score independently predict inhospital MACE events in STEMI patients post-PCI. Integration of the NLR and GRACE score enhances accuracy in forecasting inhospital MACE event occurrences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to explore the prevalence of dysphagia, as well as mortality associated with dysphagia in the elderly population receiving surgical treatment for a hip fracture. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was completed at an academic level 1 tertiary care center. Patients older than or equal to 65 admitted with a hip fracture diagnosis from January 2015 to December 2020 (n = 617) were included. The main outcome was the prevalence of dysphagia and association with mortality. Secondary analysis included timing of dysphagia and contributions to mortality. Results: Fifty-six percent of patients had dysphagia, and the mortality rates were higher in patients with dysphagia (8.9%) versus those without dysphagia (2.6%), chi-square p = 0.001, and odds ratio 3.69 (CI 1.6–8.5). Mortality rates in patients with acute dysphagia were also higher (12.4%) than those with chronic dysphagia (5%) and chi-squared p = 0.02. Mortality rates in patients with a perioperative dysphagic event (13.9%) were higher than those with non-perioperative dysphagia (4%) and chi-squared p = 0.001. Mortality rates in patients who had acute perioperative dysphagia (21.2%) were higher than those with chronic dysphagia that presented perioperatively (6.8%) and chi-squared p = 0.006. Conclusions: This study demonstrates high rates of dysphagia in the elderly hip fracture population and a significant association between dysphagia and mortality. Timing and chronicity of dysphagia were relevant, as patients with acute perioperative dysphagia had the highest mortality rate. Unlike other identified risk factors, dysphagia may be at least partially modifiable. More research is needed to determine whether formal evaluation and treatment of dysphagia lowers mortality risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dirofilarial infestation has been reported as an extremely rare cause of pediatric acute scrotum. We aimed to evaluate clinical, radiological, and intraoperative findings of children who underwent surgical management for acute scrotum due to dirofilariasis in an endemic country. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of patient records of children who underwent surgery for acute scrotum due to dirofilariasis between 2018 and 2022. Results: There were eight emergency presentations for acute scrotum due to dirofilariasis. Three presentations (37.5%) were not associated with scrotal pain. The median age at presentation was 59 (range: 19-100) months. Four patients (67.7%) underwent emergency scrotal exploration at the first presentation and another one during the second presentation. Recurrent episodes were seen in two patients who were initially managed nonsurgically with antibiotics alone. Ultrasonography was performed in all six patients and revealed a parasitic nodule in three (50%). Conclusions: Dirofilariasis causing acute scrotum may cause significant diagnostic dilemma for clinicians. It may resemble idiopathic scrotal edema since it predominantly affects boys under 6 years of age and is painless in a significant proportion. However, left unoperated, it appears to have a high recurrence rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the study was to highlight the pathology, clinical spectrum, and approach considerations in abdominoscrotal hydrocele (ASH). Materials and Methods: Our study included eight children with ASH from 2015 to 2022. The demographics, clinical presentation, investigations, operative details, and postoperative outcome were collected retrospectively from case files. Results: The age of presentation ranged from 11 months to 2 1/2 years. Six lesions were on the right side and two were on the left side. One child presented with an acute scrotum and underwent emergency inguinal exploration, revealing hemorrhagic fluid after trauma. Others presented with tense inguinoscrotal swelling, which was fully reducible but refilled promptly after emptying. Preoperative ultrasound showed the abdominal component in 50%, while others were detected intraoperatively. All of them were approached inguinally, and the hydrocele sac was traced proximally to the abdominal component through the internal ring. This was drained and a partial excision of the extraperitoneal sac was done. An additional patent processus vaginalis (PPV) was identified in 87%, dissected up to the deep ring, and ligated. On follow-up, there was no recurrence. Conclusion: ASH is an uncommon condition that should be identified and dealt with appropriately. Physical examination and ultrasonography are usually sufficient for diagnosis. The inguinal approach is a safe, simple method and an extension of the standard operation for the hydrocele. One must keep in mind to explore for an additional narrow PPV to prevent the recurrence of hydrocele. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The association between care needs level (CNL) at hospitalisation and postdischarge outcomes in older patients with acute heart failure (aHF) has been insufficiently investigated. Methods This population-based cohort study was conducted using health insurance claims and CNL data of the Longevity Improvement & Fair Evidence study. Patients aged ≥65 years, discharged after hospitalisation for aHF between April 2014 and March 2022, were identified. CNLs at hospitalisation were classified as no care needs (NCN), support level (SL) and CNL1, CNL2–3 and CNL4–5 based on total estimated daily care time as defined by national standard criteria, and varied on an ordinal scale between SL&CNL1 (low level) to CNL4–5 (fully dependent). The primary outcomes were changes in CNL and death 1 year after discharge, assessed by CNL at hospitalisation using Cox proportional hazard models. Results Of the 17 724 patients included, 7540 (42.5%), 4818 (27.2%), 3267 (18.4%) and 2099 (11.8%) had NCN, SL&CNL1, CNL2–3 and CNL4–5, respectively, at hospitalisation. One year after discharge, 4808 (27.1%), 3243 (18.3%), 2968 (16.7%), 2505 (14.1%) and 4200 (23.7%) patients had NCN, SL&CNL1, CNL2–3, CNL4–5 and death, respectively. Almost all patients' CNLs worsened after discharge. Compared to patients with NCN at hospitalisation, patients with SL&CNL1, CNL2–3 and CNL4–5 had an increased risk of all-cause death 1 year after discharge (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.19 [1.09–1.31], 1.88 [1.71–2.06] and 2.56 [2.31–2.84], respectively). Conclusions Older patients with aHF and high CNL at hospitalisation had a high risk of all-cause mortality in the year following discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report describes the diagnosis and treatment of aldosterone resistance (AR) and acquired hyperkalemic type IV renal tubular acidosis (RTA) in 2 cats comparable to acquired pseudohypoaldosteronism in people. One cat developed AR from chronic kidney disease after an acute kidney injury and was treated with furosemide per os, which resolved the hyperkalemic RTA. The second cat developed transient AR secondary to a bacterial urinary tract infection associated with urethral catheterization, and treatment with antibiotics resolved the hyperkalemic RTA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]