Annals of medicine
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Comparative Study
Disparities in case frequency and mortality of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among various states in the United States.
To utilize publicly reported, state-level data to identify factors associated with the frequency of cases, tests, and mortality in the USA. ⋯ There were wide variations in testing and case frequencies of COVID-19 among different states in the US. States with higher population density had a higher case and testing rate. States with larger population of elderly and higher tourism had a higher mortality. Key messages There were wide variations in testing and case frequencies of COVID-19 among different states in the USA. States with higher population density had a higher case and testing rate. States with larger population of elderly and higher tourism had a higher mortality.
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Observational Study
Spontaneous ilio-psoas haematomas (IPHs): a warning for COVID-19 inpatients.
Critically ill patients with COVID-19 are at increased risk of developing a hypercoagulable state due to haemostatic changes directly related to the SARS-CoV-2 infection or to the consequence of the cytokine storm. Anticoagulation is now recommended to reduce the thrombotic risk. Ilio-psoas haematoma (IPH) is a potentially lethal condition that can arise during the hospitalization, especially in intensive care units (ICUs) and frequently reported as a complication of anticoagulation treatment. ⋯ Given the indications to prescribe anticoagulant therapy in COVID-19 and the lack of solid evidences on the optimal dose and duration, it is important to be aware of the iliopsoas haematoma as a potentially serious complication in COVID-19 inpatients. KEY MESSAGE Critically ill patients with COVID-19 are at increased risk of hypercoagulability state and anticoagulation therapy is recommended. Ilio-psoas haematoma (IPH) is found to be a complication of anticoagulation regimen especially in severe COVID-19 cases. An incidence of 7.6 cases per 1000 admission of IPHs was reported. Hypoesthesia of the lower limbs, pain triggered by femoral rotation, hypovolaemia and anaemia are the most common symptoms and signs of IPHs that should alert physician.
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Observational Study
Circulating white blood cells and lung function impairment: the observational studies and Mendelian randomization analysis.
Circulating white blood cell (WBC) counts have been related to lung function impairment, but causal relationship was not established. We aimed to evaluate independent effects and causal relationships of WBC subtypes with lung function. ⋯ WBC subtypes were independently associated with lower lung function except lymphocytes. Our findings suggest that circulating neutrophils may be causal factors in lung function impairment.KEY MESSAGESWhite blood cell (WBC) subtypes were negatively associated with lung function level except lymphocytes in the observational studies.Associations of WBC subtypes with lung function may be modified by sex and smoking.Mendelian randomization analysis shows that neutrophils may be causal factors in lung function impairment.
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The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of an autoantibody battery in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors who experienced immune-related adverse events (irAEs). ⋯ Positivity in a readily available autoantibody battery may be associated with the occurrence of irAEs.KEY MESSAGESPositivity in an accessible and inexpensive autoantibody battery including antinuclear, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic, anti-thyroid antibodies and rheumatoid factor may be associated with the occurrence of immune-related adverse events.Patients with cancer on immune checkpoint inhibitors experiencing immune-related adverse events showed a lower risk of progression and better overall survival than patients not experiencing this type of adverse effect.
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To assess the value of pleural effusion volume (PEV) quantified on chest computed tomography (CT) in patients with early stage acute pancreatitis (AP). ⋯ PEV quantified on chest CT positively associated with the duration of hospitalization, CRP levels, Ranson, BISAP, Marshall, APACHE II, CTSI, and EPIC scores. It can be a reliable radiologic biomarker in predicting severity and clinical outcomes of AP.KEY MESSAGESPleural effusion is a common chest finding in patients with acute pancreatitis.Pleural effusion volume quantified on chest CT examination positively associated with the duration of hospitalization, CRP level, as well as Ranson, BISAP, Marshall, APACHE II, CTSI, and EPIC scoring systems.Pleural effusion volume can be a reliable radiologic biomarker in the prediction of severity and clinical outcomes of acute pancreatitis.