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Summary Despite the great advances in the medical field, traditional practices are still widespread, particularly in the Arab and African countries. We report the case of a full-term 2-day-old boy who was brought to the emergency department in cardiorespiratory arrest after he was taken by his parents to a traditional healer because of the baby refused to breastfeed. The healing rituals used to manage the baby's condition were deadly.

The spleen can be affected by a variety of diseases. Some of them are readily identified as variations of normal or benign diseases on imaging. However, for a substantial number of focal splenic abnormalities, the diagnosis can be difficult so that histopathologic analysis may be required for a definite diagnosis. In this review, the typical splenic abnormalities that can be diagnosed with imaging with a high degree of confidence are illustrated. The complementary role of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography/CT that helps make a diagnostic approach is discussed. Finally, current applications and future trends of radiomics and artificial intelligence for the diagnosis of splenic diseases are addressed.

Background The prevalence of pressure injuries (PIs) in critically ill patients has been extensively studied, but there is uncertainty regarding the risk factors. The main objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of PIs in critically ill patients. Secondary objectives were to describe PI, use of preventive measures for PI, and factors associated with occurrence of PI in the intensive care unit (ICU). Material and methods This was a 1-day point-prevalence study performed on a weekday in June 2017 in ICUs in France. On the same day, we noted the presence or absence of PI in all hospitalised patients of the participating ICUs, data on the ICUs, and the characteristics of patients and of PI. Results Eighty-six participating ICUs allowed the inclusion of 1228 patients. The prevalence of PI on the study day was 18.7% (95% confidence interval: 16.6–21.0). PIs acquired in the ICU were observed in 12.5% (95% confidence interval: 10.6–14.3) of critically ill patients on the study day. The most frequent locations of PI were the sacrum (57.4%), heel (35.2%), and face (8.7%). Severe forms of PI accounted for 40.8% of all PIs. Antiulcer mattresses were used in 91.5% of the patients, and active and/or passive mobilisation was performed for all the patients. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified longer length of stay in the ICU, a higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score, higher body weight, motor neurological disorder, high-dose steroids, and absence of oral nutrition on the study day as factors independently associated with occurrence of PI in the ICU. Conclusion This large point-prevalence study shows that PIs are found in about one of five critically ill patients despite extensive use of devices for preventing PI. Acquisition of PI in the ICU is strongly related to the patient's severity of illness on admission to the ICU and length of stay in the ICU.

The optimal management of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) presenting late-12 hours following symptom onset-is still under debate.The purpose of this study was to describe characteristics, temporal trends, and impact of revascularization in a large population of latecomer STEMI patients.The authors analyzed the data of 3 nationwide observational studies from the FAST-MI (French Registry of Acute ST-elevation and non-ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction) program, conducted over a 1-month period in 2005, 2010, and 2015. Patients presenting between 12 and 48 hours after symptom onset were classified as latecomers.A total of 6,273 STEMI patients were included in the 3 cohorts, 1,169 (18.6%) of whom were latecomers. After exclusion of patients treated with fibrinolysis and patients deceased within 2 days after admission, 1,077 patients were analyzed, of whom 729 (67.7%) were revascularized within 48 hours after hospital admission. At 30-day follow-up, all-cause death rate was significantly lower among revascularized latecomers (2.1% vs 7.2%; P 0.001). After a median follow-up of 58 months, the rate of all-cause death was 30.4 (95% CI: 25.7-35.9) per 1,000 patient-years in the revascularized latecomers group vs 78.7 (95% CI: 67.2-92.3) per 1,000 patient-years in the nonrevascularized latecomers group (P 0.001). In multivariate analysis, revascularization of latecomer STEMI patients was independently associated with a significant reduction of mortality occurrence during follow-up (HR: 0.65 [95% CI: 0.50-0.84]; P = 0.001).Coronary revascularization of latecomer STEMI patients is associated with better short and long-term clinical outcomes.

Background Leishmaniases are regularly seen in non-endemic areas due to the increase of international travels. They include cutaneous leishmaniases (CL) and mucocutaneous (MC) caused by different Leishmania species, and visceral leishmaniases (VL) which present with non-specific symptoms. Methods We reviewed all consecutive leishmaniasis cases seen between September 2012 and May 2020. The diagnostic strategy included microscopy after May-Grünwald-Giemsa staining, a diagnostic quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay, and species identification based on sequencing of the cytochrome b gene. Results Eighty-nine patients had a definitive leishmaniasis diagnosis. Nine patients had VL with Leishmania infantum. Eighty patients had CL. Twelve patients acquired CL after trips in Latin America (7 Leishmania guyanensis, 2 Leishmania braziliensis, 2 Leishmania mexicana, and 1 Leishmania panamensis). Species could be identified in 63 of the 68 CLs mainly after travel in North Africa (59%) with Leishmania major (65%), Leishmania tropica/killicki (24%), and L. infantum (11%), or in West Sub-Saharan Africa (32%), all due to L. major. The median day between appearance of the lesions and diagnosis was 90 [range 60–127]. Conclusions Our diagnostic strategy allows both positive diagnoses and species identifications. Travelers in West Sub-Saharan Africa and North Africa should be better aware of the risk of contracting leishmananiasis., Highlights Imported leishmaniases are regularly seen in non-endemic areas.Cutaneous forms are due to different species that need to be correctly identified for adapting treatment and epidemiologic purposes.The index of suspicion for the visceral form is often low because of the non-specificity of the clinical symptoms and the notion of travel in endemic areas often remote.The strategy, based on diagnostic quantitative PCR followed by sequencing for species identification, allows for rapid and safe diagnoses in a routine laboratory.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of an atypical, alveolar presentation of pulmonary metastases from pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) on computed tomography (CT) and to correlate CT features with those obtained at histopathologic analysis. Material and methods A total of 76 patients with lung metastases from PDAC over a 10-year period (2009–2019) in a French university hospital were retrospectively included. There were 34 men and 42 women with a mean age of 67.6 ± 11.3 (SD) years (range: 38–89 years). CT features of PDAC were classified according to their presentations as usual metastatic pattern or atypical alveolar pattern; the atypical alveolar pattern corresponding to either ground glass nodules or opacities, solid nodules with a halo sign, “air-space” nodules with air bronchogram, or parenchymal consolidation. Imaging-histopathologic correlation was performed when tissue samples were available. Results Pulmonary metastases were synchronous in 36 patients (36/76; 47%) and metachronous in 40 patients (40/76; 53%). A predominant alveolar presentation on CT was observed in 17 patients (17/76, 22%). Nodules with halo sign were the predominant alveolar pattern in 7 patients (7/17; 41%), air-space nodules were predominant in 4 patients (4/17; 24%) whereas pure ground glass nodules and consolidations were observed as predominant features in 3 patients (3/17; 18%) each. For 5 patients who had histopathological confirmation, alveolar metastases of PDAC were characterized by columnar tumor cells lining the alveolar wall, which was not seen in other radiological presentations, whereas there were no differences regarding mucin secretion between pulmonary metastases with alveolar presentation and those with typical pattern. Conclusions Lung metastases from PDAC may present with a so-called “alveolar” pattern on CT. This misleading CT features is found in 22% of patients with lung metastases from PDAC and is due to lepidic growth of the metastatic cells.

Anti-MDA5 antibodies-associated amyopathic dermatomyositisis a rare autoimmune disease that involve polyarthritis, cutaneous and pulmonary manifestations. The development of rapidly progressing interstitial lung disease is a life-threatening complication. We report the case of a 45-year-old woman without medical history, who was addressed to the Pulmonary Department for a polyarthritis with dry cough and hypoxemic dyspnea. Initially there was neither cutaneous manifestation nor interstitial lung disease on chest CT scan. After a few days, the patient developed fatal acute respiratory failure with diffuse ground glass opacities. Identification of anti-MDA5 antibodies allowed establishing diagnosis, despite the fact that the first immunological assessment was negative. Corticosteroid bolus of 1 g for three days and immunosuppressive treatment by cyclophosphamide was only initiated at the acute respiratory distress syndrome stage. Given the rapidly unfavorable prognosis of this entity of amyopathic dermatomyositis, the testing for anti-MDA5 antibodies should be recommended in case of progressive pulmonary symptoms associated with joint signs in order to identify this disease at an early stage and to begin rapid and adequate management.

International audience; BACKGROUND: Delaying renal replacement therapy (RRT) for some time in critically ill patients with severe acute kidney injury and no severe complication is safe and allows optimisation of the use of medical devices. Major uncertainty remains concerning the duration for which RRT can be postponed without risk. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that a more-delayed initiation strategy would result in more RRT-free days, compared with a delayed strategy. METHODS: This was an unmasked, multicentre, prospective, open-label, randomised, controlled trial done in 39 intensive care units in France. We monitored critically ill patients with severe acute kidney injury (defined as Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes stage 3) until they had oliguria for more than 72 h or a blood urea nitrogen concentration higher than 112 mg/dL. Patients were then randomly assigned (1:1) to either a strategy (delayed strategy) in which RRT was started just after randomisation or to a more-delayed strategy. With the more-delayed strategy, RRT initiation was postponed until mandatory indication (noticeable hyperkalaemia or metabolic acidosis or pulmonary oedema) or until blood urea nitrogen concentration reached 140 mg/dL. The primary outcome was the number of days alive and free of RRT between randomisation and day 28 and was done in the intention-to-treat population. The study is registered with ClinicalTrial.gov, NCT03396757 and is completed. FINDINGS: Between May 7, 2018, and Oct 11, 2019, of 5336 patients assessed, 278 patients underwent randomisation; 137 were assigned to the delayed strategy and 141 to the more-delayed strategy. The number of complications potentially related to acute kidney injury or to RRT were similar between groups. The median number of RRT-free days was 12 days (IQR 0-25) in the delayed strategy and 10 days (IQR 0-24) in the more-delayed strategy (p=0·93). In a multivariable analysis, the hazard ratio for death at 60 days was 1·65 (95% CI 1·09-2·50, p=0·018) with the more-delayed versus the delayed strategy. The number of complications potentially related to acute kidney injury or renal replacement therapy did not differ between groups. INTERPRETATION: In severe acute kidney injury patients with oliguria for more than 72 h or blood urea nitrogen concentration higher than 112 mg/dL and no severe complication that would mandate immediate RRT, longer postponing of RRT initiation did not confer additional benefit and was associated with potential harm. FUNDING: Programme Hospitalier de Recherche Clinique.

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. This entity in adulthood is rare. The aim of our study is to evaluate therapeutic results and prognostic factors of adult medulloblastoma treated at our institute with post-operative radiotherapy.We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of 55 patients with medulloblastoma who underwent radiation in the department of radiation oncology of institute Salah Azaiz (Tunis) over a 18-year period (1994-2012).The surgery was total or subtotal resection in 73% of cases. Forty-eight patients received radiotherapy to the entire craniospinal axis as part of the curative treatment. The median interval from surgery to the initiation of radiotherapy was 83 days. Etoposide-cisplatin chemotherapy was only performed in metastatic patients (Our results, compared to those of the literature, conclude that the reduction in the dose of radiotherapy to the craniospinal axis (34 Gy) in the standard risk group of adult medulloblastoma could not be done without chemotherapy. In the high-risk group of adult medulloblastoma, radiotherapy to the cerebrospinal axis at the dose of 36 Gy with chemotherapy, is required for disease control.

We present a case of traumatic neuroma of the common bile duct in a 53-year-old woman who presented with jaundice,5months after cholecystectomy. Physical examination revealed jaundice, epigastric pain and scratching lesions. Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) at 109 U/L, Alkaline phosphatase at 175U/L. CA19-9 was at 500U/mlMagnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed a T1 and T2hyperintense lesion of peri-hilar fat. An increase in intensity was noted after useof gadolinium.Exploratory laparotomy was performed with the presumptive diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma. Pathologic analysis of the surgical specimen revealed Haphazard mature nerves, consistent with a bile duct neuroma. Follow-up of the patient showed no post-operative complications or signs of recurrence.

In Algeria, camel breeding participates in the national milk production. However, this breeding faces significant health problems, including mammary pathologies. This disease is a major public health threat, due to the existence of human pathogens in milk. Several species are associated with this mastitis. Unlike cow’s milk, goat and camel milk are most often consumed in the fresh raw state, thus escaping any official control. The present study aimed to determine the nature and frequency of mastitis, and the nature and frequency of the responsible bacteria in each type of mastitis in southern Algeria. A total of 62 camels were subjected to clinical examination and screening for subclinical mastitis and the presence of Brucella using the California Mastitis Test (CMT) and ring test, respectively. CMT positive samples were then further subjected to bacteriological analysis. Clinical and subclinical mastitis were present with frequencies of 4.44% and 95.55%, respectively. Bacteriological analysis isolated a total of 73 samples of 45 seeds. Staphylococci were most commonly isolated, with a frequency of 63.01%. Among these, Staphylococcus aureus were at the top of the list, with 35.61%, while Staphylococcus SCN (coagulase negative staphylococci) represented only 27.39%. Streptococci were the second most isolated group, with 28.77%. Gram-positive bacilli were in third place, accounting for 6.85% of all isolates. Gram- negative bacilli (enterobacteria) were isolated with a frequency of 1.36%. Brucella was present with a frequency of 4.44%. Finally, an extended study on a larger sample of camels is required in the future.

International audience

BackgroundThe number of intensive care patients aged ≥ 80 years (Very old Intensive Care Patients; VIPs) is growing. VIPs have high mortality and morbidity and the benefits of ICU admission are frequently questioned. Sepsis incidence has risen in recent years and identification of outcomes is of considerable public importance. We aimed to determine whether VIPs admitted for sepsis had different outcomes than those admitted for other acute reasons and identify potential prognostic factors for 30-day survival.ResultsThis prospective study included VIPs with Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores ≥ 2 acutely admitted to 307 ICUs in 21 European countries. Of 3869 acutely admitted VIPs, 493 (12.7%) [53.8% male, median age 83 (81–86) years] were admitted for sepsis. Sepsis was defined according to clinical criteria; suspected or demonstrated focus of infection and SOFA score ≥ 2 points. Compared to VIPs admitted for other acute reasons, VIPs admitted for sepsis were younger, had a higher SOFA score (9 vs. 7,p p p p = 0.02]. Frailty was similar in both groups. Unadjusted 30-day survival was not significantly different between the two groups. After adjustment for age, gender, frailty, and SOFA score, sepsis had no impact on 30-day survival [HR 0.99 (95% CI 0.86–1.15),p = 0.917]. Inverse-probability weight (IPW)-adjusted survival curves for the first 30 days after ICU admission were similar for acute septic and non-septic patients [HR: 1.00 (95% CI 0.87–1.17),p = 0.95]. A matched-pair analysis in which patients with sepsis were matched with two control patients of the same gender with the same age, SOFA score, and level of frailty was also performed. A Cox proportional hazard regression model stratified on the matched pairs showed that 30-day survival was similar in both groups [57.2% (95% CI 52.7–60.7) vs. 57.1% (95% CI 53.7–60.1),p = 0.85].ConclusionsAfter adjusting for organ dysfunction, sepsis at admission was not independently associated with decreased 30-day survival in this multinational study of 3869 VIPs. Age, frailty, and SOFA score were independently associated with survival.

Acquired neuromuscular weakness often develops in patients with an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), in particular in patients who are ventilated and sedated for long periods. This has been rarely described in the literature on ARDS secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our clinical case revealed the existence of these neuromuscular manifestations in the COVID-19 disease after the use of hydroxyzine, an antihistamine whose respiratory side-effects are unknown. Keywords: Neuromuscular weakness, COVID-19, hydroxyzine, hypercapnia.

Background Limited data are available regarding antiviral therapy efficacy in most severe patients under mechanical ventilation for Covid-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods Comparison of antiviral strategies (none, hydroxychloroquine (OHQ), lopinavir/ritonavir (L/R), others (combination or remdesivir) in an observational multicentre cohort of patients with moderate-to-severe Covid-19 ARDS. The primary endpoint was the number of day 28 ventilator-free days (VFD). Patients who died before d28 were considered as having 0 VFD. The variable was dichotomized into “patients still ventilated or dead at day 28” versus “patients weaned and alive at day 28”. Results We analyzed 415 patients (85 treated with standard of care (SOC), 57 with L/R, 220 with OHQ, and 53 others). The median number of d28-VFD was 0 (IQR 0–13) and differed between groups (P = 0.03), SOC patients having the highest d28-VFD. After adjustment for age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, PaO2/FiO2 ratio and plateau pressure and accounting for center effect with a generalized linear mixed model, none of the antiviral strategies increased the chance of being alive and weaned from MV at day 28 compared to the SOC strategy (OR 0.48 CI95% (0.18–1.25); OR 0.96 (0.47–2.02) and OR 1.43 (0.53–4.04) for L/R, OHQ and other treatments, respectively). Acute kidney injury during ICU stay was frequent (55%); its incidence was higher in patients receiving lopinavir (66 vs 53%, P = 0.03). After adjustment for age, sex, BMI, chronic hypertension and chronic renal disease, the use of L/R was associated with an increased risk of renal replacement therapy (RRT). (OR 2.52 CI95% 1.16–5.59). Conclusion In this multicentre observational study of moderate-to-severe Covid-19 ARDS patients, we did not observe any benefit among patients treated with OHQ or L/R compared with SOC. The use of L/R treatment was associated with an increased need for RRT. Take home message Neither hydroxychloroquine nor lopinavir/ritonavir as COVID-19 antiviral treatment is associated with higher ventilator-free days at day 28 when compared with standard of care (no antiviral treatment) in ICU patients under invasive mechanical ventilation. Lopinavir/ritonavir is associated with an increased risk of renal replacement therapy requirement. Tweet COVID-19: Insights from ARDS cohort: no signal of efficacy of any antiviral drugs. Lopinavir/ritonavir may be associated with need for RRT

Background Complete airway closure during expiration may underestimate alveolar pressure. It has been reported in cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), as well as in morbidly obese patients with healthy lungs. The authors hypothesized that complete airway closure was highly prevalent in obese ARDS and influenced the calculation of respiratory mechanics. Methods In a post hoc pooled analysis of two cohorts, ARDS patients were classified according to body mass index (BMI) terciles. Low-flow inflation pressure-volume curve and partitioned respiratory mechanics using esophageal manometry were recorded. The authors' primary aim was to compare the prevalence of complete airway closure according to BMI terciles. Secondary aims were to compare (1) respiratory system mechanics considering or not considering complete airway closure in their calculation, and (2) and partitioned respiratory mechanics according to BMI. Results Among the 51 patients analyzed, BMI was less than 30 kg/m in 18, from 30 to less than 40 in 16, and greater than or equal to 40 in 17. Prevalence of complete airway closure was 41% overall (95% CI, 28 to 55; 21 of 51 patients), and was lower in the lowest (22% [3 to 41]; 4 of 18 patients) than in the highest BMI tercile (65% [42 to 87]; 11 of 17 patients). Driving pressure and elastances of the respiratory system and of the lung were higher when complete airway closure was not taken into account in their calculation. End-expiratory esophageal pressure (ρ = 0.69 [95% CI, 0.48 to 0.82]; P Conclusions Prevalence of complete airway closure was high in ARDS and should be taken into account when calculating respiratory mechanics, especially in the most morbidly obese patients. : WHAT WE ALREADY KNOW ABOUT THIS TOPIC: Plateau and driving pressures have been shown to correlate with mortality in adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, these static airway pressures may not always accurately reflect alveolar pressure.It has recently been recognized that in ARDS, airway closure may occur while some alveoli are still inflated. This may result in a biased estimate of mean alveolar pressure.Complete airway closure can only be measured by the inflection point on the initial portion of a low-flow inflation pressure-volume or pressure-time curve with the absence of cardiac oscillations and very low compliance, most likely in the terminal bronchioles.In 25 to 33% of patients with ARDS, airway opening pressure (the inflection point value) is greater than the total positive end-expiratory pressure measured by an end-expiratory maneuver. What this article tells us that is new In a post hoc analysis of two cohort studies of respiratory mechanics in ARDS, the authors compared the prevalence of complete airway closure stratified by body mass index and its effects on respiratory mechanics.Complete airway closure was present in 41% of patients, increasing with body mass index tercile (65% in the highest).Driving pressure and respiratory system elastances (lung, chest wall) were higher when complete airway closure was not adjusted for.

Summary Electrical injuries consist mainly in external burn marks. Internal injuries are rarely observed especially in low-voltage electrocution. In this context, we report two fatal cases due to electrocution by low voltage current (220 volts), with a special emphasis on pathological internal changes. Case no. 1 A 30-year-old male construction worker died after a low-voltage electrocution in the workplace. A medico-legal autopsy was required by judicial authorities. An external examination of the body showed marked facial cyanosis and electrical burn marks on the chest. The autopsy findings showed necrotic lesions of the heart, the thoracic aorta and pulmonary artery. The ischemic lesions were confirmed by histological tests. Case 2 A 20-year-old male was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for pneumothorax after an accidental low-voltage electrocution. Despite cardiopulmonary reanimation, he died two hours later. An external examination of the corpse showed an electrical burn mark on the right hand. The autopsy findings revealed mainly a right pneumothorax as well as some necrotic lesions in the inferior lobe of the right lung and the anterior face of the liver, which were confirmed microscopically. Discussion-conclusion Death during electrocution by a low-voltage current is uncommon. Visceral necrosis is rarely described in this situation.

Highlights • Pheochromocytoma is a great masquerador. • The coexistence of pheochromocytoma along with both aortoarteritis and renal artery stenosis is very rare. • Management of vascular abnormalities is based on the control of catecholamine release. • Pheochromocytoma should be included as differential diagnosis of aortoarteritis., Introduction Pheochromocytoma is an uncommon but treatable cause of secondary hypertension, it may present with a wide variety of manifestations. The coexistence of pheochromocytoma and vascular abnormalities is described but rarely reported entity. Presentation of case A 36-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for severe hypertension, examination revealed absent femoral pulses with notion of intermittent claudication. Abdominal computed tomography revealed the presence of a right adrenal pheochromocytoma. CT angiogram showed thickening of the thoracoabdominal aortic wall and the proximal portions of some of its branches with stenosis of more than 50% of the origin of the celiac trunk, bilateral occlusion of the external iliac arteries and trunk stenosis of the right renal artery. The Pheochromocytoma was surgically removed. Discussion Coexistence of pheyochromocytoma and vascular abnormalities especially renal artery stenosis and aortoarteritis seems to be an association rather than a coincidence. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, the coexistence of pheochromocytoma along with both aortoarteritis and renal artery stenosis has not been reported thus far. The diagnosis, management and potential mechanisms underlying such an association will be discussed in this case.

Summary Background Acute thiamine deficiency can occur in patients with or without history of alcohol abuse and can lead to life-threatening complications. Clinical diagnosis is challenging, often resulting in delayed recognition and treatment. Patients may present with heterogenous symptoms, more diverse than the historical neurological description. Cerebral MRI can contribute to the diagnosis in patients with neurological signs but it is not always feasible in emergency settings. Prompt parenteral supplementation is required to obtain the improvement of symptoms and avoid chronic complications. Aims To describe the clinical presentation of reported cases of thiamine deficiency, assess prescription and results of cerebral imaging, review treatments that had been prescribed in accordance or not with available guidelines, and study the short-term outcome of these patients. Methods This is a monocentric retrospective analysis of all reported cases of thiamine deficiency in a French tertiary hospital between January 1st 2008 and December 31st 2018. Results Fifty-six cases were identified during the study period. Forty-five (80%) patients had a history of alcohol abuse. Most patients were diagnosed based on neurological symptoms but non-specific and digestive symptoms were frequent. Thirty-four percent of patients fulfilled clinical criteria for malnutrition. A brain MRI was performed in 54% of patients and was abnormal in 63% of these cases. Eighty-five percent of patients were treated by parenteral thiamine administration and the supplementation was continued orally in 55% of them. The majority of patients initially received 1000 mg daily of IV thiamine but the dose and duration of thiamine supplementation were variable. At the time of discharge, partial or complete improvement of symptoms was noted in 59% of patients. Conclusion This study highlights the clinical and radiological heterogeneity of thiamine deficiency. These observations should encourage starting thiamine supplementation early in patients with risk factors or suggestive symptoms even in non-alcoholic patients, and underline the importance of early nutritional support.

Tako-Tsubo cardiomyopathy is an increasingly recognized as clinical syndrome characterized by transient apical left ventricular dysfunction.

BackgroundControversies exist on the nature of COVID-19 related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in particular on the static compliance of the respiratory system (Crs). We aimed to analyze the association of Crs with outcome in COVID-19-associated ARDS, to ascertain its determinants and to describe its evolution at day-14.MethodsIn this observational multicenter cohort of patients with moderate to severe Covid-19 ARDS, Crs was measured at day-1 and day-14. Association between Crs or Crs/ideal body weight (IBW) and breathing without assistance at day-28 was analyzed with multivariable logistic regression. Determinants were ascertained by multivariable linear regression. Day-14 Crs was compared to day-1 Crs with paired t-test in patients still under controlled mechanical ventilation.ResultsThe mean Crs in 372 patients was 37.6 ± 13 mL/cmH2O, similar to as in ARDS of other causes. Multivariate linear regression identified chronic hypertension, low PaO2/FiO2ratio, low PEEP, and low tidal volume as associated with lower Crs/IBW. After adjustment on confounders, nor Crs [OR 1.0 (CI 95% 0.98–1.02)] neither Crs/IBW [OR 0.63 (CI 95% 0.13–3.1)] were associated with the chance of breathing without assistance at day-28 whereas plateau pressure was [OR 0.93 (CI 95% 0.88–0.99)]. In a subset of 108 patients, day-14 Crs decreased compared to day-1 Crs (31.2 ± 14.4 mL/cmH2O vs 37.8 ± 11.4 mL/cmH2O,p ConclusionIn a large multicenter cohort of moderate to severe COVID-19 ARDS, mean Crs was decreased below 40 mL/cmH2O and was not associated with day-28 outcome. Crs decreased between day-1 and day-14 but the decrease was not associated with day-28 outcome.

Introduction Leser-Trelat sign is a paraneoplastic marker characerized by the abrupt appearance of seborrheic keratoses. It is described in association with many underlying malignant diseases. Case report We report a case of coexistence of two rare entities, represented by the Leser-Trelat sign occurring with male breast cancer. Discussion The asscociation of male breast cancer and LT sign is decidedly unusual. To our knowledge, our case report is the second to describe the association of these two rare entities. Conclusion A proper dermatological examination and a good knowledge of cutaneous paraneoplastic syndromes can be of great help in screening for multiple skin cancers., Highlights • Leser-Trelat sign is a paraneoplastic marker characerized by the abrupt appearance of seborrheic keratoses. • We report the case of a male with a breast cancer preceeded by a Leser-Trélat sign. • Our case report highlights the importance of a good knowledge of paraneoplastic dermatoses that can be alarming signs to serious underlying malgnancies.

Background Echocardiographic parameters have been poorly investigated for estimating cardiovascular risk in patients with sepsis and new-onset atrial fibrillation. We aim to assess the prevalence of transesophageal echocardiographic abnormalities and their relationship with cardiovascular events in mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis and new-onset atrial fibrillation. Methods In this prospective multicenter pilot study, left atrial/left atrial appendage (LA/LAA) dysfunction, severe aortic atheroma, and left ventricular systolic dysfunction were assessed using an initial transesophageal echocardiographic study, which was repeated after 48–72 h to detect LA/LAA thrombus formation. The study outcome was a composite of cardiovascular events at day 28, including arterial thromboembolic events (ischemic stroke, non-cerebrovascular arterial thromboembolism, LA/LAA thrombus), major bleeding, and all-cause death. Results The study population comprised 94 patients (septic shock 63%; 35% women; median age 69 years). LA/LAA dysfunction, severe aortic atheroma, and left ventricular systolic dysfunction were detected in 17 (19%), 22 (24%), and 27 (29%) patients, respectively. At day 28, the incidence of cardiovascular events was 46% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 35 to 56). Arterial thromboembolic events and major bleeding occurred in 7 (7%) patients (5 ischemic strokes, 1 non-cerebrovascular arterial thromboembolism, 2 left atrial appendage thrombi) and 18 (19%) patients, respectively. At day 28, 27 patients (29%) died. Septic shock (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.36; 95% CI 1.06 to 5.29) and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (HR: 2.06; 95% CI 1.05 to 4.05) were independently associated with cardiovascular events. Conclusions Transesophageal echocardiographic abnormalities are common in mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis and new-onset atrial fibrillation, but only left ventricular systolic dysfunction was associated with cardiovascular events at day 28.

Background: While acute severe asthma (ASA) is the leading cause of emergency department visits and the third cause of hospitalization in children younger than 18 years old, there is a lack of data regarding adult patients admitted in intensive care units (ICU) for ASA. We aimed to describe the evolutions in epidemiology, management, and outcomes of ASA in adult patients, over a period of twenty years in the Greater Paris area ICUs (CUB-Réa Database). Methods: Demographics, severity and supportive treatments were collected from the CUB-Réa Database. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of ASA by periods of 5 years. The secondary endpoints were in-ICU survival, in-hospital survival, use of mechanical ventilation including non-invasive and invasive and catecholamine. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess correlating factors of ICU Mortality. Results: Of the 475 357 ICU admissions from January 1997 to January 2016, 7049 were admitted for ASA with a decreasing prevalence over time, respectively 2.8%, 1.7%, 1.1%, and 1.1% of total ICU admissions (p Conclusion: ICU admission for ASA remains uncommon and decreases over time. Despite an increasing severity of patients and the use of mechanical ventilation, the use of catecholamine decreases with high in-ICU survival rate which could be related to a better management of mechanical ventilation.

Certain patients who recover from severe pneumonia due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remain symptomatic in the post-infectious period, either clinically, radiologically, or respiratory. The post-COVID-19 period is characterized by clinical symptoms of varying duration from one subject to another and does not seem to depend on the severity of initial pneumonia. The persisting inflammatory and/or immune reactions in the post-COVID-19 period may play a role in the development of pulmonary lesions. Here, we report the case of a 61-year-old man with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome and pulmonary embolism, which required the patient's admission to the intensive care unit and high-flow oxygen therapy. The patient was hospitalized for 23 days for the management of his severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Afterwards, he was discharged home following a negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR test. The post-COVID-19 period was characterized by a complex respiratory symptomatology associating cough, resting dyspnea, and exertional dyspnea requiring oxygen therapy for several weeks. Surprisingly, the follow-up chest CT scan performed 4 weeks after discharge revealed bilateral interstitial lung lesions. After ruling out pulmonary superinfection, the patient was treated with oral corticosteroid for 3 months at a digressive dose. In our case, the use of corticosteroid therapy in the post-COVID19 phase had improved the outcome of the lung disease. These benefits are characterized by a rapid symptomatic improvement, accelerated repair of pulmonary images, rapid oxygen withdrawal, and rapid return to daily activities.

The discovery of a hydatid cyst at autopsy poses the problem of its involvement in the mechanism of death. The aim of this study is to analyse the epidemiological and etiopathogenic characteristics of death attributed to hydatid disease, to discuss the mechanism of death and to propose preventive measures. This is a retrospective descriptive study of 26 cases of death with hydatid cyst autopsic discovered, collected at the forensic department of Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital of Monastir (Tunisia) over a period of 27 years (from 1990 until 2017). In 26 cases, hydatid cyst was observed during autopsy of sudden death cases, which corresponds to 0.33% of the total of autopsies in this period. Of the 26 victims, 13 (50%) were men; the mean age was 43 years. Most victims were from rural zones (18 cases). In 20 cases, the complicated cyst was hepatic. It was cardiac in two cases. Of all cases, three cysts were cracked, and nine were broken. Of the 26 cases, only 15 were implicated in the death mechanism. Death was attributed to anaphylaxis in 12 cases, hydatid pulmonary embolism in 1 case, cardiac arythmia in one case and hemothorax in one case. Sudden death is the most dangerous complication of the hydatid cyst which can be discovered at autopsy. Several causes may explain its occurrence, the most common of which is anaphylactic shock.

Cardiac rehabilitation is strongly recommended in patients after acute myocardial infarction.To assess cardiac rehabilitation prescription after acute myocardial infarction according to predicted risk, and its association with 1-year mortality, using the FAST-MI registries.We used data from three 1-month French nationwide registries, conducted 5 years apart from 2005 to 2015, including 13130 patients with acute myocardial infarction admitted to coronary or intensive care units. Atherothrombotic risk stratification was performed using the Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction Risk Score for Secondary Prevention (TRS-2P). Patients were classified into three categories: Group 1 (low risk; no or one risk indicator; score of 0 or 1); Group 2 (intermediate risk; two risk indicators; score of 2); and Group 3 (high risk; at least three risk indicators; score of≥3).Among the 12291 patients, cardiac rehabilitation prescription was 43.6% (49.9% in Group 1; 43.0% in Group 2; 35.2% in Group 3). Using Cox multivariable analysis, cardiac rehabilitation prescription was associated with lower mortality at 1 year in the overall population (3.8% vs. 8.2%; hazard ratio [HR] 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61-0.85; P0.001). Cardiac rehabilitation was associated with improved 1-year mortality, with homogeneous relative risk reductions in low- and intermediate-risk categories (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.51-0.94) compared with high-risk patients (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.59-0.88). In absolute terms, however, mortality decrease associated with cardiac rehabilitation was positively correlated with risk level (Group 1, 0.9% vs. 2.4%; Group 2, 3.0% vs. 4.2%; Group 3, 10.5% vs. 17.3%).Cardiac rehabilitation prescription was inversely correlated with patient risk. A positive association between cardiac rehabilitation and 1-year survival after acute myocardial infarction was present whatever the risk level, but the greatest mortality reduction was observed in high-risk patients.

The diagnosis of aortic dissection is often difficult because the symptoms are usually non‐specific. AD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all cases of idiopathic retrosternal pain. Misdiagnosis of AD is a common cause of legal suits in medical practice. Prevention requires a complete and thorough evaluation.

Hydrogels have a large interest for commercial application in agriculture. Our experiment was performed under greenhouse conditions, to examine the effect of the hydrogel “stockosorb-660” (TS) compared with non treated plants (TC). As compared to TC treatment, the hydrogel treatment increased clearly the growth responses, photosynthetic pigments, the dry weights and the relative water content of olive plantlets mainly in chemlali cv and under drought stress. Under drought stress, the chlorophyll fluorescence measurements were about 0.53 and 0.36 for chemlali and chetoui cultivars, respectively using TS treatment. In the same treatment, as compared to control plantlets, total phenols decreased damages under drought stress and were about 53.94 mg g−1 GAE and 57.37 mg g−1 GAE for chemlali and chetoui cultivars, respectively. Our results confirm also that “stockosorb” hydrogel is a cultivar dependent and seems to be probably suitable for agricultural use because of its capacity to avoid dehydration damages of young olive plants.

Disseminated histoplasmosis is a major cause of mortality in HIV-infected patients. Rapid and efficient diagnosis of Histoplasma capsulatum is crucial. Cytopathology is available in most hospitals and represents a rapid diagnostic alternative. In this study, we reviewed 12 years of experience to describe the cytology of histoplasmosis diagnosed by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in relation to patient characteristics. BAL-diagnosed pulmonary histoplasmosis concerned 17 patients (14 HIV+). BAL cellularity ranged from 76,000 to 125,000 cells/mL in HIV patients, and 117,000 to 160,000 cells/mL in non-HIV patients. Macrophages predominated in all HIV patients (from 60% to 88%), lymphocytic infiltrates ranged from 5% to 15%, and neutrophils were very heterogeneous (from 2% to 32%). The number of H. capsulatum at hot spots seemed greater in HIV-infected than in immunocompetent patients (9 to 375 vs. 4 to 10) and were inversely proportional to the CD4 counts. Yeasts were both intracellular and extracellular in 85.7% of the HIV patients. This is the most comprehensive series detailing the cytological aspects of BAL in the diagnosis of H. capsulatum, focusing on the number of yeasts and their clustering pattern. The cytological examination of the Gomori-Grocott-stained BAL allows a reliable diagnosis of histoplasmosis.

Optimal sensitivity to detect low Pneumocystis loads is of importance to take individual and collective measures to avoid evolution towards Pneumocystis pneumonia and outbreaks in immunocompromised patients. This study compares two qPCR procedures, a new automated RTqPCR using the GeneLEAD VIII extractor/thermocycler (GLVIII; ∼2.2 h workflow) and a previously validated in-house qPCR assays (IH; ∼5 h workflow) both targeting mtSSU and mtLSU for detecting P. jirovecii in 213 respiratory samples. GLVIII was found to be more sensitive than IH, detecting eight more specimens. Bland-Altman analysis between the two procedures showed a Cq bias of 1.17 ± 0.07 in favor of GLVIII. Lay Summary The fungus Pneumocystis needs to be detected early in respiratory samples to prevent pneumonia in immunocompromised hosts. We evaluated a new commercial RTqPCR on 213 respiratory samples to detect Pneumocystis and found it more sensitive and faster than our routine sensitive in-house qPCR assay.

Cutaneous melanoma is the most lethal type of skin cancer. Early detection is crucial to improve the outcome of melanoma patients. The identification of noninvasive prognostic biomarkers for the follow-up of melanoma patients is still in demand for clinical use. We show here that exosomal melanotransferrin fulfills the biomarker characteristics required to meet this demand. Melanotransferrin is typically overexpressed in melanoma cells compared to other cell types - including cancer cells - and is efficiently sorted and secreted with nanovesicles, or so-called exosomes, due to its membrane-anchoring by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol. Melanotransferrin is exposed on the surface of exosomes and is accessible for antibody recognition. An ELISA was set up to quantify melanotransferrin after immobilization of nanovesicles through the exosomal constituent tetraspanins CD63. Melanotransferrin was detected using a low number of exosomes purified from melanoma cell line cultures, and melanotransferrin detection was abolished by phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C treatment. This exosomal melanotransferrin ELISA was able to discriminate an equal number of assayed exosomes purified from two different melanoma cell lines (A-375 vs. SK-MEL-28). Moreover, plasma samples from patients with melanoma and noncancer disease were assayed using this ELISA and elevated levels of exosomal melanotransferrin were seen in the plasma of patients with melanoma. We propose that exosomal melanotransferrin should be assessed as a potential melanoma biomarker.

Hydatid disease is caused by the larvae of Echinococcus granulosus. Domestic animals like cats and dogs are the primary carriers of echinococcal organisms. This parasitosis is still endemic in some particular regions of the world. The cardiac hydatid cyst is an exceptional infection. We report a case of an asymptomatic giant cardiac hydatid cyst in the interventricular septum (IVS) protruding in the right ventricular diagnosed incidentally by scan tomography during acute pancreatitis emergency. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a cystic mass in the IVS bulging into the right ventricle. The diagnosis was confirmed by a cardiac CT scan.

Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices are effective tools in managing refractory cardiogenic shock (CS). Data comparing veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) and IMPELLA® are however scarce. We aimed to assess outcomes of patients implanted with these two devices and eligible to both systems. From 2004 to 2020, we retrospectively analyzed 128 patients who underwent VA-ECMO or IMPELLA® in our institution for refractory left ventricle (LV) dominant CS. All patients were eligible to both systems: 97 patients were first implanted with VA-ECMO and 31 with IMPELLA®. The primary endpoint was 30-day all-cause death. VA-ECMO patients were younger (52 vs. 59.4, p = 0.006) and had a higher lactate level at baseline than those in the IMPELLA® group (6.84 vs. 3.03 mmol/L, p &lt, 0.001). Duration of MCS was similar between groups (9.4 days vs. 6 days in the VA-ECMO and IMPELLA® groups respectively, p = 0.077). In unadjusted analysis, no significant difference was observed between groups in 30-day mortality: 43.3% vs. 58.1% in the VA-ECMO and IMPELLA® groups, respectively (p = 0.152). After adjustment, VA-ECMO was associated with a significant reduction in 30-day mortality (HR = 0.25, p = 0.004). A higher rate of MCS escalation was observed in the IMPELLA® group: 32.3% vs. 10.3% (p = 0.003). In patients eligible to either VA-ECMO or IMPELLA® for LV dominant refractory CS, VA-ECMO was associated with improved survival rate and a lower need for escalation.

OBJECTIVES Right ventricular failure after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) insertion is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Mechanical support options include right ventricular assist devices, venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and venopulmonary artery ECMO, the latter often involving central cannulation. We sought to evaluate the feasibility and early outcomes of a truly percutaneous venopulmonary artery (pVPA) ECMO strategy, with the potential advantage of bedside removal once weaned. METHODS Data from a single tertiary centre were reviewed retrospectively from January 2014 to January 2019. During this time, 54 patients underwent LVAD insertion, with 19 requiring mechanical support for right ventricular failure. Among them, 10 patients received pVPA ECMO. Implantation of the pVPA ECMO was performed under transoesophageal echocardiography and fluoroscopy guidance, with an inflow cannula placed in the right atrium via the right femoral vein and an outflow cannula placed in the left pulmonary artery (PA) via the right internal jugular vein. RESULTS Cannula insertion was 100% successful with no need for repositioning. Eight patients (80%) were able to be successfully weaned (at the bedside); 6 were discharged from the hospital and there were no cases of early sepsis, mediastinitis or thromboembolism. At follow-up, 5 patients had received transplants (50%), with 1 on LVAD support as destination therapy (10%). Survival was 60 ± 15% and 50 ± 16% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS pVPA ECMO is 100% technically feasible and is an efficient method for temporary right ventricular support after LVAD insertion with the advantage of simple bedside removal and avoidance of a PA graft remnant in the chest cavity.

Acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock (AMICS) is a critical syndrome with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Current management consists of coronary revascularisation, vasoactive drugs, and circulatory and ventilatory support, which are tailored to patients mainly on the basis of clinicians' experience rather than evidence-based recommendations. For many therapeutic interventions in AMICS, randomised clinical trials have not shown a meaningful survival benefit, and a disproportionately high rate of neutral and negative results has been reported. In this context, an accurate definition of the AMICS syndrome for appropriate patient selection and optimisation of study design are warranted to achieve meaningful results and pave the way for new, evidence-based therapeutic options. In this Position Paper, we provide a statement of priorities and recommendations agreed by a multidisciplinary group of experts at the Critical Care Clinical Trialists Workshop in February, 2020, for the optimisation and harmonisation of clinical trials in AMICS. Implementation of proposed criteria to define the AMICS population-moving beyond a cardio-centric definition to that of a systemic disease-and steps to improve the design of clinical trials could lead to improved outcomes for patients with this life-threatening syndrome.

The innominate artery aneurysm (IAA) accounts for a small percentage of all peripheral aneurysms. However, its clinical outcomes are potentially devastating, especially when it is associated with coronary disease, due to the high risk of spontaneous rupture and thromboembolic complications. Surgical repair is always recommended in such cases. The treatment of such a condition presents a surgical challenge with high morbidity and mortality rates. In this report, we discuss the case of a 56-year-old male who presented with a right cervical mass secondary to a large IAA with underlying coronary artery disease. The patient underwent a simultaneous operation for IAA and coronary bypass grafting.

Objectives: Different phenotypes have been identified in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Existence of several phenotypes in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) related acute respiratory distress syndrome is unknown. We sought to identify different phenotypes of patients with moderate to severe ARDS related to COVID-19. Methods: We conducted an observational study of 416 COVID-19 patients with moderate to severe ARDS at 21 intensive care units in Belgium and France. The primary outcome was day-28 ventilatory free days. Secondary outcomes were mortality on day 28, acute kidney injury, acute cardiac injury, pulmonary embolism, and deep venous thrombosis. Multiple factor analysis and hierarchical classification on principal components were performed to distinguish different clinical phenotypes. Results: We identified three different phenotypes in 150, 176, and 90 patients, respectively. Phenotype 3 was characterized by short evolution, severe hypoxemia, and old comorbid patients. Phenotype 1 was mainly characterized by the absence of comorbidities, relatively high compliance, and long duration of symptoms, whereas phenotype 2 was characterized female sex, and the presence of mild comorbidities such as uncomplicated diabetes or chronic hypertension. The compliance in phenotype 2 was lower than that in phenotype 1, with higher plateau and driving pressure. Phenotype 3 was associated with higher mortality compared to phenotypes 1 and 2. Conclusions: In COVID-19 patients with moderate to severe ARDS, we identified three clinical phenotypes. One of these included older people with comorbidities who had a fulminant course of disease with poor prognosis. Requirement of different treatments and ventilatory strategies for each phenotype needs further investigation., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Patients with cancer are at major risk for both venous and arterial thrombotic complications. Venous involvement of cancer-associated thrombosis encompasses deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Arterial manifestations include mainly stroke and myocardial infarction. We present the case of a 59-year-old woman admitted to the hospital for chest pain of five hours duration. She had been diagnosed with advanced lung cancer one month before. Electrocardiogram showed ST-segment elevation in all leads except aVR, suggesting a myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography revealed thrombi in both the right coronary artery and the left anterior descending coronary artery in the absence of any atherosclerotic lesions. Tirofiban infusion was administered; furthermore, a computed tomographic pulmonary angiography showed a distal pulmonary embolism. The patient progressed well and was discharged on anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonist. These findings highly imply that the malignancy altered the patient's blood coagulability and induced the formation of the thrombi ensuing acute myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism. We will emphasize the relationship between cancer and thrombosis with a special focus on the conservative management strategy with anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy in acute coronary syndrome without evidence of atherosclerotic lesions.

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia is a difficult invasive infection to diagnose. Apart from microscopy of respiratory specimens, two diagnostic tests are increasingly used including real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) of respiratory specimens, mainly in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BAL), and serum &beta, 1,3-d-glucan (BDG). It is still unclear how these two biomarkers can be used and interpreted in various patient populations. Here we analyzed retrospectively and multicentrically the correlation between BAL qPCR and serum BDG in various patient population, including mainly non-HIV patients. It appeared that a good correlation can be obtained in HIV patients and solid organ transplant recipients but no correlation can be observed in patients with hematologic malignancies, solid cancer, and systemic diseases. This observation reinforces recent data suggesting that BDG is not the best marker of PCP in non-HIV patients, with potential false positives due to other IFI or bacterial infections and false-negatives due to low fungal load and low BDG release.

Background Right Ventricular (RV) involvement during inferior acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was known to be associated with poor outcome, but might have been mitigated by recent therapeutics. The aim of study was to determine the characteristics and outcomes of patients with RVAMI compared to isolated inferior AMI. Methods This is an observational study that enrolled consecutive patients with RVAMI; age-sex matched patients with isolated inferior AMI served as controls. Results A total of 51 patients with RVAMI were studied (male 39, age 63 ± 16) and compared to 39 age-sex matched patients with isolated inferior AMI. Atherosclerosis risk factors, previous MI and treatment at presentation were similar in both groups. Primary coronary angioplasty was successful in > 90% in both groups. When compared to patients with isolated inferior AMI, patients with RVAMI had more frequent cardiogenic shock at presentation (35% versus 0%, P P Conclusion RVAMI is still associated with high in-hospital mortality. The severity of initial presentation is not a prognostic factor. Mortality rates after discharge increased very slowly and similarly in both groups.

Despite the tremendous clinical advances, breast cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers for women around the world. This has led to a wide variety of awareness and screening programs in several countries, with often questioned real impacts. In this perspective, this multidisciplinary study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the Tunisian national breast cancer screening campaign in 2019. The Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach was used to measure the relative effectiveness of the governorates with respect to this campaign. Preliminary numerical experimentation reveals promising results and highlights venues for future studies.

SCOPUS: le.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Background Extracorporeal CO2 removal (ECCO2R) could be a valuable additional modality for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in COPD patients suffering from severe acute exacerbation (AE). We aimed to evaluate in such patients the effects of a low-to-middle extracorporeal blood flow device on both gas exchanges and dynamic hyperinflation, as well as on work of breathing (WOB) during the IMV weaning process. Study design and methods Open prospective interventional study in 12 deeply sedated IMV AE-COPD patients studied before and after ECCO2R initiation. Gas exchange and dynamic hyperinflation were compared after stabilization without and with ECCO2R (Hemolung, Alung, Pittsburgh, USA) combined with a specific adjustment algorithm of the respiratory rate (RR) designed to improve arterial pH. When possible, WOB with and without ECCO2R was measured at the end of the weaning process. Due to study size, results are expressed as median (IQR) and a non-parametric approach was adopted. Results An improvement in PaCO2, from 68 (63; 76) to 49 (46; 55) mmHg, p = 0.0005, and in pH, from 7.25 (7.23; 7.29) to 7.35 (7.32; 7.40), p = 0.0005, was observed after ECCO2R initiation and adjustment of respiratory rate, while intrinsic PEEP and Functional Residual Capacity remained unchanged, from 9.0 (7.0; 10.0) to 8.0 (5.0; 9.0) cmH2O and from 3604 (2631; 4850) to 3338 (2633; 4848) mL, p = 0.1191 and p = 0.3013, respectively. WOB measurements were possible in 5 patients, indicating near-significant higher values after stopping ECCO2R: 11.7 (7.5; 15.0) versus 22.6 (13.9; 34.7) Joules/min., p = 0.0625 and 1.1 (0.8; 1.4) versus 1.5 (0.9; 2.8) Joules/L, p = 0.0625. Three patients died in-ICU. Other patients were successfully hospital-discharged. Conclusions Using a formalized protocol of RR adjustment, ECCO2R permitted to effectively improve pH and diminish PaCO2 at the early phase of IMV in 12 AE-COPD patients, but not to diminish dynamic hyperinflation in the whole group. A trend toward a decrease in WOB was also observed during the weaning process. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: Identifier: NCT02586948.

Symmetrical peripheral gangrene (SPG) is a rare, serious entity characterized by ischemic changes of the distal extremities with no vessel occlusion, leading to fatal complications. It is related to numerous causes, and the treatment is not yet consensual. We present the first case of SPG related to low cardiac output secondary to a third-degree atrioventricular block. Physicians should be aware of this entity, as early recognition and adequate management can help in reducing morbidity and mortality and prevent fatal complications.

Summary Introduction The nutritional diagnosis and early nutritional management of COVID-19 patients must be integrated into the overall therapeutic strategy. The aim of our study is to assess the nutritional status of patients with COVID-19 after a stay in intensive care, to describe the prevalence of undernutrition, to determine the factors influencing undernutrition and to describe the nutritional management. Tools and methods This is a descriptive observational study of adult patients admitted to the endocrinology service for additional care after a stay in intensive care during the period from April 17, 2020 to May 26, 2020. The assessment tool used was the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Results Our study included 41 patients; the average age of the patients was 55 years, 51.2% had a severe or critical form of COVID-19, 75.6% stayed in intensive care, 12.2% had a loss of autonomy. The average BMI was 25.2 kg/m2 (17–42 kg/m2), 42.5% were overweight, 61% had weight loss, 26.2% had weight loss greater than 10%, 14.6% of our patients were undernourished, 65.9% were at risk of undernutrition, 19.5% had hypoalbuminemia, 17.1% had hypoprotidemia, 19.5% hypocalcemia, 34.1% anemia, 12.2% hypomagnesemia and 51.2% had a deficiency in vitamin D. A positive correlation was found between poor nutritional status and a longer stay in intensive care (>5 days) (p = 0.011) and lymphopenia (p = 0,02). Conclusion Despite a personalized diet, 14.6% of patients presented undernutrition. Particular attention should be paid to patients with a long stay in intensive care.

Introduction: Mechanisms underlying bone fragility in patients under dialysis are various. The assessment of bone disorder is not yet codified in these patients. Our study aimed to determine the relationship between the serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) level and bone fragility. We also aimed to assess the bone alkaline phosphatase (bAP) to the C-terminal telopeptide of type I (CTX) ratio and the FGF23*bAP product to CTX ratio in patients under hemodialysis. Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study, including 76 patients under hemodialysis. To assess bone fragility, we measured bAP, CTX, and FGF 23. We calculated the bAP to the CTX ratio (bAP/CTX) and the FGF23*bAP product to the CTX ratio (FGF23*bAP/CTX). We defined bone fragility as the existence of osteoporosis or fragility fractures. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were evaluated for each biological using the existence of osteoporosis or fragility fracture as the gold standard for bone fragility. Results: There were 51 men. The mean age was 53.36 ± 14.27 years. Bone fragility was noted in 25 cases. Patients with osteoporosis had higher FGF*bAP/CTX and bAP/CTX ratios. The ability of the ratio (bAP/CTX) to distinguish patients with osteoporosis from those without osteoporosis was good, with a ROC AUC of 0.707. The optimal ratio cut-off value with the highest accuracy was 9.72. The ability of the ratio (FGF23*bAP/CTX) to distinguish patients with bone fragility was good, with a ROC AUC of 0.701. The optimal ratio cut-off value with the highest accuracy was 1621.89 (sensitivity 60%, specificity 78.4%). Conclusion: Our study showed FGF23, FGF23*bAP product to CTX ratio, and the bAP to CTX ratio can be used as markers of bone fragility in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, these noninvasive and relatively inexpensive methods may serve to diagnose bone fragility in patients under hemodialysis.