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The innate immune system is mandatory for the activation of antiviral host defense and eradication of the infection. In this regard, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, macrophages, neutrophils representing the cellular component, and cytokines, interferons, complement or Toll-Like Receptors, representing the mediators of unspecific response act together for both activation of the adaptive immune response and viral clearance. Of great importance is the proper functioning of the innate immune response from the very beginning. For instance, in the early stages of viral infection, the defective interferon response leads to uncontrolled viral replication and pathogen evasion, while hypersecretion during the later stages of infection generates hyperinflammation. This cascade activation of systemic inflammation culminates with cytokine storm syndrome and hypercoagulability state, due to a close interconnection between them. Thus an unbalanced reaction, either under- or over- stimulation of the innate immune system will lead to an uncoordinated response and unfavorable disease outcomes. Since both cellular and humoral factors are involved in the time-course of the innate immune response, in this review we aimed to address their gradual involvement in the antiviral response with emphasis on key steps in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

To date it is unknown if there is a predisposition to sepsis. In this respect, genetic studies have been conducted with the aim to find gene variants which can point out a higher predisposition to developing sepsis. The primary objective of this study is to highlight whether the genetic polymorphism of Angiopoietin-2 gene (ANG2-35G>C) is present mainly in septic patients. As secondary objectives we aimed to evaluate if there are any associations between ANG2-35G>C polymorphism and the severity scores Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) as well as routine tests in septic patients such as C reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT). We enrolled adult patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). After admission to the ICU and the diagnosis of sepsis, blood samples were collected and the severity scores: APACHE II, SAPS were calculated on the first day of ICU admission. We recorded the following from the blood samples: CRP, PCT, angiopoietine2 (Ang-2). We performed several one-way ANOVA tests to determine any significant mean difference of the analyzed variables. We observed that variant genotypes of ANG2-35G>C gene polymorphism are significantly related to CRP, aspect which increases this biomarker credibility compared with others (i.e., PCT), in septic patients. ANG2-35G>C gene polymorphism is associated with severity scores, APACHE II, and SAPS in sepsis.

As chronic HIV infection is prone to co-infections more than any other infectious condition, many severely immune-depressed patients require advanced diagnostic investigations and complex treatment.

In recent years, a new form of medicine has become increasingly significant, namely, personalised medicine (PM). PM is a form of care in which treatment is tailored for an individual patient.

Background: Known also as Osler’s triad, Austrian syndrome is a complex pathology which consists of pneumonia, meningitis and endocarditis, all caused by the haematogenous dissemination of Streptococcus pneumoniae. The multivalvular lesions are responsible for a severe and potential lethal outcome.

Pulmonary abscess or lung abscess is a lung infection which destroys the lung parenchyma leading to cavitations and central necrosis in localised areas formed by thick-walled purulent material. It can be primary or secondary. Lung abscesses can occur at any age, but it seems that paediatric pulmonary abscess morbidity is lower than in adults. We present the case of a one year and 5-month-old male child admitted to our clinic for fever, loss of appetite and an overall altered general status. Laboratory tests revealed elevated inflammatory biomarkers, leukocytosis with neutrophilia, anaemia, thrombocytosis, low serum iron concentration and increased lactate dehydrogenase level. Despite wide-spectrum antibiotic therapy, the patient’s progress remained poor after seven days of treatment and a CT scan established the diagnosis of a large lung abscess. Despite changing the antibiotic therapy, surgical intervention was eventually needed. There was a slow but steady improvment and eventually, the patient was discharged after approximately five weeks.

Objectives: The goal of the study was to investigate the correlations between the interleukin-6 IL-6 -174 G/C and IL-6 -572 G/C gene polymorphisms and sepsis risk and severity in adult ICU patients.

Sepsis is an injurious systemic host response to infection, which can often lead to septic shock and death. Recently, the immune-pathogenesis and genomics of sepsis have become a research topic focusing on the establishment of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. As yet, none have been identified as having the necessary specificity to be used independently of other factors in this respect. However the accumulation of current evidence regarding genetic variations, especially the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of cytokines and other innate immunity determinants, partially explains the susceptibility and individual differences of patients with regard to the evolution of sepsis. This article outlines the role of genetic variation of some serum proteins which have the potential to be used as biomarker values in evaluating sepsis susceptibility and the progression of the condition.

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is the medical term used to define a skin condition induced by the exfoliative toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus. The disorder is also known as Ritter disease, bullous impetigo, neonatal pemphigus, or staphylococcal scarlet fever. The disease especially affects infants and small children, but has also been described in adults. Prompt therapy with proper antibiotics and supportive treatment has led to a decrease in the mortality rate.

Background. The prevalence of primitive pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) is estimated at approximately 0.5%, significantly higher than in the general population. Objectives. This study aimed to assess the echocardiographic modifications in HIV-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Material and methods. A group of 117 patients, aged under 16, with horizontally transmitted HIV staged according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention criteria, were included in this prospective study, with echocardiographic abnormalities in 79 children. The study group consisted of 27 HIV-infected patients with PAH, while the control group consisted of 38 patients with normal ultrasound features. The diagnostic criterion for PAH was the presence of a mean pulmonary artery pressure above 25 mm Hg, determined at 2 consecutive measurements having at least 6 months distance between them. All subjects underwent a complex echocardiographic assessment, including assessment of left and right ventricular hypertrophy and evaluation of left ventricular function, associated with determination of the immunological stage. Results. We recorded the presence of PAH in 27 patients (23.08%), in whom an average value of 31.48 mm Hg was recorded for pulmonary artery pressure. All patients had mild forms of PAH. Age, gender and immunological stage showed no significant differences in the PAH group compared to patients in the control group. Right ventricular hypertrophy was encountered in 95.23% and left ventricular hypertrophy in 88.88% of the patients with PAH. Left ventricular dysfunction, a complication of pulmonary hypertension, was relatively rare (11.11%). Conclusions. In children with HIV infection, PAH is present in a relatively mild form and does not correlate with the clinical and immunological stage of HIV infection, evolving as a seemingly primitive condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is defined as the bleeding occurring between the upper esophageal sphincter and the angle of Treitz. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is the most frequent gastroenterological emergency and requires the deployment of a multidisciplinary team for an optimum management aimed at saving the patient's life and at the rational management of the therapeutic means. The experience of the Emergency Unit of the Regional Emergency Clinical Hospital of Mure? in diagnosing and managing the upper gastrointestinal bleeding is based on more than 300 cases every year; the experience is doubled by the alignment with the national and international therapeutic guidelines and by the existence of a team specially trained to manage such pathology, involving practitioners in emergency medicine, gastroenterology, surgery, anaesthesia and intensive care. The algorithm for managing this emergency is presented in several successive steps, which optimize the outcome of the patient and lead to a rational management of resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is defined as the bleeding occurring between the upper esophageal sphincter and the angle of Treitz. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is the most frequent gastroenterological emergency and requires the deployment of a multidisciplinary team for an optimum management aimed at saving the patient's life and at the rational management of the therapeutic means. The experience of the Emergency Unit of the Regional Emergency Clinical Hospital of Mure' in diagnosing and managing the upper gastrointestinal bleeding is based on more than 300 cases every year; the experience is doubled by the alignment with the national and international therapeutic guidelines and by the existence of a team specially trained to manage such pathology, involving practitioners in emergency medicine, gastroenterology, surgery, anaesthesia and intensive care. The algorithm for managing this emergency is presented in several successive steps, which optimize the outcome of the patient and lead to a rational management of resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coexistence of a chronic hepatitis B and an alcoholic hepatopathy leads to a mixed hepatopathy where both factors have at least an additive effect, producing more severe hepatic lesions, with an important potential to evolve towards liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The study was aimed at analyzing the main biological, virology and histopathological findings of the mixed hepatopathy (alcohol plus viral B). Two test groups were used, cases composed of patients with a mixed hepatopathy, and controls including patients with lone hepatitis B. A comparative analysis was done on factors such as age, sex, viral strains involved, severity of fibrotic and necroinflammatory lesions, identifying lesions specific to the alcoholic aggression, the enzymatic profile, viral kinetics, specific features of the stages of the viral B infection when combined with an alcoholic aggression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coexistence of a chronic hepatitis B and an alcoholic hepatopathy leads to a mixed hepatopathy where both factors have at least an additive effect, producing more severe hepatic lesions, with an important potential to evolve towards liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The study was aimed at analyzing the main biological, virology and histopathological findings of the mixed hepatopathy (alcohol plus viral B). Two test groups were used, cases composed of patients with a mixed hepatopathy, and controls including patients with lone hepatitis B. A comparative analysis was done on factors such as age, sex, viral strains involved, severity of fibrotic and necroinflammatory lesions, identifying lesions specific to the alcoholic aggression, the enzymatic profile, viral kinetics, specific features of the stages of the viral B infection when combined with an alcoholic aggression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B Learning Objectives: b Early diagnosis of sepsis, rapid identification of high risk patients and disease severity are integral factors to effective sepsis management. Based on the severity of the disease, they were assigned to 2 groups: sepsis patients (Group A, n = 98) and septic shock patients (Group B, n = 65); measurements were reported to a control group (n = 232). Septic shock patients carrying the -308GG genotype exhibited significantly higher TNF- circulatory levels (57.28 pg/mL [10.21-207.5]) compared to sepsis patients (41.31 pg/mL [10.21-207.1], p = 0.0166). [Extracted from the article]

Background and objectives. The use of affordable and simple tools to identify patients with severe forms of COVID-19 is imperative worldwide. The aim of the present study was to identify factors associated with the unfavourable progression of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Military Emergency Clinical Hospital “Dr. Victor Popescu”, Romania. Materials and methods. Data from 166 patients admitted with a positive SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription-quantitative PCR test were retrospectively collected. The presence of lung changes on chest X-ray scans was the criterion used to divide the subjects into two groups: patients with no radiological findings (group 1; n=45) and patients with radiological features of pneumonia (group 2; n=121). Results. The mean age (P<0.0001) and body mass index (P=0.0109) were significantly higher in group 2 compared with group 1. Ageusia and headache, as clinical manifestations of COVID-19, were significantly prevalent (P=0.005 and P=0.007, respectively) in group 2; in the same group, cardiovascular risk factors and established cardiovascular disease were highly prevalent. In SARS-CoV-2 patients with radiological lung changes, correlations were identified between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and C-reactive protein (P<0.001; CI 95%, 0.137-0.471) and fibrinogen (P=0.009; CI 95%, 0.054-0.406), respectively. Only the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was identified as a marker of X-ray changes (P=0.029). Within group 2, and for patients with unfavourable disease progression, the NLR were significantly correlated with intensive care unit admission (P<0.0001) and were highly correlated with mortality (P=0.001). Increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) values had the same tendency. Conclusions. An unfavourable progression of SARS-CoV-2 infection can be expected in middle-aged, obese patients, and in those with elevated levels of inflammatory markers and LDH. Abnormally increased NLR and PLR values may also serve as potential indicators of disease severity; however, further evaluation in a larger patient sample is required to determine the predictive role of these rations in SARS-CoV-2 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introducere. Validarea unor noi biomarkeri în sepsis poate contribui la diagnosticul mai precoce al acestuia şi la iniţierea mai rapidă a terapiei. Scopul acestui studiu este acela de a evalua capacitatea formei solubile a rolului său în evaluarea prognosticului. Material şi metodă. Am realizat un studiu pilot, prospectiv pe 49 de pacienţi cu sindrom de răspuns inflamator sistemic (SIRS) internaţi în Clinica de Terapie Intensivă, care au fost împărţiţi, în funcţie de existenţa bacteriemiei, în lotul A (SIRS cu bacteriemie, n=14) şi lotul B (SIRS fără bacteriemie, n=35). S-au recoltat în prima zi probe sanguine pentru determinarea suPAR, proteina C reactivă (CRP), procalcitonina (PCT) şi hemocultura. Am urmărit identificarea unor valori de cut-off cu semnificaţie statistică în estimarea bacteriemiei şi a mortalităţii la pacienţii septici. Rezultate. În lotul A valorile suPAR au fost de 14,3 ng/mL (interval 10-45,5 ng/mL) iar în lotul B, de 9,85 ng/mL (interval 3,4-48 ng/mL), p=0,008. Aria de sub curbă (AUC) pentru suPAR a fost de 0,745 (95% CI: 0,600-0,859); pentru CRP, AUC a fost de 0,613 (95% CI: 0,522-0,799); pentru PCT, AUC a fost de 0,718 (95% CI: 0,477-0,769). Valoarea de cut-off a suPAR în predicţia bacteriemiei a fost de 9,885 ng/mL, cu sensibilitate de 100% şi specificitate de 51,43%. Mortalitatea în lotul A a fost de 85,7% (12/14), iar în lotul B de 74,3% (26/39), p>0,05. AUC pentru suPAR a fost de 0,750 (95% CI: 0,455-0,936); pentru CRP, AUC a fost de 0,613 (95% CI: 0,413-0,913); pentru PCT, AUC a fost de 0,618 (95% CI: 0,373-0,888). Valoarea de cut-off a suPAR în predicţia mortalităţii a fost de 11,5 ng/mL, cu sensibilitate de 66,67% şi specificitate de 100%.

Background: ICU prognostic scores were developed to measure the severity of the disease and the patients' prognosis. The objective of this study was to assess the validity of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) scores in patients with septic shock., Methods: The APACHE II, SOFA and SAPS II scores were determined prospectively, in the first 24 hours after admission, for all 56 patients with septic shock who were included in this study. Data were statistically evaluated; the discriminating power regarding survivors vs deceased patients was calculated based on the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC)., Results: The overall mortality of the 56 patients with septic shock was 60.71% (34 deaths). The average APACHE II score was 25.36 ± 7.477. The average SOFA score was 7.679 ± 3.197. The average SAPS II score was 44.45 ± 16.97. For the APACHE II and SOFA scores the differences when deceased and survivors were compared were not statistically significant (APACHE II: 26.76 ± 6.742 vs 23.18 ± 8.175 respectively for SOFA: 8.029 ± 3.099 vs 7.136 ± 3.342). For the SAPS II score the values are: 49.12 ± 16.61 in deceased vs 37.23 ± 15.20 in survivors, the difference being statistically significant (p = 0.0092). The areas under ROC for the three scores are 0.622 for APACHE II, 0.575 for SAPS II and 0.705 for SOFA., Conclusions: In our study the SAPS II score was superior to the other scores for predicting survival in patients with septic shock., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest Nothing to declare