Agranulocytosis following injection of inactivated Japanese encephalitis vaccine (Vero cell): A case report

BACKGROUNDJapanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a mosquito borne flavivirus, is the leading cause of viral encephalitis in Asia, in terms of frequency and severity. JEV infection is thought to confer lifelong immunity. With the near eradication of poliomyelitis, JEV is now the continent’s leading cause of childhood viral neurologic infection and disability. The most common clinical manifestation of JEV infection is acute encephalitis, and currently there is no specific antiviral therapy. Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine (JE-VC) is an effective prevention measure, including JE-VC, Live (JE-MB), and Inactivated JE-VC.CASE SUMMARYA 9-mo-old girl received injection of Inactivated JE-VC (Vero cell) (Liaoning Chengda, batch number 201611B17) on August 31, 2017. On that night, she developed a fever with the body temperature up to 38.5 °C, for which Ibuprofen Suspension Drops 1.25 mL was given as antipyretic treatment. On September 1, the patient developed apocleisis, and her parents noticed herpes in her oral cavity. The patient was sent to our hospital on September 3. Physical examination led to a diagnosis of herpetic stomatitis, for which Stomatitis Spray 1 puff, tid, Kangfuxin Liquid 2 mL, tid, and vitamin B₂ 0.5 tablet, tid, were prescribed. Routine blood tests for low fever on September 6, 2017 revealed an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 0.62 × 10⁹/L, hemoglobin (Hb) of 109 g/L, and platelet count (PLT) of 308 × 10¹²/L, and the tests were monitored regularly thereafter. The patient was followed until July 26, 2020, when routine blood tests revealed ANC 1.72 × 10⁹/L, Hb 138 g/L, and PLT 309 × 10¹²/L, indicating that the neutropenia count had normalized.CONCLUSIONThis report attempts to bring to clinical attention that Inactivated JE-VC (Vero cell) might cause prolonged granulocytopenia or even agranulocytosis.     

New indicators in evaluation of hemolysis,elevated liver enzymes,and low platelet syndrome: A case-control study

BACKGROUNDIndices such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and red cell distribution width (RDW) are considered new markers of the systemic inflammatory response (SIR), and have been widely implemented for the diagnosis of patients with inflammatory diseases. These new indicators have also been widely investigated in preeclampsia (PE) but less analyzed in hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet (HELLP) syndrome.AIMTo compare SIR markers among HELLP patients, PE only patients, and healthy gravidae.METHODSThis retrospective case-control study enrolled 630 cases, including 210 patients with HELLP syndrome (HELLP group), 210 patients with only PE (PE group) and 210 healthy gravidae (control group). The three groups were matched by age, parity, status of assisted reproduction, and multiple pregnancies. Birthweight, gestational age at complete blood count collection, gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, etc. were recorded. The main indices as NLR, PLR, MPV, PDW, and RDW among the groups were compared, as well as some secondary outcomes including neutrophil, platelets, and hemoglobin.RESULTSThe NLR (6.4 vs 4.3 vs 3.5), MPV (11.9 vs 11.2 vs 10.7), PDW (16.4 vs 13.3 vs 14.2), leukocyte (12.4 × 10⁹/L vs 9.7 × 10⁹/L vs 8.7 × 10⁹/L) and neutrophil count (9.9 × 10⁹/L vs 7.3 × 10⁹/L vs 6.1 × 10⁹/L) were highest in the HELLP group, lower in the PE group, and lowest in the control group. Both the overall comparisons between the three groups (all ^bP < 0.01) and pairwise comparisons between every two groups elicited statistically significant differences (all ^dP < 0.01, except control vs PE: ^cP < 0.05 in PDW). The average lymphocyte counts were 1.4 (1.1, 2.0) × 10⁹/L in the HELLP group, 1.6 (1.3, 2.0) × 10⁹/L in the PE group and 1.7 (1.4, 2.0) × 10⁹/L in the control group. The overall comparison of lymphocyte count within the three groups had statistically significant differences (P = 0.000). The pairwise comparisons between every two groups demonstrated that the HELLP group had a lower lymphocyte count than both the PE (P = 0.019) and control groups (P = 0.000), but the difference between the PE and control groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.432). The overall comparisons on platelet counts and the PLR among these three groups also showed statistically significant differences (both P = 0.000), from low to high being those in the HELLP group (43.4 × 10⁹/L, 64.0), control group (180.5 × 10⁹/L, 103.6) and PE group (181.5 × 10⁹/L, 112.8). Pairwise comparisons of neither index displayed statistically significant differences between the PE and control groups (both P > 0.05), while the differences in the two indices between the HELLP group and the two other groups were still statistically significant (all P = 0.000). RDW values were highest in the HELLP group (14.5% [13.6, 15.3]), lower in the control group (14.1% [13.5, 14.8]) and lowest in the PE group (13.9% [13.4, 14.9]). The difference between the PE and control group did not show statistical significance (P = 1.000), while RDW values in the HELLP group were higher than those in the other two groups (^cP < 0.05 vs control, ^dP < 0.01 vs PE).CONCLUSIONSIR markers such as NLR, RDW, MPV, and PDW were increased and PLR was decreased in HELLP. These SIR markers may become new indicators in the evaluation of HELLP syndrome.     

Prophylactic use of platelets in critically ill patients with thrombocytopaenia: A retrospective two-centre observational study

PurposeWe report the use and effect of prophylactic platelet transfusions in critically ill thrombocytopaenic patients, comparing patients with or without bone marrow failure as a cause of thrombocytopaenia.MethodsA retrospective observational study of admissions to three intensive care units (ICU) in the UK. We identified thrombocytopaenic patients who received a platelet transfusion and extracted the platelet count prior and subsequent to platelet transfusion. We grouped patients with or without suspected bone marrow failure, defined by a total white cell count ≤1.0 × 10⁹/L.ResultsOf 11,757 admissions, 399 (3.4%) patients received a platelet transfusion for thrombocytopaenia. The median [IQR] platelet count prior to transfusion in patients without bone marrow failure was 42 [28–64] × 10⁹/L versus 14 [7–24] × 10⁹/L (p < .0001) in those with. The median [IQR] increment in platelets following transfusion was lower in patients with marrow failure (12 [−1−23] × 10⁹/L) compared to those without (18 [5–36] × 10⁹/L) (p = .006).ConclusionsPlatelet transfusions were given at a higher median platelet count than suggested by guidelines. Patients with bone marrow failure were transfused at a lower threshold and experienced a smaller increment in platelet count when compared to patients without marrow failure.     

Retrospective analysis of bleeding events after central venous catheter placement in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

BackgroundThrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a thrombotic disorder caused by severe deficiency of ADAMTS13. Platelets are transfused prophylactically in non-TTP patients for central venous catheter (CVC) with a count <20 × 10⁹/L to prevent bleeding. However, transfusing platelets in TTP prior to CVC placement remains controversial due to concern for arterial thrombosis and mortality. At our center, platelet transfusion is contraindicated in TTP, therefore, we analyzed data for bleeding complications following CVC placement.Study Design and Methods95 acute episodes of TTP were identified. Twenty-six episodes were excluded for insufficient documentation or no CVC placement. The charts of 69 remaining episodes were reviewed.ResultsOf 69 TTP episodes, nine (13 %) had bleeding after a CVC placement. Of these, seven bleeds were minor, and the two were major related to the technical issues during femoral venous access causing arterial bleeds. Median platelet count before the CVC placement among those experiencing bleeding complications was 12 × 10⁹/L (range 3–44) as compared to median count of 15 × 10⁹/L (range 4–257) in those who did not bleed (p = 0.258). Among 44 episodes with a platelet count <20 × 10⁹/L, seven (16 %) had bleeds.ConclusionMajor bleeding complications following CVC placement in TTP is uncommon and most likely related to technical challenges. Median platelet count was similar in patients who bled versus those who did not, suggesting that platelet transfusion is unnecessary to correct platelet count prior to a CVC placement in TTP.     

Post-transfusion purpura in a patient with HPA-1a and GPIa/IIa antibodies

Post-transfusion purpura is a rare bleeding disorder characterized by severe and sudden thrombocytopenia within 3-12 days after blood transfusion. Typically, preformed antibodies directed against human platelet antigens, especially HPA-1a, are associated with the clinical symptoms. A 46-year-old female presenting to the hospital with acute progressive kidney insufficiency and anaemia received two units of packed red blood cells (RBC) within 2 days. On day 7, platelet count felt from 414 to 189 x 10(9) L(-1) and 1 day later dropped to 4 x 10(9) L(-1). Four platelet concentrates were applied without success. After serological confirmation of an HPA-1a antibody, the patient was treated with intravenous gamma immunoglobulin (ivIgG), and the platelet count increased to normal values on day 17. In addition to the persisting HPA-1a alloantibody, an antibody reactive with GPIa/IIa of HPA-5a- and HPA-5b-positive platelets was detected during the acute phase of thrombocytopenia. After complete remission, the patient was transfused with four units of packed RBC from HPA-1a-negative donors, and platelet counts remained normal.     

Azacitidine decreases reactive oxygen species production in peripheral white blood cells: A case report

BACKGROUNDIn myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), oxidative stress is closely related to iron overload and DNA damage. A recent study suggested the possibility that increased oxidative stress causes not only iron overload but also disease progression of MDS with DNA damage. We present a case of MDS with decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in peripheral white blood cells (WBCs) and decreased diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) in serum after azacitidine therapy.CASE SUMMARYA 74-year-old man presented to the hematological department with the chief complaint of anemia. His vital signs were within normal limits at admission with a heart rate of 80 bpm and blood pressure of 135/60 mmHg. Laboratory tests indicated pancytopenia, a WBC count of 2190 cells/µL, a hemoglobin level of 6.2 g/dL and a platelet count of 7.4 × 10⁴/µL. The patient was diagnosed with MDS with fibrosis after a bone marrow examination. This case showed decreased ROS production in WBCs, d-ROMs in serum and Wilms’ tumor 1 after azacitidine therapy, after which his hematopoiesis recovered.CONCLUSIONAzacitidine therapy can improve hematopoiesis and decrease ROS and d-ROM production.     

Bronchoscopy for diagnosis of COVID-19 with respiratory failure: A case report

BACKGROUNDAlthough the imaging features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are starting to be well determined, what actually occurs within the bronchi is poorly known. Here, we report the processes and findings of bronchoscopy in a patient with COVID-19 accompanied by respiratory failure.CASE SUMMARYA 65-year-old male patient was admitted to the Hainan General Hospital on February 3, 2020 for fever and shortness of breath for 13 d that worsened for the last 2 d. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 nucleic acid test was positive. Routine blood examination on February 28 showed a white blood cell count of 11.02 × 10⁹/L, 86.9% of neutrophils, 6.4% of lymphocytes, absolute lymphocyte count of 0.71 × 10⁹/L, procalcitonin of 2.260 ng/mL, and C-reactive protein of 142.61 mg/L. Oxygen saturation was 46% at baseline and turned to 94% after ventilation. The patient underwent video bronchoscopy. The tracheal cartilage ring was clear, and no deformity was found in the lumen. The trachea and bilateral bronchi were patent, while the mucosa was with slight hyperemia; no neoplasm or ulcer was found. Moderate amounts of white gelatinous secretions were found in the dorsal segment of the left inferior lobe, and the bronchial lumen was patent after sputum aspiration. The right inferior lobe was found with hyperemia and mucosal erosion, with white gelatinous secretion attachment. The patient’s condition did not improve after the application of therapeutic bronchoscopy.CONCLUSIONFor patients with COVID-19 and respiratory failure, bronchoscopy can be performed under mechanical ventilation to clarify the airway conditions. Protection should be worn during the process. Considering the risk of infection, it is not necessary to perform bronchoscopy in the mild to moderate COVID-19 patients.     

Evaluation of hematological parameters as an indicator of disease severity in Covid‐19 patients: Pakistan's experience

BackgroundThe severity of COVID‐19 could be evaluated by examining several blood parameters mainly white blood cell (WBC) count, granulocytes, platelet, and novel hemocytometric markers neutrophils to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte (PLR), and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR). The current study was conducted to investigate alteration in blood parameters and their association with the severity and mortality of COVID‐19 patients.MethodologyAn observational cross‐sectional study was conducted retrospectively, a total of 101 COVID‐19 positive patients were examined: 52 were mild, 24 were moderate, 09 were severe, and 16 were critically diseased patients. We also recorded 16 deaths associated with the critical group. The overall mean age observed in our study was 48.94 years, where the mean age for critical individuals was 62.12 ± 14.35 years.ResultsA significant association between the disease severity and elevation in blood parameters were observed. The WBC''s and granulocyte count were significantly increased (p value <0.001) while the mean platelet count (165.0 × 10⁹/L) and red blood cell volume distribution width (RDW) were decreased in the critical group (57.86%) compared to mild group''s patients (177.3%) (p = 0.83). The lymphocytes count was decreased in critical patients (1.40 × 10⁹/L) compared to mild patients (1.92 × 10⁹/L) (p = 0.28). A significant association was observed in platelet‐lymphocyte ratio (p < 0.001), Neutrophil‐Lymphocyte ratio (p = <0.001), and Lymphocyte‐Monocyte ratio (0.011).ConclusionThese blood parameters could be used as a suitable biomarker for the prognosis and severity of COVID‐19. Evaluating novel hemograms NLR, PLR, and LMR can aid clinicians to identify potentially severe cases at early stages, initiate effective management in time, and conduct early triage which may reduce the overall mortality of COVID‐19 patients.     

Case series of COVID-19 patients from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Area in China

BACKGROUNDCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a serious infection caused by the new coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The disease was first identified in December 2019 and has caused significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. AIMTo explore the clinical characteristics and treatments for COVID-19 in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Area in China.METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed the blood cell counts (neutrophils and lymphocytes), blood gas analysis, and thoracic computed tomography changes of patients from Qinghai Province before, during, and after treatment (January 23, 2020 to February 21, 2020). In addition, we summarized and analyzed the information of critical patients. All data were analyzed using SPSS 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, United States). The quantitative and count variables are represented as the mean ± SD and n (%), respectively.RESULTSThe main symptoms and signs of patients with COVID-19 were fever, dry cough, cough with phlegm, difficulty breathing, and respiratory distress with a respiration rate ≥ 30 times/min, finger oxygen saturation ≤ 93% in the resting state, and oxygenation index less than 200 but greater than 100 (after altitude correction). Eighteen patients with COVID-19, of whom three were critical, and the others were in a mild condition, were included. The main manifestations included fever, dry cough, and fatigue. Three patients developed difficulty breathing and had a fever. They were eventually cured and discharged. Adjuvant examinations showed one case with reduced white cell count (6%) (< 4 × 10⁹/L), six with reduced count of lymphocytes (33%) (< 0.8 × 10⁹/L), and one with abnormal blood glucose level. All 18 patients were discharged, and no death occurred.CONCLUSIONOur findings provide critical insight into assessing the clinical diagnosis and treatment for COVID-19 in the Tibetan plateau area.     

Pooled platelet concentrates provide a small benefit over single-donor platelets for patients with platelet refractoriness of any etiology

BackgroundAt our institution, patients with platelet refractoriness (of any etiology) are sometimes switched from apheresis platelets to pooled platelets before human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched units become available.Study design and methodsSeven patients were analyzed. Platelet counts were available from 57 single-unit transfusions (26 pooled, 31 apheresis). A mixed linear effects model was used and significance was determined using a likelihood ratio test.ResultsWhen analyzed as the only fixed effect in the model, the use of pooled versus single-donor units and time from transfusion to post-transfusion blood sampling each showed a significant effect on platelet count increments. A mixed linear effect model including both factors showed that transfusing a pooled unit correlated with a 4500±2000/µL greater platelet count increment compared with a single-donor unit, and an increase in time from transfusion to post-transfusion blood sampling lowered the platelet count increment by 300±100/µL per hour.ConclusionA small but potentially clinically relevant benefit was observed in transfusing pooled random-donor platelets compared with single-donor units for patients with platelet refractoriness (of any etiology).     

Clinically suspected heparin-induced thrombocytopenia during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

PurposePatients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are at risk for thrombocytopenia including heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of suspected HIT in patients receiving ECMO and unfractionated heparin (UFH).Materials and methodsWe conducted a retrospective review in adult patients on ECMO. Patients were included if they received ECMO for at least 5 days and concomitant UFH.ResultsThere were 119 patients who met inclusion criteria. Twenty-three patients (19%) had a heparin–platelet factor 4 immunoassay performed. Patients with suspected HIT had a significantly lower platelet count within the first 3 days of ECMO, 69 × 10⁹/L (22-126 × 10⁹/L) vs 87.5 × 10⁹/L (63-149 × 10⁹/L); P = .04. The lowest platelet count on the day of HIT testing was 43 × 10⁹/L (26-73), representing a 71% reduction from baseline. Twenty patients (87%) had an optical density score less than 0.4, and all patients had a score less than 1.0. A functional assay was performed in 7 patients (30%), with only 1 patient having laboratory-confirmed HIT.ConclusionsThe evaluation of HIT occurred in a small percentage of patients, with HIT rarely being detected. Patients who had heparin–platelet factor 4 immunoassay testing exhibited lower platelet counts with a similar duration of ECMO and UFH exposure.     

Gastroesophageal varices in a patient presenting with essential thrombocythemia: A case report

BACKGROUNDGastroesophageal varices are a rare complication of essential thrombocythemia (ET). ET is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) characterized by an increased number of blood platelets.CASE SUMMARYA 46-year-old woman, who denied a history of liver disease, was admitted to our hospital on presentation of hematemesis. Laboratory examination revealed a hemoglobin level of 83 g/L, and a platelet count of 397 × 10⁹/L. The appearance of gastric and esophageal varices with red colored signs as displayed by an urgent endoscopy was followed by endoscopic variceal ligation and endoscopic tissue adhesive. Abdominal computed tomography revealed cirrhosis, marked splenomegaly, portal vein thrombosis and portal hypertension. In addition, bone marrow biopsy and evidence of mutated Janus kinase 2, substantiated the onset of ET. The patient was asymptomatic with regular routine blood testing during the 6-mo follow-up period. Therefore, in this case, gastroesophageal varices were induced by ET.CONCLUSIONMPN should be given considerable attention when performing differential diagnoses in patients with gastroesophageal varices. An integrated approach such as laboratory tests, radiological examination, and pathological biopsy, should be included to allow optimal decisions and management.     

重组人白细胞介素-11治疗急性髓系白血病化疗后血小板减少效果观察

目的观察重组人白细胞介素-11（recombinant human interleukin-11,rhIL-11）治疗急性髓系白血病患者化疗后血小板减少的效果及不良反应。方法36例急性髓系白血病患者随机分为观察组和对照组各18例,2组化疗均采用DA（柔红霉素＋阿糖胞苷）或MA（米托蒽醌＋阿糖胞苷）方案。化疗期间出现血小板计数〈20×10^9／L或≥20×10^8／L但有出血倾向时,对照组静脉滴注血小板;观察组血小板用法、用量同对照组,并于化疗结束后注射rhIL-111．5mg／次,1次／d,至血小板计数恢复至100×10^9／L以上停用。观察2组血小板计数最低值及恢复至100×10^9／L时间、化疗期间出血情况及血小板输注量以及2组化疗结束后第14天骨髓巨核细胞数量。结果观察组血小板计数最低值、化疗结束后第14天骨髓巨核细胞数量高于对照组（P〈0．05）,血小板计数恢复至100×10^9／L时间、血小板输注量、出血发生率低于对照组（P〈0．05）。结论rhIL-11用于治疗急性髓系白血病化疗后血小板减少,可缩短血小板恢复时间,不良反应轻。     

Analytical performance of automated platelet counts and impact on platelet transfusion guidance in patients with acute leukemia

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of automated impedance platelet counts by Beckman Coulter LH780 (PLT-LH), Sysmex XN-3000 (PLT-XNi) and fluorescence method by Sysmex XN-3000 (PLT-F) in patients with acute leukemia. Blood specimens were subjected to platelet measurements by evaluated methods and then compared against the international reference method (IRM). Eighty-two blood specimens were included. Bland–Altman plots of the differences between the evaluated methods and IRM demonstrated mean biases of PLT-LH, PLT-XNi and PLT-F of 9?×?10⁹/L, 11?×?10⁹/L and 2?×?10⁹/L, respectively. For platelet transfusion guidance, all evaluated methods had acceptable accuracy. For platelet transfusion guidance, the sensitivities of PLT-LH, PLT-XNi and PLT-F were 33.3, 25.0 and 83.3%, respectively, at a transfusion threshold of 10?×?10⁹/L, and 73.1, 61.5 and 84.6%, respectively, at transfusion threshold of 20?×?10⁹/L. High blast count was associated with inaccurate PLT-LH and PLT-XNi. In conclusion, the PLT-F demonstrated excellent performance for diagnosis of thrombocytopenia and for platelet transfusion guidance in the evaluated specimens from acute leukemia patients. With respect to clinical relevance, careful blood smear review is necessary in case of high blast counts.     

Clinical perspectives of platelet transfusions: Defining the optimal dose

To halt bleeding in patients with severe thrombocytopenia due to bone marrow failure, it is desirable to achieve a post-transfusion blood platelet count of 40 × 10⁹/L by platelet transfusions. Based on calculations of corrected count increments, each 1 × 10¹¹ platelets transfused will increase the blood platelet count approximately 10 × 10⁹/L per each square meter of patient body surface area. Thus, the post-transfusion blood platelet count will be approximately 20 × 10⁹/L following transfusion of 3 × 10¹¹ platelets to a 5 foot, 8 inch patient weighing 170 pounds (2.0 m²), who is bleeding because of a pre-transfusion platelet count of 5 × 10⁹/L. The post-transfusion platelet count likely will be even lower in sick patients (sepsis, amphotericin B plus antibiotic therapy, splenomegaly, graft-vs.-host disease, etc.) or if platelets are lost from the unit by leukofiltration before transfusion. Although a dose of 3 × 10¹¹ platelets is acceptable, in a regulatory sense for product quality, it is inadequate to control bleeding in most thrombocytopenic adult patients. Adjusting dose for body size, bleeding patients with pre-transfusion blood platelet of <10 × 10⁹/L and weighing >120 pounds should receive approximately 6 × 10¹¹ platelets, those weighing 30 to 120 pounds should receive 3 × 10¹¹ platelets, and infants weighing <30 pounds (15 kg) should receive 5–10 ml/kg of platelet concentrate.     

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 65 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Liaoning,China

BACKGROUNDCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly to multiple countries through its infectious agent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The severity, atypical clinical presentation, and lack of specific anti-viral treatments have posed a challenge for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. Understanding the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 cases in different geographical areas is essential to improve the prognosis of COVID-19 patients and slow the spread of the disease.AIMTo investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and main therapeutic strategy for confirmed COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Liaoning Province, China.METHODSAdult patients (n = 65) with confirmed COVID-19 were enrolled in this retrospective study from January 20 to February 29, 2020 in Liaoning Province, China. Pharyngeal swabs and sputum specimens were collected from the patients for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 nucleic acid. Patient demographic information and clinical data were collected from the medical records. Based on the severity of COVID-19, the patients were divided into nonsevere and severe groups. All patients were followed until March 20, 2020.RESULTSThe mean age of 65 COVID-19 patients was 45.5 ± 14.4 years, 56.9% were men, and 24.6% were severe cases. During the 14 d before symptom onset, 25 (38.5%) patients lived or stayed in Wuhan, whereas 8 (12.3%) had no clear history of exposure. Twenty-nine (44.6%) patients had at least one comorbidity; hypertension and diabetes were the most common comorbidities. Compared with nonsevere patients, severe patients had significantly lower lymphocyte counts [median value 1.3 × 10⁹/L (interquartile range 0.9-1.95) vs 0.82 × 10⁹/L (0.44-1.08), P < 0.001], elevated levels of lactate dehydrogenase [450 U/L (386-476) vs 707 U/L (592-980), P < 0.001] and C-reactive protein [6.1 mg/L (1.5-7.2) vs 52 mg/L (12.7-100.8), P < 0.001], and a prolonged median duration of viral shedding [19.5 d (16-21) vs 23.5 d (19.6-30.3), P = 0.001]. The overall median viral shedding time was 19.5 d, and the longest was 53 d. Severe patients were more frequently treated with lopinavir/ritonavir, antibiotics, glucocorticoid therapy, immunoglobulin, thymosin, and oxygen support. All patients were discharged following treatment in quarantine.CONCLUSIONOur findings may facilitate the identification of severe cases and inform clinical treatment and quarantine decisions regarding COVID-19.     

Clinical and laboratory characteristics of severe and non‐severe patients with COVID‐19: A retrospective cohort study in China

BackgroundPatients diagnosed with the novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) who develop severe symptoms need to be determined in advance so that appropriate treatment strategies are in place.MethodsTo determine the clinic features of patients diagnosed definitely with COVID‐19 and evaluate risk factors for severe outcome, the medical records of hospitalized patients were reviewed retrospectively by us and data were compiled. Laboratory data from 90 cases were analyzed, and COVID‐19 patients were classified into two groups (severe and non‐severe) based on the severity.ResultsSevere COVID‐19 cases on admission had higher leukocyte and neutrophil counts, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), D‐dimer, fibrinogen, C‐reactive protein levels, and lower lymphocyte counts compared with those of non‐severe cases (p < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) for leukocyte counts, neutrophil counts, and levels of C‐reactive protein was 0.778, 0.831, and 0.800, respectively. The thresholds were 7.70 × 10⁹/L for leukocyte counts, 5.93 × 10⁹/L for neutrophil counts, and 75.07 mg/L for C‐reactive protein, respectively. Logistic regression analyses indicated that higher white blood cell (WBC) counts (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.05–1.71), neutrophil counts (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.06–1.73), and C‐reactive protein levels (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.0–1.04) were several predictive factors for severe outcome. Severe COVID‐19 patients had a reduction in WBC counts, D‐dimer, C‐reactive protein, and fibrinogen upon discharge from hospital, while lymphocyte counts increased (p < 0.05).ConclusionCounts of WBC, neutrophil, and lymphocyte, NLR, and levels of C‐reactive protein, D‐dimer, and fibrinogen are helpful for prediction of the deterioration trend in patients diagnosed with COVID‐19.     

“AFGP” bundles for an extremely preterm infant who underwent difficult removal of a peripherally inserted central catheter: A case report

BACKGROUNDThere have been few reports on level 3 difficult removal of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in neonates. Here, we reported a case of an extremely preterm infant who underwent level 3 difficult removal of a PICC.CASE SUMMARYFemale baby A, weighing 1070 g at 27⁺¹ wk of gestational age, was diagnosed with extremely preterm infant and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. She underwent PICC insertion twice. The first PICC insertion went well; the second PICC was inserted in the right lower extremity, however, phlebitis occurred on the second day after the placement. On the third day of catheterization, phlebitis was aggravated, while the right leg circumference increased by 2.5 cm. On the fourth day of catheterization, more red swelling was found in the popliteal part, covering an area of about 1.5 cm × 4 cm, which was diagnosed as phlebitis level 3; thus, we decided to remove the PICC. During tube removal, the catheter rebounded and could not be pulled out (several conventional methods were performed). Finally, we successfully removed the PICC using a new approach termed “AFGP”. On the 36^th day of admission, the baby fully recovered and was discharged.CONCLUSIONThe “AFGP” bundle approach was effective for an extremely preterm infant, who underwent level 3 difficult removal of a PICC.