Transfusion transmitted babesiosis: A systematic review of reported cases

BackgroundTransfusion transmitted babesiosis (TTB) has a high mortality rate but may go unrecognized, particularly in non-endemic areas. We therefore conducted a systematic review to better characterize clinical aspects of TTB.MethodsA literature search was conducted in PubMed and CINAHL databases, from which 25 eligible articles describing 60 TTB patients met criteria for data extraction.ResultsSymptom evaluation was provided for 25 implicated donors: 18/25 (72%) were asymptomatic while 7/25 (28%) had mild flu-like symptoms but were asymptomatic at time of donation. It was common for a single donor or donation to infect multiple patients. Where reported, species included B. microti – 54/60 (90%), B. duncani – 3/60 (5%), and B. divergens-like/MO-1 – 1/60 (2%). Most TTB patients (44/60, 73%) resided in endemic states, while most TTB deaths 6/9 (67%) occurred in non-endemic states. Severity of hemolysis was proportional to degree of parasitemia. Mortality in our series was 9/60 (15%); most deaths occurred at extremes of the age spectrum: 6/9 non-survivors were aged >55 years, 2/9 were <1 year, only 1/9 was 2–54 years. Number of comorbidities was higher among non-survivors (median = 4) compared to survivors (median = 1).ConclusionsAll implicated donors (for which symptoms data were reported) resulting in TTB infections were asymptomatic at the time of donation, and it was common for a single donor or donation to infect multiple patients. Mortality of TTB appeared highest among those with more comorbidities and in non-endemic states. Heightened awareness of this diagnosis is key in its recognition.     

Intrathecal baclofen in tetanus: four cases and a review of reported cases

Objective: Spasms in patients with generalized tetanus can be suppressed by a spinal intrathecal infusion of baclofen. We report on four patients and review reported cases treated by this method elsewhere. Design: Intrathecal baclofen infusion was started with a bolus dose (300–500 μg) and continued at a steady rate of 500–1000 μg/day. The dose was increased in daily steps as needed. Results: Doses of baclofen of 500, 1000, or 2000 μg/day were effective in three patients, while 1500 μg/day was insufficient in the fourth. Bradycardia and hypotonia occurred in one patient at a dose of 2000 μg/day but resolved after the dose was reduced to 1500 μg/day. Another patient developed hypotonia when a bolus of 500 μg was given after a steady infusion of 1500 μg/day. Voluntary movements were preserved in one and returned in two patients when sedation, induced by initial diazepam infusions, receded. The fourth patient needed diazepam during most of the treatment with intrathecal baclofen and required mechanical ventilation while being treated with baclofen. Conclusions: A catheter position higher than T11 would possibly have yielded better results. It may be necessary to adapt the dose during the course of the illness. The preservation of respiratory drive and voluntary movements is the main advantage of treating tetanus with intrathecal baclofen. Additionally it helps to reduce sympathetic hyperactivity. Mortality may thereby be reduced. Received: 4 January 1996 Accepted: 5 June 1997     

Legionella longbeachae pneumonia: A case report and literature review in Japan

Herein, we report the case of a 74-year-old man diagnosed with Legionella pneumonia detected by Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) method, which was suspected to have been transmitted from the potting soil. Legionella longbeachae was identified in the sputum culture. The patient was intubated and maintained on mechanical ventilation. Antimicrobial therapy with azithromycin was also administered. His symptoms were resolved and he was discharged after 26 days of hospitalization. Legionella longbeachae pneumonia rarely occurs in Japan, and published literature of Legionella longbeachae pneumonia cases in Japan was reviewed. Patients with severe pneumonia exposed to potting soils, but with negative urinary antigen test results, should be examined by LAMP method.     

Bisphosphonates-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw: review on reported cases

Osteonecrosis of the jaws associated with the use of bisphosphonates (alendronate, pamidronate, risedronate et zoledronate) are described as an avascular necrosis. We have listed 184 cases of bisphosphonates-associated osteonecrosis of the maxillary in the literature. Many mechanisms are discussed in bisphosphonates-associated osteonecrosis: a disturbing bone turnover, an accumulation of bone's microdamage or an antiangiogenic effect. Other risk factors seem however to be involved: cancer, chemotherapy, glucocorticoids, infection and renal insufficiency.     

A retrospective review of isolated gliptin-exposure cases reported to a state poison control system

Background. The dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors sitagliptin, saxagliptin, and linagliptin are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in the treatment of type-2 diabetes. Given the limited published information regarding human overdoses to these medications, our goal was to characterize such exposures. Methods. A state poison system database was retrospectively reviewed for all single-agent exposures to sitagliptin, saxagliptin, and linagliptin from 2006 to 2012. Case notes were reviewed and an observational case series was constructed from the data collected including age, weight, gender, circumstances surrounding exposure, symptoms, and outcome. Patients with co-ingestants, confirmed non-exposure, unknown outcomes, or other coding errors were excluded. Results. A total of 197 cases were identified: 135 cases were excluded (123 cases were excluded due to co-ingestants and 12 cases were lost to follow-up); 62 were included for review. No patients experienced hypoglycemia. One of 19 exposed pediatric (0–9 years of age) patients experienced symptoms and was safely managed at home after one episode of emesis. No symptom was experienced following unintentional ingestion by three adolescent (10–18 years of age) patients. Forty single-agent adult exposures to gliptins were included. Thirty-seven involved non-self-harm exposures resulting from double or triple doses; all were safely managed at home without reported symptoms. The majority of these ingestions involved sitagliptin. Three self-harm-adult exposures to gliptins were included for review. All the three were evaluated in a healthcare facility. One patient experienced abdominal discomfort after ingesting 700 mg of sitagliptin and was ultimately discharged from the emergency department. The other two patients experienced no reported symptoms. Conclusion. The majority of gliptin-exposed adult and pediatric/adolescent patients were safely managed at home and when evaluated in a healthcare facility, did not require hospitalization. Intentional self-harm-adult gliptin exposures were managed in a healthcare facility but rarely resulted in hospitalization or serious morbidity at doses up to 18 times the adult therapeutic dose. Additional studies are necessary to determine precise triage guidelines for the management of gliptin overdose.     

A case of Shewanella algae-induced bacteremia in Japan: Case report and literature review

Shewanella algae (S. algae) is a rare bacterium that causes infectious diseases in humans. Herein, we present a case of an 84-year-old man with S. algae-induced bacteremia and performed a review of 12 cases identified via a literature search and this case. Literature review of previous reports in Japan have revealed that 69.2% of patients with S. algae-induced bacteremia had a history of contact with fresh fish. Appropriate interviews of patients, especially in the hot season, and the accurate identification of the causative bacterium, by using techniques such as MALDI-TOF-MS and genetic testing, are necessary if S. algae or other bacteria from the genus Shewanella are detected in blood-culture tests.     

淋球菌性新生儿眼炎116例临床分析

目的 探讨淋球菌性新生儿眼炎的临床表现、治疗及预后。方法 回顾性分析116例淋菌性新生儿眼炎患儿的基本情况、临床表现、实验室检查、治疗及预后。结果 116例病例中 顺产103例,剖腹产13例;发病时间4h-16d;临床表现以大量黄绿色脓性分泌物为主,革兰氏染色后镜检G—双球菌阳性率100%,细菌培养阳性率70.7%,药敏以头孢噻肟钠最为敏感;治疗局部采用抗生素液冲洗,抗生素眼液滴眼;全身应用头孢噻肟钠静滴;除1例因角膜穿孔角膜葡萄肿失明外,其余均治愈。结论 淋球菌性新生儿眼炎临床发病率呈上升趋势,及时治疗预后良好,应加强产前教育及淋病筛查。     

Exophthalmus-myxoedema circumscriptum praetibiale-osteoarthropathia hypertrophicans (E.M.O.) syndrome in Graves' disease: a review of eight cases reported in Japan.

Case 1 showed recurrence of hyperthyroidism accompanied by pretibial myxedema and digital clubbing 14 years after thyroidectomy for Graves' disease. Case 2 had had pretibial myxedema for the past 20 years and myxedema tuberosum at the right shoulder for the past 10 years, and on admission showed exophthalmos and digital clubbing with thyroid gland demonstrating histological picture of chronic thyroiditis. This case was in slight hypothyroidism and serum LATS was highly positive. Eight cases of E.M.O. syndrome have so far been reported in Japan, including our own. Six cases of these were males. Two cases did not show any sign of hyperthyroidism throughout their entire courses, including our Case 2 described here. Three cases had never received treatment for Graves' disease prior to the occurrence of this syndrome. The serum LATS was positive in all 5 cases thus far reported.