Considerations in the Diagnosis and Management of Lower-Extremity Infections in Injection Heroin Users: A Case Series

2019 ◽  
Vol 109 (6) ◽  
pp. 437-444
Author(s):  
Sadie C. Wylie ◽  
Christopher Cullum ◽  
Robert Brarens
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
National Level ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Heroin User ◽  
Drug Preparation ◽  
Heroin Users ◽  
Diagnosis And Management ◽  
Antimicrobial Intervention ◽  
Injection Practices

Background: On a national level, heroin-related hospital admissions have reached an all-time high. With the foot being the fourth most common injection site, heroin-related lower-extremity infections have become more prevalent owing to many factors, including drug preparation, injection practices, and unknown additives. Methods: We present a 16-month case series in which eight patients with lower-extremity infections secondary to heroin abuse presented to The Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. Results: Three cases of osteomyelitis were seen. All of the infections were cultured and yielded a wide array of microbes, including Staphyloccoccus, Streptococcus, Bacillus, Serratia, Prevotella, and Eikenella. All of the patients were treated with intravenous antibiotic agents, with nearly all receiving combination therapy. Seven of the eight patients underwent surgery during their hospital stay, with two undergoing amputation. Only half of the patients followed up after discharge. Conclusions: This case series brings to light many considerations in the diagnosis and management of the heroin user, including multivariable attenuation of immunity, existing predisposition to infection backed by unsterile drug preparation and injection practices, innocuous presentation of deep infections, microbial spectrum, and recommendations on antimicrobial intervention, noncompliance, and poor follow-up. By having greater knowledge in unique considerations of diagnosis and treatment, more efficient care can be provided to this unique patient population.

TBE in Italy

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Surveillance System ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
National Level ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Mountainous Regions ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
Tick Borne Encephalitis ◽  
Low Incidence

Italy is considered a low-incidence country for tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Europe.1 Areas at higher risk for TBE in Italy are geographically clustered in the forested and mountainous regions and provinces in the north east part of the country, as suggested by TBE case series published over the last decade.2-5 A national enhanced surveillance system for TBE has been established since 2017.6 Before this, information on the occurrence of TBE cases at the national level in Italy was lacking. Both incidence rates and the geographical distribution of the disease were mostly inferred from endemic areas where surveillance was already in place, ad hoc studies and international literature.1

scholarly journals Use of an advanced collagen matrix dressing on patients with complex chronic lower extremity ulcers: A case series

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 2050313X2110136
Author(s):  
Afsaneh Alavi ◽  
Jeannine Archer ◽  
Patricia Coutts
Keyword(s):  
Wound Healing ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Collagen Matrix ◽  
Contact Layer ◽  
Complete Healing ◽  
Average Decrease

The objective of this case series was to assess the wound healing effectiveness of a collagen matrix wound dressing containing partially denatured collagen, carboxymethyl cellulose, alginate and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid in chronic lower extremity ulcers. A total of nine patients with refractory lower extremity ulcers were treated with the collagen contact layer in addition to standard of care. Wound healing progress was measured at 2, 4 and 8 weeks. An average decrease in wound size of 73% was achieved across patients at week 8, with complete healing in two patients. The intervention was easy to use and well tolerated by patients. The results of this study, although preliminary, suggest that the advanced collagen matrix dressing represents an effective and safe treatment strategy for healing refractory chronic lower extremity ulcers of varying etiologies. Further investigation is needed to evaluate efficacy in a larger randomized clinical trial with focus on cost-effectiveness and impact on patient’s quality-of-life.

scholarly journals Effects of the COVID-19 Epidemic on Hospital Admissions for Non-Communicable Diseases in a Large Italian University-Hospital: A Descriptive Case-Series Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 880
Author(s):  
Caterina Caminiti ◽  
Giuseppe Maglietta ◽  
Tiziana Meschi ◽  
Andrea Ticinesi ◽  
Mario Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Communicable Diseases ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Non Communicable Diseases ◽  
Case Series Study ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Long Term Impact ◽  
Series Study

Background: Concern is growing about the negative consequences that response measures to the COVID-19 epidemic may have on the management of other medical conditions. Methods: A retrospective descriptive case-series study conducted at a large University-hospital in northern Italy, an area severely hit by the epidemic. Results: Between 23 February and 14 May 2020, 4160 (52%) COVID-19 and 3778 (48%) non-COVID-19 patients were hospitalized. COVID-19 admissions peaked in the second half of March, a period characterized by an extremely high mortality rate (27.4%). The number of admissions in 2020 was similar to 2019, but COVID-19 patients gradually occupied all available beds. Comparison between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 admissions in 2020 revealed significant differences concerning all age classes and gender. Specifically, COVID-19 patients were older, predominantly male, and exhibited more comorbidities. Overall, admissions for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in 2020 vs. 2019 dropped by approximately one third. Statistically significant reductions were observed for acute myocardial infarction (−78, −33.9%), cerebrovascular disease (−235, −41.5%), and cancer (−368, −31.9%). While the first two appeared equally distributed between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients, chronic NCDs were statistically significantly more frequent in the former, except cancer, which was less frequent in COVID-19 patients. Conclusions: Prevention of collateral damage to patients with other diseases should be an integral part of epidemic response plans. Prospective cohort studies are needed to understand the long-term impact.

scholarly journals ARE SPORTS INJURIES THE MOST COMMON CAUSE OF MOREL-LAVALLEE LESIONS IN THE PEDIATRIC POPULATION?

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7_suppl3) ◽  
pp. 2325967121S0002
Author(s):  
Indranil Kushare ◽  
Ramesh Babu Ghanta ◽  
Nicole A. Wunderlich
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Conservative Management ◽  
Sports Injuries ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Lower Leg ◽  
Functional Score ◽  
Imaging Features ◽  
Associated Injuries ◽  
Common Cause

Background: Traumatic internal degloving injury i.e. Morel-Lavallée lesion (MLL) develops as a result of blunt trauma with tangential shear forces. In the pediatric population, these have been described only as small case reports till date. Purpose: To describe the largest case series of lower extremity Morel-Lavallée lesion (MLL) in the pediatric population, to determine its etiology (especially its relationship to sports), treatment and outcomes. Methods: Retrospective study of patients <18 years presenting to a tertiary children’s hospital with MLL between 2013-2019. Demographics, clinical data, imaging features, treatment and outcomes data was collected. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted. Results: 38 patients (21 males, 17 females) having MLL with mean age 14.6 years were classified into 2 groups- hip/thigh MLL (9 patients) and lower leg MLL (29) (Table 1.1). Most common cause of lower leg MLL was sports injury (79%). Most commonly implicated sports in MLL were football and baseball(24% each). Associated injuries were seen in 9 (23%) patients. Radiographs done in 58% of patients showed no bony abnormalities. Imaging modality of choice was MRI for lower leg MLLs (72%) and US for hip/thigh MLL (67%)(Fig.1.2). MLL size was larger for hip/thigh MLL (168 cm3) as compared to leg MLL (38.6 cm3). 25 (65.8%) of MLLs were treated with conservative management,12 (31.5%) with minimally invasive methods and 1(2.6%) needed surgical management. 2/9 (22.2%) of the associated injuries required operative management. 2/38 (5%) patients were given prophylactic antibiotics. 72.4% Lower leg MLLs were treated with conservative management while intervention was needed more in hip/thigh MLLs (55.6%). Patients returned to activities at 14.3 weeks for hip/thigh MLL;9.1 weeks for lower leg MLL. 24 patients with adequate documentation demonstrated lower extremity functional score (LEFS) and pain level of 74/80 (92.5%) and 0.7/10 respectively at mean 12.5 months follow-up. Leg cellulitis was seen as a complication in one patient. Conclusion: The largest case series on MLL exclusively in the pediatric population suggests that they are more common in knee/leg region region and usually caused by sports injuries which is notably different as compared to adult population. Most pediatric injuries are treated conservatively, especially sports related MLLs. Although return to activities takes longer for hip/thigh injuries, majority of patients regain satisfactory functionality post-injury. [Table: see text][Figure: see text]

scholarly journals Injuries, treatment, and impairment caused by different types of fireworks; results of a 10 year multicenter retrospective cohort study

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daan T. Van Yperen ◽  
Esther M. M. Van Lieshout ◽  
J. Niels Dijkshoorn ◽  
Cornelis H. Van der Vlies ◽  
Michael H. J. Verhofstad
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Procedures ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Whole Person ◽  
Type Of Injury ◽  
Clear Increase ◽  
Level 1 Trauma Center ◽  
Head Neck

Abstract Objectives The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the number of patients reported to a hospital with injuries from consumer fireworks in the months December–January in the past 10 years, and to describe the association between the type of fireworks, injury pattern, treatment, and permanent impairment. Methods A multicenter, retrospective, observational case series. Patients were selected from two hospitals in the Southwest Netherlands: a level 1 trauma center and a specialized burn center. All patients with any fireworks-related injuries treated between December 1 and January 31, during 2007 (December) to 2017 (January), were eligible for participation. The primary outcome was the number of patients with any type of injury caused by fireworks. The secondary outcome measures were patient and injury characteristics, treatment details, and whole person impairment (WPI). The percentage WPI expresses a patient’s degree of permanent impairments as a result of fireworks-related injuries. Results Of the 297 eligible patients, 272 patients were included. From 2007 to 2017, between 21 and 40 patients were treated, and no clear increase or decrease was observed in the number of patients and in the number of patients per type of fireworks. Explosive fireworks mainly caused upper extremity (N = 65; 68%) injuries, while rockets (N = 24; 41%) and aerials (N = 7; 41%) mainly affected the head/neck. Decorative fireworks predominantly resulted in burns (N = 82; 68%), and explosive fireworks in soft tissue lacerations (N = 24; 25%), fractures (N = 16; 17%), and amputations (N = 14; 15%). Patients injured by explosive and homemade fireworks were most often admitted to a hospital (respectively N = 24; 36% and N = 12; 80%), and resulted in the highest proportion undergoing surgical procedures (respectively N = 22; 33% and N = 7; 47%). WPI found in this study was between 0 to 95%, with a median of 0%. In 34 (14%) patients, the injuries resulted in a WPI of ≥1%, mostly as a result of explosive fireworks (N = 18; 53%). Conclusion This study found no increase or decrease in the number of patients treated in two specialized hospitals. Explosive and homemade fireworks could be considered as most dangerous, as they result into the most hospital admissions, surgical procedures, and into the most injuries with permanent impairment as a result.

Diagnosis and management of hook of hamate fractures

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 539-545 ◽  
Author(s):  
Assaf Kadar ◽  
Allen T. Bishop ◽  
Marissa A. Suchyta ◽  
Steven L. Moran
Keyword(s):  
Case Series ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Advanced Imaging ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Historical Case ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Diagnosis And Management ◽  
Time To Diagnosis ◽  
Hook Of Hamate

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the time to diagnosis and management of hook of hamate fractures in an era of advanced imaging. We performed a retrospective study of 51 patients treated for hook of hamate fractures. Patients were sent a quickDASH questionnaire regarding the outcomes of their treatment. Hook of hamate fractures were diagnosed with advanced imaging at a median of 27 days. Clinical findings of hook of hamate tenderness had better sensitivity than carpal tunnel-view radiographs. Nonunion occurred in 24% of patients with non-operative treatment and did not occur in the operative group. Both treatment groups achieved good clinical results, with a grip strength of 80% compared with the non-injured hand and a median quickDASH score of 2. Advanced imaging improved the time to diagnosis and treatment compared to historical case series. Nonunion is common in patients treated non-operatively. Level of evidence: IV

scholarly journals Comparison of Cancer Patients to Non-Cancer Patients among COVID-19 Inpatients at a National Level

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1436
Author(s):  
Alain Bernard ◽  
Jonathan Cottenet ◽  
Philippe Bonniaud ◽  
Lionel Piroth ◽  
Patrick Arveux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Mortality Risk ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
National Level ◽  
Administrative Database ◽  
Hospital Death ◽  
Solid Cancer ◽  
Hematological Cancer ◽  
Risk Of Death

(1) Background: Several smaller studies have shown that COVID-19 patients with cancer are at a significantly higher risk of death. Our objective was to compare patients hospitalized for COVID-19 with cancer to those without cancer using national data and to study the effect of cancer on the risk of hospital death and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. (2) Methods: All patients hospitalized in France for COVID-19 in March–April 2020 were included from the French national administrative database, which contains discharge summaries for all hospital admissions in France. Cancer patients were identified within this population. The effect of cancer was estimated with logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex and comorbidities. (3) Results: Among the 89,530 COVID-19 patients, we identified 6201 cancer patients (6.9%). These patients were older and were more likely to be men and to have complications (acute respiratory and kidney failure, venous thrombosis, atrial fibrillation) than those without cancer. In patients with hematological cancer, admission to ICU was significantly more frequent (24.8%) than patients without cancer (16.4%) (p < 0.01). Solid cancer patients without metastasis had a significantly higher mortality risk than patients without cancer (aOR = 1.4 [1.3–1.5]), and the difference was even more marked for metastatic solid cancer patients (aOR = 3.6 [3.2–4.0]). Compared to patients with colorectal cancer, patients with lung cancer, digestive cancer (excluding colorectal cancer) and hematological cancer had a higher mortality risk (aOR = 2.0 [1.6–2.6], 1.6 [1.3–2.1] and 1.4 [1.1–1.8], respectively). (4) Conclusions: This study shows that, in France, patients with COVID-19 and cancer have a two-fold risk of death when compared to COVID-19 patients without cancer. We suggest the need to reorganize facilities to prevent the contamination of patients being treated for cancer, similar to what is already being done in some countries.

Preoperative Angiography for Free Fibula Flap Harvest: A Case Series: L’angiographie préopératoire pour prélever un lambeau libre de la fibula : une série de cas

2021 ◽  
pp. 229255032199696
Author(s):  
Noor Alolabi ◽  
Haley Augustine ◽  
Forough Farrokhyar ◽  
Carolyn Levis
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Physical Examination ◽  
Perioperative Complications ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Vascular Anatomy ◽  
Limb Ischemia ◽  
Free Fibula Flap ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Fibula Flap ◽  
Free Fibula

Purpose: To assess if preoperative angiography of the lower extremity is necessary to detect abnormalities that alter operative planning of a free fibula flap (FFF). The secondary objective is to determine whether abnormalities are identified on physical examination. Methods: A retrospective case series of patients receiving preoperative lower extremity angiography for FFF was performed. Between November 2004 and July 2016, patients assessed for FFF reconstruction by a single surgeon were reviewed. Outcomes analyzed were preoperative physical examination, angiography findings, changes in operative plan, and perioperative complications including flap failure and limb ischemia. Level of agreement between physical examination and angiography findings was analyzed. Results: A total of 132 consecutive patients were assessed for FFF, of which 70 met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 60.9 (range: 22-88) years old. All patients underwent aortic angiogram runoff, except for 2 who received computed tomography angiography. The surgical plan was altered based on angiography findings in 9 (12.9%) patients, and 7 (77.8%) of these cases had a normal physical examination. A further 6 (8.6%) patients had physical examination findings precluding the use of FFF, whereas imaging demonstrated the contrary. Physical examination demonstrated low predictability of aberrant vascular anatomy, with a sensitivity of 22.2%. There were no limb ischemia complications. Conclusions: Routine preoperative angiography of the lower extremity for all patients being evaluated for FFF is important to ensure safety and success of the procedure. Physical examination alone is insufficient to detect vascular abnormalities that may result in limb or flap compromise.

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