Acute paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria upon dengue fever:A case report

Rationale:Dengue fever is capable of inciting the formation of transient polyclonal antibodies directed at red blood cell antigens,resulting in complement-mediated hemolysis,leading to intravascular hemolysis and hemoglobinuria.Patient’s concern:A 12-year-old male patient who recovered from dengue fever a week ago had red blood cell agglutination,spherocytes,and engulfment of red blood cells(erythrophagocytosis)by monocytes and neutrophils on routine hematological peripheral blood smear.The unexpected blood smear results prompted the lab physicians to investigate autoimmune hemolytic anemia,which revealed a monospecific positive direct antiglobulin test for complement(C3d,C3b)and the presence of Donath-Landsteiner antibody.Diagnosis:Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria(PCH),secondary to dengue fever.Interventions:Oxygen supplements,antibiotics,intravenous immunoglobulins,steroid therapy,and packed cell transfusions were administered.Outcomes:The patient’s condition was improved following the therapy.Lessons:Post-dengue PCH is a rare complication that requires a thorough peripheral smear examination for erythrophagocytosis,as advanced hematology analyzers fail to detect such findings.

DEFECTIVE LYMPHOCYTES SUPPORTING HEMATOPOIESIS IN PATIENTS WITH PAROXYSMAL NOCTURNAL HEMOGLOBINURIA

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired hemo-lytic disease in which there is a stem cell disorder of clonal nature. Previous studies have demonstrated that the numbers of burst-forming units-erythroid (BFU-E) and colony-forming units-granulocyte / macrophage (CFU-GM) from bone marrow of PNH patients growing in the medium containing PHA-LCM from the normai donors were more reduced than those of normai bone marrow. The purpose of present study was to investigate if PNH lymphocytes are defective in supporting hematopoiesis in vitro. PHA-LCM from PNH blood was added to the culture medium for the growth of PNH and normai BFU-E and CFU-GM. The numbers of PNH bone marrow BFU-E and CFU-GM in the medium containing PHA-LCM from PNH blood were less than those from normai blood; the numbers of normai bone marrow BFU-E and CFU-GM grown in the medium containing PHA-LCM from PNH blood were more decreased than those from normai blood. The results suggest that diminished numbers of PNH bone marrovv BFU-

Treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. A clinical review

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo(BPPV) is the most frequent episodic vestibular disorder. It is due to otolith rests that are free into the canals or attached to the cupulas. Well over 90% of patients can be successfully treated with manoeuvres that move the particles back to the utriculus. Among the great variety of procedures that have been described, the manoeuvres that are supported by evidenced-based studies or extensive series are commented in this review. Some topics regarding BPPV treatment, such as controlling the accuracy of the procedures or the utility of post-manoeuvre restrictions are also discussed.

Relationship between abnormal vagus nerve tension and basal ganglia cerebral infarction induced paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Objective: To investigate the relationship between basal ganglia cerebral infarction and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation(PAF) caused by abnormal vagus nerve tension.Methods: A total of 1 483 cases of elder patients with cerebral infarction who received head CT or MRI examination during the period were enrolled, including 830 male and613 female, with the average age as 78 years. These cases were divided into basal infarction ganglia group(n = 1 045) and non-basal ganglia infarction group(n = 438)according to the anatomic site of cerebral infarction. The differences of the incidence of PAF, left atrial diameter and heart rate variability were compared between the two groups.Results: In basal ganglia infarction group, the incidence rate of PAF was significantly higher than that of non-basal ganglia infarction group(P < 0.05). The incidence trend of cerebral infarction in basal ganglia was age-related, in the >79 years basal ganglia cerebral infarction group, the incidence of PAF was significantly higher than that of nonbasal ganglia infarction group(P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the left atrial diameter between the basal ganglia infarction group and non-basal ganglia infarction group. Basal ganglia cerebral infarction patients with high PAF had higher heart rate variability than non-basal ganglia infarction group.Conclusion: Elderly patients with basal ganglia infarction have high incidence of PAF.Sympathetic nerve damage in cerebral basal ganglia, increased vagal tension and cardiac vagal tension are the direct causes of PAF. The results indicates that the increased central vagal nerve tension mediated PAF probably is an indication of supplying sympathetic neurotransmitter or cardiac vagal denervation treatment.

Climatic variations and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo(BPPV) is probably the most common diagnosis at vertigo clinics.Seasonal cycles of several human illnesses could be attributed variously to changes in atmospheric or weather conditions.In this retrospective study,patients with BPPV from January 2010 to December 2012 were studied,and their charts were reviewed.Statistical analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in patients’ numbers among different months of the year.Also there is a significant statistical correlation between the numbers of patients with climatic variations especially the temperature.The present paper discusses the possible explanations for these results which confirms the seasonal variations in BPPV,together with a review of literature to view the possible associations with other disorders that causes such seasonality.

Probable benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, spontaneously resolved:Incidence in medical practice, patients’ characteristics and the natural course

Background: Probable benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, spontaneously resolved (pBPPVsr), is a variant of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) in which there is no observable nystagmus and no vertigo with any positional maneuver. Objectives: To calculate the incidence pBPPVsr, compare the characteristics of the patients with pBPPVsr and BPPV not spontaneously resolved and describe the spontaneous resolution in the natural course of BPPV. Methods: Multicenter prospective descriptive study. During a one-year period, all patients with suspected BPPV that presented to the Neurotology Units of five participating centers were recruited. The incidence of pBPPVsr was calculated as a percentage of the total number of patients with BPPV. The prevalence of several variables was compared between pBPPVsr and BPPV not spontaneously resolved. The timing of spontaneous resolution was estimated using Kaplan-Meier curves. Results: 457 patients met the inclusion criteria. The incidence of pBPPVsr was 33.5%. It was significantly higher in males, in patients with normal bone mass and in patients who were not taking sulpiride. A rate of 18% of spontaneous resolution after the first month and 51% after the first year was found. This percentage did not change in a significant way after this moment. The curves for males, patients under 50 and patients with normal blood pressure decreased significantly faster. Conclusions: In our serie, BPPV spontaneously resolved in half of the patients with BPPV during the first year. This seemed to occur more commonly in males and could have been hindered by sulpiride intake, osteoporosis, advanced age and high blood pressure.

Causes and treatment of idiopathic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo based on endocrinological and other metabolic factors

The genesis of the Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo(BPPV)seems to be related to some metabolic factors.These factors,such as vitamin D,glucocorticoids,and even thyroid and growth hormones,can affect bone metabolism and the mineralization of otoconia.It also seems to link to factors related to aging or nutritional habits.Besides,since the incidence of BPPV is quantitatively higher in women than in men,female sex steroids could be associated with this process.It could be useful to understand how these factors act in otoconial mineralization if we want to develop treatments aimed at preventing or delaying BPPV recurrences.In this review,we will analyze the role of these metabolic and hormonal factors in otoconial mineralization and in the treatment of BPPV.

BENIGN PAROXYSMAL POSITIONAL VERTIGO

One of the most common causes of vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo(BPPV),a sensation of spinning that is caused by a sudden change in head position.This type of vertigo was first described by Robert Barany in the early 1920s[1].He suggested that BPPV was caused by abnormal otoliths,also called statoconium or otoconius,a structure in the saccule or utricle in

A Numerical Investigation of the Effects of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo on the Balance Function of the Inner Ear

A three-dimensional numerical model of the membranous labyrinth of the semicircular canal of the inner ear was established to investigate the effects of canalithiasis of BPPV on the balance function of the inner ear.The movement of otolith particles in the membranous labyrinth was simulated when a person turns his head to a specific position.The effects of otolith movements on the balance function of the inner ear were simulated for different numbers,diameters,and initial positions of otoliths.The simulation results show that the otolith diameter affects the movement duration of otoliths in the membranous labyrinth.The number and diameter of otoliths,the diameter of the membranous labyrinth,and the initial position of the otoliths can cause changes in the pressure difference on both sides of the cupula of the crista ampullaris(cupula).The latent period and onset period are related to the diameter of otolith particles and the position of the head.There is also a correlation between the severity of the disease and the diameter and number of otolith particles.

Efficacy and economic benefits of a modified Valsalva maneuver in patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia

BACKGROUND A modified Valsalva maneuver(VM)has been suggested to be superior to the standard VM for conversion of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia(PSVT).AIM To evaluate the efficacy and economic benefits of a modified VM in Chinese patients.METHODS Patients with PSVT admitted to our center between October 2017 and September 2019 were randomly assigned to the modified and standard VM groups.Conversion via VM was performed up to three times.The primary outcome of the study was the success rate of PSVT conversion to sinus rhythm.The secondary outcomes included the incidence of adverse events,economic cost during the visit,and the degree of patient acceptance of the treatment.RESULTS Overall,361 patients were enrolled,with 180 allocated to the modified VM group and 181 to the standard VM group.Baseline characteristics were well matched in the groups.Overall,the modified VM group had higher success rates of PSVT conversion after single(47.78%vs 15.38%,P<0.001)and multiple(62.22%vs 19.78%,P<0.001)VM sessions.No significant differences in the incidences of adverse events and rates of patient acceptance were detected between the two groups(both P>0.05).Moreover,the economic cost of the clinic visit was significantly lower for the modified VM group than for the standard VM group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The modified VM may confer both therapeutic and economic benefits as compared with the standard VM for conversion of PSVT.

Role of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers in cryoballoon ablation outcomes for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND Cryoballoon ablation(CBA)is recommended for patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation(AF)refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs.However,only 80%of patients benefit from initial CBA.There is growing evidence that pretreatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors(ACEIs)and angiotensin receptor blockers(ARBs)decreases the recurrence of AF postablation,particularly in nonparoxysmal AF undergoing radiofrequency ablation.The role of ACEIs and ARBs in patients with paroxysmal AF in CBA remains unknown.We decided to investigate the role of ACEIs and ARBs in preventing the recurrence of atrial arrhythmia(AA)following CBA for paroxysmal AF.AIM To investigate the role of ACEIs and ARBs in preventing recurrence of AA following CBA for paroxysmal AF.METHODS We followed 103 patients(age 60.6±9.1 years,29%women)with paroxysmal AF undergoing CBA 1-year post procedure.Recurrence was assessed by documented AA on electrocardiogram or any form of long-term cardiac rhythm monitoring.A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess if ACEI or ARB treatment predicted the risk of AA recurrence.RESULTS After a 1-year follow-up,19(18.4%)participants developed recurrence of AA.Use of ACEI or ARB therapy was noted in the study population.Patients on ACEI/ARB had a greater prevalence of hypertension and coronary artery disease.On a multivariate model adjusted for baseline demographics and risk factors for AF,ACEI or ARB therapy did not prevent recurrence of AA following CBA(P=0.72).Similarly,on Kaplan–Meier analysis pretreatment with ACEI/ARB did not predict the time to first recurrence of AA(P=0.2173).CONCLUSION In our study population,preablation treatment with an ACEI or ARB had no influence on the recurrence of AA following CBA for paroxysmal AF.

A comparative study of two methods for treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in the emergency department

Introduction: Posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (PC-BPPV) is considered the mostcommon cause of peripheral vertigo in the emergency department (ED). Although the canalith repositioning maneuver (CRM) is the standard of care, the most effective method to deliver it in the ED hasbeen poorly studied.Objective: To compare two protocols of the Epley maneuver for the treatment of PC-BPPV.Patients and methods: We prospectively recruited 101 patients with unilateral PC-BPPV on physical examination, randomizing them to either a single Epley maneuver (EM) (n ¼ 46) or multiple maneuvers(n ¼ 55) on the same visit. Measured outcomes included presence/absence of positional nystagmus,resolution of vertigo, and score on the dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) at follow-up evaluations. TheDHI was stratified into mild ( 30) and moderate-severe (>30).Results: Normalization of the Dix-Hallpike maneuver at day 5 was observed in 38% of the single EMgroup and 44.4% in the multiple EM group (p ¼ 0.62). The DHI showed reduction from 42.2 (SD 18.4) to31.9 (SD 23.7) in the single EM group and from 43.7 (SD 22.9) to 33.5 (SD 21.5) in the multiple EM group(p ¼ 0.06). A higher number of patients improved from moderate-severe to mild DHI (p ¼ 0.03) in thesingle EM group compared to the multi-EM group (p ¼ 0.23).Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference between performing a single EM versusmultiple EMs for treatment of PC-BPPV in the emergency department. The single EM approach isassociated with shorter physical contact between patients and examiner, which is logically safer in apandemic context.

A possible objective test to detect benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. The role of the caloric and video-head impulse tests in the diagnosis

Background:Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo(BPPV)is characterized by vertigo lasting from seconds to minutes,induced by head movements.Objectives:Our study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of the caloric vestibular and video head-impulse tests(vHIT)diagnosing the disorder.Methods:68 patients suffering from posterior canal BPPV(25 male,43 females,mean age±SD,54.5±13.2 years)and 56 patients with a normal functioning vestibular system as control were investigated.Bithermal caloric test and vHIT was performed during the same medical check-up.Canal paresis(CP%),gain(GA)and asymmetry(GA%)parameters were calculated.Results:The Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre was only positive in 4%of this population.The CP%parameter was only pathologic in two patients,and there was no significant difference between control and BPPV patients(p=0.76).The GA value was never under 0.8 in this population,but GA%was abnormal in 63.2%.A significant difference comparing the GA%values to the control group was seen(p=0.034).There was no correlation detected between the CP%and GA%values in BPPV.Regarding the GA%value,61%sensitivity and 76%specificity was seen.Conclusion:The Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre was not often positive in the non-acute phase of BPPV;therefore,objective testing is essential.The caloric test does not have clinical significance in BPPV,but vHIT can be helpful based on the GA%parameter。

Role of subjective visual vertical in patients with posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo as a prognostic marker after canalith repositioning maneuver

Objective:To study the potential role of subjective visual vertical(SVV)as a prognostic marker for canalith repositioning maneuver(CRM)in patients with posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo(PC-BPPV)for the Indian population.Methods:SVV was examined in 30 patients with PC-BPPV before and after canalith repositioning maneuver and after complete resolution of PC-BPPV.Study parameters included the mean of 10 angular tilt readings and direction of deviation,which were compared before and after CRM and following complete resolution of PC-BPPV.Results:The angle of SVV tilt was greater and deviated towards the affected ear before CRM in all patients,which decreased significantly shortly after CRM and continued to decrease after complete resolution of PC-BPPV(p<0.0001).Conclusions:SVV can be used to test utricular dysfunction in PC-BPPV.The angle of tilt improves in response to CRM,which may be used as a prognostic marker in patients with PC-BPPV receiving CRM.

Successful treatment of noncirrhotic portal hypertension with eculizumab in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: A case report

BACKGROUND Idiopathic non-cirrhotic portal hypertension(INCPH)is mainly associated with thrombophilia in Western countries.Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria(PNH)is a rare hematologic disease that manifests with hemolytic anemia,thrombosis,and peripheral blood cytopenias.Portal and hepatic venous thrombosis were reported in PNH.A rare case of INCPH complicating PNH is described.CASE SUMMARY A 63-year old woman with a 2-year past medical history of PNH without treatment was admitted because of jaundice and refractory ascites requiring large volume paracentesis.Liver histology revealed portal venopathy with portal fibrosis and sclerosis,nodular regenerative hyperplasia,parenchymal ischemic changes,and focal sinusoidal and perivenular fibrosis without bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis,all indicative of INCPH.The flow cytometry confirmed PNH diagnosis and eculizumab treatment was initiated.Her condition was improved gradually,bilirubin was normalized 6 months following initiation of eculizumab,and 1 year later diuretics were stopped.CONCLUSION Eculizumab improved intravascular hemolysis and reversed clinical manifestations of INCPH in a patient with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

Clinical Analysis of Nine Cases of Paroxysmal Exercise-induced Dystonia

This study was aimed to analyze the clinical features of paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) and extend the understanding of this disease. From August, 2008 to October, 2010, 9 patients were diagnosed with PKD in the Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, China. The data involving clinical demographic characteristics, somatosensory evoked potentials, results of electromyography, video electroencephalography (EEG), brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) were collected. All PKD patients exhibited unilat-eral or bilateral recurrent episodic dyskinetic attacks triggered by sudden voluntary movements. The duration of the attacks ranged from several seconds to one minute. The attack frequency ranged from approximately once in several months to more than 10 times in a day. Patients suffered from no conscious disorders during the attack, and no neurological signs were found during the period between attacks. No abnormal somatosensory evoked potentials were found. Routine EEG, video EEG monitoring or brain imaging showed normal findings. Classical treatment for anti-epilepsy, including car-bamazepine and topiramate, was administered to the patients and proved to be effective. It was concluded that PKD is characteristically triggered by sudden voluntary movement; no abnormal elec-troneurophysiological findings are observed in PKD, and antiepileptic drugs are effective in treating the disorder.

CHANGES OF PLASMA ENDOTHELIN AND ATRIAL NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE DURING THE ONSET AND AFTER TERMINATION OF PAROXYSMAL SUPRAVENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA

Radioimmunoassays were used to measure the concentration changes of plasma endothelin(ET) and atrial natriuretic peptide(ANP) during the onset and after termination of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia(SVT). 30 cases were reviewed and compansons with 42 normal subjects were made. There are very significant differences(P<0.0001) in the concentration changes of both plasma ET and ANP during the onset and 30 minutes after the termination of SVT. During the onset period of SVT. the plasma ET and ANP were markedly elevated and 30 minutes after its termination they were lowered significantly, but their concentrations were still 2-fold higher than ihose of the control group. As the biological effects of ANP and ET are antagonistic to each other. their parallel elevation and lowering of plasma concentrations during and.after the termination of SVT reveal that these 2 hormones parucipate in the pathophysiological process of SVT. This phenomenon is possibly one of the homeostatic regulatory functions in the organism.

Clinical Characteristics of Paroxysmal Kinesigenic Choreoathetosis: Diagnosis, Treatment and Prognosis

The clinical characters, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of paroxysmal kinesigenic choreoathetosis （PKC）, and efficacy of the anti-epileptic drugs （AEDs） were investigated. Thirty-one patients with PKC were collected, and the clinical characters and change of EEG were analyzed. The average age of the first attack was 16.8 years old and the pinnacle was 10 to 20 years old. There were definite causes for every attack and the sudden the whole attack was always less than 1 min. movement was the most common one （92%）. Time for The attack presented with muscle tension disturbance （83.9%）, movement like dancing （16.1%）, abnormal movement of mouth and face and other symptoms （16.2%）. The attack tended to be very frequent and 71% patients were beyond once per day. The EEG examination and image scan of primary PKC were normal in most patients. Low dosage of AEDs could control the attack of 50%-77.3% patients. It was concluded that PKC was a common disease of movement disorder. The therapy by AEDs was very effective. PKC should be differentiated from epilepsy and the relationship between PKC and epilepsy needs further research.

QTc Interval Predicts Outcome of Catheter Ablation in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Catheter ablation has been recommended as a treatment option for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation（PAF） patients complicated with type 2 diabetes mellitus（T2DM）. PAF patients with T2 DM have a higher recurrence rate after catheter ablation. Prolongation of corrected QT（QTc） interval has been linked to poor outcomes in T2 DM patients. Whether the abnormal QTc interval is associated with the ablation outcome in the PAF patients with T2 DM remains unknown. In this study, 134 PAF patients with T2 DM undergoing primary catheter ablation were retrospectively enrolled. Pre-procedural QTc interval was corrected by using the Bazett＇s formula. Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to assess the relationship between QTc interval and the recurrence of AF. After a 29.1-month follow-up period, 61 patients experienced atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence. Recurrent patients had a longer QTc interval than non-recurrent patients（425.2±21.5 ms vs. 414.1±13.4 ms, P=0.002）. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that QTc interval [hazard ratio（HR）=1.026, 95% confidence interval（CI） 1.012–1.040, P=0.005] and left atrial diameter（LAD）（HR=1.125, 95% CI 1.062–1.192, P=0.003） were independent predictors of recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmia. Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that the cut-off value of QTc（418 ms） predicted arrhythmia recurrence with a sensitivity of 55.7% and a specificity of 69.9%. A combination of LAD and QTc was more effective than LAD alone（P〈0.001） in predicting arrhythmia recurrence after the procedure. QTc interval could be used as an independent predictor of arrhythmia recurrence in T2 DM patients undergoing AF ablation, thus providing a simple method to identify those patients who likely have a better outcome following the procedure.

Traditional Chinese Medicine nursing protocols for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation(AF), the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide, is associated with a higher risk of mortality and morbidity, in which paroxysmal atrial fibrillation(PAF) approximately accounts for 25%-60% of AF. Anti-arrhythmic drugs(AAD) have been used to treat different indications of AF for a long time, but its use is limited due to potential proarrhythmic cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular toxicity as well as the modest impact on the maintenance of sinus rhythm. Recently, Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) exhibits an excellent effect on PAF. This article primarily investigated the key points of common syndromes, TCM nursing methods and healthy guidance of PAF, aiming at maintaining and developing the strengths of TCM, improving its efficacy and standardizing its behavior.