Studies on monitoring hemodynamics and oxygen dynamics of adult respiratory distress syndrome secondary to high altitude pulmonary edema

To study monitoring hemodynamics and oxygen dynamics of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE),we performed clinic and laboratory studies in 8 patients who preliminarily developed high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and then ARDS occurred at an altitude of 4 500 m. After an initial emergency treatment on high mountains,all the patients were rapidly transported to a hospital at a lower altitude of 2 808 m. The right cardiac catheterizations were carried out within 5 h after hospitalized. The monitoring hemodynamics and oxygen dynamics were studied via a thermodilution Swan-Gaze catheter. The results showed that before treatments at the beginning of monitoring,there presented a significant pulmonary artery hypertension with a decreased cardiac function,and a lower oxygen metabolism in all the 8 patients. However,after some effective treatments,including mechanical ventilation and using dexamethasone,furosemide,etc,four days later the result of a repeated monitoring showed that their pulmonary artery pressure had been decreased with an improved cardiac function with all the oxygen metabolic indexes increased significantly. Our studies suggested that performing monitoring hemodynamics in patients with ARDS secondary to HAPE will define the clinical therapeutic measures which will benefit the outcome.

Study on acid-base disorders in patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome

Arterial blood gases and electrolytes were determined in 159 cases of adult respirato-ry distress syndrome(ARDS).It was found that disordered acid-base balance was a commonfinding in various kinds of ARDS.In mild ARDS,respiratory alkalosis and the combination ofrespiratory alkalosis plus metabolic alkalosis or metabolic acidosis were usually encounted,whilein moderate and severe cases of ARDS,triple acid-base disorders,respiratory acidosis,and thecombination of respiratory acidosis plus metabolic acidosis were commonly seen.Severe alkalosiswas one of the factors to result in death.

Metabolic syndrome vs. its components for prediction of cardiovascular mortality： A cohort study in Chinese elderly adults

Objective The predictive value of the metabolic syndrome （MetS） for mortality from all-cause and cardiovascular disease （CVD） in the Chinese population is unclear. The aim of this present study was to compare MetS with its individual components as predictors of mortality in Chinese elderly adults. Methods A cohort of 1,535 subjects （994 men and 541 women） aged 50 years or older was selected from employees of a machinery factory in 1994 and followed until 2009. Cox models were used to estimate the hazard ratios （HRs） predicted by MetS according to the harmonized defmition and by its individual components. Results The baseline prevalence of MetS was 28.0% in men and 48.4% in women. During a median follow-up of 15 years, 414 deaths occurred, of these, 153 participants died from CVD. Adjusted for age and gender, the HRs of mortality from all-cause and CVD in participants with MetS were 1.47 （95% confidence interval （CI）： 1.20-1.80） and 1.96 （95%CI： 1.42-2.72）, respectively, compared with those without MetS. Non-significant higher risk of CVD mortality was seen in those with one or two individual components （HR = 1.22, 95%CI： 0.59-2.50; fir = 1.82, 95%CI： 0.91-3.64, respectively）, while a substantially higher risk of CVD mortality only appeared in those with 3, 4, or 5 components （H_R = 2.81-3.72）, compared with those with no components. On evaluating the MetS components individually, we found that, independent of MetS, only hypertension and impaired glucose predicted higher mortality. Conclusions The number of positive MetS components seems no more informative than classifying （dichotomous） MetS for CVD risks assessment in this Chinese cohort.

Acute coronary syndrome in the older adults

Coronary heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the developed world. Advanced age is the single strongest risk factor for coronary artery disease （CAD） and independent predictor for poor outcomes following an acute coronary syndrome （ACS）. ACS refers to a spectrum of conditions compatible with acute myocardial ischemia and/or infarction due to various degrees of reduction in co- ronary blood flow as a result of plaque rupture/erosion and thrombosis formation or supply and demand mismatch.

Comparison of Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Pediatric and Adult Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Shenzhen,China

Objective Here we aimed to investigate the difference in clinical characteristics and outcomes between pediatric and adult patients with COVID-19.Methods A total of 333 consecutive patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection treated in the departments of Internal medicine of Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital from January 11 th to February 10 th,2020 were included.The data were obtained from electronic medical records.The epidemiological data,clinical characteristics,length of hospital stays,and outcomes of pediatric and adult patients were compared.Results Compared with adult patients,pediatric patients had a shorter time of symptom onset to hospitalization than adults[median time,1(IQR,1.0-1.0)d vs.3(IQR,2.0-6.0)d,P<0.001],milder or fewer symptoms,less severe chest CT findings.The clinical severity classification of children was less severe than adults.Up to 15 th March,the end of the follow-up,33(100%)children and 292(97.3%)adult patients had been discharged from hospital.Only 2(0.7%)adult patients died,with an overall case mortality of 0.6%.The median length of hospital stay of pediatric patients was shorter than that of adult patients[19(95%CI:16.6-21.4)d vs.21(95%CI:19.9-22.1)d,P=0.024].Conclusion Pediatric patients with COVID-19 had milder or less clinical symptoms,less evident pulmonary imaging changes,better prognosis,and shorter length of hospital stay.

Successful treatment of adult-onset still disease caused by pulmonary infection-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: A case report

BACKGROUND Adult-onset still disease(AOSD) and hemophagocytic syndrome(HPS) are two inflammatory diseases with very similar clinical manifestations. HPS is one of the most serious complications of AOSD and its risk of death is very high. It is difficult to identify HPS early in patients with AOSD, but early identification and proper treatment directly affects the prognosis.CASE SUMMARY A 39-year-old male showed a high spiking fever and myalgia. Laboratory data revealed elevated white blood cell, serum ferritin, and neutrophil percentage.However, his fever failed to relieve after a clear diagnosis of AOSD caused by pulmonary infection and treatment by antibiotics and corticosteroids;further laboratory data showed elevated serum ferritin, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and triglyceride, as well as liver abnormalities. Bone marrow smear showed hemophagocytosis. Secondary HPS was definitely diagnosed. The high fever disappeared and the laboratory findings returned to normal values after treatment by high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone and methotrexate.CONCLUSION For AOSD patients with high suspicion of HPS, active examination needs to be considered for early diagnosis, and timely using of adequate amount of corticosteroids is the key to reducing risk of HPS death.

Outpatient insulin use in type 2 diabetes mellitus and acute respiratory distress syndrome outcomes:A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND The impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)on acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)is debatable.T2DM was suspected to reduce the risk and complications of ARDS.However,during coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),T2DM predisposed patients to ARDS,especially those who were on insulin at home.AIMTo evaluate the impact of outpatient insulin use in T2DM patients on non-COVID-19 ARDS outcomes.METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database.Adult patients diagnosed with ARDS were stratified into insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus(DM)(IDDM)and non-insulindependent DM(NIDDM)groups.After applying exclusion criteria and matching over 20 variables,we compared cohorts for mortality,duration of mechanical ventilation,incidence of acute kidney injury(AKI),length of stay(LOS),hospitalization costs,and other clinical outcomes.RESULTS Following 1:1 propensity score matching,the analysis included 274 patients in each group.Notably,no statistically significant differences emerged between the IDDM and NIDDM groups in terms of mortality rates(32.8%vs 31.0%,P=0.520),median hospital LOS(10 d,P=0.537),requirement for mechanical ventilation,incidence rates of sepsis,pneumonia or AKI,median total hospitalization costs,or patient disposition upon discharge.CONCLUSION Compared to alternative anti-diabetic medications,outpatient insulin treatment does not appear to exert an independent influence on in-hospital morbidity or mortality in diabetic patients with non-COVID-19 ARDS.

Potential therapeutic application of adult stem cells in acute respiratory distress syndrome

Acute respiratory distress syndrome （ARDS） remains a poor prognosis in spite of the recent development of new therapeutic strategies. Cell-based therapy with stem cells has been considered as a promising way for the treatment of vital organ damage. Putative endogenous stern cells have been shown to be located within the adult lung in the basal layer of the upper airways, within or near pulmonary neuroendocrine cell rests, at the bronchoalveolar junction, as well as within the alveolar epithelium. These stem cells are hypothesized to be the source of lung regeneration and repair. But this mechanism seems to be insufficient alter lung injury. There is increasing excitement over the last few years with the suggestion that exogenous stem cells may offer new treatment options for ARDS. Exogenous stem cells have the ability to differentiate and function as both airway and lung parenchymal epithelial cells in both in vitro and in- creasingly in vivo experiments. However, there is great controversy concerning the repair effect of adult stem cells in lung injury. This review evaluates the advances in endogenous respiratory stem cells, and assesses the evidence for the use of stem cells in the repair of lung injury.

Fear can be more harmful than the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in controlling the corona virus disease 2019 epidemic

The current corona virus disease 2019 outbreak caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 started in Wuhan,China in December 2019 and has put the world on alert.To safeguard Chinese citizens and to strengthen global health security,China has made great efforts to control the epidemic.Many in the global community have joined China to limit the epidemic.However,discrimination and prejudice driven by fear or misinformation have been flowing globally,superseding evidence and jeopardizing the anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 efforts.We analyze this phenomenon and its underlying causes and suggest practical solutions.

Single Lung Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Hydatid disease or echinococcosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease. The lungs are the second most commonly affected organ after the liver. Intrathoracic and extrapulmonary hydatid disease can affect the pleura, mediastinum, heart, diaphragm, and chest wall. The unusual location or complications of thoracic hydatid disease can present both a diagnostic problem and a therapeutic and surgical problem. We present results of a case of multilocular thoracic hydatid disease complicated by aortic wall erosion and cystic fistula in a 23-year-old patient who developed acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) on the 4th day after emergency pneumonectomy. The surgery was carried out under the conditions of the auxiliary artificial circulation. This case represented a serious clinical situation with the highest risk to life. The need for immediate respiratory support was due to the development of severe respiratory failure, and the presence of direct and indirect harmful factors of ARDS. The correct choice of modes and techniques of mechanical ventilation resulted in significant and sustained improvement in gas exchange parameters without hemodynamic disorders with a further favorable outcome.

Alveolar Hemorrhage and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Associated with Pulmonary Cement Following Percutaneous Vertebroplasty with Polymethylmethacrylate

We report a rare complication of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and respiratory failure following percutaneous vertebroplasty in a patient who has evidence of cement leakage. Cement injection was done two days prior to presentation and covered 2 vertebral levels for osteoporosis induced fractures.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with severe ulcerative colitis

Various extraintestinal manifestations including pulmonary abnormalities have been reported in patients with ulcerative colitis. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a serious and fatal pulmonary manifestation. We have experienced a 67-year-old male patient with ARDS associated with a severe type of ulcerative colitis (UC). Severe dyspnea symptoms occurred during the treatment of UC in a previous hospital and the patient was transferred to our hospital on June 27, 2007. Both blood and sputa cultures for bacteria and fungi were negative. Cytomega-lovirus antigenemia was also not detected. From the clinical and radiological [Chest X-ray, computed tomography (CT)] findings, the patient was diagnosed with ARDS on the basis of the def inition of ARDS developed by the European-American Consensus Conference on ARDS. Both colonic inflammations and ARDS symptoms of the patient were resistant to any medical treatment includingcorticosteroids and antibiotics. However, ARDS symptoms were dramatically improved after surgical colectomy. We believe that severe colonic inflammation from UC was closely associated with the onset of ARDS of the patient. Our case report suggests that a severe type of ulcerative colitis might be taken into consideration as one of the predisposing factors of ARDS.

Association of stiff-person syndrome with autoimmune endocrine diseases

BACKGROUND Stiff-person syndrome(SPS)and its subtype,stiff limb syndrome(SLS),are rare neurological disorders characterized by progressive muscular rigidity and spasms.Glutamic acid decarboxylase(GAD)is the enzyme that catalyzes the production ofγ-aminobutyric acid(GABA),a major inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system.SPS is an autoimmune disease triggered by antiglutamic acid decarboxylase antibody(anti-GAD Ab).Clinically,anti-GAD Ab is associated with SPS,type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM),and other autoimmune diseases.AIM To investigate the link of autoimmune endocrine disorders with anti-GAD Ab in SPS subjects.METHODS This retrospective study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital,Taiwan.We collected the patients with SPS from January 2001 to June 2018.By reviewing 14 patients from medical records,we analyzed the clinical findings with coexisting autoimmune diseases,particularly diabetes mellitus and thyroid disease,which are associated with anti-GAD antibody titers or other immunological test results(anti-thyroid peroxidase and anti-nuclear antibodies).We also evaluated malignancies,major complications,and reported treatment to improve symptoms.Anti-GAD antibodies were measured using radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The cut-off values of these tests are<1 U/mL and<5 U/mL,respectively.RESULTS The median age of all patients was 39.3(range,28.0-54.0)years with a median follow-up period of 6.0(2.7-13.3)years.Five(35.7%)patients were female;twelve(85.7%)were diagnosed with classic SPS and two(14.3%)with SLS.The median age of onset of symptoms was 35.0(26.0-56.0)years with a median follow-up duration of 9.0(2.1-14.9)years in the classic SPS group;the SLS group had a median age of onset of 46.7 years and a shorter follow-up duration of 4.3 years.Among nine classic SPS patients who underwent the anti-GAD Ab test,three were anti-GAD Ab seropositive and each of these three patients also had T1DM,latent autoimmune diabetes in adults,and autoimmune thyroid disease,respectively.In contrast,other rare autoimmune diseases co-existed in six anti-GAD Ab seronegative SPS patients.None of the SLS patients had additional autoimmune diseases.CONCLUSION While typical clinical symptoms are crucial for the diagnosis of SPS,the presence of anti-GAD autoantibody may consolidate the diagnosis and predict the association with other autoimmune diseases.

Acute cor pulmonale in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome:A comprehensive review

Acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)-related acute cor pulmonale(ACP)is found in 8%-50%of all patients with ARDS,and is associated with adverse hemodynamic and survival outcomes.ARDS-related ACP is an echocardiographic diagnosis marked by combined right ventricular dilatation and septal dyskinesia,which connote simultaneous diastolic(volume)and systolic(pressure)overload respectively.Risk factors include pneumonia,hypercapnia,hypoxemia,high airway pressures and concomitant pulmonary disease.Current evidence suggests that ARDS-related ACP is amenable to multimodal treatments including ventilator adjustment(aiming for arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide<60 mmHg,plateau pressure<27 cmH2O,driving pressure<17 cmH2O),prone positioning,fluid balance optimization and pharmacotherapy.Further research is required to elucidate the optimal frequency and duration of routine bedside echocardiography screening for ARDS-related ACP,to more clearly delineate the diagnostic role of transthoracic echocardiography relative to transesophageal echocardiography,and to validate current and novel therapies.

Lung mechanics in canine oleic acid-induced respiratory distress syndrome model

In mechanically ventilated anesthetized dogs (pentobarbital sodium,30mg/kg) with acute lung injury induced by intravenous infusion of oleic acid(OA),changes in airflow,lung volume,and tracheal (Pao),transpulmonary (Ptp)and esophageal (Pes) pressures were measured.Changes in lung mechanics werestudied before and after OA infusion at intervals,during an observation periodlasting 4h,using curve-fitting method,interrupter technique and pressure-volume(PV) loops measurement.The main findings are listed as follows:(1)Complianceand functional residual capacity (FRC) showed a marked decrease,while Pao andPtp showed a marked increase within 2h after OA.(2) Airflow resistance atexpiratory phase estimated by the curve-fitting method showed a marked increaseafter OA.(3)PV loops of the lungs or total respiratory system showed similarchanges 4h after OA,characterized by the presence of an inflexion point at theinflation limb,increased hysteresis and rightward and downward shift of the loop.It is suggested that use of the curve-fitting method in combination with the PVloop for the total respiratory system would be more appropriate for monitoringlung mechanics during mechanical ventilatory support of ARDS patients.

Middle-East respiratory syndrome coronavirus: Is it worth a world panic?

In- 2012 Middle-East respiratory syn-drome coron-avirus(MERS-CoV) was evolved in- the Arabian- Pen-in-sula. Tre-men-dous an-d successful efforts have been- con-ducted to discover the gen-ome structure, epidemiology, clin-ical sign-s, pathogen-esis, diagn-osis an-d an-tiviral therapy. Taphozous perforatus bats are the in-crimin-ated reservoir host and camels are the currently confirmed an-imal lin-ker. The virus resulted in- less than- 1000 in-fected cases an-d 355 deaths. The case fatality rate of the MERS-Co V is high, however, man-y survivors of MERS-CoV in-fection- showed in-apparen-t in-fection-s an-d, in- several cases, multiple co-in-fectin-g agen-ts did exist. Although MERS-CoV appears to be a dan-gerous disease, it is argued here that a full assessmen-t of curren-t kn-owledge about the disease does n-ot suggest that it is a truly scary killer.

SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the upper respiratory tract and disease severity in COVID-19 patients

Due to the disease's broad clinical spectrum,it is currently unclear how to predict the future prognosis of patients at the time of diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RTPCR)is the gold standard molecular technique for diagnosing COVID-19.The number of amplification cycles necessary for the target genes to surpass a threshold level is represented by the RT-PCR cycle threshold(Ct)values.Ct values were thought to be an adequate proxy for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)viral load.A body of evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 viral load is a possible predictor of COVID-19 severity.The link between SARS-CoV-2 viral load and the likelihood of severe disease development in COVID-19 patients is not clearly elucidated.In this review,we describe the scientific data as well as the important findings from many clinical studies globally,emphasizing how viral load may be related to disease severity in COVID-19 patients.Most of the evidence points to the association of SARS-CoV-2 viral load and disease severity in these patients,and early anti-viral treatment will reduce the severe clinical outcomes.

Biology of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)and the humoral immunoresponse:a systematic review of evidence to support global policy-level actions and research

Background Both population-level epidemiological data and individual-level biological data are needed to control the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic.Population-level data are widely available and efforts to combat COVID-19 have generated proliferate data on the biology and immunoresponse to the causative pathogen,severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).However,there remains a paucity of systemized data on this subject.Objective In this review,we attempt to extract systemized data on the biology and immuno-response to SARS-CoV-2 from the most up-to-date peer-reviewed studies.We will focus on the biology of the virus and immunological variations that are key for determining long-term immunity,transmission potential,and prognosis.Data Sources and Methods Peer-reviewed articles were sourced from the PubMed database and by snowballing search of selected publications.Search terms included:“Novel Coronavirus”OR“COVID-19”OR“SARS-CoV-2”OR“2019-nCoV”AND“Immunity”OR“Immune Response”OR“Antibody Response”OR“Immunologic Response”.Studies published from December 31,2019 to December 31,2020 were included.To ensure validity,papers in pre-print were excluded.Results Of 2889 identified papers,36 were included.Evidence from these studies suggests early seroconversion in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.Antibody titers appear to markedly increase two weeks after infection,followed by a plateau.A more robust immune response is seen in patients with severe COVID-19 as opposed to mild or asymptomatic presentations.This trend persists with regard to the length of antibody maintenance.However,overall immunity appears to wane within two to three months post-infection.Conclusion Findings of this study indicate that immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 follow the general pattern of viral infection.Immunity generated through natural infection appears to be short,suggesting a need for long-term efforts to control the pandemic.Antibody testing will be essential to gauge the epidemic and inform decision-making on effective strategies for treatment and prevention.Further research is needed to illustrate immunoglobulin-specific roles and neutralizing antibody activity.

Prognostic Factors in COVID-19 Pneumonia with Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: An Observational Study

Purpose: To identify prognostic factors in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods: In this study, we included 45 patients with COVID-19-associated ARDS hospitalized at The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University in Jingzhou, Hubei, China, between January 22, 2020, and March 6, 2020. Clinical data and outcomes were reviewed and analyzed according to the Berlin definition. Findings: Men were more likely to develop severe ARDS than women (11 [91.7%] vs. 1 [8.3%]). Factors associated with severe ARDS included sex (male) (hazard ratio [HR], 13.75;95% confidence interval [CI], 1.45 - 130.24), neutrophil count (HR, 55.00;95% CI, 5.02 - 602.15), lymphocyte count (HR, 40.00;95% CI, 4.83 - 331.00), prothrombin time (HR, 12.14;95% CI, 1.19 - 123.62), D-dimer (HR, 11.00;95% CI, 1.16 - 103.94), total bilirubin levels (HR, 5.00;95% CI, 0.93 - 26.79), albumin (HR, 17.5;95% CI, 2.67 - 114.85), blood urea nitrogen levels (HR, 28.60;95% CI, 2.89 - 283.06), lactate dehydrogenase levels (HR, 6.00;95% CI, 1.17 - 30.73), and C-reactive protein levels (HR, 15.87;95% CI, 2.40 - 111.11). Conclusion: Laboratory indicators, such as neutrophil count and lymphocyte count, could play an important role in the diagnosis of severe ARDS and guide clinical decision-making for patients with ARDS.

Prevention,diagnostic evaluation,management and prognostic implications of liver disease in critically ill patients with COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,broke out in December 2019 in Wuhan city of China and spread rapidly worldwide.Therefore,by March 2020,the World Health Organization declared the disease a global pandemic.Apart from the respiratory system,various other organs of the human body are also seriously affected by the virus.Liver injury in patients with a severe form of COVID-19 is estimated to be 14.8%-53.0%.Elevated levels of total bilirubin,aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase and low levels of serum albumin and prealbumin are the main laboratory findings.Patients with pre-existing chronic liver disease and cirrhosis are much more prone to develop severe liver injury.This literature review presented the recent scientific findings regarding the pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for liver injury in critically ill patients with COVID-19,the various interactions between drugs used to treat the disease and the function of the liver and the specific tests providing the possibility of early diagnosis of severe liver injury in these patients.Moreover,it highlighted the burden that COVID-19 put on health systems worldwide and its effect on transplant programs and the care provided to critically ill patients in general and particularly to those with chronic liver disease.