Severe liver injury and clinical characteristics of occupational exposure to 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide: A case series

Background:The 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide is a key intermediate in the synthesis of pesticides and pharmaceuticals.However,no literature currently exists on 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide poisoning in humans.This study aimed to reveal the health hazard of this chemical for humans and summarize the clinical characteristics of patients with occupational 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide poisoning.Methods:This observational study included four patients with 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide poisoning from June 2022 to July 2022.The entire course of the incidents was described in detail.Blood 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide concentrations were detected by a mass spectrometer.Hema-toxylin and eosin staining was performed to assess liver injury,and immunofluorescence was used to evaluate hepatic mitophagy.Results:The 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide powder(99%purity)entered the human body mainly via the skin and respiratory tract due to poor personal protective measures.The typical course of 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide poisoning was divided into latency,rash,fever,organic dam-age,and recovery phases in accordance with the clinical evolution.Rash and fever may be the important premonitory symptoms for further organ injuries.The chemical was detected in the blood of all patients and caused multiple organ injuries,predominantly liver injury,including kidney,myocardium,and micro-circulation.Three patients recovered smoothly after comprehensive treatments,including artificial liver therapy,continuous renal replacement therapy,glucocorticoids,and other symptomatic and supportive treatments.One patient survived by liver transplantation.The postoperative pathological findings of the removed liver showed acute liver failure,and immunofluorescence staining confirmed the abundance of mitophagy in residual hepatocytes.Conclusions:This study is the first to elaborate the clinical characteristics of patients with 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide poisoning.The chemical enters the body through the respiratory tract and skin during industrial production.The 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide poisoning causes multiple-organ dysfunction with a predominance of liver injury.Liver transplantation may be an effective option for patients with severe liver failure.The mechanisms of liver injury induced by 2-amino-5-chloro-N,3-dimethylbenzamide might involve abnormal mitochondrial function and mitophagy.

Clinical characteristics of acute non-varicose upper gastrointestinal bleeding and the effect of endoscopic hemostasis

BACKGROUND Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(ANVUGIB)constitutes a prevalent emergency within Gastroenterology,encompassing 80%-90%of all gastrointestinal hemorrhage incidents.This condition is distinguished by its abrupt onset,swift progression,and notably elevated mortality rate.AIM To gather clinical data from patients with ANVUGIB at our hospital in order to elucidate the clinical characteristics specific to our institution and analyze the therapeutic effectiveness of endoscopic hemostasis.METHODS We retrospectively retrieved the records of 532 patients diagnosed with ANVUGIB by endoscopy at our hospital between March 2021 and March 2023,utilizing our medical record system.Data pertaining to general patient information,etiological factors,disease outcomes,and other relevant variables were meticulously collected and analyzed.RESULTS Among the 532 patients diagnosed with ANVUGIB,the male-to-female ratio was 2.91:1,with a higher prevalence among males.Notably,43.6%of patients presented with black stool as their primary complaint,while 27.4%had hematemesis as their initial symptom.Upon admission,17%of patients exhibited both hematemesis and black stool,while most ANVUGIB patients primarily complained of overt gastrointestinal bleeding.Urgent routine blood examinations at admission revealed that 75.8%of patients had anemia,with 63.4%experiencing moderate to severe anemia,and 1.5%having extremely severe anemia(hemoglobin<30 g/L).With regard to etiology,53.2%of patients experienced bleeding without a definitive trigger,24.2%had a history of using gastric mucosa-irritating medications,24.2%developed bleeding after alcohol consumption,2.8%attributed it to improper diet,1.7%to emotional excitement,and 2.3%to fatigue preceding the bleeding episode.Drug-induced ANVUGIB was more prevalent in the elderly than middle-aged and young individuals,while bleeding due to alcohol consumption showed the opposite trend.Additionally,diet-related bleeding was more common among the young age group compared to the middle-aged group.Gastrointestinal endoscopy identified peptic ulcers as the most frequent cause of ANVUGIB(73.3%),followed by gastrointestinal malignancies(10.9%),acute gastric mucous lesions(9.8%),and androgenic upper gastrointestinal bleeding(1.5%)among inpatients with ANVUGIB.Of the 532 patients with gastrointestinal bleeding,68 underwent endoscopic hemostasis,resulting in an endoscopic treatment rate of 12.8%,with a high immediate hemostasis success rate of 94.1%.

Clinical characteristics and outcome of autoimmune pancreatitis based on serum immunoglobulin G4 level:A single-center,retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND Autoimmune pancreatitis(AIP)has been linked with elevated immunoglobulin(Ig)G4 levels.The characteristics and outcomes of AIP based on serum markers have not been fully evaluated.AIM To compare clinical features,treatment efficacy,and outcome of AIP based on serum IgG4 levels and analyze predictors of relapse.METHODS A total of 213 patients with AIP were consecutively reviewed in our hospital from 2006 to 2021.According to the serum IgG4 level,all patients were divided into two groups,the abnormal group(n=148)with a high level of IgG4[>2×upper limit of normal(ULN)]and the normal group(n=65).The t-test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare continuous variables.Categorical parameters were compared by theχ^(2) test or Fisher’s exact test.Kaplan-Meier curves Zhou GZ et al.Clinical characteristics and outcome of AIP WJG https://www.wjgnet.com 5126 September 21,2023 Volume 29 Issue 35 and log-rank tests were established to assess the cumulative relapse rates.Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to investigate potential risk factors of AIP relapse.RESULTS Compared with the normal group,the abnormal group had a higher average male age(60.3±10.4 vs 56.5±12.9 years,P=0.047);higher level of serum total protein(72.5±7.9 g/L vs 67.2±7.5 g/L,P<0.001),IgG4(1420.5±1110.9 mg/dL vs 252.7±106.6 mg/dL,P<0.001),and IgE(635.6±958.1 IU/mL vs 231.7±352.5 IU/mL,P=0.002);and a lower level of serum complement C3(100.6±36.2 mg/dL vs 119.0±45.7 mg/dL,P=0.050).In addition,a lower number of cases with abnormal pancreatic duct and pancreatic atrophy(23.6%vs 37.9%,P=0.045;1.6%vs 8.6%,P=0.020,respectively)and a higher rate of relapse(17.6%vs 6.2%,P=0.030)were seen in the abnormal group.Multivariate analyses revealed that serum IgG4[(>2×ULN),hazard ratio(HR):3.583;95%confidence interval(CI):1.218–10.545;P=0.020]and IgA(>1×ULN;HR:5.908;95%CI:1.199–29.120;P=0.029)and age>55 years(HR:2.383;95%CI:1.056–5.378;P=0.036)were independent risk factors of relapse.CONCLUSION AIP patients with high IgG4 levels have clinical features including a more active immune system and higher relapse rate.Several factors,such as IgG4 and IgA,are associated with relapse.

Alzheimer's disease with sleep insufficiency:a cross-sectional study on correlations among clinical characteristics,orexin,its receptors,and the bloodbrain barrier

Previous studies have shown that reduced sleep duration,sleep fragmentation,and decreased sleep quality in patients with Alzheimer's disease are related to dysfunction in orexin signaling.At the same time,blood-brain barrier disruption is considered an early biomarker of Alzheimer's disease.However,currently no report has examined how changes in orexin signaling relate to changes in the blood-brain barrier of patients who have Alzheimer's disease with sleep insufficiency.This cross-sectional study included 50 patients with Alzheimer's disease who received treatment in 2019 at Beijing Tiantan Hospital.Patients were divided into two groups:those with insufficient sleep(sleep duration≤6 hours,n=19,age 61.58±8.54 years,10 men)and those with normal sleep durations(sleep duration>6 hours,n=31,age 63.19±10.09 years,18 men).Demographic variables were collected to evaluate cognitive function,neuropsychiatric symptoms,and activities of daily living.The levels of orexin,its receptor proteins,and several blood-brain barrier factors were measured in cerebrospinal fluid.Sleep insufficiency was associated with impaired overall cognitive function that spanned multiple cognitive domains.Furthermore,levels of orexin and its receptors were upregulated in the cerebrospinal fluid,and the blood–brain barrier was destroyed.Both these events precipitated each other and accelerated the progression of Alzheimer's disease.These findings describe the clinical characteristics and potential mechanism underlying Alzheimer's disease accompanied by sleep deprivation.Inhibiting the upregulation of elements within the orexin system or preventing the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier could thus be targets for treating Alzheimer's disease.

Development and application of hepatocellular carcinoma risk prediction model based on clinical characteristics and liver related indexes

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is difficult to diagnose with poor therapeutic effect,high recurrence rate and has a low survival rate.The survival of patients with HCC is closely related to the stage of diagnosis.At present,no specific serolo-gical indicator or method to predict HCC,early diagnosis of HCC remains a challenge,especially in China,where the situation is more severe.AIM To identify risk factors associated with HCC and establish a risk prediction model based on clinical characteristics and liver-related indicators.METHODS The clinical data of patients in the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from 2016 to 2020 were collected,using a retrospective study method.The results of needle biopsy or surgical pathology were used as the grouping criteria for the experimental group and the control group in this study.Based on the time of admission,the cases were divided into training cohort(n=1739)and validation cohort(n=467).Using HCC as a dependent variable,the research indicators were incorporated into logistic univariate and multivariate analysis.An HCC risk prediction model,which was called NSMC-HCC model,was then established in training cohort and verified in validation cohort.RESULTS Logistic univariate analysis showed that,gender,age,alpha-fetoprotein,and protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II,gamma-glutamyl transferase,aspartate aminotransferase and hepatitis B surface antigen were risk factors for HCC,alanine aminotransferase,total bilirubin and total bile acid were protective factors for HCC.When the cut-off value of the NSMC-HCC model joint prediction was 0.22,the area under receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of NSMC-HCC model in HCC diagnosis was 0.960,with sensitivity 94.40%and specificity 95.35%in training cohort,and AUC was 0.966,with sensitivity 90.00%and specificity 94.20%in validation cohort.In early-stage HCC diagnosis,the AUC of NSMC-HCC model was 0.946,with sensitivity 85.93%and specificity 93.62%in training cohort,and AUC was 0.947,with sensitivity 89.10%and specificity 98.49%in validation cohort.CONCLUSION The newly NSMC-HCC model was an effective risk prediction model in HCC and early-stage HCC diagnosis.

Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver:Clinical characteristics and outcomes

BACKGROUND Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver(UESL)is a rare liver malignancy originating from primary mesenchymal tissue.The clinical manifestations,laboratory tests,and imaging examinations of the disease lack specificity and the preoperative misdiagnosis rate is high.The overall prognosis is poor and survival rate is low.AIM To investigate the diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis of UESL.METHODS We performed a retrospective,single-center cohort study in Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University,which is a central hospital in northeast China.From 2005 to 2017,we recruited 14 patients with pathologically confirmed UESL.We analyzed the clinical manifestations,laboratory tests,imaging examinations,pathological examinations,therapy,and prognosis of these patients.RESULTS There were nine males and five females aged 2-60 years old included in the study.The major initial symptoms were abdominal pain(71.43%)and fever(57.14%).Preoperative laboratory tests revealed that seven patients had increased leukocyte levels,four showed a decrease in hemoglobin levels,seven patients had increased glutamyl transpeptidase levels,nine had increased lactate dehydrogenase levels,and three showed an increase in carbohydrate antigen 199.There was no difference in the rate of misdiagnosis in preoperative imaging examinations of UESL between adults and children(6/6 vs 5/8,P=0.091).The survival rate after complete resection was 6/10,while that after incomplete resection was 0/4(P=0.040),suggesting that complete resection is important to improve survival rate.In total,five out of the eight children achieved survival.During the follow-up,the maximum survival time was shown to be 11 years and minimum survival time was 6 mo.Six adult patients relapsed late after surgery and all of them died.CONCLUSION Preoperative imaging examination for UESL has a high misdiagnosis rate.Multidisciplinary collaboration can improve the diagnostic accuracy of UESL.Complete surgical resection is the first choice for treatment of UESL.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors for liver injury in COVID-19 patients in Wuhan

BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has become a worldwide pandemic.We investigated the clinical characteristics and risk factors for liver injury in COVID-19 patients in Wuhan by retrospectively analyzing the epidemiological,clinical,and laboratory data for 218 COVID-19 patients and identifying the risk factors for liver injury by multivariate analysis.AIM To investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors for liver injury in COVID-19 patients in Wuhan.METHODS The 218 patients included 94 males(43.1%),aged 22 to 94(50.1±18.4)years.Elevated aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)were present in 42(53.2%)and 36(45.6%)cases,respectively,and 79(36.2%)patients had abnormally elevated transaminase levels at admission.Patients with liver injury were older than those with normal liver function by a median of 12 years,with a significantly higher frequency of males(68.4%vs 28.8%,P<0.001)and more coexisting illnesses(48.1%vs 27.3%,P=0.002).Significantly more patients had fever and shortness of breath(87.3%vs 69.8%and 29.1%vs 14.4%,respectively)in the liver injury group.Only 12(15.2%)patients had elevated total bilirubin.ALT and AST levels were mildly elevated[1-3×upper limit of normal(ULN)]in 86.1%and 92.9%of cases,respectively.Only two(2.5%)patients had an ALT or AST level>5×ULN.Elevatedγ-glutamyl transpeptidase was present in 45(57.0%)patients,and 86.7%of these had aγ-glutamyl-transpeptidase level<135 U/L(3×ULN).Serum alkaline phosphatase levels were almost normal in all patients.Patients with severe liver injury had a significantly higher frequency of abnormal transaminases than non-severe patients,but only one case had very high levels of aminotransferases.RESULTS Multivariate analysis revealed that male sex,high D-dimer level,and high neutrophil percentage were linked to a higher risk of liver injury.The early stage of COVID-19 may be associated with mildly elevated aminotransferase levels in patients in Wuhan.Male sex and high D-dimer level and neutrophil percentage may be important predictors of liver injury in patients with COVID-19.CONCLUSION Male sex and high D-dimer level and neutrophil percentage may be important predictors of liver injury in patients with COVID-19.

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.

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma:Clinical characteristics,diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis

BACKGROUND Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma(HEHE)is a rare hepatic vascular tumor with unpredictable malignant potential.The etiology,characteristics,diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis of HEHE are not well-understood,and largescale retrospective studies are required to understand better this disease.AIM To determine the characteristics of HEHE and identify its optimal treatments and prognostic factors.METHODS The clinical data of two patients diagnosed with HEHE at the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University and 258 previously reported cases retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure and PubMed databases between 1996 and 2021 were combined and summarized.All cases were pathologically identified as HEHE.Information such as clinical features,laboratory examination findings,imaging findings,pathological characteristics,treatment,and survival periods was reviewed.Kaplan-Meir curves were used for survival analysis.Prognostic factors were identified by Cox regression analysis.RESULTS HEHE primarily affected middle-aged women.The typical manifestations included epigastric pain,hepatosplenomegaly,inappetence,distension,weight loss,and fatigue.Tumor markers were expressed normally.The incidence of extrahepatic metastasis was 34.5% at the time of diagnosis.The most common sites of extrahepatic involvement were the lungs(22.3%),lymph nodes(5.6%),peritoneum(3.6%),bones(6.6%),and spleen(5.1%).Furthermore,“capsular retraction”,“target sign”,and“lollipop sign”were the characteristic features of HEHE on imaging.The immunohistochemical profile for HEHE(expression of vascular markers,such as factor VIII-related antigen,CD31,and CD34;expression levels of D2-40)can facilitate and ensure an accurate diagnosis.The management options for patients with HEHE include liver resection(29.7%),liver transplantation(16.1%),palliative treatments(12.7%),transhepatic arterial chemotherapy and embolization(TACE,10.2%),chemotherapy(11.0%),antiangiogenic therapy(15.3%),and other treatments(5.1%);the mean survival time was 158.6,147.3,4.2,90.8,71.4,83.1,and 55.0 mo,respectively.The survival time of patients who underwent surgical treatment was longer than that of patients who did not.TACE and antiangiogenic therapy tended to prolong survival compared with other nonsurgical treatments.The 1-,5-,and 10-year survival rates were 82%,71%,and 64%,respectively.Multivariate analysis showed that liver function(P=0.045),intrahepatic metastasis(P=0.029),and treatment(P=0.045)were independent prognostic factors.The presence of extrahepatic metastases was not an independent risk factor for poor prognosis(P=0.558).CONCLUSION The clinical course of HEHE is rare and variable,and patients with intrahepatic metastases and liver dysfunction may have a poorer prognosis than those without.Surgical intervention,whether liver resection or transplantation,might be warranted regardless of extrahepatic metastasis.For patients without the option for surgery,clinicians should consider the use of TACE with antiangiogenic drugs in the treatment of HEHE.

Clinical characteristics of perineal endometriosis:A case series

BACKGROUND The prevalence of perineal endometriosis(PEM)is low among women with endometriosis(EM)treated by surgery.It manifests as hard or cystic nodules with pain in the perineal wounds and surrounding areas.Implantation theory is regarded as the main pathogenesis of PEM.There are few clinical studies on the incidence and clinical characteristics of PEM.This study aims to summarize the clinical data of 14 PEM cases and analyze the factors that may be related to the incubation period and pain.AIM To analyze the medical history,clinical manifestations,diagnosis,treatment and treatment effect of PEM.METHODS The present study is a case series.We collected the clinical data and follow-up data of 14 patients with PEM who visited The International Peace Maternal and Child Health Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University from January 2009 to December 2019.Paired t test and Pearson correlation analysis were used for statistical analysis.P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS The 14 patients included had a history of vaginal delivery.All patients underwent PEM lesion resection.Three patients were treated by levator ani muscle repair at the same time and 1 patient underwent extensive PEM lesion resection and anal sphincter repair.Body mass index(BMI)at delivery and BMI within 1 mo after delivery were negatively correlated with the latent period,respectively(R2=0.53/0.86,P<0.05).The average visual analog scale score in lesions at the third month after surgery was 0.57±1.28 for all patients,which was significantly lower than that prior to surgery(P<0.05).One patient relapsed during the sixth month after surgery,and to date,no recurrence occurred after the second surgery.CONCLUSION The higher the BMI during delivery and within 1 mo after delivery,the shorter the incubation period of PEM.It is very important to evaluate the location of lesions before surgery.Surgical resection of the lesion is the best treatment for PEM and results in significant alleviation of symptoms.Therefore,following the diagnosis of PEM,immediate surgery is recommended.

Comparison of clinical characteristics in patients with coronavirus disease and influenza A in Guangzhou, China

BACKGROUND: This study aims to compare the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory characteristics between patients with coronavirus disease(COVID-19) and influenza A(H1N1), and to develop a differentiating model and a simple scoring system.METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data from patients with COVID-19 and H1N1. The logistic regression model based on clinical and laboratory characteristics was constructed to distinguish COVID-19 from H1N1. Scores were assigned to each of independent discrimination factors based on their odds ratios. The performance of the prediction model and scoring system was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 236 patients were recruited, including 20 COVID-19 patients and 216 H1N1 patients. Logistic regression revealed that age >34 years, temperature ≤37.5℃, no sputum or myalgia, lymphocyte ratio ≥20% and creatine kinase-myocardial band isoenzyme(CK-MB) >9.7 U/L were independent differentiating factors for COVID-19. The area under curves(AUCs) of the prediction model and scoring system in differentiating COVID-19 from H1N1 were 0.988 and 0.962, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There are certain differences in clinical and laboratory features between patients with COVID-19 and H1N1. The simple scoring system may be a useful tool for the early identification of COVID-19 patients from H1N1 patients.

Clinical characteristics of childhood cancer in emergency room in a tertiary hospital in Pakistan

INTRODUCTION Worldwide,cancer is an important cause of mortality in children aged over 1 year.^([1])Numerically,the major cancers include acute lymphoblastic leukemia,CNS tumors and lymphomas.^([2-6])Cancer incidence is increasing in children globally as well as in Pakistan but the etiology is poorly understood.^([7])There are an estimated 160 000 new cases and 90 000 deaths per year worldwide in children aged under 15 years.^([8])The exact incidence in Pakistan is not known as there is no national tumor registry.

Clinical characteristics,diagnosis,and treatment of COVID-19:A case report

BACKGROUND Since December 2019,many cases of pneumonia caused by novel coronavirus have been discovered in Wuhan,China,and such cases have spread nationwide quickly.At present,coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is a worldwide pandemic.What are the clinical features of this disease?What is the clinical diagnosis and how should such patients be treated?As a clinician,mastery of the clinical characteristics,basic diagnosis,and treatment methods of COVID-19 are required to provide help to patients.CASE SUMMARY A 42-year-old male patient with a cough lasting 6 d without obvious cause,as well as fever and fatigue for 1 d,was admitted to Hankou Hospital on January 22,2020 and transferred to Huoshenshan Hospital on February 4.The main clinical symptoms were dry cough,fatigue,and fever.He was diagnosed with COVID-19.From the 4th d of admission,the patient’s condition gradually worsened,with increased respiratory rate and body temperature.Peripheral blood lymphocytes decreased progressively.On the 8th d of admission,the patient’s highest temperature was 40.7°C,and oxygen saturation was 83%despite high-flow oxygen inhalation.Chest computed tomography results showed that the virus progressed rapidly.The number of lesions significantly increased with expanded scope and increased density.The distribution of lesions advanced from peripheral to central.In addition to nasal catheter oxygen inhalation and symptomatic support,antiviral drugs were used throughout the treatment.On January 22,oseltamivir phosphate capsules were given orally(75 mg,twice daily)for 6 d.On January 24,three tablets of lopinavir and ritonavir were added orally(twice daily).After 6 d,this was changed to 0.2 g(two tablets)arbidol,taken orally(three times daily)for 5 d.During the severe stage,methylprednisolone was given(40 mg)once every 12 h,immunoglobulin(20 g)was administered by intravenous drip infusion once daily,and thymosin(1.6 mg)was injected subcutaneously once daily combined with immunotherapy.On February 2,symptoms decreased,various indicators improved,and pulmonary inflammation was obviously reduced.Throat swabs on February 4 and 9 were negative for novel coronavirus nucleic acid.After 19 d in the hospital,the patient was successfully treated and discharged.CONCLUSION COVID-19 in young adults can be successfully treated with active treatment.We report a typical case of COVID-19,analyze its clinical characteristics,summarize its clinical diagnosis and treatment experience,and provide a reference for clinical colleagues.

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of fifty-six cases of COVID-19 in Liaoning Province, China

BACKGROUND Pneumonia of uncertain cause has been reported in Wuhan,China since the beginning of early December 2019.In early January 2020,a novel strain ofβ-coronavirus was identified by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention from the pharyngeal swab specimens of patients,which was recently named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).There is evidence of human-to-human transmission and familial cluster outbreak of SARSCoV-2 infection.The World Health Organization(WHO)recently declared the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic a global health emergency.As of February 17,2020,71329 laboratory-confirmed cases(in 25 countries,including the United States and Germany)have been reported globally.Other than its rapid transmission,the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)remain unclear.In December 2019,coronavirus disease(named COVID-19 by the WHO)associated with the SARS-CoV-2 emerged in Wuhan,China and spread quickly across the country.AIM To analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of confirmed cases of this disease in Liaoning province,a Chinese region about 1800 km north of Wuhan.METHODS The clinical data of 56 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases due to 2019-nCoV infection were analyzed.The cases originated from eight cities in Liaoning province.RESULTS The median age of the patients was 45 years,and 57.1%of them were male.No patient had been in direct contact with wild animals.Among them,23 patients(41.1%)had resided in or traveled to Wuhan,27 cases(48.2%)had been in contact with confirmed COVID-19 patients,5 cases(8.9%)had been in contact with confirmed patients with a contact history to COVID-19 patients,and 1 case(1.8%)had no apparent history of exposure.Fever(75.0%)and cough(60.7%)were the most common symptoms.The typical manifestations in lung computed tomography(CT)included ground-glass opacity and patchy shadows,with 67.8%of them being bilateral.Among the patients in the cohort,78.6%showed reduction in their lymphocyte counts,57.1%showed increases in their C-reactive protein levels,and 50.0%showed decreases in their blood albumin levels.Eleven patients(19.6%)were admitted to intensive care unit,2 patients(3.5%)progressed to acute respiratory distress syndrome,4 patients(7.1%)were equipped with non-invasive mechanical ventilation,and 1 patient(1.8)received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support.There were 5 mild cases(5/56,8.9%),40 moderate cases(40/56,71.4%),10 severe cases(10/56,17.9%),and 1 critical case(1/56,1.8%).No deaths were reported.CONCLUSION SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted among humans.Most COVID-19 patients show symptoms of fever,cough,lymphocyte reduction,and typical lung CT manifestations.Most are moderate cases.The seriousness of the disease(as indicated by blood oxygen saturation,respiratory rate,oxygenation index,blood lymphocyte count,and lesions shown in lung CT)is related to history of living in or traveling to Wuhan,underlying diseases,admittance to intensive care unit,and mechanical ventilation.

Neuroelectrophysiological indexes and clinical characteristics of patients with peroneal muscular atrophy: Retrospective analysis of 24 cases

BACKGROUND: Peroneal muscular atrophy (PMA) is characterized by insidious onset, gradually progressive course of disease, very mild disability degree and easily subjecting to missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis. Nerve conductive velocity is helpful in the diagnosis of atypical cases. OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the characteristics of clinical manifestation, electromyogram (EMG), motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity of patients with PMA. DESIGN: Retrospective case analysis. SETTING: Department of Neurology, Guangzhou First People's Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-four patients with PMA, including 16 males and 8 females, aged 5-68 years old, admitted to Guangzhou First People's Hospital between March 1996 and January 2006 were recruited. Informed consents were obtained from all the patients. METHODS: All the patients subjected to EMG and detection of nerve conduction velocity at distal end of four extremities with a Keypoint evoked potential/ EMG instrument (Denmark). Sensory and motor conduction velocity, EMG changes of upper and lower extremities were observed, and relationship of neuroelectrophysiological characteristics and clinical symptoms was analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in sensory and motor conduction velocity, EMG and clinical manifestations of 24 patients. RESULTS: ① All the patients suffered from insidious onset and gradually progressive course of PMA. Muscular atrophy of lower extremity was found in 14 patients, and that of upper extremity in 5 patients. ②Routine nerve conduction study showed that sensory and motor conduction velocity were stepped down, especially in 16 patients with typeⅠPMA (demyelinating pattern, nerve conduction velocity below normal level 50%). Motor nerve conduction velocity of median nerve, ulnar nerve, common peroneal nerve and tibial nerve averaged 34.8 m/s, 37.2 m/s, 16.5 m/s and 17.4 m/s, respectively; Sensory nerve conduction velocity of median nerve, ulnar nerve and sural nerve averaged 27.9%, 24.6 m/s and 3.1 m/s, respectively. Slowing conduction velocity and muscular strength involvement were disproportionate, i.e. myasthenia was relatively lessened, sensory and motor conduction velocities were greatly decreased. Nerve conduction velocity in distal end of two lower extremities was not detected in 8 patients, but who could still walk. CONCLUSION: ①PMA of patients is characterized by insidious onset and gradually progressive course of disease. Clinical symptom is the base to diagnose PMA. ②Neuroelectrophysiological study is a simple and easy-to-operate means with good reproducibility in diagnosing PMA. Patients with abnormal myasthenia in lower extremity can be detected in the early stage.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Severe or Critical COVID-19 Patients Presenting No Respiratory Symptoms or Fever at Onset

It is difficult to identify suspected cases of atypical patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),and data on severe or critical patients are scanty.This retrospective study presents the clinical,laboratory,and radiological profiles,treatments,and outcomes of atypical COVID-19 patients without respiratory symptoms or fever at onset.The study examined ten atypical patients out of 909 severe or critical patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Wuhan Union Hospital West Campus between 25 January 2020 and 10 February 2020.Data were obtained from the electronic medical records of severe or critical patients without respiratory symptoms or fever at onset.Outcomes were followed up to discharge or death.Among 943 COVID-19 patients,909(96.4%)were severe or critical type.Of the severe or critical patients,ten(1.1%)presented without respiratory symptoms or fever at admission.The median age of the ten participants was 63 years(interquartile range(IQR):57–72),and seven participants were men.The median time from symptom onset to admission was 14 d(IQR:7–20).Eight of the ten patients had chronic diseases.The patients had fatigue(n=5),headache or dizziness(n=4),diarrhea(n=5),anorexia(n=3),nausea or vomiting(n=3),and eye discomfort(n=1).Four patients were found to have lymphopenia.Imaging examination revealed that nine patients had bilateral pneumonia and one had unilateral pneumonia.Eventually,two patients died and eight were discharged.In the discharged patients,the median time from admission to discharge lasted 24 d(IQR:13–43).In summary,some severe or critical COVID-19 patients were found to have no respiratory symptoms or fever at onset.All such atypical cases should be identified and quarantined as early as possible,since they tend to have a prolonged hospital stay or fatal outcomes.Chest computed tomography(CT)scan and nucleic acid detection should be performed immediately on close contacts of COVID-19 patients to screen out those with atypical infections,even if the contacts present without respiratory symptoms or fever at onset.

Clinical characteristics of 290 foreign-imported cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Chengdu, China

Objective:To analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of foreign-imported patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Chengdu City.Methods:A total of 290 foreign-imported patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and discharged from Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu were included in our study,they were divided into asymptomatic infection group(131 cases)and confirmed cases group(159 cases)in order to compare the epidemiology,clinical characteristics and laboratory tests between two groups.Multi-factor logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the influence factors of becoming a dominant infection after infected with SARS-CoV-2.Results:Among the 290 cases aged from 2 months to 68 years old,83.4%were males,62.1%came from Asia,and 43.8%were complicated with fatty liver disease,the age group of 14-49 years old had the largest number(247 cases).80.5%confirmed case group cases were general type,there was only 1 severe patient.Hospital stays in asymptomatic infection group was shorter than that in confirmed cases group,lymphocyte count,CD4+T count,CD8+T count,CD4+T/CD8+T creatine kinase in two groups half a month after discharge were relatively lower than those on admission,and alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,albumin,lactate dehydrogenase,creatine kinase isoenzyme were relatively higher than those on admission(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that increased age,decreased lymphocyte count on admission and increased lactate dehydrogenase on admission were associated with dominant infection.Chest CT of 13 general type cases indicated an increase in lesions compared with that at discharge and 3 of them had re-detectable positive RNA test.Conclusion:The majority of foreign-imported cases in Chengdu are mainly from Asia,fewer of them are severe patients.In the early stage of recovery,some SARS-CoV-2 infected patients still have intermittent viral replication.Early isolation and early treatment of imported patients is not only conducive to epidemic prevention and control,but also may change the natural course of the disease.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with ulcerative colitis that shows rectal sparing at initial diagnosis

BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is characterised by mucosal inflammation from the rectum to its proximal area in a symmetric and continuous fashion.However,although uncommon,we encounter cases of UC with rectal sparing in the initial stage.AIM To evaluate the clinical characteristics and clinical course for rectal sparing UC compared with typical UC.METHODS We looked at records from 2004 to 2015,and selected patients who were newly diagnosed with UC,and who could be followed up for at least 5 years in our hospital.We then retrospectively analysed the medical records and endoscopic findings of those patients.To compare the clinical course and prognosis,we matched each patient with rectal sparing UC 1:3 with controls by age,sex,and disease extent.RESULTS Of 619 UC patients,24(3.9%)showed rectal sparing at diagnosis.During the follow-up period(median 8 years),in two(8.3%)of the 24 patients,rectal sparing remained through follow-up inspections;but for the other 22(91.7%)patients,obvious rectal inflammation was found at follow-up endoscopy.Of the 24 patients,8(33.3%)were initially misdiagnosed with infectious colitis.No diagnosis was changed to Crohn’s disease.The uses of corticosteroid or biologic agents,hospitalisation rate,and colectomy rates were not different between the rectal sparing UC group and typical UC group.CONCLUSION Some patients with UC can reveal atypical patterns of disease distribution,such as rectal sparing in its initial stage;but despite this,the clinical course and prognosis may not differ from those of typical UC patients.

Clinical characteristics of 44 patients with coronavirus disease 2019 in Yongzhou

Objective:To analyze the general situation and clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-2019)in Yongzhou city and provide reference for COVID-2019 control.Methods:44 patients with COVID-2019 admitted in Yongzhou central hospital were included in the study.According to the clinical classification,the patients were divided into two groups:mild and moderate group(MM group,32 cases),severe and critical group(SC group,12 cases).The general situation,epidemiology,clinical symptoms,medical history and complications,laboratory examination,imaging characteristics and treatment plan of the two groups were compared and analyzed,and the clinical characteristics,treatment process and prognosis were summarized.Results:There was no significant difference between mild and moderate group and severe and critical group in age,gender,definite incubation period or definite infection transmission generations(P=0.072,0.543,0.108,0.067).Compared with MM group,SC group needs longer hospitalization time(16.5±6.0 vs 12.4±4.5,P=0.019).There was no significant difference between the two groups in clinical symptoms of fever,cough,fatigue,pharyngeal pain,nasal obstruction,runny nose,diarrhea,history of hypertension or diabetes(each P>0.05),Compared with MM group,SC group had higher proportion of hypokalemia and AST increase(58.3%vs 15.6%,P=0.014;41.7%vs 9.4%,P=0.042).There was no significant difference in hypoproteinemia,elevated ALT,respiratory failure or heart failure(each P>0.05).Compared with MM group,SC group had higher WBC count,higher neutrophil count,lower lymphocyte count and more multileaf lesions in the laboratory and CT results(91.7%vs 37.5%,P=0.010;91.7%vs 46.9%,P=0.019;91.7%vs 18.8%,P=0.000;100.00%vs 59.4%,P=0.024).There was no significant difference between the two groups in decrease of leukocyte count,neutrophil count,eosinophil count,increase of C-reactive protein,ESR,LDH,ground glass or subpleural or extrapulmonary zone were the main pathological changes of CT(each P>0.05).Compared with MM group,SC group were different in the use rate of antibiotics,glucocorticoids,immunoglobulin and noninvasive ventilator in the treatment plan(91.7%vs 53.1%,P=0.044;100.00%vs 59.4%,P=0.024;83.3%vs 28.1%,P=0.001;41.7%vs 0,P=0.001).44 cases(100%)were cured without death.Conclusion:Compared with MM group,SC group is more likely to have increased leukocyte count,increased neutrophil count,decreased lymphocyte count and CT lesions with multileaf focus,more likely to have hypokalemia and increased AST,more likely to use antibiotics,glucocorticoids,immunoglobulins and non-invasive ventilator.

Analyses of the clinical characteristics of 49 cases of malignancy with multiple bone lesions as the first manifestation

Objective To investigate the clinical features of several cases of malignancy with multiple bone lesions as the first manifestation.Methods Forty-nine cases of malignancy with multiple bone lesions as the first manifestation were retrospectively analyzed from May 2018 to July 2019.All patients complained of“pain at the site of bone lesion”upon admission.Baseline patient information,such as age,gender,location of bone lesions,etiology,diagnosis method,time of onset was collected.Results The median age of the patients was 56 years old,of which 83.7%(41/49)were aged≥50 years.The median time of onset was 2 months.Among the cases,40 were confirmed as solid tumor bone metastasis,whereas the remaining 9 cases as hematological system tumor.Lung cancer and multiple myeloma were the main tumor types,accounting for 40.8%(20/49)and 16.3%(8/49),respectively.Other common causes were seven cases of cancer affecting the digestive system(three cases of liver cancer,three cases of gastric cancer,and one case of esophageal cancer),as well as seven cases of unknown primary cancer.Half of the solid tumors had only multiple bone metastases but no other distant metastasis.Conclusion Multiple bone lesions accompanied by pain may be the first clinical manifestation in various malignant tumors.The common tumor types were lung cancer,multiple myeloma,and digestive system tumor.It is more common in people aged 50 years and older.Multiple bone lesions might be the only metastasis site of some solid tumors,and its mechanism needs further investigation.