Predictors of Clostridium difficile infection severity in patients hospitalised in medical intensive care

AIM:To describe and analyse factors associated with Clostridium difficile infection(CDI)severity in hospitalised medical intensive care unit patients.METHODS:We performed a retrospective cohort study of 40 patients with CDI in a medical intensive care unit(MICU)at a French university hospital.We include patients hospitalised between January 1,2007and December 31,2011.Data on demographics characteristics,past medical history,CDI description was collected.Exposure to risk factors associated with CDI within 8 wk before CDI was recorded,including previous hospitalisation,nursing home residency,antibiotics,antisecretory drugs,and surgical procedures.RESULTS:All included cases had their first episode of CDI.The mean incidence rate was 12.94 cases/1000admitted patients,and 14.93,8.52,13.24,19.70,and8.31 respectively per 1000 admitted patients annually from 2007 to 2011.Median age was 62.9[interquartile range(IQR)55.4-72.40]years,and 13(32.5%)were women.Median length of MICU stay was 14.0d(IQR 5.0-22.8).In addition to diarrhoea,the clinical symptoms of CDI were fever(>38℃)in 23 patients,abdominal pain in 15 patients,and ileus in 1 patient.The duration of diarrhoea was 13.0(8.0-19.5)d.In addition to diarrhoea,the clinical symptoms of CDI were fever(>38℃)in 23 patients,abdominal pain in 15 patients,and ileus in 1 patient.Prior to CDI,38patients(95.0%)were exposed to antibiotics,and 12(30%)received at least 4 antibiotics.Fluoroquinolones,3rdgeneration cephalosporins,coamoxiclav and tazocillin were prescribed most frequently(65%,55%,40%and 37.5%,respectively).The majority of cases were hospital-acquired(n=36,90%),with 5 cases(13.9%)being MICU-acquired.Fifteen patients had severe CDI.The crude mortality rate within 30 d after diagnosis was 40%(n=16),with 9 deaths(9 over 16;56.3%)related to CDI.Of our 40 patients,15(37.5%)had severe CDI.Multivariate logistic regression showed that male gender[odds ratio(OR):8.45;95%CI:1.06-67.16,P=0.044],rising serum C-reactive protein levels(OR=1.11;95%CI:1.02-1.21,P=0.021),and previous exposure to fluoroquinolones(OR=9.29;95%CI:1.16-74.284,P=0.036)were independently associated with severe CDI.CONCLUSION:We report predictors of severe CDI not dependent on time of assessment.Such factors could help in the development of a quantitative score in ICU’s patients.

A severe case of levothyroxine intoxication successfully treated in intensive care unit

Levothyroxine intoxication is a rare clinical entity which is usually asymptomatic. However, severe symptoms such as respiratory failure, malignant hyperthermia, seizures, arrhythmia, and coma have been reported. In this case report, a patient who ingested high dose (15 mg) levothyroxine for suicide and admitted to intensive care unit was presented. There was a decrease in Glasgow coma score in the follow-up. The patient was intubated due to acute respiratory failure. Gastric lavage, activated charcoal, methylprednisolone, cholestyramine and therapeuthic plasma exchange were administered. Despite ingestion of high dose of levothyroxine, thyrotoxicosis symptoms resolved with appropriate treatment and the patient was discharged from the intensive care unit.

Cost effectiveness of intensive care in a low resource setting: A prospective cohort of medical critically ill patients

AIM: To calculate cost effectiveness of the treatment of critically ill patients in a medical intensive care unit(ICU) of a middle income country with limited access to ICU resources. METHODS: A prospective cohort study and economic evaluation of consecutive patients treated in a recently established medical ICU in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. A cost utility analysis of the intensive care of critically ill patients compared to the hospital ward treatment from the perspective of the health care system was subsequently performed. Incremental cost effectiveness was calculated using estimates of ICU vs non-ICU treatment effectiveness based on a formal systematic review of published studies. Decision analytic modeling was used to compare treatment alternatives. Sensitivity analyses of the key model parameters were performed.RESULTS: Out of 148 patients, seventy patients(47.2%) survived to one year after critical illness with a median quality of life index 0.64 [interquartile range(IQR)0.49-0.76]. Median number of life years gained per patient was 30(IQR 16-40) or 18 quality adjusted life years(QALYs)(IQR 7-28). The cost of treatment of critically ill patients varied between 1820 dollar and20109 dollar per hospital survivor and between 100 dollar and 2514 dollar per QALY saved. Mean factors that influenced costs were: Age, diagnostic category,ICU and hospital length of stay and number and type of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. The incremental cost effectiveness ratio for ICU treatment was estimated at 3254 dollar per QALY corresponding to35% of per capita GDP or a Very Cost Effective category according to World Health Organization criteria.CONCLUSION: The ICU treatment of critically ill medica patients in a resource poor country is cost effective and compares favorably with other medical interventions.Public health authorities in low and middle income countries should encourage development of critical care services.

Should we perform decompressive laparotomy during severe acute pancreatitis with intra-abdominal hypertension below 25 mmHg:Only the gut knows

We suggest that during severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)with intra-abdominal hypertension,practitioners should consider decompressive laparotomy,even with intra-abdominal pressure(IAP)below 25 mmHg.Indeed,in this setting,non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia(NOMI)may occur even with IAP below this cutoff and lead to transmural necrosis if abdominal perfusion pressure is not promptly restored.We report our experience of 18 critically ill patients with SAP having undergone decompressive laparotomy of which one third had NOMI while IAP was mostly below 25 mmHg.

What Factors Influence the Choice of Anesthesiology in a Moroccan Medical School?

Objective: To determine factors influencing anesthesiology choice among resident doctors at the medical school of Marrakech. Materials and Methods: We have conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study based on an anonymous questionnaire. Results: A total of 406/672 questionnaires were returned, with a female/male sex ratio of 1.07. The duration of the training (OR: 3.3;CI 95%: 1.74 - 6.23;p < 0.001), intellectual challenge (OR: 3.02;CI 95%: 1.69 - 5.37;p < 0.001), doctor-patient relationship (OR: 2.22;CI 95%: 1.02 - 4.84;p: 0.04), and financial aspects (OR: 2.14;CI 95%: 1.09 - 4.21;p: 0.02) were independent factors that influenced the choice of anesthesiology. Conclusion: we recommend the succeeding: 1) Support students in their choice;2) Correct misconceptions about certain specialties;3) Promote clinical clerkship;4) Encourage mentorship;5) Increase the salary of at-risk specialties.

Blood gas analysis as a surrogate for microhemodynamic monitoring in sepsis

BACKGROUND:Emergency patients with sepsis or septic shock are at high risk of death.Despite increasing attention to microhemodynamics,the clinical use of advanced microcirculatory assessment is limited due to its shortcomings.Since blood gas analysis is a widely used technique reflecting global oxygen supply and consumption,it may serve as a surrogate for microcirculation monitoring in septic treatment.METHODS:We performed a search using PubMed,Web of Science,and Google scholar.The studies and reviews that were most relevant to septic microcirculatory dysfunctions and blood gas parameters were identified and included.RESULTS:Based on the pathophysiology of oxygen metabolism,the included articles provided a general overview of employing blood gas analysis and its derived set of indicators for microhemodynamic monitoring in septic care.Notwithstanding flaws,several parameters are linked to changes in the microcirculation.A comprehensive interpretation of blood gas parameters can be used in order to achieve hemodynamic optimization in septic patients.CONCLUSION:Blood gas analysis in combination with clinical performance is a reliable alternative for microcirculatory assessments.A deep understanding of oxygen metabolism in septic settings may help emergency physicians to better use blood gas analysis in the evaluation and treatment of sepsis and septic shock.

Prevalence and risk factors of enteral nutrition intolerance in intensive care unit patients: a retrospective study

Background: Feeding intolerance (FI) among intensive care unit (ICU) patients undergoing early continuous enteral nutrition (EN) is related to poor outcomes. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and risk factors of FI in ICU patients.Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 1057 patients who received early continuous EN via a nasogastric tube between January 2014 and August 2019. The prevalence of FI during the first 7 days of ICU stay was calculated, and the risk factors were investigated using multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results: The prevalence of FI during the first 7 days of ICU stay was 10.95%. FI occurred in 159 of 1057 (15.04%) patients on ICU day 2, 114 of 977 (11.67%) patients on ICU day 3, and 86 of 715 (12.03%) patients on ICU day 7. Mechanical ventilation (MV) (odds ratio [OR]: 1.928, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.064–3.493,P = 0.03) was an independent risk factor for FI defined by a gastric residual volume (GRV) of 200 mL and/or vomiting, and acute renal failure (OR: 3.445, 95% CI: 1.115–10.707,P = 0.032) was an independent risk factor of FI defined by a GRV of 500 mL and/or vomiting. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) was an independent predictor regardless of the FI defined by a GRV of 200 mL (OR: 2.064, 95% CI: 1.233–3.456,P = 0.006) or 500 mL (OR: 6.199, 95% CI: 2.108–18.228,P = 0.001) in the ICU patients.Conclusions: FI occurs frequently in early ICU days, especially in patients receiving MV and CRRT. However, further investigation of a consensus definition of FI and risk factors is still warranted in future studies.

Factors associated with low adherence to head-of-bed elevation during mechanical ventilation in Chinese intensive care units

Background Elevating the head of bed （HOB） 30°-45° has been widely supported as a means of ventilator associated pneumonia （VAP） prevention. However, it was poorly adhered in clinical practice. This observational study aimed to investigate the factors impeding this simple practice at the bedside. Methods This prospective study was conducted in 33 Chinese academic hospital intensive care units （ICUs）. HOB angle was measured four times daily at 5-7 hour intervals. The predefined HOB elevation goal was an angle ≥30°. Results The overall rate of achieving the HOB goal was 27.8% of the 8647 measurements in 314 patients during 2842 ventilation days. The HOB goal of ≥3 times/d was consistently achieved only in 15.9% of the cases. Almost 60% of patients had at least one 24 hours period during which the HOB goal was never documented. This low rate of protocol compliance was not associated with acute physiology and chronic health evaluation （APACHE） II score or dependence on vasopressors. In a survey, ＂nurse workload＂ was identified as the most important factor for non-compliance with the HOB goal. In addition, the rates of compliance were significantly different （P 〈0.001） between physicians self-reporting that they either did or did not know the Institutes of Healthcare Improvement （IHI） ventilator bundle. Conclusions Low adherence to a HOB angle of ≥30° was found in this nationwide survey. Nursing workload and lack of knowledge on VAP prevention were important barriers to changin.q this practice.

Prevalence, risk factors, clinical course, and outcome of acute kidney injury in Chinese intensive care units： a prospective cohort study

Background Acute kidney injury （AKI） has been recognized as a major healthcare problem affecting millions of patients worldwide.However,epidemiologic data concerning AKI in China are still lacking.The objectives of this study were to characterize AKI defined by RIFLE criteria,assess the association with hospital mortality,and evaluate the impact of AKI in the context of other risk factors.Methods This prospective multicenter observational study enrolled 3,063 consecutive patients from 1 July 2009 to 31 August 2009 in 22 ICUs across China's Mainland.We excluded patients who were admitted for less than 24 hours （n=1623）,younger than 18 years （n=127）,receiving chronic hemodialysis （n=29）,receiving renal transplantation （n=1） and unknown reasons （n=28）.There were 1255 patients in the final analysis.AKI was diagnosed and classified according to RIFLE criteria.Results There were 396 patients （31.6％） who had AKI,with RIFLE maximum class R,I,and F in 126 （10.0％）,91 （7.3％）,and 179 （14.3％） patients,respectively.Renal function deteriorated in 206 patients （16.4％）.In comparison with non AKI patients,patients in the risk class on ICU admission were more likely to progress to the injury class （odds ratio （OR） 3.564,95％ confidence interval （CI） 1.706-7.443,P =0.001],while patients in the risk class （OR 5.215,95％ CI 2.798-9.719,P ＜0.001） and injury class （OR 13.316,95％ CI 7.507-23.622,P ＜0.001） had a significantly higher probability of deteriorating into failure class.The adjusted hazard ratios for 90-day mortality were 1.884 for the risk group,3.401 for the injury group,and 5.306 for the failure group.Conclusions The prevalence of AKI was high among critically ill patients in Chinese ICUs.In comparison with non-AKI patients,patients with RIFLE class R or class I on ICU admission were more susceptibility to progression to class I or class F.The RIFLE criteria were robust and correlated well with clinical deterioration and mortality.

Correlation study between motor rehabilitation level and psychological state in patients with limb movement disorders after stroke

BACKGROUND The psychological state of patients with post stroke limb movement disorders undergoes a series of changes that affect rehabilitation training and recovery of limb motor function.AIM To determine the correlation between motor rehabilitation and the psychological state of patients with limb movement disorders after stroke.METHODS Eighty patients with upper and lower limb dysfunction post stroke were retrospectively enrolled in our study.Based on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS)scores measured before rehabilitation,patients with HADS scores≥8 were divided into the psychological group;otherwise,the patients were included in the normal group.Motor function and daily living abilities were compared between the normal and psychological groups.Correlations between the motor function and psychological status of patients,and between daily living ability and psychological status of patients were analyzed.RESULTS After 1,2,and 3 wk of rehabilitation,both the Fugl-Meyer assessment and Barthel index scores improved compared to their respective baseline scores(P<0.05).A greater degree of improvement was observed in the normal group compared to the psychological group(P<0.05).There was a negative correlation between negative emotions and limb rehabilitation(-0.592≤r≤-0.233,P<0.05),and between negative emotions and daily living ability(-0.395≤r≤-0.199,P<0.05).CONCLUSION There is a strong correlation between motor rehabilitation and the psychological state of patients with post stroke limb movement disorders.The higher the negative emotions,the worse the rehabilitation effect.

AME证据系列001--转化医学协会:脓毒症诊断和早期识别的临床实践指南

脓毒症是一种由感染引起的异质性疾病,感染触发了一系列复杂的局部或者全身的免疫炎症反应,引起多器官功能衰竭,发病率和病死率显著升高。由于至今仍然没有诊断脓毒症的金标准,所以脓毒症的临床诊断仍是一个难题。因此,脓毒症的临床诊断需要不断改变来满足临床和研究的要求。然而,尽管有许多新型的生物标记和筛选工具去预测脓毒症发生的风险,但是这些措施的诊断价值和有效性不足以让人满意,并且没有充分的证据去建议临床使用这些新技术。因此,脓毒症的临床诊断标准需要定期更新去适应不断产生的新证据。这篇综述旨在呈现当前脓毒症的诊断和早期识别方面的最新研究证据。临床运用不同的诊断方法的推荐意见依赖于推荐、评价、发展和评估分级体系(Grades of Recommendation Assessment,Development and Evaluation,GRADE),因为大部分的研究是观察性研究,并没有对这些方法进行可靠评估,采用的是两步推理方法。未来需要更多研究来确认或者反驳某一特殊的指标检测,同时应该直接采用相关病人的结果数据。

Severe scrub typhus infection: Clinical features, diagnostic challenges and management

Scrub typhus infection is an important cause of acute undifferentiated fever in South East Asia. The clinical picture is characterized by sudden onset fever with chills and non-specific symptoms that include headache, myalgia, sweating and vomiting. The presence of an eschar, in about half the patients with proven scrub typhus infection and usually seen in the axilla, groin or inguinal region, is characteristic of scrub typhus. Common laboratory findings are elevated liver transaminases, thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis. About a third of patients admitted to hospital with scrub typhus infection have evidence of organ dysfunction that may include respiratory failure, circulatory shock, mild renal or hepatic dysfunction, central nervous system involvement or hematological abnormalities. Since the symptoms and signs are non-specific and resemble other tropical infections like malaria, enteric fever, dengue or leptospirosis, appropriate laboratory tests are necessary to confirm diagnosis. Serological assays are the mainstay of diagnosis as they are easy to perform; the reference test is the indirect immunofluorescence assay(IFA) for the detection of Ig M antibodies. However in clinical practice, the enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay is done due to the ease of performing this test and a good sensitivity and sensitivity when compared with the IFA. Paired samples, obtained at least two weeks apart, demonstrating a ≥ 4 fold rise in titre, is necessary for confirmation of serologic diagnosis. The mainstay of treatment is the tetracycline group of antibiotics or chloramphenicol although macrolides are used alternatively. In mild cases, recovery is complete. In severe cases with multi-organ failure, mortality may be as high as 24%.

Metastatic infection caused by hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumonia and co-infection with Cryptococcus meningitis: A case report

BACKGROUND Klebsiella pneumoniae(K.pneumoniae)used to affect mainly people with compromised immunity or weakened by other infections,but recent emergence of hypervirulent strains has increased infections even in healthy individuals.These infections include liver abscess,pneumonia,bacteremia,meningitis,necrotizing fasciitis,and endophthalmitis.Although metastatic infection by hypervirulent K.pneumoniae(hvKP)is increasingly recognized,co-infection with Cryptococcus neoformans(C.neoformans)meningitis in immunocompetent hosts is rare but fatal.So,it is necessary to determine the risk factors,complications,and comorbidity of this disease.CASE SUMMARY This report describes a 58-year-old man with hvKP pulmonary abscess,bacteremia,and meningitis,accompanied by fatal Cryptococcus meningitis.This patient presented with fever for 1 wk and drowsiness for 3 d.Laboratory findings revealed pulmonary abscess and bacteremia of K.pneumoniae.He was given intravenous antibiotic therapy,and the infection was under control for about 1 wk.However,his condition deteriorated rapidly because of metastatic purulent meningitis.Although hvKP and C.neoformans were isolated and confirmed,the patient died of spontaneous respiratory and cardiac arrest caused by cerebral hernia.CONCLUSION HvKP has emerged as a cause of metastatic infections in immunocompetent hosts.polymicrobial co-infections should be taken into consideration when metastatic infection is present.

Association of fluid balance trajectories with clinical outcomes in patients with septic shock:A prospective multicenter cohort study

Background:Septic shock has a high incidence and mortality rate in Intensive Care Units(ICUs).Earlier intravenous fluid resuscitation can significantly improve outcomes in septic patients but easily leads to fluid overload(FO),which is associated with poor clinical outcomes.A single point value of fluid cannot provide enough fluid information.The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of fluid balance(FB)latent trajectories on clinical outcomes in septic patients.Methods:Patients were diagnosed with septic shock during the first 48 h,and sequential fluid data for the first 3 days of ICU admission were included.A group-based trajectory model(GBTM)which is designed to identify groups of individuals following similar developmental trajectories was used to identify latent subgroups of individuals following a similar progression of FB.The primary outcomes were hospital mortality,organ dysfunction,major adverse kidney events(MAKE)and severe respiratory adverse events(SRAE).We used multivariable Cox or logistic regression analysis to assess the association between FB trajectories and clinical outcomes.Results:Nine hundred eighty-six patients met the inclusion criteria and were assigned to GBTM analysis,and three latent FB trajectories were detected.64(6.5%),841(85.3%),and 81(8.2%)patients were identified to have decreased,low,and high FB,respectively.Compared with low FB,high FB was associated with increased hospital mortality[hazard ratio(HR)=1.63,95%CI 1.22–2.17],organ dysfunction[odds ratio(OR)=2.18,95%CI 1.22–3.42],MAKE(OR=1.80,95%CI 1.04–2.63)and SRAE(OR=2.33,95%CI 1.46–3.71),and decreasing FB was significantly associated with decreased MAKE(OR=0.46,95%CI 0.29–0.79)after adjustment for potential covariates.Conclusion:Latent subgroups of septic patients followed a similar FB progression.These latent fluid trajectories were associated with clinical outcomes.The decreasing FB trajectory was associated with a decreased risk of hospital mortality and MAKE.

Fulminant myocarditis in adults: a narrative review

Fulminant myocarditis(FM)is an uncommon syndrome characterized by sudden and severe hemodynamic compromise secondary to acute myocardial inflammation,often presenting as profound cardiogenic shock,life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and/or electrical storm.FM may be refractory to conventional therapies and require mechanical circulatory support(MCS).The immune system has been recognized as playing a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of myocarditis,leading to an increased focus on immunosuppressive treatment strategies.Recent data have highlighted not only the fact that FM has significantly worse outcomes than non-FM,but that prognosis and management strategies of FM are heavily dependent on histological subtype,placing greater emphasis on the role of endomyocardial biopsy in diagnosis.The impact of subtype on severity and prognosis will likewise influence how aggressively the myocarditis is managed,including whether MCS is warranted.Many patients with refractory cardiogenic shock secondary to FM end up requiring MCS,with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation demonstrating favorable survival rates,particularly when initiated prior to the development of multiorgan failure.Among the challenges facing the field are the need to more precisely identify immunopathophysiological pathways in order to develop targeted therapies,and the need to better optimize the timing and management of MCS to minimize complications and maximize outcomes.

A case of interstitial pneumonitis in a patient with ulcerative colitis treated with azathioprine

The early hypersensitivity reaction and late bone marrow depression are well-known side-effects of azathioprine, whereas interstitial pneumonia is a rare complication. A 40-year old male patient had been treated with azathioprine in consequence of extensive ulcerative colitis for 10 years. He then complained of 7 d of fever, cough and catarrhal signs, without symptoms of active colitis. Opportunistic infections were ruled out. The chest X-ray, CT and lung biopsy demonstrated the presence of interstitial inflammation. Azathioprine therapy was discontinued as a potential source of the pulmonary infiltrate. In response to steroid therapy, and intensive care, the pulmonary infiltrate gradually decreased within 4 wk. Three months later, his ulcerative colitis relapsed, and ileo-anal pouch surgery was performed. In cases of atypical pneumonia, without a proven infection, azathioprine-associated interstitial pneumonitis may be present, which heals after withdrawal of the drug.

Spectrum of cardiac manifestations and its relationship to outcomes in patients admitted with scrub typhus infection

AIM To study the spectrum of cardiac manifestations in scrub typhus infection and assess its relationship to outcomes.METHODS Demographic data, electrocardiographic(ECG) changes, left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function, myocardial injury (defined as troponin T > 14 pg/mL), and pericardial effusion were documented. Myocarditis was diagnosed when myocardial injury was associated with global LV systolic dysfunction. The relationship between myocarditis and outcomes was assessed using logistic regression analysis and expressed as odds ratio(OR) with 95%CI.RESULTS The cohort(n = 81; 35 males) aged 49.4 ± 16.1 years(mean, SD) presented 8.1 ± 3.1 d after symptom onset. The APACHE-Ⅱ score was 15.7 ± 7.0. Fortyeight (59%) patients were ventilated, and 46 (56%) required vasoactive agents. Mortality was 9.9%. ECG changes were non-specific; sinus tachycardia was the most common finding. Myocardial injury was evident in 61.7% of patients and LV systolic dysfunction in 30.9%. A diagnosis of myocarditis was made in 12.3%. In addition, seven patients with regional wall motion abnormalities had LV systolic dysfunction and elevated cardiac enzymes. Mild diastolic dysfunction was observed in 18 (22%) patients. Mild to moderate pericardial effusion was seen in 51%. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, patients with myocarditis tended to be older (OR = 1.04, 95%CI: 0.99-1.09), had shorter symptom duration (OR = 0.69, 95%CI: 0.49-0.98), and tended to stay longer in hospital(OR = 1.17, 95%CI: 0.98-1.40). Myocarditis was not associated with increased mortality.CONCLUSION In scrub typhus infection, cardiac manifestations are frequent and associated with increased morbidity but not mortality.

Role of serological rapid antibody test in the management of possible COVID-19 cases

Although the detection of viral particles by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)is the gold standard diagnostic test for coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),the false-negative results constitute a big challenge.AIM To examine a group of patients diagnosed and treated as possible COVID-19 pneumonia whose multiple nasopharyngeal swab samples were negative for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)by RT-PCR but then serological immunoglobulin M/immunoglobulin G(IgM/IgG)antibody against SARS-CoV-2 were detected by rapid antibody test.METHODS Eighty possible COVID-19 patients who had at least two negative consecutive COVID-19 RT-PCR test and were subjected to serological rapid antibody test were evaluated in this study.RESULTS The specific serological total IgM/IgG antibody against SARS-CoV-2 was detected in twenty-two patients.The mean age of this patient group was 63.2±13.1-yearsold with a male/female ratio of 11/11.Cough was the most common symptom(90.9%).The most common presenting chest computed tomography findings were bilateral ground glass opacities(77.2%)and alveolar consolidations(50.1%).The mean duration of time from appearance of first symptoms to hospital admission,to hospital admission,to treatment duration and to serological positivity were 8.6 d,11.2 d,7.9 d,and 24 d,respectively.Compared with reference laboratory values,serologically positive patients have shown increased levels of acute phase reactants,such as C-reactive protein,ferritin,and procalcitonin and higher inflammatory markers,such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate,lactate dehydrogenase enzyme,and fibrin end-products,such as D-dimer.A left shift on white blood cell differential was observed with increased neutrophil counts and decreased lymphocytes.CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated the feasibility of a COVID-19 diagnosis based on rapid antibody test in the cases of patients whose RT-PCR samples were negative.Detection of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 with rapid antibody test should be included in the diagnostic algorithm in patients with possible COVID-19 pneumonia.

Pneumomediastinum： Unusual Complication ofInfection with Influenza A HIN1 （About a Case）

Influenza A （H IN l） is a viral infection which can be responsible of severe lung diseases. Mediastinal symptoms are rareespecially pneumomediastinum.The aim of this work is to report a case of a young immunocompromised patient who was admitted tothe intensive care unit for acute respiratory distress that revealed Influenza A H1NI pulmonary infection withpneumomediastinum .The evolution was favorable.

Rare Complication of External Ventricular Drainage：Intra-ventricular Drain Section

The external ventricular derivation is an invasive technique used to cure hydrocephalus.Sometimes,it may have infectiousand mechanical complications and needs specific cares.Very rarely, the drain line can be cut with an intraventricular section tip as in thecase reported.