COVID-19 pandemic effects on the distribution of healthcare services in India: A systematic review

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has brought fundamental changes to our problems and priorities,especially those related to the healthcare sector.India was one of the countries severely affected by the harsh consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.AIM To understand the challenges faced by the healthcare system during a pandemic.METHODS The literature search for this review was conducted using PubMed,EMBASE,Scopus,Web of Science,and Google Scholar.We also used Reference Citation Analysis(RCA)to search and improve the results.We focused on the published scientific articles concerned with two major vital areas:(1)The Indian healthcare system;and(2)COVID-19 pandemic effects on the Indian healthcare system.RESULTS The Indian healthcare system was suffering even before the pandemic.The pandemic has further stretched the healthcare services in India.The main obstacle in the healthcare system was to combat the rising number of communicable as well as noncommunicable diseases.Besides the pandemic measures,there was a diversion of focus of the already established healthcare services away from the chronic conditions and vaccinations.The disruption of the vaccination services may have more severe short and long-term consequences than the pandemic’s adverse effects.CONCLUSION Severely restricted resources limited the interaction of the Indian healthcare system with the COVID-19 pandemic.Re-establishment of primary healthcare services,maternal and child health services,noncommunicable diseases programs,National Tuberculosis Elimination Program,etc.are important to prevent serious long-term consequences of this pandemic.

Nutrition interventions and clinical outcomes of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus: More than meets the eye

In the retrospective study by Luo et al regarding clinical outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM),the results are statistically significant in favour of the benefits of individualized nutrition interventions enumerated therein.The study has provided important evidence to improve maternal and child health in the Asian population.The methods,however,appear to have considerable limi-tations,wherein the time point of diagnosis of GDM,severity of GDM,selection bias,compliance to therapy,important maternal covariates,observable microvascular abnormalities and the confounding effect of added insulin have not been considered.We have provided suggestions to improve the external validity of the study,including the use of Equator Network reporting guidelines and inclusion of overweight and obese patients in future studies.

Chronic hepatitis B:Prevent,diagnose,and treat before the point of no return

Hepatitis B remains a significant global health challenge,contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality.Approximately 254 million people world-wide live with Chronic hepatitis B(CHB),with the majority of cases occurring in sub-Saharan Africa and the Western Pacific regions.Alarmingly,only about 13.4%of the individuals infected with this disease have been diagnosed,and awareness of hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection status is as low as 1%in sub-Saharan Africa.In 2022,CHB led to 1.1 million deaths globally.The World Health Organization(WHO)has set a target of eliminating hepatitis B as a public health concern by 2030;however,this goal appears increasingly unattainable due to multiple challenges.These challenges include low vaccination coverage;a large number of undiagnosed cases;a low proportion of patients eligible for treatment under current guidelines;limited access to healthcare;and the costs associated with lifelong treatment.Treatment of HBV can yield significant clinical benefits within a long window of opportunity.However,the benefits of therapy are markedly diminished when the disease is detected at the advanced cirrhosis stage.This editorial aim to highlight the current challenges in hepatitis care and the necessary steps to achieve the WHO's hepatitis elimination goals for 2030.

Ophthalmic complications of injectable facial fillers

The recently published mini-review article by Miotti et al is an effort to clarify various aspects regarding the choice between fat grafts and fillers in facial aesthetic surgery.One of the complications associated with the administration of fillers is the possibility of vascular injury and spread of the dermal filler into the orbit,causing unexpected effects at a site distant from that of the initial injection,including ophthalmoplegia,ptosis and even visual compromise.Acute vision loss following filler injection is a devastating complication,occurring in up to 0.0008%of cases.The greatest risk of this complication occurs with nasal augmentation,followed by glabellar wrinkle treatment.While injected autologous fat predominantly occludes the proximal portion of the ophthalmic artery,hyaluronic acid fillers obstruct the ophthalmic artery comparatively distally.Treatment interventions include thrombolysis,hyperbaric oxygen therapy,oral aspirin,cobamamide and acetazolamide and administration of corticosteroids.However,most studies show a poor prognosis in the form of partial or no recovery of vision.Hence,prevention is of paramount importance.A high index of suspicion is also warranted on the part of both those administering as well as receiving injections of facial fillers to prevent potentially vision-threatening complications of this seemingly innocuous procedure.

Vascular complications of liver abscess: A literature review

Extensive vascular network and proximity to the gastrointestinal tract make the liver susceptible to abscess formation.While pyogenic liver abscesses account for the majority of liver abscesses in the Western world,amebic liver abscesses are more prevalent in tropical and developing nations.Most liver abscesses heal without complications.However,various vascular complications can occur in these patients,including compression of the inferior vena cava,thrombosis of the portal vein and/or hepatic veins,hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm,direct rupture into major vessels or the pericardium,and biliovascular fistula.These compli-cations can present significant clinical challenges due to the potential for hae-morrhage,ischemia,and systemic embolism,thereby increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality.Mechanical compression,flow stasis,inflammation,endothelial injury,and direct invasion are some of the proposed mechanisms that can cause vascular complications in the setting of a liver abscess.For the diag-nosis,thorough assessment,and therapeutic planning of vascular complications,more sophisticated imaging techniques such as multidetector computed tomo-graphy angiography or magnetic resonance angiography may be necessary.Although most vascular complications resolve with abscess treatment alone,additional interventions may be required based on the nature,severity,and course of the complications.This article aims to provide a systematic update on the spectrum of vascular complications of liver abscesses,offering insights into their pathogenesis,diagnosis,and management strategies.

Novel automated non-invasive detection of ocular surface squamous neoplasia using artificial intelligence

Ocular surface squamous neoplasia(OSSN)is a common eye surface tumour,characterized by the growth of abnormal cells on the ocular surface.OSSN includes invasive squamous cell carcinoma(SCC),in which tumour cells penetrate the basement membrane and infiltrate the stroma,as well as non-invasive conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia,dysplasia,and SCC in-situ thereby presenting a challenge in early detection and diagnosis.Early identification and precise demarcation of the OSSN border leads to straightforward and curative treatments,such as topical medicines,whereas advanced invasive lesions may need orbital exenteration,which carries a risk of death.Artificial intelligence(AI)has emerged as a promising tool in the field of eye care and holds potential for its application in OSSN management.AI algorithms trained on large datasets can analyze ocular surface images to identify suspicious lesions associated with OSSN,aiding ophthalmologists in early detection and diagnosis.AI can also track and monitor lesion progression over time,providing objective measurements to guide treatment decisions.Furthermore,AI can assist in treatment planning by offering personalized recommendations based on patient data and predicting the treatment response.This manuscript highlights the role of AI in OSSN,specifically focusing on its contributions in early detection and diagnosis,assessment of lesion progression,treatment planning,telemedicine and remote monitoring,and research and data analysis.

Clinical implications of diabetes in chronic liver disease:Diagnosis,outcomes and management,current and future perspectives

Diabetes mellitus(DM)is common in liver cirrhosis(LC).The pathophysiological association is bidirectional.DM is a risk factor of LC and LC is a diabetogenic condition.In the recent years,research on different aspects of the association DM and LC has been intensified.Nevertheless,it has been insufficient and still exist many gaps.The aims of this review are:(1)To discuss the latest understandings of the association of DM and LC in order to identify the strategies of early diagnosis;(2)To evaluate the impact of DM on outcomes of LC patients;and(3)To select the most adequate management benefiting the two conditions.Literature searches were conducted using Pub Med,Ovid and Scopus engines for DM and LC,diagnosis,outcomes and management.The authors also provided insight from their own published experience.Based on the published studies,two types of DM associated with LC have emerged:Type 2 DM(T2 DM)and hepatogenous diabetes(HD).High-quality evidences have determined that T2 DM or HD significantly increase complications and death pre and post-liver transplantation.HD has been poorly studied and has not been recognized as a complication of LC.The management of DM in LC patients continues to be difficult and should be based on drug pharmacokinetics and the degree of liver failure.In conclusion,the clinical impact of DM in outcomes of LC patients has been the most studied item recently.Nevertheless many gaps still exist particularly in the management.These most important gaps were highlighted in order to propose future lines for research.

Prevalence and risk factors of lymphatic dysfunction in cirrhosis patients with refractory ascites:An often unconsidered mechanism

BACKGROUND The lymphatic system is crucial in maintaining the body fluid homeostasis.A dysfunctional lymphatic system may contribute to the refractoriness of ascites and edema in cirrhosis patients.Therefore,assessment of lymphatic dysfunction in cirrhosis patients with refractory ascites(RA)can be crucial as it would call for using different strategies for fluid mobilization.AIM To assessing the magnitude,spectrum,and clinical associations of lymphatic dysfunction in liver cirrhosis patients with RA.METHODS This observational study included 155 consecutive cirrhosis patients with RA.The presence of clinical signs of lymphedema,such as peau d’orange appearance and positive Stemmer sign,intestinal lymphangiectasia(IL)on duodenal biopsy seen as dilated vessels in the lamina propria with strong D2-40 immunohistochemistry,and chylous ascites were used to diagnose the overt lymphatic dysfunctions.RESULTS A total of 69(44.5%)patients out of 155 had evidence of lymphatic dysfunction.Peripheral lymphedema,found in 52(33.5%)patients,was the most common manifestation,followed by IL in 42(27.0%)patients,and chylous ascites in 2(1.9%)patients.Compared to patients without lymphedema,those with lymphedema had higher mean age,median model for end-stage liver disease scores,mean body mass index,mean ascitic fluid triglyceride levels,and proportion of patients with hypoproteinemia(serum total protein<5 g/dL)and lymphocytopenia(<15%of total leukocyte count).Patients with IL also had a higher prevalence of lymphocytopenia and hypoproteinemia(28.6%vs.9.1%,P=0.004).Seven(13%)patients with lymphedema had lower limb cellulitis compared to none in those without it.On multivariate regression analysis,factors independently associated with lymphatic dysfunction included obesity[odds ratio(OR):4.2,95%confidence intervals(95%CI):1.1–15.2,P=0.027],lymphocytopenia[OR:6.2,95%CI:2.9–13.2,P<0.001],and hypoproteinemia[OR:3.7,95%CI:1.5–8.82,P=0.003].CONCLUSION Lymphatic dysfunction is common in cirrhosis patients with RA.Significant indicators of its presence include hypoproteinemia and lymphocytopenia,which are likely due to the loss of lymphatic fluid from the circulation.Future efforts to mobilize fluid in these patients should focus on methods to improve lymphatic drainage.

Dietary salt in liver cirrhosis:With a pinch of salt!

Patients with liver cirrhosis are advised to limit their sodium consumption to control excessive fluid accumulation.Salt is the most common form in which sodium is consumed daily.Consequently,various recommendations urge patients to limit salt intake.However,there is a lack of consistency regarding salt restriction across the guidelines.Moreover,there is conflicting evidence regarding the efficacy of salt restriction in the treatment of ascites.Numerous studies have shown that there is no difference in ascites control between patients with restriction of salt intake and those without restriction.Moreover,patients with cirrhosis may have several negative effects from consuming too little salt,although there are no recommendations on the lower limit of salt intake.Sodium is necessary to maintain the extracellular fluid volume;hence,excessive salt restriction can result in volume contraction,which could negatively impact kidney function in a cirrhotic patient.Salt restriction in cirrhotic patients can also compromise nutrient intake,which can have a negative impact on the overall outcome.There is insufficient evidence to recommend restricted salt intake for all patients with cirrhosis,including those with severe hyponatremia.The existing guidelines on salt restriction do not consider the salt sensitivity of patients;their nutritional state,volume status and sodium storage sites;and the risk of hypochloremia.This opinion article aims to critically analyze the existing literature with regard to salt recommendations for patients with liver cirrhosis and identify potential knowledge gaps that call for further research.

Effect of thrombocytopenia and platelet transfusion on outcomes of acute variceal bleeding in patients with chronic liver disease

BACKGROUND Platelet transfusion in acute variceal bleeding(AVB)is recommended by few guidelines and is common in routine clinical practice,even though the effect of thrombocytopenia and platelet transfusion on the outcomes of AVB is unclear.AIM To determine how platelet counts,platelets transfusions,and fresh frozen plasma transfusions affect the outcomes of AVB in cirrhosis patients in terms of bleeding control,rebleeding,and mortality.METHODS Prospectively maintained database was used to analyze the outcomes of cirrhosis patients who presented with AVB.The outcomes were assessed as the risk of rebleeding at days 5 and 42,and risk of death at day 42,considering the platelet counts and platelet transfusion.Propensity score matching(PSM)was used to compare the outcomes in those who received platelet transfusion.Statistical comparisons were done using Kaplan-Meier curves with log-rank tests and Coxproportional hazard model for rebleeding and for 42-d mortality.RESULTS The study included 913 patients,with 83.5%men,median age 45 years,and Model for End-stage Liver Disease score 14.7.Platelet count<20×10^(9)/L,20-50×10^(9)/L,and>50×10^(9)/L were found in 23(2.5%),168(18.4%),and 722(79.1%)patients,respectively.Rebleeding rates were similar between the three platelet groups on days 5 and 42(13%,6.5%,and 4.7%,respectively,on days 5,P=0.150;and 21.7%,17.3%,and 14.4%,respectively,on days 42,P=0.433).At day 42,the mortality rates for the three platelet groups were also similar(13.0%,23.2%,and 17.2%,respectively,P=0.153).On PSM analysis patients receiving platelets transfusions(n=89)had significantly higher rebleeding rates on day 5(14.6%vs 4.5%;P=0.039)and day 42(32.6%vs 15.7%;P=0.014),compared to those who didn't.The mortality rates were also higher among patients receiving platelets(25.8%vs 23.6%;P=0.862),although the difference was not significant.On multivariate analysis,platelet transfusion and not platelet count,was independently associated with 42-d rebleeding.Hepatic encephalopathy was independently associated with 42-d mortality.CONCLUSION Thrombocytopenia had no effect on rebleeding rates or mortality in cirrhosis patients with AVB;however,platelet transfusion increased rebleeding on days 5 and 42,with a higher but nonsignificant effect on mortality.

Liver transplantation in acute liver failure:Dilemmas and challenges

Acute liver failure(ALF)refers to a state of severe hepatic injury that leads to altered coagulation and sensorium in the absence of pre-existing liver disease.ALF has different causes,but the clinical characteristics are strikingly similar.In clinical practice,however,inconsistency in the definition of ALF worldwide and confusion regarding the existence of pre-existing liver disease raise diagnostic dilemmas.ALF mortality rates used to be over 80%in the past;however,survival rates on medical treatment have significantly improved in recent years due to a greater understanding of pathophysiology and advances in critical care management.The survival rates in acetaminophen-associated ALF have become close to the post-transplant survival rates.Given that liver transplantation(LT)is an expensive treatment that involves a major surgical operation in critically ill patients and lifelong immunosuppression,it is very important to select accurate patients who may benefit from it.Still,emergency LT remains a lifesaving procedure for many ALF patients.However,there is a lack of consistency in current prognostic models that hampers the selection of transplant candidates in a timely and precise manner.The other problems associated with LT in ALF are the shortage of graft,development of contraindications on the waiting list,vaguely defined delisting criteria,time constraints for pre-transplant evaluation,ethical concerns,and comparatively poor post-transplant outcomes in ALF.Therefore,there is a desperate need to establish accurate prognostic models and explore the roles of evolving adjunctive and alternative therapies,such as liver support systems,plasma exchange,stem cells,auxiliary LT,and so on,to enhance transplant-free survival and to fill the void created by the graft shortage.

Association of COVID-19 with hepatic metabolic dysfunction

The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic continues to be a global problem with over 438 million cases reported so far.Although it mostly affects the respiratory system,the involvement of extrapulmonary organs,including the liver,is not uncommon.Since the beginning of the pandemic,metabolic comorbidities,such as obesity,diabetes,hypertension,and dyslipidemia,have been identified as poor prognostic indicators.Subsequent metabolic and lipidomic studies have identified several metabolic dysfunctions in patients with COVID-19.The metabolic alterations appear to be linked to the course of the disease and inflammatory reaction in the body.The liver is an important organ with high metabolic activity,and a significant proportion of COVID-19 patients have metabolic comorbidities;thus,this factor could play a key role in orchestrating systemic metabolic changes during infection.Evidence suggests that metabolic dysregulation in COVID-19 has both short-and long-term metabolic implications.Furthermore,COVID-19 has adverse associations with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease.Due to the ensuing effects on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and ammonia metabolism,COVID-19 can have significant implications in patients with advanced chronic liver disease.A thorough understanding of COVID-19-associated metabolic dysfunction could lead to the identification of important plasma biomarkers and novel treatment targets.In this review,we discuss the current understanding of metabolic dysfunction in COVID-19,focusing on the liver and exploring the underlying mechanistic pathogenesis and clinical implications.

Risk factors of COVID-19 infection among policemen: A case-control study

Objective:To investigate the risk factors and protective measures of COVID-19 among policemen in an eastern state of India.Methods:This case-control study was conducted in Bihar,located in the eastern part of India.In total,6 confirmed COVID-19 cases(the case group)and 11 negative contacts of these cases(the control group)of Bihar Military Police participated in the study.Results:All subjects were male with a median age of 51(range:23-60)years.Among these 6 confirmed cases,5 cases were asymptomatic.One third(33.3%)of the case group and the majority(90.9%)of the control group reported maintenance of physical distance of at least 1 meter with others all the time,which was significantly different(P=0.028).There was no other statistically significant difference between the case group and the control group.Conclusions:Physical distancing is the most effective public health measure to control contagious diseases like COVID-19,especially in the absence of an effective vaccine in police settings.

Sudden cardiac death in a case of Crohn's disease with COVID-19: A case report

Rationale:The mechanism of sudden cardiac death in COVID-19 can be multifactorial.Cardiac hypersensitivity to 5-ASA therapy leading to myocarditis has been reported in some cases.Cytokine storm syndrome and idiosyncratic reaction with mesalazine use may lead to sudden cardiac death in COVID-19.Use of immunosuppressants in hospitalized COVID-19 patients should be continued with caution,especially in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.Patient’s concern:A 75-year-old man who was tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 was admitted with a history of shortness of breath for the last two days.He was a known case of Crohn’s disease treated with mesalazine.Diagnosis:COVID-19 pneumonia with underlying Crohn’s disease leading to sudden cardiac death.Intervention:Remdesivir,antibiotics,steroids,low molecular weight heparin,tablet zinc,tab vitamin C,and other supportive treatment were started.Because of increased inflammatory markers,itolizumab was given to the patient on the 2nd day.Outcome:On the 5th day of the intensive care unit,the patient complained of sudden chest pain with respiratory distress leading to bradycardia and asystole and could not be resuscitated.Lessons:Causes for sudden cardiac death in COVID-19 pneumonia patients with Crohn’s disease is multifactorial.Although mesalazine may be a safe and effective drug in the management of inflammatory bowel disease,it can induce sytokine strom syndrome and idiosyncratic reactions that could be one of the reasons of sudden cardic death.Therefore,we should be aware of its serious and potentially life-threatening complications,especially in COVID-19 infected patients.

Role of Radiotherapy in the Management of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Debate and Discordance in Clinical Trials

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma(PAC)is an extremely fatal malignancy with dismal outcome with standard treatment till date.Investigators are constantly in search of optimal treatment approach and radiation therapy(RT)remains in the centre of debate.Human pancreatic cancer cell lines have shown both intrinsic and hypoxia induced radio resistance,and RT has produced conflicting results as well in the various clinical trials.However,most of the American studies continued the use of RT as a potential treatment modality but the European school of thought is widely criticized for their‘therapeutic nihilism’towards radiation and faulty clinical trial designs.This article has reviewed the available literature on the evolving role of RT for the management of resectable and borderline resectable PAC and has highlighted the increasing trend towards the use of radiotherapy in both adjuvant and neo adjuvant settings.With the advent of modern RT techniques,the acute and late toxicities are much less than the earlier time,and therefore augmented RT is expected to produce better clinical outcomes for the patients with pancreatic carcinoma.

Treatment Outcomes of Germ Cell Tumors of Ovary:Single Institutional Study

5%of all ovarian tumours are accounted to germ cell tumours(GCT’s).Affecting mostly young women,the highest incidence is seen in second and third decade of life.They are highly malignant but chemosensitive and more curable than their epithelial counterparts.Treating these tumors with effective surgery and combination chemotherapy survival rates have dramatically improved in recent decades.We present our experience of ovarian germ cell tumours in the department of Surgical Oncology,Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences(RIMS),Ranchi with special emphasis on treatment outcomes.A retrospective review of hospital medical records of patients with ovarian germ cell tumours diagnosed and treated at RIMS from June 2019 to August 2020,was performed.Clinical profile and treatment outcome of patients were recorded.A total of 19 patients met criteria.The median age at diagnosis was 20 years(range 11-42 years)and all had good performance status.All except two patients underwent surgery,70.6%and 29.4%in upfront and interval debulking surgery(IDS)setting respectively.Fertility preserving surgery was done in 75%patients in the primary surgery group and 60%undergoing IDS.83.3%patients received BEP as adjuvant chemotherapy whereas 80%as neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.Majority(31.5%)patients had dysgerminoma as final histology,followed by mixed histology(26.3%),yolk sac tumour(15.7%),immature teratoma(15.7%)and choriocarcinoma(10.5%).47.3%patients were in Stage I at the time of diagnosis.78.9%patients were alive without disease,10.5%recurred,and 10.5%were lost to follow up.

Amebic liver abscess: An update

Amebic liver abscess(ALA)is still a common problem in the tropical world,where it affects over three-quarters of patients with liver abscess.It is caused by an anaerobic protozoan Entamoeba hystolytica,which primarily colonises the cecum.It is a non-suppurative infection of the liver consisting primarily of dead hepatocytes and cellular debris.People of the male gender,during their reproductive years,are most prone to ALA,and this appears to be due to a poorly mounted immune response linked to serum testosterone levels.ALA is more common in the right lobe of the liver,is strongly associated with alcohol consumption,and can heal without the need for drainage.While majority of ALA patients have an uncomplicated course,a number of complications have been described,including rupture into abdomino-thoracic structures,biliary fistula,vascular thrombosis,bilio-vascular compression,and secondary bacterial infection.Based on clinico-radiological findings,a classification system for ALA has emerged recently,which can assist clinicians in making treatment decisions.Recent research has revealed the role of venous thrombosis-related ischemia in the severity of ALA.Recent years have seen the development and refinement of newer molecular diagnostic techniques that can greatly aid in overcoming the diagnostic challenge in endemic area where serology-based tests have limited accuracy.Metronidazole has been the drug of choice for ALA patients for many years.However,concerns over the resistance and adverse effects necessitate the creation of new,safe,and potent antiamebic medications.Although the indication of the drainage of uncomplicated ALA has become more clear,high-quality randomised trials are still necessary for robust conclusions.Percutaneous drainage appears to be a viable option for patients with ruptured ALA and diffuse peritonitis,for whom surgery represents a significant risk of mortality.With regard to all of the aforementioned issues,this article intends to present an updated review of ALA.

Renal resistive index measurements by ultrasound in patients with liver cirrhosis:Magnitude and associations with renal dysfunction

BACKGROUND The hemodynamic alterations seen in liver cirrhosis lead to renal vasoconstriction,ultimately causing acute kidney injury(AKI).The renal resistive index(RRI)is the most common Doppler ultrasound variable for measuring intrarenal vascular resistance.AIM To evaluate the association of the RRI with AKI in patients with liver cirrhosis and to identify risk factors for high RRI.METHODS This was a prospective observational study,where RRI was measured using Doppler ultrasound in 200 consecutive hospitalized patients with cirrhosis.The association of RRI with AKI was studied.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was utilized to determine discriminatory cut-offs of RRI for various AKI phenotypes.Multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the predictors of high RRI.RESULTS The mean patient age was 49.08±11.68 years,with the majority(79.5%)being male;the predominant etiology of cirrhosis was alcohol(39%).The mean RRI for the study cohort was 0.68±0.09,showing a progressive increase with higher Child-Pugh class of cirrhosis.Overall,AKI was present in 129(64.5%)patients.The mean RRI was significantly higher in patients with AKI compared to those without it(0.72±0.06 vs 0.60±0.08;P<0.001).A total of 82 patients(41%)had hepatorenal syndrome(HRS)-AKI,29(22.4%)had prerenal AKI(PRA),and 18(13.9%)had acute tubular necrosis(ATN)-AKI.The mean RRI was significantly higher in the ATN-AKI(0.80±0.02)and HRS-AKI(0.73±0.03)groups than in the PRA(0.63±0.07)and non-AKI(0.60±0.07)groups.RRI demonstrated excellent discriminatory ability in distinguishing ATN-AKI from non-ATN-AKI(area under ROC curve:93.9%).AKI emerged as an independent predictor of high RRI(adjusted odds ratio[OR]:11.52),and high RRI independently predicted mortality among AKI patients(adjusted OR:3.18).CONCLUSION In cirrhosis patients,RRI exhibited a significant association with AKI,effectively differentiated between AKI phenotypes,and predicted AKI mortality.

Intestinal lymphangiectasia:Understanding the bigger picture

Intestinal lymphangiectasia(IL)is characterized by the dilation of intestinal lymphatic vessels,which can rupture and cause loss of lymph into the intestine.Due to the high content of proteins,lipoproteins,and lymphocytes in the intestinal lymph,loss of lymph might result in hypoproteinemia,hypoalbuminemia,hypogammaglobulinemia,and lymphocytopenia.In addition,there may be a depletion of minerals,lipids,and fat-soluble vitamins.IL can be primary due to inherent malfunctioning of the lymphatic system,or secondly,a result of various factors that may hinder lymphatic drainage either directly or indirectly.This condition has emerged as a subject of significant clinical interest.Given that the intestinal lymphatic system plays an important role in the body’s fluid homeostasis,adaptive immunity,nutrient and drug absorption,intestinal transport,and systemic metabolism,its dysfunction may have wider implications.Although primary IL is rare,with varied clinical features,complications,treatment response,and outcomes,secondary IL is more common than previously believed.The definitive diagnosis of IL requires endoscopic demonstration of whitish villi(which frequently resemble snowflakes)and histological confirmation of dilated lacteals in the small intestinal mucosa.Treatment of IL is challenging and involves dietary modifications,managing underlying medical conditions,and using medications such as sirolimus and octreotide.Recognizing its prevalence and diverse etiology is crucial for targeted management of this challenging medical condition.This article provides a comprehensive exploration of the clinical implications associated with IL.In addition,it offers valuable insights into critical knowledge gaps in the existing diagnostic and management landscape.

Bidirectional link between periodontitis and systemic inflammation in diabetic retinopathy

Periodontitis is independently associated with numerous lifestyle diseases.Diabetic patients have approximately threefold increased odds of periodontitis,which in turn increases the risk of systemic inflammation.The study by Thazhe Poyil et al is an effort to establish the inflammatory link between diabetic retinopathy(DR)and periodontitis based on the periodontal inflamed surface area in diabetic patients with and without DR.To further advance the study,we suggest refining the eligibility criteria to explicitly state the clinical correlates of periodontitis and DR,larger sample size and improved sampling methodology,matching of baseline characteristics of the two groups,as well as improved statistical approach and interpretation of the study findings.Measurement of hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c)in studies comparing type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with DR of matched severity with and without periodontitis could provide a clearer picture of whether HbA1c level is indeed influenced by periodontitis.