patients

Objective: To identify risk factors among pregnant with COVID-19 for adverse outcomes related to disease severity, maternal mortality, and morbidity.Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, 45 pregnant patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were confirmed by RT-PCR. The inclusion criteria were pregnant patients diagnosed with COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR and hospitalized in the gynecology-obstetrics and intensive care unit. Exclusion criteria were non-pregnant patients and pneumonia cases with unconfirmed COVID-19 causes. The study used SPSS software to analyze the data. Results: Our study recorded 45 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women over 2.5 years. The age group most affected was 20-35 years, with 75% of cases. 57% of patients had no known comorbidities. 88.8% of patients were symptomatic at diagnosis. Almost 30% of patients required admission to the ICU, with 60% requiring oxygen supplementation. The study recorded 36 live births (80%), of which 26 cases (72.2%) required no further care and had a favorable outcome.Conclusion: Pregnant women with medical conditions are at higher risk of severe COVID-19, which can cause respiratory distress syndrome and impact delivery and neonatal outcomes. Preventive measures are important.

Aim: A descriptive-analytical study was done to assess the proportion of the risk of stroke among male patients attending the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital, in Ernakulam District, Kerala. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess the proportion of the risk of stroke among male patients attending outpatient departments and to determine the association of stroke risk level with socio-personal variables. Methods: The research approach of the study is a quantitative approach. The research design selected for the study is a descriptive-analytical design. The convenience sampling method was used for sample selection. The study was done in MOSC Medical College Hospital, Kolenchery among 288 male patients who met the inclusion criteria. Data collection was done using socio-personal proforma and stroke risk scorecards. Results: Collected data were analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics presented in tables and pie diagrams. The study findings revealed that out of 288 subjects, 43.4% have low stroke risk, 13.9% are in caution and 42.7% have high stroke risk. The findings also revealed that there is a significant association of stroke risk level with age, education, occupation, BMI and place of residence. Statement of the problem: Proportion of risk of stroke among male patients attending outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital, Ernakulam district, Kerala. Proportion of risk of stroke among male patients attending outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital, Ernakulam district, Kerala.

Introduction: Hypoglycemia affects patient safety and glycemic control during insulin treatment of both type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is still a major clinical problem in the treatment of type 1 diabetes that impairs metabolic control. This study aimed to assess hypoglycemia and associated factors among type 1 diabetes mellitus patients attending the outpatient clinics of Debra–Tabor Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital, in 2021.Method: institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 204 selected type I DM, from June 1/2021 to August 30/2021. The study participants were selected by systematic sampling method from monthly follow-up lists and lists of registration. Data were cleaned and entered into Epi Data and then exported into SPSS version 20 for analysis. Data were presented with texts, graphs, diagrams, and tables but an analytic form of findings will be presented by text form of the odds ratio. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with hypoglycemia p – value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant and reported as a 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: A total of 204 participants participated with a response rate of 100%, and prevalence of self-reported hypoglycemia was 88.7% (95%, CI: 83.8-92.6) and the prevalence of hypoglycemia was significantly associated with occupation [AOR: 4.01 (95% CI:1.86-9.35)], higher educational status [AOR: 2.13 (95% CI:1.92-13.15)], diabetic duration < 1 [AOR: 3.80 (95% CI:1.32-9.28)], poor knowledge [AOR: 4.91 (95% CI:1.09-11.06)] and favorable attitude [AOR: 5.86 (1.10-6.07)]. The current study revealed that the knowledge, attitude, and practice of respondents were 81.9% (95%, CI, 76-86.8), 73% (95% CI, 66.7-78.9), and 91.2% (95% CI, 86.8-94.6) respectively.Conclusion and recommendation: Hypoglycemia was highly prevalent among diabetic patients treated at Debra-Tabor Comprehensive and Specialized Referral Hospital. To reduce the higher prevalence of hypoglycemia the health professionals working in the hospital had better provide appropriate patient advice about, BGL monitoring, medication adherence, self-injection as well as oral hypoglycemic agent administrations.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with a mortality rate of 37%. There is an upregulation of adhesion molecules which leads to the expression of endothelin-1, a potent vasoconstrictor. A prospective, descriptive study was done to determine the safety and efficacy of macitentan in patients with SCD and PH. Continuous variables were reported as mean ± SEM or percentage where appropriate. We screened 13 patients and recruited five. All five patients were adults. Data were analyzed as appropriate by student t - test. Statistical significance was assumed at p < 0.05. Baseline pulmonary hemodynamics obtained by right heart catheterization and systemic hemodynamics were (± SEM): mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) 32 ± 8 mmHg, right atrial pressure (RAP) 9 ± 4 mmHg, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) 257 dynes-sec/cm5 and CI 3·7 ± 0.39 l/m2. Of all parameters, only PVR and 6-min walk distance changed significantly. For the group, MPAP decreased by 15.6%, PVR by 22.5% and RAP by 25.5%. The 6-minute walk distance increased over sixteen weeks except in Patient 4 who had a 3% decrease. The mean walk distance increased in the total distance, from 464 ± 158 meters to 477 ± 190 meters (p .123). In four patients, the adverse events were mild to moderate and did not lead to study drug discontinuation. Significant improvement in pulmonary hemodynamics and exercise capacity in patients with SCD-related pulmonary arterial hypertension. We found that macitentan was safe and well tolerated.

Anxiety is also a very common disorder, both in patients and their family members. Anxiety and stress can compromise the quality of life of cancer patients and their families. Feelings of anxiety and anguish can occur at various times of the disease path: during screening, waiting for test results, at diagnosis, during treatment or at the next stage due to concern about relapses. Anxiety and distress can affect the patient’s ability to cope with diagnosis or treatment, frequently causing reduced adherence to follow-up visits and examinations, indirectly increasing the risk of failure to detect a relapse, or a delay in treatment; and anxiety can increase the perception of pain, affect sleep, and accentuate nausea due to adjuvant therapies. Failure to identify and treat anxiety and depression in the context of cancer increases the risk of poor quality of life and potentially results in increased disease-related morbidity and mortality [1]. From all this we deduce the need and importance of dedicated psychological and psychiatric support for these patients within the Breast Unit. The fact that the psycho-oncologist who is dedicated to the care of patients with breast cancer must be an integrated figure in the multidisciplinary team of the Senological Center and not an external consultant is enshrined in the same European Directives that concern the legislation concerning the requirements that a Breast Unit must have in order to be considered a Full Breast Unit (Wilson AMR, et al. 2013).One of the most complex situations you find yourself dealing with is communication with the patient. This communication is particularly complex in two fragile subpopulations that are represented by women. [Menditto L. T (Tirannie) Cancer of the Breast. Am J Psychol & Brain Stud, 2023; 1(1):26-30].

In the realm of dental surgery, implants are essential for replacing missing teeth. To facilitate implant placement, techniques such as bone grafting and sinus lifts are utilized to augment the volume of atrophied alveolar bone in candidates for dental implants. Typically, patients undergo a period of recovery following bone grafts before proceeding with implant placement. This study investigates the efficacy of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in measuring the residual bone volume and assessing bone quality after the healing phase. A texture analysis was conducted on CBCT scans from 42 patients requiring maxillary sinus lift reconstruction. These patients were categorized into two groups based on the type of grafting material used: Xenograft or allograft. The study analyzed the distribution of various texture parameters and conducted a Mann-Whitney U test to identify significant statistical differences between the groups. Results indicated non-normal distributions for specific variables such as Area_S(1,0) and S(1,0)SumOfSqs, while others like S(1,0)Entropy displayed normal distributions. The findings revealed no significant statistical differences in the primary outcomes between the xenograft and allograft groups. However, the average values of the gray shades of pixels in the allograft group were statistically significantly higher compared to the xenograft group, suggesting differences in bone texture post-procedure.

Background: Acute leukemia is the result of clonal transformation and proliferation of a hematopoietic progenitor giving rise to poorly differentiated neoplastic cells. Reactive oxygen species play a role in maintaining the quiescence, self-renewal, and long-term survival of hematopoietic stem cells, but it is unclear how they would affect disease onset and progression. The aim is to evaluate, at the transcriptional and systemic level, the oxidative-inflammatory status in newly diagnosis acute leukemia patients. Methods: Seventy acute leukemia patients [26 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 13 Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL), and 31 Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)] and forty-one healthy controls were analyzed. Malondialdehyde and catalase activity were evaluated. Gene expression of NRF2, SOD, PRDX2, CAT, IL-6, and TNF-α was analyzed by real-time PCR.Results: Malondialdehyde concentration was similar in all groups studied. Catalase activity was significantly higher in AML and APL patients compared to controls, while ALL showed similar activity to the healthy group. NRF2, CAT, and PRDX2 expression levels were similar between groups, SOD expression was downregulated in all acute leukemia patients. TNF-α expression was lower in AML groups than in healthy individuals, and IL-6 mRNA expression was downregulated in ALL and APL.Conclusion: This is the first report that correlates transcriptional and systemic parameters associated with the oxidative inflammatory status in newly diagnosed acute leukemia. Some of the parameters evaluated could be used as biomarkers in the selection of an effective therapeutic strategy and will open new directions for the follow-up and evolution of this disease.

Gynecological laparoscopy has to be analyzed also in the context of complications that occur during the surgical procedures. Complications occur daily. For this reason, emphasis should be placed on lifelong continuous education and training. Given the risks and complications we face, we must be trained to deal with them. This improves the safety of laparoscopic operations. Without such certainty, gynecological laparoscopy would not be the method of choice in a minimally invasive approach. This requires significant commitment, effort, and responsibility. In this way, we provide our patients with the best and highest quality healthcare service. Likewise, with such an approach, the frequency of complications is reduced to a minimum. New perspectives and possibilities are associated with the application of robotic surgery.

The Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) technique is based on cuffs connected to a pressure device that induces partial arterial inflow. BFR combined with exercise has already been proven to increase strength, muscle mass, and muscular endurance. However, some BFR devices with pneumatic air bands, such as KAATSU (KA), are expensive and less accessible, making either a Sphygmomanometer Cuff (SC) or Elastic Band (EB) an interesting alternative. However, vascular parameters in response to blood flow restriction during KA, EB, and SC have not yet been compared. Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the brachial blood flow behavior during restriction using bands such as KA, SC, and EB on the same perceived tightness. Methods: Thirty healthy men participated in a prospective crossover study. Participants underwent blood flow measurements before and during KA, SC, and EB use, with KA-perceived tightness taken as a reference. The brachial blood flow volume, the diameter of the artery, and blood flow velocity were measured before and immediately after the cuff’s inflation at a specific tightness. Results: Blood flow volume was significantly reduced in KA (52%, ES: 1.38), SC (61.7%, ES: 1.29), and EB (41.5%, ES: 1.22) (p

Background: Globally, severe acute malnutrition (SAM) remains a major killer of children under 5 years of age. The highest magnitude is seen in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. Hypoglycemia is the most common complication of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and the most life-threatening condition in pediatric society. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypoglycemia and its associated factors among under-five children with severe acute malnutrition.Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted among 378 randomly selected samples who were admitted to public hospitals in the East Gojjam zone from 2018 to 2021. Data was extracted from the medical records of the children and entered into SPSS version 26, Variables with a p – value < 0.25 in the Bivariate analysis were candidates for multivariable logistic regression and those with a p – value < 0.05 in the multivariable analysis were considered as having a statistically significant association with hypoglycemia among severe acute malnutrition.Results: Out of 378 respondents, 50 (13.2%) had hypoglycemia with severe acute malnutrition patients. Children admitted between the ages of 0-6 months were 2.93 (AOR = 1.57-6.25, p = 0.000), shocks were 4.6 (AOR = 1.25-17.42, p = 0.034), and fully immunized children were (AOR: 2.61 (1.01- 6.77, p = 0.048) was significantly associated with hypoglycemia with severe acute malnutrition. Conclusion and recommendation: The prevalence of hypoglycemia with severe acute malnutrition was 13.2%. We also recommend a longitudinal study should be done among children who develop hypoglycemia with severe acute malnutrition to determine the long-term consequences, especially the neurodevelopmental sequelae associated with this condition.

Septic arthritis is a serious inflammatory infectious state of the joint secondary to microbial infection. In the pediatric population the most common route of infection is haematogenous spread. Less than fifty percent of patients with septic arthritis will yield positive culture results with a mortality rate of up to 42% in some cases. Due to the challenge in obtaining culture and identification of the causative organism the management of septic arthritis has been more of empirical in nature with the chosen antibiotic synchronized with the epidemiological data. Here is a case of a 14 months old female patient presenting at our hospital with a left knee and lower thigh swelling for three days with failure to bare weight on the limb. In addition, she had fever and diarrhea for three days. Upon evaluation clinical, laboratory and radiological findings supported septic arthritis expect for her blood, pus and synovial fluid culture of which all came back negative. She had poor response to intravenous ceftriaxone, gentamycin, metronidazole, ampicillin- cloxacillin and amoxicillin clavunate. Over the course of therapy, she developed septic shock, severe anemia and acute liver failure and was admitted to the intensive care unit. Afterwards she was initiated vancomycin and developed a hypersensitivity reaction with generalized edema which prompted cessation of the drug. Due to her critical state and poor response a triple therapy regimen composing of meropenem, ciprofloxacin and metronidazole was selected and maintained for three weeks followed by an oral clindamycin course for another three weeks of which she responded. In addition, surgical debridement arthrotomy, irrigation and drainage were done. Physiotherapy for rehabilitation is ongoing with patient recovering well.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD is characterized by progressive liver tissue damage and is an important risk factor for mortality due to renal and cardiovascular outcomes. Thus, randomized clinical trials have investigated the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SLGT2) inhibitors as a promising therapy for patients with CKD and T2DM. This study aimed to analyze the benefits of using SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with CKD and T2DM to reduce mortality risks. To this end, a qualitative, descriptive methodological approach was adopted using a literature review in the PubMed, Embase, and VHL databases. The inclusion criteria were clinical trial articles, randomized or non-randomized, cohort studies, case-control studies, and open access, published in Portuguese and English, between 2018 and 2023 with topics associated with SGLT2 inhibitors, CDK, and T2DM patients. In this context, it was observed that the risk of death from CKD in patients treated with Canaglifozin was 30% lower than in those treated with a placebo and that Dapaglifozin prolonged survival. In this context, when assessing the progression of kidney disease or death from cardiovascular causes in patients taking Empagliflozin, only 13.1% achieved the outcome compared to 16.9% on placebo, so the drug safely reduces the risk of mortality. Consequently, SGLT2 inhibitors have shown excellent results in the treatment of CDK and T2DM, with a reduction in the risk of mortality, positive effects on reducing renal and cardiovascular outcomes, as well as prolonging survival.

Background: Adult patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) have traditionally been hospitalized for the duration of intensive consolidation chemotherapy until blood count recovery to avoid complications. Recently, there has been a trend to shift the care of AML patients treated with intensive chemotherapy from inpatient to outpatient settings to reduce treatment costs and save beds. Methods and materials: A retrospective study of AML patients who received cytarabine consolidation chemotherapy between the 1st of August 2016 and the 31st of December 2023 at King Fahad Specialist Hospital in Dammam, Saudi Arabia was performed. Results: Over a period of 7 years and 4 months, 62 patients received a total of 127 cycles of intensive consolidation chemotherapy at outpatient setting. At diagnosis: 12 patients had extramedullary disease, and 17 patients had adverse cytogenetic abnormalities. Following the 127 cycles of chemotherapy, 38 episodes of febrile neutropenia were encountered, and 46 hospital admissions were required. No complications were encountered following 62.2% of the cycles of consolidation therapy and no early mortality due to intensive consolidation therapy was reported. Out of 62 patients studied, 36 patients underwent various forms of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Disease relapses were encountered in 24 patients and the 5-year incidence of relapse for the entire group of patients was 42%. The 5-year leukemia-free survival for the: entire study patients, transplanted patients, and non-transplanted patients were: 43%, 38%, and 50% respectively. The 5-year overall survival for the: entire study patients, transplanted patients, and non-transplanted patients were: 44%, 34%, and 65% respectively. At the end of follow-up: 37 patients (59.68%) were alive, 24 patients (38.71%) were dead, and the fate of 1 patient (1.61%) was unknown as the patient moved to another hospital. Conclusion: Administration of intensive consolidation chemotherapy for patients with AML at outpatient setting is safe, feasible, and cost-effective. The incidence of infectious complications was relatively low. No early treatment-related mortality due to intensive consolidation therapy was encountered. Outpatient administration of intensive consolidation therapy can save beds, reduce hospital costs, and is associated with short-term and long-term outcomes that are comparable to inpatient administration of consolidation therapy. 

Introduction: Post-dilution online hemodiafiltration is the most efficient extracorporeal depurative treatment of CKD. Recently a new type of membrane has been developed, with a higher cut-off point also called a medium cut-off point, which has the capacity to eliminate higher molecular weight molecules in hemodialysis. The hemodialysis performed with these membranes has been called “Expanded Hemodialysis”.Objective: Compare the purifying efficacy of medium and high molecular weight molecules in patients dialyzed with high-flux hemodialysis, VitaPES 210HF, and with patients treated with expanded hemodialysis with the medium cut-off dialyzer, Elisio-HX.We also assessed the effect that the increased removal of inflammatory mediators by MCO hemodialysis had on fecal Calprotectin levels.Patients and methods: This is a prospective observational cross-over study in which 8 prevalent hemodialysis patients were followed for two months. Blood levels of IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), β2-microglobulin, Kappa and Lambda immunoglobulin light chains, and serum albumin were determined before and after each hemodialysis session.Results: The percentage of reduction of medium and higher molecular weight molecules: β2microglobulin, IL-6, Kappa and Lambda chains and CRP were higher with the Elisio-21HX dialyzer compared to the VitaPES 210HF dialyzer. There was no difference in albumin clearance between the two dialyzers.Fecal calprotectin levels were lower in patients dialyzed with Elisio-21HX.Conclusion: The medium cutoff dialyzer, Elisio-HX, is more efficient in the elimination of medium/high molecular weight molecules than the VitaPES HF high-flux dialyzer, with the same albumin elimination.Improving inflammation at the local intestinal level with lower levels of fecal Calprotectin.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (PCIs,) are monoclonal antibodies directed against immune checkpoint regulatory molecules. These antibodies inhibit T-cell activation and prolong survival in patients with different types of cancer. However, they can produce adverse effects related to the immune response such as renal damage.We present the clinical case of a 75-year-old man with a personal history of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and metastatic renal cancer with lung, bone, and mediastinal involvement. He started treatment with immunotherapy with Nivolumab-Ipilimumab. Then, after 4 cycles of immunotherapy, the patient was admitted to the Urology Department for an adverse reaction to immunotherapy with the development of nephritis and toxic hepatitis. Despite treatment with methylprednisolone, he evolved poorly, and a palliative approach was finally decided.The incidence of acute renal failure attributed to PCIs is estimated at 2% - 3%, being grade I-II in most cases. Among the renal complications associated with PCIs, acute interstitial nephritis is the most predominant with an incidence of 80% - 90% of cases. In addition, an increased risk is observed in patients with intermediate or poor risk metastatic renal cancer.Despite their fundamental role in metastatic renal cancer, we must take into account the potential for renal failure as an adverse effect of PCIs, especially in patients with previous CKD.

Rheumatic heart disease persists as a significant concern in developing regions, often resulting in multivalvular heart conditions. Treatment options are limited, though percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy effectively addresses rheumatic mitral stenosis. Non-surgical interventions for aortic stenosis include balloon aortic valvotomy and Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), tailored to patient factors like age and comorbidities.We describe two cases of Rheumatic multivalvular disease which were managed non-surgical. The first case is a pioneering procedure performed on a young patient combined percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy with balloon aortic valvotomy, guided by 4-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography (4D TEE). This represents the first documented instance in medical literature, showcasing the potential of integrated interventions and advanced imaging techniques. In the second challenging case involving a heavily calcified, retrovirus, and Hepatitis B positive 55-year-old, a staged approach was adopted, involving percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy followed by Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Despite complexities, this sequential strategy demonstrates the adaptability of transcatheter techniques in managing complex valvular pathologies. These cases highlight the evolving landscape of interventional cardiology and underscore the importance of tailored, multidisciplinary approaches in optimizing outcomes for patients with rheumatic heart disease and multivalvular involvement, especially in resource-limited settings. Further exploration and dissemination of such innovative strategies hold promise for enhancing cardiac care quality and expanding treatment options globally.

This study investigates into the historical evolution and contemporary applications of Computed Tomography (CT) in renal stone estimation, with a focus on the innovative use of CT to quantify renallcalculiistrain for estimating potentiallsymptomatic incidents.Historically, CT has played a pivotal role in diagnosing renal calculi, offering unparalleled sensitivity and specificity in detecting stones of varying composition and size. However, the clinical significance of renal calculi extends beyond mere detection, prompting researchers to explore novel approaches to predict symptomatic events associated with stone disease. This research aimed to determine the right way to classify asymptomatic radiographic calculi strain on computed tomography (CT) scans in Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital, Al-Muthanna, Iraq. A survey was made available to calculi formers who had a CT scan during asymptomatic after a calculi clinical assessment. A survey and a study of medical records revealed symptomatic calculi route incidents after a CT scan. The amount of calculus, the biggest calculi thickness, electronic total calculi size (TSV), and two-pronged calculus were measured radiographically and linked as predictors of calculi events. There were 55 calculi formers in the study, and 61% had a calculi event one year after the CT scan. The calculus number was (0–1, 2–3, 4–6, 7), the highest calculi diameter was (0–2, 3–4, 5–7, 8 mm), and 48% had bilateral calculus. The number of calculus per quartile had a danger ratio of 1.30 (p = 0.001), the largest calculi diameter had a hazard ratio of 1.26 (p  0.001), TSV had a hazard ratio of 1.38 (p = 0.001), and bilateral calculus had a hazard ratio of 1.80 (p = 0.001). Only TSV wass an unbiased measure offsymptomaticceventssin multivariable regression (HR = 1.35 per quartile, p = 0.01). TSV-related incidents were also unaffected by demographics, urinary chemistry, or calculi composition. A drastic rise in TSV between CT scans (> 31 mm3/year) expected additional eventssin the 49 patients with interim events (HR = 2.8, p = 0.05). For calculating calculi pressure on CT scan, automated TSV is more accurate for asymptomatic events than physical approaches.

Background: Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous inflammatory disease that is associated with inflammatory eye manifestations such as uveitis, cystoid macular edema, and retinal vasculitis. Although Corticosteroids (CS) have traditionally been the mainstay of treatment, there is a clinical need and growing interest in exploring alternative therapeutic options for patients who are refractory to or intolerant of CS or require long-term steroid-sparing agents. Purpose: This case series aims to describe the effectiveness of adalimumab, an anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α monoclonal antibody, in the management of complex sarcoidosis-related inflammatory eye disease via reduction in CS dosage and ocular exam findings before and after initiation of adalimumab therapy.Method: A retrospective chart review of patients between 2010 and 2023 seen at our academic center’s rheumatology and eye clinics was conducted, with 5 patients meeting the inclusion criteria. Results: Most patients were able to lower, discontinue, or remain off oral CS, while all 5 patients demonstrated a reduction in uveitis activity, Cystoid Macular Edema (CME), and/or retinal vasculitis. Conclusion: These findings suggest a potential role for adalimumab as an effective and safe therapeutic option in the management of complex sarcoidosis-related inflammatory eye disease.

Purpose: Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare life-threatening cardiomyopathy of unknown etiology with significant maternal morbidity and mortality. It causes heart failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction with or without left ventricular dilatation in the last month of pregnancy up to 5 months postpartum in previously healthy women. We aimed to determine short-term outcomes of peripartum cardiomyopathy clinically as well as in terms of left ventricular systolic function and to study the clinical profile and associated risk factors.Patients and methods: A prospective observational study was carried out in the Department of Cardiology of Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Center, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal, from July 2018 to January 2022. All the patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy who presented to the department of cardiology were enrolled in the study and re-evaluated with echocardiography at 6 months.Results: A total of 68 women met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 28.38 ± 5.5 years (range 19 to 44 years). The most common clinical presentation was dyspnea followed by lower limb edema. Six (8.8%) patients presented during the last month of pregnancy whereas 62 (91.2%) patients presented in the postpartum period. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction on presentation was 30.01 ± 8.54. A full recovery was observed among 60.29% at 6 months. The mortality rate was 4.41%.Conclusion: Timely diagnosis and management of peripartum cardiomyopathy with standard therapy for heart failure leads to better recovery of left ventricular systolic function.

Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have significantly improved cancer treatment outcomes, but cardiovascular complications such as ICI-associated myocarditis are a major concern. Diagnosing myocarditis requires integrating biomarkers, electrocardiogram (EKG), cardiac imaging, and endomyocardial biopsy. We present a case illustrating these diagnostic challenges, involving a female patient treated with pembrolizumab who developed fatal acute myocarditis mimicking infiltrative cardiomyopathy.Case report: A 54-year-old woman with mucosal melanoma, treated with pembrolizumab, was hospitalized in May 2023 due to dyspnea and elevated troponin levels. Initial cardiac workups were normal, but subsequent tests revealed borderline cardiac magnetic resonance imaging findings. In late May 2023, the patient was admitted with worsening dyspnea, elevated NT-pro-BNP, and severe hyperlactatemia. Imaging and endomyocardial biopsy confirmed acute myocarditis with atypical presentation, mimicking infiltrative cardiomyopathy. Despite aggressive immunosuppressive therapy, the patient’s condition deteriorated, resulting in cardiogenic shock and death seven days post-admission.Conclusion: This case underscores the diagnostic and management challenges of ICI-associated myocarditis, particularly with atypical presentations. It highlights the need for vigilant, comprehensive monitoring and further research to improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for managing these severe side effects in patients undergoing ICI therapy.