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Kalwani NM, Calma J, Varghese GM, Gupta A, Zheng J, Brown-Johnson C, Amano A, Vilendrer S, Winget M, Asch SM, Heidenreich P, Sandhu A. The patient-reported outcome measurement in heart failure clinic trial: Rationale and methods of the PRO-HF trial. Am Heart J 2023; 255:137-146. [PMID: 36309127 PMCID: PMC10069382 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2022.10.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among patients with heart failure (HF), patient-reported health status provides information beyond standard clinician assessment. Although HF management guidelines recommend collecting patient-reported health status as part of routine care, there is minimal data on the impact of this intervention. STUDY DESIGN The Patient-Reported Outcomes in Heart Failure Clinic (PRO-HF) trial is a pragmatic, randomized, implementation-effectiveness trial testing the hypothesis that routine health status assessment via the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12 (KCCQ-12) leads to an improvement in patient-reported health status among patients treated in a tertiary health system HF clinic. PRO-HF has completed randomization of 1,248 participants to routine KCCQ-12 assessment or usual care. Patients randomized to the KCCQ-12 arm complete KCCQ-12 assessments before each HF clinic visit with the results shared with their treating clinician. Clinicians received education regarding the interpretation and potential utility of the KCCQ-12. The primary endpoint is the change in KCCQ-12 over 1 year. Secondary outcomes are HF therapy patterns and health care utilization, including clinic visits, testing, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits. As a sub-study, PRO-HF will also evaluate the impact of routine KCCQ-12 assessment on patient experience and the accuracy of clinician-assessed health status. In addition, clinicians completed semi-structured interviews to capture their perceptions on the trial's implementation of routine KCCQ-12 assessment in clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS PRO-HF is a pragmatic, randomized trial based in a real-world HF clinic to determine the feasibility of routinely assessing patient-reported health status and the impact of this intervention on health status, care delivery, patient experience, and the accuracy of clinician health status assessment.
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Kundavaram APP, Selvan S, Raja V, Mathiyalagan P, Kanagarajan R, Reddy NP, Rajendiran N, Hazra D, Gunasekaran K, Moorthy M, Lenin A, Mathew D, Iyyadurai R, Varghese GM, Dj C, Joy M, Peter JV. Retrospective study of comparison of clinical severity and outcome of hospitalised COVID-19 patients during the first and second waves of the pandemic in India. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e062724. [PMID: 36410807 PMCID: PMC9679869 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-062724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare the clinical severity and outcome of hospitalised patients during the two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in India. SETTING A tertiary care referral hospital in South India. PARTICIPANTS Symptomatic SARS CoV-2 reverse transcriptase PCR positive patients presenting to the emergency department during the two waves were recruited. The first wave spanned between April and December 2020 and the second wave between April and May 2021. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome of interest was mortality. Secondary outcomes included illness severity at presentation, need for oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and hospital or intensive care unit admission. RESULTS The mean (SD) age of the 4971 hospitalised patients in the first wave was similar to the 2293 patients in the second wave (52.5±15.4 vs 52.1±15.1 years, p=0.37). When compared with the first wave, during the second wave, a higher proportion of patients presented with critical illness (11% vs 1.1%, p<0.001) and needed supplemental oxygen therapy (n=2092: 42.1% vs n=1459: 63.6%; p<0.001), NIV (n=643; 12.9% vs n=709; 30.9%; p<0.001) or inotropes/vasoactive drugs (n=108; 2.2% vs n=77: 3.4%; p=0.004). Mortality was higher during the second wave (19.2% vs 9.3%; p<0.001). On multivariable regression analysis, age >60 years (risk ratio, RR 2.80; 95% CI 2.12 to 3.70), D-dimer >1000 ng/mL (RR 1.34; 95% CI 1.15 to 1.55), treatment with supplemental oxygen (RR 14.6; 95% CI 8.98 to 23.6) and presentation during the second wave (RR 1.40; 95% CI 1.21 to 1.62) were independently associated with mortality. CONCLUSION The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India appeared to be associated with more severe presentation and higher mortality when compared with the first wave. Increasing age, elevated D-dimer levels and treatment with supplemental oxygen were independent predictors of mortality.
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Chandna A, Mahajan R, Gautam P, Mwandigha L, Kumar P, Varghese GM, Koshiaris C, Lubell Y, Burza S. Host biomarkers reflect prognosis in patients presenting with moderate Covid-19 – a prospective cohort study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac526. [PMID: 36320192 PMCID: PMC9605705 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Efficient resource allocation is essential for effective pandemic response. We measured host biomarkers in 420 patients presenting with moderate Covid-19 and found that different biomarkers predict distinct clinical outcomes. IL-1ra, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-8 exhibit dose-response relationships with subsequent disease progression and could potentially be useful for multiple use-cases.
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Goyal-Honavar A, Gupta A, Manesh A, Varghese GM, Edmond Jonathan G, Prabhu K, Chacko AG. A prospective evaluation of postoperative fever in adult neurosurgery patients in the COVID-19 era. J Clin Neurosci 2022; 103:26-33. [PMID: 35809454 PMCID: PMC9250895 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2022.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Postoperative fever is mostly transient and inconsequential but may portend a serious postoperative infection requiring a thorough evaluation, especially during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to determine the incidence, causes and outcomes of postoperative fever in neurosurgical patients, as well as to evaluate a protocol for management of postoperative fever. We conducted a prospective study over 12 months, recruiting 425 adult patients operated for non-traumatic neurosurgical indications. We followed a standard protocol for the evaluation and management of postoperative fever collecting data regarding operative details, daily maximal temperature, clinical features, as well as use of surgical drains, urinary catheters, and other invasive adjuncts. Elevated body temperature of > 99.9°F or 37.7 °C for over 48 h or associated with clinical deterioration or localising features was considered as “fever” and was evaluated according to our protocol. We classified elevated temperature not meeting this criterion as a transient elevation in temperature (TET). Sixty-five patients (13.5%) had postoperative fever. Transient elevation of temperature, occurring in 40 patients (8.8%) was most common in the first 48 h after surgery. The most common causes of fever were urinary tract infections (13.7%), followed by aseptic meningitis (10.8%), wound infections and pneumonia. Various aetiologies of fever followed distinct patterns, with COVID-19 and meningitis causing high-grade, prolonged fever. Multivariate analysis revealed cranial surgery, prolonged duration of surgery, urinary catheters and wound drains retained beyond POD 3 to predict fever. Postoperative fever was associated with significantly longer duration of hospital admission. COVID-19 had a high mortality rate in the early postoperative period.
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Chandna A, Mahajan R, Gautam P, Mwandigha L, Gunasekaran K, Bhusan D, Cheung ATL, Day N, Dittrich S, Dondorp A, Geevar T, Ghattamaneni SR, Hussain S, Jimenez C, Karthikeyan R, Kumar S, Kumar S, Kumar V, Kundu D, Lakshmanan A, Manesh A, Menggred C, Moorthy M, Osborn J, Richard-Greenblatt M, Sharma S, Singh VK, Singh VK, Suri J, Suzuki S, Tubprasert J, Turner P, Villanueva AMG, Waithira N, Kumar P, Varghese GM, Koshiaris C, Lubell Y, Burza S. Facilitating Safe Discharge Through Predicting Disease Progression in Moderate Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Prospective Cohort Study to Develop and Validate a Clinical Prediction Model in Resource-Limited Settings. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:e368-e379. [PMID: 35323932 PMCID: PMC9129107 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In locations where few people have received coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines, health systems remain vulnerable to surges in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. Tools to identify patients suitable for community-based management are urgently needed. METHODS We prospectively recruited adults presenting to 2 hospitals in India with moderate symptoms of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 to develop and validate a clinical prediction model to rule out progression to supplemental oxygen requirement. The primary outcome was defined as any of the following: SpO2 < 94%; respiratory rate > 30 BPM; SpO2/FiO2 < 400; or death. We specified a priori that each model would contain three clinical parameters (age, sex, and SpO2) and 1 of 7 shortlisted biochemical biomarkers measurable using commercially available rapid tests (C-reactive protein [CRP], D-dimer, interleukin 6 [IL-6], neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio [NLR], procalcitonin [PCT], soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell-1 [sTREM-1], or soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor [suPAR]), to ensure the models would be suitable for resource-limited settings. We evaluated discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility of the models in a held-out temporal external validation cohort. RESULTS In total, 426 participants were recruited, of whom 89 (21.0%) met the primary outcome; 257 participants comprised the development cohort, and 166 comprised the validation cohort. The 3 models containing NLR, suPAR, or IL-6 demonstrated promising discrimination (c-statistics: 0.72-0.74) and calibration (calibration slopes: 1.01-1.05) in the validation cohort and provided greater utility than a model containing the clinical parameters alone. CONCLUSIONS We present 3 clinical prediction models that could help clinicians identify patients with moderate COVID-19 suitable for community-based management. The models are readily implementable and of particular relevance for locations with limited resources.
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Solaimalai D, Gupta A, George L, Manesh A, Karthik R, Sathishkumar D, Peter CVD, Varghese GM, Pulimood SA, Kannangai R, Prakash JAJ. Upward trends of syphilis in the non-pregnant adults: A six-year report on clinical and epidemiological profile of syphilis from a tertiary care center, India. Front Public Health 2022; 10:908591. [PMID: 35958862 PMCID: PMC9359669 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.908591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 2000, a resurgence of syphilis has been noted in many developed and developing countries, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM). Incidence and prevalence of syphilis in pregnant women have been reduced drastically by mandatory screening in early pregnancy. Insufficient data in other populations especially from developing countries limit targeted public health interventions. This study aimed to describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of serologically confirmed syphilis cases among the non-pregnant high-risk group reporting to a tertiary care center in Southern India. A retrospective study was carried out in a tertiary care center in Southern India for 6 years from 2015 to 2020. A total of 265 serologically confirmed syphilis patients were included. A statistically significant increase in positivity from 0.52 to 2.1% was observed in this study (2015 to 2020). Among risk factors, high-risk behavior with multiple heterosexual partners was the commonest (51.3%), followed by marital partners who tested positive (9.4%) and MSM (7.5%). The majority of the patients were diagnosed at the latent stage (79%), followed by secondary syphilis (10%) and tertiary syphilis (8%). A quarter of patients (23%) were coinfected with HIV. Serological non-responsiveness was more common among HIV infected (47 vs. 24%). Sixteen had neurosyphilis and six had ocular involvement. HIV co-infection complicated 50% (8/16) of neurosyphilis patients. Syphilis is still prevalent, especially in high-risk groups including those are attending STI clinics. Further prospective multicentric studies are needed to identify and implement public health measures.
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Kaswala C, Schmiedel Y, Kundu D, George MM, Dayanand D, Devasagayam E, S AM, Kumar SS, Michael JS, Ninan MM, Chacko G, Zachariah A, Sathyendra S, Hansdak SG, Iyadurai R, Christopher DJ, Gupta R, Karthik R, Abraham OC, Varghese GM. Accuracy of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in adult patients: a retrospective cohort study. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 122:566-568. [PMID: 35811084 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The value of the "trace" result in Xpert Ultra for diagnosing active tuberculosis (TB) remains unclear. Our study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Xpert Ultra) (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, USA) over Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, USA) and mycobacterial culture when compared with a composite reference standard (CRS). METHODS A retrospective single-center observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in South India. Over three months, patients (aged ≥15 years) data on Xpert Ultra tests and mycobacterial culture of pulmonary and extrapulmonary samples were extracted from their electronic medical records. Patients were defined as TB cases based on the CRS criteria. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of diagnostic tests were calculated by comparing them to the CRS. RESULTS Xpert Ultra was more sensitive (87.8%) than Xpert (72.1%) and culture (44.1%). The specificity of Xpert Ultra was lower (98.1%) than those of Xpert (100%) and culture (100%). The sensitivity (92%) and specificity (100%) of Xpert Ultra were highest when performed on pus samples. CONCLUSIONS Xpert Ultra with the trace category is superior to the conventional Xpert, and mycobacterial culture in identifying TB.
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Joshi J, Mallik E, Ahmed T, Bhat R, Varghese GM. Left sided Amyand hernia - A case report. Int J Surg Case Rep 2022; 96:107374. [PMID: 35797875 PMCID: PMC9284060 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2022.107374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyand hernia is a clinical condition wherein content of the inguinal hernial sac is formed by the vermiform appendix. CASE PRESENTATION 1 year 3-month-old male child presented to our OPD with an irreducible left inguinal hernia for which he was taken up for an emergency herniotomy. The terminal ileum, caecum and appendix were found to be the contents of the hernial sac. DISCUSSION As the appendix is anatomically located on the right, Amyand hernia more commonly occurs on the right, however its occurrence on the left, is a rare event and is usually associated with congenital anomalies like Intestinal malrotation, Situs inversus and mobile caecum. CONCLUSION Amyand hernia presenting on the left is extremely rare and high index of clinical suspicion is required to manage such patients. We report one such rare case of a Left sided Amyand hernia in a young child.
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Ninan MM, Rupali P, Varghese GM, Shalini EB, Venkatesh K, Jesudason MR, Rebekah G, Michael JS. Xpert Ultra in diagnosing extrapulmonary TB: accuracy and trace calls. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2022; 26:441-445. [PMID: 35505481 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.21.0480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Xpert Ultra (Ultra) was developed to improve the detection of TB; however, data on Ultra´s diagnostic accuracy in extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) are limited.METHODS: In this prospective diagnostic accuracy study, 242 EPTB samples were subjected to Ultra and Xpert MTB/Rif (Xpert) testing, and these were compared with both culture and a composite gold standard.RESULTS: Compared to culture, Ultra sensitivity and specificity using bone, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), lymph node and tissue samples, and overall were respectively 100% and 77.3%, 75% and 100%, 87.5% and 87.5%, 100% and 87%, and 89.7% and 87.4%; in comparison to the composite gold standard, Ultra´s sensitivity and specificity were respectively 66.7% and 100%, 17.6% and 100%, 46.9% and 95.7%, 38.5% and 94.1%, and 46.2% and 96.9%. Using latent class analysis, sensitivity and specificity were respectively 94.5% and 96.3% for Ultra, 65.5% and 99.8% for Xpert, and 58.6% and 99.2% for culture. There were 22/242 (9%) trace calls on Ultra.CONCLUSION: We found improved sensitivity for Ultra compared to Xpert, although Ultra specificity was lower, with a large number of trace results (9%).
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Kundu D, Gautam P, Dayanand D, Gunasekaran K, Manesh A, Sebastian M, Abhilash KPP, Zachariah A, George T, Sathyendra S, Hansdak SG, Abraham OC, Iyadurai R, Thangakunam B, Gupta R, Karthik R, Moorthy M, Varghese GM. The role and diagnostic accuracy of serology for COVID-19. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:390. [PMID: 35439957 PMCID: PMC9017961 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07361-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The role and performance of various serological tests for the diagnosis of COVID-19 are unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of seven commercially available serological assays for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies by testing COVID-19 cases and controls.
Methods Adult patients with fever for > 5 days, admitted to a tertiary-care teaching hospital in South India, were enrolled prospectively between June and December 2020. SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR confirmed patients were classified as cases, and patients with febrile illness with laboratory-confirmed alternative diagnosis and healthy participants were controls. All participants were tested with SCoV-2 Detect™ IgM ELISA kit and SCoV-2 Detect™ IgG ELISA kit (InBios International, Seattle, USA) (Inbios), SARS-CoV-2 Total and SARS-CoV-2 IgG (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc., Tarrytown, USA) (Siemens), Roche Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 (Roche Diagnostics, Rotkreuz, Switzerland) (Roche), Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG (Abbott Diagnostics, IL, USA) (Abbott), and Liaison® SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG (DiaSorinS.p.A., Saluggia, Italy) (Liaison). The sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive values (PPV), negative predictive values (NPV), and accuracies were compared. Results There were 303 participants: 153 cases and 150 controls. ELISA detecting anti-S protein antibody was more sensitive (88.9% for IgG and 86.3% for IgM) than the CLIAs (82.4% for total antibodies and 76.5–85.6% for IgG). Among CLIAs, Roche IgG was most sensitive (85.6%) followed by Abbott (83%) and Liaison (83%). Abbot had the best PPV (88.8%) and was more specific (89.3%) than Liaison (82%) and Roche (82%). Siemens IgG was less sensitive (76.5%) than Siemens Total (82.4%). The specificity of all the serological assays was modest (75–90%). Antibody test positivity increased with the duration of illness reaching 90% after 10 days of illness. When cases were compared against pre-pandemic controls, the IgG gave excellent specificity (98–100%). For seroprevalence studies, InBios IgG had the best accuracy (90.8%) with 88.9% sensitivity and 97.6% specificity. Conclusion The serological assays are important adjuncts for the diagnosis of COVID-19 in patients with persistent symptoms, especially in the second week of illness. The value of serological diagnostic tests is limited in the first week of illness and they provide additional value in seroprevalence studies. The diagnostic accuracy of the ELISA and CLIA platforms were comparable.
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Abhilash KPP, Mathiyalagan P, Krishnaraj VRK, Selvan S, Kanagarajan R, Reddy NP, Rajendiran N, Hazra D, Gunasekaran K, Moorthy M, Jasmine S, Davis JP, George T, George K, Varghese GM, Rupali P, Barney Isaac T, Gupta R, Pichamuthu K, Joy M, Jayaseelan L, Mathews P, Peter JV. Impact of prior vaccination with Covishield TM and Covaxin® on mortality among symptomatic COVID-19 patients during the second wave of the pandemic in South India during April and May 2021: a cohort study. Vaccine 2022; 40:2107-2113. [PMID: 35168837 PMCID: PMC8828422 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 vaccines were authorised for emergency use to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. This study evaluated the effect of prior vaccination with either Oxford Astra Zeneca's Covishield™ or Bharath Biotech's Covaxin® on mortality among symptomatic COVID-19 patients during the second wave of the pandemic in India. METHODOLOGY In this cohort study comprising of RT-PCR confirmed symptomatic COVID-19 patients presenting during April and May 2021, the effect of prior vaccination on mortality (primary outcome), need for hospitalization, oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and intensive care unit (ICU) admission were assessed and expressed as risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS The mean (SD) age of the cohort (n = 4183) was 46.3 (15.5) years; 17.9% (748/4183) had received at least one dose of Covishield™ and 4.8% (201/4183) had received Covaxin®. Mortality was 0.2% (95% CI: 0.2% - 0.7%), 3.5% (1.9-5.2%), 6.2% (0.3-12%) and 12.9% (11.8-14.1%) among fully vaccinated (>2 weeks after two doses), partially vaccinated (>2 weeks after one dose or <2 weeks after two doses), indeterminate (<2 weeks after one dose) and unvaccinated patients respectively. The difference in mortality among unvaccinated vs. fully vaccinated was 12.7% (95% CI: 11.4-13.9%), unvaccinated vs. partially vaccinated was 9.4% (7.4-11.4%) and unvaccinated vs. indeterminate vaccinated was 6.8% (0.8-12.7%). On adjusted analysis, as compared to unvaccinated patients, at least one dose of vaccine reduced the need for hospitalization (RR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.35-0.47), oxygen (0.33; 0.27-0.40), NIV (0.23; 0.17-0.32), ICU admission (0.18; 0.12-0.27) and mortality (0.18; 0.11-0.29). CONCLUSION Among symptomatic COVID-19 patients, prior vaccination with Covishield ™ or Covaxin® impacted the severity of illness and reduced mortality during a period of widespread delta variant circulation. Full vaccination conferred greater protection than partial vaccination.
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Karuppusamy KV, Demosthenes JP, Venkatesan V, Christopher AC, Babu P, Azhagiri MK, Jacob A, Ramalingam VV, Rangaraj S, Murugesan MK, Marepally SK, Varghese GM, Srivastava A, Kannangai R, Thangavel S. The CCR5 Gene Edited CD34+CD90+ Hematopoietic Stem Cell Population Serves as an Optimal Graft Source for HIV Gene Therapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:792684. [PMID: 35359982 PMCID: PMC8963924 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.792684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transplantation of allogenic hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) with C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) Δ32 genotype generates HIV-1 resistant immune cells. CCR5 gene edited autologous HSPCs can be a potential alternative to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from HLA-matched CCR5 null donor. However, the clinical application of gene edited autologous HSPCs is critically limited by the quality of the graft, as HIV also infects the HSPCs. In this study, by using mobilized HSPCs from healthy donors, we show that the CD34+CD90+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) express 7-fold lower CD4/CCR5 HIV receptors, higher levels of SAMHD1 anti-viral restriction factor, and possess lower susceptibility to HIV infection than the CD34+CD90- hematopoietic progenitor cells. Further, the treatment with small molecule cocktail of Resveratrol, UM729 and SR1(RUS) improved the in vivo engraftment potential of CD34+CD90+ HSCs. To demonstrate that CD34+CD90+ HSC population as an ideal graft for HIV gene therapy, we sort purified CD34+CD90+ HSCs, treated with RUS and then gene edited the CCR5 with single sgRNA. On transplantation, 100,000 CD34+CD90+ HSCs were sufficient for long-term repopulation of the entire bone marrow of NBSGW mice. Importantly, the gene editing efficiency of ~90% in the infused product was maintained in vivo, facilitating the generation of CCR5 null immune cells, resistant to HIV infection. Altogether, CCR5 gene editing of CD34+CD90+ HSCs provide an ideal gene manipulation strategy for autologous HSCT based gene therapy for HIV infection.
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Chincholi T, Ahmed T, Kumar Y, Pinto AC, Mallik E, Varghese GM. Rare cause of thyroid enlargement: Localized AA amyloid goiter – A case report. Int J Surg Case Rep 2022; 92:106876. [PMID: 35240483 PMCID: PMC8891945 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2022.106876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Case presentation Discussion Conclusion Clinical enlargement of the thyroid gland due to amyloid infiltration is a rare phenomenon. Identification of subtype of amyloidosis is important as the treatment differs for each. AA amyloidosis is less frequent compared to other types, and currently, there are no guidelines for treatment of the same. High index of clinical suspicion is needed to rule out other causes of goiter. Patients have a better outcome when compared to those with concurrent systemic AA amyloidosis.
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S D, S TD, Gupta R, Varughese S, Varghese GM, George B, Michael JS. Effectiveness of a real-time PCR for diagnosis of Pneumocystis pneumonia in immunocompromised patients - Experience from a tertiary care center, India. J Mycol Med 2021; 32:101241. [PMID: 34999296 DOI: 10.1016/j.mycmed.2021.101241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is a life-threatening fungal infection in immunocompromised patients. Traditionally, the laboratory diagnosis of PCP relied on the visualization of organisms by microscopy as Pneumocystis cannot be readily cultured in the laboratory. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method is preferred over the conventional microscopic methods as PCR is rapid and found to have higher sensitivity. This retrospective study aimed to analyze the diagnostic value of a real-time PCR (qPCR) for routine diagnosis of PCP in immunocompromised patients with various underlying conditions. The qPCR targets a 121 bp fragment of P.jirovecii mitochondrial large subunit rRNA gene. The study was conducted in a 2600-bed tertiary care hospital between January and December 2019. All patients whose respiratory samples were tested for PCP by qPCR were included. The clinical diagnosis was made for each patient and categorized into PCP and non-PCP based on multi-component clinical criteria by a multi-disciplinary team. The performance characteristics of qPCR were analyzed using clinical diagnosis as the reference. A total of 339 respiratory samples from 289 patients were tested for PCP by qPCR during the study period. The overall sensitivity and specificity of qPCR were 84.75% (95% CI, 73.01% to 92.78%) and 96.1% (95% CI, 92.7 to 98.2), respectively. The sensitivity was slightly higher among HIV-infected patients (91%) than the non- HIV group (81%). The PCR exhibited higher sensitivity in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) (94%) than in sputum samples (81%). The colonization can be ruled out with the cycle threshold (CT) value of below 34 with a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 78%, respectively. The real-time PCR showed good sensitivity and specificity for routine diagnosis of PCP in patients with various underlying conditions. In addition, a cut-off CT value (≤ 34) was determined to exclude colonization from active pneumonia.
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Dayanand D, Irudhayanathan I, Kundu D, Manesh A, Abraham V, Abhilash KP, Chacko B, Moorthy M, Samuel P, Peerawaranun P, Mukaka M, Joseph J, Sivaprakasam M, Varghese GM. Community seroprevalence and risk factors for SARS CoV-2 infection in different subpopulations in Vellore, India and its implications for future prevention. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 116:138-146. [PMID: 34971822 PMCID: PMC8712712 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.12.356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to inform public health policy decisions through the assessment of IgG antibody seroprevalence in the population and the risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods The seroprevalence of IgG antibodies among different subpopulations at the end of the first and second waves of the pandemic was estimated. Various risk factors associated with seropositivity, including sociodemography, IgG antibodies against endemic human coronavirus, and vaccination status, were also assessed. Results For all 2433 consenting participants, the overall estimated seroprevalences at the end of first and second waves were 28.5% (95% CI 22.3–33.7%) and 71.5% (95% CI 62.8–80.5%), respectively. The accrual of IgG positivity was heterogeneous, with the highest seroprevalences found in urban slum populations (75.1%). Vaccine uptake varied among the subpopulations, with low rates (< 10%) among rural and urban slum residents. The majority of seropositive individuals (75%) were asymptomatic. Residence in urban slums (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.57–2.6; p < 0.001), middle socioeconomic status (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.17–2.67; p = 0.007), presence of diabetes (OR 1.721, 95% CI 1.148–2.581; p = 0.009), and hypertension (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.16–2.64; p = 0.008) were associated with seropositivity in multivariable analyses. Conclusion Although considerable population immunity has been reached, with more than two-thirds seropositive, improved vaccination strategies among unreached subpopulations and high-risk individuals are suggested for better preparedness in future.
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Barnabas R, Abhilash K, Varghese GM, Shubanker M, Ramya I, Prakash J. Prospective study to assess the treatment modalities and fever defervescence in patients with scrub typhus from a tertiary care centre in South India. J Vector Borne Dis 2021; 58:33-38. [PMID: 34818861 DOI: 10.4103/0972-9062.321748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Fever defervescence in scrub typhus, a zoonotic bacterial infection is used as a surrogate marker of disease resolution. Failure of fever defervescence prompts clinicians to suspect alternate diagnoses and treatment. In this observational study, various treatment regimens were correlated with clinical outcomes. METHODS All adult patients with a diagnosed scrub typhus were included; various antibiotic regimens used and clinical outcomes were studied. Data was analyzed using SPSS software for windows 16, with a 2-sided P-value of 0.05 or less was considered statistically significant. RESULTS In 177 hospitalized patients with scrub typhus, combination therapy (doxycycline and azithromycin) was used in 74 subjects with doxycycline and azithromycin used in 46 and 57 subjects, respectively. Incidence of delayed defervescence was seen in 31.6%, Combination therapy being preferred in sicker patients (SOFA score 8.82). Presence of respiratory dysfunction was associated with a delay in fever defervescence [risk ratio 2.50(1.18-5.3)]. Patients receiving doxycycline did better in terms of oxygen requirement and the presence of hypotension. The overall case fatality rate was 5.6%. The severity of illness rather than the choice of antibiotics predicted the outcome in scrub typhus. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION Combination therapy with doxycycline and azithromycin is the most common regimen used. Incidence of delayed defervescence (31.6%) is increasing despite therapy and the involvement of respiratory dysfunction is an independent predictor of delayed fever defervescence.
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Nair M, Zeegers MP, Varghese GM, Burza S. India's National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance: a critical perspective. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2021; 27:236-238. [PMID: 34695609 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2021.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is widely recognised as a global health threat, which is projected to account for more deaths than cancer by 2050. The Government of India has formulated a National Action Plan to tackle AMR (NAP-AMR), largely modelled on the World Health Organization's Global Action Plan on AMR. While the NAP-AMR successfully mirrors the Global Action Plan and lays out ambitious goals, we find that the lack of financial allocation across states, poor enforcement and inadequate multisectoral co-ordination have hampered progress. A broader focus on improving infrastructure for water and sanitation, linking the issue of AMR to existing vertical health programmes for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB), prioritising infection prevention and control, strengthening the frontline healthcare workforce in rural and peri-urban settings to reduce reliance on antibiotics, leveraging point-of-care testing and mobile app-based health interventions for diagnosis and surveillance, and adopting a socioecological approach to health and development would help to create an enabling environment for concrete action on AMR in India.
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Bhanuprasad K, Manesh A, Devasagayam E, Varghese L, Cherian LM, Kurien R, Karthik R, Deodhar D, Vanjare H, Peter J, Michael JS, Thomas M, Samuel P, Varghese GM. Risk factors associated with the mucormycosis epidemic during the COVID-19 pandemic. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 111:267-270. [PMID: 34450284 PMCID: PMC8383616 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.08.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was performed to assess the risk factors driving the epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated mucormycosis (COVID–Mucor) in India that has accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during the second wave. Risk factors were analysed among 164 participants: 132 COVID–Mucor (cases) and 32 non-COVID–Mucor (controls). Data from a prospective cohort study of mucormycosis over a period of 1 year were used. Diabetes mellitus remained a significant risk factor in both groups (97%), while uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (odds ratio (OR) 4.6; P = 0.026) and newly detected diabetes (OR 3.3; P = 0.018) were more common among the cases. Most patients with COVID–Mucor had mild COVID-19. Steroid use, often unwarranted, was highly associated with COVID–Mucor after adjusting for other risk factors (OR 28.4; P = 0.001). Serum ferritin was significantly higher (P = 0.041), while C-reactive protein was not, suggesting that alterations in iron metabolism may predispose to COVID–Mucor. Oxygen was used only in a small minority of patients with COVID–Mucor. The in-hospital mortality in both groups was low. In conclusion, the Indian COVID–Mucor epidemic has likely been driven by a convergence of interlinked risk factors: uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, unwarranted steroid use, and perhaps COVID-19 itself. Appropriate steroid use in patients with severe COVID-19 and screening and optimal control of hyperglycaemia can prevent COVID–Mucor.
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Manesh A, Varghese GM. Rising antimicrobial resistance: an evolving epidemic in a pandemic. LANCET MICROBE 2021; 2:e419-e420. [PMID: 34230918 PMCID: PMC8248924 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(21)00173-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Devasagayam E, Dayanand D, Kundu D, Kamath MS, Kirubakaran R, Varghese GM. The burden of scrub typhus in India: A systematic review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009619. [PMID: 34314437 PMCID: PMC8345853 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scrub typhus, a vector-borne zoonotic infection caused by the bacteria Orientia tsutsugamushi, is one of the most common and clinically important rickettsial infections worldwide. An estimated one million cases occur annually with a high case fatality rate. Although scrub typhus is a major public health threat in India, the burden and distribution remains unclear. We aimed to estimate the burden of scrub typhus in India. METHODOLOGY We performed a systematic review of published literature on scrub typhus from India to extract information on epidemiology, morbidity, and mortality. Important databases were searched using keywords and appropriate combinations. We identified observational, interventional, and population-based studies and extracted the data to evaluate the number of cases diagnosed using serology or PCR and the number of deaths due to scrub typhus. We conducted a systematic narrative synthesis to summarize included studies. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In the last decade, there were 18,781 confirmed scrub typhus cases reported in 138 hospital-based studies and two community-based studies. IgM ELISA was used in 122 studies to confirm the cases in majority (89%). The proportion of scrub typhus among acute undifferentiated febrile illness (AUFI) studies was 25.3%, and community seroprevalence was 34.2%. Ninety studies had data published on multiple organ involvement out of which 17.4% of cases had multiple organ dysfunction syndromes, 20.4% patients required ICU admission, and 19.1% needed ventilation. The overall case-fatality rate was 6.3%, and the mortality among those with multi-organ dysfunction syndrome was as high as 38.9%. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE Scrub typhus, a common acute febrile illness in India causing severe morbidity, accounts for a large number of deaths. The burden of the disease has been underappreciated. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can significantly reduce complications and mortality. Establishing good surveillance and instituting appropriate control measures are urgently needed.
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Thomas VV, Kumar SE, Alexander V, Nadaraj A, Vijayalekshmi B, Prabhu S, Kumar S, Murugabharathy K, Thomas SM, Hansdak S, Carey R, Iyyadurai R, Pichamuthu K, Abhilash KPP, Varghese GM, Nair S, Goel A, Jeyaseelan L, Zachariah U, Zachariah A, Eapen CE. Plasma Von Willebrand Factor Levels Predict Survival in COVID-19 Patients Across the Entire Spectrum of Disease Severity. Indian J Hematol Blood Transfus 2021; 38:333-340. [PMID: 34177141 PMCID: PMC8214842 DOI: 10.1007/s12288-021-01459-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Characterization of reticulo-endothelial activation in COVID-19 may guide treatment. Objectives: To assess reticulo-endothelial activation and its correlation with disease severity and death in patients across the entire spectrum of COVID-19 severity. Methods: Consecutive hospitalized COVID-19 patients were studied, with similar number of patients in each disease severity category. Baseline serum ferritin, sCD163 (macrophage activation markers) and plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF) antigen (endothelial activation marker) levels were studied. Clinical parameters and plasma D-dimer levels were also studied. The study parameters were correlated with COVID-19 severity and survival. Results: The 143 patients (104 males [80%], age 54 [42 – 65] years, median [inter-quartile range]) presented 4 (3—7) days after symptom onset. Thirty-four patients had mild disease, 36 had moderate disease, 36 had severe disease and 37 had critical disease at baseline. With increasing COVID-19 severity, ferritin, sCD163, VWF and D-dimer levels significantly increased at baseline, however, 139 patients had normal sCD163 levels. Of the reticulo-endothelial markers, VWF level independently correlated with COVID-19 severity and with survival. VWF level > 332.6 units/dl correlated with COVID-19 severity (odds ratio [OR]: 2.77 [95% confidence interval (C.I): 1.1 – 6.99], p value: 0.031) and in-hospital death (OR [95% CI]: 29.28 [5.2 – 165], p value < 0.001). Conclusions: Reticulo-endothelial activation markers increased incrementally with worsening COVID-19 severity. Baseline endothelial activation marker (VWF), and not macrophage activation markers, independently correlated with COVID-19 severity and death.
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Salje J, Weitzel T, Newton PN, Varghese GM, Day N. Rickettsial infections: A blind spot in our view of neglected tropical diseases. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009353. [PMID: 33983936 PMCID: PMC8118261 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsial diseases are a group of vector-borne bacterial infections that cause acute febrile illness with potentially severe or fatal complications. These vector-borne diseases are prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide and disproportionately affect poorer communities but are scientifically underrecognized. Despite this, they are not included in the World Health Organization's list of neglected tropical diseases nor were they mentioned in Peter Hotez's recent reflections on "What constitutes a neglected tropical disease?" in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases [1]. Here we present the case that rickettsial infections, as an overlooked cause of morbidity, mortality, and economic losses in marginalized populations, should be recognized as neglected tropical diseases. We describe how this oversight is the result of a number of factors and how it negatively impacts patient outcomes. We then propose measures to address the neglect of rickettsial infections in both scientific research and public health interventions.
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Varghese L, Kurien R, Diana Sahni R, Manesh A, Mary Cherian L, Peter D, Dayanand D, Sarojini Michael J, Thomas M, Rupa V, Pulimood S, Varghese GM. Rhinofacial conidiobolomycosis: Clinical and microbiological characterisation and shift in the management of a rare disease. Mycoses 2021; 64:882-889. [PMID: 33915007 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conidiobolomycosis is a rare tropical rhinofacial fungal infection which has not been well characterised. The available evidence in its management is sparse due to lack of clinical studies and the limited data on antifungal susceptibility patterns. OBJECTIVE To analyse the clinical manifestations, antifungal treatment and outcomes of patients with conidiobolomycosis and to determine antifungal susceptibility profiles of the isolates. PATIENTS/METHODS Retrospective analysis of data of all patients with a diagnosis of conidiobolomycosis confirmed by histopathology and culture at a tertiary care hospital from 2012 to 2019 was done. RESULTS There were 22 patients, 21 males and one female, with a mean age of 37.1 years. Most common presenting symptom was nasal obstruction, found in 20 (90.90%) patients. Patients who presented within 12 months had a better cure rate (85%) compared to those who presented late (67%). Among the 19 patients who had a follow-up, good outcome was seen in 15 of the 17 (88.24%) patients who were on itraconazole or potassium iodide containing regimen. Of the six patients who received additional trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (co-trimoxazole), 67% showed good outcome with two patients showing complete cure and two patients still on treatment with significant improvement. High minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were noted for azoles and amphotericin B, whereas co-trimoxazole showed lowest MIC ranges. CONCLUSION Itraconazole and potassium iodide are reasonable first-line options for the treatment of conidiobolomycosis. Good clinical response to KI and comparatively lower MIC of co-trimoxazole are promising. Further studies are required for developing clinical breakpoints that can predict therapeutic outcomes.
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Ueland T, Astrup E, Otterdal K, Lekva T, Janardhanan J, Prakash JAJ, Thomas K, Michelsen AE, Aukrust P, Varghese GM, Damås JK. Secreted Wnt antagonists in scrub typhus. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009185. [PMID: 33914733 PMCID: PMC8112706 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanisms that control local and systemic inflammation in scrub typhus have only been partially elucidated. The wingless (Wnt) signaling pathways are emerging as important regulators of inflammation and infection, but have not been investigated in scrub typhus. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Plasma levels of secreted Wnt antagonists (i.e. DKK-1, sFRP-3, WIF-1 and SOST) were analyzed in patients with scrub typhus (n = 129), patients with similar febrile illness without O. tsutsugamushi infection (n = 31), febrile infectious disease controls, and in healthy controls (n = 31) from the same area of South India, and were correlated to markers of inflammation, immune and endothelial cell activation as well as for their association with organ specific dysfunction and mortality in these patients. We found i) Levels of SOST and in particular sFRP-3 and WIF-1 were markedly increased and DKK-1 decreased in scrub typhus patients at admission to the hospital compared to healthy controls. ii) In recovering scrub typhus patients, SOST, sFRP-3 and WIF-1 decreased and DKK-1 increased. iii) SOST was positively correlated with markers of monocyte/macrophage and endothelial/vascular activation as well as with renal dysfunction and poor outcome iv) Finally, regulation of Wnt pathways by O. tsutsugamushi in vitro in monocytes and ex vivo in mononuclear cells isolated from patients with scrub typhus, as evaluated by gene expression studies available in public repositories, revealed markedly attenuated canonical Wnt signaling. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our findings suggest that scrub typhus is characterized by attenuated Wnt signaling possibly involving dysregulated levels of several secreted pathway antagonists. The secreted Wnt antagonist SOST was strongly associated with renal dysfunction and poor prognosis in these patients.
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Mammen MD, Sahni RD, Varghese GM, Rupa V. Clinical utility of antifungal susceptibility testing in patients with fungal rhinosinusitis. Indian J Med Microbiol 2021; 39:328-333. [PMID: 33906748 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmmb.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the association between antifungal susceptibility test (AFST) results and in vivo therapeutic response in Indian patients with fungal rhinosinusitis. METHODS The clinicoradiological, fungal culture, AFST, histopathology results and outcomes of 48 patients with fungal rhinosinusitis seen between 20132015 were analysed. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination was performed for amphotericin B, itraconazole, voriconazole and posaconazole. RESULTS Forty patients had invasive and 8 had non-invasive fungal sinusitis. Rhizopus and Aspergillus species which comprised 46.9% each of isolates were mostly associated with acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis and chronic granulomatous fungal rhinosinusitis respectively. All patients with non-invasive fungal rhinosinusitis had Aspergillus isolates. The Geometric Mean (GM) MIC for R. arrhizus of amphotericin B and posaconazole was 0.51 mcg/mL and 3.08 mcg/mL respectively and for A. flavus species for amphotericin B and voriconazole values were 1.41mcg/mL and 0.35 mcg/mL respectively. In patients with Aspergillus infections, while there was no association of MICs for azoles and outcome (p = 1), a strong association was noted between azole therapy and a good outcome (p = 0.003). In patients with Rhizopus infections, no association was found between MICs for amphotericin B and outcome (p = 1) and because of therapeutic complications, no association was found between amphotericin B therapy and outcome (p = 1). CONCLUSION No significant association exists between in vitro (AFST) and in vivo responses despite low GM MICs for the drugs used in Aspergillus and Rhizopus infections. Therapeutic complications following conventional amphotericin B therapy confounds analysis. Clinical responses suggest that azoles are the drug of choice for Aspergillus infections.
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