A Retrospective Analysis of the Disruptions in the HIV Continuum of Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons From a Clinic-Based Study

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly affected healthcare services, including HIV patient care. This study assessed the impact of the pandemic on diverse aspects of care for individuals living with HIV (PLWH).

METHODS

Patient data from 2019 to 2021 were collected using the Cascades template, provided by the New York State Department of Health, focusing on viral testing and suppression outcomes. Age, ethnicity, sex, and race were considered variables and analyzed via chi-square analysis, logistic regression model, and F test.

RESULTS

The pandemic significantly reduced viral testing in 2020 due to restrictions and closures, but telemedicine and tele-pharmacy helped maintain care. Age was a crucial factor, predicting higher viral testing and suppression odds for older individuals, but no significant differences were observed between patient gender, race, or ethnicity in obtaining viral testing or achieving suppression.

CONCLUSIONS

While limitations existed, this study provides insights into sustaining care during crises, highlighting the importance of innovative healthcare delivery methods and age-sensitive approaches for PLWH.

Heart of the Matter: Decoding the Underdiagnosed Cardiac Amyloidosis

Cardiac amyloidosis, a rare disorder marked by toxic amyloid protein deposition in the myocardium, contributes significantly to restrictive cardiomyopathy. We present an 85-year-old female diagnosed with amyloid transthyretin (ATTR) cardiac amyloidosis, emphasizing the under-recognition of this condition. The pathophysiology of cardiac amyloidosis involves misfolded protein accumulation, which impairs myocardial function. Differentiating AL and ATTR is crucial, with ATTR predominance. Diagnosis relies on echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, nuclear imaging, and biomarker testing. A positive pyrophosphate (PYP) scan, compatible echocardiographic features, and the absence of systemic myeloma signs diagnose ATTR amyloidosis. Management includes heart failure treatment, arrhythmia control, and disease-modifying strategies like Tafamidis, Inotersen, and Patisiran. Genotyping guides prognostic and therapeutic considerations. Recognizing cardiac amyloidosis as an underlying cause of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction necessitates collaboration between cardiology and hematology. Improved awareness, innovative diagnostics, and targeted therapies are crucial to reduce diagnostic delays and enhance outcomes.

Brunner's Gland Hyperplasia Causing Complete Small Bowel Obstruction in a Patient With Helicobacter pylori

Brunner's gland hyperplasia is an uncommon pathology from the duodenum and is believed to be associated with infection with Helicobacter pylori. Patients commonly present with gastrointestinal bleeding, nausea, or abdominal pain. However, obstruction is an unusual clinical finding. A 47-year-old male presented to the emergency department with complaints of recurrent emesis, epigastric pain, and cramping for three days. Medical history was significant for duodenitis and diverticulitis, but there had been no prior abdominal surgeries. Epigastric tenderness to palpation without rebound tenderness was present on physical examination, H. pylori stool antigen was positive on admission, and treatment with triple therapy was initiated. Progressively the patient developed increasing emesis, with an associated cessation in flatus and bowel movements. On endoscopy, it was reported that the endoscope could not advance past the second portion of the duodenum. A nasogastric tube was placed for gastric decompression. Small bowel follow-through showed obstruction at the distal second duodenal segment. Bismuth quadruple therapy was initiated on day three. Push enteroscopy showed luminal narrowing and a transition point at the second duodenal segment with no identifiable mass or significant ulceration. Biopsy reports indicated Brunner's gland hyperplasia. By day seven, the patient reported increased bowel movements and flatus, with a resolution of his nausea and emesis, and the nasogastric tube was removed. The patient was discharged on day eight with outpatient prescriptions for quadruple therapy for six days. He was also instructed to follow up with the general surgery and gastroenterology teams for outpatient colonoscopy six weeks post-discharge and with his primary care physician (PCP) four weeks after completing quadruple therapy to ensure H. pylori eradication. Studies have shown that H. pylori were detected in most patients with Brunner's gland hyperplasia and may induce proliferation in Brunner's glands. Brunner's gland hyperplasia has a low incidence, with minimal cases reported. There is malignant potential but a low risk of progression into adenocarcinoma. Our case reinforces the idea that Brunner's gland hyperplasia should be included in the work-up, alongside testing for infection with H. pylori in assessing patients with gastric obstruction.