Interleukin-6 Contributes to the Development of Anemia in Juvenile CKD

INTRODUCTION

Anemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children; however, the role of inflammation in its pathogenesis remains incompletely understood.

METHODS

To elucidate the role of interleukin (IL)-6 in renal anemia, we induced CKD by adenine diet in juvenile wild-type (WT) and IL-6 deficient (Il6KO) mice, and examined serum IL-6 and relevant parameters in children with CKD.

RESULTS

WT-CKD mice developed anemia despite increases in serum erythropoietin and displayed low serum iron and elevated serum IL-6. IL-6 deficiency resulted in a significant improvement of red blood cell count and hemoglobin in CKD mice. This effect was associated with improvement of hypoferremia by Il6 deletion, likely mediated by hepcidin. However, correction of hypoferremia by oral iron supplementation in WT-CKD mice did not fully replicate the protective effects of Il6 deletion, suggesting an additional iron-independent role for IL-6 in CKD-anemia. Indeed, Il6 deletion mitigated the severity of renal fibrosis and alleviated relative erythropoietin insufficiency in CKD mice. Cytokine profiling in a pediatric CKD cohort demonstrated that of 10 cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon-γ), only IL-6 was significantly (inversely) associated with hemoglobin when adjusted for glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The association between IL-6 and hemoglobin in children with CKD remained significant after adjustment for CKD stage, iron therapy, and hepcidin.

DISCUSSION

IL-6 contributes to development of anemia in juvenile CKD, through mechanisms that include induction of hypoferremia, aggravation of renal fibrosis, and alteration of the erythropoietin axis. IL-6 appears to be a promising therapeutic target in the management of CKD-anemia.

COVID-19 in Patients with CKD in New York City

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 has affected millions of people, and several chronic medical conditions appear to increase the risk of severe COVID-19. However, our understanding of COVID-19 outcomes in patients with CKD remains limited.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with and without CKD consecutively admitted with COVID-19 to three affiliated hospitals in New York City. Pre-COVID-19 CKD diagnoses were identified by billing codes and verified by manual chart review. In-hospital mortality was compared between patients with and without underlying CKD. Logistic regression was used to adjust this analysis for confounders and to identify patient characteristics associated with mortality.

RESULTS

We identified 280 patients with CKD, and 4098 patients without CKD hospitalized with COVID-19. The median age of the CKD group was 75 (65-84) years, and age of the non-CKD group 62 (48-75) years. Baseline (pre-COVID-19) serum creatinine in patients with CKD was 1.5 (1.2-2.2) mg/dl. In-hospital mortality was 30% in patients with CKD versus 20% in patients without CKD (P<0.001). The risk of in-hospital death in patients with CKD remained higher than in patients without CKD after adjustment for comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), adjusted OR 1.4 (95% CI,1.1 to 1.9), P=0.01. When stratified by age, elderly patients with CKD (age >70 years) had higher mortality than their age-matched control patients without CKD. In patients with CKD, factors associated with in-hospital mortality were age (adjusted OR, 1.09 [95% CI, 1.06 to 1.12]), P<0.001, baseline and admission serum phosphorus (adjusted OR, 1.5 [95% CI, 1.03 to 2.1], P=0.03 and 1.4 [95% CI, 1.1 to 1.7], P=0.001), serum creatinine on admission >0.3 mg/dl above the baseline (adjusted OR 2.6 [95% CI, 1.2 to 5.4]P=0.01), and diagnosis of acute on chronic kidney injury during hospitalization (adjusted OR 4.6 [95% CI, 2.3 to 8.9], P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

CKD is an independent risk factor for COVID-19-associated in-hospital mortality in elderly patients. Acute-on-chronic kidney injury increases the odds of in-hospital mortality in patients with CKD hospitalized with COVID-19.

Lung Cancer in Women: The Past, Present, and Future

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for women in multiple countries including the United States. Women are exposed to unique risk factors that remain largely understudied such as indoor pollution, second-hand tobacco exposure, biological differences, gender differences in tolerability and response to therapy in lung cancer, and societal gender roles, that create distinct survivorship needs. Women continue to lack representation in lung cancer clinical trials and are typically treated with data generated from majority male patient study populations, which may be inappropriate to extrapolate and generalize to females. Current lung cancer treatment and screening guidelines do not incorporate sex-specific differences and physicians also often do not account for gender differences when choosing treatments or discussing survivorship needs. To best provide targeted treatment approaches, greater representation of women in lung cancer clinical trials and further research is necessary. Clinicians should understand the unique factors and consequences associated with lung cancer in women; thus, a holistic approach that acknowledges environmental and societal factors is necessary.

Real-World Data on Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma in Latin America: A Study From the Grupo de Estudio Latinoamericano de Linfoproliferativos

PURPOSE

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is an aggressive disease caused by the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1. Real-world data of ATLL in Latin America are lacking.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed patients with ATLL (acute, lymphomatous, chronic, and smoldering) encountered in 11 Latin American countries between 1995 and 2019. Treatment response was assessed according to the 2009 consensus report. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test.

RESULTS

We identified 253 patients; 226 (lymphomatous: n = 122, acute: n = 73, chronic: n = 26, and smoldering: n = 5) had sufficient data for analysis (median age 57 years). Most patients with ATLL were from Peru (63%), Chile (17%), Argentina (8%), and Colombia (7%). Hypercalcemia was positively associated with acute type (57% v lymphomatous 27%, P = .014). The median survival times (months) were 4.3, 7.9, 21.1, and not reached for acute, lymphomatous, chronic, and smoldering forms, with 4-year survival rates of 8%, 22%, 40%, and 80%, respectively. First-line zidovudine (AZT)-interferon alfa (IFN) resulted in an overall response rate of 63% (complete response [CR] 24%) for acute. First-line chemotherapy yielded an overall response rate of 41% (CR 29%) for lymphomatous. CR rate was 42% for etoposide, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and prednisone versus 12% for cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and prednisone-like regimen (P < .001). Progression-free survival at 1 year for acute type patients treated with AZT-IFN was 67%, whereas 2-year progression-free survival in lymphomatous type patients who achieved CR after chemotherapy was 77%.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms Latin American ATLL presents at a younger age and has a high incidence of lymphomatous type, low incidence of indolent subtypes, and worse survival rates as compared with Japanese patients. In aggressive ATLL, chemotherapy remains the preferred choice for lymphomatous favoring etoposide-based regimen (etoposide, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and prednisone), whereas AZT-IFN remains a good first-line option for acute subtype.

ViSHWaS: Violence Study of Healthcare Workers and Systems-a global survey

OBJECTIVE

To provide insights into the nature, risk factors, impact and existing measures for reporting and preventing violence in the healthcare system. The under-reporting of violence against healthcare workers (HCWs) globally highlights the need for increased public awareness and education.

METHODS

The Violence Study of Healthcare Workers and Systems study used a survey questionnaire created using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) forms and distributed from 6 June to 9 August 2022. Logistic regression analysis evaluated violence predictors, including gender, age, years of experience, institution type, respondent profession and night shift frequency. A χ2 test was performed to determine the association between gender and different violence forms.

RESULTS

A total of 5405 responses from 79 countries were analysed. India, the USA and Venezuela were the top three contributors. Female respondents comprised 53%. The majority (45%) fell within the 26-35 age group. Medical students (21%), consultants (20%), residents/fellows (15%) and nurses (10%) constituted highest responders. Nearly 55% HCWs reported firsthand violence experience, and 16% reported violence against their colleagues. Perpetrators were identified as patients or family members in over 50% of cases, while supervisor-incited violence accounted for 16%. Around 80% stated that violence incidence either remained constant or increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among HCWs who experienced violence, 55% felt less motivated or more dissatisfied with their jobs afterward, and 25% expressed willingness to quit. Univariate analysis revealed that HCWs aged 26-65 years, nurses, physicians, ancillary staff, those working in public settings, with >1 year of experience, and frequent night shift workers were at significantly higher risk of experiencing violence. These results remained significant in multivariate analysis, except for the 55-65 age group, which lost statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

This global cross-sectional study highlights that a majority of HCWs have experienced violence, and the incidence either increased or remained the same during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has resulted in decreased job satisfaction.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha is associated with mineral bone disorder and growth impairment in children with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Mineral and bone disorder (MBD) and growth impairment are common complications of pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD). Chronic inflammation detrimentally affects bone health and statural growth in non-CKD settings, but the impact of inflammation on CKD-MBD and growth in pediatric CKD remains poorly understood. This study assessed associations between inflammatory cytokines with biomarkers of CKD-MBD and statural growth in pediatric CKD.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study of children with predialysis CKD stages II-V. Cytokines (IL-1b, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, TNF-α, interferon-γ), bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), and procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) were measured at the same time as standard CKD-MBD biomarkers. Associations between cytokines, CKD-MBD biomarkers, and height z-score were assessed using linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

Among 63 children, 52.4% had stage 3 CKD, 76.2% non-glomerular CKD etiology, and 21% short stature. TNF-α was the only cytokine associated with parathyroid hormone (PTH) independent of glomerular filtration rate. After stratification by low, medium, and high TNF-α tertiles, significant differences in PTH, serum phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, BAP, P1NP, and height z-score were found. In a multivariate analysis, TNF-α positively associated with phosphorus, PTH, and alkaline phosphatase and inversely associated with height z-score, independent of kidney function, age, sex, and active vitamin D analogue use.

CONCLUSIONS

TNF-α is positively associated with biomarkers of CKD-MBD and inversely associated with height z-score, indicating that inflammation likely contributes to the development of CKD-MBD and growth impairment in pediatric CKD. Prospective studies to definitively assess causative effects of inflammation on bone health and growth in children with CKD are warranted.

Physical activity and sedentary behavior in medical students at a Peruvian public university

Introduction

Studies show a high prevalence of physical inactivity and sedentary behavior among university students. However, the relationship between physical activity and sedentary behavior in medical students is unknown.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and related factors among medical students at a public university.

Methods

We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study that included students from the first to the sixth year of medical school. We used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). We analyzed study variables using Poisson regression, estimating crude and adjusted prevalence ratios.

Results

The final sample consisted of 513 students, of which 35% of women and 30.1% of all pre-clinical students had a low level of physical activity. Male sex and 20 to 24 age group were associated with a lower prevalence of low level of physical activity. Sedentary behavior was 60.9% among students under 20 years old and 55.5% among pre-clinical students. A lower prevalence of sedentary behavior was found in students over 25 years old, clinical students, and those with high levels of physical activity.

Conclusion

Most medical students presented a moderate level of physical activity. We found a higher presence of low-level physical activity among females and pre-clinical students. We found that sedentary behavior was higher than reported in similar populations. The relationship between physical activity and lower sedentary behavior was significant only for students with a high-level physical activity.

Inequity in care delivery in cardio-oncology: dissecting disparities in underrepresented populations

It is well known that patients with cancer have a significantly higher cardiovascular mortality risk than the general population. Cardio-oncology has emerged to focus on these issues including risk reduction, detection, monitoring, and treatment of cardiovascular disease or complications in patients with cancer. The rapid advances in early detection and drug development in oncology, along with socioeconomic differences, racial inequities, lack of support, and barriers to accessing quality medical care, have created disparities in various marginalized populations. In this review, we will discuss the factors contributing to disparities in cardio-oncologic care in distinct populations, including Hispanic/Latinx, Black, Asian and Pacific Islander, indigenous populations, sex and gender minorities, and immigrants. Some factors that contribute to differences in outcomes in cardio-oncology include the prevalence of cancer screening rates, genetic cardiac/oncologic risk factors, cultural stressors, tobacco exposure rates, and physical inactivity. We will also discuss the barriers to cardio-oncologic care in these communities from the racial and socioeconomic context. Appropriate and timely cardiovascular and cancer care in minority groups is a critical component in addressing these disparities, and there need to be urgent efforts to address this widening gap.

Carbonyl iron and iron dextran therapies cause adverse effects on bone health in juveniles with chronic kidney disease

Anemia is a frequent complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD), related in part to the disruption of iron metabolism. Iron therapy is very common in children with CKD and excess iron has been shown to induce bone loss in non-CKD settings, but the impact of iron on bone health in CKD remains poorly understood. Here, we evaluated the effect of oral and parenteral iron therapy on bone transcriptome, bone histology and morphometry in two mouse models of juvenile CKD (adenine-induced and 5/6-nephrectomy). Both modalities of iron therapy effectively improved anemia in the mice with CKD, and lowered bone Fgf23 expression. At the same time, iron therapy suppressed genes implicated in bone formation and resulted in the loss of cortical and trabecular bone in the mice with CKD. Bone resorption was activated in untreated CKD, but iron therapy had no additional effect on this. Furthermore, we assessed the relationship between biomarkers of bone turnover and iron status in a cohort of children with CKD. Children treated with iron had lower levels of circulating biomarkers of bone formation (bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and the amino-terminal propeptide of type 1 procollagen), as well as fewer circulating osteoblast precursors, compared to children not treated with iron. These differences were independent of age, sex, and glomerular filtration rate. Thus, iron therapy adversely affected bone health in juvenile mice with CKD and was associated with low levels of bone formation biomarkers in children with CKD.

DKA in patients with pre-existing type 2 diabetes mellitus related to COVID-19: a case series

The first case of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in Peru was reported on March 6, 2020. As of September 7, 2020, about 700 000 cases of COVID-19 resulting in 29,976 deaths have been confirmed by the Ministry of Health. Among COVID-19 patients with co-morbidities, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been recognized as a risk factor for severe disease. Patients with T2DM may experience diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic (HHS) if infected with the coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Regular blood analysis including arterial blood gas is essential in monitoring the care of patients with T2DM infected with COVID-19. We report five cases of DKA in patients with underlying T2DM that presented with severe COVID-19 infection.

Disparities in cancer care-A call to action

Disparities in cancer care disproportionately impact minority groups, members of which face challenges in accessing high-quality cancer care, remain underrepresented in clinical trials, and experience significant financial toxicity and discrimination during their cancer journey. Diversifying our workforce, improving access to trials, and allocating research funding for equitable initiatives should be prioritized.

Understanding the experience of Latinas in medical education: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Despite increased recruitment of Latina medical students, the percentage of Latina physicians has remained stagnant, suggesting unique retentive barriers affecting this population. Discriminatory experiences involving bias may contribute to difficulties in the retention and advancement of Latinas in medicine. This qualitative analysis aimed to explore thematic barriers prevalent among Latinas throughout their medical training in the United States.

METHODS

An anonymous online survey was distributed to Latinas in the continental United States from June 22 to August 12, 2022. Eligibility criteria included self-identifying as Hispanic/Latina, female/woman, and being currently enrolled in or graduated from medical school, residency, or fellowship in the United States in the past 10 years. Content and thematic analyses were done on 602 responses across seven open-ended survey questions.

RESULTS

Data were categorized into three main themes: (1) barriers stemming from limited social, cultural, and financial capital; (2) experiences of discrimination, bias, and perceptions of being undervalued; and (3) burdens resulting in notable mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. Many women questioned their place in medicine throughout training and the value of the sacrifice and trauma endured.

CONCLUSION

This is the first qualitative study evaluating the experiences of Latinas throughout medical training, revealing that they experience disproportionate barriers and discriminatory experiences from both colleagues and patients. Despite calls to enhance institutional climates of diversity, there continues to be an acute need for the reform of medical education to promote an inclusive culture and provide adequate mentorship to marginalized trainees.

Clinical-epidemiological characteristics associated with discharge outcomes and seasonality among surviving patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome in a national third-level hospital, Lima, Peru

BACKGROUND

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the peripheral nervous system. Severe motor deficit (SMD), respiratory impairment, cranial nerve involvement and autonomic dysfunction are associated with a poor prognosis.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between the clinical-epidemiological characteristics and the discharge results among Peruvian patients with GBS.

METHODS

We carried out a retrospective observational study on patients with GBS who survived until discharge. We used the Brighton Collaboration's criteria and considered Hughes Severity Scale (HSS) scores greater than two to be SMD. We defined the discharge results as an improvement if the HSS score decreased by at least one point from admission to hospital discharge and defined hospital stay as prolonged if > 14 days.

RESULTS

We analyzed 92 patients, among whom 70.7% were male. Quadriparesis (81.1%) and hyporeflexia (86.8%) were the most characteristic manifestations. We observed that more than half of the cases were in summer and winter. Gastrointestinal infections were associated with a higher proportion of prolonged stays. The proportion of improvement was lower among patients who had an SMD at hospital admission. We confirmed these results through fitting in multivariate models.

CONCLUSIONS

The prolonged stay was related to previous gastrointestinal infection, while a less improvement in SMD individuals at admission. Prospective multicenter surveillance systems are needed for monitoring GBS cases in low-income settings like Peru.

Latinas in medicine: evaluating and understanding the experience of Latinas in medical education: a cross sectional survey

BACKGROUND

The percentage of physicians identifying as Latina has not improved despite improvements in recruitment of Latina medical students, suggesting barriers to retention and career advancement. Discriminatory experiences and mental health inflictions throughout training may contribute to difficulties in recruitment, retainment, and advancement of Hispanic/Latinx trainees, a notably understudied population.

METHODS

An anonymous, online survey was distributed to Latinas in the continental U.S. between June 22 to August 12, 2022. Eligibility criteria included: self-identifying as Hispanic/Latina, female/woman, and completing or have completed medical school, residency, or fellowship in the continental U.S. in the past 10 years. Recruitment was done via the Twitter account @LatinasInMed and outreach to Latino Medical Student Association chapters. Descriptive statistics summarized the self-reported experiences.

RESULTS

The survey included 230 Hispanic/Latinx women, mostly medical students (46.9%). A majority (54.5%) reported negative ethnicity-based interactions from patients and/or patients' families; 71.8%, from others in the medical field. High rates of depression (76.2%) and anxiety (92.6%) during training were reported by Latinas, especially medical students. Feelings of imposter syndrome and burnout were high at 90.7% and 87.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study evaluating the unique experiences of Latinas in medicine, who reported discrimination and mental health struggles, specifically during medical school, at alarmingly high rates. Our findings could aid in creating the needed interventions to support Latinas in medical training to reduce the existing exodus of Latinas from medicine.

Critical congenital heart disease detection in the ANDES: Challenges and opportunities

Critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) represents a challenging problem in global health equity due to the need for specialized surgical or transcatheter intervention within the first year of life. CCHD screening using pulse oximetry (POS) has led to significant improvements in mortality due to early referral and intervention. Andean America represents one of the few regions in the world with increasing CHD deaths and variable POS implementation. In this manuscript, we review the current state of CCHD in Andean America, the challenges and opportunities for developing new POS algorithms that account for high-altitude physiology, data on regional cost-effectiveness supporting POS implementation and outline future directions to achieve equity in CHD care in this region.

Abstract 6753: Non-HIV cryptococcal patients with hematological malignancies: A retrospective analysis of a ten-year study from a Peruvian oncologic center

Background Globally, cryptococcal infection has become a public health challenge. However, relatively little is known about cryptococcal infection in people with hematological disorders.

Methods We developed a retrospective cohort study that includes hematological patients who had cryptococcosis infection seen in the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas between 2007 and 2017.

Results During the 11-year study period, a total of 21 cases of cryptococcosis (incidence rate of 13,4 per 1000 hematological malignancies). The time of diagnosis of cryptococcosis since hematologic malignancy diagnosis was 42 (18-161) days. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) was the most frequent malignancy (47.6%), followed by leukemias (23.8%), multiple myeloma in (19.1%), and HL (9.5%). Three cases of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma associated with HTLV-1 infection were identified in the NHL. Cryptococcemia was the most frequent diagnosis (85.7%) followed by pulmonary (52.4%) and CNS (38.1%) involvement. Regarding clinical presentation, f ever was the most common symptom in meningeal cryptococcosis (76.2%) and dyspnea in pulmonary cryptococcosis (61.9%). The use of immunosuppressant chemotherapy within a month before the diagnosis of cryptococcosis was the most common risk factor. The main characteristics between patients with cryptococcosis and type of neoplasms (NHL vs other hematological neoplasms) such as age at admission, site of presentation of cryptococcosis, and lymphocyte count at admission were different significantly between these groups. In the NHL group, there was less involvement of the lungs. Overall survival (OS) in 15 and 120 days were 70% (95%CI: 0.43-0.86) and 51% (95%CI: 0.26-0.72), respectively. OS for patients with NHL was 57% at 15 days (95% CI: 0.17-0.83) and 42% at 120 days (95%CI:0.09-0.73). OS for other hematological malignancies was 90% at 15 days (95%CI:0.47-0.98) and 60% at 120 days (95%CI: 0.25-0.82).

Conclusions CNS cryptococcal infection was more frequent in patients with NHL.

Citation Format: Kelly Meza, Luis E. Cuellar. Non-HIV cryptococcal patients with hematological malignancies: A retrospective analysis of a ten-year study from a Peruvian oncologic center. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 6753.

'Whether it's your weapon or not, it's your home': US military spouse perspectives on personal firearm storage

INTRODUCTION

In the USA, an estimated 45% of veterans personally own firearms. Firearm access increases the risk of suicide, so suicide prevention efforts in the US Department of Defense (DoD) focus on lethal means safety, including reducing firearm access. Spouse input may enhance effective messaging and intervention delivery of lethal means safety. This study used qualitative methods to explore the perspectives of military spouses or partners on personal firearm storage, including at-home decisions, on-base storage and existing messaging from the DoD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Qualitative data were obtained using 1:1 interviews and focus groups with spouses/partners of US military service members (active duty, Reserve, National Guard, recently separated from the military) and representatives from military support organisations. Sessions focused on personal firearm storage (at home or on military installations) and military messaging around secure firearm storage and firearm suicide prevention. Data were analysed using a team-based, mixed deductive-inductive approach.

RESULTS

Across 56 participants (August 2022-March 2023), the themes were variability in current home firearm storage and spousal participation in decision-making; uncertainty about firearm storage protocols on military installations; mixed awareness of secure firearm storage messaging from the military; and uncertainty about procedures or protocols for removing firearm access for an at-risk person.

CONCLUSION

US military spouses are important messengers for firearm safety and suicide prevention, but they are currently underutilised. Tailored prevention campaigns should consider spousal dynamics and incorporate education about installation procedures.

Sexual Health Assessment in Women with Lung Cancer study: Sexual health assessment in women with lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Sexual health is understudied and underreported in patients with lung cancer, and most data precede the approval of widely used targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. The authors sought to evaluate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with lung cancer in our current clinical environment.

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey study was administered online to 249 women via the GO2 for Lung Cancer (GO2) Registry, using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Sexual Function and Satisfaction Measures questionnaire. Participants were recruited between June 2020 to June 2021. Eligibility criteria included age >18 years, self-identifying as a woman, fluency in English, and a lung cancer diagnosis within 10 years.

RESULTS

Most (67%) had stage IV lung cancer and 47% were receiving targeted therapy; 66% were undergoing active treatment. Despite 54% of participants reporting "recent" sexual activity, most (77%) indicated having little to no interest in sexual activity and 48% reported recent minimal satisfaction with their sex life. The most common reasons negatively affecting participants' satisfaction with their sex life included fatigue (40%) and feeling sad/unhappy (28%). Common reasons for lack of recent sexual activity included lack of interest (68%) and vaginal dryness or pain (30%). Compared to pre-diagnosis, women were significantly less likely to have recent interest in sexual activity. In multivariable logistic-regression, vaginal dryness showed a significant negative association with recent interest in sexual activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual dysfunction is prevalent in women with lung cancer. Sexual health should be integrated into routine care for patients with lung cancer.

Giant benign teratoma occupying the left hemithorax with pleural effusion: a rare presentation

Mature teratomas are the third most common mediastinal tumors. Giant teratoma in pediatric population is rare. A resection of giant benign teratoma in left hemithorax was performed in a 4-year-old patient. The computed tomography scan showed the presence of a large multiloculated mediastinal mass extending to the left pleural space and pleural effusion. The patient underwent total resection of the mediastinal mass via a median sternotomy associated to left anterior thoracotomy. Entry into the pleural space was performed through the sixth intercostal space to obtain safe visualization of the cavity and proceed to tumor excision. The collapsed left lung was re-expanded, and the patient was extubated. Despite the size and the surrounding structures of the teratoma, our preoperative preparation and surgical technique were effective and resulted in favorable recovery without complications and a posterior normal left lung function.

Response to oral iron therapy in children with anemia of chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Anemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and oral iron is recommended as initial therapy. However, response to iron therapy in children with non-dialysis CKD has not been formally assessed.

METHODS

We reviewed medical records of pediatric patients with stages II-IV CKD followed in two New York metropolitan area medical centers between 2010 and 2020 and identified subjects who received oral iron therapy. Response to therapy at follow-up visits was assessed by improvement of hemoglobin, resolution of anemia by the 2012 KDIGO definition, and changes in iron status. Potential predictors of response were examined using regression analyses (adjusted for age, sex, eGFR, and center).

RESULTS

Study criteria were met by 65 children (median age 12 years, 35 males) with a median time between visits of 81 days. Median eGFR was 44 mL/min/1.73 m2, and 40.7% had glomerular CKD etiology. Following iron therapy, hemoglobin improved from 10.2 to 10.8 g/dL (p < 0.001), hematocrit from 31.3 to 32.8% (p < 0.001), serum iron from 49 to 66 mcg/dL (p < 0.001), and transferrin saturation from 16 to 21.4% (p < 0.001). There was no significant change in serum ferritin (55.0 to 44.9 ng/mL). Anemia (defined according to KDIGO) resolved in 29.3% of children. No improvement in hemoglobin/hematocrit was seen in 35% of children, and no transferrin saturation improvement in 26.9%. There was no correlation between changes in hemoglobin and changes in transferrin saturation/serum iron, but there was an inverse correlation between changes in hemoglobin and changes in ferritin. The severity of anemia and alkaline phosphatase at baseline inversely correlated with treatment response.

CONCLUSIONS

Anemia was resistant to 3 months of oral iron therapy in ~ 30% of children with CKD. Children with more severe anemia at baseline had better treatment response, calling for additional studies to refine approaches to iron therapy in children with anemia of CKD and to identify additional predictors of treatment response.

New-Onset and Persistent Insulin-Dependent Diabetes in Patients With COVID-19: A Peruvian Experience

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been recognized as a risk factor for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, and COVID-19 in diabetic patients is associated with a poor prognosis. New evidence suggests that patients with T2DM may experience diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) if infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, there is limited literature on new-onset diabetes in patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 without a history of diabetes. We present a case series of three patients who developed new-onset diabetes while suffering from acute COVID-19 infection; they presented with DKA even though they had no prior history or risk factors for diabetes. They remain persistently insulin-dependent several months post-recovery.

An Overview of Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control in Latin America and the Caribbean Countries

Cervical cancer is a health crisis affecting women and their families across the world. It is known that developed countries have comprehensive protocols with recommendations regarding workforce, expertise, and medical resources to address this common cancer among women. In contrast, disparities in addressing cervical cancer remain present in Latin America and Caribbean countries. Here, we reviewed the current strategies of cervical cancer prevention and control in the region.

Bilateral Neonatal Adrenal Hemorrhage Associated With Severe Maternal COVID-19 Infection

Adrenal hemorrhage is the most common cause of adrenal mass in newborns. We present a case of a full-term male, born by cesarean section due to acute fetal distress from a mother with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. He was diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, multifactorial shock, and early neonatal sepsis. On the seventh day of hospitalization, hemoglobin dropped and thus blood transfusion was required, and abdominal ultrasound showed bilateral adrenal hemorrhage. He developed relative adrenal insufficiency without either hemodynamic instability or electrolyte imbalances. The use of parenteral corticosteroids was not required. Follow-up ultrasonography and adrenal axis laboratory examination revealed complete resolution of adrenal hemorrhage. Neonatal adrenal hemorrhage has a wide variety of clinical manifestations. Ultrasound is preferred for both initial screening and follow-up evaluation. Adrenal insufficiency occurs rarely in neonatal adrenal hemorrhage. Treatment is usually conservative. We emphasize the importance of a timely diagnosis and clinical follow-up of adrenal hemorrhage in neonates with fetal distress born from mothers with severe COVID-19.

Miopatías autoinmunes: revisión de diagnóstico y manejo

Las miopatías inflamatorias idiopáticas (MII) son un grupo de enfermedades autoinmunes crónicas que afectan principalmente a los músculos proximales. Los tipos más comunes son dermatomiositis (DM), polimiositis (PM), miopatía autoinmune necrotizante y miositis por cuerpos de inclusión. Se identifican de forma única por su presentación clínica que consiste en manifestaciones musculares y extramusculares, sus alteraciones miopáticas en el electromiograma y la elevación de las enzimas musculares. Sin embargo, la biopsia muscular sigue siendo el gold estándar para el diagnóstico. Estos trastornos son potencialmente tratables con un diagnóstico adecuado. Los objetivos del tratamiento son eliminar la inflamación, restaurar el rendimiento muscular, reducir la morbilidad y mejorar la calidad de vida. Esta revisión tiene como objetivo proporcionar un enfoque de diagnóstico básico a los pacientes con sospecha de MMI a través de sus principales hallazgos clínicos, de laboratorio e histopatológicos.