Outcomes in patients with COVID-19 and new onset heart blocks: Insight from the National Inpatient Sample database

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in a worldwide health crisis since it first appeared. Numerous studies demonstrated the virus's predilection to cardiomyocytes; however, the effects that COVID-19 has on the cardiac conduction system still need to be fully understood.

AIM

To analyze the impact that COVID-19 has on the odds of major cardiovascular complications in patients with new onset heart blocks or bundle branch blocks (BBB).

METHODS

The 2020 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was used to identify patients admitted for COVID-19 pneumonia with and without high-degree atrioventricular blocks (HDAVB) and right or left BBB utilizing ICD-10 codes. The patients with pre-existing pacemakers, suggestive of a prior diagnosis of HDAVB or BBB, were excluded from the study. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality. Secondary outcomes included total hospital charges (THC), the length of hospital stay (LOS), and other major cardiac outcomes detailed in the Results section. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to adjust for confounders with Stata version 17.

RESULTS

A total of 1058815 COVID-19 hospitalizations were identified within the 2020 NIS database, of which 3210 (0.4%) and 17365 (1.6%) patients were newly diagnosed with HDAVB and BBB, respectively. We observed a significantly higher odds of in-hospital mortality, cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock, sepsis, arrythmias, and acute kidney injury in the COVID-19 and HDAVB group. There was no statistically significant difference in the odds of cerebral infarction or pulmonary embolism. Encounters with COVID-19 pneumonia and newly diagnosed BBB had a higher odds of arrythmias, acute kidney injury, sepsis, need for mechanical ventilation, and cardiogenic shock than those without BBB. However, unlike HDAVB, COVID-19 pneumonia and BBB had no significant impact on mortality compared to patients without BBB.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, there is a significantly higher odds of inpatient mortality, cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock, sepsis, acute kidney injury, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia, THC, and LOS in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and HDAVB as compared to patients without HDAVB. Likewise, patients with COVID-19 pneumonia in the BBB group similarly have a higher odds of supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, acute kidney injury, sepsis, need for mechanical ventilation, and cardiogenic shock as compared to those without BBB. Therefore, it is essential for healthcare providers to be aware of the possible worse predicted outcomes that patients with new-onset HDAVB or BBB may experience following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Factor Xa inhibitors versus vitamin K antagonist in morbidly obese patients with venous thromboembolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Guidelines have endorsed non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs), consisting of factor Xa inhibitors (xabans) and direct thrombin inhibitors, as the first line of treatment in venous thromboembolism (VTE) and atrial fibrillation. However, morbidly obese patients were under-represented in landmark trials of NOACs. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically review and perform a meta-analysis of studies on xabans versus vitamin K antagonist (VKA) in this high-risk population with VTE.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Medline, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar databases were searched to identify studies that compared xabans and VKA in treating morbidly obese patients with VTE. Morbid obesity was defined as body weight ≥ 120 kg or BMI ≥ 40 kg/m². Outcomes of interest included recurrent VTE, major bleeding, and clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB).

RESULTS

Eight studies comprising 30,895 patients were included. A total of 12,755 patients received xabans while 18,140 received VKAs. No significant difference in the odds of recurrent VTE (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.55-1.01) and CRNMB (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.44-1.09) was observed between the xabans group and the VKA group. However, the xabans group was associated with lower odds of major bleeding (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.59-0.83).

CONCLUSION

Xabans have lower odds of major bleeding but similar odds of recurrent VTE when compared with VKAs in treating VTE in morbidly obese patients. Large registry analyses or future randomized controlled trials will be helpful in confirming these findings.

Readmission and In-Hospital Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Dementia

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The prevalence of dementia and aortic stenosis (AS) increases with each decade of age. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a definitive treatment for AS, but there are scarce data on morbidity, mortality, and readmission risk after TAVR in patients with dementia.

METHODS/MATERIALS

We identified all admissions for TAVR in patients with AS in the National Readmissions Database in 2017-2018 and stratified them according to the presence or absence of a secondary diagnosis of dementia. Inpatient outcomes were compared using logistic regression. Cox proportional-hazards models were used to compare 30-, 60-, and 90-day readmissions.

RESULTS

A total of 48,923 index hospitalizations for TAVR were identified, of which 2192 (4.5 %) had a secondary diagnosis of dementia. Presence of dementia was associated with higher odds of delirium, pacemaker placement, acute kidney injury, and fall in hospital. The hazard of 30-day readmission was not significantly different between patients with and without dementia, but patients with dementia experienced a higher hazard of 60-day readmission (HR 1.15, 95 % CI 1.03-1.26, p = 0.011) in the unadjusted model and higher hazard of 90-day readmission in both unadjusted (HR 1.18, 95 % CI 1.08-1.30, p < 0.001) and adjusted models (aHR 1.14, 95 % CI 1.04-1.25, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with dementia who undergo TAVR are at higher risk of in-hospital adverse outcomes and 60- and 90-day readmissions compared with patients without dementia. These estimates should be integrated into shared decision-making discussions with patients and families.

Speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with systemic sclerosis: a meta-analysis

Background

Myocardial dysfunction is well established in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The utility of standard echocardiography is limited to detect the onset of myocardial dysfunction. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and strain imaging has emerged as a useful technique to quantify left ventricle hemodynamics and myocardial function in early stages of myocardial dysfunction. We aimed to systematically analyze the existing literature on the application of STE and strain analysis in identifying SSc associated myocardial dysfunction

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were queried for studies from the inception of the databases to 2022. Case control studies that used 2D STE for assessment of strain in SSc patients and controls, were included for the analysis. PRISMA guidelines were followed for selections of studies. Two independent reviewers extracted data. Analysis was done using Cochrane Review Manager 5.0.

Results

Total of 19 studies were included in the analysis that compared strain analysis in SSc patient's vs healthy controls. Of the 16 studies that reported left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain, we found significantly lower LV global longitudinal strain in SSc patients (mean difference 1.92; 95% CI 0.98–2.87). Six studies reported LV circumferential strain which was noted to be lower in SSc patients compared to healthy controls (mean difference 3.55; 95% CI 1.60–5.51). Five studies reported LV global radial strain with a similar decrease in radial strain among SSc patients compared to controls (mean difference 4.39; 95% CI −6.95 to −1.83). 10 studies reported right ventricular longitudinal strain with a decrease in longitudinal strain in SSc patient's vs controls (mean difference 2.57; 95% CI 2.03–3.12).

Conclusions

SSc patients have lower strain values compared to controls, which is suggestive of an impaired myocardial function in left and right ventricle. Strain analysis by STE could help with early detection of myocardial dysfunction.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Safety and efficacy of ultrafiltration versus diuretics in patients with decompensated heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Ultrafiltration (UF) is used for fluid removal patients with acute decompensated heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) refractory to diuretics. However, data on the relative merits of UF and diuretics are limited.

METHODS

Online databases were queried to identify clinical trials on the comparison of UF and diuretics. The major adverse cardiovascular (MACE) and its components (mortality and re-hospitalizations) were compared using the random-effects model to calculate the unadjusted odds ratio (OR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

A total of 10 clinical trials comprising 838 patients (413 UF, 425 diuretics) were included in the analysis. At a median follow-up of 90 days, there was no significant difference in the odds of MACE (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.47-1.07) and all-cause mortality (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.77-1.52) between patients undergoing UF compared with those receiving diuretics therapy. The need for emergency department visits (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.38-2.90), all-cause admissions (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.72-1.30) and heart failure-related re-hospitalization (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.21-1.02) was also similar between the two groups. The in-hospital risk for hypotension (OR 0.49, 0.23-1.04) and post-therapy creatinine rise&gt;0.3 mg/dL (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.74-1.89) was also not significantly different between the UF and diuretics arms. A sensitivity analysis of MACE and mortality did not show any deviation from the pooled outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with HFrEF, UF appears to be safe but might not provide significant benefits in terms of reducing the risk of mortality or readmission rates compared with those treated with diuretics.

Causes and predictors of immediate and short-term readmissions following percutaneous left atrial appendage closure procedure

INTRODUCTION

Percutaneous left atrial appendage device closure has been offered as an alternative to anticoagulation for high-risk patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Given the relative novelty of the procedure, we aimed to analyze the rates and causes of immediate (30 days) and short-term (90 days) readmission after the procedure.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective observational study using the Nationwide Readmissions Database for 2018. We studied 29 449 hospitalizations for percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) device closure.

RESULTS

In both the 30- and 90-day cohorts, the most common causes of readmissions were gastrointestinal bleeding (16.1% and 14.8%), heart failure exacerbation (11.1% and 11.6%), and atrial fibrillation (6.2% and 7.2%). Female sex, liver disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic pulmonary disease, presence of heart failure, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome status, and diabetes mellitus were independently associated with higher odds of readmission in both cohorts.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the need for further deliberation on the choice and duration of anticoagulation periprocedurally after percutaneous LAA closure, especially among those with high bleeding risk. It also highlights the need for optimization of heart failure status periprocedurally to avoid readmissions for exacerbations.

Efficacy and Safety of Daratumumab-based Regimens in Pretreated Light Chain (AL) Amyloidosis: A Systematic Review

With recent advances in novel chemotherapeutic agents and increasing use of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant, there has been a significant improvement in outcomes for patients with AL Amyloidosis. Daratumumab, with its excellent safety and efficacy profile, appears to be an ideal treatment option for patients with newly diagnosed as well as relapsed refractory AL amyloidosis. In this systematic review, we analyzed the published literature on the role of Daratumumab in pretreated relapsed and refractory AL-amyloidosis patients using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and clinicaltrials.gov databases. A total of 16 studies evaluated the role of Daratumumab as monotherapy (DMT) or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents (DCT). DMT and DCT were associated with promising efficacy with hematologic and organ responses (cardiac/renal) seen in 50%-90% and 50%-80% of the patients, respectively. Daratumumab appeared to be well tolerated with no significant treatment-related adverse events as DMT or DCT.

Industry 4.0 Technologies for the Manufacturing and Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines

BACKGROUND

The evolutionary stages of manufacturing have led us to conceptualize the use of Industry 4.0 for COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), powered by Industry 4.0 technologies. Using applications of integrated process optimizations reliant on digitized data, we propose novel intelligent networks along the vaccine value chain. Vaccine 4.0 may enable maintenance processes, streamline logistics, and enable optimal production of COVID-19 vaccines.

VACCINE 4.0 FRAMEWORK

The challenge in applying Vaccine 4.0 includes the requirement of large-scale technologies for digitally transforming manufacturing, producing, rolling-out, and distributing vaccines. With our framework, Vaccine 4.0 analytics will target process performance, process development, process stability, compliance, quality assessment, and optimized maintenance. The benefits of digitization during and post the COVID-19 pandemic include first, the continual assurance of process control, and second, the efficacy of big-data analytics in streamlining set parameter limits. Digitization including big data-analytics may potentially improve the quality of large-scale vaccine production, profitability, and manufacturing processes. The path to Vaccine 4.0 will enhance vaccine quality, improve efficacy, and compliance with data-regulated requirements.

DISCUSSION

Fiscal and logistical barriers are prevalent across resource-limited countries worldwide. The Vaccine 4.0 framework accounts for expected barriers of manufacturing and equitably distributing COVID-19 vaccines. With amalgamating big data analytics and biometrics, we enable the identification of vulnerable populations who are at higher risk of disease transmission. Artificial intelligence powered sensors and robotics support thermostable vaccine distribution in limited capacity regions, globally. Biosensors isolate COVID-19 vaccinations with low or limited efficacy. Finally, Vaccine 4.0 blockchain systems address low- and middle-income countries with limited distribution capacities.

CONCLUSION

Vaccine 4.0 is a viable framework to optimize manufacturing of vaccines during and post the COVID-19 pandemic.

Efficacy and Toxicity Profile of Carfilzomib-Based Regimens for Treatment of Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: A Systematic Review

Carfilzomib (CFZ) is a proteasome inhibitor currently approved for the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Multiple trials are ongoing to evaluate its efficacy and safety in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). The use of CFZ-based two- or three-drug combination regimens as induction for the management of NDMM is an emerging approach. CFZ-based regimens include combinations of immunomodulators, alkylating agents, and monoclonal antibodies along with dexamethasone. In this review, we assess the efficacy and toxicity of CFZ-based regimens in NDMM. We reviewed a total of 27 studies (n=4538 patients) with overall response rates (ORR) ranging between 80% and 100%. Studies evaluating the combination of CFZ with daratumumab reported an ORR of approximately 100%. Achievement of minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity, measured by multi-parameter flow cytometry (MPFC), ranged between 60% and 95% in 4 (n=251) out of 6 studies that measured MRD-negativity. The interim results of the ENDURANCE trial failed to show superior efficacy and progression-free survival (PFS) of carfilzomib-lenalidomide when compared to bortezomib–lenalidomide combination, albeit with a lower incidence of neuropathy. Hematological toxicity was the most common adverse event observed with these regimens, and the most common non-hematological adverse events were related to cardiovascular and electrolyte disturbances. We need to further evaluate the role of CFZ in NDMM by conducting more Phase III trials with different combinations.

Efficacy and Safety of Regimens Used for the Treatment of POEMS Syndrome- A Systematic Review

POEMS syndrome (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy/edema, monoclonal plasma protein [M protein], and skin changes) is a rare paraneoplastic disorder associated with underlying plasma cell neoplasia. Although limited-stage disease can be treated with radiotherapy, treatment for the more advanced disease remains unclear. The most commonly used therapies for POEMS syndrome include alkylators and steroids, high-dose chemotherapy with autologos stem cell transplantation, lenalidomide, and bortezomib. In general, patients tend to have excellent prognosis if the diagnosis is made early and appropriate therapy is used. Here we present a systematic review of the efficacy and safety of treatment regimens used to treat POEMS syndrome in the adult population. Combinations of immunomodulatory agents with corticosteroids were most frequently utilized regimens with durable hematological and neurological responses. Combinations of proteasome inhibitors and alkylating agents with corticosteroids, although less frequently utilized, appear to have reasonable safety and efficacy profiles.

Safety and Efficacy of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Inhibitors in COVID-19 Population

Introduction

The safety of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) among COVID-19 patients has been controversial since the onset of the pandemic.

Methods

Digital databases were queried to study the safety of RAASi in COVID-19. The primary outcome of interest was mortality. The secondary outcome was seropositivity improvement/viral clearance, clinical manifestation progression, and progression to intensive care units. A random-effect model was used to compute an unadjusted odds ratio (OR).

Results

A total of 49 observational studies were included in the analysis consisting of 83,269 COVID-19 patients (RAASi n = 34,691; non-RAASi n = 48,578). The mean age of the sample was 64, and 56% were males. We found that RAASi was associated with similar mortality outcomes as compared to non-RAASi groups (OR 1.07; 95% CI 0.99–1.15; p > 0.05). RAASi was associated with seropositivity improvement including negative RT-PCR or antibodies, (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.93–0.99; p < 0.05). There was no association between RAASi versus control with progression to ICU admission (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.79–1.23; p > 0.05) or higher odds of worsening of clinical manifestations (OR 1.04; 95% CI 0.97–1.11; p > 0.05). Metaregression analysis did not change our outcomes for effect modifiers including age, sex, comorbidities, RAASi type, or study type on outcomes.

Conclusions

COVID-19 is not a contraindication to hold or discontinue RAASi as they are not associated with higher mortality or worsening symptoms. Continuation of RAASi might be associated with favorable outcomes in COVID-19, including seropositivity/viral clearance.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40292-021-00462-w.

Role of Venetoclax in the Treatment of Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma

Biomarker-driven targeted therapies have been an area of exploration for innovative therapeutic options in oncology. B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) protein is an anti-apoptotic protein expressed on the clonal plasma cells in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). MM subsets with t (11;14) have overexpression of BCL-2 and can benefit from venetoclax (VEN) when used either alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents with an overall response rate (ORR) ranging from 40% to 100%. The most commonly reported grade ≥ 3 adverse effects include cytopenias and gastrointestinal side effects. This review highlights the meaningful efficacy and tolerable safety of VEN monotherapy and its combination regimens in the treatment of relapsed refractory MM.

Clinical outcomes and efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound guided ablation of pancreatic cancer a systematic review and a meta-analysis

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Background: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided ablation therapy (EUS-A) is a minimally invasive technique increasingly used for the management of surgically unresectable pancreatic cancer. The data on the efficacy and clinical outcome of EUS-A for unresectable pancreatic cancer is lacking. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the safety, technical and clinical success of EUS-A therapies specifically for unresectable pancreatic cancer. Methods: Studies were identified with a comprehensive search for EUS-A and pancreatic cancer on PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science and Embase data search as of October 2020. The technical and clinical success rates of EUS-A were primary outcomes while adverse events (AEs) rate was secondary outcome. We defined technical success as successful placement of probe within tumor and able to perform ablation regardless of tumor outcome. Clinical success was defined as symptomatic improvement and/or any reduction in tumor size or evidence of necrosis on radiological imaging after EUS-A. A compute pooled analysis was performed using the ‘meta’ package by Schwarzer et al. in the R programming language (version 4.0.2) using random effect model. Results: Nineteen studies including 192 patients (54% females) were included. Common pancreatic tumors were nonfunctional neuroendocrine tumor (NNET) 43.5% (97), followed by locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (LAPDAC) 27.3% (61), insulinoma 17.9% (40), cystic neoplastic lesions 8.5% (19). The pancreatic head was the most common site of tumor 49.8% (111), followed by body, neck and tail 44.8% (100). EUS-RFA was the most commonly used ablative therapy 63% (12/19 studies), followed by EUS-EA (ethanol ablation) 26% (5/19 studies) while EUS-A using laser and lauromacrogol injection was used in one study each. The mean number of ablation sessions per patient was 1.4 based on the total 243 sessions in 176 patients. The pooled technical success rate of EUS-A was 99.5% [95% CI = 0.90-0.97, I2 = 0%]. The pooled clinical success rate calculated out of total number of pancreatic lesions was 91.1% [95% CI = 0.79-0.92, I2 = 16%]. Clinical improvement in symptoms was reported in 11 studies and a complete resolution or decrease in tumor size was reported in 16 studies. The pooled AEs rate was 22.9% [95% CI = 0.17-0.37, I2 = 43%]. Common AEs were abdominal pain 7.8% (15), pancreatitis 5.2% (10) and pancreatic pseudocyst 2.1% (4). The median follow-up was 9.5 months. Conclusions: EUS-A is a safe and promising modality in the management of unresectable pancreatic cancer with a high technical and clinical success rate. Large prospective studies and clinical trials are required for comparison of clinical outcome of different EUS-A therapies and its widespread application for unresectable pancreatic cancer.

Role of adjunct plasma exchange or high cut-off hemodialysis in the management of myeloma cast nephropathy: A systematic review

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Background: Renal impairment by cast nephropathy is a common complication in multiple myeloma. Tubulointerstitial injury results from precipitation of filtered free light chains (FLC) with Uromodulin in the distal convoluted tubules. Rapid reduction in serum FLC levels has shown to improve renal function in modeling studies. Extracorporeal light chain removal techniques such as plasma exchange (PEX) and high cut-off hemodialysis (HCO-HD) have been explored as potential adjunct treatment options for cast nephropathy in various clinical trials. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane library, and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched systematically for the use of plasma exchange and/or hemodialysis with chemotherapy in the treatment of myeloma cast nephropathy using their MeSH words and keywords. PRISMA guidelines were followed for screening and 5 out of 866 studies were finalized (N = 342). Results: Zucchelli et al. 1988 (n = 29) reported a dramatic reduction in Bence Jones protein (BJP) levels of 0.81 ± 0.46 g/day (P value < 0.01) and 1-year survival rate of 66% in the PEX group and decrease in BJP of 3.25 +/- 0.21 g/day (P-value < 0.05) with a survival rate of 28% in the control group. Clark et al. 2005 (n = 104) reported a primary composite response (patient alive at 6 months + dialysis independence + serum creatinine improvement of 50% at 6 months) in 57.9% of patients in the PEX group and 69.2% in the control group [95% CI, -8.3% to 29.1%]; P = 0.36. Johnson et al. 1990 (n = 21) reported a mean change of 880 μmol /L ± 260(SD) in serum creatinine in the PEX group and 570 μmol /L +/-240 in the control group. HD independence at 3 months was reported as 41.3% (n = 19) in the HCO-HD group and 33.3% (n = 16) in the conventional HD group (95% CI -12%–27.9%; P = 0.42) in the MYRE trial 2017 (n = 98). The EuLITE trial 2019 (n = 90) compared the efficacy of the high cut-off vs high flux hemodialysis (HF-HD) technique and concluded that there was no clinical benefit of one over the other. Independence from HD was achieved in 56% (n = 24) in the HCO-HD cohort vs 51% (n = 24) in HF-HD cohort (relative risk [RR] 1.09, 95% CI 0.74–1.61; P = 0.81). Conclusions: The use of high cut-off hemodialysis and plasma exchange as adjunct therapy did not show any significant survival benefit or improvement in clinical outcome. The role of routine use of PEX/HCO-HD in the management of cast nephropathy is still unclear and the decision to use these modalities should be made on an individual basis.

Bottom-up analysis of emergent properties of N-acetylcysteine as an adjuvant therapy for COVID-19

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an abundantly available antioxidant with a wide range of antidotal properties currently best studied for its use in treating acetaminophen overdose. It has a robustly established safety profile with easily tolerated side effects and presents the Food and Drug Administration's approval for use in treating acetaminophen overdose patients. It has been proven efficacious in off-label uses, such as in respiratory diseases, heart disease, cancer, human immunodeficiency virus infection, and seasonal influenza. Clinical trials have recently shown that NAC's capacity to replenish glutathione stores may significantly improve coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes, especially in high risk individuals. Interestingly, individuals with glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency have been shown to experience even greater benefit. The same study has concluded that NAC's ability to mitigate the impact of the cytokine storm and prevent elevation of liver enzymes, C-reactive protein, and ferritin is associated with higher success rates weaning from the ventilator and return to normal function in COVID-19 patients. Considering the background knowledge of biochemistry, current uses of NAC in clinical practice, and newly acquired evidence on its potential efficacy against COVID-19, it is worthwhile to investigate further whether this agent can be used as a treatment or adjuvant for COVID-19.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of an Emerging Therapy against COVID-19: Is Convalescent Plasma a Hidden Gem Not Yet Optimized?

Background: An unprecedented global effort in identifying potentially viable and emerging drugs for effective treatment of the novel coronavirus disease (2019) is being made. Of the most promising candidate therapies, convalescent plasma (CP), albeit controversial, is approved for emergency use authorization (EUA) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The concept rests on passive immunity, achieved by administering plasma with high titers of neutralizing antibodies to reduce severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection and mortality. The aim of this paper is to assess the clinical improvement, patients’ discharge status and all-cause mortality in convalescent plasma versus standard of care COVID-19 patient groups. Methods: Using PRISMA guidelines, a review was conducted from January, 2020, until October, 2020 employing keywords including “convalescent plasma”, “clinical improvement, “mortality”, “adverse events”, “viral load”, “dosing”, and survival.” Dichotomous data for all-cause mortality, patients’ discharge status, and clinical improvement at day 14 of treatment were meta-analyzed applying the Mantel-Haenszel (M-H) random effects model using Review Manager 5.4.  Results: A total of 627 (23.9%) patients in the CP group and 1997 (76.1%) patients in the control group were pooled. The studies were conducted in the United States, China, Netherlands, and Iran. The CP group had a lower association to all-cause mortality as compared to the control group [OR: 0.69; CI: 0.50 to 0.96; P=0.03]. Patients who received CP had higher probability of discharge during the study course [OR: 1.87; CI: 1.1 to 3.18; P=0.02]. Bias was expected in the analysis due to the stratified of study designs included. Conclusion: Convalescent plasma therapy may be an effective and vital tool with promising historical, current, and expected clinical trial evidence of metrics such as increased safety and reduction of all-cause mortality.

Relapsed breast cancer complicated by isolated brain metastasis

The most common etiology of malignant brain tumors is metastatic lesions. They usually present as multiple lesions at the gray-white matter junction. However, they can unconventionally present as a single space-occupying lesion mimicking meningioma.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids and COVID-19: A Comprehensive Review

The rapid international spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has posed a global health emergency in 2020. It has affected over 52 million people and led to over 1.29 million deaths worldwide, as of November 13th, 2020. Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 present with symptoms ranging from none to severe and include fever, shortness of breath, dry cough, anosmia, and gastrointestinal abnormalities. Severe complications are largely due to overdrive of the host immune system leading to "cytokine storm". This results in disseminated intravascular coagulation, acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, and death. Due to its highly infectious nature and concerning mortality rate, every effort has been focused on prevention and creating new medications or repurposing old treatment options to ameliorate the suffering of COVID-19 patients including the immune dysregulation. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to be incorporated throughout the body into the bi-phospholipid layer of the cell membrane leading to the production of less pro-inflammatory mediators compared to other fatty acids that are more prevalent in the Western diet. In this article, the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, including their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, and possible antiviral effects have been discussed.

Paraneoplastic syndromes in cholangiocarcinoma

Paraneoplastic syndromes are the symptoms or signs which result from damage to tissues that are distant from the site of malignancy, due to complex interactions between the body’s immune system and malignant neoplasm. Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive epithelial malignancy of hepatobiliary tree and it is found to be associated with various paraneoplastic syndromes. These syndromes can present as dermatological, neurological, renal, hematological, or multi-systemic manifestations. Clinical suspicion and timely recognition of these syndromes can lead to early diagnosis of covert malignancies like CCA. The management plan remains the removal of the underlying cause which in this case is CCA.

A Systematic Review of Transfusion-Transmissible Infections Among Blood Donors and Associated Safety Challenges in Pakistan

The blood transfusion (BT) system in Pakistan is fragmented, demand-driven and depends on weakly regulated transfusion practices. There is a considerable possibility that transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs) are contributing to the current epidemic of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) (affecting 7.4% of the general population) in the country. To study this issue, we conducted a systematic review to identify articles related to TTIs and transfusion safety in Pakistan from January 1, 2010 to January 31, 2020. A review of 33 articles met the final criteria for qualitative synthesis. Analysis of these studies showed a cumulative frequency of HBV 2.04%, HCV 2.44%, HIV 0.038%, syphilis 1.1% and malaria 0.11%. The frequency of coinfections among blood donors varied from 0.0099% to 0.35%. The highest number of coinfections were HCV and syphilis, followed by HCV and HBV infections. Syphilis and malaria were tested in only 38% and 46% of all the blood donations in one study. The rate of voluntary non-remunerated donations (VNRDs) was less than 13%, and male donors were 95% to 100% in these studies. There was a significant difference in the frequency of HBV and HCV in VNRDs (0.48%) as compared to replacement donors (RDs) (4.15%). In short, this review shows a high frequency of TTIs, especially HBV, HCV and syphilis in the blood donor population in Pakistan. There is a high dependency on RDs, minimal use of healthy voluntary blood donation practices, inadequate screening of high-risk donors, repeated collections of the blood from RDs, poor quality of screening methods and limited knowledge of donor health. Without standardized safe transfusion practices, there will be an ongoing increase in transmission of TTIs, especially HBV, HCV, syphilis, and HIV leading to a significant adverse public health impact.

Artificial intelligence in celiac disease

Celiac disease (CD) has been on the rise in the world and a large part of it remains undiagnosed. Novel methods are required to address the gaps in prompt detection and management. Artificial intelligence (AI) has seen an exponential surge in the last decade worldwide. With the advent of big data and powerful computational ability, we now have self-driving cars and smart devices in our daily lives. Huge databases in the form of electronic medical records and images have rendered healthcare a lucrative sector where AI can prove revolutionary. It is being used extensively to overcome the barriers in clinical workflows. From the perspective of a disease, it can be deployed in multiple steps i.e. screening tools, diagnosis, developing novel therapeutic agents, proposing management plans, and defining prognostic indicators, etc. We review the areas where it may augment physicians in the delivery of better healthcare by summarizing current literature on the use of AI in healthcare using CD as a model. We further outline major barriers to its large-scale implementations and prospects from the healthcare point of view.

Pharmacological Primary Prevention of Diabetes Mellitus Type II: A Narrative Review

The evolving epidemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus has challenged health-care professionals. It stands among the leading causes of mortality in the present world. It warrants new and versatile approaches to improve mortality and the associated huge quality-adjusted life years lost to it once diagnosed. A possible venue to lower the incidence is to assess the safety and efficacy of various diabetes prevention strategies. Diet and exercise have a well-developed role in the prevention of weight gain and, ultimately, diabetes mellitus type II in high-risk individuals. However, high-risk individuals can also benefit from adjunct pharmacotherapy. In light of this information, we decided to conduct a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. This article summarizes the evidence in the literature on the pharmacological prevention of diabetes in high-risk individuals.