Onychomycosis due to Achaetomium strumarium

Onychomycosis is the most common infection of the toe-nails or finger-nails and it may be caused by a large variety of fungal species. Achaetomium species which belong to the phylum Ascomycota (Family Chaetomiaceae), are usually soil saprophytes or endophytic fungi which have been rarely reported as human or animal pathogens. Here, we report a case of onychomycosis caused by Achaetomium strumarium in a healthy person who showed involvement of all fingers of both hands with yellowish brown discoloration. The causative agent isolated was identified as Achaetomium species by morphology, colony morphometry and growth at high temperature and as A. strumarium from DNA sequence of ITS region. Onychomycosis from this case responded satisfactorily with per os (P. O.; oral) and topical application of Terbinafine.

Keratitis by a rare pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides: A case report

Colletotrichum species have been reported infrequently as the cause of keratitis or subcutaneous lesions. The patient we describe developed keratitis after ocular trauma. The sample from the corneal scrapings grew Colletotrichum gloeosporioides as identified from morphological characters and DNA sequence of the 'Internal Transcribed Spacer' (ITS) region. The patient underwent topical application of amphotericin-B followed by itraconazole and natamycin treatment. Simultaneous oral voriconazole regimen leads to complete regression of corneal ulcer. This report highlights the fact that early and accurate identification and therapy can resolve keratitis caused by rare pathogen C. gloeosporioides.

Sofosbuvir plus ribavirin in treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1 or 3 infection in India

Until 2014, pegylated interferon plus ribavirin was the recommended standard of care for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in India. This open-label phase 3b study, conducted across 14 sites in India between 31 March 2014 and 30 November 2015, evaluated the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir plus ribavirin therapy among treatment-naïve patients with chronic genotype 1 or 3 HCV infection. A total of 117 patients with genotype 1 or 3 HCV infection were randomized 1:1 to receive sofosbuvir 400 mg and weight-based ribavirin (1000 or 1200 mg) daily for 16 or 24 weeks. Among those with genotype 1 infection, the primary efficacy endpoint of sustained virologic response at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12) was reported in 90% (95% confidence intervals [CI], 73-98) and 96% (95% CI, 82-100) of patients following 16 and 24 weeks of treatment, respectively. For patients with genotype 3 infection, SVR12 rates were 100% (95% CI, 88-100) and 93% (95% CI, 78-99) after 16 and 24 weeks of therapy, respectively. Adverse events, most of which were mild or moderate in severity, occurred in 69% and 57% of patients receiving 16 and 24 weeks of treatment, respectively. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were asthenia, headache and cough. Only one patient in the 24-week group discontinued treatment with sofosbuvir during this study. Overall, sofosbuvir plus ribavirin therapy achieved SVR12 rates ≥90% and was well tolerated among treatment-naïve patients with chronic genotype 1 or 3 HCV infection in India.

A rapid, flexible method for incorporating controlled antibiotic release into porous polymethylmethacrylate space maintainers for craniofacial reconstruction

Severe injuries in the craniofacial complex, resulting from trauma or pathology, present several challenges to functional and aesthetic reconstruction. The anatomy and position of the craniofacial region make it vulnerable to injury and subsequent local infection due to external bacteria as well as those from neighbouring structures like the sinuses, nasal passages, and mouth. Porous polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) "space maintainers" have proven useful in staged craniofacial reconstruction by promoting healing of overlying soft tissue prior to reconstruction of craniofacial bones. We describe herein a method by which the porosity of a prefabricated porous PMMA space maintainer, generated by porogen leaching, can be loaded with a thermogelling copolymer-based drug delivery system. Porogen leaching, space maintainer prewetting, and thermogel loading all significantly affected the loading of a model antibiotic, colistin. Weeks-long release of antibiotic at clinically relevant levels was achieved with several formulations. In vitro assays confirmed that the released colistin maintained its antibiotic activity against several bacterial targets. Our results suggest that this method is a valuable tool in the development of novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of severe complex, infected craniofacial injuries.

Injectable dual-gelling cell-laden composite hydrogels for bone tissue engineering

The present work investigated the osteogenic potential of injectable, dual thermally and chemically gelable composite hydrogels for mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) delivery in vitro and in vivo. Composite hydrogels comprising copolymer macromers of N-isopropylacrylamide were fabricated through the incorporation of gelatin microparticles (GMPs) as enzymatically digestible porogens and sites for cellular attachment. High and low polymer content hydrogels with and without GMP loading were shown to successfully encapsulate viable MSCs and maintain their survival over 28 days in vitro. GMP incorporation was also shown to modulate alkaline phosphatase production, but enhanced hydrogel mineralization along with higher polymer content even in the absence of cells. Moreover, the regenerative capacity of 2 mm thick hydrogels with GMPs only, MSCs only, or GMPs and MSCs was evaluated in vivo in an 8 mm rat critical size cranial defect for 4 and 12 weeks. GMP incorporation led to enhanced bony bridging and mineralization within the defect at each timepoint, and direct bone-implant contact as determined by microcomputed tomography and histological scoring, respectively. Encapsulation of both GMPs and MSCs enabled hydrogel degradation leading to significant tissue infiltration and osteoid formation. The results suggest that these injectable, dual-gelling cell-laden composite hydrogels can facilitate bone ingrowth and integration, warranting further investigation for bone tissue engineering.

Uptake of clinical yeast isolates by human epithelial cell line

OBJECTIVE

The occurrence of yeast infections in humans has increased, with the species belonging to genus Candida still being the most common cause of infection. Nevertheless, infections caused by less common yeasts have been widely reported in recent years. The main objective of this study was to assess the potential of these less common saprophytic yeasts to invade the host cell, which is essential for causing systemic infections.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Various yeast isolates were identified by DNA sequence information of PCR amplified ITS region. The purported saprophytic yeasts were characterized for internalization by mammalian cells in vitro, by staining the F-actin.

CONCLUSION

The identification of different yeast isolates from various patients revealed that 70% of the isolates belonged to the genus Candida, while remaining 30% of the isolates were yeasts not belonging to genus Candida. These non-Candida clinical isolates, either in yeast or hyphal forms, were efficiently internalized by human epithelial cells. The internalization was marked by a process of actin polymerization surrounding the invading yeast. Such uptake by epithelial cells signifies traversal of cell barrier by yeast cells during infection in vivo.

Strategies to manage hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection disease burden - volume 2

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic was forecasted through 2030 for 15 countries, and the relative impact of two scenarios was considered: (i) increased treatment efficacy while holding the treated population constant and (ii) increased treatment efficacy and increased annual treated population. Increasing levels of diagnosis and treatment, in combination with improved treatment efficacy, were critical for achieving substantial reductions in disease burden. In most countries, the annual treated population had to increase several fold to achieve the largest reductions in HCV-related morbidity and mortality. This suggests that increased capacity for screening and treatment will be critical in many countries. Birth cohort screening is a helpful tool for maximizing resources. In most of the studied countries, the majority of patients were born between 1945 and 1985.

The present and future disease burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections with today's treatment paradigm - volume 2

Morbidity and mortality attributable to chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are increasing in many countries as the infected population ages. Models were developed for 15 countries to quantify and characterize the viremic population, as well as estimate the number of new infections and HCV related deaths from 2013 to 2030. Expert consensus was used to determine current treatment levels and outcomes in each country. In most countries, viremic prevalence has already peaked. In every country studied, prevalence begins to decline before 2030, when current treatment levels were held constant. In contrast, cases of advanced liver disease and liver related deaths will continue to increase through 2030 in most countries. The current treatment paradigm is inadequate if large reductions in HCV related morbidity and mortality are to be achieved.

Historical epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in select countries - volume 2

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of liver related morbidity and mortality. In many countries, there is a lack of comprehensive epidemiological data that are crucial in implementing disease control measures as new treatment options become available. Published literature, unpublished data and expert consensus were used to determine key parameters, including prevalence, viremia, genotype and the number of patients diagnosed and treated. In this study of 15 countries, viremic prevalence ranged from 0.13% in the Netherlands to 2.91% in Russia. The largest viremic populations were in India (8 666 000 cases) and Russia (4 162 000 cases). In most countries, males had a higher rate of infections, likely due to higher rates of injection drug use (IDU). Estimates characterizing the infected population are critical to focus screening and treatment efforts as new therapeutic options become available.

Shorter bevacizumab infusions do not increase the incidence of proteinuria and hypertension

BACKGROUND

A previous study has shown that shorter bevacizumab infusions (0.5 mg/kg/min) can be safely administered without increasing the risk of infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs). However, the risk of proteinuria and hypertension in patients receiving shorter infusions of bevacizumab is undetermined.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a multicenter, prospective, observational study in patients receiving <10 mg/kg of bevacizumab infused over 0.5 mg/kg/min. Patients were observed until discontinuation of bevacizumab for progression of cancer or toxicity. The incidence of hypertension and proteinuria was compared with a prior cohort of patients who had received standard duration infusions of bevacizumab.

RESULTS

Sixty-three patients received a total of 392 doses of shorter bevacizumab infusions. Nineteen (30.2%) patients experienced proteinuria while receiving bevacizumab. Out of 19 patients, 13 had grade 1 and 6 had grade 2 proteinuria. None of the patients experienced grade 3 or 4 proteinuria. Hypertension was reported in 32 (50.8%) patients receiving bevacizumab. Twelve (19%) patients developed grade 3 or greater hypertension on bevacizumab. The incidence of proteinuria and hypertension was 38.3% and 56.6%, respectively, in patients (N = 120, 1347 infusions) receiving standard duration infusions of bevacizumab.

CONCLUSIONS

Shorter bevacizumab infusions (0.5 mg/kg/min) do not increase the risk of proteinuria and hypertension.

Prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVES

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is commonly associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) though its prevalence is not well studied. We conducted a prospective study of prevalence and risk factors of NAFLD in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

204 type 2 DM patients attending an out-patient diabetic clinic underwent abdominal sonography. Ninty of 127 patients with fatty infiltration on ultrasound consented for liver biopsy, clinical and biochemical workup.

RESULTS

Eighty seven percent had NAFLD on histology with 62.6% steatohepatitis and 37.3% fibrosis. Age, duration of diabetes mellitus, degree of glycemic control, body mass index, waist circumference, family history of diabetes mellitus, did not predict the presence or severity of NAFLD or fibrosis. Serum alanine aminostranferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase levels, though within normal limits, were significantly higher in patients with steatohepatitis. Prevalence of NASH increased with increase in the components of the metabolic syndrome. Serum AST/ALT ratio were also significantly higher (p-0.049) in patients with severe fibrosis. All patients with severe fibrosis had metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of NAFLD and NASH in our cohort of type 2 DM patients is high and increases with multiple components of metabolic syndrome. NASH and advanced fibrosis can occur in diabetic patients without any symptoms, signs or routine laboratory test abnormalities.

Nevirapine-induced fulminant hepatitis

Nevirapine induced hepatotoxicity is known but fatality is rare. We report a case of a young individual who developed nevirapine (NVP) induced fatal hepatitis without apparent risk factors or preceding rash. Exacerbation of underlying silent chronic liver dysfunction possibly contributed to the fatal outcome. This case stresses the need for careful evaluation, regular monitoring and prompt omission of drug on suspicion of hepatotoxicity.

A randomized trial assessing the utility of a test-dose program with taxanes

OBJECTIVE

Taxanes are commonly used anticancer agents with a potential of producing an allergic or hypersensitivity reaction (HSR). We performed a randomized study to evaluate the value of a test dose given prior to the full dose of either paclitaxel or docetaxel.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients were randomly assigned to either the administration of the full dose or to the prior administration of a 1 mg intravenous test dose of either paclitaxel or docetaxel. The primary endpoints were severity of the HSR and the cost of drug wastage due to a HSR.

RESULTS

Two hundred and eighteen patients were randomized from three different treatment sites. The overall incidence of HSR was 6.5% and there was no significant difference in the incidence of HSR in either group. The mean HSR severity grade was 2.8 for patients without a test dose and 2.3 for those receiving a test dose. There was, however, a reduction in the wastage of taxane in the test dose arm. Wastage avoided in the test dose arm was $1573 per patient who had a HSR and $104 per patient treated with a taxane.

CONCLUSION

Although a test dose may not reduce the severity of a HSR with the administration of a taxane, it does reduce the cost associated with drug wastage.

Extensive portal and splenic vein thrombosis: differences in hemodynamics and management

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To assess the incidence of extensive portal and splenic vein thrombosis in patients with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction and determine the differences in presentation, portal hemodynamics and management as compared to patients with portal vein thrombosis alone.

METHODOLOGY

118 patients of extrahepatic portal vein obstruction presenting with variceal hemorrhage, having received no definitive treatment prior to presentation were divided into two groups--with portal and splenic vein thrombosis and with portal vein thrombosis, based on ultrasonography and splenoportography. Collateralization patterns on splenoportography were studied. Results of endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy were compared.

RESULTS

Portal and splenic vein thrombosis was seen in 39 patients. Collateralization in case of portal and splenic vein thrombosis, in contrast to portal vein thrombosis, was predominantly left sided (74% vs. 9%, p < 0.0001). Fundal gastric varices were seen more often in patients with portal and splenic vein thrombosis (28% vs. 11%, p = 0.02), developing even after variceal obliteration, though obliteration was achieved in fewer sessions. Surgery for control of variceal bleed was performed more in the portal and splenic vein thrombosis group (33% vs. 15%, p = 0.02), especially for gastric varices (28% vs. 9%, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Portal and splenic vein thrombosis is present in 33% of patients with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction. Hemodynamic patterns differ, accounting for the preponderance of gastric varices on presentation in patients with portal and splenic vein thrombosis and an increased need for surgery.

Acute superior mesenteric vein thrombosis associated with factor V 'Leiden' gene mutation

OBJECTIVES

To study thrombophilia states in Indian patients with acute spontaneous superior mesenteric vein thrombosis (SMVT).

METHODS

Two men with this condition, a 56 year old and a 31 year old presenting with acute SMVT, demonstrated on CT scan, were subjected to a thrombophilia screen consisting of Protein C, S, antithrombin levels, lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, fibrinogen levels, factor VIII levels, factor V 'Leiden' gene mutation, and paroxysmal nocturnal hematuria screen.

RESULTS

A thrombophilia screen showed factor V 'Leiden' gene mutation (heterozygous) in both cases. Additionally, the first patient had high fibrinogen levels and the second high factor VIII levels. Both patients are currently on long-term anticoagulation.

CONCLUSION

Factor V 'Leiden' gene mutation in association with other thrombophilic factors may predispose to spontaneous superior mesenteric vein thrombosis.

Prognostic significance of intratumoural microvessel density (IMD) in resected pancreatic and ampullary cancers to standard histopathological variables and survival

AIM

Angiogenesis is required for tumour growth. Its evaluation, by intratumoural microvessel density (IMD), has prognostic significance in many solid tumours. There is controversy regarding its use in pancreatic cancer and little is known about its role in ampullary tumours. The aim is to study IMD as a prognostic marker in resected ductal adenocarcinomas of head of pancreas and cancers of the ampullary region.

METHODS

Forty-seven patients (23 pancreatic and 24 ampullary, mean age 62.0 years) surviving a potentially curative (R0/R1) resection were analysed. Paraffin-embedded sections of these tumours were immunohistochemically stained for CD-34 and IMD was determined (magnification x200). This was correlated with histopathological data and survival using Cox's multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Mean survival for the pancreatic cancer group was 18.4 months (SE=2.7) and 81.2 months (SE=9.9) for the ampullary cancer group. In the pancreatic cancer group, IMD was found to have independent prognostic significance to survival on multivariate analysis (P=0.002, Hazard Ratio (HR) 13.60) along with microscopic resection margin involvement (P=0.003, HR 15.18). For ampullary cancers, IMD was higher in those with lymph node metastasis (P=0.02, Mann-Whitney U -test).

CONCLUSION

IMD in resected pancreatic cancers correlates with survival.

Laparoscopic resection of liver metastasis using a harmonic scalpel

We report successful laparoscopic resection of a solitary liver metastasis from a colorectal carcinoma in an obese man, using a harmonic scalpel.

Case report. Diagnosis of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex infection by liver biopsy

Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection is a common complication of HIV/AIDS. Signs and symptoms of this infection are nonspecific and include fever, weight loss, diarrhea, and abnormal levels of liver enzymes, especially elevated alkaline phosphatase levels. Diagnosis can be achieved through several methods, but liver biopsy may be the most rapid and efficient. We present a case that illustrates the potential value of liver biopsy in diagnosing disseminated MAC infection.

Changing referral pattern of biliary injuries sustained during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

SUMMARY

More patients with less severe type biliary injury are being referred earlier to a specialist hepatobiliary unit. Most patients still have ineffective corrective surgery before transfer. Presented in part to the European Congress of the International Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Association in Budapest, Hungary, May 1999 and published in abstract form as Digestive Surgery 1999; 16(Suppl 1): 32.

Role of biliary scintiscan in predicting the need for cholangiography

BACKGROUND

Currently used predictors for bile duct calculi in patients undergoing cholecystectomy have low specificity resulting in unnecessary cholangiograms being performed. The role of biliary scintiscan in predicting the presence of bile duct calculi was assessed.

METHODS

Seventy-five patients with symptomatic gallstone disease were studied prospectively regard- ing the value of a history of jaundice or acute pancreatitis, raised serum bilirubin and serum alkaline phosphatase levels, and visualization of stones or presence of dilated bile ducts on ultrasonography (standard criteria) in detecting bile duct calculi. Results of biliary scintiscan were evaluated against a combination of standard criteria. The 'gold standard' for evaluation was endoscopic or peroperative cholangiography.

RESULTS

Biliary scintiscan had a higher sensitivity and specificity (93 and 94 per cent) than a combination of the above standard and modified predictors for biliary calculi (89 and 71 per cent). A combination of ultrasonography and selective use of scintiscan, in the absence of bile duct dilatation only, had higher values (96 and 98 per cent).

CONCLUSION

A combination of ultrasonography and biliary scintiscan can accurately predict bile duct calculi and could be used as a guide for selective cholangiography.

Transabdominal extensive esophagogastric devascularization with gastroesophageal stapling for management of noncirrhotic portal hypertension: long-term results

Outside Japan portosystemic shunts have been favored as the surgical procedure of choice for the management of portal hypertension of noncirrhotic etiology. Devascularization procedures have resulted in high rebleed rates probably owing to a limited extent of devascularization. We performed this study to assess the efficacy of our modification of Sugiura's procedure for long-term control of variceal bleeding in patients with noncirrhotic portal hypertension. Forty-six patients with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) and 22 with noncirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF) were subjected to transabdominal extensive esophagogastric devascularization with esophageal or gastric stapled transection (modified Sugiura's procedure), 38 in an emergency situation and 30 electively. Follow-up endoscopies were performed every 6 months. Operative mortality, morbidity, variceal status, and causes of recurrent bleeding were evaluated. The postoperative mortality was 4%. Early procedure-related complications were seen in 6%, and esophageal strictures formed in 7 of 45 survivors undergoing esophageal transection (15%). Over a mean +/- SD follow-up of 53 +/- 34 months, 95% of patients were free of varices. Seven survivors (11%) had a rebleed, but only 5% were due to varices (two esophageal, one gastric). Six (9%) patients developed gastropathy. The 5-year survival was 88%. The modified Sugiura's procedure is safe and effective for long-term control of variceal bleeding especially in the emergency setting and in patients with anatomy unsuitable for shunt surgery or if surgical expertise for a shunt operation is not available.

Incidence and fate of antral varices

OBJECTIVE

To study the incidence of antral varices (AV) and their fate in patients with portal hypertension so as to formulate a management policy.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Single surgical unit specializing in portal hypertension management in a tertiary level centre.

PARTICIPANTS

Three hundred and seventy-one patients [cirrhosis 170, non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF) 53, extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) 148] with history of bleeding from oesophageal varices were inducted in the chronic sclerotherapy programme.

INTERVENTIONS

Protocol-based endoscopic sclerotherapy and management of bleeding for oesophageal varices.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Development or disappearance of AV, bleeding from AV.

RESULTS

No patient had AV on index endoscopy. Thirteen (3.5%) patients developed AV, in cirrhosis 2.9%, EHPVO 4.1%, NCPF 3.8% (P = 0.86). AV developed after a mean of 15 months. Oesophageal varices took a longer number of sessions to obliterate in patients with AV (11.1 vs 5.98 sessions, P<0.0001). Only one patient bled, having coexistent oesophageal varices and gastropathy. AV disappeared spontaneously in seven patients, recurring in only one. Of seven persisting AV, none have bled over a mean follow-up of 30 months (SD 23.2).

CONCLUSIONS

AV are seen in a small proportion of patients, and are distributed equally amongst the aetiologies of portal hypertension. They rarely bleed and may be ignored during sclerotherapy of oesophageal varices.

Drug-induced thrombocytopenia

Many drugs can induce thrombocytopenia mediated by drug-dependent antiplatelet antibodies. Recent studies have documented specific epitopes for drug-dependent antibody binding on glycoprotein Ib-IX, glycoprotein IIb-IIIa, and platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1. Molecular identification of antibody binding sites may help to identify susceptible individuals. Management of patients with unexpected thrombocytopenia who are taking multiple drugs remains a difficult clinical problem. A recent systematic review of all published case reports of drug-induced thrombocytopenia ranks drugs according to the strength of clinical evidence for a causal relation to thrombocytopenia. This database is available online at http://moon.ouhsc.edu/jgeorge.

Results of a modified sugiura's devascularisation in the management of "unshuntable" portal hypertension

The results of a modified Sugiura devascularisation procedure were assessed in 14 patients with thrombosis of the portal and splenic vein requiring surgery for variceal hemorrhage, with no vein suitable for orthodox shunt surgery. The venous anatomy was determined by ultrasonography with Doppler studies and portovenography. Liver biochemistry as well as liver architecture on histopathology was normal in all. The surgery was elective in 9 cases for documented bleed from diffuse fundal gastric varices (FGV) and emergency in 5 cases, 3 having bleeding FGV and 2 for failure of emergency esophageal variceal sclerotherapy. All were subjected to a transabdominal extensive devascularisation of the upper two third of the stomach and lower 7-10cm of the esophagus. Stapled esophageal transection (n = 11) or esophageal variceal underrunning (n = 1) was performed in all with esophageal varices. FGV were underrun. Follow up endoscopies were done six monthly. There were 9 males and 5 females with a mean age of 17.2 years (SD 12.8). There was no operative mortality. Acute variceal bleeding was controlled in all patients. Over a mean follow up of 38 months, all but one remain free of recurrent bleeding. We conclude that a modified Sugiura devascularisation procedure is effective in the immediate and medium term control of variceal bleeding in patients with "unshuntable" portal hypertension.