Acute Pancreatitis as a Rare and Unusual Manifestation of COVID-19 in a Child with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mainly causes pulmonary disease. However, extrapulmonary manifestations, which affect the gastrointestinal tract and hepatobiliary system, have been reported. Case Presentation: Here we reported a 4-year-old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and abdominal pain who had acute necrotic pancreatitis secondary to COVID-19. Conclusions: According to the COVID-19 epidemic, if drug-induced pancreatitis is ruled out, viral causes, especially COVID-19, should be considered.

Adrenal Insufficiency in Patients with Beta-Thalassemia Major in the Southeast of Iran

The Article Abstract is not available.

Comparison of Immunoglobulins Status In Splenectomized And Non-Splenectomized Patients With Major Beta-Thalassemia

Background: Thalassemia is one of the most prevalent genetic disorders globally, and infections are one of the major causes of death in these patients. Various studies have attributed the increased susceptibility to bacterial infections in thalassemia patients to changes in their immunological status. Objectives: This research aimed to measure serum levels of immunoglobulins (Igs) in Thalassemia Major (TM) patients and in the control group. Methods: The study included forty TM patients (20 splenectomized and 20 non-splenectomized) and 20 healthy participants (the control group). Three groups were matched for age and gender. Mean serum levels of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA and IgM) were measured for all individuals by ELISA. P<0.05 was considered the significance level. Results: Increased serum IgG and IgA levels and significantly reduced serum IgM levels were observed in the splenectomized patients compared to the non-splenectomized ones. A comparison of the study groups revealed that serum IgG and IgA levels in the splenectomized patients and the mean serum IgM and IgG levels in the non-splenectomized patients were higher than those of the healthy participants. The mean serum IgM levels in the splenectomized patients and the mean serum IgG levels in the non-splenectomized patients were lower than those of the control group. Conclusions: The results showed that splenectomy could change the immunological status of thalassemia patients. Nevertheless, the exact mechanism for this change was not clear. Studying the serum levels of immunoglobulins might be useful in determining the severity of infections in TM patients.

Epidemiological and clinical risk factors related to severe COVID-19 in Iran: a multi-center study

Background

Iran was one of the first countries to be affected by COVID-19. Identifying factors associated with the severity of COVID-19 is effective in disease management. This study investigated the epidemiological and clinical features and factors related to the severity of COVID-19 in one of the less privileged areas in Iran.

Methods

In a multi-center study, all patients admitted to Zahedan University of Medical Sciences hospitals in southeastern Iran were investigated from February 29 to April 31, 2020. Demographic, epidemiological, and clinical data of patients were extracted from medical records. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to explore the risk factors associated with the severity of COVID-19.

Results

Among the 413 patients, 55.5% were male, and 145 (35.10%) were in a severe condition at admission time. Multivariate analysis showed that the adjusted odds of the disease severity increased in patients with older age (OR 2.27; 95% CI 1.41–3.65), substance abuse (OR 2.49; 95% CI 1.14–5.43), having one underlying disease (OR 1.52; 95% CI 0.90–2.55), having two underlying disease (OR 2.31; 95% CI 1.19–4.50), and having three or more underlying disease (OR 2.60; 95% CI 1.19–5.66).

Conclusions

COVID-19 was more severe in older patients, patients with a history of substance abuse, and patients with the underlying disease. Understanding the factors affecting the disease severity can help the clinical management of COVID-19, especially in less privileged areas where fewer resources are available.

Isolated Mediastinal Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis in a 7-Year-Old Child

We describe the case of a 7-year-old boy who presented with suprasternal swelling. The chest computed tomography scan showed a large mass of mediastinum. Biopsy from the mediastinal mass was performed. Histologic and immunohistochemistry findings were consistent with Langerhans cell histiocytosis [LCH]. LCH should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of anterior mediastinal tumor in children.

Intracranial Metastases of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Low-Grade Astrocytoma

This paper reports a case of intramedullary spinal cord low-grade (LG) astrocytoma that developed brain metastases after 21 months. A 6-year-old child presented with lower spine pain and falls during daily activity. A spinal cord mass was detected using spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and brain MRI was normal. The spinal lesion was partially resected, and pathological findings revealed LG astrocytoma (WHO Grade II). The patient underwent thoracolumbar radiotherapy. He returned 21 months following initial admission with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, headaches, and seizure. Brain MRI revealed multiple intracranial masses at the posterior fossa, left lateral ventricle, cerebellopontine angles, and left Meckel cave. A recurrent lesion was detected in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord and in the cauda equina. The patient underwent chemotherapy. This rare case warns practitioners to monitor closely the cases of spinal cord astrocytoma that are diagnosed as LG tumors based on histology.

Correlation of bleeding score with frequency and severity of bleeding symptoms in FXIII deficiency assessing by the ISTH Bleeding Assessment Tool

OBJECTIVES

The ISTH bleeding assessment tool (ISTH-BAT) is developed for standardization of bleeding symptoms in bleeding disorders. The aim of this study is to apply this bleeding score for FXIII deficient patients and its relation to the frequency and severity of symptoms.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 63 patients with severe FXIII deficiency were evaluated for the assessment of bleeding score according to the standard ISTH-BAT questionnaire. All patients were registered at two major thrombosis and hemostasis centers in Iran affiliated to Zahedan University of medical sciences (50 patients) and Shiraz University of medical sciences (13 patients).

RESULTS

Significant correlations between the bleeding score and number of symptoms (r = 0.668, P < 0.001) and with a number of severe symptoms (r = 0.938, P < 0.001) were detected. There was no significant relationship between the mean bleeding score and CNS bleeding (P = 0.390).

CONCLUSION

The ISTH-BAT score is an acceptable bleeding assessment tool for standardization and evaluation of patients with FXIII deficiency.

A retrospective study on clinical manifestations of neonates with FXIII-A deficiency

We assessed clinical presentations and the rate of central nervous system (CNS) bleeding in neonates with FXIIID who exhibited bleeding diathesis in the early days of their lives. A total of 27 neonates presented bleeding or abnormal clinical symptoms, diagnosed with FXIII deficiency were evaluated. Factor XIII concentrate was initiated as the first-line of treatment, and prophylactic therapy was given to all patients. Umbilical cord bleeding, delayed detachment of umbilical stunt, seizure, hematoma, and ecchymosis were concurrent complications in 27 (100%), 5 (18.5%), 5 (18.5%), 3 (11.1%), and 1 (3.7%) of the patients, respectively. History of having CNS bleeding was detected in 13 (48.1%) patients. There was no significant association between CNS bleeding and gender, familial history of FXIIID, or other clinical presentations. Also, there was no significant difference in the mean age of the patients who had CNS bleeding (3.4 ± 0.9 days) and without CNS bleeding (2.9 ± 0.7 days). However, a near significant threshold difference between the patients with and without CNS bleeding was found regarding the mean number of suspicious FXIIID death in their family (1.8 ± 0.5 and 0.7 ± 0.1, respectively, P = 0.05). Therefore, a suggested diagnostic algorithm based on prenatal diagnosis could be useful for timely detection of FXIII deficiency in neonates.

Effectiveness of filgrastim and polyethylene glycol-filgrastim in the treatment of postchemotherapy neutropenia in children: Phase I clinical trial

Background: One of the most common side effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients is neutropenia that can result in hospitalization. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-filgrastim compared with filgrastim in the recovery of neutropenia. Methods: This study was a Phase I clinical trial conducted among patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia aged <16 years who were referred to the Ali Asghar Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from April 2012 until October 2013. Eleven patients were selected, and filgrastim and PEG-filgrastim were injected subcutaneously at a dose of 5–10 μg/kg/day for 7 days and 100 μg/kg as a single dose, respectively. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) was checked 7 days after the last injection in the two groups. Results: The mean age of the patients was 8.82 ± 4.36 years (3–15 years). Six boys (54.5%) and five girls (45.5%) participated in the study. ANC increase among patients treated with PEG-filgrastim or filgrastim was analyzed separately, and the results showed statistically significant differences between the study groups (P = 0.038). Conclusions: According to the findings, it can be concluded that the PEG-filgrastim is better than filgrastim alone to improve neutropenia induced by chemotherapy in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

A large case series on surgical outcomes in congenital factor XIII deficiency patients in Iran

Essentials Data on surgery in factor XIII (FXIII) deficiency patients are scarce and lack standardized guidelines. Variable dosage of 10-50 U kg-1 was given to FXIII deficiency patients undergoing surgery. Surgical outcomes showed excellent hemostasis with a minimal risk of post-operative complications. Surgery can be performed safely in FXIII deficiency patients following FXIII administration.

SUMMARY

Background The lack of accepted standardized surgical guidelines leads to dependence on the treating physicians' and centers' experiences. Aim Our aim is to evaluate the surgical outcomes of a large group of congenital factor XIII deficiency (FXIIID) patients. Methods A case series study was conducted prior to surgery on congenital FXIIID patients in two major referral centers located in Iran from 2010 to 2016. All patients were on prophylaxis using plasma factor XIII concentrate (10 U kg-1 , every 28 days) except for three patients. Single doses of 10 U kg-1 or 30 U kg-1 plasma factor XIII concentrate were given before a minor procedure and circumcision, respectively. Two doses of plasma factor XIII concentrate, one 30 U kg-1 prior to the procedure and the second dose of 30 U kg-1 on postoperative day 3, were given for major surgery. The dose was 50 U kg-1 both before and after neurosurgical procedures. Results One hundred and sixty-two FXIIID patients underwent minor, major and obstetrical/gynecological surgeries. Median age of the patients was 14 years (ages ranged 15 days to 47 years). The male-to-female ratio was 89/73. Five postoperative complications, two bleeding and three thrombosis, were recorded. Conclusion Our study showed excellent hemostasis in FXIIID patients undergoing surgeries. During the period of these surgeries, we observed only 1.8% postoperative complications. Surgery can be performed safely in FXIIID patients, and our proposed treatment regimens lead to adequate hemostatic coverage with minimal risk, for both minor and major surgeries.

Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Hemolytic Anemia Secondary to Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is common in children and usually is a self-limiting disease. Although extrahepatic and hematological immune manifestations following acute hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection have rarely been reported, they are frequently observed in other viral hepatitis. In this paper, we report the case of a 3-year-old girl who developed immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and hemolytic anemia after HAV infection. She was presented with malaise, pallor, ecchymosis, petechiae and purpura on the trunk and extremities.

Prevalence of G6PD deficiency in Children with Hepatitis A

Introduction: Hepatitis A virus is the most prevalent viral hepatitis. It is globally a major public health problem with different clinical symptoms. This study aimed at investigating the clinical findings and prevalence of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in children with hepatitis A. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, demographical information, clinical findings, and G6PD level of hepatitis A patients, who were visited at Pediatric Hematology clinic, were entered into the database. The diagnosis of hepatitis A infection was based on the presence of anti-HAV IgM antibody. The activity of G6PD enzyme was measured with florescent spot test. Results: Of the 117 children with hepatitis A, 52 (44.4%) were male and 65 (55.6%) were female. The mean age of these patients was 2.79±5.39 years. The most prevalent clinical manifestations were dark yellow urine and anorexia. G6PD deficiency was observed in 26 (26.3%) out of 99 patients whose G6PD levels were measured. Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of G6PD deficiency in this study, the measurement of G6PD level along with other liver and biochemical markers in areas with endemic hepatitis A is recommended. In addition, it is recommended that patients undertake precise monitoring for hemolysis and renal function.

Bilineal Acute Leukemia Associated With Fanconi Syndrome: The First Case Report

Fanconi syndrome is a metabolic disorder involving dysfunction of the renal proximal tubules, resulting in excessive urinary excretion of several metabolites. Various factors may lead to Fanconi syndrome, as it may be a genetic disease with primary or secondary etiologies, or may be acquired. In this study, we report a unique case of Fanconi syndrome with development of a relatively rare acute leukemia, a condition that has not been reported before. The case was an 8-year-old boy with familial occurrence of Fanconi syndrome, presenting with pallor, asthenia, recurrent infections, growth failure, and a variety of biochemical and hematological abnormalities. After physical examination, radiographic studies, and comprehensive laboratory analyses, Fanconi syndrome associated with bilineal acute leukemia, of myeloid and T-lymphoid lineages, was diagnosed.

Brain Metastasis in Wilms' Tumor: a Case Report

Wilms' tumor is the most common abdominal tumor of childhood, and its cerebral metastasis is apparently very rare. The authors report an 18-month-old girl with Wilms' tumor and brain metastasis.

Marital Status and Fertility in Adult Iranian Patients with β-Thalassemia Major

Expecting a family is an important component and a great goal for better quality of life for most of adults with β-thalassemia major. The aim of the present study was to examine the marital status of adults with β-thalassemia major. This cross-sectional study examined the marital status of patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia aged over 15 years. Patients' demographic characteristics including age, gender, marital status, duration of marriage, divorce, having or not having children and spouse's health status were recorded. Information about the disease including cardiac and endocrine complications, ferritin level, splenectomy and viral hepatitis were also recorded. Of 228 patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia major aged over 15 years who were treated at this medical center, 32 (14 %) were married. The mean age of married patients was 25.18 ± 4.74 years. Among the married patients, 8 (25 %) were females and 24 (75 %) patients were males. The mean age of marriage was 22.76 ± 4.16 years. The minimum and maximum marriage age was 15 and 33 years, respectively. The median duration of marriage was one year with the range from 3 months to 11 years. Only 8 (25 %) patients (one female and seven males) had children. Therapeutic advances have led to significantly increased survival and improved quality of life and fertility of patients with β-thalassemia major. According to the results, 14 % of patients over 15 years were married which was slightly higher as compared with other similar studies.

Comparison between the Ability of Glasgow Coma Scale and Full Outline of Unresponsiveness Score to Predict the Mortality and Discharge Rate of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Patients

OBJECTIVE

Prediction of survival and mortality rates in costly environments such as the intensive care unit (ICU) is of great importance for the assessment of new treatments, resource consumption control, and improvement of quality control. This study aimed to determine the ability to predict mortality and discharge rate of patients using the FOUR score in the pediatric ICU (PICU) of Ali Ibn Abitalib Hospital, Zahedan and compare the results with those of Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS).

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted on 200 patients admitted to the PICU. Convenience purposive sampling was used. Research data was collected using the Full Outline of Unresponsiveness (FOUR) score and GCS using questionnaires. Obtained data was analyzed with SPSS 16 using descriptive statistics and correlation analyses.

FINDINGS

Of the 200 children admitted to the PICU, 71.5% and 28.5% were discharged and died, respectively. The inter-rater reliability for the FOUR score was good to excellent (weighted κ: eye, 0.72; respiration, 0.82; brainstem, 0.74; motor, 0.78), In terms of mortality and discharge prediction, logistic regression analyses (FOUR score = OR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.06-0.29; P<0.001; GCS=OR: 2.49; 95% CI: 1.44-4.32; P<0.001) showed that the FOUR score is a good predictor for in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSION

Results indicated that the FOUR score is more capable than GCS in predicting the mortality and discharge of patients admitted to the PICU.

Rituximab efficacy in the treatment of children with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura

BACKGROUND

There are several medications for treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), including corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, immunosuppressive drugs, and even splenectomy. In case of failure, Rituximab as one of the medications used in these patients should be considered.

METHOD

This Case--series study was conducted prospectively in patients who were referred to Hematology & Oncology Clinic of Ali Asghar Hospital. Eighteen Patients were followed up for at least 3-5 years.

RESULTS

Four weeks after treatment, only in 6 patients (33/3%) of 18 patients, complete response (Plt > 100,000) were obtained and most patients (67/66%) had no appropriate response. In subsequent surveys conducted at 6 and 36 months after treatment, the percentage of patients responding fell to 22/2% hit.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study demonstrate proper safety of Rituximab in the treatment of chronic ITP. However, the drug had no significant effect on the expected improvement in platelet count of patients. It seems that monotherapy is ineffective in the treatment of chronic ITP and combination with other complementary therapies is recommended.

Severe hypercalcemia: a rare and unusual presentation of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Hypercalcemia in children is a medical emergency and often manifests as nonspecific symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and anorexia. Severe hypercalcemia is a rare complication of malignancy in children, while it can be seen in various types of malignant tumors. It is usually associated with significant morbidity and may be severe enough to threaten life. Incidence of hypercalcemia in hematopoietic malignancies including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is very rare and unusual, especially as the initial manifestation of the disease. In this paper a 6-year-old boy who had severe hypercalcemia and gastrointestinal symptoms before the onset of common and usual manifestations of ALL is introduced.

Rhabdomyosarcoma with skin metastasis: report of a case

Rhabdomyosarcomas are the most common soft tissue sarcoma in adult and children that accompany with skeletal muscle differentiation. Skin metastasis of rhabdomyosarcomas is unusual and has only been sporadically reported in literature. In this paper we present a case of skin metastasis of rhabdomyosarcoma in an 8-year-old girl that has treated with chemotherapy.

Mortality risk prediction by application of pediatric risk of mortality scoring system in pediatric intensive care unit

OBJECTIVE

The Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) score is one of the scores used by many pediatricians for prediction of the mortality risk in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Herein, we intend to evaluate the efficacy of PRISM score in prediction of mortality rate in PICU.

METHODS

In this cohort study, 221 children admitted during an 18-month period to PICU, were enrolled. PRISM score and mortality risk were calculated. Follow up was noted as death or discharge. Results were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier curve, ROC curve, Log Rank (Mantel-Cox), Logistic regression model using SPSS 15.

FINDINGS

Totally, 57% of the patients were males. Forty seven patients died during the study period. The PRISM score was 0-10 in 71%, 11-20 in 20.4% and 21-30 in 8.6%. PRISM score showed an increase of mortality from 10.2% in 0-10 score patients to 73.8% in 21-30 score ones. The survival time significantly decreased as PRISM score increased (P≤0.001). A 7.2 fold mortality risk was present in patients with score 21-30 compared with score 0-10. ROC curve analysis for mortality according to PRISM score showed an under curve area of 80.3%.

CONCLUSION

PRISM score is a good predictor for evaluation of mortality risk in PICU.

Bilateral wilms' tumor metastasis to right spermatic cord

Wilms' tumor (WT) is the most common primary renal tumor in children. Common sites of metastases are lungs, liver and regional lymph nodes. Testicular and paratesticular metastasis due to WT have been reported but it is extremely rare. We report a 33-month -old male with bilateral WT and metastasis to right spermatic cord.