Oral anticoagulation in heart failure complicated by atrial fibrillation: A nationwide routine data study

BACKGROUND

This nationwide routine data analysis evaluates if oral anticoagulant (OAC) use in patients with heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) leads to a lower mortality and reduced readmission rate. Superiority of new oral anticoagulants (NOACs), compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKA), was analyzed for these endpoints.

METHODS

Anonymous data of patients with a health insurance at the Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse and a claims record for hospitalization with the main diagnosis of HF and secondary diagnosis of AF (2017-2019) were included. A hospital stay in the previous year was an exclusion criterion. Mortality and readmission for all-cause and stroke/intracranial bleeding (ICB) were analyzed 91-365 days after the index hospitalization. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and multivariable Cox regression models were used to evaluate the impact of medication on outcome.

RESULTS

180,316 cases were included [81 years (IQR 76-86), 55.6% female, CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 2 (96.81%)]. In 80.6%, OACs were prescribed (VKA: 21.7%; direct factor Xa inhibitors (FXaI): 60.0%; direct thrombin inhibitors (DTI): 3.4%; with multiple prescriptions per patient included). Mortality rate was 19.1%, readmission rate was 29.9% and stroke/ICB occurred in 1.9%. Risk of death was lower with any OAC (HR 0.77, 95% CI [0.75-0.79]) but without significant differences in OAC type (VKA: HR 0.73, [0.71-0.76]; FXaI: HR 0.77, [0.75-0.78]; DTI: HR 0.71, [0.66-0.77]). The total readmission rate (HR 0.97, [0.94 to 0.99]) and readmission for stroke/ICB (HR 0.71, [0.65-0.77]) was lower with OAC.

CONCLUSIONS

Nationwide data confirm a reduction in mortality and readmission rate in HF-AF patients taking OACs, without NOAC superiority.

Postnatal myelination of the immature rat cingulum is regulated by GABAB receptor activity

Myelination of axons in the neonatal brain is a highly complex process primarily achieved by oligodendroglial cells (OLs). OLs express receptors for γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is released from cortical interneurons on a basal level, while glial cells can be a source of GABA, too. We investigated GABA-induced oligodendroglial maturation, proliferation, apoptosis, and myelin production after pharmacological inhibition of GABA_A and GABA_B in the neonatal rat brain. Daily injections of the reverse GABA_A receptor agonist (DMCM) and the GABA_B receptor antagonist (CGP35348) were performed from postnatal day 6 (P6) to P11. MBP expression was examined by Western blots and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, we determined the number of CC1⁺ OLIG2⁺ and CNP⁺ OLIG2⁺ cells to assess maturation, the number of PCNA⁺ OLIG2⁺ oligodendrocytes to assess proliferation, the number of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (PDGFRα⁺ OLIG2⁺ ), and apoptosis of OLs (CASP3A⁺ OLIG2⁺ ) as well as apoptotic cells in total (CASP3A⁺ DAPI⁺ ) at P11 and P15. In addition, we analyzed the expression Pdgfrα and CNP. MBP expression was significantly reduced after CGP treatment at P15. In the same animal group, CNP expression and CNP⁺ OLIG2⁺ cells decreased temporarily at P11. At P15, the proliferation of PCNA⁺ OLIG2⁺ cells and the number of PDGFRα⁺ OLIG2⁺ cells increased after GABA_B receptor antagonization whereas no significant differences were visible in the Pdgfrα gene expression. No changes in apoptotic cell death were observed. CGP treatment induced a transient maturational delay at P11 and deficits in myelin expression at P15 with increased oligodendroglial proliferation. Our in vivo study indicates GABA_B receptor activity as a potential modulator of oligodendroglial development.

[University emergency departments in the corona pandemic-Results from the ReCovER registry]

Hintergrund

Die aktuelle COVID-19-Pandemie stellt, trotz der Verfügbarkeit von Schnelltests und des Starts der Impfkampagne, die Notaufnahme weiterhin vor große Herausforderungen. Die strukturierte Erfassung von demographischen, klinischen sowie therapiebezogenen Daten stellt die Grundlage für die Erstellung evidenzbasierter Prozesse und Behandlungskonzepte dar.

Ziel der Arbeit

Darstellung der systematischen Erfassung klinischer Parameter bei Patienten mit COVID-19-Verdacht im Notaufnahmeregister ReCovER (Registry for COVID-19 in the Emergency Room) sowie deskriptive Darstellung der ersten 1000 Patienten.

Material und Methoden

In zentralen Notaufnahmen (ZNA) von 6 Universitätskliniken werden kontinuierlich Daten von Patienten mit COVID-19-Verdacht, unabhängig vom Nachweis einer SARS-CoV-2-Infektion, in ein webbasiertes, anonymisiertes Register eingegeben.

Ergebnisse

Zwischen dem 19.05.2020 und dem 13.01.2021 wurden 1000 Patienten in das Register eingegeben, hiervon waren 594 Patienten (59,4 %) in der SARS-CoV-2-positiven (PG) und 406 Patienten (40,6 %) in der negativen Gruppe (NG). Patienten der PG hatten signifikant weniger Vorerkrankungen und eine deutlich längere Latenz zwischen Symptombeginn und Vorstellung in der ZNA (Median 5 vs. 3 Tage), litten häufiger unter Husten, Myalgien, Fatigue sowie Geruchs/Geschmacksverlust und hatten einen signifikant höheren Sauerstoffbedarf als die NG-Patienten. Die Rate von schweren Krankheitsverläufen war in der PG signifikant erhöht und es bestanden nach Entlassung häufiger persistierende Symptome (11,1 vs. 4,6 %).

Schlussfolgerungen

Durch die multizentrische Erfassung von umfangreichen klinischen Daten zu COVID-19-Verdachtsfällen in der Notaufnahme können insbesondere auch für die Situation in Deutschland spezifische Aspekte analysiert werden. Dies ist essenziell für eine gezielte Überprüfung und Adaption international publizierter Strategien.

Bacteriological profile and antibiotic sensitivity pattern in patients with Urinary tract infection

Background: Urinary tract infection is one of the common bacterial infections seeking treatment in clinical practice. A variety of organisms are associated with UTI and the most common organisms are Escherichia coli and other coliforms. Bacteriological investigations of UTI are not complete without antibiotic sensitivity test of the isolate. The aim of this study is to determine the bacteriological profile and antibiotic sensitivity patterns and their disease association.Materials and methods: This study was conducted in Shankarapur Hospital over a period of one year. All cases of suspected UTI sent for urine culture and sensitivity test were evaluated in this study. Disease associated with UTI, bacteriological profile and antibiotic sensitivity patterns were evaluated.Results: A total of 974 cases were sent for urine culture and sensitivity test. The total culture positive cases were 165 (17.4%).  The most common age group for culture positive test was 21- 30 years (33.3%) followed by 31- 40 years (25.5%). Female patients formed the majority of culture positive cases (84.8%) and E Coli (86.1%) was the most common organism isolated. Piperacillin- tazobactum and ceftriaxone were the most common antibiotic sensitive to the organisms. Simple uncomplicated UTI and PID were the most common indication for subjecting the patients to urine culture.Conclusion: UTI is most commonly seen in female of reproductive age group and the most common causative organism is E coli. Culture result and antibiogram helps the clinician for specific treatment of UTI.

Celiac disease and its histopathology

Celiac disease is gluten induced enteropathy and is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the small intestine characterized by malabsorption. It is a common immune mediated disorder which is triggered by consumption of wheat (gluten). It occurs in genetically predisposed individuals (carriers of HLA-DQ2 and DQ8 haplotypes). It is characterized by inflammation of the small-intestinal mucosa and myriad gastrointestinal and systemic manifestations. A duodenal biopsy with positive serology is the gold standard for the diagnosis of Celiac disease. As there are changing presentation for Celiac disease, communication of pathologist and gastroenterologists is essential for appropriate interpretation of duodenal biopsy.

Role of pleural fluid adenosine deaminase activity and lymphocytosis in the etiological diagnosis

Background: Pleural effusion is a common medical condition with many possible underlying etiologies. However, Tuberculosis is the most common cause of pleural effusion especially in countries like Nepal. Pleural uid lymphocytosis is seen in tuberculosis, malignancy and few auto-immune diseases. Adenosine Deaminase activity (ADA) level in tubercular pleural effusion is markedly increased compared to non-tubercular effusions. ADA estimation being a simple colorimetric method is suitable for the rapid diagnosis of tubercular effusion. This study aims to correlate the diagnostic ef cacy of ADA with the value of differential count (lymphocytosis) in establishing different etiology of pleural effusion. Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional study of 50 cases with pleural effusion carried out in the department of Pathology, Green city hospital for the duration of Twenty one month’s dating from October 2014 to July 2016 AD. Results: Of all, tubercular pleural effusion accounted for 26%. ADA level was raised (≥40U/L) in 92% of Tubercular pleural effusion. The sensitivity and speci city of ADA alone to diagnose tubercular pleural effusion was 92% each and when lymphocytosis alone was considered sensitivity was 85% with speci city of 32% whereas the combined effect of both ADA with lymphocytosis was 100% (sensitivity) and 87% (speci city), 83% (positive predictive value) and 100% (negative predictive value) respectively with statistically signi cant p value (<0.05). Conclusion: We can conclude that the combination of pleural uid differential count (lymphocytosis >50%) and ADA level >40U/L provides with much more positive result than each component alone in differentiating tubercular effusion from other etiologies. 

Fine needle aspiration cytology of head and neck lesions and its correlation with histopathology

Background: Fine needle aspiration cytology is a minimally invasive technique used in the initial diagnosis of different types of lesions located in head and neck region commonly originating from cervical lymph node, thyroid gland, salivary glands and soft tissues. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and speci city of FNAC in various head and neck lesions in correlation with their histopathological examination. Materials and methods: A hospital based prospective study was conducted among 209 patients with palpable head and neck region swellings in the Department of Pathology, Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital and the Department of Pathology, Nepal Medical College from August 2014 to July 2015. FNAC were done from palpable masses of head and neck regions. Data entry and analysis were done using SPSS 17. Result: There were 209 FNAC cases enrolled, out of which lymph node lesions (n=128) were the most common lesions followed by thyroid (n=40), other soft tissues (n=27) and salivary gland (n=14). Reactive lymph nodes, colloid goiter, epidermoid cyst and sialadenosis were the predominant diagnosis of lymph nodes, thyroid gland, soft tissues and salivary gland respectively. Highest accuracy, sensitivity and speci city were observed in thyroid gland, salivary gland and soft tissues. However, four false negative results for malignancy were reported in lymph node lesions. Conclusion: Head and neck region swellings are the commonly encountered conditions. FNAC being highly accurate, sensitive and speci c makes it useful and reliable procedure for screening and diagnosis of palpable masses in head and neck region. 

Cervical pap smear- A prospective study in a tertiary hospital

Background: Cervical cancer is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity among women worldwide and most common gynaecological cancer in developing countries. Papanicolaou smear is a simple and cost effective screening test for cervical cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate and interpret the cervical pap smear cytology in a tertiary hospital. The interpretation and reporting of the pap smear is based on 2001Bethesda system.Materials and methods: This is a prospective study conducted in a tertiary hospital, Nepal Medical College over a period of two and a half years (January 2013 to June 2015). All cervical pap smears received in the department of Pathology in the study period were included.Results: A total of 4160 cervical pap smears were reported in the study period. Majority of the cases were Negative for Intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (87.9%). Bacterial vaginosis, atrophy and reactive cellular changes associated with inflammation were seen in 5.3%, 2.4% and 1.5% cases respectively.   Epithelial cell abnormalities (0.5%) include Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, Low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and High grade intraepithelial lesion. 88% of Low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion was seen in reproductive age group (20-45 years).Conclusion: Cervical cancer is the most common gynaecological cancer in the developing countries. Pap smear is the simple and cost effective screening tool to detect pre invasive cervical epithelial lesions.

Cystoscopic bladder biopsies: a histopathological study

Urothelial carcinoma is the most common tumor of the bladder and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Cystitis constitutes an important source of clinical signs and symptoms. In this study 31 cystoscopic biopsies subjected for histopathological examination were taken. The study was conducted in the department of Pathology of Nepal Medial College Teaching Hospital over a period of two years (October 2012 to September 2014). The mean age of the patient undergoing cystoscopic biopsy was 61.3 years, most of the patients being elderly male. 51.6% cases were clinically malignant. The most common histopathological diagnoses were cystitis (29%) and non invasive papillary urothelial carcinoma, low grade (29%). 58% are neoplastic lesions. 51.6% of the case was malignant lesions on histopathology. Among the malignant lesion of urinary bladder 93.7% were urothelial tumor and 6.3% were glandular neoplasm (adenocarcinoma, signet ring cell). There was no detrusor muscle in 33.3% cases of urothelial tumor to assess the muscle invasion. 26.7% cases of urothelial tumor shows muscle invasion. Histopathological study of cystoscopic biopsy helps in early detection of tumor and its management.

Case reports of two unusual breast lumps

Breast lump is a common diagnostic problem both to the general practitioner and to the surgeons. Cases like mammary myxoma and cysticercosis are rare findings and their diagnosis needs to be confirmed on histopathology. Myxoma of the breast is extremely rare and presents with painless swelling. Cysticercosis can affect any organ or tissue of the body and involvement of the breast is unusual. We present reports on two unusual breast lumps in young females with mammary myxoma and cysticercosis. The clinical presentation and its histopathological diagnosis is discussed. Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2013) Vol. 3, No.1, Issue 5, 422-424 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v3i5.7874

A histopathological study of ophthalmic lesions

Ophthalmic lesions include a wide spectrum of conditions ranging from benign lesions to precancerous lesions and malignant lesions. The diagnosis of these lesions is based on the clinical as well as histopathological features. This was a prospective study of ophthalmic lesions conducted in the department of pathology of Nepal Medial College teaching hospital over a period of one year (September 2012 - August 2013). In this study period, we received total 11 ophthalmic biopsies. Out of these, 54.5% cases were conjunctival lesions and 45.5% cases were eye lid lesions. The age range was from 8 years to 40 years with the mean age of 25.5 years. All the cases were benign lesions, papilloma being the most common clinical and histopathological diagnosis. Other lesions like inclusion cyst, dermoid cyst, seborrheic keratosis, pilomatrixoma, nevus and molluscum contagiosum are also included in our study.

Interpretation of bone marrow aspiration in hematological disorder

Background: Hematological disorders are quite frequent in all age group. Most of this hematological disorder first present as anemia. Bone Marrow Aspiration plays a major role in the diagnosis of its underlying cause. The aim of this study was to analyze the causes of hematological disorders, its spectrum and to interprete the bone marrow aspiration findings.Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective and prospective study carried out in the department of Pathology of Nepal Medical College in a period of two years. (July 2010 - June 2012). Bone marrow examination of 57 cases of suspected hematological disorders was carried out. All details of the patients were obtained from the record file in the department of pathology.Results: Out of 57 cases of bone marrow aspiration, erythroid hyperplasia was seen in 12 cases (21%). Megaloblastic anemia was seen in 7 cases (12.3%) and microcytic anemia was seen in 4 cases (7%). There were 6 cases (10.5%) of Idiopathic Thrombocypenic Purpura. Acute leukemia was diagnosed in 7 cases (12.3%) and among this acute myeloid leukemia (10.5%) was more common than acute lymphoid leukemia (1.8%). Myelodysplastic syndrome and multiple myeloma was seen in 3.5 % cases each. Aplastic anemia and kalaazar was seen in 5.3% and 1.8% cases respectively.Conclusion: Bone marrow examination is an important step to arrive at the confirmatory diagnosis of many hematological disorders.Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2012) Vol. 2, 309-312DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v2i4.6885

Study of fine needle aspiration cytology of breast lumps and its histopathological correlation in Pokhara Valley

Breast carcinoma is the leading cause of cancer death in women. Most of the time breast carcinoma presents as breast lump. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is a convenient and rapid preoperative diagnostic procedure. This is a prospective and correlative study done in department of Pathology of Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara from December 2003 to December 2005. FNAC was performed in patients presenting with breast lump and its findings were correlated with histopathological findings. Out of total 343 cases of breast FNAC, 73 cases had histopathology correlation. Age group of the patient ranged from 17 to 84 years. Breast lumps were most commonly seen in age group 21 to 30 years which comprises of benign lesions. Maximum number of malignancy (26%) was seen in age group 41 to 50 years. Out of 73 cases, malignancy was seen in 15 cases (20.5%). The most common carcinoma was Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) with 46.7% cases. With correlation of FNAC and histopathology, the sensitivity and specificity of both benign and malignant lesions were high. In malignant lesions, the sensitivity and specificity were 93.3% and 100% respectively. FNAC is a safe diagnostic procedure in the preoperative diagnosis of breast lumps in our setting. It gives the accurate result with proper technique and interpretation.

A study of ovarian cyst in a tertiary hospital of Kathmandu valley

Ovarian cysts are an extremely common gynecological problem. Majority of ovarian cysts are benign with few cases being malignant. This is a retrospective study of all the cases of ovarian cysts operated in a tertiary hospital (Kathmandu Medical College, KMC) from January 2006 to December 2008. In this 3 years duration, 102 cases (2.0%) were of ovarian cyst out of the total histopathological specimen processed in pathology department. The mean age of presentation was 38years. Ovarian cysts (27.5%) were more commonly seen in the age group 21- 30 years. Bilateral ovaries were involved in 19 cases (18.6%). Among these ovarian cysts, 89 cases (87.3%) were benign and 13 cases (12.7%) were malignant. The most common type of ovarian cyst was serous cystadenoma (40.2%) followed by mature cystic teratoma (15.7%). Metastasis to ovary was seen in 6.9% (7 cases). The most common metastasis was adeno carcinoma from gastro intestinal tract (4 cases). Other metastases to ovary were 2 cases from endometrioid adeno carcinoma of endometrium and 1 case from Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma of small intestine.

Inguinal Vasal Obstruction Following Polypropylene Mesh Repair

Inguinal vasal obstruction following hernia repair is related to either direct injury to vas or ischemic injury leading to delay stricture. Not much has been described regarding the long term impact of synthetic mesh as far as integrity of the cord structure is concerned. Here, we report a case that underwent mesh explantation for posthernioplasty inguinodynia as well as recurrence and found to have total occlusion of the lumen of vas segment adherent to the explanted mesh on microscopic examination.Key Words: inguinal hernia, polypropylene mesh, vas obstruction

Inguinal vasal obstruction following polypropylene mesh repair

Inguinal vasal obstruction following hernia repair is related to either direct injury to vas or ischemic injury leading to delay stricture. Not much has been described regarding the long term impact of synthetic mesh as far as integrity of the cord structure is concerned. Here, we report a case that underwent mesh explantation for posthernioplasty inguinodynia as well as recurrence and found to have total occlusion of the lumen of vas segment adherent to the explanted mesh on microscopic examination.

Acute appendicitis: a 2- year review of clinical presentation and histopathology

Background: Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency. Obstruction of the lumen by fecolith is the usual cause of acute appendicitis.The aim of the study was to analyze clinical presentation of acute appendicitis and its histopathological correlation. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of acute appendicitis was done in the Department of Surgery of Helping Hands Community Hospital from January 2009 to December 2010. Three hundred forty five patients out of 415 patients with clinical diagnosis of appendicitis underwent operative treatment. The histopathological reports were reviewed and correlated with clinical diagnosis. Results: Out of 345 patients who underwent operative procedure 98% (n= 338) came with chief complaint of pain in the periumbilical region migrating to the right iliac fossa. The mean age of presentation was 42 years. Increased leucocyte count was seen in only 65% cases. Acute appendicitis was more commonly seen in male patients (214 cases, 62%). The most common per operative finding was acutely inflammed appendix (84%) followed by perforated appendix (7.5%), gangrenous appendix (3.5%) and appendicular lump (1.5%). However, histopathological diagnoses were acute appendicitis (91.9%), resolving appendicitis (3.5%), lymphoid hyperplasia (2.6%), mucocele (0.3%) and carcinoid (0.3%). Normal histology was seen in 1.4% cases. Conclusion: Though there are other causes of acute abdomen, acute appendicitis still stands first amongst all the emergencies. Histopathological examination of appendectomy specimen should not be omitted in order to see the incidence negative appendectomy rate and to avoid complications relating to malignant conditions. Keywords: Acute appendicitis; Appendectomy; Appendicular perforation; Histopathology DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v1i2.5402 JPN 2011; 1(2): 104-107

Oral cavity lesions: A study of 21 cases

Background: Development of lesions in the oral cavity is strongly linked with smoking and alcohol consumption. Non neoplastic lesions are mainly inflammatory conditions. It has been seen that the benign lesions are more common than malignant. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study carried out in the Department of Histopathology of Helping Hands Community Hospital during a period of one and a half years from January 2009 to June 2010. The study included 21 cases of oral cavity lesions. Results: The most common site was lip with 9 cases (42.8%) followed by buccal cavity with 5 cases (23.8%). Out of the 21 cases of oral cavity lesions, 20 cases (95.2%) were benign and 1 case (4.8%) was malignant. The malignant lesion was a case of squamous cell carcinoma of soft palate. Conclusion: Any oral cavity lesion should have a tissue diagnosis for rational management of the case and to avoid mutilating surgery. Keywords: Oral cavity; Fibroma; Mucocele DOI: 10.3126/jpn.v1i1.4452 Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2011) Vol.1, 49-51

Histopathological pattern of endometrial samples in abnormal uterine bleeding

Background: Histological characteristics of endometrial biopsy material as assessed by light microscopy remain the diagnostic standard for the clinical diagnosis of endometrial pathology. Management of abnormal uterine bleeding is not complete without tissue diagnosis. The aim of the study was to find out the histopathological pattern of the endometrium in abnormal uterine bleeding. Materials and Methods: Endometrial biopsy specimens received from Jan 2007 to Nov 2010 were studied retrospectively in the Department of Histopathology, Helping Hands Community Hospital, Kathmandu. The specimens were routinely processed and the hematoxyllin and eosin stained slides were studied. Results: A total of 300 specimens were analyzed. In the group of patients less than 40 years of age, 73 (50%) were normal, 34(23%) had abnormal physiologic changes and 13 (9%) had pregnancy related complications and benign changes. In the age group between 40 – 55 years, abnormal physiological changes, benign conditions and normal physiological changes were 45 (32%), 41 (29%) and 37 (26%) respectively. In the age group > 55 years, there were 3(21%) malignant and 3(21%) benign conditions. There were 5(36%) unsatisfactory samples in this age group. Conclusion: It is important to know the histological pattern of the endometrium in abnormal uterine bleeding in different age groups since it will help in the management of the cases. In this study endometrial hyperplasias were seen in 55 cases (18.8%). The importance of studying the histological pattern of endometrium in abnormal uterine bleeding in different age group is to help in correctly managing the cases. Keywords: Endometrium; Simple hyperplasia; Complex hyperplasia; Endometritis; Endometrial Carcinoma. DOI: 10.3126/jpn.v1i1.4443 Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2011) Vol.1, 13-16