Cardiac Outcomes in Isolated Heart and Simultaneous Kidney and Heart Transplants in the United States.

Introduction: Kidney dysfunction is not uncommon in patients with advanced heart failure. Simultaneous kidney and heart transplants (SKHTs) have gained acceptance as a treatment for patients with end-stage heart failure and severe kidney dysfunction. United States saw a rise of 650% in SKHT from 2000 to 2019.

Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia Presenting with an Elevated Procalcitonin Level: A Rare Laboratory Finding.

BACKGROUND We present the case of a 33-year-old female who was transferred to a tertiary care hospital because of acute respiratory failure. CASE REPORT History, imaging, and laboratory testing (including an elevated procalcitonin level) were consistent with a diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia. However, despite broad spectrum intravenous antibiotics, her condition worsened.

Beyond the Dual Paraneoplastic Syndromes of Small-Cell Lung Cancer with ADH and ACTH Secretion: A Case Report with Literature Review and Future Implications.

We present a case of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) in which serum sodium gradually normalized with the onset of hypertension, refractory hypokalemia, and chloride-resistant metabolic alkalosis due to ectopic adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) secretion (EAS). In this case report, we discuss the diagnostic challenges of dual paraneoplastic syndromes with SIADH and EAS, management of SCLC with paraneoplastic endocrinopathies, and their prognostic impact on SCLC. In addition, we discuss neuroendocrine differentiation and ectopic hormone production in relation to intratumoral heterogeneity in SCLC and propose tumor microenvironment and hormonal and metabolic dependence as important determinants of tumor growth and survival.

The Wolf Hidden behind the Clots: Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome.

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a rare but highly fatal clinical syndrome that occurs in up to 1% of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The diagnosis of CAPS is often delayed because its presentation with multiple organ thromboses can be confused with other thrombotic microangiopathies and severe sepsis. We report a case of CAPS in a patient with APS and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presenting with thrombotic storm precipitated by trauma, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, and noncompliance with anticoagulation therapy.

Efficacy of turmeric (curcumin) in pain and postoperative fatigue after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study.

Objective: Better patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) are premised upon PROs such as postoperative pain and fatigue. These PROs are indices of convalescence and return to normal activity. Curcumin (turmeric) is used in India for traumatic pain and fatigue for its anti-inflammatory/antioxidant and tissue modulation/healing properties.

Prospective double-blind randomized controlled study comparing heavy- and lightweight polypropylene mesh in totally extraperitoneal repair of inguinal hernia: early results.

Background: Success of totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal herniorrhaphy depends upon strengthening of the weakened native tissue by inflammation resulting in mesh-aponeurosis scar tissue (MAST) complex formation. The inflammatory response attributable to polypropylene (PP) content of the mesh is linked to weight of PP and pore size of the mesh. Continuation of the inflammatory process beyond MAST complex formation can entrap contiguous structures, leading to adverse outcome such as groin pain.