About two French cases of disseminated Cryptococcus neoformans infection associated with COVID-19.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection is an acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with immune dysfunction, causing COVID-19 disease. The use of immunosuppressive drugs in its treatment increases the risk of opportunistic infections. In particular, opportunistic fungal infections have been described in initially non-immunocompromised patients with severe COVID-19 disease.

Association of nitrogen balance trajectories with clinical outcomes in critically ill COVID-19 patients: A retrospective cohort study.

Background & Aims: The intensity and duration of the catabolic phase in COVID-19 patients can differ between survivors and non-survivors. The purpose of the study was to assess the determinants of, and association between, nitrogen balance trajectories and outcome in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Methods: This retrospective monocentric observational study involved patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the University Hospital of Clermont Ferrand, France, from January 2020 to May 2021 for COVID-19 pneumonia.

Severe undernutrition increases bleeding risk on vitamin-K antagonists.

Introduction: Hemorrhage occurs in 7-10% of patients treated with vitamin K antagonist (VKA), with major bleeding in 1-3%. Impact of nutritional status on the bleeding risk of patients on anticoagulants is still poorly documented. Our study aimed to analyze the link between the nutritional status of patients on VKA and the occurrence of hemorrhagic events.

Epidural analgesia in ICU chest trauma patients with fractured ribs: retrospective study of pain control and intubation requirements.

Background: Nonintubated chest trauma patients with fractured ribs admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) are at risk for complications and may require invasive ventilation at some point. Effective pain control is essential. We assessed whether epidural analgesia (EA) in patients with fractured ribs who were not intubated at ICU admission decreased the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV).