Health-Related Quality of Life Improves in Parallel with FEV1 and 6-Minute Walking Distance Test at Between 3 and 12 Months in Critical COVID-19 Survivors.

Background: In COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU)-admitted patients, multiorgan acute complications lead to long-lasting sequelae. The aim of this study was to assess (1) changes in chest CT, pulmonary function test (PFT), functional capacity (6-minute walking distance test (6MWT)), and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) among ICU COVID-19 survivors at 3, 6, and 12 months after ICU discharge and (2) predictors of persistent impairment/improvement in 6MWT and HR-QoL.

Methods: ICU COVID-19 survivors were prospectively included.

Extracorporeal Life Support for Recurrent Hypothermic Cardiac Arrest: A Case Report.

Hypothermia-associated cardiac arrest (HACA) is a challenge for emergency physicians. Standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) remains the primary intervention for the treatment of HACA, but extracorporeal life support (ECLS) may be needed as an adjunct to CPR. In this report, we present the case of an adult Asian patient who experienced two episodes of HACA at a two-year interval.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gram-negative bacteria susceptibility patterns in respiratory samples of intensive care units in the Brussels Capital Region, 2010-2021.

Background: The effect of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on gram-negative bacteria nonsusceptibility to antibiotics is unclear.

Methods: Between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2021, the respiratory samples of intensive care unit patients at 3 University Hospitals in Brussels were retrieved. Based on the nonsusceptibility to antimicrobial classes, drug-resistance patterns were defined as multi-drug-resistant, extensively drug-resistant, and pan-drug-resistant.

Pulmonary Functional Outcomes at 3 Months in Critical COVID-19 Survivors Hospitalized during the First, Second, and Third Pandemic Waves.

Introduction: Despite improved management of patients with COVID-19, we still ignore whether pharmacologic treatments and improved respiratory support have modified outcomes for intensive care unit (ICU) surviving patients of the three first consecutive waves (w) of the pandemic. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether developments in the management of ICU COVID-19 patients have positively impacted respiratory functional outcomes, quality of life (QoL), and chest CT scan patterns in ICU COVID-19 surviving patients at 3 months, according to pandemic waves.

Methods: We prospectively included all patients admitted to the ICU of two university hospitals with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) related to COVID-19.

Tocilizumab-Induced Unexpected Increase of Several Inflammatory Cytokines in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients: The Anti-Inflammatory Side of IL-6.

Early evidence during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic indicated high levels of interleukin (IL)-6 in patients with severe COVID-19. This led to the off-label use of tocilizumab (TCZ) during the first wave of the pandemic. While the monoclonal antibody blocks IL-6 pathway, its effect on other inflammatory cytokines remains poorly described.

Clinical Management of Argentine Hemorrhagic Fever using Ribavirin and Favipiravir, Belgium, 2020.

We report a case of Argentine hemorrhagic fever diagnosed in a woman in Belgium who traveled from a disease-endemic area. Patient management included supportive care and combination therapy with ribavirin and favipiravir. Of 137 potential contacts, including friends, relatives, and healthcare and laboratory workers, none showed development of clinical symptoms of this disease.

Diversity of life-threatening complications due to Mediterranean spotted fever in returning travelers.

Background: Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) is a tick-borne infection caused by Rickettsia conorii conorii mainly endemic in the Mediterranean Basin. Although usually considered as a benign disease, severe forms of MSF have been sporadically reported.

Methods: We report on three patients who developed severe MSF complications after a stay in Morocco.

Endogenous endophthalmitis complicating Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess in Europe: case report.

Purpose: To report the first European case of endogenous endophthalmitis secondary to a liver abscess due to Klebsiella pneumoniae expressing MagA gene.

Methods: A 33-year-old diabetic patient was admitted for fever and right upper quadrant abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography and laboratory studies were performed.