Differences in inflammatory markers between coronavirus disease 2019 and sepsis in hospitalised patients.

Background: Inflammatory markers are pivotal for the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and sepsis. This study compared markers between hospitalised patients with COVID-19 and those with bacterial sepsis.

Methods: This retrospective single-centre cohort study included 50 patients with COVID-19 clinical stages II and III and 24 patients with bacterial sepsis.

Infections Associated with Resterilized Pacemakers and Defibrillators.

Background: Access to pacemakers and defibrillators is problematic in places with limited resources. Resterilization and reuse of implantable cardiac devices obtained post mortem from patients in wealthier nations have been undertaken, but uncertainty around the risk of infection is a concern.

Methods: A multinational program was initiated in 1983 to provide tested and resterilized pacemakers and defibrillators to underserved nations; a prospective registry was established in 2003.