EchiNam: multicenter retrospective study on the experience, challenges, and pitfalls in the diagnosis and treatment of alveolar echinococcosis in Belgium.

Objectives: The aim of this retrospective study was to collect epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, imaging, management, and follow-up data on cases of alveolar echinococcosis (AE) diagnosed and/or followed up within the Namur Hospital Network (NHN) in order to gather information on the challenges, pitfalls, and overall experience in the diagnosis and treatment of AE.

Methods: EchiNam was a multicenter retrospective study. Patients diagnosed and/or treated for probable or confirmed AE in the NHN between 2002 and 2023 were included in the study.

Is lupus anticoagulant testing with dilute Russell's viper venom clotting times reliable in the presence of inflammation?

Background: Testing for lupus anticoagulant (LA) is not recommended in case of inflammation as C-reactive protein (CRP) can interfere with the phospholipids present in the activated partial thromboplastin time test used to detect an LA. However, the potential interference of an acute phase protein (ie, CRP) in LA testing using the dilute Russell's viper venom (DRVV) test is poorly studied.

Objectives: To study the effect of inflammation, as evidenced by increased CRP levels, on DRVV tests.

Estimation of antimicrobial resistance of Belgium, 2022.

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) of (MG) is a growing concern worldwide and surveillance is needed. In Belgium, samples are sent to the National Reference Centre of Sexually Transmitted Infections (NRC-STI) on a voluntary basis and representative or robust national AMR data are lacking.AimWe aimed to estimate the occurrence of resistant MG in Belgium.

Validating the measurement of passive Musculo-articular wrist stiffness without intentional or reactive contraction using axillary plexus block.

Background: Passive stiffness describes how easily a joint may move passively. To accurately measure wrist stiffness, an electro-oscillation device was developed. The objectives were to 1) ensuring that the measurement are free from intentional or reflex contraction, 2) analyzing how forearm anatomy affects the passive stiffness of the wrist and 3) determining the clinical practical relevance of the device.

Selecting Goals and Target Muscles for Botulinum Toxin A Injection Using the Goal Oriented Facilitated Approach to Spasticity Treatment (GO-FAST) Tool.

The objective of this article is to introduce the GO-FAST Tool (developed by the Toxnet group) to clinicians working in the field of neurological rehabilitation, specifically post-stroke spasticity management. The concepts utilized in the Tool and described in this article can be broadly grouped into five topics: the principles of patient-centred goal-setting; an algorithm for setting SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timed) treatment goals; goal-related target muscles and botulinum toxin type A dose determinants; goal attainment follow-up, scoring, and interpretation; and the multimodal approach to spasticity management. The Tool can enhance clinical practice by providing guided assistance with goal-setting and target muscle selection for botulinum toxin type A treatment.

Factors Influencing Anti-Xa Assays: A Multicenter Prospective Study in Critically Ill and Noncritically Ill Patients Receiving Unfractionated Heparin.

Background:  The presence of dextran sulfate (DS) in reagents and the type of blood collection tube (citrate/citrated-theophylline-adenosine-dipyridamole [CTAD]) can lead to discrepancies between unfractionated heparin (UFH) anti-Xa levels.

Objectives:  To evaluate the extent of the effect (1) of different reagents containing or not containing DS and (2) of the blood collection tubes, on UFH anti-Xa levels, in various clinical situations (NCT04700670).

Methods:  We prospectively included patients from eight centers: group (G)1, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) after heparin neutralization ( = 39); G2, cardiothoracic intensive care unit (ICU) after CPB ( = 35); G3, medical ICU ( = 53); G4, other medical inpatients ( = 38).

Volumetry of ovine incisors dental pulp for further regenerative therapy.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are used for regenerative therapy. Dental pulp MSCs make extracted wisdom teeth a useful resource in humans. Preclinical validation of regenerative therapies requires large animal models such as the sheep.

Vermiform appendix torsion complicated by postoperative venous pylephlebitis: a case report and review of literature.

Vermiform appendix torsion is a rare condition that mimics acute appendicitis and is diagnosed during surgery. On the other hand, pylephlebitis (or septic thrombophlebitis) is a complication that occurs due to occlusive thrombosis of mesenteric venous system branches secondary to intra-abdominal infections. Although rare since the antibiotic era, it must be considered in the differential diagnosis of postoperative fever.

Case report: Thirty-year progression of an EMPF1 encephalopathy due to defective mitochondrial and peroxisomal fission caused by a novel heterozygous variant.

Mutations in (), which encode a key player of mitochondrial and peroxisomal fission, have been reported in patients with the variable phenotypic spectrum, ranging from non-syndromic optic atrophy to lethal infantile encephalopathy. Here, we report a case of an adult female patient presenting with a complex neurological phenotype that associates axonal sensory neuropathy, spasticity, optic atrophy, dysarthria, dysphasia, dystonia, and ataxia, worsening with aging. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a heterozygous variant in the GTPase domain of [NM_001278464.

Ability to Care for an Ill Loved One During the First COVID-19 Lockdown: Mediators of Informal Caregivers' Stress in Europe.

Informal caregivers are overlooked, healthcare actors. They are at particular risk of distress and suffer from poor mental health. This study aimed to investigate the perceived stress and modulating factors during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Europe, regardless of the illness that care recipients suffer from.

Opportunities and Challenges for Professionals in Psychiatry and Mental Health Care Using Digital Technologies During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Systematic Review.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has required psychiatric and mental health professionals to change their practices to reduce the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, in particular by favoring remote monitoring and assessment via digital technologies.

Objective: As part of a research project that was cofunded by the French National Research Agency (ARN) and the Centre-Val de Loire Region, the aim of this systematic literature review was to investigate how such uses of digital technologies have been developing.

Methods: This systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines.

The Early Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health Facilities and Psychiatric Professionals.

(1) Background: While in many countries, the psychiatric and mental health sectors had been in crisis for years, the onset of a novel coronavirus pandemic impacted their structures, organizations, and professionals worldwide. (2) Methods: To document the early impacts of the COVID-19 health crisis on psychiatry and mental health sectors, a systematic review of the international literature published in 2020 was conducted in PubMed (MEDLINE), Cairn.info, and SantéPsy (Ascodocpsy) databases.

The Impact of Strong Inducers on Direct Oral Anticoagulant Levels.

Purpose: The concomitant use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) and strong P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inducers may lead to reduced DOAC levels and therapeutic failure. This study aimed to describe DOAC concentrations in patients receiving strong P-gp and CYP3A4 inducers, in relation to individual risk factors for high or low DOAC levels.

Methods: We retrospectively identified hospitalized patients simultaneously receiving a DOAC and carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or rifampicin between 2016 and 2021.

Fifth metatarsal scarf osteotomy without implant fixation.

Fifth metatarsal shaft osteotomy has demonstrated efficacy for bunionette. We adapted screwless 1st metatarsal scarf osteotomy to the 5th ray. The technique consists in short osteotomy, translation and diaphyseal bone-suture.

Clinical delineation, sex differences, and genotype-phenotype correlation in pathogenic KDM6A variants causing X-linked Kabuki syndrome type 2.

Purpose: The variant spectrum and the phenotype of X-linked Kabuki syndrome type 2 (KS2) are poorly understood.

Methods: Genetic and clinical details of new and published individuals with pathogenic KDM6A variants were compiled and analyzed.

Results: Sixty-one distinct pathogenic KDM6A variants (50 truncating, 11 missense) from 80 patients (34 males, 46 females) were identified.

Recommendations on the management of multiple myeloma in 2020.

With the introduction of immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors, and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies, major improvements have been achieved in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), with a significant impact on the outcome of this disease. Different treatment combinations are now in use and other therapies are being developed. Based on an extensive review of the recent literature, we propose practical recommendations on myeloma management, to be used by hematologists as a reference for daily practice.

BSGIE survey on COVID-19 and gastrointestinal endoscopy in Belgium : results and recommendations.

Background And Aims: With the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic declining, activities in the gastrointestinal clinic are being recommenced after a period of stringent measures. Since a second COVID-19 wave is not entirely ruled out health care professionals might remain faced with the need to perform endoscopic procedures in patients with a confirmed positive or unknown COVID-19 status. With this report we aim to provide a practical relevant overview of preparation and protective measures for gastroenterologists based on the currently available guidelines and our local experience and results of a national Belgian survey, to guarantee a fast recall of an adequate infection prevention if COVID-19 reoccurs.

Ultrasound in pediatric orbital cellulitis.

Orbital cellulitis is an infrequent but serious complication of sinus infections in children, as was the case of a 7-year-old who presented to the emergency room with ultrasound signs of preseptal cellulitis. Despite a well conducted antibiotic treatment a control ultrasound demonstrated associated signs of retro-septal extension. This case brings to light the essential role of ultrasound in suspected cellulitis, as a mean to differentiate between preseptal cellulitis and retroseptal (orbital) cellulitis.

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor intoxication: Naloxone to the rescue? Naloxone for ACE inhibitor intoxication.

We report here the case of a patient with perindopril intoxication inducing severe bradycardia together with a profound hypotension. Initiation of a naloxone infusion completely resolved those symptoms. As a consequence, we could recommend as a first step the use of naloxone in order to prevent the use of more invasive therapeutic tools.