Invasive Group A Streptococcal Meningitis Following COVID-19 Infection Complicated by Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome: A Case Report.

We present a case of a 60-year-old woman who developed invasive group A streptococcal (GAS) meningitis following a COVID-19 infection, complicated by multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS). Initially diagnosed with COVID-19 based on fever, nasal obstruction, cough, and sore throat, her symptoms improved with symptomatic treatment, except for a persistent sore throat. She later presented with hematemesis and was found to have bacterial pneumonia and dehydration.

Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)-Associated Fasciitis Mimicking Pseudogout in an Older Patient: A Diagnostic Challenge and Treatment Approach.

ANCA-associated fasciitis is a rare manifestation of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) that can mimic other conditions, such as pseudogout, especially in elderly patients. We present the case of a 93-year-old woman who initially developed polyarthralgia, muscle pain, and difficulty walking, symptoms suggestive of pseudogout. However, after further investigation, including elevated myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA levels and MRI findings, she was diagnosed with ANCA-associated fasciitis.

Thoracic Re-irradiation With Definitive External Beam Radiation Therapy Using Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy: A Case Report.

Thoracic re-irradiation has a high risk of severe adverse events, and re-irradiation with curative intent has rarely been performed. However, in recent years, with the introduction of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy, it has become possible to deliver high doses to the target lesions while minimizing the doses to surrounding tissues. The patient in this case had a history of definitive radiation therapy for esophageal cancer.

Clinical practice pattern of Pneumocystis pneumonia prophylaxis in systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional study from lupus registry of nationwide institutions (LUNA).

Background: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is an opportunistic infection in patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, such as glucocorticoid (GC) medication, for systemic autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Despite the confirmed effectiveness of PCP prophylaxis, its clinical administration, especially in conjunction with GC dosage, remains unclear. We aimed to describe the clinical practice of PCP prophylaxis in association with SLE in Japan, evaluate the relationship between GC dosage and PCP prophylaxis, and explore the practice patterns associated with PCP prophylaxis.

Efficacy and safety of multi-day antiemetic treatment for patients undergoing multi-day chemotherapy: a systematic review of Clinical Practice Guidelines for Antiemesis 2023 from Japan Society of Clinical Oncology.

Background: A standardized multi-day antiemetic regimen for multi-day chemotherapy remains elusive. This systematic review evaluated the efficacy and safety of multi-day antiemetic regimens in patients undergoing multi-day intravenous chemotherapy.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Ichushi-Web databases for relevant studies published from January 1990 to December 2020.

Impact of Chronic Organ Disorder Staging on Hospitalization Risk in Elderly Patients With Multimorbidity: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Introduction Multimorbidity, defined as the coexistence of two or more chronic conditions, is increasingly prevalent in the aging population and is linked to adverse health outcomes, including hospitalization. Chronic organ disorder (COD) is a proposed framework in Japan to assess multimorbidity by categorizing organ dysfunction stages. This study investigates the association between COD stages and hospitalization rates in elderly patients with multimorbidity.

Advanced Gouty Nephropathy Complicated With Type 1 Renal Tubular Acidosis: A Case Report.

This report describes the case of a 53-year-old woman with chronic kidney disease (CKD) exacerbated by a gout flare who presented with renal tubular acidosis (RTA), hypokalemia, and hyperuricemia. Despite outpatient management for gouty nephropathy, the patient experienced progressive hypokalemia, leading to hospitalization. Upon admission, she was diagnosed with type 1 RTA, characterized by metabolic acidosis and severe hypokalemia, refractory to initial potassium supplementation.

Interim analysis of robot-assisted radical hysterectomy in Japan: a multicenter, prospective interventional single-arm clinical trial.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of robot-assisted radical hysterectomy (RARH) as a minimally invasive procedure in patients with cervical cancer that is curable by surgery.

Materials And Methods: This study was a multicenter, open-label, single-arm clinical trial. The short-term outcome of open radical hysterectomy was used as the historical control.

A Case of Larval Oriental Eye Worm, Thelazia callipaeda, Infection Overlooked in Routine Ophthalmic Practice.

, the oriental eyeworm, is a zoonotic parasite that primarily infects the eyes, causing symptoms such as foreign body sensation, tearing, and itching. It is transmitted by fruit flies like and commonly affects dogs and cats. This case report describes an 18-year-old woman who presented with complaints of "a worm in her left eye.

Oncological Outcomes of Active Surveillance versus Surgery or Ablation for Patients with Small Renal Masses: A Systematic Review and Quantitative Analysis.

Background And Objective: While active surveillance (AS) is an alternative to surgical interventions in patients with small renal masses (SRMs), evidence regarding its oncological efficacy is still debated. We aimed to evaluate oncological outcomes for patients with SRMs who underwent AS in comparison to surgical interventions.

Methods: In April 2024, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were queried for comparative studies evaluating AS in patients with SRMs (PROSPERO: CRD42024530299).

Persistent Fever in an Elderly Patient: Diagnostic Challenges and Management of Aspiration Pneumonitis and Organizing Pneumonia.

This case report describes an 85-year-old woman with a history of aspiration pneumonia who was admitted to a rural hospital with fever, vomiting, and decreased oxygenation. Initially diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia and acute pyelonephritis, she was treated with antibiotics. Despite this, her fever persisted, and subsequent imaging suggested aspiration pneumonitis or organizing pneumonia.

Factors Affecting Recurrent Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia Among Older Patients in Rural Community Hospitals: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Introduction Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) poses a significant health risk, particularly among adults over 65 years old, due to age-related vulnerabilities and comorbidities. Recurrent SAB is associated with increased morbidity, prolonged hospitalizations, and higher healthcare costs, necessitating the identification of risk factors that contribute to these recurrent infections. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a rural community hospital to identify factors associated with recurrent SAB in older patients.

Lack of Association of Chronological Age and Antithrombotic Agents With Acute Intracranial Hemorrhage in the Group of Older Adults With Traumatic Brain Injury.

Background And Objectives: Some reports suggest that older patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are more likely to experience acute intracranial hemorrhage, resulting in poor outcomes. However, the association between precise chronological age and use of antithrombotic agents with acute intracranial hemorrhage in these patients remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with acute intracranial hemorrhage and poor outcomes in patients with TBI, including chronological age and use of antithrombotic agents.