0000000001223839

AUTHOR

Salvatore Giordano

La MIS-C fra presente e futuro: cardio-RMN e prognosi cardiologica a medio e lungo termine. Esperienza di un singolo centro.

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Elective surgery system strengthening: development, measurement, and validation of the surgical preparedness index across 1632 hospitals in 119 countries

© 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 licenseBackground: The 2015 Lancet Commission on global surgery identified surgery and anaesthesia as indispensable parts of holistic health-care systems. However, COVID-19 exposed the fragility of planned surgical services around the world, which have also been neglected in pandemic recovery planning. This study aimed to develop and validate a novel index to support local elective surgical system strengthening and address growing backlogs. Methods: First, we performed an international consultation through a four-stage consensus process to develop a multidomain index for hospital-level assess…

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Multiple pulmonary and multivesicular interatrial septum hydatid cysts in a native italian patient

Multivesicular, pulmonary and cardiac hydatidosis are rarely observed and can give rise to serious complications. Cysts can remain asymptomatic for a long time, until they reveal themselves perforating into cardiac chambers and/or pulmonary arteries or the systemic circulation. A rare case of multivesicular interatrial septum hydatid cyst with multiple pulmonary involvement in a native Italian farm labourer is reported. Clinical, radiological, serological and histological findings are described. MR imaging showed the exact anatomic location and the multivesicular nature of the cardiac cyst and was useful in planning surgical treatment. A successful outcome was achieved with a combination of…

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Erratum to “The SCARE guidelines: Consensus-based surgical case report guidelines” [Int. J. Surg. 34 (2016) 180–186]

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A 7-Year-Old Boy and a 14-Year-Old Girl Initially Diagnosed with Toxic Shock Syndrome and Tested Positive for SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Supporting a Diagnosis of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)

Case series Patients: Male, 7-year-old • Female, 14-year-old Final Diagnosis: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) Symptoms: Muscular weakness • shock Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Critical Care Medicine • Infectious Diseases • Pediatrics and Neonatology • Rheumatology Objective: Unusual clinical course Background: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has recently been described in children infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This report describes 2 children with MIS-C who were initially diagnosed with toxic shock syndrome but who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection on reverse transcription-polym…

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Neurological complications in pediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a systematic review of the literature

Abstract Objectives To describe clinical characteristics, laboratory tests, radiological data and outcome of pediatric cases with SARS-CoV-2 infection complicated by neurological involvement. Study design A computerized search was conducted using PubMed. An article was considered eligible if it reported data on pediatric patient(s) with neurological involvement related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also described a case of an acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in a 5-year-old girl with SARS-CoV-2 infection: this case was also included in the systematic review. Results Forty-four articles reporting 59 cases of neurological manifestations in pediatric patients were included in our revi…

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Covid-19 temporally related multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C): una finestra precoce di opportunità terapeutica è una strategia vincente? COVID pediatrico di Palermo

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Procalcitonin levels in plasma in oncohaematologic patients with and without bacterial infections.

Abstract Background: The flogosis markers currently in use show both low sensitivity and specificity, particularly in neoplastic and degenerative diseases. Procalcitonin (PCT) is a pro-peptide of calcitonin produced mainly but not only in the C-cells of the thyroid glands and, as several studies show, PCT levels in plasma increase during infections. Bacterial infections are also the main cause of death in oncological patients. Furthermore, in patients with leukaemia in chemotherapy recovery, infections often induce relapses. The aim of the present study is to detect PCT levels in plasma in oncohaematologic patients with and without infections. Methods: The study was carried out on 54 patien…

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A 6 day course of liposomal amphotericin B in the treatment of infantile visceral leishmaniasis: the Italian experience

Objectives To evaluate in a retrospective analysis the efficacy and safety of a 6 day course of liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) in infantile cases of Mediterranean visceral leishmaniasis (VL) diagnosed over a 10 year period in Italy. Patients and methods Patients included were diagnosed as having VL consecutively admitted from December 1992 to December 2001 at four main referral children's hospitals in Italy and treated with six intravenous doses of 3 mg/kg L-AmB given on days 1-5 and 10 (a total dose of 18 mg/kg). Demographic data, nutritional status, underlying diseases, clinical and laboratory findings, and therapy outcome were considered. Results A total of 164 HIV-negative children (m…

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MIS-C and co-infection with P. vivax and P. falciparum in a child: a clinical conundrum.

Abstract Background The ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic represents an unprecedented global health challenge. Many COVID-19 symptoms are similar to symptoms that can occur in other infections. Malaria should always be considered in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection returning from endemic areas. Case presentation We present the first case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) and Plasmodium vivax-falciparum and SARS-CoV2 coinfection in children. Despite clearance of parassitaemia and a negative COVID-19 nasopharyngeal PCR, the patient’s clinical conditions worsened. The World Health Organization (WHO) criteria were used to make the diagnosis of MIS-C. Treatment wi…

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Considerazioni su un caso di actinomicosi cervicale

Actinomycosis is a bacterial infection due to Gram positive bacteria of Actinomyces genus. Actinomyces israelii is the most common in human infection.The authors described a case occurred in a 43 aged woman with a clinical presentation of a right submandibular indurative mass.After surgery, histological examination showed a granulomatous tissue with many actinomycetes. Patient was submitted to treatment with i.v penicillin. On the 11th day antibiotic therapy was replaced with ceftriaxone and teicoplanina. Patient did not present intercurrence during this period and presented improvement of the lesion.Actinomycosis is an uncommon disease. Establishment of the definite diagnosis requires a hi…

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Propeller Flaps in the Head and Neck

AbstractPropeller flaps have significantly expanded the reconstruction possibilities in the head and neck region. They allow for increased flap mobility and better scar concealing, and/or to perform a one-stage reconstruction with local tissue of similar color and texture, where multiple surgeries would be needed with traditional flaps or even free flaps would be required. This article describes the main propeller flaps for one-stage reconstruction in the head–neck region (facial artery perforator, supratrochlear artery axial perforator, deep lingual artery axial perforator, and anterior supraclavicular artery perforator flaps), their indications, and possible complications. Aesthetic and f…

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Third Case of Visceral Leishmaniasis in COVID-19: Mini Review Article.

Background: In the currently ongoing coronavirus pandemic, coinfections with unrelated life-threatening febrile conditions may pose a particular challenge to clinicians. Leishmaniasis is a zoonosis that may present general symptoms, including fever, malaise, and arthralgia, rendering it indistinguishable from COVID-19. Methods: In this paper, we aim to draw attention to this issue and analyze the clinical characteristics of the coinfection SARS-CoV-2/Leishmania through a systematic review of the literature. We were motivated by the observation of the first case of visceral leishmaniasis and COVID-19 in a paediatric patient. Conclusion: Our case is a reminder for healthcare providers to cons…

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Ten-month follow-up of patients with covid-19 temporally related multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children: the experience of the children hospital of Palermo

Abstract Background In Sicily, the first wave of COVID-19 showed a low epidemic impact in paediatric population, while the second and the third waves had a higher impact on clinical presentation of COVID-19 in children and a significantly higher severe outcome in patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), with a frequent life-threatening progression. Methods We describe a cohort of 22 Sicilian children (11 M; 11 F; age: 1.4–14 years), presenting with clinical features compatible with MIS-C. Patients with negative swab had a history of recent personal or parental infection. Results The following diagnostic criteria were detected: fever (100%); cheilitis and/or phary…

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Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacter cloacae ventriculitis successfully treated with intraventricular colistin

SummaryWe present a case of post-neurosurgical ventriculitis caused by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacter cloacae successfully treated with intraventricular colistin. Enterobacter spp are intrinsically resistant to aminopenicillins, cefazolin, and cefoxitin due to the production of constitutive chromosomal AmpC beta-lactamases. Moreover, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacter spp have been identified in the USA and Europe, and carbapenems are considered the drug of choice in these cases. Our isolate was sensitive only to fosfomycin, tigecycline, and colistin, and 6 days of intravenous colistin had failed to eradicate the infection. This case provides clinical evidence to …

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Shanghai Fever: Not Only an Asian Disease

Objectives: To describe a case of Shanghai fever disease and to analyze other published reports in non-Asiatic countries, defining clinical characteristics and highlighting that this is not only an Asian disease. Study design: A computerized search without language restriction was conducted using PubMed and Scopus; all references listed were hand-searched to identify any other relevant literature. An article was considered eligible for inclusion in the systematic review if it reported cases with Shanghai fever described in non-Asiatic countries. Our case was also included in the analysis. Results: Ten articles reporting 10 cases of Shanghai fever disease were considered. Fever, diarrhea and…

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Human toxocariasis: a report of nine cases

Aim: Human toxocariasis is caused by infection with the larval stage of nematode parasites of dogs and cats, Toxocara canis or Toxocara cati. These helminths are not able to complete their life cycle in undefinitive hosts and so undergo aberrant migrations in the tissues causing a wide spectrum of signs and symptoms. Eosinophilia is often severe and sometimes represents the only sign of infection, except in ocular and neurological forms. Methods: We describe the clinical features of nine children affected by toxocariasis admitted to our Infectious Diseases department from 2004 to 2006. Results: Fever and hepatomegaly were the most common clinical findings. In two cases eosinophilia was not …

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Kawasaki disease recurrence in the COVID-19 era: a systematic review of the literature

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a vasculitis of unknown origin of small and medium caliber blood vessels, especially involving coronary arteries and is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in childhood in developed countries. Although rarely, it can recur: most recurrences occur within 2 years of the initial episode. No data are available on incidence of recurrent KD in Europe and multiple recurrences are rarely seen. We reviewed the medical literature on Kawasaki disease recurrence and reported a new case of Kawasaki disease recurrence in a child with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We believe that in our case SARS Cov2 acted as a trigger capable to determine, in a genetically susceptible individual…

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Interleukin-6 Is a Promising Marker of COVID-19 in Children: A Case Series of 2 Brothers with Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia.

BACKGROUND To date, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains a global health concern, with fatalities mostly in older age groups with underlying medical conditions, while children are less likely to manifest severe symptoms. CASE REPORT We describe the clinical cases of 2 brothers admitted to our Children's Hospital for persistent fever and cough during the COVID-19 pandemic. Case 1. A 1.5-year-old boy had fever, expiratory dyspnea, desaturation, oxygen saturation 94-96% with O2, and bilateral hissing and crackling rales. His interleukin-6 level in the acute phase of the disease was 100.41 and at the resolution it was 46.2 pg/ml. Treatment with amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid, methylpre…

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Asymptomatic Leishmania infantum/chagasi infection in blood donors of western Sicily.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the risk of transfusion-transmitted visceral leishmaniasis was present in an area of western Sicily where the incidence of the disease is higher than the regional average. From May to December 2005, 1449 blood donors from Agrigento district (Sicily, Italy) were screened for the presence of anti-Leishmania antibodies by an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Blood samples from IFAT-positive donors were examined by PCR to detect Leishmania DNA. Anti-Leishmania antibodies were found in 11 (0.75%) cases, among which Leishmania DNA was detected from four (36.4%). Particular techniques to inactivate different pathogens would be consid…

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Visceral leishmaniasis in a patient with Down syndrome

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Additional file 1 of Kawasaki disease recurrence in the COVID-19 era: a systematic review of the literature

Additional file 1: Supplemental materials. Table 1 Quality Appraisal Checklist for Case Series Studies of IHE. Supplemental materials. Table 2 Checklist for Case Reports of The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools.

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The STROCSS statement: Strengthening the Reporting of Cohort Studies in Surgery

Abstract Introduction The development of reporting guidelines over the past 20 years represents a major advance in scholarly publishing with recent evidence showing positive impacts. Whilst over 350 reporting guidelines exist, there are few that are specific to surgery. Here we describe the development of the STROCSS guideline ( St rengthening the R eporting o f C ohort S tudies in S urgery). Methods and analysis We published our protocol apriori . Current guidelines for case series (PROCESS), cohort studies (STROBE) and randomised controlled trials (CONSORT) were analysed to compile a list of items which were used as baseline material for developing a suitable checklist for surgical cohort…

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Candida thrombophlebitis in children: a systematic review of the literature

Abstract Objective To describe a case of thrombophlebitis associated with Candida infection and to analyze other published reports to define clinical characteristics, prognostic data, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Study design A computerized search was performed without language restriction using PubMed and Scopus databases. An article was considered eligible for inclusion if it reported cases with Candida thrombophlebitis. Our case was also included in the analysis. Results A total of 16 articles reporting 27 cases of Candida thrombophlebitis were included in our review. The median age of patients was 4 years. In 10 cases there was a thrombophlebitis of peripheral veins; in the re…

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Daptomycin for children in clinical practice experience

Data on daptomycin use in the pediatric setting are scanty. We conducted a multicenter, retrospective study on 46 children treated with intravenous daptomycin at a mean dosage of 7.0 mg/kg/d, for a median of 14 days. Three children had adverse events possibly related to daptomycin. The drug was overall well tolerated, even with prolonged treatment.

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INVASIVE FUNGAL INFECTIONS IN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Invasive fungal infections (IFI) is associated with a high mortality rate, specially in patients with delayed beginning of antifungal treatment...

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Granulicatella spp., a Causative Agent of Infective Endocarditis in Children

Granulicatella spp. are non-motile, non-sporulating, facultatively anaerobic Gram-positive cocci. Throughout the literature, these organisms have been referred to by several names, such as “nutritionally deficient streptococci”, “vitamin-B dependent streptococci” and “pyridoxal-dependent streptococci”, because of their fastidious nutritional requirements, which can often make culture isolation challenging. Known to be a member of the normal microbiota of the human oral cavity and urogenital and intestinal tracts, similar to other streptococci, Granulicatella spp. can cause bacteremia, sepsis and infective endocarditis. Considering the difficulty in growing this organism on culture medium, t…

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