Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in pregnancy and the postpartum: A case series from the national HLH network.

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a hyperinflammatory sepsis-like syndrome that accounts for 1% of maternal deaths in the United Kingdom (UK). In 2019, a UK-wide HLH network was developed to provide specialist advice for patients with HLH. Until September 2024, eight individuals had been referred to this service with HLH onset during pregnancy or within 6 months postpartum, and this article summarises their management.

Genetic Characterization of (Canine Distemper Virus) Field Strains in Dogs, Chile, 2022-2023.

Canine distemper virus (CDV) poses a significant threat to dogs and wildlife worldwide, and this study sought to provide an updated genetic characterization of CDV field strains in Chile during 2022-2023. We collected samples from 52 suspected CDV cases in domestic dogs and detected viral RNA through real-time RT-PCR in 28 dogs (54%). Factors like age and vaccination status were determinants of CDV positivity, with young adult and unvaccinated dogs facing a higher infection risk.

Stranding and mass mortality in humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti), associated to HPAIV H5N1 outbreak in Chile.

The highly pathogenic Avian Influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 has caused a global outbreak affecting both wild and domestic animals, predominantly avian species. To date, cases of the HPAIV H5 Clade 2.3.

Solitary pleural fibroma causing IGF-2-mediated hypoglycaemia in a non-diabetic patient.

A patient without a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus presented to the hospital due to a fall and hypoglycaemia on admission. The patient was found to have recurrent nocturnal fasting hypoglycaemia. CT revealed a large lung mass consistent with a solitary pleural fibroma, a rare tumour associated with insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2) production.

First report and genetic characterization of Seneca Valley virus (SVV) in Chile.

Seneca Valley virus (SVV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus and the only member of the Senecavirus A (SVA) species, in the Senecavirus genus, Picornaviridae family. SVV infection causes vesicular lesions in the oral cavity, snout and hooves of pigs. This infection is clinically indistinguishable from trade-restrictions-related diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease.

An update on the considerations for patients with rheumatic disease being treated with rituximab during the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential drug treatment strategies.

Introduction: Over the last two decades, rituximab has become an increasingly popular drug in the treatment of a wide range of rheumatic diseases. However, with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, clinicians face challenges in weighing risk against benefit in its use.

Areas Covered: A review of existing data was performed to examine the relationship between rituximab use, morbidity and mortality from COVID-19, and vaccine efficacy in patients with rheumatic diseases, aiming to guide clinicians in continued use of the medication and consider the direction of future research.

Case Report: First Report and Phylogenetic Analysis of Porcine Astroviruses in Chile.

Porcine Astrovirus (PoAstV) causes mild diarrhea in young pigs and is considered an emerging virus in the swine industry worldwide. PoAstV has high genetic diversity and has been classified into five genetic lineages, PoAstV1-5. In Chile, only human astroviruses have been reported.

Graves' disease presenting with hypomania and paranoia to the acute psychiatry service.

This manuscript describes the case of a young woman, with no prior psychiatric history, who developed hypomania and paranoia as the principal presenting features of Graves' disease. After starting treatment with carbimazole and propranolol, symptoms resolved without the use of antipsychotic drugs. Close liaison between psychiatry and endocrinology services was essential.

Working accuracy of pulse oximetry in COVID-19 patients stepping down from intensive care: a clinical evaluation.

Introduction: UK guidelines suggest that pulse oximetry, rather than blood gas sampling, is adequate for monitoring of patients with COVID-19 if CO retention is not suspected. However, pulse oximetry has impaired accuracy in certain patient groups, and data are lacking on its accuracy in patients with COVID-19 stepping down from intensive care unit (ICU) to non-ICU settings or being transferred to another ICU.

Methods: We assessed the bias, precision and limits of agreement using 90 paired SpO and SaO from 30 patients (3 paired samples per patient).

Going viral: lessons from an accelerated PPE teaching programme during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom, there was an urgent need to establish a teaching programme to rapidly upskill hospital staff in the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).