An open-label phase II trial of sotrovimab (VIR-7831) prophylaxis against COVID-19 infection in immunocompromised individuals with impaired SARS-CoV-2 humoral immunity.

Background: Immunocompromised individuals have a limited humoral immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and are at higher risk of severe COVID-19. Sotrovimab is a monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting a conserved SARS-CoV-2 spike protein epitope.

Methods: This phase II open-label study evaluated the safety and tolerability of sotrovimab pre-exposure prophylaxis in immunocompromised adults with impaired vaccine response.

Impact of Acute Kidney Injury on Mortality Outcomes in Patients Hospitalized for COPD Exacerbation: A National Inpatient Sample Analysis.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) worsens outcomes in COPD exacerbation (COPDe), yet limited data compare the demographics and mortality risk factors of COPDe admissions with and without AKI. Understanding this association may enhance risk stratification and management strategies. The aim of this study was to identify demographic differences and mortality risk factors in COPDe admissions with and without AKI.

Intestinal Microbiota and Fecal Transplantation in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and : An Updated Literature Review.

: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic relapsing and remitting inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as an FDA-approved treatment for recurrent infections (CDIs), with promising potential in patients with IBD. This manuscript aimed to provide a comprehensive and updated review of the available literature on fecal microbiota transplantation, its clinical use in IBD in general, as well as in patients with IBD and CDI.

Association of antiphospholipid syndrome with infective endocarditis and sepsis induced by Staphylococcus aureus: A U.S. nationwide inpatient sample analysis.

BackgroundAntiphospholipid syndrome (APS) predisposes patients to thrombosis and cardiac valve lesions such as Libman-Sacks endocarditis. These vegetations are sterile yet can provide a nidus for infection; the risk of infective endocarditis (IE) and other serious infections in APS patients remains poorly quantified in large populations, representing a knowledge gap.ObjectiveTo quantify the risk of the primary outcome, IE, and secondary outcomes of MRSA sepsis and MSSA sepsis, associated with APS using a large, nationally representative inpatient database.

Reevaluating therapeutic strategies in Crohn's disease: Comparing Modulen and budesonide.

This article explores the significant implications of the study by Ovadia , which innovatively compares the efficacy of a nutritional intervention (Modulen) to conventional pharmaceutical therapy (budesonide) in promoting mucosal healing in Crohn's disease. Highlighting the paradox of a well-established yet underutilized nutritional approach, the findings suggest that Modulen may offer comparable therapeutic benefits despite its high withdrawal rate due to adherence challenges. This advancement underscores the evolving paradigm in inflammatory bowel disease treatment, shifting focus toward non-pharmacologic alternatives that target both clinical remission and endoscopic healing.

A Unique Case of a Successful Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Through a Previously Placed Gastro-Jejunostomy Lumen Apposing Metal Stent.

Originally used for minimally invasive drainage of pancreatic fluid collections, the uses of lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) have expanded to encompass several other pathologies including gastric outlet obstruction, strictures, and cases with surgically altered anatomy. We describe a rare case of an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography that was successfully completed through a previously placed LAMS between the stomach and the jejunum, in a patient with challenging anatomy due to progressing malignancy resulting in gastric outlet obstruction. This case highlights the technical complexity of performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography through a previously placed LAMS and underscores the importance of patient-centered care with readiness for adaptability in complex cases.

Intubation in Eosinophilic Lung Disease: Predictors, Outcomes, and Characteristics from a National Inpatient Sample Analysis.

: Eosinophilic lung diseases (ELD) encompass disorders with an abnormally high number of polymorphonuclear eosinophils in the lungs. Presentation severity can range from low-grade fever and cough to life-threatening acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Due to the rarity of these conditions, no large sample studies have been performed to assess the characteristics of patients with pulmonary eosinophilia.

Socioeconomic and demographic disparities in the impact of digestive diseases in the middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Introduction: Digestive diseases (DD) pose a significant global health burden, with the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region providing a unique landscape to study the impact of socioeconomic disparities on DD incidence and outcomes. This study examines the burden of DD in the MENA region, focusing on socioeconomic influences.

Methods: We utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) dataset from 1990 to 2021, analyzing trends in incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for DD.

Late presentations and missed opportunities among newly diagnosed HIV patients presenting to a specialty clinic in Lebanon.

Late presentation to medical care of individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is linked to poor outcomes and increased morbidity and mortality. Missed opportunities for a prompt diagnosis are frequently reported among late presenters. We aimed to estimate the proportion of late presenters and missed opportunities in diagnosis among newly diagnosed HIV-positive subjects presenting to a specialty clinic in Lebanon.

Safety and tolerability study of sotrovimab (VIR-7831) prophylaxis against COVID-19 infection in immunocompromised individuals with impaired SARS-CoV-2 humoral immunity.

Background: Multiple vaccines have been approved since August 2021 to prevent infection with SARS-CoV-2; however, 20-40% of immunocompromised people fail to develop SARS-CoV-2 spike antibodies after COVID-19 vaccination and remain at high risk of infection and more severe illness than non-immunocompromised hosts. Sotrovimab (VIR-7831) is a monoclonal neutralizing antibody that binds a conserved epitope on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. It is neither renally excreted nor metabolized by P450 enzymes and therefore unlikely to interact with concomitant medications (e.

The Impact of a Post-Prescription Review and Feedback Antimicrobial Stewardship Program in Lebanon.

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are effective means to optimize prescribing practices. They are under-utilized in the Middle East where many challenges exist for ASP implementation. We assessed the effectiveness of infectious disease physician-driven post-prescription review and feedback as an ASP in Lebanon.

Antibiotic Stewardship in Disaster Situations: Lessons Learned in Lebanon.

A post-prescription review and feedback program was implemented as an antimicrobial stewardship intervention in Lebanon as the country grappled with complete economic collapse, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a large blast in Beirut. We describe the implications of antimicrobial use in disaster preparedness and crisis situations, the sequelae related to increasing antimicrobial resistance, and our lessons learned in Lebanon. We explore opportunities and potential solutions for future disaster preparedness.

Asthenopia Among University Students: The Eye of the Digital Generation.

Background: Asthenopia or eye strain is one of the major medical problems that students face during their academic years.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of asthenopia among a sample of university students attending various majors and to identify the risk factors for its development.

Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted on students attending various faculties at the American University of Beirut during the spring semester of 2019.