The epidemiology of surgical site infections (SSIs) in surgical programmes in sub-Saharan Africa is inadequately described. We reviewed deep and organ-space SSIs occurring within a trauma project that had a high-quality microbiology partnership and active follow-up. Included patients underwent orthopaedic surgery in Teme Hospital (Port Harcourt, Nigeria) for trauma and subsequently developed a SSI requiring debridement and microbiological sampling. Data were collected from structured chart reviews and programmatic databases for 103 patients with suspected SSI [79% male, median age 30 years, interquartile range (IQR) 24-37]. SSIs were commonly detected post-discharge with 58% presenting >28 days after surgery. The most common pathogens were: Staphylococcus aureus (34%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16%) and Enterobacter cloacae (11%). Thirty-three (32%) of infections were caused by a multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogen, including 15 patients with methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Antibiotics were initiated empirically for 43% of patients and after culture and sensitivity report in 32%. The median number of additional surgeries performed in patients with SSI was 5 (IQR 2-6), one patient died (1%), and amputation was performed or recommended in three patients. Our findings suggest the need for active long-term monitoring of SSIs, particularly those associated with MDR organisms, resulting in increased costs for readmission surgery and treatment with late-generation antibiotics.
Objective Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a novel group of oral hypoglycemic agents with multiple proven beneficial effects. However, their use has been associated with euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), typically triggered by risk factors such as acute illness, surgery, and decreased calorie intake. Therefore, it is recommended that patients discontinue SGLT2 inhibitors at least 24 hours before surgery to minimize this risk. We report a case of a postoperative euglycemic DKA in a patient who had discontinued SGLT2 inhibitor therapy 48 hours prior to surgery. Methods We describe the clinical course of a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus on empagliflozin therapy who was referred for coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Results A 60-year-old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus developed euglycemic DKA a few hours after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Laboratory results showed acute postoperative elevated anion gap metabolic acidosis with normal glucose and elevated blood ketone levels. It was later revealed that the patient was treated as an outpatient with empagliflozin; the last dose was taken 48 hours prior to his procedure. Conclusion Euglycemic DKA can occur postoperatively in patients with a history of SGLT2 inhibitor use, even 48 hours after the discontinuation of therapy. This case highlights the need to revisit the recommended time to discontinue these agents, specifically prior to major surgery, because their pharmacokinetic effects may persist after 24 hours of discontinuation, putting patients at risk for postoperative euglycemic DKA.
A 59 year old woman presented with enlarged thyroid, weight loss, and hot flushes. She had previously been treated for a thyroid problem in 2013 but was lost to follow up. On exam, she had a diffusely enlarged thyroid gland, without distinct nodule. She had brisk DTR’s and mild tremor. Lab results confirmed hyperthyroidism:TSH <0.01 mIU/L (0.27 to 4.2) FT4 2.4 ng/dL (0.9 to 1.8) FT3 7.95 pg/mL (1.8 to 4.6). TSI was 307 % (<140%). Thyroid ultrasound showed a few sub-centimeter nodules, and 2 clinically significant nodules on the right--1.5 x 1.2 x 1.4 cm, cystic with calcifications; and 1.3 x 0.7 x 1.2 cm hypoechoic. I-123 thyroid uptake/scan showed 61% uptake and 2 right sided cold nodules. FNA biopsy showed medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) with staining positive for calcitonin and negative for thyroglobulin. CT thyroid showed no adenopathy. Serum calcitonin was 71 pg/mL (<5), and CEA was elevated 5.4 ng/mL (<2.5). Work up was negative for pheochromocytoma and hyperparathyroidism.After pretreatment with methimazole, she underwent total thyroidectomy with bilateral TE groove dissection. Surgical pathology confirmed MTC pT1b pN1a. She was started on levothyroxine therapy post operatively. Discussion There are multiple reports of thyroid carcinoma (papillary and follicular) in Graves disease, but rarely MTC.1 A recent systematic review reports only 21 total cases of MTC in patients with hyperthyroidism, of whom 15 had Graves disease.2 MTC is derived from C-cells from the thyroid gland rather than from follicular cells. TSI, therefore, should not influence development or growth of MTC. Coexistence of the two conditions is likely coincidental rather than causative. ConclusionThyroid nodules in patients with Graves should be worked up as there is a possibility of co-existing thyroid carcinoma. This patient had hyperthyroidism with cold nodules on nuclear scan corresponding to sonographic nodules. Based on these results, she had biopsy leading to diagnosis of MTC. Follow up surgery lead to diagnosis of MTC at earlier stage and provided treatment for both conditions. References1. Staniforth, J. U. etal (2016). Thyroid carcinoma in Graves’ disease: a meta-analysis. International Journal of Surgery, 27, 118-125. 2. Sapalidis, K. etal (2019). A Rare Coexistence of Medullary Thyroid Cancer with Graves Disease: A Case Report and Systematic Review of the Literature. The American journal of case reports, 20, 1398
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