Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by buildup of uric acid in synovial fluid, which causes severe swelling and can harm joints, tendons, and other tissues. It affects approximately 4% of the United States population, or approximately 8.3 million people nationwide and is therefore a topic of epidemiologic consideration due to its prevalence. Gout is typically diagnosed via polarized microscopy of arthroscopically-aspirated synovial fluid, which is a costly, time-consuming, labor-intensive, and technically complex procedure, warranting a simpler and less complex method for diagnosis. Here, we propose and validate a colorimetric method which is based on the ability of uric acid to reduce silver nitrate. We also assessed how the colorimetric change can be accelerated by changing the concentration of silver nitrate or adding different silver catalysts, as well as develop a matrix bed for improved handling and ease of use. When translated to the clinic, this diagnostic method for gout will have the potential to increase diagnostic efficiency and accelerate patient care at the bedside.
While young, healthy individuals without underlying medical conditions have generally not suffered catastrophic health consequences from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), gravid patients appear to be at much higher risk of complications from this virus. A 29-year-old G3P2 patient at 30 weeks and three days presented with worsening dyspnea and chest pain after testing positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection two days prior. Notably, she had not received COVID-19 vaccination. A non-reassuring fetal tracing and fetal bradycardia were discovered on routine prenatal monitoring during admission, and an urgent caesarean section was performed. She subsequently required supplemental oxygen due to respiratory distress and remained hospitalized. She clinically deteriorated from a respiratory standpoint. Several days later, she experienced cardiac arrest with a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in nine minutes. While the baby was discharged home and is doing well, the patient, unfortunately, expired from hypoxic encephalopathy secondary to COVID-19 pneumonia and complications of cardiorespiratory arrest. This case highlights the severe sequelae of COVID-19 infection in a postpartum patient, including ventilator-dependent respiratory failure, sudden cardiac death, hypoxic encephalopathy, and coma.
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has rarely impacted neonates. When infection does occur, it is typically asymptomatic. We describe a case of a neonate born to a 25-year-old mother who was COVID-19 positive but asymptomatic. An emergent cesarean section was performed during week 30 of gestation due to category three fetal heart tracings. The neonate, unfortunately, died on the day of life 12 from respiratory distress secondary to severe COVID-19 pneumonia. This is an important case that illustrates the deleterious impact COVID-19 infection can have on neonates. It is a unique case of the compassionate use of remdesivir for a neonate. The patient's respiratory decline soon after birth, lends support that the virus responsible for COVID-19 can be transmitted vertically.
Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is a congenital or acquired condition of the heart rhythm which is characterized on an electrocardiogram by a long QT interval and a type of ventricular tachycardia known as Torsades de Pointes (TdP). The pathophysiology of LQTS may be based in either increases in sympathetic activity in the electrical conduction system, or in abnormal ion flow within the heart, which lead to increases in action potential duration and subsequently prolongs the QT interval, causing predisposition to TdP. LQTS can result from inherited genetic mutations but can also be acquired due to medications such as Class I and Class III antiarrhythmics. Treatment for the condition includes beta-blocker medications, sympathetic denervation procedures, and cardioverter-defibrillator implants. LQTS is of particular interest due to its ability to lead to TdP, which can lead to unconsciousness or sudden cardiac death, and because of its typical onset and severity without other clinical signs which often leads to misdiagnosis. Work must be continued to investigate the drugs which can cause the acquired form of this disease, the genetics of the disease, and the best treatment for varying severities of the disease in order to improve patient outcomes.
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has important implications for gravid patients as they are more likely to experience severe complications of pregnancy such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome if infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Due to normal physiological adaptations of pregnancy, COVID-19 may strain an already stressed respiratory system, making delivery a viable treatment option. We present a case of a gravid patient infected with COVID-19 pneumonia who delivered vaginally in the intensive care unit (ICU) at our hospital. Further research into clinical progress and management of pregnancy complicated by COVID-19 is necessary.
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