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Necrotising hepatopancreatitis (NHP), is also known as Texas necrotizing hepatopancreatitis (TNHP), Texas Pond Mortality Syndrome (TPMS) and Peru necrotizing hepatopancreatitis (PNHP), is a lethal epizootic disease of farmed shrimp. It is not very well researched yet, but generally assumed to be caused by a bacterial infection.
NHP mainly affects the farmed shrimp species "Litopenaeus vannamei" (Pacific white shrimp) and "Litopenaeus stylirostris" (Western blue shrimp), but has also been reported in three other American species, namely "Farfantepenaeus aztecus", "Farfantepenaeus californiensis", and "Litopenaeus setiferus". The highest mortality rates occur in "L. vannamei", which is one of the two most frequently farmed species of shrimp. Untreated, the disease causes mortality rates of up to 90 percent within 30 days. A first outbreak of NHP had been reported in Texas in 1985; the disease then spread to shrimp aquacultures in South America, in 2009 to China and subsequently Southeast Asia, followed by massive outbreaks in that region in 2012-2013.
NHP is associated with a small, gram-negative, and highly pleomorphic "Rickettsia"-like bacterium that belongs to its own, new genus in the alpha proteobacteria. However, in early-2013 a novel strain of "Vibrio parahaemolyticus" was identified as a more likely causative agent, though involvement of a virus cannot be definitely ruled out yet.
The aetiological agent is the pathogenic agent Candidatus "Hepatobacter penaei", an obligate intracellular bacterium of the Order α-Proteobacteria.
Infected shrimps show gross signs including soft shells and flaccid bodies, black or darkened gills, dark edges of the pleopods, and uropods, and an atrophied hepatopancreas that is whitish instead of orange or tan as is usual.
Whichever of the two bacteria associated with NHP actually causes it, the pathogen seems to prefer high water temperatures (above ) and elevated levels of salinity (more than 20–38 ppt). Avoiding such conditions in shrimp ponds is thus an important disease control measure.
Early diagnosis is difficult as the disease often looks early on like a simple superficial skin infection. While a number of laboratory and imaging modalities can raise the suspicion for necrotizing fasciitis, the gold standard for diagnosis is a surgical exploration in the setting of high suspicion. When in doubt, a small "keyhole" incision can be made into the affected tissue, and if a finger easily separates the tissue along the fascial plane, the diagnosis is confirmed and an extensive debridement should be performed.
Computed tomography (CT scan) is able to detect approximately 80% of cases while MRI may pick up slightly more.
The Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score can be utilized to risk stratify people having signs of cellulitis to determine the likelihood of necrotizing fasciitis being present. It uses six serologic measures: C-reactive protein, total white blood cell count, hemoglobin, sodium, creatinine and glucose. A score greater than or equal to 6 indicates that necrotizing fasciitis should be seriously considered. The scoring criteria are as follows:
- CRP (mg/L) ≥150: 4 points
- WBC count (×10/mm)
- <15: 0 points
- 15–25: 1 point
- >25: 2 points
- Hemoglobin (g/dL)
- >13.5: 0 points
- 11–13.5: 1 point
- <11: 2 points
- Sodium (mmol/L) <135: 2 points
- Creatinine (umol/L) >141: 2 points
- Glucose (mmol/L) >10: 1 point
As per the derivation study of the LRINEC score, a score of ≥6 is a reasonable cut-off to rule in necrotizing fasciitis, but a LRINEC <6 does not completely rule out the diagnosis. Diagnoses of severe cellulitis or abscess should also be considered due to similar presentations. 10% of patients with necrotizing fasciitis in the original study still had a LRINEC score <6. But a validation study showed that patients with a LRINEC score ≥6 have a higher rate of both mortality and amputation.
For staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome, the diagnosis is based strictly upon CDC criteria defined in 2011, as follows:
1. Body temperature > 38.9 °C (102.02 °F)
2. Systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg
3. Diffuse macular erythroderma
4. Desquamation (especially of the palms and soles) 1–2 weeks after onset
5. Involvement of three or more organ systems:
- Gastrointestinal (vomiting, diarrhea)
- Muscular: severe myalgia or creatine phosphokinase level at least twice the upper limit of normal for laboratory
- Mucous membrane hyperemia (vaginal, oral, conjunctival)
- Kidney failure (serum creatinine > 2 times normal)
- Liver inflammation (bilirubin, AST, or ALT > 2 times normal)
- Low platelet count (platelet count < 100,000 / mm)
- Central nervous system involvement (confusion without any focal neurological findings)
6. Negative results of:
- Blood, throat, and CSF cultures for other bacteria (besides "S. aureus")
- Negative serology for "Rickettsia" infection, leptospirosis, and measles
Cases are classified as confirmed or probable based on:
- Confirmed: All six of the criteria above are met (unless the patient dies before desquamation can occur)
- Probable: Five of the six criteria above are met
The severity of this disease frequently warrants hospitalization. Admission to the intensive care unit is often necessary for supportive care (for aggressive fluid management, ventilation, renal replacement therapy and inotropic support), particularly in the case of multiple organ failure. The source of infection should be removed or drained if possible: abscesses and collections should be drained. Anyone wearing a tampon at the onset of symptoms should remove it immediately. Outcomes are poorer in patients who do not have the source of infection removed.
Antibiotic treatment should cover both "S. pyogenes" and "S. aureus". This may include a combination of cephalosporins, penicillins or vancomycin. The addition of clindamycin or gentamicin reduces toxin production and mortality.
Even without treatment they rarely result in death as they will naturally break through the skin.
The diagnosis of Buruli ulcer is usually based on the characteristic appearance of the ulcer in an endemic area. If there is any doubt about the diagnosis, then PCR using the IS2404 target is helpful, but this is not specific for "M. ulcerans". The Ziehl-Neelsen stain is only 40–80% sensitive, and culture is 20–60% sensitive. Simultaneous use of multiple methods may be necessary to make the diagnosis.
For those with a history of intravenous drug use, an X-ray is recommended before treatment to verify that no needle fragments are present. In this population if there is also a fever present infectious endocarditis should be considered.
The disease is associated with high morbidity and mortality and mainly affects children under the age of twelve in the poorest countries of Africa. Children in Asia and some countries of South America are also affected. Most children who get the disease are between the ages of two and six years old. The WHO estimates that 500,000 people are affected, and that 140,000 new cases are reported each year. The mortality rate is approximately 90 percent.
Known in antiquity to such physicians as Hippocrates and Galen, noma was once reported around the world, including Europe and the United States. With improvements in hygiene and nutrition, noma has disappeared from industrialized countries since the 20th century, except during World War II when it was endemic to Auschwitz and Belsen concentration camps. The disease and treatments were studied by Berthold Epstein, a Czech physician and forced-labor prisoner who had recommended the study under Josef Mengele's direction.
The progression of the disease can be halted with the use of antibiotics and improved nutrition; however, its physical effects are permanent and may require oral and maxillofacial surgery or reconstructive plastic surgery to repair. Reconstruction is usually very challenging and should be delayed until full recovery (usually about one year following initial intervention).
Lucio's phenomenon is treated by anti-leprosy therapy (dapsone, rifampin, and clofazimine), optimal wound care, and treatment for bacteremia including antibiotics. In severe cases exchange transfusion may be helpful.
There is no cure for short bowel syndrome except transplant. In newborn infants, the 4-year survival rate on parenteral nutrition is approximately 70%. In newborn infants with less than 10% of expected intestinal length, 5 year survival is approximately 20%. Some studies suggest that much of the mortality is due to a complication of the total parenteral nutrition (TPN), especially chronic liver disease. Much hope is vested in Omegaven, a type of lipid TPN feed, in which recent case reports suggest the risk of liver disease is much lower.
Although promising, small intestine transplant has a mixed success rate, with postoperative mortality rate of up to 30%. One-year and 4-year survival rate are 90% and 60%, respectively.
There is no specific vaccine for "Myocobacterium ulcerans". The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine may offer temporary protection.
NL is diagnosed by a skin biopsy, demonstrating superficial and deep perivascular and interstitial mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate (including lymphocytes, plasma cells, mononucleated and multinucleated histiocytes, and eosinophils) in the dermis and subcutis, as well as necrotising vasculitis with adjacent necrobiosis and necrosis of adnexal structures. Areas of necrobiosis are often more extensive and less well defined than in granuloma annulare. Presence of lipid in necrobiotic areas may be demonstrated by Sudan stains. Cholesterol clefts, fibrin, and mucin may also be present in areas of necrobiosis. Depending on the severity of the necrobiosis, certain cell types may be more predominant. When a lesion is in its early stages, neutrophils may be present, whereas in later stages of development lymphocytes and histiocytes may be more predominant.
A positive diagnosis test for thiamine deficiency can be ascertained by measuring the activity of the enzyme transketolase in erythrocytes (Erythrocyte Transketolase Activation Assay). Thiamine, as well as its phosphate derivatives, can also be detected directly in whole blood, tissues, foods, animal feed, and pharmaceutical preparations following the conversion of thiamine to fluorescent thiochrome derivatives (Thiochrome Assay) and separation by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In recent reports, a number of Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) techniques and in-capillary enzyme reaction methods have emerged as potential alternative techniques for the determination and monitoring of thiamine in samples.
The normal thiamine concentration in EDTA-blood is about 20-100 µg/l.
Symptoms of short bowel syndrome are usually addressed with medication. These include:
- Anti-diarrheal medicine (e.g. loperamide, codeine)
- Vitamin, mineral supplements and L-glutamine powder mixed with water
- H2 blocker and proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acid
- Lactase supplement (to improve the bloating and diarrhoea associated with lactose intolerance)
In 2004, the USFDA approved a therapy that reduces the frequency and volume of total parenteral nutrition (TPN), comprising: NutreStore (oral solution of glutamine) and Zorbtive (growth hormone, of recombinant DNA origin, for injection) together with a specialized oral diet. In 2012, an advisory panel to the USFDA voted unanimously to approve for treatment of SBS the agent teduglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-2 analog developed by NPS Pharmaceuticals, who intend to market the agent in the United States under the brandname Gattex. Teduglutide had been previously approved for use in Europe and is marketed under the brand Revestive by Nycomed.
Surgical procedures to lengthen dilated bowel include the Bianchi procedure, where the bowel is cut in half and one end is sewn to the other, and a newer procedure called serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP), where the bowel is cut and stapled in a zigzag pattern. Heung Bae Kim, MD, and Tom Jaksic, MD, both of Children's Hospital Boston, devised the STEP procedure in the early 2000s. The procedure lengthens the bowel of children with SBS and may allow children to avoid the need for intestinal transplantation. As of June 2009, Kim and Jaksic have performed 18 STEP procedures. The Bianchi and STEP procedures are usually performed by pediatric surgeons at quaternary hospitals who specialize in small bowel surgery.
There is no clearly defined cure for necrobiosis. NLD may be treated with PUVA therapy and improved therapeutic control.
Although there are some techniques that can be used to diminish the signs of necrobiosis such as low dose aspirin orally, a steroid cream or injection into the affected area, this process may be effective for only a small percentage of those treated.
Many people with beriberi can be treated with thiamine alone. Given thiamine intravenously (and later orally), rapid and dramatic recovery can occur within hours. In situations where concentrated thiamine supplements are unavailable, feeding the person with a thiamine-rich diet (e.g. whole grain brown bread) will lead to recovery, though at a much slower rate.
Following thiamine treatment, rapid improvement occurs, in general, within 24 hours. Improvements of peripheral neuropathy may require several months of thiamine treatment.
Professional divers are screened for risk factors during initial and periodical medical examination for fitness to dive. In most cases recreational divers are not medically screened, but are required to provide a medical statement before acceptance for training in which the most common and easy to identify risk factors must be declared. If these factors are declared, the diver may be required to be examined by a medical practitioner, and may be disqualified from diving if the conditions indicate.
Asthma, Marfan syndrome, and COPD pose a very high risk of pneumothorax. In some countries these may be considered absolute contraindications, while in others the severity may be taken into consideration. Asthmatics with a mild and well controlled condition may be permitted to dive under restricted circumstances.
The main pathological features of this disease are a vasculitis affecting all cutaneous vessels.
There are by five characteristic features:
- colonisation of endothelial cells by acid-fast bacilli
- endothelial proliferation and marked thickening of vessel walls to the point of obliteration
- angiogenesis
- vascular ectasia
- thrombosis of the superficial and mid-dermal blood vessels
The likely pathogenesis is endothelial cell injury due to colonization/invasion followed by proliferation, angiogensis, thrombosis and vessel ectasia.
Isolated mechanical forces may not adequately explain ventilator induced lung injury (VILI). The damage is affected by the interaction of these forces and the pre-existing state of the lung tissues, and dynamic changes in alveolar structure may be involved. Factors such as plateau pressure and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) alone do not adequately predict injury. Cyclic deformation of lung tissue may play a large part in the cause of VILI, and contributory factors probably include tidal volume, positive end-expiratory pressure and respiratory rate. There is no protocol guaranteed to avoid all risk in all applications.
In rounded atelectasis (Folded lung or Blesovsky syndrome), an outer portion of the lung slowly collapses as a result of scarring and shrinkage of the membrane layers covering the lungs (pleura), which would show as visceral pleural thickening and entrapment of lung tissue. This produces a rounded appearance on x-ray that doctors may mistake for a tumor. Rounded atelectasis is usually a complication of asbestos-induced disease of the pleura, but it may also result from other types of chronic scarring and thickening of the pleura.
Treatment is directed at correcting the underlying cause. Post-surgical atelectasis is treated by physiotherapy, focusing on deep breathing and encouraging coughing. An incentive spirometer is often used as part of the breathing exercises. Walking is also highly encouraged to improve lung inflation. People with chest deformities or neurologic conditions that cause shallow breathing for long periods may benefit from mechanical devices that assist their breathing. One method is continuous positive airway pressure, which delivers pressurized air or oxygen through a nose or face mask to help ensure that the alveoli do not collapse, even at the end of a breath. This is helpful, as partially inflated alveoli can be expanded more easily than collapsed alveoli. Sometimes additional respiratory support is needed with a mechanical ventilator.
The primary treatment for acute massive atelectasis is correction of the underlying cause. A blockage that cannot be removed by coughing or by suctioning the airways often can be removed by bronchoscopy. Antibiotics are given for an infection. Chronic atelectasis is often treated with antibiotics because infection is almost inevitable. In certain cases, the affected part of the lung may be surgically removed when recurring or chronic infections become disabling or bleeding is significant. If a tumor is blocking the airway, relieving the obstruction by surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or laser therapy may prevent atelectasis from progressing and recurrent obstructive pneumonia from developing.
A diagnostic test for statin-associated auto-immune necrotizing myopathy will be available soon in order to differentiate between different types of myopathies during diagnosis. The presence of abnormal spontaneous electrical activity in the resting muscles indicates an irritable myopathy and is postulated to reflect the presence of an active necrotising myopathic process or unstable muscle membrane potential. However, this finding has poor sensitivity and specificity for predicting the presence of an inflammatory myopathy on biopsy. Further research into this spontaneous electrical activity will allow for a more accurate differential diagnosis between the different myopathies.
Currently a muscle biopsy remains a critical test, unless the diagnosis can be secured by genetic testing. Genetic testing is a less invasive test and if it can be improved upon that would be ideal. Molecular genetic testing is now available for many of the more common metabolic myopathies and muscular dystrophies. These tests are costly and are thus best used to confirm rather than screen for a diagnosis of a specific myopathy. Due to the cost of these tests, they are best used to confirm rather than screen for a diagnosis of a specific myopathy. It is the hope of researchers that as these testing methods improve in function, both costs and access will become more manageable
The increased study of muscle pathophysiology is of importance to researchers as it helps to better differentiate inflammatory versus non-inflammatory and to aim treatment as part of the differential diagnosis. Certainly classification schemes that better define the wide range of myopathies will help clinicians to gain a better understanding of how to think about these patients. Continued research efforts to help appreciate the pathophysiology will improve clinicians ability to administer the most appropriate therapy based on the particular variety of myopathy.
The mechanism for myopathy in individuals with low vitamin D is not completely understood. A decreased availability of 250HD leads to mishandling of cellular calcium transport to the sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, and is associated with reduced actomyosin content of myofibrils.
Scleritis is best detected by examining the sclera in daylight; retracting the lids helps determine the extent of involvement. Other aspects of the eye exam (i.e. visual acuity testing, slit lamp examination, etc.) may be normal. Scleritis may be differentiated from episcleritis by using phenylephrine or neosynephrine eye drops, which causes blanching of the blood vessels in episcleritis, but not in scleritis.
Ancillary tests CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasonographies can be helpful, but do not replace the physical examination.