Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) is a rare subtype of hemolytic anemia characterized by elevated hemolytic markers and red blood cell destruction. Though uncommon, MAHA can occur as a complication of acute pancreatitis because of the associated inflammatory response. Patients with MAHA secondary to pancreatitis show favorable outcomes when treated with plasma exchange.This paper presents the case of a patient diagnosed with acute pancreatitis-induced hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia, who was managed successfully with plasma exchange, steroids, and rituximab. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion in patients with acute pancreatitis who present with anemia, thrombocytopenia, and schistocytes on peripheral smears, even in the absence of end-organ injuries and with normal ADAMTS13 activity. The early initiation of plasmapheresis can be lifesaving. The timely introduction of rituximab in cases where plasma exchange and steroids are insufficient, despite the ADAMTS13 activity status, may lead to better outcomes.

Purpose: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers globally, with an increasing incidence rate. It is a heterogeneous disease, and early metastasis remains a challenge. Tumor budding, defined as single tumor cells or small clusters at the invasive front, has been suggested as a prognostic marker in various cancers, including breast cancer. This study aims to evaluate tumor budding in invasive breast carcinoma using the International Tumor Budding Consensus Conference (ITBCC) scoring system and explore its association with pathological characteristics and prognosis. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 100 mastectomy specimens of histopathologically confirmed invasive breast carcinoma, excluding cases that underwent chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Tumor budding was classified as low, intermediate, or high based on the ITBCC scoring method, and associations with clinicopathological features were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Tumor budding was classified as high in 52% of cases. A significant association was found between high tumor budding and higher tumor grade (P<0.001), negative estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor status (P<0.001), positive HER2neu status (P=0.003), and high Ki-67 levels (P<0.001). High tumor budding was also linked to higher T stage, and dermal lymphovascular invasion (P=0.001). Our findings support previous studies showing that high tumor budding is associated with poor prognostic factors such as higher tumor grade, negative hormone receptor status, and higher T stage. Conclusion Tumor budding is a potential prognostic marker in breast cancer, associated with more aggressive tumor characteristics.

Statins represent the first-line therapy for cholesterol management. However, for patients prone to statin side effects, unable to tolerate higher doses, or requiring additional low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction, ezetimibe alone or in combination with statins is recommended. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of combining lowor moderate-intensity statins with ezetimibe compared to high-intensity statin monotherapy, yielding reliable evidence to guide clinical decision-making and personalize treatment strategies. PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were systematically searched from inception until May 2023. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing a high-intensity statin with a low/ moderate-intensity statin with ezetimibe were included. The outcomes of interest comprised changes in concentrations of lipids—LDL-C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TGs)—and apolipoprotein (Apo) A1, Apo B, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), along with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). All data were analyzed using Review Manager version 5.4. p-values less than 0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. Overall, 20 RCTs, with 5,412 participants, were included. A low/moderate-intensity statin combined with ezetimibe yielded a significantly greater reduction in LDL-C levels than high-intensity statin monotherapy (mean difference [MD], −6.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], −10.95, −2.24; p=0.003; I 2 =84%). No significant differences were observed between combination and high-intensity statin monotherapy regarding TC, TG, or HDL-C levels. However, hs-CRP levels were significantly higher with combination therapy (MD, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.01, 0.64; p=0.04; I 2 =0%). Combination therapy involving a low/moderate-intensity statin with ezetimibe was significantly associated with lower LDL-C levels than high-intensity statin monotherapy. No significant differences were observed for TC, TGs, HDL-C, alanine transaminase, or MACE. However, creatine phosphokinase levels significantly increased with monotherapy.

Statins represent the first-line therapy for cholesterol management. However, for patients prone to statin side effects, unable to tolerate higher doses, or requiring additional low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction, ezetimibe alone or in combination with statins is recommended. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of combining lowor moderate-intensity statins with ezetimibe compared to high-intensity statin monotherapy, yielding reliable evidence to guide clinical decision-making and personalize treatment strategies. PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were systematically searched from inception until May 2023. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing a high-intensity statin with a low/ moderate-intensity statin with ezetimibe were included. The outcomes of interest comprised changes in concentrations of lipids—LDL-C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TGs)—and apolipoprotein (Apo) A1, Apo B, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), along with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). All data were analyzed using Review Manager version 5.4. p-values less than 0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. Overall, 20 RCTs, with 5,412 participants, were included. A low/moderate-intensity statin combined with ezetimibe yielded a significantly greater reduction in LDL-C levels than high-intensity statin monotherapy (mean difference [MD], −6.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], −10.95, −2.24; p=0.003; I 2 =84%). No significant differences were observed between combination and high-intensity statin monotherapy regarding TC, TG, or HDL-C levels. However, hs-CRP levels were significantly higher with combination therapy (MD, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.01, 0.64; p=0.04; I 2 =0%). Combination therapy involving a low/moderate-intensity statin with ezetimibe was significantly associated with lower LDL-C levels than high-intensity statin monotherapy. No significant differences were observed for TC, TGs, HDL-C, alanine transaminase, or MACE. However, creatine phosphokinase levels significantly increased with monotherapy.

Oral flavored solutions are effective for pain management. The intraoral application of sweet solutions at the injection site or on the tongue before local anesthetic administration leads to lower self-perceived pain than any other intervention. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effect of sweet taste on injection pain in patients undergoing dental procedures. This systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under registration number CRD42024571962 and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). An initial electronic search without a time limit up to September 2024 revealed 1,087 studies from indexed databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science). The Cochrane Bias Assessment Tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias. After eliminating duplicate and automated records, 103 studies were screened for inclusion. After reviewing the titles and abstracts and assessing the eligibility of the studies, three were excluded and eight RCTs were considered appropriate for inclusion and analysis. This review highlights that all the included studies reported significantly reduced pain perception after sweet solutions, regardless of the specific type or concentration.

Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) is a rare subtype of hemolytic anemia characterized by elevated hemolytic markers and red blood cell destruction. Though uncommon, MAHA can occur as a complication of acute pancreatitis because of the associated inflammatory response. Patients with MAHA secondary to pancreatitis show favorable outcomes when treated with plasma exchange.This paper presents the case of a patient diagnosed with acute pancreatitis-induced hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia, who was managed successfully with plasma exchange, steroids, and rituximab. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion in patients with acute pancreatitis who present with anemia, thrombocytopenia, and schistocytes on peripheral smears, even in the absence of end-organ injuries and with normal ADAMTS13 activity. The early initiation of plasmapheresis can be lifesaving. The timely introduction of rituximab in cases where plasma exchange and steroids are insufficient, despite the ADAMTS13 activity status, may lead to better outcomes.

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic placed unprecedented strain on hospital resources and manpower. This study assesses the impact of Malaysia’s nationwide lockdown on the incidence, types, severity, and outcomes of emergency general surgery (EGS) cases at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analysed the data of patients who underwent EGS procedures for the period 2017 and 2021. Results: During the pandemic period, there was a 48.3% reduction in EGS cases (n=889) compared to the pre-pandemic period (n=1720). Significant reductions were observed in surgeries for appendicitis, soft tissue infection, colorectal, urology, peptic ulcer, and vascular disorders in the COVID period. Conversely, procedures for biliary disorders and hernia complications increased by 7.4% and 5.5%, respectively. Length of hospital stay increased by 57.8% for patients with small bowel disorders, while ICU/HDU admissions rose by 43.5% for colorectal cases (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in mortality rates between the two periods. Conclusions The overall reduction in EGS procedures during the COVID-19 period was consistent with global trends. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the outcomes related to duration of stay, ICU/HDU utilisation, and mortality remained comparable to the pre-pandemic period. These findings highlight the adaptability of healthcare professionals in maintaining continuity and quality of emergency surgical care during a crisis.
Acute Care Surgery ; COVID-19 ; Pandemics

Purpose: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers globally, with an increasing incidence rate. It is a heterogeneous disease, and early metastasis remains a challenge. Tumor budding, defined as single tumor cells or small clusters at the invasive front, has been suggested as a prognostic marker in various cancers, including breast cancer. This study aims to evaluate tumor budding in invasive breast carcinoma using the International Tumor Budding Consensus Conference (ITBCC) scoring system and explore its association with pathological characteristics and prognosis. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 100 mastectomy specimens of histopathologically confirmed invasive breast carcinoma, excluding cases that underwent chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Tumor budding was classified as low, intermediate, or high based on the ITBCC scoring method, and associations with clinicopathological features were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Tumor budding was classified as high in 52% of cases. A significant association was found between high tumor budding and higher tumor grade (P<0.001), negative estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor status (P<0.001), positive HER2neu status (P=0.003), and high Ki-67 levels (P<0.001). High tumor budding was also linked to higher T stage, and dermal lymphovascular invasion (P=0.001). Our findings support previous studies showing that high tumor budding is associated with poor prognostic factors such as higher tumor grade, negative hormone receptor status, and higher T stage. Conclusion Tumor budding is a potential prognostic marker in breast cancer, associated with more aggressive tumor characteristics.

Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) is a rare subtype of hemolytic anemia characterized by elevated hemolytic markers and red blood cell destruction. Though uncommon, MAHA can occur as a complication of acute pancreatitis because of the associated inflammatory response. Patients with MAHA secondary to pancreatitis show favorable outcomes when treated with plasma exchange.This paper presents the case of a patient diagnosed with acute pancreatitis-induced hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia, who was managed successfully with plasma exchange, steroids, and rituximab. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion in patients with acute pancreatitis who present with anemia, thrombocytopenia, and schistocytes on peripheral smears, even in the absence of end-organ injuries and with normal ADAMTS13 activity. The early initiation of plasmapheresis can be lifesaving. The timely introduction of rituximab in cases where plasma exchange and steroids are insufficient, despite the ADAMTS13 activity status, may lead to better outcomes.