Neurological Manifestations among Patients with HIV – Active Tuberculosis co Infection

At least one-third of the 35.3 million people living with HIV worldwide are infected with latent tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is the most common presenting illness among people living with HIV, including those who are taking antiretroviral treatment. There were an estimated 1.1 million HIV positive new TB cases globally in 2012. Around 75% of these people live in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite its great burden, neurological manifestations have not been described yet in patients with HIV-active tuberculosis, although tuberculosis and HIV have synergistic influence on immunity system which may contribute to change in prevalence or severity of CNS involvement in patients with HIV-active TB co infection. Objectives: To study neurological manifestations in patients with HIV-active tuberculosis.</jats:p

Correction: Evolving Trends in the Management of Acute Appendicitis During COVID-19 Waves: The ACIE Appy II Study (World Journal of Surgery, (2022), 46, 9, (2021-2035), 10.1007/s00268-022-06649-z)

In the original online version of this article Oreste Claudio Buonomo’s family name was misspelled. The original article was corrected

Evolving Trends in the Management of Acute Appendicitis During COVID-19 Waves: The ACIE Appy II Study

Background: In 2020, ACIE Appy study showed that COVID-19 pandemic heavily affected the management of patients with acute appendicitis (AA) worldwide, with an increased rate of non-operative management (NOM) strategies and a trend toward open surgery due to concern of virus transmission by laparoscopy and controversial recommendations on this issue. The aim of this study was to survey again the same group of surgeons to assess if any difference in management attitudes of AA had occurred in the later stages of the outbreak. Methods: From August 15 to September 30, 2021, an online questionnaire was sent to all 709 participants of the ACIE Appy study. The questionnaire included questions on personal protective equipment (PPE), local policies and screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection, NOM, surgical approach and disease presentations in 2021. The results were compared with the results from the previous study. Results: A total of 476 answers were collected (response rate 67.1%). Screening policies were significatively improved with most patients screened regardless of symptoms (89.5% vs. 37.4%) with PCR and antigenic test as the preferred test (74.1% vs. 26.3%). More patients tested positive before surgery and commercial systems were the preferred ones to filter smoke plumes during laparoscopy. Laparoscopic appendicectomy was the first option in the treatment of AA, with a declined use of NOM. Conclusion: Management of AA has improved in the last waves of pandemic. Increased evidence regarding SARS-COV-2 infection along with a timely healthcare systems response has been translated into tailored attitudes and a better care for patients with AA worldwide