Background: The risk of thrombosis and bleeding in hospitalized patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is uncertain. Early studies suggested patients with COVID-19 may develop a unique coagulopathy marked by elevated thrombotic risk which has led some institutions to recommend stronger thromboprophylaxis in these patients. Our goal was to quantify the incidence of thrombosis and [...]

Background: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has demonstrated a range of presentations and outcomes affecting multiple organ systems. Acute kidney injury (AKI) associated with hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and related outcomes vary widely according to early reports. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of AKI, AKI in the setting of chronic kidney disease [...]

Background: A primary characteristic of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infections is its ability to remain latent in sensory neurons and reactivate later in life. Symptoms of HSV typically present at or near the point of entry. Each of the HSV subtypes is distinguishable from one another via their mode of transmission in addition to symptoms. [...]

Background: Patients with a pre-existing diagnosis of advanced cancer who discharge to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) after an acute care hospitalization rarely receive future oncologic treatment, have high readmission rates, and minimal hospice use. We aimed to evaluate survivorship of patients discharging to a SNF with a new diagnosis of cancer based on their [...]

Background: Age has been implicated as the main risk factor for COVID-19-related mortality. Yet, critical factors relevant to older patients, such as baseline function and life-sustaining treatment preferences, have not been considered. The objective of this study was to determine patient factors associated with mortality in hospitalized older adults with COVID-19. Methods: A retrospective cohort [...]

Background: Heart failure is expected to increase in prevalence globally.(1) The increased incidence of metabolic disorders coupled with the increase in life expectancy in Singapore has contributed to this trend. Heart failure poses a great burden on patients, caregivers and the healthcare system.Previous European studies have suggested that patients managed by internists differ in baseline [...]

Background: Approximately 10% adults with Sickle Cell disease (SCD) has Pulmonary hypertension (PHTN). There are several etiologies like hypoxia driven and microvascular obstruction contributing to PHTN. However, the in-hospital outcomes of PHTN on SCD has not been well studied. Methods: We queried 2018 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to identify SCD and different types of [...]

Background: Serum levels of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal (NT) proBNP are measured at admission to assess likelihood of acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Pro-BNP, released by myocardium due to cardiac wall distention, is cleaved into the active BNP and inactive NT-proBNP forms. Elevated NT-proBNP levels on initial presentation are a reliable marker of [...]

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive disease resulting in a broad range of functional and structural renal and cardiac alterations. Chronic kidney disease is with associated proteinuria, microalbuminuria and hemoglobinuria. Cardiac complications include diastolic heart disease, dysrhythmia and sudden death. In patients with advancing age, cardio-renal dysfunction can have substantial effects on [...]

Background: Individuals with autoantibodies against melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA-5) are reported to have a significant risk of developing rapidly progressive and fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD) in clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis patients (CADM). Previous cohort studies of dermatomyositis patients who have been systematically evaluated for the presence of anti-MDA5 antibodies and associated clinical features and [...]