Israel Medical Association Journal

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) events are rare in premenopausal women. Nevertheless, women with depression have a higher prevalence of CVD. Patients with depression present with endothelial dysfunction and impaired ability to regenerate endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs).

Objectives: To understand the association between depression and CVD, especially in young women.

Methods: We collected peripheral blood samples from 30 premenopausal women diagnosed with major depression and 28 aged-matched healthy women. From these blood samples, we extracted RNA and conducted RNA sequencing to obtain comprehensive gene expression profiles. Gene expression analysis was performed to identify differences between the two groups.

Results: We detected 6540 differentially expressed genes between the two groups, of which 5577 were downregulated and 963 up regulated. Of these genes, we detected a significant decrease of CD144 (VE-Cadherin) (P = 0.0001), CD146 (MCAM) (P = 0.0001) and CD133 (PROM1) (P = 0.00009), all known to enhance EPCs and regeneration of damaged blood vessels. A significant increase was found in the expression of CD31 (PECAM1) (P = 0.0003) and CD45 (PTPRC) (P = 0.00001), both known to promote atherogenesis and thrombogenesis with platelet and T lymphocyte activation.

Conclusions: Young premenopausal women with depression had an impaired ability to grow colony forming units of endothelial progenitor cells (CFU-EPCs). Young women with depression are more vulnerable genetically to develop CVD because of the downregulated genes of the stem cells endothelial vascular regeneration and upregulation of genes coding for platelet and T lymphocyte activation, thus accelerating the atherosclerotic and atherothrombotic pathway.

Background: Acute skin infections, like cellulitis or erysipelas, are common and respond well to antibiotic treatment. However, complete resolution of the inflammatory process is often slow and associated with prolonged pain and reduced mobility. Several studies have indicated that acupuncture may effectively treat inflammatory skin diseases.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture for treating cellulitis in patients hospitalized in internal medicine departments.

Methods: In this pilot randomized sham-controlled trial, patients hospitalized with cellulitis in internal medicine departments were randomized to acupuncture or sham acupuncture, in addition to standard care. The primary outcome was the degree of improvement in the cellulitis score at day 4 of hospitalization. Secondary endpoints included patient pain self-assessment and local and systemic inflammatory signs.

Results: The study comprised 29 patients; 15 treated with acupuncture, 14 by a sham procedure. At day 4, patients in the acupuncture arm had an improved cellulitis score (4.1 ± 2.8) compared with the sham-control group (7.9 ± 3.3, P = 0.003). Pain intensity based on the Visual Assessment Scale was lower in the acupuncture group 3.8 ± 2.7 vs. 6.3 ± 2.8; P = 0.023. There was no difference in the rate of leukocyte change. However, C-reactive protein significantly decreased to 27.0 ± 22.1 mg/L at day 4 following acupuncture compared to 63.9 ± 51.9 mg/L (P = 0.025).

Conclusions: In our pilot study, we found acupuncture to be efficacious as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of leg cellulitis. A large-scale trial on the effectiveness of acupuncture for skin infections is needed.

Myositis is described as any disease-causing inflammation in muscles. Muscle weakness is the most common symptom. Etiology includes infection, injury, medication side effects, and autoimmune conditions. The treatment varies according to the cause [1]. Statin induced necrotizing autoimmune myopathy (SINAM) is an exceptionally rare yet devastating complication of statin therapy that can occur at any time after initiation. The condition is also known as anti-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase antibody (anti-HMGCR antibody) myopathy. SINAM should be considered in patients who develop proximal muscle weakness and marked elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) while taking statin therapy [2]. We report on a patient who presented with excessive fatigue, generalized muscle pain, and weakness without dysphagia.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening disorder of immune dysregulation characterized by an inadequate attenuation of the cytotoxic and innate immune system resulting in uncontrolled inflammation in multiple organ systems. Predominant clinical findings include fever, cytopenia, and hepatosplenomegaly [1].

Infectious diseases are a well-documented trigger of HLH, with viral infection being the most common cause. Less commonly, HLH has also been reported in the setting of bacterial infections, with rare cases described secondary to rickettsial diseases [1]. In this report, we present a case of HLH in the setting of bacterial infection with Rickettsia typhi, murine typhus.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious and growing global health challenge. The number of people diagnosed with diabetes continues to rise, and it is projected that by 2035 more than 592 million individuals worldwide will have diabetes [1]. DM can impact the heart through various mechanisms. Vascular complications are associated with diabetes and include both epicardial coronary artery and small vessel disease. Cardiomyopathy and heart failure may also occur. Insulin resistance causes cardiomyocytes to have a reduced capacity for glucose utilization, leading to increased uptake of free fatty acids. This, in turn, results in triglyceride storage and lipotoxicity, which contribute to impaired cardiac contractility [2].

Diabetes may lead to the production of advanced glycation end (AGE) products, resulting in an accumulation of reactive oxygen species. This accumulation triggers inflammation that can cause myocyte apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. AGE can also contribute to cardiac fibrosis, which increases myocardial stiffness and results in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) [2].

A 38-year-old immunocompetent male with a history of Hodgkin's lymphoma in remission presented to the emergency department at Rambam Hospital with infectious mononucleosis due to an acute cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. He was also diagnosed with portal vein thrombosis (PVT). After a thorough laboratory and radiological investigation, these two diagnoses were found to be related. No other explanation was identified except for transiently detected antiphospholipid antibodies, which were assumed to be provoked by the CMV infection. In this review, we investigated the relationship between CMV infection and a hypercoagulable state. We searched the PubMed database for case reports, clinical reviews, and meta-analyses that reviewed the relationship between CMV infection and deep vein thrombosis. The incidence of thromboembolism in patients with acute CMV infection was reported to be as high as 6.4%. In addition, anti-cardiolipin antibodies were more commonly present at the time of PVT diagnosis among CMV-positive patients compared to CMV-negative patients, although these antibodies disappeared in most cases. To the best of our knowledge, there is no evidence of added benefit from antiviral therapy in patients with CMV-associated thrombosis. CMV infection may serve as a trigger for a transient hypercoagulable state.

The Dina Recanati School of Medicine at Reichman University was founded as a testament to the Zionist vision of its founders: Prof. Uriel Reichman, Mr. Oudi Recanati, and prominent leaders from Israel’s foremost medical institutions, including Rabin Medical Center, Schneider Children’s Medical Center, Clalit Health Services, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, and the Sheba Medical Center. United by a shared purpose, they established the school to tackle a critical challenge in Israeli healthcare: the growing need for locally trained physicians.

Among the people who contributed to the idea were the editors of the Israel Medical Association (IMAJ), Prof. Yehuda Shoenfeld, Prof. Joshua Shemer, and Prof. Zvi Spirer who presented the idea to Prof. Reichman, 10 years ago.

Among the advancements in echocardiography, the introduction of two-dimensional strain marked a pivotal moment in the quantitative evaluation of cardiac function. In fact, Global longitudinal strain (GLS) has emerged as a key focus due to its robust validation and evidence base. GLS provides a comprehensive assessment of left ventricular function, which offers greater sensitivity in detecting subtle changes compared to traditional metrics such as ejection fraction. In this position paper, we elucidate the rationale behind routine global longitudinal strain calculation, offering practical recommendations and insights for its implementation in clinical echocardiography. By bridging technical nuances with clinical relevance, the calculation of longitudinal strain aims to optimize patient care and enhance the diagnostic precision of echocardiographic examinations.

On 9 August 1938, prisoners from Dachau concentration camp near Munich were sent to the town of Mauthausen in Austria to begin building a new camp. The site was chosen because of the nearby granite quarry and its proximity to Linz [1,2].

Mauthausen initially served as a prison camp for common criminals, prostitutes, and other categories of incorrigible law offenders. However, on 8 May 1939, it was converted to a labor camp. Later, Mauthausen KL became a Nazi concentration camp on a hill above the market town of Mauthausen, approximately 20 kilometers from Linz. It was complemented with dozens of subcamps in the surrounding areas.

Background: On 7 October 2023, an armed conflict erupted between Hamas and Israel, leading to numerous combat casualties.

Objectives: To describe computed tomography (CT) findings of combat casualties at a tertiary medical center during the first 3 months of the conflict.

Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients admitted between 7 October 2023 and 7 January 2024. Adults with conflict-related trauma who underwent chest, abdomen, and pelvis (body) trauma protocol CT scans were included.

Results: Of 272 patients who underwent body trauma protocol CT, 112 combat-related adults were included, mean age of 27 years and one female. In total, 82 patients (73%) underwent additional scans of the head and neck or extremities. Fractures were observed in 53 patients (47%). Vascular injuries were present in 40 patients (35%). Limb injuries were most common, affecting 37 patients (33%), which prompted a protocol update. Lung injuries were the most common in body CT: 30 patients (27%). Head and neck injuries were seen in 21 patients (18%). Multisystem trauma was present in 24 patients (21%). A total of 83 patients (74%) underwent surgery, mostly orthopedic/soft tissue surgeries (63%); 15 (13%) underwent abdominal surgery, with bowel injuries confirmed in eight cases.

Conclusions: CT scans are an important tool in conflict trauma management. Limb injuries were the most frequent, necessitating protocol adjustments. Lung injuries were the most common body injury; 21% of patients had multisystem trauma. Most patients required surgery.

The Dina Recanati School of Medicine at Reichman University offers a unique approach to preclinical medical education, combining strong scientific foundations with practical, clinical applications. This 4-year program includes two preclinical years focused on core medical knowledge and two clinical years of rotations. The curriculum emphasizes small-group learning, early clinical exposure, and a system-based block structure. Starting from the first week of the preclinical years, students will participate in biweekly clinical days, using simulations, virtual reality, and patient interactions to develop practical clinical skills. The community clinic mentorship offers real-world experience that complements the clinical program taught in class during the same week. Research is central, with students conducting supervised projects aimed at a medical doctor thesis publication. The teaching model ensures relevance by integrating clinical cases into all courses, guided by practicing physicians. Daily quizzes and block-style assessments replace traditional examination periods, promoting consistent learning. The innovative program balances clinical practice with scientific knowledge, preparing students for the challenges of modern medicine.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic showed the need to evaluate disease severity promptly at the time of hospital admission. 

Objectives: To establish an admission protocol, which included clinical and laboratory findings. 

Methods: We conducted a retrospective study at Wolfson Medical Center, Israel, for a period of 19 months (2020–2021). We established a protocol for patients who were admitted with COVID-19 infection. The protocol parameters included demographic data, co-morbidities, immune status, oxygen level at room air on admission, oxygen demand, lymphopenia, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, lactate dehydrogenase, D-DIMER, creatinine, aspartate transferase, alanine aminotransferase, and ferritin. Based on this protocol, we defined the severity of COVID-19 at the beginning of hospitalization and started treatment without delay. This protocol included ferritin levels as a guide to severity and outcome of patients. A database was established for all the parameters of the patients included in the study. 

Results: The study included 407 patients; 207 males (50.9%), 200 females (49.1%). The age range was 18–101 years. Hyperferritinemia (> 1000 ng/dl) was one of the strongest and most significant predictors for severe disease in these patients (P < 0.001). Lymphopenia, high levels of CRP, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatinine also correlated with severe disease, complications, and death. 

Conclusions: Abnormal ferritin levels were a very significant and clear indicator of the development of severe COVID-19. The addition of ferritin levels to our protocol aided in finding which patients were at increased risk for morbidity and mortality.

Background: Prognostication is complex in patients critically ill with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Objectives: To describe the natural history of ventilated critical COVID-19 patients.

Methods: Due to our legal milieu, active withdrawal of care is not permitted, providing an opportunity to examine the natural history of ventilated critical COVID-19 patients. This retrospective cohort included COVID-19 ICU patients who required mechanical ventilation. Respiratory and laboratory parameters were followed from initiation of mechanical ventilation for 14 days or until extubation, death or tracheostomy.

Results: A total of 112 patients were included in the analysis. Surviving patients were younger than non-survivors (62 years [range 54–69] vs. 66 years [range 62–71], P = 0.01). Survivors had a shorter time to intubation, shorter ventilation duration, and longer hospital stay. Respiratory parameters at intubation were not predictive of mortality. Nevertheless, on ventilation day 10, many of the ventilatory parameters were significantly better in survivors. Regarding laboratory parameters, neutrophil counts were significantly higher in non-survivors on day 1 and C-reactive protein levels were significantly lower in survivors on day 10. Modeling using a generalized estimating equation showed small dynamic differences in ventilatory parameters predictive of survival.

Conclusions: In ventilated COVID-19 patients when there is no active care withdrawal, prognostication may be possible after a week; however, differences between survivors and non-survivors remain small.

Background: Management of patients with reported iodinated contrast media (ICM) allergy is not supported by sufficient data. It is assumed that these patients are at risk for severe reactions, and that premedication provides protection.

Objective: To examine current practice and prognosis in hospitalized patients with ICM allergy.

Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed data of 17,356 patients who were hospitalized between 2018 and 2022 and referred for imaging. No-allergy and allergy groups were matched by age, sex, co-morbidities, and indications for imaging. Statistical analysis compared demographic, clinical, and imaging-related parameters.

Results: Our study included records of 501 patients with ICM allergy and 16,855 with no allergy. Patients with allergy were older (70.92 ± 16.25 vs. 59.02 ± 23.74 years, P < 0.001), female preponderance (male proportion 42.5% vs. 54%, P < 0.001), and those with increased cardiovascular and metabolic co-morbidities. The rate of ICM injection was similar among patients with ICM allergy (34%) and no allergy (36%). Most patients with ICM allergy did not receive premedication. Allergic patients demonstrated increased mortality (25.9% vs. 16.5%, P < 0.001); however, this result was not associated with the diagnosis of allergy, anaphylactic reactions, or premedication.

Conclusions: ICM allergy is mostly reported in patients with advanced age and multiple co-morbidities. Mortality was not increased when compared to matched non-allergic individuals. Among patients with reported allergy who were injected with ICM, anaphylaxis was not a cause of death, although fewer than half received premedication. Prospective trials are warranted to revise the clinical approach to ICM allergy.

Background: Hospital-at-Home (HaH) programs offer medical services in the patient's home as an alternative to hospitalization across various medical fields. Previous studies have demonstrated that HaH provides several benefits for patients and the healthcare system. Rambam Health Care Center was the pioneer hospital in introducing HaH in Israel. Since April 2021, in collaboration with Maccabi Healthcare Services, the center has been providing home hospitalization services for patients with acute internal medicine illnesses based on an innovative model.

Objectives: To describe demographic data, background diseases, indications for HaH admissions, length of stay (LOS), 1-month and 1-week readmission rates, home mortality, and 1-month mortality.

Results: The study included 262 patients (135 men, 127 women), mean age 69.7 years (range 24–98, median 73). Patients had significant co-morbidities, with a Charlson Comorbidity Index score of 6.7. Among the patients, 170 were independent, 61 were incapacitated, and the remainder had various functional limitations. Most admissions were from internal medicine departments, 39 originating from the emergency department and the rest from other acute care wards. The primary indications for HaH admission included pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and cellulitis. The average hospital LOS was 48.9 hours, while the HaH LOS was 3.43 days. Readmission rates for the same initial conditions were 10% within 1 week and 14% within 1 month. Twenty-one patients died within 1 month of discharge from HaH, including one death during the HaH period.

Conclusions: This study highlighted the feasibility of home hospitalization as a viable alternative to traditional inpatient care in internal medicine.