Publications

Scholarly Journals--Published

  • Acute COVID-19 infection in a pediatric patient with ROHHAD J Pediatr GenetDOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1718874 Daniel S. Udrea , Merrick Lopez, Michael Avesar, Sonea Qureshi, Anthony Moretti,  Shamel A. Abd-Allah, Harsha K. Chandnani The novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2) has led to a global pandemic. In the adult population, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been found to cause multiorgan system damage with predicted long-term sequelae. We present a case of a 10-year-old boy with a history of ROHHAD (rapid-onset obesity with hypothalamic dysregulation, hypoventilation, and autonomic dysregulation) who presented with hypoxia, emesis, and abdominal pain. Imaging found bilateral ground glass opacities in the lungs and a pericardial effusion. Laboratory evaluation was concerning for elevated inflammatory markers. Remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine, and anticoagulation (heparin and enoxaparin) were utilized. The patient's severe respiratory failure was managed with conventional mechanical ventilation, inhaled nitric oxide, and airway pressure release ventilation. We hope that this report provides insight into the course and management of the severe acute pediatric COVID-19 patient, specifically with underlying comorbidities such as ROHHAD. Clinical trial registration is none. (09/2020)
  • McGlothlin J., Crawford E., Wyatt J., Samayoa C., Vaks Y., Bruneau B., Lopez M., Moretti A., Wilson M. and Pappas J. (2017). Poke-R - Using Analytics to Reduce Patient.In Proceedings of the 10th International Joint Conference on Biomedical Engineering Systems and Technologies - Volume 5: HEALTHINF, (BIOSTEC 2017) ISBN 978-989-758-213-4, pages 362-369. DOI: 10.5220/0006174603620369 Abstract: Major events and surgeries are not the only sources of trauma during a hospital encounter. Many small, less invasive events such as shots, line placements, blood draws, and imaging studies happen throughout a patient’s hospital stay. Many of these less traumatic events have the potential to negatively impact patient outcomes by increasing the risk of hospital-acquired infections through skin invasions and exposure to organisms, reducing the patient experience by causing pain and frustration, increasing cost and causing other complications. The goal of this project is to reduce such events when they are not clinically required. This is an analytics project so this goal is facilitated by making accurate and meaningful information available to the appropriate personnel. This includes timely information to clinicians so they can alter treatment, and retrospective trend analysis to enable and track performance improvement and identify opportunities for additional process improvement. (05/2017) (link)
  • Xanthine oxidase does not contribute to apoptosis after brain hypoxia-ischemia in immature rabbits. Moretti A1, Ramirez A2, Mink R3.ISRN Neurosci. 2013 Aug 1;2013:253093. doi: 10.1155/2013/253093. eCollection 2013.   Background. The mechanisms involving the initiation of apoptosis after brain hypoxia-ischemia through caspase activation are not fully defined. Oxygen free radicals may be an important mediator of caspase initiation with reactive oxygen species generated by xanthine oxidase (XO) being one potential source. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of XO in apoptosis after global cerebral injury. Methods. Immature rabbits were subjected to 8 minutes hypoxia and 8 minutes ischemia and then 4 hours of reperfusion. In one group (n = 5), the XO substrate xanthine was infused to generate more oxygen free radicals to promote apoptosis while in another (n = 5), the XO inhibitor allopurinol was given to reduce apoptosis by preventing free radical production (n = 5). Control animals (n = 4) received the vehicles. Caspase 3, 8, and 9 enzyme activities were measured in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, thalamus, and caudate. Results. Administration of xanthine increased (P < 0.05) caspase 3 activity but only in the hippocampus, and pretreatment with allopurinol did not reduce it. No differences (P > 0.05) were found in any other region nor were there any changes in caspases 8 or 9 activities. Conclusion. We conclude that XO is not a major factor in inducing apoptosis after hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. (08/2013) (link)

Abstract

  • "External Nasal Dilator as an Adjuvant in the Management of Bronchiolitis"- Submitted for Publication Swayampakula, Anil Kumar‎, Eguchi, Jim‎, Jabo, Brice, Moretti, Anthony‎; Wilson, Michele‎, Ejike, Janeth C. (04/2017)