Colchicine has been utilized safely in a variety of cardiovascular clinical conditions. Among its potential mechanisms of action is the non-selective inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome which is thought to be a major pathophysiologic component in the clinical course of patients with COVID-19. GRECCO-19 will be a prospective, randomized, open-labeled, controlled study to assess the effects of colchicine in COVID-19 complications prevention. Patients with laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (under RT PCR) and clinical picture that involves temperature >37.5 oC and at least two out of the: i. sustained coughing, ii. sustained throat pain, iii. Anosmia and/or ageusia, iv. fatigue/tiredness, v. PaO2<95 mmHg will be included. Patients will be randomised (1:1) in colchicine or control group. Trial results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. GRECCO-19 trial aims to identify whether colchicine may positively intervene in the clinical course of COVID-19. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04326790).

Acute pancreatitis constitutes a systemic inflammatory process which is often accompanied by thrombosis and bleeding disorders. The role of platelets in the pathophysiology of the disease has not been elucidated yet. The present study focuses on two successive end-points: (1) the activation of platelets during acute pancreatitis and (2) the alterations of platelet number and indexes between onset and remission of the disease, which reflect the bone marrow response. A cohort of 54 patients with acute pancreatitis was enrolled. Cause and severity of the disease (APACHE II score) were estimated. Activated platelet ratio (APR) was estimated using flow cytometry at onset and remission. Platelet number (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR) and platelet distribution width (PDW) were collected at onset and remission. The first end-point was reached in patient 14 as APR was found elevated at onset of acute pancreatitis (p = 0.01). The second end-point was fulfilled in patient 12 for MPV, P-LCR and PDW, which were found elevated at remission of the disease (p < 0.01) but not for PLT until the last patient (p = 0.34). Platelets are directly involved in the systemic inflammatory process of acute pancreatitis, which leads to consumption, compensated by an immediate bone marrow response.

Purpose The purpose of this retrospective study is to present our clinical experience in the diagnosis and treatment of young athletes with popliteal artery entrapment syndrome. Design Retrospective Case Series Methods We report our experience with 5 patients with lower leg pain in a population of 2000 athletes in whom popliteal artery entrapment diagnosed with the use of duplex ultrasonography, computed tomography, digital subtraction angiography or conventional arteriography. Posterior surgical approach performed to offer better view of the anatomic structures compressing the popliteal artery. Results In 4 patients in whom compression had not yet damaged the arterial wall, no anatomical abnormalities found within the popliteal fossa during surgical exploration. Hypertrophy of gastrocnemious muscle was the only finding. In the fifth patient an anatomical abnormality found in which the artery following the classic aberrant course, looped medially to and then beneath the medial head of gastrocnemious. All patients recovered completely. Conclusions. We conclude that physicians who encounter athletes with progressive lower leg pain should consider functional popliteal artery entrapment surgery, which can prevent the disease’s progression. We discuss clinical symptoms of the syndrome, radiological and ultrasonographical findings, and diagnostic criteria. Early diagnosis is of great importance in order to avoid vascular complications, and aid in athletes’ early rehabilitation.