Does immune derangement occur in patients with H7N9 avian influenza?
Patients with avian H7N9 virus infection display profound SIRS concomitantly with an anti-inflammatory response, which may be associated with the rapid progression of and high mortality associated with this novel viral disease.
Digital rectal examination has no significant value in the acute diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome. This study further confirms that there is no discreet clinical protocol applicable with which to confidently confirm or rule out this diagnosis. DRE is traditionally enshrined as an essential facet of clinical assessment in suspected cauda equina syndrome but it cannot be used as a discriminator to ration urgent MRI scanning.