2024
A Patient With Type 1 Diabetes and Acute Rhinosinusitis
Roman F, Azar M, Trubin P. A Patient With Type 1 Diabetes and Acute Rhinosinusitis. JAMA 2024, 331: 1586-1587. PMID: 38630502, DOI: 10.1001/jama.2024.0642.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2022
Rectal screening for azole non‐susceptible Candida species in patients undergoing liver transplantation
Radcliffe C, Patel KK, Azar MM, Koff A, Belfield KD, Peaper DR, Topal JE, Malinis M. Rectal screening for azole non‐susceptible Candida species in patients undergoing liver transplantation. Transplant Infectious Disease 2022, 24: e13811. PMID: 35184347, DOI: 10.1111/tid.13811.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAppropriate antifungal prophylaxisAntifungal prophylaxisRisk factorsTransplant recipientsRectal swabsSolid organ transplant recipientsCommon invasive fungal infectionYale-New Haven HospitalDays of LTTime of LTLiver transplant recipientsOrgan transplant recipientsRetrospective chart reviewMore risk factorsMultiple risk factorsInvasive fungal infectionsNew Haven HospitalPrimary LTLiver transplantationAdult patientsChart reviewLT candidatesRectal screeningCandida infectionsMedian number
2021
Increased Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Disease Using a Tissue-Based Laboratory-Developed Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay Compared to Standard Diagnostics.
Mackow NA, Abi-Raad R, Kerantzas CA, Hui P, Malinis M, Azar MM. Increased Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Disease Using a Tissue-Based Laboratory-Developed Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay Compared to Standard Diagnostics. American Journal Of Tropical Medicine And Hygiene 2021, 105: 1657-1661. PMID: 34544041, PMCID: PMC8641361, DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-0104.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAgedCulture TechniquesFemaleHumansLungLymph NodesMaleMiddle AgedMycobacterium tuberculosisPleuraReal-Time Polymerase Chain ReactionReference StandardsRetrospective StudiesSensitivity and SpecificitySputumTuberculosisTuberculosis, Lymph NodeTuberculosis, Multidrug-ResistantTuberculosis, PleuralTuberculosis, PulmonaryConceptsComposite reference standardMTB PCRAFB cultureMycobacterium tuberculosisPolymerase chain reactionAcid-fast bacilli smearMycobacterium tuberculosis diseasePositive AFB cultureChain reactionReal-time polymerase chain reactionStandard diagnosticsBacilli smearMTB casesTuberculosis diseaseClinical sensitivityLong turnaround timeXpertClinical performanceReference standardPCRVariable sensitivityTurnaround timeLymphPatientsTuberculosisCOVID‐19 in hospitalized lung and non‐lung solid organ transplant recipients: A comparative analysis from a multicenter study
Heldman MR, Kates OS, Safa K, Kotton CN, Georgia SJ, Steinbrink JM, Alexander BD, Hemmersbach‐Miller M, Blumberg EA, Crespo MM, Multani A, Lewis AV, Beaird O, Haydel B, La Hoz RM, Moni L, Condor Y, Flores S, Munoz CG, Guitierrez J, Diaz EI, Diaz D, Vianna R, Guerra G, Loebe M, Rakita RM, Malinis M, Azar MM, Hemmige V, McCort ME, Chaudhry ZS, Singh P, Hughes K, Velioglu A, Yabu JM, Morillis JA, Mehta SA, Tanna SD, Ison MG, Tomic R, Derenge A, van Duin D, Maximin A, Gilbert C, Goldman JD, Sehgal S, Weisshaar D, Girgis RE, Nelson J, Lease ED, Limaye AP, Fisher CE, Team T. COVID‐19 in hospitalized lung and non‐lung solid organ transplant recipients: A comparative analysis from a multicenter study. American Journal Of Transplantation 2021, 21: 2774-2784. PMID: 34008917, PMCID: PMC9215359, DOI: 10.1111/ajt.16692.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSolid organ transplant recipientsLung transplant recipientsOrgan transplant recipientsTransplant recipientsRisk factorsAllograft dysfunctionAdult solid organ transplant recipientsCOVID-19High mortalityChronic lung allograft dysfunctionOnly independent risk factorMultivariable logistic regression modelChronic allograft dysfunctionComorbidity-adjusted mortalityLung allograft dysfunctionMulticenter cohort studyIndependent risk factorCoronavirus disease 2019Logistic regression modelsLung transplantCohort studyHeart failureMulticenter studyDisease 2019MortalityRecurrent Hematochezia in a Returning Traveler
Gleeson SE, Zhang X, Azar MM. Recurrent Hematochezia in a Returning Traveler. JAMA 2021, 325: 1558-1559. PMID: 33666646, DOI: 10.1001/jama.2021.0368.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchA retrospective matched cohort single‐center study evaluating outcomes of COVID‐19 and the impact of immunomodulation on COVID‐19‐related cytokine release syndrome in solid organ transplant recipients
Ringer M, Azmy V, Kaman K, Tang D, Cheung H, Azar MM, Price C, Malinis M. A retrospective matched cohort single‐center study evaluating outcomes of COVID‐19 and the impact of immunomodulation on COVID‐19‐related cytokine release syndrome in solid organ transplant recipients. Transplant Infectious Disease 2021, 23: e13556. PMID: 33378571, PMCID: PMC7883059, DOI: 10.1111/tid.13556.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAgedAged, 80 and overAntibodies, Monoclonal, HumanizedCase-Control StudiesCohort StudiesComorbidityCOVID-19COVID-19 Drug TreatmentCytokine Release SyndromeFemaleGlucocorticoidsGraft RejectionHeart TransplantationHospitalizationHumansImmunologic FactorsImmunosuppressive AgentsInterleukin-10Interleukin-6Kidney TransplantationLiver TransplantationMaleMiddle AgedReceptors, Interleukin-2Retrospective StudiesSARS-CoV-2Severity of Illness IndexTreatment OutcomeYoung AdultConceptsCytokine release syndromeBody mass indexNon-SOT patientsSOT groupSOT patientsRelease syndromeInterleukin-6COVID-19-related cytokine release syndromeSoluble interleukin-2 receptor levelsControl groupInterleukin-2 receptor levelsSolid organ transplant patientsSolid organ transplant recipientsImpact of immunomodulationInterleukin-10 levelsOrgan transplant recipientsOrgan transplant patientsCritical care needsMulti-center studyCoronavirus disease 2019COVID-19Interleukin levelsIndex hospitalizationTransplant patientsTransplant recipients
2020
Clinicopathologic Features of Tissue Granulomas in Transplant Recipients: A Single Center Study in a Nontuberculosis Endemic Region.
Nussbaum EZ, Patel KK, Assi R, Raad RA, Malinis M, Azar MM. Clinicopathologic Features of Tissue Granulomas in Transplant Recipients: A Single Center Study in a Nontuberculosis Endemic Region. Archives Of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine 2020, 145: 988-999. PMID: 33290524, DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2020-0271-oa.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdolescentAdultAgedBartonellaBiopsyCommunicable DiseasesConnecticutCytomegalovirusFemaleGranulomaHematopoietic Stem Cell TransplantationHumansMaleMiddle AgedOrgan TransplantationPrevalenceRetrospective StudiesRisk AssessmentRisk FactorsTime FactorsTransplantation, HomologousTreatment OutcomeYoung AdultConceptsEpidemiologic risk factorsPresence of symptomsInfectious etiologyAsymptomatic patientsTransplant recipientsTissue granulomasClinicopathologic featuresRisk factorsAllogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipientsHematopoietic stem cell transplant recipientsStem cell transplant recipientsYale-New Haven HospitalCommon infectious etiologiesLarge transplant populationCell transplant recipientsSingle-center studyCryptogenic organizing pneumoniaNew Haven HospitalRoutine disease surveillancePaucity of literatureCytomegalovirus hepatitisPosttransplant specimensBiopsy indicationOrganizing pneumoniaTransplant patientsAdded Diagnostic Utility of Clinical Metagenomics for the Diagnosis of Pneumonia in Immunocompromised Adults
Azar MM, Schlaberg R, Malinis MF, Bermejo S, Schwarz T, Xie H, Dela Cruz CS. Added Diagnostic Utility of Clinical Metagenomics for the Diagnosis of Pneumonia in Immunocompromised Adults. CHEST Journal 2020, 159: 1356-1371. PMID: 33217418, DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2020.11.008.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsFinal clinical diagnosisDiagnostic yieldFungal pneumoniaImmunocompromised adultsMicrobiologic diagnosisAntimicrobial stewardshipMicrobiologic testingClinical diagnosisClinical metagenomicsCommunity-acquired pneumoniaStandard of careDiagnosis of pneumoniaAdult patientsRadiologic findingsBacterial pneumoniaBAL fluidProspective studyViral pneumoniaBacterial causePneumoniaDiagnostic utilityStudy designDiagnosisAdultsHypothetical impactTocilizumab Treatment for Cytokine Release Syndrome in Hospitalized Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 Survival and Clinical Outcomes
Price CC, Altice FL, Shyr Y, Koff A, Pischel L, Goshua G, Azar MM, Mcmanus D, Chen SC, Gleeson SE, Britto CJ, Azmy V, Kaman K, Gaston DC, Davis M, Burrello T, Harris Z, Villanueva MS, Aoun-Barakat L, Kang I, Seropian S, Chupp G, Bucala R, Kaminski N, Lee AI, LoRusso PM, Topal JE, Dela Cruz C, Malinis M. Tocilizumab Treatment for Cytokine Release Syndrome in Hospitalized Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 Survival and Clinical Outcomes. CHEST Journal 2020, 158: 1397-1408. PMID: 32553536, PMCID: PMC7831876, DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2020.06.006.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsCytokine release syndromeTocilizumab-treated patientsSevere diseaseRelease syndromeTocilizumab treatmentInflammatory biomarkersNonsevere diseaseSoluble IL-2 receptor levelsHigh-sensitivity C-reactive proteinIL-2 receptor levelsConsecutive COVID-19 patientsIL-6 receptor antagonistMechanical ventilation outcomesC-reactive proteinCOVID-19 patientsHigher admission levelsRace/ethnicityMV daysVentilation outcomesAdverse eventsChart reviewClinical responseMedian ageWhite patientsClinical outcomesDaptomycin perioperative prophylaxis for the prevention of vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus infection in colonized liver transplant recipients
Sarwar S, Koff A, Malinis M, Azar MM. Daptomycin perioperative prophylaxis for the prevention of vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus infection in colonized liver transplant recipients. Transplant Infectious Disease 2020, 22: e13280. PMID: 32216015, DOI: 10.1111/tid.13280.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsLiver transplant recipientsDays of LTVRE infectionTransplant recipientsPerioperative prophylaxisRisk factorsLT periodVancomycin-resistant enterococcus infectionAntibiotic prophylaxis regimenDays post-LTAcute cellular rejectionPrimary graft failureLiver transplantation recipientsRenal replacement therapyRetrospective chart reviewIntensive care unitMultiple risk factorsVancomycin-resistant EnterococcusCellular rejectionLT morbidityPost-LTPre-LTProphylaxis regimenCause mortalityVRE bacteremia
2018
Extended-release Naltrexone Improves Viral Suppression Among Incarcerated Persons Living with HIV and Alcohol use Disorders Transitioning to the Community
Springer SA, Di Paola A, Barbour R, Azar MM, Altice FL. Extended-release Naltrexone Improves Viral Suppression Among Incarcerated Persons Living with HIV and Alcohol use Disorders Transitioning to the Community. JAIDS Journal Of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes 2018, 79: 92-100. PMID: 29781884, PMCID: PMC6092223, DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001759.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAlcohol use disorderViral suppressionExtended-release naltrexoneXR-NTXPlacebo groupPlacebo-controlled trialMonthly injectionsSecondary outcomesTreat analysisIncarcerated individualsEligible participantsWhite raceUse disordersAlcohol consumptionHIVMonthsNaltrexoneBaselineDisordersInjectionIncarcerated peopleParticipantsPlaceboGroupSuppressionExtended-Release Naltrexone Improves Viral Suppression Among Incarcerated Persons Living With HIV With Opioid Use Disorders Transitioning to the Community
Springer SA, Di Paola A, Azar M, Barbour R, Biondi BE, Desabrais M, Lincoln T, Skiest DJ, Altice FL. Extended-Release Naltrexone Improves Viral Suppression Among Incarcerated Persons Living With HIV With Opioid Use Disorders Transitioning to the Community. JAIDS Journal Of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes 2018, 78: 43-53. PMID: 29373393, PMCID: PMC5889326, DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001634.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultCriminal LawDelayed-Action PreparationsDouble-Blind MethodFemaleFollow-Up StudiesHIV InfectionsHIV-1HumansInjections, IntramuscularMaleMiddle AgedMultivariate AnalysisNaltrexoneNarcotic AntagonistsOpioid-Related DisordersPrisonersProspective StudiesResearch DesignRNA, ViralTime FactorsTreatment OutcomeViral LoadConceptsOpioid use disorderViral suppressionXR-NTXPlacebo groupPrimary outcomeUse disordersXR-NTX groupPlacebo-controlled trialExtended-release naltrexoneStatistical significant differenceRelease naltrexoneMonthly injectionsEligible participantsTreatment groupsJail detaineesHIVMonthsBaselinePlaceboSignificant differencesNaltrexoneJail inmatesDisordersVS levelsOutcomesCase 1-2018: A 39-Year-Old Woman with Rapidly Progressive Respiratory Failure
Hibbert KA, Shepard JO, Lane RJ, Azar MM. Case 1-2018: A 39-Year-Old Woman with Rapidly Progressive Respiratory Failure. New England Journal Of Medicine 2018, 378: 182-190. PMID: 29320657, DOI: 10.1056/nejmcpc1712222.Peer-Reviewed Case Reports and Technical NotesMeSH KeywordsAdenoviridaeAdenoviridae InfectionsAdultAntiviral AgentsCidofovirCytosineDiagnosis, DifferentialFemaleHumansImmunocompromised HostLeukemia, Myeloid, AcuteLungNasopharynxOpportunistic InfectionsOrganophosphonatesRadiography, ThoracicRenal InsufficiencyRespiratory InsufficiencyStem Cell TransplantationTomography, X-Ray ComputedViral Load
2017
Clinical and epidemiological characterization of histoplasmosis cases in a nonendemic area, Connecticut, United States
Azar MM, Zhang X, Assi R, Hage C, Wheat LJ, Malinis MF. Clinical and epidemiological characterization of histoplasmosis cases in a nonendemic area, Connecticut, United States. Medical Mycology 2017, 56: 896-899. PMID: 29228334, DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myx120.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHuman immunodeficiency virusHistoplasmosis casesEpidemiology of histoplasmosisNon-endemic areasSymptom onsetAntigen testingMedian timeImmunodeficiency virusActive histoplasmosisNonendemic areasRetrospective analysisEndemic areasEpidemiological characterizationHistoplasmosisNew HavenDaysPatientsEpidemiologyDiagnosisCasesExtended-release naltrexone reduces alcohol consumption among released prisoners with HIV disease as they transition to the community
Springer SA, Di Paola A, Azar MM, Barbour R, Krishnan A, Altice FL. Extended-release naltrexone reduces alcohol consumption among released prisoners with HIV disease as they transition to the community. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2017, 174: 158-170. PMID: 28334661, PMCID: PMC5407009, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.01.026.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsHeavy drinking daysAlcohol use disorderFirst heavy drinking dayExtended-release naltrexoneXR-NTXDrinking daysPlacebo groupAlcohol consumptionDrinks/drinking dayPlacebo-controlled trialSerious adverse eventsDrinks/daySignificant differencesMonthly injectionsAdverse eventsHIV diseaseHIV outcomesTreatment armsAlcohol scoresMAIN OUTCOMEAlcohol consumption scoresUse disordersImprovement scoresDrinking outcomesNaltrexone
2016
Integrase strand transferase inhibitors: the preferred antiretroviral regimen in HIV-positive renal transplantation
Azar MM, Malinis MF, Moss J, Formica RN, Villanueva MS. Integrase strand transferase inhibitors: the preferred antiretroviral regimen in HIV-positive renal transplantation. International Journal Of STD & AIDS 2016, 28: 447-458. PMID: 27193421, DOI: 10.1177/0956462416651528.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsInhibitor-based regimensRenal transplantationHIV/AIDSAntiretroviral regimenAntiretroviral therapyGraft survivalHIV-positive renal transplant recipientsEnd-stage renal diseaseHIV-positive patientsRenal transplant recipientsChronic kidney diseaseThree-year survivalInhibitor-based therapyNon-nucleoside reverseDrug-drug interactionsTransferase inhibitorsImmunosuppressive medicationsKidney transplantationTransplant recipientsAllograft rejectionGraft failureRenal diseaseCalcineurin inhibitorsClinical outcomesImmunosuppressive drugs
2015
Blastomycosis in Indiana Clinical and Epidemiologic Patterns of Disease Gleaned from a Multicenter Retrospective Study
Azar MM, Assi R, Relich RF, Schmitt BH, Norris S, Wheat LJ, Hage CA. Blastomycosis in Indiana Clinical and Epidemiologic Patterns of Disease Gleaned from a Multicenter Retrospective Study. CHEST Journal 2015, 148: 1276-1284. PMID: 26020566, DOI: 10.1378/chest.15-0289.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsDiabetes mellitusEpidemiologic patternsIncidence of blastomycosisMulticenter retrospective studyCases of blastomycosisMultilobar pneumoniaICU admissionExtrapulmonary diseaseRetrospective studyMean ageIncidence rateFungal antigensEndemic areasLarge seriesAmphotericin BBlastomycosisTotal mortalityIncidenceMellitusPneumoniaSignificant increaseDiseaseIndiana ClinicalARDSImmunosuppressionValidation of a Brief Measure of Opioid Dependence
Wickersham JA, Azar MM, Cannon CM, Altice FL, Springer SA. Validation of a Brief Measure of Opioid Dependence. Journal Of Correctional Health Care 2015, 21: 12-26. PMID: 25559628, PMCID: PMC4435561, DOI: 10.1177/1078345814557513.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsOpioid dependencePredictive valueMini International Neuropsychiatric InterviewModerate diagnostic agreementHIV-positive individualsInternational Neuropsychiatric InterviewNegative predictive valuePositive predictive valueAverage administrationNeuropsychiatric InterviewInter-item correlationsMental disordersDiagnostic agreementStatistical ManualStrong internal consistencyComprehensive interviewPrimary measureFourth EditionInternal consistencyPsychometric propertiesResearch settingsBrief measureConcordance analysisInitial validationAdministration
2014
Cutaneous Blastomycosis Masquerading as Pyoderma Gangrenosum
Azar MM, Relich RF, Schmitt BH, Spech RW, Hage CA. Cutaneous Blastomycosis Masquerading as Pyoderma Gangrenosum. Journal Of Clinical Microbiology 2014, 52: 1298-1300. PMID: 24501027, PMCID: PMC3993463, DOI: 10.1128/jcm.03356-13.Peer-Reviewed Case Reports and Technical Notes
2013
Methadone dose at the time of release from prison significantly influences retention in treatment: Implications from a pilot study of HIV-infected prisoners transitioning to the community in Malaysia
Wickersham JA, Zahari MM, Azar MM, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. Methadone dose at the time of release from prison significantly influences retention in treatment: Implications from a pilot study of HIV-infected prisoners transitioning to the community in Malaysia. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2013, 132: 378-382. PMID: 23414931, PMCID: PMC3718876, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.01.005.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMethadone maintenance treatmentMethadone doseKaplan-Meier survival analysisDose escalation procedureMethadone initiationThirty HIVMMT clinicsEvaluable participantsMaintenance treatmentOpioid dependenceMMT programSide effectsHigh dosesSurvival analysisHIVFirst weekPilot studyDoseMonthsTreatmentEscalation procedureDosesCravingParticipantsMonths of release