Hospital Days Research Articles

Gastrointestinal cancer surgery in the elderly: The effects of preoperative oral nutritional supplements - A retrospective study.

The current study aimed to explore the effect of nutritional prehabilitation on the clinical prognosis of elderly patients undergoing abdominal cancer surgery. A retrospective study was conducted, where participants were divided into two groups based on whether they received oral nutritional supplementation at the first outpatient visit. The nutritional prehabilitation group (n=41) adopted a nutritional prehabilitation mode (a standard energy intake of 25-30 kcal/kg· d was recommended). While the control group (n=55) received routine care. All patients underwent laparoscopic surgery according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. Changes in nutritional status, complications, psychological status, symptoms, hospitalization days, and expenditures were compared between the two groups. Both groups of patients experienced weight loss. However, the decline in body weight in the prehabilitation group was less than that in the control group (-1.88 vs. -2.56 kg, p < 0.001). In the comparison of nutritional prehabilitation group and control group, significant improvements were observed in the Hospital Anxiety Scale scores (5 vs. 5, p = 0.01) and MD Anderson Symptom Inventory scores (3 vs. 0, p < 0.001) respectively. The infection rate in the nutritional prehabilitation group was lower than that in the control group (17.1% vs. 36.4%, p = 0.04). Additionally, patients in the nutritional prehabilitation group had significantly fewer hospitalization days at discharge (14.3 vs. 17.1 days, p = 0.03). In elderly patients undergoing abdominal cancer surgery, a nutritional prehabilitation model may help maintain better physical and mental status, reduce infection rates, and shorten hospitalization days.

Incidence Rate of Post Coronary Artery Shunt Complications; Age Dependent!

Numerous complications, such as postoperative arrhythmia and stroke, have been observed following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. This study sought to examine the impact of aging on the incidence of post-coronary artery shunt complications. Aging is a physiological process experienced by every living cell, beginning early in development. Age plays a crucial role in determining postoperative complications, including those related to CABG. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 290 patients who underwent CABG at the Mordovian Republic Hospital between 2017 and 2021. The sample was divided into two age-based groups: the first group comprised 126 patients (mean age range: 55.21-60.00), and the second group included 163 patients (mean age range: 66.11-80.00). Statistical analyses employed in this study encompassed descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, T-test, one-way ANOVA test, ROC analysis, and Pearson correlation using Statistica 12 software. Elderly patients in the second group demonstrated a higher incidence of post-CABG arrhythmia (p < 0.012528). Moreover, the second group experienced markedly longer ICU and total hospitalization days following CABG, with p-values of less than 0.000000 and 0.000072, respectively. Notably, elderly individuals in the second group faced an increased risk of developing psychosis after CABG surgery (p < 0.007379). Furthermore, psychosis was found to be significantly associated with longer ICU hospitalization (p < 0.000140). Postoperative stroke occurred more frequently among the elderly (second group) with a p-value of less than 0.037736. Consequently, postoperative stroke was associated with extended ICU hospitalization (p < 0.000747). The usage of internal thoracic arteries (ITAs) was lower among the elderly (second group), with a p-value of less than 0.016145. Regarding correlations, a direct association was observed between age and ICU days, total hospitalization days, and the number of complications, with correlation coefficients (r) of 0.189046, 0.141415, and 0.138565, respectively. Elderly individuals in the second group who undergo CABG face a greater risk of developing psychosis, arrhythmia, prolonged total and ICU hospitalization, and stroke. The presence of arrhythmia, which is commonly observed in patients aged 63 years and older, significantly affects total hospitalization days. The number of complications is influenced by age, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, aortic cross-clamp time, ICU hospitalization, and total hospitalization duration.

Use of Sliding Scale Insulin: Investigating the use of sliding scale insulin (SSI) in managing hyperglycemia in emergency cases in the hospital, and comparing it with evidence-based approaches like basal-bolus insulin regimens

Objective: This clinical audit focuses on identifying and describing the pattern of Sliding Scale Insulin in the management of hyperglycemia in emergencies in Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. This study matches SSI to EB-BBI to determine which of the two produces more favorable patient outcomes such as glycaemic control, incidence of hypoglycaemia, hospital stay, and mortality. Pre-intervention and post-intervention were audited to determine the best practice to embrace after the cycling accord. Methods: A total of 456 patients who developed hyperglycemia during their admission were part of the audit. A pilot survey during the first audit cycle (from 1 Dec 2023 to 29 Feb 2024) assessed the implementation of SSI versus basal-bolus insulin regimens. After applying the intervention strategies to enhance the use of basal-bolus insulin among the patients a second audit (from March 1 2024 to June 15, 2024) was conducted. Information from patient characteristics such as age, sex, insulin treatment and dose, glycemic control measures, complications, hospitalization length and mortality rate of patients were gathered and analyzed between the two cycles. Results: In the first audit cycle, 68% of patients were managed with SSI to increased risk of hypoglycemia 28% and longer hospital stay of 6.2 days compared to patients with basal bolus insulin who experienced 12% of hypoglycemia and 4.5 days of hospital stay. Interventions were used to decrease the use of SSI down to 45 %; this was accompanied by better results; for instance, incidences of hypoglycaemia were recorded at 19 % while the average length of stay in hospital was 5.4 days. The results in basal-bolus insulin regimens were more favorable, though all compared regimens had similar or slightly reduced mortality rates. Conclusion: The audit showed that basal-bolus insulin management regimens provided better and superior glycemic control and better patient outcomes than SSI in emergency hyperglycemia situations. In the first instance, implementing basal-bolus insulin posed lessons in staff development and had limited sources; nonetheless, the study established enhanced patient safety and shortened length of stay. Specifically, this audit assists to validate basal-bolus regimens as the best approach of treating hyperglycemia in emergencies.

Ambulatory management of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis (AmbUDiv study): a multicentre, propensity score matching study

Abstract Introduction Recent studies have suggested that ambulatory management is feasible for acute uncomplicated diverticulitis (AUD); however, there is still no consensus regarding the most appropriate management settings. This study presents a multi-centre experience of managing patients presenting with AUD, specifically focusing on clinical outcomes and comparing ambulatory treatment with in-patient management. Methods A retrospective multi-centre study was conducted across four hospitals in the UK and included all adult patients with computed tomography (CT) confirmed (Hinchey grade 1a) acute diverticulitis over a 12-month period (January – December 2022). Patient medical records were followed up for 1-year post-index episode, and outcomes were compared between those treated through the ambulatory pathway versus inpatient treatment using 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM). All statistical analysis was performed using the R Foundation for Statistical Computing, version 4.4. Results A total of 348 patients with Hinchey 1a acute diverticulitis were included (260 in-patients; 88 ambulatory pathway), of which nearly a third (31.3%) had a recurrent disease. Inpatient management was dominant (74.7%), with a median of 3 days of hospital stay. PSM resulted in 172 patients equally divided between the two care settings. Ambulatory management was associated with a lower readmission rate (P = 0.02 before PSM, P = 0.08 after PSM), comparable surgical (P = 0.57 before PSM, 0% in both groups after PSM) and radiological interventions (P = 0.99 before and after PSM) within one year. In both matched and non-matched groups, a strong association between readmissions and inpatient management was noted in univariate analysis (P = 0.03 before PSM, P = 0.04 after PSM) and multivariate analysis (P = 0.02 before PSM, P = 0.03 after PSM). Conclusion Our study supports the safety and efficacy of managing patients with AUD through a well-designed ambulatory care pathway. In particular, hospital re-admission rates are lower and other outcomes are non-inferior to in-patient treatment. This has implications for substantial cost-savings and better utilisation of limited healthcare resources.

Predictors of affective disturbances and cognitive impairment following small spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage.

Affective disturbances and cognitive impairment are common sequelae of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), yet predictive models for these outcomes remain limited, especially for spontaneous supratentorial ICH with small hematomas (<30 mL). The aim of this study was to investigate predictors of affective disturbances and cognitive impairment following small spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage. We retrospectively analyzed 1692 patients with spontaneous supratentorial ICH between January 2018 and December 2020 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University. Of these, 1563 patients completed a median follow-up of 3.5 years. Cognitive function was evaluated using the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status, and affective disturbances using the Hamilton Depression Scale and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale. Restricted cubic spline analyses were employed to examine the relationships between predictors and outcomes. In this cohort, 58.5% had cognitive impairment, 52.8% reported depressive symptoms, and 39.4% exhibited anxiety symptoms. Logistic regression models using Boruta's algorithm demonstrated strong predictive capacity, with areas under the curve of 0.82 for cognitive impairment, 0.78 for depressive symptoms, and 0.73 for anxiety symptoms. Hematoma volume was significantly linked to depressive symptoms (odds ratio [OR] 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.38-1.76) and inversely to cognitive impairment (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.59-0.77). Uric acid levels displayed a nonlinear relationship with cognitive impairment (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.61-0.81). Hospitalization days significantly raised the risk of both depressive (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.03-1.30) and anxiety symptoms (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.04-1.31). The logistic regression model, enhanced by Boruta's algorithm, provides a valuable tool for predicting affective disturbances and cognitive impairment after ICH. It facilitates early identification and improves risk assessment for these neuropsychiatric outcomes in patients with small hematomas.

The mechanism of transcutaneous gastric pacing treatment on gastrointestinal motility recovery and inflammation improvement in early-stage acute pancreatitis patients.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is often accompanied by gastrointestinal motility disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and possible mechanism of transcutaneous gastric pacing (TGP) in early-stage AP patients. Sixty-five AP patients were randomly divided into conventional treatment group and TGP group. The serum ghrelin and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were used to assess the possible gastrointestinal hormonal mechanism involved. The parameters of electrogastrogram (EGG) were used to evaluate the gastric motility in AP patients. The first defecation time was used to assess the recovery of intestinal motility. The heart rate variability (HRV) test was performed to assess autonomic nervous function. Compared with the conventional treatment group, the TGP treatment significantly improved symptoms in early AP patients, and shortened the first defecation time (p < 0.05) and the hospital days (p < 0.05). The level of VIP (P < 0.05) was also decreased in TGP group. The percentage of normal gastric slow waves (GSWS) (p < 0.05) was increased. The interleukin (IL)-6 level was decreased (P < 0.05). Concurrently, the vagal activity (HF) was increased (p < 0.01), the sympathetic activity (LF) was decreased (p < 0.01), and the ratio of sympathetic vagal (LF/HF) was decreased (p < 0.01). The TGP treatment significantly improves the clinical symptoms in early AP patients. It also increases the percentage of normal GSWS. The therapeutic effect of TGP may be caused by autonomic nervous function mechanisms.

Comparing the economic burden of disease by physical activity levels among persons with and without disabilities in the Republic of Korea

IntroductionThe World Health Organization recommends at least 150 min of physical activity per week for persons with and without disabilities. This study compared the differences in the economic burden of diseases between persons with and without disabilities based on their physical activity. What is known in the field is that physical activity is beneficial to health, but there is a disparity between persons without disabilities and persons with disabilities, and our research aims to increase physical activity among persons with disabilities.MethodsEconomic burden of disease includes service costs such as outpatient, hospitalization, and pharmaceutical expenses for disease treatment, and persons with disabilities are those who have received a disability classification legally registered by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare, and there are 15 types of disabilities. For exercise records, we calculated the cost in 2020 for people with exercise records in 2018 so that they can have at least 1 year of exercise records, as health checkups are available from January to December of the year. Physical activity attainment is defined as 150 min or more of physical activity per week based on World Health Organization guidelines.ResultsCalculating the economic burden of disease by physical activity for persons with and without disabilities, both experienced a difference in hospitalization costs owing to fewer hospital days with physical activity achievement, with the difference being greater for persons with disabilities. Regarding disability type, achievers showed a 41.1% difference in total costs for mental class disorders, 16.7% for external bodily function disorders, and 11.1% for internal organ disorders.DiscussionPhysical inactivity has a significant impact on the economic burden of persons with disabilities compared to persons without disabilities, with 11.8% fewer persons without disabilities who were physically active for 150 min or more per week compared to 21.4% fewer persons with disabilities. In terms of healthcare spending, exercise can help keep persons with disabilities healthy. Therefore, there is a need for exercise programs tailored to persons with disabilities to increase physical activity in line with World Health Organization recommendations to reduce health inequalities between persons with and without disabilities.

In-hospital outcomes of healthcare-associated COVID-19 (Omicron) versus healthcare-associated influenza: a retrospective, nationwide cohort study in Switzerland.

As COVID-19 is integrated into existing infectious disease control programs, it is important to understand the comparative clinical impact of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with symptomatic healthcare-associated COVID-19 or influenza reported to the nationwide, hospital-based surveillance system in Switzerland. Included patients were adults (≥18 years) hospitalized for ≥3 days in tertiary care and large regional hospitals. Patients had COVID-19 symptoms and a RT-PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection ≥3 days after hospital admission between 1 February 2022 and 30 April 2023, or influenza symptoms and a RT-PCR-confirmed influenza A or B infection ≥3 days after hospital admission between 1 November 2018 and 30 April 2023. Primary and secondary outcomes were 30-day in-hospital mortality and admission to intensive care unit (ICU), respectively. Cox regression (Fine-Gray model) was used to account for time-dependency and competing events, with inverse probability weighting to adjust for confounding. We included 2901 patients with symptomatic healthcare-associated COVID-19 (Omicron) and 868 patients with symptomatic healthcare-associated influenza from nine hospitals. We found a similar case fatality ratio between healthcare-associated COVID-19 (Omicron) (6.2%) and healthcare-associated influenza (6.1%) patients; after adjustment, patients had a comparable subdistribution hazard ratio for 30-day in-hospital mortality (0.91, 95%CI 0.67-1.24). A similar proportion of patients were admitted to ICU (2.4% COVID-19; 2.6% influenza). COVID-19 and influenza continue to cause severe disease among hospitalized patients. Our results suggest that in-hospital mortality risk of healthcare-associated COVID-19 (Omicron) and healthcare-associated influenza are comparable.

Abstract 4136509: Children in Foster Care with Heart Disease Have Greater Resource Utilization and Mortality

Background: While children and youth in foster care (CYFC) have greater healthcare needs generally, data are lacking in heart disease. We characterize CYFC with heart disease, assess the impacts of being in foster care on outcomes, and examine validity of ICD-10 code Z62.21 for identification of CYFC in administrative data. Methods: In this single-center, retrospective cohort study of all cardiac surgical patients (&lt;18yo) admitted 2017-2022, CYFC were identified using institutional Electronic Medical Records via natural language processing or ICD codes, with confirmation by chart review. Demographics, medical characteristics and outcomes of CYFC were compared to children not in foster care. Generalized linear models assessed associations with primary outcomes of mortality at current follow-up (logit link) and total hospital days (log link), controlling for clinical factors and length of follow-up. We separately added Child Opportunity Index (COI) and payer to models. This cohort was then studied in the administrative pediatric health information system (PHIS) dataset to calculate ICD code sensitivity and specificity. Results: Of 4,431 cardiac surgical patients, 67 (1.5%) were in foster care. CYFC did not have significantly higher mortality (9% vs 5.8%), 30-day readmission or cardiac reoperation, number of complex chronic conditions (CCC), RACHS-2, or distance from center compared to non-CYFC. CYFC had lower COI (median 61 vs 72, p=0.016) and more Medicaid coverage (87% vs 40%, p&lt;0.001). Length of stay after index surgery was similar; however, cumulative hospital days during the study were significantly higher for CYFC (median 22 [IQR 10,45] vs 12 [6,27], p&lt;0.001). Adjusting for RACHS-2, CCC, age, readmission, reoperation, and follow-up duration, CYFC had higher odds of mortality (2.7 [95%CI 1.0,6.9] p=0.046) and more total hospital days (p=0.008). With COI or payer in the model, CYFC was not associated with mortality but remained an independent risk factor for more total hospital days. Only 16/67 (23.9%) of CYFC were coded with the Z62.21 in PHIS, yielding sensitivity of 21.9% (95%CI 13.1,33.1), and specificity of 100% (99.9,100). Conclusion: CYFC with heart disease have a relative social disadvantage, greater hospital resource utilization, and long-term mortality despite similar illness severity. Improved capture of foster care status in administrative data is needed to guide future studies and reduce health disparities for the vulnerable population of CYFC.

Abstract 4138253: Reintervention Burden of Single and Biventricular Palliation of Pulmonary Atresia with Intact Ventricular Septum

Introduction: Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PAIVS) patients may proceed down a single (SV) or biventricular (BV) pathway. We evaluated the total interventional burden of both pathways including after either end-state was reached. Hypothesis: SV patients will have more interventions in comparison to BV patients. Goals: Assess the nature of interventions in PAIVS. Methods: Retrospective review of PAIVS patients from 1995-2020 who achieved SV (Fontan completion) or BV (normal saturations with no significant shunts) end-state. Demographic, procedural, and follow-up details were collected. Descriptive statistics were used and Kaplan-Meier analysis of freedom from reintervention was performed. Results: Of 79 patients who reached end-state, 40 (51%) were SV and 39 (49%) were BV. Total median in-hospital time was 48 [31-78] days and 18 [12-35] days for SV and BV (p&lt;0.01). The ratio of in-hospital days to total follow-up was a median of 1.7% [0.9-2.7] for SV and 0.4% [0.3-0.8] for BV (p&lt;0.01). SV and BV cohorts had an overall median of 4 [3-5] and 3 [2-4] interventions, respectively (p&lt;0.01). Interventions and their relationship to end-state are shown in Table 1 . The SV and BV groups achieved end-state at a median of 2.9 [2.3-3.6] and 2.1 [0.2-8.8] years (p=0.01) ( Figure 1A ). Median follow up in years after achieving end-state was similar between groups {7 [2.7-15.8] in SV and 7.4 [4.2-13.4] for BV (p=0.11)}. After end-state, there was no difference in the proportion of patients requiring reinterventions (17 (43%) SV and 12 (31%) BV, p&gt;0.05). Freedom from reintervention at 15-years was 44.1% in the SV group and 64.3% in the BV group (p=0.11) ( Figure 1B) with one late SV death. Conclusions: PAIVS therapy requires multiple interventions to achieve both SV and BV repair. While SV patients undergo more interventions and spend more days in the hospital, reinterventions and 15-year freedom from reintervention were comparable between groups with equivalent follow up.

Abstract Su701: The Influence of Public Assistance Among Patients Who Received Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation after Cardiac Arrest in Japan

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of public assistance on patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) who received extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) in Japan. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the SAVE-J II study, a retrospective, multicenter registry study involving 36 participating institutions in Japan. Patients with cardiac arrest who received ECPR were divided into two groups depending on whether or not they had received public assistance. The primary outcome was 30-day survival. Secondary outcomes were as follows: 30-day favorable neurological outcomes (cerebral performance category scores 1-2); survival at discharge; favorable neurological outcome at discharge; number of intensive care unit, hospital, ventilator, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation days; medical expenses; proportion of percutaneous coronary intervention; target temperature management; mechanical circulatory support (MCS) device use; and withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy. Results: Of 2,157 patients registered in the SAVE-J II study, 1,885 patients were enrolled in this study; 99 patients (5.3%) received public assistance and 1,786 patients (94.7%) did not. Multivariable logistic regression analysis did not show a significant difference in 30-day survival (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.77-1.95, p=0.40). The log-rank test for the Kaplan-Meiercurve on 30-day survival did not demonstrate a significant difference (p=0.46). Except for the use of MCS devices, there were no significant differences in secondary outcomes. Conclusions: The use of public assistance did not influence the prognoses of OHCA patients receiving ECPR. Treatment option during hospitalization may be affected by the use of public assistance.

Evaluate the Differential Effectiveness of the Case Management and Primary Nursing Models in the Implementation of Discharge Planning.

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of the case management model and the primary nursing care model by focusing on hospital stay length, readmission, follow-up resource utilisation and survival. To improve patient continuity of care, a discharge planning team has been established at the hospital to implement the service concept of long-term medical care. The team works with a multidisciplinary medical team to provide case management, which ensures high-quality patient care. Retrospective case-control study. This study collected data from the medical record information system database and the Ministry of Health and Welfare's care service management information system to explore medical and follow-up care utilisation of patients discharged between 2017 and 2018. This study followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines, with the checklist used to ensure transparent and complete reporting of the methodology and results. To ensure comparability between the case management model group and the primary nursing model group, propensity score matching was used. After matching, 660 individuals from the case management model group and 2876 individuals from the primary nursing model group were selected for further analysis. In this study, patients were primarily involved in the research as participants, providing data through their medical records for analysis. However, no direct involvement from the public or patients was used in the planning or design stages of the research. The study found that factors such as activities of daily living (ADL) score ≤ 60 points, catheterisation, poor chronic disease control and inadequate primary caregiver capacity can lead to longer hospitalisations. Males and patients with catheters have a higher risk of readmission within 30 days, and men, those aged ≥ 75 years, those with ADL score ≤ 60, catheterisation, pressure sores or unclean wounds, financial problems, insufficient primary caregiver capacity and those readmitted within 14 days after discharge had significantly increased mortality after discharge. Although the case management model group had higher hospitalisation days, they had lower readmission rates and higher survival rates than the primary nursing model group. Early consultation with the case manager for discharge planning can help patients to continue to receive care and utilise relevant resources after returning home. Identifying and addressing patient-specific factors can significantly improve patient outcomes by reducing hospitalizations and readmissions, and lowering mortality rates. The case management model is more effective than the primary nursing care model in reducing readmission rates and increasing survival rates. Early consultation with case managers for discharge planning is crucial to ensuring patient care continuity and resource utilization.

Metformin use and its association with various outcomes in COVID-19 patients with diabetes mellitus: a retrospective cohort study in a tertiary care facility

Background Evidence shows that diabetes raises the probability of contracting COVID-19 and associated complications. We hypothesize that metformin, being pleiotropic, may improve COVID-19 in diabetics. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 421 COVID-19 patients with diabetes, hospitalized between 1st April 2020 and 31st March 2022 in a tertiary-care hospital. Patients with metformin or its combination constituted the study cohort (SC; n = 221), while other antidiabetics constituted the reference cohort (RC; n = 200). Results SC and RC were matched for mean age ± SD (SC: 53.3 ± 5.7 vs. RC: 54.3 ± 8.2 years). The mean length of hospitalization (days) was significantly shorter in SC (9.0 ± 5.7) than in RC (12.7 ± 6) (p < 0.02). Metformin use was associated with reduction in mortality risk (OR: 0.106, 95% CI = 0.039–0.287; p < 0.001). Moreover, SC also improved levels of LDH (OR: 0.243, 95% CI = 0.104–0.566; p < 0.001), CRP (OR: 0.281, 95% CI = 0.120–0.659; p < 0.004), and D-dimer (OR: 0.220, 95% CI = 0.089–0.539; p < 0.001) than RC. The calculated number needed to treat for metformin was 3.1. Conclusion Metformin users have a decrease in hospital stay and mortality rates and improvement in LDH, CRP, and D-dimer levels. Therefore, metformin might protect against mortality in COVID-19 with diabetes.

Nice knots assistance in comminuted and displaced clavicle fractures reduce intraoperative blood and shorten operation time with a satisfactory postoperative clinical outcome

BackgroundThis study aims to evaluate the efficacy and clinical outcomes of Nice knot-assisted fixation in the management of comminuted and displaced clavicle fractures.MethodsA systematic search was conducted across multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine (CBM) database, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP database, to identify studies comparing Nice knot-assisted fixation with traditional surgical treatment for displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. The primary outcomes assessed included fracture healing times, hospitalization days, complications, and functional outcomes. Secondary outcomes such as intraoperative blood loss, operative time, incision length, and fluoroscopy time were also evaluated. Data were analyzed using random-effects models, and summary statistics including Mean Difference (MD), risk ratios (RRs) and theirs’ 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.ResultsScreening of the literature yielded a total of 11 studies meeting the inclusion criteria, involving 754 patients. Meta-analysis of the pooled data demonstrated a significant advantage of Nice knot-assisted fixation over traditional surgical treatment in terms of operative time (MD = -11.53, 95% CI: -18.16 to -4.91, p = 0.0006) and blood loss (MD = -14.19, 95% CI: -20.93 to -7.45, p = 0.00001). Additionally, Nice knot-assisted fixation was associated with reduced fracture healing time (MD = -0.63, 95% CI: -1.12 to -0.14, p = 0.01) rather than hospitalization days (MD = -0.47, 95% CI: -1.14 to 0.21, p = 0.18) and complications (RR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.23 to 1.01, p = 0.05) compared to traditional surgical treatment. Moreover, nice knot-assisted fixation was associated with increased constant-murley score and Neer score, and reduced visual analogue scale (VAS) score compared to traditional surgical treatment.ConclusionThis study highlights that Nice knot assistance offers advantages in reducing intraoperative blood loss, shortening operation time, and achieving favorable postoperative outcomes.

Organ-preserving embolization of a giant splenic hemangioma in an adult

Splenic hemangioma is a rare benign tumor, often found incidentally. Large hemangiomas bear a high risk of spontaneous rupture, an acute condition often life-threatening that requires immediate intervention. The spleen’s vital role in immunity and blood filtration mandates organ-preserving management of conditions such as hypersplenism or large lesions such as hemangiomas. A 51-year-old patient was referred to our department for abdominal pain due to a giant spleen hemangioma (6,6 × 6,3 × 5,6) cm in size. The patient was treated with hemangioma embolization through the splenic artery branches that fed the lesion, without any complications. Two years post-embolization the patient mentioned no symptoms and the hemangioma was measured (3 × 2) cm.Background The patient was referred to our department due to the large size of the lesion and the patient’s preference to avoid surgery and maintain the spleen. Our case report aims to underline (a) the safety and feasibility of the protocol among interventional radiologists, surgeons, and patients, (b) the benefit of relieving symptoms without losing a vital organ, and (c) the lower complication rate and hospital days compared with surgery. There are few reported cases of embolization of large spleen hemangioma. While Choi et al. (BMC Pediatr. 2018 12;18(1):354) report a similar case in a child. This case report describes the procedure in a stable adult and provides a 2-year follow-up.Graphical

A case of methotrexate toxicity in induced abortion

Background: Methotrexate is an anticancer drug from the antimetabolite class which is being used in cases of unruptured ectopic pregnancy and as an abortifacient as well. Giving correct dosage according to the body weight and body surface area is of utmost importance to avoid the complications.Case: A 29-year-old, G4P3L3 at 8+3 weeks of gestation with previous three cesarean sections, presented to our hospital with complaints of fever, abdominal pain, multiple episodes of diarrhea and vomiting and oral ulcers for two days. On enquiring, it was found that she received two doses of injection methotrexate (75 and 50 mg) as an abortifacient for an unwanted intrauterine pregnancy from a local doctor nearby. On presentation, her general condition was poor, she was dehydrated, temperature was 101.3°F, pulse rate was 130 beats/minute, blood pressure was 102/64mmHg, respiratory rate was 25/minute and SPO2 was 99% on room air. Her body weight was 55 kgs. Skin pigmentation and multiple oral ulcers were present. Per speculum and per vaginal examination was suggestive of minimal spotting and bulky uterus. Initial blood investigations revealed a hemoglobin level of 8.8 gm/dl, TLC of 1000/mm3, platelet count of 1.45L, INR of 1.37, and normal liver and renal function tests. A provisional diagnosis of methotrexate toxicity was made. Management of the patient was started in consultation with medical oncologist along with supportive treatment. She received IV fluids, antibiotics, and blood products (2-unit PCV and 12-RDP). She received oral leucoverin 15 mg QID and two doses of 300 mg granulocyte stimulating factor each. Gradually, her condition improved and thereafter tablet misoprostol was given for abortion. She was discharged after 13 days of hospital stay with contraceptive advice.Conclusion: The successful management of this case who presented with a constellation of symptoms and deteriorating hematological parameters exhibits the significance of a multidisciplinary approach and vigilant monitoring. Strategies to reduce the side effects and their early recognition include a safety checking procedure like SMART (safety of methotrexate therapy by assessing risks and toxicity) and determining plasma methotrexate concentrations.

Clinical and economic benefits of patients undergoing lobectomy with the use of powered vascular staplers—based on China’s real-world data

Background Endoscopic surgery is widely performed with an increasing use of powered vascular staplers (PVS). However, few studies have examined PVS use in China, most of which have focused on clinical effects; fewer studies have examined the economic benefits of PVS. This study evaluated the clinical and economic benefits of the PVS compared to standard-of-care (SOC) staplers in lobectomy using results from a single-arm, multicenter clinical trial conducted in China and actual clinical use in a hospital collected in a real healthcare setting. Methods Patients with lung cancer undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy were included in the study. The clinical and economic benefits of powered vascular stapler have been evaluated from a hospital’s perspective based on parameters such as bleeding occurrence, hospitalization time, secondary thoracotomy, and hospitalization costs. To compare the bleeding associated with use of PVS and SOC stapler in clinical use, PVS single-arm multi-center clinical trial data is used for the intervention group, and sampling data from hospitals is used for the control group. To ensure the outcome indicators between the two groups are comparable, we set the same inclusion criteria for the two groups of data and then used propensity score matching (PSM) to match two groups of patients according to the baseline characteristics. Results The results show that bleeding incidence in patients with SOC stapler group is 17.33% from hospital sampling data. In contrast, in the PVS group, it is 4.00%, and these rates are statistically different (P = 0.0167). Considering converted to open thoracic surgery, the rate of the SOC stapler group is 5.78% and that of the PVS group is 4.00%. These rates are not statistically different (P = 0.6166). Regarding hospitalization days, the length of the SOC stapler group is 18.97 days, while that in the PVS group is 12.38 days, and these data are statistically different (P = 0.0002). As patients in the PVS group have reduced bleeding, they will require less resource use from blood transfusion, drug services and surgical services. If PVS is used for transection of vessel, it can reduce the bleeding incidence by 13.33% and save 75.47 CNY in blood transfusion costs, 571.36 CNY in drug costs, and 183.38 CNY in surgical service costs per patient. From these three aspects, the hospital saves per patient 830.21 CNY. Conclusions Compared with the SOC stapler group, the PVS group has a lower bleeding incidence and shorter hospital days for lobectomy. In terms of blood transfusion costs, drug costs and surgical service costs, the hospital saves per patient 830.21 CNY.

A Novel Unilateral Bi/Multi-Portal Endoscopic Transforaminal Interbody Fusion Utilizing Uniaxial Spinal Endoscope Instead of Arthroscope: Technical Note and Preliminary Clinical Results.

Currently, traditional UBE surgery, which is based on arthroscope, has been increasingly employed for complex lumbar degenerative diseases. However, this approach is associated with complications such as intraoperative dural sac tears, nerve root injuries, and postoperative epidural hematomas. In response to these challenges, we propose a novel technique utilizing uniaxial spinal endoscope to replace arthroscope-Unilateral Bi/Multi-Portal Endoscopy (UME). This new method has successfully treated complex lumbar disc herniation and spinal stenosis, resulting in improved postoperative outcomes and a reduction in complications. Based on the previous findings, we utilized uniaxial spinal endoscopy as the primary operating method, with the assistance of multi-portal endoscopic techniques (UME-TLIF), to perform transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. The feasibility and preliminary clinical results have been presented in this paper. A total of 18 patients (8 men and 10 women, aged 52.6 ± 15.29 years) diagnosed with lumbar degenerative diseases, such as giant lumbar disc herniation, severe lumbar spinal stenosis, or lumbar spondylolisthesis, were included in this study from January 2022 to March 2023. Various parameters including operation time, ambulatory time, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, hospitalization days, and complications were recorded during the perioperative period. Clinically relevant symptoms were evaluated and documented 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for lower back pain and leg pain, as well as the Oswestry disability index (ODI), were measured. The extent of lumbar interbody fusion was assessed using lumbar X-ray and CT scans at the 12-months follow-up. MRI was performed to assess the degree of nerve decompression in patients at the same time points. The paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used as statistical methods. The single-segment UME-TLIF procedure had an average operation time of 211 ± 53.3 min, and the average number of X-rays taken during the operation was 11.78 ± 5.32. Patients were able to walk and perform functional exercises approximately 35.11 ± 8.41 h post-surgery, and the average duration of hospital stay was 8.5 ± 2.27 days. The VAS and ODI values at each time point post-surgery were significantly lower than the respective pre-surgery values (p < 0.05). Two patients developed postoperative sensory disturbances which significantly improved with conservative treatment. Furthermore, a follow-up CT scan conducted 12 months post-surgery showed 100% fusion rate of the surgical segments in all patients. UME-TLIF is an endoscopy-assisted fusion procedure that minimizes muscle damage in patients and allows early rehabilitation. This technique broadens the surgical applications of uniaxial spinal endoscope as a surgical tool, particularly benefitingpatients diagnosed with severe lumbar disc herniation and lumbar instability.

Hospitalization Due to Infections Before and After Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis

ObjectivesThere is a lack of studies on the rate and temporal changes of infections in relation to Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis. We studied the infection rate in persons with and without AD yearly 5 years before and after AD diagnosis. DesignRegister-based cohort study. Setting and ParticipantsWe used the Medication Use and Alzheimer's Disease cohort with 70,718 Finnish community dwellers diagnosed with AD between 2005 and 2011 and an equal number of age, sex- and region-of-residence–matched comparison persons. MethodsData on comorbidities, medication use, and hospital days due to infection were retrieved from multiple nationwide registers. The rate of hospitalization and accrued hospital days due to infections were calculated yearly during the follow-up. The accumulation of hospital days was investigated with the negative binomial model. ResultsDuring the follow-up, one-half of persons with AD had inpatient stays due to infections compared with 34% of persons without AD. The infection rate increased substantially 1 to 2 years before AD diagnosis. At AD diagnosis, the rate of inpatient stays and outpatient visits due to infection was higher (15 per 100 person-years) in persons with AD than in comparison persons (9 per 100 person-years), and the accumulation of hospital days in persons with AD was higher a year after the diagnosis (incidence rate ratio, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.11-1.32) due to higher infection rate. The most common infection diagnoses in both groups were pneumonia and genitourinary infections. Conclusions and ImplicationsCompared with matched comparison persons, the higher hospitalization rate due to infections could be caused by systemic inflammation related to AD, infections generally treated in outpatient care, delirium symptoms associated with infections, and caregiver burden. The prevention of infections should be part of the care of cognitive disorders throughout the disease.

Outpatient management of patients conditioned with Fludarabine and Treosulfan prior to allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation

BackgroundAllogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) with myeloablative conditioning traditionally requires 30 days long hospitalizations after stem cell infusion. However, advancements in supportive and prophylactic care have allowed for a trend towards outpatient management of allo-HCT, potentially leading to improved patient quality of life and increased procedure cost-effectiveness. In 2014, Fludarabine and Treosulfan (FluTreo) conditioning was introduced as a myeloablative regimen with reduced toxicity at Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet (CUH). After gaining experience with the regimen, an outpatient program was established. This study shares the outcome of outpatient conditioning with FluTreo allo-HCT at CUH. ObjectiveTo investigate safety and feasibility of outpatient FluTreo allo-HCT. Furthermore, to investigate the potentially enhanced cost-effectiveness of outpatient allo-HCT primarily through reduction in hospitalization days compared to the 30 days hospitalization associated with standard myeloablative conditioning. Study designThis retrospective study included all patients undergoing FluTreo allo-HCT due to malignant diseases (n = 124) at CUH from 2018 to 2022. Patients received outpatient treatment (n = 91) unless certain circumstances required planned hospitalization (n = 33). As conditioning, patients received intravenous Fludarabine 90 mg/m2 and Treosulfan either 30 or 42 g/m2. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and Kaplan Meier survival analysis. ResultsThe median duration of hospitalization in the outpatient group was 4 days (Q1-Q3 0-12.5) from day -6 to +28 compared to a median of 28 days (Q1-Q3 26-34) in the inpatient group. 32 (35%) in the outpatient group did not require hospitalization within day +28 after transplantation. The remaining 59 patients (65%) were hospitalized after 12 days (Q1-Q3 7-16 days) from start of conditioning, for a median of 10 days (Q1-Q3 5-18). The outpatient group required significantly less IV antibiotics, IV opioids and parenteral nutrition than the inpatient group, despite no difference in treatment toxicity, acute graft-versus-host disease, or relapse between the groups. The outpatient group experienced no early deaths during the first 3 months after transplantation and 1-year non-relapse mortality was 6%. ConclusionOutpatient allo-HCT with FluTreo conditioning is feasible and safe in a selected group of patients, significantly reducing hospitalization days without compromising patient outcomes. Outpatient FluTreo allo-HCT potentially stands as a more cost-effective and patient-friendly alternative compared to traditional in-patient management.