Four-year Retrospective Study Research Articles

Impact of serious adverse drug reactions on the quality of life of patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy in Maiduguri, northeast Nigeria: a four-year retrospective study.

ABSTRACT Serious adverse drug reactions (sADRs) have a serious impact on the progress being made in providing antiretroviral therapy. The presence of HIV/AIDS and its complications associated with sADRs, has a negative effect on the quality of life (QoL) of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). This was a descriptive retrospective cohort study of 400 adult HIV patients in which the QoL of PLWHA with sADRs was compared to patients that did not experience ADR who had been on antiretroviral therapy (ART) was followed up for 48 months using the WHOQOL-HIV BREF to measure QoL. Out of 400 patients, 373 (93.25%) respondents completed the study with an overall mean age was 40.8 years (SD ± 8.64). One hundred and ninety-nine patients (53.4%) reported to have experiencing sADR. The response consistently showed significantly higher mean scores in the QoL of patients who had no ADRs in the psychological, social and environments state of health domains compared to those who had ADRs with mean scores (P = 0.000, 0.037 and 0.028), respectively. This study revealed significantly higher scores in patients who had no ADRs compared to those who had ADRs. Low QoL due to serious ADR may add additional burden to HIV disease and complications, and the related discrimination often faced by PLWHA. This study would help clinicians pay serious attention to identifying and promptly managing ADR.

Insights into Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Associated Disease (MOGAD): Prevalence, Clinical Manifestations, and Treatment Responses in a Four-Year Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction: This study aims to delineate the prevalence, clinical characteristics, diagnostic findings, and treatment outcomes of Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Associated Disease (MOGAD) in a cohort over four years, providing a basis for improved diagnostic criteria and therapeutic strategies. Materials and Methods: In a retrospective cohort study at a tertiary care center, we analyzed medical records of 90 patients presenting with CNS demyelinating symptoms, focusing on those diagnosed with MOGAD based on the International MOGAD Panel criteria. Data on clinical presentation, serum Anti-MOG antibody testing, MRI, VEP scans, CSF analysis, and treatment outcomes were evaluated. Results: Among the cohort of 90 patients, 7 patients were identified with positive Anti-MOG antibodies, indicating a prevalence of 7.8%. Clinical manifestations varied widely, including optic neuritis, myelitis, and cerebral cortical encephalitis. Diagnostic findings highlighted the absence of oligoclonal bands in CSF analysis and diverse MRI lesions. Most patients responded well to immunosuppressive treatments, though relapses occurred in two cases. The study underscores the heterogeneity of MOGAD presentations and the importance of personalized treatment approaches. Conclusion: Our findings contribute to the growing understanding of MOGAD, emphasizing its distinct clinical and diagnostic features compared to other CNS demyelinating disorders. The study advocates for the integration of MOG antibody testing in clinical practice to enhance diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. Future research should aim at longitudinal and multicentric studies to validate our findings and further refine MOGAD management strategies.

Dermatologic Effects of Selumetinib in Pediatric Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Clinical Challenges and Therapeutic Management.

Background: Plexiform neurofibromas (pNFs) are benign neoplasms, primarily originating from Schwann cells, posing challenges in patients with type 1 neurofibromatosis (NF1) due to pain, disfigurement, compression of vital structures and potential for malignancy. Selumetinib, a MEK1/2 inhibitor, has shown promising results in treating inoperable pNFs, with clinical trials demonstrating tumor volume reduction and improved patient-reported outcomes. Despite its efficacy, dermatologic toxicities may impact the quality of life and treatment adherence. Evaluating the frequency and spectrum of such effects is crucial for effective management. Methods: In a four-year retrospective and prospective study, pediatric NF1 patients with symptomatic, inoperable plexiform neurofibromas (pNFs) were treated with selumetinib. Eligibility criteria included significant morbidity, pNF size exceeding 3 cm or surgical inoperability, and performance status >70%. Hematological, liver, lung and cardiac assessments established baseline health. Selumetinib, orally administered at 25 mg/m2 twice, was administered for two years unless a response warranting extension occurred. Cutaneous AEs were documented and graded by severity according to CTCAE v5.0, with evaluations every three to six months. The impact on symptoms and pNF size was systematically recorded, and biopsies characterized histopathological features in those patients requiring surgery. Results: Twenty patients were enrolled, with an average age at therapy initiation of 11.6 years. Cutaneous side effects were common, with all patients experiencing at least one and a median of two per patient. Xerosis, paronychia and acneiform rash were prevalent. Notably, pre-pubertal individuals were more susceptible to xerosis. Acneiform rash had a higher incidence in older patients and those with skin phototypes II and III. Successful management involved tailored approaches, such as clindamycin for acneiform rash and topical agents for paronychia. Hair abnormalities, including color changes and thinning, occurred, with female patients at higher risk for the latter. Paronychia presented challenges, necessitating various interventions, including surgical approaches. AEs led to treatment suspension in 20% of patients, with tumor rebound observed in 75%. Conclusions: According to our experience, successful management of selumetinib-induced cutaneous AEs requires tailored strategies including surgery. AEs might indirectly determine pNF regrowth due to therapy suspension. We thus emphasize the pivotal role of addressing cutaneous reactions for effective selumetinib management in pediatric patients.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Esophageal and Gastric Cancer Surgery in Germany: A Four-Year Retrospective Single-Center Study of 287 Patients.

Background: Disruptions to surgical care for cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic remain an ongoing debate. This study assesses the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on perioperative outcomes in a continuous series of surgically treated esophageal and gastric carcinoma patients at a large university hospital in Europe over 48 months. Methods: We conducted a retrospective single-center cohort study at a tertiary referral center. All patients who underwent oncologic esophageal or gastric resection between March 2018 and February 2022 were included in the analysis. The sample was split into a 24 months COVID-19 and an equivalent pre-COVID-19 control period. Outcome variables included caseload, in-hospital mortality, morbidity, treatment course, and disease stage at presentation. Results: Surgeons performed 287 operations, with around two-thirds (62%) of the cohort undergoing esophagectomy and one-third (38%) gastrectomy. The in-hospital mortality was 1% for the COVID-19 and the control periods. Patients did not present at a later disease stage nor did they wait longer for treatment. There was no decrease in caseload, and patients did not suffer from more perioperative complications during COVID-19. Conclusions: Esophageal and gastric carcinoma patients received safe and timely surgical care during the pandemic. Future pandemic protocols may streamline oncologic care towards tertiary referral centers.

Elemental profile of urolithiasis at a tertiary hospital: a four-year retrospective study

Elemental profile of urolithiasis at a tertiary hospital: a four-year retrospective study

Leading Risk Factors for Congenital Deafness in the Context of Universal Neonatal Screening: Our Observations in a Four-Year Retrospective Study.

It has been demonstrated that universal hearing neonatal screening (UHNS) is efficient at providing early diagnosis and rehabilitation for deafness. The risk factors of deafness in children have been identified, but less specifically in those diagnosed after UHNS. In this study, we aim to study these factors in infants who were referred after screening and to compare our experience to recent data. We studied infants referred to our department for diagnosis after screening between January 2018 and December 2021. Their medical history and neonatal hearing risk factors were assessed. Associations between factors were also analyzed. Sixty-six infants were included. A family history of deafness (47%), syndromic deafness (41%), intrauterine growth retardation or prematurity (19.7%), and prolonged NICU admission (18%) were the most observed factors. When analyzing according to these associations, family history of deafness and syndromic cases remained the most prevalent factors (74%), while only five cases (7.8%) presented with other neonatal risk factors only. The majority of congenital hearing loss cases are observed in infants with suspected genetic deafness. Parental counseling, the diagnostic pathway, as well as the healthcare system should be adapted according to these risk factors.

Investigating Cytogenetic Profiles in Couples Experiencing Recurrent Implantation Failure Post<i> in vitro</i> Fertilization

This study evaluates how chromosomal factors affect assisted reproduction techniques (ART) challenges among infertile couples, impacting their chances of conception. Chromosomal abnormalities, a leading cause of pregnancy failure and miscarriages, were investigated in a four-year retrospective study involving 100 patients with a history of infertility and unsuccessful IVF treatment. Among these cases, nine (9%) displayed aberrant chromosomal patterns, including balanced translocations (5%), sex chromosome deletions (3%), and one case of a small supernumerary marker chromosome (sSMC) (1%). The results of the present study highlight the importance of integrating comprehensive cytogenetic analysis as a routine diagnostic tool for individuals dealing with infertility, particularly before assisted reproduction techniques, to avert recurrent implantation failure and to enhance their chances of success.

Correlation of Serum Prostate Specific Antigen and Gleason Grade with Bone Metastases in Patients with Prostate Cancer; An Experience at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most frequent cancer in the world and its incidence in Asian countries is on the rise. A lot of research work has been done in the Western world for the better understanding and treatment of the disease but the Western data may not be relevant to the data from Asian countries. Objective: To find out the association of serum prostate-specific antigen level and Gleason grade to the incidence of positive bone scan disease in our prostate cancer patient population. Methods: A four-year retrospective study that comprised 32 Prostate cancer (PCa) patients who were seen at The Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN) from October 2017 to December 2021. Recorded data were serum PSA value, histopathological examination of prostate tissue, and bone scan results. Histopathological examination of PCa was confirmed on biopsy with well-documented Gleason grade groups and scores. Results: Thirty-two patients with prostate cancer with a median age of 72.5 years (68-76.7), median PSA was 74 (12.4-100) ng/mL, and median GS was 9 (7-9) were included. Patients were segregated into four groups following their serum PSA levels ranging from ≤10 ng/ml (n=7; 21.8%), >10-≤20 ng/ml (n=4; 12.5%), > 20-≤100 ng/ml (n=14; 43.7%) and >100 ng/ml (n=7; 21.8%). Levels of PSA showed a significant association with BM (p=0.002). Similarly, in cancers with low Gleason grade, no bone metastasis was found (p=0.02). Conclusion: Raised PSA and high Gleason grade are associated with increased occurrence of bone metastasis in patients with carcinoma of the prostate and can be used as predictors of disease severity and progression.

Evolutionary Profil of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Influence of Histopronostic Factors: Experience of Oncology Department Chu Ibn Rochd Casablanca

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subgroup of breast cancer with hormone receptor and Her2 overexpression absence, accounting for 15%–20% of all breast cancers. Its unpredictable evolution, poor treatment response, and highly invasive nature warrant research interest. The main objective of this study is to assess the evolution of triple-negative breast cancer as a role for histopronostic factors. We present the evolutionary profile of triple-negative breast cancer in the role of histopronostic factors using data from a four-year retrospective study of cases of triple-negative breast cancer collected in the oncology-radiotherapy department at Chu Ibn Rochd Casablanca between January 2015 and December 2019. 232 patients were included, regardless of disease stage. The mean age was 49.54 ± 11.21 years. In 68% of cases, the disease was localized. All metastatic patients (32%) died, with a median survival of 15 months. We analyzed the evolution of triple-negative breast cancer in localized disease as a role for age, tumor size, histological type, SBR grade, lymph node invasion, and vascular invasion, with a median follow-up of 24 months (2 years). In 158 patients in our series with localized disease, local or locoregional recurrence was noted in 16% of cases, metastatic relapse in 10%, and 30% of cases were still in complete remission. Patients aged between 40 and 50 had a higher rate of local and locoregional recurrence. Patients with tumors between 2 and 6 cm in size had a high rate of metastasis and death. Grade SBR III is generally marked by a poor prognosis, with 39 patients having local or locoregional recurrence, 41 patients having metastases, and 15 patients having died. In our series, the greater the lymph node and vascular invasion, the poorer the prognosis, with a higher risk of recurrence and metastasis. These results support the role of early screening, especially for at-risk patients, adequate therapeutic management, and active surveillance of patients with triple-negative breast cancer. New research has shown the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors and anti-parp in treating advanced triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), with encouraging findings indicating their potential benefit. Clinical studies including anatomical pathologists, oncologists, and fundamental researchers must be conducted globally to achieve this. Clinical studies involving pathologists, oncologists, and basic researchers are needed worldwide to define new therapeutic strategies for the management of this type of aggressive breast cancer.

Clinical efficacy and safety of anti PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies as monotherapy in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy agents as monotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. MethodThis was a four-year retrospective observational study that included all patients with non-small cell lung cancer treated with nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and atezolizumab in a third level hospital. Demographic, clinical (ECOG status, stage, PD-L1 expression level), therapeutic (drug, start date, line of treatment and number of cycles), efficacy (date and status at the end of follow-up) and toxicity variables were collected. Data was extracted from the patient's electronic medical record. Overall survival and progression-free survival rates for different monitoring times were calculated. ResultsThe study included 80 patients, 35 on nivolumab, 32 on pembrolizumab and 13 on atezolizumab. The median overall survival was not achieved. Overall survival at 6, 12, 18 and 49 months in patients treated with nivolumab was 79.7%, 74.0%, 65.8% and 65.8%, respectively. Median progression-free survival was 15 months. Adverse events were observed in 85.7% of cases, the most common being asthenia (45.7%), hypothyroidism (25.7%) and cough (20.0%). For pembrolizumab, the overail survival rate at the end of follow-up for first- and second-line treatment was 100% and 70.9%, respectively. Median progression-free survival was 17 months in the first-line and 24 months in the second-line setting. Adverse events were observed in 84.4% of subjects, the most common ones being dyspnea (31.3%), arthralgia (28.1%) and asthenia (25.0%). The overall survival rate from 3 to 7 months remained at 75.8% for atezolizumab. Median progression-free survival could not be determined. At 3 and 6 months, 49.5% of subjects had made some progress. The most frequent adverse events included toxicity (69.2%), asthenia (30.8%), and cough, dyspnea, and skin toxicity (15.4% each). ConclusionsSubjects showed a trend toward stabilization and chronification of the disease. A positive and considerable survival rate was observed, as compared with previous studies. Further studies are required with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up times to confirm these findings.

Mathematical approach improves predictability of length of hospitalisation due to oral squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective investigation of 153 patients

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a common cancer of the head and neck, is a major public health problem. The length of stay in hospital (LOS) of patients with OSCC, which can range from a few days to several months, has implications for the patient’s recovery. The aim of the study was to identify and evaluate risk factors that have an impact on the prolongation of inpatient hospital stay. A four-year retrospective study reviewed hospital records of 153 inpatients with OSCC. A statistical model for discrete time-to-event data, with the LOS in hospital measured in days for which the event of interest was discharge from hospital, was applied. The model utilises a tree-building algorithm to identify relevant risk factors for a prolonged LOS. Age, type of flap, and occurrence of complications turned out to be relevant variables. Before, and on day 12, the LOS was mainly dependent on flap type and age, whereas after day 12 it was influenced by the presence of early complications. Predicting the likelihood of discharge can improve the management and resource utilisation of the healthcare system among inpatients.

Incidence and predictors of mortality among neonates admitted with perinatal asphyxia at west Oromia tertiary hospitals, Ethiopia, 2022

BackgroundPerinatal asphyxia is one of the preventable and treatable causes of neonatal mortality. However, it is the fifth-largest cause of under-five mortality. Even with management advancements, it remains one of the key public health issues in underdeveloped countries, including Ethiopia. Comorbidities are also understated; therefore, adequate information regarding the incidence of death and its predictors is required.MethodsA four-year retrospective follow-up study was conducted from October 3 to November 2, 2022. From a total sample size, of 655, 616 data were collected by nurse through follow-up reviews charts using Kobo Toolbox software. The data was exported to STATA Version 14 for analysis. The Cox proportional hazard assumption was checked, and the model for the data was selected using Akaike Information Criteria. Finally, an adjusted hazard ratio with 95% CI was computed, and variables with a P-value < 0.05 in the multivariable analysis were taken as significant predictors of death.ResultThe overall incidence of mortality was 38.86/1000 (95% CI: 33.85–44.60). The median time of follow-up was 15 days (95% CI: 14–20). The proportion of deaths was 202 (32.79%, 95% CI: 29.18–36.61) among neonates with perinatal asphyxia. While the distance from health facility > 10 km is (AHR: 2.25; 95% CI: 1.60–3.17), direct oxygen (AHR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.35–2.48), APGAR score (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration) < 3 at the fifth minute (AHR: 2.63; 95% CI: 1.03–6.73), prolonged rupture of membrane (AHR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.02–1.94), and stage III hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (AHR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.18–3.47) were predictors of mortality among neonates with perinatal asphyxia.ConclusionAccording to this study’s findings, high neonatal mortality due to perinatal asphyxia requires proper intervention regarding membrane rupture, APGAR score (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration), oxygen use, stage III hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, and residence distance.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns: A Four Year (2017-2020) Surveillance Study at a Tertiary Acute Care Hospital in Saudi Arabia

Introduction Objective To analyze the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in a four years period (2017-2020) at a tertiary acute care hospital in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods This is a retrospective observational study on a total 28214 pathogens isolated and shown in antibiograms between 2017 and 2020 at tertiary acute care King Salman Armed Forces Hospital Tabuk, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Results The four-year (2017-2020) retrospective observational study analyzed antibiograms at King Salman Armed Forces Hospital Tabuk, Saudi Arabia . Among the six most common organisms isolated, Escherichia coli was the most prevalent Gram-negative species, and Staphylococcus aureus was the dominant Gram-positive species. The study revealed an upward trend in antimicrobial resistance, emphasizing the need for strict infection control measures and prudent antibiotic use to combat the rising resistance Conclusion There has been an upward trend in the development of antimicrobial resistant organisms as observed in our study which is in agreement with other local studies showing same trends

Implementing uterine balloon tamponade (UBT) device for immediate postpartum hemorrhage management: Leveraging resource allocation and highlighting noteworthy experiences

BackgroundThe use of uterine balloon tamponade (UBT) devices for intrauterine packing and management of vaginal bleeding by uterine atony has shown promising results in improving the quality of care and reducing maternal mortality. ObjectiveThis report aims to provide an overview of progress made in implementing UBT devices in northern Cote d'Ivoire. Material and methodsA four-year retrospective study was conducted in the North-East (163,645), North-Center (351,909), and North-West (57,983). In 2017, UBT was adopted by members of the healthcare system. Subsequently, 5 national and 32 regional trainers have been trained. The training session was a theoretical and practical program with a low simulator. UBT is a male condom tied to a urinary catheter, filled with liquid. Positive outcomes included stopping bleeding, avoiding the need for surgery, and preventing maternal deaths (MD). In 2018, 3,515 UBT devices were distributed. In 2019, monitoring tools and transmission circuits of the data were validated. In 2020, the collection of data and local manufacturing was launched. ResultsDuring the process, 978 health workers, mainly midwife (52.0%) and nurses (32.2%) out of the 1,295 assigned were trained. The number of trained individuals decreased from 209 in 2019 to 160 in 2020. A total of 1,715 UBT devices were locally manufactured, adding to the existing gift of 5,080 devices, with total availability of 6,795. The distribution of devices increased from 2017 to 2019 but decreased in 2020. Success rates increased from 87.3% in 2017 (365/418) to 95.0% in 2019 (556/585) and slightly decreased in 2020 to 98.0% (681/695). Adverse outcomes (144/2,193), included MD (35/2,193) and medical evacuation to the surgical center (109/2,193). ConclusionThe implementation of UBT in northern Cote d'Ivoire successfully reduced maternal death rates caused by immediate post-partum hemorrhage (IPPH). However, to ensure sustainability, further improvements are needed, including increased monitoring, ongoing training, and device availability.

Assisted Reproduction in Kano, North-Western Nigeria: A Four-year retrospective study

Background: Infertility is a global problem and it poses severe physical and mental discomfort to the victims. Although considered a breakthrough, the assisted reproductive treatment of infertility such as in-vitro fertilization has been marred by a high failure rate even in technologically advanced societies.&#x0D; Objective: This research was conducted to understand some of the factors that influence the outcome of in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF &amp; ET) and Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)&#x0D; Material and method: It is a 4-year retrospective study (April, 2017 to March 2021) which explored information from case notes of patients who underwent IVF&amp; ET treatment at Getwell Fertility center. Information was collected and summarized using a specially designed proforma.&#x0D; Results: It was discovered in this study that of the 109 IVF treatment offered, the 2 weeks pregnancy rate was 24 (22.9%), the Live birth rate was 19 (18.29%) and miscarriage was 5 (4.5%). The remaining 77.06% had failed procedures.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study showed that advanced age above 32 years, and obese level of body mass index BMI, were the independent negative predictors of IVF success.

Incidence of Healthcare-Associated Infections in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Four-Year Retrospective Cohort Study

The COVID-19 pandemic may have had an impact on healthcare-associated infection (HAI) rates. In this study, we analyzed the occurrence of HAIs in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the Umberto I teaching hospital in Rome before and during the pandemic. All infants admitted from 1 March 2018 to 28 February 2022 were included and were divided into four groups according to their admission date: two groups before the pandemic (periods I and II) and two during the pandemic (periods III and IV). The association between risk factors and time-to-first event was analyzed using a multivariable Cox regression model. Over the four-year period, a total of 503 infants were included, and 36 infections were recorded. After adjusting for mechanical ventilation, birth weight, sex, type of delivery, respiratory distress syndrome, and previous use of netilmicin and fluconazole, the multivariable analysis confirmed that being hospitalized during the pandemic periods (III and IV) was the main risk factor for HAI acquisition. Furthermore, a change in the etiology of these infections was observed across the study periods. Together, these findings suggest that patient management during the pandemic was suboptimal and that HAI surveillance protocols should be implemented in the NICU setting promptly.

Proximal Femur Fractures in the Elderly-A Novel Modality to Predict Mortality: The Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio.

Background: The assessment and identification of elderly patients with proximal femur fractures (PFF) who are at high risk of postoperative mortality may influence the treatment decision-making process. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) could be used to predict postoperative mortality in the elderly population. Methods: A four-year retrospective cohort study of electronic medical records was conducted at a single tertiary care hospital between 2015 and 2018. Data from 1551 patients aged 65 years and older who underwent surgical treatment for PFF were collected and analyzed. The data included complete blood counts at admission, demographic information, underlying illnesses, type of surgery, and postoperative mortality and complications during the first year of follow-up. A survival analysis model was utilized. Results: The mean age was 90.76 ± 1.88 years, 1066 (68.7%) women. Forty-four (2.8%) patients experienced postoperative infection. A higher NLR0 was independently associated with higher all-cause mortality rates in patients who underwent surgical treatment for PFF (p = 0.041). Moreover, the mean NLR0 value was higher when the death occurred earlier after surgery (p < 0.001). Conclusions: When combined with other clinical and laboratory findings, NLR0 levels may serve as a potentially valuable, inexpensive, and reliable prognostic biomarker to improve risk stratification for elderly patients who are candidates for PFF surgery. Furthermore, with additional research, we could potentially develop a treatment algorithm to identify patients at high risk of postoperative mortality.

Epidemiology of Bloodstream Infections and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern in ICU and Non-ICU Wards: A Four-Year Retrospective Study in Isfahan, Iran.

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are one of the causes of morbidity and mortality in hospitalised patients. This study evaluated BSI's incidence, trend, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and mortality in AL Zahra Hospital in Isfahan, Iran. This retrospective study was conducted in AL Zahra Hospital from March 2017 to March 2021. The Iranian nosocomial infection surveillance system was used for data gathering. The data included demographic and hospital data, type of bacteria, and antibiotic susceptibility findings and were analysed in SPSS-18 software. The incidence of BSIs was 1.67% and 0.47%, and the mortality was 30% and 15.2% in the intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU wards, respectively. In the ICU, the mortality was correlated with the use of the catheter, type of organism and year of study, but in non-ICU, correlated with age, gender, use of the catheter, ward, year of study and duration between the incidence of BSIs and discharging/death. Staphylococcus epidermidis, Acinetobacter spp. and Klebsiella spp. were the most frequent germs isolated in all wards. Vancomycin (63.6%) and Gentamycin (37.7%) for ICU and Vancomycin (55.6%) and Meropenem (53.3) for other wards were the most sensitive antibiotics. Despite the few rate of BSI in the last four years in AL Zahra Hospital, our data showed that its incidence and mortality in the ICU ward are significantly more than in other hospital wards. We recommend prospective multicentre studies to know the total incidence of BSI, local risk factors and patterns of pathogens causing BSI.

Revision Carpal Tunnel Release With Umbilical Cord Allograft: A Four-Year Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: Refractory symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can persist or reoccur after carpal tunnel release (CTR) surgery in 1% to 25% of patients, with up to 12% of patients requiring secondary surgery. If revision surgery is required, the results are much less successful compared to primary surgery. In this study, we investigated whether cryopreserved human umbilical cord allograft placement during CTR revision surgery improved short- and long-term surgical outcomes. Methods: We conducted a single-center cohort analysis of patients between January 2015 and July 2018 who underwent secondary open revision CTR with umbilical cord allograft for recurrent or persistent compression neuropathy of the median nerve. Surgical outcomes of patients in the study group-reduction of pain, paresthesia, and weakness; complications; and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) scores-were compared to the outcomes of controls without umbilical cord allograft use who were operated on by the same surgeon between December 2011 and September 2015. Results: A total of 37 patients underwent CTR with (n=26) and without (n=11) umbilical cord allograft (mean follow-up of 4 years). Following surgery, preoperative symptoms of pain (96% vs 73%, P=0.048) and paresthesia (100% vs 73%, P=0.014) were significantly improved in the patients who received umbilical cord allograft. Mean QuickDASH scores (19.0 vs 23.7, P=0.58) and preoperative weakness (90% vs 67%, P=0.14) were improved in the patients who received umbilical cord allograft but were nonsignificant. Short- and long-term complications were similar between groups (P=0.56, P=0.51, respectively). Conclusion: This study suggests that human umbilical cord allograft placement during open revision CTR is safe and effective for improving long-term symptoms of compressive neuropathy in patients with recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome.

Antiretroviral therapy programme outcomes at Senkatana antiretroviral therapy clinic, Lesotho: a four-year retrospective cohort study.

sub-Saharan Africa, home to over 10% of the world´s population, is the worst Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-affected region in the world. HIV/AIDS is a major public health challenge in Lesotho, with an HIV prevalence of 25.6% in 2018. The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcomes of people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) after 48 months of initiation. we conducted a register-based retrospective cohort study for all patients registered at the Senkatana ART Clinic from January to December 2014 and followed them for 48 months until 2018. The ART treatment register and treatment cards were the primary source of data. Data were captured and cleaned in Epi info version 7 and exported into Stata version 14 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to describe participant characteristics. Due to the lack of incident data, the factors associated with treatment outcomes were determined using Chi-square tests and logistic regression. in 2014, 604 patients were enrolled on ART, of which the majority were female (59.4%) and married (54.8%). The mean age (standard deviation (SD)) at which ART was started was 36 years (10.5) years. After 48 months of initiation, the cohort consisted of 387 patients of which 365 (94.3%) were retained on treatment. In the multivariable logistic regression model, neither demographic characteristics nor clinical factors were associated with ART treatment outcome (viral load suppression, adherence, or ART retention), however, the univariable analysis showed that higher CD4 count at initiation was associated with viral load suppression. retention, viral load suppression, and adherence were generally good in this cohort after 48 months of initiation. CD4 at initiation was a significant predictor of viral load suppression at 48 months. The ART programme has managed to maintain high viral load suppression and improve immunity in patients who are immunocompromised. Proper data quality management is required for adequate patient monitoring to enable clinical personnel to record and use individual patient data for guiding the clinical management of such patients. Strengthening patient support and tracing will help to reduce the number of patients lost to follow-up.