High Number Of Complications Research Articles

Effect of Elevated Blood Glucose on Postoperative Complications Among Diabetic Patients After Surgical Treatment of Torsional Ankle Fracture.

This study aims to evaluate the association of elevated blood glucose and postoperative complications among diabetic patients after surgical treatment of torsional ankle fracture. This was a retrospective study of consecutive diabetic patients treated surgically for a torsional ankle injury between January 2017 and December 2021 at a large tertiary hospital. All patients who met inclusion and exclusion criteria were divided into a high-HbA1c group or a low-HbA1c group according to the HbA1c cutoff of 7.0% within 3 months of operation, then a propensity score match was performed to control potential confounding factors. The primary outcomes were postoperative complications, and secondary outcomes were unplanned secondary procedures. A matched cohort of 238 patients was finally included, with 119 patients with high HbA1c levels and 119 with low HbA1c levels. Patients with high HbA1c levels experienced more complications (31.1% vs 18.5%, P < .01) and more secondary procedures (22.7% and 8.4%, P < .01) than those with low HbA1c levels. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that patients with high HbA1c levels were significantly associated with higher proportions of any complications (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.08-4.69; P = .03), superficial infection (OR 4.03, 95% CI 2.13-5.41; P < .01), deep infection (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.23-2.02; P < .01), and any unplanned secondary operations (OR 3.72, 95% CI 1.62-8.52; P < .01) compared with those with low HbA1c levels after controlling for potential confounders. Multivariate linear regression showed that high HbA1c levels were significantly associated with a higher number of complications (β = 4.61, 95% CI 2.63-18.18; P < .01) and a higher number of secondary procedures (β = 4.44, 95% CI 2.79-10.87; P < .01). Patients with an HbA1c >7.0% within 3 months of operation are more likely to have a wound issue/infection and more likely to undergo a secondary procedure after surgical treatment of torsional ankle fractures in diabetic patients than patients with an HbA1c ≤7.0% within 3 months of operation.

Analysis of surgical treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer at the Samara Regional Clinical Oncological Dispensary

BACKGROUND: Surgery is the only treatment option for tumors of the head and tail. To date, the most optimal operations used for tumors of the head of the pancreas are gastro-pancreatoduodenal resection, and for tumors of the tail — distal subtotal resection of the pancreas and splenectomy. The main access for these operations is median laparotomy. In our article, we analyze the surgical interventions that have been performed for pancreatic cancer in our center, Samara Regional Clinical Oncological Dispensary.&#x0D; AIM: Analysis of surgical interventions for pancreatic cancer in the Samara Regional Clinical Oncological Dispensary to assess the immediate and long-term results of surgical treatment.&#x0D; METHODS: This article presents the results of treatment of 236 patients with pancreatic cancer in the Department of abdominal Oncology of the Samara Regional Clinical Oncology Dispensary from 2018 to 2023. Most patients underwent surgical interventions, including choledochal stenting, bile duct drainage, and cholecystostomy. In inoperable or unresectable processes, palliative surgery was performed, such as the formation of cholecystoenteroanastomosis and gastroenteroanastomosis. Most of the patients underwent radical surgery, and some of them were preceded by neoadjuvant polychemotherapy. In the postoperative period, various reconstruction methods were performed, including the formation of pancreato-gastro-anastomosis and pancreatoejunoanastomosis. Combined operations were also performed in some patients with tumor invasion of adjacent organs.&#x0D; RESULTS: The medical records of 99 patients who underwent radical surgery were examined. 30 of them had significant clinical complications according to the Clavien–Dindo classification and included pancreatic fistula, failure of pancreatoejunoanastomosis, failure of pancreato-gastro-anastomosis and subhepatic abscess. All patients underwent laparotomy, sanitation and drainage of the abdominal cavity, and continued treatment in intensive care units. Some patients required a relaparotomy to stop intra-abdominal erosive bleeding. The mortality rate was 12.02%, the cause of death in some cases was the failure of pancreatoenteroanastomosis together with pancreatic fistula and cardiopulmonary insufficiency caused by pulmonary embolism. The patients were divided into four groups depending on the operation performed. Mortality after distal subtotal pancreatic resection was 2.02%, after.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Surgical intervention is the main method of treating pancreatic cancer. Radical surgery is a key factor that affects the prognosis of the disease. However, the lack of verification of pancreatic cancer before admission to the hospital does not allow chemotherapy to be performed in the mode of preoperative treatment for a common form of the disease. In about 70% of patients, the syndrome of mechanical jaundice becomes the first manifestation of the disease, which requires additional methods of diagnosis and treatment. The complexity of the operation lies in the proximity of the pancreas to vascular structures. Most patients are already inoperable at the time of diagnosis confirmation due to the spread of the tumor process. Due to the technical complexity of operations, the high number of complications and high postoperative mortality, treatment of pancreatic cancer should be carried out in large specialized centers. The treatment of the disease requires interdisciplinary cooperation to achieve optimal diagnosis.

AO/OTA type C3 distal humeral fractures in patients aged 75 years and older: Is ORIF with double precontoured anatomical locking plates a reliable treatment?

IntroductionThe incidence of osteoporotic distal humeral fractures (DHF) is on the rise. Their operative management is demanding. Fixation with non-locking reconstruction plates was associate with a high number of complications. Elbow arthroplasty (total or hemi) has been proposed as an alternative treatment, in spite of lifetime activity restrictions, and risk of complications, unknown implant survival and problematic revision surgery. Precontoured anatomical locking plates have increased the strength of the fixation in complex fractures. Hypothesis: double plating ORIF with precontoured anatomical locking plates is a safe and reliable treatment option for the management of AO/OTA type C3 DHF in patients aged 75 and older. Patients and methodsA retrospective case series study of patients aged 75 years old and older with an AO/OTA type C3 DHF treated with ORIF with double precontoured anatomical locking plates between 2007 and 2021. Pathologic fractures were excluded. Patients’ demographic, surgical, clinical, and radiological data were reviewed. ResultsA total of 27 women and 3 men, mean age of 80.1 years (range 75–93 years), were included. Mean Charlson index was 5 (range 3–8). Out of 30 patients, 19 had already died. Mean survival time after the surgical treatment was 72.3 months. Mean Mayo elbow performance score was 88.9 (range 60–100); 23 patients scored excellent or good. All fractures healed with no cases of delay union or non-union, hardware failure or loss of reduction. No patient needed a revision surgery to arthroplasty. The total number of complications was 12 (40%), mainly ulnar neuropathy (5) and cerclage removal (4). ConclusionORIF with double pre-contoured locking plates may be a safe and reliable treatment for type C3 DHF in patients aged 75 years and older, with a good functional outcome. Complications are expected but not related to loss of reduction, fixation failure or revision to elbow arthroplasty.

Translated article] Are frailty scores superior to the ASA score in predicting complications, hospital stay, and readmissions in total knee replacement? A comparative study between octogenarian and septuagenarian patients

Background and objectiveFrailty scores have not been standardised for the preoperative assessment of patients undergoing total knee replacement (TKR). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score, the Charlson comorbidity index (ICC) and the simple frailty score (SSF) in predicting complications, hospital stay, readmissions and mortality after elective TKR. Materials and methodsWe retrospectively studied 448 patients who underwent TKR for osteoarthritis at our institution between 2016 and 2019. They were divided into two groups: Group A (263 patients, <80 years) and Group B (185 patients, >80 years).). All were classified by ASA, ICC and SSF scores. ResultsThe ICC was higher in Group B (median 5 [RI: 4–6] vs. 4 [RI: 3–5]; p<.001); however, it was not associated with a higher number of complications. When performing a logistic regression analysis we found, for complications: OR SSF=0.67; ICC=1.11; ASA 3 & 4=0.89 and age=1.04; while for readmissions: OR SSF=2.09; ICC=1.01; ASA 3 & 4=0.79 and age=1. ConclusionsThe ICC and SSF scales showed no differences to the ASA scale in the prediction of readmissions, complications and hospital stay. However, the SSF seems to have a better correlation in predicting unplanned readmission.

Depressive Symptoms in Young and Middle-Aged Stroke Patients: A Transition Analysis.

There is heterogeneity in depressive symptoms. However, latent classes of depressive symptoms and the transition and influences of these in young and middle-aged stroke patients are unclear. The aim of this study was to identify the latent classes of depressive symptoms and their transition patterns over time and the influencing factors in young and middle-aged stroke patients from stabilization to 6 months after discharge. This is a longitudinal study following the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist. A total of 272 young and middle-aged stroke participants were recruited from a hospital neurology ward in Henan Province, China. Participants completed a questionnaire on sociodemographic and health information. Latent transition analysis was used to evaluate the transition pattern of latent classes from stabilization to 6 months after discharge and its influencing factors. One hundred seventy-nine participants were included in the analysis. Three latent classes of depressive symptoms were identified as "mild symptoms," "grief-sleep-fatigue symptoms," and "severe symptoms." Most participants remained in the original latent class from stabilization to 6 months after discharge (probability of 83.8%, 83.8%, and 88.8%). From 3 to 6 months after discharge, the participants with fewer complications were more likely to transition into the mild symptom class. The findings indicate that from stabilization to 6 months after discharge, depressive symptoms in young and middle-aged stroke patients in China transitioned gradually from the severe symptom class to the mild symptom. Patients with fewer numbers of poststroke complications were more likely to transition to the mild symptoms class. Future research should focus on depressive symptoms in early-stage stroke patients and provide sufficient psychological support to patients with a high number of complications.

Post-coronary Artery Bypass Graft Complications; Potential Causes and Risk Factors

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death worldwide despite the coexistence of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Current emergency management involves revascularization of the coronary arteries. Aims: Retrospectively evaluate the association between the used number of shunts and postoperative complications. Objectives: Several complications are reported after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, such as postoperative arrhythmia and postoperative stroke. However, the risk factors for the development remain not elaborated. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study involved 290 patients for the period 2017-2021 treated surgically for ischemic heart disease. The surgery includes shunts of the internal thoracic arteries with the post-occlusion coronary arteries. The number of shunts is varied depending on the size and number of occluded arteries. According to the number of shunts, the patient may be operated on with artificial circulation (CPB; cardiopulmonary bypass), or without a working heart (OFF pump; without artificial circulation. For statistical analysis, T-test, one-way ANOVA test, X2 test, COX proportional hazards, and Pearson correlation test were used by using the Statistica program. Results: The most frequently reported complication is postoperative hydrothorax, in 28 (11.20%) patients. Patients with post-CABG LV aneurysm had a longer CPB time and aortic cross-clamp time, t-value -5.58113, p &lt; 0.000000; t-value -4.72802, p &lt; 0.000004, respectively. Patients with postoperative hydrothorax with low BMI and longer CPB and Aortic cross-clamp time, t-value of-2.33929, p &lt;0.020021; t-value 3.83233, P &lt; 0.000157; t-value 2.71109, p &lt; 0.007119, respectively. Subsequently, post-operative hydrothorax increases the intensive care unit (ICU) and total hospitalization days, t-value 5.80811, p &lt; 0.000000; t-value 7.37431, p &lt; 0.000000, respectively. Patients who have preoperative progressive angina have a higher number of complications, t-value of 2.108504, p &lt; 0.035866. Post-myocardial infarction patients with myocardial sclerosis (PMIMS) have a higher number of complications, t value of 2.516784, p &lt; 0.012396. A direct correlation between the number of complications and age/CPB time/ aortic cross-clamp time/ICU hospitalization days/total hospitalization days, r= 0.138565, 0.204061, 0.162078, 0.487048, 0.408381; respectively. Conclusion: Postoperative complication rate associated with the pre-existence of progressive angina and PMIMS. Elderly people undergoing CABG are at higher risk of psychosis, arrhythmia, longer total and ICU hospitalization days, and stroke. Advanced age, longed CPB time, prolonged aortic cross-clamp time, long ICU hospitalisation, and long total hospitalization days are risks of more frequent post-CABG complications. Others: The number of complications is not associated with the dead and alive status of patients or with the number of shunts.

Peculiarities of Clinical Symptoms, Somatic Complications, Approaches to Therapy and Outcomes of Delirium Induced by Exposure to Synthetic Cannabinoids: Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION: The use of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) is an urgent healthcare problem, due to, among other things, a high number of complications.&#x0D; AIM: To systematize the peculiarities of clinical presentation, somatic complications, effectiveness of empirical approaches to therapy, and probable outcomes of delirium induced by exposure to SCs.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analysis of scientific publications selected by the keywords in eLibrary, СNKI, PubMed databases, was conducted. According to PRISMA recommendations, 20 articles were taken for analysis.&#x0D; RESULTS: Today, it is impossible to predict the period when SC-induced delirium may occur. It can start after one-time intake of even small dose, and can occur both due to intoxication and with the underlying withdrawal state on the 2nd4th days after the last use. Besides classic symptoms, the clinical picture of delirium is characterized by many symptoms of schizophrenic psychoses: hallucinations of threatening or drug-addicted content; secondary paranoid delusion, less expressed than hallucinations; aggressiveness and agitated behavior; some formal thinking disorders; rarely, KandinskiClerambault and oneiroid syndromes. There are reported cases of severe somatic complications in the form of depression of consciousness, rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure, cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, epilepsy, infectious complications with the underlying weakened immunity. Therapy of SC-induced delirium includes detoxification and metabolic therapy, administration of antipsychotics and tranquilizers; use of resuscitation measures in case of depression of consciousness and development of life-threatening conditions. SC-induced delirium lasts from several hours to several days. In most cases, it terminates with complete recovery with amnesia of the period of confusion and asthenia, but in some cases fatal outcomes are reported caused not only by accidents such as road accidents or suicide, but also by somatic complications (most often of infectious character, or multi-organ failure).&#x0D; CONCLUSION: SСs remain relevant due to high frequency of their use and continuous emergence of new analogs to substances of this group. They have multidirectional effect, and so far it is difficult to predict at what period the delirium induced by them may occur.

Sequels of COVID-19: An integrative literature review

The strong affinity between the Spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor is postulated as one of the main reasons for the high viral transmission rate, leading the WHO to declare COVID-19 as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and to adopt measures to contain viral spread. Moreover, due to the virus’s pathophysiological mechanism, non-specific symptoms, atypical progression, especially in the elderly and immunocompromised, and a faster and more lethal progression are observed. Additionally, as knowledge about the natural history of the virus infection has advanced, persistent symptoms and/or sequelae causing organic dysfunctions and negatively impacting patients’ quality of life have been noted. In light of this, the objective of this article was to present an integrative review of the main sequels of COVID-19 in the years 2021 and 2022. To achieve this, full articles were searched in the Scientific Electronic Library Online, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, and PubMed research databases, in both Portuguese and English languages, using the PRISMA methodology (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), resulting in the selection of 14 articles. Among the results, the following stand out: the pathogenesis of persistent COVID-19 is based on the theory of immune phenomena secondary to infection, abnormal immune response, and the presence of the virus in immunologically privileged sites; prevalent complications include fatigue, dyspnea, subjective cognitive impairment, neurological sequelae, central nervous system inflammatory diseases, and post-viral olfactory dysfunction; evidence of a causal relationship between COVID-19 and subacute thyroiditis was presented; a higher number of complications and hospitalizations were demonstrated in vitamin D-deficient patients; as well as the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in the healthcare professional population. In conclusion, a scarcity of studies directly addressing COVID-19 sequelae was noted, highlighting the need for further research to create more specific diagnostic protocols.

Intervention project: follow-up of hypertensive and diabetic users using optimized cardiovascular risk stratification through VBA®

Introduction: Among the main chronic diseases are cardiovascular diseases, with systemic arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus as important risk factors. The identification of patients with high cardiovascular risk is a priority action in Primary Health Care. The Framingham score is used for this classification. The motivation for this study was the finding of the loss of outpatient follow-up of patients with hypertension and diabetes, which leads to treatment abandonment and a high number of complications. General objective: To implement a monitoring worksheet for hypertensive and diabetic patients in the family health strategy (FHS) and their classification according to Framingham score in low, medium and high risk. Methodology: Hypertensive and diabetic patients were located in the electronic medical record and classified according to the Framingham score using a spreadsheet with VBA computer language in the Microsoft Excel program. Results: A total of 219 medical records were analyzed from September to November 2021. Of the total, 210 users with systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and 65 with diabetes mellitus (DM). Regarding cardiovascular risk, 86 patients (39.3%) fit into low risk, 37 patients (16.9%) in moderate/intermediate risk and the rest, 96 patients (43.8%) in high cardiovascular risk. Conclusion: The expected results with the organization of users with optimized spreadsheets bring improvements such as better control of four-monthly, six-monthly or annual follow-up according to the classification of cardiovascular risk, active search for absentees through community health agents with guidance on the importance of follow-up in PHC, community health indicators in relation to hypertensive and diabetic patients and targeting intervention proposals aimed at the population at higher risk such as lectures, physical activity groups and conversation circles on the subject. In addition, it is essential to note that there is a high number of consultations for this study group, and monitoring with nursing through its protocols is essential to contribute to improving health care.

¿Son las escalas de valoración de fragilidad superiores a la escala de valoración ASA en la predicción de complicaciones, estancia hospitalaria y readmisiones en prótesis total de rodilla? Un estudio comparativo entre pacientes octogenarios y septuagenarios

Background and objectiveFrailty scores have not been standardized for the preoperative assessment of patients undergoing total knee replacement (TKR). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score, the Charlson comorbidity index (ICC) and the simple frailty score (SSF) in predicting complications, hospital stay, readmissions and mortality after elective TKR. Materials and methodsWe retrospectively studied 448 patients who underwent TKR for osteoarthritis at our institution between 2016 and 2019. They were divided into two groups: Group A (263 patients, <80 years) and Group B (185 patients, >80 years).). All were classified by ASA, ICC and SSF scores. ResultsThe ICC was higher in Group B (median 5 [RI: 4-6] vs. 4 [RI: 3-5]; P<.001); however, it was not associated with a higher number of complications. When performing a logistic regression analysis we found, for complications: OR SSF=0.67, ICC=1.11; ASA 3 & 4=0.89 and age=1.04; while for readmissions: OR SSF=2.09; ICC=1.01; ASA 3 & 4=0.79 and age=1. ConclusionsThe ICC and SSF scales showed no differences to the ASA scale in the prediction of readmissions, complications and hospital stay. However, the SSF seems to have a better correlation in predicting unplanned readmission.

The Relationship of Disorders in the Hemostasis System with Changes in Homeostasis in Conditions of Progressive Inflammation

The urgency of the problem of acute peritonitis in surgical practice is due to the annual increase in morbidity, a high number of complications, therapeutic complexity and mortality. Materials and methods. The material of the study was 45 patients with acute peritonitis, who were divided into 3 groups depending on the course of pathology after surgery. The first group (n=15) – without complications, the second (n=15) – with wound complications, the third (n=15) – with tertiary peritonitis and sepsis. In addition to standard research methods, a number of laboratory tests are included to determine the severity of intoxication, oxidative activity, the state of the blood coagulation system, and the functional state of the liver. The study period is the 1st, 5th, 10th postoperative day. Results. The results showed that in the early period after surgery in patients with acute peritonitis, the state of hypercoagulemia, inhibition of fibrinolysis correlate with lipid peroxidation, endogenous intoxication, and violation of the functional status of the liver. With effective therapy, during the early postoperative period, the state of the hemostasis system and homeostasis indicators are corrected against the background of restoration of the functional status of the liver. With the aggravation of the phenomena of inflammation in the early postoperative period and the development of complications, there is a progression of changes in the studied indicators of homeostasis and hemostasis with further inhibition of the functional state of the liver. With the development of tertiary peritonitis and sepsis, the hemostasis system is modified in the form of hypocoagulemia and activation of fibrinolysis against the background of a sharp increase in endogenous intoxication, lipid peroxidation and greater inhibition of the functional status of the liver, including from its hemostasis-regulating component. Conclusions. The obtained results indicate the presence of a reliable correlation of disorders in the hemostasis system with changes in homeostasis in conditions of progressive inflammation.

285 Determinants of Mortality Amongst Adult Burn Patients Admitted to a Regional Burn Center: Twenty-year Review

Abstract Introduction Established determinants of morbidity and mortality in burn patients include age and total burn surface area (TBSA), followed by inhalation injuries. We investigated determinants of mortality in burn patients admitted to our unit over the last two decades. The goal of this study was to determine the trends associated with burn mortality. Methods The burn registry was reviewed for the data of 5,401 burn patients admitted to our burn unit from 2002 to 2021. Patient demographics, payer source, burn characteristics, TBSA, injury circumstances, length of stay, ventilator and ICU days, comorbidities, complications, and surgery/procedures data were obtained for all patients. Chart reviews were completed for patients who died to investigate trends in mortality. The chi-square test, Wilcoxon two sample Test, Cochran-Armitage trend test, and Jonckheere-Terptra test will be used to evaluate the difference in risk factors of patients who survived and those who died. Two-sided p values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results A total of 4093 adult burn patients were hospitalized from 2002 to 2021, of which 155 died. Data showed a significant mortality risk for patients of older age with increased TBSA, higher number of ventilator days, higher ICU Days, and a higher number of complications and smoke inhalation. Male patients had a significantly higher mortality rate. Burn injury by flash-flame represented a higher mortality risk. Accidental burn injury unrelated to employment was significantly more common in all patient populations. The relationship between the number of comorbidities and mortality risk was not clear. There wasn’t a significant difference in the mortality risk based on ethnicity (p=0.1218). Mortality rates did not change significantly over the 20 years (p=0.2027). Conclusions Age, %TBSA, and presence of inhalation injury continue to be major determinants of mortality. Higher incidence of longer stay and ICU/ventilator days, complications, and surgical procedures are associated with burn patients who don’t survive but these may be related to previous parameters. Overall mortality trends have not changed. Applicability of Research to Practice The results of this study can be used to increase accuracy in the triage of burn patients at higher risk of complications and death, to offer patients precise prognostics and better outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality.

The results of surgery for giant aneurysms of the middle cerebral arteries: a retrospective study

Background: Surgical treatment of middle cerebral artery (MCA) giant aneurysms is a challenging task. The information on its current principles is rather limited, with the publications based on isolated case reports and small series.&#x0D; Aim: To identify the types of procedures and evaluate the results of surgery in patients with giant MCA aneurysms.&#x0D; Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data on 55 patients who had undergone surgery for MCA giant aneurysms in the Burdenko Neurosurgery Center from 2010 to 2021. Thereafter 52 patients were followed up for 6 to 120 months (for 53.1 33.7 months on average).&#x0D; Results: The giant MCA aneurysms were located at the M1 segment bifurcation in 33 (60%) patients, within the M1 segment, in 11 (20%), M2 in 7 (12.7%), and M3 and M4 in 4 (7.3%) patients. There were 32 (58.2%) saccular and 23 (41.8%) fusiform aneurysms. Surgical interventions for MCA giant aneurysms included their neck clipping (50.9%, n = 28), clipping with formation of the arterial lumen (3.6%, n = 2), bypass procedures (34.5%, n = 19), wrapping (3.6%, n = 2), and endovascular procedures (7.3%, n = 4). Perioperative worsening of the neurologic status (The Modified Rankin Scale, mRS) was observed in 50.9% (n = 28) of the patients, and the death rate was 1.8% (n = 1). The complete closure of giant aneurysms was achieved in 78.2% (n = 43) of the cases. The long-term outcome was favorable in 76.9% of the patients (40 from 52 available for the follow up).&#x0D; Conclusion: Microsurgical clipping and bypass types of surgery were the most common surgical procedures for the treatment of MCA giant aneurysms. These procedures are technically complex and are associated with a relatively high number of complications. The main directions of future studies could be in the search for new and more precise diagnostic assessment of the collateral circulation in the cortical MCA branches, improvement of the algorithm for the bypass selection, as well as an investigation of the long-term results of endovascular and combined treatments. A thorough long-term postoperative patient follow-up and the possibility of high quality control angiography are of major importance.

Haemoglobin drop in patients with myocardial infarction and without previous anaemia is associated with an increased incidence of heart failure and cardiogenic shock

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background It is established that the presence of anaemia is associated with a higher number of complications in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). However, even in patients without history of anaemia, haemoglobin (Hb) drop is often observed. The impact of this decrease in the incidence of heart failure (HF), cardiogenic shock (CS) and reinfarction is still unclear. Purpose This retrospective observational study aims to document if a drop of Hb greater than 2g/dL in patients with MI and without previous anaemia relates to higher rates of HF, CS and reinfarction. Methods We selected a population of 4287 patients admitted with MI with initial Hb between 12 and 15g/dL and without major bleeding at admission (D). We then divided them in two groups: those with a drop of Hb ≥ 2g/dL (D1) and those with an inferior drop (D2) Patient's age, gender, personal history, clinical and electrocardiographic presentation of MI, in-hospital therapy, coronary angiography and left ventricular function were recorded. The incidence of reinfarction, HF and CS was documented. In-hospital mortality was also compared. Multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate whether a drop in Hb was an independent predictor of any of these events. Results D1 consisted of 17,9% of the population (N=863). D1 presented with lower Hb values when compared to D2 (11 ± 1.1 vs 12.9 ± 1.0 g / dL, p &amp;lt; 0.001). These patients were older (70 ± 12 vs 65 ± 13 years, p&amp;lt;0.001), more frequently of the female sex (41,6 vs 27,2%, p&amp;lt;0.001), had a higher prevalence of hypertension (73,3% vs 65,7% p&amp;lt;0.001), diabetes mellitus (36,9 vs 26,9%, p&amp;lt;0,001), history of HF (5,9 vs 4,0%, p=0,013) and chronic renal failure (5,8% vs 3,8%, p=0,003). At the time of admission, D1 underwent more therapy with unfractionated heparin (34,6% vs 26,2%, p&amp;lt;0.001), enoxaparin (66,7% vs 51,7%, p&amp;lt;0.001) and less therapy with fondaparinux (12,7% vs 18,3%, p&amp;lt;0.001). The coronary angiography rate was similar between the groups, but D1 had more frequently the need for repeat angiography (10,7% vs 6,6%, p&amp;lt;0,001), more coronary angiographies by femoral access (40,2% vs 20,2%, p&amp;lt;0.001) and more angioplasties (71,9% vs 68,4%, p=0,04). D1 presented more frequently with HF (24,8% vs 11,1%, p&amp;lt;0,001), cardiogenic shock (10,5% vs 1,7%, p&amp;lt;0,001), reinfarction (2,1% vs 1,1%, p=0,011) and had significantly higher in-hospital mortality (5,0% vs 2,0%, p&amp;lt;0,001). A drop of Hb≥2g/dL was an independent predictor of reinfarction, HF and CS, but not IHM. Conclusions In patients with MI and without previous anaemia nor major bleeding at admission, haemoglobin drop is a predictor of heart failure, cardiogenic shock and reinfarction, but not of in-hospital mortality.

Translated article] Comparative clinical and biomechanical study of different types of osteosynthesis in the treatment of distal femur fractures

Introduction and objectivesDistal femoral fractures represent a problem due to their high number of complications. The aim was to compare the results, complications and stability achieved with retrograde intramedullary nailing and the angular stable plate in the treatment of distal femoral diaphyseal fractures. Material and methodA clinical and experimental biomechanical study was carried out using finite elements. The results of the simulations allowed us to obtain the main results related to the stability of osteosynthesis. For clinical follow-up data, frequencies were used for qualitative variables, and Fisher's exact test and χ2 test were used to evaluate the significance of the different factors, with the condition of P<.05. ResultsIn the biomechanical study, the retrograde intramedullar nails demonstrated superiority, obtaining lower values in terms of global displacement, maximum tension, torsion resistance, and bending resistance. In the clinical study, the rate of consolidation of the plates was lower than nails (77% vs. 96%, P=.02). The factor that most influenced the healing of fractures treated with plate were the central cortical thickness (P=.019). The factor that most influenced the healing of nail-treated fractures was the difference between the diameter of the medullary canal and the nail. ConclusionsOur biomechanical study shows that both osteosynthesis provide sufficient stability, but biomechanically behaves differently. Nails provide greater overall stability being preferable the use of long nails adjusted to the diameter of the canal. Plates form less rigid osteosynthesis, with little resistance to bending.

Estudio comparativo clínico y biomecánico de distintos tipos de osteosíntesis en el tratamiento de fracturas distales de fémur

Introduction and objectivesDistal femoral fractures represent a problem due to their high number of complications. The aim was to compare the results, complications and stability achieved with retrograde intramedullary nailing and the angular stable plate in the treatment of distal femoral diaphyseal fractures. Material and methodA clinical and experimental biomechanical study was carried out using finite elements. The results of the simulations allowed us to obtain the main results related to the stability of osteosynthesis. For clinical follow-up data, frequencies were used for qualitative variables, and Fisher's exact test and χ2 test were used to evaluate the significance of the different factors, with the condition of P<.05. ResultsIn the biomechanical study, the retrograde intramedullar nails demonstrated superiority, obtaining lower values in terms of global displacement, maximum tension, torsion resistance, and bending resistance. In the clinical study, the rate of consolidation of the plates was lower than nails (77% vs. 96%, P=.02). The factor that most influenced the healing of fractures treated with plate were the central cortical thickness (P=.019). The factor that most influenced the healing of nail-treated fractures was the difference between the diameter of the medullary canal and the nail. ConclusionsOur biomechanical study shows that both osteosynthesis provide sufficient stability, but biomechanically behaves differently. Nails provide greater overall stability being preferable the use of long nails adjusted to the diameter of the canal. Plates form less rigid osteosynthesis, with little resistance to bending.

Safety-driven master’s technique of the Latarjet-Walch procedure and its short-term complications: experience in a study of 150 consecutive patients

Although the classic open Latarjet has a low recurrence rate in unstable shoulders, this advantage may be offset by the higher number of complications. We aimed to report the safety-driven nuanced steps and the resulting short-term complications of the Latarjet-Walch technique. Between 2016 and 2022, 150 patients who underwent the Latarjet procedure following the key safety-driven technical steps were retrospectively evaluated for intraoperative and short-term (3 months) complications. The complications were divided into 3 types: Any adverse event that did not need a change in the treatment protocol was a type 1 complication. An event that resulted in a prolongation of rehabilitation protocol or an additional medical line of treatment was classified as type 2, and an event that resulted in readmission, a resurgery, or one that affected the outcome was classified as a type 3 complication. There were 12 (8%) short-term complications in 9 patients. Neurological complications were noted in 3 (2%) patients (1 axillary nerve injury, 1 suprascapular nerve injury, and 1 musculocutaneous nerve injury). Type 1 complications were noted in 2 patients: 2 patients had hematoma that was detected as superficial swelling, but no surgical drainage was needed, and both resolved at their 1-month follow-up. Type 2 complications were noted in 4 patients. One patient had surgical site infection and a second patient had superficial wound dehiscence in the lower part of the wound. The third patient had suprascapular nerve paresis and the fourth had musculocutaneous nerve paresis and shoulder stiffness. Both nerve injuries recovered completely after 6 months of rehabilitation. Type 3 complications were noted in 3 patients. One patient had axillary nerve paresis and shoulder stiffness. The axillary nerve palsy had recovered partially by 8 months. One patient had an intraoperative graft fracture and postoperative shoulder stiffness, and the third patient had shoulder stiffness. Following the safety-driven nuanced steps in the Latarjet-Walch procedure, the short-term complication rate was 8%, and the neurological complication was 2% (n=3). The musculocutaneous and suprascapular nerves completely recovered, and the axillary nerve had partially recovered.

COVID-19: Has the Liver Been Spared?

The liver is a secondary and often collateral target of COVID-19 disease but can lead to important consequences. COVID-19 might directly cause a high number of complications in patients with pre-existing chronic liver disease, increasing their risk of hepatic decompensation. Moreover, it also determines indirect consequences in the management of patients with liver disease, especially in those suffering from decompensated cirrhosis and HCC, as well as in the execution of their follow-up and the availability of all therapeutic possibilities. Liver imaging in COVID-19 patients proved to be highly nonspecific, but it can still be useful for identifying the complications that derive from the infection. Moreover, the recent implementation of telemedicine constitutes a possible solution to both the physical distancing and the re-organizational difficulties arising from the pandemic. The present review aims to encompass the currently hypothesized pathophysiological mechanisms of liver injury in patients with COVID-19 mediated by both the direct invasion of the virus and its indirect effects and analyze the consequence of the pandemic in patients with chronic liver disease and liver tumors, with particular regard to the management strategies that have been implemented to face this worldwide emergency and that can be further improved.

Association of Higher Rates of Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) Complications with Psychological and Demographic Variables: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the occurrence and number of T2DM complications with sociodemographic (age, sex, habitation, education), clinical (duration of diabetes, HbA1c (%), BMI) and psychological (well-being, sense of influence on the diabetes course, coping styles) variables. A total of 2574 adult patients were assessed using The Sense of Influence on the Diabetes Course Scale, WHO-5 Well-Being Index, and the Brief Method of Evaluating Coping with Disease. Hierarchical Regression Analysis was conducted with number of complications as the dependent variable and three sets of variables entered in sequential steps: (a) sociodemographic; (b) clinical and (c) psychological factors. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association of these variables with diabetes complications' occurrence. A higher number of complications and higher odds ratios of occurrence of complications were associated with sociodemographic and clinical variables, poor well-being, low perception of influence on the diabetes course, and an emotion-oriented coping style. The logistic regression indicated that participants with HbA1c >7% (in comparison with HbA1c ≤ 7%) and with high risk of depression (in comparison with no risk of depression) had respectively 68% and 86% higher odds of developing complications. The number of complications has weak but statistically significant relations with psychological and clinical factors. The results support the rationale of including the psychosocial factors in the context of diabetes management.

Random Forest Clustering Identifies Three Subgroups of β-Thalassemia with Distinct Clinical Severity

In this work, we aimed to establish subgroups of clinical severity in a global cohort of β-thalassemia through unsupervised random forest (RF) clustering. We used a large global dataset of 7910 β-thalassemia patients and evaluated 19 indicators of phenotype severity (IPhS) to determine their contribution and relatedness in grouping β-thalassemia patients into clusters using RF analysis. RF clustering suggested that three clusters with minimal overlapping exist (classification error rate: 4.3%), and six important IPhS were identified: the current age of the patient, the mean serum ferritin level, the age at diagnosis, the age at first transfusion, the age at first iron chelation, and the number of complications. Cluster 3 represented patients with early initiation of transfusion and iron chelation, considerable iron overload, and early mortality from heart failure. Patients in Cluster 2 had lower serum ferritin levels, although they had a higher number of complications manifesting overtime. Patients in Cluster 1 represented a subgroup with delayed or absent transfusion and iron chelation, but with a high morbidity rate. Hepatic disease and cancer were dominant causes of death in patients in Cluster 1 and 2. Our findings established that patients with β-thalassemia can be clustered into three groups based on six parameters of phenotype severity.