Independent Risk Factor For Development Research Articles

Predictive factors of stone-free rate and complications in patients with proximal impacted ureteral stones undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy: based on a new scoring standard.

To evaluate the predictive factors affecting the stone-free rate (SFR) and complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCN) in the treatment of proximal impacted ureteral stones (PIUS) based on a new scoring standard. The data of 90 patients with PIUS were collected in this retrospective study between January 2015 and June 2023. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors affecting treatment outcome in terms of SFR and complications. The scoring standard for patients with PIUS was developed based on the univariate logistic regression analyses. In the univariate analysis, stone density (P = 0.015), and stone diameter (P = 0.032) significantly were associated with lower SFR. And degree of hydronephrosis (P = 0.014), Preoperative infection (P = 0.002), and history of lithotripsy (P = 0.045) were associated with occurrence of complications. Multivariate analysis indicated that stone density (P = 0.020), and stone diameter (P < 0.001) were associated with lower SFR; independent risk factors for development of complications were history of lithotripsy (P = 0.024), and preoperative infection (P < 0.001). Additionally, score ≥ 3 was the independent risk factor for both SFR (P < 0.001) and complication rate (P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis shown that there were statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of stone-free rate (P = 0.032) and complications (P = 0.015). According to the findings of this study, the stone score ≥ 3 was determined as a critical predictive factor of SFR and complications in PIUS patients undergoing PCN based on a new scoring standard. Additionally, PCN has high initial SFR and low complications when dealing with score < 3 PIUS.

Additional Procedures at the Time of Total Ankle Replacement Do Not Increase Risk of Short-term Complications: A Matched Cohort Analysis.

This retrospective cohort study compared short-term complication rates following total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), alone or with concomitant procedures. Secondary independent risk factors were also examined as they related to postoperative outcomes. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes to identify patients who underwent TAA (27702) between 2010 to 2021. Patients were divided into cohorts based on the presence or absence of ancillary procedures. Propensity score matching was employed to account for demographic differences, and statistical analyses were performed to compare short-term complication rates between matched cohorts. A total of 2225 patients were identified, with 1432 (64.4%) receiving TAA alone and 793 (35.6%) with ancillary procedure(s). After matching, 793 patients were included in each cohort. The ancillary cohort had longer operative times (P < .001) and length of hospital stay (LOS) (P < 0.001). Rates for extended LOS were significantly higher in the ancillary cohort than in the simple cohort (P = .01). No other complications varied significantly between cohorts, including the incidence of any adverse event (AAE). American Society of Anesthesiologists classification of 4 was found to be an independent risk factor for development of AAE (odds ratio [OR] = 1.091, P = .04). Matched subgroup analysis excluding tendon lengthening as a concomitant procedure found that the ancillary cohort still had longer operative time (P < .001) and LOS (P < .05) than patients undergoing simple TAA. Without significant difference in rates of AAE other than extended LOS, the relative safety of ancillary TAA appears similar to that of TAA alone. Such knowledge can help inform surgical decision-making and assuage safety concerns for patients requiring additional corrective procedures at the time of TAA. Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Multivariate analysis and construction and validation of a nomogram model from data of 1610 patients with non-tumor-related anastomotic stenosis after rectal cancer surgery

Objective: To assess the risk factors affecting development of non-tumor- related anastomotic stenosis after rectal cancer and to construct a nomogram prediction model. Methods: This was a retrospective study of data of patients who had undergone excision with one-stage intestinal anastomosis for rectal cancer between January 2003 and September 2018 in Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University. The exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) pathological examination of the operative specimen revealed residual tumor on the incision margin of the anastomosis; (2) pathological examination of postoperative colonoscopy specimens revealed tumor recurrence at the anastomotic stenosis, or postoperative imaging evaluation and tumor marker monitoring indicated tumor recurrence; (3) follow-up time <3 months; and (4) simultaneous multiple primary cancers. Univariate analysis using the χ2 or Fisher's exact test was performed to assess the study patients' baseline characteristics and variables such as tumor-related factors and surgical approach (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression was then performed to identify independent risk factors for development of non-tumor-related anastomotic stenosis after rectal cancer. Finally, a nomogram model for predicting non-tumor-related anastomotic stenosis after rectal cancer surgery was constructed using R software. The reliability and accuracy of this prediction model was evaluated using internal validation and calculation of the area under the curve of the model's receiver characteristic curve (ROC). Results: The study cohort comprised 1,610 patients, including 1,008 men and 602 women of median age 59 (50, 67) years and median body mass index 22.4 (20.2, 24.5) kg/m². Non-tumor-related anastomotic stenosis developed in 121 (7.5%) of these patients. The incidence of non-tumor-related anastomotic stenosis in patients who had undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy, neoadjuvant radiotherapy, and surgery alone was 11.2% (10/89), 26.4% (47/178), and 4.8% (64/1,343), respectively. Neoadjuvant treatment (neoadjuvant chemotherapy: OR=2.455, 95%CI: 1.148-5.253, P=0.021; neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, OR=3.882, 95%CI: 2.425-6.216, P<0.001), anastomotic leakage (OR=7.960, 95%CI: 4.550-13.926, P<0.001), open laparotomy (OR=3.412, 95%CI: 1.772-6.571, P<0.001), and tumor location (distance of tumor from the anal verge 5-10 cm: OR=2.381, 95%CI:1.227-4.691, P<0.001; distance of tumor from the anal verge <5 cm: OR=5.985,95% CI: 3.039-11.787, P<0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for non-tumor-related anastomotic stenosis. Thereafter, a nomogram prediction model incorporating the four identified risk factors for development of anastomotic stenosis after rectal cancer was developed. The area under the curve of the model ROC was 0.815 (0.773-0.857, P<0.001), and the C-index of the predictive model was 0.815, indicating that the model's calibration curve fitted well with the ideal curve. Conclusion: Non-tumor-related anastomotic stenosis after rectal cancer surgery is significantly associated with neoadjuvant treatment, anastomotic leakage, surgical procedure, and tumor location. A nomogram based on these four factors demonstrated good discrimination and calibration, and would therefore be useful for screening individuals at risk of anastomotic stenosis after rectal cancer surgery.

Can we predict bleeding at admission in Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever?

BackgroundIn Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, bleeding has a significant impact on the prognosis of the disease. In our study, we aimed to identify independent risk factors for the development of bleeding in Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever and to contribute to the management of the disease. MethodsCases with a definitive diagnosis of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever were divided into two groups: those who developed bleeding and those who did not. Demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters were subjected to logistic regression analysis in terms of risk factors for bleeding development. Cut-off values for numerical variables were determined by receiver operating characteristics. ResultsA total of 74 patients diagnosed with CCHF were included in the study. Bleeding occurred in at least one defined focus in 21 patients. In the multivariate logistic regression model, procalcitonin, days from symptom onset to admission, platelet count, and d-dimer were identified as independent risk factors for bleeding development. Procalcitonin had the most significant effect, with an approximately 5.3-fold increase in bleeding risk for each unit increase in its level. For discriminate bleeding, LDH and ferritin exhibited the highest sensitivity, while procalcitonin showed the highest specificity. ConclusionThis study demonstrates the potential use of specific clinical and laboratory variables to predict bleeding development in CCHF patients. Procalcitonin elevation and the time from symptom onset to hospital admission have a significant effect in predicting bleeding.

Heart failure — An unexplored risk factor for infective endocarditis after pacemaker implantation

BackgroundWith the widespread use of permanent pacemakers (PPM), and increased mortality associated with pacemaker endocarditis, it is essential to evaluate comorbidities that could potentially increase the risk of infective endocarditis (IE). Heart failure (HF), a common comorbidity, has not been well studied as an independent risk factor for development of IE in individuals with PPM. MethodsThe US National Inpatient Sample database was used to sample individuals with PPM. Patients with concomitant implantable cardioverter defibrillator, acute heart failure, history of endocarditis, intravenous drug use, prosthetic heart valves, or central venous catheter infection were excluded. Propensity matching was performed to match patients with and without HF. Pre- and post-match logistic regression was performed to assess HF as an independent risk factor for IE. A subgroup analysis was performed comparing IE rates between patients with HF with reduced (HFrEF) vs preserved (HFpEF) ejection fraction. ResultsOut of 333,571 patients with PPM included in the study, 121,862 (37 %) had HF. HF patients were older and had a higher prevalence of females. All comorbidities except for dental disease and cancer were more prevalent in the HF group. Patients with HF were 1.30 times more likely to develop IE [OR: 1.30 (1.16–1.47); p < 0.001]. The two cohorts were then matched for age, gender, and 20 comorbidities using a 1:1 propensity score matching algorithm. After matching, HF was still independently associated with increased risk of IE [OR: 1.62 (1.36–1.93); p < 0.001]. In our sub-group analysis, HFrEF and HFpEF patients had similar IE rates. ConclusionIn PPM population, HF was associated with an increased risk of IE compared to those without HF. We hypothesize that HF being a low-flow and high-inflammatory state might have contributed to this increased risk. Larger studies are required to corroborate our findings and evaluate the need for antimicrobial prophylaxis for this population.

Prevalence of cancer and alcohol use in patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency compared to patients with cystic fibrosis.

680 Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF), the most prevalent genetic disorder among persons of European decent, is an autosomal recessive disorder due to CFTR gene mutations which lead to abnormally viscid exocrine secretions of the pancreas and other exocrine glands of the body. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a condition seen in ~85% of CF patients, in which the pancreas is unable to secrete adequate amounts of digestive enzymes. Although most patients with CF develop EPI, not all cases of EPI are caused by CF. Other risk factors for EPI include acute or chronic pancreatitis which may be triggered by alcohol, among other etiologies. Some studies suggest alcohol use as a possible independent risk factor for development of various cancers. Given these associations, we sought to characterize the prevalence of both alcohol use and cancer in patients with EPI vs patients with CF. Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed using electronic health records in Ochsner System, Louisiana, over a 3 year period: January 2017 to January 2020. Two cohorts were reviewed: patients with EPI excluding CF (n=596) and patients with CF (n=81). Results: While there was no significant difference in the prevalence of cancer at start vs end of the 3 year observation period in the CF cohort (4.1% at start, 7.2% at end), the prevalence of cancer was significantly greater among patients in the EPI cohort, both at start and end of the 3 year period: 15.95% at start, 43.9% at end (p &lt;0.05). Also, while there was no significant change in alcohol use over the 3 year period for the CF cohort, the prevalence of alcohol use was significantly lower in CF cohort (0.45% at start, 2.2% at end) compared to EPI cohort which showed significant increase in alcohol use over the observation period: 7.7% at start vs 16% at end (p &lt;0.05). Conclusions: There was a significantly higher prevalence of cancer in the EPI cohort compared to the CF cohort; while this may be due to higher prevalence of pancreatic cancer associated with EPI compared to CF, it does not explain the entirety of this observation. Not only was there a significantly higher prevalence of alcohol use in EPI cohort compared to CF cohort, but over the 3 year observation there was a 2-fold increase in prevalence of alcohol use within patients who already had a diagnosis of EPI. Within the EPI cohort, the observed increase in cancer prevalence and the increase in alcohol warrant further investigation into which factors unique to EPI patients without CF may modulate these social and health risk indices.

Particulate matter exposure is associated with increased inflammatory cytokines and eosinophils in chronic rhinosinusitis.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is thought to result from complex interactions between the host immune system, microbiota, and environmental exposures. Currently, there is limited data regarding the impact of ambient particulate matter ≤2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) in the pathogenesis of CRS, despite evidence linking PM2.5 to other respiratory diseases. We hypothesized that PM2.5 may result in differential cytokine patterns that could inform our mechanistic understanding of the effect of environmental factors on CRS. We conducted an analysis of data prospectively collected from 308 CRS patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery. Cytokines were quantified in intraoperative mucus specimens using a multiplex flow cytometric bead assay. Clinical and demographic data including zip codes were extracted and used to obtain tract-level income and rurality measures. A spatiotemporal machine learning model was used to estimate daily PM2.5 levels for the year prior to each patient's surgery date. Spearman correlations and regression analysis were performed to characterize the relationship between mucus cytokines and PM2.5. RESULTS: Several inflammatory cytokines including IL-2, IL-5/IL-13, IL-12, and 21 were significantly correlated with estimated average 6, 9, and 12-month preoperative PM2.5 levels. These relationships were maintained for most cytokines after adjusting for age, income, body mass index, rurality, polyps, asthma, and allergic rhinitis (AR) (p < .05). There were also higher odds of asthma (OR = 1.5, p = .01) and AR (OR = 1.48, p = .03) with increasing 12-month PM2.5 exposure. Higher tissue eosinophil counts were associated with increasing PM2.5 levels across multiple timeframes (p < .05). Chronic PM2.5 exposure may be an independent risk factor for development of a mixed, type-2 dominant CRS inflammatory response.

Evaluating Risk Factors for Developing Hypoglycemia During Treatment of Hyperkalemia With Intravenous Regular Insulin

Background: The conventional dose of 10 units of intravenous (IV) regular insulin to treat hyperkalemia has been associated with hypoglycemia. There have been retrospective studies evaluating weight-based dose vs conventional dose of IV regular insulin but the comparative efficacy and safety is not well established. Objective: Evaluate the difference in weight-based dosing of IV regular insulin between patients who experienced hypoglycemia vs. patients who did not experience hypoglycemia after the administration of IV regular insulin. Methods: This was a retrospective, electronic chart review at a single academic medical center which included patients ≥18 years of age with an emergency department or inpatient encounter who were administered IV regular insulin within 6 hours of a pre-treatment potassium of ≥5 mmol/L. Results: There was no significant difference in the weight-based insulin dose between patients who experienced a hypoglycemic event and patients who did not experience a hypoglycemic event (.14 vs .22 units/kg; P = .44). The potassium-lowering effect was similar between the two groups (1.02 vs .96 mmol/L; P = .56). A regression analysis revealed that female sex, low baseline blood glucose (glucose <140 mg/dL), and those who received a repeat dose of IV regular insulin were independent risk factors for development of hypoglycemia. Conclusion: This study found no difference in hypoglycemic events and potassium lowering based on IV weight-based regular insulin dosing, however other risk factors may predict hypoglycemia.

Impact of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease on the risk of gallbladder polyps in lean and non-obese individuals: A cohort study

BackgroundThe association between non-obese or lean nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and gallbladder polyps (GBPs) has not yet been evaluated. We aimed to determine whether NAFLD is an independent risk factor for the development of GBPs, even in non-obese and lean individuals. MethodsWe analyzed a cohort of 331 208 asymptomatic adults who underwent abdominal ultrasonography (US). The risk of GBP development was evaluated according to the obesity and NAFLD status. ResultsThe overall prevalence of NAFLD and GBPs ≥ 5 mm was 28.5% and 2.9%, respectively. The prevalence of NAFLD among 160 276 lean, 77 676 overweight and 93 256 obese participants was 8.2%, 31.2%, and 61.1%, respectively. Individuals with NAFLD had a significantly higher incidence of GBPs with a size of ≥ 5 mm [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.18; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11–1.25]. A higher body mass index and its categories were also significantly associated with an increased risk of GBPs ≥ 5 mm. Moreover, risk of GBPs ≥ 5 mm was significantly increased even in NAFLD individuals who are not obese (lean: adjusted OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.19-1.54; overweight: adjusted OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.03–1.26, respectively). ConclusionsNon-obese/lean NAFLD is an independent risk factor for GBP development, suggesting that NAFLD may play an important role in the pathogenesis of GBPs regardless of the obesity status. Therefore, a more thorough evaluation for GBPs may be necessary when hepatic steatosis is detected on abdominal US, even in non-obese or lean individuals.

Characteristics and predictors of chronic kidney disease in children with myelomeningocele: a nationwide cohort study.

Myelomeningocele (MMC) is highly prevalent in developing countries, and MMC-related neurogenic bladder is an important cause of childhood chronic kidney disease (CKD). This nationwide study aimed to evaluate demographic and clinical features of pediatric patients with MMC in Turkey and risk factors associated with CKD stage 5. Data from children aged 0-19years old, living with MMC in 2022, were retrospectively collected from 27 pediatric nephrology centers. Patients > 1year of age without pre-existing kidneyabnormalities were divided into five groups according to eGFR; CKD stages 1-5. Patients on dialysis, kidney transplant recipients, and those with eGFR < 15ml/min/1.73 m2 but not on kidney replacement therapy at time of study constituted the CKD stage 5 group. A total of 911 (57.8% female) patients were enrolled, most of whom were expectantly managed. Stages 1-4 CKD were found in 34.3%, 4.2%, 4.1%, and 2.4%, respectively. CKD stage 5 was observed in 5.3% of patients at median 13years old (range 2-18years). Current age, age at first abnormal DMSA scan, moderate-to-severe trabeculated bladder on US and/or VCUG, and VUR history were independent risk factors for development of CKD stage 5 (OR 0.752; 95%; CI 0.658-0.859; p < 0.001; OR 1.187; 95% CI 1.031-1.367; p = 0.017; OR 10.031; 95% CI 2.210-45.544; p = 0.003; OR 2.722; 95% CI 1.215-6.102; p = 0.015, respectively). Only eight CKD stage 5 patients underwent surgery related to a hostile bladder between 1 and 15years old. MMC-related CKD is common in childhood in Turkey. A proactive approach to neurogenic bladder management and early protective surgery in selected cases where conservative treatment has failed should be implemented to prevent progressive kidney failure in the pediatric MMC population in our country.

Tocilizumab Administration in CAR-T Cell Associated Cytokine Release Syndrome Induces Hypofibrinogenemia

Introduction Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy is considered a therapeutic breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy with high and sustained remission rates. However, it can cause serious side effects such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS). CRS is characterized by systemic hyper-inflammation leading to hypotension, hypoxia, and progressive organ failure. Management of CRS commonly requires administration of the Interleukin-6 receptor antagonist (IL6-RA) tocilizumab. CRS-related coagulopathy is considered the result of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and concomitant progressive liver dysfunction. Overall, coagulopathy is observed in about every second patient after CAR-T cell therapy with a disproportional rate of hypofibrinogenemia. In this study, we investigated the incidence, dynamics, and possible causes of hypofibrinogenemia after CAR-T cell therapy. Methods We included all patients (n=41) with hematological malignancies receiving CAR-T cell therapies at the University Hospital Regensburg between 2020 and May 2023. All patients were followed up until death or 07/31/2023. Median age was 69 (range: 38-83) years, half of the patients were female and 73% had diffuse large cell B-cell lymphoma. Results 93% of patients developed CRS (12% ≥ grade 3), 71% received tocilizumab and 34% high-dose corticosteroids. While DIC and liver dysfunction almost exclusively occurred in CRS grade 3 or higher, 38% of patients with CRS grade 1 and 90% with CRS grade 2 developed de novo hypofibrinogenemia. Hypofibrinogenemia was severe or life-threatening (CTCEA ≥ grade 3) in 39% of cases and frequently required substitution. Median day of fibrinogen recovery (&amp;gt; lower limit of normal) was day 52 after CAR-T cell therapy. Patients with de novo hypofibrinogenemia initially displayed rising fibrinogen levels alongside development of CRS and rapidly declined in fibrinogen levels shortly after the first administration of tocilizumab. Minimum fibrinogen levels and duration of hypofibrinogenemia further correlated to tocilizumab dosing (r=-0.44 p=0.004 and r=0.7 p&amp;lt;0.001, respectively). Resolution of hypofibrinogenemia was associated to normalization of suppressed C-reactive protein (CRP) after tocilizumab treatment. In contrast, patients with CRS grades 1 and 2 who did not receive tocilizumab (7/13 and 2/20, respectively) had increased fibrinogen levels throughout the course and until resolution of CRS. Logistic regression showed that administration of tocilizumab was the most important, independent risk factor for development of hypofibrinogenemia (OR = 517, p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusions In summary, hypofibrinogenemia is a frequent complication of CAR-T cell therapy and tocilizumab administration. We conclude that fibrinogen synthesis in CRS is upregulated in an IL-6-dependent acute phase reaction compensating for CRS-induced consumptive coagulopathy. IL-6RA tocilizumab inhibits fibrinogen upregulation and thereby causes protracted hypofibrinogenemia. These observations provide novel insights into the emergence and pathophysiology of hypofibrinogenemia after CAR-T cell therapy and emphasize the need for close fibrinogen monitoring after tocilizumab treatment of CRS.

Highly-Expressed MiR-221-3p Distinctly Increases the Incidence of Diabetic Retinopathy in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). MiR-221-3p is implicated in microvascular dysfunction in DR, and we explored their relationship. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were allocated to the non-DR (NDR)/nonproliferative DR (NPDR)/proliferative DR (PDR) groups, with their clinical baseline and pathological data collected. The miR-221-3p and VEGF levels were determined by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and ELISA, respectively. Peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) and endothelial cell (EC) ratios were ascertained by flow cytometry. The correlations between miR-221-3p levels and VEGF/EPCs/ECs, the predictive value of serum miR-221-3p levels in DR, and the independent risk factors for DR occurrence in T2DM were analyzed by Pearson's correlation analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and multifactorial logistic regression analysis. Serum miR-221-3p was highly expressed in DR. Clinical severity of DR was positively correlated with miR-221-3p levels. Endothelial function was impaired in DR. Serum miR-221-3p levels in DR were favorably correlated with VEGF and ECs and negatively associated with EPCs. The area under the curve of serum miR-221-3p in evaluating DR occurrence in patients with T2DM was 0.8178 (1.235 cutoff value, 69.62% sensitivity, and 82.35% specificity). High expression of miR-221-3p increased DR incidence in patients with T2DM. Diabetes course, VEGF, EPCs, ECs, and miR-221-3p levels were independent risk factors for DR development in patients with T2DM. Serum miR-221-3p levels in patients with DR were positively correlated with VEGF and ECs and negatively linked with EPCs. Highly expressed miR-221-3p distinctly increased DR incidence in patients with T2DM and was an independent risk factor for DR development in patients with T2DM. This study assessed serum miR-221-3p level and endothelial function indicators (VEGF, EPCs, and ECs) in patients with DR and analyzed the correlation between each indicator. We found that high serum miR-221-3p expression prominently increased the incidence of DR in patients with T2DM and was an independent risk factor for the development of DR in patients with T2DM. This study provided a scientific basis for further clarification of the pathogenesis of DR, and also provided new ideas for clinical prediction and management of DR.

Evaluation of risk factors for the development of bacteremia and complications in patients with brucellosis: Is it possible to predict the clinical course?

Brucellosis is often confused with other diseases or accompanies the conditions it imitates. It causes treatment delays, failure, relapse, and complications. This study aimed to investigate bacteremia and complication predictors in Brucellosis patients. Early detection may help reduce relapse rates, length of hospital stay, and surgical intervention rates by providing appropriate treatment. We examined 220 adult patients diagnosed with Brucellosis in our tertiary care hospital in the Black Sea Region between January 01, 2010, and January 01, 2022. Patients with and without bacteremia and complications were compared regarding demographic characteristics, clinical features, and laboratory parameters. The mean age was 46.4 ± 15.8 years (18-96 years), and 61% were male. Low back pain and absence of muscle pain were independent risk factors for predicting bacteremia (p = 0.049, p = 0.043, respectively). Weakness /fatigue, weight loss, and 1/320 Standard Tube Agglutination Test (STAT) or Brucella Coombs Gel Test (BCGT) titers were independent risk factors that reduced the risk of complications; in contrast, low back pain and splenomegaly were independent risk factors for development of complications. (p = 0.025, p = 0.007, p = 0.008, p = 0.003, p = 0.021 respectively). Thrombocytopenia was related to complications. When the platelet cut-off value was taken as 160,000/µL in predicting complications, the sensitivity was 31.30%, and the specificity was 97.73% (p = 0.011). The risk of clinical progression and complications could be predicted with symptoms and signs such as myalgia, low back pain, weakness/fatigue, weight loss, splenomegaly, and easily accessible laboratory parameters such as serum STAT/BCGT titer and platelet level.

Evaluation of spinopelvic alignment according to Roussouly classification can predict the occurrence of adjacent segment disease after lumbar fusion

Objective: To investigate the correlation of spinopelvic alignment according to Roussouly classification on the occurrence of adjacent segment disease (ASD) in the patients undergoing fusion surgery for lumbar degenerative diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional study. Clinical data of 166 consecutive patients who had undergone lumbar fusion between January 2009 and January 2019 in the Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University were retrospectively reviewed. There were 59 males and 107 females, with an average age of (58.6±9.5) years (ranged 41-78 years). Fusion length averagely spanned (1.7±0.7) levels (ranged 1-3 levels). The patients were classified by both "theoretical" (based on pelvic incidence (PI)) and "current"(based on sacral slope (SS)) Roussouly types. The patients were classified as "matched" if their "current" shape matched the "theoretical" type and otherwise as "unmatched". Multivariate logistic regression analysis of the variables recruited from univariate analyses was performed to identify the factors independently associated with the development of ASD after lumbar fusion. Results: The average follow-up duration after initial surgery was (49.2±20.7) months (ranged 25 to 134 months). Thirty (18.1%, 30/166) patients were diagnosed as ASD. Postoperatively, two thirds of the patients who suffered ASD after surgery were unmatched, while 36.8% (50/136) of the patients without ASD had unmatched type. Univariate analyses showed that older age, more fusion levels, float fusion, pre-and postoperative worse spinopelvic alignment, and postoperative unmatched Roussouly type were identified as risk factors of ASD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified postoperative Roussouly type mismatch (OR=3.310, 95%CI: 1.282-8.545, P=0.013), old age (OR=1.074, 95%CI: 1.019-1.131, P=0.008) and postoperative SS (OR=0.928, 95%CI: 0.865-0.995, P=0.036) as the independent risk factors of development of ASD after lumbar fusion. Conclusion: A significant association between postoperative sagittal malalignment and occurrence of ASD is detected, the evaluation of sagittal alignment by Roussouly classification could help predict the occurrence of ASD.

Cumulative smoking dose is associated with subclinical renal injury: a pathological study in individuals without chronic kidney disease.

Epidemiological studies have identified smoking as an independent risk factor for development of chronic kidney disease. However, the early renal pathological lesions have not been clearly elucidated. We investigated time-zero biopsy specimens from 547 living kidney donors and evaluated the relationships between smoking and renal histological changes, including arteriolar hyalinization, intimal thickening of small-medium arteries, global glomerulosclerosis, and interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA). A total of 199 subjects (36.4%) had smoking history; 92 (16.8%) and 107 (19.6%) subjects had <20 pack-years and ≥20 pack-years of smoking, respectively. Cumulative smoking dose was significantly associated with prevalence of arteriolar hyalinization: the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) per 20 pack-year increase was 1.50 (95% confidence interval 1.15-1.97). The ORs for smokers with <20 pack-years and ≥20 pack-years versus never-smokers were 1.76 (1.01-3.09) and 2.56 (1.48-4.44), respectively. Smoking was also associated with prevalence of >10% global glomerulosclerosis: the OR per 20 pack-year increase was 1.24 (0.96-1.59). The ORs for smokers with <20 pack-years and ≥20 pack-years versus never-smokers were 1.50 (0.98-2.78) and 2.11 (1.18-3.79), respectively. The ORs for these pathological changes increased significantly depending on cumulative smoking dose. Intimal thickening of small-medium arteries and IF/TA were not associated with smoking status. The prevalence of arteriolar hyalinization remained higher in patients with ≥10 years since smoking cessation than in never-smokers [OR 2.23 (1.03-4.83)]. Subclinical pathological injury caused by smoking is potentially associated with renal arteriolar hyalinization and glomerular ischaemia.

Substantia Nigra Echogenicity Signal Correlated with Clinical Features in Patients with Parkinson's Disease in Xinjiang.

Transcranial sonography (TCS) is a noninvasive test that can reveal structural changes in the substantia nigra (SN) in Parkinson's disease (PD). The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between SN signatures and clinical features in PD patients in a multiethnic region of China. A total of 147 patients with PD were included in the study, and all of whom had underwent a TCS examination. Clinical information was collected from PD patients, and motor and nonmotor symptoms were assessed using assessment scales. There were differences in the substantia nigra hyperechogenicity (SNH) area between age of onset, visual hallucinations (VH), and UPDRS3.0 II scores (P < 0.05), patients with late onset PD had a greater SNH area than early onset (0.326 ± 0.352 vs. 0.171 ± 0.194), and PD patients presenting with VH had a greater SNH area than those without hallucinations (0.508 ± 0.670 vs. 0.278 ± 0.659), and further multifactorial analysis showed that a high SNH area was an independent risk factor for development of VH. The area under the ROC curve for predicting VH from the SNH area in PD patients was 0.609 (95% CI: 0.444-0.774). There was a positive correlation between the SNH area and UPDRS3.0-II scores, but further multifactorial analysis showed that SNH was not an independent predictor of the UPDRS3.0-II score. A high SNH area is an independent risk factor for development of VH, there is a positive correlation between the SNH area and UPDRS3.0 II score, and TCS has guiding significance in predicting clinical VH symptoms and activities of daily living in PD patients.

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF SURGICAL SITE INFECTION IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE IN NORTH INDIA

Background and Objective- Surgical site infections are one of the most common cause of nosocomial infections and second most common cause of maternal mortality next to PPH. Surgical site infection being a relatively serious problem in our health institution, there are scanty published reports on the risk factors that are involved in SSIs in our local hospitals necessitatingfurther research to identify the indispensable factors responsible for high infection rate Methodology- Data were collected prospectively using predefined data collection forms which was developed after review of literature to identify risk factors for SSI. The form included patients demographic features, potential risk factors for SSI. A surveillance system as suggested by the CDC NHSN criteriawere used for diagnosing SSI. SSI was defined as a wound swab culture confirmed infection at the site of surgery within 30 days after an operation . SSI was defined as per NHSN criteria. Data was collected daily on all study participants after obtaining informed written consent, and followed them until discharge. The post discharge surveillance was done by actual patient visit in majority of patients (81%) or by mobile phones Results- Increasing age , increasing parity , anemia , hypertension , diabetes and poor nutrition, obesity were found to be independent risk factors for development of SSI. Conclusion- A proper assessment of identifiable risk factors that predisposes to SSI and their correction may help reduce SSI rates.

Risk factors and outcomes of inpatients with carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infections in China: a 9-year trend and multicenter cohort study.

Bacteremia caused by carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) has high mortality, threatening the healthcare quality worldwide. Analysis is required to update the epidemiological data of CRPA bloodstream infections (BSI) and evaluate the prevalent strains in China. Moreover, it is necessary to clarify the risk factors associated with the development and mortality of CRPA bacteremia. This is a 9-year multicenter retrospective study, enrolling 137 patients with CRPA BSI and 137 carbapenem-susceptible P. aeruginosa (CSPA) BSI during January 2012 and December 2020. Antimicrobials susceptibility between the two groups were compared. Risk factors of CRPA BSI were identified by binary logistic regression for development and cox regression for mortality. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare time to mortality. CRPA and difficult-to-treat resistant P. aeruginosa (DTRPA) detection rate was analyzed year-by-year in ZYH. A total of 7,384 P. aeruginosa clinical samples were cultured in ZYH during 9 years, and notable increase of CRPA and DTRPA detection rate in P. aeruginosa BSI was identified (from 17 to 60%; from 2.1 to 25%). Multivariate analysis revealed that prior ICU hospitalization, immunosuppressive therapy and exposure to carbapenems were independent risk factors for development of CRPA BSI. The 30-day crude mortality of 137 CRPA BSI was 39%. A total of 46 DTRPA were identified, and the 30-day mortality for patients infected by DTRPA was 50%. The 30-day crude mortality of CRPA BSI was independently associated with multiple organ failure and higher Pitt bacteremia score, whereas receipt appropriate therapy improved prognosis. A significant increase in the detection rate of CRPA and DTRPA in P. aeruginosa BSI was identified. Strict policies for carbapenems usage, cautious decisions regarding the usage of immunosuppressive agent and standard care for patients with prior ICU hospitalization are necessary for CRPA BSI management.

Understanding clinical characteristics influencing adverse outcomes of Omicron infection: a retrospective study with propensity score matching from a Fangcang hospital.

The epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is causing global health concerns. The aim of this study was to evaluate influence of clinical characteristics on outcomes during the Omicron outbreak. A total of 25182 hospitalized patients were enrolled, including 39 severe patients and 25143 non-severe patients. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to balance the baseline characteristics. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the risk of severe disease, as well as the risk of prolonged viral shedding time (VST) and increased length of hospital stay (LOS). Before PSM, patients in the severe group were older, had higher symptom scores, and had a higher proportion of comorbidities (p<0.001). After PSM, there were no significant differences in age, gender, symptom score and comorbidities between severe (n=39) and non-severe (n=156) patients. Symptoms of fever (OR=6.358, 95%CI 1.748-23.119, p=0.005) and diarrhea (OR=6.523, 95%CI 1.061-40.110, p=0.043) were independent risk factors for development of severe disease. In non-severe patients, higher symptom score was associated with prolonged VST (OR=1.056, 95% CI 1.000-1.115, p=0.049) and LOS (OR=1.128, 95% CI 1.039-1.225, p=0.004); older age was associated with longer LOS (OR=1.045, 95% CI 1.007-1.084, p=0.020). The overall condition of the Shanghai Omicron epidemic was relatively mild. Potential risk factors for fever, diarrhea, and higher symptom score can help clinicians to predict clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

Alzheimer Disease Occurs More Frequently In Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Insight From a Nationwide Study.

Alzheimer disease (AD) affects 5 million Americans and early recognition improves cognitive function. Chronic inflammation and gut microbiome alteration are linked to cognitive decline which are common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We investigated the association of IBD with development of AD. A commercial database (Explorys Inc., Cleveland, OH), an aggregate of electronic health records from 26 major US health care systems, was surveyed. Cohorts of patients with Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine-Clinical Terms (SNOMED-CT) diagnoses of Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and AD were identified. IBD patients with new diagnosis of AD were characterized based on demographic and traditional AD risk factors and IBD-related features. Among 342,740 IBD patients in the database, AD developed in 5750 IBD patients (1.55%). After adjusting for traditional AD risk factors, IBD was identified as an independent risk factor for development of AD [odds ratio (OR)=2.30, 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.10-2.51]. IBD patients with AD were younger in comparison to AD patients without IBD. On sub-group analysis, patients with CD had higher odds of developing AD (adjusted OR=3.34, 95% CI=3.25-3.42) than UC (adjusted OR=1.09, 95% CI=1.06-1.14). Use of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) inhibitors in IBD was associated with significantly lower odds of developing AD in both CD and UC. In this population based study, IBD was independently associated with development of AD. Among IBD; the association was stronger in patients with CD in comparison with UC. Use of TNF-α inhibitors was associated with lower odds of developing AD.