Department Patients Research Articles

Emergency patients' satisfaction with humanistic caring and its associated factors in Chinese hospitals: a multi-center cross-sectional study.

Humanistic caring in clinical practice is important for quality care and patient satisfaction. This study aimed to assess patient satisfaction with humanistic care for emergency patients in China and its associated factors. From October 2023 to December 2023, a multi-center cross-sectional survey was conducted across 28 provinces and 87 hospitals in China, using a sampling method for inpatients in emergency department. Patient satisfaction with humanistic care was evaluated by a self-developed questionnaire with 32 items across 6 dimensions. Stepwise multiple linear regression was used to explore associated factors. A total of 3,003 valid questionnaires were successfully collected, with an effective rate of 86.05%. The emergency patients' total mean humanistic caring satisfaction score was 4.67 ± 0.66. Age, medical insurance type, specialized emergency department visited, waiting times, whether had accompanied person, hospital level, and hospital type are correlated factors (P < 0.05) regarding humanistic caring satisfaction. The correlation analysis showed perceived value, and its three dimensions were moderately correlated with humanistic caring satisfaction. The multiple linear regression showed waiting time (β = -0.219, P < 0.05), whether had accompanied person (β = -0.192, P < 0.05), hospital level (β = -0.137, P < 0.05), functional value (β = 0.197, P < 0.05), and emotional value (β = 0.418, P < 0.05) were strong predictors. Hospitals at all levels should improve patients' perceived value, shorten waiting times, and provide caregivers with improved humanistic care in the emergency department.

A description of COVID-19 related delusional content in admissions to an acute psychiatric unit.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound global impact, affecting individuals, including those with mental illness, through early and widespread information dissemination. Although the neurobiological basis of delusions remains unclear, external stimuli and historical events are known to influence them. The pandemic provided a unique opportunity to explore this phenomenon. To determine the prevalence of COVID-19-related delusional content, among individuals presenting for treatment of psychosis during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and investigate associated clinical and demographic factors. Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in-patient psychiatry department. Data were extracted retrospectively from adult psychiatric admissions spanning April to September 2020 on patients whose presenting complaints included delusions. Demographic factors, symptoms, psychiatric, medical and substance use history, and a documented Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) diagnosis by the attending psychiatrist were collected. The prevalence of COVID-19-related delusional content was 25.5%. Significant demographic association was observed with education level of Grade 12 and above (p = 0.000338). The odds of a diagnosis of schizophrenia and related disorders were 2.72 times greater than mood and psychotic disorder due to another medical condition in those with COVID- 19-related delusional content (OR 2.19, 95% CI: [1.4-3.4]). The presence of COVID-19-related delusional content in patients admitted to hospital with psychosis provides further evidence of the role of external stimuli in the formation of delusions. This study underscores the influence of socio-cultural factors on delusions and advocates for interventions and expanded research to address mental health outcomes.

Aerobic Bacteria and Their Antibiotic Resistance Profile in Neonatal Septicaemia: A cross Sectional Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Objective: Neonatal sepsis is an infection of the bloodstream in infants younger than 28 days old. It continues to be the major cause of morbidity and mortality among newborns, particularly in middle- and low-income nations. The objective of this study was to isolate and identify aerobic bacteria of neonatal sepsis by blood culture using FAN method followed by subculture and relevant biochemical tests. Methods: It was a cross sectional type of descriptive study where the sample size was 95 and data were collected purposively from the clinically suspected neonatal septicaemia cases from inpatient Pediatric department in Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Rajshahi. Results: Most 34 (35.79%) of the cases were culture positive, whereas 61 (64%) were culture negative. 7 (21%) of the 34 positive cases were Gram-positive, while 27 (79%) were Gram-negative. S. aureus was found in 6 (17.65%) of the culture-positive isolates, followed by CoNS with 1 (02.94%), E. coli with 14 (41.17%), Klebsiella spp. with 6 (17.65%), P. aeruginosa with 6 (17.65%), and Acinetobacter with 1 (02.94%). Gram-positive bacteria were extremely susceptible to Vancomycin (90%), Gentamicin (90%), and Ciprofloxacin (80%) based on antibacterial susceptibility testing. Colistin (100%) and ampicillin (100%) exhibited the greatest resistance. Meropenem (90%), Amikacin (90%), and Colistin (89%) were the most effective antibiotics against Gram-negative bacteria, whereas Ceftazidime (60%) was the least effective. Vancomycin (100%) and ampicillin (100%) exhibited the highest degree of resistance. Conclusion: Both Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobic bacteria were related with newborn septicaemia, and a significant proportion of them were resistant to multiple medicines. CME J 2024; 3(2); 4-11

The association between social risks and days at home for older veterans.

Many health systems are trying to support the ability of older adults to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Little is known about the relationship between patient-reported social risks and length of time spent at home. We assessed how social risks were associated with days at home for a cohort of older Veterans at high risk for hospitalization and mortality. A prospective cross-sectional study using a 2018 survey of 3479 high-risk Veterans aged ≥65 linked to Veterans Health Administration data. Social risks included measures of social resources (i.e., no partner present, low social support), material resources (i.e., not employed, financial strain, medication insecurity, food insecurity, and transportation barriers), and personal resources (i.e., low medical literacy and less than high school education). We estimated how social risks were associated with days at home, defined as the number of days spent outside inpatient, long-term care, observation, or emergency department settings over a 12-month period, using a negative binomial regression model. Not having a partner, not being employed, experiencing transportation barriers, and low medical literacy were respectively associated with 2.57, 3.18, 3.39, and 6.14 fewer days at home (i.e., 27% more facility days, 95% confidence interval [CI] 8%-50%; 42% more facility days, 95% CI 7%-89%; 34% more facility days, 95% CI 7%-68%; and 63% more facility days, 95% CI 27%-109%). Experiencing food insecurity was associated with 2.62 more days at home (i.e., 24% fewer facility days, 95% CI 3%-59%). Findings suggest that screening older Veterans at high risk of community exit for social risks (i.e., social support, material resources, and medical literacy) may help identify patients likely to benefit from home- and community-based health and social services that facilitate remaining in home settings. Future research should focus on understanding the mechanisms by which these associations occur.

Predictors of In-hospital Outcomes of Community-acquired versus Hospital-acquired Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Prospective Study

Abstract Background: Sparse data is available comparing the outcome of Community-acquired acute kidney Injury (CA-AKI) and Hospital-acquired acute kidney injury (HA-AKI). Aims: This study was undertaken to compare the demographic, clinical spectrum and in-hospital outcomes of CA-AKI versus HA-AKI. Patients and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted from October 2020 to December 2021 in the inpatient departments (IPDs) of a tertiary-care referral centre in north India. A total of 65 patients with CA-AKI and 32 patients with HA-AKI were enrolled. The characteristics and outcomes of AKI in both groups were compared. Results: The mean age of patients in the CA-AKI and HA-AKI groups was 46.7 years and 45.5 years respectively. The CA-AKI group had significantly higher baseline serum creatinine, serum creatinine at admission, proportion of patients requiring renal replacement therapy, proportion of patients having oligo-anuria and hyperkalemia at presentation. Despite more patients in the CA-AKI group being in AKI-Stage 3 at presentation, in-hospital mortality was observed to be lower in this group. However, on comparing the overall survival, both groups were found to be comparable. The independent predictors of mortality were the presence of lung disease and the requirement of vasopressor support at presentation. Conclusion: It was observed that both recovery and dialysis dependency were more common in patients with CA-AKI. Both groups had comparable overall survival. Only two factors, i.e. the presence of lung disease and the requirement of vasopressor support at presentation predicted the survival of AKI patients. The type of AKI was not an independent predictor of mortality in such patients.

Analisis Faktor Keterlambatan Pengembalian Rekam Medis Rawat Inap Di Rumah Sakit (Literature Review)

Prompt return of patient medical records is an important step in the health records processing workflow. Speed is the key to meeting quality processing standards. The hospital sets a deadline for returning medical records within 2x24 hours after the patient is discharged. Delays can be caused by various factors, which are classified under the 5M management elements: man, materials, machines, methods, and money. The aim of this research is to identify aspects that are the root of the problem in delays in the process of returning medical records to the hospital. The methodology used is a literature review, with analysis of 17 journal articles from the Google Scholar database. The study results showed that human factors such as staff shortages, incomplete doctor signatures, and inadequate staff educational qualifications were the main causes of delays. Material factors often result in incomplete documents. The machine factor is related to the significant distance between the inpatient department and the medical records department. Meanwhile, the method factor, namely SPO socialization has not been carried out and the implementation of job descriptions has not been maximized.

Reducing Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Ordering: De-implementation and Diagnostic Stewardship.

The Choosing Wisely campaign recommends against the routine use of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) for the assessment of acute undiagnosed inflammation or infection. We examined ESR and C-reactive protein (CRP) ordering practices at a large, freestanding children's hospital. We found that 80% of ESR orders were placed concurrently with a CRP order. We aimed to reduce the ESR testing rate by 20% within 6 months in both inpatient and emergency department (ED) settings. Applying Lean process improvement principles, we interviewed stakeholders from multiple subspecialties and engaged the institutional laboratory stewardship committee to identify the root causes of ESR ordering and design interventions. We conducted provider education (November 2020) and employed clinical decision support through an order panel in the electronic health record (April 2021). The outcome measures were monthly ESR testing rate per 1000 patient days (inpatient) and per 1000 ED visits, analyzed using statistical process control charts. CRP testing rate was a balancing measure. After intervention implementation, the ESR testing rate decreased from 11.4 to 8.9 tests per 1000 inpatient patient days (22% decrease) and from 49.4 to 29.5 tests per 1000 ED visits (40% decrease). This change has been sustained for >1 year postintervention. Interventions were effective even during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic when there was a rise in baseline ED ESR ordering rate. CRP testing rates did not increase after the interventions. Education and clinical decision support were effective in reducing the ESR ordering rate in both inpatient and ED settings.

Coercion in Psychiatry: Exploring the Subjective Experience of Coercion Among Patients in Five Portuguese Psychiatric Departments.

The subjective experience of coercion may have a more significant impact on clinical outcomes than formal coercive measures. This study aimed to investigate the subjective experience of coercion among patients on admission in Portuguese psychiatric departments by assessing their perceived coercion, procedural justice, and negative pressures during admission. The study also investigated whether this subjective experience of coercion changed with time during admission, and the predictors of this change. Validated instruments, including the McArthur Admission Experience Survey (AES) and the Client Assessment of Treatment Scale, were used to collect information from 208 adults admitted to five public psychiatric inpatient departments in rural and urban regions of Portugal. About a third (32.24%, n = 49) of the sample had a legal involuntary admission status, while more than a third of them perceived their admission to be involuntary (40.13%, n = 61). The subjective experience of coercion was significantly higher among people who perceived their admission to be involuntary compared to people who perceived their admission to be voluntary (Median = 10, IQR = 5.5 vs. Median = 3, IQR = 6; p < 0.001). Satisfaction with their care was significantly inversely correlated with the subjective experience of coercion (p < 0.01). The changes in the subjective experience of coercion at the second assessment were predicted by the perceived admission status rather than the legal admission status, and the initial procedural justice (p < 0.05). The study findings highlight the importance of improving procedural justice in psychiatric admissions, regardless of the legal status of admission.

Changes in Service Use After Participation in an Intensive Outpatient Program Among Adults With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) have been shown to reduce posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in veteran populations. The aim of this study was to examine the association between IOP participation and inpatient psychiatric and mental health-related emergency department (ED) encounters among patients with PTSD. This is a retrospective cohort study among 258 adults with PTSD who participated in the IOP at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2018. The authors compared changes in inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations and mental health-related ED encounters from the year before vs after the first IOP engagement. Bivariate analyses comparing ED and inpatient utilization pre- and post-IOP engagement, stratified by sociodemographic variables were conducted using paired t-tests and McNemar's test. Conditional multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the odds of psychiatric utilization. Participants were more likely to have ≥ 1 inpatient psychiatric encounter (28.7% vs 15.9%; p < 0.01) and ≥ 1 mental health-related ED encounter (24.8% vs 18.2%; p = 0.04) pre-IOP vs post-IOP. The authors' multivariable analysis demonstrated that patients experienced a 56% reduction in the odds of inpatient psychiatric encounters (adjusted odds ratio = 0.42, 95% confidence interval: 0.26-0.68, p < 0.01) and a 35% reduction in mental health-related ED encounters (adjusted odds ratio = 0.63, 95% confidence interval: 0.40-1.00, p = 0.05) post-IOP vs pre-IOP. This study demonstrated a significant reduction in inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations and mental health-related ED visits among patients with PTSD in the year following participation in an IOP. These findings support the use of IOPs for patients with PTSD to reduce the likelihood of intensive service use.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Parents of Children with Childhood Asthma in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Back ground: Asthma is one of the most common reasons that children visit doctors, miss days at school or are admitted to hospital. If asthma is well managed, child should be able to lead a healthy and active life. Methods: The study aims to investigate parental knowledge, attitudes about childhood asthma, and practices regarding the management of their children’s asthma. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among parents of children aged between 2 and 12 years with asthma who had visited the outpatient or inpatient department of Pediatrics at Dhaka Medical College Hospital over a period of approximately 6 months. Data were collected using a preformed Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) questionnaire. Results: Total 110 parents of children with childhood asthma were interviewed in this study. There were 63 (57.3%) male and 47 (42.7%) female with M:F ratio 1.34:1 (Slightly male predominance). Most of the patients 57(87.6%) visited in out-patient department (OPD). Almost half of the parents (52.7%) knew their children had asthma. Most of the parents (80.9%) thought oral form of drug (syrup/ tablet) is better than inhaler. Almost two-third parents believed asthma can be cured and they did not know the importance of adherence with asthma medications. The overall parental knowledge was poor (49.09%). Nearly half of them (49.09%) had negative attitude about childhood asthma &amp; 50.9% parents had poor practice about avoidance of allergens, use of asthma medications and regular follow up of their children. Knowledge, attitude and practice are significantly associated with education, socioeconomic condition and living area. Statistically significant positive correlation has been found between knowledge and practice, but knowledge and attitude has not showed significant positive correlation. J Dhaka Med Coll. 2022; 31(2) : 194-200

Association between the MTHFR (rs1801133) gene variation and serum trace elements levels (Copper and Zinc) in individuals diagnosed with neural tube defects

Background and AimsNeural tube defects (NTDs) occur when the neural tube fails to close within 28 days of human embryonic development. This results in central nervous system disorders like anencephaly, spina bifida, and encephalocele. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to minimize their impact on an individual’s health and well-being. The present study aims to define the association between prenatal exposure to trace elements (Cu and Zn) and the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the MTHFR gene involved in folate metabolism pathways in neural tube defects in children and their mothers. Material and MethodsA cross-sectional study involving 331 participants (90 NTD cases, 88 healthy mothers, 85 NTD children, and 68 healthy children) from antenatal check-ups in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Pediatric Surgery for Neural Tube Defects in the Outpatient Department (OPD) and Inpatient Department (IPD). Assessed Cu and Zn concentrations and their associations. Genomic DNA was extracted, and real-time PCR was used to determine genotypes. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry measured trace elements. Statistical analyses included Chi-Square tests, odds ratios, and Mann-Whitney U tests. ResultsSignificant associations were found between MTHFR C677T genotypes and NTD risk in mothers (p = 0.0491) and children (p = 0.0297). Allelic frequency analysis indicated a T allele association with NTD risk in children (p = 0.0107). Recessive models showed significant associations in mothers (p = 0.0169) and children (p = 0.1678). Cu levels differed significantly between NTD cases and controls (p < 0.0001), with MTHFR genotypes influencing Cu levels. Zinc levels also varied significantly (p < 0.0001). ConclusionThis study reveals complex associations between MTHFR C677T genotypes, trace element concentrations, and NTD risk in mothers and children. This targeted approach allows healthcare providers to identify at-risk pregnancies early, enabling personalised interventions like folic acid supplementation and counselling to moderate neural tube defect (NTD) risk in a future pregnancy.

Serum lipid level as a biomarker in depressive disorder: A cross-sectional case control study

Objectives: This study investigates the potential of serum lipids as markers for depression, specifically focusing on symptoms such as suicidal ideation and anhedonia. In the context of advancing psychiatric biomarker research, this study aims to identify lipid-related markers and their underlying biological connections to depression, offering valuable insights for clinical practice and patient outcomes. Material and Methods: This case-control observational study was conducted over 18 months at a tertiary care center. The study enrolled patients aged 18–60 years diagnosed with depression attending outpatient and inpatient departments, totaling 100 subjects, including 100 cases and 100 controls, with gender and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls. Inclusion criteria for cases required depression diagnosis using the International Classification of Diseases-10-Diagnostic Criteria for Research criteria, while controls comprised healthy individuals within the same age range. Exclusion criteria encompassed comorbid psychiatric illnesses, substance use disorders (except tobacco), unstable medical conditions, lipid-lowering agent use, and a BMI over 30. Clinical assessments, including the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 item scale, Modified Scale for Suicidal Ideation, and Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale-Clinician administered, were administered. Serum lipid parameters, including triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, were measured. Results: In a cross-sectional case-control study (n = 200), we examined serum lipids as potential depression biomarkers. Cases (n = 100) matched controls in age, BMI, and gender. Cases had lower TC (153.27 mg/dL vs. 171.34 mg/dL, P &lt; 0.01*). Serum TG and low-density lipoprotein also varied significantly with depression severity (P &lt; 0.01*). However, HDL levels remained consistent. No significant associations were found between suicidal ideation and anhedonia, and post hoc analyses revealed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in lipid parameters across various depression severity levels. Conclusion: These findings suggest a complex relationship between serum lipids and depression, with potential implications for understanding the biological underpinnings of depression and its severity. However, there was no such relationship that was observed between serum lipids and anhedonia or suicidal ideation. These insights could inform clinical practices and improve patient outcomes in depression management.

Depression and Associated Factors Among Post-Stroke Patients in Tertiary Care Center

Introduction: Stroke is the leading cause of long-term physical and mental disability and causes major individual, social and financial burden. The relationship between depression and stroke is well established. There is substantial evidence that comorbid depression among stroke survivors is associated with a negative impact on recovery, especially on daily functioning, and it also decreases the quality of life. The aim of this study is to find the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among post-stroke patients.Method: A descriptive-prospective study was done among post-stroke patients attending the out-patient and inpatient departments of Internal Medicine at National Medical College from 1st June 2014 to 30 May 2015. Purposive sampling, a type of non-random sampling technique was utilized for the study. Informed consent was taken prior to study. Ethical approval was taken from Institutional Review Board. After proper instructions, self-designed pro-forma was used to collect data, following which, ICD-10 and HAM-D (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) was applied. Data analysis was done using SPSS 20.Results: Out of 79 stroke patients, 62.02% had an ischemic stroke and 37.97% had a hemorrhagic stroke. Prevalence of depression using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was 39.24%. Statistically significant association was seen between depression and sex, income and occupation among socio-demographic variables (p &lt; 0.05). Association of depression with age, education, marital status, address, laterality of lesion, duration of illness and type of stroke was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Occurrence of depression in stroke survivors is common. Routine depression screening is recommended in stroke survivors for better management and early recovery.

Evaluation of inpatient and emergency department healthcare resource utilization and costs pre- and post-nusinersen for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy using United States claims.

Aim: Nusinersen, administered by intrathecal injection at a dose of 12mg, is indicated across all ages for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Evidence on real-world healthcare resource use (HRU) and costs among patients taking nusinersen remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate real-world HRU and costs associated with nusinersen use through US claims databases. Patients & methods: Using the Merative™ MarketScan® Research Databases, patients with SMA receiving nusinersen were identified from commercial (January 2017 to June 2020) and Medicaid claims (January 2017 to December 2019). Those likely to have complete information on the date of nusinersen initiation and continuous enrollment 12months pre- and post-index (first record of nusinersen treatment) were retained. Number and costs (US$ 2020) of inpatient admissions and emergency department (ED) visits, unrelated to nusinersen administration, were evaluated for 12months pre- and post-nusinersen initiation and stratified by age: pediatric (<18years) and adult (≥18years). Results: Overall, 103 individuals treated with nusinersen were retained: 59 were pediatric (mean age [range]: 9 [1-17] years), and 44 were adults (30 [18-63] years). Inpatient admissions decreased by 41% for pediatrics and 67% for adults in the 12months post-treatment versus the 12months pre-treatment. Average inpatient admission costs per patient for the pediatric cohort decreased by 63% ($22,903 vs $8466) and by 79% ($13,997 vs $2899) for the adult cohort when comparing the 12months pre-index with the 12months post-index period. Total ED visits and ED visit costs decreased by 8% and 35%, respectively, for the overall cohort over the 12-month period pre- and post-index. Conclusion: Using US claims databases, nusinersen treatment in pediatric and adult patients was associated with reductions in HRU and costs over a 12-month period post-treatment initiation relative to the pre-treatment period.

Assessment of Serum Autophagy Related Protein Beclin1 in Egyptian Adult Beta Thalathemic Patients

Abstract Background Beta-thalassemia is a chronic hemolytic anemia that is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. It is characterized by reduced hemoglobin levels and red blood cell production. Aim of the Work Assessment of serum autophagy related protein beclin1 in Egyptian adult beta thalathemic patients and Its relation to ineffective erythropoiesis, transfusion requirements, iron overload. Subjects and Methods This is a case control study which was carried out at Ain Shams university hospitals. Internal medicine department, Clinical hematology and stem cell transplantation unit, outpatient clinic and inpatient department, during the period between January 2022 and August 2022. Results Our study revealed significant decreased fertility between patients group and control group (P = 0.011). Transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia males have a high proportion of fertility impairment and iron overload might contribute to disturbed sperm quality and testicular tissue injury. Such findings might explain the high prevalence of impaired fertility in transfusion-dependent beta- thalassemia patients which agrees with our results. Also our study revealed significant differences between non-transfusion dependent group and transfusion-dependent group regarding spleen size (cm) below costal margin which was increased in (TD group), transfusion per year (ml/yr)(which was increased in (TD group), virology (HIV, HCV,HBV) revealed that percentage of HCV+ve higher in (TD group) with (P &amp;lt; 0.001): Our study revealed significant difference between non-transfusion- dependent group and Transfusion-dependent group regarding percentage of patients of with positive HCV which was increased in Transfusion-dependent group (P = 0.021): In our study Iron chelation therapy was found to be given in a higher percentage of TD patients compared to non TD patients (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Also our study revealed significant difference regarding cardic function(EF%) between patients group and control group (EF found to be lower in patients group than controls) (P &amp;lt; 0.001): Also our study showed that Beclin-1 level is significantly higher in patients group compared to control group (P &amp;lt; 0.001). We couldn’t find previous studies of Beclin-1 level in thalassemia patients. We postulate that Beclin 1 could be used as a marker of worsening cardiac functions in thalassemia patients, but further studies should measure serial levels of Beclin 1 and correlate it with cardiac parameters over longer periods of follow up. Conclusion Beclin 1 level increased in Adult Beta Thalasemia patients and it can be used as a prognostic marker for Adult Beta Thalasemia patients.

The Role of Chitinase-3-like Protein 1 (YKL-40) as a Marker of Disease Activity in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients

Abstract Background Ankylosing spondylitis is a prototype of spondyloarthritides that primarily affects the axial skeleton. Sacroiliitis is the hallmark and accompanied by inflammation of the entheses and formation of syndesmophytes, leading to spinal ankylosis in later stages. Prevalence estimates vary between 0.1% and 2% in different populations.The most utilized peripheral blood biomarkers of ankylosing spondylitis activity in clinical practice and clinical trials are ESR and CRP. However, they have low sensitivity and specificity. Objective To detect the role of YKL-40 as an objective Marker of disease activity in ankylosing Spondylitis Patients. Patient and Methods This study was a case control study, included fifteen ankylosing spondylitis patients were recruited from the outpatient clinic and inpatient department of Physical Medicine, Rheumatoloy and Rehabilitation of Ain Shams university hospitals and fifteen adult healthy volunteers as a control group. Approval of the Ain shams university research and ethical committee was obtained. Results There was no statistically significant difference between patient and control group as regard age and sex. YKL-40 showed 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. large scale studies with follow up of patients in response to drug treatment are needed to be done to assess its uses as a disease activity marker. large scale prospective studies are needed with the assessment of comorbidities and their time of development in correlation to YKL-40 as it has an excellent potential for prediction of these comorbidities. Conclusion YKL-40 marker is a good predictor for ankylosing spondylitis disease.

The problem of payment for short-term treatment in an inpatient emergency department: analysis and simulation modeling

The purpose of the study: to conduct a clinical and economic analysis of the treatment effectiveness of the patients with a therapeutic profile, depending on the presence of an inpatient emergency department in the structure of the medical organization. Materials and methods. With the help of a retrospective analysis of 474 cases of hypertension worsening during the year, patients length of stay in the hospital, the amount of bills issued depending on the length of stay and the compliance of the conducted volume of examination with the requirements of the criteria for the quality of medical care were studied. Subsequently, using simulation modeling, a comparative analysis of the redistribution of patient flows was performed in order to identify optimal economic and logistical solutions. Results. When comparing the length of stay of patients, it was revealed that in 63.9% of cases, discharge occurred from dynamic observation beds during the first day. The analysis of compliance with the criteria for the quality of medical care showed that in the inpatient emergency department, almost the entire required amount of diagnosis and treatment is performed in a minimum period of time. If there is an inpatient emergency department in the hospital structure, the work model becomes significantly more intensive, but underfunded. Conclusion. The capabilities of inpatient emergency departments ensure short-term treatment of patients in compliance with the quality criteria of specialized care, while maintaining a large throughput compared to the therapeutic department. Based on the results obtained, the payment of cases should not be accompanied by the use of a sign of interruption of the case.

Association Between use of an Adaptive Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Algorithm and Healthcare Utilization and Cost

To assess the association between use of adaptive pacing on clinical and economic outcomes of CRT recipients in a real-world analysis. The AdaptivCRTTM algorithm was shown in prior subgroup analyses of prospective trials to achieve clinical benefits, but a large prospective trial showed nonsignificant changes in the endpoint of mortality or heart failure hospitalizations. CRT-implanted patients from the Optum Clinformatics® database with ≥90 days of follow-up were included. Remote monitoring data was used to classify patients based on CRT setting - adaptive biventricular and left ventricular pacing (aCRT) vs. standard biventricular pacing (Standard CRT). Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to adjust for baseline differences between groups. Mortality, 30-day readmissions, healthcare utilization, and payer and patient costs were evaluated post-implantation. This study included 2,412 aCRT and 1,638 Standard CRT patients (mean follow-up: 2.4 ± 1.4 years), with balanced baseline characteristics after adjustment. The aCRT group was associated with lower all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.88 [95% confidence interval (CI):0.80, 0.96]), fewer all-cause 30-day readmissions (adjusted incidence rate ratio = 0.87 [CI:0.81, 0.94]), and fewer all-cause and HF-related inpatient, outpatient, and emergency department (ED) visits. The aCRT cohort was also associated with lower all-cause outpatient payer-paid amounts and lower all-cause and HF-related inpatient and ED patient-paid amounts. In this retrospective analysis of a large real-world cohort, use of an adaptive CRT algorithm was associated with lower mortality, reduced healthcare resource utilization, and lower payer and patient costs. While cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves quality of life and clinical outcomes for certain heart failure patients, some patients do not respond to this therapy. Adaptive CRT algorithms (aCRT), such as AdaptivCRTTM, have been developed with the goal of improving effectiveness of CRT, and consequently, clinical and economic outcomes. This research study used a large database of administrative claims data - which contains information on patient demographics, diagnoses, healthcare services received, mortality, and cost data - to compare clinical and economic outcomes between CRT patients with the aCRT algorithm turned on (aCRT group) and CRT patients with the aCRT algorithm turned off (standard CRT group). Statistical methods were used to adjust for baseline differences between the aCRT group and standard CRT groups. Ultimately, the aCRT group was found to have a lower risk of all-cause mortality, fewer all-cause 30-day readmissions, fewer hospital visits (including inpatient, outpatient, and emergency department visits), and lower costs to payers and patients for specific types of costs.

Detailed review of dermatology department consultations in hospital and emergency settings at a tertiary medical center in Mexico

Background: Dermatological consultations are crucial in the treatment of hospitalized and emergency patients. This study examines the scope and characteristics of skin disorders at a tertiary Mexican medical center. Materials and Methods: This descriptive, observational, retrospective study spanned two years and involved 1,134 patients. It aimed to evaluate the types and frequencies of dermatological consultations in both emergency and inpatient settings. Results: Infectious dermatoses, particularly soft tissue infections, were the most common in emergency settings, contrasting with a higher incidence of eczema and dermatitis in inpatient care. The study presents comprehensive statistical analyses linking dermatological conditions with patient demographics and specific hospital departments. Conclusion: This study highlights the essential role of dermatologists in hospital environments, particularly, in identifying and treating infectious skin conditions. It underscores the necessity for specialized dermatological expertise in both emergency and inpatient departments, contributing significantly to patient care and management strategies in hospital settings. Key words: Dermatology, Consultations, Skin Infections, Hospital, Emergency

The Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation of Knee Pain.

Objectives This study aimed to characterize and compare the features of traumatic and non-traumatic lesions causing knee pain through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Method The study was conducted at a tertiary care center, with data sourced from patients visiting the outpatientand in-patient departments. It involved a descriptive cross-sectional research design focusing on patients referred for knee MRI scanning. The sample size was calculated using Cochran's formula as 112 for symptomatic patients with knee pain with a 95% confidence interval. The MRI findings in 112 patients were analyzed and associated with a history of trauma. Results The average age recorded was 35.38 years. Females made up 41.07% (n=46) of the sample, while males accounted for 58.93% (n=66).Among the participants, the majority (n=82; 71.43%) had a history of trauma, and the most common MRI finding wasjoint effusion (n=74; 66.1%). The second most common was anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries (n=71; 63.4%), followed bymeniscus injury (n=40; 35.71%). The study confirms that those with history oftrauma are at a higher risk (p<0.05) of sustaining injuries like meniscus and ACL tears, collateral ligament damage, bone contusions, chondromalacia patella, and joint effusion. Conclusion In conclusion, the consistency of our findings with existing studies reinforces the pivotal role of MRI in the evaluation of knee pain. Despite its limitations, including cost and accessibility, MRI remains a gold standard for diagnosing a wide range of knee pathologies, offering unparalleled detail and accuracy that significantly enhance clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.