Lower Hematocrit Levels Research Articles

Effect of patient’s sex on early perioperative outcomes following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

ObjectiveDifferences in morbidity and mortality measures between males and females have been demonstrated for a variety of spinal surgeries, however, studies of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) are limited. To investigate the impact ofsexon 30-day perioperative outcomes of ACDF. MethodsRetrospective 1:1 propensity score-matched cohort study. Patients who underwent ACDF between 2016 and 2018 were reviewed from the ACS-NSQIP database.Propensity score matchingand subgroup analysis were used. Results21,180 patients met inclusion criteria. 11,194 patients underwent single-level ACDF and 9986 patients underwent multi-level ACDF. In the single-level group, there were 6168 (55.1%) males and 5026 (44.9%) females. In the multi-level group, there were 5033 (50.4%) males and 4953 (49.6%) females. In both single/multi-level groups, females were more likely to be of older age, be functionally dependent, and have higher BMI and lower preoperative hematocrit level. Males were more likely to be Caucasian, smokers, have myelopathy, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and bleeding disorders. In both single/multi-level groups, except for the higher incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) in females and myocardial infarction (MI) in males, there were no significant differences in morbidity and mortality between males and females. ConclusionsSeveral differences in demographics and baseline health status exist between males and females undergoing ACDF. When attempting to control for comorbid conditions, we found that sex by itself is not an independent risk factor for higher perioperative morbidity or mortality in patients undergoing ACDF, except for the higher incidence of UTI in females and MI in males. These results are important findings for clinicians and spine surgeons while counseling patients undergoing this type of procedure.

Frailty Assessment in a Stable COPD Cohort: Is There a COPD-Frail Phenotype?

The frailty syndrome increases the morbidity/mortality in older adults, and several studies have shown a higher prevalence of this syndrome in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of frail patients with COPD to define a new phenotype called "COPD-frail." We conducted a cross-sectional study in a cohort of patients with stable COPD, classified as either frail, pre-frail, or non-frail. Sociodemographic, clinical, and biochemical variables were compared between the three groups of patients. The study included 127 patients, of which 31 were frail, 64 were pre-frail, and 32 non-frail. All subjects had FEV1/FVC below the lower limit of normal (range Z-score: −1.66 and −5.32). Patients in the frail group showed significantly higher scores in the mMRC (modified Medical Research Council) scale, the CAT (COPD Assessment Test), and the BODE (Body mass index, airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea, and Exercise capacity) index. They also showed differences in symptoms according to GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease), as well as more COPD exacerbations, less physical activity, more anxiety and depression symptoms based on HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and lower hemoglobin, hematocrit, and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels. Variables with independent association with frailty included the mMRC score, the HAD index for depression and age. In summary, differential characteristics of frail patients with COPD encourage the definition of a "COPD-frail" phenotype that−if identified early−would allow performing interventions to prevent a negative impact on the morbidity/mortality of these patients.

Prolonged Intradialytic Hypoxemia Is Associated With Functional Disturbances in Erythrocytes

Prolonged Intradialytic Hypoxemia Is Associated With Functional Disturbances in Erythrocytes

Association of depressive disorder with biochemical and anthropometric indices in adult men and women

Depression is a common psychiatric disorder. Although many risk factors for depression have been reported, the associations of biochemical and anthropometric indices with depressive disorder remain unclear. The objective of this study was to assess whether there are significant associations of depressive disorder with biochemical and obesity indices. This study was based on data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 to 2018, and logistic regression was performed to examine the association of depression with biochemical and obesity indices. A total of 33,993 subjects were included in the analyses. Study subjects consisted of 13,178 men in the control group (mean age of 51.12 years), 509 men in the depression group (53.67), 18,279 women in the control group (50.5), and 2027 women in the depression group (55.39). Among men, the depression group was significantly more likely to have a lower height and weight than the control group. Compared to the control group, the depression group was more likely to have higher triglyceride levels and tended to have lower hematocrit and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. Among women, the depression group was more likely to have higher triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), BUN, and creatinine levels and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), hematocrit, and red blood cell counts. Several biochemical and anthropometric indices used in this study were associated with depressive disorder, but these associations may differ according to sex.

Congestive Heart Failure Exhibited Higher BMI With Lower Energy Intake and Lower Physical Activity Level: Data From the National Health and Examination Nutrition Survey.

Background: Despite that nutritional deficiency existed in congestive heart failure (CHF), there is a large amount of CHF patients suffering from obesity. This study aimed to identify the differences for increased BMI or obesity in CHF patients.Methods: This cross-sectional study included adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2016. Differences were compared between CHF participants vs. non-CHF participants, and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 vs. BMI < 30 kg/m2 CHF participants.Results: CHF participants were with higher BMI, lower energy and macronutrient intake, lower physical activity level and longer rest time, and lower hematocrit and hemoglobin level (all P < 0.05) than non-CHF participants. The prevalence of BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 in participants with CHF was 53.48%. There was no significant difference observed in energy and macronutrient intake between CHF participants with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 or <30 kg/m2. The water intake (P = 0.032), sedentary time (P = 0.002), and hematocrit (P = 0.028) were significantly different between CHF with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and with <30 kg/m2.Conclusion: Compared with non-CHF participants, CHF participants exhibited higher BMI with lower energy and macronutrient intake, lower physical activity level, longer rest time, and hemodilution with lower hematocrit and hemoglobin level. Among CHF participants with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, higher sedentary time and hematocrit were observed.

Haematocrit level in obesity hypoventilation syndrome: a predictor of mortality?

The connection between obstructive sleep apnea and secondary erythrocytosis is controversial. We hypothesised that there may be a higher prevalence of erythrocytosis in patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) due to persistent hypoxemia. The study was a retrospective, cross-sectional review of patients with OHS derived from an established cohort of "non-invasive ventilation" patients at the Department of Sleep Medicine at the Royal Infirmary Medical Centre, Edinburgh (2004-2017). Relevant clinical data were obtained from patient records. The cohort comprised 74 patients with OHS, 44 men (60%), mean age at diagnosis 54 ± 10years. The mean haematocrit level for the group overall was 0.44, in men 0.45, and in women 0.41. Of 11 patients with erythrocytosis (15%), 7 were men. Thirteen patients (18%) died during follow-up (2004-2017). There was a statistically significant increase in risk of death in patients with higher and lower haematocrit levels compared to that in patients with OHS who had normal haematocrits. This is the first study showing increased prevalence of erythrocytosis in OHS patients. There was a "U"-shaped correlation with mortality according to haematocrit levels.

Kawasaki disease presenting with hoarseness: A multinational study of the REKAMLATINA network.

Recently, hoarseness affecting the supraglottic structure has been reported in Kawasaki disease (KD). The objective of this study was to characterize the frequency of hoarseness in acute KD patients in Latin America. We used prospective data from the multinational Red de Enfermedad de Kawasaki en America Latina (REKAMLATINA) network. A total of 865 patients from 20 countries were enrolled during the 3 year study period. Data on hoarseness were available in 858 (99.2%) patients. The clinical and laboratory characteristics between hoarse and non-hoarse KD were compared. Hoarseness was documented in 100 (11.6%) patients. Hoarse patients were younger than those with KD without hoarseness (median age 18 vs 26months; P=0.002) and presented with lower hemoglobin (10.7g/dL vs 11.3g/dL; P=0.040) and hematocrit levels (32% vs 33%, P=0.048). Hoarseness was found to be prevalent as a presenting sign of acute KD in younger children. Anemia may indicate the presence of active inflammation.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Patient with A Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Co-Infection

Infection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the most infectious disease in tropic disease infection and co-infection of HIV is very large, one of which is DHF. Research on DENV-HIV is still limited. A patient 29-year-old, referred to Dr. Soetomo Hospital with chief complain nausea from yesterday. Accompanied epigastric pain, stomach feel full and decreased of appetite. Laboratory test finding Hb 18,6 g/dL, leukosit 2910/mm3, trombosit 9000/mm3, HCT 51,5 %, Anti dengue IgG 29,9 and IgM 10,5 on 2nd day admission, Anti dengue IgG 14,3 and IgM 13,1 on two weeks from out of admission. The most common symptom in HIV patients with co-infection DHF is fever and loss of appetite. Patients with DENV-HIV have plasma leakage. Patient with DENV-HIV found an increase in eosinophil and pulse but found a lower increase in serum hematocrit compared with DENV patients, but lower hematocrit levels in this patients can be caused in patients using zidovudine, which is associated with anemia caused by zidovudin side effects.

Psoas Muscle Index Defined by Computer Tomography Predicts the Presence of Postoperative Complications in Colorectal Cancer Surgery.

Background and Objectives: Sarcopenia is a recognized prognostic factor for both complications and survival in cancer patients. This study aims to analyze the relationship between sarcopenia measured by psoas muscle index on computer tomography scans and the presence of postoperative complications in colorectal cancer surgery. Materials and Methods: In a prospective study we recorded data from 51 patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery in the Mures County Clinical Hospital, Romania. Total psoas muscle area and psoas density were measured at the level of the third lumbal vertebra (L3) for further index calculation. We also evaluated the general characteristics and laboratory analyses to obtain more information about status of the patients. Short-term postoperative complications were scored according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Results: The majority of the 51 patients were male (61%) and the median age was 65 years. More than half of the cancer was located in the rectum (56.9%), a quarter in the right colon (25.5%), the rest in the sigmoid (11.8%), and the left colon (5.9%). Twenty-one patients (41.2%) developed a complication, five (9.8%) of these were Clavien-Dindo grade 3, 4 or 5 (high grade) and sixteen (31.3%) grade 1 or 2 (low grade). The low- and high-grade groups showed a significantly lower right psoas muscle area, left psoas muscle area, total psoas muscle area, and psoas muscle index (p < 0.001 in all cases). Among laboratory analyses, a significantly lower perioperative hematocrit, hemoglobin, and albumin level were found in patients who developed complications. Furthermore we observed that an elevated serum C-reactive protein level was associated with a higher grade of complication (p < 0.043). Conclusions: The psoas muscle index (PMI) influence on the postoperative outcome is an important factor in our single center prospective study and it appears to be a good overall predictor in colorectal surgery. A lower PMI is directly associated with a low or high grade complication by Clavien-Dindo classification. Perioperative inflammatory and nutritional status evidenced by serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin level influences the presence of postoperative complications.

Multicenter evaluation of use of dried blood spotcompared to conventional plasma in measurements of globotriaosylsphingosine (LysoGb3) concentration in 104 Fabry patients.

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder, resulting from a deficiency of the enzyme α-galactosidase A, responsible for breaking down glycolipids such as globotriaosylceramide and its deacylated derivative, globotriaosylsphingosine (LysoGb3). Here, wecompare the levels of LysoGb3 in dried blood spots (DBS) and plasma in patients with classic and late-onset phenotypes. LysoGb3 measurements were performed in 104 FD patients, 39 males and 65 females. Venous blood was collected. A portion was spotted onto filter paper and another portion separated to obtain plasma. The LysoGb3 concentrations in DBS and plasma were determined by highly sensitive electrospray ionization liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Agreement between different matrices was assessed using linear regression and Bland Altman analysis. The method on DBS was validated by evaluating its precision, accuracy, matrix effect, recovery, and stability. The analytical performances were verified by comparison of a total of 104 paired DBS and plasma samples from as many FD patients (representing 46 GLA variants). There was a strong correlation between plasma and the corresponding DBS LysoGb3 concentrations, with few exceptions. Discrepancies were observed in anemic patients with typically low hematocrit levels compared to the normal range. The method proved to be efficient for the rapid analysis of LysoGb3. DBS provides a convenient, sensitive, and reproducible method for measuring LysoGb3 levels for diagnosis, initial phenotypic assignment, and therapeutic monitoring in patients with FD.

Comparative analysis of prothrombotic activity in patients with myocardial infarction with non-obstructive and obstructive atherosclerotic lesions of the coronary arteries

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The reported study was funded by RFBR, project number №19-315-90106 Aim To compare indicators of blood prothrombotic activity in patients with myocardial infarction with and without coronary arteries obstruction Material and methods. The study included 40 patients with AMI (19 patients in the main group and 21 patients in the control group). Three patients (15.7%) with acute myocarditis were excluded from the analysis. Hemostasiological and hematological blood tests were studied upon admission, on the 2nd, 4th, 7th days from hospitalization. Blood samples for protein C, antithrombin, von Willebrand factor (WF), plasminogen, homocysteine were performed on 4th ± 1 day from hospitalization. To determine the IgG / IgM antibodies to cardiolipin and β2-glycoprotein for the diagnosis of APS, the ORGENTEC Anti-β2-Glycoprotein I IgG / IgM ELISA enzyme immunoassay was used. Blood tests for lupus anticoagulant were performed using an ACL-Top 700 analyzer (Werfen) with HemosIL SynthASil dRVVT screen reagents / dRVVT confirm and with a SCT screen / SCT confirm quartz activator. Results In patients with MINOCA a statistically higher level of homocysteine (p = 0.03) and a lower level of plasminogen (p = 0.007) are determined. Protein C, antithrombin, WF the presence of lupus anticoagulant, antibodies to cardiolipin and β2-glycoprotein no differences between the groups were detected, p &amp;gt;0.05. MINOCA patients have a statistically higher platelet level on the 2nd and 4th day of AMI (p = 0.046 and p = 0.01 ) however the level of hemoglobin and hematocrit was statistically lower on the 4th day of AMI, (p = 0.008). In the main group, a moderate correlation was found between protein C and antithrombin (r = 0.65, p = 0.0001), antithrombin and von Willebrand factor (r = 0.54, p = 0.0001), between protein C and platelet level by 4th day (r = - 0.49, p = 0.04). In MINOCA patients a moderate negative correlation was found between homocysteine and plasminogen (r = -0.69, p = 0.002). In the control group, a high correlation was found between protein C and antithrombin (r = 0.96, p = 0.0001), a moderate correlation between protein C and plasminogen (r = 0.47, p = 0.03). In addition, a relationship was revealed between the presence of thrombosis according to ICAG data and the level of ejection fraction (r = 0.46, p = 0.04) in the control group, as well as between the presence of thrombosis and the level of fibrinogen upon admission (r = 0.55, p = 0.008). Conclusions Patients with MINOCA have a higher level of homocysteine and a lower level of plasminogen. For such indicators as protein C, antithrombin III, WF the presence of antibodies on the APS is not defined differences between groups. According to laboratory data patients with MINOCA showed higher levels of platelets but lower levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the early post-infarction period.

Manganese exacerbated chronic khat-induced neurological deficits, inflammation and organ toxicity in a mouse model

This study sought to determine whether chronic exposure to khat (Catha Edulis, Forsk) increases the vulnerability to the toxic effects of manganese (Mn2+), when co-exposed. Three (3)-week-old forty (40) Swiss albino mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10). The various groups received khat and manganese separately or both. The experiment was conducted for 132 days to mimic chronic exposure to khat, with manganese administration in the last twelve days. Khat-induced neurological deficits were markedly pronounced on co-exposure with manganese. Notably, deficits in motor performance, touch escape and aggression were deepened by manganese. Co-exposure (khat + Mn2+) induced more profound changes in hematological indices such as suppression of RBCs, low hematocrit and hemoglobin levels. Manganese enhanced khat-induced depletion of a very powerful antioxidant, glutathione (GSH) in the brain, liver, heart and lung tissues. Exposure to khat and/or manganese led to significant elevations in the pro-inflammatory cytokines—tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interferon gamma (IFN-ϒ), with a concomitant suppression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine and interleukin 10 (IL-10). Similarly, there was enhanced suppression of IL-10 following co-exposure (khat + Mn). Khat-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity were exacerbated by co-exposure. In conclusion, acute exposure to manganese appears to aggravate neurological deficits and other multiple organ toxicities driven by chronic exposure to khat.

Determinants of post cesarean section surgical site infection at public hospitals in Dire Dawa administration, Eastern Ethiopia: Case control study.

IntroductionPost cesarean section surgical site infection increases both the duration of a patient’s hospital stay and unplanned hospital costs. It can delays recovery, prolongs hospitalization, necessitates readmission, and adds to hospital bills and other morbidities as well as mortalities.MethodFacility-based case-control study was conducted from 1st March to 20th April, 2019 among all the mother records enrolled from 1st January to 31st December, 2018 at Public hospitals in Dire Dawa administration. The records of the mothers’ who had post-cesarean section surgical site infection (119) was extracted by a census and every three consecutive controls (357) for each case were collected by trained data collectors using a structured data extraction tool. Variables which had p-value <0.25 in bivariate analysis were considered as candidates for multivariable analysis. Statistical significance was declared at P-value ≤0.05 with adjusted odd ratio and 95% confidence interval in the multivariable logistic regression model.ResultAge 20–34 years (AOR:5.4; 95%CI:2.35,12.7), age >35 years (AOR:8.9; 95%CI:1.8,43.9), ≥4 per vaginal examinations (AOR: 4.2; 95%CI:2.16,8.22), current history of Chorioamnionitis (AOR:5; 95%CI:1.05,23.9), previous history of cesarean section (AOR:6.2; 95%CI: 2.72,14.36), provision of antibiotics prophylaxis (AOR:3.2; 95%CI:1.81,5.62), perioperative HCT level <30% (AOR:6.9; 95%CI:3.45,14.1) and duration of rupture of membrane >12 hours (AOR:5.4; 95%CI:1.84,15.87) were the independent determinants of post-cesarean section surgical site infection.ConclusionIncreased in age of the mother, higher number of per vaginal examination, having a history of chorioamnionitis, having previous history of cesarean section, not receiving antibiotics prophylaxis, lower perioperative hematocrit level and longer duration of rupture of membrane were statistically significant in multivariable analysis. Therefore; emphasis should be given for mothers who have higher age category, previous cesarean scar and history of choriamnionitis. In addition; provision of antibiotics should be comprehensive for all mothers undergoing cesarean section.

Comparative analysis of prothrombotic activity in patients with myocardial infarction with and without obstructive coronary artery disease

Aim.To compare parameters of prothrombotic activity in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) with obstructive (MICAD) and non-obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA).Material and methods.The study included 40 patients with MI, which were divided into experimental (n=19) and control group (n=21). Three patients (15,7%) with acute myocarditis were excluded from the analysis. Hemostasiological and hematological blood tests were studied upon admission, on the 2nd, 4th, 7th days from hospitalization. Blood samples for protein C, antithrombin, von Willebrand factor (VWF), plasminogen, homocysteine were performed on 4th±1 day from hospitalization. To determine the IgG/IgM anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti-beta 2 glycoprotein I (β2-GPI) antibodies in order to diagnose antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), the ORGENTEC Anti- β2-Glycoprotein I IgG/IgM ELISA enzyme immunoassay was used. Blood tests for lupus anticoagulant were performed using an ACL-Top 700 analyzer (Werfen) with HemosIL SynthASil dRVVT screen/dRVVT confirm and with a SCT screen/SCT confirm quartz activator.Results.According to the data obtained, it was found that patients with MINOCA had a significantly lower level of plasminogen (p=0,007), as well as a higher level of homocysteine (p=0,03). For such indicators as protein C, antithrombin, ejection fraction, differences between the groups were not revealed (p&lt;0,05). At the same time, protein C deficiency was detected in 2 (12,5%) patients with MINOCA and in 1 (5,3%) patient in the control group. Antithrombin deficiency was detected in 2 (12,5%) patients with MINOCA and in 2 (9,5%) patients with MICAD. An increase in the level of ejection fraction was found in 6 (37,5%) patients in the study group and in 7 (33,3%) patients in the control group. There were no differences in levels of lupus anticoagulant, aCL and β2-GPI antibodies (p&gt;0,05). There was a higher platelet count in patients with MINOCA on the 2ndand 4thdays of acute MI (p=0,46 and p=0,01, respectively). However, the hemoglobin level in patients with MINOCA was significantly lower on admission, 4thand 7thday of MI (p=0,02, p=0,03 and p=0,04, respectively).Conclusion.According to the study results, in patients with MINOCA and MICAD, differences in blood thrombotic activity were revealed. A higher level of homocysteine and a lower level of plasminogen were determined in patients with MINOCA. For such parameters as protein C, antithrombin, VWF, aCL and β2-GPI antibodies, differences between the groups were not determined. According to laboratory data, patients with MINOCA showed higher platelet count, but lower levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the early postinfarction period.

Influence of Sex on Early Outcomes of Elective Lumbar Fusions: An Updated Propensity-Matched and Subgroup Analysis

Existing data have demonstrated significant differences in morbidity and mortality measures between men and women undergoing various spinal surgeries. However, studies of lumbar fusion surgery have been limited. Thus, we investigated the effects of patient sex on 30-day perioperative outcomes after elective lumbar fusion spine surgery. Patients who had undergone lumbar fusion from 2015 to 2018 were reviewed from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Propensity score matching was used to determine whether the patient's sex had influenced the 30-day perioperative complications. A total of 44,526 cases had met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Of the 44,526 patients, 13,715 had undergone posterior lumbar fusion, 21,993 had undergone posterior/transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, and 8818 had undergone anterior/lateral lumbar interbody fusion. The women were more likely to be older, functionally dependent, and taking steroids for chronic conditions and to have a higher body mass index and lower preoperative hematocrit level. The men were more likely to be white, to smoke, and to have diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and bleeding disorders. In all cohorts, except for a higher incidence of urinary tract infection in the female patients and myocardial infarction in the male patients, no significant differences were found in morbidity and mortality between the sexes. Several differences in demographics and baseline health status were found between men and women undergoing lumbar fusion. When attempting to control for comorbid conditions using propensity score matching, we found that sex was an independent predictor of urinary tract infection in women and myocardial infarction in men across major morbidity and mortality categories in patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery.

Association of Hemoglobin and Hematocrit Levels during Pregnancy and Maternal Dietary Iron Intake with Allergic Diseases in Children: The Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS).

Few epidemiologic studies have examined the role of maternal iron status in allergic diseases in offspring and findings have been inconsistent. We used a large birth cohort in Japan to explore the association of the markers for maternal iron status (maternal hemoglobin, hematocrit and dietary iron intake during pregnancy) with allergy development in offspring during early childhood. We analyzed information on children age 0–3 years from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS). We used logistic models and generalized estimating equation models to evaluate the effect of maternal hemoglobin and hematocrit levels and dietary iron intake on allergies in children. Models were also fitted with propensity score-matched datasets. Data were collected for a total of 91,247 mother–child pairs. The prevalence (95% confidence interval) of low hemoglobin and hematocrit was 14.0% (13.7–14.2%) and 12.5% (12.3–12.8%), respectively. After adjusting confounders, low hemoglobin and hematocrit during pregnancy were not associated with childhood allergic outcomes. Findings from models with propensity score-matched datasets also indicated that children born to mothers with low hemoglobin or hematocrit levels during pregnancy did not have a higher risk of developing allergic conditions at 3 years old. We found no meaningful associations between low energy adjusted maternal dietary iron intake and allergies in children. In conclusion, using birth cohort data, we found no evidence supporting an association of low maternal hemoglobin, hematocrit and low dietary iron intake with allergy symptoms during early childhood. Further studies with more suitable proxy markers for blood iron status are needed.

An easy-to-use nomogram for predicting in-hospital mortality risk in COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study in a university hospital

BackgroundOne-fifth of COVID-19 patients are seriously and critically ill cases and have a worse prognosis than non-severe cases. Although there is no specific treatment available for COVID-19, early recognition and supportive treatment may reduce the mortality. The aim of this study is to develop a functional nomogram that can be used by clinicians to estimate the risk of in-hospital mortality in patients hospitalized and treated for COVID-19 disease, and to compare the accuracy of model predictions with previous nomograms.MethodsThis retrospective study enrolled 709 patients who were over 18 years old and received inpatient treatment for COVID-19 disease. Multivariable Logistic Regression analysis was performed to assess the possible predictors of a fatal outcome. A nomogram was developed with the possible predictors and total point were calculated.ResultsOf the 709 patients treated for COVID-19, 75 (11%) died and 634 survived. The elder age, certain comorbidities (cancer, heart failure, chronic renal failure), dyspnea, lower levels of oxygen saturation and hematocrit, higher levels of C-reactive protein, aspartate aminotransferase and ferritin were independent risk factors for mortality. The prediction ability of total points was excellent (Area Under Curve = 0.922).ConclusionsThe nomogram developed in this study can be used by clinicians as a practical and effective tool in mortality risk estimation. So that with early diagnosis and intervention mortality in COVID-19 patients may be reduced.

Myeloid neoplasms and autoimmune diseases: markers of association.

To investigate the prognostic significance of concomitant autoimmune diseases (ADs) in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). 435 subjects with a diagnosis of MPNs were included in this observational single institution longitudinal study. Of them, 34 patients presented an overt AD at diagnosis of MPN. Clinical presenting features, progression-free and overall survival were compared between MPN subgroups in relation to co-existence of AD at diagnosis of MPN. Compared to cases without ADs, the subjects with ADs were significantly younger, had lower haemoglobin and haematocrit levels and more frequently presented with splenomegaly. The clinical and biological features associated to progression-free and overall survival were: age, presence of splenomegaly, histotype (MF vs. PV vs. ET), anaemia, high platelet count and presence of any AD at diagnosis of MPN. The age-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of progression for the presence of AD at diagnosis of MPN was 2.76. Overall survival was not significantly associated to AD at diagnosis, but the HR of progression for the presence of AD at diagnosis of MPN was 2.18. A possible common genetic predisposition, the inflammatory bone marrow microenvironment and the activation of theJAK/STAT pathway could be considered as responsible for the observed association between MPNs and ADs.

Assessment of hematologic indices and their correlation to hemoglobin A1c among Bosnian children with type 1 diabetes mellitus and their healthy peers.

BackgroundAltered levels of many hematological parameters have been directly associated with diabetes in adults, while studies on children with type 1 diabetes mellitus are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine hematological indices in diabetic Bosnian children in comparison to healthy controls as well as to correlate their levels to blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c.Methods100 healthy and 100 children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (age 1-18) were included in this study. Complete blood count, hemoglobin A1c, and glucose were tested. Results were analysed by IBM SPSS Statistics version 23.ResultsSignificant differences (p<0.05) between healthy and diabetic children were found in relation to HbA1c, glucose, mean platelet volume, the number of white blood cells and erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin and MCH values. No gender differences or significant age differences were seen for hemoglobin, hematocrit, and MCV, while platelets, MPV, and MCH differed by age only in healthy children. When diabetic children were classified according to HbA1c levels, significant differences were seen for erythrocyte count and hematocrit value (p=0.013 and 0.019, respectively). The number of erythrocytes and white blood cells correlated significantly with HbA1c (p=0.037 and 0.027, respectively).ConclusionsLower levels of erythrocytes, hematocrit, and hemoglobin in diabetic compared to healthy children indicate possible development of anemia, while higher MCV, MCH, and MPV values indicate an alteration in erythrocyte morphology. Hematological indices could be a useful inexpensive tool in the diagnosis and follow up of type 1 diabetes in children.

Critical factors leading to wound complications in amputated patients: low hematocrit levels

Background: Patients with diabetes-induced lower extremity infection and gangrene suffer from post-amputation wound complications. The aim of this report is to identify critical factors leading to wound complications in amputated patients.Methods: 50 patients with ipsilateral transmetatarsal (TMA) or finger amputation treated in Istanbul University Medical Faculty between 2001 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Amputations were caused by diabetic foot infection. None of the patients had peripheral artery disease (ABPI&gt;1.1).Results: In 9 (18%) patients, revision was required despite appropriate antibiotherapy after amputation. 7 (78%) of these patients were women, 8 (89%) were smokers and hematocrit levels were below 25% in all of them. 4 of the 5 patients (80%) with chronic kidney disease were among the patients in need of revision.Conclusion: The risk of wound complications after amputation is high. These complications increase morbidity and treatment costs. This study showed that low hematocrit value is a risk factor for the development of wound infection after amputation.