Medical Hospital Research Articles

Role of Serum Ferritin and Prediction of Neurological Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Background: Stroke, also known as cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is an abrupt onset of neurological deficiency caused by a specific vascular aetiology. Aim: This study aimed to assess the role of serum ferritin in acute ischaemic stroke patients to correlate serum ferritin and neurological scales on the day of admission and during follow-up and to predict neurological outcomes. Methods: This prospective observational study included 100 patients who presented with acute ischaemic stroke clinically and with radiological imaging in the General Medicine and Neurology departments of Saveetha Medical College and Hospital for 18 months. Functional disability was assessed for all patients after 3 months based on the correlation of serum ferritin levels with the neurological scales, and the outcome was estimated. Results: The mean age of the patients was 59.45 ± 14.39. The serum ferritin level and Canadian Stroke Scale score during admission on day 7th and day 30th, were significantly different (p < 0.01). Serum ferritin levels were positively associated with the Glasgow Coma Scale score at admission and on the 7th and 30th days after admission. Ferritin levels were significantly higher in the moderate category under all circumstances (p < 0.01). Patients with mRS scores of 2, 3, and 4 were compared with serum ferritin levels and found to be significantly associated with serum ferritin levels. Conclusion: This study found that patients with higher serum ferritin levels experienced increased stroke severity and lower GCS and mRS scores, which correlated with increased morbidity.

Assessment of the Sokolow Lyons Criteria of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Comparison with Echocardiography in Hypertensive Patients

Around 65.4% of people over the age of 60 have hypertension, and it's the underlying cause of 6% of all fatalities globally. The left ventricle enlarges, or hypertrophies, in people with hypertension. If the left ventricle of the heart thickens its walls or the chamber of the left ventricle expands, or if both happen at once, the condition is called left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) [1]. This condition impacts approximately 15 -20% of the general population and has similar rates in men and women. Serious health complications such as cardiovascular diseases, stroke, congestive heart failure, irregular heart rhythms (ventricular arrhythmias), and sudden cardiac death are linked to it.Rationale of the study: In people with slightly hypertensive conditions, the prevalence of LVH is 20%; in those with severe or complex hypertension, it approaches 100%. LVH is also a result of valve disorders, which cause pressure and/or volume overload. Furthermore, "physiological" LVH—which occurs in well-trained athletes in reaction to job overload—can arise. About 0.2% of the general population has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a hereditary condition caused by mutations in the sarcomere protein genes. It is characterized by severe cardiac tissue disarray, fibrotic scarring, and aberrant internal coronary arteries.Background and statement of the problem: Hypertension is a leading cause of many cardiovascular problems and cerebrovascular accidents Aim: Assessment of the Sokolowlyon’s Criteria of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in comparison with Echocardiography Inhypertensives PatientsObjective: To determine whether the ECHO of left ventricular hypertrophy significantly coincides with the Sokolow Lyon criterion of the ECG.Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Shree Balaji Medical College and Hospital's general medicine department in Chromepet, Tamil Nadu, India. The study ran from June 2022 to December 2023, a duration of eighteen months.Results: The study focused on assessing the correlation between Sokolow-Lyon criteria on (ECG) and (LVH) as determined by echocardiography (ECHO). The results revealed that among the 125 participants, 88 cases (70.40%) were identified as having LVH based on Sokolow-Lyon criteria, while 37 cases (29.60%) showed no signs of LVH. These findings provide a quantitative breakdown of the prevalence of LVH according to ECG criteria within the study population.Conclusion: Our investigation's findings showed that the ECG LVH Sokolow Lyon criteria had a satisfactory level of specificity and sensitivity in the diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). The most sensitive diagnostic criteria turned out to be the ECG LVH Sokolow Lyon criteria, especially when it came to patients with co-morbidities. We found that the Sokolow Lyon criteria had a 36% sensitivity in the current investigation. As such, we suggest applying these criteria to assist in verifying the diagnosis of LVH, particularly in low-complexity healthcare environments without image-based diagnostic techniques like MRI and ECHO.

The effect of nurses’ Machiavellian and deontic justice personality on the tendency to make medical errors and other factors: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to investigate the effect of nurses’ Machiavellian and deontic justice personality on the tendency to make medical errors. Additionally, conducted to investigate the other factors associated with nurses’ tendency to make medical errors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study consisted of 345 nurses working in a state university medical faculty health application and research hospital, and data were collected using the Medical Error Tendency in Nursing Scale, the Machiavellian Personality Scale, and the Deontic Justice Scale.ResultsMachiavellian and deontic justice personality of nurses effect in low level their tendency to make medical errors (R = 0.284, p = 0.001). As the nurses’ Machiavellian tendencies increased, their propensity toward making medical errors also increased. The increase in Nurses’ deontic justice reduced their tendency toward medical errors (p < 0.05). A significant difference was found between nurses’ mean tendency to medical errors scores and their age, working life/years, the number of night shifts, the daily number of patients provided with care, the status of working in the COVID-19 service, and the status of having received education on medical errors (p < 0.05).ConclusionsNurses’ Machiavellian tendencies and deontic justice approach affect their propensity to make medical errors. Nurses who have a Machiavellian tendency and poor deontic justice have a high tendency to make medical errors. Nurses’ age, working life/years, the number of night shifts, the daily number of patients they provide care for, working in the COVID-19 service, and having received education on medical errors were the other factors affecting their tendency to make medical errors. This study demonstrated that nurses’ personality traits can cause medical errors. Generations are changing in the world and personality are also changing. Therefore, including personal development in nursing education could be a positive approach for medical errors.

Evaluating ChatGPT's Role in Assessing Turkey's Medical Tourism Trends

Background and Aims: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of the ChatGPT as an expert in the field of medical tourism. Another objective of this study is to assess its evaluations regarding the current state and future prospects of medical tourism in Turkey from an artificial intelligence perspective. Methods: Within the scope of the study's objectives, questions were created for ChatGPT regarding the current state and future prospects of medical tourism in Turkey. First, the draft questions were prepared by the authors of this article using the literature. All questions were evaluated by experts through online interviews. Totally 8 experts have been evaluated the questionnaires. These experts consisted of two tourism professors who had research on medical tourism, three major medical tourism hospital managers, one reconstructive aesthetician clinic owner, and the Turkish Healthcare Travel Council Founding Chairman. The second step of the research questionnaire was applied to the ChatGPT Model 4, which was trained as a medical tourism expert. than test the answers of the AI used the tools “Completeness of content, Lack of false information in the content, Evidence supporting the content, Appropriateness of the content, and Relevance,” referred as CLEAR. All answers were evaluated by 41 experts who had articles and research on medical tourism in Turkey. To explain the methodology appropriately, reporting was conducted using the METRICS checklist, which was prepared for artificial intelligence studies. Results: TThe general answers of ChatGPT 4-o were accurate, informative, and helpful, providing a good overview of medical tourism in Turkey. However, the responses lacked detail, did not provide evidence-based information, and did not always address the nuances and cultural/social impacts of medical tourism. ChatGPT 4-o views the future of Turkey’s medical tourism as shiny and will force the lead in general. Conclusions: This study is important for revealing data on the current and future state of medical tourism through artificial intelligence. However, only a few studies have been conducted on artificial intelligence and medical tourism. To the best of our knowledge, there is no existing literature that systematically evaluates the ChatGPT responses of medical tourism experts. In this regard, it is believed that the study will benefit both academics and practitioners.

Prognostic Value of Hospital Frailty Risk Score and Clinical Outcomes in Critical Limb-Threatening Ischemia and End-Stage Kidney Disease.

End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is commonly associated with critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and frailty. Yet there are no specific tools to predict outcomes of CLTI in ESKD, particularly those that incorporate frailty. We aimed to assess the utility of the medical record-based Hospital Frailty Risk (HFR) score in predicting outcomes of CLTI in ESKD. We identified patients with ESKD diagnosed with CLTI from the US Renal Data System from 2015 to 2018. These patients were categorized into 3 frailty risk groups on the basis of their HFR scores: low (<5), intermediate (5-10), high-risk (>10), and on the basis of whether they underwent revascularization (endovascular revascularization [ER]/surgical revascularization [SR]) or not (no revascularization). Primary outcomes of interest included in-hospital composite of death or major amputation and in-hospital death. We included 49 454 eligible patients, with ER/SR cohort including 19.8% (n=9777). A total of 88.4% (ER/SR) and 90.0% (no revascularization) were frail on the HFR scale. We found a nonlinear association between HFR score and in-hospital adverse outcomes. In both cohorts, intermediate and high-risk HFR scores were associated with greater risk of in-hospital death (high-risk, ER/SR: odds ratio, 2.7 [95% CI, 1.6-4.8]; P<0.0001; no revascularization: odds ratio, 7.8 [95% CI, 5.3-11.6]; P<0.01) and composite of in-hospital major amputation or death (high-risk, ER/SR: odds ratio, 2.4 [95% CI, 1.9-3.1]; P<0.0001; no revascularization: odds ratio, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.5-1.9]; P<0.0001). The HFR score can predict risk of in-hospital death and composite ofdeath or major amputation in patients with ESKD and CLTI. Further data are needed to determine the utility of the HFR score in this population.

Association between body mass index (BMI), respiratory symptoms, and asthma prevalence among the population in Khulna City, Bangladesh: an in-depth cross-sectional investigation

BackgroundAsthma, a chronic respiratory disease, has been steadily increasing in prevalence and significantly impacts global health. In Bangladesh, it remains a major public health concern. The relationship between asthma and body mass index (BMI) is complex, with higher rates observed among overweight individuals. This study aims to explore the association between BMI, respiratory symptoms, and asthma in Khulna City, Bangladesh, addressing the lack of comprehensive data for this region.MethodsThis study was a cross-sectional study. For data collection purposes, we considered Khulna Medical College and Hospital (KMC). Data collection involved a well-structured questionnaire during in-person meetings held from September 18 to November 6, 2022. We selected a total of 310 participants through simple random sampling and performed statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, to examine associations.ResultsThe majority of participants were aged above 60 years (36.5%), with most having a normal BMI (74.8%) and being male (69.0%). We found significant associations between the prevalence of asthma, age, BMI categories, and respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Overweight individuals showed a higher likelihood of developing asthma (AOR 7.01; 95% CI 5.04–7.11), as did those with primary education (AOR 1.51; 95% CI 1.11–2.95) and smokers (AOR 2.80; 95% CI 1.27–6.15).ConclusionThis study identifies a higher asthma prevalence in Khulna City, associated with older age, overweight status, primary education level, and respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Smoking further exacerbates the severity of the condition. We recommend public health strategies such as promoting healthier lifestyles, improving healthcare access, raising awareness about smoking risks, enhancing air quality, and establishing specialised asthma clinics for effective management and improved quality of life.

A Prospective Study on Laparoscopic Evaluation of Tubal Factors with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Infertility in Bangladeshi Patients

Background: Laparoscopic evaluation plays a crucial role in assessing tubal factors in infertility cases coexisting with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS, characterized by hormonal imbalances and ovarian cysts, often leads to irregular ovulation and infertility. Laparoscopy allows for direct visualization of the fallopian tubes, identifying any obstructions or abnormalities that may hinder conception. Understanding the tubal status in PCOS-related infertility helps tailor treatment strategies, optimizing the chances of successful conception for affected couples. Objective: In this study or main goal is to evaluate the tubal factor pathology in case of infertile patients with diagnosed PCOS by laparoscopy. Method: This retrospective study was carried out at tertiary medical hospital from 2022 to 2023 where a total of 100 women who were diagnosed case of infertility with PCOS included in the study. Among these 68 % were primary infertility and 32% were secondary infertility. Results: During the study, in primary infertility 70.59% patient had no history of contraception. Only 8.82% had taken oral pill and 20.59% used barrier method. In secondary infertility had no history of contraception 25% had taken oral pill, 6.25% had taken IUCD and 6.25% used barrier method. Laparoscopic study of fallopian tube showed in primary infertility the tube of the right side was normal looking in 52 (76.47%), peritubal adhesion was present in 12 (17.65%) and hydrosalpinx was present in 4 (5.88%) cases. The tube of the left side was normal looking in 50 (73.53%), peritubal adhesion was present in 10 (14.71%) and hydrosalpinx was present in 8 (11.76%) cases. In secondary infertility the tube of the right side was normal looking in 16 (50.00%), peritubal adhesion was present 8 (25.00%) hydrosalpinx in 6 (18.75%) and the tube was absent in 2 case. In the left side the tube was normal looking in 20 (62.50%), peritubal adhesion was present in 8 (25.00%) and hydrosalpinx in ...

Effect of early mobilization on functional recovery in ICU patients with post-COVID ARDS

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the number of patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admissions due to severe complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Prolonged ICU stays, often associated with immobility, lead to muscle weakness, ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW), and reduced functional status, which impede recovery. Early mobilization in the ICU has been proposed as a beneficial intervention to mitigate these effects, but its impact on patients with post-COVID ARDS remains underexplored. Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of early mobilization on functional recovery in ICU patients with post-COVID ARDS. Methods. A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted at Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, from August 2021 to August 2024. Two hundred patients with post-COVID ARDS were randomly assigned to either an early mobilization or standard care group. The early mobilization group received structured physical therapy interventions within 48 hours of ICU admission. Functional status was measured using the ICU Mobility Scale (IMS) and Functional Status Scale ICU (FSS ICU) at baseline, weekly, and discharge. Secondary outcomes included the duration of ICU stay, mechanical ventilation, and incidence of ICU-AW. Results. Patients in the early mobilization group demonstrated significantly higher functional recovery, with a mean IMS score of 7.8 ± 1.2 compared to 4.3 ± 1.5 in the standard care group (p &lt; 0.001). The FSS ICU score was also significantly higher in the early mobilization group (90.6 ± 8.3) than in the standard care group (65.4 ± 10.7; p &lt; 0.001). Additionally, early mobilization reduced the mean ICU stay (14.5 ± 3.2 vs. 19.8 ± 4.1 days, p &lt; 0.001), shortened the duration of mechanical ventilation (10.1 ± 2.9 vs. 13.7 ± 3.6 days, p &lt; 0.001), and decreased the incidence of ICU-AW (20% vs. 45%, p = 0.002). Conclusion. Early mobilization significantly improves functional recovery, reduces ICU stay and mechanical ventilation duration, and lowers ICU-AW risk in post-COVID ARDS patients. These findings highlight the importance of integrating early mobility into standard ICU care to enhance patient outcomes.

Climate Change and Emerging Infectious Diseases: Investigating the Influence on Transmission Dynamics of Vector-Borne Diseases

Background: Climate change significantly affects the transmission dynamics of vector-borne diseases by altering temperature and rainfall patterns, thus creating favorable conditions for vectors. Objective: This study aims to examine the impact of climate change on the incidence of vector-borne diseases, focusing on temperature and rainfall patterns in Dhaka. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to November 2023 at Shaheed Monsur Ali Medical College and Hospital, Uttara, Dhaka. A total of 125 patients diagnosed with dengue, malaria, and chikungunya were analyzed. Data on patient demographics, disease occurrence, and climate variables (temperature and rainfall) were collected. Regression analysis evaluated the relationship between climate factors and disease incidence. Results: Out of 125 patients, 69 (55%) had dengue, 31 (25%) had malaria, and 25 (20%) had chikungunya. Dengue cases peaked during the monsoon season (July to September), with a 35% increase compared to the dry season. A 1°C rise in temperature correlated with a 12% rise in disease incidence, while a 50 mm increase in rainfall resulted in a 15% increase in cases. Conclusion: The study confirms that rising temperatures and increased rainfall due to climate change are critical drivers of vector-borne disease transmission in Dhaka, necessitating targeted public health measures.

A prospective study of acute kidney injury in intensive care setting according to Rifle definition and its mortality predictors

Background: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in ICUs is associated with high morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital stays, increased costs, and risk of progression to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Early identification of AKI is essential. Aims and Objectives: To determine the incidence of AKI in ICU patients using the RIFLE criteria. · To identify etiological factors and comorbid conditions associated with AKI. · To assess the outcomes of AKI based on the RIFLE criteria. · To explore age, gender, serum creatinine, Fe Na, and urine spot Na as predictors of AKI mortality. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at Al-Ameen Medical College and Hospital, Vijayapura, with 83 patients over two years. ICU patients were monitored for AKI development using the RIFLE criteria. Results: Univariate logistic regression showed oliguria as a significant predictor of mortality (OR: 0.461). Among AKI survivors (n=51), the highest number (41.2%) were aged 50–59 years. In AKI deaths (n=32), most (40.6%) were over 60 years. Sepsis (39.2%) and shock (31.4%) were common in survivors, while sepsis (71.9%) dominated among deaths Conclusion: Early identification of high-risk AKI patients is crucial. Infections and hypotension drive significant mortality risk. Oliguric patients and those on ventilation require close monitoring. Timely diagnosis and management, especially of infections and multi-organ dysfunction, are key to improving outcomes. Haemodialysis was the preferred treatment.

Histopathological patterns of gastrointestinal lesions: Insights from a Tertiary Care Centre

Gastrointestinal (GI) lesions are a common clinical concern with significant implications for patient health, particularly in cases involving malignancies. Understanding the histopathological spectrum of these lesions is crucial for improving diagnosis and treatment strategies. This study aimed to investigate the histopathological spectrum of gastrointestinal lesions at a tertiary care center, focusing on the prevalence of different types of lesions and their distribution according to clinicopathological parameters. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over a one-year period, from November 2022, to October 2023, at the Department of Pathology, Rohilkhand Medical College and Hospital, Bareilly, UP. A total of 100 patients with clinically suspected GI lesions were included. Biopsy specimens were collected and analyzed using standard histopathological techniques. The data were analyzed to determine the frequency of different types of GI lesions and their correlation with clinical features. Results: The study found that inflammatory lesions were the most prevalent, accounting for 57% of the cases. Malignant lesions were identified in 35% of the patients, with adenocarcinoma being the most common malignancy, especially in the colon, representing 57.14% of malignant cases. The small intestine was the most frequently affected anatomical site, involved in 33% of the cases, followed by the appendix at 22%. The majority of patients were middle-aged males, with a significant correlation between the type of lesion and gender. Conclusion: This study highlights the significant burden of gastrointestinal lesions, particularly inflammatory and malignant lesions, in the studied population. The findings underscore the importance of early detection and intervention to prevent the progression of these lesions, particularly in high-risk groups such as older males. Enhanced clinical management strategies are needed to address the substantial impact of GI pathologies on patient health.

A longitudinal observational study on activated partial thromboplastin time in hypothyroidism and effect of thyroxine supplementation

Background: Hypothyroidism is a common condition characterized by thyroid hormone deficiency, which, if untreated, can lead to severe health consequences and even death. Due to the wide range of clinical presentations and non-specific symptoms, hypothyroidism is primarily diagnosed biochemically. It can result from congenital thyroid abnormalities or iodine deficiency. Aims and objectives: Aim: To evaluate the correlation between hypothyroidism and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) and assess the effect of thyroxine supplementation. Objective: To study the impact of levothyroxine supplementation on aPTT in hypothyroid patients. Materials and methods: This observational study was conducted at the General Medicine outpatient clinic and inpatient wards at Al-Ameen Medical College and Hospital, Vijayapura, from September 2022 to March 2024. A total of 80 hypothyroid patients of both sexes were included. TSH, Free T4, and aPTT levels were measured with appropriate aseptic precautions. Results: The majority of subjects were females (90%), with the highest proportion (31.3%) aged 26-35 years. The mean ± SD of pre-thyroxine TSH was 25.453 ± 19.9073, which significantly decreased to 4.299 ± 0.6738 post-thyroxine. aPTT values also decreased significantly post-treatment. A positive correlation was found between TSH and aPTT, while aPTT had a negative correlation with T3 and T4 levels. Conclusion: aPTT is significantly elevated in hypothyroid patients and shows a positive correlation with TSH levels. Regular monitoring of aPTT should be included in the follow-up of hypothyroid patients.

A prospective study on etiology and clinical profile of chronic Cor pulmonale

Background: Cor pulmonale accounts for approximately 6% to 7% of all adult heart disease cases in the United States and is involved in 10% to 30% of hospital admissions for congestive heart failure nationwide. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted at Al-Ameen Medical College and Hospital in Vijayapura, adhering to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The sample included 73 cases, with detailed medical histories and symptom analyses collected from each participant. A thorough clinical examination was also performed. Results: Among the 73 patients, 25 (34.3%) were aged 40 to 50 years, while another 25 (34.3%) were over 60 years. The majority were male (80.8%), and 50 patients (68.5%) had a history of smoking. All participants presented with symptoms of breathlessness, cough, and swelling of the feet. Physical examinations showed tachypnea, crepitations, and rhonchi in all individuals. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema were identified as the leading causes of chronic cor pulmonale in 44 patients (60.2%). Conclusion: This study found that chronic bronchitis and emphysema were common causes of chronic cor pulmonale, primarily affecting middle-aged and older individuals, with males affected more than females and smoking identified as a major contributing factor. Common symptoms included breathlessness, cough, and lower extremity swelling. Physical examinations frequently revealed tachypnea, crepitations, rhonchi, and notable signs such as epigastric pulsations, loud P2, pansystolic murmur of tricuspid regurgitation, and parasternal heave. Chronic cor pulmonale has a substantial impact on both pulmonary and cardiac function; 53.7% of patients are at risk of readmission within one year of discharge. The condition is generally associated with a poor prognosis. This highlights the importance of early detection of signs and symptoms to enhance management outcomes.

Elastographic Assessment of Atherosclerotic Plaques and Determination of Vascular Risk in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objectives: The present study aimed to examine the role of two-dimensional shear wave elastography (SWE) in the assessment of the vascular wall of the carotid arteries and atherosclerotic plaques in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with moderate and low disease activity versus healthy controls. Methods: An observational case–control study was carried out at the University Medical Hospital “Kaspela” in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, from June 2023 to August 2024. This study included 24 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 25 healthy controls. We employed two-dimensional SWE (2D-SWE) to examine the vessels around the plaques. The potential links with the degree of stenosis, plaque type, and cardiovascular risk were analyzed. Results: In the RA group, the 2D-SWE values showed significant positive correlations with the severity of the atherosclerotic plaques (rs = 0.461; 95% CI: 0.049 to 0.739; p = 0.023) and the degree of stenosis (rs = 0.920; 95% CI: 0.793 to 0.970; p &lt; 0.001). Based on 2D-SWE, a ROC curve analysis distinguished higher severity plaques from lower severity plaques with an AUC = 0.818, 95% CI: 0.683 to 0.913. The optimal cut-off value of 2D-SWE &gt; 32.40 kPa was associated with a sensitivity of 96%, a specificity of 56%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 66.70%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 92.90%. Conclusion: Elastography can be an effective technique for assessing and stratifying atherosclerotic plaques in patients with RA, as well as for aiding in the early detection and subsequent prevention of future complications.

A descriptive study to assess the knowledge on breast milk bank among postnatal mother's in postnatal ward at Thoothukudi Medical College and Hospital , Thoothukudi.

A quantitative and descriptive research design was chosen to assess the knowledge on breast milk banking among postnatal mother. The study was conducted in postnatal ward at Thoothukudi medical college and hospital, Thoothukudi.The sample comprises of 60 between the age group of 18-45 years of postnatal mother's. The samples were selected by convenient sampling techniques. Knowledge on breast milk bank was assessed by using a self structure questionnaire method

Implementation of Medical Hospitalist Care at a Korean Tertiary Hospital: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Background/Objectives: In March 2018, a tertiary teaching hospital launched a medical hospitalist team. This study presents the clinical characteristics and outcomes of medical hospitalist care and reveals the relationship between them. Methods: This study included 4003 patients first admitted to the hospitalist team via emergency room and then discharged from the hospitalist team between March 2018 and November 2022. The patients were admitted either to the teaching admitter hospitalist team or the hospitalist-led acute medical unit (AMU). Afterward, the patients were either discharged, if possible, within a few days or transferred to ward hospitalists if assigned wards for hospitalist care were available. Results: The patients’ mean Charlson Comorbidity Index score was 3.5 and the mean National Early Warning Score was 3.4. Of the admissions, 44.2% of the patients were admitted to the AMU, and 26.8% received an early consultation with a subspecialist. Each hospitalist managed 12.8 patients per month on average. The patients’ mean LOS was 14.52 days, 10.5% of patients died during hospitalization, and 13.0% of patients had unscheduled readmission within 1 month. The patients’ mean total cost per hospital stay was 572,836 won per day. Admission to the AMU was associated with a lower total cost per hospital stay, but the relationships with mortality, readmission, and LOS were not significant. Conclusions: The study reports on the outcomes of implementing a medical hospitalist care system that combines short-term admission wards with integrated care models to manage complex cases. These findings provide insights into optimizing hospitalist systems for improved patient outcomes.

Comparative analysis of vitamin K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants for left ventricular thrombus management: a retrospective study utilising TriNetX

Abstract Introduction Despite progress in cardiovascular medicine, guidelines for addressing left ventricular thrombus (LVT) remain limited. Furthermore, incorporating oral anticoagulants into dual antiplatelet therapy for acute myocardial infarction (MI) adds complexity to treatment decisions. While conventional guidance favors vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), emerging evidence suggests favorable outcomes with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Purpose This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of DOACs versus VKAs in managing LVT among patients with and without recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods This was a retrospective observational study conducted within TriNetX, a global federated health research network with access to electronic medical records (EMRs) from participating health care organizations including academic medical centres and community hospitals covering approximately 70 million individuals, mainly in the United States. The search was conducted on 26th Februrary 2024 with a study cohort comprising patients with LV thrombus treated with either DOAC or VKA between 1st December 2013 to 1st December 2023. Subgroup analyses were conducted for patients with ACS within one month and those without ACS within a month of treatment. Cohort data were subject to propensity matching (PSM) for age, gender, ethnicities, medical and drug history. Risk analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were computed for each subgroup at 90 days since the indexed event. Results Following PSM, a total of 39,770 patients were included and 14,302 were in the ACS group and 24,162 in the non-ACS group. DOAC treatment exhibited favourable outcomes for stroke, bleeding, and systemic embolism (p&amp;lt;0.05) compared to VKA in the overall cohort (Table 1). In the ACS group, DOAC was linked to a reduced risk of stroke and systemic embolism (p&amp;lt;0.05) but not bleeding (p=0.066). In the non-ACS group, DOAC was associated with a decreased risk of stroke and bleeding (p&amp;lt;0.05) but not systemic embolism (p=0.113). Across all groups, there were no disparities in overall all causes of mortalities. Conclusion DOACs demonstrated better safety and efficacy outcomes when compared to VKAs in LVT treatment. Interestingly, DOACs utilisation within the ACS context resulted in a diminished risk of embolic complications without the benefit of reduced bleeding risk seen in patients without ACS, suggesting potential implications of triple therapy within first month of ACS treatment, removing the bleeding risk reduction of DOACs. This shows a fundamental difference in LVT between the 2 groups of patients so future studies should aim to differentiate between the 2.

Value-based versus usual care for heart failure patients leads to reduction in cost, hospital admissions and improved survival

Abstract Background OptumCare (OC) in our city, Nevada established a heart failure (HF) program comprised of a team of outpatient cardiologists including two who are board certified in advanced heart failure. Referred patients are enrolled in the HF program once HF is diagnosed by a cardiologist. Patients are managed by an interdisciplinary team of cardiologists, advanced practice clinicians (APC), registered nurse case managers (RNCM), and a social worker. Patients at higher risk for HF admissions are enrolled in remote patient telemonitoring. In contrast, OC in Arizona utilizes a "usual" care approach of fee-for-service contracted cardiology groups to manage HF patients in outpatient and in-patient settings. Purpose A head-to-head comparison was performed between the cohort of patients enrolled in HF program in OC Nevada (treatment group) and patients with HF diagnosis in OC Arizona (control group). The groups were compared on the following measures: medical cost, hospital admissions, and survival rates. Methods In this retrospective study, a 1:1 iterative propensity score (PS) matching was performed to closely approximate patient demographics and comorbidities, which resulted in 818 matched pairs (total n=1,636) of the patients with program enrollment or 1st HF diagnosis between March 1, 2019 and June 30, 2022. For Difference-in-Difference Analysis (Diff-in-Diff), generalized linear models were used on PS matched data to test the difference in difference in medical cost and utilizations changes between control and treatment group over a six month period. Log-Binomial regression was used to estimate the relative risk of post period 30-day readmission and hospice enrollment. Kaplan Meier Estimator was used to test the difference in survival rates over time. Results Average age of patients was 77.6 years old, and 49% were female. The treatment group resulted in significantly lower overall medical costs per member per month (PMPM), significantly less emergency room (ER) visits, less acute hospital and skilled nursing facility (SNF) admissions, and shorter overall hospital length of stays. The control group was twice as likely to be readmitted to the hospital. Lastly, the treatment group had a significantly better survival rate than the control group. 19% of the patients in the control group expired within 12 months of enrollment vs. 10% of the patients in the treatment group expired during the same time period. Average survival was 142 days in the control group vs. 200 days in the treatment group. Conclusions A value-based care approach involving a multidisciplinary team in an outpatient-based cardiology HF program resulted in statistically significant improvement in medical costs, acute care visits/admissions, and survival rates compared to "usual" care approach for HF patients.

Ultra-processed food consumption and risk of coronary heart diseases: UK Whitehall II cohort study

Abstract In recent decades, ultra-processed foods (UPFs) intake has increased drastically, sparking concerns about their potential impact on cardiometabolic diseases. However, large-scale cohort studies tracking UPF consumption at multiple time points remain limited. This study explores the prospective association between repeated measures of UPF intake and the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), along with its secondary endpoints, within the UK Whitehall II study. The analytical sample tracked 7,138 midlife British participants without CHD from baseline. UPF consumption was measured using validated food frequency questionnaire (127 items) and classified by the NOVA system during three phases: 1991/1994 (phase 3), 1997/1999 (phase 5), and 2002/2003 (phase 7). This study assessed the onset of CHD and its secondary endpoints, including CHD and all-cause mortality, through medical exams and hospital records up to 2016 and 2021, respectively. Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for socio-demographics, lifestyle factors and total energy intake were used to explore the prospective association between cumulative average UPF intake (in quintiles) and CHD outcomes. During a median follow-up of 13 and 19 years, 589 cases and 1,314 deaths were documented. In multivariable adjusted cox models, the highest UPF consumption quintile versus the lowest quintile was associated with higher CHD incidence [HR:1.26; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.02-1.55; p = 0.03]. Additional adjustment of total energy intake increased the CHD risk by 28% [HR:1.28; 95% CI: 1.03-1.58; p = 0.02]. No significant relationships were found between cumulative average UPF intake and CHD or all-cause mortality. In UK midlife adults, higher UPF intake is prospective associated with increased CHD risk. Although additional research is warranted, these findings emphasize the importance of public awareness and food policy interventions to reduce UPF intake for alleviating the population burden of CVD. Key messages • Our study suggests the need for increased efforts to implement population wide strategies on regulating food processing, such as taxation and front of package warning labelling of UPF. • Our study emphasizes UPF’s role in cardiovascular prevention, highlighting the need for nutrition counseling on UPF consumption for those at risk of CVD.

Diagnosis of canine B-cell chronic lymphoid leukemia with a CD21 negative phenotype using the LT21 clone CD21 antibody in flow cytometry: a case report

BackgroundChronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL) is a hematological disorder characterized by the clonal expansion of small mature lymphocytes that accumulate in the blood and bone marrow. CLL can arise from B-, T-, or natural killer cell clones. The cytological evaluation of blood smears is often the simplest and least invasive method for diagnosing lymphoid leukemia. Immunophenotyping is used to further subclassify the type of lymphoid leukemia.Case presentationA 15-year-old, 4.4-kg spayed female Shih Tzu was presented to the veterinary medical teaching hospital of Kangwon National University. Despite having a normal appetite and activity level, cervical and inguinal lymph node enlargement was noted on physical examination. Complete blood count revealed severe leukocytosis, severe lymphocytosis, and monocytosis. Splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and lymph node enlargement were detected on radiographic and ultrasonographic examination. Immunophenotyping was performed using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The majority of lymphocytes exhibited the following profiles: CD3−CD79a− (97.5%), CD4−CD8− (98.6%), CD21−CD79a− (98.4%), CD34− (0.1%), CD45+ (99.6%), major histocompatibility complex class II+ (99.5%), and CD14− (0.5%). Based on the immunophenotyping results, possible differentials considered included the following: the majority of lymphocytes may be natural killer (NK) cell clones, plasma cell clones, or show aberrant expression or loss of CD21 marker due to the neoplastic nature of the cells. Further flow cytometry was performed using antibodies against CD3, CD5, CD94, and granzyme B. The combined results indicated that the predominant lymphocyte subset in the PBMCs was CD3−CD5−CD21−CD94−granzyme B−. To confirm monoclonality and exclude the aberrant loss of CD markers, a polymerase chain reaction for antigen receptor rearrangement (PARR) assay was conducted. The PARR assay, using DNA from blood and lymph node samples, showed B-cell monoclonality. Immunocytochemistry using PBMCs showed that the plasma cell marker Multiple Myeloma Oncogene 1 (MUM1) was not expressed. Therefore, the diagnosis was confirmed to be B-cell CLL.ConclusionImmunophenotyping can help subclassify the type of lymphoid leukemia; however, as tumor cells can show aberrant expression or loss of the CD21 marker, combining immunophenotyping with the PARR assay could yield a more accurate diagnosis.