Months Of Follow-up In Patients Research Articles

Evaluation of the effects of Artemisia Annua L. and Moringa Oleifera Lam. on CD4 count and viral load among PLWH on ART at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundInitiation of ART among people living with HIV (PLWH) having a CD4 count ≤ 350cells/µl, produces poor immunological recovery, putting them at a high risk of opportunistic infections. To mitigate this, PLWH on ART in Uganda frequently use herbal remedies like Artemisia annua and Moringa oleifera, but their clinical benefits and potential antiretroviral (ARV) interactions remain unknown. This study examined the impact of A. annua and M. oleifera on CD4 count, viral load, and potential ARV interactions among PLWH on ART at an HIV clinic in Uganda.Methods282 HIV-positive participants on antiretroviral therapy (ART) with a CD4 count ≤ 350cells/µl were randomized in a double-blind clinical trial to receive daily, in addition to their routine standard of care either; 1) A. annua leaf powder, 2) A. annua plus M. oleifera, and 3) routine standard of care only. Change in the CD4 count at 12 months was our primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included changes in viral load, complete blood count, and ARV plasma levels. Participants were followed up for a year and outcomes were measured at baseline, 6 and 12 months.ResultsAt 12 months of patient follow-up, in addition to standard of care, administration of A. annua + M. oleifera resulted in an absolute mean CD4 increment of 105.06 cells/µl, (p < 0.001), while administration of A. annua plus routine standard of care registered an absolute mean CD4 increment of 60.84 cells/µl, (p = 0.001) compared to the control group. The A. annua plus M. oleifera treatment significantly reduced viral load (p = 0.022) and increased platelet count (p = 0.025) and white blood cell counts (p = 0.003) compared to standard care alone, with no significant difference in ARV plasma levels across the groups.ConclusionA combination of A. annua and M. oleifera leaf powders taken once a day together with the routine standard of care produced a significant increase in CD4 count, WBCs, platelets, and viral load suppression among individuals on ART. A. annua and M. oleifera have potential to offer an affordable alternative remedy for managing HIV infection, particularly in low-resource communities lacking ART access.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03366922.

Effect of sacubitril valsartan on heart failure with mid-range or preserved ejection fraction in patients on maintenance hemodialysis: real-world experience in a single-center, prospective study

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of sacubitril valsartan (SV) on heart failure (HF) hospitalization and cardiovascular mortality in patients on hemodialysis with HF with preserved ejection fraction (EF; HFpEF).MethodsThis single-center, prospective study enrolled 155 stable hemodialysis patients with EF > 40% who were followed up for 12 months. Fifty-nine patients were treated with SV; the others were matched for EF (57.89 ± 9.35 vs. 58.00 ± 11.82, P = 0.9) at a ratio of 1:1 and included as controls. The target dosage of SV was 200 mg/day.ResultsTwenty-three (23/155; 14.84%) had HF with mid-range EF (HFmrEF), while 132 (85.16%) had HFpEF. After SV treatment, the peak early diastolic transmitral flow velocity/peak early diastolic mitral annular tissue velocity(E/e’) improved from 17.19 ± 8.74 to 12.80 ± 5.52 (P = 0.006), the left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic diameter decreased from 53.14 ± 7.67 mm to 51.56 ± 7.44 mm (P = 0.03), and the LV mass index decreased from 165.7 ± 44.6 g/m2 to 154.8 ± 24.0 g/m2 (P = 0.02). LVEF (P = 0.08) and LV global longitudinal strain (P = 0.7) did not change significantly. The composite outcome of first and recurrent HF hospitalization or cardiovascular death showed no difference between group. However, the Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative Workgroup (ADQI) HF class improved in 39 and 15 patients and worsened in 1 and 11 patients in the SV and control groups, respectively (P < 0.001). Age, diabetes mellitus, and pulmonary arterial pressure were independent risk factors for HF hospitalization and cardiovascular mortality in patients with HFpEF.ConclusionsSV improved LV hypertrophy, diastolic function, and the ADQI class for HF; however, it failed to reduce the composite endpoints of HF hospitalization and cardiovascular disease-related mortality over 12 months of follow-up in patients on maintenance hemodialysis with EF of > 40%.

Comparison of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Versus Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

BackgroundObesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are illnesses with high prevalence, morbidity, and health-care costs. It has been shown that bariatric surgery is effective for inducing weight loss and maintaining adequate glucose control. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), which account for over 80% of surgical methods used globally, are the most frequently performed restrictive or malabsorptive surgical procedures in bariatric surgery. ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of RYGB versus LSG in terms of weight loss and glycemic control for obese patients with T2DM. MethodsIn 220 patients with T2DM and prediabetes who underwent RYGB and LSG between 2016 and 2021, an observational and retrospective study was conducted. At 6, 12, 24, and 36 months post-surgery, diabetes and loss of weight were assessed. ResultsThe study involved 220 patients, including 102 patients with prediabetes and 118 patients with diabetes. The longer surgery duration in the RYGB (68 vs. 50.2 minutes; p<0.001) was the only perioperative variable with a statistically significant difference. RYGB was associated with excess weight loss. Compared to those who received LSG, diabetic patients who underwent RYGB had a greater level of resolution or control. After 24 months of follow-up in patients with prediabetes, there was remission in both groups. ConclusionIn patients with T2DM and prediabetes, RYGB and LSG had outstanding results in terms of losing weight and glycemic control, but in our patients, RYGB produced better outcomes in both categories.

Natural history and impact of irritable bowel syndrome-type symptoms in inflammatory bowel disease during 12 months of longitudinal follow-up.

Little is known about the natural history and impact of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-type symptoms on psychological health and quality of life in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to address this in a 12-month longitudinal follow-up study of secondary care patients. We collected demographic, Rome III IBS-type symptom, psychological, and quality of life data, with questionnaires at 3-month intervals, over 12 months of follow-up in patients with IBD in clinical remission at baseline. We assessed the natural history of Rome III IBS-type symptoms over the 12 months of the study and compared psychological and quality of life data between those reporting Rome III IBS-type symptoms at each of the points of follow-up with those not reporting such symptoms. Among 206 patients with IBD in clinical remission at baseline (104 [50.5%] women, mean age 56.9 years [range 18-83 years], 79 [38.3%] Crohn's disease), 33 (16.0%) reported Rome III IBS-type symptoms at baseline and 72 (35.0%) reported Rome III IBS-type symptoms at one or more time points. Among the 33 patients with Rome III IBS-type symptoms at baseline, symptoms resolved in 6 (18.2%) patients, were present throughout in 6 (18.2%) patients, and fluctuated in the remaining 21 (63.6%) patients. Among the 39 patients with new onset of Rome III IBS-type symptoms after baseline, 24 (65.1%) had symptoms at one point in time only, 10 (25.6%) at two points, four (10.3%) at three points, and one (2.6%) at four points. At each point in time, reporting IBS-type symptoms was associated with significantly higher anxiety, depression, or somatoform symptom-reporting scores, and/or lower quality of life scores. In this 12-month follow-up study, one-third of patients with IBD reported presence of Rome III IBS-type symptoms at any point in time. Reporting such symptoms was associated with significant impacts on psychological health and/or quality of life.

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Diffusion Tensor Imaging-Tractography in Resective Brain Surgery: Lesion Coverage Strategies and Patient Outcomes.

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-tractography and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have dynamically entered the presurgical evaluation context of brain surgery during the past decades, providing novel perspectives in surgical planning and lesion access approaches. However, their application in the presurgical setting requires significant time and effort and increased costs, thereby raising questions regarding efficiency and best use. In this work, we set out to evaluate DTI-tractography and combined fMRI/DTI-tractography during intra-operative neuronavigation in resective brain surgery using lesion-related preoperative neurological deficit (PND) outcomes as metrics. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 252 consecutive patients admitted for brain surgery. Standard anatomical neuroimaging protocols were performed in 127 patients, 69 patients had additional DTI-tractography, and 56 had combined DTI-tractography/fMRI. fMRI procedures involved language, motor, somatic sensory, sensorimotor and visual mapping. DTI-tractography involved fiber tracking of the motor, sensory, language and visual pathways. At 1 month postoperatively, DTI-tractography patients were more likely to present either improvement or preservation of PNDs (p = 0.004 and p = 0.007, respectively). At 6 months, combined DTI-tractography/fMRI patients were more likely to experience complete PND resolution (p < 0.001). Low-grade lesion patients (N = 102) with combined DTI-tractography/fMRI were more likely to experience complete resolution of PNDs at 1 and 6 months (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). High-grade lesion patients (N = 140) with combined DTI-tractography/fMRI were more likely to have PNDs resolved at 6 months (p = 0.005). Patients with motor symptoms (N = 80) were more likely to experience complete remission of PNDs at 6 months with DTI-tractography or combined DTI-tractography/fMRI (p = 0.008 and p = 0.004, respectively), without significant difference between the two imaging protocols (p = 1). Patients with sensory symptoms (N = 44) were more likely to experience complete PND remission at 6 months with combined DTI-tractography/fMRI (p = 0.004). The intraoperative neuroimaging modality did not have a significant effect in patients with preoperative seizures (N = 47). Lack of PND worsening was observed at 6 month follow-up in patients with combined DTI-tractography/fMRI. Our results strongly support the combined use of DTI-tractography and fMRI in patients undergoing resective brain surgery for improving their postoperative clinical profile.

Posterior vitreous detachment and retinal tear – a prospective study of community referrals

BackgroundRetinal tears (RT) from posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) are an important and treatable cause of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Better understanding of the risk of RT from PVD will help plan urgent eye care.MethodsProspective observational case series over two years. Patients presenting to their optometrist, family doctor or emergency department with flashes and floaters were directed to a research clinic. History and examination, including slit-lamp biomicroscopy (SLB) and indentation indirect ophthalmoscopy (IIO), were performed by a single investigator, with two month follow-up for patients with confirmed PVD. Main outcome measures were incidence of PVD, RT, and RRD.Results1010 patients were recruited. 896 (89%) patients had PVD at first assessment, of which 89 (8.8% of total cohort, 9.9% of PVD eyes) had RT and 8 had RRD. 21 (3%) of the remaining PVD patients developed RT in the subsequent two months and a further 9 (11%) patients with RT at initial assessment developed further tears by two months. 7 (0.7%) had asymptomatic RT in the fellow eye. 15% of RT were only visible on IIO and not SLB. Weiss ring was absent in 32% of eyes with RT. Patients with RT or RRD were more likely than ‘PVD-only’ eyes to have blurred or missing vision (p < 0.001), have higher rate of blue-green cataracts (p < 0.001), and longer axial lengths (p < 0.05).Conclusions and RelevanceThis large, prospective study demonstrates a 9.9% rate of RT or RRD at the time of PVD, and emphasises the importance of IIO examination.

Twenty-four months of follow-up in women with rebound-associated vertebral fractures after discontinuation of denosumab: a single-centre case series.

To describe the densitometric and biochemical changes achieved with osteoactive treatment after 24months of follow-up in patients who suffered rebound-associated vertebral fractures (RAVFs) after Dmab discontinuation, and to report the occurrence of new vertebral and non-vertebral fractures. Patients with RAVFs who received retreatment (RT) for 24months were included. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at the lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN) and total hip (TH), along with C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen, osteocalcin, and bone alkaline phosphatase. Data were collected at the start of the RT and after 24months. Seven female patients were included. RT consisted in Dmab (n = 3), teriparatide (TPT) (n = 3) and zoledronate (Zol) (n = 1). At 24months, the mean BMD change was 2.2% at LS, 6.8% at FN and 3.8% at TH in the Dmab group, 7.5% at LS, 1.4% at FN and 3.7% at TH in the TPT group and, 5.0% at LS, 0.6% at FN and 3.9% at TH in the patient with Zol. After 24months of follow-up, no patient suffered new fractures. In this series of patients with RAVFs, we did not observe any new fractures and the BMD remained stable after 24months of RT. Future studies are needed to evaluate the most suitable treatment approach after RAVFs but these preliminary data suggest that all denosumab, zoledronate and teriparatide might be adequate options.

Risk factors for the development of interstitial lung disease following severe COVID-19 pneumonia and outcomes of systemic corticosteroid therapy: 3-month follow-up.

We aimed to evaluate the pulmonary involvement status, its related factors, and pulmonary function test (PFT) results in the first month follow-up in patients who were discharged for severe Covid-19 pneumonia, and to assess the efficacy of corticosteroid treatment on these parameters in severe pulmonary involvement patients. We retrospectively analyzed all consecutive patients who applied to our COVID-19 follow-up clinic at the end of the first month of hospital discharge. Functional and radiological differences were compared after 3 months of corticosteroid treatment in severe pulmonary involvement group. Results We analyzed 391 patients with "pulmonary parenchymal involvement" (PPIG) and 162 patients with "normal lung radiology" (NLRG). 122 patients in the PPIG (corticosteroid-required interstitial lung disease group (CRILD)) had severe pulmonary involvement with frequent symptoms and required corticosteroid prescription. Pulmonary involvement was more common in males and elder patients (P<0.001, for both). Being smoker and elderly were associated with a higher risk-ratio in predicting to be in PPIG (OR:2.250 and OR:1.057, respectively). Smokers, male and elderly patients, and HFNO2 support during hospitalization were risk factors for being a patient with CRILD (OR:2.737, OR:4.937, OR:4.756, and OR:2.872, respectively). After a three-months of methylprednisolone medication, a good response was achieved on radiological findings and PFT results in CRILD. In conclusion, after severe COVID-19 pneumonia, persistent clinical symptoms and pulmonary parenchymal involvement would be inevitable in elder and smoker patients. Moreover, corticosteroid treatment in patients with severe parenchymal involvement was found to be effective in the improvement of radiological and functional parameters.

Preventing kidney transplant failure by screening for antibodies against human leucocyte antigens followed by optimised immunosuppression: OuTSMART RCT

Design Investigator-led, prospective, open-labelled marker-based strategy (hybrid) randomised trial. Background Allografts in 3% of kidney transplant patients fail annually. Development of antibodies against human leucocyte antigens is a validated predictive biomarker of allograft failure. Under immunosuppression is recognised to contribute, but whether increasing immunosuppression can prevent allograft failure in human leucocyte antigen Ab+ patients is unclear. Participants Renal transplant recipients &gt; 1 year post-transplantation attending 13 United Kingdom transplant clinics, without specific exclusion criteria. Interventions Regular screening for human leucocyte antigen antibodies followed, in positive patients by interview and tailored optimisation of immunosuppression to tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and prednisolone. Objective To determine if optimisation of immunosuppression in human leucocyte antigen Ab+ patients can cost-effectively prevent kidney allograft failure. Outcome Time to graft failure after 43 months follow-up in patients receiving the intervention, compared to controls, managed by standard of care. Costs and quality-adjusted life-years were used in the cost-effectiveness analysis. Randomisation and blinding Random allocation (1 : 1) to unblinded biomarker-led care or double-blinded standard of care stratified by human leucocyte antigen antibodies status (positive/negative) and in positives, presence of donor-specific antibodies (human leucocyte antigen antibodies against donor human leucocyte antigen) or not (human leucocyte antigen antibodies against non-donor human leucocyte antigen), baseline immunosuppression and transplant centre. Biomaker-led care human leucocyte antigen Ab+ patients received intervention. Human leucocyte antigen Ab-negative patients were screened every 8 months. Recruitment Began September 2013 and for 37 months. The primary endpoint, scheduled for June 2020, was moved to March 2020 because of COVID-19. Numbers randomised From 5519 screened, 2037 were randomised (1028 biomaker-led care, 1009 to standard of care) including 198 with human leucocyte antigen antibodies against donor human leucocyte antigen (106 biomaker-led care, 92 standard of care) and 818 with human leucocyte antigens antibodies against non-donor human leucocyte antigen (427 biomaker-led care, 391 standard of care). Numbers analysed Two patients were randomised in error so 2035 were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. Outcome The trial had 80% power to detect a hazard ratio of 0.49 in biomarker-led care DSA+ group, &gt; 90% power to detect hazard ratio of 0.35 in biomarker-led care non-DSA+ group (with 5% type 1 error). Actual hazard ratios for graft failure in these biomarker-led care groups were 1.54 (95% CI: 0.72 to 3.30) and 0.97 (0.54 to 1.74), respectively. There was 90% power to demonstrate non-inferiority of overall biomarker-led care group with assumed hazard ratio of 1.4: This was not demonstrated as the upper confidence limit for graft failure exceeded 1.4: (1.02, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.44). The hazard ratio for biopsy-proven rejection in the overall biomarker-led care group was 0.5 [95% CI: 0.27 to 0.94: p = 0.03]. The screening approach was not cost-effective in terms of cost per quality-adjusted life-year. Harms No significant differences in other secondary endpoints or adverse events. Limitations Tailored interventions meant optimisation was not possible in some patients. We did not study pathology on protocol transplant biopsies in DSA+ patients. Conclusions No evidence that optimised immunosuppression in human leucocyte antigen Ab+ patients delays renal transplant failure. Informing patients of their human leucocyte antigen antibodies status appears to reduce graft rejection. Future work We need a better understanding of the pathophysiology of transplant failure to allow rational development of effective therapies. Trial registration This trial is registered as EudraCT (2012-004308-36) and ISRCTN (46157828). Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation programme (11/100/34) and will be published in full in Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation; Vol. 10, No. 5. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Laparoscopic evaluation of nonspecific vague abdominal pain

Objective: To find out if laparoscopy has any diagnostic utility for individuals with non-specific, vague abdominal discomfort. Methodology: Laparoscopies for diagnosis were performed on patients who complained of vague, nonspecific stomach discomfort. SPSS version was used to gather and evaluate the data. Three months of patient follow-up occurred in the OPD. Results: There were 50 patients listed for the study where men outnumber women by a factor of 2. Individuals were between the ages of 20 and 60, having an average age of 36.0. Umbilical pain affected more than 50% of patients, followed by lower-body discomfort in the right (25%) and left (10%) quadrants. While some individuals had abdominal TB, 30% of the patients had appendicular pathology. About 13% of individuals experienced chronic and recurrent cholecystitis, and 11% had postoperative adhesions and bands. Wound infections made up 8% of the postoperative complications of the operation, whereas RTI made up 5%, 5 % of patients were diagnosed to have torsion of ovarian cyst, and 5 patients were diagnosed to have pelvic inflammatory disease. In 95% of the instances, a firm diagnosis was made.

Psoas Muscle Morphology as a Sarcopenia Marker to Predict Outcomes of Geriatric Trauma Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

To provide pooled evidence on the association between central sarcopenia and risk of mortality and/or complications among geriatric patients with moderate to severe trauma. We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases for relevant observational studies documenting the association of central sarcopenia with the risk of mortality and/or complications in geriatric patients with moderate to severe trauma. The studies reported computerized tomography (CT) based assessments of the psoas muscle cross-sectional area. We used a random effects model for the analysis and reported effect sizes as pooled odds ratios (ORs) or hazards ratios (HRs) along with 95% confidence intervals. We analyzed data from 13 studies and found an association between the presence of psoas muscle size reduction and the risk of in-hospital mortality (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.13, 1.90). In addition, we found increased risk of mortality within 24 months of follow-up in patients with sarcopenia (HR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.11-5.17). We found each unit increase in psoas muscle cross-sectional area to be significantly associated with reduced risk of mortality within 24months of follow-up (HR, .92; 95% CI, .90-.95). Patients with sarcopenia also had an increased risk of complications (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.08-2.63). Central sarcopenia, assessed using psoas muscle morphology, among geriatric patients with moderate to severe trauma appears to be significantly associated with increased risks of mortality and complications.

Impact of recurrent ischaemic and bleeding events on quality of life in patients with acute coronary syndrome: Insights from the FORCE-ACS registry

ObjectivePatients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remain at high risk for recurrent ischaemic and bleeding events during follow-up. Our study aimed to quantify and compare the impact of these adverse...

Safety and effectiveness of selective internal radiation therapy with SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: A prospective observational study

The study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Vietnam. A single-arm, multicenter, prospective observational study on the use of SIRT in patients with HCC was conducted with 6 months of patient follow-up. At baseline, eligible patients had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) status &amp;le;1, total bilirubin &amp;le;2 mg/dL, tumor burden &amp;le;50%, Child-Pugh score A or &amp;le;B7, and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage A &amp;ndash; C. Patients with extrahepatic disease, signs of liver failure, or previous external beam radiation to the liver were excluded. Primary outcomes were tumor response according to modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria, changes in liver function, and adverse events (AEs) assessed using Common Terminology for AEs v4.03 and the investigators&amp;rsquo; clinical judgment. The secondary outcome was the percentage of patients alive at 6 months. Two centers enrolled 30 patients (median age 60 years) in 2017 and 2018. All patients were Child-Pugh A; among them, 28 were ECOG 0. Most had hepatitis B (n = 17, 57%) or D (n = 10, 33%). Target lesion response at 6 months was 23% complete response, 37% partial response, 7% stable disease, and 7% progressive disease. Of the 8 patients (27%) not evaluated, 2 had become eligible for resection, 2 had contraindications to imaging, and 4 were lost to follow-up. Laboratory values, including &amp;alpha;-fetoprotein, did not change significantly from baseline to 6 months. The most common AEs were abdominal pain (37%) and vomiting (17%). Nine episodes of abdominal pain in 6 patients were treatment-related. Serious AEs included progressive cirrhosis (n = 1) and progression of HCC (n = 5). All patients were alive at 6 months. In conclusion, the safety and clinical effectiveness of SIRT were confirmed in patients with unresectable HCC in Vietnam.

La edad y factores clínicos asociados al desenlace funcional a seis meses en pacientes con ataque cerebrovascular isquémico atendidos durante el 2011 en el Instituto Neurológico de Colombia

Introducción: el desenlace funcional en pacientes que han sufrido un ataque cerebrovascular isquémico (ACVi) puede estar determinado por factores como edad, sexo, factores de riesgo cardiovasculares, comorbilidades y etiología de la enfermedad, los cuales pueden definir la severidad o no del pronóstico&#x0D; Objetivo: evaluar la asociación entre factores demográficos, etiológicos y clínicos, y desenlace funcional (favorable o desfavorable) a seis meses de seguimiento en pacientes con ACVi.&#x0D; Materiales y métodos: estudio retrospectivo de tipo casos y controles de pacientes adultos con ACVi; se realizó un modelo de regresión logística para identificar predictores de un desenlace funcional desfavorable (mRS 3-6) a seis meses de seguimiento. El ingreso de las variables se realizó por medio del método pasos hacia adelante (razón de verosimilitud) y evaluó el ajuste de los datos al modelo por medio de la prueba de Hosmer-Lemeshow. Se estimaron OR ajustados con los coeficientes del modelo y sus respectivos intervalos de confianza y valor p.&#x0D; Resultados: Un total de 275 pacientes con ACVi que tenían seguimiento a seis meses se incluyeron en el análisis; 56,4% de los pacientes eran hombres y 85,5% tenían 51 años o más. En el análisis multivariado se observó mayor probabilidad de desenlace funcional desfavorable al tener un puntaje NIHSS al ingreso ? 7 (OR 8,96, IC 95%: 5,02-15,99), tener 51 años o más (OR 5,0, IC 95%: 1,86-13,40) y transformación hemorrágica (OR 6,61, IC 95%: 1,6-26,87).&#x0D; Conclusión: los pacientes con ACVi después de seis meses de seguimiento con una puntuación NIHSS al ingreso ? 7, con 51 años o más, y que hayan sufrido durante la estancia hospitalaria transformación hemorrágica, tienen un peor desenlace funcional.

Soluble ST2 in predicting an adverse outcome of revascularization and the development of heart failure in patients with acute myocardial infarction with ST segment elevation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Objective to study the relationship between the sST2 level and the degree of epicardial blood flow recovery and with the heart failure (HF) development or exacerbation in 6 month follow-up in patients with STEMI after PCI. Materials and methods The study involved 61 patients with STEMI — 51 (83.6%) males and 10 (16.4%) females, with average age of 59.85 ± 10.01 years. Standard clinical and biochemical parameters were determined, as well as sST2 level was measured by enzyme immunoassay using a reagent kit «Presage ST2 analysis, Critical Diagnosis» (USA) in all patients, on the first day of the disease. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the degree of blood flow recovery in a culprit artery (TIMI) The first group (n = 12) included patients with TIMI 0, I, II, the second group (n = 49) with TIMI III. Results The sST2 level was significantly higher in the first hours of the disease in the group with unrepaired or decreased epicardial blood flow (TIMI 0-II) after PCI (p = 0.003). ROC analysis showed that sST2 levels above 34.2 ng / ml, detected in the first hours of the disease, is an independent predictor of adverse revascularization (TIMI 0-II) in patients with STEMI with a sensitivity of 92.3% and a specificity of 62.5%; the area under curve (the AUC) is 0.8 (95% CI = 0.651 - 0.873; p = 0.001). When conducting a univariate (χ2 = 17.741; p = 0.04) and multivariate (χ2= 9.293; p = 0.004) logistic analyzes, sST2 was a significant predictor of the unfavorable outcome of epicardial vascular revascularization (TIMI 0-ІІ). Conclusions sST2 is highly associated with the degree of epicardial blood flow recovery in patients with STEMI and is of great clinical importance as prognostic marker.

Зв’язок ST2 з результатом реваскуляризації та розвитком серцевої недостатності у хворих з гострим інфарктом міокарда з елевацією сегмента ST

The aim – to study the relationship between the sST2 level and the degree of epicardial blood flow recovery and with the heart failure (HF) development in 6 month follow-up in patients with STEMI after PCI.Materials and methods. The study involved 61 patients with STEMI – 51 (83.6 %) males and 10 (16.4 %) females, with average age of 59.85±10.01 years. Standard clinical and biochemical parameters were determined, as well as sST2 level was measured by enzyme immunoassay using a reagent kit «Presage ST2 analysis, Critical Diagnosis» (USA) in all patients, on the first day of the disease. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the degree of blood flow recovery in a culprit artery (TIMI) The first group (n=12) included patients with TIMI 0, I, II, the second group (n=49) with TIMI III.Results and discussion. The sST2 level was significantly higher in the first hours of the disease in the group with unrepaired or decreased epicardial blood flow (TIMI 0–II) after PCI (p=0.003). ROC analysis showed that sST2 levels above 34.2 ng/ml, detected in the first hours of the disease, is an independent marker of adverse revascularization (TIMI 0–I) in patients with STEMI with a sensitivity of 92.3 % and a specificity of 62.5 %; the area under curve (the AUC) is 0.8 (95 % CI=0.651–0.873; p=0.001). When conducting a univariate (χ2=17.741; p=0.04) and multivariate (χ2=9.293; p=0.004) logistic analyzes, sST2 was a significant influencer of the unfavorable outcome of epicardial vascular revascularization (TIMI 0–ІІ).Conclusions. sST2 is highly associated with the degree of epicardial blood flow recovery in patients with STEMI and is of great clinical importance as diagnostic marker.

Central line-associated Rhizobium radiobacter bloodstream infection in two allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients.

Rhizobium radiobacter is a gram-negative, opportunistic phytopathogen that rarely causes human infections. We report two cases of Rhizobium radiobacter central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) recipients. We review previous reports and common microbiological characteristics associated with this organism. Two adult males developed R. radiobacter CLABSIs at day +81 and day +77 post-alloHCT. Patient one was asymptomatic on presentation while patient two was febrile. One patient had a polymicrobial infection, which has not been previously described. The presence of high-level ceftazidime resistance in both patients suggests third-generation cephalosporin resistance may be more common than previously recognized. For both patients, microbiologic clearance was achieved through peripherally inserted central catheter removal and initiation of intravenous cefepime. Antibiotic therapy was narrowed to oral levofloxacin for a total 14-day course from the time of first negative blood culture. There has been no subsequent recurrence of R. radiobacter infection at 12 and 5 months of follow-up for patients one and two, respectively. These two cases add to the scant literature characterizing R. radiobacter infection following alloHCT. Immunosuppressive agents for graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis may have predisposed these patients to R. radiobacter infection. Our reports, and previously reported cases, suggest R. radiobacter exhibits low virulence, mild symptom burden, and does not confer a high mortality risk. In the alloHCT setting, further accumulation of cases is needed to aid in understanding clinical features and characteristics of R. radiobacter infection.

Clinical and sonographic impact of oral contraception in patients with deep endometriosis and adenomyosis at 2 years of follow-up

Nowadays, combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are successfully employed for the treatment of endometriosis (END) and adenomyosis (AD) in a large proportion of patients. However, literature focusing on the clinical and sonographic response to treatment in the long-term follow-up of patients with deep endometriosis (DE) and AD is scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the symptoms and the sonographic exams at 12 and 24 months of follow-up in patients who had received a flexible extended COC regimen containing 2 mg of dienogest/30 μg ethinyl estradiol. This prospective, longitudinal, observational study included women diagnosed with DE and AD presenting no surgical indication and were candidates to treatment with COCs. The presence and severity of dysmenorrhea, non-menstrual pelvic pain, deep dyspareunia, dyschezia and dysuria were evaluated using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) at baseline, and at 12 and 24 months of treatment. Transvaginal ultrasound was also performed at these check points searching for criteria of AD and reporting the size of the DE nodules and ovarian endometriomas (OE). Sixty-four patients were included. A significant decrease in the number of patients with severe dysmenorrhea and non-menstrual pelvic pain was reported during follow-up. The mean NRS score for dysmenorrhea, non-menstrual pelvic pain, deep dyspareunia, dyschezia and dysuria was also significantly lower at follow-up. There was a significant reduction in the sonographic number and type of AD criteria during follow-up after treatment. Similarly, a significant decrease in the size of OE and uterosacral ligament involvement in DE was observed at the 12-month follow-up, with a further, albeit not statistically significant, decrease in the 12- to 24-month follow-up. Additionally, torus and rectosigmoid DE decreased in size, although the reduction was not statistically significant at any study point. This prospective study suggests a clinical and sonographic improvement after a flexible extended COC regimen in DE and AD patients, which was significant at 12 months of follow-up. The improvement was more evident in AD and OEs compared with DE. Further research with a longer follow-up, larger sample size and comparison with other treatments is needed.

Incidence, predictors and prognosis of acute kidney injury in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing emergent coronary angiography/primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) after coronary angiography (CAG) and primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is frequently observed, and often interpreted as contrast induced-AKI. This study aimed to investigate the incidence, predictors and outcomes of AKI in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing emergent CAG/PPCI using the control group of STEMI patients who were not exposed to contrast agents within the first 72 h. We performed a retrospective analysis of 1670 STEMI patients. Of them, 673 patients underwent emergent CAG/PPCI, and 997 patients treated with thrombolysis or no reperfusion therapy who were not exposed to contrast material during the first 72 h. AKI was defined as an increase of serum creatinine ≥ 44.2 mmol/L or ≥ 25% from baseline within 72 h. Patents were then followed up for the occurrence of all-cause mortality for 40 months (interquartile range: 24-55 months). After propensity score matching, 505 pairs of patients were matched. Overall, the incidence of AKI was 27.4%, and AKI rates were not significantly different in patients with and without emergent CAG/PPCI procedure (27.5% vs. 27.3%, P = 0.944). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that the independent predictors of AKI were female, elevated interleukin-6 level, decreased lymphocyte count, left ventricular ejection fraction < 50% and use of diuretics in patients with emergent CAG/PPCI. Patients with AKI than those without AKI experienced higher incidence of acute heart failure with Killip class III (9.4% vs. 3.3%, P = 0.005; 15.2% vs. 6.8%, P = 0.003, respectively) and mortality (5.8% vs. 1.4%, P = 0.014; 12.3% vs. 4.6%, P = 0.002, respectively) in patients with and without emergent CAG/PPCI. Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed that AKI was independently associated with long-term mortality rate at 40 months follow-up in patients with and without emergent CAG/PPCI (HR = 1.867, 95% CI: 1.086-3.210, P = 0.024; HR = 1.700, 95% CI: 1.219-2.370, P = 0.002, respectively). Approximately 27.0% of STEMI patients experience AKI, which is strongly associated with an increased short- and long-term mortality regardless of emergent CAG/PPCI procedure. The development of AKI is mainly related to female gender, inflammation reaction, heart failure and use of diuretics in STEMI patients undergoing emergent CAG/PPCI.

Mortality, morbidity and sequelae of COVID-associated mucormycosis; 18 months follow up study

Background: The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India was associated with an increased incidence of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis. The objective of this paper was to prospectively explore the epidemiology, management, and results of 18 months follow-up of patients presenting with COVID associated mucormycosis at a tertiary referral centre in India. Methods: Patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of COVID-associated mucormycosis over two months were included in the study. Patients were staged based on the extent of the disease. Surgery was the primary modality of treatment except in those with intracranial spread, altered sensorium, and poor prognosis. A combination of liposomal amphotericin B and posaconazole was used as adjunct medical treatment. Patients were followed up and outcomes at one year of treatment were recorded. Results: Out of a total of 26 patients who were diagnosed with COVID associated mucormycosis, 21 patients underwent bimodality treatment (medical and surgical). The extent of surgery was based on the stage of the disease. Six eyes received retrobulbar injections of Amphotericin B to salvage vision. The overall mortality was 38.46% and 23.8% in those where the intent of treatment was curative. At the end of one year, 16 of 21 operated patients survived with mild to severe sequelae. Conclusions: Mucormycosis is a deadly fungal infection with high mortality. Early diagnosis and prompt, aggressive treatment is paramount in preventing mortality. A multidisciplinary approach is useful for effective management. Continuous follow up is paramount to identifying and treating complications.