Morbidity In Patients Research Articles

Serum KL-6 and the mortality of patients with connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease: A meta-analysis.

Connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD) is an important underlying cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with CTD. Serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) is an immune factor which has been related to the severity of ILD. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between serum KL-6 and mortality of patients with CTD-ILD. Longitudinal studies relevant to the aim of the meta-analysis were retrieved by search of electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. A random-effects model was used to combine the data by incorporating the influence of between-study heterogeneity. Fifteen cohorts involving 1737 patients with CTD-ILD were included. During a mean follow-up of 35.3 months, 430 (24.8%) patients died. Compared to those with a lower KL-6 at admission, patients with a higher KL-6 were associated with a higher mortality risk during follow-up (risk ratio: 2.18, 95% confidence interval: 1.66 to 2.87, P < 0.001; I2 = 20%). Subgroup analysis showed a significant association in studies from Asian countries, but not in those from non-Asian countries; in studies with cutoff of KL-6 derived in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, but not in those derived from other methods; in studies with multivariate analysis, but not in those with univariate analysis (P for subgroup difference all < 0.05). The association was not significantly affected by different CTDs or methods for measuring serum KL-6. In conclusion, a high serum KL-6 may be a risk factor of increased mortality in patients with CTD-ILD.

Emergency Profile of Pediatric Patients Based on Pediatric Early Warning Score in the Emergency Department of the Adam Malik Hospital

Background: High morbidity and mortality rates in pediatric patients indicate the necessity of a Pediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) capable of early clinical deterioration identification and providing an opportunity for healthcare professionals to promptly manage patients. This study aimed to serve as foundational data and as an evaluative tool to enhance the proficiency of healthcare workers in assessing patient deterioration. Methods: This study utilized a descriptive method with a cross-sectional design and consecutive sampling technique who were treated from January to December 2022. Results: there were 119 samples, the majority of gender was male (54.6%), the majority of the age group was 1-4 years old (37.8%), and the majority of the disease group was infection (31.1%). Both male and female majority had green PEWS (54.6%) and (45.4%), the majority of patients with an age range of 1 month to 5 years had red PEWS, the majority of infectious disease group had green PEWS, and the majority of patients with green PEWS had discharge outcome. Conclusion: This study provides an overview of characteristics in pediatric patients and shows the majority of pediatric emergency department patients come with non-emergency conditions.

Investigating the trend of demographic changes, mortality, clinical and paraclinical findings of patients hospitalized in the Corona ward, before and after the start of general vaccination of COVID-19

BackgroundPrioritizing prevention over treatment has been a longstanding principle in the world health system. This study aims to compare the demographic changes, mortality, clinical, and paraclinical findings of patients hospitalized in the Corona ward before and after the start of general vaccination.MethodsThis cross-sectional study utilized the simple random sampling method in 2022, analyzing 300 medical records of patients admitted to the Corona ward at 22 Bahman Khaf Hospital. Data were collected using a checklist with the help of the Medical Care Monitoring System and analyzed using SPSS-22 statistical software and Chi-square statistical test at a significance level of p < 0.05.ResultsBefore the start of general vaccination for COVID-19, the majority of patients were hospitalized in the Corona Intensive Care Unit (59.3%), aged between 51 and 65 years (47.3%), hospitalized for more than 3 days (54%), required intubation (49.3%), had SPO2 < 93% (60.7%), and exhibited common symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and loss of consciousness. Paraclinical findings included positive CRP, decreased lymphocytes, and ground glass opacity (GGO). After the start of general vaccination for COVID-19, most patients were hospitalized in the general care department of Corona (68%), aged between 36 and 50 years (47.3%), hospitalized for less than three days (66%), required intubation (20%), had SPO2 ≥ 93% (77.3%), and exhibited common symptoms such as weakness, headache, and body pain. Paraclinical findings were within the normal range.ConclusionsGeneral vaccination for COVID-19 has significantly reduced patient mortality and morbidity. Health policymakers should prioritize general vaccination to achieve herd immunity and improve public health.

Intersecting Paths: Unraveling the Complex Journey of Cancer to Bone Metastasis

The phenomenon of bone metastases presents a significant challenge within the context of advanced cancer treatments, particularly pertaining to breast, prostate, and lung cancers. These metastatic occurrences stem from the dissemination of cancerous cells into the bone, thereby interrupting the equilibrium between osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Such disruption results in skeletal complications, adversely affecting patient morbidity and quality of life. This review discusses the intricate interplay between cancer cells and the bone microenvironment, positing the bone not merely as a passive recipient of metastatic cells but as an active contributor to cancer progression through its distinctive biochemical and cellular makeup. A thorough examination of bone structure and the dynamics of bone remodeling is undertaken, elucidating how metastatic cancer cells exploit these processes. This review explores the genetic and molecular pathways that underpin the onset and development of bone metastases. Particular emphasis is placed on the roles of cytokines and growth factors in facilitating osteoclastogenesis and influencing osteoblast activity. Additionally, this paper offers a meticulous critique of current diagnostic methodologies, ranging from conventional radiography to advanced molecular imaging techniques, and discusses the implications of a nuanced understanding of bone metastasis biology for therapeutic intervention. This includes the development of targeted therapies and strategies for managing bone pain and other skeletal-related events. Moreover, this review underscores the imperative of ongoing research efforts aimed at identifying novel therapeutic targets and refining management approaches for bone metastases. It advocates for a multidisciplinary strategy that integrates advancements in medical oncology and radiology with insights derived from molecular biology and genetics, to enhance prognostic outcomes and the quality of life for patients afflicted by this debilitating condition. In summary, bone metastases constitute a complex issue that demands a comprehensive and informed approach to treatment. This article contributes to the ongoing discourse by consolidating existing knowledge and identifying avenues for future investigation, with the overarching objective of ameliorating patient care in the domain of oncology.

Linking factors to incisional hernia following pancreatic surgery: a 14-year retrospective analysis.

Incisional hernias (IH) are a significant postoperative complication with profound implications for patient morbidity and healthcare costs. The relationship between IH and perioperative factors in pancreatic surgery,with particular attention to preoperative biliary stents and pancreatic fistulasrequires further exploration. This retrospective observational study examined adult patients who underwent open pancreatic surgeries via midline incision at a high-volume tertiary hepatopancreatobiliary center from January 2008 to December 2021. The study focused on IH incidence and associated risk factors, with particular attention to preoperative biliary stents and pancreatic fistulas. In a cohort of 620 individuals undergoing pancreatic surgery, 351 had open surgery with at least one-year follow-up. Within a median follow-up of 794days (IQR 1694-537), the overall incidence of IH was 17.38%. The highest frequency of IH was observed among patients who had a Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Significant predictors for the development of IH within the entire study population in a multivariable analysis included perioperative biliary stenting (OR 2.05; 95% CI 1.06-3.96; p = 0.03), increased age at diagnosis (OR 2.05; 95% CI 1.06-3.96; p = 0.01), and BMI (OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.01-1.15; p = 0.01). In the subset of patients who underwent Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), although the presence of biliary stents was associated with a heightened occurrence of SSIs, it did not demonstrate a direct correlation with an increased incidence of incisional hernias (IH). The development of pancreatic fistulas did not show a significant correlation with IH in either the Distal Pancreatectomy with Splenectomy (DPS) or the PD patient groups. The study underscores a notable association between biliary stent placement and increased IH risk after PD, mediated by elevated SSI incidence. Pancreatic fistulas were not directly correlated with IH in the studied cohorts. Further research is necessary to validate these findings and guide clinical practice.

Endothelial progenitor cells for diabetic cardiac and kidney disease.

The management of diabetes mellitus and its resultant end organ dysfunction represents a major challenge to global health-care systems. Diabetic cardiac and kidney disease commonly co-occur and are significant contributors to the morbidity and mortality of patients with diabetes, carrying a poor prognosis. The tight link of these parallel end organ manifestations suggests a deeper common underlying pathology. Here, we outline the mechanistic link between diabetic cardiac and kidney disease, providing evidence for the role of endothelial dysfunction in both processes and the potential for cellular therapy to correct these disorders. Specifically, we review the preclinical and clinical evidence for endothelial progenitor cell therapy in cardiac, kidney, and cardio-renal disease applications. Finally, we outline novel approaches to endothelial progenitor cell therapy through cell enhancement and the use of extracellular vesicles, discussing published and future work.

New concepts in the physiopathology of hypertension. Purinergic receptors

Hypertension is a major risk of morbidity and mortality in patients when it is uncontrolled. In spite of improved therapies currently available for blood pressure control, their complications are far away from being accomplished. Therefore, chronic renal failure is frequently observed in hypertensive patients. Thus, insights on mechanisms that may contribute to arterial pressure control should be studied to prevent life-threatening cardiovascular disorders. Purinergic receptors have been recognized in the physiopathology of hypertension; this review summarizes their participation in the renal abnormalities of the kidney in hypertension. Several studies have suggested the activation of renal purinergic receptors under an elevated interstitial ATP milieu as a fundamental pathway that leads to generation and maintained hypertension. Elevated ATP concentration alters fundamental mechanisms involved in the long-term control of blood pressure such as pressure natriuresis, autoregulation of glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow, as well as increased tubule-glomerular feedback responses, overall, these alterations decrease sodium excretion; in addition, the expression of ATP receptors is modified. Under a genetical background, ATP induces the production of vasoactive compounds, decreases renal function and induces tubulointerstitial injury before glomerular damage. Simultaneously, a deleterious interaction between angiotensin II and purinergic receptors lead to the progression of renal damage.

The role of pre-existing renal dysfunction on in-hospital morbidity and mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Introduction The baseline renal function is an important predictor for the prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The aim of our study was to analyse the impact of pre-existing renal failure (RF) and the risk profile of patients with ACS on the development of in-hospital morbidity and mortality. Materials and methods This was a single-center cross-sectional cohort study on 2702 patients with ACS. The main exclusion criterion was pre-existing left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Demographical and clinical characteristics, biochemical parameters, the anatomical distribution of coronary artery disease, and the final outcomes were analysed according to presence of RF at the moment of the index event. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study Group Equation (MDRD), where patients with eGFR&amp;lt;60 ml/min/1.73 m2 had moderate to severe renal dysfunction. Results 777 (22.3%) out of 2702 patients had eGFR &amp;lt;60 ml/min at the moment of the index event. These patients were predominantly female, 34.1% (333) vs.17.7% (444), p=0.0004,OR 1.921(95%CI 1.701-2.168);older (70.0±9.7vs.60.5±10.7;p &amp;lt;0.000). They had significantly higher values of cardiac troponin (p=0.007), stress glycemia (p=0.000019), glycated hemoglobin (p=0.000012), and WBC (p=0.00001), meaning the extent of myocardial injury was bigger, with a more activated neuro-hormonal and inflammatory response in the conditions of the notably widespread anatomical distribution of CAD. However, patients with significantly reduced eGFR were less likely to be offered coronary angiography and PCI treatment, OR 0.524 (95%CI 0.434–0.632),p &amp;lt;0.000. As expected, anemia predominated in these patients (RBC 4.88±0.75 vs 4.53±0.58, p=0.000001; OR 1.27 (95% CI 1.09-1.48), and Hgb 143.81±16.69 vs 132.03±21.34, p=0.00001). They had a significantly lower level of sodium (p=0.008) and a higher level of potassium (p=0.00003). Interestingly, patients with eGFR &amp;lt;60 ml/min had lower lipoprotein levels. In-hospital mortality rate was 4.2%, however, significantly higher in reduced eGFR group (12% vs 1.9%, OR 6.9 (95% CI 4.9–9.8), p &amp;lt;0.00004). These patients were more likely to develop acute kidney injury [25.7% vs. 1.3%, OR 1.6 (95% CI 1.3-1.9, p = 0.000021)], pulmonary oedema [8% vs. 1.8%, OR 1.12 (95% CI 1.02-1.23, p = 0.000021), and cardiogenic shock [19.5% vs. 2.6%, OR 1.22 (95% CI 1.2-1.4), p = 0.00023]. Independent variables associated with RF were: advanced age, female gender, extracardiac ASCVD, previous CVI, previous RAAS treatment, stress glycemia, triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL-C, Hgb, WBC, and potassium level. Conclusion Patients with reduced eGFR (&amp;lt;60 ml/min) have a very specific risk profile, as identified in our study, and reduced eGFR is a major contributor to the prognosis of ACS, highly responsible for in-hospital morbidity and mortality.Multivariate logistic regression analysis

A further update on mortality and morbidity in patients with very low hemoglobin levels who decline blood transfusion.

In the past two decades, researchers have published mortality and morbidity rates in patients with very low hemoglobin levels declining blood transfusion. The clinical knowledge and tools available for the management of patients who decline transfusions have grown since these publications. The aim of our study was to provide a further update on outcomes associated with severe anemia in these patients. A retrospective observational study of patients declining allogeneic blood transfusions with nadir hemoglobin levels ≤8 g/dL treated at The Institute for Blood Management, HELIOS Klinikum Gotha, Germany. Outcomes were in-hospital mortality within 30 days and composite morbidity or mortality, with morbidity events defined as acute myocardial infarction, cardiac failure, wound infection, arrhythmia, and pneumonia. Between June 2008 and June 2021, The Institute for Blood Management treated 2841 admissions of which 159 (5.6%) recorded nadir hemoglobin levels ≤8 g/dL. Of these, five (3.1%) patients died in hospital within 30 days, including four (4.8%) patients admitted for surgical procedures and one (1.4%) medical admission. There was a significant increase in the unadjusted proportion of composite morbidity or mortality events with severity of nadir hemoglobin, with each gram decrease in hemoglobin associated with a 1.48 (95% confidence interval = 1.05-2.09; p = .025) times increase. Our comparatively lower proportion of patients reaching hemoglobin levels ≤8 g/dL and lower mortality rates suggest outcomes in patients with severe anemia is modifiable with the application of current patient blood management and bloodless medicine and surgery strategies.

Using preoperative C-reactive protein levels to predict anastomotic leaks and other complications after elective colorectal surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

While postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) is used routinely as an early indicator of anastomotic leak (AL), preoperative CRP remains to be established as a potential predictor of AL for elective colorectal surgery. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to examine the association between preoperative CRP and postoperative complications including AL. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library and CINAHL databases were searched. Studies with reported preoperative CRP values and short-term surgical outcomes after elective colorectal surgery were included. An inverse variance random effects meta-analysis was performed for all meta-analysed outcomes to determine if patients with or without complications and AL differed in their preoperative CRP levels. Risk of bias was assessed with MINORS and certainty of evidence with GRADE. From 1945 citations, 23 studies evaluating 7147 patients were included. Patients experiencing postoperative infective complications had significantly greater preoperative CRP values [eight studies, n = 2421 patients, mean difference (MD) 8.0, 95% CI 3.77-12.23, p < 0.01]. A significant interaction was observed with subgroup analysis based on whether patients were undergoing surgery for inflammatory bowel disease (X2 = 8.99, p < 0.01). Preoperative CRP values were not significantly different between patients experiencing and not experiencing AL (seven studies, n = 3317, MD 2.15, 95% CI -2.35 to 6.66, p = 0.35), nor were they different between patients experiencing and not experiencing overall postoperative morbidity (nine studies, n = 2958, MD 4.54, 95% CI -2.55 to 11.62, p = 0.31) after elective colorectal surgery. Higher preoperative CRP levels are associated with increased rates of overall infective complications, but not with AL alone or with overall morbidity in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.

Update on Venous Thromboembolism in Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a notable contributor to the morbidity and mortality of patients with orthopaedic trauma. Several associations have published guidelines on VTE prophylaxis, with a strong predilection toward low-molecular-weight heparin for chemoprophylaxis. However, previous recommendations may be revisited because recent high-level evidence demonstrated aspirin to be noninferior to low-molecular-weight heparin in preventing serious complications of VTE. Direct oral anticoagulants are emerging as safe alternatives to injectable medication and may offer improved patient compliance. There is no consensus on postinjury duration of chemoprophylaxis as an outpatient. Mechanical prophylaxis remains an important adjunctive VTE preventive measure for inpatients with pelvis and extremity fractures. Proteomics and novel laboratory measurements may be able to predict high-risk patients and detect early thrombus formation. Despite high-quality prospective research over the past decade, we still have much to learn about patient- and injury-specific risk factors.

Cardiovascular Outcomes in Hypertension-Treated Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: The VALUE Trial.

Systolic blood pressure (BP) is a key predictor of cardiovascular events, but patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) are rarely included in hypertension trials. The VALUE trial (Valsartan Antihypertensive Long-Term Use Evaluation) investigated the long-term effects of valsartan- or amlodipine-based treatments on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with hypertension with a high cardiovascular risk. The aim of this subanalysis was to clarify the relationship between achieved BP on treatment and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with hypertension with PAD. Patients were followed for 4 to 6 years, and BP was measured regularly. The primary end point was time to the first major adverse cardiovascular event, including myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiovascular death, and heart failure requiring hospitalization. Statistical analyses were performed using Cox regression, adjusting for various baseline covariates. Of the 13 803 participants, 1898 (13.8%) had PAD. During a median follow-up of 4.5 years, patients with PAD had a 23% increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared with patients without PAD. Patients with an achieved systolic BP <130 mm Hg and 130 to 139 mm Hg, compared with those with systolic BP ≥140 mm Hg, were associated with a decreased risk of a major adverse cardiovascular event (hazard ratio, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.43-0.97]; P=0.037; 0.85 [95% CI, 0.74-0.97]; P=0.016, respectively). Additionally, systolic BP <130 mm Hg was associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular death (hazard ratio, 0.33 [95% CI, 0.12-0.92]; P=0.034). The incidence of the primary outcome did not differ between antihypertensive treatment regimens (P=0.365). Our results indicate that more intensive BP control is associated with a reduction in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with hypertensive PAD.

Impact of diabetes on short-term outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery in acute coronary syndrome.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with concomitant comorbidities, such as atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is the optimal therapy in diabetic patients with triple vessel disease. DM is also known to be a relevant risk factor for higher morbidity and mortality in patients who underwent elective CABG procedures. Data regarding outcomes in diabetic patients in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is heterogeneous. This study aimed to investigate the impact of DM on short-term outcomes in patients who underwent CABG surgery in ACS. A retrospective propensity score matched (PSM) analysis of 1370 patients who underwent bypass surgery for ACS between June 2011 and October 2019 was conducted. All patients were divided into two groups: non-diabetic group (n = 905) and diabetic group (n = 465). In-hospital mortality was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were perioperative myocardial infarction, new onset dialysis, reopening for bleeding and duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay. A subgroup analysis of patients with insulin-dependent and non-insulin dependent DM was also performed. After performing PSM analysis, baseline characteristics and the preoperative risk profile were comparable between both groups. The proportion of patients who underwent total arterial revascularization (p = .048) with the use of both internal thoracic arteries (p < .001) was significantly higher in the non-diabetic group. The incidence of perioperative myocardial infarction (p = .048) and new onset dialysis (p = .008) was significantly higher in the diabetic group. In-hospital mortality was statistically (p = .907) comparable between the two groups. DM was associated with a higher incidence of adverse outcomes, however with comparable in-hospital mortality in patients who underwent CABG procedure for ACS.

One-Point Technique in Brainstem Cavernous Malformation Surgery: Evaluation of Approaches and Outcomes From a Different Perspective.

Brainstem cavernous malformations (BCMs) are a distinct clinical entity that carry a high risk of patient morbidity because of location and risk of hemorrhage. Surgical management of these lesions requires intimate knowledge of surgical anatomy and skull base approaches. This article is intended to highlight a modern approach for the treatment of BCMs, with an emphasis on the use of the one-point technique to guide resection. We describe a case series of BCMs treated through a variety of skull base approaches, describing our decision-making strategy. We review the concept of the one-point technique focusing on the safest access to the malformation through 2 representative cases and also perform a retrospective review of 32 consecutive patients who underwent BCM resection to present outcomes and the comparison of two-point vs one-point techniques. Consecutive series of 32 patients in whom the one-point technique was used is presented. In 8 patients (25%), the traditional two-point technique would suggest a different trajectory than the one-point technique. Postoperative MRI confirmed complete resection in 30 patients (95%), and 29 patients (91%) had modified Rankin Scale (0-2) at follow-up. All patients in whom the one-point technique guided a different trajectory had gross total removal of the cavernous malformation, with one patient having long-term new neurological impairment from the surgery. There were no mortalities. Despite surgical advances in recent decades and more widespread understanding of surgical anatomy and safe entry zones, surgical resection of BCMs remains a formidable challenge. While not necessarily the shortest access, the one-point technique offers a safe approach considering all the different modalities in our armamentarium and can be used as part of a strategy to determine the optimal approach to resect BCMs.

Effects of non-invasive respiratory support in post-operative patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BackgroundRe-intubation secondary to post-extubation respiratory failure in post-operative patients is associated with increased patient morbidity and mortality. Non-invasive respiratory support (NRS) alternative to conventional oxygen therapy (COT), i.e., high-flow nasal oxygen, continuous positive airway pressure, and non-invasive ventilation (NIV), has been proposed to prevent or treat post-extubation respiratory failure. Aim of the present study is assessing the effects of NRS application, compared to COT, on the re-intubation rate (primary outcome), and time to re-intubation, incidence of nosocomial pneumonia, patient discomfort, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay, and mortality (secondary outcomes) in adult patients extubated after surgery.MethodsA systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized controlled trials. A search from Medline, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science from inception until February 2, 2024 was performed.ResultsThirty-three studies (11,292 patients) were included. Among all NRS modalities, only NIV reduced the re-intubation rate, compared to COT (odds ratio 0.49, 95% confidence interval 0.28; 0.87, p = 0.015, I2 = 60.5%, low certainty of evidence). In particular, this effect was observed in patients receiving NIV for treatment, while not for prevention, of post-extubation respiratory failure, and in patients at high, while not low, risk of post-extubation respiratory failure. NIV reduced the rate of nosocomial pneumonia, ICU length of stay, and ICU, hospital, and long-term mortality, while not worsening patient discomfort.ConclusionsIn post-operative patients receiving NRS after extubation, NIV reduced the rate of re-intubation, compared to COT, when used for treatment of post-extubation respiratory failure and in patients at high risk of post-extubation respiratory failure.

Sensors constructed from carbon nanomaterials and their applications

Diabetes is a growing disease, with patient morbidity and mortality increasing every year. Since diabetes is associated with short- and long-term health problems, it has become extremely important to detect and effectively treat diabetes. Many research institutes and healthcare organizations are leaning towards the use of cost-effective biosensors to monitor the body's blood glucose standards and provide accurate health diagnosis. Biosensors help in accurate diabetes diagnosis and monitoring for effective treatment and management. Based on the recent advances in nanotechnology, a variety of glucose biosensors made of carbon nanomaterials have been developed, and such sensors are a key factor for diabetes diagnosis and treatment, with better performance and sensitivity for better detection of the disease and tracking of the response to treatment. Thus, this research illustrates the significant advances in nanotechnology-based biosensors for medical applications and the potential of carbon nanomaterials for good applications in medical testing.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE OF HIGH SENSITIVITY C-REACTIVE PROTEIN IN ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION PATIENTS

Objectives: Poor cardiovascular outcomes have been linked to high-sensitivity C-reaction protein (hs-CRP), a biomarker of residual inflammatory risk. Whether or not a patient has diabetes mellitus, evaluate the relationship among hs-CRP levels estimated at hospital admission and in-hospital consequences and death. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 100 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients with both non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and STEMI who were admitted to the cardiac care critical care unit intensive therapy unit. Results: Diabetics had a considerably higher incidence of hypertension (p=0.001) and dyslipidemia (p=0.001) compared to non-diabetics. Diabetics exhibited a significantly higher mean hs-CRP level (6.76±1.12 vs. 3.65±0.98 mg/dL; p=0.01) than non-diabetics. Meanwhile, compared to non-diabetics, diabetics utilized significantly more aspirin (p=0.001), beta-blockers (p=0.001), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) (p=0.01), and statins (p=0.001). Furthermore, compared to those with hs-CRP &lt;3 mg/L, those with hs-CRP ≥3 mg/dL had a significantly higher incidence of dyslipidemia (p=0.001) and hypertension (p=0.001). Conclusion: The results of the current study demonstrated that hs-CRP upon admission is a valid predictor of hospital morbidity and death in patients with AMI who are diabetic or non-diabetic. Individuals with diabetes showed greater CRP levels than non-diabetic AMI patients did.

Morbidity and mortality outcomes of patients requiring isolated tricuspid valve surgery: a retrospective cohort study of 537 patients in New South Wales between 2002 and 2018

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate mortality and morbidity outcomes following open-heart isolated tricuspid valve surgery (TVSx) with medium to long-term follow-up.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingNew South Wales public and...

Superinfections of the Spine: A Single-Institution Experience

Background/Objectives: A superinfection occurs when a new, secondary organism colonizes an existing infection. Spine infections are associated with high patient morbidity and sometimes require multiple irrigations and debridements (I&amp;Ds). When multiple I&amp;Ds are required, the risk of complications increases. The purpose of this study was to report our experience with spine superinfections and determine which patients are typically affected. Methods: A retrospective case series of spine superinfections and a retrospective case–control analysis were conducted. Data were collected manually from electronic medical records. Spine I&amp;Ds were identified. Groups were created for patients who had multiple I&amp;Ds for (1) a recurrence of the same causative organism or (2) a superinfection with a novel organism. Preoperative demographic, clinical, and microbiologic data were compared between these two outcomes. A case series of superinfections with descriptive data was constructed. Lastly, two illustrative cases were provided in a narrative format. Results: A total of 92 patients were included in this analysis. Superinfections occurred after 6 out of the 92 (7%) initial I&amp;Ds and were responsible for 6 out of the 24 (25%) repeat I&amp;Ds. The preoperative erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) of the patients with a superinfection were significantly lower than those in the control group (p = 0.022 and p = 0.032). Otherwise, the observed differences in the preoperative variables were not statistically different. In the six cases of superinfection, the presence of high-risk comorbidities, a history of substance abuse, or a lack of social support were commonly observed. The superinfecting organisms included Candida, Pseudomonas, Serratia, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Staphylococcus species. Conclusions: Superinfections are a devastating complication requiring reoperation after initial spine I&amp;D. Awareness of the possibility of superinfection and common patient archetypes can be helpful for clinicians and care teams. Future work is needed to examine how to identify, help predict, and prevent spine superinfections.

Deoxyguanosine kinase deficiency: natural history and liver transplant outcome

Abstract Autosomal recessive pathogenetic variants in the DGUOK gene cause deficiency of deoxyguanosine kinase activity and mitochondrial deoxynucleotides pool imbalance, consequently, leading to quantitative and/or qualitative impairment of mitochondrial DNA synthesis. Typically, patients present early-onset liver failure with or without neurological involvement and a clinical course rapidly progressing to death. This is an international multicentre study aiming to provide a retrospective natural history of deoxyguanosine kinase deficient patients. A systematic literature review from January 2001 to June 2023 was conducted. Physicians of research centers or clinicians all around the world caring for previously reported patients were contacted to provide follow-up information or additional clinical, biochemical, histological/histochemical, and molecular genetics data for unreported cases with a confirmed molecular diagnosis of deoxyguanosine kinase deficiency. A cohort of 202 genetically confirmed patients, 36 unreported, and 166 from a systematic literature review, were analyzed. Patients had a neonatal onset (≤ 1 month) in 55.7% of cases, infantile (&amp;gt;1 month and ≤ 1 year) in 32.3%, pediatric (&amp;gt;1 year and ≤18 years) in 2.5%, and adult (&amp;gt;18 years) in 9.5%. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed statistically different survival rates (p &amp;lt; 0.0001) among the four age groups with the highest mortality for neonatal onset. Based on the clinical phenotype, we defined four different clinical subtypes: hepatocerebral (58.8%), isolated hepatopathy (21.9%), hepatomyoencephalopathy (9.6%), and isolated myopathy (9.6%). Muscle involvement was predominant in adult-onset cases whereas liver dysfunction causes morbidity and mortality in early-onset patients with a median survival of less than 1 year. No genotype-phenotype correlation was identified. Liver transplant significantly modified the survival rate in 26 treated patients when compared with untreated. Only six patients had additional mild neurological signs after liver transplant. In conclusion, deoxyguanosine kinase deficiency is a disease spectrum with a prevalent liver and brain tissue-specificity in neonatal and infantile-onset patients and muscle tissue-specificity in adult-onset cases. Our study provides clinical, molecular genetics, and biochemical data for early diagnosis, clinical trial planning, and immediate intervention with liver transplant and/or nucleoside supplementation.