Retrospective Observational Study Research Articles

Healthcare-Associated Infections in patients with Covid-19: Assessment of commorbidities and risk of mortality

Healthcare-associated infections are a known factor that is especially difficult to control within healthcare institutions. They are responsible for increased mortality, as well as increased length of stay and costs. This is a retrospective observational cross-sectional study that aims to elucidate information about infections acquired in the hospital environment by patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, who are more susceptible to this condition; it was conducted from March 2020 to March 2022 at a hospital in the southern region of Brazil. Data were collected from electronic medical records, and the profile of these infections was defined; the frequencies of the main comorbidities and main infections were analyzed, with site and etiological agent being discriminated, and the antimicrobials that were used being specified. The mortality rate of patients with obesity was 2.3 times higher, while that of pregnant and postpartum women was 11.3 times higher.

Micropulse Laser versus Eplerenone for Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: A 12-Month Comparison.

To compare the long-term efficacy of navigated subthreshold micropulse laser (NSML) and continuous oral eplerenone (EPL) in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC). This retrospective observational study included 44 eyes with cCSC (EPL: n = 26; NSML: n = 18). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), subretinal fluid (SRF) height, and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) were evaluated over 12months. Both groups showed significant improvements in BCVA and CMT (p < 0.05). Complete SRF resolution was achieved in both groups by 12months, with NSML showing faster resolution (2.77 ± 1.43 vs. 6.34 ± 2.17months, p < 0.001). The EPL group demonstrated significant SFCT reduction at 6 and 12months (p = 0.001), while the NSML group showed no significant SFCT changes (p > 0.05). Both NSML and EPL improved retinal morphology and visual function in patients with cCSC. NSML achieved faster SRF resolution, while EPL resulted in more significant choroidal thickness reduction. These findings suggest distinct mechanisms of action: NSML primarily affects the retinal pigment epithelium, while EPL modulates choroidal vasculature. Treatment choice may depend on individual patient characteristics and treatment goals.

NSE and S100β as serum alarmins in predicting neurological outcomes after cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest (CA) is a serious health concern that often results in mortality or severe neurological dysfunction in the case of survival. Our aim was to explore the neurological prognostic factors in patients with CA. This retrospective observational study included adult patients with CA. We investigated serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE), S100 calcium-binding protein β (S100β), and indices and parameters at 1, 3, 5, 7 and intensive care unit (ICU) discharge days after CA. The primary study endpoint was the Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) scale score at ICU discharge, which was dichotomized as good neurological outcome (CPC 1–2: full recovery or moderate disability) and poor neurological outcome (CPC 3–5: severe disability, vegetative state, or death). Of the 191 adult patients with CA, 42 (22%) had good neurological outcomes, and 149 (78%) had poor neurological outcomes. NSE at 1,3,5,7 and ICU discharge days showed excellent predictive accuracy for neurological outcomes (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.666, 0.716, 0.870, 0.739, and 0.901, respectively). However, S100β exhibited general predictive power (AUC: 0.666, 0.573, 0.607, 0.594, 0.727). Finally, the early warning model, which combined day 1 NSE, day 1 S100β, cardiac arrest time, SOFA scores, APACHE II scores, and age, was used to screen CA patients with poor neurological prognosis at early stages and had an AUC of 0.792. Serum concentrations of NSE and S100β were significantly elevated in CA patients and could be prognostic biomarkers to predict neurological outcomes. Day 1 NSE and S100β combined with multiple indicators could be a decent early warning model for poor neurological prognosis in patients with CA.

Rates of Textbook Outcome Achieved in Patients Undergoing Liver and Pancreatic Surgery

Backgorund: Textbook outcome (TO) is a composite measure that reflects the most desirable surgical results as a single indicator. The aim of this study was to assess the achievement of TO at a hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery unit in a Spanish tertiary hospital. Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study of all consecutive patients who underwent HPB surgery over a 4-year period. Morbidity according to the Clavien-Dindo classification at 30 days, hospital stay, risk of morbidity and mortality according to the POSSUM, and mortality and readmissions at 90 days were recorded. TO was considered when a patient presented no major complications (≥IIIA), no mortality, no readmission, and no prolonged length of stay (≤75th). Results: 283 patients were included. Morbidity &gt;IIIA was reported in 21.6%, and 5.7% died; the median postoperative stay was 4 days. TO was achieved in 56.2% of patients. Comparing patients who presented TO with those who did not, significant differences were recorded for the type of procedure and the expected risk of morbidity and mortality calculated according to the POSSUM scale. There were significant differences between patients with major resections (TO rates: major hepatectomy (46.3%) and major pancreatectomy (52.5%)) and those with minor resections (TO rates minor hepatectomy (67.7%) and minor pancreatectomy (40.4%)). Conclusions: TO is a useful management tool for assessing postoperative results.

Diversity of heart failure phenotypes in transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy. More than just heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Introduction Current guidelines recommend suspecting transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) in patients over 65 years of age with unexplained left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy in a non-dilated LV, heart failure (HF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or severe aortic stenosis. However, there is evidence indicating a high prevalence of ATTR-CM in other HF phenotypes. As such, this study aimed to characterize the diversity of HF phenotypes of ATTR-CM by examining the LV ejection fraction and LV dilatation using echocardiography. Methods This multicentre, retrospective observational study included patients diagnosed with ATTR-CM between 2015–2023. The diagnosis was based on a positive cardiac biopsy or positive bone scintigraphy without monoclonal gammopathy. Echocardiographic measurements were categorized according to LV ejection fraction (LVEF) into HFpEF (LVEF ≥50%), HF with mildly reduced EF (HFmrEF, LVEF 40–49%), and HF with reduced EF (HFrEF, LVEF <40%). LV cavity size was categorized by LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and volume index (LVEDVi) as normal, moderately increased and severe dilatation. Results The study included 135 patients with ATTR-CM (mean age, 78 years; 89% male; 89% wild-type ATTR-CM). Most patients were screened for ATTR-CM because of unexplained HF and increased LV wall thickness (57%). Echocardiography showed LVEF <50% in 60% of the patients, with a significant portion presenting with HFrEF. Patients with LVEF <50% had higher NYHA class and elevated N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels than HFpEF patients. LV dilatation was observed in 43% of the patients, with 10% presenting with both LVEF <50% and severe LV dilatation. Conclusion This study revealed significant variability in HF phenotypes among patients with ATTR-CM, from HFpEF without LV dilatation to HFrEF with severe LV dilatation. Relying solely on HFpEF for screening may lead to under-diagnosis. These findings suggest the need for more comprehensive diagnostic criteria beyond echocardiographic measures to improve ATTR-CM detection and management.

A case of rapidly progressive hair loss due to azathioprine, and the prevalence of NUDT15 variants among Japanese patients with autoimmune blistering diseases: A single-center retrospective observational study.

Autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBDs), classified into pemphigus and pemphigoid, consist of relatively rare skin disorders caused by autoantibodies that target desmosomal and hemidesmosomal proteins, respectively. Although systemic corticosteroids are used as a first-line treatment for AIBDs, azathioprine is frequently co-administered as a steroid-sparing agent. Azathioprine is metabolized into thioguanine nucleotides (TGNs) which are its major active metabolites. The enzyme nudix hydrolase 15 (NUDT15) plays a key role in regulating TGNs. Serious side effects of azathioprine, including leukopenia and alopecia, are known to be particularly problematic in individuals with NUDT15 variants. The single-nucleotide polymorphism c.415C >T (p.Arg139Cys) is one of the most frequent NUDT15 variants associated with severe thiopurine toxicity. Recently, we treated a case of pemphigus vulgaris in a patient with NUDT15 variants in which the patient developed rapidly progressive diffuse hair loss and myelosuppression while receiving azathioprine. Previous reports on NUDT15 polymorphisms mainly focused on patients with inflammatory bowel disease or hematological malignancies, and the prevalence of NUDT15 polymorphisms remains unknown in AIBDs. This highlights the urgent need for research on NUDT15 polymorphisms in AIBDs to achieve a better understanding of the genetic factors influencing adverse reactions to azathioprine. To clarify the prevalence of NUDT15 variants in Japanese patients with AIBDs, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 78 patients with AIBDs (26 with bullous pemphigoid, 26 with pemphigus vulgaris, 17 with pemphigus foliaceus, and nine with other AIBDs) who had come to Hokkaido University Hospital between 2018 and 2023. The frequencies of NUDT15 variants of Arg/Arg, Arg/Cys, and Cys/Cys in these patients were approximately 72%, 23%, and 5%, respectively. Our findings indicate a prevalence of NUDT15 variants in AIBD patients that is similar to the prevalences of previous studies on patients with other diseases. These results emphasize the importance of screening for NUDT15 variants prior to initiating azathioprine treatment in Japanese patients with AIBDs.

Functional Outcomes and Self-Reported Quality of Life in Patients with Facial Nerve Impairment Following Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery

Objective: The aim of this observational retrospective study was to report quality of life (QoL) in patients with postoperative facial nerve (FN) palsy after vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery, investigating clinical factors related to functional outcomes. Methods: Forty-eight consecutive patients (M:F 25:23; median age: 52.5 years) with facial palsy following surgery for sporadic VS were considered retrospectively. FN palsy was graded by using the Sunnybrook facial grading system (SBFGS), while postoperative QoL and subjective functional aspects were assessed by using the Penn Acoustic Neuroma Quality of Life (PANQOL) Scale, the Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire, and questions on eating and drinking. Results: A significant correlation emerged between all Sunnybrook scores and median PANQOL domain regarding facial function. Increasing overall SBFGS scores were associated with reduced risk of slow chewing on the affected side (p = 0.004), lack of masticatory strength (p = 0.025), masticatory fatigue (p &lt; 0.001), accumulation of food in the oral vestibule (p &lt; 0.001), difficulty in drinking from a glass (p = 0.019), and fluid spillage while drinking (p = 0.016). Conclusions: This study suggests that the clinical evaluation of patients with FN palsy after VS surgery should be integrated with patient reports about functional outcomes and perceived QoL to help clinicians guide rehabilitation choices.

Association Between the Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors and Severe Clinical Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Background Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) increase the risk of pneumonia secondary to PPI-induced hypochlorhydria. We aim to investigate the association between PPI and disease severity in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-positive patients and the risk of hospitalizations in Muscat, Oman. Methodology COVID-19-positive patients aged 18 years and above at the time of diagnosis were included in this retrospective observational study. The details of the patients were retrieved from the electronic health records of the Al Shifa Hospital Information Management System and Tarassud. The composite primary endpoint was COVID-19 admission to a government tertiary hospital ward or intensive care within 14 days of diagnosis. Results A total of 506 COVID-19-positive patients were identified during the specified period. The mean age was 44 ± 15 years. The majority of the patients were Omani, and a female preponderance was observed. Overall, 104 (20.4%) patients were current PPI users. Admission due to COVID-19 was significantly associated with the presence of comorbid conditions such as diabetes mellitus (p = 0.001), hypertension (p = 0.001), and chronic kidney disease (p < 0.001). However, current PPI use (p = 0.140) was not significantly associated with an increased risk of hospitalization. Conclusions This data suggests that the use of PPIs during COVID-19 infection did not increase the risk of severe COVID-19 infection and poor outcomes leading to hospitalization in Muscat, Oman. However, the presence of other medical comorbidities, such as diabetes and hypertension, was associated with a higher risk of adverse clinical symptoms that resulted in hospitalization.

Epidemiological, clinical and histological characteristics of melanoma in young adults: a 30-year retrospective study (1993-2022).

Melanoma in young adults significantly impacts the survival of this age group. There are limited studies that analyze melanoma characteristics in young patients. We aimed to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and histological characteristics of melanoma in young adults and their temporal trends over the last decades. A retrospective observational study was conducted, involving 399 melanoma patients aged 18-44, over a 30-year period (1993-2022). Patients were divided into two groups based on their date of diagnosis (period 1, 1993-2007, and period 2, 2008-2022). Age at diagnosis was higher in the most recent period (34.3 vs 37; p=0.001). Over time, there was a reduction in thickness (1 vs 0.68 mm; p=0.01), a rise in melanomas located on the head and neck (6.5% vs 14.8%) and extremities (42.2% vs 45%), along with a decrease on the trunk (51.3% vs 40.2%) (p=0.009); and an increase in lentigo maligna (2.3% vs 5.3%) and superficial spreading melanomas (76.5% vs 84%), along with reduction in nodular types (16.1% vs 5.9%) (p=0.012). Women had, compared to men, higher limb melanoma prevalence (56.3% vs 27.1%; p<0.001), family history (11.7% vs 5.1%; p=0.020), lower thickness (0.69 vs 1.10; p= 0.001) and better prognosis (14.4% vs 20.9% deaths; p=0.012). Melanoma diagnoses in young adults occur at progressively advanced ages, with a rise in melanomas situated on the head and extremities and in histological types linked to prolonged sun exposure. Strategies like minimizing sun exposure from a young age and encouraging self-examination could lead to improved survival rates.

Long-term outcome of interstitial lung disease in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome: a retrospective observational study.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a potentially serious but underdiagnosed manifestation of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). This observational study investigated the prevalence and clinical course of ILD in pSS, together with prognostic factors. A multicenter, retrospective longitudinal study was performed using findings from baseline and follow-up pulmonary function tests and chest computed tomography. Predisposing factors for the development of ILD and acute exacerbation (AE) were identified using a logistic regression model. The risk factors for a significant decline of pulmonary function were determined by the Cox proportional hazard model. A total of 1,306 patients with pSS were included in this study (female, 98%; mean age, 54 years). Among them, 79 patients with pSS were comorbid with ILD. ILD was more frequently found in male, older patients. Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia was the most prevalent imaging pattern in pSS-ILD (51%), followed by usual interstitial pneumonia (22%). At diagnosis with pSS-ILD, 54% of patients had restrictive pulmonary function, and 41% of patients initiated pharmacological treatment. During the median 4-year follow-up period, AE, a significant decline in pulmonary function, and death occurred in 19%, 29%, and 9% of patients with pSS-ILD, respectively. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) increased 3 months prior to AE, and it was associated with AE. Older age at pSS-ILD diagnosis was a prognostic factor for a significant decline in pulmonary function. ILD accounted for 6% of the comorbidity of pSS. AE was associated with a significant decline in pulmonary function, and the NLR may predict AE.

Comparison of ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness among patients with intermittent exotropia according to fixation preference: a retrospective observational study.

This study was performed to compare the thickness of the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) depending on the presence or absence of fixation preference in patients with intermittent exotropia (IXT) with refractive values close to emmetropia and with no amblyopia. The study recruited pediatric patients diagnosed with IXT with a spherical equivalent within ±1.25 diopter and no amblyopia. The patients were categorized into two groups: a monocular exotropia group with fixation preference and an alternating exotropia group without fixation preference. GCIPL thickness was measured using spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and the macula was divided into nine sectors according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS). GCIPL thickness in each sector was compared between the monocular and alternating exotropia groups. In the monocular exotropia group, GCIPL thickness was significantly thinner in the dominant eye than in the nondominant eye in the S1 sector (91.2±7.4 μm vs. 93.3±5.2 μm, p=0.019). However, in the alternating exotropia group, there were no significant differences between the eyes across all ETDRS sectors. When comparing the interocular differences in GCIPL thickness between the two groups, the monocular exotropia group (absolute value of the dominant eye minus the nondominant eye) exhibited significantly greater differences in several ETDRS sectors than the alternating exotropia group (absolute value of the right eye minus the left eye). The significant interocular difference in GCIPL thickness in the monocular exotropia group suggests that fixation preference may influence the anatomical structure of the macula in patients with IXT.

Diagnostic accuracy of NT-proBNP to predict the incidence of CSA-AKI: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is a severe complication following cardiac surgery. Early identification and diagnosis are critical. In this study, we aim to systematically assess the diagnostic value of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) for CSA-AKI. The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from January 1971 to October 2023 to identify prospective observational and retrospective observational studies. Data extraction and study screening were carried out independently by 2 authors. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated by the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 standards, and all statistical analyses were conducted by Stata 15.0. Seven studies including 37,200 patients were identified. The pooled sensitivity of 0.67 (95% credible interval [CI] = 0.56-0.77), specificity of 0.55 (95% CI = 0.45-0.64), area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.65 (95% CI = 0.60-0.69), positive likelihood ratio of 1.5 (95% CI = 1.2-1.8), negative likelihood ratio of 0.60 (95% CI = 0.46-0.79), and diagnostic odds ratio of 2 (95% CI = 2-4) suggested that patients with higher preoperative NT-proBNP levels (pg/mL) are at higher risk of developing acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery. However, NT-proBNP lacks sufficient sensitivity and specificity to reliably predict CSA-AKI. Our findings suggest that the diagnostic accuracy of NT-proBNP to predict the incidence of CSA-AKI is limited. However, we provide novel perspectives on the early detection of CSA-AKI biomarkers, and it is urgent to identify more precise and practical biomarkers for the early diagnosis of CSA-AKI.

Non-linear relationship between soluble interleukin-2 receptor and prognosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Despite an emphasis on the prognostic impact of serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) at diagnosis in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), whether the prognostic impact of elevated sIL-2R is linear remains unclear. To verify the presence of a non-linear association between sIL-2R level at diagnosis and overall survival (OS) in patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL, we conducted a multi-center, observational retrospective study. Among 488 analyzable patients, Cox proportional hazards modeling identified serum sIL-2R level at diagnosis as an independent predictor of OS. Multivariate Cox hazard modeling with restricted cubic spline model demonstrated that the relationship between serum sIL-2R level and OS was clearly non-linear (P for effect of sIL-2R = 0.002; P for non-linearity = 0.015). Mortality risk increased gradually as sIL-2R levels increased and plateaued at approximately 5,000 U/mL. Segmented regression analysis revealed that the trend in negative prognostic impact from a gradual increase in serum sIL-2R level changed significantly, with a breakpoint at approximately 2,000 U/mL. Multivariate receiver operating characteristic curves showed a significant improvement in prediction ability when serum sIL-2R level was added to the International Prognostic Index (IPI). Serum sIL-2R level at diagnosis was not only a prognostic factor, but also improved predictive accuracy for OS when incorporated with the IPI. However, the negative correlation between increasing sIL-2R and prognosis was non-linear.

Factors Associated with Maternal Morbidity in Patients with Eclampsia in Three Obstetric Intensive Care Units: A Retrospective Study

(1) Introduction. Eclampsia is a rare complication that can occur during pregnancy and has a significant impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors associated with significant maternal morbidity after an eclamptic seizure. (2) Methods. An observational retrospective study was performed in three maternity hospitals in Romania between 2015 and 2023 and included pregnant patients diagnosed with eclampsia. Clinical and paraclinical data were investigated, and the impact of several risk factors was assessed using multiple logistic regression analysis. The results were reported as risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (Cis). (3) Results. A total of 104 patients with preeclampsia, of whom 23 experienced eclamptic seizures, were included in this study. A total of 82.6% of the patients diagnosed with eclampsia experienced a form of significant morbidity (stroke, PRES syndrome, or any organ failure/dysfunction). Our regression analysis revealed that advanced maternal age (RR: 12.24 95% CI: 4.29–36.61, p = 0.002), the presence of thrombotic disorders (RR: 9.17, 95% CI: 3.41–23.70, p = 0.03), obesity (RR: 4.89, 95% CI: 0.78–18.15, p = 0.036), and smoking status (RR: 2.18, 95% CI: 0.13- 6.51, p = 0.042) significantly increase the risk of maternal comorbidities. (4) Conclusions. Careful monitoring of pregnant patients, adequate weight control during pregnancy, and correct anticoagulation of individual patients could reduce the extent of postpartum comorbidities that can result from an eclamptic seizure.

Metabolic acidosis in patients with diabetes 2 undergoing cardiac surgery: The impact of SGLT2 inhibitor use: a retrospective cohort study.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2-i) lower blood sugar and reduce cardiovascular events and kidney failure. However, there have been increasing reports of euglycaemic diabetic ketoacidosis (eDKA) linked to SGLT2-i medicines. Investigating the association between SGLT2-i use and the incidence of metabolic acidosis in patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing cardiac surgery. A retrospective observational cohort study comprising 121 patients, with 38 in the SGLT2-i group and 83 in the control group. A 2-year period at Haukeland University Hospital, a tertiary regional hospital in Western Norway. Patients with type 2 diabetes undergoing cardiac surgery. Collection of clinical and laboratory data, including acid/base balance parameters, surgery details and SGLT2-i use. Base excess and anion gap measurements as indicators of ketosis development. A subgroup analysis in patients without renal failure (glomerular filtration rate > 60 ml min-1 m-2). Lower base excess levels and increased anion gaps were observed in the SGLT2-i group compared with controls at various time points postoperatively, with no significant differences in serum lactate levels.Twelve hours postoperatively, 41% of SGLT2-i patients without renal failure had a base excess -3 mmol l-1 or less after correction for serum lactate (indicating ketosis) compared with only 8% in the control group (P < 0.001). The anion gap was elevated in the SGLT2-i group compared to the control group at 12 h postoperatively (P = 0.018).Multivariable regression analysis identified SGLT2-i use as an independent factor associated with a lower base excess after correction for lactate levels (P < 0.001). Cessation of SGLT2-i medication did not correlate with the degree of acidosis. While taking SGLT2 inhibitors, diabetic patients undergoing heart surgery are at an increased risk of ketosis and possibly metabolic acidosis. This emphasises the importance of careful observation and effective treatment strategies within this group.

A novel scoring system proposal to guide surgical treatment indications for high grade gliomas in elderly patients: DAK-75.

High-grade gliomas are the most prevalent neurooncological desease in adults, their incidence increases with age, peaking in the seventh decade. This paper aims to address how to select patients for surgical resection by identifying pre-surgical predictors of 12-month mortality in newly diagnosed HGG patients aged ≥ 75years. A prognostic score will be proposed to guide surgical decisions based on expected survival. Retrospective observational single-center cohort study was carried out at the "Città della Salute e della Scienza-Molinette" University Hospital in Turin, Italy. All consecutive patients aged ≥ 75years newly diagnosed with HGG were included, regardless of whether they underwent surgical resection. Clinical, radiological, histological and molecular data were collected.Variables potentially available at the time of diagnosis were considered to develop a multivariable logistic regression predictive model, with 12-months overall survival as the dependent variable. 102 patients aged 75years or older received a new diagnosis of high-grade glioma, of whom 68 underwent surgical resection. Patients undergoing surgery were slightly younger (76.9 vs 79.0years, p = 0.007) and had better performance status (median KPS 80 vs 70). Most tumors undergoing surgery were localized in cortical or subcortical non-motor areas (p < 0.001) and less frequently deep-seated (p = 0.023) or multifocal (p < 0.001). A predictive model, the DAK-75 score, was developed: the AUROC of the final model was 0.822 (95% CI 0.741-0.902). The score includes clinical presentation, tumor location, and KPS, ranging from 0 to 20, categorizing risk scores into low-risk and high-risk groups (< or > 8). Higher scores corresponded to fewer surgical patients and higher one-year mortality rates (92.2% vs 47.1%, p < 0.001). DAK-75 score may represent a valuable tool in the decision-making process for neurosurgical intervention in elderly patients diagnosed with HGG. Further studies are needed to externally and prospectively validate the scoring system.

Comparison of Drug-Assisted Tracheal Intubation Using Benzodiazepines and Induction Agents for First-Pass Intubation Success in Emergency Airway Management: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective: To determine first-pass intubation success between benzodiazepines and induction agents in adult patients who underwent drug-assisted intubation in the emergency department (ED). Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review observational study collected the data of patients who underwent drug-assisted intubation in the ED of a university teaching hospital between January 1, 2021 and August 31, 2022. Two hundred seven patients were enrolled in the present study. The benzodiazepine and induction agent groups were compared in terms of baseline characteristics, and clinical management. Each benzodiazepine and induction agent were compared in first-pass intubation success, time to intubation success, adverse events, and 24-hour mortality. Results: Of the 207 patients included in the present study, 35 patients used benzodiazepine, and 172 patients used induction agents. The two groups had no differences in baseline characteristics. The first-pass intubation success rate was not significantly different among the medications with 90% in nine diazepam patients, 92% in 23 midazolam patients, 89.8% in 79 etomidate patients, and 94% in 79 propofol patients (p=0.553). Complications associated with intubation included hypotension, desaturation, tachycardia, bradycardia, arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, and pneumonia. No differences in 24-hour survival were observed. Conclusion: The sedative medications used during drug-assisted intubation should be chosen based on patient comorbidities and characteristics, as well as physician preferences and experiences. There were no differences between the benzodiazepine and induction agent groups in terms of first-pass intubation success, adverse events, or 24-hour survival. The use of benzodiazepines in settings with limited resources may be considered.

Mid-term efficacy of single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective: To evaluate the mid-term efficacy of single anastomosis duodenal-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: The cohort of this retrospective observational study comprised 118 obese patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥40 kg/m2 with or without other related metabolic diseases and BMI of (27.5-40.0) kg/m2 with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who had been treated with SADI-S. Patients who had undergone modified surgery or been followed up for less than 1 year were excluded. Clinical data of the included patients [56 men and 62 women aged (34.5±9.7) years], who had undergone SADI-S in China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University from October 2018 to August 2022, were collected. Their mean preoperative body mass was (125.9±25.0) kg and BMI (42.8±6.8) kg/m2. The 60 patients with T2DM had a mean fasting blood glucose of (9.9±3.2) mmol/L and HBA1c of (8.4±1.7) % before surgery. The main outcome measures were mid-term weight loss after surgery (body mass, BMI, excess weight loss, and total weight loss) 1, 2, 3, and 4 years after surgery and efficacy regarding diabetes mellitus (fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin and diabetes remission rate at 1, 2, and 3 years after surgery). Outcomes were defined as follows. Complete remission: HbA1c <6% or fasting blood glucose <6 mmol/L without hypoglycemic medication; partial remission: HBA1c <6.5% or fasting blood glucose <7 mmol/L without hypoglycemic medication; significant improvement: HBA1c <7.0%, stable decrease of at least 1% compared with preoperative HBA1c, and postoperative dose of hypoglycemic medication significantly less; ineffective: no change in HBA1c and no reduction in dosage of hypoglycemic medication. Other outcome measures included intraoperative and postoperative adverse effects and postoperative nutritional indexes. Results: SADI-S was successful in all patients. There was no significant bleeding, conversion to open surgery, or perioperative death. The operation time was (186.1±41.5) minutes, and the postoperative hospital stay 6 (5-7) days. Surgical complications occurred in four patients, comprising peritoneal effusion, internal jugular vein thrombosis, anastomotic leakage, and gastric fistula. Body weight and BMI 1, 2, 3 and 4 years were significantly lower post- than pre-operatively (all P<0.05). Excess weight loss was (81.9±16.2) %, (82.2±15.5) %, (88.3±20.1) %, and (83.2±18.1) % at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years postoperatively, respectively. Total weight loss was (39.7±8.7) %, (40.6±10.6) %, (42.2±11.5) % and (45.4±10.2) %, respectively. The mean fasting blood glucose concentrations of the 60 patients with T2DM were (5.1±1.0) mmol/L, (5.0±0.7) mmol/L, and (5.4±0.9) mmol/L 1, 2 and 3 years postoperatively, respectively. The values for glycosylated hemoglobin were (4.9±0.6) %, (4.8±0.5) %, and (5.1±0.8) %, respectively, all of which are significantly lower than preoperatively (all P<0.05). The complete remission rate of diabetes was 95.0% (38/40), 90.0% (36/40), and 9/13 1, 2, and 3 years postoperatively, respectively. Additionally, the partial remission rate and significant improvement rate were both 100%. Two years postoperatively, the incidence of anemia was 27.8% (10/36), of hypoproteinemia 11.8% (4/34), and of ferritin deficiency 25.8% (8/31), all of which were improved by conservative treatment such as blood transfusion, iron supplementation, and adjustment of diet. Conclusion: SADI-S has a significant mid-term beneficial effect on weight loss and diabetes remission status in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Burden of vaccine-preventable diseases in adults (50+) in the United States: a retrospective claims analysis

BackgroundIn adults aged 50 + years, vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) pose a significant health burden and can lead to additional ‘downstream effects’ of infection beyond the acute phase e.g., increasing the risk for non-communicable disease and exacerbating chronic conditions. The aim was to understand and quantify the burden of VPD downstream effects in hospitalised adults in the United States.MethodsThis retrospective observational study analysed hospitalisation claims data (2016–2019) with 1-year follow-up, in adults with a VPD diagnosis versus matched controls (using Optum’s de-identified Clinformatics Data Mart Database). Outcomes included mortality; increase in Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score; new diagnosis of comorbidities; and loss of independence (defined by need for home health/home care and/or move to long-term facility).ResultsMortality was significantly increased in VPD cases versus controls at 30-day (risk ratio [RR] of 4.08 [95% CI 3.98–4.18]) and 1-year follow-up (RR 2.76 [2.73–2.80]). Over a 1-year follow-up period, morbidity increased following VPD hospitalisation: 65–86% of VPD cases had new comorbidities diagnosed (versus 13–41% of controls); with a significantly higher mean increase in CCI score versus baseline (3.23 in VPD cases versus 0.89 in controls, p < 0.001). Adults were observed to experience a worsening of their health status and were less likely to return to their original health state. In addition, 41% of VPD cases had a loss of independence following hospitalisation versus 12% of controls; as seen by an increased need for home assistance (in 25% versus 9% of controls) and/or a move to a long-term care facility (in 29% versus 6% of controls).ConclusionsThis analysis suggests that VPD hospitalised cases suffer significantly worse clinical outcomes than controls, with downstream effects that include increased mortality and morbidity, and greater loss of independence. Evidence on potential downstream effects of infection is relatively new, and this additional burden is generally not considered in vaccine decision-making. More research is needed to disentangle the effect of VPDs on new comorbidities versus the natural course of the condition. Increasing awareness among adults, healthcare providers and decision makers could help to increase adult vaccination coverage, and reduce the clinical burden of VPDs.

End-tidal concentration of sevoflurane for optimal surgical conditions in pregnant sheep: a pragmatic approach to a retrospective observational study.

The aim of this pragmatic approach to retrospective observational study was to identify the end-tidal concentration of sevoflurane which was associated with optimal surgical conditions (i.e., absence of any movement, coughing and straining) in 127 pregnant sheep. Optimal surgical conditions were observed in 90% of the ewes with an end-tidal concentration of sevoflurane of 2.4 Vol-% [95% CI: 2.2; 2.8] during minimal-mild nociceptive stimuli (placement of arterial catheter, bladder catheter, shaving), with 4.4 Vol-% [95% CI: 4.0; 5.2] during maternal laparotomy and hysterotomy and with 4.4 Vol-% [95% CI: 3.9; 5.8] during subsequent manipulation of the uterus and fetal surgery.