Outcome In Terms Of Duration Research Articles

Does magnesium matter in patients of Medical Intensive Care Unit: A study in rural Central India

Introduction:Hypomagnesemia has been common, but mostly underdiagnosed electrolyte abnormality. Studies regarding this is lacking in India especially in rural setting. Here, we have correlated serum magnesium (Mg) level with outcome in patients of medicine Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with respect to length of ICU stay, need for mechanical ventilatory support and its duration and ultimate outcome (discharge/death).Materials and Methods:This is a prospective observational study carried out over a period of 1-year enrolling 601 patients of Medical ICU (MICU). The Chi-square test is applied to correlate hypomagnesemia with the outcome.Result and Observation:About 25% patients had admission hypomagnesemia. When compared with the normal Mg group, there was significant association of hypomagnesemia with outcome in terms of duration of MICU stay 5.46 (5.75) versus 3.93 (3.88), need for mechanical ventilation (56.86% vs. 24.33%), discharge/cured from ICU (61.43% vs. 85.26%), and death (38.56% vs. 14.73%). However, no significant difference was found in the duration of ventilation between the two groups.Conclusion:Hypomagnesemia is associated with a higher mortality rate in critically ill patients. The need for ventilatory support, but not its duration is significantly higher in hypomagnesemic patients. Hypomagnesemia is commonly associated with sepsis and diabetes mellitus. The duration of MICU stay is significantly higher in patients with low serum Mg.

Caregiver Psychological Functioning in Relation to Pain and Health Care Utilization in Pediatric Sickle Cell Disease

IntroductionBiopsychosocial models of illness suggest that a combination of disease-related and psychosocial factors influence outcomes for patients. In pediatric sickle cell disease (SCD), caregivers play a significant role in helping children to manage pain, including during home-based management of episodes as well as during the decision-making process for seeking health care services for severe episodes. Few previous studies have examined the extent to which caregiver psychological functioning is related to health outcomes for pediatric patients with SCD. The purpose of the present study was to determine how two specific aspects of psychological functioning (caregiver coping style and mood) impact pain outcomes for this population.MethodsCaregivers (N = 70) and their children with SCD (N = 76) were recruited at routine hematological visits to participate in a study of pain in pediatric SCD. Caregivers completed ratings of coping style (active versus passive coping) using the Coping Strategies Questionnaire, Revised. Caregivers also completed ratings of positive and negative mood using the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, Revised. Information on recent pain history was collected using the Structured Pain Interview for SCD. Both caregivers and children completed the interviews and their ratings were averaged to produce final pain ratings. Information was collected on pain frequency (total over the past 12 months) and pain intensity and duration (average over the past 12 months). Medical record review was used to collect information on health care utilization for pain over the past 24 months, including total number of emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and outpatient contacts for pain. A structured coding method was used to examine medical records and a second rater independently verified the information. The medical record was also used to confirm the child’s SCD subtype. Multiple hierarchical regressions were used to determine the effects of caregiver coping style and mood on pain and health care utilization. All models controlled for child age, gender, and disease subtype (high versus low risk).ResultsMultiple hierarchical regression analysis suggested that caregiver psychological functioning was associated with pain duration and health care utilization. Specifically, caregiver negative mood contributed a significant amount of variance to the model for pain duration (F (1, 65) = 8.01, p = .006, R2 = .11). In addition, caregiver active and passive coping contributed a significant amount of variance to the model for health care utilization (F (2, 64) = 3.91, p = .025, R2 = .10) and passive coping was a significant individual predictor of utilization (p = .041). Caregiver psychological variables were not significantly related to pain frequency or intensity.ConclusionCaregivers of children with SCD play an important role in helping children to manage pain. The present study suggests that improving caregiver psychological functioning may help to improve pain outcomes for children with SCD. In particular, negative mood and passive coping were most related to poorer pain outcomes in terms of duration and health care utilization. Negative mood tends to be associated with poorer psychological functioning, including higher ratings of anxiety and depression, whereas passive coping tends to reflect negative beliefs about pain and less reliance on active approaches to pain management. Clinicians working with caregivers may benefit from focusing on the aspects of pain that are more controllable for families, such as preventative approaches to pain episodes or adherence with existing home-based protocols. Referrals for additional psychosocial supports may also be beneficial for caregivers presenting with poorer psychological functioning. Limitations of the present study include the cross-sectional design and the use of retrospective pain ratings. Understanding the temporal precedence of pain and caregiver psychological functioning would be beneficial in future studies. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Correlation of Blood Lactate and Mixed Venous Oxygen Saturation in Off-Pump CABG

Aim: To evaluate the correlation of blood lactate and mixed venous oxygen saturation to predict outcome in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Method: This is a randomized study including 30 patients. Blood lactate and mixed venous oxygen saturation were measured in 4 groups of patients—number of grafts, presence or absence of left main coronary artery disease, ejection fraction and serum creatinine. Blood samples were taken before induction, after grafting, on intensive care unit admission, 24 hours and 48 hours after surgery. The measured blood lactate and mixed venous oxygen saturation are compared to assess the outcomes in terms of duration of ventilation and intensive care unit stay. Results: The blood lactate and mixed venous oxygen saturation values increased post operatively but no statistically significant difference in three groups— number of grafts, left main coronary artery disease and ejection fraction. In serum creatinine group, the blood lactate value was found to be statistically significant after grafting in patients with creatinine <1.5 mg/dl, however, there was a significant disparity in numbers. Conclusion: Mixed venous oxygen saturation is a better predictor of morbidity than blood lactate in terms of intensive care unit stay in patients undergoing off pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

The admission systemic inflammatory response syndrome predicts outcome in patients undergoing emergency surgery

To investigate the incidence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) on emergency department admission and the prognostic significance of SIRS in patients undergoing emergency surgery. This is a retrospective study of 889 adults who were admitted as emergency cases and were operated on within 24 hours of admission. Data on patient demography, clinical information including comorbidities, categories of surgery, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, SIRS score, postoperative outcomes including duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital lengths of stay, and mortality were collected. SIRS occurred in 43% of the patients and was associated with a significantly worse outcome in terms of duration of ventilator use (10.5 ± 15.4 vs. 3.5 ± 4.4 days, p < 0.001), ICU stay (11.2 ± 13.6 vs. 5.0 ± 5.4 days, p < 0.001), hospital length of stay (19.4 ± 22.4 vs. 7.1 ± 7.6 days, p < 0.001) and mortality (12.7% vs. 0.4%, p < 0.001). After adjusting for covariates (including age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, comorbid conditions, and surgery categories), SIRS was independently associated with higher mortality (adjusted odd ratio, 21.5; 95% confidence interval (CI), 4.9-93.2), longer ventilator duration (adjusted coefficient, 7.8; 95% CI, 3.2-12.5), longer ICU stay (adjusted coefficient, 6.2; 95% CI, 2.6-9.8) and longer hospital stay (adjusted coefficient, 9.7; 95% CI, 7.5-11.9). The presence of SIRS at admission in patients receiving emergency surgery predicted worse outcomes and higher mortality rates.

Delirium in the acute phase after stroke

This prospective cohort study assesses incidence of delirium after stroke. In addition, risk factors during the first week were assessed. Finally, outcome in relation to development of delirium was studied. A total of 527 consecutive patients with stroke (median age, 72 years; range, 29-96 years) were screened for delirium during the first week after admission. We diagnosed delirium with the Confusion Assessment Method. Cognitive functioning prior to the stroke was assessed with the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE). Neurologic deficits were assessed with the NIH Stroke Scale. A total of 62 patients with stroke (11.8%) developed delirium during the first week of admission. Independent risk factors were preexisting cognitive decline (odds ratio [OR] for IQCODE above 50: 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-5.7) and infection (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.7-6.8). Furthermore, right-sided hemispheric stroke (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.0-3.0), anterior circulation large-vessel stroke (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.1-10.2), the highest tertile of the NIH Stroke Scale (OR for highest vs lowest tertile 15.1, 95% CI 3.3-69.0), and brain atrophy (OR for highest versus lowest tertile 2.7, 95% CI 1.1-6.8) increased the risk for delirium. Delirium was associated with a worse outcome in terms of duration of hospitalization, mortality, and functional outcome. Delirium occurs in almost 1 out of every 8 patients with stroke on a stroke unit and is associated with cognitive decline, infection, right-sided hemispheric stroke, anterior circulation large-vessel stroke, stroke severity, and brain atrophy. Delirium after stroke is associated with a worse outcome.

A study on orthomorphic correction of mandibular dysmorphology

Purpose:To evaluate the usefulness of orthomorphic surgery in correcting mandibular dysmorphology.Materials and Methods:This is a prospective study in which five patients having mandibular dysmorphology were treated using orthomorphic surgery. The patients were evaluated for outcome in terms of duration of surgery, assessment of mandibular split, mental nerve paresthesia/ neurosensory changes after surgery, assessment of mouth opening before and after surgery, postoperative assessment of mandibular symmetry, and postoperative complications.Statistical Analysis Used:Descriptive statistics, frequencies, contingency coefficient test (cross tabs).Results:Our study has revealed results in support of the technique mentioned, showing good success rate in terms of mandibular dysmorphology correction when used in mild to moderate dysmorphology cases.Conclusion:Orthomorphic surgery will play an increasingly important role in the repertoire of the maxillofacial surgeon in correcting mandibular dysmorphology.

Parenteral nutrition for patients with advanced ovarian malignancy

Parenteral nutrition (PN) in patients with disseminated ovarian cancer remains controversial. The role of PN in providing nutrition and improving quality of life is unclear. The present study aimed to determine the pattern of prescribing in a large teaching hospital, and to identify subgroups where the use of PN was justified. Sixty-five patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma received PN between January 2002 and May 2008. A retrospective case note review was undertaken to retrieve data on PN prescribing and outcomes in terms of duration of PN provision, complications, and survival. Three subgroups were identified. Group I consisted of 18 (28%) patients who received PN for a median [interquartile range (IQR)] of 5 (2-11) days. The majority of these 18 patients (n = 13, 72%) had disease-related terminal bowel obstruction. Out of 18 of these patients, 17 (95%) had poor performance status. The median (IQR) survival was 12 (6-28) days. Group II consisted of 40 (61%) patients who were re-established on enteral nutrition. The median (IQR) duration of PN administration was 10 (6-17) days. The most common indication of PN was protracted ileus (n = 25, 63%). Out of 40 of these patients, 35 (88%) patients had good performance status. The median (IQR) survival was 264 (96-564) days. The third group of patients required home PN (n = 7, 11%). Four (58%) patients had short bowel syndrome and three (42%) had terminal intestinal obstruction. All of the patients had good performance status. The median (IQR) duration of PN administration and survival was 241 (90-305) days. Administration of PN appears to be justified in those patients with a good performance status (i.e. patients capable of self-care), which constituted three-quarters of this cohort. In the remaining patients with poor performance status, and particularly those with terminal intestinal obstruction, PN administration was difficult to justify. PN should not be denied based purely on the pathology, although cautious judgment is required to select those who are most likely to benefit.

Unilateral versus bilateral thyroarytenoid Botulinum toxin injections in adductor spasmodic dysphonia: a prospective study

ObjectivesIn this preliminary prospective study, we compared unilateral and bilateral thyroarytenoid muscle injections of Botulinum toxin (Dysport) in 31 patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia, who had undergone more than 5 consecutive Dysport injections (either unilateral or bilateral) and had completed 5 concomitant self-rated efficacy and complication scores questionnaires related to the previous injections. We also developed a Neurophysiological Scoring (NPS) system which has utility in the treatment administration.Method and materialsData were gathered prospectively on voice improvement (self-rated 6 point scale), length of response and duration of complications (breathiness, cough, dysphagia and total voice loss). Injections were performed under electromyography (EMG) guidance. NPS scale was used to describe the EMG response. Dose and unilateral/bilateral injections were determined by clinical judgment based on previous response. Time intervals between injections were patient driven.ResultsLow dose unilateral Dysport injection was associated with no significant difference in the patient's outcome in terms of duration of action, voice score (VS) and complication rate when compared to bilateral injections. Unilateral injections were not associated with any post treatment total voice loss unlike the bilateral injections.ConclusionUnilateral low dose Dysport injections are recommended in the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia.

Efficacy and safety of sequential intravenous/oral moxifloxacin vs intravenous/oral amoxicillin/clavulanate for complicated skin and skin structure infections

Complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSIs) are an important healthcare concern worldwide, as they can be life-threatening and challenging to treat. cSSSIs are normally managed using a combination of surgical intervention and prompt antibiotic use. New therapeutic options, including novel antibiotics, are required to improve outcomes in terms of duration of illness and to reduce the consumption of healthcare resources. This was a prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel-group, multinational clinical study comparing sequential intravenous/oral (iv/po) moxifloxacin, 400 mg once daily, and iv amoxicillin/clavulanate, 1,000 mg/ 200 mg three times daily followed by po amoxicillin/ clavulanate, 500 mg/125 mg three times daily, for 7-21 days in hospitalized patients. A total of 804 patients were enrolled (mean age 51.8 years). The most common clinical diagnosis was complicated erysipelas (32.1% moxifloxacin; 30.0% amoxicillin/ clavulanate) and major abscess (31.1% moxifloxacin; 29.3% amoxicillin/clavulanate). Overall clinical success rates at the test-of-cure (TOC) visit (14-28 days post-treatment) for the per-protocol population (primary efficacy variable) were 80.6% (254/315) for patients in the moxifloxacin group and 84.5% (268/317) for those receiving amoxicillin/clavulanate (95% confidence interval [CI] -9.41, 2.18). Similar results were obtained for the intention-to-treat population (95% CI -7.56, 4.31). In both treatment groups, the highest clinical success rates were recorded for patients with complicated erysipelas, major abscess, surgical wound infection, and cellulitis. The lowest clinical cure rates were reported for diabetic foot infection and necrotizing fasciitis. In the microbiologically evaluable population, the bacteriological success rate (eradication and presumed eradication) was 76.0% (127/ 167) in the moxifloxacin group and 81.4% (140/172) in the amoxicillin/clavulanate group (95% CI -12.96, 4.41). Staphylococcus aureus (137 isolates) and Escherichia coli (50 isolates) were the most frequently isolated skin pathogens. Adverse event rates were comparable between treatment groups. Treatment with sequential iv/po moxifloxacin monotherapy once daily is clinically comparable to that with iv/po amoxicillin/clavulanate three times daily in the management of cSSSIs. Moxifloxacin's simple dose regimen offers an advantage over amoxicillin/clavulanate and represents a valuable addition to current antibiotic regimens used in the treatment of cSSSIs.

Combination chemotherapy for intermediate and high grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

One hundred and eighteen consecutive adults with newly diagnosed intermediate and high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were treated with chemotherapy comprising Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine and Prednisolone with mid-cycle Methotrexate (MTX) and leucovorin rescue ('CHOP-M'). Intrathecal MTX was given with each treatment cycle as central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis. 'Clinical remission' was achieved in 70/110 evaluable patients (64%), complete remission: 45/110, (41%), good partial remission: 25/110 (23%). Twenty two patients (19%) died prior to completion of therapy, 18 patients had persistent disease. Hyponatremia (< 137 mmol l-1), advanced age and hypoalbuminaemia (< 32 g l-1) correlated adversely with achievement of CR (P = 0.0007, 0.0005 and 0.04 respectively). With a minimum follow up of 41 years, 47 of the seventy patients (67%) in whom clinical remission was achieved remain well, 19 have developed recurrent disease, resulting in an actuarial projected remission duration of 70% at 8 years. Four died in CR. There has been only one isolated CNS recurrence. On univariate analysis, hypoalbuminaemia, hyponatremia and beta 2 microglobulin (> 3) correlated with unfavourable outcome in terms of duration of remission (P = 0.0009, 0.007 and 0.04 respectively). On multivariate analysis, only the serum sodium (0.002) and advanced age (0.01) were predictive for remission duration. Fifty patients (45%) are alive, the overall actuarial projected survival is thus 42% at 8 years. On univariate analysis, age, hypoalbuminaemia, hyponatraemia, liver involvement and the presence of B symptoms correlated unfavourably with survival. On multivariate analysis, hypoalbuminaemia, advanced age, hyponatraemia, male gender (aged > 50) and diffuse large cell or large cell, immunoblastic histology (Working Formulation) had an adverse effect (P = 0.003, < 0.0001, < 0.0001, 0.002, and 0.03). It was further possible, using cut-off points of 32 g l-1 and 136 mmol l-1 for albumin and sodium respectively to define prognostic categories for patients who differed significantly in terms of survival.