Physical Condition Of Patient Research Articles

Effect of percutaneous kyphoplasty combined with percutaneous microwave ablation on pain and clinical outcome in patients with spinal metastases.

To study the effect of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) combined with microwave ablation (MWA) on pain and clinical outcomes in patients with spinal metastases. Eighty-seven patients with spinal metastases were retrospectively collected and divided into the PKP group (40 cases), and PKP + MWA group (47 cases). The postoperative efficacy (Frankel grade classification) was assessed, and the height of the diseased vertebrae, pain indices [visual analogue scale (VAS) and analgesic use score (AUS)], dysfunction in daily activities [Oswestry disability index (ODI)], quality of life (quality of life scores for tumor patients), and physical status score [Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status] were compared. The incidence rate of adverse events and the survival of both groups were also counted. Postoperatively, the PKP + MWA group had a higher total effective rate than the PKP group (P < 0.05). Versus the PKP group, the PKP + MWA group showed improved recovery of vertebral height, lower VAS, AUS, and ODI scores, higher QLS, and better physical status (all P < 0.05). Postoperative adverse events were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). The disease-free survival rate and overall survival rate within 1 year were higher in the PKP + MWA group than in the PKP group (P < 0.05). PKP combined with MWA elevates the height of the diseased vertebrae, alleviates the symptoms of pain and dysfunction, and promotes the quality of life and physical status in patients with spinal metastases.

Giant renal artery aneurysm with severe compression of the right kidney.

Renal artery aneurysm (RAA) is a rare condition among visceral aneurysms, often asymptomatic and incidentally discovered through imaging. Surgical or interventional procedures are utilized for treatment, depending on the aneurysm's size, morphology, and the patient's physical condition, to prevent rupture. A patient was admitted with a giant asymptomatic RAA, measuring a maximum diameter of 11cm on a serendipitous occasion. We successfully accomplished a full embolization treatment for the aneurysm, exclusively utilizing inflow tract embolization techniques. Six months post-treatment, a follow-up abdominal ultrasound examination demonstrated a notable decrease in the aneurysm's diameter, signifying the positive outcome of our intervention. This approach offers a feasible alternative in challenging cases, especially when traditional surgical methods are not feasible or carry significant risks.

Surgical Repair of a Giant Unruptured Left Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm in an Older Patient: A Case Report.

A giant unruptured left sinus of Valsalva aneurysms is extremely rare. Even if asymptomatic, surgical repair should be performed, considering comorbidities, and patient's physical condition. In this case, patch repair with coronary artery bypass, correction of sinotubular junction, and aortic annulus for aortic regurgitation benefited the older patient.

Management of Anesthesia in Mandibular Tumors with Difficult Airway

A 39-year-old female patient with a diagnosis of mandibular tumor underwent mandibleectomy surgery and Free Fibular Flap reconstruction. Preoperative evaluation is carried out on the patient, namely by conducting an anamnesis, physical examination, and supporting examination to determine the problem and conclusion of the patient's physical status. The physical status of the patient is ASA III. During the surgical durante, a tracheostomy is performed with local anesthesia. Next, the patient is positioned head down to undergo the surgical procedure. The operation lasted for 10 hours with stable hemodynamics. Postoperatively, patients are treated in the ICU treatment room, vital signs observation, and postoperative pain management. A closed study by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Professional Committee revealed that the risks and severe complications of anesthesia are most often closely related to airway management problems. Success in overcoming complications depends on early detection of symptoms and corrective actions to prevent the situation from worsening. In this patient, airway management based on the Difficult Airway Algorithm other options, local anesthesia with tracheostomy and watershed algorithm was successful with plan A, namely facemask ventilation and tracheal intubation.

E-selectin and asymmetric dimethylarginine plasma levels in adult cyanotic congenital heart disease patients: relation to biochemical parameters, vascular function, and clinical status.

Abstract Background and Aim Patients with cyanosis secondary to congenital heart disease (CHD) are characterized by erythrocytosis and increased blood viscosity, which contributes to endothelial dysfunction, increased arterial stiffness, and impaired vascular function, which may affect the final clinical presentation. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and e-selectin (e-sel) are valuable biomarkers for prognosis of endocardial dysfunction and vascular damage. Their concentration levels in blood serum have the potential to be a rapid and easily accessible tool that reflects the severity of the disease. We aimed to assess e-sel and ADMA levels, their relationship with clinical status, as well as endothelial and vascular function. Methods A cross-sectional study including 36 adult CHD cyanotic patients [(17 males)(42.3 +/- 16.3 years)] with arterial blood oxygen saturation less than 92% and 20 healthy controls [(10 males)( 38.2 +/- 8.5 years)] was performed. All patients underwent clinical examination, blood testing, and cardiopulmonary tests. Endothelial function was assessed using intima-media thickness and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). Vascular function using applanation tonometry methods was completed while considering aortic systolic pressure, aortic pulse pressure (AoPP), augmentation pressure (AP), augmentation index (AI), pulse pressure amplification (PPampl), and pulse wave velocity (PWV). Results Concentrations of e-sel and ADMA were significantly higher in patients with CHD than in controls (56.3 ± 13.6 ng/mL vs. 15.5 +/- 8.6 ng/mL, p&amp;lt;0.001) and (1.48 ± 0.48 ng/mL vs. 0.46 ± 0.1 ng/mL, p&amp;lt;0.001) respectively. E-sel levels correlated with gender, blood oxygen saturation, red blood cell, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, augmentation pressure, forced expiratory one second volume, forced vital capacity, and oxygen uptake. ADMA levels were found to correlate with age only. Conclusions E-sel level, unlike ADMA concentration, reflects the degree of severity of erythrocytosis and hypoxia and, thus, the physical status of patients with cyanotic CHD. E-selectin predicts increased augmentation pressure.Figure 1.A) ROC analysis for e-selectin

Prediction of complications after laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: feasibility of E‑PASS score.

With significant advancements in laparoscopic procedures and tools over the last decade, the partial nephrectomy (PN) surgical approach has gradually transformed from open to laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN). Although numerous studies evaluating the postoperative complications of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy can be found in the literature, a scoring system that addresses both preoperative physical condition and intraoperative risk factors has not yet been established. The Estimation of Physiological Ability and Surgical Stress (E-PASS) score is a scoring system that considers both the patient's preoperative condition and intraoperative variables to predict the risk of postoperative complications in surgically treated patients. This study aimed to assess the applicability of the E-PASS scoring system for predicting postoperative complications following LPN. We analyzed data of 196 patients who underwent LPN between 2017 and 2024 by a single surgeon in this single-center retrospective study. Demographic data of the patients, parameters reflecting patients' preoperative physical condition, and intraoperative risk factors were recorded. Postoperative complications were classified using the Clavien-Dindo system. The E-PASS score and its sub-scores were calculated for each patient. Various degrees of complications developed in 46 patients (23.5%). Patients who developed complications had significantly higher mean age, performance scores, tumor sizes, length of hospital stay, and E-PASS values. The cutoff value of the E-PASS Comprehensive Risk Score (CRS) for predicting the development of postoperative complications was determined to be -0.1692 (AUC = 0.676; 95% CI 0.581-0.771; p < 0.001). According to the results of the multivariate analysis, the presence of E-PASS CRS > -0.1692 (OR 4.872; 95% CI 2.384-9.957; p < 0.001) and tumor size (OR 1.021; 95% CI 1-1.041; p = 0.047) was identified as independent risk factors predicting postoperative complications. Patients with a CRS higher than the cutoff value had a 4.87 times higher rate of postoperative complications after LPN. The E-PASS scoring model successfully predicts postoperative complications in patients undergoing LPN by utilizing preoperative data on the patient's physical condition and surgical risk factors. The E-PASS score and its sub-scores can serve as objective criteria to determine the risk of postoperative complications both preoperatively and immediately postoperatively.

Surgical Treatment of Purulent Complications and Widespread Paraprosthetic Infection in the Area of the Mesh Prosthesis After Laparoscopic Transabdominal Preperitoneal Hernioplasty on the Right with Involvement of Abdominal Organs Using Laparoscopic Access

Laparoscopic transabdominal, preperitoneal hernioplasty for inguinal hernia using a synthetic mesh prosthesis is the most common operation in modern surgical practice. Given the minimally invasive approach, infectious complications are rare. Despite the rarity of infectious complications, their development requires additional use of medications, long-term use of antibiotics, repeated traumatic surgical interventions, which leads to prolonged pain syndrome, hernia recurrence and is accompanied by a serious deterioration in the mental and physical condition of patients. Ultrasound and computed tomography with contrast are quite informative research methods for diagnosing abscesses associated with the implantation of a synthetic mesh prosthesis. In this article, we consider a clinical observation: a 36-year-old man with an abscess in the area of a synthetic mesh prosthesis after laparoscopic prosthetic preperitoneal hernioplasty on the right for inguinal hernia 4 months after the initial operation. The infectious process spread from the area of the infected prosthesis into the abdominal cavity, was limited by internal organs with the formation of an abscess. The resulting complication was treated by laparoscopic access. The purpose of our article is to draw the attention of surgeons to the possibility of a rare infectious complication in the area of the synthetic mesh prosthesis after right laparoscopic preperitoneal hernioplasty for inguinal hernia 4 months after the initial operation, after which the infectious process may spread from the area of the infected prosthesis into the abdominal cavity. The emphasis is placed on the difficulties of preoperative diagnosis of the complication and its surgical correction by laparoscopic access.

Pre-Transplant Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA)-Derived Body Composition Measures as Predictors of Treatment Outcomes and Early Post-Transplant Complications in Patients with Multiple Myeloma (MM) Treated with Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (AutoHSCT).

Background/Objectives: Changes in muscle mass and bone density are common in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) offers precise, non-invasive insights into a patient's physical condition before autologous stem cell transplantation (autoHSCT). This study examines how pre-transplant body composition impacts treatment outcomes and early complications in MM patients undergoing autoHSCT. Methods: This study is a single-center, retrospective analysis of patients with MM who were treated with first or second autoHSCT and underwent DXA pre-transplant between 11 August 2019 and 12 June 2024. Results: We conducted a study of pre-transplant body composition in 127 patients with MM. Among them, 108 (85%) qualified for first autoHSCT, while 19 (15%) qualified for a second. The median age of the patients was 64 years (range 50-73). In the Cox proportional hazards regression conducted in the group of women, Total Body %Fat was a statistically significant predictor for progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.01,0.6, p = 0.0157). In the Mann-Whitney U test conducted on males, Lean Mass/Height2 and Appen. Lean Height2 were statistically significant predictors of early infections after autoHSCT (Z = 1.98, p = 0.0473 and Z = 2.32, p = 0.0204, respectively). In males, Fat Mass/Height2 was a significant predictor of non-infectious toxicity related to treatment (Z = -1.98, p = 0.0476). Conclusions: In women, higher levels of adipose tissue initially appear to exert a protective effect; however, this benefit diminishes over time, with greater fat mass eventually correlating with an increased risk of disease progression. In men, muscle mass has been identified as a significant predictor of early infection risk post-autoHSCT. Furthermore, our findings indicate that an increased amount of adipose tissue in men is statistically associated with a higher risk of non-infectious treatment-related toxicity. These conclusions highlight the critical need for further investigation into the role of body composition.

E-Selectin and Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Levels in Adult Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease: Their Relation to Biochemical Parameters, Vascular Function, and Clinical Status.

Background and Aim: Patients with cyanosis secondary to congenital heart disease (CHD) are characterized by erythrocytosis and increased blood viscosity, which contribute to endothelial dysfunction, increased arterial stiffness, and impaired vascular function, which may affect the final clinical presentation. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and e-selectin (e-sel) are valuable biomarkers for endothelial and vascular dysfunction. Their concentration levels in blood serum have the potential to be an accessible tool that reflects the severity of the disease. We aimed to assess e-sel and ADMA levels and their relationship with the clinical status and endothelial and vascular function. Methods: A cross-sectional study, including 36 adult CHD cyanotic patients [(17 males) (42.3 ± 16.3 years)] with an arterial blood oxygen saturation less than 92% and 20 healthy controls [(10 males) (38.2 ± 8.5 years)], was performed. All the patients underwent a clinical examination, blood testing, and cardiopulmonary tests. Their endothelial function was assessed using the intima media thickness and flow-mediated dilatation. Vascular function, using applanation tonometry methods, was determined using the aortic systolic pressure, aortic pulse pressure, augmentation pressure, augmentation index, pulse pressure amplification, and pulse wave velocity. Results: The concentrations of e-sel and ADMA were significantly higher in the patients with CHD. The E-sel levels correlated positively with red blood cells, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and augmentation pressure; they correlated negatively with blood oxygen saturation, the forced expiratory one-second volume, forced vital capacity, and oxygen uptake. The ADMA levels were found to correlate only with age. Conclusions: The E-sel level, unlike ADMA concentration, reflects the severity of erythrocytosis and hypoxia and, thus, the physical status of patients with cyanotic CHD.

Anesthesia in Caesarean Section Patients with Hyperthyroid

Thyrotoxicosis is defined as a state of excess thyroid hormone and is not synonymous with hyperthyroidism, which is the result of excessive thyroid function. The prevalence of hyperthyroidism ranges from 0.2% to 1.3% in iodine-sufficient regions of the world. The combination of increasing FT4 and suppressing TSH is one way to enforce the hyperthyroidism diagnosis. The case of a 22-year-old woman with a diagnosis of G6P3A2H3 premature contractions has been reported , who came to the surgical room at Dr. HOSPITAL. Suhatman MARS to perform a caesarean section. Based on the pre-operative physical examination carried out, it was found that the patient's physical status was ASA II. In this patient, regional anesthesia will be planned. The patient has a history of hyperthyroidism since ± 10 years ago and regularly takes Thyrozol once a day during pregnancy and controls it with a specialist in Internal Medicine. Theoretically, this shows that the suspected condition of the patient is hyperthyroidism and if continued it could lead to Graves' disease, toxic nodular goiter, subclinical hyperthyroidism, or other conditions that lead to hyperthyroidism so surgery must be carried out taking this situation into account.

Evaluation of Patient Outcomes after Pharmacological Intervention in Home Health Care Utilizing Pharmaceutical Care Records

The purpose of this study was to identify patient outcomes after pharmacist interventions in the home health care context using pharmaceutical care records accumulated during daily operations. We focused on 591 cases at Nakajima Pharmacy from April 2020 to December 2021, where dispensing fees were charged to prevent duplication of medication and unnecessary interactions of home patients (excluding those related to adjustment of ongoing medications). The study investigated the content and background of prescription changes, the follow-up rate, and patient outcomes. The most common circumstances that led to pharmacist intervention for homebound patients were symptom occurrence (uncontrolled symptom, new symptom, drug adverse event). Of the patients for whom pharmacist intervention was provided for symptoms, 72.8% received follow-up according to the pharmaceutical care records. Furthermore, 59.2% of patients with follow-up showed an improvement of their symptoms. In addition, many patients had their medications discontinued or the dosage reduced by the pharmacist despite stable symptoms. More than 90% of these patients showed no change in symptoms. Besides interventions associated with the occurrence of symptoms, many interventions related to medication adherence were found to result from the patient's physical condition, such as poor swallowing function. The results suggest that tracking pharmacy drug histories may help pharmacists to better understand the need for follow-up implementation and the changes in patient outcomes after interventions.

Patient selection for nonoperating room anesthesia.

Given the rapid growth of nonoperating room anesthesia (NORA) in recent years, it is essential to review its unique challenges as well as strategies for patient selection and care optimization. Recent investigations have uncovered an increasing prevalence of older and higher ASA physical status patients in NORA settings. Although closed claim data regarding patient injury demonstrate a lower proportion of NORA cases resulting in a claim than traditional operating room cases, NORA cases have an increased risk of claim for death. Challenges within NORA include site-specific differences, limitations in ergonomic design, and increased stress among anesthesia providers. Several authors have thus proposed strategies focusing on standardizing processes, site-specific protocols, and ergonomic improvements to mitigate risks. Considering the unique challenges of NORA settings, meticulous patient selection, risk stratification, and preoperative optimization are crucial. Embracing data-driven strategies and leveraging technological innovations (such as artificial intelligence) is imperative to refine quality control methods in targeted areas. Collaborative efforts led by anesthesia providers will ensure personalized, well tolerated, and improved patient outcomes across all phases of NORA care.

Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi Targeted Botulinum Toxin Injection for Treatment of Perinasal Facial Discomfort and Snarling.

Botulinum toxin has been increasingly studied and used for varying conditions, most notably, cosmetics. However, it has been shown that botulinum toxin demonstrates a high efficacy in treating spasticity disorders throughout the body, including the face. Facial spasms vary in pathophysiology, region, and severity. Some can be so severe that they can cause discomfort and emotional distress due to the involuntary facial expressions caused by the spasms. Most spasticity conditions are often treated with adjuvant therapy of oral muscle relaxants and analgesics depending on severity. However, these treatments impose risks of varying adverse effects from sedation, hypotension, and if chronic use, more severe effects such as central nervous system complications or QT prolongation. In addition, if spasms are localized, the muscle relaxant's mechanism is not targeted, leading to unnecessary systemic use. That being said, a more targeted and manageable treatment such as botulinum toxin presents itself as a potential option for patient's physical condition and everyday life quality. Our case presents a 62-year-old male, with a chronic history of localized, idiopathic spasms and discomfort within the Levator Labii Superioris Aqulae Nasi region. The patient had no history of previous neurological disorders, and imaging was unremarkable. The patient had been treated over the past 13 years with varying oral therapeutics including Cymbalta, Ibuprofen, and cyclobenzaprine with limited improvement, but presented to the clinic seeking a different treatment plan, as the adverse effects from the muscle relaxants were impeding his everyday activities. The patient was also experiencing significant pain and emotional stress due to the spasms. The risk and benefits of treatment options were discussed and the patient decided to move forward with botulinum injections. After the first injection, the patient reported his pain had significantly improved and was relieved to be off of chronic pain medications. Our case demonstrates, what increasing literature further also supports: botulinum toxin is becoming a potential effective treatment for a breadth of spasticity disorders with a more targeted mechanism, and more manageable treatment plan, while simultaneously improving the patient's quality of life.

Вплив стресу на стан м’язової системи пацієнтів з ушкодженнями опорно-рухового апарату

The article examines the impact of stress and psychological disorders in the context of military actions in Ukraine on the human muscular system, as well as their effect on the physical condition of patients with injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. It also explores how stress and psychological disorders in wartime conditions contribute to the spread of pathological pain sensations and the occurrence of muscle spasms. A brief historical overview is provided, and scientific publications on the use of various methods in treating different pathologies, including pain syndromes caused by musculoskeletal muscle spasms, are analyzed. The article discusses types of somatic muscle spasms and pain syndromes, as well as mechanisms of local physiological influences and methods of psychological correction for conditions that cause pain and spasms in muscles, fascia, and joints. The positive impact of physiological procedures combined with psychological correction on pain associated with stressful situations and psychological disorders in people who have experienced moral humiliation and physical abuse during wartime and occupation is demonstrated. Various manifestations of stress and their effects on the functioning of muscles, fascia, and joints in individuals who are currently experiencing or have experienced military actions are described. Additionally, the article examines how psychological disorders resulting from military actions in Ukraine affect patients with musculoskeletal injuries. Methods proposed by modern rehabilitation therapy to alleviate and improve the condition of such patients are presented. These methods, such as various types of massage, heat treatments, taping, and psychological correction, are considered techniques for relieving pain that can be used both simultaneously and sequentially, without causing negative side effects during therapy and requiring minimal effort. It is established that the consequences of chronic stress and prolonged experiences of anxiety, nervousness, and panic attacks cause significant harm to the health of adults and children. The accumulated stress over the long period of war causes varying degrees of harm to each individual, with chronic forms of internal organ diseases and inflammatory processes becoming more pronounced. However, the primary target of chronic stress is the muscles. Only a comprehensive approach to this problem is an important factor in overcoming the consequences. Key words: stress, psychological disorders, human muscular system, musculoskeletal system, military actions

Experiences of patients with metachromatic leukodystrophy, adrenoleukodystrophy, or Krabbe disease and the experiences of their family members: a qualitative systematic review.

This review aimed to synthesize the experiences of patients with metachromatic leukodystrophy, adrenoleukodystrophy, or Krabbe disease and the experiences of their families. Leukodystrophies are metabolic diseases caused by genetic mutations. There are multiple forms of the disease, varying in age of onset and symptoms. The progression of leukodystrophies worsens central nervous system symptoms and significantly affects the lives of patients and their families. Qualitative studies on the experiences of patients with leukodystrophies and their family members were included. These experiences included treatments such as enzyme replacement therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; effects of tracheostomy and gastrostomy; burdens on the family, coordinating care within the health care system, and family planning due to genetic disorders. This review considered studies in any setting. MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL Plus (EBSCOhost), APA PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), Scopus, and MedNar databases were searched on November 18, 2022. Study selection, critical appraisal, data extraction, and data synthesis were conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence, and synthesized findings were evaluated according to the ConQual approach. Eleven studies were eligible for synthesis, and 45 findings were extracted corresponding with participants' voices. Of these findings, 40 were unequivocal and 5 were credible. The diseases in the included studies were metachromatic leukodystrophy and adrenoleukodystrophy; no studies were identified for patients with Krabbe disease and their families. These findings were grouped into 11 categories and integrated into 3 synthesized findings, including i) providing care by family members and health care providers as physical symptoms progress, which relates to the effects of the characteristics of progressive leukodystrophies; ii) building medical teamwork to provide appropriate support services, comprising categories related to the challenges experienced with the health care system for patients with leukodystrophy and their families; and iii) coordinating family functions to accept and cope with the disease, which included categories related to family psychological difficulties and role divisions within the family. According to the ConQual criteria, the second synthesized finding had a low confidence level, and the first and third synthesized findings had a very low confidence level. The synthesized findings of this review provide evidence on the experiences of patients with metachromatic leukodystrophy or adrenoleukodystrophy and their families. These findings indicate that there are challenges in managing a patient's physical condition and coordinating the health care system and family functions. PROSPERO CRD42022318805. A Japanese-language version of the abstract of this review is available [ http://links.lww.com/SRX/A49 ].

Nutrition Care Process on Obesity Patient with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF) Wet and Warm, Atrial Fibrillation Moderate Ventricular Response, and Acute Kidney Injury: A Case Report

Background: Obesity is caused by an imbalance between excessive energy intake and insufficient physical activity over a prolonged period. Obesity can increase the risk of metabolic syndrome, including heart failure. Severe heart failure can further elevate the risk of complications such as atrial fibrillation and acute kidney injury. In order to mitigate the exacerbation of heart failure severity in obese patients, it is imperative to institute a cardiovascular diet therapy employing the principles of adequate energy provision, low-fat content, and restricted protein intake within the framework of a Nutrition Care Process (NCP). Objective: To investigate the management of standard nutritional care in obese patients with acute decompensated heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and acute kidney injury through the administration of a cardiovascular diet. Methods: A case study was conducted in February 2023 on a patient at the University of Airlangga Infectious Disease Hospital, Surabaya. Results: The results of the clinical evaluation demonstrated an improvement in the patient's physical condition, as evidenced by the absence of dyspnea and stable vital signs within the normal range at the end of the intervention. The patient's food intake increased progressively, although some macronutrient targets were not fully met (&lt;75%). Conclusion: The patient's condition showed significant improvement, as indicated by positive changes in physical/clinical monitoring. Additionally, there was an increase in food intake, although the target macronutrient intake was not fully achieved.

Model for end-stage liver disease-dependent prognostic capacity of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio following liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma

BackgroundTo improve liver organ allocation, the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was adopted in candidates reflecting the severity of liver disease and the physical condition of patients. Inflammatory markers are prognostic factors for various cancers and play prognostic roles in patients after liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Researchers focused more on pre-LT inflammatory markers, while the role of dynamic change of these inflammatory markers is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prognostic value of pre-LT and post-LT inflammatory markers. Material and methodsWe collected the pre-LT complete blood count and the post-LT result with highest count of white blood cells within 48 h. Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio and systemic immune-inflammation index were calculated, and their prognostic roles were analyzed for their MELD scores. ResultsThis retrospective two-center cohort study enrolled 290 patients after LT for HCC. Multivariate analysis identified pre-LT PLR as independent risk factor for recurrence-free survival (RFS) [HR (95%CI): 1.002 (1.000–1.003), p = 0.023]. A high pre-LT PLR or post-LT PLR were associated with poorer RFS (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). Based on the MELD scores, the pre-LT PLR value was able to predict the RFS in high MELD group (p < 0.001) but had no predictive power in low MELD group (p = 0.076). On the contrary, the post-LT PLR value was better to predict the overall RFS value in low MELD group (p = 0.007) but could not predict the overall RFS value in high MELD group (p = 0.136). ConclusionsBoth pre-LT PLR and post-LT PLR demonstrated prognostic value in patients following LT for HCC. Monitoring PLR values based on the MELD score can improve the predictive prognosis and more effectively guide the individual decisions for the postoperative intervention.

Comparison of percutaneous nephrolithotripsy combined with retrograde intrarenal surgery and multi-tract percutaneous nephrolithotripsy for octopus stone: A propensity score-matching study.

To compared the effectiveness and safety of single standard mini percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (SM-PCNL) combined with retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and multiple standard mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MSM-PCNL) in the treatment of octopus stone of 2 to 4 cm. The clinical data of SM-PCNL combined with RIRS and MSM-PCNL for octopus stone with a 2 to 4 cm diameter from October 2019 to December 2022 were analyzed retrospectively, and propensity score matching was used to screen patients. The matched patients were paired, and the operation time, complications, postoperative pain, tubeless rate, stone-free rate (SFR), and postoperative hospital stay were further compared between the 2 groups. 88 patients underwent SM-PCNL combined with RIRS (combined group), and 143 patients underwent MSM-PCNL (multiple channel group). After matching analysis, there were 49 patients in each group, and there was no significant difference in the general preoperative data between the 2 groups. The perioperative complications and stone-free rate were no statistical difference. In postoperative pain (4.00 ± 0.74 vs 5.00 ± 0.74, P = .00), tubeless rate (44.90% vs 20.41%, P = .01), hemoglobin drop (9.38 ± 7.48 vs 14.22 ± 7.69, P = .01), postoperative hospital stay (3.37 ± 1.09 vs 5.08 ± 1.29, P = .00), the combined group was significantly better than the multiple channel group. Regarding operation time, the combined group was more than the multiple channel group (103.27 ± 27.61 vs 78.39 ± 19.31, P = .000). For octopus stone with a diameter of 2 to 4 cm, the effectiveness and safety of SM-PCNL combined with RIRS were similar to those of MSM-PCNL The surgeon should carefully evaluate the patient's physical condition, stone characteristics, and expectations before the operation and assist the patient in choosing an appropriate plan.

Factors influencing ultrasound cardiac output monitor waveform quality in patients admitted to the emergency intensive care unit

ObjectiveThe ultrasonic cardiac output monitor (USCOM), an instrument that monitors the evolution of a patient's hemodynamic status and determines the type of shock, has become an important tool for assessing cardiac pathology and predicting changes in disease, but there are some variations in the instrumental findings for different physical conditions of patients. This article examines whether there are differences in the quality of USCOM waveforms measured in different types of critically ill patients based on clinical characteristics and test parameters. MethodsBaseline data, diagnoses, echocardiograms, ventilation patterns, and USCOM results were retrospectively collected from patients in the emergency intensive care unit. Waveform quality was quantified using the Fremantle score to determine the extent to which age, body mass index (BMI), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respiratory failure, cardiac enlargement, valvular heart disease, and ventilation pattern influenced USCOM waveform quality. ResultsAge, body mass index, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory failure, right and left heart enlargement, aortic valve disease (excluding aortic stenosis), and ventilation mode did not have a significant effect on USCOM waveform quality in critically ill patients (P > 0.05). ConclusionsVarious physical conditions of critically ill patients may have limited effect on the quality of the USCOM waveform, potentially rendering USCOM suitable for early assessment of hemodynamic status during ICU admission.

Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Emergency Surgery for Complex Colorectal Cancer: Protocol and Piloting of the Surgical Utilization and Recovery Patterns for Advanced Stage Colorectal Cancer Study.

Introduction: Globally, cancer is the leading cause of mortality, with colorectal neoplasia ranking third in terms of incidence and mortality worldwide. Patients face disease- and treatment-specific impacts, which can significantly influence their quality of life (QoL). Aim: This study aimed to propose a protocol to measure in-hospital and long-term QoL in patients with complicated colorectal cancer (CRC). Material and Methods: multicenter prospective observational cohort study. Results: QoL is a multidimensional concept that includes criteria for physical, mental, emotional, and social functionality as perceived by the patient. Periodically evaluating QoL offers measurable and objective tools to intervene at the appropriate time to decrease the Years of Life Lost and Years Lived with Disabilities for CRC patients. However, a structured and functional system requires dedicated and common institutional effort. A pilot study using this protocol included 69 patients, 65.12+-10.92 years, M:F ratio = 56.5:43.5%. Surgical procedure was right hemicolectomy, left colectomy, transverse colectomy, sigmoidectomy, total colectomy, rectal resection, and colorectal resection with stoma (ileostomy or colostomy) in 21.7%, 11.6%, 2.9%, 11.6%, 1.4%, 23.2%, and 27.5% of the cases, respectively. The mean Global Health Status Score, Symptom Score, and Functional Score was 82.36+-18.60, 11.89+-10.27, and 86.27, 74.50-94.11, respectively. Conclusions: CRC diagnosis has major effects on patients physical and psychological status, and concentrated efforts should be made by the involved medical team and healthcare systems to improve QoL throughout the treatment pathway.