Significant Risk Factor For Death Research Articles

Hospital outcomes of acute COVID-19 infection among patients with neurological conditions: a single-center study

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection has been associated with severe neurological consequences, including stroke or seizures, and less severe neurological sequelae, including headaches, dizziness, and anosmia. Earlier COVID-19 variants were associated with high morbidity and mortality; however, knowledge of the impact of neurological conditions in the setting of COVID-19 on healthcare outcomes is limited. We sought to determine the impact of acute neurological conditions and acute COVID-19 infection on inpatient hospitalization outcomes.MethodsThis was a retrospective, observational study of adult patients who were admitted to a large academic medical center in the Southeastern US between April 2020 and December 2021 with acute COVID-19 infection and a neurological diagnosis. Patient demographics, medical history, neurological diagnoses, and hospitalization outcomes were obtained from the medical record. Descriptive statistics and unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses were performed.ResultsOf the 1,387 patients included in this study, 27% died and 23% were kept under ventilation during hospitalization. The mean +/− standard deviation (SD) age was 64.6+/−16.9 years, with 52.8% women and 30.1% identifying as Black/African American. The most common neurological conditions included ischemic stroke (35.0%), movement disorder (12.0%), and hemorrhagic stroke (10.7%). In-hospital death was most common among those with epilepsy (p = 0.024), headache (p = 0.026), and dementia (p < 0.0001) compared to individuals without those conditions. Ventilation support was given more commonly to dementia patients (p = 0.020). Age was a significant risk factor for death (p < 0.001) and hospital length of stay (LOS) for ventilation (p < 0.001), but no neurological condition was a significant factor in adjusted logistic regression analyses.DiscussionMortality was high in this study, with more than one-quarter of patients dying in the hospital. Death was the most common among those with epilepsy, headache, or dementia, but no neurological condition increased the risk of in-hospital mortality or ventilation. Future studies would determine the long-term neurological sequelae of those discharged from the hospital with COVID-19 and a neurological condition.

Predictive value of laboratory indicators for in-hospital death in children with community-onset sepsis: a prospective observational study of 266 patients

Background and objectivesThis study aimed to identify predictors of sepsis-associated in-hospital mortality from readily available laboratory biomarkers at onset of illness that include haematological, coagulation, liver and kidney function, blood...

Clinical characteristics and risk factors for mortality in Candida auris infections

AbstractBackgroundCandida auris infections pose a threat to public health, necessitating increased awareness in China. This study aimed to analyze the strains of C. auris, assess the infection status, and investigate clinical characteristics and risk factors for mortality.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 18 patients with Candida auris infection. We focused on evaluating basic characteristics, strain sources, and antibacterial susceptibility test results. Statistical methods were used to determine clinical features and identify risk factors for death.ResultsThe strain type, composition ratio, and specimen source of C. auris were not associated with mortality. Neither the infection index nor the length of hospitalization showed an association with the prognosis. However, significant risk factors for mortality included cerebral infarction, cardiac disease, renal dysfunction, hypoproteinemia, and anemia (all p < 0.05).ConclusionsCerebral infarction, cardiac disease, renal dysfunction, hypoproteinemia, and anemia are significant risk factors for death in C. auris infections. These findings indicate the importance of recognizing and addressing these factors in the clinical management of C. auris infection.

The value of periportal hyperintensity sign from gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced hepatobiliary phase MRI for predicting clinical outcomes in patients with decompensated cirrhosis

ObjectivesTo determine the value of periportal hyperintensity sign from gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA)-enhanced hepatobiliary phase (HBP) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for predicting clinical outcomes in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.MethodsA total of 199 cirrhotic patients who underwent Gd-BOPTA-enhanced MRI were divided into control group (n = 56) and decompensated cirrhosis group (n = 143). The presence of periportal hyperintensity sign on HBP MRI was recorded. The Cox regression model was used to investigate the association between periportal hyperintensity sign and clinical outcomes.ResultsThere was a significant difference in the frequency of periportal hyperintensity sign on HBP between compensated and decompensated cirrhotic patients (p < 0.05). After a median follow-up of 29.0 months (range, 1.0–90.0 months), nine out of 143 patients (6.2%) with decompensated cirrhosis died. Periportal hyperintensity sign on HBP MRI was a significant risk factor for death (hazard ratio (HR) = 23.677; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.759–117.788; p = 0.0001), with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.844 (95% CI = 0.774–0.899). Thirty patients (20.9%) developed further decompensation. Periportal hyperintensity sign on HBP MRI was also a significant risk factor for further decompensation (HR = 2.594; 95% CI = 1.140–5.903; p = 0.023).ConclusionsPeriportal hyperintensity sign from Gd-BOPTA-enhanced HBP MRI is valuable for predicting clinical outcomes in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.Critical relevance statementPeriportal hyperintensity sign from gadobenate dimeglumine-enhanced hepatobiliary phase magnetic resonance imaging is a new noninvasive method to predict clinical outcomes in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.Key points• There was a significant difference in the frequency of periportal hyperintensity sign on HBP between compensated and decompensated cirrhotic patients.• Periportal hyperintensity sign on the hepatobiliary phase was a significant risk factor for death in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.• Periportal hyperintensity sign on the hepatobiliary phase was a significant risk factor for further decompensation in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.Graphical

Analysis of the infectious agent’s structure and antibiotic resistance parameters in patients in intensive care units of a multidisciplinary hospital

Introduction. Nosocomial infections are a common complication in patients treated in the intensive care unit (ICU). Microorganisms with multidrug resistance are one of the significant risk factors for death in this category of patients. Aim. To study structure of infectious agents in ICU patients and parameters of their antibiotic resistance. Materials and methods. Retrospective pharmacoepidemiological study of medical records of adult patients with infections diagnosed in ICU who were treated in City Clinical Hospital No. 24 of the Department of Health (Moscow, Russian Federation) in the period 08/20/2022 — 07/31/2023 (n=199). The analysis (gender, age of patients, localization of the infectious process, data on the structure of pathogens and sensitivity to antibacterial drugs) included records with data on bacterial culture ( n=141). Results. In the structure of pathogens detected in ICU patients, gram-negative microflora predominated (54 %). Among the pathogens with a clinically significant growth, leaders were K. pneumoniae (22 %), Candida spp. (20 %) and Staphylococcus spp. (19 %). K. pneumoniae was characterized by resistance to beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, and levofloxacin, the highest susceptibility was reported to colistin, 88.9 %. Candida spp. was overwhelmingly susceptible to all drugs used. Among Staphylococ caceae, S. aureus was the most common (70 % resistance to ampicillin and cefoxitin). Conclusion. In the structure of infectious agents detected in ICU patients, a predominance of ESKAPE pathogens (the most prognostically important microorganisms: Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp.) was observed, including K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa. For all these microorganisms, except for Staphylococcaceae, a high level of antibiotic resistance was demonstrated.

Pulmonary Venous Index as Additional Diagnostic Criteria for Fontan Palliation

Backgroud. The results of the Fontan operation, depending on the anatomy of the pulmonary arteries, have been studied quite well. Various indices have been proposed to assess the degree of hypoplasia of the pulmonary arterial bed (Nakata, Reddy, and McGoon indexes). At the same time, an obstruction of pulmonary venous blood return may be considered as a contraindication to Fontan operation. Aim of the Study. To present an optimal method for pulmonary venous index (PVI) calculation based on computed tomography angiography (CTA) enhancement of the heart data in patients with a functional single ventricle. Materials and Methods. 63 patients with a functional single ventricle (SV) underwent CTА (Philips, Brilliance iCT) before the Fontan operation. Axial sections were reconstructed to a thickness of 0.75–3 mm using soft tissue and lung filters, followed by postprocessing of the data (Horos and OsiriX software) and construction of multiplanar and 3D images. The diagnoses were presented by various types of SV of the heart. The age of the patients ranged from 3 to 30 years (median 7 years). Comparison of PVI was carried out in patients of two groups: those who survived the intervention (n = 55 patients) and those who died (n = 8). The evaluation of the pulmonary veins (PV) and the calculation of the pulmonary venous index (PVI) were carried out based on the measurement of each pulmonary vein at 2 levels (at the level of the orifices and bifurcation). The calculation of the PVI was carried out according to the formula: the sum of the cross-sectional area of the main pulmonary veins, related to the body surface area. 3 variants of PVI calculation were compared: taking into account the values of the PV areas at the level of the orifices, the bifurcation, and the sum of the minimum areas of each of the PVs. Results. In the group of survived patients, the median PVI at the level of the PV orifices was 292 mm/m2, and in the group of deceased, it was 242 mm/m2p=0.0326; at the level of PV bifurcation in the group of survivors, it was 299 mm/m2, and in the group of dead patients, it was 281 mm/m2p=0.0776; the minimum PVI was 257 mm/m2 in the survivor group and 218 mm/m2 in the deceased group p=0.006. An ROC analysis performed to determine the critical value of the minimum PVI affecting survival after Fontan operation revealed that PVI measured taking into account the minimum dimensions of the areas of the PV is a significant risk factor for death after Fontan operation p=0.00015, with its value (cutoff) &lt;233.5 mm2/m2. Conclusion. The value of the minimum PVI can be an important morphological indicator of the state of PV blood return and serve as an additional criterion in determining indications for the Fontan operation.

Disease prognosis and therapeutic strategies in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): a 6-year epidemiological study between 2015-2021.

Lung cancer is the top cause of mortality in males and the second largest cause of cancer-related fatalities in women worldwide. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases are discovered at an advanced stage, raising major challenges in disease management and survival outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the clinical findings and management of stage IIIB and IV NSCLC patients for better decision-making, disease management, and understanding of this fatal disease. In this cohort study of 340 patients, a total of 140 (41.2%) were diagnosed with advanced-stage NSCLC at a mean age of 64 years. The electronic data of patients from 2015 to 2021 who met the inclusion criteria were retrieved from two tertiary hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and an Excel sheet was used to record the variables. Patients' data including all categorical variables such as gender, stage, metastasis, ALK, EGFR, and ROS, etc., and continuous variables such as age and body mass index (BMI) were retrieved and analyzed. The multivariate Cox-regression model indicated that smoking was the significant risk factor of death for two-thirds of male smokers (37.9%), with a median survival time of 123 days. Disease progression was higher with pleural and brain metastasis, and localized metastasis was the highest in 75% of patients. The intent of treatment was mainly palliative, however, a statistically significant association was found with the simultaneous use of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Patients' response to first-line treatment revealed a significant improvement if chemotherapy treatment was maintained at the same dose without interruption of dosage. The overall cure and survival rates for NSCLC remain low, particularly in metastatic disease. Therefore, continued research into new drugs and combination therapies is required for better decision-making to expand the clinical benefit to a broader patient population and to improve outcomes in NSCLC.

Prognostic value of the systemic immuno-inflammatory index in critically ill patients with vertebral fractures.

Inflammation plays a critical role in vertebral fractures. However, there is a lack of sufficient evidence regarding the prognostic significance of the systemic immuno-inflammatory index (SII), a novel marker of systemic inflammation, in patients with vertebral fractures. In this study, we aimed to assess the predictive value of SII in critically ill patients with vertebral fractures. The data were from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) version 1.4 and Wenzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The cutoff values for SII were determined using the receiver operating characteristic curve, and the subjects were grouped accordingly. The clinical outcome measured was mortality within 30 days, 90 days, or 1 year. The following formula was used to calculate the SII: SII = (platelet count) × (neutrophil count)/ (lymphocyte count). Cox proportional-hazard models were employed to assess the relationship between SII and survival. Additionally, propensity score matching analysis and COX models were utilized to examine the association between SII and survival outcomes. The Pearson correlation test confirmed the correlation between SII and vertebral T-values measured by bone mineral density and pain indicator. A total of 354 patients were finally included from MIMIC-III in the univariate analysis, for the 30-day mortality, SII ≥ 3164 group, the hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval) was 1.71 (1.01, 2.94). After adjusting for age, gender, race, anion gap, creatinine, systolic blood pressure (SBP), DBP MBP, SOFA, acute physiologic score III, chronic kidney disease, and SAPS II, SII ≥ 3164 was found to be an independent significant risk factor for death in patients (HR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.06-3.24, P = .0315). A similar trend was observed for 90-day mortality and 1-year mortality. Propensity scores matching analysis further confirmed the association of SII and the prognosis of patients. Our validation results were consistent with it. Besides, the Pearson correlation test confirmed a significant correlation between SII and vertebral T-values measured by bone mineral density and pain indicator. The study findings revealed that SII is an independent predictor of mortality in patients with vertebral fractures. This indicates that SII can serve as a reliable and easily accessible prognostic indicator for newly diagnosed critically ill patients with vertebral fractures.

Nomogram Based on Clinical Characteristics to Predict 28-Day Mortality Among Patients with CRAB-BSI.

The drug resistance of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii bloodstream infections (CRAB-BSI), especially hospital-acquired infections, has promoted their rapid and vast spread. It is necessary to use reliable methods to establish better prediction models. According to Cox proportional hazards regression, a nomogram was established. A retrospective cohort study among patients who were diagnosed with CRAB-BSI was performed from January 2020 to December 2022. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to determine independent prognostic factors regarding CRAB-BSI. Then, nomograms were used to calculate the area under the curve (AUC), C-index, and calibration curve to determine the predictive accuracy and dis-criminability. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was employed to further confirm the clinical effectiveness of the nomogram. A total of 98 cases were included in the comparison between the 28-day mortality group consisting of 32 patients and the 28-day survival group with 66 patients. The use of cefoperazone-sulbactam was significantly higher among patients who survived than among those who died. Univariable analysis revealed that factors such as primary diagnosis, time to inadequate antimicrobial therapy, and high serum creatinine and procalcitonin (PCT) levels were more prevalent in the mortality group. However, only primary diagnosis, time to inadequate antimicrobial therapy, and high PCT levels emerged as statistically significant risk factors for death in multivariate analysis and were used to construct the nomogram. The nomogram validation exhibited excellent performance. The nomogram was sufficiently accurate to predict the risk and prognostic factors of CRAB-BSI, allowing for individualized clinical decisions for future clinical work. The cefoperazone-sulbactam did have an effect, but more studies are needed to interpret it.

Risk factors of Fournier’s gangrene associated with mortality in Sunpasittiprasong Hospital

Objective: To determine the mortality rate in patients with Fournier’s gangrene (FG) in Sunpasittiprasong Hospital and to identify potential risk factors associated with mortality among patients of FG. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study investigated patients diagnosed with FG in Sunpasittiprasong Hospital from 2016 to 2021. Data related to clinical presentation, demographics, comorbidities, etiology, laboratory investigation, and therapeutic intervention of the patients were recorded. Prognostic severity indexes were calculated. All factors were statistically analyzed using univariate and then multivariate analysis. Results: Of 62 patients, the mortality rate was 29% (18 of 62). The significant risk factors for death included patients with kidney disease, septic shock, respiratory failure, acute kidney injury, low mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), admission to ICU and prolonged ventilator used. Risk factors from the laboratory data included abnormal coagulogram, high serum creatinine, lactate, and low bicarbonate. Some prognostic scoring systems were able to predict prognosis and mortality. Multivariate analysis revealed that patients with kidney disease (p = 0.007) or respiratory failure at presentation (p = 0.020) were significantly associated with mortality. Conclusions: The significant risk factors associated with mortality among patients with FG were kidney disease or respiratory failure. Some prognostic scoring systems may be applied to Thai patients with FG to predict prognosis.

Prevalence and outcome of chronic hepatitis C patients admitted with COVID-19 to intensive care units: a blessing in disguise

BackgroundManaging COVID-19 pneumonia is, in reality, one of the biggest challenges in the history of intensive care medicine. The link between comorbidity and COVID-19 remains unclear. Worldwide, Egypt has the highest prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV). The study’s objectives were to assess the prevalence of chronic hepatitis C as a risk factor among COVID-19 patients and to investigate the impact of it and the prior exposure to different HCV management protocols on the clinical characteristics and outcome of COVID-19 patients.ResultsOf 2106 confirmed cases of COVID-19, CLD, malignancy, and chronic kidney disease were significant risk factors for death [OR (95% CI) = 2.78 (1.29–5.98), 2.72 (1.14–6.46) and 3.79 (1.39–10.36) respectively]. The mortality rate was 24.3%. A total of 99 cases (4.7%) with CLD were investigated during the study period; 69 patients (3.3%) were categorized as HCV-positive. Among the positive HCV cases, 49 patients (2.3%) received anti-hepatitis C medications. The mortality rate was 46.4% and 73.3% between HCV and non-HCV hepatic patients, respectively. Triple therapy showed a statistically significant association with a better outcome (p value = 0.009).ConclusionsIn the present report, chronic liver diseases, chronic kidney disease, and malignancy were significant risk factors for mortality among COVID-19 patients. The Egyptian mass management of chronic hepatitis C may explain the favorable outcome of COVID-19 among these patients. Intervention trials are required to prove that direct-acting antivirals are effective in preventing COVID-19.

Development and Validation of a Novel Score to Predict Mortality in Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: CRISTEN.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are life-threatening, severe mucocutaneous adverse reactions. Severity prediction at early onset is urgently required for treatment. However, previous prediction scores have been based on data of blood tests. This study aimed to present a novel score that predicts mortality in patients with SJS/TEN in the early stages based on only clinical information. We retrospectively evaluated 382 patients with SJS/TEN in a development study. A clinical risk score for TEN (CRISTEN) was created according to the association of potential risk factors with death. We calculated the sum of these risk factors using CRISTEN, and this was validated in a multinational survey of 416 patients and was compared with previous scoring systems. The significant risk factors for death in SJS/TEN comprised 10 items, including patients' age of ≥65 years, ≥10% body surface area involvement, the use of antibiotics as culprit drugs, the use of systemic corticosteroid therapy before the onset, and mucosal damage affecting the ocular, buccal, and genital mucosa. Renal impairment, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, malignant neoplasm, and bacterial infection were included as underlying diseases. The CRISTEN model showed good discrimination (area under the curve [AUC]= 0.884) and calibration. In the validation study, the AUC was 0.827, which was statistically comparable to those of previous systems. A scoring system based on only clinical information was developed to predict mortality in SJS/TEN and was validated in an independent multinational study. CRISTEN may predict individual survival probabilities and direct the management and therapy of patients with SJS/TEN.

Validation and application of the Chinese version of the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale: Suicidality and cognitive deficits in patients with major depressive disorder

BackgroundDepression is a significant risk factor for death by suicide. Additionally, patients with depression who have neurocognitive dysfunction are at a higher risk of exhibiting suicidal behaviors. We aimed to validate the Chinese version of the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and then employ it to examine the association between suicidality and cognitive deficits in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). MethodsData from 456 patients with MDD who underwent baseline assessment and 3-month follow-up were used for psychometric validation of the C-SSRS. 430 patients were divided into a mild cognitive impairment group (N = 390) and a severe cognitive impairment group (N = 40) using cluster analysis and compared with healthy controls. The relationship between C-SSRS scores and the degree of cognitive impairment was analyzed. Results1) The Chinese version of C-SSRS demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.884/0.842), convergent and divergent validity. 2) The severity of suicidal ideation (SI), the intensity of SI, and the lifetime history of suicide attempts were significant independent predictors of short-term suicide attempts. 3) Higher worst-point lifetime SI severity and intensity scores in patients with MDD were significantly associated with severe cognitive impairment. LimitationsThe analysis of cognition and suicide was based on cross-sectional studies. Hence, changes in SI and cognitive function over time could not be analyzed. ConclusionsThe Chinese C-SSRS is a reliable and valid assessment tool for suicidal ideation and behavior in patients with depression. Suicidal ideation in patients with MDD is associated with cognitive dysfunction. These findings provide a reference for suicide prevention in patients with depression.

Risk factors for death in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The coronavirus disease 2019 has quickly spread worldwide since it first appeared in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. The most affected country in Africa was South Africa. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for death in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Africa. We conducted a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched articles from the following database: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Medline, and COVID-19 Research Database. We used Google Scholar for gray literature. The language used in this article was English. The last search was conducted on January 15, 2023. Pooled HRs, or ORs, and 95% confidence intervals, were calculated separately to identify the risk factors for death in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran's Q statistic and the I2 test. The Egger test was used to assess publication bias. Subgroup analysis was performed to determine the source of heterogeneity. Data analysis was performed using Stata version 17. A P value < .05 was considered significant. A total of 16,600 articles were obtained from the database search; finally, 16 articles met the inclusion criteria and were eligible for data extraction. The analysis revealed that the pooled prevalence of mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients was 13.9%. Advanced age was a significant risk factor for death in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, with the pooled coronavirus mortality HR and OR being 3.73 (95% CI: 2.27-5.19) and 1.04 (95% CI: 1.02-1.06), respectively. In addition, male gender (pOR 1.23; 95% CI: 1.07-1.40), patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) (pOR 1.26; 95% CI: 1.01-1.51), hypertension (HTN) (pOR 1.56; 95% CI: 1.27-1.85), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (pHR 5.43; 95% CI: 0.18-10.67), severe or critical conditions (pOR 9.04; 95% CI: 3.14-14.94) had a significantly increased risk of coronavirus-related mortality. The main limitations of the present study stem from the predominant use of published studies, which could introduce publication bias. According to this study, advanced age, male gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and severe or critical condition were clinical risk factors associated with death outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Africa.

The ability of phase angle and body composition to predict risk of death in maintenance hemodialysis patients

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the ability of phase angle and body composition to identify risk factors for mortality among patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) treatment.MethodsIn this retrospective study, we examined the causes of death in 43 MHD patients who were treated at our hemodialysis center between January 2016 and December 2021 and compared the patients to 71 patients who survived during the same period. Body composition was measured using direct segmental multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance to obtain phase angle, fat-free mass (FFM), extracellular water/total body water (ECW/TBW), and waist circumference (WC). Laboratory data were also collected. Phase angle cut-off value-associated variables were identified using ROC analysis. The ability of body composition variables to identify risk factors for death in MHD patients was evaluated.ResultsWe found that cardiovascular disease was the most common cause of death among MHD patients. ROC curve analysis revealed that the optimal cut-off value for phase angle as a predictor of death risk in MHD patients was 4.50°. Additionally, lower phase angle, increased age, longer dialysis vintage, lower KT/V, and hypoproteinemia were identified as significant risk factors for death in MHD patients.ConclusionIn conclusion, our findings suggest that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among MHD patients and that lower phase angle, increased age, longer dialysis duration, and hypoproteinemia can be used to predict the risk of mortality in this patient population. The underlying mechanism by which lower phase angle can be used to predict the prognosis of MHD patients warrants further investigation.

Fibrinogen-to-albumin ratios are related to mortality in patients with secondary malignant neoplasm of bone and bone marrow

BackgroundSystemic inflammation has long been considered to be one of the mechanisms in the development and progression of secondary malignant neoplasm of bone and bone marrow (BM). Fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) has been demonstrated to be vital to the poor prognosis of lots of disease such as tumor and coronary heart disease. This study aimed to determine whether FAR could be used as an independent risk prognostic factor in patients with BM. MethodsFirstly, the baseline data of patients with BM, who met our inclusion/exclusion criteria, were extracted and analyzed from MIMIC-III database. The association between FAR and endpoints was analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards regression model and a propensity score matched analysis. ResultsThe univariate analysis revealed that for the 30-day mortality, the HR (95% CI) in the FAR ≥99.5group was 1.47 (1.15,1.91). After adjusting various factors, FAR ≥99.5 was found to be an independent significant risk factor for death in patients with BM (HR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.01–1.42). Similarly, for the one-year mortality, HR (95% CI) in the FAR ≥99.5 group was 1.51 (1.11, 2.06). ConclusionIt has been found that FAR provides independent prognostic information for mortality among patients with secondary malignant neoplasms of the bone and bone marrow.

A Study on Outcomes of Surgical Treatment of Depressed Skull Fractures

Introduction: Trauma is a significant issue in both industrialized and developing nations. A significant risk factor for death in the young population is head injury Objective: To assess the outcomes of surgical treatment of depressed skull fractures Methodology: The current study was prospective study was done at Neurosurgery department of Khyber teaching Hospital Peshawar. The study duration was one years from March 2022 to March 2023. Causes of the depressed skull fracture, time since the injury, the kind of fracture, the location of the fracture, the reason for the fracture, the clinical state, and the CT scan results were noted. All patients had CT scans. DSF greater than 5 mm, disfiguring cosmetic fractures, and sinus fractures were surgically treated. The whole set of data was examined using SPSS 23.00. Results: In our study, totally 80 patients were enrolled. The male patients in our study were 58 (72.5%) whereas female patients were 22 (27.5%). In the outcomes based on GCS, completely recovered patients were 58 (72.5%) patients, 11 (13.75%) were moderately disabled, 8(10%) severely disabled whereas 2(2.5%) patients were demised. Conclusion: Trauma from depressed fractures is common in neurosurgical wards. One of the most important variables influencing outcome prediction is the neurologic state as indicated by the Glasgow coma scale. About two-thirds of patients who undergo surgical therapy of depressed skull fractures get successful results while one- third of patients are still classified as having severe disabilities. Complications, including death, are common after a depressed skull fracture. Keywords: Outcome; surgical treatment: depressed skull fractures

The Trends of In-Patient Mortality between 2018 and 2019 at Kisumu County Level Four Hospital, Kenya

Introduction: Due to a lack of information on patient mortality, healthcare planners rarely use local data for resource allocation and hospital management. This results in missed opportunities to build hospital capacity to address common causes of death, as well as a poor hospital reputation, fewer patients seeking hospital care, increased medical errors, and increased inpatient mortality.&#x0D; Objective: To determine trends of hospital mortality between 2018 and 2019 at Level Four Kisumu County Hospital, Kenya.&#x0D; Methods: The study was a cross sectional retrospective study design. The study targeted files of patients who died between January 2018 and December 2022. Systematic sampling was used in which every file per ward was given a serial number. Each department formed a stratum. Sample size was determined using Yamane Taro formula (N/1+N(e2) which yielded 203 as sample size from population of 680. The risk of death based on the presence or absence of doctor and nurse was analyzed by odds ratio. Chi-square was used to check association of appropriateness of facility, delay of care and distance and mortality. Variation in ward mortalities was analyzed using ANOVA to assess and data presented as line graphs.&#x0D; Results: According to the current study, the medical ward had the highest 2-year in-hospital mortality rate of 13.86%, while obstetrics and gynecology (reproductive health) had the lowest mortality rate of 0.47 percent. Infections were responsible for 42% of hospital deaths in patients under the age of 35, while noncommunicable diseases were responsible for 41% of hospital deaths in patients over the age of 60. According to the study, 3% of hospital deaths could have been avoided. When a nurse and a doctor were all present, there was a significant difference in the odds of a patient dying (OR=0.697). Comorbidity was a significant risk factor for death among patients who died in 2018 and 2019 (p=0.05). Patient characteristics such as age, education level, and gender were not associated with hospital deaths (p&gt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: The study found that 3% of hospital deaths were avoidable. More deaths occurred in medical ward from infectious diseases such as pneumonia and pulmonary TB among patients aged &lt;35 years while non-communicable diseases such as cancer, hypertension and diabetes mellitus were important causes of death among the people aged &gt;60 years. The results seem to suggest that more deaths occurred during rainy season between February and August. Patient factors such as age, sex and education level were not significantly associated with hospital mortality. Comorbidities particularly the non-infectious diseases were associated with more deaths.

Anemia and anti-tuberculosis treatment outcome in persons with pulmonary tuberculosis: A multi-center prospective cohort study

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) remains a major plague of humanity. People with TB (PWTB) are commonly anemic. Here, we assessed whether the severity of anemia in PWTB prior to anti-TB treatment (ATT) was a risk factor for an unfavorable outcome. MethodsPatients ≥ 18 years old with culture-confirmed drug-susceptible pulmonary TB enrolled between 2015 and 2019 in a multi-center Brazilian cohort were followed for up to 24 months and classified according to anemia severity (mild, moderate, and severe), based on hemoglobin levels. A multinomial logistic regression model was employed to assess whether anemia was associated with unfavorable outcome (death, failure, loss to follow-up, regimen modification or relapse), compared to treatment success (cure or treatment completion). ResultsAmong 786 participants who met inclusion criteria, 441 (56 %) were anemic at baseline. Patients with moderate/severe anemia were more HIV-seropositive, as well as more symptomatic and had higher frequencies of unfavorable outcomes compared to the other groups. Moderate/severe anemia (adjusted OR [aOR]: 7.80, 95 %CI:1.34–45.4, p = 0.022) was associated with death independent of sex, age, BMI, HIV and glycemic status. ConclusionModerate/severe anemia prior to ATT was a significant risk factor for death. Such patients should be closely monitored given the high risk of unfavorable ATT outcomes.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of Metastatic Scalp, Skull and Dural Tumors in a Case of Ewing’s Sarcoma, with Literature Review

The prognosis of patients with initially metastatic ES is very poor. Significant risk factors for death include affectation at combined local and distant sites and soft tissue involvement. For the diagnosis, an initial radiographic and/or computed tomography (CT) is performed. Both techniques are outstanding in evaluating the affected bones. However, when primary Ewing´s tumor or its metastases involves soft tissues, these might be misdiagnosed if magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not applied. The purpose of the present case is to expose the role of MRI in the assessment of a rare and aggressive ES with metastases affecting bones and soft tissue of the head.