Supportive Therapy For Patients Research Articles

Clinical application of real-time continuous glucose monitoring system during postoperative enteral nutrition therapy in esophageal cancer patients.

Enteral nutrition (EN) support therapy increases the risk of abnormal blood glucose (BG). The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical value of a real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rt-CGM) system in BG monitoring during postoperative EN support therapy in patients with esophageal cancer. Patients without diabetes mellitus (DM) with esophageal cancer who planned to receive postoperative EN were enrolled. With the self-monitoring of BG value as the reference BG, the accuracy of rt-CGM was evaluated by the mean absolute relative difference (MARD) value, correlation efficient, agreement analysis, and Parkes and Clarke error grid plot. Finally, paired t tests were used to compare the differences in glucose fluctuations between EN and non-EN days and slow and fast days. The total MARD value of the rt-CGM system was 13.53%. There was a high correlation between interstitial glucose and fingertip capillary BG (consistency correlation efficient = 0.884 [95% confidence interval, 0.874-0.894]). Results of 15/15%, 20/20%, 30/30% agreement analysis were 58.51%, 84.71%, and 99.65%, respectively. The Parkes and Clarke error grid showed that the proportion of the A and B regions were 100% and 99.94%, respectively. The glucose fluctuations on EN days vs non-EN days and on fast days vs slow days were large, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The rt-CGM system achieved clinical accuracy and can be used as a new option for glucose monitoring during postoperative EN therapy. The magnitude of glucose fluctuation during EN therapy remains large, even in the postoperative population without DM.

Effectiveness of Bach Nien Kien Health Supplement in the Treatment of Patients With Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is the most common disease in adults. We conducted a clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Bach Nien Kien (BNK) in supportive therapy for patients with symptomatic KOA. An open interventional study was performed on 60 patients aged 38 to 70 with the diagnosis of symptomatic KOA. The patients were assigned to a study group (SG) with 30 subjects and a control group (CG) with 30 subjects using a matching method. The patients in SG were treated with electroacupuncture, glucosamine supplement, and BNK, while the patients in CG received the same treatment without BNK. At the end of the 30-day treatment (d30), the SG had a reduction in VAS score compared to a pre-treatment level of 3.03±0.96 points, which was more than the CG of 2.5±0.90 points. The excellent result in the SG was 10%, and the CG had no excellent result. The good result in the SG was 56.7%, and the CG group was only 26.7%. The moderate and poor results in the CG were high, 63.3%, and 10%, respectively; in the SG, only 26.7% and 6.7%. The difference in overall treatment results between the SG and CG was statistically significant (p<0.05). During the 30-day treatment period in both groups, no patient reported any undesirable effects. Bach Nien Kien health supplement is effective and safe for controlling KOA symptoms and improving joint motion and quality of life for patients with symptomatic KOA.

Effects of Yoga on Cancer-Related Fatigue, Psychological Distress, and Quality of Life Among Patients With Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy and/or Radiotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Yoga can be considered supportive therapy for patients with cancer to alleviate cancer-related symptoms. However, there has been no meta-analysis examining yoga's effects among patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. To synthesize the evidence regarding the effects of yoga on improving cancer-related fatigue, psychological distress, and quality of life among patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Ten English databases and 2 Chinese databases were searched from inception to December 2022. Two independent reviewers screened studies and extracted the data. Randomized controlled trials examining the effects of yoga on cancer-related fatigue, psychological distress, and quality of life were included. Meta-analysis was conducted, and narrative synthesis was performed when meta-analysis was not applicable. Fourteen studies from 16 articles were included. The results showed that yoga reduced cancer-related fatigue (standardized mean difference [SMD], -0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.12 to -0.38; P < .001), anxiety (SMD, -0.91; 95% CI, -1.68 to -0.14; P = .02), but not depression (SMD, -0.82; 95% CI, -1.67 to 0.04; P = .06). The effects of yoga on distress and quality of life were inconclusive. Yoga significantly helped reduce cancer-related fatigue and anxiety but did not reduce depression among patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Further rigorous studies are needed to identify the optimal characteristics of yoga for these patients. It is possible to recommend yoga to patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy for managing cancer-related fatigue and anxiety after duly considering patients' physical conditions and ensuring appropriate instructions are given.

Fractionated plasma separation and adsorption integrated with continuous veno-venous hemofiltration in patients with acute liver failure: A single center experience from China.

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of fractionated plasma separation and adsorption integrated with continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (FPSA-CVVH) treatment in patients with acute liver failure (ALF). In this retrospective study, we enrolled patients with ALF (serum total bilirubin >10 mg/dL or Model for End-Stage Liver Disease [MELD] Score >18) hospitalized between August 2017 and August 2022. All patients had at least two sessions of FPSA-CVVH. The primary measure of treatment efficacy was the reduction ratios (RRs) of bilirubin after each session of FPSA-CVVH. Seventy-eight patients with ALF were enrolled. The MELD score at baseline was 22.9 ± 7.5. The mean total bilirubin was 22.05 ± 5.94 mg/dL, direct bilirubin was 16.33 ± 4.60 mg/dL and indirect bilirubin was 3.43 ± 1.60 mg/dL. One hundred and eighty seven sessions of FPSA-CVVH treatment lasting 8 hours each were performed. After a single session, serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and indirect bilirubin were significantly decreased. RRs were 52.0% ± 7.6% for total bilirubin, 59.4% ± 13.0% for direct bilirubin and 36.9% ± 15.4% for indirect bilirubin. Twenty nine patients (37.2%) survived and were discharged from the hospital, 12 of them recovered their liver function while the remaining 17 patients needed intermittent artificial liver support therapy. FPSA-CVVH therapy is an effective artificial liver support therapy in patients with ALF. It may be considered as a "bridge technique" to the recovery of liver function in critical ill patients with ALF.

Current topics in pediatric enteral nutrition safety.

Enteral nutrition is a cornerstone of nutrition support therapy in patients of all ages and across the care continuum. Safe delivery of enteral nutrition to patients is paramount. This review article will focus on current topics in enteral nutrition safety primarily in children including safety with home-made blenderized feeds, recent infant and enteral formula shortages largely due to formula contamination at the manufacturer level, and concerns with importing infant formulas.

#4074 FRACTIONATED PLASMA SEPARATION AND ADSORPTION INTEGRATED WITH CONTINUOUS VENO-VENOUS HEMOFILTRATION IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE LIVER FAILURE

Abstract Background and Aims To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of fractionated plasma separation and adsorption integrated with continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (FPSA-CVVH) treatment in patients with acute liver failure (ALF). Method In this retrospective study, we enrolled patients with ALF (serum total bilirubin&amp;gt;10mg/dl or Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) Score&amp;gt;18) hospitalized from 2017 to 2022.All patients received the treatment of FPSA-CVVH.The primary measure of treatment efficacy was the reduction ratios (RRs) of bilirubin after each session of FPSA-CVVH. Results 8 patients (68 males and 10 females) with ALF were enrolled. 66 patients (84.6%) exhibited acute kidney injury and required renal replacement therapy (RRT). The score of MELD at baseline was 22.9±7.5. The concentration of serum total bilirubin was 22.05±5.94mg/dL, direct bilirubin was 16.33±4.60mg/dL and indirect bilirubin was 3.43±1.60mg/dL.187 sessions of FPSA-CVVH treatment with 8 hours each were performed. After a single session, serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and indirect bilirubin were significantly decreased. RRs was 52.0±7.6% for total bilirubin, 59.4±13.0% for direct bilirubin and 36.9±15.4% for indirect bilirubin. 2 patients changed the filters due to blood coagulation. And other 2 patients exhibited bleeding, including gastrointestinal bleeding and Oozing bleeding. 29 patients (37.2%) survived in discharging from hospital, 12 patients recovered with their liver function, and the remaining 17 patients still needed intermittent artificial liver support therapy. Conclusion FPSA-CVVH therapy was a novol and effective artificial liver support therapy in patients with ALF. It may be considered as a “bridge technique” to the recovery of liver function in critical ill patients with ALF.

Cellular therapies in liver and pancreatic diseases.

Over the past two decades, developments in regenerative medicine in gastroenterology have been greatly enhanced by the application of stem cells, which can self-replicate and differentiate into any somatic cell. The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells has opened remarkable perspectives on tissue regeneration, including their use as a bridge to transplantation or as supportive therapy in patients with organ failure. The improvements in DNA manipulation and gene editing strategies have also allowed to clarify the physiopathology and to correct the phenotype of several monogenic diseases, both in vivo and in vitro. Further progress has been made with the development of three-dimensional cultures, known as organoids, which have demonstrated morphological and functional complexity comparable to that of a miniature organ. Hence, owing to its protean applications and potential benefits, cell and organoid transplantation has become a hot topic for the management of gastrointestinal diseases. In this review, we describe current knowledge on cell therapies in hepatology and pancreatology, providing insight into their future applications in regenerative medicine.

Nutrition Support Therapy In Patients With Head And Neck And Upper Gastrointestinal Carcinoma In A Third Level Hospital

Nutrition Support Therapy In Patients With Head And Neck And Upper Gastrointestinal Carcinoma In A Third Level Hospital

Pharmacodynamics of SPL026 (N,N-Dimethyltryptamine fumarate) with supportive therapy in patients with major depressive disorder

Pharmacodynamics of SPL026 (N,N-Dimethyltryptamine fumarate) with supportive therapy in patients with major depressive disorder

Oxygen Therapy during Exercise in Patients with Interstitial Lung Diseases.

Introduction: ILDs are a varied group of diffuse parenchymal lung diseases associated with high morbidity and mortality. Current treatments can only slow their progression but not cure the disease. Other treatments such as oxygen therapy can also be used as support. We know very little about the effects of oxygen therapy on patients with ILDs. The aim of this study was to collect data from the literature in order to determine whether oxygen therapy can actually decrease the mortality rate or whether it is only suitable for supportive therapy for patients with ILDs. Methods: We reviewed the literature since 2010 on oxygen therapy during exercise in patients with ILDs. Studies that used cardio-pulmonary tests were excluded. We only reviewed those that used the 6 min walking test (6MWT) or the free walking test. We located 11 relevant articles. Results: All the articles except a Japanese study showed an augmentation in oxyhaemoglobin saturation during exercise when oxygen was supplied. A 2018 study called AmbOx provided important data on the effects of oxygen therapy during daily activities, showing significant improvements in quality of life. Conclusions: This review showed that the literature on the benefits of oxygen therapy in patients with ILDs does not provide sufficient evidence to draft specific guidelines. It was not possible to conclude whether oxygen therapy has an effect on mortality or can only play a supportive role.

Epidermal barrier function in patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation - a pilot study.

The skin is the typically and predominantly affected organ in patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). The supportive therapy in patients after alloHSCT includes especially ultraviolet protection and the use of emollients. Due to the lack of studies regarding epidermal barrier function in patients with alloHSCT, our aims were to monitor dermatologically patients 1 year after the procedure with special emphasis on epidermal barrier function and to evaluate the properties of epidermal barrier function in patients with confirmed chronic GvHD (cGvHD). Our pilot study included 30 patients after alloHSCT and 20 healthy controls. In the group of patients after alloHSCT there were 10 individuals who were monitored dermatologically (including evaluation of skin, mucosae, nails and hair) within 1 year after the procedure (subgroup 1) and 20 patients with previously confirmed cGvHD (subgroup 2). We evaluated transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration and skin color. The clinical assessment and all noninvasive evaluations in patients included in subgroup 1 were performed before (at baseline) and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after the procedure, while in subgroup 2 they were performed once. In subgroup 1 we did not observe significant differences between baseline results and periods of assessments in TEWL values or corneometry, erythema and melanin measurements. In subgroup 2 the highest TEWL values and the lowest corneometry results were observed in patients with sclerodermoid chronic cutaneous GvHD in comparison to patients with lichenoid chronic cutaneous GvHD and patients with cGvHD but without skin lesions. TEWL values and melanin level were significantly higher in patients with cGvHD than in controls. Our pioneer observations proved the disturbed epidermal barrier function among patients after alloHSCT. Therefore it seems that proper skin care, including photoprotection, should be recognized as a crucial component in long-term management of these patients.

Mechanisms of Mechanical Force Induced Pulmonary Vascular Endothelial Hyperpermeability.

Mechanical ventilation is a supportive therapy for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, it also inevitably produces or aggravates the original lung injury with pathophysiological changes of pulmonary edema caused by increased permeability of alveolar capillaries which composed of microvascular endothelium, alveolar epithelium, and basement membrane. Vascular endothelium forms a semi-selective barrier to regulate body fluid balance. Mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients produces a mechanical force on lung vascular endothelium when the endothelial barrier was destructed. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of molecular and signaling mechanisms underlying the endothelial barrier permeability in ventilator-induced lung jury (VILI).

Melatonin prevented the elevation of leukocyte count and the decreased of hematocrit levels in burn-induced Wistar Rats

Background: Burns are commonly caused by thermal injuries that are often encountered in everyday life. Burns may cause tissue damage and tissue infection. Melatonin, a hormone that acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, can be used as a supportive therapy in patients with burns by preventing excess tissue damage, decreasing inflammatory response, and preventing extreme leukocyte increase. The study aims to investigate the effects of melatonin supplementation on leukocyte count and hematocrit levels in male Wistar rats with burns injury.Method: This was an experimental animal study with randomized control group design. A total of twelve healthy male Wistar rats were randomized and divided into two groups. All Wistar rats were induced with 30% burns injuries area. The melatonin group was intraperitoneally administered with melatonin at 0, 8, and 16 hours after treatment, while the control group was administered with placebo (aquadest) with similar method. Leukocyte count and hematocrit levels were measured by taking retroorbital venous blood at 0, 3, and 24 hours after treatment. Data were analyzed with Paired t-Test, Independent t-Test, Mann-Whitney, or Wilcoxon test depend on their normality.Results: There was a higher leukocyte count in control group compared to melatonin group at 3 hours after treatment (T3) (p=0.050), but not at 0 hours after treatment (T0) and at 24 hours after treatment (T24) (p&gt;0.05). There was increased leukocyte count in both melatonin and control groups in T3 in comparison with T0, however the increment was steeper in control group compared to melatonin group. There were no significant differences in hematocrit levels between the melatonin and control groups in T0, T3, and T24 (p&gt;0.05). There was a steeper increased hematocrit levels in the control group than the melatonin group after T24, although it was not statistically significant.Conclusion: Melatonin might have role in preventing a steeper rise of leukocyte count and hematocrit levels in burns injury. If confirmed by further studies, melatonin might be potential for adjuvant management in burns.

Standardized Aronia melanocarpa extract regulates redox status in patients receiving hemodialysis with anemia

The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of one-month consumption of polyphenol-rich standardized Aronia melanocarpa extract (SAE) on redox status in anemic hemodialysis patients. The study included 30 patients (Hb < 110g/l, hemodialysis or hemodiafiltration > 3months; > 3 times week). Patients were treated with commercially available SAE in a dose of 30ml/day, for 30days. After finishing the treatment blood samples were taken to evaluate the effects of SAE on redox status. Several parameters of anemia and inflammation were also followed. After the completion of the treatment, the levels of superoxide anion radical and nitrites significantly dropped, while the antioxidant capacity improved via elevation of catalase and reduced glutathione. Proven antioxidant effect was followed by beneficial effects on anemia parameters (increased hemoglobin and haptoglobin concentration, decreased ferritin and lactate dehydrogenase concentration), but SAE consumption didn't improve inflammatory status, except for minor decrease in C-reactive protein. The consumption of SAE regulates redox status (reduce the productions of pro-oxidative molecules and increase antioxidant defense) and has beneficial effects on anemia parameters. SAE could be considered as supportive therapy in patients receiving hemodialysis which are prone to oxidative stress caused by both chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis procedure. Additionally, it could potentially be a good choice for supplementation of anemic hemodialysis patients. TRN: NCT04208451 December 23, 2019 "retrospectively registered".

Transfusions in Aplastic Anemia Patients Cause HLA Alloimmunization: Comparisons of Current and Past Cohorts Demonstrate Progress

Transfusions are the mainstay of supportive therapy in patients with aplastic anemia (AA) and may lead to anti- HLA alloimmunization, thereby also increasing the risk for donor-specific antibodies in the setting of HLA-mismatched transplantation. Historically, AA patients were thought to be at particularly high risk for HLA alloimmunization. In past decades, blood product manufacturing (leukoreduction) and HLA antibody testing have improved significantly by single antigen bead (SAB) technology. It is currently unknown how those developments have impacted HLA alloimmunization and treatment outcome in patients with AA. We retrospectively investigated 54 AA patients treated by immunosuppressive therapy or allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation after the introduction of the SAB assay at our center. We compared the HLA antibody results to a historical AA cohort (n = 26), treated before introduction of leukoreduced blood products from 1975 to 1995. HLA alloimmunization was detected in 43 of 54 (80%) recently treated patients. Past pregnancy, female gender, disease severity, age, and a history of other transfusions were significantly associated with a larger number or higher intensity (mean fluorescence intensity) of HLA antibodies. Treatment outcome including bleeding episodes, response to treatment, engraftment, graft-versus-host disease, and overall survival was not associated with HLA alloimmunization. In the historical cohort a significantly higher number of HLA antibodies (P < .01) with a higher mean fluorescent intensity (P < .01) was observed. HLA alloimmunization remains frequent in AA tested by current techniques, but it has significantly decreased since prior decades and does not affect treatment outcome.© 2021 American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Value of nutrition support therapy in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies: a narrative review and health economic analysis of impact on clinical outcomes in the United States.

Malnutrition, particularly under-nutrition, is highly prevalent among adult patients with a diagnosis of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer and negatively affects patient outcomes. Malnutrition is associated with clinical and surgical complications for patients undergoing therapy for GI cancers and the costs associated with those complications is a high burden for the US health system. Our objective was to identify high-quality evidence for nutrition support interventions associated with cost savings for patient care, followed by a complex economic value analysis to project cost savings for the US health system. A narrative literature search was conducted in which combined keywords in the areas of therapeutic nutrition (nutrition, malnutrition), a specific therapeutic area [GI cancer (esophageal, gastric, gallbladder, pancreatic, liver/hepatic, small and large intestine, colorectal)], and clinical outcomes and healthcare cost, to look for nutrition interventions that could significantly improve clinical outcomes. Medicare claims data were then analyzed using the findings of these identified studies and this modeling exercise supported identifying the cost and healthcare resource utilization implications of specific populations to determine the impact of nutrition support on reducing these costs as reflected in the summary of the evidence. Eight studies were found that provided clinical outcomes and health cost savings data, 2 of those had the strongest level of evidence and were used for Value Analysis calculations. Nutrition interventions such as oral diet modifications, enteral nutrition (EN) supplementation, and parenteral nutrition (PN) have been studied especially in the peri-operative setting. Specifically, peri-operative immunonutrition administration and utilization of enhanced recovery pathways after surgery have been associated with significant improvement in postoperative complications and decreased length of hospital stay (LOS). Utilizing economic modeling of Medicare claims data from GI cancer patients, potential annual cost savings of $242 million were projected by the widespread adoption of these interventions. Clinical outcomes can be improved with the use of nutrition interventions in patients with GI cancers. Healthcare costs can be reduced as a result of fewer in-hospital complications and shorter lengths of hospital stay. The application of nutrition intervention provides a positive clinical and economic value proposition to the healthcare system for patients with GI cancers.

Secondary ARDS Following Acute Pancreatitis: Is Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Feasible or Futile?

Objective: To assess the feasibility of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or life support (ECLS) as last resort life support therapy in patients with acute pancreatitis and subsequent secondary acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods: Retrospective analysis from January 2013, to April 2020, of ECMO patients with pancreatitis-induced ARDS at a German University Hospital. Demographics, hospital and ICU length of stay, duration of ECMO therapy, days on mechanical ventilation, fluid balance, need for decompressive laparotomy, amount of blood products, prognostic scores (CCI (Charlson Comorbidity Index), SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment), RESP(Respiratory ECMO Survival Prediction), SAVE (Survival after Veno-Arterial ECMO)), and the total known length of survival were assessed. Results: A total of n = 495 patients underwent ECMO. Eight patients with acute pancreatitis received ECLS (seven veno-venous, one veno-arterial). Five (71%) required decompressive laparotomy as salvage therapy due to abdominal hypertension. Two patients with acute pancreatitis (25%) survived to hospital discharge. The overall median length of survival was 22 days. Survivors required less fluid in the first 72 h of ECMO support and showed lower values for all prognostic scores. Conclusion: ECLS can be performed as a rescue therapy in patients with pancreatitis and secondary ARDS, but nevertheless mortality remains still high. Thus, this last-resort therapy may be best suited for patients with fewer pre-existing comorbidities and no other organ failure.

Abstract P512: Immune Correlates of Functional Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) Patients

Introduction: Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) is one of the leading causes of disability and death in US. Although Endovascular Therapy (EVT) remains the mainstay therapy during acute phase for large vessel occlusions (LVOs), functional outcome varies among the treated patients. This ischemic injury results in an inflammatory response which plays an important role in the functional and neurological outcomes. We hypothesize that the early changes in the inflammatory response near the site of occlusion can be used as predictor of long-term neurofunctional decline Methods: AIS-LVO patients presenting to an academic comprehensive stroke center (CSC) within 24 hours from their last known well and undergoing EVT were included. Blood was collected proximal and distal to the thrombus during thrombectomy. Control samples were collected from the femoral artery and median cubital vein. Cytokine analysis and deep immune profiling was performed using a 20-parameter bead array and 13-parameter flow cytometer. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) models were used for cell selection and correlation was evaluated for outcomes including mRS, NIHSS, MOCA and mortality, using R-software. Results: With 19 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, cytokine analysis revealed a significant increase in MMP and IFN-g, and decrease in GM-CSF, IL17, TNF-α, IL6, MIP-1a, and MIP-1b distal to clot. Flow cytometry analysis revealed a significant decrease in NK-T-cells, and CD8 T-cells counts and a relative increase in GM-CSF+ and IL17+ CD4 T-cells distal to clot. Immunological and neurological analysis revealed a correlation with CD4 + IFN-γ - IL10 + (r=0.7) &amp; CD8 + IFN-γ - GMCSF + (0.6) with mRS, and CD4 + IFN-γ - IL10 + (r=0.7), CD4+ IFN-γ - IL17 + (r= -0.6), &amp; CD8 + IFN-γ + IL17 + (r=0.7) cells with mortality. Conclusion: Our results indicate that local ischemia results in a hyperacute adaptive immune response at the site of occlusion. This immune response is predictive of functional outcome among AIS patients and is impactful in multiple ways, including the use of supportive therapy for patients with a poor functional trajectory and the use of immune-modulators at the site of ischemic injury.

An Evaluation of Serum 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Levels in Patients with COVID-19 in New York City

Aim Deterioration of patients from COVID-19 is associated with cytokine release syndrome attributed to an elevation in pro-inflammatory cytokines. Vitamin D reduces proinflammatory cytokines, and has the possibility of reducing complications from respiratory tract illnesses. Method This was a retrospective, observational, cohort study of patients with COVID-19 disease within a New York City Health System. Adult patients were included if they tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and had a serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level (25(OH)D) within the three previous months prior to their detected SARS-CoV-2 test. Patients were compared and evaluated based upon their 25(OH)D levels. The primary endpoints were hospitalization, need for oxygen support, and 90-day mortality. Results 437 COVID-19 patients were included [67 (IQR: 56–79) years] within this cohort. Deficient plasma 25(OH)D levels (<20 ng/ml) were associated with an increased likelihood of oxygen support [OR:2.23 (95% CI: 1.46–3.44, p = 0.0002)] from COVID-19. Deficient plasma 25(OH)D levels were not independently associated with 90-day mortality or risk of hospitalization. Hospitalization rates (98%), oxygen support (93%), and mortality rates (49%) were highest in patients who had 25(OH)D levels less than 10 ng/ml when compared to other 25(OH)D levels. Conclusion Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels may affect the need for oxygen support therapy in patients with COVID-19.

Инвалидность по зрению вследствие глаукомы по данным МСЭ города Алматы

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness and visual impairment. Preventing of amblyopia and blindness can be a cost-effective intervention by health services and primary health- social care services. According to A.P. Nesterov (2008), the term 'glaucoma' encompasses a large group of eye diseases with a predominantly chronic course and serious prognosis. Despite the fact that in Kazakhstan modern achievements of science and technology of glaucoma are developed and introduced into practical healthcare the number of patients blinded due to glaucoma does not decrease. Aim. To carry out an analysis of data on visual impairment due to glaucoma in Almaty for three years (2016 - 2018). Material and methods. The data of primary visual impairment of Almaty city population of according to MSE 2016 - 2018 were studied. In 2016, 204 out of 948 primary visually impaired patients were diagnosed with glaucoma, in 2017 respectively out of 1331 patients 279 were disabled, and in 2018 256 out of 1018 disabled patients were diagnosed with glaucoma. A total of 739 disabled patients were analysed over three years. Results and discussion. In comparative analysis of data by disability group, it was found that primary open-angle glaucoma was the main cause of disability during the last years studied. Consequently, the vision of the better seeing eye ranged from zero to 0.04 with optimal vision correction. Moreover, the proportion of group one disability gradually increased from 68.7% in 2016 to 86.8% in 2018, while group two data, on the contrary, decreased from 80.7% to 67.3% (terminal stage from 89.5% to 59.1%); group three figures were 65.0 to 71.2% and 76.3% to 80.5% respectively. The increase in the group III disabilities was slow (from 65.0% to 71.2%). The analysis of disability groups over the years under study has shown that the leading cause of disability is a primary open-angle glaucoma, followed by primary closed-angle, secondary and congenital glaucoma. Moreover congenital glaucoma has been reported since 2017 with a decreasing trend (3.2% to 1.2%). Conclusion. Timely detection and observation in dynamics, regular supportive therapy in patients with primary glaucoma regardless of the type and stage of the disease (except for the terminal stage), treatment of existing general, especially vascular disease at the place of residence at least twice a year would contribute to preserving of visual functions and decreasing the number of the visually impaired people. Key words: glaucoma, open-angle, closed-angle, secondary, congenital, disability groups, visual impairment.