Vascular Syndrome Research Articles

Brachiobasilic arteriovenous fistula with superficialisation and transposition the basilic vein in a one stage surgical technique. Five years of single experience

BackgroundThe basilic vein is a deep vein which usually requires superficialisation and surgical transposition. Material and methodsThis is a retrospective study of 119 BBAVF-ST in patients with stage 5D chronic kidney disease who received an implant with a one-stage surgical technique (2011–2015). The percentage of primary (PP), assisted primary (APP) and secondary (SP) permeabilities were assessed, as well as the related complications. We analyzed the permeabilities using Kaplan–Meier survival curves and a univariate Log Rank analysis (Mantel–Cox). p values less than or equal to 0.05 were considered as significant. ResultsThe mean age of the study group was 67.9years, with 63.8% of the subjects being male. A total of 57 complications were detected during the follow-up period: 24 stenosis (42.1%), 11 thrombosis (19.2%), 7 vascular access steal syndromes (12.2%), 7 upper limb oedemas (12.2%), 6 post-puncture haematomas (10.5%) and 2 infections (3.5%). The percentages of PP obtained at 1, 6, 12 and 24months were 92.4%, 79.8%, 66.3% and 52%; APP: 94.1%, 87.3%, 80.4% and 65.6%, and SP: 95%, 89.1%, 84% and 67.5%, respectively. Diabetic patients presented with significantly worse permeabilities than vascular or idiopathic patients: (p=.037, .009 and .019, respectively). ConclusionsAccording to the results obtained in our study, the one-stage surgical implementation of BBAVF-ST presents high permeability rates and a small number of related complications. Diabetes mellitus is a factor related to a worse surgical prognosis. Some of the biggest advantages are the greater optimization of health resources and a shorter time in which the central venous catheter needs to remain in the body.

THE COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF AGE, SEXUAL AND TYPOLOGICAL MORPHOMETRIC PARAMETERS OF UNPAIRED BRANCHES OF THE ABDOMINAL AORTA OF ADULTS ACCORDING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

The rapid development of transplantation, endovascular and minimally invasive surgery necessitates a detailed study of the structural features of the vessels of the abdominal cavity. The purpose of the study is the characteristics of the morphometric parameters of the abdominal aorta and its unpaired branches in men and women at different ages and depending on the body type. The analysis of 266 computer tomograms of the abdominal part of aorta and its unpaired branches was carried out in adult men women divided into three age groups (first and second periods of mature age and elderly age), as well as into three groups according to the Pinier index (asthenic, normosthenic and hypersthenic body types). It was established that individual morphometric parameters of the abdominal part of aorta and its unpaired branches in men and women significantly change with age. It is proved that the diameter of the aorta at various levels significantly increases with age from the first mature to the elderly age by an average of 5 mm. However, in men, the length of the abdominal aorta, celiac trunk and main trunk of the superior mesenteric artery does not change with age. In women, the length of the celiac trunk increases with age at 5.9 mm, the length of the main trunk of the superior mesenteric artery - at 17 mm. The angle of discharge of the celiac trunk in men changes unevenly with age - in the second period of mature age, there is a statistically significant decrease by an average to 12.3°, then in old age an increase to 15°. Moreover, in women, the values of this indicator vary more evenly. The angles of discharge of other vessels did not show a clear age dependence, since this parameter is largely due to the constitutional features. The aorto-mesenteric distance changes with age only in women. In elderly age, it is on average 4.4 mm larger than in the first period of mature age. It was also found that there are significant differences between constitutional types identified using the Pinier index in the overwhelming majority of the morphometric parameters studied. The obtained information has a significant clinical importance, since it will allow objectifying the diagnostic criteria of various vascular syndromes and minimizing the risk of endovascular interventions.

Undifferentiated dysplasia of connective tissue in patients with insufficiency of anastomotic sutures of the gut hollow organs

Objective. Improvement of results of treatment in patients, suffering insufficiency of anastomotic sutures in the gut hollow organs, using determination of role for the connective tissue undifferentiated dysplasia (CTUD) in development of this complication, estimation of the phenomena spreading and elaboration of informative criteria for the CTUD diagnosis.
 Маterials and methods. Retro- and prospective trial was based on data about 42 patients, suffering insufficiency of anastomotic sutures, who were treated in the National Institute of Surgery and Transplantology named after О. О. Shalimov of NAMS of Ukraine, and 20 practically healthy persons (the comparison group), comparable for age and gender with the investigated patients. The procalcitonin of the blood serum and C-reactive protein analysis were used for special laboratory investigation. The status of the connective tissue metabolism was estimated in accordance to content of free oxyprolene in the blood serum and the level of glycosaminoglycans in urine.
 Results. There was revealed, that the most informative phenotypical markers of CTUD in patients, suffering insufficiency of anastomotic sutures of the gut hollow organs, are visceral (78.6%), vascular (73.8%) and arythmical (54.7%) syndromes. There was established, that direct correlation between the level of biochemical markers of the collagen biodegradation and the CTUD degree may be applied for prognostication of development and course of complications in patients, suffering insufficiency of the anastomotic sutures of the gut hollow organs. Severe degree of CTUD in the patients, suffering insufficiency of interintestinal anastomoses, complicated by extended peritonitis, constitutes unfavorable prognostic sign and enhances the mortality by 87.5%.
 Conclusion. The presence of CTUD in the patients, suffering insufficiency of anastomotic sutures of the gut hollow organs constitutes the unfavorable factor of comorbidity, which must be taken into account, choosing the adequate surgical tactics and complex pathogenetically substantiated treatment.

Upper extremity arterial endovascular interventions for symptomatic vascular access-induced steal syndrome

BackgroundCritical hand ischemia owing to vascular access-induced steal syndrome (VASS) continues to be a significant problem. The aim of this study was to examine the outcomes of arterial endovascular interventions in the upper extremity of patients presenting with VASS. MethodsA database of patients presenting with documented VASS between 2006 and 2016 was retrospectively queried. Patients who underwent isolated endovascular intervention in the upper extremity were analyzed. ResultsNinety-eight patients (66% female; average age 65 years) presented with VASS: 28 presented with upper arm atherosclerotic disease above the arteriovenous (AV) anastomosis (above elbow) and the remaining 70 patients with below AV anastomotic atherosclerotic disease at the elbow (below elbow). Sixty-three percent of the entire patient cohort (N = 65) presented with rest pain and the remainder (n = 33 [34%]) with minor digital ulceration. Of those with upper arm disease above the AV anastomosis, one-third of patients had subclavian occlusive disease and two-thirds had brachial artery occlusive disease. Patients with subclavian disease underwent stent placement, and patients with brachial artery disease underwent balloon angioplasty. Technical success was 100% (n = 28). Ninety-one percent of these patients (n = 25) had symptomatic success at 30 days and the remainder (n = 3) required proximalization of the access. Of those with below AV anastomosis at the elbow disease, all had disease in the forearm vessels with 42% (n = 29) having either the ulnar or radial artery occlusion. Balloon angioplasty was performed in one vessel in 55% (n = 38) and in two vessels in 45% (n = 32) of patients. Technical success was 79% (n = 81 of 102 vessels) with 51% of the patients (n = 36) having symptomatic success at 30 days; of those who remained symptomatic, 80% (n = 27) required proximalization of the access and 20% (n = 7) required ligation. The major adverse cardiovascular event rate for the entire patient cohort was 4% (n = 4). The 30-day complications for the entire patient cohort included continued steal (38%; all resolved with secondary procedures), thrombosis (3%; all forearm vessels treated for occlusion), bleeding (0%), infection (0%), and mortality (1%). Primary clinical success defined as the relief of distal ischemic symptoms and the preservation of a functional access site for dialysis showed rates of 42 ± 9% (mean ± standard error of the mean) and 0 ± 0% at 5 years (above and below elbow groups, respectively). ConclusionsUpper extremity interventions for VASS owing to above elbow disease are associated with a high rate of success, whereas interventions for below elbow disease have a poor clinical success with more patients requiring secondary procedures and low long-term survival for the access site. Male patients presenting with rest pain, larger forearm vessels (approximately 3 mm), short occlusive lesions (<100 mm), two-vessel runoff, and an intact palmer arch are good candidates for below elbow interventions.

Clinical case of combined infectious pathology (Varicella-Zoster and hantaan hemorrhagic fever) in patient with disseminated psoriasis

The article describes in detail the clinical case of a severe course of a combined viral disease (Varicella-Zoster, Hantaan Hemorrhagic Fever), complicated by bilateral interstitial pneumonia, cerebral edema, and disseminated vascular coagulation syndrome, developed in an immunocompromised patient during the treatment period of exacerbation of a background disease (plaque psoriasis, progressive stage) with a cytostatic drug. The role of the main and associated diseases (pathogenetic mechanisms of comorbidity), specificly, hantavirus infection and psoriasis, as co-factors in the formation of an unfavourable course of varicella-zoster in an adult, is discussed. An example of an individual approach to the patient, a comprehensive diagnosis and rational treatment that contributed to a favorable outcome of the disease is given.

Current Predictors of Atrial Fibrillation Progression

Aim. To identify predictors of progression of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with hypertension (HT), coronary heart disease (CHD) and chronic heart failure (CHF) with recurrent AF. Material and methods . The study included 31 2 patients with recurrent AF. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to a leading underlying condition: essential HT (n=1 36), CHD (n=11 2), and CHF with III-IV functional class by NYHA (n=64). The average follow-up duration was 60±3 months. Progression of AF was defined as development of long-standing persistent or permanent AF. Results. All three groups of patients with recurrent AF revealed progression of the arrhythmia from paroxysmal or persistent to a sustained permanent form during the 5-year prospective follow-up. The rate of AF progression in the patients with CHF was significantly higher and accounted for 59% as compared to 46% in the patients with hypertension (p=0.002) and 51% in the patients with CHD (p=0.008). AF progression in patients with HT correlated significantly with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (odds ratio [OR] 1.25; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.03-1.52) and increased arterial wall stiffness (OR 2.3; 95%CI 1.95-2.65). The independent predictors of arrhythmia progression in patients with CHD were a history of myocardial infarction (OR 1.23; 95%CI 0.9-1.5), irreversible LV wall motion abnormalities (OR 1.41; 95%CI 1.1-1.7), and increased plasma level of N-terminal pro-A-type natriuretic peptide (Nt-proANP; OR 1.16; 95%CI 0.8-1.4). Reduction in LV ejection fraction below 40% (OR 0.84; 95%CI 0.7-0.89) and increased plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (Nt-proBNP; OR 2.3; 95%CI 1.93-2.67) were independent predictors of AF progression from persistent to permanent form in the patients with systolic heart failure. Conclusion. Progression of AF is related to the underlying cardiovascular disease. The early vascular aging syndrome and LV hypertrophy are the main factors of AF progression in patients with HT. Previous myocardial infarction with irreversible hypokinesia is associated with AF progression in patients with CHD. Reduced LV ejection fraction and increased plasma BNP predict AF progression in patients with CHF.

Chronic Diseases and Employment: Which Interventions Support the Maintenance of Work and Return to Work among Workers with Chronic Illnesses? A Systematic Review

The increase of chronic diseases worldwide impact quality of life, cause economic and medical costs, and make it necessary to look for strategies and solutions that allow people with chronic diseases (PwCDs) to lead an active working life. As part of the CHRODIS Plus Joint European Action project, a systematic review was conducted to identify studies of interventions that support the maintenance of work and return to work (RTW) among workers with chronic illnesses. These interventions should target employees with the following conditions: diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic vascular syndrome, respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, mental disorders, and neurological disorders. An extensive search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO for English language studies. Included in this review were 15 randomized controlled trials (RCT) for adult employees (aged 18+). We found that workplace-oriented and multidisciplinary programs are the most supportive to RTW and reducing the absence due to illness. In addition, cognitive behavioral therapies achieve positive results on RTW and sick leave. Finally, coaching is effective for the self-management of chronic disease and significantly improved perceptions of working capacity and fatigue.

Venous thromboembolic and bleeding complications among pregnant women with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a vascular malformation overgrowth syndrome characterized by capillary malformation, venous malformation, and limb overgrowth, with or without lymphatic malformation. Patients are at an increased risk of hemorrhage and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Consequently, women with this condition often are counseled to avoid pregnancy, but minimal data are available on the relationship between pregnancy, VTE, and bleeding risk. To review the risk of VTE and bleeding in pregnant and nulligravid women with KTS. A retrospective medical record review was performed of women with KTS, aged ≥18years, evaluated at Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota, from August 1945 to April 2018. We identified 75 women with ≥1 pregnancy and 64 nulligravid women. VTE prevalence was 14 of 70 (20%) for women with a history of pregnancy and 16 of 64 (25%) for nulligravid women (P=.93). Among the 70 women with a history of pregnancy, 7 of 18 VTE events (39%) occurred in association with pregnancy, with VTE affecting 7 of 151 pregnancies (4.6%). Significant bleeding prevalence was 6 of 70 (8.6%) for women with a history of pregnancy and 6 of 64 (9.4%) for nulligravid women (P=.54). This was a retrospective review. The prevalence of VTE and bleeding was similar in patients with KTS, irrespective of pregnancy status.

Vascular syndromes in liver cirrhosis.

Liver cirrhosis is associated with multiple vascular syndromes affecting almost all body systems. Many of these syndromes are directly related to impaired liver function and sometimes reversible after liver transplantation while others arise secondary to portal hypertension and ascites. Altered expression of angiogenic and vasoactive compounds (most importantly nitric oxide), endothelial dysfunction, dysregulated neurohormonal control, and systemic inflammatory state play differential roles in mediating homeostatic instability and abnormal vasogenic response. Important vascular features encountered in liver disease include portal hypertension, splanchnic overflow, abnormal angiogenesis and shunts, portopulmonary syndrome, hepatopulmonary syndrome, and systemic hyperdynamic circulation. Redistribution of effective circulatory volume deviating from vital organs and pooling in splanchnic circulation is also encountered in liver patients which may lead to devastating outcomes as hepatorenal syndrome. Etiologically, vascular syndromes are not isolated phenomena and vascular dysfunction in one system may lead to the development of another in a different system. This review focuses on understanding the pathophysiological factors underlying vascular syndromes related to chronic liver disease and the potential links among them. Many of these syndromes are associated with high mortality, thus it is crucial to look for early biomarkers for these syndromes and develop novel preventive and therapeutic strategies.

Global Knockout of LDLRAP1 Regulates Atherosclerosis, Insulin Resistance, and VSMC Foam Cell Formation

IntroductionAtherosclerotic vascular syndromes account for 50% of all mortality in the United States, and are a considerable medical and socioeconomic problem contributing to mortality of many conditions including myocardial infarction, stroke, renal failure, and peripheral vascular disease. Recent studies have implicated that as many as 70% of all cells in atherosclerotic lesions are vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)‐derived. VSMC express lipid receptors and can uptake oxidized‐LDL to form foam cells, affecting the size and lipid content of atherosclerotic plaques. Low‐Density Lipoprotein Receptor Adaptor Protein 1 (LDLRAP1) is a cytosolic adaptor protein which interacts with the cytoplasmic tail of the LDL receptor, internalizing the receptor when it engages with LDL. Mutations in this gene lead to LDL receptor malfunction and cause Autosomal Recessive Hypercholesterolemia (ARH) in humans. The hypercholesterolemia is assumed to be a result of impaired LDL internalization by hepatocytes. Surprisingly, no investigation into a function for LDLRAP1 in lipid internalization in VSMC, or ramifications on atherogenesis in mice lacking LDLRAP1 has been reported. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that while hepatic expression of LDLRAP1 is beneficial, LDLRAP1 expression in VSMC leads to VSMC foam cell formation and increased atherosclerosis.ResultssiRNA knockdown of LDLRAP1 in human primary VSMC leads to significantly reduced lipid uptake quantified by flow cytometry (p&lt;0.01). Foam cell formation was quantitated in LDLRAP1−/− VSMC – similar to human VSMC, VSMC excised and cultured from aortas of LDLRAP1−/− mice had reduced lipid uptake compared with wild‐type controls (p&lt;0.01). VSMC proliferation is also a key step in atherosclerotic plaque formation, and LDLRAP1−/− VSMC proliferated more slowly than wild‐type controls over a 7‐day period (p&lt;0.05). LDLRAP1−/− mice fed a high‐fat western diet (HFD) for 15 weeks had increased plaque burden compared with wild‐type controls (p&lt;0.01). Unexpectedly, LDLRAP1−/− mice gained significantly more weight on HFD compared with wild‐type control mice (25.72 ± 1.07 vs. 10.95 ± 0.7 grams). Obesity is associated with insulin resistance, and insulin tolerance tests indicated that LDLRAP1−/− mice are insulin resistant.Summary and conclusionsThese data are the first to suggest that lack of LDLRAP1 directly leads to atherosclerosis in mice. LDLRAP1 may play an important role in VSMC foam cell formation, and an unexpected role in metabolism. These data are a first step and imply that knocking out LDLRAP1 specifically in vascular smooth muscle cells may provide a novel approach to reduce vascular smooth muscle foam cell formation and subsequently atherogenesis without inducing the hypercholesterolemia associated with a global knockout.Support or Funding InformationNIH‐NHLBIThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Complications of type II supracondylar humerus fractures treated at a specialized paediatric centre.

Supracondylar humerus (SCH) fractures are the most common operatively treated paediatric fracture in Canada. Previous literature describing the low-energy (Gartland type II) subtype reports varying complication rates from a variety of practice settings. We sought to examine complications of type II SCH fractures treated at a Canadian specialized paediatric centre. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients aged 0 to 14 admitted to SickKids, Toronto, Ontario for surgical treatment of a type II SCH fracture from 2008 to 2015. The primary outcome of this study was relevant perioperative complications including: open fracture, compartment syndrome, pre- and postoperative vascular compromise, pre- and postoperative neurological compromise, failure to obtain a closed reduction (i.e., open reduction), postoperative infection, and reoperation within 3 months. There were 370 patients included in the study with mean (standard deviation) age 5.14 years (±2.51). The overall rate of relevant complications in the study cohort was 3.6% (13/358, 12 missing), with 12 cases of nerve palsy (3.3%; 2 iatrogenic [0.6%]) that resolved by final follow-up and one case of preoperative nerve palsy (0.3%) that did not. Importantly, there were no cases of vascular compromise, open fracture, compartment syndrome, or infection. Complications associated with type II SCH fractures managed at a specialized paediatric centre that result in long-term morbidity are extremely rare (0.3%). Perioperative inpatient monitoring for patients with these fractures may not be justified based on these data. Prospective studies are required to confirm safety, evaluate patient perspectives, and demonstrate cost savings of outpatient surgical management.

Vascular Type Eagle Syndrome: A Case of Styloid Process-Carotid Artery Syndrome with Operation

Eagle’s syndrome (ES), also known as the stylohyoid syndrome, is defined as the elongation of a styloid process by more than 30 mm and the mineralization of the stylohyoid-stylomandibular ligament. Two types of ES are described in the literature: classical stylohyoid syndrome and vascular stylocarotid syndrome. While bilateral ES is commonly seen in women, the symptoms are usually unilateral. This case report describes the surgical treatment of a 45-year-old female patient with bilaterally-elongated styloid processes who presented with vascular ES symptoms. A literature review is also included. Eagle Sendromu (ES) veya Stilohyoid Sendromu, stiloid prosesin 30 mm'den fazla uzaması ve stilohyoid-stilomandibular ligamentin mineralizasyonu olarak tanımlanmaktadır. Literatürde iki ES formu tanımlanmaktadır. Bunlar klasik tip stilohyoid sendrom ve vasküler tip stilokarotid sendromudur. ES sıklıkla kadınlarda ve bilateral olarak görülürken, belirtiler genellikle tek taraflıdır. Bu olguda bilateral olarak uzamış stiloid prosesi olan ve Eagle tipi sendromun vasküler tipini destekleyen semptomlarla başvuran 45 yaşında bir kadın hasta ele alınmış ve ilgili literatür sunulmuştur.

Vascular Age Concept: Which Approach Is Preferable in Clinical Practice?

to compare various approaches to estimation of vascular age in patients from sample of citizens of Saint-Petersburg (SPB) with arterial pressure (AP) above 130 / 80 mm Hg without history of cardiovascular events. Examination of a population sample of SPB citizens (n=1600) was carried out within framework of the observational epidemiological study ESSE-RF (ЭССЕ-РФ) in 2012-2013. We selected from this sample 477 women and man aged 40-65 years without history of cardiovascular events, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease, and AP &gt;130 / 80 mm Hg. Examination included anthropometry, sampling of fasting blood for measurement of lipids, glucose, creatinine levels, urine sampling for determination of albumin excretion, and AP measurement in ac-cordance with standard methods. The SCORE scale was used of evaluation of 10-year risk of fatal stroke and fatal myocardial infarction. Volume sphygmography (VaSera device) was applied for determination of cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) with calculation of vascular age, and ankle-brachial index. ASCORE scale was used for determination of сalculated vascular age was determined with help of the ASCORE scale. Mean age of participants (182 men [38.2 %], 295 women [61.8 %]) was 52.5±6.2 years. Calculated and instrumental methods of determination of vascular age and early vascular aging had low concordance (κ = 0.099). With elevation of cardiovascular risk early vascular aging was more frequently detected by method of its calculation ASCORE than with instrumental method (VaSera). In the absence of achievement of target AP level signs of early vascular aging were significantly more often detected by the method of vascular age calculation than by the instrumental method VaSera. Application of the concept of vascular age and early vascular aging syndrome might be an effective tool for stratification of cardiovascular risk by a physician and improvement of adherence of a patient. This is especially actual for young patients with burdened heredity. One can assume that estimation of virtual risk factor load on blood vessels by the ASCORE method of calculation is more sensitive to detection of premature vascular aging, while requiring less financial and organizational efforts.

Fístulas arteriovenosas nativas humerobasílicas con superficialización y trasposición en un solo acto quirúrgico. Revisión de cinco años de experiencia

BackgroundThe basilic vein is a deep vein which usually requires superficialisation and surgical transposition. Material and methodsThis is a retrospective study of 119 BBAVF-ST in patients with stage 5D chronic kidney disease who received an implant with a one-stage surgical technique (2011-2015). The percentage of primary (PP), assisted primary (APP) and secondary (SP) permeabilities were assessed, as well as the related complications. We analysed the permeabilities using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and a univariate Log Rank analysis (Mantel-Cox). P values less than or equal to 0.05 were considered as significant. ResultsThe mean age of the study group was 67.9years, with 63.8% of the subjects being male. A total of 57 complications were detected during the follow-up period: 24 stenosis (42.1%), 11 thrombosis (19.2%), 7 vascular access steal syndromes (12.2%), 7 upper limb oedemas (12.2%), 6 post-puncture haematomas (10.5%) and 2 infections (3.5%). The percentages of PP obtained at 1, 6, 12 and 24months were 92.4%, 79.8%, 66.3% and 52%; APP: 94.1%, 87.3%, 80.4% and 65.6%, and SP: 95%, 89.1%, 84% and 67.5%, respectively. Diabetic patients presented with significantly worse permeabilities than vascular or idiopathic patients: (P=.037, .009 and .019, respectively). ConclusionsAccording to the results obtained in our study, the one-stage surgical implementation of BBAVF-ST presents high permeability rates and a small number of related complications. Diabetes mellitus is a factor related to a worse surgical prognosis. Some of the biggest advantages are the greater optimisation of health resources and a shorter time in which the central venous catheter needs to remain in the body.

AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION IN PATIENTS WITH COMPLEX CONOTRUNCAL ANOMALIES

Airway obstruction (AO) has been well described in patients with vascular rings and absent pulmonary valve syndrome, however its incidence in patients with other forms of complex congenital heart disease is unknown. We sought to assess the incidence of AO in patients with complex vascular anatomy in

Abstract TP342: Effectiveness of Nursing Neuro-checks in Patients With Acute Stroke

Introduction: In the certification of primary and comprehensive stroke centers The Joint Commission cites neuro assessments/reassessment (neuro-checks) as one of the most problematic standards. The role of neuro-checks (NC) is to readily detect neurological change, but it is surprising that the assessment has undergone relatively little scientific study. Their effectiveness in detecting worsening in acute ischemic stroke patients has not been well examined. The aim of this study is to establish the usefulness of neuro-checks to detect neurological deterioration. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of acute ischemic strokes treated with IV tPA in 2017 at a large Comprehensive Stroke Center. Demographics, baseline and 24-hour NIHSS score, vascular risk factors, vascular syndrome at presentation and neuro-check findings during the first 72 hours following admission were recorded. NC consist of an assessment of orientation, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), arm and leg strength and sensation. Neurological deterioration was defined as worsening in the clinical judgement of a vascular neurologist during daily patient visits. Frequency and reasons of neurological deterioration and detection rates by neuro-checks were collected. Results: 107 patients were analyzed (52% male, age 69.7 ± 15.6 [mean+/-SD] years). Mean NIHSS score was 12 ± 7.3 on arrival and 7.8 ± 7.6 at 24 hours. An average of 63.3 ± 13.9 neuro-checks were performed per patient. Neurological deterioration was observed in 28 (26%) patients. Of these, 12 (42%) were detected by NC, 9 (32%) by nurses outside of the scheduled NC time and 7 (25%) remained undetected and were found during follow up physician visits. The most common components of the NC that helped detection were decreased motor strength and confusion. Most common reasons for failure to discover deterioration were gradual decline (3/7 [42%]) and transfer to floor (2/7 [28.5%]). Conclusions: While NC increase the chance of detecting neurological deterioration in patients with acute stroke a significant proportion of deteriorations are found outside scheduled assessments or remained undetected. This suggests that novel monitoring strategies are needed to readily identify worsening neurological status in acute stroke.

Monocyte‐predominant engraftment, cytokine levels and early transplant‐related complications in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell recipients

Myeloablative conditioning is a well‐established procedure that precedes hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), particularly in pediatric patients. In the period directly following transplantation, several factors may contribute to complications that lead to the activation or damage of endothelial cells, involved in the pathogenesis of vascular endothelial syndromes (VES). However, to date, sufficiently specific and sensitive diagnostic markers for the various forms of VES have not been identified. This was a retrospective single‐center study of patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT. For this cohort of patients, parameters including type of engraftment, donor characteristics, and cytokine production were measured and correlated with a high prevalence of short‐term complications after HSCT. The aim of this study was to identify specific parameters useful for improving diagnostics and predicting adverse effects in VES. We confirmed that monocyte‐predominant engraftment was related to a higher risk for an early transplant‐related complication termed sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS). The increased production of specific cytokines, in particular RANTES, represents a marker associated with prevalent engraftment. In addition, patients undergoing prophylaxis with defibrotide had “classical” engraftment, a common cytokine profile and a lower incidence of life‐threatening transplant‐related complications. The beneficial effect of defibrotide might be a starting point for developing selective prophylaxis for patients with monocyte engraftment to prevent severe early transplant‐related complications.

The Caesarean Section in Dakar: Indications and Analysis Prognosis

The objective of this study was to analyze the indications of cesarean sections performed in a Level II clinic and to evaluate early maternal and neonatal outcome in the context of decentralization of obstetric and emergency newborn care. Material and Method: This was a retrospective descriptive and analytical study conducted at the maternity CSNC over a period of 12 months from 1 July 2010 to 30 June 2011. It included all women in childbirth by caesarean section and excluded patients admitted for management of complications of cesarean section performed in another structure. Results: During the study period, 595 caesarean sections were performed on a total of 4410 births, a rate of 13.5%. The average age of patients was 27 years. The mean parity was 2. The patients came from them even 55%. They were admitted with a single uterine scar in 28.40% of cases and bi-scar in 25.4% of cases. A pathology was associated with pregnancy in 31.6% of cases. These pathologies were dominated by vascular and renal syndromes (75.5%), anemia (13.8%) and the obstacles previa (10.1%). Caesarean sections were performed in 517 patients in emergency. The technique of Misgav Ladach was the most common 75.1%. The average hospital stay was 4.2 days with extremes of 0 and 15 days. Postoperative maternal mortality was 0.34%. Operative follow-up was simple in 98.3% of patients. Two patients (0.34%) died after surgery. In 92.4% of the cases, the newborns were alive. The Apgar score in the first minute was favorable (greater than or equal to 7/10) in 503 newborns (95.1%) and unfavorable (less than 7/10) in 47 cases (8.55%). At the fifth minute, he was favorable in 98.5% of the cases. Overall stillbirth was 72.26‰ with a total of 43 stillbirths including 3 macerated stillbirths. Conclusion: Cesarean section is by far the most accomplished action in gynecology and obstetrics. Its ease of implementation and low cost, and of course his results in terms of reduction of maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality make a key intervention and allowed its extension.

Non-Diabetic Nephropathies among Diabetic Patients of the Nephrology Department of Dakar

Introduction: Diabetic nephropathy is the most common cause of kidney disease in diabetics. However, in some cases the clinical symptoms is not typical and nephropathy may be different from diabetic and require the use of renal biopsy (RB) which is not usually indicated unless non-diabetic nephropathy (NND) is suspected. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of non-diabetic nephropathy (NDN) among the diabetic patients and to analyse the different predictive factors of its occurrence. Patients and methods: It was a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study which is carried out at the nephrology department of Aristide Le DANTEC hospital of Dakar over a period of 60 months. Diabetics with suspected NDN diagnosis based on renal anomalie that is associated with a recent diabetes, Acute renal failure with rapid progress, Diabetic retinopathy’s absence, and Extrarenal signs (cutaneous, digestive and articular) associated with an acute renal failure. Microscopic haematuria was included. The epidemiological, clinical, biological and histological parameters were collected and analysed using the SPSS, 3.5 version software. Results: Out of 34 biopsied diabetic patients, 12 had NDN that is a prevalence of 35, 3%. The average age was 49.88 ± 4.15 years, 0.78 for the sex-ratio and the mean duration of diabetes is 12.53 ± 4.7 years. Glomerular syndrome was found in 30 patients (88.23%), vascular nephropathy syndrome in 3 patients (8.82%) and tubule-interstitial nephropathy syndrome in only one patient (2.94%). Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and microscopic haematuria (HU) respectively existed in 10 patients (34%) and 15 patients (44. 12%). The Kidney biopsy (KB) indications were renal abnormalities associated with recent diabetes, acute renal failure with rapid progress, absence of DR, extrarenal signs associated with acute renal failure and microscopic haematuria. Twenty-two patients (64.7%) had diabetic nephropathy (DN) and 12 patients (38.2%) presented a NDN. Predictive factors of NDN diagnosis were a shorter diabetes duration (P = 0.0008), high blood pressure (P = 0.0015) and absence of DR (P = 0.005). Conclusion: Our data show that kidney injury in a diabetic is not always diabetic nephropathy. The Kidney biopsy (KB) is often needed in order to adopt an effective management.

Chest-trauma induced respiratory failure in a patient with vascular tracheobronchial compression syndrome

Chest-trauma induced respiratory failure in a patient with vascular tracheobronchial compression syndrome