Category: Statistics

Turkiye Parazitol Derg. 2023 Dec 27;47(4):209-213. doi: 10.4274/tpd.galenos.2023.80664.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Toxoplasma gondii is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis and is a parasite of high medical importance with a wide host variety. Bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections during pregnancy may predispose women to pregnancy complications. Preeclampsia of unknown etiology causes special conditions such as systemic vascular endothelial damage due to insufficient trophoblastic invasion and abnormal placentation. There are data of an association between various maternal infections and preeclampsia/eclampsias. The aim of the study was to compare and analyze the relationship between the presence of anti-Toxoplasma IgM and anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and in normotensive healthy pregnant women who were in the control group.

METHODS: In this study, 176 pregnant women who applied to our hospital between January 2019 and December 2020 were included. 88 (50%) of the pregnant women had pre-eclampsia and 88 (50%) were normotensive. The presence of anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies in blood taken from pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and control group was investigated using ELISA.

RESULTS: Because of the study, both groups were found to be seronegative in terms of anti-Toxoplasma IgM by ELISA. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG was found to be seropositive in 24 (27.3%) pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and 18 (20.5%) normotensive pregnant women. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of anti-Toxoplasma IgM and anti-Toxoplasma IgG seropositivity (X²=0.289, p>0.05) (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Because of the study, no statistically significant difference was found between pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and those with toxoplasmosis. It was thought that further studies should be conducted to discuss the hormonal, vascular, etc. factors occurring in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia of T. gondii effect of preparing the ground for the changes and to reveal the existence of a possible relationship between pre-eclampsia and T. gondii seropositivity.

PMID:38149440 | DOI:10.4274/tpd.galenos.2023.80664

J Perioper Pract. 2023 Dec 27:17504589231211442. doi: 10.1177/17504589231211442. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Perioperative medication management in patients who are nil by mouth for surgery or endoscopy is often suboptimal. Inappropriate medication management can prolong postoperative recovery and increase morbidity and mortality. This quality improvement study, carried out in general surgical patients at an 800-bed general hospital, aimed to improve perioperative medication management in accordance with the recommendations of the UK Clinical Pharmacy Association Handbook of Perioperative Medicine. Increasing awareness and educating general surgical team members, including doctors and non-medical prescribers, about perioperative medication management led to a non-significant improvement in medication management. However, a statistically significant improvement was achieved when nursing staff were also included. This study highlights the importance of involving different members of the multidisciplinary team in perioperative medication management.

PMID:38149434 | DOI:10.1177/17504589231211442

Med J Aust. 2023 Dec 27. doi: 10.5694/mja2.52196. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between access to fluoridated drinking water and area-level socio-economic status in Queensland.

STUDY DESIGN: Ecological, geospatial data linkage study.

SETTING: Queensland, by statistical area level 2 (SA2), 2021.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Proportion of SA2s and of residents with access to fluoridated drinking water (natural or supplemented); relationship at SA2 level between access to fluoridated water and socio-economic status (Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage, IRSAD; Index of Economic Resources, IER).

RESULTS: In 2021, an estimated 4 050 168 people (79.4% of the population) and 397 SA2 regions (72.7%) in Queensland had access to fluoridated water. Access was concentrated in the southeastern corner of the state. After adjusting for SA2 population, log area, and population density, the likelihood of access to fluoridated drinking water almost doubled for each 100-rank increase in IRSAD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.59-2.36) or IER (aOR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.50-2.11).

CONCLUSIONS: The 2012 decision to devolve responsibility for water fluoridation decisions and funding from the Queensland government to local councils means that residents in lower socio-economic areas are less likely to have access to fluoridated water than those in more advantaged areas, exacerbating their already greater risk of dental disease. Queensland water fluoridation policy should be revised so that all residents can benefit from this evidence-based public health intervention for reducing the prevalence of dental caries.

PMID:38149410 | DOI:10.5694/mja2.52196

Zhonghua Wei Zhong Bing Ji Jiu Yi Xue. 2023 Dec;35(12):1304-1308. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn121430-20230914-00779.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of T2 mapping in the assessment of myocardial changes and prognosis in patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted. A total of 30 patients with acute STEMI admitted to Tianjin First Central Hospital from January 2021 to March 2022 were enrolled as the experimental group. At the same time, 30 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers and outpatients with non-specific chest pain with no abnormalities in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) examination were selected as the control group. CMR was performed within 2 weeks after the diagnosis of STEMI, as the initial reference. A plain CMR review was performed 6 months later (chronic myocardial infarction, CMI). Plain scanning includes film sequence (CINE), T2 weighted short tau inversion recovery (T2-STIR), native-T1 mapping, and T2 mapping. Enhanced scanning includes first-pass perfusion, late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), and post-contrast T1 mapping. Quantitative myocardial parameters were compared between the two groups, before and after STEMI myocardial infarction. The receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of native-T1 before myocardial contrast enhancement and T2 values in differentiating STEMI and CMI after 6 months.

RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in age, gender, heart rate and body mass index (BMI) between the two groups, which were comparable. The native-T1 value, T2 value and extracellular volume (ECV) were significantly higher than those in the control group [native-T1 value (ms): 1 434.5±165.3 vs. 1 237.0±102.5, T2 value (ms): 48.3±15.6 vs. 21.8±13.1, ECV: (39.6±13.8)% vs. (22.8±5.0)%, all P < 0.05]. In the experimental group, 12 patients were re-examined by plain CMR scan 6 months later. After 6 months, the high signal intensity on T2-STIR was still visible, but the range was smaller than that in the acute phase, and the native-T1 and T2 values were significantly lower than those in the acute phase [native-T1 value (ms): 1 271.0±26.9 vs. 1 434.5±165.3, T2 value (ms): 34.2±11.2 vs. 48.3±15.6, both P < 0.05]. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of native-T1 and T2 values in differentiating acute STEMI from CMI was 0.71 and 0.80, respectively. When native-T1 cut-off value was 1 316.0 ms, the specificity was 100% and the sensitivity was 53.3%; when T2 cut-off value was 46.7 ms, the specificity was 100% and the sensitivity was 73.8%.

CONCLUSIONS: The T2 mapping is a non-invasive method for the diagnosis of myocardial changes in patients with acute STEMI myocardial infarction, and can be used to to evaluate the clinical prognosis of patients.

PMID:38149394 | DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn121430-20230914-00779

Zhonghua Wei Zhong Bing Ji Jiu Yi Xue. 2023 Dec;35(12):1281-1285. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn121430-20230829-00711.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the high risk factors of failure of autologous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in hemodialysis patients.

METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted, patients with maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) undergoing AVF admitted to General Hospital of Western Theater Command from January 2021 to December 2022 were enrolled, including 107 patients with normal AVF and 168 patients with AVF dysfanction. According to the causes of AVF failure, the patients were divided into AVF stenosis group (n = 103) and AVF thrombosis group (n = 65). Age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease) and other clinical data of all patients were collected. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, platelet count, C-reactive protein (CRP), high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) within 1 month of AVF use in normal dialysis patients and 1 week before AVF failure. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors of AVF dysfuction in MHD patients. The receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was drawn to evaluate the predictive value of risk factors on AVF dysfuction in MHD patients.

RESULTS: (1) There were significant differences in age, BMI, hypertension, hemoglobin, hematocrit, PLR and CRP [age (years): 56.94±14.32, 58.83±14.05, 51.57±13.19; BMI (kg/m²): 22.83±3.10, 21.27±4.98, 23.35±2.72; hypertension: 93.20%, 64.62%, 86.92%; hemoglobin (g/L): 110.82±22.16, 88.70±24.00, 87.95±23.45; hematocrit: 0.350±0.069, 0.282±0.076, 0.275±0.071; PLR: 197.35±113.59, 192.55±138.25, 162.12±73.25; CRP (mg/L): 10.01±4.02, 8.18±5.42, 3.17±1.30, all P < 0.05], among AVF stenosis group, AVF thrombosis group and AVF normal group, there were statistically significant differences no statistically significant difference was found in other indexes among three groups. (2) Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension [odds ratio (OR) = 4.849, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.278-18.397, P = 0.020], elevated CRP levels (OR = 2.104, 95%CI was 1.533-2.888, P = 0.000) were associated with AVF stenosis. Elevated CRP levels (OR = 1.984, 95%CI was 1.442-2.730, P = 0.000) was an independent risk factor for AVF thrombosis. Analysis of ROC curve showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of AVF dysfunction predicted by CRP was 0.712, 95%CI was 0.637-0.786, P = 0.000; CRP cut-off value was 1.8 mg/L, the sensitivity was 67.0%, the specificity was 83.7%.

CONCLUSIONS: Elevated CRP is an independent risk factor for AVF failure in hemodialysis patients, which can be used to predict the occurrence of AVF failure.

PMID:38149390 | DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn121430-20230829-00711

Zhonghua Wei Zhong Bing Ji Jiu Yi Xue. 2023 Dec;35(12):1255-1261. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn121430-20230813-00621.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore the risk factors for poor prognosis in sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) and establish a nomogram predictive model.

METHODS: The clinical data of patients with SA-AKI admitted to the department of critical care medicine of Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from January 2019 to September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including demographic information, worst values of blood cell counts and biochemical indicators within 24 hours of SA-AKI diagnosis, whether the patient received renal replacement therapy (RRT), mechanical ventilation, vasopressor therapy during hospitalization, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) within 24 hours of diagnosis, acute kidney injury (AKI) staging, total length of hospital stay, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and others. According to the 28-day outcome, the patients were divided into survival group and death group, and the indicators between the two groups were compared. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were used to screen for risk factors associated with mortality in SA-AKI patients. A nomogram predictive model for SA-AKI prognosis was constructed based on the identified risk factors. Receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) and calibration plots were generated to evaluate the predictive value of the nomogram model for SA-AKI prognosis.

RESULTS: A total of 113 SA-AKI patients were included, with 67 in the survival group and 46 in the death group. The 28-day mortality among SA-AKI patients was 40.7%. The comparison between the two groups showed that there were statistically significant differences in age ≥ 65 years, AKI stage, mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, RRT, length of ICU stay, and laboratory indicators cystatin C (Cys C), fibrinogen (Fib), and FAR. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age ≥ 65 years [odds ratio (OR) = 7.967, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.803-35.203, P = 0.006], cystatin C (OR = 7.202, 95%CI was 1.756-29.534, P = 0.006), FAR (OR = 2.444, 95%CI was 1.506-3.968, P < 0.001), and RRT (OR = 7.639, 95%CI was 1.391-41.951, P = 0.019) were independent risk factors for mortality in SA-AKI patients. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) for age ≥ 65 years, cystatin C, FAR, and RRT in predicting SA-AKI patient mortality were 0.713, 0.856, 0.911, and 0.701, respectively. A nomogram predictive model for SA-AKI patient prognosis was constructed based on age ≥ 65 years, cystatin C, FAR, and RRT, with an AUC of 0.967 (95%CI was 0.932-1.000) according to ROC curve analysis. The calibration plot indicated good consistency between predicted and actual probabilities.

CONCLUSIONS: Age ≥ 65 years, cystatin C, FAR, and RRT are independent risk factors for mortality in SA-AKI patients. The nomogram predictive model based on these four factors can accurately predict SA-AKI patient prognosis, helping physicians adjust treatment strategies in a timely manner and improve patient outcomes.

PMID:38149386 | DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn121430-20230813-00621

Zhonghua Wei Zhong Bing Ji Jiu Yi Xue. 2023 Dec;35(12):1250-1254. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn121430-20230818-00660.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To observe the expression level of cytokines in patients with sepsis and its effect on prognosis.

METHODS: The clinical data of sepsis patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2020 to December 2022 were analyzed retrospectively, including gender, age, and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II), blood routine, procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and cytokines levels [interleukins (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)] within 24 hours of admission to ICU. The 28-day prognosis of the patients was followed up. The patients were divided into survival group and death group according to the prognosis. The clinical data between the two groups of sepsis patients with different prognosis were compared. Binary Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with sepsis, and the receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was drawn to evaluate the predictive value of each risk factor for the prognosis of patients with sepsis.

RESULTS: (1) A total of 227 patients with sepsis were enrolled, including 168 patients in the survival group (survival rate 74.0%) and 59 patients in the death group (mortality 26.0%). There were no significant differences in age (years old: 55.97±2.13 vs. 54.67±1.11) and gender (male: 71.2% vs. 57.1%) between the death group and the survival group (both P > 0.05), indicating that the baseline data of the two groups were comparable. (2) The APACHE II (19.37±0.99 vs. 14.88±0.61, P < 0.001) and PCT (μg/L: 12.39±2.94 vs. 4.14±0.90, P < 0.001) in the death group were significantly higher than those in the survival group, while the platelet count [PLT (×10⁹/L): 144.75±12.50 vs. 215.99±11.26, P = 0.001] and thrombocytocrit [(0.14±0.01)% vs. (0.19±0.01)%, P = 0.001] were significantly lower than those in the survival group. (3) The level of IL-6 in the death group was significantly higher than that in the survival group (ng/L: 577.66±143.16 vs. 99.74±33.84, P < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in other cytokines, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-17 between the death group and the survival group [IL-2 (ng/L): 2.44±0.38 vs. 2.63±0.27, P = 0.708; IL-4 (ng/L): 3.26±0.67 vs. 3.18±0.34, P = 0.913; IL-10 (ng/L): 33.22±5.13 vs. 39.43±2.85, P = 0.262; TNF-α (ng/L): 59.33±19.21 vs. 48.79±29.87, P = 0.839; IFN-γ (ng/L): 6.69±5.18 vs. 1.81±0.16, P = 0.100; IL-17 (ng/L): 2.05±0.29 vs. 2.58±0.33, P = 0.369]. (4) Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that APACHE II and IL-6 were independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with sepsis [odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were 1.050 (1.008-1.093) and 1.001 (1.000-1.002), P values were 0.019 and 0.026, respectively]. (5) ROC curve analysis showed that APACHE II and IL-6 had certain predictive value for the prognosis of patients with sepsis, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.754 (95%CI was 0.681-0.827) and 0.592 (95%CI was 0.511-0.673), P values were < 0.001 and 0.035, respectively. When the optimal cut-off value of APACHE II was 16.50 score, the sensitivity was 72.6% and the specificity was 69.9%. When the optimal cut-off value of IL-6 was 27.87 ng/L, the sensitivity was 67.2% and the specificity was 52.8%.

CONCLUSIONS: APACHE II score and IL-6 level have certain predictive value for the prognosis of patients with sepsis, the higher APACHE II score and IL-6 level, the greater the probability of death in patients with sepsis.

PMID:38149385 | DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn121430-20230818-00660

Zhonghua Wei Zhong Bing Ji Jiu Yi Xue. 2023 Dec;35(12):1233-1240. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn121430-20230717-00528.

ABSTRACT

Phosgene is not only a dangerous asphyxiating chemical warfare agent, but also an important chemical raw material, which is widely used in chemical production. According to statistics, there are more than 1 000 phosgene production enterprises in China, with an annual production volume of more than 3 million tons and hundreds of thousands of employees. Therefore, once the leakage accident occurs during production, storage and transportation, it often causes a large number of casualties. In the past 20 years, phosgene poisoning accidents in China have occurred from time to time, and due to the weak irritation, high density, and high concentration of phosgene at the scene of the accident, it often results in acute high-concentration inhalation of the exposed, triggering acute lung injury (ALI), and is very likely to progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), with a mortality rate up to 40%-50%. In view of the characteristics of sudden, mass, concealed, rapid and highly fatal phosgene, and the mechanism of its toxicity and pathogenicity is still not clear, there is no effective treatment and standardized guidance for the sudden group phosgene poisoning. In order to improve the efficiency of clinical treatment and reduce the mortality, this paper has summarized the pathophysiological mechanism of phosgene poisoning, clinical manifestations, on-site treatment, research progress, and innovative clinical therapies by combining the extensive basic research on phosgene over the years with the abundant experience in the on-site treatment of sudden mass phosgene poisoning. This consensus aims to provide guidance for the clinical rescue and treatment of patients with sudden mass phosgene poisoning, and to improve the level of treatment.

PMID:38149382 | DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn121430-20230717-00528

Pediatr Transplant. 2023 Dec 27:e14664. doi: 10.1111/petr.14664. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric heart transplant patients are routinely followed in dermatology clinics due to elevated risk of cutaneous malignancy. However, transplant patients may experience other, non-cancer-related dermatologic conditions including skin infections, inflammatory diseases, and drug eruptions that can cause significant medical and psychosocial comorbidity.

METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all pediatric heart transplant patients at Mayo Clinic Children’s Center in Rochester, MN, was performed to determine the prevalence and spectrum of non-cancer dermatologic conditions. Statistical analysis was conducted to look for associations between episodes of rejection and skin condition development.

RESULTS: Of the 65 patients who received heart transplants under the age of 18 and were followed at Mayo Clinic, 69% (N = 45) were diagnosed with at least one skin condition between transplant and the time of most recent follow-up. Sixty-two percent (N = 40) of patients were diagnosed with an inflammatory skin condition (most commonly acne and atopic dermatitis), 45% (N = 29) with an infectious skin condition (most commonly warts and dermatophyte infection), and 32% (N = 21) with a drug eruption (most commonly unspecified rash and urticaria). No association was found between presence of skin disease and number of rejection episodes.

CONCLUSIONS: Non-cancer dermatologic conditions are prevalent within pediatric heart transplant recipients and may directly impact their medical needs and quality of life. Dermatologist involvement in the care of post-transplant pediatric patients is important, not only for cancer screening but also for diagnosis and treatment of common infectious and inflammatory skin conditions.

PMID:38149373 | DOI:10.1111/petr.14664

Intern Med J. 2023 Dec 27. doi: 10.1111/imj.16306. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EOE) is a known cause of food bolus obstruction (FBO) with rising incidence and prevalence.

AIMS: To assess the rates of EOE in adult cases presenting with an FBO via prospective biopsy collection during index endoscopy.

METHODS: Oesophageal FBO cases requiring gastroscopy between February 2014 and January 2021 at a single institution with a unified policy to perform biopsies on FBO cases were analysed using medical records, endoscopy and histology. Statistical analysis was undertaken to compare those with and without EOE as their final diagnosis, including the timing of oesophageal biopsy and the season that cases presented.

RESULTS: One hundred ninety FBO presentations were analysed, 15 patients presented twice and one patient presented four times within the 7-year study period. Men represented 72% of cases. A total of 78% of cases had biopsies collected at an index or scheduled follow-up endoscopy. EOE was the cause of the FBO in 28% (53/190) of presentations. FBO secondary to EOE was more likely to occur in the spring and summer months (Australian September to March), with 39% (19 of 49) of cases presenting in spring attributable to EOE.

CONCLUSION: EOE affects a significant proportion of patients presenting with FBO (28%); a high biopsy rate of 78% in FBO cases provides an opportunity for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

PMID:38149363 | DOI:10.1111/imj.16306