Category: Statistics

Neuromodulation. 2021 May 4. doi: 10.1111/ner.13401. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patients with pudendal neuralgia (PN) experience long-lasting chronic pain, hyperalgesia, and comorbid emotional disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Treatment via conventional pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) current carries a significantly high rate of failure.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and clinical efficacy of high-voltage, long-duration PRF application to the pudendal nerve in patients with PN.

STUDY DESIGN: Observational retrospective design, self before-after controlled clinical trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the records of 70 patients of our hospital with diagnosed PN. Treatment consisted of PRF application to the pudendal nerve, using computed tomography guidance to target the pudendal nerve at the level of the ischial spine or ischial tuberosity of the affected side. PRF was applied with the following parameters: temperature 42°C, frequency 2 Hz, pulse width 20 ms, field intensity ramped gradually from 40 to 90 V, duration 900 sec. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by collecting patient scores for the visual analog scale (VAS), SF-36 health survey questionnaire (SF-36), and patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) before treatment and at 1-, 4-, and 12-week follow-ups after PRF treatment. Data were analyzed by paired t-test with p < 0.05 considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS: VAS, SF-36, and PHQ-9 scores at 1, 4, and 12 weeks after high-voltage long-duration PRF treatment were significantly improved relative to their respective pretreatment baseline scores (p < 0.05 for all). The effective rate at 12 weeks after high-voltage long-duration PRF was up to 88.6%.

LIMITATIONS: A small sample size and lack of a control group.

CONCLUSIONS: High-voltage long-duration PRF provided significant short-term (at least 12 weeks) pain relief to most patients with PN; it also improved subjective measures of depression and quality of life over the same duration of time.

PMID:33945192 | DOI:10.1111/ner.13401

Australas J Ageing. 2021 May 4. doi: 10.1111/ajag.12950. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of a Consumer Directed Care (CDC) model of service delivery on the quality of life of older people receiving home care packages.

METHODS: Quality of life was assessed using validated instruments. The relationship between quality of life and length of time exposed to CDC was examined using descriptive statistical and multivariate regression analyses.

RESULTS: Consenting older adults (n = 150) in receipt of home care packages participated. Quality of life and capability scores were higher for older people in receipt of a CDC model of service delivery for <12 months compared to those receiving the model of care for longer, although this difference was not statistically significant. However, older people with more recent exposure to CDC indicated a stronger capability to do things that made them feel valued.

CONCLUSION: Extended longitudinal follow-up is needed to facilitate a detailed examination of the relationship between the evolution of CDC and its longer-term influences on quality of life.

PMID:33945198 | DOI:10.1111/ajag.12950

Orthop Surg. 2021 May 4. doi: 10.1111/os.12960. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) in conjunction with unilateral pedicle screw fixation (UPSF) via the Wiltse approach in treating degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS).

METHODS: The article is a retrospective analysis. Twelve patients with DLS who underwent combined OLIF and UPSF between July 2017 and December 2018 were included. The study included 2 male and 10 female patients, with a mean age at the time of the operation of 67.2 ± 9.1 years. The surgical characteristics and complications were evaluated. The clinical and radiological data such as the correction of deformity, coronal and sagittal profile were analyzed.

RESULTS: The mean follow-up time of the study was 26.8 ± 1.8 months. At the final follow-up, all patients who underwent combined OLIF and UPSF achieved statistically significant improvements in coronal Cobb angle (from 19.6° ± 4.8° to 6.9° ± 3.8°, P < 0.01), distance between the C7 plumb line and central sacral vertebral line (from 2.5 ± 1.7 cm to 0.9 ± 0.6 cm, P < 0.01), sagittal vertebral axis (from 4.3 ± 4.3 cm to 1.5 ± 1.0 cm, P = 0.03), lumbar lordosis (from 29.4° ± 8.6° to 40.8° ± 5.8°, P < 0.01), pelvic tilt (from 27.6° ± 10.8° to 18.3° ± 7.0°, P < 0.01), pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis mismatch (from 23.3° ± 10.5° to 11.9° ± 8.4°, P < 0.01), and cross-sectional area of the dural sac (from 87.33 ± 39.41 mm² to 124.70 ± 39.26 mm² , P < 0.01). The visual analogue score for back and leg pain and Oswestry Disability Index of all patients significantly improved postoperatively (P < 0.01). One case of lumbar plexus injury was found after surgery. During the follow-up period, one patient had cage subsidence. A fusion rate of 100% and good positioning of the pedicle screws were achieved in all patients at the final follow-up.

CONCLUSION: OLIF in conjunction with UPSF is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure for correcting both coronal and sagittal deformities, as it results in an improved quality of life in patients with DLS.

PMID:33945217 | DOI:10.1111/os.12960

J Morphol. 2021 May 4. doi: 10.1002/jmor.21365. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The discovery of cryptic biodiversity has blossomed under the advancements of genetic techniques, but species identification via morphology remains crucial to effective conservation efforts. In this study, we tested the use of continuous cranial shape variation in distinguishing the two living species of Mecistops: the West African slender-snouted crocodile (M. cataphractus) and the Central African slender-snouted crocodile (M. leptorhynchus). Using a combination of geometric morphometric characters and ratios of linear measurements, we identified statistically significant variation in cranial bone and overall skull shape of mature individuals that corroborates existing molecular and discrete morphological evidence for two distinct, extant species within Mecistops. Specifically, variation in the shape of the nasal appears particularly diagnostic, while ratios involving metrics of snout length to snout width at the premaxillary notch offer distinguishing features easily measured in the field. Because of the complementary results and applications of the morphometric and cranial ratio analyses, we argue that both methodologies remain relevant to species identification. Moreover, we recommend continued cooperation between geneticists and morphologists in diagnosing species of conservation concern.

PMID:33945166 | DOI:10.1002/jmor.21365

J Clin Lab Anal. 2021 May 4:e23806. doi: 10.1002/jcla.23806. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of fungal infection (FI) in developing countries is high, but the diagnosis of FI is still challenging to determine, so it is needed evaluation of biomarkers other than microbiological culture, because the culture has low sensitivity, high cost, not available in every laboratory and needs a long time. The detection of human galactomannan Aspergillus antigen (GAL) and 1,3-beta-D-glucan (BDG) on the fungal cell wall could be the promising biomarkers for fungal infection. Neutropenia, lymphopenia and CD4T cells in the immunocompromised patients are essential factors, but these cell associations with BDG and GAL levels have not been evaluated yet. The study aimed to evaluate GAL and BDG for detecting fungal infection and their association with total leucocyte count, neutrophil, monocyte, lymphocyte and CD4T cells.

METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 86 patient with suspected FI. Fungal infection established using EORTC/MSG criteria. Serology test performed using ELISA. Leucocyte cells were measured using a haematology autoanalyser, and CD4T cells were analysed using BD FACSPresto. Statistical analysis obtained using Spearman’s correlation coefficient, ROC curve analysis and 2 × 2 contingency table.

RESULTS: Serum Galactomannan and BDG had a significant correlation with CD4T cells and total lymphocyte count (p < 0.05). The cut-off OD GAL >0.3 had sensitivity 54.6%, specificity 87.5% and AUC 0.71; meanwhile, the BDG cut-off >115.78 pg/ mL had sensitivity 71.2%, specificity 52.4% and AUC 0.63 for detecting fungal infection.

CONCLUSIONS: The immunocompromised patients can undergo GAL for determining the diagnose of FI. The lower the CD4T cells and total lymphocyte count, the higher the GAL and BDG serum levels.

PMID:33945177 | DOI:10.1002/jcla.23806

J Clin Nurs. 2021 May 4. doi: 10.1111/jocn.15800. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To examine mealtime and patient factors associated with meal completion among hospitalised older patients. We also considered contextual factors such as staffing levels and ward communication.

BACKGROUND: Sub-optimum nutrition is a modifiable risk factor for hospital associated decline (HAD) in older patients. Yet, the quality of mealtime experiences can be overlooked within ward routinised practice.

DESIGN: Cross sectional, descriptive observation study.

METHODS: We undertook structured observation of mealtimes examining patient positioning, mealtime set-up and feeding assistance. The outcome was meal completion categorised as 0, 25%, 50%, 75% or 100%. Data were collected on patient characteristics and ward context. We used mixed-effects ordinal regression models to examine patient and mealtime factors associated with higher meal completion producing odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The study was reported as per STROBE guidelines.

RESULTS: We included 60 patients with a median age of 82 years (IQR 76-87) and clinical frailty score of 5 IQR (4-6). Of the 279 meals, 51% were eaten completely, 6% three quarters, 15% half, 18% a quarter and 10% were not eaten at all. Mealtime predictors with a weak association with less-meal completion were requiring assistance, special diets, lying in bed, and red tray (indicator of nutrition risk), but were not statistically significant. Significant patient-level factors were higher values for frailty (OR 0.34 [0.11-1.04]) and Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (OR 0.22 [0.08-0.62]). The average nurse-to-patient ratio was 1:5.5.

CONCLUSION: Patient factors were the strongest predictors for meal completion, but mealtime factors had a subtle influence. The nursing teams’ capacity to prioritise mealtimes above competing demands is important as part of a comprehensive nutrition strategy.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTISE: Nurses are central to optimising nutrition for frail older patients. It requires ward leadership to instil a culture of prioritising assisted mealtimes, improved communication, greater autonomy to tailor nutrition strategies and safe staffing levels.

PMID:33945183 | DOI:10.1111/jocn.15800

Neth Heart J. 2021 May 4. doi: 10.1007/s12471-021-01575-6. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: In patients with mitral annular disjunction (MAD), it can be difficult to assess the severity of mitral regurgitation (MR), as they present with a prolapsing volume (i.e. volume resulting from mitral valve prolapse, blood volume shift) rather than a regurgitant jet. The influence of the mitral prolapsing volume (MPV) on cardiac dimensions is unknown. We hypothesised that the severity of MR is underestimated in these patients. Our aim was to measure MPV and to investigate its influence on cardiac dimensions in patients with MAD.

METHODS: We retrospectively included 131 consecutive patients with MAD from our institution’s echocardiographic database. Transthoracic echocardiography was used to assess MPV. Additionally, we established a control group of 617 consecutive patients with degenerative mitral valve disease and performed propensity score matching.

RESULTS: Median MPV in the MAD group was 12 ml. MPV was an independent predictor for left ventricular end-diastolic (LVEDD) and end-systolic diameter (LVESD) and left atrial volume (all p < 0.001). In patients with large prolapsing volumes (> 15 ml), LVEDD (56 ± 6 mm vs 51 ± 6 mm, p < 0.001), LVESD [38 mm (34-41) vs 34 mm (31-39), p < 0.01] and left atrial volume [105 ml (86-159) vs 101 ml (66-123), p = 0.04] were significantly increased compared to matched patients with degenerative mitral valve disease and similarly assessed severity of MR.

CONCLUSION: Due to a volume shift based on the MPV rather than an actual regurgitant jet, MR severity cannot be assessed adequately in MAD patients. Increased MPV induces ventricular and atrial enlargement. These findings warrant future studies to focus on MPV as an additional parameter for assessment of the severity of MR in MAD patients.

PMID:33945108 | DOI:10.1007/s12471-021-01575-6

Aging Clin Exp Res. 2021 May 4. doi: 10.1007/s40520-021-01866-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Increasing age is associated with more medication errors in hospitalised patients. Patient engagement is a strategy to reduce medication harm.

AIMS: To measure older patients’ preferences for and reported medication safety behaviours, identify the relationship between preferred and reported medication safety behaviours and identify whether perceptions of medication safety behaviours differ between groups of young-old, middle-old and old-old patients (65-74 years, 75-84 years, and ≥ 85 years).

METHODS: A survey, which included the Inpatient Medication Safety Involvement Scale (IMSIS) was administered to 200 older patients from medical settings, at one hospital. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rho and the Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS: Patients reported a desire to ask questions (59.5% n = 119) and check with healthcare professionals if they perceived that a medication was wrong (86.5% n = 173) or forgotten (87.0% n = 174). Patients did not have particular preferences, which differed from their experiences in terms of viewing the medication administration chart and self-administering medications. Preferred and reported behaviours correlated positively (r = 0.46-0.58, n = 200, p ≤ 0.001). Young-old patients preferred notifying healthcare professionals of perceived medication errors more than middle-old and old-old patients (p ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Older patients may prefer verbal medication safety behaviours like asking questions and notifying healthcare professionals of medication errors, over viewing medication charts and self-administering medications. The young-old group wanted to identify perceived medication errors more than other age groups. Older patients are willing to engage in medication safety behaviours, and healthcare professionals and organisations need to embrace this engagement in an effort to reduce medication harm.

PMID:33945114 | DOI:10.1007/s40520-021-01866-3

Pituitary. 2021 May 4. doi: 10.1007/s11102-021-01147-2. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Residual tumor tissue after pituitary adenoma surgery, is linked with additional morbidity and mortality. Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (ioMRI) could improve resection. We aim to assess the improvement in gross total resection (GTR), extent of resection (EOR), and residual tumor volume (RV) achieved using ioMRI.

METHODS: A systematic review was carried out on PubMed/MEDLINE to identify any studies reporting intra- and postoperative (1) GTR, (2) EOR, or (3) RV in patients who underwent resection of pituitary adenomas with ioMRI. Random effects meta-analysis of the rate of improvement after ioMRI for these three surgical outcomes was intended.

RESULTS: Among 34 included studies (2130 patients), the proportion of patients with conversion to GTR (∆GTR) after ioMRI was 0.19 (95% CI 0.15-0.23). Mean ∆EOR was + 9.07% after ioMRI. Mean ∆RV was 0.784 cm³. For endoscopically treated patients, ∆GTR was 0.17 (95% CI 0.09-0.25), while microscopic ∆GTR was 0.19 (95% CI 0.15-0.23). Low-field ioMRI studies demonstrated a ∆GTR of 0.19 (95% CI 0.11-0.28), while high-field and ultra-high-field ioMRI demonstrated a ∆GTR of 0.19 (95% CI 0.15-0.24) and 0.20 (95% CI 0.13-0.28), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis demonstrates that around one fifth of patients undergoing pituitary adenoma resection convert from non-GTR to GTR after the use of ioMRI. EOR and RV can also be improved to a certain extent using ioMRI. Endoscopic versus microscopic technique or field strength does not appear to alter the impact of ioMRI. Statistical heterogeneity was high, indicating that the improvement in surgical results due to ioMRI varies considerably by center.

PMID:33945115 | DOI:10.1007/s11102-021-01147-2

Obes Surg. 2021 May 4. doi: 10.1007/s11695-021-05435-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Severe obesity can increase risk of complications after kidney transplantation. There is a paucity of literature on bariatric surgery outcomes in renal transplant candidates. The objective of this study was to analyze outcomes of bariatric surgery as a weight reduction strategy for patients with kidney failure to enhance eligibility for kidney transplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database at a single institution for patients with chronic kidney disease receiving hemodialysis therapy (CKD G5D) undergoing bariatric surgery between 2011 and 2018.

RESULTS: Of 2363 patients who underwent bariatric surgery, 38 (1.6%) had CKD G5D; median age (range) was 49 years (33; 69), 52.6% were female, and mean BMI was 44.2 kg/m². Twenty-four patients underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), and 14 patients underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Seventeen patients (46%, n=37) had a BMI≤35 at 6 months, while 25 patients (75.8%, n=33) achieved a BMI≤35 at 12 months. Of these, 18 patients (47%) were listed for kidney transplant, and 8 patients (21%) received kidney transplant. There was no statistically significant difference between sleeve and LRYGB procedures in patients who reached BMI of 35 at 12 months (P=0.58). Median length of stay was 2.3 days. Thirty-day readmission rate was 2 patients (5.3%), and 2 patients (5.3%) required reoperation (one for bleeding, one for acute recurrent hiatal hernia). No mortality occurred.

CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic bariatric surgery offers effective weight loss for CKD G5D patients to achieve transplant eligibility with acceptable outcomes.

PMID:33945099 | DOI:10.1007/s11695-021-05435-5