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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Evaluation of basal rate infusion in intravenous patient-controlled analgesia for post-cesarean section pain management: A randomized pilot study

Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Feb 23;103(8):e37122. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037122.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Administering opioids via intravenous patient-controlled analgesia is a prevalent approach for managing postoperative pain. Nevertheless, due to concerns about opioid-related side effects and the potential for opioid tolerance, there is a growing emphasis on adopting opioid-sparing techniques for postoperative pain management. We aimed to investigate the effect of adding a basal rate infusion in fentanyl-based IVA following a cesarean section (CS).

METHOD: Forty-eight patients, who received pain management through IVA after CS, were assigned randomly into 3 groups based on the background rate setting: Group 0 (0 mcg/hour, n = 16), Group 1 (15 mcg/hour, n = 16), and Group 2 (30 mcg/hour, n = 16). We assessed the impact of the basal infusion rate on opioid consumption and the visual analog scale (VAS) scores during the first 48 hours post-CS and also investigated opioid-induced side effects and the requirement for rescue analgesics in the ward during the first 48 hours after CS.

RESULTS: In the initial 24 hours following CS, fentanyl consumption significantly increased in Group 2 compared with Group 0 and Group 1 (P = .037). At 24 hours, VAS scores both at rest and during movement, tended to decrease, as the basal rate increased; however, no significant differences were observed between the groups (P = .218 and 0.827, respectively). Between the first 24- and 48-hours post-CS, fentanyl consumption showed a marked increase in both Group 1 and Group 2 compared to Group 0 (P < .001). At 48 hours, the VAS scores at rest displayed a trend toward reduction; however, no significant differences between groups were evident (P = .165). Although the incidence of opioid-induced complications was noted, no statistically significant differences were recorded between groups during the initial 24 hours and subsequent 24 to 48 hours period (P = .556 and P = .345, respectively).

CONCLUSION: The inclusion of a basal fentanyl infusion in the IVA protocol did not provide any advantages over an IVA devoid of a basal rate infusion in managing acute pain following CS.

PMID:38394544 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000037122

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Association between patient adherence and treat-to-target in gout: A cross-sectional study

Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Feb 23;103(8):e37228. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037228.

ABSTRACT

The implementation of a treat-to-target (T2T) approach has been widely recommended for achieving optimal outcomes in gout treatment, as substantiated by a wealth of compelling evidence. However, a paucity of knowledge exists regarding the barriers hindering effective T2T management in China. This study seeks to investigate the factors contributing to treatment failure within the context of the T2T strategy. A cross-sectional, multi-center investigation was conducted, involving the completion of electronic questionnaires by outpatients undergoing urate-lowering treatment for a duration exceeding 6 months. These questionnaires encompassed demographic information, disease-related conditions, comorbid conditions, and management. The study analyzed factors associated with serum uric acid levels exceeding 360 µmol/L, poor disease control, and poor medication adherence. A total of 425 valid questionnaires were collected, representing 90.8% of the patients. The T2T implementation rate was 26.82% (n = 114). Factors linked to serum uric acid levels surpassing 360 µmol/L included moderate medication adherence (odds ratio (OR) = 2.35; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17-4.77; P = .016), poor medication adherence (OR = 4.63; 95% CI 2.28-9.51; P < .001), and management by general practitioners (OR = 0.60; 95% CI 0.37-0.97; P = .036). The rate of well-controlled patients was 14.35% (n = 61). Predictors of not well controlled encompassed the presence of tophi (OR = 2.48; 95% CI 1.17-5.61; P = .023), general medication adherence (OR = 2.78; 95% CI 1.28-6.05; P = .009), poor medication adherence (OR = 6.23; 95% CI 2.68-14.77; P < .001), and poor patient’s perception of gout (OR = 4.07; 95% CI 1.41-13.91; P = .015). A poor medication adherence rate of 55.29% (n = 235) was observed, with lower rates of poor medication adherence associated with the use of febuxostat (OR = 0.35; 95% CI 0.14-0.83; P = .02), uric acid levels exceeding 360 µmol/L (OR = 3.05; 95% CI 1.84-5.12; P = .00), moderate patient education (OR = 2.28; 95% CI 1.29-4.15; P = .01), moderate diet control (OR = 1.98; 95% CI 1.17-3.41; P = .01), and poor diet control (OR = 3.73; 95% CI 1.26-12.83; P = .02). The rate of T2T implementation in China is notably low among patients undergoing urate-lowering treatment of gout beyond 6 months. Importantly, medication adherence demonstrates a significant association with T2T outcomes.

PMID:38394537 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000037228

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Comparison of manual chest compression versus mechanical chest compression for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Feb 23;103(8):e37294. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037294.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention to increase the prospect of survival. There are various ways to achieve cardiopulmonary resuscitation in such patients, either through manual chest compression or mechanical chest compression. Thus, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the differences between these interventions.

METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were explored from inception to May 2023. Additionally, the bibliographies of relevant studies were searched. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Randomized Controlled Trials, Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies-I tools were utilized to perform quality and risk of bias assessments.

RESULTS: There were 24 studies included within this quantitative synthesis, featuring a total of 111,681 cardiac arrest patients. Overall, no statistically significant differences were observed between the return of spontaneous circulation, survival to hospital discharge, short-term survival, and long-term survival. However, manual chest compression was associated with a significantly superior favorability of neurological outcomes (OR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.84; P = .01).

CONCLUSION: Although there were no major differences between the strategies, the poorer post-resuscitation neurological outcomes observed in mechanical chest compression indicate the need for further innovation and advancements within the current array of mechanical devices. However, future high-quality studies are necessary in order to arrive at a valid conclusion.

PMID:38394534 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000037294

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

The gut-joint axis: Genetic evidence for a causal association between gut microbiota and seropositive rheumatoid arthritis and seronegative rheumatoid arthritis

Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Feb 23;103(8):e37049. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037049.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to assess the causal relationship between GM and RA (seropositive RA and seronegative RA). A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to assess the causality of GM on seropositive RA and seronegative RA. GM’s genome-wide association study (GWAS) was used as the exposure, whereas the GWAS datasets of seropositive RA and seronegative RA were the outcomes. The primary analysis approach was used as inverse-variance weighted (IVW), followed by 3 additional MR methods (MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode). Cochran’s Q test was used to identify heterogeneity. The MR-Egger intercept test and leave-one-out analyses were used to assess horizontal pleiotropy. All statistical analyses were performed in R software. We discovered that Alloprevotella (IVW OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.71-0.99, P = .04) and Christensenellaceae R 7 group (IVW OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.52-0.99, P = .04) were negatively correlated with seropositive RA, Ruminococcaceae UCG002 (IVW OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.10-1.54, P = .002) was positively associated with seropositive RA. Actinomyces (IVW OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.54-0.99, P = .04), Christensenellaceae R 7 group (IVW OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.39-0.97, P = .04), Terrisporobacter (IVW OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.44-0.93, P = .02), Lactobacillales (IVW OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.47-0.90, P = .01) were negatively correlated with seronegative RA. The present MR analysis showed a protective effect of Alloprevotella and Christensenellaceae R 7 group and a potentially anti-protective effect of Ruminococcaceae UCG002 on seropositive RA; and a protective effect of Actinomyces, Christensenellaceae R 7 group, Terrisporobacter, and Lactobacillales on seronegative RA. Further experimental studies and randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these findings.

PMID:38394529 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000037049

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Association with the plasma atherogenic index with hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in the US population

Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Feb 23;103(8):e37152. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037152.

ABSTRACT

Plasma atherogenic index (AIP) reflects a novel intricate biochemical indicator of lipids’ metabolism. The involvement of lipid metabolism for pathogenesis concerning nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been established. However, the precise association across AIP and hepatic steatosis and fibrosis remains unclear. This present investigation explored the potential correlation across AIP, hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Data were acquired through National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2017 to 2020. Hepatic steatosis was detected through the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), while hepatic fibrosis was examined via liver stiffness measurement (LSM). The study employed multiple linear, Fitted smoothed curves and subgroup analyses were used for investigating relationships between the AIP, CAP, and LSM. The study recruited 6239 participants. In multivariate linear regression analysis, findings indicated a remarkable correlation between AIP and exacerbated NAFLD risk [odds ratio (95% confidence interval), 1.17 (1.12, 1.21)]. Analysis further revealed a positive link across AIP and hepatic steatosis, as indicated through the CAP [β (95% CI), 4.07 (3.32, 4.82)]. Tests for non-linearity, revealed a non-linear correlation between AIP and CAP (inflection point = 0.22). Subgroup analyses assessed the consistency of the link across AIP and CAP, indicating that the association remained comparable across all subgroups. Following the adjustment for all relevant variables, the linear regression analysis revealed a lack of statistical significance across the AIP and hepatic fibrosis. [LSM, β (95% CI), -0.39 (-1.06, 0.28), P = .2501]. Smooth-fitting curves examined the link across AIP and LSM and showed a U-shaped pattern, indicating their positive correlation with AIP less than 0.48. However, no significant correlation was observed with AIP more than 0.48. This study highlighted a substantial positive relationship across AIP and hepatic steatosis, as measured through CAP, and suggests that it may be used as an efficient and rapid measure for clinical prediction of hepatic steatosis.

PMID:38394523 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000037152

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of blood donation among undergraduate medical students in Syria

Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Feb 23;103(8):e37086. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037086.

ABSTRACT

Timely transfusion of blood products is crucial, particularly in critical medical situations. Inadequate blood donation rates pose a significant threat to public health, potentially compromising patient care. This study aims to investigate the attitudes and willingness of Syrian college students to engage in blood donation, assess the prevalence of voluntary blood donation, evaluate their understanding of the determinants and procedures involved in the donation process, and identify the key factors influencing their behavior. A cross-sectional study was conducted employing a self-administered questionnaire, distributed in both electronic and hard copy formats among college students. Data analysis was performed using the R Statistical Software. Results were presented in terms of odds ratios (OR), with statistical significance defined at a P value of .05 and a 95% confidence interval. A total of 673 medical students participated in this study, with an average age of 21.6 years. The majority (59.2%) reported a good economic status, and a high level of knowledge (99.7%). A substantial proportion (40.4%) agreed with the notion that blood donation constitutes a personal duty for every eligible individual. Multiple comparison tests revealed a statistically significant P value of .0009716, specifically concerning individuals with low economic status. Our study demonstrates a positive attitude among college students towards voluntary blood product donation. However, the majority have not engaged in voluntary activities unless mandated for specific certification purposes. Donation rates were relatively higher than the reported rates in other similar studies conducted in Middle Eastern countries.

PMID:38394522 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000037086

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

A comprehensive morphometric analysis of pterygospinous and pterygoalar bars on computed tomography images

Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Feb 23;103(8):e37267. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037267.

ABSTRACT

This study is aimed to determine the prevalence and morphometric characteristics of the pterygospinous (Ps) and pterygoalar (Pa) bars using computed tomography (CT) images on an extensive study sample of the Anatolian population. The CT images of 700 patients (350 males, 350 females) were analyzed for morphological characteristics and Pa and Ps bars. Ps and Pa bars were classified as complete or incomplete (partial) depending on the degree of ossification. The complete Ps and Pa bars’ anteroposterior diameter and craniocaudal diameter were measured. The closest distance between both bony prominences was measured in incomplete Ps and Pa bars. Sex-dependent statistical analysis of the data was performed by the SPSS package program (version 25.0). The prevalence of Ps was 6.57%, and unilateral incomplete Ps was the most frequent Ps type at 5%. The prevalence of Pa was 16.28%, and unilateral incomplete Pa was the most common Pa type at 6.71%. The prevalence of unilateral Ps, unilateral, and bilateral Pa was more common in males (P = .014, P = .006, and P = .032, respectively). Although Ps were less frequently encountered, both anatomic variations were relatively common within the population. The prevalence and morphometric characteristics of Ps and Pa bars obtained in this study could serve as guiding insights for the practices of surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists, and radiologists.

PMID:38394520 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000037267

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Functional medicine health coaching improved elimination diet compliance and patient-reported health outcomes: Results from a randomized controlled trial

Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Feb 23;103(8):e37148. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037148.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine whether an elimination diet with virtually provided functional medicine health coaching support would be more effective than a typical self-guided elimination diet with respect to dietary compliance and patient-reported health and quality of life.

METHODS: A parallel arm, randomized controlled trial was conducted among a sample of healthcare professionals. Participants were randomized to either an elimination diet with 5 sessions of functional medicine health coaching support (intervention arm) or a self-guided elimination diet (control arm). Outcomes assessed at baseline and at the conclusion of the 10-week study included PROMIS Global Health (GH) and medical symptoms questionnaire (MSQ). Compliance with the elimination diet was assessed at the conclusion of the study. Baseline and end of study outcomes were compared within study arms via paired t tests and between study arms with unpaired t tests. Subgroup analysis of symptomatology at baseline was performed.

RESULTS: 125 randomized participants (n = 64 intervention, n = 61 control) provided baseline outcomes data. There were statistically and clinically significant within-group improvements in patient-reported outcomes in both the intervention arm (PROMIS GH-physical = 4.68, PROMIS GH-mental = 3.53, MSQ = 28.9) and control arm (PROMIS GH-physical = 48.4, PROMIS GH-mental = 3.18, MSQ = 24.1). There were no between-group differences in the primary analysis (P > .1). However, participants with more symptoms at baseline had statistically and clinically significant between-group differences in PROMIS GH-mental health (3.90, P = .0038) and MSQ (12.3, P = .047) scores that favored the functional medicine health coaching arm.

CONCLUSIONS: An elimination diet, whether self-guided or with functional medicine health coaching support, may improve patient-reported health outcomes among relatively healthy healthcare professionals. While studies in more diverse samples are needed, functional medicine health coaching support appears to be superior to a self-guided approach with regard to both dietary compliance and improving health outcomes among those with greater symptomatology.

PMID:38394515 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000037148

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Emerging trends and patterns in healthcare-seeking behavior: A systematic review

Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Feb 23;103(8):e37272. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037272.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The study of healthcare-seeking behavior is essential for optimizing resource allocation and improving healthcare services. Its complexity and diversity have made it a prominent research area. Understanding factors influencing healthcare-seeking decisions allows targeted interventions and policy development to address barriers and ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for diverse populations. Such research plays a vital role in enhancing healthcare outcomes and overall population health.

METHODS: The study utilized a systematic quantitative literature review approach, employing the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection and PubMed databases as data sources. Additionally, bibliometric tools such as CiteSpace and VOSviewer were employed for analysis and visualization of the literature.

RESULTS: A comprehensive statistical analysis and visualization were performed on the annual publication volume, publication countries, journals, keywords, and keyword co-occurrence patterns up until 2023. Through this analysis, a framework was established, identifying the determinants and fundamental elements of healthcare-seeking behavior. These findings contribute to the advancement of research in this field and inform future studies and interventions aimed at improving healthcare-seeking behavior.

CONCLUSIONS: Based on the aforementioned literature review and framework, several conclusions were drawn. The determinants that facilitate healthcare-seeking behavior include improving health education awareness, enhancing healthcare resources, reducing costs, and ensuring system soundness. Additionally, providing social environment support was found to be crucial. Furthermore, the fundamental elements of healthcare-seeking behavior were identified as healthcare demand, healthcare choices, and the process of diagnosis and treatment. These findings provide valuable insights for developing interventions and policies to promote optimal healthcare-seeking behavior.

PMID:38394511 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000037272

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Interleukin gene polymorphisms and alopecia areata: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Feb 23;103(8):e37300. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037300.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease which results in non-scarring hair loss on the scalp or any surface with hair. Several genetic polymorphisms of the interleukin genes have been linked with this disease but the results are inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis were done to find the association between rs3118470, rs2275913, rs3212227, and rs10889677 of the IL2RA, IL17A, IL12B, and IL23R genes, respectively, of the interleukin family with alopecia areata.

METHODS: A comprehensive search for relevant research articles was conducted in Pubmed, Google Scholar, and Embase databases. Our search yielded 8 relevant articles with 1940 cases and 1788 controls. The odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals was calculated using fixed effect and random effect models. Heterogeneity was determined using the Q-test and I2 test. Publication bias was determined and funnel plots were used to adjust the odds ratio.

RESULTS: We found a significant risk effect for rs3118470 of the IL2RA gene with alopecia areata in the dominant model (CC + CT vs TT; OR = 1.54, 95% confidence interval = 1.05-2.26, P < .05, I2 = 69.03%) and homozygous model (CC vs TT; OR = 2.00, 95% confidence interval = 1.07-3.71, P < .05, I2 = 72.84%). For the other single nucleotide polymorphisms, we could not find any statistically significant association with the disease.

CONCLUSION: Our analysis showed that mutation of rs3118470 of IL2RA gene possesses a significant risk effect for alopecia areata. Future studies with larger sample sizes and ethnic backgrounds are warranted to confirm our findings.

PMID:38394507 | DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000037300