老年认知衰弱的现况及影响因素

目的 调查住院老年患者认知衰弱的现状并探讨其影响因素。方法 选择2018年1月至2021年5月于首都医科大学附属北京友谊医院老年医学科住院、年龄≥60岁且进行老年综合评估的158例患者为研究对象,根据简易精神状态量表(MMSE)及Fried衰弱表型将患者分为认知衰弱组(34例)和非认知衰弱组(124例),比较2组患者一般资料、化验检查及老年综合评估量表得分情况。采用SPSS 26.0统计软件进行数据分析。根据数据类型,分别采用t检验、秩和检验或χ²检验进行组间比较。应用二元logistic回归分析影响住院患者认知衰弱的因素。结果 与非认知衰弱组比较,认知衰弱组年龄更大,营养状况更差,生活能力依赖程度更严重,差异均有统计学意义(均P＜0.05)。二元logistic回归分析显示,高龄(OR=0.921,95%CI 0.847~0.981)、IADL受损(OR=4.611,95%CI 1.725~12.328)及低白蛋白血症(OR=1.127,95%CI 1.007~1.262)是住院老年患者认知衰弱的影响因素。结论 住院老年患者认知衰弱发生率高,医务人员应重视老年综合评估,及时有效地筛查,积极采取措施预防老年人认知衰弱的发生与发展,促进健康老龄化。     

老年糖尿病患者衰弱现状及其影响因素

目的 探讨老年糖尿病(DM)患者衰弱现状并分析其影响因素,为衰弱的干预提供指导。方法 采用便利抽样法选取2022年12月至2023年4月中国人民解放军总医院8个医学中心内分泌科及北京瑞京糖尿病医院住院治疗的301例老年DM患者为研究对象,通过面对面调查采集患者一般资料及衰弱相关资料。根据是否发生衰弱,将患者分为衰弱组(71例)和非衰弱组(230例)。采用SPSS 26.0统计软件进行数据分析。根据数据类型,分别采用Mann-Whitney U检验、χ²检验或Fisher精确概率检验进行组间比较。采用二元logistic回归分析确定老年DM患者衰弱的影响因素。结果 2组患者年龄、规律运动、听力障碍、近一年跌倒史、睡眠质量、DM慢性并发症、使用胰岛素、营养状况、抑郁、孤独感及轻度认知障碍情况比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。二元logistic回归分析结果显示,增龄(OR=1.107,95%CI 1.051~1.167)、营养不良(OR=8.135,95%CI 1.680~39.399)及抑郁(OR=2.404,95%CI 1.156~4.998)是老年DM患者衰弱的危险因素;规律运动(OR=0.265,95%CI 0.117~0.600)是其保护因素。结论 老年DM患者衰弱患病状况不容乐观,营养、运动及心理干预是潜在的干预靶点,未来的研究可制定针对性的干预措施,减少老年DM患者衰弱的发生。     

老年维持性血液透析患者衰弱发生情况及其影响因素

目的 调查老年维持性血液透析(MHD)患者衰弱发生情况并分析其影响因素。方法 采用横断面研究,选择2021年10月至2022年4月于安徽医科大学第二附属医院住院或门诊行MHD治疗的130例老年患者为研究对象。收集患者一般资料、实验室指标及人体学指标,采用Fried衰弱表型量表评估患者衰弱状况。比较2组患者一般资料、实验室指标、跌倒风险、日常生活活动能力、营养状况得分及人体测量指标的差异。采用SPSS 26.0统计软件进行数据分析。根据数据类型,分别采用t检验、Mann-Whitney U检验或χ²检验进行组间比较。采用偏相关分析评估衰弱评分与各指标的相关性,采用多因素logistic逐步回归分析老年MHD患者衰弱的影响因素。结果 老年MHD患者衰弱发生率为40.0%(52/130)。相关性分析显示衰弱与营养不良-炎症得分(MIS)、Morse跌倒风险评估(MFS)、C反应蛋白(CRP)呈正相关(r＝0.521,0.330,0.236;P＜0.05);与Barthel指数(BI)、中臂肌围(MAMC)、血清白蛋白(Alb)、血红蛋白(Hb)呈负相关(r＝-0.424,-0.438,-0.478,-0.332;P＜0.001)。多因素logistic逐步回归分析显示:MIS评分、Alb、BI、年龄是MHD患者发生衰弱的影响因素(MIS评分:OR=1.156,95%CI 1.002~1.333,P=0.047;Alb:OR=0.851,95%CI 0.687~0.931,P=0.013;BI:OR=0.972,95%CI 0.947~0.988,P=0.032;年龄:OR=1.107,95%CI 1.018~1.204,P=0.017)。结论 衰弱在老年MHD患者中发生率高,MFS、MIS、CRP水平与老年MHD患者衰弱得分呈正相关,而BI、Hb、Alb、MAMC与衰弱得分呈负相关。Alb水平和BI是衰弱发生的保护因素,而年龄和MIS评分是衰弱发生的危险因素。     

北京社区老年男性衰弱现状及其影响因素

目的 分析慢病、躯体功能、骨骼肌质量、脂肪等因素对老年男性衰弱患者的影响。方法 2021年4月至6月,共纳入北京市社区658名≥60岁老年男性为研究对象。采用Fried衰弱表型(FP)诊断是否衰弱,衰弱期或衰弱前期老年人纳入衰弱组(n=124),其余为非衰弱组(n=534)。采用Charlson共病指数(CCI)评估慢病患病情况。测试躯体功能并采用人体成分分析仪分析骨骼肌、脂肪等体成分。采用SPSS 26.0统计软件进行数据分析。根据数据类型分别采用t检验、Mann-Whitney U检验或χ²检验进行组间比较。应用logistic回归分析衰弱的影响因素。结果 单因素分析结果显示,衰弱组与非衰弱组患者年龄、身高、体质量、骨骼肌质量指数、体脂肪量、内脏脂肪面积、基础代谢率、蛋白质、骨矿物质含量、握力、步速及5次起坐时间情况比较,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。衰弱组CCI较非衰弱组明显增高,其中高血压、冠心病、糖尿病、低骨量、前列腺增生、慢性支气管炎、慢性肾病患者比例较高,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。校正年龄、身高、体质量后,多因素logistic回归分析结果显示,CCI(OR=1.256,95%CI 1.012～1.558,P =0.039)、低骨量(OR=2.312,95%CI 1.308～4.088,P=0.004)和5次起坐时间(OR=1.110,95%CI 1.022～1.205,P=0.013)是衰弱的独立影响因素。结论 CCI增高、低骨量和5次起坐时间延长与衰弱的发生密切相关。     

老年慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者衰弱及衰弱前期影响因素分析

目的 探讨老年慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)患者衰弱期及衰弱前期的影响因素。方法 采用便利抽样法,选取2021年11月至2022年5月于新疆维吾尔自治区人民医院呼吸内科住院的326例老年COPD患者作为研究对象,采用一般资料调查表、Morse跌倒风险评估量表、COPD评估测试量表、匹兹堡睡眠质量指数量表、微型营养评定量表、简版老年抑郁量表、社会支持评定量表进行问卷调查,同时收集患者实验室相关指标,采用无序多分类logistic回归分析影响老年COPD患者衰弱的因素。采用SPSS 26.0软件进行统计分析。根据数据类型,组间比较分别采用方差分析、秩和检验及χ²检验。结果 老年COPD患者衰弱患病率为39.57％(129/326),衰弱前期患病率为34.05％(111/326)。无序多分类logistic回归分析结果显示,女性、多重用药、存在睡眠问题、营养不良以及高B型利钠肽是其共同的影响因素。而高龄(OR=1.090,95％CI 1.027~1.157;P=0.004)、体质量指数＜23.9kg/m²(OR=0.109,95％CI 0.042~0.283;P＜0.001)、社会支持(OR=4.621,95％CI 1.222~17.470;P=0.024)和高血红蛋白(OR=1.042,95％CI 1.007~1.078;P=0.018)只对老年COPD患者衰弱前期有影响;COPD评估测试量表评分(OR=11.962,95％CI 3.056~46.831;P＜0.001)、肺功能分级在重度及以上水平(OR=8.094,95％CI 1.862~35.188;P=0.005)和抑郁(OR=27.177,95％CI 2.811~262.705;P=0.004)只对老年COPD患者衰弱期有影响。结论 老年COPD患者衰弱及衰弱前期的发生率相对较高,不同程度的衰弱影响因素存在差异,应采取不同的个性化干预措施,预防衰弱前期的发生,同时控制并逆转衰弱。     

老年高血压患者发生衰弱对预后的影响

目的探讨衰弱对老年高血压患者不良预后的影响。方法随机选取2015年3月至2016年10月在解放军总医院门诊就诊或常规查体的老年高血压患者314例为研究对象,对患者的一般人口学特征、既往病史等进行问卷调查,应用Charlson合并症指数(CCI)对老年患者的共病状态进行评估,微型营养评估简表(MNA-SF)进行营养评估,Barthel指数进行日常生活能力评估。依据衰弱状态分为3组:正常组(n=65)、衰弱前期组(n=208)和衰弱组(n=41)。进行18个月的随访,依据是否发生跌倒分为2组:跌倒组(n=41)和非跌倒组(n=273);依据是否发生全因住院分为2组:住院组(n=133)和非住院组(n=181)。采用SPSS 19.0软件进行数据处理。依据数据类型,组间比较分别采用t检验或χ~2检验。对单因素分析有统计学意义的指标进行多因素logistic回归分析,筛选出独立的危险因素。结果 314例老年高血压患者应用Fried标准共检出衰弱者41例,检出率为13.1%,且衰弱的检出率随年龄的增加而增加。经校正的回归模型显示,步速减低与跌倒具有显著相关性(OR=2.88,95%CI 1.26~6.56,P0.05),步速减低与全因住院的相关性差异无统计学意义(OR=1.13,95%CI0.57~2.22,P=0.726)。结论老年高血压患者衰弱的检出率随年龄的增加而增加,步速减低是老年高血压患者发生跌倒的独立危险因素。     

老年2型糖尿病患者衰弱的危险因素

目的 探索老年2型糖尿病(T2DM)患者衰弱的危险因素。方法 纳入首都医科大学宣武医院内分泌科住院的老年T2DM患者310例,测定患者的空腹血糖、空腹胰岛素、糖化血红蛋白、血脂及25羟基维生素D₃(25-OHD₃)水平,记录患者的既往史。采用微型营养量表(MNA)进行营养状态评估。采用 FRAIL量表评估患者的衰弱状态,并分成3组。采用SPSS 20.0统计软件进行数据分析。根据数据类型,组间比较分别采用χ²检验、Fisher精确概率法、方差分析、LSD检验和秩和检验。结果 衰弱组患者45例、衰弱前期组患者132例及正常组患者133例。衰弱组的年龄、有营养不良风险、合并脑卒中比例显著高于正常组,而肾小球滤过率、25-OHD₃水平显著低于正常组(P＜0.05)。多元logistic回归分析显示,有营养不良风险、合并脑卒中是老年T2DM患者衰弱的独立危险因素(OR=3.80,2.38; P＜0.05),25-OHD₃水平为衰弱的保护因素(OR=0.91,P=0.001)。结论 营养不良风险及合并脑卒中增加老年T2DM患者衰弱的风险, 25-OHD₃水平高可降低衰弱风险。     

高龄老年住院患者谵妄发生的危险因素

目的 观察高龄老年住院患者谵妄的发生情况,对相关危险因素进行分析。方法 选择2018年2月至2020年2月于徐州医科大学附属医院老年科住院的365例年龄≥80岁的患者为研究对象。应用老年综合评估(CGA)评估患者入院时情况,采用意识模糊评估表(CAM)评估患者入院后7d内谵妄的发生情况,并将患者分为谵妄组(43例)和非谵妄组(322例)。采用SPSS 24.0统计软件进行数据分析。根据数据类型,分别采用t检验或χ²检验进行组间比较。采用logistic回归分析谵妄发生的独立危险因素。结果 365例老年患者中有43例发生谵妄,发生率为11.8%。谵妄组患者的居家环境、居住方式、多重用药率、抑郁症、营养不良发生率、多病共存发生率、衰弱状态、简易智能状态检查量表(MMSE)评分、老年综合征发生情况及入院时血清中枢神经特异蛋白100β(S100β)水平与非谵妄组相比,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。多因素logistic回归分析显示,年龄(OR=2.683,95%CI 1.005~4.019,P＜0.05)、营养状况(OR=2.212,95%CI 1.101~5.212,P＜0.05)、衰弱(OR=3.108,95%CI 1.005~5.015,P＜0.05)、MMSE评分(OR=2.694,95%CI 0.705~3.117,P＜0.05)、老年综合征数量(OR=1.412,95%CI 1.025~4.041,P＜0.05)、S100β蛋白(OR=1.919,95%CI 1.789~4.664,P＜0.05)是谵妄发生的独立危险因素。结论 高龄老年住院患者谵妄发生率与营养状态、衰弱、认知功能障碍及S100β蛋白的升高相关,需要在临床上加以重视并及时干预。     

老年住院患者社会衰弱与生理衰弱的相关性

目的 采用横断面研究分析≥60岁住院患者的社会衰弱情况,并探讨其与躯体功能的关系。 方法 选取首都医科大学宣武医院老年医学综合科≥60岁的住院患者258例,应用社会衰弱量表(HALFT)评估社会衰弱情况,将评分≥3分患者纳入社会衰弱组,其中1~2分患者纳入社会衰弱前期组,0分患者纳入无社会衰弱组,分析社会衰弱的患病情况及影响因素。采用SPSS 20.0软件进行数据分析。根据数据类型,组间比较分别采用t检验、单因素方差分析、χ²检验或Fisher精确概率法。结果 符合社会衰弱组患者31例;非社会衰弱组患者227例,其中社会衰弱前期组患者157例,无社会衰弱组患者70例。与非社会衰弱组相比,社会衰弱组患者年龄较大(P=0.002),更易合并脑血管病(P=0.016),多重用药比例较高(P=0.029),生理衰弱发生率较高(P＜0.001)。进一步行logistic回归分析结果显示生理衰弱是影响社会衰弱的独立危险因素(OR=0.191,95%CI 0.078~0.468,P＜0.001)。相关性分析结果显示,调整性别、年龄之后,HALFT量表评分越高,患者步速越慢(r=-0.325,P<0.001)、握力越差(r=-0.151,P=0.018)、中国老年人闲暇时间体力活动问卷(BLSA-PAQ)评分越低(r=-0.322,P=0.001)、Fried衰弱表型总分越高(r=0.329,P<0.001)。结论 老年住院患者中社会衰弱的患病率较高,生理衰弱是老年人发生社会衰弱的独立危险因素,躯体功能与社会衰弱相关。     

住院共病老年人衰弱状态分布及其影响因素

目的明确住院共病老年人衰弱状态分布特点,进一步探讨其影响因素。方法横断面调查选取2015年11月至2017年7月成都市第五人民医院老年科收治的≥60岁住院共病患者440例。根据衰弱状态将患者分为衰弱组150例及非衰弱组290例,比较2组患者一般人口学资料、共病、衰弱状态及老年综合征情况。采用SPSS 23.0进行统计分析。根据数据类型,组间比较采用独立样本t检验、Mann-Whitney U检验或χ~2检验。采用Mantel-Haenszel χ~2检验分析衰弱分布趋势。危险因素分析采用向后逐步法二元logistic回归。结果 440例患者总体存在5(4,7)种慢性疾病,Charlson合并症指数(CCI)为(5.59±1.82)分。入选患者衰弱患病率为34.1%(150/440),衰弱前期占60.0%(264/440)。趋势性检验结果显示,随年龄和CCI评分升高,衰弱患病率显著增加,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);衰弱五要素中,体质量下降发生率随年龄和CCI评分增加而增加,握力下降和疲乏发生率随年龄增加而增加,差异亦有统计学意义(P0.05)。与非衰弱患者比较,衰弱组患者年龄增大,学历较低,合并慢性心力衰竭、慢性阻塞性肺疾病、抑郁、认知功能障碍、尿失禁、高跌倒风险、功能依赖的比例显著升高,但多重用药比例显著降低,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。经校正混杂因素后,二元logistic回归分析表明,抑郁(OR=2.178,95%CI 1.252～3.790)和功能依赖(OR=1.942,95%CI 1.029～3.668)是衰弱的独立危险因素。结论住院共病老人中普遍存在衰弱,且衰弱的患病率与年龄和共病严重程度呈趋势性增加,抑郁和功能依赖与衰弱状态密切相关。     

Three layer functional model and energy exchange concept of aging process

Relying on a certain degree of abstraction, we can propose that no particular distinction exists between animate or living matter and inanimate matter. While focusing attention on some specifics, the dividing line between the two can be drawn. The most apparent distinction is in the level of structural and functional organization with the dissimilar streams of ‘energy flow’ between the observed entity and the surrounding environment. In essence, living matter is created from inanimate matter which is organized to contain internal intense energy processes and maintain lower intensity energy exchange processes with the environment. Taking internal and external energy processes into account, we contend in this paper that living matter can be referred to as matter of dissipative structure, with this structure assumed to be a common quality of all living creatures and living matter in general. Interruption of internal energy conversion processes and terminating the controlled energy exchange with the environment leads to degeneration of dissipative structure and reduction of the same to inanimate matter, (gas, liquid and/or solid inanimate substances), and ultimately what can be called ‘death.’ This concept of what we call dissipative nature can be extended from living organisms to social groups of animals, to mankind. An analogy based on the organization of matter provides a basis for a functional model of living entities. The models relies on the parallels among the three central structures of any cell (nucleus, cytoplasm and outer membrane) and the human body (central organs, body fluids along with the connective tissues, and external skin integument). This three-part structural organization may be observed almost universally in nature. It can be observed from the atomic structure to the planetary and intergalactic organizations. This similarity is corroborated by the membrane theory applied to living organisms. According to the energy nature of living matter and the proposed functional model, the decreased integrity of a human body's external envelope membrane is a first cause of the structural degradation and aging of the entire organism. The aging process than progresses externally to internally, as in single cell organisms, suggesting that much of the efforts towards the restoration and maintenance of the mechanisms responsible for structural development should be focused accordingly, on the membrane, i.e., the skin. Numerous reports indicate that all parts of the human body, like: bones, blood with blood vessels, muscles, skin, and so on, have some ability for restoration. Therefore, actual revival of not only aging tissue of the human body's membrane, but the entire human body enclosed within, with all internal organs, might be expected. We assess several aging theories within the context of our model and provide suggestions on how to activate the body's own anti-aging mechanisms and increase longevity. This paper presents some analogies and some distinctions that exist between the living dissipative structure matter and inanimate matter, discusses the aging process and proposes certain aging reversal solutions.     

Unusual responses of nocturnal pineal melatonin synthesis and secretion to swimming: Attempts to define mechanisms

Abstract: The effect of swimming at night on rat pineal melatonin synthesis was compared with that of light exposure at night. Rats were forced to swim at 0030 hr (lights out at 2000 hr) and sacrificed by decapitation 15 and 30 min later, immediately after swimming. Other groups of animals were exposed to white light (650μW/cm²) for 15 and 30 min at same time. Swimming caused a rapid and highly significant drop in the melatonin content in the pineal gland; however, the activity of N-acetyltransferase (NAT), the supposed rate limiting enzyme in the melatonin production, was not changed. Despite the drop in pineal melatonin levels, serum concentrations of the indole remained elevated in the rats that swam. In contrast, melatonin levels in the pineal and serum of light exposed rats fell precipitously, accompanied by a significant suppression of NAT activity. Since we anticipated that the strenuous exercise associated with swimming may induce release of artrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) from the heart, which in turn could cause the release of pineal melatonin, in a second study we injected physiological saline intravenously to stretch the cardiac muscle and release ANP. Three milliliters of normal saline was injected during the day into the jugular vein of anesthetized rats that were pretreated with isoproterenol to stimulate pineal melatonin production. Animals were killed 15 min after the saline injection, and pineal NAT activity and pineal melatonin levels were measured. The saline injections caused no alteration in the elevated levels of either NAT or melatonin. These data suggest that the disparity in pineal NAT activity (which was high) and pineal melatonin (which was low), in animals swum at night, may not be caused by ANP which is released during strenuous exercise such as swimming.     

Melatonin and photoperiodic time measurement: Seasonal breeding in the sheep

Abstract: Well-established circadian physiology supports the view that photoperiodic time measurement utilizes the coincidence between the presence of light and a photosensitive phase of a 'biological clock' to alter reproductive status—the so-called external coincidence model of seasonal breeding. In this review, we examine the mechanism whereby photoperiod interacts with presumed suprachiasmatic nuclei activity to allow endogenous melatonin to normally synchronize reproductive activity to the optimal time of year. The Romney Marsh sheep is particularly explored as an experimental model. It is suggested that the on/off activity of seasonal reproduction may be a robust mechanism able to be predictably manipulated by the judicious use of the light/dark cycle and exogenous melatonin, but firmly based on circadian principles.     

The immunoneuroendocrine role of melatonin

Abstract: A tight, physiological link between the pineal gland and the immune system is emerging from a series of experimental studies. This link might reflect the evolutionary connection between self-recognition and reproduction. Pinealectomy or other experimental methods which inhibit melatonin synthesis and secretion induce a state of immunodepression which is counteracted by melatonin. In general, melatonin seems to have an immunoenhancing effect that is particularly apparent in immunodepressive states. The negative effect of acute stress or immunosuppressive pharmacological treatments on various immune parameters are counteracted by melatonin. It seems important to note that one of the main targets of melatonin is the thymus, i.e., the central organ of the immune system. The clinical use of melatonin as an immunotherapeutic agent seems promising in primary and secondary immunodeficiencies as well as in cancer immunotherapy. The immunoenhancing action of melatonin seems to be mediated by T-helper cell-derived opioid peptides as well as by lymphokines and, perhaps, by pituitary hormones. Melatonin-induced-immuno-opioids (MHO) and lymphokines imply the presence of specific binding sites or melatonin receptors on cells of the immune system. On the other hand, lymphokines such as -γ-interferon and interleukin-2 as well as thymic hormones can modulate the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland. The pineal gland might thus be viewed as the crux of a sophisticated immunoneuroendocrine network which functions as an unconscious, diffuse sensory organ.     

Response of rat pineal melatonin to calcium, magnesium, and lithium is circadian stage dependent

Abstract: Herein we documented the response of pineal melatonin production to electrolytes known to be effective on pineal function in view of a possible circadian stage dependence. We studied the release of melatonin by perifused rat pineal glands at 2 different circadian stages corresponding to the middle of the light and dark periods, i.e., respectively, 7 and 19 HALO (Hours After Light Onset, L:D = 12:12). The initial efflux rates were, as expected, much higher in the perifusates of glands removed from rats sacrificed during the dark phase than of those removed during the light phase. After 3 hr of perifusion, melatonin release reached similar levels which were found constant up to the 8th hr of perifusion, whatever the circadian stage. Perifusion of the glands with physiological concentrations for the rat of calcium (5.2 mmol/1) and magnesium (1.34 mmol/1) resulted in a stimulatory effect on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed in the middle of the dark period (19 HALO), whereas no effects were observed on the pineal glands removed from rats sacrificed during the light (7 HALO). Lithium (0.28 and 0.55 mmol/1) was ineffective on melatonin release in pineal glands removed 7 and 19 HALO. Our results show differences in the initial efflux rates of melatonin and in the response of perifused pineal glands to calcium and magnesium according to the circadian stage.     

Serological survey of HIV and syphilis in pregnant women in Madagascar

Objectives Peripartal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, leads to severe consequences for newborns. Preventive measures require awareness of the maternal infection. Although HIV and syphilis testing in Madagascar could be theoretically carried out within the framework of the national pregnancy follow‐up scheme, the required test kits are rarely available at peripheral health centres. In this study, we screened blood samples of pregnant Madagascan women for HIV and syphilis seroprevalence to estimate the demand for systemic screening in pregnancy. Methods Retrospective anonymous serological analysis for HIV and syphilis was performed in plasma samples from 1232 pregnant women that were taken between May and July 2010 in Ambositra, Ifanadiana, Manakara, Mananjary, Moramanga and Tsiroanomandidy (Madagascar) during pregnancy follow‐up. Screening was based on Treponema pallidum haemagglutination tests for syphilis and rapid tests for HIV, with confirmation of positive screening results on line assays. Results Out of 1232 pregnant women, none were seropositive for HIV and 37 (3%) were seropositive for Treponema pallidum. Conclusions Our findings are in line with previous studies that describe considerable syphilis prevalence in the rural Madagascan population. The results suggest a need for screening to prevent peripartal Treponema pallidum transmission, while HIV is still rare. If they are known, Treponema pallidum infections can be easily, safely and inexpensively treated even in pregnancy to reduce the risk of transmission.     

Conservative management of perforated duodenal diverticulum： A case report and review of the literature

Duodenal diverticula are a relatively common condition. They are asymptomatic, unless they become complicated, with perforation being the rarest but most severe complication. Surgical treatment is the most frequently performed approach. We report the case of a patient with a perforated duodenal diverticulum, which was diagnosed early and treated conservatively with antibiotics and percutaneous drainage of secondary retroperitoneal abscesses. We suggest this method could be an acceptable option for the management of similar cases, provided that the patient is in good general condition and without septic signs.