El papel de la resonancia magnética multiparamétrica en el diagnóstico de la recidiva local tras la prostatectomía radical y antes de la radioterapia de rescate

PurposeAssess multiparametric-MRI (mp-MRI) diagnostic accuracy in the detection of local recurrence of prostate cancer (PCa) after radical prostatectomy (PR) and before radiation therapy (RT).Materials and methodsA total of 188 patients underwent 1.5-T mp-MRI after RP before RT. Patients were divided into 2 groups: with biochemical recurrence (group A) and without but with high risk of local recurrence (group B). Continuous variables were compared between 2 groups using Student-t test; categoric variables were analyzed using Pearson chi-square. ROC analysis was performed considering PSA before RT, ISUP, pT and pN as grouping variables.ResultsPCa recurrence (reduction of PSA levels after RT) was 89.8% in group A and 80.3% in group B. Comparing patients with and without PCa recurrence, there was a significant difference in PSA values before RT for group A and for PSA values before RT and after RT for group B. In group A, there was a significant correlation between PSA before RT and diameter of recurrence and between PSA before RT and time spent before recurrence. The mp-MRI diagnostic accuracy in detecting PCa local recurrence after RP is of 62.2% in group A and 38% in group B. Diffusion weighted imaging is the most specific MRI-sequence and dynamic contrast enhanced the most sensitive. For PSA = 0.5 ng/ml, the AUC decreases while sensitivity and accuracy increase for each MRI-sequence. For PSA = 0.9 ng/ml, dynamic contrast enhanced-AUC increases significantly.Conclusionmp-MRI should always be performed before RT when a recurrence is suspected. New scenarios can be opened considering the role of diffusion weighted imaging for PSA ≤ 0.5 ng/ml.     

Off-label use of tocilizumab for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia in Milan,Italy

BackgroundTocilizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody, targets IL-6 receptors blocking downstream pro-inflammatory effects of IL-6. In preliminary reports it was suggested to be beneficial in patients with severe COVID-19.MethodsIn this open-label prospective study we describe clinical characteristics and outcome of 51 patients hospitalized with confirmed and severe COVID-19 pneumonia treated with tocilizumab intravenously. All patients had elevated IL-6 plasma level (>40 pg/mL) and oxygen saturation <93% in ambient air. Clinical outcomes, oxygen support, laboratory data and adverse events were collected over a follow-up of 30 days.ResultsForty-five patients (88%) were on high-flow oxygen supplementation, six of whom with invasive ventilation. From baseline to day 7 after tocilizumab we observed a dramatic drop of body temperature and CRP value with a significant increase in lymphocyte count (p<0.001). Over a median follow-up time of 34 days from tocilizumab, 34 patients (67%) showed an improvement in their clinical severity class; 31 were discharged; 17 (33%) showed a worsening of their clinical status, of these 14 died (27%). The mortality rate was significantly associated with mechanical ventilation at baseline (83.3% vs 20% of patients on non-invasive oxygen support; p=0.0001). The most frequent side effects were an increase of hepatic enzymes (29%), thrombocytopenia (14%), and serious bacterial and fungal infections (27%).ConclusionTocilizumab exerts a rapidly beneficial effect on fever and inflammatory markers, although no significant impact on the clinical outcome can be inferred by our results. Critically ill patients seem to have a high risk of serious infections with this drug.     

超声引导下前锯肌阻滞与胸椎硬膜外阻滞治疗急性胸廓切开术后疼痛的疗效比较

【摘要】 目的 评估超声引导下前锯肌平面阻滞（SAPB）与胸段硬膜外阻滞治疗胸廓切开术后急性疼痛的有效性和安全性。 方法 该研究在2017年2月至2018年12月期间进行全身麻醉下计划进行胸廓切开术的61例患者被随机分配两组，前锯肌阻滞组32例，胸段硬膜外阻滞组29例。前锯肌阻滞组患者在术后气管导管拔除前进行超声引导下前锯肌浅层肌间隙注射0.25％左旋布比卡因30 mL，而后在肌间隙泵注0.125％左旋布比卡因5 mL / h；胸段硬膜外阻滞组通过术前清醒状态置入胸段硬膜外导管，在术后气管导管拔除前在导管内推注0.25％左布比卡因15 mL，随后泵注的0.125％左旋布比卡因5 mL/h。在术后24 h内记录患者平均动脉压和VAS疼痛评分以及使用吗啡的剂量。 结果 前锯肌阻滞组术前与术后相比，患者平均动脉血压没有显著变化（P = 0.147），而胸段硬膜外阻滞组则显著下降（P = 0.002）；两组的VAS评分以及消耗吗啡的总剂量没有显著统计学差异。 结论 前锯肌平面阻滞相对于胸段硬膜外阻滞是治疗急性胸廓切开术后疼痛安全有效的镇痛方案。     

Enhancing Patients' Wayfinding and Visitation Experience Improves Quality of Care

PurposeTo understand the impact of wayfinding challenges on patient hospital visitation experience, organizational costs, and emerging technology trends that may alleviate wayfinding challenges.DesignA review of literature on the relationship of wayfinding to patient's hospital visitation experience.MethodsA literature search identifying issues associated with wayfinding challenges in complex health care facilities was conducted. Case examples are provided to illustrate that the removal of barriers can improve the wayfinding experience. This review also informs technology trends that may effectively facilitate wayfinding in complex health care facilities.FindingsLarge hospital complexes exhibit many characteristics comparable to the physical features of a city environment. These complexities present challenges to patients to navigate to their destinations. An effective wayfinding system is a collection of tools that combines permanent signage, printed information, landmarks, architectural features and design elements, and human interactions. Navigational technology modeling holds the promise to aid patients and individuals with visual and cognitive challenges to find their way to their desired destinations effectively and efficiently, and improves their quality of life.ConclusionsImproved patient travel time correlates to reduce idled nursing time, with cost savings accrued to organization. Research shows that wayfinding mobile applications hold the promise of improving patients' hospital visitation experience.