Relationship between adherence to inhaled corticosteroids and poor outcomes among adults with asthma

BACKGROUND: Regular use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) can improve asthma symptoms and prevent exacerbations. However, overall adherence is poor among patients with asthma. Objective To estimate the proportion of poor asthma-related outcomes attributable to ICS nonadherence. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 405 adults age 18 to 50 years who had asthma and were members of a large health maintenance organization in southeast Michigan between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2001. Adherence indices were calculated by using medical records and pharmacy claims. The main outcomes were the number of asthma-related outpatient visits, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations, as well as the frequency of oral steroid use. RESULTS: Overall adherence to ICS was approximately 50%. Adherence to ICS was significantly and negatively correlated with the number of emergency department visits (correlation coefficient [ R ] = -0.159), the number of fills of an oral steroid ( R = -0.179), and the total days' supply of oral steroid ( R = -0.154). After adjusting for potential confounders, including the prescribed amount of ICS, each 25% increase in the proportion of time without ICS medication resulted in a doubling of the rate of asthma-related hospitalization (relative rate, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.06-3.79). During the study period, there were 80 asthma-related hospitalizations; an estimated 32 hospitalizations would have occurred were there no gaps in medication use (60% reduction). CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to ICS is poor among adult patients with asthma and is correlated with several poor asthma-related outcomes. Less than perfect adherence to ICS appears to account for the majority of asthma-related hospitalizations.     

Prevalence of viral infection markers by polymerase chain reaction amplification and interferon-alpha measurements among patients undergoing lumbar puncture in an emergency department

Aseptic meningitis is a frequent diagnosis in emergency departments. Nevertheless, viral investigations are not carried out currently and the viral etiology in adult population has not been studied extensively. We conducted a prospective study including all consecutive patients undergoing lumbar puncture during a 15 months period in an adult emergency department. Bloody and purulent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were excluded. The main tests undertaken were: CSF genomic amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for neurotropic viruses and serum and CSF interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) measurements. Among 194 patients included, 45 had and 149 did not have aseptic meningitis. Of 45 patients with aseptic meningitis, 10 had alternative non-virological final diagnosis, and 35/45 were presumed to have neurological disorders of viral origin. Patients (27/35) completed virological analysis: 21/27 (78%) had either positive viral PCR (enterovirus: 8 patients, Varicella zoster virus (VZV): 5, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): 2, herpes simplex virus (HSV): 1, human herpes virus 6: 1) or only raised serum or CSF IFN-alpha (4 patients). Overall, 59% of patients with a positive viral PCR had either CSF or serum raised IFN-alpha. Twentyone patients without meningitis had either positive viral PCR (enterovirus: 3 patients) or only high serum IFN-alpha level (18 patients). In the setting of aseptic meningitis diagnosed in an adult emergency department, viruses are the most common agents encountered, with enterovirus and VZV as the two main etiological agents. Current CSF viral genome amplification and IFN-alpha measurement are informative and could be useful to confirm the viral origin of various neurological disorders, although the sensitivity and specificity of IFN-alpha measurement for the diagnosis of viral infection need further confirmation.     

An observational study of variation in GPs' out-of-hours emergency referrals.

Out-of-hours organisations are responsible for the care of patients 70% of the time, and their GPs act as gatekeepers to secondary care services. This observational study identifies the variations in GPs' out-of-hours referral rates to secondary care and factors that could explain these variations. One hundred and forty-nine GPs who worked in one UK general practice out-of-hours cooperative which served 19 practices with 167 000 registered patients. Data on patients who accessed the out-of-hours service over 3 years (2001-2004) were examined. Factors thought to be predictors of variation in referral rates were investigated using logistic regression analysis. There was a fivefold difference in referral rates between the lowest and highest referring quartiles of GPs (OR [odds ratio] = 4.56, CI [confidence interval] = 3.86 to 5.38). The sex (female) of the clinician, the time of the consultation (11 pm to 7 am), and the place of the consultation (home visit) accounted for some, but not all, of the increased referral rates. A doctor working out-of-hours disproportionately influences the fate of the patient, the number of hospital admissions, and extra costs to the health service. There is a need for follow-up studies to investigate the factors associated with referral behaviour, and how the variation relates to patient factors and the resources available. These findings could be used when planning the staffing of out-of-hours services to optimise appropriate care and minimise patients' exposure to unnecessary intrusive and expensive hospital care.     

Maxillofacial Fractures and Dental Trauma in a High School Soccer Goalkeeper: A Case Report

Objective: To present the case of a 17-year-old male soccer goalkeeper who sustained maxillofacial fractures and dental trauma after being struck in the face by an opponent's knee.Background: Because of the nature of the sport and a lack of protective headgear, soccer players are at risk for sustaining maxillofacial trauma. Facial injuries can complicate the routine management of on-field medical emergencies often encountered by certified athletic trainers. The appropriate management of maxillofacial trauma on the playing field may help to reduce both the immediate and long-term morbidity and mortality associated with these injuries.Differential Diagnosis: Lacerated superior labial artery, lacerated upper lip, dental fractures, maxillofacial fractures, orbital blowout fracture, closed head injury, cervical spine injury, cerebrovascular accident.Treatment: The athlete received immediate on-field medical care and was subsequently transported to the hospital, where diagnostic testing was performed and further treatment was provided. Hospital inpatient management included dental and plastic surgery. After discharge from the hospital, the athlete underwent several additional dental procedures, including gingival surgery and nonsurgical endodontic treatments. The fractures were followed closely to assure that adequate healing had occurred. The athlete did not return to soccer.Uniqueness: Certified athletic trainers need to be prepared for on-field medical emergencies. Bleeding associated with maxillofacial trauma can complicate basic medical interventions such as airway maintenance. Inappropriate on-field management may result in unnecessary morbidity and mortality for the injured athlete. Therefore, immediate recognition of the severity of the injury is needed in order to institute appropriate airway-management strategies.Conclusions: It is sometimes necessary to consider nonstandard methods of airway management in order to first address heavy bleeding that may be associated with facial trauma. Achieving hemostasis is essential in order to prevent potentially life-threatening complications related to hemorrhage, such as airway obstruction and hypovolemic shock.     

急诊病房住院患者临床特征及卫生经济学指标分析

目的探讨2668例急诊病房住院患者的临床病例特点,为急诊医护工作提供参考依据。方法选取2015年1月至2018年6月于宣武医院急诊科病房住院的2668例患者,回顾性地采集研究数据,包括性别、年龄、共病受累系统、住院费用、住院时间、住院前及出院前自理生活能力评分。结果1)男性患者入院平均年龄小于女性[(67.2±17.1)岁vs(70.7±17.2)岁](P<0.01)。2)2408例(90.25%)入院患者罹患3种以上共病,共病受累系统主要为呼吸、循环、内分泌。3)患者入院前生活能力评分显著低于出院前生活能力评分(69.42±25.09 vs 78.12±26.13)(P<0.001)。4)Barthel评分与住院时间、住院费用、白蛋白减低、贫血呈负相关。结论急诊病房病种复杂,涉及多学科多专业,病情危重多变,应在临床诊治和护理过程中给予综合、全面的评估,提高患者的治愈率。     

A comparison between two emergency cricothyroidotomy instruments

As part of a training programme for younger doctors, two commercially available, emergency cricothyroidotomy sets were evaluated. Prior to the surgical procedure, half of the doctors in each group received an audiovisual lesson. In a simulated but realistic emergency situation, involving autopsy material, cricothyroidotomy was performed utilizing either the "Nutrake" or the "Gentofte" system. The audiovisual lesson increased the speed and the success rate of the doctors performing this procedure as well as strengthening their confidence. Both systems allowed positive pressure ventilation. The participating doctors achieved a higher success rate at a faster speed with the "Nutrake" set.     

放射卫生机构在核辐射卫生应急体系作用探讨

分析和探讨放射卫生机构在核辐射卫生应急体系中发挥的作用。通过对比发现,核辐射紧急医学救援基地多由取得放射卫生技术服务（甲级）资质或放射性疾病诊断机构资质的单位承担建设任务。放射卫生机构在平时工作中积累的辐射监测、污染检测、剂量估算、健康效应评价等技术能力可在核辐射卫生应急处置中发挥重要作用,实现能力建设的“平急结合”。建议各级放射卫生机构继续发挥自身所长,通过参加放射卫生监测项目的机会提高自身能力,并积极参与放射卫生技术机构检测能力考核,为核辐射卫生应急工作做好人才和技术储备。     

品管圈对缩短精神科急诊患者就诊等待时间的效果探讨

目的探讨品管圈对缩短精神科急诊患者就诊等待时间的效果。方法选取2019年7月至2020年6月于我院精神科急诊就诊的300例患者作为研究对象,150例予以常规就诊指导的患者纳入对照组,150例予以品管圈就诊指导的患者纳入观察组。比较两组的就诊等待时间及护理满意度。结果观察组的就诊等待时间显著短于对照组,护理满意度评分显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。结论品管圈可缩短精神科急诊患者的就诊等待时间,提高患者的护理满意度。     

国家突发中毒事件卫生应急移动处置中心建设经验探讨

中华人民共和国国家卫生健康委员会自2016年在全国分区域布局建设4类11个国家卫生应急移动处置中心,其中仅有的2个国家突发中毒事件卫生应急移动处置中心设立于在山东和贵州。山东以山东第一医科大学附属省立医院为承建单位。项目于2020-11-04顺利通过国家卫健委专家验收,本文拟从能力建设、队员配置、装备配置、培训演练、队伍管理等方面进行分析总结建设过程,并结合美国和日本等发达国家经验,提出建设中遇到的问题和解决办法,为国家应急队伍以后的标准化建设和管理提供参考。