Health-related quality of life after isolated limb perfusion compared to extended resection,or amputation for locally advanced extremity sarcoma: Is a limb salvage strategy worth the effort?

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to compare long-term patient reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with locally advanced extremity soft tissue sarcoma (eSTS) after isolated limb perfusion followed by resection (IR), compared to extended resection (ER), primary amputation (A) or secondary amputation after IR (IR-A).MethodsPatients were selected from the respondents of a multi-institutional cross-sectional cohort survivorship study (SURVSARC) conducted among sarcoma survivors registered in the Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR), 2–10 years after diagnosis. Used PROs were the EORTC QLQ-C30, the Cancer worry scale (CWS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS).ResultsWe identified 97 eSTS survivors: IR = 20, ER = 49, A = 20, IR-A = 8. While there were no differences in PROs between IR and ER, results showed better functioning and functionality in both groups versus the amputation groups. The amputation groups scored significantly lower on physical functioning (A = 62.7, IR-A = 65.7 versus IR = 78.0, ER = 82.7, p = 0.001) and role functioning (A = 67.5, IR-A = 52.8 versus IR = 79.2, ER = 80.6, p = 0.039), both EORTC QLQ-C30 scales. Also for the TESS, the scores were significantly lower for the amputation groups compared to the limb sparing groups (upper extremity p = 0.007 with A = 68.9, IR-A = 71.6 versus IR = 93.3, ER = 91.1; lower extremity p < 0.001 with A = 72.2, IR-A50.9 versus IR = 84.5 and ER = 85.5). There were no significant differences between the groups on cancer worry, anxiety and depression.ConclusionHRQoL in eSTS survivors treated with IR or ER is equal; for maintenance of physical functioning and functionality IR and ER outperform an amputation.     

Active learning in head and neck trauma: outcomes after an innovative educational course

Excellence in teaching and learning is fundamental to the provision of quality training for doctors and for this a sound knowledge of the principles of adult learning theory is important. We present an educational course in head and neck trauma skills for emergency medicine (EM) registrars, using the pedagogical principle of active learning. Our aim was to provide trainees with skills in the evaluation and management of hard and soft tissue injuries to the head, neck, and mouth. Active learning has been shown to provide a superior experience in classrooms, creating a ‘deep’ understanding of the material. To maximise learning, we used these principles to develop small group seminars led by a diverse range of teachers that allowed trainees to acquire hands-on skills. Questionnaires that were completed before and after the course showed an appreciable educational impact. We conclude that innovative teaching methods facilitate the sharing of knowledge that will benefit patient care.     

Quantitative assessment of bony orbital volume symmetry: CT analysis in the uninjured caucasian population

There is a surprising lack of evidence documenting the volumetric symmetry of the bony orbit. This paper establishes reference values for orbital volume (OV) and symmetry in the 25 - 40 year old caucasian population. Secondarily, this paper sets a landmark for the tolerances in OV that can be expected when reconstructing the bony defects which may occur from trauma. A standardised method of quantitative OV measurement was developed using CT sinus examinations acquired for indications unrelated to orbital trauma. Sex, ethnicity, age, right and left OV were recorded. Data for 100 patients was obtained (50 male, 50 female). Mean left OV was 23.1cm³ and mean right OV was 23.3cm³. Left and right OV were strongly positively correlated (correlation coefficient: 0.96). Mean female OV was 21.6cm³ and mean male OV was 24.8cm³. On average, male OV is 3.2cm³ larger than female OV. The mean difference between left and right OV was 0.5cm³ in females and 0.6cm³ in males. The intra-class coefficient score between the two assessors was 0.973 (excellent). There is strong positive correlation between left and right OV in this study population. Previous work suggests that orbital volume loss less than 1cm³ would not lead to significant clinical symptoms of orbital fracture. When orbital reconstruction is undertaken, this study suggests that a volume symmetry difference of <0.5cm³ in females and <0.6cm³ in males would be consistent with the variation seen in the study population of uninjured caucasian 25-40 year olds and is therefore a reasonable goal of surgical management.     

The prevalence of non-accidental trauma among children with polytrauma: A nationwide level-I trauma centre study

ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of non-accidental trauma (NAT) in children with polytrauma treated at level-I trauma centres (TC).Summary of backgroundData 6–10% Of children who present at the emergency department with injuries, sustain polytrauma. Polytrauma may result from either accidental (AT) or NAT, i.e. inflicted or neglect. The prevalence of NAT among children with polytrauma is currently unclear.MethodsThis is a retrospective study that included children (0–18 years) with an Injury Severity Score >15, who presented at one of the 11 Level-I trauma centers (TC) in the Netherlands between January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2016. Outcomes were classified based on the conclusions of the Child Abuse and Neglect-team. Cases in which conclusions were unavailable and there was no clear accidental cause of injuries were reviewed by an expert panel.ResultsThe study included 1623 children, 1452 (89%) were classified as AT, 171 (11%) as NAT; 39 (2,4%) inflicted and 132 (8,1%) neglect. Of pre-school aged children (<5 years) 41% sustained NAT (OR26.73, 95%CI 17.70–40.35), 35/342 (10%) inflicted and 104/342 (31%) neglect. Admission due to ‘cardiopulmonary arrest’ was the result of inflicted trauma (30% vs 0%,p < 0.001). NAT had a higher mortality rate (16% vs 10%, p = 0.006). Indicators of NAT were: (near-)drowning (OR10.74, 95%CI 5.94–19.41), burn (OR8.62, 95%CI 4.08–18.19) and fall from height (OR2.18, 95%CI 1.56–3.02).ConclusionsNAT was the cause of polytrauma in 11% of children in our nationwide level-I TC study; 41% of these polytrauma were the result of NAT experienced by preschool-aged children. Our data show the importance of awareness for NAT.     

经络艾灸防治乳腺癌根治术后患侧上肢水肿的效果评价

目的观察循经艾灸预防乳腺癌患者根治术后上肢水肿的效果。方法采用便利抽样法选取乳腺外科乳腺癌根治术的患者150例,随机分为对照组和观察组,每组75例。对照组行常规护理,观察组在对照组基础上在手术侧上肢循经艾灸。于术前1 d、术后第14天和术后1个月,测量两组患者患侧上肢水肿程度。结果观察组术后患侧上肢水肿发生率低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论术后循经艾灸可有效预防乳腺癌根治术后患侧上肢水肿,提高患者舒适度。     

电针傍刺经筋结点治疗缺血性脑卒中急性期上肢偏瘫的临床研究

目的通过观察电针傍次上肢经筋结点治疗缺血性脑卒中急性期上肢偏瘫的临床疗效,探讨电针傍次经筋结点治疗缺血性卒中急性期肢体瘫痪的作用机制。方法60例缺血性卒中急性期偏瘫的患者采用SPSS软件随机数字生成器分为治疗组与对照组各30例。治疗组采用电针傍刺上肢经筋结点治疗,对照组采用电针上肢常规经穴治疗。分别于治疗前后观察评价两组上肢的肌力(MMT徒手肌力评定法)、关节活动度(ROM关节活动度评定法)、运动功能(Fugl-Meyer运动功能评分量表、ARAT上肢动作研究量表)、临床神经功能缺损程度(NIHSS量表)确定疗效。结果两组患者治疗后ROM评分下降,Barthel指数、Fugl-Meyer评分、ARAT评分均上升。治疗组较对照组ROM评分、Barthel指数、Fugl-Meyer评分、ARAT评分改善更优(P<0.05);疗程结束后治疗组肌力经MMT评定后有效率为90%,高于对照组的76.67%(P<0.05);治疗组疗效经神经功能缺损程度评价有效率为93.33%,高于对照组76.67%(P<0.05)。结论电针傍刺经筋结点与常规针刺治疗都可以改善缺血性卒中急性期上肢瘫痪,但电针傍刺经筋结点治疗效果更佳。     

持续性颅内压监测在颅脑外伤治疗的效果探讨

目的对急性重型颅脑外伤患者在临床治疗中实施持续性颅内压监测的价值进行研究。方法选择本院在2017年8月—2018年8月期间收治的确诊为重型颅脑外伤的患者共计28例作为研究对象,按照硬币法将这些患者划分为两个小组,对照组14例,实验组14例。采用常规治疗方式对对照组加以治疗,采用持续性颅内压监测对实验组加以治疗,对两组患者的治疗效果进行比较。结果对照组的预后神经功能NHISS评分为(15.83±0.31)分、预后GOS评分为(3.19±0.15)分,实验组的预后神经功能NHISS评分为(11.18±0.45)分、预后GOS评分为(4.90±0.17)分。实验组预后神经功能NHISS评分、GOS评分均明显优于对照组,且差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论在急性重型颅脑外伤患者的临床治疗中应用持续性颅内压监测具有重要作用,其能够对患者的治疗予以有效指导,提升患者的治疗效果。     

张力平衡针法联合电针对脑卒中足下垂患者下肢功能及日常生活能力的影响

目的:研究张力平衡针法联合电针对脑卒中足下垂患者下肢功能及日常生活能力的影响。方法:选取我院2016年1月—2019年5月收治的脑卒中足下垂患者78例,根据随机数字表法分为两组,各39例。对照组给予电针疗法,治疗组在对照组基础上给予张力平衡针法,对比两组患者治疗前后的肌张力和CSI评分、足内翻角度和足下垂角度、Barthel指数评分和FMA评分、SF-36量表评分。结果:经治疗后,两组患者肌张力评分显著升高,CSI评分显著降低(P<0.05),且治疗组改善程度较大(P<0.05);两组患者足内翻角度和足下垂角度显著低于治疗前(P<0.05),且治疗组降低程度较大(P<0.05);两组患者FMA评分和Barthel指数评分显著升高(P<0.05),且治疗组升高程度较大(P<0.05);两组患者情感功能、生理功能和社会功能评分均显著高于治疗前(P<0.05),且治疗组升高程度较大(P<0.05)。结论:采用张力平衡针法联合电针治疗脑卒中足下垂能够改善日常生活能力及下肢功能,值得在临床上推广应用。