The risk of Sjogren's syndrome in the older adults with gout: A medicare claims study

ObjectivesIn the absence of previous studies, our objective was to assess whether gout was associated with an increase or decrease in the risk of Sjogren's Syndrome (SS) in older adults, 65 years or older.MethodsWe used the 5% Medicare claims from 2006–2012. A multivariable Cox regression model assessed the association of gout with incident SS adjusting for age, sex, race, Charlson–Romano comorbidity index, and the use of medications for cardiovascular diseases (statins, beta-blockers, diuretics, ACE-inhibitors) and gout (allopurinol, febuxostat). Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.ResultsThere were 3,186 new cases of SS in the study cohort with crude incidence rates of SS of 30/100,000 person-years in patients without gout and 49/100,000 person-years in patients with gout. Multivariable-adjusted analyses showed that gout was independently associated with a higher hazard ratio of SS of 1.73 (95% CI, 1.45, 2.06). Sensitivity analyses that substituted continuous Charlson–Romano comorbidity index score with categorized score (model 2) or individual comorbidities plus three common cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and coronary artery disease; model 3), confirmed the main study findings with minimal attenuation of hazard ratio, 1.70 (95% CI, 1.43, 2.02) and 1.48 (95% CI, 1.25, 1.77), respectively. Younger age, female sex, White race and higher comorbidity score were associated with a higher hazard of SS.ConclusionsGout was associated with more than 1.7-fold higher risk of incident SS in adults 65 years or older. This finding needs to be reproduced and the underlying mechanisms for this association need further study.     

Perioperative corticosteroids administration as a risk factor for pressure ulcers in cardiovascular surgical patients: a retrospective study

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between perioperative corticosteroids administration and the incidence of pressure ulcers (PUs) in cardiovascular surgical patients. A retrospective analysis was performed on data from consecutive patients who had cardiac surgery in 2012. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between perioperative corticosteroid administration and the incidence of surgery‐related PU (SRPU). A total of 286 cardiac surgery patients were included in this study; of these, 47 patients developed 57 SRPUs, an incidence of 16·4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 12·3–21·2%). The SRPU incidence was significantly higher in corticosteroid‐administered group compared with groups not receiving corticosteroids (43·8% versus 14·8%, Pearson's χ² = 9·209, P = 0·002). The crude odds ratio (OR) was 4·472 (95% CI: 1·576–12·694). After performing multivariate logistic regression analysis, the adjusted OR was 2·808 (95% CI: 1·062–11·769). This result showed that perioperative corticosteroid administration was an independent risk factor for PUs in cardiovascular surgical patients. Therefore, it is recommended that in order to prevent PU perioperative corticosteroids should be administered with caution to cardiovascular surgical patients.     

Daily spinal mechanical loading as a risk factor for acute non-specific low back pain: a case–control study using the 24-Hour Schedule

A case–control study was conducted to assess the daily loading of the spine as a risk factor for acute non-specific low back pain (acute LBP). Acute LBP is a benign, self-limiting disease, with a recovery rate of 80–90% within 6 weeks irrespective of the treatment type. Unfortunately, recurrence rates are high. Therefore, prevention of acute LBP could be beneficial. The 24-Hour Schedule (24HS) is a questionnaire developed to quantify physical spinal loading, which is regarded as a potential and modifiable risk factor for acute and recurrent low back pain. A total of 100 cases with acute LBP and 100 controls from a primary care setting were included. Cases and controls completed questionnaires regarding acute LBP status and potential risk factors. Trained examiners blinded to subjects’ disease status (acute LBP or not) assessed spinal loading using the 24HS. The mean difference of 24HS sum-scores between groups was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). After multivariate regression analysis, previous episode(s), the 24HS and the Nottingham Health Profile were associated with the presence of acute LBP. High 24HS scores, indicating longer and more intensive spinal loading in flexed position, are strongly associated with acute LBP.     

心脏移植术后代谢综合征的发生率及危险因素分析

目的 探讨心脏移植后代谢综合征(MS)的发生率,并分析发生MS的危险因素.方法 回顾分析135例心脏移植受者的临床资料.以2004年中华医学会糖尿病学会标准为基础,参照2005年国际糖尿病联盟及修订后的美国国家胆固醇教育计划成人治疗方案第3次报告制定MS的诊断标准.收集可能与发生MS相关的资料进行研究,从而描述心脏移植后MS发生率,对发生MS的危险因素进行单因素和多因素回归分析.结果 所有受者的平均随访时间为47.3个月.随访期间,共有63例受者发生MS,其发生率为46.67％(63/135).受者术前高龄状态(相关系数=1.09,95％可信区间为1.01～1.22,P＜0.05),BMI(相关系数=1.65,95％可信区间为1.16～1.87,P＜0.05),以及糖尿病史(相关系数=3.27,95％可信区间为1.12～34.21,P＜0.05)是术后发生MS的独立危险因素.结论 心脏移植后MS的发生率较高,术前高龄、肥胖及糖尿病史是导致术后发生MS的独立危险因素,对于高危受者术后应控制好免疫抑制剂用量及饮食.     

Effects of indoor air purification by an air cleaning system (Koala technology) on semen parameters in male factor infertility: results of a pilot study

A number of studies indicated a clear decline in semen quality in the past 30–50 years and there is accumulating evidence that this decline might result from exposure to high levels of air pollution. To examine the impact of environment on male reproductive ability, we undertook for the first time a pilot study on semen quality of infertile men exposed to purification of indoor air. Ten subjects with a history of unexplained male infertility and poor semen quality were exposed for at least 1 year to a cleaning indoor air system (Koala technology). The key feature of this air purifier is the unique innovative multiple filtering system. The treatment of total purification of indoor air showed neither improvements in semen parameters nor variation in reproductive hormones ( P  = N.S.), but induced an evident increase ( P  < 0.03 and more) in seminal leucocytic concentrations. Within the limits due to the small sample of subjects recruited, the sole purification of indoor air does not seem enough to improve semen quality, although the increase in leucocytic concentrations could indicate an activation of the role of immunosurveillance in a purified indoor air environment.     

High energy injury is a risk factor for preoperative venous thromboembolism in the patients with hip fractures: A prospective observational study

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to identify the incidence of preoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE), and determine if high energy hip fracture affects preoperative VTE occurrence.MethodsThree-hundred nine patients (244 low and 61 high energy injuries) treated between March 2015 and March 2017 were included in this study. Indirect multidetector computed tomographic venography for the detection of preoperative VTE was performed at admission. The incidence of preoperative VTE was compared between high and low energy injury hip fractures. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for preoperative VTE.ResultsThe overall incidence of preoperative VTE was 18.4% (56 of 305 patients). Preoperative VTE was identified in 17 (27.9%) and 39 (16.0%) patients in the high and low energy injury groups, respectively (p = 0.034). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that high energy injury, history of VTE, and myeloproliferative disease were significant predictive factors of preoperative VTE (OR = 2.451; 95% CI = 1.227–4.896, OR = 11.174; 95% CI = 3.500–35.673, OR = 6.936; 95% CI = 1.641–29.321, respectively)ConclusionBecause high energy hip fracture is significantly associated with preoperative VTE occurrence, preoperative evaluation and proper thromboprophylaxis should be performed for patients with a high-energy hip fracture.     

Lipoprotein (a): A risk factor for peripheral vascular disease

Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is a serum protein that has been reported to be predictive of complications from coronary and cerebrovascular atherosclerotic disease. This study was designed to compare plasma levels of Lp(a) in 100 white male patients with and without peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and to determine the role of Lp(a) as a risk factor for PVD independent of known risk factors such as cigarette smoking (CIG), diabetes mellitus (DM), and coronary artery disease (CAD). Patients with PVD (mean age =67.6 years, n=50) had a statistically significant (p=0.04) elevation of Lp(a) (29.8±3.9 mg/dl) as compared to patients without PVD (20.0±2.9 mg/dl (mean age =68.3 years, n=50). Further analysis revealed that patients with PVD had a significantly higher incidence of CIG (86% vs. 68%,p=0.03), DM (34% vs. 14%,p=0.02), and CAD (52% vs. 30%,p=0.02) than those without PVD. However, there was no statistically significant difference in Lp(a) levels in patients with CIG or CAD compared to those without. Patients with DM had significantly (p=0.04) lower levels of Lp(a) (17.8±3.5 mg/dl) than those without DM (27.1±3.0 mg/dl). Stepwise regression analysis of these various risk factors for PVD revealed that Lp(a) was the strongest significant individual predictor for the presence of PVD (R ²=0.07) as compared to DM (R ²=0.05) and CIG (R ²=0.04). We conclude that there is a significant correlation of Lp(a) levels and the incidence of PVD, which is independent of other major risk factors for PVD.Supported by grants NIH NRSA F32HL0824501A1 to M.D.W. and NIH R29HL40305, RO1HL47345, and VA Merit Grant to B.E.S.Presented at the Sixth Annual Meeting of the Eastern Vascular Society, New York, N.Y., May 2, 1992.     

Reduced kidney function as a risk factor for incident heart failure: the atherosclerosis risk in communities (ARIC) study

Reduced kidney function is a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and both heart failure (HF) and kidney failure incidences are increasing. This study therefore sought to determine the effect of decreased kidney function on HF incidence in a population-based study of middle-aged adults. From 1987 through 2002, 14,857 participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study who were free of prevalent HF at baseline were followed for incident HF hospitalization or death (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision/10th Revision 428/I50). Estimated GFR (eGFR) was calculated using the abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study equation, and kidney function was categorized as normal (eGFR > or =90 ml/min per 1.73 m(2); n = 7143), mildly reduced (eGFR 60 to 89 ml/min per 1.73 m(2); n = 7311), and moderately/severely reduced (eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2); n = 403). Cox proportional hazards models were used to control for demographic and cardiovascular risk factors; analyses were stratified by the presence of coronary heart disease at baseline. During a mean follow-up of 13.2 yr, 1193 participants developed HF. The incidence of HF was three-fold higher for individuals with eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) compared to the reference group with eGFR > or =90 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) (18 versus 6 per 1000 person-years). The overall adjusted relative hazard of developing HF was 1.94 (1.49 to 2.53) for individuals with eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) compared to the reference group and was significantly increased for individuals with and without prevalent coronary heart disease at baseline. A substantially greater decline in kidney function occurred in individuals concomitant with HF hospitalization/death compared to those who did not develop HF. In summary, middle-aged adults with moderately/severely reduced kidney function are at high risk for developing HF.     

Higher cumulative fluid following a pancreaticoduodenectomy as a single modifiable factor for post-operative pancreatic fistula: An analysis of risk factor

BackgroundPostoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is one of the major complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy. There have been many studies into the risk factors determining POPF. Some studies have reported a higher peri-operative fluid balance associated with POPF, however, the pertinent findings remain controversial. The aims of this study were to determine risk factors of clinically relevant-post operative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy and an association between peri-operative fluid balance and the incidence of CR-POPF.Materials and methodsThis is a retrospective cohort study included all adult patients who underwent an elective open pancreaticoduodenectomy in our center from 2005 to 2018. Patients who did not have POPF related data were excluded from study. We divided patients into CR-POPF and no CR-POPF group. Peri-operative data including amount and type of fluid were compared between two groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factors of CR-POPF.ResultsThere were 223 pancreaticoduodenectomies done in our center during that period. The incidence of CR-POPF was 15.2 %. Patients in CR-POPF group had significant higher BMI, higher serum globulin level, smaller pancreatic duct diameter and higher cumulative fluid balance per body weight (FBPBW) at post-operative day 3. Multivariable analysis showed BMI >23 kg/m², diagnosis other than pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma or chronic pancreatitis and higher cumulative FBPBW at post-operative day 3 were the independent risk factors for CR-POPF.ConclusionsPost-operative fluid balance was the post-operative modifiable risk factor to reduce CR-POPF. Higher positive post-operative fluid balance should be avoided especially in higher CR-POPF risk patients.     

Analysis OF C677T polymorphism in methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene as a risk factor for congenital talipes equino varus (CTEV)

BackgroundClubfoot is a common congenital foot deformity. Low folate status in mothers has been associated with CTEV. Folate metabolism might be affected by Methylene Tetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphism. The present study was aimed to investigate MTHFR C677T polymorphism and its association with CTEV.MethodsThis is a Case-mother-Dyad study with 30 pairs of cases and controls. Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) analysis of the MTHFR gene was done in this hospital-based study by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).ResultsIn this study, we observed less relative risk of CTEV in presence of C allele as compared to T allele in children, with Relative Risk- 0.6281 and likelihood ratio of 0.5714. While analysing the correlation of genotype variation in cases (CC = 8(26.66%) and CT = 22(73.33%)) with there biological mother (CC = 13(43.33%) and CT = 17(56.66%)), no significant correlation (p = 0.3110) was found between cases and their biological mother genotype.ConclusionAmong the enrolled cases, there was a significant association of increased CTEV risk with 677T variant allele of MTHFR gene. Also, maternal MTHFR genotype was not found to influence CTEV risk of offspring.     

Mild hyponatremia as a risk factor for fractures: The rotterdam study

Recent studies suggest that mild hyponatremia is associated with fractures, but prospective studies are lacking. We studied whether hyponatremia is associated with fractures, falls, and/or bone mineral density (BMD). A total of 5208 elderly subjects with serum sodium assessed at baseline were included from the prospective population‐based Rotterdam Study. The following data were analyzed: BMD, vertebral fractures (mean follow‐up 6.4 years), nonvertebral fractures (7.4 years), recent falls, comorbidity, medication, and mortality. Hyponatremia was detected in 399 subjects (7.7%, 133.4 ± 2.0 mmol/L). Subjects with hyponatremia were older (73.5 ± 10.3 years versus 70.0 ± 9.0 years, p < .001), had more recent falls (23.8% versus16.4%, p < .01), higher type 2 diabetes mellitus prevalence (22.2% versus 10.3%, p < .001), and more often used diuretics (31.1% versus 15.0%, p < .001). Hyponatremia was not associated with lower BMD but was associated with increased risk of incident nonvertebral fractures [hazard ratio (HR) =1.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–1.73, p = .004] after adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index. Further adjustments for disability index, use of diuretics, use of psycholeptics, recent falls, and diabetes did not modify results. In the fully adjusted model, subjects with hyponatremia also had increased risk of vertebral fractures at baseline [odds ratio (OR) = 1.78, 95% CI 1.04–3.06, p = .037] but not at follow‐up. Finally, all‐cause mortality was higher in subjects with hyponatremia (HR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.03–1.43, p = .022). It is concluded that mild hyponatremia in the elderly is associated with an increased risk of vertebral fractures and incident nonvertebral fractures but not with BMD. Increased fracture risk in hyponatremia also was independent of recent falls, pointing toward a possible effect on bone quality. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research     

Adjuvant chemotherapy as a risk factor for chronic postoperative pain after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a 10-year single-centre retrospective study

Open in a separate window OBJECTIVESThe association between adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) and chronic postoperative pain (CPP) after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for lung cancer resection has not yet been reported. We, therefore, investigated the association between AC and the long-term incidence of CPP after VATS.METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed 3015 consecutive patients who underwent VATS for lung cancer between 2007 and 2016. The patients were divided into 2 groups: those who received (AC group) and those who did not receive (non-AC group) AC within 3 months after VATS. Propensity score analysis was performed to adjust for baseline differences between the 2 groups. The cumulative incidence of CPP at the intervals of 3 months, over 36 months, was compared before and after matching. A Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to investigate the predictors of CPP after VATS.RESULTSWe included and assessed 2222 patients in this study. Of these, 320 patients (14.4%) received AC within 3 months post-VATS. The cumulative incidence of CPP during 36 months post-surgery was significantly higher in the AC group than in the non-AC group, before and after matching (log-rank test; P = 0.002 and 0.027, respectively). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis also showed that AC was a significant risk factor for CPP (hazard ratio 1.62, 95% confidence interval 1.16–2.28; P = 0.005).CONCLUSIONSOur results indicate that AC is an important risk factor for CPP after VATS. Further understanding of the risk factors for CPP may facilitate its prediction and treatment.     

Characteristics and risk factors of acute kidney injury progressed to chronic kidney disease: a prospective,observational cohort study

Objective To prospectively investigate the characteristics of acute kidney injury (AKI) that progressed to chronic kidney disease (CKD) (AKI to CKD) in patients hospitalized for AKI, determine the risk factors of AKI to CKD, and preliminarily evaluate the performance of clinical risk factor model for predicting AKI to CKD. Methods This was a prospective, observational cohort study. Patients hospitalized for AKI and without a prior CKD [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)＜60 ml?min-1?(1.73 m2)-1] were enrolled in Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University from April 2015 to December 2019. Survived patients were followed 90 days after AKI and the renal function 90 days post AKI was determined. The primary endpoint was AKI to CKD, defined as new-onset CKD [eGFR＜60 ml?min-1?(1.73 m2)-1 90 days post AKI]. According to AKI progressed to CKD or not, AKI patients were divided into two groups (with or without AKI to CKD). The baseline clinical data of demographics, comorbidities, baseline renal function, AKI severity, receiving hemodialysis or not, and other lab parameters were compared between two groups. The logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors of AKI to CKD. Finally, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to evaluate the performance of clinical risk factor model for predicting AKI to CKD. Results A total of 168 patients with AKI was enrolled in this study[male, n=91; female, n=77; age (44.0±18.4) years], in which 64 patients (38.1%) developed new-onset CKD 90 days post AKI and 104 patients (61.9%) did not. Compared to those without AKI to CKD, patients with AKI to CKD were older, and had a higher proportion of hypertension, lower levels of eGFR and hemoglobin, higher proportion of receiving hemodialysis, and higher level of discharged serum creatinine (all P＜0.05). There was no significant difference in the proportion of diabetes and use of RAS inhibitors, urine protein level, and other lab parameters between two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis shows that receiving hemodialysis (OR=2.516, 95%CI 1.251-5.060, P=0.010), hypertension (OR=2.446, 95%CI 1.124-5.324, P=0.024), and lower baseline eGFR (OR=0.975, 95%CI 0.950-0.999, P=0.043) were the independent risk factors for AKI to CKD. The clinical risk factor model including age, receiving hemodialysis, hypertension, and baseline eGFR produced moderate performance for predicting AKI to CKD, with the area under ROC curve of 0.712, 95%CI 0.634-0.790. Conclusions AKI survivors are at high risk for developing CKD. Receiving hemodialysis, hypertension, and lower baseline eGFR are independent risk factors for predicting AKI to CKD. More studies are needed to improve the performance of clinical risk factor model for early detecting high risk patients who will develop AKI to CKD.     

Dynamics of surgical smoke in the operating room during spinal surgery: Comparison of particulate matter 2.5-air concentration between the electric scalpel with and without a smoke evacuation pencil: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundSurgical smoke is a vaporous by-product generated during tissue incision and cauterization with an electric scalpel. This smoke contains tissue- and blood/vascular-derived substances, bacteria, viruses, and chemical substances. Among them, it contains many fine particles called particulate matter (PM) 2.5, which are harmful and hazardous to the human body. We aimed to investigate the occurrence of PM2.5 in surgical smoke produced during spinal surgery and to evaluate the efficacy of an electric scalpel with a smoke evacuation pencil.MethodsIn this retrospective observational study, 89 patients who underwent spinal surgery between June 2019 and May 2021 were included. A dust monitor was installed in the operating room to measure the PM2.5 air concentration during the surgery. During each surgery, the total amount of PM2.5, the maximum PM2.5 air concentration, the exposure time to PM2.5, and the average value of PM2.5 air concentration from the start to the end of the surgery were calculated.ResultsWe found that in 29 of the 89 cases (32.6%), the air concentration of PM2.5 increased to a level that could cause health damage during the surgery. Twelve cases (13.4%) reached the level that could cause serious health damage, and 8 cases (9%) reached an emergency warning level. The total amount and the maximum and average levels of PM2.5 were significantly suppressed in the surgery with a smoke evacuation pencil group than in the surgery without a smoke evacuation pencil group.ConclusionWe detected hazardous levels of PM2.5 in the air during spinal surgery, highlighting the importance of considering smoke control or reduction during spinal surgery. We recommend using an electric scalpel with a smoke evacuation pencil for regulating PM2.5 levels in the operating room.     

COL1A1 Sp1-binding site polymorphism as a risk factor for genital prolapse

The objective of this study was to verify the possible association between the Sp1-binding site polymorphism and genital prolapse. A case–control study was conducted in 107 patients with stages III and IV genital prolapse. The control group included 209 women with stages 0 and I. The polymorphism of type I collagen Sp1-binding site was identified by amplification of the first intron of the COL1A1 gene. We did not find differences in the prevalence of the GT and TT genotypes between the groups (p = 0.34), even when we grouped patients with at least one polymorphic allele (GT and TT) and compared them with patients without the polymorphic allele (GG; p = 0.17) The presence of at least one vaginal delivery, family history for prolapse, and macrosomatic fetus were independent risk factors for prolapse. In conclusion, the COL1A1 Sp1-binding site was not significantly associated with genital prolapse among our study subjects.     

A population study of neutering status as a risk factor for canine prostate cancer

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer has been reported to occur more commonly in neutered than intact male dogs in several case series. This study was undertaken to evaluate risk of prostate cancer in a large population database. The hypothesis was that castration is a risk factor for prostate cancer in male companion dogs. METHODS: Data were derived from recorded visits to North American veterinary teaching hospitals. The Veterinary Medical Databases (VMDB) were queried to yield male dogs with urinary bladder transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), prostate adenocarcinoma (ACA), prostate TCC, prostate carcinoma (CA), and prostate tumors. A second query yielded all male dogs over the age of 4 years without a diagnosis of urinary tract cancer. These populations were compared to determine relative risks for developing each disease, singly and collectively, associated with neutering status. Odds ratios were calculated for breed as a risk factor. RESULTS: Neutered males had a significantly increased risk for each form of cancer. Neutered males had an odds ratio of 3.56 (3.02-4.21) for urinary bladder TCC, 8.00 (5.60-11.42) for prostate TCC, 2.12 (1.80-2.49) for prostate adenocarcinoma, 3.86 (3.13-4.16) for prostate carcinoma, and 2.84 (2.57-3.14) for all prostate cancers. Relative risks were highly similar when cases were limited to those with a histologically confirmed diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Breed predisposition suggests that genetic factors play a role in the development of prostate cancer. The risk associated with being neutered is highest for TCC, supporting previous work identifying the urothelium and ductular rather than acinar epithelium as the source of these tumors.     

A 10-year retrospective study of heat press injury: Characteristics and risk factor for amputation

PurposeThe diagnostic grading system for heat press injury has remained the same for decades and depends solely on surgical observation. This study described the demographic and clinical characteristics of such patients and investigated potential predictive factors for amputation.Methods129 patients diagnosed with heat press injury were admitted at Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from 2010 to 2019. Their demographic and clinical characteristics were described and 64 patients were included in a retrospective cohort to assess the risk factors of amputation with univariable and multivariable logistic regression.ResultThe annual partial incidence rate of heat press injury was at least 1–4 cases per 10,000,000 people in Beijing. Of our 129 patients, 85 were men and the mean age was 32 years, 126 caused by machines, 70 with full-thickness burns but no open wounds, and the median total body surface area (TBSA) was 1%. After logistic regression, only insufficient perfusion of the extremities (odds ratio = 156.48; 95% confidence interval = 11.24−2177.92) was associated with the risk of amputation, where 12 of 20 patients lost more than 1 phalanx.ConclusionIndustrial machines, working age, small TBSA, digit or hand injuries, and full-thickness skin injuries were common in our patients. Insufficient perfusion of extremities was an independent risk factor for amputation, while other indicators, including TBSA, D-dimer level, and white blood cell count, did not.     

Candidemia in major burn patients and its possible risk factors: A 6-year period retrospective study at a burn ICU

ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of candidemia in a typical burn ICU, and to determine the risk factors associated with candidemia among major burn patients.MethodThis retrospective observational study of candidemia from 2012 to 2017 in a burn ICU was conducted in the Department of Burn, Southwest hospital, Chongqing, China.ResultsThe study included 410 major burn patients (≥40% total body surface area), 39 (9.51%) of which were diagnosed with candidemia. The annual incidences of candidemia varied from 6.06% to 17.54%, and increased gradually in the 6 years. Candida parapsilosis was the dominant pathogen (28.21% strains). The overall resistance rate of Candida spp. to fluconazole was 35.89%. Candidemia cases most frequently occurred in the 2nd (30.77%) and 3rd (23.08%) weeks after burn, and intravascular catheters were the most common sources of bloodstream Candida infections (31.58%). The crude mortality of candidemia was 23.08%, and the mortality attributable to candidemia was 14.99%. Risk factors of candidemia included inhalation injury, renal dysfunction with replacement therapy, severe gastrointestinal complications, T-cell lymphopenia and prior Candida colonization.ConclusionCandidemia has a high incidence and mortality in major burn patients. The changes in etiology and drug sensitivity may make new challenges for the management of candidemia in burn ICUs.     

Elevated serum homocysteine level as an independent risk factor for erectile dysfunction: a prospective pilot case–control study

Homocysteine is an amino acid that is produced from the metabolic demethylation of dietary methionine. It has gained arising attention for its association with increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke and venous thromboembolism. Erectile dysfunction (ED), especially for vasculogenic ED, is a vascular disorder of cavernosal vascular bed. In this prospective pilot case–control study, we investigated plasma homocysteine levels in 32 ED patients and 20 healthy control men. Related patients characteristics including age, weight, height, marital status, smoking and drinking status, level of education were collected and analysed as well as penile colour Doppler ultrasound parameters. ED patients were further categorised into mild, moderate and severe ED based on 5‐item of the International Index of Erectile Function. Higher homocysteine levels were observed in ED patients as compared with controls (p < .05). A multivariate logistic regression with likelihood ratio test revealed that homocysteine and penile peak systolic blood flow velocity (PSV) levels posed significant indicators for ED (chi‐square of likelihood ratio = 20.42, df = 2, p < .005) as well as moderate and severe ED occurrence (chi‐square of likelihood ratio = 28.50, df = 2, p < .005). The threshold value of homocysteine concentration to discriminate ED and control subjects was 12.65 μmol/L by performing receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. These data suggested that elevation of homocysteine levels was associated with an increased risk of ED.