Studies in hemolysis in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-deficient African American neonates

BACKGROUND: The role of hemolysis in the mechanism and prediction of hyperbilirubinemia was contrasted between glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD)-deficient and -normal African American neonates. METHODS: Corrected end tidal carbon monoxide (ETCOc) values from the subset of male neonates born to non-smoking African American mothers, drawn from a previously published study, were analyzed. The relationship between ETCOc and bilirubin values, the latter represented as percentiles on the hour of life specific bilirubin nomogram, was determined. Hyperbilirubinemia was defined as any bilirubin value > or =95th percentile for hour of life. RESULTS: 18.6% of 59 G-6-PD-deficient neonates developed hyperbilirubinemia, compared with 7.5% of 362 controls (relative risk 2.50, 95% confidence interval 1.31 to 4.76). As reported, ETCOc values (median, interquartile range) were significantly higher among G-6-PD-deficient neonates than controls (2.4 [2.0-2.9] vs. 2.1 [1.7-2.5] ppm, p<0.001. However, higher ETCOc values were limited to those G-6-PD-deficient neonates with lower bilirubin percentiles: among those whose bilirubin value did not exceed the 95th percentile ETCOc was 2.30 [2.00-2.85] vs. 2.00 [1.70-2.40] ppm in controls, p=0.001. In contrast, among the hyperbilirubinemic neonates ETCOc values were similar between G-6-PD-deficient neonates and controls: 2.7 [2.03-3.33] vs. 2.6 [2.33-3.45] ppm, p=0.9. In the G-6-PD-deficient neonates ETCOc > or =75th percentile contributed no additional predictive value for hyperbilirubinemia (likelihood ratio 1.8). CONCLUSIONS: G-6-PD-deficient African American neonates have increased hemolysis and increased rate of hyperbilirubinemia, but the hemolysis is neither a predominant factor in the pathogenesis of hyperbilirubinemia nor is it predictive of hyperbilirubinemia, over and above the already increased risk conferred by G-6-PD deficiency.     

Oesophageal acid exposure: higher in Barrett's oesophagus than in reflux oesophagitis

Oesophageal acid exposure at different pH intervals between 0 and 8 in patients with Barrett's oesophagus (n = 24) was compared with that in patients with reflux oesophagitis (n = 19) by using 24-h pH monitoring. Prior to the monitoring, the position and pressure of the lower oesophageal sphincter was measured by manometry. Columnar epithelium with intestinal metaplasia and goblet cells was verified histologically in all Barrett patients and grade I-III oesophagitis in patients with reflux oesophagitis. Acid exposure (percentage of total time at pH < 4) in the Barrett group was significantly greater than in the oesophagitis group: 21.5+/-20.0% SD vs 11.1+/-11.7% SD (P < 0.01). The number of reflux episodes lasting longer than 5 min (representing oesophageal body clearance function) was also significantly greater in the Barrett group (8.3+/-5.9 SD) than in the oesophagitis group (4.5+/-4.7 SD) (P < 0.01). In the Barrett group the acid exposure time was greater at all pH intervals 0-1, 1-2, 2-3 and 3-4, (P < 0.01) but in the oesophagitis group the exposure time was greater at pH interval 5-6 (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in exposure at pH values above 7. The mean lower oesophageal sphincter pressure was equal in both groups (11.0 vs 11.9 mmHg). In conclusion, oesophageal acid exposure was significantly greater in Barrett's oesophagus than in reflux oesophagitis, and this was associated with decreased oesophageal clearance function. In addition, the results indicated the need for special attention and perhaps higher dosages of drugs to suppress acid production in patients with Barrett's oesophagus.     

Oesophageal acid exposure: higher in Barrett's oesophagus than in reflux oesophagitis

Oesophageal acid exposure at different pH intervals between 0 and 8 in patients with Barrett's oesophagus (n = 24) was compared with that in patients with reflux oesophagitis (n = 19) by using 24-h pH monitoring. Prior to the monitoring, the position and pressure of the lower oesophageal sphincter was measured by manometry. Columnar epithelium with intestinal metaplasia and goblet cells was verified histologically in all Barrett patients and grade I—III oesophagitis in patients with reflux oesophagitis. Acid exposure (percentage of total time at pH < 4) in the Barrett group was significantly greater than in the oesophagitis group: 21.5 ± 20.0% SD vs 11.1 ± 11.7% SD (P < 0.01). The number of reflux episodes lasting longer than 5 min (representing oesophageal body clearance function) was also significantly greater in the Barrett group (8.3 ± 5.9 SD) than in the oesophagitis group (4.5 ± 4.7 SD) (P < 0.01). In the Barrett group the acid exposure time was greater at all pH intervals 0-1, 1-2, 2-3 and 3-4, (P < 0.01) but in the oesophagitis group the exposure time was greater at pH interval 5-6 (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in exposure at pH values above 7. The mean lower oesophageal sphincter pressure was equal in both groups (11.0 vs 11.9 mmHg). In conclusion, oesophageal acid exposure was significantly greater in Barrett's oesophagus than in reflux oesophagitis, and this was associated with decreased oesophageal clearance function. In addition, the results indicated the need for special attention and perhaps higher dosages of drugs to suppress acid production in patients with Barrett's oesophagus.     

Biliary stent combined with iodine-125 seed strand implantation in malignant obstructive jaundice

BACKGROUNDMalignant obstructive jaundice is mainly caused by cholangiocarcinoma. Only a few patients are indicated for surgical resection, and the 3-year survival rate is < 50%. For patients who are not eligible for surgery, biliary stent placement can relieve biliary obstruction and improve liver function and quality of life. However, restenosis after biliary stents has a poor prognosis and is a clinical challenge. Biliary stent combined with iodine-125 (¹²⁵I) seed implantation can prolong stent patency and improve survival.AIMTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of biliary stent combined with ¹²⁵I seed strand implantation in malignant obstructive jaundice. METHODSWe enrolled 67 patients between January 2016 and June 2018 with malignant obstructive jaundice and randomized them into a biliary stent combined with ¹²⁵I seed strand treatment (combined) group (n = 32) and biliary stent (control) group (n = 35). All patients underwent enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging and were tested for biochemical and cancer markers. Twelve patients underwent pathological examination before surgery. All patients were followed up by telephone or clinical visit. Postoperative liver function improvement, postoperative complications, stent patency time, and survival time were compared between the two groups. Prognostic risk factors were evaluated. RESULTSTechnical success was achieved in all patients in both groups. Postoperative liver function improved significantly in all patients (total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase decreased significantly in all patients, the P values were less than 0.05). There was no significant difference in preoperative or postoperative indexes between the two groups for changes in total bilirubin (P = 0.147), direct bilirubin (P = 0.448), alanine aminotransferase (P = 0.120), and aspartate aminotransferase (P = 0.387) between the two groups. The median stent patency time of the combined group was 9.0 ± 1.4 mo [95% confidence interval (CI): 6.3-11.8 mo], which was significantly longer than the that of the control group (6.0 ± 0.3 mo, 95%CI: 5.5-6.5 mo, P = 0.000). The median survival time of the combined group was 11.0 ± 1.4 mo (95%CI: 8.2-13.7 mo), which was significantly longer than that of the control group (7.0 ± 0.3 mo, 95%CI: 6.4-7.6 mo, P = 0.000). Location of obstruction and number of stents were independent risk factors affecting prognosis.CONCLUSIONBiliary stent combined with ¹²⁵I seed strand implantation is safe and effective in malignant obstructive jaundice and improves stent patency time and median survival time.     

Variceal Bleeding is Associated with Reduced Risk of Severe Cholestasis in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

SUMMARY To test the hypothesis that, in primary biliary cirrhosis, bleedingfrom oesophageal varices implies a reduced risk that a patientwill subsequently develop severe cholestasis, the case recordsof 76 patients with this condition who had died were examined.Fifty-nine patients (78 per cent) had died solely or largelyas a consequence of liver disease. Their median survival fromthe onset of symptoms was 72 months. Most died from either hepaticfailure with marked janundice, infected ascites or varieal bleeding.Fifteen patients had a plasma bilirubin less than 100 µml/lat the time of death. Twenty-eight patients had had variceal bleeding. Compared withthe remaining 31 who had also died from cirrhosis, the patientswho had beld from varices survived longer, were much less likelyto die of hepatic failure and to become severely jaundiced butwere more likely to develop fatal infected ascites.     

The suppression of gastro-oesophageal reflux by alginates

AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare alginate products with the same amount of active ingredients but different dosage forms, in the suppression of reflux provoked by a standard meal in healthy human volunteers, using ambulatory oesophageal pH monitoring. METHODS: This was a single centre, randomised, open, three-period crossover, controlled study comparing Gaviscon Advance (10 ml) with a control (10 ml water) and with a new tablet product containing the same active ingredients as Gaviscon Advance. Volunteers who had oesophageal pH < 4 for at least 2% of the 4-h period after ingestion of a test meal followed by control at a reflux screening visit were included in the study. RESULTS: The difference between Gaviscon Advance and control in the mean angular transformed percentage of time for which oesophageal pH fell below four was statistically significant (p < 0.0001) demonstrating the sensitivity of the method. No significant difference between the two alginate products was found based on the least squares adjusted mean angular transformed percentage of time for which pH fell below four. There were also no significant differences between the two alginate dosage forms in the angular transformed percentage of time for which oesophageal pH fell below five and in the log-transformed number of occasions on which oesophageal pH fell below four and five. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The study shows that alginate reflux suppressants containing a low amount of antacid are effective in suppressing acid reflux and that suspension and tablet forms are able to give equivalent acid suppression.     

Manometric oesophageal function,acid perfusion test and symptomatology in a 55-year-old general population

Summary. The frequency of different kinds of oesophageal dysfunction (OD) as shown by manometry and acid perfusion test was investigated in a 55-year-old general population. OD was found in 34±8% (95% confidence interval). Seventeen per cent had signs of dysmotility, 14% of hiatal hernia, 6% of lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) hypotension, 5% had a positive acid perfusion test and 13% had more than one kind of OD. Symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux and chest symptoms were significantly more common in OD subjects than in subjects with normal oesophageal function. The oesophageal function tests had a capability in detecting 66% of subjects in the general population with heartburn or acid regurgitation, whereas they had a poor capability in detecting subjects with other oesophageal related symptoms. This investigation can therefore not answer the question whether our criteria for OD is clinically relevant or not. Irrespective of this, it is important to know the frequency of OD in the general population if the relevance of the OD frequency in hospital patient materials is to be evaluated.     

Variceal bleeding is associated with reduced risk of severe cholestasis in primary biliary cirrhosis

To test the hypothesis that, in primary biliary cirrhosis, bleeding from oesophageal varices implies a reduced risk that a patient will subsequently develop severe cholestasis, the case records of 76 patients with this condition who had died were examined. Fifty-nine patients (78 per cent) had died solely or largely as a consequence of liver disease. Their median survival from the onset of symptoms was 72 months. Most died from either hepatic failure with marked jaundice, infected ascites or variceal bleeding. Fifteen patients had a plasma bilirubin less than 100 mumol/l at the time of death. Twenty-eight patients had had variceal bleeding. Compared with the remaining 31 who had also died from cirrhosis, the patients who had bled from varices survived longer, were much less likely to die of hepatic failure and to become severely jaundiced but were more likely to develop fatal infected ascites.     

Facility-level variation in antibiotic prescriptions for veterans with upper respiratory infections

BACKGROUND: Programs have targeted individual patient and physician behaviors to reduce the use of antibiotics for upper respiratory infections (URIs), but such efforts have had limited success to date. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to measure the extent of variation in antibiotic prescribing patterns at the hospital-facility level to determine whether organizational factors may be associated with patterns of antibiotic prescribing. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study using linked pharmacy and encounter data to measure hospital-level variation in patterns of antibiotic prescribing at US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers between October 1, 2000, and September 30, 2001. The main outcome measure was the proportion of visits for URIs or acute bronchitis with an antibiotic dispensed within 1 day before to 3 days after the encounter, restricted to primary-care and emergency/urgent care clinics at VA medical centers with > or =100 annual visits for URIs. RESULTS: A median of 523 visits for URIs occurred across 108 medical centers. The median proportion of visits with an antibiotic dispensed was 52% (range, 14%-88%). Hospitals in the South had increased odds of prescribing antibiotics for veterans with URIs compared with hospitals in the Northeast (odds ratio, 1.8 [95% CI, 1.2-2.5]). Among facilities with <200,000 visits per year, an increase in the percentage of unscheduled outpatient visits increased the odds of prescribing antibiotics for veterans with URIs (odds ratio per 10% increase, 1.3 [95% CI, 1.1-1.5]). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest variation in antibiotic prescribing for URIs at the hospital-facility level within the VA health care system. Organizational factors, such as time pressure, may be important targets for future interventions designed to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use in ambulatory care settings.     

Alternative antibody for the detection of CA125 antigen: a European multicenter study for the evaluation of the analytical and clinical performance of the Access OV Monitor assay on the UniCel Dxl 800 Immunoassay System

BACKGROUND: Cancer antigen CA125 is known as a valuable marker for the management of ovarian cancer. METHODS: The analytical and clinical performance of the Access OV Monitor Immunoassay System (Beckman Coulter) was evaluated at five different European sites and compared with a reference system, defined as CA125 on the Elecsys System (Roche Diagnostics). RESULTS: Total imprecision (% CV) of the OV Monitor ranged between 3.1% and 8.8%, and inter-laboratory reproducibility between 4.7% and 5.0%. Linearity upon dilution showed a mean recovery of 100% (SD + 8.1%). Endogenous interferents had no influence on OV Monitor levels (mean recoveries: hemoglobin 107%, bilirubin 103%, triglycerides 103%). There was no high-dose hook effect up to 27,193 kU/L. Clinical performance investigated in sera from 1811 individuals showed a good correlation between the Access OV Monitor and Elecsys CA125 (R = 0.982, slope = 0.921, intercept = +1.951). OV Monitor serum levels were low in healthy individuals (n = 267, median = 9.7 kU/L, 95th percentile = 30.8 kU/L), higher in individuals with various benign diseases (n = 549, medians = 10.9-16.4 kU/L, 95th percentiles = 44.2-355 kU/L) and even higher in individuals suffering from various cancers (n = 995, medians = 12.4-445 kU/L; 95th percentiles = 53.4-4664 kU/L). Optimal diagnostic accuracy for cancer detection against the relevant benign control group by the OV Monitor was found for ovarian cancer [area under the curve (AUC) 0.898]. Results for the reference CA125 assay were comparable (AUC 0.899). CONCLUSIONS: The Access OV Monitor provides very good methodological characteristics and demonstrates an excellent analytical and clinical correlation with Elecsys CA125. The best diagnostic accuracy for the OV Monitor was found in ovarian cancer. Our results also suggest a clinical value of the OV Monitor in other cancers.     

Use of ambulatory overnight oximetry to investigate sleep apnea in a general internal medicine practice

OBJECTIVE: To examine how clinical factors and results from ambulatory overnight oximetry related to recommendations for further sleep evaluation in patients with clinically suspected obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed 100 medical records selected randomly from 375 consecutive patients for whom ambulatory overnight oximetry had been ordered by internists and completed between September 1, 2001, and May 1, 2002. We analyzed relationships among clinical Information, oximetry results, resultant recommendations, and patient follow-up data. RESULTS: Only 21 of 100 patients had normal results from ambulatory overnight oximetry; 5 were referred for further sleep consultation. Abnormal results from ambulatory overnight oximetry were seen in 79 patients, but only 51 were referred for further sleep evaluation. Abnormal results from ambulatory overnight oximetry were associated with only a small increased likelihood of referral (likelihood ratio, 2.7; confidence interval, 1.2-6.0). Those with an oxygen desaturation index (number of desaturation events per hour of recording time) of greater than 15 received sleep consultation at a median of 8 days after completion of oximetry, whereas those with an oxygen desaturation index of 6 to 10 were evaluated in a median of 42 days (P=.60). All 17 patients who had minimum oxygen saturation of less than 80% were referred for further evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal results from ambulatory overnight oximetry per se may not substantially influence internist referral of patients with clinically suspected sleep apnea for further sleep evaluation. Rather, severity of oximetry abnormalities is used along with other patient-related factors and sleep study accessibility to prioritize the need and urgency of further evaluation.     

Determination of renal volume by ultrasound scanning.

In patients with renal hypertension, determination of renal volume may be valuable for evaluating possible compensatory hypertrophy for correlating renal size to renal function, and for evaluating the transplanted kidney in relation to rejection and its response to therapy. We performed parallel transverse ultrasonic scans through each kidney and computed volume based on the cross-sectional areas outlined on the scans. In 16 autopsy studies a highly significant correlation between calculated and true values were obtained, rs = 0.847, p less than 0.001. The 5th and 95th percentiles of the median divergence were -21 and 27 ml respectively. In 30 healthy subjects, double determinations showed 5th and 95th percentiles of the median interobserver variation of -7 and 3 ml respectively. There was no demonstrable difference between volumes of right and left kidneys, and no difference in relation to sex. Total renal volume was most accurate when correlated with the body weight, rs = 0.698, p less than 0.001. Normal values of total renal volume per kilogram of body weight were 4.3 to 8.0 ml/kg. In normal subjects, the smallest kidney's volume should not be less than 37% of the total renal volume.     

Alternative antibody for the detection of CA19-9 antigen: a European multicenter study for the evaluation of the analytical and clinical performance of the Access((R)) GI Monitor assay on the UniCel((R)) DxI 800 Immunoassay System

Abstract Background: Gastrointestinal cancer antigen CA19-9 is known as a valuable marker for the management of patients with pancreatic cancer. Methods: The analytical and clinical performance of the Access((R)) GI Monitor assay (Beckman Coulter) was evaluated on the UniCel((R)) DxI 800 Immunoassay System at five different European sites and compared with a reference method, defined as CA19-9 on the Elecsys System (Roche Diagnostics). Results: Total imprecision (%CV) of the GI Monitor ranged between 3.4% and 7.7%, and inter-laboratory reproducibility between 3.6% and 4.0%. Linearity upon dilution showed a mean recovery of 97.4% (SD+7.2%). Endogenous interferents had no influence on GI Monitor levels (mean recoveries: hemoglobin 103%, bilirubin 106%, triglycerides 106%). There was no high-dose hook effect up to 115,000 kU/L. Clinical performance investigated in sera from 1811 individuals showed a good correlation between the Access((R)) GI Monitor and Elecsys CA19-9 (R=0.959, slope=1.004, intercept=+0.17). GI Monitor serum levels were low in healthy individuals (n=267, median=6.0 kU/L, 95th percentile=23.1 kU/L), higher in individuals with various benign diseases (n=550, medians=5.8-13.4 kU/L, 95th percentiles=30.1-195.5kU/L) and even higher in individuals suffering from various cancers (n=995, medians=8.4-233.8 kU/L, 95th percentiles=53.7-13,902 kU/L). Optimal diagnostic accuracy for cancer detection against the relevant benign control group by the GI Monitor was found for pancreatic cancer [area under the curve (AUC) 0.83]. Results for the reference CA19-9 assay were comparable (AUC 0.85). Conclusions: The Access((R)) GI Monitor provides very good methodological characteristics and demonstrates an excellent analytical and clinical correlation with the Elecsys CA19-9. The GI Monitor shows the best diagnostic accuracy in pancreatic cancer. Our results also suggest a clinical value of the GI Monitor in other cancers. Clin Chem Lab Med 2008;46:600-11.     

Homozygosity for the C46T polymorphism of the F12 gene is a risk factor for venous thrombosis during the first pregnancy

BACKGROUND: A first thromboembolic event during pregnancy and puerperium is predisposed to by polymorphisms G1691A in the factor V gene (F5) (F5G1691A) and G20210A in the prothrombin gene (F2) (F2G20210A). OBJECTIVES: To study another potentially frequent thrombogenic polymorphism, C46T in the factor XII gene (F12) (F12C46T). Patients and methods: The 32 463 previously asymptomatic women included in the NOHA First cohort in their first pregnancy were investigated for these three polymorphisms. No other constitutional or acquired thrombophilic risk factor was studied. RESULTS: The overall incidence--absolute risk--of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) was 127 per 100,000 woman-years and was reduced to 22 per 100,000 women-years in women negative for the three polymorphisms (P < 0.0001). Homozygosity for F12C46T was associated with a significant relative risk (RR) of VTE [RR: 5.99, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 2.1-17.3, P = 0.001], as was heterozygosity for F5G1691A (RR: 18.7, 95% CI: 8.3-42, P < 0.0001), heterozygosity for F2G20210A (RR: 14.3, 95% CI: 6.2-33.2, P < 0.0001), maternal age (RR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.07-1.29, P = 0.0006), maternal body mass index (RR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.11-1.55, P = 0.002), conceptus weight (percentiles adjusted for term of delivery; RR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.88-0.93, P < 0.0001) and pre-eclampsia (RR: 3.03, 95% CI: 1.06-8.69, P = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Homozygosity for the C46T polymorphism of the F12 gene is associated with venous thrombosis during the first pregnancy/puerperium in previously asymptomatic women.     

Gamma‐hydroxybutyrate: A 30 month emergency department review

Objectives: To describe epidemiology, symptomatology, resource use and complications in patients attending the ED following gamma‐hydroxybutyrate (GHB) ingestion. Methods: Retrospective chart review of GHB‐related emergency attendances over 30 months. Results: One hundred and seventy emergency attendances attributed to GHB ingestion occurred. Monthly attendance rate doubled during the study, and was highest on public holidays and weekends between 04.00 and 08.00 hours. The majority (63%, 95% CI 55.7–70.3) were young men (median 22 years). GHB was ingested alone in 62 cases (36%, 95% CI 29.6–43.9). Poly‐substance ingestion was common (108 cases; 64%; 95% CI 56.1–70.4). The commonest presenting symptom was altered conscious state (89%, 95% CI 84.1–93.5) with 54% (95% CI 46.6–61.6) having low Glasgow Coma Score (GCS 3–8) on arrival at the ED. Eight per cent (95% CI 3.6–11.6) were intubated. Eighty‐seven per cent (95% CI 79.8–93.8) with low GCS were not intubated. There were no serious adverse outcomes or fatalities. Recovery time from ED arrival to high GCS (9–15) was rapid (median 76 min, interquartile range 80). Overall median length of stay was 199 min (interquartile range 162). Conclusions: This is the largest GHB‐related case series to date. Attendance rate doubled during the study, and peaked at times of lowest staffing. Poly‐substance ingestion is common. Attendances are of high acuity with decreased conscious state and airway threat. With close conservative management, most recover quickly without adverse sequelae.     

Pressure support noninvasive positive pressure ventilation treatment of acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema

We assessed cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE) patient response to full mask pressure support noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV). Adult patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) in acute respiratory failure who clinically required endotracheal intubation (ETI) were studied. In addition to routine therapy consisting of oxygen, nitrates, and diuretics, patients were started on full mask NPPV using a Puritan Bennett 7200 ventilator delivering pressure support 10 cm H(2)O, PEEP 5 cm H(2)O, FiO(2) 100%. Pressure support was titrated to achieve tidal volumes of 5 to 7 mL/kg, and PEEP titrated to achieve oxygen saturation (SaO(2)) > 90%. Outcome measures included arterial blood gas (ABG), Borg dyspnea score, vital signs, and need for ETI. Twenty patients mean age 74.7 +/- 14.3 years were entered on the study. Initial mean values on FiO(2) 100% by nonrebreather mask: pH 7.17 +/-.13, paCO(2) 65.5 +/- 19.4 mmHg, paO(2) 73.8 +/- 27.3 mm Hg, SaO(2) 89.7 +/- 10.0%, Borg score 8.1 +/- 1.4, and respiratory rate(RR) 38 +/- 6.3. At 60 minutes of NPPV, improvement was statistically significant: pH 7.28 (difference.11; 95% CI.04-.19), paCO(2) 45 (difference 20.5; 95% CI 8-33), Borg score 4.1 (difference 4.0; 95% CI 3-5), and RR 28.2 (difference 9.8; 95% CI 5-14). NPPV duration ranged from 30 minutes to 36 hours (median 2 hours, 45 minutes). Eighteen patients (90%) improved allowing cessation of NPPV. Two patients with concomitant severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) required ETI. There were no complications of NPPV. NPPV using full face mask and pressure support provided by a conventional volume ventilator is an effective treatment for CPE and may help prevent ETI.     

A survey of the practice of stroke doctors in developing transient ischaemic attack services in the UK

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: (1) To describe current practice in the establishment and running of transient ischaemic attack (TIA) clinics in the UK; (2) to identify whether TIA targets are met; (3) to inform future TIA service development. METHODS: A survey distributed to the members of the British Association of Stroke Physicians (BASP). RESULTS: Forty-one per cent of full BASP members responded to the survey. TIA clinics were being run by 77% of respondents. Of the remainder 75% had plans to do so. Dedicated consultant time for stroke predominated among those involved in clinics (87% vs. 54%). The median time for clinics operation was 36 months. The median time from TIA to appointment was 2 weeks, exceeding national targets. Sixty-four per cent of clinics were run weekly and 31% more than once a week. Forty-six per cent stated they ran a one-stop clinic service yet only 10% said there were no later follow-up visits. A patient returning for completion of investigations was the most common reason for this (60%). Waits for investigations were reported - 53% indicated a wait for carotid Doppler scanning and 41% indicated this wait was in excess of 1 week. CONCLUSION: Key areas of concern arising from this survey were that time from TIA to clinic appointment remained outside the national target and there were delays for key investigations. Current service models are inadequate to meet current TIA targets and exploration of alternative service models is required.     

基于Lasso-Cox回归筛选影响心脏瓣膜病患者术后ICU时间的因素

目的采用Lasso-Cox回归法分析影响心脏瓣膜病患者术后ICU时间的因素。 方法采用回顾性方法连续收集2014年1月至2015年12月930例我院行心脏瓣膜手术患者的临床资料,采用Lasso-Cox回归法筛选因素建立2个模型：Pre模型（纳入术前因素）和Pro模型（纳入术前和术中因素）,通过受试者工作特征曲线（ROC）的曲线下面积（AUC）验证纳入不同因素对ICU时间预测的准确性。 结果患者的ICU中位时间为70.5 h,Pre模型纳入影响心脏瓣膜病患者术后ICU时间的术前因素包括年龄、术前总胆红素、高血压病、术前肌酐清除率,Pro模型纳入影响心脏瓣膜病患者术后ICU时间的术前及术中因素包括年龄、术前总胆红素、高血压病、术前肌酐清除率、术前红细胞计数（RBC）、体外循环时间、主动脉阻断时间、三尖瓣置换术;Pre模型在24、48、72 h转出ICU端点的AUC值分别为0.6144（95%CI：0.5684~0.6611）、0.6543（95%CI：0.6251~0.7056）、0.6657（95%CI：0.6203~0.7056）,Pro模型分别为0.7021（95%CI：0.6622~0.7403）、0.7123（95%CI：0.6690~0.7442）、0.7424（95%CI：0.7128~0.7833）。 结论年龄、术前总胆红素、高血压病、术前肌酐清除率、术前RBC、体外循环时间、主动脉阻断时间、三尖瓣置换术均可影响心脏瓣膜病患者术后ICU时间;联合术前及术中因素能更准确地预测心脏瓣膜病患者术后ICU时间。     

总胆红素与持续不卧床腹膜透析患者死亡的相关性

目的 探讨血清总胆红素(total bilirubin,TBIL)水平与持续不卧床腹膜透析(continu-ous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis,CAPD)患者全因死亡及心血管疾病(cardiovascular disease,CVD)死亡的相关性.方法 回顾性分析2012年9月1日至2...