A randomised,controlled trial comparing the long-term effects of peripherally inserted central catheter placement in chemotherapy patients using B-mode ultrasound with modified Seldinger technique versus blind puncture

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) placement using B-mode ultrasound with the modified Seldinger technique (BUMST) versus the blind puncture.MethodsOne hundred chemotherapy patients were recruited to participate in a randomised, controlled trial in Guangzhou, China. Fifty were assigned to the experimental group (using BUMST), and 50 were assigned to the control group (blind puncture). Demographic and background data, data related to PICC placement, complications after PICC placement, the patients' degree of comfort (determined via a questionnaire), and patients' costs for PICC maintenance were collected to compare the effects of the two methods. T-tests and chi-square tests were used to analyse the data; p < 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant.ResultsNighty-eight of the 100 PICCs were successfully inserted (50 in the experimental group and 48 in the control group). Compared with the control group, the experimental group had a lower rate of unplanned catheter removal (4.0% vs. 18.7%; p = 0.02), a lower incidence of mechanical phlebitis (0% vs. 22.9%; p < 0.001), a lower incidence of venous thrombosis (0% vs. 8.3%; p = 0.037), and a higher incidence of catheter migration (32% vs. 2.1%; p < 0.001). Compared with the control group, the experimental group experienced significantly less severe contact dermatitis (p = 0.038), had improved comfort at 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months after PICC placement (p < 0.001), and had lower costs for PICC maintenance at 2 months, 3 months and when the catheter was removed (p < 0.05).ConclusionsUsing B-mode ultrasound with MST for PICC placement reduced complications and patients' costs for PICC maintenance and improved patients' degree of comfort; thus, this procedure should be more widely used.The clinical trial registration numberChiCTR-TRC-12002749.     

一针式皮下隧道法在经外周穿刺中心静脉置管中的应用

目的 探讨超声引导下一针式皮下隧道法在肿瘤化疗患者Power PICC置管中的临床应用效果。方法 采取回顾性研究方法,选取2016年1月—2018年12月入住山东省某三级甲等医院化疗科需置入Power PICC导管的963例肿瘤患者作为研究对象,按照置管方式分为试验组493例和对照组470例,试验组采取一针式皮下隧道法、对照组采取常规塞丁格穿刺技术进行置管,采用卡方检验对两组置管后并发症发生率进行比较,采用Cox多因素回归分析导管移位及导管堵塞的影响因素,并绘制生存曲线反应两组导管移位及导管堵塞的发生情况。结果 一针式皮下隧道法可明显降低置管后导管移位及导管堵塞的发生率[aHR=0.304,95%CI（0.137,0.677）,P<0.01;aHR=0.304,95%CI（0.097,0.958）,P<0.05],一般人口学及疾病资料均对导管移位及导管堵塞无明显影响（P>0.05）。结论 通过一针式皮下隧道进行Power PICC置管可明显减少置管后并发症,该方法是一种安全有效的Power PICC穿刺技术。     

Direct carotid exposure approach in the treatment of anterior circulation unruptured intracranial aneurysms for elderly patients

Background and purposeThe direct carotid exposure approach (DCEA) is a technical option for elderly patients with severe vessel tortuosity due to arteriosclerosis. We evaluated complications related to antiplatelet/anticoagulant management and compared the DCEA to standard transfemoral/transbrachial approaches (TFBA) in the treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms for elderly patients.MethodsFrom August 2017 to August 2020, 52 patients (53 procedures) aged over 75 years with unruptured aneurysms in the anterior circulation were treated at our institution. All patients received dual antiplatelet drugs before the procedure. Eleven patients (21.2%) (12 procedures) were treated with the DCEA. The rest were treated with TFBA. The main indication of the DCEA was an unfavorable aortic arch or vessel tortuosity. Complications and the duration of the procedure were compared between the two groups.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the two groups in age, aneurysm location, preoperative antiplatelet use, heparin use, or maximum activated clotting time (ACT) values. All endovascular treatments were successfully performed by DCEA. Among all parameters, the DCEA group had only bigger average aneurysm diameter (14 mm) and higher number of pipeline embolic device (PED) placement (58%). Time to the guiding-catheter placement was not significantly different between the groups (DCEA vs TFBA = 31.0 min vs 24.7 min, p = 0.178).　No significant complications of DCEA, such as subcutaneous hematomas, were observed.　ConclusionEven with the use of antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy, the DCEA can be performed safely for unruptured aneurysms in elderly patients.     

Complicaciones relacionadas con la inserción y el mantenimiento del catéter venoso central de acceso periférico

ObjectiveTo evaluate the rates and nature of the complications related to the Central Peripheral Access Catheter (CVCAP or PICC) from its insertion to its withdrawal.MethodsProspective observational study. All patients older than 14 years of age with a PICC inserted in the polyvalent intensive care unit (ICU) during the period between May 1, 2015 and April 30, 2016 were included. Data collected included: demographic data, insertion details, reason for insertion and removal, maintenance unit, total dwell time, incidence of complications and related factors and infection rate.Results144 PICCs were inserted, of which 94 corresponded to the ICU group (65.28%) and 50 (34.72%) to the non-ICU group. The most important complication was the suspicion of infection: 17.36% (rate of 15.2 per 1000 days of PICC). The total number of confirmed infections was 6.25% (5.5 per 1000 days of PICC), 1.39% (1.2 per 1000 days) being in the ICU group and 4.86% (4.2 per 1000 days) in the non-ICU group. There were 5 bacteraemias, all in the non-ICU group (3 per 1000 days). The most frequent germ was Staphylococcus epidermidis (6 cases). Phlebitis had an incidence of 9.03% (7.9 per 1000 days of PICC).ConclusionsPICC, effective device for central venous access due to the minimal incidence of risks in implantation and to its advantages with regard to the classic central venous catheters, is a further nursing technique.     

超声引导联合改良塞丁格技术行上臂贵要静脉、肱静脉穿刺置入中心静脉导管的随机对照研究

【】目的：探讨超声引导联合改良塞丁格技术(Modified Seldinger Technique,MST)行外周静脉置入中心静脉导管(peripherally inserted central catheter,PICC)置管时选择上臂贵要静脉或肱静脉的可行性优势,为寻找最佳的PICC穿刺静脉提供理论依据。方法：80例预行PICC的晚期癌症患者,被随机分为贵要静脉组和肱静脉组,每组各40例,穿刺前分别测量自然状态下穿刺部位同水平面两组血管的内径及距皮肤表面距离,比较两组患者PICC一次穿刺成功率、置管成功率、术中出血量以及术后并发症等情况。结果：两组患者在年龄、性别、体重指数、合并症以及肿瘤类型方面比较均无统计学差异。与肱静脉相比,同水平面的肘上贵要静脉内径大(4.979&#177;0.659 mm vs. 4.056&#177;0.713mm),距皮肤表面距离短(6.390&#177;1.844mm vs. 10.195&#177;2.111mm),且穿刺术中出血少(1.090&#177;0.215g vs. 1.403&#177;0.234g),差异均具有统计学意义(p&lt;0.001),但两组患者术后并发症无统计学差异 (p=0.644)。所有80例患者均被成功置入PICC导管,置管成功率均为100%;尽管一次穿刺成功率两组间无统计学差异(p=0.166),但贵要静脉组一次穿刺成功率要高于肱静脉组(97.5% vs. 90.0%)。结论：超声引导联合MST肘上PICC置管,经贵要静脉置管具有提高一次穿刺成功率、减少术中出血的优势,PICC置管时,可优先考虑。     

Randomized controlled trial of peripherally inserted central catheters vs. peripheral catheters for middle duration in-hospital intravenous therapy

Summary.  Introduction: Intravenous (i.v.) therapy may be associated with important catheter-related morbidity and discomfort. The safety, efficacy, comfort, and cost-effectiveness of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) were compared to peripheral catheters (PCs) in a randomized controlled trial. Methods: Hospitalized patients requiring i.v. therapy ≥ five days were randomized 1:1 to PICC or PC. Outcomes were incidence of major complications, minor complications, efficacy of catheters, patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness. Results: 60 patients were included. Major complications were observed in 22.6% of patients in the PICC group [six deep venous thrombosis (DVT), one insertion-site infection] and 3.4% of patients in the PC group [one DVT; risk ratio (RR) 6.6; P  = 0.03]. Superficial venous thrombosis (SVT) occurred in 29.0% of patients in the PICC group and 37.9% of patients in the PC group (RR 0.60; P  = 0.20). Patients in the PICC group required 1.16 catheters on average during the study period, compared with 1.97 in the PC group ( P  < 0.04). The mean number of venipunctures (catheter insertion and blood sampling) was 1.36 in the PICC group vs. 8.25 in the PC group ( P  < 0.001). Intravenous drug administration was considered very or quite satisfying by 96.8% of the patients in the PICC group, and 79.3% in the PC group. Insertion and maintenance mean cost was 690 US$ for PICC and 237 US$ for PC. Discussion: PICC is efficient and satisfying for hospitalized patients requiring i.v. therapy ≥ five days. However, the risk of DVT, mostly asymptomatic, appears higher than previously reported, and should be considered before using a PICC.     

超声引导下经肘上外周穿刺置入中心静脉导管的效果观察

目的探讨超声引导下经肘上外周穿刺置入中心静脉导管（peripherally inserted central venous catheters．PICC）的应用效果。方法将108例需行PICC置管的患者随机分为观察组和对照组,对照组行常规PICC,观察组在超声引导下经肘上行PICC。比较两组患者的置管成功率、并发症（血栓形成、穿刺部位渗血、脱管堵管和机械性静脉炎）的发生情况以及患者的满意度、舒适度。结果两组患者置管成功率、相关并发症总发生率、患者置管满意度和舒适度方面的差异具有统计学意义（均P〈0．05）。其中观察组置管成功率为94．4％（51／54）,高于对照组的74．1％（40／54）;并发症总发生率为11．8％（6／51）,低于对照组的42．5％（17／40）;满意度和舒适度分别为94．1％（48／51）、88．2％（45／51）,高于对照组的75．0％（30／40）、62．5％（25／40）。结论与常规PICC相比,超声引导下经肘上外周穿刺中心静脉置管可提高置管成功率,降低患者并发症,提高其满意度和舒适度。     

Autoantibodies in association with subchorionic haematoma in early pregnancy

ObjectiveTo explore the possible aetiology of subchorionic haematoma (SCH), especially its association with autoantibodies.Material and methodsEarly pregnant women who were detected SCH through ultrasonography were identified as the study group and those without SCH at comparable ages who visited the clinic at the same period of time were compared as the control group. Indexes of laboratory immune tests were compared between the two groups, as well as their pregnancy outcomes.ResultsA total of 97 SCH patients and 130 control cases were recruited in this study. A higher proportion of women was detected autoantibodies in the SCH group compared with control group (45.36% vs 21.54%, p = .000). Positive rates of ANA (24.74% vs 10.77%, p = .005) and laboratory antiphospholipid antibodies (ACL, anti-β2 GP1 or LA) (25.77% vs 11.54%, p = .005) showed significant differences between the two groups. The incidence of vaginal bleeding was significantly higher in the SCH group (43.30% vs 20.00%, p = .000). While the miscarriage rates were not significantly different (17.53% vs 15.38%, p = .666). And there were no significant differences in terms of preterm delivery rate, caesarean section rate, birth weight and pregnancy complications. Most SCHs (96.25%) were absorbed before 20th gestational week. In the SCH group, the average birth weight was significantly lower in women with autoantibodies. Clinical features and other pregnancy outcomes showed no significant differences between SCH patients with and without autoantibodies.ConclusionsThe occurrence of SCH may be associated with autoantibodies. The pregnancy outcomes were comparable between women with and without SCH.

KEY MESSAGES

1. Subchorionic haematoma (SCH) is increasingly commonly observed in early pregnancy period, but the aetiology is uncertain and the clinical significance of SCH is controversial.
2. The occurrence of SCH may be associated with autoantibodies.
3. The pregnancy outcomes were not significantly different between women with and without SCH.

     

Power-Injectable Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Tip Malposition After Power Injection of Intravenous Contrast Media for Computed Tomography Examinations

The aim of this study is to describe the incidence of peripherally inserted catheter tip (PICC) migration after power injection of intravenous contrast for computed tomography (CT) examinations. Retrospective review was conducted of all PICC power injections for CT examinations during the study period: October 16, 2017 through October 23, 2018. Review included evaluation of preinjection and postinjection topograms to assess PICC tip position. Chi-squared statistical analysis was applied. A total of 594 topograms were obtained of power-injectable PICCs during the study period in anticipation of power injection with iodinated contrast media. Of those, 550 patients had satisfactory preinjection topograms and available postinjection topograms; 43 (7.8%) demonstrated tip malposition attributable to power injection of contrast media. Anatomic side of PICC placement and subsequent malposition were independent variables by chi-square test (chi-square = .09, P = .76); 32 of 429 (7.5%) right-sided PICCs versus 11 of 121 (9.1%) left-sided PICCs demonstrated new malposition after contrast media power injection. No complications related to power injection of contrast media through these PICCs were observed. PICC tip malposition secondary to power injection of iodinated contrast media is common and readily identifiable. Obtaining both preinjection and postinjection topograms ensures appropriate catheter position during injection and upon patient departure. Rapid saline flush is a noninvasive maneuver that allows a high chance of successful repositioning of catheter tips. Power injection of contrast media through a power injectable PICC is safe.     

Safety,efficacy, and patient-perceived satisfaction of peripherally inserted central catheters in terminally ill cancer patients: a prospective multicenter observational study

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety, efficacy, and subjective satisfaction of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in terminally ill cancer patients.

Methods

All PICCs were inserted by an interventional radiologist with radiological guidance. We monitored the occurrence of PICC-related complication and evaluated the patient-perceived satisfaction for PICC using semi-structured questionnaire.

Results

A total of 36 terminally ill cancer patients underwent PICC. Three patients had 2 PICC insertions; hence, finally 39 episodes during 829 PICC days were analyzed. All procedures were completed without any procedure-related complication. The median catheter life span was 19.0 days (95 % CI, 14.1–23.9). Thirty-four cases maintained the PICC until the intended time, while the other 5 cases (12.8 %; 6.1/1000 PICC days) were premature PICC removals. Totally 10 complications (25.6 %; 12.3/1000 PICC days) were reported including premature removals (n = 5), trivial bleedings (n = 3), and thrombophlebitis (n = 2). Patients reported that the procedure was not distressing (42 %), a little distressing (36 %), or distressing (21 %). Of 30 patients who had preserved cognitive function at fifth day, most patients (n = 25, 83 %) reported more comfort although the other 5 patients reported no change (n = 3) or less comfort (n = 2).

Conclusions

PICCs were safely inserted and showed favorable maintenance rate with acceptable complications. Additionally, most of the patients felt that parenteral access became much comfortable after PICC insertion. When considering the characteristics of terminally ill cancer patients, poor general condition and a limited period of survival, PICC could be a safe and effective method for intravenous access.

     

161例门诊儿童PICC维护并发症及护理

目的 了解儿童PICC维护门诊在导管维护过程中常见并发症,以提出针对性的护理措施。方法 本研究为观察性研究,采用自行设计的PICC维护记录单详细记录患儿进行PICC维护时的情况以及处理措施和效果。结果 研究期间共有998例患儿进行PICC导管维护,161例患儿发生并发症,发生率为16.1%,经过对症处理155例患儿PICC继续使用,6例患儿PICC被迫拔除。结论 儿童PICC维护门诊常见并发症较多,但经过专业护理可以预防和处理各种并发症,保持导管处于良好的功能状态。     

Safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous coaxial core biopsy of pancreatic lesions: a retrospective study

Background and objectivePancreatic cancer tumors are difficult to access for biopsy. The use of coaxial needles during ultrasound (US)-guided coarse needle biopsy (CNB) may help to improve specimen collection yields and avoid tissue damage. In this retrospective study, the safety, efficacy, and clinical benefits of US-guided percutaneous coaxial CNB of pancreatic masses were evaluated and compared to those of non-coaxial CNB.MethodsA total sample of 220 biopsies performed from August 2015 to August 2019 were analyzed, including 114 performed with a coaxial needle (17-gauge coaxial coarse needle combined with an 18-gauge coarse biopsy needle) and 106 performed with a non-coaxial needle (18-gauge coarse biopsy needle without a coaxial sheath). The coaxial CNB group was stratified by lesion location to further evaluate the applicability of coaxial core needles. The satisfactory specimen rate, diagnostic efficiency, operating time, and complication rate were compared statistically between groups and subgroups.ResultsCompared to the non-coaxial CNB group, the coaxial CNB group had a greater satisfactory specimen rate (98.3% vs. 92.3%; p = 0.048), a lesser mean operating time (8.9 ± 3.27 min vs. 16.8 ± 5.77 min; p < 0.001), and a lower complication rate (2.6% vs. 9.6%, p =0 .04). A better diagnostic efficiency was obtained for coaxial CNBs in the head of pancreas (98.7%) than in the body or tail of the pancreas (90%, p = 0.047).ConclusionFor pancreatic masses, coaxial CNB can yield a higher satisfactory sample rate, lower complication rate, and shorter operating time than non-coaxial biopsy. US-guided percutaneous coaxial CNB is a safe and efficient puncture technique for pancreatic lesion diagnosis.     

Benefit of lag screw placement by a single- or two-screw nailing system in elderly patients with AO/OTA 31-A2 trochanteric fractures

ObjectiveTo retrospectively analyze the clinical outcomes of two intramedullary fixation devices, the INTERTAN nail and Gamma3 nail, for treatment of AO/OTA 31-A2 trochanteric fractures in elderly patients.MethodsIn total, 165 elderly patients underwent treatment for AO/OTA 31-A2 trochanteric fractures in our hospital from June 2017 to June 2018 (INTERTAN group, n = 79; Gamma3 group, n = 86). All patients underwent radiological and clinical investigations and were followed up for an average of 12 months. Age, sex, fracture type, surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time, and complications were compared between the two groups.ResultsThe surgical time was significantly shorter and the intraoperative blood loss volume was significantly lower in the Gamma3 than INTERTAN group (58.2 ± 2.5 vs. 81.7 ± 14.2 minutes and 170 ± 29 vs. 220 ± 16 mL, respectively). However, there were no significant differences in the reduction quality, hospital stay, fracture healing time, Harris hip score, postoperative complications, or 1-year postoperative mortality.ConclusionBoth INTERTAN and Gamma3 nails may be effective for surgical treatment of AO/OTA 31-A2 trochanteric fractures in elderly patients. However, the Gamma3 nail was superior to the INTERTAN nail in terms of surgical time and intraoperative blood loss.     

Peripherally inserted central catheters in the intensive care unit

We report the success rate and complications of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit (ICU). We performed a cohort study in the ICU of a large tertiary care, university-affiliated community hospital. All ICU patients for whom their attending physicians requested a PICC service consultation were included. Main outcome measurements included (1) the success rate for initial PICC placement, (2) the placement complication rate, and (3) the overall success and complication rate. Of the 91 consecutive attempts at PICC placement, 89 (97.8%) were successful: of the 89 successful placements, 25 (28%) required cutdown procedures. There were 20 complications of initial placement and 8 delayed complications, which occurred in 19 PICCs. Complications included recatheterization after first attempt was unsuccessful (10), catheter malposition (7), palpitations or catheter clotting (3 each), heavy bleeding or mechanical phlebitis (2 each), and arterial puncture (1). The overall success rate for completion of therapy using the PICC was 74.7%. The most frequent reasons for failure to complete therapy were catheter dislodgment in 8 patients and "infection" in 9 patients. Of these 9 patients with "infections," 8 catheters were discontinued due to potential infection, and only 1 was removed due to confirmed infection. The confirmed infection rate was 6/10,000 patient days. The PICC appears to be a reasonable alternative to other approaches to peripheral and central venous access. The initial and overall success rates from this preliminary study justify further evaluation of the PICC in critically ill patients.     

Safety and efficacy of symptomatic carotid artery stenting performed in an emergency setting

IntroductionCarotid artery stenting (CAS) has increasingly emerged as an alternative strategy to carotid endarterectomy in the treatment of patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis. Optimal timing for CAS after symptoms onset remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CAS when performed in an emergency setting.Patients and methodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of CAS patients admitted to our CSC with symptomatic extracranial carotid occlusion or significant stenosis from January 2014-September 2019. Emergency CAS was defined as CAS performed during the same hospitalization from TIA/stroke onset, whereas elective CAS as CAS performed on a subsequent admission. The primary outcome was defined as the occurrence of any stroke, myocardial infarction, or death related to the procedure at 3 months of follow-up. Secondary outcomes included periprocedural complications and the rate of restenosis/occlusion at follow-up. Logistic regression and survival analyses were used to compare outcomes and restenosis at follow-up.ResultsWe identified 75 emergency and 104 elective CAS patients. Emergency CAS patients had significantly higher rates of ipsilateral carotid occlusion (17% vs. 2%, p < 0.001) and use of general anesthesia (19% vs. 4%, p = 0.001) than elective CAS. There were no significant differences between emergency and elective CAS in the primary (5.7% vs. 1%, p = 0.161) and secondary (9% vs. 4.8%, p = 0.232) outcomes. We did not find differences in the rate of restenosis/occlusion (7% vs. 11.6%; log-rank test p = 0.3) at a median of 13 months follow-up.ConclusionIn our study, emergency CAS in symptomatic patients might have a similar safety and efficacy profile to elective CAS at 3 months and long-term follow-up.     

Prospective comparison of the effects of intraoperative goal-directed fluid therapy and restrictive fluid therapy on complications in thoracoscopic lobectomy

ObjectiveRestrictive fluid therapy is recommended in thoracoscopic lobectomy to reduce postoperative pulmonary complications, but it may contribute to hypovolemia. Goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) regulates fluid infusion to an amount required to avoid dehydration. We compared the effects of GDFT versus restrictive fluid therapy on postoperative complications after thoracoscopic lobectomy.MethodsIn total, 124 patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy were randomized into the GDFT group (group G, n = 62) or restrictive fluid therapy group (group R, n = 62). The fluid volume and postoperative complications within 30 days of surgery were recorded.ResultsThe total fluid volume in groups G and R was 1332 ± 364 and 1178 ± 278 mL, respectively. Group R received a smaller colloid fluid volume (523 ± 120 vs. 686 ± 180 mL), had a smaller urine output (448 ± 98 vs. 491 ± 101 mL), and received more norepinephrine (120 ± 66 vs. 4 ± 18 µg) than group G. However, there were no significant differences in postoperative pulmonary complications, acute kidney injury, length of hospital stay, or in-hospital mortality between the two groups.ConclusionRestrictive fluid therapy performs similarly to GDFT in thoracoscopic lobectomy but is a simpler fluid strategy than GDFT.Trial registration: This study has been registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100051339) (http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx).     

Sonographic evolution of the superficial vein thrombosis of the lower extremity

BackgroundSuperficial venous thrombosis (SVT) is a common clinical problem across various treatment settings. SVT shares risk factors with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and carries a risk of thromboembolic complications, greater than previously expected. Little is known about the pathophysiology, resolution and recurrence of this disease.ObjectivesThe objective of the present study was to describe the natural course of SVT, and factors correlated with the progression or resolution of the thrombus.MethodsWe included 218 patients with a recent diagnosis of SVT that were consecutively referred to a thrombosis clinic from the Emergency Department (ED) between January 2016 and April of 2018.ResultsThe resolution of the thrombus prior to discharge was correlated to gender (female 73.8% vs. male 57.5%, p = 0.015), presence of varicose veins (62.4% vs. 46.4, p = 0.026), absence of family or personal history of thrombosis (98% vs. 91.3%, p = 0.021). The factor most correlated to thrombus resolution prior to discharge was the result of the 2nd ultrasound (improvement 83.9% vs. 16.1%, p < 0.001) immediately after initiation of heparin treatment. In the multivariate analysis, a high thrombus burden in the early follow-up ultrasound was the most significant predictive variable with prior to discharge recanalization (B = 20.9, 95% CI 9.8–44.7; p < 0.001).ConclusionThe follow-up of SVT with duplex lower extremity ultrasound allows us to monitor the evolution and early identify residual thrombosis, as a marker of hypercoagulability and recurrence. This study offers new perspectives for future research, necessary to improve the management of this disease, to reduce long-term complications.     

Effect of continuous nursing on nursing quality and patient quality of life and satisfaction among children with pneumonia

ObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to explore the effect of continuous nursing care on children with pneumonia, including patient survival and quality of life.MethodsWe included 90 children with pneumonia who were admitted to our hospital from May 2017 to June 20, 2017. We established two patient groups (45 children per group); the routine group received general care and the continuous group received continuous nursing care. We observed the correlation among nursing effectiveness, clinical symptom improvement, quality of life, satisfaction, and complications.ResultsOur results showed that effectiveness in the continuous care group was 95.55%, significantly higher than that in the routine group (75.55%). Duration of hypothermia (1.75 ± 0.65 days), time to cough remission (4.24 ± 1.12 days), time to rale remission (4.15 ± 0.89 days), and time to remission of shortness of breath (2.65 ± 0.65 days) in the continuous group was shorter than those in the routine group. The incidence of total complications in the continuous group was 8.89%, which was significantly lower than that in the routine group (26.67%). The continuous care group showed greater improvement after intervention.ConclusionContinuous care in children with pneumonia can help to reduce illness severity, pain, heart and lung failure, and serve to avoid medical disputes.     

Overutilization of Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheters in the Hospital Setting

The purpose of this study was to assess the appropriate utilization of peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) placement in patients in an urban hospital setting. We performed a retrospective review of a prospective database created for quality assurance purposes of all patients who had a PICC request placed on Friday afternoon–Sunday between January and June 2019. Data collected included demographic information, pertinent medical history, and procedural details (incidence of PICC placement and the reason for PICC cancellation). The most common reasons for PICC consultation was “long-term intravenous (IV) antibiotics” (51.3%) and “poor IV access” (39.5%). On retrospective chart review, only 51/76 (67%) patients underwent subsequent PICC placement in the days following request placement. Of the 1/3 patients in whom a PICC was not subsequently placed, 64% were deemed nonindicated, and an additional 28% were contraindicated. In these patients, the reason for PICC consultation was most commonly “poor IV access.” There appears to be an overutilization of PICCs in our hospital setting; indications for PICCs should be carefully reviewed as these lines pose a risk of morbidity to patients who may not need them.     

Association of immune-related adverse events induced by nivolumab with a battery of autoantibodies

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of an autoantibody battery in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors who experienced immune-related adverse events (irAEs).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed several variables potentially related to irAEs, namely, demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics, including an autoantibody battery (antinuclear, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic, anti-thyroid antibodies and rheumatoid factor).ResultsSixty-nine patients (48 men; 61.8 ± 10.9 years at baseline) diagnosed with stage-4 solid-organ cancer and treated with nivolumab were followed up for 12 ± 10.3 months. Thirty-two irAEs were detected in 26 patients (37.5%). Adverse events occurred more commonly in women (62% vs. 27%, p = .006), and younger patients (irAEs: 58.1 ± 9.8, no irAEs: 64.1 ± 10.9 years, p = .024). Autoantibody battery results were available for 26 patients and were more frequently positive in patients with irAEs (87% vs. 30%, p = .009). The positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of the battery were 82.3%, 77.8%, and 80.8%, respectively. Among the 64 patients with an evaluable response, 23 (38.5%) experienced tumour progression, this being less frequent in patients with irAEs (19% vs. 48.5%, p = .03). Overall survival was higher in patients developing irAEs (HR = 1.88, p = .05).ConclusionPositivity in a readily available autoantibody battery may be associated with the occurrence of irAEs.

KEY MESSAGES

• Positivity in an accessible and inexpensive autoantibody battery including antinuclear, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic, anti-thyroid antibodies and rheumatoid factor may be associated with the occurrence of immune-related adverse events.
• Patients with cancer on immune checkpoint inhibitors experiencing immune-related adverse events showed a lower risk of progression and better overall survival than patients not experiencing this type of adverse effect.