Rules for allocation of livers for transplantation

Previous rules of allocation of livers for transplantation were based mainly on local priorities, with final management left to the local team. This created substantial regional disparities. A prospective survey of waiting list deaths and dropouts due to aggravation of liver disease (2003-2005) validated the MELD (Model for End-stage Liver Disease) score on French data. A new allocation score (Liver Score) for liver transplants, based on specific variables for each liver disease, was introduced in March 2007. An initial evaluation, based on the first 5 months of practice, clearly shows that the Liver Score reduces the rates of deaths, dropouts, and futile transplantations; it also accelerates access to transplantation for the sickest patients. Several points remain unresolved: both the MELD and Liver scores may be improved. The variability of the MELD score related to different laboratory assay methods requires harmonization between laboratories.     

Risk factors for osteoporosis for residents of Kiwa

We evaluated 207 individuals (49 men and 158 women) living in a small town in central Japan to identify the risk factors for, and the etiology of, osteoporosis. Female sex, advanced age, short stature, low body weight, and deficiencies in calcium and protein intake were associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis. Nutrition appeared to be strongly related to a decrease in bone mass, because subjects who lived solitary lives were more likely to have decreased bone mass and bone mass was similar between husbands and wives.     

Survey of arrangements for anaesthesia for interventional neuroradiology for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage

The management of patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage following rupture of an intracranial aneurysm is changing. The recent introduction of endovascular occlusion of the aneurysm using detachable coils offers an alternative to craniotomy and clipping of the aneurysm for the prevention of recurrent aneurysmal haemorrhage. The aim of this survey was to evaluate the current provision of peri-operative care for patients with an aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. A survey was conducted of the 34 neuroscience centres which provide an adult neurosurgery service in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. Most centres reported an increasing role for coiling, and a decreasing role for clipping in the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage. The provision of peri-operative care for patients undergoing interventional neuroradiology procedures varied greatly between centres. Neurovascular services in the UK are being reorganised and adequate staff and facilities should be available for the peri-operative care of patients undergoing interventional neuroradiology procedures.     

昏迷患者气管切开术后气管套管的选择

目的探讨昏迷患者气管切开术后应用不同类型气管套管预防肺部感染的效果。方法将102例昏迷气管切开患者按入院时间分为对照组（50例）和观察组（52例），对照组采用不带气囊的金属气管套管；观察组采用一次性低压气囊气管套管，均予气管切开术后常规护理。两组分别在气管切开后第3天、第15天，从气管套管内留取痰标本进行细菌培养。结果两组气管切开术后第15天细菌阳性率比较，差异有显著性意义（P〈0．01）；观察组气管切开术后15d总菌株少于对照组（P〈0．01）；第3天与第15天总菌株比较，对照组差异有显著性意义（P〈0．01），观察组差异无显著性意义（P〉0．05）。观察组肺部感染率显著低于对照组（P〈0．05）。结论采用一次性低压气囊气管套管能有效降低昏迷气管切开术患者的肺部感染率。     

Criteria for selection of patients for bariatric surgery

Because of the high prevalence of co-morbid conditions and poor life expectancy a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 kg/m(2) or more is an indication for surgery in a fully informed, consenting adult in optimal medical condition to tolerate general anaesthesia. Patients with BMI of 35-40 kg/m(2) and the existence of one or more serious obesity-related conditions ameliorated by weight loss, such as hypertension, pulmonary insufficiency, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus etc., are also candidates for surgical treatment. The bariatric surgeon should use these international criteria as guidelines only, not strict rules. Attempts on the part of internists and more frequently insurance carriers to require documented failure of previous non-operative treatment is not meaningful.     

护士分层级能力培养模型的构建

目的构建护士分层级能力培养模型,为合理培养各层级护士提供依据。方法在总结相关实践的基础上,进行文献分析和讨论,构建护士分层级能力培养模型。结果护士分层级能力培养模型包括新护士、通科护士、专科护士和护理顾问4个能力进阶层级和学校教育、临床实践、专科培训3种培养方式。结论该模型为我国护士的分层级培养提供了路径,具有实践参考价值。     

Validation of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services algorithm for eligibility for dialysis

The Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) has recently revised their end-stage renal disease (ESRD) Medical Evidence Report, Medicare Entitlement, and Patient Registration CMS 2728 Form. The modified algorithm calls for the use of formulae to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The new criterion is defined as estimated GFR of less than 20 ml/min per 1.73 m². GFR is either estimated by Schwartz formula (C_SCH) in children or Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula (C_MDRD) in adults. The purpose of this communication is to test the validity of the new CMS GFR algorithm in detecting children who need renal replacement therapy. We evaluated two cohorts of children. Group I included single-center data from 626 ¹²⁵I-iothalamate clearance studies (C_IO) that were compared with the simultaneous estimation of GFR by C_SCH. Group II included data on 659 children from the patient incidence registry obtained from the ESRD Network of Texas between February 1996 and October 2003. In group I there were 76 children (76 C_IO) with C_SCH less than 20 ml/min per 1.73 m² of whom 50 (67%) had C_IO less than 15 ml/min per 1.73 m². Of children with C_IO less than 15 ml/min per 1.73 m², 62% had a C_SCH less than 20 ml/min per 1.73 m². The ability of C_SCH greater than 20 ml/min per 1.73m² to predict C_IO greater than 15 ml/min per 1.73 m² (negative predictive value) is 0.95. The number of children who were started on dialysis in Texas within the study period was 659 (group II). The mean C_SCH±SD was 10.8±7.7 ml/min per 1.73 m². Of the patients who were initiated on dialysis, 94% had C_SCH less than 20 ml/min per 1.73 m². The results were sustained when race, gender, age range, and type of diagnosis were considered. The new CMS algorithm provides a good negative predictive estimate of GFR less than 15 ml/min per 1.73 m². Disclaimer The analyses upon which this publication is based were performed under contract number 500–03-NW14 entitled End-Stage Renal Disease Networks Organization for the State Texas, sponsored by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services. The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. The authors assume full responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the ideas presented. This article is a direct result of the Health Care Quality Improvement Program initiated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which has encouraged identification of quality improvement projects derived from analysis of patterns of care, and therefore required no special funding on the part of this contractor. Ideas and contributions to the author concerning experience in engaging with issues presented are welcomed.     

输液胶贴回收的管理

目的 保持住院环境整洁、舒适,减少医院感染.方法 将82例输液患者随机分为干预组(40例)和对照组(42例).对照组给予常规静脉输液健康教育;干预组在此基础上,对患者及陪护实施规范输液胶贴回收的教育,于病房设置胶贴回收容器.结果 两组不同时段胶贴规范回收率比较,差异有显著性意义(均P<0.01).结论 加强医疗垃圾回收教育,提供胶贴回收专用设施,能提高输液胶贴规范回收率,为患者提供环保、安全、整洁、舒适的住院环境,从而消除医院感染隐患.