Incidence,risk factors for amputation among patients with diabetic foot ulcer in a North Indian tertiary care hospital

ObjectiveAim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for amputation among patients with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU).Research design and methodsWe performed a prospective study of 162 DFU in patients treated in a multidisciplinary based diabetes and endocrinology centre of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College of Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India during the period of December 2008–March 2011. Detailed history and physical examination was carried out for every subject. Risk factors for amputation were determined by univariate analysis with 95% of CI.ResultsThe overall amputation rate was 28.4%. On univariate analysis, male sex [OR 2.8, RR 1.28], hypertension [OR 2.83, RR 1.31], neuropathy [OR 3.01, RR 1.35], nephropathy [OR 2.24, RR 1.26], LDL-C (>100 mg/dl) [OR 2.53, RR 1.28], total cholesterol (>150 mg/dl) [OR 3.74, RR 1.52],HDLC(<40 mg/dl) [OR 1.19, RR 1.18], triglycerides (>200 mg/dl) [OR 5.44, RR1.76], previous antibiotic use [OR 9.12, RR 1.92], osteomyelitis [OR 6.97, RR 2.43] and biofilm infection [OR 4.52, RR 1.41] were significant risk factors.ConclusionThe risk factors for amputation were presence of PVD, leukocytosis, neuropathy, nephropathy, hypertension, dyslipidemia, over use of antibiotics, osteomyelitis, biofilm production and higher grade of ulcer.     

Effect of perioperative control of blood glucose level on patient’s outcome after anesthesia for cardiac surgery

BackgroundBlood glucose control is an important factor in improving outcome of diabetic patients undergoing cardiac surgery.ObjectiveIs to estimate the relation between blood glucose control and perioperative outcomes in these patients.Study designProspective cohort study.MethodsOne hundred diabetic patients undergoing cardiac surgery, were divided equally into group I (control group) in whom no tight glycemic control was done and group II (study group) in which tight glycemic control was done. Patients in the study group received intra-operatively an infusion of rapidly acting insulin according to a modified protocol to keep blood glucose level between 80 and 110 mg/dl and continued in the ICU until complete recovery from anesthesia. Patients in the control group followed the same protocol of insulin infusion only if their peri-operative blood glucose level exceeded 180 mg/dl.ResultsThere was a rise of blood glucose level in the control group patients till the end of operations (mean level = 227 mg/dl). Mean blood glucose level before CPB was comparable in the two groups, but was significantly different after that until extubation. We reported three cases of delayed recovery in the control group compared to one case in the study group. We also recorded four cases of cardiac problems in group I compared to one case in group II (P = 0.044). There was statistically significant difference between groups regarding renal, neurological and surgical post-operative complications.ConclusionTight glycemic control is recommended for better patient’s outcome after cardiac anesthesia.     

Postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis: The efficacy of a novel antiemetic drug (palonosetron) combined with dexamethasone

BackgroundPalonosetron is a new, potent, and long-acting 5HT3-receptors antagonist that had been approved by the FDA for use in postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) prophylaxis. This study is designed to evaluate its efficacy combined with dexamethasone in PONV prophylaxis in highrisk patients scheduled for laparoscopic surgeries.MethodsIn this double-blind, active-controlled study, 150 patients aged 20–55 years, ASA I–II, and with Apfel’s PONV score 2–4 were equally randomized to receive dexamethasone 8 mg before anesthesia induction and saline 30 min before the end of surgery (group D + S), dexamethasone 8 mg before anesthesia induction and metoclopramide 25 mg 30 min before the end of surgery (group D + M), or dexamethasone 8 mg combined with palonosetron 0.075 mg before anesthesia induction and saline 30 min before the end of surgery (group D + P). Incidences of early and late PONV, complete response, adverse events from antiemetics used, and overall patients’ satisfaction were recorded.ResultsThe incidence of PONV was comparable in the three groups 0–6 h postoperatively. Palonosetron–dexamethasone and dexamethasone–metoclopramide combination therapies significantly reduced the incidence of PONV at 6–12 h postoperatively compared to dexamethasone monotherapy (12% and 16%, vs. 36%, respectively, with P < 0.05). Moreover, palonosetron–dexamethasone combination therapy significantly reduced the incidence of PONV at 12–24 h postoperatively compared to both dexamethasone monotherapy (16% vs. 48%, P < 0.01), and dexamethasone–metoclopramide combination therapy (16% vs. 40%, P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse drug effects was comparable in the three groups. The overall patients’ satisfaction was significantly higher in palonosetron–dexamethasone combination therapy compared to other groups.ConclusionPalonosetron–dexamethasone combination is effective and safe in PONV (early and late) prophylaxis in high-risk patients undergoing laparoscopic surgeries with known high-risk of PONV.     

Patients with cystic fibrosis and normoglycemia exhibit diabetic glucose tolerance during pulmonary exacerbation

BackgroundPatients with cystic fibrosis and normoglycemia (CF-NGT) have higher but still “normal” glucose levels in the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Respiratory exacerbation is associated with metabolic stress. The objective of this study was to assess the glucose metabolism and its relation to the steady state pulmonary function (FEV1) in patients with CF-NGT, specifically during pulmonary exacerbations (PE).MethodsCF-NGT patients who were not on steroids, underwent OGTT and intravenous glucose tolerance tests (IVGTT) during PE and 4 weeks after complete recovery.ResultsOf the ten recruited patients two had diabetic OGTT and were excluded. The remaining normoglycemic patients displayed during PE a diabetic glucose tolerance with mean glucose levels of 233 ± 8 and 262 ± 11 mg/dl at 90 and 120 min respectively, compared with normal levels of 154 ± 21and 126 ± 20 mg/dl (p < 0.002) during the steady state. IVGTT showed a tendency to higher first phase insulin release during PE compared with the steady state.(min 3; 305 ± 80 vs. 216 ± 40 pmol\l p = 0.075). Finally, when relating the diabetic status to the general respiratory function we found a negative correlation between baseline FEV1 and glucose levels at 2 h after OGTT during PE (r = − 0.88, p = 0.002).ConclusionIn this pilot study we show that during PE patients with CF and normal glucose tolerance exhibited early latent diabetic glucose intolerance. As this hyperglycemia presents in the later parts of the OGTT it probably results from insufficient second phase insulin secretion during PE. The negative correlation observed here between the diabetic glucose tolerance and FEV1 indicate the need of interventional studies using insulin during PE in non-diabetic patients to determine its potential benefit on the outcome from recurrent PEs.     

High preoperative C-reactive protein values predict poor survival in patients on chronic hemodialysis undergoing nephrectomy for renal cancer

ObjectivesPrevious studies have reported that elevated pretreatment C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are associated with poor outcome in various malignancies, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC), in the general population. However, there is no evidence of such an association in dialysis patients. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic significance of preoperative serum CRP levels in patients with RCC related to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring hemodialysis (HD).Materials and methodsWe evaluated 315 patients with ESRD requiring HD who underwent nephrectomy for RCC as the first-line treatment at our hospital from 1982 to 2013. Complete patient- and tumor-specific characteristics as well as preoperative CRP levels were assessed. We defined a serum CRP level >0.5 mg/dl as elevated and divided these patients into 2 groups according to their preoperative CRP levels (CRP≤0.5 and >0.5 mg/dl). The median follow-up was 51 months.ResultsPreoperative CRP levels were elevated in 75 patients (23.8%). The Kaplan-Meier 5-year cancer-specific survival rates were 95.2% and 69.9% in patients with CRP levels≤0.5 and>0.5 mg/dl, respectively (P<0.0001). Multivariate analysis identified preoperative CRP level as an independent predictor for cancer-specific survival, along with a pathological TNM stage and tumor grade (CRP>0.5: hazard ratio = 3.47; 95% CI: 1.35–9.18; P = 0.0098). The concordance index of multivariable base models increased after including the preoperative CRP levels.ConclusionsPreoperative serum CRP level might be an independent predictor of postoperative survival in patients with RCC related to ESRD requiring HD. Its routine use, together with the TNM classification and tumor grade, could allow better risk stratification and risk-adjusted follow-up of these patients.     

Ultrasound guided single injection caudal epidural anesthesia of isobaric bupivacaine with/without dexamethasone for geriatric patients undergoing total hip replacement surgery

BackgroundDexamethasone has anti-inflammatory properties that can affect postoperative analgesia when added to caudal bupivacaine.MethodsSeventy-two geriatric patients scheduled for elective total hip replacement under ultrasound guided caudal anesthesia were randomized blindly into two groups: Group BD received caudal isobaric bupivacaine 0.25% (20 ml) and dexamethasone 8 mg (2 ml) and Group BS received caudal isobaric bupivacaine 0.25% (20 ml) and normal saline (2 ml). Postoperative analgesia was assessed by recording time to first rescue analgesia and the analgesic doses (paracetamol and meperidine hydrochloride) required during the first 24 h postoperatively as a primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were the time taken to the onset of sensory analgesia at T10, time to the onset of complete motor block, VAS pain score at rest and on movement at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 h, and postoperative adverse events.ResultsGroup BD had a significantly longer time to first rescue analgesia [402 (63) vs 213 (53)] min and significantly lower doses of paracetamol [3389 (728) vs 2833 (697)] mg meperidine hydrochloride [78 (30) vs 142 (28)] mg than Group BS. VAS scores were significantly lower in Group BD than Group BS both at rest and on movement respectively at 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 h.ConclusionAdding dexamethasone with isobaric bupivacaine caudal anesthesia prolongs the duration of postoperative analgesia and decreased postoperative analgesic requirement in geriatric patients undergoing total hip replacement surgery in comparison isobaric bupivacaine alone.     

Hypoalbuminaemia—a marker of malnutrition and predictor of postoperative complications and mortality after hip fractures

ObjectiveOur aim was to determine the effect of hypoalbuminaemia as a marker of malnutrition on the 30-day postoperative complication rate and mortality in patients receiving surgical treatment for hip fractures using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database.MethodsWe analyzed all patients admitted with hip fractures receiving surgical treatment from 2011 to 2013. Patients were dichotomized based on their albumin levels; hypoalbuminaemia (albumin <3.5 g/dL), and nonhypoalbuminaemia (albumin >3.5 g/dL). Patient demographics, postoperative complications, and length of stay were analysed. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the ability of albumin level for predicting postoperative complications, length of stay, and mortality.ResultsA total of 10,117 patients with hip fractures were identified with 5414 patients with normal albumin levels, and 4703 with low albumin. Multivariate analysis showed that when controlling for comorbidities; hypoalbuminaemia alone was a predictor of postoperative complications (death, unplanned intubation, being on a ventilator >48 h, sepsis, and blood transfusion), and increased length of stay (6.90 ± 7.23 versus 8.44 ± 8.70, CI 0.64–1.20, P < 0.001).ConclusionHypoalbuminaemia alone can predict postoperative outcomes in patients with hip fractures. Furthermore, patients with hypoalbuminaemia had a longer hospital length of stay. Further studies are needed to assess whether nutritional support can improve postoperative complications in patients with hypoalbuminaemia.     

Dexamethasone bupivacaine versus bupivacaine for peribulbar block in posterior segment eye surgery

AimThe study conducted aims to assess the efficacy, time to first analgesic request, and postoperative inflammatory response after adding dexamethasone to local anesthetic mixture for a peribulbar block in posterior segment eye surgery.Patients and methodsA double-blind randomized study was carried out on 50 ASA I and II patients scheduled for elective posterior segment surgery (vitreoretinal). Patients were allocated randomly into two groups, 25 patients in each group. Group I received equal volumes of 10 ml of a l:1 mixture of bupivacaine 0.5% and saline, supplemented with 4 mg dexamethasone in 1 ml saline and group II received the same local anesthetic mixture (total volume 10 ml) without adding dexamethasone. The duration and onset of motor block, time to first analgesic request, postoperative inflammatory response, and other side effects such as nausea and vomiting were assessed.ResultsPatients receiving peribulbar block were significantly pain free by end of surgery (0 h) (P < 0.05) and throughout the postoperative period in the dexamethasone group at 2 and 6 h postoperatively. The number of patients requiring rescue analgesics was significantly lower with dexamethasone bupivacaine block (P < 0.05). The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was significantly less in the first group (I) in comparison to the other group (II) (P < 0.05) and lastly the level of C reactive protein postoperatively was found to be significantly less in the dexamethasone group than the other one (P < 0.0001).ConclusionAdding dexamethasone to bupivacaine in peribulbar block appears to be a safe and clinically superior adjuvant with less postoperative pain, inflammatory response in patients undergoing posterior segment eye surgery.     

Effects of Intravenous Dexamethasone on Glycemic Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus After Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundWe sought to determine whether administrations of intravenous (IV) dexamethasone jeopardize blood glycemic control, increase rates of postoperative complications, and diabetic medication change after TKA.MethodsThis retrospective study included 427 patients with DM who underwent TKA. Patients were divided into two groups according to the use of IV dexamethasone (Dexa and No Dexa). For the Dexa, IV dexamethasone (5mg) was administered twice (surgery day, postoperative day 1). Blood glucose level until postoperative day 5, whether the mean blood glucose level was ≥200 mg/dL or not, the rate of a diabetic medication change, and postoperative complications (surgical site infection, delayed wound healing) were analyzed.ResultsThe adverse effects of IV dexamethasone on glycemic control were limited to the day of injection. The mean blood glucose level was 168.8 mg/dL and 204.4 mg/dL on operation day and 193.0 mg/dL and 210.5 mg/dL on postoperative day 1 in the No Dexa and the Dexa, respectively. High preoperative glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, but not IV dexamethasone administration, increased the risk of postoperative blood glucose level ≥200 mg/dL (odds ratio [OR], 2.810) and diabetic medication change (OR, 3.635, P < .001). A preoperative HbA1c level of >7.05% was associated with the risk of diabetic medication change. There was increase of postoperative complications (OR, 0.693, P = .552).ConclusionsIV dexamethasone have transient effects on increasing the blood glucose level after TKA in patients with DM. However, patients with a preoperative HbA1c level of ≥7.05% may need to change their diabetic medication after TKA, regardless of IV dexamethasone administration.     

Fractura de cadera,antiagregantes plaquetarios y complicaciones postoperatorias

ObjectivesTo assess the incidence of postoperative complications, blood transfusions and survival at one month, in the old patients operated for hip fracture undergoing chronic treatment with antiplatelet drugs.Material and methodsTwo hundred twenty three patients operated for hip fracture were studied retrospectively, separated into 3 groups: patients who received acetylsalicylic acid (group I), patients who were given 100 mg/day of acetylsalicylic acid or 300 mg/day of triflusal (group II) and patients receiving > 100 mg/day of acetylsalicylic acid, or > 300 mg/day of triflusal or thienopyridines (group III). Surgery was delayed for 4 days in patients in group III. Demographic, biological, clinical and treatment characteristics, postoperative complications and survival at one month were recorded.ResultsPatients in group III were older and sustain worse general health status. Patients with a higher transfusion requirement were those of group II (73.8%) (P=0.192), who also showed a higher percentage of anaemia on admission. Severe cardiovascular complications were experienced by 5.4% of group III patients, 4.8% of group II patients and 2.1% of group I patients. Patients from group III presented a significant amount of respiratory complications (P=0.007).ConclusionsOur results suggest that delaying surgery for 4 days in patients treated with clopidogrel can be associated to an increase in postoperative respiratory complications and severe adverse cardiovascular events, without increasing the tranfusional index, hospital stay, mortality, and without complications related to neuraxial anaesthesia.     

Efficacy of preoperative melatonin versus pregabalin on perioperative anxiety and postoperative pain in gynecological surgeries

BackgroundWe compared the efficacy of melatonin and pregabalin on perioperative anxiety and postoperative pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgeries.MethodsIn this randomized double-blind study, 40 patients, 25–35 yr undergoing gynecological surgeries were divided into 2 equal groups to receive either melatonin capsule 6 mg (Group M), or pregabalin capsule 150 mg (Group P) 1 h before induction of general anesthesia. Our primary outcome was preoperative acute anxiety level 1 h after drug administration, 1, 6, and 12 h after operation. The secondary outcomes were postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, analgesic consumption, sedation level using the inverted observer’s assessment of alertness/sedation scale (OAA/S) scale, and incidence of adverse effects.ResultsThe anxiety scores decreased significantly >50% after premedication in both groups compared to baseline values (p < 0.01) with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (30.4 ± 4.5 in group M versus 31.7 ± 4.2 in group P, p > 0.05). Postoperative VAS for pain, time for first analgesic demand and number of patients requiring postoperative analgesia did not differ between groups, and the sedation score was higher in melatonin group compared to pregabalin group 1 h after drug (3.45 ± 0.7 versus 1.95 ± 0.6, p < 0.001, respectively) and at all the subsequent readings postoperatively with equal incidence of adverse effects in both groups.ConclusionOral melatonin 6 mg or pregabalin 150 mg administered 1 h before operation had reduced perioperative anxiety and postoperative pain in patients undergoing gynecological surgeries, without untoward sedative effects in the pregabalin group compared to melatonin group.     

Comparação entre palonosetrona‐dexametasona e ondansetrona‐dexametasona na prevenção de náuseas e vômitos no pós‐operatório de cirurgia do ouvido médio: estudo clínico randomizado

BackgroundPostoperative nausea and vomiting is the second most common complaint in the postoperative period after pain. The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was 60−80% in middle ear surgeries in the absence of antiemetic prophylaxis. Because of this high incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, we aimed to assess the effect of palonosetron‐dexamethasone and ondansetron‐dexamethasone combination for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients of middle ear surgery.MethodsSixty‐four patients, scheduled for middle ear surgery, were randomized into two groups to receive the palonosetron‐dexamethasone and ondansetron‐dexamethasone combination intravenously before induction of anesthesia. Anesthesia technique was standardized in all patients. Postoperatively, the incidences and severity of nausea and vomiting, the requirement of rescue antiemetic, side effects and patient satisfaction score were recorded.ResultsDemographics were similar in the study groups. The incidence difference of nausea was statistically significant between groups O and P at a time interval of 2−6 hours only (p = 0.026). The incidence and severity of vomiting were not statistically significant between groups O and P during the whole study period. The overall incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (0−24 hours postoperatively) was 37.5% in group O and 9.4% in group P (p = 0.016). Absolute risk reduction with palonosetron‐dexamethasone was 28%, the relative risk reduction was 75%, and the number‐needed‐to‐treat was 4. The patient's satisfaction score was higher in group P than group O (p = 0.016). The frequency of rescue medication was more common in group O than in group P patients (p = 0.026).ConclusionThe combination of palonosetron‐dexamethasone is superior to ondansetron‐dexamethasone for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after middle ear surgeries.     

Fibrinogen is an independent predictor of mortality in major trauma patients: A five-year statewide cohort study

IntroductionFibrinogen may be reduced following traumatic injury due to loss from haemorrhage, increased consumption and reduced synthesis. In the absence of clinical trials, guidelines for fibrinogen replacement are based on expert opinion and vary internationally. We aimed to determine prevalence and predictors of low fibrinogen on admission in major trauma patients and investigate association of fibrinogen levels with patient outcomes.Patients and methodsData on all major trauma patients (January 2007–July 2011) identified through a prospective statewide trauma registry in Victoria, Australia were linked with laboratory and transfusion data. Major trauma included any of the following: death after injury, injury severity score (ISS) >15, admission to intensive care unit requiring mechanical ventilation, or urgent surgery for intrathoracic, intracranial, intra-abdominal procedures or fixation of pelvic or spinal fractures. Associations between initial fibrinogen level and in-hospital mortality were analysed using multiple logistic regression.ResultsOf 4773 patients identified, 114 (2.4%) had fibrinogen less than 1 g/L, 283 (5.9%) 1.0–1.5 g/L, 617 (12.9%) 1.6–1.9 g/L, 3024 (63.4%) 2–4 g/L and 735 (15%) >4 g/L. Median fibrinogen was 2.6 g/L (interquartile range 2.1–3.4). After adjusting for age, gender, ISS, injury type, pH, temperature, Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), initial international normalised ratio and platelet count, the lowest fibrinogen categories, compared with normal range, were associated with increased in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [OR] for less than 1 g/L 3.28 [95% CI 1.71–6.28, p < 0.01], 1–1.5 g/L adjusted OR 2.08 [95% CI 1.36–3.16, p < 0.01] and 1.6–1.9 g/L adjusted OR 1.39 [95% CI 0.97–2.00, p = 0.08]). Predictors of initial fibrinogen <1.5 g/L were younger age, lower GCS, systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg, chest decompression, penetrating injury, ISS >25 and lower pH and temperature.ConclusionsInitial fibrinogen levels less than the normal range are independently associated with higher in-hospital mortality in major trauma patients. Future studies are warranted to investigate whether earlier and/or greater fibrinogen replacement improves clinical outcomes.     

Markers of muscle damage for comparing soft tissue injury following proximal femur nail and dynamic hip screw operations for intertrochanteric hip fractures

BackgroundFemoral neck fractures are the most common fractures among the elderly. The two operative approaches used for the treatment of AO/OTA 31 intertrochanteric fractures include an intramedullary device (proximal femoral nail [PFN]) or an extramedullary device (sliding/dynamic hip screw [DHS]). The aim of this study was to provide objective evidence of local soft tissue injury by measuring serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK), a biochemical marker, to quantify muscle damage and inflammation in patients treated by the two approaches.Patients and methodsMedical data of 359 patients operated for intertrochanteric fractures with PFN (156 patients) or DHS (193 patients) were retrospectively reviewed. The fractures were classified according to AO/OTA classification. Perioperative and radiographic data were collected to ensure cohorts with similar characteristics. Serum CPK and serum hemoglobin (Hb) levels were measured preoperatively and on postoperative day 1 (POD1). Independent predictors of elevation in the levels of markers of inflammation and muscle damage were determined by a multivariate linear regression model.ResultsThe demographics were similar for the two groups. Our study population included 64.2% female patients. Preoperative serum CPK levels were available for 89 patients and POD1 serum CPK levels were available for all patients. One-hundred and thirteen of the 193 DHS patients (58%) and 14 of the 156 PFN patients (9%) had a stable fracture (AO/OTA 31A1, p < 0.0001). The DHS patients had a greater increase between pre- and postoperative CPK levels compared to the PFN patients (DHS, δ = 368 versus PFN, δ = 65, p < 0.0002). The PFN patients had a greater decrease in both the pre- and postoperative Hb levels compared to the DHS patients (Diff_Hb 0.27 g/dl). The older the patient, the greater decreases in Diff_CPK compared to the younger ones.ConclusionsImplementation of POD1 CPK blood levels as a biochemical marker of soft tissue injury provided quantitative evidence that patients whose intertrochanteric fracture was stabilized by a DHS suffered greater soft tissue injury compared to patients whose fracture was stabilized by a PFN.     

Demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing disparities in prevalence of alcohol-related injury among underserved trauma patients in a safety-net hospital

BackgroundAlcohol-related trauma remains high among underserved patients despite ongoing preventive measures. Geographic variability in prevalence of alcohol-related injury has prompted reexamination of this burden across different regions. We sought to elucidate demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing the prevalence of alcohol-related trauma among underserved patients and determine alcohol effects on selected outcomes.MethodsA retrospective analysis examined whether patients admitted to a suburban trauma center differed according to their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) on admission. Patients were stratified based on their BAC into four categories (undetectable BAC, BAC 1–99 mg/dL, BAC 100–199 mg/dL, and BAC ≥ 200 mg/dL). T-tests and X2 tests were used to detect differences between BAC categories in terms of patient demographics and clinical outcomes. Multivariate linear and logistic regressions were used to investigate the association between patient variables and selected outcomes while controlling for confounders.ResultsOne third of 738 patients analyzed were BAC-positive, mean (SD) BAC was 211.4 (118.9) mg/dL, 80% of BAC-positive patients had levels ≥ 100 mg/dL. After risk adjustments, the following patient characteristics were predictive of having highly elevated BAC (≥ 200 mg/dL) upon admission to the Trauma Center; Hispanic patients (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.91, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14–3.21), unemployment (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.09–2.78), Medicaid beneficiaries (OR = 3.59, 95% CI: 1.96–6.59), and uninsured patients (OR = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.60–5.13). Patients with BAC of 100–199 mg/dL were likely to be more severely injured (P = 0.016) compared to undetectable-BAC patients. There was no association between being intoxicated, and being ICU–admitted or having differences in length of ICU or hospital stay.ConclusionDemographic and socioeconomic factors underlie disparities in the prevalence of alcohol-related trauma among underserved patients. These findings may guide targeted interventions toward specific populations to help reduce the burden of alcohol-related injury.     

Do nondiabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery require intraoperative management of hyperglycemia?

ObjectiveTo study the effect of blood glucose (BG) control with insulin in preventing hyperglycemia during and after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery in nondiabetic patients.MethodsIn a randomized clinical trial, 120 nondiabetic patients who underwent elective CABG surgery were enrolled for study of whether the control of hyperglycemia was a need in such a surgery in a teaching heart hospital. The patients were randomly divided into study (n = 60) and control (n = 60) groups. In the study group, insulin was infused to maintain BG level between 110 mg/dL and 126 mg/dL (a modified insulin therapy protocol, and in the control group, the patients were excepted). Insulin therapy was limited to intraoperative period. BG levels during surgery and up to 48 hours after surgery and early postoperative complications were compared between the study and control groups.ResultsOne hundred seventeen patients completed the study (59 patients in study group and 58 in control group). Peak intraoperative BG level in the study group was 126.4 ± 17.9 mg/dL and in the control group was 137.3 ± 17.6 mg/dL (p = 0.024). The frequencies of severe hyperglycemia (BG ≥ 180 mg/dL) were 6 of 59 (10.1%) in the study group and 19 of 58 (32.7%) in the control group during operation (p = 0.002). Peak postoperative BG level in the study group was 194.8 ± 41.2 mg/dL and was 199.8 ± 43.2 mg/dL in the control group (p = 0.571). There was no hypoglycemic event in either group. The frequencies of early postoperative complications were 10 of 59 (16.9%) in the study group and 19 of 58 (32.7%) in the control group (p = 0.047).ConclusionsHyperglycemia (BG ≥ 126 mg/dL) is common in nondiabetic patients undergoing CABG surgery. A modified insulin therapy to maintain BG level between 110 mg/dL and 126 mg/dL may be acceptable for avoiding hypoglycemia and keeping intraoperative BG levels in acceptable range in nondiabetics.     

Impact of length of red blood cells transfusion on postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery: A cohort study

PurposeThe purpose of the present study was to test whether older red blood cells (RBCs) transfusion results in an increased risk of postoperative delirium (POD) and various in-hospital postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.Materials and methodsPatients (≥65 years) who underwent hip fracture surgery were enrolled, 179 patients were divided into two groups according to the storage time of the RBCs. The shorter storage time of RBCs transfusion group comprised patients who received RBCs ≤14 days old and the longer storage time of RBCs transfusion group comprised patients who received RBCs >14 days old. The blood samples were collected before anaesthesia induction, 4 and 24 h after RBCs transfusion for the determination of proinflammatory mediators, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase activity.ResultsThere was no difference in the baseline characteristics, the incidence of POD, and the in-hospital postoperative complications between the shorter storage time of RBCs transfusion group and the longer storage time of RBCs transfusion groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the shorter storage time of RBCs transfusion group, the longer storage time of RBCs transfusion caused significantly longer duration of POD (P < 0.05). There were significantly increased plasma levels of IL-8 and malondialdehyde at 24 h and IL-1β at 4 h after RBCs transfusion in the POD group compared with the non-POD group (P < 0.05).ConclusionTransfusion of the longer storage RBCs is not associated with a higher incidence of POD or in-hospital postoperative complications, but with longer duration of POD in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.     

Epidemiology of gout and hyperuricemia in New Caledonia

ObjectivesNew Caledonia is a Pacific island of 270,000 inhabitants with mixed ethnicities, including Polynesians (10.2%), people from European ancestry (27.2%), and Melanesians (39.1%),. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of gout and hyperuricemia in the general population and the various ethnicities of New Caledonia.MethodsA 3-degree random sample of the population aged 18 to 60 years was adjusted according to the 2014 New Caledonia census. Face-to-face planned interviews and physical measurements were performed by trained nurses. All consenting participants underwent capillary measurement of creatinine; all consenting men and only women older than 40 years underwent point-of-care uricemia testing. Gout was defined by a validated algorithm. Two definitions of hyperuricemia were used: capillary level equivalent to plasma uric acid level > 360 μmol/l (6 mg/dl) and > 420 μmol/l (7 mg/dl) and/or urate-lowering drug treatment for both thresholds.ResultsWe included 1144 participants (adjusted mean age 37.7 ± 12.0 years; adjusted sex ratio 50.4% men). The adjusted prevalence of gout was 3.3% (95% confidence interval 2.2–4.9). Prevalence was 6.7% (2.5–16.8), 4.1% (1.8–8.9), and 2.6% (1.4–4.7) for Polynesians, Europeans and Melanesians, respectively, and 1.9% (0.5–6.6) for other ethnicities. Prevalence of hyperuricemia, determined in 658 participants, was 67.0% (61.9–71.6) and 37.0% (32.3–42.0) for the 360- and 420-μmol/l thresholds, respectively, and was significantly greater for Polynesians and Melanesians than Europeans for both thresholds.ConclusionsThe prevalence of gout and hyperuricemia in New Caledonia was high, including in patients of European descent.     

Comparação entre duas doses de ácido tranexâmico intra‐articular no sangramento pós‐operatório de artroplastia total do joelho: estudo clínico randomizado

IntroductionTranexamic Acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic that inhibits the fibrinolytic activity of plasmin is used to decrease perioperative blood loss and transfusion requirements in orthopedic surgery. The aim of our study was to compare postoperative bleeding in two intra‐articular doses (1 g and 2 g) of tranexamic acid in adult patients undergoing unilateral total knee replacement.MethodWe conducted a single‐operator, randomized, and controlled, double‐blind study in two groups. The G1 group received 1 g of intra‐articular TXA and the G2 group 2 g of intra‐articular TXA. Both groups received 15 mg.kg^‐1 IV before the surgical incision (TXA induction dose) and then 10 mg.kg^‐1, orally, 6 and 12 hours after the induction dose of TXA. The primary endpoint was bleeding measured by blood loss in postoperative drainage. Secondary outcomes were change in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels on the first and third postoperative days, and the need for transfusion during hospitalization.ResultsIn total, 100 patients were randomized, and 100 were included in the analysis. Blood loss in postoperative drainage was similar in both groups (200 ± 50 vs. 250 ± 50 mL, G1 and G2 groups respectively). Change in hematocrit and hemoglobin values (% of change) between preoperative and day 3 were not statically significant between groups G1 and G2 (18 ± 5 vs. 21 ± 4; 21 ± 7 vs. 22 ± 5 respectively). No patients received blood transfusion.ConclusionsOur study did not show superiority of 2 g of intra‐articular tranexamic acid compared to 1 g.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04085575     

Síndrome metabólico en los cálculos de oxalato cálcico: ¿es tan importante en este tipo de litiasis?

Introduction and objectiveThe association of metabolic syndrome with lithogenesis has been described, especially in uric acid stones.The aim of the work was to analyze the role of the metabolic syndrome in oxalocalcic lithogenesis.Materials and methodsMetabolic evaluation of 151 patients including biochemical, hormonal and 24-urine urine parameters, as well as characteristics associated with metabolic syndrome.The relationship between characteristics associated with metabolic syndrome and those related to lithogenesis was evaluated using Spearman's correlation coefficient (SCC), Student's t test and Fisher's exact test.ResultsThe average body mass index (BMI) was 25.9 (SD 3.7). The median age was 51 years (18.6-84.8) and 64.9% were men.There were no statistically significant differences between hypertension and estradiol, testosterone, triglycerides, or cholesterol (P = .191, .969, .454, .345, respectively). Regarding glucose, mean value was 114.5 and 93.5 mg/dl in patients with and without hypertension (P = .000). Glucose, estradiol, testosterone, or cholesterol levels did not vary with proteinuria (P = .518, P = .227, P = .095, P = .218, respectively). Mean triglycerides were 185.6 and 108.2 mg/dl in patients with and without proteinuria (P = .001). Hypertension and proteinuria were not associated (P = .586). BMI correlated with serum and urinary uric acid and urinary creatinine.ConclusionsThere are few associations between the characteristics of metabolic syndrome and abnormalities related to lithogenesis. Metabolic syndrome does not seem to have a relevant role in the development of oxalocalcic stones.