Cytokine responses,microbial aetiology and short‐term outcome in community‐acquired pneumonia

Background

The inflammatory response to community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) is orchestrated through activation of cytokine networks and the complement system. We examined the association of multiple cytokines and the terminal complement complex (TCC) with microbial aetiology, disease severity and short‐term outcome.

Materials and methods

Plasma levels of 27 cytokines and TCC were analysed in blood samples obtained at hospital admission, clinical stabilization and 6‐week follow‐up from 247 hospitalized adults with CAP. Fourteen mediators were included in final analyses. Adverse short‐term outcome was defined as intensive care unit (ICU) admission and 30‐day mortality.

Results

Cytokine and TCC levels were dynamic in the clinical course of CAP, with highest levels seen at admission for most mediators. Admission levels of cytokines and TCC did not differ between groups of microbial aetiology. High admission levels of IL‐6 (odds ratio [OR] 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18‐1.84, P = .001), IL‐8 (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.26‐2.55, P = .001) and MIP‐1β (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.36‐3.81, P = .002) were associated with a CURB‐65 severity score of ≥3, while IL‐6 (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.07‐1.74, P = .011) and MIP‐1β (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.03‐3.36, P = .040) were associated with a high risk of an adverse short‐term outcome.

Conclusions

In this CAP cohort, admission levels of IL‐6, IL‐8 and MIP‐1β were associated with disease severity and/or adverse short‐term outcome. Still, for most mediators, only nonsignificant variations in inflammatory responses were observed for groups of microbial aetiology, disease severity and short‐term outcome.     

Nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture for analgesia in adult cancer patients with breakthrough pain: A randomized,double‐blind controlled trial

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a fixed nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture for the management of breakthrough cancer pain.

Methods/design

A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized clinical trial was undertaken in the Medical ward of Tumor Hospital of General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University. 240 cancer patients with breakthrough pain were recruited and randomly received a standard pain treatment (morphine sulphate immediate release) plus a pre‐prepared nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture, or the standard pain treatment plus oxygen. The primary endpoint measure was the numerical rating scale (NRS) score measured at baseline, 5 and 15 min after the beginning of treatment, and at 5 min post treatment.

Result

In all, analysis of pain score (NRS) at 5 min after the beginning of treatment shown a significant decrease in nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture treated patients with 2.8 ± 1.3 versus 5.5 ± 1.2 in controls (p < 0.01). At 15 min during the intervention, the mean pain score for nitrous oxide/oxygen was 2.0 ± 1.1 compared with 5.6 ± 1.3 for oxygen (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

This study shows that self‐administered nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture was effective in reducing moderate to severe breakthrough pain among patients with cancer.

Significance

The management of breakthrough cancer pain is always a challenge due to its temporal characteristics of rapid onset, moderate to severe in intensity, short duration (median 30–60 min). Our study find that self‐administered nitrous oxide/oxygen mixture was effective in reducing moderate to severe breakthrough cancer pain.     

个性化护理对小儿支原体肺炎的效果观察

目的探讨个性化护理对小儿支原体肺炎的临床应用效果。方法将68例支原体肺炎患儿按随机数字表法分为对照组和干预组,每组34例。2组患儿在入院后均采取常规使用抗生素(阿奇霉素、克拉霉素、罗红霉素等),并辅以止咳化痰药物治疗。对照组给予改善呼吸功能、保持呼吸道通畅、降温等常规护理措施;干预组在对照组常规护理的基础上给予个性化护理干预(用药护理、咳嗽护理、发热护理、神经症状护理、饮食与运动护理以及心理护理等)。对2组患儿的疗效及不良反应进行比较。结果干预组总有效率、不良反应发生率分别为94.1%及8.8%,对照组总有效率、不良反应发生率分别为70.6%及41.2%,2组总有效率及不良反应发生率比较差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05)。结论对小儿支原体肺炎患儿实施个性化护理,可显著提高治疗效果,减少不良反应发生,促进患儿早日康复。     

Treatment patterns,costs, and mortality among Medicare beneficiaries with CIED infection

1 Background

Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infection is a serious adverse event, but there are limited contemporary real‐world data on treatment pathways and associated costs in the Medicare population following diagnosis of CIED infection. Hence, this study evaluates postinfection treatment pathways and associated healthcare expenditures and mortality among Medicare fee‐for‐service beneficiaries with CIED infection.

2 Methods

Retrospective cohort analysis of 5,401 beneficiaries who developed a device‐related infection in the year following implantation/upgraded CIED (1/1/2010–12/31/2012). Patients were followed‐up to 12 months/death following diagnosis of infection and were divided into mutually exclusive groups based on whether they underwent CIED system removal (Group I), or no CIED system intervention (Group II; IIA with or IIB without infection hospitalization). All‐cause healthcare resource utilization/expenditures were also measured.

3 Results

In the year following infection, 64.1% of patients underwent device extraction, of who 2,109 (39.0%) had their device replaced (Group IA) and 1,355 (25.1%) had their device extracted without replacement (Group IB); 62.2% of patients were hospitalized and 25.3% of patients died. Mean Medicare payments‐per‐patient for facility‐based services by group were: IA = $62,638 (standard deviation [SD]: $46,830), IB = $50,079 (SD: $45,006), IIA = $77,397 (SD: $79,130), and IIB = $22,856 (SD: $31,167).

4 Conclusions

Hospitalizations were the largest cost driver; infection‐related costs, including cost of extraction/replacement, accounted for >50% of expenditures for patients with surgical/hospital intervention. Management of CIED infection in Medicare beneficiaries is associated with high healthcare expenditures in the year following infection. Additional measures to prevent device infection are needed to improve the outcomes and reduce costs in these patients.     

Early versus late‐applied constraint‐induced movement therapy: A multisite,randomized controlled trial with a 12‐month follow‐up

Background and Purpose

A direct comparison between the effects of constraint‐induced movement therapy (CIMT) applied early after stroke and that of CIMT applied in the chronic phase has not been conducted. This study aimed to compare the long‐term effects of CIMT applied 6 months after stroke with the results of CIMT applied within 28 days post‐stroke.

Methods

This study was a single‐blinded, multicentre, randomized controlled trial with a crossover design. Forty‐seven patients received CIMT either early (within 28 days) or 6 months after stroke. Both groups received standard rehabilitation and were tested at 5 time points. The primary outcome measure was Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT); the secondary measures were Nine‐Hole Peg Test (NHPT), the Fugl‐Meyer Assessment (FMA) of the upper extremity, Stroke Impact Scale, and Modified Rankin Scale (MRS).

Results

Compared with baseline data, both groups showed significant improvements in the primary and secondary outcome measures after 12 months. No significant differences between the 2 treatment groups were found before and after the delayed intervention group received CIMT at 6 months and during the 12‐month follow‐up. Both groups recovered considerably and showed only minor impairment (median FMA score of 64) after 6 months. The early intervention group showed an initially faster recovery curve of WMFT, NHPT, and MRS scores.

Discussion

In contrast to most CIMT studies, our study could not find an effect of CIMT applied 6 months after stroke. Our results indicate that commencing CIMT early is as good as delayed intervention in the long term, specifically in this group of patients who might have reached a ceiling effect during the first 6 months after stroke. Nevertheless, the early CIMT intervention group showed a faster recovery curve than the delayed intervention group, which can be a clinically important finding for patients in the acute phase.     

The relationship between physician case volume and in-hospital mortality of critically ill children with a diagnosis of pneumonia: A cross-sectional observational analytical study

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between physician case volume and the outcomes of critically ill children with pneumonia.

Materials and methods

This is a population-based cohort study analyzed data provided from by the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, 2006-2009. Children (aged 3 months to 17 years) having records of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and a diagnosis of pneumonia were included. A total of 9754 critically ill children and 1042 attending physicians were enrolled. The children were assigned to 1 of 4 groups based on the physician's pneumonia case volume.

Results

The patients in the very high case volume group had a significantly lower length of hospital stay, in-hospital mortality rate, and hospitalization expenses, and a significantly higher ratio of ICU to hospital stays than the other 3 groups (P < .001). The probability of death tended to be lower when the physician's case volume was higher. The risk-adjusted odds ratio for in-hospital mortality of very-high case volume group was 0.48 (95% confidence interval, 0.35-0.65; P < .001) compared to low case volume group.

Conclusions

A higher physician's pneumonia case volume is associated with a lower length of hospital stay, lower in-hospital mortality rate, and lower hospitalization expenses among critically ill children with pneumonia.     

氧驱沐舒坦氧吸入在小儿重症支气管肺炎中的应用及整体护理的效果

目的分析氧驱沐舒坦氧吸入在小儿重症支气管肺炎中的应用及整体护理的效果。方法 随机选取医院收治的2013年1月到2015年1月50例小儿重症支气管肺炎患者,并且依据治疗方法的不同,将患者分为研究组（n=25例）与对照组（n=25例）。为对照组中的患者在临床应用常规治疗及常规护理干预,研究组中患者,在对照组治疗护理基础上,采取氧驱沐舒坦氧吸入治疗及整体护理干预,对比两组临床疗效及护理效果。结果 对于研究组中患者,临床经氧驱沐舒坦氧吸入及整体护理干后,明显改善患者临床疗效,临床护理效果好,在临床护理后,患者肺啰音、咳嗽、住院时间以及气喘消失时间方面,研究组均优于对照组患者,对比两组有统计差异（P＜0.05）。结论 在临床小儿重症支气管肺炎治疗中,应用氧驱沐舒坦氧吸入及整体护理干预,不仅提升临床疗效,还可改善护理护理效果,发挥积极应用价值。     

Therapeutic benefits of mild hypothermia in patients successfully resuscitated from cardiac arrest: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND:

Good neurological outcome after cardiac arrest (CA) is hard to achieve for clinicians. Experimental and clinical evidence suggests that therapeutic mild hypothermia is beneficial. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of therapeutic mild hypothermia in patients successfully resuscitated from CA using a meta-analysis.

METHODS:

We searched the MEDLINE (1966 to April 2012), OVID (1980 to April 2012), EMBASE (1980 to April 2012), Chinese bio-medical literature & retrieval system (CBM) (1978 to April 2012), Chinese medical current contents (CMCC) (1995 to April 2012), and Chinese medical academic conference (CMAC) (1994 to April 2012). Studies were included if 1) the study design was a randomized controlled trial (RCT); 2) the study population included patients successfully resuscitated from CA, and received either standard post-resuscitation care with normothermia or mild hypothermia; 3) the study provided data on good neurologic outcome and survival to hospital discharge. Relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to pool the effect.

RESULTS:

The study included four RCTs with a total of 417 patients successfully resuscitated from CA. Compared to standard post-resuscitation care with normothermia, patients in the hypothermia group were more likely to have good neurologic outcome (RR=1.43, 95% CI 1.14–1.80, P=0.002) and were more likely to survive to hospital discharge (RR=1.32, 95% CI 1.08–1.63, P=0.008). There was no significant difference in adverse events between the normothermia and hypothermia groups (P>0.05), nor heterogeneity and publication bias.

CONCLUSION:

Therapeutic mild hypothermia improves neurologic outcome and survival in patients successfully resuscitated from CA.KEY WORDS: Cardiac arrest, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Return of spontaneous circulation, Mild hypothermia, Meta-analysis     

Do different positions affect the oxygen saturation and comfort level of children under five with pneumonia?

Objective

Children with pneumonia need a correct position to increase their oxygen saturation and comfort level. Postural changes affect the function of the human body and disease conditions. This study aimed to identify the effect of prone and semirecumbent positions on the oxygen saturation and comfort level of children under five with pneumonia.

按摩护理干预用于支气管肺炎患儿的疗效观察

目的：观察按摩护理干预应用于小儿支气管肺炎的临床疗效。方法将2012年5月-2013年5月诊治的80例支气管肺炎患儿按随机数字表法随机分为对照组（常规护理）和观察组（按摩护理干预）,对两组临床疗效、住院时间、住院费用以及护理满意度进行观察和比较。结果观察组治疗有效率为95．0％,明显高于对照组的80．0％,差异有统计学意义（χ2＝4．11,P＜0．05）。观察组住院时间为（6．5±1．5）d,短于对照组的（8．5±2．0）d;住院费用（1900±100）元,少于对照组的（2650±150）元,差异均有统计学意义（t值分别为2．21,3．47;P＜0．05）。观察组护理满意度非常满意32例,满意6例,不满意2例,对照组分别为24,8,8例,差异有统计学意义（Z＝4．11,P＜0．05）。结论按摩护理干预能够明显提高小儿支气管肺炎的临床疗效,有助于患儿早日康复。     

Effect of a new insulin treatment regimen on glycaemic control and quality of life of Muslim patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus during Ramadan fast – an open label,controlled, multicentre,cluster randomised study

We performed a non‐inferiority trial comparing insulin detemir (Levemir) and biphasic insulin (NovoMix70) to standard care during Ramadan fast in insulin treated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. This was an open label, controlled, multicentre, cluster randomised non‐inferiority study. Insulin treated T2DM patients from 12 randomly selected primary clinics received Levemir and NovoMix 70 (intervention, n = 127) or standard care according to the American Diabetes Association recommendations (control, n = 118). Insulin dose (intervention) was 60% of the usual, of this 40% was dosed as Levemir at sunrise and 60% as NovoMix 70 before dinner. Insulin was titrated according to daily 4 point self‐measured blood glucose (4P‐SMBG) levels. The primary outcome was the difference in mean daily 4P‐SMBG during days 23–30 of treatment. Mean age was 60.1 (SD 8.9) and 59.4 (SD 10.1) years in the intervention and control respectively. Mean HbA_1c was 8.38% (68 mmol/mol) (SD 0.96) and 8.45% (69 mmol/mol) (SD 1.08). Mean BMI was 32.99 (SD 7.05) and 33.08 (SD 7.24), respectively. The intervention was non‐inferior to standard care as assessed by mean 4P‐SMBG during days 23–30 of treatment [155 (SD 30.76) mg% and 159 (SD 33.24) mg% respectively, p = 0.269]. Adverse event rate was significantly lower in the intervention group [0.04 (SD 0.06) vs. 0.07 (SD 0.11), p = 0.010]. In particular, hypoglycaemia event rate was lower in the intervention group [0.00 (SD 0.01) vs. 0.01 (SD 0.03), p ≤ 0.001]. To conclude, treatment with Levemir and NovoMix 70 was non‐inferior to standard care in this heterogeneous group of patients and was associated with less adverse events.     

延续性护理干预在食管癌术后患者应用效果的系统评价

目的系统评价延续性护理干预在食管癌术后患者中的应用效果。方法检索Pubmed、Cochane Library、Embase、维普、CBM、CNKI等数据库有关延续性护理在食管癌术后患者中的干预研究的RCT文献,采用改良Jadad量表进行质量评分,RevMan5.3.1软件进行统计分析。结果共纳入19篇随机对照试验,其中英文文献2篇,中文文献17篇。Meta分析结果显示:延续性护理相较于常规护理,能够提高治疗总有效率(RR=1.50,95%CI:1.12,2.00,P=0.006),改善患者生活质量(MD=16.91,95%CI:10.82,23.00,P0.000 01),提高患者遵医率(RR=1.31,95%CI:1.13,1.51,P=0.000 3),降低并发症发生率(RR=0.53,95%CI:0.36,0.79,P=0.002),提高患者满意度(RR=1.22,95%CI:1.09,1.36,P=0.000 5)以及降低患者再入院率(RR=0.34,95%CI:0.14,0.84,P=0.02)。结论延续性护理干预在食管癌术后患者中的应用能够提高治疗总有效率,改善患者生活质量,但纳入文献质量不高,因此有必要开展此方面的高质量、大样本、多中心的随机对照试验。     

The kangaroo method is safe for premature infants under 30 weeks of gestation during ventilatory support

A case control study into the safety of the kangaroo method in a group of ventilated prematurely born children less than 30 weeks of pregnancy was conducted. Four parameters, heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate and arterial blood pressure, were compared with one another 1 h before, 1 h after the start and 1 h after finishing kangaroo care. This nursing intervention is safe for this group of premature born infants. They are protected against the risk of decline in physiological stability during and after kangaroo care when the temperature of the infant is controlled and when necessary, extra warmth is provided.     

Health promotion in specialist and community care: how a broadly applicable health promotion intervention influences patient's sense of coherence

Background

Chronic illness health interventions aim to strengthen individuals' wellness resources, in addition to their ability to handle their condition. This presupposes a partnership between patients and professionals and flexibility in care organization.

Aim

This study aims to investigate possible changes in individuals' sense of coherence while living with long‐term illness as they engage in a broadly applicable health promotion intervention developed in specialist care settings that was later implemented in the community care context.

Method

This study had a pre–postdesign. Sense of coherence was measured using the SOC ‐29 questionnaire at baseline and within 14 days of programme completion. The total baseline sample included 108 Norwegian adults (aged 21–89) with chronic illness. Data were analysed using paired samples t ‐tests.

Results

In both clinical sites, the total sample's mean SOC score changed positively from the baseline to the follow‐up 4 months later. This change was larger for the participants in the community care context. Manageability increased significantly for women. Significant positive changes in SOC score and the manageability dimension were also identified among participants who had children. Similar findings were found for those who were living with a partner, as well as for public transfer payment recipients.

Conclusion

The intervention contributed to a positive change in participants' SOC while living with illness. The findings revealed that the intervention is a flexible health promotion tool across age, diagnostic categories and clinical sites. The community participants' SOC changed the most, which indicates that the intervention is especially relevant in the follow‐up of persons living with long‐term illness within the community. The intervention contributes to a shift of perspectives in health care towards strenght‐based care and health within illness.

     

Living with relapsed myeloma: Symptoms and self‐care strategies

Aims and Objectives

To explore which symptoms relapsed myeloma patients experience and what self‐care strategies are used.

Methods

This was a qualitative study utilising focus group interviews (n = 4) with relapsed myeloma patients (n = 15) and carers (n = 9). The focus groups were analysed and guided by thematic analysis.

Results

Three major themes with subthemes were identified following analysis of the interview data: “difficult symptoms; “self‐care” and “feeling vulnerable.” These findings indicate the challenges relapsed myeloma patients experience with ongoing symptoms and highlight the importance of continuity of care.

Conclusions

Symptom management for myeloma patients remains complex due to the array of treatments given. These patients require holistic care and thorough regular assessments to help them cope with the adverse effects on their physical and psychological health. For patients with a long‐term diagnosis of myeloma, self‐management workshops and regular education sessions may be of benefit.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study highlights the key role of healthcare professionals in going beyond assessment of symptoms to offering advice and support to assist relapsed myeloma patients in managing their symptoms.     

Cancer patients' perceptions of quality‐of‐care attributes—Associations with age,perceived health status,gender and education

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the associations between patients' gender, education, health status in relation to assessments of patient‐centred quality and individuality in care and trust in nurses for those <65 (working age) and ≥65 years (older people).

Background

Patients' assessments of the quality of care they receive are essential for the development of the provision of patient care and services. Previous studies have revealed age of the patient is associated with their assessment of care quality attributes.

Design

The study employed a cross‐sectional, multicultural comparative survey design.

Methods

The data were collected using questionnaires among hospitalised cancer patients (N = 876, n = 599, 68%) in four European countries: Greece, Cyprus, Sweden and Finland. The data were divided into two subgroups based on age (cut point 65 years) and were analysed statistically.

Results

Cancer patients' age, gender and level of education were not related to their assessments of care quality attributes: person‐centred care quality, individuality in care and trust in nurses. Subgroup analysis of the older adults and those of working age showed clear associations with patients' assessments of quality‐of‐care attributes and perceived health status. The lower the perceived health status, the lower the assessment of care quality attributes.

Discussion

The results suggest that the cancer itself is the strongest determinant of the care delivered, rather than any patient characteristics, such as age, education or gender. Perceived health status, in association with cancer patient assessments of care quality attributes, may be useful in the development of patient‐centred, individualised care strategies alongside a stronger focus on people instead of cancer‐care‐related processes and duties.

Conclusions

Health status was the only factor associated with cancer patients' assessments of care quality attributes. Cancer itself may be the strongest determinant of the care quality perceptions, rather than any patient characteristics.

Relevance to clinical practice

The findings of this study have implications for cancer care professionals in terms of patient assessment and care planning. The measures may be useful in assessing quality of cancer nursing care.     

Fatherhood and children with complex healthcare needs: qualitative study of fathering,caring and parenting

Background  

Fathers are increasingly providing substantial amounts of technical and nursing care to growing numbers of children with complex healthcare needs. This exploratory study reports some of the first in-depth evidence of fathers' experiences and presents a research agenda in this critically under-researched area.