Pulmonary function after segmentectomy versus lobectomy in patients with early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis

ObjectiveSegmentectomy is widely performed for early-stage lung cancer. However, the effects of segmentectomy versus lobectomy on pulmonary function remain unclear. We performed a meta-analysis with the aim of comparing segmentectomy and lobectomy in terms of preservation of pulmonary function in patients with early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).MethodsWe conducted a literature search of PubMed using the terms ‘pulmonary function’ AND ‘segmentectomy’ AND ‘lobectomy’. The primary outcomes of interest were the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), FEV1 as percent of predicted (%FEV1), change in FEV1 (Δ%FEV1), and the ratio of postoperative to preoperative FEV1.ResultsThirteen studies comprising 2027 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included for analysis, including 787 patients in the segmentectomy group and 1240 patients in the lobectomy group. Patients in the segmentectomy group showed significantly better preservation of FEV1 and %FEV1 compared with the lobectomy group. The reduction in FEV1 after surgery was significantly less in the segmentectomy group compared with the lobectomy group, and Δ%FEV1 was significantly higher in the segmentectomy group than in the lobectomy group.ConclusionSegmentectomy results in better preservation of pulmonary function compared with lobectomy in patients with early-stage NSCLC.     

Hypertension treatment in the oldest-old: focus group interviews with Swedish general practitioners

ObjectiveThis study explored the considerations and experiences of Swedish General Practitioners (GPs) of hypertension treatment in patients 80 years and above.DesignQualitative design with focus group interviews. Data were analysed by qualitative content analysis.SettingPrimary health care centres (PHCCs), both rural and urban, in the Region of Västra Götaland, Sweden.SubjectsGPs and GP trainees working at PHCCs in 2019 and 2020. Five focus group interviews with 24 physicians were performed.Main outcome measuresConsiderations and experiences of hypertension treatment in the oldest-old.ResultsEighteen GPs and six GP trainees participated in the study. The latent content was formulated in a theme: ‘The physician’s decision-making in the treatment of hypertension in the oldest-old implies the inclusion of both medical and humanistic considerations.’ The manifest content constituted three main categories: ‘The patient characteristics’ included medical condition, behavioural factors and daily life. ‘The physician’s role’ described the GP as a professional and her/his experienced support. ‘The treatment decision’ considered these categories and involved risk-benefit balancing and communication. For the future, the participants proposed better guidelines for the oldest-old multimorbid patients, increased teamwork, continuous cooperation with nurses and better cooperation with hospital physicians.ConclusionHypertension care for the oldest-old was experienced as complicated by GPs, due to the need of balancing medical and humanistic considerations. The GP’s clinical experience and the received support were of importance when making the treatment decision based on risk-benefit balancing and communication with the patient.

Key points

• GPs experienced the task of caring for the oldest-old patients with hypertension as complicated.
• Patient factors like multimorbidity, polypharmacy, behavioural factors and the patient’s condition of daily life were identified.
• Clinical experience and the experienced support at the PHCC were discussed as important for the GPs’ treatment decision.
• Treatment decisions for the oldest-old patients with hypertension were based on risk-benefit balancing and communication with the patients.

     

经皮椎间孔镜与Quadrant微创通道下治疗腰椎间盘突出症的临床研究

目的比较经皮椎间孔镜(PTED)和Quadrant微创通道下手术治疗腰椎间盘突出症(LDH)的临床疗效。方法将59例单节段LDH患者,随机分为PTED组和Quadrant组。其中,PTED组31例,Quadrant组28例。对两组手术时间、切口长度、失血量、住院天数、返回工作时间及手术并发症进行对比分析。采用视觉疼痛模拟评分(VAS)、日本骨科学会下腰痛评分标准(JOA)、Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)及改良Mac Nab标准评价手术疗效。结果 PTED组与Quadrant组相比手术切口小、术中出血量少、住院天数及返回工作时间上明显缩短(P0.05),术后两组患者的VAS、JOA和ODI评分得到改善(P0.05);而且术后3天、1和3个月,PTED组VAS腰痛评分低于相应时间Quadrant组评分(P0.05);两组在术后各随访时间点的JOA和ODI评分无明显差异(P0.05)。按照改良Mac Nab标准评定,两组间优良率差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 PTED和Quadrant通道两种微创术式治疗LDH均能取得满意的临床效果,但PTED手术恢复快、创伤更小。     

可视化椎间孔成形技术治疗腰椎侧隐窝狭窄症

目的 分析可视化椎间孔成形技术治疗腰椎侧隐窝狭窄症的临床效果及手术技巧.方法 回顾性分析2018年1月-2019年1月52例行经皮内镜椎间孔入路椎间孔扩大成形腰椎侧隐窝减压术治疗的腰椎侧隐窝狭窄症患者的临床资料.其中,男30例,女22例,年龄63～77岁,平均(69.10±10.70)岁.记录手术时间及手术并发症,使用...     

Atrial Electromechanical Delay Is Impaired in Patients with Psoriasis

Objective

In this study, we aimed to investigate atrial electromechanical delay (EMD) in patients with psoriasis.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 43 patients with psoriasis (26 mild-moderate, 17 severe) and 17 healthy control subjects were enrolled. Patients with psoriasis were divided into two groups: the mild-moderate group and the severe group according to their psoriasis area severity index (PASI) scores. Atrial EMD was measured from the lateral mitral annulus and called ‘PA lateral’, from the septal mitral annulus, called ‘PA septal’, and from the right ventricle tricuspid annulus, called ‘PA tricuspid’. Atrial EMD was defined as the time interval from the onset of atrial electrical activity (P wave on surface ECG) to the beginning of mechanical atrial contraction (late diastolic A wave). All three groups were compared with each other, and correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between the PASI score and interatrial EMD.

Results

PA lateral was significantly higher in both the mild-moderate psoriasis group and the severe psoriasis group compared to controls (69 ± 12 and 78 ± 13 vs. 60 ± 6 ms; p = 0.001). Also, PA septal (63 ± 11 vs. 53 ± 6 ms; p = 0.005, post hoc analysis) and PA tricuspid (49 ± 7 vs. 41 ± 5 ms; p = 0.009, post hoc analysis) were significantly higher in the severe psoriasis group than in the control group. Correlation analysis revealed that the PASI score was well correlated with PA lateral (r = 0.520, p < 0.001), PA septum (r = 0.460, p = 0.002), interatrial EMD (r = 0.371, p = 0.014) and intra-atrial EMD (r = 0.393, p = 0.009).

Conclusion

Atrial EMD was prolonged in patients with psoriasis. The measurement of atrial EMD might be used to determine the risk of development of AF in patients with psoriasis.Key Words: Atrial fibrillation, Psoriasis, Atrial electromechanical delay     

Nurses’ worry or concern and early recognition of deteriorating patients on general wards in acute care hospitals: a systematic review

IntroductionNurses often recognize deterioration in patients through intuition rather than through routine measurement of vital signs. Adding the ‘worry or concern’ sign to the Rapid Response System provides opportunities for nurses to act upon their intuitive feelings. Identifying what triggers nurses to be worried or concerned might help to put intuition into words, and potentially empower nurses to act upon their intuitive feelings and obtain medical assistance in an early stage of deterioration. The aim of this systematic review is to identify the signs and symptoms that trigger nurses’ worry or concern about a patient’s condition.MethodsWe searched the databases PubMed, CINAHL, Psychinfo and Cochrane Library (Clinical Trials) using synonyms related to the three concepts: ‘nurses’, ‘worry/concern’ and ‘deterioration’. We included studies concerning adult patients on general wards in acute care hospitals. The search was performed from the start of the databases until 14 February 2014.ResultsThe search resulted in 4,006 records, and 18 studies (five quantitative, nine qualitative and four mixed-methods designs) were included in the review. A total of 37 signs and symptoms reflecting the nature of the criterion worry or concern emerged from the data and were summarized in 10 general indicators. The results showed that worry or concern can be present with or without change in vital signs.ConclusionsThe signs and symptoms we found in the literature reflect the nature of nurses’ worry or concern, and nurses may incorporate these signs in their assessment of the patient and their decision to call for assistance. The fact that it is present before changes in vital signs suggests potential for improving care in an early stage of deterioration.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13054-015-0950-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Validation of the local applicability of the ‘TIB’ Olfactory Test Device in the era of COVID-19

ObjectiveTo evaluate the validity and test–retest reliability of the novel ‘TIB’ Olfactory Test Device (TIB) and to determine its normative values.MethodsThe study stratified the study subjects into normosmic, hyposmic and anosmic groups according to their olfactory function. The olfactory function of the subjects was evaluated using both the traditional Chinese version of the University of Pennsylvania of Smell Identification Test (UPSIT-TC) and the TIB. The normosmic group was used to retest with the UPSIT-TC and TIB at an inter-test interval of at least 7 days. The cut-off scores of TIB among the three different groups were determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.ResultsThis study enrolled 180 subjects: 60 in each group. The mean scores of TIB were 44.1 for the normosmic group, 27.5 for the hyposmic group and 10.9 for the anosmic group. The TIB scores were significantly different across the three groups. There was a significant correlation between the first and second TIB tests (r = 0.506). The cut-off scores were 41 for normosmic subjects and 24 for hyposmic subjects.ConclusionThe validity and test–retest reliability results suggest that the TIB is an appropriate olfactory test for the Taiwanese population.     

Lumbar stenosis rates in symptomatic patients using weight-bearing and recumbent magnetic resonance imaging

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of lumbar stenosis detected via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with symptomatic foraminal stenosis, lateral recess stenosis, or central stenosis.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed on 1983 MRI scans from a 2-year period on 1486 symptomatic patients. Of these patients, 761 were scanned in the recumbent position using low-field (0.3 T, Airis II; Hitachi, Twinsburg, Ohio) MRI, and 725 were scanned in an upright sitting position using midfield (0.6 T) open Upright MRI (Fonar Corp, Melville, NY). In total, 986 serial scans (recumbent) and 997 serial scans (weight-bearing) were performed.

Results

Of scans performed in the recumbent position, stenoses were identified in 382 scans (38.8%), central stenosis in 119 scans (12%), lateral recess stenosis in 91 scans (9.2%), and foraminal stenosis in 327 scans (33.2%). Of scans performed in a weight-bearing position, stenoses were identified in 565 scans (56.7%), central stenosis in 136 scans (13.6%), lateral recess stenosis in 206 scans (20.7%), and foraminal stenosis in 524 scans (52.6%).

Conclusions

The stenosis rates as indicated by MRI interpretation ranged between 38.5% (recumbent) and 56.7% (weight-bearing). These rates are higher than those reported in the medical literature for asymptomatic patients. Further study is needed to determine whether weight-bearing, compared with recumbent, MRI better informs the clinician in the diagnosis of spinal stenosis.     

Predictive Value of the Pneumonia Severity Score on Mortality due to Aspiration Pneumonia

Objective: Designing an efficient management strategy for aspiration is of high priority in our aging society because of its high incidence. We evaluated the prognostic value of both the A-DROP (age, dehydration, respiratory, disorientation, and pressure) and the modified A-DROP scoring systems (adding respiratory rate and comorbidity to A-DROP) in patients with aspiration pneumonia.Design: This is a retrospective study using electronic medical records at Saitama Medical University (SMU) hospital.Setting: A 965-bed university tertiary medical center in Japan.Participants: Data were extracted from the electronic medical records of patients from SMU hospital.Methods: In-hospital mortality was compared between two groups: (1) those with a ‘severe’ to ‘advanced severe’ A-DROP score; and (2) those with a ‘low’ to ‘middle’ A-DROP score. Area under the curve (AUC) for mortality for both the A-DROP and modified A-DROP scoring systems were compared.Results: The in-hospital mortality rates for patients with a high and a low A-DROP score were 28.6% and 9.0%, respectively. The mortality rates in the high modified A-DROP score group and in the low modified A-DROP score group were 28.2% and 9.9%, respectively. These differences in the mortality rates between the two groups were statistically significant for both the A-DROP and the modified A-DROP scoring systems. The AUC of the receiver operating characteristics curve for the A-DROP (0.700; 95% confidence interval, 0.608-0.779) was statistically significant.Conclusion: The A-DROP and modified A-DROP scoring systems are associated with in-hospital mortality in patients with aspiration pneumonia. The A-DROP scoring system is easy to use and may be a clinically valuable tool in the management of aspiration pneumonia.     

经皮椎间孔镜与开放椎板间开窗术治疗腰椎间盘突出症的疗效分析*

目的评价经皮椎间孔镜椎间盘切除术(PTED)与传统开放椎板间开窗术两种手术方式治疗经保守治疗无效的腰椎间盘突出症患者的近期临床疗效。方法回顾分析两种单节段手术患者30例,其中16例患者行PTED术,14例行椎板间开窗术,记录两组术前、术后资料,包括性别、年龄、病程、手术节段、手术时间、出血量和卧床时间等,于术前、术后1周、术后1个月和术后大于6个月的随访行疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)及Oswestry功能障碍指数评定(ODI),并按中华骨科学会脊柱学组腰背痛手术评分标准评价两组手术临床疗效,所得以上结果进行统计学分析。结果两组患者均随访,平均随访时间28.4个月,对两种手术疗效进行比较,比较两组的出血量、卧床时间和手术时间差异有统计学意义(P0.05);两组术后1个月、末次随访VAS及ODI评分差异均无统计学意义(P0.05);末次随访PTED组优良率为87.50%,传统开窗组优良率为71.42%,两组疗效优良率比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 PTED是传统手术的微创化,其结合传统术式与经皮穿刺技术的优势能直接到达突出椎间盘位置,摘除病变髓核,直接解除椎管内压迫,在减少手术创伤的同时,达到与传统术式相似的疗效,可作为治疗腰椎间盘突出症的有效可靠术式。     

Barriers to the management of children under five exposed to HIV in the rural areas of South Africa

BackgroundSouth Africa has made enormous progress in reducing mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), however, MTCT and AIDS related death persist among children particularly in the rural areas. Lack of adherence to health policies and guidelines implementation remain one of the contributory factors to poor management of HIV-exposed children. Hence, the need to deeply explore the complexity of the problems and understand the barriers to the management of HIV exposed children in the rural areas.ObjectivesTo explore and synthesise the barriers to the management of children under 5 years old exposed to HIV in rural areas in South Africa.MethodAn integrative literature review was conducted. An electronic search was conducted on several databases. The researchers applied the Boolean ‘ AND’/‘OR’ in combination with phrases such as ‘HIV infection*’, ‘HIV transmission’, ‘HIV-exposed infant*, child*, and neonate*’ and ‘South Africa*’. Included studies were limited to South Africa, and articles were written in English and published in peer-reviewed journals from 2005 to 2018. Both qualitative and quantitative studies between 2005 and 2018 were utilised.ResultsThe findings highlighted that healthcare institution-related barriers, healthcare provider-related barriers, patient-related barriers and Socio-economic-related barriers were the significant barriers to the management of HIV-exposed children in the rural areas.ConclusionContinuous engagement with all relevant stakeholders should remain a priority in protecting HIV-exposed children. It is evident that there exist gaps in the current implementation of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT), especially in rural areas. Therefore, intervention strategies that could improve implementation of PMTCT policy guidelines for HIV-exposed children in rural areas are needed.     

极外型腰椎间盘突出症不同手术入路治疗的探讨

目的:探讨极外型腰椎间盘突出症的不同手术入路的适应证及优缺点。方法:突出位于椎间孔内的3例采用椎管内入路,其中2例保留关节突,1例切除椎弓峡门路及上下关节突。突出位于椎间孔外的3例采用椎旁肌间隙入路。结果:6例均得到随访,其中优5例,良1例,效果满意。结论:位于椎间孔内突出和合并后外侧突出或椎管狭窄的椎间孔内突出应选择椎管内手术入路。向上移位的椎间孔内突出和位于出口区及椎间孔外突出应选择椎旁椎板侧方入路或椎旁肌间隙入路。椎旁肌间隙入路避免了椎板侧方入路骶棘肌过多剥离的缺点,值得推荐。     

The lived experiences of mothers who have children with congenital abnormalities in the Gert Sibande district

BackgroundMothers are regarded as primary care givers. The experience of having a child with congenital abnormality may have an impact on their psychological well-being. It was observed that the psychological well-being of mothers is often unattended by health professionals, including nurses and their families. Mothers make adjustments in their daily lives to ensure the child’s activities of daily living are attended. Therefore, this raises the need for the experience of mothers who have children with congenital abnormalities in the Gert Sibande district to be explored. Gert Sibande was chosen because it has been observed that several mothers who visit the clinic and outpatient department have children with congenital abnormalities.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to explore and describe the lived experiences of mothers who have children with congenital abnormalities.MethodA phenomenological study was conducted. Purposive sampling of 12 participants was done. The study used adjusted ecological model of health for guidance. Data gathering was done by self-report using unstructured face-to-face interviews until data saturation was reached.ResultsFive themes emerged from the study, which include ‘being hurt emotionally’, ‘sense of guilt’, ‘acceptance’, ‘support from family’ and ‘community reaction to the congenital abnormality’. The findings show that mothers were affected by having children with congenital abnormalities.ConclusionThe study revealed that mothers of children with congenital abnormalities experienced devastation, denial, guilt and lack of acceptance of their child’s condition. The study indicates that mothers require support from health care professionals, family and the community.     

Digital consultation in primary healthcare: the effects on access,efficiency and patient safety based on provider experience; a qualitative study

ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to explore the experiences of healthcare staff working with and being part of the implementation of a digital platform for patient-provider consultation across quality dimensions of access, efficiency, and patient safety.DesignThe study uses qualitative design to investigate experiences and the views of healthcare professionals. Data collection combined semi-structured individual and focus-group interviews. Content analysis was used to identify categories within the content areas ‘access’, ‘efficiency’, and ‘patient safety’.SettingThe basis for the study was an e-consultation platform introduced in three primary healthcare centres in the County of Kalmar in southeast Sweden in 2019.ResultsHealthcare staff experienced that the platform offered an open channel for communication with patients in need of frequent contact. This reduced anxiety and therefore the frequency of follow-up appointments. Healthcare staff also noted that the platform offered flexibility in contact benefitting patients with mental health problems. These patients were found to make contact through the platform after closing hours when problems were more acute or intense. However, the risk of digitally illiterate groups being excluded was also noted. Efficiency gains were identified among patients with simple cases which were handled more quickly through the platform. However, low uptake and the experience that the platform did not replace, rather was added on top of other already existing functions and procedures, negatively affected the overall efficiency. Standardized questions in automated medical history-taking contributed to patient safety.ConclusionThe findings suggest that text-based e-consultation platforms may bring important quality improvements to primary healthcare service in terms of access, efficiency, and patient safety. Yet, areas where e-consultation does not contribute to quality improvements puts important quality gains at risk.

KEY POINTS

• Text based digital consultation improved access for patients in need of frequent appointments and for patients with mental health problems.
• Efficiency gains among patients with simple cases, and in dealing with patients with mental health problems were noted. However, lack of confidence in platform functions due to low uptake, and limited control over work situation, were perceived as negatively affecting overall efficiency.
• Health care staff experienced improved patient safety through a standardized set of questions in automated medical history-taking.

     

Defensive medicine in Danish general practice. Types of defensive actions and reasons for practicing defensively

ObjectiveTo examine the occurrence of and types of defensive medicine (DM), and the reasons for practicing DM in general practice.DesignProspective survey registration of consecutive consultations regarding defensive medicine defined as: Actions that are not professionally well founded but are carried out due to demands and pressure. The GPs registered the degree of defensiveness, the type(s) of defensive action(s) and the reason(s) for acting defensively.SettingDanish general practice.SubjectsA total of 26 GPs registered a total of 1,758 consultations.Main outcome measuresDefensive medical actions.ResultsDefensive actions were performed in 12% (210/1749) of all consultations. A fifth (46/210) of the defensive actions were characterised by the GPs as ‘moderately’ or ‘highly’ defensive. Frequent types of defensive actions were: blood tests, point-of-care-tests (POCTs) and referrals. Common reasons for defensive actions were: Influence from patients, 37% (78/210), concerns of overlooking severe disease, 32% (67/210) and influence from patient relatives, 12% (25/210).ConclusionDanish GPs registered self-perceived defensive actions in a prospective survey. DM was carried out in one out of eight consultations, most often due to patient influence. The most frequent defensive actions were blood tests, POCTs and referrals.     

Auricular Acupunctures are Effective for the Prevention of Postoperative Agitation in Old Patients

Postoperative cognitive problems and delirium are not uncommon in the elderly. We reported four cases in which auricular acupunctures on the ‘Shenmen’ and ‘Point Zero’ points successfully managed postoperative problematic behaviors of the three patients with dementia and the one patient postoperatively demonstrating an agitated behavior.     

Early outcomes of Sun’s procedure in elderly patients with acute aortic dissection: a single-center retrospective study

ObjectiveThe effect of patient age on the outcome of Sun’s procedure for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) remains controversial. We retrospectively investigated the early outcomes of Sun’s procedure in elderly patients with ATAAD in our single center.MethodsThis study involved 106 patients who underwent Sun’s procedure. The patients were divided into the elderly group (≥70 years, n = 17) and younger group (<70 years). Baseline, intraoperative, and postoperative data were compared between the groups.ResultsThe mean age in the elderly and younger groups was 75.7 and 50.7 years, respectively. The type of aortic root operations were not significantly different between the groups. Concomitant surgeries were more frequently performed in the elderly group, but without statistical significance. All intraoperative cardiopulmonary bypass variables as well as the in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates were similar between the groups. The incidences of most postoperative complications were also similar except for a higher incidence of sepsis in the elderly group.ConclusionsEmergency performance of Sun’s procedure for patients with ATAAD characterized by dissection and/or entry tear in the aortic arch should not be denied on the basis of advanced age alone. Comparable early in-hospital outcomes can be achieved in elderly patients.     

Total Knee Arthroplasty and Intra-Articular Pressure Sensors: Can They Assist Surgeons with Intra-Operative Decisions?

Purpose of ReviewSoft tissue imbalance, presenting as instability or stiffness, is an important cause of revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Traditional methods of determining soft tissue balance of the knee lack precision and are not reliable between operators. Use of intra-operative pressure sensors offers the potential to identify and avoid soft tissue imbalance following TKA. This review aims to summarise the literature supporting the clinical indication for the use of intra-articular pressure sensors during TKA.Recent FindingsAnalytical validation studies suggest that intra-operative pressure sensors demonstrate ‘moderate’ to ‘good’ intra-observer reliability and ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ interobserver reliability throughout the flexion arc. However, there are important errors associated with measurements when devices are used out-with the stated guidelines and clinicians should be aware of the limitations of these devices in isolation. Current evidence regarding patient benefit is conflicting. Despite positive early results, several prospective studies have subsequently failed to demonstrate significant differences in overall survival, satisfaction, and patient-reported outcome measures within 1 year of surgery.SummarySurgeon-defined soft tissue stability appears to be significantly different from the absolute pressures measured by the intra-operative sensor. Whilst it could be argued that this confirms the need for intra-articular sensor guidance in TKA; the optimal ‘target’ balance remains unclear and the relationship with outcome in patients is not determined. Future research should (1) identify a suitable reference standard for comparison; (2) improve the accuracy of the sensor outputs; and (3) demonstrate that sensor-assisted TKA leads to patient benefit in patient-reported outcome measures and/or enhanced implant survival.