Identifying quality markers of a safe surgical ward: An interview study of patients,clinical staff,and administrators

Background

Postoperative care quality is variable. Risk-adjusted mortality rates differ between institutions despite comparable complication rates. This indicates that there are underlying factors rooted in how care is delivered that determines patient safety. This study aims to evaluate systematically the surgical ward environment with respect to process-driven and structural factors to identify quality markers for safe care, from which new safety metrics may be derived.

Vitamin C decreases reduced glutathione in chronic haemodialysis patients: a pilot,randomised, double-blind trial

International Urology and Nephrology - Whey protein has antioxidant properties through its amino acid cysteine, which enhances the biosynthesis of glutathione, the most abundant antioxidant...     

Sex differences in clinical outcomes in Japanese incident dialysis patients: a prospective observational multicenter study

Clinical and Experimental Nephrology - A Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS) has shown a one-to-one male-to-female mortality ratio, notwithstanding the statistically longer life...     

FOLFIRINOX方案与AG方案一线治疗晚期胰腺癌多中心观察性研究

目的 开展FOLFIRINOX方案和AG方案一线治疗晚期胰腺癌的多中心观察性研究,总结经验指导临床实践.方法 选取2016年1月～2020年6月,在广东省人民医院、中山大学孙逸仙纪念医院、中山大学附属第一院、广东药科大学附属第一医院以及中山市人民医院住院治疗的病理确诊的晚期胰腺癌患者,一线接受FOLFIRINOX方案或...     

Improvement in low back pain following spinal decompression: observational study of 119 patients

Study design

Prospective clinical observational study of low back pain (LBP) in patients undergoing laminectomy or laminotomy surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

Objectives

To quantify any change in LBP following laminectomy or laminotomy spinal decompression surgery.

Patients and methods

119 patients with LSS completed Oswestry Disability Index questionnaire (ODI) and Visual Analogue Scale for back and leg pain, preoperatively, 6 weeks and 1 year postoperatively.

Results

There was significant (p < 0.0001) reduction in mean LBP from a baseline of 5.14/10 to 3.03/10 at 6 weeks. Similar results were seen at 1 year where mean LBP score was 3.07/10. There was a significant (p < 0.0001) reduction in the mean ODI at 6 weeks and 1 year postoperatively. Mean ODI fell from 44.82 to 25.13 at 6 weeks and 28.39 at 1 year.

Conclusion

The aim of surgery in patients with LSS is to improve the resulting symptoms that include radicular leg pain and claudication. This observational study reports statistically significant improvement of LBP after LSS surgery. This provides frequency distribution data, which can be used to inform prospective patients of the expected outcomes of such surgery.     

Hypofractionated irradiation in 794 elderly breast cancer patients: An observational study

To assess the efficacy, and the acute and late toxicity of hypofractionated radiotherapy (Hypo‐RT), and the impact of age and comorbidities on disease progression and death in elderly breast cancer (BC) patients. Women aged ≥65 years who received Hypo‐RT (42.4 Gy in 16 fractions, plus a boost for high‐risk patients) were considered for the present analysis. Competing risk analysis was used to estimate the 5‐year cumulative incidence of BC progression and BC‐related death, calculating the adjusted subhazard ratios (SHR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) in relation to age, hypertension‐augmented Charlson Comorbidity Index (hCCI), tumor characteristics, and chemotherapy. The sample included 794 patients with a median age of 74 years (range 65‐91 years). At the baseline, 70% of these patients had at least one comorbidity. With a median follow‐up of 48.3 months, the 5‐year cumulative incidence of BC progression and BC‐related death was 6.7% (95%CI 4.8%‐9.2%) and 2.3% (95%CI 1.2%‐3.9%), respectively. Old age (≥80 years) and a high burden of comorbidity (hCCI ≥ 2) were independently associated with BC progression. Hypo‐RT is safe in elderly BC patients, but age and comorbidities influence BC progression. Further studies are warranted.     

Hepatitis B virus vaccine: a randomized trial of a reduced dose regimen in hemodialysis patients

To test the hypothesis that increasing the dose enhances response to hepatitis B virus vaccine in hemodialysis patients, we performed a randomized, double blind, controlled clinical trial. Twenty-four hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to receive either three 20 mcg or the recommended three 40 mcg intramuscular injections over 6 months. In addition, 19 normal volunteers also received three 20 mcg doses of the vaccine. The presence of Anti-HBs was determined qualitatively and quantitatively. Non-uremic subjects seroconverted more frequently than did either of the dialysis patient groups. Doubling the individual doses of vaccine did not improve the response of the dialysis patients. We conclude that the response to the vaccine is not diminished when dialysis patients are given half the recommended dose of the vaccine and that the cost of vaccinating this high-risk population could be substantially reduced.     

Pain in neurosurgically treated patients: a prospective observational study

OBJECT: This is the first observational study to compare perioperative pain character and intensity in patients undergoing different types of elective neurosurgical procedures. METHODS: A structured questionnaire was used to inquire about pain intensity, character, and management during the perioperative course, and the anticipated visual analogue scale (VAS) score in 649 patients during a 1-year period. The anticipated maximal postoperative VAS score was lower than the actual postoperative maximal VAS score and was independent of operation type and preoperative VAS score. Patients undergoing craniotomy experienced less pain than those undergoing spinal surgery. A majority of patients did not receive analgesic medication after surgery. Patients undergoing spinal surgery experienced higher preoperative VAS scores than those undergoing other neurosurgical treatments, with a shift from preoperative referred pain to postoperative local pain. After lumbar flavectomy, referred pain was greater than local pain. Patients with preoperative pain suffered significantly more postoperative pain than those without preoperative pain. In patients with postoperative surgery-related complications, VAS scores were higher than in those without complications. CONCLUSIONS: Neurosurgical procedures cause more pain than anticipated. Anticipated pain intensity is independent of the operation type and preoperative pain intensity. Postcraniotomy on-demand analgesic medication is appropriate, if the nurses on the ward react quickly. Otherwise, patient-controlled analgesia might be an option. Other neurosurgical procedures require scheduled analgesic therapies. Spinal surgery requires intensive preoperative pain treatment; a shift in pain character from preoperative referred pain to postoperative local pain is expected. Patients with referred pain after lumbar flavectomy are prone to the most intense pain. Patients with preoperative pain experience more postoperative pain than those without preoperative pain and require more intensive pain management. Increased postoperative VAS scores are associated with surgery-related complications.     

Persistent clinical inertia in gout in 2014: An observational French longitudinal patient database study

Objective

To describe the characteristics and management of patients with gout in France during the year 2014.

Severe trauma patients in a mountain area: an observational study

Objectives

The main objective was to estimate the nature, severity and medical care of severe trauma injuries following mountain activities as compared to severe trauma following traffic accident in a mountain area.

Study design

We conducted a prospective comparative monocentric observational study at a University Hospital located in the northern Alps area, using the First national study database (French intensive care recorded in severe trauma).

Patients and methods

Three hundred and thirty-seven patients were included during a 2-year-period from January 2005 to December 2006. Three hundred and thirty-seven patients, including 223 traffic accidents and 114 mountain accidents were included. The survey data was achieved with a standardized method on a period of 30 days after the accident, and recorded in a computerized file for optimal completeness.

Results

The study did not show higher severity or mortality rates in patients with mountain accidents. In both groups, we found a peak of mortality for young adults and similar causes of death. However, spinal cord injuries were statistically more frequent in mountain accidents.

Conclusion

So, it seems important to continuously warn population about dangers of this playground.     

Feasibility of intraoperative continuous glucose monitoring: An observational study in general surgery patients

BackgroundPerioperative hyperglycemia is associated with adverse outcomes in surgical patients, and major societies recommend intraoperative monitoring and treatment targeting glucose <180–200 mg/dL. However, compliance with these recommendations is poor, in part due to fear of unrecognized hypoglycemia. Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) measure interstitial glucose with a subcutaneous electrode and can display the results on a receiver or smartphone. Historically CGMs have not been utilized for surgical patients. We investigated the use of CGM in the perioperative setting compared to current standard practices.MethodThis study evaluated the use of Abbott Freestyle Libre 2.0 and/or Dexcom G6 CGMs in a prospective cohort of 94 participants with diabetes mellitus undergoing surgery of ≥3 h duration. CGMs were placed preoperatively and compared to point of care (POC) BG checks obtained by capillary samples analyzed with a NOVA glucometer. Frequency of intraoperative blood glucose measurement was at the discretion of the anesthesia care team, with a recommendation of once per hour targeting BG of 140–180 mg/dL. Of those consented, 18 were excluded due to lost sensor data, surgery cancellation, or rescheduling to a satellite campus resulting in 76 enrolled subjects. There were zero occurrences of failure with sensor application. Paired POC BG and contemporaneous CGM readings were compared with Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients, and Bland-Altman plots.ResultsData for use of CGM in perioperative period was analyzed for 50 participants with Freestyle Libre 2.0, 20 participants with Dexcom G6, and 6 participants with both devices worn simultaneously. Lost sensor data occurred in 3 participants (15%) wearing Dexcom G6, 10 participants wearing Freestyle Libre 2.0 (20%) and 2 of the participants wearing both devices simultaneously. The overall agreement of the two CGM's utilized had a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.731 in combined groups with 0.573 in Dexcom arm evaluating 84 matched pairs and 0.771 in Libre arm with 239 matched pairs. Modified Bland-Altman plot of the difference of CGM and POC BG indicated for the overall dataset a bias of −18.27 (SD 32.10).ConclusionsBoth Dexcom G6 and Freestyle Libre 2.0 CGMs were able to be utilized and functioned well if no sensor error occurred at time of initial warmup. CGM provided more glycemic data and further characterized glycemic trends more than individual BG readings. Required time of CGM warm up was a barrier for intraoperative use as well as unexplained sensor failure. CGMs had a fixed warm of time, 1 h for Libre 2.0 and 2 h for Dexcom G6 CGM, before glycemic data obtainable. Sensor application issues did not occur. It is anticipated that this technology could be used to improve glycemic control in the perioperative setting. Additional studies are needed to evaluate use intraoperatively and assess further if any interference from electrocautery or grounding devices may contribute to initial sensor failure. It may be beneficial in future studies to place CGM during preoperative clinic evaluation the week prior to surgery. Use of CGMs in these settings is feasible and warrants further evaluation of this technology on perioperative glycemic management.     

Resuscitation with albumin using BET formula keeps at bay fluid administration in burned patients. An observational study

BET (Biological Engineering Technology) formula uses fluids with high albumin concentration to resuscitate burn patients. It estimates fluid resuscitation as a function of Body Burned Surface Area (BBSA) (ml/h = BBSA (m²) × 220) and administers it through a combination of lactated ringer and 20% Albumin starting at a 1:1 relationship. The proportion of albumin is decreased every 8 h, and infusion rate is modified according to urinary output. The study’s purpose was to review resuscitation related variables of all burned patients treated in our unit using BET formula. We retrospectively analyzed all patients admitted to our critical care burn unit during a five year period. Only those admitted within the first 12 h post-burn injury were considered. 40 patients met all inclusion criteria. Resuscitation volume during the first 24 h was 2.58 ml/kg/%BBSA, significantly less than Parkland’s estimation (4 ml/kg/%BBSA; P < 0.05). Patients were successfully resuscitated showing a significant base excess increase and lactate clearance during the resuscitation period (base excess 120%; lactate 29%; P < 0.05). Burn related complications where: ARDS 27%, renal dysfunction 53%, wound deepening 20%, abdominal compartment syndrome 4.5%. In conclusion, BET formula is capable of resuscitating burn patients successfully, limiting fluid administration.     

BRCA mutations, molecular markers, and clinical variables in early-onset breast cancer: a population-based study

Early age at onset is generally considered an indicator of genetic susceptibility to breast cancer. To address both the proportion of early-onset breast cancer associated with BRCA-1 or BRCA-2 germline mutation and the contribution of germline mutations to the clinical features and outcome of these tumors, we analyzed molecular status and clinical variables of a population-based sample of 66 Italian women diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 40 who were unselected for family history. BRCA mutations were screened by automated sequencing of the entire BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 coding regions and splice junctions. Twenty-eight late-onset (over 45 years), sporadic, breast cancers were designated as "control group" for comparisons with early-onset cases. BRCA mutations (10 BRCA-1 and 6 BRCA-2) were detected in 15 (22.7%) out of 66 tested patients. The combination of ER, PR, HER-2/neu negativity and p53 positivity was significantly more frequent in BRCA-1 positive tumors than in BRCA-2 positive and non-BRCA tumors (P=0.03). Taken collectively, BRCA-positive tumors correlated with high histologic grade and ER negativity compared with non-BRCA and sporadic tumors (P=0.05 and 0.003, respectively). There were no significant differences between BRCA-associated breast cancers (BABC) and non-BABC in relapse-free, event-free, and overall survival. Our data confirm that the combination of age at onset and tumor phenotype can provide an efficient model for identifying individuals with a high probability of carrying BRCA mutations and support the hypothesis that breast cancer in BRCA carriers is qualitatively distinct from other early-onset breast cancers and from late-onset, sporadic, breast carcinomas. Further studies on incident cases are necessary to define the independent prognostic significance of germline BRCA mutations.     

Carotid endarterectomy outcomes research: reduced resource utilization using a clinical protocol

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the necessity of intensive care unit (ICU) utilization following carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and to identify patients who can be managed postoperatively on a vascular unit using a clinical protocol. METHODS: Medical records of 50 patients admitted to the ICU following elective CEA were reviewed retrospectively for patient characteristics, morbidity, mortality, length of stay (LOS), and ICU intervention. Prospectively, the next 200 patients were routed to either a vascular unit or ICU, based on a clinical protocol. Endpoints were mortality, stroke, myocardial infarction, total hospital LOS, ICU LOS, and ICU intervention. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in morbidity or mortality between patients admitted to the vascular unit and those admitted to the ICU. Of patients evaluated prospectively, 129 (63%) were admitted directly to the vascular unit. Of the 73 patients admitted to the ICU, 63% required direct intervention compared with only 54% of patients in the retrospective series (P=0.001). In addition, after institution of the protocol, ICU LOS decreased significantly from 1.4 to 0.6 days (P<0.001). The hospital cost savings using this protocol averaged $1043 per patient. CONCLUSIONS: A clinical protocol can select patients for admission to the ICU or the vascular unit following CEA without increase in morbidity or mortality. Selective use of the ICU conserved resources, decreased ICU LOS, and provided substantial cost savings.     

Changes in sensory block level during a programmed intermittent epidural bolus regimen for labour analgesia: a prospective observational cohort study

Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie - In the context of a programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) regimen for labour analgesia, one can identify an upper...