Impact of the implementation of a Sepsis Code Program in medical patient management: a cohort study in an Internal Medicine ward

IntroductionSepsis is the main cause of death in hospitals and the implementation of diagnosis and treatment bundles has shown to improve its evolution. However, there is a lack of evidence about patients attended in conventional units.MethodsA 3-year retrospective cohort study was conducted. Patients hospitalized in Internal Medicine units with sepsis were included and assigned to two cohorts according to Sepsis Code (SC) activation (group A) or not (B). Baseline and evolution variables were collected.ResultsA total of 653 patients were included. In 296 cases SC was activated. Mean age was 81.43 years, median Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) was 2 and 63.25% showed some functional disability. More bundles were completed in group A: blood cultures 95.2% vs 72.5% (p < 0.001), extended spectrum antibiotics 59.1% vs 41.4% (p < 0.001), fluid resuscitation 96.62% vs 80.95% (p < 0.001). Infection control at 72 hours was quite higher in group A (81.42% vs 55.18%, odds ratio 3.55 [2.48-5.09]). Antibiotic was optimized more frequently in group A (60.77% vs 47.03%, p 0.008). Mean in-hospital stay was 10.63 days (11.44 vs 8.53 days, p < 0.001). Complications during hospitalization appeared in 51.76% of patients, especially in group B (45.95% vs 56.58%, odds ratio 1.53 [1.12-2.09]). Hospital readmissions were higher in group A (40% vs 24.76%, p < 0.001). 28-day mortality was significantly lower in group A (20.95% vs 42.86%, odds ratio 0.33 [0.23-0.47]).ConclusionsImplementation of SC seems to be effective in improving short-term outcomes in IM patients, although therapy should be tailored in an individual basis.     

Epidemiological Review of Spinal Cord Injury due to Road Traffic Accidents in Latin America

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a disease that affects the normal function of the spinal cord. Road traffic accidents (RTAs) represent the main cause of SCI worldwide. SCI may generate physical disability and economic dependency, which is especially significant in low- and middle-income countries such as most of the Latin American countries. The main objective of this study was to present an epidemiological review of SCI secondary to RTAs. Stronger evidence on this condition in Latin America is important for future-specific data collection and prevention strategies. A literature review was carried out using specific search strategies in databases of indexed journals from the period 2000 to 2019. Data on SCI secondary to RTAs in the Latin American region were collected and analyzed. After initial screening and removal of duplicates, 16 articles met the inclusion criteria and were chosen for analysis. Data from 7 Latin American countries were retrievable. On average, RTAs were responsible for 40.81% of SCI. Data from different studies are heterogeneous. Car accidents and moto accidents were equally responsible for SCIs (50.61% vs. 49.06%). The thoracic segments were the most commonly affected (57.87%). Males in their 30s were the most affected category (76.6%). SCI due to RTAs may represent a severe but preventable condition that affects mostly men in their productive age, generating important social and economic issues. Data about this condition in Latin America are scarce, and could limit prevention and treatment strategies. Prospective data collection about this condition is recommended.     

New discoveries and directions for medical, dental and dental hygiene research: low temperature atmospheric pressure plasma

Abstract:  The study of plasma integrates physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering, and has recently engaged medicine and dental hygiene in research efforts. The study of plasma holds promise for a myriad of applications ranging from lasers and electronics, hazardous waste management, decontamination, sterilization and disinfection of foods, soil, water, instruments, to medical uses in wound healing and treating certain types of tumours and cancers. Plasma represents a new state-of-the-art sterilization and disinfection treatment for certain oral and enviornmental pathogens, heat-sensitive materials, contaminated medical waste, hard and soft surfaces, and ventilation systems may assist health care facilities in the management of various health concerns. The role that Low Temperature Atmospheric Pressure Plasma (LTAPP) could play in the inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms might prove to be a new, faster, noncorrosive, more economical alternative, as well as support green healthcare.     

O等位基因引起ABO基因型与表现型定型差异

保证输血时血清学方面的安全,首要的是对受血者与献血者ABO血型定型,血清学检查通常分两个步骤.正定型通常使用鼠源单克隆抗体检测红细胞表面是否存在A或B抗原.互补的实验即反定型,利用当红细胞上缺乏A或B抗原时,人群可天然产生相对应的抗体的原理,检测血清中是否存在抗-A或者抗-B抗体.确定了受血者红细胞表面的ABO抗原以及血浆中的抗体,便能确定血型,为其提供相合的血液.     

Transradial approach for percutaneous coronary stenting in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Treatment of acute myocardial infarction by percutaneous coronary intervention with stenting leads to excellent immediate clinical results and a good prognosis. The aim of this study was to compare in this selected population the safety and effectiveness of radial artery access versus femoral artery access. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Between May 2001 and June 2003, 162 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction < 12 hours treated by percutaneous stenting were included in an observational study. The radial artery approach was used in 103 patients, and the femoral artery approach in the remaining 59 patients. The success of the procedure, incidence of major adverse cardiac events and local puncture complications were compared in patients treated with the radial artery versus the femoral artery approach. RESULTS: Fluoroscopy time (22.4 [15.4] min vs 24.5 [19.5] min), immediate success of the procedure (96.1% vs 94.9%), and the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (6.8% vs 8.5%) did not differ between the two groups. Bleeding complications due to local puncture were present only in the femoral artery access group (0 vs 5 patients; P= .007). CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with primary stent implantation, the success rate and clinical safety of the radial artery approach are similar to those of the femoral artery approach, but the incidence of local complications, especially bleeding, is significantly lower in the former. Thus the radial artery approach should become the approach of choice in patients at high risk for bleeding complications.