Gravity assisted reduction of ankle (GARA) fractures: Results of a novel technique for relocating displaced ankle fractures in the emergency setting in comparison to traditional manipulation and reduction (TMR) technique

BackgroundAnkle fracture displacements cause significant discomfort to the patient and can compromise soft tissues including the neurovascular structures. Prompt reduction and plaster splint application are vital in the early management of these potentially limb-threatening conditions. The process can be distressing for the patient often requiring additional personnel or equipment. We have used a novel technique of Gravity Assisted Reduction of Ankle (GARA) fractures and compared the results with the Traditional Manipulation and Reduction (TMR) technique.Material and methodsWith adequate analgesia, the patient turns to lay either in lateral or prone position depending on fracture pattern, thus permitting gravity to gradually aid in reduction and hold the fracture in place while Plaster Of Paris (POP) is applied. We performed a retrospective comparative study of GARA vs TMR using validated radiological parameters to assess the quality of reduction with both techniques.Results21 patients had GARA technique, in comparison with 19 patients in TMR group. All measured radiological parameters showed similar improvement in both the groups, despite the fact that the pronation-external rotation injury pattern was more often seen in the GARA group. Intravenous sedation and monitoring were needed in 10 patients of TMR group, none in GARA group. On an average 4 personnel needed for TMR, but only 2 personnel needed for GARA technique.ConclusionGravity assisted ankle fracture reduction is a simple, effective and reproducible alternative technique to TMR, with no need of intravenous sedation along with fewer people needed to perform the procedure.Level of evidence3b     

Linear lesions for treating the recurrence of persistent atrial tachyarrhythmia after cryoballoon ablation of atrial fibrillation

Overall, 133 patients underwent 170 procedures for the treatment of persistent ATa following an index cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (n = 715). After all the procedures, > 90% of the patients had a roof line, a mitral isthmus and/or septal line, and a cavotricuspid isthmus line. Ninety-two patients (69.2%) were in sinus rhythm after a median of 36 months since the index cryoballoon PVI. ATa: atrial tachyarrhythmia; cryo: cryoballoon; CTI: cavotricuspid isthmus; LSPV: left superior pulmonary vein; LIPV: left inferior pulmonary vein; PVI: pulmonary vein isolation; RF: radiofrequency; RSPV: right superior pulmonary vein; RIPV: right inferior pulmonary vein.

     

Association of family history of cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) and individual health behaviours: Analysis of CARRS study from South Asia

ObjectivesFamily history is considered as an important predictor of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and diabetes. Available research findings suggest that family history of chronic diseases is associated with perceived risk of disease and adoption of healthy behaviours. We examined the association between family history of cardio-metabolic diseases (CMDs) and healthy behaviours among adults without self-reported CMDs.MethodsCross-sectional data of 12,484 adults, without self-reported CMDs, from the baseline survey of Centre for cArdiometabolic Risk Reduction in South-Asia (CARRS) cohort study were analysed.ResultsFamily history was positively associated with non-smoking and high fruits & vegetables consumption in the age group of 45–64 years and moderate to high physical activity in the age group ≥65 years after adjusting for sex, education, wealth index, city and body mass index.ConclusionsUnderstanding perceived risks and cultural or psychological factors related to family history through ethnographic studies may deepen understanding of these associations.     

Modeling hybrid rough set-based classification procedures to identify hemodialysis adequacy for end-stage renal disease patients

Healthcare problems observed in the majority of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients regarding hemodialysis (HD) treatment are serious issues for the Taiwanese healthcare services, and an interesting topic is thus the adequacy of HD therapy. This study successfully models a hybrid procedure to measure HD adequacy to assess therapeutic effects and to explore the relationship between accuracy and coverage for interested parties. The proposed model has better accuracy, a lower standard deviation, and fewer attributes than the listed methods under various evaluation criteria. The study results are useful to subsequent researchers to develop suitable applications, and to ESRD patients and their doctors to ensure satisfactory medical quality.     

Brachytherapy of the head and neck: An University of California Los Angeles guide to morbidity reduction

The head and neck (H&N) region is among the most intricate and functional part of our anatomy. Major functional nerves and blood vessels with importance that affect the entire body emanate from the base of skull. Brachytherapy plays an important role as a single modality therapy in early cancer of the lip and oral cavity and a supplemental role in the pharynx or in advanced or recurrent disease. Morbidity in the H&N is intensely personal and disabling. Its avoidance is critical in determining the success or failure of a treatment program, and it is essential to preservation of quality of life. This article summarizes the current literature regarding morbidity related to H&N brachytherapy to aid patients and physicians to achieve optimal outcomes.     

我院病区药房退药情况调查及减少退药对策

目的 分析病区药房退药情况,并提出几点相应的对策。方法 对我院2019年1～6月份病区药房6474张退药单中的退药金额、退药科室、退药频次、退药原因进行统计分析。结果 2019年1～6月份退药总金额为1 528 102.01元,约占药品出库金额的1.40%;全院30个科室均有退药,退药总频次达6474次,退药频次前5位的科室依次为21区呼吸科(14.84%)、18区心血管内科一区(12.30%)、7区神经外科(11.23%)、20区心血管内科二区(10.83%)、13区心血管内科三区(6.58%);退药原因主要为患者出院(31.71%)、医嘱调整(27.57%)、药物不良反应(11.12%)、患者转科(8.03%)、护士医嘱录入错误(5.25%)、患者拒绝使用(4.80%)、药房无药(4.14%)、医生重复开具同类药品(3.82%)、患者死亡(3.55%)。结论 我院病区药房退药现象涉及临床各科室,退药金额较大,退药原因较多,医院应当高度警惕退药带来的药品安全隐患,加强对退药的管理,严格执行退药管理制度,加强全体医务人员的业务素质,减少不必要的退药事件发生,保障患者的用药安全。