聪耳通窍汤联合耳针对老年神经性耳鸣近远期疗效观察

目的探讨聪耳通窍汤联合耳针治疗老年神经性耳鸣患者的近远期疗效。方法选取耳鼻喉科门诊收治的老年神经性耳鸣患者136例,按随机数字表法分组,对照组68例予以耳针治疗,研究组68例在对照组基础上予以聪耳通窍汤治疗。检测比较两组间近、远期临床疗效、甲襞微循环指标、血液流变学指标以及不良反应发生率。结果治疗后,对照组总有效率为67.64%(46/68)低于研究组总有效率83.82%(57/68),具有统计学意义(P<0.05);随访6个月后,对照组总有效率64.71%(44/68)低于研究组总有效率89.71%(61/68),具有统计学意义(P<0.05);与对照组比较,研究组治疗后甲襞微循环襻周积分、管襻积分、流态积分及总积分较低,治疗后血浆黏度、高切全血黏度、低切全血黏度及红细胞压积较低,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗中出现的不良反应为恶心、腹胀、针刺部位疼痛,两组间不良反应发生率无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论聪耳通窍汤联合耳针治疗老年神经性耳鸣患者的近远期疗效均较好,能明显改善患者微循环状态及血液流变学指标,减轻内耳循环障碍,具有较高安全性。     

A phase 2 study of the bivalent VLP norovirus vaccine candidate in older adults; impact of MPL adjuvant or a second dose

IntroductionAcute norovirus gastroenteritis causes significant morbidity and in uncommon cases fatality in older adults. We investigated the safety and immunogenicity of bivalent virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine candidate formulations with and without monophosphoryl lipid A (adjuvant MPL) in this population.MethodsIn this phase II, double-blind, controlled trial 294 healthy adults, ≥ 60 years of age, were randomized (1:1:1:1) to four groups to receive one or two intramuscular immunizations 28 days apart, with 26 18–49 year-old controls who received one MPL-free dose. One-dose groups received placebo on Day 1. Vaccine formulations contained 15 μg GI.1 and 50 μg GII.4c VLP antigens and 500 μg Al(OH)₃, with or without 15 μg MPL. We measured histo-blood group antigen blocking (HBGA) antibodies and ELISA Ig at Days 1, 8, 29, 57, 211 and 393, and avidity indices and cell-mediated immunity (CMI). Solicited local and systemic adverse events (AE) were assessed for 7 days and unsolicited AEs for 28 days after each injection.ResultsAfter one dose HBGA antibodies to both VLP antigens increased with similar kinetics and magnitude in all groups; geometric mean titres (GMTs) persisted above baseline through Day 393. GMTs were similar across age strata (18–49, 60–74, 75–84 and ≥ 85 years of age) and unaffected by a second vaccination or MPL. Total Ig showed similar responses. No clinically relevant differences or changes in avidity or CMI were observed between formulations. Both formulations were well tolerated with no vaccine-related SAEs, the most frequent AEs being mild injection site pain and fatigue.ConclusionsAdults over 60 years of age displayed no safety concerns and had similar immune responses to the norovirus VLP vaccine candidate as younger adults, unaffected by increasing age, a second dose or inclusion of MPL. This data supports the further development of the MPL-free vaccine candidate for older adults.     

老年难治性胃食管反流病患者食管动力学特征和反流特点分析

目的 分析老年难治性胃食管反流病（rGERD）患者食管动力学特征和反流特点。方法 以我院2017 年2 月～2019 年12 月收治的100 例rGERD 患者为观察对象。按照年龄分为老年组（年龄≥60 岁）42 例和非老年组（年龄＜60 岁）58 例。比较两组基线资料、临床表现特征、食管动力学特征、反流特点。结果 老年组与非老年组在性别、BMI 指数、吸烟及饮酒方面比较，差异均无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。老年组胸痛、上腹部不适及慢性咳嗽发生率均高于非老年组，差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。老年组LESP 及LEPP 水平均低于非老年组，差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。老年组酸反流、弱酸反流、非酸反流、气体反流、气液混合反流次数均高于非老年组，差异均有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论 老年rGERD 患者存在明显的食管动力学异常，且该类患者的反流主要是弱酸反流、非酸反流、气体反流、气液混合反流。     

Worsening head bleeds in elderly blunt head trauma patients taking antithrombotics: Delayed CT head fails to change management

Background

Most elderly trauma patients suffer blunt head injury and many utilize antithrombotic (AT) medications. The utility of delayed CT-head (D-CTH) in neurologically intact elderly patients using AT who have an intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) on presentation is unknown. We hypothesized that D-CTH would not alter clinical management and aimed to evaluate the role of D-CTH in this population.

Expression of TRIM22 mRNA in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with direct-acting antiviral drugs

Hepatitis C is a global public health problem, and Pakistan is the second largest country in the globe with highest prevalence rate of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Until 2014, pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) has been the standard therapy for HCV, however, owing to its adverse side effects and very low sustained virologic response (SVR) rates therapeutics trend is shifted toward direct-acting antivirals. Tripartite motif containing 22 (TRIM22) is a dynamic antiviral protein that can inhibit multiple viruses in vivo. Expression of TRIM22 mRNA has been linked to outcome of PEG-IFN and ribavirin therapy, where its higher expression leads to rapid virus clearance. However, in terms of therapy with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) or double DAA, impact of TRIM22 expression is largely unknown. These new drugs show more than 90% of SVR rates and lesser side effects and have proven to be better than IFN therapy. Endogenous IFN system suppresses various pathogens through the induction of antiviral effectors termed as interferon-stimulating genes (ISGs). We have studied the expression levels of one of these antiviral effectors, TRIM22 in response to sofosbuvir (SOF) and daclatasvir (DAC) in combination with RBV, using quantitative PCR in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of HCV-infected patients. We have observed sustained virus clearance in more than 90% of patients treated with DAA and double DAA and have seen the expression of TRIM22 to be higher in patients who attained SVR as compared to the untreated patients. We have also observed downregulation of TRIM22 in patients who failed to attain rapid virus clearance, and upregulation in those who achieved rapid clearance of virus. Genetic factors that determine the lower TRIM22 expression in these patients are needed to be explored that may also play a role in lower response to anti-HCV therapy. Endogenous IFN system and effects of antiviral proteins in response to DAA therapy is needed to be studied in order to better understand the host response toward these drugs to make them more effective.     

反复粪便培养金黄色葡萄球菌阳性老年患者口服万古霉素效果评价

目的 通过探讨肠道非急性感染期反复粪便培养金黄色葡萄球菌阳性的老年患者口服万古霉素的效果，为此类患者提供一种潜在的治疗方案。方法 前瞻性分析吉林大学第一医院干部病房2015 年9 月～2018 年12 月收治的186 例肠道非急性感染期反复粪便培养金黄色葡萄球菌阳性的老年患者。根据是否口服万古霉素治疗分为万古组和对照组。收集两组患者的一般临床资料，比较两组患者试验前后万古霉素血药浓度、血常规、降钙素原（PCT）、C 反应蛋白（CRP），试验期间粪便培养结果、体温、抗生素使用情况。结果 试验治疗期间，万古组便培养转阴率高于对照组，差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）；万古组发热率（29.75%）低于对照组的34.77%，差异有高度统计学意义（P＜0.01）；万古组抗生素使用率（4.49%）低于对照组的19.23%，差异有高度统计学意义（P＜0.01）。试验前两组白细胞、中性粒细胞计数、中性粒细胞比例、PCT、CRP 比较，差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）；试验后万古组白细胞、中性粒细胞计数、中性粒细胞比例、CRP 低于对照组，差异有高度统计学意义（P＜0.01）。试验后万古组白细胞、中性粒细胞计数、中性粒细胞比例、CRP 低于试验前，差异有高度统计学意义（P＜0.01）。结论 口服万古霉素可能提高肠道非急性感染期反复粪便培养金黄色葡萄球菌阳性的老年患者粪便转阴率，减少发热及抗生素的应用，降低炎症细胞水平，可能是此类患者一种潜在的临床治疗方案。     

Prevalence of and factors contributing to anxiety,depression and cognitive disorders among urban elderly in Odisha – A study through the health systems’ Lens

IntroductionGrowing geriatric mental health needs of urban population in India pose several programmatic challenges. This study aimed to assess anxiety, depression and cognitive disorders among urban elderly, and explore availability of social support mechanisms and of a responsive health system to implement the national mental health programme.Methods244 respondents were randomly selected from Berhampur city. We administered a semi-structured interview schedule to assess substance abuse, chronic morbidity, anxiety, depression and cognitive abilities. Further, in-depth interviews were conducted with 25 key informants including district officials, psychiatrists, and programme managers. We used R software and ‘thematic framework’ approach, respectively, for quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Ethical standards were complied with.ResultsAbout half of the respondents were economically dependent; 57.3% had moderate to severe anxiety; 46.7% had moderate to severe depression; while about 25% had severe cognitive impairments. We found association of chewing tobacco (1.34(0.28–2.40)) and depression (0.52(0.37–0.68)) with anxiety; negative perception about elderly-friendly society (1.64(0.75–2.53)) and physical inactivity (2.88(1.60–4.16)) with depression; and age (-0.11(-0.20 – -0.02)) and physical inactivity (-3.44(-5.13 – -1.74)) with cognitive disorders. Qualitative analysis revealed lack of awareness, social stigma, poor availability of trained human resources, and poor political commitment as important systemic barriers to early detection and treatment of mental ailments among the elderly.ConclusionEstablishing tobacco cessation centres, sensitizing community about mental health needs of elderly, incentivizing physical activity of elderly, integrating mental health with primary care, multi-skilling providers and developing a cadre of community counsellors need urgent attention of policy makers and programme implementers.     

Acute total hip arthroplasty for older patients with acetabular fractures: A meta-analysis

ObjectiveMultiple treatment options for acetabular fractures in geriatric patients exist. However, no large-scale studies have reported the outcomes of acute total hip arthroplasty (THA) in this patient population. We systematically evaluated all available evidence to characterize clinical outcomes, complications, and revisions of acute THA for acetabular fractures in geriatric patients.MethodsMeta-analysis of 21 studies of 430 acetabular fractures with mean follow-up of 44 months (range, 17−97 months). Two independent researchers searched and evaluated the databases of Ovid, Embase, and United States National Library of Medicine using a Boolean search string up to December 2019. Population demographics and complications, including presence of heterotopic ossification (HO), dislocation, infection, revision rate, neurological deficits, and venous thromboembolic event (VTE), were recorded and analyzed.ResultsWeighted mean Harris Hip Score was 83.3 points, and 20% of the patients had reported complications. The most common complication was HO, with a rate of 19.5%. Brooker grade III and IV HO rates were lower at 6.8%. Hip dislocation occurred at a rate of 6.1%, 4.1% of patients developed VTE, deep infection occurred in 3.8%, and neurological complications occurred in 1.9%. Although the revision rate was described in most studies, we were unable to perform a survival analysis because the time to each revision was described in only a few studies. The revision rate was 4.3%.ConclusionsAcute THA is a viable option for treatment of acetabular fracture and can result in acceptable clinical outcomes and survivorship rates in older patients but with an associated complication rate of approximately 20%. Considering the limited treatment options, THA might be a viable alternative for appropriately selected patients.     

老年人支气管异物延误诊治原因

目的探讨老年人支气管异物延误诊治的原因。方法对28例误诊的老年人支气管异物临床表现及误诊情况进行分析。结果老年人支气管异物病史诉说不清,临床缺乏特异性,医生重视不够,容易误诊为呼吸系统疾病。结论老年患者疑为支气管异物者,应详细询问病史,抗感染治疗无效时,应及时行纤维支气管镜检查。