Validation of donor fraction cell-free DNA with biopsy-proven cardiac allograft rejection in children and adults

ObjectivesDonor-specific cell-free DNA shows promise as a noninvasive marker for allograft rejection, but as yet has not been validated in both adult and pediatric recipients. The study objective was to validate donor fraction cell-free DNA as a noninvasive test to assess for risk of acute cellular rejection and antibody-mediated rejection after heart transplantation in pediatric and adult recipients.MethodsPediatric and adult heart transplant recipients were enrolled from 7 participating sites and followed for 12 months or more with plasma samples collected immediately before all endomyocardial biopsies. Donor fraction cell-free DNA was extracted, and quantitative genotyping was performed. Blinded donor fraction cell-free DNA and clinical data were analyzed and compared with a previously determined threshold of 0.14%. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, and receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated.ResultsA total of 987 samples from 144 subjects were collected. After applying predefined clinical and technical exclusions, 745 samples from 130 subjects produced 54 rejection samples associated with the composite outcome of acute cellular rejection grade 2R or greater and pathologic antibody-mediated rejection 2 or greater and 323 healthy samples. For all participants, donor fraction cell-free DNA at a threshold of 0.14% had a sensitivity of 67%, a specificity of 79%, a positive predictive value of 34%, and a negative predictive value of 94% with an area under the curve of 0.78 for detecting rejection. When analyzed independently, these results held true for both pediatric and adult cohorts at the same threshold of 0.14% (negative predictive value 92% and 95%, respectively).ConclusionsDonor fraction cell-free DNA at a threshold of 0.14% can be used to assess for risk of rejection after heart transplantation in both pediatric and adult patients with excellent negative predictive value.     

The American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) 2022 Expert Consensus Document: The use of mechanical circulatory support in lung transplantation

ObjectiveThe use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in lung transplantation has been steadily increasing over the prior decade, with evolving strategies for incorporating support in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative settings. There is significant practice variability in the use of these techniques, however, and relatively limited data to help establish institutional protocols. The objective of the AATS Clinical Practice Standards Committee (CPSC) expert panel was to review the existing literature and establish recommendations about the use of MCS before, during, and after lung transplantation.MethodsThe AATS CPSC assembled an expert panel of 16 lung transplantation physicians who developed a consensus document of recommendations. The panel was broken into subgroups focused on preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative support, and each subgroup performed a focused literature review. These subgroups formulated recommendation statements for each subtopic, which were evaluated by the entire group. The statements were then developed via discussion among the panel and refined until consensus was achieved on each statement.ResultsThe expert panel achieved consensus on 36 recommendations for how and when to use MCS in lung transplantation. These recommendations included the use of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a bridging strategy in the preoperative setting, a preference for central veno-arterial ECMO over traditional cardiopulmonary bypass during the transplantation procedure, and the benefit of supporting selected patients with MCS postoperatively.ConclusionsAchieving optimal results in lung transplantation requires the use of a wide range of strategies. MCS provides an important mechanism for helping these critically ill patients through the peritransplantation period. Despite the complex nature of the decision making process in the treatment of these patients, the expert panel was able to achieve consensus on 36 recommendations. These recommendations should provide guidance for professionals involved in the care of end-stage lung disease patients considered for transplantation.     

Rates and Outcomes of Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Persons Who Inject Drugs

BackgroundThe risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is higher in persons who inject drugs (PWID) after total joint arthroplasty (TJA), though reported rates vary widely. This study was designed to assess outcomes of TJA in PWID and to describe factors associated with improved PJI outcomes among PWID.MethodsA retrospective matched cohort study was performed using a 1:4 match among those with and those without a history of injection drug use (IDU) undergoing TJA. Demographic, surgical, and outcome variables were compared in multivariate logistic regressions to determine PJI predictors. Kaplan-Meier analyses were constructed to characterize the difference in survival of patients who did not have PJI or undergo joint explantation between PWID and the matching cohort.ResultsPWID had a 9-fold increased risk of PJI compared to the matched cohort (odds ratio 9.605, 95% CI 2.781-33.175, P < .001). Ten of 17 PWID whose last use was within 6 months (active use) of primary TJA had a PJI, while 7 of 41 PWID who did not have active use developed a PJI. Of PWID with PJI, treatment failure was seen in 15 of 17, while in patients who did not have an IDU history, 5 of 8 with PJI had treatment failure.ConclusionIDU is a significant risk factor for PJI following TJA. Future work investigating the effect of a multidisciplinary support team to assist in cessation of IDU and to provide social support may improve outcomes and reduce morbidity in this vulnerable population.     

Clinical outcomes following treatment of deep surgical site infection after fixation of calcaneal fractures: A retrospective case-control study

IntroductionDeep surgical site infection (SSI) may be a complication of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of calcaneal fractures. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of patients with deep SSI following ORIF of calcaneal fractures via extensile lateral approach (ELA). We compared clinical outcomes of these patients, with a minimum follow-up of one year after successful treatment of deep SSI with a matched control group.MethodsIn this retrospective case-control study, demographic data, fracture characteristics, bacterial pathogens, medical treatments and surgical approaches were collected, also the outcome was evaluated by the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, foot function index (FFI) and AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score. The differences in Böhler and Gissane's angles between infected and contralateral feet were measured. By matching a control group of uninfected cases, clinical outcomes were compared between 2 groups using the Mann–Whitney U test.ResultsAmong 331 calcaneus fractures in 308 patients (mean age, 38.0 ± 13.1; male/female ratio, 5.5), 21 had deep SSI (6.3 %). There were 16 (76.2 %) males and 5 (23.8 %) females with a mean age of 35.1 ± 11.7 years. Thirteen (61.9 %) patients had unilateral fractures. The most common Sanders Type was found to be type II. The most frequent type of detected microorganisms was Staphylococcus species. Intravenous antibiotic therapy, mostly clindamycin, imipenem and vancomycin, based on the microbiological results, was prescribed with a mean±SD duration of 28.1 ± 16.5 days. The mean number of surgical debridements was 1.8 ± 1.3. Implants needed to be removed in 16 (76.2 %) cases. Antibiotic-impregnated bone cement was applied in three (14.3 %) cases. The clinical outcomes of 15 cases (follow up, 35.5 ± 13.8; range, 12.6–64.5 months) were 4.1 ± 2.0, 16.7 ± 12.3 and 77.5 ± 20.8 for VAS for pain, FFI % and AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, respectively. Comparing with the control group (VAS for pain, 2.3 ± 2.7; FFI %, 12.2 ± 16.6, and AOFAS, 84.6 ± 18.0), only VAS pain was statistically lower in this group (p-value: 0.012). The differences in Böhler and Gissane's angles between both feet of infected cases were − 14.3 ± 17.9 and − 7.7 ± 22.5 (worse in the infected side), respectively.ConclusionProper on-time approaches to deep infection following ORIF of calcaneal fractures may lead to acceptable clinical and functional outcomes. Sometimes aggressive approaches with intravenous antibiotic therapy, multiple sessions of surgical debridement, removal of implants and antibiotic impregnated cement are necessary to eradicate deep infection.Level of evidenceLevel III.     

PTGBD联合LC对高龄急性胆囊炎合并糖尿病的疗效分析

目的 探讨经皮经肝胆囊穿刺引流(PTGBD)联合腹腔镜胆囊切除术(LC)对高龄急性胆囊炎合并糖尿病患者的疗效。方法 本回顾性研究以44例高龄急性胆囊炎合并糖尿病患者为研究对象,根据LC术前接受的治疗情况不同分为研究组(PTGBD组,n=20)和对照组(保守治疗组,n=24)。比较两组患者术中、术后各项指标的变化情况和并发症发生率。结果 研究组平均手术时间[(52.78±6.65)min vs(72.56±10.63)min]、术中出血量[(12.10±2.77)mL vs (18.52±2.47)mL]和术后住院时间[(5.85±0.75)d vs (8.91±1.09)d]均少于对照组(P<0.05),研究组首次排气时间[(20.33±2.99)h vs (28.27±4.38)h]及早期下床活动时间[(28.66±3.29)h vs (39.31±4.33)h]均早于对照组(P<0.05)。两组患者术后1 d的WBC、CRP、VAS评分差异没有统计学意义,但术后3 d两组WBC[(5.84±1.01)×10⁹/L vs (6.72±0.67)×10...     

瑞金医院新型冠状病毒感染病人营养治疗建议（2023版）

营养支持是新型冠状病毒感染病人,尤其是危重症病人救治的综合治疗措施之一。营养治疗遵循营养风险筛查→评估→干预→监测的规范流程,遵循“五阶梯”营养治疗原则。通过合理膳食、规范的营养支持能改善病人的营养状况,增强免疫功能,改善临床结局。     

针对性护理对重度烧伤伴并发症患者创面恢复及生存质量的影响

目的 分析针对性护理对重度烧伤伴并发症患者创面恢复及生存质量的影响。方法 选取邯郸 钢铁集团有限责任公司职工医院烧伤整形科2021年6月-2022年9月收治的68例重度烧伤伴并发症患者为 研究对象,依据随机数字表法分为观察组与对照组,各34例。对照组行常规护理干预,观察组给予针对 性护理,比较两组护理干预后疼痛情况（VAS评分）、创面恢复情况（愈合时间及愈合率）、生活质量 （BSHS-A量表评分）。结果 观察组干预后VAS评分低于对照组,愈合时间及愈合率优于对照组,差异 有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;两组干预后躯体功能、社会关系、心理功能、一般健康状况评分均高于干预 前,且观察组高于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论 对重度烧伤伴并发症的患者实施针对 性护理干预可缩短创面愈合时间,促进创面愈合,同时可提高患者生活质量,减轻疼痛程度,值得临床 应用。     

Outcomes and Resource Utilization Associated with Use of Routine Pre-Discharge White Blood Cell Count for Clinical Decision-Making in Children with Complicated Appendicitis: A Multicenter Hospital-Level Analysis

BackgroundThe objective was to explore the hospital-level relationship between routine pre-discharge WBC utilization (RPD-WBC) and outcomes in children with complicated appendicitis.MethodsMulticenter analysis of NSQIP-Pediatric data from 14 consortium hospitals augmented with RPD-WBC data. WBC were considered routine if obtained within one day of discharge in children who did not develop an organ space infection (OSI) or fever during the index admission. Hospital-level observed-to-expected ratios (O/E) for 30-day outcomes (antibiotic days, imaging utilization, healthcare days, and OSI) were calculated after adjusting for appendicitis severity and patient characteristics. Spearman correlation was used to explore the relationship between hospital-level RPD-WBC utilization and O/E's for each outcome.Results1528 children were included. Significant variation was found across hospitals in RPD-WBC use (range: 0.7–100%; p < 0.01) and all outcomes (mean antibiotic days: 9.9 [O/E range: 0.56–1.44, p < 0.01]; imaging: 21.9% [O/E range: 0.40–2.75, p < 0.01]; mean healthcare visit days: 5.7 [O/E 0.74–1.27, p < 0.01]); OSI: 14.1% [O/E range: 0.43–3.64, p < 0.01]). No correlation was found between RPD-WBC use and antibiotic days (r = +0.14, p = 0.64), imaging (r = −0.07, p = 0.82), healthcare days (r = +0.35, p = 0.23) or OSI (r = −0.13, p = 0.65).ConclusionsIncreased RPD-WBC utilization in pediatric complicated appendicitis did not correlate with improved outcomes or resource utilization at the hospital level.Level of EvidenceIII.Type of StudyClinical Research     

Common knee injuries,diagnosis and management

The knee is a frequently injured joint, and the incidence of injury is increasing. Young adults are most likely to injure their knee through sports participation, and this can result in long-term debility without appropriate early and deferred management. A detailed history and clinical examination, supplemented with radiographic evaluation of the joint and magnetic resonance imaging, assist in the diagnosis and can guide acute and definitive management. Early clinical assessment by an appropriately trained clinician is recommended. Fractures should be managed through orthopaedic trauma services, and soft tissue injuries are often best triaged into specialist acute knee clinics. Early management includes the use of plaster casts, splints or braces according to the injury pattern, and the principles or rest, ice, compression and elevation are followed. Early functional motion should be instituted when safe to do so to prevent arthrofibrosis and secondary complications. Fractures, including osteochondral lesions are typically best dealt with acutely, along with disruptions of the extensor mechanism and displaced meniscal tears causing locking. Non-acute surgical management of other soft tissue injuries is generally preferred, allowing the joint to recover before additional operative insult. Appropriate early intervention by specialist knee services is associated with improved long-term outcomes.     

Infection Risk Increases After Total Hip Arthroplasty Within 3 Months Following Intra-Articular Corticosteroid Injection. A Meta-Analysis on Knee and Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundMuch debate continues regarding the risk of postoperative infection after intra-articular corticosteroid injection prior to total joint arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) or other complications after joint arthroplasty in patients who received preoperative corticosteroids injections.MethodsA literature search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library through January 4, 2022. Of 4,596 studies, 28 studies on 480,532 patients were selected for qualitative analysis. Studies describing patients receiving corticosteroids injections before joint arthroplasty (hip, knee) were included in the systematic review. A meta-analysis was performed of studies focusing on corticosteroids injections and PJI. Assessment of risk of bias and quality of evidence was based on the “Downs and Black’s Checklist for Measuring Quality”.ResultsA significant association (odds ratio: 1.55, P = .001, 95% confidence interval: 1.357-1.772) between PJI and corticosteroids injections was found for total hip arthroplasty (THA). No association was found for knee arthroplasty procedures. The risk of PJI is statistically higher (odds ratio: 1.20, P = .045, 95% confidence interval: 1.058-1.347) if the injections are performed within 3 months preoperatively in THA patients.ConclusionPatients undergoing THA who previously received intra-articular injections of corticosteroids may expect a statistically higher risk of developing PJI. On the contrary, no association between corticosteroids injections and PJI could be seen in total knee arthroplasty patients. In addition, injection timing plays an important role: surgeons should refrain from administering corticosteroids injections within 3 months before hip arthroplasty, as it appears to be less safe than waiting a 3-month interval.