Prevalence and clinical significance of pleural effusion in patients with acute pulmonary embolism: a retrospective study

BackgroundPleural effusion is observed in a subset of patients with acute pulmonary embolism (APE) and may be linked to clinical outcome, but findings from previous studies have been inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of pleural effusion in Chinese patients with APE.MethodsClinical data from hospitalized patients with APE were retrospectively collected and the prevalence of pleural effusion was determined. The relationship between the presence of pleural effusion and clinical outcome of APE was analyzed by Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.ResultsThe study enrolled 635 patients with APE. The prevalence of pleural effusion was 57.01% (362/635). Patients with pleural effusion had significantly higher in-hospital mortality (9.9% vs. 4.8%, P<0.05) and longer length of hospital stay (LOS) (19.99 vs. 15.31 days, P<0.05) than whose without pleural effusion. However, pleural effusion was not an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality in patients with APE by multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis [hazard ratio (HR) =1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.73–3.92, P=0.216] and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis (P=0.174).ConclusionsPleural effusion is a frequent occurrence in patients with APE and therefore merits greater attention from clinicians; however, it is not an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality.     

维吾尔族抑郁症患者认知功能研究

目的探讨维吾尔族抑郁症患者认知功能情况。方法采用威斯康星卡片分类测验(WCST)分别对38例住院抑郁症患者(研究组)及30例对照者(正常组)进行WCST测验。结果研究组正确应答数(115.37±11.67)、概念化水平百分数(60.37±19.37)较正常对照组低(P<0.05);而完成分类数(1.58±1.43)、总应答数(2.66±1.52)、错误应答数(55.00±13.31)、持续性应答数(32.11±14.71)、持续性错误数(8.76±14.91)、不能维持完整分类数(64.29±15.81)等项目数值则高于正常对照组(P<0.05)。结论维吾尔族抑郁症患者认知功能有一定损害。     

Surgery in Oman

During the past 3 decades, Oman (a sultanate), a country with deep-rooted history, culture, and traditions, has undergone a remarkable transformation and modernization in all fields, including education and health care. It has progressively established a nationwide network of modern health services that are accessible even at the village level and have ranked Oman with the developed world. More than 300 surgeons provide a full range of surgical services for a population of 2.5 million. Medical education is firmly established, and accredited surgical residency training has assumed increasing importance during the past decade. Given the sustained growth and dynamic planning, the surgical services will continue to develop, with Omani surgeons playing an increasing role in the future.     

A clinico-pathological study of postcoital bleeding

Methods. To undertake a clinical study of postcoital bleeding (PCB) in a district general hospital we retrospectively reviewed the records of 248 patients referred to the gynaecology department over a 5-year period. Results. 63% were in the 21–40-year age group and 80% were multiparous. Seventy per cent were referred to the gynaecology out patients' clinic and 28% to the colposcopy clinic. Associated symptoms included menstrual abnormalities (39%) and dyspareunia (13%). Twenty per cent had benign polyps, including endometrial polyps and 25% had cervical ectropion. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia was detected in 6.8% of cases. There was no case of invasive cancer of the lower genital tract. Conclusions. This is the first report of associated endometrial polyps contributing to PCB. We conclude that CIN may not always be asymptomatic and the incidence of cervical or endometrial cancer is low in women with PCB.