Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management最新文献

Background: Low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) after pericardiectomy is associated with high morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the effect of levosimendan on postoperative LCOS in the patients with constrictive pericarditis.

Methods: Patients were retrospectively enrolled, and those receiving the treatment of levosimendan were assigned in the LEVO (+) group, and others were in the LEVO (-) group. Postoperative outcomes including durations of intubation, vasoactive agents using, ICU stay, hospital stay and mortality were compared between the two groups.

Results: A total of 32 patients were eligible for analysis, 19 of whom were in the LEVO (+) group, and 13 of whom were in the LEVO (-) group. The LEVO (+) group was associated with shorter postoperative duration of intubation (P < 0.001), vasopressor using (P = 0.006), ICU stay (P = 0.001) and hospital stay (P = 0.042), and less incidence of acute liver or kidney injury (P = 0.046). There were no significant differences in 30-day mortality and 1-year mortality between the LEVO (+) group and the LEVO (-) group. The prevalence of adverse events in the LEVO (+) group was acceptable.

Conclusion: Levosimendan could be administered in the patients with constrictive pericarditis developing LCOS after pericardiectomy to enhanced postoperative recovery.

Purpose: We conducted a prospective, real-world study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of balanced propofol sedation (BPS) in bronchoscopy and identify an advantageous sedation regimen for such procedures.

Patients and methods: The participants were placed in four groups based on their sedation regimen (exposure factor): the M-S group (midazolam + sufentanil for traditional sedation), R-S group (remimazolam + sufentanil for traditional sedation), M-S-P group (midazolam + sufentanil + propofol for BPS), and R-S-P group (remimazolam + sufentanil + propofol for BPS). The primary outcomes included satisfaction metrics (satisfaction of the patients, endoscopic physicians, and nurses) and follow-up questionnaires. The secondary outcomes included time metrics (induction time, recovery time, and discharge time), dosage metrics (induction dose, maintenance dose, and total dose of each sedative), completion rate of sedation, intraprocedural dose, and frequency of lidocaine spray in the airway, and incidence of adverse reactions.

Results: In total, 418 subjects were included in this study. Compared to traditional sedation, both BPS groups significantly increased the satisfaction of patients, endoscopic physicians, and nurses (P < 0.05) and reduced the incidence of intraprocedural wakefulness (P < 0.05). Additionally, induction and recovery of the BPS group were rapid, with high sedation completion rates and no increase in the incidence of intraprocedural and postprocedural adverse reactions (P < 0.05). The RSP group was better than the MSP group in terms of various time metrics and postprocedural adverse reactions.

Conclusion: BPS can be safely and effectively applied during bronchoscopy, with remimazolam and sufentanil combined with a small dose of propofol being an optimal medication regimen.

Participants: This study enrolled 294 patients admitted to the Thyroid Surgery Department of the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University between April and July 2024. Patients were randomly assigned to either the control group (145 patients) or the experimental group (149 patients).

Interventions: The control group received traditional adhesive tape fixation for drains, while the experimental group utilized a newly developed fixation patch combined with a unique "C" and "S" fixation method. Both groups employed vertical negative pressure drainage.

Specific objectives or hypotheses: The aim of this study was to assess the clinical effectiveness and patient satisfaction with a novel surgical drain fixation patch and method in the context of thyroid surgery. The hypothesis was that the novel fixation patch and method would reduce drain-related adverse events, improve patient comfort, and increase patient satisfaction.

Outcomes: The experimental group exhibited significantly lower rates of drain-related adverse events, including displacement, infection, and leakage, compared to the control group (3.40% vs 53.10%, P < 0.05). Additionally, patients in the experimental group reported lower neck/throat pain scores (mean score: 0.84 vs 1.40 in the control group, P < 0.05) and experienced no drain pulling pain (0% vs 1.16% in the control group, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the need for patch replacements was virtually eliminated in the experimental group (0% vs 70.86% in the control group, P < 0.05). Patient satisfaction with the fixation method was significantly higher in the experimental group (83.3% vs 46.9% in the control group, P < 0.05).

Randomization: Patients were randomly assigned to the control and experimental groups, ensuring the fairness and reliability of the study.

Trial registration: The study was retrospectively registered with the China Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2400087677) on August 1, 2024.

Background: Myoclonus is a common problem during induction of anesthesia with etomidate. A variety of agents, including opioids and lidocaine, reduced the incidence of myoclonus. However, there is no reported literature evaluating the effect of esketamine pretreatment on etomidate-induced myoclonus. We investigated the influence of pretreatment with esketamine on the incidence of etomidate-induced myoclonus.

Methods: This is a prospective, double-blind, and randomized controlled trial. One hundred patients aged 18-65 scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia (including urology surgery, gynaecology surgery, general surgery, and thoracic surgery) were randomly allocated into two groups, each consisting of 50 patients. Esketamine was pretreated with 0.1 mg/kg 60 s before the initiation of etomidate in Group ESK, while normal saline was administered as the placebo (Group C). During the first 1 minute after etomidate administration, myoclonus incidence and severity were assessed. In addition, we measured the hemodynamic changes and side effects of esketamine before administering etomidate.

Results: In group ESK, 14 patients (28%) had myoclonus (degrees of myoclonus: mild 2, moderate 7, severe 5), and 32 patients (64%) in group C (mild 6, moderate 5, severe 21) (P< 0.001). In group ESK, myoclonus incidence and severity were significantly lower than in group C (P< 0.001).

Conclusion: Esketamine 0.1mg/kg IV pretreatment significantly reduce the incidence and the severity of severe myoclonus of etomidate-induced myoclonus without significant adverse effects.

Purpose: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is classified into paroxysmal, persistent, long-term persistent, and permanent types. It is commonly treated by radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which is more successful than conventional anti-arrhythmic drugs, but it is still largely unknown whether these beneficial effects are equally present for all AF types. Here, we evaluated the impact that AF type has on post-RFA patient conditions and identified underlying factors affecting AF prognoses.

Patients and methods: Three hundred and twenty-nine AF patients who underwent RFA were retrospectively examined (221 paroxysmal, 56 persistent, 52 long-term persistent), during a post-RFA follow-up period, from 3-months to 2-years. Cardiac functional parameters, such as left atrial (LA), ventricular (LV), and pulmonary artery diameters, as well as ejection fraction (EF) and end-diastolic/systolic diameter ratio, were measured using echocardiography. Additionally, chronic kidney disease (CKD) was diagnosed among these AF patients, using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula, and its impact on post-RFA patient outcomes was examined. Logistic regression analysis identified differences between AF and non-AF recurrence groups.

Results: In terms of functional parameters, persistent AF had significantly smaller LA, and larger EF, compared to paroxysmal and long-term persistent groups, while paroxysmal had significantly larger LV versus persistent and long-term persistent after RFA. For post-RFA patient conditions, paroxysmal, compared to persistent and long-term persistent, had significantly lower AF recurrence (18.10% versus 30.36% and 36.54%) and re-hospitalization rates (6.79% versus 14.29% and 19.23%); however, no significant difference was present between the 3 groups in terms of post-operative stroke rates, as well as re-hospitalization duration. Additionally, CKD patients, versus non-CKD, were more prone to AF recurrence and re-hospitalization, being 3.268 times more likely.

Conclusion: AF types and CKD were independent factors influencing AF recurrence, serving as highly sensitive predictors to monitor prognoses and guide treatments. Therefore, personalized treatment regimens should be recommended for different AF patients.

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness and safety of high-intensity focused electromagnetic technology (HIFEM) used as a therapeutic approach in patients with stress and mixed urinary incontinence.

Patients and methods: Thirty-five females suffering from stress and mixed urinary incontinence were included in the study. The electromagnetic chair (BTL EMSELLA^®) was applied to the patient's pelvic area twice a week for 28 minutes, totaling 6 sessions. The patients' "International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form" (ICIQ-SF) scores and the number of daily absorbent pad usage were recorded. Results were evaluated after the sixth session and at a first-month follow-up.

Results: The average ICIQ-SF score at baseline was 10.18 ± 4.19 (ranging from 2-18) which declined to 5.33 ± 3.97 after six sessions, and further improved to 4.26 ± 3.94 points at the one-month follow-up. After six sessions, an average improvement of 52.06% in ICIQ-SF score was observed, and after one month of follow-up, an average improvement of 59.6% was detected, which was found to be statistically significant (p=0.038). In addition, the mean number of pads used per day decreased to 1.25 ± 1.54 after treatment, a significant improvement was observed, and the mean daily pad use decreased further to 0.91 ± 1.11 at the first-month follow-up.

Conclusion: HIFEM has demonstrated in our study its ability to safely and effectively treat female patients suffering from stress and mixed urinary incontinence, as evidenced by significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life observed in clinical trials.

Objective: In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness and safety of thalidomide by clinically observing 48 individuals with β-thalassemia who have been administered thalidomide in small and medium doses over a period of two years.

Methods: Thalidomide's efficacy was gauged by tracking hemoglobin (Hb) level alterations post its administration. Liver and kidney function impact was measured through tests for alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine. Hemolysis effects were assessed via total bilirubin and indirect bilirubin level measurements. Thrombosis detection was performed using ultrasound examinations of deep vein vessels in the upper and lower extremities. Any adverse effects of thalidomide were recorded during the observation period. Lower dose thalidomide effectiveness was evaluated by monitoring Hb level changes following dosage reduction.

Results: The overall response rate (ORR) among the 48 participants was 91.7% (44 out of 48), with the main reaction (MaR) reaching 72.9% (35 out of 48). Hepatorenal toxicity was not monitored during the 2-year observation period, and there was no improvement in hemolysis. Most adverse effects were mild, with no instances of venous thrombosis and no cases of grade 2 or higher neurotoxicity. When the observation group was divided into three age categories (12-14 years old, 14-18 years old, and over 18 years old), there were no statistically significant differences in the occurrence of adverse reactions among the three groups. As there were some adverse reactions in ten cases, the treatment dose was reduced for them. The maintenance efficacy rate at one year of observation was 90% (9 out of 10).

Conclusion: This study confirmed that thalidomide in small doses over a 2-year observation period is effective, and has no instances of grade 2 or higher neurotoxicity. Long-term maintenance with small doses is recommended for enhanced safety.

Objective: This study aims to establish a quantitative relationship between cervical lordosis (CL) and the rotation angle of the axis for the surgical reduction of atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) and to explore the potential applications of this relationship in preoperative planning and selection of surgical techniques.

Methods: To construct the correlation between horizontal gaze and location of axis, we introduced the angle B, defined as the angle between the Frankfort horizontal line and the extension line of the posterior edge of the axis, and explored its application in surgical planning. We retrospectively analyzed imaging data from computed tomography of 23 AAD patients who had undergone posterior reduction and fixation. Theoretical equations were deduced through a series of angular transformations, and linear regression analysis was used to validate our findings.

Results: Our results showed a strong linear relationship between the change in CL (ΔCL) and the change in B(ΔB) (y=-1.0402x, coefficient of determination R²=0.978, P<0.001), supporting our deduction that ΔCL=ΔB. Furthermore, we found that the rotation angle of the axis (angle D) was equal to ΔCL. By resolving the atlantoaxial interval into the vertical dimension (h) and horizontal dimension (d), we could calculate the maximum vertical and horizontal distance that the axis could move theoretically according to a patient's maximum ΔCL. This finding supports our theory that the introduction of angle B can provide more precise preoperative planning and surgical technique selection for patients with AAD.

Conclusion: By introducing angle B and deducing the equation ΔB=ΔCL=D, we have provided an innovative tool for preoperative planning and surgical technique selection for patients with AAD. This equation not only helps surgeons achieve more precise and effective surgical reductions but also emphasizes the important role of angle B in surgical planning.

Objective: Patients transported by Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) suffer a series of haemodynamic changes, mainly in terms of blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation, which worsen at different stages of the flight. The aim of this study was to identify haemodynamic changes in adult patients transported by the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service.

Methods: A systematic review of studies published between January 2013 to April 2023 was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines criteria in the Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science electronic databases. Methodological quality was assessed using the critical appraisal tool for non-randomised studies of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). The followed protocol has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with code CRD4202222355798. Two independent reviewers read and extracted the information of the studies.

Results: Eight studies were included in the review, which showed significant haemodynamic changes during transport by HEMS. All studies recorded readings at three points of the mission: pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight. The greatest change in physiological variables is visible in oxygen saturation, during the in-flight phase, with a decrease in this value. Blood pressure mainly increased in various phases of the mission, especially in the in-flight phase. Heart rate also changed across the mission phases, mainly in the pre-flight and post-flight phases, increasing and decreasing during the flight.

Conclusion: Patients transported by helicopter undergo haemodynamic changes during the different stages of evacuation (pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight). However, there is a need for further studies on helicopter transport of patients due to the paucity of publications on this topic.

Background: Ankle fractures are common injuries with substantial implications for patient mobility and quality of life. Traditional imaging methods, while standard, have limitations in detecting subtle fractures and distinguishing them from complex bone structures. The advent of 3D Convolutional Neural Networks (3D-CNNs) offers a promising avenue for enhancing the accuracy and reliability of ankle fracture diagnoses.

Methods: In this study, we acquired 1453 high-resolution CT scans and processed them through three distinct 3D-CNN models: 3D-Mobilenet, 3D-Resnet101, and 3D-EfficientNetB7. Our approach involved meticulous preprocessing of images, including normalization and resampling, followed by a systematic comparative evaluation of the models based on accuracy, Area Under the Curve (AUC), and recall metrics. Additionally, the integration of Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) provided visual interpretability of the models' predictive focus points.

Results: The 3D-EfficientNetB7 model outperformed the other models, achieving an accuracy of 0.91 and an AUC of 0.94 after 20 training epochs. It demonstrated particularly effective in the accurate detection and localization of subtle and complex fractures. Grad-CAM visualizations confirmed the model's focus on clinically relevant areas, aligning with expert assessments and enhancing trust in automated diagnostics. Spatial localization techniques were pivotal in improving interpretability, offering clear visual guidance for pinpointing fracture sites.

Conclusion: Our findings highlight the effectiveness of the 3D-EfficientNetB7 model in diagnosing ankle fractures, supported by robust performance metrics and enhanced visualization tools.