ABSTRACT
Background The novel coronavirus infection is widespread in the world, resulting in more pneumoconiosis patients complicated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Objective To understand the clinical characteristics and prognosis of hospitalized COVID-19 patients complicated with or without pneumoconiosis. Methods A total of 36 COVID-19 patients admitted to the Shandong Provincial Occupational Disease Hospital from 10 December to 31 December 2022 were selected, including 21 cases in the complication group (pneumoconiosis complicated with COVID-19) and 15 cases in the COVID-19 group without pneumoconiosis. Symptoms, signs, laboratory test results(e.g. routine blood test), imaging findings, treatment plans and prognosis of the two groups were observed and compared. Results Regarding symptoms and signs in the complication group and the COVID-19 group, the proportions of dyspnea (57.14% vs 0.00%), lung wheezing (28.57% vs 0.00%), wet rales (76.19% vs 33.30%), and fever (61.90% vs 93.33%) were significantly different (P<0.05). Compared with the COVID-19 group, the level of D-dimer in the complication group was significantly increased [2.340 (1.0, 6.5) mg·L−1 vs 0.250 (0.2, 0.4) mg·L−1] (P<0.01), the serum sodium level was decreased [(138.10±2.68) mmol·L−1 vs (140.47±2.27) mmol·L−1] (P<0.05). In terms of drug treatment and prognosis, there were statistically significant differences in the proportion of antiviral drugs (19.00% vs 80.00%), glucocorticoids (38.10% vs 80.00%), and anticoagulants (28.60% vs 0.00%) between the complication group and the COVID-19 group (P<0.05). Compared with the COVID-19 group, the cure rate of the complication group (90.50% vs 100.00%) showed no statistical difference. However, there were 2 deaths in the complication group. Conclusion Patients with pneumoconiosis complicated with COVID-19 have less fever and more dyspnea, wheezing, and wet rales. The increase of plasma D-dimer is a potential predictor in patients with pneumoconiosis complicated with COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the surgical techniques and advantages of Ti-Robot-assisted surgery for pelvic fragility fractures in the elderly.Methods:A retrospective review was performed on geriatric patients presenting with pelvic fractures at the Orthopedics Department of Trauma, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University from September 2019 to December 2022. Minimally invasive procedures were executed with the assistance of the Ti-Robot, and the therapeutic outcomes were appraised. The cohort comprised 24 patients aged ≥60 years, consisting of 6 men and 18 women, with a mean age of 66.1±4.9 years (range, 60-77 years). Fourteen patients sustained high-energy trauma, while 10 encountered low-energy trauma. Fracture classification utilized the FFP system proposed by Rommens and Hofmann. The cohort included 20 patients with FFP II fractures (5 males, 15 females; 4 of type IIa, 12 of type IIb, and 4 of type IIc) and 4 patients with FFP III fractures (1 male, 3 females; all type IIIa). The Matta standard assessment scale gauged fracture reduction, while the Gras classification, with Ti-Robot assistance, assessed screw positioning. Postoperative functionality was holistically assessed based on the Majeed quantitative evaluation system, focusing on pain intensity, sitting, standing, walking, and daily activities. The visual analogue scale (VAS) gauged pain levels in patients with type II fractures, pre and 72 hours post-surgery.Results:According to the Matta standard assessment scale, postoperative fracture reduction quality in 24 elderly patients showed 18 as excellent, 4 as good, and 2 as fair, yielding a 92% (22/24) combined excellent and good rate. Based on the Gras classification, 52 screws were rated as excellent and 7 as good, achieving a 100% positive rate. Utilizing Majeed's modified pelvic fracture evaluation system, postoperative functional recuperation revealed 19 patients as excellent and 5 as good. There were no reports of severe internal disease exacerbations, neurological manifestations, infections, or intraoperative extensive hemorrhaging, with all patients remaining stable. Fractures exhibited robust healing during follow-ups, averaging a recovery time of 3.5±0.7 months (range, 3-5 months). The VAS for 20 patients with FFP type II fractures decreased from 6.3±2.0 pre-surgery to 4.1±1.4 post-surgery ( t=6.14, P=0.003), signifying substantial pain mitigation. Conclusion:In the elderly with pelvic fragility fractures, particularly type II, securing with channel screws is viable. The Ti-Robot-assisted minimally invasive approach is advocated due to its potential to diminish surgical risks and expedite postoperative recuperation.