ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the value of high-frequency color ultrasound for different types of thyroid nodules during healthy examinations. Methods A total of 150 subjects with ultrasound diagnosis of thyroid nodule abnormality were enrolled. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of ultrasound diagnosis for differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules were evaluated with histopathological examinations of surgical thyroid specimens as a gold standard. Results A single thyroid nodule was found in all patients, and histopathological examinations identified 102 benign thyroid nodules and 48 malignant nodules. Microcalcification showed the highest accuracy for prediction of benign and malignant thyroid nodules (98.1%; χ2 = 45.67, P = 0.001), followed by taller than wider shape of thyroid nodule (92.1%; χ2 = 34.06, P = 0.001), central vascularity (82.0%; χ2 = 13.29, P = 0.001), halo (76.0%; χ2 = 6.15, P = 0.008) and hypoechogenicity (70.3%; χ2 = 10.63, P = 0.001). In addition, ultrasound diagnosis showed a 100.0% sensitivity, a 94.1% specificity, a 88.9% positive predictive value, a 100.0% negative predictive value and a 96.0% accuracy for differentiation between benign and malignant thyroid nodules (χ2 = 41.830, P < 0.001). Conclusion High-frequency color ultrasound has a high diagnostic accuracy for differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules, and microcalcification and taller than wider shape of thyroid nodule exhibit high values for predicting the malignancy of thyroid nodules.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on the sleep quality of patients after radical operation for esophageal cancer.Methods:A total of 150 patients of both sexes, aged 35-60 yr, of American Society of Anesthesiology physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ, with body mass index of 18.5-25.0 kg/m 2, undergoing elective radical operation for esophageal cancer, were divided into 3 groups ( n=50 each) using a random number table method: TEAS group, non-electrical stimulation group (NS group), and transcutaneous electrical non-acupoint stimulation group (TENAS group). In group TEAS, the Neiguan (PC6) and Hegu (L14) acupoints were stimulated staring from 10 min before anesthesia until the end of operation, with a frequency 2-100 Hz, disperse-dense waves and voltage 6-10 mA.In group NS, stimulating electrodes were placed at the same acupoints before induction, but no electrical stimulation was applied.Non-acupoints were stimulated staring from 10 min before anesthesia until the end of operation in group TENAS.The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) scores were recorded at 1 day before operation and 1, 3 and 7 days after operation.The Quality of Recovery-15 (QoR-15) scores were recorded.The duration of postanesthesia care unit stay and length of hospital stay were recorded.The development of major adverse events was recorded during hospitalization. Results:Compared with group NS and group TENAS, the total scores of PSQI and AIS and incidence of postoperative sleep disorder were significantly decreased at 1, 3 and 7 days after operation, and QoR-15 scores were increased at 1 and 2 days after operation, the incidence of pulmonary complications was reduced, and duration of postanesthesia care unit stay and length of hospital stay were shortened in group TEAS ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the incidence of adverse events such as respiratory depression, sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, hypertension, hypotension, nausea and vomiting among the three groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:TEAS can improve the sleep quality of patients after radical operation for esophageal cancer and promote postoperative outcomes.