Safety and efficacy of the early administration of levosimendan in patients with acute non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and elevated NT-proBNP levels: An Early Management Strategy of Acute Heart Failure (EMS-AHF) / 中华内科杂志

Objectives: To investigated the safety and efficacy of treating patients with acute non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and elevated levels of N-terminal pro-hormone B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) with levosimendan within 24 hours of first medical contact (FMC). Methods: This multicenter, open-label, block-randomized controlled trial (NCT03189901) investigated the safety and efficacy of levosimendan as an early management strategy of acute heart failure (EMS-AHF) for patients with NSTEMI and high NT-proBNP levels. This study included 255 patients with NSTEMI and elevated NT-proBNP levels, including 142 males and 113 females with a median age of 65 (58-70) years, and were admitted in the emergency or outpatient departments at 14 medical centers in China between October 2017 and October 2021. The patients were randomly divided into a levosimendan group (n=129) and a control group (n=126). The primary outcome measure was NT-proBNP levels on day 3 of treatment and changes in the NT-proBNP levels from baseline on day 5 after randomization. The secondary outcome measures included the proportion of patients with more than 30% reduction in NT-proBNP levels from baseline, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during hospitalization and at 6 months after hospitalization, safety during the treatment, and health economics indices. The measurement data parameters between groups were compared using the t-test or the non-parametric test. The count data parameters were compared between groups using the χ² test. Results: On day 3, the NT-proBNP levels in the levosimendan group were lower than the control group but were statistically insignificant [866 (455, 1 960) vs. 1 118 (459, 2 417) ng/L, Z=-1.25,P=0.21]. However, on day 5, changes in the NT-proBNP levels from baseline in the levosimendan group were significantly higher than the control group [67.6% (33.8%,82.5%)vs.54.8% (7.3%,77.9%), Z=-2.14, P=0.03]. There were no significant differences in the proportion of patients with more than 30% reduction in the NT-proBNP levels on day 5 between the levosimendan and the control groups [77.5% (100/129) vs. 69.0% (87/126), χ²=2.34, P=0.13]. Furthermore, incidences of MACE did not show any significant differences between the two groups during hospitalization [4.7% (6/129) vs. 7.1% (9/126), χ²=0.72, P=0.40] and at 6 months [14.7% (19/129) vs. 12.7% (16/126), χ²=0.22, P=0.64]. Four cardiac deaths were reported in the control group during hospitalization [0 (0/129) vs. 3.2% (4/126), P=0.06]. However, 6-month survival rates were comparable between the two groups (log-rank test, P=0.18). Moreover, adverse events or serious adverse events such as shock, ventricular fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia were not reported in both the groups during levosimendan treatment (days 0-1). The total cost of hospitalization [34 591.00(15 527.46,59 324.80) vs. 37 144.65(16 066.90,63 919.00)yuan, Z=-0.26, P=0.80] and the total length of hospitalization [9 (8, 12) vs. 10 (7, 13) days, Z=0.72, P=0.72] were lower for patients in the levosimendan group compared to those in the control group, but did not show statistically significant differences. Conclusions: Early administration of levosimendan reduced NT-proBNP levels in NSTEMI patients with elevated NT-proBNP and did not increase the total cost and length of hospitalization, but did not significantly improve MACE during hospitalization or at 6 months.

Long-term outcomes and independent predictors of mortality in patients presenting to emergency departments with acute heart failure in Beijing: a multicenter cohort study with a 5-year follow-up / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Acute heart failure (AHF) is the most common disease in emergency departments (EDs). However, clinical data exploring the outcomes of patients presenting AHF in EDs are limited, especially the long-term outcomes. The purposes of this study were to describe the long-term outcomes of patients with AHF in the EDs and further analyze their prognostic factors.@*METHODS@#This prospective, multicenter, cohort study consecutively enrolled 3335 patients with AHF who were admitted to EDs of 14 hospitals from Beijing between January 1, 2011 and September 23, 2012. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis were adopted to evaluate 5-year outcomes and associated predictors.@*RESULTS@#The 5-year mortality and cardiovascular death rates were 55.4% and 49.6%, respectively. The median overall survival was 34 months. Independent predictors of 5-year mortality were patient age (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.027, 95 confidence interval [CI]: 1.023-1.030), body mass index (BMI) (HR: 0.971, 95% CI: 0.958-0.983), fatigue (HR: 1.127, 95% CI: 1.009-1.258), ascites (HR: 1.190, 95% CI: 1.057-1.340), hepatic jugular reflux (HR: 1.339, 95% CI: 1.140-1.572), New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III to IV (HR: 1.511, 95% CI: 1.291-1.769), heart rate (HR: 1.003, 95% CI: 1.001-1.005), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (HR: 0.996, 95% CI: 0.993-0.999), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (HR: 1.014, 95% CI: 1.008-1.020), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)/N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level in the third (HR: 1.426, 95% CI: 1.220-1.668) or fourth quartile (HR: 1.437, 95% CI: 1.223-1.690), serum sodium (HR: 0.980, 95% CI: 0.972-0.988), serum albumin (HR: 0.981, 95% CI: 0.971-0.992), ischemic heart diseases (HR: 1.195, 95% CI: 1.073-1.331), primary cardiomyopathy (HR: 1.382, 95% CI: 1.183-1.614), diabetes (HR: 1.118, 95% CI: 1.010-1.237), stroke (HR: 1.252, 95% CI: 1.121-1.397), and the use of diuretics (HR: 0.714, 95% CI: 0.626-0.814), β-blockers (HR: 0.673, 95% CI: 0.588-0.769), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) (HR: 0.714, 95% CI: 0.604-0.845), angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARBs) (HR: 0.790, 95% CI: 0.646-0.965), spironolactone (HR: 0.814, 95% CI: 0.663-0.999), calcium antagonists (HR: 0.624, 95% CI: 0.531-0.733), nitrates (HR: 0.715, 95% CI: 0.631-0.811), and digoxin (HR: 0.579, 95% CI: 0.465-0.721).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The results of our study demonstrate poor 5-year outcomes of patients presenting to EDs with AHF. Age, BMI, fatigue, ascites, hepatic jugular reflux, NYHA class III to IV, heart rate, DBP, BUN, BNP/NT-proBNP level in the third or fourth quartile, serum sodium, serum albumin, ischemic heart diseases, primary cardiomyopathy, diabetes, stroke, and the use of diuretics, β-blockers, ACEIs, ARBs, spironolactone, calcium antagonists, nitrates, and digoxin were independently associated with 5-year all-cause mortality.

Effect of advanced airway establishment on prognostic evaluation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality index during cardiopulmonary resuscitation / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:Cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality index (CQI) is based on pulse oximetry plethysmographic waveform (POP), which have been proved able to reflect the peripheral circulation state as good as the quality of chest compression during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). It has been confirmed that CQI is as good as the partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (P ETCO 2) in prognostic evaluation of CPR patients. The purpose of this study was to explore whether advanced airway establishment affects the prognostic value of CQI during CPR. Methods:This was a prospective descriptive study. 376 patients receiving CPR were divided into advanced airway group and non-advanced airway group according to whether advanced airway was established, each of which was divided into ROSC (return of spontaneous circulation) group and non-ROSC group according to whether they got ROSC. The changes of CQI and P ETCO 2 during CPR were collected, and the relation of these parameters and the prognosis of patients was analyzed. Results:In advanced airway group, both CQI [(63.3±20.7) vs (49.7±23.8)] and P ETCO 2 [(19.8 (11.4, 31.6) vs 8.8 (3.3, 15.8)] mmHg were statistically different between ROSC group and non-ROSC group ( P <0.05). The cut-off value for these two parameters were 60.4 and 16.3 mmHg respectively. There was no significant difference between the two curves ( P>0.05). In the non-advanced airway group, CQI [(63.0±21.8) vs (42.2±29.0)] were also statistically different between the ROSC group and the non-ROSC group ( P <0.05). The cut-off value of CQI in advanced airway group and non-advanced airway group were 60.4 and 61.1, respectively. And there was no statistical difference between the two curves ( P>0.05). Conclusions:During CPR, CQI can be used to evaluate the prognosis of patients, which is as good as that of P ETCO 2. Establishment of advanced airway does not affect the prognostic evaluation of CQI during CPR.

Venous thromboembolism in the emergency department: A survey of current best practice awareness in physicians and nurses in China / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

BACKGROUND@# For emergency department (ED) patients, risk assessment, prophylaxis, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) are essential for preventing morbidity and mortality. This study aimes to investigate knowledge amongst emergency medical staff in the management of VTE.@*METHODS@# We designed a questionnaire based on multiple scales. The questionnaire was distributed to the medical and nursing clinical staff in the large urban ED of a medical center in Northern China. Data was described with percentages and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare ranked data between different groups. The statistical analysis was done using the SPSS 22.0 software.@*RESULTS@# In this survey, 180 questionnaires were distributed and 174 valid responses (response rate of 96.67%) were collected and analyzed. In scores of VTE knowledge, no significant differences were found with respect to job (doctor vs. nurse), the number of years working in clinical medicine, education level, and current position, previous hospital experience and nurses' current work location within the ED. However, in pair wise comparison, we found participants who worked in ED for more than 5 years (n=83) scored significantly higher on the questionnaire than those under 5 years (n=91) (95.75 vs. 79.97, P=0.039). There was a significant difference in some questions based on gender, age, job, and nurse work location, number of working years, education level, and different ED working lifetime.@*CONCLUSION@# Our survey has shown deficiencies among ED medical staff in knowledge and awareness of the management of VTE. We recommend several changes be considered, such as the introduction of an interdisciplinary workshop for medical staff; the introduction of a standardized VTE protocol; a mandatory study module on VTE for new physicians and nurses; the introduction of a mandatory reporting system for adverse events (including VTE).

Sympathetic excitation and dendritic cell activation aggravates myocardial injury in LPS-induced rats / 基础医学与临床

Objective To investigate the effects of sympathetic excitation and dendritic cell activation on myocar-dial injury in LPS-induced rats. Methods The rats were randomly divided into four groups:control group, LPS group ( intraperitoneal injection of LPS 10 mg/kg) ,intervention group ( given beta receptor blocker Ate 5 mg/kg after LPS administration) and DC inhibitor VAG539 intervention group ( VAG539 30 mg/kg gavage twice a day for 2 days after LPS administration) respectively . The powerlab system was used to record the hemodynamic and sympathetic data. The concentration of norepinephrine ( NE) in plasma was measured by high performance liquid chromatography ( HPLC) , and the expression and positive cells of TNF-α and DCs in myocardium were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results Compared with the control group, the plasma NE level significantly increased ( P＜0.05) ;The expression of TNF-α and DCs in heart tissue significantly increased ( P＜0.05) ;the renal sym-pathetic nerve activity (SNA) significantly increased in the three groups after LPS administration for 24 hours. Compared with the LPS group, the plasma NE level significantly decreased ( P＜0.05 ) ; The expression of TNF-α and DCs in heart tissue significantly decreased ( P＜0.05) ;the renal SNA significantly decreased after Ate and VAG539 administration(P＜0.05).Conclusions Excessive activation of sympathetic nervous system and activation of DC aggravate myocardial injury in LPS-induced rats.

Application of simulation training for central venous catherteriazation in emergency department / 基础医学与临床

Objective To compare the simulaion training with traditional training on central venous cathertrization(CVC). Methods Forty emergency residents from a teaching hospital were selected from May 2016 to May2017, and they were randomly assigned into two groups: simulation group (SG) and traditional group(TG). After the training they must completed one CVC and filled in a questionaire. The success rate, puncture time, trail time and complication rate between the two groups were compared. Results There were 18 students on tradional group(TG) and 19 students on simulation group(SG) who completed the whole procedure(complete the procedure in-dependently and filled in the questionaire). The success rate of SG and TG were 73.7％ and 33.3％ respectively (P＜0.05).the lengthen of procedure was (21.3±4.0) min on SG and (31.3±5.9) min on TG, The trail times were (2.1±1.0) on SG and (4.5±1.0) on TG, the complication rate was 16％±37％ on SG and 38％±50％ on TG, compared with TG, the lengthen of procedure on SG was significantly shortened (P＜0.05), the trail times on SG were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) and the complication rate significantly decreased (P <0.05). Conclusions The simulation training significantly improved the success rate of CVC, shortened the lengthen of procedure, decreased the trail times and complication rate. It deserved teaching hospitals to popularize-ing on standardized training for resident physicians.

Clinical Characteristics and Current Interventions in Shock Patients in Chinese Emergency Departments: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Shock is a life-threatening condition in emergency departments (EDs) and is associated with a high mortality; however, its clinical characteristics and current interventions in China are seldom reported. This study investigated the clinical characteristics and current interventions of shock patients in Chinese EDs.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted in the EDs of 33 academic hospitals in 16 Chinese provinces. Adult shock patients were enrolled from December 2013 to April 2014. Age, sex, comorbidities, shock subtype, and vital signs were recorded on ED arrival; details of subsequent interventions and treatments were added. We compared those data between survivors and nonsurvivors. All patients were followed up for 3 days. The primary outcome was 3-day mortality. Binary logistic regression analysis identified the independent predictors of that mortality.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>We enrolled 1095 shock patients. The 3-day mortality was 27.5%, 36.3%, and 29.0%, respectively, in the whole cohort and for cardiogenic and septic shock. Within the first 24 h, 1039 patients (94.9%) were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Use of bicarbonate, epinephrine, and dopamine is an independent predictor for mortality. Hemorrhage and trauma (39.1%), along with sepsis (40.4%) were the most commonly observed causes of shock in the ED. In nondiabetic patients with cardiogenic shock, 3-day mortality was 69.2% for patients needing glucose control - much higher than in those not needing glucose control (30.0%, P= 0.01). Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) was applied in 29.6% of septic shock patients, and the mortality of septic patients who received HES was much higher than those who did not (38.2% vs. 25.1%, P = 0.006).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>In China, short-term mortality of shock patients in EDs is still high, especially among those with cardiogenic and septic shock. HES application needs to be restricted - particularly in septic shock patients.</p>

Characteristics, Management, and Outcomes of Acute Heart Failure in the Emergency Department: A Multicenter Registry Study with 1-year Follow-up in a Chinese Cohort in Beijing / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The emergency department (ED) has a pivotal influence on the management of acute heart failure (AHF), but data concerning current ED management are scarce. This Beijing AHF Registry Study investigated the characteristics, ED management, and short- and long-term clinical outcomes of AHF.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This prospective, multicenter, observational study consecutively enrolled 3335 AHF patients who visited 14 EDs in Beijing from January 1, 2011, to September 23, 2012. Baseline data on characteristics and management were collected in the EDs. Follow-up data on death and readmissions were collected until November 31, 2013, with a response rate of 92.80%. The data were reported as median (interquartile range) for the continuous variables, or as number (percentage) for the categorical variables.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The median age of the enrolled patients was 71 (58-79) years, and 46.84% were women. In patients with AHF, coronary heart disease (43.27%) was the most common etiology, and myocardium ischemia (30.22%) was the main precipitant. Most of the patients in the ED received intravenous treatments, including diuretics (79.28%) and vasodilators (74.90%). Fewer patients in the ED received neurohormonal antagonists, and 25.94%, 31.12%, and 33.73% of patients received angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, beta-blockers, and spironolactone, respectively. The proportions of patients who were admitted, discharged, left against medical advice, and died were 55.53%, 33.58%, 7.08%, and 3.81%, respectively. All-cause mortalities at 30 days and 1 year were 15.30% and 32.27%, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Substantial details on characteristics and ED management of AHF were investigated. The clinical outcomes of AHF patients were dismal. Thus, further investigations of ED-based therapeutic approaches for AHF are needed.</p>

Effect of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation on Parameters Monitored by Transpulmonary Thermodilution Method / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of atrial fibrillation on the accuracy of parameters monitored by transpulmonary thermodilution method.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 12 patients from emergency intensive care unit with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were enrolled. The hemodynamic parameters such as heart rate, mean arterial pressure, cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance index, intrathoracic blood volume index, and extravascular lung water index were monitored by transpulmonary thermodilution method before paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and during atrial fibrillation, the number of B-lines was detected by lung ultrasonography before and during paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The changes of all the parameters were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>When the paroxysmal atrial fibrillation happened, the heart rate increased significantly [(123.3±20.0) beat/min vs. (98.9±12.3) beat/min, P=0.006]; the mean arterial pressure [(86.9±10.2) mmHg vs. (93.0±12.5) mmHg, P=0.058], cardiac index [(2.82±0.62) L/(min·m(2)) vs. (3.31±1.02) L/(min·m(2)), P=0.058] and systemic vascular resistance index [(2254±947) dyn·s·cm(-5)·m(2) vs. (2302±828) dyn·s·cm(-5)·m(2), P=0.351] had no obvious change; however, the intrathoracic blood volume index significantly increased [(1333±90) ml/m(2) vs. (937±111) ml/m(2), P<0.001]; extravascular lung water index also increased significantly [(16.1±1.1) ml/kg vs. (6.5±1.9) ml/kg, P<0.001]. No significant difference was found in the number of B-lines detected by lung ultrasonography before and during atrial fibrillation (10.0±4.2 vs. 9.4±4.4, P=0.180).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Both intrathoracic blood volume and extravascular lung water monitored by transpulmonary thermodilution method were overvalued during paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, which may mislead the clinical judgment and decision-making.</p>

Evaluation and treatment of altered mental status patients in the emergency department: Life in the fast lane / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

BACKGROUND: Altered mental status (AMS) is a very common emergency case, but the exact etiology of many AMS patients is unknown. Patients often manifest vague symptoms, thus, AMS diagnosis and treatment are highly challenging for emergency physicians. The aim of this study is to provide a framework for the assessment of AMS patients. This assessment should allow providers to better understand the etiology of mental status changes and therefore improve diagnostic skills and management. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort observational study. We recruited all adult patients with undifferentiated AMS at a single center tertiary care academic emergency department over 24 months (June 2009 to June 2011). Demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, assessment approaches, causative factors, emergency treatments and outcomes were collected prospectively. RESULTS: In 1934 patients with AMS recruited, accounting for 0.93％ of all emergency department (ED) patients, 1026 (53.1％) were male, and 908 (46.9％) female. Their average age was 51.95±15.71 years. Etiologic factors were neurological (n=641; 35.0％), pharmacological and toxicological (n=421; 23.0％), systemic and organic (n=266; 14.5％), infectious (n=167; 9.1％), endocrine/metabolic (n=145; 7.9％), psychiatric (n=71; 3.9％), traumatic (n=38; 2.1％), and gynecologic and obstetric (n=35; 1.9％). Total mortality rate was 8.1％ (n=156). The death rate was higher in elderly patients (≥60) than in younger patients (10.8％ vs. 6.9％,P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AMS pose a challenge for ED physicians. The most frequently encountered diagnostic categories causing AMS were primary CNS disorders, intoxication, organ system dysfunction, and endocrine/metabolic diseases. AMS has a high fatality rate in the ED. AMS is an important warning signal for ED patients because of its potentially fatal and reversible effects. Prompt evaluation and treatment are essential to decreasing morbidity and mortality associated with AMS.

Modified shock index and mortality rate of emergency patients / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine whether modified shock index (MSI) is associated with mortality that is superior to heart rate, blood pressure, or the shock index (SI) in emergency patients.METHODS: A retrospective database review was performed on 22161 patients who presented to Peking Union Medical College Hospital Emergency Department and received intravenous fluids from January 1 to December 31, 2009. We gathered data of the patients on age, gender, vital signs, levels of consciousness, presenting complaints, and SI and MSI were calculated for all patients.RESULTS: Multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine the correlation between risk factors and outcome. There is a significant correlation between emergency patient mortality rate and patient's vital signs obtained at the triage desk (HR>120 beats/min, systolic BP<90 mmHg, diastolic BP<60 mmHg). MSI is a stronger predictor of emergency patient mortality compared to heart rate and blood pressure alone, whereas SI does not have a significant correlation with emergency patient mortality rate.CONCLUSION: MSI is a clinically significant predictor of mortality in emergency patients. It may be better than using heart rate and blood pressure alone. SI is not significantly correlated with the mortality rate of the emergency patient.

Cause of micromotion in distal femoral prosthesis / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate possible causes of micromotion in distal femoral prosthesis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Based on the assumption that the femur and prosthesis were considered as concentric cylinders with completely bonded interface, a theoretical model simulating the interfacial stress transfer was established. The distributions of the interfacial shear and radial stresses with the changing of z were obtained through mathematics and mechanics deducing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The maximum interfacial shear stress occurred at the position of z=0, namely, the cross section of the femur neck. The interfacial shear stress sharply decreased with the increasing of z and came to nearly zero at the range of z> 0.1 m. While the interfacial radial stress increased with the increasing of z,at the range of z >0.05 m it was constant and reached the maximum.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The micromotion in distal prosthesis is caused by the interfacial radial stress.</p>

Residency training in emergency medicine: an arduous and constant challenge / 中国医学科学院学报

With increasing demands and recognition, emergency medicine has advanced rapidly in China in recent decades. The education and training of professionals in this field are important for the further development of emergency medicine. With an attempt to investigate the way to strengthen residency training system in emergency medicine, this article reviews its potential development direction, training modes, learning materials, and quality control.

Effects of methylene blue on refractory hemorrhagic shock / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effects of methylene blue (MB) on refractory hemorrhagic shock.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 24 rabbits subjected to prolonged hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation were randomly divided into hemorrhagic shock group (12 rabbits) and MB group (12 rabbits; MB was administered immediately after resuscitation was performed). The plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) , interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, nitric oxide (NO), lactic acid (LA) , and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were detected before shock, immediately after resuscitation, and 0.5, 2, and 4 hours after resuscitation. The 12-hour survival rates were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The plasma levels of TNFalpha, IL-6, IL-8, NO and LA after shock were significantly higher than before shock (P <0.01), and maintained at high levels. Compared with the shock group, higher MAP and lower plasma levels of TNFalpha, IL-6, IL-8, NO, and LA were observed in the MB group after resuscitation (P<0.01). The 12-hour survival rates were not significantly different between shock group and MB group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Although MB can not improve the prognosis of refractory hemorrhagic shock, it can increase and maintain the MAP and thus play a beneficial role in the treatment of hemorrhagic shock.</p>

Effects of small volume resuscitation on the hemodynamics and extravascular lung water of septic shock dogs / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of small volume resuscitation by hypertonic-hyperoncotic solution on the hemodynamics and extravascular lung water of septic shock dogs.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Lipopolysaccharide of E. coli was injected to 24 healthy dogs via femoral vein to induce septic shock. These septic shock dogs were resuscitated with hypertonic salt solutions (HS, 6 ml/kg, n = 6), 6% hydroxyethyl starch in combination with HS (HSS, 6 ml/kg, n=6), normal saline (NS, 100 ml/kg, n=6), and 6% hydroxyethyl starch solutions (HES, 33 ml/kg, n=6), respectively. The changes of hemodynamics and extravascular lung water were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After resuscitation, all the solutions improved the hemodynamics of septic shock dogs with significant differences (P<0.05). The effects were superior in HS group and HSS group when compared with in NS group. The extravascular lung water increased in NS group, while no obvious changes were found in the other three groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>All these four solutions can improve the hemodynamics of septic shock dogs. Small volume hypertonic-hyperoncotic solution has a similar effect in hemodynamics as NS, HS, and HES. Meanwhile, it does not increase the extravascular lung water.</p>

Apoptosis of gastric mucosa and gastric barrier dysfunction in acute ischemic stroke / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the role of gastric mucosa apoptosis in the stress of ischemic stroke, and to discuss the relationship between gastric mucosa apoptosis and gastric barrier.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ten dogs were artificially made ischemic stroke by operation (IS group), and another 10 shamly-operated dogs were served as control group. Sucrose permeability were measured after the operation. All dogs were sacrificed 24 hours after operation to measure the gastric mucosal apoptosis index, gastric gross classification, and histological score.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The gastric mucosal apoptosis index in the IS group were significantly higher than in the control group (14.83 +/- 4.41 vs. 5.60 +/- 2.61, P < 0.05). The gastric mucosal apoptosis index were correlated with the sucrose permeability (r = 0. 89, P < 0.05) , gastric gross classification (r = 0. 87, P < 0.05), and histological score (r = 0.92, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Although ischemic stroke will not cause the obvious damage in the respiratory and circulatory system, it is responsible for the apoptosis of epithelial cell in the gastric mucosa and gastric barrier dysfunction. The apoptosis index is closely correlated with the damage of the function and morphology of the gastric barrier, indicating that the epithelial cell apoptosis acceleration in the gastric mucosa may result in the damage of gastric barrier function.</p>

Functional hemodynamic monitoring / 中国医学科学院学报

Hemodynamic monitoring is important for critically ill patients in emergency medicine. While the conventional static hemodynamic monitoring may not accurately reflect the hemodynamic status, functional hemodynamic monitoring can dynamicly and individually monitor the hemodynamic status, and thus becomes a valuable supplementation for conventional static hemodynamic monitoring. This article reviews the limitations of conventional hemodynamic monitoring and introduces the methodology of functional hemodynamic monitoring.

Gastrointestinal dysfunction/failure and critical care medicine / 中国医学科学院学报

This article reviews the recent advances in gastrointestinal function research, especially the gastrointestinal dysfunction/failure in critical care medicine.

Procalcitonin / 中国医学科学院学报

This article reviews the production, metabolism, and clinical application of procalcitonin (PCT). PCT is a useful indicator to differentiate bacterial infection and virus infection. Also, it can be used to determine the infection severity and prognosis.

Use of mid-vastus approach in less invasive primary total knee arthroplasty / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Total knee arthroplasties (TKR) combined with the concept of reduced trauma to tissue has been performed by many doctors. The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess the early results of a group of TKR with a mid-vastus approach, which was characterized as no patellar eversion, no disruption of suprapatellar pouch and extensor mechanism, and to compare the outcome with conventional operative techniques.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 59 patients (67 knees) were followed. All patients received the same prosthesis of Genesis II posterior-stabilized total knees. Of them, 29 consecutive patients (34 knees) had a mid-vastus approach and were operated on with less invasive instruments and techniques. The mean follow-up duration was 11.6 months. Clinical evaluations were performed according to the Hospital for Special Surgery scores; radiographic assessment followed the guidelines of the Knee Society. Postoperative recovery of quadriceps strength and the extensor mechanism was also evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>No prosthetic loosening or anterior knee pain was found at the latest follow-up; 1 patient had a superficial infection and postoperative stiffness of the knee who undertook a debridement and manipulation several months later. The angulations of tibial osteotomy were within normal range. The average preoperative and postoperative Hospital for Special Surgery scores were 57.9 points and 86.1 points respectively. The mean postoperative range of motion was 113.5 degrees . Most patients regained their quadriceps strength at the third or fourth month postoperatively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The overall early results from using the mid-vastus approach were comparable with that of using a standard approach, and the exposure did not affect the accuracy of the tibial cut. The muscle maximal contraction strength recovered gradually after operation. The approach was safe and patients of this group obtained satisfactory outcomes.</p>