Evaluation of clinical outcomes in neuropathic pain with combinations of anti-neuropathic drugs

Background: Much of the pharmacological treatment modalities especially individual drugs for treating neuropathic pain have unwanted side effects, multiple day to day dosing, modest efficacy of topical treatments, and their local side effects. Combination drug regimen has the advantage of offering relatively better pain relief at lower drug doses and lesser side effects.Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Neurology at NRI General Hospital, Guntur. The patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled and assigned into 3 groups of the study drug combinations. The baseline characteristics and post interventional scores of Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS), visual analogue scale (VAS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and Medical outcome of sleep scale (MOS) and were analyzed using t test and mean difference.Results: A statistically significant reduction in neuropathic pain in all the three groups was found. The mean difference between the baseline and post interventional scores of TCSS and VAS of group I, II and III were 2.97, 2.75, and 1.97; 2.32, 1.12, and 0.95 respectively. There was a statistically significant improvement of HAM-A in all the three groups, HAM-D and MOS sleep scale were found significant only in group II.Conclusions: The study findings revealed that all the three drug combinations were effective in the management of neuropathic pain with pregabalin and oxcarbazepine combination being better with respect to efficacy and tolerability. Regarding the treatment of depression and sleep disturbances associated with NP pregabalin and duloxetine was more effective.

Delirium in the Critically Ill Patients: Is It Easily Diagnosed? What is the Incidence and What is the Management?

Introduction: Delirium is common in critically sick patients and related prolonged length of medical intensive care unit (ICU) and long-run psychological impairment. Aim of the study: The aim of the study is to assess the incidence of delirium in critically ill patients. Evaluate the effectiveness of diagnosing delirium by subjective global assessment compared to CAM-ICU score in critically ill patients. Evaluate the effect of haloperidol versus atypical antipsychotic drugs in the treatment. Methods: Total 200 critically ill patients selected sequentially on their admission to ICU and subjected for full medical history taking, clinical examination daily with emphasis on full neurological assessment, daily assessment of delirium along their stay in the ICU by 2 methods: subjective global assessment which is the subjective individual clinical impression performed by the attending resident in the ICU. CAM-ICU score which is performed by the physician in charge of the study using CAM-ICU worksheet. Results: Delirium is a frequent complication in the intensive care unit. The CAM-ICU scoring system appears to be rapid, valid, and reliable for diagnosing delirium in the ICU setting and may be a useful instrument for both clinical and research purposes. Use of objective criteria may identify patients mistakenly thought to have delirium who do not meet objective criteria for the diagnosis of the condition. The degree of agitation is an essential indicator of the dosage of the used antipsychotic drug, need for additional antipsychotics. Conclusion: Delirium is a common problem in critically ill patients and is not easy to manage.

Study of spectrum of sepsis and prediction of its outcome in patients admitted to ICU using different scoring systems

Background: Although sepsis is one of the leading causes of mortality in hospitalized patients, information regarding early predictive factors for mortality and morbidity is limited. The aim was to identify reliable and early prognostic variables predicting mortality in patients admitted to ICU with sepsis.Methods: Patients fulfilling the Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2012 guidelines criteria for sepsis within the ICU were included over two years. Apart from baseline haematological, biochemical and metabolic parameters, APACHE II, SAPS II and SOFA scores were calculated on day 1 of admission. Patients were followed till death or discharge from the ICU. Chi-square test, student t-test, receiver operating curve analyses were done.Results: 100 patients were enrolled during the study period. The overall mortality was 35% (68.6% in males and 31.4% in females). Mortality was 88.6% and 11.4% in patients with septic shock and severe sepsis and none in the sepsis group, respectively. On multivariate analysis, significant predictors of mortality were APACHE II score greater than 27, SAPS II score greater than 43 and SOFA score greater than 11 on day the of admission. On ROC analysis APACHE II had the highest sensitivity (92.3%) and SAPS II had the highest specificity (82.9%).Conclusions: All three scores performed well in predicting the mortality. Overall, APACHE II had highest sensitivity, hence was the best predictor of mortality in critically ill patients. SAPS II had the highest specificity, hence it predicted improvement better than death. SOFA had intermediate sensitivity and specificity.

Rationality evaluation of predisone dosage in the treatement of SLE with different clinical scoring systems / 中华疾病控制杂志

Objective To evaluate the rationality of predisone dosage in the treatement of SLE with different clinical scoring systems. Methods The clinical data of 51 newly diagnosed patients with systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) were collected, and disease activity was assessed by SLEDAI- 2000, BILAG- 2004 and SLAM-R scoring systems. The correlations between SLEDAI- 2000, BILAG- 2004 , SLAM-R scores and prednisone dosage were analyzed. Results BILAG-2004 score showed the best correlation with the dosage of prednision (r=0.827, P<0.001) .SLAM score showed the worst correlation with the dosage of prednision (r=0.512, P<0.001). Different treatment choice was associated with different organ/system involvement. Conclusions BILAG- 2004 , SLEDAI- 2000 and SLAM-R scoring systems all can be used as references for the prednisone dosage slection.It is suggested that the BILAG- 2004 scoring system is more reliable and comprehensive in clinical practice．

Progress of gene mutations and prognostic models in myelodysplastic syndromes / 白血病·淋巴瘤

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal disorders characterized by the accumulation of complex genomic abnormalities that defined disease phenotype,prognosis,and the risk of transformation to acute myeloid leukemia.The clinical manifestations and prognosis of patients with different phenotypes arevary different,and the overall survival varies from several months to several years.Prognostic scoring systems are important staging tools that aided physicians in their treatment recommendations and decision-making and could help patients understand their disease trajectory and expectations.These models and others use mainly clinical variables that are obtained from bone marrow biopsy and peripheral blood measurements.Adding gene mutation data into current models might improve the total predictive power.The search for an optimal way to merge the clinical and genomic data in a sophisticated and highly accurate model remains a work in progress.A comprehensive geno-clinical model that could translate the use of genomic data into clinical practice would finally be established.This paper mainly introduces the progress of the gene mutations and prognosis models of MDS in the 60th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meetings were reviewed.

Comparison of prediction of outcomes in upper GI bleed using non-endoscopic scoring systems

Background: Several scoring systems have been designed for risk stratification and prediction of outcomes in upper GI bleed. Endoscopy plays a major role in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of UGIB patients. However not all patients with UGIB need endoscopy. The objective of the present study was compared the prediction of mortality using different scoring systems in patients with upper GI bleed. A decision tool with a high sensitivity would be able to identify high and low risk patients and for judicious utilization of available resources.Methods: 100 patients were assessed with respect to their clinical parameters, organ dysfunction, pertinent laboratory parameters and five risk assessment scores i.e. clinical Rockall, Glasgow Blatchford, ALBI, PALBI and AIMS65 were calculated.Results: For prediction of outcomes, AIMS65 was superior to the others (AUROC of 0.889), followed by the GBS (AUROC of 0.869), followed by clinical Rockall score (AUROC 0.815), followed by ALBI score (AUROC of 0.765), followed by PALBI score (AUROC of 0.714) all values being statistically significant.Conclusions: The AIMS65 score is best in predicting the mortality in patients with upper GI bleed. The optimum cut off being >2. Though GBS may be better in predicting the need for intervention, it is inferior in predicting the mortality. The newer scores like ALBI and PALBI are inferior to AIMS65 and GBS in predicting mortality.

Severity of disease scoring systems and mortality after non-cardiac surgery / Sistemas de classificação da gravidade da doença e mortalidade após cirurgia não cardíaca

Abstract Background: Mortality after surgery is frequent and severity of disease scoring systems are used for prediction. Our aim was to evaluate predictors for mortality after non-cardiac surgery. Methods: Adult patients admitted at our surgical intensive care unit between January 2006 and July 2013 was included. Univariate analysis was carried using Mann-Whitney, Chi-square or Fisher's exact test. Logistic regression was performed to assess independent factors with calculation of odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: 4398 patients were included. Mortality was 1.4% in surgical intensive care unit and 7.4% during hospital stay. Independent predictors of mortality in surgical intensive care unit were APACHE II (OR = 1.24); emergent surgery (OR = 4.10), serum sodium (OR = 1.06) and FiO2 at admission (OR = 14.31). Serum bicarbonate at admission (OR = 0.89) was considered a protective factor. Independent predictors of hospital mortality were age (OR = 1.02), APACHE II (OR = 1.09), emergency surgery (OR = 1.82), high-risk surgery (OR = 1.61), FiO2 at admission (OR = 1.02), postoperative acute renal failure (OR = 1.96), heart rate (OR = 1.01) and serum sodium (OR = 1.04). Dying patients had higher scores in severity of disease scoring systems and longer surgical intensive care unit stay. Conclusion: Some factors influenced both surgical intensive care unit and hospital mortality.

Resumo Justificativa: A mortalidade após cirurgia é frequente e os sistemas de classificação da gravidade da doença são usados para a previsão. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar os preditivos de mortalidade após cirurgia não cardíaca. Métodos: Os pacientes adultos admitidos em nossa unidade de terapia intensiva cirúrgica entre janeiro de 2006 e julho de 2013 foram incluídos. Análise univariada foi feita com o teste de Mann-Whitney, qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher. Regressão logística foi feita para avaliar fatores independentes com cálculo de razão de chances (odds ratio - OR) e intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC 95%). Resultados: No total, 4.398 pacientes foram incluídos. A mortalidade foi de 1,4% na unidade de terapia intensiva cirúrgica e de 7,4% durante a internação hospitalar. Os preditivos independentes de mortalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva cirúrgica foram APACHE II (OR = 1,24); cirurgia de emergência (OR = 4,10), sódio sérico (OR = 1,06) e FiO2 na admissão (OR = 14,31). Bicarbonato sérico na admissão (OR = 0,89) foi considerado um fator protetor. Os preditivos independentes de mortalidade hospitalar foram idade (OR = 1,02), APACHE II (OR = 1,09), cirurgia de emergência (OR = 1,82), cirurgia de alto risco (OR = 1,61), FiO2 na admissão (OR = 1,02), insuficiência renal aguda no pós-operatório (OR = 1,96), frequência cardíaca (OR = 1,01) e sódio sérico (OR = 1,04). Os pacientes moribundos apresentaram escores mais altos de gravidade da doença nos sistemas de classificação e mais tempo de permanência em unidade de terapia intensiva cirúrgica. Conclusão: Alguns fatores tiveram influencia sobre a mortalidade tanto hospitalar quanto na unidade de terapia intensiva cirúrgica.

Clinical application and optimization of HEAD-US quantitative ultrasound assessment scale for hemophilic arthropathy / 中华血液学杂志

Objective@#To assess the feasibility of HEAD-US scale in the clinical application of hemophilic arthropathy (HA) and propose an optimized ultrasound scoring system.@*Methods@#From July 2015 to August 2017, 1 035 joints ultrasonographic examinations were performed in 91 patients. Melchiorre, HEAD-US (Hemophilic Early Arthropathy Detection with UltraSound) and HEAD-US-C (HEAD-US in China) scale scores were used respectively to analyze the results. The correlations between three ultrasound scales and Hemophilia Joint Health Scores (HJHS) were evaluated. The sensitivity differences of the above Ultrasonic scoring systems in evaluation of HA were compared.@*Results@#All the 91 patients were male, with median age of 16 (4-55) years old, including 86 cases of hemophilia A and 5 cases hemophilia B. The median (P25, P75) of Melchiorre, HEAD-US and HEAD-US-C scores of 1 035 joints were 2(0,6), 1(0,5) and 2(0,6), respectively, and the correlation coefficients compared with HJHS was 0.747, 0.762 and 0.765 respectively, with statistical significance (P<0.001). The positive rates of Melchiorre, HEAD-US-C and HEAD-US scale score were 63.0% (95%CI 59.7%-65.9%), 59.5% (95%CI 56.5%-62.4%) and 56.6% (95%CI 53.6%-59.6%) respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Even for 336 cases of asymptomatic joints, the positive rates of Melchiorre, HEAD-US-C and HEAD-US scale score were 25.0% (95%CI 20.6%-29.6%), 17.0% (95%CI 12.6%-21.1%) and 11.9% (95%CI 8.4%-15.7%) respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). There were significant changes (P<0.05) in the ultrasonographic score of HA before and after onset of hemorrhage in 107 joints of 40 patients. The difference in variation amplitude of HEAD-US-C scores and HEAD-US scores before and after joint bleeding was statistically significant (P<0.001).@*Conclusion@#Compared with Melchiorre, there were similar good correlations between HEAD-US, HEAD-US-C and HJHS. HEAD-US ultrasound scoring system is quick, convenient and simple to use. The optimized HEAD-US-C scale score is more sensitive than HEAD-US, especially for patients with HA who have subclinical state, which make up for insufficiency of sensitivity in HEAD-US scoring system

Prediction for hemorrhagic transformation risk after intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke patients in different therapeutic windows: comparison of 5 scoring systems / 第三军医大学学报

Objective To compare the predictive value of 5 scoring systems for hemorrhagic transformation risk after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in different therapeutic windows.Methods A single-center and retrospective study was performed for 243 AIS patients who underwent intravenous thrombolysis using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) in different therapeutic windows in our department during January 2014 and December 2016.Five scoring systems,including HAT model (hemorrhage after thrombolysis),MSS model (multicenter stoker survey),GRASPS model (glucose at presentation,race,age,sex,systolic blood pressure at presentation,severity of stroke at presentation),SEDAN model (baseline blood sugar,early infarct signs,hyperdense cerebral artery sign on admission CT,age,NIHSS on admission),and SITS model (safe implementation of thrombolysis in strokemonitoring study) were used to evaluate the risks for hemorrhagic transformation.The relationships between the 5 scoring systems and incidence rate of hemorrhagic transformation were analyzed among the patients in different therapeutic windows.The predictive values of the 5 scoring systems were compared using the areas (AUC) under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results When the AIS patients were treated by intravenous thrombolysis within 3 h,the AUC of GRASPS and HAT models were 0.698 and 0.619,respectively,higher than those of the other 3 systems.When the therapeutic window was between 3 to 4.5 h,HAT model and SEDAN model had highest AUC (0.719,0.744) than the other 3 systems (P ＜0.05).When the windows were ＞4.5 ～6 h,the HAT model had the highest AUC (0.676).Conclusion The 5 scoring systems show better predictive value for hemorrhagic transformation after intravenous thrombolysis.For the therapeutic window within 4.5 h,HAT model presents best predictive value than the other 4 scoring systems.

Validation of the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation-II model in an urban Indian population and comparison with three other risk scoring systems.

Aims and Objectives: The aims were to compare the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE)‑II system against three established risk scoring systems for predictive accuracy in an urban Indian population and suggest improvements or amendments in the existing scoring system for adaptation in Indian population. Materials and Methods: EuroSCORE‑II, Parsonnet score, System‑97 score, and Cleveland score were obtained preoperatively for 1098 consecutive patients. EuroSCORE‑II system was analyzed in comparison to each of the above three scoring systems in an urban Indian population. Calibrations of scoring systems were assessed using Hosmer–Lemeshow test. Areas under receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were compared according to the statistical approach suggested by Hanley and McNeil. Results: All EuroSCORE‑II subgroups had highly significant P values stating good predictive mortality, except high‑risk group (P = 0.175). The analysis of ROC curves of different scoring systems showed that the highest predictive value for mortality was calculated for the System‑97 score followed by the Cleveland score. System‑97 revealed extremely high predictive accuracies across all subgroups (curve area >80%). This difference in predictive accuracy was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The present study suggests that the EuroSCORE‑II model in its present form is not validated for use in the Indian population. An interesting observation was significantly accurate predictive abilities of the System‑97 score

Comparison of different scoring systems in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery for predicting mortality and morbidity.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative risk estimation evaluating mortality and morbidity might help surgical decision. AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivities of physiologic and operative severity score for the enumeration of mortality and morbidity (POSSUM), portsmouth‑POSSUM (P‑POSSUM), colorectal‑POSSUM (CR‑POSSUM), the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland colorectal cancer model (ACPGBI CRC) and revised ACPGBI CRC scoring systems that are used for evaluating mortality and morbidity in colorectal surgery performed in third‑level healthcare centers. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A retrospective analysis has been performed on 335 consecutive patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery between 2002 and 2012. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mortality and morbidity risks of 335 patients who underwent colorectal cancer were evaluated using these scoring systems and the results were compared with actual mortality and morbidity within postoperative 30‑day that extend the duration of hospital stay. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were designed to identify the score values. RESULTS: Results of POSSUM and P‑POSSUM systems showed statistical differences compared with those of CR‑POSSUM, ACPGBI CRC and revised ACPGBI CRC systems (P < 0.05). P‑POSSUM was found to be the best scoring system for predicting mortality risk, although all scoring systems seem to be appropriate for this parameter. On the other hand POSSUM, which can predict morbidity, was found to have moderate differentiation ability due to the magnitude of the area under the ROC curve. CONCLUSIONS: Despite altering patient demographics and surgical conditions, POSSUM seems to lead as the best scoring system for predicting mortality and morbidity among others including those most‑recently proposed.

Use of the complete Rockall score and the Forrest classification to assess outcome in patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding subject to after-hours endoscopy: a retrospective cohort study / El uso de la puntuación de Rockall completa y la clasificación de Forrest para evaluar resultados en pacientes con hemorragia gastrointestinal alta no varicosa sometidos a endoscopía de urgencia: un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the usefulness of the Forrest classification and the complete Rockall score with customary cut-off values for assessing the risk of adverse events in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGI-B) subject to after-hours emergency oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (E-EGD) within six hours after admission. METHODS: The medical records of patients with non-variceal UGI-B proven by after-hours endoscopy were analysed. For 'high risk' situations (Forrest stage Ia-IIb/complete Rockall score > 2), univariate analysis was conducted to evaluate odds ratio for reaching the study endpoints (30-day and one-year mortality, re-bleeding, hospital stay > 3 days). RESULTS: During the study period (75 months), 86 cases (85 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Patients' age was 66.36 ± 14.38 years; 60.5% were male. Mean duration of hospital stay was 15.21 ± 19.24 days. Mortality rate was 16.7% (30 days) and 32.9% (one year); 14% of patients re-bled. Univariate analysis of post-endoscopic Rockall score > 2 showed an odds ratio of 6.09 for death within 30 days (p = 0.04). No other significant correlations were found. CONCLUSION: In patients with UGI-B subject to after-hours endoscopy, a 'high-risk'Rockall score permits an estimation of the risk of death within 30 days but not of re-bleeding. A 'high-risk'Forrest score is not significantly associated with the study endpoints.

OBJETIVOS: Evaluar la utilidad de la clasificación de Forrest y la puntuación de Rockall completa con los valores límites habituales a fin de evaluar el riesgo de eventos adversos en los pacientes con hemorragia gastrointestinal alta (HGIA) sometidos a una esofagogastroduodenoscopia (EGD) de urgencia dentro de seis horas después del ingreso. MÉTODOS: Se analizaron las historias clínicas de pacientes con HGIA de origen no varicoso comprobada por endoscopia de urgencia. Para las situaciones de 'alto riesgo' (etapa Forrest Ia- IIb/puntuación de Rockall completa >2), se realizó un análisis univariado para evaluar las probabilidades de riesgo (oddsratio) y llegar a los criterios de valoración del estudio (mortalidad de 30 días y un año, resangrado, estancia hospitalaria > 3 días). RESULTADOS: Durante el periodo de estudio (75 meses), 86 casos (85 pacientes) cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. La edad de los pacientes fue de 66.36 ± 14.38 años; 60.5% eran varones. La duración promedio de estancia hospitalaria fue de 15.21 ± 19.24 días. La tasa de mortalidad fue de 16.7% (30 días) y 32.9% (1 año); el 14% de los pacientes volvió a tener sangramiento. El análisis univariado de la puntuación Rockall postendoscópica > 2 mostró un odds-ratio de 6.09 por muerte en 30 días (p = 0.04). No se encontraron otras correlaciones significativas. CONCLUSIÓN: En pacientes con HGIA sometidos a endoscopía de urgencia, una puntuación Rockall de 'alto riesgo'permite una estimación del riesgo de muerte dentro de 30 días, pero no de resangrado. Una puntuación Forrest de 'alto riesgo' no es significativa con respecto a los criterios de valoración del estudio.

Comparison study of different scoring systems on screening peripheral neuropathy of diabetic patients / 中国综合临床

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of the Michigan neuropathy screening instrument (MNSI),the Michigan Diabetic Neuropathy Score(MDNS) and the Toronto Clinical Scoring System(TCSS) in screening diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in order to find a rapid,simple and accurate way for DPN screening.Methods Three hundred and twenty-seven type 2 diabetic patients were enrolled in the study.All patients received the 4 simple tests including MNSI,MDNS,TCSS and neural electrophysiological test (NET).Taking the results of NET as the golden criteria,the sensitivity,specificity,positive and negative predictive values,accuracy,Youden indexes and Kappa values of the scoring systems were analyzed to evaluate their clinical effectiveness.Results Compared with NET examination,sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of MDNS were 90.5％ (162/179),68.92％ (102/148),80.73％ (264/327),and 87.71％ (157/179),78.38％ (116/148),83.49％ (273/327) for MNSI and 79.33％ (142/179),65.54％ (97/148),73.09％ (239/327) for TCSS.MNSI and MDNS were better than TCSS in terms of effectiveness of DPN diagnosis and consistence with the result of NET (MDNS:0.6 045 ; MNSI:0.6 648 ; TCSS:0.4524).The area under the ROC curve of MNSI,MDNS and TCSS were 0.757,0.719,0.667.Conclusion Among the three scales methods,MNSI is a better method in screening DPN for its simplicity and reliability.

Evaluation of BISAP and HAP scoring system in predicting prognosis of acute pancreatitis / 中华胰腺病杂志

Objective To evaluate the bedside index for severity in acute pancreatitis (BISAP) and harmless acute pancreatitis (HAP) scoring system in predicting prognosis of acute pancreatitis (AP).Methods A total of 442 AP patients,who were admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2003 to December 2010,were retrospectively studied.BISAP and HAP scores were evaluated respectively.The value of BISAP and HAP scores in predicting severity,local complications,organ failure and mortality were measured by the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC),and it was compared with that of traditional Ranson's score.Results Among 442 patients,73 patients (16.5％) were diagnosed to have severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).AUC for BISAP score in predicting SAP,local complications,organ failure and mortality were 0.90 (95％ CI:0.86 ～ 0.93),0.82(95％ CI:0.76 ～ 0.89),0.93 (95％ CI:0.89 ～ 0.96),0.93 (95％ CI:0.87 ～ 0.98).There were no statistically significant differences in AUCs of the four prognostic parameters between BISAP and Ranson's score.The specificity,positive predictive value (PPV),and AUC of HAP score in predicting mild AP were 85％,95％ and 0.73 (95％ CI:0.67 ～ 0.79).The risk of dismal prognosis increased when both BISAP and HAP score were abnormal.Conclusions BISAP and Ranson's score have comparable ability in predicting prognosis of patients with AP.However,BISAP score is simpler.HAP score is a simple and accurate method for predicting prognosis of patients with mild AP.Combination of BISAP score with HAP score can better help predict the prognosis of AP patients.

Sistemas de puntuación en sepsis / Scoring systems in sepsis

Introducción: el paciente quirúrgico se enfrenta inexorablemente al reto de la infección posoperatoria. Los sistemas de puntuación en sepsis resultan herramientas de utilidad para la toma de decisiones con estos pacientes de difícil evaluación. Objetivo: exponer algunos conceptos relacionados con la fisiopatología del paciente quirúrgico y con la sepsis posoperatoria, así como las ventajas y limitaciones de los principales sistemas de puntuación desarrollados para la valoración de este paciente en las salas de terapia intensiva. Métodos: se realizó una revisión narrativa de los principales aspectos relacionados con la respuesta del paciente quirúrgico a la infección apoyado en una búsqueda en la base de datos Pubmed/MEDLINE y LILACS con los términos del Mesh: peritonitis, sepsis, scores entre otros, mediante búsqueda manual, se identificaron revistas médicas relevantes y artículos derivados de conferencias internacionales. Resultados: se entregan definiciones y conceptos esenciales acerca del paciente séptico así como elementos relacionados con la fisiopatología de la sepsis del paciente quirúrgico y su respuesta inmune. Se describen los principales sistemas de puntuación en sepsis utilizados en salas de terapia intensiva, sus bondades y limitaciones. Conclusiones: los sistemas de puntuación son herramientas de indudable valor en apoyo al método clínico, su integración a la práctica médica asistencial permite disminuir los errores y optimizar el proceso de toma de decisiones en situaciones de gran estrés organizacional, además, mejoran la calidad y la seguridad del paciente.

Introduction: the surgical patient inevitably faces the challenge of postoperative infection. Scoring systems in sepsis are useful tools for decision-making with patients who are difficult to evaluate. Objective: to present some concepts related to the pathophysiology of surgical patients, and postoperative sepsis, as well as the advantages and limitations of the main scoring systems developed for assessing this patient in intensive care units. Methods: A narrative review of the main aspects of the surgical patient response to infection was conducted supported by a search in Pubmed/MEDLINE, and LILACS with MeSH terms: peritonitis, sepsis, and scores, among others, by manual search. Relevant medical journals and articles from international conferences were identified. Results: Definitions and key concepts are given about the septic patient as well as elements related to the pathophysiology of surgical patient sepsis and their immune response. The main sepsis scoring systems used in intensive care units, their advantages and limitations were described. Conclusions: scoring systems are tools of great value in supporting clinical method, its integration into the medical assistance can reduce errors and optimize the process of decision-making in situations of major organizational stress; it also improves the quality and patient safety.

Hepatitis autoinmune / Autoimmune hepatitis

La hepatitis autoinmune es una entidad que se puede presentar en forma asintomática, como hepatitis aguda o como cirrosis hepática; el diagnóstico se basa en criterios clínicos, de laboratorio basados en niveles elevados de inmunoglobulina G y autoanticuerpos y en criterios histológicos como la hepatitis de interfase, la presencia de células plasmáticas e infiltrado linfocitario, en casos de difícil diagnóstico se pueden utilizar los sistemas de puntuación original o modificado. El tratamiento se basa en la utilización de inmunosupresores como corticoides y azatioprina que cambiaron la historia natural de la enfermedad.

Autoimmune hepatitis is a condition which can be asymptomatic or can present as acute hepatitis or liver cirrhosis. Diagnosis is based on clinical criteria and laboratory criteria. Laboratory criteria include elevated levels of immunoglobulin G and/or autoantibodies and histological criteria such as hepatitis interface, the presence of plasma cells and lymphocytic infiltrate. In difficult to diagnose cases original or modified scoring systems can be used. Treatment is based on the use of immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids and azathioprine that have changed the natural history of disease.

Comparison of Serum Procalcitonin with Ranson, APACHE-II, Glasgow and Balthazar CT Severity Index Scores in Predicting Severity of Acute Pancreatitis / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study is to assess serum procalcitonin (PCT) for early prediction of severe acute pancreatitis compared with multiple scoring systems and biomarkers. METHODS: Forty-four patients with acute pancreatitis confirmed by radiological evidences, laboratory assessments, and clinical manifestation were prospectively enrolled. All blood samples and image studies were obtained within 24 hours of admission. RESULTS: Acute pancreatitis was graded as severe in 19 patients and mild in 25 patients according to the Atlanta criteria. Levels of serum PCT were significantly higher in severe acute pancreatitis (p=0.001). The accuracy of serum PCT as a predicting marker was 77.3%, which was similar to the acute physiology and chronic health examination (APACHE)-II score, worse than the Ranson score (93.2%) and better than the Balthazar CT index (65.9%). The most effective cut-off level of serum PCT was estimated at 1.77 ng/mL (AUC=0.797, 95% CI=0.658-0.935). In comparision to other simple biomarkers, serum PCT had more accurate value (77.3%) than C-reactive protein (68.2%), urea (75.0%) and lactic dehydrogenase (72.7%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that serum PCT has statistical significance in acute severe pancreatitis. Assessment of serum PCT levels and length of hospital stay by simple linear regression analysis revealed effective p-value with low R square level, which could make only possibilty for affection of serum PCT to admission duration (r2=0.127, p=0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Serum PCT was a promising simple biomarker and had similar accuracy of APACHE-II scores as predicting severity of acute pancreatitis.

Severity and risk assessment of severe acute pancreatitis / 国际外科学杂志

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is a critical disease which has a high mortality. In order to make the diagnosis and treatment much more promptly, rationally and effectively, this article briefly introduces some methods for assessment of the severity and risk of SAP by clinical manifestation, risk factors,scoring systems, radiology and laboratory examinations.

Análisis ecográfico de las masas ováricas / Ultrasonography assessment of the ovarian masses

Propósito: Demostrar la utilidad de los diferentes puntajes (scores) propuestos por la literatura y aplicados a los hallazgos de la ecografía Doppler transvaginal (TV) para la caracterización de las masas ováricas. Material y métodos: Entre enero de 2003 y diciembre de 2005 fueron estudiadas 2308 pacientes con ecografía transvaginal (TV), de las cuales 144 presentaron masas ováricas; a las mismas se les efectuó Doppler TV. Los hallazgos fueron analizados retrospectivamente utilizando el índice morfológico (IM) de De Priest, el Scoring System de Alcazar y el estudio morfológico de las masas sumados a los hallazgos Doppler. Se tomó como valor sugestivo de malignidad un IM ³ de 5. Se consideraron como valor de corte para los parámetros Doppler un IR menor de 0,45 y una velocidad ³ de 10cm/seg. Resultados: De la aplicación de los diferentes scores surge que la combinación del análisis morfológico y espectral muestra una sensibilidad (S) del 86%, una especificidad (E) del 89%, un valor predictivo positivo (VPP) de 0,46 y un valor predictivo negativo (VPN) de 0,98. Al evaluar el score de De Priest obtuvimos una S del 89%, una E del 73%, un VPP de 0,46 y un VPN de 0, 96. En el score propuesto por Alcazar, la S fue del 75%, la E del 84%, el VPP de 0,21 y VPN de 0,98. Los diferentes score mostraron una tasa de falsos positivos que fluctuó entre el 11 y el 37%. Conclusión: La predicción del comportamiento biológico de las masas ováricas por ecografía Doppler TV presenta una alta sensibilidad con un elevado VPN para las lesiones malignas, siendo la especificidad moderada con un escaso VPP. Por ello, un resultado negativo es altamente confiable para benignidad, mientras que un resultado positivo debe interpretarse con cautela ante la eventual resolución quirúrgica.

Object: To apply different scores proposed by the literature in the Doppler transvaginal ultrasonography findings (TV US) and to demonstrate their utility in the characterization of ovarian tumors. Material and method: From January 2003 to December 2005, a total of 2308 patients were studied by TV ultrasonography. In this group, 144 women presented ovarian tumors, to whom a Doppler TV was performed. The Doppler findings were retrospectively reviewed applying the De Priest's Morphology Index (IM), the Alcazar's Scoring System and the morphologic study of the ovarian tumor. As suggestive of malignancy an IM? 5 was considered. For Doppler parameters, an IR < 0,45 and a velocity ?10 cm/sec were considered as cutting value. Results: The combination of morphological and spectral analysis showed a sensitivity (S) of 86%, a specificity (E) of 89%, a predictive positive value (PPV) of 0,46 and a predictive negative value (PNV) of 0,98. De Priest's score yielded the following results: S= 89%, E= 73%, PPV= 0,46 and PNV= 0, 96. Applying the Alcazar's score, the results were: S= 75%; E= 84%, PPV= 0,21, PNV= 0,98. The different scores showed a fluctuating rate of false positive: between 11 and 37%. Conclusions: In the evaluation of ovarian tumors, the Doppler ultrasonography presents high sensitivity and PNV, moderate specificity and poor PPV for malignant lesions. Therefore, a negative result is highly reliable for benignity, while a positive result must be caustiously interpreted in front of his possible surgical resolution.

Methodological considerations related to sleep paradigm using event related potentials

In the last few decades, several works on event related potentials (ERPs hereafter) during sleep have been reported. In spite of numerous studies, clear methodological rules for this kind of study are often missing, making it difficult to valorize the scope of these results. We propose here a description of methodological aspects to be considered when evaluating ERPs during sleep. The use of Rechtschaffen and Kales rules versus automatic methods is assessed, plus the additional use of certain quantitative measures. Additionally, two topics are discussed which must be controlled in ERPs sleep studies: the First Night Effect, and sleep disturbances. Better control of experimental paradigms is relevant for the growth of the neuroscience of sleep.