Diagnostic value of serum signal peptide-CUB-EGF-like domain-containing protein 1 levels in patients with acute appendicitis

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical causes of an acute abdomen among patients admitted to the emergency room due to abdominal pain. The clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis is usually difficult and is made by evaluating the clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings together. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic potential of signal peptide-CUB-EGF-like domain-containing protein 1 as a biomarker for acute appendicitis. METHODS: A total of 67 adult patients without any comorbidities who presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and were clinically diagnosed with acute appendicitis were included in the case group. The patients included in the study were classified into the negative appendectomy group and the acute appendicitis group according to their histopathological final diagnosis. In addition, 48 healthy volunteers without comorbidities were included in the control group. Signal peptide-CUB-EGF-like domain-containing protein 1 levels of patients and the control group were measured. RESULTS: According to postoperative histopathological examinations of the patients, 7 (10.4%) patients were diagnosed with negative appendectomy, and 60 (89.6%) patients were diagnosed with acute appendicitis. Signal peptide-CUB-EGF-like domain-containing protein 1 levels were higher in the patients with acute appendicitis than in negative appendectomy patients (p=0.012). Signal peptide-CUB-EGF-like domain-containing protein 1 levels were also higher in the case group compared to the control group (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The admission signal peptide-CUB-EGF-like domain-containing protein 1 level was significantly higher in adults with acute appendicitis. The SCUBE1 level is a novel but promising biomarker that aids in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

Parámetros del líquido amniótico para diagnóstico de respuesta inflamatoria en parto pretérmino / Amniotic fluid parameters for the diagnosis of inflammatory response in preterm delivery

OBJETIVO: Evaluar el rendimiento del Gram, la glucosa y los leucocitos en líquido amniótico para el diagnóstico de respuesta inflamatoria fetal y materna en pacientes con parto pretérmino. MÉTODO: Estudio de rendimiento de pruebas diagnósticas. Se incluyeron 63 pacientes a quienes se les realizó amniocentesis por sospecha de infección intraamniótica. Se estudió la placenta y se comparó con el Gram, la glucosa y el recuento de leucocitos en líquido amniótico para ver su relación con la respuesta inflamatoria. Se evaluaron la sensibilidad, la especificidad, las razones de verosimilitud (LR, likelihood ratio), los valores predictivos y el valor de kappa. RESULTADOS: Las pruebas con mejor rendimiento fueron en conjunto la glucosa 50/mm3 en líquido amniótico, con una especificidad del 94,3% (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 84,6-98,1), LR + 8,83 (IC95%: 2,5-31,2) y kappa de 0,48 (IC95%: 0,15-0,82). También se consideró la propuesta de un nuevo punto de corte para el recuento de leucocitos en líquido amniótico en la respuesta inflamatoria fetal. CONCLUSIONES: La combinación del recuento de leucocitos en líquido amniótico y los valores de glucosa mejora el rendimiento para el diagnóstico de respuesta inflamatoria fetal en comparación con la histopatología de la placenta, lo que proporciona información útil para el enfoque de los recién nacidos.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of Gram, glucose and leukocytes in amniotic fluid for the diagnosis of fetal and maternal inflammatory response in patients with preterm delivery. METHOD: A diagnostic performance test study was carried out. Sixty-three patients with preterm labor were included who underwent amniocentesis due to suspected intra-amniotic infection. Histopathology of the placenta was studied and compared with the Gram result, glucose and leukocyte count in amniotic fluid, and their relationship with the maternal and fetal inflammatory response. Sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, predictive values, and kappa were evaluated. RESULTS: The tests with the best performance were overall glucose 50/mm3 in amniotic fluid for the diagnosis of the fetal inflammatory response, with a specificity of 94.3% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 84.6-98.1%), likelihood positive ratio 8.83 (95% CI: 2.5-31.2) and kappa of 0.48 (95% CI: 0.15-0.82). A new cut-off point for leukocyte count in amniotic fluid to diagnose fetal inflammatory response was proposed. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of amniotic fluid leukocyte count and amniotic fluid glucose values improves performance for the diagnosis of inflammatory response compared with placental histopathology, providing useful information for newborns approach.

Effects of sustained low-efficiency dialysis combined with hemoperfusion on routine blood indicators and inflammatory factors in patients with sepsis-induced acute kidney injury / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effects of sustained low-efficiency hemodialysis combined with hemoperfusion on routine blood indicators and inflammatory factors in patients with sepsis-induced acute kidney injury.Methods:Eighty-six patients with sepsis-induced acute kidney injury who received treatment in Yantai Laiyang Central Hospital from April 2018 to April 2021 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 43 cases in each group. All patients received conventional supportive treatment. The control group received continuous renal replacement therapy and the observation group received sustained low-efficiency dialysis combined with hemoperfusion. Before and after treatment, routine blood indicators [hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet (PLT) count, albumin (Alb)], inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), procalcitonin PCT)], renal function indicators [serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN)], The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, length of hospital stay, and 28-day mortality rate were compared between the two groups.Results:Before treatment, there were no significant differences in Hb, WBC count, PLT count, Alb, IL-6, CRP, TNF-α, PCT, Scr, BUN, and APACHE II score between the two groups ( t = 0.04, 0.95, 0.23, 0.67, 1.54, 0.75, 0.98, 0.23, 1.04, 0.44, 0.07, all P > 0.05). After treatment, serum levels of Hb and Alb in each group were significantly increased compared with those before treatment. After treatment, serum levels of Hb and Alb in the observation group were (105.29 ± 15.80) g/L, (39.25 ± 7.87) g/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than (98.55 ± 12.93) g/L and (33.38 ± 7.29) g/L in the control group ( t = 2.16, 3.58, both P < 0.05). After treatment, WBC count, PLT count, IL-6, CRP, TNF-α, PCT, Scr, and BUN levels, and APACHE II score in each group were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment. After treatment, WBC count, PLT count, IL-6, CRP, TNF-α, PCT, Scr, and BUN levels, and APACHE II score in the observation group were (10.28 ± 1.87) × 10 9/L, (129.32 ± 14.79) × 10 9/L, (59.00 ± 12.77) μg/L, (22.41 ± 5.01) mg/L, (28.41 ± 4.77) μg/L, (18.41 ± 2.78) μg/L, (162.01 ± 21.04) μmol/L, (7.38 ± 1.17) mmol/L, (11.28 ± 3.60) points, respectively, which were significantly lower than (12.32 ± 2.27) × 10 9/L, (137.39 ± 18.30) × 10 9/L, (79.35 ± 14.36) μg/L, (29.31 ± 6.37) mg/L, (34.33 ± 5.38) μg/L, (22.32 ± 3.35) μg/L, (184.06 ± 24.03) μmol/L, (9.87 ± 1.66) mmol/L, (14.65 ± 3.38) points in the control group ( t = 4.54, 2.24, 6.94, 5.58, 5.39, 5.89, 4.52, 8.03, 4.47, all P < 0.05). The length of intensive care unit stay in the observation group was significantly shorter than that in the control group [(11.63 ± 2.18) days vs. (14.07 ± 2.71) days, t = 4.60, P < 0.05]. There was no significant difference in 28-day mortality rate between the two groups ( χ2 = 1.36, P > 0.05). Conclusion:Sustained low-efficiency dialysis combined with hemoperfusion is effective on sepsis-induced acute kidney injury. The combined therapy can improve routine blood indicators, inhibit inflammatory reactions, promote renal function recovery, and decrease the mortality rate to a certain degree.

Application value of squamous epithelial cells count, the white blood cells count and their ratio, and the bacteria count in the identification of female urine pollution / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To evaluate the significance of the white blood cells count (WBC), squamous epithelial cells count (SEC), bacteria count (BACT), the ratio of squamous epithelial cells count and white blood cells count (S/W), and the examination of leukocyte esterase by dry chemical method in urine contamination and infection.Methods:A total of 60 cases of urine infection and 60 cases of urine contamination in female outpatients and inpatients in Taizhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The five indexes of WBC, SEC, S/W, BACT and leucocyte esterase were compared between the two groups, WBC, SEC, S/W and BACT were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC).Results:By comparing the detection results of WBC, SEC, S/W, BACT and leukocyte esterase between the contaminated group and the infected group, using the nonparametric test of two independent samples, the results showed that the median level of WBC in the contaminating group specimens was lower than in the infected group: 58.00 (28.00, 102.00)/μl vs. 329.00 (145.00, 775.50)/μl, the difference was statistically significant ( Z = -7.03, P<0.01). The median level of SEC, S/W and BACT in the contaminated group were higher than those in the infected group: 43.00 (16.25, 73.75)/μl vs. 5.00 (3.00, 12.00)/μl, 0.620 (0.285, 1.209) vs. 0.018 (0.007, 0.037), 21.00 (6.25, 78.50)/μl vs. 204.50 (22.50, 816.75)/μl, and the differences were all statistically significant ( P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the results of leukocyte esterase between the two groups ( χ2 = 1.37, P = 0.24). The ROC curves of WBC, SEC, S/W, BACT were drawn, and the results showed that the four indexes had statistical significance in distinguishing pollution from infection ( P<0.01). Conclusions:Vaginal secretion will affect the detection of leukocyte esterase, WBC, squamous epithelial cells and bacteria in urine. WBC, SEC, S/W and BACT can be used as the differential diagnosis indexes of urine infection and urine contamination, and S/W can be selected as the differential diagnosis index of urine contamination.

Changing of white blood cell count and proportion of polymorphonuclear cells of synovial fluid in total knee arthroplasty patients before and after operation / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the changes and clinical significance of white blood cell (WBC) count and polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) proportion of synovial fluid after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Methods:A total of 59 patients (92 knees) who underwent TKA from April 2021 to July 2021 were included, including 13 males (20 knees) and 46 females (72 knees). The patients were with average age 65.17±7.49 years old (range 48-79) and with body mass index (BMI) 27.64±3.74 kg/m 2 (range 17-36 kg/m 2). There were 26 cases involved lateral knee and 33 cases bilateral knees. The left knee was involved in 46 knees, while other 46 were involved in right side. There were 54 patients diagnosed as osteoarthritis (84 knees) and 5 as rheumatoid arthritis (8 knees). None of the patients received antibiotics after hospitalization. Antibiotics were used prophylactically 30 min before surgery and after surgery. The synovial fluid WBC count and PMN proportion were detected during operation (It reflects the normal preoperative level) and on the 2nd, 5th and 35th day after operation. The changes of these indexes were analyzed. The unmixed synovial fluid was collected after the incision of the joint capsule during the operation. The outer upper edge of the patella was taken as the puncture point to extract the synovial fluid on the 2nd, 5th and 35th days after the operation. The final follow-up end point was a diagnosis of acute periprothetic joint infection (PJI) or 90 days of follow-up for patients without PJI. Results:After operation, the synovial fluid WBC count and PMN proportion showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing. The synovial fluid WBC count were 0.222(0.100, 0.567)×10 9/L, 20.011(14.573, 29.129)×10 9/L, 6.080(3.676, 8.797)×10 9/L, 0.533(0.394, 0.749)×10 9/L before surgery and at 2nd, 5th and 35th day after surgery respectively. The difference before and after operation was statistically significant (χ 2=247.343, P<0.001). The synovial fluid PMN proportion were 19.9%(15.0%, 30.0%), 96.0%(95.0%, 97.0%), 91.0%(89.0%, 93.0%) and 20.5%(15.6%, 26.9%) respectively and with significant difference (χ 2=242.521, P<0.001). Pairwise comparison of synovial fluid WBC count and PMN proportion before and on day 35 indicated no statistical significance ( P>0.05). However, the differences compared with that at other time points were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The synovial fluid WBC count and PMN proportion increased rapidly in the short term after TKA and then decreased to the preoperative level at varied rates. Referring to the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) recommended threshold for diagnosing infection during the acute stress period (within 5 d postoperatively) can result in false positives. Recovery to preoperative levels at 35th days postoperatively can be used as a basis for ruling out early infection. Thus, early joint fluid PMN proportion may have more diagnostic value than WBC counts.

Efficacy of infliximab in the treatment of small intestinal Crohn's disease and its effects on simple endoscopic score for Crohn's disease, routine blood test and nutritional indexes / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of infliximab in the treatment of small intestinal Crohn's disease and its effects on simple endoscopic score for Crohn's disease (SES-CD), routine blood test and nutritional indexes.Methods:Eighty-four patients with small intestinal Crohn's disease who received treatment in Zhejiang Xin'an International Hospital between November 2019 and March 2021 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into control and observation groups with 42 patients each. The control group was treated with azathioprine. The observation group was treated with azathioprine and infliximab. Clinical efficacy, SES-CD score, hemoglobin (Hb) level, white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet (PLT), albumin (ALB), pre-albumin (PA) and total protein (TP) levels pre- and post-treatment were compared between the two groups.Results:Response rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [92.8% (39/42) vs. 73.8% (31/42), χ2 = 5.48, P < 0.05]. There was no significant difference in SES-CD score pre-treatment between the control and observation groups [(7.24 ± 1.30) points vs. (7.33 ± 1.27) points, t = -0.34, P > 0.05]. After treatment, SES-CD scores in the control and observation groups were (5.12 ± 1.17) points and (4.22 ± 0.98) points, respectively, which were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment ( t = 11.01, 14.66, both P < 0.001). After treatment, SES-CD score in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group ( t = 4.19, P < 0.001). Before treatment, there were no significant differences in Hb level [(110.23 ± 16.19) g/L vs. (112.27 ± 15.98) g/L], WBC count [(7.61 ± 2.54) × 10 9 g/L vs. (7.47 ± 2.61) × 10 9 g/L] and PLT level [(420.14 ± 130.27) × 10 9 g/L vs. (419.23 ± 131.15) × 10 9 g/L] between the control and observation groups ( t = -0.58, 0.25, 0.03, all P > 0.05). After treatment, Hb level [(120.25 ± 14.36) g/L and (130.17 ± 12.24) g/L ], WBC count [(6.01 ± 1.88)× 10 9 g/L, (5.13 ± 1.96) × 10 9 g/L) and PLT level [(321.79 ± 110.21) × 10 9 g/L, (267.25 ± 100.23) × 10 9 g/L] in the control and observation groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment ( tcontrol group = -4.70, 6.60, 8.02, tobservaton group = -7.91, 3.50, 4.99, all P < 0.05). Hb level post-treatment in the observation group was significantly higher than that in control group ( t = -3.41, P < 0.05) . WBC count and PLT level in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t = 2.10, 2.37, both P < 0.05). Before treatment, there were no significant differences in ALB level [(33.14 ± 5.66) g/L vs. (32.98 ± 5.73) g/L], PA level [(220.17 ± 71.14) mg/L vs. (219.89 ± 70.26) mg/L], TP level [(61.23 ± 8.21) g/L vs. (60.95 ± 8.17) g/L] between control and observation groups ( t = 0.12, 0.01, 0.15, all P > 0.05). After treatment, ALB level [(38.29 ± 6.13) g/L, (44.23 ± 6.07) g/L], PA level [(281.14 ± 85.23) mg/L, (320.27 ± 82.01) mg/L], TP level [(67.23 ± 7.22) g/L, (73.28 ± 6.97) g/L] in the control and observation groups were significantly increased compared with those before treatment ( tcontrol group = -7.90, -4.30, -5.08, tobservation group = -13.76, -7.52, -11.45, all P < 0.05). After treatment, ALB, PA and TP levels in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( t = -4.46, -2.14, -3.89, all P < 0.05). Conclusion:Infliximab is highly effective on small intestinal Crohn's disease. It can effectively decrease SES-CD score, improve routine blood parameters and nutritional indexes, alleviate azathioprine-induced myelosuppression, and reduce gastrointestinal reactions.

Comparison between different tricuspid valve procedures through postoperative inflammation and myocardial enzymes

Abstract Introduction: The thoracoscopic procedure for tricuspid valve (TV) diseases is a minimally invasive method of treatment. This study focuses on comparing the changes in postoperative inflammatory reaction and myocardial injury markers after thoracoscopic and sternotomy/thoracotomy TV procedures. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 88 patients (53 males, aged 50.9±16.2 years) with TV diseases (single-valve disease) (72 cases of TV plasty) between January 2018 and April 2019. A total of 56 patients underwent thoracoscopic procedure (50 cases of TV plasty). The leukocyte and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were monitored as indicators of systemic inflammatory reaction. The lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, creatine kinase myocardial band, aspartate aminotransferase, and troponin-T levels were recorded as markers of myocardial injury. Results: The CRP and white blood cells levels of patients in the sternotomy approach group were continuously higher than those in patients in the thoracoscopic approach group. And the levels of myocardial enzymes in patients in the thoracoscopic approach group were significantly lower than those in patients in the sternotomy approach group. Conclusion: Compared with sternotomy/thoracotomy procedures on TV, the thoracoscopic procedure can reduce postoperative myocardial injury significantly and systemic inflammatory reaction to a certain extent. It is technically feasible, safe, effective, and worthy of widespread adoption in clinical practice.

Diagnostic characteristics of acute complicated appendicitis during pregnancy / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective:To analyze the diagnostic characteristics of complicated as acute appendicitis in pregnancy.Methods:Data of pregnant patients who were treated surgically and diagnosed as acute appendicitis pathologically at the Third Hospital of Peking University from Aug 2007 to Aug 2018 were collected,including uncomplicated acute appendicitis (UCAA) such as simple and purulent appendicitis, and complicated acute appendicitis (CAA) (perforated, gangrenous appendicitis or periappendiceal abscess).Result:There were 127 pregnant patients with acute appendicitis (47 CAA and 80 UCAA). CAA group had a higher proportion of positive symptoms, signs and examinations than UCAA group. ROC results showed that when pre-hospital time (the time from symptom onset to visiting the hospital, PT) and WBC critical values were 15.5 h and 17.11×10 3/mm 3, respectively, the sensitivity of CAA were 76.6% and 57.4%, and specificity of CAA were 75.0% and 82.5%. PT≥15.5 h ( OR=8.435,95% CI:2.933-24.262) and WBC>17.11×10 3/mm 3 ( OR=5.215,95% CI:1.626-16.729) were independent risk factors for CAA. Conclusion:CAA in pregnancy is associated with atypical clinical features, but the clinical manifestations of CAA are more serious. When PT exceeds 15 h and WBC exceeds 17.11×10 3/mm 3, CAA should be suspected and active operation should be suggested to avoid obstetric adverse outcomes.

Clinical features and prognosis of purulent meningitis in premature infants versus full-term infants / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate clinical features and prognosis of purulent meningitis in premature infants versus full-term infants and to better understand purulent meningitis and improve the diagnosis and treatment of purulent meningitis in infants. Methods:The clinical data of 54 infants with purulent meningitis who received treatment in Shanxi Children's Hospital, China between January 2017 and December 2019 were included in this study. The included infants were divided into preterm group (gestational age < 37 weeks, n = 11) and full-term group (gestational age 37-42 weeks, n = 43) according to different gestational ages. Clinical features and cerebrospinal fluid biochemical indexes (white blood cell count, protein concentration, glucose level) as well as total effective rate were compared between the preterm and full-term groups. Results:The main clinical features of neonatal purulent meningitis were fever, bradykinesia, low amount of milk intake, convulsion, lethargy, irritability, increased intracranial pressure, hypotonia or hypertonia. Hypotonia was the prominent manifestation in the preterm group, while fever, convulsion and bradykinesia were the prominent manifestations in the full-term group. White blood cell count and cerebrospinal fluid glucose level in the preterm group were significantly higher than those in the full-term group ( t = 2.215, 2.023, both P < 0.05), but cerebrospinal fluid protein level in the preterm group was significantly higher than that in the full-term group ( t = 2.437, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in total effective rate between preterm and full-term groups [90.91% (10/11) vs. 90.70% (39/43), χ2 = 0.001, P > 0.05]. Conclusion:The clinical features of neonatal purulent meningitis are not specific, and the clinical features of premature infants with purulent meningitis are not typical. It is necessary to carefully observe the clinical manifestations of premature infants with purulent meningitis and detect the biochemical indexes of cerebrospinal fluid to strive for early diagnosis and treatment.

Clinical significance of early detection of serum procalcitonin in children with hand-foot-and-mouth disease complicated by bacterial infection / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical significance of early detection of serum procalcitonin in children with hand-foot-and-mouth disease complicated by bacterial infection and provide reference for clinical diagnosis of the disease in children.Methods:A total of 126 children patients with hand-foot-and-mouth disease who received treatment in the First People's Hospital of Taizhou between December 2017 and December 2018 were included in this study. They were assigned into viral plus bacterial infection group and simple viral infection group ( n = 63/group) according to whether they suffered from bacterial infection. An additional 20 healthy children who concurrently received physical examination in the First People's Hospital of Taizhou were included in the control group. Serum levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-10, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin were compared among the three groups and bacterial infection was analyzed. Results:Serum levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-10 and C-reactive protein in the simple viral infection group were (3.75 ± 0.76) ng/L, (55.31 ± 11.27) ng/L, (10.91 ± 1.16) mg/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group [(1.39 ± 0.41) ng/L, (11.72 ± 9.58) ng/L,(2.16 ± 0.65) ng/L, t = 8.040, 16.982, 7.825, all P < 0.05]. Serum levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 in the bacterial plus viral infection group were (4.10 ± 1.09) ng/L and (66.64 ± 7.42) ng/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control and simple viral infection groups ( t = 13.088, 9.053, 10.031, 15.021, all P < 0.05). Serum C-reactive protein level in the bacterial plus viral infection group was significantly higher than that in the simple viral infection group [(26.28 ± 4.35) mg/L vs. (10.91 ± 1.16) mg/L, t = 21.938, P < 0.05]. Serum procalcitonin level and white blood cell counts in the bacterial plus viral infection group were (0.63 ± 0.04) μg/L, (15.12 ± 3.97) × 10 9/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group [(0.13 ± 0.02) μg/L, (7.93 ± 1.91) × 10 9/L, both P < 0.05] and simple virus infection group [(0.07 ± 0.01) μg/L, (8.78 ± 1.12) × 10 9/L, both P < 0.05]. The infection rates of enterovirus 71 and universal enterovirus in the simple viral infection group were significantly lower than those in the bacterial plus viral infection group ( χ2 = 20.329, 31.924, both P < 0.05). Conclusion:Serum procalcitonin level is highly specific and accurate for the diagnosis of hand-foot-and-mouth disease. Serum procalcitonin level and white blood cell can be used together as a sensitive index to identify whether bacterial infection occurs in children with hand-foot-and-mouth disease.

Value of procalcitonin, C-reactive protein and white blood cell count in combination in the differential diagnosis of different types of infantile enteritis / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the significance of procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC) in the differential diagnosis of bacterial enteritis and viral enteritis in children.Methods:The clinical data of 84 children with enteritis who received treatment in General Hospital of Taiyuan Iron and Steel (Group) Co. Ltd., China were retrospectively analyzed. Among these children, 47 suffered from bacterial enteritis (bacterial enteritis group) and 37 suffered from viral enteritis (viral enteritis group). PCT, CRP and WBC were determined and compared between the bacterial enteritis and viral enteritis groups. The outcomes and efficacy of PCT, CRP and WBC alone and in combination in the diagnosis of bacterial enteritis in children were determined.Results:PCT and CRP levels and WBC in the bacterial enteritis group were significantly higher than those in the viral enteritis group ( t = 12.427, 15.219, 10.912, all P < 0.05). The proportion of abnormal PCT and CRP levels and WBC in the bacterial enteritis group was 53.19%, 46.81% and 42.55%, which were significantly higher than those in the viral enteritis group (13.51%, 8.11%, 8.11%, χ2 = 14.195, 14.832, 12.353, all P < 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, missed diagnosis rate and misdiagnosis rate of PCT were 53.19%, 86.49%, 67.86%, 46.81% and 13.51% respectively, while they were 46.81%, 91.89%, 66.67%, 53.19% and 8.11% respectively for CRP and 42.55%, 91.89%, 64.29%, 57.45% and 8.11% respectively for WBC. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, missed diagnosis rate and misdiagnosis rate for PCT, CRP and WBC in combination were 87.23%, 94.59%, 90.48%, 12.77% and 5.41% respectively. The accuracy ( χ2 = 13.028, 14.141, 16.459) and sensitivity ( χ2 = 13.021, 17.375, 10.593) of PCT, CRP and WBC in combination were significantly higher than those of PCT, CRP and WBC alone in the diagnosis of bacterial enteritis in children (all P < 0.05). The missed diagnosis rate of PCT, CRP and WBC in combination was significantly lower than that of PCT, CRP and WBC alone in the diagnosis of bacterial enteritis in children ( χ2 = 13.021, 17.375, 10.593, all P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in specificity and misdiagnosis rate between PCT, CRP and WBC in combination and alone ( χ2 = 1.420, 0.000, 0.000, all P > 0.05). Conclusion:PCT, CRP and WBC in combination can effectively distinguish bacterial enteritis from viral enteritis in children, with highly reliable diagnosis results. Therefore, this detection method is of important clinical application value.

Association Between Thyroid Hormone Status and Complete Blood Count Parameters in Anemic Patients

@#Introduction: Anemia and thyroid conditions effect each other in clinical practice. Anemia may induce alteration in thyroid hormone status and various thyroid conditions induce various types of anemia. In present study, we aimed to study the thyroid function tests of the anemic subjects and to compare characteristics and laboratory features of the three groups; hypothyroid, hyperthyroid, and euthyroid subjects. Methods: Anemic subjects divided into three groups according to the thyroid hormone status, either as hyperthyroid, hypothyroid and euthyroid groups. Hemogram indices and laboratory parameters compared between three groups. Results: Mean red cell distribution width (RDW) of hypothyroid anemic subjects was significantly lower than the RDW of euthyroid anemic subjects (p=0.003). White blood cell (WBC) count of hypothyroid anemic subjects was significantly reduced compared to the euthyroid (p<0.001) and hyperthyroid (p=0.047) anemic subjects. Significant inverse correlation between RDW and TSH (r=-0.25, p=0.001), between RDW and hemoglobin (r=-0.44, p<0.001), between RDW and hematocrit (r=-0.35, p<0.001) and between RDW and mean corpuscular volume (r=-0.53, p<0.001) were noted. Conclusions: Since anemia is common in thyroid conditions, besides its role in differential diagnosis of the anemia, RDW could also serve as an adjunct diagnostic tool in estimation of the thyroid hormone status in anemic subjects.

Systematic review and Meta-analysis on chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression treated with acupuncture / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To review systematically the effectiveness of acupuncture in treatment of chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression.@*METHODS@#From the date of database establishment to April 1, 2020, the articles on randomized controlled trials of chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression were retrieved by computer from the following databases, i.e. PubMed, Cochrane central register of controlled trials (CENTRAL), EMbase, cumulative index to nursing & allied health literature (CINAHL), JBI database of systematic reviews and implementation reports, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and SinoMed. Using RevMan5.3, Meta-analysis was conducted. With GRADEpro GDT, the evidence quality was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#A total of 12 articles were included, 10 articles of which were analyzed by quantitative Meta-analysis. Compared with the control group, the improvements in the decrease of post-chemotherapy leukocyte (@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture alleviates the decrease of leukocyte, platelet, neutrophile granulocyte and erythrocyte counts and improves the survival quality of patients with chemotherapy-induced bone marrow suppression.

Associação de índices hematológicos com fatores de risco, gravidade e complexidade da lesão no infarto agudo do miocárdio / Association of hematological índices with risk factors, severity and complexity of lesion in the acute myocardium infarction

Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre os índices hematológicos e os fatores de risco, a complexidade e a gravidade do infarto em relação aos desfechos cardiovasculares. Métodos: Trata-se de uma coorte prospectiva, aninhada ao Catarina Heart Study e realizada em um hospital público da Grande Florianópolis. Resultados: Entre 2016 e 2019, foram analisados 580 participantes. Os indivíduos diabéticos apresentaram valores de hemoglobina de 13,0g/dL (12,0 a 14,1g/dL), inferior aos não diabéticos, com valores de 14,0g/dL (12,7 a 15,0g/dL; p<0,001). Indivíduos dislipidêmicos apresentavam valores de hemoglobina e segmentados, respectivamente, de 13,3g/dL (12,1 a 14,4g/dL) e 6.910mm³ (5.990 a 7.807mm³), inferiores aos sem dislipidemia, que possuíam, respectivamente, 14,0g/dL (12,8 a 15,0g/dL; p<0,001) e 7.205mm³ (6.300 a 8.030mm³; p=0,038). A contagem de plaquetas foi maior nos que possuíam dislipidemia, 224.000mm³ (178.000 a 273.500mm³), quando comparados aos que não possuíam, 210.000mm³ (173.000 a 255.000mm³; p=0,029). Houve correlação entre o SYNTAX e a contagem de leucócitos (r=0,143; p=0,001) e segmentados (r=0,222; p<0,001). Houve correlação negativa entre a fração de ejeção ventricular e a contagem de leucócitos (r=-0,173; p<0,001) e dos segmentados (r=-0,255; p<0,001). Indivíduos reinternados em 30 dias apresentaram valores de segmentados de 7.440mm³ (6.590 a 8.360mm³), maior em relação aos não reinternados, com 7.100mm³ (6.100 a 8.022mm³), sendo p=0,05. Os participantes que morreram por qualquer causa possuíam hemoglobina de 12,0g/dL (11,4 a 13,7g/dL), inferior aos indivíduos que permaneceram vivos em 30 dias, cujos valores foram de 13,7g/dL (12,5 a 14,9g/dL), sendo p=0,021. Conclusão: A contagem maior de plaquetas está associada à dislipidemia. Valores de hemoglobina baixas estão associados a um pior prognóstico em 30 dias e aos fatores de risco cardiovasculares, como diabetes mellitus e dislipidemia. A contagem maior de leucócitos está associada à reinternação em 30 dias e correlacionada à gravidade e à complexidade da lesão do infarto.

Objective: To evaluate the association of hematological indices with risk factors, complexity, and severity of the acute myocardial infarction regarding cardiovascular outcomes. Methods: This is a prospective cohort, nested to Catarina Heart Study, performed in a public hospital of Florianópolis. Results: Between 2016 and 2019, 580 participants were analyzed. Diabetic individuals had hemoglobin levels of 13.0g/dL (12.0 to 14.1g/dL), lower than those in non-diabetic individuals, with values of 14.0g/dL (12.7 to 15.0g/dL; p<0.001). Individuals with dyslipidemia had hemoglobin and segmented leukocytes of, respectively, 13.3g/dL (12.1 to 14.4g/dL) and 6,910mm³ (5,990 to 7,807mm³), lower than in non-dyslipidemic individuals, who had, respectively, 14.0g/dL (12.8 to 15.0g/dL; p<0.001) and 7,205mm³ (6,300 to 8,030mm³; p=0.038). Platelet count was higher in those who had dyslipidemia, 224,000mm³ (178,000 to 273,500mm³), when compared to non-dyslipidemic, 210,000mm³ (173,000 to 255,000mm³; p=0.029). There was a correlation between Syntax and leukocyte count (r=0.143, p=0.001) and segmented (r=0.222; p<0.001). There was a negative correlation between ventricular ejection fraction and leukocytes count (r=-0.173; p<0.001) and segmented (r=-0.255; p<0.001). Individuals readmitted in 30 days had segmented values of 7,440mm³ (6,590 to 8,360mm³), higher compared to non-readmitted, with 7,100mm³ (6,100 to 8,022mm³), p=0,05. Individuals who died of any cause had hemoglobin of 12.0g/dL (11.4 to 13.7g/dL), lower than those that remained alive in 30 days, with values of 13.7g/dL (12.5 to 14.9g/dL), p=0.021. Conclusion: Higher platelet count is associated with dyslipidemia. Low hemoglobin values are associated with worse outcomes in 30 days and with cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia. Higher leukocyte count is associated with readmission in 30 days and is also correlated to the severity and complexity of acute myorcardial infarction.

Laboratory findings in SARS-CoV-2 infections: State of the art

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE The scientific community is constantly assessing the clinical and laboratory manifestations of COVID-19 in the organism. In view of the fragmentation of the large amount of information, knowledge gaps in relation to laboratory markers, and scarcity of papers in Portuguese, we propose a Literature review on laboratory changes observed in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. METHODS Analysis of articles published between December 2019 and May 2020 on the PubMed and SciELO databases. The articles were identified, filtered, and evaluated based on the approach to the subject, language, and impact. Then, the articles were subjected to a thorough reading, in full, by 4 (four) independent researchers. RESULTS Leukopenia and lymphopenia were included in most studies, even in case definitions. Platelet count and platelet-lymphocyte ratio, at peak platelet, were associated with advanced age and longer hospital stay. Eosinopenia showed a sensitivity of 74.7% and specificity of 68.7% and, together with increased CRP, these are one of the future prospects for screening for disease. A high level of procalcitonin may indicate bacterial co-infection, leading to a worse prognosis. COVID-19 manifests itself with increased levels of many inflammatory markers such as IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-12, IP10, IFN-γ, MIP1A, MCP1, GSCF, TNF-α, and MCP1/CCL2, as well as LDH, ESR, D-dimer, CK, ALT, and AST. CONCLUSION There is a need for further studies on the new SARS-CoV-2. So far, there is no consensus regarding laboratory findings and their usefulness, whether as a prognostic marker, mortality, or disease severity.

RESUMO OBJETIVO A comunidade científica avalia a todo momento, as manifestações clínicas e laboratoriais da COVID-19 no organismo e, em vista da fragmentação da grande quantidade de informações, lacunas de conhecimento em relação aos marcadores laboratoriais e escassez de trabalhos em português, propomos uma revisão de Literatura sobre alterações laboratoriais observadas em pacientes infectados por SARS-CoV-2. MÉTODOS Análise de artigos publicados entre dezembro de 2019 a maio de 2020 nas plataformas PubMed e SciELO. Os artigos foram identificados, filtrados e avaliados com base na abordagem ao assunto, idioma e impacto. Depois, os artigos foram submetidos a uma minuciosa leitura, na íntegra, por 4 (quatro) pesquisadores independentes. RESULTADOS A leucopenia e a linfopenia constaram na maioria dos trabalhos, presente até em definições de caso. A contagem de plaquetas e a razão plaquetas-linfócitos, no pico plaquetário, foram associados à idade avançada e maior tempo de hospitalização. A eosinopenia apresentou sensibilidade de 74,7% e especificidade de 68,7% e, juntamente com aumento da PCR, são uma das perspectivas futuras de triagem para doença. O alto nível de procalcitonina pode indicar uma co-infecção bacteriana, levando a pior prognóstico. A COVID-19 se manifesta com níveis aumentados de muitos marcadores inflamatórios como IL-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-12, IP10, IFN-γ, MIP1A, MCP1, GSCF, TNF-α e MCP1/CCL2, bem como LDH, VHS, dímero-D, CK, ALT e AST. CONCLUSÃO Há necessidade de estudos adicionais sobre o novo SARS-CoV-2. Até agora, não há unanimidade em relação aos achados laboratoriais e sua utilidade, seja como marcador prognóstico, de mortalidade, ou de severidade de doença.

Does periodontitis affect mean platelet volume(MPV) and plateletcrit (PCT) levels in healthy adults?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Periodontitis may stimulate infectious and immune response and cause the development of atherogenesis, coronary heart disease, and myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to compare the plateletcrit (PCT) and mean platelet volume (MPV) levels derived from complete blood count (CBC) tests in patients suffering from stage 3 periodontitis with those of healthy individuals without periodontal disease. METHODS The study included 57 patients (28 females and 29 males) with Stage 3 Periodontitis and 57 volunteering individuals (31 females and 26 males) who were periodontally healthy. The age of study participants ranged from 18 to 50 years. Their periodontal condition was investigated with probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, and plaque index. Leukocyte (WBC) and erythrocyte count (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (HCT) levels, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and red cell distribution width (RDW), thrombocyte count, mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletcrit (PCT ), and neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were evaluated based on the CBC test results of the study participants. RESULTS PCT, WBC, Neutrophil, and MPV values were found to be significantly higher in the periodontitis group (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in RBC counts, Hb, HCT, MCV, RDW, and platelet and lymphocyte counts between the two study groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS PCT and MPV levels may be a more useful marker to determine an increased thrombotic state and inflammatory response in periodontal diseases.

RESUMO OBJETIVO A periodontite pode estimular a resposta infecciosa e imunitária e causar o desenvolvimento da aterogênese, doença coronária e infarto do miocárdio. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os níveis de plaquetócrito (PCT) e de volume médio de plaquetas (VMP) derivados dos testes de hemograma completo (CBC) em doentes que sofrem de periodontite de fase 3 com os de indivíduos saudáveis, sem doença periodontal. MÉTODOS O estudo incluiu 57 doentes (28 mulheres e 29 homens) com periodontite de fase 3 e 57 voluntários (31 mulheres e 26 homens) que eram periodontalmente saudáveis. A idade dos participantes do estudo variou de 18 a 50 anos. A condição periodontal dos participantes do estudo foi investigada com profundidade de sonda (PD), nível de ligação clínica, hemorragia na sonda e índice de placas. Contagem de leucócitos (WBC) e eritrócitos (RBC), níveis de hemoglobina (Hb) e hematócrito (HCT), volume corpuscular médio (VCM) e largura de distribuição das células vermelhas (RDW), contagem de trombócitos, volume plaquetário médio (MPV), plaquetócrito (PCT) e contagem de neutrófilos e linfócitos foram avaliados com base nos resultados do teste CBC dos participantes do estudo. RESULTADO Verificou-se que os valores de PCT, WBC, neutrófilos e MPV eram significativamente mais elevados no grupo da periodontite (p<0,05). Não houve diferenças significativas nas contagens de glóbulos vermelhos, Hb, HCT, MCV, RDW; nem nas contagens de plaquetas e linfócitos entre os dois grupos estudados (p>0, 05). CONCLUSÃO Os níveis de PCT e MPV podem ser um marcador mais útil para determinar um estado trombótico aumentado e a resposta inflamatória em doenças periodontais.

Role of Inflammation and Serum Creatine Phospho Kinase in Seizures

Background and Objectives: Epilepsy which is a disorder with an extensive variability of symptomatology and multifactorial origins is categorized by emergent and recurrent seizures. Numerous studies showed that seizures are triggered by hyperactivity of the neurons of the brain which may be atypical and synchronous. Our study was aimed to find out the association of inflammation in terms of total leukocyte count (TLC) and serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) concentration in epilepsy and their comparison with pseudo-seizures and healthy controls. Methodology: We conducted this study in Mayo Hospital, Lahore with the collaboration of the Physiology Department of King Edward Medical University, Lahore after approval from Advanced Studies and Research Board of KEMU, Lahore. The sample size was ninety and they were divided equally into three groups, 30 patients of GTCS, 30 patients with a history of pseudoseizures and 30 healthy subjects of comparable age. p< 0.001 was taken as significant. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS 21. Results: Mean total leukocyte count (TLC) in Pseudo-seizures groups was 8216.3 ± 2195.8 cu.mm, in the epileptic group was 13219.9 ± 2686.8 cu.mm and in the control group, the mean TLC was 6832.1 ± 1154.9 cu.mm. Mean serum CPK in pseudo-seizure groups was 130.1 ± 74.3 IU/100 ml, in the epileptic group was 257.7 ± 24.6 IU/100 ml and in the control group, the mean CPK was 79.9 ± 27.7 IU/100 ml. Conclusion: Total leukocyte count (TLC) and CPK were higher in the epileptic group as compare to the pseudo-seizure groups as well as the control group. Elevated WBC levels may be a result of continuing inflammatory progressions in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Therefore it was concluded that serum CPK and TLC may serve as a differentiating marker between epileptic generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) and pseudo seizers.

Abnormal elevation of serum carbohydrate antigen 724 in gout patients / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To analyze the clinical significance of elevated serum carbohydrate antigen 724 (CA724) in gout patients. Methods The clinical data of 271 gout patients, 63 ankylosing spondylitis patients, 40 psoriatic arthritis patients, 67 osteoarthritis patients and 280 healthy controls in our hospital from Jul. 2016 to Jun. 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The positive rates and levels of serum CA724 were compared among gout patients and ankylosing spondylitis patients, psoriatic arthritis patients, osteoarthritis patients and healthy controls. According to the clinical symptoms and signs, gout patients were also divided into acute-stage group (n=53) and chronic-stage group (n=218); the serum CA724 levels were compared between the two groups and the correlation between serum CA724 level with white blood cell count and C-reactive protein (CRP) was analyzed in acute-stage gout patients. According to the serum CA724 level, gout patients were divided into elevated serum CA724 group (n=63) and normal serum CA724 group (n=208), and the serum uric acid, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein were compared between the two groups. Results The positive rate of serum CA724 in gout patients was significantly higher than those in ankylosing spondylitis patients, psoriatic arthritis patients, osteoarthritis patients and healthy controls (P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum CA724 in gout patients was significantly higher than those in osteoarthritis patients and healthy controls (P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum CA724 in acute-stage gout patients was significantly higher than that in chronic-stage gout patients (P<0.01), and it was positively correlated with white blood cell count and CRP (both P<0.01). The levels of serum uric acid and triglyceride in gout patients with elevated serum CA724 were significantly higher than those in patients with normal serum CA724 (P<0.01, P<0.05), while the level of high-density lipoprotein was significantly lower than that in normal serum CA724 group (P<0.01). Conclusion Serum CA724 level is increased in some gout patients, and serum CA724 is correlated with acute gout attack and inflammation.

Expressions of multiple inflammation markers in the patients with 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia and their clinical values / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective@#To explore the Expressions of multiple inflammation markers in the patients with 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) and their clinical values, and to provide theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.@*Methods@#A total of 164 patients, diagnosed with COVID-19 and admitted to Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital from January to February 2020, were selected as the research group and divided into three groups (ordinary, severe, and critically severe pneumonia) according to the disease severity. Meandwhile 66 non-infected patients during the same period were selected as negative control group. The expressions of WBC, LYM, CRP, SAA, and PCT were retrospective studied and compared between groups. The diagnostic values of WBC, CRP, SAA and the combination of these three markers in all patients with COVID-19 and in different severity groups were analyzed by ROC curve.@*Results@#Compared with control group (WBC count :8.13(6.51,9.42)×109/L, LYM count:2.00(1.28,2.43)×109/L), WBC count [4.94(4.05, 6.67) ×109/L] and LYM count [1.33(0.94, 1.96) ×109/L] of COVID-19 patients were significantly reduced (Z=-7.435, P<0.01; Z=-4.906, P<0.01) . Compared with the control group [CRP: 1.36 (0.57~5.67) mg/ml; SAA:[4.98 (4.80~15.75) mg/mL], CRP [7.93 (2.45~23.98) mg/ml] and SAA [34.13 (4.83~198.40) mg/ml] were increased in research group (Z=-5.72, P<0.01; Z=-4.166, P<0.01) . PCT in the control group and the research group were 0.100 0(0.030 6~0.100 0)ng/ml and 0.044 5(0.031 6~0.077 0)ng/ml, respectively. There was no statistical difference between two groups (Z=-1.451, P=0.147) . The areas under the ROC curve (AUC) of WBC, CRP and SAA in patients with COVID-19 were 0.814, 0.742, 0.673, respectively (P<0.01), while the AUC of the combination of three indexes for COVID-19 diagnosis was 0.882, with 83.33%(55/66) specificity and 84.76% (139/164) sensitivity, P<0.01.The AUCs of WBC, CRP, and SAA for predicting severe and critically severe COVID-19 were 0.799, 0.779, and 0.886 , respectively (P<0.01), and the AUC of the combination of three indexes for the diagnosis of severe and critically severe COVID-19 was 0.924, with 78.67% (118/150) specificity and 14/14 sensitivity (P<0.01).@*Conclusion@#Combining detection of WBC, CRP and SAA can improve the specificity and sensitivity of COVID-19 diagnosis, with a high diagnostic value for severe and critically severe COVID-19.

Association of platelet to lymphocyte and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios with in-hospital mortality in patients with type A acute aortic dissection

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) with in-hospital mortality in type A acute aortic dissection (AAD). Methods: A total of 96 patients who presented to the emergency department between January 2013 and June 2018 with a diagnosis of type A AAD were enrolled in this study. White blood cell count subtypes such as NLR and PLR were calculated at the time of admission. The end point was in-hospital mortality. Results: Of the 96 type A AAD patients included in this analysis, 17 patients (17.7%) died during hospitalization. NLR and PLR were significantly elevated in patients with type A AAD (P<0.001 and <0.001, respectively). Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve, the best NLR cut-off value to predict in-hospital mortality was 9.74, with 70.6% sensitivity and 76.8% specificity, whereas the best PLR cut-off value was 195.8, with 76.5% sensitivity and 78.1% specificity. Conclusion: Admission NLR and PLR levels were important risk factors and independently associated with in-hospital mortality of type A AAD patients.