Are we ready to stratify BI-RADS 4 lesions observed on magnetic resonance imaging? A real-world noninferiority/equivalence analysis / Estamos prontos para estratificar lesões BI-RADS 4 na ressonância magnética? Uma análise de não inferioridade/equivalência do mundo real

Abstract Objective: To demonstrate that positive predictive values (PPVs) for suspicious (category 4) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings that have been stratified are equivalent to those stipulated in the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) for mammography and ultrasound. Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of electronic medical records generated between January 4, 2016 and December 29, 2021 provided 365 patients in which 419 suspicious (BI-RADS category 4) findings were subcategorized as BI-RADS 4A, 4B or 4C. Malignant and nonmalignant outcomes were determined by pathologic analyses, follow-up, or both. For each subcategory, the level 2 PPV (PPV2) was calculated and tested for equivalence/noninferiority against the established benchmarks. Results: Of the 419 findings evaluated, 168 (40.1%) were categorized as malignant and 251 (59.9%) were categorized as nonmalignant. The PPV2 for subcategory 4A was 14.2% (95% CI: 9.3-20.4%), whereas it was 41.2% (95% CI: 32.8-49.9%) for subcategory 4B and 77.2% (95% CI: 68.4-84.5%) for subcategory 4C. Multivariate analysis showed a significantly different cancer yield for each subcategory (p < 0.001). Conclusion: We found that stratification of suspicious findings by MRI criteria is feasible, and malignancy probabilities for sub-categories 4B and 4C are equivalent to the values established for the other imaging methods in the BI-RADS. Nevertheless, low suspicion (4A) findings might show slightly higher malignancy rates.

Resumo Objetivo: Demonstrar que os valores preditivos positivos (VPPs) para lesões suspeitas (categoria 4) identificadas por ressonância magnética (RM) são equivalentes aos estipulados no ACR BI-RADS para mamografia e ultrassonografia. Materiais e Métodos: Análise retrospectiva de dados em prontuário eletrônico, entre 4 de janeiro de 2016 e 29 de dezembro de 2021, resultou em 365 pacientes elegíveis, com 419 lesões classificadas como BI-RADS 4A, 4B ou 4C. Desfechos malignos e não malignos foram determinados por estudo patológico e/ou acompanhamento. Realizamos o cálculo do VPP nível 2 (VPP2) para cada subcategoria e testamos para não inferioridade/equivalência em relação aos valores de referência. Resultados: Dos 419 achados, 168 (40,1%) foram malignos e 251 (59,9%), não malignos. O VPP2 para subcategoria 4A foi 14,2% (IC 95%: 9,3-20,4%), para 4B foi 41,2% (IC 95%:, 32,8-49,9%) e para 4C foi 77,2% (IC 95%: 68,4-84,5%). Análise multivariada demonstrou diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre as subcategorias (p < 0,001). Conclusão: A estratificação de achados suspeitos por RM é factível, sendo que a probabilidade de malignidade das subcategorias 4B e 4C é equivalente à estabelecida para outros métodos de imagem pelo BI-RADS. Contudo, lesões de baixa suspeição (4A) podem apresentar taxas mais altas de malignidade.

Instrumentos para la evaluación del riesgo de lesiones por presión en adultos en estado crítico: scoping review / Risk assessment instruments for pressure ulcer in adults in critical situation: a scoping review / Instrumentos para a avaliação do risco de lesões por pressão para adultos em situação crítica: scoping review*

Objetivo: mapear los instrumentos para la evaluación del riesgo de lesiones por presión en adultos en situación crítica en una unidad de terapia intensiva; identificar los indicadores de desempeño de los instrumentos y la apreciación de los usuarios con respecto al uso/limitaciones de los instrumentos. Método: scoping review. Para redactar el estudio se utilizó la extensión Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. La investigación se realizó mediante la herramienta de búsqueda EBSCOhost en 8 bases de datos, resultando 1846 estudios, de los cuales 22 conforman la muestra. Resultados: se identificaron dos grandes grupos de instrumentos: los generalistas [Braden, Braden (ALB), Emina, Norton-MI, RAPS y Waterlow]; y los específicos (CALCULATE, Cubbin & Jackson, EVARUCI, RAPS-ICU, Song & Choi, Suriaidi y Sanada y el índice COMHON). En cuanto al valor predictivo, EVARUCI y CALCULATE mostraron los mejores resultados de indicadores de desempeño. En cuanto a las apreciaciones/limitaciones señaladas por los usuarios, destaca la escala CALCULATE, seguida de la EVARUCI y la RAPS-ICU, aunque aún necesitan ajustes futuros. Conclusión: el mapeo mostró que las evidencias son suficientes para indicar uno o más instrumentos para la evaluación del riesgo de lesiones por presión en adultos críticos en una unidad de cuidados intensivos.

Objective: to map the instruments for risk assessment of pressure ulcers in adults in critical situation in intensive care units; identify performance indicators of the instrument, and the appreciation of users regarding the instruments' use/limitations. Method: a scoping review. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews in the writing of the study. We carried out the searches in the EBSCOhost search tool for 8 databases, resulting in 1846 studies, of which 22 studies compose the sample. Results: we identified two big instrument groups: generalist [Braden, Braden (ALB), Emina, Norton-MI, RAPS, and Waterlow]; and specific (CALCULATE, Cubbin & Jackson, EVARUCI, RAPS-ICU, Song & Choi, Suriaidi and Sanada, and COMHON index). Regarding the predictive value, EVARUCI and CALCULATE presented better results for performance indicators. Concerning appreciation/limitations indicated by users, we highlight the CALCULATE scale, followed by EVARUCI and RAPS-ICU, although they still need future adjustments. Conclusion: the mapping of the literature showed that the evidence is sufficient to indicate one or more instruments for the risk assessment of pressure ulcers for adults in critical situation in intensive care units.

Objetivo: mapear os instrumentos para avaliação do risco de lesões por pressão nos adultos em situação crítica em unidade de cuidados intensivos; identificar os indicadores de desempenho dos instrumentos e a apreciação dos utilizadores quanto ao uso/às limitações dos instrumentos. Método: scoping review. O Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews foi utilizado para a redação do estudo. A pesquisa foi realizada na ferramenta de busca EBSCOhost em oito bases de dados, resultando em 1846 estudos, dos quais 22 compõem a amostra. Resultados: identificaram-se dois grandes grupos de instrumentos: os genéricos [Braden, Braden (ALB), Emina, Norton-MI, RAPS e Waterlow]; e os específicos (CALCULATE, Cubbin & Jackson, EVARUCI, RAPS-ICU, Song & Choi, Suriaidi e Sanada e o índice de COMHON). Quanto ao valor preditivo, a EVARUCI e a CALCULATE apresentaram os melhores resultados de indicadores de desempenho. Em relação à apreciação/às limitações apontadas pelos utilizadores, destacam-se a escala CALCULATE, seguindo-se da EVARUCI e da RAPS-ICU, embora ainda necessitem de ajustes futuros. Conclusão: o mapeamento mostrou que as evidências são suficientes para indicar um ou mais instrumentos para avaliação do risco de lesões por pressão nos adultos em situação crítica em unidade de cuidados intensivos.

Alergia a la leche de vaca: ¿se pueden evitar las pruebas de provocación oral? Un análisis probabilístico basado en datos clínicos / Cow's milk allergy: Can oral food challenges be avoided? A probabilistic analysis based on clinical data

Introducción. La prueba de provocación oral (PPO) para el diagnóstico de alergia a las proteínas de la leche de la vaca (APLV) presenta riesgos y requiere de recursos. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar condiciones y pruebas complementarias para identificar una alta probabilidad de APLV. Población y métodos. Análisis secundario sobre estudio de pacientes atendidos en una unidad de alergia entre 2015 y 2018. Se determinaron las probabilidades prepruebas asociadas a los síntomas y sus combinaciones, y las probabilidades pospruebas luego de realizadas pruebas cutáneas y determinación de inmunoglobulina E (IgE) sérica. Resultados. Se evaluó la información de 239 pacientes. Se observaron probabilidades mayores al 95 % en pacientes con angioedema y combinación de urticaria y vómitos. Usando puntos de corte propuestos por Calvani et al., la combinación de vómitos con rinitis, sin angioedema, también superó el 95 %. Conclusión. Se ofrece una metodología para identificar pacientes en los que puede diagnosticarse APLV sin realización de PPO.

Introduction. The oral food challenge (OFC) for the diagnosis of cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) poses risks and requires resources. Our objective was to assess conditions and complementary tests used to identify a high probability of CMPA. Population and methods. Secondary analysis of a study of patients seen at a unit of allergy between 2015 and 2018. Pre-testing probabilities associated with symptoms and their combinations and post-testing probabilities after skin prick testing and serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were determined. Results. The data from 239 patients were assessed. A probability greater than 95% was observed for angioedema and a combination of urticaria and vomiting. Based on the cut-off points proposed by Calvani et al., the combination of vomiting with rhinitis, without angioedema, also exceeded 95%. Conclusion. A methodology is provided to identify patients in whom CMPA may be diagnosed without an OFC.

Generación de un test predictivo para el diagnóstico de laetiología de la hemorragia digestiva alta variceal

Nuestro objetivo fue desarrollar un test diagnóstico para predecir la etiología de la Hemorragia Digestiva Alta Variceal (HDAV). Realizamos un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo. Se revisaron historias clínicas de pacientes mayores de 18 años con Hemorragia Digestiva Alta (HDA) que acudieron al servicio de emergencia del Hospital Cayetano Heredia (HCH) de Lima-Perú entre el 2019 a 2022, se recolectaron datos demográficos, de laboratorio y clínicos; posteriormente, se identificaron variables predictivas de HDAV mediante una regresión logística múltiple. A cada variable con capacidad predictiva se les asignó un puntaje con un punto de corte y sirvió para construir una escala predictiva de HDAV. Se incluyeron 197 historias clínicas de pacientes con HDA, de los cuales 127 (64%) tuvieron sangrado de causa no variceal, y, 70 (36%), variceal. Se identificaron 4 factores predictivos independientes: hematemesis (vómito rojo) (OR: 4,192, IC 95%: 1,586-11,082), recuento de plaquetas (OR: 3,786, IC 95%: 1,324-10,826), antecedente de HDA (OR: 2,634, IC 95%: 1,017-6,820), signos de enfermedad hepática crónica (OR: 11,244, IC 95%: 3,067-35,047), con los que se construyó una escala predictiva, con un punto de corte >7 y ≤7; que mostró una sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo, valor predictivo negativo, cociente de probabilidad positivo, y, negativo de 58,6%, 90,6%, 77,4%, 79,9%, 6,20, y 0,46 respectivamente. En conclusión, la escala predictiva con un punto de corte >7 es útil para predecir la presencia de la HDAV en pacientes que acuden a la emergencia por HDA.

Our objective was to develop a diagnostic test to predict the etiology of Variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding (VUGIB). We conducted a retrospective cohort study. Medical records of patients over 18 years of age with Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding (UGIB) who attended the emergency service of Hospital Cayetano Heredia (HCH) in Lima-Peru between 2019 and 2022 were reviewed; demographic, laboratory and clinical data were collected. Subsequently, predictive variables of variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (VUGIB) were identified using multiple logistic regression. Each variable with predictive capacity was assigned a score with a cut-off point and served to build a predictive scale for VUGIB. 197 medical records of patients with UGIB were included, of which 127 (64%) had non-variceal bleeding, and 70 (36%), variceal. Four independent predictors were identified: hematemesis (red vomit) (OR: 4,192, 95% CI: 1.586-11.082), platelet count (OR: 3.786, 95% CI: 1.324-10.826), history of UGIB (OR: 2.634, 95% CI: 1.017-6.820), signs of chronic liver disease (OR: 11.244, 95% CI: 3.067-35.047), with which a predictive scale was constructed, with a cut-off point >7 and ≤7; which showed a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, and negative of 58.6%, 90.6%, 77.4%, 79.9%, 6.20, and 0.46 respectively. In conclusion, the predictive scale with a cut-off point >7 is useful for predicting the presence of VUGIB in patients who attend the emergency room for UGIB.

A prospective validation and comparison of three multivariate models for prediction of difficult intubation in adult patients

Abstract Purpose Several bedside clinical tests have been proposed to predict difficult tracheal intubation. Unfortunately, when used alone, these tests show less than ideal prediction performance. Some multivariate tests have been proposed considering that the combination of some criteria could lead to better prediction performance. The goal of our research was to compare three previously described multivariate models in a group of adult patients undergoing general anesthesia. Methods This study included 220 patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia. A standardized airway evaluation which included modified Mallampati class (MM), thyromental distance (TMD), mouth opening distance (MOD), head and neck movement (HNM), and jaw protrusion capacity was performed before anesthesia. Multivariate models described by El-Ganzouri et al., Naguib et al., and Langeron et al. were calculated using the airway data. After anesthesia induction, an anesthesiologist performed the laryngoscopic classification and tracheal intubation. The sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of the models were calculated. Results The overall incidence of difficult laryngoscopic view (DLV) was 12.7%. The area under curve (AUC) for the Langeron, Naguib, and El-Ganzouri models were 0.834, 0.805, and 0.752, respectively, (Langeron > El-Ganzouri, p= 0.004; Langeron = Naguib, p= 0.278; Naguib = El-Ganzouri, p= 0.101). The sensitivities were 85.7%, 67.9%, and 35.7% for the Langeron, Naguib, and El-Ganzouri models, respectively. Conclusion The Langeron model had higher overall prediction performance than that of the El-Ganzouri model. Additionally, the Langeron score had higher sensitivity than the Naguib and El-Ganzouri scores, and therefore yielded a lower incidence of false negatives.

Estimación del riesgo cardiovascular global en hipertensos de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Cienfuegos

Fundamento: a pesar de la importancia del cálculo del riesgo cardiovascular global en hipertensos y los beneficios de su implementación en la Atención Primaria de Salud, en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Cienfuegos son insuficientes los estudios sobre su estimación. Objetivo: determinar el riesgo cardiovascular global en hipertensos de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Cienfuegos en el año 2021. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal y correlacional. La muestra estuvo conformada por 105 hipertensos entre 40-80 años de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Cienfuegos en el 2021. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad, género, colesterol total, tabaquismo, presión arterial sistólica, diabetes mellitus diagnosticada y el riesgo cardiovascular global. Se calcularon la frecuencia absoluta y relativa de las variables y se aplicó la Chi cuadrado de Pearson en la asociación de las variables y el riesgo cardiovascular bajo con un nivel de significación p=0,05. Los resultados se presentaron en tablas. Resultados: predominó el género femenino, el grupo etáreo de 50-69 años, los no diabéticos y los no fumadores, con colesterol normal y prehipertensos. El 93,3 % presentó riesgo cardiovascular global bajo y el 6,7 % de moderado a crítico. Los pacientes no diabéticos y con presión arterial sistólica normal presentaron asociación significativa con el riesgo cardiovascular bajo. Conclusiones: los hipertensos de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Cienfuegos presentan un riesgo cardiovascular global bajo, se mostró una correlación entre el riesgo cardiovascular bajo y la presión arterial sistólica normal y los antecedentes de no diabetes, lo que condicionaría protección a eventos cardiovasculares y cerebrovasculares en el futuro.

Background: despite the importance of calculating global cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients and the benefits of its implementation in Primary Health Care, studies on its estimation are insufficient at the University of Medical Sciences of Cienfuegos. Objective: to determine the global cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients at the University of Medical Sciences of Cienfuegos in the year 2021. Methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional and correlational study was carried out. The sample consisted of 105 hypertensive patients between 40-80 years of age from the University of Medical Sciences of Cienfuegos in 2021. The variables studied were: age, gender, total cholesterol, smoking, systolic blood pressure, diagnosed diabetes mellitus, and global cardiovascular risk. The absolute and relative frequency of the variables were calculated and Pearson's Chi square was applied in the association of the variables and low cardiovascular risk with a significance level of p=0.05. The results were presented in tables. Results: the female gender, the age group of 50-69 years, non-diabetics and non-smokers, with normal cholesterol and prehypertensive predominated. 93.3 % presented low overall cardiovascular risk and 6.7 % moderate to critical. Non-diabetic patients with normal systolic blood pressure presented a significant association with low cardiovascular risk. Conclusions: hypertensive patients at the University of Medical Sciences of Cienfuegos have a low overall cardiovascular risk, a correlation was shown between low cardiovascular risk and normal systolic blood pressure and a history of non-diabetes, which would determine protection against cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in the future

Avaliação de letramento de risco em estudantes de medicina / Risk literacy assessment of medical students in Brazil / Evaluación de la alfabetización del riesgo en estudiantes de medicina en Brasil

Introdução: Para o processo de decisão compartilhada é essencial que profissionais da saúde interpretem dados estatísticos das melhores evidências disponíveis para que essas informações possam ser comunicadas para seus pacientes. Nesse contexto, o letramento de risco é a capacidade de avaliar riscos e benefícios de determinada ação. Apesar da importância dessa habilidade, estudos têm mostrado que muitos profissionais e estudantes possuem dificuldade na compreensão de conceitos estatísticos e de probabilidade e, dessa forma, baixo letramento de risco. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o letramento de risco em estudantes de medicina e como isso impacta a capacidade de resolver um problema de cálculo de valor preditivo positivo de um exame de rastreamento. Métodos: Foram convidados estudantes do 4º, 5º e 6º anos da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo para responder a um questionário composto pelo Berlin Numeracy Test (BNT), instrumento validado para a mensuração de numeracia, e um problema clínico sobre cálculo de valor preditivo positivo (VPP) em rastreamento de câncer de mama com mamografia. Avaliar qual o grau de letramento de risco em estudantes de medicina e verificar se existe associação entre o número de acertos no BNT e a capacidade de resolução do cenário clínico sobre VPP. Resultados: Obtivemos 97 respostas, em que 19 (19,52%) participantes acertaram 3 das 4 questões do BNT, e 61 (62,89%) acertaram todas as questões. Já na pergunta sobre VPP do rastreamento de câncer de mama houve 43 respostas corretas (44,33%). A média de pontuação no BNT da amostra de participantes foi de 3,41. Entre os estudantes que acertaram o cálculo do VPP, a média foi 3,67 e, entre os que erraram, foi de 3,21. Conclusões: Apesar da numeracia alta medida pelo BNT, os estudantes apresentam baixa taxa de acerto no caso clínico. Este estudo reforça os achados prévios de que o letramento de risco é uma habilidade difícil de ser aprendida, mesmo em pessoas com alta numeracia. Entretanto, o baixo número de respostas dificulta a interpretação mais precisa dos resultados.

Background: In order to accomplish the shared decision-making process, it is essential that health professionals are able to understand statistical data of the best available evidence, so that this information can be communicated to their patients. In this context, risk literacy is the ability to evaluate risks and benefits of a given action. Despite the relevance of this skill, research has demonstrated that many professionals and students have difficulty interpreting concepts of statistics and probability, therefore having low risk literacy. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate risk literacy in medical students and how it impacts their ability to solve a problem concerning the positive predictive value (PPV) of a mass screening. Methods: Medical students from the 4th, 5th, and 6th years of the School of Medicine of Universidade de São Paulo were invited to answer a questionnaire comprised of the Berlin Numeracy Test (BNT), a validated instrument to measure numeracy, and a clinical problem regarding the PPV of a mammogram in the context of mass screening. To measure the level of risk literacy of medical students and to investigate whether there is an association between score in the BNT and the ability to correctly answer the clinical problem regarding PPV. Results: A total of 97 responses were collected, of which 19 (19.52%) participants answered 3 out of 4 questions of the BNT, and 61 (62.89%) correctly answered all the questions. In the clinical problem about PPV of cancer screening, there were 43 correct answers (44.33%). The mean BNT score of the participants was 3.41. Among the students who correctly answered the problem, the mean score was 3.76, and among the ones who answered incorrectly, it was 3.21. Conclusions: Despite the high numeracy measured by the BNT, students had a poor outcome in the clinical problem. This study reinforces previous findings that risk literacy is a difficult skill to be learned, even in individuals with high numeracy. However, the low response rate hinders a more precise interpretation of the results.

Introducción: Para el proceso de toma de decisión compartida, es esencial que los profesionales de la salud sean capaces de interpretar datos estadísticos a partir de las mejores evidencias científicas disponibles para que las informaciones puedan ser comunicadas a sus pacientes. En ese contexto, la alfabetización de riesgo es la capacidad de evaluar riesgos y beneficios de una determinada acción. No obstante la importancia de esa habilidad, estudios han demostrado que muchos profesionales y estudiantes tienen dificultades para comprender conceptos de estadística y de probabilidad y, por consecuencia, baja alfabetización de riesgo. Objetivos: Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar la alfabetización de riesgo en estudiantes de medicina y cómo eso impacta la capacidad de resolver un problema de cálculo del valor predictivo positivo (VPP) de un examen de tamizaje. Métodos: Estudiantes de 4º, 5º y 6º año de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de São Paulo fueron invitados a responder un cuestionario compuesto por el Berlin Numeracy Test (BNT), un instrumento validado para medir la numeracia, y un problema clínico sobre el cálculo del VPP en el tamizaje de cáncer de mama con mamografía. Evaluar el grado de alfabetización de riesgo en estudiantes de medicina y verificar si existe asociación entre el número de aciertos en BNT y la capacidad de resolución del escenario clínico de VPP. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 97 respuestas, de las que 19 (19,52%) participantes respondieron correctamente 3 de las 4 preguntas del BNT y 61 (62,89%) respondieron correctamente todas las preguntas. En la pregunta sobre el VPP del tamizaje de cáncer de mama hubo 43 respuestas correctas (44,33%). La puntuación media de BNT de los participantes fue de 3,41. Entre los estudiantes que calcularon correctamente el VPP, el promedio fue de 3,67 y entre los que se equivocaron, fue de 3,21. Conclusiones: A pesar de la alta numeracia medida por el BNT, los estudiantes tienen una baja tasa de éxito en el caso clínico. Este estudio refuerzó los hallazgos previos de que la alfabetización de riesgo es una habilidad difícil de aprender, incluso en personas con un alto nivel de numeracia. Sin embargo, el bajo número de respuestas dificulta una interpretación más precisa de los resultados.

Correlation between serum uric acid/albumin ratio and large atherosclerosis stroke, its severity and short-term outcome / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate the correlation between serum uric acid to albumin ratio (UAR) and large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA), its severity and short-term outcome.Methods:Patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to the Department of Neurology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from September 2017 to August 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. They were classified into LAA and non-LAA according to the TOAST etiological criteria. Patients with LAA were further divided into mild stroke group (≤8) and moderate to severe stroke group (>8) according to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at admission, and good outcome group (≤2) and poor outcome group (>2) according to the modified Rankin Scale score at discharge. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the correlation between UAR and LAA, its severity and short-term outcome. The predictive value of UAR for poor outcomes in patients with LAA was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results:A total of 4 178 patients with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled, including 2 751 males (65.8%), aged 61.95±10.73 years. There were 2 000 (47.9%) patients with LAA, including 1 112 (55.6%) mild stroke and 888 (44.4%) moderate to severe stroke; 813 (40.65%) had good short-term outcomes and 1 187 (59.35%) had poor outcomes. UAR in the LAA group was significantly higher than that in the non-LAA group ( P<0.05). In patients with LAA, the UAR of the moderate to severe stroke group and the short-term poor outcome group were significantly higher than that of the mild stroke group and the short-term good outcome group, respectively (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the UAR was an independent risk factor for LAA (odds ratio [ OR] 1.043, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.016-1.071; P=0.002), its severity ( OR 2.000, 95% CI 1.860-2.151; P<0.001), and short-term poor outcomes ( OR 1.456, 95% CI 1.379-1.537; P<0.001). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of UAR for predicting short-term poor outcomes in patients with LAA was 0.727 (95% CI 0.704-0.750; P<0.001). The optimal cutoff value was 6.62, and the sensitivity and specificity were 86.6% and 56.7%, respectively. The area under the curve of UAR for predicting short-term poor outcomes in patients with LAA was greater than that predicted solely by uric acid and albumin. Conclusions:UAR is associated with LAA, its severity and poor prognosis, and has higher predictive value for poor outcomes in patients with LAA.

Eosinophil-to-neutrophil ratio predicts outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke receiving intravenous thrombolysis / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate the predicting value of eosinophil-to-neutrophil ratio (ENR) for outcomes at 3 months after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).Methods:Patients with AIS received intravenous thrombolysis in the Department of Neurology, Huai'an First People's Hospital from July 2019 to July 2022 were included retrospectively. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the independent correlation between ENR and outcomes at 3 months after intravenous thrombolysis. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of ENR levels for poor outcomes at 3 months after intravenous thrombolysis. Results:A total of 352 patients with AIS receiving intravenous thrombolysis were enrolled, including 240 men (68.1%), age 66.46±12.00 years old. The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 8 (interquartile range, 5-13). At 3 months after onset, 215 patients (61.0%) had good outcomes, 137 (38.9%) had poor outcomes. Univariate analysis showed that the median ENR×10 2 level of the poor outcome group was significantly lower than that of the good outcome group ( Z= –7.305, P<0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that lower ENR×10 2 was an independent risk factor for poor outcomes at 3 months after intravenous thrombolysis (odds ratio 0.619, 95% confidence interval 0.514-0.745; P<0.01). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve for ENR×10 2 predicting the poor outcomes after intravenous thrombolysis was 0.731 (95% confidence interval 0.678-0.784; P<0.01). The optimal cutoff value was 0.625 and the corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 94% and 40%, respectively. Conclusion:Lower ENR before intravenous thrombolysis in patients with AIS is independently associated with the poor outcomes at 3 months.

Predictive score of the outcomes after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke / 国际脑血管病杂志

Stroke has become the leading cause of disability and death in China. At present, intravenous thrombolysis is one of the most effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke, but not all patients can benefit from intravenous thrombolysis. In recent years, the exploration of predictive models for the outcomes after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke has attracted increasing attention. This article systematically reviews the scoring models for predicting the functional outcome, death and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke, with the aim of screening the scoring system suitable for clinical application and providing reference for the clinical diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of acute ischemic stroke.

Combined HAT score and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio predict symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate the value of hemorrhage after thrombolytic (HAT) score and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in combination predicting symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).Methods:Consective patients with AIS received intravenous thrombolysis with ateplase in Tianjin TEDA Hospital from January 2016 to December 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. sICH was defined as cerebral CT showing hemorrhage at any part of the brain after intravenous thrombolysis, and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was increased by≥4 compared with the baseline, or there was a manifestation indicating clinical aggravation. Univariate analysis was used to compare the baseline data of sICH group and non-sICH group. A binary multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the independent influencing factors of sICH. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the value of HAT score and NLR in combination predicting sICH. Results:A total of 429 patients with AIS were enrolled. Univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in atrial fibrillation, systolic blood pressure, NLR, HAT score and NIHSS score between the sICH group and the non-sICH group (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that NLR (odds ratio [ OR] 1.405, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.193-2.958), HAT score ( OR 1.512, 95% CI 1.207-3.169) and NIHSS score ( OR 1.221, 95% CI 1.082-2.634) had significant independent correlation with sICH after adjusting for atrial fibrillation and systolic blood pressure. The ROC curve showed that the areas under the curve of HAT score, NLR and their combination predicting sICH were 0.719 (95% CI 0.609-0.832), 0.723 (95% CI 0.618-0.835) and 0.854 (95% CI 0.765-0.931), respectively. The areas under the curve of the two methods in combination were significantly larger than those of the single method ( P=0.029 and 0.032, respectively), and their sensitivity and specificity were 74.1% and 83.5% respectively. Conclusion:Combined HAT score and NLR is of high value in predicting sICH after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with AIS, and has clinical application potential.

Validade do autorrelato de hipertensão arterial em trabalhadores / Validity of workers self-reports of hypertension

Resumo Introdução O monitoramento da hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) é realizado no Brasil, fundamentado no autorrelato, por meio do sistema VIGITEL. Tendo em vista lacunas acerca desse agravo em populações de trabalhadores, estas devem ser alvo da ação ampliada para o seu diagnóstico epidemiológico. Objetivo Testar a validade de critério do autorrelato de HAS, comparando-o com medidas aferidas de pressão arterial (PA). Método Realizou-se estudo de corte transversal com amostra aleatória do universo de 1.561 trabalhadores de um serviço judiciário na Bahia. Calcularam-se sensibilidade, especificidade, valores preditivos e razões de probabilidade para o autorrelato de HAS, comparando-os com a aferição direta da PA, medida de referência. O diagnóstico de HAS foi a média de duas aferições com PA sistólica ≥ 140 mmHg, e/ou PA diastólica ≥ 90 mmHg, e/ou uso regular de anti-hipertensivos. Resultados Em amostra de 391 trabalhadores, verificou-se sensibilidade de 66,4% (57,1-74,6%), especificidade de 87,9% (83,2-91,4%), valor preditivo positivo de 70,5% (61,1-78,6%), valor preditivo negativo de 85,7% (80,9-89,4%), razões de probabilidade positiva e negativa de 5,5 (3,88-7,72) e de 0,4 (0,30-0,49), respectivamente. Conclusão Este estudo evidenciou o autorrelato como medida válida para o diagnóstico epidemiológico da HAS entre trabalhadores, recomendando seu uso. No entanto, esta validade depende do diagnóstico prévio do agravo.

Abstract Background Monitoring of hypertension, based on self-report, has been performed in Brazil through VIGITEL. In view of the gaps about this problem in worker populations, these should be the targets of the expanded action of epidemiological diagnosis of hypertension. Objective To test the validity of hypertension self-report in comparison to blood pressure (BP) measurements. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample of 1561 workers from a Judicial Service in Bahia. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were calculated for the hypertension self-report in comparison with direct BP measurement (reference). Hypertensive cases presented the mean of two BP measurements, with systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg, and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg and/or regular use of antihypertensive drugs. Results In a sample of 391 workers, there was a sensitivity of 66.4% (57.1-74.6%), a specificity of 87.9% (83.2-91.4%), a positive predictive value of 70.5% (61.1- 78.6%), a negative predictive value of 85.7% (80.9-89.4%), a positive and negative likelihood ratio of 5.5 (3.88-7.72) and 0.4 (0.30-0.49) respectively. Conclusion This study showed self-report as a valid measure to implement the epidemiological diagnosis of hypertension among workers, recommending its use. However, its validity depends on the previous diagnosis.

Diagnostic Value of D-Dimer and INR in Patients Suspected to Have Prosthetic Valve Dysfunction

ABSTRACT Introduction: Prosthetic valve dysfunction is a potentially critical complication of heart valve replacement. An easy and quickly applicable diagnostic procedure is required for recognizing the prosthetic valve dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to prospectively define the diagnostic value of D-dimer and INR level in predicting prosthetic valve dysfunction. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 70 patients suspected to have prosthetic valve dysfunction admitted to Imam Ali Hospital, affiliated with Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah Province, Iran. Cinefluoroscopy, as the gold standard diagnostic test, was used for the diagnosis of prosthetic valve dysfunction in enrolled patients. Two milliliters of blood from each patient were taken into a tube containing sodium citrate anticoagulant. To evaluate D-dimer, the cutoff value was set at 500 ng/ml. Also, to evaluate international normalized ratio (INR), the cutoff value was set at 2. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) of the serum markers were used to describe predictive properties. Results: Of 70 patients, 27 (38.6%) were male and 43 (61.4%) were female, and the mean age was 54.67±15.11 years (range, 18 to 80 years). Of 70 patients, 27 (38.6%) had prosthetic heart valve malfunction demonstrable by fluoroscopy, and 19 patients (27.1%) had D-dimer levels >500 ng/ml. Elevated D-dimer levels (>500 ng/ml) have been indicated to have sensitivity of 70.4%, and hence an NPV of 84.3%, specificity of 100%, PPV of 100%, NLR of 0.3, and the infinity value of PLR for predicting prosthetic valve dysfunction. There was a significant relationship between fluoroscopy and D-dimer test (P=0.001). A kappa coefficient value of 0.745 indicated a substantial agreement between D-dimer and fluoroscopy testing. Mixing test (combination of D-dimer and INR) showed to have 100% sensitivity, and hence a NPV of 69.8%, specificity of 69.8%, PPV of 51.8%, NLR of 1.41, and PLR of 1.44 for predicting prosthetic valve dysfunction. Conclusion: D-dimer with moderate sensitivity and high specificity is an ideal marker for the diagnosis of prosthetic valve dysfunction in suspected patients. Enhanced plasma D-dimer level is not by itself diagnostic of a prosthetic valve dysfunction but may alert physicians to refer the patient for more detailed examination, preferably by fluoroscopy. Mixing test with 100% sensitivity can apply as a rule-out test.

Pruebas diagnósticas de tamizaje / Diagnostic screening tests

Introducción. Las pruebas diagnósticas de tamizaje son aquellas pruebas que son capaces de identificar un factor de riesgo o mutaciones genéticas que predicen el inicio ulterior de la enfermedad, así como también las pruebas que ponen de manifiesto alteraciones estructurales de la enfermedad antes que la enfermedad progrese y se vuelva sintomática. Métodos. Se hizo una revisión de la literatura para establecer los fundamentos teóricos científicos que sustentan a las pruebas de diagnóstico de tamizaje y las condiciones y requisitos que se deben cumplir para introducirlas en el ámbito clínico o como programas de salud pública. Resultados. Se estableció la diferencia conceptual entre la detección precoz y el diagnóstico temprano y la diferencia entre tamizaje de prevalencia y tamizaje de incidencia. Se dieron a conocer las indicaciones y criterios científicos para la realización de las pruebas de tamizaje. Se puntualizó la importancia de la duración del tiempo de adelanto en la eficacia de las pruebas diagnósticas de detección precoz. Se argumentaron las razones por las cuales era necesario la realización de experimentos clínicos aleatorizados para evaluar la eficacia de las pruebas diagnósticas de detección precoz en la prevención secundaria de la enfermedad. Conclusiones. Las pruebas diagnósticas de tamizaje hacen posible la introducción de intervenciones en el ámbito de la prevención primaria, como también en el escenario de la prevención secundaria de las enfermedades.

Introduction. Screening diagnostic tests are those tests that help to identify a risk factor or genetic mutations that predict the subsequent onset of the disease, as well as tests that reveal structural alterations of the disease before the disease progresses and becomes symptomatic. Methods. A literature review was performed to establish the scientific theoretical fundamentals that support diagnostic screening tests and the conditions and requirements that must be met to introduce them in the clinical setting or as public health programs. Results. The conceptual difference between early detection and early diagnosis and the difference between prevalence screening and incidence screening was established. Indications and scientific criteria for conducting screening tests were presented. The importance of the duration of the lead time in the efficacy of early detection diagnostic tests was pointed out. The reasons why it was necessary to carry out a randomized clinical experiment to evaluate the efficacy of early detection diagnostic tests for early diagnosis in the secondary prevention of the disease were confronted. Conclusions. Screening diagnostic tests make it possible to introduce interventions in the field of primary prevention, as well as in the setting of secondary prevention of diseases.

Estimación sustentable del riesgo cardiovascular con las tablas predictivas de Gaziano sin laboratorio / Sustainable Estimation of Cardiovascular Risk with the Predictive Gaziano's Tables without Laboratory

RESUMEN Fundamento: identificar factores de riesgo cardiovascular es muy importante, pues al realizar acciones para contrarrestarlos, la probabilidad de presentar enfermedades cardiovasculares y cerebrovasculares puede disminuir significativamente. Objetivo: demostrar la factibilidad del uso de las tablas de Gaziano sin laboratorio para estimar el riesgo cardiovascular. Método: se entrevistaron durante el mes de noviembre del año 2021 a 72 trabajadores de la salud vinculados a la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Camagüey, además se les midió la presión arterial, el peso y la talla y se les preguntó en encuesta: la edad, si eran diabéticos y si fumaban. A estas personas se les realizó la prueba de confiabilidad Alpha de Cronbach. Se les preguntó si tenían otros hábitos modificables (frecuencia de ejercicios físicos, consumo de bebidas alcohólicas, si realizan meriendas entre comidas y si le adiciona sal a estas). Se les determinó el riesgo cardiovascular con las tablas de Gaziano sin laboratorio. Resultados: presentaron riesgo alto y muy alto el 21 % de los entrevistados. De los participantes en el estudio el 40 % declararon ser hipertensos. La media del índice de masa corporal fue de 29,3± 4 kg/m2 y hubo correlación entre esta y la edad, con los riesgos alto y muy alto. Conclusiones: las tablas predictivas de Gaziano sin laboratorio fueron factibles de aplicar, se pudiera extender su uso en el primer nivel de atención de salud, por ser un método sustentable, no invasivo y rápido en tiempos de pandemia de COVID-19. Se debe transmitir el conocimiento de su uso en la docencia de pregrado y postgrado.

ABSTRACT Background: identifying cardiovascular risk factors is very important, because by taking actions to counteract them, the probability of presenting cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases can decrease significantly. Objective: to demonstrate the feasibility of using the Gaziano's tables without a laboratory to estimate cardiovascular risk. Method: 72 health workers linked to the University of Medical Sciences of Camagüey were interviewed during November 2021, in addition, their blood pressure, weight and height were measured and they were asked in the survey: age, if they were diabetic and if they smoked. These people underwent Cronbach's Alpha reliability test. They were asked if they had other modifiable habits (frequency of physical exercise, consumption of alcoholic beverages, if they have snacks between meals and if they add salt to them). Cardiovascular risk was determined with the Gaziano's tables without laboratory. Results: 21 % of the interviewees presented high and very high risk. Of the study participants, 40 % declared they were hypertensive. The mean body mass index was 29.3±4 kg/m2 and there was a correlation between this and age, with high and very high risks. Conclusions: Gaziano's predictive tables without laboratory were feasible to apply, their use could be extended to the first level of health care, as it is a sustainable, non-invasive and fast method in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Knowledge of its use in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching should be transmitted.

Fisiopatología y pronóstico de la deformación longitudinal regional durante el eco estrés con dipiridamol / Pathophysiology and Prognosis of Apical Longitudinal Strain During Dipyridamole Stress Echocardiography

RESUMEN Introducción: El strain longitudinal apical regional permite corroborar el diagnóstico de alteraciones regionales de la motilidad parietal sobre una base cuantitativa, pero faltan datos sobre su valor pronóstico a largo plazo. Objetivos: Evaluar el correlato fisiológico y el valor pronóstico del strain longitudinal apical en el eco estrés con dipiridamol frente a la motilidad parietal. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, que incluyó 150 pacientes remitidos para eco estrés con dipiridamol. Se evaluó el strain longitudinal apical, la reserva coronaria (RC) de la arteria descendente anterior y el análisis visual de la motilidad parietal. Los pacientes se dividieron en dos grupos. Grupo1: pacientes con strain longitudinal apical normal y Grupo 2: con strain anormal. Se realizó seguimiento por 36 ± 9,3 meses. Evento mayor fue definido como: muerte, infarto de miocardio, revascularización e internación por causa cardíaca. Resultados: Fueron incluidos en el análisis 142 pacientes (8 pacientes fueron excluidos por ventana ultrasónica subóptima), 87 (61,3%) en el Grupo 1 y 55 (38,7%) en el Grupo 2. No hubo diferencias en el strain longitudinal apical en reposo entre ambos grupos. Durante el apremio, los pacientes del Grupo1 evidenciaron mejor motilidad parietal visual y una RC más alta (p < 0,001). La RC y los cambios del strain longitudinal apical presentaron una correlación positiva (coeficiente r de Pearson = 0,89, p < 0,0001). En el seguimiento hubo 24 eventos mayores. Los pacientes del Grupo1 tuvieron una mejor supervivencia libre de eventos (p<0,01) y el strain longitudinal apical demostró ser un predictor independiente de evento, mejor que el análisis de motilidad parietal (p = 0,002 vs p = 0,1), en el análisis de regresión logística. Conclusiones: El strain longitudinal apical tiene muy buena correlación con: la reserva de velocidad del flujo coronario y se asocia mejor con el pronóstico a largo plazo. El strain longitudinal apical anormal durante el eco dipiridamol predijo un peor resultado, independientemente del análisis visual de la motilidad parietal.

ABSTRACT Background: Regional apical longitudinal strain can corroborate the diagnosis of regional wall motion abnormalities on a quantitative basis, but data on long-term prognostic value are lacking. Objectives: To evaluate the physiological correlate and the prognostic value of apical longitudinal strain versus wall motility during dipyridamole stress echocardiography. Methods: Retrospective study, which included 150 patients referred for dipyridamole stress echocardiography. Apical longitudinal strain, anterior descending artery coronary reserve, and visual analysis of wall motility were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1: patients with normal apical longitudinal strain, and Group 2: abnormal strain. Follow-up was carried out for 36 ± 9.3 months. Major event was defined as: death, myocardial infarction, revascularization and hospitalization for cardiac causes. Results. Eighty-seven patients (61.3%) in Group 1 and 55 (38.7%) patients in Group 2 were included (8 patients were excluded due to a suboptimal ultrasound window). There were no differences in apical longitudinal strain at rest between the groups. During the stress, Group 1 patients showed better visual wall motility and a higher coronary reserve (p < 0.001). The coronary reserve showed a linear correlation with the changes in the apical longitudinal strain (Pearson's correlation coefficient 0.89, p < 0.0001). At follow-up, there were 24 major events. Group 1 patients had better event-free survival (p < 0.01) and apical longitudinal strain proved to be a better independent event predictor than wall motion analysis (p = 0.002 vs p = 0.1) in logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: Apical longitudinal strain has a very good correlation with physiological standards -coronary flow velocity reserve- and its association with long-term prognosis is better. Abnormal apical longitudinal strain during dipyridamole stress echocardiography predicted a worse outcome, regardless of visual wall motion analysis.

Utilidad de las pruebas analíticas en el diagnóstico de alergia a las proteínas de la leche de vaca / Usefulness of analytic tests for the diagnosis of cow's milk protein allergy

Introducción. La alergia a las proteínas de la leche de vaca es la alergia alimentaria más frecuente en los niños y para su diagnóstico se emplean historia clínica dirigida y prueba de provocación oral (PPO), el dosaje sérico de inmunoglobulina E específica (sIgE) y pruebas cutáneas de puntura (SPT, por su sigla en inglés). Sin embargo, su utilidad diagnóstica es difícil de establecer en la población local. El objetivo fue evaluar la utilidad de las pruebas para el diagnóstico de alergia a las proteínas de la leche de vaca (PLV) en la población estudiada. Población y métodos. Análisis retrospectivo de datos de pacientes atendidos en la Unidad de Alergia del Hospital Elizalde entre 2015 y 2018. Se evaluaron SPT y sIgE para leche, alfa-lactoalbúmina, beta-lactoglobulina y caseína, seguidos de PPO y se determinó la utilidad diagnóstica para cada prueba, y sus combinaciones. Resultados. Se evaluaron las pruebas de 239 pacientes. La PPO fue hospitalaria en el 54,8 % de los casos, por reexposición domiciliara en el 35,5 % y en el 9,6 % por incorporación de PLV a la madre. La mayor especificidad fue la de SPT con caseína (96,7 %; intervalo de confianza [IC95%]: 90,8-99,3) y la mayor sensibilidad, la de la combinación de SPT y sIgE con los 4 alérgenos (55,3 %; IC95%: 45,7-64,6). Conclusiones. El trabajo estableció la utilidad diagnóstica de las SPT y el sIgE en la población estudiada.

Introduction. Cow's milk protein allergy is the most common food allergy among children. It can be diagnosed based on a guided history taking and using an oral food challenge (OFC), serum specific immunoglobulin E levels (sIgE), and skin prick tests (SPT). However, it is difficult to establish their diagnostic performance in the local population. Our objective was to assess the usefulness of tests used to diagnose cow's milk protein (CMP) allergy in the studied population. Population and methods. Retrospective analysis of data from patients seen at the Unit of Allergy of a tertiary care pediatric hospital between 2015 and 2018. SPT and sIgE tests were done for milk, alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, and casein, followed by an OFC, and the diagnostic usefulness of each test, as well as their combination, was established. Results. The tests of 239 patients were assessed. OFC was performed at the hospital in 54.8 % of cases, via a rechallenge test at home in 35.5 %, and through CMP intake by the mother in 9.6 %. The highest specificity was observed with the casein SPT (96.7 %; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 90.8-99.3) and the highest sensitivity, with the 4-allergen SPT and sIgE combination (55.3 %; 95 % CI: 45.7-64.6). Conclusions. The study established the diagnostic usefulness of SPT and sIgE in the studied population.

Biomarcadores tomográficos en el edema macular diabético / Tomographic biomarkers in diabetic macular edema

RESUMEN El edema macular diabético (EMD) es la primera causa de disminución de la visión entre los pacientes diabéticos. Puede empezar en cualquiera de las etapas de la retinopatía diabética y estar asociada a comorbilidades que pueden afectar varios sistemas del organismo. Muchas veces el paciente diabético con edema macular necesita un manejo multidisciplinario por el que recibe atención inicial de especialistas no oftalmólogos. Existe evidencia que respalda que el diagnóstico precoz y el tratamiento oportuno del EMD puede minimizar la pérdida visual permanente. Los especialistas no oftalmólogos que atienden pacientes diabéticos pueden contribuir a detectar precozmente el EMD que pudiera tener su paciente para recibir la atención oftalmológica correspondiente. El propósito de esta revisión es proveer a la comunidad médica de información sobre la contribución de la tomografía de coherencia óptica en el diagnóstico del EMD y cómo reconocer los biomarcadores tomográficos que permitan pronosticar el resultado visual de su tratamiento.

SUMMARY Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the leading cause of decreased vision among diabetic patients. It can begin in any of the stages of diabetic retinopathy and be associated with comorbidities that can affect various body systems. Many times, the diabetic patient with macular edema needs multidisciplinary management through which he receives initial care from non-ophthalmologist specialists. There is evidence to support that early diagnosis and prompt treatment of DME can minimize permanent visual loss. Non-ophthalmologist specialists who care for diabetic patients can help to detect the DME that their patient may have early to receive the corresponding ophthalmological care. The purpose of this review is to provide the medical community with information on the contribution of optical coherence tomography in the diagnosis of DME and how to recognize tomographic biomarkers that allow predicting the visual outcome of its treatment.

Clinical application of laparoscopic sentinel lymph node mapping in early staged cervical cancer / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective:To investigate the application of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in early-staged cervical cancer by laparoscopy.Methods:It was a prospective, single-arm, single-center clinical study. Seventy-eight cases of cervical cancer patients were collected from July 2015 to December 2018 at the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University. All the patients were injected with tracer into the disease-free block of cervical tissue after anesthesia by the same surgeon who learned sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping technique in Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, and underwent SLN mapping followed by complete pelvic lymphadenectomy. Moreover, all the dissected lymph nodes were stained with hematoxylin eosin staining (HE) pathological examination. Besides, the negative SLN on hematoxylin-eosin staining were detected by immunohistochemistry cytokeratin staining micro-metastasis. To analyze the distribution, detection rate, false negative rate the sensitivity and negative predictive value of the SLN in early-staged cervical cancer by laparoscopy, and explore the value of SLN mapping in predicting the lymph nodes metastasis in early-staged cervical cancer.Results:The overall detection rate of SLN in cervical cancer was 99% (77/78), bilateral detection rate was 87% (68/78). The average of 12.4 lymph node (LN) and 3.6 SLN were dissected for each patients each side. SLN of cervical cancer were mainly distributed in the obturator space (61.5%, 343/558), followed by external iliac (23.5%, 131/558), common iliac (7.3%, 41/558), para-uterine (3.8%, 21/558), internal iliac (2.2%, 12/558), para abdominal aorta (1.1%, 6/558), and anterior sacral lymphatic drainage area (0.7%, 4/558). Fourteen cases of LN metastasis were found among all 78 cases. There were a total of 38 positive LN, including 26 SLN metastasis and 12 none sentinel LN metastasis. Through immunohistochemical staining and pathological ultra-staging, 1 SLN was found to be isolated tumor cells (ITC), and 5 SLNs were found to be micro-metastases (MIC), accounting for 23% (6/26) of positive SLN. SLN mapping with pathological ultra-staging improved the prediction of LN metastasis in cervical cancer (2/14). Metastatic SLN mainly distributed in the obturator space (65%, 17/26), peri-uterine region (12%, 3/26), common iliac region (15%, 4/26), and external iliac region (8%, 2/26). The consistency of the diagnosis of lymph node metastasis by SLN biopsy and postoperative retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis showed that the Kappa value was 1.000 ( P<0.001), indicated that the metastasis status of SLN and retroperitoneal lymph node were completely consistent. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, false-negative rate, and negative predictive value of SLN biopsy in the diagnosis of lymph node metastasis were 100%, 100%, 100%, 0, and 100%, respectively. Conclusions:SLN in early-staged cervical cancer patients were mainly distributed in the obturator and external iliac space, pathalogical ultra-staging of SLN could improve the prediction of LN metastasis. Intraoperative SLN mapping is safe, feasible and could predict the state of retroperitoneal LN metastasis in early-staged cervical cancer. SLNB may replace systemic pelvic lymphadenectomy.

Predictors and predictive scales of malignant brain edema in patients with acute ischemic stroke / 国际脑血管病杂志

Malignant cerebral edema (MCE) can lead to deterioration of neurological function in patients with acute ischemic stroke, and significantly increase the mortality and disability rate. Therefore, early detection and intervention of MCE is crucial for saving patients' lives. This article reviews the predictors and preventive scales of MCE after acute ischemic stroke.