Characteristics and predictors of outcomes of critically Ill children with SARS-CoV-2 infection - the PICU experience

Abstract Objective To describe the clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, treatment, and predictors of an unfavorable outcome of critically ill children with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Method This was a prospective observational study performed in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a tertiary care COVID referral hospital among critically ill children in the age group 1 month - 12 years admitted due to SARS-CoV-2 infection from June to December 2020. Demographic, clinical profile, pSOFA and PRISM III scores, laboratory parameters, treatment, and outcomes of the patients were recorded. Children who had a prolonged PICU stay (>14 days) or died were compared with those who were discharged from PICU within 14 days to assess predictors of unfavorable outcomes. Results PICU admission rate among hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 infected children was 22.1% (92/416). Infants comprised the majority of the ICU population. Invasive mechanical ventilation and inotropic support were required for 28.3% and 37% of patients, respectively. Remdesivir, IVIg, and steroids were administered to 15.2%, 26.1%, and 54.3% of the subjects, respectively. The mortality rate was 7.6 %. MIS-C patients were older, less comorbid, and required less ventilator support but more inotrope support than acute severe COVID-19 patients. Predictors of unfavorable outcomes were age < 1 year, fever duration > 5 days, respiratory distress, shock, comorbidity, elevated CRP (> 50 mg/L), procalcitonin (> 6 ng/L), D-dimer (> 6 µg/L) and arterial lactate (> 2 mmol/L). Conclusion Critically ill children with unfavorable outcomes were predominantly infants, comorbid, prolonged fever, respiratory distress, shock and elevated inflammatory markers, D-dimer and lactate. These factors may be useful for watchful monitoring and early intervention.

A description of patients hospitalized in a quaternary care institution with cardiovascular disease and the need for continuous home oxygen therapy / Caracterización de los pacientes hospitalizados con enfermedad cardiovascular y requerimiento de oxigenoterapia continua domiciliaria en una institución de IV nivel de atención

Abstract Continuous home oxygen therapy (CHOT) is a widely used intervention but has scant evidence regarding its indications, benefits and the clinical predictors which could affect its requirement in patients with cardiovascular disease. Objective: to describe the patients with cardiovascular disease and the need for home oxygen therapy at the Fundación Cardioinfantil throughout 2018. Methods: a descriptive observational study. Hospitalized patients at Fundación Cardioinfantil from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018, diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and presenting their first request for home oxygen. Sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, and imaging variables along with inpatient days and length of stay in the ICU, were collected. Results: 192 patients were studied. The median age was 74 years (IQR: 64, 25 - 81). The BMI was 25.98 kg/m2 (IQR: 22.74 - 29.67). A total of 47.9% of the population had coronary disease; 49.5% had heart failure; 27.1% had PH, 23% had OSAH, 6.3% had PTE and 16.7% had COPD. The average BNP was 1,430 SD 1,302. The average LVEF was 35.43% SD 15.35 and the median PASP was 53 mmHg (IQR 43 - 65). Altogether, 71.9% required ICU treatment. The average hospital stay was 14.08 days SD 10.1 days. A total of 20.8% of the patients had a PaO2 less than 55 mmHg; 77.1% belonged to the contributive social security regimen. Conclusions: we found that only a minority of the study patients for whom CHOT was ordered met the usually accepted criteria. Half of the patients had heart failure, most with reduced LVEF and elevated BNP, criteria which are not currently used for prescribing CHOT. More studies should be performed on the indications for supplementary oxygen therapy in this population. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2207).

Resumen La oxigenoterapia domiciliaria continua (OCD) es una intervención altamente utilizada, pero con escasa evidencia sobre sus indicaciones, beneficios y predictores clínicos que puedan influir sobre su requerimiento en pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular. Objetivo: caracterizar los pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular y requerimientos de oxígeno domiciliario hospitalizados en la Fundación Cardioinfantil durante el año 2018. Métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo, hospitalizados en la Fundación Cardioinfantil del 1° de enero del 2018 a 31 de diciembre del 2018 con diagnóstico de enfermedad cardiovascular y con primera solicitud de oxígeno domiciliario. Se tomaron variables sociodemográficas, clínicas, paraclínicas, imagenológicas, días de hospitalización y estancia de UCI. Resultados: se estudiaron 192 pacientes. La mediana de edad fue 74 años (RIQ: 64, 25-81). El IMC fue 25.98 Kg/m2 (RIQ: 22.74-29.67). El 47.9% de la población tenía enfermedad coronaria. El 49.5% de los pacientes presentaban falla cardiaca. El 27.1% tenía HTP, 23% SAHOS, 6.3% TEP y 16.7% EPOC. El promedio del BNP fue de 1430 DS 1302. La FEVI promedio fue de 35.43% DS 15.35 y la mediana PSAP fue de 53 mmHg (RIQ 43-65). El 71.9% requirió manejo en UCI. El promedio de estancia hospitalaria fue de 14.08 días DS 10.1 días. El 20.8% de los pacientes tenían una PaO2 menor a 55mmHg. El 77.1% pertenecían al régimen contributivo. Conclusiones: encontramos que sólo una minoría de pacientes estudiados a los que se le indicó OCD cumplían con los criterios actualmente aceptados. La mitad de los pacientes presentaban falla cardiaca, la mayoría con FEVI reducida y BNP elevado, criterios que actualmente no son utilizados para la prescripción de OCD. Se deben realizar más estudios sobre indicaciones de la terapia con oxígeno suplementario en esta población. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 47. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2022.2207).

Knowledge about, attitude and acceptance towards, and predictors of intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among cancer patients in Eastern China: A cross-sectional survey / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a serious impact on health all over the world. Cancer patient, whose immunity is often compromised, faces a huge challenge. Currently, some COVID-19 vaccines are being developed and applied on general population; however, whether cancer patients should take COVID-19 vaccine remains unknown. Our study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude, acceptance, and predictors of intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among cancer patients in Eastern China.@*METHODS@#A cross-sectional study was conducted in Eastern China from June 17th to September 3rd, 2021. Patients were selected using a convenience sampling method. A self-report questionnaire was developed to assess knowledge about the COVID-19 vaccine, attitude towards the vaccine and acceptance of the vaccine; following a review of similar studies previously published in the scientific literature, multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.@*RESULTS@#A total of 2158 cancer patients were enrolled in this study. The rate of vaccine hesitancy was 24.05% (519/2158); further, among the participants of vaccine acceptance, 767 had taken COVID-19 vaccine (35.54%), and 872 were willing to get vaccinated (40.01%). A total of 24 variables including demographic characteristics, clinical status of cancer, impact of COVID-19 pandemic on study participants, patients' knowledge about the COVID-19 vaccine, and attitude towards the vaccine, had significant differences between the "vaccine hesitancy" population and "vaccine acceptance" population. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that parameters including alcohol consumption (odds ratio [OR] = 1.849; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.375-2.488; P-reference [P-Ref] < 0.001 vs non-drinkers), income impacted by COVID-19 pandemic (OR = 1.930, 2.037 and 2.688 for mild, moderate, and severe impact, respectively; all P-Ref < 0.01 vs no impact), knowledge of how the vaccine was developed (OR = 1.616; 95% CI: 1.126-2.318; P-Ref = 0.009 vs unknown), believing in the safety of the vaccine (OR = 1.502; 95% CI: 1.024-2.203; P-Ref = 0.038 vs denying the safety of vaccine), willingness to pay for the vaccine (OR = 3.042; 95% CI: 2.376-3.894; P-Ref < 0.001 vs unwilling), and willingness to recommend families and friends to get vaccinated (OR = 2.744; 95% CI: 1.759-4.280; P-Ref < 0.001 vs do not recommend) were contributors to vaccine acceptance. While such as being retired (OR = 0.586; 95% CI: 0.438-0.784; P-Ref < 0.001 vs unemployed), undergoing multiple therapies of cancer (OR = 0.408; 95% CI: 0.221-0.753; P-Ref = 0.004 vs no ongoing treatment), and worrying that the vaccine might deteriorate the prognosis of cancer (OR = 0.393; 95% CI: 0.307-0.504; P-Ref < 0.001 vs might not) were contributors to vaccine hesitancy.@*CONCLUSION@#This study provided preliminary estimates of the rates of vaccine acceptance and vaccine hesitancy among cancer patients in Eastern China. The intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine was impacted by factors such as patient occupation, alcohol consumption, and some parts of knowledge about and attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine. It is recommended to develop individualized vaccination plans that meet the healthcare needs of cancer patients.

Clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters associated with the risk of severe COVID-19 in patients from two hospitals in Northeast Brazil

ABSTRACT Background: Although most coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections are mild, some patients have severe clinical conditions requiring hospitalization. Data on the severity of COVID-19 in Brazil are scarce and are limited to public databases. This study aimed to investigate the clinical and laboratory factors associated with the severity of COVID-19 in a cohort of hospitalized adults from two hospitals in Northeast Brazil. Methods: Patients over 18 years of age who were hospitalized between August 2020 and July 2021 with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 were included. The patients were classified into two groups: moderate and severe. Clinical, laboratory and imaging parameters were collected and compared between the groups. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the predictors of COVID-19 severity. Results: This study included 495 patients (253 moderate and 242 severe). A total of 372 patients (75.2%) were between 18 and 65 years of age, and the majority were male (60.6%; n = 300). Patients with severe disease had higher levels of leukocytes, neutrophils, platelets, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, blood glucose, C-reactive protein, ferritin, D-dimer, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, and urea (p < 0.05). In multivariate logistic regression, the following variables were significant predictors of COVID-19 severity: leukocytes (odds ratio [OR] 3.27; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.12-5.06), international normalized ratio (INR) (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.14-0.33), and urea (OR 4.03; 95% CI 2.21-7.35). Conclusions: The present study identified the clinical and laboratory factors associated with the severity of COVID-19 in hospitalized Brazilian individuals.

Predictores clínicos de severidad en pacientes de COVID-19 / Clinical predictors of severity in COVID-19 patients

En la actualidad se han encontrado múltiples variables clínicas y paraclínicas predictores de pronóstico en pacientes con COVID-19. La identificación de los factores pronósticos, permitirá graduar el riesgo de los pacientes y controlar activamente la gravedad de la enfermedad. El objetivo de este artículo era identificar, a través de una revisión bibliográfica, las variables que puede estar asociado a desenlace fatal a causa de la infección por SARS-CoV-2, un panorama que anticipe a la severidad en pacientes con COVID-19. Por tanto, se confirma que la edad avanzadas conjuntamente con comorbilidades preexistente como: diabetes, hipertensión y otras enfermedades cardiovasculares, insuficiencia renal aguda, enfermedad hepática crónica, además de factores genéticos y demencia neurodegenerativa, son factores de mal pronóstico, en los pacientes con COVID-19(AU)

Currently, multiple clinical and paraclinical variables have been found to predict prognosis in patients with COVID-19. The identification of prognostic factors will allow patients' risk to be graded and actively control the severity of the desease. The goal of this article was to identify, through a bibliographic review, the variables that may be associated with a fatal outcome due to SARS-CoV-2 infection, a scenario that anticipates severity in patients with COVID-19. Therefore, it is confirmed that advanced age together with pre-existing comorbidities such as: diabetes, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases, acute renal failure, chronic liver disease, in addition to genetic factors and neurodegenerative dementia, are poor prognostic factors in patients with COVID-19(AU)

Incidence and Predictors of Poor Outcome amongChildhood Tuberculosis in the North of Cameroon

Background. Childhood tuberculosis (TB) has been neglected by TB programs in Sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and predictors of poor outcome in children with TB in the North region of Cameroon. Methods.It was a retrospective cohort study based on hospital TB registers and treatment TB forms, in all of the 18 functional diagnosis and therapeutic centers (DTC) in the North region. All children aged 0-15years, on anti-TB treatment between 2010-2016 were enrolled. Logistic regression was used to find independent factors associated to poor outcome. Results. Of the 668 children included [321 (48.1%) boys], the median (25th-75thpercentile) age was 11(6-14) years, with 75.9% children aged >5 years. Pulmonary TB was the most common (62.9%) with 34.3% smear-negative pulmonary TB. Extrapulmonary TB (62.1%) was mostly found in children aged 0-5years. HIV/TB coinfection was 10.3%. Incidence (95%CI) of poor outcome was 4.0 %( 2.5-5.5%). Predictors [OR (95%CI)] of poor outcome were: HIV positivechildren [3.995(1.131-14.112), p=0.031], management in peripheral DTC [32.451(4.211-250.099), p=0.001], and transferred in patients from a peripheral zone toward a 3rdor 4thDTC category [4.602(1.092-19.386), p=0.037]. Conclusion.Incidence of poor outcome of childhood TB was quite low in the North region of Cameroon. HIV, peripheral TDC and transferred in patients were predictors of poor outcome. A better management of HIV, retraining DTC personnel and early reference from peripheral DTC would reduce poor outcome among childhood TB.

Predictors of weight reduction in a Nigerian family practice setting

Objectives: This study identified the predictors of weight reduction among adult obese patients in a Family Practice Setting and developed a statistical model to predict weight reduction. Design: A prospective cohort design. Setting: The Family Practice Clinic, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria Participants and study tools: Obese adults were recruited into a three-month weight reduction program. Patient Information Leaflets were used for counselling, while questionnaires were administered to obtain socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. Potential predictors were assessed using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Zung Depression Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale, Garner's Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26), 24-hour dietary recall and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form. Anthropometric indices, blood pressure and Fasting Lipid Profile were assessed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis with a significance set at α0.05. Results: Most 99(76.2%) of the 130 participants achieved weight reduction and had a median weight change of -2.3kg (IQR-4, -0.5), with 66 (66.7%) out of 99 attaining the weight reduction target of 10%. The regression model showed predictors of weight reduction to be Total Cholesterol [TC] (p=0.01) and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol [LDLC] (p=0.03). The statistical model derived for Weight reduction = 0.0028 (LDL-C) -0.029 (TC)-0.053 (EAT-26) +0.041(High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol). The proportion of variance of the model tested was R 2 = 0.3928 (adjusted R2 = 0.2106). Conclusion: Predictors of weight reduction among patients were eating attitude score, Total Cholesterol, Low-Density Lipid and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol levels. A statistical model was developed for managing obesity among patients

Current practice of family planning among teachers in public secondary school in Enugu East Senatorial District, Nigeria

Background: The aim of this study is to determine the current practice level of family planning and the associated factors among public secondary school teachers in Enugu East Senatorial District. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out among public secondary school teachers, aged 18 - 60 years, in Enugu East Senatorial District, using probability proportional to size sampling and systematic random sampling to select 1000 participants. Binary and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to determine association. An odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed to determine the level of significance. Results: The current practice level of family planning is 26.5%. Respondents with bachelor's in education were 2 times more likely to be a current user of family planning (AOR=2.39; 95% CI: 1.25-4.55). However, respondents in age group 38 years and above were less likely to be a current user of family planning (AOR=0.64; 95% CI: 0.43-0.95), likewise female respondents (AOR=0.66; 95% CI: 0.44-0.98). Additionally, respondents who mentioned radio (AOR=0.64; 95%CI: 0.44-0.93), social media (AOR=0.73; 95% CI: 0.53-0.99) and healthcare (AOR=0.61; 95%CI: 0.43-0.88) as source of information were less likely to be current user of family planning. Whereas partner who encouraged the use of family planning (AOR=2.54; 95% CI: 1.71-3.78) span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-weight: bold">, partner who allow each other to decide on family planning methods (AOR=4.47; 95% CI: 2.67-7.48) and those who had good knowledge of family planning (AOR=1.96; 95% CI: 1.40- 2.67) were more likely to be current user of family planning. Conclusion: The level of current practice of family planning is low and a significant number of factors predict the current practice of family planning. A family planning educational workshop among teachers is needed to improve teacher's knowledge on family planning to address the issue of adolescent sexual reproduction as teachers are vessels of knowledge impartation to students

Algunas consideraciones necesarias sobre la infección intraabdominal posoperatoria

RESUMEN La infección intraabdominal posoperatoria, es un problema de salud a escala mundial y precisa de atención multidisciplinaria para corregirla. Su complejidad radica en el diagnóstico precoz y la relaparotomía para controlarla. Es una complicación de la cirugía abdominal, cuya atención clínico quirúrgica integral compete a cirujanos generales, cirujanos pediátricos, obstetras, proctólogos, urólogos, imagenólogos, anestesiólogos e intensivistas. Se impone por tanto en los médicos tratantes, el dominio de aspectos esenciales, como parte de la superación profesional permanente y continuada que les permita garantizar la necesaria calidad atencional del afectado, como única vía para disminuir las altas tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad debido a esta temida afección.

ABSTRACT Postoperative intra-abdominal infection is a global health problem and requires multidisciplinary care to correct it. Its complexity lies in the early diagnosis and relaparotomy to control it. It is a complication of abdominal surgery, whose comprehensive clinical surgical care is the responsibility of general surgeons, pediatric surgeons, obstetricians, proctologists, urologists, imaging specialists, anesthesiologists, and intensivists. Therefore, the mastery of essential aspects is necessary on the treating doctors, as part of the permanent and continuous professional improvement that allows them to guarantee the necessary quality of care of the affected, as the only way to reduce the high rates of morbidity and mortality due to this dreaded condition.

Fecal calprotectin as a predictor of COVID-19 severity

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is highly transmittable through contact with respiratory droplets. The virus is also shed in fecal matter. Some patients may present with effects in more than one system; however, there are no defined biomarkers that can accurately predict the course or progression of the disease. The present study aimed to estimate the severity of the disease, to correlate the severity of the disease with biochemical predictors, to identify valuable biomarkers indicative of gastrointestinal disease, and to determine the cutoff values. A cross-sectional study was conducted on COVID-19 patients admitted to the Kafrelsheikh University Hospital (isolation unit) between July 10, 2020, and October 30, 2020. The diagnosis of COVID- 19 was confirmed via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), which was employed for the detection of the viral RNA. We conclude that lymphopenia, elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and liver enzymes were among the most important laboratory findings in COVID-19 patients. Statistically significant differences in platelet count, neutrophil count, D-dimer level, and fecal calprotectin levels were observed among patients presenting with chest symptoms only and patients with both chest and gastrointestinal symptoms (p=0.004;<0.001; 0.010; 0.003; and<0.001, respectively). C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and fecal calprotectin levels positively correlated with disease severity. The cutoff value for fecal calprotectin that can predict gastrointestinal involvement in COVID-19 was 165.0, with a sensitivity of 88.1% and a specificity of 76.5%. (AU)

Predictors of gaming disorder in children and adolescents: a school-based study

Objective: To determine whether psychiatric and gaming pattern variables are associated with gaming disorder in a school-based sample. Methods: We analyzed data from the Brazilian High-Risk Cohort for Psychiatric Disorders, a community sample aged 10 to 18, using questionnaires on gaming use patterns. We applied the Gaming Addiction Scale to diagnose gaming disorder and the Development and Well-Being Behavior Assessment for other diagnoses. Results: Out of 407 subjects, 83 (20.4%) fulfilled the criteria for gaming disorder. More role-playing game players were diagnosed with gaming disorder that any other genre. Gaming disorder rates increased proportionally to the number of genres played. Playing online, being diagnosed with a mental disorder, and more hours of non-stop gaming were associated with higher rates of gaming disorder. When all variables (including age and gender) were considered in a logistic regression model, the number of genres played, the number of non-stop hours, the proportion of online games, and having a diagnosed mental disorder emerged as significant predictors of gaming disorder. Conclusion: Each variable seems to add further risk of gaming disorder among children and adolescents. Monitoring the length of gaming sessions, the number and type of genres played, time spent gaming online, and behavior changes may help parents or guardians identify unhealthy patterns of gaming behavior.

Metabolic bone disease in children and adolescent patients with ulcerative colitis

Abstract Objective: Metabolic bone disease concerns a broad spectrum of conditions related to reduced bone density. Metabolic bone disease has been linked to chronic inflammatory diseases, such as ulcerative colitis. This study examines the prevalence of metabolic bone disease in ulcerative colitis patients and explores possible clinical predictors. Method: The authors performed a retrospective study involving children and adolescents with confirmed ulcerative colitis between January 2013 and December 2018. Bone density was evaluated through a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan of the spine and total body. Osteoporosis was defined as a bone mineral density Z-score of <−2 and osteopenia as a Z-score of between −1.0 and −2. Results: A total of 37 patients were included in this analysis, with a mean age of 13.4 ± 3.9 years and a mean duration of illness of 2.1 ± 2.4 years. Using lumbar spine Z-scores and total body Z-scores, osteoporosis and osteopenia were identified by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan measurements in 11 patients (29.7%) and 15 patients (40.5%), and in ten patients (27%) and 13 patients (35%), respectively. Lumbar spine Z-scores were significantly positively associated with male gender (B = 2.02; p = 0.0001), and negatively associated with the presence of extraintestinal manifestations (B = −1.51, p = 0.009) and the use of biologics (B = −1.33, p = 0.004). However, total body Z-scores were positively associated with body mass index Z-scores (B = 0.26, p = 0.004) and duration of illness in years (B = 0.35, p = 0.003). Conclusions: Metabolic bone disease is very common in this cohort of Saudi Arabian children and adolescents with ulcerative colitis and its occurrence appears to increase in female patients who suffer from extraintestinal manifestations.

Treatment of individual predictors with neural network algorithms improves Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events score discrimination / El tratamiento con redes neuronales de las variables del Global Registry of Acute Coronary mejora la discriminación del score

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to develop, train, and test different neural network (NN) algorithm-based models to improve the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score performance to predict in-hospital mortality after an acute coronary syndrome. Methods: We analyzed a prospective database, including 40 admission variables of 1255 patients admitted with the acute coronary syndrome in a community hospital. Individual predictors included in GRACE score were used to train and test three NN algorithm-based models (guided models), namely: one- and two-hidden layer multilayer perceptron and a radial basis function network. Three extra NNs were built using the 40 admission variables of the entire database (unguided models). Expected mortality according to GRACE score was calculated using the logistic regression equation. Results: In terms of receiver operating characteristic area and negative predictive value (NPV), almost all NN algorithms outperformed logistic regression. Only radial basis function models obtained a better accuracy level based on NPV improvement, at the expense of positive predictive value (PPV) reduction. The independent normalized importance of variables for the best unguided NN was: creatinine 100%, Killip class 61%, ejection fraction 52%, age 44%, maximum creatine-kinase level 41%, glycemia 40%, left bundle branch block 35%, and weight 33%, among the top 8 predictors. Conclusions: Treatment of individual predictors of GRACE score with NN algorithms improved accuracy and discrimination power in all models with respect to the traditional logistic regression approach; nevertheless, PPV was only marginally enhanced. Unguided variable selection would be able to achieve better results in PPV terms.

Resumen Objetivo: El objetivo fue desarrollar, entrenar y probar diferentes modelos basados en algoritmos de redes neuronales (RN) para mejorar el rendimiento del score del Registro Global de Eventos Coronarios Agudos (GRACE) para predecir la mortalidad hospitalaria después de un síndrome coronario agudo. Métodos: Analizamos una base de datos prospectiva que incluía 40 variables de ingreso de 1255 pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo en un hospital comunitario. Las variables incluidas en la puntuación GRACE se usaron para entrenar y probar tres algoritmos basados en RN (modelos guiados), a saber: perceptrones multicapa de una y dos capas ocultas y una red de función de base radial. Se construyeron tres RN adicionales utilizando las 40 variables de admisión de toda la base de datos (modelos no guiados). La mortalidad esperada según el GRACE se calculó usando la ecuación de regresión logística. Resultados: En términos del área ROC y valor predictivo negativo (VPN), casi todos los algoritmos RN superaron la regresión logística. Solo los modelos de función de base radial obtuvieron un mejor nivel de precisión basado en la mejora del VPN, pero a expensas de la reducción del valor predictivo positivo (VPP). La importancia normalizada de las variables incluidas en la mejor RN no guiada fue: creatinina 100%, clase Killip 61%, fracción de eyección 52%, edad 44%, nivel máximo de creatina quinasa 41%, glucemia 40%, bloqueo de rama izquierda 35%, y peso 33%, entre los 8 predictores principales. Conclusiones: El tratamiento de las variables del score GRACE mediante algoritmos de RN mejoró la precisión y la discriminación en todos los modelos con respecto al enfoque tradicional de regresión logística; sin embargo, el VPP solo mejoró marginalmente. La selección no guiada de variables podría mejorar los resultados en términos de PPV.

Intraoperative oliguria does not predict postoperative acute kidney injury in major abdominal surgery: a cohort analysis / A oligúria intraoperatória não prediz lesão renal aguda pós-operatória em grandes cirurgias abdominais: Análise de uma coorte

Abstract Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Several studies investigating the association between intraoperative urine output and postoperative AKI have shown conflicting results. Here, we investigated the association of intraoperative oliguria with postoperative AKI in a cohort of patients submitted to elective major abdominal surgery. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective analysis of adult patients who underwent elective major abdominal surgery from January 2016 to December 2018. AKI was defined according to the serum creatinine criteria of the KDIGO classification. Intraoperative oliguria was defined as urine output of less than 0.5 mL/kg/h. Risk factors were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 165 patients were analyzed. In the first 48 h after surgery the incidence of AKI was 19.4%. Postoperative AKI was associated with hospital mortality (p=0.011). Twenty percent of patients developed intraoperative oliguria. There was no association between preexisting comorbidities and development of intraoperative oliguria. There was no correlation between the type of anesthesia used and occurrence of intraoperative oliguria, but longer anesthesia time was associated with intraoperative oliguria (p=0.007). Higher baseline SCr (p=0.001), need of vasoactive drugs (p=0.007), and NSAIDs use (p=0.022) were associated with development of intraoperative oliguria. Intraoperative oliguria was not associated with development of postoperative AKI (p=0.772), prolonged hospital stays (p=0.176) or in-hospital mortality (p=0.820). Conclusion: In this cohort of patients we demonstrated that intraoperative oliguria does not predict postoperative AKI in major abdominal surgery.

Resumo Introdução: Lesão renal aguda (LRA) é uma complicação comum em pacientes submetidos a grandes cirurgias abdominais, e está associada a considerável morbimortalidade. Vários estudos investigando a associação entre débito urinário intraoperatório e LRA pós-operatória mostraram resultados conflitantes. Neste trabalho investigamos a associação de oligúria intraoperatória com LRA pós-operatória em uma coorte de pacientes submetidos à grandes cirurgias abdominais. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva de centro único envolvendo pacientes adultos submetidos à grandes cirurgias abdominais, de janeiro de 2016 a dezembro de 2018. A LRA foi definida segundo critérios de creatinina da KDIGO. Definimos oligúria intraoperatória como débito urinário inferior a 0,5 mL/kg/h. Fatores de risco foram avaliados por análise de regressão logística multivariada. Resultados: Analisamos 165 pacientes. Nas primeiras 48 horas após a cirurgia, a incidência de LRA foi de 19,4%. LRA pós-operatória foi associada à mortalidade hospitalar (p = 0,011). 20% dos pacientes desenvolveram oligúria intraoperatória, sem associação com comorbidades preexistentes. Não houve correlação entre o tipo de anestesia e oligúria intraoperatória; entretanto, maior tempo de anestesia esteve associado à oligúria intraoperatória (p = 0,007). Maior creatinina sérica (Cr) inicial (p = 0,001), necessidade de drogas vasoativas (p = 0,007) e uso de AINEs (p = 0,022) foram associados à oligúria intraoperatória. Oligúria intraoperatória não foi associada ao desenvolvimento de LRA no pós-operatório (p = 0,772), à permanência hospitalar prolongada (p = 0,176) ou à mortalidade intra-hospitalar (p = 0,820). Conclusão: Demonstramos que a oligúria intraoperatória não prediz LRA pós-operatória em cirurgias abdominais de grande porte.

Predictors of recurrent angina in patients with no need for secondary revascularization / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

@#BACKGROUND: Approximately 20% to 30% of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) develop recurrent angina pectoris following successful and complete coronary revascularization utilizing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We aim to investigate predictors of recurrent angina pectoris in patients who have undergone successful coronary revascularization using PCI, but on repeat coronary angiography have no need for secondary revascularization. METHODS: The study comprised 3,837 patients with CAD, who were enrolled from January 2007 to June 2019. They had undergone successful PCI; some of them redeveloped angina pectoris within one year after the procedure, but on repeat coronary angiography had no need for revascularization. Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count was used to evaluate the velocity of coronary blood in the follow-up angiogram. Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate risk factors for recurrent angina pectoris. Similarly, predictors of recurrent angina according to the TIMI frame count were assessed using multivariate linear regression. RESULTS: In this retrospective study, 53.5% of patients experienced recurrent angina pectoris. By multivariate logistic regression, the following characteristics were statistically identified as risk factors for recurrent angina pectoris: female sex, older age, current smoking, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥1.8 mmol/L, and an elevated TIMI frame count (P for all <0.05). Similarly, using multivariate linear regression, the statistical risk factors for TIMI frame count included: female sex, older age, diabetes, body mass index (BMI), post-procedural treatment without the inclusion of dual antiplatelet therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Patient characteristics of female sex, older age, diabetes, and elevated BMI are associated with an increased TIMI frame count, coronary microcirculation dysfunction, and recurrent angina pectoris after initially successful PCI. In addition, current smoking and LDL-C ≥1.8 mmol/L are risk factors for recurrent angina pectoris. In contrast, the treatment with dual antiplatelet therapy is negatively correlated with a higher TIMI frame count and the risk of recurrent angina pectoris.

Analysis of predictors of systemic lupus erythematosus with intestinal symptoms as the first manifestation / 中华消化杂志

Objective:To analyze the predictors of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with intestinal symptoms as the first manifestation, and to provide evidence for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the disease.Methods:From January 2013 to June 2020, the clinical data of 165 patients diagnosed with SLE and treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether the intestinal symptoms were the first manifestations, they were divided into intestinal symptoms as the first manifestations group ( n=50) and intestinal symptoms not as the first manifestations group ( n=115). The baseline data, imaging findings, orgen involvement and laboratory indicators of the two groups were compared and analyzed. Independent sample t test, non-parametric test and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to establish a prediction model of SLE with intestinal symptoms as the first manifestation. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and Hosmer-Lemeshow test were used to evaluate the predictive value of the model. From July 2020 to May 2021, the data of 72 SLE patients treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were collected (22 patients with intestinal symptoms as the first manifestation and 50 patients with intestinal symptoms not the first manifestation), and the predictive power of the model was validated. Results:Compared with intestinal symptoms not as the first manifestation group, the proportions of patients with fever, muscle involvement and joint involvement in intestinal symptoms as the first manifestation group were lower, while the proportions of patients with polyserositis, ascites, edema and dilatation or thickening of intestines, hydronephrosis or dilatation of the ureter, kidney involvement, blood system involvement were higher, and the level of complement C3, level of complement C4, absolute lymphocyte value and albumin level were lower (67.8%, 78/115 vs. 32.0%, 16/50; 24.3%, 28/115 vs. 4.0%, 2/50; 68.7%, 79/115 vs. 14.0%, 7/50; 27.8%, 32/115 vs. 86.0%, 43/50; 16.5%, 19/115 vs. 78.0%, 39/50; 13.9%, 16/115 vs. 86.0%, 43/50; 4.3%, 5/115 vs. 62.0%, 31/50; 29.6%, 34/115 vs. 48.0%, 24/50; 30.4%, 35/115 vs. 52.0%, 26/50; 0.76 g/L, 0.43 to 0.97 g/L vs. 0.48 g/L, 0.40 to 0.57 g/L; 0.14 g/L, 0.08 to 0.23 g/L vs. 0.09 g/L, 0.06 to 0.15 g/L; 0.90×10 9/L, 0.51×10 9 to 1.28×10 9/L vs. 0.64×10 9/L, 0.44×10 9 to 1.08×10 9/L; (34.07±7.30) g/L vs. (28.77±5.43) g/L), and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=18.246, 9.699, 41.776, 47.567, 57.781, 78.833, 67.903, 5.195 and 6.955, Z=-4.053, -3.295 and -2.204, t=-4.606; all P<0.05). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low level of complement C3 and low albumin level were risk factors of SLE with intestinal symptoms as the first manifestation (odds ratio 0.136, 95% confidence interval 0.031 to 0.590; odds ratio 0.923, 95% confidence interval 0.871 to 0.977; P=0.008 and 0.006). The established prediction model for SLE with intestinal symptoms as the first manifestation was p=1/(1+ e - Y), in which Y=2.906-1.994×complement C3 (g/L) -0.08×albumin (g/L). The area under the ROC was 0.761 (95% confidence interval 0.687 to 0.834, P<0.01). The result of Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed the model had good calibration ability ( χ2=13.024, P=0.111). The result of validation analysis showed that when p≥0.255 to predict SLE with intestinal symptoms as the first symptoms, the sensitivity of the model was 72.7% (16/22), the specificity was 76.0% (38/50), and the accuracy was 75.0% (54/72). Conclusions:The symptoms of SLE with intestinal symptoms as the first manifestations are obscure and easily misdiagnosed. When the imaging examination of patients with intestinal symptoms as the first manifestations shows edema and dilatation or thickening of intestines, hydronephrosis or dilatation of the ureter, or laboratory examination indicates low level of complement C3 and low albumin level, be wary of the possibility of SLE. Early diagnosis and intervention can greatly improve the prognosis of patients.

The knowledge, attitude, practice and predictors of complementary and alternative medicine use among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Indonesia / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#The prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) usage among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Indonesia is high. However, to date, little is known about why Indonesian T2DM patients choose CAM therapies, how their knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of CAM affects their choices, or how demographics correlate with patient choices. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the KAP and predictors of CAM usage in T2DM patients in Indonesia.@*METHODS@#This was an observational, cross-sectional study. Patients were interviewed using a questionnaire. Chi-square tests or Fisher's exact tests were used to compare demographic and clinical data, as well as KAP assessments, between T2DM patients who use and do not use CAM. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate predictors of CAM usage.@*RESULTS@#A total of 628 T2DM patients were enrolled in the study. CAM therapies were used by 341 patients (54.3%). The most common therapies were herbs and spiritual healing, used by 100.0% and 68.3% of CAM-using patients, respectively. CAM therapies were frequently recommended by family members (91.5%), and CAM users had significantly more knowledge and more positive attitudes toward CAM therapies than nonusers. Among users, 66% said they would not follow their healthcare providers' instructions to not use CAM therapies, and 69.5% said they would not disclose their plan to use CAM therapies with their healthcare provider. Neither demographic nor clinical characteristics were associated with CAM use. The factors that best predicted the use of CAM therapies were their availability and low cost (odds ratio [OR] = 4.59; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.01-7.01), the belief that CAM therapies were safe (OR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.40-2.95), the belief that CAM therapies could help with diabetes control (OR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.15-2.66), and the belief that CAM therapies could help maintain physical health (OR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.13-2.49).@*CONCLUSION@#CAM therapy users were more knowledgeable and had more positive attitudes toward CAM, but most of them chose not to disclose their CAM use to their healthcare providers. CAM use in Indonesia was associated with its accessibility, affordability, safety and effectivity, but not with any demographic or clinical characteristics. This study provided new evidence and insights for nurses and physicians in Indonesia that will help to design educational programs about the safety and efficacy of CAM therapies.

Clinical and echocardiographic predictors of left ventricular remodeling following anterior acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVES: Coronary artery disease is the primary cause of death and is responsible for a high number of hospitalizations worldwide. Ventricular remodeling is associated with worse prognosis following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and is a risk factor for ventricular dysfunction and heart failure. This study aimed to identify the predictors of ventricular remodeling following STEMI. Additionally, we evaluated the clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic characteristics of patients with anterior wall STEMI who underwent primary percutaneous intervention in the acute phase and at 6 months after the infarction. METHODS: This prospective, observational, and longitudinal study included 50 patients with anterior wall STEMI who were admitted to the coronary care unit (CCU) of a tertiary hospital in Brazil between July 2017 and August 2018. During the CCU stay, patients were evaluated daily and underwent echocardiogram within the first three days following STEMI. After six months, the patients underwent clinical evaluation and echocardiogram according to the local protocol. RESULTS: Differences were noted between those who developed ventricular remodeling and those who did not in the mean±standard deviation levels of creatine phosphokinase MB isoenzyme (CKMB) peak (no remodeling group: 323.7±228.2 U/L; remodeling group: 522.4±201.6 U/L; p=0.008) and the median and interquartile range of E/E' ratio (no remodeling group: 9.20 [8.50-11.25] and remodeling group: 12.60 [10.74-14.40]; p=0.004). This difference was also observed in multivariate logistic regression. CONCLUSIONS: Diastolic dysfunction and CKMB peak in the acute phase of STEMI can be predictors of ventricular remodeling following STEMI.

Tres versiones del "Ogtt Squeezer", un programa para evaluar de un vistazo la información metabólica de la curva de tolerancia a la glucosa / Three versions of the "Ogtt Squeezer", a program to evaluate ataglance the metabolic information of the oral glucose tolerance test

El diagnóstico clínico de resistencia insulínica (RI) es difícil, ya que el Clamp no es aplicable a la clínica. El así llamado "síndrome metabólico", un predictor clínico de la RI, no identifica alrededor de la mitad de los sujetos afectados. Previamente, definimos adecuadamente (Análisis ROC) los niveles de corte diagnóstico de los siguientes predictores bioquímicos: HOMA1, HOMA2, QUICKI e ISI-Composite, a través de analizar datos de 90 sujetos (53 no resistentes y 37 resistentes) que tenían una medición directa de su resistencia insulínica (Test de supresión pancreática, TSP, Test de Reaven) y también, una curva de tolerancia a la glucosa oral (CTG). Los puntos de corte obtenidos exhibieron un mucho mejor desempeño diagnóstico comparados con los puntos de corte convencionales. También encontramos un predictor nuevo, simple, económico y eficiente, el I0*G60. Definimos la "normalidad metabólica" de la CTG usando las medianas de los valores de varios parámetros en 312 sujetos con un G120 dentro de los 2 primeros terciles del grupo de normo-tolerantes a la glucosa (NGT, n=468; G120: 51-110 mg/dL, los con mejor función beta insular). A las medianas de la función beta insular y de la sensibilidad insulínica se les asignó un valor de un 100%. Se calculó el % relativo de función beta insular (%RFBI) y el % relativo de sensibilidad insulínica (%RSI) del resto de la cohorte (n=573) contra estos valores de referencia. El "OGTT Squeezer" se escribió en Excel. Las glicemias y las insulinemias de la CTG fueron las entradas del programa. Las salidas fueron: I0*G60, ISI-OL, QUICKI, and HOMA1 (predictores) y el índice insulinogénico, el índice de disposición, %RFBI y %RSI (parámetros). El programa también caracterizó la tolerancia glucídica de acuerdo a los criterios de la ADA 2003. El formato final del programa, HTML 5, facilita su uso. Desarrollamos tres versiones del programa: completa, abreviada y mínima.

Clinically, diagnosing insulin resistance (IR) is difficult since the Clamp is not applicable to clinical work. The so-called "Metabolic Syndrome", a clinical surrogate of IR, fails to identify around 50% of affected subjects. Previously, we properly defined (ROC Analysis) the diagnostic cut-offs of the following biochemical predictors: HOMA1, HOMA2, QUICKI, and ISI-Composite by analyzing data from 90 subjects (53 non-insulin-resistant and 37 insulin-resistant subjects) who had a direct measurement of insulin resistance (Pancreatic Suppression Test, PST, Reaven's Test), and also, an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). The resulting cut-offs exhibited much better performances compared with the conventional cut-offs. We also found a new, simple, inexpensive and efficient predictor, the I0*G60. We chose to define the "metabolic normalcy" of the OGTT by using the median values of several parameters in 312 NGT subjects with a G120 in the first 2 tertiles of the NGT group (n=468; G120: 51-110 mg/dL, those with the best beta-cell function). The median values of both Beta-Cell Function and Insulin Sensitivity of these subjects were assigned a 100% value. Both % Relative Beta-Cell Function (%RBCF) and % Relative Insulin Sensitivity (%RIS) of everyone else in the cohort (n=573) was calculated against these reference values. The "OGTT Squeezer" was written in Excel. The OGTT's glucose and insulin values served as the inputs of the program. The outputs were: I0*G60, ISI-OL, QUICKI, and HOMA1 (predictors), and Insulinogenic Index, Disposition Index, %RBCF, and %RIS (parameters). Moreover, the program characterized the OGTT according to the ADA 2003 criteria. The HTML 5 format of the program facilitates its use. We developed 3 versions of the program: complete, abbreviated, and minimal versions.

Early hematological parameters as predictors for outcomes in children with dengue in northern India: A retrospective analysis

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Dengue presents with a variable clinical course, ranging from mild illness to potentially fatal hemorrhage and shock. We aimed to evaluate the capabilities of various hematological parameters observed early in the course of illness for predicting the clinical outcomes of illness. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of children admitted in the pediatric inpatient services of the institute with dengue between 2017 and 2019. We determined the relationships between the hematological parameters observed during the first evaluation and the various clinical outcomes. RESULTS: We evaluated data from 613 patients (age range, 26 days to 17 years). Of these, 29.85% exhibited fever with warning signs, and 8.97% had severe dengue. Lower values of hemoglobin, platelet count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and mean platelet volume, and higher values of total leukocyte count (TLC), hematocrit, and red cell distribution width variably correlated with numerous clinical outcomes-duration of hospital stay, development of complications, requirement of blood component transfusion, inotropic support, and mortality. Among the parameters, TLC ≥20,000/mL and initial platelet count ≤20,000/mL significantly associated with mortality, with odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of 11.81 (4.21-33.80) and 5.53 (1.90-16.09), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Hematological parameters observed early during dengue infection may predict its clinical outcomes in infected children. Initial high TLC and low platelet count are potential predictors of fatal outcomes in the course of disease.