Lesiones ocasionadas por mordeduras de perros en niños atendidos en un hospital de tercer nivel de Bolivia / Dog bite injuries in children seen at a tertiary care hospital in Bolivia

Introducción. Este estudio pretende caracterizar las lesiones provocadas por perros en niños de un hospital pediátrico de Bolivia. Población y métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional, retrospectivo, en pacientes atendidos del 2017 al 2021. Resultados. Se estudiaron 769 pacientes. Las lesiones representaron el 5,6 % de las emergencias y el 0,8 % de las internaciones. Fueron más frecuentes en niños de hasta 5 años (55,1 %), en quienes se observó mayor gravedad de las lesiones (p = 0,008), antecedente de provocación al animal (p = 0,048), un animal agresor conocido (p <0,036), el contexto doméstico del accidente (p = 0,021), mayor frecuencia de profilaxis con suero luego de la exposición (p = 0,005) y regiones afectadas principalmente maxilofaciales (p <0,001). Observamos 3 casos de mortalidad por rabia humana y 1 por shock hipovolémico. Conclusión. Las lesiones producidas por perros son causas frecuentes de visita a emergencia y hospitalización en pediatría, y tienen características particulares en niños de hasta 5 años de edad.

Introduction. The objective of this study is to describe the characteristics of dog bite injuries in children seen at a children's hospital in Bolivia. Population and methods. This was an observational, retrospective study in patients seen between 2017 and 2021. Results. A total of 769 patients were studied. Dog bite injuries accounted for 5.6% of emergency visits and 0.8% of hospitalizations. They were more frequent in children younger than 5 years (55.1%), in whom the following were observed: greater injury severity (p = 0.008), history of animal provocation (p = 0.048), known attacking animal (p < 0.036), domestic accident (p = 0.021), greater frequency of post-exposure prophylaxis with anti-rabies serum (p = 0.005), and maxillofacial area as the main region involved (p < 0.001). There were 3 deaths due to human rabies and 1 due to hypovolemic shock. Conclusion. Dog bite injuries are a frequent cause of visit to the emergency department and hospitalization in pediatrics and have specific characteristics in children younger than 5 years.

Geographical Health District and Distance Traveled Influence on Clinical Status at Admission of Patients with Gestational Trophoblastic Disease / A influência do distrito de saúde e da distância viajada sobre o estado clínico na apresentação de pacientes com doença trofoblástica gestacional

Abstract Objective To assess the potential relationship of clinical status upon admission and distance traveled from geographical health district in women with gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). Methods This is a cross-sectional study including women with GTD from the 17 health districts from the São Paulo state (I-XVII), Brazil, referred to the Botucatu Trophoblastic Disease Center (specialized center, district VI), between 1990 and 2018. At admission, hydatidiform mole was assessed according to the risk score system of Berkowitz et al. Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia was evaluated using the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics / World Health Organization (FIGO/WHO) staging/risk score. Data on demographics, clinical status and distance traveled were collected. Multiple regression analyses were performed. Results This study included 366 women (335 hydatidiform mole, 31 gestational trophoblastic neoplasia). The clinical status at admission and distance traveled significantly differed between the specialized center district and other districts. Patients referred from health districts IX (β = 2.38 [0.87-3.88], p = 0.002) and XVI (β = 0.78 [0.02-1.55], p = 0.045) had higher hydatidiform mole scores than those from the specialized center district. Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia patients from district XVI showed a 3.32 increase in FIGO risk scores compared with those from the specialized center area (β = 3.32, 95% CI = 0.78-5.87, p = 0.010). Distance traveled by patients from districts IX (200km) and XVI (203.5km) was significantly longer than that traveled by patients from the specialized center district (76km). Conclusion Patients from health districts outside the specialized center area had higher risk scores for both hydatidiform mole and gestational trophoblastic neoplasia at admission. Long distances (>80 km) seemed to adversely influence gestational trophoblastic disease clinical status at admission, indicating barriers to accessing specialized centers.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a possível relação entre estado clínico na apresentação e distância percorrida a partir do distrito de saúde em mulheres com doença trofoblástica gestacional. Métodos Estudo transversal incluindo mulheres com doença trofoblástica gestacional dos 17 distritos de saúde do estado de São Paulo (I-XVII), Brasil, encaminhadas ao Centro de Doenças Trofoblásticas de Botucatu (distrito VI), entre 1990 e 2018. Na admissão, avaliaram-se mola hidatiforme pelo sistema de pontuação de risco de Berkowitz et al. e neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional pelo escore de risco/estadiamento Federação Internacional de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia / Organização Mundial da Saúde (FIGO/OMS). Coletaram-se dados demográficos, clínicos e distância percorrida e análises de regressão múltipla foram realizadas. Resultados Este estudo incluiu 366 mulheres (335 mola hidatiforme, 31 neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional). O estado clínico na apresentação e distância percorrida diferiram significativamente entre o centro especializado e demais distritos. Nas pacientes encaminhadas pelos distritos IX (β = 2,38 [0,87-3,88], p = 0,002) e XVI (β = 0,78 [0,02-1,55], p = 0,045), os escores de mola hidatiforme foram maiores que no centro especializado. As pacientes com neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional do distrito XVI apresentaram escores FIGO 3,32 vezes maior que no centro especializado (β = 3,32, 95% CI = 0,78-5,87, p = 0,010). A distância percorrida pelas pacientes dos distritos IX (200km) e XVI (203,5km) foi significativamente maior do que a percorrida pelas pacientes do centro especializado (76km). Conclusão Pacientes de distritos de saúde fora da cobertura do centro especializado apresentaram escores de risco mais alto para mola hidatiforme e para neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional na admissão. Longas distâncias (>80 km) pareceram influenciar negativamente o estado clínico da doença trofoblástica gestacional na apresentação, indicando barreiras no acesso a centros especializados.

Frecuencia de referencias ambulatorias injustificadas, en base a diagnósticos no pertinentes, realizadas a un hospital peruano de tercer nivel / Frequency of unjustified ambulatory referrals bases on no pertinent diagnosis sent to a third level Peruvian hospital

Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia y describir las características de referencias injustificadas, en base a diagnósticos no pertinentes, enviadas al servicio de consulta externa adultos de un hospital de tercer nivel. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal, observacional y descriptivo, realizado en el Hospital Cayetano Heredia (HCH) en el periodo abril a diciembre del 2019. Se utilizaron los datos del aplicativo "REFCON" con una población de 99 891 referencias. Para la variable "justificación de la referencia", se utilizó un listado de diagnósticos que no deberían derivarse a hospitales de la DIRIS Lima Norte. Adicionalmente, se estudiaron las variables de edad, sexo, grupo etario, especialidad de destino, categoría del EESS de origen, distrito de origen, y diagnóstico del grupo de referencias injustificadas. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva. Resultados: La frecuencia de referencias injustificadas fue de 8,4 %. El 34,2 % fue de pacientes adultos; el 65,8 %, de adultos mayores; y el 67 %, de pacientes mujeres Las especialidades con más referencias injustificadas fueron cardiología, geriatría, medicina interna, medicina familiar y neurología. Los diagnósticos injustificados más frecuentes fueron hipertensión esencial, lumbago no especificado y cefalea. Conclusiones: La frecuencia de referencias injustificadas al HCH por diagnósticos no pertinentes fue 8,4 %, tasa similar a otros dos estudios, pese a la emisión de una lista de diagnósticos que no deberían derivarse a hospitales de la DIRIS Lima Norte.

SUMMARY Objective: To determine the frequency and to describe the characteristics of unjustified ambulatory referrals bases on no pertinent diagnosis done at an adult outpatient clinic of a third level Peruvian hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried-out from April to December 2019 at Hospital Cayetano Heredia. Data were extracted from REFCON with a population of 99 891 referrals. To justify the reference, a list of diagnosis that does not require referral was used. In addition, variables such as age, sex, specialty of destination, category of EESS, district of origin and diagnosis of the unjustified referral. Descriptive statistics was used. Results: the frequency of unjustified referrals was 8.4%; 34.2% comprised the adult population; 65.8% were elder and 67% were female. Specialties with more unjustified referrals were geriatrics, internal medicine, family medicine and neurology. The most common unjustified diagnosis was essential hypertension, nonspecific low back pain and headache. Conclusions: Despite of socializing a list of unjustified referral diagnosis a frequency of 8,4% remain in this category, which is like results from two previous studies.

Evaluate the incidence, topography, management, and outcomes in patients with polytrauma in the Suez Canal and Sinai areas

Introduction: The global prevalence of trauma-related mortality ranges from 2% to 32%; however, In Egypt, it reaches 8%. Trauma chiefly affects people in the productive age group; seriously ill patients with multiple injuries present with various levels of polytrauma. Application of incorrect triage systems and improperly trained trauma teams increase mortality and morbidity rates in non-dedicated institutions; however, these rates can decrease with appropriate infrastructure. This study aimed to improve the quality of care for patients with polytrauma through improved knowledge of the different severity levels of polytrauma and defined databases, using a suitable triage trauma system, well-trained trauma team, and appropriate infrastructure. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted at the emergency department (ED), over a study period of 7 months, from August 10, 2019, to March 09, 2020. This study included 458 patients with polytrauma who had met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and attended the ED of Suez Canal University Hospital. Results: The incidence of trauma among all emergency cases in the ED was 5.3%. However, most multiple injuries are mild, accounting for 44.4%, while 27.3% of the cases had life-threatening injuries. Moreover, 41.9% of the patients were managed non-operatively, whereas 58.1% of the patients required surgical interventions. Concerning the outcome, 56% and 6.9% of patients with and without life-threatening injuries respectively, died. Conclusion: Facilities of the highest quality should be available for patients with polytrauma, especially those with life-threatening injuries. In addition, training emergency medical service staff for trauma triage is essential, and at least one tertiary hospital is required in every major city in the Suez Canal and Sinai areas to decrease trauma-related mortality.

Risk factors associated with COVID-19 morbidity and mortality at a national tertiary referral treatment centre in Ghana: a retrospective analysis

Introduction: there is a substantial variation in COVID-19 case fatality rates across different locations, which may be due to differences in population age structure, patient factors, or health system factors. The study evaluated the clinical features and risk of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality among confirmed cases at COVID-19 referral treatment centre. Methods: the study was a retrospective analysis of routine data of cases admitted and treated between March 2020 to March 2021 at Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital). The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, simple and multiple logistic regression. Results: the overall mortality rate among this cohort of patients was 34.4%. Compared to survivors, non-survivors were older patients, non-insured, had a higher frequency of hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and were more prone to suffer from a severe form of COVID-19 infection. Compared to survivors, non-survivors showed elevated levels of white blood cell count, platelets, higher heartbeat per minute and lower levels of haemoglobin, creatinine, and oxygen saturation. The independent risk factors for COVID-19 mortality in the national treatment centre were shorter stay of hospitalizations, having a heart disease, difficulty in breathing, increased in concentration of platelets, and creatinine. A 1% increase in oxygen saturation decreased a patient's likelihood of dying from COVID-19 by 29.0%. Conclusion: this study showed COVID-19 mortality was associated with a shorter stay in hospital, having heart disease, dyspnoea, elevated levels of platelets and creatinine, and decreased oxygen saturation. There is a need for awareness creation about these risk factors to clinicians and public health officials.

Profile of gynecological cancers in a tertiary hospital, Eastern Nigeria

Introduction: there is a great diversity in the profile of cancers in the world. This study set out to analyze the profile of gynecological cancer in Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, [FUTHO] (former Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo state, Nigeria). Methods: this was a retrospective cross sectional descriptive study of the records of women admitted in the gynecological ward in FUTHO from January 2020 to November 2022. It was analyzed using SPSS version 23.0 and reported in simple percentages for categorical variables and measures of central tendency for quantitative variables. Results: a total of 1,378 gynecological patients were admitted into the Gynaecological ward of the hospital, out of which 242 (17.6%) were cancer cases. The most common cancer over the three years in review, was ovarian, 81(33.5%), followed by cervical, 66 (27.3 %), endometrial, 65 (26.8 %), choriocarcinoma, 22 (9.1%), vulvar, 6 (2.5%) and vagina, 2(0.8%). The most common gynecological cancers in this study is very different from previous reports from Nigeria and other African countries. The pattern looks like that seen in the developed countries where endometrial and ovarian cancers top the list. Conclusion: this report shows a possible change in lifestyle and improved access to cervical cancer prevention strategies. It is also assumed that all the facilities who have recorded cervical cancer as the most common cancer can actually have a similar result as ours if a more current review is done.

Quality of Life of Type 2 Diabetic Patients attending a Tertiary Hospital in South-South Nigeria

Background: Type 2 Diabetes mellitus affects the quality of life of individuals and their ability to function. It affects the physical, social and mental well-being of patients with immediate and delayed complications.This study determined the quality of life of type 2 diabetic patients attending a tertiary hospital in south-south Nigeria.Methods:This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among type 2 diabetic patients attending the medical outpatient clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital between September and November 2019. Purposive sampling technique was used to select a total of 347 participants for the study following ethical approval. WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used to measure the QoL of the participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Descriptive data were presented in frequency distribution tables while summary statistics were done using mean and standard deviation for continuous variables and in proportions for categorical variables. Results:Results revealed that majority of the type 2 diabetic patients were females (53.3%) and between the ages of 51-60 years. 27.2% of them had poor overall QoL with the score of <45% while 65.7% had fair overall QoL with a score of 45-65 %. 7.1% had good overall QoL with a score of ≥65%. Conclusion:Majority of the type 2 diabetic patients had fair QoL while the least had good QoL. There is urgent need for increased health awareness and education of diabetic patients regarding diabetic care.

Determinants of enrolment in health insurance scheme among HIV patients attending a clinic in a tertiary hospital in South-eastern Nigeria

Objective: The study aimed to assess the determinants of enrolment in health insurance schemes among people living with HIV. Design: The study was a cross-sectional study. A pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from 371 HIV clients attending the clinic. Chi-square statistic was used for bi-variate analysis, and analytical decisions were considered significant at a p-value less than 0.05. Logistic regression was done to determine predictors of enrolment in health insurance. Setting: The study was carried out in the HIV clinic of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Nigeria Participants: HIV clients attending a clinic Result: Mean age of respondents was 45.4±10.3, and 51.8% were males. Almost all the respondents were Christians. Only 47.7% were married, and most lived in the urban area. Over 70% had at least secondary education, and only 34.5% were civil servants. About 60% of the respondents were enrolled in a health insurance scheme. Being single (AOR: 0.374, CI:0.204-0.688), being self-employed (AOR: 4.088, CI: 2.315-7.217), having a smaller family size (AOR: 0.124, CI: 0.067-0.228), and having the higher income (AOR: 4.142, CI: 2.07-8.286) were predictors of enrolment in a health insurance scheme. Conclusion: The study has shown that enrolment in a health insurance scheme is high among PLHIV, and being single, self-employed, having a smaller family size, and having a higher monthly income are predictors of enrolment in the health insurance scheme. Increasing the number of dependants that can be enrolled so that larger families can be motivated to enrol in health insurance is recommended

Patient safety culture at the unit level of a tertiary hospital in South Africa: a survey study

Background. Patient safety research is scarce in developing countries. Estimates of patient harm due to healthcare processes in resource-poor settings are thought to be greater than those in developed countries. Ideally, errors in healthcare should be seen as opportunities to improve the future quality of care. Objective. This study aimed to investigate patient safety culture within high-risk units of a tertiary hospital in South Africa. Methods. A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional methodology, using a survey questionnaire that measured 10 safety dimensions and one outcome measure among clinical and nursing staff, was employed. Results. Two hundred participants completed the survey questionnaire. Areas of strength identified by the participants included organizational learning (91.09%), staff attitudes (88.83%), and perceptions of patient safety (76.65%). Dimensions that have potential for improvement included awareness and training (74.04%), litigation (73.53%), feedback and communication about errors (70.77%), non-punitive response to error reporting (51.01%), size and tertiary level of the hospital (53.76%), and infrastructure and resources (58.07%). The only dimension identified as weak was teamwork and staffing (43.72%). In terms of the patient safety grade, respondents graded their own units highly but graded the hospital as a whole as having a poor patient safety grade. Conclusion. There are still significant gaps in the quality of care provided at this tertiary hospital. The current patient safety culture is perceived as punitive in nature with regard to reporting adverse events. It is advised that targeted patient safety improvements be made, followed by further investigation

Pattern and determinants of outcomes of neurological emergencies admitted into children emergency ward in a tertiary hospital in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Neurological emergencies are life-threatening central nervous system disorders, significantly contributing to childhood morbidity and mortality. The sequelae may be irreversible and may impact negatively on the quality of life of affected children and their families. This study identified the morbidity pattern and determinants of the outcomes of children with neurological emergencies in the Children Emergency Room (CHER) of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH). Method: A 4-year retrospective study was carried out in the CHER. Data on demography, diagnosis and outcomes of children with neurological disorders were extracted from the records. Data analysed with SPSS 24 were expressed in percentages and frequency tables. Results: Of the 3040 children admitted in the CHER, 364(12%) aged 0-15 years had neurological emergencies, commoner among males (59.3%) and children aged less than five years (70.9%). Meningitis (40.2%) and febrile convulsion (28.2%) were the topmost diagnoses made. Raised intracranial pressure (17.4%) and head injuries (25.5%) were significantly more prevalent among children aged five years and above. The mortality rate was 61(16.8%) and more among adolescents (30.6%). All the mortalities took place within the first 48hours of admission especially among those with head injuries (46.5%) and perinatal asphyxia (95%), (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Meningitis and febrile convulsion were the commonest neurologic emergencies seen in this study. Mortality rate was high, especially in the first 48 hours of admission and mainly from perinatal asphyxia and head injuries. Education on the prevention and management of neurologic emergencies should be strengthened

The influencing factors of functional somatic discomfort in clinical nurses / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To investigate the functional somatic discomfort status, and to analyze the effect of job stress, hostile attribution bias and ego depletion on functional somatic discomfort in clinical nurses. Methods: In May 2019, 10 cities in Henan Province and Fujian Province were randomly selected as sampling cities. Using the stratified cluster sampling method, nurses of clinical nursing posts in 22 third class hospitals and 23 second class hospitals were selected as the research objects. The general information, job stress, hostile attribution bias, ego depletion and functional somatic discomfort of clinical nurses were investigated by self-designed general information questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, Social Information Processing-attribution Bias Questionnaire, Self-regulatory Fatigue Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-15. 1200 clinical nurses included, and a total of 1159 valid questionnaires were collected, the effective rate of questionnaire collection was 96.6%. The t test was used to compare the difference of the functional somatic discomfort scores of clinical nurses with different demographic characteristicst. The influence of job stress, hostile attribution bias and ego depletion on functional somatic discomfort of clinical nurses were analyzed with Bootstrap. Results: The functional somatic discomfort score of clinical nurses was (8.95±4.38), of which 859 (74.12%) had functional somatic discomfort symptom. The functional somatic discomfort score of clinical nurses aged 36-50 years old was higher than that of 19-35 years old, the functional somatic discomfort score of clinical nurses with service age ≥5 years was higher than that of <5 years, the functional somatic discomfort score of non-permanent clinical nurses was higher than that of permanent clinical nurses, the functional somatic discomfort score of clinical nurses in tertiary hospitals was higher than that of secondary hospitals, the functional somatic discomfort score of clinical nurses in surgical departments were higher than those in non-surgical departments, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Job stress affected functional somatic discomfort through the single mediating role of hostile attribution bias, the single mediating role of ego depletion, and the chain mediating role of hostile attribution bias and ego depletion (β=0.17, 95%CI: 0.10-0.20; β=0.16, 95%CI: 0.10-0.20; β=0.07, 95%CI: 0.03-0.10; P<0.05) . Conclusion: The functional somatic discomfort symptoms of clinical nurses are significant and varied among different age, working age, employment form, hospital grade and department groups. They are affected by work stress directly and through the separate mediating effect of hostile attribution bias and ego depletion, and the chain mediating effect of hostile attribution bias and ego depletion.

Analysis of work stress and its influencing factors among nursing staff in Tianjin City / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To explore the current situation of work stress among nursing staff in Tianjin City and analyze its influencing factors. Methods: From August to October 2020, 26002 nursing staff from tertiary hospitals, secondary public hospitals, secondary private hospitals, primary hospitals, and other medical institutions in Tianjin City were selected as objects, and their general situation and working stress situation were surveyed by the general information questionnaire and the Nurse's Work Stressor Scale. Single factor analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to explore the influencing factors of work stress among nursing staff. Results: The average age of 26002 nursing staff was (33.86±8.28) years old, and the average working years were (11.84±9.12) years. There were 24874 women (95.66%) and 1128 men (4.34%). The total score of work stress was (79.82±21.69), and the average score of workload and time allocation dimension was the highest (2.55±0.79). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that marital status (β=-0.015, P=0.014), employment form as contract system (β=0.022, P=0.001), post as clinical nursing (β=0.048, P<0.001), education level (β=0.024, P<0.001), age (β=0.050, P<0.001), working years (β=0.075, P<0.001), and professional title (β=0.036, P<0.001) were the influencing factors of work stress, which explained 22.8% of the total variation in work stress of nursing staff (F=24.25, P<0.001) . Conclusion: The work stress among nursing staff in Tianjin City is high, the corresponding departments and nursing managers should adopt scientific management methods to reduce the workload of nursing staff according to the influencing factors of work stress, so as to create a good atmosphere for further promoting the healthy development of nursing career and nursing industry in the new era.

Completion rates of bundle treatment of among patients with sepsis shock in intensive care departments of hospitals in Jiangsu Province from 2016 to 2020 years / 中华内科杂志

Current clinical approaches for septic shock increasingly incorporate bundle treatment, a multi-component approach that uses a collection of tests and agents to assist in the identification and treatment of infection. The present study analyzed completion rates of 3 h and 6 h bundle treatment among patients with septic shock in intensive care units (ICUs) of hospitals in Jiangsu Province from 2016 to 2020, using data from the Jiangsu Provincial Intensive Care Medical Quality Control Center. Current approaches and factors affecting treatment completion were assessed.The completion rates of 3 h and 6 h bundle treatment in ICUs of all medical units in Jiangsu Province and in ICUs of hospitals of different levels were recorded. Analyses show that the completion rate of 3 h and 6 h bundle treatment for patients with septic shock in ICUs in Jiangsu Province increased year by year from 2016 to 2020.The completion rate of 3 h bundle treatment increased from 69.82% (3 604/5 162) to 82.47% (8 915/10 775) (all P<0.001). The completion rate of 6 h bundle treatment increased from 62.69% (3 236/5 162) to 72.54% (7 816/10 775) (all P<0.001). In addition, year by year, the completion rate of 3 h bundle treatment in ICUs in tertiary hospitals increased, from 69.80% (3 596/5 152) to 82.23% (7 375/8 969), while the completion rate of 6 h bundle treatment increased from 62.69% (3 230/5 152) to 72.18% (6 474/8 969) (all P<0.001). Completion rates in secondary hospitals also increased year by year, from 80.00% (8/10) to 85.27% (1 540/1 806) for 3 h treatment and from 60.00% (6/10) to 74.31% (1 342/1 806) (all P<0.001) for 6 h treatment. Completion rates for 3 h treatment in first-tier cities (83.99% (2 099/2 499)) and second-tier cities (84.68% (3 952/4 667)) was higher than in third-tier cities (79.36% (2 864/3 609)). The completion rate of 6 h bundle treatment gradually decreased in first-line (77.19% (1 929/2 499)), second-line (74.37% (3 471/4 667)), and third-line (66.94% (2 416/3 609)) cities (all P<0.001). The data collectively show that from 2016 to 2020, the completion rate of bundle treatment in septic shock patients in ICUs in Jiangsu Province improved significantly.

Clinical characteristics of severe pre-eclampsia in a single tertiary referral center of Xiamen City / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective: To explore the key points for preventing and reducing severe pre-eclampsia (SPE) and its severe complications in the tertiary medical referral system of a second-tier city by analyzing the clinical characteristics of SPE. Methods: The clinical data of 341 patients with SPE who terminated pregnancy in Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, and the pre-eclampsia (PE) risk factors, clinical characteristics and severe complications of SPE between the patients referred from primary hospitals (referral group) and the patients received regular prenatal care in the tertiary referral center (central group) were compared, as well as the influence of the referral timing on the maternal and perinatal outcomes. Results: Among the 341 cases of SPE, 92 cases were in the referral group and 249 cases were in the central group. (1) Analysis of PE risk factors: there was no statistical difference in the proportion of risk factors of PE between these two groups [75.0% (69/92) vs 71.9% (179/249); χ2=0.328, P=0.567]. (2) Analysis of clinical features: the gestational ages at the PE early warning factors onset, at the PE first symptom onset and at SPE diagnosed, pregnancy terminated and onset of SPE severe complications in the referral group were significantly earlier than those in the central group (all P<0.05), the proportions of terminating pregnancy before 32 weeks of gestation, between 32 and 34 weeks of gestation, intensive care unit (ICU), neonatal ICU hospitalization and fetal growth restriction in single pregnancies were higher than those in the central group, while the live birth rate was lower than that in the central group (all P<0.05). (3) Analysis of SPE severe complications: the rates of SPE severe complications in the referral group was higher than that in the central group [28.3% (26/92) vs 13.7% (34/249); χ2=9.885, P=0.002]. Among them, the rates of placental abruption [7.6% (7/92) vs 2.8% (7/249); χ2=3.927, P=0.048] and still birth [6.5% (6/92) vs 0.4% (1/249); χ2=9.656, P=0.002] in the referral group were significantly higher than those in the central group. (4) Analysis of referral timings: the timings included referral after onset of SPE severe complications (9.8%, 9/92), referral after SPE diagnosed (63.0%, 58/92), referral after detection of SPE early warning signs (20.7%, 19/92) and referral after detection of PE risk factors (6.5%, 6/92). The gestational ages at SPE diagnosed and pregnancy terminated in group of referral after onset of SPE severe complications and group of referral after SPE diagnosed were significantly earlier than those in group of referral after detection of PE early warning signs and group of referral after detection of PE risk factors (P<0.05). The earlier the referral, the higher the live birth rates (P<0.05). Conclusions: The tertiary referral center of the second-tier city plays an important role in reducing the maternal and perinatal damage of PE. The timing of referral in primary medical institutions is the key point of reducing the occurrence of SPE severe complications and maternal, perinatal damage of PE. It is necessary for medical institutions of all levels in all regions to improve the ability of early identification and early intervention for PE, to enhance the awareness of SPE and its severe complications prevention and control. Primary medical institutions should especially pay attention to raise the consciousness of PE risk factors and early warning signs, and to improve the ability of PE risk factors and early warning signs screening.

Clinical features and microsurgical reconstruction of congenital unilateral absence of the vas deferens with obstructive azoospermia: a tertiary care center experience / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Patients with congenital unilateral absence of the vas deferens (CUAVD) manifest diverse symptoms from normospermia to azoospermia. Treatment for CUAVD patients with obstructive azoospermia (OA) is complicated, and there is a lack of relevant reports. In this study, we describe the clinical features and evaluate the treatments and outcomes of CUAVD patients with OA. From December 2015 to December 2020, 33 patients were diagnosed as CUAVD with OA in Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai, China). Patient information, ultrasound findings, semen analysis, hormone profiles, and treatment information were collected, and the clinical outcomes were evaluated. Of 33 patients, 29 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Vasoepididymostomy (VE) or cross VE was performed in 12 patients, the patency rate was 41.7% (5/12), and natural pregnancy was achieved in one of the patients. The other 17 patients underwent testicular sperm extraction as the distal vas deferens (contralateral side) was obstructed. These findings showed that VE or cross VE remains an alternative treatment for CUAVD patients with OA, even with a relatively low rate of patency and natural pregnancy.

Status of fungal sepsis among preterm infants in 25 neonatal intensive care units of tertiary hospitals in China / 中华儿科杂志

Objective: To analyze the prevalence and the risk factors of fungal sepsis in 25 neonatal intensive care units (NICU) among preterm infants in China, and to provide a basis for preventive strategies of fungal sepsis. Methods: This was a second-analysis of the data from the "reduction of infection in neonatal intensive care units using the evidence-based practice for improving quality" study. The current status of fungal sepsis of the 24 731 preterm infants with the gestational age of <34+0 weeks, who were admitted to 25 participating NICU within 7 days of birth between May 2015 and April 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. These preterm infants were divided into the fungal sepsis group and the without fungal sepsis group according to whether they developed fungal sepsis to analyze the incidences and the microbiology of fungal sepsis. Chi-square test was used to compare the incidences of fungal sepsis in preterm infants with different gestational ages and birth weights and in different NICU. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to study the outcomes of preterm infants with fungal sepsis, which were further compared with those of preterm infants without fungal sepsis. The 144 preterm infants in the fungal sepsis group were matched with 288 preterm infants in the non-fungal sepsis group by propensity score-matched method. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the risk factors of fungal sepsis. Results: In all, 166 (0.7%) of the 24 731 preterm infants developed fungal sepsis, with the gestational age of (29.7±2.0) weeks and the birth weight of (1 300±293) g. The incidence of fungal sepsis increased with decreasing gestational age and birth weight (both P<0.001). The preterm infants with gestational age of <32 weeks accounted for 87.3% (145/166). The incidence of fungal sepsis was 1.0% (117/11 438) in very preterm infants and 2.0% (28/1 401) in extremely preterm infants, and was 1.3% (103/8 060) in very low birth weight infants and 1.7% (21/1 211) in extremely low birth weight infants, respectively. There was no fungal sepsis in 3 NICU, and the incidences in the other 22 NICU ranged from 0.7% (10/1 397) to 2.9% (21/724), with significant statistical difference (P<0.001). The pathogens were mainly Candida (150/166, 90.4%), including 59 cases of Candida albicans and 91 cases of non-Candida albicans, of which Candida parapsilosis was the most common (41 cases). Fungal sepsis was independently associated with increased risk of moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (adjusted OR 1.52, 95%CI 1.04-2.22, P=0.030) and severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (adjusted OR 2.55, 95%CI 1.12-5.80, P=0.025). Previous broad spectrum antibiotics exposure (adjusted OR=2.50, 95%CI 1.50-4.17, P<0.001), prolonged use of central line (adjusted OR=1.05, 95%CI 1.03-1.08, P<0.001) and previous total parenteral nutrition (TPN) duration (adjusted OR=1.04, 95%CI 1.02-1.06, P<0.001) were all independently associated with increasing risk of fungal sepsis. Conclusions: Candida albicans and Candida parapsilosis are the main pathogens of fungal sepsis among preterm infants in Chinese NICU. Preterm infants with fungal sepsis are at increased risk of moderate to severe BPD and severe ROP. Previous broad spectrum antibiotics exposure, prolonged use of central line and prolonged duration of TPN will increase the risk of fungal sepsis. Ongoing initiatives are needed to reduce fungal sepsis based on these risk factors.

Síndrome de Boerhaave: manejo diagnóstico y terapéutico en el Hospital Regional de Talca / Boerhaave Syndrome: diagnostic and therapeutic management at the Hospital Regional de Talca

Introduction: Boerhaave syndrome is a spontaneous rupture of the esophageal wall caused by a sudden increase in intraesophageal pressure. It represents an incidence of approximately 15% of all esophageal perforations, which do not exceed 3.1 per 1 million inhabitants per year. Objectives: To communicate the clinical presentation and management of patients with this syndrome, as well as to reveal the different options available in our service for its treatment. Methods: Search in the statistical data of the regional Hospital of Talca for patients with a diagnosis of Boerhaave syndrome. Five patients were found. Information was obtained from their clinical records and is presented as a clinical case report with a descriptive analysis of their management. Results: Of the 5 clinical cases presented, a classic clinical presentation can be observed, most of the patients presented with vomiting that later evolved with thoracic and/or epigastric pain, associated with imaging studies suggesting esophageal perforation. Management was surgical in 100% of the cases, applying different techniques described in the literature. Discussion and Conclusion: Boerhaave syndrome is a medical-surgical emergency that requires timely management. In spite of the variety of management and the consequences of each one of them, all the patients had an evolution that allowed them to preserve their lives until nowadays. Keeping a high index of suspicion and choosing the best management will have an impact on morbidity and mortality.

Drug utilization study in neonatal intensive care unit at tertiary care hospital

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Neonates are more susceptible to drug interactions and adverse effects, and special care should be taken when prescribing medication to them. This study aimed to investigate drug usage in the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted on 98 patients at the Apollo tertiary care hospital (Bannerghatta, Bangalore, India) in a period of 6 months. The most common indications for neonatal intensive care unit admission, average number of drugs per patient, the most frequently used medication, distribution of patients based on the birth procedure, and possible drug interactions were collected from patient profiles. RESULTS: Among the patients, 52% were males and 48% were females. Notably, 38% of patients were preterm, 60% were term, and only 2% were post-term. Also, 80.6% were born by cesarean section and 19.4% were born by normal vaginal delivery. The highest mean of drug use was in the patient of 1,000-1,500 g (8.06 per patient). Preterm was the most frequent indication for admission in neonatal intensive care unit, followed by hyperbilirubinemia and then respiratory distress syndrome. The most frequently used medication was vitamin K (99%) and antibiotics followed by dextrose. In different types of antibiotics, amikacin (41%), cefoperazone+sulbactam (35%), cephalosporin (1%), ceftriaxone (0.7%), and amoxicillin (0.3%) were commonly administered. There were some possible interactions, such as aminoglycoside with furosemide and calcium gluconate. CONCLUSION: Premature birth and resulting low birth weight were the main reasons for drug prescription. High administration of antibiotics is probably an area of concern and should be seriously considered.

Knowledge of the national health act among physicians in two tertiary hospitals in Southern Nigeria

Objective: Knowledge of provisions of the National Health Act among physicians and stakeholders is pivotal to its successful implementation. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of the National Health Act (NHA) among Physicians in two tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in two tertiary hospitals in Southern Nigeria. The consecutively recruited eligible respondents were assessed for knowledge of NHA using a 24-item self administered close-ended structured questionnaire. The total obtainable score was 26. Those with <13 points had poor knowledge, 13-21 points had good knowledge and >21 points had excellent knowledge. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 software. P-value of < 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: One hundred and ninety-five doctors with a male: female ratio of 1.9:1 participated in the study. The majority (91.8%) were ≤40 years and 129(66.2%) of the participants were ≤ 10 years post qualification. The frequency of correctly answered questions ranged between 7.7% - 89.2%. According to overall knowledge scores; 64.6% had poor knowledge; 35.4% had good knowledge and none had excellent scores. There was no statistically significant association between knowledge of NHA and gender, age, and number of years post qualification (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that only about a third of the participants had good knowledge of key provisions of the NHA. We strongly recommend that relevant sections of the Act should be incorporated into the medical curriculum both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.