Follicular unit grafting in chronic ulcers: a valuable technique for integrated management

Abstract Chronic ulcers significantly affect the quality of life of patients and impose a high cost on the healthcare system. The therapeutic management should be comprehensive, taking into consideration the etiological diagnosis of the wound and the characteristics of the wound bed when deciding on a therapeutic proposal appropriate to the healing phase, correcting factors that delay healing. During the epithelialization phase, repair techniques with grafts are recommended to shorten re-epithelialization time, improve the quality of scar tissue, and achieve adequate pain management. Currently, due to the reported benefits of skin appendages, the technique of follicular unit auto-grafting obtained with a scalp punch is among the chosen strategies for wound repair. This is a minimally invasive, outpatient practice, whose technique has advantages over the donor site, patients recovery and well-being.

Bacteriemia asociada a catéteres venosos centrales no tunelizados en niños en hemodiálisis crónica / Bacteremia associated with non-tunneled central venous catheters in children undergoing chronic hemodialysis

Introducción. La infección asociada a catéter venoso central (CVC) es la principal complicación que presentan los pacientes en hemodiálisis en los que se usa este tipo de acceso. Objetivo. Estimar la incidencia de bacteriemia asociada a CVC no tunelizado, analizar la frecuencia de agentes causales y explorar factores de riesgo asociados en niños en hemodiálisis. Población y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo realizado en niños en hemodiálisis por CVC no tunelizado entre el 1 junio de 2015 y el 30 de junio de 2019. Para evaluar factores de riesgo predictores de bacteriemia asociada a CVC, se realizó regresión logística. Los factores de riesgo independiente se expresaron con odds ratio con sus respectivos intervalos de confianza del 95 %. Se consideró estadísticamente significativo un valor de p <0,05. Resultados. En este estudio se incluyeron 121 CVC no tunelizados. La incidencia de bacteriemia fue de 3,15 por 1000 días de catéter. El microorganismo aislado con mayor frecuencia fue Staphylococcus epidermidis (16 casos, 51,5 %). La infección previa del catéter fue el único factor de riesgo independiente encontrado para el desarrollo de bacteriemia asociada a CVC no tunelizado (OR: 2,84; IC95%: 1,017,96; p = 0,04). Conclusiones. El uso prolongado de los CVC no tunelizados para hemodiálisis crónica se asoció con una incidencia baja de bacteriemia. Los gérmenes grampositivos predominaron como agentes causales. La presencia de infección previa del CVC aumentó en casi 3 veces el riesgo de bacteriemia asociada a CVC en nuestra población pediátrica en hemodiálisis.

Introduction. Central venous catheter (CVC)-related infection is the main complication observed in patients undergoing hemodialysis with this type of venous access. Objective. To estimate the incidence of non-tunneled CVC-related bacteremia, analyze the frequency ofcausative agents, and explore associated risk factors in children undergoing hemodialysis. Population and methods. Retrospective study in children receiving hemodialysis via a non-tunneled CVC between June 1 st, 2015 and June 30 th, 2019. A logistic regression was carried out to assess risk factors that were predictors of CVC-related bacteremia. Independent risk factors were described as odds ratios with their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. A total of 121 non-tunneled CVCs were included in this study. The incidence of bacteremia was 3.15 per 1000 catheter-days. The most commonly isolated microorganism was Staphylococcus epidermidis(16 cases, 51.5%). Prior catheter infection was the only independent risk factor for the development of bacteremia associated with non-tunneled CVC (OR: 2.84, 95% CI: 1.01­7.96, p = 0.04). Conclusions. Prolonged use of non-tunneled CVCs for chronic hemodialysis was associated with a low incidence of bacteremia. Gram-positive microorganisms prevailed among causative agents. A prior CVC infection almost trebled the risk for CVC-related bacteremia in our pediatric population receiving hemodialysis.

Primary hyperparathyroidism in pregnancy: a case report highlighting uncommon complication / Hiperparatiroidismo primario en el embarazo: reporte de caso destacando una complicación infrecuente

Abstract Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is characterized by elevated levels of calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH). However, the interpretation of diagnostic tests, such as serum calcium and PTH levels, is complex in pregnant women. The aim of this report is to present a case of PHTP in a pregnant adolescent, with a special emphasis on an uncommon complication, as well as diagnostic and treatment strategies. A 17-year-old pregnant female presented with hyper emesis gravidarum and neurological symptoms, leading to the diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis. Further investigations revealed hypercalcemia and persistently elevated PTH levels, consistent with PHPT. After local ization studies, the patient underwent an emergency parathyroidectomy with a diagnosis of parathyroid ad enoma. During follow-up, intrauterine growth restric tion and severe preeclampsia developed, necessitating an emergency cesarean section. Both the mother and neonate had favorable outcomes. PHPT is an infrequent condition in the pregnant population, and its diagnosis can be challenging due to the overlap of symptoms with normal physiological changes during pregnancy. The occurrence of uncom mon complications, such as thrombotic phenomena, highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure early detection and management. In most cases, parathyroidectomy is the treatment of choice.

Resumen El hiperparatiroidismo primario (HPTP) se caracteriza por niveles elevados de calcio y hormona paratiroidea (PTH). Sin embargo, la interpretación de pruebas diag nósticas, como los niveles de calcio sérico y PTH, es compleja en mujeres embarazadas. El objetivo de este re porte es presentar un caso de HPTP en una adolescente embarazada, con especial hincapié en una complicación infrecuente, así como en las estrategias diagnósticas y de tratamiento. Una mujer embarazada de 17 años presentó hiperé mesis gravídica y síntomas neurológicos, lo que llevó al diagnóstico de trombosis venosa cerebral. Posterio res investigaciones revelaron hipercalcemia y niveles persistentemente elevados de PTH, consistentes con HPTP. Tras la realización de estudios de localización, la paciente fue sometida a una paratiroidectomía de emergencia con diagnóstico de adenoma de paratiroi des. Durante el seguimiento, se desarrolló restricción del crecimiento intrauterino y preeclampsia grave, lo que resultó en la necesidad de realizar una cesárea de emergencia. Tanto la madre como el neonato evolucio naron favorablemente. El HPTP es una condición infrecuente en la población embarazada y su diagnóstico puede ser desafiante por la superposición de síntomas con los cambios fisiológicos normales del embarazo. La aparición de complicaciones infrecuentes, como fenómenos trombóticos, resalta la necesidad de un abordaje integral para garantizar la detección y el manejo temprano. En la mayoría de los casos, la paratiroidectomía es el tratamiento de elección.

Marcadores trombogénicos en pacientes con trombofilia hereditaria

Fundamento: la trombofilia hereditaria se define como la tendencia genéticamente determinada al tromboembolismo venoso, entidad con una incidencia importante a nivel mundial. Desde el laboratorio pudieran explicarse un gran porcentaje de estos eventos de trombosis. Objetivo: caracterizar desde el punto de vista clínico humoral las trombofilias hereditarias e identificar la posible relación entre marcadores bioquímicos alterados de trombosis y su recurrencia. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal en el laboratorio de hemostasia del Hospital Provincial Docente Saturnino Lora de Santiago de Cuba, en el periodo de un año. Se tuvo como referencia 39 pacientes: 26 con eventos trombóticos egresados de los Servicios de Angiología, Cirugía Cardiovascular y Neurología, y 13 sin evento conocido, familiares de primera línea de aquellos pacientes que resultaron con marcadores de trombofilia positivos durante el estudio. Las variables clínicas analizadas fueron: edad, sexo, antecedentes personales y familiares de trombosis y número de eventos trombóticos en el paciente. Se calcularon media, desviación estándar y porcentajes. Resultados: el déficit de proteína S ocupó el primer lugar con 22 (56,4 %). La combinación de parámetros alterados que predominó fue el déficit de proteína C y S con 8 (20,5 %). En el 64,1 % se encontraron dos o más marcadores alterados; se muestran similares porcentajes en pacientes con 1, con 2 dos o más eventos de trombosis. Conclusión: la trombofilia se presentó como una enfermedad que afecta fundamentalmente a mujeres, en edades intermedias de la vida. En pacientes asintomáticos con antecedentes familiares de evento trombótico, sin aparente causa, los marcadores de laboratorio orientan el enfoque diagnóstico. La presencia de dos o más marcadores trombogénicos positivos inclina a la ocurrencia de eventos trombóticos en esta población.

Foundation: hereditary thrombophilia is defined as the genetically determined tendency to venous thromboembolism, an entity with a significant incidence worldwide. A large percentage of these thrombosis events could be explained from the laboratory. Objective: to characterize hereditary thrombophilias from a humoral clinical point of view and to identify the possible relationship between altered biochemical markers of thrombosis and its recurrence. Method: a descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in the hemostasis laboratory of the Saturnino Lora Provincial Teaching Hospital of Santiago de Cuba, over a period of one year. 39 patients were used as a reference: 26 with thrombotic events discharged from the Angiology, Cardiovascular Surgery and Neurology Services, and 13 without a known event, first-line relatives of those patients who had positive thrombophilia markers during the study. The clinical variables analyzed were: age, sex, personal and family history of thrombosis and number of thrombotic events in the patient. Mean, standard deviation and percentages were calculated. Results: protein S deficiency ranked first with 22 (56.4 %). The combination of altered parameters that predominated was protein C and S deficiency with 8 (20.5 %). Two or more altered markers were found in 64.1 %; similar percentages are shown in patients with 1, 2 or more thrombosis events. Conclusion: thrombophilia was presented as a disease that mainly affects women, at intermediate ages of life. In asymptomatic patients with a family history of thrombotic event, without apparent cause, laboratory markers guide the diagnostic approach. The presence of two or more positive thrombogenic markers suggests the occurrence of thrombotic events in this population.

Cómo generar recomendaciones de tromboprofilaxis venosa en instituciones de salud / How to generate recommendations for venous thromboprophylaxis in health institutions?

Resumen La prevención de la enfermedad tromboembólica venosa (ETV) es motivo de continua actualización en función de nueva evidencia que se genera permanentemente. Cada institución debe contar con una estrategia activa de prevención contra la ETV y debe generar normas de tromboprofilaxis (TP) de acuerdo con la realidad local. Durante este proceso de adaptación de una guía a la región debemos siempre tener en cuenta los recursos locales disponibles, el riesgo tromboembólico y hemorrágico propio del paciente, de la enfermedad por la que se encuentra internado (ya sea clínica o quirúrgica) y las consideraciones o preferencias del paciente. La tasa de adherencia a recomendaciones locales de TP es uno de los indicadores de excelencia más importantes evaluados en organismos que califican la calidad de una institución de salud. Las medidas de profilaxis que propongamos para los centros de salud, deben ser individualizadas para cada paciente, tienen que considerar antecedentes personales y familiares del enfermo y utilizar modelos de evaluación de riesgo validados de trombosis y de sangrado. También deben incluir a la población con riesgo de trombosis persistente luego del alta. Lo ideal es tener estadísticas propias de cada nosocomio para la toma de decisiones de cómo implementar una correcta TP. Extrapolar guías de los países desarrollados a nuestro ámbito podría tener un impacto negativo, si no se conoce la propia realidad. En este documento encontraremos herramientas prácticas para las instituciones de salud de la región, que les permita orientarse al momento de confeccionar recomendaciones para una adecuada TP.

Abstract Venous thromboembolism disease (VTE) prevention strategy has to be constantly updated based on new evidence that is generated every year. Each institution must have a formal and active prevention policy against VTE and must develop guidelines or standards for thromboprophylaxis (TP) according to the local reality. During this process of adapting a guideline to the region and the generation of hospital recommendations, we must always consider the available local resources, the thromboembolic and hemorrhagic risk of the patients, even after discharge, and also their considerations and preferences. Adherence to local TP recommendations is one of the most important items evaluated by organizations that measure institutional quality. Individualized prophylaxis should consider personal and family history of VTE, the use of validated risk assessment models or RAMs for thrombosis and bleeding events, as well as the special characteristics of each patient. Ideally, each center's own statistics should be available for decision-making. Extrapolating guidelines from developed countries could have a negative impact, if we ignore our hospital´s reality. In this document we will find practical tools for health institutions that will allow them to prepare recommendations or guidelines for adequate VTE prophylaxis.

Catheter-related thrombosis in a neonatal intensive care unit: a case-control study / Trombose relacionada a cateter em unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal: um estudo de caso-controle

INTRODUCTION: Catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) accounts for most thrombotic events in the neonate. OBJECTIVE: Investigate CRT frequency, association with days of catheter use until diagnosis, and number of catheters used, in a single-center Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. METHODS: A case-control study that included 14 cases and 42 controls. Data collection occurred between January 2017 and December 2020 in a public NICU. Crude odds ratios (COR) were calculated. The study complied with ethical standards from national guidelines. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety-four neonates used central venous catheters, of which 14 (4.7%) were diagnosed with CRT. Catheter in use when diagnosis was made was centrally inserted central catheters in 8 (57.1%). Before diagnosis, the cumulative duration of catheter use was 34.5 days and the median number of catheters used was three. A higher SNAPPE-II (COR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.06; p=0.03), cumulative days of catheter use >30 (COR 19.11; 95% CI 2.28-160.10; p=0.007) and number of catheters used ≥3 (COR 7.66; 95% CI 1.51-38.70; p=0.01) were associated with CRT. CONCLUSION: CRT cases were associated with clinical severity; number of catheters and cumulative days of catheter use. We suggest that screening for thrombosis should be performed in neonates who need a long time of catheter use and more than three catheters. Reducing the duration and number of venous catheters used will help to reduce CRT.

INTRODUÇÃO: A trombose relacionada ao cateter (TRC) é responsável pela maioria dos eventos trombóticos no neonato. OBJETIVO: Investigar a frequência da TRC, a associação com os dias de uso do cateter até o diagnóstico e o número de cateteres utilizados em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal unicêntrico. MÉTODOS: Estudo caso-controle que incluiu 14 casos e 42 controles. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre janeiro de 2017 e dezembro de 2020 em uma UTIN pública. Foram calculadas razões de chances brutas (COR). O estudo respeitou os padrões éticos das diretrizes nacionais. RESULTADOS: Duzentos e noventa e quatro neonatos utilizaram cateter venoso central, dos quais 14 (4,7%) foram diagnosticados com TRC. O cateter em uso no momento do diagnóstico foi o cateter central inserido centralmente em 8 (57,1%). Antes do diagnóstico, o tempo acumulado de uso do cateter foi de 34,5 dias e a mediana do número de cateteres utilizados foi de três. Um maior número de dias de uso do cateter >30 (COR 19,11; IC 95% 2,28-160,10; p=0,007) e número de cateteres utilizados >3 (COR 7,66; IC 95% 1,51-38,70; p=0,01). CONCLUSÃO: Os casos de TRC foram associados à gravidade clínica; número de cateteres e dias cumulativos de uso do cateter. Sugerimos que o rastreamento de trombose seja realizado em neonatos que necessitem de longo tempo de uso do cateter e mais de três cateteres. Reduzir a duração e o número de cateteres venosos usados ajudará a reduzir a TRC.

Aneurisma de la vena yugular interna, presentación de caso en adulto / Internal jugular venous aneurysm in an adult: case report

Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 77 años, en quien, durante una cirugía de resección de tumor cutáneo, se observa incidentalmente aumento de volumen cervical derecho de características dinámicas. El hallazgo corresponde a un aneurisma de la vena yugular interna derecha, diagnóstico de mayor frecuencia en población pediátrica, habitualmente de curso benigno.

A 77-year-old woman in whom, during a skin tumor resection surgery, a right cervical swelling with dynamic characteristics was observed. The finding is compatible with an aneurysm of the right internal jugular vein, more commonly obsered in children, usually with a benign course.

Serial values of hematologic variables and deep venous thrombosis: Red cell distribution width is associated with deep venous thrombosis

Abstract Introduction As 30 to 50% of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) cases remain idiopathic, an increased focus on hematologic variables may therefore reveal novel correlates of DVT. Very few studies have investigated the association of hematological parameters with DVT and the causal relationship between them is still to be elucidated. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between serial values of hematologic variables and DVT. Methods Complete blood count parameters were serially measured at baseline and then at approximately 3-month intervals for 12 months in 152 adults with the first episode of DVT and 152 age- and sex-matched controls. The odds ratio (OR) with the 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was calculated as a measure of association between hematological parameters and DVT. Results The red cell distribution width (RDW) was the only hematologic variable which showed an independent and consistent association with DVT at all time points (multivariable-adjusted OR [95%CI] 3.38 [1.28 - 8.91] at baseline, 2.24 [0.85 - 5.92] at 3 months and 2.12 [0.81 - 5.55] at 12 months for RDW > 14.0%). This association was higher for provoked DVT than unprovoked DVT and for DVT plus pulmonary embolism than DVT alone. No significant correlation was found between the high RDW and classical thrombotic risk factors, except malignancy. Conclusions We demonstrated an independent and consistent association of the high RDW with the first episode of DVT in adult patients. The study was probably underpowered to evaluate the association between the high RDW and recurrent DVT. Further large studies with long follow-up are needed to confirm this association.

Cardiovascular events associated with thalidomide and prednisone in leprosy type 2 reaction

Abstract Background: Thalidomide is the drug of choice for the treatment of type 2 leprosy reactions and is often associated with corticosteroids. The use of these drugs in multiple myeloma is associated with the risk of cardiovascular events, but there have been few studies assessing this risk in leprosy patients. Objective: To evaluate the occurrence of cardiovascular events in patients with multibacillary leprosy and their correlation with the use of thalidomide and prednisone. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study of all patients diagnosed with multibacillary leprosy treated at the Dermatology Service between 2012 and 2022, using electronic medical records. Thromboembolic vascular events, both arterial and venous, including acute myocardial infarction, were considered. The main independent variable was the concomitant use of thalidomide and prednisone during follow-up. Results: A total of 89 patients were included, of which 19 used thalidomide and prednisone concomitantly. There were five cardiovascular events (26.3%), three of which of deep venous thrombosis. The combined use of medications was associated with the events (PR = 6.46 [3.92 to 10.65]; p<0.01). Study limitations: Small number of events, single-center retrospective study. Conclusion: The hypothesis of an association between cardiovascular events and the concomitant use of thalidomide and prednisone is supported, but more robust prospective studies are required for a better assessment.

Efectividad de una estrategia educativa en la prescripción de la tromboprofilaxis adecuada en un servicio de Medicina Interna de un hospital general / Effectiveness of an educational strategy in increasing the prescription of adequate thromboprophylaxis in the internal medicine service of general hospital

RESUMEN Objetivo Determinar el impacto de una intervención educativa sobre la frecuencia de prescripciones médicas adecuadas de tromboprofilaxis en un servicio de medicina de un hospital general. Material y métodos Estudio quasi experimental, en el cual en la fase pre-intervención se obtuvieron las frecuencias de indicación de tromboprofilaxis adecuada por parte de los médicos del servicio de medicina. Se realizó una intervención educativa de 8 semanas a este mismo grupo de médicos. En la fase post intervención se midió la frecuencia de la tromboprofilaxis adecuada a los 2 y 4 meses después de la intervención. Resultados La intervención educativa se implementó en 112 médicos residentes de las especialidades de medicina. La totalidad de prescripciones fueron hechas por los médicos residentes de primer año y refrendadas por su médico supervisor. Previamente a la intervención se obtuvieron 47 (44,35%) prescripciones adecuadas, 13 (12,26%) subóptimas, 4 (3,77%) inadecuadas y 42 (39, 62%) ausencia de prescripción. Luego de la intervención se obtuvieron a los 2 meses subsiguientes: 78 (75,72%) prescripciones adecuadas, 7 (6,79%) subóptimas, 4 (2,91%) inadecuadas y 15 (14,58%) ausencias de prescripción, habiendo diferencia significativa con el nivel basal. A los 4 meses subsiguientes postintervención se obtuvieron: 86 (83,49%) adecuada, 5(4,85%) subóptima, 2 (1,94%) inadecuada y 10 (9,72%) ausencia de prescripción, habiendo diferencia significativa con el nivel basal. No hubo aumento en la frecuencia de sobre uso. Conclusiones La aplicación de una estrategia educativa al personal médico fue efectiva en el incremento de las prescripciones de tromboprofilaxis correctamente indicadas en un servicio de medicina. No se encontró sobreuso de la tromboprofilaxis luego de la intervención.

SUMMARY Objective To determine whether an educational intervention strategy would improve the frequency of medical prescriptions for adequate thromboprophylaxis in a medicine service. Methods Quasi-experimental study, in which in the pre-intervention phase the frequencies of indication of appropriate thromboprophylaxis by physicians from the medicine service were obtained. An 8-week educational intervention was carried out with this same group of doctors. In the post-intervention phase, the frequency of adequate thromboprophylaxis was measured at 2 and 4 months after the intervention. Results The educational intervention was implemented in 112 resident physicians in medicine specialties. All prescriptions were made by the first-year resident physicians and endorsed by their supervising physician. Prior to the intervention, 47 (44.35%) adequate prescriptions were obtained, 13 (12.26%) suboptimal, 4 (3.77%) inadequate, and 42 (39, 62%) no prescription. After the intervention, the following 2 months were obtained: 78 (75.72%) adequate prescriptions, 7 (6.79%) suboptimal, 4 (2.91%) inadequate and 15 (14.58%) no prescriptions, there being a significant difference with the baseline level. At the subsequent 4 months post-intervention, the following were obtained: 86 (83.49%) adequate, 5 (4.85%) suboptimal, 2 (1.94%) inadequate and 10 (9.72%) no prescription, with a difference significant with the baseline level. There was no increase in the frequency of overuse. Conclusions The application of an educational strategy to medical personnel was effective in increasing correctly indicated thromboprophylaxis prescriptions in a medical service. No overuse of thromboprophylaxis was found after the intervention.

Screening for the etiology of non-cirrhotic splanchnic vein thrombosis should be taken seriously in clinical practice / 临床肝胆病杂志

Non-cirrhotic splanchnic vein thrombosis （NC-SVT） mainly includes portal vein thrombosis， superior mesenteric vein thrombosis， splenic vein thrombosis， and hepatic vein thrombosis （Budd-Chiari syndrome）， and its prevalence rate is increasing with the increase in the incidence rates of related underlying diseases. Due to the harm of NC-SVT， there have been significant improvements in the awareness and ability for diagnosis among clinicians. However， anticoagulation and intervention therapies for thrombosis are often taken seriously in treatment， while the screening for risk factors or underlying diseases leading to SVT is ignored， which may affect the treatment outcome of thrombus in some patients and delay the diagnosis and treatment of the underlying disease. This article mainly introduces the acquired， hereditary， systemic， and local underlying diseases associated with the development of NC-SVT.

Portal vein thrombosis in liver cirrhosis： Risk factors and protection strategies / 临床肝胆病杂志

Portal vein thrombosis （PVT） is one of the common complications during the natural course of liver cirrhosis and has an important influence on the progression of liver cirrhosis. This article mainly summarizes the research advances in the risk factors for PVT. There are many risk factors for PVT， and Virchow’s triad， namely venous stasis， hypercoagulability， and vascular endothelial injury and systemic inflammation caused by surgery or trauma， are considered the main reasons for the development and progression of PVT. At present， more prospective studies are still needed to validate the predictive models for the risk of PVT that have certain application prospects in clinical practice. Cirrhotic patients with PVT tend to have a poor prognosis， and complete obstructive PVT is associated with increased mortality after liver transplantation. Recent studies have shown that prophylactic anticoagulant therapy is safe and effective in patients with liver cirrhosis and can thus help with the prevention and treatment of PVT.

Research Advances of Anticoagulation on Venous thromboembolism Associated with Gastric Cancer / 医药导报

Patients with gastric cancer are at high risk for venous thromboembolism(VTE)and bleeding,and patients who develop VTE are often associated with poor outcomes,making it clinically challenging to identify and manage the risk of thrombosis in patients with gastric cancer.Risk factors for VTE in gastric cancer patients include age,obesity,surgery,chemotherapy,etc.It is essential to identify high-risk patients and adopt aggressive prevention strategies.The main strategy to prevent and treat VTE is the use of anticoagulant drugs.This article discusses guidelines and recent studies for the prevention and treatment of VTE in patients with gastric cancer to help clinicians make individualized decisions for their patients and maximize clinical outcomes for their patients.

Three-dimensional Fluid-Structure Interaction Model of Venous Valve Based on Immersed Boundary/Finite Element Method / 医用生物力学

Objective To explore the dynamic process of fluid-structure interaction(FSI)between venous blood and valves and the physiological mechanism that guarantees unidirectional blood reflux back to the heart.Methods A three-dimensional(3D)numerical model of the venous system was established using the immersed boundary/finite element method.In the simulation,information from medical images of human lower-extremity veins and the anatomical structure and size of the bovine great saphenous vein were applied.Moreover,a hyperelastic constitutive model was used to describe the incompressible,nonlinear,and hyperelastic mechanical responses of the venous valve under physiological conditions.Results The simulations visualized the process of venous blood transport and the function of venous valves in preventing reflux.The periodic characteristics of venous valve motion and blood flow were reproduced,and important physiological data during the entire cardiac cycle were discussed and quantified,including the pressure,velocity,and flow rate of venous blood;opening area of the venous valve;and stress and strain distributions on the valve surface.Conclusions The 3D FSI model numerically reproduces the physiological dynamic process within veins and potentially provides important references and guidance for revealing the pathological mechanism of venous diseases.

Catheter-associated infection and influencing factors in anti-tumor chemo-therapy treated patients after indwelling peripherally inserted central ca-theter:analysis based on random forest model / 中国感染控制杂志

Objective To analyze the influencing factors for catheter-associated infection(CAI)in chemotherapy treated patients after indwelling peripherally inserted central catheter(PICC)based on a random forest model.Methods 400 tumor patients who received chemotherapy and PICC were selected and divided into the training set(n=300)and the test set(n=100)in a 3∶1 ratio through computer-generated random number.Patients in the training set were subdivided into the non-infection group and the infection group based on the occurrence of infec-tion.Clinical data from two groups of patients were compared.Influencing factors for the occurrence of CAI after PICC were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression model and the integrated classification algorithm of random forest model,and the predictive performance of the two methods was compared.Results Among 300 chemotherapy treated patients in the training set,32 cases(10.67％)experienced CAI.Compared with the non-infection group,patients in the infection group had more single punctures for catheterization,longer PICC retention time,larger pro-portion of catheter movement,larger proportion of complication with diabetes,higher frequency of dressing chan-ges,lower white blood cell count and immune function(all P＜0.05).PICC retention time,catheter movement,complication with diabetes,dressing change frequency,white blood cell(WBC)and immune function were inde-pendent influencing factors for CAI after PICC(all P＜0.05).The random forest model showed that ranking by the importance of different influencing factors was as following:PICC retention time,catheter movement,complication with diabetes,WBC,dressing change frequency and immune function.The integrated classification algorithm of random forest model for predicting the occurrence of CAI in chemotherapy treated patients showed that the area un-der the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve(AUC)was 0.872,which had better prediction performance compared with the logistic regression model(AUC=0.791).Conclusion PICC retention time,catheter movement,complicated with diabetes,dressing change frequency,WBC level and immune function are independent influencing factors for CAI in chemotherapy treated patients.The integrated classification algorithm of random forest model can be used to predict CAI in chemotherapy treated patients,and its prediction performance is better than that of the logistic regression model.

Application of thromboelastography in the prediction of deep vein thrombosis after high-energy ankle injury surgery / 中国基层医药

Objective:To analyze the application value of thromboelastography (TEG) in the prediction of lower limb deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after high-energy ankle injury surgery.Methods:The clinical data of 62 patients undergoing high-energy ankle injury surgery who received treatment in Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from January 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on the occurrence of lower limb DVT, the patients were divided into a control group (without lower limb DVT, n = 42) and an observation group (with lower limb DVT, n = 20). The conventional coagulation function indicators and TEG parameters were compared between the two groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to investigate the value of classic coagulation function indicators and TEG parameters in the prediction of lower limb DVT after high-energy ankle injury surgery. Results:The activated partial thromboplastin time in the observation group was (33.29 ± 3.40) seconds, which was significantly shorter than (35.66 ± 3.36) seconds in the control group ( t = 2.59, P < 0.05). The levels of fibrinogen and D-dimer in the observation group were (3.83 ± 0.46) g/L and (1.77 ± 0.43) g/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than (3.47 ± 0.51) g/L and (1.56 ± 0.35) g/L, respectively, in the control group ( P = -2.68, -.05, both P < 0.05). Prothrombin time and thrombin time showed no significant differences between the two groups (both P > 0.05). Coagulation reaction time and cell agglutination formation time in the observation group were (3.80 ± 0.83) minutes and (3.38 ± 0.51) minutes, respectively, which were significantly lower than (4.49 ± 1.21) minutes and (3.82 ± 0.55) minutes in the control group ( t = 2.30, 2.96, both P < 0.05). The maximum clot strength and coagulation rate (α angle) in the observation group were (78.69 ± 9.22) mm and (83.37 ± 9.30) °, respectively, which were significantly greater than (68.33 ± 9.10) mm and (71.25 ± 8.35) ° in the control group ( t = -4.17, -5.15, both P < 0.05). The ROC curve analysis found that the area under the ROC curve describing the prediction of combined indexes for lower limb DVT was 0.983, which was significantly greater than the area under the ROC curve describing the prediction of a single index for lower limb DVT (all P < 0.05). Conclusion:Activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, D-dimer, coagulation reaction time, red blood cell agglutination formation time, maximum clot strength, and α angle are significantly different between patients with DVT in the lower limb after surgery for an ankle injury and those without DVT. The combination of these indicators can serve as the basis for preventing and treating thrombosis in patients after high-energy ankle injury surgery, demonstrating remarkable practical advantages.

Individualized thrombolysis-assisted comprehensive intervention for deep vein thrombosis in the lower limbs / 中国基层医药

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of individualized thrombolysis-assisted comprehensive intervention for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower limbs.Methods:This study included 32 patients with acute lower limb DVT diagnosed by angiography who received treatment at the Jianhu Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University from March 2012 to November 2021. These patients first received implantation of an inferior vena cava filter. Then they were divided into a control group and an observation group based on treatment methods. The control group received thrombolytic catheterization and a routine infusion of urokinase. In the observation group, balloon dilation was performed first, and a large lumen catheter was used to draw blood clots. Subsequently, urokinase at a dose based on fibrinogen measurement was injected through a thrombolytic catheter. Swelling reduction, venous patency, and complications of the affected limbs were monitored.Results:In the control group, the difference in thigh circumference before treatment was (4.65 ± 1.06) cm, and after treatment, it was (2.76 ± 1.25) cm. In the observation group, the difference in thigh circumference before treatment was (4.73 ± 1.03) cm, and it was (1.40 ± 0.83) cm after treatment. In the control group, the difference in calf circumference before treatment was (2.24 ± 0.90) cm, and it was (1.56 ± 0.86) cm after treatment. In the observation group, the difference in calf circumference before treatment was (2.40 ± 0.83) cm, and it was (0.80 ± 0.73) cm after treatment. After treatment, the differences in thigh circumference and calf circumference between the healthy and affected sides were statistically significant ( t = 3.58, 2.67, both P < 0.05). After treatment, there was a significant difference in venous patency between the control and observation groups (34.02% [33/97] vs. 68.18% [60/88], t = 3.44, P < 0.05). After 12 months of follow-up, the Villalta scale score, which was used to evaluate post-thrombotic syndrome, was (9.23 ± 4.07) points in the control group, which was significantly different from (5.73 ± 3.39) points in the observation group ( t = 2.62, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Individualized thrombolysis-assisted comprehensive intervention is highly effective in the treatment of DVT in the lower limbs and results in few complications.

Predictive value of von Willebrand factor for venous thromboembolism in critically ill patients based on propensity score matching / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To analyze the predictive value of von Willebrand factor (vWF) for venous thromboembolism (VTE) of patients in intensive care unit (ICU) by using propensity score matching (PSM).Methods:Patients admitted to ICU of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from December 2020 to June 2022 who stayed in ICU for ≥72 hours and underwent daily bedside vascular ultrasound screening were included. Baseline data such as age, gender, primary disease, and chronic comorbidities were collected. Coagulation indexes before admission to ICU and 24 hours and 48 hours after ICU admission were collected, including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), international normalized ratio (INR), fibrinogen (Fib), fibrin monomer (FM), vWF, D-dimer, antithrombin Ⅲ (ATⅢ), etc. Patients were divided into VTE group and non-VTE group according to whether they had VTE or not [diagnosis of VTE: patients underwent daily ultrasound screening of bedside blood vessels (both upper and lower limbs, visceral veins), and those suspected of having thrombosis were confirmed by ultrasonographer or pulmonary angiography]. Using PSM analysis method, the VTE group was used as the benchmark to conduct 1 : 1 matching of age, whether there was malignant tumor, whether there was infection, whether there was diabetes, and coagulation indicators before admission to ICU. Finally, the cases with balanced covariates between the two groups were obtained. The risk factors of VTE were analyzed by multivariate Logistic regression analysis. Receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was drawn to evaluate the predictive value of vWF in the occurrence of VTE in critically ill patients.Results:A total of 120 patients were enrolled, of which 18 (15.0%) were diagnosed with VTE within 72 hours after admission to ICU, and 102 (85.0%) were not found to have thrombus in ICU. Before PSM, there were significant differences in age, gender, proportion of malignant tumor and infection, and coagulation indexes between VTE group and non-VTE group. After PSM, 14 pairs were successfully matched, and the unbalanced covariables between the two groups reached equilibrium. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that vWF was an independent risk factor for VTE at 48 hours after ICU admission in critically ill patients [odds ratio ( OR) = 1.165, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 1.000-1.025, P = 0.004]. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of vWF at 48 hours after ICU admission for predicting VTE was 0.782, 95% CI was 0.618-0.945, P = 0.007. When the optimal cut-off value was 312.12%, the sensitivity was 67.7% and the specificity was 93.0%. Conclusion:Dynamic monitoring of vWF is helpful to predict the occurrence of VTE in ICU patients, and vWF at 48 hours after ICU admission has certain value in predicting the occurrence of VTE.

Annual review of clinical research on extracorporeal life support in 2023 / 中华危重病急救医学

The clinical research in the field of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in 2023 has focused on the efficacy of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in patients with infarct-related cardiogenic shock. Additionally, the research also explored the efficacy of prone positioning during veno-venous ECMO, transfusion strategies, and the impact of obesity on outcomes. Awake veno-venous ECMO has shown novel therapeutic potential, but its optimal practice methods and management strategies remain to be determined. In in-hospital cardiac arrest patients, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation has demonstrated higher survival rates and better neurological recovery compared to conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The effectiveness of extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal varies among patients with different types of respiratory failure. Future research should focus on optimizing the application strategies and process management of ECLS technologies, investigating personalized therapy, and studying how to improve long-term rehabilitation and quality of life for survivors.