[Effectiveness of nursing interventions in the control of type 2 diabetes mellitus].

BACKGROUND: To analyze whether nursing interventions classified according to NIC taxonomy and applied to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), showing the NANDA diagnoses "Willingness to improve your own health management", are related to better achievement of T2DM control. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted on 721 patients in Primary Care whose data were obtained from their electronic clinical record. The control of parameters such as hemoglobin-glycosylated (HbA1c), LDL-cholesterol and body mass index (BMI) was related to NIC interventions performed, particularly to those recommended for management of T2DM. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-seven NIC interventions were performed on 2,401 occasions, 1,714 of which (71.4%) were interventions recommended for management of T2DM. Of these, 41.2% belonged to Behavioral domain, while Surveillance was the most frequent intervention (25.4%). Control of both HbA1c and LDL-cholesterol was achieved in more than 50% of cases, but BMI only was achieved in 13.6%. NIC interventions were more frequently performed on patients with controlled parameters, especially on nine of them; two interventions were negatively related to control of BMI. CONCLUSION: We have observed that with a higher incidence in the application of the NIC included in the recommendations of the clinical practice guidelines for T2DM, better health results are obtained.

Percutaneous catheter-directed debridement of infected pancreatic necrosis: results in 20 patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of transcatheter debridement of infected pancreatic necrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Transcatheter debridement was performed on 20 patients who ranged in age from 20 to 78 years during the 8-year study period. All patients had infected pancreatic necrosis and were hemodynamically stable. Necrosis was defined as nonenhancing pancreatic tissue, as seen on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). Infection was suspected clinically and documented by cultures of the pancreatic fluid at its initial drainage. Debridement was performed in multiple sessions in close succession (duration, 30-120 minutes; mean, 60 minutes) via large-bore catheters with enlarged side holes. Debris was removed with use of suction catheters, stone baskets, and copious amounts of lavage fluid. RESULTS: All patients underwent successful catheter debridement. Success was determined by clinical course, as well as lesion appearance, at fluoroscopy and CT. Patients underwent 7-32 (average, 17) episodes of debridement and stayed 0-36 days (average, 9 days) in the intensive care unit, 13-118 days (average, 42 days) on the regular floor, and spent 0-98 days (average, 32 days) with the catheters as an outpatient. No deaths occurred. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous catheter-directed debridement is a safe and effective treatment and it can be used as the primary means of treatment for the hemodynamically stable patient with infected pancreatic necrosis.

Successful management of calyceal fistula following simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation.

Calyceal fistula is an unusual complication of renal transplantation. We report a case of calyceal fistula after simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant that developed after thrombosis of a lower pole artery. Surgical correction was successfully achieved with a lower pole nephrectomy, closure of the involved calyces, and placement of a ureteral stent and a pedicle of greater omentum graft over the affected parenchyma.

Recognition and treatment of reactions to contrast media: a model for resident and faculty education employing lectures and case scenario workshops.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The effectiveness of an interactive course on the recognition and treatment of contrast media reactions was studied. METHODS: An instructional course on contrast media reactions was organized for the radiology staff, residents, and nurses. Before the beginning of the 3-day course, a 25-point pretest was administered to determine the ability of each participant to recognize and treat contrast material reactions. An identical posttest was administered after the course, and the pre- and posttest results were compared. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant improvement on the posttest scores for all subjects tested (P < .05). There was also a substantial improvement in the participants' confidence levels in dealing with contrast media reactions. CONCLUSIONS: A short course on contrast material reactions is a worthwhile learning aid that is simple to conduct and educates and instills confidence in both residents and staff.