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1.
Curr Med Res Opin ; : 1-10, 2024 Jul 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38946490

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) occurs in up to 30% of patients and its pathophysiology and mechanisms have not been completely described. Hypotension and a decrease in cardiac output are suspected to induce nausea. The hypothesis that intraoperative hypotension might influence the incidence of PONV was investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted as a retrospective large single center cohort study. The incidence of PONV was investigated until discharge from post anesthesia care unit (PACU). Surgical patients with general anesthesia during a 2-year period between 2018 and 2019 at a university hospital in Germany were included. Groups were defined based on the lowest documented mean arterial pressure (MAP) with group H50: MAP <50mmHg; group H60: MAP <60mmHg; group H70: MAP <70mmHg, and group H0: no MAP <70mmHg. Decreases of MAP in the different groups were related to PONV. Propensity-score matching was carried out to control for overlapping risk factors. RESULTS: In the 2-year period 18.674 patients fit the inclusion criteria. The overall incidence of PONV was 11%. Patients with hypotension had a significantly increased incidence of PONV (H0 vs. H50: 11.0% vs.17.4%, Risk Ratio (RR): 1.285 (99%CI: 1.102-1.498), p < 0.001; H0 vs. H60: 10.4% vs. 13.5%, RR: 1.1852 (99%CI: 1.0665-1.3172), p < 0.001; H0 vs. H70: 9.4% vs. 11.2%, RR: 1.1236 (99%CI: 1.013 - 1.2454); p = 0.0027). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates an association between intraoperative hypotension and early PONV. A more severe decrease of MAP had a pronounced effect.

2.
Expert Rev Respir Med ; : 1-13, 2024 Jul 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38949916

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an important and evolving area in the pediatric population, with significant sequelae when not adequately managed. The use of positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is expanding rapidly and is being prescribed to patients with persistent OSA post adenotonsillectomy as well as those children who are not surgical candidates including those with medical complexity. AREAS DISCUSSED: This article provides a state-of-the-art review on the diagnosis of pediatric OSA and treatment with positive airway pressure (PAP). The initiation of PAP therapy, pediatric interface considerations, PAP mode selection, administration and potential complications of PAP therapy, factors influencing PAP adherence, the use of remote ventilation machine downloads, considerations surrounding follow-up of patients post PAP initiation and evaluation of weaning off PAP will be reviewed. The literature search was conducted via PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar databases through to March 2024. EXPERT OPINION: Further research is required to address barriers to adherence. Further innovation of home monitoring devices for both the diagnosis and assessment of OSA is required, given the limited pediatric sleep medicine resources in several countries worldwide.

3.
Int Ophthalmol ; 44(1): 300, 2024 Jul 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38951418

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess the accuracy of a prototype novel instrument for intra ocular pressure (IOP) measurements not involving corneal pressure application. DESIGN: Prospective case control study. METHODS: An institutional study including 16 healthy volunteers without ocular pathology. IOP in both eyes of the participants was measured four times in different body positions with the novel prototype and reference instrument (Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) or iCare (iCare Finland OY, Vantaa, Finland)). IOP results were compared between the prototype and the reference instruments in 116 pairs of measurement. RESULTS: Overall no statistically significant difference was found between the presented prototype and the reference instrument. Stratifying measurements by instrument used revealed no significant difference for GAT and statistical significant (yet clinically insignificant) difference for iCare. CONCLUSIONS: The presented prototype demonstrates good clinical agreement of IOP measuring results with reference instruments Further large-scale studies assessing this instrument in glaucoma patients are warranted.


Subject(s)
Cornea , Intraocular Pressure , Tonometry, Ocular , Humans , Intraocular Pressure/physiology , Prospective Studies , Tonometry, Ocular/instrumentation , Tonometry, Ocular/methods , Female , Male , Adult , Cornea/physiopathology , Reproducibility of Results , Case-Control Studies , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Healthy Volunteers , Glaucoma/diagnosis , Glaucoma/physiopathology , Equipment Design
4.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 15035, 2024 07 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38951580

ABSTRACT

Intermittent catheterization (IC) utilizing conventional eyelets catheters (CECs) for bladder drainage has long been the standard of care. However, when the tissue of the lower urinary tract comes in close proximity to the eyelets, mucosal suction often occurs, resulting in microtrauma. This study investigates the impact of replacing conventional eyelets with a drainage zone featuring multiple micro-holes, distributing pressure over a larger area. Lower pressures limit the suction of surrounding tissue into these micro-holes, significantly reducing tissue microtrauma. Using an ex vivo model replicating the intra-abdominal pressure conditions of the bladder, the intra-catheter pressure was measured during drainage. When mucosal suction occurred, intra-catheter images were recorded. Subsequently affected tissue samples were investigated histologically. The negative pressure peaks caused by mucosal suction were found to be very high for the CECs, leading to exfoliation of the bladder urothelium and breakage of the urothelial barrier. However, a micro-hole zone catheter (MHZC) with a multi-eyelet drainage zone showed significantly lower pressure peaks, with over 4 times lower peak intensity, thus inducing far less extensive microtraumas. Limiting or even eliminating mucosal suction and resulting tissue microtrauma may contribute to safer catheterizations in vivo and increased patient comfort and compliance.


Subject(s)
Urinary Bladder , Urinary Catheters , Urinary Catheters/adverse effects , Animals , Humans , Pressure , Mucous Membrane/injuries , Swine , Urinary Tract , Intermittent Urethral Catheterization , Suction , Urothelium , Urinary Catheterization/adverse effects , Urinary Catheterization/methods , Urinary Catheterization/instrumentation
5.
Trauma Case Rep ; 52: 101059, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38957177

ABSTRACT

A male in his early 30s was transported to the emergency room after being hit by a vehicle while inebriated and lying in the street. His general condition was stable; however, he had a perineal laceration that extended to the coccyx. Due to the proximity of the wound margin to the anus, we were concerned regarding the potential contamination and opted not to suture it. Therefore, we refrained from suturing the wound and kept the wound open after irrigation and debridement. Additionally, we performed a transverse colostomy. On day 4, we initiated negative pressure wound therapy for 40 days, during which sufficient wound granulation occurred. The patient was discharged, and the colostomy was closed approximately 4 months after the injury. Our case illustrates the effectiveness of negative pressure wound therapy in managing perineal lacerations.

6.
Cureus ; 16(6): e61514, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38957251

ABSTRACT

Background Newborns frequently experience respiratory distress (RD), necessitating preventive management during transportation. The use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is crucial in mitigating RD in neonates, particularly during transit. This study aims to assess the feasibility and efficacy of utilizing a RAM cannula (Neotech Products, Valencia, USA) with a T-piece resuscitator to deliver CPAP during neonatal transport. The objective is to evaluate the response of transported neonates to this intervention, including improvements in distress, surfactant requirements, ventilator dependency, and complications. Method and material Neonates with RD qualifying for CPAP support at birth and requiring transport to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) care were included. The average duration of transport was 38 minutes (range 12 minutes to 2 hours). RAM cannula with a T-piece resuscitator was used for CPAP delivery during transportation. Vital parameters and interventions were monitored during transit, and outcomes were compared with inborn neonates receiving standard CPAP in the labor room. Results Out of 48 babies, nine babies required surfactant, and four needed invasive ventilation, with three developing a nasal injury. Compared to in-house preterm babies, these babies had more Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) knob adjustment, desaturation episodes, late surfactant administration, and intubation needs. Conclusion A high-flow nasal cannula combined with a T-piece resuscitator emerges as a promising modality for CPAP delivery during neonatal transportation, demonstrating efficacy with minimal complications.

7.
Front Cardiovasc Med ; 11: 1388313, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38957328

ABSTRACT

Background: Hypertension is the most significant global risk factor for mortality and morbidity, making standardized blood pressure measurement crucial. Objectives: To investigate whether the location of blood pressure monitors and the positioning of cuffs yield differing results in blood pressure measurements. Methods: Patients admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang College between 1 January 2022 and 30 June 2023 were enrolled in this study and randomly allocated into four groups. These groups were defined based on the positioning of monitoring equipment as follows: varied placements of cuffs on automatic blood pressure monitors, different heights for mercury column blood pressure monitors, varied heights for automatic blood pressure monitors, and different orientations for the cuff airbag tubes on electrocardiogram monitors. Blood pressure was measured and recorded for each group, followed by an analysis of the variations in readings across the different setups. Results: In the first cohort of 763 individuals, mean systolic blood pressure measured at the standard upper arm site was 128.8 ± 10.5 mmHg, compared to 125.3 ± 10.4 mmHg at the elbow fossa. The corresponding diastolic pressures were 79.2 ± 10.7 and 75.0 ± 10.6 mmHg, respectively. The difference in systolic pressure between these positions was significant at 3.48 ± 3.22 mmHg (t1 = 29.91, p1 < 0.001) and for diastolic pressure at 4.23 ± 1.31 mmHg (t2 = 88.98, p2 < 0.001). For the subsequent groups, involving 253, 312, and 225 individuals, respectively, blood pressure measurements were analyzed and compared across different methods within each group. All p-values exceeded 0.05, indicating no statistically significant differences. Conclusions: Blood pressure values measured at the elbow fossa position using an upper arm-type automatic sphygmomanometer were found to be lower than those measured at the upper arm position, with a difference of 3.48 mmHg for systolic and 4.23 mmHg for diastolic pressures. It is therefore essential to position the cuff correctly, specifically 2-3 cm above the elbow fossa, when utilizing an upper arm-type automatic sphygmomanometer for blood pressure monitoring. Conversely, the placement of the mercury column sphygmomanometer and the automated sphygmomanometer at varying heights had no significant effect on blood pressure readings. Similarly, the orientation of the electrocardiogram's cuffed balloon tube, whether facing upward or downward, did not influence blood pressure measurement outcomes.

8.
Cureus ; 16(4): e58533, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38957827

ABSTRACT

Hydrocephalus involves the enlargement of the ventricular system due to increased cerebrospinal fluid. This condition often presents with ventriculomegaly, associated with cognitive decline, gait disturbances, visual changes, and other neurological symptoms. In adults, hydrocephalus may result from longstanding overt ventriculomegaly in adults (LOVA), characterized by macrocephaly, subnormal IQ, urinary incontinence, and gait issues. In a recent case report, a 52-year-old Hispanic female displayed similar predisposing factors and radiological findings for a LOVA diagnosis. Despite the absence of focal neurological deficits or typical complaints, she experienced a breakthrough seizure episode after years without incident.

9.
J Fr Ophtalmol ; 47(8): 104240, 2024 Jul 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38959587

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation with or without anti-VEGF injections in neovascular glaucoma patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-center retrospective study assessed NVG patients who underwent AGV implantation with or without anti-VEGF injections. Demographic and clinical data, including ocular findings, intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, and glaucoma medication count, were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively at one day, one month, and one year. The study included 35 patients. Group 1 consisted of 23 patients who received anti-VEGF injections before AGV surgery. Group 2, with 12 patients, had no anti-VEGF injections prior to surgery. Successful surgery was defined as IOP values between 6 and 21mmHg. The primary outcome was a 30% or more reduction in IOP. RESULTS: The groups displayed no significant difference in their demographic or clinical profiles (P>0.05). The visual acuity before and one year after surgery did not differ significantly between the groups. However, IOP values significantly decreased by the end of the one-year follow-up for both groups. No significant differences were found between the groups regarding visual acuity, IOP, or the number of medications during the one-year follow-up (P>0.05). Success rates were 95.7% for Group 1 and 91.7% for Group 2. No significant difference in complications between the groups was observed (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Anti-VEGF injections prior to AGV implantation did not significantly impact visual acuity, IOP values, or medication count during the one-year follow-up.

10.
Clin Geriatr Med ; 40(3): 385-395, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38960532

ABSTRACT

Pressure injuries are a common chronic wound in the older adult. Care of pressure injuries is an interprofessional effort and involves physicians, nurses, registered dieticians, rehabilitation therapists, and surgical subspecialties. Numerous treatment modalities exist but have varying evidence to substantiate their efficacy. All primary and other care providers, particularly geriatricians, need to be aware of current evidence-based prevention and treatment standards. When healing is not expected, palliative care should be considered to avoid futile procedures and preserve dignity and quality of life.


Subject(s)
Pressure Ulcer , Humans , Pressure Ulcer/therapy , Pressure Ulcer/prevention & control , Pressure Ulcer/etiology , Pressure Ulcer/diagnosis , Aged , Wound Healing/physiology , Palliative Care/methods
11.
Clin Geriatr Med ; 40(3): 481-500, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38960539

ABSTRACT

Malnutrition is a collective term that includes both undernutrition and malnutrition. Malnutrition presents with and without inflammation, is reported in underweight, normal weight, and overweight individuals, and is associated with undesirable alterations in body composition, and diminished functional status. Older adults commonly experience dwindling nutritional status as evidenced by insidious weight loss, insufficient dietary intake, loss of muscle mass, quality, and strength, declining functional status, and other physical and emotional decline indicators. Sustained pressure, acute trauma, malnutrition, and inflammatory-driven chronic conditions increase the risk for skin integrity issues.


Subject(s)
Malnutrition , Nutritional Status , Humans , Malnutrition/etiology , Malnutrition/therapy , Aged , Wounds and Injuries/therapy , Wounds and Injuries/complications , Wound Healing/physiology , Nutrition Assessment , Geriatric Assessment/methods
12.
Clin Geriatr Med ; 40(3): 471-480, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38960538

ABSTRACT

The treatment, maintenance, and suppression of infection in chronic wounds remain a challenge to all practitioners. From an infectious disease standpoint, knowing when a chronic wound has progressed from colonized to infected, when to use systemic antimicrobial therapy and when and how to culture such wounds can be daunting. With few standardized clinical guidelines for infections in chronic wounds, caring for them is an art form. However, there have been notable advances in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of infected wounds. This article will discuss the pathophysiology of infection in older adults, including specific infections such as cutaneous candidiasis, necrotizing soft tissue infection, osteomyelitis, and infections involving hardware.


Subject(s)
Wound Infection , Humans , Chronic Disease , Wound Infection/microbiology , Wound Infection/therapy , Aged , Osteomyelitis/microbiology , Osteomyelitis/therapy , Osteomyelitis/diagnosis , Wound Healing/physiology
13.
Am J Hypertens ; 2024 Jul 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38946082

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Remote patient monitoring (RPM), which includes out-of-office blood pressure (BP) measurement, coupled with interventions including telehealth and team-based care, is recommended for hypertension (HTN) management. We aimed to assess participant experience with RPM for HTN (RPM-HTN) to understand barriers and facilitators to implementing RPM-HTN in a primary care population where health disparities and social inequities are prevalent. METHODS: This is a qualitative implementation study of participants' experiences with an RPM-HTN program for primary care patients with uncontrolled HTN at an academic health system. We recruited participants with high and low levels of engagement (≥16 or <16 days of transmitted BP readings per month). Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and descriptive statistics and rapid qualitative analysis were used to identify factors affecting the implementation of RPM-HTN, specifically adoption, acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility. RESULTS: Multiple themes emerged from interviews with 14 participants. A doctor's recommendation and wanting help with BP management were facilitators for engagement, while work conflicts and forgetfulness were barriers to engagement. Participants enjoyed the format and content of nurse and clinical pharmacist phone calls and forming a relationship with the team; expressed improved understanding of HTN and BP management; and appreciated the convenience of remote monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: Participants found RPM-HTN acceptable and appropriate, highlighting the team-based and out-of-office approach to care. This study provides actionable targets to overcome feasibility barriers to implementation. In order to increase engagement, RPM policies and procedures should take into account barriers including the quantity of required BP measurements and mechanisms of telehealth communication.

14.
Mol Ecol Resour ; : e13989, 2024 Jun 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38946220

ABSTRACT

Abyssal (3501-6500 m) and hadal (>6500 m) fauna evolve under harsh abiotic stresses, characterized by high hydrostatic pressure, darkness and food shortage, providing unique opportunities to investigate mechanisms underlying environmental adaptation. Genomes of several hadal species have recently been reported. However, the genetic adaptation of deep sea species across a broad spectrum of ocean depths has yet to be thoroughly investigated, due to the challenges imposed by collecting the deep sea species. To elucidate the correlation between genetic innovation and vertical distribution, we generated a chromosome-level genome assembly of the macrourids Coryphaenoides yaquinae, which is widely distributed in the abyssal/hadal zone ranging from 3655 to 7259 m in depth. Genomic comparisons among shallow, abyssal and hadal-living species identified idiosyncratic and convergent genetic alterations underlying the extraordinary adaptations of deep-sea species including light perception, circadian regulation, hydrostatic pressure and hunger tolerance. The deep-sea fishes (Coryphaenoides Sp. and Pseudoliparis swirei) venturing into various ocean depths independently have undergone convergent amino acid substitutions in multiple proteins such as rhodopsin 1, pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 and melanocortin 4 receptor which are known or verified in zebrafish to be related with vision adaptation and energy expenditure. Convergent evolution events were also identified in heat shock protein 90 beta family member 1 and valosin-containing protein genes known to be related to hydrostatic pressure adaptation specifically in fishes found around the hadal range. The uncovering of the molecular convergence among the deep-sea species shed new light on the common genetic innovations required for deep-sea adaptation by the fishes.

15.
ESC Heart Fail ; 2024 Jul 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38946623

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Parameters derived from reservoir-excess pressure analysis have been demonstrated to predict cardiovascular events. Thus, altered reservoir-excess pressure parameters could have a detrimental effect on highly-perfused organs like the heart. We aimed to cross-sectionally determine whether reservoir-excess pressure parameters were associated with N-terminal pro-brain-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in older adults. METHODS: We studied 868 older adults with diverse cardiovascular risk. Reservoir-excess pressure parameters were obtained through radial artery tonometry including reservoir pressure integral, peak reservoir pressure, excess pressure integral (INTXSP), systolic rate constant (SRC) and diastolic rate constant (DRC). Plasma levels of NT-proBNP, as a biomarker of cardiac overload, were analysed by the Proximity Extension Assay technology. RESULTS: Multivariable linear regression analyses revealed that all reservoir-excess pressure parameters studied were associated with NT-proBNP after adjusting for age and sex. After further adjustments for conventional cardiovascular risk factors, INTXSP [ß = 0.191 (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.099, 0.283), P < 0.001], SRC [ß = -0.080 (95% CI: -0.141, -0.019), P = 0.010] and DRC [ß = 0.138 (95% CI: 0.073, 0.202), P < 0.001] remained associated with NT-proBNP. Sensitivity analysis found that there were occasions where the association between SRC and NT-proBNP was attenuated, but both INTXSP and DRC remained consistently associated with NT-proBNP. CONCLUSIONS: The observed associations between reservoir-excess pressure parameters and NT-proBNP suggest that altered reservoir-excess pressure parameters may reflect an increased load inflicted on the left ventricular cardiomyocytes and could have a potential to be utilized in the clinical setting for cardiovascular risk stratification.

16.
Blood Press ; 33(1): 2371863, 2024 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38949789

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: In 2022 hypertensive disease was the second cause of death in Croatia. The crude prevalence of hypertension is increasing and still majority of hypertensive patients did not reach blood pressure and cholesterol goals Low awareness, and small number of treated and controlled patients point on poor adherence and even worse clinical inertia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Croatian Hypertension League (CHL) has started the permanent public health action Hunting the Silent Killer aiming to increase health literacy. In 2023 we decided to intensify program with two missions - '70/26', and 'Do you know what is your number?' aiming to achieve target values in 70% and in 50% of patients treated for hypertension and dyslipidaemia, respectively, by 2026. For the health care workers, the program will primarily involve digital education, and 'School of Communication in Hypertension'. In the second arm of the program, we will advise patients and general population to visit our educational website with important and useful information on how to improve bad lifestyle, how to proper measure blood pressure, why is it important to sustain in taking drugs etc. In 2026, the CHL will organise field research to assess the success of programs using the same methodology as we used in previous EH-UH studies. CONCLUSION: We will monitor and analyse trends in the management and control of patients treated for hypertension and dyslipidaemia. This will enable us to make an evidence-based conclusion how successful we were in increasing health literacy.


Hypertension is the most compelling cause of death in Croatia with increasing prevalence.Still 50.1% of treated hypertensive patients and more than 70% of patients with dyslipidaemia in Croatia are uncontrolled.Programs 70/26 and Do you know your number aimed to achieve 70% and 50% control of hypertensive and dyslipidaemia patients, respectively, by 2026.To accomplish these goals, health literacy of healthcare workers, patients, and general population we will try to improve mostly using digital education and by organising schools of communication.


Subject(s)
Dyslipidemias , Health Literacy , Hypertension , Humans , Croatia , Dyslipidemias/drug therapy , Dyslipidemias/epidemiology , Dyslipidemias/therapy , Hypertension/drug therapy , Hypertension/epidemiology , Blood Pressure/drug effects , Male , Female
17.
Front Psychol ; 15: 1331667, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38966726

ABSTRACT

Although previous research has established that a strong teacher-student relationship can enhance students' academic engagement, the mechanisms underlying this effect remain less explored. Therefore, this study examined the mediating roles of perceived social support and academic pressure in the association between teacher-student relationship and academic engagement. A survey involving 1,058 Chinese university students was conducted, with teacher-student relationship, perceived social support, academic pressure, and academic engagement being the evaluated factors. The results of structural equation modeling revealed that (a) teacher-student relationship directly and positively associated academic engagement, (b) teacher-student relationship indirectly and positively associated academic engagement through perceived social support, and (c) teacher-student relationship indirectly and positively associated academic engagement through both perceived social support and academic pressure. These results indicate that perceived social support and academic pressure are the primary factors mediating the effect of teacher-student relationship on academic engagement among university students.

18.
Front Rehabil Sci ; 5: 1386518, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38966822

ABSTRACT

Background: People with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at high risk of developing pressure injuries. Reports in the SCI-community had indicated that a new class of wound treatment, MPPT (micropore-particle-technology), was effective in treating pressure injuries. The British Spinal Injuries Association therefore conducted a survey among MPPT-users to learn from their experiences. Methods: Online survey restricted to individuals with spinal cord injury. Participants were requested to identify themselves to permit validation of statement. Results: The survey had 41 respondents reporting on a total of 49 wounds of which the two main categories were wounds (n = 33), primarily pelvic pressure ulcers; and draining fistulas (n = 9) caused by osteomyelitis. All wounds reported had reached full closure. Median duration of MPPT use and time to closure were 3 and 4 weeks for acute wounds (<6 weeks old) and 8 and 10 weeks for chronic wounds, respectively. On draining fistulas, MPPT had been used to reduce wound size, remove soft tissue infection, avoid sepsis, reduce autonomic dysreflexia, improve overall health, and avoid bed rest, whilst waiting for surgery. Comments on MPPT were 84% highly positive, 11% positive, and 0% negative. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: MPPT achieved a 100% closure rate of acute and chronic wounds, and, in draining fistulas, effectively controlled soft tissue infection resulting from osteomyelitis. MPPT does not require bed rest and is suitable for self-care and telemedicine, promoting independence and higher quality-of-life. The findings strongly agree with a recent clinical study of MPPT.

19.
J Neurosurg Pediatr ; : 1-8, 2024 Jul 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38968616

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Reduced intracranial compliance (ICC) may be an important factor in the pathophysiology of Chiari malformation type I (CM-I). However, direct measurement of ICC is controversial because of its invasiveness, particularly in children. Instead, ICC may be estimated from continuous measurements of intracranial pressure (ICP), where the metric mean wave amplitude (MWA) has been found to be more useful as a surrogate marker of ICC than mean ICP. This observational study investigated the distribution of MWA and mean ICP in symptomatic children with CM-I, as well as their association with clinical and radiological findings. METHODS: From a consecutive series of children treated for CM-I at a single institution between 2006 and 2023, the authors analyzed ICP scores in those who underwent an overnight preoperative ICP recording in which MWA was calculated. Clinical and radiological data were retrieved from the patient records. RESULTS: Thirty-seven children (mean age 12.4 ± 3.6 years) with symptomatic CM-I were identified. From the overnight ICP measurements, the average MWA was 5.2 ± 1.3 mm Hg: 56% of children had an abnormal MWA (> 5 mm Hg) and 33% had a borderline MWA (4-5 mm Hg). In contrast, the average mean ICP was 9.7 ± 4.1 mm Hg: 8% of children had an abnormal mean ICP (> 15 mm Hg) and 41% had a borderline mean ICP (10-15 mm Hg). Thus, more children were found to have an abnormal MWA than an abnormal mean ICP (p < 0.001). MWA was significantly higher in the subgroup of children with medullary compression in the foramen magnum, as seen on MRI, than in those without (5.6 ± 1.0 mm Hg vs 4.7 ± 1.4 mm Hg, p = 0.03), whereas a similar difference was not observed for mean ICP (9.9 ± 4.6 mm Hg vs 9.7 ± 3.7 mm Hg, p = 0.889). CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of symptomatic children with CM-I, MWA was more frequently abnormal than mean ICP, with a clinically significant discrepancy in half of the patients. Moreover, MWA was significantly higher in patients with medullary compression. Based on these findings, the authors' interpretation is that in children with CM-I, the ICC may be reduced, as indicated by increased MWA, even though the mean ICP is within normal thresholds.

20.
Women Birth ; 37(5): 101639, 2024 Jul 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38968701

ABSTRACT

PROBLEM: UK midwives report high work-related stress, which can negatively impact their health and wellbeing, with many considering leaving the profession. BACKGROUND: An occupational stress audit guides the implementation of stress management intervention, by identifying which stressors have the most negative impact and why, and highlighting "at risk" groups. AIM: To conduct a concurrent mixed-methods stress audit with UK midwives in an NHS Trust. METHODS: Seventy-one midwives (Mage= 39 years, SD = 11) completed a survey assessing stressors (e.g., relationships), stress appraisals (i.e., challenge vs. threat), coping strategies (e.g., avoidance-focused), and outcomes (i.e., mental health, performance, and intention to leave). Ten midwives (Mage = 42 years, SD = 10) participated in semi-structured interviews. FINDINGS: Quantitative data revealed that more work-related demands, poorer peer support and relationships, and threat appraisals predicted worse mental health. Moreover, less control and more work-related demands predicted poorer performance, while less control, poorer manager support, more change-related demands, and threat appraisals predicted greater intention to leave. Qualitative data generated three themes: organisational pressures exacerbated by unexpected changes; individualised responses but largely debilitative emotions; and personal coping and power of social support. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study offered a comprehensive and novel insight into the stress experiences of UK midwives, highlighting targets for future stress management interventions, including key stressors (e.g., manager support), underlying mechanisms (e.g., stress appraisals), and "at-risk" groups (e.g., night shift workers). Practical recommendations are provided for stakeholders operating at multiple levels (e.g., midwife, trust, policy) to better support midwives with work-related stress.

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