Survey on the main pediatric nursing techniques.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this survey is to assess nurses and pe-diatric nurses' knowledge about pediatric procedures and to evaluate, according to the results, whether it may be useful to provide handbooks that include the main techniques, courses or CME. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional survey car-ried out from 31st of May 2020 to 21st July 2020 including a sample of 811 subjects. To analyze data obtained from questionnaire, it has been used Distribution Frequency, analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The sample analyzed, 585 nurses and 226 pediatric nurses, aged >20years, originates from central Italy (54,7%). Most profes-sionals had a post degree training (66,8%) According to ANOVA, the subjects with major knowledge of pediatric procedures are male (p=<0,001) and pediatric nurses (p=< 0,001); furthermore, post degree training (p=0,004) and a larger amount of years of service (p= <0,001) could affect significantly professionals training. Moreover, based on multiple linear regression analysis, what played a major role in a better nurse education was the higher age, 31-40 years old (p= <0,001) and origin from northern Italy (p=<0,001). CONCLUSIONS: After a literature review on the main database, this study appears to be the first of its genre. The Survey demonstrates how pediatric nursing techniques are poorly known within nursing environment. To give a contribution for a better improvement in this field it is requested a pediatric nursing degree or at least a master in pediatrics and continue training.

Pattern of red blood cells and platelets cholesterol and fatty acids in homozygous familial hypercholesterolemic patients treated with LDL-apheresis.

Two homozygous familial hypercholesterolemic patients were treated with dextran-sulfate cellulose LDL-apheresis (DSC-LDL/A). We evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively, red cell and platelets membrane cholesterol and fatty acids, before and after LDL-apheresis. Fatty acids and cholesterol of red blood cells and platelets were determined by gas-chromatographic technique. We failed to observe any quantitative or qualitative modification, as far as the youngest patient (MD) is concerned. Only in the oldest patient (SM), docosaesanoic acid (22:6) values, were significantly reduced by LDL-A on quantitative basis. In the same patient, also mirystic acid (14:0) values, were significantly decreased as determined by qualitative method. The above mentioned fatty acids were significantly changed in platelets on treatment with LDL-apheresis performed on weekly basis.

Effect of L-carnitine on plasma lipoprotein fatty acids pattern in patients with primary hyperlipoproteinemia.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of L-carnitine (L-C) administration on plasma lipoprotein fatty acids pattern in patients with primary hyperlipoprotinemia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The effect of L-C on plasma lipoprotein fatty acids pattern was investigated in 24 male and female hyperlipoproteinemic patients, aged 51.3 +/- 7.8 years (lipoprotein phenotypes: IIb and IV, WHO, 1970). After hypolipidemic diet (P, 22%; C, 48%; L, 30%; S, 10%; M, 10%; PV, 10%, cholesterol < 300 mg/d) lasting 30 days, L-C was given at a daily dosage of 1 g t.i.d. for 90 days. RESULTS: Plasma total polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids ratio (8/5) showed a statistically significant increase after L-C (baseline: 0.74 +/- 0.2, vs 120 days: 0.84 +/- 0.2; p < or = 0.03). A statistically significant decrease of HDLs 16:0 (baseline: 28.1 +/- 4.2 vs 120 days: 26.4 +/- 3.7; p < or = 0.002), HDL3s 16:0 (baseline: 28.6 +/- 4.5 vs 120 days: 26.9 +/- 3.6; p < or = 0.001) and VLDLs 14:0 (baseline: 2.0 +/- 0.8 vs 120 days: 1.6 +/- 0.6; p < or = 0.02), specular to a statistically significant increase of VLDL's 18:2 (baseline: 21.9 +/- 5.1 vs 120 days: 24.3 +/- 4.9; p < or = 0.01), was also observed. Plasma levels of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were reduced after one month. Plasma apolipoprotein AI and B levels were significantly increased after 30 and 60 days of treatment with L-C. CONCLUSIONS: A less atherogenic plasma lipoprotein fatty acids profile was observed after 120 days of combined treatment with diet and L-C.