bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of nephrology referrals and multidisciplinary care programs on renal replacement and medical costs on patients with advanced chronic kidney disease
Authors: Chen Jui-Hsin , Chiu Yi-Wen , Hwang Shang-Jyh , Tsai Jer-Chia , Shi Hon-Yi , Lin Ming-Yen
Published: August 2019

Evidence-based studies have revealed outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease that differed depending on the design of care delivery. This study compared the effects of 3 types of nephrology care: multidisciplinary care (MDC), nephrology care, and non-nephrology care. We studied their effects on the risks of requiring dialysis and the differences between these methods had on long-term medical resource utilization and costs.

We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of (eGFR) ≤45 mL/min/1.73 m2 from 2005 to 2007. Patients were divided into MDC, non-MDC, and non-nephrology referral groups. Between-group differences with regard to the risk of requiring dialysis and annual medical utilization and costs were evaluated using a 5-year follow-up period.

In total, 661 patients were included. After other covariates and the competing risk of death were taken into account, we observed a significant (56%) reduction in the incidence of dialysis in both the MDC and non-MDC groups relative to the non-nephrology referral group. Costs were markedly lower in the MDC group relative to the other groups (average savings: US$ 830 per year; 95% confidence interval: 367–1295; P < .001).

For patients without nephrology referrals, MDC can substantially reduce their risk of developing end-stage renal disease and lower their medical costs. We therefore strongly advocate that all patients with an eGFR of ≤45 mL/min/1.73 m2 should be referred to a nephrologist and receive MDC.
Demographic and geographical characteristics of pediatric patients presenting to a convenient clinic at a large railway station in a metropolitan area of Tokyo
Authors: Tsuda Kenji , Tanimoto Tetsuya , Hosoda Kazutaka , Suzuki Miki , Morohashi Tamaki , Watanabe Aika , Takahashi Kenzo , Kouno Kaduki , Hamaki Tamae , Ohnishi Mutsuko , Kami Masahiro , Kusumi Eiji
Published: August 2019

There is an increasing demand for medical provision systems that are friendly for working mothers with sick children in Japan. The aim of this cross-sectional, observational study was to analyze the demographic characteristics of pediatric patients presenting to a convenient care clinic, which was located in a large railway station and offered primary care with after-hours accessibility in a metropolitan area of Tokyo.

We analyzed anonymous data for patients who had visited the pediatric department at a clinic between August 2013 and June 2016. Data regarding patients’ sex, age, time of visit, waiting time, presence or absence of an appointment, diagnosis, and addresses were collected from electronic health and billing records.

Overall, 8091 patients visited the department 45,388 times. The numbers of visits by patients who resided within 2, 5, and 10 miles of the clinic were 37,160 (84.6%), 42,336 (96.4%), and 43,399 (98.8%), respectively. No seasonal variation in the number of visits was observed. Male patients visited the clinic 23,742 times (52.3%) and the patients’ median age was 3 years (interquartile range, 1–6). Most visits occurred on Mondays, and 5643 (15.2%) and 4790 (12.9%) patients visited the clinic when consultations began at 10 am and 3 pm, respectively. Approximately 20% of weekday visits occurred after 6 pm, when other pediatricians’ offices were typically closed. Children older than 7 years of age visited the clinic more frequently after 6 pm. The overall median waiting time was 650 seconds (interquartile range, 429–1020). The 3 most common diagnoses were upper respiratory tract infection (27,173), asthmatic bronchitis (23,744), and allergic rhinitis (10,556). The number of individuals who were referred to other medical institutions was 284 (0.6%).

The majority of patients were children aged 1 to 4 years living near the clinic and 80% of visits were during the daytime. However, children older than 7 years of age visited the clinic more frequently after 6 pm. The convenience of the clinic contributed to the fulfillment of the medical needs of children with mild illnesses whose mothers were in full-time employment.
Outcomes of microsurgical clipping vs coil embolization for ruptured aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Wang Hong-Yu , Song Jian , Gao Fei , Duan Xu-Dong , Gao Xuan , Wang Yuan , Cheng Hong-Bo , Nan Cheng-Rui , Zhao Di
Published: August 2019

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a complex neurovascular syndrome with high disability and mortality. SAH patients may be managed with surgical clipping or coil embolization. In this study, we provided a real-world analysis of the outcome and prognostic factors of aneurysmal SAH in patients treated with coil embolization or microsurgical clipping.

We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of aneurysmal SAH patients (n = 583) who underwent treatment at the First Hospital and the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, and Tangshan Worker's Hospital in China. All patients were evaluated by a combined neurosurgery and interventional neuroradiology team. Microsurgical aneurysmal clipping was performed using the skull base approach, while coil embolization was performed with bare platinum coils (with or without balloon assistance). The primary outcome was the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score at discharge.

A total of 583 patients were included in this study, of which 397 (68.1%) of them underwent clipping and 186 (31.9%) received coil embolization. The patient cohort consisted of both poor grade and good grade aneurysmal SAH: 441 (75.6%) patients had good-grade (Hunt and Hess grade II or III) and 142 (24.4%) had poor grade (Hunt and Hess grade IV or V). Overall, 123 (21%) patients had unfavorable neurologic outcome (GOS score 1–3) and 460 (78.9%) patients had favorable neurologic outcome (GOS score 4 or 5). The mean GOS score at discharge was comparable for patients who underwent clipping and those received coil embolization (P > .05). Multivariate analysis showed that clipping only [OR (95%CI): 0.03 (0.01, 0.36); P = .000] and clipping with CSF drainage [OR (95%CI): 0.41 (0.18, 0.89); P = .001] were independent factors of a favorable outcome in patients with aneurysmal SAH. Coil embolization with hematoma removal [OR (95%CI): 0.03 (0.01, 0.36); P = .000] was also an independent determinant of a favorable outcome. High baseline Fisher grades were associated with significantly increased risk of an unfavorable outcome [OR (95%CI): 2.08 (1.30, 3.33); P = .002].

Our findings suggested that both coil embolization and microsurgical clipping are viable treatment options for aneurysmal SAH patients. Procedures, such as CSF drainage and hematoma removal, performed in parallel with coil embolization and chipping should be considered when treating individual patients.
Platinum-doublet chemotherapy followed by pembrolizumab therapy for lung cancer with lymphangitis carcinomatosa mimicking interstitial pneumonitis
Authors: Yamasaki Masahiro , Funaishi Kunihiko , Kawamoto Kazuma , Matsumoto Yu , Matsumoto Naoko , Taniwaki Masaya , Ohashi Nobuyuki , Hattori Noboru
Published: August 2019

Rationale:

Pembrolizumab, an immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), has been shown to be effective for treatment-naive patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and high expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). Therefore, treatment regimens containing pembrolizumab have become a standard therapy for these patients. However, the use of pembrolizumab is limited owing to the side effects of ICIs.

Patient concerns and diagnoses:

The patient was a 65-year-old man with a left lung mass surrounded by interstitial shadow. The tumor was diagnosed as adenocarcinoma, cT4N3M0, stage IIIC, and the tumor cells showed high PD-L1 expression. It was unclear whether the interstitial shadow was interstitial lung disease (ILD) or lymphangitis carcinomatosa.

Interventions and outcomes:

The patient received carboplatin and nab-paclitaxel, a less risky regimen for ILD, as the first-line therapy. Administration of 2 cycles of this regimen markedly improved both the tumor diameter and interstitial shadow. The interstitial shadow was clinically diagnosed as lymphangitis carcinomatosa and not ILD. Subsequently, the patient was treated with pembrolizumab, and the tumor showed much further shrinkage with no deterioration of the interstitial shadow. To date, the patient is alive with no complaints and no disease progression, and has continued pembrolizumab treatment for a total of 12 months.

Lessons:

In patients at a high risk of ICI-related side effects, platinum-doublet chemotherapy may be permitted as the first-line therapy for NSCLC with high PD-L1 expression. However, if the risk associated with ICIs is resolved, early switching from chemotherapy to pembrolizumab might be desirable, even if the chemotherapy is effective.
Transient hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hypertension associated with hydrocortisone in preterm infant
Authors: Jiang Jingbo , Zhang Jiawen , Kang Mengmeng , Yang Jie
Published: August 2019

Rationale:

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heterogeneous, usually familial disorder of heart muscle. The hypertrophic form of cardiomyopathy is frequently genetic, or as part of several neuromuscular disorders. In neonates, especially prematurity, HCM could also be secondary to corticosteroid treatment.

Patient concerns:

We reported here a 34 weeks gestational age preterm infant presented with profound cardiomegaly after multiple doses of hydrocortisone used to treat blood pressure instability associated with septic shock and persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN).

Diagnosis:

Patient presented auscultation of a grade III/IV harsh systolic ejection murmur from day 14, which was absent before. Profound cardiomegaly was indicated at chest film at day 30. Echocardiography showed severe thickening of the IVS (13.8 mm, z score = 8.29) and mild thickening of the posterior left ventricular wall (LVPW, 6 mm).

Interventions:

Propranolol and captopril were started along with supportive care. The patient was also admitted to NICU for further treatment with 24-hour Holter electrocardiographic monitoring.

Outcomes:

A reversible course was observed without left ventricular outflow tract obstruction nor arrhythmias within 4 weeks.

Lessons:

The risk/benefit ratio must be carefully considered when corticosteroids are used in prematurity. Monitors such as echocardiography and electrocardiograph should be conducted in order to guide cardiovascular management. Systematic surveys of the incidence of cardiac complications in a larger population of preterm infant treated with corticosteroid are needed in the future.
Combined hyperactive dysfunction syndrome of the cranial nerves complicated by essential hypertension
Authors: Yuan Jingmin , Wu Haiyang , Chen Niandong , Shen Fuhui , Jiao Pengfei , Lan Zhengbo , Yang Wenzhen , Zhang Xinding , Li Qiang , He Zhenhua
Published: August 2019

Rationale:

Combined hyperactive dysfunction syndrome (HDS) refers to a special type of HDS characterized by a combination of trigeminal neuralgia (TN), hemi facial spasm (HFS), and/or gloss pharyngeal neuralgia (GPN). Rostra ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) plays a crucial role in central cardiovascular regulation, and neurovascular compression of the RVLM has been identified as a contributor to essential hypertension.

Patient concerns:

A 65-year-old female with a facial tic and pain located in the root of the tongue and throat on the same side; the systolic and diastolic blood pressure was approximately 170 and 100 mmHg.

Diagnosis:

The patient was diagnosed with combined HDS (HFS-GPN) and essential hypertension. Brain magnetic resonance 3-dimensional time-of-flight imaging and digital subtraction angiography revealed vertebrobasilar artery compressed the left RVLM and contacted with the root entry zones of multiple cranial nerves.

Interventions:

The patient was treated with microvascular decompression surgery

Outcomes:

The symptoms were completely relieved, and blood pressure was well-controlled.

Lessons:

The pathological association of hypertension and HDS should be highlighted, and microvascular decompression is an effective approach for relieving the hypertension.
Effectiveness and safety of sotagliflozin adjuvant therapy for type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Chen Mao-Bing , Xu Rui-Jun , Zheng Qi-Han , Zheng Xu-Wen , Wang Hua , Ding Yun-Long , Yue Mao-Xing
Published: August 2019

Background:

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) has long required insulin treatment. Sotagliflflozin (SOTA), as a dual SGLT-1/2 inhibitor, has the potential to be the first oral antidiabetic drug (OAD) to be approved for T1DM in the US market. It is important to evaluate the effectiveness of SOTA for T1DM.

Methods:

Web of Science, PubMed datebase, Cochrane Library, Embase, Clinical Trials, and CNKI will be searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exploring SOTA adjuvant therapy for T1DM. Strict screening and quality evaluation will be performed on the obtained literature independently by 2 researchers; outcome indexes will be extracted. The bias risk of the included studies will be evaluated based on Cochrane assessment tool. Meta-analysis will be performed on the data using Revman 5.3 software.

Result:

We will provide practical and targeted results assessing the efficacy and safety of SOTA for T1DM patients, to provide reference for clinical use of SOTA.

Conclusion:

The stronger evidence about the efficacy and safety of SOTA for T1DM patients will be provided for clinicians.

Trial registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42019133099.
Safety of Shujinjianyao pill in clinical real world
Authors: Cui Xin , Liang Long , Wang Lianxin , Wang Zhifei , Li Yuanyuan , Gao Yang , Zhang Cheng , Sun Menghua , Wang Shiheng , Liu Jiani , Zhang Yue , wang Zhibo , Wei Xu , Xie Yanming
Published: August 2019

Background:

Low back pain is a common health problem worldwide, which also is a leading cause of long-term disability and has an important effect on the global economy and society. Usually, conservative therapies are used to treat low back pain. As a kind of Chinese patent medicine, Shujinjianyao pill (SJJYP) has a great curative effect on low back pain. However, its safety has not been studied yet. Therefore, we carried out this clinical trial to observe the safety of SJJYP in the real world.

Methods:

First, participants need to meet the medication standards according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then, participants are conducted safety examination before taking SJJYP. After qualified screening, participants can be enrolled into the group. Second, all enrolled participants will receive SJJJYP for a period of 4 weeks. During the observation period, participants need to return to the hospital for a subsequent visit after 2 weeks of medication, and come to the hospital for safety check after 4 weeks of medication. Third, telephone follow-up is used to investigate any participants’ physical discomfort after 6 to 8 weeks (2–4 weeks after medication withdrawal). After all these steps are completed, clinical observation is finished. If any adverse events occur during this process, we will record them in time. When serious adverse events occur, we will use nested case–control study to explore the causes and mechanisms.

Discussion:

This study will obtain the safety results of SJJYP in clinical real world, which will offer a scientific basis for clinicians in the treatment of low back pain, and also provide a methodological basis for the safety study of other medicines.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrial.gov registration number is NCT03598153. This study was approved by the ethics committee of Wangjing hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (WJEC-KT-2018-012-P002).
Efficacy of flap repair for anal fistula: study protocol for a systematic review of randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Hao , Xu Tao , Zhang Xiao-dong
Published: August 2019

Background:

Clinical trials have reported that flap repair (FR) can treat anal fistula (AF) effectively. However, no study systematically investigated its efficacy and safety for patients with AF. This study will systematically assess its efficacy and safety of AF.

Methods:

We will retrieve MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Elsevier, Springer, Web of Science, Scopus, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Information, and Wanfang Data from their inceptions to May 1, 2019 without any language limitations. The primary outcome is fistula cure rate. The secondary outcomes consist of fistula recurrence rate, fecal continence, quality of life, and complications. RevMan 5.3 software will be used for methodological quality assessment, data synthesis, subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis.

Results:

The results of this study will summarize a high-quality synthesis of current evidence for the treatment of FR for patients with AF.

Conclusion:

The findings of this proposed study will provide evidence for judging whether FR is an effective and safety intervention for AF or not.

PROSPERO registration number: PROSPERO CRD42019135507.
Artificial neural networks-based classification of emotions using wristband heart rate monitor data
Authors: Chen Yi-Chun , Hsiao Chun-Chieh , Zheng Wen-Dian , Lee Ren-Guey , Lin Robert
Published: August 2019

Heart rate variability (HRV) is an objective measure of emotional regulation. This study aimed to estimate the accuracy with which an artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm could classify emotions using HRV data that were obtained using wristband heart rate monitors.

Four emotions were evoked during gameplay: pleasure, happiness, fear, and anger. Seven normalized HRV features (i.e., 3 time-domain features, 3 frequency-domain features, and heart rate), which yielded 29,727 segments during gameplay, were collected and analyzed first by statistics and then classified by the trained ANN model.

General linear model adjusted for individual differences in HRV showed that all HRV features significantly differed across emotions, despite disparities in their magnitudes and associations. When compared to neutral status (i.e., no emotion evoked), the mean of R-R interval was significantly higher for pleasure and fear but lower for happiness and anger. In addition, pleasure evidenced the HRV features that suggested a superior parasympathetic to sympathetic activation. Happiness was associated with a prominent sympathetic activation. These statistical findings suggest that HRV features significantly differ across emotions evoked by gameplay. When further utilizing ANN-based emotion classification, the accuracy rates for prediction were above 75.0% across the 4 emotions with accuracy rates for classification of paired emotions ranging from 82.0% to 93.4%.

For classifying emotion in an individual person, the trained ANN model utilizing HRV features yielded a high accuracy rate in our study. ANN is a time-efficient and accurate means to classify emotions using HRV data obtained from wristband heart rate monitors. Thus, this integrated platform can help monitor and quantify human emotions and physiological biometrics.
Intrahepatic arterial localizer guided transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement
Authors: Haochen Wang , Yinghua Zou , Jian Wang
Published: August 2019

Transjugular intra-hepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) had been considered a standard procedure in patients suffering from portal hypertension. The most challenging step in TIPS placement is blind puncture of the portal vein. We had established a localization method by introducing an Intra-Hepatic Arterial based puncture directing Localizer (IHAL) with the assistance of the enhanced computed tomography (CT) reconstruction. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and technical success of this method.

From June 2018 to August 2018, 10 consecutive patients suffering from refractory ascites or esophageal gastric bleeding by liver cirrhosis were included in this retrospective study to evaluate feasibility, efficacy, and technical success of enhanced CT assisted IHAL-guided puncture of the portal vein. As a control, 10 patients receiving TIPS placement before Jun 2018 with cone beam CT (CBCT)-guided puncture were included to compare the reduction of portal-systemic pressure gradient (PSPG), portal entry time (PET), the number of puncture, dose area product (DAP) and contrast medium consumption.

Technical success was 100% in the study group (IHAL-guided group) and in 90.0% of the control group (CBCT-guided group). Appropriate IHAL point could be achieved in all patients under the enhanced CT reconstruction assistance. The median number of punctures and DAP in IHAL group were significantly less than those in CBCT group. The reduction of PSPG, PET, and contrast medium consumption in IHAL group showed no significant differences than those in CBCT group.

Enhanced CT reconstruction assisted IHAL-guided portal vein puncture is technically feasible and a reliable tool for TIPS placement resulting in a significant reduction of the number of punctures and DAP.
Successful blind lung isolation with the use of a novel double-lumen endobronchial tube in a patient undergoing lung transplantation with massive pulmonary secretion
Authors: Seo Yijun , Kim Namo , Paik Hyo Chae , Park Dahee , Oh Young Jun
Published: August 2019

Rationale:

Precise lung isolation technique with visual confirmation is essential for thoracic surgeries to create a safe and clear surgical field. However, in certain situations, such as when patients have massive pulmonary secretion or when the fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) is not applicable, lung isolation has been performed blindly.

Patient concern:

A 52-year-old woman, whose airway was unable to visualize with FOB due to massive pulmonary secretion, was presented for bilateral sequential lung transplantation. Extracorporeal membranous oxygenation, tracheostomy, and mechanical ventilation were applied to the patient for 39 days preoperatively as a bridge for lung transplantation.

Diagnosis:

Patient was diagnosed with an idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and obesity.

Intervention:

Initially, height-based blind positioning with a conventional double-lumen endobronchial tube (DLT) failed to ventilate the patient properly, and the confirmation of DLT positioning with FOB was impossible due to massive pulmonary secretion. Therefore, a novel DLT (ANKOR DLT) that has one more cuff, located at a point between the distal opening of the tracheal lumen and the starting point of bronchial cuff, than conventional DLT was used for the lung isolation in the patient.

Outcomes:

After the completion of lung graft, FOB finding showed that the ANKOR DLT was optimally positioned at the tracheobronchial tree of the patient, and its depth was 2.5 cm shallower than that of the conventional tube.

Lessons:

ANKOR DLT would be a feasible choice to achieve successful blind lung isolation when the use of FOB is impossible to achieve the optimal lung isolation.
Acupuncture treatment for optic atrophy
Authors: Zhou Ping-ping , Sun Peng , Liu Hong-wei , Meng Yan
Published: August 2019

Background:

Optic atrophy (OPA) is a very tricky disorder. Presently, no effective management is available for this condition. Previous studies have reported that acupuncture may be effective for the treatment of OPA. However, its effectiveness is still inconclusive. Thus, this study will aim to assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for OPA.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search for relevant studies will be performed from the databases of PUMBED, EMBASE, CINAHI, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and other literature sources from inception up to the present. No language limitations will be applied to all literature searches. We will consider all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and case-controlled trials (CCTs) for assessing the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for OPA. The primary outcomes include the rates of vision improvement and visual field improvement. The secondary outcomes consist of the increased visual field average sensitivity, pattern visual evoked potential (PVEP) amplitude, and shortened PVEP latency, as well as any expected and unexpected adverse reactions. Risk of bias assessment will be performed by Cochrane risk of bias for RCTs and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for CCTs.

Results:

In this study, we will outline details of the aims and methods on the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of OPA.

Conclusion:

The results of this study will summarize the most current evidence of acupuncture for the treatment of patients with OPA.

Dissemination and ethics:

The results of this study are expected to be published on peer-reviewed journals. This is a literature-based study; therefore, no ethical approval is necessary.

Systematic review registration:

PROSPERO CRD42019135785
A novel mutation causes Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome type 4 with pulmonary fibrosis in 2 siblings from China
Authors: Wu Wenjuan , Lin Keqin , Yang Yanni , Dong ZhaoXing , Zhang Tao , Lei Wen , Yang Weimin , Yang Zhaoqing
Published: August 2019

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is a rare autosomal recessive multisystem disorder characterized by oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) and bleeding diathesis, although it displays both genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity. Several genetic subtypes of HPS have been identified in human; however, the characterizations of HPS type 4 (HPS-4) genotype and phenotype remain unclear. This study was aimed to identify gene mutation responsible for HPS-4 with pulmonary fibrosis (PF).

Two Chinese siblings in their 50 s afflicted with OCA and progressive dyspnea were recruited and underwent clinical and genetic examinations. In both patients, chest high-resolution computerized tomography showed severe interstitial PF in bilateral lung fields, and the pulmonary function test indicated restrictive lung disease. A novel homozygous frameshift mutation (NM_022081: c.630dupC; p.A211fs) in the HPS4 gene was identified by whole-exome sequencing analysis followed by Sanger DNA sequencing, and it segregated with the phenotypes. The c.630dupC mutation was not found in unaffected healthy controls. The patients were considered as HPS-4 with interstitial PF and eventually died of respiratory failure.

This is the first report on the genotype and clinical phenotype of HPS-4 in China. Our results demonstrate the association between a novel frameshift mutation in HPS4 and severe PF with poor prognosis in HPS is presented.
Closed rupture of extensor tendon resulting from untreated Kienböck disease
Authors: Tomori Yuji , Nanno Mitsuhiko , Takai Shinro
Published: August 2019

Rationale:

Spontaneous closed extensor tendon rupture is a rare complication of Kienböck disease with only 23 cases reported in the English literature.

Patient concerns:

We present a case of painless attritional rupture of the extensor tendons of the right fourth finger in a 69-year-old woman with Kienböck disease and review reported cases of Kienböck disease with subcutaneous closed tendon rupture.

Diagnoses:

Physical examination had shown mild painless swelling of the dorsum of the right hand. Plain radiographs showed a dorsally displaced fragment of collapsed lunate bone fracture (Lichtman grade IIIb). Although surgery was recommended, the patient did not desire surgery because she had no pain and no interference with the activities of daily living. Six months later, however, the patient returned to our hospital with complaints of loss of spontaneous extension of the fourth finger. CT and MRI showed aseptic necrosis and large dorsally displaced fragments of the lunate under the extensor tendons of the fingers, suggesting a subcutaneous fourth extensor tendon rupture.

Interventions:

Surgery was performed to achieve functional recovery of the ring extensor and to prevent further subcutaneous tendon rupture. The extensor digitorum communis (EDC) of the ring finger was found to be ruptured and the EDCs to the third and fifth fingers were frayed due to attrition from the protrusion of the dorsal fragmented lunate bone. Inspection of the floor of the compartment revealed that the dorsally displaced fragment of the lunate bone had perforated the wrist capsule and protruded into the fourth compartment. The dorsal and volar fragments of the lunate bone were excised completely and scaphocapitate arthrodesis followed by the reconstruction of the fourth extensor tendon was performed.

Outcomes:

A year after the surgery, radiography showed complete union of the scaphocapitate arthrodesis. The joint motion reached 45% of normal without any pain and there was full active extension of the fourth finger.

Lessons:

Because dorsally displacement of collapsed lunate bone fragments is a risk factor for attritional closed rupture of tendons, radiography, and MRI are essential to diagnose and to treat any closed tendon rupture.
Post percutaneous coronary interventional outcomes on proximal vs non-proximal lesions of the left and right coronary arteries
Authors: Tang Bing , Yang Hua
Published: August 2019

Background:

The prognosis of patients with coronary artery disease is mainly related to the extent of myocardium at risk. Proximal coronary arteries, especially the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), supply a large part of the myocardium. In this analysis, we aimed to systematically compare the post percutaneous coronary interventional (PCI) outcomes observed with proximal vs non-proximal lesions of the left and right coronary arteries.

Methods:

MEDLARS Online, Excerpta Medica database, www.ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane databases were searched for relevant studies comparing the post PCI outcomes reported on proximal vs non-proximal lesions of the coronary arteries. RevMan software version 5.3 was used to analyze the data to generate respective results. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were derived to represent the results appropriately.

Results:

Six studies with a total number of 11,109 participants who were enrolled between 1990 and 2015 were included in this analysis. The current results showed major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.14–1.45; P = .0001) and mortality (OR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.43–2.03; P = .00001) to be significantly higher with proximal compared to non-proximal coronary lesions irrespective of the follow-up time periods. However, re-infarction (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.80–1.38; P = .71), repeated revascularization (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.92–1.27; P = .35) and stent thrombosis (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.27–1.31; P = .20) were not significantly different.

When patients specifically with LAD lesions were compared with associated non-proximal lesions, mortality was still significantly higher with proximal lesions (OR: 2.26, 95% CI: 1.52–3.36; P = .0001). However, when patients with right proximal coronary artery lesions were compared with the corresponding non-proximal lesions, no significant difference was observed in mortality.

Conclusion:

In-hospital and long-term MACEs and mortality were significantly higher in patients with proximal compared to non-proximal coronary lesions following PCI. In addition, mortality was significantly higher in patients with proximal LAD lesions whereas no significant difference was observed in patients with right proximal coronary artery lesions. Larger trials should further confirm these hypotheses.
Adverse drug events associated with ibrutinib for the treatment of elderly patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Zhou Yanhua , Lu Hongtao , Yang Meifeng , Xu Chenhong
Published: August 2019

Background:

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a rare hematological malignancy classified in the non-Hodgkin's lymphoma category. Ibrutinib, a first-in-class Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor has been approved for use in the treatment of CLL. This drug has shown beneficial effects including a higher overall response rate, sustained remissions, and a tolerable toxicity level. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to compare the adverse drug events which were associated with the use of ibrutinib for the treatment of patients with CLL.

Methods:

A careful search was carried out through the Cochrane Central, EMBASE, MEDLINE (PubMed), and through www.ClinicalTrials.com. The following criteria for inclusion were considered: Both randomized trials and observational cohorts; Studies comparing the adverse drug events observed with the use of ibrutinib versus a control group for the treatment of CLL. The RevMan software (version 5.3) was used to carry out this analysis and the analyzed data were represented by risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results:

A total number of 2456 participants with CLL were included in this analysis. One thousand one hundred thirteen participants were treated with ibrutinib whereas the remaining 1343 participants were assigned to the control (non-ibrutinib) group. Results of this current analysis showed Ibrutinib not to be associated with significantly higher risk of anemia (RR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.67–1.21; P = .49), thrombocytopenia (RR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.32–1.14; P = .12), neutropenia (RR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.25–1.00; P = .05), and febrile neutropenia (RR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.32–2.49; P = .83) in these patients with CLL. The risk for respiratory tract infection was also similarly manifested (RR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.78–1.30; P = .96). However, ibrutinib was associated with a high risk of abdominal manifestations in comparison to the control group (RR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.32–2.00; P = .00001). The risk for diarrhea was also significantly higher in the Ibrutinib group (RR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.44–3.17; P = .0002).

Conclusions:

During the treatment of CLL, ibrutinib was not associated with significantly higher risks of anemia, thrombocytopenia, or neutropenia compared to the control group. However, abdominal manifestations were significantly higher with ibrutinib. Advanced phase trials should further confirm this hypothesis.
Concentration of Physician Services Across Insurers and Effects on Quality
Authors: Welch W. Pete , Sen Aditi P. , Bindman Andrew B.
Published: August 2019

Background:

A growing proportion of Medicare beneficiaries is covered by private insurers through Medicare Advantage, yet little is known about how these plans are structured in terms of relationships with physicians and implications for quality of care.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess whether greater physician concentration of services across insurers was associated with higher quality in Medicare Advantage (MA), overall and particularly among MA insurers serving a high proportion of vulnerable enrollees.

Research Design:

A retrospective cohort design with regression analysis.

Data Sources:

The primary dataset was 2014 MA encounter records submitted by insurers to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, covering 600,329 physicians across 119 insurers. These data were merged with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data on MA contract quality rating as well as physician characteristics in the Medicare Data on Provider Practice and Specialty file.

Measures:

Two measures were generated to capture the concentration of physician services across insurers: the percentage of a physician’s Medicare services which was through MA (MA penetration); and the percentage of a physician’s MA services with a specific insurer (insurer share of MA services).

Results:

Greater MA penetration and insurer share of MA services were each associated with higher MA plan quality. The relationship between insurer share and quality was stronger in contracts with a relatively high percentage of disabled enrollees.

Conclusion:

Greater physician concentration of services across MA insurers was associated with a higher quality of care overall and especially among vulnerable enrollees.
Optimizing value in head and neck cancer free flap surgery
Authors: Cash Harrison , Abouyared Marianne , Houlton Jeffrey J.
Published: August 2019

Purpose of review

Value has become an increasingly important topic in healthcare delivery as our systems attempt to deliver increased value to patients at lower costs. This review highlights research performed regarding value for head and neck cancer reconstruction in three evolving areas: care pathway development, virtual surgical planning (VSP), and free flap versus locoregional flap reconstruction.

Recent findings

Improvements in quality-driven patient care in head and neck free tissue transfer are possible in a number of areas. Care pathways and appropriate management of patients prone to comorbidities decrease hospital length of stay and readmission rates. Further, high-cost hospital stays partially driven by ICU admissions may be reduced by step-down units. Intraoperatively, VSP may reduce operative time in difficult cases and careful selection of free versus locoregional flap reconstruction may decrease cost, operative time, and complications after surgery.

Head and neck reconstruction is a costly endeavor both for the patient and the healthcare system. Careful consideration of practices which may improve outcomes for patients while maximizing efficiency is necessary in our changing healthcare landscape, and providers should identify areas for improvement in their own practices. Further study within the field of head and neck oncology that are specific and data-driven are necessary.
Congenital Hemolytic Anemia Because of Glucose Phosphate Isomerase Deficiency: Identification of 2 Novel Missense Mutations in the GPI Gene
Authors: See Wing-Shan Q. , So Chi-Chiu J. , Cheuk Daniel Ka-Leung , van Wijk Richard , Ha Shau-Yin
Published: August 2019

Glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI) deficiency is the second most common red blood cell enzymopathy involving the glycolysis pathway. It is an autosomal recessive disorder. Chronic hemolytic anemia is a common manifestation. The most severe one can present as hydrops fetalis. It can also be associated with neurologic dysfunction. We report a girl with severe hemolytic anemia at birth because of GPI deficiency. Enzyme activity assays were inconclusive because of previous blood transfusions. She was found to be compound heterozygous for 2 novel missense mutations, c.490C>A p.(Pro164Thr) and c.817C>T p.(Arg273Cys), in the GPI gene. Other than the chronic hemolytic anemia, she also has mild fine motor, gross motor delay, and developed cerebella ataxia since 5 years old.
Prevalence of Rheumatic Diseases and Quality of Life in the Saraguro Indigenous People, Ecuador
Authors: Guevara Sergio V. , Feicán Elsa A. , Peláez Ingris , Valdiviezo Wilson A. , Montaleza Maria A. , Molina Gladis M. , Ortega Nelly R. , Delgado Jorge A. , Chimbo Lidia E. , Hernandez María V. , Sanin Luz H. , Cervera Ricard
Published: August 2019

Rheumatic diseases are more prevalent and aggressive in indigenous population groups, providing medical attention for which poses a challenge for the rheumatologist.

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders and rheumatic diseases in the Saraguro indigenous people in Ecuador, as well as to identify the main factors associated with the health status of this population.

Methods

This observational, cross-sectional study focused on the community was conducted using the COPCORD (Community-Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases) methodology. The required data were obtained using the following instruments: (1) a screening for MSK disorders and rheumatic diseases; (2) a sociodemographic questionnaire; (3) a functional capacity Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index questionnaire; and (4) the quality of life EQ-5D-3L (EuroQoL) questionnaire. The rheumatologists working with the indigenous community were responsible for examining and treating study participants suffering from MSK disorders.

Results

The study sample comprised 2687 individuals, with mean age of 44 (SD, 19.9) years, 1690 (62.9%) of whom were women; Kichwa speakers comprised 32.4% (872), and 1244 (46.3%) reported MSK pain. The most prevalent conditions were as follows: low back pain (9.3%), hand osteoarthritis (OA, 7.2%), knee OA (6.5%), rheumatic regional pain syndrome (5.8%), fibromyalgia (1.8%), and rheumatoid arthritis (1.3%). Lower education level, unemployment, cooking with firewood, and rheumatic diseases were associated with a lower quality of life.

Conclusions

Musculoskeletal disorders, rheumatic diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis were found to be highly prevalent in the studied population. Rheumatoid arthritis and hand OA had the most significant impact on the quality of life.
One-Piece Fronto-orbital Distraction With Midline Splitting But Without Bandeau for Metopic Craniosynostosis
Authors: Fawzy Hossam Hassan , Choi Jong-Woo , Ra Young-Shin
Published: August 2019

Background

Distraction osteogenesis has gained popularity in the treatment of different types of craniosynostosis. We aimed to present the technique of 1-piece fronto-orbital distraction with midline splitting osteotomy but without bandeau for the treatment of metopic craniosynostosis, and the protocol of outcome evaluation using craniometric, volumetric, and morphologic parameters based on 3-dimensional computer simulation.

Methods

This retrospective study included 9 patients with isolated metopic craniosynostosis who underwent surgical correction with distraction osteogenesis between December 2015 and February 2018. The osteotomy was designed in the form of 1-piece fronto-orbital distraction without separation of the orbital bandeau accompanied by midline splitting osteotomy. This was followed by the application of 2 pairs of cranial distractors to produce anterolateral expansion. The 3-dimensional files from preoperative and postdistraction computed tomographic data were used for the measurement of craniometric, volumetric, and morphologic parameters.

Results

The postdistraction craniometric measurement revealed a 12.52% increase in the interfrontal angle. Moreover, there were increases in the bifrontal diameter, diagonal diameters, and interorbital distance. Volumetric measurements revealed an increase in the total cranial volume by 228.1 ± 110.19 cm3. The anterior compartmental volume increased by 33.24%. Morphologic evaluation in the form of curvature analysis showed shrinkage of the surface area of abnormal curvature from 29.5 ± 6.71 cm2 preoperatively to 3.85 ± 3.66 cm2 after distraction.

Conclusions

The technique of 1-piece fronto-orbital distraction with midline splitting osteotomy but without bandeau is an effective surgical option for the treatment of metopic craniosynostosis. The postdistraction outcomes demonstrated the correction of various forms of dysmorphology in metopic craniosynostosis.
Scope of Hand Surgery Using Surgeon Administered Local/Regional Anaesthesia
Authors: Sim Wei Ping , Ng Hannah Jia Hui , Tan Shoun , Bajaj Sanjay Laxmandasji , Rajaratnam Vaikunthan
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Hand and wrist surgeries are often carried out under local/regional anesthesia. We describe our experience using Surgeon Administered Local/Regional Anaesthesia (SALoRA) without sedation to deliver acute and elective hand surgery anesthesia in a tertiary public hospital in Singapore. This is in comparison to wide awake local anesthesia no tourniquet, which has been increasing in popularity.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was conducted on all surgeries performed under SALoRA between January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2016, at our institution. Surgeries on areas other than the hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow were excluded. The records were reviewed to analyze the demographics of the patients, profile of cases performed, and their outcomes.

Results

Of a total of 3016 cases performed, 1994 patients (1275 men; age, 45.78 ± 16 years) fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were available for analysis for the study period. The case distribution was similar to most other published data on day hand surgery cases. Tourniquet was used in 1357 (68%) of cases with an average operation time of 26 ± 19 minutes. Mean tourniquet use was 24 ± 15 minutes. Detailed analysis will be presented.

Conclusion

This study shows the versatility of SALoRA in delivering hand surgery in a cost-effective manner. A wide spectrum of surgeries in the hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow can be performed using SALoRA safely. This has increased productivity, efficiency, and use of resources. SALoRA has the advantage of a guaranteed and reliable bloodless field, quick turnaround time without the need of extra personnel and resources needed for patient monitoring to abide by Joint Commission International requirements and the potential risk of systemic adrenaline effects.
Persistent Neuroinflammation and Brain-Specific Immune Priming in a Novel Survival Model of Murine Pneumosepsis
Authors: Denstaedt Scott J. , Spencer-Segal Joanna L. , Newstead Michael , Laborc Klaudia , Zeng Xianying , Standiford Theodore J. , Singer Benjamin H.
Published: August 2019

Pneumonia is the leading cause of sepsis and septic shock. Patients who survive pneumonia are vulnerable to long-term complications including increased risk of neurocognitive dysfunction. This study investigated the immune response and long-term complications of a non-surgical mouse model of Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumosepsis with antibiotic treatment. Pneumosepsis resulted in acutely enhanced expression of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and damage-associated molecular patterns in the brain and spleen. Despite resolution of infection, murine pneumosepsis survivors demonstrated a deficit in exploratory locomotor behavior at 2 weeks. This was associated with brain-specific persistent inflammatory gene expression and infiltrating myeloid cells in the brain. The brain inflammatory response was also primed in response to secondary challenge with lipopolysaccharide. The findings of this study demonstrate behavioral and inflammatory outcomes that parallel observations in other models of sepsis, but that have not previously been described in antibiotic-treated pneumonia models, highlighting a common pathway to the development of chronic brain dysfunction in sepsis survival.
Assessment of Bias in Estimates of Sexual Network Degree using Prospective Cohort Data
Authors: Uong Stephen , Rosenberg Eli S. , Goodreau Steven M. , Luisi Nicole , Sullivan Patrick , Jenness Samuel M.
Published: August 2019

Background

Sexual network degree, a count of ongoing partnerships, plays a critical role in the transmission dynamics of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). Researchers often quantify degree using self-reported cross-sectional data on the day of survey, which may result in bias because of uncertainty about future sexual activity.

Methods

We evaluated the bias of a cross-sectional degree measure with a prospective cohort study of men who have sex with men (MSM). At baseline, we asked men about whether recent sexual partnerships were ongoing. We confirmed the true, ongoing status of those partnerships at baseline at follow-up. With logistic regression, we estimated the partnership-level predictors of baseline measure accuracy. With Poisson regression, we estimated the longitudinally confirmed degree as a function of baseline predicted degree.

Results

Across partnership types, the baseline ongoing status measure was 70% accurate, with higher negative predictive value (91%) than positive predictive value (39%). Partnership exclusivity and racial pairing were associated with higher accuracy. Baseline degree generally overestimated confirmed degree. Bias, or number of ongoing partners different than predicted at baseline, was -0.28 overall, ranging from -1.91 to -0.41 for MSM with any ongoing partnerships at baseline. Comparing MSM of the same baseline degree, the level of bias was stronger for black compared to white MSM, and for younger compared to older MSM.

Conclusions

Research studies may overestimate degree when it is quantified cross-sectionally. Adjustment and structured sensitivity analyses may account for bias in studies of HIV or STI prevention interventions.