Serum glucose-potassium ratio predicts inhospital mortality in patients admitted to coronary care unit

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to determine the role of serum glucose-potassium ratio in predicting inhospital mortality in coronary care unit patients. METHODS: This study used data from the MORtality in CORonary Care Units in Turkey study, a national, observational, multicenter study that included all patients admitted to coronary care units between September 1, 2022, and September 30, 2022. Statistical analyses assessed the independent predictors of mortality. Two models were created. Model 1 included age, history of heart failure, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease. Model 2 included glucose-potassium ratio in addition to these variables. Multivariate regression and receiver operating characteristic analysis were performed to compare Model 1 and Model 2 to identify if the glucose-potassium ratio is an independent predictor of inhospital mortality. RESULTS: In a study of 3,157 patients, the mortality rate was 4.3% (n=137). Age (p=0.002), female gender (p=0.004), mean blood pressure (p<0.001), serum creatinine (p<0.001), C-reactive protein (p=0.002), white blood cell (p=0.002), and glucose-potassium ratio (p<0.001) were identified as independent predictors of mortality through multivariate regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that Model 2 had a statistically higher area under the curve than Model 1 (area under the curve 0.842 vs area under the curve 0.835; p<0.001). A statistically significant correlation was found between the inhospital mortality and glucose-potassium ratio (OR 1.015, 95%CI 1.006-1.024, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the glucose-potassium ratio may be a significant predictor of inhospital mortality in coronary care unit patients.

Functional performance assessment scale for children and adolescents with cancer: cross-cultural study.

OBJECTIVES: to describe the methodological process of cross-cultural adaptation of the PlayPerformance Scale for Children to Brazilian Portuguese. METHODS: methodological study of translation and cross-cultural adaptation in six stages: translation, synthesis of translations, back-translation, evaluation by a committee of judges, evaluation by expert nurses, and pretest. The agreement and representativeness of the items were assessed using the content validity index. A minimum value of 80% agreement was considered. RESULTS: all stages of the translation and cross-cultural adaptation process were satisfactory. In the evaluation performed by the committee of judges, all items obtained agreement above 80%. Fifteen pediatric nurses conducted the content validation, suggesting necessary modifications for understanding and application. Thirty children and adolescents with cancer were assessed with the scale for the pre-test. CONCLUSIONS: the scale was cross-culturally adapted to Brazilian Portuguese. The need for psychometric testing in a consistent sample is emphasized.

Increased Circulating Fetuin-A Levels in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract Background Biomarkers related to the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF) have attracted the attention of experts. One of these recently studied biomarkers is Fetuin-A. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum Fetuin-A levels and AF. Methods This study used the convenience sampling method, based on inclusion criteria and consent to participate in the study. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to confirm the normal distribution of all continuous variables. Categorical variables were presented using absolute and relative frequencies. Both groups (48 patients with AF and 47 controls) were compared in terms of biochemical, hematological, and echocardiographic findings and Fetuin-A. the Chi-square or Fisher's exact test were used to compare groups concerning categorical variables. Continuous variables were compared using the independent samples t-test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Serum Fetuin-A values increased in AF patients when compared to the controls (544±49 μg/mL versus 484±46 μg/mL, p=0.001). Moreover, Fetuin-A level was independently associated with AF — AOR = 0.978, 95%; confidence interval (CI) 0.969-988, p < 0.001. The cut-off values in Fetuin-A levels in patients with AF were >511.80 μg/mL with a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 73% — area under the curve (AUC) = 0.804, 95% CI = 0.715 - 0.892. Conclusions According to this study, there was a relationship between serum Fetuin-A levels and AF, regardless of conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Therefore, Fetuin-A may play a role in the pathophysiology of AF. Prospectively designed cohort studies are necessary to assess whether or not the results can be generalized for other populations.

Effects of oxytocin induction on early postpartum hemorrhage, perineal integrity, and breastfeeding: a case-control study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the postpartum hemorrhage, perineal integrity, and breastfeeding results of mothers who underwent oxytocin induction in the first stage of labor in the early postpartum period. METHODS: This single-center observational case-control study was conducted in the obstetric unit of a public hospital in Istanbul. The study sampling included 44 pregnant women who received oxytocin induction (case group) and 44 pregnant women who did not receive oxytocin (control group). The Personal Information Form, LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale, Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, and Approximation Scale, and Postpartum Hemorrhage Collection Bag were used in data collection, and pad follow-up was carried out. RESULTS: The amount of hemorrhage in the first 24 h of the postpartum period and the mean Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, and Approximation Scale score were significantly higher in the case group. While 47.7% of the oxytocin-induced women had 1st or 2nd, and 11.4% had 3rd or 4th degrees of lacerations, 20.5% of the control group had 1st or 2nd, and 2.3% had 3rd or 4th degrees of lacerations. There was no significant difference between the mean scores of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale and LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool in both groups. CONCLUSION: According to the study findings, it was determined that oxytocin induction administered in the first stage of labor increased hemorrhage and perineal trauma in the early postpartum period but did not affect the results of breastfeeding. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT04441125.

Effect of Ticagrelor on Left Ventricular Function in Patients with Mildly Reduced Ejection Fraction after Acute Myocardial Infarction

Abstract Background There are limited data about the effect of new P2Y12 inhibitors on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Objectives We aimed to investigate the effect of ticagrelor on left ventricular function, compared to clopidogrel in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) after AMI. Methods In this cross-sectional, single-center study, we included 251 patients with LVEF between 40% and 50% after AMI before discharge. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the use of ticagrelor (166 patients) and clopidogrel (85 patients). At the end of the 12-month period, LVEF changes were assessed by echocardiography. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The mean LVEF before discharge was 46.5% ± 3.6%, and no difference was observed between the ticagrelor and clopidogrel groups (p = 0.20). At the end of the first year, the mean LVEF of the patients increased to 49.8% ± 7.6% in both groups. The use of ticagrelor (β ± SE = 2.05 ± 0.93; p = 0.029), low creatinine level (β ± SE = −10.44 ± 2.35; p < 0.001), low troponin level (β ± SE = −0.38 ± 0.14; p = 0.006), and low heart rate (β ± SE = −0.98 ± 0.33; p = 0.003) were found to be independent predictors of the increase in LVEF (β ± SE 2.05 ± 0.93; 95% confidence interval: 0.21 to 3.90; p = 0.029). Conclusion In our study, ticagrelor improved left ventricular function in 12 months follow-up compared to clopidogrel in patients with HFmrEF after AMI.

Conjunctival leiomyosarcoma in a patient with xeroderma pigmentosum: 5-year follow-up without recurrence / Leiomiossarcoma da conjuntiva em paciente com xeroderma pigmentoso: acompanhamento de 5 anos sem recidivas

ABSTRACT Conjunctival leiomyosarcoma is a very rare soft tissue malignancy. Herein, we describe a conjunctival leiomyosarcoma case in a patient with another rare disease, xeroderma pigmentosum. The 27-year-old single-eyed xeroderma pigmentosum patient complained of exophytic mass covering the ocular surface in her left eye. A vascular, hemorrhagic mass covering the entire ocular surface of the left eye was identified on the examination. Thus, total mass excision surgery was performed. The pathological diagnosis was compatible with conjunctival leiomyosarcoma. Additional chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery were not accepted by the patient. No recurrence or metastasis was observed during the 5-year follow-up. Both primary conjunctival leiomyosarcoma and xeroderma pigmentosum are very rare diseases. Conjunctival masses in xeroderma pigmentosum patients should be approached carefully, and histopathological examination is warranted. For conjunctival leiomyosarcoma, early diagnosis, localized, unspread disease, and complete resection provide the best prognosis.

RESUMO O leiomiossarcoma da conjuntiva é um tumor ma­ligno de tecidos moles muito raro. Aqui é descrito um caso de leiomiossarcoma da conjuntiva em um paciente com xeroderma pigmentoso, que também é uma doença rara. Um paciente de 27 anos de idade com xeroderma pigmentoso de olho único queixou-se de uma massa exofítica cobrindo a superfície ocular do olho esquerdo. Ao exame, foi observada uma massa vascular hemorrágica cobrindo toda a superfície ocular do olho esquerdo. Foi realizada uma cirurgia de excisão total dessa massa. O diagnóstico patológico foi compatível com leiomiossarcoma da conjuntiva. O paciente recusou qualquer quimioterapia, radioterapia ou cirurgia adicional. Nenhuma recidiva ou metástase foi observada durante o acompanhamento de 5 anos. Tanto o leiomiossarcoma primário da conjuntiva quanto o xeroderma pigmentoso são doenças muito raras. Massas conjuntivais em pacientes com xeroderma pigmentoso devem ser abordadas com cuidado e deve-se realizar um exame histopatológico. Para o leiomiossarcoma conjuntival, o diagnóstico precoce, uma doença localizada e não disseminada e a ressecção completa proporcionam o melhor prognóstico.

Can the Glasgow prognostic score predict ischemic stroke in patients with infective endocarditis?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The Glasgow prognosis score is a simple parameter calculated using serum levels of albumin and C-reactive protein. The aim of this study was to examine whether this parameter may predict ischemic stroke in patients with infective endocarditis. METHODS: A total of 80 patients who were diagnosed with definitive infective endocarditis according to Duke criteria between 2016 and 2023 were included in the study. Glasgow prognosis score was based on serum levels of albumin and C-reactive protein. In imaging methods, patients were divided into two groups according to whether they had a stroke or not. These two groups were compared in terms of biochemical parameters, and infective endocarditis findings on echocardiography and Glasgow prognosis score. RESULTS: We found that the results were statistically similar except for serum C-reactive protein (Group 1: 54.9±71.1 and Group 2: 39±70.7; p=0.03), neutrophil (Group 1: 19.8±10.8*109/L and Group 2: 13.3±7.3*109/L; p=0.014), albumin (Group 1: 2.3±0.6 and Group 2: 2.8±0.5; p=0.03), and Glasgow prognosis score (Group 1: median 2, min.-max. (1-2) and Group 2: median 1, min.-max. (0-1); p=0.004). In the receiver operating characteristics analysis, Glasgow prognosis score had 82.4% sensitivity and 58.3% specificity in predicting ischemic stroke if the Glasgow prognosis score cutoff was ≥1. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, chronic renal failure [odds ratio (OR): 1.098; 95% confidence interval: 1.054-1.964; p=0.044], age (OR: 1.050; 95%CI 1.006-1.096; p=0.024), and Glasgow prognosis score (OR: 0.695; 95%CI 0.411-0.949; p=0.035) were independent variables in predicting ischemic stroke. CONCLUSION: High Glasgow prognosis score is an independent predictor of ischemic stroke in patients with infective endocarditis. Glasgow prognosis score, determined using albumin and C-reactive protein levels, is a simple and practical index for predicting the prognosis of patients hospitalized with infective endocarditis.

Relationship between platelet-related parameters and new-onset atrial fibrillation after coronary bypass surgery

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of postoperative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. In this study, we aimed to investigate the changes in mean platelet volume and platelet values during the spring and autumn seasons in patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery and the possible effect of these occurrences on postoperative atrial fibrillation. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent elective isolated coronary bypass surgery at our clinic in the spring and autumn months, between August 2020 and July 2022, were retrospectively included in this study. Variables were evaluated according to the spring and autumn seasons. Patients who did not develop in-hospital postoperative atrial fibrillation were identified as Group 1, and those who did constituted Group 2. RESULTS: A total of 622 patients were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: those who were operated on in the spring (n=277, median age=62 years, male gender ratio=77.3%) and those who were operated on in the autumn (n=345, median age=61 years, male gender ratio=81.4%). There was no statistically significant difference between the patients operated on in both seasons in terms of age, gender, hypertension rates, and the frequency of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In multivariate analysis, being over 70 years old (OR: 1.934, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.489-2.995, p<0.001), having a left ventricular ejection fraction below 30% (OR: 1.550, 95%CI 1.190-2.236, p=0.012), and having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR: 1.663, 95%CI 1.339-2.191, p<0.001) were found to be independent predictors in predicting the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSION: In this study, we first demonstrated that mean platelet volume and platelet mass index values were higher in patients in the autumn months. Additionally, for the first time in the literature, we showed that there is a significant relationship between platelet mass index value and the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass graft.

Cryoablation Catheter Used in the Surgical Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation May Treat Chest Tube Pain: Engin Technique

ABSTRACT Postoperative pain after cardiac surgery plays an important role in the patient's recovery process. In particular, pain at the chest tube site can negatively affect the comfort and recovery of these patients. Effective pain control minimizes the risk of many complications. Oral and intravenous analgesics, epidural anesthesia, paravertebral block, and intercostal nerve blockade are used in chest tube pain control. We routinely use the surgical cryoablation method in the presence of atrial fibrillation in the preoperative period of cardiac surgery in our clinic. Here we aimed to describe our method of using the cryoablation catheter for intercostal nerve blockade.

Functional performance assessment scale for children and adolescents with cancer: cross-cultural study / Escala de evaluación del rendimiento funcional de niños y adolescentes con cáncer: estudio transcultural / Escala de avaliação do desempenho funcional de crianças e adolescentes com câncer: estudo transcultural

ABSTRACT Objectives: to describe the methodological process of cross-cultural adaptation of the PlayPerformance Scale for Children to Brazilian Portuguese. Methods: methodological study of translation and cross-cultural adaptation in six stages: translation, synthesis of translations, back-translation, evaluation by a committee of judges, evaluation by expert nurses, and pretest. The agreement and representativeness of the items were assessed using the content validity index. A minimum value of 80% agreement was considered. Results: all stages of the translation and cross-cultural adaptation process were satisfactory. In the evaluation performed by the committee of judges, all items obtained agreement above 80%. Fifteen pediatric nurses conducted the content validation, suggesting necessary modifications for understanding and application. Thirty children and adolescents with cancer were assessed with the scale for the pre-test. Conclusions: the scale was cross-culturally adapted to Brazilian Portuguese. The need for psychometric testing in a consistent sample is emphasized.

RESUMEN Objetivos: describir el proceso metodológico de adaptación transcultural de la Escala de Rendimiento de Juego para Niños al portugués brasileño. Métodos: estudio metodológico de traducción y adaptación transcultural en seis etapas: traducción, síntesis de traducciones, retrotraducción, evaluación por un comité de jueces, evaluación por enfermeros especialistas y pretest. La concordancia y representatividad de los ítems se evaluaron mediante el índice de validez de contenido. Se consideró un valor mínimo del 80% de concordancia. Resultados: todas las etapas del proceso de traducción y adaptación transcultural fueron satisfactorias. En la evaluación realizada por el comité de jueces, todos los ítems obtuvieron una concordancia superior al 80%. Quince enfermeros pediatras realizaron la validación de contenido, sugiriendo modificaciones necesarias para la comprensión y aplicación. Treinta niños y adolescentes con cáncer fueron evaluados con la escala para el pretest. Conclusiones: la escala fue adaptada transculturalmente al portugués brasileño. Se destaca la necesidad de realizar pruebas psicométricas en una muestra consistente.

RESUMO Objetivos: descrever o processo metodológico de adaptação transcultural da Play-Performance Scale for Children para o português brasileiro. Métodos: estudo metodológico de tradução e adaptação transcultural em seis etapas: tradução, síntese das traduções, retrotradução, avaliação por um comitê de juízes, avaliação por enfermeiros especialistas e pré-teste. A concordância e a representatividade dos itens foram avaliadas por meio do índice de validade de conteúdo. Considerou-se o valor mínimo de 80% de concordância. Resultados: todas as etapas do processo de tradução e adaptação transcultural foram satisfatórias. Na avaliação realizada pelo comitê de juízes, todos os itens obtiveram concordância superior a 80%. Quinze enfermeiros pediatras realizaram a validação de conteúdo, sugerindo modificações necessárias para o entendimento e aplicação. Trinta crianças e adolescentes com câncer foram avaliados com a escala para o pré-teste. Conclusões: a escala foi adaptada transculturalmente para o português brasileiro. Ressalta-se a necessidade da realização de testes psicométricos em uma amostra consistente.

Endocan may predict the presence of coronary slow flow and coronary artery disease

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is frequent, but coronary slow flow (CSF) is a less common cardiovascular disease with a significant risk of mortality and morbidity. Endocan is a proinflammatory glycopeptide that has been investigated in cardiovascular diseases as well as some inflammatory diseases in recent years. We planned to compare the levels of endocan in both CAD and CSF in a similar population and examine the relationship of endocan with additional clinical variables. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the trial, we included 169 consecutive subjects having a coronary angiography indication. According to the results of coronary angiography, 58 people were included in the CAD group, 52 were in the CSF group, and 59 people were in the control group. The control group includes those who did not have any lesions in their epicardial coronary arteries. Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI)-frame counts (TFC) were calculated for all patients. RESULTS: Notably, 2.6% of the population in our study had CSF. Both the CAD (555±223 pg/mL) and CSF (559±234 pg/mL) groups had higher endocan levels than the control group (331±252 pg/mL) (p<0.001). There were similar endocan levels between the CAD and CSF groups. Endocan levels were shown to be favorably associated with mean TFC (r=0.267; p0.001). Serum endocan levels (particularly those above 450 pg/mL) and the presence of hyperlipidemia were the most important predictors of both CAD and CSF. CONCLUSION: Endocan levels are higher in CAD and CSF patients than in those with normal coronary arteries.

Can the SYNTAX score predict mortality in patients with cardiac arrest?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Sudden cardiac death or arrest describes an unexpected cardiac cause-related death or arrest that occurs rapidly out of the hospital or in the emergency room. This study aimed to reveal the relationship between coronary angiographic findings and cardiac death secondary to acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients presenting with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction complicated with cardiac arrest were included in the study. The severity of coronary artery disease, coronary chronic total occlusion, coronary collateral circulation, and blood flow in the infarct-related artery were recorded. Patients were divided into two groups, namely, deaths secondary to cardiac arrest and survivors of cardiac arrest. RESULTS: A total of 161 cardiac deaths and 42 survivors of cardiac arrest were included. The most frequent (46.3%) location of the culprit lesion was on the proximal left anterior descending artery. The left-dominant coronary circulation was 59.1%. There was a difference in the SYNTAX score (16.3±3.8 vs. 13.6±1.9; p=0.03) and the presence of chronic total occlusion (19.2 vs. 0%; p=0.02) between survivors and cardiac deaths. A high SYNTAX score (OR: 0.38, 95%CI: 0.27-0.53, p<0.01) was determined as an independent predictor of death secondary to cardiac arrest. CONCLUSION: The chronic total occlusion presence and SYNTAX score may predict death after cardiac arrest secondary to ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

The usefulness of anti-HCV signal to cut-off ratio in predicting hepatitis C viremia and the effect of genotype differences on signal to cut-off ratio

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: In the hepatitis C virus (HCV) diagnostic algorithm, an anti-HCV screening test is recommended first. In countries with low HCV prevalence, anti-HCV testing can often give false-positive results. This may lead to unnecessary retesting, increased costs, and psychological stress for patients. METHODS: In this study, the most appropriate S/Co (signal-cutoff) value to predict HCV viremia in anti-HCV test(+) individuals was determined, and the effect of genotype differences was evaluated. Of the 96,515 anti-HCV tests performed between 2020 and 2023, 934 were reactive. A total of 332 retests and 65 patients without HCV-ribonucleic acid (RNA) analysis were excluded. Demographic data were calculated for 537 patients, and 130 patients were included in the study. RESULTS: The average age of 537 patients was 55±18 years, and 57.1% were women. The anti-HCV positivity rate was 0.62% (602/96,515), and the actual anti-HCV positivity rate was 0.13% (130/96,515). Anti-HCV levels were higher in HCV-RNA(+) patients than in HCV-RNA-negative individuals (p<0.0001) (Table 1). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified the optimal S/Co value to be 10.86 to identify true positive cases. Sensitivity was 96.1%, specificity was 61.2%, positive predictive value (PPV) was 44.2%, and negative predictive value (NPV) was 98% (Figure 2). A total of 107 (82.3%) of the patients were identified as GT1, and the most common subtype was GT1b (n=100). CONCLUSION: If anti-HCV S/Co is ≥10.86, direct HCV RNA testing may be recommended; However, the possibility of false positivity should be considered in patients with a S/Co value below 10.86.

The first study appraising colonic diverticulosis and Helicobacter pylori diagnosed by histopathology

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Colonic diverticulosis might be caused by low-fiber dietary habits, gastrointestinal motility disorders, and colonic wall resistance changes, which might also affect the upper gastrointestinal system mucosa. Therefore, the present study aims to answer whether the gastric histopathological findings of the cases with diverge from those without. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 184 cases who underwent both upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures between January 2020 and December 2022. Notably, 84 cases were colonic diverticulosis, while the rest of the study group was control. Their demographic, laboratory, and histopathological findings were compared meticulously. RESULTS: The median ages for the colonic diverticulosis and control were 67.07±8.14 and 66.29±15.83 years, respectively, and no statistical difference concerning the age and gender distribution between them was recognized. The median levels of white blood cells, neutrophils, glucose, creatinine, and aspartate aminotransferase in colonic diverticulosis were significantly increased compared to control. As for pathological comparison, colonic diverticulosis had a higher prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (45.2 vs. 38%), while atrophy and intestinal metaplasia prevalence were nearly the same in the groups, without significance regarding Helicobacter pylori. CONCLUSION: Consequently, colonic diverticulosis should not be overlooked, particularly when the abovementioned laboratory parameters are augmented in a dyspeptic patient. A correlation might be raised between Helicobacter pylori and colonic diverticulosis. Eradication therapy might help attenuate the risk of colonic diverticulosis when Helicobacter pylori has emerged in a patient.