RESUMO
Information regarding the profile of reticulated platelets (RP) in ischemic cerebrovascular disease (CVD) patients is limited. Data from two prospective, observational, case-control studies were combined to compare the %RP using whole blood flow cytometry in patients ≤ 4 weeks of TIA/stroke onset (baseline, N = 210), and 14 ±7 days (14d, N = 182) and ≥ 90 days (90d, N = 145) after starting or changing antiplatelet therapy with healthy controls (N = 34). There were no differences in median %RP between the overall CVD patient population at baseline or 14d vs. controls (P ≥ 0.2). However, the median %RP was significantly higher in CVD patients overall at 90d (P = .036), and in the subgroup of patients with "lacunar" TIA/ischemic stroke at baseline (P = .04) and at 90d (P = .01), but not at 14d (P = .06) vs. controls. There were no significant differences in the median %RP between other TIA/stroke subgroups and controls (P ≥ 0.05). Elevated circulating reticulated platelets, as a marker of increased platelet production/turnover, may occur following an ischemic event in a well-phenotyped TIA/ischemic stroke population overall, but may precede symptom onset at least in the subgroup with small vessel occlusion. These data improve our understanding of the profile of reticulated platelets in CVD patients.
Assuntos
Plaquetas/metabolismo , Ataque Isquêmico Transitório/sangue , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Humanos , Estudos ProspectivosRESUMO
AIMS: To establish the impact of uncomplicated type 2 diabetes on cognitive and neuropsychological performance in midlife. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of middle-aged adults with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes and a cohort of healthy control participants. General cognition was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test and neuropsychological assessment was undertaken using a detailed neuropsychological assessment battery. RESULTS: A total of 152 participants (102 with type 2 diabetes and 50 controls) were recruited (mean age 52 ± 8 years, 51% women). Participants with midlife type 2 diabetes were more than twice as likely to make an error on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test [incidence rate ratio 2.44 (95% CI 1.54 to 3.87); P < 0.001]. Further, type 2 diabetes was also associated with significantly lower memory composite score [ß: -0.20 (95% CI -0.39 to -0.01); P = 0.04] and paired associates learning score [ß: = -1.97 (95% CI -3.51, -0.43); P = 0.01] on the neuropsychological assessment battery following adjustment for age, sex, BMI, educational attainment and hypercholesterolaemia. CONCLUSIONS: Even in midlife, type 2 diabetes was associated with small but statistically significant cognitive decrements. These statistically significant decrements, whilst not clinically significant in terms of objective cognitive impairment, may have important implications in selecting out individuals most at risk of later cognitive decline for potential preventative interventions in midlife.
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Cognição/fisiologia , Disfunção Cognitiva/etiologia , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/complicações , Memória/fisiologia , Adulto , Idoso , Disfunção Cognitiva/epidemiologia , Disfunção Cognitiva/psicologia , Estudos Transversais , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/epidemiologia , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/psicologia , Escolaridade , Feminino , Seguimentos , Humanos , Incidência , Irlanda/epidemiologia , Masculino , Testes de Estado Mental e Demência , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Testes Neuropsicológicos , Fatores de RiscoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Biomarkers and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) are thought to be poor predictors of bone mineral density (BMD). The Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes guidelines suggest using DXA if the results will affect patient management, but this has not been studied in children or young adults in whom bone mineral accretion continues to 30 years of age. We studied the clinical utility of DXA and serum biomarkers against tibial cortical BMD (CortBMD) measured by peripheral quantitative computed tomography, expressed as Z-score CortBMD, which predicts fracture risk. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional multicentre study in 26 patients with CKD4 and 5 and 77 on dialysis. RESULTS: Significant bone pain that hindered activities of daily living was present in 58%, and 10% had at least one low-trauma fracture. CortBMD and cortical mineral content Z-scores were lower in dialysis compared with CKD patients (P = 0.004 and P = 0.02). DXA BMD hip and lumbar spine Z-scores did not correlate with CortBMD or biomarkers. CortBMD was negatively associated with parathyroid hormone (PTH; r = -0.44, P < 0.0001) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP; r = -0.22, P = 0.03) and positively with calcium (Ca; r = 0.33, P = 0.001). At PTH <3 times upper limit of normal, none of the patients had a CortBMD below -2 SD (odds ratio 95% confidence interval 7.331 to infinity). On multivariable linear regression PTH (ß = -0.43 , P < 0.0001), ALP (ß = -0.36, P < 0.0001) and Ca (ß = 0.21, P = 0.005) together predicted 57% of variability in CortBMD. DXA measures did not improve this model. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, routinely used biomarkers, PTH, ALP and Ca, but not DXA, are moderate predictors of cortical BMD. DXA is not clinically useful and should not be routinely performed in children and young adults with CKD 4-5D.
Assuntos
Densidade Óssea , Insuficiência Renal Crônica , Absorciometria de Fóton , Atividades Cotidianas , Adolescente , Adulto , Biomarcadores/sangue , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Diálise Renal , Insuficiência Renal Crônica/complicações , Adulto JovemRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Native arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) for hemodialysis are susceptible to nonmaturation. Adverse features of local blood flow have been implicated in the formation of perianastomotic neointimal hyperplasia that may underpin nonmaturation. Whereas computational fluid dynamic simulations of idealized models highlight the importance of geometry on fluid and vessel wall interactions, little is known in vivo about AVF geometry and its role in adverse clinical outcomes. This study set out to examine the three-dimensional geometry of native AVFs and the geometric correlates of AVF failure. METHODS: As part of an observational study between 2013 and 2016, patients underwent creation of an upper limb AVF according to current surgical best practice. Phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging was performed on the day of surgery to obtain luminal geometry along with ultrasound measurements of flow. Magnetic resonance imaging data sets were segmented and reconstructed for quantitative and qualitative analysis of local geometry. Clinical maturation was evaluated at 6 weeks. RESULTS: There were 60 patients who were successfully imaged on the day of surgery. Radiocephalic (n = 17), brachiocephalic (n = 40), and brachiobasilic (n = 3) fistulas were included in the study. Centerlines extracted from segmented vessel lumen exhibited significant heterogeneity in arterial nonplanarity and curvature. Furthermore, these features are more marked in brachiocephalic than in radiocephalic fistulas. Across the cohort, the projected bifurcation angle was 73 ± 16 degrees (mean ± standard deviation). Geometry was preserved at 2 weeks in 20 patients who underwent repeated imaging. A greater degree of arterial nonplanarity (log odds ratio [logOR], 0.95 per 0.1/vessel diameter; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22-1.90; P = .03) and a larger bifurcation angle (logOR, 0.05 per degree; 95% CI, 0.01-0.09; P = .02) are associated with a greater rate of maturation, as is fistula location (upper vs lower arm; logOR, -1.9; 95% CI, -3.2 to 0.7; P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: There is significant heterogeneity in the three-dimensional geometry of AVFs, in particular, arterial nonplanarity and curvature. In this largest cohort of AVF geometry to date, the effect of individual geometric correlates on maturation is uncertain but supports the premise that future modeling studies will need to acknowledge the complex geometry of AVFs.
Assuntos
Derivação Arteriovenosa Cirúrgica/métodos , Artéria Braquial/cirurgia , Artéria Radial/cirurgia , Diálise Renal , Extremidade Superior/irrigação sanguínea , Adulto , Idoso , Derivação Arteriovenosa Cirúrgica/efeitos adversos , Velocidade do Fluxo Sanguíneo , Artéria Braquial/diagnóstico por imagem , Artéria Braquial/fisiopatologia , Feminino , Humanos , Angiografia por Ressonância Magnética , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Modelos Cardiovasculares , Modelagem Computacional Específica para o Paciente , Estudos Prospectivos , Artéria Radial/diagnóstico por imagem , Artéria Radial/fisiopatologia , Fluxo Sanguíneo Regional , Falha de Tratamento , Ultrassonografia DopplerRESUMO
The identification, in the late 2000s, of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) as a new class of non-B, non-T lymphocytes has led to global efforts to understand their functions, plasticity and evolutionary origins and to define their place within the leucocyte family. Although this work has uncovered striking similarities in the developmental cues, lineage-specific transcription factors and functional capacities of innate and adaptive lymphocytes, it has become clear that ILCs play a unique and defining role as stewards of barrier defence and that this sets them apart from their adaptive cousins. This review will explore how the dynamic environment of barrier surfaces has shaped ILC evolution and functionality. We highlight the critical importance of the microbiome and the unique role of ILCs as environmental sensors. We reflect on how these factors may have influenced the development of ILC2s and barrier immunity in the context of exposure to helminth parasites that have been driving forces of our evolution throughout human history. Finally, we argue that the plasticity of ILC function reflects their role as first responders to environmental change.
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Helmintíase/imunologia , Helmintos/imunologia , Imunidade Inata/imunologia , Linfócitos/imunologia , Tecido Adiposo Marrom/imunologia , Animais , Contagem de Células , Diferenciação Celular/imunologia , Helmintíase/parasitologia , Humanos , Linfócitos/citologia , Microbiota/imunologia , Fatores de TranscriçãoRESUMO
This special issue of Parasite Immunology charts the rapid advances made in our understanding of the myriad interactions between innate lymphoid cells and parasites and how these interactions have shaped our evolutionary history. Here, we provide an overview of the issue and highlight key findings from studies in mice and man.
Assuntos
Imunidade Inata/imunologia , Linfócitos/imunologia , Parasitos/imunologia , Animais , Evolução Biológica , Interações Hospedeiro-Parasita/imunologia , HumanosRESUMO
Nursing home residents with diabetes have more complex care needs with higher levels of comorbidity, disability and cognitive impairment. We compared current practice in the 44 long-term residents in Peamount hospital with the standards recommended in the Diabetes UK "Good Clinical Practice Guidelines for Care Home Residents with Diabetes". Of 44 residents, 11 were diabetic. Residents did not have specific diabetes care plans. There were some elements of good practice with a low incidence of hypoglycaemia and in-house access to dietetics and chiropody. However, diabetes care was delivered on an ad-hoc basis without individualised care plans, documented glycaemic targets, or scheduled monitoring for complications and no formal screening for diabetes on admission. National and local policy to guide management of diabetes mellitus should be developed. There should be individualised diabetes care plans, clear policies for hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia and long-term diabetes complications, screening on admission and increased uptake of the national retinal screening and foot care programmes.
Assuntos
Diabetes Mellitus/terapia , Assistência de Longa Duração , Planejamento de Assistência ao Paciente , Instituições Residenciais , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Disfunção Cognitiva/epidemiologia , Comorbidade , Atenção à Saúde , Complicações do Diabetes/epidemiologia , Complicações do Diabetes/prevenção & controle , Diabetes Mellitus/diagnóstico , Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiologia , Pessoas com Deficiência , Feminino , Humanos , Hiperglicemia/epidemiologia , Hiperglicemia/prevenção & controle , Hipoglicemia/epidemiologia , Hipoglicemia/prevenção & controle , Masculino , Guias de Prática Clínica como Assunto , Reino Unido/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Background Stroke is a leading cause of death. We looked at the causes (direct and indirect) of in-hospital mortality in a modern stroke unit over a two-year period. Methods We reviewed medical charts of stroke deaths in hospital from 2014-2015 inclusive. Data on stroke type, aetiology, age, length of stay, comorbidities, and documented cause of death were recorded. All patients were included. Results 518 patients were admitted acutely to the stroke service. Overall death rate was 7.5% (n=39). Of fatal strokes 29 (74%) were ischaemic. Average age 78.6 years. Mean survival was 26.4 days (range 1-154). 19 (49%) patients had atrial fibrillation. Forty-nine percent of deaths were due to pneumonia, and 33% were due to raised intracranial pressure. Discussion Mortality rate in our stroke service has decreased from 15% in 1997, and now appears dichotomised into early Secondary Stroke Related Cerebral Events (SSRCEs) and later infections.
Assuntos
Acidente Vascular Cerebral/mortalidade , Idoso , Mortalidade Hospitalar , Humanos , Irlanda/epidemiologia , Masculino , Estudos Retrospectivos , Acidente Vascular Cerebral/complicaçõesRESUMO
Squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva is predominantly a disease of the elderly, where the mainstay of treatment is radical surgery. Local vulval recurrence (LVR) is a significant problem for these patients, and the rates of recurrence have not improved over the last three decades. Disappointingly, we still lack an understanding of how LVRs develop, and the best approach to prevent and manage the condition. This review discusses recent insights into the key prognostic factors that influence the risk of recurrence, focusing on the role of tumour-adjacent non-neoplastic epithelial disorders, which are thought to play a causative role. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: A review that discusses the key prognostic factors that influence local recurrence in vulval cancer.
Assuntos
Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/patologia , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/patologia , Neoplasias Vulvares/patologia , Carcinoma de Células Escamosas/virologia , Feminino , Humanos , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/etiologia , Recidiva Local de Neoplasia/virologia , Papillomaviridae , Infecções por Papillomavirus/complicações , Infecções por Papillomavirus/virologia , Prognóstico , Fatores de Risco , Líquen Escleroso Vulvar/complicações , Neoplasias Vulvares/virologiaRESUMO
AIM: To evaluate spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations using a combination of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) MRI sequences for diagnosis of drop metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-five paediatric patients with primary brain tumours were evaluated for drop metastases at initial presentation using spinal MRI including sagittal 2D T1-weighted (W) contrast-enhanced (+C), axial 3D T1W+C volumetric interpolated breath-hold (VIBE), and sagittal 3D T2W SPACE (Sampling Perfection with Application optimised Contrasts using different flip angle Evolutions). RESULTS: The MRI false-negative rate was 4%, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) false-negative rate was 16% (p=0.07). The 3D T1W+C VIBE increased the number of drop metastases detected in 42% of patients. Drop metastases were more conspicuous in 25% of patients on 3D T2W SPACE. CONCLUSION: Spinal MRI examinations including 2D and 3D sequences demonstrate characteristics that may improve radiological diagnosis of drop metastases.
Assuntos
Neoplasias Encefálicas/patologia , Imageamento Tridimensional/métodos , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética/métodos , Neoplasias Meníngeas/diagnóstico por imagem , Neoplasias Meníngeas/secundário , Adolescente , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Masculino , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
Health professionals in Ireland are increasingly concerned about the quality of oral health in older patients. The aim of this study is to identify the obstacles that face this age-group when accessing dental care, so that we are in a better position to address them. A questionnaire was completed by 105 patients attending a geriatric outpatient clinic. Over 50 percent of respondents had not attended a dentist in over 36 months, for the reasons that 'I have no problem or need for treatment' (62%) and 'I have no teeth, and therefore I have no need to go' (54%). While it is common to assume that no teeth means no need to see a dentist, research shows that regular dental visits are vital for ensuring the early screening of oral cancer and other mucosal pathologies, and the optimisation of existing rosthesis/restorations. The chief recommendation of this paper is thus to provide better education and access to older people on the importance of visiting the dentist.
Assuntos
Assistência Odontológica para Idosos , Acessibilidade aos Serviços de Saúde , Idoso , Humanos , Irlanda , Boca Edêntula , Saúde Bucal , Educação de Pacientes como AssuntoRESUMO
Older motorcyclists are under-recognised as vulnerable road users. Using Irish data from the Central Statistics Office, the Road Safety Authority and the Healthcare Pricing Office, we explored the trend of ageing riders and factors in older motorcyclist collisions and injuries. In 2005, 17 motorcyclists aged 55 and over were injured compared to 31 in 2012. Motorcyclists aged between 30-49 years and 50 years and over have longer lengths of stay compared to riders <30. The percentage of motorcycles with an engine capacity of 750cc or more increased from 39.6% in 2007 to 46.7% in 2015. Older motorcyclists are less likely to be fatally injured in single vehicle collisions. Older motorcyclists are generally safer than younger riders but the proportion of older motorcyclist injury is rising. Irish road safety strategies and trauma services need to incorporate these findings into planning and development of preventive and treatment approaches.
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Acidentes de Trânsito/estatística & dados numéricos , Motocicletas/estatística & dados numéricos , Adulto , Distribuição por Idade , Fatores Etários , Humanos , Irlanda/epidemiologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Segurança/estatística & dados numéricos , Ferimentos e Lesões/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Irrespective of national guidelines for medical fitness to drive, this study investigated the cumulative expert wisdom of clinicians regarding minimum periods of driving cessation required for patients suffering from conditions that can impair driver capability. Occupational Physicians (196) and Psychiatrists (103) completed an online questionnaire. For private motorists, the modal response for anxiety and depression favoured clinical discretion, followed by three month cessations for hypomania, acute psychosis, schizophrenia and alcohol dependence and six weeks for alcohol misuse/dependence. For professional drivers the modal value for anxiety and depression was three months, rising to six months for hypomania, psychosis and schizophrenia and 12 months for both alcohol misuse/dependence. Chi-square test results indicated statistically significant differences in clinical opinion between Occupational Physicians and Psychiatrists regarding driving cessation times for drivers suffering from psychiatric and alcohol misuse conditions except for alcohol dependence. Further studies are warranted to investigate these issues in more depth.
Assuntos
Condução de Veículo/psicologia , Medicina do Trabalho/estatística & dados numéricos , Psiquiatria/estatística & dados numéricos , Alcoolismo , Ansiedade , Condução de Veículo/estatística & dados numéricos , Distribuição de Qui-Quadrado , Depressão , Transtorno Distímico , Humanos , EsquizofreniaRESUMO
Several commonly completed tests have low diagnostic yield in the setting of transient loss of consciousness (T-LOC). We estimated the use and cost of inappropriate investigations in patients admitted with T-LOC and assessed if these patients were given a definitive diagnosis for their presentation. We identified 80 consecutive patients admitted with T-LOC to a university teaching hospital. Eighty-eight percent (70/80) had a computerized topography (CT) brain scan and 49% (34/70) of these scans were inappropriate based on standard guidelines. Almost half (17/80) of electroencephalograms (EEG) and 82% (9/11) of carotid doppler ultrasound performed were not based on clinical evidence of seizure or stroke respectively. Forty-four percent (35/80) of patients had no formal diagnosis documented for their presentation. Inappropriate investigation in T-LOC is very prevalent in the acute hospital, increasing cost of patient care. In addition, there is poor diagnostic formulation for T-LOC making recurrent events more likely in the absence of definitive diagnoses.
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Eletroencefalografia/estatística & dados numéricos , Hospitalização , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X/estatística & dados numéricos , Inconsciência/etiologia , Mau Uso de Serviços de Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Humanos , Prevalência , Convulsões/diagnóstico por imagem , Inconsciência/diagnóstico por imagemRESUMO
This study investigated the purpose and effectiveness of giving outpatients an opportunity to engage in art activities while receiving dialysis treatment. A mixed method study was conducted. 21 semi-structured interviews were conducted with outpatients attending the dialysis unit and 13 surveys of clinicians were completed. The principle reasons to partake in the art activity programme included: to pass time, to relieve boredom, to be creative, to try something new, distraction from concerns, to stay positive and to achieve something new. Patients who did not participate in the programme pass their time primarily by watching TV or sleeping. All staff who partook in the survey were satisfied with the programme and wanted it to continue. Our findings indicate that the creative arts programme is viewed positively by staff and patients alike, and might be useful in other hospital departments. Further in depth qualitative research would be useful to interrogate the potential effect of engagement in art on positive mental health and quality of life for patients with chronic conditions.
Assuntos
Arteterapia , Diálise Renal , Departamentos Hospitalares , Humanos , Saúde Mental , Avaliação de Programas e Projetos de Saúde , Pesquisa Qualitativa , Qualidade de VidaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Peripheral arterial bypass is an effective procedure for the management of patients with critical limb ischaemia. However, it is commonly associated with high rates of graft occlusion and subsequent limb loss. This is particularly apparent when the distal anastomosis is to the below-knee arterial segment. A number of studies have suggested that an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) sited at the distal anastomosis may reduce afterload, improve graft patency, and boost subsequent limb salvage. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of adjuvant AVF on the outcomes of peripheral arterial bypass. METHODS: The following databases were searched up to May 2015: Medline through Pubmed; the Cochrane Library; EMBASE; and reference lists of articles. STUDY ELIGIBILITY: All randomised controlled and observational studies that assessed the role of AVF as an adjunct to peripheral arterial bypass were included. Studies were required to include at least one pre-defined outcome. Data were extracted and assessed by two reviewers with any disagreements adjudicated on by the senior author. Pooled risk ratios were calculated using a random effects model. Additional subgroup analyses were performed. RESULTS: Two randomised controlled trials and seven retrospective cohort studies comprising 966 participants were included. Pooled standardized data showed no difference in primary graft patency (pooled RR = 1.25, 95% CI 0.73-2.16), secondary patency (pooled RR = 1.16, 95% CI 0.82-1.66), or limb salvage at 12-months (pooled RR = 1.13, 95% CI 0.80-1.60) for the peripheral bypass with AVF group compared with peripheral bypass alone. Subgroup analysis indicated a reduction in reintervention rates associated with AVF when performed in conjunction with a synthetic graft (pooled RR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.30-0.98). CONCLUSION: Although adjuvant AVF is not associated with additional operative complication there is little evidence to support its use. The evidence assessing its merits is weakened by small, retrospective studies with heterogeneous cohorts.
Assuntos
Derivação Arteriovenosa Cirúrgica/métodos , Doenças Vasculares Periféricas/cirurgia , Enxerto Vascular/métodos , Humanos , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Body composition assessment is an integral feature of elite sport as optimization facilitates successful performance. This study aims to refine the use of B-mode ultrasound in the assessment of athlete body composition by determining suitable sites for measurement. 67 elite athletes recruited from the Human Performance Laboratory, University College Cork, Ireland, underwent dual measurement of body composition. Subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness at 7 anatomical sites were measured using ultrasound and compared to percentage body fat values determined using Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. Multiple linear regressions were performed and an equation to predict percentage body fat was derived. The present study found subcutaneous adipose tissue depths at the triceps, biceps, anterior thigh and supraspinale sites correlated significantly with percentage body fat by X-ray absorptiometry (all p<0.05). Summation of the depths at these locations correlated strongly with percentage body fat by Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (R²=0.879). The triceps, biceps, anterior thigh and supraspinale sites are suitable anatomical landmarks for the estimation of %BF using B-mode ultrasound. Use of B-mode ultrasound in the assessment of athlete body composition confers many benefits including lack of ionising radiation and its potential to be used as a portable field tool.
Assuntos
Adiposidade , Atletas , Dobras Cutâneas , Gordura Subcutânea/diagnóstico por imagem , Ultrassonografia , Absorciometria de Fóton , Adolescente , Adulto , Braço/diagnóstico por imagem , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Coxa da Perna/diagnóstico por imagem , Adulto JovemRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: To describe our experience of all patients presenting to a tertiary referral centre over a 3 year time period with blunt scrotal trauma and to describe a methodical approach for managing this group of patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) of a level 1 trauma centre with blunt scrotal trauma from 2010 to 2013 inclusive. Inclusion criteria included a recent history of blunt scrotal trauma with associated pain and/or swelling of the affected testis on clinical examination. RESULTS: Twenty-seven male patients with a median age of 19 (range 8-65) years were included and all but 1 patient underwent scrotal ultrasonography upon presentation. Sixteen patients (59%) presented with scrotal trauma secondary to a sports related injury. Fifteen patients were managed conservatively and of the 12 who underwent urgent exploration 9 had a testicular rupture, including 1 who had an emergency orchidectomy due to a completely shattered testis. Four patients had >30% of the testis replaced by necrotic tissue/haematoma; of which 2 ultimately underwent orchidectomy and insertion of testicular prosthesis. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that the necessity for scrotal protection in sports that predispose to scrotal trauma should be reviewed. We also demonstrate the importance of scrotal ultrasonography for determining an appropriate management strategy (i.e., conservative versus surgical treatment) in this young patient cohort.
Assuntos
Diagnóstico por Imagem/métodos , Gerenciamento Clínico , Serviço Hospitalar de Emergência , Guias de Prática Clínica como Assunto , Escroto/lesões , Ferimentos não Penetrantes , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Criança , Humanos , Islândia/epidemiologia , Incidência , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Prognóstico , Estudos Retrospectivos , Ferimentos não Penetrantes/epidemiologia , Ferimentos não Penetrantes/etiologia , Ferimentos não Penetrantes/terapia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The importance of thrombin generation in the pathogenesis of TIA or stroke and its relationship with cerebral microembolic signals (MES) in asymptomatic and symptomatic carotid stenosis has not been comprehensively assessed. METHODS: Plasma thrombin generation parameters from patients with moderate or severe (≥ 50%) asymptomatic carotid stenosis were compared with those from patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis in the early (≤ 4 weeks) and late phases (≥ 3 months) after TIA or stroke in this prospective, pilot observational study. Thrombin generation profile was longitudinally assessed in symptomatic patients with data at each time point. Bilateral transcranial Doppler ultrasound monitoring of the middle cerebral arteries was performed whenever possible to classify patients as MES-positive or MES-negative. RESULTS: Data from 31 asymptomatic, 46 'early symptomatic' and 35 'late symptomatic' patients were analysed. Peak thrombin (344.2 nM vs 305.3 nM; p = 0.01) and endogenous thrombin potential (1772.4 vs 1589.7; p = 0.047) were higher in early symptomatic than asymptomatic patients. Peak thrombin production decreased in symptomatic patients followed up from the early to late phase after TIA or stroke (339.7 nM vs 308.6 nM; p = 0.02). Transcranial Doppler ultrasound data were available in 25 asymptomatic, 31 early symptomatic and 27 late symptomatic patients. Early symptomatic MES-positive patients had a shorter 'time-to-peak thrombin' than asymptomatic MES-positive patients (p=0.04), suggesting a more procoagulant state in this early symptomatic subgroup. DISCUSSION: Thrombin generation potential is greater in patients with recently symptomatic than asymptomatic carotid stenosis, and decreases over time following TIA or stroke associated with carotid stenosis. These data improve our understanding of the haemostatic/thrombotic biomarker profile in moderate-severe carotid stenosis.