Clinical outcomes following atrophic alveolar ridge reconstruction using collagenated xenogeneic bone block or autogenous bone block: One-year follow-up of a randomized controlled clinical.

AIM: This investigation aimed to evaluate the 1-year survival of implants placed after staged lateral alveolar ridge augmentation using equine-derived collagenated xenogeneic bone blocks (CXBBs) or autogenous bone block (ABB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients who underwent lateral augmentation in a previous trial were included. The primary outcome measure was implant survival at the 1-year follow-up, and secondary outcomes included implant success, peri-implant clinical and volumetric parameters, pink aesthetic scores (PES) and patient-reported outcome measures. Data analysis involved Fisher's exact test, the Mann-Whitney U-test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: In this study, no late implant failures were observed. The cumulative survival rates were 78.6% for the CXBB group and 90.9% for the ABB group, with no difference between the groups. Similarly, the success rates were 53.6% and 63.6%, respectively, showing no significant difference. Peri-implant clinical and volumetric parameters indicated the presence of healthy peri-implant tissues surrounding implants placed in both CXBB- and ABB-augmented sites. PES were 8.5 and 11.0 for implants placed in CXBB- and ABB-augmented sites, respectively. Furthermore, patient satisfaction rates were high and similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Dental implants placed in both CXBB- and ABB-augmented ridges demonstrated no statistically significant differences in clinical, volumetric and aesthetic outcomes, along with high patient satisfaction rates.

Prevalence and Type of HPV Genital Infection in Girls: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This investigation explored the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection by subtypes in girls aged up to 12. METHODS: Four indexed databases, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and LILACS, were evaluated. Twenty-nine observational studies published between 1992 and 2018 were included. RESULTS: The prevalence of genital condyloma acuminatum or HPV-positive serology due to prior infection among girls with suspected/confirmed sexual abuse was 25%, and without a history or information about abuse, 8%. The analysis indicated that low-risk HPV types were the most prevalent among this group, corresponding to 86.6% of the identified types. Human papillomavirus 6 and 11 were the most prevalent types, followed by HPV 16 and 2. Moreover, the analysis identified limited epidemiological data on genital warts in children up to 12 years. Several studies focused on convenience sampling, sexually abused girls, or failed to separate data by gender. CONCLUSION: Findings of our systematic review and prevalence meta-analysis indicate that the occurrence of HPV infection in girls aged 12 or younger is relatively rare, underscoring the significance of understanding the prevalence of HPV in the pediatric population. However, it is essential to be cautious when applying these results to the pediatric population, given cases of girls who are suspected of or have suffered sexual abuse. There is a pressing need for further research to fill the information gap on HPV infection in this vulnerable group.

Radiographic outcomes of ridge reconstruction with autogenous bone block versus collagenated xenogeneic bone block: A randomized clinical trial.

AIM: To compare, at different levels from the alveolar crest, the radiographic outcomes of equine-derived collagenated xenogeneic bone blocks (CXBB) and autogenous bone blocks (ABB) used for lateral alveolar ridge augmentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients with tooth gaps in atrophic alveolar ridges with ≤4 mm were randomly assigned to lateral augmentation using CXBB or ABB. The lateral bone thickness (LBT) was measured 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mm below the alveolar crest using CBCT scans obtained before augmentation surgery and at 30 weeks, prior to implant placement. Statistical analysis was performed using Shapiro-Wilk, Fisher's exact, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. RESULTS: Both CXBB and ABB resulted in significant total and buccal LBT gains at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mm. LBT gains were similar between CXBB- and ABB-augmented sites, except for greater buccal LBT gains at 8 mm at CXBB-augmented sites. While ABB-augmented sites gained vertical bone height, CXBB-treated sites suffered vertical bone loss (CXBB: -0.16 mm; ABB: 0.38 mm, p < .0009). CONCLUSIONS: CXBB and ABB were both associated with significant and similar LBT gains at 30 weeks.

Autogenous bone block versus collagenated xenogeneic bone block in the reconstruction of the atrophic alveolar ridge: A non-inferiority randomized clinical trial.

AIM: To compare the efficacy of equine-derived collagenated xenogeneic bone blocks (CXBB) and autogenous bone block (ABB) for lateral alveolar ridge augmentation and two-stage implant placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients with tooth gaps up to four teeth and atrophic alveolar ridges with ≤4 mm were randomly assigned to lateral augmentation using CXBB or ABB. Lateral bone thickness (LBT) was measured 2 mm below the alveolar crest at augmentation surgery and 30 weeks later at implant placement. Implant-related outcomes, adverse events, surgery duration, pain sensation, analgesic consumption, and oral health-related quality of life were also assessed. Data were analysed using Fisher's exact, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. RESULTS: At 30 weeks, the median change in LBT amounted to 2.90 (CXBB) and 3.00 (ABB), respectively. Secondary endpoints demonstrated similar results for CXBB and ABB in terms of possibility to place an implant, need to perform a secondary bone augmentation at implant placement and rate of complications. Early implant failure was 20% for CXBB and 10% for ABB, with no difference between the groups. Pain scores and post-operative consumption of analgesics were significantly lower in the CXBB group than in the ABB group, especially during the first days post-surgery. CONCLUSIONS: CXBB is non-inferior to ABB for horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation and two-stage implant placement.

Pooled incidence of continuation and pregnancy rates of four contraceptive methods in young women: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Continuation rates of contraceptive methods in young women vary among studies, and there is scarce data regarding the pregnancy rate in this population. METHODS: Four independently systematic searches were performed in PUBMED, EMBASE, LILACS, and Cochrane databases from inception until January 2021 for oral contraceptive pill (OCP), copper IUD, levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), and subdermal implant. Inclusion criteria were observational or RCT studies that reported continuation for at least 12 months and/or pregnancy rate of these contraceptives methods in girls aged 22 years old or younger. Two authors extracted data from the study design and the outcomes. Pooled proportions of each method were applied using the inverse variance in all calculations with LOGIT transformation, using the random-effects model. Cochrane collaboration tool and New Castle-Ottawa were used to assess the quality and bias of all included studies. GRADE criteria evaluated the quality of evidence. RESULTS: Continuation rate for OCP was 51% (95%CI 34%-68%), while for cooper IUD was 77% (95%CI 74%-80%), LNG-IUS 84% (95%CI 80%-87%), and implant 85% (95%CI 81%-88%). The pooled estimated pregnancy rate for OCP was 11% (95%CI 6%-20%), while for cooper IUD was 5% (95%CI 3%-7%), LNG-IUS 1.6% (95%CI 1.2%-2.3%), and implant 1.8% (95%CI 0.4%-8.4%). CONCLUSION: Long-acting contraceptive methods presented higher continuation rates and lower pregnancy rates when compared to OCPs.

Does admission time matter in a paediatric intensive care unit? A prospective cohort study.

AIM: Studies assessing the association between admission time to paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and mortality are sparse with conflicting results. We aimed to evaluate the impact of time of admission on PICU mortality within 48 h after admission. METHODS: This was a single-centre prospective cohort. We collected data from all consecutive children aged 1 month to 16 years over 10 years. RESULTS: We included a total of 1368 admissions, with a PICU mortality of 6.6%. Compared with daytime admissions, the overall mortality rate (5.3% vs. 8.5%, P = 0.026) and the mortality within 48 h after admission were higher for those admitted during night-time (2% vs. 4.2%, P = 0.021). There were no differences between mortality rates and the day of admission (weekend admissions vs. weekday admissions). The adjusted odds of death within 48 h after admission was 2.5 (95% confidence interval = 1.22-5.24, P = 0.012) for patients admitted at night-time. A secondary analysis assessing trends in mortality rates during admission showed that the last 5 years of study were more responsible for the chances of death within 48 h (odds ratio = 7.6, 95% confidence interval = 1.91-30.17, P = 0.0039). CONCLUSION: Admission to the PICU during night shifts was strongly associated with death compared to daytime admissions. A time analysis of the moment of admission is necessary as a metric of quality of care to identify the interruption or improvement in the continuity of care. Further studies are needed to assess the modified contributing factors.

Factors Associated With Unplanned Extubation in Children: A Case-Control Study.

PURPOSE: Although several studies assess unplanned extubation (UE) in children, few have addressed determinants of UE and factors associated with reintubation in a case-controlled manner. We aimed to identify the risk factors and outcomes associated with UE in a pediatric intensive care unit. METHODS: Cases of UE were randomly matched with control patients at a ratio of 1:4 for age, severity of illness, and admission diagnosis. For cases and controls, we also collected data associated with UE events, reintubation, and outcomes. RESULTS: We analyzed 94 UE patients (0.75 UE per 100 intubation days) and found no differences in demographics between the 2 groups. Logistic regression revealed that patient agitation (odds ratio [OR]: 2.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28-4.65), continuous sedation infusion (OR: 3.27; 95% CI: 1.70-6.29), night shifts (OR: 9.16; 95% CI: 4.25-19.72), in-charge nurse experience <2 years (OR: 2.38; 95% CI: 1.13-4.99), and oxygenation index (OI) >5 (OR: 76.9; 95% CI: 16.79-352.47) were associated with UE. Risk factors for reintubation after UE included prior level of sedation (COMFORT score < 27; OR: 7.93; 95% CI: 2.30-27.29), copious secretion (OR: 11.88; 95% CI: 2.20-64.05), and OI > 5 (OR: 9.32; 95% CI: 2.45-35.48). CONCLUSIONS: This case-control study showed that both patient- and nurse-associated risk factors were related to UE. Risk factors associated with reintubation included lower levels of consciousness, copious secretions, and higher OI. Further evidence-based studies, including a larger sample size, are warranted to identify predisposing factors in UEs.

Current evidence of contraceptive uptake, pregnancy and continuation rates in young women: a systematic review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Half of all pregnancies worldwide are unintended, and the rate is even higher in women aged ≤25 years. We sought to identify which method of contraception was the most effective option to prevent unintended pregnancy in young women and adolescents. METHODS: Systematic searches, without language restrictions, were carried out of the PubMed, Embase, Lilacs and Cochrane databases from inception to July 2020. Abstracts and full-text articles of observational studies and randomised controlled trials comparing the use of multiple methods of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) and short-acting reversible contraception (SARC) in young women and adolescents were screened and reviewed. Risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences with their 95% confidence interval (CI) were derived using a random-effects meta-analytical model. Meta-analyses provided pooled estimates for adverse events, continuation rates and efficacy of LARC methods in young women and adolescents. Nine of the 25 included studies compared LARC with SARC, and 16 compared LARC methods only. RESULTS: At 12 months, young women had better adherence with LARC compared with SARC (n = 1606; RR 1.60; 95% CI 1.21, 2.12; I 2 = 88%), which suggests a better unintended pregnancy prevention outcome for young women. However, more young women chose SARC (n = 2835; RR 0.37; 95% CI 0.17, 0.80; I 2 = 99%). Pregnancy during LARC use was rare. CONCLUSION: LARC methods are the most efficacious in preventing pregnancy, and women should be informed of this if pregnancy prevention is their priority. The evidence, however, is of low quality. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42017055452.

Pelvic floor symptoms 5 to 14 years after total versus subtotal hysterectomy for benign conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We aim to compare total versus subtotal abdominal hysterectomy regarding urinary and bowel symptoms and pelvic organ prolapse at long-term follow-up. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed on the MEDLINE, LILACS, Cochrane CENTRAL and SCOPUS databases and conference abstracts (AAGL, AUGS, ICS) from inception up to November 2017. We included randomized trials comparing total versus subtotal hysterectomy for benign conditions that evaluated pelvic floor symptoms over 5 years of follow-up. Risk of bias and GRADE assessment for quality of evidence were performed. RESULTS: We included four studies involving 566 participants with follow-up ranging from 5 to 14 years. Women who underwent total hysterectomy presented lower risk of reported urinary incontinence [RR 0.74 (CI = 0.58, 0.94) i2 0%; p = 0.02] and stress urinary incontinence [RR 0.84 (CI = 0.71, 0.99) i2 0%; p = 0.04] than those who had subtotal hysterectomy. The events urinary frequency, urge incontinence, incomplete bladder emptying, pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence of stool and constipation did not favor one procedure over another in the long term (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patient-reported urinary incontinence and stress urinary incontinence events favored total hysterectomy over subtotal hysterectomy up to 14-year long-term follow-up.

Does Tracheal Lidocaine Instillation Reduce Intracranial Pressure Changes After Tracheal Suctioning in Severe Head Trauma? A Prospective, Randomized Crossover Study.

OBJECTIVES: Tracheal suctioning is a routine procedure in mechanically ventilated children, however, in severe head-injured patients it can result in potential deleterious increase in intracranial pressure. We aimed to assess the effect of tracheal lidocaine administration on intracranial pressure during tracheal suctioning. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled crossover study. SETTING: PICU of a tertiary hospital. PATIENTS: Eleven patients with severe head trauma (Glasgow Coma Scale score 4-8) INTERVENTIONS:: Lidocaine (1.5 mg/kg) or saline solution was endotracheally instilled before a standardized tracheal suctioning maneuver. Each patient received both treatments in a crossover design. Cerebral hemodynamic and systemic and ventilatory effects were assessed at four time points: in baseline (T0), within 2 minutes (T1), 5 minutes (T2), and 15 minutes after tracheal instillation (T3). The 2-minute time interval around tracheal suctioning was used to assess each treatment efficacy MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:: The time course of intracranial pressure was different throughout the study in both treatment groups, with a significant increase of intracranial pressure from 14.82 ± 3.48 to 23.27 ± 9.06 with lidocaine (p = 0.003) and from 14.73 ± 2.41 to 30.45 ± 13.14 with saline (p = 0.02). The mean variation in intracranial pressure immediately after tracheal suctioning was smaller with lidocaine instillation than saline (8.45 vs 15.72 mm Hg; p = 0.006). Patients treated with lidocaine returned to baseline intracranial pressure value at 5 minutes after tracheal suctioning whereas those receiving saline solution returned to baseline intracranial pressure value at 15 minutes. Although patients treated with lidocaine had no significant hemodynamic changes, patients receiving saline solution experienced a higher mean value of mean arterial pressure (99.36 vs 81.73 mm Hg; p = 0.004) at T1. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study showed that tracheal lidocaine instillation can attenuate increase in intracranial pressure induced by tracheal suctioning and favor a faster return to the intracranial pressure baseline levels without significant hemodynamic and ventilatory changes.

Purinergic receptor stimulation induces calcium oscillations and smooth muscle contraction in small pulmonary veins.

KEY POINTS: We investigated the excitation-contraction coupling mechanisms in small pulmonary veins (SPVs) in rat precision-cut lung slices. We found that SPVs contract strongly and reversibly in response to extracellular ATP and other vasoconstrictors, including angiotensin-II and endothelin-1. ATP-induced vasoconstriction in SPVs was associated with the stimulation of purinergic P2Y2 receptors in vascular smooth muscle cell, activation of phospholipase C-ß and the generation of intracellular Ca2+ oscillations mediated by cyclic Ca2+ release events via the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor. Active constriction of SPVs may play an important role in the development of pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary oedema. ABSTRACT: The small pulmonary veins (SPVs) may play a role in the development of pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary oedema via active changes in SPV diameter, mediated by vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) contraction. However, the excitation-contraction coupling mechanisms during vasoconstrictor stimulation remain poorly understood in these veins. We used rat precision-cut lung slices and phase-contrast and confocal microscopy to investigate dynamic changes in SPV cross-sectional luminal area and intracellular Ca2+ signalling in their VSMCs. We found that the SPV (∼150 µm in diameter) contract strongly in response to extracellular ATP and other vasoconstrictors, including angiotensin-II and endothelin-1. ATP-induced SPV contraction was fast, concentration-dependent, completely reversible upon ATP washout, and inhibited by purinergic receptor antagonists suramin and AR-C118925 but not by MRS2179. Immunofluorescence showed purinergic P2Y2 receptors expressed in SPV VSMCs. ATP-induced SPV contraction was inhibited by phospholipase Cß inhibitor U73122 and accompanied by intracellular Ca2+ oscillations in the VSMCs. These Ca2+ oscillations and SPV contraction were inhibited by the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor inhibitor 2-APB but not by ryanodine. The results of the present study suggest that ATP-induced vasoconstriction in SPVs is associated with the activation of purinergic P2Y2 receptors in VSMCs and the generation of Ca2+ oscillations.

Predicting Reintubation After Unplanned Extubations in Children: Art or Science?

PURPOSE: Reintubation following unplanned extubation (UE) is often required and associated with increased morbidity; however, knowledge of risk factors leading to reintubation and subsequent outcomes in children is still lacking. We sought to determine the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes related to reintubation after UEs. METHODS: All mechanically ventilated children were prospectively tracked for UEs over a 7-year period in a pediatric intensive care unit. For each UE event, data associated with reintubation within 24 hours and outcomes were collected. RESULTS: Of 757 intubated patients, 87 UE occurred out of 11 335 intubation days (0.76 UE/100 intubation days), with 57 (65%) requiring reintubation. Most of the UEs that did not require reintubation were already weaning ventilator settings prior to UE (73%). Univariate analysis showed that younger children (<1 year) required reintubation more frequently after an UE. Patients experiencing UE during weaning experienced significantly fewer reintubations, whereas 90% of patients with full mechanical ventilation support required reintubation. Logistic regression revealed that requirement of full ventilator support (odds ratio: 37.5) and a COMFORT score <26 (odds ratio: 5.5) were associated with UE failure. There were no differences between reintubated and nonreintubated patients regarding the length of hospital stay, ventilator-associated pneumonia rate, need for tracheostomy, and mortality. Cardiovascular and respiratory complications were seen in 33% of the reintubations. CONCLUSION: The rate of reintubation is high in children experiencing UE. Requirement of full ventilator support and a COMFORT score <26 are associated with reintubation. Prospective research is required to better understand the reintubation decisions and needs.

Postextubation Dysphagia in Children: The Role of Speech-Language Pathologists.

OBJECTIVES: Postextubation dysphagia is common and associated with worse outcomes in the PICU. Although there has been an increased participation of speech-language pathologists in its treatment, there is limited evidence to support speech-language pathologists as core PICU team member. We aimed to assess the impact of speech-language pathologists interventions on the treatment of postextubation dysphagia. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental prospective study. In the historical group (controls), patients received a standard care management for dysphagia whereas the intervention group was routinely treated by speech-language pathologists. SETTING: PICU of a tertiary hospital. PATIENTS: Children who were endotracheally intubated for a period greater than 24 hours with greater oral intake limitation as defined by a Functional Oral Intake Scale less than or equal to 3. INTERVENTION: Routine speech-language pathologist assessment. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 74 patients were enrolled to receive intervention (January 2015 to December 2016) and 41 patients to the historical group (January 2014 to December 2014). There were no differences in the demographic and clinical characteristics. The historical group had both longer time to initiate oral intake (7 vs 4 d; p = 0.0002; hazard ratio, 2.33) and to reach full oral intake compared with intervention group (9 vs 13 d; p < 0.001; hazard ratio, 2.51). A total of 32 controls (78%) and 74 intervention patients (100%) were on total oral intake at discharge (p ≤ 0.001). Three of nine control patients were feeding tube dependent at hospital discharge. Also, controls had a longer length of hospital stay (25 vs 20 d) and a higher rate of reintubation when compared with those patients of intervention group (10% vs 2%). CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating speech-language pathologists in the routine management of postextubation dysphagia can result in faster functional improvement and favorable patient outcomes. Yet, further and larger studies in pediatric dysphagia are required to support the related interventions and strategies to guide clinical practice.

Hysteropreservation versus hysterectomy in the surgical treatment of uterine prolapse: systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The efficacy and safety of removing or preserving the uterus during reconstructive pelvic surgery is a matter of debate. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that compared hysteropreservation and hysterectomy in the management of uterine prolapse. PubMed, Medline, SciELO and LILACS databases were searched from inception until January 2017. We selected only randomized controlled trials and observational cohort prospective comparative studies. Primary outcomes were recurrence and reoperation rates. Secondary outcomes were: operative time, blood loss, visceral injury, voiding dysfunction, duration of catheterization, length of hospital stay, mesh exposure, dyspareunia, malignant neoplasia and quality of life. RESULTS: Eleven studies (six randomized and five non-randomized) were included involving 910 patients (462 in the hysteropreservation group and 448 in the hysterectomy group). Pooled data including all surgical techniques showed no difference between the groups regarding recurrence of uterine prolapse (RR 1.65, 95% CI 0.88-3.10; p = 0.12), but the risk of recurrence following hysterectomy was lower when the vaginal route was used with native tissue repair (RR 10.61; 95% CI 1.26-88.94; p = 0.03). Hysterectomy was associated with a lower reoperation rate for any prolapse compartment than hysteropreservation (RR 2.05; 95% CI 1.13-3.74; p = 0.02). Hysteropreservation was associated with a shorter operative time (mean difference -12.43 min; 95% CI -14.11 to -10.74 ; p < 0.00001) and less blood loss (mean difference -60.42 ml; 95% CI -71.31 to -49.53 ml; p < 0.00001). Other variables were similar between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the rate of recurrence of uterine prolapse was not lower but the rate of reoperation for prolapse was lower following hysterectomy, while operative time was shorter and blood loss was less with hysteropreservation. The limitations of this analysis were the inclusion of nonrandomized studies and the variety of surgical techniques. The results should be interpreted with caution due to potential biases.

Severe liver and renal injuries following cerebral angiography: late life-threatening complications of non-ionic contrast medium administration.

INTRODUCTION: Contrast-induced nephropathy requiring dialysis support is rarely reported, whereas severe liver injury after contrast agent administration has not been described in children yet. CLINICAL CASE: A previously healthy 10-year-old boy with diagnosis of cerebral arteriovenous malformation underwent a cerebral angiogram study with iohexol (3 mL/kg). After 4 days, he developed vomiting and abdominal pain. Laboratory results showed abnormal liver function tests, including marked elevation of transaminases. In the next day, he evolved with oliguria and blood arterial hypertension. At this time, he presented with worsening renal function tests. Peritoneal dialysis was required for 13 days. The patient had a self-limiting course and received only supportive treatment. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: This report highlights delayed complications related to low non-ionic contrast media with a rare presentation that can be neglected or unrecognized by pediatric specialties.

How the modified Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score can identify treatment failure and avoid overusing antibiotics in ventilator-associated pneumonia.

AIM: Although the modified Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS) has been used to guide treatment decisions in adults with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), paediatric studies are lacking. We assessed a modified CPIS tool to define VAP resolution and identify treatment failure at an early stage. METHODS: We identified 70 mechanically ventilated children with VAP according to the Center for Disease Control criteria. Modified CPIS was initially measured at VAP onset and then three and five days afterwards. Children were defined as low risk or high risk based on a cut-off score of six. RESULTS: There were 50 high-risk and 20 low-risk patients. Culture results were positive in 64% of the high-risk patients and just 10% of the low-risk patients. Patients on adequate therapy significantly improved their CPIS scores by day three, regardless of the likelihood of VAP. A lack of score improvement demonstrated sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 83% when it came to detecting treatment failure. The area under the receiver operating curve was 0.92. CONCLUSION: Serial modified CPIS measurements showed that low-risk patients with negative cultures at day three should be considered for a short course of antibiotics. In contrast, high-risk patients with no score improvement were potentially failing their treatment.

Seasonality as a risk factor for deaths in Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: According to growing evidence, sleep disruption harms biological processes and circadian homeostasis. Diurnal motor symptom volatility in Parkinson's Disease (PD) has been extensively studied. Few studies examined seasonal variability in PD symptoms, some showing it and others not. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether PD patients' deaths follow a rhythmic pattern due to circadian rhythm alterations. METHODS: This study used only unidentified patient databases. People with PD, ICD10 code G20, in at least one death certificate field were selected. The Continuous Wavelet Transform and Fourier Transform were checked for oscillation and its duration. RESULTS: The 18-year analysis found 43,072 PD deaths. The Continuous Wavelet transform revealed a 351.87-day annual component (p < 0.05). Winter in the southern hemisphere saw more deaths, mainly in July. The Continuous Wavelet transform identified a significant daily component (p < 0.05) of 22.81 hours. Fatalities peaked around 9 a.m. Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in PD, and women and men have the same rhythm pattern. CONCLUSION: Parkinson's disease mortality in Brazil follows a pattern. Using over 40.000 death certificates from 18 years, the authors found that Parkinson's patient fatalities rise in winter and peak in July at about 9 a.m. Sunlight reduction increases mortality risk in the long term. Low sunshine lowers temperatures, increasing short-term death risk. This is crucial because it prioritizes the sun, seasons, and circadian rhythm over low temperatures.

Impact of Prolonged Continuous Ketamine Infusions in Critically Ill Children: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Ketamine has been considered as an adjunct for children who do not reach their predefined target sedation depth. However, there is limited evidence regarding the use of ketamine as a prolonged infusion (i.e., >24 hours) in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of continuous ketamine infusion for >24 hours in mechanically ventilated children. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study in a tertiary PICU from January 2020 to December 2022. The primary outcome was the incidence of adverse events (AEs) after ketamine initiation. The secondary outcome included assessing the median proportion of time the patient spent on the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) goal after ketamine infusion. Patients were also divided into two groups based on the sedative regimen, ketamine-based or non-ketamine-based, to assess the incidence of delirium. RESULTS: A total of 269 patients were enrolled: 73 in the ketamine group and 196 in the non-ketamine group. The median infusion rate of ketamine was 1.4 mg/kg/h. Delirium occurred in 16 (22%) patients with ketamine and 15 (7.6%) patients without ketamine (p = 0.006). After adjusting for covariates, logistic regression showed that delirium was associated with comorbidities (odds ratio [OR] 4.2), neurodevelopmental delay (OR 0.23), fentanyl use (OR 7.35), and ketamine use (OR 4.17). Thirty-one (42%) of the patients experienced at least one AE following ketamine infusion. Other AEs likely related to ketamine were hypertension (n = 4), hypersecretion (n = 14), tachycardia (n = 6), and nystagmus (n = 2). There were no significant changes in hemodynamic variables 24 h after the initiation of ketamine. Regarding the secondary outcomes, patients were at their goal RASS level for a median of 76% (range 68-80.5%) of the time in the 24 hours before ketamine initiation, compared with 84% (range 74.5-90%) of the time during the 24 h after ketamine initiation (p < 0.001). The infusion rate of ketamine did not significantly affect concomitant analgesic and sedative infusions. The ketamine group experienced a longer duration of mechanical ventilation and a longer length of stay in the PICU and hospital than the non-ketamine group. CONCLUSION: The use of ketamine infusion in PICU patients may be associated with an increased rate of adverse events, especially delirium. High-quality studies are needed before ketamine can be broadly recommended or adopted earlier in the sedation protocol.

Use of Machine Perfusion to Increase the Number of Expanded Criteria Deceased Donor Kidney Transplants: A Pharmacoeconomic Analysis.

Background: The discard of expanded criteria donor (ECD) kidneys is unacceptably high, considering the growing demand for transplantation. Using machine perfusion may reduce the discard rate, increase the number of transplants, and reduce mortality on the waiting list. Methods: We developed a 5-y Markov model to simulate incorporating the pulsatile perfusion machine into the current government-funded healthcare system. The model compared the universal use of static cold storage for all kidneys with the selective use of machine perfusion for ECD kidneys. Real-life data were used to compose the cohort characteristics in this model. This pharmacoeconomic analysis aimed to determine the cost-effectiveness and budgetary impact of using machine perfusion to preserve ECD kidneys. Results: Compared with the universal use of static cold storage, the use of machine perfusion for ECD kidneys was associated with an increase in the number of kidney transplants (n = 1123), a decrease in the number of patients on the waiting list (n = 815), and decrease in mortality (n = 120), with a cost difference of US dollar 4 486 009 in the period. The budget impact analysis revealed an additional cost of US dollar 4 453 749 >5 y. The budget impact analysis demonstrated a progressive reduction in costs, becoming cost-saving during the last year of the analysis. Conclusions: This stochastic model showed that incorporating machine perfusion for ECD kidneys is most often a dominant or cost-effective technology associated with an increase in the number of transplants and a reduction in the number of patients on the waiting list, reducing mortality on the waiting list.