Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging for kidney cyst volume quantification and non-cystic tissue characterisation in ADPKD.

OBJECTIVES: Beyond total kidney and cyst volume (TCV), non-cystic tissue plays an important role in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) progression. This study aims at presenting and preliminarily validating a diffusion MRI (DWI)-based TCV quantification method and providing evidence of DWI potential in characterising non-cystic tissue microstructure. METHODS: T2-weighted MRI and DWI scans (b = 0, 15, 50, 100, 200, 350, 500, 700, 1000; 3 directions) were acquired from 35 ADPKD patients with CKD stage 1 to 3a and 15 healthy volunteers on a 1.5 T scanner. ADPKD classification was performed using the Mayo model. DWI scans were processed by mono- and segmented bi-exponential models. TCV was quantified on T2-weighted MRI by the reference semi-automatic method and automatically computed by thresholding the pure diffusivity (D) histogram. The agreement between reference and DWI-based TCV values and the differences in DWI-based parameters between healthy and ADPKD tissue components were assessed. RESULTS: There was strong correlation between DWI-based and reference TCV (rho = 0.994, p < 0.001). Non-cystic ADPKD tissue had significantly higher D, and lower pseudo-diffusion and flowing fraction than healthy tissue (p < 0.001). Moreover, apparent diffusion coefficient and D values significantly differed by Mayo imaging class, both in the whole kidney (Wilcoxon p = 0.007 and p = 0.004) and non-cystic tissue (p = 0.024 and p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: DWI shows potential in ADPKD to quantify TCV and characterise non-cystic kidney tissue microstructure, indicating the presence of microcysts and peritubular interstitial fibrosis. DWI could complement existing biomarkers for non-invasively staging, monitoring, and predicting ADPKD progression and evaluating the impact of novel therapies, possibly targeting damaged non-cystic tissue besides cyst expansion. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This study shows diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) potential to quantify total cyst volume and characterise non-cystic kidney tissue microstructure in ADPKD. DWI could complement existing biomarkers for non-invasively staging, monitoring, and predicting ADPKD progression and evaluating the impact of novel therapies, possibly targeting damaged non-cystic tissue besides cyst expansion. KEY POINTS: • Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging shows potential to quantify total cyst volume in ADPKD. • Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging might allow to non-invasively characterise non-cystic kidney tissue microstructure. • Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging-based biomarkers significantly differ by Mayo imaging class, suggesting their possible prognostic value.

The influence of patient and caregiver depression on patient self-care and caregiver contribution to self-care in ostomy: A dyadic analysis.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the association between patient and caregiver depression and patient self-care and caregiver contribution to self-care in the context of ostomy care. BACKGROUND: Self-care is essential for ostomy patients and their caregivers. The ostomy self-care process can be considered a dyadic phenomenon in which the patient and the caregiver interact together and work as a team. The presence of depressive symptoms may limit the patient's ability to perform self-care and caregivers' abilities to engage in caregiving tasks. Research into the dyadic influence of depression on self-care behaviours from the perspective of ostomates and their caregivers is still in its infancy. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of a multicentre, cross-sectional study. The STROBE checklist was used to report the present study. METHODS: Patient-caregiver dyads were recruited from eight ostomy outpatient clinics from February 2017 to May 2018. Depression was assessed with the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire in both patients and caregivers. Patient self-care was evaluated with the Ostomy Self-Care Index, and caregiver contribution to self-care was assessed with the Caregiver Contribution to Ostomy Self-Care Index. Both instruments measure the dimensions of maintenance, monitoring and management. The actor-partner interdependence model was performed for the dyadic analysis. RESULTS: In total, 252 patient-caregiver dyads (patients: 69.8% male, mean age 70.05; caregivers: 80.6% female, mean age 58.7) were enrolled. Patient depression was positively associated with caregiver contribution to self-care maintenance. Caregiver depression was negatively associated with self-care management. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: These findings add a better understanding of the reciprocal influence of dyadic depression on patient and caregiver contributions to self-care in ostomy contexts was found. Patient and caregiver depression influence patient self-care and caregiver contribution to self-care. Therefore, clinicians should assess and treat depression in both members of the dyad to improve self-care.

Is Gastrointestinal Bleeding a Problem for COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit Patients?

The objective of this study was to describe the COVID-19 intensive care unit population and analyze the characteristics and outcomes of gastrointestinal bleeding patients. An observational prospective study design was used following the STROBE checklist. All patients admitted between February and April 2020 to the intensive care unit were included. Main outcome measures were first bleeding event timing, sociodemographic and clinical data before admission, and gastrointestinal symptoms. A total of 116 COVID-19 patients were included; 16 (13.8%) developed gastrointestinal bleeding, 15 were males (93.7%), and the median age was 65.64 ± 7.33 years. All 16 patients were mechanically ventilated, one (6.3%) already had gastrointestinal symptoms, 13 (81.3%) had at least one concomitant disease, and six (37.5%) died. Bleeding episodes occurred on a mean of 16.9 ± 9.5 days after admission. Nine cases (56.3%) had effects on their hemodynamics, hemoglobin levels, or transfusion requirements; six (37.5%) required diagnostic imaging; and two (12.5%) underwent endoscopy procedures. The Mann-Whitney test showed statistically significant differences between the two groups of patients concerning comorbidities. Gastrointestinal bleeding can occur in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Having a solid tumor or chronic liver disease seems to increase that risk. Nurses caring for COVID-19 patients are urged to individualize patients at higher risk in order to improve safety.

Parastomal hernia: an overview.

Parastomal hernia (PH) is one of the most frequent ostomy complications, and the reported incidence in the literature is highly variable. As highlighted by the Association of Stoma Care Nurses UK, this complication develops mainly in children and older men over 70, but many predisposing factors are related to the individual patient and surgery. There is no standardised system for assessing PH. The main assessment techniques include objective examination, ultrasound scan and computed tomography. Prevention is based on various interventions by surgeons and stoma care nurses (SCNs). The SCN's primary interventions include accurate patient evaluation, pre-operative ostomy siting, education about body weight management and advice on appropriate exercises. The treatment of PH can be conservative or surgical, and the choice is based on the patient's clinical condition. Ostomy can significantly impact on a patient's quality of life (QoL), and the presence of PH can further aggravate the situation. This overview of PH considers the incidence, aetiology, prevention, treatment and impact on QoL.

Consensus-Based Technical Recommendations for Clinical Translation of Renal Phase Contrast MRI.

BACKGROUND: Phase-contrast (PC) MRI is a feasible and valid noninvasive technique to measure renal artery blood flow, showing potential to support diagnosis and monitoring of renal diseases. However, the variability in measured renal blood flow values across studies is large, most likely due to differences in PC-MRI acquisition and processing. Standardized acquisition and processing protocols are therefore needed to minimize this variability and maximize the potential of renal PC-MRI as a clinically useful tool. PURPOSE: To build technical recommendations for the acquisition, processing, and analysis of renal 2D PC-MRI data in human subjects to promote standardization of renal blood flow measurements and facilitate the comparability of results across scanners and in multicenter clinical studies. STUDY TYPE: Systematic consensus process using a modified Delphi method. POPULATION: Not applicable. SEQUENCE FIELD/STRENGTH: Renal fast gradient echo-based 2D PC-MRI. ASSESSMENT: An international panel of 27 experts from Europe, the USA, Australia, and Japan with 6 (interquartile range 4-10) years of experience in 2D PC-MRI formulated consensus statements on renal 2D PC-MRI in two rounds of surveys. Starting from a recently published systematic review article, literature-based and data-driven statements regarding patient preparation, hardware, acquisition protocol, analysis steps, and data reporting were formulated. STATISTICAL TESTS: Consensus was defined as ≥75% unanimity in response, and a clear preference was defined as 60-74% agreement among the experts. RESULTS: Among 60 statements, 57 (95%) achieved consensus after the second-round survey, while the remaining three showed a clear preference. Consensus statements resulted in specific recommendations for subject preparation, 2D renal PC-MRI data acquisition, processing, and reporting. DATA CONCLUSION: These recommendations might promote a widespread adoption of renal PC-MRI, and may help foster the set-up of multicenter studies aimed at defining reference values and building larger and more definitive evidence, and will facilitate clinical translation of PC-MRI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 1.

Caregiver contribution to self-care and its associated variables among caregivers of ostomy patients: Results of a cross-sectional study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe caregiver contribution (CC) to ostomy self-care and identify its associated variables among caregivers of ostomy patients. BACKGROUND: Self-care is essential for ostomy patients, but it can be difficult to perform. In these cases, caregivers play a key role in promoting self-care behaviours. So far, the CC to ostomy self-care has not been investigated thoroughly. DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional and multicentre study conducted at seven outpatient clinics of two Italian regions. METHODS: We recruited 252 caregivers between February 2017-May 2018. The Caregiver Contribution to Ostomy Self-Care Index (CC-OSCI) was used to measure CC to ostomy self-care. Three multivariable linear regression models were fitted to identify variables associated with CC dimensions (maintenance, monitoring and management). The STROBE checklist was used to report the present study. RESULTS: The sample (mean age = 58.73, SD = 13.98) was mostly female (80.60%), unemployed (58.70%) and resided with the patient (81.00%). Caregivers being employed and those declaring more hours of contribution per week were associated with a significantly lower contribution to self-care maintenance. Caregivers with lower levels of education and those residing with the patient were less likely to contribute to CC to self-care monitoring. Spousal caregivers and those with higher preparedness contributed significantly lower to CC to self-care management. CONCLUSIONS: We found a variety of sociodemographic factors associated with CC to ostomy self-care. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Sociodemographic variables associated with CC to ostomy self-care can help clinicians develop more tailored educational interventions for caregivers who find their contribution challenging.

Professional values and nursing self-efficacy in the Italian context. Correlational descriptive study.

INTRODUCTION: Nurses' professional values (NPVs) and self-efficacy (SE) are two fundamental elements in nursing care that influence its professional identity, competences, resulting in changing the behaviour of professionals and their response to the patient's health needs. The various studies produced so far have not investigated a possible relationship between these two areas. Therefore, the objective of the following study is to identify and deepen the relationship between NPV and SE, in order to improve the knowledge of these issues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational, correlational and multicentric study has been carried out through a questionnaire based survey. The sampling was conventional. The data collection took place through Nursing Professional Values Scale, version 3 (NPVS-3), which investigates professional values; and Nursing Professional Self-Efficacy Scale (NPSES), which investigates self-efficacy and a socio-demographic questionnaire. RESULTS: The total sample was 532 nurses and 65.6% was female, with a median age of 42 years and a median of 15 working years. Positive statistically significant correlations between the various domains of the NPVS-3 and NPSES scales were found. These relationships also emerged in the analyses between geographical areas. Overall, the relationships between self-efficacy and values were similar in all the analyses. DISCUSSION: As the professional values of nurses increase in their response to the patient's health needs, self-efficacy perceived by them increases and vice versa, significantly effecting the clinic and care outcomes of the patients and improving nursing outcomes. The stratification of the sample by geographical area regarding the relationship between age, years of work and professional values indicated that these variables strongly influence the NPV and SE of nurses. Therefore, in some contexts, more support in maintaining a stable value structure may be needed; moreover, it is necessary to incentivise nurses with more effective interventions, as an example and a basis of motivation for future generations.

The ABCDE bundle implementation in an intensive care unit: Facilitators and barriers perceived by nurses and doctors.

AIM: To describe the facilitators and barriers perceived by healthcare teams after the implementation of the Awakening, Breathing, Coordination, Delirium monitoring/management and Early mobility bundle in an intensive care unit in Italy. This multicomponent intervention strategy has been associated with lower probabilities of delirium, improved functional outcomes and shorter duration of mechanical ventilation. METHODS: A survey study conducted between June 2015 and May 2016 explored variables related to intensive care unit team members: perceptions of delirium; knowledge of the Awakening, Breathing, Coordination, Delirium monitoring/management and Early mobility bundle; teamwork perception and resource availability. RESULTS: Most of the participants affirmed having reasonable knowledge of delirium, outcomes of delirious episodes, Awakening, Breathing, Coordination, Delirium monitoring/management and Early mobility bundle components and their effectiveness. Low coordination between healthcare professionals was identified as a barrier. Overall, the time elapsing from the beginning of implementation of the bundle determined an increase in levels of awareness and confidence in the application of the bundle protocol and the Confusion Assessment Method Intensive Care Unit scale. CONCLUSION: Issues with the Awakening, Breathing, Coordination, Delirium monitoring/management and Early mobility bundle relating to coordination, management and interdisciplinary ward rounds are critical and should be remedied and monitored. This study could provide the basis for improving bundle implementation strategies and surveying levels of progression in other intensive care units.

Predictors of Adjustment to Living with an Ostomy: Results of a Cross-sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe predictors of adjustment to living with an ostomy among Italian adults with an enterostomy or a colostomy. METHODS: A multicenter, cross-sectional design was performed, sampling 403 patients with an ostomy in three different outpatient clinics of northern Italy between April 2018 and December 2020. Data were collected by stoma therapists in ambulatory settings using the Italian version of the Ostomy Adjustment Inventory-23 and patient medical records. RESULTS: Acceptance was lower among women, patients who underwent emergency surgery, those with a urostomy, and those with a body mass index of less than or equal to 25 kg/m2. Negative feelings were associated with higher body mass index, colostomies, shorter length of time of living with an ostomy, and emergency ostomy creation. CONCLUSIONS: Being young and having a high level of education are protective against psychosocial problems and help promote acceptance and social engagement. The findings of this study help identify patients who are likely to be more vulnerable and need greater support through specific educational and motivational interventions.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding in COVID-19 Patients: A Rapid Review.

The incidence of COVID-19 gastrointestinal manifestations has been reported to range from 3% to 61%. There are limited data on the incidence rates and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in patients with COVID-19. A rapid review has been designed to investigate whether there is a relationship between COVID-19 and GIB in adult patients. PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases have been analyzed. A total of 129 studies were found; 29 full texts were analyzed, and of these, 20 were found to be relevant to the topic. The key findings of the included studies present an overall GIB rate in COVID-19 patients ranging from 1.1% to 13%. The bleeding involves mucosal damage of the duodenum, stomach, colon, and rectum. The management of gastrointestinal bleeding could be conservative. The use of fecal diversion systems for the management of diarrhea in COVID-19 patients should be minimized and closely evaluated for the risk of rectal mucosal damages and erosions. It is recommended to provide an accurate nutritional assessment; an early setting up of enteral nutrition, if not contraindicated, can help protect the gut mucosa of patients and restore normal intestinal flora. Larger cohort studies are needed to increase the information about this topic.

Diaries in intensive care units: An Italian qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The literature emphasizes the importance of the intensive care unit (ICU) diary to fill the gaps and recover the delusional memories of patients admitted to ICU in order to build the history of their illness. The ICU diary is a measure originally intended to support the severely ill patient, but it would also seem to be useful for family members and carers. According to our analysis of the literature, this study is the first description of the contents of ICU diaries in the Italian context. AIM: The aim of the study was to describe the contents of ICU patients' diaries filled in by their caregivers, in order to explore the experience and significance attributed to the diaries. DESIGN: A qualitative longitudinal narrative investigation was conducted at an ICU during the period from April 2016 to April 2017 with a sample composed of 32 families. METHODS: The participants were caregivers selected through purposive sampling. An ICU nurse explained the study to caregivers and offered the opportunity to participate. RESULTS: The sample included 32 diaries. Through the analysis we identified seven themes: future plans and memories; the people who care for the patient and the context; the love surrounding the patient; the clinical progression of the patient and the passage of time; what happens outside the patient's life; references to the usefulness/non-usefulness of the diary; communication/reflection on the likely death of the patient. CONCLUSIONS: Some themes emerged that have never explored in the literature, and it would be necessary to understand whether the themes that emerged depend on cultural issues. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The diaries could be adapted to the Italian context and this could make the diary a common practice in Italy as well.

Lived experience of patients in ICU after cardiac surgery: A phenomenological study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac surgery (CS) patients spend a significant amount of time in the intensive care unit (ICU). This event can be very overwhelming, with an intense emotional impact, causing vulnerability and a sense of helplessness in patients. Currently, the in-depth description of the ICU stay experience from a patient's own perspective is little studied, especially in the CS setting and using a qualitative approach in Italy. AIMS: This study aimed to describe CS patients' lived experiences. METHODS: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted between October 2018 and December 2019 using the interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. RESULTS: Eleven patients were interviewed during the months after discharge from the ICU. Four main themes emerged from the analysis of the interviews: (a) will not wake up anymore; (b) endless time in ICU; (c) something keeps me from breathing; and (d) "anchor in the storm." Results confirm the negative experience of patients in the ICU, mainly because of the extubating procedure. Nurses were found to play a key role in decisions, supporting and protecting patients from the psychological stress related to the ICU stay. CONCLUSION: This is the first study capturing ICU patients' lived experiences after a CS intervention with the use of interpretative phenomenology in Italy. Further investigations are warranted to systematically identify which approaches or strategies are essential to support these patients in the Italian context. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Our study's results could be useful for tailored care delivery to meet the real needs of Italian patients in the ICU after CS and, consequently, improve the quality of nursing care and patients' outcomes.

COVID-19 and the Environment: Pandemics, Climate, and Ecosystems, and the Environmental Challenge in Dialysis.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the population worldwide. Patients with chronic kidney disease treated with kidney replacement therapy were no exception because they were considered highly vulnerable due to multiple comorbidities. The consequences of the physical, biological, and ecological system on the environment as a result of human activity represent a huge global health care danger. The purpose of this article is to identify strategies that improve environmental sustainability, improve prevention of COVID-19 infection in dialysis centers, and improve the environmental impact of hemodialysis centers.

Nursing self-efficacy for oral anticoagulant therapy management: Development and initial validation of a theory-grounded scale.

AIM: This study aimed to develop and validate a nursing self-efficacy scale for OAC management (SE-OAM). BACKGROUND: Oral anticoagulant therapy (OAC) requires specific nursing competencies. Given that self-efficacy acts as a proxy assessment of nursing competence, its measurement is pivotal for addressing educational programs to enhance nursing competence in managing OAC. Thus far, the measurement of self-efficacy in OAC is undermined by the unavailability of valid and reliable tools. METHODS: A multi-method and multi-phase design was adopted: Phase one was a methodological study encompassing developmental tasks for generating items. Phase two comprised the validation process for determining the content validity, construct and concurrent validity, and internal consistency through two cross-sectional data collections. RESULTS: In total, 190 nurses were enrolled for determining the psychometric structure of the SE-OAM through an exploratory approach, and 345 nurses were subsequently enrolled to corroborate its most plausible factor structure derived from the exploratory analysis. The SE-OAM showed evidence of face and content validity, adequate construct, concurrent validity, good internal consistency, and stability. The final version of the scale encompassed 21 items kept by five domains: clinical management, care management, education, clinical monitoring, and care monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: The SE-OAM showed evidence of initial validity and reliability, fulfilling a current gap in the availability of tools for measuring nursing self-efficacy in managing OAC. SE-OAM could be strategic for performing research to improve the quality of OAC management by enhancing nursing self-efficacy.

Smartphone distraction during nursing care: Systematic literature review.

AIM: To investigate the impact of smartphone distraction on the quality and safety of care provided by the nursing population during work. BACKGROUND: About 80% of nurses use the smartphone in the workplace both for personal purposes and as a useful support to improve the quality of care. Distraction from smartphones during care is a phenomenon that should be known and managed within each health service. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the PRISMA methodology. The sources included in the review study were subjected to a qualitative assessment using the GRADE method. RESULTS: Sixteen articles were included in the review. Studies included highlight the positive and negative consequences of using mobile devices during nursing practice. Findings identify the smartphone as a generator of stimuli capable of diverting the attention of the person from the priority activities and absorbing the cognitive resources useful for carrying out these activities. Some studies aimed to show the restriction policies and/or the strategies for reducing disruptions. This review highlights how the free and indiscriminate use of the smartphone can negatively affect patient safety and the nurse-patient relationship through the dehumanization and depersonalization of care. CONCLUSIONS: Mobile technology can improve nurses' performance and the quality of care provided. However, the application of regulations and policies by healthcare facilities is desirable to avoid inappropriate use of these devices by nurses. The available data do not provide a precise estimate of the effect that distraction from smartphones has on the outcomes of nursing care.

Nurses' moral distress in end-of-life care: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Moral distress is a neglected issue in most palliative education programmes, and research has largely focused on this phenomenon as an occupational problem for nursing staff. RESEARCH QUESTION: The primary outcome of this study was to explore the causes of morally distressing events, feelings experienced by nurses and coping strategies utilised by a nursing population at an Italian teaching hospital. A secondary outcome of this qualitative study was to analyse whether palliative care or end-of-life care education may reduce morally distressing events. RESEARCH DESIGN: A hermeneutic-phenomenological qualitative study was performed. PARTICIPANTS AND RESEARCH CONTEXT: Participants were recruited through snowball sampling. The interviews were conducted and recorded by one interviewer and transcribed verbatim. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Hospital Board. FINDINGS: Six main themes emerged from the interview analyses: (1) the causes of moral distress; (2) feelings and emotions experienced during morally distressing events; (3) factors that affect the experience of moral distress; (4) strategies for coping with moral distress; (5) recovering from morally distressing events; and (6) end-of-life accompaniment. Varying opinions regarding the usefulness of palliative care education existed. Some nurses stated that participation in end-of-life courses did not help them cope with morally distressing events in the ward, and they believe that existing courses should be strengthened and better structured. DISCUSSION: In this study, moral distress was often associated with poor communication or a lack of communication between healthcare professionals and the patients and/or their relatives and with the inability to satisfy the patients' last requests. According to our findings, the concept of 'good' end-of-life accompaniment was extremely important to our sample for the prevention of morally distressing events. CONCLUSION: Nurses who work in the onco-haematological setting frequently experience moral distress. Determining the causes of moral distress at early stages is of paramount importance for finding a solution.

COVID-19: An Italian Hospital Response From the Nursing Perspective.

Novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a new respiratory disease that has spread widely throughout the world. On February 20, 2020, the first Italian case of COVID-19 was reported. The infection rapidly spread across the country, and by August 11, 2020, a total of 250 566 official cases with 32 205 deaths (12.8%) were reported in Italy, counting a total of 96 884 positive cases and 16 833 deaths (17.3%) in the Lombardy region only. A huge demand to handle the COVID-19 outbreak challenged both the health care providers and the ordinary work in the hospital. From the beginning of the crisis, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, a 1318-bed tertiary care university hospital located in Lombardy, Northern Italy, has played a major role in supporting the national health care system for the treatment of COVID-19 cases, and a significant reorganization of the hospital was immediately required. The reorganization was carried out both structurally and with regard to the distribution of medical and nonmedical staff. This article aims to highlight the management strategies for the health care staff subsequent to the pandemic intense workload in San Raffaele Scientific Institute.

Correction to: Phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging to assess renal perfusion: a systematic review and statement paper.

The article Phase­contrast magnetic resonance imaging to assess renal perfusion: a systematic review and statement paper, written by Giulia Villa, Steffen Ringgaard, Ingo Hermann, Rebecca Noble, Paolo Brambilla, Dinah S. Khatir, Frank G. Zöllner, Susan T. Francis, Nicholas M. Selby, Andrea Remuzzi and Anna Caroli, was originally published electronically on the publisher's internet portal on 17 August 2019 without open access.

Phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging to assess renal perfusion: a systematic review and statement paper.

OBJECTIVE: Phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) is a non-invasive method used to compute blood flow velocity and volume. This systematic review aims to discuss the current status of renal PC-MRI and provide practical recommendations which could inform future clinical studies and its adoption in clinical practice. METHODOLOGY: A comprehensive search of all the PC-MRI studies in human healthy subjects or patients related to the kidneys was performed. RESULTS: A total of 39 studies were included in which PC-MRI was used to measure renal blood flow (RBF) alongside other derivative hemodynamic parameters. PC-MRI generally showed good correlation with gold standard methods of RBF measurement, both in vitro and in vivo, and good reproducibility. Despite PC-MRI not being routinely used in clinical practice, there are several clinical studies showing its potential to support diagnosis and monitoring of renal diseases, in particular renovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. DISCUSSION: Renal PC-MRI shows promise as a non-invasive technique to reliably measure RBF, both in healthy volunteers and in patients with renal disease. Future multicentric studies are needed to provide definitive normative ranges and to demonstrate the clinical potential of PC-MRI, likely as part of a multi-parametric renal MRI protocol.

Describing self-care and its associated variables in ostomy patients.

AIMS: To describe self-care in ostomy patients, to identify socio-demographic and clinical variables associated with self-care and to identify the association between self-care self-efficacy and self-care over and above the variables associated with self-care. DESIGN: Longitudinal and multicentre study. Data were collected between February 2017-May 2018. METHODS: In this study, 523 ostomy patients were enrolled at baseline (T0) and 362 were followed-up after 6 months (T1). The Ostomy Self-Care Index was used to measure self-care maintenance, monitoring, management, and self-efficacy. Correlations between self-care dimensions and patient socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were performed with Pearson's or Spearman's correlations. Three separate two-step hierarchical regression analyses were performed to identify variables associated with self-care maintenance, monitoring, and management. RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 69 years (SD 12.4); 63.9% were male and most had enterostomies (38.8% colostomies, 29.3% ileostomies) and permanent ostomies (72.5%). Patients had adequate self-care maintenance and monitoring at T0 and T1, while they had lower self-care management and self-efficacy at baseline. Significant variables associated with better self-care maintenance and self-care monitoring were female gender, more information received during hospitalization and better autonomy in stoma management, while a better level of education was an additional variable associated with self-care monitoring. Self-care self-efficacy produced a significant increase in the explained variance of self-care maintenance and self-care monitoring. None of the selected variables were significantly associated with self-care management. CONCLUSION: Middle-high levels of self-care maintenance, monitoring, management, and self-efficacy were found. The variables associated with ostomy self-care and the role of self-care self-efficacy identified in this study can help in developing tailored nursing interventions. IMPACT: This study found specific variables associated with ostomy self-care which could contribute to guiding future interventions aimed at improving self-care in ostomy patients.