Systemic Corticosteroid as an Adjunct for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Non-Fatal Fresh Water Drowning: An Evidence-based Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is one of the most common complications of non-fatal drowning. Although respiratory societies' guidelines endorse the role of systemic corticosteroids in ARDS, the evidence for systemic corticosteroid use in ARDS due to non-fatal drowning is limited. METHODS: A search was conducted on Pubmed, OVID, and EuropePMC, assessing the clinical question using inclusion and exclusion criteria. The selected studies were critically appraised, and the results were summarized. RESULTS: A total of six retrospective studies were selected and assessed, all studies showed poor validity and a high risk of bias. Out of six studies, only four informed us of steroid administration's effect on outcomes. In two studies, mortality associated with corticosteroid administration seemed to be higher. On the contrary, one study found no mortality in the corticosteroid group, but 100% mortality was observed in the control group. In another study, steroid therapy seemed to not affect hospital length of stay or mechanical ventilation rates. CONCLUSION: Corticosteroid administration for non-fatal drowning and its impact on clinical outcomes remains equivocal. Routine administration of corticosteroids is not indicated and should be done on a case-by-case basis.

The risk for post-thrombotic syndrome of subjects with deep vein thrombosis in an Indonesian referral hospital: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and affects 20-40% of DVT subjects. The risk factor of PTS after DVT is difficult to determine. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of PTS after 3 months of DVT diagnosis and to determine the risk of PTS. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of subjects who developed DVT confirmed by Doppler ultrasound in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital from April 2014 until June 2015. The presence of PTS was assessed after 3 months of completed DVT treatment using the Villalta score. Risk factors for PTS were evaluated from medical records. RESULTS: There were 91 subjects with DVT with mean age of 58 years. 56% were female. It was dominated by subjects aged ≥ 60 years (45.1%). Hypertension (30.8%) and diabetes mellitus (26.4%) were the major comorbidities in this study. Deep vein thrombosis occurred commonly in unilateral side (79.1%), proximal localization (87.9%), and unprovoked DVT (47.3%). The cumulative incidence of PTS after DVT was 53.8%, 69% of subjects had mild PTS. Heaviness of the leg (63.2%) and edema (77.5%) were the most common symptoms. RESULTS: There were 91 subjects with DVT with mean age of 58 years. 56% were female. It was dominated by subjects aged ≥ 60 years (45.1%). Hypertension (30.8%) and diabetes mellitus (26.4%) were the major comorbidities in this study. Deep vein thrombosis occurred commonly in unilateral side (79.1%), proximal localization (87.9%), and unprovoked DVT (47.3%). The cumulative incidence of PTS after DVT was 53.8%, 69% of subjects had mild PTS. Heaviness of the leg (63.2%) and edema (77.5%) were the most common symptoms. Significant risk factors for PTS were unprovoked DVT (adjusted RR 1.67; 95%CI: 1.17-2.04; p = 0.01) and female gender (adjusted RR 1.55; 95%CI: 1.03-1.94; p = 0.04). Age, body mass index, thrombus location, immobilization, malignancy and surgery was not associated with PTS. CONCLUSION: We conclude that 53.8% of subjects suffered PTS after 3 months of DVT. Unprovoked DVT and female gender were significant risk factors for PTS.

Scoring System for Predicting No Hearing Recovery in Unilateral Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss.

BACKGROUND: The varying degrees of hearing recovery in idiopathic sudden sensory neural hearing loss (ISSHL) patients indicate the need of model to predict no hearing recovery. We aimed to aid in the counseling of ISSHL patients about their recovery chances by developing a simple clinical scoring system to predict no hearing recovery using clinical information available at first visit. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study, using medical records was conducted from January 2017-May 2019 in Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital and Proklamasi Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck (ENT-HN) Surgery Specialized Hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia. The outcome measure is no hearing recovery and we built the prediction score developed based on multiple logistic regression analyses and tested for discriminative ability. There were 183 adults unilateral ISSHL patients included in the study. RESULTS: The proportion of no hearing recovery was 56%. The independent predictors were older age 30-60 years and >60 years old (Odds Ratio 4.0; 95% CI 1.4-11.8; p=0.012 and OR 5.3; 95% CI 1.5-18.4; p=0.008, respectively) as compared with 18-<30 years old, later onset (onset 15-60 days and >60 days had OR 5.4; 95% CI 1.7-16.9; p=0.004 and OR 12.6; 95% CI 2.9-54.6; p=0.001, respectively, as compared with onset < 3 days), and presence of vertigo (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.1-4.6; p=0.026). Prediction scores ranged from 3 to 12, with three categories for age, four for onset, and two for the presence of vertigo. The predictions showed adequate calibration and good discriminative ability (AUC 0.77). CONCLUSION: Using information of age, onset and presence of vertigo at first visit, ISSHL patient with increased risk of no hearing recovery can be identified with moderate accuracy. This prediction model could help clinician in predicting patients' prognosis.

Prevalence and Factors Related to Hypovitaminosis D in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Depression.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D (hypoD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and depression has not been documented. In addition, the risk factors are unknown. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of and risk factors for hypoD in patients with T2DM who also have depression. METHODS: 118 patients with T2DM who visited the outpatient endocrinology clinics at Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital between December 2019-September 2022 provided the clinical and demographic data for this cross- sectional study, including body mass index, blood pressure, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profiles, therapy, gender, age, marital status, and educational background. We used The Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI II) to evaluate depression. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit to assess the dependent variable: serum vitamin D. We characterized serum vitamin D levels into three groups (normal, 30 ng/mL; insufficient, 20-29 ng/mL; deficient, 20 ng/mL). We also used analyses of variance to examine the anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical factors between the three groups. RESULTS: 118 subjects with T2DM. Their median age was 56 years old (48, 75-60 years old), with a BDI II score of 17 (15-19), and a serum concentration of vitamin D. The D level was 18.3 ng/mL (9.17-29.46 ng/mL). Only 21.8% of patients with T2DM and depression had sufficient levels of vitamin D. We used multivariable analysis of variance model to examine the associations between age, BDI II score, HbA1c, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure with vitamin D level. Age and BDI II score both had a statistically significant effect on vitamin D levels. CONCLUSION: This cross-sectional study discovered that patients with T2DM and depression had a high prevalence (77.7%) of hypoD. Age and BDI II score both affected differences in vitamin D levels with statistical significance.

Vitamin D Levels in Pre-frail Older Adults and Its Correlation with Hand Grip Strength.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is frequent in older adults and associated with poor musculoskeletal function. The prevalence of pre-frailty is also high in older persons, who may proceed to a frail state. This study aimed to determine the vitamin D levels in pre-frail older adults and its correlation with hand grip strength. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on older adults (age > 60 years) with a pre-frail condition who were visiting the outpatient geriatric clinic at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia. Serum levels of vitamin D, measured as 25(OH)D, were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and hand grip strength was measured using a Jamar hydraulic dynamometer. Correlations between vitamin D levels and hand grip strength were evaluated by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to assess contribution of variables that influence hand grip strength. RESULTS: Of 95 pre-frail older adults (mean age 70.08 ± 5.35 years), 67.4% were female,  and the median vitamin D level was 17.91 (interquartile range/IQR 13.68-26.36) ng/mL. Overall, 11.6% of the participants had normal vitamin D levels, whereas 34.7% and 53.7% had insufficient and deficient levels, respectively. Females were more likely to have inadequacy of vitamin D than males.  Those with vitamin D deficiency tended to have a higher body mass index (BMI) and lower vitamin D intake than normal levels. A significant correlation between serum vitamin D levels and hand grip strength was observed (r = 0.283; P = 0.006). After adjusting for age, comorbidities, nutritional status, functional status, BMI, protein intake, and sun exposure score, regression analysis between hand grip strength and vitamin D levels gave standard coefficient beta = 0.255 (P = 0.013). CONCLUSION: In this study, pre-frail older adults had a high proportion of deficient and insufficient vitamin D levels, and a significant correlation was found between serum vitamin D levels and hand grip strength.

Sarcopenia in a Multiethnic State: A Cross-Sectional Data Analysis of Multicentre Indonesia Longitudinal Aging Study.

BACKGROUND: Previous regional studies related to sarcopenia in multiethnic Indonesia suggested inconsistent findings. We aimed to find the prevalence of sarcopenia and its associated factors among Indonesian older adults. METHODS: In this cross-sectional analysis, we utilised the data of Indonesia Longitudinal Aging Study (INALAS) from community-dwelling outpatients in eight centres. Statistical analyses included descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses. We categorised older adults into sarcopenia group based on the criteria of the SARC-F questionnaire, namely strength, assistance with walking, rising from a chair, climbing stairs, and falls questionnaire. RESULTS: Among 386 older adults, 17.6% were in sarcopenia group. The prevalence of sarcopenia was found to be the lowest in Sundanese group (8.2%). Following appropriate statistical adjustment, sarcopenia was associated with female sex (OR 3.01, 95% CI 1.34-6.73), dependent functional capacity (OR 7.38, 95% CI 3.26-16.70), frailty (OR 11.82, 95% CI 5.41-25.80), and history of fall (OR 5.17 (95% CI 2.36-11.32). Sarcopenia was not significantly associated with age 70 years and older (OR 1.67, 95% CI 0.81-3.45), Sundanese group (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.15-1.29), and being at high risk for malnutrition or malnourished (OR 2.98, 95% CI 0.68-13.15). All centenarians had no sarcopenia nor frailty, and 80% of them were Sundanese older adults. CONCLUSION: One in five Indonesian community-dwelling older adults had sarcopenia, associated with female sex, dependent functional capacity, frailty, and history of fall. Albeit statistically nonsignificant, there may still be link between Sundanese, age 70 years and older, as well as being at high risk for malnutrition, and sarcopenia.

Sedentary Lifestyle of Older Adults and Its Associated Factors: A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study During COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is here to stay, and humans ought to decide how to adapt. We aimed to describe lifestyle changes during COVID-19 pandemic, and to determine the prevalence and factors associated with sedentary lifestyle among older adults. METHODS: We obtained data from community-dwelling older adults aged ≥60 years. We presented the data descriptively and used multivariate analysis to assess the association between Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) -based sedentary lifestyle and other variables in several tertiary geriatric centres. RESULTS: Among 601 participants, 21.1% had sedentary lifestyle. Ethnic groups with the highest prevalence of sedentary lifestyle were Minang, Balinese, and Sundanese. Changes related to food intake, body weight, and physical activity were seen in a small proportion of older adults. Sun exposure habit was described. Sedentary lifestyle was associated with less consumption of food (OR 2.59, 95% CI 1.07-6.30), weight loss (OR 3.00, 95% CI 1.64-5.48), and higher intensity of snacking (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.20-0.99). CONCLUSION: During COVID-19 pandemic, one out of five older adults had sedentary lifestyle, which was positively associated with less consumption of food and weight loss, and negatively associated with higher intensity of snacking. The prevalence of sedentary lifestyle varied across ethnic groups. Adequate and appropriate food intake may be crucial to keep older adults active, preventing them from entering vicious cycle of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and frailty.

Accuracy of Bedside Lung Ultrasound in Emergency (BLUE) Protocol to Diagnose the Cause of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is a stigma that ultrasound cannot be used to see abnormalities in the air-filled organs makes ultrasound rarely used to identify lung abnormalities. This study purpose comparing diagnostic accuracy of BLUE protocol with gold standard for each diagnosis causing acute respiratory failure. METHODS: Systematic search was done in 6 databases (Pubmed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, Scopus, Ebscohost/CINAHL dan Proquest) and multiple grey-literature sources for cross-sectional studies. We manually extracted the data from eligible studies and calculated pooled sensitivity, pooled specificity, likelihood ratio (LR) and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). We follow PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guideline throughout these processes. RESULTS: Four studies has been picked from total 509 studies involved. The results yield parameters indicating BLUE protocol as a reliable modality to diagnose pneumonia with pooled sensitivity 84% (95% CI, 76-89%),  pooled specificity 98%  (95% CI, 93-99%), LR+ 42 (95% CI, 12-147), LR- 0.12 (95% CI, 0.07-0.2) and DOR 252 (95% CI, 81-788), respectively. It also considerably applicable to diagnose pulmonary oedema with pooled sensitivity 89% (95% CI, 81-93%), pooled specificity 94% (95% CI, 89-96%), LR+ 14 (95% CI, 8-25), LR- 0.165 (95% CI, 0.11-0.24), and DOR 116 (95% CI, 42-320), respectively. CONCLUSION: BLUE protocol has good diagnostic accuracy to diagnose pneumonia and pulmonary oedema. We recommend implementing BLUE protocol as a tool in evaluating cause of ARF.

Parenteral and Oral Anticoagulant Treatment for Hospitalized and Post-Discharge COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The use of anticoagulants has been endorsed by different hematological societies as coagulation abnormalities are key features of COVID-19 patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to provide the most recent update on available evidence on the clinical benefits and risk of oral and parenteral anticoagulants, as well agents with anticoagulant properties, in hospitalized and post-discharge COVID-19 patients. METHODS: This systematic review synthesizes data on the outcome of anticoagulation in hospitalized and post-discharge COVID-19 patients. Dichotomous variables from individual studies were pooled by risk ratio (RR) and their 95% confidence interval (95% CI) using the random-effects model. Meta-analyses were performed when feasible. RESULTS: We included 32 studies from 2.815 unique citations, including 7 randomized clinical trials. A total of 33.494 patients were included. Outcomes measured include mortality and survival rates, the requirement for ICU care and mechanical ventilation. A pooled meta-analysis favors anticoagulant compared to no anticoagulant with reduced mortality in hospitalized patients (RR 0,55; 95%CI 0,43-0,66; p<0,001). Higher dose of anticoagulant also showed treatment benefit compared to standard prophylactic dose in selected populations (RR 0,68; 95%CI 0,40-0,96; p<0,001). Regular, pre-hospital anticoagulation prior to hospitalization yielded mixed result. There are currently no data on the benefit of anticoagulation on post-discharge COVID-19 patients. CONCLUSION: Determination of the presence of thrombosis in COVID-19 is important, as therapeutic dosage of anticoagulants, rather than prophylatic dose, would be indicated in such clinical situation. Anticoagulants were found to decrease the mortality of hospitalized COVID-19. The results from this study are important in the tailored treatment of COVID-19 patients. Further studies on the need for oral anticoagulation for outpatients or post-discharge is warranted. This study has been registered in PROSPERO database (CRD42020201418).

The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Symptoms of Depression in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: The effect of vitamin D supplementation on depressive  symptoms in people with type 2 diabetes is still up for debate. The aim of this paper was to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on symptoms of depression in type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: The protocol for this review has been registered in PROSPERO:CRD42021231713. Searching for literature was conducted using Pubmed, EBSCOhost, and EMBASE. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) regarding vitamin D supplementation in type 2 diabetic patients with depression were retrieved through a systematic search. The outcome measured was a change in depressive symptoms evaluated with any validated rating scale. Independent data extraction was conducted, and the study quality was assessed. A meta-analysis was carried out to calculate the improvement in depressive symptoms in the group receiving vitamin D and the control group. The available evidence in RCTs was analysed using the PRISMA approach, and clinical significance was determined using the GRADE system. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. RESULTS: Four RCTs were reviewed and three RCTs were meta-analysed. In two studies, vitamin D was statistically effective in improving depressive symptoms in type 2 diabetic patients. Three randomised controlled trials  were included in the meta-analysis with 161 subjects using depression score as an outcome assessment. Vitamin D is significantly more effective than placebo (95% CI: -0.70 to - 0.08, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D supplementation is effective in improving depressive symptoms in type 2 diabetic patients. Future research with different geographical areas and larger samples should be done to further assess the benefits.

Supportive Psychotherapy for Healthcare Professionals in The Management of Acute Coronary Syndrome: The Use of Delphi Technique.

BACKGROUND: Supportive psychotherapy (SP) may increase the benefit of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) management, but there is no structured SP as a guideline for healthcare professionals. This study aimed to develop structured SP as a guideline for implementing psychotherapy in the management of ACS patients in intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU). METHODS:  This qualitative study used Delphi technique as a modified Delphi method to reach a consensus among experts of structured SP for healthcare professionals in the management of ACS during hospitalized in ICCU. This was developed using self-reflection, observation, and interview of SP implementation in daily psychosomatic practice, gathering literature reviews, doing focus group discussion (FGD) and interview with ACS survivors. During the Delphi rounds, we interviewed 50 informants as source people using valid questionnaires, to proceed a draft of the SP framework and the structured sessions. The SP framework draft and the structured sessions were evaluated and corrected by experts anonymously until the consensus was reached. The validity of the consensus was tested, using Likert psychometric scale to reach an agreement. Cronbach alpha test was used to assess construct validity with SPSS 20. RESULTS:  All of preparations conducted before the Delphi rounds showed that ACS patients had psychosomatic disorders during in ICCU, that required support. SP is very helpful to reduce the negative impact of this disorders.Off 50 informants answered a valid and reliable questionnaire which supports the above statement. The draft was made based on the above process. The development of SP for healthcare professionals of ACS managements was reached in a consensus of expert panelists in the second round of the Delphi with Cronbach alpha of 0.9. CONCLUSION: Supportive psychotherapy (SP) for healthcare professionals in the management of ACS in ICCU were developed and may be applied in clinical practice and research.

The relationship of vascular endothelial growth factor and osteopontin expression with 3-year progression-free survival of locally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer patients treated with platinum-based chemoradiation.

Introduction: The incidence of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is high, with new cases accounting for 5.2% of all malignancies in Indonesia. Most cases are detected at an advanced stage, and recurrences are common. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and osteopontin (OPN) are important markers in tumorigenesis that serve as prognostic predictors. This study aims to determine the correlation of VEGF and OPN expression with 3-year progression-free survival (PFS). Material and methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 155 patients with locally advanced NPC. Data were obtained from medical records between 2015 and 2017. The locally advanced sample of this disease that met the inclusion criteria was stained with H&E before being prepared in a paraffin block. Furthermore, the immunohistochemistry staining results for VEGF and OPN were observed with ImageJ 1.50i and calculated semi-quantitatively using the histoscore. Results: The 3-year PFS obtained was 39%, with a median of 23 months. Vascular endothelial growth factor expression was detected in 113 of 155 samples (72.9%), while positive OPN expression was discovered in 99 of 155 samples (63.8%). There was a correlation between VEGF (p = 0.747) and OPN expression (p = 0.584) and 3-year PFS. Positive VEGF and OPN expression in the subgroup of patients with stage IVB and N3 tumors was related to improved 3-year PFS (p < 0.05). This was similar to the positive VEGF expression in the subgroup of patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Vascular endothelial growth factor and OPN remained potential prognostic predictors in NPC. Patients with positive VEGF and OPN expression in N3, IVB, and neoadjuvant treatment had significantly improved 3-year PFS.

Cytomegalovirus may influence vascular endothelial health in Indonesian HIV-infected patients after 5 years on ART.

OBJECTIVES: Accelerated atherosclerosis in older HIV-infected patients has been attributed to persistent immune activation and high burden cytomegalovirus (CMV), as demonstrated in transplant recipients and the general population. Here we assess CMV and inflammatory markers linked with vascular health in young adult patients treated in Indonesia. STUDY DESIGN: HIV-infected adults (n = 32) were examined when they began antiretroviral therapy (ART) with < 200 CD4 T-cells/µl (V0) and after 60 months (V60). Age-matched healthy controls (HC, n = 32) were assessed once. METHODS: Flow Mediated Dilatation (FMD) was assessed by ultrasound on brachial arteries at V60 and in HC. Plasma markers of immune activation and endothelial activation, and CMV antibodies (lysate, gB, IE-1) were assessed in all samples. Results were assessed using bivariate (non-parametric) and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: Levels of inflammatory biomarkers and CMV antibodies declined on ART, but the antibodies remained higher than in HC. FMD values were similar in patients and HC at V60. In HIV patients, levels of CMV lysate antibody correlated inversely (r = - 0.37) with FMD. The optimal model predicting lower FMD values (adjusted R2 = 0.214, p = 0.012) included CMV lysate antibodies and chondroitin sulphate. In HC, levels of sTNFR correlated inversely with FMD (r = - 0.41) and remained as a risk factor in the optimal multivariable model, with CMV glycoprotein-B (gB) antibody predicting a healthier FMD (adjusted R2 = 0.248, p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels CMV antibodies optimally predict vascular health measured by FMD in HIV patients. However in healthy controls, sTNFR marks risk and CMV gB antibody may be protective.

Association of BsmI Polymorphisms in the Vitamin D Receptor Gene Among Indonesian Population with Diabetic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), as a common cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), is a chronic complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). It has been established that vitamin D deficiency is one of DKD risk factors, which may be related to vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms. This study aimed to analyze the association between VDR polymorphisms and DKD in Indonesian population, also risk factors that influence it. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was conducted in Type 2 DM patients  who visited internal medicine outpatient clinic at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, from November 2014 until March 2015.  Data collection includes characteristics of subjects and laboratory examination, including BsmI polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor gene. Patients with acute and severe disease were excluded from the study. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were done. RESULTS: of 93 DM subjects, 42 (45.2%) subjects were without DKD and 51 (54.8%) subjects had DKD. Most of the subjects had the Bb genotype (89.2%), with no subject having the BB genotype. The proportions of the B and b alleles were 44.6% and 55.4%, respectively. There is no association between BsmI polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor gene and DKD (OR = 1.243; CI 95% 0.334-4.621; p value = 0.751). CONCLUSION: the profile of BsmI polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor gene in the Indonesian population were genotypes Bb (89.2%) and bb (10.8%). There was no association between BsmI polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor gene and DKD. Duration of DM more than five years influenced the association between those variables.

The Relationship between Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 Serum Levels with High Sensitivity C-reactive Protein and Homocysteine in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Folic acid (FA) and vitamin B12 treatment have been routinely prescribed to lower serum homocysteine levels and to reduce inflammation. However, no study has been conducted to determine serum folic acid (SFA) and vitamin B12 (B12) levels in patients who have twice-weekly hemodialysis. The aim of our study was to assess serum folate and B12  levels in chronic hemodialysis patients and their relationship with hsCRP and homocysteine levels. METHODS: Our study was a cross-sectional study involcing patients who had twice-weekly hemodialysis in Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital Jakarta, Indonesia. Predialysis blood samples were taken to measure SFA, B12, homocysteine and hsCRP levels. Patients with medical conditions affecting the assays were excluded. Spearman correlation was used to compare variables. RESULTS: Eighty subjects enrolled in this study. Among those of non-given folic acid and vitamin B-12 supplementation, only 3.85% of subjects had low folic acid levels, and none had low vitamin B12 levels. A moderate negative correlation between serum folic acid and homocysteine level (p≤0.001; r=-0.42) and a weak correlation between serum vitamin B12 and homocysteine level (p=0.009; r=-0.29) was found. Among the high-risk cardiovascular group (CRP>3, n=49), there is a moderate negative correlation between serum folic acid and homocysteine level (p≤0.001; r=-0.561) and a weak negative correlation between vitamin B12 and homocysteine level (p=0.018; r=-0.338). CONCLUSION: There is a significant negative correlation between serum vitamin B12 and folic acid with homocysteine levels, especially in high-risk cardiovascular group.

Internal Medicine Residents' Perceptions of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Residency Program: Highlighting the Unmet Needs.

BACKGROUND: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is increasingly used in internal medicine   field. Ultrasound training has been part of the training provided in the Internal Medicine Residency Program (IMRP). The aim of this study is to examine the residents' needs and perceptions regarding their competency and needs of POCUS. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study using secondary data from a survey  among internal medicine residents at the Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital. The survey was conducted to evaluate and improve the curriculum in IMRP. RESULTS: A total of 175 out of 197 residents (88.8%) completed the questionnaire. Almost all the residents (99.4%) agreed that POCUS is a beneficial must-have skill during residency. Nevertheless, only 40% of residents identified themselves as competent in POCUS. Sixty-two percent residents reckoned that the training received during the residency program is insufficient. They indicated that the most useful skills are US of hepatobiliary, lungs, heart, kidneys, and US-guided procedures. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that there is a need for POCUS training for   IM residents, as the majority perceived themselves as unable to perform US. It is necessary to optimize the training provided to ensure proficiency.

The Association of ß2-Microglobulin and Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 with Major Adverse Cardiac Event in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases the severity and risk of mortality in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. The role of ß2-M as a filtration and inflammation marker and FGF23 as a CKD-MBD process marker might be significant in the pathophysiology in ACS with CKD patients. This study aims to determine the association of ß2-M and FGF23 with major adverse cardiac event (MACE) in ACS patients with CKD. METHODS: we used cross sectional and retrospective cohort analysis for MACE. We collected ACS patients with CKD consecutively from January until October 2018 at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital. Data were analyzed using logistic regression and Cox's Proportional Hazard Regression. RESULTS: a total of 117 patients were selected according to the study criteria. In bivariate analysis, ß2-M, FGF23, and stage of CKD had significant association with MACE (p = 0.014, p = 0.026, p = 0.014, respectively). In multivariate analysis, ß2-M - but not FGF 23- was significantly associated with MACE (adjusted HR 2.16; CI95% 1.15-4.05; p = 0.017). CONCLUSION: ß2-M was significantly associated with MACE, while FGF23 was not so. This finding supports the role of inflammation in cardiovascular outcomes in ACS with CKD patient through acute on chronic effect.

Clinical Evaluation of HIV/AIDS Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy using HIV Symptoms Index: A reliability and Applicability Evaluation using Indonesian Language.

BACKGROUND: HIV/AIDS is a chronic, lifelong disease with a wide clinical spectrum which could decrease the quality of life. Objective symptoms measurement is important because it is correlated to treatment adherence and progressivity of the disease. Currently, there is no clinical tool available to evaluate symptoms of HIV infection and the treatment's side effect for the outpatient setting. This study aimed is to assess the reliability of the Indonesian version of HIV Symptom Index for measuring symptoms of HIV/AIDS patients, and use it for assessment of their symptom profile. METHODS: this is a cross sectional study in outpatient HIV/AIDS subjects (n=87) recruited in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital's HIV clinic from September-November 2018. The HIV Symptom Index consisted of 20 items evaluating somatic, psychologic, and the combination of both symptoms, and its' language adaptation to Indonesian was done with Beaton and Guillemin method. Reliability of the Indonesian version of HIV Symptom Index was tested by alpha cronbach's a coefficient analysis, and the internal validity was tested with multitrait scaling analysis before being used to profile the symptom pattern of HIV/AIDS patients. RESULTS: Indonesian version of HIV Symptom Index is reliable (cronbach alpha 0.76) and valid (multitrait correlation >0.4) for measuring symptoms of HIV/AIDS patients. The most common symptom is fatigue (55.7%), followed by insomnia (43.3%), dizziness and lightheadedness (42.3%), skin problems (42.3%), and pain, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet (39.2%). CONCLUSION: Indonesian version of HIV symptom Index is reliable and valid to measure symptoms of HIV/AIDS patiens objectively.

Prognostic Scoring System for Mortality of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in Resource-Limited Settings: A Multicenter Study from COVID-19 Referral Hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Many studies identified the risk factors and prognostic factors related to in-hospital COVID-19 mortality using sophisticated laboratory tests. Cost and the availability of supporting blood tests may be problematic in resource-limited settings. This multicenter cohort study was conducted to assess the factors associated with mortality of COVID-19 patients aged 18 years and older, based on history taking, physical examination, and simple blood tests to be used in resource-limited settings. METHODS: The study was conducted between July 2020 and January 2021 in five COVID-19 referral hospitals in Indonesia. Among 1048 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 160 (15%) died during hospitalization. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed eight predictors of in-hospital mortality, namely increased age, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, fatigue, dyspnea, altered mental status, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ≥ 5.8, and severe-critical condition. This scoring system had an Area-under-the-curve (AUC) of 84.7%. With cut-off score of 6, the sensitivity was 76.3% and the specificity was 78.2%. CONCLUSION: The result of this practical prognostic scoring system may be a guide to decision making of physicians and help in the education of family members related to the possible outcome.

Prognostic accuracy of the quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA)-lactate criteria for mortality in adults with suspected bacterial infection in the emergency department of a hospital with limited resources.

BACKGROUND: Routine use of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score to prognosticate patients with sepsis is challenged by the requirement to perform numerous laboratory tests. The prognostic accuracy of the quick SOFA (qSOFA) without or with lactate criteria has not been prospectively investigated in low and middle income countries. We assessed the performance of simplified prognosis criteria using qSOFA-lactate criteria in the emergency department of a hospital with limited resources, in comparison with SOFA prognosis criteria and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) screening criteria. METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted between March and December 2017 in adult patients with suspected bacterial infection visiting the emergency department of the Indonesian National Referral Hospital. Variables from sepsis prognosis and screening criteria and venous lactate concentration at enrolment were recorded. Patients were followed up until hospital discharge or death. Prognostic accuracy was measured using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of each criterion in the prediction of in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Of 3026 patients screened, 1213 met the inclusion criteria. The AUROC of qSOFA-lactate criteria was 0.74 (95% CI 0.71 to 0.77). The AUROC of qSOFA-lactate was not statistically significantly different to the SOFA score (AUROC 0.75, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.78; p=0.462). The qSOFA-lactate was significantly higher than qSOFA (AUROC 0.70, 95% CI0.67 to 0.74; p=0.006) and SIRS criteria (0.57, 95% CI0.54 to 0.60; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prognostic accuracy of the qSOFA-lactate criteria is as good as the SOFA score in the emergency department of a hospital with limited resources. The performance of the qSOFA criteria is significantly lower than the qSOFA-lactate criteria and SOFA score.This abstract has been translated and adapted from the original English-language content. Translated content is provided on an "as is" basis. Translation accuracy or reliability is not guaranteed or implied. BMJ is not responsible for any errors and omissions arising from translation to the fullest extent permitted by law, BMJ shall not incur any liability, including without limitation, liability for damages, arising from the translated text.