Parent-patient Discrepancies in the Quality of Life Assessment of Early-onset Scoliosis: A Comparison Between 2 Questionnaires Completed on 2 Different Time Points - A Preliminary Report.

BACKGROUND: EOSQ-24 is a parent proxy questionnaire designed to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of early-onset scoliosis (EOS) patients during their childhood years. EOSQ-SELF, a novel self-reported questionnaire, assesses HRQoL in older children (>8 y) and adolescents. So far, the same group of EOS patients has not been evaluated with both EOSQ-24 and EOSQ-SELF. The aim of this study was to evaluate how the same pathology was reflected in the parent and patient at different time points by comparing the answers to the common questions between EOSQ-24 and EOSQ-SELF. METHODS: A group of otherwise healthy EOS patients whose parents filled out EOSQ-24 at the early phase of growth-friendly treatment was re-tested by the EOSQ-SELF questionnaire at the end of treatment. Both EOSQ-24 and EOSQ-SELF are validated in Turkish. Inclusion criteria were patients with EOS, independent ambulation, age of 8 years or older at EOSQ-SELF enrollment, literacy in Turkish, no apparent intellectual impairment, and a minimum of 24 months after graduation. The common questions between the 2 surveys with nearly identical phrasings were extracted. Common items from the 2 tests were compared with a Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (15 females, 6 males) who previously filled out EOSQ-24 met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the group was 10 (5 to 16) years at EOSQ-24 participation and 18 (13 to 24) at the final analysis. Fourteen questions were found common in 10 domains. The scores were significantly different in 5 questions of 4 domains. EOSQ-SELF had significantly less favorable scores in the pain/discomfort, pulmonary function, and fatigue/energy level domains. Scores in the parental burden/relationships domain were significantly higher (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The self-reported group had a general trend of worse results. Parents and caregivers may not accurately perceive the problems of EOS patients. Our findings indicate a disconnect between caregivers and the patients, as both parties underreported the other side in some domains. These findings suggest the challenges faced by EOS patients are not adequately reflected on proxy questionnaires that assess the HRQoL of children. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Level I.

Three-Dimensional Modeling and Quantitative Assessment of Mandibular Volume in Ectodermal Dysplasia: A Case Series.

Background and Objectives: Ectodermal dysplasia (ED)-a genetic disorder-is characterized by severe tooth deficiency. We compared the mandibular volume and the sagittal and horizontal mandibular widths between patients with ED (ED group) and individuals without tooth deficiency (control group) using three-dimensional modeling. We hypothesized that the mandibular volume differs in ED cases owing to congenital tooth deficiency. Materials and Methods: We used previously obtained cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 13 patients with ED. The control group data comprised retrospective CBCT images of patients of similar age and sex with a skeletal relationship of class 1. Further, using the three-dimensional image analysis software, the tooth crowns were separated from the mandible, the mandible was reconstructed and the gonion-to-gonion distance in the mandible was marked, the distance to the menton point was measured, and the distance between the two condyles was measured and compared with the control group. Results: Overall, 46.2% and 53.8% of the participants were men and women, respectively. In the ED group, the mean age of the participants was 15.46 (range, 6-24) years, and the mean number of mandibular teeth was 4.62. Notably, the edentulous mandible volume of the ED group (27.020 mm3) was statistically significantly smaller than that of the control group (49.213 mm3) (p < 0.001). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of the marked points. For data analysis, the Shapiro-Wilk test, independent samples t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test were used. Conclusions: It has been considered that mandible volume does not develop in ED cases because of missing teeth. Modern practices, such as the CBCT technique and three-dimensional software, may be effective in identifying the true morphologic features, especially in patients with genetic syndromes affecting the maxillofacial structure.

Characteristics of asthma in an older adult population according to sex and control level: why are asthma symptoms in older women not well-controlled?

OBJECTIVE: The older adult population in Turkey has increased by 22.6% in the last 5 years, and the characteristics of such patients with asthma remain uninvestigated. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the characteristics of older adults with asthma according to sex and asthma control status to provide an in-depth overview of asthma in this population in Turkey. METHODS: The data of older adults (age 65 years and over) with asthma were obtained from a multicenter, cross-sectional asthma database registry (Turkish Adult Asthma Registry, TAAR) funded by the Turkish Thoracic Society. Comparisons were made based on sex and asthma control levels using the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) Asthma Symptom Control Questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the 2053 (11.5%) patients registered with the TAAR, 227 were older adults (median age, 69 (8), women, 75.8% (n = 172)). Of these, 46.5% (n = 101) had obesity to some degree. Compared with men, women had lower education, income levels, and employment rates. Additionally, women exhibited a higher prevalence of obesity, hypertension, and thyroid gland disease than men. Being female (OR: 2.99; 95% CI: 1.307-6.880), the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (OR: 2.855; 95% CI: 1.330-6.130), and a predicted forced expiratory volume in the first-second value lower than 80% (OR: 2.938; 95% CI: 1.451-5.948) were associated with poorly controlled asthma. CONCLUSIONS: Herein, older adults comprised 11.5% of adult patients with asthma. Being female poses a disadvantage in terms of both asthma prevalence and control in the older adult asthmatic population owing to the prevalence of comorbidities and socioeconomic sex-related distinguishing factors.

Picturing asthma in Turkey: results from the Turkish adult asthma registry.

INTRODUCTION: National data on asthma characteristics and the factors associated with uncontrolled asthma seem to be necessary for every country. For this purpose, we developed the Turkish Adult Asthma Registry for patients with asthma aiming to take a snapshot of our patients, thereby assigning the unmet needs and niche areas of intervention. METHODS: Case entries were performed between March 2018 and March 2022. A web-based application was used to record data. Study outcomes were demographic features, disease characteristics, asthma control levels, and phenotypes. RESULTS: The registry included 2053 patients from 36 study centers in Turkey. Female subjects dominated the group (n = 1535, 74.8%). The majority of the patients had allergic (n = 1158, 65.3%) and eosinophilic (n = 1174, 57.2%) asthma. Six hundred nineteen (32.2%) of the patients had obese asthma. Severe asthma existed in 670 (32.6%) patients. Majority of cases were on step 3-5 treatment (n: 1525; 88.1%). Uncontrolled asthma was associated with low educational level, severe asthma attacks in the last year, low FEV1, existence of chronic rhinosinusitis and living in particular regions. CONCLUSION: The picture of this registry showed a dominancy of middle-aged obese women with moderate-to-severe asthma. We also determined particular strategic targets such as low educational level, severe asthma attacks, low FEV1, and chronic rhinosinusitis to decrease uncontrolled asthma in our country. Moreover, some regional strategies may also be needed as uncontrolled asthma is higher in certain regions. We believe that these data will guide authorities to reestablish national asthma programs to improve asthma service delivery.

Interaction between hypertension and periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: The possible association between hypertension and periodontitis and the effect of hypertension on periodontal treatment were investigated by evaluating salivary and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) interleukin (IL)-6 and C reactive protein (CRP) levels. METHODS: Forty-two healthy individuals without any previously diagnosed systemic disease [10 periodontally healthy (control) and 10 periodontitis (CP)] and subjects with hypertension [13 periodontally healthy (HP) and 9 with periodontitis (CP + HP)] participated in the study. GCF and saliva samples were obtained at baseline and 4 weeks after Phase I periodontal treatment. Biochemical parameters were analyzed using ELISA. RESULTS: Before the periodontal treatment, significantly higher GCF IL-6 and CRP levels were detected in CP + HP and CP groups compared to HP and control groups (p < 0.01). Salivary CRP level in CP + HP group was found to be higher than the control group (p < 0.05). Statistically significant gingival and plaque index measurements (p < 0.01) might suggest a possible effect of hypertension on periodontal status. Periodontal treatment significantly improved the clinical indices; however, biochemical parameters did not change after the treatment. CONCLUSION: The association of hypertension with periodontitis through local salivary and GCF inflammatory mediators might be possible in disease process.

Relationship between pelvic incidence-adjusted relative spinopelvic parameters, global sagittal alignment and lower extremity compensations.

PURPOSE: In response to sagittal malalignment, compensatory spinal and lower extremity mechanisms are recruited. Thoracolumbar realignment surgery has been shown to yield reciprocal changes in these compensations. Thus, whole-body radiographic assessment has come to the fore. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between spinopelvic parameters and lower extremity compensation angles and to examine their coupled change with deformity correction. METHODS: This was a multicenter retrospective analysis of patients who had ≥ 4 levels posterior fusion, whole-body radiographs, and ≥ 2 years follow-up. Relative Pelvic Version (RPV), Relative Lumbar Lordosis (RLL), Relative Spinopelvic Alignment (RSA), Femoral Obliquity Angle (FOA), Knee Flexion Angle (KFA) and Global Sagittal Axis (GSA) were measured preoperatively and 6 week postoperatively. Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed to assess the relation of relative spinopelvic parameters to global sagittal alignment and lower extremity compensation angles. Spearman's correlations were performed to assess correlations of pre-to-postoperative changes. RESULTS: 193 patients (156F, 37 M) were included. The mean age was 57.2 ± 16.6 years. The mean follow-up duration was 50.6 (24-90) months. On average, 10.3 ± 3.8 levels were fused. Among the cohort, 124 (64.2%) had a sacral or sacroiliac fixation, and 43 (22.3%) had 3-column osteotomies. Preoperative FOA, KFA and GSA significantly differed between RPV, RLL and RSA categories. Significant weak-to-strong correlations were observed between spinopelvic parameters, global sagittal alignment and lower extremity compensation angles (rho range: - 0.351 to 0.767). CONCLUSIONS: PI-adjusted relative spinopelvic parameters significantly correlated with measurements of the lower extremity compensation. Postoperative changes in RPV, RLL and RSA reflected changes in FOA, KFA and GSA. These measurements may serve as a valuable proxy for surgical planning when whole-body imaging is not available.

Evaluation of Clinical and Oral Findings in Patients with Epidermolysis bullosa.

Introduction: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a genetically inherited disease characterized by recurrent bullae and erosions on the skin with numerous signs of dental caries and poor oral hygiene. The aim of this study was to investigate the general clinical and oral findings of patients with EB. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, the clinical and oral findings and family history of 26 cases with EB were evaluated. The type of EB, gender, age, parental consanguinity, dental caries, oral findings, distribution of lesions and presence of associated anomalies, clinical and oral findings correlated with gender were recorded. Results: All 26 patients with EB had a history of consanguinity and siblings with EB to varying degrees. In our study, malnutrition, anemia and growth retardation, gastrointestinal system complications, hair thinning, hand and nail deformity, ocular problems and renal disease (in one case) were observed with variable frequencies. When the intraoral findings of the patients were investigated, extensive dental caries in all EB types, enamel hypoplasia in junctional EB (JEB) and the presence of tooth-root to be extracted in dystrophic EB (DEB), intraoral bullae and lesions, ankyloglossia, vestibular sulcus insufficiency, microstomia and maxillary atrophy were observed. Three cases had restorative treatment and one case had prosthetic rehabilitation. Conclusions: Oral involvement can be seen with varying frequencies depending on the type of EB and the severity of the disease. It may result from delayed oral and dental rehabilitation due to physical disabilities, limitations and more pressing medical problems. Microstomy, pain from mucosal lesions, and restricted access to the mouth can be caused by poor oral hygiene. Oral complications and caloric needs of individuals with EB should be determined, and individual prophylaxis should be applied to prevent caries formation and protect teeth.

Can the Density of Mineralized Dental Tissues (Dentin and Enamel) Be Measured and Compared with 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Cases of Ectodermal Dysplasia?

BACKGROUND Since 3-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) started to be used in dentistry, mineral density can now be examined with computer software from the data on the images obtained. Detailed and clear images at different slice intervals can be obtained with CBCT, and mineral density can be measured from the image data on a computer with a Hounsfield unit (HU) scale. In addition to the broad opportunities presented by CBCT, this feature has presented a wider perspective to researchers. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this study, the CBCT images obtained from patients with the genetic disorder of ectodermal dysplasia were compared with the images of a control group to determine differences in mineralization of the teeth and to show that these could be compared by measuring the mineral density of dentin and enamel tissues using the HU scale on data from CBCT images. This opens new opportunities for cognitive and implementation research. RESULTS In the study, CBCT images of 14 ectodermal dysplasia and 14 control group cases previously obtained for various reasons were used. Mineral density measurements were made from 4 different regions of the teeth of the ectodermal dysplasia and control groups (incisor edge of the crown, the center buccal, cervicale line, and apex of the teeth), and the groups were compared. CONCLUSIONS The aim of this study was to provide a new overview of the feasibility and suitability of mineralization measurement of dentin and enamel dental tissues with CBCT in ectodermal dysplasia and control groups.

The role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in predicting mortality after bidirectional Glenn procedure.

This study aimed to address the role of various inflammation-related blood indices for the assessment of in-hospital outcomes in subjects undergoing Glenn procedure. Subjects who underwent the Glenn procedure for hypoplastic left heart syndrome were analysed retrospectively. Subjects were divided into two groups: Group 1 consisted of 78 patients who were discharged, and Group 2 included 12 patients who died after surgery. Post-operative third-day neutrophil count and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio value were significantly higher in the exitus group compared to the discharged group (p = 0.006 and p = 0.003, respectively). Third-day neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was positively correlated with duration of intubation (r = 0.253, p = 0.018), length of stay in ICU (r = 0.296, p = 0.006) and length of hospital stay (r = 0.297, p = 0.005). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with high third-day neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (≥6) had 14.227-fold higher risk of death compared to those with lower values. In addition, higher pulmonary arterial pressure was associated with increased risk of death. Receiver operating characteristics analysis revealed that neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio had 66.67% sensitivity, 84% specificity, 81.61% accuracy, 40.00% positive predictive value and 94.03% negative predictive value with a cut-off point of ≥6 to predict mortality. Third-day neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and increased post-operative pulmonary arterial pressure are significant predictors for in-hospital mortality in Glenn procedure recipients. A cut-off value of ≥6 for third-day neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts mortality with 66.67% sensitivity and 84% specificity. Given its simplicity and availability, post-operative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio should be monitored on a daily basis to identify patients with high risk for mortality after Glenn procedure.

Effect of intraoperative theophylline use on acute kidney injury in paediatric cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the effects of theophylline use in preventing renal dysfunction in patients undergoing CHD surgery. METHODS: A total of 94 patients aged 1-60 months were included in the study. Patients in the theophylline group were enrolled according to a pre-defined protocol for treatment administration, while controls were selected retrospectively from patients without theophylline treatment during the same period - who were matched according to critical baseline characteristics. RESULTS: The incidence of acute kidney injury was similar between the two groups (p = 1.000). Higher urinary output and lower fluid balance were found intraoperatively and also postoperatively in the theophylline group (all, p < 0.050). Postoperative decrease in urinary output and estimated glomerular filtration rate were higher in the theophylline group (p < 0.050). Lower postoperative urea and creatinine levels were shown in theophylline recipients (p < 0.050). Urea levels increased significantly in the non-theophylline group during surgery (p < 0.001), and no significant change was observed in theophylline group (p = 0.136). Postoperative increase in creatinine and lactate levels was demonstrated in theophylline group (p < 0.050), and lactate levels were higher in the non-theophylline group during and after cardiopulmonary bypass (p = 0.010). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed less reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate with higher age and in the presence of theophylline use (p < 0.050). CONCLUSION: Although we demonstrated a similar incidence of acute kidney injury in the both groups, we revealed an important decrease in serum creatinine, urea and lactate levels, accompanied by improved estimated glomerular filtration rate, increased urine output and decreased fluid overload, with theophylline treatment, suggesting that renal functions significantly improved with the use of theophylline.

Comparison of early-stage stenosis and regurgitation results among patients who underwent aortic valve repair.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to analyse the results of paediatric aortic valve repairs in our institution. METHOD: The data of 57 patients under 18 years of age who underwent aortic valve repair between 2014 and 2019 were retrospectively analysed. Early postoperative reoperation and hospital mortality rates were evaluated based on the ages of the patients, their preoperative diagnoses, and the surgical techniques used. Survival curves for groups of patients were calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: The rate of reoperation was 14% (n = 8), and there were no significant differences regarding valve pathologies and preoperative diagnoses (p > 0.05). Among the repair techniques, tricuspidisation was considered to be a risk factor for reoperation (p < 0.05). Augmentation, the material used (0.1 PTFE or pericardium), and the number of cusps were not found to have significant effects on reoperation or mortality. The mean follow-up period was 29.86 ± 21.30 months. The survival rates of the patients were 88%, 100%, and 88.2% for those with aortic stenosis, aortic insufficiency, and mixed disease, respectively, and no significant difference was found when these rates were evaluated with the log-rank test (p > 0.05). The mortality rate was 8.8% (n = 5), and undergoing surgery before the age of 1 year was found to be significant in terms of mortality (p = 0.032, p < 0.05). The bicuspid aortic valve group had the lowest mortality risk, while the Shone complex group had the highest. CONCLUSION: With its acceptable reoperation and mortality rates, aortic valve repair should be the first choice of treatment in the paediatric age group. Early results were satisfactory in all groups.

Evaluation of Radiation Exposure Due to Dental Radiographs Taken during Endodontic Treatment Sessions in Young Permanent Teeth.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the duration of treatment and the number of dental radiographs taken during endodontic treatment (endo-t) of young permanent teeth (YPT). Materials and Methods: Age, gender, affected tooth number, apex status, duration of treatment and dental radiographs taken during this period were retrospectively evaluated in pediatric patients aged 6−15 years who presented to the pedodontic department for endo-t of anterior YPT. Data were analyzed with Kruskal Wallis H, Dunn and Pearson chi-square tests. p < 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant in all analyses. Results: Anterior endo-t was initiated in 471 of 9,200 pedodontic patients between the ages of 6 and 15 years who applied to our university. The reason for seeking treatment was caries (8.1%) and trauma (91.9%). It was observed that 59% of the teeth had an open apex and 45.7% had a closed apex. A total of 1893 periapical radiographs (Per-R) and 245 panoramic radiographs (Pan-R) were taken from 471 pediatric patients during the treatment period. Total number of dental radiographs was 2138 with 4.5 per patient. Number of Per-R was lower in patients whose treatment was completed in a single session (p < 0.001). There was no difference in the number of Pan-R with respect to duration of treatment (p = 0.560). Conclusions: In children, the number of Per-R significantly increased with prolonged duration of treatment encompassing multiple sessions for endo-t procedures of anterior YPT, decided based on the apex and lesion status of the affected tooth. Especially in long-term traditional apexification treatments, treatment should be carried out in children with the ALADAIP (As Low As Diagnostically Achievable being Indication-oriented and Patient-specific) principle in mind.

Medically important Candida spp. identification: an era beyond traditional methods.

BACKGROUND: Candida infections are gaining more attention for the last few decades so diagnostic tools are very important for early diagnosis. Conventional identification of yeasts is time-consuming, molecular methods are more complicated and relatively expensive gold-standard methods. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was put into the market due to its speed and high accuracy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of corn meal tween-80 agar (CMTA), CHROMagar Candida medium, and MALDI-TOF MS and to compare the obtained results with DNA sequencing. METHODS: The CHROMagar Candida medium, CMTA, and MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper System were used to test 416 isolates. The isolates with discrepant results by at least one of the three methods were subjected to sequence analysis. RESULTS: The identification results of the 351 (%84.4) were compatible with all three methods. When compared to the sequencing results, the most accurate results were obtained by the MALDI-TOF MS, especially for rare Candida species. DISCUSSION: MALDI-TOF MS is found to be the most accurate identification tool for clinically important Candida strains. CMTA alone should not be used for the final identification of Candida species and the chromogenic medium should always be considered presumptive.

Comparison of Del Nido and Blood Cardioplegia in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Surgical Repair for Congenital Heart Disease.

The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of two different cardioplegia solutions, the del Nido (dN) and blood cardioplegia (BC), on postoperative troponin concentrations, vasoactive-inotrope score, and length of hospital stay in pediatric patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery for CHD. 80 subjects aged between 1 and 120 months who were scheduled for surgical repair for a CHD were prospectively enrolled in this study. Study subjects were allocated to one of the study groups using simple randomization technique as follows: The del Nido cardioplegia group (n = 40, median age 8.5 [5.5-14] months) and conventional blood cardioplegia group (n = 40, median age 11 [5-36] months). Aortic cross-clamp time and cardiopulmonary bypass time were recorded in all subjects. Troponin I and vasoactive-inotropic score, which indicates the amount of cardiovascular support by various inotropes or vasopressors, were recorded following the repair. The difference in troponin I, vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS), length of ICU stay, and length of hospital stay between the two groups was the primary outcome measure of this study. The volume of cardioplegia was significantly lower in dN group than that of the BC group (p < 0.001). Cardiopulmonary bypass time and aortic cross-clamp time were significantly shorter in subjects receiving dN cardioplegia than those receiving BC (p = 0.006, and p = 0.001, respectively). Subjects assigned to BC had higher Troponin I concentrations at postoperative 24th hour compared to subjects receiving dN cardioplegia [1.60 (0.92-2.49) ng/mL vs. 1.03 (0.55-1.83) ng/mL, p = 0.045]. VIS was also significantly higher in BC group at 24th [10 (10-13) vs. 10 (5-10), p = 0.032] and 48th hours [10 (1.5-10) vs. 0 (0-10), p = 0.005] compared to that of the dN cardioplegia group. The median extubation time was 7.5 (3.5-20.5) hours in dN cardioplegia group and 5 (4-10) hours in the BC group (p = 0.384). There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to the length of ICU stay and length of hospital stay. No mortality and no significant arrhythmias requiring medical or electrical cardioversion were noted in any of the groups. In conclusion, dN cardioplegia provides shorter aortic cross-clamp time and cardiopulmonary bypass time, and lower postoperative troponin I concentration and vasoactive-inotrope scores compared to BC in pediatric subjects undergoing surgical repair for CHD. However, lengths of ICU and hospital stay are similar in dN cardioplegia and BC groups.

Temperate approach to ASD closure in pulmonary arterial hypertension: the fenestrated patch technique.

The most common CHD in the adult patient population is an atrial septal defect due to its asymptomatic nature in early life. However, when diagnosis and treatment are delayed, pulmonary arterial hypertension may develop as a long-term complication, sometimes before adulthood. The presence of PAH adversely affects the results of surgical treatment and may even eliminate the feasibility of surgery in some patients. In such patients who have high pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance at the margin of inoperability, the response to the acute vasoreactivity test determines the treatment modality.In our retrospective study, a total of 906 patients who underwent ASD closure between January, 2011 and November, 2020, seven of which had undergone the fenestrated patch procedure after they were identified to have high PAP, but positive AVT test response were included. Short-term follow-up of patients with fenestrated ASD patches revealed decreased pulmonary pressure, regression in NYHA classification, and improvement in symptoms.The fenestrated patch technique should be kept in mind as an option to expand the surgical spectrum in the treatment of patients with high pulmonary pressures, where complete closure is risky. It appears that the fenestrated patch technique is a safe approach in the management of pulmonary hypertension in patients with ASD who have pulmonary hypertension, according to short- and midterm follow-up findings.

Do platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have a predictive value on pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) results?

BACKGROUND: It is difficult to predict the complications and prognosis of ECMO, which is gaining widespread use in patients with pediatric surgery. Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are emerging inflammatory markers that can be calculated from complete blood count, which is a cheap and easily accessible laboratory analysis. The ratios between cellular elements in peripheral blood have been demonstrated to provide information on inflammation, infection, and immune response. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients who needed ECMO application after undergoing pediatric cardiovascular surgery in our clinic, between May 2005 and April 2020, were included in this study. The age of patients varied between 4 days and 17 years with a mean of 30.59 ± 147.26 months. RESULTS: The relationships between PLR or NLR values and various blood parameters and blood gas results were found to be statistically nonsignificant in our group of pediatric ECMO recipients. Even if the effect of PLR and NLR values on mortality and prognosis is statistically nonsignificant in patients who need ECMO after congenital heart surgery, PLR and NLR are typically elevated in the postoperative period. An increase in these values above a certain threshold may be a statistically significant indicator for the prediction of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: There are few studies in the literature concerning PLR and NLR values in patients with pediatric heart surgery. We consider this study will make way for new studies in the future.

Galectin-3: can it be a diagnostic tool for pneumonia in covid-19 patients?

Background/aim: Biochemical markers are needed to show lung involvement in COVID-19 disease. Galectin-3 is known to play a key role in the inflammation and fibrosis process. We aimed to evaluate the predictive role of galectin-3 levels for pneumonia in patients with COVID-19. Materials and methods: Total of 176 patients with COVID-19, confirmed with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, admitted to the Erzurum Regional Training and Research Hospital was analyzed. The study was designed as a cross sectional. The baseline data of laboratory examinations, including galectin-3 were collected at the time of diagnosis. CT images evaluated by a single radiologist according to the recommendation of the Radiological Society of North America Expert Consensus Document for pulmonary involvement. The severity of COVID-19 pneumonia was assessed using the total severity score. Results: The mean galectin-3 level in patients with typical pneumonia was found to be significantly higher than those patients with atypical (p < 0.01) and indeterminate appearance (p < 0.01) and patients without pneumonia (p < 0.01). The severity of lung involvement was significantly associated with Galectin-3 levels (p < 0.01 r: 0.76). Stepwise logistic regression model showed that the levels of ferritin (odds ratio [OR] = 0.05, p: 0.08) and galectin-3 (OR = 0.1, p < 0.01) were significantly and independently associated with typical pneumoniain COVID-19 patients. When COVID-19 patients were evaluated in terms of typical pneumonia, we determined a cut-off value of 18.9 ng/mL for galectin-3 via ROC analysis (87% sensitivity; 73% specificity; area under curve (AUC): 0.89; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Galectin-3 was found as a diagnostic tool for COVID-19 associated typical pneumonia and as an indicator of both pneumonia and its severity.

Association of depressive symptoms with 25(OH) vitamin D in hemodialysis patients and effect of gender.

BACKGROUND: Depression is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and associated with significant increase in morbidity and mortality. In recent years, a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and depression has been shown. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between 25-hydroxy (OH) vitamin D and depression in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: A total of 140 patients were included in the study. Hamilton depression scale (HAM-D) was completed by all patients. 25(OH) vitamin D levels were compared between patients with and without depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Patients who had depressive symptoms had significantly lower 25(OH) vitamin D levels (13.70 [24.3-8.25] vs. 18.20 [29.2-11.7] ng/mL, p = 0.016). HAM-D score showed significant association with gender (p = 0.011) and 25(OH) vitamin D level (p = 0.011). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that males had lower risk of depression by a ratio of 61.1% (OR 0.389, p = 0.012) and vitamin D-deficient patients had 2.88 times greater risk of depression compared to non-deficient patients (OR 2.885, p = 0.013). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that males had 53.7% less risk of depression (OR 0.463, p = 0.046) and vitamin D-deficient patients had 2.39 times greater risk of depression (OR 2.397, p = 0.047). When evaluated by gender, univariate logistic regression analysis showed that 25(OH) vitamin D and other variables were not associated with depression in females (p > 0.05), while only vitamin D level had a significant effect on depression in males (OR 8.207, p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: We found a significant association between vitamin D level and depressive symptoms in hemodialysis patients. When analyzed according to gender, this association was found to stand independent of other variables only in males.

Nondipping heart rate and associated factors in patients with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Nondipping heart rate (NHR) is a condition reported to be associated with cardiovascular events and cardiovascular mortality recently. We aimed to search whether there is difference among hypertensive patients with and without chronic kidney disease (CKD) in terms of NHR pattern and the factors associated with NHR in patients with CKD. METHODS: The study included 133 hypertensive patients with normal kidney functions, 97 hypertensive patients with predialysis CKD, and 31 hypertensive hemodialysis patients. Heart rate, blood pressure and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured by 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitorization. NHR was defined as a decrease of less than 10% at night mean heart rate when compared with daytime values. RESULTS: NHR pattern was established as 26.3% in non-CKD hypertensive group, 43.3% in predialysis group and 77.4% in dialysis group. Among patients with CKD, when NHR group was compared with dipper heart rate group, it was seen that they were at older age, there were higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus and more female sex, and while the value of urea, creatinine, phosphorus, intact parathyroid hormone, and PWV were significantly higher, the value of hemoglobin, albumin and calcium were significantly lower. By multivariate analysis, hemoglobin [odds ratio (OR) 0.661; 95% CI 0.541-0.806; p < 0.001] and PWV (OR 1.433; 95% CI 1.107-1.853; p = 0.006) were established as independent determinants of NHR pattern. CONCLUSIONS: NHR pattern is significantly more frequently seen in hypertensive CKD patients than in hypertensive patients with non-CKD. Anemia and increased arterial stiffness are seen independently associated with NHR in CKD patients.

A nomogram for decision-making of completion surgery in endometrial cancer diagnosed after hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Extrauterine tumor spread is one of the essential determinants of disease outcome in endometrial cancer. However; more than 30% of patients still undergo incomplete surgery at the initial attempt. Strategies regarding the management of patients with incompletely staged early-stage disease or patients with undebulked advanced-stage disease remain controversial. Depending on postoperative uterine features and findings on imaging, patients may be put on observation or receive adjuvant therapy or undergo re-staging or debulking surgery followed by adjuvant therapy. To identify patients who would most benefit from a completion surgery, either for restaging or for cytoreduction, we developed a nomogram for estimation of extrauterine disease based on findings of final hysterectomy specimen. METHODS: Data of 336 patients whose extrauterine disease status was known were analyzed. A nomogram was constructed using patient characteristics including age, grade, myometrial invasion, lymphovascular space involvement, cervical involvement, and peritoneal cytology. The nomogram was internally validated in terms of discrimination, calibration and overall performance. RESULTS: The nomogram showed good performance accuracy with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.870, a specificity of 95.5%, and a positive predictive value of 73.9%. Decision curve analysis revealed that the use of the nomogram in decision-making for completion surgery leads to the equivalent of a net 18 true-positive results per 100 patients without an increase in the number of false-positive results. CONCLUSIONS: Estimation of extrauterine disease from final hysterectomy specimen is possible with high predictive performance using the nomogram developed. The nomogram may help clinicians in decision-making for management of incomplete surgeries.