Nueva propuesta de score para el diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda en adultos / A New Score Proposal for Diagnosing Acute Appendicitis in Adults

Introducción: La apendicitis aguda es una de las causas más comunes de abdomen agudo quirúrgico y dado que sigue siendo un reto diagnóstico, dispone de diversas escalas diagnósticas. Objetivo: Determinar la superioridad del nuevo score resultante frente al score de Alvarado en el diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de pruebas diagnósticas con el uso de la base de datos del Servicio de Cirugía del Hospital Regional Docente de Trujillo, entre febrero y diciembre del año 2015. Con los datos extraídos se elaboró un nuevo score diagnóstico que fue evaluado con el informe histopatológico y luego comparado con el score de Alvarado para evaluar su aplicación. Se calculó la sensibilidad, especificidad y los valores predictivos de ambos scores. Resultados: Se incluyeron en el estudio 312 pacientes, 177 fueron hombres (56,73 por ciento) y 135 mujeres (43,27 por ciento), con edad media de 31 años (±11,3). Con un total de 267 (85,58 por ciento) pacientes con apendicitis aguda confirmada por estudio histopatológico. El nuevo score clínico resultante de una regresión logística según la prueba de Wald, estuvo compuesto por 4 variables: sexo masculino, vómitos, automedicación previa y signo de Blumberg. Los resultados del área bajo la curva para el nuevo score clínico y el score de Alvarado fueron 0,711 y 0,707, respectivamente. Conclusiones: El nuevo score clínico es superior al score de Alvarado según el área bajo la curva, pero no en un valor significativo(AU)

Introduction: Acute appendicitis is one of the most common causes of acute surgical abdomen. Since it remains a diagnostic challenge, it has several diagnostic scales available. Objective: To determine the superiority of a new resulting score versus the Alvarado score in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Methods: A study of diagnostic tests was carried out using the database of the surgery service of the Regional Teaching Hospital of Trujillo, between February and December 2015. With the data collected, a new diagnostic score was elaborated and assessed with the histopathological report; and then, to assess its application, it was compared with the Alvarado score. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of both scores were calculated. Results: 312 patients were included in the study, 177 were male (56.73 percent) and 135 were female (43.27 percent), with a mean age of 31 years (±11.3). A total of 267 (85.58 percent) patients had acute appendicitis confirmed by histopathological study. The new clinical score resulting from a logistic regression according to the Wald test was made up of four variables: male sex, vomiting, previous self-medication and Blumberg's sign. The results of the area under curve for the new clinical score and the Alvarado score were 0.711 and 0.707, respectively. Conclusions: The new clinical score is better than the Alvarado score, according to the area under curve, but not by a significant value(AU)

Impact of a computer system as a triage tool in the management of pulmonary tuberculosis in a HIV reference center in Brazil

ABSTRACT Background: The Neural Clinical Score for tuberculosis (NCS-TB) is a computer system developed to improve the triage of presumed pulmonary TB (pPTB). Methods: A study was performed with cohorts of pPTB patients cared for at a reference hospital in Northeast Brazil. Results: The NCS-TB sensitivity was 76.5% for TB diagnosis, which shortened the time from triage to smear microscopy results (3.3 to 2.5 days; p<0.001) and therapy initiation (6.7 to 4.1 days; p=0.045). Conclusions: Although the NCS-TB was not suitable as a screening tool, it was able to optimize laboratory diagnosis and shorten the time to treatment initiation.

Physical activity and quality of life of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis: a cross-sectional study / Atividade física e qualidade de vida de crianças e adolescentes com fibrose cística: um estudo transversal

Abstract Introduction: Regular physical activity (PA) is part of outpatient care offered to most people with cystic fibrosis (CF). Objective: To determine the frequency of the self-reported PA and, secondarily evaluate associations between PA with clinical variables and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in pediatric and adolescent CF subjects. Method: In this cross-sectional study, subjects between 6 and 17 years of age with a confirmed diagnosis of CF were recruited in the outpatient clinic. The subjects answered questions about the practices of PA, HRQoL questionnaire and clinical variables were collected. Subjects were classified into two groups according to weekly PA practice: PA performed ≥ 3 times/week and performed PA ≤ 2 times/week. Results: 66 subjects completed the study, 72.7% (n=48) had PA ≥ 3 times/week and 27.2% (n=18) had PA ≤ 2 times/week. Only twelve children (18,2%) reached the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) to practice moderate to vigorous physical activities daily. The mean age of the subjects evaluated was 12.3 ± 3.2 years, forced expiratory volume in one second 90 ± 24.1% and forced vital capacity 95 ± 20.4%. The group that performed PA ≥ 3 times/week had a better clinical score (p=0.033), a lower number of hospitalizations in the year (p=0.002), a lower number of days hospitalized in the last year (p=0.020) and better score for the physical (p=0.003) and emotion (p=0.048) domains in HRQoL questionnaire. Conclusion: This study concluded that most subjects did not reach the WHO recommendations for the practice of PA. However, individuals who practice PA at least 3 times/week have better HRQoL, clinical score and fewer hospitalizations.

Resumo Introdução: A atividade física regular (AF) faz parte do tratamento ambulatorial oferecido à maioria das pessoas com fibrose cística (FC). Objetivo: Determinar a frequência da AF autorreferida e secundariamente avaliar as associações entre AF e variáveis clínicas e de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS) em crianças e adolescentes com FC. Método: Neste estudo transversal, indivíduos entre 6 e 17 anos com diagnóstico confirmado de FC foram recrutados no ambulatório. Os sujeitos responderam perguntas sobre as práticas de AF, questionário de QVRS e variáveis clínicas. Os indivíduos foram classificados em dois grupos de acordo com a prática semanal de AF: AF realizada ≥3 vezes/semana e AF≤2 vezes/semana. Resultados: 66 indivíduos completaram o estudo, 72,7% (n=48) tinham AF ≥ 3 vezes/semana e 27,2% (n=18) tinham AF ≤ 2 vezes/semana. Apenas doze crianças (18,2%) alcançaram as recomendações da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) para praticar diariamente atividades físicas moderadas a vigorosas. A média de idade dos sujeitos avaliados foi de 12,3 ± 3,2 anos, volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo 90 ± 24,1% e capacidade vital forçada 95 ± 20,4%. O grupo que realizou AF ≥ 3 vezes/semana apresentou melhor escore clínico (p=0,033), menor número de internações no ano (p=0,002), menor número de dias hospitalizados no último ano (p=0,020) e melhor escore para os domínios físico (p=0,003) e emoção (p=0,048) no questionário de QVRS. Conclusão: Este estudo concluiu que a maioria dos indivíduos não alcançou as recomendações da OMS para a prática de AF. No entanto, indivíduos que praticam AF pelo menos 3 vezes/semana apresentam melhor QVRS, escore clínico e menos hospitalizações.

Uterine Involution in Hosltein cows in the province of Carchi, Ecuador / Involución uterina en vacas Holstein en la provincia El Carchi, Ecuador

Abstract Objective. To evaluate the uterine involution in Holstein cow, under the conditions of production of the bovine dairy cattle in the province El Carchi, Ecuador. Materials and Methods. Sixty cows were selected and the time for uterine involution was determined by the recto-vaginal examination, ultrasonography and the clinical score of the regression of the uterus. The statistical parameters for each variable were determined. The effect of parity and body condition (CC) on complete uterine involution was evaluated by multifactorial ANOVA and the LSD test to compare means. Results. The clinical involution of the uterus, without taking into account the clinical score occurred at 29.86±7.71 days but considering this notation was at 42 ± 0.39 days. The uterine involution took place earlier (p<0.05) in cows with BCS ≥ 3.5 at birth than in those with BCS <3.5. In second calving cows it was at 25.17±1.32 days and it was extended (p<0.05) for the third and fourth calving. The occurrence of the dominant follicle and ovulation occur at 16.63 ± 3.83 and 27.76±7.71 days, respectively. Conclusions. The clinical involution of the uterus occurred in less time when the recto-vaginal examination was considered, compared when it was evaluated taking into account the clinical score. The uterine involution process is influenced by parity and body condition at calving.

Resumen Objetivo. Evaluar la involución uterina en vacas Holstein, en las condiciones de producción de la ganadería bovina lechera en la provincia El Carchi, Ecuador. Materiales y métodos. Se seleccionaron 60 vacas y se determinó el tiempo para la involución uterina mediante la exploración recto-vaginal, ultrasonografía y la puntuación clínica de la regresión del útero. Se determinaron los estadígrafos descriptivos de cada variable. Se evaluó el efecto de la paridad y la condición corporal (CC) sobre la completa involución uterina mediante un ANOVA multifactorial y la prueba LSD para comparar las medias. Resultados. La involución del útero, sin tomar en cuenta la puntuación clínica ocurrió a los 29.86 ± 7.71 días pero considerando esta notación fue a los 42±0.39 días. La involución uterina ocurrió más temprano (p<0.05) en las vacas con CC al parto ≥ que 3.5 que en las que la tenían < de 3.5. En las vacas de segundo parto fue a los 25.17 ± 1.32 días y se prolongó (p<0.05) en el tercero y cuarto parto. La aparición del folículo dominante y la ovulación ocurrieron a los 16.63±3.83 y 27.76±7.71 días, respectivamente. Conclusiones. La involución clínica del útero considerando el examen recto-vaginal ocurrió en menor tiempo que cuando se evaluó considerando la puntuación clínica. El proceso de involución uterina está iinfluenciado por la paridad y la CC al parto.

Correlation of obesity & comorbid conditions with chronic venous insufficiency: Results of a single-centre study

Background & objectives: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common clinical problem among obese patients. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI) and associated morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension and hypothyroidism on venous disease clinical scores as per Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical, Pathological (CEAP) classification. Methods: In this study, adult patients with BMI more than 30 kg/m2 with signs of CVI were evaluated clinically and by using Duplex ultrasonography of venous system. The patients with C0, C1, C2, C3 and C4, C5, C6 clinical scores in CEAP classification were grouped as lower and higher clinical scores of CVI, respectively. Results: Of the 200 enrolled patients, 147 (73.5%) were males and were associated with higher grades of clinical scores (P=0.051). Superficial venous system was involved in 96 per cent patients and 91 per cent patients had reflux in the sapheno-femoral junction. A negative association was observed between hypertension and male gender (P=0.001). Higher BMI was associated with higher clinical scoring (P=0.053). BMI >40 kg/m2 was associated with primary aetiology (P=0.007) of CVI. There was no correlation between superficial, deep or perforator incompetence with BMI (P=0.506). Duplex-confirmed significant reflux was observed in patients with higher BMI (P=0.006). Age and BMI were positively correlated with clinical score (r=0.176; P=0.013 & r=0.140; P=0.049), respectively. Interpretation & conclusions: Our findings indicated that elderly male patients with high BMI seemed to be at a higher risk of advanced clinical grades of CVI. The impact of comorbid conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and hypothyroidism on CVI could not reach at significance in the present study.

Evaluación del riesgo de síndrome de apnea obstructiva del sueño y somnolencia diurna utilizando el cuestionario de Berlín y las escalas Sleep Apnea Clinical Score y Epworth en pacientes con ronquido habitual atendidos en la consulta ambulatoria / Risk assessment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and daytime sleepiness using Berlin questionnaire, and SACS and Epworth scales in outpatients with snoring attending consultation

Resumen Objetivos: Determinar la frecuencia de riesgo del Síndrome de Apnea Obstructiva del Sueño (SAOS) en pacientes atendidos en el consultorio externo de neumología de un hospital de referencia en Lima a través de los Cuestionarios de Berlín, Sleep Apnea Clinical Score (SACS) y la escala de Epworth. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal en pacientes atendidos en los consultorios externos de neumología reclutando durante el período de enero a marzo de 2014 en forma prospectiva a aquellos pacientes que referían presentar ronquido habitual. Se determinó la frecuencia de riesgo de SAOS de acuerdo a cada una de las escalas evaluadas y sus factores asociados. Resultados: Se estudiaron 230 sujetos, 56,5% eran varones y el 43,5% mujeres, con una edad media de 50 ± 12 años. El 61,8%, 66,9% y 62,6% tenían riesgo moderado o alto para SAOS de acuerdo a las escalas de Epworth, SACS y Berlin respectivamente. El perímetro de cuello, circunferencia abdominal e índice de masa corporal fueron las características asociadas de manera más consistente con el riesgo de SAOS. La correlación entre las escalas de SACS y Berlin fue de 0,55, entre las escalas SACS y Epworth de 0,22 y entre Berlín y Epworth de 0,35 (p < 0,001 para todas las comparaciones). Conclusiones: El riesgo de SAOS y somnolencia diurna es elevado en pacientes roncadores atendidos en la consulta externa de neumología. Las escalas evaluadas presentan una correlación menor que lo esperada. Se requieren estudios a mayor escala y en población general que comparen el valor diagnóstico y pronóstico de estas escalas utilizando la polisomnografía como estándar de referencia.

Objectives: To determine the frequency of risk for the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) through clinical predictors: Berlin Questionnaire, Sleep Apnea Clinical Score (SACS) and the degree of daytime sleepiness measured by Epworth scale. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients who reported snoring seen by pulmonology in the outpatient clinic between January and March 2014. Frequency of OSA was calculated according to the three clinical prediction rules. We also determine the characteristic associated with a high risk of OSA according to each prediction rule. Results: We recruited 230 participants, 56.5% were male, with a mean age of 50 ± 12 years. The risk of moderate or high risk for OSA was 61.8%, 66.9% and 62.6% according to Epworth somnolence scale, SACS and Berlin questionnaire, respectively. Neck circumference, abdominal circumference and body mass index were the characteristics more consistently associated with OSA risk. Correlation between SACS and Berlin prediction rules was 0.55, between SACS and Epworth scale was 0.22 and between Berlin and Epworth scale was 0.35 (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Conclusions: There is a high risk for OSA among snoring patients attending respiratory outpatient clinic. The correlation between prediction rules evaluated was lower than expected. Larger studies in general populations using polysomnography as a reference standard are needed to clarify the diagnostic and prognostic value of OSA prediction rules.

Scoring clinical signs can help diagnose canine visceral leishmaniasis in a highly endemic area in Brazil

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) diagnosis is still a challenge in endemic areas with limited diagnostic resources. This study proposes a score with the potential to distinguish positive CVL cases from negative ones. We studied 265 dogs that tested positive for CVL on ELISA and parasitological tests. A score ranging between 0 and 19 was recorded on the basis of clinical signs. Dogs with CVL had an overall higher positivity of the majority of clinical signs than did dogs without CVL or with ehrlichiosis. Clinical signs such as enlarged lymph nodes (83.93%), muzzle/ear lesions (55.36%), nutritional status (51.79%), bristle condition (57.14%), pale mucosal colour (48.21%), onychogryphosis (58.93%), skin lesion (39.28%), bleeding (12.50%), muzzle depigmentation (41.07%), alopecia (39.29%), blepharitis (21.43%), and keratoconjunctivitis (42.86%) were more frequent in dogs with CVL than in dogs with ehrlichiosis or without CVL. Moreover, the clinical score increased according to the positivity of all diagnostic tests (ELISA, p < 0.001; parasite culture, p = 0.0021; and smear, p = 0.0003). Onychogryphosis (long nails) [odds ratio (OR): 3.529; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.832-6.796; p < 0.001], muzzle depigmentation (OR: 4.651; 95% CI: 2.218-9.750; p < 0.001), and keratoconjunctivitis (OR: 5.400; 95% CI: 2.549-11.441; p < 0.001) were highly associated with CVL. Interestingly, a score cut-off value ≥ 6 had an area under the curve of 0.717 (p < 0.0001), sensitivity of 60.71%, and specificity of 73.64% for CVL diagnosis. The clinical sign-based score for CVL diagnosis suggested herein can help veterinarians reliably identify dogs with CVL in endemic areas with limited diagnostic resources.

3D UTE-T2* analysis of achilles tendons disease and correlation with clinical score / 中国医学影像技术

Objective To compare T2* value in healthy and diseased achilles tendons (AT) using 3D-ultra-short echo time (UTE),and to analyze the correlation between T2* value and clinical scores.Methods Fifteen patients (patients group) and ten volunteers (control group) were included and underwent an MR scan with UTE sequence.The T2* value of four ROI in AT were calculated.Independent sample t-test was used to compare the differences of T2* value between two groups.The correlation of T2* values with the American Orthopaedic Foot and ankle society ankle hindfoot scale (AOFAS) and achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS) were analyzed.Results The T2* value of four ROI were statistically significantly higher in patients group than those of control group.There were negative correlation between T2* and AOFAS or ATRS scores (r=-0.92,-0.90,both P＜0.01).Conclusion The T2* value of pathologic AT increases.The quantitative MRI UTE-T2* can evaluate AT from the biochemical structure and correlates with clinical outcomes,which is helpful to diagnose AT in the early stage.

The predictive value of cleveland clinical score for acute renal injury after cardiac valve surgery in Chinese adult patients / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective To validate the value of Cleveland Clinical Score in predicting acute renal injury requiring renal replacement therapy(RRT-AKI) after cardiac valve surgery in Chinese adult patients.Methods An analysis was conducted for all the adult patients who underwent cardiac valve surgery from January 2010 to December 2014 in Changhai Hospital,Shanghai.A total of 3 230 adult patients were included.Based on Cleveland Clinical Score,the patients were divided into 3 risk stages:0 to 2 point,3 to 5 point,and 6 to 8 point.The incidence of RRT-AKI were compared between different stages.And the predictive value of the Cleveland Clinical Score model was assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC-ROC) and the model calibration was assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test.The patients were also divided into two groups:Non-RRT group and RRT-AKI group.The mortality were compared between these two groups.Results The incidence of RRT-AKI was 1.67％ vs the predicted ratio of RRT-AKI 1.70％ (x2 =0.018,P =0.892).Among the stage 1,2,and 3,the actual incidence of RRT-AKI,was 1.23％,2.66％,and 16.7％ vs the predicted incidence 0.40％,1.80％,and 9.50％,respectively.The AUC-ROC for Cleveland Clinical Score predicting RRT-AKI was 0.64 [95 ％ CI(0.57,0.71),P ＜0.01].Compared with Non-RRT group,the RRT-AKI group got a higher mortality(87.00％ vs 1.50％,x2 =1 330,P ＜0.01).Conclusion The Cleveland Clinical score had no real predictive value for RRT-AKI in Chinese adult patients after cardiac valve surgery.The incidence of RRT-AKI of the whole population and the stage 3 patients could be predicted by the model.And the patients with a high Cleveland score got a higher mortality than that of patients with a low Cleveland score.

Differences of clinical characteristics and severity between RSV bronchiolitis and non-RSV bronchiolitis / 国际儿科学杂志

Objective To investigate the differences of clinical characteristics and disease severity between respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and non-RSV bronchiolitis.Methods Ninety-six bronchiolitis inpatients of Shengjing Hospital from November 2012 to March 2014 were enrolled.RSV detection was performed at enrollment by direct immunofluorescence assay and the patients were divided into RSV group and non-RSV group.Clinical characteristics were collected and compared, including patients' demographic data, allergy, etc.Clinical scores were assessed by modified-Tal score system, and the associations between clinical scores and duration of onset or length of stay were analyzed to assess disease severity.Results In all 96 patients, forty (46.17％) were determined to be infected with RSV.Patients with RSV bronchiolitis were younger at hospitalization (t =-2.706,P =0.008) and the weight was lower (t =-2.070, P =0.041).There was no significant differences in sex, birth way, birth weight, height, ete (P ＞ 0.05).There was no significant differences in eczema, history of family allergy and total serum IgE (P ＞ 0.05).For patients with RSV bronchiolitis, the clinical scores were higher (t =-0.405 ,P ＜0.001) and the length of stay trended to be longer (t =0.480 ,P =0.081).The clinical score had a positive relation with length of stay (r =0.305, P =0.003), but not with the duration of onset (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Compared with non-RSV bronchiolitis, the clinical characteristics of patients with RSV bronchiolitis are younger age and lower weight, and have higher clinical scores, which indicates the clinical conditions may be more severe.For bronchiolitis, there is a positive correlation between clinical score and length of stay.The combination of etiological detection and modified-Tal score system may help to recognize severe cases, which should be observed carefully and treated immediately.

Utilidad de la escala clínica de Rockall en la hemorragia digestiva alta no varicosa / Usefulness of Rockall clinical score in upper non variceal gastrointestinal bleeding

Introducción: la escala clínica de Rockall se utliza para clasificar la hemorragia digestiva alta en individuos atendiendo al riesgo de presentar sangrado activo, que necesiten de la realización urgente de la endoscopia digestiva. Objetivo: evaluar, la eficacia de la escala clínica de Rockall para identificar a los pacientes que requieren terapéutica endoscópica. Métodos: se realizó un estudio prospectivo. Se calculó el índice clínico de Rockall según escala homónima. Se realizó endoscopia de urgencia y terapéutica hemostática a pacientes con sangrado activo o reciente. La eficacia de este proceder se determinó mediante el análisis por curva de escala clínica de Rockall, índice de Youden y cálculo de sensibilidad y especificidad del mejor punto de corte. Resultados: incluidos 118 pacientes, 22 de los cuales (18,6 por ciento) recibieron terapéutica endoscópica por presentar sangrado activo o reciente. Índice clínico de Rockall con una media de 1,79 puntos. Riesgo alto 83 pacientes (70,3 por ciento) y bajo 35 casos (29,7 por ciento). La capacidad predictiva excelente, con valor del área bajo la curva = 0,960 (IC 95 por ciento: 0,904-1,017); punto de corte igual a 1 ( índice de Youden = 0,971) con una sensibilidad de 97 por ciento y de especificidad de 71 por ciento. Conclusiones: la escala clínica de Rockall puede ser utilizada con seguridad para la toma de decisiones en relación con la realización urgente de la endoscopia en el paciente con hemorragia digestiva alta no varicosa(AU)

Introduction: the clinical Rockall score serves to stratify the individuals with non variceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage depending on the risk of presenting active bleeding and therefore, they urgently need digestive endoscopy. Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of the Rockwall clinical score in identifying patients who need therapeutic endoscopy. Methods: a prospective study with calculation of the Rockall clinical score according to a homonymous scale. Performance of urgent endoscopy and of therapeutic hemostatic endoscopy in patients with active or recent bleeding. Determination of efficacy through the analysis of ROC curves, Youden´s index and calculation of sensibility and specificity of the best cutoff point. Results: one hundred and eighteen patients were included, 22 of whom (18.6 percent) received therapeutic endoscopy to manage active or recent bleeding. Rocwall clinical score reached a mean of 1.79 points. It was found that 83 (70.3 percent) were high and 35 (29.7 percent) low risk patients. The predictive capacity was excellent, being the ABC= 0.960 (95 percent CI: 0,904-1,017). The cutoff point was 1 (J= 0.971) with 97 percent sensibility and 71 percent specificity. Conclusions: the Rockall clinical score can be safely used to make a decision on the urgent performance of endoscopy in patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(AU)

The Role of Clinical Signs in the Diagnosis of Late-onset Neonatal Sepsis and Formulation of Clinical Score.

Neonatal sepsis is the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. The low birth weight and preterm babies are more vulnerable to it. It is diagnosed when generalized systemic features are associated with pure growth of bacteria from one or more sites. However, the signs of sepsis are nonspecific and the outcome of a neonate with sepsis depends on its early identification. So, this study is done to evaluate the role of various clinical signs in diagnosing late-onset sepsis, their statistical analysis and to develop a scoring system-based purely on clinical signs for early diagnosis and prompt institution of treatment.

The application value of SCS scoring system in emergency department / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical value of the simple clinical score (SCS) in Emergency Department.Methods A total of 655 patients with critically illness admitted from July 1,2011through August 31,2011 were enrolled to evaluate the clinical application of SCS in emergency rescue room by analysis of the relationship between SCS and outcome of patients,and the correlation between each factor of SCS and the risk of death. Results The higher SCS,the higher hazard ratio for death.Differences in the hazard ratio for death among groups with different scores of SCS were statistical significance ( P ＜ 0.01 ).According to Chi-square test,there were significant differences in each factor ( except body temperature &unable standing or need Home Health Aide) among the groups of SCS ( P ＜ 0.05 ). Binary logistic regression analysis of each factor showed that age,diabetes,coma,pulse,systolic pressure and respiratory rate had significant correlation with patient mortality. After logistic regression analysis,age,diabetes,coma,pulse,systolic pressure and respiratory rate are significantly related to the mortality of patients.Conclusions The SCS scoring system is useful to make a precise evaluation of critically ill patients in the emergency department.When emergency rescue is carried out,particular stress should be focused on age,diabetes,coma,pulse,systolic pressure and respiratory rate.

New clinical score for disease activity at diagnosis in Langerhans cell histiocytosis / 대한혈액학회지

BACKGROUND: The clinical presentation and course of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) are variable, ranging from an isolated, spontaneously remitting bone lesion to multisystem disease with risk organ involvement. Treatment of LCH ranges from a wait-and-see attitude to intensive multidrug therapy and, in some cases, bone marrow transplantation. It is necessary to develop an objective score for assessing disease activity in patients with LCH. We propose a new clinical scoring system to evaluate disease activity at diagnosis that can predict the clinical outcomes of LCH and correlate it with clinical courses. METHODS: Clinical data, obtained from children diagnosed with LCH at Asan Medical Center and Hanyang University Hospital between March 1998 and February 2009, were studied retrospectively. The scoring system was developed according to the basic biological data, radiological findings, and physical findings and applied to a database containing information on 133 patients. RESULTS: The median age of the 133 patients (74 male, 59 female) was 52 months (range, 0.6-178 months), and LCH was diagnosed based on CD1a positivity. At diagnosis, the score distributions were highly asymmetrical: the score was between 1 and 2 in 75.9% of cases, 3-6 in 15.8%, and greater than 6 in 8.3%. Initial scores above 6 were highly predictive of reactivation and late complications. CONCLUSION: This new LCH disease activity score provides an objective tool for assessing disease severity, both at diagnosis and during follow-up.

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Diagnosed at the Neonatal Period / 임상소아혈액종양

BACKGROUND: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data to describe the characteristics of lesions, extent of disease, and outcomes in patients with neonatal presentation of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH).METHODS: Clinical data obtained from neonate diagnosed with LCH at Asan Medical Center between March 1998 and May 2010 were studied. A review of the medical records, analyzing the clinical parameters such as age when signs and symptoms initially manifested, morphologic characteristics of lesions, age at diagnosis, additional organ involvement, therapy administered, course, and outcome, including delayed sequelae was done.RESULTS: Among seventy nine (36 female, 43 males) patients, 6 patients (3 female, 3 male) were presented symptoms within 4 weeks after birth and diagnosed with neonatal LCH (7.6%). Median age of the 6 patients was 11.5 (5-42) days and LCH was diagnosed based on the CD1a positivity. At diagnosis, 4 patients showed single system (SS) LCH (66.7%) whereas 2 patients had multisystem (MS) LCH (33.3%) and skin lesions were the most common initial manifestation (83.3%). The probability of event free survival at 12 years was 83.3%.CONCLUSION: Skin lesion was the most prominent manifestation of the neonatal LCH with complete spontaneous involution. A multi-organ evaluation at the time of diagnosis is important to ascertain the possibility of multisystem involvement with LCH.

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Diagnosed at the Neonatal Period / 임상소아혈액종양

BACKGROUND: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data to describe the characteristics of lesions, extent of disease, and outcomes in patients with neonatal presentation of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). METHODS: Clinical data obtained from neonate diagnosed with LCH at Asan Medical Center between March 1998 and May 2010 were studied. A review of the medical records, analyzing the clinical parameters such as age when signs and symptoms initially manifested, morphologic characteristics of lesions, age at diagnosis, additional organ involvement, therapy administered, course, and outcome, including delayed sequelae was done. RESULTS: Among seventy nine (36 female, 43 males) patients, 6 patients (3 female, 3 male) were presented symptoms within 4 weeks after birth and diagnosed with neonatal LCH (7.6%). Median age of the 6 patients was 11.5 (5-42) days and LCH was diagnosed based on the CD1a positivity. At diagnosis, 4 patients showed single system (SS) LCH (66.7%) whereas 2 patients had multisystem (MS) LCH (33.3%) and skin lesions were the most common initial manifestation (83.3%). The probability of event free survival at 12 years was 83.3%. CONCLUSION: Skin lesion was the most prominent manifestation of the neonatal LCH with complete spontaneous involution. A multi-organ evaluation at the time of diagnosis is important to ascertain the possibility of multisystem involvement with LCH.

The Clinical Effect of Amniotic Membrane Transplantation for Various Ocular Surface Diseases

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical outcome of amniotic membrane transplantation(AMT) for various ocular surface diseases. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 52 eyes from 46 patients which had underwent AMT for various ocular surface diseases. We scored each eyes from 0 to 4 for subjective symptoms (symptom score) and epithelial healing (epithelial grade) at three months after AMT. The clinical score was calculated as the symptom score time the epithelial grade. RESULTS: The mean clinical score among all ocular surface disease was 10.41+/-4.26. The mean clinical scores for each disease are as follows: 7.71+/-3.56 for corneal ulcers, 14.43+/-3.1 for persistent epithelial defects, 12.83+/-2.71 for exposure keratitis, 12.86+/-3.18 for herpes keratitis, 5.85+/-2.5 for bullous keratopathy, 10.53+/-4.27 for chemical corneal burns and 16.0+/-0.0 for shield ulcers. Subjective symptoms subsides and epithelial healing progressed in all patients treated by AMT. No complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: AMT is an effective method for treating various ocular surface diseases, because AMT improves the subjective symptoms of patients and promotes the healing of epithelial lesions.

The Clinical Effect of Amniotic Membrane Transplantation for Various Ocular Surface Diseases

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical outcome of amniotic membrane transplantation(AMT) for various ocular surface diseases. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 52 eyes from 46 patients which had underwent AMT for various ocular surface diseases. We scored each eyes from 0 to 4 for subjective symptoms (symptom score) and epithelial healing (epithelial grade) at three months after AMT. The clinical score was calculated as the symptom score time the epithelial grade. RESULTS: The mean clinical score among all ocular surface disease was 10.41+/-4.26. The mean clinical scores for each disease are as follows: 7.71+/-3.56 for corneal ulcers, 14.43+/-3.1 for persistent epithelial defects, 12.83+/-2.71 for exposure keratitis, 12.86+/-3.18 for herpes keratitis, 5.85+/-2.5 for bullous keratopathy, 10.53+/-4.27 for chemical corneal burns and 16.0+/-0.0 for shield ulcers. Subjective symptoms subsides and epithelial healing progressed in all patients treated by AMT. No complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: AMT is an effective method for treating various ocular surface diseases, because AMT improves the subjective symptoms of patients and promotes the healing of epithelial lesions.

Validation of clinical scoring system in the primary care of children with suspected acute appendicitis.

Objective: To establish a scoring system for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in children in order to decrease the rate of negative and delayed appendectomies and delayed. Methods: Record charts of pediatric patients admitted with suspected appendicitis at the Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital during July 2000 - September 2001 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical predictors were listed out and weighed as coefficients, which were later formed into a score equation. The score was then prospectively studied in the following year from October 2001-September 2002. The score was used to aid decision making in the management of cases suspected of appendicitis. The out come was compared to the conventional management based on histologically confirmed diagnosis. Results: The retrospectively collected data listed out 14 significant variables. Using logistic regression, the parameters were weighed as coefficients, which became scores to each parameter. The score was applied to a consecutive series in the following year. By using the score, the patients were categorized into three groups: discharged, observed and operated. The accuracy of the score is 85.83% with a positive predictive value of 96.55% and negative predictive value of 75.81%. From this study group, the negative appendectomy rate is 4.17% and the perforation rate is 6.67%. Compared to the previous year during which 133 children were treated under the conventional management, the negative appendectomy rate was 4.51% and the perforation rate was 21.8% Conclusion: The scoring system is an accurate diagnostic tool, which proves the importance of history taking, physical examination in coordination with laboratory investigations and close observation. Altogether these parameters can reduce the rate of misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis of pediatric appendicitis.

The Effect of Salbutamol and Budesonide Inhalation Therapy in Infants with Bronchiolitis

PURPOSE: The purpose of this trial was to determine whether salbtamol and budesonide combined inhalation therapy is more efficacious than conservative treatment for admitted infants with bronchiolitis in early phase. METHODS: The study subjects were 72 infants admitted to Sun Hospital in Taejeon from July 1994 to June 1995, whose age from 1 month to 12 months with clinical diagnosis of bronchiolitis. Infants were randomly assigned to different three treatment groups as follw: Group C: 21 infants who received conservative treatment with oxygen (4liter/min); Group A: 23 infants who received salbutamol (0.1mg/kg) inhalation therapy using ultrasonic nebulizer at 6 hours interval add to conservative therapy; Group B: 28 infants who received budesonide (0.1mg/kg) inhalation therapy with above mentioned treatment at 12 hours interval. Then, infants were analyzed by comparison of clinical score, repiratory rate at time order of entry, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, and 5 days after treatment. We also compared ABGA of admission time to 24 hours after treatment of all groups and appreciate total hospital days of three groups. On follow up, same analyzing methods of comparison were used on 42 non-recurrent wheezing infants. RESULTS: The mean values of clinical score and respiratory rate were significantly improved in salbutamol and budesonide inhalation treatment group at 24 hours from medium of 6.1 60.7/min to 2.4, 42.3/min respectly. This effect was sustained thereafter. On the while, salbutamol inhalation group was significantly improved the clinical score and respiratory reate at 12 hours after therapy, but thereafter there was no obvious difference to conservative treatment. After then we exclude the recurrent infants and analyzed above mentioned items retrospectively. The improvement of clinical score and respiratory rate of salbutamol and budesonide inhalation therapy group was significant. Oxygenation was improved after 24hours of salbutamol and budesonide inhalation therapy. Total hospital stay was significantly reduced in salbutamol and budesonide inhalation group, and slightly reduced inthe salbutamol inhalation group. CONCLUSION: Infants with bronchiolitis treated with salbutamol and budesonide inhalation achieved better results in clinical score, repiratory rate PO2, and hospital days than no inhalation therapy. No reapiratory failure was occurred. So, this trial as treatment of bronchiolitis may be useful and effective therapy in those infants.