Desfechos obstétricos adversos durante a COVID-19: uma série de casos retrospectiva / Adverse obstetric outcomes during COVID-19: a retrospective case series / Resultados obstétricos adversos durante el COVID-19: serie de casos retrospectiva

Objetivo: analisar as características e os desfechos obstétricos adversos em gestantes/puérperas infectadas pelo SARS-CoV-2 em serviço de referência. Método: série de casos retrospectiva entre gestantes com Covid-19 em um hospital universitário em Minas Gerais, Brasil, atendidas no serviço de 2020 a 2021, coletados em abril de 2022, empregando-se estatística descritiva para análise dos dados através do Statistical Package for the Social Science. Resultados: incluídas 26 gestantes, em sua maioria brancas, que tiveram como principais desfechos obstétricos adversos a internação em UTI (43,5%), parto prematuro (34,6%), dado reestratificado de semanas para dias para investigar o encurtamento da gestação, onde constatou-se média de 38,6 dias potenciais de gravidez perdidos dos 280 dias ideais, e ainda 15,4% evoluíram para óbito materno. Conclusão: o estudo proporcionou evidenciar a necessidade de vigilância e atenção às gestantes com foco nos principais desfechos adversos, podendo-se intervir em tempo oportuno para diminuir adversidades.

Objective: to analyze the characteristics and adverse obstetric outcomes in pregnant/puerperal women infected by SARS-CoV-2 at a reference service. Method: a retrospective case series conducted among pregnant women with Covid-19 in a university hospital from Minas Gerais, Brazil, treated at the service from 2020 to 2021. The cases were collected in April 2022 employing descriptive statistics for data analysis in the Statistical Package for the Social Science. Results: a total of 26 pregnant women were included, mostly white-skinned, whose main adverse obstetric outcomes were admission to the ICU (43.5%), premature birth (34.6%) and data restratified from weeks to days to investigate shortening of pregnancy, where a mean of 38.6 potential days of pregnancy were lost out of the ideal 280 days, and 15.4% resulted in maternal death. Conclusion: the study provided evidence of the need for surveillance and care for pregnant women with a focus on the main adverse outcomes, enabling timely intervention to reduce adversities.

Objetivo: analizar las características y resultados obstétricos adversos en gestantes/puérperas infectadas por SARS-CoV-2 en un servicio de referencia. Método: serie de casos retrospectiva entre gestantes con Covid-19 en un hospital universitario de Minas Gerais, Brasil, atendidas en el servicio de 2020 a 2021. Los datos se recolectaron en abril de 2022, se utilizó estadística descriptiva para analizar los datos mediante el Statistical Package for the Social Science. Resultados: se incluyeron 26 gestantes, la mayoría de raza blanca, cuyos principales resultados obstétricos adversos fueron ingreso a UCI (43,5%), parto prematuro (34,6%), dato reestratificado de semanas a días para investigar el acortamiento de la gestación, que arrojó como resultado un promedio de 38,6. Se comprobó que se perdieron en promedio 38,6 días potenciales de embarazo de los 280 días ideales, y muerte materna (15,4%). Conclusión: la evidencia que proporcionó el estudio indica que es necesario vigilar y atender a las gestantes enfocándose en los principales resultados adversos, lo que permite intervenir de forma oportuna para reducir adversidades.

Uso y complicaciones del cateterismo urinario en salas de cuidados moderados de un hospital universitario

Introducción: El cateterismo urinario es un procedimiento frecuente y en ocasiones es utilizado por fuera de las indicaciones aceptadas para el mismo. Esto aumenta el riesgo de complicaciones vinculadas a su uso, por lo que pueden ser prevenibles. El objetivo del estudio es conocer las características del uso de cateterismo urinario en pacientes ingresados en salas de cuidados moderados de un hospital universitario del tercer nivel de atención, determinar la frecuencia, duración e indicaciones más frecuentes, así como evaluar la presencia de complicaciones asociadas al mismo Metodología: Estudio de corte transversal, realizado en salas de cuidados moderados de un hospital terciario y universitario de Montevideo, Uruguay, el 21 de diciembre de 2022. Se incluyeron pacientes hospitalizados que presentaban o presentaron catéter vesical en la presente internación y se completó la recolección de variables mediante la revisión de la historia clínica. Resultados: De 155 pacientes ingresados en salas de cuidados moderados, a 26 (16,7%) les fue colocado un catéter urinario. La mediana de edad fue 61 años, 80% eran de sexo masculino. La mediana de internación fue de 22 días. En todos los pacientes se utilizó sonda vesical y el 54% fue colocado en el Departamento de Emergencia. En el 46% de los pacientes no se encontró indicación escrita de colocación en la historia clínica. En 50% de los casos no está especificado el motivo de indicación de sonda vesical, mientras que las indicaciones identificadas más frecuentes fueron el control de diuresis (27%) y la desobstrucción de vía urinaria baja (23%). La duración de cateterismo fue de una mediana de 13,5 días, mientras que el 27% de los pacientes la usaron más de 30 días. 35% de los pacientes presentaron complicaciones vinculadas a la sonda vesical, en su mayoría no infecciosas (27%) y 15% presentaron infección urinaria. Estos pacientes tuvieron una duración de cateterismo mayor a los que no presentaron complicaciones (23 vs 10 días, p=0,411). Conclusiones: El catéter vesical fue utilizado en un porcentaje no despreciable de pacientes ingresados en salas de cuidados moderados, de forma prolongada y frecuentemente sin indicación precisa, lo cual expone a un riesgo aumentado de complicaciones vinculadas.

Introduction: Urinary catheterization is a frequent procedure and is sometimes used outside of its accepted indications. This increases the risk of complications related to its use, so they may be preventable. The objective of this study is to know the characteristics of the use of urinary catheterization in patients admitted to moderate care wards of a tertiary care university hospital, to determine the frequency, duration and most frequent indications, as well as to evaluate the presence of associated complications. Methodology: Cross-sectional study, carried out in moderate care wards of a tertiary care and university hospital in Montevideo, Uruguay, on December 21, 2022. Hospitalized patients who present or presented a bladder catheter during the present hospitalization were included, and the collection of variables was completed by reviewing the medical history. Results: Of 155 patients admitted to moderate care wards, 26 (16.7%) had a urinary catheter placed. The median age was 61 years, 80% were male. The median hospitalization was 22 days. In all patients a bladder catheter was used and 54% were placed in the Emergency Department. In 46% of the patients, no written indication for placement was found in the clinical history. In 50% of cases, the reason for indicating the bladder catheter is not specified, while the most frequent indications identified were diuresis control (27%) and lower urinary tract obstruction (23%). The duration of catheterization was a median of 13.5 days, while 27% of the patients used it for more than 30 days. 35% of the patients presented complications related to the bladder catheter, mostly non-infectious (27%) and 15% presented urinary tract infection. These patients had a longer duration of catheterization than those without complications (23 vs 10 days, p=0,411). Conclusions: The bladder catheter was used in a non-negligible percentage of patients admitted to moderate care wards, for a long time and often without a precise indication, which exposes them to an increased risk of related complications.

Introdução: O cateterismo urinário é um procedimento frequente e às vezes é usado fora de suas indicações aceitas. Isso aumenta o risco de complicações relacionadas ao seu uso, portanto, podem ser evitáveis. O objetivo deste estudo é conhecer as características do uso do cateterismo urinário em pacientes internados em enfermarias de cuidados moderados de um hospital universitário terciário, determinar a frequência, duração e indicações mais frequentes, bem como avaliar a presença de complicações associadas ao mesmo. Metodologia: Estudo transversal, realizado em quartos de cuidados moderados de um hospital terciário e universitário em Montevidéu, Uruguai, em 21 de dezembro de 2022. Foram incluídos pacientes que apresentaram ou apresentaram sonda vesical durante a internação atual e a coleta de variáveis ​​foi concluída .revisando o histórico médico. Resultados: Dos 155 pacientes admitidos em enfermarias de cuidados moderados, 26 (16,7%) tiveram um cateter urinário colocado. A idade média foi de 61 anos, 80% eram do sexo masculino. A mediana de internação foi de 22 dias. Em todos os doentes foi utilizada sonda vesical e 54% foram internados no Serviço de Urgência. Em 46% dos pacientes, nenhuma indicação escrita para colocação foi encontrada na história clínica. Em 50% dos casos não é especificado o motivo da indicação da sonda vesical, enquanto as indicações mais frequentes identificadas foram controle da diurese (27%) e desobstrução do trato urinário inferior (23%). A duração do cateterismo foi em média de 13,5 dias, enquanto 27% dos pacientes o utilizaram por mais de 30 dias. 35% dos pacientes apresentaram complicações relacionadas ao cateter vesical, em sua maioria não infecciosas (27%) e 15% apresentaram infecção urinária. Esses pacientes tiveram uma duração mais longa de cateterismo do que aqueles sem complicações (23 vs 10 dias, p=0,411). Conclusões: A sonda vesical foi utilizada em percentual não desprezível de pacientes internados em quartos de cuidados moderados, por tempo prolongado e muitas vezes sem indicação precisa, o que os expõe a um risco aumentado de complicações associadas.

National Surgical Quality Improvement Program audit of contemporary perioperative care for radical cystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of increased compliance to contemporary perioperative care measures, as outlined by enhanced recover after surgery (ERAS) guidelines, among patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database we captured patients undergoing RC between 2019 and 2021. We identified five perioperative care measures: regional anaesthesia block, thromboembolism prophylaxis, ≤24 h perioperative antibiotic administration, absence of bowel preparation, and early oral diet. We stratified patients by the number of measures utilised (one to five). Statistical endpoints included 30-day complications, hospital length of stay (LOS), readmissions, and optimal RC outcome. Optimal RC outcome was defined as absence of any postoperative complication, re-operation, prolonged LOS (75th percentile, 8 days) with no readmission. Multivariable regressions with Bonferroni correction were performed to assess the association between use of contemporary perioperative care measures and outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 3702 patients who underwent RC, 73 (2%), 417 (11%), 1010 (27%), 1454 (39%), and 748 (20%) received one, two, three, four, and five interventions, respectively. On multivariable analysis, increased perioperative care measures were associated with lower odds of any complication (odds ratio [OR] 0.66, 99% confidence interval [CI] 0.6-0.73), and shorter LOS (ß -0.82, 99% CI -0.99 to -0.65). Furthermore, patients with increased compliance to contemporary care measures had increased odds of an optimal outcome (OR 1.38, 99% CI 1.26-1.51). CONCLUSIONS: Among the measures we assessed, greater adherence yielded improved postoperative outcomes among patients undergoing RC. Our work supports the efficacy of ERAS protocols in reducing the morbidity associated with RC.

Bleeding is associated with severely impaired outcomes in surgery for acute type a aortic dissection.

Background. Surgery for acute type A aortic dissection confers a risk for significant bleeding. We analyzed the impact of massive bleeding on complications after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. Methods. Patients undergoing surgery for acute type A aortic dissection from the retrospective multicenter Nordic Consortium for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection (NORCAAD) database 2005-2014 were eligible. Massive bleeding was defined according to the Universal Definition of Perioperative Bleeding. The primary outcome measure was early mortality and secondary outcome measures were perioperative stroke, mechanical ventilation more than 48 h, new-onset dialysis, and intensive care unit stay. Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for differences in covariates. Results. Nine hundred ninety-seven patients were included, of whom 403 (40.4%) had massive bleeding. In the propensity score-matched cohort (344 pairs), patients with massive bleeding had higher 30-day mortality (17.2 versus 7.6%, p < .001), mechanical ventilation more than 48 h (52.8 versus 22.6%, p < .001), perioperative stroke (24.3 versus 14.8%, p = .002), new-onset dialysis (22.5 versus 4.9%, p < .001), and longer intensive care unit stay (6 versus 3 days, p < .001), compared with patients without massive bleeding. Risk factors for massive bleeding were previous cardiac surgery, preoperative clopidogrel or ticagrelor therapy, DeBakey type I dissection, and localized or generalized malperfusion. Conclusions. Massive bleeding in surgery for acute type A aortic dissection is associated with a markedly increased risk for severe complications as well as early death. Further improvement of surgical technique and pharmacological optimization of coagulation is paramount to possibly improve outcomes in acute type A aortic dissection repair.

[Follow-up after urinary diversion]. / Nachsorge nach Harnableitung.

Radical cystectomy is currently the standard of care for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Different parts of the small and large intestines can be utilized for continent and incontinent urinary diversion. The postoperative follow-up after urinary diversion should consider functional, metabolic and oncological aspects. The functional follow-up of (continent) urinary diversion includes stenosis, emptying disorders or incontinence. The oncological follow-up should focus on the detection of local, urethral and upper tract recurrences as well as distant metastases. As 90% of the tumor recurrences occur during the first 3 years, a close follow-up should be carried out during this period. Metabolic disturbances, such as vitamin B12 and bile acid deficits, acidosis and disorders of calcium metabolism can also occur during long-term follow-up. The metabolic follow-up should consider the metabolic consequences of the parts of the intestines utilized for the urinary diversion.

Skin complications during iron chelation therapy for beta-thalassemia: overview and treatment approach.

Thalassemia is an inherited genetic disorder of hemoglobin that affects a large population worldwide, and it is estimated that between 50,000 and 60,000 infants with thalassemia are born each year. The most common treatment for thalassemia is blood transfusion, which leads to iron overload. This in itself is a serious clinical condition, and is commonly managed with iron chelation therapy. However, iron chelators can cause various skin complications, including hyperpigmentation, skin rash, itching, and photosensitivity. These skin side effects can impact patients' quality of life. Therefore, this article provides a comprehensive overview of skin complications caused by iron chelators, along with a proposed comprehensive approach to their management in patients with beta-thalassemia. Key strategies include patient education, regular skin assessment, sun protection measures, symptomatic relief with topical corticosteroids and antihistamines, and consideration of treatment modification if severe complications occur. Collaboration between hematologists and dermatologists, along with psychological support and regular follow-up, is an essential component of this multidisciplinary approach. By implementing these strategies, healthcare providers can optimize skin care for patients with beta-thalassemia treated with iron chelators and improve their quality of life.

Exploring maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with Type-1 Diabetes: A study from Pakistan.

Background & Objective: Pregnancy in women diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes mellitus poses a higher risk of experiencing complications related to the health of the fetus, the mother, and the newborn, along with potential obstetric issues. The objective of this study was to examine the maternal and fetal outcomes, as well as complications faced by pregnant women with type-1 diabetes, and to identify potential preventable factors. Methods: This retrospective cohort study, conducted at Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology (BIDE), Baqai Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan (January 2022 - January 2023), focused on registered pregnancies of women with Type-1 diabetes. A predesigned questionnaire recorded demographic information, diabetes and obstetric history, clinical details, treatment specifics, maternal, perinatal, and neonatal outcomes. Results: This study included 100 women with pre-existing Type-1 diabetes (mean age: 15.11 ± 5.64 years at diabetes diagnosis). Of these, 72% reported unplanned pregnancies, with a mean HbA1C at conception 8.29%. Median gestational age at delivery was 32.15 ± 10.82 weeks. Delivery outcomes included 40% normal vaginal deliveries and 60% C-sections (9% emergency, 51% elective). Stillbirths occurred in 14 cases, while 16 women experienced one miscarriage, seven had two, and 10 had three miscarriages. Glycemic targets (fasting) were achieved in 55 women, and post-meal targets only in 29, whereas, neonatal complications included hypoglycemia in 13 and low birth weight in 12 neonates. Conclusion: The high frequency of unplanned pregnancies and cesarean sections along with poor management of pre-pregnancy care and poor glycemic control results in compromised maternal and perinatal outcomes in this high-risk group.

Risk factors and nomogram predictive model of severe postoperative complications in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures.

Objective: To analyze risk factors of severe postoperative complications in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures (ITF), and to construct a predictive model. Methods: The medical records of 316 elderly patients with ITF who underwent surgical treatment in Suzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from January 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors of severe postoperative complications. A nomogram prediction model was constructed using the RMS package of R4.1.2 software. Accuracy and stability of the model was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, and decision curve analysis. Results: Age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grading, combined medical diseases, preoperative bedridden condition, frailty, and preoperative albumin levels were all risk factors for severe postoperative complications in ITF patients were noted. These factors were then used to build a risk prediction model that had an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.899 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.846-0.951). The internal validation results of the Bootstrap method showed that the C-index value of the model was 0.899, and the calibration curve had a good fit with the ideal curve. Conclusions: Age, ASA grading, combined medical diseases, preoperative bedridden condition, frailty, and preoperative albumin levels were independent risk factors for severe postoperative complications in elderly ITF patients. The constructed prediction model based on the above risk factors has a high predictive value.

Clinical pattern, neuroimaging findings and outcome of Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis in children: A retrospective study.

Objective: To determine the clinical spectrum, neuroimaging findings, and outcome of Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in children. Method: We conducted a descriptive cross sectional study of all children aged 6 months to 18 years, diagnosed with ADEM at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi from January 2018 till December 2022. Results: This retrospective study enrolled 30 cases of ADEM, with a mean age of 6.43 ± 4.079, including 13 males and 17 females. The average hospital stay was 7.29 ± 4.379 days. The most common clinical features were fever, headache, and altered consciousness, while motor deficit was observed in 15 (53.5%) patients. Abnormal cerebrospinal fluid was found in 14 (46.6%) patients. Brain MRI identified bilateral and multifocal lesions in 22 (78.6%) patients, with brainstem lesions detected in 7 (25%) patients. Treatment included IV methylprednisolone (22; 73%), IVIG (9; 30%), or both (6; 20%). Clinical improvement was observed in 25 (89.3%) patients, with residual weakness present in eight (26%) patients at discharge. There was one reported death. Long-term complications included motor deficits, seizures, poor scholastic performance, and behavioral issues. Conclusion: The clinical presentation of ADEM is variable, but the most common symptoms are fever, headache, and altered consciousness. Despite generally favorable outcome, long-term monitoring revealed that patients may experience motor deficits, seizures, cognitive impairment, and academic difficulties.

Perinatal complications and neonatal outcomes in in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a propensity score matching cohort study.

Background: The utilization of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) has witnessed a significant increase in recent years. However, the comparative perinatal and neonatal outcomes compared to natural pregnancies are unclear. This study aims to compare the outcomes of pregnancies from IVF and ICSI with natural pregnancies. Methods: This retrospective, propensity score-matched cohort study was conducted at the First People's Hospital of Shangqiu and The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, involving 5,628 patients from February 2019 to December 2022. It compared pregnancies achieved through IVF/ICSI with those conceived naturally. The primary outcomes assessed were perinatal complications and neonatal health parameters. Propensity score matching and multivariate logistic regression analysis were employed to adjust for potential confounders and identify independent associations. Results: After propensity score matching, the IVF/ICSI group demonstrated significantly higher rates of placental adherence (12.1% vs. 7.4%, p < 0.001) and postpartum hemorrhage (11.1% vs. 7.6%, p = 0.002) compared to the NP group. Neonates in the IVF/ICSI group had a lower gestational age (38.21 ± 2.12 weeks vs. 38.63 ± 2.29 weeks, p < 0.001), reduced birth weight (3159.42 ± 722.75 g vs. 3211.31 ± 624.42 g, p = 0.032), and an increased preterm delivery rate (11.2% vs. 8.9%, p = 0.017). Multivariate analysis further confirmed these findings, highlighting the independent associations between IVF/ICSI and these adverse outcomes. Conclusion: This study suggests a potential correlation between the use of IVF/ICSI and unfavorable perinatal and neonatal outcomes. These findings underscore the critical need for ongoing monitoring and research efforts to enhance the safety and effectiveness of these reproductive technologies.

Circulating glutamine/glutamate ratio is closely associated with type 2 diabetes and its associated complications.

Objective: This study aims to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the serum amino acid profiles of individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its related complications. Methods: Patients with T2D were enrolled in this study. Sixteen kinds of common amino acids in the fasting circulating were assessed through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Subsequently, correlation, regression analyses, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were conducted to assess the associations between amino acids and clinical indicators. Results: Thirteen different kinds of amino acids were identified in diabetic patients, as compared with normal controls. The Glutamine/Glutamate (Gln/Glu) ratio was negatively correlated with BMI, HbA1c, serum uric acid, and the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, while it was positively correlated with HDL-C. Logistic regression analyses indicated that Gln/Glu was a consistent protective factor for both T2D (OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.50-0.86) and obesity (OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.66-0.96). The ROC curves demonstrated that Gln/Glu, proline, valine, and leucine provided effective predictions for diabetes risk, with Gln/Glu exhibiting the highest AUC [0.767 (0.678-0.856)]. In patients with T2D, Gln was the only amino acid that displayed a negative correlation with HbA1c (r = -0.228, p = 0.017). Furthermore, HOMA-ß exhibited a negative correlation with Glu (r = -0.301, p = 0.003) but a positive correlation with Gln/Glu (r = 0.245, p = 0.017). Notably, logistic regression analyses revealed an inverse correlation of Gln/Glu with the risk of diabetic kidney disease (OR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.55-0.98) and a positive association with the risk of diabetic retinopathy (OR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.08-2.15). Conclusion: The Gln/Glu ratio exhibited a significant association with diabetes, common metabolic parameters, and diabetic complications. These findings shed light on the pivotal role of Gln metabolism in T2D and its associated complications.

The Impact of Colostomy on Inpatient Outcomes Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Introduction The inpatient postoperative outcomes of patients with colostomies following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have not been well studied in the literature. The purpose of this study was to analyze how colostomy impacts the immediate postoperative outcomes of TKA. Our null hypothesis is that after correcting for common variables, a colostomy does not predispose patients undergoing TKA to surgical site infections (SSIs) and periprosthetic infections. Methods The National Inpatient Sample database was used to retrieve information on colostomy patients and patients without a colostomy who had undergone primary TKA from 2016 to 2019. Patients with colostomies were matched to a cohort of non-colostomy control groups in a 1:1 propensity score algorithm by age, sex, race, and pertinent comorbidities. Patient demographic characteristics, comorbidities, length of hospital stay (LOS), total hospital charges, and inpatient complications were compared. Results Following propensity score matching, 399 patients with colostomies were compared to 385 patients without a colostomy (control). The colostomy group had a prolonged LOS (3.15 ± 2.67 vs 2.44 ± 3.15 days, p<0.001) compared to the control group. Also, the colostomy group had significantly higher incidences of acute kidney injury (AKI) (6.02% vs 1.56%, odds ratio (OR): 4.04, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.63-10.00, p<0.001), blood loss anemia (20.55% vs 13.25%, OR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.16-2.48, p=0.008), and blood transfusions (4.01% vs 0.26%, OR: 16.04, 95% CI: 2.12-121.56, p<0.001). There was no difference in periprosthetic infection, superficial SSI, or deep SSI. Conclusion Patients with colostomies face a notably higher risk of experiencing AKI, blood loss anemia, and blood transfusion requirements during the immediate postoperative period following primary TKA. Despite the perceived risk of postoperative infection in colostomy patients, this patient population is not at an increased risk of developing periprosthetic infection, superficial SSI, or deep SSI following TKA.

Dual Dialysis for Post-bilateral Orthotopic Lung Transplantation Hyperammonemia.

Hyperammonemia is a metabolic disorder characterized by supraphysiologic ammonia (NH3) concentrations in the blood. Although usually seen in adults with liver disease, hyperammonemia is a notable complication in 4.1% of lung transplants. It is associated with cerebral edema and neurological dysfunction and carries up to 75% mortality in critically ill patients. Opportunistic infections caused by Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma species have been implicated as the cause of this metabolic disturbance. Literature in neonates has shown that renal replacement therapy (RRT) is the best choice for treating patients with neurologic manifestations of hyperammonemia, in cases of NH3 clearance than continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). In contrast, continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD) is usually better tolerated for patients with hemodynamic instability for NH3 clearance. NH3 is a small molecule whose clearance mirrors urea in dialysis. Even though RRT can be a treatment modality for hyperammonemia in adults and neonates, there is very little literature on adults. We present a unique case demonstrating improvement in neurologic manifestations of hyperammonemia by using both IHD and CVVHD in an adult patient.

When pacing or defibrillator leads become redundant: extract or abandon?

The 2017 HRS expert consensus paper on lead management and extraction did not express a preference for either extracting or abandoning pacing or defibrillator leads that are dysfunctional or superfluous after an upgrade (further referred to as redundant leads) 1. However, there are no randomized or even non-randomized trials that show a better patient outcome with extraction. Many experienced centers currently advise patients to have redundant leads removed to prevent more complicated procedures after years of abandonment. But according to the literature not all abandoned leads need to be extracted as more than 90% will have an uneventful follow-up. As immediate extraction of redundant leads has a small but significant risk this will generate more adverse events at population level than when extraction is limited to the patients with future lead complications, even considering a higher extraction risk at that time. Lead extraction is also limited to specialized centers and often necessitates expensive tools, in contrast to abandoning leads which can be safely performed by any experienced device specialist without additional cost.

Distribution and outcomes of paediatric anaesthesia services in Sweden: an epidemiological study.

BACKGROUND: Centralisation of perioperative care for small children to a limited number of specialised paediatric centres has many theoretical advantages, but neither the optimal balance nor the current distribution of paediatric anaesthesia on a national scale are well elucidated. The aim of this study was to describe the distribution, adverse events, and mortality in children undergoing anaesthesia in Sweden. METHODS: In this cohort study, data from all paediatric anaesthesia procedures registered in Sweden during the years 2019-22 were extracted from the Swedish Perioperative Register (SPOR). Data were analysed according to hospital level of care and ASA physical status. RESULTS: Data from 81 hospitals were analysed. During the 4-yr period, 214,964 procedures were registered. Most procedures in neonates and infants were managed in paediatric (73%) and other university hospitals (21%). Adverse events occurred in 2.71% of cases and severe adverse events in 0.067%. The all-cause 24-h mortality rate was 6.6:10,000 anaesthetics and the all-cause 30-day mortality was 14.7:10,000 anaesthetics. The 30-day all-cause estimated mortality was highest in paediatric hospitals (95% confidence interval [CI] 30-39) compared with other university hospitals (95% CI 6.1-12), county (95% CI 1.9-4.8), district (95% CI 0.07-2.2), and smaller hospitals (95% CI 0.0-22). CONCLUSIONS: Most procedures in neonates and infants were performed in tertiary centres, with county hospitals managing mainly older children, in accordance with national recommendations. Mortality was more common in tertiary centres, reflecting increased comorbidity and centralisation of anaesthesia of neonates and infants.

Gynaecological cancer-related deaths in a tertiary hospital: A four-year retrospective review.

The aim of this study is to describe the profile, causes of death, and associated complications among women who died with a diagnosis of gynecological cancer during a four-year period in a gynae oncology unit in a tertiary hospital. The study is based on a retrospective review of clinical records of patients. There were 368 gynecological cancer admissions during the study period and 51 gynecological cancer-related deaths (13.8%); however, only 48 (13%) of the 51 files were available for analysis. The mean age of the women who died was 52.7 years (SD ±16.92). Most of the women who died were South African citizens (41, 85%), black (44, 91.7%) and unemployed (37, 77.1%). The most common comorbidities were hypertension and HIV which occurred at similar frequencies (20, 41.7%), followed by diabetes mellitus (7, 14,6%). The three most common cancers were cervical (18, 37.5%), ovarian (13, 27.1%), and endometrial (12, 25,0%). All women who died (48, 100%) had some form of cancer-related complications on admission to the hospital. The most common complication at presentation was obstructive uropathy (16, 31.3%) followed by ascites (11, 21.6%) and pleural effusion (8, 15.8%). Just less than half of the patients (22, 45.8%) received palliative treatment due to advanced-stage disease, and the remainder, (20, 41.6%) and (5, 10.4%) surgical and radiation therapy, respectively. The surgical procedure performed was staging laparotomy for ovarian and endometrial cancer (19, 95%) and radical hysterectomy and lymph node dissection for operatable cervical cancer (01, 5%). Forty-nine complications were recorded among the 20 women who underwent surgical treatment. The most common complications were sepsis and hemorrhage followed by organ injury.

Le but de cette étude est de décrire le profil, les causes de décès et les complications associées chez les femmes décédées avec un diagnostic de cancer gynécologique au cours d'une période de quatre ans dans une unité de gynécologie-oncologie d'un hôpital tertiaire. L'étude est basée sur une revue rétrospective des dossiers cliniques des patients. Il y a eu 368 admissions pour cancer décès liés au cancer gynécologique 51 décès d'origine gynécologique (13,8 %) ; cependant, seulement 48 (13 %) des 51 dossiers étaient disponibles pour analyse. L'âge moyen des femmes décédées était de 52,7 ans (ET ± 16,92). La plupart des femmes décédées étaient des citoyennes sud-africaines (41, 85 %), noires (44, 91,7 %) et au chômage (37, 77,1 %). Les comorbidités les plus courantes étaient l'hypertension et le VIH, qui survenaient à des fréquences similaires (20, 41,7 %), suivis du diabète sucré (7, 14,6 %). Les trois cancers les plus courants étaient le cancer du col de l'utérus (18, 37,5 %), de l'ovaire (13, 27,1 %) et de l'endomètre (12, 25,0 %). Toutes les femmes décédées (48, 100 %) ont présenté une forme ou une autre de complications liées au cancer lors de leur admission à l'hôpital. La complication la plus fréquente lors de la présentation était l'uropathie obstructive (16, 31,3 %), suivie de l'ascite (11, 21,6 %) et de l'épanchement pleural (8, 15,8 %). Un peu moins de la moitié des patients (22, 45,8 %) ont reçu un traitement palliatif en raison d'un stade avancé de la maladie, et le reste (20, 41,6 %) et (5, 10,4 %), une chirurgie et une radiothérapie, respectivement. L'intervention chirurgicale réalisée était une laparotomie de stadification pour un cancer de l'ovaire et de l'endomètre (19, 95 %) et une hystérectomie radicale et un curage ganglionnaire pour un cancer du col de l'utérus opérable (01, 5 %). Quarante-neuf complications ont été enregistrées parmi les 20 femmes ayant bénéficié d'un traitement chirurgical. Les complications les plus courantes étaient la septicémie et l'hémorragie, suivies de lésions organiques.

Non-pulmonary complications of intrathecal morphine administration: a systematic review and meta-analysis with meta-regression.

BACKGROUND: Intrathecal morphine provides effective analgesia for a range of operations. However, widespread implementation into clinical practice is hampered by concerns for potential side-effects. We undertook a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression with the primary objective of determining whether a threshold dose for non-pulmonary complications could be defined and whether an association could be established between dose and complication rates when intrathecal morphine is administered for perioperative or obstetric analgesia. METHODS: We systematically searched the literature for randomised controlled trials comparing intrathecal morphine vs control in patients undergoing any type of surgery under general or spinal anaesthesia, or women in labour. Primary outcomes were rates of postoperative nausea and vomiting, pruritus, and urinary retention within the first 24 postoperative hours, analysed according to doses (1-100 µg; 101-200 µg; 201-500 µg; >500 µg), type of surgery, and anaesthetic strategy. Trials were excluded if doses were not specified. RESULTS: Our analysis included 168 trials with 9917 patients. The rates of postoperative nausea and vomiting, pruritus, and urinary retention were significantly increased in the intrathecal morphine group, with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 1.52 (1.29-1.79), P<0.0001; 6.11 (5.25-7.10), P<0.0001; and 1.73 (1.17-2.56), P=0.005, respectively. Meta-regression could not establish an association between dose and rates of non-pulmonary complications. There was no subgroup difference according to surgery for any outcome. The quality of evidence was low (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation [GRADE] system). CONCLUSIONS: Intrathecal morphine significantly increased postoperative nausea and vomiting, pruritus, and urinary retention after surgery or labour in a dose-independent manner. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW PROTOCOL: PROSPERO (CRD42023387838).

Association of congenital uterine anomaly with abnormal placental cord insertion and adverse pregnancy complications: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Congenital uterine anomalies during pregnancy increase the risk of pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, preterm delivery, fetal malpresentation, cesarean delivery, and fetal growth restriction. However, few studies have examined uterine anomalies in relation to perinatal complications other than those mentioned above. We investigated the association between pregnancies complicated by congenital uterine anomalies and various perinatal outcomes at our institution. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2009 to May 2021. We included cases of uterine anomalies, such as septate, bicornuate, unicornuate, and didelphic uterus. First, the perinatal complications and neonatal outcomes were compared between pregnancies complicated by uterine anomalies and those with normal uteri. Second, we conducted an analysis based on the type of uterine anomalies classified into two groups: the minor anomaly group consisted of anomalies limited to the uterine cavity, such as the septate uterus, whereas the major anomaly group included anomalies affecting the uterine shape, such as bicornuate, unicornuate, and didelphic uterus. We compared the incidence of perinatal complications among the major anomaly, minor anomaly, and normal uterus groups. RESULTS: During the study period, 45 pregnancies were complicated with uterine anomalies. The minor anomaly group included 11 patients and the major anomaly group included 34 patients. The incidence of fetal malpresentation was significantly higher in the uterine anomaly group than in the normal uterus group (18% vs. 3.7%, p = .04). Furthermore, the frequency of abnormal placental cord insertion was significantly higher in the uterine anomaly group (16% vs. 3.7%, p = .01). Examination based on the type of uterine anomaly revealed significant differences in cervical incompetence, malpresentation, cesarean section, and abnormal placental cord insertion. Cervical incompetence was more likely in patients with minor anomalies. In contrast, fetal malpresentation, cesarean section, and abnormal placental cord insertion were more likely in the major anomaly group. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the findings reported in previous studies, abnormal placental cord insertion was more frequent in pregnancies complicated by uterine anomalies.

Celiac artery stenosis and its impact on postoperative outcomes following pancreaticoduodenectomy: An institutional analysis.

BACKGROUND: The detection of a stenotic celiac artery (CA) typically mandates intraoperative revascularization during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) to preserve liver perfusion. The impact of CA stenosis on postoperative outcomes is unclear. This study evaluates whether CA stenosis (CAS) is associated with increased postoperative complications. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of PD patients from February 2014 to February 2022. Preoperative imaging assessed the CA lumen, categorizing it as patent, <50%, or ≥50% stenosis. Patients with narrowed SMA were excluded. Complications were categorized using the Clavien-Dindo system, and statistical analyses identified outcome differences. RESULTS: We included 427 patients in the study. Of these, 52 had CAS, and 311 had no-vessel stenosis (NVS). The median age of the CAS and NVS groups was 68 and 65 years, respectively. Postoperatively, 17.6% of patients with CAS exhibited delayed gastric emptying (DGE) versus 25.3% in the NVS group. Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) was found in 13.5% of patients with CAS, compared with 23.7% without stenosis. The median length of hospital stay was shorter for patients with CAS (9 days) than for those with CAS (12 days). Severity-based classifications indicated higher complications in the no stenosis group and a 33.0% readmission rate within 30 days compared with 21.2% in CAS patients. However, none of these differences were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Critical stenosis of the CA does not significantly affect postoperative outcomes following PD, suggesting preoperative correction of the narrowed CA may not be necessary. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.