Aspectos clínico-epidemiológicos en pacientes con abscesos odontogénicos cervicofaciales y factores asociados para estancia hospitalaria corta / Clinical-epidemiological aspects in patients with cervicofacial odontogenic abscesses and associated factors for short hospital stay

Introducción: en todo paciente hospitalizado con absceso odontogénico cervicofacial se busca resolución pronta del absceso, pero es necesario conocer cuáles son los factores que favorecen la resolución en hospitalizaciones cortas (1-3 días). Objetivo: determinar factores clínico-epidemiológicos de pacientes con abscesos odontogénicos para identificar factores que correlacionan con hospitalización corta. Material y métodos: estudio transversal, retrospectivo, observacional y analítico de 100 pacientes con abscesos odontogénicos en un Hospital General de Zona del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social de los años 2012-2013. Variables de estudio: días de hospitalización, sexo, edad, comorbilidades, conteo leucocitario, trismus, diente causal, región afectada y tratamientos realizados. Tamaño de muestra obtenido con fórmula para estudios observaciones con manejo de prevalencias para poblaciones infinitas, se empleó χ2 para identificar factores que correlacionan con hospitalización corta. Resultados: mujeres 56%, rango de edad 12-89 años y de hospitalización de 1-23 días; con comorbilidades 56%, leucocitosis 39% y trismus 21%. La caries causó 64% de abscesos, molares inferiores 70% y región submandibular afectada 73%. Variables estadísticamente significativas; conteo leucocitario, diente causal y región afectada. Conclusión: factores correlacionados con hospitalización corta: conteo leucocitario menor a 10,500 leucocitos, que el molar inferior no sea el diente causal y que la región submandibular no esté afectada (AU)

Introduction: prompt resolution of the abscess is sought in all patients hospitalized with cervicofacial odontogenic abscess, but which factors favor this resolution in short hospitalizations (1-3 days). Objective: determine clinical-epidemiological factors of patients with odontogenic abscesses to identify factors that correlate with short hospitalization. Material and methods: crosssectional, retrospective, observational and analytical study of 100 patients with odontogenic abscesses in a General Hospital of the Zone of the Mexican Social Security Institute from 2012-2013. Study variables; days of hospitalization, sex, age, comorbidities, leukocyte count, trismus, causative tooth, affected region and treatments performed. Sample size obtained with the formula for observational studies with prevalence management for infinite populations, χ2 was used to identify factors that correlate with short hospitalization. Results: women 56%, age range 12-89 years and hospitalization of 1-23 days, with comorbidities 56%, leukocytosis 39% and trismus 21%. Caries caused 64% of abscesses, lower molars 70% and affected submandibular region 73%. Statistically significant variables; leukocyte count, causative tooth and affected region. Conclusion: factors correlated with short hospitalization; leukocyte count less than 10,500 leukocytes, that the lower molar is not the causal tooth and that the submandibular region is not affected.

RECALMIN IV. Evolución de la actividad de las unidades de medicina interna del Sistema Nacional de Salud (2008-2021) / RECALMIN IV. Evolution in the activity of internal medicine units of the National Health System (2008-2021)

Objetivos Analizar la estructura, la actividad y los resultados de los servicios y unidades de medicina interna (UMI) del Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS). Analizar los retos para la especialidad y realizar propuestas de políticas de mejora. Comparar los resultados de la encuesta RECALMIN 2021 con las anteriores oleadas de encuestas a las UMI (2008, 2015, 2017, 2019). Material y métodos Estudio descriptivo transversal entre las UMI en hospitales generales de agudos del SNS con datos referidos a 2020, comparándolos con los anteriores estudios. Las variables de estudio fueron recogidas mediante un cuestionario ad hoc. Resultados Entre 2014 y 2020 aumentó la frecuentación hospitalaria y las altas dadas por las UMI (promedio anual de 4 y 3,8%, respectivamente), así como las tasas interconsultas hospitalarias y primeras consultas (promedio anual: 2,1% en ambos casos). En 2020 aumentaron notablemente las consultas no presenciales. La mortalidad ajustada por riesgo y la estancia hospitalaria no mostraron cambios significativos en 2013-2020. Los progresos en la implantación de buenas prácticas y de una atención sistemática al paciente crónico complejo fueron escasos. Una constante en las encuestas RECALMIN es la variabilidad entre UMI en recursos y actividad, sin encontrarse diferencias estadísticamente significativas en relación con los resultados. Conclusiones Existe un notable margen de mejora en el funcionamiento de las UMI. La reducción de la variabilidad no justificada en la práctica clínica y las desigualdades en los resultados en salud deben ser un reto para los responsables de las UMI y para la Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna (AU)

Aims This work aims to analyze the structure, activity, and outcomes of internal medicine units and departments (IMU) of the Spanish National Health System (SNHS) and to analyze the challenges for the specialty and propose policies for improvement. It also aims to compare the results from the 2021 RECALMIN survey with IMU surveys from previous years (2008, 2015, 2017, 2019). Methods This work is a cross-sectional, descriptive study of IMUs in acute care general hospitals of the SNHS that compares data from 2020 with previous studies. The study variables were collected through an ad hoc questionnaire. Results Between 2014 and 2020, hospital occupancy and discharges by IMU increased (annual mean of 4% and 3.8%, respectively), as did hospital cross-consultation and initial consultation rates (2.1% in both cases). E-consultations increased notably in 2020. Risk-adjusted mortality and length of hospital stay did not show significant changes from 2013-2020. Progress in the implementation of good practices and systematic care for complex chronic patients was limited. A consistent finding in RECALMIN surveys was the variability among IMUs in terms of resources and activity, though no statistically significant differences were found in regard to outcomes. Conclusions There is considerable room for improvement in the operation of IMUs. The reduction in unjustified variability in clinical practice and inequities in health outcomes are a challenge for IMU managers and the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (AU)

Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy among diabetic patients in Northwest Ethiopia-A cross sectional hospital based study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus on eye and it is the leading cause of visual impairment among productive segment of the population. Globally, the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy is reported to be 27%. In Ethiopia, sufficient data is lacking on the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy as well as information on its predisposing factors. The study was required to assess the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and its predisposing factors in diabetic patients attending at a General Hospital in Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution based cross sectional study was employed on 331 diabetic patients recruited with a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected through structured questionnaire, tracing patients' medical folder and ocular health examination. Data were analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Science Version 20. Logistic regression methods of analysis were used to figure out predisposing factors of diabetic retinopathy. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to determine the strength of association. RESULT: A total of 331 diabetic patients completed the study with a response rate of 99.10%. The median duration of diabetes was 5 years. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was 34.1% (95%Confidence Interval (CI): 28.7%-39.3%). Low family monthly income (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 7.43, 95% CI: 2.44-22.57), longer duration of diabetes (AOR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.30-1.58), poor glycemic control (AOR = 4.76, 95%CI: 2.26-10.00), and being on insulin treatment alone (AOR = 3.85, 95%CI: 1.16-12.74) were independently associated with diabetic retinopathy. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was 34.1%, higher than national and global figures. Low family monthly income, longer duration of diabetes, poor glucose control and being on insulin treatment alone were important risk factors of diabetic retinopathy. Proper diabetes self management and early screening of diabetic retinopathy in all diabetic patients were recommended.

Epidemiología de los casos pediátricos en la sala de emergencias de un hospital general / Epidemiology of pediatric cases in the emergency room of a general hospital

Objetivos El objetivo de este estudio es determinar a qué tipo de patologías nos enfrentamos. Utilizamos la Clasificación Internacional de Atención Primaria para asegurar una nomenclatura objetiva y comparable. Métodos Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional y retrospectivo de una muestra de 108102 consultas de atención primaria de pacientes que acudieron a Urgencias de nuestro hospital para evaluar la epidemiología de la atención pediátrica brindada entre 2011 y 2019. Utilizamos el sistema de clasificación diagnóstica ICPC-2. Resultados El número de asistencias fue mayor en enero, febrero y marzo, así como los fines de semana. Tras ser atendidos, el 6,7% de los pacientes ingresaron en nuestro hospital. Las patologías más frecuentes fueron las infecciones del tracto respiratorio superior, gastroenteritis, fiebre y traumatismos / lesiones. Las patologías que con mayor frecuencia dieron lugar a ingresos hospitalarios fueron fiebre, bronquitis, gastroenteritis y vómitos (p> 0,001). En los ingresos hospitalarios de menores de 1 año, la bronquitis fue la patología más frecuente, mientras que entre los de 1 a 6 años fue la gastroenteritis y entre los de 7 a 14 años fue la apendicitis aguda (p <0,001). Conclusiones Las patologías pediátricas suponen un porcentaje importante de las visitas a urgencias, destacando las infecciones del tracto respiratorio superior, las infecciones intestinales y la fiebre. Sería aconsejable incrementar los recursos de personal en los fines de semana. Es necesario enfatizar en la educación sanitaria de la población para ajustar la demanda de asistencia en los servicios públicos. Se requiere más investigación para adaptar mejor la terminología ICPC-2.

Objectives The aim of this study is to determine what type of pathologies we are facing. We use the International Classification of Primary Care to ensure an objective and comparable nomenclature. Methods We carried out a descriptive, observational, and retrospective study of a sample comprising 108102 primary care encounters of patients presenting at our hospital's Emergency Room to assess the epidemiology of the pediatric care provided between 2011 and 2019. We used the ICPC-2 diagnosis classification system. Results The number of attendances was higher in January, February, and March, as well as at weekends. After being seen, 6.7% of patients were admitted to our hospital. The most frequent pathologies were upper respiratory tract infections, gastroenteritis, fever and trauma/injury. Pathologies most frequently resulting in hospital admissions were fever, bronchitis, gastroenteritis and vomiting (p>0.001). In hospital admissions involving patients under 1 year of age, bronchitis was the most frequent pathology, while among those aged between 1 and 6 years, it was gastroenteritis and among those aged between 7 and 14 years it was acute appendicitis (p<0.001). Conclusions Pediatric pathologies account for a significant percentage of visits to the emergency room, highlighting infections of the upper respiratory tract, intestinal infections, and fever. It would be necessary to increase staff resources on the weekends. It is highly recommended to emphasize the health education of the population to adjust the demand for assistance in public services. More research is required to better adapt the ICPC-2 terminology.

A prospective six-month audit of inpatient hypoglycemia in step-down general medical and geriatric wards.

This study aimed to assess the incidence and associates of hypoglycemia in patients transferred after stabilization on an Acute Medical Unit to two general medical or two geriatric wards at an urban Australian hospital. In a six-month audit representing 20,284 patient-days of observation, 59 inpatients experienced hypoglycaemia (blood glucose ≤3.9 mmol/L) during 65 hospitalizations. Inpatients experiencing hypoglycemia accounted for 7.2% of all inpatient bed-days, a figure that was greater for general medical (9.2% of bed-days) compared with geriatric (6.0% of bed-days) wards (P<0.001). Inpatient hypoglycemia often had no precipitant such as a missed/delayed meal, occurred disproportionately at night (41% of episodes), was severe (blood glucose ≤3.0 mmol/L) in one-third of cases, and appeared more frequent in patients with psychiatric/cognitive issues. These data highlight the ongoing issue of hypoglycemia in relatively stable inpatients in an era of blood glucose-lowering therapies associated with a low rate of this acute metabolic complication.

Characteristics of patients with emergency attendance for severe hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia in a general hospital in Japan.

ABSTRACT: Despite advances in treatments for diabetes mellitus (DM), severe acute glycemic crises still occur. In this study, the characteristics of patients who were transported to an emergency department due to acute glycemic crises were investigated.We enrolled patients who were transported to our hospital by ambulance due to hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia during the period from January 2015 to December 2019. Initial glucose levels below 70 mg/dL and above 250 mg/dL were defined as hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, respectively.In the 5-year period, 16,910 patients were transported to our hospital by ambulance. Of those patients, 87 patients (0.51%) were diagnosed with hypoglycemia, 26 patients (0.15%) were diagnosed with hyperglycemia and 1 patient was diagnosed with lactic acidosis. Compared to patients with hypoglycemia, blood urea nitrogen, serum potassium and hemoglobin levels were higher in patients with hyperglycemia. Systolic blood pressure was lower and pulse rate was higher in patients with hyperglycemia, possibly reflecting dehydration in hyperglycemia. Patients with hyperglycemia were younger (63 vs 70 years old, median), more likely to be hospitalized (92.3% vs 23.0%) with poorer prognosis (23.1% vs 4.6%) than those with hypoglycemia. In 64 DM patients with hypoglycemia, 34 patients were treated with insulin and 24 patients were treated with sulfonylurea or glinide, and their medication was often inappropriate. Excessive alcohol intake and malnutrition were the main causes of hypoglycemia in 23 non-DM patients. The main reasons for hyperglycemia were interrupted treatment, forgetting insulin injection and infection.To avoid acute glycemic crises, optimization of anti-DM therapy and education of patients are needed.

Lymphocytes screening on admission is essential for predicting in-hospital clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients: A retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to identify the associations between the lymphocytes (LYM) absolute count on admission and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 224 COVID-19 patients who were admitted to General Hospital of Central Theater Command of the PLA from January 22 to April 4, 2020, were consecutively included. These patients were divided into the lymphopenia group and the nonlymphopenia group according to whether the LYM count on admission was below the normal range. RESULTS: During hospitalization, patients in the lymphopenia group have a much higher all-cause mortality (14.5% vs 0.0%; P < .001) and an evidently longer length of hospital stay (24.0 vs 17.5 days; P < .001) than patients in the nonlymphopenia group. The correlation analysis results indicated that the LYM count was negatively correlated with the values of NEU (R = -.2886, P < .001), PT (R = -.2312, P < .001), FIB (R = -.2954, P < .001), D-D (R = -.3554, P < .001), CRP (R = -.4899, P < .001), IL-6 (R = -.5459, P < .001), AST (R = -.2044, P < .01), Cr (R = -.1350, P < .05), CPK (R = -.2119, P < .01), CK-Mb (R = -.1760, P < .01), and LDH (R = -.4330, P < .001), and was positively correlated with the count of PLT (R = .2679, P < .001). In addition, LYM as a continuous variable was associated with 97% decreased risk of in-hospital mortality in the fully adjusted models (OR = 0.03, 95%CI, 0.00-0.37, P < .001). DISCUSSION: LYM screening on admission is a critical predictor for assessment of disease severity and clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19, and lymphopenia substantially correlates with poor clinical outcomes.

Emergency hip disarticulations for severe necrotising fasciitis of the lower limb: a series of rare cases from a rural district general hospital.

Hip disarticulation is the removal of the entire lower limb through the hip joint by detaching the femur from the acetabulum. This major ablative procedure is rarely performed for infection but may be required in severe necrotising fasciitis. We present a single centre retrospective review of all cases of emergency hip disarticulations in patients with necrotising fasciitis between 2010 and 2020. All five patients included in the review presented with acute lower limb pain and sepsis. Three patients had comorbidities predisposing them to necrotising fasciitis. Three were deemed to be high risk and two were at intermediate risk of developing necrotising fasciitis. There were two deaths in the postoperative period. Of the three survivors, two required revision surgery for a completion hindquarter amputation and one for flap closure. All three survivors had good functional outcomes after discharge from hospital. Despite its associated morbidity, emergency amputation of the entire lower limb is a life-saving treatment in cases of rapidly progressing necrotising fasciitis and should be considered as a first-line option in managing this condition.

Oral therapy adherence and satisfaction in patients with multiple myeloma.

The transition to oral therapies in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) offers potential benefits to patients; however, they must self-manage their medication and adherence plays an important role in patient care. It has been shown that patient satisfaction with their medication has a strong positive correlation with adherence in chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to estimate adherence rate of oral antimyeloma therapies and to identify risk factors for medication non-adherence. This observational, prospective, and multicentre survey based on a self-report questionnaire enrolled MM patients with at least 3 months of oral therapy. The 6-item Girerd scale and the medication possession ratio (MPR) were used for measuring medication adherence and the SATMED-Q® questionnaire was used for measuring satisfaction. An analysis of risk factors for non-adherence to oral therapy was performed using univariate analysis. A total of 101 patients participated in the survey, yielding a response rate of 87%. The prevalence of adherence to oral antimyeloma therapy was estimated at 51.5% using the Girerd questionnaire. According to the MPR, adherence was evaluated at 96% (i.e. MPR ≥ 0.80). Both methods combined, adherence was estimated at 50.5%. One risk factor for medication non-adherence was identified: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status > 2 (p = 0.007). One predictive factor for high medication adherence was identified: high satisfaction with treatment (p = 0.01). Identifying patients at higher risk for non-adherence allows clinical pharmacists to personalise therapeutic information and education and to improve the quality of healthcare overall.

Application of the Risk Stratification Index to Multilevel Models of All-condition 30-Day Mortality in Hospitalized Populations Over the Age of 65.

BACKGROUND: The Risk Stratification Index (RSI) is superior to Hierarchical Conditions Categories (HCC) in patient-level regressions but has not been applied to assess hospital effects. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to measure the accuracy of RSI in modeling 30-day hospital mortality across all conditions using multilevel logistic regression. SUBJECTS AND DATA SOURCES: A 100% sample of Medicare inpatient stays from 2009 to 2014, restricted to patients greater than 65 years of age in general hospitals, resulting in 64 million stays at 3504 hospitals. RESEARCH DESIGN: We calculated RSI and HCC scores for patient stays using multilevel logistic regression in 3 populations: all inpatients, surgical, and nonsurgical. Correlations of risk-standardized mortality rates with rates of specific case types assessed case-mix balance. Patient stay volume was included to assess smaller hospitals. RESULTS: We found a negligible correlation of all-conditions risk-standardized mortality rates with hospitals' proportions of orthopedic, cardiac, or pneumonia cases. RSI outperformed HCC in multilevel regressions containing both patient and hospital-level effects. C-statistics using RSI were 0.87 for the all-inpatients group, 0.87 for surgical, and 0.86 for nonsurgical stays. With HCC they were 0.82, 0.82, and 0.81. Akaike Information Criteria and Bayesian Information Criteria values were higher with HCC. RSI shifted 41% of hospitals' rankings by >1 decile. Hospitals with smaller volumes had higher 30-day observed and standardized mortality: 11.2% in the lowest volume quintile versus 8.5% in the highest volume quintile. CONCLUSION: RSI has superior accuracy and results in a significant shift in rankings compared with HCC in multilevel models of 30-day hospital mortality across all conditions.

COVID-19 pandemic did not affect emergency theatre patient demographic and length of stay in the first phase of UK countrywide lockdown in a district general hospital.

INTRODUCTION: We aim to identify any changes in outcome for patients undergoing nonelective surgery at the start of the UK pandemic in our district general hospital. This was a single-centre retrospective cohort review of a UK district general hospital serving a population of over 250,000 people. METHODS: Participants were all patients undergoing a surgical procedure in the acute theatre list between 23 March to 11 May in both 2019 and 2020. Primary outcome was 90-day postoperative mortality. Secondary outcomes include time to surgical intervention and length of inpatient stay. RESULTS: A total of 132 patients (2020) versus 141 (2019) patients were included. Although overall 90-day postoperative mortality was higher in 2020 (9.8%) compared with 2019 (5.7%), this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.196). In 2020, eight patients tested positive for COVID-19 either as an inpatient or within 2 weeks of discharge, of whom five patients died. Time to surgical intervention was significantly faster for NCEPOD (National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death) code 3 patients in 2020 than in 2019 (p=0.027). There were no significant differences in mean length of inpatient stay. CONCLUSIONS: We found that patients were appropriately prioritised using NCEPOD classification, with no statistically significant differences in 90-day postoperative mortality and length of inpatient stay compared with the 2019 period. A study on a larger scale would further elucidate the profile and outcomes of patients requiring acute surgery to generate statistical significance.

[Disease-related malnutrition, functional parameters, and associated costs in a genaral hospital]. / Desnutrición relacionada con la enfermedad, parámetros funcionales y costes asociados en un hospital general.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: disease-related malnutrition (DRM) affects more than 30 million people in Europe, representing about 170 billion euros each year. Despite the growing consensus for the diagnosis of DRM, it is still necessary to implement multidisciplinary and coordinated protocols for a comprehensive approach to DRM in hospitals. Objetive: to study the proportion of patients affected by DRM upon admission, as well as the duration and the cost of their stay in a general hospital. Methods: an observational cross-sectional study with a sample size of 203 subjects. From June to December 2018, a nutritional screening was carried out according to the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002); diagnoses were made according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria, length of stay was recorded, and the cost of stay was estimated for all patients admitted to Internal Medicine who met the selection criteria. Results: the proportion of people at risk of DRM was 28 % (57/203; 95 % CI: 22 % to 34 %). The proportion of patients diagnosed with DRM was 19 % (36/192; 95 % CI: 13 % to 24 %). Patients classified with risk or diagnosis of DRM upon admission had a longer stay than those with normal nutrition by 3 days (p < 0.01), and a higher cost by €1,803.66 (p < 0.01). Conclusions: a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to DRM coordinated from Primary Care to hospitals is necessary, especially in women aged ≥ 70 years with pulmonary disease.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la desnutrición relacionada con la enfermedad (DRE) afecta en Europa a más de 30 millones de personas, lo que supone cada año unos 170.000 millones de euros. Es necesario implantar protocolos multidisciplinares para el abordaje de la DRE. Objetivo: estudiar la proporción de pacientes afectados o en riesgo de DRE al ingreso, la duración y el coste de su estancia en un hospital general. Métodos: estudio observacional de corte transversal con un tamaño muestral de 203 sujetos. De junio a diciembre de 2018 se realizó un cribado nutricional conforme al Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002), se hizo un diagnóstico según los criterios de la Iniciativa de Liderazgo Mundial en Desnutrición (GLIM), se registró la duración del ingreso y se efectuó una estimación del coste de la estancia de todos los pacientes que ingresaron en medicina interna y cumplían los criterios de selección. Resultados: la proporción de personas en riesgo de DRE fue del 28 % (57/203; IC 95 %: 22 % a 34 %). La proporción de pacientes con diagnóstico de DRE fue del 19 % (36/192; IC 95 %: 13 % a 24 %). Los pacientes clasificados con riesgo o diagnóstico de DRE al ingreso tuvieron una estancia 3 días mayor que la de los normonutridos (p < 0,01) y un coste mayor que el de los normonutridos en 1.803,66 euros (p < 0,01). Conclusiones: se hace necesario un abordaje integral y multidisciplinar de la DRE coordinada desde la Comunidad, la Atención Primaria y los hospitales, especialmente en las mujeres de ≥ 70 años con patología pulmonar.

Patient Mix Optimization in Admission Planning under Multitype Patients and Priority Constraints.

Hospital beds are one of the most critical medical resources. Large hospitals in China have caused bed utilization rates to exceed 100% due to long-term extra beds. To alleviate the contradiction between the supply of high-quality medical resources and the demand for hospitalization, in this paper, we address the decision of choosing a case mix for a respiratory medicine department. We aim to generate an optimal admission plan of elective patients with the stochastic length of stay and different resource consumption. We assume that we can classify elective patients according to their registration information before admission. We formulated a general integer programming model considering heterogeneous patients and introducing patient priority constraints. The mathematical model is used to generate a scientific and reasonable admission planning, determining the best admission mix for multitype patients in a period. Compared with model II that does not consider priority constraints, model I proposed in this paper is better in terms of admissions and revenue. The proposed model I can adjust the priority parameters to meet the optimal output under different goals and scenarios. The daily admission planning for each type of patient obtained by model I can be used to assist the patient admission management in large general hospitals.

Congenital Anomalies and Associated Factors among Newborns in Bishoftu General Hospital, Oromia, Ethiopia: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Congenital anomalies affect millions of babies worldwide with prevalence of 3%, and it is estimated that, globally, 303,000 newborns die within the first 4 weeks of life due to this problem. Objective: This study aimed to assess congenital anomalies and their associated factors among newborns in Bishoftu General Hospital, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Setting. Bishoftu General Hospital, Oromia, Ethiopia. Study Design . A retrospective cross-sectional study was employed. Participants. All birth records from September 14, 2018, to March 14, 2019, were reviewed. A census method was applied for this study. The data were collected from birth registration books through structured checklist. We used Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0 for data analysis. Crude and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was computed. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Result: Out of 2,218 live births, 23 newborns were diagnosed with congenital malformations, making the prevalence rate of 1% (i.e., 10/1000 live births in the specified time period). Maternal age above 35 years (AOR = 6.5; 95% CI = 2.4-18), birth order above 3 (AOR = 8.4; 95% CI = 3.4-20.7), birth weight less than 2.5 kg (AOR = 0.3; 95% CI = 0.1-0.9), and singleton pregnancy (AOR = 6.4; 95% CI = 2-18.9) had a significant association with the incident of congenital anomalies, while iron folate use before and/or during early pregnancy and urban residence (AOR = 0.3; 95% CI = 0.1-1) had a protective effect against congenital anomalies (AOR = 0.036; 95% CI = 0.008-0.15). Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that there is a burden of congenital anomalies in the study area. Sustainable surveillance and registry systems are thus required for intervention programs and it is crucial to include them under Ethiopian demographic health survey (EDHS) report.

Increased referrals to an Australian Consultation Liaison Psychiatry service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: It has been widely predicted that the COVID-19 pandemic will have a detrimental impact on the mental health (MH) of individuals. This has been dubbed as the MH 'second wave'. In Australia, these impacts have been partly mitigated by institutional responses such as increased access to psychotherapy. Consultation Liaison (CL) psychiatry services provide MH care to acutely unwell patients in general hospitals. It was hypothesised that the number of referrals to the studied service had increased since the start of the pandemic. METHODS: From the Electronic medical records (eMRs), the authors collected daily referral numbers, over 3 consecutive years, to a large CL service in metropolitan Sydney. RESULTS: Referrals were significantly increased by 25%, 95% CI [1.14, 1.36], p < .001 since the start of the pandemic. This increase was delayed, and remained elevated despite a reduction in COVID-19 infections. CONCLUSION: This study adds evidence to the existence of the MH 'second wave', highlights a key impact on healthcare workers' well-being and will assist in guiding resource allocation decisions in the near future.

The burden of hyaline membrane disease, mortality and its determinant factors among preterm neonates admitted at Debre Tabor General Hospital, North Central Ethiopia: A retrospective follow up study.

BACKGROUND: Hyaline membrane disease (HMD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm newborn babies. Though, there are studies related to Hyaline membrane disease inclusive of all neonates, studies related to the burden among preterm neonates were limited. In addition, increasing neonatal mortality in Ethiopia could be related to increase in the burden of hyaline membrane disease among preterm neonates. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the burden of hyaline membrane disease, mortality and its associated factors among preterm neonate admitted at neonatal intensive care unit, North Central Ethiopia. METHODOLOGY: An institution-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 535 preterm neonates admitted at neonatal intensive care unit from January 1, 2014-December 30, 2017. Data were entered into EPi-data 4.2.0.0 and transferred to STATA version 14 statistical software for statistical analysis. Binary logistic regression was used for the analysis. All variables with P-value < 0.25 during bi-variable analysis were considered for multivariable logistic regression. Level of statistical significance was declared at P value ≤0.05. RESULTS: In the current study, proportion of hyaline membrane disease was 40% (95% CI; 35.8, 44.3) of which 49.5% died. Preterm neonate born with Gestational age of less than 34 weeks of age (Adjusted odd ratio (AOR = 2.64; 95 CI: 1.49, 4.66)), 5th minute Apgar score less than 7 (AOR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.20, 4.07), and newborn with birth weight of less than 1500 gram (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.3, 4.3) were predictors of hyaline membrane disease. CONCLUSIONS: The mean gestational age (±) was 33.46 (±2.55) weeks. The incidence of hyaline membrane disease among preterm admissions was high. Preterm neonate born with gestational age of less than 34 weeks of age, asphyxiated newborns and newborn with birth weight of less than 1500 gram were predictors of hyaline membrane disease. So, emphasis should be given on early screening, follow up and timely interventions for preterm neonate.

Effect of epidural analgesia on postoperative opioid requirements following elective laparotomies performed at Vancouver General Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery pathways aim to reduce postoperative opioid use and opioid-related complications. These pathways often include epidural analgesia (EA). This study examines postoperative opioid use after elective laparotomy with and without EA. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of elective laparotomies performed by General Surgery at a tertiary academic center during 2017 was completed. Primary outcome was postoperative opioid usage. Secondary outcomes were time to mobilization, duration of urinary catheterization and postoperative ileus. RESULTS: Among 236 patients, 213 (90%) received EA. There was no significant difference in mean total oral morphine equivalent (OME) usage between EA and non-EA groups. Mean OME use on postoperative day three was higher in the EA group (38.0 vs 22.4 mg, p = 0.02). On multivariate analysis, preoperative opioid use was associated with increased postoperative OME consumption (regression coefficient 147.5, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, epidural analgesia did not reduce postoperative opioid consumption.

Magnitude and determinants of drug-related problems among patients admitted to medical wards of southwestern Ethiopian hospitals: A multicenter prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Drug-related problem (DRP) is an event involving drugs that can impact the patient's desired goal of therapy. In hospitalized patients, DRPs happen during the whole process of drug use such as during prescription, dispensing, administration, and follow-up of their treatment. Unrecognized and unresolved DRPs lead to significant drug-related morbidity and mortality. Several studies conducted in different hospitals and countries showed a high incidence of DRPs among hospitalized patients. Despite the available gaps, there were scanties of studies conducted on DRPs among patients admitted to medical wards in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study assessed the magnitude of drug-related problems and associated factors among patients admitted to the medical wards of selected Southwestern Ethiopian hospitals. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted at medical wards of Mettu Karl Hospital, Bedele General Hospital and Darimu General Hospital. Adult patients greater than 18 years who were admitted to the non-intensive care unit (ICU) of medical wards and with more than 48 h of length of stay were included. Identified DRPs were recorded and classified using the pharmaceutical care network Europe foundation classification system and adverse drug reaction was assessed using the Naranjo algorithm of adverse drug reaction probability scale. Hill-Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale was used to measure medication adherence. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the associations between the dependent variable and independent variables. RESULT: Of the 313 study participants, 178 (56.9%) were males. The prevalence of actual or potential DRPs among study participants taking at least a single drug was 212 (67.7%). About 125 (36.63%) patients had one or more co-morbid disease and the average duration of hospital stay of 7.14 ± 4.731 days. A total of 331 DRPs were identified with an average 1.06 DRP per patient. The three-leading categories of DRPs were unnecessary prescription of drugs 92 (27.79%), non-adherence (17.22%) and dose too high (16.92%). The most common drugs associated with DRPs were ceftriaxone (28.37%), cimetidine (14.88%), and diclofenac (14.42%). The area of residence (AOR = 2.550, 95CI%: 1.238-5.253, p = 0.011), hospital stay more than 7 days (AOR = 9.785, 95CI%: 4.668-20.511, p≤0.001), poly pharmacy (AOR = 3.229, 95CI%: 1.433-7.278, p = 0.005) were predictors of drug-related problem in multivariable logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of drug therapy problems among patients admitted to the medical wards of study settings was found to be high. Therefore, the clinical pharmacy services should be established in hospitals to tackle the DTPs in this area. Additionally, healthcare providers of hospitals also should create awareness for patients seeking care from health facilities of the importance of rational drug usage.