Exploring the Dynamic Role of Bacterial Etiology in Complicated Urinary Tract Infections.

Background and Objectives. Numerous studies have been conducted to explore the epidemiological characteristics of urinary tract infections (UTI) and sepsis. However, there is still a lack of relevant bacteriological features and prognostic information regarding urosepsis based on bacteriological etiology. The current study aims to evaluate the bacterial etiology of complicated UTI (cUTI) and bacterial resistance to antibiotics and whether they present an intrinsic risk of developing urosepsis. Materials and Methods. A retrospective study was performed that included 102 patients who were diagnosed with cUTI and admitted to the urology department of the "Sfântul Apostol Andrei" County Emergency Clinical Hospital (GCH) from September 2019 to May 2022. Results. A considerable number of patients, n = 41 (40.2%), were diagnosed with multi drug-resistant (MDR) infection. Escherichia coli (E. coli) was identified as the prevailing pathogen, accounting for 51 patients. Klebsiella manifested itself as the subsequent causative agent in 27 instances. The presence of Enterococcus spp. infection was documented in 13 patients, whereas Pseudomonas emerged as the etiological perpetrator in the clinical context of 8 patients. The current study found a substantial prevalence of resistance to first-line antibiotics. The overall resistance rate was 74.5% for penicillin, 58.82% for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and 49% for fluoroquinolones; cephalosporin resistance displayed an inverse correlation with antibiotic generation with fourth-generation cephalosporins exhibiting a resistance rate of 24.5%, and first-generation cephalosporins demonstrating a resistance rate of 35.29%. Conclusions. Age, comorbidities and indwelling urinary catheters are risk factors for developing MDR infections. While the intrinsic characteristics of the causative bacterial agent in cUTI may not be a risk factor for developing urosepsis, they can contribute to increased mortality risk. For empiric antibiotic treatment in patients with cUTI who are at a high risk of developing urosepsis and experiencing a potentially unfavorable clinical course, broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy is recommended. This may include antibiotics, such as amikacin, tigecycline, carbapenems and piperacillin-tazobactam.

A Surgical Challenge Generated by Colonic Malakoplakia in Disguise as a Locally Advanced Colonic Malignancy-A Case Report.

Colonic malakoplakia is an uncommon granulomatous development of cells resulting from the impaired capacity of the mononuclear cells to eliminate the phagocytosed bacteria, and in rare cases it can also affect the gastrointestinal tract. We report the case of a 78-year-old female patient that was admitted to hospital by The Emergency Department with the diagnosis of bowel obstruction, confirmed by the clinical and paraclinical investigations. We decided to surgically manage the case for suspicious symptomatic colonic neoplasm. The histological examination of the surgical specimens revealed colonic malakoplakia, characterized by the presence of the aggregated granular histiocytes and Michaelis-Gutmann bodies. Through this paper, we want to raise awareness for Malakoplakia, which remains an extremely rare disease that may affect multiple organs, and because it does not present specific symptoms or clinical manifestations, the final diagnosis remains the histopathological study. The clinical conduct should be decided after taking into consideration all the aspects of this pathology along with the benefits and risks for the patient.

Correlation Between Serum Procalcitonin Levels and 28-Day Mortality in Patients with Surgical Sepsis and Septic Shock.

Background: Sepsis is a major medical emergency accounting for approximately 48.9 million cases and 11 million deaths worldwide, representing 19.7% of all global deaths. This study was conducted to evaluate the correlation between procalcitonin values and 28-day mortality. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted that included patients with sepsis and septic shock, treated in the surgical departments of the Sf. Apostol Andrei Galati County Emergency Clinical Hospital between January 2020 and December 2021. Results: 125 patients (mean age 65 years), mostly men (56%, n=70) were included. The mean procalcitonin value at admission in the sepsis group (28%, n=35) was 5.98 ng/mL, and in the septic shock group (72%, n=90) was 40.09 ng/mL. The most significant correlation was between procalcitonin at discharge, 28-day mortality (r = 0.437; p 0.0001) and SOFA score (r = 0.356; p 0.0001). Conclusions: Procalcitonin at discharge was positively correlated with 28-day mortality and SOFA score. The procalcitonin value at discharge can be used in the prognosis of the patient with surgical sepsis, but for better results the association between procalcitonin, SOFA score and the clinical status of the patient is recommended.

Nomogram for Prediction of Postoperative Morbidity in Patients with Colon Cancer Requiring Emergency Therapy.

BACKGROUND Postoperative complications are the major cause of mortality and prolonged hospitalization after emergency surgery for colon cancer. This study aimed to propose an effective nomogram to predict postoperative complications in order to improve the outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 449 patients who underwent emergency surgery for complicated colon cancer at the County Emergency Hospital Clinic "St. Apostle Andrei" in Galati, in the period from 2008 to 2017. Postoperative complications were intestinal obstruction, leakage, bleeding, peritonitis, wound infection, surgical wound dehiscence, respiratory failure, heart failure, acute renal failure, sepsis, and Clostridium difficile colitis, within a month after surgery. Logistic regression models were used to identify the independent prediction factors, and a nomogram was created, based on the best model. RESULTS A total of 106 patients (21%) presented postoperative complications after emergency surgery for colon cancer; 51 patients (11.36%) died during the postoperative period. After identifying the risk factors through univariate regression analysis, we identified the independent prediction factors in 2 multivariate regression models. The model with the highest accuracy included the following 7 independent prediction factors: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, Charlson score, white blood cell count, electrolyte and coagulation disorders, surgery time, and cachexia (P<0.05 for all). This model showed good precision in predicting postoperative complications, with an area under curve of 0.83 and ideal accordance between the predicted and observed probabilities. CONCLUSIONS The nomogram developed in this study, which was based on a multivariate logistic regression model, had good individual prediction of postoperative complications.

Challenges and Solutions in Choosing the Surgical Treatment in Patients with Complicated Colon Cancer Operated in an Emergency - A Retrospective Study.

Introduction: Choosing the optimal treatment for patients with complicated colon cancer operated in an emergency remains a challenge. The study aims to identify the factors that influence the therapeutic decision in these patients. Patients and Methods: We included in this retrospective study 449 patients operated in emergency for complicated colon cancer, in the Clinical Emergency County Hospital "St. Ap. Andrei" Galati between 2008-2017. The patients data were collected from the observation sheets, the surgical, imaging and laboratory protocols. Results: The operations performed were: resections with a stoma in 37.63% of cases, resections with anastomosis in 36.97%, stomas in 16.26% and internal derivations in 9.13% of patients. Elderly age was correlated with stomas with or without tumour resection (p 0.05). Preoperative diagnosis of IDH was associated with resections with anastomosis, those with occlusion were associated with internal derivations and those with digestive perforations with resections with a stoma (p 0.05). The stomas were associated with the presence of intraoperatively detected complications (p 0.05). Conclusions: Complicated colon tumours operated on in an emergency require surgical treatment tailored to each patient. It is important to choose the type of treatment taking into account the patient's condition at admission, clinical-paraclinical data, tumour location, tumour complication and the presence of other complications detected intraoperatively.

The Influence of the Type of Surgery on the Immediate Postoperative Results in Patients with Colorectal Cancer Operated in Emergency.

The emergency surgery for colorectal cancer is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality due to factors related to the characteristics of the patients but also the therapeutic attitude. This study aims to identify the surgical interventions associated with the postoperative complications, with the main causes of morbidity, with the reinterventions and with the postoperative deaths. We included in this retrospective study 431 patients hospitalized and operated in an emergency for complicated colorectal malignant tumors in the Surgery II Clinic of the Clinical Emergency County Hospital "Sf. Ap. Andrei from Galati, in the period 2008-2017. The patients data were collected from observation sheets, operative protocols, pathological, imaging and laboratory bulletins, at the time of the emergency intervention, as well as from those of subsequent admissions in patients who benefited from serial interventions. The postoperative morbidity was 10.44%. The resections with anastomosis were associated with the presence of postoperative complications (p 0.01): pseudomembranous colitis, (p 0.01) and postoperative intestinal occlusion (p 0.01). The practice of lymph node dissection was associated with postoperative complications (p 0.01): pseudomembranous colitis (p 0.01) and intestinal occlusion (p 0.01). The reinterventions were associated with resections with anastomosis (p 0.01), lymph node dissection (p 0.01) or patients with open /semi-open abdomen (p 0.04). The postoperative mortality was 9.28%. It was associated with the practice of lymph node dissection (p 0.01), of the ileostomy (p 0.01), with the open /semi-open abdomen (p 0.04). Patients with colostomy had the lowest number of hospitalization days (p 0.01). The resections with anastomosis per primam and the lymph node dissection were associated with morbidity. The type of main surgery did not influence the postoperative mortality, this being associated with the concomitant surgery: the lymph node dissection, the ileostomy, and the abdomen closure type. The reinterventions were associated with resections with anastomosis per primam, with lymph node dissection and with the open /semi-open abdomen. The duration of hospitalization was significantly shorter in patients with a colostomy.

Ruptured Recurrent Interstitial Ectopic Pregnancy Successfully Managed by Laparoscopy.

Ectopic pregnancies are a frequently encountered cause of first-trimester metrorrhagia. They occur when an embryo is implanted and grows outside the normal uterine space. Uncommonly, the embryo can be implanted in the intramural portion of the uterine tube, a condition referred to as interstitial localization. This specific type of ectopic pregnancy may have an unpredictable course, potentially leading to severe uterine rupture and catastrophic bleeding if not promptly diagnosed and managed. We present a rare case of a multiparous 36-year-old female patient who underwent pelvic ultrasonography in the emergency department for intense pelvic pain associated with hypotension and moderate anemia. A history of right salpingectomy for a ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy 10 years previously was noted. High beta-HCG levels were also detected. A pelvic ultrasound allowed us to suspect a ruptured ectopic interstitial pregnancy at 8 weeks of amenorrhea. An association with hemoperitoneum was suspected, and an emergency laparoscopy was performed. The condition was confirmed intraoperatively, and the patient underwent a right corneal wedge resection with suture of the uterine myometrium. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the fourth day postoperatively. Interstitial ectopic pregnancy is a rare yet extremely perilous situation. Timely ultrasound-based diagnosis is crucial as it can enable conservative management with Methotrexate. Delayed diagnosis can lead to uterine rupture with consecutive surgery based on a transection of the pregnancy and cornual uterine resection.

Innovative Surgical Approaches That Improve Individual Outcomes in Advanced Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in women and the second cause in the general population. The incidence has increased over time. Women in developing countries often present at an advanced stage where initial surgery is not feasible. Short disease-free intervals, the number of metastatic organs and liver metastasis were consistently associated with poor overall survival. Surgery is an integral part of the therapeutic plan for locally advanced breast cancer. The integration of surgical care into the management of patients with advanced cancer has changed substantially with the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Also, more recently, neoadjuvant endocrine therapy and targeted therapies offer new opportunities to downsize the tumor burden and transform the role of surgery for this population from palliation to largely curative intent. Innovative surgical approach to the primary tumor in metastatic disease may provide survival benefits and local control in some patients. Similar to systemic therapy, surgical therapy for secondary dissemination should be considered in certain cases for improved individual outcomes. Advances in reconstructive techniques have improved the quality of life of these patients.

New Horizons of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Surgery.

Background: Ideas about Artificial intelligence appeared about half a century ago, but only now is it becoming an essential element of everyday life. The data provided are becoming a bigger pool and we need artificial intelligence that will help us with its superhuman powers. Its interaction with medicine is improving more and more, with medicine being a domain that continues to be perfected. Materials and Methods: The most important databases were used to perform this detailed search that addresses artificial intelligence in the medical and surgical fields. Discussion: Machine learning, deep learning, neural networks and computer vision are some of the mechanisms that are becoming a trend in healthcare worldwide. Developed countries such as Japan, France and Germany have already implemented artificial intelligence in their medical systems. The help it gives is in medical diagnosis, patient monitoring, personalized therapy and workflow optimization. Artificial intelligence will help surgeons to perfect their skills, to standardize techniques and to choose the best surgical techniques. Conclusions: The goal is to predict complications, reduce diagnostic times, diagnose complex pathologies, guide surgeons intraoperatively and reduce medical errors. We are at the beginning of this, and the potential is enormous, but we must not forget the impediments that may appear and slow down its implementation.

Unusual Localization of AIDS-Related Kaposi's Sarcoma in a Heterosexual Male during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Report.

Kaposi's sarcoma is an AIDS-defining illness and remains the most frequent tumor arising in HIV-infected patients with multifactorial etiology. We present a case of a 30-year-old Caucasian male with an 18-year history of HIV infection. The patient was presented with a one-week history of fever, non-productive cough, and skin lesions. There was an associated weakness and weight loss in a duration of 6 months. Clinical examination showed fever, generalized lymphadenopathy, lower limb edema, ascites, and violaceous cutaneous eruption comprising patches, plaques, and nodules. He also had a red nodule on the left conjunctiva, as well as on his oral mucosa. His CD4+ count was below 10/mm3 and ARN-HIV viral load was above 100,000 c/mL, in relation to the antiretroviral failure after five drug regimens. The role of co-infections in oncogenesis and the course of Kaposi's sarcoma were considered in recent studies. Delayed diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma in the present case resulted in a negative impact for this patient during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Giant Intraabdominal Lymphangioma in a Pediatric Patient-A Challenging Diagnosis.

Introduction: Intra-abdominal cystic formations represent heterogeneous pathologies with varied localization and clinical manifestation. The first challenge of a giant intra-abdominal cystic lesion is identifying the organ of origin. The clinical presentation of intra-abdominal cystic lesions varies from acute manifestations to non-specific symptoms or accidental discovery. Case presentation: A 2-year-old girl presents to the emergency unit with a fever of 38.5 Celsius, loss of appetite, and apathy. The investigations showed a gigantic intra-abdominal mass whose organ belonging could not be specified. Postoperatively, a giant mesenteric lymphangioma was evident, which was completely excised. Discussion: Giant cystic formations modify the anatomical reports and become space-replacing formations, and the starting point is even more challenging to assess preoperatively. Nevertheless, the careful evaluation of the characteristics of the formation, the effect on the adjacent organs, the age of the patient, and the clinical picture can provide elements of differential diagnosis. The stated purpose of this work is to systematize intra-abdominal lesions according to the organ of origin and to make the preoperative diagnosis of an intra-abdominal cystic lesion in the pediatric patient easy to perform starting from the presented case.

Efficiency of continuous positive airway pressure and high-flow nasal oxygen therapy in critically ill patients with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: Critically ill patients with COVID-19 develop acute respiratory distress syndrome characterized by relatively well-preserved pulmonary compliance but severe hypoxemia. The challenge in managing such patients lies in optimizing oxygenation, which can be achieved through either high oxygen flow or noninvasive mechanical ventilation. This study was performed to compare the efficiency of two methods of noninvasive oxygen therapy: continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and high-flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFNO). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study involved 668 patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the "Sf. Apostol Andrei" Emergency Clinical Hospital, Galati, Romania from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021 (CPAP, n = 108; HFNO, n = 108). RESULTS: Mortality was significantly lower in the CPAP and HFNO groups than in the group of patients who underwent intubation and mechanical ventilation after ICU admission. Mortality in the ICU was not significantly different between the CPAP and HFNO groups. CONCLUSIONS: HFNO and CPAP represent efficient alternative therapies for patients with severe COVID-19 whose respiratory treatment has failed. Studies involving larger groups of patients are necessary to establish a personalized, more complex management modality for critically ill patients with COVID-19.

Serum Adiponectin Levels Increase in Acute Ischemic Stroke and Correlate with Patients' Outcomes: A Pilot Study.

Stroke is a leading cause of death and severe disability worldwide. Rapid diagnosis is critical to ensure the timely administration of medical treatment. Given that in some cases CT scans fail to show the classic clinical signs of stroke, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic capacity of adiponectin levels and their association with the clinical parameters of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Adiponectin was measured within 24 h (T1) and 48 h (T2) of AIS onset in 70 patients. A total of 68 control cases were included in the study. Adiponectin levels were significantly higher in the AIS patients than in the controls (16.64 (3.79; 16.69) vs. 3.78 (3.79; 16.69); p < 0.001), with an accuracy of 0.98 (AUC = 0.99). Lower levels were seen in males and in AIS patients with obesity. Higher levels of adiponectin at T1 were associated with a moderate/severe NIHSS score at patient discharge. Moreover, higher levels of borderline significance were seen in patients who died within 12 months of their AIS episode (p = 0.054). Adiponectin may be a useful biomarker for the identification of AIS patients who do not present classic CT signs and could be used to stratify severe cases. Further studies are needed to validate these results.

Surgical Emergencies in Patients with Hemophilia A-What to Expect.

Surgical emergencies in patients with hemophilia A represent a major risk of mortality without proper multidisciplinary management and require prompt and effective treatment to prevent complications and improve patient outcomes. We present a short number of cases that were hospitalized in the I-II Surgery Clinic of the Emergency County Hospital "St. Spiridon" from Iasi, Romania, with hemophilia A requiring surgical emergencies. The timing of surgical intervention is very important, so the indication for surgical intervention must be made judiciously and without delay. Consequently, it is vital to ensure access to hemostatic support so surgery can be performed on these patients, ultimately saving their lives.

The Management of Wound Healing in Infections after Hip Arthoplasty Using Stimulan and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy.

BACKGROUND: medical teams continue to face challenges with infections following hip replacement surgery, whether they occur shortly after the procedure or months or years later. Certain medical conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and obesity are risk factors that make patients more susceptible to infections. Traditional intervention methods such as DAIR, one-step, or two-step procedures are being enhanced and refined to ensure quicker and more effective treatment. Some cases present particularly difficult challenges, featuring persistent fistulas and unpredictable responses to treatment. METHODS: in our article, we share two unique cases, detailing their histories, progressions, and treatment decisions. We explore the use of antibiotic-impregnated calcium biocomposite as a local adjuvant therapy and the application of negative pressure therapy to expedite healing. The system of NWPT has seen widespread uptake and is now implemented routinely for open wounds, such as open fractures, fasciotomies, ulcers, and infected wounds. RESULTS: our findings demonstrate that surgical debridement and calcium sulfate bead insertion successfully treat bone and joint infections without causing any side effects or complications. As a particularity, in the first case, we encountered the exteriorization of Stimulan pearls after surgery, without other complications related to the biocomposite. CONCLUSIONS: we have found that NPWT is a beneficial tool in managing complex wounds in both acute and chronic stages, after the infection is cured, reducing the need for frequent dressing changes, shortening hospital stays, and enhancing patient comfort.

The Efficacy of Antibiotic-Loaded Calcium Sulfate Beads (Stimulan) in Patients with Hip Arthroplasty Infections.

Background: Given the increasing rate of infections following hip arthroplasty, one of the current options is the application of a biocomposite at the site of the infection. One of the products used is Stimulan, a completely resorbable calcium sulfate, designed to treat acute and chronic infections. This biocomposite has a controlled purity, is easy to mix with liquid, powder, and antibiotics, and can be applied directly to the site of infection, or it can be injected. Methods: We analyzed data from 76 patients, who were admitted to the County Clinical Hospital of Emergency "St. Apostol Andrei" in Galati during January 2017-September 2023, with a diagnosis of infection associated with hip arthroplasty. Results: In 69.73% of cases (52 patients), we decided to keep the implant in place. In this subgroup, Stimulan was applied in 26 cases (57.78%). Of these, 100% were cured-compared to the subgroup in which Stimulan was not applied, where this percentage was lower. All patients underwent chemical and mechanical toileting, and for 24 patients (20.27%), it was necessary to ablate the implant with or without the application of Stimulan, then reimplantation of the prosthesis. Conclusions: The patients with Stimulan had a longer average length of hospitalization, almost half of them required intervention in two periods, and a quarter required the implantation of spacers. However, the cure rate was higher, only in three people could we not control the infection, and there was no death. This study confirms the effectiveness of the treatment when using a biocomposite in addition to the classical treatment for both acute and chronic cases.

Immunotherapy Combined with Radiation in Malignant Melanoma without BRAF Mutations Brain Metastases-Favorable Response after Immunotherapy Continued beyond Progression.

We present the case of a patient who was diagnosed in 2018 with nodular Malignant Melanoma (MM) without BRAF V 600 mutations stage 3 C (pT4b pN1a M0), and who underwent adjuvant citokines treatment with Interferon alpha 2b-48 weeks. Immunotherapy was initiated in January 2021 for lung and lymph node metastases. In June 2021, there was a partial response of the lung and lymph node metastases, but there was also progression to brain metastases. Immunotherapy was continued and Whole Brain Radiotherapy (WBRT) was performed. In September 2023, the imaging investigations revealed a favorable response, with no lesions suggestive of secondary determinations. The combination of Radiotherapy (RT) and Immunotherapy (IT) with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICI) has an abscopal effect. There is a coordinated action in the combination of RT and IT in order to obtain a common result, with the antitumor effect being greater than if RT or IT acted separately.

Endoscopic Vacuum-Assisted Closure (E-VAC) in Septic Shock from Perforated Duodenal Ulcers with Abscess Formations.

This case report underscores the importance of utilizing E-VAC (endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure) in the treatment of a perforated duodenal ulcer complicated by the formation of a subphrenic abscess and septic shock. It showcases how E-VAC can effectively mitigate the risk of further complications, such as leakage, bleeding, or rupture, which are more commonly associated with traditional methods like stents, clips, or sutures. As a result, there is a significant reduction in mortality rates. A perforated duodenal ulcer accompanied by abscess formation represents a critical medical condition that demands prompt surgical intervention. The choice of the method for abscess drainage and perforation closure plays a pivotal role in determining the patient's chances of survival. Notably, in patients with a high ASA (American Association of Anesthesiologists) score of IV-V, the mortality rate following conventional surgical intervention is considerably elevated. The management of perforated duodenal ulcers has evolved from open abdominal surgical procedures, which were associated with high mortality rates and risk of suture repair leakage, to minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy and ingestible robots. Previously, complications arising from peptic ulcers, such as perforations, leaks, and fistulas, were primarily addressed through surgical and conservative treatments. However, over the past two decades, the medical community has shifted towards employing endoscopic closure techniques, including stents, clips, and E-VAC. E-VAC, in particular, has shown promising outcomes by promoting rapid and consistent healing. This case report presents the clinical scenario of a patient diagnosed with septic shock due to a perforated duodenal ulcer with abscess formation. Following an exploratory laparotomy that confirmed the presence of a subphrenic abscess, three drainage tubes were utilized to evacuate it. Subsequently, E-VAC therapy was initiated, with the kit being replaced three times during the recovery period. The patient exhibited favorable progress, including weight gain, and was ultimately discharged as fully recovered. In the treatment of patients with duodenal perforated ulcers and associated abscess formation, the successful and comprehensive drainage of the abscess, coupled with the closure of the perforation, emerges as a pivotal factor influencing the patient's healing process. The positive outcomes observed in these patients underscore the efficacy of employing a negative pressure E-VAC kit, resulting in thorough drainage, rapid patient recovery, and low mortality rates.

The Contribution of Procalcitonin, C-Reactive Protein and Interleukin-6 in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Surgical Sepsis: An Observational and Statistical Study.

Background: Sepsis affects over 30 million people worldwide each year, causing approximately 6 million deaths. Challenges in clinical diagnosis and the need for an early diagnosis to prevent mortality due to sepsis have led to dependence on inflammatory biomarkers like Procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6). Objective: This study was performed to observe the contribution of inflammatory biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with surgical sepsis. Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study in a Clinical Emergency Hospital, which included a number of 125 patients with surgical sepsis admitted between January 2020 and December 2021. The patients were included in the study based on the Sepsis-3 definition. PCT, CRP, IL-6, Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), the time up to surgery, the days of treatment in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the total days of hospitalization had been statistically analyzed. Results: The mean age of all patients was 65.14 years. The mean value in all patients for PCT was 20.08 ng/mL, for CRP was 175.42 mg/l, and for IL-6 was 799.6 pg/mL. The strongest correlation between biomarkers was between CRP and IL-6 (r = 0.425; p < 0.0001). Of all biomarkers, the CRP correlated the strongest with patient outcomes (r = 0.544; p < 0.0001). The area under curve (AUC) for the mean values of the inflammatory biomarkers was calculated and the best diagnostic performance was for CRP with 0.816 (95% CI: 0.744-0.887). Conclusion: CRP and IL-6 were the most efficient in sepsis diagnosis. The association of PCT, CRP and IL-6 has increased the range of certainty in sepsis diagnosis. CRP was the most efficient biomarker in the prognosis of sepsis.

The Influence of Risk Factors in the Early Detection of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in a Country with Limited Material Resources.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition that includes a wide spectrum of anomalies ranging from simple instability with ligamentous hyperlaxity to the complete displacement of the femoral head outside the abnormally developed cotyloid cavity. Early detection and initiation of treatment allow "restitutio ad integrum" healing, which has raised the medical community's interest in early diagnosis. However, in countries with limited material resources, where echographic screening is not performed, efforts are being made to increase the sensitivity of clinical screening. Thus, the concept of "hip at risk" is taking shape worldwide. This is the normal clinical hip, but associated with one or more risk factors. We conducted a retrospective study for the period 2010-2015 with patients who presented in the ambulatory clinic of the St. John Children's Clinical Hospital, Galati. The study included 560 patients, who were all examined clinically and sonographically, according to the Graf method, by a senior orthopedic doctor with competence in hip sonography. The data obtained from the anamnesis, clinical examination, and ultrasound examination were recorded in the DDH file. The goal of the statistical analysis of the group of patients was to find a correlation between DDH and the risk factors used in the clinical detection of this pathology. In the studied group, four risk factors were identified that have an increased association with DDH: female sex, pelvic presentation, limitation of coxo-femoral abduction, and congenital clubfoot; thus, the conclusion of the study is that patients who have at least one of the listed risk factors should be examined sonographically as quickly as possible. The early ultrasound examination will allow the identification of the disease and the initiation of treatment.