BioMed research international
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Clinical Trial
Predictive Role of QTc Prolongation in Carbon Monoxide Poisoning-Related Delayed Neuropsychiatric Sequelae.
Delayed neuropsychiatric sequelae (DNS) are serious complications of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning that adversely affect poisoned patients' quality of life as well as socioeconomic status. This study aimed to determine clinical predictors of DNS in patients with CO poisoning. ⋯ We identified several potential predictors of DNS following CO poisoning. Among them, QTc prolongation found within 6 h after exposure is a novel predictor of DNS, which may be helpful in the future care of patients with CO poisoning.
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Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) cause various diseases in humans and animals. Recently, the prevalence of NTM-related disease has been on the rise, becoming an emerging public health problem. The aim of this study was to determine the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of clinical isolates of Mycobacterium abscessus and Mycobacterium fortuitum. Methods. We performed susceptibility tests on 37 clinical NTM isolates to 30 antibiotics with the microdilution method recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. ⋯ Amikacin, cefoxitin, and azithromycin have the highest in vitro activity against M. abscessus. Isolates of M. fortuitum need to be individually evaluated for drug susceptibility before choosing an effective antimicrobial regimen for treatment of infections.
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Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) require a special antimicrobial regimen, fundamentally different from an aseptic treatment, making a correct preoperative diagnosis essential. However, a successful preoperative microbe detection is not always possible. We wanted to find out (1) if a preoperative microbe detection is a prerequisite before starting a septic revision in suspected PJIs or if the preoperative diagnosis can solely be based on (para)clinical signs (persistent CRP >1 mg/dl, early X-ray loosening signs in the first 5 years, leucocytes joint aspiration >1700/µl, conspicuous history, and clinical signs like redness, pain, hyperthermia, swelling, and loss of function); (2) if patients with and without preoperative microbe detection have a different outcome; and (3) if the microbial growth is the most important criterion of a multifactorial PJI definition. ⋯ High rates of intraoperatively fulfilled EBJIS PJI criteria show that a preoperative microbe detection is not necessary before intervening in suspected PJIs. The indication for a septic revision can solely be based on (para)clinical signs. The new established diagnostic algorithm based on a multifactorial PJI definition showed high precision in finding PJIs.
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The present study is aimed at evaluating the effect of combined treatment on massive bone defect using radical debridement, antibiotic calcium sulphate, and monolateral external fixator. ⋯ Our study reveals that radical debridement combined with antibiotics-impregnated calcium sulphate can suppress infection, and distraction osteogenesis using monolateral external fixators plays an effective role in managing osteomyelitis-induced massive tibial bone defect.
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Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic debilitating illness. SCD-related complications result in substantial impairment in quality of life (QOL). Our study objective was to assess the relationship of participants' characteristics, QOL, hydroxyurea adherence, and SCD-related clinical outcomes in youth with SCD. ⋯ Older and female participants had worse QOL scores, and males reported higher hydroxyurea adherence. Participants with chronic pain reported significant impairment in different QOL domains and had increased healthcare utilization. Future longitudinal studies examining the relationship between participants' characteristics, QOL, hydroxyurea adherence, and SCD-related clinical outcomes are needed.