Medicine
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The potential value of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) for contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) in patients with heart failure and mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) is unclear. We investigated whether NT-proBNP is associated with CI-AKI and long-term mortality following elective cardiac catheterization in patients with HFmrEF. A total of 174 consecutive patients with HFmrEF undergoing elective coronary angiography or intervention were enrolled. ⋯ Multivariable analysis demonstrated that NT-proBNP ≥3299 pg/mL is significantly related to CI-AKI (odds ratio = 12.79; 95% confidence interval, 3.18-51.49; P < 0.001). Cox regression analysis showed that NT-proBNP ≥3299 pg/mL is associated with long-term mortality (adjusted hazard ratio = 11.91; 95%CI, 2.16-65.70; P = 0.004) during follow-up. In patients with HFmrEF, NT-proBNP ≥3299 pg/mL is associated with CI-AKI and long-term mortality following elective coronary angiography or intervention.
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Observational Study
Recurrent Clostridium difficile infection among Medicare patients in nursing homes: A population-based cohort study.
We explored the epidemiology and outcomes of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) recurrence among Medicare patients in a nursing home (NH) whose CDI originated in acute care hospitals. We conducted a retrospective, population-based matched cohort combining Medicare claims with Minimum Data Set 3.0, including all hospitalized patients age ≥65 years transferred to an NH after hospitalization with CDI 1/2011-11/2012. Incident CDI was defined as ICD-9-CM code 008.45 with no others in prior 60 days. ⋯ Median number of hospitalizations was 2 (IQR 1-3) among those with and 0 (IQR 0-1) among those without recurrence. Adjusted excess hospital days per patient were 20.3 (95% CI 19.1-21.4) and Medicare reimbursements $12,043 (95% CI $11,469-$12,617) in the group with a recurrence. Although recurrent CDI did not increase the risk of death, it was associated with a far higher risk of rehospitalization, excess hospital days, and costs to Medicare.
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Observational Study
Estimation of ultrasound reference values for the ulnar nerve fascicular number and cross-sectional area in young males: A cross-sectional study.
The objective of this study is to estimate the reference values for the number of fascicles and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the ulnar nerve at a single predetermined site by ultrasound in healthy young adult males. The demographic and physical characteristics of 50 adult male volunteers were evaluated and recorded. The subjects were positioned supine with the elbow flexed at 90° and the palm of the hand placed on a hard surface. ⋯ No significant correlations were observed between CSA and fascicles number and age, weight, height, or BMI of study subjects. The reference values for the number of fascicles number and the CSA of the ulnar nerve at a single predetermined site were identified. These values could be used for the sonographic diagnosis and follow-up of the ulnar nerve lesions.
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Metastasis of cancer cells involves shedding from the primary tumor through various means to distant tissues and organs with continued growth and formation of new metastatic tumors of the same cancer type as the original tumor. The common sites for colon cancer metastases include the pelvis, retroperitoneal lymph nodes, liver, and lungs; Colon cancer metastases to the appendix are rare, as reported in this case. ⋯ An absent right colic artery with lymph node fusion might increase the risk of appendiceal cancer metastasis.
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Case Reports
Pseudohypoparathyroidism with basal ganglia calcification: A case report of rare cause of reversible parkinsonism.
Parkinsonism can be secondary to many internal diseases, in some certain conditions, it seems that the clinical manifestations of parkinsonism presenting reversible. We report a case of patient with parkinsonism secondary to pseudohypoparathyroidism, who improved markedly after the supplement of serum calcium. ⋯ This study reported a patient presenting as acute reversible parkinsonism, who was finally diagnosed as pseudohypoparathyroidism. It indicated us that secondary parkinsonism should be carefully differentiated for its dramatic treatment effect. And the family history of seizures might be an indicator for the consideration of pseudohypoparathyroidism.