Medicine
-
Chronic nephritis is a common kidney disease that afflicts people worldwide. The disease has main manifestations of proteinuria, hematuria, edema, and hypertension that are associated with kidney-damaging processes that eventually lead to kidney failure. Traditional Chinese medicine involving combination treatment with herbal remedies and acupuncture has been shown clinically to alleviate chronic nephritis, although to date no systematic review of the efficacy of this combination treatment for this purpose has been reported, prompting this study. Here we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published randomized clinical trials to scientific evidence and credible medical references supporting the clinical efficacy of this combination treatment when used to treat chronic nephritis. ⋯ INPLASY2021100051.
-
Observational Study
Risk factors of vesicoureteral reflux and urinary tract infections in children with imperforate anus: A population-based case-control study in Taiwan.
Imperforate anus (IA) is associated with several urological anomalies, including vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), a major contributor to high morbidity in patients with anorectal malformations. This retrospective study was performed to elucidate the risk factors of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and UTI in children with IA. We used the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) to estimate the frequency of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) in children with IA. ⋯ Patients with a high-position IA had a greater risk of VUR, particularly those with CAKUT, hydronephrosis, or UTI. Such patients must periodically undergo urinalysis to screen for UTI and early voiding cystourethrogram to rule out VUR and prevent consequent renal damage. Chromosomal analysis is suggested to rule out Down syndrome.
-
This case report demonstrates the use of flourine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) to rule out Richter transformation (RT) as the cause of clinical deterioration in a patient with chronic lymphatic leukemia (CLL) and severe COVID-19. 18F-FDG PET/CT can be used to establish the diagnosis of RT in patients with CLL, but the use of 18F-FDG PET/CT to exclude RT as the cause of clinical deterioration in patients with CLL and severe COVID-19 has not previously been described. ⋯ 18F-FDG PET/CT ruled out RT as the cause of deteriorations in a patient with CLL and severe COVID-19, enabling directed care of exacerbation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pneumonia.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
The development of the cure of the functional intestinal disorder based on the differences of gut microbiota in aged patients: A randomized clinical trial.
Constipation, which is not an organic disease in the lower gastrointestinal tract, is a gastrointestinal symptom characteristic of elderly patients. Complaints of dyschezia increase with age, and it is difficult to treat in many cases. This study aimed to determine the appropriate treatment and its effects on intestinal immunity in elderly patients experiencing chronic constipation. ⋯ The results indicated that the improvement of intestinal flora was somewhat achieved by relieving constipation. Because intestinal bacteria significantly influence intestinal immunity and, thus, systemic immunity of the entire body, the development of better treatments for constipation would help to improve both the intestinal environment and immune function in the elderly.
-
Multicenter Study
Multi-center survey on the training status of staff working in pharmacy intravenous admixture services (PIVAS) in mainland China: Perspectives of PIVAS staff.
The technical level and comprehensive quality of pharmacy intravenous admixture services (PIVAS) staff are central to ensure the safety and effectiveness of intravenous infusions. However, these aspects are lacking in traditional pharmacy education. This study aimed to investigate the training status of staff working in PIVAS and explore factors that affected training status, which might contribute to the establishment of a comprehensive, standardized training system. ⋯ However, only 45.7% (229/501) of the participants were satisfied with the training modes. The contents of training for PIVAS staff in mainland China were relatively rich, but the aspects of management tools, comprehensive ability development, and career development planning tend to be relatively weak. It is necessary to develop training standards for PIVAS staff to improve employee capabilities and job satisfaction.