Medicine
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To determine plasma concentrations of angiopoietin (Ang)-1, Ang-2, Tie-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with sepsis-induced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and determine their association with mortality. The study prospectively recruited 96 consecutive patients with severe sepsis in a l intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital. Plasma Ang-1, Ang-2, Tie-2, and VEGF levels and MODS were determined in patients on days 1, 3, and 7 of sepsis. ⋯ VEGF and Tie-2 levels were not associated with MODS and mortality. Ang-1 level less than the median value was the only independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio, 2.57; 95% CI 1.12-5.90, P = 0.025). Persistently decreased Ang-1 levels are associated with MODS and subsequently, mortality in patients with sepsis.
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Review Meta Analysis
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs as Prophylaxis for Heterotopic Ossification after Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a frequent complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been used as routine prophylaxis for HO after THA. However, the efficacy of NSAIDs on HO, particularly selective NSAIDs versus nonselective NSAIDs, is uncertain. ⋯ Selective NSAIDs could decrease DGSE (OR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.24-0.97, P = 0.042) compared with the nonselective NSAIDs. There was no significant difference with respect to discontinuation caused by non-gastrointestinal side effects (DNGSE) in NSAIDs versus a placebo (OR = 1.16, 95% CI 0.88-1.53, P = 0.297) and in selective NSAIDs versus nonselective NSAIDs (OR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.50-1.37, P = 0.462). NSAIDs might reduce the incidence of HO and increase DGSE in the short-term.
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Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) has been extensively used in clinical practice as a circulatory-assist device. However, current literature demonstrated significantly varied indications for IABP application and prognosis. The objective of the study was to assess the potential benefits or risks of IABP treatment for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated with or without cardiogenic shock. ⋯ Furthermore, the risks of hemorrhage (RR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.09-2.04; P = 0.013) and recurrent ischemia (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.79; P = 0.002) were significantly higher in IABP group compared with control group. We did not observe substantial benefit from IABP application in reducing the short- and long-term mortality, while it might promote the risks of hemorrhage and recurrent ischemia. Therefore, IABP may be not an optimal therapy in AMI with or without cardiogenic shock until more elaborate classification is used for selecting appropriate patients.
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Although laparoscopic surgery is readily used in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in adults, its role in the surgical treatment of IBD in the pediatric population is not well established. The aim of this narrative review was to analyze the published evidence comparing laparoscopic and open resection in the management of children and adolescents with IBD. The Pubmed and Embase databases were searched using the terms "inflammatory bowel disease," "children," "adolescents," "laparoscopic," and "colectomy." The review identified 10 appropriate studies. ⋯ Postoperative complication rates were similar following both approaches. Due to the limited available data and the small sample size of the published series, definite recommendations are not able to be drawn. Nevertheless, current evidence indicates that laparoscopic colorectal resection is safe and feasible in the management of IBD in the paediatric population, with reductions in postoperative pain and length of hospital stay achievable.
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Clinical Trial
Positron Emission Tomography With 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose in Patients With Sickle Cell Acute Chest Syndrome.
The acute chest syndrome (ACS) is the main cause of mortality among adult patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Its pathophysiology is still unclear. Using positron emission tomography (PET) with F-fluorodeoxyglucose [18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG)], we explored the relationship between regional lung density and lung metabolism, as a reflection of lung neutrophilic infiltration during ACS. ⋯ Lungs of patients with ACS exhibited higher F-FDG uptake than SCD non-ACS controls. Lung apices had normal aeration and lower F-FDG uptake than lung bases, but higher F-FDG uptake than lungs of SCD non-ACS controls. Patients with higher lung F-FDG uptake had longer ICU stay than others.