Irish journal of medical science
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Observational Study
Thirst in patients admitted to intensive care units: an observational study.
Despite various studies reporting a high prevalence, reaching 71%, the sensation of thirst in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, its prevention, detection, and management, is not well known nor considered. Limited research has examined the causes of thirst in ICU patients, while it has been examined in other patient populations. ⋯ Thirst is highly prevalent among patients in this population of intensive care patients. It would be desirable to evaluate this stressor at least daily, to eliminate or relieve this sensation.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted significantly on healthcare across the globe. It has been reported to have higher incidence and be associated with worse outcomes in patients with cancer. ⋯ Patients attending oncology services during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic had an increased rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection and a higher mortality rate than the general population. Those who died had more advanced cancer as demonstrated by poorer performance status, a greater burden of metastatic disease and a higher Palliative Prognostic Score.
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Autonomic dysfunction is commonly observed in patients with long-standing type 2 diabetes. Previous studies have confirmed the value of both subjectively assessed symptoms and objective measurements of autonomic nervous system function in diagnosing cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy. However, the head-up tilt test (HUTT) has been rarely used to investigate cardiovascular autonomic responses in subjects with high risk of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (nT2D). ⋯ Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy, expressed as blunted BEI, is the only abnormal autonomic nervous test detected in nT2D, and it was independently associated with fasting glucose and HbA1c values.
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Cell division control protein 42 (CDC42) is reported to be involved in multiple inflammation processes by regulating T cell differentiation, maintaining immune cell homeostasis, and altering their function, while no relevant studies explored its clinical role in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therefore, this study aimed to explore the correlation of CDC42 with Th1 and Th17 cells and its association with disease risk, activity, and treatment outcomes of RA. ⋯ CDC42 has the potential to serve as a biomarker to monitor disease activity and treatment efficacy in patients with RA.
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The estimated incidence of testicular torsion (TT) is 4 per 100,000 males under 25 years [1]. Age, region and health insurance status have been associated with a higher risk of orchidectomy following TT [2]. ⋯ The incidence of TT appears to be higher in Ireland than elsewhere. Epidemiological data for TT in Ireland will help inform health policy and clinical guidelines, facilitate comparison with other jurisdictions and improve public awareness. Further research is needed to identify modifiable risk factors that predict treatment outcomes.