The Journal of international medical research
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High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy has several physiological advantages over traditional oxygen therapy devices, including decreased nasopharyngeal resistance, washing out of the nasopharyngeal dead space, generation of positive pressure in the pharynx, increasing alveolar recruitment in the lungs, humidification of the airways, increased fraction of inspired oxygen and improved mucociliary clearance. Recently, the use of HFNC in treating adult critical illness patients has significantly increased, and it is now being used in many patients with a range of different disease conditions. ⋯ This review article summarizes the available published literature on the positive physiological effects, mechanisms of action, and the clinical applications of HFNC, compared with traditional oxygen therapy devices. The available literature suggests that HFNC oxygen therapy is an effective modality for the early treatment of critically adult patients.
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Objective The results of segmental venous resection (VR) combined with pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) are controversial but may be promising. Few studies have described reconstruction of the portal/superior mesenteric vein (PV/SMV) with the iliac vein harvested from donation after cardiac death (DCD). Methods From January 2014 to April 2016, PD combined with segmental excision of the PV/SMV (VR group) was performed in 21 patients with adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas (ADHP). ⋯ The degree of resection was a strong predictor of long-term survival. Conclusion Segmental PV/SMV resection combined with PD is applicable to selective patients with venous invasion by ADHP if R0 resection has probably been achieved. An iliac vein obtained by DCD provides an effective graft for venous reconstruction.
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Meta Analysis
5-HT3 receptor antagonists for the prevention of postoperative shivering: a meta-analysis.
Objective We evaluated the efficacy of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists for the prevention of postoperative shivering. Methods We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Web of Knowledge to find randomized controlled trials (RCT) of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists for the prevention of postoperative shivering. ⋯ We found that: 1) the incidence of shivering was significantly lower in 5-HT3 groups than placebo groups (relative risk, [RR] = 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.40 - 0.58); 2) there was no significant difference in the incidence of shivering between 5-HT3 groups and meperidine groups (RR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.60 - 1.34). Conclusion 5-HT3 receptor antagonists appear to prevent postoperative shivering, with a broadly comparable efficacy to meperidine.
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Objective We undertook a meta-analysis to investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine on postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Methods We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CNKI and Google Scholar to find randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the influence of dexmedetomidine on POCD in elderly adults who had undergone general anaesthesia. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and evaluated methodologic quality against inclusion and exclusion criteria. ⋯ Results Thirteen RCTs were included. Compared with controls, dexmedetomidine: 1) significantly reduced the incidence of POCD (relative risk = 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45-2.95) and improved Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score (mean difference, MD = 1.74, 95% CI 0.43-3.05) on the first postoperative day; and 2) reduced the incidence of POCD after the first postoperative day (MD = 2.73, 95% CI 1.33-4.12). Conclusion Dexmedetomidine reduces the incidence of POCD and improves postoperative MMSE score.
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Observational Study
Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to platelet ratio index is a good noninvasive biomarker for predicting liver fibrosis in Chinese chronic hepatitis B patients.
Objective To evaluate whether gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to platelet ratio index (GPRI) can diagnose the extent of liver fibrosis in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. Methods This prospective observational study used liver biopsy results as the gold standard to evaluate the ability of GPRI to predict hepatic fibrosis compared with two other markers, the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4). The clinical and demographic factors that affected GPRI, independent of liver fibrosis, were assessed using multivariate linear regression analyses. ⋯ Of the three indices, GPRI had the highest diagnostic accuracy for bridging fibrosis and cirrhosis. Age, elevated AST and elevated total bilirubin levels were independent determinants of increased GPRI. Conclusion GPRI was a more reliable laboratory marker than APRI and FIB-4 for predicting the stage of liver fibrosis in Chinese patients with CHB.