Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre
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To evaluate the characteristics of hospital discharge diagnoses of influenza measured by using specific International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9 CM) codes. ⋯ In Sicily, more than one quarter of all hospital admissions with an ICD-9 CM code for influenza were observed in the months with a negligible circulation of influenza viruses. Our findings show that several hospital discharge records included ICD-9 CM codes for influenza with low levels of sensitivity, specificity and/or appropriateness for clinical information and support the need for improving medical education on the epidemiology and hospital management of influenza cases.
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To determine the role of lymph node metastases (ypN) and perineural invasion (PNI) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). ⋯ The presence of either PNI or ypN was a significant prognostic factor for predicting poor survival rates in LARC patients, especially those with a coexistence of both factors. Accordingly, we recommend an intensive follow-up and therapeutic programs for LARC patients with simultaneous PNI+ and ypN+.
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Perforation and bacterial contamination of microscope covers in lumbar spinal decompressive surgery.
To determine the integrity of microscope covers and bacterial contamination at the end of lumbar spinal decompressive surgery. ⋯ The incidence of microscope cover perforation was very low and was not shown to be associated with bacterial contamination. External sources of bacterial contamination seem to outweigh the problem of contamination due to failure of cover integrity.
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The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the association of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) with other forms of arrhythmia in individual patients and its consequences for treatment. ⋯ Coexistence of AVNRT with other types of arrhythmias was a common finding among these patients. The most frequently observed double tachycardia was the combination of AVNRT with atrial tachyarrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, with a potential significance for further patient management.
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To report a metastatic colorectal cancer patient with hyperbilirubinemia treated with a combination of bevacizumab and FOLFIRI (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan) using uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase (UGT1A1) genotyping. ⋯ The FOLFIRI regimen was successfully used in this patient without concerns regarding toxicity.