International journal of clinical practice
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Jan 2022
The Impact of Optical Coherence Tomography in the Early Identification of Children with Sickle Cell Retinopathy.
Sickle cell disease is characterized by the production of abnormal hemoglobin, which affects hemoglobin molecule stability during hypoxia and leads to the formation of sickle cells, resulting in increased hematic viscosity, hemolysis, and microvascular blockage. Vasoocclusion is assumed to be the primary cause of vision-threatening retinopathy in sickle cell disease. The aim of this study was to improve the early detection of sickle cell retinopathy (SCR) in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) and investigate the link between systemic and ocular symptoms. ⋯ OCTA can show early retinal damage in sickle cell patients with macular changes. Sickle cell retinopathy is usually associated with more severe disease.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Jan 2022
Factors Affecting Physical Activity of People with Knee Osteoarthritis in Southern Taiwan: A Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis.
Physical activity (PA) is a basic and initiative conservative management for people with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). This study aimed to explore the potential indicators of PA levels in people with KOA. ⋯ People with KOA require appropriate lifestyle management to increase PA. Walking speed may be an effective factor for predicting PA among people with KOA. Healthcare providers treating KOA patients should be aware of their PA levels, especially those at risk.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Jan 2022
Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak on Stoma Surgery and Stoma Clinic Service: A Retrospective Study at a Single Japanese Referral Hospital.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical practice has been frequently reported from Western countries, but there have been few studies in other areas, especially regarding stoma surgery and stoma care. ⋯ The COVID-19 outbreak led to a shift in the patient population at ostomy clinics of new stoma patients, which may have resulted in fewer peristomal complications.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Jan 2022
Observational StudyReal-World Evidence for COVID-19 Delta Variant's Effects on the Digestive System and Protection of Inactivated Vaccines from a Medical Center in Yangzhou, China: A Retrospective Observational Study.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is rapidly disseminated worldwide, and it continues to threaten global public health. Recently, the Delta variant has emerged as the most dreaded variant worldwide. COVID-19 predominantly affects the respiratory tract, and studies have reported the transient effects of COVID-19 on digestive system function. However, the relationship between the severity of the Delta variant and digestive system function remains to be investigated. Additionally, data on the ability of the inactive Chinese vaccines (Sinovac or Sinopharm) to protect against the Delta variant or COVID-19-induced gastrointestinal symptoms in the real world are insufficient. Thus, the present retrospective observational study first attempted to use the total gastrointestinal symptom rating scale scores (GSRS) to quantify the possible changes in digestive system functions following the Delta variant infection in the early stage. In addition, the study discusses the potential of inactivated vaccines in preventing severe or critical symptoms or Delta variant-induced digestive system dysfunction. ⋯ In summary, serum AST, DBIL, LDH, and IL-6 levels are potential markers for distinguishing severe or critical patients in the early stage of the Delta variant infection. Additionally, changes in the levels of these serum makers are transient, and the levels can return to normal after treatment. Furthermore, severe gastrointestinal discomfort was significantly more prevalent in patients with severe or critical diseases and should thus be considered in patients diagnosed with Delta variant infection. Finally, inactivated vaccines may prevent severe or critical symptoms and Delta variant-induced liver dysfunction. Vaccination programs must be promoted to protect public health.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Jan 2022
Comparison of Open and Robot-Assisted Kidney Transplantation in terms of Perioperative and Postoperative Outcomes.
The gold standard treatment method for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is renal transplantation (RT). RT can be done with open or minimally invasive surgical methods. We aimed to compare the outcomes between patients who underwent robot-assisted renal transplantation (RART) and open renal transplantation (ORT). ⋯ Both ORT and RART are effective and safe methods for treating ESRD. According to our study, RART is associated with relatively longer ischemia times but lower complication rates and higher patient comfort.