Plos One
-
Reduced white matter (WM) integrity is a fundamental aspect of pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS), though relations to resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) connectivity remain unknown. The objective of this study was to relate diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) measures of WM microstructural integrity to resting-state network (RSN) functional connectivity in pediatric-onset MS to test the hypothesis that abnormalities in RSN reflects changes in structural integrity. ⋯ Loss of WM microstructural integrity is associated with increased resting-state functional connectivity in pediatric MS, which may reflect a diffuse and potentially compensatory activation early in MS.
-
Many studies have evaluated risk factors associated with complications after free flap surgery, but these studies did not evaluate the impact of anesthesia management. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the differences between patients who received inhalation and total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) in free flap surgery. ⋯ Total intravenous anesthesia was associated with significantly fewer pulmonary complications in patients who received free flap reconstruction.
-
The Korean National Health Insurance, which provides universal coverage for the entire Korean population, is now facing financial instability. Frequent emergency department (ED) users may represent a medically vulnerable population who could benefit from interventions that both improve care and lower costs. To understand the nature of frequent ED users in Korea, we analyzed claims data from a population-based national representative sample. ⋯ Among 8,425 primary diagnoses, alcohol-related complaints and schizophrenia showed the strongest positive correlation with the number of ED visits. Among the frequent ED users, mortality and annual outpatient department visits were significantly lower in the alcohol-related patient subgroup compared with other frequent ED users; furthermore, the rate was even lower than that for non-frequent ED users. Our findings suggest that expanding mental health and alcohol treatment programs may be a reasonable strategy to decrease the dependence of these patients on the ED.
-
Observational Study
Predictors for Delayed Emergency Department Care in Medical Patients with Acute Infections - An International Prospective Observational Study.
In overcrowded emergency department (ED) care, short time to start effective antibiotic treatment has been evidenced to improve infection-related clinical outcomes. Our objective was to study factors associated with delays in initial ED care within an international prospective medical ED patient population presenting with acute infections. ⋯ We found high variations in hospital ED performance in regard to start antibiotic treatment. The implementation of measures to reduce treatment times has the potential to improve patient care.
-
Tigecycline has in vitro activity against multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR/XDRAB), and may constitute an alternative therapy for treating pneumonia caused by MDR/XDRAB. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of tigecycline-based therapy with colistin-based therapy in patients with MDR/XDRAB pneumonia. Between January 2009 and December 2010, patients in the intensive care unit who were diagnosed with MDR/XDRAB pneumonia and treated with either tigecycline or colistin mono-/combination therapy were reviewed. ⋯ Multivariate analysis indicated that monotherapy was independently associated with increased clinical failure (aOR, 3.96; 95% CI, 1.03-15.26; P = 0.046). Our results suggest that tigecycline-based therapy was tolerable and the clinical outcome was comparable to that of colistin-based therapy for patients with MDR/XDRAB pneumonia. In addition, combination therapy may be more useful than monotherapy in treatment of MDR/XDRAB pneumonia.