J Natl Med Assoc
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Comparative Study
Unequal Rates of Serious Perioperative Respiratory Adverse Events Between Black and White Children.
Recent data among pediatric otolaryngology patients showed unexplained higher rates of serious perioperative respiratory adverse events (PRAE) in black children compared to their white peers. We evaluated whether preoperative respiratory comorbidity (PRC) burden contributes to racial disparity in serious PRAE in children undergoing non-otolaryngologic procedures. ⋯ Race and PRC are important considerations in the risk of serious PRAE and black children are especially at risk compared to their white peers. Children, with PRC (particularly those with SDB and asthma) are also at risk suggesting that due consideration should be given to these factors in the perioperative care of children undergoing elective surgical procedures. Mechanisms underlying these associations deserve further evaluation.
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Comparative Study
Racial Disparities in Adult Pneumococcal Vaccination Indications and Pneumococcal Hospitalizations in the U.S.
Racial disparities in U.S. adult pneumococcal vaccination rates persist despite reduced barriers to access. Consequently, racial and ethnic minorities experience pneumococcal disease at higher rates than whites. This study examined prevalence of high-risk conditions and pneumococcal hospitalizations among U.S. black and non-black populations aged ≥50 years. ⋯ Marked differences exist between U.S. black and non-black populations in likelihood of conditions conferring a high-risk of pneumococcal disease, and for length of stay and costs of pneumococcal disease hospitalizations. Further research is recommended to identify cost-effective policies or interventions to increase vaccine uptake in higher risk populations.
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Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a multiple cystic disease involving both the kidneys. Some studies have reported cases of patients with PKD and concurrent aortic dissection; however, autopsy has been performed in only few of these cases. Here, we present the case of a 62-year-old male patient with PKD who showed generalized vascular degeneration, including aortic dissection. ⋯ Moreover, multiple tears in the vascular wall of the splenic artery and superior mesenteric artery, including the aorta, were observed. The case findings indicate that patients with PKD may develop associated generalized vascular disease; however, development of cerebral aneurysms and aortic dissections with PKD is particularly serious. Therefore, suitable screening tests must be developed for the early diagnosis and disease characterization, thus, ensuring that the appropriate treatment is administered to the patients.