Southern medical journal
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Southern medical journal · Jun 2020
A Population-Based Study of Factors Associated with Postpartum Contraceptive Use by Birth Interval Length.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors associated with postpartum contraceptive use among women with short and moderate-to-long birth intervals using population-based data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Monitoring System. ⋯ Findings underscore the importance of postpartum medical visits for all women, regardless of birth interval length. Certain groups of women may need additional counseling regarding the importance of using contraceptives to prevent another closely spaced or unintended pregnancy.
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Southern medical journal · Jun 2020
Effects of Preoperative WBC Count on Post-CABG Surgery Clinical Outcome.
White blood cells (WBCs) play a major role in inflammation, with effects on the vascular wall, the microvascular blood flow, and endothelial cells and endothelial function. Previous studies have shown that a high WBC count may increase the risk of cardiovascular complication rate and mortality after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between preoperative WBC count and the post-CABG clinical outcome. ⋯ Preoperative WBC count may have an effect on the postoperative clinical outcome in patients undergoing CABG. Surgeons should pay more attention to patients' WBC count and sex and plan surgery and postoperative management accordingly.
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Southern medical journal · Jun 2020
Proportion and Characterization of Co-infections of HIV and Hepatitis C or Hepatitis B among People with HIV in Alabama, 2007-2016.
People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have an increased risk of other infections, including viral hepatitis, which can complicate the treatment and progression of the disease. We sought to characterize Alabama cases of HIV co-infected with hepatitis C virus or hepatitis B virus. ⋯ We identified risk behaviors among Alabama populations associated with increased odds for HIV and viral hepatitis co-infection. Outreach, prevention, testing, and treatment resources can be targeted to these populations.
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Southern medical journal · Jun 2020
Relation Between Pediatric Emergency Department Activity and Patient Complexity.
Potentially projecting pediatric emergency department (ED) volume trends is a matter that has been researched extensively. It is vital to understand the relation between patient complexity and department volumes to properly staff and allocate resources within the ED. Multiple studies have analyzed ED volumes based on disease severity; however, the degree of illness was determined by triage classification. This study proposed a novel method of evaluating the relation between pediatric ED patient complexity, centered on Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code, and day of the week. ⋯ We identified no relation between pediatric ED patient complexity, assessed by CPT code, and the day of the week. Furthermore, a more multifactorial and granular analysis may be necessary to model resource constraints by type and time of day to more effectively manage ED resources. CPT-based modeling may benefit superimposed financial analyses of demand-capacity management.
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Southern medical journal · Jun 2020
Opioid Use Among HIV-Positive Pregnant Women and the Risk for Maternal-Fetal Complications.
To assess patient- and hospital-level characteristics associated with opioid use in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive pregnant women and fetal health outcomes. ⋯ An increased risk of negative maternal-fetal complications persists among HIV-positive women who use opioids during pregnancy. Focusing on predisposing factors and monitoring opioid dispensing may mitigate overuse or abuse in this vulnerable population.