Articles: disease.
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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with increased incidence of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) as well as mortality. D-dimer is a marker of fibrinolysis and has been used as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in VTE among other diseases. The purpose of our study is to describe outcomes from out center and to examine trends in D-dimer levels as it relates to VTE and mortality. ⋯ Rise in D-dimer >2000 ng/mL within any 24 hour period through hospital day 10 had 75% sensitivity and 74% specificity for diagnosis of VTE. We found that both magnitude and rate of rise in d-dimer within the first 10 days of hospitalization are predictive of diagnosis of VTE but not mortality. These parameters may aid in identifying individuals with possible underlying VTE or at high risk for VTE, thereby guiding risk stratification and anticoagulation policies in COVID-19 patients.
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To describe the mobile chest X-ray manifestations of deceased patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this retrospective study, we analyzed in patients with COVID-19 from Tongji Hospital (Wuhan, China), who had been died between February 18 and March 25, 2020. Two radiologists analyzed the radiologic characteristics of mobile chest X-ray, and analyzed the serial X-ray changes. ⋯ Among the 24 patients who had serial mobile chest X-rays, 16 (67%) patients had the progression of the lesions, 8 (33%) patients had no significant change of the lesions, and there was no case of reduction of the lesions. The mobile chest X-ray manifestations of deceased patients with COVID-19 were mostly bilateral lung, multifocal involvement, and extensive lung field, and pleural effusion, pleural thickening, and pneumothorax probably could be observed. The serial mobile chest X-ray showed that the chest lesions were progressive with a high probability.
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We aimed to investigate the prevalence and causes of visual impairment (VI) in an elderly Tujia ethnic rural population in Southwest China. From June 1 to December 31, 2018, a random cluster sampling survey was conducted among Tujia individuals aged 50 years or older in the rural areas of Qianjiang District County in Chongqing. The sampling design used village-based clusters of approximately equal size (1000 people). ⋯ With BCVA, cataract (79.3%) was the most common cause of VI, followed by age-related macular degeneration (10.7%). The main causes of VI in Tujia ethnic were cataracts and refractive errors. Both cataracts and refractive errors are curable eye diseases; thus, local health institutions need to adopt a more active eye care project as a strategy to prevent blindness.
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Practice Guideline
Screening for High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement.
Prevalence of hypertension (both primary and secondary) in children and adolescents in the US ranges from 3% to 4%. Primary hypertension in children and adolescents occurs primarily in children older than 13 years and has no known cause but is associated with several risk factors, including family history and higher body mass index. Secondary hypertension occurs primarily in younger children and is most commonly caused by genetic disorders, renal disease, endocrine disorders, or cardiovascular abnormalities. ⋯ The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for high blood pressure in children and adolescents. (I statement).