Introduction
Haemolysis and inflammation contribute to cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CS-AKI). We aimed to assess the performance of plasma haemolysis index (HI) and interleukine-6 ...(IL-6) for the prediction of all-stage CS-AKI. We also assessed their ability to predict moderate-to-severe CS-AKI and to discriminate persistent from transient CS-AKI.
Methods
Adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were prospectively included. Haemolysis index and IL-6 were measured immediately after the end of CPB and 6 hours later. Correction for haemodilution relied upon changes in albuminaemia. Persistent CS-AKI was defined as a steady/increasing CS-AKI stage between the 48th and the 60th postoperative hour as compared with the worst stage observed within the 48 first hours.
Results
Among 82 patients, CS-AKI occurred in 37 (45%) patients. Postoperative HI and IL-6 were positively correlated to the duration of CPB (r ≤ 0.51, p ≤ 0.0003). Whether we considered isolated measurements of HI or IL-6, their indexation to haemodilution or not, their kinetics and/or their combination, the prediction of all stage CS-AKI was inaccurate (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve AUCROC≤ 0.68) whereas moderate-to-severe CS-AKI (6 patients only) was predicted with an honourable performance (AUCROC = 0.77 95%CI 0.67;0.86 and 0.87 95%CI 0.77;0.93 for HI and IL-6, respectively). The persistent/transient nature of CS-AKI was inaccurately predicted (AUCROC ≤ 0.68).
Conclusions
In a population in which most CS-AKI cases were mild, although they frequently (41%) persisted >48 hours, CS-AKI was inaccurately predicted by HI and/or IL-6. A better performance for moderate-to-severe CS-AKI prediction is likely. These preliminary findings are yet to be validated.
Most working-age (18-64) adults have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, and some may have developed post-COVID-19 condition (PCC). However, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) greater than 2 years ...following infection remains uncharacterized.
In this cross-sectional study, COVID-19 survivors from throughout British Columbia (BC), Canada, completed a questionnaire greater than 2 years post-infection. PCC status was self-reported, and HRQOL was assessed using the EuroQol 5-dimension 5-level (EQ-5D-5L) instrument. We compared HRQOL in those with current PCC, those with recovered PCC, and those without a history of PCC. Iterative proportional fitting was used to weight analyses to be representative of COVID-19 survivors in BC. Multivariable regression models were used to adjust for confounders.
Of the 1,135 analyzed participants, 19.2% had current PCC, and 27.6% had recovered PCC. Compared to those without a history of PCC, participants with recovered PCC had a similar weighted mean EQ-5D health utility (adjusted difference -0.02 95%CI -0.03, 0.00), but those with current PCC had a lower health utility (adjusted difference -0.08 95%CI -0.12, -0.05). Compared to those without a history of PCC, participants with current PCC were more likely to report problems with mobility (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 6.00 95%CI 2.88-12.52), self-care (aOR 5.96 95%CI 1.84-19.32), usual activities (aOR 8.00 95%CI 4.27-14.99), pain/discomfort (aOR 4.28 95%CI 2.46-7.48), and anxiety/depression (aOR 3.45 95%CI 1.90-6.27).
In working-age adults who have survived greater than 2 years following COVID-19, HRQOL is high among those who have never had PCC or have recovered from PCC. However, individuals with ongoing symptoms of PCC have lower HRQOL and are more likely to have deficits in multiple functional domains. These findings underscore the importance of implementing targeted healthcare interventions to improve HRQOL in adults with long-term PCC.
Abstract
Background
Several studies have proven prophylactic lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) performed after lymphadenectomy can potentially reduce the risk of cancer-related lymphedema (CRL) without ...compromising the oncological treatment. We present a systematic review of the current evidence on the primary prevention of CRL using preventive lymphatic surgery (PLS).
Patients and Methods
A comprehensive search across PubMed, Cochrane-EBMR, Web of Science, Ovid Medline (R) and in-process, SCOPUS, and ScienceDirect was performed through December 2020. A meta-analysis with a random-effect method was accomplished.
Results
Twenty-four studies including 1547 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Overall, 830 prophylactic LVA procedures were performed after oncological treatment, of which 61 developed lymphedema.
The pooled cumulative rate of upper extremity lymphedema after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) and PLS was 5.15% (95% CI, 2.9%–7.5%;
p
< 0.01). The pooled cumulative rate of lower extremity lymphedema after oncological surgical treatment and PLS was 6.66% (95% CI < 1–13.4%, p-value = 0.5). Pooled analysis showed that PLS reduced the incidence of upper and lower limb lymphedema after lymph node dissection by 18.7 per 100 patients treated (risk difference RD – 18.7%, 95% CI – 29.5% to – 7.9%;
p
< 0.001) and by 30.3 per 100 patients treated (RD – 30.3%, 95% CI – 46.5% to – 14%;
p
< 0.001), respectively, versus no prophylactic lymphatic reconstruction.
Conclusions
Low-quality studies and a high risk of bias halt the formulating of strong recommendations in favor of PLS, despite preliminary reports theoretically indicating that the inclusion of PLS may significantly decrease the incidence of CRL.
Abstract
Background
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are frequently used to treat pain, fever and inflammatory conditions. Due to evidenced fetotoxicity, treatment with NSAID and ...metamizole should be avoided in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. There is an ongoing debate on fetotoxic risk of 2nd trimester use which is why we have conducted this study.
Methods
In this observational cohort study outcome of pregnancies with NSAID and/or metamizole exposure in the 2nd and/or 3rd trimester (study cohort
n
= 1092) was compared with pregnancies exposed to NSAID and/or metamizole in the 1st trimester only (comparison cohort,
n
= 1154). The WHO-UMC system was used to assess causality between study medication and study endpoints. Prenatal study endpoints were constriction of ductus arteriosus Botalli, oligohydramnios, late spontaneous abortion (SAB) or stillbirth. Postnatal study endpoints were patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), anomalies of the right heart ventricle, primary pulmonary hypertension (PPHT), and neonatal impairment of kidney function.
Results
Ductus arteriosus constriction was diagnosed in 5/1092 (0.5%) in the study cohort versus 0/1154 pregnancies in the comparison cohort. In one fetus, ductus arteriosus constriction and oligohydramnios occurred already in the late 2nd trimester after long-term NSAID exposure. Oligohydramnios was diagnosed in 41/1092 (3.8%) in the study cohort versus 29/1154 (2.5%) cases in the comparison cohort RR, 1.5 (95% CI 0.9–2.4). Limited to 2nd trimester, oligohydramnios occurred in 8/904 (0.9%) versus 2/1154 (0.2%) pregnancies RR, 5.1 (95% CI 1.1–24.0). At least in four of the 2nd trimester exposed pregnancies NSAID exposure lasted several weeks. Late SAB or stillbirth occurred in 14/1092 (1.3%) versus 17/1154 (1.5%). Postnatal cardiovascular or renal pathology did not differ between the cohorts.
Conclusions
NSAID use in the 2nd trimester limited to a few days does not appear to pose a relevant risk. Use for longer periods in the advanced 2nd trimester, however, may cause oligohydramnios and ductus arteriosus constriction similar to effects observed after 3rd trimester use.
Objective: To study 1) whether the accuracy of point-of-care (POC) urine tests (dipstick, phase-contrast microscopy and culture) differs when performed on first-void urine (FVU) compared to ...mid-stream urine (MSU), and 2) if a delay of analysis up to four hours affects the accuracy of POC tests when performed on urine from symptomatic of urinary tract infection (UTI), non-pregnant women in general practice.
Design: Prospective diagnostic study using paired samples.
Setting/Intervention: Three general practices in Copenhagen. Each woman delivered FVU and MSU samples from the same void. As a reference standard, 8 ml of MSU was sent for culture at the Microbiology Department.
Patients: 117 women with one or more symptoms of UTI.
Main outcome measures: Sensitivity, specificity and agreement with the reference standard of FVU and MSU with different time delays (zero vs. one vs. four hours) as compared to reference standard (MSU at time zero in boric acid tubes).
Results: All three POC tests performed on MSU were significantly more in agreement with the reference than when performed on FVU when analysis was done immediately. The error rate was 16% for MSU vs. 23% for FVU with POC culture, 27% vs. 40% with microscopy and 25% vs. 33% with dipstick testing. Delay of analysis up to four hours did not decrease agreement with the reference.
Conclusion/Implication: MSU samples should be used in general practice for optimal accuracy of POC tests. Analysis can be delayed up to four hours.
Key points
Point-of-care tests (dipstick testing, microscopy and culture) for diagnosing urinary tract infection performed on mid-stream urine samples are significantly more accurate than when performed on first-void urine samples.
Delay of analysis up to four hours did not decrease the accuracy of any of the point-of-care tests.
Point-of-care culture was more accurate than dipstick and microscopy both when performed on mid-stream urine and first-void urine
The main contaminant in first-void urine samples was Enterococci spp., which contributed to the majority of false positives.
In this study, we evaluated the in vitro stability of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in blood samples of 57 patients under different storage conditions using functional coagulation assays. We ...determined the analyte concentrations (1) immediately after blood collection (baseline); (2) after storage of citrated whole blood (agitated) at room temperature and citrated plasma at room temperature and at 4 °C for 4, 8, and 24 h, respectively; and (3) after storage of citrated plasma at −20 °C for 30, 60, and 90 days. According to the concept of acceptable change limits (ACL), analytes were considered stable if the mean relative analyte recovery at a given time was >78%. The mean baseline values (range) of dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and edoxaban were 115 ng/mL (62-217), 129 ng/mL (31-215), 156 ng/mL (49-362), and 101 ng/mL (33-283), respectively. After applying the analyte stability limit, all four DOACs were stable for 24 h at room temperature and at 4 °C. The mean recovery after 24 h was 102-111% for dabigatran, 88-97% for rivaroxaban, 95-98% for apixaban, and 90-96% for edoxaban. When plasma samples were stored at −20 °C, the mean percentage deviation after 90 days for all four DOACs was ≤10%, even after three freeze-thaw cycles. Thus, for the correct determination of DOAC plasma concentrations, blood samples do not have to be analyzed immediately and can be stored at room temperature for up to 24 h before analysis. In clinical practice, blood sample transport and storage for DOAC measurements appear to be unproblematic.
Glomerular endothelial cell (GEnC) dysfunction is important in the pathogenesis of glomerular sclerotic diseases, including Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and overt diabetic nephropathy ...(DN). GEnCs form the first cellular barrier in direct contact with cells and factors circulating in the blood. Disturbances in these circulating factors can induce GEnC dysfunction. GEnC dysfunction occurs in early stages of FSGS and DN, and is characterized by a compromised endothelial glycocalyx, an inflammatory phenotype, mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress, aberrant cell signaling, and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). GEnCs are in an interdependent relationship with podocytes and mesangial cells, which involves bidirectional cross-talk
via
intercellular signaling. Given that GEnC behavior directly influences podocyte function, it is conceivable that GEnC dysfunction may culminate in podocyte damage, proteinuria, subsequent mesangial activation, and ultimately glomerulosclerosis. Indeed, GEnC dysfunction is sufficient to cause podocyte injury, proteinuria and activation of mesangial cells. Aberrant gene expression patterns largely contribute to GEnC dysfunction and epigenetic changes seem to be involved in causing aberrant transcription. This review summarizes literature that uncovers the importance of cross-talk between GEnCs and podocytes, and GEnCs and mesangial cells in the context of the development of FSGS and DN, and the potential use of GEnCs as efficacious cellular target to pharmacologically halt development and progression of DN and FSGS.
Pulmonary complications are common in primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID) and contribute to morbidity and mortality in these patients. However, their varied presentation and a general lack of ...awareness of PID in this setting make early diagnosis and treatment difficult. The aim of this study was to define the warning signs of PID in patients with respiratory manifestations, the necessary diagnostic tests, and the therapeutic management of both children and adults.
A review of the literature was performed, and 43 PID interdisciplinary specialists were consulted.
This document identifies the pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations that should prompt a suspicion of PID, the immunological and respiratory tests that should be included in the diagnostic process according to the level of care, recommendations regarding the use of immunoglobulin replacement therapy according to the specific immunodeficiency, and the minimum recommended immunological and pulmonary monitoring in these patients.
This document is the first to combine scientific evidence with the opinion of a broad panel of experts specializing in the treatment of patients with immunodeficiencies. It aims to provide a useful tool for all practitioners who are regularly involved in the management of these patients.
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