Safety and feasibility of enhanced recovery after surgery-based management model for ambulatory pediatric surgical procedures

BACKGROUND There is still some room for optimizing ambulatory pediatric surgical procedures,and the preoperative and postoperative management quality for pediatric patients needs to be improved.AIM To discuss the safety and feasibility of the enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS)-based management model for ambulatory pediatric surgical procedures.METHODS We selected 320 pediatric patients undergoing ambulatory surgery from June 2023 to January 2024 at The First People’s Hospital of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture.Of these,220 received ERAS-based management(research group)and 100 received routine management(control group).General information,postoperative ambulation activities,surgical outcomes(operation time,postoperative gastro-intestinal ventilation time,and hospital stay),postoperative pain visual analogue scale,postoperative complications(incision infection,abdominal distension,fever,nausea,and vomiting),and family satisfaction were compared.RESULTS The general information of the research group(sex,age,disease type,single parent,family history,etc.)was comparable to that of the control group(P>0.05),but the rate of postoperative(2 h,4 h,and 6 h after surgery)ambulation activities was statistically higher(P<0.01),and operation time,postoperative gastrointestinal ventilation time,and hospital stay were markedly shorter(P<0.05).The research group had lower visual analogue scale scores(P<0.01)at 12 h and 24 h after surgery and a lower incidence of total postoperative complications than the control group(P=0.001).The research group had higher family satisfaction than the control group(P=0.007).CONCLUSION The ERAS-based management model was safe and feasible in ambulatory pediatric surgical procedures and worthy of clinical promotion.

Sedation reversal trends at outpatient ambulatory endoscopic center vs in-hospital ambulatory procedure center using a triage protocol

BACKGROUND Routine outpatient endoscopy is performed across a variety of outpatient settings.A known risk of performing endoscopy under moderate sedation is the potential for over-sedation,requiring the use of reversal agents.More needs to be reported on rates of reversal across different outpatient settings.Our academic tertiary care center utilizes a triage tool that directs higher-risk patients to the in-hospital ambulatory procedure center(APC)for their procedure.Here,we report data on outpatient sedation reversal rates for endoscopy performed at an inhospital APC vs at a free-standing ambulatory endoscopy digestive health center(AEC-DHC)following risk stratification with a triage tool.AIM To observe the effect of risk stratification using a triage tool on patient outcomes,primarily sedation reversal events.METHODS We observed all outpatient endoscopy procedures performed at AEC-DHC and APC from April 2013 to September 2019.Procedures were stratified to their respective sites using a triage tool.We evaluated each procedure for which sedation reversal with flumazenil and naloxone was recorded.Demographics and characteristics recorded include patient age,gender,body mass index(BMI),American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA)classification,procedure type,and reason for sedation reversal.RESULTS There were 97366 endoscopic procedures performed at AEC-DHC and 22494 at the APC during the study period.Of these,17 patients at AEC-DHC and 9 at the APC underwent sedation reversals(0.017%vs 0.04%;P=0.06).Demographics recorded for those requiring reversal at AEC-DHC vs APC included mean age(53.5±21 vs 60.4±17.42 years;P=0.23),ASA class(1.66±0.48 vs 2.22±0.83;P=0.20),BMI(27.7±6.7 kg/m^(2) vs 23.7±4.03 kg/m^(2);P=0.06),and female gender(64.7%vs 22%;P=0.04).The mean doses of sedative agents and reversal drugs used at AEC-DHC vs APC were midazolam(5.9±1.7 mg vs 8.9±3.5 mg;P=0.01),fentanyl(147.1±49.9μg vs 188.9±74.1μg;P=0.10),flumazenil(0.3±0.18μg vs 0.17±0.17μg;P=0.13)and naloxone(0.32±0.10 mg vs 0.28±0.12 mg;P=0.35).Procedures at AEC-DHC requiring sedation reversal included colonoscopies(n=6),esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD)(n=9)and EGD/colonoscopies(n=2),whereas APC procedures included EGDs(n=2),EGD with gastrostomy tube placement(n=1),endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(n=2)and endoscopic ultrasound's(n=4).The indications for sedation reversal at AEC-DHC included hypoxia(n=13;76%),excessive somnolence(n=3;18%),and hypotension(n=1;6%),whereas,at APC,these included hypoxia(n=7;78%)and hypotension(n=2;22%).No sedation-related deaths or long-term post-sedation reversal adverse outcomes occurred at either site.CONCLUSION Our study highlights the effectiveness of a triage tool used at our tertiary care hospital for risk stratification in minimizing sedation reversal events during outpatient endoscopy procedures.Using a triage tool for risk stratification,low rates of sedation reversal can be achieved in the ambulatory settings for EGD and colonoscopy.

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis telemonitoring and education:A scoping review

The risk of peritonitis complications in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis(CAPD)can be prevented or reduced by providing proper education and continuous monitoring.Telemedicine and telemonitoring are methods that enable remote monitoring and patient care.This study aimed to determine the success and factors affecting telemonitoring in CAPD patient care.This study is a scoping review(ScR)using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-ScR method.Article searches were carried out on ProQuest,PubMed,and ScienceDirect with a time range of 2018-2023.Data extraction was performed regarding knowledge level,quality of life,clinical outcomes(peritonitis),and risk of hospitalization.Of the 12 articles and studies included,6 articles were related to the effect of telemonitoring on CAPD patient outcomes,and 6 articles were associated with the effect of education on CAPD patient outcomes.Education provided to patients can improve patient understanding of therapeutic modalities for renal disorders,reduce the potential for peritonitis and dialysis complications,and improve the quality of life of patients with CAPD.CAPD patients who received telemonitoring had a better quality of life,good clinical outcomes,and a lower risk of hospitalization than those who did not receive telemonitoring and had fewer health-care visits.In summary,the implementation of telemonitoring and education in chronic kidney disease patients with CAPD modality therapy has been proven effective in improving quality of life and reducing dialysis-related risks.

Acceptability of Ambulatory Surgical Services and Its Predictors among Residents of Budondo Sub-County—Jinja District, Uganda

Background: 25% of all people requiring surgical care are not able to access it due to its high cost. These people stand a high risk of preventable severe morbidity and mortality due to poor prognosis of surgically correctable illnesses. Ambulatory surgical care services are significantly cheaper than orthodox surgical care and have become very relevant in this time and age where health conditions that can only be treated with surgical intervention are on the rise. The acceptability of ambulatory surgical care services will determine how this model increases universal health coverage. Objective: To assess the acceptability of ambulatory surgical services and its predictors among residents of Budondo Sub-County—Jinja district. Methods: The study was cross-sectional targeting 371 household heads in Budondo Sub-County, which was stratified by parish, with villages in each randomly sampled. Systematic random sampling was used to sample households and households therein were purposively sampled. Structured interviews and questionnaires were the data collection techniques, and data was analyzed in SPSS version 25 using descriptive statistics and a binomial logit model. Results: The level of acceptability of ambulatory surgical care services among residents of Budondo Sub-County was found to be near-universal, at 96.5%. The odds of accepting ambulatory surgical care were least among household heads who agreed that surgery done in a hospital would be cheaper than surgery done at community level (aOR = 0.174 [CI = 0.055 - 0.553]), those who had health insurance (aOR = 0.105 [95% CI = 0.030 - 0.371]), and household heads who were covered with private health insurance (aOR = 0.078 [95% CI = 0.008 - 0.792]). Acceptability of ASC was higher among household heads who agreed that they would trust ambulatory surgical centers with their life were more likely to accept ambulatory surgical care (aOR = 1.124, [95% CI = 1.122 - 3.218], P = 0.000), and household heads from households that had less than five members with surgery history were twice as likely to accept ambulatory surgical care (aOR = 2.431 [95% CI = 1.122 - 5.898], P = 0.000). Conclusion: Acceptability of ambulatory surgical care services among residents of Budondo Sub-County is high, and near-universal. It is mainly predicted by intrapersonal correlates and to a small extent by socio-demographic characteristics, with the implication that the administration of Global Surgical Initiatives in Kyabirwa ought to focus on modifying or uphold the intrapersonal characteristics found to be antagonists and protagonists of acceptability, respectively.

Clinical and Therapeutic Evaluation of Hypertensives According to the Practice of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurement (ABPM) at the Bel Air International Clinic in Conakry from January 1, 2019 to November 30, 2022

Introduction: Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurement (ABPM) is a non- invasive examination recommended for subjects at high cardiovascular risk, and those requiring a nocturnal drop in BP such as elderly and obese subjects, those with secondary hypertension or resistant, diabetics, subjects with metabolic syndrome or sleep apnea syndrome. The objective of this study was to evaluate the contribution of ABPM in the diagnosis and evaluation of the level of control of hypertension under treatment at the Bel Air international clinic. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study, carried out at the Bel Air International Clinic in Conakry (Guinea) between January 2019 and November 30, 2022. It included a consecutive series of 180 consenting patients recruited through an ambulatory measurement of 24-hour blood pressure from a FUGADA brand device. Results: We collected 180 patients, with a male predominance (sex-ratio M/F = 2.46). The mean age of the patients was 48.48 ± 14.23 years. The most represented age group was that of 32 to 42 years with 50 cases (27.8%) followed by that of 43 to 52 years with 42 cases or 23.3%. The indication was for diagnostic purposes in 106 cases 58.9%, the therapeutic evaluation in 58 patients (32.2%). The examination was prescribed by a cardiologist in 98 cases (54.4%), a general practitioner in 71 cases (39.4%), a neurologist in 11 cases (6.1%). In the therapeutic evaluation, high blood pressure was controlled in 24 patients (13.3%) and uncontrolled in 34 cases (18.9%). In the diagnostic indication, high blood pressure was confirmed in 79 cases (43.9%) with a statistically significant link (Chi2 = 4.57 and p-value = 0.032). The nycthemeral mean was 187.27 ± 26.22 mmHg for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 110.37 ± 19.06 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure (DBP), during the day, 151.64 ± 21.45 mmHg for SBP and 71.59 ± 8.67 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure. During the study 65 patients (36.1%) were identified as dippers and 115 patients (63.9%) were no-dipping. The antihypertensive protocol used was monotherapy in 68 cases (37.8%), dual therapy in 46 cases (25.6%), triple therapy in 17 cases (9.4%). However 39 patients or 21.7% were not taking any antihypertensive. Conclusion: This preliminary study, despite the modest sample size, showed the importance of ABPM as a tool for diagnosis, monitoring of hypertensive patients and therapeutic adaptation. A large-scale national study would be necessary for the rational use of ambulatory blood pressure measurement in our context in order to improve the management of hypertensive patients.

Feasibility and safety of single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy in an ambulatory setting

Background: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery has emerged as an alternative to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC) in the clinical setting. Limited information is available on the possibility of performing single-incision laparoscopic surgery as an ambulatory procedure. This study aimed to determine the feasibility and safety of single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy(SILC) versus conventional LC in an ambulatory setting. Methods: Ninety-one patients were randomized to SILC( n = 49) or LC( n = 42). The success rate, operative duration, blood loss, hospital stay, gallbladder perforation, drainage, delayed discharge, readmission, total cost, complications, pain score, vomiting, and cosmetic satisfaction of the two groups were then compared. Results: There were significant differences in the operative time(46.89 ± 10.03 min in SILC vs. 37.24 ± 10.23 min in LC;P < 0.001). As compared with LC, SILC was associated with lower total costs(8012.28 ± 752.67 RMB vs. 10258.91 ± 1087.63 RMB;P < 0.001) and better cosmetic satisfaction(4.94 ±0.24 vs. 4.74 ± 0.54;P = 0.031). There were no significant differences between-group in terms of general data, success rate, blood loss, hospital stay, gallbladder perforation, drainage, delayed discharge, readmission, complications, pain score, and vomiting( P > 0.05). Conclusions: Ambulatory SILC is safe and feasible for selected patients. The advantages of SILC as compared with LC are improved cosmetic satisfaction and lower total costs.

Ambulatory urodynamic monitoring of external urethral sphincter behavior in chronic prostatitis patients

Aim: To study the behavior of external urethral sphincter in chronic prostatitis (CP) patient under natural filling.Methods: Twenty-one CP patients and 17 normal volunteers were involved in the study. Both the patients andvolunteers underwent ambulatory urodynamic monitoring (AM) and conventional medium filling cystometry (CMG).Urodec 500 was used for AM and Menuet for CMG. AM findings from CP patients were compared with those fromnormal volunteers, and the results from AM were compared with those from CMG. Results: In AM, the restingand voiding external urethral sphincter (EUS) pressures and maximum urethral closure pressures (MUCP) weresignificantly higher in CP patients [ ( 121.5 ±10.3) and (85.6±3.5) cm water, respectively ] than in normalvolunteers [ (77.6±11.4) and (10.3±1.6) cm water, respectively)]. Conclusion: The behavioral changes ofEUS in CP patients included spasm and instability of EUS, which were demonstrated using AM under natural filling;the findings were also in accord with the results of CMG. (Asian J Androl 1999 Dec; 1: 215 -217)

Interventions and targets aimed at improving quality in inflammatory bowel disease ambulatory care

Over the past decade,there has been increasing focus on improving the quality of healthcare delivered to patients with chronic diseases,including inflammatory bowel disease.Inflammatory bowel disease is a complex,chronic condition with associated morbidity,health care costs,and reductions in quality of life.The condition is managed primarily in the outpatient setting.The delivery of high quality of care is suboptimal in several ambulatory inflammatory bowel disease domains including objective assessments of disease activity,the use of steroid-sparing agents,screening prior to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy,and monitoring thiopurine therapy.This review outlines these gaps in performance and provides potential initiatives aimed at improvement including reimbursement programs,quality improvement frameworks,collaborative efforts in quality improvement,and the use of healthcare information technology.

Ambulatory blood-pressure monitoring, antihypertensive therapy and the risk of fall injuries in elderly hypertensive patients

Background Fall injuries are common among the elderly. The aim of this study was to investigate whether blood-pressure patterns, as measured by 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring （ABPM）, or intensification of antihypertensive therapy following the 24-h ABPM, may be associated with fall injuries in hypertensive elderly patients. Methods In a retrospective study, community-based elderly patients （age ≥ 70 years） who were referred to 24-h ABPM were evaluated for fall injuries within one-year post-ABPM. We compared the clinical characteristics, 24-h ABPM patterns and the intensification of hypertensive therapy following 24-h ABPM, between patients with and without a fall injury. Results Overall 1032 hypertensive elderly patients were evaluated. Fifty-five （5.3%） had a fall injury episode in the year following ABPM. Patients with a fall injury were significantly older, and with higher rates of previous falls. Lower 24-h diastolic blood-pressure （67.3 ± 7.6 vs. 70.7 ± 8.8 mmHg; P 〈 0.005） and increased pulse-pressure （74.7 ± 14.3 vs. 68.3 ± 13.7 mmHg; P 〈 0.005）, were found in the patients with a fall injury, compared to those without a fall injury. After adjustment for age, gender, diabetes mellitus and previous falls, lower diastolic blood-pressure and increased pulse-pressure were independent predictors of fall injury. Intensification of antihypertensive treatment following the 24-h ABPM was not associated with an increased rate of fall injury. Conclusions Low diastolic blood-pressure and increased pulse-pressure in 24-h ABPM were associated with an increased risk of fall injury in elderly hypertensive patients. Intensification of antihypertensive treatment following 24-h ABPM was not associated with an increased risk of fall injury.

Twenty-four-hour ambulatory blood pressure changes in older patients with essential hypertension receiving monotherapy or dual combination antihypertensive drug therapy

Objective To evaluate the differences in 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) in older patients with hypertension treated with the five major classes of antihypertensive drugs,as monotherapy or dual combination therapy,to improve daytime and nighttime BP control. Methods We enrolled 1920 Chinese community-dwelling outpatients aged ≥ 60 years and compared ambulatory BP values and ambulatory BP control (24-hour BP < 130/80 mmHg;daytime mean BP < 135/85 mmHg;and nighttime mean BP < 120/70 mmHg),as well as nighttime BP dip patterns for monotherapy and dual combination therapy groups. Results Patients’ mean age was 71 years,and 59.5% of patients were women. Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) constituted the most common (60.3% of patients) monotherapy,and renin–angiotensin system (RAS) blockers combined with CCBs was the most common (56.5% of patients) dual combination therapy. Monotherapy with beta-blockers (BB) provided the best daytime BP control. The probabilities of having a nighttime dip pattern and nighttime BP control were higher in patients receiving diuretics compared with CCBs (OR = 0.52,P = 0.05 and OR = 0.41,P = 0.007,respectively). Patients receiving RAS/diuretic combination therapy had a higher probability of having controlled nighttime BP compared with those receiving RAS/CCB (OR = 0.45,P = 0.004). Compared with RAS/diuretic therapy,BB/CCB therapy had a higher probability of achieving daytime BP control (OR = 1.27,P = 0.45). Conclusions Antihypertensive monotherapy and dual combination drug therapy provided different ambulatory BP control and nighttime BP dip patterns. BB-based regimens provided lower daytime BP,whereas diuretic-based therapies provided lower nighttime BP,compared with other antihypertensive regimens.

Laparoscopic-assisted catheter insertion for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis:A case report of simple technique for optimal placement

A 40-year-old male underwent tube placement surgery for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis(CAPD).A2-cm skin incision was made,and the peritoneum was reflected enough to perform secure fixation.A swannecked,double-felted silicone CAPD catheter was inserted,and the felt cuff was sutured to the peritoneum to avoid postoperative leakage.An adequate gradient for tube fixation to the abdominal wall was confirmed.The CAPD tube was passed through a subcutaneous tunnel.Aeroperitoneum was induced to confirm that there was no air leakage from the sites of CAPD insertion.Two trocars were placed,and we confirmed that the CAPD tube led to the rectovesical pouch.Tip position was reliably observed laparoscopically.Optimal patency of the CAPD tube was confirmed during surgery.Placement of CAPD catheters by laparoscopic-assisted surgery has clear advantages in simplicity,safety,flexibility,and certainty.Laparoscopic technique should be considered the first choice for CAPD tube insertion.

Chart Review of PACU Outcomes for Patients Who Had Ambulatory Shoulder Surgery with Peripheral Nerve Block (PNB) and General Anesthesia Compared to General Anesthesia (GA)

Introduction: Today, regional anesthetics are frequently used in combination with general anesthesia. The purpose of two different techniques is to attain distinct goals. We believed that the use of PNB with the minimization of GA in the ambulatory setting would result in a decreased opioid requirement and subsequently fewer treatment-related side effects, more awake and pain free patients and shorter PACU stays and earlier discharges when compared with general anesthesia alone. Methods: Prior to the start of this retrospective chart review, IRB approval was obtained. Patient’s charts were selected based on the following criteria: The control group had a general anesthetic (GA) and did not have a PNB, and the experimental group (PNB/GA) had a PNB and a general anesthetic. Our primary endpoints were PACU length of stay, pain scores, use of opioids and uses of anti-emetics. Results: We found that patient with blocks used less analgesic in the PACU, 3.97 mg vs. 1.39 mg (morphine equivalents). They also appeared to use less antiemetic drugs: 14/19 (patient s without PNB) vs. 7/18. Additionally, the patients that received a block had a statistically shorter PACU stay 107 min vs. 163 min. Conclusion: Patients that did not receive PNB had a significantly longer PACU stay. Additionally the data suggest that the use of PNB’s reduces the use of post-op narcotics, which may be related to the lower use of postoperative antiemetic drugs observed.

A survey of recent reports on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring

This article is a review of 25 publications on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring(ABPM) and the importance of its results in everyday clinical practice. These studies, published in 2008-2011, were selected from the Scopus database, but are also available in Pubmed. They were prepared by researchers from around the world, concerned with the problems of proper control of blood pressure(BP), and of abnormalities in the circadian pattern of BP in patients with arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus or renal failure. In the first part of this article, I analyse publications focused on some nuances in the methodology of ABPM and recommend ways to avoid some traps, related not only to the individual patient but also to the device used and the technical staff. The next section is devoted to the advantages of ABPM as a diagnostic tool which enables clinicians to learn about patients' BP during sleep, and emphasizes the practical implications of this information for so-called chronotherapy. This section also presents some new studies on the prognostic value of ABPM in patients with cardiovascular(CV) risk. Some recent articles on the results of various methods of pharmacological treatment of arterial hypertension in different agegroups are then described. The observations presented in this article may be helpful not only for researchers interested in the chronobiology of the CV system, but also for general practitioners using ABPM.

CLINICAL ANALYSIS OF EARLY POSTINFARCTION ISCHEMIA BY AMBULATORY ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC MONITORING

Objective:To study clinical significance of early postinfarctionischemia by ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring(AEM).Methods:There were 64 petients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI).43 males,21 females,with a mean age of 61 years.Among of them,31 were anteriormyocardial infarction(MI),26 were inferior HI,7 were HI with botbanterior and inferior,All patlents were contintinueouslyonitored for5-12 days,The judging criteria were①ST segment depressed≥0.1andlasted for≥1 minute②The time interval between two ischemia attacks】1 minute.Results:Of all patients,46 showed postinfarction ischemia(PII)(72%),17 of them with symptom of postinfarction angina(PIA)(37%),29 of them without any symptom(63%).The incidence of PII within a weekafter infarction is 83%.These patients’incidence of arrhythimia,heartfallure,and cardiogenic shock are 90.24%,68.29%,and 19.51% respective-ly,which are much higher than that of those without PII attack.Discussion:The occurrence of PIA indicates relapsing myocardialischemia,and coronary angiography has confirmed a great degree ofstenosis with coronary artery.The exist of PII is one of theIndependent dan factors of bad prognosis of coronary heartdisease.It has been confirmed by other articles that ischemis mayexist whether PIA occurs or not,and the ircidence of ischemia withoutsymptom is higher,having the same result with this one.The depressionof ST segment can sensltively show ischemia So we must pay attentionto the change of ST segment in early stage of AMI.By AEM,we can findthat PII has different appearances and incidence with differentinfarction position and infarction range,and its occurrence has timedistribution,part of them are related to the activities of patients.Ischemia occurs more frequently in patients with anterior HI thanthose with inferior MI.The more extensive infarction,the higherincidence of ischemia,and the incidence of all kinds of complicationsand the mortality rate are higher in those with PII than those withoutit.Weiner D.A etc.also had similar reports.So we must strengthen themonitoring to the patients with PII to lay out individual cure planaccording to different attack characteristics,when necessary,we shouldtake coronary angiography to make PTCA or CABG.

Significance of ambulatory electroencephalography for differential diagnosis of epilepsy and syncope

BACKGROUND： Twenty-four hour ambulatory electroencephatography （AEEG） provides advantages for continuous electroencephalogram, monitoring brief loss of consciousness complicated by suspect or mild limb spasm. OBJECTIVE： To explore the significance of AEEG for differentially diagnosing epilepsy and syncope, compared to EEG. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Sixty patients with brief loss of consciousness, complicated by suspect or mild limb spasm, were selected from Suqian People＇s Hospital between January 2006 and June 2007. PARTICIPANTS： Sixty participants comprised 34 males and 26 females, aged 13-64 years. According to clinical symptoms prior to the study, 36 patients were initially diagnosed with epilepsy and 24 with syncope. METHODS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Abnormalities and epileptiform discharge were detected using EEG and AEEG, and the diagnostic value of the two methods for epilepsy and syncope was compared. RESULTS： A total of sixty patients were included in the final analysis. Abnormal AEEGs were observed in 37 cases （62%） and epileptiform discharge AEEGs in 23 cases （38%）, both of which were significantly greater than EEGs [37% （22/60）, 18% （11/60）, respectively, P 〈 0.01, 0.05]. The detection rate of abnormal AEEG and epileptiform discharge in the epilepsy group [75% （27/36）, 47% （17/36）, respectively was significantly greater than in the syncope group [42% （10/24）, 25% （6/24）, respectively, P 〈 0.01, 0.05]. CONCLUSION： AEEG can improve detection probability of epileptiform discharge and exhibits significant differences in the differential diagnosis of epilepsy and syncope.

Comparison of Clinic and Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Response to Antihypertensive Drugs in Chinese Patients

To compare the difference between 24-h ambulatory blood pressure （ABP） and trough clinic blood pressure （CBP） after 8 weeks of therapy. Methods The study used meta-regression analysis to summarize three randomized, double-blind, active controlled trials in order to compare the difference between the magnitude of the reduction in 24-h average ABP and CBP Patients. Chinese patients with seated diastolic blood pressure （SDBP） 95-115 mmHg and ambulatory diastolic blood pressure （ADBP）≥85 mmHg. Results The average age of 126 patients was 47.7 ＋ 8.3 years, ranging from 25 to 67 （95 males and 31 females）. All regimens reduced 24-h ABP and CBP after 8 weeks of treatment. In the 126 patients the baseline 24-h SBP and DBP values （142.7/94.4 mmHg） were markedly lower than those for clinic values （152.6/102.6 mmHg; P〈0.0001）. Similarly, the 24-h SBP and DBP values （132.7/87.7 mmHg） in week 8 were markedly lower than the clinic values （138.9/92.7 mmHg; P〈0.0001）. The differences between the treatment-induced reductions in 24-h ABP and CBP were statistically significant （the difference was 3.7/3.3 mmHg for SBP/DBP, P=O.OO69/P〈O.O001）. Conclusion All regimens significantly reduced seated CBP and ABP. The effect of antihypertensive treatment was greater on CBP than that on ABP, suggesting that assessment on effectiveness of an antihypertensive treatment using CBP readings only has to be carefully interpreted, and a more systematic application of ABP monitoring should be adopted.

Contribution of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring to the Management of Arterial Hypertension at Blaise CompaoréUniversity Hospital

Background: Hypertension is a major public health concern in Burkina Faso. Its management relies on in-office medical setting blood pressure monitoring which is known to be an imperfect diagnosis tool. Objective: This study aims to assess the contribution of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in the management of hypertension at Blaise Compaoré University Hospital. Methods: A monocentric descriptive retrospective study was conducted in the cardiology outpatient unit of Blaise Compaoré University Hospital. Patients aged at least 18 years who underwent ambulatory blood pressure monitoring between March 2013 and June 2015 were enrolled. Hypertension was defined as follows: average blood pressure over 24 hours > 130/80 mmHg, or diurnal blood pressure > 135/85 mmHg, or nocturnal blood pressure >120/70 mmHg. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 20.0 software. The threshold for significance was set at 5% for a validity interval at 95%. Chi square test was used for?the statistical analysis. Results: A total of 122 patients were enrolled. The main reasons for ambulatory monitoring were the evaluation of hypertensive therapy (51.6%) and the diagnosis confirmation (39.3%). The results of the ambulatory monitoring found 61.4% of the patients with hypertension and 37.7% with normal blood pressure. A treatment adjustment was made for 36.1% of the patients;an initiation of antihypertensive therapy was undertaken for 24.6%, an abstention from drug therapy was recommended?for 23.8%,?and the pursuit of previous treatment for 13.1% of the patients. Conclusion: Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring should be used more often in order to optimize the management of hypertension in our current practice.

Caudal Anesthesia: Experience in the Post-Operative Analgesia in Pediatric Ambulatory Surgery at the University Hospital of Treichville

Introduction: The caudal anesthesia is used by many authors for postoperative analgesia. The purpose of this study was to report our experience in the practice of caudal block as post operative analgesia method in ambulatory surgery in a context of limited technical equipment. Patients and Method: Over a period of 5 months, a prospective study was conducted on 39 children aged 3 to 5 years weighing on average 15.12 kg. Children classified ASA I and II were selected. After premedication with midazolam (0.3 mg/kg) by intra rectal route, the inhalation induction was made with sevoflurane 8%, conveyed by fresh gas (50% O2 and 50% air). The caudal block was obtained with the levobupivacaine 0.25% at a dose of 1 ml/kg. The hemodynamic parameters (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rates) and respiratory parameters (respiratory frequency) pre-, per- and post-operative were measured. Post-operative pain was assessed with the Objective Pain Scale (OPS). The date of first use of analgesia was noted. The adverse effects of caudal block (meningitis, respiratory disorders, acute urinary retention, cardiac disorders) have been assessed. Results: The average duration of the procedure was 55.2 minutes. The use of analgesia was made 4 hours after skin closure, when the OPS Broadmann score was greater than 3. An agitation was observed in 6 children. Haemodynamic parameters have not significantly varied from the pre- to the post-operative. No infectious complications or intolerance to local anesthetics were observed. Allthe children were able to drink 4 hours after the end of the intervention and issued their first urine later than 3 hours after surgery. Conclusion: This type of anesthesia has been found very suitable for ambulatory surgery of the child, and is always helpful. It assured a post operative analgesia of good quality, and a reduction in consumption of morphine intraoperatively.

Erratum to “Ambulatory Electroencephalograms in Neuropsychiatric Practice: Opening Pandora’s Jar”

Since the advent of imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the role of electroencephalograms (EEGs) has diminished. Simultaneously, computerized scanning and miniaturization of the EEG and its components have allowed us to obtain lengthier recordings in an ambulatory setting. We report on 261 ambulatory electroencephalograms performed consecutively in the two year period of 2011 and 2012 in a busy neurology and neuropsychiatry practice with predominantly geriatric patient population. 23% of these patients had abnormal AEEGs demonstrating clear-cut epileptogenic discharges. The role of these findings in clinical practice, especially in geriatric and psychiatric populations is discussed.

Ambulatory Electroencephalograms in Neuropsychiatric Practice: Opening Pandora’s Jar

Since the advent of imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the role of electroencephalograms (EEGs) has diminished. Simultaneously, computerized scanning and miniaturization of the EEG and its components have allowed us to obtain lengthier recordings in an ambulatory setting. We report on 261 ambulatory electroencephalograms performed consecutively in the two year period of 2011 and 2012 in a busy neurology and neuropsychiatry practice with predominantly geriatric patient population. 23% of these patients had abnormal AEEGs demonstrating clear-cut epileptogenic discharges. The role of these findings in clinical practice, especially in geriatric and psychiatric populations is discussed.