Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Community Pharmacy Services on Rational Medication Use in Elderly Patients with Hypertension and Diabetes

Objective:To explore the effect of community pharmacy services on rational medication use in elderly patients with hypertension and diabetes.Methods:Between November 2022 and December 2023,80 elderly patients with hypertension and diabetes were selected and randomly divided into a control group(routine medication guidance)and an observation group(community pharmacy services),with 40 subjects each.The medication effect scores,blood pressure,blood sugar levels,and quality of life scores before and after intervention were compared between the two groups.Results:Comparison of pharmaceutical knowledge,medication compliance,and safe medication behavior scores showed that the observation group had higher scores as compared to the control group(P<0.05);blood pressure(systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,heart rate)and blood sugar(fasting blood glucose,2 h postprandial blood glucose,glycated hemoglobin)index levels were compared,and the observation group’s index levels were lower than those of the control group(P<0.05);the scores of physical health,mental health,social relationships,and environment in the observation group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Community pharmacy services improved the rational medication effect of elderly patients with hypertension and diabetes,and improved their blood pressure,blood sugar control levels,and quality of life.

Mechanism of Wulan Shisanwei Decoction in Treating Hypertension Complicated with Hyperlipidemia Based on Network Pharmacology

[Objectives]To screen out the main effective components of Wulan Shisanwei Decoction in the treatment of hypertension complicated with hyperlipidemia based on the method of network pharmacology,predict the target and explore the possible mechanism.[Methods]13 components of Wulan Shisanwei Decoction were searched on the TCMSP data platform,the corresponding active components were found and the corresponding targets were searched in Pubchem database.GeneCards database was used to screen the corresponding targets of hypertension and hyperlipidemia.The core target PPI network of Wulan Shisanwei Decoction in the treatment of hypertension complicated with hyperlipidemia was constructed by processing in STRING database.The effective data were imported into Cytoscape 3.8.0 to analyze the network topology parameters,and they were screened according to the degree value greater than the average value.Finally,the relevant information about the core target of Wulan Shisanwei Decoction in the treatment of hypertension complicated with hyperlipidemia was obtained.GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis were carried out for core targets in DAVID database.The visualization map of"drug-component-target-disease"was drawn by Cytoscape 3.8.0.[Results]A total of 85 active components were obtained from Wulan Shisanwei Decoction,and there were 1532 corresponding targets.A total of 303 key targets were obtained by intersecting corresponding drug targets with disease targets.3178 biological processes were obtained by GO analysis(P<0.05)and 192 signaling pathways were obtained by KEGG enrichment analysis(P<0.05).[Conclusions]It was predicted that the main active components of Wulan Shisanwei Decoction in the treatment of hypertension complicated with hyperlipidemia were stigmasterol,acacetin,pectolinarigenin,isorhamnetin,alizarin,quercetin,nordamnacanthal,kaempferol,luteolin,glyceollin,kushenol,t,3-methylkempferol,ellagic acid,etc.20 core targets were selected in the treatment of hypertension complicated with hyperlipidemia:SRC,STAT3,HSP90AA1,MAPK1,MAPK3,PIK3R1,HRAS,GRB2,PIK3CA,AKT1,PTPN11,ESR1,LCK,EGFR,FYN,EP300,RELA,JUN,LYN,RHOA.These targets were involved in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,lipid and atherosclerosis,proteoglycan in cancer,Ras signaling pathway,etc.to exert a response to oxidative stress,cellular response to chemical stress,peptidyl-tyrosine phosphorylation and peptide tyrosine modification,and can intervene in the early stage of the disease.It may be the potential mechanism of Wulan Shisanwei Decoction in the treatment of hypertension complicated with hyperlipidemia.

Clinical effects and complications of TIPS for portal hypertension due to cirrhosis:A single center

AIM:To determine the clinical effects and complications of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)for portal hypertension due to cirrhosis.METHODS:Two hundred and eighty patients with portal hypertension due to cirrhosis who underwent TIPS were retrospectively evaluated.Portal trunk pressure was measured before and after surgery.The changes in hemodynamics and the condition of the stent were assessed by ultrasound and the esophageal and fundic veins observed endoscopically.RESULTS:The success rate of TIPS was 99.3%.The portal trunk pressure was 26.8±3.6 cmH2O after surgery and 46.5±3.4 cmH2O before surgery(P<0.01).The velocity of blood flow in the portal vein increased.The internal diameters of the portal and splenic veins were reduced.The short-term hemostasis rate was100%.Esophageal varices disappeared completely in68%of patients and were obviously reduced in 32%.Varices of the stomach fundus disappeared completely in 80%and were obviously reduced in 20%of patients.Ascites disappeared in 62%,were markedly reduced in 24%,but were still apparent in 14%of patients.The total effective rate of ascites reduction was 86%.Hydrothorax completely disappeared in 100%of patients.The incidence of post-operative stent stenosis was 24%at 12 mo and 34%at 24 mo.The incidence of post-operative hepatic encephalopathy was 12%at3 mo,17%at 6 mo and 19%at 12 mo.The incidence of post-operative recurrent hemorrhage was 9%at 12mo,19%at 24 mo and 35%at 36 mo.The cumulative survival rate was 86%at 12 mo,81%at 24 mo,75%at 36 mo,57%at 48 mo and 45%at 60 mo.CONCLUSION:TIPS can effectively lower portal hypertension due to cirrhosis.It is significantly effective for hemorrhage of the digestive tract due to rupture of esophageal and fundic veins and for ascites and hydrothorax caused by portal hypertension.

Study of intra-abdominal hypertension prevalence and awareness level among experienced ICU medical staff

Background:Intra-abdominal hypertension(IAH) is a disease with high morbidity and mortality among critically ill patients.The study's objectives were to explore the prevalence of IAH and physicians' awareness of the 2013 World Society of Abdominal Compartment Syndrome(WSACS) guidelines in Chinese intensive care units(ICUs).Methods:A cross-sectional study of four ICUs in Southwestern China was conducted from June 17 to August 2,2014.Adult patients admitted to the ICU for more than 24 h,with bladder catheter but without obvious intravesical pressure(IVP) measurement contraindications,were recruited.Intensivists with more than 5 years of ICU working experience were also recruited.Epidemiological information,potential IAH risk factors,IVP measurements and questionnaire results were recorded.Results:Forty-one patients were selected.Fifteen(36.59%) had IVP?12mm Hg.SOFA(Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) hepatic and neurological sub-scores were utilized as independent predictors for IAH via logistic backward analysis.Thirty-seven intensivists participated in the survey(response rate:80.43%).The average score of each center was less than 35 points.All physicians believed the IAH prevalence in their departments was no more than 20.00%.A significant negative correlation was observed between the intensivists' awareness of the 2013 WSACS guidelines and the IAH prevalence in each center(r=-0.975,P=0.025).Conclusion:The prevalence and independent predictors of IAH among the surveyed population are similar to the reports in the literature.Intensivists generally have a low awareness of the 2013 WSACS guidelines.A systematic guideline training program is vital for improving the efficiency of the diagnosis and treatment of IAH.

Effect of intra-abdominal volume increment on kidneys in minipigs with intra-abdominal hypertension after hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation

Background: To investigate the effect of intra-abdominal volume increment(IAVI) on intra-abdominal hypertension(IAH) in the kidneys.Methods: Eight minipigs were successfully established as IAH models and were randomly divided into two groups: the IAVI group and the sham-operated group. The intravesical pressure, inferior vena cava pressure and urine volume were measured before shock, 2 h after IAH, and 22 h after surgery, respectively. The following indices were measured: serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, renal cortical thickness, ratio of abdominal anteroposterior diameter/transverse diameter, renal thickness, diameter of the renal sinus and the wet/dry ratio of renal tissues.Results: The intravesical pressure(IVP) of the 8 minipig IAH models was calculated to be 21.16±4.63 mmHg. There was a significant increase in the abdominal anteroposterior diameter/transverse diameter ratio. The minipigs in the IAVI group survived during the observational period, whereas 2 minipigs died at 18 h and 20 h in the sham-operated group. Twenty-two hours after surgery, the animals in the IAVI group displayed increased urinary volume(UV) and decreased Cr and Ur and remarkable decreases of VP and IVCP. After IAH, the renal cortical thickness and the renal thickness increased significantly. The renal wet/dry ratio in the sham-operated group was higher than that in the IAVI group.Conclusion: IAVI helps to control renal dysfunction after IAH, which may be related to lowering the intra-abdominal pressure, thus alleviating renal edema and blood stasis.

Role of endoscopy in management of gastrointestinal complications of portal hypertension

The management of patients with gastrointestinal complications of portal hypertension is often complex and challenging. The endoscopy plays an important role in the management of these patients. The role of endoscopy is both diagnostic and interventional and in the last years the techniques have undergone a rapid expansion with the advent of different and novel endoscopic modalities, with consequent improvement of investigation and treatment of these patients. The choice of best therapeutic strategy depends on many factors: baseline disease, patient's clinical performance and the timing when it is done if in emergency or a prophylactic approaches. In this review we evaluate the endoscopic management of patients with the gastrointestinal complications of portal hypertension.

Mild to moderate intra-abdominal hypertension: Does it matter?

This review summarizes the epidemiology, pathophysiological consequences and impact on outcome of mild to moderate(Grade Ⅰ to Ⅱ) intra-abdominal hypertension(IAH), points out possible pitfalls in available treatment recommendations and focuses on tasks for future research in the field. IAH occurs in about 40% of ICU patients. Whereas the prevalence of abdominal compartment syndrome seems to be decreasing, the prevalence of IAH does not. More than half of IAH patients present with IAH grade Ⅰ and approximately a quarter with IAH grade Ⅱ. However, most of the studies have addressed IAH as a yes-or-no variable, with little or no attention to different severity grades. Even mild IAH can have a negative impact on tissue perfusion and microcirculation and be associated with an increased length of stay and duration of mechanical ventilation. However, the impact of IAH and its different grades on mortality is controversial. The influence of intra-abdominal pressure(IAP) on outcome most likely depends on patient and disease characteristics and the concomitant macro- and microcirculation. Therefore, management might differ significantly. Today, clear triggers for interventions in different patient groups with mild to moderate IAH are not defined. Further studies are needed to clarify the clinical importance of mild to moderate IAH identifying clear triggers for interventions to lower the IAP.

Impressive recompensation in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt-treated individuals with complications of decompensated cirrhosis based on Baveno VII criteria

BACKGROUND Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)is the standard second-line treatment option for individuals with complications of decompensated cirrhosis,such as variceal bleeding and refractory ascites.AIM To investigate whether recompensation existed in TIPS-treated patients with decompensated cirrhosis according to Baveno VII criteria.METHODS This retrospective analysis was performed on 64 patients who received TIPS for variceal bleeding or refractory ascites.The definition of recompensation referred to Baveno VII criteria and previous study.Clinical events,laboratory tests,and radiological examinations were regularly conducted during a preset follow-up period.The recompensation ratio in this cohort was calculated.Beyond that,univariate and multivariate regression models were conducted to identify the predictors of recompensation.RESULTS Of the 64 patients with a 12-mo follow-up,20(31%)achieved recompensation.Age[odds ratio(OR):1.124;95%confidence interval(CI):1.034-1.222]and postTIPS portal pressure gradient<12 mmHg(OR:0.119;95%CI:0.024-0.584)were identified as independent predictors of recompensation in patients with decompensated cirrhosis after TIPS.CONCLUSION The present study demonstrated that nearly one-third of the TIPS-treated patients achieved recompensation within this cohort.According to our findings,recompensation is more likely to be achieved in younger patients.In addition,postoperative portal pressure gradient reduction below 12 mmHg contributes to the occurrence of recompensation.

Changes in Number and Biological Function of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Hypertension Disorder Complicating Pregnancy

To examine the changes in number and function of endothelial progenitor cells （EPCs） from peripheral blood （PB） in hypertension disorder complicating pregnancy （HDCP）, 20 women with HDCP and 20 normal pregnant women at the third trimester were studied. Mononuclear cells （MNCs） from PB were isolated by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation. EPCs were identified by positive expression of both CD34 and CD133 under fluorescence microscope and positive expression of factor Ⅷ as shown by immunocytochemistry. The number of EPCs was flow-cytometrically determined. Proliferation and migration of EPCs were measured by MTT assay and modified Boyden chamber assay, respectively. The adhesion activity of EPCs was detected by counting the number of the adherent cells. The results showed that, compared with normal pregnant women, the number of EPCs was significantly reduced in HDCP （4.29%±1.21% vs 15.32%±2.00%, P〈0.01）, the functional activity of EPCs in HDCP, such as proliferation （13.45%±1.68% vs 18.45%±1.67%）, migration （37.25±7.28 cells/field vs 67.10±9.55 cells/field） and adhesion activity （20.65±5.19 cells/field vs 34.40±6.72 cells/filed） was impaired （P〈0.01）. It is concluded that the number and function of EPCs are significantly decreased in HDCP.

Clinical and Microbiological Characteristics of Patients with Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections in Intensive Care Unit

In order to investigate the clinical and microbiological characteristics of patients with complicated intra-abdominal infections(cIAIs)in intensive care unit(ICU),the clinical data of 612 cIAIs patients from January 2016 to December 2018 were retrospectively collected.Clinical characteristics,distribution of pathogens and drug resistance were statistically analyzed.It was found that patients with community-acquired intra-abdominal infections(CA-IAIs)made up a majority of cIAIs patients.The positive rate of abdominal drainage fluid culture was 55.56%.Gramnegative bacteria accounted for the majority,the most commonly isolated bacteria of which were Escherichia coli(20.96%),Klebsiella pneumoniae(10.20%)and Pseudomonas aeruginosa(5.57%).The most commonly isolated gram-positive bacteria were Enterococcus(16.88%)and Methicillinresistant staphylococcus aureus(MRSA,3.90%).Enterobacter isolates showed high resistance rate to most cephalosporins and low resistance rate to piperacillin/tazobactam and carbapenems.Extended spectrum beta-lactamase(ESBL)screen positive isolates from CA-IAIs patients showed an increasing trend in past three years.Enterococcus and MRSA showed high resistance rate to clindamycin,quinolone,erythromycin and tetracycline,while they showed high sensitivity rate to linezolid,tegacycline,teicoplanin and vancomycin.Our results indicate that isolated bacteria from abdominal drainage fluid show high resistance rates to commonly used antibiotics in ICU patients with cIAIs.The curative effects on diseases should be monitored continuously when antibiotics are used.Meanwhile,we should always keep eyes on drug-resistant bacteria,especially when the treatment efficacy is not good.

Arterial Hypertension and Pregnancy about 72 Cases

Background: Hypertension is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease worldwide. Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy also constitute a major global health threat. There are different types of hypertension that can occur during pregnancy;with different mechanisms and consequences for mother and fetus. Objectives: To determine the frequency of hypertension (hypertension) during pregnancy. Document the risk factors for pregnancy-related hypertension. Review the material and fetal complications which determine the prognosis. Methods and Patients: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study from January 1 to June 30, 2022 in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the Brazzaville Hospital and University Center. We noted 72 cases of hypertension among 1188 births admitted during the reference period. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure 40/90mmHg. Results: Hypertension was observed in 6% of those giving birth. The average age of the patients was 28 ± 8 years (range 15 to 39 years). The age group of 15 to 34 years was the most affected, 56 cases (778%). The risk factors were young age (15 - 34 years), late transfer of women in labor, 49 cases (68%). Primiparity, 33 cases (45.8%), absence of prenatal consultation, 7 cases (9.7%), hypertension, 8 cases (11%), twinning, 4 cases (5%), fetal macrosomia, one case (1.3%). Maternal complications recorded were: 21 cases of eclampsia (29%), 6 cases of left ventricular failure (8.3%), 5 cases of anemia (6.9%), 2 cases of retroplacental hematoma (2.8%), 1 case of HELLP syndrome, as much renal failure. Fetal and neonatal complications were 23 cases of prematurity (32%), 10 cases of acute fetal distress (14%), 4 cases of hypotrophy (5.6%). Eleven cases of death (15.3%) were: 3 in utero. B in the neonatal period.

Control of Blood Pressure and Complication Presence in Khartoum State, Sudan

Background: Hypertension is a common chronic disease and an important public health problem. The prevention of complications depends on hypertension control. Aim: To assess blood pressure control, complication presence, and their influencing factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with hypertension attending a private medical facility, a governmental facility, and a primary health care center in Khartoum, Sudan, between September 2022 and February 2023. Statistical Package for Special Sciences version 25 was used for data analysis;frequency and percentage were used to describe the qualitative variables. A chi-square test was used for co-relation analysis;a P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant, and the confidence interval was 95%. Results: The study included 250 participants;55.6% were males. Their age was 58.77 ± 6.80 years, and they had hypertension for 10.7 ± 8.51 years. The duration of the disease was 10.7 ± 8.51 years. Systolic blood pressure was 127.1 ± 11.3 mm hg, and diastolic blood pressure was 81.6 ± 7.1 mm hg. Of the participants, 76.4% had controlled hypertension, while 27.6% had complications due to hypertension. Controlled blood pressure was associated with females, age group 40 - 60 years, normal waist circumference, and high adherence level (P ≤ 0.05). The presence of complications was associated with males, participants older than 60 years, and a low adherence level (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: In Sudan, the level of control is good;nonetheless, not all patients achieve it. Availability and access to treatment facilities and medications should be improved. Proper patient counseling should be offered, as well as continuous care.

Hypertensive Pathologies in Peripartum: Complications and Maternal and Neonatal Outcome

Introduction: Among the hypertensive pathologies of pregnancy, preeclampsia remains the entity responsible for pregnancy complications. Objective: The aim of this work was to determine the frequency of hypertensive pathologies in the peripartum, to determine the maternal and neonatal morbidity factors associated with preeclampsia on the one hand, and on the other hand, to other forms of hypertension in the peripartal period. Patients and methods: This is a cross-sectional study of hypertensive pathologies in per partum over a period of 15 months?which have been included any pregnant, parturient and hypertensive childbirth. The data was analyzed using SPSS software version 21.0. Data positioning and dispersion parameters were studied. The factor analysis?was?performed by determining the odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and a significance level set at p?≤ 0.05. Results: 142 cases of hypertension were collected from a total of 2988 deliveries,?i.e.?a frequency of hypertension of 4.8%. The main form of high blood pressure (HBP) was the isolated HBP at 51.4%. 60.3% of primiparas were preeclamptic [OR 2.47 (CI 1.25 - 4.91)], 63.2% of preeclampsia did not follow prenatal consultations?[OR 2.43 (CI 1.06 - 5.62)], 63.6% of preeclampsia had moderate and severe threat premature delivery [OR 4.57 (CI 2.11?-?9.99)], neonatal hypoxia in the fifth minute was found in 34.4% of newborns of preeclamptic mothers [OR 3.02 (CI 1.44?-?6.34)], hypotrophy was observed in 41.4% of the cases in the preeclamptic patients [OR 5.41 (IC 1, from 55 to 19.57)]. Conclusion: Preeclampsia is significantly associated with maternal and neonatal morbidity.

Tigecycline Use in Surgical Intensive Care Unit for the Treatment of Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections: A Real-World Study

OBJECTIVES: To describe real-world use of tigecycline in cIAIs patients. METHODS: A retrospective, observational study enrolled cIAIs patients hospitalized in The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University from January 1, 2013 to June 30, 2017 was conducted. Patients’ data were collected and matched based on age, gender, and Acute Physiologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score according to receiving first-line, later-line, or no tigecycline during hospitalization. RESULTS: Data were collected for 52 patients. 82.6% were male. Mean age was 57.8 years and APACHE II score was 14.8. The incidence of both extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing and carbapenem-resistant pathogens was high on initial culture;however, few patients received first-line tigecycline. No significant difference in mortality rate was identified among first-line, later-line and no tigecycline users. Of surviving patients, shorter hospital length of stay was observed for patients receiving first- vs later-line or no tigecycline, respectively. ICU length-of-stay was shorter in patients receiving first- vs later-line or no tigecycline. CONCLUSIONS: First-line tigecycline use was rare in our surgical intensive care unit. Resistant organisms were commonly cultured from initial specimens. Although these results are limited by small patient numbers and single center, our results suggest that early tigecycline use may have significant benefits with similar mortality. Further research is warranted to demonstrate the values of early tigecycline use in cIAIs patients.

Effects of endoscopic surgery via different approaches on neurological function and complications in patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage

Objective:To study the effects of different approaches of neuroendoscopic treatment on neurological function and complications of patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage.Methods:72 patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage diagnosed and treated in our hospital were selected as research objects.They were divided into the study group(n=37)and the control group(n=35)according to different approaches.The study group was the lateral fissure approach,and the control group was the anterior coronary suture approach.The curative effect,hematoma clearance,postoperative wake time,postoperative cerebral edema,daily living ability,neurological function,and complications in the two groups were observed.Results:The efficacy of the study group was higher than that of the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The postoperative cerebral edema,postoperative wake time,and postoperative intracranial pressure in the study group were lower than those in the control group,and the hematoma clearance rate in the study group was higher than that in the control group,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05);At 3 and 6 months after treatment,the daily living ability of the study group was higher than that of the control group,and neurological dysfunction of the study group was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05);The complication rate of the study group was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05);There was no significant difference in mortality rate between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Different approaches have different effects on patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage.Compared with the anterior coronary suture approach,the lateral fissure approach has less damage to nerve function,and has less postoperative complications.

Clinical Study on Treatment of Vascular Aging in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Complicated by Hypertension with Combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of combination of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine in treatment of vascular aging in patients with type 2 diabetes complicated by hypertension.Methods:Ninety patients with type 2 diabetes complicated by hypertension admitted to our hospital from May 2016 to August 2019 were selected as research objects.They were randomly divided into control group and observational group,with 45 cases each.Control group was given amlodipine besylate combined with metformin hydrochloride.On the basis of control group,observational group was given combination of TCM syndrome differentiation.Blood glucose,blood pressure and blood lipids before and after 14 days of treatment were compared between two groups.Results:Blood glucose,blood pressure and lipid indexes after treatment were lower than before treatment in both groups;observational group was lower than control group and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:Combination of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine could lower blood glucose and blood pressure indexes,control blood lipids and delay blood vessel aging in patients with type 2 diabetes complicated by hypertension,it is worthy of clinical popularization.

Effect of ginkgo capsules combined with secondary preventive drugs on the endothelial injury and plaque properties of patients with hypertension complicated by carotid atherosclerosis

Objective: To study the effect of ginkgo capsules combined with secondary preventive drugs on the endothelial injury and plaque properties of patients with hypertension complicated by carotid atherosclerosis. Methods: A total of 178 patients with hypertension complicated by carotid atherosclerosis who were treated in Chengyue Community Health Service Center of Xisaishan District Huangshi City Hubei Province between February 2015 and January 2017 were collected and randomly divided into two groups. Control group were treated with conventional secondary preventive drugs, and observation group were treated with ginkgo capsules combined with secondary preventive drugs. The differences in serum endothelial injury indexes and lipid metabolism indexes as well as carotid artery ultrasound parameters were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results: Before treatment, endothelial injury indexes and lipid metabolism indexes as well as carotid artery ultrasound parameters were not significantly different between two groups. After treatment, serum ET, AngⅡ, TC, LDL-C and LpA contents as well as carotid artery ultrasound parameters DS and AS levels of observation group were lower than those of control group while serum NO and HDL-C contents as well as carotid artery ultrasound parameter MLD level were higher than those of control group. Conclusion: Ginkgo capsule combined with secondary preventive drugs can effectively reduce the endothelial injury and stabilize the plaques in patients with hypertension complicated by carotid atherosclerosis.

Abnormal splenic artery diameter/hepatic artery diameter ratio in cirrhosis-induced portal hypertension

AIM:To determine an optimal cutoff value for abnormal splenic artery diameter/proper hepatic artery diameter(S/P) ratio in cirrhosis-induced portal hypertension.METHODS:Patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension(n = 770) and healthy volunteers(n = 31) underwent volumetric computed tomography threedimensional vascular reconstruction to measure the internal diameters of the splenic artery and proper hepatic artery to calculate the S/P ratio.The cutoff value for abnormal S/P ratio was determined using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis,and the prevalence of abnormal S/P ratio and associations between abnormal S/P ratio and major complications of portal hypertension were studied using logistic regression.RESULTS:The receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the cutoff points for abnormal splenic artery internal diameter and S/P ratio were > 5.19 mm and > 1.40,respectively.The sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,and negative predictive value were 74.2%,45.2%,97.1%,and 6.6%,respectively.The prevalence of an abnormal S/P ratio in the patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension was 83.4%.Patients with a higher S/P ratio had a lower risk of developing ascites [odds ratio(OR) = 0.708,95%CI:0.508-0.986,P = 0.041] and a higher risk of developing esophageal and gastric varices(OR = 1.483,95%CI:1.010-2.175,P = 0.044) and forming collateral circulation(OR = 1.518,95%CI:1.033-2.230,P = 0.034).After splenectomy,the portal venous pressure and maximum and mean portal venous flow velocities were reduced,while the flow rate and maximum and minimum flow velocities of the hepatic artery were increased(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:The prevalence of an abnormal S/P ratio is high in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension,and it can be used as an important marker of splanchnic hemodynamic disturbances.

Early complications after interventions in patients with acute pancreatitis

AIM: To identify the possible predictors of early complications after the initial intervention in acute necrotizing pancreatitis.METHODS: We collected the medical records of 334 patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis who received initial intervention in our center. Complications associated with predictors were analyzed.RESULTS: The postoperative mortality rate was 16% (53/334). Up to 31% of patients were successfully treated with percutaneous catheter drainage alone. The rates of intra-abdominal bleeding, colonic fistula, and progressive infection were 15% (50/334), 20% (68/334), and 26% (87/334), respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that Marshall score upon admission, multiple organ failure, preoperative respiratory infection, and sepsis were the predictors of postoperative progressive infection (P &#x0003c; 0.05). Single organ failure, systemic inflammatory response syndrome upon admission, and C-reactive protein level upon admission were the risk factors of postoperative colonic fistula (P &#x0003c; 0.05). Moreover, preoperative Marshall score, organ failure, sepsis, and preoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome were the risk factors of postoperative intra-abdominal bleeding (P &#x0003c; 0.05).CONCLUSION: Marshall score, organ failures, preoperative respiratory infection, sepsis, preoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and C-reactive protein level upon admission are associated with postoperative complications.

Intra-abdominal pressure:Time ripe to revise managementguidelines of acute pancreatitis?

AIM: To systematically review evidence on pathophysiology of intra-abdominal pressure(IAP) in acute pancreatitis(AP) with its clinical correlates. METHODS: Systematic review of available evidence in English literature with relevant medical subject heading terms on Pub Med, Medline and Scopus with further search from open access sources on internet as suggested by articles retrieved. RESULTS: Intra-abdominal hypertension(IAH) is increasingly gaining recognition as a point of specific intervention with potential to alter disease outcome and improve mortality in AP. IAH can be expected in at least 17% of patients presenting with diagnosis of AP to a typical tertiary care hospital(prevalence increasing to 50% in those with severe disease). Abdominal compartment syndrome can be expected in at least 15% patients with severe disease. Recent guidelines on management of AP do not acknowledge utility of surveillance for IAP other than those by Japanese Society of Hepato-BiliaryPancreatic Surgery. We further outline pathophysiologic mechanisms of IAH; understanding of which advances our knowledge and helps to coherently align common observed variations in management related conundrums(such as fluid therapy, nutrition and antibiotic prophylaxis) with potential to further individualize treatment in AP. CONCLUSION: We suggest that IAP be given its due place in future practice guidelines and that recommendations be formed with help of a broader panel with inclusion of clinicians experienced in management of IAH.