Early Application Study of Intravenous Pain Pump Combined with Parecoxib Injection in Relieving Pain in Patients after Thoracoscopy

Objective: To explore the clinical effectiveness of combined use of intravenous pain pump with Parecoxib injection in alleviating pain in patients during the early postoperative period after thoracoscopic surgery. Methods: Eighty patients who underwent thoracoscopic surgery in a tertiary hospital were selected as the study subjects and randomly divided into two groups, with 40 patients in each group. The control group received routine postoperative treatment with intravenous pain pump, while the experimental group received Parecoxib in addition to the standard postoperative pain pump treatment. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores were used to evaluate postoperative pain relief in both groups, along with adverse reactions, postoperative complications, and patient satisfaction with pain relief. Results: Patients who received Parecoxib injection in addition to the routine use of intravenous pain pump had VAS pain scores lower than 3 points at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 36 h postoperatively compared to those in the control group. The incidence of postoperative lung collapse, pleural effusion, and pulmonary infections was also significantly lower in the experimental group. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (P Conclusion: Early combined use of Parecoxib injection in the early postoperative period after thoracoscopic surgery has shown good clinical efficacy. It can reduce the level of pain in patients, promote effective coughing and expectoration, facilitate early mobilization of patients, improve patient compliance, reduce complications, shorten hospital stay, and expedite patient recovery. Therefore, it is worth promoting the widespread clinical application of Parecoxib injection in this setting.

Application of Patient Simulators Combined with Internet plus Scenario Simulation Teaching Models on Intravenous Infusion Nursing Education in China

Objective: To explore the effectiveness of applying patient simulators combined with Internet Plus scenario simulation teaching models on intravenous (IV) infusion nursing education, and to provide scientific evidence for the implementation of advanced teaching models in future nursing education. Methods: Enrolled 60 nurses who took the IV infusion therapy training program in our hospital from January 2022 to December 2023 for research. 30 nurses who were trained in traditional teaching models from January to December 2022 were selected as the control group, and 30 nurses who were trained with simulation-based teaching models with methods including simulated patients, internet, online meetings which can be replayed and scenario simulation, etc. from January to December 2023 were selected as the experimental group. Evaluated the learning outcomes based on the Competency Inventory for Nursing Students (CINS), Problem-Solving Inventory (PSI), comprehensive learning ability, scientific research ability, and proficiency in the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of IV infusion therapy. Nursing quality, the incidence of IV infusion therapy complications and nurse satisfaction with different teaching models were also measured. Results: The scientific research ability, PSI scores, CINS scores, and comprehensive learning ability of the experimental group were better than those of the control group (P 0.05), and their assessment results of practical skills, nursing quality of IV infusion therapy during training, and satisfaction with teaching models were all better than those of the control group with statistical significance (P < 0.05). The incidence of IV infusion therapy complications in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group, indicating statistical significance (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Teaching models based on patient simulators combined with Internet Plus scenario simulation enable nursing students to learn more directly and practice at any time and in any place, and can improve their proficiency in IV infusion theoretical knowledge and skills (e.g. PICC catheterization), core competencies, problem-solving ability, comprehensive learning ability, scientific research ability and the ability to deal with complicated cases. Also, it helps provide high-quality nursing education, improve the nursing quality of IV therapy, reduce the incidence of related complications, and ensure the safety of patients with IV therapy.

Oncolytic virus-based hepatocellular carcinoma treatment:Current status,intravenous delivery strategies,and emerging combination therapeutic solutions

Current treatments for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)have limited success in improving patients’quality of life and prolonging life expectancy.The clinical need for more efficient and safe therapies has contributed to the exploration of emerging strategies.Recently,there has been increased interest in oncolytic viruses(OVs)as a therapeutic modality for HCC.OVs undergo selective replication in cancerous tissues and kill tumor cells.Strikingly,pexastimogene devacirepvec(Pexa-Vec)was granted an orphan drug status in HCC by the U.S.Food and Drug Administration(FDA)in 2013.Meanwhile,dozens of OVs are being tested in HCC-directed clinical and preclinical trials.In this review,the pathogenesis and current therapies of HCC are outlined.Next,we summarize multiple OVs as single therapeutic agents for the treatment of HCC,which have demonstrated certain efficacy and lowtoxicity.Emerging carrier cell-,bioengineered cell mimetic-or nonbiological vehicle-mediated OV intravenous delivery systems in HCC therapy are described.In addition,we highlight the combination treatments between oncolytic virotherapy and other modalities.Finally,the clinical challenges and prospects of OV-based biotherapy are discussed,with the aim of continuing to develop a fascinating approach in HCC patients.

Progress in oncolytic viruses modified with nanomaterials for intravenous application

In oncolytic virus(OV)therapy,a critical component of tumor immunotherapy,viruses selectively infect,replicate within,and eventually destroy tumor cells.Simultaneously,this therapy activates immune responses and mobilizes immune cells,thereby eliminating residual or distant cancer cells.However,because of OVs’high immunogenicity and immune clearance during circulation,their clinical applications are currently limited to intratumoral injections,and their use is severely restricted.In recent years,numerous studies have used nanomaterials to modify OVs to decrease virulence and increase safety for intravenous injection.The most commonly used nanomaterials for modifying OVs are liposomes,polymers,and albumin,because of their biosafety,practicability,and effectiveness.The aim of this review is to summarize progress in the use of these nanomaterials in preclinical experiments to modify OVs and to discuss the challenges encountered from basic research to clinical application.

Double pigtail catheter reduction for seriously displaced intravenous infusion port catheter:A case report

BACKGROUND Implanted intravenous infusion port(TIAP)is mainly used for patients who need central venous infusion and poor peripheral vascular conditions.With the advantages of easy to carry,long maintenance cycle,few complications and excellent quality of life,it has been widely used in the fields of malignant tumor chemotherapy,parenteral nutrition support and repeated blood collection.Implanted intravenous infusion port(IVAP)dislocation can have significant complications if not recognised and reinstated immediately.CASE SUMMARY A 24-year-old man was treated with adjuvant chemotherapy for osteosarcoma.Severe displacement of IVAP catheter was found by chest X-ray examination.The IVAP cannot be used normally.Therefore,we conducted an emergency procedure to reset the catheter through double pigtail catheters,the operation was successful and the infusion port was restored.CONCLUSION When IVAP catheter displacement cannot be reset by conventional techniques,two pigtail catheters can be successfully used instead.

Efficacy and safety of intravenous tranexamic acid in total shoulder arthroplasty:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Total shoulder arthroplasty(TSA)results in a large amount of perioperative blood loss due to severe trauma.AIM To investigate the safety and efficacy of intravenous tranexamic acid(TXA)in TSA.METHODS We searched the PubMed,Cochrane Library,Embase and Web of Science databases for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)on the use of TXA in TSA.And all the results were checked and assessed by Reference Citation Analysis(https://www.referencecitationanalysis.com/).A meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.3 to calculate the odds ratio(OR)or weighted mean difference(WMD)of related outcome indicators.RESULTS A total of 5 RCTs with level 1 evidence were included.There were 369 cases,with 186 in the TXA group and 183 in the placebo group.The meta-analysis showed that TXA can significantly reduce total blood loss during the perioperative period[WMD=-249.56,95%confidence interval(CI):-347.6 to-151.52,P<0.0001],and the incidence of adverse reactions was low(OR=0.36,95%CI:0.16-0.83,P=0.02).Compared with the placebo group,the TXA group had significantly less total haemoglobin loss(WMD=-34.39,95%CI:-50.56 to-18.22),less haemoglobin fluctuation before and after the operation(WMD=-0.6,95%CI:-0.93 to-0.27)and less 24-h drain output(WMD=-136.87,95%CI:-165.87 to-106.49).There were no significant differences in the operation time(P=0.11)or hospital length of stay(P=0.30)between the two groups.CONCLUSION The application of intravenous TXA in the perioperative period of TSA can significantly reduce the total volume of perioperative blood loss and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions,so TXA is worthy of widespread clinical use.

Training needs in intravenous infusion care for children in China:A cross-sectional study

Aim:This study aims to evaluate demands for general and pharmacological knowledge and training related to intravenous(IV)therapy among pediatric nurses.Materials and Methods:This multicentric cross‑sectional study involved 12,707 pediatric nurses from 100 hospitals in China.A questionnaire was used to assess information about IV drug administration training received,and the demands for pharmacology‑related knowledge,and corresponding methods of acquisition.A generalized linear model using Logit link function was employed to assess relationships between factors and multivariate analysis was conducted.Results:More than 99%of participants showed their training demands for IV therapy training.Pediatric nurses’demands and methods for acquiring IV therapy knowledge and the knowledge related to IV therapy pharmacology have significant differences in social demographic factors,previous knowledge,whether they have received training or not,and other factors(all P<0.05).Received a needlestick injury in the past month(P=0.007)and knowledge acquired through in‑hospital or out‑of‑hospital training(P=0.039)were factors that reduced the demands for methods to acquire further pharmacology‑related knowledge of IV therapy.Working in internal medicine(P=0.025)and not having experienced a needlestick injury in the past year(P=0.007)reduced the demands for IV therapy knowledge.Attended hospital(P=0.007)or departmental meetings(P=0.009),being pediatric primary nurses(P=0.044),and studied special IV guidelines(P=0.006)reduced the desire for methods to acquire IV therapy knowledge.Conclusion:There was a high demand for greater general and pharmacological knowledge related to IV therapy among pediatric nurses.Resources should be coordinated to provide ongoing training to nurses to improve the quality of IV care.

Oral Glucose Combined with Short-Term Intravenous Nutrition for the Prevention of Hypoglycemia after Painless Endoscopic Gastric Polypectomy

Objective: To explore the application effect of oral glucose combined with short-term intravenous nutrition in preventing postoperative hypoglycemia after painless endoscopic gastric polyp resection, and to provide guidance for better management of patients undergoing such procedures. Methods: A total of 886 patients who underwent painless endoscopic gastric polyp resection in the Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, from January 2020 to December 2021, were selected as the study subjects. According to the random number table method, they were divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 443 cases in each group. Patients in the control group were subjected to routine fasting and water restriction for 8 hours before surgery, and routine fasting for 24 hours after surgery. Short-term intravenous nutrition support was provided through fluid supplementation, and finger blood glucose levels were monitored at 1 hour, 4 hours, and 8 hours after completion of intravenous infusion, or when symptoms such as palpitations and cold sweats occurred. The experimental group received oral administration of 5% glucose solution (500 ml) 2 hours before surgery based on the procedures of the control group. The incidence of preoperative discomfort (hunger, thirst, and fatigue), residual gastric fluid volume, and postoperative hypoglycemia were compared between the two groups. Results: The incidence of postoperative blood glucose Conclusion: Based on the study population, oral glucose combined with short-term intravenous nutrition can effectively prevent the incidence of hypoglycemia in patients undergoing painless endoscopic gastric polyp resection. However, due to the limitations of a single-center study and a small number of cases, its feasibility needs to be further validated with more data from multi-center and large-sample cases.

Early intravenous administration of tirofiban is recommended in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with alteplase:a meta-analysis

Background:The occurrence of early neurological deterioration following intravenous thrombolysis(IVT)is considered a particularly ominous clinical event and is strongly correlated with poor outcomes.Initiating tirofiban within 24 h after IVT has been suggested as a better treatment option to achieve long-term functional outcomes.However,the rationality of this remedy is a controversial.The purpose of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of early intravenous tirofiban administration after IVT in patients with acute ischemic stroke(AIS).Methods:Databases including PubMed,EMBASE,Cochrane Library,and Web of Science were searched for clinical trials on early tirofiban implementation after IVT in patients with AIS from inception to September 2022.Odds ratios(ORs)were generated for dichotomous variants via meta-analysis using STATA 17.0 MP.Results:Five clinical trials with 725 patients were eligible.The study outcomes demonstrated that early tirofiban administration after IVT was not associated with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage(OR,0.78;95%confidence interval(CI),0.22–2.74;P=0.70),asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage(OR,1.11;95%CI,0.52–2.37;P=0.80),systemic bleeding(OR,0.97;95%CI,0.42–2.23;P=0.94),and death(OR,1.05;95%CI,0.47–2.31;P=0.91),but may reduce the incidence of early neurological deterioration(OR,0.09;95%CI,0.02–0.50;P=0.01),and was significantly associated with 90-day excellent(modified Rankin scale score 0–1)(OR,2.01;95%CI,1.35–3.02;P=0.00)and favorable(modified Rankin scale score 0–2)(OR,2.30;95%CI,1.63–3.23;P=0.00)functional outcomes.Conclusion:The early intravenous administration of tirofiban after IVT in patients with AIS may be a safe and effective treatment strategy that improves long-term neurological functional outcomes without increasing the risk of adverse events.

Oral Glucose Combined with Short-Term Intravenous Nutrition for the Prevention of Hypoglycemia after Endoscopic Colorectal Polypectomy

Objective: To investigate the effect of oral glucose combined with short-term intravenous nutrition on the prevention of hypoglycemia after endoscopic colorectal polypectomy and to provide guidance for better management of such patients. Methods: 860 patients who underwent endoscopic colorectal polypectomy for colorectal polyps in the Department of Gastroenterology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University from January 2020 to December 2021 were selected for the study. The patients were divided into experimental and control groups according to the random number table method, with 430 patients in each group. In the control group, 3 L of polyethylene glycol electrolyte dispersion was used for preoperative intestinal preparation and postoperative fasting was performed routinely for 24 h. Short-term intravenous nutrition support was provided by rehydration, and finger blood glucose was monitored at 1, 4, and 8 h after intravenous infusion or when there were symptoms such as panic and cold sweat;in the experimental group, oral glucose intervention was implemented on the basis of the control group. The incidence of postoperative hypoglycemia, quality of bowel preparation, and tolerance of patients during bowel preparation were compared between the 2 groups. Results: The incidence of postoperative blood glucose Conclusion: Based on the present study population, oral glucose combined with short-term intravenous nutrition can effectively prevent the incidence of hypoglycemia in patients after endoscopic colorectal polypectomy;however, this was limited to a single-center study and the number of cases was small.

The Effect of the Early Application of Tirofiban on Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) after Intravenous Thrombolysis with Urokinase

Objective:Discussion and analysis of the effect of the early application of Tirofiban on acute ischemic stroke(AIS)after intravenous thrombolysis with urokinase.Method:The subjects of this study are 40 patients with AIS admitted at the Yibin Fourth People’s Hospital,of which were computer-randomized into a control group(20 cases,with regular urokinase intravenous thrombolysis therapy)and a research group(20 cases,combined with early Tirofiban treatment)from January 2018 to December 2022.The intervention outcomes between these two groups were compared and analyzed.Result:The blood platelet-related parameters before treatment had no statistical difference between the two groups(P>0.05),but the research group was higher than that of the control group after treatment(P<0.05).The Barthel index before treatment in both groups had no statistical difference(P>0.05),but the research group was higher than that of the control group after treatment(P<0.05).Conclusion:Early Tirofiban treatment for patients with AIS after intravenous thrombolysis with urokinase could effectively regulate the blood platelet-related parameters,hence improving treatment benefits and living capacity for patients,with definite clinical benefits.

Intravenous Doxycycline, Azithromycin, or Both for Severe Scrub Typhus

Background:The appropriate antibiotic treatment for severe scrub typhus,a neglected but widespread reemerging zoonotic infection,is unclear.Methods:In this multicenter,double-blind,randomized,controlled trial,we compared the efficacy of intravenous doxycycline,azithromycin,or a combination of both in treating severe scrub typhus.Patients who were 15 years of age or older with severe scrub typhus with at least one organ involvement were enrolled.The patients were assigned to receive a 7-day course of intravenous doxycycline,azithromycin,or both(combination therapy).The primary outcome was a composite of death from any cause at day 28,persistent complications at day 7,and persistent fever at day 5.

Management of difficult intravenous access:a qualitative revie

BACKGROUND:A perennial challenge faced by clinicians and made even more relevant with the global obesity epidemic,difficult intravenous access(DIVA)adversely impacts patient outcomes by causing significant downstream delays with many aspects of diagnoses and therapy.As most published DIVA strategies are limited to various point-of-care ultrasound techniques while other“tricks-of-the-trade”and pearls for overcoming DIVA are mostly relegated to informal nonpublished material,this article seeks to provide a narrative qualitative review of the iterature on DIVA and consolidate these strategies into a practical algorithm.METHODS:We conducted a literature search on PubMed using the keywords“difficult intravenous access”,“peripheral vascular access”and“peripheral venous access”and searched emergency medicine and anaesthesiology resources for relevant material.These strategies were then categorized and incorporated into a DIVA algorithm.RESULTS:We propose a Vortex approach to DIVA that is modelled after the Difficult Airway Vortex concept:starting off with standard peripheral intravenous cannulation(PIVC)techniques,progressing sequentially on to ultrasound-guided cannulation and central venous cannulation and finally escalating to the most invasive intraosseous access should the patient be in extremis or should best efforts with the other lifelines fail.CONCLUSION:DIVA is a perennial problem that healthcare providers across various disciplines will be increasingly challenged with.It is crucial to have a systematic stepwise approach such as the DIVA Vortex when managing such patients and have at hand a wide repertoire of techniques to draw upon.

Efficacy of intravenous zoledronic acid in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis:A meta-analysis

Objective:To compare the eflect of zoledronic acid in treatment and prevention of osteoporosis with placebo.Methods:Random control trials regarding zoleilroiiic acid in treatment of osteoporosis were retrieved by selecting Medline.EMbase and Pubmed databases till April 2012. The RevMan software was used for all of the statistical analysis.Results:A total of 9 trials were included in this meta-analysis.The pooled effect shewed that zoledronic acid could increase the bone mineral density by 2.98 times compared with placebo,and reduce the rate of fracture in patients by 32%.The results should the zoledronic acid intervention had significantly less serious adverse events than controls,and the odds ratio was 0.81(0.76-0.87).The longer term intervention, more than 12 months intervention,could gain a better prevention effect for osteoporosis(OR,95% CI for RMD was 3.35.2.77-3.92:for fracture was 0.67.0.54-0.82).Conclusions:This present study shows that zoledronic acid could be effective approach in the prevention of osteoporosis,and could increase the bone mineral density and reduce the risk ol facture.

Is aggressive intravenous fluid resuscitation beneficial in acute pancreatitis? A meta-analysis of randomized control trials and cohort studies

BACKGROUND There is conflincting evidence on the intravenous fluid(IVF)strategy for acute pancreatitis(AP).We perform a metaanalysis of the available evidence.AIM To investigate if aggressive IVF therapy in AP patients is beneficial to decrease mortality and improve outcomes.METHODS Metaanalysis of available randomized controlled trials and cohort studies comparing aggressive IVF vs non-aggressive IVF resuscitation.RESULTS There was no significant difference in mortality between the aggressive(n=1229)and non-aggressive IVF(n=1397)patients.Patients receiving aggressive IVF therapy had higher risk for acute kidney injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome.There also was no significant difference in the overall incidence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome,persistent organ failure,pancreatic necrosis when comparing both study groups.CONCLUSION Early aggressive IVF therapy did not improve mortality.Moreover,aggressive IVF therapy could potentially increase the risk for acute kidney injury and pulmonary edema leading to respiratory failure and mechanical ventilation.Studies are needed to investigate which subset of AP patients could benefit from aggressive IVF therapy.

Uterine intravenous leiomyomatosis with cardiac extension: Imaging characteristics and literature review

Intravenous leiomyomatosis(IVL),showing unusual growth patterns of uterine leiomyoma,is a rare neoplasm characterized by intravascular proliferation of a histologically benign-looking smooth muscle cell tumor mass,but not invading the tissue.To date,less than 300 cases have been reported and fewer than 100 cases with cardiac involvement.Imaging characteristics of IVL are still not clear so it is usually misdiagnosed before surgery.A 36-year-old woman,who had undergone hysterectomy due to hysteromyoma,presented with shortness of breath after activities.Imaging showed IVL with mass involvement of the left ovarian vein,left renal vein,left external and common iliac vein,as well as within the inferior vena cava(IVC),extending into the right atrium.The operation demonstrated that the mass had no stalk and had welldemarcated borders with the wall of the right atrium and IVC.The patient underwent a one-stage combined multidisciplinary thoraco-abdominal operation under general anesthetic.Subsequently,the pathology report confirmed IVL.IVL should be considered in a female patient presenting with an extensive mass in the right side of the heart.Imaging technology,such as echocardiogram,contrast-enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging,can provide important information to reveal the mass,the range and path of the lesion,and relates to the surgical plan decision.Consequently,perfect and exact image examination is very necessary pre-operation.

Intravenous immunoglobulins in liver transplant patients: Perspectives of clinical immune modulation

Shortage of appropriate donor grafts is the foremost current problem in organ transplantation. As a logical consequence, waiting times have extended and pretransplant mortality rates were significantly increasing. The implementation of a priority-based liver allocation system using the model of end-stage liverdisease(MELD) score helped to reduce waiting list mortality in liver transplantation(LT). However, due to an escalating organ scarcity, pre-LT MELD scores have significantly increased and liver recipients became more complex in recent years. This has finally led to posttransplant decreasing survival rates, attributed mainly to elevated rates of infectious and immunologic complications. To meet this challenging development, an increasing number of extended criteria donor grafts are currently accepted, which may, however, aggravate the patients' infectious and immunologic risk profiles. The administration of intravenous immunoglobulins(IVIg) is an established treatment in patients with immune deficiencies and other antibody-mediated diseases. In addition, IVIg was shown to be useful in treatment of several disorders caused by deterioration of the cellular immune system. It proved to be effective in preventing hyperacute rejection in highly sensitized kidney and heart transplants. In the liver transplant setting, the administration of specific Ig against hepatitis B virus is current standard in post-LT antiviral prophylaxis. The mechanisms of action of IVIg are complex and not fully understood. However, there is increasing experimental and clinical evidence that IVIg has an immuno-balancing impact by a combination of immuno-supporting and immuno-suppressive properties. It may be suggested that, especially in the context of a worsening organ shortage with all resulting clinical implications, liver transplant patients should benefit from immuno-regulatory capabilities of IVIg. In this review, perspectives of immune modulation by IVIg and impact on outcome in liver transplant patients are described.

Intravenous leiomyomatosis with different surgical approaches:Three case reports

BACKGROUND Intravenous leiomyomatosis(IVL) is a rare and complicated disease, which requires surgery by a multidisciplinary team. However, the optimal surgical approach has not been determined.CASE SUMMARY Here we report three cases of IVL treated with different surgical approaches. All patients presented with circulation symptoms. Two patients had lower extremity edema and the other had cardiopalmus. The diagnosis of IVL was confirmed based on the imagining examinations and pathological findings. All patients underwent surgical treatment and were discharged without any complications.CONCLUSION Preoperative examination is crucial for surgical planning and surgical approach is dependent on the patient's condition and tumor involvement.

A comparison between intravenous and peritoneal route on liver targeted uptake and expression of plasmid delivered by Glyco-poly-L-lysine

AIM To compare the effects of intravenous routeand peritoneal route on liver targeted uptake andexpression of plasmid delivered by galactose-terminal glyco-poly-L-lysine(G-PLL).METHODS The plasmid pTM/MMP-1 which couldbe expressed in eukaryotic cells was bound to G-PLL,and was then transferred into Wistar rats byintravenous and intraperitoneal injection.Theexpression and distribution of the plasmid wereobserved at different time periods by in situhybridization and immunohistochemistry.RESULTS The plasmid could be expressedsignificantly within 24 h after being transferred invivo by both intravenous and intraperitonealroutes.One week later the expression began todecrease,and could still be observed three weekslater.Although both the intravenous andintraperitoneal route could target-specificallydeliver the plasmid to the liver,the effect of theformer was better as compared to that of the latter.CONCLUSION Intravenous route is better for livertargeted uptake and expression of G-PLL-boundplasmids than the peritoneal route.

Prevalence of hepatitis C infection among intravenous drug users in Shanghai

AIM:To characterize the prevalence of hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection among Chinese intravenous drug users(IDUs).METHODS:A total of 432 adult IDUs(95 women and337 men)in Shanghai were included in the study.The third-generation Elecsys Anti-HCV assay(Roche Diagnostics GmbH,Sandhofer Strasse 116,D-68305,Mannheim,Germany)was used to screen for antibodies against HCV.The RIBA strip,a supplemental antiHCV test with high specificity,was performed on all of the samples that tested positive during the initial screening.All of the anti-HCV positive samples were analyzed with a Cobas TaqMan 48 Analyzer(Roche Diagnostics)for direct detection of HCV RNA.All of the HCV RNA-positive samples were sequenced for genotype determination.RESULTS:The preliminary screening identified 262(60.6%)subjects who were seropositive for HCV.Of the 62 females and 200 males seropositive subjects,16(16.7%)and 65(19.3%),respectively,were confirmed by RIBA,yielding an overall HCV seropositive rate of18.8%.Four female(6.5%)and 14 male(7.0%)subjects tested positive for HCV RNA,indicating an active infection rate of 4.2%for the entire study population.The 18 HCV RNA-positive serum samples were genotyped.Seven individuals were genotype 1b,and four were genotype 1a.One individual each was infected with genotypes 2a,2b and 3a.Four subjects were coinfected with multiple strains:two with genotypes 1a and 2a,and two with genotypes 1b and 2a.The active infection rate among HCV-seropositive individuals was22.2%,which was significantly lower than most estimates.CONCLUSION:The prevalence of HCV is relatively low among IDUs in Shanghai,with a spontaneous recovery rate much higher than previous estimates.