Effect of CICARE communication nursing model combined with motivational psychological intervention in patients with postintensive care unit syndrome

BACKGROUND Post-intensive care syndrome(PICS)is a term used to describe a constellation of new or worsened dysfunctions in the physical,cognitive,or mental health status of critically ill patients after their discharge from the intensive care unit(ICU).These dysfunctions persist beyond the acute phase of illness and have a significant impact on both the patient and their family.Connect,Introduce,Communicate,Ask,Respond,Exit(CICARE)communication advocates that patients should be respected and accepted when receiving medical services.Clinicians should attach importance to the communication mode of feelings,including connection,introduction,communication,ask,response,and exit 6 steps.AIM To assess the impact of CICARE communication on the reduction of anxiety,depression,and post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)symptoms in patients transitioning from the ICU to other care settings.METHODS This prospective,randomized,controlled study was performed between October 2021 and March 2023.Intensive Care Unit Memory Tool was used to evaluate patients’ICU memory.The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was employed to determine the presence of anxiety or depression symptoms.Impact of Event Scale-Revised was utilized to assess the presence of PTSD.All data were processed and analyzed using R language software version 4.1.0.The measurement data were expressed as mean±SD,and the t test was used.The count data were analyzed by theχ2 test and expressed as[n(%)].RESULTS In total,248 subjects were included in this study.Among them,206 were successfully followed up for three months after transfer from the ICU,and 42 cases were lost to follow-up.There was no significant difference in the composition of ICU memory between the two groups.The application of the CICARE communication nursing model combined with the motivational psychological intervention nursing model,as well as the adoption of only the motivational psychological intervention nursing model,demonstrated favorable effects on PICS.Both groups of patients showed a reduction in anxiety scores,depression scores,and PTSD scores following the implementation of these two nursing models.However,it is noteworthy that the experimental group exhibited greater improvements compared to the control group.CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that CICARE communication nursing mode may have good influence on relieving PICS.

Abdominal compartment syndrome:Often overlooked conditions in medical intensive care units

Intra-abdominal hypertension(IAH)and abdominal compartment syndrome are well recognized entities among surgical patients.Nevertheless,a number of prospective and retrospective observational studies have shown that IAH is prevalent in about half of the critically ill patients in the medical intensive care units(ICU)and has been widely recognized as an independent risk factor for mortality.It is alarming to note that many members of the critical care team in medical ICU are not aware of the consequences of untreated IAH and the delay in making the diagnosis leads to increased morbidity and mortality.Frequently it is underdiagnosed and undertreated in this patient population.Elevated intraabdominal pressure decreases the blood flow to the kidneys and other abdominal viscera and also results in reduced cardiac output and difficulties in ventilating the patient because of increased intrathoracic pressure.When intraabdominal hypertension is not promptly recognized and treated,it leads to abdominal compartment syndrome,multiorgan dysfunction syndrome and death.Large volume fluid resuscitation is very common in medical ICU patients presenting with sepsis,shock and other inflammatory conditions like pancreatitis and it is one of the major risk factors for the development of intra-abdominal hypertension.This article presents an overview of the epidemiology,definitions,risk factors,pathophysiology and management of IAH and abdominal compartment syndrome in critically ill medical ICU patients.

Characteristics of postintensive care syndrome in survivors of pediatric critical illness: A systematic review

AIM To synthesize the available evidence focusing on morbidities in pediatric survivors of critical illness that fall within the defined construct of postintensive care syndrome(PICS) in adults, including physical, neurocognitive and psychological morbidities.METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Psyc INFO, and CINAHL using controlled vocabulary and key word terms to identify studies reporting characteristics of PICS in pediatric intensive care unit(PICU) patients. Two reviewers independently screened all titles and abstracts and performed data extraction. From the 3176 articles identified in the search, 252 abstracts were identified for full text review and nineteen were identified for inclusion in the review. All studies reporting characteristics of PICS in PICU patients were included in the final synthesis. RESULTS Nineteen studies meeting inclusion criteria published between 1995 and 2016 were identified and categorized into studies reporting morbidities in each of three categories-physical, neurocognitive and psychological. The majority of included articles reported prospective cohort studies, and there was significant variability in the outcome measures utilized. A synthesis of the studies indicate that morbidities encompassing PICS are well-described in children who have survived critical illness, often resolving over time. Risk factors for development of these morbidities include younger age, lower socioeconomic status, increased number of invasive procedures or interventions, type of illness, and increased benzodiazepine andnarcotic administration.CONCLUSION PICS-related morbidities impact a significant proportion of children discharged from PICUs. In order to further define PICS in children, more research is needed using standardized tools to better understand the scope and natural history of morbidities after hospital discharge. Improving our understanding of physical, neurocognitive, and psychological morbidities after critical illness in the pediatric population is imperative for designing interventions to improve long-term outcomes in PICU patients.

Anemia in patients with high-risk acute coronary syndromes admitted to Intensive Cardiac Care Units

Background Little information exists about the role of anemia in patients with acute coronary syndromes(ACS)admitted to Intensive Cardiac Care Units(ICCU).The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of anemia and its impact on management and outcomes in this clinical setting.Methods All consecutive patients admitted to eight different ICCUs with diagnosis of non-ST segment elevation ACS(NSTEACS)were prospectively included.Anemia was defined as hemoglobin<130 g/L in men and<120 g/L in women.The association between anemia and mortality or readmission at six months was assessed by the Cox regression method.Results A total of 629 patients were included.Mean age was 66.6 years.A total of 197 patients(31.3%)had anemia.Coronary angiography was performed in most patients(96.2%).Patients with anemia were significantly older,with a higher prevalence of comorbidities,poorer left ventricle ejection fraction and higher GRACE score values.Patients with anemia underwent less often coronary angiography,but underwent more often intraaortic counterpulsation,non-invasive mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapies.Both ICCU and hospital stay were significantly longer in patients with anemia.Both the incidence of mortality(HR=3.36,95%CI:1.43–7.85,P=0.001)and the incidence of mortality/readmission were significantly higher in patients with anemia(HR=2.80,95%CI:2.03–3.86,P=0.001).After adjusting for confounders,the association between anemia and mortality/readmission remained significant(P=0.031).Conclusions Almost one of three NSTEACS patients admitted to ICCU had anemia.Most patients underwent coronary angiography.Anemia was independently associated to poorer outcomes at 6 months.

The Incidence of Respiratory Distress Syndrome among Preterm Infants Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Study

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or hyaline membrane disease (HMD) is the most common cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. We aimed to determine the frequency of RDS among 3 groups of preterm infants and the value of some related factors. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive analytical investigation was carried out in the NICU ward of Akbarabadi Hospital (Tehran-Iran) during spring 2011. Newborns’ data were collected and assessed by using their hospital medical records. Seventy-three preterm infants with gestational age < 34 weeks were hospitalized in the NICU. All participants were divided into 3 groups: extremely preterm (<28 weeks), very preterm (28 to <32 weeks) and moderate preterm (32 to 34 weeks). Frequency of RDS and some related factors were compared among 3 groups. Results: RDS was observed in 65.6% of all participants;however frequency of RDS was not different between three groups. An inversely correlation was found between gestational age and mortality rate (p = 0.05). In regard to Betamethasone administration prior to birth, this interval was significantly longer in alive neonates in comparison to infants who died (p < 0.05). Conclusion: RDS was frequent in preterm neonates with gestational age < 32 weeks. Time of Betamethasone administration prior to birth can significantly influence on neonatal mortality rate.

Evaluation of Multidisciplinary Collaborative Care in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Depression and/or Anxiety Disorders

Objective:To evaluate the effect of multidisciplinary collaborative care(MCC)in patients with both acute coronary syndrome(ACS)and depression and/or anxiety disorders compared with usual physician care(UPC).Methods:Depression and/or anxiety were screened by using SDS and SAS,ACS patients with depression and/or anxiety disorders were randomized into MCC and UPC groups.The cardiac outcomes and the life quality were evaluated at1year follow-up.Results:Overall,30.19%(96/318)patients had positive screen results.At1year,Cardiac outcome measures for patients in MCC group were significantly better for composite events of cardiac death and non-fatal MI(6.12% vs23.40%,p=0.016),cardiac function(NYHA functional classifi cation III or IV,0% vs 25%,p=0.05),and angina pectoris(21.28% vs 85%,p<0.0005),than patients in UPC group;the life quality were improved in patients in MCC group.Conclusion:After ACS,30.19% of patients had depression and/or anxiety disorders,MCC had better effects on cardiac outcomes and quality of life in ACS patients with Psychiatric disorders.

A Delicate Diagnostic of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) Revealed by Repetitive Convulsions in a 14-Year-Old Child: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background: Rare pathological conditions are frequently a diagnostic challenge in intensive care. Posterior-reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical and imaging diagnosis recently individualized. It occurs in various conditions such as collagenosis or vasculitis of the central nervous system, electrolytic disorders and the use of cytotoxics or immunosuppressive treatment. It is responsible for non-specific neurological manifestations such as confusion, coma, convulsions or visual disturbances. The diagnosis is suggested by brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The lesions correspond to vasogenic edema and are therefore generally reversible after etiologic treatment and control of blood pressure. Aim: This clinical case aims to show the diagnostic complexity of rare pathologies in the intensive care unit. Case presentation: We present a case of a 14-year-old child received in the pediatrics department for generalized tonic-clonic convulsions with tongue biting in a febrile context. Malaria was negative, with hyperleukocytosis, slightly elevated C-reactive protein, anemia and hypokliemia, lumbar puncture was performed and all cerebrospinal fluid examinations revealed nothing. The seizures were controlled by titrated cumulative doses of diazepam with a total of 12mg, antibiotic therapy with ceftriaxone, corticotherapy with dexamethasone 12mg and blood transfusion without any improvement in his condition. He was then transferred to intensive care where the clinical and paraclinical assessment highlighted a neurological deficit Glasgow coma scale of 12/15 and biological hyponatremia. Brain CT-scan was normal. Hydroelectrolytic equilibration was undertaken, antibiotics continued, anti-comital prophylaxis and general resuscitation measures were provided. He regained consciousness on the 3rd day. On the 4th day, he presented high blood pressure and on the 5th, a resumption of convulsions without any obvious biological disorder, cerebrospinal fluid control was once more non-pathological. An MRI was performed and revealed Posterior-reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Conclusion: Posterior-reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a rare disease. It is necessary to keep rare diseases in mind.

Low T3 vs low T3T4 euthyroid sick syndrome in septic shock patients:A prospective observational cohort study

BACKGROUND Both phases of euthyroid sick syndrome(ESS)are associated with worse prognosis in septic shock patients.Although there are still no indications for supplementation therapy,there is no evidence that both phases(initial and prolonged)are adaptive or that only prolonged is maladaptive and requires supplementation.AIM To analyze clinical,hemodynamic and laboratory differences in two groups of septic shock patients with ESS.METHODS A total of 47 septic shock patients with ESS were divided according to values of their thyroid hormones into low T3 and low T3T4 groups.The analysis included demographic data,mortality scores,intensive care unit stay,mechanical ventilation length and 28-day survival and laboratory with hemodynamics.RESULTS The Simplified Acute Physiology Score II score(P=0.029),dobutamine(P=0.003)and epinephrine requirement(P=0.000)and the incidence of renal failure and multiple organ failure(MOF)(P=0.000)were significantly higher for the low T3T4.Hypoalbuminemia(P=0.047),neutrophilia(P=0.038),lymphopenia(P=0.013)and lactatemia(P=0.013)were more pronounced on T2 for the low T3T4 group compared to the low T3 group.Diastolic blood pressure at T0(P=0.017)and T1(P=0.007),as well as mean arterial pressure at T0(P=0.037)and T2(P=0.033)was higher for the low T3 group.CONCLUSION The low T3T4 population is associated with higher frequency of renal insufficiency and MOF,with worse laboratory and hemodynamic parameters.These findings suggest potentially maladaptive changes in the chronic phase of septic shock.

Nursing Care of Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: Case Study of Dermatology Unit of Referral Hospital, Kenya

Introduction: Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are adverse reaction to drugs whose manifestation affect the skin and mucous membranes whose outcomes may be life threatening and fatal. Supportive management has been proven to be the mainstay with well executed nursing care resulting in quality clinical outcomes. The aim was to evaluate the nursing care interventions in management of patients with SJS/TEN in the dermatology unit. Methods: Qualitative design was used, data were collected through observation of nursing care activities, informant interviews and focus group discussion with the nurses. Qualitative data were recorded in audio tapes and transcribed. Qualitative content analysis was used for the analysis of the transcribed texts. Study was approved by KNH/ERC and informed written consent from participants. Funding was obtained from KNH through the Research and Programs department. Findings: 20 nurses participated in the study. The commonest nursing care interventions were described as routine tasks initiated at clinical diagnosis and routinely performed. They include aggressive skin care, wound care, mucosal and eye care, infection surveillance and prevention practices and general patient monitoring for complications. Skin and wound care were most challenging part of nursing care due to severe erosion or exfoliation. Nurses do not use any specific guidelines of care but consider their role a key in quality outcomes for patients with SJS/TEN in this hospital.

Health Literacy, Self-Care Behavior and Quality of Life in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients: An Integrative Review

Purpose: The review aimed to find the best evidence on the relationship between health literacy, self-care behavior and perceived quality of life (QoL) among patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: Searching engines included Cumulative Index to Nursing Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Pro Quest, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, SAGE Journals, Wiley on Line Library, and Science Direct electronic databases from 2010 to 2018. Fifteen research articles assessed the main variables and their associations with demographic and clinical variables. Results: Different methodologies and samples were analyzed: analytic descriptive, systematic review, a randomized control trial, retrospective cohort, a prospective Cohort, cross-sectional, and correlational designs. The fifteen studies showed that the patients with ACS have inadequate health literacy. Patients’ ability to understand basic and complex information or to accurately assess health risks was impaired and may hinder patients’ engagement in self-care. Low HL in patients having ACS is consistently associated with poor QoL. Physical domain of QoL remained the significant outcome of both self-care behavior and health literacy after adjusting for demographics and clinical variables in patients with ACS. Conclusion: The literature pointed to the importance of considering health literacy and self-care behaviors as predictors of quality of life among patients with ACS. However, there has been no previous evidence on the best process of the association between these three variables.

A Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Intervention to Improve Resilience and Mitigate Symptoms of Burnout Syndrome in Critical Care Nurses: Results of a Randomized Trial

Objective: Critical care nurses work in a challenging intensive care (ICU) environment that results in work-related psychological distress. Our objective was to pilot an in-person or virtual mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) program enhanced resilience and a similarly designed attention control group. Methods: We randomized ICU nurses with symptoms of burnout syndrome and decreased resilience to an MBCT program or a similarly formatted book club control. Our primary outcome was change in resilience as measured by the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Results: One-hundred one nurses completed study-related procedures. Overall, 70% had baseline symptoms of anxiety and 26% had symptoms of depression. For the in-person cohorts, there was no statistical difference between intervention and control groups regarding the total number of sessions attended (3.85 days ± 1.4 versus 3.75 days ± 0.15;p = 0.64). Using the Client/Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8), satisfaction scores were higher in the intervention group for weeks two through four of the program: p = 0.03, 0.0003, 0.007 respectively. There was no difference in the change in CD-RISC scores between the two groups (mean difference: treatment = 5.0, control = 7.0;p = 0.30). The online intervention cohort had greater improvements in the change of their median emotional exhaustion burnout scores when compared to the in-person intervention cohorts (-5 [-8 to -1.5] vs. 2 [-5 to 8], p = 0.049). Conclusions: We developed a feasible and acceptable in-person and online MBCT-ICU intervention that did not increase resilience scores in ICU nurses when compared to an attention control group. These results could help guide the proper design of larger trials to determine the efficacy of other resilience interventions.

Relationship between Self-Care and Hand Foot Syndrome Specific Quality of Life in Cancer Patients

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe adherence to self-care for hand-foot syndrome (HFS) and the relationship between self-care and health-related quality of life (QOL). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 105 consecutive outpatients with HFS. To assess self-care for HFS and QOL, the participants were asked to complete self-care and HFS-14 (hand-foot syndrome specific QOL) questionnaires, respectively. Multiple regression models were used to identify the relationship between self-care and QOL. Results: Adherence to self-care for HFS was low, less than 50% for most of the items. Multivariate analysis revealed that poorer self-care (βs = -0.19;P = 0.03), depressive symptoms (βs = 0.43;P βs = 0.20;P = 0.04) were independent predictors of poorer QOL scores. Conclusions: We have identified a need for further research to develop effective programs of self-care in HFS.

Exploring the Care Experience of a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Team in the Management of Debilitating Syndromes in Older People

This study was conducted to investigate the clinical effects of applying the integrated geriatric assessment team approach on the care of elderly patients with debilitating syndromes.This study was conducted in Xi’an Jiaotong University hospital from January 2021 to January 2022.Around 50 patients with the geriatric debilitating syndrome were selected and retrospectively were analyzed,and psychiatrists,geriatric nurses,pharmacists,medical specialists,physiotherapists,and dieticians were selected to form a comprehensive geriatric assessment team.The patients were then assessed,a treatment plan was developed,and care was provided according to the actual situation,and the effectiveness of the clinical intervention was analyzed.This study demonstrated that,of the 50 patients in this study,the longest hospital stay was 15 days,while the shortest was 4 days,and the average length of stay was 10.23±4.37 days.Around 40 of the patients were able to eat on their own and consume food as prescribed,with a compliance rate of 80%,showing the effectiveness rate of the geriatric assessment team.In summary,the use of a comprehensive geriatric assessment team to treat and care for patients with debilitating syndromes in the elderly is an effective way,and this can significantly improve the life quality of the patients.

Blood eosinophils and mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: A propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND: The effect of blood eosinophils(EOSs) on mortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS) patients and whether corticosteroids affect this effect are unclear.METHODS: The Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database(version 1.4) was used to extract data. Patients with ARDS were selected for inclusion. Cox regression models using the backward stepwise method and propensity score matching(PSM) were used to assess the relationship between blood EOS counts and 28-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 2,567 patients with ARDS were included, and the 28-day mortality rate was 24.19%. The crude 28-day mortality was significantly lower in patients with EOS counts ≥2%(18.60% [85/457] vs. 25.40% [536/2,110], P=0.002) than in those with EOS counts <2%. In the Cox regression model, the EOS counts ≥2% showed a significant association with the decreased 28-day mortality(hazard ratio [HR] 0.731;95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.581–0.921, P=0.008). In the corticosteroid non-use subgroup, EOS counts ≥2% was significantly related to decreased 28-day mortality(HR 0.697, 95% CI 0.535–0.909, P=0.008), but the result was not significant in the corticosteroid non-use subgroup model(P=0.860). A total of 457 well-matched pairs were obtained by a 1:1 matching algorithm after PSM. The 28-day mortality remained significantly lower in the EOS counts ≥2% group(18.60% [85/457] vs. 26.70% [122/457], P=0.003).CONCLUSIONS Higher EOS counts are related to lower 28-day mortality in ARDS patients, and this relationship can be counteracted by using corticosteroids.

Acute coronary syndromes： an old age problem

The increasing population in older age will lead to greater numbers of them presenting with acute coronary syndromes （ACS）. This has implications on global healthcare resources and necessitates better management and selection for evidenced-based therapies. The elderly are a high risk group with more significant treatment benefits than younger ACS. Nevertheless, age related inequalities in ACS care are recognised and persist. This discrepancy in care, to some extent, is explained by the higher frequency of atypical and delayed presentations in the elderly, and less diagnostic electrocardiograms at presentation, potentiating a delay in ACS diagnosis. Under estimation of mortality risk in the elderly due to limited consideration for physiological tiailty, co-morbidity, cognitive/psychological impairment and physical disability, less input by cardiology specialists and lack of randomised, controlled trials data to guide management in the elderly may further confound the inequality of care. While these inequalities exist, there remains a substantial opportunity to improve age related ACS outcomes. The selection of elderly patients for specific therapies and medication regimens are unanswered. There is a growing need for randomised, controlled trial data to be more representative of the population and enroll those of advanced age with co-morbidity. A lack of reporting of adverse events, such as renal impairment post coronary angiography, in the elderly further limit risk benefit decisions. Substantial improvements in care of elderly ACS patients are required and should be advocated. Ultimately, these improvements are likely to lead to better outcomes post ACS. However, the improvement in outcome is not infinite and will be limited by non-modifiable factors of age-related risk.

Acute cor pulmonale in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome:A comprehensive review

Acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)-related acute cor pulmonale(ACP)is found in 8%-50%of all patients with ARDS,and is associated with adverse hemodynamic and survival outcomes.ARDS-related ACP is an echocardiographic diagnosis marked by combined right ventricular dilatation and septal dyskinesia,which connote simultaneous diastolic(volume)and systolic(pressure)overload respectively.Risk factors include pneumonia,hypercapnia,hypoxemia,high airway pressures and concomitant pulmonary disease.Current evidence suggests that ARDS-related ACP is amenable to multimodal treatments including ventilator adjustment(aiming for arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide<60 mmHg,plateau pressure<27 cmH2O,driving pressure<17 cmH2O),prone positioning,fluid balance optimization and pharmacotherapy.Further research is required to elucidate the optimal frequency and duration of routine bedside echocardiography screening for ARDS-related ACP,to more clearly delineate the diagnostic role of transthoracic echocardiography relative to transesophageal echocardiography,and to validate current and novel therapies.

Effects of the prone position on arterial blood gas analysis and respiratory parameters of acute respiratory distress syndrome patients:An observational retrospective study

Objective:To investigate the effect of the first prone position on arterial blood gas analysis and respiratory parameters of acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)patients with and without COVID.Methods:This study was conducted retrospectively with 22 COVID-ARDS and 22 non-COVID ARDS patients,who were placed in a prone position for at least 16 hours on the first day at the intensive care unit admission,and arterial blood gas analysis was taken in the pre-prone,prone and post-prone periods.Results:PaO2 were significantly increased in the pre-prone vs.prone comparison in both groups,but the increase in the PaO2/FiO2 ratio was not significant.In comparing the pre-prone vs.post-prone PaO2/FiO2 ratios,there was a significant difference only in the non-COVID ARDS group.Conclusions:The improved oxygenation provided by prone positioning is more permanent with the“post-prone effect”in non-COVID ARDS patients.This can be attributed to the differences in the pathogenesis of the two ARDS types.

Exploring the Potential of a Questionnaire in Predicting Results of Nerve Conduction Studies in Patients with Suspected Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Exploring a Clinician and Patient Complete Version

This evaluation of the Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (CTQ) was designed to establish the validity and flexibility of its potential use both within a primary and secondary care setting. The questionnaire was originally designed to predict the positive and negative outcome of Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) in those patients with suspected Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Prior to being seen by the hand specialist patients who had been referred with suspected CTS where asked to complete the CTQ. These questionnaires were coded and filed by the clinic nurse. The hand specialist then completed the questionnaire with the patient preceding NCS. Questionnaires were scored subsequent to the appointment. Results for the hand specialist completed questionnaire showed an 80% specificity and 92% sensitivity regarding the ability of the CTQ to predict a positive NCS using a pre-determine cut-off score. The patient completed questionnaire showed a 70.67% specificity and 72% sensitivity. Using receiver operating characteristics a threshold score could be determined to achieve 100% sensitivity/specificity for both questionnaires. This questionnaire provides a useful addition in the assessment of patients with suspected carpal tunnel syndrome and could be used in a range of clinical settings although the scoring cut-off may need to be adapted depending on whether the questionnaire was completed by the clinician or patient. Using the questionnaire in a clinical setting would reduce the requirement for NCS by 60%, this would offer significant time and cost savings.

Correlation between circulating endothelial cell level and acute respiratory distress syndrome in postoperative patients

BACKGROUND Acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)is injury of alveolar epithelial cells and capillary endothelial cells caused by various factors,including endogenous and exogenous lung factors,leading to diffuse pulmonary interstitial and alveolar edema,and acute respiratory failure.ARDS involves alveolar epithelial cells and pulmonary interstitial capillary endothelial cells.Circulating endothelial cells(CECs)are the only marker that directly reflects vascular endothelial injury in vivo.There have been few studies on the correlation between peripheral blood CECs and ARDS at home and abroad.The lungs are the organs with the highest capillary density and the most endothelial cells,thus,it is speculated that when ARDS occurs,CECs are stimulated and damaged,and released into the circulatory system.AIM To explore the correlation between CEC level and severity of ARDS in patients postoperatively.METHODS Blood samples were collected from all patients on day 2(d2)and day 5(d5)after surgery.The control group comprised 32 healthy volunteers.Number of CECs was measured by flow cytometry,and operation time was recorded.Changes in various indexes of patients were monitored,and diagnosis of ARDS was determined based on ARDS Berlin definition.We comprised d2 CECs in different groups,correlation between operation time and d2 CECs,ARDS of different severity by d2 CECs,and predictive value of d2 CECs for ARDS in postoperative patients.RESULTS The number of d2 CECs in the ARDS group was significantly higher than that in the healthy control group(P<0.001).The number of d2 CECs in the ARDS group was significantly higher than that in the non-ARDS group(P<0.001).The number of d2 CECs in the non-ARDS group was significantly higher than that in the healthy control group(P<0.001).Operation time was positively correlated with number of CECs on d2(rs=0.302,P=0.001).The number of d2 CECs in the deceased group was significantly higher than that in the improved group(P<0.001).There was no significant difference in number of d2 CECs between patients with mild and moderate ARDS.The number of d2 CECs in patients with severe ARDS was significantly higher than that in patients with mild and moderate ARDS(P=0.041,P=0.037).There was no significant difference in number of d5 and d2 CECs in the non-ARDS group after admission to intensive care.The number of d5 CECs was higher than the number of d2 CECs in the ARDS improved group(P<0.001).The number of d5 CECs was higher than the number of d2 CECs in the ARDS deceased group(P=0.002).If the number of CECs was>1351/mL,sensitivity and specificity of predicting ARDS were 80.8%and 78.1%,respectively.CONCLUSION Changes in number of CECs might predict occurrence and adverse outcome of ARDS after surgery,and higher numbers of CECs indicate worse prognosis of ARDS.

Epidemiological Characteristics of An Outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in Dongcheng District of Beijing From March to May 2003

Objective To describe epidemiologic features of an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Dongcheng District, Beijing occurred in a period between March and May 2003. Methods Data of SARS cases notified from Dongcheng District Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC )and supplemented by other channels were collected. Clinicians and officials of local hospitals were interviewed in groups and medical records of fatal cases of SARS were reviewed to verify the diagnosis. Stored serum specimens of the patients were detected for IgG antibody against SARS Co-V by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All the data were input into dataset files by Microsoft Excel-2000 software and analyzed with SPSS version 10.0 software. Results Outbreak of SARS in Dongcheng District started on March 14, 2003 with a peak in mid- and late April, and dropped in early May. A total of 572 reported cases were collected during this period in Dongcheng District, Beijing, and 99 of them were excluded from SARS, because of diagnosis of common cold, regular pneumonia, measles and rubella, etc. Actually, 473 SARS cases, which included 390 (82.5%) probable cases and 83 (17.5%) suspect cases, were analyzed. About 90% of the probable cases were positive for IgG antibody. Attack rate of SARS in permanent residents of Dongcheng District was 28.3 per 100 000. Forty-one of them died, with a case-fatality rate of 8.7%. Persons were all susceptible to infection of SARS Co-V, with the highest proportion at ages of 20-50 years, which accounted for 68.7% of the total cases. Average age of the patients at their onset was 40.7 years. No gender difference in SARS cases was found. Number of SARS cases in health-care workers (HCWs) accounted for 18.0% and that in retired workers accounted for 15.4% of the total cases. Cases occurred in all 10 sub-districts of Dongcheng, with the highest in Beixinqiao and Andingmen Sub-districts. Totally, 230 of the 572 notified cases (40.2%) were hospitalized at local hospitals under the jurisdiction of Dongcheng District. Eighteen of 85 cases of SARS occurred in HCWs of local hospitals, accounting for 4.5% of the total number of HCWs working at wards caring for SARS patients or fever clinics. There were 34.7% of SARS cases without any histories of contact before the onset of the disease. Familial aggregation phenomena were observed in 41.8% of the cases and 18.1% of households. And 7.4% (attack rate ) of those exposed to SARS cases suffered from the illness during the periods of quarantine. Conclusions SARS appeared to be infectious in origin and caused outbreak in Dongcheng District, Beijing introduced by an imported case traveling from Hong Kong in a period between March and May 2003. People are all susceptible to infection of SARS Co-V, which mainly threatens the young adults and the middle-aged, as well as HCWs and the retired workers. The main mode of transmission is direct exposure to SARS patients in a near distance at hospitals or families via droplets spread. Prevention and control of SARS should be focused on early isolation of patients and quarantine for close contacts. Current available measures to prevent and control SARS are proved to be effective.