Causal role of immune cells in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome:Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND Despite being one of the most prevalent sleep disorders,obstructive sleep apnea hypoventilation syndrome(OSAHS)has limited information on its immunologic foundation.The immunological underpinnings of certain major psychiatric diseases have been uncovered in recent years thanks to the extensive use of genome-wide association studies(GWAS)and genotyping techniques using highdensity genetic markers(e.g.,SNP or CNVs).But this tactic hasn't yet been applied to OSAHS.Using a Mendelian randomization analysis,we analyzed the causal link between immune cells and the illness in order to comprehend the immunological bases of OSAHS.AIM To investigate the immune cells'association with OSAHS via genetic methods,guiding future clinical research.METHODS A comprehensive two-sample mendelian randomization study was conducted to investigate the causal relationship between immune cell characteristics and OSAHS.Summary statistics for each immune cell feature were obtained from the GWAS catalog.Information on 731 immune cell properties,such as morphologic parameters,median fluorescence intensity,absolute cellular,and relative cellular,was compiled using publicly available genetic databases.The results'robustness,heterogeneity,and horizontal pleiotropy were confirmed using extensive sensitivity examination.RESULTS Following false discovery rate(FDR)correction,no statistically significant effect of OSAHS on immunophenotypes was observed.However,two lymphocyte subsets were found to have a significant association with the risk of OSAHS:Basophil%CD33dim HLA DR-CD66b-(OR=1.03,95%CI=1.01-1.03,P<0.001);CD38 on IgD+CD24-B cell(OR=1.04,95%CI=1.02-1.04,P=0.019).CONCLUSION This study shows a strong link between immune cells and OSAHS through a gene approach,thus offering direction for potential future medical research.

Clinical efficacy and mechanism study of mid-frequency anti-snoring device in treating moderate obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

BACKGROUND Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS)is primarily caused by airway obstruction due to narrowing and blockage in the nasal and nasopha-ryngeal,oropharyngeal,soft palate,and tongue base areas.The mid-frequency anti-snoring device is a new technology based on sublingual nerve stimulation.Its principle is to improve the degree of oropharyngeal airway stenosis in OSAHS patients under mid-frequency wave stimulation.Nevertheless,there is a lack of clinical application and imaging evidence.METHODS We selected 50 patients diagnosed with moderate OSAHS in our hospital between July 2022 and August 2023.They underwent a 4-wk treatment regimen involving the mid-frequency anti-snoring device during nighttime sleep.Following the treatment,we monitored and assessed the sleep apnea quality of life index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores.Additionally,we performed computed tomo-graphy scans of the oropharynx in the awake state,during snoring,and while using the mid-frequency anti-snoring device.Cross-sectional area measurements in different states were taken at the narrowest airway point in the soft palate posterior and retrolingual areas.RESULTS Compared to pretreatment measurements,patients exhibited a significant reduction in the apnea-hypopnea index,the percentage of time with oxygen saturation below 90%,snoring frequency,and the duration of the most prolonged apnea event.The lowest oxygen saturation showed a notable increase,and both sleep apnea quality of life index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores improved.Oropharyngeal computed tomography scans revealed that in OSAHS patients cross-sectional areas of the oropharyngeal airway in the soft palate posterior area and retrolingual area decreased during snoring compared to the awake state.Conversely,during mid-frequency anti-snoring device treatment,these areas increased compared to snoring.CONCLUSION The mid-frequency anti-snoring device demonstrates the potential to enhance various sleep parameters in patients with moderate OSAHS,thereby improving their quality of life and reducing daytime sleepiness.These therapeutic effects are attributed to the device’s ability to ameliorate the narrowing of the oropharynx in OSAHS patients.

Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome immunological relationship

Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS)is a complex disorder cha-racterized by symptoms resulting from intermittent hypoxia and hypopnea,with research indicating a crucial role of immune system dysregulation and genetic variations in its pathogenesis.A recent Zhao et al study utilizes Mendelian ran-domization analysis to explore the causal relationship between immune cell characteristics and OSAHS.The study identifies specific lymphocyte subsets as-sociated with OSAHS,providing valuable insights into the disease's pathophy-siology and potential targets for therapeutic intervention.The findings underscore the significance of genetic and immunological factors in sleep disorders,offering a fresh perspective on OSAHS's complexities.Compared to existing literature,Zhao et al's study stands out for its focus on genetic markers and specific immune responses associated with OSAHS,expanding upon previous research primarily centered on systemic inflammation.In conclusion,the study represents a signi-ficant advancement in the field,shedding light on the causal role of immune cells in OSAHS and paving the way for future research and targeted treatments.

Causes and Prognosis of Cases of Acute Obstructive Renal Failure Managed at the Donka National Hemodialysis Center

Introduction: Acute obstructive renal failure (AORF) is a frequent clinical situation, secondary to obstruction of the urinary excretory tract. Whatever the cause, urinary tract obstruction suddenly opposes glomerular filtration and is responsible for tubulointerstitial lesions. It accounts for 10% of acute renal failure (ARF). The aim of this study was to identify the causes and prognosis of cases of acute obstructive renal failure managed at the Centre National d’hémodialyse Donka. Material and Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study lasting 6 months, from September 1, 2022 to February 29, 2023. All patients undergoing haemodialysis for acute obstructive renal failure who agreed to participate in the study and whose medical records were complete were included. Results: During the course of the study, we registered 97 haemodialysis patients, including 20 cases (20.62%) of acute obstructive renal failure. The mean age of the patients was 57.8 ± 10.54 years, with a male predominance of 11 cases (55%) and a sex ratio of 1.22. The reasons for consultation were dominated by physical asthenia 11 cases (55%), lumbar pain 9 cases (50%), vomiting 6 cases (30%) and acute urine retention 6 cases (30%). Arterial hypertension 16 cases (80%) and urinary tract infection 10 cases (50%) were the most common antecedents. The etiologies of RAOI were dominated by lithiasis 10 cases (50%), neoplasia 6 cases (30%) and benign prostatic hypertrophy 3 cases (15%). mean creatinine was 1267.60 ± 710.76 μmol/l with extremes of 243 μmol/l and 2822 μmol/l, mean urea was 39.56 ± 18.36, hyperkalemia in 14 cases (70%) and hyponatremia in 8 cases (40%). After hemodialysis, 9 cases (45%) recovered renal function, 4 cases (20%) became chronic and 7 cases (35%) died. Conclusion: The frequency of AKI remains non-negligible in our department, and early detection and prompt management would considerably reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this pathology.

Percutaneous nephrostomy versus ureteral stent in hydronephrosis secondary to obstructive urolithiasis:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To assess if there is a preferable intervention between retrograde ureteral stent (RUS) and percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) tube, in cases of upper urinary tract stone obstruction with complications requiring urgent drainage, by evaluating outcomes regarding urinary symptoms, quality of life (QoL), spontaneous stone passage, and length of hospital stays, since there is no literature stating the superiority of one modality over the other.Methods: We searched MEDLINE and other sources for relevant articles in June 2019 without any date restrictions or filters applied. The selection was done first by the title and abstract screening and then by full-text assessment for eligibility. Only randomized controlled trials or cohort studies in patients with hydronephrosis secondary to obstructive urolithiasis that presented comparative data between PCN and RUS placement concerning at least one of the defined outcome measures were included. Lastly, MEDLINE database and PubMed platform were screened again using the same terms, from June 2019 until November 2022.Results: Of 556 initial articles, seven were included in this review. Most works were considered of moderate-to-high quality. Three studies regarding QoL showed a tendency against stenting, even though only one demonstrated statistically significant negative impact on overall health state. Two works reported significantly more post-intervention urinary symptoms in stenting patients. One article found that PCN is a significant predictor of spontaneous stone passage, when adjusted for stone size and location. Findings on length of hospital stays were not consistent among articles.Conclusion: PCN appears to be the intervention better tolerated, with less impact on the patient’s perceived QoL and less post-operative urinary symptoms, in comparison with RUS. Nevertheless, further studies with larger samples and a randomized controlled design are suggested.

Effect of nocturia in patients with different severity of obstructive sleep apnea on polysomnography: A retrospective observational study

Patients with suspected OSA were examined using PSG.They were divided into two groups based on the presence of nocturia.Nocturia was defined as a patient who needed to void at least once.Apneaehypopnea index(AHI)was employed to classify patients according to degrees of severity:AHI<5 events/h,5 events/hAHI<15 events/h,15 events/hAHI<30 events/h,and AHI30 events/h,defined as normal,mild OSA,moderate OSA,and severe OSA,respectively.Demographic variables,PSG parameters,International Prostate Symptom Scores(IPSSs),and quality of life scores due to urinary symptoms were analyzed.Results:In total 140 patients,114 patients had OSA(48 had mild OSA;34 had moderate OSA;and 32 had severe OSA)and 107 patients had nocturia.The total IPSS was significantly higher in nocturia patients in all groups except the group of severe OSA patients.With the increasing severity of OSA,more correlated factors related to nocturia were determined.In mild OSA patients,nocturia related to increased age(p=0.025),minimum arterial blood oxygenation saturation(p=0.046),and decreased AHI of non-rapid eye movement(p=0.047),AHI of total sleep time(p=0.010),and desaturation index(p=0.012).In moderate OSA patients,nocturia related to increased age(p<0.001),awake time(p=0.025),stage 1 sleep(p=0.033),and sleep latency(p=0.033),and decreased height(p=0.044),weight(p=0.025),and sleep efficiency(p=0.003).In severe OSA patients,nocturia related to increased weight(p=0.011),body mass index(p=0.009),awake time(p=0.008),stage 1 sleep(p=0.040),arousal number(p=0.030),arousal index(p=0.013),periodic limb movement number(p=0.013),and periodic limb movement index(p=0.004),and decreased baseline arterial blood oxygenation saturation(p=0.046).Conclusion:Our study revealed that there were more correlated factors related to nocturia with increasing severity of OSA.This study helps in clinical education and treatment for OSA patients with different severity.

Recent advances in managing obstructive sleep apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea(OSA)is a rapidly increasing global concern.If it remains untreated,it can lead to cardiovascular,metabolic,and psychiatric complications and may result in premature death.The efficient and effective management of OSA can have a beneficial effect and help reduce the financial burden on the health sector.There has been constant development in OSA management,and numerous options are available.The mainstay of therapy is still the conventional measures and behavioral modifications.However,in cases of failure of these modalities,surgical therapy is the only option.Numerous studies have shown that proper management of OSA has beneficial effects with good long-term outcomes.

Obstructive uropathy: Overview of the pathogenesis, etiology and management of a prevalent cause of acute kidney injury

Obstructive uropathy is defined as the structural or functional interruption of urinary outflow at any level in the urinary tract.It is regarded as one of the most prevalent causes of acute kidney injury(AKI),accounting for 5%–10%of cases.Acute severe obstruction of the urinary tract is a potentially threatening situation for the kidneys and therefore requires prompt identification and management to relieve obstruction.The aim of the present article is to review and synthesize available evidence on obstructive uropathy,providing a clinical guideline for clinicians.A literature review on obstructive uropathy in the context of AKI was performed,focusing on the least clarified aspects regarding diagnosis and management.Recent literature searching was conducted in English and top-level evidence articles including systematic reviews,metanalyses and large series were prioritized.Acute obstruction of the urinary tract is a diagnostic and therapeutical challenge that may lead to important clinical complications together with direct structural and hemodynamic damage to the kidney.Early recognition of the leading cause and its exact location is essential to ensure prompt urinary drainage together with the most suitable drainage technique selection.A multidisciplinary approach,including urologists,nephrologists,and other medical specialties,is best suited to correctly manage concomitant hemodynamic changes,fluid and electrolyte imbalances,and other related issues.Obstructive uropathy is one of the leading causes of AKI.Recognition of patients suitable for early diversion and feasibility or adequate selection of the indicated technique is sometimes challeng-ing.A thorough understanding of the physiopathology behind the development of urinary obstruction is vital for correct diagnosis and management.

Chest CT quantitative parameters in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease:Correlations with blood eosinophil level

Objective To observe the correlations of chest CT quantitative parameters in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD)with blood eosinophil(EOS)level.Methods Chest CT data of 162 AECOPD patients with elevated eosinophils were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into low EOS group(n=105)and high EOS group(n=57)according to the absolute counting of blood EOS.The quantitative CT parameters,including the number of whole lung bronchi and the volume of blood vessels,low-attenuation area percentage(LAA%)of whole lung,of left/right lung and each lobe of lung,as well as the luminal diameter(LD),wall thickness(WT),wall area(WA)and WA percentage of total bronchial cross-section(WA%)of grade 3 to 8 bronchi were compared between groups.Spearman correlations were performed to analyze the correlations of quantitative CT parameters with blood EOS level.Results LAA%of the whole lung,of the left/right lung and each lobe of lung,as well as of the upper lobe of right lung LD grade 4,middle lobe of right lung WT grade 5,upper lobe of right lung WA grade 4,middle lobe of right lung WA grade 5 and lower lobe of left lung WA grade 3 in low EOS group were all higher than those in high EOS group(all P<0.05).Except for the upper lobe of right lung LD grade 4,the above quantitative CT indexes being significant different between groups were all weakly and negatively correlated with blood EOS level(r=-0.335 to-0.164,all P<0.05).Conclusion Chest CT quantitative parameters of AECOPD patients were correlated with blood EOS level,among which LAA%,a part of WT and WA were all weakly negatively correlated with blood EOS level.

Burdened breaths:The influence of depression on obstructive sleep apnea

Depression and metabolic syndrome could exacerbate the risks of the other,leading to a series of severe coexisting conditions.One notable comorbidity that must be mentioned is obstructive sleep apnea(OSA).Current studies suggested that depression increases susceptibility to OSA.As the prevalence of depression rises,it becomes critical to prevent and manage its complications or comorbidities,including OSA.Predictive models,non-invasive electroencephalogram moni-toring,genetic research,and other promising technologies are being applied to the prevention,diagnosis,and personalized treatment of depression and OSA.

Risk factors and management countermeasures for obstructive sleep apnea hypoventilation syndrome in children

BACKGROUND Obstructive sleep apnea hypoventilation syndrome(OSAHS)in children is a sleep respiratory disorder characterized by a series of pathophysiologic changes.Statistics in recent years have demonstrated an increasing yearly incidence.AIM To investigate the risk factors for OSAHS in children and propose appropriate management measures.METHODS This study had a case–control study design.Altogether,85 children with OSAHS comprised the case group,and healthy children of the same age and sex were matched at 1:1 as the control group.Basic information,including age,sex,height,weight and family history,and medical history data of all study participants were collected.Polysomnography was used to detect at least 8 h of nocturnal sleep.All participants were clinically examined for the presence of adenoids,enlarged tonsils,sinusitis,and rhinitis.RESULTS The analysis of variance revealed that the case group had a higher proportion of factors such as adenoid grading,tonsil indexing,sinusitis,and rhinitis than the control group.CONCLUSION A regression model was established,and glandular pattern grading,tonsil indexing,sinusitis,and pharyngitis were identified as independent risk factors affecting OSAHS development.

Research Status of TCM Rehabilitation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

This paper mainly analyzes the application status of TCM rehabilitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD),hoping to provide support and help for clinical staff through this study,and promote the further development of COPD rehabilitation program.

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for the treatment of obstructive shock caused by venous air embolism:A case report

BACKGROUND Venous air embolism(VAE)is a potentially lethal condition,with a reported incidence rate of about 0.13%,and the true incidence may be higher since many VAE are asymptomatic.The current treatments for VAE include Durant's maneuver,aspiration and removal of air through venous catheters,and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.For critically ill patients,use of cardiotonic drugs and chest compressions remain useful strategies.The wider availability of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO)has brought a new option for VAE patients.CASE SUMMARY A 53-year-old female patient with VAE presented to the emergency clinic due to abdominal pain with fever for 1 d and unconsciousness for 2 h.One day ago,the patient suffered from abdominal pain,fever,and diarrhea.She suddenly became unconscious after going to the toilet during the intravenous infusion of ciprofloxacin 2 h ago,accompanied by nausea and vomiting,during which a small amount of gastric contents were discharged.She was immediately sent to a local hospital,where cranial and chest computed tomography showed bilateral pneumonia as well as accumulated air visible in the right ventricle and pulmonary artery.The condition deteriorated despite endotracheal intubation,rehydration,and other treatments,and the patient was then transferred to our hospital.Veno-arterial ECMO was applied in our hospital,and the patient's condition gradually improved.The patient was successfully weaned from ECMO and extubated after two days.CONCLUSION ECMO may be an important treatment for patients with VAE in critical condition.

Obstructive sleep apnea:Overlooked comorbidity in patients with diabetes

In this review article,we explore the interplay between obstructive sleep apnea(OSA)and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),highlighting a significant yet often overlooked comorbidity.We delve into the pathophysiological links between OSA and diabetes,specifically how OSA exacerbates insulin resistance and disrupts glucose metabolism.The research examines the prevalence of OSA in diabetic patients and its role in worsening diabetes-related complications.Emphasizing the importance of comprehensive management,including weight control and positive airway pressure therapy,the study advocates integrated approaches to improve outcomes for patients with T2DM and OSA.This review underscores the necessity of recognizing and addressing OSA in diabetes care to ensure more effective treatment and better patient outcomes.

Study on the impact of comprehensive geriatric assessment on anxiety and depression in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

BACKGROUND Psychological factors such as anxiety and depression will not only aggravate the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)patients and reduce the quality of life of patients,but also affect the treatment effect and long-term prognosis.Therefore,it is of great significance to explore the clinical application of senile comprehensive assessment in the treatment of COPD and its influence on psychological factors such as anxiety and depression.AIM To explore the clinical application of comprehensive geriatric assessment in COPD care and its impact on anxiety and depression in elderly patents.METHODS In this retrospective study,60 patients with COPD who were hospitalized in our hospital from 2019 to 2020 were randomly divided into two groups with 30 patients in each group.The control group was given routine nursing,and the observation group was given comprehensive assessment.Clinical symptoms,quality of life[COPD assessment test(CAT)score],anxiety and depression Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale(HAMA)and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HAMD)were compared between the two groups.RESULTS CAT scores in the observation group decreased from an average of 24.5 points at admission to an average of 18.3 points at discharge,and in the control group from an average of 24.7 points at admission to an average of 18.3 points at discharge.The average score was 22.1(P<0.05).In the observation group,HAMA scores decreased from 14.2 points at admission to 8.6 points at discharge,and HAMD scores decreased from 13.8 points at admission to 7.4 points at discharge.The mean HAMD scores in the control group decreased from an average of 14.5 at admission to an average of 12.3 at discharge,and from an average of 14.1 at admission to an average of 11.8 at discharge.CONCLUSION The application of comprehensive geriatric assessment in COPD care has a significant effect on improving patients'clinical symptoms and quality of life,and can effectively reduce patients'anxiety and depression.

Effects of acetylcysteine on micro-inflammation and pulmonary ventilation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation

BACKGROUND Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD)is a serious complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,often characterized by increased morbidity and mortality.In traditional Chinese medicine,AECOPD is linked to phlegm-heat and blood-stasis,presenting symptoms like thick sputum,fever,and chest pain.It has been shown that acetylcysteine inhalation in conjunction with conventional therapy significantly reduced inflammatory markers and improved lung function parameters in patients with AECOPD,suggesting that acetylcysteine may be an important adjunctive therapy for patients with phlegm-heat-blood stasis type AECOPD.AIM To investigate the effect of acetylcysteine on microinflammation and lung ventilation in patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis-type AECOPD.METHODS One hundred patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis-type AECOPD were randomly assigned to two groups.The treatment group received acetylcysteine inhalation(10%solution,5 mL,twice daily)along with conventional therapy,whereas the control group received only conventional therapy.The treatment duration was 14 d.Inflammatory markers(C-reactive protein,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-alpha)in the serum and sputum as well as lung function parameters(forced expiratory volume in one second,forced vital capacity,and peak expiratory flow)were assessed pre-and post-treatment.Acetylcysteine inhalation led to significant reductions in inflammatory markers and improvements in lung function parameters compared to those in the control group(P<0.05).This suggests that acetylcysteine could serve as an effective adjunct therapy for patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis-type AECOPD.RESULTS Acetylcysteine inhalation significantly reduced inflammatory markers in the serum and sputum and improved lung ventilation function parameters in patients with phlegm-heat and blood-stasis type AECOPD compared with the control group.These differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The study concluded that acetylcysteine inhalation had a positive effect on microinflammation and lung ventilation function in patients with this type of AECOPD,suggesting its potential as an adjuvant therapy for such cases.CONCLUSION Acetylcysteine inhalation demonstrated significant improvements in reducing inflammatory markers in the serum and sputum,as well as enhancing lung ventilation function parameters in patients with phlegm-heat and bloodstasis type AECOPD.These findings suggest that acetylcysteine could serve as a valuable adjuvant therapy for individuals with this specific type of AECOPD,offering benefits for managing microinflammation and optimizing lung function.

The effect of traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation exercise(pulmonary Daoyin)in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:Previous research has demonstrated that pulmonary Daoyin could be an efficacious way to ameliorate the physical and psychological state of sufferers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)and bolster the quality of life.However,the results are not consistent.Thus,the objective of this research is to assess the impacts of pulmonary Daoyin in individuals with COPD.Methods:Relevant articles were searched in Web of Science,Cochrane Library,PubMed,EMBASE,SinoMed,CNKI,Wanfang,and VIP from database inception to January 2024.Results:There were a total of 15 randomized controlled trials(RCTs)included in this meta-analysis involving 1732 patients,of which 864 participated in the intervention group and 868 in the control group.When comparing with the control group,the COPD patients practicing pulmonary Daoyin demonstrated a significant improvement in 6 min walking distance(mean difference[MD]=24.53,95%confidence interval[CI][18.55,30.52],P<0.00001),forced expiratory volume in the 1 s(FEV_(1))(MD=0.39,95%CI[0.18,0.59],P=0.0002),percentage of FEV_(1)to the predicted value(FEV_(1)%)(MD=5.35,95%CI[3.22,7.48],P<0.0001),the forced vital capacity(FVC)(MD=0.39,95%CI[0.06,0.73],P=0.02),percentage of FVC to the predicted value(FVC%)(MD=7.52,95%CI[4.91,10.13],P<0.00001),the ratio of FEV_(1)/FVC(MD=4.95,95%CI[0.91,8.99],P=0.02),peak expiratory flow rate(standardized MD=0.98,95%CI[0.74,1.22],P<0.00001),modified Medical Research Council(mMRC)scale(MD=-0.47,95%CI[-0.89,-0.04],P=0.03),and Borg scale(MD=-0.65,95%CI[-0.75,-0.55],P<0.00001).Conclusions:Our findings may illuminate the influence of pulmonary Daoyin on exercise ability,breathlessness,and pulmonary function in COPD patients.More rigorous RCTs with larger samples and longer-term interventions will be required moving forward.

Efficacy and safety of percutaneous transhepatic biliary radiofrequency ablation in patients with malignant obstructive jaundice

BACKGROUND Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage(PTCD)and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography/endoscopic nasobiliary drainage are the most common clinical procedures for jaundice control in patients with unresectable malignant obstructive jaundice,yet the safety and effect of endobiliary radiofrequency ablation(EB-RFA)combined PTCD is rarely reported,in this article,we report our experience of EB-RFA combined PTCD in such patients.AIM To retrospectively study the efficacy and safety of EB-RFA combined PTCD in patients with unresectable malignant obstructive jaundice.METHODS Patients with unresectable malignant obstructive jaundice treated with EB-RFA under PTCD were selected,the bile ducts of the right posterior lobe was selected as the target bile ducts in all cases.The general conditions of all patients,preoperative tumour markers,total bilirubin(TBIL),direct bilirubin(DBIL),albumin(ALB),alkaline phosphatase(ALP),and glutamyl transferase(GGT)before and on the 7th day after the procedure,as well as perioperative complications,stent patency time and patient survival were recorded.RESULTS All patients successfully completed the operation,TBIL and DBIL decreased significantly in all patients at the 7th postoperative day(P=0.009 and 0.006,respectively);the values of ALB,ALP and GGT also decreased compared with the preoperative period,but the difference was not statistically significant.Perioperative biliary bleeding occurred in 2 patients,which was improved after transfusion of blood and other conservative treatments,pancreatitis appeared in 1 patient after the operation,no serious complication and death happened after operation.Except for 3 patients with loss of visits,the stent patency rate of the remaining 14 patients was 100%71%and 29%at the 1^(st),3^(rd),and 6^(th)postoperative months respectively,with a median survival of 4 months.CONCLUSION EB-RFA under PTCD in patients with unresectable malignant obstructive jaundice has a satisfactory therapeutic effect and high safety,which is worthy of further clinical practice.

Predictive value of diaphragm ultrasound for mechanical ventilation outcome in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD)is often combined with respiratory failure,which increases the patient's morbidity and mortality.Diaphragm ultrasound(DUS)has developed rapidly in the field of critical care in recent years.Studies with DUS monitoring diaphragm-related rapid shallow breathing index have demonstrated important results in guiding intensive care unit patients out of the ventilator.Early prediction of the indications for withdrawal of non-invasive ventilator and early evaluation of patients to avoid or reduce disease progression are very important.AIM To explore the predictive value of DUS indexes for non-invasive ventilation outcome in patients with AECOPD.METHODS Ninety-four patients with AECOPD who received mechanical ventilation in our hospital from January 2022 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed,and they were divided into a successful ventilation group(68 cases)and a failed ventilation group(26 cases)according to the outcome of ventilation.The clinical data of patients with successful and failed noninvasive ventilation were compared,and the independent predictors of noninvasive ventilation outcomes in AECOPD patients were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis.RESULTS There were no significant differences in gender,age,body mass index,complications,systolic pressure,heart rate,mean arterial pressure,respiratory rate,oxygen saturation,partial pressure of oxygen,oxygenation index,or time of inspiration between patients with successful and failed mechanical ventilation(P>0.05).The patients with successful noninvasive ventilation had shorter hospital stays and lower partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PaCO_(2))than those with failed treatment,while potential of hydrogen(pH),diaphragm thickening fraction(DTF),diaphragm activity,and diaphragm movement time were significantly higher than those with failed treatment(P<0.05).pH[odds ratio(OR)=0.005,P<0.05],PaCO_(2)(OR=0.430,P<0.05),and DTF(OR=0.570,P<0.05)were identified to be independent factors influencing the outcome of mechanical ventilation in AECOPD patients.CONCLUSION The DUS index DTF can better predict the outcome of non-invasive ventilation in AECOPD patients.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage vs percutaneous transhepatic bile duct drainage in the management of malignant obstructive jaundice

BACKGROUND Malignant obstructive jaundice(MOJ)is a condition characterized by varying degrees of bile duct stenosis and obstruction,accompanied by the progressive development of malignant tumors,leading to high morbidity and mortality rates.Currently,the two most commonly employed methods for its management are percutaneous transhepatic bile duct drainage(PTBD)and endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage(EUS-BD).While both methods have demonstrated favorable outcomes,additional research needs to be performed to determine their relative efficacy.To compare the therapeutic effectiveness of EUS-BD and PTBD in treating MOJ.METHODS This retrospective analysis,conducted between September 2015 and April 2023 at The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University(The First People’s Hospital of Changzhou),involved 68 patients with MOJ.The patients were divided into two groups on the basis of surgical procedure received:EUS-BD subgroup(n=33)and PTBD subgroup(n=35).Variables such as general data,preoperative and postoperative indices,blood routine,liver function indices,myocardial function indices,operative success rate,clinical effectiveness,and complication rate were analyzed and compared between the subgroups.RESULTS In the EUS-BD subgroup,hospital stay duration,bile drainage volume,effective catheter time,and clinical effect-iveness rate were superior to those in the PTBD subgroup,although the differences were not statistically significant(P>0.05).The puncture time for the EUS-BD subgroup was shorter than that for the PTBD subgroup(P<0.05).Postoperative blood routine,liver function index,and myocardial function index in the EUS-BD subgroup were significantly lower than those in the PTBD subgroup(P<0.05).Additionally,the complication rate in the EUS-BD subgroup was lower than in the PTBD subgroup(P<0.05).CONCLUSION EUS-BD may reduce the number of punctures,improve liver and myocardial functions,alleviate traumatic stress,and decrease complication rates in MOJ treatment.