Inter-ethnic marriages and severity of coronary artery disease:A multicenter study of Arabian Gulf States

AIM To assess the association of inter-ethnic vs intra-ethnic marriage with severity of coronary artery disease(CAD) in men undergoing angiography.METHODS We conducted a prospective multicenter,multi-ethnic,cross sectional observational study at five hospitals in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates,in which we used logistic regression analysis with and without adjustment for baseline differences. RESULTS Data were collected for 1068 enrolled patients undergoing coronary angiography for clinical indications during the period of April 1^(st),2013 to March 30^(th),2014. Ethnicities of spouses were available only for male patients. Of those enrolled,687 were married men and constituted the cohort for the present analysis. Intra-ethnic marriages were reported in 70% and inter-ethnic marriages in 30%. After adjusting for baseline differences,interethnic marriage was associated with lower odds of having significant CAD [adjusted odds ratio 0.52(95%CI:0.33,0.81)] or multi-vessel disease(MVD) [adjusted odds ratio 0.57(95%CI:0.37,0.86)]. The adjusted association with left main disease showed a similar trend,but was not statistically significant [adjusted odds ratio 0.74(95%CI:0.41,1.32)]. The association between interethnic marriage and the presence of significant CAD and MVD was not modified by number of concurrent wives(P interaction > 0.05 for both).CONCLUSION Among married men undergoing coronary angiography,inter-ethnic,as compared to intra-ethnic,marriage is associated with lower odds of significant CAD and MVD.

Impact of geography on organ allocation:Beyond the distance to the transplantation center

AIM:To illustrate the application and utility of Geographic Information System(GIS) in exploring patterns of liver transplantation.Specifically,we aim to describe the geographic distribution of transplant registrations and identify disparities in access to liver transplantation across United Network of Organ Sharing(UNOS) region 1.METHODS:Based on UNOS data,the number of listed transplant candidates by ZIP code from 2003 to 2012 for Region 1 was obtained.Choropleth(color-coded) maps were used to visualize the geographic distribution of transplant registrations across the region.Spatial interaction analysis was used to analyze the geographicpattern of total transplant registrations by ZIP code.Factors tested included ZIP code log population and log distance from each ZIP code to the nearest transplant center;ZIP code population density;distance from the nearest city over 50000;and dummy variables for state residence and location in the southern portion of the region.RESULTS:Visualization of transplant registrations revealed geographic disparities in organ allocation across Region 1.The total number of registrations was highest in the southern portion of the region.Spatial interaction analysis,after adjusting for the size of the underlying population,revealed statistically significant clustering of high and low rates in several geographic areas could not be predicted based solely on distance to the transplant center or density of population.CONCLUSION:GIS represents a new method to evaluate the access to liver transplantation within one region and can be used to identify the presence of disparities and reasons for their existence in order to alleviate them.

Weight gain following breast cancer diagnosis: Implication and proposed mechanisms

Weight gain occurs in the majority of women following breast cancer treatment. An overview of studies describing weight gain amongst women treated with early to modern chemotherapy regimens is included. Populations at higher risk include women who are younger, closer to ideal body weight and who have been treated with chemotherapy. Weight gain ranges between 1 to 5 kg, and may be associated with change in body composition with gain in fat mass and loss in lean body mass. Women are unlikely to return to pre-diagnosis weight. Possible mechanisms including inactivity and metabolic changes are explored. Potential interventions are reviewed including exercise, dietary changes andpharmacologic agents. Although breast cancer prognosis does not appear to be significantly impacted, weight gain has negative consequences on quality of life and overall health. Future studies should explore change in body composition, metabolism and insulin resistance. Avoiding weight gain in breast cancer survivors following initial diagnosis and treatment should be encouraged.

儿童青少年运动员的营养需要

1.儿童青少年运动员应该食用多样化的食物,其中,蛋白质应占膳食总能量的12%～15%,碳水化合物至少占55%,而脂肪至多占30%。日常生活中如何吃才能满足这些要求呢?膳食指南宝塔提供了一条可行之道。2.有些营养素对热爱运动的儿童青少年运动员非常重要,要保证摄入充足,这些营养素是碳水化合物(包括纤维素)、维生素B_6、维生素D、铁、钙、镁、锌、铬。科学合理、包罗各类食物的平衡膳食,对青少年运动员最大程度地全面摄取各种营养素,满足生长发育和运动训练的需要,是非常必要的。3.鼓励儿童青少年运动员在运动训练前、中、后进行补液,以避免脱水的发生。4.如果膳食合理平衡,就没必要额外补充营养品。

Randomized controlled trial of remote ischemic preconditioning and atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery

AIM To study whether remote ischemic preconditioning(RIPC) has an impact on clinical outcomes, such as post-operative atrial fibrillation(POAF).METHODS This was a prospective, single-center, single-blinded,randomized controlled study. One hundred and two patients were randomized to receive RIPC(3 cycles of 5 min ischemia and 5 min reperfusion in the upper arm after induction of anesthesia) or no RIPC(control). Primary outcome was POAF lasting for five minutes or longer during the first seven days after surgery. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay, incidence of inpatient mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke. RESULTS POAF occurred at a rate of 54% in the RIPC group and 41.2% in the control group(P = 0.23). No statistically significant differences were noted in secondary outcomes between the two groups. CONCLUSION This is the first study in the United States to suggest that RIPC does not reduce POAF in patients with elective or urgent cardiac surgery. There were no differences in adverse effects in either group. Further studies are required to assess the relationship between RIPC and POAF.

Effects of oral premedication on cognitive status of elderly patients undergoing cardiac catheterization

Background Sedatives and analgesics are often administered to achieve conscious sedation for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Appropriate concerns have been raised regarding post procedure delirium related to peri-procedural medication in the elderly. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of premedication on new onset delirium and procedural care in elderly patients. Methods Patients 〉 70 years old and scheduled for elective cardiac catheterization were randomly assigned to receive either oral diphenhydramine and diaze- pam （25 rag/5 mg） or no premedication. All patients underwent a mini mental state exam and delirium assessment using confusion assess- ment method prior to the procedure and repeated at 4 h after the procedure and prior to discharge. Patients＇ cooperation during the procedure and ease of post-procedure were measured using Visual Analog Scale （VAS）. The degree of alertness was assessed immediately on arrival to the floor, and twice hourly afterwards using Observer＇s Assessment of Alermess/Sedation Scale （OAA/S）. Results A total of 93 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 77 years, and 47 patients received premedication prior to the procedure. None of the patients in either group developed delirium. Patients＇ cooperation and the ease of procedure was greater and pain medication requirement less both during and after the procedure in the pre-medicated group （P 〈 0.05 for both）. Nurses reported an improvement with patient management in the pre-medicated group （P = 0.08）. Conclusions In conclusion, prcmedication did not cause delirium in elderly patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. The reduced pain medication requirement, perceived procedural ease and post procedure management favors premedication in elderly patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

Mixed hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma may derive from "hepatogones"

The Editor welcomes submissions for possible publication in the Letters to the Editor section that consist of commentary on an article published in the Journal or other relevant issues. Letters commenting on an article published in the Journal will be considered if they are received within 6 weeks of the time the article was published. Authors of the article being commented on will be given an

Antihypertensive Therapy in Non-Diabetic Chronic Kidney Disease Associated with Proteinuria in Adults

Controlling blood pressure and reducing proteinuria are common goals in Chronic Kidney Disease associated with hypertension and proteinuria and lead to fewer cardiovascular outcomes. This review summarizes the available literature.

Ergonomics of gastrointestinal endoscopies:Musculoskeletal injury among endoscopy physicians,nurses,and technicians

BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal injuries(MSI)have plagued endoscopists and ancillary staff for decades without any innovative and strong ergonomic guidelines.It has placed a physical and mental strain on our endoscopists and ancillary staff.We have very have limited data supporting this claim in our region and most data is supported by western literature.AIM To document the prevalence of MSI,and awareness and practices of ergonomics by endoscopists and ancillary staff.METHODS This is an observational cross-sectional study,conducted in Karachi,a city that boasts the maximum number of daily endoscopies in the country.An eleven-point self-administered questionnaire was distributed and used to evaluate MSI and ergonomic adjustments amongst three tertiary care setups in Karachi.An onsite survey via a 13-point checklist for endoscopy suite facilities was used to assess the ergonomically friendly conveniences at five tertiary care setups in Karachi.A total of 56 participants replied with a filled survey.RESULTS There were 56 participants in total with 39(69.6%)males.Pain and numbness were documented by 75%of the patients,with pain in the neck(41.1%),lower back(32.1%),shoulder(21.4%),thumb(12.5%),hand(23.2%),elbow(8.9%),and carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS)(7.1%).Of those,33.3%attributed their symptoms to endoscopy, 14.2% said that symptoms were not caused by endoscopy, and 52.4% were notcertain whether endoscopy had caused their symptoms. Twenty-one point four percent of patientshad to take time off their work, while 33.9% took medications for pain. Ergonomic modifications toprevent musculoskeletal injury, including placement of endoscopic monitor at eye level and thecardiac monitor in front, stopping the procedure to move patients, sitting while performingcolonoscopy, and navigating height-adjustable bed were used by 21.4%. Nine out of 13 ergonomicfacilities were not present in all five tertiary care hospitals. Conveniences, such as anti-fatiguemats, height-adjustable computer stations, and time out between patients were not present.CONCLUSIONThree-fourth of our endoscopists reported MSI, of which more than half were not sure orattributed this problem to endoscopy. The prevalence of MSI warrants urgent attention.

The rationale and design of the minocycline plus amiodarone versus amiodarone alone (MINAA) trial for the prevention of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery

Objectives: Amiodarone administration is presently considered in the prevention of new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (PAF) after cardiac operations, but relapse of PAF requiring anticoagulation therapy at hospital discharge is prevalent despite amiodarone prophylaxis. PAF is also associated with increased morbidity and mortality including complications resulting from long-term anticoagulation therapy. Currently, the most effective therapy to prevent PAF after cardiac surgery remains undetermined. Inflammatory mechanisms may be partly responsible for PAF. Minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, has specifically an atrial myocytes anti-apoptotic effect, decreases right atrial tissue inflammation and oxidative stress activity. These observations led to this trial’s hypothesis that the addition of minocycline to amiodarone may favorably affect suppression of PAF. Methods: This trial compares the efficacy and safety of minocycline plus amiodarone versus amiodarone alone, in the prevention of PAF among adult patients undergoing cardiac procedures. All patients receive Beta-blocker agent. The primary outcome is PAF occurrence. Secondary outcomes include thromboembolic stroke, need for pharmacologic or electric cardioversion, mediastinal exploration for sepsis or for anticoagulation-related bleeding, serious drug side effects, length of hospital stay and 30-day mortality from cardiovascular causes. Results: This is an ongoing prospective single center randomized controlled clinical trial. Conclusion: The trial provides information on the comparative effectiveness of this low-risk prevention therapy of PAF that could be integrated in clinical practice. (Clinicaltrials.gov number, NCT 01422148).

Restoring Coronary Perfusion Pressure before Defibrillation after Chest Compression Interruptions

Background: Sufficient coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) to provide myocardial reperfusion is required for defibrillation success after prolonged ventricular fibrillation (VF) cardiac arrest. Chest compression interruptions cause a precipitous drop in CPP. Objective: To quantify the ex- tent to which CPP recovers to pre-pause levels following chest compression interruptions. Me- thods: This was a secondary analysis of data from two similar IACUC approved protocols. A total of 105 Yorkshire swine were included and VF was electrically induced. After 10 minutes of untreated VF in the first study (n = 52) and 12 minutes of untreated VF in the second (n = 53), CPR began and epinephrine was administered approximately 2 minutes prior to a planned 10-second pause to record an artifact-free ECG waveform segment. Following this pause, CPR was resumed for 20- seconds prior to defibrillation. CPP data were extracted from three time points: 2 minutes after epinephrine delivery (CPP1);following the chest compression pause (CPP2);and immediately before defibrillation (CPP3). Our primary outcome was defined as the ratio of CPP recovery (CPP3- CPP2) to the drop in CPP (CPP1-CPP2). Results: Interrupting compressions resulted in a significant drop in CPP (29.8 mmHg [95%CI: 26.2, 33.4] to 6.8 mmHg [95%CI: 5.4, 8.2]). Resuming CPR for restored 83% (95%CI: 78%, 86%) of the CPP lost. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that 83% of the decline in CPP values during a planned 10-second interruption in CPR can be restored with a short period of precordial compressions prior to defibrillation.

Coronary Perfusion Pressure Response to High-Dose Intraosseous versus Standard-Dose Intravenous Epinephrine Administration after Prolonged Cardiac Arrest

Background: This study was done to compare coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) prior to the first rescue shock (RS) among a group of animals that received intraosseous (IO) epinephrine 0.1 mg/ kg (high-dose epinephrine [HDE]) with a group that received intravenous (IV) epinephrine 0.01 mg/kg (standard-dose epinephrine [SDE]) during cardiac arrest resuscitation using a swine model of prolonged out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation (VF) cardiac arrest. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of prospectively collected data from two IACUC approved protocols. Seventy-nine Yorkshire swine (25 - 35 kg) were surgically instrumented under anesthesia and VF was electrically induced. After 10 minutes of untreated VF in the IO study (n = 26) and 12 minutes of untreated VF in the IV study (n = 53), resuscitation commenced with closed chest compressions (CCC). A single dose of epinephrine (HDE IO or SDE IV, respectively) was given and flushed with saline. The CCC and RS attempts were standardized for all animals. The CPP was defined as aortic diastolic pressure minus right atrial diastolic pressure measured 2.5 minutes after medication delivery. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: Baseline group characteristics were mathematically the same. Just prior to the first RS, HDE IO resulted in a mean CPP of 33.2 mmHg (95%CI: 26.6, 39.9), while SDE IV resulted in a mean CPP of 25.0 mmHg (95%CI: 20.5, 29.4). Conclusion: This observation study reaffirms the assertion that HDE IO may be required to generate CPP values similar to SDE IV during resuscitation of prolonged VF.

Myocardial infarction in non-dissecting aortic root aneurysm

We describe a case of a 49-year-old man who presented with an uncomplicted aortic root aneurysm, aortic insufficiency, and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) without obstructive coronary artery disease on angiography. The computed tomo- graphy angiogram (CTA) of the thorax, performed without cardiac gating, was misinterpreted as normal. In retrospect, an overlooked extravasation of contrast material lateral to the aortic root was detected on non-gating magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Exploration of the aortic root revealed an unsuspected horizontal intimal tear of the left sinus of Valsalva with limited extramural hematoma. The presence of an otherwise silent intimal tear on preoperative imaging studies makes the overall management more problematic. For example, initiating early broad empirical anticoagulants or fibrinolytics therapy to treat the accompanied myocardial infarction may extend the tear into a full life-threatening aortic dissection, tamponade or rupture. We highlight many of the difficulties associated with the diagnosis and treatment of limited sinus tear when aortic root aneurysm is presenting with cryptogenic STEMI. Accurate morphologic characterization of intimal tear would be best defined with either an electrocardiogram-gating CTA or MRA imagings. These non-invasive tests are needed to make appropriate management decisions. Depending on other pathologic components of aortic root, cusps and the commissural geometry, sinus tear is a critical component for the overall treatment plan and it shifts the surgical intervenetion from valve-sparing operation, commissural resuspension and leaflet repair to composite aortic root replacement (modified version of the Bentall procedure).

Role of endoscopic ultrasound for pre-intervention evaluation in early esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND Endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)stands as an accurate imaging modality for esophageal cancer staging,however utilization of EUS in early-stage cancer management remains controversial.Identification of non-applicability of endoscopic interventions with deep muscular invasion with EUS in pre-intervention evaluation of early-stage esophageal cancer is compared to endoscopic and histologic indicators.AIM To display the role of EUS in pre-intervention early esophageal cancer staging and how the index endoscopic features of invasive esophageal malignancy compare for prediction of depth of invasion and cancer management.METHODS This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent pre-resection EUS after a diagnosis of esophageal cancer at a tertiary medical center from 2012 to 2022.Patient clinical data,initial esophagogastroduodenoscopy/biopsy,EUS,and final resection pathology reports were abstracted,and statistical analysis was conducted to assess the role of EUS in management decisions.RESULTS Forty nine patients were identified for this study.EUS T stage was concordant with histological T stage in 75.5%of patients.In determining submucosal involvement(T1a vs T1b),EUS had a specificity of 85.0%,sensitivity of 53.9%,and accuracy of 72.7%.Endoscopic features of tumor size>2 cm and the presence of esophageal ulceration were significantly associated with deep invasion of cancer on histology.EUS affected management from endoscopic mucosal resection/submucosal dissection to esophagectomy in 23.5%of patients without esophageal ulceration and 6.9%of patients with tumor size<2 cm.In patients without both endoscopic findings,EUS identified deeper cancer and changed management in 4.8%(1/20)of cases.CONCLUSION EUS was reasonably specific in ruling out submucosal invasion but had relatively poor sensitivity.Data validated endoscopic indicators suggested superficial cancers in the group with a tumor size<2 cm and the lack of esophageal ulceration.In patients with these findings,EUS rarely identified a deep cancer that warranted a change in management.

Imaging in the COVID-19 era:Lessons learned during a pandemic

The first year of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has been a year of unprecedented changes,scientific breakthroughs,and controversies.The radiology community has not been spared from the challenges imposed on global healthcare systems.Radiology has played a crucial part in tackling this pandemic,either by demonstrating the manifestations of the virus and guiding patient management,or by safely handling the patients and mitigating transmission within the hospital.Major modifications involving all aspects of daily radiology practice have occurred as a result of the pandemic,including workflow alterations,volume reductions,and strict infection control strategies.Despite the ongoing challenges,considerable knowledge has been gained that will guide future innovations.The aim of this review is to provide the latest evidence on the role of imaging in the diagnosis of the multifaceted manifestations of COVID-19,and to discuss the implications of the pandemic on radiology departments globally,including infection control strategies and delays in cancer screening.Lastly,the promising contribution of artificial intelligence in the COVID-19 pandemic is explored.

Hypoglycemic myocardial stunning as cause of cardiogenic shock in a patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy: A case report and review of literature

Hypoglycemia is a common complication seen in patients with diabetes mellitus and has been proven to have adverse effects on cardiovascular mortality. Hypoglycemia can potentially lead to worsening of cardiac function in patients with ischemic heart disease. We present a case of cardiogenic shock in a patient with hypoglycemia secondary to insulin accumulation due to worsening renal function with dramatic recovery of shock once his sugars normalized.

Human immunodeficiency virus patients with low CD4 counts are more likely to have precancerous polyps identified during index colonoscopy

BACKGROUND Antiretroviral treatment(ART)has improved the life expectancy of patients living with human immunodeficiency virus(HIV).As these patients age,they are at increased risk for developing non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome defining malignancies(NADMs)such as colon cancers.AIM To determine which factors are associated with the development of precancerous polyps on screening colonoscopy in patients with HIV and to investigate whether HIV disease status,measured by viral load and CD4 count,might influence precancerous polyp development.METHODS A retrospective review of records at two urban academic medical centers was performed for HIV patients who had a screening colonoscopy between 2005-2015.Patients with a history of colorectal cancer or polyps,poor bowel preparation,or inflammatory bowel disease were excluded.Demographic data such as sex,age,race,and body mass index(BMI)as well as information regarding the HIV disease status such as CD4 count,viral load,and medication regimen were collected.Well-controlled patients were defined as those that had viral load<50 copies,and poorly-controlled patients were those with viral load≥50.Patients were also stratified based on their CD4 count,comparing those with a low CD4 count to those with a high CD4 count.Using colonoscopy reports in the medical record,the size,histology,and number of polyps were recorded for each patient.Precancerous polyps included adenomas and proximal serrated polyps.Data was analyzed using Fisher’s exact tests and logistic regression through SAS 3.8 software.RESULTS Two hundred and seven patients met our inclusion criteria.The mean age was 56.13 years,and 58%were males.There were no significant differences in terms of age,race or ethnicity,insurance,and smoking status between patients with CD4 counts above or below 500.BMI was lower in patients with CD4 count<500 as compared to those with count>500(P=0.0276).In patients with CD4>500,53.85%of patients were female,and 70.87%of patients with CD4<500 were male(P=0.0004).Only 1.92%of patients with CD4≥500 had precancerous polyps vs 10.68%of patients with CD4<500(P=0.0102).When controlled for sex,BMI,and ART use,patients with CD4<500 were 9.01 times more likely to have precancerous polyps[95%confidence interval(CI):1.69-47.97;P=0.0100].Patients taking non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors were also found to be 10.23 times more likely to have precancerous polyps(95%CI:1.08-97.15;P=0.0428).There was not a significant difference noted in precancerous polyps between those that had viral loads greater or less than 50 copies.CONCLUSION Patients with low CD4 counts were more likely to have precancerous polyps on their screening colonoscopy although the etiology for this association is unclear.We also found an increased risk of precancerous polyps in patients taking non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors,which is contradictory to prior literature showing ART has decreased the risk of development of NADMs.However,there have not been studies looking at colorectal cancer and ART by drug class,to our knowledge.Further prospective studies are needed to determine the effect of HIV control and therapies on polyp development.

Spontaneous coronary dissection presenting with reperfusion arrhythmia: A case report

Spontaneous coronary dissection is more commonly reported in females and is an important differential diagnosis for acute coronary syndrome. Accelerated idioventricular rhythm has been reported before with reperfusion post myocardial ischemia. We report a case of accelerated idioventricular rhythm in a patient with spontaneous coronary artery dissection. A 45-year-old Caucasian female presented with left sided chest pain radiating to the neck and palpitations. Admission ECG showed accelerated idioventricular rhythm. Troponin I peaked at 0.5 ng/ml. Coronary angiography showed mid to distal left anterior descending artery dissection with adequate distal flow. Patient was initially medically managed with aspirin, metoprolol, intravenous heparin and eptifibatide infusions but continued to have symptoms of unstable angina. She underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention with 2 drug eluting stents and was discharged back home symptom free on dual platelet therapy. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is an important differential diagnosis for acute coronary syndrome especially in younger females. Accelerated idioventricular rhythm can be a presentation of coronary dissection and may indicate instability. Early percutaneous coronary intervention should be considered in such patients.

漏斗胸畸形对青少年男性心肺适应性的影响

Objective: To determine the magnitude of the effects of pectus excavatum deformity on endurance fitness and cardiorespiratory functional reserve in adolescent boys. Design: Cross-sectional comparison of cardiac and ventilatory variables at rest and during a maximal cycle exercise test. Setting: Pediatric exercise-testing laboratory. Participants: Twelve boys (mean ± SD age, 14.1 ± 1.8 years; age range, 11.8- 18.0 years)- with moderate-to-severe pectus excavatum deformity (mean ± SD Haller index, 3.95 ± 0.88) and 20 control boys (mean ± SD age, 12.5 ± 0.4 years; age range, 12.1- 13.5 years) without musculoskeletal deformity. Main Outcome Measures: Endurance fitness (physical work capacity); respiratory rate, tidal volume, and minute ventilation; and cardiac output and stroke volume by Doppler echocardiography. Results: Patients with pectus deformity had significantly lower endurance fitness than controls (mean± SD physicalwork capacity, 2.60± 0.28W · kg- 1 vs 3.11 ± 0.45 W · kg- 1) and reduced mean ± SD values for maximal cardiac index (10.6 ± 1.6 L· min- 1 vs 12.0 ± 2.2 L· min- 1) and peak tidal volume (3.02 ± 0.27 mL· kg- 1· 10- 2 vs 3.46 ± 0.30 mL· kg- 1· 10- 2). However, considerable overlap was observed in these values between the 2 groups. Conclusions: As a group, boys with pectus excavatum deformity have lower endurance fitness than controls, and this is associated with reduced cardiac output and tidal volume responses to exercise. However, the wide variability of these measures makes it difficult to assign pectus deformity as a cause of exercise intolerance in individual patients.

地理信息系统定位社区获得性MRSA软组织脓肿

Soft tissue infections with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pose an ever-increasing risk to children in the community. Although historically these infections were limited to children with prolonged hospitalization, the authors have seen an increase in community-acquired infections in children without identifiable risk factors. The goal of this study is to determine the incidence of truly community-acquired MRSA soft tissue infections in our community and geographically map regions of increased risk. Methods: After obtaining the institutional review board’s approval, a retrospective chart review was conducted on 195 patients records who underwent an incision and drainage of soft tissue infections from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2003. Thirteen patients were excluded from the study because no cultures were taken at the time of incision and drainage. Results: The most common organism isolated from wound culture was S aureus, 40% (73/182), of which 45% (33/73) were MRSA. Eighty-one percent (27/33) of MRSA infections were in Springfield, 1 of 18 towns represented in the patient population. Geographic information system analysis identified a significant MRSA cluster 1.96 km in diameter within the city of Springfield. Conclusions: Geography proved to be a significant risk factor for presenting with MRSA infection. Geographic maps of antibiotic resistance can be used to guide physician antib iotic selection before culture results are available. This has significant implications for the health care provider in proper antibiotic selection within the community.