scholarly journals The role of the Sunfrail tool in the screening of frailty and in integrated community-hospital care pathways: a retrospective observational study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yari Longobucco ◽  
Fulvio Lauretani ◽  
Luciano Gionti ◽  
Sara Tagliaferri ◽  
Robbert Gobbens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Pathways ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Falls Prevention ◽  
Social Model ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
List Type ◽  
Discriminating Power ◽  
The University

Abstract Background One of the most problematic expression of ageing is frailty, and an approach based on its early identification is mandatory. The Sunfrail-tool (ST), a 9-item questionnaire, is a promising instrument for screening frailty. Aims To assess the diagnostic accuracy and the construct validity between the ST and a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), composed by six tests representative of the bio-psycho-social model of frailty; To verify the discriminating power of five key-questions of the ST; To investigate the role of the ST in a clinical-pathway of falls’ prevention. Methods In this retrospective study, we enrolled 235 patients from the Frailty-Multimorbidity Lab of the University-Hospital of Parma. The STs’ answers were obtained from the patient’s clinical information. A patient was considered frail if at least one of the CGAs’ tests resulted positive. Results The ST was associated with the CGA’s judgement with an Area Under the Curve of 0.691 (CI 95%: 0.591–0.791). Each CGA’s test was associated with the ST total score. The five key-question showed a potential discriminating power in the CGA’s tests of the corresponding domains. The fall-related question of the ST was significantly associated with the Short Physical Performance Battery total score (OR: 0.839, CI 95%: 0.766–0.918), a proxy of the risk of falling. Discussion The results suggest that the ST can capture the complexity of frailty. The ST showed a good discriminating power, and it can guide a second-level assessment to key frailty domains and/or clinical pathways. Conclusions The ST is a valid and easy-to-use instrument for the screening of frailty.

scholarly journals 332 The diagnostic role of shunt series radiographs (SSR) in children presenting to the children’s emergency department (CED) with suspected ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt failure

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (12) ◽  
pp. 852.3-853
Author(s):  
Angharad Griffiths ◽  
Ikechukwu Okafor ◽  
Thomas Beattie
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Flow Diagram ◽  
List Type ◽  
Shunt Failure ◽  
Vp Shunt ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Diagnostic Role

Aims/Objectives/BackgroundVP shunts are used to drain CSF from the cranial vault because of a wide range of pathologies and, like any piece of hardware, can fail. Traditionally investigations include SSR and CT. This project examines the role of SSR in evaluating children with suspected VP shunt failure.Primary outcome: Sensitivity and specificity of SSR in children presenting to the CED with concern for shunt failure.Methods/DesignConducted in a single centre, tertiary CED of the national Irish Neurosurgical(NS) referral centre (ED attendance:>50,000 patients/year). 100 sequential SSR requested by the CED were reviewed. Clinical information was extracted from electronic requests. Shunt failure was defined by the need for NS intervention(Revision).Abstract 332 Figure 1Abstract 332 Figure 2Results/ConclusionsSensitivity and specificity is presented in figure 1 (two by two table).100 radiographs performed in 84 children.22% shunts revised (see flow diagram).7 SSR’s were abnormal.85% (n=6) shunts revised. [5 following abnormal CT].Of the normal SSR’s; 16 had abnormal CT and revised.85/100 received CT.64 of 85 CT’s (75%) were normal.□6 of the 64 had focal shunt concern.SSR’s shouldn’t be used in isolation. NPV&PPV, Sensitivity&Specificity is low.SSR’s are beneficial where there’s concern over focal shunt problems (injury/pain/swelling) or following abnormal CT.VP shunt failure is not well investigated with SSR alone.SSR’s could be omitted where there is no focal shunt concern/after normal CT (without impacting clinical outcome) reducing radiation exposure and reduce impact on CED’s.59 SSR’s could have been avoided without adverse clinical outcome.

scholarly journals Role of SatO2, PaO2/FiO2 Ratio and PaO2 to Predict Adverse Outcome in COVID-19: A Retrospective, Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11534
Author(s):  
Stefano Sartini ◽  
Laura Massobrio ◽  
Ombretta Cutuli ◽  
Paola Campodonico ◽  
Cristina Bernini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Failure ◽  
Adverse Outcome ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Threatening Condition ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
The University

COVID-19 respiratory failure is a life-threatening condition. Oxygenation targets were evaluated in a non-ICU setting. In this retrospective, observational study, we enrolled all patients admitted to the University Hospital of Genoa, Italy, between 1 February and 31 May 2020 with an RT-PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2. PaO2, PaO2/FiO2 and SatO2% were collected and analyzed at time 0 and in case of admission, patients who required or not C-PAP (groups A and B) were categorized. Each measurement was correlated to adverse outcome. A total of 483 patients were enrolled, and 369 were admitted to hospital. Of these, 153 required C-PAP and 266 had an adverse outcome. Patients with PaO2 <60 and >100 had a higher rate of adverse outcome at time 0, in groups A and B (OR 2.52, 3.45, 2.01, respectively). About the PaO2/FiO2 ratio, the OR for < 300 was 3.10 at time 0, 4.01 in group A and 4.79 in group B. Similar odds were found for < 200 in any groups and < 100 except for group B (OR 11.57). SatO2 < 94% showed OR 1.34, 3.52 and 19.12 at time 0, in groups A and B, respectively. PaO2 < 60 and >100, SatO2 < 94% and PaO2/FiO2 ratio < 300 showed at least two- to three-fold correlation to adverse outcome. This may provide simple but clear targets for clinicians facing COVID-19 respiratory failure in a non ICU-setting.

scholarly journals Unravelling the Features of Success of VIM-Producing ST111 and ST235 Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Greek Hospital

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 1884
Author(s):  
Costas C. Papagiannitsis ◽  
Aggeliki Verra ◽  
Vasiliki Galani ◽  
Stelios Xitsas ◽  
Ibrahim Bitar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Type I ◽  
Illumina Platform ◽  
Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations ◽  
Greek Hospital ◽  
Clonal Spread ◽  
The University ◽  
Encoding Genes

The objective of this study was to analyze the characteristics that contribute to the successful dissemination of VIM-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), belonging to ST111 and ST235, in a Greek hospital. A total of 120 non-repetitive P. aeruginosa, which had meropenem minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) greater than 2 mg/L, were studied. VIM-encoding genes were amplified and sequenced within their integrons. Isolates were typed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Six VIM-producers, representative of different integron structures and sequence types (STs), were completely sequenced using Illumina platform. Sixty-one P. aeruginosa were confirmed to produce VIM-type carbapenemases. ST111 dominated (n = 34) among VIM-producers, while 15 VIM-producers belonged to ST235. The blaVIM-like genes were located in three integron types, including In59, In595 and In1760, which were integrated into P. aeruginosa chromosomes. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) data demonstrated that ST111 and ST235 MBL producers carried several resistance and virulence genes. Additionally, the presence of type I-C and type I-E clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas locus was observed in ST235 and ST395 isolates, respectively. In conclusion, our findings confirmed the clonal spread of ST111 P. aeruginosa, carrying the VIM-2-encoding integron In59, in the University Hospital of Larissa (UHL). In addition, they highlighted the important role of high-risk clones, ST111 and ST235, in the successful dissemination and establishment into hospital settings of clinically important pathogens carrying resistance determinants.

scholarly journals Clinical and Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Infection in Adult Patients with Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders during the SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edoardo Vincenzo Savarino ◽  
Paola Iovino ◽  
Antonella Santonicola ◽  
Matteo Ghisa ◽  
Giorgio Laserra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Gastrointestinal Diseases ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Telemedicine Service ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Gastrointestinal Conditions ◽  
The University

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGIDs) are chronic gastrointestinal conditions requiring corticosteroid and immunosuppressive therapy for disease control. Patients with EGIDs usually report impaired quality of life. We aimed to report the clinical and psychological impact of COVID-19 infection in EGID patients. In this prospective web-based study we invited all consecutive EGID patients attending the University Hospital of Salerno (Campania) and Padua (Veneto) to fill an ad hoc COVID-19 survey. Moreover, a telemedicine service for direct consultation was organized. Data regarding the occurrence and perception of COVID-19 infection as well as clinical information were recorded. The study population included 102 EGID patients (mean age 36.6 years, 34 females), of whom 89 had eosinophilic esophagitis, nine had gastroenteritis, and four had colitis. No patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 or had recurrence of his/her primary disease. All of them were adherent to therapy and preventive measures adoption. Most patients were worried because of COVID-19 and social preventing measures but did not consider themselves at major risk or susceptible to COVID-19 or other infections due to their chronic condition or therapy. Female gender and low education level were associated to a higher psychological perception of COVID-19 compared to lockdown status or other demographic and clinical factors (p < 0.05). Overall, COVID-19 had a limited clinical impact on patients with EGIDs. The degree of education and sex, but not the fact of living in a lockdown area, influenced the perception of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

scholarly journals Role of Thromboelastography as an Early Predictor of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in Patients with Septic Shock

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 3883
Author(s):  
Sang Min Kim ◽  
Sang-Il Kim ◽  
Gina Yu ◽  
June-Sung Kim ◽  
Seok In Hong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Septic Shock ◽  
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation ◽  
Independent Predictor ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Maximal Amplitude ◽  
Resuscitation Orders ◽  
Intravascular Coagulation ◽  
Discriminating Power

(1) Background: The currently proposed criteria for diagnosing overt disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) are not suitable for early detection of DIC. Thromboelastography (TEG) rapidly provides a comprehensive assessment of the entire coagulation process and is helpful as a guide for correcting consumptive coagulopathy in sepsis-induced DIC. This study aimed to investigate the role of TEG in the prediction of DIC in patients with septic shock. (2) Methods: TEG was conducted prospectively in 1294 patients with septic shock at the emergency department (ED) between January 2016 and December 2019. After exclusion of 405 patients with “do not attempt resuscitation” orders, those refusing enrollment, and those developing septic shock after ED presentation, 889 patients were included. DIC was defined as an International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis score ≥ 5 points within 24 h. (3) Results: Of the 889 patients with septic shock (mean age 65.6 ± 12.7 years, 58.6% male), 158 (17.8%) developed DIC. TEG values, except lysis after 30 min, were significantly different between the DIC and non-DIC groups. Among the TEG values, the maximal amplitude (MA) had the highest discriminating power for DIC, with an area under the curve of 0.814. An MA < 60 indicated DIC with 79% sensitivity, 73% specificity, and 94% negative predictive value. Based on multivariable analysis, MA < 60 was an independent predictor of DIC (odds ratio 5.616 (95% confidence interval: 3.213–9.818)). (4) Conclusions: In patients with septic shock, the MA value in TEG could be a valuable tool for early prediction of DIC.

scholarly journals Longitudinal Study of Viral and Bacterial Contamination of Hospital Pediatricians’ Mobile Phones

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 2011
Author(s):  
Aymeric Cantais ◽  
Florence Grattard ◽  
Julie Gagnaire ◽  
Olivier Mory ◽  
Aurélie Plat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Infectious Agents ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The University

Mobile phones (MPs) of healthcare workers (HCWs) may represent an important source of transmission of infectious agents. This longitudinal study documents the contamination of these tools. Ten MPs handled by senior pediatricians were sampled once a week during 23 weeks in three pediatric wards of the University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, France. Cultures were performed for bacteria and multiplex PCR assays for a panel of respiratory and enteric viruses. A questionnaire on hygiene habits regarding phoning and care was filled-in by pediatricians before and after the study. From a total of 230 samples, 145 (63%) were contaminated by at least one pathogen. The MPs from emergency departments were the most impacted. Viruses were detected in 179 samples; bacteria were isolated in 59 samples. Contamination increased during the winter epidemic peak. A cross-contamination by Paracoccus yeei between hands and MPs of different HCWs was demonstrated. The communication of the study results influenced the hygiene behaviors. This study highlights the contamination of MPs by pathogens that are resistant in the environment, and its sustainability along the winter season. The role of MPs as vectors of nosocomial infection needs to be better investigated.

The use of visual distraction to improve the tolerability of flexible laryngoscopy

2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (8) ◽  
pp. 739-741 ◽  
Author(s):  
T C Biggs ◽  
A Henderson ◽  
F Shelton ◽  
N N Patel
Keyword(s):  
Analogue Scale ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Video Monitor ◽  
Topical Anaesthetic ◽  
Visual Distraction ◽  
Flexible Laryngoscopy ◽  
Cost Effective Alternative ◽  
The University

AbstractBackgroundFlexible laryngoscopy is a commonly performed procedure in otolaryngology. Although this procedure is not considered painful, many patients describe it as uncomfortable. This study investigated the role of visual distraction as a form of pain relief during flexible laryngoscopy.MethodsThe study included patients undergoing flexible laryngoscopy at the University Hospital Southampton. Patients were self-allocated to one of four groups: with or without co-phenylcaine anaesthetic spray; and with and without visual distraction. Visual distraction involved the patient watching the procedure concurrently with the clinician, via a video monitor. Pre- and post-procedural discomfort was assessed using a visual analogue scale.ResultsThe use of topical anaesthetic spray was not associated with significantly reduced discomfort scores (p > 0.05). Discomfort scores were significantly reduced in the visual distraction groups (p = 0.04), irrespective of the use of topical anaesthetic spray.ConclusionThis small study showed that visual distraction should be considered as a simple and cost-effective alternative to local anaesthetic for flexible laryngoscopy.

scholarly journals A Novel Complex Mutant β-Lactamase, TEM-68, Identified in a Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolate from an Outbreak of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Klebsiellae

2000 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 1499-1505 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janusz Fiett ◽  
Andrzej Pałucha ◽  
Beata Mia˛czyńska ◽  
Maria Stankiewicz ◽  
Hanna Przondo-Mordarska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Klebsiella Pneumoniae ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Pediatric Hospitals ◽  
Extended Spectrum ◽  
Novel Complex ◽  
High Level ◽  
Inhibitor Resistance ◽  
The University ◽  
Level Resistance

ABSTRACT Twenty-two Klebsiella pneumoniae and two K. oxytoca extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing isolates were collected in 1996 from patients in two pediatric wards of the University Hospital in Wrocław, Poland. Molecular typing has revealed that the K. pneumoniae isolates represented four different epidemic strains. Three kinds of enzymes with ESBL activity (pI values of 5.7, 6.0, and 8.2) were identified. The pI 6.0 β-lactamases belonged to the TEM family, and sequencing of thebla TEM genes amplified from representative isolates revealed that these enzymes were TEM-47, previously identified in K. pneumoniae isolates from pediatric hospitals in Łódź and Warsaw. One of the TEM-47-producing strains from Wrocław was very closely related to the isolates from the other cities, and this indicated countrywide spread of the epidemic strain. The pI 5.7 β-lactamase was produced by a single K. pneumoniae isolate for which, apart from oxyimino-β-lactams, the MICs of β-lactam–inhibitor combinations were also remarkably high. Sequencing revealed that this was a novel TEM β-lactamase variant, TEM-68, specified by the following combination of mutations: Gly238Ser, Glu240Lys, Thr265Met, and Arg275Leu. The new enzyme has most probably evolved from TEM-47 by acquiring the single substitution of Arg275, which before was identified only twice in enzymes with inhibitor resistance (IR) activity. TEM-68 was shown to be a novel complex mutant TEM β-lactamase (CMT-2) which combines strong ESBL activity with relatively weak IR activity and, when expressed inK. pneumoniae, is able to confer high-level resistance to a wide variety of β-lactams, including inhibitor combinations. This data confirms the role of the Arg275Leu mutation in determining IR activity and documents the first isolation of K. pneumoniae producing the complex mutant enzyme.

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