Prognostic differences among patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonias with acute exacerbation of varying pathogenesis: a retrospective study

Abstract Background Acute exacerbation of chronic fibrosing idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (AE-IIPs) is associated with a high mortality rate. In 2016, an international working group proposed a revised diagnostic criteria for AE-IIPs, suggesting that it be classified as idiopathic or triggered. Many factors are known to trigger AE-IIPs, including surgery, infection, and drugs. However, it is unknown which AE-IIPs triggers have a worse prognosis. We aimed to investigate the prognosis of patients with various clinical types of AE-IIPs, particularly infection-triggered, non-infection triggered, and idiopathic AE-IIPs. Methods We retrospectively collected data from 128 chronic fibrosing IIPs (CF-IIPs) patients who were hospitalized by respiratory failure between April 2009 and March 2019 at Juntendo University Hospital. Among these patients, we evaluated 79 patients who developed AE-IIPs and 21 who developed pneumonia superimposed on CF-IIPs. Patients with AE-IIPs were classified into three types: idiopathic, infection-triggered, and non-infection-triggered AE-IIPs. We analyzed differences in patient characteristics, examination findings; level of serum markers, results of pulmonary function, and radiological findings, prior treatment for baseline CF-IIPs, and prognosis. We then evaluated the risk factor for early death (death within 30 days from the onset of AE-IIPs) associated with AE-IIPs. Results Among the patients who developed AE-IIPs, 34 were characterized as having idiopathic, 25 were characterized as having infection-triggered, and 20 were categorized as having non-infection-triggered AE-IIPs. Survival time for pneumonia superimposed on IIPs was significantly longer than that for any AE-IIPs. Survival time for bacterial pneumonia superimposed on CF-IIPs was significantly longer than that for AE-IIPs (for each idiopathic and all triggered IIPs). Thereafter, survival time for infection-triggered was significantly longer than for idiopathic or non-infection-triggered AE-IIPs. The mortality rate was significantly lower in infection-triggered AE-IIPs than in other types of AE-IIPs. Furthermore, the incidence of infection-triggered AE-IIPs in winter was significantly higher than that in other seasons. Moreover, the clinical AE-IIPs types and radiological findings at AE-IIP onset were significant risk factors for AE-IIPs-induced early death. Conclusions Our findings suggest that patients with infection-triggered AE-IIPs can expect a better prognosis than can patients with other clinical types of AE-IIPs.

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Overview of COVID-19 patients treated in University Hospital Split, Croatia - specifics related to patients age

Geriatric Care ◽

10.4081/gc.2021.9351 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Marija Cavar ◽

Danijela Budimir Mrsic ◽

Ante Luetic ◽

Lara Perkovic Tabak ◽

Mate Petricevic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mortality Rate ◽

Early Detection ◽

Patient Characteristics ◽

Mortality Rates ◽

University Hospital ◽

Disease Development ◽

Clinical Hospital ◽

Radiological Data ◽

Senior Population ◽

Pandemic Wave

Different aspects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection have been widely investigated since the onset of a pandemic in December 2019. Several studies investigated differences in disease development and presentation compared to patient characteristics. In this paper we present an overview of the first COVID-19 pandemic wave in Dalmatia, Croatia with specifics related to patients’ age. Demographic, clinical and radiological data from hospitalized COVID-19 positive patients in the Clinical Hospital Split over a three-month period were collected and analyzed. Subgrouping and additional analysis were performed: Octogenarians vs Non-octogenarians, and senior residence vs nonsenior residence. 160 COVID-19 positive patients were enrolled. Of those, 61% were females. Median age was 78. More than a half of all patients were senior residents. No differences in final outcome were observed comparing specific medicament treatment. Among Octogenarians group, there were more asymptomatic cases, and higher mortality rate. Some differences in radiological presentation were also observed. Senior COVID-19 positive patients are more often asymptomatic but with higher mortality rates. More attention should be paid to early detection on COVID-19 infection in the senior population.

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Predictive risk factors for pneumothorax after transbronchial biopsy using endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath

BMC Pulmonary Medicine ◽

10.1186/s12890-021-01551-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Yusuke Gotoh ◽

Teppei Yamaguchi ◽

Hiroshi Yatsuya ◽

Aki Ikeda ◽

Takuya Okamura ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Patient Characteristics ◽

Final Diagnosis ◽

Transbronchial Biopsy ◽

University Hospital ◽

Endobronchial Ultrasonography ◽

Data Location ◽

The Right

Abstract Background Pneumothorax is one complication of transbronchial biopsy (TBB) using endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath (EBUS-GS-TBB). We sought to clarify the risk factors for pneumothorax after EBUS-GS-TBB under fluoroscopic guidance. Methods We retrospectively reviewed data from 916 patients who underwent EBUS-GS-TBB at Fujita Health University Hospital. We evaluated the following risk factors for pneumothorax after EBUS-GS-TBB: patient characteristics (sex, age, and pulmonary comorbidities); lesion data (location, size, existence of ground-glass opacities [GGOs], pleural involvement, computed tomography [CT] bronchus sign, visibility on fluoroscopy, and EBUS findings); final diagnosis; years of bronchoscopist experience; and guide sheath size. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Results Among the 916 patients, 30 (3.28%) presented with pneumothorax. With a univariate analysis, factors that independently predisposed to pneumothorax included lesions containing GGOs, lesions in sagittal lung segments on fluoroscopy, lesions that were not visible on fluoroscopy, and infectious lesions. A univariate analysis also showed that lesions in the right upper lobe or left upper division, as well as malignant lesions, were less likely to lead to pneumothorax. Age, underlying pulmonary disease, CT bronchus sign, EBUS findings, bronchoscopist experience, and guide sheath size did not influence the incidence of pneumothorax. A multivariate analysis revealed that only lesions containing GGOs (odds ratio [OR] 6.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.13–19.6, P = 0.001) and lesions in lung segments with a sagittal orientation on fluoroscopy (OR 2.47; 95% CI 1.09–5.58, P = 0.029) were significant risk factors for EBUS-GS-TBB-related pneumothorax. Conclusions EBUS-GS-TBB of lesions containing GGOs or lesions located in sagittal lung segments on fluoroscopy correlate with a higher pneumothorax risk.

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Pneumomediastinum in COVID-19 disease: Outcomes and relation to the Macklin effect

Asian Cardiovascular and Thoracic Annals ◽

10.1177/02184923211010089 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 021849232110100

Author(s):

João Brito ◽

Paulo Gregório ◽

Alessandro Mariani ◽

Paula D’ambrosio ◽

Mauro Filho ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mortality Rate ◽

Retrospective Studies ◽

Underlying Mechanism ◽

Hemodynamic Instability ◽

Disease Course ◽

Lung Involvement ◽

Radiological Findings ◽

Disease Outcomes ◽

Macklin Effect ◽

Benign Course

Aim Pneumomediastinum (PM) is associated with several etiologies and mechanisms. Although it has been described more than 100 years ago, the literature is limited to small retrospective studies. This study aimed to follow patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that developed PM during hospitalization and describe their clinical and radiological evolution. Methods A prospective cohort was developed with patients with PM, excluding those with aerodigestive trauma, inside a hospital COVID-19 dedicated hospital. Clinical variables including onset of symptoms, hemodynamic instability, associated complications, the need of interventions, and disease course were all recorded. Also, radiological findings such as the presence of the Macklin effect, extension of lung involvement by COVID-19, and characteristics of the PM were analyzed. Results Twenty-one patients with non-traumatic PM were followed, resulting in an overall incidence of 0.5% during the study period. Seven (33%) patients had associated pneumothorax and malignant/tension PM was observed in three (14%) cases. The Macklin effect could be found in 11 patients (52%) and the majority of them had more than 50% of lung involvement due to COVID-19. The mortality rate was 49%; however, no deaths were directly related to the PM. Conclusions PM incidence is probably increased in the severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by COVID-19, especially in those with greater involvement of the lungs, and the Macklin effect may be an important underlying mechanism of this complication. Usually, PM has a benign course, but complications like tension/malignant PM may occur requiring prompt detection and intervention.

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Effectiveness of a vancomycin dosing protocol guided by area under the concentration-time curve to minimal inhibitory concentration (AUC/MIC) with multidisciplinary team support to improve hospital-wide adherence to a vancomycin dosing protocol: A pilot study

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1017/ice.2021.296 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Panipak Katawethiwong ◽

Anucha Apisarnthanarak ◽

Kittiya Jantarathaneewat ◽

David J. Weber ◽

David K. Warren ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mortality Rate ◽

Multidisciplinary Team ◽

Kidney Injury ◽

University Hospital ◽

Routine Practice ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Coagulase Negative Staphylococci ◽

Time Curve ◽

Concentration Time ◽

Quasi Experimental

Abstract Background: Limited data are available on the implementation of an area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)–based dosing protocol with multidisciplinary team (MT) support to improve adherence with vancomycin dosing protocol. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of an AUC-based dosing protocol with MT support intervention with adherence to a hospital-wide vancomycin dosing protocol at Thammasat University Hospital. Method: We conducted a quasi-experimental study in patients who were prescribed intravenous vancomycin. The study was divided into 2 periods; (1) the preintervention period when the vancomycin dosing protocol was already applied in routine practice and (2) the post-intervention period when the implementation of an AUC-based dosing protocol with MT support was added to the existing vancomycin dosing protocol. The primary outcome was the rate of adherence, and the secondary outcomes included acute kidney injury events, vancomycin-related adverse events, and 30-day mortality rate. Results: In total, 240 patients were enrolled. The most common infections were skin and soft-tissue infections (24.6%) and bacteremia (24.6%). The most common pathogens were coagulase-negative staphylococci (19.6%) and Enterococcus spp (15.4%). Adherence with the vancomycin dosing protocol was significantly higher in the postintervention period (90.8% vs 55%; P ≤ .001). By multivariate analysis, an AUC-based dosing protocol with MT support was the sole predictor for adherence with the vancomycin dosing protocol (adjusted odds ratio, 10.31; 95% confidence interval, 4.54–23.45; P ≤ .001). The 30-day mortality rate was significantly lower during the postintervention period (8.3% vs 20%; P = .015). Conclusions: AUC-based dosing protocol with MT support significantly improved adherence with vancomycin dosing protocol and was associated with a lower 30-day mortality rate.

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Evaluation and cost estimation of laboratory tests overuse through a CCDSS in a university hospital

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa165.221 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

D Vallone ◽

A Tamburrano ◽

C Carrozza ◽

A Urbani ◽

A Cambieri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cost Estimation ◽

Laboratory Tests ◽

Quality Care ◽

Clinical Decision Support Systems ◽

Patient Characteristics ◽

Clinical Decision ◽

University Hospital ◽

Specific Patient ◽

Global Rate ◽

Common Laboratory

Abstract Computerized Clinical Decision Support Systems (CCDSS) are information technology-based systems that use specific patient characteristics and combine them with rule-based algorithms. The aim of this study is to conduct a survey to measure and assess the over-utilization rates of laboratory requests and to estimate the monthly cost of inappropriate requests in inpatients of the “Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS” Care Units. This observational study is based on the count of rules violations for 43 different types of laboratory tests requested by the Hospital physicians, for a total of 5,716,370 requests, over a continuous period of 20 months (from 1 July 2016 to 28 February 2018). Requests from all the hospital internal departments (except for Emergency, Intensive Care Units and Urgent requests) were monitored. The software intercepted and counted, in silent mode for the operator, all requests and violations for each laboratory test among those identified. During the observation period a mean of 285,819 requests per month were analyzed and 40,462 violations were counted. The global rate of overuse was 15.2% ± 3.0%. The overall difference among sub-groups was significant (p < 0.001). The most inappropriate exams were Alpha Fetoprotein (85.8% ± 30.5%), Chlamydia trachomatis PCR (48.7% ± 8.8%) and Alkaline Phosphatase (20.3% ± 6.5%). All the exams, globally considered, generated an estimated avoidable cost of 1,719,337€ (85,967€ per month) for the hospital. This study reports rates (15.2%) similar to other works. The real impact of inappropriateness is difficult to assess, but the generated costs for patients, hospitals and health systems are certainly high and not negligible. Key messages It would be desirable for international medical communities to produce a complete panel of prescriptive rules for all the most common laboratory exam. That is useful not only to reduce costs, but also to ensure standardization and high-quality care.

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Retrospective evaluation of 85 patients with urea cycle disorders: one center experience, three new mutations

Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism ◽

10.1515/jpem-2019-0413 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 33 (6) ◽

pp. 721-728

Author(s):

Özlem Saritaş Nakip ◽

Yılmaz Yıldız ◽

Ayşegül Tokatlı

Keyword(s):

Mortality Rate ◽

Urea Cycle ◽

Laboratory Data ◽

Patient Characteristics ◽

Hereditary Diseases ◽

Urea Cycle Disorders ◽

Carbamoyl Phosphate ◽

Term Survival ◽

Genetic Features ◽

Cycle Disorders

AbstractObjectivesUrea cycle disorders (UCDs) are rare hereditary diseases. This study was conducted to help identify the characteristics of UCDs in Turkey.MethodsThe primary outcome was to determine patient characteristics. Investigating the relationships between the patient outcomes and ammonia levels were the secondary outcomes. Eighty five patients from 79 families, diagnosed with UCD at a single metabolic referral center between 1979 and 2017, were included. Clinical and laboratory data were retrieved retrospectively from hospital records.ResultsClassical citrullinemia was the most common type of UCD; citrin deficiency and carbamoyl phosphate synthase 1 deficiency (CPS1D) were the rarest. One thirty one hyperammonemic episodes were recorded. The peak ammonia levels were found to be significantly associated with polycythemia and hypocalcemia at presentation. The median peak ammonia values of the patients who died were higher than those of the survivors. The highest mortality rate was in the classical citrullinemia group. The mortality rate of the first hyperammonemic crisis was 28.6%, while it was 6.7% in subsequent episodes with an odds ratio of 4.28 (95% CI: 1.67–11.0) (p=0.001). Forty-four patients underwent genetic analysis and genetic variants were detected in 42 patients (95%). Three of the detected variants have not been previously reported.ConclusionsThis is the largest UCD series in Turkey and may serve as a guide to clinical, biochemical and genetic features of UCDs in our country. Prevention of hyperammonemia may be the most influential measure to improve long term survival.

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Total numbers and in-hospital mortality of patients with myocardial infarction in Germany during the FIFA soccer world cup 2014

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-90582-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Karsten Keller ◽

Lukas Hobohm ◽

Volker H. Schmitt ◽

Martin Engelhardt ◽

Philip Wenzel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Mortality Rate ◽

Hospital Mortality ◽

Environmental Stress ◽

Nationwide Inpatient Sample ◽

Hospital Admissions ◽

Patient Characteristics ◽

World Cup ◽

National Team ◽

Comparison Period

AbstractEnvironmental stress like important soccer events can induce excitation, stress and anger. We aimed to investigate (i) whether the FIFA soccer world cup (WC) 2014 and (ii) whether the soccer games of the German national team had an impact on total numbers and in-hospital mortality of patients with myocardial infarction (MI) in Germany. We analyzed data of MI inpatients of the German nationwide inpatient sample (2013–2015). Patients admitted due to MI during FIFA WC 2014 (12th June–13th July2014) were compared to those during the same period 2013 and 2015 (12th June–13th July). Total number of MI patients was higher during WC 2014 than in the comparison-period 2013 (18,479 vs.18,089, P < 0.001) and 2015 (18,479 vs.17,794, P < 0.001). WC was independently associated with higher MI numbers (2014 vs. 2013: OR 1.04 [95% CI 1.01–1.07]; 2014 vs. 2015: OR 1.07 [95% CI 1.04–1.10], P < 0.001). Patient characteristics and in-hospital mortality rate (8.3% vs. 8.3% vs. 8.4%) were similar during periods. In-hospital mortality rate was not affected by games of the German national team (8.9% vs. 8.1%, P = 0.110). However, we observed an increase regarding in-hospital mortality from 7.9 to 9.3% before to 12.0% at final-match-day. Number of hospital admissions due to MI in Germany was 3.7% higher during WC 2014 than during the same 31-day period 2015. While in-hospital mortality was not affected by the WC, the in-hospital mortality was highest at WC final.

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Association between denture use, chewing ability, and all-cause mortality in middle-aged and older adults who exercised regularly in Korea

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-85440-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jong-Hwa Jang ◽

Ji-Liang Kim ◽

Jae-Hyun Kim

Keyword(s):

Oral Health ◽

Mortality Rate ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Subjective Health ◽

Middle Aged ◽

Masticatory Ability ◽

Chewing Ability ◽

All Cause Mortality ◽

Using Data ◽

Middle Aged Adults

AbstractHerein, using data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006–2018), we evaluated denture use and chewing ability to determine the status of oral health in middle-aged adults who exercised regularly; further, we investigated the relationship of oral health with all-cause mortality. From the basic survey conducted in 2006, we interviewed 10,254 participants who were followed up until death. The participants were grouped based on regular exercise into REG (n = 3921) and non-REG (n = 6290) groups. The mortality rate was higher in the non-REG group than in the REG group (35.8% versus 26.9%; p < 0.001). The mortality rate was higher in denture users (versus non-denture users), non-drinkers (versus alcohol drinkers), and those on medical aid (versus national health insurance). The mortality rate was higher in participants with poor masticatory ability, lower education level, and poor subjective health perception (p < 0.001). Denture use and masticatory discomfort were not significant risk factors for mortality in the non-REG group (p > 0.05). In conclusion, masticatory discomfort was a risk factor for increased mortality in middle-aged Korean adults who exercised regularly, at least once a week. Thus, assessment of masticatory ability could be a useful indicator of life expectancy in middle-aged adults.

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Predictors for affected stroke territory and outcome of acute stroke treatments are different for posterior versus anterior circulation stroke

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-89871-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

H. Handelsmann ◽

L. Herzog ◽

Z. Kulcsar ◽

A. R. Luft ◽

S. Wegener

Keyword(s):

Acute Stroke ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Patient Characteristics ◽

Posterior Circulation ◽

University Hospital ◽

Outcome Predictors ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Stroke Treatment ◽

The University ◽

Median Admission

AbstractDistinct patient characteristics have been proposed for ischaemic stroke in the anterior versus posterior circulation. However, data on functional outcome according to stroke territory in patients with acute stroke treatment are conflicting and information on outcome predictors is scarce. In this retrospective study, we analysed functional outcome in 517 patients with stroke and thrombolysis and/or thrombectomy treated at the University Hospital Zurich. We compared clinical factors and performed multivariate logistic regression analyses investigating the effect of outcome predictors according to stroke territory. Of the 517 patients included, 80 (15.5%) suffered a posterior circulation stroke (PCS). PCS patients were less often female (32.5% vs. 45.5%, p = 0.031), received thrombectomy less often (28.7% vs. 48.3%, p = 0.001), and had lower median admission NIHSS scores (5 vs. 10, p < 0.001) as well as a better median three months functional outcome (mRS 1 vs. 2, p = 0.010). Predictors for functional outcome were admission NIHSS (OR 0.864, 95% CI 0.790–0.944, p = 0.001) in PCS and age (OR 0.952, 95% CI 0.935–0.970, p < 0.001), known symptom onset (OR 1.869, 95% CI 1.111–3.144, p = 0.018) and admission NIHSS (OR 0.840, 95% CI 0.806–0.876, p < 0.001) in ACS. Acutely treated PCS and ACS patients differed in their baseline and treatment characteristics. We identified specific functional outcome predictors of thrombolysis and/or thrombectomy success for each stroke territory.

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Triage Ability of Emergency Medical Services Providers and Patient Disposition: A Prospective Study

Prehospital and Disaster Medicine ◽

10.1017/s1049023x00027552 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 14 (3) ◽

pp. 67-72 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

John R. Richards ◽

Stephen J. Ferrall

Keyword(s):

Chest Pain ◽

Emergency Medical Services ◽

Patient Characteristics ◽

University Hospital ◽

Medical Services ◽

Shortness Of Breath ◽

Study Objective ◽

Patient Disposition ◽

Emergency Medical ◽

Respiratory Complaints

AbstractStudy objective:To determine the ability of emergency medical services (EMS) providers to subjectively triage patients with respect to hospital admission and to determine patient characteristics associated with increased likelihood of admission.Methods:A prospective, cross-sectional study of a consecutive sample of patients arriving by ambulance during the month of February 1997 at an urban, university hospital, Emergency Department. Emergency medical services providers completed a questionnaire asking them to predict admission to the hospital and requested patient demographic information. Predictions were compared to actual patient disposition.Results:A total of 887 patients were included in the study, and 315 were admitted to the hospital (36%). With respect to admission, emergency medical services providers had an accuracy rate of 79%, with a sensitivity of 72% and specificity of 83% (kappa = 0.56). Blunt traumatic injury and altered mental status were the most common medical reasons for admission. Variables significantly associated with high admission rates were patients with age > 50 years, chest pain or cardiac complaints, shortness of breath or respiratory complaints, Medicare insurance, and Hispanic ethnicity. The emergency medical services providers most accurately predicted admission for patients presenting with labor (kappa = 1.0), shortness of breath / respiratory complaints (kappa = 0.84), and chest pain (kappa = 0.77).Conclusion:Emergency medical services providers can predict final patient disposition with reasonable accuracy, especially for patients presenting with labor, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Certain patient characteristics are associated with a higher rate of actual admission.

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