scholarly journals The impact of demographic and clinical characteristics on diabetic painful neuropathy

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-19
Author(s):  
António Assunção ◽  
Dina Campos ◽  
Rui Marques ◽  
Inês Cunha ◽  
Patrícia Santos ◽  
...  

AbstractIntroduction. Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is one of the most devastating complications of diabetes mellitus; however, in contrast to other countries, there are no scientific studies in Portugal evaluating the impact of demographic and clinical characteristics of this pathological entity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of gender, metabolic control, age of diabetic patients, as well as time of disease progression, the appearance of complaints related to neuropathic pain.Material and methods. A multicentre study with a non-probabilistic, convenience sample of 359 patients was performed employing the quantitative method, using the Statistical Package for Social Science 24 software. The p-value of p < 0.05 was defined to consider a result statistically significant. The Spearman correlation coefficient (r) was determined to determine the relationship between categorical variables.Results. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of DN between genders (p = 0.633 and r = 0.025). There was a statistically significant relationship between the value of HbA1c and DN, with p = 0.010 and r = 0.136. There is a relationship between age and complaints of neuropathic pain, with p = 0.034 and r = 0.112. The variable, time of disease progression, is also correlated with the appearance of complaints of neuropathic pain with p = 0.020 and r = 0.112.Conclusion. The prevalence of neuropathic pain in subjects with diabetes is not negligible and is associated with modifiable risk factors that can be identified, possibly modified and prevented. The correct approach for these patients, which involves screening and early treatment, is decisive improving functionality and quality of life.

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S162-S163
Author(s):  
Jennifer B Radics-Johnson ◽  
Daniel W Chacon ◽  
Li Zhang

Abstract Introduction Burn camps provide a unique environment and activities for children that have experienced a burn-injury. Positive outcomes from attending burn camp include increased self-esteem, decreased feelings of isolation and a greater sense of self-confidence. In a 3-year retrospective review of camper evaluations from one of the largest and longest running week-long burn camps in the nation for ages 5–17, we aimed to assess if a child’s gender, age, TBSA or ethnicity affected the impact that burn camp had on a child. Methods A 3-year retrospective review of a Burn Camp’s camper evaluation forms was conducted for campers that attended burn camp between 2017–2019. Camp rosters were reviewed to determine the camper gender, age, TBSA and ethnicity. Camper self-evaluation forms completed at the end of each camp session were reviewed to record camper responses to questions regarding their opinions on the impact camp had on them as well as how camp will impact their lives once they return home. Categorical variables were summarized as frequency and percentage, and continuous variables were described as median and range. To check the relationship between two categorical variables, Chi-square test was used. To compare the continuous variable among groups, Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA was used. Statistical significance was declared based on a p value&lt; 0.5. Results Within 2017–2019, there were 413 camper records. Participants’ demographic characteristics are summarized in Table 1. There were 208 males (50.3%) and 205 females (49.6%). The median age of campers were 11.86, 12.44 and 12.45 for 2017–2019, with the range from 5.16 years to 17.96 years. The median TBSA were 20, 20 and 18 for 2017–2019, with the range from 0.08 to 90. Collectively there were 47.7% Hispanic (n= 197); 24.2% Whites (n=100); 13.1% Black (n= 54); 4.6% Asian (n=19) and 7.7% Other (n=32). There were 395 camper self-evaluation forms submitted. Results of three questions there we were interested in are summarized collectively in Table 2. 57% of campers responded, “Yes, Definitely” to the question “After going to this event, will you feel more comfortable being around your classmates or friends?” 54% responded, “ Yes, Definitely” to the question “Do you feel more confidents in sharing your burn story with others when returning home?” and 51% responded “Yes, Definitely” to “Did you learn anything that will help you when you return home?” Conclusions In analyzing the camper responses, there was no statistically significant difference in responses comparing gender, age, TBSA or ethnicity.


2015 ◽  
Vol 101 (1) ◽  
pp. e1.10-e1 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Samardžić ◽  
A. Smits ◽  
V. Cossey ◽  
I. Soldatović ◽  
M. Bajčetić ◽  
...  

*presenting author, supported by ERAWEB II scholarship for postdoctoral program at the KU Leuven, Belgium (2014–2015)IntroductionVancomycin, a glycopeptide antibiotic, is frequently used for late onset sepsis (LOS) and catheter-related infection. Larger inter- and intra-patient variability, combined with a narrow therapeutic index, warrants therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). However, large inter-individual variability in PK parameters in neonates is documented, only partly explained by covariates such as weight, age or serum creatinine (1,2). In the current study, we focus on the potential impact of between assay differences for vancomycin (3) on the variability in its concentration in a single neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).MethodsVancomycin TDM observations of neonates and young infants treated with intravenous vancomycin, mainly for (suspected) LOS (ie, >72 hours after birth), in the Leuven NICU, Belgium, between June 2011 and December 2014. Our patient population, consists of (pre)term neonates, inborn or transferred, in need of specialized care related to prematurity, infections, perinatal asphyxia, congenital diseases (eg, surgery for cardiopathy, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, or esophageal atresia), or other diseases. Clinical characteristics at birth, as well as characteristics at the moment of TDM were extracted from the patient files. We aimed to document early vancomycin exposure, therefore only first trough levels were included. Serum vancomycin assay was performed either with a particle-enhanced turbidimetric inhibitionimmunoassay method (Siemens Dimension; Dade Behring, Deerfield, Illinois–PETINIA) or with an enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique (Cobas c702; Roche Diagnostics, Basel, Germany–COBAS). The data were analyzed by Chi-square test, t test and Mann-Whitney U test. Linear Mix Model was used to assess significant differences between groups, when adjusting for confounding factors. Data were analyzed in SPSS 20.0 (IBM corp.), p-value <0.05 was significant.ResultsIn total, 564 vancomycin TDM observations, 311 assayed with PETINIA and 253 with COBAS, were included. Both cohorts had comparable clinical characteristics (median [min-max] current weight 2150 [420–5000] grams for PETINIA vs. 2120 [500–5840] grams for COBAS, and median postmenstrual age 35 [25–58] weeks for PETINIA vs. 35 [25–51] weeks for COBAS). We determined the significant difference between the vancomycin concentrations using two different immunoassays: PETINIA vs. COBAS (F=17.971; p<0.001). When adjusting for current body weight and postmenstrual age, the major covariates associated with vancomycin serum trough levels in neonates, the difference in vancomycin concentration between cohorts was statistically significant (F=17.076, p<0.001, F=18.951, p<0.001, respectively). Overall, immunoassays PETINIA and COBAS significantly differed by vancomycin concentrations when adjusting for covariates, and the mean difference for vancomycin concentration was 2.167 mg/l.ConclusionThe present study confirms the impact of assays on the variability in vancomycin concentration in neonates in a single NICU. Comparison between these two immunoassays showed a mean proportional differences >20%. Therefore, it is important to know how the vancomycin is measured when interpreting results, and particularly the transferability of vancomycin results between the laboratories has to be interpreted with caution.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A414-A414
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Naoum ◽  
Abedalghani Abedalhalim ◽  
Amir Aker ◽  
Luai Khalaili ◽  
Sameer Kassem

Abstract Background: Diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are widely prevalent and comorbidity with these diseases is quite common. However, there is limited data on the interrelation between glycemic control and COPD exacerbations in diabetic patients. Objective: To study the association between pre-admission glycemic control and COPD clinical outcomes including mortality, risk of hospital readmission and the need for mechanical ventilation. Methods: A retrospective population-based cohort study. We screened for patients with both diabetes and COPD exacerbation aged 35 years and above. Pre-admission glycemic control was defined by the last HBA1C level prior to hospitalization. Patients with HBA1C&gt;8% were defined as uncontrolled. We evaluated the difference between controlled and uncontrolled groups in the rates of mortality, readmission and the need for mechanical ventilation. We examined demographic and clinical parameters that might reflect COPD severity including: COPD medication use, blood hemoglobin, platelets, LDH and CRP levels. Results: 513 hospitalizations with diabetes and COPD were screened. 222 hospitalization were excluded either due to unestablished diagnosis of COPD or due to lack of HBA1C test in the preceding year. Of the remaining 291, 208 admissions were with controlled diabetes whereas 83 were uncontrolled. Although not statistically significant, the rate of re-hospitalization was higher in the uncontrolled group (OR 1.99, CI 0.99–4.0, p-value 0.051). There was no statistically significant difference in mortality (OR 1.6, CI 0.73–3.5, p-value 0.243). The use of oxygen and the need for noninvasive mechanical ventilation were significantly higher in the uncontrolled group (67.5% vs. 52.4%, p-value 0.019, 33.7% versus 18.8%, p-value 0.006, respectively). There was no significant difference in possible confounders tested between the groups. Conclusion: Uncontrolled diabetes may adversely affect patients with COPD exacerbation. Larger studies are needed to conclusively determine the impact of glycemic control on COPD morbidity and mortality.


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S81-S82
Author(s):  
Kathleen A Iles ◽  
Lori Chrisco ◽  
Stephen Heisler ◽  
Booker King ◽  
Felicia N Williams ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a critical comorbidity with burn injury due to the disrupted healing process. Previous reports have confirmed the increased rate of osteomyelitis (OM) and subsequent amputation in this cohort, however this has yet to be studied in comparison to non-diabetic patients. In this retrospective analysis, we investigate OM and amputation in both the diabetic and non-diabetic lower extremity burn populations to determine the impact of DM on these outcomes. Methods The burn registry was used to identify all patients admitted to our tertiary burn center from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018. Only patients with lower extremity burns (foot and/or ankle) were included. Patients with burns to additional body areas were excluded. Amputations were categorized by time from injury. Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t test, chi-squared test, and Fischer’s exact test. Results Of the 315 patients identified, 103 had a known diagnosis of DM and 212 did not. Scald injury was the most common mechanism and average TBSA was similar. Differences were observed in average length of stay (LOS) and admission cost, with diabetics demonstrating both a higher LOS (13.7 days vs 9.2 days, p-value= 0.0016) and cost ($72,883 vs $50,500, p-value= 0.0058) (Table 1). In total, 17 patients were found to have radiologically confirmed OM within three months of the burn injury. Fifteen of these patients had a history of DM and two had no history of DM (p-value= &lt; 0.001) (Table 2). The DM OM patients were found to have a higher blood glucose level on admission (219 mg/dL vs 110 mg/dL, p-value= 0.0452). No significant difference was seen in Hgb A1c in diabetics with or without OM (9.26% vs 8.81%, p= 0.2743). Notably, when non-diabetics were diagnosed with OM, significant differences were observed in both LOS and cost in comparison to their counterparts without OM (36 days vs 9 days; p= 0.0003; $226,289 vs $48,818, p=0.0001). Of the 11 patients who required an amputation, 10 (90.9%) of these patients had comorbid DM. Conclusions DM patients with lower extremity burns are more likely to develop OM than their non-diabetic counterparts. When radiologically confirmed OM is present, DM patients have an increased rate of amputation. OM incurs significant healthcare utilization and cost in both the diabetic and non-diabetic populations.


2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (05) ◽  
pp. 4563
Author(s):  
Tariq A. Zafar

Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test indicates the blood glucose levels for the previous two to three months. Using HbA1c test may overcome many of the practical issues and prevent infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs). The study aimed to evaluate the impact of glycemic control using HbA1c test to understand patient characteristics and UTIs prevalence. Glycemic control was evaluated by measuring HbA1c for a total of 208 diabetes patients who were regularly attending diabetes center in Al-Noor specialist hospital in Makkah.  The results showed that good and moderate glycemic controlled patients were 14.9% and 16.9% respectively while the poor glycemic patients were 68.3%. Among the good improved glycemic control, 83.9% were females, 48.4% were from age group (15-44y). Among the moderately improved glycemic control, 68.4% were females, 54.3% were from age group (45-64 y) with no significant difference. The total number of the patients with positive UTIs was 55 (26.4%) while the total number of patients with negative was UTIs 153 (73.6%). Among the positive UTIs, 76.3% were with poor glycemic control while only 12.3% and 11% were moderate and good improved glycemic control respectively. Among the negative UTIs, 65.3% were with poor glycemic control while only 19% and 15.7% were with moderate and good improved glycemic control respectively.  Prevalence of UTIs among diabetic patients was not significant (p > 0.05). It was concluded that HbA1c was useful monitoring tool for diabetes mellitus and may lead to improved outcomes. Using a HbA1c test may overcome many of the practical issues that affect the blood glucose tests.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S144-S144
Author(s):  
Azza Elamin ◽  
Faisal Khan ◽  
Ali Abunayla ◽  
Rajasekhar Jagarlamudi ◽  
aditee Dash

Abstract Background As opposed to Staphylococcus. aureus bacteremia, there are no guidelines to recommend repeating blood cultures in Gram-negative bacilli bacteremia (GNB). Several studies have questioned the utility of follow-up blood cultures (FUBCs) in GNB, but the impact of this practice on clinical outcomes is not fully understood. Our aim was to study the practice of obtaining FUBCs in GNB at our institution and to assess it’s impact on clinical outcomes. Methods We conducted a retrospective, single-center study of adult patients, ≥ 18 years of age admitted with GNB between January 2017 and December 2018. We aimed to compare clinical outcomes in those with and without FUBCs. Data collected included demographics, comorbidities, presumed source of bacteremia and need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Presence of fever, hypotension /shock and white blood cell (WBC) count on the day of FUBC was recorded. The primary objective was to compare 30-day mortality between the two groups. Secondary objectives were to compare differences in 30-day readmission rate, hospital length of stay (LOS) and duration of antibiotic treatment. Mean and standard deviation were used for continuous variables, frequency and proportion were used for categorical variables. P-value &lt; 0.05 was defined as statistically significant. Results 482 patients were included, and of these, 321 (67%) had FUBCs. 96% of FUBCs were negative and 2.8% had persistent bacteremia. There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality between those with and without FUBCs (2.9% and 2.7% respectively), or in 30-day readmission rate (21.4% and 23.4% respectively). In patients with FUBCs compared to those without FUBCs, hospital LOS was longer (7 days vs 5 days, P &lt; 0.001), and mean duration of antibiotic treatment was longer (14 days vs 11 days, P &lt; 0.001). A higher number of patients with FUBCs needed ICU care compared to those without FUBCs (41.4% and 25.5% respectively, P &lt; 0.001) Microbiology of index blood culture in those with and without FUBCs Outcomes in those with and without FUBCs FUBCs characteristics Conclusion Obtaining FUBCs in GNB had no impact on 30-day mortality or 30-day readmission rate. It was associated with longer LOS and antibiotic duration. Our findings suggest that FUBCs in GNB are low yield and may not be recommended in all patients. Prospective studies are needed to further examine the utility of this practice in GNB. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rémi Etienne ◽  
Myriam Laurent ◽  
Aline Henry ◽  
Antoine Bioy ◽  
Julia Salleron ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Neuropathic pain is characterized by spontaneous painful symptoms. Medical therapies include the use of a capsaicin 8% patch (Qutenza®, Grünenthal Gmbh, Germany), and patients may experience a sharp burning sensation at application and removal of the patch. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of playing a standardized hypnosis recording during application, on the pain and anxiety induced by capsaicin treatment. Methods In a randomized, controlled trial, we assessed the benefits of the intervention firstly on pain and secondly on anxiety, as measured using numerical rating scales. All patients had application of the capsaicin patch, including the possibility for the patient to apply a cold patch. Participants were randomly assigned to one of 3 groups, namely the “Standard group” (no intervention), “Hypnosis group”, in which a standardized hypnotic message was played during application, or the “Music group” in which relaxing music was played during application of the patch. Results Sixty-nine patients were included. Overall, there was no significant difference in pain scores between groups (p = 0.355). Compared to standard application, anxiety was significantly lower in the hypnosis group after application (p = 0.007), with no significant difference between the standard and music arms (p = 0.271), or between the hypnosis and music arms (p = 0.423). Conclusions Listening to a standardized hypnotic message during application of a capsaicin patch was found to significantly lower anxiety. These findings indicate that the use of a hypnotic message can reduce discomfort and warrant its evaluation in other indications of pain or anxiety during treatment procedures. Trial registration NCT02822625.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 238212052110164
Author(s):  
Abbie West ◽  
Cara Cawley ◽  
Elizabeth Crow ◽  
Alexis M. Stoner ◽  
Natalie M. Fadel ◽  
...  

Objective: Approximately 1 in 6 adults 60 and older have experienced a form of abuse in the past year. Many cases remain under-reported due to lack of knowledge and awareness. This study created an educational program on elder abuse for medical students to determine if participation would increase knowledge and awareness of elder abuse. Methods: This study used a pre and post survey methodology to evaluate students’ knowledge and awareness of elder abuse before and after participating in this educational program. Sixty first and second year osteopathic medical students at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Carolinas Campus participated in this study. Students were emailed a pre-survey to evaluate their pre-existing knowledge and awareness. The survey was, previously created by the Student Training on Preventing Domestic Violence (STOP-DV) team using validated measures. Participants then attended educational events about various forms of elder abuse and recognizing its associated signs, and afterward completed the post-survey. The results were compared using t-tests to determine if there was a significant difference. Results: First and second year students differed significantly in pre-survey results of knowledge but not post-survey results. The results showed a significant difference in overall mean knowledge ( P-value < .001) and awareness scores ( P-value < .001) in all students. Conclusion: These results suggest education on elder abuse can enable future physicians to better recognize, understand, and support older adults regarding elder maltreatment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (Suppl. 1) ◽  
pp. S64-S69

Background: Hypercholesterolemia is a risk factor for developing coronary artery disease. Lifestyle modification including an intake of healthy food as well as medication have approved effect in lowering serum cholesterol. Objective: The primary objective of the present study was to determine the impact of a gamma-oryzanol-enriched rice bran oil, a product of Thailand, on serum cholesterol level. Materials and Methods: A total of in 54 hypercholesterolemic patients were divided into two groups; RBOh (20,000 ppm of gammaoryzanol, n = 27), and RBOn (5,000 ppm gamma-oryzanol, n = 27). The assigned RBO (15 ml) was intake each day for 8 weeks. Fasting serum lipids were measured at baseline and at the 4th and 8th weeks of the intervention. All patients were advised about lifestyle modifications. Results: When compared to the baseline, subjects received RBOh showed a significant difference in 2 parameters including a reduction of cholesterol level at 8th weeks (p-value = 0.0101), and decrease in LDL-C level at the end of 8th weeks (p-value = 0.0013). In the group treated with RBOn, a significant increase in HDL-C level at the end of 8th weeks (p-value = 0.0303) without any effect on total cholesterol or LDL was observed. No sign of toxic effect on liver or renal functions was seen in both treatment groups. Conclusion: RBO with gamma-oryzanol-enriched could decrease cholesterol and LDL-C level in hypercholesterolemic patients. Therefore, gamma-oryzanol-enriched RBO is a functional food that may reduce cardiovascular disease risk factor. Keywords: Hypercholesterolemia, Rice bran oil, Gamma-oryzanol, Oryza sativa


2015 ◽  
Vol 87 (3) ◽  
pp. 238
Author(s):  
Hassan El-Tatawy ◽  
Tarek Gameel ◽  
Mohammed Abo El-enen ◽  
Ayman Hagras ◽  
Ayman Mousa ◽  
...  

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of the prostatic-urethral angulation (PUA) on the treatment efficacy of selective alpha-1A receptor blocker in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH). Materials and methods: A total of 80 patients with LUTS/BPH and with mean age 53.3 ± 6.3 (range 47-70) were included in our prospective comparative study. The patients were classified into 2 groups as a consecutive cases 40 in each one depending on the PUA either ≤ 35° (group A) or &gt; 35° (group B). PUA and different prostatic parameters were measured using transrectal ultrasound. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), the International Prostate Symptom Score and quality of life score (IPSS/QoL score), maximum flow rate (Q<sub>max</sub>), and postvoid residual (PVR) volume were compared between the groups. The clinical significance of PUA was evaluated after 8 weeks of medical treatment with tamsulosin hydrochloride 0.4 mg daily. Results: Baseline evaluation (pre-treatment) for both groups were comparable to each other with no clinically significant difference regarding age, PSA, IPSS/QoL score, Qmax and PVR volume (P-value &gt; 0.05). Comparison of parameters after 8 weeks showed that tamsulosin hydrochloride improved the total IPSS and all subscores (P &lt; 0.001), QoL (P = 0.001), Q<sub>max</sub> (P = 0.002), and PVR (P = 0.04) in group A (Table 1). Conclusion: Tamsulosin hydrochloride appears to be less effective in improving IPSS/Qol score, Qmax and PVR in patients with lager PUA. The PUA might be a predictor for the treatment efficacy of α-blockers and more studies are warranted in the future before the final conclusion.


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