scholarly journals Nutritional Intervention Facilitates Food Intake after Epilepsy Surgery

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 514
Author(s):  
Rika Suzumura ◽  
Ayataka Fujimoto ◽  
Keishiro Sato ◽  
Shimpei Baba ◽  
Satoko Kubota ◽  
...  

Background: We investigated whether nutritional intervention affected food intake after epilepsy surgery and if intravenous infusions were required in patients with epilepsy. We hypothesized that postoperative food intake would be increased by nutritional intervention. The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative food intake in the periods before and after nutritional intervention. Methods: Between September 2015 and October 2020, 124 epilepsy surgeries were performed. Of these, 65 patients who underwent subdural electrode placement followed by open cranial epilepsy surgery were studied. Postoperative total food intake, rate of maintenance of food intake, and total intravenous infusion were compared in the periods before and after nutritional intervention. Results: A total of 26 females and 39 males (age range 3–60, mean 27.1, standard deviation (SD) 14.3, median 26 years) were enrolled. Of these, 18 females and 23 males (3–60, mean 28.2, SD 15.1, median 26 years) were in the pre-nutritional intervention period group, and eight females and 16 males (5–51, mean 25.2, SD 12.9, median 26.5 years) were in the post-nutritional intervention period group. The post-nutritional intervention period group showed significantly higher food intake (p = 0.015) and lower total infusion (p = 0.006) than the pre-nutritional intervention period group. Conclusion: The nutritional intervention increased food intake and also reduced the total amount of intravenous infusion. To identify the cut-off day to cease the intervention and to evaluate whether the intervention can reduce the complication rate, a multicenter study with a large number of patients is warranted.

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Palmese ◽  
Ilaria Bolondi ◽  
Ferdinando Antonino Giannone ◽  
Giacomo Zaccherini ◽  
Manuel Tufoni ◽  
...  

Patients with cirrhosis waiting for liver transplantation (LT) frequently present a nutritional disorder, which represents an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality before and after transplantation. Thus, a proper assessment of the food intake by using different methods, such as food records, food frequency questionnaires, and 24 h recall, should be deemed an important step of the nutritional management of these patients. The available published studies indicate that the daily food intake is inadequate in the majority of waitlisted patients. These findings were confirmed by our experience, showing that the daily intake of total calories, proteins and carbohydrates was inadequate in approximately 85–95% of patients, while that of lipids and simple carbohydrates was inadequate in almost 50% of them. These data highlight the need to implement an effective educational program provided by certified nutritionists or dieticians, who should work in close collaboration with the hepatologist to provide a nutritional intervention tailored to the individual patient requirements.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Paul Park ◽  
Victor Chang ◽  
Hsueh-Han Yeh ◽  
Jason M. Schwalb ◽  
David R. Nerenz ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEIn 2017, Michigan passed new legislation designed to reduce opioid abuse. This study evaluated the impact of these new restrictive laws on preoperative narcotic use, short-term outcomes, and readmission rates after spinal surgery.METHODSPatient data from 1 year before and 1 year after initiation of the new opioid laws (beginning July 1, 2018) were queried from the Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative database. Before and after implementation of the major elements of the new laws, 12,325 and 11,988 patients, respectively, were treated.RESULTSPatients before and after passage of the opioid laws had generally similar demographic and surgical characteristics. Notably, after passage of the opioid laws, the number of patients taking daily narcotics preoperatively decreased from 3783 (48.7%) to 2698 (39.7%; p < 0.0001). Three months postoperatively, there were no differences in minimum clinically important difference (56.0% vs 58.0%, p = 0.1068), numeric rating scale (NRS) score of back pain (3.5 vs 3.4, p = 0.1156), NRS score of leg pain (2.7 vs 2.7, p = 0.3595), satisfaction (84.4% vs 84.7%, p = 0.6852), or 90-day readmission rate (5.8% vs 6.2%, p = 0.3202) between groups. Although there was no difference in readmission rates, pain as a reason for readmission was marginally more common (0.86% vs 1.22%, p = 0.0323).CONCLUSIONSThere was a meaningful decrease in preoperative narcotic use, but notably there was no apparent negative impact on postoperative recovery, patient satisfaction, or short-term outcomes after spinal surgery despite more restrictive opioid prescribing. Although the readmission rate did not significantly increase, pain as a reason for readmission was marginally more frequently observed.


Author(s):  
Maryam Attef ◽  
Mireille Cloutier ◽  
Meredith Gillespie ◽  
Chantal Trudel ◽  
Kym Boycott

This quality improvement study focused on developing an understanding of factors influencing the ability of prenatal genetics counsellors (GCs) to efficiently see patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies to improve their workflow using techniques from human factors and design. The demand for Prenatal Genetics Clinics is rising which has increased pressure on GCs to become more efficient. Genetics counsellors can improve access to their services by reducing the time spent on the tasks performed before and after a genetic counselling encounter, thereby increasing the number of patients they see. We were limited to certain methods to understand the differences in workflow before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study involved a literature review, archival analysis of workflow studies conducted before the pandemic, stakeholder meetings and mapping, a brainstorming session, as well as documenting time-on-task in a diary and naturalistic observation sessions. A task analysis was developed to identify factors influencing efficiency related to the design of the space, processes and the use of artefacts. Virtual and on-site workflows show that GCs spend at least half of their time on tasks before and/or after the patient’s appointment. Looking at potential inefficiencies or bottlenecks in workflow formed the development of a strategic plan for improving GC workflows at the prenatal Genetics Clinic. Improvements suggested through this analysis were constrained to support the current number of healthcare providers working within the existing space configuration.


2017 ◽  
Vol 133 ◽  
pp. 10-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga Braams ◽  
Renske Schappin ◽  
Joost Meekes ◽  
Peter C. van Rijen ◽  
Onno van Nieuwenhuizen ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Emre Sarıkaya ◽  
Dilek Çiçek ◽  
Ebru Gök ◽  
Leyla Kara ◽  
Uğur Berber ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Coronavirus disease 2019 has caused a major epidemic worldwide, and lockdowns became necessary in all countries to prevent its spread. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of staying-at-home practices on the metabolic control of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes during the pandemic period. Materials and Methods Eighty-nine patients younger than 18 years old who were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at least one year before the declaration of the pandemic were included in the study. The last visit data of the patients before and after the declaration of the pandemic, and the frequency of presentation of diabetes-related emergencies from one year after diagnosis of type 1 diabetes to the declaration of the pandemic, and from the declaration of the pandemic to the last visit after the pandemic declaration were compared. Results The total number of patients was 89, and 48 (53.9%) were boys. The mean (± standard deviation [SD]) age at diagnosis was 8.4 ± 3.7 years (boys 7.9 ± 3.6 years; girls 8.9 ± 3.9 years). There was no statistically significant difference when the SD values of the anthropometric measurements, and the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and lipid profile tests were compared. However, the frequency of admission to the emergency service related to diabetes was significantly different. Conclusions Although the pandemic did not significantly affect the metabolic and glycemic controls of the children with type 1 diabetes included in this study, an increase in the frequency of diabetes-related emergency admissions was noted.


Innova ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 18-24
Author(s):  
Максим Юрьевич Гончаров ◽  
◽  
Яна Алексеевна Горева ◽  

The problem of early diagnosis of non-specific purulent diseases of the spine remains relevant. The main organizational problems in providing medical care to these patients are considered to be late diagnosis, late administration of antibacterial therapy and neurosurgical care. The goal of our work was to improve treatment outcomes by reducing the time of diagnosis and the duration of the stage before providing specialized care. Based on the identified variable factors that influenced the treatment outcomes, we proposed an algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of non-specific purulent diseases of the spine, implemented in the activities of hospitals in the Sverdlovsk region. To evaluate the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm, we retrospectively compared the main indicators and results of the treatment of patients conducted before and after the implementation of the developed algorithm. Educational and methodological work with doctors was also important for reducing the time of diagnosis of the disease. After the implementation of the developed algorithm of diagnostics and tactics in nonspecific suppurative diseases of the spine and the necessary organizational issues, there was a reduction of the duration from the first signs of the disease to provide specialized assistance, as well as the number of patients who had gross neurological deficit and/or systemic inflammatory response syndrome upon admission to a hospital. The results obtained allow us to recommend the developed algorithm of diagnostics and tactics for non-specific purulent diseases of the spine for implementation in other regions of the Russian Federation.


2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 511-522 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander G. Weil ◽  
Aria Fallah ◽  
Evan C. Lewis ◽  
Sanjiv Bhatia

OBJECTIVE Insular lobe epilepsy (ILE) is an under-recognized cause of extratemporal epilepsy and explains some epilepsy surgery failures in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. The diagnosis of ILE usually requires invasive investigation with insular sampling; however, the location of the insula below the opercula and the dense middle cerebral artery vasculature renders its sampling challenging. Several techniques have been described, ranging from open direct placement of orthogonal subpial depth and strip electrodes through a craniotomy to frame-based stereotactic placement of orthogonal or oblique electrodes using stereo-electroencephalography principles. The authors describe an alternative method for sampling the insula, which involves placing insular depth electrodes along the long axis of the insula through the insular apex following dissection of the sylvian fissure in conjunction with subdural electrodes over the lateral hemispheric/opercular region. The authors report the feasibility, advantages, disadvantages, and role of this approach in investigating pediatric insular-opercular refractory epilepsy. METHODS The authors performed a retrospective analysis of all children (< 18 years old) who underwent invasive intracranial studies involving the insula between 2002 and 2015. RESULTS Eleven patients were included in the study (5 boys). The mean age at surgery was 7.6 years (range 0.5–16 years). All patients had drug-resistant epilepsy as defined by the International League Against Epilepsy and underwent comprehensive noninvasive epilepsy surgery workup. Intracranial monitoring was performed in all patients using 1 parasagittal insular electrode (1 patient had 2 electrodes) in addition to subdural grids and strips tailored to the suspected epileptogenic zone. In 10 patients, extraoperative monitoring was used; in 1 patient, intraoperative electrocorticography was used alone without extraoperative monitoring. The mean number of insular contacts was 6.8 (range 4–8), and the mean number of fronto-parieto-temporal hemispheric contacts was 61.7 (range 40–92). There were no complications related to placement of these depth electrodes. All 11 patients underwent subsequent resective surgery involving the insula. CONCLUSIONS Parasagittal transinsular apex depth electrode placement is a feasible alternative to orthogonally placed open or oblique-placed stereotactic methodologies. This method is safe and best suited for suspected unilateral cases with a possible extensive insular-opercular epileptogenic zone.


1997 ◽  
Vol 31 (9) ◽  
pp. 970-973 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy S Morgan ◽  
Patrick J Brennan ◽  
Neil O Fishman

Objective To review the appropriateness of vancomycin therapy, changes in vancomycin use, and the incidence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) after implementation of a limited restriction policy requiring approval from the Infectious Diseases Approval service to continue vancomycin therapy beyond 72 hours. Design A prospective chart review was conducted in April 1995. Pharmacy billing data and infection control data were compared before and after policy implementation. Setting A 725-bed university teaching institution. Patients All patients receiving vancomycin during April 1995. Main outcome Measures Appropriateness of use was based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for prudent vancomycin use. Results A total of 333 courses of vancomycin therapy were reviewed. Vancomycin use was appropriate in 219 (66%) courses. Of the 114 courses that did not meet the CDC guidelines, 76 (67%) were for empiric use, 35 (31%) were for prophylactic use, and 3 (3%) were for therapeutic use. Overall, the total number of grams used decreased 9%, grams per 1000 patient-days decreased by 10, and the total number of patients exposed to vancomycin decreased 0.5%. Several services had large decreases in vancomycin use. Vancomycin expenditures decreased by $15 788 for the 7-month time period. The incidence of VRE remained unchanged, at 30% of all enterococcal isolates 2 years after policy implementation. Conclusions The limited restriction policy was effective in decreasing the total grams of vancomycin used. However, one-third of vancomycin therapy was inappropriate and the incidence of VRE was unchanged. A more stringent restriction policy could potentially increase appropriate use, further decrease the amount of vancomycin used, and decrease the incidence of VRE.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Elkadi ◽  
Eleanor Dodd ◽  
Theodore Poulton ◽  
William Bolton ◽  
Joshua Burke ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims Despite being the most common surgical procedure, there is wide variation that exists in the management of simple subcutaneous abscesses with no national guideline describing best practice. During the COVID-19 Pandemic national guidelines promoted the use of regional or local anaesthetic (LA) instead of general anaesthesia (GA) to avoid aerosol generating intubation associated with GA. This study aimed to assess the impact of anaesthetic choice in outcomes following incision and drainage of subcutaneous abscesses. Methods Two cohorts of patients undergoing abscess incision and drainage at St. James’ University Hospital Leeds were retrospectively identified over a 14-week period before and after the introduction of the new COVID-19 anaesthetic guidelines. Wound healing surrogate endpoints were used: i) total number of follow up appointments and ii) attendance to healthcare services after 30 days from I&D. Result 133 patients were included. Significantly more procedures were performed under LA after the intervention (84.1% vs 5.7%; p &lt; 0.0001) with a significant reduction in wound packing (68.3% vs 87.1%. p=0.00473). Follow up data found no significant difference in the average number of follow-up appointments (7.46 vs 5.11; p = 0.0731) and the number of patients who required ongoing treatment after 30 days (n = 14 vs n = 14, p = 0.921). Conclusion Drainage of simple subcutaneous abscess under 5 cm is safe under local anaesthetic with no significant difference in surrogate endpoints of wound healing observed in this patient cohort. Recurrent packing may not be required. Future work should explore patient reported measures such as pain management and the health economics of this intervention.


Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (9) ◽  
pp. 930
Author(s):  
Jan A. Graw ◽  
Fanny Marsch ◽  
Claudia D. Spies ◽  
Roland C. E. Francis

Background and Objectives: Mortality on Intensive Care Units (ICUs) is high and death frequently occurs after decisions to limit life-sustaining therapies. An advance directive is a tool meant to preserve patient autonomy by guiding anticipated future treatment decisions once decision-making capacity is lost. Since September 2009, advance directives are legally binding for the caregiver team and the patients’ surrogate decision-maker in Germany. The change in frequencies of end-of-life decisions (EOLDs) and completed advance directives among deceased ICU patients ten years after the enactment of a law on advance directives in Germany is unknown. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis on all deceased patients of surgical ICUs of a German university medical center from 08/2008 to 09/2009 and from 01/2019 to 09/2019. Frequency of EOLDs and advance directives and the process of EOLDs were compared between patients admitted before and after the change in legislation. (No. of ethical approval EA2/308/20) Results: Significantly more EOLDs occurred in the 2019 cohort compared to the 2009 cohort (85.8% vs. 70.7% of deceased patients, p = 0.006). The number of patients possessing an advance directive to express a living or therapeutic will was higher in the 2019 cohort compared to the 2009 cohort (26.4% vs. 8.9%; difference: 17.5%, p < 0.001). Participation of the patients’ family in the EOLD process (74.7% vs. 60.9%; difference: 13.8%, p = 0.048) and the frequency of documentation of EOLD-relevant information (50.0% vs. 18.7%; difference: 31.3%, p < 0.001) increased from 2009 to 2019. Discussion: During a ten-year period from 2009 to 2019, the frequency of EOLDs and the completion rate of advance directives have increased considerably. In addition, EOLD-associated communication and documentation have further improved.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document