scholarly journals The Adverse Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Abdominal Emergencies: A Retrospective Clinico-Pathological Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (22) ◽  
pp. 5254
Author(s):  
Elena Vissio ◽  
Enrico Costantino Falco ◽  
Gitana Scozzari ◽  
Antonio Scarmozzino ◽  
Do An Andrea Trinh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Severity ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Significant Drop ◽  
Abdominal Emergencies ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Pathological Disease ◽  
And Control ◽  
First Time

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a worldwide significant drop of admissions to the emergency department (ED). The aim of the study was to retrospectively investigate the pandemic impact on ED admissions, management, and severity of three abdominal emergencies (appendicitis, diverticulitis, and cholecystitis) during the COVID-19 pandemic using 2017–2019 data as a control. The difference in clinical and pathological disease severity was the primary outcome measure while differences in (i) ED admissions, (ii) triage urgency codes, and (iii) surgical rates were the second ones. Overall, ED admissions for the selected conditions decreased by 34.9% during the pandemic (control: 996, 2020: 648) and lower triage urgency codes were assigned for cholecystitis (control: 170/556, 2020: 66/356, p < 0.001) and appendicitis (control: 40/178, 2020: 21/157, p = 0.031). Less surgical procedures were performed in 2020 (control: 447, 2020: 309), but the surgical rate was stable (47.7% in 2020 vs. 44.8% in 2017–2019). Considering the clinical and pathological assessments, a higher percentage of severe cases was observed in the four pandemic peak months of 2020 (control: 98/192, 2020: 87/109; p < 0.001 and control: 105/192, 2020: 87/109; p < 0.001). For the first time in this study, pathological findings objectively demonstrated an increased disease severity of the analyzed conditions during the early COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Clinical impact of left and right axis deviations with narrow QRS complex on 3-year outcomes in a hospital-based population in Japan

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuta Seko ◽  
Takao Kato ◽  
Yuhei Yamaji ◽  
Yoshisumi Haruna ◽  
Eisaku Nakane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Events ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Conduction Block ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Excess Risk ◽  
Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events ◽  
Prognostic Impact ◽  
Axis Deviation ◽  
The Right

AbstractWhile the prognostic impact of QRS axis deviation has been assessed, it has never been investigated in patients without conduction block. Thus, we evaluated the prognostic impact of QRS-axis deviation in patients without conduction block. We retrospectively analyzed 3353 patients who had undergone both scheduled transthoracic echocardiography and electrocardiography in 2013 in a hospital-based population, after excluding patients with a QRS duration of ≥ 110 ms, pacemaker placement, and an QRS-axis − 90° to − 180° (northwest axis). The study population was categorized into three groups depending on the mean frontal plane QRS axis as follows: patients with left axis deviation (N = 171), those with right axis deviation (N = 94), and those with normal axis (N = 3088). The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death and major adverse cardiovascular events. The cumulative 3-year incidence of the primary outcome measure was significantly higher in the left axis deviation group (26.4% in the left axis deviation, 22.7% in the right axis deviation, and 18.4% in the normal axis groups, log-rank P = 0.004). After adjusting for confounders, the excess risk of primary outcome measure remained significant in the left axis deviation group (hazard ratio [HR] 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–1.95; P = 0.02), while the excess risk of primary outcome measure was not significant in the right axis deviation group (HR 1.22; 95% CI 0.76–1.96; P = 0.41). Left axis deviation was associated with a higher risk of a composite of all-cause death and major adverse cardiovascular events in hospital-based patients without conduction block in Japan.

scholarly journals Computerised cognitive–behavioural therapy for adults with intellectual disability: randomised controlled trial

2017 ◽  
Vol 211 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Cooney ◽  
Catherine Jackman ◽  
David Coyle ◽  
Gary O'Reilly
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Behavioural Therapy ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Cognitive Behavioural ◽  
Randomised Controlled

BackgroundDespite the evidence base for computer-assisted cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) in the general population, it has not yet been adapted for use with adults who have an intellectual disability.AimsTo evaluate the utility of a CBT computer game for adults who have an intellectual disability.MethodA 2 × 3 (group × time) randomised controlled trial design was used. Fifty-two adults with mild to moderate intellectual disability and anxiety or depression were randomly allocated to two groups: computerised CBT (cCBT) or psychiatric treatment as usual (TAU), and assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment and 3-month follow-up. Forty-nine participants were included in the final analysis.ResultsA significant group x time interaction was observed on the primary outcome measure of anxiety (Glasgow Anxiety Scale for people with an Intellectual Disability), favouring cCBT over TAU, but not on the primary outcome measure of depression (Glasgow Depression Scale for people with a Learning Disability). A medium effect size for anxiety symptoms was observed at post-treatment and a large effect size was observed after follow-up. Reliability of Change Indices indicated that the intervention produced clinically significant change in the cCBT group in comparison with TAU.ConclusionsAs the first application of cCBT for adults with intellectual disability, this intervention appears to be a useful treatment option to reduce anxiety symptoms in this population.

scholarly journals Telephone-guided self-help for mental health difficulties in neurological conditions: a randomised pilot trial

2021 ◽  
pp. archdischild-2019-318577
Author(s):  
Sophie D Bennett ◽  
Isobel Heyman ◽  
Anna E Coughtrey ◽  
Sophia Varadkar ◽  
Terence Stephenson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
Neurological Conditions

ObjectiveThis study aimed to conduct a randomised pilot trial to assess the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the effect of telephone-guided self-help for the treatment of mental health difficulties in children with neurological conditions.DesignPreliminary RCT. The primary outcome measure was the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.SettingNeurology clinics in a national tertiary paediatric hospital.PatientsYoung people attending neurology clinics who met criteria for mental health difficulties according to the Development and Wellbeing Assessment.Interventions12 weeks of telephone-guided self-help based on a modular approach to psychological therapy for children delivered to children and/or their parents (n=17; eight males; mean age 12.04 years, SD=3.34) or a waiting list for telephone-guided self-help with no additional intervention over 12 weeks (n=17; nine males; mean age 10.53 years, SD=3.14).Results124 participants completed the DAWBA, and 34 children and young people were entered into the trial. 65% of those randomised to the intervention arm completed the full intervention, and the intervention was acceptable to those completing it. However, there were significant problems related to lack of data completion (38% data loss for primary outcome measure), choice of control comparator and outcome measures. Due to significant loss of data at follow-up, the effect size findings are considered unreliable.ConclusionsFurther feasibility work should be conducted to improve data completeness before progression to a definitive trial of guided self-help for mental health problems in children with neurological conditions can be recommended.Trial registration numberISRCTN21184717.

scholarly journals COMPARISON RESULTS OF SURGICAL TREATMENT LOCALIZED AND EXTENDED UTERINE CANCER

2010 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 56-61
Author(s):  
I I Ushakov ◽  
E A Artoshina ◽  
P G Brousov ◽  
I V Nazvantsev ◽  
S A Levakov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Adjuvant Radiotherapy ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Uterine Cancer ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Pelvic Lymphadenectomy ◽  
Peritoneal Washing ◽  
Comparison Results

We selected 145 patients with endometrial carcinoma who had been treated with standard surgery (hysterectomy and BSO, peritoneal washing, palpation pelvic and para-aortic nodes) and with complete systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy (n=30 patients) or combined pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy (n=30). Patients at intermediate or high risk of recurrence were offered adjuvant radiotherapy. The primary outcome measure was results of the surgical therapy.

scholarly journals Change in timed walk as primary outcome measure of treatment response in HAMLET-P: HAM/TSP MuLticentre Efficacy trial-Prednisolone

Retrovirology ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (S1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiola Martin ◽  
Eisuke Inoue ◽  
Maria Fernanda Rios Grassi ◽  
Ramon de Almeida Kruschewsky ◽  
Irene Cortese ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Response ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Efficacy Trial

A phase III trial of intramuscular recombinant interferon beta as treatment for exacerbating-remitting multiple sclerosis: design and conduct of study and baseline characteristics of patients

1995 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
LD Jacobs ◽  
DL Cookfair ◽  
RA Rudick ◽  
RM Herndon ◽  
J R Richert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Interferon Beta ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Recombinant Interferon ◽  
Study Population ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Baseline Characteristics

The design and conduct of a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicenter, phase III study of recombinant interferon beta-1a (IFN-β-1a) as treatment for exacerbating-remitting MS are described, as are baseline characteristics of the study population. The purpose of the study was to determine if 6.0 × 106 IU (30 μg) of IFN-β-1a, administered by weekly intramuscular (i.m.) injections, was effective in delaying the onset of sustained disability. The primary outcome measure was time to onset of treatment failure, defined as a worsening on the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) of greater than or equal to 1.0 point compared with baseline, persisting for at least 6 months. An intent-to-treat design was used. The primary outcome measure was analyzed using the Mantel-Cox log-rank statistic and Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Secondary outcomes included quantitative measures of upper and lower extremity function, neuropsychological test performance, functional and quality of life assessments and several measures derived from annual brain MRI studies. Entry criteria included prestudy exacerbation rates of at least 0.67 per year and EDSS scores of 1.0–3.5. A total of 301 MS patients were randomly assigned to receive weekly i.m. injections of IFN-β-1a or placebo. The average age of the study population at entry was 37 years; 92% were Caucasian and 73% were women. The mean prestudy disease duration was 6.5 years, mean prestudy exacerbation rate was 1.2 per year and the mean EDSS score was 2.3. The randomization yielded well-balanced treatment arms. Various aspects of the study are discussed, including: (1) the decision to focus study design on sustained disability; (2) the rationale for the treatment regimen; (3) measures taken to assure the reliability of the primary outcome measure; and (4) a description of the secondary outcome measures.

Abstract 18519: Withdrawal of Antiplatelet Therapy Results in Worse Short-term Prognosis in Patients Undergoing Elective Major Noncardiac Surgery

Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesús álvarez-García ◽  
Miquel Vives-Borrás ◽  
Joan I Llao ◽  
Andreu Ferrero-Gregori ◽  
Marc Bausili ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antiplatelet Therapy ◽  
Cardiovascular Events ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Postoperative Mortality ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Noncardiac Surgery ◽  
Concomitant Treatment ◽  
Short Term ◽  
The Impact

Background: The decision whether to discontinue antiplatelet therapy in patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery can be clinically challenging. There is insufficient clinical evidence to establish comprehensive guidelines and most of recommendations are based on expert consensus. Objective: To evaluate the effectof withdrawal of antiplatelet therapy on 30-day postoperative outcome in subjects undergoing elective major noncardiac surgery. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed in 1630 patients, 40 years and older, who underwent major noncardiac surgery. Age, gender, risk factors, previous chronic heart or lung disease, renal function, anemia and concomitant treatment were used in a binary logistic regression to determine the impact of withdrawal of antiplatelet therapy on prognosis. The primary outcome measure was a composite of 30-day postoperative mortality or cardiovascular events (cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, stroke or pulmonary embolism). Results: Five percent of patients presented the composite primary outcome measure of 30-day postoperative mortality or cardiovascular events. Antiplatelet therapy was withdrawn in 11.4% of patients (table). Discontinuation of antiplatelet therapy was associated with a significant increase in the primary outcome measure (OR 2.27; CI95%: 1.16-4.46). Conclusions: In a contemporary cohort of patients undergoing noncardiac surgery, withdrawal of antiplatelet therapy was associated with a worse short-term prognosis. There is an urgent need for further research in this field.

scholarly journals Evaluating the use of benzodiazepines following recent bereavement

2001 ◽  
Vol 178 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Warner ◽  
Chris Metcalfe ◽  
Michael King
Keyword(s):  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Outcome Measure ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Controlled Evaluation ◽  
Current Advice

BackgroundThere is no evidence to support current advice not to use benzodiazepines after bereavement.AimsTo determine the role of benzodiazepines in the management of bereavement.MethodWe conducted a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the use of diazepam after recent bereavement. Participants were randomised to either 2 mg diazepam or identically packaged placebo up to three times daily. The primary outcome measure was the Bereavement Phenomenology Questionnaire.ResultsThirty subjects were randomised. No evidence was found of an effect of benzodiazepines on the course of the first 6 months of bereavement (estimated mean difference of combined follow-up assessments=0.3 in favour of placebo; 95% CI –6.2 to +6.7).ConclusionWe found no evidence of a positive or negative effect of benzodiazepines on the course of bereavement.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document