Drug-eluting stenting for femoropopliteal lesions,followed by cilostazol treatment,reduces stent restenosis in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease

Background

Cilostazol improves clinical endovascular therapy outcomes for femoropopliteal (FP) lesions in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease, but whether it also has clinical benefits for patients after drug-eluting stent implantation remains unclear.

One-year experience of a regional service model of teleconsultation for planning and treatment of complex thoracoabdominal aortic disease

Objective

The objective of this study was to report the methodology and 1-year experience of a regional service model of teleconsultation for planning and treatment of complex thoracoabdominal aortic disease (TAAD).

Clinical significance of mesenteric arterial collateral circulation in patients with celiac artery compression syndrome

Objective

Although extensive collateral arterial circulation will prevent ischemia in most patients with stenosis of a single mesenteric artery, mesenteric ischemia may occur in these patients, for example, in patients with celiac artery compression syndrome (CACS). Variation in the extent of collateral circulation may explain the difference in clinical symptoms and variability in response to therapy; however, evidence is lacking. The objective of the study was to classify the presence of mesenteric arterial collateral circulation in patients with CACS and to evaluate the relation with clinical improvement after treatment.

Theranostics by testing CFTR modulators in patient-derived materials: The current status and a proposal for subjects with rare CFTR mutations

The last decade has witnessed developments in the CF drug pipeline which are both exciting and unprecedented, bringing with them previously unconsidered challenges. The Task Force group came together to consider these challenges and possible strategies to address them. Over the last 18 months, we have discussed internally and gathered views from a broad range of individuals representing patient organizations, clinical and research teams, the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory agencies. In this and the accompanying article, we discuss two main areas of focus: i) optimising trial design and delivery for speed/efficiency; ii) drug development for patients with rare CFTR mutations. We propose some strategies to tackle the challenges ahead and highlight areas where further thought is needed. We see this as the start of a process rather than the end and hope herewith to engage the wider community in seeking solutions to improved treatments for all patients with CF.     

The course of vascular risk factors and the occurrence of vascular events in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have documented an undertreatment of vascular risk factors, and patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are at increased risk of recurrent vascular events. We examined which baseline variables are related to future vascular events, investigated the course of vascular risk factors, and compared the number of vascular risk factors at baseline and at follow-up to determine whether risk factor management could be further improved. METHODS: This study involved 461 patients with Fontaine classification II to IV who were enrolled in the SMART study (Second Manifestations of ARTerial disease) from September 1996 to December 2000. Patients underwent a standardized screening program for risk factors and were invited for a follow-up measurement during September 2003 to March 2005, after a mean follow-up of 5.5 years (SD, 1.3 years). In the interim period between baseline and follow-up measurement, patients received usual care. During follow-up, vascular events (mortality, ischemic stroke, and myocardial infarction) and PAD-related events (vascular surgery, interventions, and amputations) were documented in detail. RESULTS: In 2739 person-years of follow-up, 91 vascular events occurred, resulting in a 29.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 22.8%-35.4%) cumulative incidence proportion of recurrent vascular events. Older age, increased homocysteine levels, impaired renal function, and a history of coronary heart disease at baseline were related to an increased risk of new vascular events. Of the 461 patients, 108 patients died, 20 patients were lost to follow-up, and 333 patients were eligible for follow-up measurement, in which 221 (66%) patients wished to participate. In 8 of the 221 patients, a nonfatal vascular event occurred during follow-up. The prevalence of hypertension increased from 51% to 70% (95% CI, 10%-28%), the prevalence of obesity increased from 54% to 67% (95% CI, 3%-21%), and the prevalence of diabetes mellitus increased from 8% to 16% (95% CI, 2%-14%). At follow-up, fewer patients were current smokers (59% to 37%; 95% CI, -13% to -31%), and fewer patients had increased lipid levels (96% to 73%; 95% CI, -29% to -16%). Medication use increased in all drug categories during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Age, increased homocysteine levels, impaired renal function, and a history of coronary heart disease were independent risk factors for vascular events in patients with symptomatic PAD. The prevalence of most risk factors, except for smoking and hyperlipidemia, increased over a 5.5-year period even though medication use increased over the same period.     

肝硬化并细菌感染预后的危险因素

目的研究肝硬化并细菌感染者预后危险因素。 方法收集2014年1月至2016年2月广东省东莞市桥头医院收治的肝硬化并细菌感染者120例。对入组患者进行为期两年的随访,根据患者生存情况将其分为死亡组（52例）和存活组（68例）。比较两组患者白细胞计数、中性粒细胞、血钠以及C-反应蛋白等实验室指标水平,以及年龄、性别、消化道出血、Child-Pugh分级、合并肺部感染、合并泌尿系感染等基本资料。应用多因素Logisitic回归分析上述各项因素与患者预后的相关性。 结果死亡组患者白细胞计数、中性粒细胞、C-反应蛋白分别为（11.70 ± 8.27）× 10⁹/L、（10.20 ± 7.50）× 10⁹/L、（61.38 ± 30.24）mg/L,均高于存活组患者[（8.92 ± 6.38）× 10⁹/L、（7.48 ± 5.66）× 10⁹/L、（48.52 ± 20.11）mg/L],差异均有统计学意义（t = 2.079、2.264、2.793,P = 0.040、0.025、0.006）。死亡组患者年龄≥ 50岁、消化道出血、Child-Pugh分级C、合并肺部感染人数分别为42例（80.77%）、25例（48.08%）、41例（78.85%）和32例（61.54%）,均高于存活组患者[33例（48.53%）、16例（23.53%）、38例（55.88%）和27例（39.71%）,差异均有统计学意义（χ² = 13.068、7.894、6.908、5.620,P = 0.000、0.005、0.009、0.018）。多因素Logisitic回归分析结果显示,白细胞计数、中性粒细胞、C-反应蛋白、年龄≥ 50岁、消化道出血、合并肺部感染、合并泌尿系感染均为肝硬化并细菌感染者死亡的独立危险因素（P均< 0.05）。 结论导致肝硬化并细菌感染者死亡风险的因素较多,临床工作中应综合分析,并制定出针对性的预防措施。     

Two-year vascular hospitalisation rates and associated costs in patients at risk of atherothrombosis in France and Germany: highest burden for peripheral arterial disease

ObjectivesTo obtain Western European perspectives on the economic burden of atherothrombosis in patients with multiple risk factors only (MRF), cerebrovascular disease (CVD), coronary artery disease (CAD), and in the under-evaluated group of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), we examined vascular-related hospitalisation rates and associated costs in France and Germany.DesignThe prospective REACH Registry enrolled 4693 patients in France, and 5594 patients in Germany (from December 2003 until June 2004).MethodsFor each country, 2-year rates and costs associated with cardiovascular events and vascular-related hospitalisations were examined for patients with MRF, CVD, CAD, and PAD.ResultsTwo-year hospitalisation costs were highest for patients with PAD (3182.1€ for France; 2724.4€ for Germany) and lowest for the MRF group (749.1€ for France; 503.3€ for Germany). Peripheral revascularizations and amputations were the greatest contributors to costs for all risk groups. Across all PAD subgroups, peripheral procedures constituted approximately half of the 2-year costs.ConclusionHospitalisation rates and costs associated with atherothrombotic disease in France and Germany are high, especially so for patients with PAD.     

Elderly trauma patients with rib fractures are at greater risk of death and pneumonia

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to show that elderly patients admitted with rib fractures after blunt trauma have increased mortality. METHODS: Demographic, injury severity, and outcome data on a cohort of consecutive adult trauma admissions with rib fractures to a tertiary care trauma center from April 1, 1993, to March 31, 2000, were extracted from our trauma registry. RESULTS: Among 4,325 blunt trauma admissions, there were 405 (9.4%) patients with rib fractures; 113 were aged > or = 65. Injuries were severe, with Injury Severity Score (ISS) > or = 16 in 54.8% of cases, a mean hospital stay of 26.8 +/- 43.7 days, and 28.6% of patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Mortality (19.5% vs. 9.3%; p < 0.05), presence of comorbidity (61.1% vs. 8.6%; p < 0.0001), and falls (14.6% vs. 0.7%; p < 0.0001) were significantly higher in patients aged > or = 65 despite significantly lower ISS (p = 0.031), higher Glasgow Coma Scale score (p = 0.0003), and higher Revised Trauma Score (p < 0.0001). After adjusting for severity (i.e., ISS and Revised Trauma Score), comorbidity, and multiple rib fractures, patients aged > or = 65 had five times the odds of dying when compared with those < 65 years old. CONCLUSION: Despite lower indices of injury severity, even after taking account of comorbidities, mortality was significantly increased in elderly patients admitted to a trauma center with rib fractures.     

The influence of displacement on shoulder function in patients with minimally displaced fractures of the greater tuberosity

INTRODUCTION: There is little outcome data on functional results after non-operative treatment of greater tuberosity fractures, and no clear evidence in minimally displaced (1-5 mm) fractures of the greater tuberosity showing that the results of non-operative treatments are good enough. This study assesses the relationship between degree of displacement in non-operatively treated patients and shoulder function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the radiographs and function in 135 patients after non-operative treatment of minimally displaced (1-5 mm) fractures of the greater tuberosity at a mean time of 3.7 years (2-20 years) after injury. Shoulder function was assessed using the Vienna Shoulder Score (VSS), the Constant Score (CS) and the UCLA-Score. RESULTS: 97% of the evaluated patients had good or excellent results. Patients with a displacement of more than 3 mm had slightly worse results compared to those with less displacement, but this was not statistically significant. Female patients had significantly better results than male patients, and patients in the eighth and ninth decade had significantly worse results compared to younger patients. CONCLUSION: We recommend non-operative treatment in all patients with minimally displaced fractures of the greater tuberosity, as most obtain very good results. The best results followed treatment with Gilchrist bandages or Mitella slings for 3 weeks, followed by intensive rehabilitation.     

病程半年以上重症急性胰腺炎成功治愈7例报告

总结病程半年以上重症急性胰腺炎(SAP)成功治愈经验，回顾分析7例病程超越半年以上SAP的临床诊治过程。体会：坚持“个体化治疗方案”，坚持对胰腺炎病因治疗及合并感染后的选择治疗。在胰腺炎全身反应期，注重胰外脏器功能的监测及保护。全身感染期，注重胰腺继发性感染和感染后并发症。残余感染期，注重胰周脏器损害尤其胃肠道并发症的发生和处理。     

Assessment of operative risk with electrocardiographic exercise testing in patients with peripheral vascular disease.

Doppler ankle blood pressures were performed inere obtained in 100 consecutive patients with peripheral arterial insufficiency after treadmill exercise. A twelve lead electrocardiogram was monitored during and after exercise. Despite a restricted ability to exercise because of peripheral vascular insufficiency, forty-six patients had ventricular dysrhythmia or ischemia, or both, usually without associated symptoms. Electrocardiographic monitoring during treadmill exercise proved a useful predictor of postoperative complications. Thirty-two vascular operations were performed in patients with no electrocardiographic evidence of ischemia. No patient had a postoperative myocardial infarction or died. Sixteen vascular procedures were performed in patients with ischemic responses on exercise electrocardiography. Six patients had postoperative myocardial infarctions, two of which were fatal. Electrocardiographic monitoring during treadmill exercise for peripheral vascular insufficiency in recommended (1) to assess the severity of coronary artery disease and the likehood of postoperative complications, and (2) as a precautionary measure to identify potentially dangerous dysrhthmias or ischemia during exercise before the development of clinical symptoms.     

Sequence of 305,996 total hip and knee arthroplasties in patients undergoing operations on more than 1 joint

Background and purpose — Patient-specific data on multiple total arthroplasties (TA) of the lower limbs due to osteoarthritis (OA) are limited. We investigated the sequence of surgical procedures and risk factors for additional surgery in such patients.

Patients and methods — 305,996 patients operated with a TA of the hip and/or knee due to OA were extracted from the Swedish National Hip (SHAR) and the Swedish Knee Arthroplasty Register (SKAR). 177,834 total hip arthroplasty (THA, 56% women, mean age 69 years) and 128,162 total knee arthroplasty (TKA, 60% women, mean age 69 years) procedures constituted the index operations. The mean, median, and maximum follow-up was 8, 6, and 23 years. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used and Kaplan–Meier survival curves were constructed.

Results — Right-sided primary TA (34%) was most frequent. Subsequent surgery was most frequent after primary left-sided TKA (33%). The time interval to a second TA procedure was 3.1 (SD 3.2) years after TKA and 4.0 (SD 3.9) years after THA. After the index TA the probability of no subsequent surgery amounted to 64% (SD 0.3) for THA and 58% (SD 0.4) for TKA over 20 years. Lower age, female sex, left side, and TKA at index operation were associated with a higher probability for subsequent TA.

Interpretation — Delineation of factors that influence risk and the size of the risk for subsequent TA in 1 of the 3 major remaining joints is of value for clinicians and healthcare providers in the decision-making process for future resource allocation.     

Lipids and lipoprotein(a) as risk factors for vascular disease in patients on renal replacement therapy

A large cohort of patients on renal replacement therapy werescreened for the presence of symptomatic arterial disease affectingthe coronary, cerebral or peripheral circulations. Ninety-twoof 325 patients were found to have vascular disease. Those withvascular disease had significantly higher median lipoprotein(a)[Lp(a)] levels than those without (38.4 vs 14.2 mg/dl, P<0.001),with a preponderance of Lp(a) levels greater than 30 mg/dl (58%vs 25% P<0.001). Apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] isoform distributionwas similar between the groups, but those with vascular diseasehad higher Lp(a) levels in the S2, S3/S4 and S4 isoform types.Comparison of 76 matched pairs of patients confirmed elevatedLp(a) levels in those with vascular disease. These patientsalso had significantly higher total cholesterol (6.66 vs 6.02mmol/l) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (4.49 vs 3.86mmol/l). Only Lp(a) was independently associated with vasculardisease (P=0.02). Elevated Lp(a) levels are significantly associatedwith the presence of vascular disease in patients on renal replacementtherapy and may constitute another risk factor for the developmentof such disease in these patients.     

Isoflurane has a greater margin of safety than halothane in swine with and without major surgery or critical coronary stenosis

The fatal/anesthetic ratio (FAR) in 44 swine weighing 32.6 +/- 0.7 kg (SEM) was determined. Fatal anesthetic concentration (the numerator for FAR) was defined as the end-tidal concentration at which the pig lived at least 10 min, during experiments that involved step increments in anesthetic concentrations. Previously reported MAC was used as the "anesthetic" concentration (denominator) to determine FAR. Halothane was compared to isoflurane and the question of whether major surgery might reduce FAR was investigated. The major surgery groups included one open chest group with each volatile anesthetic studied during coronary reserve measurements, and two groups that had LAD critical coronary stenoses. Thus volatile agents were compared with vs without major surgery, and with vs without a critical coronary stenosis. The FAR for isoflurane was approximately double that of halothane. Further, addition of major surgery did not produce significant deterioration in FAR with isoflurane. In contrast, with halothane there was a significant (approximately 20%) decrease in FAR, despite values already only half that seen with isoflurane, when major surgery was added. Presence of a critical coronary stenosis was not associated with a worsened FAR for isoflurane or halothane. It was concluded that the fatal/anesthetic ratio for isoflurane in pigs is 1.9 times greater than that for halothane. Addition of major surgery did not affect FAR when isoflurane was the anesthetic but did when halothane was used. Critical coronary stenosis did not worsen FAR. Because these results are nearly identical with those reported previously in small mammals, the doubled safety margin seen with isoflurane may have clinical relevance.     

Propofol causes more hypotension than etomidate in patients with severe aortic stenosis: a double-blind, randomized study comparing propofol and etomidate

BACKGROUND: Vasodilatation and hypotension are thought to be harmful in patients with severe aortic stenosis. Etomidate is preferred to propofol for anaesthesia induction in haemodynamically unstable patients, but may disturb cortisol synthesis. We assessed the haemodynamic effects of etomidate vs. propofol as anaesthesia induction agents, and the effects of these drugs on cortisol concentrations, in patients with severe aortic stenosis. The main end-point of the study was the incidence of hypotension. METHODS: Sixty-six patients with severe aortic stenosis scheduled for elective aortic valve replacement were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomized to receive either propofol or etomidate for induction of anaesthesia. Haemodynamic parameters, i.e. mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) and cardiac index (CI), were measured. If MAP decreased below 70 mmHg for more than 30 s, phenylephedrine was administered. Serum cortisol concentrations were also measured. RESULTS: MAP decreased in all patients (P < 0.001). MAP decreased to a greater extent in patients receiving propofol than in those receiving etomidate (P = 0.006). Patients receiving propofol needed phenylephedrine more often than those receiving etomidate (20/30 vs. 8/30, P = 0.002). CI and PCWP decreased in both groups (P < 0.001), with no difference between the groups. Patients receiving etomidate had a lower serum cortisol concentration immediately after the operation than those receiving propofol (P < 0.001), but no differences between the groups were observed on the first post-operative morning. CONCLUSION: Propofol is twice as likely as etomidate to evoke hypotension in anaesthesia induction of patients with severe aortic stenosis; however, etomidate transiently decreases post-operative serum cortisol concentrations.