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Scientific Reports Jun 2024Some previous observations suggest that a low platelet count is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS)....
Some previous observations suggest that a low platelet count is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). However, most of the data come from post-hoc analyses of randomized controlled trials and from studies including thrombocytopenia developed during hospital stay. Our aim was to assess the impact of low platelet count at admission on cardiovascular outcomes and treatment approach in patients hospitalized for ACS in a current real-life setting in Italy. Patients admitted to Italian coronary care units for ACS were enrolled in the START-ANTIPLATELET registry. Baseline clinical characteristics and treatment at discharge were recorded. Patients were followed-up at 6 months, 1 year and yearly thereafter. Low platelet count was defined as a count at admission < 150 > 100 k/µl or < 100 k/µL. Among 1894 enrolled patients, 157 (8.3%) had a platelet count < 150 > 100 k/µl and 30 (1.6%) < 100 k/µl. The median follow-up was 12.3 months (0.4-50.1). patients with low platelets were older (72 ± 10.4 vs 66 ± 12.4 years, p = 0.006), more frequently males (82.9 vs 72.1%, p = 0.001), hypertensive (90.0% vs 70.4%, p = 0.03), with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) (17.1 vs 8.6%, p = 0.02), and peripheral arterial disease (11.5 vs 6.2% p = 0.01) and/or had a previous myocardial infarction (40 vs 18.7%, p = 0.008) and/or a PCI (14.6 vs 7.8%, p = 0.001) than patients with normal platelets. A slightly, but significantly, lower percentage of thrombocytopenic patients were treated with primary PCI (78.1 vs 84.4%, p = 0.04) and they were more frequently discharged on aspirin plus clopidogrel rather than aspirin plus newer P2Y antagonists (51.9 vs 65.4%, p = 0.01). MACE-free survival was significantly shorter in thrombocytopenic patients compared to patients with normal platelets (< 150 > 100 k/µl: 37.6 vs 41.8 months, p = 0.002; HR = 2.7, 95% CIs 1.4-5.2; < 100 k/µl: 31.7 vs 41.8 months, p = 0.01; HR = 6.5, 95% CIs 1.5-29.1). At multivariate analysis, low platelet count, age at enrollment, low glomerular filtration rate, low ejection fraction, a previous ischemic stroke and NVAF were independent predictors of MACE. A low platelet count at admission identifies a subgroup of ACS patients with a significantly increased risk of MACE and these patients should be managed with special care to prevent excess adverse outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Acute Coronary Syndrome; Male; Female; Aged; Platelet Count; Registries; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Middle Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Treatment Outcome; Italy; Patient Admission
PubMed: 38914608
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64113-5 -
Global Spine Journal Jun 2024Meta-analysis. (Review)
Review
STUDY DESIGN
Meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effectiveness of postoperative pain control between erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and thoracolumbar interfascial plane (TLIP) block in lumbar spine surgery.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE electronic databases were searched for articles containing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 1900 and January 2024. We extracted the postoperative mean pain score, the first 24-h postoperative morphine consumption, and their standard deviation from the included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using the functions available in the metafor package in R software. We pooled continuous variables using an inverse variance method with a random-effects model and summarized them as standardized mean differences.
RESULTS
Five RCTs that directly compared the ESPB and TLIP block in lumbar spine surgery were included, enrolling 432 participants randomly into the two groups with 216 participants in each group. The pooled analyses showed that there was no significant difference between the ESPB and TLIP groups in terms of lower pain scores during the early (1 h) (standardized mean difference [SMD] -1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.10; 0.11), middle (12 h) (SMD -3.12, 95% CI, -6.86; 0.61), and late (24 h) (SMD -1.38, 95% CI, -3.01; 0.24) postoperative periods. There was also no significant difference in the first 24-h postoperative morphine equivalent consumption between the ESPB and TLIP groups (SMD -0.46 mg, 95% CI -1.23; 0.31).
CONCLUSION
No significant difference was observed between the ESPB and TLIP block in terms of postoperative pain control and 24-h morphine equivalent consumption for lumbar spine surgery.
PubMed: 38914010
DOI: 10.1177/21925682241266518 -
European Heart Journal. Case Reports Jun 2024Vasospastic angina (VSA) and spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) are challenging causes of non-atherosclerotic acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Here, we report...
BACKGROUND
Vasospastic angina (VSA) and spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) are challenging causes of non-atherosclerotic acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Here, we report a unique ACS case with coexisting VSA and SCAD, highlighting specific strategies in diagnosis and management of these poorly studied conditions.
CASE SUMMARY
A woman in her mid-60s with a history of suspected microvascular angina and no atherosclerosis in a previously performed coronary computed tomography angiography presented with worsening chest pain. Invasive coronary angiography revealed a focal SCAD with a resulting high-degree stenosis of the right coronary artery. Shortly after successful percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation and stopping her previous vasodilator therapy with nitroglycerine and molsidomine, the patient developed recurrent anterior non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Surprisingly, repeat coronary angiography revealed severe multifocal coronary artery spasms that were successfully treated with intracoronary nitroglycerine. Vasospastic angina was subsequently managed with diltiazem, molsidomine, and nitrates.
DISCUSSION
Our report underscores the challenges in diagnosing and managing SCAD and VSA in ACS. The possible interplay between SCAD and VSA highlights the need for careful vasodilator therapy management, as seen in our patient, where therapy discontinuation led to severe multifocal VSA. This emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach for optimal outcomes in complex ACS cases.
PubMed: 38912118
DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytae282 -
Advances in Hematology 2024Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common genetic disorder with potentially serious sequelae that can be effectively treated with hydroxyurea. Despite its favorable...
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common genetic disorder with potentially serious sequelae that can be effectively treated with hydroxyurea. Despite its favorable benefit-risk profile, hydroxyurea uptake in patients with SCD is low. A pilot study was conducted at the Southern Alberta Rare Blood and Bleeding Disorders (SARBBDs) Comprehensive Care Program between January 2020 and September 2023 to assess the implementation of a pharmacist-led protocol for supporting the uptake of hydroxyurea among eligible patients with SCD and optimizing its dosing. The protocol standardized the prescription, monitoring, dose titration, and patient counselling by a clinic pharmacist. The number of patients enrolled in the SARBBDs program increased from 98 in January 2020 to 168 in 2023. During this period, the proportion of patients on hydroxyurea increased from 37.8% to 62.5%, the proportion of patients on hydroxyurea who were at a maximum tolerated dose (MTD) increased from 35.1% to 63.8%, and the average hemoglobin F level increased from 13.9% to 19.7%. The mean time to reach MTD was 10 months and required eight pharmacist interventions, six laboratory assessments, and three dose increases. Hydroxyurea continuation rates were high, with most discontinuations resulting from loss to follow-up or transition to a transfusion management strategy. This real-world pilot study demonstrated that implementation of a pharmacist-led prescribing and monitoring protocol nearly doubled hydroxyurea uptake and achievement of MTD in patients with SCD managed in a rare blood disorders clinic.
PubMed: 38912090
DOI: 10.1155/2024/4753349 -
International Journal of Chronic... 2024Current guidelines recommend triple therapy maintenance inhalers for patients with recurrent exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however,...
PURPOSE
Current guidelines recommend triple therapy maintenance inhalers for patients with recurrent exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, these maintenance therapies are underutilized. This study aimed to understand how physicians make COPD treatment decisions, and how combination maintenance therapies are utilized in a real-world setting.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
This exploratory, hypothesis-generating, non-interventional study used a cross-sectional online survey that was administered to a sample of practicing physicians in the United States. The survey included five fictitious vignettes detailing common symptoms experienced by patients with COPD. Survey questions included factors physicians consider in their decisions, and perceived barriers to prescribing treatments. Repeated measures multivariable analyses were conducted to evaluate how likely physicians were to switch to triple therapy versus no change to patient's current maintenance therapy or change to another maintenance therapy.
RESULTS
In total, 200 physicians completed the survey. Cost of treatment and patient access to treatment were reported as the most common barriers physicians consider in their prescribing decisions. Physicians were more likely to switch a patient's maintenance inhaler to triple therapy versus no change to maintenance inhaler if they considered the patient's history of new symptoms, insurance status, and clinical guidelines in their decision. Physicians with more experience treating patients with COPD, and those who treat more patients with COPD per week, were more likely to switch to triple therapy versus no change to maintenance inhaler.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrates the complexity of factors that can influence physicians' decisions when prescribing treatments for patients with COPD, including considerations of treatment cost, patient access and adherence, patient comorbidities, efficacy of current treatment, clinical guidelines, and provider's level of experience treating COPD. Further research may help elucidate the relative importance of the factors influencing physicians' decisions and inform what types of decision-support tools would be most beneficial.
Topics: Humans; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Cross-Sectional Studies; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Male; Clinical Decision-Making; Female; Middle Aged; United States; Health Care Surveys; Bronchodilator Agents; Administration, Inhalation; Nebulizers and Vaporizers; Drug Therapy, Combination; Attitude of Health Personnel; Treatment Outcome; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Drug Costs; Lung; Aged; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Adult; Health Services Accessibility
PubMed: 38912054
DOI: 10.2147/COPD.S454877 -
Journal of Indian Association of... 2024Tamarind seed aspiration is not frequent in children and is usually observed in kids from rural backgrounds, with easy access to tamarind fruits and their by-products.
BACKGROUND
Tamarind seed aspiration is not frequent in children and is usually observed in kids from rural backgrounds, with easy access to tamarind fruits and their by-products.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We report a retrospective review of five patients managed in the pediatric surgery department for tamarind seed aspiration into the tracheobronchial tree. The data were analyzed based on age, clinical presentation, bronchoscopic observations, and the challenges faced during the rigid bronchoscopic retrieval and postoperative course.
RESULTS
There were four boys and one girl with a median age of 10 years. High-resolution computed tomography thorax was done in all patients. The foreign body was identified in the right main bronchus in one and the left main bronchus in four patients. All five patients underwent rigid bronchoscopy and retrieval of the seed. Two patients had an early presentation (within a week) - they needed temporary tracheotomy as the swollen seed could not be negotiated through the narrow glottis. Two patients had a late presentation (around 15 days) - they required removal in piecemeal using crushing forceps and multiple insertions of bronchoscope prolonging surgical time. One patient presented at 22 days posttamarind aspiration. It was soft enough for easy disintegration with crocodile forceps and expeditiously removed in three to four pieces. All patients recovered uneventfully.
CONCLUSION
Removal of tamarind seed foreign body from the tracheobronchial tree is challenging. Anticipating the difficulties and being prepared well, helps to reduce the intraoperative difficulty, and allow successful removal with favorable patient outcomes.
PubMed: 38912035
DOI: 10.4103/jiaps.jiaps_220_23 -
Journal of Indian Association of... 2024Accidental ingestion of foreign bodies in children is critical, as the inability to effectively communicate can potentially lead to devastating consequences. We aimed to...
BACKGROUND
Accidental ingestion of foreign bodies in children is critical, as the inability to effectively communicate can potentially lead to devastating consequences. We aimed to determine the epidemiology of foreign body ingestion and variability according to age, gender, type, and location of foreign body, and describe its management.
AIM AND OBJECTIVE
The aim was to study the various types of foreign body ingestions in children admitted to pediatric surgery and their management.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A retrospective study was conducted from January 2020 to June 2022 on children under the age of 12 years with a confirmed diagnosis of foreign body ingestion. Patients were clinically and radiologically assessed, after which standard protocols were followed wherein patients were followed by either observation or emergent management. Emergent management included removal of the foreign body by either endoscopy or surgery. Comparisons among multiple age groups, gender, type of foreign body, location of foreign body, and their management were analyzed.
RESULTS
Out of 99 subjects in our study, there were 76 boys and 23 girls. The median age of presentation was 5 years. Most children were asymptomatic at presentation. The most frequently ingested foreign body was a coin in all age groups. The majority of the foreign bodies were suspected to be in the small bowel. The foreign bodies that had crossed the duodenojejunal flexure ( = 74, 74.7%) were managed conservatively with the observation of a variable period of a minimum of 24 h and a maximum of 48 h. 21 cases were managed by endoscopic removal, while three cases required surgical intervention.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, the most common gastrointestinal foreign body was a coin in all age groups. Button battery is the most worrisome foreign body; however, depending on its position, it can be managed conservatively. Upper GI foreign bodies can be safely removed endoscopically. Parental counseling is very important for the prevention of ingestion of foreign bodies.
PubMed: 38912028
DOI: 10.4103/jiaps.jiaps_183_23 -
Journal of Indian Association of... 2024Idiopathic chylopericardium (CP) in the pediatric population is a rare entity with very few reported cases and is characterized by the accumulation of chyle in the...
Idiopathic chylopericardium (CP) in the pediatric population is a rare entity with very few reported cases and is characterized by the accumulation of chyle in the pericardial cavity. There are no guidelines for the management of this rare entity. The present study reports a case of idiopathic CP in an infant and our experience of managing it by pericardial window creation using VATS and a multidisciplinary approach providing the optimum care for the child.
PubMed: 38912020
DOI: 10.4103/jiaps.jiaps_20_24 -
Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral... Jun 2024Maxillary reconstruction is often a challenging task for the surgeons because of the complex anatomy. However, with the advances in virtual surgical planning (VSP) and...
INTRODUCTION
Maxillary reconstruction is often a challenging task for the surgeons because of the complex anatomy. However, with the advances in virtual surgical planning (VSP) and 3D printing technology there is a new avenue for the surgeons which offers a suitable alternative to conventional flap-based reconstructions.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
In this article, we have described 4 case scenarios which were managed with the help of VSP and additive manufacturing technology for complex maxillary reconstruction procedures. Use of the technologies aided the clinician in achieving optimal outcomes with regards to form, function and esthetics.
DISCUSSION
Virtual surgical planning (VSP) has gained a lot of impetus in past 1 decade. These aides the surgeon in determining the extent of disease and also carry out the treatment planning. In addition to VSP, the concept of additive manufacturing provides a viable alternative to the conventional reconstruction modalities for maxillary defect rehabilitation. Increased accuracy, rehabilitation of normal anatomical configuration, appropriate dental rehabilitation, decreased intra-operative time and post-operative complications are some of the advantages. In addition, patient-specific implants eliminate the need for a separate donor site. Apart from the treatment of pathologies, they also can be used for reconstruction of post-traumatic defect, where endosteal implant placement is not possible.
CONCLUSION
These modalities show promising results for reconstruction of complex maxillary defects.
PubMed: 38911428
DOI: 10.1007/s12663-023-02005-3 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports Jun 2024Elbow dislocations, particularly those associated with varus posteromedial rotary instability, are relatively uncommon. We present the case of a 25-year-old male...
INTRODUCTION
Elbow dislocations, particularly those associated with varus posteromedial rotary instability, are relatively uncommon. We present the case of a 25-year-old male initially managed nonoperatively for a posterior elbow dislocation, who subsequently experienced irreducible re-dislocation with characteristic fractures of the anteromedial facet and tip of the coronoid, indicative of varus posteromedial rotary instability.
CASE REPORT
Following an unsuccessful attempt at closed reduction under general anesthesia, open reduction was performed, revealing the interposition of the posterior capsule of the humero-ulnar joint as the cause of irreducibility. Fixation of the coronoid fracture was undertaken, and the patient exhibited excellent functional outcomes at a 4.5-year follow-up.
CONCLUSION
This case underscores the rarity of irreducible elbow dislocation in the context of varus posteromedial rotary instability and highlights the crucial role of capsular interposition in such cases. Successful open reduction, coronoid fixation, and attentive postoperative care contributed to the patient's favorable long-term functional outcome.
PubMed: 38910992
DOI: 10.13107/jocr.2024.v14.i06.4502