scholarly journals Post-Tuberculosis Lung Disease: Clinical Review of an Under-Recognised Global Challenge

Respiration ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Brian W. Allwood ◽  
Anthony Byrne ◽  
Jamilah Meghji ◽  
Andrea Rachow ◽  
Marieke M. van der Zalm ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Disease ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Lung Parenchyma ◽  
Pulmonary Vasculature ◽  
Small Airways ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
Increased Risk

An estimated 58 million people have survived tuberculosis since 2000, yet many of them will suffer from post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD). PTLD results from a complex interplay between organism, host, and environmental factors and affects long-term respiratory health. PTLD is an overlapping spectrum of disorders that affects large and small airways (bronchiectasis and obstructive lung disease), lung parenchyma, pulmonary vasculature, and pleura and may be complicated by co-infection and haemoptysis. People affected by PTLD have shortened life expectancy and increased risk of recurrent tuberculosis, but predictors of long-term outcomes are not known. No data are available on PTLD in children and on impact throughout the life course. Risk-factors for PTLD include multiple episodes of tuberculosis, drug-resistant tuberculosis, delays in diagnosis, and possibly smoking. Due to a lack of controlled trials in this population, no evidence-based recommendations for the investigation and management of PTLD are currently available. Empirical expert opinion advocates pulmonary rehabilitation, smoking cessation, and vaccinations (pneumococcal and influenza). Exacerbations in PTLD remain both poorly understood and under-recognised. Among people with PTLD, the probability of tuberculosis recurrence must be balanced against other causes of symptom worsening. Unnecessary courses of repeated empiric anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy should be avoided. PTLD is an important contributor to the global burden of chronic lung disease. Advocacy is needed to increase recognition for PTLD and its associated economic, social, and psychological consequences and to better understand how PTLD sequelae could be mitigated. Research is urgently needed to inform policy to guide clinical decision-making and preventative strategies for PTLD.

scholarly journals Long-term effects of pneumonia in young children

Pneumonia ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keith Grimwood ◽  
Anne B Chang
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Lung Disease ◽  
Chronic Lung Disease ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Small Airways ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Increased Risk

<p class="p1">Each year an estimated 120 million episodes of pneumonia occur in children younger than 5 years of age, resulting in one million deaths globally. Within this age group the lungs are still developing by increasing alveoli numbers and airway dimensions. Pneumonia during this critical developmental period may therefore adversely affect the lung’s structure and function, with increased risk of subsequent chronic lung disease. However, there are few longitudinal studies of pneumonia in otherwise healthy children that extend into adulthood to help address this important question. Birth cohort, longitudinal, case-control and retrospective studies have reported restrictive and obstructive lung function deficits, asthma, bronchiectasis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In particular, severe hospitalised pneumonia had the greatest risk for long-term sequelae. Most studies, however, were limited by incomplete follow-up, some reliance upon parental recall, risk of diagnostic misclassification, and potential confounders such as nutrition, social deprivation, and pre-existing small airways or lungs. More long-term studies measuring lung function shortly after birth are needed to help disentangle the complex relationships between pneumonia and later chronic lung disease, while also addressing host responses, types of infection, and potential confounding variables. Meanwhile, parents of young children with pneumonia need to be advised about the importance of symptom resolution, post-pneumonia. In addition, paying attention to factors associated with optimising lung growth such as good nutrition, minimising exposure to air pollution, avoiding cigarette smoke, and decreasing the risk of preventable infections through good hygiene and having their children fully vaccinated should be emphasised. Finally, in the developing world and for disadvantaged communities in developed countries, public health policies leading to good quality housing and heating, hygiene, education, and improving socio-economic status are also essential.</p>

scholarly journals Hemoglobin A1c and preoperative glycemia as a decision tool to help minimise sternal wound complications: a retrospective study in OPCAB patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jef Van den Eynde ◽  
Abel Van Vlasselaer ◽  
Annoushka Laenen ◽  
Delphine Szecel ◽  
Bart Meuris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Hemoglobin A1c ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Artery Bypass ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Minimal Risk ◽  
Off Pump ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Diabetes Patients

Abstract Background Poor glycemic control has been associated with an increased risk of wound complications after various types of operations. However, it remains unclear how hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and preoperative glycemia can be used in clinical decision-making to prevent sternal wound complications (SWC) following off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). Methods We conducted a retrospective study of 1774 consecutive patients who underwent OPCAB surgery between January 2010 and November 2016. A new four-grade classification for SWC was used. The associations of HbA1c and preoperative glycemia with incidence and grade of SWC were analysed using logistic regression analysis and proportional odds models, respectively. Results During a median follow-up of 326 days (interquartile range (IQR) 21–1261 days), SWC occurred in 133/1316 (10%) of non-diabetes and 82/458 (18%) of diabetes patients (p < 0.001). Higher HbA1c was significantly associated with a higher incidence of SWC (odds ratio, OR 1.24 per 1% increase, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.04;1.48, p = 0.016) as well as a higher grade of SWC (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.06;1.48, p = 0.010). There was no association between glycemia and incidence (p = 0.539) nor grade (p = 0.607) of SWC. Significant modifiers of these effects were found: HbA1c was associated with SWC in diabetes patients younger than 70 years (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.17;1.71, p < 0.001), whereas it was not in those older than 70 years. Glycemia was associated with SWC in patients who underwent non-urgent surgery (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.26;4.88, p = 0.009), in diabetes patients who received skeletonised grafts (OR 4.83, 95% CI 1.28;18.17, p = 0.020), and in diabetes patients with a BMI < 30 (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.01;4.76, p = 0.047), whereas it was not in the counterparts of these groups. Conclusions Under certain conditions, HbA1c and glycemia are associated SWC following OPCAB. These findings are helpful in planning the procedure with minimal risk of SWC.

4971Blood viscosity and its relevance to the diagnosis and management of pulmonary hypertension: a new elephant in the cathlab

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Kempny ◽  
K Dimopoulos ◽  
A E Fraisse ◽  
G P Diller ◽  
L C Price ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Hypertension ◽  
Cardiac Catheterization ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Pulmonary Vasculature ◽  
Pulmonary Vascular Disease ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) is an essential parameter assessed during cardiac catheterization. It is used to confirm pulmonary vascular disease, to assess response to targeted pulmonary hypertension (PH) therapy and to determine the possibility of surgery, such as closure of intra-cardiac shunt or transplantation. While PVR is believed to mainly reflect the properties of the pulmonary vasculature, it is also related to blood viscosity (BV). Objectives We aimed to assess the relationship between measured (mPVR) and viscosity-corrected PVR (cPVR) and its impact on clinical decision-making. Methods We assessed consecutive PH patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. BV was assessed using the Hutton method. Results We included 465 patients (56.6% female, median age 63y). The difference between mPVR and cPVR was highest in patients with abnormal Hb levels (anemic patients: 5.6 [3.4–8.0] vs 7.8Wood Units (WU) [5.1–11.9], P<0.001; patients with raised Hb: 10.8 [6.9–15.4] vs. 7.6WU [4.6–10.8], P<0.001, respectively). Overall, 33.3% patients had a clinically significant (>2.0WU) difference between mPVR and cPVR, and this was more pronounced in those with anemia (52.9%) or raised Hb (77.6%). In patients in the upper quartile for this difference, mPVR and cPVR differed by 4.0WU [3.4–5.2]. Adjustment of PVR required Conclusions We report, herewith, a clinically significant difference between mPVR and cPVR in a third of contemporary patients assessed for PH. This difference is most pronounced in patients with anemia, in whom mPVR significantly underestimates PVR, whereas in most patients with raised Hb, mPVR overestimates it. Our data suggest that routine adjustment for BV is necessary.

scholarly journals Choice of faecal immunochemical test matters: comparison of OC-Sensor and HM-JACKarc, in the assessment of patients at high risk of colorectal cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline J. Chapman ◽  
Ayan Banerjea ◽  
David J Humes ◽  
Jaren Allen ◽  
Simon Oliver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
Faecal Immunochemical Test ◽  
Specimen Collection ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Immunochemical Test

AbstractObjectivesCurrently, NICE recommends the use of faecal immunochemical test (FIT) at faecal haemoglobin concentrations (f-Hb) of 10 μg Hb/g faeces to stratify for colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in symptomatic populations. This f-Hb cut-off is advised across all analysers, despite the fact that a direct comparison of analyser performance, in a clinical setting, has not been performed.MethodsTwo specimen collection devices (OC-Sensor, OC-S; HM-JACKarc, HM-J) were sent to 914 consecutive individuals referred for follow up due to their increased risk of CRC. Agreement of f-Hb around cut-offs of 4, 10 and 150 µg Hb/g faeces and CRC detection rates were assessed. Two OC-S devices were sent to a further 114 individuals, for within test comparisons.ResultsA total of 732 (80.1%) individuals correctly completed and returned two different FIT devices, with 38 (5.2%) CRCs detected. Median f-Hb for individuals diagnosed with and without CRC were 258.5 and 1.8 µg Hb/g faeces for OC-S and 318.1 and 1.0 µg Hb/g faeces for HM-J respectively. Correlation of f-Hb results between OC-S/HM-J over the full range was rho=0.74, p<0.001. Using a f-Hb of 4 µg Hb/g faeces for both tests found an agreement of 88.1%, at 10 µg Hb/g faeces 91.7% and at 150 µg Hb/g faeces 96.3%. A total of 114 individuals completed and returned two OC-S devices; correlation across the full range was rho=0.98, p<0.001.ConclusionsWe found large variations in f-Hb when different FIT devices were used, but a smaller variation when the same FIT device was used. Our data suggest that analyser-specific f-Hb cut-offs are applied with regard to clinical decision making, especially at lower f-Hb.

scholarly journals Opioid Analgesia: Perspectives on Right Use and Utility

2007 ◽  
Vol 3;10 (5;3) ◽  
pp. 479-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane C. Ballantyne
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Analgesic Efficacy ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Opioid Analgesia ◽  
Opioid Treatment

The ability of opioids to effectively and safely control acute and cancer pain has been one of several arguments used to support extending opioid treatment to patients with chronic pain, against a backdrop of considerable caution that has been based upon fears of addiction. Of course, opioids may cause addiction, but the “principle of balance” may justify that “…efforts to address abuse should not interfere with legitimate medical practice and patient care.” Yet, situations are increasingly encountered in which opioid-maintained patients are refractory to analgesia during periods of pain, or even during the course of chronic treatment. The real question is whether analgesic efficacy of opioids can be maintained over time. Overall, the evidence supporting long-term analgesic efficacy is weak. The putative mechanisms for failed opioid analgesia may be related to tolerance or opioid-induced hyperalgesia. Advances in basic sciences may help in understanding these phenomena, but the question of whether long-term opioid treatment can improve patients’ function or quality of life remains a broader issue. Opioid side effects are well known, but with chronic use, most (except constipation) subside. Still, side effects can negatively affect the outcomes and continuity of therapy. This paper addresses 1) what evidence supports the long-term utility of opioids for chronic pain; 2) how side effects may alter quality of life; 3) the nature of addiction and why it is different in pain patients, and 4) on what grounds could pain medication be denied? These questions are discussed in light of patients’ rights, and warrant balancing particular responsibilities with risks. These are framed within the Hippocratic tradition of “producing good for the patient and protecting from harm,” so as to enable 1) more informed clinical decision making, and 2) progress towards right use and utility of opioid treatment for chronic pain. Key Words: Opioids, chronic pain, addiction, side effects, utility, ethics

scholarly journals Blood transfusion prescribing in the ACT: an insight into clinical decision making

2005 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip J Crispin ◽  
Bethany J Crowe ◽  
Anne M McDonald
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Early Discharge ◽  
Organisation Of Care ◽  
Metropolitan Hospital ◽  
Loss Of Appetite ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

This study aimed to determine the perspectives of a group of patients categorised as ?long-stay outliers? at a large South Australian metropolitan hospital about aspects of organisation of care and the perceived impact of long-term hospitalisation. Nineteen patients were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Eighty-nine percent of participants stated that they had no knowledge of how long they were to be in hospital. Forty-two percent indicated that they did not know when they would be discharged from hospital. This was of concern, especially considering the vulnerability of this patient group and the known benefits of patient involvement in decision making and the improvements this can make to health outcomes and early discharge. Participants indicated concern about sleep deprivation, diet, ability to return to paid employment, and missing their family as the main areas of impact of their long hospitalisation. Concerns about being discharged from hospital included: apprehension as to whether they were well enough to leave; the recurrence of infection; whether they would be able to sleep well when they got home; their recent loss of appetite and associated weight loss; mobility concerns; and what supports they would have when they were discharged home. All these issues require staff to be more patient and family-centred in their approach to preparing for discharge.

scholarly journals CLINICAL DECISION MAKING FOR THE HEMODYNAMIC GRAY ZONE (FFR 0.75-0.80) AND IMPACT ON LONG TERM OUTCOMES

2016 ◽  
Vol 67 (13) ◽  
pp. 379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiv Kumar Agarwal ◽  
Mohan Edupuganti ◽  
Ahmed Almomani ◽  
Naga Venkata Pothineni ◽  
Jason Payne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Gray Zone ◽  
Long Term Outcomes

Home Telecare, Medical Implant, and Mobile Technology

2013 ◽  
pp. 222-237
Author(s):  
Vishaya Naidoo ◽  
Yedishtra Naidoo
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Technological Solution ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Mobile Wireless ◽  
Global Aging ◽  
Mobile Wireless Technology

With a rapidly expanding global aging population, alternatives must be developed to minimize the inevitable increase in acute and long-term care admissions to the health care system. This chapter explores the use of home telecare as an alternative medical approach to managing this growing trend, while also providing superior care to geriatric patients. To address some of the emergent disadvantages of home telecare concerning usability, self-management, and confinement to the home, the use of a cardiac implant in conjunction with a mobile device—to assist in the management of chronic heart failure in seniors—is proposed as a promising technological solution to overcoming these limitations. Ultimately, it seems that the growth of home telecare, as well as the great potential to enhance its services with the use of mobile wireless technology, stands to drastically improve clinical decision-making and management of health services in the future.

scholarly journals Current Role of Surgery in Pancreatic Cancer With Synchronous Liver Metastasis

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 107327482097659
Author(s):  
Wentao Zhou ◽  
Dansong Wang ◽  
Wenhui Lou
Keyword(s):  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Liver Metastasis ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Synchronous Liver Metastasis ◽  
Long Term Outcomes ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Current Guidelines

Pancreatic cancer with synchronous liver metastasis has an extremely poor prognosis, and surgery is not recommended for such patients by the current guidelines. However, an increasing body of studies have shown that concurrent resection of pancreatic cancer and liver metastasis is not only technically feasible but also beneficial to the survival in the selected patients. In this review, we aim to summarize the short- and long-term outcomes following synchronous liver metastasectomy for pancreatic cancer patients, and discuss the potential criteria in selecting appropriate surgical candidates, which might be helpful in clinical decision-making.

scholarly journals A Re-assessment of the Safety and Efficacy of Interleukin-2 for the Treatment of Renal Cell Carcinoma

2009 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. CMT.S2037 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Jarkowski ◽  
Michael K.K. Wong
Keyword(s):  
Renal Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Renal Cell ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Interleukin 2 ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Perceived Morbidity

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) can provide long term durable remissions for patients with advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The perceived morbidity and the difficulties in delivering this treatment hampered its widespread use in these patients. This review aims to place IL-2 in the modern milieu by reviewing the pharmacology, efficacy and toxicity of this drug. These will be contrasted and compared with the new targeted-agents. The methodology of providing high dose IL-2 treatment, follow-up care and its impact on patient quality of life will be discussed. Importantly, the ability of these agents to provide durable, complete remissions for RCC patients will be placed in context. The goal is to provide the perspective and framework for the reader to balance the important attributes of each of these drugs during the clinical decision making process.

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