scholarly journals Estimation of lacrimal dysfunction indices in patients with recurrent pterygium

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-16
Author(s):  
Erkin N. Bilalov ◽  
Azamat F. Yusupov ◽  
Ahmadjon E. Nozimov ◽  
Okilkhon I. Oripov

The rationale of the research is driven by the severity of dry eye syndrome (DES) in the pterygium recurrencies development as well as by the necessity to investigate tear dysfunction and methods for its optimal correction in this patient population. Purpose of the study. To assess the impact of tear dysfunction indices on the development of recurrent pterygium. Materials and methods. We observed 60 patients (67 eyes) with recurrent pterygium. Patients were divided into four observation groups depending on the number of recurrencies. In order to study the dynamics of the DES manifestations during the postoperative period, pathogenetic therapy was used, which included a tear fluid substitute. All patients underwent a comprehensive assessment of subjective and objective DES indices before and after surgery. Results. A positive dynamics of subjective manifestations and objective indices of DES under the action of a tear substitute after surgery was reliably confirmed. A decrease in the number of patients with type III and IV crystallization after surgery was confirmed. Conclusion. The obtained data indicate an increase in the mucin content in the tear fluid composition, which leads to a stabilization of the tear film and to a decrease in the DES intensity.

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.


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.


2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S346-S346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirre Wold ◽  
Jeff Brock ◽  
Kelly Percival ◽  
Lindsey Rearigh ◽  
Lucas Vocelka ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is a common clinical condition identified by the presence of bacteria in the urine of a patient without signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Treatment of ASB leads to unnecessary antimicrobial use and can cause more harm than benefit in many patients. This study is to determine the impact of more stringent criteria for urinalysis with culture if indicated (UAC), implemented in September 2016, on the treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria. Methods A pre-post descriptive study of patients was conducted with an order placed for UAC in the Emergency Department (ED) or hospital. Data was collected retrospectively via chart reviews. The data on ASB patients from November 2015 to April 2016 was compared with the post-implementation period October 2016 to January 2017. The number of UAC orders and cultures were averaged for 6 months pre and post implementation of the criteria change. Results A total of 580 patient charts were assessed post-implementation of the UAC criteria change. A majority of the orders originated from the ED, (N = 430, 72.8%). ASB was treated inappropriately at a rate of 60.4% (N = 64/106) pre-implementation and a rate of 65% (N = 41/63) post implementation, P = 0.542. The total number of UAC ordered before and after implementation did not change, (N = 2852 pre-intervention vs N = 2825 post-intervention, P = 0.744), as seen in Figure 1. However, the number of reflexed urine cultures did significantly decrease post criteria change,&#x2028; (N = 1056 pre-intervention vs. N = 603 post-intervention, P &lt; 0.0001). In addition, the number of positive urine cultures also significantly decreased, (N = 378 pre-intervention vs. N = 289 post-intervention, P = 0.0447). The impact the criteria change had on patient care is the number of potential antibiotic courses saved by reflexing fewer urine cultures off the UAC. Based on the decrease in positive urine cultures, it is estimated 702 courses of inappropriate antibiotics for ASB could be saved per year (59/month). Conclusion More stringent criteria for reflex urine cultures significantly decreases the number of urine cultures performed, therefore decreasing the number of patients treated with ASB. Additional stewardship measures are necessary to reduce the treatment of ASB for patients who have cultures performed. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Leon Justel ◽  
Jose Ignacio Morgado Garcia-Polavieja ◽  
Ana Isabel Alvarez Rios ◽  
Francisco Jose Caro Fernandez ◽  
Pedro Agustin Pajaro Merino ◽  
...  

Abstract BACKGROUNDHeart failure (HF) is a major and growing medical and economic problem, with high prevalence and incidence rates worldwide. Cardiac Biomarker is emerging as a novel tool for improving management of patients with HF.METHODSThis is a real-world, before-and after-intervention trial, that assesses the impact of a personalized follow-up procedure for HF on patient’s outcomes and care associated cost, based on a clinical model of risk stratification and personalized management according to that risk. A total of 192 patients were enrolled and studied before and after an intervention. The primary objective was the rate of readmissions, due to a HF event, post-intervention compared to pre-intervention. Secondary outcomes compared the rate of ED visits and the number of patients who had reduced NYHA score pre and post-intervention. A cost- analysis was also performed on these data.RESULTSAdmission rates significantly decreased by 41% after the intervention (total length of stay was reduced by 55%). The rate of ED visits was reduced by 55%. Thirty-one percent of patients had an improved functional class score after the intervention, whereas only 7.8% got worse. The overall cost saving associated with the intervention was €139,717.65 for the whole group over 1 year.CONCLUSIONSA personalized follow-up of HF patients led to important outcome benefits and resulted in cost savings, mainly due to the reduction of patient hospitalization readmissions and a significant reduction of care- associated costs, suggesting that greater attention should be given to this high-risk cohort to minimize the risk of hospitalization readmissions.


10.2196/17669 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. e17669
Author(s):  
David E Winchester ◽  
Leigh Cagino

Background Preprocedural cardiac evaluation is a common reason for outpatient cardiology visits. Many patients who are referred to cardiology clinics for preprocedural evaluation are at low risk of perioperative events and do not require any further management. Our facility treats patients over a large geographic area; avoiding low-value consultations reduces time and travel burdens for patients. Objective Our study objective was to assess the impact of a novel algorithm in the electronic order entry system aimed to guide clinicians toward patients who may benefit from cardiovascular referral. Methods We retrospectively reviewed in-person consultations and electronic consultations (e-consults) to our cardiology service before and after implementation of the novel algorithm to assess changes in patterns of care. Data were stored in a custom electronic database on internal servers. Results We reviewed 603 consultations to our cardiology clinic and found that 89 (14.7%) were sent for preprocedural evaluation. Of these, 39 (43.8% of preprocedural consultations) were e-consults. After implementation, we reviewed 360 consultations. The proportion of consultations for preprocedural evaluation did not decrease (n=47, 13.0%; P=.39). We observed an absolute increase of 13.6% in the proportion of consultations ordered as e-consults (27/47, 57.4%). During the postintervention period, we received no remarks, concerns, or criticisms from ordering clinicians about the process change and no reports of adverse events. Conclusions Implementation of an ordering algorithm to reduce low-value preprocedural cardiology evaluations did not lead to a reduction in the number of overall preprocedural cardiology consultations. The number of patients seen electronically increased, potentially improving clinic access and reducing travel burden for patients.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Panovska-Griffiths ◽  
J Ross ◽  
S Elkhodair ◽  
C Baxter-Derrington ◽  
C Laing ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundWe compared impact of three pre-COVID-19 interventions and of the COVID-19 UK-epidemic and the first UK national lockdown on overcrowding within University College London Hospital Emergency Department (UCLH ED). The three interventions: target the influx of patients at ED (A), reduce the pressure on in-patients’ beds (B) and improve ED processes to improve the flow of patents out from ED (C).MethodsWe analysed the change in overcrowding metrics (daily attendances, the proportion of people leaving within four hours of arrival (four-hours target) and the reduction in overall waiting time) across three analysis. The first analysis used data 01/04/2017-31/12-2019 to calculate changes over a period of six months before and after the start of interventions A-C. The second and third analyses focused on evaluating the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, comparing the first 10 months in 2020 and 2019, and of the first national lockdown (23/03/2020-31/05/2020).ResultsPre-COVID-19 all interventions led to small reductions in waiting time (17%, p<0.001 for A and C;9%, p=0.322 for B) but also to a small decrease in the number of patients leaving within four hours of arrival (6.6%,7.4%,6.2% respectively A-C,p<0.001).In presence of the COVID-19 pandemic, attendance and waiting time were reduced (40% and 8%;p<0.001), and the number of people leaving within four hours of arrival was increased (6%,p<0.001). During the first lockdown, there was 65% reduction in attendance, 22% reduction in waiting time and 8% increase in number of people leaving within 4 hours of arrival (p<0.001). Crucially, when the lockdown was lifted, there was an increase (6.5%,p<0.001) in the percentage of people leaving within four hours, together with a larger (12.5%,p<0.001) decrease in waiting time. This occurred despite the increase of 49.6%(p<0.001) in attendance after lockdown ended.ConclusionsThe mixed results pre-COVID-19 (significant improvements in waiting time with some interventions but not improvement in the four-hours target), may be due to a ‘spill-over effect’ where clogging up one part of the ED system affects other parts. Hence multifaceted interventions and a system-wide approach to improve the pathway of flow through the ED system is necessary.During 2020 and in presence of the COVID-19 epidemic, a shift in public behaviour with anxiety over attending hospitals and higher use of virtual consultations, led to notable drop in UCLH ED attendance and consequential curbing of overcrowding.Importantly, once the lockdown was lifted, although there was an increase in arrivals at UCLH ED, overcrowding metrics were reduced. Thus, the combination of shifted public behaviour and the restructuring changes during COVID-19 epidemic, maybe be able to curb future ED overcrowding, but longer timeframe analysis is required to confirm this.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroyuki Nagano ◽  
Daisuke Takada ◽  
Jung-ho Shin ◽  
Tetsuji Morishita ◽  
Susumu Kunisawa ◽  
...  

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe epidemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected health care systems globally. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on hospital admissions for stroke in Japan.MethodsWe analyzed administrative (Diagnosis Procedure Combination) data for cases of inpatients aged 18 years and older who were diagnosed with stroke (ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), hemorrhagic stroke, or subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)) and discharged from hospital during the period July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2020. The number of patients with each stroke diagnosis, various patient characteristics, and treatment approaches were compared before and after the epidemic. Changes in the trend of the monthly number of inpatients with each stroke diagnosis were assessed using interrupted time-series analyses.ResultsA total of 111,922 cases (ischemic stroke: 74,897 cases; TIA: 5,374 cases; hemorrhagic stroke: 24,779 cases; SAH: 6,872 cases) in 253 hospitals were included. The number of cases for all types of stroke decreased (ischemic stroke: -13.9%; TIA: -21.4%; hemorrhagic stroke: -9.9%; SAH: -15.2%) in April and May 2020, compared to the number of cases in 2019. Ischemic stroke and TIA cases, especially mild cases (modified Rankin Scale = 0), decreased, with a statistically significant change in trend between the before- and after-epidemic periods.ConclusionsThese data showed a marked reduction in the number of hospital admissions due to stroke during the COVID-19 epidemic. The change in Ischemic stroke and TIA cases, especially mild cases, was statistically significant.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Danielle Creme ◽  
Kieran McCafferty

Objective. To identify the number of haemodialysis patients with diabetes in a large NHS Trust, their current glycaemic control, and the impact on other renal specific outcomes.Design. Retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study.Methods. Data was collected from an electronic patient management system. Glycaemic control was assessed from HbA1c results that were then further adjusted for albumin (Alb) and haemoglobin (Hb). Interdialytic weight gains were analysed from weights recorded before and after dialysis, 2 weeks before and after the most recent HbA1c date. Amputations were identified from electronic records.Results. 39% of patients had poor glycaemic control (HbA1c > 8%). Adjusted HbA1c resulted in a greater number of patients with poor control (55%). Significant correlations were found with interdialytic weight gains (P<0.02,r=0.14), predialysis sodium (P<0.0001,r=-1.9), and predialysis bicarbonate (P<0.02,r=0.12). Trends were observed with albumin and C-reactive protein. Patients with diabetes had more amputations (24 versus 2).Conclusion. Large number of diabetic patients on haemdialysis have poor glycaemic control. This may lead to higher interdialytic weight gains, larger sodium and bicarbonate shifts, increased number of amputations, and possibly increased inflammation and decreased nutritional status. Comprehensive guidelines and more accurate long-term tests for glycaemic control are needed.


2009 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 249-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd C. Lee ◽  
Christine Moore ◽  
Janet M. Raboud ◽  
Matthew P. Muller ◽  
Karen Green ◽  
...  

Objective.To assess the impact of an institution-wide infection control education program on the rate of transmission of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA).Design.Before-and-after study.Setting.A 472-bed, urban, university-affiliated hospital.Intervention.During the period March-May 2004, all hospital staff completed a mandatory infection control education program, including the receipt of hospital-specific MRSA data and case-based practice with additional precautions.Outcome Measure.The rate of nosocomial MRSA acquisition was calculated as the number of cases of nosocomial MRSA acquisition per 100 days that a person with MRSA colonization or infection detected at admission is present in the hospital (“admission MRSA” exposure-days) for 3 time periods: June 2002-February 2003 (before the Toronto outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome [SARS]), June 2003-February 2004 (after the outbreak of SARS), and June 2004-February 2005 (after education). A case of nosocomial acquisition of MRSA colonization or infection represented a patient first identified as colonized or infected more than 72 hours after admission or at admission after a previous hospitalization.Results.The rate of nosocomial acquisition of MRSA colonization or infection was 8.8 cases per 100 admission MRSA exposure-days for the period before SARS, 3.8 cases per 100 admission MRSA exposure-days for the period after SARS (P< .001 for before SARS vs after SARS), and 1.9 cases per 100 admission MRSA exposure-days for the period after education (P= .02 for after education vs before education). The volume of alcohol-based handrub purchased was apparently stable, with 4,010 L during fiscal year 2003-2004 (April 2003-March 2004) compared with 3,780 L during fiscal year 2004—2005. The observed rate of compliance with hand washing did not change significantly (40.9% during education vs 44.2% after education;P= .23). The total number of patients screened for MRSA colonization was not different in the 3 periods.Conclusions.The rate of nosocomial acquisition of MRSA colonization or infection decreased after SARS and was further reduced in association with a hospital-wide education program.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
N Borrelli ◽  
J Sabatino ◽  
M Avesani ◽  
M Josen ◽  
A Fraisse ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Norwood procedure represents the first of three surgical steps toward Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) complete palliation. Two are the main surgical techniques allowing the reconstruction of Norwood circulation: the right ventricle-pulmonary artery shunt (RVPAS) and the modified Blalock-Taussing shunt (mBTS). However, still little is known about the impact on right ventricle (RV) function of the required ventriculotomy for the RVPAS. Purpose The aim of the study was to investigate the changes in RV function in HLHS patients after RVPAS vs mBTS. Methods The cohort included 27 consecutive HLHS patients (10 in the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt group and 17 in the RVPAS group) who successfully underwent Norwood procedure in a single tertiary paediatric cardiology centre. Longitudinal strain (LS) and strain rate (LSR), tricuspid annulus peak systolic excursion (TAPSE) and fractional area change (FAC) were evaluated in all patients before Norwood and in three different breakpoints in the steady state after Norwood procedure (30 days after Norwood, 90 days after Norwood, 140 days after Norwood). Results Ventricular loading conditions (diuretic treatment, blood pressure and tricuspid regurgitation) were similar in both groups. No significant differences were found at different time points between RVPAS and mBTS group in terms of LS, LSR, TAPSE and FAC. However, when we compared RV function before and after Norwood procedure, 90 days after the procedure, patients who did not undergo RV ventriculotomy (mBTS group) showed significant improvement in LS compared to pre-surgical assessment (mBTS: +27.35±43.47% vs RVPAS: −8,20±25.25%, p=0,03). This finding was consistent but no longer statistically significant at 140 days after Norwood (mBTS: +13.81±21.99% vs RVPAS: −4.90±27.97%, p=0,12). Conclusion After Norwood procedure mBTS patients showed a significant increase in LS when compared with patients who underwent RVPAS. This finding was consistent but no longer significant at 140 days after Norwood probably because the number of patients was too small to reach a significant level. These data support the use of LS in HLHS patient's evaluation and may be of value to find a patient-tailored timing for the second surgical stage. TAPSE, FAC, LS and LSR trends Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document