scholarly journals Hospital admissions for alcohol-related problems in concomitance with weekends, New Year’s Eve and Christmas Eve: Myth or reality?

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Lippi ◽  
Anna Ferrari ◽  
Chiara Bovo ◽  
Gianfranco Cervellin
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Blood Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Study Population ◽  
New Year’S Eve ◽  
The University ◽  
Alcohol Testing ◽  
Alcohol Related Problems

This retrospective observational study was carried out by searching the database of the laboratory information system for identifying all requests for alcohol testing placed from emergency departments and intensive care units of the University Hospital of Verona between June 29th, 2012 and December 31st, 2018. The study population consisted of 7488 patients. The number of alcohol tests was more than double in concomitance with New Year’s Eve than in the rest of the year (7.6±6.1 vs 3.1±2.8 requests/day; P<0.001), whereas blood alcohol concentration was similar (1.55 vs 1.12 g/L; P=0.308). The risk of measuring alcohol concentrations >0.1 g/L and >1.0 g/L was 1.9-fold and 1.6-fold higher in concomitance with New Year’s Eve. In multivariate analysis, younger age, female sex and alcohol testing during New Year’s Eve remained significant predictors of alcohol concentrations >0.1 g/L and >1.0 g/L. The requests for alcohol testing were similar in concomitance with Christmas Eve and in other periods of the year, whilst number of requests (4.0±3.2 vs 2.8±2.5 requests/day; P<0.001) and concentration (1.37 vs 0.77 g/L; P<0.001) were higher during weekends than in other weekdays.

The Importance of Alcohol Testing by Gas Chromatography vs the Cordebard Classical Method Modified in the Medico Legal Investigation

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (9) ◽  
pp. 2407-2410
Author(s):  
Dan Perju Dumbrava ◽  
Carmen Corina Radu ◽  
Sofia David ◽  
Tatiana Iov ◽  
Catalin Jan Iov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gas Chromatography ◽  
Chromatographic Method ◽  
Classical Method ◽  
Blood Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Blood Alcohol ◽  
Technical Details ◽  
Gas Chromatographic Method ◽  
Alcohol Testing ◽  
Living Person

Considering the growing number of requests from the criminal investigations authorities addressed to the institutions of legal medicine, testing of blood alcohol concentration both in the living person and in the corpse, we believe that a presentation of the two methods which are used in our country, is a topic of interest at present. The purpose of this article is to provide the reader with the technical details on how blodd alcohol concentration is realised by means of the gas chromatographic method and the classical one, (Cordebard modified by D. Banciu and I. Droc) respectively. Another purpose of this article is to also show, in a comparative way, the elements that make the gas chromatographic method superior to the former one.

scholarly journals Impact of ERAS compliance on the delay between surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy in hepatobiliary and pancreatic malignancies

2020 ◽  
Vol 405 (7) ◽  
pp. 959-966
Author(s):  
Pénélope St-Amour ◽  
Pascal St-Amour ◽  
Gaëtan-Romain Joliat ◽  
Aude Eckert ◽  
Ismail Labgaa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adjuvant Chemotherapy ◽  
Enhanced Recovery ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Colorectal Metastases ◽  
Liver Malignancies ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Eras Protocol ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Multidisciplinary approach with adjuvant chemotherapy is the key element to provide optimal outcomes in pancreas and liver malignancies. However, post-operative complications may increase the interval between surgery and chemotherapy with negative oncologic effects. Hypothesis and study aim The aim of the study was to analyse whether compliance to Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathway was associated with decreased interval to adjuvant chemotherapy. Methods Retrospective analysis of all consecutive ERAS patients with surgery for hepatobiliary or pancreatic malignancies at the University Hospital of Lausanne between 2012 and 2016. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the impact of ERAS compliance on time to chemotherapy. Results A total of 133 patients with adjuvant chemotherapy were included (n = 44 liver and n = 89 pancreatic cancer). Median compliance to ERAS was 61% (IQR 55–67) for the study population, and median delay to chemotherapy was 49 days (IQR 39-61). Overall, compliance ≥ 67% to ERAS induced a significant reduction in the interval between surgery and chemotherapy for young patients (< 65 years old) with or without severe comorbidities (reduction of 22 and 10 days, respectively). High compliance in young ASA3 patients with liver colorectal metastases was associated with an increase of 481 days of DFS. Conclusions ERAS compliance ≥ 67% tends to be associated with a reduction in the delay to adjuvant chemotherapy for young patients with hepatobiliary and pancreatic malignancies. More prospective studies with strict adhesion to the ERAS protocol are needed to confirm these results.

scholarly journals D-dimer Level and Diabetes in the COVID-19 Infection

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 107602962110459
Author(s):  
Chaymae Miri ◽  
Hajar Charii ◽  
Mohammed-Amine Bouazzaoui ◽  
Falmata Laouan Brem ◽  
Soumia boulouiz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Receiver Operator Characteristic Curve ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Coagulation Abnormalities ◽  
Study Population ◽  
The University ◽  
D Dimer ◽  
Hospital Center

Introduction Diabetes is the most common of comorbidity in patients with SARS-COV-2 pneumonia. Coagulation abnormalities with D-dimer levels are increased in this disease. Objectifs We aimed to compare the levels of D-dimer in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with COVID 19. A link between D-dimer and mortality has also been established. Materials A retrospective study was carried out at the University Hospital Center of Oujda (Morocco) from November 01st to December 01st, 2020. Our study population was divided into two groups: a diabetic group and a second group without diabetes to compare clinical and biological characteristics between the two groups. In addition, the receiver operator characteristic curve was used to assess the optimal D-dimer cut-off point for predicting mortality in diabetics. Results 201 confirmed-COVID-19-patients were included in the final analysis. The median age was 64 (IQR 56-73), and 56% were male. Our study found that D-dimer levels were statistically higher in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic patients. (1745 vs 845 respectively, P = 0001). D-dimer level > 2885 ng/mL was a significant predictor of mortality in diabetic patients with a sensitivity of 71,4% and a specificity of 70,7%. Conclusion Our study found that diabetics with COVID-19 are likely to develop hypercoagulation with a poor prognosis.

scholarly journals COVID-19 pandemic management at the Emergency Department: the changing scenario at the University Hospital of Pisa

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Greta Barbieri ◽  
Stefano Spinelli ◽  
Matteo Filippi ◽  
Francesca Foltran ◽  
Mauro Giraldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Regional Distribution ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Organizational Model ◽  
Similar Reduction ◽  
The University ◽  
Italian Territory

Starting from 1st case in Italy, on February 20th, 2020, CO-rona VI-rus D-isease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic spread to whole Italian territory, with different regional distribution. Tuscany has been classified as medium diffusion area (40-100 cases/100000 inhabitants). In this context, all healthcare structures reviewed their organization to meet new needs. Our study’s objectives were description of organizational model outlined to safely manage Emergency Department (ED) and analysis of patients’ flows within Hospital of Pisa during pandemic. The ED has been reorganized with dedicated areas for examination and waiting for tests results. A similar reduction (-62%) of ED accesses comparing to the same period of 2019 and the previous months of 2020 was observed. Hospital Task Force arranged for progressive activation of Units by modules, according to territorial needs. From the beginning of March to the end of April 2020, 315 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized. Overall, a 45% reduction in hospital admissions compared to the same period of 2019 was observed, with increased mortality (4% versus 2%). The University Hospital of Pisa efficiently managed COVID-19 emergency with a logistical reorganization of ED.

scholarly journals Alcohol Hangover Across the Lifespan: Impact Of Sex and Age

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joris C Verster ◽  
Noortje R Severeijns ◽  
Annabel S M Sips ◽  
Hama M Saeed ◽  
Sarah Benson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Blood Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Partial Correlations ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Aim To investigate the relationship between age and hangover frequency and severity. Method An online survey, generated through Facebook, collected self-report data relating to alcohol consumption from 761 Dutch alcohol consumers aged 18–94 years (61.6% female). Results Overall, young individuals consumed more alcohol than older drinkers, and men more than women. Significant interactions between age group and sex were found for both subjective intoxication and hangover severity, indicating that the sex differences in these variables were greatest in the younger age groups but became significantly smaller or absent in the older age groups. Partial correlations, correcting for estimated blood alcohol concentration (eBAC), revealed significant and negative partial correlations between age and subjective intoxication (r = −0.444, P &lt; 0.0001), age and hangover severity (r = −0.327, P &lt; 0.0001) and between age and hangover frequency (r = −0.195, P &lt; 0.0001), i.e. subjective intoxication, hangover severity and hangover frequency decline with age. With regard to sex differences, the observed correlations with age for the past month heaviest drinking occasion were stronger in men for subjective intoxication, (z = −2.25, P = 0.024), hangover severity (z = −3.36, P = 0.0008) and hangover frequency (z = −3.63, P = 0.0003). Conclusions Hangover severity declines with age, even after controlling for eBAC or the amount of alcohol consumed. Sex differences were greatest in the younger age groups but became significantly smaller or absent in the older age groups. The relationship between age and hangover severity is strongly mediated by subjective intoxication. Pain sensitivity, lower with aging, might be a mediator.

scholarly journals Reduced Rate of Inpatient Hospital Admissions in 18 German University Hospitals During the COVID-19 Lockdown

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenz A. Kapsner ◽  
Marvin O. Kampf ◽  
Susanne A. Seuchter ◽  
Julian Gruendner ◽  
Christian Gulden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Study Data ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Care Process ◽  
Benign Tumors ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Inpatient Hospital ◽  
Admission Rates ◽  
The University

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused strains on health systems worldwide disrupting routine hospital services for all non-COVID patients. Within this retrospective study, we analyzed inpatient hospital admissions across 18 German university hospitals during the 2020 lockdown period compared to 2018. Patients admitted to hospital between January 1 and May 31, 2020 and the corresponding periods in 2018 and 2019 were included in this study. Data derived from electronic health records were collected and analyzed using the data integration center infrastructure implemented in the university hospitals that are part of the four consortia funded by the German Medical Informatics Initiative. Admissions were grouped and counted by ICD 10 chapters and specific reasons for treatment at each site. Pooled aggregated data were centrally analyzed with descriptive statistics to compare absolute and relative differences between time periods of different years. The results illustrate how care process adoptions depended on the COVID-19 epidemiological situation and the criticality of the disease. Overall inpatient hospital admissions decreased by 35% in weeks 1 to 4 and by 30.3% in weeks 5 to 8 after the lockdown announcement compared to 2018. Even hospital admissions for critical care conditions such as malignant cancer treatments were reduced. We also noted a high reduction of emergency admissions such as myocardial infarction (38.7%), whereas the reduction in stroke admissions was smaller (19.6%). In contrast, we observed a considerable reduction in admissions for non-critical clinical situations, such as hysterectomies for benign tumors (78.8%) and hip replacements due to arthrosis (82.4%). In summary, our study shows that the university hospital admission rates in Germany were substantially reduced following the national COVID-19 lockdown. These included critical care or emergency conditions in which deferral is expected to impair clinical outcomes. Future studies are needed to delineate how appropriate medical care of critically ill patients can be maintained during a pandemic.

scholarly journals Wokers’ awareness of alcohol breathalyser test in the workplace and their alcohol consumption patterns

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vusi Mthimkhulu ◽  
Hugo D. Van der Walt
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Blood Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Work Processes ◽  
Excessive Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Value Add ◽  
And Control ◽  
Alcohol Testing

Orientation: An alcohol breathalyser test is one of various methods of assessing alcohol consumption behaviour of workers in the workplace. Its awareness can yield insights on behavioural change of alcohol-consuming individuals in safety-sensitive settings when being aware of alcohol breathalyser testing.Research purpose: A breathalyser test provides an efficient means of measuring blood alcohol concentration within seconds of an employee blowing into the device. The purpose of this research was to examine awareness of breathalyser testing to capture meaning that can offer insights on behaviour under research.Motivation for research: The research was prompted by a quest to gain understanding of thought processes (motivation to control behaviour) when alcohol is involved. By focusing on awareness, it was possible to interpret behaviour. The research is a basis for future studies and can contribute to discussions related to alcohol testing in the workplace.Research approach/design and method: A qualitative approach was followed to gain insights into the topic under research. Eight alcohol-consuming individuals who performed jobs considered high-risk consented to participate in semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. The data were analysed through interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).Main findings: The findings revealed excessive alcohol consumption and intoxication in spite of awareness of breathalyser testing. Individuals prone to external inducements were more likely to abuse alcohol. Behaviour therefore tends to be unstable and impulsive when alcohol is involved.Practical implications: Reporting for work after excessive drinking of alcohol is not an indication of total soberness. Individuals may physically be present in the workplace without making any contribution to work processes because of effects of alcohol.Contribution/value-add: The research highlights behavioural insights that can contribute to studies related to locus of control and control over alcohol in relation to testing to workplace testing.

scholarly journals Diagnostic Accuracy of D-Dimers for Predicting Pulmonary Embolism in COVID-19-Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 107602962110579
Author(s):  
Falmata Laouan Brem ◽  
Boudouh Asmae ◽  
Yassine Amane ◽  
Mohammed-Amine Bouazzaoui ◽  
Miri Chaymae ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Embolism ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Operating Characteristics ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The University ◽  
D Dimer

Importance Proinflammatory and hypercoagulable states with marked elevation seen in D-Dimer levels have been accurately described in patients infected by the SARS- Cov2 even without pulmonary embolism (PE). Objectives To compare D-dimers values in patients infected by the novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) with and without PE and to establish an optimal D-dimer cut-off to predict the occurrence of PE, which guides pulmonary computed tomography angiography (CTPA) indication. Methods We retrospectively enrolled all COVID-19-patients admitted between October first and November 22th, 2020, at the University Hospital Center of Mohammed VI, Oujda (Morocco), suspected to have PE and underwent a CTPA. Demographic characteristics and blood test results were compared between PE-positive and PE-negative. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was constructed to establish an optimal D-Dimer cut-off to predict the occurrence of PE. Results The study population consisted of 84 confirmed COVID-19-patients. The mean age was 64.93 years (SD 14.19). PE was diagnosed on CTPA in 31 (36.9%) patients. Clinical symptoms and in-hospital outcomes were similar in both groups except that more men had PE ( p = .025). The median value of D-dimers in the group of patients with PE was significantly higher (14 680[IQR 33620-3450]ng/mL compared to the group of patients without PE 2980[IQR 6870-1600]ng/mL [P < .001]. A D-dimer at 2600 ng/mL was the optimal cut-off for predicting PE with a sensitivity of 90.3%, and AUC was .773[CI 95%, .667 −.876). Conclusion A D-dimer cut-off value of 2600 ng/mL is a significant predictor of PE in COVID-19-patients with a sensitivity of 90.3%.

scholarly journals Motorcycle crashes resulting in hospital admissions in South Australia: Crash characteristics and injury patterns

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-19
Author(s):  
James Thompson ◽  
Matthew Baldock ◽  
Tori Lindsay
Keyword(s):  
Injury Severity ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Blood Alcohol Concentration ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Adelaide Hospital ◽  
Alcohol Concentration ◽  
Royal Adelaide Hospital ◽  
Vehicle Crashes ◽  
Body Regions ◽  
Severity Of Injury

Motorcycle riders have a high risk of serious injury if they crash. To assist with identification of countermeasures, the present study examined records from the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) in South Australia for 763 motorcyclists (including scooter riders) admitted between January 2008 and November 2010 and between April 2014 and December 2016. Records were linked with police-reported crash data and results of forensic blood tests for alcohol and drugs. When compared with 1617 car drivers admitted to the RAH over the same periods, motorcyclists were younger, were more commonly male, more likely to hold a learner permit, less likely to hold a provisional licence, less likely to be over the legal alcohol limit and less likely to be at-fault in multiple vehicle crashes. Their crashes were more likely to be single vehicle crashes (specifically roll over, left road – out of control and hit object/animal/pedestrian on road crashes) and were more common on weekends, during the afternoon, on sloping roads, on curved roads, on roads with speed limits of 50 and 80 km/h, during daylight hours, in dry weather and on dry roads. They had a higher severity of injury than car drivers, spent longer in hospital, and were more likely to sustain injuries to multiple body regions. Linear regression showed that older age, higher blood alcohol concentration and higher speed limit increased injury severity for motorcyclists. Based on present findings, motorcycling safety can be improved through countermeasures related to Graduated Licensing Systems, infrastructure, motorcycle technology and protective clothing.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document