41 research outputs found
COPD EXACERBATIONS IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT: EPIDEMIOLOGY, RELATED COSTS, AND VALIDATION OF THE RISK ASSESSMENT MODEL BAP-65.
No full textSintesi in lingua italiana – Parte prima Nei pazienti con BPCO, le riacutizzazioni sono una frequente causa di accesso in pronto soccorso e possono condizionarne negativamente la prognosi. Obiettivi dello studio erano: 1) descrivere le caratteristiche socio-demografiche e cliniche, nonché la gestione in pronto soccorso dei pazienti con riacutizzazione di bronco-pneumopatia ostruttiva cronica (BPCO); 2) stimarne i costi. Abbiamo condotto uno studio di coorte retrospettivo in Italia, raccogliendo dati su 4,396 pazienti da 34 centri. I pazienti avevano un’età media (deviazione standard [DS]) di 77 (11) anni, ed erano femmine nel 39% dei casi. Oltre il 70% dei pazienti presentava un indice di comorbidità moderato o severo, e nel 26% dei casi era presenta anche una diagnosi di scompenso cardiaco. Il 65% dei pazienti è stato ospedalizzato, per una durata media (DS) di 11 (10) giorni. Il costo stimato per paziente è 2.617 €. In conclusione, I pazienti che afferiscono in pronto soccorso con una riacutizzazione di BPCO sono anziani e gravate da importanti comorbidità. Il tasso di ricovero in questi pazienti è alto, e i costi onerosi. Sintesi in lingua italiana – Parte seconda Le riacutizzazioni di BPCO esitano frequentemente in ospedalizzazione, possono richiedere il trattamento con ventilazione invasiva e sono associate a elevata mortalità intraospedaliera. Il BAP-65 è modello di predizione del rischio di eventi avversi per pazienti con riacutizzazione di BPCO. Il BAP-65 è semplice da utilizzare e, se la sua accuratezza prognostica fosse confermata, potrebbe essere utilizzato per guidare la gestione dei pazienti. Abbiamo condotto uno studio retrospettivo, multicentrico in pazienti che afferivano in pronto soccorso per una riacutizzazione di BPCO durante il 2014. Lo scopo dello studio era validare il modello BAP-65 per la predizione dell’outcome combinato mortalità intraospedaliera e ricorso alla ventilazione invasiva. Abbiamo arruolato 2.908 pazienti da 20 centri Italiani. L’età media (DS) era 76 (11) anni, e il 38% dei pazienti era femmina. L’outcome combinato si è verificato nel 5% dei pazienti. L’area sotto la curva (AUROC) stimata per l’outcome combinato è risultata pari a 0,64 (95%CI 0,59-0,68). Un punteggio BAP-65 ≥ 4 ha mostrato una sensibilità pari a 44% (95% CI 34%-55%) nel predire la mortalità intraospedaliera, con specificità 84% (95% CI 82%-85%), valore predittivo positivo 9% (95% CI 6%-12%) e valore predittivo negativo 98% (95% CI 97%-98%). In conclusione, il modello BAP-65 non ha dimostrato accuratezza sufficiente per un’efficacie stratificazione del rischio di prognosi infausta nella popolazione studiata. DOI del primo articolo: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2018.01.010 DOI del secondo articolo: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2018.10.018.Abstract part 1 Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPDs) frequently cause patients with COPD to access the emergency department and have a negative impact on the course of the disease. The objectives of our study were: 1) describing the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, and the clinical management, of patients with AECOPD, when they present to the emergency department; and 2) estimating the costs related to the management of these patients. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in Italy, collecting data on 4,396 patients, from 34 centres. Patients had a mean (SD) age of 76,6 (10.6) years, and 61.2 % of them where males. More than 70 % of the patients had a moderate to very high comorbidity burden, and heart failure was present in 26.4 % of the cohort. The 64.6 % of patients were admitted to hospital wards, with a mean (SD) length of stay of 10.8 (9.8) days. The estimated cost per patient was 2617 €. Conclusions: Patients attending the ED for an AECOPD are old and present important comorbidities. The rate of admission is high, and costs are remarkable. Abstract part 2 Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) frequently require hospitalizations, may necessitate of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), and are associated with a remarkable in-hospital mortality. The BAP-65 score is a risk assessment model (RAM) based on simple variables, that has been proposed for the prediction of these adverse outcomes in patients with AECOPD. If showed to be accurate, the BAP-65 RAM might be used to guide the patients management, in terms of destination and treatment. We conducted a retrospective, multicentre, chart-review study, on patients attending the ED for an AECOPD during 2014. The aim of the study was the validation of the BAP-65 RAM for the prediction of in-hospital death or use of IMV (composite primary outcome). We assessed the discrimination and the prognostic performance of the BAP-65 RAM. We enrolled 2908 patients from 20 centres across Italy. The mean (standard deviation) age was 76 (11) years, and 38% of patients were female. The composite outcome occurred in 5.3% of patients. The AUROC of BAP-65 for the composite outcome was 0.64 (95%CI 0.59-0.68). The sensitivity of BAP-65 score ≥ 4 to predict in-hospital mortality was 44% (95% CI 34%-55%), the specificity was 84% (95% CI 82%-85%), the positive predictive value was 9% (95% CI 6%-12%), and the negative predictive value was 98% (95% CI 97%-98%). Conclusions: In patients attending Italian EDs with an AECOPD, we found that the BAP-65 score did not have sufficient accuracy to stratify patients upon their risk of severe in-hospital outcomes. DOI of published article # 1: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2018.01.010 DOI of published article # 2: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2018.10.018
Computed tomography to assess risk of death in acute pulmonary embolism : a meta-analysis
No full textThe aim of this study was to evaluate whether right ventricle dilation at computed tomography (CT) angiography can be used to assess the risk of death in patients with acute pulmonary embolism. Medline and EMBASE were searched up to April 30, 2013. Studies reporting on the association between right ventricle dilation (right-to-left ventricle diameter) or dysfunction (inter-ventricular septal bowing) at CT angiography and death at 30 days, as well as at 3 months in patients with acute pulmonary embolism, were included in a systematic review and meta-analysis. CT-detected right ventricle dilation was associated with an increased 30 day-mortality in all-comers with pulmonary embolism (OR 2.08 (95% CI 1.63-2.66); p0.00001) and in haemodynamically stable patients (OR 1.64 (95% CI 1.06-2.52); p=0.03), as well as with death due to pulmonary embolism (OR 7.35 (95% CI 3.59-15.09); p0.00001). An association between right ventricle dilation and 3-month mortality was also observed (OR 4.65 (95% CI 1.79-12.07); p=0.002). Right-to-left ventricle dilation as assessed by CT angiography can be used to evaluate risk of death in all-comers with pulmonary embolism and in haemodynamically stable patients
Prognostic role of embolic burden assessed at computed tomography angiography in patients with acute pulmonary embolism : systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textSummary: Background: In patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE), risk stratification is indicated for tailoring of both diagnostic strategies and acute treatment. Whether embolic burden assessed at computed tomography (CT) angiography has a role in risk stratification in these patients is debated. Objective: To systematically review and perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the role of CT-assessed burden associated with embolic obstruction and embolic localization in the prognostic stratification of patients with acute PE. Methods: We performed a systematic search in EMBASE and MEDLINE up until 30 June 2013. Studies reporting on the 30-day outcome of patients with confirmed PE and CT-assessed embolic burden were included. The study outcome was death. Results: Thirty studies reporting on the prognostic value of CT-assessed embolic burden met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review; of these, 19 were included in the meta-analysis. Five studies (2215 patients) were included in the analysis of localization: an association between embolus localization in the central arteries and 30-day mortality was found after heterogeneity was resolved (odds ratio [OR] 2.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29-3.89, I2 = 0%). No correlation was observed between obstruction index (according to the Qanadli scoring system) and 30-day mortality after heterogeneity was reduced (16 studies, 3884 patients, OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.99-1.51, I2 = 27%). Conclusion: Localization of emboli assessed at CT angiography can be used for risk stratification in patients with acute PE. Moreover, no correlation was observed between obstruction index and prognosis
Prediction of the Risk of Bleeding in People Living with Hemophilia
No full textA tool allowing the prediction of the risk of bleeding in patients with hemophilia would be relevant for patients, stakeholders, and policymakers.
We performed a systematic review of the literature searching for available risk assessment models to predict the risk of bleeding in people living with hemophilia, and to determine the key risk factors that the ideal model should include. We also systematically review the literature to determine the acceptability and accuracy of wrist-wearable devices to measure physical activity in the general population. Finally, we validated the performance of a risk assessment model for the prediction of the risk for bleeding in people living with hemophilia.
We identified the following risk factors for bleeding in people living with hemophilia: plasma factor levels, history of bleeds, physical activity, antithrombotic treatment, and obesity. The FitBit Charge and FitBit Charge HR are the most accurate devices for measuring steps, and the Apple Watch is the most accurate for measuring heart rate. No device proved to be accurate in measuring energy expenditure. The predictive accuracy of the risk assessment model that we validated does not endorse its use to drive decision making on treatment strategies based on the predicted number of bleeds. This might in part be explained by the methods used in the derivation phase.
The need for an accurate risk assessment model to predict the risk of bleeding in people living with hemophilia is still unmet. This should be done by including the relevant risk factors identified through our work, with data on physical activity possibly collected using an accurate wrist-wearable device, and through the application of rigorous methods in the derivation and validation phases.ThesisDoctor of Philosophy (PhD)People living with hemophilia lack a coagulation factor and tend to experience spontaneous bleeds, with frequency and intensity that vary between individuals. Predicting who will experience more bleeds would allow for changing the treatment strategies and directing the best resources to the persons that can benefit more.
Through this project, we identified the variables that should be considered to estimate the risk for bleeding in people living with hemophilia, namely the blood levels of the lacking coagulation factor, the bleeding history, the physical activity levels, the concomitant treatment with blood thinners, and the presence of obesity. We determined that Fitbit Charge and Charge HR are the most accurate devices for measuring steps and Apple Watch for heart rate. Lastly, we found that an existing tool for predicting the risk of bleeding is not accurate enough to be used in this setting, and a new model should be produced
Padua prediction score or clinical judgment for decision making on antithrombotic prophylaxis : a quasi-randomized controlled trial
No full textThe Padua prediction score (PPS) has been suggested as the best available model for the assessment of the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in hospitalized medical patients. The impact of its use in clinical practice has never been prospectively evaluated. According to a quasi-randomized study design, consecutive patients admitted to Internal Medicine Section 1 were allocated to a PPS-based decisional strategy suggesting thromboprophylaxis in patients with PPS score ≥4, and those admitted to Section 2 to a clinical judgment-based strategy. Study patients underwent complete compression ultrasonography of the lower limbs at discharge. The primary outcome was symptomatic or asymptomatic VTE during hospital stay. Secondary outcomes were VTE excluding isolated distal deep vein thrombosis, bleedings, and appropriate thromboprophylaxis. 628 patients were included in the analysis, 235 in the PPS group, and 393 in the clinical judgment group. The two groups differed for length of hospital stay, prevalence of recent trauma or surgery, and stroke. Compared with control, the PPS group had a significantly lower incidence of VTE (8.5 vs. 15.5 %, OR 0.51, 95 % CI 0.30–0.86), also after adjusting for thromboprophylaxis use and patient PPS-risk category (OR 0.54, 95 % CI 0.31–0.94). In conclusion, the use of PPS was associated with a higher rate of appropriate thromboprophylaxis prescription; no significant differences were found in the other secondary outcomes. The use of PPS for the assessment of risk for VTE is associated with a reduced incidence of VTE compared with the clinical judgment. These result needs to be confirmed in future studies
Validation of the BAP-65 score for prediction of in-hospital death or use of mechanical ventilation in patients presenting to the emergency department with an acute exacerbation of COPD: a retrospective multi-center study from the Italian Society of Emergency Medicine (SIMEU)
No full textExacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPDE) frequently require hospitalizations, may necessitate of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), and are associated with a remarkable in-hospital mortality. The BAP-65 score is a risk assessment model (RAM) based on simple variables, that has been proposed for the prediction of these adverse outcomes in patients with COPDE. If showed to be accurate, the BAP-65 RAM might be used to guide the patients management, in terms of destination and treatment. We conducted a retrospective, multicentre, chart-review study, on patients attending the ED for a COPDE during 2014. The aim of the study was the validation of the BAP-65 RAM for the prediction of in-hospital death or use of IMV (composite primary outcome). We assessed the discrimination and the prognostic performance of the BAP-65 RAM. We enrolled 2908 patients from 20 centres across Italy. The mean (standard deviation) age was 76 (11) years, and 38% of patients were female. The composite outcome occurred in 5.3% of patients. The AUROC of BAP-65 for the composite outcome was 0.64 (95%CI 0.59-0.68). The sensitivity of BAP-65 score ≥ 4 to predict in-hospital mortality was 44% (95% CI 34%-55%), the specificity was 84% (95% CI 82%-85%), the positive predictive value was 9% (95% CI 6%-12%), and the negative predictive value was 98% (95% CI 97%-98%). CONCLUSIONS: In patients attending Italian EDs with a COPDE, we found that the BAP-65 score did not have sufficient accuracy to stratify patients upon their risk of severe in-hospital outcomes
N-of-1 Randomized Trials of Ultra-Micronized Palmitoylethanolamide in Older Patients with Chronic Pain
No full textBackground: Ultra-micronized palmitoylethanolamide (um-PEA) represents an attractive option for chronic pain control in complex older patients at higher risk of adverse effects with traditional analgesics. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of um-PEA versus placebo on chronic pain intensity and function in individual geriatric patients. Design: We performed randomized, blinded N-of-1 trials with two 3-week um-PEA versus placebo comparisons, separated by 2-week washout periods. Participants: The study included outpatients aged ≥ 65 years with chronic, non-cancer, non-ischemic pain in the back, joints, or limbs. Intervention: Patients were randomized to Um-PEA 600 mg or placebo twice daily. Measurements: Pain intensity was measured using an 11-point visual numeric scale. Functional impairment was measured using a Back Pain Functional Scale. Impact of each N-of-1 trial was measured on the clinician’s intention to treat and confidence. Results: Ten of 11 eligible patients consented over 7 months [all female, mean age 83.2 years (SD 4.6)]. Three patients interrupted the trial: one had diarrhea (under placebo), one for low adherence, and one for intercurrent pneumonia. A small statistically significant effect in favor of um-PEA was seen at the mixed method analyses in two patients (effect size equal to 8% of the baseline pain). A statistically significant impact on function was found in one patient. After the trial, um-PEA was prescribed to four patients; in two patients the clinician changed their pre-trial intention to treat; the clinician confidence in the treatment plan either increased (5) or remained the same (2). Conclusions: Our experience confirmed that N-of-1 trials may help make personalized evidence-based decisions in complex older patients, with special feasibility considerations. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02699281
Efficacy of ultra-micronized palmitoylethanolamide (um-PEA) in geriatric patients with chronic pain : study protocol for a series of N-of-1 randomized trials
No full textBackground: Chronic pain in older people is highly prevalent, often underestimated, and associated with adverse outcomes. Most available analgesic drugs are often either ineffective or not tolerated, with many side effects. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endogenous widely distributed N-acylethanolamina involved in neuroinflammation and pain-generating processes. Formulations containing ultra-micronized palmitoylethanolamide (um-PEA) are available but their effectiveness on chronic pain in highly heterogeneous geriatric patients is not clear and probably not generalizable. We planned to adopt the N-of-1 trial approach to test the effectiveness of um-PEA objectively at the individual level in our older outpatients. Methods/Design: Persons 65 years or older referring to the Geriatric Unit of the Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico of Milan complaining of noncancer chronic pain of any origin will be eligible. Each trial will be a placebo-controlled randomized crossover trial including two um-PEA (600 mg twice a day) and placebo treatment pairs. The um-PEA or placebo 3-week periods will be separated by 2-week washout intervals to overcome possible carryover effects. Pain intensity, need of on-demand analgesic medications, and impact on daily activities will be evaluated. Cognitively impaired patients will be eligible as long as an expression of pain can be recognized and its frequency assessed by a caregiver. Trial results will be discussed with the patient or caregiver and the treating physician to decide whether to continue the treatment. The impact of the N-of-1 approach on the physician's management plan and confidence will be assessed. We will secondarily meta-analyze the performed N-of-1 trials to obtain an estimate of the average effect of um-PEA compared with placebo using a frequentist and Bayesian approach. Discussion: While pursuing an ultimate clinical objective, i.e. to empirically and objectively decide the best treatment choice for an individual older patient with chronic pain, these series of geriatric N-of-1 trials on PEA will bring the principles of evidence-based medicine into the care of patients not usually represented in conventional randomized controlled trials, and realize a patient-centered outcome approach necessary to improve appropriate prescribing in elderly patients with multimorbidity and polypharmacy. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02699281. Registered on 3 March 2016
Черты импрессионизма в литературных пейзажах братьев Гонкуров
No full textВыбор темы настоящей статьи продиктован в первую очередь тем, что как в Украине, так и в России творчество братьев Эдмона и Жюля Гонкуров остается малоизученным.Вибір теми справжньої статті продиктований в першу чергу тим, що як в Україні, так і в Росії творчість братів Едмона і Жюля Гонкурів залишається маловивченою.In the article under consideration the author makes a research on the characteristic features of impressionism in the literary descriptions of brothers Goncourt, and special emphasis is laid on the role of landscape which is used to reveal the inner world of the main heroine of the novel "Germini Lacerteux"
Черты импрессионизма в литературных пейзажах братьев Гонкуров
No full textВыбор темы настоящей статьи продиктован в первую очередь тем, что как в Украине, так и в России творчество братьев Эдмона и Жюля Гонкуров остается малоизученным.Вибір теми справжньої статті продиктований в першу чергу тим, що як в Україні, так і в Росії творчість братів Едмона і Жюля Гонкурів залишається маловивченою.In the article under consideration the author makes a research on the characteristic features of impressionism in the literary descriptions of brothers Goncourt, and special emphasis is laid on the role of landscape which is used to reveal the inner world of the main heroine of the novel "Germini Lacerteux"
