Objective To explore the clinical and inflammatory characteristics and risk factors of severe asthma to improve clinicians' awareness of the disease. Methods The general information of patients with asthma who visited the Department of Respiratory Medicine, the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from May 2018 to May 2021, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of asthma, personal history, comorbidities, auxiliary examination, asthma control test (ACT) score were collected. A total of 127 patients were included, including 40 in the severe asthma group and 87 in the mild-to-moderate asthma group. Chi-square test, independent sample t test and logistic regression were used to analyze the clinical characteristics, inflammatory markers and risk factors of severe asthma. Results Compared with the patients with mild to moderate asthma, the patients with severe asthma were more older (51.0±12.0 years vs 40.7±12.8 years, P<0.05), had more smokers (32.5% vs. 14.9%, P<0.05), and more males (67.5% vs. 40.2%, P<0.05). The patients with severe asthma got poor FEV1%pred [(56.1±23.8)% vs. (93.2±18.0)%, P<0.05] and FEV1/FVC [(56.7±13.2)% vs. (75.8±9.0)%, P<0.05)], and more exacerbations in the previous year (2.7±3.1 vs. 0.1±0.4, P<0.05), lower ACT score (14.4±3.7 vs. 18.0±5.0, P<0.05), and higher blood and induced sputum eosinophil counts [(0.54±0.44)×109/L vs. (0.27±0.32)×109/L, P<0.05; (25.9±24.2)% vs. (9.8±17.5)%, P<0.05]. There was no significant difference in the proportion of neutrophils in the induced sputum or FeNO between the two groups (P>0.05). Analysis of related risk factors showed that smoking (OR=2.740, 95%CI 1.053 - 7.130), combined with allergic rhinitis (OR=14.388, 95%CI 1.486 - 139.296) and gastroesophageal reflux (OR=2.514, 95%CI 1.105 - 5.724) were risk factors for severe asthma. Conclusions Compared with patients with mild to moderate asthma, patients with severe asthma are characterized by poor lung function, more exacerbations, and a dominant eosinophil inflammatory phenotype, which is still poorly controlled even with higher level of treatment. Risk factors include smoking, allergic rhinitis, and gastroesophageal reflux, etc.
ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical characteristics, prognosis and predisposing factors of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated pulmonary mucormycosis (CAPM), so as to improve people's understanding of the disease.MethodsFrom from September 1, 2021 to July 31, 2024, 11 patients with CAPM who were hospitalized in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University were retrospectively collected, and 22 patients with non-CAPM were included after matching according to the ratio of 1:2. The clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, imaging features, tracheoscopy, treatment and prognosis of the two groups were analyzed. ResultsThe average age of patients in CAPM group was 59.5 ± 10.6 years, with 81.8% of males; diabetes mellitus (90.9%) was the most common complication. In CAPM group, the median time after the occurrence of mucor after COVID-19 was 13.0 (10.0, 24.0) days. The utilization rate of glucocorticoids in the CAPM group was 63.6% (7/11), which was significantly higher than that in non-CAPM group [13.6% (3/22)], and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (P=0.006). The C-reactive protein level in CAPM group was significantly higher at 93.90 (75.00, 129.00) mg/L than that in non-CAPM group at 26.10 (4.83, 114.03) mg/L, with a statistically significant difference (P=0.040). The CD4+T lymphocyte counts and B lymphocyte counts in CAPM group were 223.00 (66.75, 336.75)/µL and 32.00 (21.75, 55.25)/µL, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the non-CAPM group 394.00 (206.00, 610.00)/µL and 112.50 (56.00, 159.25)/µL, with statistical differences between the groups (P=0.040, P=0.040). In terms of imaging, the main imaging findings were the involvement of multiple lobes in both groups. 63.6% (7/11) of patients with pulmonary aspergillosis in CAPM group were significantly higher than those(4/22, 18.2%) in non-CAPM group (P=0.017). The incidence of dyspnea in CAPM group was significantly higher than that in non-CAPM group (90.9% vs. 50.0%, 0.027%).ConclusionThe proportion of glucocorticoid use and the proportion of pulmonary aspergillosis in CAPM group are significantly higher, and they are in a more serious state of immunosuppression. Once combined with pulmonary aspergillus , the mortality rate is higher.
Objective To explore the clinical features, treatment methods and prognostic factors of primary appendiceal tumors. Methods The clinicopathologic data of 82 patients with primary appendiceal tumor who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were treated in the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from January 2013 to November 2022 were retrospectively collected, and the clinicopathologic characteristics of the patients were summarized. Log-rank and Cox proportional hazard regression models were further used for univariate and multivariate survival analysis for patients without other malignant tumors. Results Among the 82 patients with primary appendiceal tumor, 9 cases (11.0%) were complicated with other malignant tumors. Low-grade mucinous tumors were the most common (51.2%, 42/82), 25 cases were complicated with appendicitis and 12 cases were complicated with intestinal obstruction. Common clinical manifestations included abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, abdominal distension, vomiting, nausea, etc. Among the patients without other malignancies, 69 patients were followed up for a median of 32 months (4–106 months), 18 of whom died. The 1-year, 2-year, 3-year and 5-year cumulative survival rates were 91.1%, 87.5%, 80.5% and 60.7%, respectively. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (P=0.004), anemia (P=0.015), tumor metastasis (P=0.007) and diabetes mellitus (P=0.011) were prognostic factors. Among them, patients with platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio >190.1, anemia, tumor metastasis and diabetes mellitus had poor prognosis. Conclusions The main pathological type of primary appendiceal tumors is low grade mucinous tumors. It lacks characteristic clinical manifestations, with abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits as the main manifestations, and can be accompanied by appendicitis and intestinal obstruction. There is no unified standard for treatment. For patients characterized by prognostic risk factors including platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio >190.1, anemia, tumor metastasis and diabetes, further monitoring and intervention are required.
Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and drug resistance changes of nosocomial infection caused by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) in different types of clinical departments, and to provide evidence for prevention and control of CRKP infection. Methods The hospital infection real-time monitoring system was used to retrospectively collect the inpatients with CRKP nosocomial infection in the First People’s Hospital of Lianyungang from January 2019 to December 2023 as the research objects. According to the different sources of departments, they were divided into intensive care unit (ICU) group, internal medicine group and surgery group. The changes of clinical characteristics and drug resistance to common antibiotics were analyzed. Results A total of 636188 inpatients were monitored, and 225 cases were infected with CRKP, with an overall infection detection rate of 0.035%. The detection rates of CRKP infection in the ICU group, internal medicine group, and surgery group were 0.736% (138/18749), 0.013% (44/336777), and 0.015% (43/280662), respectively, with the ICU group demonstrating a significantly higher rate than the other groups (P<0.05). The detection rates fluctuated in the early stage and then decreased rapidly in different years. The main infection site of CRKP in all groups was lower respiratory tract, but the proportion of device-related infections in the ICU group was higher than that in the internal medicine and surgery groups (P<0.05). In terms of the infected population, there was no significant difference in gender among groups (P>0.05) with the proportion of males more than 60%, while the difference in the proportion of patients aged ≥65 years among groups was statistically significant (P<0.05), with the highest in the internal medicine group (86.36%). The burden of underlying diseases and invasive operation exposure of the infected patients were high, and the proportion of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and indwelling catheters were as high as 69.33% and 83.56%, respectively. The differences in the proportions of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, ≥3 underlying diseases, and surgical and invasive procedures among groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). The distribution of infection specimens in each group showed no statistically significant difference (P>0.05), with sputum, blood, and mid-stream urine specimens being the main detected specimens in all groups. The resistance rates of CRKP to penicillins and cephalosporins were more than 93%, and the resistance rates to aminoglycosides and sulfonamides were relatively low and showed a decline year by year. The resistance rate to ceftazidime/avibactam was only 7.41%, but the resistance rate to tigecycline increased. The difference in resistance rate of CRKP to co-trimoxazole among groups was statistically significant (P<0.05), while the differences in resistance to other antimicrobial agents were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusions The detection rate, clinical characteristics and drug resistance of CRKP infection in different types of departments of medical institutions are different and changing. It is necessary to strengthen the rational use of antibiotics and the prevention and control of nosocomial infection.
Objective To analyze the clinical features and etiologic of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among the elderly aged 80 and over, and provide evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods The clinical characteristics and etiology of the elderly CAP (≥80 years old) were analyzed by collecting and comparing the clinical characteristics and etiology between the very elderly CAP group (≥80 years old, 94 cases) and control group (65 to 79 years old, 100 cases). Results On clinical symptoms, there were statistical differences in dyspnea and gastrointestinal symptoms, systemic symptoms, and mental status (P<0.05) between the two groups. There was no statistically significant difference in upper respiratory tract symptoms, fever, cough, sputum, hemoptysis and chest pain between the two groups (P>0.05). On the complications, the very elderly CAP group was more prone to respiratory failure, sepsis, urinary tract infection and electrolyte metabolism than the control group (P<0.05). On the experimental indicators, anemia and abnormal renal function in the elderly CAP group were high (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference between the two groups of inflammation indicators (white blood count, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, neutrophil alkaline phosphatase score). The pneumonia severity index score and CURB-65 score of the very elderly CAP group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.001). On pathogen analysis, in the very elderly CAP group the number of bacterial infections (23/94), viral infections (21/94) and bacterial mixed virus infections (21/94) were probably equivalent, and the proportion of bacterial infections of two or more types accounted for 17.0% (16/94); The bacteria detection rate was Streptococcus pneumoniae (22.4%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19.4%), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (16.4%), Staphylococcus aureus (14.9%). Viral infection mainly focused on influenza A virus (23/94) and human cytomegalovirus (21/94). Bacterial mixed virus infection was mainly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and influenza A virus infection. Comparing the two groups, the most common bacterial pathogen both of them was Streptococcus pneumoniae, but the overall proportion was dominated by gram-negative bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae were more common; the gram-positive bacteria in the two groups were mainly Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. There was no significant difference in the detection rate of above Gram-positive bacteria between the two groups (P>0.05). The two groups of virus infections were mainly influenza A virus, and the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The two groups of single bacteria rate, single virus infection rate, double virus infection rate and bacterial mixed virus infection rate were similar, the difference had not been found (P>0.05). Conclusions The elderly (aged 80 and over) CAP group is prone to dyspnea, often presents with extrapulmonary atypical symptoms such as digestive tract symptoms, systemic symptoms and psychiatric symptoms, and usually accompanied with many complications. The etiological treatment mainly covers gram-negative bacteria, and we must pay attention to the possibility of combined virus infection.
Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics associated with hospital infections in patients with common bile duct stones treated by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE), thereby providing a basis for selecting treatment strategies and formulating hospital infection prevention measures for such patients. Methods Patients with common bile duct stones at Jiangsu Provincial People’s Hospital between January 2020 and July 2023 were retrospectively selected and divided into ERCP and LCBDE groups according to their surgical methods. Basic patient data, length of hospital stay, hospitalization costs, perioperative infection-related indicators, and occurance of hospital infections were compared between groups. Results A total of 402 patients were enrolled, with 242 in the ERCP group and 160 in the LCBDE group. Significant differences were noted in smoking, alcohol consumption, history of lung diseases, history of heart diseases, history of cholecystectomy/biliary surgery, presence of cholecystitis, presence of cholecystolithiasis, number of stones, maximum stone diameter, common bile duct diameter, total hospital stay, and total expenses (P<0.05). Twenty-four hours before surgery, except for the neutrophil count, which was slightly higher in the ERCP group than that in the LCBDE group (P=0.043), the infection-related indicators did not differ significantly between the two groups (P>0.05). Twenty-four hours after surgery, the levels of serum white blood cell, neutrophil, and aspartate aminotransferase in the ERCP group were lower than those in the LCBDE group (P<0.05), and the levels of alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase in the ERCP group were higher than those in the LCBDE group (P<0.05). A total of 179 bile samples were collected and tested, identifying 137 strains of pathogenic bacteria (78 in the ERCP group and 59 in the LCBDE group). In the ERCP group, 42 strains (53.85%) were Gram-negative bacteria, 34 strains (45.59%) were Gram-positive bacteria, and 2 strains (2.56%) were fungi; in the LCBDE group, 33 strains (55.93%) were Gram-negative bacteria and 26 strains (44.07%) were Gram-positive bacteria. No significant difference was observed in the composition of pathogenic bacteria between the two groups (χ2=1.174, P=0.695). Among the 402 patients, 38 cases of hospital infection occurred postoperatively, with an infection rate of 9.45%. The difference in the infection rate between the ERCP group and the LCBDE group were statistically significant (11.98% vs. 5.63%; χ2=4.550, P=0.033). The main sites of infection were bloodstream, lungs, and abdominal-pelvic cavity. Conclusions The predominant pathogens isolated after both ERCP and LCBDE are Gram-negative bacteria. Compared with LCBDE, ERCP has less impact on inflammatory markers, hospital stay, and costs, but has a higher incidence of hospital infections.
Objective To describe the disease characteristics of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who experiencing prolonged glucocorticoid (GC) exposure. Methods Between January 2016 and June 2019, 449 SLE patients meeting the criteria were recruited from multiple centers. Hip MRI examinations were performed during screening and regular follow-up to determine the occurrence of ONFH. The cohort was divided into ONFH and non-ONFH groups, and the differences in demographic baseline characteristics, general clinical characteristics, GC medication information, combined medication, and hip clinical features were compared and comprehensively described. ResultsThe age at SLE diagnosis was 29.8 (23.2, 40.9) years, with 93.1% (418 cases) being female. The duration of GC exposure was 5.3 (2.0, 10.5) years, and the cumulative incidence of SLE-ONFH was 9.1%. Significant differences (P<0.05) between ONFH and non-ONFH groups were observed in the following clinical characteristics: ① Demographic baseline characteristics: ONFH group had a higher proportion of patients with body mass index (BMI)<20 kg/m2 compared to non-ONFH group. ② General clinical characteristics: ONFH group showed a higher proportion of patients with cutaneous and renal manifestations, positive antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) and anticardiolipin antibodies, severe SLE patients [baseline SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) score ≥15], and secondary hypertension. Fasting blood glucose in ONFH group was also higher. ③ GC medication information: ONFH group had higher initial intravenous GC exposure rates, duration, cumulative doses, higher cumulative GC doses in the first month and the first 3 months, higher average daily doses in the first 3 months, and higher proportions of average daily doses ≥15.0 mg/d and ≥30.0 mg/d, as well as higher full-course average daily doses and proportion of full-course daily doses ≥30.0 mg/d compared to non-ONFH group. ④ Combined medications: ONFH group had a significantly higher rate of antiplatelet drug use than non-ONFH group. ⑤ Hip clinical features: ONFH group had a higher proportion of hip discomfort or pain and a higher incidence of hip joint effusion before MRI screening than non-ONFH group. Conclusion The incidence of ONFH after GC exposure in China’s SLE population remains high (9.1%), with short-term (first 3 months), medium-to-high dose (average daily dose ≥15 mg/d) GC being closely associated with ONFH. Severe SLE, low BMI, certain clinical phenotypes, positive aPLs, and secondary hypertension may also be related to ONFH.
ObjectivesTo analyze the effect of bronchiectasis (BE) on the clinical characteristics and prognosis of hospitalized patients with community acquired pneumonia (CAP), and to explore the independent risk factors affecting the 30-day mortality. MethodsA national multi-center retrospective study based on the CAP-China network platform. The clinical data of 6056 patients with CAP who were hospitalized in 13 tertiary teaching hospitals in Beijing, Shandong and Yunnan from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 were collected. To compare the differences in clinical characteristics, etiological distribution and treatment prognosis of patients with CAP with bronchiectasis (BE-CAP) and patients without bronchiectasis (non-BE-CAP). Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze independent risk factors affecting 30-day mortality in hospitalized patients with BE-CAP. ResultsIn the final analysis, 5880 CAP patients were included, and BE-CAP patients accounted for 10.8% (637/5880). Compared with non-BE-CAP patients, more BE-CAP patients were women, and a higher proportion of patients had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma, previous history of glucocorticoid inhalation, and a history of CAP within 1 year. BE-CAP patients had more dyspnea and cyanosis, lower arterial partial pressure of oxygen, longer median time to clinical stability (6 d vs. 4 d, P<0.001), and the incidence of respiratory failure was significantly higher than that of non-BE-CAP patients (27.8% vs. 19.7%, P<0.001). Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common bacterial infection in BE-CAP patients. Comorbid bronchiectasis has no significant effect on disease severity, total length of hospital stay, and mortality in CAP patients. The 30-day mortality rate of BE-CAP patients was 2.2%. Logistic regression analysis showed that initial treatment failure [odds ratio (OR) 6.675, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.235-10.523, P<0.001], respiratory failure (OR 5.548, 95%CI 3.681-8.363, P<0.001), blood urea nitrogen>7.0 mmol/L (OR 2.490, 95%CI 1.625-3.815, P<0.001), albumin<35.0 g/L (OR 1.647, 95%CI 1.073-2.529, P=0.022) and CURB-65 score (OR 1.691, 95%CI 1.341-2.133, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for 30-day mortality in BE-CAP patients. ConclusionsBE-CAP patients have more serious hypoxia symptoms and higher incidence of respiratory failure. For BE-CAP patients with failure of initial treatment, complicated with respiratory failure, blood urea nitrogen>7.0 mmol/L, and albumin<35.0 g/L, treatment evaluation should be performed in time to reduce the mortality rate.
Objective To investigate the etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, surgical treatment, and outcomes of acute necrotizing mediastinitis (ANM) in order to guide future diagnosis and treatment of ANM. Methods The clinical data of patients with ANM referred to West China Hospital, Sichuan University from March 2012 to April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The etiology, clinical manifestations, demographic characteristics, bacterial culture results, surgical approach and prognostic factors of these patients were summarized. ResultsA total of 176 patients were enrolled in this study. The median age was 60 ( 0-84) years. There were 124 (70.5%) males and 52 (29.5%) females. The most common origin of infection was neck (n=66, 37.5%). The most common symptom was fever (n=85, 48.3%). Streptococcus constellatus represented the most common pathogens in secretion culture. Surgical treatment was administered to 119 (67.6%) patients through different approaches, including 54 (30.7%) patients of cervical approach, 9 (5.1%) patients of thoracotomy, 18 (10.2%) patients of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), 7 (4.0%) patients of cervical combined with thoracotomy, 30 (17.0%) patients of cervical combined with VATS, and 1 (0.6%) patient of subxiphoid approach. Among this cohort, 144 (81.8%) patients were cured, while 32 (18.1%) patients died. Age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (OR=2.95, P=0.022), perioperative sepsis (OR=2.84, P=0.024), and non-surgical treatment (OR=2.41, P=0.043) were identified as independent predictors of poor outcomes. Conclusion For patients with corresponding history and manifestations of ANM, it is crucial to go through imaging examination to confirm the presence of an abscess and guide the selection of surgical approach. Once the diagnosis of ANM is made, it is imperative to promptly perform surgical intervention for effective drainage. Our study highlights the significance of age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index, perioperative sepsis and surgical treatment in predicting patients’ outcomes.
Objective To analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics of inpatients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) and provide a basis for clinical prevention and treatment. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 744 inpatients diagnosed with OVCF between January 2017 and December 2021 who met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 146 were male and 598 were female, with age ranging from 50 to 95 years (mean, 69.37 years). The demographic characteristics (gender, age, ethnicity, occupation, regional distribution, urban-rural distribution, and seasonal incidence) and clinical features [causes of injury, history of vertebral fractures, smoking and drinking history in males, comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, cerebral infarction), body mass index (BMI), blood lipid levels, menopausal age in females, vertebral bone mineral density T-value, number of vertebral fractures, and fracture segment distribution] of OVCF patients were analyzed. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors of vertebral osteoporosis. Results The demographic analysis indicated that female patients with OVCF were significantly younger than male patients (P<0.05). Significant differences were observed in the age distribution of OVCF between males and females (P<0.05), with the highest proportion of male patients in the 70-79 years group (37.0%) and the highest proportion of female patients in the 60-69 years group (40.0%). From 2017 to 2021, the age of onset for OVCF gradually increased, with a similar trend observed for both genders. The distribution of occupations between genders also showed significant differences (P<0.05); with the top three occupations for males being farmers (48.6%), retirees (24.7%), and workers (13.7%), while for females, the leading occupations were farmers (51.5%), retirees (19.4%), and service workers (10.0%). Female OVCF patients had higher BMI, vertebral bone mineral density T-value, history of vertebral fractures, hypertension prevalence, and blood lipid levels compared to male patients (P<0.05). No significant difference between the males and the females was found in ethnicity, seasonal distribution, regional distribution, urban-rural distribution, causes of injury, number of vertebral fractures, or prevalence of comorbidities (except hypertension) (P>0.05). Among the 744 OVCF patients, a total of 1 309 vertebrae were involved, with 628 thoracic vertebrae (48.0%) and 681 lumbar vertebrae (52.0%). The most common fracture segments were L1 (22.5%), T12 (21.2%), followed by L2 (12.2%) and T11 (10.2%). No significant gender difference was observed in the distribution of fracture segments (P>0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that older age, female, and lower BMI were independent risk factors for vertebral osteoporosis (P<0.05). ConclusionThe age of onset of OVCF patients is increasing year by year. The number of fractured vertebral bodies, age distribution of morbidity, occupational distribution, BMI, history of vertebral fracture, hypertension, and blood lipid levels are related to gender. The occurrence of OVCF is mainly in the thoracolumbar segment. The female, older age, and lower BMI are independent risk factors of osteoporosis.