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The efficacy and safety of non‐surgical treatment of diabetic foot wound infections and ulcers: A systemic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy and safety of non-surgical treatments for diabetic foot ulcers and infections. After a rigorous literature review, seven studies were selected for detailed analysis. The findings demonstrate that non-surgical treatments significantly reduce wound infection rates (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −15.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [−19.05, −11.25], p < 0.01) compared to surgical methods. Ulcer healing rates were found to be comparable between non-surgical and surgical approaches (SMD = 0.07, 95% CI: [−0.38, 0.51], p = 0.15). Importantly, the rate of amputations within 6 months post-treatment was significantly lower in the non-surgical group (risk ratio [RR] = 0.19, 95% CI: [0.09, 0.41], p < 0.01). Additionally, a lower mortality rate was observed in patients treated non-surgically (RR = 0.28, 95% CI: [0.13, 0.59], p < 0.01). These results affirm the effectiveness and safety of non-surgical interventions in managing diabetic foot ulcers, suggesting that they should be considered a viable option in diabetic foot care.

A meta‐analysis on the impact of spinal cord stimulation on post‐operative wound healing in patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has emerged as a potential therapeutic tool for various chronic conditions, but its efficacy in post-operative wound healing for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients has not been comprehensively understood. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of SCS on post-operative wound healing and scar formation in MS patients. A systematic literature review identified seven studies for inclusion. We focused on wound healing as measured by the redness, edema, ecchymosis, discharge, approximation (REEDA) scale 1 week post-operation and scar formation assessed by the Manchester Scar Scale (MSS) 3 months post-operation. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in wound healing in the SCS group, with a standard mean difference (SMD) of −5.82 (95% confidence interval [CI]: [−7.56, −4.09], p < 0.01) on the REEDA scale. For scar formation, the SCS group showed a notable reduction in MSS scores, with an SMD of −10.06 (95% CI: [−14.53, −5.58], p < 0.01). These findings underscore the potential of SCS as an adjunct therapy in enhancing surgical recovery in MS patients, pointing towards its broader applications in post-operative care.

Integrated strategies for the clinical correlation, prevention and management of chronic oral infections, wounds and arteriosclerotic occlusion in lower extremities

Abstract

This study explores the intricate relationship between chronic periodontitis (CP) and its implications for wound healing, particularly in the context of arteriosclerotic occlusion (ASO) in the lower extremities. A cohort of 90 individuals was categorized into three groups: those with CP, those with both CP and ASO (ASO + CP) and a healthy control group. Comprehensive assessments including oral examinations, blood tests and questionnaires were conducted. Key oral health indicators such as probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and periodontal inflammatory surface area (PISA) were evaluated to gauge the severity of periodontal wounds. The study found that the ASO + CP group showed a significantly higher number of missing teeth and increased PD compared to the CP group (p < 0.05). Both CP and ASO + CP groups exhibited elevated PD, BOP and PISA compared to the control group (p < 0.05), indicating exacerbated periodontal wounds. Serum analyses showed heightened total cholesterol (TC) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in the ASO + CP group, suggesting a stronger inflammatory response and potential for atherogenesis. Interestingly, FPG and triglycerides (TG) levels did not significantly vary across groups (p > 0.05). Regression analysis identified PD (β = 2.271, p < 0.001) and PISA (β = 0.027, p = 0.001) as significant predictors for ASO presence in CP patients. The findings underscore the clinical correlation between chronic oral wounds in CP and the development of ASO in lower extremities, highlighting the critical need for integrated management strategies focusing on periodontal health to prevent and manage such complex conditions effectively. Elevated inflammatory markers in the ASO + CP group further reinforce the necessity for vigilant monitoring and targeted interventions in these patients.

Effect of initial treatment with chemotherapy or surgery on wound complications in patients with advanced ovarian cancer: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

There has been controversy over the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy or surgery in the treatment of ovarian cancer. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to assess the hazard evaluation of the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy over primary debulking surgery (PDS) on the incidence of wound infection in women with ovarian carcinoma. In this research, we looked at PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library to evaluate the impact of PDS and chemotherapy on the incidence of wound infections in women with ovarian cancer. Based on the keywords of ‘Ovary Cancer’, ‘Surgical’ and ‘Chemotherapy’, we looked up the data in the digital database, and at last, we selected six of them from 1453 studies. There was no time limitation in the studies. The meta-analyses included studies that described the risk factors of wound infection in ovarian carcinoma patients, particularly those who reported OR value. The Chi-square method was employed to perform statistical analysis of the inter-study heterogeneity, with additional analyses dependent on I 2. A sensitivity analysis was conducted, and a possible publication bias was evaluated. The findings suggest that there is a significant reduction in the rate of wound infections among patients with ovarian cancer treated with primary chemotherapy than with PDS (OR, 2.80; 95% CI, 1.79, 4.39, p < 0.0001). There was a significant reduction in the incidence of thrombus in patients with ovarian cancer who were treated with primary chemotherapy than in those who did have prior surgical intervention (OR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.34, 5.74, p = 0.006). Our findings indicate that early chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients may lower their chances of developing wound infection.

Development and validation of a delirium care critical‐thinking scale for intensive care unit nurses: A mixed‐method study

Abstract

Aim and Objectives

To develop a Delirium Care Critical-Thinking Scale for nurses caring for patients in the intensive care unit and examine the scale's psychometric properties.

Background

There is a tool to evaluate nurses' critical thinking skills to determine nursing competency when delirium care is required.

Design

This cross-sectional, mixed-methods study.

Methods

The Delphi method was applied for collection and analysis of data during conceptualization and item generation of the tool (Phase I). Item analysis, assessment of validity and reliability of the scale (Phase II) involved 318 nurses recruited by convenience sampling from nine adult intensive care units in medicine and surgery at one medical centre. Confirmatory factor analysis assessed construct validity. Internal consistency and 2-week test–retest stability measured reliability. A Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory Scale examined concurrent validity.

Results

After three rounds, the Delphi method resulted in 31 scale items. Item analysis demonstrated construct reliability ranged from 9.23 to 16.18. Confirmatory factor analysis eliminated one item and extracted five factors: applying knowledge, confirming the problem and accuracy of information, reasoning logically, choosing appropriate strategies and remaining open-minded. Average variance extracted values of all factors indicated good convergent validity. Cronbach's α for internal consistency was .96 with good test-retest reliability. The correlation coefficient for concurrent validity was .301.

Conclusion

The new Delirium Care Critical-Thinking Scale for intensive care nurses was demonstrated to be a reliable and valid tool for evaluating their ability to assess patients with delirium.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This new scale could be used to assess outcomes of education interventions and the effectiveness of nursing care quality involving patients with delirium in intensive and critical care units.

Reporting Method

The COSMIN checklist was used as the reporting guideline for this study.

Patient or Public Contribution

None.

Latent class analysis of the sleep quality of night shift nurses and impact of shift‐related factors on the occupational stress and anxiety

Abstract

Aims

The objective of this study is to explore the various latent categories within the sleep quality of night shift nurses and to investigate whether shift-related factors predispose nurses to higher levels of occupational stress and anxiety.

Design

This is a cross-sectional study.

Methods

From November to December 2020, registered nurses from 18 tertiary hospitals and 16 secondary hospitals in Chongqing were selected through convenience sampling for this study. Latent class analysis was used to investigate the sleep quality of nurses working night shifts. Furthermore, univariate analysis and logistic multivariate analysis were utilized to identify the contributing factors to occupational stress and anxiety.

Results

The four latent categories of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for night shift nurses were identified as ‘Low Sleep Disorder Group’ (56.34%), ‘Moderate Sleep Disorder Group’ (37.27%), ‘High Sleep Disorder Non-Reliant on Sleeping medication Group’ (4.89%) and ‘High Sleep Disorder Reliant on Sleeping medication Group’ (1.50%). The results showed that having a night-shift frequency of 3–4 times per month, night-shift durations of 9–12 h, sleep time delay after night shift (≥2 h), total sleep time after night shift less than 4 h were shift-related factors that increased the levels of occupational stress and anxiety.

Conclusion

The sleep quality of night shift nurses demonstrates heterogeneity and can be classified into four latent categories. Higher frequency of night shifts, extended work hours and insufficient rest time are all associated with increased levels of occupational stress and anxiety.

Impact

By identifying the four latent categories of sleep quality among night shift nurses, this study sheds light on the relationship between sleep patterns and levels of occupational stress and anxiety. These findings have important implications for healthcare institutions in the management of nurse well-being and work schedules.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Evaluating the role of Shujing Tongdu massage in enhancing wound recovery and alleviating spinal disease symptoms: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

A randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted from 2022 to 2023 at a hospital specializing in Traditional Chinese Medicine in Shanghai. A total of 564 participants were allocated into control and intervention groups in order to determine the effectiveness of Shujing Tongdu massage on patients with chronic lesions or spinal disorders. No significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics between the groups; age, gender and condition type were all distributed in a comparable manner. Following the implementation of Shujing Tongdu massage therapy twice weekly for the duration of 12 weeks, intervention group exhibited noteworthy enhancements. Significantly, rate of lesion healing achieved in the intervention group increased by 30%, while it merely improved by 10% in the control group. The intervention group exhibited decrease in pain intensity from 6.5 to 4.2, whereas control group demonstrated comparatively smaller reduction from 6.7 to 6.0. Range of motion in the intervention group increased substantially from 45 to 60 degrees, whereas it increased from 44 to 46 degrees in the control group. In the intervention group, Quality of Life scores increased from 50 to 75, exceeding the increase of 58 in the control group. There was significant rise in the Mental Well-being Index for intervention group, from 60 to 80, in contrast to rise of 64 from 62 in the control group. Statistically significant outcomes were determined, establishing the massage therapy's efficacy. Mild discomfort and muscle soreness were the most frequent adverse effects in the intervention group, whereas vertigo was more prevalent in the control group. Based on the findings of this research, Shujing Tongdu massage therapy effectively promoted wound healing and mitigated symptoms associated with spinal disorders, indicating its potential as the supplementary therapeutic modality in clinical environments.

Validity and reliability of the Waterlow scale for assessing pressure injury risk in critical adult patients: A multi‐centre cohort study

Abstract

Aim

To evaluate the predictive validity and reliability of the Waterlow scale in critically adult hospitalised patients.

Design

A multi-centre cohort study.

Methods

This study was conducted in 72 intensive care units (ICUs) in 38 tertiary hospitals in Gansu Province, China. All adults admitted to the ICU for greater than or equal to 24 h without pressure injury (PI) on admission were screened by the Waterlow scale on admission, during ICU stay and ICU discharge from April 2021 to February 2023. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine a potential cut-off value for critical adult hospitalised patients. Cut-off values were then determined using Youden's index, and sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were calculated based on these cut-off values. Test–retest reliability was used to evaluate inter-rater reliability.

Results

A total of 5874 critical patients on admission were included, and 5125 of them were assessed regularly. The area under curve (AUC) was 0.623 (95% CI, 0.574–0.690), with a cut-off score of 19 showing the best balance among sensitivity of 62.7%, specificity of 57.4%, positive predictive value of 2.07% and negative predictive value of 99.08%. The test–retest reliability between the first assessment and the regular assessment was 0.447.

Conclusions

The Waterlow scale shows insufficient predictive validity and reliability in discriminating critical adults at risk of PI development. To further modify the items of the Waterlow scale, exploring specific risk factors for PI in the ICU and clarifying their impact degree was necessary. Risk predictive models or better tools are inevitable in the future.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients or family members supported nurses with PI risk assessment, skin examination and other activities during the inquiry.

Risk factors of foot ulcers in patients with end‐stage renal disease on dialysis: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

The present study aims to assess the risk factors for foot ulcers in patients undergoing dialysis for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and to provide evidence-based guidance for prevention and treatment. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database and Wanfang Data from the database inception until May 2023 to identify relevant studies investigating the risk factors for foot ulcers in dialysis patients with ESRD. Two independent researchers conducted the literature screening and data extraction. The meta-analysis was performed using STATA 17.0 software. Ultimately, six articles comprising 1620 patients were included for analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that male (OR, 1.464; 95% CI: 1.082–1.980, p = 0.013), hypertension (OR, 1.781; 95% CI: 1.293–2.4550, p < 0.001), peripheral artery disease (PAD) (OR, 5.014; 95% CI: 2.514–9.998, p < 0.001), type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) (OR, 2.993; 95% CI: 1.477–6.065, p = 0.002) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (OR, 2.498; 95% CI:1.466–4.256, p = 0.001) were risk factors for foot ulcers in dialysis patients with ESRD. Conversely, the female sex (OR, 0.683; 95% CI: 0.505–0.924, p = 0.013) was a protective factor against foot ulcers. Our analysis revealed that male sex, hypertension, PAD, T1DM and T2DM were risk factors for foot ulcers in patients undergoing dialysis for ESRD. Conversely, the female sex was a protective factor against foot ulcers. Therefore, it is crucial to strengthen health education that targets patients with these risk factors and regularly screen high-risk individuals. Early detection and treatment can help delay disease progression.

Baduanjin exercise intervention trial: research protocol of a randomised controlled trial for frail kidney transplant recipients

Por: Lin · K. · Fang · J. · Zhang · S. · Ding · Z. · Hu · Y. · Zhang · B. · Guo · X. · Liu · H. · Zhao · P.
Introduction

Frailty is one of the most common comorbidities in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Physical, psychological and social frailty could be improved by exercise intervention. Baduanjin, also known as Eight-section Brocades, is a type of traditional Chinese medicine exercise characterised by the interplay between physical postures and movements, breathing and mind. It can help frail patients strengthen their upper and lower body muscles, improve their mood, quality of life and frailty. However, the effectiveness of Baduanjin on frail KTRs remains unknown. Therefore, we will conduct a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of Baduanjin on frail KTRs.

Methods and analysis

This protocol describes an assessor and analyst blinded, parallel RCT for frail KTRs comparing Baduanjin group (n=72) with care-as-usual group (n=72). The primary outcomes are frailty assessed by Frailty Phenotype scale and Tilburg Frailty Indicator scale, and muscle strength assessed by a grip strength metre. The secondary outcomes are quality of life assessed by Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (MOS SF-36) and depression assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. All these data will be collected at the baseline, after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, respectively. Two-way mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) will be used to test the effectiveness of Baduanjin exercise. Qualitative interviews with participants in the intervention group will also be performed after 6 months. Themes will be extracted from interview transcripts using NVivo software.

Ethics and dissemination

The Ethics Committees of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (2022BZYLL1018) and China-Japan Friendship Hospital (2022-KY-250) had approved the study. The organ donors were all from China-Japan Friendship Hospital. They provided informed consent and they were not executed prisoners. We have provided BMJ Open with documentation from the hospital that indicates that the organs will be harvested ethically. The findings of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, international conferences, media reports and briefings.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2100041730

Effect of extracorporeal shock wave combined with Kinesio taping on upper limb function during individuals with biceps brachii tendinopathy:protocol for a double-blind, randomised controlled trial

Por: Liu · K. · Yin · L. · Zhang · Y. · Huang · L. · Liu · G. · Zhu · R. · Fang · P. · Ma · Y. · Ma · Z.
Introduction

Long head of biceps brachii tendinopathy (LHBT) is characterised by persistent pain and disability of shoulder joint, impairing patients’ quality of life. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment, which promotes tissue regeneration and repair. However, ESWT has a side effect that often causes short-term pain and swelling in the treatment area. It is known that the effects of Kinesio taping (KT) on relieving swelling and pain. Due to insufficient clinical evidence from current limited studies, this randomised controlled study aims to explore the effects of ESWT combined with KT on upper limb function during individuals with LHBT.

Methods and analysis

A 2x2 factorial design, double-blind, randomised controlled trial will be conducted. A total of 144 participants will be randomly allocated into one of four groups (KT+ESWT, KT+sham ESWT, sham KT+ESWT or sham KT+sham ESWT) to participate in a 4-week treatment programme. Measurements will be taken at pretreatment (baseline), immediately after treatment and 6 weeks after treatment. The primary endpoint will be the Constant-Murley score (CMS), the secondary endpoints will include the pain Numerical Rating Scale, range of motion, pressure pain threshold and soft tissue hardness of biceps, speed test and global rating of change. Repeated measures analysis of variance will be used to compare differences among the effects of different interventions.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. In addition to international conference reports, findings will be disseminated through international publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2100051324.

Long‐term care planning and the influencing factors among sexual minority older women: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aims

The aim of the study was to explore plans, considerations and factors influencing long-term care among older sexual minority (SM) women.

Design

Qualitative interview study.

Methods

Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 37 older Taiwanese SM women between May and September 2019. This study analysed interview data using a socio-ecological model and constant comparative analysis.

Results

The most frequently reported long-term care plans were housing and institutions, private medical or long-term care insurance, financial planning and medical decisions. Factors associated with women's long-term care plans were categorized using the socio-ecological model level: (1) intrapersonal factors: current physical and mental health status, ageing signs and women's attitudes towards ageing; (2) interpersonal-level factors: receiving support from partners, child(ren), siblings or significant others, concerns about being a caregiver for parents and worries regarding social isolation; (3) community-level factors: receiving support from lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organizations; private lesbian online groups; or religious groups; (4) societal-level factors: concerns about negative social environments, concerns about the healthcare system and healthcare providers, inappropriate policies and insufficient resources.

Conclusion

This study identified multi-level factors related to long-term care plans and concerns among older Taiwanese SM women. Recommendations for nurses, managers of long-term care and healthcare settings, policymakers, and governments have been provided to diminish health disparities and reduce anxiety among older SM women.

Impact

This study assists nurses in understanding older SM women's long-term care concerns and worries when accessing long-term care and healthcare services and helps nurses provide SM-sensitive services and care for women.

Patient or Public Contribution

SM older women were recruited from LGBT organizations, LGBT-friendly bookstores, restaurants, coffee shops and LGBT online chatrooms using purposive and snowball sampling.

Association of Kawasaki disease with urbanization level and family characteristics in Taiwan: A nested case–control study using national-level data

by Chung-Fang Tseng, Hsiao-Chen Lin, Chung-Yuh Tzeng, Jing-Yang Huang, Chih-Jung Yeh, James Cheng-Chung Wei

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an inflammatory vasculitis disorder of unknown etiology. It is a rare but fatal disease and the leading cause of acquired coronary heart disease in children under the age of 5 years. We examined the association of KD with the demographics of family members, parents’ characteristics, and perinatal factors in Taiwanese children. This nested case–control study used data from Taiwan’s Health and Welfare Data Science Center and initially included children born in Taiwan between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2015 (n = 1,939,449); the children were observed for KD development before the age of 5 years (n = 7870). The control group consisted of children without KD who were matched with each KD case by sex and birth date at a ratio of 8:1. The odds ratio (ORs) of the aforementioned associations were estimated using conditional logistic regression. The risk of KD decreased in children with younger parents [

Effectiveness of continuous home wound care on patients with diabetic foot ulcers

Abstract

Aims

To explore the effectiveness of continuous home wound care on patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).

Design

A non-randomized parallel controlled non-inferiority trial.

Methods

Patients with Wagner grade I–III DFUs hospitalized in two distant campuses of the same hospital were included. All patients received infection treatment and wound bed preparation during hospitalization; after discharge, patients in one of the campuses received routine outpatient wound care, and those treated in the other received continuous home wound care. The per-protocol analysis was performed to compare ulcer healing indicators, knowledge, health belief, self-management behaviour and medical expenses of the two groups.

Results

Between October 2021 and December 2022, 116 patients were enrolled in the study; 107 completed. The home care was not inferior in terms of ulcer healing rate and demonstrated significant enhancements in the understanding of warning signs, health belief and self-management behaviour. Additionally, the home care saved 220.38 yuan (24.32 UK pounds) in direct medical expenses for each additional one square centimetre of ulcer healing.

Conclusion

The continuous home wound care enhanced self-management behaviour of the patients and saved their medical expenses while not compromising ulcer healing.

Impact

This is to date the first study to conduct continuous home wound care practice for patients with DFUs and confirmed its safety and non-inferiority in ulcer healing, and supported its superiority in improving self-management behaviour and saving medical expenses.

Reporting Method

We have adhered to the transparent reporting of evaluations with nonrandomized designs statements and the corresponding checklist was followed.

Patient or Public Contribution

The patients and their primary caregivers were involved in intervention design, we received input from them about the factors that facilitate and hinder patient self-management behaviours to develop intervention strategies.

Number and ratio of metastatic lymph nodes impacts the prognosis of submandibular gland cancer

by Qigen Fang, Liyuan Dai, Xu Zhang, Ruihua Luo, Junhui Yuan

This study aimed to assess the impact of the number and ratio of metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) on prognosis in submandibular gland cancer. To this end, patients were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database retrospectively. The effect of the number and ratio of metastatic LNs and the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) N stage on disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) was analyzed. In addition, prognostic models based on LN evaluation methods were developed to predict the OS and DSS. A total of 914 patients were included. Binary recursive partitioning analysis determined the optimal cut-off number of metastatic LNs (0 vs. 1–2. vs. 3+). The presence of 3+ metastatic LNs carried the greatest impact on prognosis, followed by 1–2 positive LNs occurrences. The ratio of metastatic LNs was an independent factor for DSS and OS. The model had a higher likelihood ratio and C-index than those in the Cox model based on the AJCC N stage. Quantitative LN burden and ratio of metastatic LNs provides better survival stratification than the AJCC N stage.

Effect of bevacizumab in combination with chemotherapy for ovarian cancer on wound healing in patients: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

In this meta-analysis, we reviewed the findings and definitive findings of a new study that assessed the impact of bevacizumab on wound healing following combined chemotherapy for ovarian cancer (OC). The results of a controlled study that assessed the efficacy of bevacizumab in the treatment of ovarian cancer were retrieved from 4 databases, such as the Web of Science and EMBASE. The results of the adverse event associated with wound healing were determined by comparison of the controlled studies of bevacizumab plus chemotherapy in the treatment of ovarian cancer. A meta-analysis was conducted with either a randomized or a fixed-effect model in order to establish an odds ratio for time to event variables and for a binary outcome. In the research literature, 830 trials have been identified and seven have been chosen to be included in a definitive analysis of the trial. Among the 4134 cases who received chemotherapy after operation, 2098 received standard chemotherapy and 2036 received the addition of bevacizumab. A total of 7 trials have shown that the use of bevacizumab in the treatment of ovarian cancer patients has reduced wound healing (OR, 0.55; 95% CI: 0.37, 0.80, p = 0.002). Four trials demonstrated that there was no change in the incidence of haemorrhage in patients with ovarian cancer when administered with or without bevacizumab (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.10, 2.34, p = 0.37). The combined use of bevacizumab and chemotherapy may have a negative effect on the healing of wound.

Modified combined short and long axis method versus oblique axis method in adult patients undergoing right internal jugular vein cannulation: A randomized controlled non-inferiority study

by Jia-Xi Tang, Ling Wang, Ju Ouyang, Xixi Tang, Mengxiao Liu, Hongliang Liu, Fang Xu

Background

Modified combined short and long axis method (MCSL) can replace oblique axis in-plane method (OA-IP) for internal jugular vein cannulation (IJVC). This randomized, non-inferiority study estimated the efficacy of MCSL compared with OA-IP in right IJVC.

Methods

Patients (18–75 yr. old) undergoing right IJVC under local anesthesia were randomly assigned to MCSL or OA-IP group. The primary outcome is the event of first needle pass without posterior vessel wall puncture (PVWP). Secondary outcomes included needle attempts, success rate, puncture and cannulation time, needle visualization, probe placement difficulty and complications.

Results

Among 190 randomized patients, 187 were involved in the analysis. The first needle pass without PVWP was 85(89.47%) in the MCSL and 81 (85.26%) in the OA-IP (p = 0.382), with a mean rate difference of 4.2% (95% confidence interval: -5.2–13.6), which confirmed the non-inferiority with the margin of -8%. MCSL group exhibited shorter procedure time and lower complications than OA-IP group. No significant differences were discovered between groups in needle attempts, success rate, incidence of probe placement difficulty and needle visualization.

Conclusions

MCSL is non-inferior to OA-IP in first needle pass without PVWP in adults who underwent elective right IJVC and associate with less complications and shorter operating time.

Clinical trial registration

ChiCTR, ChiCTR2100046899.

First-line treatment with durvalumab plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone for metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer in the USA: a cost-effectiveness analysis

Por: Zheng · Z. · Fang · L. · Cai · H.
Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of durvalumab in combination with chemotherapy compared with chemotherapy alone as first-line therapy for metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from the perspective of the US payer.

Methods

Based on the POSEIDON clinical trial, a partition survival model was developed to compare the cost-effectiveness of durvalumab in combination with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone for the first-line treatment of metastatic NSCLC. The model’s primary outcomes were costs, life years (LYs), quality-adjusted LYs (QALYs) and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). The analysis only considered direct medical costs, and health utility value was determined using published literature. The robustness of the model was tested by probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

Results

The combination therapy of durvalumab and chemotherapy improved survival by 0.713 QALYs at an incremental cost of $64 104.638 compared with chemotherapy alone, resulting in an ICER of $89 908.328 per QALY gained from the US payer perspective. The combination therapy had a 92.3% probability of being cost-effective at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $150 000 per QALY based on incremental net health benefits. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the model’s consistency, and none of the parameters significantly influenced the findings.

Conclusion

Durvalumab in combination with chemotherapy represents a more cost-effective strategy for first-line therapy in patients with metastatic NSCLC in the USA compared with chemotherapy alone.

Effects of a collaborative health management model on people with congestive heart failure: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Aim

To determine the effects of collaborative health management of congestive heart failure through the rigorous evaluation and extraction of evidence.

Background

Over the past two decades, cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of death worldwide. Multidisciplinary team intervention for congestive heart failure has increased with population ageing and congestive heart failure incidence rate as well as cost of care. However, the effectiveness and feasibility of collaborative health management need to be explored.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

We conducted systematic literature searches in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL and Medline for articles published between 2002 and 2022. After screening based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 13 articles were included in a rigorous review and evidence extraction process, evaluated methodological quality using the Jadad Quality Scale. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated using Review Manager (RevMan Version 5.4) for the meta-analysis.

Results

In this study, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed on 13 studies regarding the collaborative health management of people with congestive heart failure. The common result is that the collaborative health management model enables the enhancement of self-care and monitoring abilities, the strengthening of cardiac function, the alleviation of physiological and psychological symptoms and the improvement of readmission rates, mortality rate and quality of life.

Conclusion

The congestive heart failure collaborative health management model could decrease the hospitalization rate related to congestive heart failure, all-cause mortality rate, and all-cause hospitalization rate, and improve the quality of life.

Implications for Practice

The collaborative health management model could effectively coordinate interdisciplinary team cooperation and provide information, which decreases hospitalization and mortality risks and improves their quality of life.

No patient or Public Contribution

Our paper is a systematic review and meta-analysis, and such details do not apply to our work.

What does this paper contribute to the wider global clinical community?

The Collaborative Health Management Model provides in-depth insights, aiding in the design tailored to the specific circumstances of each country. Highlighting its critical role in the context of a global shortage of nursing staff, the model emphasizes the integration of multidisciplinary professional roles and the strengthening of collaboration as essential elements in addressing challenges posed by workforce shortages. Implementation of the Collaborative Health Management Model not only enhances patient care outcomes but also relieves pressure on healthcare systems, lowers medical costs, and addresses challenges arising from the shortage of nursing staff. Consequently, this model not only contributes to individual patient care improvement but also holds broader implications for enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of global healthcare systems.

Trial and Protocol Registration

The detailed study protocol can be found on the PROSPERO website.

Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation over the contralesional dorsal premotor cortex on upper limb function in severe ischaemic stroke: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Por: Dai · W. · Yang · X. · Liu · C. · Ding · H. · Guo · C. · Zhu · Y. · Dong · M. · Qian · Y. · Fang · L. · Wang · T. · Shen · Y.
Introduction

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an evidence-based treatment widely recommended to promote hand motor recovery after ischaemic stroke. However, the therapeutic efficacy of rTMS over the motor cortex in stroke patients is currently restricted and heterogeneous. This study aimed to determine whether excitatory rTMS over the contralesional dorsal premotor cortex (cPMd) facilitates the functional recovery of the upper limbs during the postacute stage of severe ischaemic stroke.

Methods and analysis

This study will be conducted as a single-blind, controlled, randomised study, in which 44 patients with poststroke hemiplegia with a course of disease ranging from 1 week to 3 months and Fugl-Meyer upper limb score ≤22 will be enrolled. The study participants will be randomly assigned to groups A (n=22) and B (n=22). The two groups are based on routine rehabilitation training and drug treatment; group A will be treated with low-frequency (1 Hz) rTMS over the contralesional primary motor cortex (cM1), and group B will be treated with high-frequency (10 Hz) rTMS over cPMd. For 2 weeks, rTMS will be administered once a day, 5 days a week. The primary outcome is the Fugl-Meyer assessment of the upper limb. The secondary outcomes include the Arm Subscore of the Motricity Index, Hong Kong edition of Functional Test for the Hemiplegic Upper Extremity, Modified Barthel Index and Modified Ashworth Scale score of the paralysed pectoralis major and biceps brachii. Furthermore, data of diffusion tensor imaging and functional MRI will be collected. These outcomes will be assessed before and after the completion of the intervention.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (2020 SR-266). The findings of this study will be spread through networks of scientists, professionals and the general public as well as peer-reviewed scientific papers and presentations at pertinent conferences.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2000038049

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