Medicine
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Although higher-than-normal levels of rheumatoid factor (RF) are often observed in subjects without specific medical problems, little is known about the influence of RF on pulmonary function in health screening subjects. This study aimed to determine the association between the presence of RF and decreased pulmonary function in Korean health screening subjects without any history of joint disease or clinically apparent lung disease. A total of 115,641 study subjects (age range, 18-88 years) participated in the health checkup program. ⋯ RF positivity was significantly associated with the decline of FEV1% predicted regardless of smoking history (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.289 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.163-1.429], P < 0.001 for nonsmokers and adjusted OR = 1.138 [95% CI 1.004-1.289], P < 0.001 for smokers) while the decline of FVC% predicted only in nonsmokers (adjusted OR = 1.251 [95% CI 1.133-1.382], P < 0.001). Our results suggest that the presence of RF could impact pulmonary function in apparently healthy subjects. A follow-up study to investigate serial changes in pulmonary function may reveal the actual influence of raised RF titers.
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Observational Study
Body Temperature at the Emergency Department as a Predictor of Mortality in Patients With Bacterial Infection.
Hypothermia is a risk factor for death in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. In the present study, we investigated the association between body temperature (BT) on arrival at the emergency department (ED) and mortality in patients with bacterial infection. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in consecutive ED patients over 15 years of age with bacterial infection who were admitted to an urban teaching hospital in Japan between 2010 and 2012. ⋯ The BT categories were <36, 36 to 36.9, 37 to 37.9, 38 to 38.9, 39 to 39.9, and ≥40 °C, with respective mortalities of 32.5%, 14.1%, 8.7%, 8.2%, 5.7%, and 5.3%. Multivariable analysis showed that the risk of death was significantly low in patients with BT 37 to 37.9 °C (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1-0.6, P = 0.003), 38-38.9 °C (AOR: 0.2; 95% CI 0.1-0.6, P = 0.002), 39-39.9 °C (AOR: 0.2; 95% CI 0.1-0.5, P = 0.001), and ≥40 °C (AOR: 0.1; 95% CI 0.02-0.4, P = 0.001), compared with hypothermic patients (BT <36 °C). The higher BT on arrival at ED, the better the outcomes observed in patients with bacterial infection were.
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Hypotension and bradycardia are commonly observed after the spinal anesthesia and various mechanisms have been postulated for these hemodynamic changes. A middle-aged otherwise healthy male Caucasian patient developed several episodes of bradycardia postoperatively after the umbilical hernia repair under subarachnoid block (SAB) while trying to lean forward and move his legs. ⋯ But over time, the parasympathetic inhibition is usually withdrawn first, leading to the risk of severe bradycardia that is probably favored by the reverse Trendelenburg position as described in our case. Postoperative severe hemodynamic changes can occur even under stable spinal anesthesia; however, can be prevented by vigilant monitoring and simple maneuver which includes maintenance of relax posture on the bed.
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[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000002775.].
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Review Meta Analysis
Chinese Herbal Medicine and Salmeterol and Fluticasone Propionate for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.
Among Chinese populations worldwide, Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) are often used as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the relative performance among different CHM is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate comparative effectiveness of different CHM when used with salmeterol and fluticasone propionate (SFP), compared with SFP alone. ⋯ Use of CHM and SFP may provide clinically relevant benefit for COPD patients on FEV1, SGRQ, and 6MWT. Use of different CHM formulae included in this NMA showed similar effect for increasing FEV1, while the additional use of Runfeijianpibushen formula and Renshenbufei Pills showed better effect on improving SGRQ. Well conducted, adequately powered trials are needed to confirm their effectiveness in the future.