OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a predictive model for the risk of bloodstream infection (BSI) caused by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP). METHODS: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases from inception to July 2022 to identify studies reporting statistically significant risk factors for CRKP-BSI. Relative risks (RR) were extracted and pooled. Based on factor weights, a risk-scoring model was established. For external validation, hospitalized CRKP-infected patients from January 2016 to January 2022 at Shanghai First People's Hospital were included. Clinical data were used to calculate individual risk scores. The predictive accuracy was assessed using receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve). Patients were stratified into low-to-intermediate-risk and high-risk groups based on the optimal cut-off, and CRKP BSI incidence was compared between groups. RESULTS: The literatures related to the risk factors of CRKP-BSI published from database inception to July 2022 was retrieved and screened from PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase. Fourteen risk factors were included in the scoring model: cardiovascular disease, severe neutropenia or immunosuppression, intensive care unit (ICU) stay history, prior hospitalization, carbapenem exposure, aminoglycoside exposure, antifungal exposure, endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy, mechanical ventilation, hemodialysis, central venous catheter, indwelling urinary catheter, CRKP colonization, and Klebsiella pneumoniae positivity at non infection sites. The total score ranged from 0 to 173.5 points. In the validation cohort of 230 CRKP-infected patients, 41 developed CRKP BSI. The model yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.783 (95%CI was 0.689-0.876). The optimal cut off was 81.25 points, with sensitivity of 75.6% and specificity of 81.0%. Based on this cut off, 163 patients were categorized as low-to-intermediate risk and 67 patients as high risk. The incidence of CRKP BSI in the high-risk group was significantly higher than in the low-to-intermediate-risk group [64.2% (43/67) vs. 4.9% (8/163); RR = 13.175 (95%CI was 5.920-29.319), P < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS The model, based on 14 routinely available clinical parameters, demonstrated good performance in predicting CRKP BSI risk and may assist clinicians in early identification of high risk patients.
Humans ; Klebsiella pneumoniae/drug effects* ; Klebsiella Infections/microbiology* ; Carbapenems/pharmacology* ; Risk Factors ; Bacteremia/microbiology* ; ROC Curve ; Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae

Objective:To summarize the clinical treatment of complete left bundle branch block (CLBBB) after the transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defect (VSD).Methods:A case series study was conducted on the treatments and outcomes of 25 children with CLBBB after transcatheter VSD closure in Guangdong Provincial People′s Hospital from January 2010 to December 2023.Paired sample t test was used to evaluate the effect of occlude removal. Results:Among the 25 patients, 12 were males (48%), and 13 were females (52%).The age at surgery was 3.18 (2.51-3.86) years, the height before surgery was 95.0 (90.0-97.5) cm, and the weight before surgery was 13 (12-15) kg.Fourteen children were early-onset cases (≤ 1 month), while the other 11 were late-onset cases (> 1 month).The mean follow-up time was (6.63±3.93) years.Of the 14 early-onset cases, 6 children underwent occluder removal within 1 month and restored normal heart rhythm or incomplete right bundle branch block; 4 children underwent occluder removal after 1 month, of whom 2 recovered, 1 remained CLBBB, and 1 had complete atrioventricular block (CAVB); the other 4 children received drug treatment, of whom 2 had normal heart rhythm, 1 had left anterior fascicular block, and 1 died of cardiac shock and heart failure.All the 11 late-onset cases were first treated by drugs, of whom 3 recovered, and the other 8 remained CLBBB.One of the 8 cases received occluder removal at 8 months after surgery and recovered, 1 had CAVB, and the other 6 remained CLBBB.Conclusions:For patients with CLBBB after transcatheter closure of VSD, drug therapy is not always effective, and CLBBB is easy to recur.Therefore, occluder removal is recommended to be done immediately after CLBBB is discovered.Patients with persistent CLBBB should be followed up regularly, and pacemaker implantation may be performed if necessary.

Objective:To evaluate the strategy and safety of the radiofrequency ablation (RFA) on ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) originating from the pulmonary sinus cusp (PSC) in pediatric patients.Methods:Retrospective study.Fifteen patients with VAs originating from the PSC who were intervened by RFA in the Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Guangdong Provincial People′s Hospital between March 2014 to July 2020 were enrolled.All the patients met the indication criteria for RFA in pediatric patients.The electrocardiogram, ablation method of ablation were analyzed.Different curved catheters were selected for RFA according to the age and weight of the patients.The catheter was then inserted in a " U" or inverted " P" shape to the PSC.The long-term effect of ablation were reviewed.Results:The mean age and body weight of 15 patients with VAs originating from the PSC were (11.6±2.6) (6-15) years and (39.9±12.2) (19-65) kg, respectively.The electrocardiogram recorded during VAs originating from the PSC showed left bundle branch block and inferior axis with monomorphic R pattern, as well as a QS-wave in aVR and aVL.The electrocardiogram characteristics varied in patients with VAs originating from the PSC.The ideal excitation point was not found in the right ventricular outflow tract or the ablation was unsuccessful in all patients, and the earliest target was mapped and RFA was successful.Among the 15 patients, the successful ablation site was in the lower regions of the PSC, involving the right cusp in 11 patients(73.3%), the anterior cusp in 3 patients(20.0%), and the left cusp in 1 patient(6.7%). The earliest potential recorded at the PSC ablation site preceded the QRS complex onset by (27.3±6.0) ms.During the follow-up period for (2.7±2.0) years, no recurrence of VAs or complications were recorded.Conclusions:Under the premise of gentle catheterization procedure and appropriate radiofrequency energy, ablation was effective, safe and with low recurrence rate to eradicate VAs originating from the PSC in children.

Objective:To explore the application of implantable cardioverter defibrillator(ICD) in the prevention of sudden cardiac death for children and adolescents, the treatment of adverse events and follow-up studies.Methods:A total of 19 pediatric patients (12 males, 7 females) were admitted in the Department of Pediatric Cardio-logy, Guangdong Provincial People′s Hospital from January 2008 to March 2019, and their previous inpatient and outpatient data including medical history, ICD implantation method, postoperative program control, the use of antiarrhythmic drugs, proper/improper discharge of ICD and management of ventricular electrical storm were collected retrospectively and follow-up study was carried out.Results:A total of 19 pediatric patients were included, all of whom had once syncope or more before ICD implantation.The age at the time of ICD implantation was (12.30±2.08) years, and the weight was (40.00±13.93) kg.Eleven patients were implanted in the subpectoralis major space, 6 cases in the subfascial space, and 2 cases in the left abdomen and left armpit, respectively.All patients received oral antiarrhythmic drugs after surgery.The follow-up period was 3.2 years(0.3-11.1 years). All the children survived without complications such as electrode fracture, dislocation, venous thrombosis, cardiac perforation, capsular hematoma, rupture, and infection.Twelve cases (63.2%) had discharge events, including 10 cases (83.3%) of appropriate recognition/treatment events, and 2 cases (16.7%) of inappropriate recognition/treatment events, while 5 cases were ventricular electrical storms.Totally, 7 ICD cases (36.8%) were equipped with remote monitoring system, and 4 cases (57.1%) were detected whit adverse reactions, which were timely handled online and offline, thus avoiding adverse consequences.Conclusions:Currently, ICD is the most effective treatment for the prevention of sudden cardiac death in children and adolescents.According to age, weight and developmental conditions, different implantation methods should be selected.Appropriate/inappropriate discharge events after implantation should be identified in time, drug treatment should be optimized, and radiofrequency ablation should be performed if necessary.

Objective: To analyze and summarize the diagnosis and treatment experience of common inherited cardiac arrhythmia syndrome in pediatric patients, and explore the most appropriate therapy. Methods: A retrospective review identified 30 pediatric cases (19 males, 11 females) diagnosed with long QT syndrome (LQTS), Brugada syndrome (BrS), catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), arrhythmogenc right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) from January 2008 to December 2018 in the Pediatric Cardiology Department, Guangdong Provincial People′s Hospital. Data obtained included the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up outcome. Results: The most common inherited cardiac arrhythmia syndromes were LQTS (n=14) including 1 case with epilepsy, CPVT (n=5), HCM (n=7), ARVC (n=1), and BrS (n=3). Twenty-seven cases were admitted to hospital due to syncope, whereas the remaining 3 cases of BrS had not presented with syncope before admission. The average onset age of inherited arrhythmia was (10.0±3.3) years. Genetic testing was performed on 20 patients. The median follow-up time was 40 months. Among 15 patients who underwent implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and survived, 2 patients had frequent ICD discharge. One patient underwent radiofrequency ablation, and the other one received left cardiac sympathetic denervation and an increased ICD defibrillation threshold, and the number of ICD discharge was significantly reduced. Among 10 patients who received drug therapy, 4 patients including two patients who discontinued treatment without advices died. Two patients whose parents refused treatment died, 1 case diagnosed with unexplained sudden cerebral death, and the remaining 2 cases without indication for drug therapy survived without any treatment. Conclusions Mortality rate is high in pediatric patients with inherited cardiac arrhythmia and syncope. The therapeutic effect of drugs are not satisfactory, ICD implantation is the most effective treatment to prevent sudden cardiac death currently, but the postoperative frequent discharge should be brought to the forefront and handled in time.

Objective To evaLuate the Long?term effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in chiLdren with right ventricLe?paced heart faiLure. Methods Five chiLdren with chronicaLLy right ventricuLar?paced heart faiLure underwent operation of upgrading to CRT in Guangdong CardiovascuLar Institute between JuLy 2009 to January 2015. The first time the patients were impLanted with endocardiaL permanent pacemaker was (11.6 ± 4.6) years oLd. The New York Heart Association (NYHA) functionaL cLassification, QRS duration, Left ventricuLar end diastoLic diameter (LVDd), Left ventricuLar ejection fraction (LVEF), standard deviation of peak systoLic time of Left ventricuLar waLL (TS?SD) and foLLow?up data were retrospectiveLy anaLyzed. Comparison between pre?and post?operation was performed using paired t test. ResuLts CRT significantLy improved the NYHA cLass toⅠ?Ⅱdegree, reduced the QRS duration ((126±9) vs. (182±21) ms, t=-7.480, P=0.002) and the Z?score of LVDd (2.8±1.1 vs. 4.7±0.9, t=-2.880, P=0.045), and increased the LVEF (43% ± 10% vs. 28% ± 6%, t=3.350, P=0.029). No significant difference was found regarding the TS?SD ((48±17) vs. (95±41) ms, t=-2.240, P=0.090) pre?and post?CRT. The Longest foLLow?up period was 9 years. During foLLow?up, 1 case died of ventricuLar fibriLLation 2 years after upgrading, and 2 cases underwent CRT repLacement due to battery depLetion 7.2 years and 5.8 years after upgrading, respectiveLy. ConcLusion CRT couLd be considered for chiLdren with chronicaLLy right ventricuLar?paced heart faiLure and improve heart function significantLy.

OBJECTIVETo explore the genetic etiology of a patient with classic maple syrup urine disease (MSUD).

METHODSNext-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to screen the exons of BCKDHA, BCKDHB, DBT and DLD genes. Suspected mutations were verified by Sanger sequencing. Bioinformatic analysis was carried out to predict the influence of mutations on the protein structure and function.

RESULTSNGS and Sanger sequencing have detected a c.550delT mutation in exon 5 of the BCKDHB gene in the mother and a c.1046G>A mutation in exon 10 of the BCKDHB gene in the father, while no mutation was found with BCKDHA, DBT and DLD genes. Among these, the c.550delT is a novel mutation. Bioinformatic analysis suggested that the two mutations both located in a highly conserved region and may decrease the activity of branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex through alternation of its structure.

CONCLUSIONThe compound heterozygous mutations c.550delT and c.1046G>A of the BCKDHB gene probably underlie the clinical manifestations of the patient with classic MSUD.

Objective To study the therapeutic effect of rheum(Chinese herbal medicine) preparation made by using ultrasonic technique on pro-inflammatory cytokines and sepsis in rats.In order to offer novel measure for the treatment of critically ill patients.Methods Firstly, rheum sterile solution was prepared through ultrasonic technique.Secondly, fifty healthy male SD rats were randomly(random number) divided to CLP group and rheum group.Moderate degree of sepsis model was established by using cecal ligation and puncture(CLP).Rats in group rheum received the liquid rheumpreparation via intragastric administration, while rats in group CLP received saline instead.The 7-day survival rate was recorded and was compared between two groups.In addition, another fifty-four rats were randomly(random number) divided to sham group, CLP group and rheum group(n=18 in each group).CLP was performed to induce sepsis in CLP group and rheum group.Then rats in rheum group received rheum sterile solution via intragastric administration, while rats in CLP group received saline instead.At 12 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours after modeling, six rats in each group were randomly sacrificed.Serum TNF-α and HMGB1 levels were detected by ELISA method.Levels of RAGE, HMGB1 and NF-κB P65 in small intestine were detected by Western Blot.Results Level of anthraquinones extracted from rheum by ultrasonic technique was higher than that by conwentional decoction method.The 7-day survival rate of rats in rheum group(76%) was higher than that in CLP group(48%)(P<0.05).Compared with sham group, serum TNF-αand HMGB1 levels in CLP group and rheum group were significantly increased(P<0.05).TNF-α was significantly lower in rheum group than that in CLP group at each interval(P<0.05).At 12 hours after modeling, there was no significant difference in serum HMGB1 level between CLP group and rheum group(P>0.05).At 24 hours and 48 hours after modeling, serum HMGB1 levels were significantly lower in rheum group than those in CLP group(P<0.05).Compared with sham group, protein levels of HMGB1, RAGE and NF-κB in small intestine were elevated in CLP group and rheum group at 48 hours after modeling(P<0.01), while protein levels of above biomarker were higher in CLP group than those in rheum group(P<0.05).Conclusions Rheum sterile solution could down-regulate the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, modulate the inflammatory response, and improve the survival rate in rats with sepsis.

Objective To monitor the degradation and bio-safety features of the bioabsorbable iron-based stent planted in the pig pulmonary artery.Methods A total of 19 miniature pigs were randomly assigned into 3 groups.Three cases were assigned as the control group; ten cases were assigned as stent implantation group A with one stent implanted in the pig pulmonary artery; the other six cases were assigned as stent implantation group B with two stents implanted in the pig pulmonary artery.Follow-up studies for 24 months were conducted in all cases.Repeated measures ANOVA were used to collect and analyze statistical processing data at multiple time points of the follow-up.Results After surgery,pulmonary artery blood flow velocity and right ventricular pressure were measured by echocardiography and cardiac catheterization.There was no significant difference in pulmonary artery blood flow velocity (Fgroup×time =1.06,P =0.40) and right ventricular pressure (Fgroup ×time =0.58,P =0.86) among each group,and no vascular renarrow circumstance was indicated.Pulmonary artery diameter expansion rate between stent group and control group was statistically different (Fgroup =3.57,P =0.05 ; Ftime =12.89,P ＜ 0.001 ; Fgroup ×time =2.99,P =0.03),suggesting that the stent could maintain a good expansion of the role of vascular in the follow-up period even though in degradation.Difference in the level of serum iron concentrations among the groups was not statistically significant (Fgroup ×time =0.94,P =0.52),suggesting that there was no evidence of iron overload.All animals survived to the follow-up endpoint,and no serious side effects caused by stent implantation were found.Conclusions Bioabsorbable iron-based stent planted in the pig pulmonary artery may experience a certain degree of degradation,and it is safe and stabile in animals.

Objective To evaluate the safety and feasibility of single-port laparoscopic surgery (SPLS) for chronic appendicitis.Methods Data of patients who had undergone either conventional threeport surgery (n =58) or SPLS (n =63) for chronic appendicitis between January 2010 and November 2012 were analyzed retrospectively.The short-term outcomes of these 2 operative modalities were compared.Results The overall satisfaction score of SPLS group was significantly higher than that of the three-port group (4.5 ±0.7) vs.(3.0 ±0.6),t =13.50,P =0.00,there was less frequent use of parenteral narcotics in SPLS patients (1.2 ± 0.5) vs.(2.1 ± 0.7) times,t =-8.25,P =0.00,length of operation time was the same in SPLS group (40 ± 10) vs.(37 ±9) minutes,t =1.94,P =0.055.There was not different in postoperative recovery (1.4 ± 0.6) vs.(1.6 ± 0.7) d,t =-1.82,P =0.072,nor different in perioperative complications and intraoperative blood loss between groups (12 ± 6) vs.(13 ± 6) ml,t =-1.50,P =0.137.Conclusions SPLS is both safe and feasible in the treatment of chronic appendicitis.