OBJECTIVES: To explore the measures to improve the follow-up rate of preterm infants after discharge, and to evaluate the effectiveness of these measures using quality improvement methodology. METHODS: The follow-up status of preterm infants discharged from March to May 2017 was used as the baseline before quality improvement, and a specific quality improvement goal for the follow-up rate was proposed. The Pareto chart was used to analyze the causes of follow-up failure, and a key driver diagram was constructed based on the links involved in improving follow-up rate. The causes of failure were analyzed to determine the key links and intervention measures for quality improvement, and the follow-up rate was monitored weekly using a control chart until the quality improvement goal was achieved. RESULTS: The follow-up rate of preterm infants after discharge was 57.92% (117/202) at baseline before quality improvement, and the quality improvement goal was set to increase the follow-up rate of preterm infants from baseline to more than 80% within 12 months. The Pareto chart analysis showed that the main causes of follow-up failure were deficiencies in follow-up file management and irregular follow-up times (33.70%, 31/92), insufficient follow-up education and poor communication (25.00%, 23/92), and the inability to meet the diverse needs of parents (18.48%, 17/92). Based on the key links for quality improvement and the main causes of follow-up failure, the following intervention measures were adopted: (1) strengthen follow-up publicity and education; (2) build a follow-up team; and (3) establish a follow-up platform and system. The control chart indicated that with the implementation of the above intervention measures, the weekly follow-up rate increased to 74.09% (306/413) in July 2017 and 83.09% (511/615) in December 2017, finally achieving the quality improvement goal. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the follow-up rate of preterm infants fluctuated between 23.54% (460/1 954) and 70.97% (1 931/2 721), and subsequently, it returned to pre-pandemic levels starting in February 2023. CONCLUSIONS The application of quality improvement methodology can help to formulate intervention measures based on the main causes of follow-up failure, thereby improving the follow-up rate of preterm infants after discharge. This quality improvement method is feasible and practical and thus holds promise for clinical application.
Humans ; Quality Improvement ; Infant, Premature ; Infant, Newborn ; Patient Discharge ; Follow-Up Studies ; Female ; Male

BACKGROUND: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is common in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients and may develop earlier in those with multiple cardiovascular comorbidities, potentially impairing self-management and treatment adherence. This study aimed to characterize the prevalence and profile of MCI in AF patients, examine its associations with cardiovascular comorbidities, and assess how these comorbidities influence specific cognitive domains. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from AF patients who underwent cognitive assessment between 2017 and 2021. Cognitive status was categorized as MCI or non-MCI based on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Associations between comorbidities and MCI were assessed by logistic regression, and cognitive domains were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Of 4136 AF patients (mean age: 64.7 ± 9.4 years, 64.7% male), 33.5% of patients had MCI. Among the AF patients, 31.2% of patients had coronary artery disease, 20.1% of patients had heart failure, and 18.1% of patients had hypertension. 88.7% of patients had left atrial enlargement, and 11.0% of patients had reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Independent factors associated with higher MCI prevalence included older age (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.03-1.05, P < 0.001), lower education level (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.31-1.73, P < 0.001), hypertension (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.07-1.52, P = 0.001), heart failure (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.04-1.48, P = 0.020), and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.04-1.98, P = 0.028). A higher CHA₂DS₂-VASc score (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.22-1.33, P < 0.001; ≥ 2 points vs. < 2 points), and greater atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease burden (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.02-2.08, P = 0.040; 2 types vs. 0 type) were linked to increased MCI risk. These above factors influenced various cognitive domains. CONCLUSIONS MCI is common in AF and closely associated with cardiovascular multimorbidity. Patients with multiple comorbidities are at higher risk, highlighting the importance of routine cognitive assessment to support self-management and integrated care.

For middle-aged and elderly patients with conditions such as spinal fractures and degenerative spinal diseases, spinal internal fixation is a core surgical procedure for reconstructing spinal stability, heavily relying on the biomechanical stability provided by pedicle screw systems. Whereas, these patients are often complicated by osteoporosis that can significantly compromise the stability of the bone-pedicle screw interface, leading to a marked increase in pedicle screw loosening and surgical failure rates. The bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique, which involves injecting bone cement into the vertebral body or screw trajectory to optimize the mechanical properties of the bone-pedicle screw composite, has been proven to significantly enhance fixation strength and effectively prevent screw-related failures, thereby reducing the incidence of internal fixation failure in high-risk populations undergoing spinal fusion. However, the widespread clinical application of this technique has faced challenges such as inaccurate clinical decision-making (indication and contraindication selection), non-standardized operative practices, and insufficient awareness of complication prevention, resulting in considerable variability in clinical outcomes and even severe complications. To address this, Prof. Luo Fei from First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University initiated the project and the Chinese Association Orthopaedic Surgeons organized relevant experts to develop the Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique ( version 2025), based on current evidence. The guidelines put forward 8 recommendations regarding the clinical value, scope of application, and operational standards of the technique, aiming to provide evidence-based medical support and technical standardization for clinical decision-making.

For middle-aged and elderly patients with conditions such as spinal fractures and degenerative spinal diseases, spinal internal fixation is a core surgical procedure for reconstructing spinal stability, heavily relying on the biomechanical stability provided by pedicle screw systems. Whereas, these patients are often complicated by osteoporosis that can significantly compromise the stability of the bone-pedicle screw interface, leading to a marked increase in pedicle screw loosening and surgical failure rates. The bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique, which involves injecting bone cement into the vertebral body or screw trajectory to optimize the mechanical properties of the bone-pedicle screw composite, has been proven to significantly enhance fixation strength and effectively prevent screw-related failures, thereby reducing the incidence of internal fixation failure in high-risk populations undergoing spinal fusion. However, the widespread clinical application of this technique has faced challenges such as inaccurate clinical decision-making (indication and contraindication selection), non-standardized operative practices, and insufficient awareness of complication prevention, resulting in considerable variability in clinical outcomes and even severe complications. To address this, Prof. Luo Fei from First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University initiated the project and the Chinese Association Orthopaedic Surgeons organized relevant experts to develop the Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique ( version 2025), based on current evidence. The guidelines put forward 8 recommendations regarding the clinical value, scope of application, and operational standards of the technique, aiming to provide evidence-based medical support and technical standardization for clinical decision-making.

Objective:Based on a single-center retrospective study,to explore the efficacy of intervertebral fusion through different approaches combined with pedicle screw internal fixation in the treatment of single-segment low-grade lumbar spondylolisthesis.Methods:This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 87 patients with single-segment low-grade lumbar spondylolisthesis who were treated in our hospital from January 2021 to August 2022,the cases were divided into Group A(41 cases)and Group B(46 cases)according to the differences in surgical methods.Group A received treatment with posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF)combined with pedicle screw internal fixation,while Group B received treatment with percutaneous endoscopic posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PE-PLIF)combined with pedicle screw internal fixation.Both groups were followed up for two years.The Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)scores of the waist and legs,perioperative indicators,recovery of lumbar function[Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)score,Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)score],and serum inflammatory mediators levels[interleukin-1α(IL-1α),transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1),interleukin-6(IL-6)],the rate of lumbar interbody fusion,the rate of lumbar spondylolisthesis and the incidence of postoperative complications of the two groups were compared.Results:The operation time and the number of intraoperative X-ray fluoroscopy sessions in group B were both more than those in group A,while the hospital stay,the intraoperative blood loss and total incision length in Group B were all shorter than those in group A(P＜0.05).The VAS scores of the waist and legs in both groups decreased at 3 d after operation and the last follow-up(P＜0.05),and the VAS scores of the waist and legs in group B were lower than those in group A(P＜0.05).The ODI scores of both groups decreased at 3 d after operation and the last follow-up,and the ODI scores of group B were lower than those in group A;The JOA score increased,and the JOA scores of group B were all higher than those in group A(P＜0.05).Serum IL-1α,TGF-β1 and IL-6 levels in both groups decreased at 3 d and 7 d after operation,and serum IL-1α,TGF-β1 and IL-6 levels in group B were all lower than those in group A(P＜0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of complications,the rate of lumbar interbody fusion,and the rate of lumbar spondylolisthesis between the two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion:Compared with PLIF,PE-PLIF combined with pedicle screw internal fixation in the treatment of single-segment low-grade lumbar.spondylolisthesis,can better relieve the degree of pain of the waist and legs,improve lumbar dysfunction,regulate serum inflammatory mediators levels more effectively,and has higher safety and significant therapeutic efficacy.

Objective:Based on a single-center retrospective study,to explore the efficacy of intervertebral fusion through different approaches combined with pedicle screw internal fixation in the treatment of single-segment low-grade lumbar spondylolisthesis.Methods:This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 87 patients with single-segment low-grade lumbar spondylolisthesis who were treated in our hospital from January 2021 to August 2022,the cases were divided into Group A(41 cases)and Group B(46 cases)according to the differences in surgical methods.Group A received treatment with posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PLIF)combined with pedicle screw internal fixation,while Group B received treatment with percutaneous endoscopic posterior lumbar interbody fusion(PE-PLIF)combined with pedicle screw internal fixation.Both groups were followed up for two years.The Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)scores of the waist and legs,perioperative indicators,recovery of lumbar function[Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)score,Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)score],and serum inflammatory mediators levels[interleukin-1α(IL-1α),transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1),interleukin-6(IL-6)],the rate of lumbar interbody fusion,the rate of lumbar spondylolisthesis and the incidence of postoperative complications of the two groups were compared.Results:The operation time and the number of intraoperative X-ray fluoroscopy sessions in group B were both more than those in group A,while the hospital stay,the intraoperative blood loss and total incision length in Group B were all shorter than those in group A(P＜0.05).The VAS scores of the waist and legs in both groups decreased at 3 d after operation and the last follow-up(P＜0.05),and the VAS scores of the waist and legs in group B were lower than those in group A(P＜0.05).The ODI scores of both groups decreased at 3 d after operation and the last follow-up,and the ODI scores of group B were lower than those in group A;The JOA score increased,and the JOA scores of group B were all higher than those in group A(P＜0.05).Serum IL-1α,TGF-β1 and IL-6 levels in both groups decreased at 3 d and 7 d after operation,and serum IL-1α,TGF-β1 and IL-6 levels in group B were all lower than those in group A(P＜0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of complications,the rate of lumbar interbody fusion,and the rate of lumbar spondylolisthesis between the two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion:Compared with PLIF,PE-PLIF combined with pedicle screw internal fixation in the treatment of single-segment low-grade lumbar.spondylolisthesis,can better relieve the degree of pain of the waist and legs,improve lumbar dysfunction,regulate serum inflammatory mediators levels more effectively,and has higher safety and significant therapeutic efficacy.

Objective To investigate the effects of antenatal corticosteroid(ACS)therapy in pregnant women on the brain development of preterm infants using amplitude-integrated electroencephalography(aEEG).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 211 preterm infants with a gestational age of 28 to 34+6 weeks.The infants were divided into an ACS group(131 cases)and a control group(80 cases)based on whether antenatal dexamethasone was given for promoting fetal lung maturity.The first aEEG monitoring(referred to as aEEG1)was performed within 24 hours after birth,and the second aEEG monitoring(referred to as aEEG2)was performed between 5 to 7 days after birth.The aEEG results were compared between the two groups.Results In preterm infants with a gestational age of 28 to 31+6 weeks,the ACS group showed a more mature periodic pattern and higher lower amplitude boundary in aEEG1 compared to the control group(P＜0.05).In preterm infants with a gestational age of 32 to 33+6 weeks and 34 to 34+6 weeks,the ACS group showed a higher proportion of continuous patterns,more mature periodic patterns and higher Burdjalov scores in aEEG1(P＜0.05).And the ACS group exhibited a higher proportion of continuous patterns,more mature periodic patterns,higher lower amplitude boundaries,narrower bandwidths,and higher Burdjalov scores in aEEG2(P＜0.05).Conclusions ACS-treated preterm infants have more mature aEEG patterns compared to those not treated with ACS,suggesting a beneficial effect of ACS on the brain development of preterm infants.[Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics,2024,26(3):244-249]

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of Yiqi Huatan Tongluo Prescription(mainly composed of Fici Simplicissimae Radix,Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma,Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum,Poria,Nelumbinis Folium,and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,etc.)combined with drug-coated balloon(DCB)in the treatment of coronary heart disease(CHD)and to observe its effect on low-shear related serological indicators.Methods A total of 106 patients with CHD of qi deficiency and phlegm stasis obstructing collateral type who were scheduled to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group,with 53 cases in each group.The control group was treated with drug-eluting stent implantation,and the treatment group was treated with DCB.After the operation,the control group was given conventional antiplatelet aggregation drugs,and the treatment group was given oral administration of Yiqi Huatan Tongluo Prescription.The medication for the two groups lasted for 12 weeks.The changes in the serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1(MCP-1),interleukin 1 β(IL-1β)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in the two groups were observed before and after treatment.Moreover,the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome efficacy after treatment and the incidence of adverse events one year after operation were compared between the two groups.Results(1)After 12 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate for TCM syndrome efficacy of the treatment group was 88.68％(47/53),and that of the control group was 75.47％(40/53).The intergroup comparison(tested by chi-square test)showed that the TCM syndrome efficacy in the treatment group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05).(2)The analysis of indicators related to endothelial dysfunction in the blood flow with low shear stress showed that after treatment,the levels of serum MCP-1,IL-1βand VEGF in the control group presented no obvious changes(P＞0.05),but the serum levels of MCP-1 and IL-1β in the treatment group were significantly lowered compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05).The intergroup comparison showed that the decrease of serum MCP-1,IL-1β and VEGF levels in the treatment group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05).(3)The one-year follow-up after the operation showed that the total incidence of adverse events in the treatment group was 18.87％(10/53),and that in the control group was 20.75％(11/53).There was no significant difference between the two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion Yiqi Huatan Tongluo Prescription combined with DCB has definite action on the targets related to endothelial dysfunction in coronary blood flow with low shear stress,which is conducive to reducing inflammatory response,improving the symptoms of angina pectoris and enhancing clinical efficacy.The incidence of adverse events did not increase one year after operation,indicating good safety and effectiveness.

Aim To investigate the protective effect of fisetin on testis and sperm of rats with oligoasthenosper-mia and to explore its mechanism.Methods The rat model of oligoasthenospermia was established.The rats were randomly divided into the blank group,model group,low-,medium-,and high-dose fisetin treat-ment groups,and LKB1 agonist group,with 10 rats in each group.ELISA was used to detect the levels of FSH,LH,T,E2 and PRL.Flow cytometry was used to detect sperm cell apoptosis.HE staining was used to detect testicular tissue damage.Transmission electron microscopy was used to detect the ultrastructure of sperm cells.qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of LKB1,AMPK,mTOR,and p70S6K.Results Compared with the blank group,the levels of FSH,LH,PRL,T and other hormones in the model group and LKB1 ago-nist group were significantly reduced,and sperm cell apoptosis and testicular injury were severe.The ex-pressions of LKB1 and p-AMPK/AMPK were signifi-cantly up-regulated,while the expressions of mTOR and p-p70S6K/p70S6K were significantly down-regula-ted(P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,af-ter different doses of fisetin treatment,the number of apoptotic sperm cells was significantly reduced,the levels of FSH,LH,PRL,T and other hormones markedly increased,the expression of LKB1 and p-AMPK/AMPK was significantly down-regulated,and the expression of mTOR and p-p70S6K/p70S6K was evidently up-regulated(P＜0.05).Conclusion Fi-setin is effective in the treatment of oligoasthenospermia rats,which may be related to LKB1-AMPK-mTOR-p70S6K signaling pathway.