OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between serum sodium level and the risk of delirium in patients with sepsis. METHODS: Based on the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV), adult patients with sepsis in the intensive care unit (ICU) were enrolled. The serum sodium level prior to the onset of sepsis during hospitalization was used as the exposure variable. Delirium was assessed using the ICU-confusion assessment method (ICU-CAM) as the primary outcome. Patients were divided into delirium and non-delirium groups based on the occurrence of delirium. The relationship between serum sodium level and delirium risk was described using restricted cubic spline (RCS) to determine the optimal reference range for serum sodium. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the effect of blood sodium levels on delirium in sepsis patients. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore potential interactions and further validate the robustness of the results. Receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) analysis was performed to assess the predictive value of serum sodium level for delirium occurrence in patients with sepsis. RESULTS: A total of 13 889 patients with sepsis were included, of which 4 831 experienced delirium. The maximum and mean serum sodium values were significantly higher in the delirium group compared to the non-delirium group, while there were no statistically significant differences in terms of initial and minimum serum sodium values between the two groups. Compared with the non-delirium group, the delirium group had a higher mortality and longer hospital stay. The RCS curve showed that a "U"-shaped relationship between serum sodium level and delirium risk in patients with sepsis, with the optimal reference range for average serum sodium was 135.3-141.3 mmol/L. Group based on this reference range, compared to the group with 135.3 mmol/L ≤ serum sodium ≤ 141.3 mmol/L, the delirium incidence and mortality were significantly higher, and the hospital stay was longer in the groups with serum sodium < 135.3 mmol/L and serum sodium ≥ 141.3 mmol/L [delirium incidence: 36.92%, 40.88% vs. 31.22%; 28-day mortality: 23.08%, 20.15% vs. 13.39%; 90-day mortality: 30.75%, 24.81% vs. 18.26%; in-hospital mortality: 19.53%, 17.48% vs. 11.61%; ICU mortality: 14.35%, 14.05% vs. 9.00%; hospital length of stay (days): 10.1 (6.1, 17.7), 9.4 (5.4, 17.0) vs. 8.9 (5.5, 15.4), length of ICU stay (days): 3.7 (2.1, 7.1), 4.0 (2.1, 8.9) vs. 3.2 (1.9, 6.8); all P < 0.01]. Logistic regression analysis showed that, in the initial model and each factor-adjusted models, compared to the reference group with 135.3 mmol/L ≤ serum sodium < 141.3 mmol/L, serum sodium < 135.3 mmol/L increased the risk of delirium in septic patients by 21% to 29% [odds ratio (OR) was 1.21-1.29, all P < 0.01], while serum sodium ≥ 141.3 mmol/L increased the delirium risk by 28%-52% (OR was 1.28-1.52, all P < 0.01). Subgroup analyses based on gender, age, race, diuretic use, and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score revealed there was no significant interactions between subgroup variables and serum sodium, and the results supported that both serum sodium < 135.3 mmol/L and serum sodium ≥ 141.3 mmol/L were risk factors for delirium in septic patients. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) for predicting delirium in septic patients based on serum sodium was 0.614, with a cut-off value of 139.5 mmol/L yielding a specificity of 67.5% and sensitivity of 50.9%. CONCLUSIONS The risk of delirium in patients with sepsis is associated with serum sodium level in a "U"-shaped manner. Both high and low serum sodium levels are associated with increased risk of delirium, higher all-cause mortality, and prolonged hospital stays in patients with sepsis. Abnormal serum sodium levels may have predictive value for sepsis-associated delirium and could serve as an early biomarker for identifying delirium in septic patients, although further validation is needed.
Humans ; Delirium/etiology* ; Sepsis/complications* ; Sodium/blood* ; Intensive Care Units ; Risk Factors ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Aged ; Logistic Models ; Adult

Objective:To evaluate the changes in cortical electroencephalogram (EEG) burst suppression rate (BSR) during sevoflurane anesthesia in septic mice and the correlation with cerebral blood perfusion.Methods:Forty SPF male C57BL/6J mice, aged 8-10 weeks, weighing 22-25 g, were divided into 2 groups ( n=20 each) by the random number table method: sham operation group (Sham group) and cecal ligation perforation group (CLP group). The sepsis model was established by cecal ligation and puncture in anesthetized animals. Mice in both groups inhaled 2% sevoflurane for 2 h. During sevoflurane anesthesia, BSR (30 min as an epoch) on electroencephalogram was recorded, and the cortical cerebral blood perfusion was recorded using the laser speckle flow imaging at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min of anesthesia. Results:Compared with Sham group, the cortical EEG BSR was significantly increased, and the cortical cerebral blood perfusion was decreased during sevoflurane anesthesia in CLP group ( P<0.05). Cortical EEG BSR was negatively correlated with cortical cerebral blood perfusion ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Cortical EEG BSR increases during sevoflurane anesthesia in septic mice, which may be related to decreased cortical cerebral blood perfusion.

Acute pancreatitis(AP)is a frequently encountered acute abdominal syndrome in clinical settings,and the integrated model of traditional Chinese and Western medicine(TCM-WM)has demonstrated notable advantages in the diagnosis and treatment of AP.To systematize and standardize clinical practices related to develop clinical pathway for integrated TCM-WM diagnosis and treatment of AP,which enhances the efficiency and quality of patient care.This pathway focuses on AP,a common acute and life-threatening disease within the digestive system,and outlines that the central pathological mechanism involves pancreatic injury and localized inflammation resulting from the abnormal activation of pancreatic enzymes.It has the characteristics of rapid onset,multiple causes,and complex manifestations.Severe cases can be life-threatening.At present,conventional treatments encompass a diverse range of modalities.Moreover,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)holds distinct advantages in alleviating relevant symptoms,and TCM-WM is gaining increasing prevalence.To enhance the standardization and consistency of diagnostic and therapeutic practices,this clinical pathway clearly delineates the target patient population,which includes individuals diagnosed with abdominal pain disorder according to TCM and with AP in accordance with WM criteria,as well as the corresponding inclusion standards.The diagnostic framework integrates both TCM and WM guidelines,and further incorporates disease staging,severity grading,and syndrome differentiation to support a comprehensive and integrated diagnostic strategy.The treatment integrates approaches from both TCM and WM.Within the WM framework,interventions consist of basic supportive care,infection control,nutritional support,and the management of complications.In the context of TCM,the protocol includes syndrome differentiation and corresponding therapeutic strategies(Distinct syndrome patterns are identified and managed during the acute and convalescent phases),such as acupuncture and retention enema.This clinical pathway addresses multiple key components,including preventive strategies,post-treatment follow-up,criteria for evaluating therapeutic efficacy,admission and discharge,admission examination protocols,discharge criteria,and the rationale for deviations or withdrawal from the pathway.It is designed to provide a systematic and standardized reference framework for relevant clinical practices.

The course " Melody of Genes", jointly constructed by teachers from the medical and humanities and art disciplines, aims to help medical students to acquire a deep understanding of the inseparable relationship between medicine and humanities and art and improve their philosophical literacy and humanistic care spirit. Since its implementation in 2022, a total of 116 students have been enrolled over three sessions. For this course, a student-centered design is employed, an online platform is established, and multiple teaching methods (instructional videos, classroom discussions, instructor summaries, and post-class expansion with online resources) are integrated. The course assessment primarily consists of classroom discussions and students' final reports on self-selected topics, supplemented by student feedback summaries and questionnaires. According to a total of 109 valid questionnaires, through the study of this course, 101 (92.66%) students thought that it was helpful to improve humanistic and philosophical literacy, 91 (83.49%) students thought that their self-learning and critical thinking abilities were improved, and 92 (84.40%) students believed that the course enhanced their empathy for patients and professional identity as doctors. This study provides a reference for the construction and practice of interdisciplinary medical-humanities curricula under the context of new medical education.

Objective:To evaluate the changes in cortical electroencephalogram (EEG) burst suppression rate (BSR) during sevoflurane anesthesia in septic mice and the correlation with cerebral blood perfusion.Methods:Forty SPF male C57BL/6J mice, aged 8-10 weeks, weighing 22-25 g, were divided into 2 groups ( n=20 each) by the random number table method: sham operation group (Sham group) and cecal ligation perforation group (CLP group). The sepsis model was established by cecal ligation and puncture in anesthetized animals. Mice in both groups inhaled 2% sevoflurane for 2 h. During sevoflurane anesthesia, BSR (30 min as an epoch) on electroencephalogram was recorded, and the cortical cerebral blood perfusion was recorded using the laser speckle flow imaging at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min of anesthesia. Results:Compared with Sham group, the cortical EEG BSR was significantly increased, and the cortical cerebral blood perfusion was decreased during sevoflurane anesthesia in CLP group ( P<0.05). Cortical EEG BSR was negatively correlated with cortical cerebral blood perfusion ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Cortical EEG BSR increases during sevoflurane anesthesia in septic mice, which may be related to decreased cortical cerebral blood perfusion.

The course " Melody of Genes", jointly constructed by teachers from the medical and humanities and art disciplines, aims to help medical students to acquire a deep understanding of the inseparable relationship between medicine and humanities and art and improve their philosophical literacy and humanistic care spirit. Since its implementation in 2022, a total of 116 students have been enrolled over three sessions. For this course, a student-centered design is employed, an online platform is established, and multiple teaching methods (instructional videos, classroom discussions, instructor summaries, and post-class expansion with online resources) are integrated. The course assessment primarily consists of classroom discussions and students' final reports on self-selected topics, supplemented by student feedback summaries and questionnaires. According to a total of 109 valid questionnaires, through the study of this course, 101 (92.66%) students thought that it was helpful to improve humanistic and philosophical literacy, 91 (83.49%) students thought that their self-learning and critical thinking abilities were improved, and 92 (84.40%) students believed that the course enhanced their empathy for patients and professional identity as doctors. This study provides a reference for the construction and practice of interdisciplinary medical-humanities curricula under the context of new medical education.

Acute pancreatitis(AP)is a frequently encountered acute abdominal syndrome in clinical settings,and the integrated model of traditional Chinese and Western medicine(TCM-WM)has demonstrated notable advantages in the diagnosis and treatment of AP.To systematize and standardize clinical practices related to develop clinical pathway for integrated TCM-WM diagnosis and treatment of AP,which enhances the efficiency and quality of patient care.This pathway focuses on AP,a common acute and life-threatening disease within the digestive system,and outlines that the central pathological mechanism involves pancreatic injury and localized inflammation resulting from the abnormal activation of pancreatic enzymes.It has the characteristics of rapid onset,multiple causes,and complex manifestations.Severe cases can be life-threatening.At present,conventional treatments encompass a diverse range of modalities.Moreover,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)holds distinct advantages in alleviating relevant symptoms,and TCM-WM is gaining increasing prevalence.To enhance the standardization and consistency of diagnostic and therapeutic practices,this clinical pathway clearly delineates the target patient population,which includes individuals diagnosed with abdominal pain disorder according to TCM and with AP in accordance with WM criteria,as well as the corresponding inclusion standards.The diagnostic framework integrates both TCM and WM guidelines,and further incorporates disease staging,severity grading,and syndrome differentiation to support a comprehensive and integrated diagnostic strategy.The treatment integrates approaches from both TCM and WM.Within the WM framework,interventions consist of basic supportive care,infection control,nutritional support,and the management of complications.In the context of TCM,the protocol includes syndrome differentiation and corresponding therapeutic strategies(Distinct syndrome patterns are identified and managed during the acute and convalescent phases),such as acupuncture and retention enema.This clinical pathway addresses multiple key components,including preventive strategies,post-treatment follow-up,criteria for evaluating therapeutic efficacy,admission and discharge,admission examination protocols,discharge criteria,and the rationale for deviations or withdrawal from the pathway.It is designed to provide a systematic and standardized reference framework for relevant clinical practices.

Objective:To compare the efficacy of closed-loop target-controlled deep versus moderate neuromuscular blockade in gynecological laparoscopic surgery.Methods:This was a prospective study. Fifty American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification I or Ⅱ patients, aged 18-64 yr, with body mass index of 18-30 kg/m 2, scheduled for elective gynecological laparoscopic surgery in the General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University from March 2020 to March 2021, were allocated into 2 groups ( n=25 each) using a random number table method: closed-loop target-controlled moderate neuromuscular blockade group (group TOF) and closed-loop target-controlled deep neuromuscular blockade group (group PTC). Rocuronium was given by closed-loop target-controlled infusion in both groups. In group TOF, the target muscle relaxation was considered as train-of-four stimulation (TOF) of 1 or 2. In group PTC, the target muscle relaxation was considered as post-titanic count of 1 or 2. The score for operator′s satisfaction with muscle relaxation, grading, satisfaction rate, mean pneumo-peritoneum pressure, consumption of rocuronium, recovery index, recovery time to a TOF ratio 0.9 and time to extubation were recorded. The postoperative visual analogue scale score for abdominal pain and use of rescue analgesics were recorded, and the occurrence of complications such as shoulder pain, arm pain, nausea, vomiting and hypoxemia was also recorded within 48 h after surgery. Results:Compared with group TOF, the score for operator′s satisfaction with muscle relaxation, grading and satisfaction rate were significantly increased, the mean pneumo-peritoneum pressure was decreased, the total and average consumption of rocuronium was increased, the recovery time of a TOF ratio 0.9 was prolonged, and the postoperative visual analogue scale score for abdominal pain and usage rate of flurbiprofenate were decreased in group PTC ( P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the recovery index, tracheal extubation time or postoperative incidence of hypoxemia, shoulder pain, arm pain and nausea and vomiting between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Compared with the closed-loop target-controlled moderate neuromuscular blockade, the closed-loop target-controlled deep neuromuscular blockade provides more satisfactory surgical conditions for gynecological laparoscopic surgery, decreases pneumoperitoneum pressure and reduces related complications, without increasing the development of postoperative adverse reactions.

Objective To explore indicators of risks for preoperative adverse cardiovascular events(PACE)in elderly patients who underwent non-cardiac surgery(NCS).Methods The clinical data of elderly patients who had undergone NCS at Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from January 2022 to March 2024 were analyzed retrospectively,including gender,age,medical history,operation ways,and preoperative creatinine(Cr),hypersensitive C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),hypersensitivity cTnT(hs-cTnT),MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase(CK-MB),N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)and D-Dimer,prothrombin time(PT),activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT),fibrinogen(Fib).To measure the revised cardiac risk index(RCRI),the 30-day prognosis of the patients was followed up.Patients were divided into PACE group and non-PACE group according to the occurrence of PACE,and the clinical data between the two groups were compared.Multiple Logistics regression was used to identify independent risk factors for PACE,and the receiver operator characteristic curve(ROC curve)was drawn to evaluate the predictive value of each risk factor for PACE risk in elderly patients underwent NCS.Results A total of 112 elderly patients underwent NCS were enrolled,including 9 cases in the PACE group(incidence rate 8.03%)and 103 cases in the non-PACE group.Patients'age(years old:75.1±6.4 vs.69.4±7.2,P=0.002),preoperative incidence of coronary heart disease[44.4%(4/9)vs.28.2%(29/103),P=0.004],incidence of heart failure[22.2%(2/9)vs.6.8%(7/103),P=0.003],NT-proBNP[(ng/L):485.17(196.10,787.53)vs.98.41(73.81,160.35),P=0.001],hs-cTnT[(μg/L):0.043(0.023,0.087)vs.0.005(0.003,0.008),P=0.002],and D-Dimer[(μg/L):2 953(2 674,3 570)vs.514(260,1 010),P=0.001]levels in the PACE group were significantly higher than those in the non-PACE group,the proportion of RCRI 2-3 scores in PACE group were significantly higher than those in non-PACE group[2 scores:44.4%(4/9)vs.18.4%(19/103),3 scores:33.3%(3/9)vs.14.6%(15/103),P=0.047].As shown in multiple Logistic regression analysis,age,preoperative NT-proBNP levels and RCRI scores≥2 were independent risk factors affecting the prognosis for PACE occurrence[odds ratio(OR)and 95%confidence interval(95%CI)were 1.163(1.032-1.310),1.021(1.008-1.031)and 1.261(1.003-1.585),P values were 0.013,0.001,0.048,respectively].As shown in ROC curve analysis,age,NT-proBNP and RCRI had predictive value for the occurrence of PACE in NCS patients,the area under the curve(AUC)and 95%CI of age,NT-proBNP and RCRI were 0.795(0.675-0.915),0.908(0.838-0.979)and 0.735(0.556-0.912),with P=0.030,<0.001 and 0.020 respectively.The optimal cut-off values were:age≥69.5 years(sensitivity was 88.9%,specificity was 56.3%);NT-proBNP≥177.0 ng/L(sensitivity was 88.9%,specificity was 83.5%);RCRI≥1.5 points(sensitivity was 77.8%,specificity was 67.0%).Conclusions Age,NT-proBNP levels and RCRI have certain predictive values for the occurrence of PACE in NCS patients undergoing NCS,advanced age,higher NT-proBNP levels,and elevated RCRI scores were associated with increased PACE risk in elderly patients undergoing NCS.While age showed high sensitivity but limited specificity,combining NT-proBNP(with high diagnostic accuracy)and RCRI(with objective scoring)improved preoperative PACE risk prediction.

Objective:To investigate and analysis of the occurrence and influencing factors of sarcopenia in elderly critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).Methods:A prospective cohort study was conducted. Elderly patients (aged ≥ 60 years) admitted to the ICU of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from November 2023 to June 2024 were enrolled. Clinical records were collected, and conduct muscle mass and strength measurements, as well as upper arm circumference and calf circumference were measured. Appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI) of less than 7.0 kg/m 2 for males and less than 5.7 kg/m 2 for females was defined as reduced muscle mass, grip strength of less than 28 kg for males and less than 18 kg for females was defined as decreased muscle strength, patients meeting both low muscle mass and low muscle strength criteria were diagnosed with sarcopenia. According to the diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia, patients were divided into sarcopenia group and non-sarcopenia group. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify risk factors for sarcopenia in the elderly and to develop a predictive model for the occurrence of sarcopenia. The predictive value of various risk factors for sarcopenia in elderly critically ill patients were evaluated by receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve). The Kaplan-Meier curve for the length of ICU stay of two groups patients were drawn. Results:Finally, 540 elderly critically ill patients were included, including 43 patients with sarcopenia, and the incidence of sarcopenia was 8.0%. Univariate analysis showed that there were significantly differences in body mass index (BMI), number of hospitalizations in the past year, the length of ICU stay, ventilation mode, duration of mechanical ventilation, pre-admission exercise habits, nutritional support methods, upper arm circumference, calf circumference, and albumin infusion between the sarcopenia group and the non-sarcopenia group. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that BMI [odds ratio ( OR) = 0.79, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 0.67-0.93, P = 0.004], calf circumference ( OR = 0.64, 95% CI was 0.54-0.76, P < 0.001), and duration of mechanical ventilation ( OR = 1.06, 95% CI was 1.01-1.12, P = 0.034) were associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia in elderly critically ill patients. The ROC curve results showed that the area under the curve (AUC) and 95% CI of BMI, calf circumference, and duration of mechanical ventilation for predicting sarcopenia in elderly critically ill patients were 0.828 (0.767-0.888), 0.889 (0.844-0.933), and 0.397 (0.299-0.496), respectively, with cut-off values of 22.95 kg/m 2, 28.25 cm, and 50.50 days, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that the cumulative survival rate of patients with sarcopenia was significantly lower than that of the non-sarcopenia group (Log-Rank test: χ 2 = 5.619, P = 0.018). Conclusion:Lower BMI, smaller calf circumference, and longer duration of mechanical ventilation are associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia in critically ill elderly patients.