PURPOSE: To identify risk factors for developing pressure ulcers (PUs) in the acute care period of traumatic spinal fracture patients with or without spinal cord injuries (SCIs). METHODS: Data were collected prospectively in participating the National Spinal column/Cord Injury Registry of Iran (NSCIR-IR) from individuals with traumatic spinal fractures with or without SCIs, inclusive of the hospital stay from admission to discharge. Trained nursing staff examined the patients for the presence of PUs every 8 h during their hospital stay. The presence and grade of PUs were assessed according to the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel classification. In addition to PU, following data were also extracted from the NSCIR-IR datasets during the period of 2015 - 2021: age, sex, Glasgow coma scale score at admission, having SCIs, marital status, surgery for a spinal fracture, American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale (AIS), urinary incontinence, level of education, admitted center, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), hypertension, respiratory diseases, consumption of cigarettes, diabetes mellitus and length of stay in the hospital. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the unadjusted and adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Altogether 2785 participants with traumatic spinal fractures were included. Among them, 87 (3.1%) developed PU during their hospital stay and 392 (14.1%) had SCIs. In the SCI population, 63 (16.1%) developed PU during hospital stay. Univariate logistic regression for the whole sample showed that marital status, having SCIs, urinary incontinence, level of education, treating center, number of days in the ICU, age, and Glasgow coma scale score were significant predictors for PUs. However, further analysis by multiple logistic regression only revealed the significant risk factors to be the treating center, marital status, having SCIs, and the number of days in the ICU. For the subgroup of individuals with SCIs, marital status, AIS, urinary incontinence, level of education, the treating center, the number of days in the ICU and the number of days in the hospital were significant predictors for PUs by univariate analysis. After adjustment in the multivariate model, the treating center, marital status (singles vs. marrieds, OR = 3.06, 95% CI: 1.55 - 6.03, p = 0.001), and number of days in the ICU (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.04 - 1.09, p < 0.001) maintained significance. CONCLUSIONS These data confirm that individuals with traumatic spinal fractures and SCIs, especially single young patients who suffer from urinary incontinence, grades A-D by AIS, prolonged ICU stay, and more extended hospitalization are at increased risk for PUs; as a result strategies to minimize PU development need further refinement.
Humans ; Spinal Fractures/etiology* ; Pressure Ulcer/complications* ; Iran/epidemiology* ; Spinal Cord Injuries/epidemiology* ; Risk Factors ; Spine ; Registries ; Urinary Incontinence/complications* ; Suppuration/complications*

Anastomosis, Surgical/adverse effects* ; Cholangitis/surgery* ; Gastroenterostomy/adverse effects* ; Humans ; Pancreatitis/complications* ; Suppuration/surgery*

OBJECTIVETo explore the efficacy of over-the-scope clip (OTSC) in the treatment of gastrointestinal fistula.

METHODSClinical data of 12 gastrointestinal fistula patients, including 3 internal fistula and 9 external fistula treated with OTSC in our institute from March 2015 to May 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. OTSC was performed when pus was drained thoroughly and intra-abdominal infection around gastrointestinal fistula was controlled, and each patient received one clip to close fistula.

RESULTSThere were 6 female and 6 male patients with mean age of (50.1±12.6) years. The successful rate of endoscopic closure was 100% without complications including bleeding and intestinal obstruction during and after OTSC treatment. According to comprehensive evaluation, including drainage without digestive juices, no recurrence of intra-abdominal infection, no overflow of contrast medium during digestive tract radiography, and CT examination without intra-abdominal abscess, clinical gastrointestinal fistula closure was 91.7%(11/12). There was no recurrence of gastrointestinal fistula during 3 months of follow-up in 11 patients. In the remaining 1 case, the gastric fistula after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy recurred one week after OTSC treatment because of intra-abdominal infection surrounding fistula, and was cured by surgery finally.

CONCLUSIONThe endoscopic closure treatment of OTSC for gastrointestinal fistula is successful and effective, and control of intra-abdominal infection around fistula with adequate drainage is the key point.

Adult ; Digestive System Fistula ; complications ; drug therapy ; surgery ; Drainage ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; instrumentation ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Intraabdominal Infections ; etiology ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Suppuration ; therapy ; Surgical Fixation Devices

OBJECTIVETo study the differences in the clinical features of purulent meningitis (PM) between small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) infants.

METHODSThe clinical data of 58 full-term infants with PM were analyzed retrospectively. The infants were classified into a SGA group (13 cases) and an AGA group (45 cases) according to their birth weight and gestational age. Clinical manifestations, laboratory results, and outcomes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSThe incidence of decreased muscle tone in the SGA group was significantly higher than that in the AGA group (P<0.05); the positive rate in the Pandy's test for cerebrospinal fluid in the SGA group was significantly higher than that in the SGA group (P<0.05). Brain imaging examination showed that the incidence of brain injuries in the SGA group was significantly higher than that in the AGA group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSSGA infants with PM display a higher risk of brain injury, suggesting a poorer outcome, compared with AGA infants.

Brain Injuries ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Small for Gestational Age ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Meningitis, Bacterial ; complications ; Retrospective Studies ; Suppuration

OBJECTIVETo study the clinical features, treatment, and prognosis of purulent meningitis (PM) in children.

METHODSA retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 317 children with PM aged from 1 month to 15 years.

RESULTSPM was commonly seen in infants (198 cases, 62.6%). Most children with PM had preceding respiratory infection (171 cases, 53.9%). The major clinical manifestations of PM were fever, convulsions, and intracranial hypertension, and convulsions were more commonly seen in infants (152 cases, 93.6%). The major complication was subdural effusion (95 cases, 29.9%). Of the 95 cases of subdural effusion, 22 cases were diagnosed by subdural puncture; 68 cases underwent subdural puncture and 62 cases restored to normal temperature 3-5 days after puncture. Risk factors associated with complications and sequelae were young age and protein≥1 g/L in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (OR=0.518, 1.524 respectively; P<0.05). The third-generation cephalosporins were the first choice for PM, and vancomycin or carbapenems were replacement therapy. Thirteen (14.4%) out of 90 children had delayed cerebral vasculitis during a follow-up visit within 3 months after discharge.

CONCLUSIONSPM is more commonly seen in infants, and the infants have a high incidence of convulsions. Young age and protein≥1 g/L in CSF may increase the risk of complications and sequelae. Subdural puncture is not only a diagnostic method but also a therapy for subdural effusion. Some children have delayed cerebral vasculitis during a follow-up visit within 3 months after discharge, so follow-up visits should be performed within 3 months after discharge.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Meningitis, Bacterial ; complications ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; Suppuration ; microbiology

PURPOSE: To report a case of bilateral congenital lacrimal fistula that presented with repeated infection and inflammation after complete fistulectomy, which required an incision and drainage of pus from the operation site. CASE SUMMARY: A 22-year-old male without any medical history presented with repeated erythematous swelling and inflammation, resulting in tenderness around the opening of congenital lacrimal fistula. The lacrimal fistula opening was located approximately 12 mm inferiorly apart from the medial canthus. The complete excision of lacrimal fistula was performed without any inter-operative events. However, 4 days postoperatively, the patient complained of discomfort and swelling, with purulent discharge from the bilateral operation site. There was no improvement although treatment with antibiotics, incision and drainage was performed. After 1 month, an additional incision and drainage was necessary due to inflammation in the left operation site. One month later, pus and purulent discharge were occurring from the right operation site, requiring an additional incision and drainage. At that time, Actinomyces israelli was identified on wound culture examination. One month later, an additional incision and drainage was performed due to repeated inflammation in the left operation site. In the present case, we hypothesized the opening site of congenital lacrimal fistula was relatively far apart from the medial canthus and played a role in atypical repeated inflammation and infection on the operation site. CONCLUSIONS: In surgical treatment of congenital lacrimal fistula, careful preoperative observation of the location of the lacrimal fistula's opening site would be helpful in prediction of postoperative complication, such as wound infection and inflammation, as well as in educating and informing the patient.
Actinomyces ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Drainage ; Fistula* ; History ; Humans ; Inflammation* ; Male ; Postoperative Complications ; Suppuration ; Wound Infection ; Wounds and Injuries ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND: Tuberculous abscess of the chest wall is a very rare disease. Few articles have reported on it and those that have enrolled few patients. To determine the characteristics of this disease and to suggest an optimal treatment strategy, we reviewed patients treated by surgical management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 1981 and December 2009, 68 patients treated by surgical management for a tuberculous abscess of the chest wall were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Of 33 men and 35 women, 31 patients had a current or previous history of tuberculosis. The main complaints were chest pain, a palpable mass, pus discharge, and coughing. A preoperative bacteriologic diagnosis was performed in 12 patients. Abscess excision was performed in 54 cases, abscess cavity excision and partial rib resection in 13, and abscess excision and partial sternum and clavicle excision in 1 case. Postoperative wound infection was noted in 16 patients and a secondary operation was performed in 1 patient. Recurrence occurred in 5 patients (7.35%). Reoperation with abscess excision and partial rib resection was performed in all of the 5 cases. CONCLUSION: Complete excision of the abscess and primary closure of the wound with obliteration of space would decrease postoperative complications. Anti-tuberculosis medication may reduce the chance of recurrence.
Abscess ; Chest Pain ; Clavicle ; Cough ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Postoperative Complications ; Rare Diseases ; Recurrence ; Reoperation ; Ribs ; Sternum ; Suppuration ; Surgical Wound Infection ; Thoracic Wall ; Thorax ; Tuberculosis

Intracranial abscess is a serious, life-threatening condition with a dire prognosis. Although the advent of the antibiotic era has drastically reduced the incidence of the disease, predisposing factors such as untreated ear infections, poor personal hygiene, significant trauma with violation of the sterile cranial environment as well as existing co-morbidities such as an immunocompromised state make intracranial abscess a horrifying reality. Ear infections, in particular, are notorious for being the origin of roughly 50% of cerebellar abscesses.1 Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is one of the leading causes of brain abscess. Shaw and Russell2 reviewed 47 cases of cerebellar abscess and showed that 93% were caused by CSOM; the most common mechanism of entry into the brain parenchyma being direct extension. Chronic infection in the middle ear space could erode through the tegmen tympani and into the temporal lobe or through the tegmen mastoidei into the cerebellum. Neurological symptoms may be delayed as the abscess ‘grows’ in areas around the cerebellum that are regarded as ‘silent’, until vital areas such as those responsible for coordination and balance are violated. We describe a case of cerebellar abscess secondary to CSOM and discuss the possibility of performing ear surgery with simultaneous drainage of a contiguous abscess through a transmastoid approach in cases of chronic suppurative otitis media with intracranial complications.
Human ; Male ; Young Adult ; EAR DISEASES ; OTITIS ; Otitis Media, Suppurative ; OTITIS MEDIA-COMPLICATIONS, suppuration, SURGERY ; CHRONIC EAR DISEASE ; pain ; Headache

Endophthalmitis ; complications ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Meningoencephalitis ; complications ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; Suppuration ; complications

Anti-Bacterial Agents ; therapeutic use ; Endophthalmitis ; complications ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Meningoencephalitis ; complications ; drug therapy ; Suppuration