1.Clinical observation of mycophenolate mofetil combined with Budesonide enteric capsules in the treatment of high-risk progressive IgA nephropathy
Li SHEN ; Yao ZHANG ; Yaping XIAO ; Yuewu TANG ; Ni DU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(7):927-932
OBJECTIVE To observe the clinical efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) combined with Budesonide enteric capsules in the treatment of high-risk progressive immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). METHODS A total of 150 adult patients with high-risk progressive IgAN who attended the Department of Nephrology, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, between August 1, 2024 and March 1, 2025 were enrolled in this study. The control group ( n =94) received MMF combined with glucocorticoid, while the observation group ( n =56) received MMF combined with Budesonide enteric capsules. The 24-hour urine protein (24 h UP), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and albumin (ALB) levels of patients in both groups were compared at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months post-treatment. The complete response (CR) rate and overall response rate were calculated for both groups at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months post-treatment. Adverse reactions occurring during treatment were compared between the two groups. RESULTS Compared with before treatment, 24 h UP decreased significantly in both groups at different time points after treatment ( P <0.05), and ALB increased significantly ( P <0.05). However, there was no significant change in eGFR ( P >0.05). The 24 h UP in the observation group at 1, 2, and 3 months after treatment was significantly lower than that of the control group ( P <0.05), while the ALB level was significan tly higher ( P <0.05). However, at 6 months after treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in these two indicators between the two groups ( P >0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in eGFR between the two groups at different time points after treatment ( P >0.05). The overall response rates in the observation group at 1 and 2 months after treatment were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P <0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the overall response rate at the remaining treatment time points and the CR rate at all time points between the two groups ( P >0.05). Patients in the observation group had significantly lower rates of skin abnormalities, elevated blood glucose, and overall adverse reactions compared with the control group ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Compared with MMF combined with glucocorticoids, MMF combined with Budesonide enteric capsules for the treatment of high-risk progressive IgAN patients can reduce proteinuria and improve serum ALB levels more quickly, significantly increase the early overall response rate, and significantly reduce glucocorticoid-related skin adverse reactions, blood glucose elevation, and the overall incidence of adverse reactions, demonstrating a better short-term benefits.
2.Zishen Huoxue Prescription Alleviates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hippocampal Neurons of 2-VO Rats via GRP78/PERK/ATF4 Signaling Pathway
Yao SU ; Feng QIU ; Tao YI ; Hanquan LI ; Le XIE ; Xiuli ZHANG ; Dahua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):93-102
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which the Zishen Huoxue prescription (ZSHXP) ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in rats with vascular dementia (VD) induced by the bilateral common carotid artery ligation (2-VO model rats) through regulating the glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78)/protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) signaling pathway. MethodsA VD rat model was established via the 2-VO method. A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: Sham group, Model group, donepezil hydrochloride group (0.45 mg·kg-1), and ZSHXP groups at low (8.90 g·kg-1), medium (17.80 g·kg-1), and high (35.60 g·kg-1) doses,with 12 rats in each group. The Morris Water Maze test was utilized to assess spatial learning and memory abilities of rats, and the Novel Object Recognition test was used to evaluate cognitive performance. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining were applied to observe the histological and morphological changes in hippocampal tissues. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the morphological changes of endoplasmic reticulum in rat hippocampal neurons. Immunofluorescence staining was adopted to detect the colocalization of neuronal nuclei antigen (NeuN) with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with gasdermin D (GSDMD) in hippocampal neurons. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins including GRP78, PERK, ATF4, phosphorylated protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1 and GSDMD. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed a significantly prolonged escape latency (P<0.01), a significant decrease in the number of platform crossings and the residence time in the target quadrant (P<0.01), and a markedly reduced recognition index (P<0.01). Histological observations revealed that the hippocampal neurons in the model group were disorderly arranged with reduced quantity, deformed and shrunken cell bodies, and pyknotic and hyperchromatic nuclei. The number of Nissl bodies decreased significantly. The number of endoplasmic reticula reduced obviously, accompanied by abnormal dilation and swelling, and the loss of normal folding structure. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly increased in the model group. The protein expression levels of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK, ATF4, CHOP, NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 in the model group were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the donepezil hydrochloride group and the ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups had a significantly shortened escape latency (P<0.01) and an increased number of platform crossings (P<0.05, P<0.01). The residence time in the target quadrant was increased in the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), with a significantly improved recognition index (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups, the number of hippocampal neurons increased with a more compact arrangement and reduced nuclear hyperchromasia. The number of Nissl bodies increased with morphological structures tending to be normal. In the ZSHXP high-dose group, the number of endoplasmic reticula increased and the folding structure was restored. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly weakened in the treatment groups. In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the protein expressions of GRP78, ATF4 and CHOP were increased (P<0.01), while the expression of p-PERK/PERK was decreased (P<0.05). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the expressions of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK and CHOP were elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups showed a significant decrease in the protein expressions of p-PERK/PERK, ATF4 and CHOP (P<0.01), and the high-dose group had a markedly reduced GRP78 protein expression (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the Caspase-1 protein expression was increased (P<0.01) and the NLRP3 protein expression was decreased (P<0.01). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the GSDMD expression was elevated (P<0.01) while the NLRP3 protein expression was reduced (P<0.01). After treatment with medium and high doses of ZSHXP, the protein expression levels of NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe ameliorative effect of ZSHXP on cognitive function in 2-VO model rats may be associated with its regulation of the GRP78/PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway, which ameliorates ERS and inhibits neuronal pyroptosis.
3.Adiponectin alleviates high glucose-induced retinal angiogenesis by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome
Yong ZHANG ; Xiaodi WANG ; Yixin ZHANG ; Guomin YAO
International Eye Science 2026;26(5):732-737
AIM: To explore the effect of adiponectin(ADPN)on angiogenesis of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells(hRMECs)in high glucose(HG)environment and role of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3)inflammasome.METHODS: The hRMECs were divided into six groups, including control group(without treatment), HG group: incubated with D-glucose, ADPN group: pretreatment with ADPN and then incubated with D-glucose, CY-09 group: pretreatment with CY-09(an NLRP3 inhibitor)and then incubated with D-glucose, Nigericin group: pretreatment with nigericin(an NLRP3 activator)and then incubated with D-glucose, Nigericin+ADPN group: pretreatment with nigericin and ADPN and then incubated with D-glucose. NLRP3 level was detected using Western blot analysis. hRMECs migration was measured using scratch wound healing assay. The tube formation of hRMECs was detected using Matrigel.RESULTS: The NLRP3 expression in hRMECs cultured in an HG environment was significantly increased(P<0.01), while ADPN and CY-09 reduced the elevated NLRP3(both P<0.05 vs HG group). Nigericin significantly increased NLRP3 levels(P<0.01 vs control group)which was reversed by ADPN(P=0.032 vs Nigericin group). hRMECs migration ability(P<0.001), and total master segments length and number of meshes increased in HG group(P<0.001)while decreased in ADPN and CY-09 groups(all P<0.01 vs HG group). The hRMECs migration ability and tube formation(total master segments length and number of meshes)in HG environment were significantly increased by nigericin(P=0.003), while ADPN inversed the change. CONCLUSION: ADPN alleviates the migration and angiogenesis of hRMECs under HG conditions.
4.Analysis of anterior chamber angle structural changes and associated factors after implantable collamer lens with central-port implantation
Yanping WU ; Jinhao ZHENG ; Yushan FU ; Dongqi YAO ; Ying LI ; Wulian SONG
International Eye Science 2026;26(5):896-904
AIM: To analyze changes in the anterior chamber angle structure in patients with implantable collamer lens with central-port(ICL V4c)implantation, and to investigate their associations with preoperative anterior segment anatomical parameters.METHODS: Retrospective case study. Patients with myopia or myopia combined with astigmatism who underwent ICL V4c implantation in the Refractive Surgery Center of the Department of Ophthalmology, the 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University between July 2024 and November 2024 were recruited. Preoperative and postoperative uncorrected visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, anterior chamber angle(ACA), white-to-white distance(WTW), anterior chamber depth(ACD), angle to angle distance(ATA), horizontal sulcus-to-sulcus distance(HSTS), vertical sulcus-to-sulcus distance(VSTS),crystalline lens rise(CLR), pupil diameter(PD), iris thickness at 750 μm from the scleral spur(IT750),maximal iris thickness(ITM), iris curvature(I-Curv), and iris cross-sectional area(I-Area), angle opening distance(AOD750), thetrabecular-iris angle(TIA750)and the trabecular-iris space area(TISA750)in the temporal, nasal, superior, and inferior directions,as well as the vault at various postoperative time points were measured.RESULTS: The study involved 40 patients(79 eyes)with myopia or myopia combined with astigmatism who underwent ICL V4c implantation(10 males and 30 females)with the mean age of 24.73±3.79 y. Compared with preoperative measurements, at 1 mo postoperatively, the AOD750, TIA750, and TISA750 parameters at the four angles(temporal, nasal, superior, and inferior)all showed a significant reduction(P<0.01). Statistically significant differences in vault were observed at postoperative 1d(0.49±0.1), postoperative 1 wk(0.43±0.14), and postoperative 1 mo(0.41±0.14)(all P<0.001). Correlation analysis indicated that the postoperative state of the anterior chamber angle was jointly influenced by anterior chamber parameters(ACD, ATA, HSTS、VSTS), iris morphology(I-Area, IT750), pupil size(PD), and surgical factors(ICL size, early vault), and that the combination of influencing factors varied across different orientations. Regression analysis showed that ACD was positively correlated with all postoperative anterior chamber angle parameters(P<0.05). IT750 exhibited negative correlations with the temporal and inferior angles(P<0.05). I-Area was positively correlated with temporal AOD750 and TISA750(P<0.05), and PD had negative correlations with temporal TIA750 and nasal AOD750(P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Postoperative anterior chamber angle narrowing is a common phenomenon after ICL V4c implantation. The degree of change exhibits a significant correlation with multiple preoperative anterior segment anatomical parameters. Preoperative comprehensive assessment of ACD, PD, and IT750 may facilitate the evaluation of the risk of postoperative angle changes and the enhancement of surgical safety.
5.Zishen Huoxue Prescription Alleviates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hippocampal Neurons of 2-VO Rats via GRP78/PERK/ATF4 Signaling Pathway
Yao SU ; Feng QIU ; Tao YI ; Hanquan LI ; Le XIE ; Xiuli ZHANG ; Dahua WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):93-102
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which the Zishen Huoxue prescription (ZSHXP) ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in rats with vascular dementia (VD) induced by the bilateral common carotid artery ligation (2-VO model rats) through regulating the glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78)/protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) signaling pathway. MethodsA VD rat model was established via the 2-VO method. A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: Sham group, Model group, donepezil hydrochloride group (0.45 mg·kg-1), and ZSHXP groups at low (8.90 g·kg-1), medium (17.80 g·kg-1), and high (35.60 g·kg-1) doses,with 12 rats in each group. The Morris Water Maze test was utilized to assess spatial learning and memory abilities of rats, and the Novel Object Recognition test was used to evaluate cognitive performance. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining were applied to observe the histological and morphological changes in hippocampal tissues. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the morphological changes of endoplasmic reticulum in rat hippocampal neurons. Immunofluorescence staining was adopted to detect the colocalization of neuronal nuclei antigen (NeuN) with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with gasdermin D (GSDMD) in hippocampal neurons. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins including GRP78, PERK, ATF4, phosphorylated protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1 and GSDMD. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the model group showed a significantly prolonged escape latency (P<0.01), a significant decrease in the number of platform crossings and the residence time in the target quadrant (P<0.01), and a markedly reduced recognition index (P<0.01). Histological observations revealed that the hippocampal neurons in the model group were disorderly arranged with reduced quantity, deformed and shrunken cell bodies, and pyknotic and hyperchromatic nuclei. The number of Nissl bodies decreased significantly. The number of endoplasmic reticula reduced obviously, accompanied by abnormal dilation and swelling, and the loss of normal folding structure. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly increased in the model group. The protein expression levels of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK, ATF4, CHOP, NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 in the model group were significantly elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the donepezil hydrochloride group and the ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups had a significantly shortened escape latency (P<0.01) and an increased number of platform crossings (P<0.05, P<0.01). The residence time in the target quadrant was increased in the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), with a significantly improved recognition index (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group and all ZSHXP groups, the number of hippocampal neurons increased with a more compact arrangement and reduced nuclear hyperchromasia. The number of Nissl bodies increased with morphological structures tending to be normal. In the ZSHXP high-dose group, the number of endoplasmic reticula increased and the folding structure was restored. The fluorescence colocalization of NeuN with GRP78 and βⅢ Tubulin with GSDMD in the hippocampus was significantly weakened in the treatment groups. In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the protein expressions of GRP78, ATF4 and CHOP were increased (P<0.01), while the expression of p-PERK/PERK was decreased (P<0.05). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the expressions of GRP78, p-PERK/PERK and CHOP were elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01). The ZSHXP medium- and high-dose groups showed a significant decrease in the protein expressions of p-PERK/PERK, ATF4 and CHOP (P<0.01), and the high-dose group had a markedly reduced GRP78 protein expression (P<0.01). In the donepezil hydrochloride group, the Caspase-1 protein expression was increased (P<0.01) and the NLRP3 protein expression was decreased (P<0.01). In the ZSHXP low-dose group, the GSDMD expression was elevated (P<0.01) while the NLRP3 protein expression was reduced (P<0.01). After treatment with medium and high doses of ZSHXP, the protein expression levels of NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1 were significantly decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe ameliorative effect of ZSHXP on cognitive function in 2-VO model rats may be associated with its regulation of the GRP78/PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway, which ameliorates ERS and inhibits neuronal pyroptosis.
6.Development of a desorption method for an aluminum-containing adjuvant recombinant respiratory syncytial virus vaccine
Chinese Journal of Biologicals 2026;39(04):452-460
Objective To develop a desorption method for aluminum-adjuvanted recombinant protein vaccines and apply the method to the pre-treatment process for adsorption rate determination of respiratory syncytial virus(RSV) recombinant vaccine intermediates, involving antigen content quantification.MethodsTwo aluminum adjuvants, aluminum hydroxide(AH) and amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate(AAHS), were combined respectively with RSV preF protein to develop a desorption agent formulation(a mixture of 0. 2 mol/L potassium dihydrogen phosphate and 0. 8 mol/L dipotassium hydrogen phosphate). The effects of different treatment methods on desorption efficiency were investigated. The optimal desorption method was validated for its effectiveness in releasing RSV preF recombinant protein from antigen-adjuvant complexes with different formulations and different protein concentrations. Its applicability was also extended to antigenadjuvant complexes of different proteins.ResultsA desorption method was determined: antigen-adjuvant complex + 1%BSA/PBST + high-concentration phosphate(mixed solution of 0. 2 mol/L potassium dihydrogen phosphate and 0. 8 mol/L dipotassium hydrogen phosphate) mixed at a volume ratio of 1∶1∶2, followed by incubation at room temperature for 0. 5 h.This method combined the interfering effects of high-concentration phosphate ions, bovine serum albumin(BSA), and the nonionic surfactant polysorbate 20 on antigen-adjuvant binding, and achieved complete desorption for four RSV preF antigenadjuvant complexes and antigen-AH adjuvant complexes with three different protein concentrations(60-240 μg/mL). The antigen recovery rates detected by ELISA were all within the range of(100 ± 10)%. Compared to the non-optimized common phosphate desorbent, this method significantly improved the post-desorption antigen recovery rate, verifying its high efficiency and stability. It also demonstrated the important synergistic role of BSA and polysorbate 20 in assisting phosphate during the desorption process. This method was also successfully applied to complexes of another RSV preF recombinant protein(DS-CAV1) and human metapneumovirus(HMPV) preF recombinant protein with AH adjuvant, achieving antigen recovery rates above 90%, proving its certain universality and suggesting its potential application in combined respiratory virus vaccines.ConclusionThe established desorption method achieves highly efficient and stable desorption for recombinant RSV preF antigen-adjuvant complexes with different aluminum adjuvants, different buffer systems, and different protein concentrations. It is also applicable to other RSV preF variants and HMPV preF protein, effectively solving the interference problem of aluminum adjuvants in antigen content detection. This provides technical support for the quality control and production process optimization of recombinant RSV vaccines, and also serves as reference for the development of combined respiratory vaccines and other aluminum-adjuvanted vaccines.
7.Epidemiological characteristics of pertussis among individuals aged 18 years and below in Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2023
WANG Linxi ; ZHU Yao ; WU Beibei ; HE Hanqing
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):135-139
Objective :
To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of pertussis among the population aged ≤18 years in Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2023, so as to provide a basis for optimizing pertussis prevention and control measures as well as immunization strategies.
Methods:
Data on pertussis cases among individuals aged ≤18 years in Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2023 were collected through the Infectious Disease Reporting Information System of Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Vaccination records were obtained from the specialized pertussis epidemiological survey conducted in Zhejiang Province. The descriptive epidemiological method was employed to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of pertussis among the population aged ≤18 years, as well as the interval between disease onset and the last immunization among breakthrough cases.
Results:
A total of 7 431 pertussis cases aged ≤18 years were reported in Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2023, with an average annual reported incidence of 8.68/105. The overall trend showed no statistical significance (P>0.05). The reported incidence remained relatively low from 2016 to 2021, consistently below 10.00/105. In contrast, the incidence rose to 33.98/105 in 2022 and 13.39/105 in 2023. The peak incidence period was from April to August, during which 4 024 cases were reported, accounting for 54.15%. Hangzhou City, Wenzhou City, and Ningbo City reported the highest number of cases, with 3 844, 1 581, and 646 cases, representing 51.73%, 21.28%, and 8.69%, respectively. In terms of average annual incidence, Hangzhou City, Wenzhou City, and Huzhou City ranked the highest, with rates of 33.98/105, 12.38/105, and 12.27/105, respectively. Among age groups, the highest reported incidence was observed in children aged 0-<1 years, at 48.87/105. From 2016 to 2023, the incidence in the 5-<10 years and 10-18 years age groups showed upward trends (AAPC=108.193%, 106.709%, both P<0.05). The proportion of cases in the 5-<10 years age group also increased during this period (P<0.05). A total of 109 breakthrough pertussis cases were identified. The median interval between disease onset and the last immunization was 4.00 (interquartile range, 4.00) years. The numbers of cases with intervals of 1-<2 years and ≥6 years were both relatively high, comprising 25 cases and 37 cases, which accounted for 22.94% and 33.94%, respectively.
Conclusions
From 2016 to 2021, the reported incidence of pertussis in Zhejiang Province remained relatively stable. However, a sharp increase was observed in 2022. The disease peaked during spring and summer. Key populations for targeted prevention and control included children aged 0-<1 year, 5-<10 years, and 10-18 years. The interval between disease onset and the last immunization among breakthrough pertussis cases exhibited a bimodal distribution.
8.Expert consensus on the clinical application of parenteral direct thrombin inhibitors in special populations
Xin YAO ; Yuan BIAN ; Lizhu HAN ; Qinan YIN ; Yang LEI ; Zimeng WAN ; Luyao HUANG ; Danjie ZHAO ; Yu YAN ; Qin LI ; Baorong HU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(8):965-975
OBJECTIVE To form an expert consensus addressing clinical issues regarding the use of parenteral direct thrombin inhibitors (DTIs) in special populations. METHODS Led by the Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital(the Affiliated Hospital of UESTC), a multidisciplinary working group was formed comprising experts from multiple fields, including clinical pharmacy, cardiac surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics and evidence-based medicine. Through literature review and the Delphi method, clinical questions regarding the efficacy and safety of parenteral DTIs used in special populations were identified. A structured design was adopted using the “Population-Intervention-Comparison-Outcome” (PICO) framework;systematic searches were conducted in CJFD, PubMed, Embase and other databases. Relevant evidence from randomized controlled trials,cohort studies and systematic reviews were included and synthesized. Evidence quality was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment,Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, and recommendations were formulated through three rounds of Delphi surveys and expert consensus meetings. RESULTS &CONCLUSIONS Seven clinical questions were ultimately selected (with a consensus rate exceeding 90%), resulting in the formulation of seven recommendations on the use of parenteral DTIs in special populations, including children, pregnant women, patients with hepatic or renal impairment, patients with mesenteric venous thrombosis, and individuals with thrombophilia. These recommendations clarify the preferred agents, dosing ranges, monitoring parameters, and safety management strategies for parenteral DTIs in these special populations. This expert consensus, which is formulated based on the best available evidence, provides evidence-based guidance for standardized and individualized use of parenteral DTIs in special populations.
9.Impact of DRG payment on length of stay and medical costs in COPD patients from Kashgar region
Jiale YANG ; Ningning WANG ; Aierken AIZEZIJIANG ; Lingkai LIAN ; Xinyi LYU ; Pengcheng LIU ; Wenbing YAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(8):991-997
OBJECTIVE To analyze the impact of the diagnosis-related groups (DRG) payment reform on the length of stay and medical costs in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Kashgar region, aiming to provide localized empirical evidence for the optimization of regional medical insurance payment methods. METHODS Based on the inpatient settlement database of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Healthcare Security Administration, settlement data of COPD inpatients from 17 medical institutions in Kashgar region between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2024, were extracted. The overall changes in patients’ length of stay and costs were compared before and after the reform. Subsequently, interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) was employed to explore the impact of the DRG payment reform on these variables. RESULTS Following the reform, both the average length of stay and various cost decreased significantly compared to the pre-reform period ( P <0.001). At the overall sample level, the average length of stay, average total cost, average drug cost, average medical service cost, and average examination cost per admission all demonstrated significant long-term downward trends after the reform ( P <0.05). However, the decrease in average out-of-pocket costs and the increase in average consumable costs per admission were not statistically significant ( P >0.05). In tertiary medical institutions, the average length of stay and all categories of costs (except average consumable costs per admission) exhibited significant long-term upward trends after the reform ( P <0.05); conversely, in secondary and lower-level medical institutions, the average length of stay, average total cost, average drug cost, average medical service cost, and average examination cost per admission showed significant long-term downward trends ( P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS The DRG payment reform has achieved an overall effect of reducing the length of stay and controlling costs in COPD patients from Kashgar region. However, the effects vary across different levels of medical institutions: secondary and lower-level institutions show a long-term downward trend in length of stay and costs, whereas tertiary institutions exhibit a long-term upward trend. Furthermore, patients’ out-of-pocket financial burden does not show significant improvement.
10.Analysis of risk factors for sodium valproate-induced hyperammonemia in neurocritical patients and construction of risk prediction model
Wan XU ; Jin WU ; Jiaojiao MAO ; Jingjing MA ; Yao FEI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(8):1039-1044
OBJECTIVE To investigate the risk factors for sodium valproate (VPA)-induced hyperammonemia in neurocritical patients, and to construct a risk prediction model. METHODS Clinical data were retrospectively collected from 172 neurocritical patients who received VPA treatment in the Department of Critical Care Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2022 to June 2025. Patients were divided into the hyperammonemia group (73 cases) and the normal group (99 cases) based on their blood ammonia levels. Univariate analysis and LASSO regression analysis were used to screen for predictive variables. Independent factors were identified through multivariate Logistic regression analysis, and a nomogram was constructed accordingly. The performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS Combination of univariate analysis and LASSO regression analysis screened out seven predictive variables: body mass index (BMI)≥24.0 kg/m 2 , concomitant use of benzodiazepines, VPA blood concentration, hemoglobin, serum urea, average daily VPA dose, and albumin. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that concomitant use of benzodiazepines, BMI≥24.0 kg/m 2 , VPA blood concentration, albumin and serum urea level (with odds ratios of 1.615, 1.538, 1.623, 1.942 and 0.637, respectively; 95% confidence intervals of 1.128-2.359, 1.059-2.251, 1.112-2.431, 1.106-3.598 and 0.402-0.980, respectively) were all significantly associated with VPA-induced hyperammonemia in neurocritical patients ( P <0.05). The nomogram prediction model constructed based on these variables was evaluated, showing that the area under the ROC curve was 0.810 for the test set and 0.844 for the validation set. The calibration curves closely approximated t he actual curves, and the application of this model could improve the clinical net benefit. CONCLUSIONS Concomitant use of benzodiazepines, BMI≥24.0 kg/m 2 , high VPA blood concentration and high albumin level are independent risk factors for VPA-induced hyperammonemia in neurocritical patients, while high serum urea level is an independent protective factor. The risk prediction model constructed based on these factors exhibits good discrimination, consistency, and clinical applicability, making it applicable for predicting the risk of VPA-induced hyperammonemia in neurocritical patients.


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