Objective:To investigate a surgical method and clinical effect on reconstruction of infective ulcer and soft tissue defects in dorsal fingers of the elderly patients with free perforator flap of peroneal artery.Methods:From March 2016 to June 2022, 13 elderly patients with infective ulcer and soft tissue defects in dorsal fingers were reconstructed with free perforator flaps of peroneal artery. The patients were 65-70 years with an average age of 66.5 years. Cause of infection: 10 ulceration and soft tissue defects were caused by diabetes and 3 by injury. Seven infective ulceration and soft tissue defects were in dorsal index fingers, 3 in dorsal middle fingers and 3 in dorsal ring fingers with the size of soft tissue defects at 2.0 cm×4.5 cm-2.0 cm×5.5 cm with an exposure of tendon and phalange. The donor site of the flaps was of contralateral calf and the flaps were 2.5 cm×5.0 cm-2.5 cm×6.0 cm in size. All donor sites were sutured directly. All patients were included in the postoperative follow-up at outpatient clinic to observe the appearance and sensation of the flap as well as finger movement.Results:All flaps survived and all wounds achieved stage I healing, without recurrence of infection. Twelve patients had the postoperative follow-up for 12 to 27 months, with an average of 21.6 months. There were satisfactory appearance of flaps and the function of fingers. Sensation of flaps recovered to S 2 in 5 patients and S 3 in 7 patients. The recovery of hand function was evaluated according to the Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, with 8 hands in excellent and 4 in good. Conclusion:The free perforator flap of peroneal artery has advantages of constant vascular anatomy, reliable blood supply, moderate thickness and direct closure of donor site. It is a useful clinical method in reconstruction of infective ulcer and soft tissue defects in dorsal fingers of the elderly patients.

Objective To investigate the correlation between serum adipokine levels and insulin resist-ance in preterm infants with early extrauterine growth retardation(EUGR).Methods A total of 130 preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of the hospital from March 2023 to March 2024 were se-lected as the research subjects.They were divided into the EUGR group(n=63)and the non-EUGR group(n=67)based on whether their weight Z-score at 2 weeks of age was ≥-1.28.Clinical data of the preterm infants and their mothers were collected.Blood samples were collected at 14 days after birth to measure serum insulin,adiponectin,resistin,leptin,blood glucose,total cholesterol,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),and triglyceride levels.The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)was calculated,and the correlation between HOMA-IR and adipokine levels as well as lipid levels was analyzed.Results Compared with the non-EUGR group,the EUGR group had a high-er proportion of mothers with pregnancy-induced hypertension.The preterm infants in the EUGR group had higher levels of insulin,resistin,leptin,triglycerides,and HOMA-IR,and lower levels of HDL-C,with statisti-cally significant differences(P＜0.05).In the EUGR group,HOMA-IR was positively correlated with adi-ponectin,resistin,and leptin levels,while in the non-EUGR group,HOMA-IR was positively correlated with adiponectin levels(P＜0.05).Conclusion Insulin resistance in preterm infants with early EUGR may be re-lated to changes in adipokine levels.

Objective:To discuss the relationship between the systolic blood pressure (SBP) circadian rhythm and blood pressure variability (BPV) and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) among 178 patients with hypertension.Methods:This article was a retrospective study. Totally 178 patients with hypertension from January 2020 to January 2022 were selected based on incorporated basis. 24-hour dynamic blood pressure monitoring and echocardiography examination were performed. Data such as patients' SBP circadian rhythm, BPV, heart ultrasound heart dynamic maps were collected, and the relationship between SBP circadian rhythm and BPV and their LVEF was explored.Results:Among the 178 patients, the decreased proportion of SBP circadian rhythm>the proportion of existed SBP circadian rhythm>the proportion of inverted SBP circadian rhythm>the proportion of disappearance of SBP circadian rhythm; patients with disappearance of SBP circadian rhythm were the youngest (63.8 ± 14.5) years old, and patients with inverted SBP circadian rhythm were the oldest (71.5 ± 9.4) years old ( P<0.05); the 24-hour systolic blood pressure standard deviation of SBP circadian rhythm was observed in patients with (13.1 ± 2.8) mmHg

Objective:To investigate a surgical method and clinical effect on reconstruction of infective ulcer and soft tissue defects in dorsal fingers of the elderly patients with free perforator flap of peroneal artery.Methods:From March 2016 to June 2022, 13 elderly patients with infective ulcer and soft tissue defects in dorsal fingers were reconstructed with free perforator flaps of peroneal artery. The patients were 65-70 years with an average age of 66.5 years. Cause of infection: 10 ulceration and soft tissue defects were caused by diabetes and 3 by injury. Seven infective ulceration and soft tissue defects were in dorsal index fingers, 3 in dorsal middle fingers and 3 in dorsal ring fingers with the size of soft tissue defects at 2.0 cm×4.5 cm-2.0 cm×5.5 cm with an exposure of tendon and phalange. The donor site of the flaps was of contralateral calf and the flaps were 2.5 cm×5.0 cm-2.5 cm×6.0 cm in size. All donor sites were sutured directly. All patients were included in the postoperative follow-up at outpatient clinic to observe the appearance and sensation of the flap as well as finger movement.Results:All flaps survived and all wounds achieved stage I healing, without recurrence of infection. Twelve patients had the postoperative follow-up for 12 to 27 months, with an average of 21.6 months. There were satisfactory appearance of flaps and the function of fingers. Sensation of flaps recovered to S 2 in 5 patients and S 3 in 7 patients. The recovery of hand function was evaluated according to the Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, with 8 hands in excellent and 4 in good. Conclusion:The free perforator flap of peroneal artery has advantages of constant vascular anatomy, reliable blood supply, moderate thickness and direct closure of donor site. It is a useful clinical method in reconstruction of infective ulcer and soft tissue defects in dorsal fingers of the elderly patients.

Objective To analyze the diagnostic values of H2FPEF and HFA-PEFF scores for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF)and HFpEF complicated with atrial fibrillation(HFpEF-AF)in Chinese patients and explore the related factors.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted.A total of 835 consecutive HFpEF patients treated in the Department of Geriatric Cardiology,the First Hospital of Lanzhou Uni-versity from 2009 to 2020 were selected and assigned to a HFpEF-AF group(n =267)and a HFpEF group(n = 568)according to the presence of AF or not.HFA-PEFF and H2FPEF scores were used for retrospective diagnosis and the diagnostic consistency of the two scores was assessed.One hundred and thirty-six healthy volunteers with age and sex matching the patients during the same period were selected as healthy controls.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were established for H2FPEF and HFA-PEFF scores in diagnosing HFpEF-AF and HFpEF,on the basis of which the diagnostic performance of the two scores was evaluated.Results There was no difference in the HFA-PEFF score between the two groups(P =0.070).However,the HFpEF-AF group had higher mean H2FPEF score and higher proportion of patients with the score no less than 6 than the HFpEF group(P<0.001).According to the ROC curves,HFA-PEFF and H2FPEF scores demonstrated high perform-ance in diagnosing all HFpEF patients,with the area under the curve(AUC)of 0.892 and 0.922 and the opti-mal cut-offs of 4 and 4,respectively.The HFA-PEFF score showed similar performance in diagnosing HFpEF and HFpEF-AF,with the AUC of 0.899 and 0.911,respectively.The H2FPEF score had higher performance in di-agnosing HFpEF-AF(AUC of approximately 1.000)and low performance in diagnosing HFpEF(AUC of 0.885).Conclusions The HFA-PEFF score is applicable in the diagnosis of both HFpEF and HFpEF-AF.The H2FPEF score may underestimate HFpEF in Chinese patients,and its applicability in the Chinese patients with HFpEF alone remains to be investigated.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of dorsal perforator flap of cross-finger proper digital artery in the treatment of finger soft tissue defect caused by high-pressure injection injury. METHODS: Between July 2011 and June 2020, 14 cases of finger soft tissue defect caused by high-pressure injection injury were repaired with dorsal perforator flap of cross-finger proper digital artery. All patients were male, with a mean age of 36 years (range, 22-56 years). The defects were located on the index finger in 8 cases, middle finger in 4 cases, and ring finger in 2 cases. The causes of injury include 8 cases of emulsion paint injection, 4 cases of oil paint injection, and 2 cases of cement injection. The time from injury to debridement was 2-8 hours, with a mean time of 4.5 hours. The soft tissue defects sized from 4.0 cm×1.2 cm to 6.0 cm×2.0 cm. The flaps sized from 4.5 cm×1.5 cm to 6.5 cm×2.5 cm. The donor site of the flap was repaired with skin graft. The pedicle was cut off at 3 weeks after operation, and followed by functional exercise. RESULTS: All flaps and skin grafts at donor sites survived, and the wounds healed by first intention. Twelve patients were followed-up 16-38 months (mean, 22.6 months). The texture and appearance of all flaps were satisfactory. The color and texture of the flaps were similar to those of the surrounding tissues. The two-point discrimination of the flap was 10-12 mm, with a mean of 11.5 mm. There were different degrees of cold intolerance at the end of the affected fingers. At last follow-up, the finger function was evaluated according to the Upper Extremity Functional Evaluation Standard set up by Hand Surgery Branch of Chinese Medical Association, 3 cases were excellent, 8 cases were good, and 1 case was poor. CONCLUSION The dorsal perforator flap of cross-finger proper digital artery can effectively repair finger soft tissue defect caused by high-pressure injection injury. The operation was simple, and the appearance and function of the finger recover well.
Humans ; Male ; Adult ; Female ; Perforator Flap ; Upper Extremity ; Fingers/surgery* ; Ulnar Artery ; Skin Transplantation

Objective:To investigate the clinical effects of Masquelet technique with the transfer of free iliac inguinal flap in reconstruction of infectious bone and soft tissue defect after metacarpal fracture surgery.Methods:From January 2014 to January 2020, 16 patients suffered from infectious bone and soft tissue defect after surgery of metacarpal fracture were treated in Department of Hand Surgery, Institute for Hygiene of Ordnance Industry (Weapon Industry 521 Hospital). Debridement and vacuume sealing drainage (VSD) coverage of wound were carried out in emergency surgery, and Masquelet technique combined with free iliac inguinal flap for reconstruction of infected metacarpal bone defect were performed in sub-emergency surgery. The patients were 14 males and 2 females with an average age of 38 (20-50) years old. Plates were removed in 10 patients and retained in 6 patients. Defects of metacarpal bone ranged from 0.8 cm×0.8 cm×2.0 cm to 1.5 cm×2.0 cm× 5.1 cm in size. Soft tissue defects ranged from 3.6 cm×6.8 cm to 7.8 cm×11.6 cm. Tendon defects were found in all 16 patients. After the primary procedure of Masquelet technique combined with free iliac inguinal flap, routine anti-infection, anticoagulant, antispasmodic and other treatments were offered to all patients. Then all patients were observed by fortnightly reviews. After infection was cleared, the second phase of Masquelet treatment began. The defects of metacarpal bone were reconstructed with autologous cancellous bone grafts, and measures to prevent from infection together with other therapies were offered after the surgery. Follow-up of the second phase surgery was carried out once per 1-2 weeks and then per 2-4 months after bone union. The follow-up review items included: wound infection and necrosis, appearance, shape, texture and sensory recovery of flap. Bone union of infectious metacarpal defect was evaluated, recurrence of infection was closely observed as well as the resorption or nonunion of bone by X-rays. Hand function was assessed according to the Evaluation Trial Standards of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association. Donor sites healing and functional recovery were also included in the postoperative observation.Results:The follow-up time ranged from 1.5-3.0 (average 2.4) years. There was no necrosis of iliac inguinal flap, no recurrence of infection, and the flaps all healed well. The appearance, shape and texture of flaps were found close to the adjacent skin in all patients. Two-point discriminations (TPD) of the transferred iliac inguinal flaps were at 8-10 mm. X-ray reviews showed that bone union achieved in all patients. The time of bone union were 2.1-3.4 months (2.9 months in average) after bone grafting. There was no bone resorption, infection or nonunion. According to the Evaluation Standard of Upper Limb Partial Functional of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, 13 patients were excellent and 3 patients were good. All donor sites had primary healing with the motion of donor hips unaffected.Conclusion:Masquelet technique combined with free iliac inguinal flap is an effective, safe and feasible surgical procedure in reconstruction of infectious bone and soft tissue defect after metacarpal fracture surgery. It offers a satisfactory outcome with relatively less damage to the donor site.

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of cosmetic reconstruction for partial defect of distal segment of digits.Methods:Form January 2018 to January 2021, the Department of Hand Surgery of Institute for Hygiene of Ordnance Industry(The 521 Hospital of Weapon Industry) admitted 129 patients with partial defect of distal segment of thumb or fingers with phalange or tendon exposure. The patients were 111 males and 18 females with an average age of 34(17-59) years old. The sizes of nailbed defect were 0.4 cm×1.1 cm-1.8 cm×2.0 cm, the length of phalange defect was 0.4-1.8 cm, and the sizes of the soft tissue defect were 1.6 cm×1.8 cm-3.2 cm×4.8 cm. Great toe tissue flaps were used to reconstruct the partial defect of distal segment of thumb or fingers after debridement. Wounds of fibular flap of great toe in 77 cases were directly sutured in 17 patients. The donor sites in rest 60 great toes were narrowed first and then repaired with skin grafts in 10 cases, with artificial dermis in 28 cases and with transverse V-Y advancement flaps of ipsilateral great toes for 22 cases. Forty-nine of 52 donor site wounds for hallux toenail flap were repaired with artificial dermis and 3 with free peroneal artery perforator flaps. The method was outpatient follow-up. Postoperative follow-up lasted until July 2022. The check-items for follow-up included: occurrence of necrosis, appearance, shape and texture of the flap, appearance of the reconstructed nails, TPD of the reconstructed digit pulps, tolerance to cold on the scars of flaps, flexion and extension of the reconstructed digits. The healing time of phalanges of the reconstructed digits was evaluated by X-rays. The appearance, sensation, the tolerance to cold of great toe and the movement of donor foot were also assessed.Results:Postoperative follow-up lasted for 18 to 24 months, with an average of 21 months. A total of 128 flaps survived. Necrosis occurred in 1 fibular hallux flap, the necrosis was cured with a reverse digital proper artery island flap. Thereafter, all flaps healed well. The appearance, shape, texture and nails of reconstructed digits were close to the contralateral digits. The reconstructed thumb and finger were evaluated according to Zook, 127 cases were excellent and 2 cases were good.TPD of the pulps of the reconstructed digits was 4-10 mm. The mean score of the Vancouver scar scale(VSS) was 0.6 for scars of the reconstructed digits. The mean score of the Visual analog scale(VAS) was 0.3 for the tolerance to cold. Flexion and extension function recovered well in all the reconstructed digits. According to the Evaluation Criteria of Upper limb Function Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association, the function of hand was excellent in 127 cases and 1 in each of good and fair. X-rays of all digits showed the phalange healing of the reconstructed digits, with an average healing time of 2 months after surgery, without phalange resorption, infection, nonunion nor stress fracture. There was no difference between the length of the donor great toe and the contralateral toe, except the donor site of the great toe nail root. There was no significant visual difference between the appearance of the donor great toe and the contralateral toe. TPD of the pulps of donor great toe was 4-8 mm. The mean score of the VSS was 1.4 for scars in the donor great toe. The mean score of the VAS was 0.7 for the tolerance to cold of the donor great toe. There was no stress fracture at donor site, and the functions of donor foot were not affected when walking, running, jumping and tiptoeing in all patients.Conclusion:It is an ideal method for reconstructing a partial defect of distal segment of digit by great toe flap. It can not only reconstruct the partial defect of distal segment of the digit, but also results in a good appearance and satisfactory functions of the reconstructed digit. Damage to the donor site is minimum. The length of the donor great toe is unchanged, and it has little impact on sensation and appearance of the donor great toe. Meanwhile, there is no adverse effect on walking, running and jumping with the donor foot.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and structural and functional cardiac changes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF)complicated with atrial fibrillation(AF)in elderly patients.Methods:As a cross-sectional study, 835 patients with HFpEF aged ≥60 years admitted to the Department of Geriatric Cardiovascular Medicine of the First Hospital of Lanzhou University between April 2009 and December 2020 were divided into an HFpEF+ AF group(267 cases)and an HFpEF group(568 cases)according to whether they had AF in addition to HFpEF, and their cardiac structure and function were evaluated.The optimal cutoff point of the ratio of the peak early diastolic velocity(E)to the maximum early diastolic velocity(e')of the mitral annulus(E/e')was analysed using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.The HFpEF+ AF group was divided into two subgroups, E/e'>11 and E/e'≤11, and differences in their clinical presentation, cardiac structural and function, and the relationship between the left and right heart were compared.Results:Compared with the HFpEF group, the left atrial volume index(LAVi)was larger[(60.0±23.3)ml/m 2vs.(43.9±19.0)ml/m 2, t=10.130, P<0.01]and the left ventricular ejection fraction(EF), mitral annular septal systolic velocity(s' S)and E/e' were smaller than in the HFpEF+ AF group(all P<0.01), whereas the right ventricular diameter(RVD), right atrial diameter(RAD)and area(RAA), tricuspid regurgitation velocity(TRv), and pulmonary arterial systolic pressure(PASP)in the HFpEF+ AF group were all greater than those in the HFpEF group(all P<0.05).In the E/e'>11 subgroup of HFpEF+ AF, the prevalence of hypertension, coronary heart disease and diabetes were higher, AF courses were shorter, and the decline of s' was more severe(all P<0.05).Furthermore, E/e' was independently correlated with LAVi, as was LAVi with PASP( t=2.114, 1.963, P=0.034, 0.042).The above-mentioned features were similar to those in the HFpEF group.The E/e'≤11 subgroup had a higher proportion of women, longer duration of AF than the E/e'>11 subgroup(median: 5 years vs.1 year, P=0.003), more noticeable enlargement of the right ventricle and right atrium, higher TRv and PASP( P<0.05). Conclusions:In elderly patients with HFpEF complicated with AF, the left atrial volume is increased further, and left ventricular systolic function and right heart morphology show serious deterioration, suggesting there might be two phenotypes of HFpEF+ AF with different pathophysiological mechanisms.