Objective: To investigate the misdiagnosis of area postrema syndrome (APS) manifesting as intractable nausea, vomiting and hiccups in neuromyelitis optic spectrum disease (NMOSD) and reduce the risk of misdiagnosis. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from NMOSD patients attending the Department of Neurology at the First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital between January 2019 and July 2021. SPSS25.0 was then used to analyze the manifestations, misdiagnosis, and mistreatment of APS. Results: A total of 207 patients with NMOSD were included, including 21 males and 186 females. The mean age of onset was 39±15 years (range: 5-72 years). The proportion of patients who were positive for serum aquaporin 4 antibody was 82.6% (171/207). In total, 35.7% (74/207) of the NMOSD patients experienced APS during the disease course; of these patients, 70.3% (52/74) had APS as the first symptom and 29.7% (22/74) had APS as a secondary symptom. The misdiagnosis rates for these conditions were 90.4% (47/52) and 50.0% (11/22), respectively. As the first symptom, 19.2% (10/52) of patients during APS presented only with intractable nausea, vomiting and hiccups; 80.8% (42/52) of patients experienced other neurological symptoms. The Departments of Gastroenterology and General Medicine were the departments that most frequently made the first diagnosis of APS, accounting for 54.1% and 17.6% of patients, respectively. The most common misdiagnoses related to diseases of the digestive system and the median duration of misdiagnosis was 37 days. Conclusions: APS is a common symptom of NMOSD and is associated with a high rate of misdiagnosis. Other concomitant symptoms often occur with APS. Gaining an increased awareness of this disease/syndrome, obtaining a detailed patient history, and performing physical examinations are essential if we are to reduce and avoid misdiagnosis.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Child, Preschool ; Child ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Neuromyelitis Optica/diagnosis* ; Area Postrema ; Retrospective Studies ; Hiccup/complications* ; Vomiting/etiology* ; Nausea/etiology* ; Inflammation ; Syndrome ; Autoantibodies ; Diagnostic Errors ; Aquaporin 4

INTRODUCTIONKnowing how patients value the quality of anaesthesia helps anaesthesiologists to customise their service. However, generalising findings from Western population-based willingness-to-pay studies across different cultures and societies might result in the oversight of some contextualised perspectives of the anaesthesia experience. This study aimed to capture the Singapore perspective of undesired post-anaesthesia outcomes.

METHODS132 patients recruited in a pre-anaesthetic evaluation clinic were given questionnaires describing ten possible post-anaesthetic outcomes. Outcomes were ranked for undesirability and assigned relative value through the hypothetical proportioning of SGD 100 to avoid their occurrence. Data was analysed with reference to patients' background and anaesthetic history.

RESULTSA response rate of 69.1% (n = 132/191) was achieved. Outcomes from the most to least undesirable were pain; vomiting; nausea; shivering; orodental trauma; sore throat; abrasions; somnolence; and thirst. Relative values allocated, in descending order, were pain; vomiting; nausea; orodental trauma; abrasions; sore throat; shivering; somnolence; and thirst.

CONCLUSIONSimilar to previous studies in Western populations, pain, vomiting and nausea were the top three adverse outcomes that Singapore patients wished to avoid. However, discrepancies with Western patients were seen in spending attitudes, possibly accounted for by differences in healthcare socioeconomics. This study provided a better understanding of Singapore patients' perspectives on post-anaesthesia adverse outcomes and could help to improve treatment strategy and resource management.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anesthesia ; adverse effects ; Anesthesiology ; methods ; Anesthetics ; Attitude to Health ; Female ; Health Care Costs ; Humans ; Language ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pain ; etiology ; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting ; Postoperative Period ; Singapore ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Transurethral resection has been the gold standard in the operative management of benign prostatic hyperplasia and bladder tumor; however, it is associated with several complications that may cause patient discomfort. We evaluated the usefulness of continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine on emergence agitation, hemodynamic status, and recovery profiles in patients undergoing elective surgery by a randomized clinical trial. Sixty patients aged 30 to 80 yr who were scheduled for elective transurethral resection under general anesthesia were included in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups (control group, group C; dexmedetomidine group, group D). A total of 60 male patients were enrolled in this study and randomly assigned to group C (n=30) or group D (n=30). The quality of emergence in group D was marked by a significantly lower incidence of emergence agitation than in group C (P=0.015). Patients in group D therefore felt less discomfort induced by the indwelling Foley catheter than those in group C (P=0.022). No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups with respect to side effects including bradycardia (P=0.085), hypotension (P=0.640), and postoperative nausea and vomiting (P=0.389). Our study showed that intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion effectively reduced the incidence and intensity of emergence agitation and catheter-induced bladder discomfort without delaying recovery time and discharge time, thus providing smooth emergence during the recovery period in patients undergoing transurethral resection (Clinical Trial Registry No. KT0001683).
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Blood Pressure ; Bradycardia/etiology ; Dexmedetomidine/adverse effects/*therapeutic use ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Hypnotics and Sedatives/adverse effects/*therapeutic use ; Hypotension/etiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nausea/etiology ; Prostatic Hyperplasia/*surgery ; Psychomotor Agitation/*drug therapy ; *Transurethral Resection of Prostate ; Vomiting/etiology

PURPOSE: Glufosinate poisoning can cause neurologic complications that may be difficult to treat due to delayed manifestation. Studies assessing possible predictors of complications are lacking. Although serum ammonia level is a potential predictor of severe neurotoxicity, it has only been assessed via case reports. Therefore, we investigated factors that predict neurologic complications in acute glufosinate-poisoned patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 45 consecutive glufosinate-poisoning cases that were diagnosed in the emergency department (ED) of Wonju Severance Christian Hospital between May 2007 and July 2014. Patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of <8, seizure, and/or amnesia were defined to a neurologic complication group. RESULTS: The neurologic complication group (29 patients, 64.4%) comprised patients with GCS<8 (27 patients, 60.0%), seizure (23 patients, 51.1%), and amnesia (5 patients, 11.1%). Non-neurologic complications included respiratory failure (14 patients, 31.1%), intubation and ventilator care (23 patients, 51.1%), shock (2 patients, 4.4%), pneumonia (16 patients, 35.6%), acute kidney injury (10 patients, 22.2%), and death (4 patients, 8.9%). Complications of GCS<8, seizure, respiratory failure, and intubation and ventilator care appeared during latent periods within 11 hrs, 34 hrs, 14 hrs, and 48 hrs, respectively. Initial serum ammonia was a predictor of neurologic complications [odds ratio 1.039, 95% confidence interval (1.001-1.078), p=0.046 and area under the curve 0.742]. CONCLUSION: Neurologic complications developed in 64.4% of patients with acute glufosinate poisoning. The most common complication was GCS<8. Initial serum ammonia level, which can be readily assessed in the ED, was a predictor of neurologic complications.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Aminobutyrates/blood/*poisoning ; Ammonia/*blood ; *Emergency Service, Hospital ; Female ; Glasgow Coma Scale ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nausea/etiology ; Neurotoxicity Syndromes/blood/immunology/*physiopathology ; Respiratory Insufficiency/etiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Seizures/etiology ; Severity of Illness Index ; Vomiting/etiology

OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy between moxa salt packets at acupoints combined with tropisetron hydrochloride and single use of tropisetron hydrochloride for cisplatin chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal reaction.

METHODSSixty patients with malignant tumor who met inclusive criteria and received chemotherapy for the first time were recruited and randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. Between the first days and fifth day into the chemotherapy, the patients in the control group were treated with daily intravenous injection of tropisetron hydrochloride (5 mg), while patients in the observation group, based on the treatment of control group, were treated with moxa salt packets at Zhongwan (CV 12). The nausea and vomiting between the first days and fifth day into the chemotherapy were compared in the two groups, and the occurrence rates of adverse reactions within the first week into chemotherapy were recorded.

RESULTSBetween the second day and fifth day into the chemotherapy, the effective rate for nausea in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (all P < 0.05); between the third day and fifth day into the chemotherapy, the effective rate for vomiting in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (all P < 0.05); one week into the chemotherapy, the occurrence rate of constipation in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe moxa salt packets combined with tropisetron hydrochloride can effectively reduce the cisplatin chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting as well as the occurrence rate of delayed-type vomiting, and improve the constipation, which is superior to single use of tropisetron hydrochloride.

Acupuncture Points ; Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Agents ; adverse effects ; Cisplatin ; adverse effects ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Diseases ; etiology ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Moxibustion ; Nausea ; etiology ; therapy ; Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; Vomiting ; etiology ; therapy

Association between postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and micro-opioid receptor A118G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is undefined and might underlie inconsistent results of studies on PONV occurrence in patients undergoing general anesthesia with the opioid, remifentanil. Four hundred and sixteen Korean women undergoing breast surgery with general anesthesia were randomized to receive remifentanil 10 ng/mL (plasma-site, Minto model) using a target-controlled infusion device and either propofol for total intravenous anesthesia (T group) or sevoflurane for inhalation anesthesia (I group) with bispectral index values maintained between 40 and 60. Blood specimens were collected after anesthesia induction for A118G SNP analysis. PONV and postoperative pain were evaluated. A118G SNP type distribution among Korean female adults studied was AG (n=195)>AA (n=158)>GG (n=63). Regardless of anesthetic technique, patients with GG types had lower PONV scale on arrival at postoperative care unit (PACU) (P=0.002), while T group showed lower PONV scale than I group up to 6 hr after PACU discharge in AA and AG types. No differences were apparent for postoperative pain among opioid receptor polymorphism. PONV occurrence differs according to opioid receptor polymorphism and anesthetic technique in patients undergoing general anesthesia with remifentanil.
Adult ; Analgesics, Opioid/*adverse effects ; Anesthesia, General/*adverse effects ; Breast Diseases/surgery ; Demography ; Double-Blind Method ; Female ; Humans ; Methyl Ethers/adverse effects/therapeutic use ; Pain, Postoperative/drug therapy ; Piperidines/*adverse effects/therapeutic use ; *Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting/*etiology ; Receptors, Opioid, mu/*genetics

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effects of wrist-ankle acupuncture combined with ginger moxibustion against gastrointestinal tract reactions (nausea, vomiting, and constipation) to chemotherapy in cancer patients.

METHODSA total of 60 patients with gynecological tumors treated by chemotherapy were randomly divided into two groups. The treatment group (30 cases) underwent wrist-ankle acupuncture and ginger moxibustion, whereas tropisetron hydrochloride and dexamethasone were intravenously administered to the control group (30 cases) during chemotherapy.

RESULTSThe frequency of nausea in the treatment group was significantly less than that of the control group from the 2nd to the 5th day of chemotherapy (P<0.01). The anti-emetic effect in the treatment group was significantly better than that in the control group on the 3rd day of therapy (P<0.05). The incidence rate of constipation was significantly lower in the treatment group than that in the control group (P<0.01). Furthermore, the cost of therapy for the treatment group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.01). Only 1 patient manifested a post-acupuncture side effect in the form of subcutaneous blood stasis.

CONCLUSIONWrist-ankle acupuncture combined with ginger moxibustion could prevent gastrointestinal tract reactions to chemotherapy in cancer patients. In addition, the proposed method had fewer side effects, lower cost, and less risk.

Acupuncture Therapy ; adverse effects ; Ankle ; physiology ; Antineoplastic Agents ; adverse effects ; Constipation ; etiology ; therapy ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Diseases ; chemically induced ; prevention & control ; Ginger ; chemistry ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Moxibustion ; adverse effects ; Nausea ; chemically induced ; therapy ; Vomiting ; etiology ; therapy ; Wrist ; physiology

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Postprandial symptoms of fullness and abdominal discomfort are common after fatty meals. Gastric lipases hydrolyze 10% to 20% of dietary triglycerides during the stomach trituration period of digestion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of acid-resistant lipase on upper gastrointestinal symptoms, including fullness and bloating, as well as on gastric myoelectrical activity after healthy subjects ingested a high-fat, liquid meal. METHODS: This study utilized a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design with 16 healthy volunteers who ingested either a capsule containing 280 mg of acid-resistant lipase or a placebo immediately before a fatty meal (355 calories, 55% fat). Participants rated their stomach fullness, bloating, and nausea before and at timed intervals for 60 minutes after the meal. Electrogastrograms were obtained to assess the gastric myoelectrical activity. RESULTS: Stomach fullness, bloating, and nausea increased significantly 10 minutes after ingestion of the fatty meal (p<0.01), whereas normal gastric myoelectrical activity decreased and tachygastria increased (p<0.05). With lipase, reports of stomach fullness were significantly lower compared with placebo (p<0.05), but no effect on gastric myoelectrical activity or other upper gastrointestinal symptoms was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The high-fat meal induced transient fullness, bloating, nausea, and tachygastria in healthy individuals, consistent with post-prandial distress syndrome. Acid-resistant lipase supplementation significantly decreased stomach fullness.
Abdominal Pain/etiology/psychology ; Adult ; Cross-Over Studies ; Diet, High-Fat/*adverse effects/psychology ; *Dietary Supplements ; Double-Blind Method ; Dyspepsia/etiology/*prevention & control/psychology ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Motility/drug effects/physiology ; Healthy Volunteers ; Humans ; Lipase/*administration & dosage ; Male ; Meals ; Middle Aged ; Myoelectric Complex, Migrating ; Nausea/etiology/psychology ; Postprandial Period ; Stomach/*drug effects/physiology ; Young Adult

There are several reports to demonstrate that rifampicin, a major anti-tuberculosis agent, is associated with some adverse renal effects, with a few cases of rifampicin-induced minimal change disease (MCD). In the present case, a 68-year-old female presented with nausea, vomiting, foamy urine, general weakness and edema. She had been taking rifampicin for 4 weeks due to pleural tuberculosis. The patient had no proteinuria before the anti-tuberculosis agents were started, but urine tests upon admission showed heavy proteinuria with a 24-h urinary protein of 9.2 g/day, and serum creatinine, albumin, and total cholesterol levels were 1.36 mg/dL, 2.40 g/dL, and 283 mg/dL, respectively. MCD was diagnosed, and the patient achieved complete remission after cessation of rifampicin without undergoing steroid therapy.
Aged ; Antibiotics, Antitubercular/*adverse effects/therapeutic use ; Edema/etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Kidney Function Tests ; Kidney Glomerulus/pathology ; Nausea/etiology ; Nephrosis, Lipoid/*chemically induced/pathology ; Proteinuria ; Remission Induction ; Rifampin/*adverse effects/therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome ; Tuberculosis, Pleural/*drug therapy

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Performance of polyethylene glycol solution (PEG) is often unsatisfactory as bowel preparation agent for colonoscopy. In order to provide equivalent efficacy with better patient tolerance, sodium phosphate tablet (SPT) has been developed. This study was carried out to compare the efficacy and compliance of two bowel preparation methods: PEG with ascorbic acid (PEGA) vs. SPT preparation. METHODS: A multicenter, randomized controlled trial was performed. Primary efficacy variable was overall quality of colon cleansing assessed by Boston bowel preparation scale (BBPS) during colonoscopy. Patient's satisfaction and adverse events were evaluated by means of symptom questionnaire completed by each patient immediately before colonoscopy. RESULTS: A total of 189 patients were randomly assigned to undergo pre-colonoscopic bowel preparation with either SPT (n=96) or PEGA (n=93). Overall BBPS score was 8.3+/-1.12 in the SPT group and 8.4+/-0.96 in the PEGA group (p=0.441). Among the 189 patients, 90 had polyps (47.6%) and 50 had adenomas (26.5%). The polyp/adenoma detection rate was 54.2% (n=52)/27.1% (n=26) for SPT group and 40.9% (n=38)/25.8% (n=24) for PEGA group (p=0.079 and 0.790, respectively). More number of patients were unable to take the prescribed dose of PEGA compared with the SPT regimen (8.6% vs. 2.0%, p=0.045). Overall satisfaction score was 7.9+/-1.63 in the SPT group and 7.4+/-1.53 in the PEGA group (p=0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Degree of colon preparation, polyp/adenoma detection rate and adverse effect were similar between SPT group and PEGA group. Patient compliance and satisfaction were greater in the SPT group.
Abdominal Pain/etiology ; Adenoma/pathology ; Adult ; Ascorbic Acid/*therapeutic use ; Cathartics/adverse effects/*therapeutic use ; Colonic Polyps/pathology ; *Colonoscopy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nausea/etiology ; Patient Satisfaction ; Phosphates/*therapeutic use ; Polyethylene Glycols/*therapeutic use ; Surveys and Questionnaires