Age-dependent differences in demographics, risk factors, co-morbidity, etiology, management, and clinical outcome of acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND : Comparisons between younger and older stroke patients including comorbidities are limited. METHODS : Prospective data of consecutive patients with first ever acute ischemic stroke were compared between younger (and older patients (> 45 years). RESULTS : Among 1004 patients, 137 (14 %) were and a lower mean Charlson co-morbidity index (CCI), (0.18 versus 0.84; p < 0.0001). Tobacco use was more prevalent in the young (39 % versus 26 %; P < 0.0001). Large artery disease (2 % versus 21 %; p < 0.0001), small artery disease (3 % versus 12 %; p = 0.0019) and atrial fibrillation (1 % versus 17 %; p = 0.001) were less common in young patients, while other etiologies (31 % versus 9 %; p < 0.0001), patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect (44 % versus 26 %; p < 0.0001), and cervical artery dissection (26 % versus 7 %; p < 0.0001) were more frequent. A favorable outcome (mRS 0 or 1) was more common (57.4 % versus 46.9 %; p = 0.023), and mortality (5.1 % versus 12 %; p = 0.009) was lower in the young. After regression analysis, there was no independent association between age and outcome (p = 0.206) or mortality (p = 0.073). Baseline NIHSS score (p < 0.0001), diabetes (p = 0.041), and CCI (p = 0.002) independently predicted an unfavorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS : Younger patients were more likely to be female, had different risk factors and etiologies and fewer co-morbidities. There was no independent association between age and clinical outcome or mortality.

Acute coronary syndromes: management and secondary prevention

Acute coronary syndromes represent a broad spectrum of ischemic myocardial events including unstable angina, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction and acute ST elevation myocardial infarction, which are associated with high morbidity and mortality. They constitute the most frequent cause of hospital admission related to cardiac disease. Early diagnosis and risk stratification are essential for initiation of optimal medical and invasive management. Therapeutic measures comprise aggressive antiplatelet, antithrombotic, and anti-ischemic agents. In addition, patients with high-risk features, notably positive troponin, ST segment changes and diabetes, benefit from an early invasive as compared to a conservative strategy. Importantly, lifestyle interventions, modification of the risk factor profile, and long-term medical treatment are of pivotal importance in reducing the long-term risk of recurrence.

[Orthotopic ileal neobladder. Postoperative management and results]

Urinary diversion after cystectomy have evolved from simple diversion and protection of the upper tracts to functional and anatomic restoration as close as possible to the natural preoperative state. Over the past 15 years, orthotopic reconstruction has evolved from "experimental surgery" to the "preferred method of urinary diversion" in both sexes. Urologist that perform this technique should have an appropriate experience with pelvic surgery and be able to perform a nerve sparing radical cystectomy. Nevertheless, the postoperative management of these patients is more important than the surgical construction if good longterm results are to be achieved. For this reason, a great knowledge about the neobladder's physiology, postoperative complications and their treatment are needed. We review the most important aspects in the postoperative management of patients with ileal neobladder. We also resume the long term outcomes concerning to continence, sexual function, renal impairment, oncologic safety and quality of life.

Optional vena cava filters: indications, management, and results

BACKGROUND: When anticoagulation is contraindicated or ineffective, optional vena cava filters can be used to prevent pulmonary embolism. These devices can be removed within a defined period of time or can remain in the vena cava permanently. METHODS: The status of optional vena cava filters was studied by a review of the relevant literature found in a selective Medline search from 2000 to 2008, including a Cochrane review and published guidelines. RESULTS: Optional vena cava filter can be removed up to 20 weeks or even longer after insertion (depending on the filter model) in a small interventional radiological procedure if therapeutic anticoagulation has been achieved or the patient is no longer at risk for venous thromboembolism. Current studies show comparable results for optional filters and permanent filters, but there have not yet been any prospective studies comparing the two filter types. CONCLUSIONS: Optional vena cava filters are an important addition to the management of venous thromboembolic disease. As only limited data are available to date, the use of optional filters should be considered on an individual case basis.

Evaluating watershed service availability under future management and climate change scenarios in the Pangani Basin

Watershed services are the benefits people obtain from the flow of water through a watershed. While demand for such services is increasing in most parts of the world, supply is getting more insecure due to human impacts on ecosystems such as climate or land use change. Population and water management authorities therefore require information on the potential availability of watershed services in the future and the trade-offs involved. In this study, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is used to model watershed service availability for future management and climate change scenarios in the East African Pangani Basin. In order to quantify actual “benefits”, SWAT2005 was slightly modified, calibrated and configured at the required spatial and temporal resolution so that simulated water resources and processes could be characterized based on their valuation by stakeholders and their accessibility. The calibrated model was then used to evaluate three management and three climate scenarios. The results show that by the year 2025, not primarily the physical availability of water, but access to water resources and efficiency of use represent the greatest challenges. Water to cover basic human needs is available at least 95% of time but must be made accessible to the population through investments in distribution infrastructure. Concerning the trade-off between agricultural use and hydropower production, there is virtually no potential for an increase in hydropower even if it is given priority. Agriculture will necessarily expand spatially as a result of population growth, and can even benefit from higher irrigation water availability per area unit, given improved irrigation efficiency and enforced regulation to ensure equitable distribution of available water. The decline in services from natural terrestrial ecosystems (e.g. charcoal, food), due to the expansion of agriculture, increases the vulnerability of residents who depend on such services mostly in times of drought. The expected impacts of climate change may contribute to an increase or decrease in watershed service availability, but are only marginal and much lower than management impacts up to the year 2025.

Electrocardiographic pattern as a guide for management and radiofrequency ablation of idiopathic ventricular tachycardia.

BACKGROUND Idiopathic ventricular tachycardia (VT) often originates from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), but foci deep to the endocardium, in the epicardium, or in the left ventricle are not uncommon. Although these extra-RVOT foci can be targeted with ablation, risks involved are higher and success rates lower. Simple electrocardiographic (ECG) criteria allowing (1) discrimination of RVOT foci from extra-RVOT foci and (2) assessment of the chance of success of a right heart ablation procedure are desirable. METHODS Twenty-five consecutive patients referred for radiofrequency (RF) ablation of idiopathic VT or severely symptomatic idiopathic ventricular premature contractions were included. Localization of VT origin and success rates of VT ablation in the RVOT were analyzed according to the ECG pattern. RESULTS The analysis of the R wave in V2 was the strongest single predictor of whether the VT had an RVOT or an extra-RVOT origin. An R wave amplitude < or =30% of the QRS amplitude designated the VT focus in the RVOT with positive and negative predictive values of 95 and 100%, respectively. Analysis of R wave duration in V2 had similar predictive values, whereas the R/S transition zone in precordial leads had slightly lower predictive values. Seventeen of 20 arrhythmias (85%) with an R wave amplitude < or =30% of the QRS amplitude in V2 could be successfully abolished by an exclusively right heart procedure. CONCLUSIONS The analysis of ECG pattern makes it possible to guide the management of patients with idiopathic VT in predicting the arrhythmias that can be safely targeted with RF ablation from the RVOT with high success rates.

Total acetabular retroversion following pelvic osteotomy: presentation, management, and outcome

Acetabular retroversion following acetabular osteotomy in hips with dysplasia can negatively effect the outcome. Total retroversion, where the entire anterior rim is lateral to the posterior rim, is rare and can easily be missed on pelvic radiographs due to the lack of a crossover sign. We evaluated the clinical and radiographic presentation, the surgical management, and the outcome of hips with total acetabular retroversion. We retrospectively reviewed 26 patients (26 hips) with total retroversion following 15 periacetabular osteotomies (PAO), 10 triple type, and one Salter osteotomy. We obtained range of motion (ROM), anterior impingement test, Drehmann's sign, Merle d’Aubigné-Postel score, and Tönnis score for osteoarthrosis. Corrective surgery included 19 revision PAOs and seven total hip arthroplasties (THA). The mean follow-up was 4.7 ± 4.2 (range 0.5-13.8) years. Patients presented with a restricted ROM (flexion and internal rotation), a positive anterior impingement test, a positive Drehmann's sign, and a decreased Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score due to pain. Corrective surgery was performed after mean of 7 ± 5 (1-15) years. Complications for revision PAO and THA occurred in 37% and 29%, respectively. At follow-up, the Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score improved for both revision PAOs and THAs. The prevalence of a positive anterior impingement test and Drehmann's sign decreased for revision PAOs. There was a tendency for progression of OA in hips with revision PAO. Iatrogenic total acetabular retroversion following reorientation is a disabling condition for the patients. Corrective surgery including revision PAO and THA results in improved clinical outcome. However, these procedures are technically challenging and associated with high complication rates.

Tools for better SLM knowledge management and informed decision-making in addressing land degradation at different scales: the WOCAT–LADA–DESIRE methodology

Desertification research conventionally focuses on the problem – that is, degradation – while neglecting the appraisal of successful conservation practices. Based on the premise that Sustainable Land Management (SLM) experiences are not sufficiently or comprehensively documented, evaluated, and shared, the World Overview of Conservation Approaches and Technologies (WOCAT) initiative (www.wocat.net), in collaboration with FAO’s Land Degradation Assessment in Drylands (LADA) project (www.fao.org/nr/lada/) and the EU’s DESIRE project (http://www.desire-project.eu/), has developed standardised tools and methods for compiling and evaluating the biophysical and socio-economic knowledge available about SLM. The tools allow SLM specialists to share their knowledge and assess the impact of SLM at the local, national, and global levels. As a whole, the WOCAT–LADA–DESIRE methodology comprises tools for documenting, self-evaluating, and assessing the impact of SLM practices, as well as for knowledge sharing and decision support in the field, at the planning level, and in scaling up identified good practices. SLM depends on flexibility and responsiveness to changing complex ecological and socioeconomic causes of land degradation. The WOCAT tools are designed to reflect and capture this capacity of SLM. In order to take account of new challenges and meet emerging needs of WOCAT users, the tools are constantly further developed and adapted. Recent enhancements include tools for improved data analysis (impact and cost/benefit), cross-scale mapping, climate change adaptation and disaster risk management, and easier reporting on SLM best practices to UNCCD and other national and international partners. Moreover, WOCAT has begun to give land users a voice by backing conventional documentation with video clips straight from the field. To promote the scaling up of SLM, WOCAT works with key institutions and partners at the local and national level, for example advisory services and implementation projects. Keywords: Sustainable Land Management (SLM), knowledge management, decision-making, WOCAT–LADA–DESIRE methodology.