Necrotizing fasciitis: a case of clostridial myonecrosis.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
L V Doering
Publications and source records attributed to L V Doering.
Usefulness of a history of tobacco and alcohol use in predicting multiple heart failure readmissions among veterans.
Multiple hospital readmissions for heart failure (HF) are progressively increasing and may be related to continued tobacco and alcohol use. To study this relation, we conducted a retrospective chart audit of all veterans discharged with HF at a large Veterans Administration (VA) facility from 1997 to 1998. Using a multivariate logistic regression model, the smoking and alcohol use of patients who required > 1 HF admission within 1 year were compared with those who did not. Demographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables were also included in the model. Of 753 patients admitted with HF during the review period (mean age 69.1 years, 99% men), 220 patients (29.2%) were readmitted to the hospital at least once (range 1 to 8 readmissions, mean 1.79 +/- 0.27) after the index admission. In a multivariate analysis, current smoking (odds ratio [OR] 1.82; confidence interval [CI] 1.17 to 2.82) and current alcohol use (OR 5.92; CI 3.83 to 9.13) were independent predictors of readmissions. Other predictors included living alone (OR 2.09; CI 1.42 to 3.09), HF associated with ischemic etiology (OR 3.99; CI 2.58 to 6.18), higher New York Heart Association class (OR 2.57; CI 1.86 to 3.55), and care provided by a primary care physician compared with a cardiologist (OR 2.41; CI 1.57 to 3.67). This study confirms that noncompliance to smoking and alcohol restrictions, which are amenable to change, dramatically increases the risk for multiple hospital readmissions among patients with HF. Consequently, evaluation of noncompliance to smoking and alcohol consumption with targeted interventions in this population may be a key component for the reduction of multiple hospital readmissions.
Adult↗
Treatment-seeking delays in heart failure patients.
BACKGROUND: Patients having cardiac symptoms often delay for hours before seeking treatment. Delay time is usually defined as the amount of time between the patient's first awareness of symptoms and arrival at the hospital. Excessive delays in seeking medical care for heart failure (HF) symptoms may influence patient outcomes. However, the treatment-seeking patterns of HF patients are not well understood. METHODS: We obtained data through a retrospective chart audit to describe the treatment-seeking behaviors of 753 HF patients, at a Veterans Administration facility, and to identify predictors of delay in seeking medical care for HF symptoms. Using univariate and multivariate analyses, we assessed relationships among delay time, presenting symptoms, and patient characteristics. RESULTS: The mean delay time was 2.93 +/- 0.68 days. The most common symptoms on admission were dyspnea (76%), edema (66%), fatigue (37%), and angina (25%). Variables negatively affecting delay time included presence of dyspnea and edema (odds ratio [OR], 2.10 and 1.82; confidence interval [CI], 1.38 to 3.19 and 1.17 to 2.82, respectively), care by a primary care physician (OR, 2.04; CI, 1.45 to 2.88), and higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class (OR, 1.96; CI, 1.47 to 2.61). Variables positively affecting delay time were the presence of chest pain (OR, 0.42; CI, 0.29 to 0.62) and a history of previous admission for HF (OR, 0.42; CI, 0.28 to 0.62). CONCLUSIONS: Delays in seeking treatment for HF symptoms are significantly high. This study supports the need for interventions that will increase early symptom recognition and management on the part of patients and their families.
Adult↗
A controlled trial of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training for ethnically diverse parents of infants at high risk for cardiopulmonary arrest.
OBJECTIVE: Parents of infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit are routinely taught cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as part of the preparation for transition to home. A variety of methods are used to teach CPR knowledge and skills. The purpose of this study was to compare the psychosocial consequences of three different methods of CPR training for parents of infants at high risk for cardiopulmonary arrest. DESIGN, SETTING, AND SUBJECTS: In this prospective, multisite clinical trial, 335 parents and other caretakers of infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit were followed for 1 yr. Participants were 69% female, 49% Latino/Latina, with a mean age of 30 +/- 8 yrs. INTERVENTION: Subjects initially were randomized to one of four CPR training protocols: a video-only class, an instructor-taught class, an instructor-taught class combined with a social support intervention, and a control group. The social support intervention involved a group discussion after CPR training with regular telephone follow-up over the next 6 months by a nurse. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Data on psychosocial adjustment to illness, anxiety, and depression were collected at baseline, 2 wks, and 3 and 6 months. There were significant differences among the groups over time in anxiety (p = .007) and psychosocial adjustment to illness (p = .001). Parents in the CPR-video protocol had significantly less early anxiety and better postdischarge psychosocial adjustment compared with parents in the social support intervention at 2 wks after hospital discharge. Patterns of change over time, however, supported the efficacy of the CPR-social support intervention or the CPR-instructor protocols when compared with the CPR-video protocol. CONCLUSION: The results confirm that parents have difficulty adjusting after an infant's discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit and support the positive psychosocial effects of helping parents prepare for a home emergency by teaching CPR. The additional staff resources required to provide parents with social support along with CPR training are not justified based on the findings of the current study.
Adult↗
Perioperative predictors of ICU and hospital costs in coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
STUDY OBJECTIVE: Economic forces have precipitated intense interest in cost-saving practices for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). While several preoperative variables have been implicated in higher costs, few studies have included perioperative factors. This study evaluated the predictive power of a preoperative mortality risk measurement (Parsonnet score) and of early extubation (< or = 6 h from ICU admission) in determining ICU and hospital costs. DESIGN: Multivariate correlational design. SETTING: University hospital in a large metropolitan area. PATIENTS: All patients (n = 116) undergoing isolated CABG during a 6-month period were studied after the introduction of a clinical pathway. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Clinical data were collected. Costs data were obtained retrospectively from the institutional data system and were derived from individual patient charges by application of department-specific cost-to-charge ratios. In multivariate logistic regression, Parsonnet score (per point odds ratio [OR], 1.09; confidence interval [CI], 1.03 to 1.17), in-hospital coronary angiography (OR, 3.51; CI, 1.23 to 10.01), delayed extubation (OR, 4.59; CI, 1.29 to 16.29), and presence of arrhythmia (OR, 3.50; CI, 1.15 to 10.64) were independent predictors of ICU costs. Only Parsonnet score (OR, 1.09; CI, 1.03 to 1.15) and cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR, 1.01; CI, 1.00 to 1.02) were independent predictors of hospital costs. CONCLUSIONS: The Parsonnet score is a useful indicator of both ICU and hospital costs. Early extubation is associated with decreased ICU costs, but is not independently predictive of hospital costs.
Aged↗
Correlates of anxiety, hostility, depression, and psychosocial adjustment in parents of NICU infants.
PURPOSE: The birth of a premature or critically ill infant can result in debilitating parental responses. This study identifies correlates of parental anxiety, hostility, depression, and psychosocial adjustment so that nurses can identify parents likely to need special attention or intervention. DESIGN: An explanatory, correlational design was used. SAMPLE: The study involved 469 parents (mothers = 299, 65 percent; mean age 29.1 +/- 6.8 years) of infants hospitalized in five Level III NICUs. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE: The main outcomes were those variables which correlated with the independent variables and included: parent status (mother or father), ethnicity, employment status, and education. RESULTS: Parents experienced high levels of anxiety, hostility, and depression. Poorer family functioning, lower levels of social support, and lower perceived control were associated with higher levels of anxiety, hostility, and depression and with poorer adjustment. Parental status (mother or father), ethnicity, employment status, and education were significantly related to parental responses.
Adaptation, Psychological↗
Differences between men and women in anxiety early after acute myocardial infarction.
BACKGROUND: Anxiety after acute myocardial infarction influences both short- and long-term recovery. Therefore, determining specific subgroups of patients who have relatively higher anxiety levels is important. Published findings about gender differences in anxiety after acute myocardial infarction are conflicting. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether gender differences in anxiety after acute myocardial infarction exist and whether any of the sociodemographic and clinical variables that often differ between men and women with acute myocardial infarction interact with gender to influence anxiety. METHODS: A total of 424 patients with confirmed acute myocardial infarction were enrolled in this multicenter prospective study. Patients' anxiety level was measured within 72 hours of their arrival at the hospital by using the State Anxiety Inventory and the Brief Symptom Inventory. RESULTS: Women had significantly higher anxiety than did men according to both the State Anxiety Inventory (42 +/- 12.9 vs 37.7 +/- 12.5; P = .001) and the Brief Symptom Inventory (0.83 +/- 0.97 vs 0.63 +/- 0.71; P = .02). Of the sociodemographic and clinical variables examined, only marital status and income significantly interacted with gender to influence anxiety. Married women had higher anxiety than did single and widowed women, and married men had lower anxiety than did single men. Women with lower income had higher anxiety than did women with higher income; income was not related to anxiety in men. CONCLUSION: Women report significantly greater anxiety early after acute myocardial infarction than men do. Women's greater anxiety may be partially explained by marital status and lower income at the time of the infarction.
Aged↗
Comparison of psychosocial adjustment of mothers and fathers of high-risk infants in the neonatal intensive care unit.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the psychosocial adjustment of mothers and fathers to the birth of a premature or critically ill infant hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). STUDY DESIGN: Using a comparative design, we studied 165 mothers and father pairs of high-risk neonates. Mothers were 29.1 +/- 6.7 and fathers were 30.7 +/- 6.8 years old. All infants were hospitalized in the NICU. Couples completed questionnaires in either English or Spanish during the infant's NICU stay. RESULTS: Mothers were more poorly adjusted and were more anxious, hostile, and depressed than fathers, but both parents experienced levels of emotional distress significantly above normative values. Mothers and fathers reported equal levels of family functioning and social support and shared similar feelings of control related to the health status of their infant. CONCLUSION: The birth of an infant who requires care in the NICU environment is highly stressful for both parents. Physicians, nurses, and other health professionals working in the NICU should assess the psychosocial adjustment in both parents, but mothers may require more intense education and counseling to reduce the distress they experience.
Adaptation, Psychological↗
Nurse-physician collaboration: at the crossroads of danger and opportunity.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Decision Making↗
Pathophysiology of acute coronary syndromes leading to acute myocardial infarction.
Acute coronary syndromes, including unstable angina, myocardial infarction, and sudden death, account for more than 250,000 deaths annually. They are the manifestation of a progressive atherosclerotic process, which culminates in the rupture of atherosclerotic plaques and the formation of mural thrombi. This article reviews recent and current research, which has shed light on key events and evolutionary processes leading to acute coronary syndromes. The article details the development of vulnerable plaques, factors that promote plaque rupture, and triggering events related to plaque rupture. Also discussed are sequelae of acute coronary syndromes, including Q wave and non-Q wave infarction and left ventricular remodeling.
Angina, Unstable↗
Skin test anergy in advanced heart failure secondary to either ischemic or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.
Skin tests to recall antigens are performed as indicators of clinical outcomes in heart failure (HF). A diminution in the response to recall antigens, termed "anergy," is regarded as an indication of poorer clinical prognosis, although little analysis has been done to support that conclusion. Patients with advanced HF (n=222) in New York Heart Association classes III and IV, with complete datasets for all of the variables, were studied. The sample was 77% men, mean age 52+/-12 years, and left ventricular ejection fraction, 21+/-7. Patients with ischemic (n=113) and idiopathic (n=109) disease were analyzed separately. The relation of anergy to 1-year mortality and selected hemodynamic factors, blood chemistries, medications, and nutritional status markers was analyzed. Anergy was present in 45% (47% idiopathic and 42% ischemic) of patients. Anergy was related to 1-year mortality (univariate p=0.038) in patients with ischemic, but not idiopathic, HF. Anergic patients with ischemic HF had shorter survival times (p=0.035). Lower cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides were predictors (p <0.001) of mortality in idiopathic HF. In ischemic HF, lower cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides were univariate predictors (p <0.001, p=0.004, and p=0.005, respectively) of skin test anergy, but not mortality. Thus, there were distinct differences in clinical correlates of skin test anergy in patients with idiopathic and ischemic HF. This study supports evaluation of anergy to skin tests as one of the markers of mortality in patients with ischemic HF.
Adult↗
Comparison of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training methods for parents of infants at high risk for cardiopulmonary arrest.
STUDY OBJECTIVES: To compare three different methods of teaching CPR to parents of infants at high risk for sudden cardiopulmonary arrest and to identify characteristics that predict difficulty in learning CPR. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, multicenter clinical trial of 480 parents and other infant caretakers. Subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 CPR training protocols: an instructor-taught CPR class, an instructor-taught CPR class followed by a social support intervention, or a self-training video module. CPR proficiency was evaluated with the use of a CPR skills checklist. RESULTS: Of 480 subjects, 301 (63%) were able to demonstrate successful CPR after training. Univariate analysis revealed that unsuccessful learners were likely to be less educated, to have lower incomes, to never have attended a previous CPR class, and to have better psychosocial adjustment to their infant's illness, compared with successful learners. The proportion of successful learners was significantly higher in the 2 instructor-taught classes than in the self-training video class. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to develop a predictive profile to describe unsuccessful learners. The following characteristics independently predicted unsuccessful learners: CPR learned in the self-training video group, fewer years of education, and better psychosocial adjustment. CONCLUSION: Most parents of infants at high risk for sudden death can demonstrate successful CPR skills at the completion of 1 class. However, a significant minority will require extra attention to be successful. Self-training video instruction may not be an adequate substitute for instructor-taught CPR.
Adult↗
Preoperative and postoperative predictors of early and delayed extubation after coronary artery bypass surgery.
OBJECTIVE: To identify preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative predictors of early (6 hours or less after surgery) and delayed (more than 6 hours) extubation after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. METHODS: The sample for this prospective nonrandomized study consisted of 116 consecutive patients in a 12-bed cardiothoracic ICU who had coronary artery bypass graft surgery in a 6-month period and were followed up prospectively until transfer to an observation unit. RESULTS: Age and the presence of early hemodynamic instability (within the first 3 hours after ICU admission) were independent predictors of intubation times of more than 6 hours when each was considered in separate multivariate models of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables. In a combined model, when considered with age and ejection fraction, the presence of early hemodynamic instability increased the odds by 4.7 times that extubation would occur more than 6 hours after surgery. For every 1 year increase in age, the odds of extubation occurring more than 6 hours after surgery increased by 6.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Older age and the presence of early hemodynamic instability are associated with postoperative intubation periods of more than 6 hours after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Clinicians should evaluate extubation goals in older patients carefully. Clinical management of hemodynamic instability should be aimed at prompt optimization of myocardial oxygen supply to limit ischemia and its sequelae.
Adult↗
Predictors of natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity deficiency in advanced heart failure secondary to either ischemic or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.
The effect of psychologic variables (situational emotional state and psychiatric diagnosis) and physiologic variables (plasma norepinephrine, decreased cardiac exercise capacity, and elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure) on natural killer cell activity was evaluated in 19 patients with advanced heart failure of ischemic or idiopathic origin. Only peak exercise capacity was independently predictive of natural killer cell deficiency.
Cardiomyopathy, Dilated↗
The effect of positioning on hemodynamics and gas exchange in the critically ill: a review.
Positioning of critically ill patients affects hemodynamic and cardiopulmonary outcomes. A review of clinical studies indicates that backrest elevations up to 60 degrees do not affect measurement of intracardiac pressures or cardiac output, but PaO2 may diminish in sitting positions following surgical procedures. In lateral positions, measurement of intracardiac pressures and cardiac output is not recommended, since a uniform reference point has not been identified for lateral positions. In patients with unilateral lung disease, PaO2 increases with the unaffected lung in the dependent position. Despite widespread use, the Trendelenburg position has not been shown to provide consistent beneficial effects. Prone positioning may be beneficial in adult respiratory distress syndrome and in weaning of mechanically ventilated patients. When planning positioning maneuvers, critical care nurses should consider these effects in relation to the specific needs of each patient. Hemodynamic and cardiopulmonary responses to positioning should be evaluated in conjunction with other therapeutic modalities such as those designed to preserve skin integrity and improve comfort.
Age Factors↗
Hemodynamic adaptation to orthostatic stress after orthotopic heart transplantation.
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of orthostatic stress on cardiovascular stability in heart transplant recipients early and late after transplantation and in healthy controls. BACKGROUND: After transplantation, cardiac reinnervation is heterogeneous, with reports of sympathetic reinnervation after 5 months and parasympathetic reinnervation after 2 to 3 years. METHODS: Sixteen heart transplant recipients early (less than 5 months) after transplantation, 17 recipients late (1 year or more) after transplantation, and 16 matched healthy controls were subjected to 45 minutes of passive upright tilt, with the following variables measured before, during, and after the procedure: cardiac output, heart rate, stroke volume, mean arterial pressure, systemic vascular resistance, and plasma norepinephrine. RESULTS: At rest, heart rate (p < 0.0005) and mean arterial pressure (p = 0.003) were higher, and stroke volume was lower (p < 0.0005), in transplant recipients than they were in controls. With orthostasis, heart rate increased by 30% in controls and by 23% in the late posttransplantation group compared with 13% in the early posttransplantation group (p = 0.028); drop in stroke volume was three times more among controls than among those in either transplantation group (p < 0.001); late transplant recipients had higher norepinephrine increases than did the other two groups (p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: With the exception of heart rate, patterns of hemodynamic response to orthostatic stress after transplantation remain consistent over time and differ from controls. Among transplant recipients, higher mean arterial pressure mitigates the force of gravity and prevents drops in stroke volume. Clinicians may anticipate that transplant recipients will tolerate postural maneuvers well. Later after transplantation, however, orthostatic tolerance is associated with increased norepinephrine release, consistent with enhanced sympathoactivation.
Adaptation, Physiological↗
Relationship of age, sex, and procedure type to extubation outcome after heart surgery.
OBJECTIVE: To identify the relationship of age, sex, and type of procedure to extubation outcome (< or = 8 hours or > 8 hours), and to identify barriers to extubation after heart surgery. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental, prospective study. SETTING: Ten-bed cardiothoracic intensive care unit. SAMPLE: Sixty-two consecutive patients undergoing heart surgery. OUTCOME MEASURES: Early (< or = 8 hours) versus delayed (> 8 hours) extubation. RESULTS: Patients in the delayed extubation group were older (69.1 +/- 11.3 years) than the patients in the early extubation group (59.6 +/- 8.0 years, p = 0.01). Univariate logistic regression comparing age (< 70 or > or = 70 years), sex, and procedure (coronary artery bypass graft or other procedure) identified only age 70 years or older as a predictor of delayed extubation. The unadjusted odds ratio of delayed extubation in patients 70 years or older was 11.25. CONCLUSIONS: Age is a powerful predictor of delayed extubation after heart surgery. Only postoperative somnolence distinguished barriers to extubation in younger and older patients.
Age Factors↗
Do apnea monitors decrease emotional distress in parents of infants at high risk for cardiopulmonary arrest?
INTRODUCTION: The immediate post-partum period is stressful for most parents. The need to use a home apnea monitor may tax parental coping skills even further. Therefore, we conducted a study to assess the psychosocial consequences of apnea monitoring on parental emotional distress and family functioning. METHOD: We studied 104 parents of infants at high risk for cardiopulmonary arrest. Fifty-two parents had infants who used home apnea monitors, and 52 parents were age-matched and gender-matched control subjects. Data were collected during the infant's hospitalization, and then at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after discharge. At 1 year, parents were interviewed about their attitudes toward using the apnea monitor. RESULTS: Both groups experienced elevated levels of emotional distress, but the group with infants who used the monitors had significant increases in depression and hostility immediately following discharge from the hospital compared with baseline, whereas the non-monitored group had a significant increase in hostility at 6 months. At 1-year follow-up, the majority of the parents reported that they used the monitor every night, felt more secure in using it, and judged it helpful. DISCUSSION: The immediate period following hospital discharge of infants who need to use a home apnea monitor is characterized by significant emotional distress for the parents, which resolves over time. Anticipatory education and counseling of parents is recommended.
Adaptation, Psychological↗