Leicester Royal Infirmary

About: Leicester Royal Infirmary is a healthcare organization based out in Leicester, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Carotid endarterectomy. The organization has 5300 authors who have published 6204 publications receiving 208464 citations.

Impact of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign on the recognition and management of severe sepsis in the emergency department: are we failing?

Abstract: Background Severe sepsis/septic shock (SS/SS) has a high mortality. The past decade lays witness to a concerted international effort to tackle this problem through the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC). However, bundle delivery remains problematic. In 2009, the College of Emergency Medicine (CEM) set out guidelines for the management of SS/SS. These set the standards for this audit. Objectives To assess the recognition and management of patients presenting with SS/SS across three emergency departments (EDs) within the West Midlands. Methods Data were collected retrospectively over a 3-month period. Patients in the ED with a diagnostic code of, or presenting complaint suggestive of, sepsis, had their scanned notes assessed for evidence of SS/SS. Compliance with the CEM guidelines, and evidence of referral to the intensive care staff was evaluated. Results 255 patients with SS/SS were identified. Of these, 17% (44/255) were documented as septic by ED staff. The CEM standard of care was received in 41% of those with a documented diagnosis of severe sepsis in the ED, and 23% of patients with SS/SS overall. 89% of patients received the ‘treatment’ aspects of care: oxygen, IV antibiotics and IV fluids. Twelve patients with a raised lactate level and normal blood pressure (cryptic shock) failed to receive fluid resuscitation. 71% of patients with SS/SS had no documented discussion or consideration of referral to the intensive care unit. Conclusions The SSC has had some impact; however, there is still a long way to go. It is assumed that the picture is similar in EDs across the UK and recommendations are made based on these local findings.

Increased dimeric IgA-producing B cells in tonsils in IgA nephropathy determined by in situ hybridization for J chain mRNA.

Abstract: The origin of mesangial IgA deposits in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) remains obscure. A significant proportion of deposited immunoglobulin is dimeric (J chain-positive). Previous studies of J chain expression within lymphoid tissue in IgAN have utilized antibodies which other investigators have found to be non-specific. To address this problem, we have developed and in situ hybridization (ISH) method for the detection of J chain mRNA within IgA plasma cells. Tonsils from 12 patients with IgAN and 12 controls were studied using (i) non-isotopic ISH for J chain mRNA, and (ii) combined immunofluorescence (IF) and fluorescent ISH. J chain mRNA-positive cells were identified in germinal centres, and within the subepithelial and interfollicular zones. A greater number of J chain mRNA-positive cells were found in the germinal centres of patients (mean 57.7 +/- 4.6 cells/10(5) micron2) compared with controls (mean 36.9 +/- 3.5 cells/10(5) micron2) (P < 0.001). Combined IF and fluorescent ISH showed a greater proportion of J chain mRNA-positive interfollicular IgA cells in patient tonsils (32 +/- 3.4%) compared with controls (21 +/- 2.3%; P < 0.02). These results indicate a shift towards dimeric IgA production in the tonsils in IgAN. In addition, the finding of excess numbers of J chain-positive Iga-negative cells within germinal centres suggests that an abnormality may be present at the B cell differentiation stage before IgA switching. These results further highlight immune abnormalities within the tonsil as a central feature of abnormal polymeric IgA biology in this common form of glomerulonephritis.

Fimag: The United Kingdom Disaster Victim/Forensic Identification Imaging System

Abstract: Imaging is an integral diagnostic tool in mass fatality investigations undertaken traditionally by plain X-rays, fluoroscopy, anddental radiography. However, little attention has been given to appropriate image reporting, secure data transfer and storage particularly in relation tothe need to meet stringent judicial requirements. Notwithstanding these limitations, it is the risk associated with the safe handling and investigation ofcontaminated fatalities which is providing new challenges for mass fatality radiological imaging. Mobile multi-slice computed tomography is an alter-native to these traditional modalities as it provides a greater diagnostic yield and an opportunity to address the requirements of the criminal justicesystem. We present a new national disaster victim ⁄ forensic identification imaging system—Fimag—which is applicable for both contaminated andnon-contaminated mass fatality imaging and addresses the issues of judicial reporting. We suggest this system opens a new era in radiological diag-nostics for mass fatalities

Cross-ancestry genome-wide association analysis of corneal thickness strengthens link between complex and Mendelian eye diseases

Abstract: Central corneal thickness (CCT) is a highly heritable trait associated with complex eye diseases such as keratoconus and glaucoma. We perform a genome-wide association meta-analysis of CCT and identify 19 novel regions. In addition to adding support for known connective tissue-related pathways, pathway analyses uncover previously unreported gene sets. Remarkably, >20% of the CCT-loci are near or within Mendelian disorder genes. These included FBN1, ADAMTS2 and TGFB2 which associate with connective tissue disorders (Marfan, Ehlers-Danlos and Loeys-Dietz syndromes), and the LUM-DCN-KERA gene complex involved in myopia, corneal dystrophies and cornea plana. Using index CCT-increasing variants, we find a significant inverse correlation in effect sizes between CCT and keratoconus (r = -0.62, P = 5.30 × 10-5) but not between CCT and primary open-angle glaucoma (r = -0.17, P = 0.2). Our findings provide evidence for shared genetic influences between CCT and keratoconus, and implicate candidate genes acting in collagen and extracellular matrix regulation.

Management of Severely Displaced Medial Epicondyle Fractures

Abstract: The role of surgical fixation of the displaced medial epicondyle fracture remains controversial. We reviewed 20 patients with displaced (mean 10 mm) fractures, all associated with elbow dislocation. All elbows were therefore unstable, and all were managed nonoperatively. Although all fractures healed by fibrous union, the functional results were good. Clinical and radiological tests were used to assess the static stability of the ulnar collateral ligament. All patients had demonstrable ulnar collateral ligament laxity, but only one patient had slight impairment of elbow function. None had late-onset ulnar neuritis. We have shown that even the severe forms of this injury can be managed without internal fixation.