Health economics analysis has become increasingly important in recent years. It is essential to master the use of relevant software to conduct research in health economics. TreeAge Pro software is widely used in the healthcare decision analysis. It can carry out decision analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, and Monte Carlo simulation. With powerful functionlity and outstanding visualization, it can build Markov disease transition models to analyze Markov processes according to disease models and accomplish decision analysis with decision trees and influence diagrams. This paper introduces cost-effectiveness analysis based on Markov model with examples and explains the main graphs.
To evaluate the development prevention and treatment of pneumonic injury after operation on aged patients with abdominal infection. We analyzed 77 aged patients (＞60 y) admitted from Jan. 1991 to Dec. 1992: 38 cases of which with abdominal infection (infection group), 39 cases without abdominal infection (non-infection group). All patients were given oxygen therapy and continuous SaO2 monitoring. Results: There were 28 patients with hypoxemia (SaO2＜95%) in infection group, with an occurrence rate of 73.7%. In non-infection group (12 patients), the rate of hyoxemia was 30.8%, which has significant difference between two groups (Ｐ＜0.001). All patients with hypoxemia were given oxygen therapy and 31 patients′ SaO2 was elevated. The efficient rate was 77.5%. Other 9 patients developed ARDS, the rate was 2.5% (9/40). In the infection group 8 patients developed ARDS with an occurrence rate of 21.1%. There was one patient with ARDS in the non-infection group, the rate was 2.6%. There was significant difference between two group (Ｐ＜0.05). Conclusions: The results suggest that hypoxemia is liable to occur in aged patients with abdominal infection after operation and these patients were liable to develop ARDS. Oxygen therapy and SaO2 monitoring is the important managements to these patients in prevention of pneumonic injury.
Abstract： Objective To summarize the clinical characteristics of young patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 54 patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection who received surgical treatment in General Hospital of PLA between March 2004 and June 2011. All the patients were divided into two groups: a young patient group with patients’ age less than 40 years and a control group with patients’ age more than or equal to 40 years. There were 23 patients including 17 males and 6 females with an average age of 34.2±6.3 years in the young patient group and 31 patients including 27 males and 4 females with an average age of 51.5±6.8 years in the control group. The clinical characteristics and surgical treatment outcomes of the two groups were compared. Results There was no statistical difference in cardiopulmonary bypass（CBP）time（224.4±83.1 min vs. 215.0±88.0 min, t=0.39, P=0.69） and aortic cross-clamping time（152.3±60.8 min vs. 130.9±51.2 min, t=1.34, P=0.18）between the two groups. Compared with the patients in the control group, young patients were more likely to have congenital malformations with rate at 34.7%（8/23） vs. 6.4%（2/31） with χ2=5.27, P=0.02, such as Marfan syndrome and bicuspid aortic valve. The mortality of the young patients was similar to patients in the control group at rate of 13.0%（3/23）vs.12.9%（4/31） with χ2=0.15 and P=0.69, but postoperative mental and neurological complications rate in the young patient group were less frequent than those in the control group at 4.3%（1/23）vs. 32.2%（10/31） with χ2=5.32 and P=0.02. Conclusion Young patients with Stanford type A aortic dissection have fewer cardiovascular risk factors for aortic dissection but are more likely to have congenital malformations. The surgical methods are more active for young patients with less frequency of postoperative mental and neurological complications.
Objective To determine whether the basal characteristics and survival of young patients undergoing surgical resection of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) differ from those of elderly patients. And, we would discuss the special perioperative management in elderly patients with NSCLC. Methods 178 NSCLC patients who underwent surgery in our hospital between Jan. to Dec. in 2002 were divided into two groups according to age. Young group comprised 89 patients aged 50 years or younger and elderly group comprised 89 patients aged 70 years or older. The patients’ clinical data, operative style,postoperative complications and survival results were reviewed and analysed. Results The proportion of the elderly group squamous cell carcinoma patients was higher than that of the younger group （χ2=9.281,P=0.000.）,but there was no significant difference between the gender, smoking, histology, TNM stage, type of resection, post operation chemotherapy or radiotherapy（χ2≤5.569，Pgt;0.05）. The incidence of the preoperative cardiovascular disease, chronic bronchitis in the elderly group patients were higher than those of younger group（χ2=14.053，P=0.000;χ2=13.044，P=0.000）.The incidence of postoperative complications was significantly higher in elderly group than those of younger group（χ2=12842，P=0.000）. The 1, 3 and 5year survival rates were 71.43％，33.53％ and 27.83％ in elderly group, and 77.78％，46.67％ and 44.07％ in young group, respectively. However, the 1, 3 and 5year survival rates for patients in two groups showed no difference between two groups（Pgt;0.05）. Conclusion The elderly patients have higher operative risk than that of young patients. We should pay more attention to the perioperative management of elderly patients. The elderly patients could get acceptable long term survival rates through surgical treatment. Operation is still the first choice for elderly patients with NSCLC.
Objective\ To discuss the characteristics and experience of coronary artery bypass grafting in senile patients. Methods\ The operative techniques and postoperative management of coronary artery bypass grafting in 31 cases of patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease over 70 years old at our hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Results\ No operative death and no severe postoperative complications happened among this group. Conclusion\ Coronary artery bypass grafting for patients over 70 y...
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and the value of balloon kyphoplasty in treating aged osteoporosis thoracolumbar vertebrae burst fracture. Methods Between January 2003 and January 2008, 36 thoracolumbar vertebrae burst fracture patients were treated. There were 15 males and 21 females with an average age of 65.4 years (range, 59-72 years). Fourteen cases had no obvious history of trauma, 19 had a history of sl ight trauma, and 3 had a history of severe trauma. Forty vertebral bodies were involved, including 1 T7, 3 T9, 8 T10, 10 T12, 9 L1, 7 L2, and 2 L4. All patients displayed local pain and osteoporosis by bone density measurement with no neurological symptom of both lower limbs. Balloon kyphoplasty through unilateral (31 cases) or bilateral (5 cases) vertebral pedicles with polymethylmethacrylate was performed at the injection volume of (3.46 ± 0.86) mL per vertebral body. Before and after operation, the anterior height and posterior height of fractured vertebral body and the sagittal displacement were measured. Results Two cases had intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage; 1 case had no remission of waist-back pain and pain was released after symptomatic treatment. All 36 patients were followed up 2.3 years on average (range, 1.5-4.0 years). No cement leakage was found with good diffusion of cement on X-ray film. The restoration of the height of vertebral bodies was satisfactory without nerve compression symptoms and other compl ications. The Visual Analogue Score at last follow-up (2.34 ± 1.03) was significantly lower than that of preoperation (6.78 ± 1.21), (P lt; 0.05). The compressive percentage of anterior height (19.80% ± 1.03%) of fractured vertebral body after operation was significantly lower than that before operation(25.30% ± 2.50%), (P lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in posterior compressive percentage and sagittal displacement between pre- and post- operation (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Based on roentgenographic scores, balloon kyphoplasty is selectively used to treat aged osteoporosis thoracolumbar vertebrae burst fracture, and the radiographic and cl inical results were satisfactory.
Objective To evaluate the effect of minimally invasive dynamic hip screws (MIDHS) in treating aged intertrochanteric fractures. Methods From April 2006 to March 2008, 49 aged patients with intertrochanteric fractures were treated with MIDHS. There were 22 males and 27 females, aged 65-78 years (average 70.2 years). Frature was caused by trafficaccident in 7 cases, by fall ing from height in 3 cases, and by injury from fall in 39 cases. The time from injury to operation was 2-12 days (average 5.5 days). According to Evans classification, there were 28 cases of types I, II (stable fracture) and 21 cases of types III, IV (unstable fracture). If the Singh index≤3 was defined as osteoporosis, the osteoporotic rate was 71.4% (35/49). All patients were on a radiolucent fracture traction table and their fractures had satisfactory closed reduction. After the guide wire was inserted and reamed under fluoroscopy, the lag screw and side plate were introduced through the small incision. In all unstable fractures, an additional, antirotational and large cancellous bone screw was used cranial to the DHS. Results The average operation time was 65.2 minutes. The average blood loss was 189.3 mL. All patients had satisfactory reduction and 79.6% (39/49) had adequate lag screw positions. The average postoperative hospital ization days was 5.8 days (3-12 days). All incision healed at stage I. There was no postoperative complications. Forty-nine patients were followed up 12 to 30 months (average 19.8 months). Fractures healed within 16 weeks in 47 patients and the average healing time was 13.1 weeks (12-16 weeks). The average Harris scoring was 90.8 (75-95). Implant failure and nonunion occurred in 2 cases, no serious compl ication occurred in other patients. Conclusion The MIDHS is a simple, safe and effective method for treatment of aged intertrochanteric fractures.
Objective To analyze the influence of the body mass index (BMI) and age on deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after the total hip arthroplasty(THA) or total knee arthroplasty(TKA) in Chinese patients who received prophylactic treatment for DVT. Methods We used a randomized clinical case-control study. From April 2004 to August 2004, weperformed THA and TKA for 95 patients (128 hips and knees). There were 27 men and 68 women with an average age of 60 years (range, 23-78) at surgery, and withan average BMI of 25.88 kg/m2 (range, 14.34-40.39) before surgery. All the patients were given low-molecular-weight heparin for 7-10 days pre-and postoperatively to prevent DVT. Color Doppler ultrasonography was used to detect DVT of bilateral lower extremities in all the patients before operation and 7-10 days after operation.The patients were divided into 4 groups according to their BMI:the non-obese group (BMI≤25.00 kg/m2), the overweight group (BMI, 25.01-27.00 kg/m2), the obese group (BMI, 27.01-30.00 kg/m2), and the morbidly obese group (BMIgt;30.00 kg/m2); and they were also divided into 4 groups according to their ages (≤40, 4160, 61.70, gt;70 yr) so as to analyze the influence of the BMI and age on DVT. Results The total incidence ofDVT in all the patients was 47.4% (45/95) and the incidence of proximal DVT was 3.2%. Forty-five patients had DVT and 50 patients had no DVT. The average BMI of the patients with DVT was significantly higher than that of the patients with no DVT (Plt;005). The overweight, obese, and morbidly obese patients had an odds ratio of 7.04, 4.8,and 9.6 for DVT compared with the nonobese patients (P＜0.05); but the obese group had a less risk than the other 2 groups.The 41-60, 61-70, and gt;70-year-old patients had an odds ratio of 24.0, 38.2, and 24.4 for DVT compared with the ≤40year-old patients (P＜0.05). Conclusion Obesity (BMIgt;25 kg/m2) and an increasing age (gt;40 yr) are identified as statistically significant risk factors for DVT after THA or TKA, and patients aged 61-70 years are more likely tohave DVT than the other patients. We should pay more attention to those obesity and aged patients when they are undergoing the total joint replacement, and we should give them enough prophylaxis and closely observe the symptoms in their bilateral lower extremities after operation, taking ultrasonography or venography to check DVT if necessary, so that we can give them prompt treatment and prevent fatal pulmonary thromboembolism.
Objective To investigate the relationship between velopharyngeal functions and factors such as age at operation , cleft type, performing procedure.Methods FFT technique and velopharyngeal X-ray examination were used to evaluate the velopharyngeal functions of 82 patients. The relatively important factors affecting velopharyngeal functions were searched out through regression analyse and pearson correlation. Results A significant positive correlation was confirmed between AAO(age at operation) and A1/A2(velopharyngeal incompetence), Plt;0.001. AAO also showed linear regression with A1/A2. Model was significant, Plt;0.001. Quotation: A1/A2(velopharyngeal incompetence)=0.005 852×AAO+0.961. Conclusion AAOwas an important affecting factor on velopharyngeal functions. The earlier the cleft is repaired, the more normal velopharyngeal functions will be obtained.
OBJECTIVE To summarize the clinical results of hollow compression screw in treatment of fracture of neck of femur in the aged. METHODS: From November 1993 to October, 1998, 52 aged patients with several types of fracture of neck of femur were treated; among them, there were 25 males and 27 females aged from 60 to 83 years (70 years on average). There were 48 cases of fresh fracture and 4 cases of old fracture. Forty-two cases were performed closed reduction internal fixation, 10 cases with open reduction internal fixation. RESULTS: All the patients could sit by themselves 4 to 6 days after operation, and could walk with a crutch 10 to 15 days after operation. The mobility of hip joint was nearly normal 4 weeks after operation. All the patients were followed 26 to 84 months, 48.5 months on average. Bone union was achieved in 50 cases, nonunion in 2 cases. The average healing time was 4.7 months. There were no other complications, such as ankylosis and muscular atrophy, but ischemic necrosis in 3 cases. CONCLUSION: This method has following advantages, convenient manipulation, less injury, stable fixation, and the short-term recovery, which avoid some common complications. It is a reliable method worthy of popularizing.