Αρχειοθήκη ιστολογίου

Τετάρτη 23 Νοεμβρίου 2022

Identifying vulnerable populations with symptomatic cholelithiasis at risk for increased health care utilization

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imageBACKGROUND Gallstones are a common problem in the United States with many patients suffering from symptomatic cholelithiasis (SC). Patients with SC may first present to the emergency department ED) and are often discharged for elective follow-up; however, it is unknown what system and patient factors are associated with increased risk for ED revisits. This study aimed to assess longitudinal ED utilization and cholecystectomy for patients with SC and identify patient, geographic, and hospital characteristics associated with ED revisits, specifically race/ethnicity and insurance status. METHODS Patients discharged from the ED with SC between July 1, 2016, and December 31, 2017, were identified from California administrative databases and followed for 1 year. Emergency department revisits and cholecystectomy after discharge were examined using logistic regression, clustering standard errors by hospital. Models adjusted for patient, geographic, and hospital variables using census and hospital administrative data. RESULTS Cohort included 34,427 patients who presented to the ED with SC and were discharged. There were 18.8% of the patients that had one or more biliary-related ED revisits within 1 year. In fully adjusted models, non-Hispanic Black patients had higher odds for any ED revisit (adjusted odds ratio 1.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–1.39) and for two more ED revisits (adjusted odds ratio 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.20–1.82). Insurance type was also associated with ED revisits. CONCLUSION Non-Hispanic Black patients experienced higher utilization of health care resources for SC after adjusting for other patient, geographic and hospital variables. Strategies to mitigate these disparities may include the development of standardized protocols regarding the follow-up and education for SC. Implementation of such strategies can ensure equitable treatment for all patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level III.
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Epidemiology and outcomes of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome following pediatric trauma

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imageBACKGROUND Existing studies have found a low prevalence of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in pediatric trauma patients, typically applying adult criteria to single-center pediatric cohorts. We used pediatric criteria to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes of MODS among critically injured children in a national pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) database. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of PICU patients 1 month to 17 years with traumatic injury in the Virtual Pediatric Systems, LLC database from 2009 to 2017. We used International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference criteria to identify MODS on Day 1 of PICU admission and estimated the risk of mortality and poor functional outcome (Pediatric Overall/Cerebral Performance Category ≥3 with ≥1 point worsening from baseline) for MODS and for each type of organ dysfunction using generalized linear Poisson regression adjusted for age, comorbidities, injury type and mechanism, and postoperative status. RESULTS Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome was present on PICU Day 1 in 23.1% of 37,177 trauma patients (n = 8,592), with highest risk among patients with injuries associated with drowning, asphyxiation, and abuse. Pediatric intensive care unit mortality was 20.1% among patients with MODS versus 0.5% among patients without MODS (adjusted relative risk, 32.3; 95% confidence interval, 24.1–43.4). Mortality ranged from 1.5% for one dysfunctional organ system to 69.1% for four or more organ systems and was highest among patients with hematologic dysfunction (43.3%) or renal dysfunction (29.6%). Death or poor functional outcome occurred in 46.7% of MODS patients versus 8.3% of patients without MODS (adjusted relative risk, 4.3; 95% confidence interval 3.4–5.3). CONCLUSION Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome occurs more frequently following pediatric trauma than previously reported and is associated with high risk of morbidity and mortality. Based on existing literature using identical methodology, both the prevalence and mortality associated with MODS are higher among trauma patients than the general PICU population. Consideration of early organ dysfunction in addition to injury severity may aid prognostication following pediatric trauma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level III.
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Redefining the costal margin: A pilot study

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imageBACKGROUND Classical teaching of rib anatomy contends that the false ribs (7th to 10th) fuse anteriorly to form the costal margin of the chest. Slipped rib syndrome consists of false rib subluxation into the thorax with symptomatic impingement of the intercostal nerve. We sought to determine the incidence of this anatomic finding through anatomic study of the costal margin. METHODS Cadavers were evaluated for mobility and attachment of the ninth and tenth ribs. Experienced anatomists and chest wall surgeons conducted a standardized dissection and assessed rib tip mobility using predefined criteria. Videos of dissections were submitted to a single investigator who reviewed the findings. RESULTS Costal margins of 40 cadavers (45% male) were evaluated bilaterally. The average age was 83 years ± 11 years. The ninth rib was found to be attached to the eighth rib 100% of the time by an interchondral cartilaginous attachment along the body of the eighth and ninth ribs. Internal subluxation was noted in 19% (15 of 80), and the tip of the rib was mobile in 86% (69 of 80) evaluations. The tenth rib was attached to the ninth rib in 18%(14/80). A "floating" 10th rib was noted in 59% (47 of 80) of specimens. Subluxation was noted in 33% (26 of 60). Half of the ribs that subluxed moved medially to the ninth rib and half moved externally. An upwardly hooked tip was noted in 10% (8 of 80). Ribs with a hooked tip subluxed in 63% (5 of 8), and all of these ribs (5 of 5) moved to the interior of the chest (p = 0.020). CONCLUSION The ninth rib is commonly attached to the eighth rib, but the tenth rib is often not attached to the ninth rib. Most commonly, the tenth rib is a "floating" rib. Internal subluxation of the tenth rib as well as the presence of a hooked tip may predispose individuals to the development of "slipped rib syndrome." LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Diagnostic Tests or Criteria; Level III.
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A method for identifying the learning curve for the surgical stabilization of rib fractures

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imageBACKGROUND Surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) is an accepted efficacious treatment modality for patients with severe chest wall injuries. Despite increased adoption of SSRF, surgical learning curves are unknown. We hypothesized intraoperative duration could define individual SSRF learning curves. METHODS Consecutive SSRF operations between January 2017 and December 2021 at a single institution were reviewed. Operative time, as measured from incision until skin closure, was evaluated by cumulative sum methodology using a range of acceptable "missteps" to determine the learning curves. Misstep was defined by extrapolation of accumulated operative time data. RESULTS Eighty-three patients underwent SSRF by three surgeons during this retrospective review. Average operative times ranged from 135 minutes for two plates to 247 minutes for seven plates. Using polynomial regression of average operative times, 75 minutes for general procedural requirements plus 35 minutes per plate were derived as the anticipated operative times per procedure. Cumulative sum analyses using 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% incident rates for not meeting expected operative times, or "missteps" were used. An institutional learning curve between 15 and 55 SSRF operations was identified assuming a 90% performance rate. An individual learning curve of 15 to 20 operations assuming a 90% performance rate was observed. After this period, operative times stabilized or decreased for surgeons A, B, and C. CONCLUSION The institutional and individual surgeon learning curves for SSRF appears to steadily improve after 15 to 20 operations using operative time as a surrogate for performance. The implementation of SSRF programs by trauma/acute care surgeons is feasible with an attainable learning curve. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.
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Surgical stabilization of rib fractures versus nonoperative treatment in patients with multiple rib fractures following cardiopulmonary resuscitation: An international, retrospective matched case-control study

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imageBACKGROUND The presence of six or more rib fractures or a displaced rib fracture due to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has been associated with longer hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS). Evidence on the effect of surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) following CPR is limited. This study aimed to evaluate outcomes after SSRF versus nonoperative management in patients with multiple rib fractures after CPR. METHODS An international, retrospective study was performed in patients who underwent SSRF or nonoperative management for multiple rib fractures following CPR between January 1, 2012, and July 31, 2020. Patients who underwent SSRF were matched to nonoperative controls by cardiac arrest location and cause, rib fracture pattern, and age. The primary outcome was ICU LOS. RESULTS Thirty-nine operatively treated patient were matched to 66 nonoperatively managed controls with comparable CPR-related characteristics. Patients who underwent SSRF more often had displaced rib fractures (n = 28 [72%] vs. n = 31 [47%]; p = 0.015) and a higher median number of displaced ribs (2 [P25–P75, 0–3] vs. 0 [P25–P75, 0–3]; p = 0.014). Surgical stabilization of rib fractures was performed at a median of 5 days (P25–P75, 3–8 days) after CPR. In the nonoperative group, a rib fixation specialist was consulted in 14 patients (21%). The ICU LOS was longer in the SSRF group (13 days [P25–P75, 9–23 days] vs. 9 days [P25–P75, 5–15 days]; p = 0.004). Mechanical ventilator-free days, hospital LOS, thoracic complications, and mortality were similar. CONCLUSION Despite matching, those who underwent SSRF over nonoperative management for multiple rib fractures following CPR had more severe consequential chest wall injury and a longer ICU LOS. A benefit of SSRF on in-hospital outcomes could not be demonstrated. A low consultation rate for rib fixation in the nonoperative group indicates that the consideration to perform SSRF in this population might be associated with other nonradiographic or injury-related variables. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.
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Τρίτη 22 Νοεμβρίου 2022

Asparaginase‐related diabetic ketoacidosis: Analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) data and literature review

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Asparaginase-related diabetic ketoacidosis: Analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) data and literature review

This study investigated the association between asparaginase and diabetic ketoacidosis from the perspective of adverse reaction signal detection and literature review. The reporting odd ratio (ROR) of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) caused by l-asparaginase was statistically significant, but there was not a statistical association for DKA caused by pegaspargase. Combined with the results of literature review, we speculated that the asparaginase dosage form may affect the occurrence of DKA.


Abstract

What is Known and Objective

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) may occur during asparaginase use. However, limited by the study population, the association between asparaginase and DKA has not been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential association between asparaginase and DKA and analyse related clinical characteristics and possible risk factor.

Methods

Disproportionality analysis with the reporting odd ratio (ROR) was used to detect the adverse reaction signals of asparaginase-associated DKA in Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). A literature review was conducted to further analyse clinical characteristics, possible risk factor and something noteworthy in asparaginase-associated DKA.

Results and Discussion

A total of 12 reports of DKA associated with l-asparaginase (l-asp) and 6 reports associated with pegaspargase (PEG-asp) were extracted in FAERS, more than 50% of the cases were classified as serious adverse events. DKA was a positive signal of l-asp (ROR = 2.397, 95% CI 1.360–4.226), while not closely related to the use of PEG-asp (ROR = 1.602, 95% CI 0.719–3.570). Searched in PubMed, Embase and Web of Science, a total of eight patients were collected. The patients were mainly adolescent patients, aged between 11 and 25 years old with a median age of 16 years. Drug dosage form distribution is unbalanced, 7 patients received l-asp and only 1 received PEG-asp.

What is New and Conclusions

The ROR of KDA caused by l-asp was statistically significant, but there was not a statistical association for DKA caused by PEG-asp. Asparaginase dosage form may affect the occurrence of DKA, but further research is needed.

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Relapse after non‐metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma: The impact of routine surveillance imaging on early detection and post‐relapse survival

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Abstract

Background

Patients with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) whose disease relapses have little chance of being cured, so front-line treatments are usually followed up with surveillance imaging in an effort to detect any recurrences as early as possible, and thereby improve post-relapse outcomes. The real benefit of such routine surveillance imaging in RMS remains to be demonstrated, however. This retrospective, single-center study examines how well surveillance imaging identifies recurrent tumors and its impact on post-relapse survival.

Methods

The analysis concerned 79 patients <21 years old treated between 1985 and 2020 whose initially localized RMS relapsed. Clinical findings, treatment modalities, and survival were analyzed, comparing patients whose relapse was first suspected from symptoms they developed (clinical symptoms group) with those whose relapse was identified by radiological surveillance (routine imaging group).

Results

Tumor relapses came to light because of clinical symptoms in 42 cases, and on routine imaging in 37. The time to relapse was much the same in the two groups. The median overall survival (OS) and 5-year OS rate were, respectively, 10 months and 12.6% in the clinical symptoms group, and 11 months and 27.5% in the routine imaging group (p-value .327). Among patients with favorable prognostic scores, survival was better for those in the routine imaging group (5-year OS 75.0% vs. 33.0%, p-value .047).

Conclusion

It remains doubtful whether surveillance imaging has any real impact on RMS relapse detection and patients' post-relapse survival. Further studies are needed to establish the most appropriate follow-up recommendations, taking the potentially negative effects of regular radiological exams into account.

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The fate of interneurons, GABAA receptor sub‐types and perineuronal nets in Alzheimer's disease

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Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurological disease, which is associated with gradual memory loss and correlated with synaptic hyperactivity and abnormal oscillatory rhythmic brain activity that precedes phenotypic alterations and is partly responsible for the spread of the disease pathology. Synaptic hyperactivity is thought to be because of alteration in the homeostasis of phasic and tonic synaptic inhibition, which is orchestrated by the GABAA inhibitory system, encompassing subclasses of interneurons and GABAA receptors, which play a vital role in cognitive functions, including learning and memory. Furthermore, the extracellular matrix, the perineuronal nets (PNNs) which often go unnoticed in considerations of AD pathology, encapsulate the inhibitory cells and neurites in critical brain regions and have recently come under the light for their crucial role in synaptic stabilisation and excitatory-inhibitory balance and when disrupted, serve as a potential trigger for AD-associated synaptic imbalance. Therefore, in this review, we summarise the current understanding of the selective vulnerability of distinct interneuron subtypes, their synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAAR subtypes as well as the changes in PNNs in AD, detailing their contribution to the mechanisms of disease development. We aim to highlight how seemingly unique malfunction in each component of the interneuronal GABA inhibitory system can be tied together to result in critical circuit dysfunction, leading to the irreversible symptomatic damage observed in AD.

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High‐frequency (10 kHz) Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) as a Salvage Therapy for Failed Traditional SCS: A Narrative Review of the Available Evidence

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Abstract

Introduction

Traditional spinal cord stimulation (t-SCS) has been used to treat chronic pain for over 50 years. However, up to 30% of patients undergo explant, with the main indication being loss of efficacy (LoE), and few alternative treatment options exist for these patients. Strategies to mitigate LoE commonly include conversion to another type of SCS (termed 'salvage' or 'rescue'). This review summarizes the existing literature concerning the efficacy and safety of 10 kHz SCS as a salvage therapy.

Methods

We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and other sources between January 2009 and April 2021. Records were retained if the authors reported clinical outcomes with a minimum of ≥3 months of follow-up in patients implanted with a Senza® 10 kHz SCS system in an effort to treat t-SCS LoE.

Results

Ten articles were eligible for inclusion, reporting 3 prospective studies and 7 retrospective reviews. In the single study that salvaged patients without a repeat trial prior to surgery, 81% of patients were responders (≥50% pain relief from baseline), with mean pain relief of 60%. Among repeat-trial studies, the responder rate ranged from 46% to 80%, and mean pain relief from 47% to 68%. No unanticipated therapy-related safety issues were reported among the included articles.

Conclusion

Preliminary data suggest that chronic back and/or leg pain patients with t-SCS LoE can experience improved and durable pain relief after conversion to 10 kHz SCS. However, additional research is needed to define predictors of success and establish whether salvage without a repeat trial is a viable conversion method.

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FACE-Q satisfaction following upper third facial gender-affirming surgery using custom bone-section guides

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Postoperative satisfaction after facial gender-affirming surgery (FGAS) has not yet been assessed using a validated questionnaire. There is currently no postoperative satisfaction questionnaire specific to transgender patients concerning facial surgery. The contributions of three-dimensional planning in fronto-orbital surgery in trans women and the use of bone cutting guides for facial feminization surgery have been demonstrated. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate postoperative satisfaction with the upper third of the face in trans women using a validated questionnaire – FACE-Q – after fronto-orbital surgery using custom-made bone cutting guides. (Source: International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)
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