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Nielsen EM, Zhang J, Marsden J, Bays C, Moran WP, Mauldin PD, Lenert LA, Toll BA, Schreiner AD, Heincelman M. Hospitalization as an opportunity to improve lung cancer screening in high-risk patients. Cancer Epidemiol 2024; 90:102553. [PMID: 38460398 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2024.102553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer screening with annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in high-risk patients with exposure to smoking reduces lung cancer-related mortality, yet the screening rate of eligible adults is low. As hospitalization is an opportune moment to engage patients in their overall health, it may be an opportunity to improve rates of lung cancer screening. Prior to implementing a hospital-based lung cancer screening referral program, this study assesses the association between hospitalization and completion of lung cancer screening. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of evaluated completion of at least one LDCT from 2014 to 2021 using electronic health record data using hospitalization as the primary exposure. Patients aged 55-80 who received care from a university-based internal medicine clinic and reported cigarette use were included. Univariate analysis and logistic regression evaluated the association of hospitalization and completion of LDCT. Cox proportional hazard model examined the time relationship between hospitalization and LDCT. RESULTS Of the 1935 current smokers identified, 47% had at least one hospitalization, and 21% completed a LDCT during the study period. While a higher proportion of patients with a hospitalization had a LDCT (24%) compared to patients without a hospitalization (18%, p<0.001), there was no association between hospitalization and completion of a LDCT after adjusting for potentially confounding covariates (95%CI 0.680 - 1.149). There was an association between hospitalization time to event and LDCT completion, with hospitalized patients having a lower probability of competing LDCT compared to non-hospitalized patients (HR 0.747; 95% CI 0.611 - 0.914). CONCLUSIONS In a cohort of patients at risk for lung cancer and established within a primary care clinic, only 1 in 4 patients who had been hospitalized completed lung cancer screening with LDCT. Hospitalization events were associated with a lower probability of LDCT completion. Hospitalization is a missed opportunity to refer at-risk patients to lung cancer screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen M Nielsen
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, United States.
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - Justin Marsden
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - Chloe Bays
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - William P Moran
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - Patrick D Mauldin
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - Leslie A Lenert
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - Benjamin A Toll
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Cannon Street, Charleston, SC 29425, United States; MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, 86 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - Andrew D Schreiner
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - Marc Heincelman
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
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Nielsen EM, Zhang J, Marsden J, Bays C, Moran WP, Mauldin PD, Lenert LA, Toll BA, Schreiner AD, Heincelman M. Is hospitalization a missed opportunity to intervene on tobacco cessation? Am J Med Sci 2024; 367:89-94. [PMID: 38043793 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2023.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although tobacco use is associated with elevated morbidity and mortality, its use remains widespread among adults within the United States. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products are effective aids that improve rates of tobacco cessation. Many smokers interact with the medical system, such as during hospitalization, without their tobacco use addressed. Hospitalization is a teachable moment for patients to make health-related changes, including tobacco cessation. METHODS Retrospective cohort study of adult patients in a university-based patient-centered medical home from 2012 to 2021 evaluating the proportion of adults who smoke who received at least one prescription for NRT. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association of being hospitalized and receipt of a NRT prescription. RESULTS Of the 4,072 current smokers identified, 1,182 (29%) received at least one prescription for NRT during the study period. Hospitalization was associated with increased odds of receiving a NRT prescription (OR 1.68). Of 1,844 current smokers with a hospitalization during the study period, 1,078 (58%) never received a prescription for NRT at any point. Only 87 (5%) of the smokers received a prescription for NRT during hospitalization or at the time of hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS Despite hospitalization being associated with NRT prescribing, most patients who use tobacco and are hospitalized are not prescribed NRT. Hospitalization is an underutilized opportunity for both hospitalists and primary care physicians to intervene on smoking cessation through education and prescription of tobacco cessation aids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen M Nielsen
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Justin Marsden
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Chloe Bays
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - William P Moran
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Patrick D Mauldin
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Leslie A Lenert
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Benjamin A Toll
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Andrew D Schreiner
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Marc Heincelman
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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Moore JA, Schreiner AD, Zhang J, Mauldin P, Moran WP, Koch DG. Chronic liver disease is not associated with statin prescription in a primary care cohort. J Investig Med 2023; 71:830-837. [PMID: 37395332 PMCID: PMC10761601 DOI: 10.1177/10815589231185356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Statins have historically been underutilized in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). We sought to investigate the association between CLD and statin prescription in a primary care setting. Our retrospective cohort study identified primary care patients with a low-density lipoprotein value and more than one office visit from 2012 through 2018. Indication for statin therapy was determined using the Third Adult Treatment Panel criteria prior to November 2016 and the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines thereafter. Indication for statin prescription and statin therapy by year was determined. Patients with CLD were identified using ICD-9/10 diagnosis codes. In total, 2119 individuals with an indication for statin therapy were identified. Of these individuals, 354 (16.7%) had CLD. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease comprised 44.9% and 28.5% of the CLD population, respectively; 27.7% had cirrhosis. There was no difference in the prevalence of statin prescriptions when comparing patients with a CLD diagnosis to those without one (57.9 vs 59.9%, p = 0.48). A diagnosis of CLD was also not significantly associated with statin prescription when adjusting for other covariates (odds ratio (OR) 1.02; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78-1.33). An alanine aminotransferase level greater than 45 U/L significantly reduced the odds of a statin prescription (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.44-0.87). Overall, the presence of a CLD diagnosis was not associated with attenuated statin utilization compared to those without a CLD diagnosis. Nevertheless, adherence to guideline indicated statin therapy remains suboptimal and efforts to increase statin utilization in this high-risk population remain prudent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Moore
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Andrew D Schreiner
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Patrick Mauldin
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - William P Moran
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - David G Koch
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Schreiner AD, Zhang J, Moran WP, Koch DG, Marsden J, Livingston S, Bays C, Mauldin PD, Gebregziabher M. FIB-4 as a Time-varying Covariate and Its Association With Severe Liver Disease in Primary Care: A Time-dependent Cox Regression Analysis. J Clin Gastroenterol 2023:00004836-990000000-00229. [PMID: 37983873 PMCID: PMC11096263 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0000000000001935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND GOALS The Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4) has demonstrated a strong association with severe liver disease (SLD) outcomes in primary care, but previous studies have only evaluated this relationship using 1 or 2 FIB-4 scores. In this study, we determined the association of FIB-4 as a time-varying covariate with SLD risk using time-dependent Cox regression models. STUDY This retrospective cohort study included primary care patients with at least 2 FIB-4 scores between 2012 and 2021. The outcome was the occurrence of an SLD event, a composite of cirrhosis, complications of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver transplantation. The primary predictor was FIB-4 advanced fibrosis risk, categorized as low-(<1.3), indeterminate-(1.3≤FIB to 4<2.67), and high-risk (≥2.67). FIB-4 scores were calculated and the index, last, and maximum FIB-4s were identified. Time-dependent Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and their corresponding 95% CI with adjustment for potentially confounding covariates. RESULTS In the cohort, 20,828 patients had a median of 5 (IQR: 3 to 11) FIB-4 scores each and 3% (n=667) suffered an SLD outcome during follow-up. Maximum FIB-4 scores were indeterminate-risk for 34% (7149) and high-risk for 24% (4971) of the sample, and 32% (6692) of patients had an increase in fibrosis risk category compared with their index value. The adjusted Cox regression model demonstrated an association between indeterminate- (hazard ratio 3.21; 95% CI 2.33-4.42) and high-risk (hazard ratio 20.36; 95% CI 15.03-27.57) FIB-4 scores with SLD outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Multiple FIB-4 values per patient are accessible in primary care, FIB-4 fibrosis risk assessments change over time, and high-risk FIB-4 scores (≥2.67) are strongly associated with severe liver disease outcomes when accounting for FIB-4 as a time-varying variable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Schreiner
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - William P Moran
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - David G Koch
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Justin Marsden
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Sherry Livingston
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Chloe Bays
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Patrick D Mauldin
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Mulugeta Gebregziabher
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
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Cipriani AL, Petz CA, Nielsen EM, Marsden J, Schreiner AD. Statin prescribing patterns in patient-centered medical home patients with NAFLD. Am J Manag Care 2023; 29:408-413. [PMID: 37616147 PMCID: PMC10507683 DOI: 10.37765/ajmc.2023.89406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and statins play a pivotal role in the primary prevention of cardiovascular events. This study investigates statin prescribing in primary care patients with NAFLD to identify opportunities to address cardiovascular disease risk in this cohort. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study of primary care electronic health record data from 2012-2018. METHODS This cohort included 652 patients with radiographic evidence of hepatic steatosis and no evidence of competing chronic liver disease. A statin prescription identified at any time during the study period was the primary outcome. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to evaluate the association of clinical signals and comorbidities with statin prescribing. RESULTS Of the 652 patients in the NAFLD cohort, 56% received a statin prescription during the study period. Elevations in aminotransferases were not associated with statin prescribing (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.17; 95% CI, 0.78-1.76), whereas older patients (AOR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.05-1.08) and those with diabetes (AOR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.73-3.92), hypertension (AOR, 2.76; 95% CI, 1.70-4.48), and a BMI greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 (AOR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.01-2.22) had higher odds of having a statin prescribed. Of the 288 patients without a statin prescription, 49% had an indication for statin therapy by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk. In total, 16% of included patients did not have lipid panel results during the study period. CONCLUSIONS This study showed no association between NAFLD and statin prescribing, and the findings highlight opportunities to improve primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in these at-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison L Cipriani
- Medical University of South Carolina, 171 Ashley Ave,Charleston, SC 29425.
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Schreiner AD, Zhang J, Moran WP, Koch DG, Livingston S, Bays C, Marsden J, Mauldin PD, Gebregziabher M. Real-World Primary Care Data Comparing ALT and FIB-4 in Predicting Future Severe Liver Disease Outcomes. J Gen Intern Med 2023; 38:2453-2460. [PMID: 36814048 PMCID: PMC10465412 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08093-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) has long provided a cue for chronic liver disease (CLD) diagnostic evaluation, but the Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4), a serologic score used for predicting advanced fibrosis risk in CLD, may provide an alternative signal. OBJECTIVE Compare the predictive performance of FIB-4 with ALT for severe liver disease (SLD) events while adjusting for potential confounders. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study of primary care electronic health record data from 2012 to 2021. PATIENTS Adult primary care patients with at least two sets of ALT and other lab values necessary for calculating two unique FIB-4 scores, excluding those patients with an SLD prior to their index FIB-4 value. MAIN MEASURES The occurrence of an SLD event, a composite of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver transplantation, was the outcome of interest. Categories of ALT elevation and FIB-4 advanced fibrosis risk were the primary predictor variables. Multivariable logistic regression models were developed to evaluate the association of FIB-4 and ALT with SLD, and the areas under the curve (AUC) for each model were compared. KEY RESULTS The cohort of 20,828 patients included 14% with an abnormal index ALT (≥40 IU/L) and 8% with a high-risk index FIB-4 (≥2.67). During the study period, 667 (3%) patients suffered an SLD event. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression models demonstrated an association between high-risk FIB-4 (OR 19.34; 95%CI 15.50-24.13), persistently high-risk FIB-4 (OR 23.85; 95%CI 18.24-31.17), abnormal ALT (OR 7.07; 95%CI 5.81-8.59), and persistently abnormal ALT (OR 7.58; 95%CI 5.97-9.62) with SLD outcomes. The AUC of the index FIB-4 (0.847, p < 0.001) and combined FIB-4 (0.849, p < 0.001) adjusted models exceeded the index ALT adjusted model (0.815). CONCLUSIONS High-risk FIB-4 scores demonstrated superior performance compared to abnormal ALT in predicting future SLD outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - David G Koch
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - Chloe Bays
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Justin Marsden
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Moore JA, Wheless WH, Zhang J, Marsden J, Mauldin PD, Moran WP, Schreiner AD. Gaps in Confirmatory Fibrosis Risk Assessment in Primary Care Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Dig Dis Sci 2023; 68:2946-2953. [PMID: 37193930 PMCID: PMC10659111 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-023-07959-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As recommendations for non-invasive fibrosis risk assessment in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) emerge, it is not known how often they are performed in primary care. AIMS We investigated the completion of confirmatory fibrosis risk assessment in primary care patients with NAFLD and indeterminate-risk or greater Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4) and NAFLD Fibrosis Scores (NFS). METHODS This retrospective cohort study of electronic health record data from a primary care clinic identified patients with diagnoses of NAFLD from 2012 through 2021. Patients with a diagnosis of a severe liver disease outcome during the study period were excluded. The most recent FIB-4 and NFS scores were calculated and categorized by advanced fibrosis risk. Charts were reviewed to identify the outcome of a confirmatory fibrosis risk assessment by liver elastography or liver biopsy for all patients with indeterminate-risk or higher FIB-4 (≥ 1.3) and NFS (≥ - 1.455) scores. RESULTS The cohort included 604 patients diagnosed with NAFLD. Two-thirds of included patients (399) had a FIB-4 or NFS score greater than low-risk, 19% (113) had a high-risk FIB-4 (≥ 2.67) or NFS (≥ 0.676) score, and 7% (44) had high-risk FIB-4 and NFS values. Of these 399 patients with an indication for a confirmatory fibrosis test, 10% (41) underwent liver elastography (24) or liver biopsy (18) or both (1). CONCLUSIONS Advanced fibrosis is a key indicator of future poor health outcomes in patients with NAFLD and a critical signal for referral to hepatology. Significant opportunities exist to improve confirmatory fibrosis risk assessment in patients with NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Moore
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - William H Wheless
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Justin Marsden
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Patrick D Mauldin
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - William P Moran
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Andrew D Schreiner
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
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Freidin N, Schreiner AD. "I'm Not Good with Money" and Other Lies Residents Tell Themselves about Personal Finance. South Med J 2023; 116:537-541. [PMID: 37400098 DOI: 10.14423/smj.0000000000001575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Some physicians believe that they have difficulty managing their own personal finances, and many medical schools and residences do not have formal financial curricula embedded in education. Given that many medical students have >$200,000 in school loans, physicians are expected to navigate the complex financial world without guidance. METHODS In this article, the authors developed a personal finance curriculum for Internal Medicine residents with the aim of evaluating the proportion of residents engaging in active personal finance activities, increasing their knowledge of financial literacy and their comfort with personal finance concepts using a pre- and postintervention survey. The content of the curriculum included four modules structured around different financial themes and delivered to trainees in 45-minute sessions. RESULTS A majority of the residents were able to participate in workplace retirement, log into their retirement account, possessed a Roth individual retirement account, manage a budget, and check their credit score. An area prompting concern postintervention was the level of discomfort engaging with personal finance that disproportionally affected the female trainees more than their male counterparts. CONCLUSIONS It is likely that an individual's comfort level managing finances stems from money beliefs, rather than actual ability given the requirements to graduate from medical school and the demands of an Internal Medicine residency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Freidin
- From the Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Andrew D Schreiner
- From the Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
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Schreiner AD, Sattar N. Identifying Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Primary Care: How and for What Benefit? J Clin Med 2023; 12:4001. [PMID: 37373694 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12124001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite its increasing prevalence, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains under-diagnosed in primary care. Timely diagnosis is critical, as NAFLD can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death; furthermore, NAFLD is also a risk factor linked to cardiometabolic outcomes. Identifying patients with NAFLD, and particularly those at risk of advanced fibrosis, is important so that healthcare practitioners can optimize care delivery in an effort to prevent disease progression. This review debates the practical issues that primary care physicians encounter when managing NAFLD, using a patient case study to illustrate the challenges and decisions that physicians face. It explores the pros and cons of different diagnostic strategies and tools that physicians can adopt in primary care settings, depending on how NAFLD presents and progresses. We discuss the importance of prescribing lifestyle changes to achieve weight loss and mitigate disease progression. A diagnostic and management flow chart is provided, showing the key points of assessment for primary care physicians. The advantages and disadvantages of advanced fibrosis risk assessments in primary care settings and the factors that influence patient referral to a hepatologist are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Schreiner
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 171 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Naveed Sattar
- Institute of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, 126 University Place, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
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Schreiner AD, Zhang J, Moran WP, Koch DG, Marsden J, Livingston S, Mauldin PD, Gebregziabher M. FIB-4 and incident severe liver outcomes in patients with undiagnosed chronic liver disease: A Fine-Gray competing risk analysis. Liver Int 2023; 43:170-179. [PMID: 35567761 PMCID: PMC9659674 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The Fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) can reliably assess fibrosis risk in patients with chronic liver disease, and advanced fibrosis is associated with severe liver disease (SLD) outcomes. However, CLD is underdiagnosed in primary care. We examined the association between FIB-4 risk strata and the incidence of SLD preceding a CLD diagnosis while considering incident CLD diagnoses as competing risks. METHODS Using primary care clinic data between 2007 and 2018, we identified patients with two FIB-4 scores and no liver disease diagnoses preceding the index FIB-4. Patients were followed from index FIB-4 until an incident SLD (a composite of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma or liver transplantation), CLD or were censored. Hazard ratios were computed using a Fine-Gray competing risk model. RESULTS Of 20 556 patients, there were 54.8% in the low, 34.8% in the indeterminate, 6.6% in the high and 3.8% in the persistently high-risk FIB-4 strata. During a mean 8.2 years of follow-up, 837 (4.1%) patients experienced an SLD outcome and 11.5% of the sample received a CLD diagnosis. Of patients with an SLD event, 49% received no preceding CLD diagnosis. In the adjusted Fine-Gray model, the indeterminate (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.17-1.71), high (HR 4.65, 95% CI 3.76-5.76) and persistently high-risk (HR 7.60, 95% CI 6.04-9.57) FIB-4 risk strata were associated with a higher incidence of SLD compared to the low-risk stratum. CONCLUSIONS FIB-4 scores with indeterminate- and high-risk values are associated with an increased incidence of SLD in primary care patients without known CLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D. Schreiner
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - William P. Moran
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - David G. Koch
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Justin Marsden
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Sherry Livingston
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Patrick D. Mauldin
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Mulugeta Gebregziabher
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
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11
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Schreiner AD, Livingston S, Zhang J, Gebregziabher M, Marsden J, Koch D, Petz C, Durkalski-Mauldin V, Mauldin PD, Moran WP. Identifying Patients at Risk for Fibrosis in a Primary Care NAFLD Cohort. J Clin Gastroenterol 2023; 57:89-96. [PMID: 34294656 PMCID: PMC8782936 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0000000000001585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
GOALS AND BACKGROUND Using natural language processing to create a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) cohort in primary care, we assessed advanced fibrosis risk with the Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4) and NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS) and evaluated risk score agreement. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective study of adults with radiographic evidence of hepatic steatosis, we calculated patient-level FIB-4 and NFS scores and categorized them by fibrosis risk. Risk category and risk score agreement was analyzed using weighted κ, Pearson correlation, and Bland-Altman analysis. A multinomial logistic regression model evaluated associations between clinical variables and discrepant FIB-4 and NFS results. RESULTS Of the 767 patient cohorts, 71% had a FIB-4 or NFS score in the indeterminate-risk or high-risk category for fibrosis. Risk categories disagreed in 43%, and scores would have resulted in different clinical decisions in 30% of the sample. The weighted κ statistic for risk category agreement was 0.41 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.36-0.46] and the Pearson correlation coefficient for log FIB-4 and NFS was 0.66 (95% CI: 0.62-0.70). The multinomial logistic regression analysis identified black race (odds ratio=2.64, 95% CI: 1.84-3.78) and hemoglobin A1c (odds ratio=1.37, 95% CI: 1.23-1.52) with higher odds of having an NFS risk category exceeding FIB-4. CONCLUSIONS In a primary care NAFLD cohort, many patients had elevated FIB-4 and NFS risk scores and these risk categories were often in disagreement. The choice between FIB-4 and NFS for fibrosis risk assessment can impact clinical decision-making and may contribute to disparities of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D. Schreiner
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Sherry Livingston
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Mulugeta Gebregziabher
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Justin Marsden
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - David Koch
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Chelsey Petz
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | | | - Patrick D. Mauldin
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - William P. Moran
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
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Schreiner AD, Moran WP, Zhang J, Livingston S, Marsden J, Mauldin PD, Koch D, Gebregziabher M. The Association of Fibrosis-4 Index Scores with Severe Liver Outcomes in Primary Care. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:3266-3274. [PMID: 35048297 PMCID: PMC9550951 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-021-07341-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4)non-invasively assesses fibrosis risk in chronic liver disease (CLD), but underdiagnosis limits FIB-4's application in primary care. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association of FIB-4 risk with hazard of severe liver outcomes in primary care patients with and without diagnosed CLD. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study of primary care data from 2007 to 2018. PARTICIPANTS Adult patients with qualifying aminotransferase and platelet count results were included and a single FIB-4 score was calculated for each patient using the first of these values. Patients with a CLD diagnosis or outcome prior to their FIB-4 score were excluded. MEASURES FIB-4 advanced fibrosis risk categorization (low, indeterminate, and high) was the primary predictor variable. Patients were followed from FIB-4 score to a severe liver outcome, a composite of cirrhosis, liver transplantation, and hepatocellular carcinoma. We analyzed the association of FIB-4 risk categories with hazard risk of a severe liver outcome using stratified Cox regression models, stratifying patients by known CLD. KEY RESULTS A total of 20,556 patients were followed for a mean 2,978 days (SD 1,201 days), and 4% of patients experienced a severe liver outcome. Of patients with low-, indeterminate-, and high-risk FIB-4 scores, 2%, 4%, and 20% suffered a severe liver outcome, respectively. In the overall adjusted model, high-risk FIB-4 scores were associated with hazard of severe liver disease (HR 6.64; 95% CI 5.58-7.90). High-risk FIB-4 scores were associated with severe liver outcomes for patients with known NAFLD (HR 7.32; 95% CI 3.44-15.58), other liver disease (HR 11.39; 95% CI 8.53-15.20), and no known CLD (HR 4.05; 95% CI 3.10-5.28). CONCLUSIONS High-risk FIB-4 scores were strongly associated with risk of severe liver outcomes in patients with and without known CLD. Comprehensive FIB-4 application in primary care may signal silently advancing liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Schreiner
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
| | - William P Moran
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Sherry Livingston
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Justin Marsden
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Patrick D Mauldin
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - David Koch
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Mulugeta Gebregziabher
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
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Nielsen EM, Anderson KP, Marsden J, Zhang J, Schreiner AD. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Underdiagnosis in Primary Care: What Are We Missing? J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:2587-2590. [PMID: 34816326 PMCID: PMC9360350 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-021-07197-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen M Nielsen
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Kathryn P Anderson
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Justin Marsden
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Andrew D Schreiner
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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Walsh DW, Summey RD, Schreiner AD. It Is Time for Financial Wellness Curricular Interventions. Acad Med 2022; 97:940. [PMID: 35767400 DOI: 10.1097/acm.0000000000004701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David W Walsh
- Division chief hospital medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia;
| | - Robert D Summey
- Assistant professor of medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta Georgia
| | - Andrew D Schreiner
- Associate professor of medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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Farahat TM, Ungan M, Vilaseca J, Ponzo J, Gupta PP, Schreiner AD, Al Sharief W, Casler K, Abdelkader T, Abenavoli L, Alami FZM, Ekstedt M, Jabir MS, Armstrong MJ, Osman MH, Wiegand J, Attia D, Verhoeven V, Amir AAQ, Hegazy NN, Tsochatzis EA, Fouad Y, Cortez-Pinto H. The paradigm shift from NAFLD to MAFLD: A global primary care viewpoint. Liver Int 2022; 42:1259-1267. [PMID: 35129258 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Taghreed M Farahat
- The Egyptian Family Medicine Association (EFMA), WONCA East Mediterranean, Department of Public Health and Community Medicines, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Mehmet Ungan
- The Turkish Association of Family Physicians (TAHUD), WONCA Europe, Department of Family Medicine, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Josep Vilaseca
- Barcelona Esquerra Primary Health Care Consortium, Barcelona, Spain.,WONCA Europe, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Vic - Central University of Catalonia, Vic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jacqueline Ponzo
- WONCA Iberoamericana, Departamento de Montevideo, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Pramendra Prasad Gupta
- WONCA South Asia, Department of General Practice and Emergency Medicine, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Andrew D Schreiner
- Departments of Medicine Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Wadeia Al Sharief
- President Emirates Family Medicine Society, President Family Medicine Scientific Council in Arab Board for Medical Specialization Council, Director Medical Education & Research Department, Dubai, UAE
| | - Kelly Casler
- Director of Family Nurse Practitioner Program, The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Tafat Abdelkader
- Algerian Society of General Medicine/Societe Algerienne De Medecine Generale (SAMG), Algeria
| | - Ludovico Abenavoli
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Mattias Ekstedt
- Division of Diagnostics and Specialist Medicine, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - Matthew J Armstrong
- Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mona H Osman
- Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Johannes Wiegand
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine II, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dina Attia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endemic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Veronique Verhoeven
- Department of FAMPOP (Family Medicine and Population Health), University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | | | - Nagwa N Hegazy
- The Egyptian Family Medicine Association (EFMA), WONCA East Mediterranean, Department of Public Health and Community Medicines, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Emmanuel A Tsochatzis
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital and UCL, London, UK
| | - Yasser Fouad
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endemic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minya, Egypt
| | - Helena Cortez-Pinto
- Clínica Universitária de Gastrenterologia, Laboratório de Nutrição, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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16
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Thomas M, Keck C, Schreiner AD, Heincelman M. Longitudinal, Spaced-learning POCUS Curriculum for Internal Medicine Residents to Improve Knowledge and Skills. Am J Med Sci 2022; 363:399-402. [PMID: 35300977 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Thomas
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425.
| | - Carson Keck
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425
| | - Andrew D Schreiner
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425
| | - Marc Heincelman
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425
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17
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Schreiner AD, Zhang J, Durkalski-Mauldin V, Livingston S, Marsden J, Bian J, Mauldin PD, Moran WP, Rockey DC. Advanced liver fibrosis and the metabolic syndrome in a primary care setting. Diabetes Metab Res Rev 2021; 37:e3452. [PMID: 33759300 PMCID: PMC8458479 DOI: 10.1002/dmrr.3452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) and NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) are noninvasive and accessible methods for assessing advanced liver fibrosis risk in primary care. We evaluated the distribution of FIB-4 and NFS scores in primary care patients with clinical signals for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective cohort study of electronic record data between 2007 and 2018 included adults with at least one abnormal aminotransferase and no known (non-NAFLD) liver disease. We calculated patient-level FIB-4 and NFS scores, the proportion of patients with mean values exceeding advanced fibrosis thresholds (indeterminate risk: FIB-4 > 1.3, NFS > -1.455; high-risk: FIB-4 > 2.67, NFS > 0.676), and the proportion of patients with a NAFLD International Classification of Diseases-9/10 code. Logistic regression models evaluated the associations of metabolic syndrome (MetS) components with elevated FIB-4 and NFS scores. RESULTS The cohort included 6506 patients with a median of 6 (interquartile range: 3-13) FIB-4 and NFS scores per patient. Of these patients, 81% had at least two components of MetS, 29% had mean FIB-4 and NFS scores for indeterminate fibrosis risk, and 11% had either mean FIB-4 or NFS scores exceeding the high advanced fibrosis risk thresholds. Regression models identified associations of low high-density lipoprotein, hyperglycemia, Black race and male gender with high-risk FIB-4 and NFS values. Only 5% of patients had existing diagnoses for NAFLD identified. CONCLUSIONS Many primary care patients have FIB-4 and NFS scores concerning for advanced fibrosis, but rarely a diagnosis of NAFLD. Elevated FIB-4 and NFS scores may provide signals for further clinical evaluation of liver disease in primary care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Schreiner
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | | | - Sherry Livingston
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Justin Marsden
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - John Bian
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Patrick D Mauldin
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - William P Moran
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Don C Rockey
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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18
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Walsh DW, Sullivan WM, Thomas M, Duckett A, Keith B, Schreiner AD. A Multicenter Curricular Intervention to Address Resident Knowledge and Perceptions of Personal Finance. South Med J 2021; 114:404-408. [PMID: 34215892 DOI: 10.14423/smj.0000000000001272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We evaluated internal medicine residents' confidence and knowledge of personal finance, perceptions of burnout, and relations between these issues before and after an educational intervention. METHODS We surveyed internal medicine residents at two university-based training programs in 2018. We developed and implemented a curriculum at both sites, covering topics of budgeting, saving for retirement, investment options, and the costs of investing. Each site used the same content but different strategies for dissemination. One used a condensed-form lecture series (two 1-hour sessions) and the other used a microlecture series (four 30-minute sessions) series. Residents were resurveyed following the intervention for comparison. RESULTS The preintervention survey response rate was 41.2% (122/296) and the postintervention response rate was 44.3% (120/271). Postintervention mean scores for personal finance knowledge improved for basic concepts (52.6% vs 39.4%, P < 0.001), mutual fund elements (30.8% vs 19.7%, P < 0.001), investment plans (68.5% vs. 49.2%, P < 0.001), and overall knowledge (50.1% vs 36.1%, P < 0.001). A significantly smaller proportion of residents reported feelings of burnout following the intervention (23.3% vs 36.9%, P = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that residents want to learn about finances. Our brief educational intervention is a practical way to improve overall knowledge. Our intervention suggests that improving knowledge of finance may be associated with decreased feelings of burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Walsh
- From the Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, the Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, and the Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - William M Sullivan
- From the Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, the Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, and the Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Meghan Thomas
- From the Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, the Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, and the Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Ashley Duckett
- From the Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, the Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, and the Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Brad Keith
- From the Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, the Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, and the Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
| | - Andrew D Schreiner
- From the Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, the Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, and the Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston
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19
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Blanding DP, Moran WP, Bian J, Zhang J, Marsden J, Mauldin PD, Rockey DC, Schreiner AD. Linkage to specialty care in the hepatitis C care cascade. J Investig Med 2020; 69:324-332. [PMID: 33203787 DOI: 10.1136/jim-2020-001521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Quality gaps exist in the hepatitis C virus (HCV) care process from diagnosis to cure. To better understand current gaps and to identify targets for quality improvement, we constructed an HCV care cascade in a patient-centered medical home (PCMH) with an emphasis on the specialty referral process. We performed a retrospective study of HCV-infected patients in a PCMH using electronic health record (EPIC) data. Patients with a first positive HCV RNA between 2012 and 2019 were included. With an adaptation to analyze linkage to specialty care, we created an HCV care cascade that included the following: (1) a positive HCV RNA, (2) referral to a specialty provider, (3) a scheduled specialty appointment, (4) attendance at a specialty visit, (5) prescription for HCV therapy, and (6) evidence of sustained virological response (SVR). Patient and referring clinician characteristics were analyzed at each step of the care pathway, and the proportion of patients completing each step was calculated. Of the 256 HCV RNA-positive patients, 229 (89.5%) received a specialty referral; 215 (84.0%) had an appointment scheduled; 178 (69.5%) attended the specialty appointment; 116 (45.3%) were prescribed antiviral therapy; and 87 (34.1%) had documented SVR during the study period. Of the 178 patients attending a specialty visit, 62 (34.8%) did not receive a prescription, and the barrier most often noted was the desire for further workup (40.3%). Gaps occur at all stages of the HCV care continuum, with drop-offs in care occurring both before and after linkage to specialty care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dena P Blanding
- Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - William P Moran
- Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - John Bian
- Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Justin Marsden
- Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Patrick D Mauldin
- Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Don C Rockey
- Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Andrew D Schreiner
- Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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20
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Osborne CS, Overstreet AN, Rockey DC, Schreiner AD. Drug-Induced Liver Injury Caused by Kratom Use as an Alternative Pain Treatment Amid an Ongoing Opioid Epidemic. J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep 2020; 7:2324709619826167. [PMID: 30791718 PMCID: PMC6350132 DOI: 10.1177/2324709619826167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a prevalent medicinal plant used
mainly for the stimulant and analgesic properties provided through multiple
alkaloid compounds. Over the past decade, use of kratom has increased despite
the limited knowledge of toxicities and adverse side effects. With the current
opioid epidemic, both patients and providers are seeking alternative methods to
treat both addiction and pain control, and kratom as an alternative means of
treatment has increasingly entered the mainstream. In this article, we present
the clinical course of a 47-year-old male who developed fatigue, pruritus, and
abnormal liver tests (with a mixed hepatocellular/cholestatic pattern)
approximately 21 days after beginning kratom. After extensive evaluation
including a negligible alcohol history, negative hepatitis serologies, and
inconclusive imaging, the patient was diagnosed with drug-induced liver injury
(DILI) caused by kratom. Nine months after his liver tests returned to normal,
he took kratom again, and after a latency of 2 days, he developed fatigue,
pruritus, and loss of appetite along with abnormal liver tests (with the same
biochemical profile as previously), consistent with a positive rechallenge. We
believe, through the use of the Roussel-Uclaf Causality Assessment Method and
expert opinion, that this is a highly likely or definite example of
kratom-induced DILI. With the gaining popularity of this drug, it appears that
DILI may be an important complication of kratom for providers to recognize.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Don C Rockey
- 1 Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Schreiner
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Don C Rockey
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - William P Moran
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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22
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Schreiner AD, Bian J, Zhang J, Haulsee ZM, Marsden J, Durkalski-Mauldin V, Mauldin PD, Moran WP, Rockey DC. The Association of Abnormal Liver Tests with Hepatitis C Testing in Primary Care. Am J Med 2020; 133:214-221.e1. [PMID: 31369723 PMCID: PMC6980508 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2019.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As hepatitis C virus birth cohort (1945-1965) screening in primary care improves, testing patterns in response to persistently abnormal liver tests are less well known. METHODS This retrospective cohort study of a patient-centered medical home between 2007 and 2016 evaluates the association of abnormal liver chemistries and other clinical and demographic factors with hepatitis C antibody (HCV Ab) testing in patients with persistently abnormal liver tests. Patients with at least 2 consecutive abnormal liver tests were categorized by the clinical pattern of liver chemistry abnormality, including cholestatic, hepatocellular, and mixed patterns. The primary outcomes were: 1) completed HCV Ab tests; and 2) positive HCV Ab results for those patients tested. RESULTS Of 4512 patients with consecutive abnormal liver tests, only 730 (16%) underwent HCV Ab testing within 1 year of the second abnormality; 81/730 (11%) had HCV Ab detected. A logistic regression model revealed that mixed (odds ratio [OR] 2.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.72-2.82) and hepatocellular (OR 1.43; 95% CI, 1.15-1.79) patterns of liver test abnormality, female sex, and alcohol and tobacco abuse were associated with higher odds of HCV Ab testing. Hepatocellular (OR 7.51; 95% CI, 2.18-25.94) and mixed patterns (OR 5.88; 95% CI, 1.64-21.15) of liver test abnormalities, male sex, Medicaid enrollment, and drug and tobacco abuse had higher odds of positive HCV Ab results. CONCLUSIONS There is opportunity to improve hepatitis C diagnostic testing in patients with consecutively elevated liver tests, and hepatocellular and mixed patterns of abnormality should prompt primary care providers to action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Schreiner
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC.
| | - John Bian
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Z Merle Haulsee
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Justin Marsden
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | | | - Patrick D Mauldin
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - William P Moran
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Don C Rockey
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
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Affiliation(s)
- John Bian
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Rutledge Avenue, Suite MSC 591, Charleston, SC 29425 USA
| | - Andrew D. Schreiner
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Rutledge Avenue, Suite MSC 591, Charleston, SC 29425 USA
| | - Don C. Rockey
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Rutledge Avenue, Suite MSC 591, Charleston, SC 29425 USA
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Schreiner AD, Bian J, Zhang J, Kirkland EB, Heincelman ME, Schumann SO, Mauldin PD, Moran WP, Rockey DC. When Do Clinicians Follow-up Abnormal Liver Tests in Primary Care? Am J Med Sci 2019; 358:127-133. [PMID: 31331450 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2019.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many guidelines addressing the approach to abnormal liver chemistries, including bilirubin, transaminases and alkaline phosphatase, recommend repeating the tests. However, when clinicians repeat testing is unknown. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective study followed adult patients with abnormal liver chemistries in a patient-centered medical home (PCMH) from 2007 to 2016. All PCMH patients possessing at least 1 abnormal liver test (total bilirubin, aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase) were included. Patients were followed from the index abnormal liver chemistry until the next liver test result, or the end of the study period. The primary predictor variable of interest was the number of abnormal chemistries (out of 4) on index testing. Demographic and clinical variables served as other potential predictors of outcome. A Cox proportional hazards model was applied to investigate associations between the predictor variables and the time to repeat liver chemistry testing. RESULTS Of 9,545 patients with at least 2 PCMH visits and 1 liver test abnormality, 6,489 (68%) obtained repeat testing within 1 year, and 80% of patients had follow-up tests within 2 years. Patients with multiple abnormal liver tests and those with higher degrees of abnormality were associated with shorter time to repeat testing. CONCLUSIONS A large proportion of patients with abnormal liver tests still lack repeat testing at 1 year. The number of liver abnormal liver tests and degree of elevation were inversely associated with the time to repeat testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Schreiner
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.
| | - John Bian
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Elizabeth B Kirkland
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Marc E Heincelman
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Samuel O Schumann
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Patrick D Mauldin
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - William P Moran
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Don C Rockey
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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Schreiner AD, Holmes-Maybank KT, Zhang J, Marsden J, Mauldin PD, Moran WP. Specialty Physician Designation in Referrals from a Vertically Integrated PCMH. Health Serv Res Manag Epidemiol 2019; 6:2333392819850389. [PMID: 31205980 PMCID: PMC6537229 DOI: 10.1177/2333392819850389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Primary care referrals to specialty physicians once relied upon the medical skill of
the specialist, the quality of past communication, and previous consultative
experiences. As health systems vertically integrate, patterns of specialty physician
referral designation are not known. Methods: This cross-sectional study from a patient-centered medical home (PCMH) evaluated the
proportion of referrals with named specialists. All outpatient specialty referrals from
the PCMH between July and December of 2014 were eligible for inclusion, and 410 patients
were randomly selected for chart review. The outcome of interest was specialty physician
designation. Other variables of interest included PCMH provider experience, the reason
for referral, and time to specialty visit. Univariate analysis was performed with Fisher
exact tests. Results: Of 410 specialty referrals, 43.7% were made to medical specialties, 41.7% to surgical
specialties, and 14.6% to ancillary specialties. Resident physicians placed 224
referrals (54.6%), faculty physicians ordered 155 (37.8%), and advanced practice
providers ordered 31 (7.6%). Only 11.2% of the specialty referral orders designated a
specific physician. No differences appeared in the reason for referral, the referral
destination, the proportion of visits scheduled and attended, or the time to schedule
between those referrals with and without specialty physician designation. Faculty
physicians identified a specific specialist in 21.4% of referrals compared to residents
doing so in 4.9% (P < .0001). Conclusion: Patient-centered medical home referrals named a specific specialty physician
infrequently, suggesting a shift from the historical reliance on the individual
characteristics of the specialist in the referral process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Schreiner
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - Jingwen Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Justin Marsden
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Patrick D Mauldin
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - William P Moran
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Mawardi G, Kirkland EB, Zhang J, Blankinship D, Heincelman ME, Schreiner AD, Moran WP, Schumann SO. Patient perception of obesity versus physician documentation of obesity: A quality improvement study. Clin Obes 2019; 9:e12303. [PMID: 30816010 DOI: 10.1111/cob.12303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
As the prevalence of obesity increases, the prevalence of associated comorbid diseases, obesity-related mortality rates and healthcare costs rise concordantly. Two main factors that hinder efforts to treat obesity include a lack of recognition by patients and documentation by physicians. This study evaluates the relationship between patient perception of obese weight and physician documentation of obesity. This quality improvement observational study surveyed patients of an academic internal medicine clinic on their perception of obesity. Responses were compared to longitudinal physician documentation of obesity and body mass index (BMI). A total of 59.9% of patients with obesity perceived their weight as obese. While 33.7% of patients with a BMI of 30 to 34.9 kg/m2 perceived themselves as having obesity, 71.4% of patients with a BMI of 45 to 49.9 kg/m2 perceived themselves as having obesity. A total of 42.4% of patients with obesity had physician documentation of obesity in the last year. While 25% of patients with a BMI of 30 to 34.9 kg/m2 had physician documentation of obesity, 85.7% of patients with a BMI of 45 to 49.9 kg/m2 had physician documentation of obesity. For patients with a BMI ≥50 kg/m2 , 52.9% perceived their weight to be obese and 76.5% had physician documentation of obesity in the last year. Both patient perception and physician documentation of obesity were significantly less than the prevalence of obesity. Patient perception of obesity and provider documentation of obesity increased as BMI increased until a BMI ≥50 kg/m2 . Both patients and providers must improve recognition of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Mawardi
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Elizabeth B Kirkland
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
- Section of Health Systems Research and Policy, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Devin Blankinship
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Marc E Heincelman
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Andrew D Schreiner
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - William P Moran
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Samuel O Schumann
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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Bian J, Schreiner AD, Zhang J, Schumann SO, Rockey DC, Mauldin PD, Moran WP. Associations of Race with Follow-up Patterns After Initial Abnormal Liver Tests in Primary Care. J Gen Intern Med 2018; 33:1618-1620. [PMID: 29934707 PMCID: PMC6153240 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-018-4535-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- John Bian
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Andrew D Schreiner
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Samuel O Schumann
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Don C Rockey
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Patrick D Mauldin
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - William P Moran
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Schreiner AD, Moran WP, Zhang J, Kirkland EB, Heincelman ME, Schumann Iii SO, Mauldin PD, Rockey DC. Evaluation of liver test abnormalities in a patient-centered medical home: do liver test patterns matter? J Investig Med 2018; 66:1118-1123. [PMID: 29941546 DOI: 10.1136/jim-2018-000788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal liver tests are extremely common in clinical practice, present with varying patterns and degrees of elevation, and can signal liver injury from a variety of causes. Responding to these abnormalities requires complex medical decision-making and merits investigation in primary care. This retrospective study investigates the association of patterns of liver test abnormality with follow-up in primary care. Using administrative data, this study includes patients with abnormal liver tests seen between 2007 and 2016 in a patient-centered medical home. Liver tests examined include serum bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. Patients entered the cohort on the first liver test elevation. The outcome examined was completion of repeat testing, and the proportions of patients without follow-up were compared by patterns of index abnormality. 9545 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 6155 (64.5%) possessed one liver test abnormality and 3390 (35.5%) possessed multiple abnormalities on index testing. Overall 1119 (11.7%) patients did not have repeat testing performed during the study period. A greater proportion of patients with lone abnormalities lacked repeat testing compared with those patients with multiple abnormalities. Differences in repeat testing appeared when comparing clinical patterns of abnormality, with higher proportions of follow-up in patients with testing suggestive of cholestasis. Over 11% of patients with abnormal liver tests did not undergo repeat testing during the study period. Repeat testing occurred more often in patients with multiple abnormalities and in clinical patterns suggestive of cholestasis. This study highlights a potential opportunity to improve quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Schreiner
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - William P Moran
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth B Kirkland
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Marc E Heincelman
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Samuel O Schumann Iii
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Patrick D Mauldin
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Don C Rockey
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Schreiner AD, Mauldin PD, Moran WP, Durkalski-Mauldin V, Zhang J, Schumann SO, Heincelman ME, Marsden J, Rockey DC. Assessing the Burden of Abnormal LFTs and the Role of the Electronic Health Record: A Retrospective Study. Am J Med Sci 2018; 355:537-543. [PMID: 29673744 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary care clinicians encounter abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) frequently. This study assesses the prevalence of abnormal LFTs and patient follow-up patterns in response. METHODS This is a retrospective study from 2007-2016 of adult patients with abnormal LFTs seen in an internal medicine clinic. The proportion of patients with follow-up testing and the time (in days) to repeat LFTs were the primary outcomes measured. Results were evaluated before and after the implementation of the institution's electronic health record (EHR). RESULTS This study identified a period prevalence for abnormal LFTs of 39%. Of these, 9,545 unique patients met inclusion criteria, with 8,415 patients (88.2%) possessing follow-up LFTs and no significant difference in the proportion of patients receiving follow-up by degree of initial abnormality. Median time to follow-up in mild abnormalities (1-2 times normal) was 138 days, compared to 21 days for severe abnormalities (>4 times normal, P < 0.0001). Reduced time to repeat testing across all spectrums of abnormality was observed following EHR implementation, but proportions of missing follow-up did not improve. A multivariable logistic regression model identified younger age, poverty, living over 50 miles from clinic, recent cohort entry and a lower magnitude of abnormality as predictors for missing repeat LFT testing (area under the curve = 0.838 [95% CI: 0.827-0.849]). CONCLUSIONS Abnormal LFTs were detected in 39% of all patients seen. The degree of LFT abnormality did not influence rates of follow-up testing, but does appear to play a role in the timing of repeat testing, when obtained. Follow-up rates did not improve with EHR implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Schreiner
- Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.
| | - Patrick D Mauldin
- Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - William P Moran
- Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Valerie Durkalski-Mauldin
- Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Samuel O Schumann
- Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Marc E Heincelman
- Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Justin Marsden
- Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Don C Rockey
- Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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Holmes-Maybank KT, Schreiner AD, Houchens N, Brzezinski WA. Dust in the Wind. J Hosp Med 2017; 12:846-850. [PMID: 28991953 DOI: 10.12788/jhm.2845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Keri T Holmes-Maybank
- General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Division of Hospital Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
| | - Andrew D Schreiner
- General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Nathan Houchens
- Medicine Service, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Walter A Brzezinski
- General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Moran WP, Zhang J, Gebregziabher M, Brownfield EL, Davis KS, Schreiner AD, Egan BM, Greenberg RS, Kyle TR, Marsden JE, Ball SJ, Mauldin PD. Chaos to complexity: leveling the playing field for measuring value in primary care. J Eval Clin Pract 2017; 23:430-438. [PMID: 25652744 DOI: 10.1111/jep.12298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Develop a risk-stratification model that clusters primary care patients with similar co-morbidities and social determinants and ranks 'within-practice' clusters of complex patients based on likelihood of hospital and emergency department (ED) utilization. METHODS A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on 10 408 adults who received their primary care at the Medical University of South Carolina University Internal Medicine clinic. A two-part generalized linear regression model was used to fit a predictive model for ED and hospital utilization. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering was used to identify patient subgroups with similar co-morbidities. RESULTS Factors associated with increased risk of utilization included specific disease clusters {e.g. renal disease cluster [rate ratio, RR = 5.47; 95% confidence interval (CI; 4.54, 6.59) P < 0.0001]}, low clinic visit adherence [RR = 0.33; 95% CI (0.28, 0.39) P < 0.0001] and census measure of high poverty rate [RR = 1.20; 95% CI (1.11, 1.28) P < 0.0001]. In the cluster model, a stable group of four clusters remained regardless of the number of additional clusters forced into the model. Although the largest number of high-utilization patients (top 20%) was in the multiple chronic condition cluster (1110 out of 4728), the largest proportion of high-utilization patients was in the renal disease cluster (67%). CONCLUSIONS Risk stratification enhanced with disease clustering organizes a primary care population into groups of similarly complex patients so that care coordination efforts can be focused and value of care can be maximized.
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Affiliation(s)
- William P Moran
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Mulugeta Gebregziabher
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Elisha L Brownfield
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Kimberly S Davis
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Andrew D Schreiner
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Brent M Egan
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Raymond S Greenberg
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - T Rogers Kyle
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Justin E Marsden
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Sarah J Ball
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcome Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, USC Campus, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Patrick D Mauldin
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Schreiner AD, Keith BA, Abernathy KE, Zhang J, Brzezinski WA. Long-Term, Competitive Swimming and the Association with Atrial Fibrillation. Sports Med Open 2016; 2:42. [PMID: 27753048 PMCID: PMC5067262 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-016-0066-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Endurance exercise plays a role in cardiovascular risk reduction, but may also be a risk factor for atrial fibrillation. This study was performed to assess the prevalence of atrial fibrillation in a population of long-term, competitive swimmers compared with patients within an internal medicine clinic with known risk factors for atrial fibrillation such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Methods This cross-sectional study utilized survey data comparing the prevalence of atrial fibrillation in swimmers to a general internal medicine population. A multi-national group of swimmers over the age of 60 were surveyed, and a chart review was performed on a random sample of age-matched internal medicine patients. The primary outcome was the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. Univariate analysis was used for means of proportions of the responses, and a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed with diagnosis of atrial fibrillation as the dependent variable. Results Forty-nine swimmers completed surveys and 100 age-matched internal medicine patients underwent chart review. Swimmers reported atrial fibrillation in 13 cases (26.5 %) compared to 7 (7 %) in the comparison group (p = 0.001). A diagnosis of hypertension or diabetes mellitus was present in 23 (46.9 %) and 1 (2 %) of the swimmers, respectively, as compared to 72 (72 %, p = 0.003) and 32 (32 %, p < 0.001) in the comparison group. Age, presence of diabetes mellitus, and swimming history were variables included in the logistic regression, in relation to atrial fibrillation. Swimming was associated with an odds ratio of 8.739 (95 % CI 2.290 to 33.344, p = 0.015). Conclusions Long-term, competitive swimmers have an increased prevalence of atrial fibrillation compared to internal medicine patients, despite the higher burden of diabetes mellitus and hypertension in the internal medicine group. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40798-016-0066-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Schreiner
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Rutledge Avenue, Suite 1240, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
| | - Brad A Keith
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Rutledge Avenue, Suite 1240, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Karen E Abernathy
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Rutledge Avenue, Suite 1240, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Rutledge Avenue, Suite 1240, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Walter A Brzezinski
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Rutledge Avenue, Suite 1240, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
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Schreiner AD, Keith BA, Brzezinski WA. Endurance swimming and increased risk of atrial fibrillation. J Sport Health Sci 2016; 5:246-247. [PMID: 30356519 PMCID: PMC6188742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2015.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Revised: 03/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
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Young JJ, Schreiner AD, Shimshak TM, Kereiakes DJ. Successful exclusion of a left main coronary artery aneurysm with a PTFE-covered coronary stent. J Invasive Cardiol 2004; 16:433-4. [PMID: 15282421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- John J Young
- The Lindner Center for Research and Education, 2123 Auburn Avenue, Suite 424, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA.
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