Nontraditional Treatment of Hepatic Encephalopathy

The pathophysiology of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is complex, with hyperammonemia playing a central role in its development. Traditional therapies for HE have targeted ammonia and include medications such as lactulose and rifaximin. Although these agents are considered standard of care, nontraditional treatments seek to affect other factors in the pathogenesis of HE. Finally, procedural therapies include albumin dialysis, shunt closure, and the ultimate cure for HE, which is liver transplant. The treatments discussed provide alternative options for patients who have failed standard of care. However, more high-quality studies are needed to routinely recommend many of these agents.

Pharmacotherapeutic considerations and treatment patterns of antihyperglycemic agents for diabetic nephropathy: a review of the literature

Diabetes can have several macrovascular and microvascular complications in addition to diabetic nephropathy, also referred to as diabetic kidney disease (DKD). DKD is found to occur in approximately 40% of patients with type 2 diabetes and 30% of patients with type 1 diabetes. However, research on the effects of antihyperglycemic agents on the renal outcomes of these patients is still in its infancy. The current review explores glycemic management in patients with DKD, focusing on the challenges faced as well as the clinical considerations of antihyperglycemic agents in this population. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using EMBASE, Web of Science, and PubMed databases. This review was completed by the end of March 2023, and the following keywords were used for the search: diabetic nephropathy, diabetic kidney disease, safety, efficacy, and antihyperglycemic therapies. The several concerns about the use of antihyperglycemic agents in treating diabetes in patients with DKD highlight the need for substantial efforts in educating both patients and healthcare practitioners in this regard. In addition, it is suggested that patients receive individualized treatments, considering the potential long-term benefits of each agent; this would entail prospectively modifying doses in line with the stage of DKD to prevent the progression of renal damage. As some classes of agents offer better renoprotective effects for patients with DKD, it would be wise for nephrologists and endocrinologists to collaborate to offer an antihyperglycemic regime for patients with DKD who are at a high risk of further progression. Further study is needed on the beneficial renal effects of specific classes of agents; more knowledge of their mechanisms and renoprotective effects may contribute to the development of novel treatments for patients with DKD.

IN-PATIENT PNEUMONIA BURDEN AND CASE FATALITY RATES IN CHILDREN OVER TWO DECADES IN FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITAL, GOMBE (FTHG)

Introduction

Pneumonia is the leading cause of death among children globally accounting for an estimated 1.2 million (18%) total deaths annually. The number of childhood-related deaths from pneumonia is approximately 2000-fold higher in developing than in developed countries. Nigeria contributes the highest of pneumonia-related deaths globally.

Objectives

To determine the case fatality rates (CFR) of pneumonia from 2000-2019 in paediatric ward, FTHG.

Methodology

All cases of pneumonia admissions and deaths in patients aged 0-18 years, using ICD-10 classification, were retrieved and analysed. The mainstay of diagnosis is clinical and/or radiographic features.

Results

A total of 26,716 children were admitted during this period, 1151 had pneumonia (4.3%) and 118 died. Males constituted 647 (56.2%) and females 43.8% of the total pneumonia admissions. Children aged 0-5 years had the highest pneumonia admissions, followed by 6-9 years. Admissions were highest in the wet than the dry season. Pneumonia CFR was 10.2%; 10.9% in females and 9.7% in males. Under-5 constituted 84% (969/1151) of pneumonia admission with a CFR of 9.3%. CFR were 10.3% and 21% in 6-10 years, and 11-18 years respectively. The CFR between2000-2004 was 14.1%, 2005-2009:21.1%, 2010-2014:10.2% and 2015-2019:7.2%. Kanuri had the highest CFR of 56.2%.(P <0.05) Other ethnic groups were 29.4% in Waja, 25% in Tula, 21.4% in Igbo, 16.6% in Yoruba, 12.1% in Tangale, 10.2% in Hausa, 8.8%in Bolewa and 8.3% in Fulani. The CFR was highest in February20.2%.

Conclusion

Pneumonia Case fatality is high.

EPIDEMIOLOGIC TREND AND CASE FATALITY OF CHILDHOOD TETANUS IN FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITAL GOMBE; A 20YEARS REVIEW

Introduction

Tetanus is a vaccine-preventable disease, it remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in both neonatal and post-neonatal periods, especially in developing countries with limited health facilities and inadequate vaccination. The overall case fatality rate (CFR) is 13.2% globally, highest in the neonatal period and in sub-Saharan Africa. CFR is 64%, 47%, and 43% in Nigeria, Uganda, and Tanzania respectively.

Objectives

To determine the Case Fatality Rate of Childhood tetanus in FTHG from 2000-2019.

Methodology

All cases and deaths from tetanus amongst children aged 0-18 years in paediatric medical ward of FTHG over the last two decades diagnosed clinically and classified using ICD-10 were analysed.

Results

95 cases of tetanus out of 26,716 total admissions constituting 0.004%. There were 49 tetanus deaths out of 3956 total childhood deaths (0.012%) over the study period. Males constituted 66% (63/95). 30% (28/95) were aged 0-28 days; 23.1% (22/95) were adolescents. Fulani and Hausa constituted 37% (34/95) and 31% (29/95) respectively. Admission was highest in the dry season 52% (50/95 %). The overall tetanus CFR was 51.6%; 78% of deaths were in males (38/49), 30% in neonates, and 23% in adolescents. CFR was highest during the dry season (67.3%). Hausa and Fulani had CFR of 51% and 40% respectively. P-value <0.05 The CFR was 88% between 2000-2004, 72% from 2005-2009, 71% between 2010-2014 and 33% from 2015-2019.

Conclusion

Tetanus CFR is still high among neonates and adolescents. Maternal tetanus vaccine and booster doses in children need strengthening.

REVEALING THE VARIED REALITY OF MALARIA-RELATED DEATHS IN CHILDREN ACROSS GENDER, AGE, AND ETHNICITY IN FEDERAL TEACHING HOSPITAL GOMBE OVER 20 YEARS: AN ESSENTIAL EPIDEMIOLOGIC IMPERATIVE

Introduction

Nigeria recorded 31% of 619,000 malaria deaths globally and accounts for 25-30% of all childhood mortality in the country. Few studies in Nigeria, have reported malaria's case fatality rate over a long period.

Objective

To determine Malaria Case Fatality Rate among Children admitted from 2000-2019.

Methodology

All severe malaria cases and deaths amongst children aged 0-18 over the last two decades were analysed using ICD-10. The diagnosis was based on clinical and microscopic findings.

Results

26,716 children were admitted, 2494 (9.3%) were diagnosed with malaria and 209 died. Malaria constituted 5.3% (209/3956) of all childhood mortality. Males constituted 58.9 % (1468/2494) while 65% (1642/2494) were aged 0-5 years. Of the malaria admissions, Fulani and Hausa constituted 948(38%) and 438(17.6%) respectively. Admissions were highest in October (15%) and in 2012 (9.6%). The overall malaria CFR was 8.3%; 8.8% in Females (91/1026) and 8.03% in Males P-value <0.05 (X2=54.735); 8.6% in children aged 0-5years, 8.2% in 6-10 years and 7.4% in 11-18 years, P-value <0.05 (X2=893.164). CFR was highest in April (11.4%)and lowest in November (5.2%). Kanuri and Igbo had CFR of 70% and 38.4% respectively while it was lowest in Tera tribe (4.3%), P-value<0.05. The CFR was highest in the year 2004 (22%), 3.5% in 2000 and 2006. Over the years, case fatality rate was 15.9% between 2000-2004, 6.1% from 2005-2009. Between 2010-2015, it was 7.3% and 8.5% from 2016-2019.

Conclusion

This study revealed the deadly reality of severe malaria with increased CFR among females, aged 0-5 and the Kanuri tribe.

Statin therapy for patients with diabetic nephropathy: balance between safety and efficacy of statin treatment for patients with impaired kidney function

The International Diabetes Federation estimates that by 2035, there will be 592 million people with diabetes worldwide, substantially increasing from the 382 million patients with diabetes recorded in 2013. Diabetes-related nephropathy is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Recently, the therapeutic use of statins in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) was explored in a series of meta-analyses, which revealed their potential for decreasing mortality and cardiovascular complications in this population, although not in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The current study reviews the current state of knowledge on statin therapy regarding its safety and efficacy concerning renal outcomes in diabetic patients with CKD. The evidence shows that statins may offer a beneficial renoprotective effect in inhibiting the progression of renal function decline. This effect is time-dependent and particularly strong in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy. In addition, whether certain statin types are more beneficial than others in slowing renal function loss and reducing proteinuria remains unclear. Prior research has not examined the impact of high-intensity statin therapy on CKD patient outcomes.

Management of Patients After Treatment of Severe Alcohol-associated Hepatitis

Alcohol-associated liver disease is the leading indication for hospitalization among patients with chronic liver disease. Rates of hospitalization for alcohol-associated hepatitis have been rising over the last 2 decades. Patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis carry significant morbidity and mortality, but there is a lack of standardized postdischarge management strategies to care for this challenging group of patients. Patients warrant management of not only their liver disease but also their alcohol use disorder. In this review, we will discuss outpatient management strategies for patients who were recently hospitalized and discharged for alcohol-associated hepatitis. We will discuss short management of their liver disease, long-term follow-up, and review-available treatment options for alcohol use disorder and challenges associated with pursuing treatment for alcohol use disorder.

Outcomes in Patients with Liver Dysfunction Post SARS-CoV-2 Infection: What Should We Measure?

Aim

Since 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc all over the world. Early in the course of the pandemic, multiple hepatic manifestations of COVID-19 were noted. We aim to categorize hepatic dysfunction and its outcome in COVID-19 infection.

Methods

This is a review article based on a literature search in PubMed and Medline databases for articles detailing short-term and long-term outcomes of COVID-19 related liver dysfunction.

Results

The most common hepatic manifestation of COVID-19 was aspartate amino transferase (AST) predominant transaminase elevation. Transaminases improve once the COVID-19 infection resolves. In addition, COVID-19 cholangiopathy, autoimmune hepatitis associated COVID-19, and splanchnic venous thrombosis triggered by COVID-19 are other manifestations. Patients with preexisting liver disease, especially those with cirrhosis, have poor prognosis with COVID-19 infections compared to the general population. Elevations in liver tests were associated with severe COVID-19 infections. Patients with chronic liver disease have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 infection. Among patients with chronic liver disease, decompensated liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and alcohol-associated liver disease were associated with an increased risk of severity and mortality from COVID-19 infection. Interactions between antiviral therapy for COVID-19 and hepatitis B/hepatitis C medications must be considered in patients with chronic viral hepatitis and COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 vaccination-related hepatic dysfunction has been reported.

Conclusion

COVID-19 is here to stay. Hepatic dysfunction in COVID-19 signals severe COVID-19 infections. Patients with chronic liver disease have higher mortality from COVID-19 than general population. It is important to remember the lessons learned throughout the covid pandemic to take care of patients with COVID-19 now and in the future. Further studies are needed to document long-term outcomes in patients with COVID-19 who developed hepatic dysfunction.

Role of Biomarkers to Assess the Use of Alcohol

Alcohol-associated liver disease has seen a significant rise in the last 2 decades, with an associated rise in the need for accurate alcohol use assessment. Alcohol use has been associated with poor outcomes in both the pre-liver transplant and post-liver transplant patients. Patients with alcohol use disorder often under-report their alcohol consumption because of varying factors, highlighting the need for objective assessment of alcohol use. Aside from the available self-report questionnaires, multiple serologic biomarkers are currently available to assist clinicians to assess recent alcohol consumption among patients with chronic liver disease, liver transplant candidates, and recipients. In this review, we will assess some of these alcohol biomarkers, discuss their strengths and weakness, and review-available data to discuss their role in pre-liver transplant and post-liver transplant population.

Anticoagulation for the Treatment of Portal Vein Thrombosis in Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies

Background

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) leads to significant morbidity and mortality burden in patients with cirrhosis. An improved understanding of the utility of anticoagulation in patients with PVT will aid clinical decision making and inform future research. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between anticoagulation therapy and clinical outcomes in the context of treatment for PVT in cirrhosis.

Methods

Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from inception to February 13, 2022, for studies comparing the use of anticoagulation to other modalities as treatment for PVT in cirrhosis. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were calculated using a random-effects model for PVT improvement, recanalization, progression, bleeding events, and all-cause mortality in treatment studies.

Results

We identified 944 records, of which 16 studies (n = 1126) examining anticoagulation as PVT treatment were included for subsequent analysis. Anticoagulation as PVT treatment was associated with PVT improvement (OR 3.64; 95% CI 2.56-5.17), PVT recanalization (OR 3.73; 95% CI 2.45-5.68), decreased PVT progression (OR 0.38; 95% CI 0.23-0.63), and decreased all-cause mortality (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.29-0.75). The use of anticoagulation was not associated with bleeding events (OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.39-1.66). All analyses demonstrated low heterogeneity.

Conclusions

These results support the use of anticoagulation in cirrhosis as treatment for PVT. These findings may inform the clinical management of PVT and highlight the need for further studies such as large randomized controlled trials characterizing the safety and efficacy of anticoagulation for PVT in cirrhosis.

V-NeuroStack: Open-source 3D time stack software for identifying patterns in neuronal data

Understanding functional correlations between the activities of neuron populations is vital for the analysis of neuronal networks. Analyzing large-scale neuroimaging data obtained from hundreds of neurons simultaneously poses significant visualization challenges. We developed V-NeuroStack, a novel network visualization tool to visualize data obtained using calcium imaging of spontaneous activity of neurons in a mouse brain slice as well as in vivo using two-photon imaging. V-NeuroStack creates 3D time stacks by stacking 2D time frames for a time-series dataset. It provides a web interface to explore and analyze data using both 3D and 2D visualization techniques. Previous attempts to analyze such data have been limited by the tools available to visualize large numbers of correlated activity traces. V-NeuroStack's 3D view is used to explore patterns in dynamic large-scale correlations between neurons over time. The 2D view is used to examine any timestep of interest in greater detail. Furthermore, a dual-line graph provides the ability to explore the raw and first-derivative values of activity from an individual or a functional cluster of neurons. V-NeuroStack can scale to datasets with at least a few thousand temporal snapshots. It can potentially support future advancements in in vitro and in vivo data capturing techniques to bring forth novel hypotheses by allowing unambiguous visualization of massive patterns in neuronal activity data.

The use of ticagrelor versus clopidogrel in Malaysian patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI): Does the age tertile affect the platelet reactivity?

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Previous studies have shown that the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases is related to the patient's age and gender differences, but the effect of age on platelet function remains controversial. Platelet function should be tested and its efficacy correlates with the age of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using vasodilator-associated stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP). VASP is a gold standard to assess P2Y12 receptor inhibition among patients using ticagrelor or clopidogrel.

Purpose

We sought to compare the effect of ticagrelor versus clopidogrel on the platelet function of patients undergoing PCI and the correlation of age in this effect.

Method

This study was a prospective, randomized, parallel design, an open-label investigation conducted on Malaysian patients undergoing PCI. It included 84 patients (40 patients taking ticagrelor, and 44 patients taking clopidogrel). The induced platelet reactivity was assessed by measuring total whole blood at one standardized time point after 4 hours of loading dose of ticagrelor 180 mg or clopidogrel with 600 mg and by age tertiles.

Result

The study population consisted of 23 (57.5%) patients in Tertile 1 &lt;60 years of age, 11 (27.5%) patients in Tertile 2 between 60-70 years of age and 6 (15.0%) patients in Tertile 3 &gt;70 years of age. The number of patients who used ticagrelor was 17 (38.64%) in Tertile 1, 21 (47.73%) in Tertile 2, and 6 (13.64%) in Tertile 3 of those who used clopidogrel. The results of platelet reactivity index was high in the patients who used clopidogrel compared to the ticagrelor group, which were 52.3% and 2.5 %, P &lt;0.001. This effect in the clopidogrel group included all age groups without exception and at different rates (52.9%, 52.4%, and 50%, P= 0.992), respectively, but this effect was numerical and not statistically significant. In contrast to the ticagrelor group, no numerical or significant effect was observed in all age groups (4.3%, 0.0%, and 0.0%, P= 0.259), respectively (Figure 1). In addition, the results of the current cross-sectional age classification study showed no statistical differences between the clopidogrel and ticagrelor groups based on non high platelet reactivity (NHPR) (P = 0.284, P = 0.270, P = 0.796 respectively) (Figure2).

Conclusion

Our study showed that age could not be considered a risk factor in the Malaysian population, as it did not significantly affect platelet aggregation in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Platelet reactivity index after treatment of clopidogrel versus ticagrelor based on CYP2C19 genotypes among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: results of a randomized study

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Although clopidogrel is the basic drug for antiplatelet therapy in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, loss of function (LOF) allelic variants located within the CYP2C19 gene may reduce the production of clopidogrel active metabolites and weaken the antiplatelet effect, increasing platelet rates reactivity and associated with increased rates of adverse events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Thus, drug regulatory authorities have warned of clopidogrel's reduced efficacy and suggested using alternative treatments (such as ticagrelor). However, in clinical practice, the strategy of genotype-guided selection for antiplatelet therapy has been limited by the lack of access to immediately available results.

Purpose

We sought to evaluate the effect of point-of-care genetic testing for CYP2C19 genotypes on the antiplatelet choice of therapy (i.e., clopidogrel vs ticagrelor), using platelet reactivity index (PRI) as a proxy of clinical outcome

Method

This study was a prospective, randomized, parallel design, an open-label investigation conducted among Malaysian patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) undergoing PCI. Patients underwent rapid point-of-care genetic testing using the nested allele-specific multiplex PCR assay, which defines CYP2C19 genetic status within 3 hours, allowing patients to be genotyped on the same day before PCI. Patients who were carriers of at least one +LOF or -LOF (*2 or *3) allele was randomized to receive either clopidogrel [600mg loading dose (LD) - 75mg/day maintenance dose (MD)] or ticagrelor (180mg LD - 90mg MD). The induced platelet reactivity index (PRI) was assessed by Vasodilator-Associated Stimulated Phosphoprotein (VASP) Assay to whole blood at one standardized time point after 4 hours of LD. All patients were treated with aspirin. The primary endpoint of the study was the non-inferiority in platelet reactivity, measured as PRI, at 4 hours of clopidogrel vs ticagrelor in +LOF or -LOF allele carriers

Result

In 1638 SCAD patients, 94 underwent PCI and were genotyped and randomized to receive either clopidogrel (n=44) or ticagrelor (n=50). A total of 42 (44.68%) were carriers of at least one +LOF. PRI levels at 4 hours for clopidogrel vs ticagrelor 44 and 40, respectively (mean difference = 23.08; 95% CI: 17 to 30; p=&lt;0.001); this will meet the primary endpoint of superiority in a non-inferiority. Ticagrelor significantly reduced PRI more than clopidogrel. The cross-tabulation of the response classification showed that ticagrelor is superior to clopidogrel based on the -LOF and +LOF (P= 0.005 and &lt;0.001, respectively)

Conclusion

A rapid point-of-care genetic test using a nested allele-specific multiplex PCR assay can be used to personalize antiplatelet therapy and provides timely results for patients undergoing PCI. In addition, the results showed that ticagrelor was superior to clopidogrel in the level of platelet inhibition in both groups (+LOF or -LOF)

Socio-economic factors determine maternal and noenatal outcomes in women with peripartum cardiomyopathy: a study of the ESC EORP PPCM registry

Background

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a global disease associated with substantial morbidity and mortality.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to analyse to what extent country- and individual-level socioeconomic factors were associated with maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Methods

In 2011, &gt;100 national and affiliated member cardiac societies of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) were contacted to contribute to a global registry on PPCM, under the auspices of the ESC EORP Programme. Country-level sociodemographic factors were Gini coefficient (GINI), health expenditure (HE) and human developmental index (HDI). Individual-level sociodemographic factors were income and educational attainment. We investigated the characteristics and outcomes of women with PPCM and their babies according to individual and country-specific socioeconomic status.

Results

739 women from 49 countries were enrolled (Europe [33%], Africa [29%], Asia-Pacific [15%], Middle East [22%]). Overall, 142 (19%) of women were from countries with low HDI, 307 (42%) medium HDI and 290 (39%) high HDI. Patients of Black African ethnicity were almost all from low HDI countries (99.3%), Middle Eastern and Asian patients from medium HDI (37.7% and 26.2%), and Caucasian patients were mostly from high HDI (72%, p&lt;0.001). Women from countries with low HDI had lower income and educational attainment. They also underwent fewer Caesarian sections, but breastfed for longer (20 versus 6 months, p&lt;0.001). Low HDI and low GINI were associated with greater LV dilatation at time of diagnosis (p&lt;0.001), but LV ejection fraction (LVEF) did not differ according to HDI, HE or GINI. Countries with low HE prescribed guideline-directed heart failure therapy less frequently. Low HE was associated with more frequent mortality (p&lt;0.002), whereas HDI and GINI were not. Women from countries with low HDI and low HE had significantly less recovery of LV function. Analysis of maternal outcome as per highest level of educational attainment (i.e., primary [n=154], secondary [n=342], tertiary [n=126]), showed significant differences in LVEF at 6 months (43.7+12.9, 46.5+13.0 and 48.9+11.7 respectively, p=0.022). Low maternal income, irrespective of region of origin, was independently associated with poor outcome (composite of maternal death, re-hospitalization, or LV non-recovery). Neonatal death was more prevalent in countries with low HE (p=0.009) and low HDI (p=0.023) but was not influenced by maternal sociodemographic parameters.

Conclusion

Maternal and neonatal outcomes depended on country-specific socioeconomic characteristics, with a greater prevalence of maternal and neonatal deaths in women from countries with low HE. Globally, women with low income and lower levels of educational attainment had poorer outcomes, irrespective of region. Attempts should be made to improve patient education, and allocation of adequate health resources to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes in PPCM.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): 1. EurObservational Research Programme in conjunction with the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology Study Group on Peripartum Cardiomyopathy2. Cape Heart Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

Fast and more affordable CYP2C19 LOF testing to personalized of clopidogrel therapy

Background

Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet drug used to treat coronary artery disease (CAD) to reduce blood clotting by inhibiting platelet activity. However, many patients experience ischemic events due to changes in clopidogrel metabolism attributed to various genetic and non-genetic factors. CYP2C19 is one of the important genes responsible for the metabolism of clopidogrel, but this gene has polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 (CYP), and this CYP2C19 Loss-of-function (LoF) polymorphisms impair clopidogrel metabolism between individuals and races. Therefore, genetic testing is an effective strategy to personalized clopidogrel and reduce the incidence of ischemic events in CAD patients.

Purpose

We sought to develop a nested allele-specific multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for the detection of CYP2C9 LOF alleles.

Method

Genomic DNA was extracted from blood taken from 7 healthy volunteers using a commercial DNA extraction kit. A two-step PCR method was developed. First, DNA was subjected to a first PCR used to amplify exons 4 and 5 simultaneously in a single reaction tube. Second, The products of 1st PCR were then used as a template in the second PCR to detect CYP2C9 polymorphisms alleles (CYP2C19*2 and *3) using allele-specific primers. The test results were validated via sequencing.

Result

We successfully detected clinically important CYP2C19 LOF polymorphisms alleles by the nested allele-specific multiplex PCR method (Figure 1). This method is fast and doesn't require high-quality and expensive laboratory equipment. It was reproducible and specific and can reliably detect CYP2C19 variants. Direct sequencing of target variants has been used to validate this strategy further, and the amplified sequences were 100% identical to the CYP2C9 sequence.

Conclusion

The developed methods were specific to identify polymorphisms in CYP2C19 (rs4244285 and rs4986893). However, to understand ethnic differences and their potential implications for clopidogrel therapy, we highly recommend identifying relevant genetic polymorphisms before clinical manifestations arise.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Evaluation of prognostic risk models for postoperative pulmonary complications in adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: a systematic review and international external validation cohort study

BACKGROUND

Stratifying risk of postoperative pulmonary complications after major abdominal surgery allows clinicians to modify risk through targeted interventions and enhanced monitoring. In this study, we aimed to identify and validate prognostic models against a new consensus definition of postoperative pulmonary complications.

METHODS

We did a systematic review and international external validation cohort study. The systematic review was done in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched MEDLINE and Embase on March 1, 2020, for articles published in English that reported on risk prediction models for postoperative pulmonary complications following abdominal surgery. External validation of existing models was done within a prospective international cohort study of adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing major abdominal surgery. Data were collected between Jan 1, 2019, and April 30, 2019, in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. Discriminative ability and prognostic accuracy summary statistics were compared between models for the 30-day postoperative pulmonary complication rate as defined by the Standardised Endpoints in Perioperative Medicine Core Outcome Measures in Perioperative and Anaesthetic Care (StEP-COMPAC). Model performance was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCC).

FINDINGS

In total, we identified 2903 records from our literature search; of which, 2514 (86·6%) unique records were screened, 121 (4·8%) of 2514 full texts were assessed for eligibility, and 29 unique prognostic models were identified. Nine (31·0%) of 29 models had score development reported only, 19 (65·5%) had undergone internal validation, and only four (13·8%) had been externally validated. Data to validate six eligible models were collected in the international external validation cohort study. Data from 11 591 patients were available, with an overall postoperative pulmonary complication rate of 7·8% (n=903). None of the six models showed good discrimination (defined as AUROCC ≥0·70) for identifying postoperative pulmonary complications, with the Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia score showing the best discrimination (AUROCC 0·700 [95% CI 0·683-0·717]).

INTERPRETATION

In the pre-COVID-19 pandemic data, variability in the risk of pulmonary complications (StEP-COMPAC definition) following major abdominal surgery was poorly described by existing prognostication tools. To improve surgical safety during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery and beyond, novel risk stratification tools are required.

FUNDING

British Journal of Surgery Society.

The burden of Alzheimer’s caregivers and social support in the Tunisian family

Background

Alzheimer is a pathology that concers the patient and his family having a physical, social, economic and psychological impact. Research on family caregivers is still lacking and little is known about caregivers burden and ist associated factors in Tunisia. The aim of this study were to describe caregiver burden among Tunisian family caregivers of patients with alzheimeŕs disease, its associated factors and ist relationship to social support.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 118 family caregivers during three months at the neurology outpatient departments of two university hospitals. Sahloul, Sousse and Taher Sfar, Mahdia. Using the Zarit Burden Interview-22 (ZBI)items and the Medical Outcome Study-Social Support Survey to assess burden and social support among the caregivers.

Results

We included 118 caregivers of patients with Alzheimeŕs disease,with an average age of 45±15 years. Women were more predominant with a sex ratio of 0.57.Half of caregivers were the descent of patients. The Mean years of caregiving was 5±3 years with an average of 13 hours ±3 of care assistance per day. The mean ZBI Score was 38.4±18.5 and 16.1% of caregivers percived a severe burden. The mean ZBI Score was higher in female, retired, lowmsocio economic status and in rural area with a statistically significance difference. We found that caregiver burden and social support were highly correlated (p &lt; 0.001,r=-0.41)indicating that a high level of caregiver burden was asoociated with a less level of social support.

Conclusions

The level of burden in family caregivers who are caring for a patient with alzheimeŕs disease is high. A considerate help and support from helth care and social institutions is required by taking into account the factors that contribute to caregivers burden and considering the importance of social support in alleviating caregiver burden.

Key messages

The level of burden in family caregivers who are caring for a patient with alzheimeŕs disease is high. High level of caregiver burden was asoociated with a less level of social support.

783 Digital Weekend Handover an Effective Documentation

Aim

To assess quality of completion for weekend handover for surgical weekend and to plan and design a Digital handover, the implementation and effect of which is studied.

Method

Data collection from TRAKCARE for documentation completion criteriae including diagnosis, further investigations to chase (e.g., bloods, imaging), discharge plans, escalation and DNAR status identified.

First cycle collected in August 2020 for pre-implementation status and standard. Second cycle was collected after implementation and raising awareness about new system in October 2020.

Exclusion criteria: patients discharged prior to weekend

Results

32 (10f 22m) and 22 (9 f 13m) patients were studied in first and second cycle with a respective median length stay of 243 hours and 161.5 hours. Handover entries had improved from 40.6% completion rate to 77.3% these included a diagnosis and management plan. Required blood investigation plans were recorded in 54.5% patients (previously 9.4%). Escalation plans including DNACPR and ceiling of care were improved from 25% to 31%.

Conclusions

Digital Medical recording left a gap in documentation for weekend ward rounds when personnels are thinned and busy. To optimize clinical care, the use of a E weekend handover has improved documentation greatly. Future Ongoing project includes improving escalation plans further.

Long-term stability of basilar mandible osteotomy: Chin Wing

The Chin Wing is a modified genioplasty extended along the basilar border and the angles of the mandible. This technique may be a better choice than standard genioplasty for correction of lip incompetence, retrogenia and high angle position associated with hyperdivergent cases. Our objective was to analyse the overall movement realized during surgery and the long-term stability of this procedure. Ten patients underwent a Chin Wing surgery from June 2018 to August 2019. All patients were operated on by the same surgeon. We performed a preoperative (PO), an immediate postoperative (POI), and an over 6 months postoperative (PO6) Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) for every patient. 3D reconstructions were performed for each CBCT with Proplan software. We were thus able to determine by subtractions acquired and resorbed bone volume. Some section plans were chosen in order to perform 2D measurements. The CBCT volume comparisons reveal a gain of 7.6cc between the PO and the POI, for a bone resorption of 2.5cc between POI and PO6 (33% of the volume gained). In 2D evaluation, we observe an average resorption of 1.7 mm corresponding to approximately 20% of the height gained, at the level of the mandibular angle. Given the low bone resorption we can consider Chin Wing stable over time. The important quantity of mobilized bone and the basilar rotational movement may explain over-standing aesthetic and functional outcome, compared to classical genioplasty.

Cardiovascular risk factors of Alzheimer's disease and other neurocognitive disorders in Malaysia

INTRODUCTION

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) have been increasingly implicated in the development of dementia but little is known about the effects in a Malaysian population. We aimed to determine the interaction between sociodemographic and CVD risk factors among the dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients in Malaysia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the memory clinic at Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL). Medical records data from 2014 to 2019 were extracted. Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) test was used to assess the neurocognitive function of patients.

RESULTS

A total of 298 patients (30 MCI, and 268 dementia) were evaluated, with dementia patients consisting of 78 Alzheimer's disease (AD), 93 Vascular dementia (VaD), 94 Mixed dementia, 2 early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD) and 1 Logopenic Progressive Aphasia type of AD (LPA). MCI and dementia were significantly associated with a history of CVD, particularly stroke (p=0.023).

CONCLUSION

Given that stroke significantly predicted the risk of developing vascular dementia among the patients in a central Malaysian population, lifestyle modifications are recommended to alleviate these risk factors of CVD.

Transition to online teaching and learning for clerkship activities during COVID-19 in Malaysia

Prior-to the COVID-19 outbreak, undergraduate PharmCare II Clerkship activities consisted of two phases. The first phase requires pharmacy students to clerk infectious disease and endocrine-related cases of patients admitted into wards at a teaching hospital, whilst in the second phase, the students are required to present the clerked cases in front of their group members with a thorough assessment by lecturers at Universiti Sains Malaysia. Due to sudden outbreak of COVID-19, presentations at hospitals and face-to-face learning were no longer feasible; therefore an online methodology was executed. Each student was assigned a real completed case clerked by a previous Master’s in Clinical Pharmacy graduate. The students then critically evaluated any pharmaceutical care issues (PCIs) in each of the cases, recorded a video presentation for assessment by the lecturers and discussed each case with other group members in a synchronous online session via web-conferencing software.

A survey on smartphone dependence and psychological effects among undergraduate students in a Malaysian University

OBJECTIVE

Problematic smartphone use (PSU) is the development of pathological dependence at the expense of performing activities of daily living, thus having negative health and psychological impact on the users. Previous PSU studies focused on medical students and little is known regarding its effect on students undergoing other courses. The objective of this study is to identify the pattern of smartphone usage and determine the psychological factors affecting PSU among undergraduate students in Malaysia and compare the pattern among students from different fields of study.

METHOD

A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted using the validated Smartphone Addiction Scale-Malay version (SAS-M) questionnaire. One-way ANOVA was used to determine the correlation between the PSU among the students categorised by their ethnicity, hand dominance and by their field of study. MLR analysis was applied to predict PSU based on socio-demographic data, usage patterns, psychological factors and fields of study.

RESULTS

A total of 1060 students completed the questionnaire. Most students had some degree of problematic usage of the smartphone. Students used smartphones predominantly to access SNAs, namely Instagram. Longer duration on the smartphone per day, younger age at first using a smartphone and underlying depression carried higher risk of developing PSU, whereas the field of study (science vs. humanities based) did not contribute to an increased risk of developing PSU.

CONCLUSION

Findings from this study can help better inform university administrators about at- risk groups of undergraduate students who may benefit from targeted intervention designed to reduce their addictive behaviour patterns.

Perioperative intravenous contrast administration and the incidence of acute kidney injury after major gastrointestinal surgery: prospective, multicentre cohort study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the impact of preoperative exposure to intravenous contrast for CT and the risk of developing postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery.

METHODS

This prospective, multicentre cohort study included adults undergoing gastrointestinal resection, stoma reversal or liver resection. Both elective and emergency procedures were included. Preoperative exposure to intravenous contrast was defined as exposure to contrast administered for the purposes of CT up to 7 days before surgery. The primary endpoint was the rate of AKI within 7 days. Propensity score-matched models were adjusted for patient, disease and operative variables. In a sensitivity analysis, a propensity score-matched model explored the association between preoperative exposure to contrast and AKI in the first 48 h after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 5378 patients were included across 173 centres. Overall, 1249 patients (23·2 per cent) received intravenous contrast. The overall rate of AKI within 7 days of surgery was 13·4 per cent (718 of 5378). In the propensity score-matched model, preoperative exposure to contrast was not associated with AKI within 7 days (odds ratio (OR) 0·95, 95 per cent c.i. 0·73 to 1·21; P = 0·669). The sensitivity analysis showed no association between preoperative contrast administration and AKI within 48 h after operation (OR 1·09, 0·84 to 1·41; P = 0·498).

CONCLUSION

There was no association between preoperative intravenous contrast administered for CT up to 7 days before surgery and postoperative AKI. Risk of contrast-induced nephropathy should not be used as a reason to avoid contrast-enhanced CT.

P3839Hypertension or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy? Using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging to unmask the great imitator

Background

Structural cardiac adaptations due to hypertension (HTN) present a diagnostic challenge when differentiating from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), using traditional imaging techniques such as echocardiography (echo). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) offers reproducible anatomical, functional quantification and myocardial tissue characterisation which discriminates between hypertension and HCM.

Purpose

To identify hypertensive individuals with undiagnosed HCM using CMR imaging.

Methods

100 consecutive hypertensive patients underwent CMR at a tertiary centre dedicated blood pressure clinic (55% male, mean age 51 years). In keeping with ESC guidelines, end diastolic wall thickness (EDWT) ≥15mm identified individuals within the “grey zone” between hypertension and with a potential HCM diagnosis. 19 individuals were referred on to the dedicated inherited cardiac conditions clinic for further evaluation. Four patients expressed a definitive LV phenotype and were diagnosed with HCM. CMR parameters were compared in three groups: Hypertensive (HTN), “grey zone” Hypertensive (GZH) and HCM.

Results

CMR demonstrated end diastolic wall thickness (EDWT) >11 mm in 50% of hypertensives. 73% of the referred patients were Afro-Caribbean (AC) and all 4 HCM patients were AC. All referrals demonstrated EDWTs ≥14mm, 9 (47%) demonstrated late gadolinium enhancement of which 3 (16%) had HCM. Three had asymmetrical septal hypertrophy – 2 were in the HCM cohort and one underwent endomyocardial biopsy confirming HTN. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was significantly higher in GZH compared to HTN (p<0.0001) and in HCM compared to HTN (p=0.0004). EDWT was significantly greater in GZH compared to HTN (p<0.0001) and in HCM compared to HTN (p=0.0002). There was no significant difference in these parameters between GZH and HCM.

Table 1. P-values for CMR data in hypertensive (HTN), gray zone hypertensive (GZH) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) cohorts CMR Parameter HCM vs. HTN GZH vs. HTN GZH vs. HCM EDVI NS p=0.025 NS EDWT p=0.0002 p<0.0001 NS LVMI p=0.0004 p<0.0001 NS

Conclusion

This study reports a 4% prevalence of HCM among hypertensive patients - 20 x greater than in the general population - which would be left undiagnosed using echo alone. Screening hypertensive individuals with CMR is not routine but we advocate its use in these individuals especially in Afro Caribbeans and in those in the “grey zone”, to identify undiagnosed HCM, which has significant implications for lifestyle modification and family screening.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Cardiac Risk in the Young

The intermediate length BSSO: Finding the balance between the classical and short designs

Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy (BSSO) is performed in orthognathic surgery to treat cases of dento-skeletal malformation. We present a shorter BSSO variant that allows for the realization of all orthognathic movements. This line respects the basilar rim and allows to modify the position of the mandibular angles. The splitting is more natural, separating the mandible into two anatomical subunits: the rising branch and the horizontal branch. This variant layout may also be associated with Chin Wing genioplasty.

Screening for gestational diabetes in the Lombardy region: A population-based study

AIM

As the treatment of hyperglycaemia during pregnancy with diet or insulin reduces the risk of adverse maternal outcomes and perinatal complications, screening for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is included, albeit to variable extents, in all guidelines of care for pregnant women. The aim of the present investigation was to estimate the proportion of pregnancies screened for GDM in Lombardy between 2007 and 2010, and to identify predictors of screening.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional study using regional healthcare utilization databases of Lombardy was conducted. The study included all residents of Lombardy without pregestational diabetes who delivered between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2010. The proportion of pregnancies with at least one screening test for GDM was calculated, along with the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals associated with selected covariates for GDM screening.

RESULTS

Of the 362,818 pregnancies included in the sample, 30% were screened for GDM. The proportion of pregnancies screened increased slightly from 2007 (27%) to 2010 (33%) and with maternal age (from 28% among women<25 years to 32% among those ≥35 years), and varied widely across local health management organizations (HMOs) of residence (range: 20% to 68%). Socioeconomic indicators (education, immigrant status), obstetric history and prepregnancy hypertension were independent predictors of GDM screening.

CONCLUSION

The study finding of a low rate of pregnant women screened for GDM among residents of Lombardy supports the need for programmes to improve training of healthcare professionals, to raise women's awareness of GDM and to eliminate barriers to GDM screening.

Breath metabolomic profiling by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in asthma

BACKGROUND

Metabolomic profiling of exhaled breath condensate offers opportunities for the development of noninvasive diagnostics in asthma. We aimed to determine and validate discriminatory metabolomic profiles in adult asthma and to explore profiles in clinically relevant disease phenotypes.

METHODS

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to analyse breath condensate samples from 82 subjects with asthma and 35 healthy volunteers. Multivariate modelling was performed on a 'training set' (70% of the total sample) in order to produce a discriminatory model classifying asthmatics from healthy controls, and the model tested in the remaining subjects. Secondary analyses were performed to determine the models for the identification of asthmatic subgroups based on sputum eosinophilia, neutrophilia, asthma control and inhaled corticosteroid use.

RESULTS

A classification model consisting of five discriminating spectral regions was derived using data from the training set with an area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) of 0.84. In the test set (the remaining 30% of subjects), the AUROC was 0.91, thus providing external validation for the model. The success of the technique for classifying asthma phenotypes was variable, with AUROC for: sputum eosinophilia (3% cut-off) 0.69; neutrophilia (65% cut-off) 0.88; asthma control (cut-off Asthma Control Questionnaire score of 1) 0.63; and inhaled corticosteroid use 0.89.

CONCLUSION

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of breath condensate successfully differentiates asthmatics from healthy subjects. With identification of the discriminatory compounds, this technique has the potential to provide novel diagnostics and identify novel pathophysiological mechanisms, biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

The Pituitary and Prostate: An Endocrine Connection

A 61 year old gentleman presented with polyuria and polydipsia in the absence of diabetes mellitus. This case presentation highlights the diagnostic challenges and surprises in the evaluation of polyuria and polydipsia.

Contributions of different mosquito species to the transmission of lymphatic filariasis in central Nigeria: implications for monitoring infection by PCR in mosquito pools

Background

Members of the Anopheles gambiae complex are important vectors of lymphatic filariasis (LF) in sub-Saharan Africa, but little is known about the relative contributions of all mosquitoes to lymphatic filariasis transmission in this area.

Methods

Over a 28 month period, mosquitoes were collected from 13 villages in Plateau and Nasarawa states in central Nigeria and dissected to determine W. bancrofti infection status. Wings and legs from a subset of the mosquitoes visually identified as A. gambiae s.l. were identified by PCR as either A. gambiae s.s. or A. arabiensis.

Results

A. gambiae s.s peaked in abundance during the rainy season while A. arabiensis predominated during drier parts of the year. Both species were found equally likely to be infected with the developing stages (L₁-L₃) of W. bancrofti (9.2% and 11.1%, respectively). Fewer A. funestus (1.1%, p < 0.001) were infected than A. gambiae s.l.

Conclusion

Understanding the relative contributions of morphologically indistinguishable species to LF transmission is essential if PCR is to be performed on mosquito pools. In the study area, the use of mosquito pools composed of A. gambiae sibling species would not be problematic, as both A. gambiae s.s. and A. arabiensis contribute equally to LF transmission.

Significant decrease in the prevalence of Wuchereria bancrofti infection in anopheline mosquitoes following the addition of albendazole to annual, ivermectin-based, mass treatments in Nigeria

A prospective entomological survey was conducted in four sentinel villages in central Nigeria from 1999-2002, to assess the impact of annual, single-dose, mass drug administrations (MDA), with a combination of ivermectin and albendazole, on the transmission of Wuchereria bancrofti. As they were also endemic for human onchocerciasis, the four villages had received annual MDA based on ivermectin alone for 7 years prior to the addition of albendazole. Resting Anophelines gambiae s. l., An. funestus and Culex species were collected from 92 sequentially sampled households and dissected. Mosquitoes harbouring any larval stage of W. bancrofti were classified as 'infected', and those containing the third-stage larvae of the parasite were classified as 'infective'. Over the 41-month observation period, 4407 mosquitoes were captured and dissected, of which 64% were An. gambiae s. l., 34% An. funestus, and 1% Culex species. The baseline data, from dissections performed before the addition of albendazole to the MDA, showed high prevalences of mosquito infection (8.9%) and infectivity (2.9%), despite apparently good treatment coverages during the years of annual ivermectin monotherapy. Only the anopheline mosquitoes were found to harbour W. bancrofti larvae. After the third round of MDA with the ivermectin-albendazole combination, statistically significant decreases in the prevalences of mosquito infection (down to 0.6%) and infectivity (down to 0.4%) were observed (P<0.0001 for each). The combination of albendazole and ivermectin appears to be superior to ivermectin alone for reducing the frequency of W. bancrofti infection in mosquitoes.