A National Referral Service for Paediatric Brachytherapy: An Evolving Practice and Outcomes Over 13 Years

AIMS

Most children requiring radiotherapy receive external beam treatment and few have tumours suitable for brachytherapy. No paediatric radiotherapy centre will treat enough patients from its own normal catchment population for expertise in brachytherapy to be developed and sustained. Following discussion and agreement in the national paediatric radiotherapy group, a service for paediatric brachytherapy in the UK has been developed. We report the process that has evolved over more than 10 years, with survival and functional outcome results.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Since 2009, potential patients have been referred to the central paediatric oncology multidisciplinary team meeting, where imaging, pathology and treatment options are discussed. Since 2013, the National Soft Tissue Sarcoma Advisory Panel has also reviewed most patients, with the principal aim of advising on the most suitable primary tumour management for complex patients. Clinical assessment and examination under anaesthetic with biopsies may be undertaken to confirm the appropriateness of brachytherapy, either alone or following conservative surgery. Fractionated high dose rate brachytherapy was delivered to a computed tomography planned volume after implantation of catheters under ultrasound imaging guidance. Since 2019, follow-up has been in a dedicated multidisciplinary clinic.

RESULTS

From 2009 to 2021 inclusive, 35 patients (16 female, 19 male, aged 8 months to 17 years 6 months) have been treated. Histology was soft-tissue sarcoma in 33 patients and carcinoma in two. The treated site was pelvic in 31 patients and head and neck in four. With a median follow-up of 5 years, the local control and overall survival rates are 100%. Complications have been few, and functional outcome is good.

CONCLUSION

Brachytherapy is effective for selected paediatric patients, resulting in excellent tumour control and good functional results. It is feasible to deliver paediatric brachytherapy at a single centre within a national referral service.

Can Anti-Müllerian Hormone levels predict future pregnancy outcomes in recurrent pregnancy loss?

OBJECTIVE

Serum Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels have been shown to be lower among women who have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) compared with the general population. However, it is unclear whether it can predict livebirth. This study aims to determine whether AMH can predict the likelihood of a livebirth in women with RPL.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective analysis of a consecutive cohort of women undergoing investigation for RPL in a tertiary referral centre over a seven year period (August 2014 -December 2021). Analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, chi-square models and logistic regression models adjusting for maternal age and previous livebirth. Exclusion criteria for the regression analysis included abnormal parental karyotype and abnormal pelvic ultrasound scan. Pregnancy outcome was defined as livebirth or further pregnancy loss.

RESULTS

There were 488 women who underwent investigation of RPL during the study period. Of these, 65.2% (n = 318) conceived following attendance at the clinic. The majority of these women (69.4%, n = 221) proceeded to have a livebirth. There were no differences in median AMH levels between the livebirth group and the further pregnancy loss group (11 pmol/L vs 9 pmol/L respectively (p = 0.083). AMH did not affect clinical pregnancy rates (p = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.99 [0.98, 1.01]) or pregnancy outcome (p = 0.30, 95% CI = 1.01 [0.99, 1.04]). Abnormal pelvic ultrasonography (p = 0.04) and an abnormal parental karyotype (p = 0.04) were associated with an increased likelihood of a subsequent pregnancy loss.

CONCLUSION

Although AMH levels may have some utility in counselling of some couples with RPL, these contemporaneous data indicate that low AMH does not negatively influence subsequent pregnancy outcome in women with recurrent pregnancy loss.

'Nesting networks': Women's experiences of social network support in high-risk pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

Social support, an individual's social relationships (both online and offline), may provide protection against adverse mental health outcomes, such as anxiety and depression, which are high in women who have been hospitalised with high-risk pregnancy. This study explored the social support available to women at higher risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy by examining personal social networks.

DESIGN

Semi-structured interviews were accompanied by social network mapping using the web-based social networking tool GENIE.

SETTING

England.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-one women were recruited, of whom 18 were interviewed both during pregnancy and postnatally between April 2019 and April 2020. Nineteen women completed maps pre-natally, 17 women completed maps pre-natally and post-natally. Women were taking part in the BUMP study, a randomised clinical trial that included 2441 pregnant individuals at higher risk of preeclampsia and recruited at a mean of 20 weeks' gestation from 15 hospital maternity units in England between November 2018 and October 2019.

RESULTS

Women's social networks tightened during pregnancy. The inner network changed most dramatically postnatally with women reporting fewer network members. Interviews revealed networks were primarily 'real-life' rather than online social networks, with members providing emotional, informational, and practical support. Women with a high-risk pregnancy valued the relationships they developed with health professionals during pregnancy, and would like their midwife to have a more central role in their networks by providing informational and, where needed, emotional support. The social network mapping data supported the qualitative accounts of changing networks across high-risk pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Women with a high-risk pregnancy seek to build "nesting networks" to support them through pregnancy into motherhood. Different types of support are sought from trusted sources. Midwives can play a key role.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

As well as highlighting other potential needs during pregnancy and the ways in which they can be met, support from midwives has a key role. Through talking to women early in their pregnancy, signposting information and explaining ways to contact health professionals regarding informational or emotional support would fill a gap that currently is met by other aspects of their network.

Pre-frontal stimulation does not reliably increase reward responsiveness

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and its effects can be fatal, with over 800,000 people dying by suicide each year. Neuromodulatory treatments such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are being used to treat depression. Despite its endorsement by two regulatory bodies: NICE (2016) and the FDA (2008), there are major questions about the treatment efficacy and biological mechanisms of TMS. Ahn et al.'s (2013) justified the use of TMS in a clinical context in an important study indicating that excitatory TMS increases reward responsiveness. A pseudo-replication of this study by Duprat et al., (2016) also found a similar effect of active TMS, but only with the addition of an exploratory covariate to the analyses-trait reward responsiveness. Here we replicate Ahn et al.'s (2013) key study, and to test the reliability of the effects, and their dependency on trait reward responsiveness as described by Duprat et al., (2016). Using excitatory and sham TMS, we tested volunteers using the probabilistic learning task to measure their reward responsiveness both before and after stimulation. We also examined affect (positive, negative) following stimulation. Irrespective of TMS, the task was shown to be sensitive to reward responsiveness. However, we did not show TMS to be effective in increasing reward responsiveness and we did not replicate Ahn et al., (2013) or Duprat et al., (2016)'s key findings for TMS efficacy, where we provide evidence favouring the null. Moreover, exploratory analyses suggested following active stimulation, positive affect was reduced. Given our findings, we question the basic effects, which support the use of TMS for depression, particularly considering potential deleterious effects of reduced positive affect in patients with depression.

242 The Importance of Frailty Assessment as a Mortality Indicator and Surgical Decision-Making Tool

Background

Frailty is a multidimensional syndrome, which can lead to poorer health outcome. Frailty score is a proven reliable indicator of post-operative morbidity and mortality; however, its application in clinical practice is limited.

Aim

The study aimed to assess the association between frailty marker and one- year mortality rate and explore its impact in clinical decision making in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Method

Consecutive patients with abdominal, thoracic, and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms presented at dedicated aortic clinic between July 2019 and April 2020 were included. Markers for frailty and sarcopenia using Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale, SARC-F questionnaire, morphometric analysis for sarcopenia, one-year mortality and fitness were recorded. Multi-disciplinary team (MDT) was blinded to frailty and sarcopenia data; surgical decisions made by MDT were recorded separately.

Results

We assessed 83 patients (median age 75 [72,82], 85% male; median aneurysm diameter 6cm [5.8,7.0]. Sixteen patients were deemed frail, five patients had sarcopenia and thirty-one patients had myopenia. Seventeen patients were deemed not fit for surgery; 41% of these were frail compared with 14% out of those who were deemed fit. The odds ratio of being frail and unfit for surgery was 4.33 (95% CI 1.27–14.82, p = 0.010). Frailty was significantly associated with one-year mortality irrespective of fitness for surgery, sarcopenia and myopenia (OR 10.28, 95%CI 1.82–57.93, p = 0.009). SARC-F and myopenia was not associated with one-year mortality at (OR 1.66, 95%CI 0.03–19.25, p = 0.523) and (OR 0.59, 95%CI 0.09–2.85, p = 0.514), respectively.

Conclusions

Frailty score was associated with both one-year mortality and fitness for surgery decision made by MDT.

233 A Closed-Loop Audit Assessing the Compliance of General Surgery Department in Completing Treatment Escalation Plan (TEP)

Aim

In the event of clinical deterioration, a treatment escalation plan describes individualized interventions that would be appropriate for a patient. Likewise, it allows clear communication amongst staff members and the patient about the limits of treatment. This audit aimed to evaluate the compliance of the General Surgery department during the pandemic.

Method

A closed-loop audit was conducted by looking at notes of General Surgery patients retrospectively and identifying those who’s had their treatment escalation plan form filled out during their admission. Data were collated, analysed, and presented in our local audit meeting. Thereafter, we disseminated the results to the department and modified our admission clerking proforma to ensure this is done. Afterwards, a re-audit was done to assess the improvement of compliance.

Results

A total of 24 patients were included. Before the modification of the clerking proforma, only 21% of TEP were completed. After the added changes, 36% of admitted patients had their form completed.

Conclusions

Our department was generally doing poorly with regards to ensuring our patients had TEP forms completed. Even though we generally have young, fit and well patients, according to our trust guidelines, all patients are meant to have their forms filled out. This ensures clear communication among staff and proper allocation of resources if there will be any shortages in the services that could be provided. By shining light on this topic, our department had been more compliant and proactive with ensuring that patients, especially the elderly, had a TEP form filled out.

Association of SARC-F Score and Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale with CT-Derived Muscle Mass in Patients with Aortic Aneurysms

OBJECTIVES

Patients with aortic aneurysms (AA) are often co-morbid and susceptible to frailty. Low core muscle mass has been used as a surrogate marker of sarcopenia and indicator of frailty. This study aimed to assess association between core muscle mass with sarcopenia screening tool SARC-F and Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) in patients with AA.

METHODS

Prospective audit of patients in pre-operative aortic clinic between 01/07/2019-31/01/2020 including frailty assessment using Rockwood CFS and sarcopenia screening using SARC-F questionnaire. Psoas and sartorius muscle area were measured on pre-operative CT scans and adjusted for height. Association was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

Of 84 patients assessed, median age was 75 years [72,82], 84.5% were men, 65.5% were multimorbid and 63.1% had polypharmacy. Nineteen percent were identified as frail (CFS score >3) and 6.1% positively screened for sarcopenia (SARC-F score 4 or more). Median psoas area (PMA) at L3 was 5.6cm2/m2 [4.8,6.6] and L4 was 7.4cm2/m2 [6.3,8.6]. Median sartorius area (SMA) was 1.8 cm2/m2 [1.5,2.2]. CFS demonstrated weak but statistically significant negative correlation with height-adjusted PMA at L3 (r=-0.25, p=0.034) but not at L4 (r=-0.23, p=0.051) or with SMA (r=-0.22, p=0.065). No association was observed between SARC-F score and PMA or SMA (L3 PMA r=-0.015, p=0.9; L4 PMA r=-0.0014, p= 0.99; SMA r=-0.051, p=0.67).

CONCLUSION

CFS showed higher association with CT-derived muscle mass than SARC-F. Comprehensive pre-operative risk-stratification tools which incorporate frailty assessment and body composition analysis may assist in decision making for surgery and allow opportunity for pre-habilitation.

O-073 Perinatal outcomes of infants conceived using partner versus donor sperm - An analysis of singleton and twin pregnancies from the UK national dataset

Study question

Are perinatal outcomes different in pregnancies conceived using donor sperm compared with those with partner sperm?

Summary answer

The perinatal outcomes of singleton and twin pregnancies conceived with donor sperm are better when compared to those conceived with partner sperm

What is known already

There has been a substantial increase in the use of donor sperm in the last 15 years across the world. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis has suggested that there is an increased risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and small for gestational age babies from ART treatment using donor sperm compared to partner`s sperm. This meta-analysis was limited due to poor quality of primary studies often with small sample sizes.

Study design, size, duration

This is a retrospective cohort study on 196,293 singleton and 46,275 twin pregnancies from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) anonymised dataset including all live births from 1991 to 2016. Outcomes were preterm birth ( < 37 weeks); very preterm birth ( < 32 weeks); very low, low, high and very high birth weight ( < 1500g, < 2500g, >4000g and >4500g respectively); congenital anomaly and healthy baby (term live birth with appropriate weight and no congenital anomaly).

Participants/materials, setting, methods

All pregnancies resulting in singleton or twin livebirth were included. Any cycle involving donor oocytes, PGD, gamete intra-fallopian transfer, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, or termination was excluded. Logistic regression and generalised estimating equations were used for analysis of singletons and twins, respectively. Odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for donor versus partner sperm were adjusted for maternal age, previous pregnancy, cause of infertility and year for all outcomes plus gestational age for birthweight.

Main results and the role of chance

Baseline characteristics for donor and partner sperm pregnancies were assessed for singleton and twin livebirths separately. In both analyses there were significant differences between donor and partner sperm pregnancies in terms of maternal age, previous pregnancy status and cause of infertility.

Analysis of singleton births demonstrated an increased odds (aOR, 95% CI) of having a healthy baby (1.09, 1.05 - 1.12) and reduced odds of congenital anomaly (0.34, 0.29 - 0.39), very preterm birth (0.66, 0.58-0.75), preterm birth (0.81, 0.76-0.86), low birthweight 0.89 (0.83 - 0.96) in singleton births using donor sperm compared with those using partner sperm. There was, however, an increased odds of high birthweight (1.10, 1.05 - 1.16) and very high birthweight (1.16, 1.05-1.29) with donor sperm pregnancies.

Analysis of twin births conceived with donor sperm also showed higher odds of having a healthy baby (1.07, 1.01 - 1.15) and lower odds of congenital anomaly (0.52, 0.39 - 0.68) compared with partner sperm. There were no statistically significant differences between the birthweight or birth gestation outcomes for twin pregnancies.

Sensitivity analysis of only cases with complete outcome data showed no significant differences when compared to the primary analysis.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This is a retrospective study of a single nation’s routinely collected data. We could not adjust for confounders such as smoking, BMI and pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia, as they are not recorded in HFEA’s dataset.

Wider implications of the findings

Patients and clinicians can be reassured that donor sperm pregnancies are not at higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. In fact, they are more likely to result in a healthy baby. Worldwide registries should consider including maternal data to enable a better assessment of outcomes.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

P–775 Obstetric and perinatal outcomes of singleton pregnancies after blastocyst-stage embryo transfer: a systematic review and cumulative meta-analysis

Study question

Are obstetric/perinatal outcomes different in singleton pregnancies following blastocyst-stage embryo transfer when compared to cleavage-stage embryo transfer and have results changed over time?

Summary answer

Pregnancies following blastocyst are consistently associated with higher risk of large for gestational age and lower risk of small for gestational age babies

What is known already

Extended embryo culture to blastocyst-stage is widely used to select best embryos in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles to improve pregnancy rates. Transfer of blastocyst-stage embryos is increasing with this being the default strategy in most clinics. As blastocysts are kept in culture until day 5, 6 or 7 after oocyte fertilisation, there are suggestions that longer exposure to culture media may have a negative impact on pregnancy outcomes. More recent primary studies have challenged some of the initial findings. We therefore conducted an updated systematic review and cumulative meta-analysis (CMA) to examine if these results have changed over time.

Study design, size, duration

Systematic review of studies published between 1980 and 2020, followed by aggregated meta-analysis and CMA to track the accumulation of evidence over the period of time. Exposed group: singleton pregnancies following blastocyst transfer. Non-exposed group: singleton pregnancies following cleavage-stage transfer. Sub-group analyses were conducted on fresh and frozen-thawed embryo transfers. Perinatal (categories of preterm birth and birth weight) and obstetric outcomes (hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, c-section, placental anomalies) were compared between the groups.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Medline, EMBASE, CINHAL, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform databases were searched. Relevant journals were searched for advance access publications. Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklists were used to assess study quality. Two independent reviewers extracted data in 2 × 2 tables. Aggregated and CMA were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.

Main results and the role of chance

A total of 33 observational studies were included (n = 574,756 singleton pregnancies). Pregnancies following blastocyst-stage embryo transfer are associated with a higher risk of preterm birth (PTB) (RR 1.09; 95% CI 1.01–1.17), very preterm birth (VPTB) (RR 1.15; 95% CI 1.07–1.24), large for gestational age (LGA) babies (RR 1.13; 95% CI 1.08–1.19), c-section (RR 1.05; 95% CI 1.02–1.09), and with a lower risk of small for gestational age (SGA) babies (RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.81–0.93) as compared to singleton pregnancies following cleavage-stage embryo transfer.

These findings were maintained in both fresh and frozen-thawed sub-groups for LGA and SGA. PTB was not significantly different in both sub-group analyses. The risk of VPTB was higher after blastocyst-stage embryo transfer only in the sub-group analysis of fresh embryo transfers (RR 1.17; 95% CI 1.09–1.27) and that of c-section only in the frozen-thawed sub-group (RR 1.08; 95% CI 1.04–1.12).

No other statistically significant differences for the other outcomes were noted.

The CMA suggests that for SGA and LGA subsequent studies have increased the precision of the point estimate with no change in the direction or magnitude of the treatment effect since 2014.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This analysis was constrained by the intrinsic limitations of observational studies with some of them receiving a CASP score < 10. Adjustment for confounders was not possible and a high degree of clinical and statistical heterogeneity was noted among studies.

Wider implications of the findings: Blastocyst is associated with a higher risk of LGA and a lower risk of SGA with a stable body of evidence since 2014. We may need to revisit the default position of extending embryo culture and individualise care, until further high-quality data from individual-patient-data of large registries are available.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

POS1449 SEGMENTED SHORT-FORMAT ONLINE EDUCATION SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASES PREDICTION, PROGNOSIS, AND MANAGEMENT OF FIBROSING INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE ASSOCIATED WITH CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASE

Background:

Identifying fibrosing interstitial lung disease (ILD) at the earliest opportunity remains one of the most urgent challenges for the effective management of this potentially rapidly progressive and burdensome condition, which is frequently associated with several connective tissue diseases (CTDs). However, knowledge on how to identify early hallmarks and predictors of fibrosing ILD, as well as knowing which steps to take next is frequently lacking in clinical practice.

Objectives:

This study was conducted to determine whether online independent medical education could improve rheumatologists’ and pulmonologists’ knowledge and competence in identifying and managing progressive fibrosing ILDs earlier in the disease course.

Methods:

Rheumatologists and pulmonologists participated in five ~10-min presentations about the early identification of fibrosing ILD in patients with or without CTDs and completed all pre- and post-questions.1 The effects of the education on knowledge and competence were assessed using a 3-question, repeated pairs, pre-assessment/post-assessment study design. For all questions combined, the chi-square test assessed differences from pre- to post-assessment. P values <.05 are statistically significant. The activity launched on October 9, 2020, and data were collected through December 18, 2020.

Results:

Overall significant improvements were seen after participation for both rheumatologists (average correct response rate of 28% at pre-assessment vs 74% at post-assessment; P<.001, representing a 165% relative percentage change [RPC]; N=39), and pulmonologists (average correct response rate of 39% at pre-assessment vs 67% at post-assessment; P<.001, representing a 72% RPC; N=102). Specifically, significant improvements were observed in clinicians’ knowledge of predictors of fibrosing ILD in patients with CTD, as well as competence in selecting the right HRCT parameters to assess prognosis and select a treatment approach to reduce the risk of disease progression (Figure 1).

Figure 1.

After participating in the activity, 59% of rheumatologists and 50% of pulmonologists had measurable improved confidence related to identifying early disease progression in patients with progressive fibrosing ILDs.

Given the very low rates of correct responses at baseline regarding predictors of fibrosing ILD and assessing prognosis, it will be important to continue to reinforce these learnings in ongoing educational programs.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates the success of segmented online education in improving rheumatologists’ and pulmonologists’ knowledge and competence in evaluating risk and prognosis of fibrosing ILD and managing patients with CTD-ILDs. This could lead to earlier changes in therapeutic approach for those with signs of progression and result in improved overall outcomes for these patients.

References:

[1]Kolb M, Maher T, Smith V, Jacob J, Rimekasten G. Catching and Managing Progressive Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Disease Progression Earlier. Launched: Oct 9, 2020. Data as of Dec 18, 2020. Available at www.medscape.org/viewarticle/938826

Disclosure of Interests:

Christy Rohani-Montez: None declared, Marinella Calle: None declared, Chris Allen: None declared, Toby Maher Speakers bureau: Astra Zeneca, Bayer, Blade Therapeutics, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Galapagos, Galecto, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Indalo, IQVIA, Pliant, Respivant, Roche and Theravance, Consultant of: Astra Zeneca, Bayer, Blade Therapeutics, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Galapagos, Galecto, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Indalo, IQVIA, Pliant, Respivant, Roche and Theravance, Grant/research support from: Astra Zeneca and GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Vanessa Smith Speakers bureau: Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharma GmbH&Co and Janssen-Cilag NV, Consultant of: Boehringer-Ingelheim Pharma GmbH&Co, Grant/research support from: Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO), Belgian Fund for Scientific Research in Rheumatic diseases (FWRO), Boehringer-Ingelheim, Pharma GmbH&Co, and Janssen-Cilag NV, Joseph Jacob Speakers bureau: Boehringer-Ingelheim; Roche, Consultant of: Boehringer-Ingelheim, Grant/research support from: GlaxoSmithKline, Gabriela Riemekasten Speakers bureau: AbbVie; Actelion; Boehringer-Ingelheim, Consultant of: Actelion; CellTrend; Janssen, Grant/research support from: AbbVie; Actelion, Martin Kolb Speakers bureau: AstraZeneca; Boehringer-Ingelheim; Novartis; Roche, Consultant of: AbbVie Inc.; Algernon Pharma; AstraZeneca;, Boehringer-Ingelheim; Cipla; Covance; EPG Health; Galapagos NV; Gilead; GlaxoSmithKline; Indalo; MitoImmune Therapeutics Inc; Novartis; Pieris; Prometic (now Liminal Biosciences); Roche; Third Pole Inc.; TwoXAR Inc., Grant/research support from: Boehringer-Ingelheim; GlaxoSmithKline; Novartis; Prometic; Roche; Avalyn

Seven-year retrospective study understanding the latent TB infection treatment cascade of care among adults in a low incidence country

Background

Prevention of TB is paramount to achieving elimination targets as recommended by the World Health Organization’s action framework for low incidence countries striving to eliminate TB. Although the rates of TB in Canada are low, understanding the latent TB infection (LTBI) cascade is paramount to identifying gaps in care and treatment barriers, thereby increasing the effectiveness of preventive strategies. The purpose of this study was to examine the LTBI cascade of care and identify barriers to treatment completion in adults referred from primary care to a regional tertiary care TB clinic in Ottawa, Canada.

Methods

Electronic medical records between January 2010 and December 2016 were reviewed retrospectively and an LTBI cascade of care was constructed from The Ottawa Hospital TB clinic and surrounding primary care clinics. A cohort of 2207 patients with untreated LTBI was used to ascertain the associations between demographic and clinical factors for both treatment non-initiation and non-completion using log-binomial univariable and multivariable regression models.

Results

Of 2207 patients with untreated LTBI who were seen in the clinic during the study period, 1771 (80.2%) were offered treatment, 1203 (67.9% of those offered) started treatment, and 795 (66.1% of those started) completed treatment. In multivariable analysis, non-initiation of treatment was associated with older age (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 1.06 per 5-year increase, 95% CI: 1.03–1.08) and female gender (aRR 1.28, 95% CI: 1.11–1.47). Non completion of treatment was associated with referral from the TB Clinic back to the primary care team following initial consult (aRR 1.62, 95% CI: 1.35–1.94) and treatment with the standard of 9 months of Isoniazid (9H) compared to 4 months of Rifampin (4R) (aRR 1.45, 95% CI:1.20–1.74).

Conclusions

LTBI treatment completion was significantly decreased among patients who were referred back to primary care from the TB clinic. The 4R regimen resulted in more people completing LTBI treatment compared to 9H in keeping with a recently published RCT. Improved education, communication, and collaboration between tertiary care TB clinics and primary care teams may improve treatment completion rates and address the TB burden in low incidence communities in Canada.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10733-9.

Diagnostic Challenges And Clinical Implications For Systemic EBV-Associated T-Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorders Of Childhood

Introduction/Objective

Systemic EBV-associated T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders of childhood (S-EBV-T-LPD) comprise three major forms: EBV-positive hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV-HLH), systemic EBV-positive T- cell lymphoma (S-EBV-TCL), and systemic T-cell chronic active EBV infection (S-T-CAEBV). These disorders are rare in children and young adults in Western countries and are associated with poor outcomes. Frequently patients were treated initially for EBV-HLH and subsequently found to have relapsed/refractory EBV-HLH vs S-EBV-TCL or overt EBV+ TCL, the latter of which requires different therapy than EBV-HLH. We report the clinicopathologic findings of 13 cases, including 8 previously reported. (PMID: 31099136)

Methods

Thirteen cases of S-EBV-T-LPD were identified at Texas Children’s Hospital from 1990 to 2020. Clinicopathologic and relevant laboratory parameters were recorded.

Results

Patients included six females and seven males of Hispanic (n=6), Asian (4), and Caucasian origins (3) ages 1-22 years (median 2). All had fever, hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenias, abnormal EBV serologies, and significantly elevated peripheral blood EBV- DNA load by quantitative PCR. Histologic features were variable ranging from EBV+ T-cell infiltrates with subtle architectural distortion and mild atypia to overt morphologic appearance of lymphoma.

Consistent findings were aberrant T-cell populations identified by immunohistochemistry (n=4) or bone marrow flow cytometry (n=9, 1-50%, mean 16%). Five patients were classified as overt EBV+ TCL with abnormal karyotyping identified in 3. Seven patients had pathology findings indistinguishable between EBV-HLH and S-EBV-TCL and were classified as EBV-HLH/S-EBV-TCL. One patient had S-T-CAEBV. Outcomes were dismal after HLH-directed immuno/chemotherapy protocols with/without bone marrow transplant as only three EBV-HLH/S-EBV-TCL patients were alive at 1.5, 2.5 months, and 9 years follow-up.

Conclusion

This series from North America demonstrate challenges in the diagnosis and management of S-EBV-T- LPD cases. Particularly, EBV-HLH and S-EBV-TCL, which require vastly different treatment strategies, may initially present with overlapping clinicopathological features. Further studies are needed to address clear diagnostic criteria to guide appropriate management.

AB1272 ONLINE EDUCATION BOOSTS CLINICIAN KNOWLEDGE ABOUT EMERGING THERAPIES FOR PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS-ASSOCIATED INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE

Background:

Systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) has traditionally been treated with therapies such as cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, these therapies are limited by potential toxicity, as well as duration and magnitude of effect. Clinicians need awareness of emerging therapies in late-stage clinical trials that may address these limitations.

Objectives:

This study was conducted to determine whether online independent medical education could improve rheumatologists’ and pulmonologists’ knowledge of emerging therapies for the management of SSc-ILD.

Methods:

Physicians (N = 2,076) participated in a 30-minute, 2-faculty, video-based, online CME with synchronized slides.1The majority of participants were rheumatologists (n = 522) or pulmonologists (n = 557), but the cohort also included clinical immunologists (n = 132) and other physicians with an interest in the topic (n = 865). This study focuses on the 120 rheumatologists and 111 pulmonologists who completed all pre- and post-questions. The effects of the education on knowledge was assessed using a 3-question, repeated pairs, pre-assessment/post-assessment study design. For all questions combined, the chi-square test assessed differences from pre- to post-assessment. P values <.05 are statistically significant. The activity launched on September 17, 2019, and data were collected through November 5, 2019.

Results:

Overall significant improvements were seen after participation for both rheumatologists (average correct response rate of 55% at pre-assessment vs 75% at post-assessment; P<.001, N=120), and pulmonologists (average correct response rate of 60% at pre-assessment vs 77% at post-assessment; P<.001, N=111). Specifically, significant improvements were observed in clinicians’ knowledge of clinical trial data for emerging SSc-ILD therapies (figure).

Figure.

Clinicians from APAC (n = 67) and Europe (n = 79) made up the majority of the cohort, and had similar rates of correct responses without significant differences, indicating consistent effects, independent of the region of origin. After participating in the activity, 48% of pulmonologists and rheumatologists had measurable improved confidence related to their knowledge of emerging therapies for patients with SSc-ILD.

Despite the increases in knowledge and confidence observed, the rates of correct responses suggest there is still room for improvement; therefore, ongoing education will be needed to reinforce knowledge of the latest data evaluating new therapies for SSc-ILD and what they will mean for future practice.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates the success of online, video-based education in improving rheumatologists’ and pulmonologists’ knowledge of the latest clinical data on emerging therapies for SSc-ILD. This could lead to earlier adoption of new, efficacious therapies that may slow disease progression and improve overall outcomes for these patients.

References:

[1]Distler O, Hoffmann-Vold A-M. How Can We Meet the Treatment Needs of Patients With Systemic Sclerosis-Interstitial Lung Disease? Launched: 9/17/2019. Data as of 11/5/2019. Available atwww.medscape.org/viewarticle/917034

Disclosure of Interests:

Christy Rohani-Montez: None declared, Marinella Calle: None declared, Chris Allen: None declared, Anna-Maria Hoffmann-Vold Grant/research support from: Boehringer Ingelheim, Consultant of: Boehringer Ingelheim, Actelion, Bayer, GlaxoSmithKline, Speakers bureau: Boehringer Ingelheim, Actelion, Roche, Oliver Distler Grant/research support from: Grants/Research support from Actelion, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Competitive Drug Development International Ltd. and Mitsubishi Tanabe; he also holds the issued Patent on mir-29 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis (US8247389, EP2331143)., Consultant of: Consultancy fees from Actelion, Acceleron Pharma, AnaMar, Bayer, Baecon Discovery, Blade Therapeutics, Boehringer, CSL Behring, Catenion, ChemomAb, Curzion Pharmaceuticals, Ergonex, Galapagos NV, GSK, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Inventiva, Italfarmaco, iQvia, medac, Medscape, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, MSD, Roche, Sanofi and UCB, Speakers bureau: Speaker fees from Actelion, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Medscape, Pfizer and Roche

THU0584 CASE-BASED ONLINE EDUCATION SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASES CLINICIAN COMPETENCE IN ASSESSING SSC-ILD DISEASE PROGRESSION AND IMPLEMENTING APPROPRIATE THERAPY

Background:

Due to the heterogeneity in both the initial manifestations of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and progression with SSc-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), diagnosis and prognosis can be challenging in clinical practice. Clinicians need expert case-based guidance on how best to monitor patients with SSc and the treatment implications.

Objectives:

This study was conducted to determine whether online case-based independent medical education could improve rheumatologists’ and pulmonologists’ competence in evaluating and monitoring SSc-ILD progression and initiating the right treatments when progression is identified.

Methods:

Rheumatologists and pulmonologists participated in two comprehensive online case studies, using a ‘test then teach’ approach and completed all pre- and post-questions.1The effects of the education on knowledge and competence were assessed using a 3-question, repeated pairs, pre-assessment/post-assessment study design. For all questions combined, the chi-square test assessed differences from pre- to post-assessment. P values <.05 are statistically significant. The activity launched on September 24, 2019, and data were collected through December 9, 2019.

Results:

Overall significant improvements were seen after participation for both rheumatologists (average correct response rate of 65% at pre-assessment vs 97% at post-assessment; P<.001, N=89), and pulmonologists (average correct response rate of 64% at pre-assessment vs 95% at post-assessment; P<.001, N=71). Specifically, significant improvements were observed in clinicians’ competence in assessing response to therapy and monitoring for disease progression; and managing evidence of disease worsening (figure).

Figure.

After participating in the activity, 54% of rheumatologists and 51% of pulmonologists had measurable improved confidence related to communicating with patients with SSc-ILD about the possibility of disease progression.

Given that only around half of clinicians provided correct responses at baseline, it will be important to continue to reinforce these learnings in ongoing education.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates the success of online, case-based education in improving rheumatologists’ and pulmonologists’ competence in managing patients with SSc-ILD. This could lead to earlier changes in therapeutic approach for those with signs of progression and result in improved overall outcomes for these patients.

References:

[1]Denton C. When SSc-ILD Starts Progressing: Monitoring and Managing Those at Risk for Poor Prognosis. Launched: 9/24/2019. Data as of 12/9/2019. Available atwww.medscape.org/viewarticle/918465

Disclosure of Interests:

Christy Rohani-Montez: None declared, Marinella Calle: None declared, Chris Allen: None declared, Christopher Denton Grant/research support from: GlaxoSmithKline, CSL Behring, and Inventiva, Consultant of: Medscape, Roche-Genentech, Actelion, GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi Aventis, Inventiva, CSL Behring, Boehringer Ingelheim, Corbus Pharmaceuticals, Acceleron, Curzion and Bayer

Progress in High-Speed Spin Testing of Superconducting Wire and Tapes for High-Field NMR Magnet Qualification

This paper summarizes the status of a 3-year, NIH-funded research project to study the strength of high temperature superconductors under high circumferential hoop stress, in order to qualify these materials for high-field (> 1 GHz-class NMR magnets. The unique approach presented here is to spin test coils at high rotational speeds, approaching 100,000 rpm, in order to induce the necessary hoop stress. Thermal strain compatibility between the Bi-2212 wire and Inconel wire has been qualified, including thermal cycling. Assembly and testing of the first low-speed (< 30,000 rpm) rotor is now in process, and the design of second, higher speed (> 60,000 rpm) rotor, is also underway.

P6484Invasive and non-invasive characterisation of low gradient aortic stenosis

Background

Low gradient severe aortic stenosis (LGAS) is associated with unfavourable outcomes when compared to high gradient aortic stenosis (HGAS), yet the contributing pathophysiology is poorly understood.

Methods

Symptomatic LGAS and HGAS patients undergoing trans-catheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) underwent 3T stress perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) pre-(within 24 hours) and post-(4–6 months) TAVI. Left ventricular (LV) contractility and coronary flow/pressure were measured during hyperaemia and rapid pacing, immediately before and after TAVI, using a conductance LV catheter and dual-pressure and Doppler sensor–tipped guidewire in the mid-left anterior descending coronary artery.

Results

24 patients were recruited resulting in 19 suitable datasets (LGAS N=9, HGAS N=10, equally matched for comorbidities and B-natriuretic peptide level). LGAS patients had a smaller LV end diastolic volume index (p=0.035) and lower LV mass index (LVMI) (p=0.037). Pre-TAVI stress global endocardium-epicardium gradient was 0.88±0.09 and global myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) 2.0±0.48 in 14 patients (6 LGAS and 8 HGAS patients, no difference between groups). Pre-TAVI, baseline coronary data demonstrated lower augmentation pressure (AP, p=0.035) and augmentation index (AIx, p=0.02) in the LGAS group. LGAS patients also exhibited a shorter ejection time (p=0.015), larger forward compression waves during rest, hyperaemia and rapid pacing, and smaller backward expansion waves (BEW) (p=0.001). Lower baseline end systolic pressure (p=0.004), inotropy (dP/dt+, p=0.045), lusitropy (dP/dt-, p=0.069), and stroke work (p=0.019) were observed in the LGAS group. Whilst LV size was smaller the LGAS group, rapid pacing induced a more significant drop in end systolic volume (p=0.045) and ejection fraction (p=0.015) in patients with HGAS. Post-TAVI, the hyperaemic BEW fell sharply (p<0.001), along with coronary VTI (p=0.02), and average pulse velocity (p=0.028), and AP and AIx remained lower (p=0.034 and p=0.031, respectively). The forward expansion wave was reduced in LGAS during rapid pacing. The HGAS group displayed a more profound drop in dP/dt+ (p=0.011) and dP/dt- p=0.014) at rest following intervention. Repeat CMR demonstrated statistically significant reduction in LV size and LVMI (p=0.012 and p<0.001, respectively) with significant increase in 3D global peak radial, circumferential and longitudinal strain (p=0.004, p=0.001 and p=0.018, respectively). Post-TAVI stress global endocardium-epicardium gradient was 0.88±0.13 and MPR 2.46±0.59 (improved from pre-TAVI, p=0.05). There was no difference in remodelling patterns or perfusion between the two groups.

Conclusion

This is the first study detailing the combined invasive and CMR pathophysiological changes in LGAS. Despite invasive parameters indicating a disease of less severe AS, the level of perfusion abnormality is disproportionate which may in part, relate to their adverse prognosis.

Acknowledgement/Funding

This research is funded by a Clinical Research Training Fellowship grant from the British Heart Foundation (FS/16/51/32365).

Distinguishing bone and soft tissue infections mimicking sarcomas requires multimodal multidisciplinary team assessment

INTRODUCTION

The aims of this study were to report the presenting characteristics and identify how best to distinguish bone and soft-tissue infections that mimic sarcomas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 238 (211 osteomyelitis and 27 soft-tissue infections) patients referred to a tertiary sarcoma multidisciplinary team with suspected sarcoma who were ultimately diagnosed with a bone or soft tissue infection were included. Data from a prospectively collated database was analysed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Of all possible bone and soft-tissue sarcoma referrals, a diagnosis of infection was made in 2.1% and 0.7%, respectively. Median age was 18 years in the osteomyelitis group and 46 years in the soft-tissue infection group. In the osteomyelitis group, the most common presenting features were pain (85.8%) and swelling (32.7%). In the soft-tissue infection group, the most common clinical features were swelling (96.3%) and pain (70.4%). Those in the soft-tissue group were more likely to have raised inflammatory markers. Radiological investigations were unable to discern between tumour or infection in 59.7% of osteomyelitis and 81.5% of soft-tissue infection cases. No organism was identified in 64.9% of those who had a percutaneous biopsy culture.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has highlighted that infection is frequently clinically indistinguishable from sarcoma and remains a principle non-neoplastic differential diagnosis. When patients are investigated for suspected sarcoma, infections can be missed due to falsely negative radiological investigations and percutaneous biopsy. As no single clinical, biochemical or radiological feature or investigation can be relied upon for diagnosis, clinicians should have a low threshold for tissue biopsy and discussion in a sarcoma multidisciplinary team meeting.

Preparation for fatherhood: A role for olfactory communication during human pregnancy?

There is evidence across a range of bi-parental species that physiological changes may occur in partnered males prior to the birth of an infant. It has been hypothesised that these hormonal changes might facilitate care-giving behaviours, which could augment infant survival. The mechanism that induces these changes has not been identified, but evidence from several species suggests that odour may play a role. The current study investigated this in humans by recording testosterone and psychological measures related to infant interest and care in men (n = 91) both before and after exposure to odours from either pregnant women or non-pregnant control women. We found no evidence for an effect of odour cues of pregnancy on psychological measures including self-reported sociosexual orientation and social dominance scores, ratings of infant or adult faces, or testosterone levels. However, we found that brief exposure to post-partum odours significantly increased the reward value of infant faces. Our study is the first to show that the odour of peri-partum women may lead to upregulation of men's interest in infants.

Effects of Alcohol Hangover on Cognitive Performance: Findings from a Field/Internet Mixed Methodology Study

Results from studies into the cognitive effects of alcohol hangover have been mixed. They also present methodological challenges, often relying on self-reports of alcohol consumption leading to hangover. The current study measured Breath Alcohol Concentration (BAC, which was obtained via breathalyzer) and self-reported drinking behavior during a night out. These were then related to hangover severity and cognitive function, measured over the internet in the same subjects, the following morning. Volunteers were breathalyzed and interviewed as they left the central entertainment district of an Australian state capital. They were provided with a unique identifier and, the following morning, logged on to a website. They completed a number of measures including an online version of the Alcohol Hangover Severity Scale (AHSS), questions regarding number and type of drinks consumed the previous night, and the eTMT-B-a validated, online analogue of the Trail Making Test B (TMT-B) of executive function and working memory. Hangover severity was significantly correlated with one measure only, namely the previous night's Breath Alcohol Concentration (r = 0.228, p = 0.019). Completion time on the eTMT-B was significantly correlated with hangover severity (r = 0.245, p = 0.012), previous night's BAC (r = 0.197, p = 0.041), and time spent dinking (r = 0.376, p < 0.001). These findings confirm that alcohol hangover negatively affects cognitive functioning and that poorer working memory and executive performance correlate with hangover severity. The results also support the utility and certain advantages of using online measures in hangover research.

Hunger and socioeconomic background additively predict impulsivity in humans

Impulsivity refers to the valuation of future rewards relative to immediate ones. From an evolutionary perspective, we should expect impulsivity to be sensitive to the current state of the organism (for example, hunger), and also its long-term developmental history. There is evidence that both current hunger and childhood socioeconomic deprivation are individually associated with impulsivity, but it is not known how these combine. For example, acute hunger might over-ride social gradients in baseline impulsivity, or alternatively, individuals who have experienced greater deprivation might respond more strongly to acute hunger. We aimed to investigate whether hunger and childhood socioeconomic deprivation act additively or interactively in three studies utilising delay discounting tasks. Childhood socioeconomic deprivation was measured using childhood postcode and a self-report measure. In two studies hunger was experimentally manipulated (n = 95 & n = 93 respectively), and in the third we simply measured natural variation. We employed a standard hypothetical delay discounting task in two studies, and a behavioural task with experienced delays in the third (n = 330). Although the individual studies varied in which predictors were statistically significant, when we meta-analysed them, a clear pattern emerged. Hunger predicted greater impulsivity; childhood socioeconomic deprivation predicted greater impulsivity; and these two effects were additive rather than interactive.

Identical and Nonidentical Twins: Risk and Factors Involved in Development of Islet Autoimmunity and Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

There are variable reports of risk of concordance for progression to islet autoantibodies and type 1 diabetes in identical twins after one twin is diagnosed. We examined development of positive autoantibodies and type 1 diabetes and the effects of genetic factors and common environment on autoantibody positivity in identical twins, nonidentical twins, and full siblings.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Subjects from the TrialNet Pathway to Prevention Study (N = 48,026) were screened from 2004 to 2015 for islet autoantibodies (GAD antibody [GADA], insulinoma-associated antigen 2 [IA-2A], and autoantibodies against insulin [IAA]). Of these subjects, 17,226 (157 identical twins, 283 nonidentical twins, and 16,786 full siblings) were followed for autoantibody positivity or type 1 diabetes for a median of 2.1 years.

RESULTS

At screening, identical twins were more likely to have positive GADA, IA-2A, and IAA than nonidentical twins or full siblings (all P < 0.0001). Younger age, male sex, and genetic factors were significant factors for expression of IA-2A, IAA, one or more positive autoantibodies, and two or more positive autoantibodies (all P ≤ 0.03). Initially autoantibody-positive identical twins had a 69% risk of diabetes by 3 years compared with 1.5% for initially autoantibody-negative identical twins. In nonidentical twins, type 1 diabetes risk by 3 years was 72% for initially multiple autoantibody-positive, 13% for single autoantibody-positive, and 0% for initially autoantibody-negative nonidentical twins. Full siblings had a 3-year type 1 diabetes risk of 47% for multiple autoantibody-positive, 12% for single autoantibody-positive, and 0.5% for initially autoantibody-negative subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk of type 1 diabetes at 3 years is high for initially multiple and single autoantibody-positive identical twins and multiple autoantibody-positive nonidentical twins. Genetic predisposition, age, and male sex are significant risk factors for development of positive autoantibodies in twins.

A Type 1 Diabetes Genetic Risk Score Predicts Progression of Islet Autoimmunity and Development of Type 1 Diabetes in Individuals at Risk

OBJECTIVE

We tested the ability of a type 1 diabetes (T1D) genetic risk score (GRS) to predict progression of islet autoimmunity and T1D in at-risk individuals.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied the 1,244 TrialNet Pathway to Prevention study participants (T1D patients' relatives without diabetes and with one or more positive autoantibodies) who were genotyped with Illumina ImmunoChip (median [range] age at initial autoantibody determination 11.1 years [1.2-51.8], 48% male, 80.5% non-Hispanic white, median follow-up 5.4 years). Of 291 participants with a single positive autoantibody at screening, 157 converted to multiple autoantibody positivity and 55 developed diabetes. Of 953 participants with multiple positive autoantibodies at screening, 419 developed diabetes. We calculated the T1D GRS from 30 T1D-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms. We used multivariable Cox regression models, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves, and area under the curve (AUC) measures to evaluate prognostic utility of T1D GRS, age, sex, Diabetes Prevention Trial-Type 1 (DPT-1) Risk Score, positive autoantibody number or type, HLA DR3/DR4-DQ8 status, and race/ethnicity. We used recursive partitioning analyses to identify cut points in continuous variables.

RESULTS

Higher T1D GRS significantly increased the rate of progression to T1D adjusting for DPT-1 Risk Score, age, number of positive autoantibodies, sex, and ethnicity (hazard ratio [HR] 1.29 for a 0.05 increase, 95% CI 1.06-1.6; P = 0.011). Progression to T1D was best predicted by a combined model with GRS, number of positive autoantibodies, DPT-1 Risk Score, and age (7-year time-integrated AUC = 0.79, 5-year AUC = 0.73). Higher GRS was significantly associated with increased progression rate from single to multiple positive autoantibodies after adjusting for age, autoantibody type, ethnicity, and sex (HR 2.27 for GRS >0.295, 95% CI 1.47-3.51; P = 0.0002).

CONCLUSIONS

The T1D GRS independently predicts progression to T1D and improves prediction along T1D stages in autoantibody-positive relatives.

Regulatory experience of TOPS: an internet-based system to prevent healthy subjects from over-volunteering for UK clinical trials

PURPOSE

The aim was to review the use of The Over-volunteering Prevention System (TOPS) since the HRA began hosting it in 2013, and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) experience of monitoring its use by UK clinical research units.

METHODS

The HRA searched the TOPS database for the number, type and location of units and the number of entries. The MHRA inspectors reviewed their findings from routine inspections.

RESULTS

Twenty-two additional UK units registered to use TOPS during 2013-2016, making a total of 84 units since TOPS was established in 2002. Use of TOPS is now a condition of research ethics committee approval of a phase 1 study and fulfils MHRA accreditation requirements for preventing over-volunteering. The total number of entries by all active units during 2013-2016 was 89,335, of which 84% were UK citizens and 16% non-UK citizens. The total number of entries during 2002-2016 was 249,612. Only 15 of 24,531 subjects (1/1600) and 18 of 18,745 subjects (1/1040) entered in 2015 and 2016, respectively, were deemed potential over-volunteers.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings continue to support the concept that TOPS not only helps to prevent over-volunteering, but also deters subjects from trying to do so. Regulation of TOPS by the HRA and MHRA has enhanced its effectiveness, benefited all users and helped to improve the safety of volunteers who participate in non-therapeutic trials in the UK. The UK is still the only country with a national database to prevent over-volunteering that has published data on its widespread use and effectiveness.