Differential attainment, socioeconomic factors and surgical training

INTRODUCTION

Differential attainment (DA) is the gap in levels of achievement between different groups; socioeconomic factors are thought to play a significant role in DA. The aim of this study was to review and assess the evidence for DA in early surgical training and to examine the potential influence of socioeconomic status.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the General Medical Council GMC for those taking Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) examinations between 2016 and 2019 and core surgical training annual review of competency progression (ARCP) outcomes between 2017 and 2019. The index of multiple deprivation (IMD) was used as a measure of socioeconomic background. Trainees were then divided into deprivation quintiles (DQ1=most deprived, DQ5=least deprived). MRCS and ARCP outcomes were compared between DQ groups using 95% confidence intervals and chi-square tests.

RESULTS

Those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds had significantly lower overall MRCS pass rates (DQ1=45.5%, DQ2=48.9% vs DQ4=59.6%, DQ5=61.5%, p<0.05) and 1st time pass rates (DQ1&2=46.6% vs DQ4&5=63.5%, p<0.001). Additionally, they had a significantly higher number of attempts required to pass MRCS (DQ 1&2=1.86 vs DQ 4&5=1.54, p<0.01). Those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds had a significantly greater proportion of unsatisfactory ARCP outcomes (DQ1&2=24.4% vs DQ 4&5=14.2%, p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

There is clear evidence of the influence of socioeconomic background on DA in early surgical training. However, the reasons for this are likely complex and more work is required to investigate this relationship.

EPIC: an evaluation of the psychological impact of early-phase clinical trials in cancer patients

Background

Anxiety and depression in patients with cancer is associated with decreased quality of life and increased morbidity and mortality. However, these are often overlooked and untreated. Early-phase clinical trials (EPCTs) recruit patients with advanced cancers who frequently lack future treatment options, which may lead to increased anxiety and depression. Despite this, EPCTs do not routinely consider psychological screening for patients.

Patients and methods

This prospective observational study explored levels of anxiety and depression alongside impact of trial participation in the context of EPCTs. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Brief Illness Perceptions Questionnaire were completed at the point of EPCT consent, the end of screening and at pre-specified time points thereafter.

Results

Sixty-four patients (median age 56 years; median Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 1) were recruited. At consent, 57 patients returned questionnaires; 39% reported clinically relevant levels of anxiety whilst 18% reported clinically relevant levels of depression. Sixty-three percent of patients experiencing psychological distress had never previously reported this. Males were more likely to be depressed (P = 0.037) and females were more likely to be anxious (P = 0.011). Changes in anxiety or depression were observed after trial enrolment on an individual level, but not significant on a population level.

Conclusions

Patients on EPCTs are at an increased risk of anxiety and depression but may not seek relevant support. Sites offering EPCTs should consider including psychological screening to encourage a more holistic approach to cancer care and consider the sex of individuals when tailoring psychological support to meet specific needs.

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Early-phase cancer trial patients have an increased risk of anxiety and depression.

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Patients at risk were not seeking support for anxiety and depression.

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Male patients were more likely to be depressed; female patients were more likely to be anxious.

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This work highlights the need to screen for psychological symptoms in patients entering early-phase trials.

369 The Burnout Pandemic; the Effect of Socioeconomic Status and Training Programmes on Burnout in Postgraduate Trainees in the United Kingdom

Introduction

Burnout is described as a state of mental exhaustion caused by one’s professional life, and is characterised by three domains: emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and a reduced sense of accomplishment. The prevalence of stress is high amongst doctors, and varies by specialty, gender, trainee level, and socioeconomic status. The authors set out to examine the scale of the problem, as well as to determine the influence of both socioeconomic status and chosen training programme on burnout amongst postgraduate trainees. This would identify at risk groups, and aid in future targeted interventions.

Method

Cross-sectional data was obtained, following approval from the General Medical Council (GMC), from The National Training Survey, completed annually by all trainees in the United Kingdom. Data was then anonymised and analysed. Burnout scores were derived from the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory and are positively framed (higher scores equal lower burnout).

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 63,122 participants across 2019 and 2020. Mean burnout amongst all trainees combined was 52.40 +/- 19.29. Burnout scores from the most deprived quintile was significantly lower compared with those from the least deprived quintile; 51.02 +/- 20.64 versus 52.89 +/- 18.92 respectively (p &lt; 0.001). The highest levels of burnout were reported in Internal Medical Training, Emergency Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Core Surgical Training respectively.

Conclusions

Postgraduates from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to encounter burnout during training. At risk groups who may also benefit from targeted intervention include Core Surgical Trainees, requiring further examination through future studies.

Perineal reconstruction supplemented by abdominal advancement following recurrent penile cancer: Two cases

Reconstruction after excision of locoregionally recurrent penile cancer can be a surgical challenge. In this short study, we present two cases of perineal reconstruction using bilateral gracilis flaps supplemented by abdominal advancement for salvage of recurrent penile cancer, reviewing relevant literature and outlining our local approach to the perineum.

602 Specialty Training Progression from Core Surgical Training: Is There Evidence from Plastic Surgery of The Importance of Location, Location, Location?

Introduction

Obtaining a National Training Number (NTN) in Plastic Surgery is highly competitive (&lt;40 posts per year), with applicant:post ratios between 3.73 to 4.19 in 2017-2019.

Our aim was to compare deaneries for numbers successfully progressing directly from CT2 into a ST3 post in Plastic Surgery.

Method

Data for surgical trainees progressing directly from CT2 to ST3 (2017-2019) in all specialties was obtained from the GMC. The percentage of those directly progressing that obtained a Plastic Surgery NTN and the total number progressing was calculated.

Results

A total of 840 trainees obtained a NTN directly from CT2 between 2017 and 2019, 61 of whom did so in plastic surgery. Of those directly progressing, there was no significant difference between deaneries for the percentage of plastic surgery posts obtained. The highest number of trainees progressed from London deaneries (16 total (26%); 7 South, 6 NC&E, 3 NW) and the lowest number from Yorkshire and Humber (1).

Conclusions

Higher numbers of those undertaking core surgical training in London progress directly from CT2 to ST3 in Plastic Surgery. Low total numbers highlight the competitive nature of obtaining a Plastic Surgery NTN, necessitating many to undertake additional experience prior to obtaining a training number.

354 Differential Attainment in Surgical Training

Introduction

Differential attainment (DA), according to the General Medical Council (GMC), is the gap between attainment levels in different groups. Attainment measures should cover aspects that include academic performance and career progression. Two such areas in surgical training are the MRCS examinations and ARCPs, both of which are required for progression in a career in surgery.

Our aim was to investigation whether socio-economic background was a significant factor for progression in surgical training.

Method

Data from the GMC for Core Surgical Trainees (CSTs) taking the MRCS examination between 2016 and 2019 and CST ARCP outcomes between 2017 and 2019 were obtained. Socio-economic background was assessed using the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD). ARCP and MRCS outcomes were assessed against IMD.

Results

Trainees from IMD Q1&2 (most deprived) had a significantly higher (p &lt; 0.01) mean number of attempts (1.86) to pass MRCS examinations than trainees from IMD Q4&5 (least deprived) (1.54). IMD Q1&2 were significantly more likely to obtain unsatisfactory outcomes (24.4%) than trainees from IMD Q4&5 (14.2%) (p &lt; 0.05).

Conclusions

There is clear evidence that differential attainment exists within Core Surgical Training. The reasons for this are likely to be complex and more work is needed to further investigate the relationship.

Orthognathic returns to theatre

The objectives of this retrospective study were to determine the unexpected return-to-theatre rate for orthognathic surgery at James Cook University Hospital and describe the reasons for return. A total of 357 consecutive orthognathic cases under two consultants over a 13-year period were included. Patients who had an unexpected return to theatre were identified and their notes analysed for data including preoperative dentofacial discrepancy, surgical movement, and reason for return. Returns to theatre for the removal of plates and planned procedures such as removal of a distractor or delayed genioplasty, were excluded. Thirteen patients required reoperation (3.6%). The commonest reason for return was malocclusion, and the majority returned within four weeks of the initial procedure. Proportionally more men returned to theatre than women, and revision was more likely to involve the mandible than the maxilla.

AB0511 INTERNATIONAL CONSENSUS ON ANCA TESTING AND INTERPRETATION BEYOND SYSTEMIC VASCULITIS

Background:

ANCA can be detected in sera from patients with autoimmune, inflammatory, infectious or neoplastic diseases.

Objectives:

To issue a Consensus Statement on ANCA testing and interpretation beyond systemic vasculitis.

Methods:

This Statement was prepared by a group of experts, based on the results of a comprehensive search in PubMed.

Results:

In certain settings beyond systemic vasculitis, ANCA may have diagnostic, clinical, and/or prognostic relevance. Testing for PR3- and MPO-ANCA by specific immunoassays should be performed in any patient with clinical features suggesting ANCA-associated vasculitis and in patients with anti-GBM disease and idiopathic interstitial pneumonia. Routine ANCA testing is not recommended in patients with connective tissue diseases (CTD), autoimmune liver diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, infections, and/or malignancy unless there is evidence for small vessel vasculitis. ANCA testing by specific immunoassays may be useful in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis or primary Sjögren’s syndrome who have kidney disease with a nephritic sediment or in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus if a kidney biopsy shows prominent necrotizing and crescentic lesions or proliferative lupus nephritis. ANCA testing may be justified in patients with suspected autoimmune hepatitis type 1, who do not have conventional disease-related autoantibodies, or in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases in case of diagnostic uncertainty to discriminate ulcerative colitis from Crohn’s disease. In these cases, ANCA should be tested by indirect immunofluorescence since target antigens are not well characterized. ANCA against bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein may be a biomarker for deteriorating lung function and a poor prognosis in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Conclusion:

ANCA testing is clinically relevant not only in patients with manifestations suggesting systemic vasculitis, but also in patients with certain other disorders, particularly in patients with anti-GBM disease or idiopathic interstitial pneumonia.

Disclosure of Interests:

Sergey Moiseev Grant/research support from: This work was supported by the 5-100 Project, Sechenov University, Moscow, Jan Willem Cohen Tervaert: None declared, Yoshihiro Arimura: None declared, Dimitrios Bogdanos: None declared, Csernok Elena: None declared, Jan Damoiseaux: None declared, Marc Ferrante: None declared, Luis Felipe Flores-Suárez: None declared, Marvin Fritzler: None declared, Pietro Invernizzi: None declared, David Jayne Grant/research support from: ChemoCentryx, GSK, Roche/Genentech, Sanofi-Genzyme, Consultant of: Astra-Zeneca, ChemoCentryx, GSK, InflaRx, Takeda, Insmed, Chugai, Boehringer-Ingelheim, J. Charles Jennette: None declared, Mark Little: None declared, Stephen P. McAdoo: None declared, Pavel Novikov Grant/research support from: This work was supported by the 5-100 Project, Sechenov University, Moscow, Charles D. Pusey: None declared, Antonella Radice: None declared, Alan D. Salama: None declared, Judith Savige: None declared, Mårten Segelmark: None declared, Yehuda Shoenfeld: None declared, Renato Alberto Sinico: None declared, Maria Jose Rego de Sousa: None declared, Ulrich Specks: None declared, Benjamin Terrier: None declared, Athanasios Tzioufas: None declared, Severine Vermeire: None declared, Ming-hui Zhao: None declared, Xavier Bossuyt: None declared

Unsuspected Colchicine Overdose in a Female Patient Presenting as an Acute Abdomen

We report a case of multi-system organ failure as a result of unsuspected colchicine overdose in a patient with known gout and bulimia nervosa. The patient had initially presented with mild gastrointestinal symptoms with rapid progression to fulminant hepatic failure and multiple organ dysfunction before the causative agent was identified. The patient survived with aggressive intensive care support and ongoing medical treatment. Physicians should be aware of the risk assessment based on the ingested dose, that the clinical presentation of colchicine in toxic doses may be nonspecific with high potential for severe morbidity or death and that survival may occur despite multiple organ failure requiring aggressive support.

Severe Cardiac Failure Associated with Presumed Jellyfish Sting. Irukandji Syndrome?

We present a retrospective review of twelve cases of Irukandji syndrome associated with pulmonary oedema. This is a life-threatening envenoming due to a presumed jellyfish sting throughout Northern Australia, although only one case occurred outside North Queensland.

Patients presented with significant and ongoing pain, tachycardia and hypertension. Half the patients became hypotensive requiring inotropic support. Cardiac echocardiography revealed significant cardiac dysfunction. Six patients required ventilatory support. There was no death reported due to pulmonary oedema, but one patient died of intracerebral haemorrhage.

We believe patients may develop a toxin associated cardiomyopathy, and jellyfish other than Carukia barnesi may be responsible. As there is confusion with nomenclature, Carukia barnesi should be known as the Barnes jellyfish, and the diagnosis of cardiotoxic marine envenoming is suggested for any patient who has been stung by a jellyfish, develops no or minimal skin markings, and develops cardiogenic pulmonary oedema associated with Irukandji syndrome.

Anti-inflammatory effects of infliximab in mice are independent of tumour necrosis factor α neutralization

Infliximab (IFX) has been used repeatedly in mouse preclinical models with associated claims that anti‐inflammatory effects are due to inhibition of mouse tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. However, the mechanism of action in mice remains unclear. In this study, the binding specificity of IFX for mouse TNF‐α was investigated ex vivo using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), flow cytometry and Western blot. Infliximab (IFX) did not bind directly to soluble or membrane‐bound mouse TNF‐α nor did it have any effect on TNF‐α‐induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) stimulation in mouse fibroblasts. The efficacy of IFX treatment was then investigated in vivo using a TNF‐α‐independent Trichuris muris‐induced infection model of chronic colitis. Infection provoked severe transmural colonic inflammation by day 35 post‐infection. Colonic pathology, macrophage phenotype and cell death were determined. As predicted from the in‐vitro data, in‐vivo treatment of T. muris‐infected mice with IFX had no effect on clinical outcome, nor did it affect macrophage cell phenotype or number. IFX enhanced apoptosis of colonic immune cells significantly, likely to be driven by a direct effect of the humanized antibody itself. We have demonstrated that although IFX does not bind directly to TNF‐α, observed anti‐inflammatory effects in other mouse models may be through host cell apoptosis. We suggest that more careful consideration of xenogeneic responses should be made when utilizing IFX in preclinical models.

An unusual diaphragmatic hernia with gastric perforation and sub-acute presentation

Gastric perforation into the thoracic cavity through a diaphragmatic hernia is rare but, when it occurs, patients present in severe distress, with mortality approaching 50%. We present a unique case in which a fibrotic reaction between the stomach and the parietal pleura led to a subacute presentation upon perforation. The extra time that this afforded led to more effective multidisciplinary team management and ultimately an excellent outcome for the patient.

NSAID-induced diaphragmatic disease of the colon

One of the rare side effects of chronic usage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is colopathy, which is characterised by colonic inflammation, ulceration and formation of diaphragms in late stages. We treated a case of colonic diaphragm disease with similar findings in our unit recently. We present the case herewith, followed by a discussion of the management of this interesting rare but benign condition.

Lead shot incarceration in appendix: an unusual cause of appendicular foreign body

A previously fit man was investigated for right-sided abdominal pain and an appendicular foreign body (FB) caused by ingested lead shot was found. He had associated urinary tract infection causing his symptoms and hence was treated conservatively. We present this rare case, followed by discussion of the causes, investigations, clinical significance and management of appendicular FBs.

Arginase-1-expressing macrophages are dispensable for resistance to infection with the gastrointestinal helminth Trichuris muris

Alternatively activated macrophages (AAMs) have key roles in the immune response to a variety of gastrointestinal helminths such as Heligmosomoides bakeri and Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. In addition, AAMs have been implicated in the resolution of infection-induced pathology in Schistosoma mansoni infection. AAMs exert their activity in part via the enzyme arginase-1 (Arg1), which hydrolyses l-arginine into urea and ornithine, and can supply precursor substrate for proline and polyamine production. Trichuris muris is a worm that resides in the large intestine with resistance being characterized by a Th2 T-cell response, which drives alternatively activated macrophage production in the local environment of the infection. To investigate the role of AAMs in T. muris infection, we used independent genetic and pharmacologic models of arginase deficiency. In acute infection and Th2-dominated immunity, arginase-deficient models expelled worms normally. Macrophage-Arg1-deficient mice showed cytokine and antibody levels comparable to wild-type animals in acute and chronic infection. We also found no role for AAMs and Arg1 in infection-induced pathology in the response to T. muris in either chronic (Th1 dominated) or acute (Th2 dominated) infections. Our data demonstrate that, unlike other gastrointestinal helminths, Arg1 expression in AAMs is not essential for resistance to T. muris in effective resolution of helminth-induced inflammation.