Prevalence and Outcomes of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke With Concomitant ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (Results From National Inpatient Sample 2016-2019)

BACKGROUND

Acute myocardial infarction may concomitantly occur with acute ischemic stroke. The prevalence, complications, and outcomes of acute ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in patients hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke are not well studied.

METHODS

We examined hospitalized patients with acute ischemic stroke who were included in the National Inpatient Sample from 2016 to 2019. Acute ischemic stroke and STEMI were defined by using the International Classification of Diseases-Tenth Revision diagnostic codes. Patients with Non-STEMI were excluded. The prevalence of complications and outcomes were expressed as percentages. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association of STEMI with a primary outcome of mortality and secondary outcomes. A subgroup analysis of patients with STEMI who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention was also performed.

RESULTS

Of the total (n=2 080 795) patients with acute ischemic stroke, 0.3% (n=6275; mean age, 70.5 years, 50.1% females, 69.5% White) also had STEMI diagnosed during the hospitalization. Of these, 1775 (28.3%) died in the STEMI group and 76 435 (3.7%) died in the group without STEMI. The most frequent complications in the STEMI group were acute kidney injury, intracranial hemorrhage, and ventricular arrhythmias. All secondary outcomes were associated with the diagnosis of STEMI (odds ratio [OR], 3.19 [95% CI, 2.82-3.6]; P≤0.001). STEMI was associated with mortality (OR, 8.37 [95% CI, 7.25-9.66]; P≤0.001) and intracranial hemorrhage (OR, 2.23 [95% CI, 1.84-2.70]; P≤0.001). Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed in 14.3% of STEMI subgroup patients. Percutaneous coronary intervention is not associated with mortality (OR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.6-1.43]; P=0.7), and intracranial hemorrhage (OR, 1.54 [95% CI, 0.0.93-2.56]; P=0.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with acute ischemic stroke with STEMI have a higher percentage of mortality. Percutaneous coronary intervention in the subgroup of patients with acute ischemic stroke with concomitant STEMI was not associated with increased odds of mortality and intracranial hemorrhage.

Call me Ishmael: addressing the white whale of team communication in the operating room with labelled surgical caps at an academic medical centre

INTRODUCTION

Effective communication in the operating room (OR) is crucial. Addressing a colleague by their name is respectful, humanising, entrusting and associated with improved clinical outcomes. We aimed to enhance team communication in the perioperative environment by offering personalised surgical caps labelled with name and provider role to all OR team members at a large academic medical centre.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a quasi-experimental, uncontrolled, before-and-after quality improvement study. A survey regarding perceptions of team communication, knowledge of names and roles, communication barriers, and culture was administered before and after cap delivery. Survey results were measured on a 5-point Likert Scale; descriptive statistics and mean scores were compared. All cause National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) morbidity and mortality outcomes for surgical specialties were examined.

RESULTS

1420 caps were delivered across the institution. Mean survey scores increased for knowing the names and roles of providers around the OR, feeling that people know my name and feeling comfortable communicating without barriers across disciplines. The mean score for team communication around the OR is excellent was unchanged. The highest score both before and after was knowing the name of an interdisciplinary team member is important for patient care. A total of 383 and 212 providers participated in the study before and after cap delivery, respectively. Participants agreed or strongly agreed that labelled surgical caps made it easier to talk to colleagues (64.9%) while improving communication (66.0%), team culture (60.5%) and patient care (56.8%). No significant differences were noted in NSQIP outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Personalised labelled surgical caps are a simple, inexpensive tool that demonstrates promise in improving perioperative team communication. Creating highly reliable surgical teams with optimal communication channels requires a multifaceted approach with engaged leadership, empowered front-line providers and an institutional commitment to continuous process improvement.

Thiamine as adjunctive therapy for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKAT) trial protocol and statistical analysis plan: a prospective, single-centre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial in the USA

INTRODUCTION

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a potentially life-threatening diabetic complication. Despite the high prevalence of DKA and the substantial associated healthcare burden, limited research on strategies to improve outcomes currently exists.Thiamine (vitamin B1) is a cofactor of pyruvate dehydrogenase, which plays a key role in aerobic glucose metabolism. Thiamine deficiency is common in patients with DKA, resulting in a shift to anaerobic metabolism and hyperlactatemia, which can prolong and complicate recovery. Therefore, we hypothesise that thiamine administration will improve aerobic metabolism and lead to faster resolution of acidemia in patients with DKA.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

In this single centre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel group interventional trial, 100 patients admitted to the hospital with DKA will be randomised to receive either intravenous thiamine (200 mg in 50 mL 0.9% saline) or placebo (0.9% saline identical in appearance and volume) two times per day for 2 days. The primary outcome will be the change in bicarbonate level over 24 hours as compared between the two treatment groups. Additional secondary outcomes include the change over time in anion gap, lactate levels, oxygen consumption by circulating mononuclear cells, intensive care unit and hospital length-of-stay and hospital resource usage when comparing the two study arms.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This trial was approved by the Committee on Clinical Investigations, the institutional review board of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (protocol number 2018P000475). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and professional conference presentations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03717896; clinicaltrials.gov.

Thiamine as a Metabolic Resuscitator after In-hospital Cardiac Arrest

INTRODUCTION

Elevated lactate is associated with mortality after cardiac arrest. Thiamine, a cofactor of pyruvate dehydrogenase, is necessary for aerobic metabolism. In a mouse model of cardiac arrest, thiamine improved pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, survival and neurologic outcome.

AIM

To determine if thiamine would decrease lactate and increase oxygen consumption after in-hospital cardiac arrest.

METHODS

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial. Adult patients with arrest within 12 hours, mechanically ventilated, with lactate ≥ 3mmol/L were included. Randomization was stratified by lactate >5 or ≤5 mmol/L. Thiamine 500mg or placebo was administered every 12 hours for 3 days. The primary outcome of lactate was checked at baseline, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours, and compared using a linear mixed model, accounting for repeated measures. Secondary outcomes included oxygen consumption, pyruvate dehydrogenase, and mortality.

RESULTS

Enrollments stopped after 36 patients due Data Safety and Monitoring Board concern about potential harm in an unplanned subgroup analysis. There was no overall difference in lactate (mean difference at 48 hours 1.5 mmol/L [95% CI -3.1-6.1], global p=0.88) or any secondary outcomes. In those with randomization lactate >5 mmol/L, mortality was 92% (11/12) with thiamine and 67% (8/12) with placebo (p= 0.32). In those with randomization lactate ≤ 5mmol/L mortality was 17% (1/6) with thiamine and 67% (4/6) with placebo (p=0.24). There was a significant interaction between randomization lactate and the effect of thiamine on survival (p= 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

In this single center trial thiamine had no overall effect on lactate after in-hospital cardiac arrest.

Thiamine as a Metabolic Resuscitator after Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest

INTRODUCTION

Thiamine is a key cofactor for aerobic metabolism, previously shown to improve mortality and neurological outcomes in a mouse model of cardiac arrest. We hypothesized that thiamine would decrease lactate and improve outcomes in post-arrest patients.

METHODS

Single center, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled, Phase II trial of thiamine in adults within 4.5 hours of return of spontaneous circulation after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), with coma and lactate ≥3mmol/L. Participants received 500 mg IV thiamine or placebo twice daily for 2 days. Randomization was stratified by lactate >5 or ≤5mmol/L. The primary outcome of lactate was checked at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 hours, and compared using a linear mixed model to account for repeated measures. Secondary outcomes included SOFA score, pyruvate dehydrogenase, renal injury, neurological outcome, and mortality.

RESULTS

Of 93 randomized patients, 76 were enrolled and included in the analysis. There was no difference in lactate over 24 hours (mean difference 0.34mmol/L (95% CI: -1.82, 2.50), p = 0.43). There was a significant interaction between randomization lactate subgroup and the effect of the intervention on mortality (p=0.01) such that mortality was higher with thiamine in the lactate >5mmol/L group and lower with thiamine in the <5mmol/L group. This subgroup difference prompted the Data and Safety Monitoring Board to recommend the study be terminated early. PDH activity increased over 72 hours in the thiamine group. There were no differences in other secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSION

In this single-center randomized trial, thiamine did not affect lactate over 24 hours after OHCA.

Virtual urgent care is here to stay: driving toward safe, equitable, and sustainable integration within emergency medicine

BACKGROUND

Virtual care in Canada rapidly expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic in a low-rules environment in response to pressing needs for ongoing access to care amid public health restrictions. Emergency medicine specialists now face the challenge of advising on which virtual urgent care services ought to remain as part of comprehensive emergency care. Consideration must be given to safe, quality, and appropriate care as well as issues of equitable access, public demand, and sustainability (financial and otherwise). The aim of this project was to summarize current literature and expert opinion and formulate recommendations on the path forward for virtual care in emergency medicine.

METHODS

We formed a working group of emergency medicine physicians from across Canada working in a variety of practice settings. The virtual care working group conducted a scoping review of the literature and met monthly to discuss themes and develop recommendations. The final recommendations were circulated to stakeholders for input and subsequently presented at the 2023 Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP) Academic Symposium for discussion, feedback, and refinement.

RESULTS

The working group developed and reached unanimity on nine recommendations addressing the themes of system design, equity and accessibility, quality and patient safety, education and curriculum, financial models, and sustainability of virtual urgent care services in Canada.

CONCLUSION

Virtual urgent care has become an established service in the Canadian health care system. Emergency medicine specialists are uniquely suited to provide leadership and guidance on the optimal delivery of these services to enhance and complement emergency care in Canada.

Enhancing special care dentistry with waiting room based multisensory-adapted dental environment: A randomized controlled-trial

AIM

To assess the effectiveness of waiting room based multisensory adapted dental environment (SADE) as a novel, non-invasive behavior management technique in alleviating anxiety levels in children with Down syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was conducted in the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, D.Y. Patil University School of Dentistry, Nerul, Navi Mumbai. A total of 40 children between 8 and 13 years of age diagnosed with Down syndrome were included in our study. Prior to the first dental evaluation, they were divided equally into two groups using simple randomization via lottery system. Group A (Intervention group): Patients were subjected to a sensory adapted environment (SADE) in the waiting room for 10 min prior to dental evaluation. Group B (Control group): Patients were subjected to a regular dental environment (RDE) in the waiting room for 10 min prior to dental evaluation. Outcome parameters evaluated at baseline and post dental evaluation were anxiety and behavior, using a pulse oximeter and the Modified Venham's Scale respectively. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 21.0 (SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL). The 'p' value < .05 was taken as significant at 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

Mann-Whitney U test was used to carry out the inter group analysis which showed a significant increase in the heart rate (26.00, p = .00) in Group B and a significant decrease in the Modified Venham Scale score (90.00, p = .001) in Group A. The Wilcoxon Signed ranks test was used to carry out the intra group analysis for which a significant difference between the two time intervals for heart rate (-3.69, p = .00) and Modified Venham Scale score (-1.46, p = .03) was obtained in Group A whereas a significant difference was obtained only in the heart rate (-3.04, p = .002) in Group B.

CONCLUSION

Multisensory-adapted dental environment (SADE) in the waiting room effectively improves behavior, reduces anxiety and sensory discomfort among children with Down syndrome.

Change in Pain-Related Anxiety Mediates the Effects of Psychophysiologic Symptom Relief Therapy (PSRT) on Pain Disability for Chronic Back Pain: Secondary Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose

Widely used therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based therapies, can improve pain and functioning in people with chronic back pain, but the magnitude and duration of their effects are limited. Our team developed a novel 12-week program, psychophysiologic symptom relief therapy (PSRT), to substantially reduce or eliminate pain and disability. This study examined whether PSRT helped more patients achieve large-magnitude (≥30%, ≥50%, ≥75%) reductions in back pain-related disability compared to mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and usual care (UC), and if the beneficial effects of PSRT were explained by reductions in pain-related anxiety following treatment.

Patients and Methods

Data from a three-armed randomized controlled trial were used (N=35 adults with chronic back pain). Change scores (baseline to 4-, 8-, 13-, and 26-weeks post-enrollment) were computed for back pain disability (RDQ) and pain-related anxiety (PASS-20). Fisher's exact tests and mediation analyses were conducted.

Results

Compared to MBSR and UC, PSRT helped significantly more patients achieve ≥75% reductions in back pain disability at all timepoints and in pain anxiety at all timepoints except 13-weeks. Change in pain anxiety significantly mediated the relationship between treatment group and change in back pain disability from baseline to 26-weeks.

Conclusion

PSRT helped more patients achieve substantial reductions in disability than an established treatment (MBSR) and usual care. Findings indicate reduced pain anxiety may be a mechanism by which PSRT confers long-term benefits on disability. Importantly, this work aims to move the field toward more precise and effective treatment for chronic back pain.

Postoperative outcomes, predictors and trends of mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery with underlying aortic stenosis: a nationwide inpatient sample analysis

BACKGROUND

Hip fractures frequently necessitate hospitalization, especially among patients aged 75 and above who might concurrently suffer from aortic stenosis (AS). This study focuses on postoperative outcomes, potential determinants of morbidity and mortality, as well as evolving trends in patients with AS undergoing surgical repair of hip fractures.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2008 to 2019 was conducted. Hip fracture cases were identified, and a subgroup with AS was isolated using the ICD-9 and ICD-10 diagnostic codes. We compared baseline characteristics, postoperative in-hospital outcomes and trends in mortality and morbidity between patients with and without AS.

RESULTS

From the dataset, 2,834,919 patients with hip fracture were identified on weighted analysis. Of these, 94,270 (3.3%) were found to have concurrent AS. The AS cohort was characterized by higher mean age and elevated burden of cardiovascular comorbidities, such as coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias. Postoperative mortality following hip fracture surgery was greater in the AS groups compared to non-AS group (3.3% vs 1.57%, p < 0.001). Risk factors such as congestive heart failure (OR, 2.3[CI, 2.1-2.6]), age above 85 years (OR, 3.2[CI, 2.2-4.7]), cardiac arrhythmias (OR, 2.4[CI, 2.2-2.6]), end-stage renal disease (OR, 3.4[CI, 2.7-4.1]), malnutrition (OR, 2.3[CI, 2.1-2.7]) and AS (OR, 1.2[CI, 1.08-1.5] were associated with increased adjusted odds of postoperative mortality. AS was linked to higher adjusted odds of postoperative mortality (OR, 1.2 [CI, 1.1-1.5]) and complications such as acute myocardial infarction (OR, 1.2 [CI, 1.01-1.4]), cardiogenic shock (OR, 2.0[CI, 1.4-2.9]) and acute renal failure (OR, 1.1[CI, 1.02-1.2]). While hospital stay duration was comparable in both groups (average 5 days), the AS group incurred higher costs (mean $50,673 vs $44,607). The presence of acute heart failure in patients with AS and hip fracture significantly increased mortality, hospital stay, and cost. A notable decline in postoperative in-hospital mortality was observed in both groups from 2008-2019 though the rate of major in-hospital complications rose.

CONCLUSION

AS significantly influences postoperative in-hospital mortality and complication rates in hip fracture patients. While a reduction in postoperative mortality was observed in both AS and non-AS cohorts, the incidence of major in-hospital complications increased across both groups.

Gender equity of authorship in pulmonary medicine over the past decade

BACKGROUND

Gender disparity in authorship broadly persists in medical literature, little is known about female authorship within pulmonary medicine.

METHODS

A bibliometric analysis of publications from 2012 to 2021 in 12 journals with the highest impact in pulmonary medicine was conducted. Only original research and review articles were included. Names of the first and last authors were extracted and their genders were identified using the Gender-API web. Female authorship was described by overall distribution and distribution by country/region/continent and journal. We compared the article citations by gender combinations, evaluated the trend in female authorship, and forecasted when parity for first and last authorship would be reached. We also conducted a systematic review of female authorship in clinical medicine.

RESULTS

14,875 articles were included, and the overall percentage of female first authors was higher than last authors (37.0% vs 22.2%, p<0.001). Asia had the lowest percentage of female first (27.6%) and last (15.2%) authors. The percentages of female first and last authors increased slightly over time, except for a rapid increase in the COVID-19 pandemic periods. Parity was predicted in 2046 for the first authors and 2059 for the last authors. Articles with male authors were cited more than articles with female authors. However, male-male collaborations significantly decreased, whereas female-female collaborations significantly increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the slow improvement in female authorship over the past decade, there is still a substantial gender disparity in female first and last authorship in high-impact medical journals in pulmonary medicine.

Prevalence and Outcomes of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke and Concomitant Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (Results from the National Inpatient Sample 2016 to 2019)

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) may concomitantly occur with acute ischemic stroke. The incidence and outcomes of acute non-ST-elevation MI (NSTEMI) in acute ischemic stroke are not well studied. We examined hospitalized patients with acute ischemic stroke and a concomitant NSTEMI diagnosis who were included in the National Inpatient Sample 2016 to 2019. Acute ischemic stroke and NSTEMI were defined by using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes. Patients with ST-elevation MI were excluded. The outcomes were expressed as percentages. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association of concomitant acute ischemic stroke and NSTEMI with the primary outcome of mortality and the secondary outcomes. A subgroup analysis of patients with NSTEMI with acute ischemic stroke that underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (angiography and angioplasty) was also performed. Of the total hospitalized patients with acute ischemic stroke (n = 1,726,265), 1.60% (n = 27,630) patients (mean age 73.5 years, 52.2% women, 67% White race) had NSTEMI diagnosed during the hospitalization. Of these, 14.1% (n = 3,890) died in the NSTEMI group and 3.4% (n = 57,670) died in the non-NSTEMI group. The most common outcomes in the NSTEMI group were Acute kidney injury 31.8%, Intracranial hemorrhage 6.6%, and sepsis 6.13%. NSTEMI in acute ischemic stroke was associated with mortality (odds ratio [OR] 3.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.29 to 3.93, p ≤0.001), ICH (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.30 to 1.63, p <0.001), and having any of the secondary outcomes (OR 2.73, 95% CI 2.57 to 2.90, p <0.001). PCI was performed in 9.14% of patients with acute ischemic stroke with NSTEMI. PCI was associated with having any of the secondary outcomes (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.7 to 1.02, p = 0.8), mortality (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.54, p <0.001), and ICH (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.7, p = 0.01). In conclusion, NSTEMI in acute ischemic stroke is associated with increased mortality and other adverse events. PCI in the subgroup of patients with NSTEMI was not associated with increased mortality or intracranial bleeding.

Radiation Therapy Knowledge and Health Literacy among Culturally Diverse Patients with Prostate Cancer Treated at a Safety-Net Hospital

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Shared decision making is integral to the physician-patient relationship for radiotherapy (RT) patients. It is implicit that patients both comprehend and retain information explained during consultation. However, quality and quantity of patient knowledge following this visit is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate post-consultation RT knowledge and health literacy among a diverse group of patients.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Participants were patients ≥18 years old who received consultation for definitive or salvage RT to the prostate gland/fossa between April 2021 and January 2023 at an urban safety-net hospital. Following consultation, patients completed the Radiation Oncology Knowledge Assessment Survey (ROKAS), designed to measure patient understanding of proposed RT treatment (e.g., treatment frequency, length, safety) and possible short- and long-term side effects (SE). Additional measures included patients' health literacy, health numeracy (numerical medical concepts), acculturation (assimilation to the dominant culture), and socioeconomic factors. ROKAS was administered in both English and Spanish with Spanish-speaking patients offered medical translation if desired. Bivariate Pearson correlations were conducted to examine the relationships between independent variables and post-consultation RT knowledge. Two-sided t-tests were conducted to examine differences in patients' knowledge by language.

RESULTS

Overall, 39 ROKAS were completed by 24 English-speaking and 15 Spanish-speaking patients (mean age 64.4 [SD 6.8], range 52-79). The majority (93%) of patients 'agreed' or 'strongly agreed' that they understood all the RT information presented. However, only 70% of the RT questions were answered correctly with 26% of patients answering all RT questions correctly. Similarly, 95% of patients 'agreed' or 'strongly agreed' with knowing the side effects of their proposed treatment, but only 71% and 74% of short- and long-term SE questions, respectively, were answered correctly. Higher health literacy (p = 0.04) and health numeracy (p = 0.001) were significantly correlated with better understanding of short-term SE, but not with RT knowledge or long-term SE. Spanish-speaking patients had significantly lower scores of health literacy (p = 0.001) and understanding of long-term (p = 0.01), but not short-term SE.

CONCLUSION

There is a significant gap between perceived and measured knowledge of RT treatment and SE in patients who receive consultation for RT to the prostate gland/fossa. Health literacy was significantly associated with improved knowledge of RT and short-term SE. Spanish-speaking patients had poorer understanding of long-term SE than English-speaking patients. Efforts to identify gaps in patient health literacy are needed to target those at risk and ensure that culturally diverse patient populations can engage in shared decision making with their providers.

Contouring Analysis on Synthetic Contrast-Enhanced MR from GRMM-GAN and Implications on MR-Guide Radiation Therapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

MR-guided linear accelerators have been commercialized making MR-only planning and adaptation an appealing alternative circumventing MR-CT registration. However, obtaining daily contrast-enhanced MR images can be prohibitive due to the increased risk of side effects from repeated contrast injections. In this work, we evaluate the quality of contrast-enhanced multi-modal MR image synthesis network GRMM-GAN (gradient regularized multi-modal multi-discrimination sparse-attention fusion generative adversarial network) for MR-guided radiation therapy.

MATERIALS/METHODS

With IRB approval, we trained the GRMM-GAN based on 165 abdominal MR studies from 65 patients. Each study included T2, T1 pre-contrast (T1pre), and T1 contrast enhanced (T1ce) images. The two pre-contrast MR modalities, T2 and T1pre images were adopted as inputs for GRMM-GAN, and the T1ce image at the portal venous phase was used as an output. Ten MR scans containing 21 liver tumors were selected for contouring analysis. A Turing test was first given to six radiation oncologists, in which 100 real T1ce and synthetic T1ce image slices are randomly given to the radiation oncologists to determine the authenticity of the synthesis. We then invited two radiation oncologists (RadOnc 1 and RadOnc2) to manually contour the 21 liver tumors independently on the real T1ce images. RadOnc2 then performed contouring on the respective synthetic T1ce MRs. DICE coefficient (defined as the intersection over the average of two volumes) and Hausdorff distance (HD, measuring how far two volumes are from each other) were used as analysis metrics. The DICE coefficients were calculated from the two radiation oncologists' contours on the real T1ce MR for each tumor. The DICE coefficients were also calculated from RadOnc 2's contours on real and synthetic MRs. Besides, tumor center shifts were extracted. The tumor center of mass coordinates was extracted from real and synthetic volumes. The difference in the coordinates indicated the shifts in the superior-inferior (SI), right-left (RL), and anterior-posterior (AP) directions between real and synthetic tumor volumes.

RESULTS

An average of 52.3% test score was achieved from the six radiation oncologists, which is close to random guessing. RadOnc 1 and RadOnc 2, who had participated in the contouring analysis, achieved an average DICE of 0.91±0.02 from tumor volumes drawn on the real T1ce MRs. This result sets the inter-operator uncertainty baseline in the real clinical setting. RadOnc 2 achieved an average DICE (real vs. synth) of 0.90±0.04 and HD of 4.76±1.82 mm. Only sub-millimeter (SI: 0.67 mm, RL: 0.41 mm, AP: 0.39 mm) tumor center shifts were observed in all three directions.

CONCLUSION

The GRMM-GAN method has the potential for MR-guided liver radiation when contrast agents cannot be administered daily and provide synthetic contrast-enhanced MR for better tumor targeting. The network can produce synthetic MR images with satisfactory contour agreement and geometric integrity.

A Combined Phase 0/2 "Trigger" Trial Evaluating Pamiparib or Olaparib with Concurrent Radiotherapy in Patients with Newly-Diagnosed or Recurrent Glioblastoma

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

This study evaluates the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) profiles and clinical efficacy of PARP1/2 selective inhibitors, pamiparib and olaparib, in newly-diagnosed or recurrent glioblastoma (GBM) patients in combination with radiotherapy (RT).

MATERIALS/METHODS

In this combined phase 0/2 trial presumed newly-diagnosed (Arm A) or recurrent (Arm B) GBM patients received 4 days of pamiparib (60 mg BID) prior to resection either 2-4 or 8-12 hours following the final dose. Arm C enrolled patients with recurrent GBM to 4 days of olaparib (200 mg BID) prior to resection. Enhancing and nonenhancing tumor tissue, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma were collected. Total and unbound drug concentrations were measured using validated LC-MS/MS methods. A PK 'trigger', defined as unbound drug and gt; 5-fold biochemical IC 50 in nonenhancing tumor, determined eligibility for the therapeutic expansion phase 2. PARP inhibition was assessed via ex vivo radiation and quantification of PAR levels compared to non-radiated control. Newly-diagnosed MGMT unmethylated GBMs and recurrent GBMs exceeding the PK threshold were eligible for an expansion phase of pamiparib (Arms A and B) or olaparib (Arm C) with concurrent RT followed by maintenance pamiparib or olaparib. RT was 60 Gy in 30 fractions in newly-diagnosed patients and 40 Gy in 15 fractions in recurrent patients, delivered using volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT).

RESULTS

A total of 38 patients (Arm A, n = 16; Arm B, n = 16; Arm C, n = 6) were enrolled in the initial phase 0 study. The mean unbound concentrations of pamiparib in nonenhancing tumor region for Arm A and Arm B were 167.3 nM and 109.4 nM respectively, and in Arm C the mean unbound concentration of olaparib was 5.2 nM. All patients in the pamiparib arms (n = 32/32) but only 1 of 6 patients in the olaparib Arm C exceeded the PK threshold. Radiation-induced PAR expression was 2.44-fold in untreated control vs 1.16 in Arm A (p<0.05), 0.85 in Arm B (p<0.01) and 1.11 in Arm C patients, respectively. In Arm A, 11 patients had unmethylated tumors, and of those, 7 patients enrolled in phase 2. In Arm B, 9 of the 16 clinically eligible patients with positive PK results were enrolled in phase 2. At a median follow-up of 8.4 months [range: 1.3-15.7 months], the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.4, 6.0, and 3.8 months for Arms A (n = 7), B (n = 9), and C (n = 1), respectively. Grade 3+ toxicities related to pamiparib occurred in 4 patients, with 2 adverse events resulting in treatment discontinuation. No grade 3+ toxicities were documented in the olaparib arm.

CONCLUSION

Pamiparib achieved pharmacologically-relevant concentrations in nonenhancing GBM tissue and suppressed induction of PAR levels ex vivo post-radiation. The majority of patients with MGMT-unmethylated GBM advanced to the phase 2 portion of the trial, and pamiparib was generally well-tolerated in these patients.

A Combined Phase 0/2 "Trigger" Trial of Niraparib in Combination with Radiation in Patients with Newly-Diagnosed Glioblastoma

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Poly ADP-ribose (PAR) polymerase (PARP) mediates DNA damage response. Niraparib is an investigational PARP1/2-selective inhibitor. We conducted a combined phase 0/2 study to evaluate niraparib pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) in patients with newly-diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM), graduating patients to a phase 2 study evaluating a therapeutic regimen of niraparib with concurrent conventionally-fractionated radiotherapy (RT) in O6-methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) unmethylated tumors exceeding a prespecified PK threshold in non-enhancing tumor.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients with presumed newly-diagnosed GBM were enrolled in a phase 0 study receiving 4 days of niraparib (300 or 200 mg QD) prior to planned resection 3-5 or 8-12 hours following the last dose. Tumor tissue (enhancing and non-enhancing regions), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and plasma were collected. Total and unbound niraparib concentrations were measured using validated LC-MS/MS methods. PARP inhibition was assessed by quantification of PAR induction after 10 Gy ex vivo irradiation in surgical tissue compared to non-irradiated control tissue. A PK 'trigger' determined eligibility for the therapeutic phase 2 expansion portion of the study. This was defined as unbound [niraparib] > 5-fold biochemical IC50 (i.e., 19 nM) in non-enhancing tumor. Patients with MGMT unmethylated tumors exceeding this PK threshold were eligible for expansion phase dosing of niraparib with concurrent RT followed by a maintenance phase of niraparib. Patients with MGMT methylated tumors were not eligible for the expansion phase and proceeded with temozolomide (TMZ) plus RT followed by maintenance TMZ. RT dose was 60 Gy in 30 fractions using volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT).

RESULTS

All 29 patients enrolled in the phase 0 portion of the study met the PK threshold. In non-enhancing regions, the mean unbound concentration of niraparib was 258.2 nM. The suppression of PAR levels after ex vivo RT was observed in 79% of the patients (17/22). Sixteen patients had unmethylated tumors, and of those, 11 patients enrolled in phase 2. Five of the 6 initial patients enrolled in phase 2 experienced thrombocytopenia related to niraparib, and 3/5 cases were deemed serious and life-threatening. Consequently, starting dose in both phases was lowered to 200 mg, and no serious AEs were observed thereafter. At a median follow-up of 8.1 months [range: 6.0-12.9 months], 6-month PFS was 64% with 4 patients remaining on treatment and 5 patients ongoing survival follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Niraparib achieves pharmacologically-relevant concentrations in non-enhancing, newly-diagnosed GBM tissue in excess of any other studied PARP inhibitor. When delivered with concurrent RT, niraparib was well-tolerated, with low rates of grade 3+ toxicity. Initial clinical efficacy data are encouraging.

Immune-mediated hematological disease in dogs is associated with alterations of the fecal microbiota: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

The dog is the most popular companion animal and is a valuable large animal model for several human diseases. Canine immune-mediated hematological diseases, including immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), share many features in common with autoimmune hematological diseases of humans. The gut microbiome has been linked to systemic illness, but few studies have evaluated its association with immune-mediated hematological disease. To address this knowledge gap, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to profile the fecal microbiota of dogs with spontaneous IMHA and ITP at presentation and following successful treatment. In total, 21 affected and 13 healthy control dogs were included in the study.

RESULTS

IMHA/ITP is associated with remodeling of fecal microbiota, marked by decreased relative abundance of the spirochete Treponema spp., increased relative abundance of the pathobionts Clostridium septicum and Escherichia coli, and increased overall microbial diversity. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that Treponema spp. were associated with decreased risk of IMHA/ITP (odds ratio [OR] 0.24-0.34), while Ruminococcaceae UCG-009 and Christensenellaceae R-7 group were associated with increased risk of disease (OR = 6.84 [95% CI 2-32.74] and 8.36 [95% CI 1.85-71.88] respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates an association of immune-mediated hematological diseases in dogs with fecal dysbiosis, and points to specific bacterial genera as biomarkers of disease. Microbes identified as positive or negative risk factors for IMHA/ITP represent an area for future research as potential targets for new diagnostic assays and/or therapeutic applications.

Dental management of a 4-year-old child with congenital afibrinogenemia-A rare case report

Congenital afibrinogenemia is a rare hematologic disorder with an estimated incidence of 1-2 per million people worldwide. It is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and is characterized by the inability to synthesize fibrinogen. Clinical features range from minimal bleeding to catastrophic hemorrhage. Because of its rarity, there are not enough clinical guidelines in the management of oral manifestations of patients with this disorder. The following case report presents the dental management of a 4-year-old child with congenital afibrinogenemia under general anesthesia. A multidisciplinary team approach was followed to achieve full mouth rehabilitation, thus improving the overall quality of life of the patient.

Social Determinants of Health Documentation in Structured and Unstructured Clinical Data of Patients With Diabetes: Comparative Analysis

Background

Electronic health records (EHRs) have yet to fully capture social determinants of health (SDOH) due to challenges such as nonexistent or inconsistent data capture tools across clinics, lack of time, and the burden of extra steps for the clinician. However, patient clinical notes (unstructured data) may be a better source of patient-related SDOH information.

Objective

It is unclear how accurately EHR data reflect patients' lived experience of SDOH. The manual process of retrieving SDOH information from clinical notes is time-consuming and not feasible. We leveraged two high-throughput tools to identify SDOH mappings to structured and unstructured patient data: PatientExploreR and Electronic Medical Record Search Engine (EMERSE).

Methods

We included adult patients (≥18 years of age) receiving primary care for their diabetes at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2019. We used expert raters to develop a corpus using SDOH in the compendium as a knowledge base as targets for the natural language processing (NLP) text string mapping to find string stems, roots, and syntactic similarities in the clinical notes of patients with diabetes. We applied advanced built-in EMERSE NLP query parsers implemented with JavaCC.

Results

We included 4283 adult patients receiving primary care for diabetes at UCSF. Our study revealed that SDOH may be more significant in the lives of patients with diabetes than is evident from structured data recorded on EHRs. With the application of EMERSE NLP rules, we uncovered additional information from patient clinical notes on problems related to social connectionsisolation, employment, financial insecurity, housing insecurity, food insecurity, education, and stress.

Conclusions

We discovered more patient information related to SDOH in unstructured data than in structured data. The application of this technique and further investment in similar user-friendly tools and infrastructure to extract SDOH information from unstructured data may help to identify the range of social conditions that influence patients' disease experiences and inform clinical decision-making.

Machine Learning Classification of Alzheimer's Disease Pathology Reveals Diffuse Amyloid as a Major Predictor of Cognitive Impairment in Human Hippocampal Subregions

Analyzing Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology within anatomical subregions is a significant challenge, often carried out by pathologists using a standardized, semi-quantitative approach. To augment traditional methods, a high-throughput, high-resolution pipeline was created to classify the distribution of AD pathology within hippocampal subregions. USC ADRC post-mortem tissue sections from 51 patients were stained with 4G8 for amyloid, Gallyas for neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and Iba1 for microglia. Machine learning (ML) techniques were utilized to identify and classify amyloid pathology (dense, diffuse and APP (amyloid precursor protein)), NFTs, neuritic plaques and microglia. These classifications were overlaid within manually segmented regions (aligned with the Allen Human Brain Atlas) to create detailed pathology maps. Cases were separated into low, intermediate, or high AD stages. Further data extraction enabled quantification of plaque size and pathology density alongside ApoE genotype, sex, and cognitive status. Our findings revealed that the increase in pathology burden across AD stages was driven mainly by diffuse amyloid. The pre and para-subiculum had the highest levels of diffuse amyloid while NFTs were highest in the A36 region in high AD cases. Moreover, different pathology types had distinct trajectories across disease stages. In a subset of AD cases, microglia were elevated in intermediate and high compared to low AD. Microglia also correlated with amyloid pathology in the Dentate Gyrus. The size of dense plaques, which may represent microglial function, was lower in ApoE4 carriers. In addition, individuals with memory impairment had higher levels of both dense and diffuse amyloid. Taken together, our findings integrating ML classification approaches with anatomical segmentation maps provide new insights on the complexity of disease pathology in AD progression. Specifically, we identified diffuse amyloid pathology as being a major driver of AD in our cohort, regions of interest and microglial responses that might advance AD diagnosis and treatment.

Psychophysiologic Symptom Relief Therapy (PSRT) for Post-acute Sequelae of COVID-19

Objective

To determine if psychophysiologic symptom relief therapy (PSRT) will reduce symptom burden in patients suffering from post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) who had mild/moderate acute COVID-19 disease without objective evidence of organ injury.

Patients and Methods

Twenty-three adults under the age of 60 with PASC for at least 12 weeks following COVID-19 infection were enrolled in an interventional cohort study conducted via virtual platform between May 18, 2021 and August 7, 2022. Participants received PSRT during a 13 week (approximately 44 hour) course. Participants were administered validated questionnaires at baseline and at 4, 8, and 13 weeks. The primary outcome was change in somatic symptoms from baseline, measured using the Somatic Symptom Scale-8 (SSS-8), at 13 weeks.

Results

The median duration of symptoms prior to joining the study was 267 days (IQR: 144, 460). The mean SSS-8 score of the cohort decreased from baseline by 8.5 (95% CI: 5.7-11.4), 9.4 (95% CI: 6.9-11.9), and 10.9 (95% CI: 8.3-13.5) at 4, 8, and 13 weeks respectively (all p<.001). Participants also experienced statistically significant improvements across other secondary outcomes including changes in dyspnea, fatigue, and pain (all p<.001).

Conclusion

PSRT may effectively decrease symptom burden in patients suffering from PASC without evidence of organ injury. The study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04854772).

The association between prescription drug monitoring programs and controlled substance prescribing: a cross-sectional study using data from 2019 National Electronic Health Records Survey

OBJECTIVE

The use of controlled medications such as opioids, stimulants, anabolic steroids, depressants, and hallucinogens has led to an increase in addiction, overdose, and death. Given the high attributes of abuse and dependency, prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) were introduced in the United States as a state-level intervention.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using cross-sectional data from the 2019 National Electronic Health Records Survey, we assessed the association between PDMP usage and reduced or eliminated controlled substance prescribing as well as the association between PDMP usage and changing a controlled substance prescription to a nonopioid pharmacologic therapy or nonpharmacologic therapy. We applied survey weights to produce physician-level estimates from the survey sample.

RESULTS

Adjusting for physician age, sex, type of medical degree, specialty, and ease of PDMP, we found that physicians who reported "often" PDMP usage had 2.34 times the odds of reducing or eliminating controlled substance prescriptions compared to physicians who reported never using the PDMP (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-4.90). Adjusting for physician age, sex, type of doctor, and specialty, we found that physicians who reported "often" use of the PDMP had 3.65 times the odd of changing controlled substance prescriptions to a nonopioid pharmacologic therapy or nonpharmacologic therapy (95% CI: 1.61-8.26).

DISCUSSION

These results support the continued use, investment, and expansion of PDMPs as an effective intervention for reducing controlled substance prescription and changing to nonopioid/pharmacologic therapy.

CONCLUSION

Overall, frequent usage of PDMPs was significantly associated with reducing, eliminating, or changing controlled substance prescription patterns.

Sustained intra-cartilage delivery of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist using cationic peptide and protein-based carriers

OBJECTIVE

Blocking the interleukin-1 (IL-1) catabolic cascade following joint trauma can be achieved using its receptor antagonist, IL-1Ra. However, its clinical translation for osteoarthritis therapy has been unsuccessful due to its rapid joint clearance and lack of targeting and penetration into deep cartilage layers at therapeutic concentrations. Here, we target the high negative charge of cartilage aggrecan-glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) by attaching cationic carriers to IL-1Ra. IL-1Ra was conjugated to the cartilage targeting glycoprotein, Avidin, and a short length optimally charged cationic peptide carrier (CPC+14). It is hypothesized that electro-diffusive transport and binding properties of IL-1Ra-Avidin and IL-1Ra-CPC+14 will create intra-cartilage depots of IL-1Ra, resulting in long-term suppression of IL-1 catabolism with only a single administration.

DESIGN

IL-1Ra was conjugated to Avidin or CPC+14 using site specific maleimide linkers, and confirmed using gel electrophoresis, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and mass spectrometry. Intra-cartilage transport and retention of conjugates was compared with native IL-1Ra. Attenuation of IL-1 catabolic signaling with one-time dose of IL-1Ra-CPC+14 and IL-1Ra-Avidin was assessed over 16 days using IL-1α challenged bovine cartilage and compared with unmodified IL-1Ra.

RESULTS

Positively charged IL-1Ra penetrated through the full-thickness of cartilage, creating a drug depot. A single dose of unmodified IL-1Ra was not sufficient to attenuate IL-1-induced cartilage deterioration over 16 days. However, when delivered using Avidin, and to a greater extent CPC+14, IL-1Ra significantly suppressed cytokine induced GAG loss and nitrite release while improving cell metabolism and viability.

CONCLUSION

Charge-based cartilage targeting drug delivery systems hold promise as they can enable long-term therapeutic benefit with only a single dose.

Heart failure in patients with metabolic syndrome X

Metabolic syndrome X has been known to be a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular dysfunction. Insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus and serum lipid abnormalities, which are all seen in metabolic syndrome X, have been found to negatively impact heart function, leading to heart failure in particular. Heart failure is a condition resulting when the heart is unable to perform its function of providing sufficient blood flow to meet the body's requirements. The treatment of heart failure in metabolic syndrome X varies based on the various components of metabolic syndrome X, which include obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension and dyslipidemia. Obesity is regarded as one of the derangements seen in patients with metabolic syndrome X. It is a significant risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease, which may eventually lead to heart failure. However, the obesity paradox suggests that obesity provides a higher chance of survival in patients with metabolic syndrome and heart failure. This review article focuses on the pathophysiology of heart failure in patients who already have metabolic syndrome X, as well as the therapeutic management complexity of the two conditions taking into consideration the protective role provided by obesity.

Artificial intelligence-guided, single-lead EKG may be a game-changer for symptom-to-balloon time reduction in ST-elevated myocardial infarction

Background

Over decades, efforts to shave off life-saving minutes from ST-Elevated Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) care centred on reducing door-to-needle and door-to-balloon times. We firmly believe that symptom-to-balloon time should prove a better focus to this end. Challenges come with this goal as it heavily relies on a patient's perception and initiative to seek care, which we deem intelligent and wearable Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven Single Lead EKG technologies as an attractive solution in modern-day cardiology.

Purpose

To provide an accurate, accessible, and cost-effective AI-driven Single Lead STEMI detection algorithm that can be embedded into wearable devices and employed in a self-administered fashion.

Methods

Database: EKG records from Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Brazil from April 2014 to December 2019. Dataset: A total of 11,567 12-lead EKG records of 10[s] length with a sampling frequency of 500 Hz, including the following balanced classes: angiographically confirmed and unconfirmed STEMI, branch blocks, non-specific ST-T abnormalities, normal and abnormal (200+ CPT codes, excluding those mentioned above). Cardiologists manually checked the label of each record to ensure precision. Pre-processing: We discard the first and last 250 samples as they may contain a standardisation pulse. The study applied a digital low pass filter of order 5 with a frequency cut-off of 35 Hz. The mean was subtracted from each Lead. Classification: The determined classes were “STEMI” (Including STEMI in different locations of the myocardium – anterior, inferior, and lateral); and “Not-STEMI” (Combination of randomly sample, branch blocks, non-specific ST-T changes, and abnormal records – 25% of each). Training and Testing: A 1-D Convolutional Neural Network was trained and tested with a dataset proportion of 90/10, respectively. A different model was trained and tested for each Lead, using the central 4,500 samples of the records. The last dense layer outputs a probability for each report of being STEMI or Not-STEMI. Lead V2 showed the best overall results. The model was further tested through the same methodology using the best Lead with a subset of the previous data, excluding the unconfirmed STEMI EKG records (Total 7,230 12-lead EKG records for Confirmed Only STEMI dataset). Performance metrics were reported for each experiment and compared.

Results

Combined STEMI data: Accuracy: 91.2%; Sensitivity: 89.6%; Specificity: 92.9%. Confirmed STEMI Only dataset: Accuracy: 92.4%; Sensitivity: 93.4%; Specificity: 91.4% (Figure 1).

Conclusion

By assiduously improving the quality of the model's input, we continue to assess our algorithm's performance and reliability for future clinical validation as a potential remote monitoring and early STEMI detection device.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Digoxin improves systolic cardiac function in patients with AF and HFpEF: the RATE-AF randomised trial

Background

The RAte control Therapy Evaluation in permanent AF trial (RATE-AF; NCT02391337) was the first head-to-head controlled trial of beta-blockers versus digoxin in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) and symptoms of heart failure. Patients randomised to digoxin had similar physical-related quality of life and heart rate, with significantly improved functional class, reduced N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and substantially less adverse events. The impact of rate control therapy on measures of cardiac function is not currently understood.

Purpose

To compare the effect of digoxin versus beta-blockers on systolic and diastolic cardiac function according to heart failure sub-type.

Methods

Blinded echocardiograms assessing systolic and diastolic function were performed at baseline and 12 month follow-up, using a robust method to account for rhythm irregularity (average of three index-beats acquired in appropriate cardiac cycles). Outcomes were the change in left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), systolic tissue Doppler velocity (s'), stroke volume, global longitudinal strain (GLS), diastolic tissue Doppler (e'), mitral E wave deceleration time, E/e', pulmonary vein diastolic deceleration time, isovolumic relaxation time and left atrial ejection fraction. Analyses were stratified by baseline LVEF (≥50%, 40–50% and &lt;40%).

Results

160 patients were randomised, of which 145 patients survived to 12-month follow-up with median age 75 years (IQR 69–82) and 44% women. Median baseline heart rate was 96 beats/min (IQR 86–112), blood pressure 135/85 mmHg (IQR 124/77–146/91), NTproBNP 1049 pg/mL (744–1463) and mean NYHA class 2.4 (SD 0.6). In 119 patients with LVEF ≥50% at baseline, diastolic and systolic parameters improved over time with digoxin therapy. There was a significantly greater improvement in systolic function in 63 patients on digoxin compared to 67 with beta-blockers; Figure 1. Patients randomised to digoxin had a higher LVEF at follow-up (adjusted mean difference [AMD] 2.3%, 95% CI 0.3–4.2; p=0.021), higher s' (1.1cm/s, 1.0–1.2; p=0.003) and higher stroke volume (6.5mL, 0.4–12.6; p=0.037) compared to beta-blockers, without any difference in diastolic parameters (Figure 2). In 16 patients with LVEF 40–50% at baseline, s' significantly increased with digoxin compared to beta-blockers (AMD 1.5 cm/s, 1.2–1.7; p=0.001), with no difference for other systolic or diastolic parameters. 10 patients with LVEF &lt;40% at baseline showed no difference between digoxin and beta-blockers for any echocardiographic measures.

Conclusion

Patients randomised to digoxin with permanent AF, heart failure symptoms and preserved LVEF have significantly greater improvement in multiple parameters of systolic function compared to conventional treatment with beta-blockers.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): National Institute of Health Research

Performance metrics of AI-enhanced single lead EKG maintained after entry of organised clustered data

Background

Our experience in creating innovative Artificial Intelligence-guided single lead EKG methodologies for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) detection within complex EKG records has been previously validated.

Purpose

By expanding the intricate variables of our previously tested algorithm input, we seek to further improve our STEMI detecting tool.

Methods

11,567 12-lead EKG records (10-s length, 500 Hz sample frequency) derived from the Latin America Telemedicine Infarct Network database from April 2014 to December 2019. From these records, we included the following balanced classes: angiographically confirmed and unconfirmed STEMI (divided by wall affected), branch blocks, non-specific ST-T changes, normal, and abnormal (Remaining 200+ CPT codes). Cardiologist annotations ensured precision (Ground truth). Determined classes were “STEMI” and “Not-STEMI”. A 1-D Convolutional Neural Network model was trained and tested for each lead with dataset proportions of 90/10, respectively. The last dense layer outputs a probability for each record being STEMI/Not-STEMI. The analysis also included performance metrics and false-negative reports.

Results

Overall, the most promising Single lead for STEMI detection was V2 (91.2% Accuracy, 89.6% Sensitivity, and 92.9% Specificity). 55% of false negatives were inferior wall STEMI (Table 1).

Conclusion

Appreciable progress of our new methodology compared to our previous experiences in AI-guided Single Lead for STEMI detection, especially for lead V2. By performing a thorough analysis of false-negative reports, we aspire to identify potential areas of STEMI detection weakness which will become the focus of future ventures.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

No need for a cardiologist for AMI diagnosis – progress of transforming a behemoth telemedicine program with artificial intelligence

Background

The Latin American Telemedicine Infarct Network (LATIN) Telemedicine is a mammoth hub and spoke model that provides an umbrella of AMI protection for 100 million patients. In the program, 826,043 patients had a telemedicine encounter; 7,400 with AMI were diagnosed; 4,332 of them managed with guidelines-based strategies. We have gradually begun implementing a system for using Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms embedded into EKGs for rapid and accurate STEMI detection and validated the results with a cardiologist's interpretations.

Purpose

To test whether an AI-driven EKG algorithm can effectively substitute a cardiologist for STEMI telemedicine protocols.

Methods

The AI algorithm construction was in the following fashion. Sample: a selection of 8,511 EKG and 90,592 classified heartbeats. Pre-processing: segmentation of each EKG into individual heartbeats. Training & testing: 90% and 10% of the total dataset, respectively. Classification: 1-D Convolutional Neural Network; the study constructed classes for each heartbeat. The algorithm was next deployed on a consecutive series of LATIN EKG records to diagnose STEMI. We afterwards compared the algorithm's results with eight expert cardiologists' interpretations of the same sample.

Results

This study achieved a concordance of 91% between the AI algorithm and cardiologist interpretation (Figure 1).

Conclusions

The initial results with AI algorithms for STEMI diagnosis are encouraging and may provide the base work for new tools for cardiologists to improve their efficiency. Moreover, implementing this innovative tool may overcome current limitations associated with the telemedical management of this disease.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Effect of aspirin discontinuation according to individualised patient bleeding and ischemic risks after PCI: a TWILIGHT trial sub-analysis

Background

The TWILIGHT trial demonstrated a reduction in BARC 2, 3 or 5 (BARC-235) bleeding without an increase in ischemic events at 1-year in high-risk PCI patients randomized to placebo or aspirin (ASA) on a background of ticagrelor 3-months after PCI. However, the effect of ASA discontinuation according to baseline risk of bleeding and ischemic events remain unclear.

Purpose

To a) develop separate models to predict the risk of bleeding and ischemic events, and b) to assess treatment effect of ASA discontinuation across the risk strata.

Methods

Using the TWILIGHT patient database (N=7,119), two multivariable models, one for BARC-235 bleeding and one for CV death, nonfatal MI or nonfatal ischemic stroke (ischemic endpoint) were developed, and their predictive capacity was assessed. The effect of randomized treatment on bleeding and ischemic events across different patient risk-group categories as determined by the risk scores was investigated.

Results

At 1-year, 350 (5.4%) patients experienced a BARC-235 bleeding event and 258 (3.6%) experienced an ischemic event. Independent predictors of BARC-235 included haemoglobin levels at index PCI, proton-pump inhibitor non-use at discharge, age, liver disease and active smoking (c-statistic 0.64). Independent predictors of the ischemic outcome included a positive troponin ACS, prior CABG, diabetes, age, peripheral artery disease, prior PCI, a history of congestive heart failure, active smoking, the level of index PCI complexity, and prior MI (c-statistic 0.71). The risk of a BARC-235 almost doubled between patients in lower versus higher bleeding risk categories (4.3% versus 7.9%) and ischemic risk more than tripled between patients in lower versus higher ischemic risk categories (2.0% versus 7.0%) (see Figure 1). There was no evidence of a differential treatment effect for dual antiplatelet therapy versus ticagrelor monotherapy across the different risk categories of bleeding (interaction P=0.54) and ischemic risk (interaction P=0.95) (Table 1).

Conclusion

Individual patient bleeding and ischemic risks after PCI can both be readily characterised with good discrimination. The effect of ASA discontinuation in preventing bleeding in ticagrelor-treated patients was consistent regardless of baseline bleeding risk. There was no evidence for increased ischemic events with ASA discontinuation according to baseline ischemic risk.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): AstraZenecaIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

P11.45.B Improved overall survival following Stereotactic Radiosurgery for brain metastases - a single institution experience

Background

Brain metastases are increasingly common due to longer survival associated with advancements in treatment. Approximately 40% of cancer patients are diagnosed with brain metastases at some point during their disease. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) avoids the neuro-cognitive toxicity associated with whole brain radiotherapy and has been increasingly offered as a treatment alternative for brain metastases. Combined with developments in systemic treatments, this approach has resulted in improved overall survival (OS). This study reviewed patients treated with single fraction SRS at our institution with a primary endpoint of overall survival.

Material and Methods

A retrospective review determined overall survival for 237 patients who received single fraction SRS for 451 brain metastases from solid tumours between 1st January 2017 and 31st December 2021. Primary tumour sites were classified as breast, kidney, colorectal, melanoma, lung or other. SPSS v.27 was used for Kaplan Meier OS determination. The median follow up was 10.3 months. Cox regression analysis assessed the association between Gross Tumour Volume (GTV) and OS.

Results

In this patient cohort, 60% (N=142) were female and 40% (N=95) were male, with a median age of 63 [32-85]. 63.7% (N = 151) had a solitary metastasis. Patients received a single fraction of 15, 17.5 or 20 Gy (prescribed to 80% isodose) dependent on the planning target volume (PTV) size and whether it was initial treatment or re-treatment. 71% of all patients were alive at 6 months with median OS of 12.0 months [10.6-13.4]. Primary tumour site significantly affected OS (Log rank, Chi squared 15.656, p0.008) with breast cancer patients (N=58) surviving longest with a median OS 16.0 months [13.6-18.4] followed by melanoma median OS 15.0 months [7.6-22.4], kidney cancer patients (N = 24) median OS 12.0 months [8.3-15.7] and lung patients (N=87) median OS 10.0 months [8.9-11.3]. The lowest median OS was for colorectal patients at 7.0 months [1.4-12.6]. However, considering the small sample size, N = 15, more data is needed to confirm the significance. The larger the GTV volume the lower the survival time (Chi squared 8.692, p 0.003).

Conclusion

71% of patients had an OS of 6.0 months or more with a median of 12.0 months. As expected, primary tumour site has a significant impact on OS, with breast cancer patients living longest. In addition, increasing GTV size is associated with significantly worse survival. Given the improved survival for these patients, the avoidance of neuro cognitive decline remains of paramount importance and outcomes for these patients need to be reported in future work.

The influence of anastomotic techniques on postoperative anastomotic complications: Results of the Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit

BACKGROUND

The optimal anastomotic techniques in esophagectomy to minimize rates of anastomotic leakage and conduit necrosis are not known. The aim of this study was to assess whether the anastomotic technique was associated with anastomotic failure after esophagectomy in the international Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit cohort.

METHODS

This prospective observational multicenter cohort study included patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer over 9 months during 2018. The primary exposure was the anastomotic technique, classified as handsewn, linear stapled, or circular stapled. The primary outcome was anastomotic failure, namely a composite of anastomotic leakage and conduit necrosis, as defined by the Esophageal Complications Consensus Group. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to identify the association between anastomotic techniques and anastomotic failure, after adjustment for confounders.

RESULTS

Of the 2238 esophagectomies, the anastomosis was handsewn in 27.1%, linear stapled in 21.0%, and circular stapled in 51.9%. Anastomotic techniques differed significantly by the anastomosis sites (P < .001), with the majority of neck anastomoses being handsewn (69.9%), whereas most chest anastomoses were stapled (66.3% circular stapled and 19.3% linear stapled). Rates of anastomotic failure differed significantly among the anastomotic techniques (P < .001), from 19.3% in handsewn anastomoses, to 14.0% in linear stapled anastomoses, and 12.1% in circular stapled anastomoses. This effect remained significant after adjustment for confounding factors on multivariable analysis, with an odds ratio of 0.63 (95% CI, 0.46-0.86; P = .004) for circular stapled versus handsewn anastomosis. However, subgroup analysis by anastomosis site suggested that this effect was predominantly present in neck anastomoses, with anastomotic failure rates of 23.2% versus 14.6% versus 5.9% for handsewn versus linear stapled anastomoses versus circular stapled neck anastomoses, compared with 13.7% versus 13.8% versus 12.2% for chest anastomoses.

CONCLUSIONS

Handsewn anastomoses appear to be independently associated with higher rates of anastomotic failure compared with stapled anastomoses. However, this effect seems to be largely confined to neck anastomoses, with minimal differences between techniques observed for chest anastomoses. Further research into standardization of anastomotic approach and techniques may further improve outcomes.

“Learning from the experts” – a novel advanced cadaveric course for Gynaecological Oncology (GO) Cytoreductive Surgery

Background: Ovarian cancer cytoreductive surgery necessitates the use of advanced Simulation-Based Learning (SBL) to optimise skill-based teaching and achieve technical proficiency. Objective: We describe and appraise the role of a novel postgraduate cadaveric course for cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian/fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer. Materials and Methods: Several consultant-level surgeons with expertise in upper gastrointestinal, colorectal, hepatobiliary and urological surgery, were invited to teach their counterpart GO surgeons. The 2-day course curriculum involved advanced dissections on thiel-embalmed cadavers. All dissections included applicable steps required during GO cytoreductive surgeries. Outcome measures: We used a feedback questionnaire and structured interviews to capture trainers and delegates views respectively. Results: All delegates reported a positive educational experience and improvement of knowledge in all course components. There was no difference in the perception of feedback across junior versus senior consultants. Trainers perceived this opportunity as a “2-way learning” whether they got to explore in depth the GO perspective in how and which of their skills are applicable during cytoreductive surgery. Conclusions: Collaborating with other surgical specialities promotes a “learning from the experts” concept and has potential to meet the rapidly increased demand for multi-viscera surgical excellence in GO surgery. What’s new? The concept of involving experts from other surgical disciplines in advanced cadaveric courses for cytoreductive surgery in ovarian cancer, will solidify the effort to achieve excellence in the GO training. Such courses can be essential educational adjunct for most GO fellowships.

“I Think There's Only Two Fields for That”: Hospital Registrar Attitudes and Practices for Collecting Patient Gender Identity Data

Purpose

This study aimed to understand the experiences of hospital registrars in collecting gender identity data.

Methods

A qualitative study that thematically analyzed key informant interviews with 37 registrars regarding their attitudes and practices in collecting gender identity data.

Results

Collection of gender identity is influenced by (1) system-level barriers, (2) discrepancies in source of truth for documentation, and (3) registrars' underlying attitudes and behaviors.

Conclusions

Findings demonstrate that person- and system-level barriers can interfere with the accurate and respectful collection of gender identity data, which is critical for tracking and addressing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer health disparities.

Textbook outcome following oesophagectomy for cancer: international cohort study

Background

Textbook outcome has been proposed as a tool for the assessment of oncological surgical care. However, an international assessment in patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer has not been reported. This study aimed to assess textbook outcome in an international setting.

Methods

Patients undergoing curative resection for oesophageal cancer were identified from the international Oesophagogastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA) from April 2018 to December 2018. Textbook outcome was defined as the percentage of patients who underwent a complete tumour resection with at least 15 lymph nodes in the resected specimen and an uneventful postoperative course, without hospital readmission. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors independently associated with textbook outcome, and results are presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95 per cent confidence intervals (95 per cent c.i.).

Results

Of 2159 patients with oesophageal cancer, 39.7 per cent achieved a textbook outcome. The outcome parameter ‘no major postoperative complication’ had the greatest negative impact on a textbook outcome for patients with oesophageal cancer, compared to other textbook outcome parameters. Multivariable analysis identified male gender and increasing Charlson comorbidity index with a significantly lower likelihood of textbook outcome. Presence of 24-hour on-call rota for oesophageal surgeons (OR 2.05, 95 per cent c.i. 1.30 to 3.22; P = 0.002) and radiology (OR 1.54, 95 per cent c.i. 1.05 to 2.24; P = 0.027), total minimally invasive oesophagectomies (OR 1.63, 95 per cent c.i. 1.27 to 2.08; P &lt; 0.001), and chest anastomosis above azygous (OR 2.17, 95 per cent c.i. 1.58 to 2.98; P &lt; 0.001) were independently associated with a significantly increased likelihood of textbook outcome.

Conclusion

Textbook outcome is achieved in less than 40 per cent of patients having oesophagectomy for cancer. Improvements in centralization, hospital resources, access to minimal access surgery, and adoption of newer techniques for improving lymph node yield could improve textbook outcome.

Textbook outcome following oesophagectomy for cancer: international cohort study

BACKGROUND

Textbook outcome has been proposed as a tool for the assessment of oncological surgical care. However, an international assessment in patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer has not been reported. This study aimed to assess textbook outcome in an international setting.

METHODS

Patients undergoing curative resection for oesophageal cancer were identified from the international Oesophagogastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA) from April 2018 to December 2018. Textbook outcome was defined as the percentage of patients who underwent a complete tumour resection with at least 15 lymph nodes in the resected specimen and an uneventful postoperative course, without hospital readmission. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors independently associated with textbook outcome, and results are presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95 per cent confidence intervals (95 per cent c.i.).

RESULTS

Of 2159 patients with oesophageal cancer, 39.7 per cent achieved a textbook outcome. The outcome parameter 'no major postoperative complication' had the greatest negative impact on a textbook outcome for patients with oesophageal cancer, compared to other textbook outcome parameters. Multivariable analysis identified male gender and increasing Charlson comorbidity index with a significantly lower likelihood of textbook outcome. Presence of 24-hour on-call rota for oesophageal surgeons (OR 2.05, 95 per cent c.i. 1.30 to 3.22; P = 0.002) and radiology (OR 1.54, 95 per cent c.i. 1.05 to 2.24; P = 0.027), total minimally invasive oesophagectomies (OR 1.63, 95 per cent c.i. 1.27 to 2.08; P < 0.001), and chest anastomosis above azygous (OR 2.17, 95 per cent c.i. 1.58 to 2.98; P < 0.001) were independently associated with a significantly increased likelihood of textbook outcome.

CONCLUSION

Textbook outcome is achieved in less than 40 per cent of patients having oesophagectomy for cancer. Improvements in centralization, hospital resources, access to minimal access surgery, and adoption of newer techniques for improving lymph node yield could improve textbook outcome.

An International Registry of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis from Appendiceal Goblet Cell Carcinoma Treated with Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

PURPOSE

Peritoneal carcinomatosis from appendiceal goblet cell carcinoma (A-GCC) is a rare and aggressive form of appendiceal tumor. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intra peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) was reported as an interesting alternative regarding survival compared to surgery without HIPEC and/or systemic chemotherapy. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of CRS and HIPEC for patients presenting A-GCC through an international registry.

METHODS

A prospective multicenter international database was retrospectively searched to identify all patients with A-GCC tumor and peritoneal metastases who underwent CRS and HIPEC through the Peritoneal Surface Oncology Group International (PSOGI). The post-operative complications, long-term results, and principal prognostic factors were analyzed.

RESULTS

The analysis included 83 patients. After a median follow-up of 47 months, the median overall survival (OS) was 34.6 months. The 3- and 5-year OS was 48.5% and 35.7%, respectively. Patients who underwent complete macroscopic CRS had a significantly better survival than those treated with incomplete CRS. The 5-year OS was 44% and 0% for patients who underwent complete, and incomplete CRS, respectively (HR 9.65, p < 0.001). Lymph node involvement and preoperative chemotherapy were also predictive of a worse prognosis. There were 3 postoperative deaths, and 30% of the patients had major complications.

CONCLUSION

CRS and HIPEC may increase long-term survival in selected patients with peritoneal metastases of A-GCC origin, especially when complete CRS is achieved. Ideally, randomized control trials or more retrospective data are needed to confirm CRS and HIPEC as the gold standard in this pathology.

Evaluation and Management After Acute Left-Sided Colonic Diverticulitis : A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The value of interventions used after acute colonic diverticulitis is unclear.

PURPOSE

To evaluate postdiverticulitis colonoscopy and interventions to prevent recurrent diverticulitis.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov from 1 January 1990 through 16 November 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

Comparative studies of interventions of interest reporting critical or important outcomes, and larger single-group studies to evaluate prevalence of colonoscopy findings and harms.

DATA EXTRACTION

6 researchers extracted study data and risk of bias. The team assessed strength of evidence.

DATA SYNTHESIS

19 studies evaluated colonoscopy. Risk for prevalent colorectal cancer (CRC) compared with the general population is unclear. Based on low-strength evidence, long-term CRC diagnosis is similar with or without colonoscopy. High-strength evidence indicates that risk for prevalent CRC is higher among patients with complicated diverticulitis and colonoscopy complications are rare. Based on high-strength evidence, mesalamine does not reduce recurrence risk (6 randomized controlled trials [RCTs]). Evidence on other nonsurgical interventions is insufficient. For patients with prior complicated or smoldering or frequently recurrent diverticulitis, elective surgery is associated with reduced recurrence (3 studies; high strength). In 19 studies, serious surgical complications were uncommon.

LIMITATIONS

Few RCTs provided evidence. Heterogeneity of treatment effect was not adequately assessed.

CONCLUSION

It is unclear whether patients with recent acute diverticulitis are at increased risk for prevalent CRC, but those with complicated diverticulitis are at increased risk. Mesalamine is ineffective in preventing recurrence; other nonsurgical treatments have inadequate evidence. Elective surgery reduces recurrence in patients with prior complicated or smoldering or frequently recurrent diverticulitis, but it is unclear which of these patients may benefit most.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and American College of Physicians. (PROSPERO: CRD42020151246).

Implant-based Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy for Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Women undergoing implant-based reconstruction (IBR) after mastectomy for breast cancer have numerous options, including timing of IBR relative to radiation and chemotherapy, implant materials, anatomic planes, and use of human acellular dermal matrices. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate these options.

Methods

We searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov for studies, from inception to March 23, 2021, without language restriction. We assessed risk of bias and strength of evidence (SoE) using standard methods.

Results

We screened 15,936 citations. Thirty-six mostly high or moderate risk of bias studies (48,419 patients) met criteria. Timing of IBR before or after radiation may result in comparable physical, psychosocial, and sexual well-being, and satisfaction with breasts (all low SoE), and probably comparable risks of implant failure/loss or explantation (moderate SoE). No studies addressed timing relative to chemotherapy. Silicone and saline implants may result in clinically comparable satisfaction with breasts (low SoE). Whether the implant is in the prepectoral or total submuscular plane may not impact risk of infections (low SoE). Acellular dermal matrix use probably increases the risk of implant failure/loss or need for explant surgery (moderate SoE) and may increase the risk of infections (low SoE). Risks of seroma and unplanned repeat surgeries for revision are probably comparable (moderate SoE), and risk of necrosis may be comparable with or without human acellular dermal matrices (low SoE).

Conclusions

Evidence regarding IBR options is mostly of low SoE. New high-quality research is needed, especially for timing, implant materials, and anatomic planes of implant placement.