Cluster randomized trial to evaluate the impact of team training on surgical outcomes

Background

The application of safety principles from the aviation industry to the operating room has offered hope in reducing surgical complications. This study aimed to assess the impact on major surgical complications of adding an aviation-based team training programme after checklist implementation.

Methods

A prospective parallel-group cluster trial was undertaken between September 2011 and March 2013. Operating room teams from 31 hospitals were assigned randomly to participate in a team training programme focused on major concepts of crew resource management and checklist utilization. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of any major adverse event, including death, during the hospital stay within the first 30 days after surgery. Using a difference-in-difference approach, the ratio of the odds ratios (ROR) was estimated to compare changes in surgical outcomes between intervention and control hospitals.

Results

Some 22 779 patients were enrolled, including 5934 before and 16 845 after team training implementation. The risk of major adverse events fell from 8·8 to 5·5 per cent in 16 intervention hospitals (adjusted odds ratio 0·57, 95 per cent c.i. 0·48 to 0·68; P < 0·001) and from 7·9 to 5·4 per cent in 15 control hospitals (odds ratio 0·64, 0·50 to 0·81; P < 0·001), resulting in the absence of difference between arms (ROR 0·90, 95 per cent c.i. 0·67 to 1·21; P = 0·474). Outcome trends revealed significant improvements among ten institutions, equally distributed across intervention and control hospitals.

Conclusion

Surgical outcomes improved substantially, with no difference between trial arms. Successful implementation of an aviation-based team training programme appears to require modification and adaptation of its principles in the context of the the surgical milieu. Registration number: NCT01384474 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Le syndrome platypnée-orthodéoxie, une cause inhabituelle de détresse respiratoire après cœlioscopie

Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome is a rare cause of hypoxaemia per or postsurgery. This one is characterized by right-to-left intracardiac shunting responsible of postural hypoxemia in orthostatic position, which is improved by supine position. We described the first case of a platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome occurred during laparoscopic surgery.

[Does nutrition affect the prognosis of aged hemodialysis patients?]

Most authors agree that the prevalence of malnutrition is increased in patients treated by dialysis, particularly in the elderly. Malnutrition is a powerful risk factor for mortality; however, the strong association between nutritional status and mortality does not mean a causal relationship. It has been proposed that nutritional disorders that may occur in dialysis patients are mainly related to two different mechanisms. The first type of malnutrition is associated with a low protein and energy intake due to uremic toxicity, to physical changes and to psychosocial and psycho economic factors frequently found in the elderly. The second type of malnutrition is associated with increased protein catabolism from inflammatory origin. In the later case there are strong interactions between atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, inflammation and nutritional parameters. Up to now the treatments have aimed at improving nutritional intake by increasing dialysis doses in association with dietary counselling and protein/calories supplementation. Complementary anti-inflammatory therapies acting on the inflammatory component of malnutrition may have a beneficial effect on the outcome of these patients.

Determinants of arterial compliance in patients treated by hemodialysis

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease is the principal cause of morbidity and mortality among hemodialysis patients. Several studies have demonstrated the importance of a reduction in arterial compliance in the development of cardiovascular complications, reflecting the interaction of functional and structural alterations of the peripheral arterial system and left ventricle. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate that arterial compliance, evaluated by automated recording of the QKd interval, was lower in hemodialysis patients than in normal subjects. A secondary objective of the study was to assess the influence of several factors, including calcium-phosphorus parameters, on decreased arterial compliance in these patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Arterial compliance was evaluated in 24 chronic hemodialysis patients who had normal (n = 12) or high blood pressure (n = 12), using a method of measuring systolic wave velocity by automated recording of the QKd interval. This interval corresponds to the time (in ms) between the onset of the electrocardiogram QRS complex (Q) and the Korotkoff (K) sound at diastolic pressure (d) heard over the brachial artery during blood pressure measurement. The analysis was performed in comparison with reference values obtained in a population with normal renal function. The other parameters determined were: age, duration of chronic renal failure, duration of hemodialysis therapy, left ventricular mass, vascular calcification score, serum total and ionized calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, calcidiol, calcitriol, and blood concentration of hemoglobin.

RESULTS

The arterial stiffness of all the patients was increased significantly (p < 0.001) compared to reference values obtained from subjects without renal failure, the average age, height, and blood pressure of whom were similar to those of the patients. Multivariate analysis demonstrated a positive relationship among the QKd interval, serum total calcium, and the duration of hemodialysis. This suggested that arterial wall elastic properties were dependent not only on hypertension and constraints of pressure, but that they were also influenced by calcium and phosphorus metabolism and the duration of renal substitution therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Arterial compliance, evaluated by the ambulatory method of QKd measurement, is reduced in chronic hemodialysis patients, and is inversely correlated with serum calcium concentration and dependent on the previous duration of hemodialysis therapy.

Procalcitonin: a new marker of inflammation in haemodialysis patients?

BACKGROUND

Although procalcitonin (PCT) has been described as a new marker of infection and inflammation, it has not been extensively studied in dialysis patients.

METHODS

We measured plasma PCT levels in 62 patients on maintenance haemodialysis (30 M/32 F, age 61.8+/-17.1 years, on dialysis for 75+/-93 months, 12 h/week, with a Kt/V of 1.53+/-0.31, high-flux membrane being used in 25 patients and low-flux in 37 patients, without reuse). PCT levels were compared with other markers of inflammation and nutritional status, including C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, interleukin-6 (IL-6), leukocytes, urea, creatinine, albumin, prealbumin, normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR), haemoglobin (Hb), and epoetin (Epo) doses. Patients were divided into different groups according to their infectious and vascular status.

RESULTS

PCT plasma levels before dialysis were 0.69+/-0.81 ng/ml. Fifty-seven per cent of PCT values were higher than the upper normal limit of 0.5 ng/ml. CRP and PCT concentrations were high in patients with a current infection, while IL-6 values were elevated in all patients regardless of infection status. Plasma CRP concentrations before dialysis were 21.2+/-31.4 mg/l, and 70% of these values were higher than the upper normal limit. CRP, PCT, IL-6, and fibrinogen were positively correlated with each other and were all negatively correlated with albumin. Prealbumin was negatively correlated with CRP and IL-6. In the 43 patients treated with Epo, haemoglobin was negatively correlated with IL-6 and Epo doses, while Epo doses were positively correlated with IL-6 but not with CRP or PCT. The 23 patients with both elevated PCT and CRP plasma levels had the lowest Hb, albumin, and prealbumin concentrations, and the highest fibrinogen concentrations and Epo doses.

CONCLUSION

PCT in haemodialysis patients is positively correlated with currently used markers of inflammation such as CRP and fibrinogen, and negatively correlated with markers of nutritional status such as albumin. The concomitant elevations in PCT and CRP could be more sensitive in the evaluation of inflammation than each marker separately.

Impact of high-flux/high-efficiency dialysis on folate and homocysteine metabolism

High-flux/high-efficiency (HF/HE) dialysis may have detrimental effects on micro-nutrients and water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin B6, whose levels are lowered. Folate deficiency may increase cardiovascular risk through an increase in homocysteine (Hcy) serum levels. We therefore investigated the effects of dialysis with a high-flux (HF) membrane on folate and Hcy metabolism. Twelve patients without any folate supplementation, receiving dialysis with a low-flux membrane prior to the study (TO), were switched to dialysis using a HF triacetate membrane for four months (T1, T2, T3, T4) and received an oral daily folate supplementation during the two last months (T3, T4). Mean predialysis plasma folate levels fell dramatically after one month of HF dialysis (T1) and remained significantly lower than the initial level (p<0.05) at T2. Hcy concentrations were high in all patients at TO (mean 47.3 +/- 17.6 microM, normal range 5 to 15 microM). They did not change during the first two months of the study but dropped steeply after the beginning of oral folate supplementation. Folate supplementation should be used in HF/HE dialysis to avoid folate depletion. The combination of folate supplementation and HF/HE may lower Hcy levels and reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in these patients.

[Spontaneous rupture of the esophagus (Boerhaave syndrome) in a patient with scleroderma treated by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis]

Esophageal involvement is a common situation found in 50 to 80% of patients with scleroderma, but Boerhaave's syndrome is rare in this context. The authors report the first case of spontaneous esophageal rupture occurring in a chronic renal failure patient treated by continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. In this observation, sclerodermal esophageal dyskinesia, chronic renal failure which is a classical cause of vomiting and the peritoneal dialysis which play an increasing role in the intraabdominal pressure are potential contributing factors to Boerhave's syndrome. In such patients presenting risk factors, even if they are asymptomatic, it seems reasonable to propose esophageal explorations with manometry or/and endoscopy looking for dyskinesia or other complications of gastro-esophageal reflux.

[Prostacyclin in the treatment of hemolytic-uremic syndrome: apropos of a case]

A 52 year-old man was hospitalised for acute renal failure with thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia without oliguria. A haemolytic-uremic syndrome was diagnosed and prostacyclin infusion was started. Twenty-four hours later, the renal function improved as well as thrombocytopenia and anemia. Recovery occurred after 11 days of treatment. Haemolytic-uremic syndrome treatment is not well codified: plasmaphoresis, fresh frozen plasma, transfusions showed inconstant efficiency and data about prostacycline treatment are rare and often contradictory. Multicentric studies must be started in order to determine the precise benefit of this treatment.

[Cutaneous diphtheria]

Cutaneous diphtheria, frequently seen in tropical areas, is uncommon in developed countries. As seen in the recent epidemics in western countries, where it turned out to be an important factor of dissemination, there is a persisting risk of diphtheria. A perfect knowledge of the clinical manifestations and factors of risk and consequent vaccination is necessary to eradicate diphtheria.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in infants less than one year of age: a cumulative experience of the Children's Cancer Study Group

A retrospective review of all 115 infants less than 1 year of age with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) entered on a consecutive series of recent Children's Cancer Study Group (CCSG) leukemia protocols was undertaken to examine in detail the outcome and clinical course of a large group of similarly treated infants. In comparison to the 4,392 children older than 1 year, entered on the same studies, infants had a significantly (P = .0001) increased incidence of leukocytosis, hepatosplenomegaly, meningeal leukemia at presentation, hypogammaglobulinemia, and failure to achieve complete remission (CR) status by day 14 of induction therapy. In contrast, lymphadenopathy, non-L1 French-American-British (FAB) morphology, mediastinal mass, and T cell leukemia were not more frequently observed. Ninety percent of these infants successfully completed the induction phase of therapy. With a median follow-up of 35 months, life table estimate of disease-free survival is only 23% at 4 years. Identical disease-free survival rates for infants were observed in each of the individual studies reviewed. Excessive toxicity resulting in limitation of therapy delivered was not a causative factor for the disappointing outcome of these patients. Rather, early disease recurrence, characterized by bone marrow relapse (55%) and CNS (22%) relapse, was the major factor responsible for the extremely poor prognosis of this patient group. Identical CNS relapse rates were observed in those patients who received cranial irradiation as part of CNS prophylaxis (21.8%) and in those patients who did not receive cranial radiotherapy (24%). Results of salvage therapy for patients who experienced systemic or extramedullary relapse were dismal. Debilitating neuropsychologic sequellae, presumably related to CNS irradiation, have been observed in 50% of the small number of long-term survivors. Infants less than 1 year of age with ALL present with a constellation of features which predict a poor outcome and constitute the group of children with ALL at greatest risk for treatment failure.

Down syndrome and acute leukemia in children: a 10-year retrospective survey from Childrens Cancer Study Group

Review of 5406 children with acute lymphoblastic (ALL) or nonlymphoblastic leukemia (ANLL) registered with Childrens Cancer Study Group (CCSG) since 1972 identified 115 patients (2.1%) with Down syndrome. The proportion of patients with Down syndrome was the same for ALL (2.1%) and ANLL (2.1%). Patients with ALL with and without Down syndrome did not differ significantly with respect to age at diagnosis, sex, race, morphology (FAB classification), cell surface markers, initial white blood cell count, pretreatment hemoglobin value, hepatomegaly, lymphadenopathy, presence of mediastinal mass, CNS disease at diagnosis, or prognostic group as defined by age and initial white blood cell count. Patients with ALL-Down syndrome less frequently had splenomegaly, had lower pretreatment platelet counts, and more often had normal or elevated IgG or IgA levels. In addition, they had a significantly lower rate of remission (81% versus 94%), a higher mortality during induction therapy (14% versus 3%), and a poorer overall survival with 5-year life table rates of 50% versus 65% (P less than 0.001). If an initial remission was achieved, there were no significant differences with respect to remission duration, survival, or disease-free survival. Patients with ANLL-Down syndrome were younger at diagnosis than those without Down syndrome. There was no significant difference in the remission rates between these patients. Analysis of findings in patients with ANLL provided results similar to those obtained for patients with ALL with regard to clinical outcome after achievement of an initial remission.

Reduction in central nervous system leukemia with a pharmacokinetically derived intrathecal methotrexate dosage regimen

During the period 1976-1981, 3241 children were enrolled on three major studies of acute lymphoblastic leukemia by participating institutions of the Children's Cancer Study Group. Each study included a different method of central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis: (1) standard therapy with cranial irradiation, 2400 rads, and intrathecal methotrexate at 12 mg/m2 six times during consolidation (CCG-141); (2) a modification of CCG-141 in which the intrathecal methotrexate was initiated during induction (CCG-141A); and (3) a reduced cranial irradiation dose of 1800 rads with intrathecal methotrexate given at the same frequency as a CCG-141A, with or without maintenance intrathecal methotrexate, but with a dosage regimen derived from CNS volume considerations rather than based on body surface area (CCG-160 series). Strategy 3, a change in the intrathecal methotrexate dosage, has resulted in the lowest incidence of CNS leukemia to date (p less than 0.007). The cumulative 3-yr CNS relapse rate has decreased from 8%-10% to 2%-5% in average-risk patients (p less than 0.02; life table estimate) and from 23%-27% to 6% in high-risk patients (p less than 0.0002; life table estimate), despite a reduction in the cranial irradiation dose from 2400 to 1800 rads. Maintenance intrathecal chemotherapy has had a marginal effect among patients randomized to receive this additional therapy (p = 0.06). The overall outcome has been an increase in the continuous complete remission rate (p = 0.04) but not in the estimated 3-yr continuous hematologic remission or survival rates.

Disappearance of the predictive value of prognostic variables in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a report from Childrens Cancer Study Group

The identification of important prognostic factors at diagnosis of childhood leukemia has been very useful in explaining the marked differences in disease outcome. After a complete remission is achieved, it is interesting to determine whether the ability to maintain a complete remission and the patient's survival continue to be influenced by the prognostic factors identified at diagnosis. If the maintenance of complete remission and survival continue to be influenced, it is important to determine the magnitude of this effect and its variations with time. Data from a study population of 936 children with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia were analyzed to determine the duration of effect for three variables showing strong prognostic influence: WBC, age at diagnosis, and sex. The strongest of these, WBC, showed a gradual attenuation of effect for children in progressively longer periods of complete continuous remission to a virtual disappearance at 24 months. Age and sex showed a similar reduction in prognostic effect with a negligible contribution at 15 months of continuous complete remission. However, sex becomes an important variables again with a late effect on recurrence results in patients who experience long periods of remission.