Comparison of rerupture rates after operative and nonoperative management of Achilles tendon rupture in older populations: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the treatment for Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) associated with the lowest risk of rerupture in older patients.

Methods

Five databases were searched through September 2022 for studies published in the past 10 years analyzing operative and nonoperative ATR treatment. Studies were categorized as "nonelderly" if they reported only on patients aged 18-60 years. Studies that included at least 1 patient older than age 70 were categorized as "elderly inclusive." Of 212 studies identified, 28 were eligible for inclusion. Of 2965 patients, 1165 were treated operatively: 429 (37%) from elderly-inclusive studies and 736 (63%) from nonelderly studies. Of the 1800 nonoperative patients 553 (31%) were from nonelderly studies and 1247 (69%) were from elderly-inclusive studies.

Results

For nonoperative treatment, the rate of rerupture was higher in nonelderly studies (83/1000 cases, 95% CI = 58, 113) than in elderly-inclusive studies (38/1000 cases, 95% CI = 22, 58; P<.001). For operative treatment no difference was found in the rate of rerupture between nonelderly studies (7/1000 cases, 95% CI = 0, 21) and elderly-inclusive studies (12/1000 cases, 95% CI = 0, 35; P<.78). Overall, operative treatment was associated with a rerupture rate of 1.5% (95% CI: 1.0%, 2.8%) (P<.001), which was lower than the 5% rate reported by other studies for nonoperative management (P<.001).

Conclusion

Older patients may benefit more than younger patients from nonoperative treatment of ATR. More studies are needed to determine the age at which rerupture rates decrease among nonoperatively treated patients.

Level of Evidence

3.

Correlation between research productivity during and after orthopaedic surgery training

Background

Research experience is mandatory for all Orthopaedic Surgery residency programs. Although the allocation of required protected time and resources varies from program to program, the underlying importance of research remains consistent with mutual benefit to both residents and the program and faculty. Authorship and publications have become the standard metric used to evaluate academic success. This study aimed to determine if there is a correlation between the research productivity of Orthopaedic Surgery trainees and their subsequent research productivity as attending Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Methods

Using the University of Mississippi Orthopaedic Residency Program Research Productivity Rank List, 30 different Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Programs were analyzed for the names of every graduating surgeon in their 2013 class. PubMed Central was used to screen all 156 physicians and collect all publications produced by them between 2008 and August 2022. Results were separated into two categories: Publications during training and Publications post-training.

Results

As defined above, 156 Surgeons were analyzed for publications during training and post-training. The mean number of publications was 7.02 ± 17.819 post-training vs. 2.47 ± 4.313 during training, P < 0.001. The range of publication post-training was 0-124 vs. 0-30 during training. Pearson correlation between the two groups resulted in a value of 0.654, P < 0.001.

Conclusion

Higher research productivity while training correlates to higher productivity post-training, but overall Orthopaedic surgeons produce more research after training than during. With the growing importance of research, more mentorship, time, and resources must be dedicated to research to instill and foster greater participation while in training.

Open Reduction Internal Fixation vs Primary Arthrodesis for Lisfranc Fracture-Dislocations: A Cost Analysis

Background

Lisfranc fracture-dislocation is an uncommon but serious injury that currently lacks universal consensus on optimal operative treatment. Two common fixation methods are open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and primary arthrodesis (PA). The objective of this study is to analyze the cost difference between ORIF and PA of Lisfranc injuries, along with the contribution of medical services to overall costs.

Methods

This was a retrospective cost analysis of the MarketScan database from 2010 to 2020. MarketScan is an insurance and commercial claims database that integrates deidentified patient information. It captures person-specific clinical utilization, expenditures, and enrollment across inpatient and outpatient services. Patients undergoing primary ORIF (CPT code 28615) vs PA (28730 and 28740) for Lisfranc fracture-dislocation were identified. The primary independent variable was ORIF vs PA of Lisfranc injury. Total costs due to operative management was the primary objective. The utilization of and costs contributed by medical services was a secondary outcome.

Results

From 2010 to 2020, a total of 7268 patients underwent operative management of Lisfranc injuries, with 5689 (78.3%) ORIF and 1579 (21.7%) PA. PA was independently associated with increased net and total payment and coinsurance, clinic visits, and imaging, and patients attended significantly more PT sessions.

Conclusion

Using this large database that does not characterize severity or extent of injury, we found that treatment of Lisfranc fracture-dislocation with ORIF was associated with substantially lower initial episode of treatment costs compared with PA. Specific excessive cost drivers for PA were clinic visits, PT sessions, and imaging.

Level of Evidence

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Trends in Racial, Ethnic, and Gender Diversity in Orthopaedic Surgery Adult Reconstruction Fellowships From 2007 to 2021

BACKGROUND

Orthopaedic surgery has seen improvement in its representation of women, whereas the representation of racial/ethnic minorities has remained stagnant over the past decade. Overall, the surgical field lags behind other specialties in sex and racial/ethnic parity. Although demographic disparities within orthopaedics have been analyzed for both residents and faculty members, information for adult reconstruction fellows remains limited.

METHODS

Sex and race/ethnicity demographics for adult reconstruction orthopaedic fellowship matriculants were collected via a database published by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) from 2007 to 2021. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics and significance testing, were performed.

RESULTS

During the 14-year time frame, men trainees remained high with an overall average percentage of 88% and demonstrated increasing representation (P trend = .012). White non-Hispanics, Asians, Blacks, and Hispanics represented on average 54%, 11%, 3%, and 4%, respectively. White non-Hispanics (P trend = .039) and Asians (P trend = .030) saw increasing and decreasing representation, respectively. Women, Blacks, and Hispanics remained relatively stagnant throughout the observation period as no trends were appreciable (P trend >.05, each).

CONCLUSION

Using publicly available demographic data from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) from 2007 to 2021, we found relatively limited progress in the representation of women and those from traditionally marginalized groups seeking additional training in adult reconstruction. Our findings mark an initial step in measuring the demographic diversity among adult reconstruction fellows. Further research is needed to ascertain specific factors likely to attract and retain members from minoritized groups into orthopaedics.

Trends in Racial, Ethnic, and Gender Diversity in Orthopedic Surgery Spine Fellowships From 2007 to 2021

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to analyze trends in racial, ethnic, and gender diversity in orthopedic spine surgery fellowship trainees.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Orthopedic surgery has consistently been labeled as one of the least diverse fields in Medicine. Although some effort has been made to combat this in recent years at the residency level, it is uncertain whether spine fellowships have had any changes in fellow demographics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fellowship demographic data were collected through the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Data collected included gender (male, female, and not reported) and race (White, Asian, Black, Hispanic, Native Hawaiians, American Indian or Alaskan Native, other, and unknown). Percentage equivalents were calculated for each group from 2007 to 2008 to 2020 to 2021. A χ 2 test for trend (Cochran-Armitage test) was done to determine whether there was a significant change in percentages of each race and gender during the study period. The results were considered statistically significant at P <0.05.

RESULTS

White, Non-Hispanic males represent the largest proportion of orthopedic spine fellowship positions each year. From 2007 to 2021, there were no significant changes in the representation of any race or gender of orthopedic spine fellows. Males ranged from 81% to 95%, Whites from 28% to 66%, Asians from 9% to 28%, Blacks from 3% to 16%, and Hispanics from 0% to 10%. Native Hawaiians and American Indians remained at 0% for all years included in the study. Females and all races, excluding Whites, continue to be under-represented in orthopedic spine fellowship.

CONCLUSIONS

Orthopedic spine surgery fellowship programs have not made substantial progress in diversifying its population. More attention is needed to increase diversity in residency programs through pipeline programs, increased mentorship and sponsorship, and early exposure to the field.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

1.

Perceptions of Racial and Gender Microaggressions in an Academic Orthopaedic Department

Orthopaedic surgery consistently ranks last among all medical specialties in diversity and inclusion. While active efforts have recently been implemented to enact change, no study to date has explored the potential effects that social microaggressions have on an individual's career in orthopaedic surgery. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the perceived experiences of gender and race-based microaggressions on orthopaedic surgery residents, fellows, and attendings in their decision to pursue a career in orthopaedic surgery.

METHODS

A 34-question institutional review board-approved, modified version of the validated Racial and Ethnic Minorities Scale and Daily Life Experiences survey was sent to a total of 84 individuals at the University of Miami (UM) Department of Orthopaedics. Responses were anonymously collected from current UM orthopaedic residents, fellows, and attendings. Survey results were analyzed for the prevalence of microaggressions in the context of sex, race, ethnicity, academic goals, daily scenarios, and department support. p-Values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Fifty-four of 84 respondents (64%) completed the survey. Female respondents experienced significantly more gender-based microaggressions than male respondents. On average, male participants disagreed that their experiences with microaggressions made them doubt their ability to pursue a career in orthopaedic surgery while female participants responded they were neutral. In comparison with their White counterparts, non-White and Hispanic ethnicity participants demonstrated a statistically significantly greater frequency of race and ethnicity-based microaggressions.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that female participants, non-White participants, and Hispanic minorities across all levels of training experience a higher frequency of microaggressions. The impact of these experiences on career decisions and goals for women and persons of color in orthopaedic surgery at this single institution is mixed. Experienced microaggressions should be further investigated as a potential barrier to recruitment and retention of under-represented minorities in orthopaedic surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Trends in Racial, Ethnic, and Gender Diversity Among Hand Surgery Fellows From 2007 to 2021

PURPOSE

There is a paucity of research on the demographic trends of orthopedic and plastic hand surgery fellows. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the current state of racial and gender demographic trends in hand surgery fellowship from 2007 to 2021.

METHODS

We analyzed fellowship demographic data from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education public database from 2007-2008 through 2020-2021. The gender of hand surgery fellows was categorized as male, female, or not reported and their race/ethnicity as White, Non-Hispanic; Asian or Pacific Islander, Hispanic; Black, Non-Hispanic; American Indian or Alaskan Native; other; or unknown. We extracted the number of fellows per year for each category and calculated the percentage equivalents and average percentages. We performed the chi-square test for trend (Cochran-Armitage test) to identify any significant changes in the percentages of gender and race/ethnicity between 2007 and 2021.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase in the percentage of hand surgery fellows who are women (20.7% to 30.7%) and Asian or Pacific Islander (13.3% to 25.3%). There was no significant change in the percentage of Hispanic or Black, Non-Hispanic fellows.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there have been some increases, hand surgery fellows continue to be underrepresented by women and minorities, consistent with the demographic of orthopedic and plastic surgery residents. There have been increasing trends in the number of women and minorities in medical schools, which leaves room for improvement from the downstream prospective applicant pool.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The physician-patient relationship can potentially be strengthened by race and gender concordance; however, many minority and female hand surgery patients do not have physicians who are women or of the same ethnic background. Patient satisfaction, trust, and potential health outcomes may be improved with a physician workforce that reflects the diversity of their patients.

Effect of Faculty Diversity on Minority Student Populations Matching into Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Programs

Greater faculty diversity within orthopaedic residency programs has been associated with an increased application rate from students of similarly diverse demographic backgrounds. It is unknown whether these underrepresented student populations have an equitable likelihood of being highly ranked and matching at these programs. Thus, we sought to evaluate the relationship between faculty and resident diversity, with a specific focus on sex, racial/ethnic groups that are underrepresented in medicine (URiM), and international medical graduates (IMGs).

Methods

The American Orthopaedic Association's Orthopaedic Residency Information Network database was used to collect demographic data on 172 US residency programs. Linear regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship between the proportion of female or URiM attendings at a program and the proportion of female, URiM, or IMG residents or top-ranked applicants (≥25 rank). URiM was defined as "racial and ethnic populations that are underrepresented in the medical profession relative to their numbers in the general population."

Results

A mean of 13.55% of attendings were female and 14.14% were URiM. A larger fraction of female attendings was a positive predictor of female residents (p < 0.001). Similarly, a larger percentage of URiM attendings was a positive predictor of URiM residents (p < 0.001), as well as of URiM (p < 0.001) and IMG (p < 0.01) students being ranked highly. There was no significant association between URiM attendings and female residents/overall top-ranked applicants, or vice versa.

Conclusions

Residency programs with more female attendings were more likely to match female residents, and programs with more URiM attendings were more likely to highly rank URiM and IMG applicants as well as match URiM residents. Our findings indicate that orthopaedic surgery residencies may be more likely to rank and match female or URiM students at similar proportions to that of their faculty. This may reflect minority students preferentially applying to programs with more diverse faculty because they feel a better sense of fit and are likely to benefit from a stronger support system.

Level of Evidence

III.

Operative vs Nonoperative Management of Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Cost Analysis

Background

Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) is a common injury with a growing incidence rate. Treatment is either operative or nonoperative. However, evidence is lacking on the cost comparison between these modalities. The objective of this study is to investigate the cost differences between operative and nonoperative treatment of ATR using a large national database.

Methods

Patients who received treatment for an ATR were abstracted from the large national commercial insurance claims database, Marketscan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database (n = 100 825) and divided into nonoperative (n = 75 731) and operative (n = 25 094) cohorts. Demographics, location, and health care charges were compared using multivariable regression analysis. Subanalysis of costs for medical services including clinic visits, imaging studies, opioid usage, and physical therapy were conducted. Patients who underwent secondary repair were excluded.

Results

Operative treatment was associated with increased net and total payments, coinsurance, copayment, deductible, coordination of benefits (COB) / savings, greater number of clinic visits, radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and physical therapy (PT) sessions, and with higher net costs due to clinic visits, radiographs, MRIs, and PT (P < .001). Operative repair at an ambulatory surgical center was associated with a lower net and total payment, and a significantly higher deductible compared to in-hospital settings (P < .001). Both cohorts received similar numbers of opioid prescriptions during the study period. Yet, operative patients had a significantly shorter duration of opioid use. After controlling for confounders, operative repair was also independently associated with lower net costs due to opioid prescriptions.

Conclusion

Compared with nonoperatively managed ATR, surgical repair is associated with greater costs partially because of greater utilization of clinic visits, imaging, and physical therapy sessions. However, surgical costs may be reduced when procedures are performed in ambulatory surgery centers vs hospital facilities. Nonoperative treatment is associated with higher prescription costs secondary to longer duration of opioid use.

Level of Evidence

Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Leadership Characteristics of Orthopaedic Surgery Foot and Ankle Fellowship Directors

Category:

Other

Introduction/Purpose:

As both fellowship training and opportunities for leadership's popularity increase, understanding a Foot and Ankle Fellowship Directors' (FD's) necessary components is crucial for evaluating Orthopaedic improvement methods and providing a template for the field's aspiring leaders. However, despite a FD's significance in trainee's development, future success, and careers in Foot and Ankle via Orthopaedic Surgery, no literature analyzing Foot and Ankle FD's demographics, surgical training, nor experience currently exists. This article aims to illustrate the trends in the characteristics and qualifications needed for leadership as an Orthopaedic Surgery Foot and Ankle FD.

Methods:

The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) identified the FDs for all 2021 participating Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle fellowship programs in the United States. The characteristics, demographics, and educational background data for each fellowship director was gathered and consolidated by author review of available curricula vitae (CV's). Information that could not be obtained from the CV's were then further gathered from resources such as Scopus web of science, institutional biographies, and emailed questionnaires. To ensure adequate response and data points, with absence of email response, information not readily available was obtained through telecommunications. These data points were then consolidated into 1 database. The information gathered to be used as data points were: Age, sex, race/ethnicity, residency/fellowship training location and graduation year, name of current institution, length of time at current institution, time since training completion until being appointed fellowship director, length in fellowship director role, and personal research H-index.

Results:

51 Foot and Ankle FDs were appraised. The mean age of Current FD's was 51.27 years old with a mean H-Index of 14.69. 94.1% of these FD's were male and 5.9% were female; 90.2% were Caucasian, 5.9% were Asian American, and 3.9% were African American. The mean residency graduation year was 2001.31; and the most attended Residency program was the Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Residency Program. The mean fellowship graduation year was 2002.30; and the most attended fellowship program was the MedStar Union Memorial Foot and Ankle Fellowship. The time from completion of fellowship until FD appointment was 11.42 years; the mean number of years spent as a FD is 4.37. 19.61% of FD's work at the same institution where they completed residency; 9.8 % of FD's currently work at the same institution where they completed fellowship. The FD with the highest research impact displayed a Scopus H-index of 48.

Conclusion:

This study serves as an objective summary and analysis of the current leadership within Foot and Ankle Fellowship Programs in the US. Orthopaedics sees a large disparity in diversity in percentage of women and minorities within the field as compared to several different specialties; however, that same disparity is further pronounced amongst leadership as lower percentages of women and minorities hold leadership positions within orthopaedics compared to other specialties. This study provides data to be used as a template for candidates aspiring for leadership while displaying trends that establish a more comprehensive sense of diversity and equality.

Use of Commercially Produced Medical Education Videos in a Cardiovascular Curriculum: Multiple Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Short instructional videos can make learning more efficient through the application of multimedia principles, and video animations can illustrate the complex concepts and dynamic processes that are common in health sciences education. Commercially produced videos are commonly used by medical students but are rarely integrated into curricula.

OBJECTIVE

Our goal was to examine student engagement with medical education videos incorporated into a preclinical Cardiovascular Systems course.

METHODS

Students who took the first-year 8-week Cardiovascular Systems course in 2019 and 2020 were included in the study. Videos from Osmosis were recommended to be watched before live sessions throughout the course. Video use was monitored through dashboards, and course credit was given for watching videos. All students were emailed electronic surveys after the final exam asking about the course's blended learning experience and use of videos. Osmosis usage data for number of video views, multiple choice questions, and flashcards were extracted from Osmosis dashboards.

RESULTS

Overall, 232/359 (64.6%) students completed surveys, with rates by class of 81/154 (52.6%) for MD Class of 2022, 39/50 (78%) for MD/MPH Class of 2022, and 112/155 (72.3%) for MD Class of 2023. Osmosis dashboard data were available for all 359 students. All students received the full credit offered for Osmosis engagement, and learning analytics demonstrated regular usage of videos and other digital platform features. Survey responses indicated that most students found Osmosis videos to be helpful for learning (204/232, 87.9%; P=.001) and preferred Osmosis videos to the traditional lecture format (134/232, 57.8%; P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Commercial medical education videos may enhance curriculum with low faculty effort and improve students' learning experiences. Findings from our experience at one medical school can guide the effective use of supplemental digital resources for learning, and related evaluation and research.

Spatial alignment of 3D printed scaffolds modulates genotypic expression in pre-osteoblasts

3D printing, an advent from rapid prototyping technology is emerging as a suitable solution for various regenerative engineering applications. In this study, blended gelatin-sodium alginate 3D printed scaffolds with different pore geometries were developed by altering the spatiotemporal alignment of even layered struts in the scaffolds. A significant difference in compression modulus and osteogenic expression due to the difference in spatiotemporal printing was demonstrated. Pore geometry was found to be more dominant than the compressive modulus of the scaffold in regulating osteogenic gene expression. A shift in pore geometry by at least 45° was critical for significant increase in osteogenic gene expression in MC3T3-E1 cells.

Infrapatellar Fat Pad/Synovium Complex in Early-Stage Knee Osteoarthritis: Potential New Target and Source of Therapeutic Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells

The infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) has until recently been viewed as a densely vascular and innervated intracapsular/extrasynovial tissue with biomechanical roles in the anterior compartment of the knee. Over the last decade, secondary to the proposition that the IFP and synovium function as a single unit, its recognized tight molecular crosstalk with emerging roles in the pathophysiology of joint disease, and the characterization of immune-related resident cells with varying phenotypes (e.g., pro and anti-inflammatory macrophages), this structural complex has gained increasing attention as a potential therapeutic target in patients with various knee pathologies including osteoarthritis (KOA). Furthermore, the description of the presence of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) as perivascular cells within the IFP (IFP-MSC), exhibiting immunomodulatory, anti-fibrotic and neutralizing activities over key local mediators, has promoted the IFP as an alternative source of MSC for cell-based therapy protocols. These complementary concepts have supported the growing notion of immune and inflammatory events participating in the pathogenesis of KOA, with the IFP/synovium complex engaging not only in amplifying local pathological responses, but also as a reservoir of potential therapeutic cell-based products. Consequently, the aim of this review is to outline the latest discoveries related with the IFP/synovium complex as both an active participant during KOA initiation and progression thus emerging as a potential target, and a source of therapeutic IFP-MSCs. Finally, we discuss how these notions may help the design of novel treatments for KOA through modulation of local cellular and molecular cascades that ultimately lead to joint destruction.

Development of Tripolymeric Triaxial Electrospun Fibrous Matrices for Dual Drug Delivery Applications

Since the first work by Laurencin and colleagues on the development of polymeric electrospinning for biomedical purposes, the use of electrospinning technology has found broad applications in such areas of tissue regeneration and drug delivery. More recently, coaxial electrospinning has emerged as an important technique to develop scaffolds for regenerative engineering incorporated with drug(s). However, the addition of a softer core layer leads to a reduction in mechanical properties. Here, novel robust tripolymeric triaxially electrospun fibrous scaffolds were developed with a polycaprolactone (PCL) (core layer), a 50:50 poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) (sheath layer) and a gelatin (intermediate layer) with a dual drug delivery capability was developed through modified electrospinning. A sharp increase in elastic modulus after the incorporation of PCL in the core of the triaxial fibers in comparison with uniaxial PLGA (50:50) and coaxial PLGA (50:50) (sheath)-gelatin (core) fibers was observed. Thermal analysis of the fibrous scaffolds revealed an interaction between the core-intermediate and sheath-intermediate layers of the triaxial fibers contributing to the higher tensile modulus. A simultaneous dual release of model small molecule Rhodamine B (RhB) and model protein Fluorescein isothiocynate (FITC) Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) conjugate incorporated in the sheath and intermediate layers of triaxial fibers was achieved. The tripolymeric, triaxial electrospun systems were seen to be ideal for the support of mesenchymal stem cell growth, as shrinkage of fibers normally found with conventional electrospun systems was minimized. These tripolymeric triaxial electrospun fibers that are biomechanically competent, biocompatible, and capable of dual drug release are designed for regenerative engineering and drug delivery applications.

HIV/AIDS and the African-American Community 2018: a Decade Call to Action

HIV/AIDS disproportionately affects African-Americans more than any other racial or ethnic group in the USA. Currently representing only 12% of the US population, African-Americans now comprise close to half of the total reported HIV/AIDS cases in the USA according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention since the initial reporting of HIV/AIDS. In this paper, we examined the prevalence and current direction of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the African-American community especially in comparison to our first call to action in 2008. The situation remains dire and broader attention is necessary from the public health and medical sectors who serve the majority of African-American populations and the community at-large to work towards closing this health disparity gap. This paper thus recommends an action plan for community leaders (i.e., the public health sector, policy makers, public health practitioners, and other stakeholders) to reduce the disparity.

The impact of the implantable cardioverter defibrillator on quality-of-life

The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is an established treatment for patients with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. While it clearly reduces the incidence of death from recurrent arrhythmia, little is known about the impact on patients' quality-of-life. In this prospective study, quality-of-life was assessed by questionnaire before and after ICD implantation. The "Sickness Impact Profile" (SIP), which evaluates physical, psychosocial, and other activities, as well as functions of daily life, was used. Employment and rehospitalization rates were also examined. Twenty-one of 23 consecutive patients, aged 58 +/- 11 years, undergoing ICD implantation at Royal Perth Hospital were studied. During the 14 +/- 8 month follow-up, 4 patients died. Functional capacity was unchanged in all but one of the survivors in whom it improved from New York Heart Association Class III to II. Four of 8 survivors employed before implant have since retired. Six patients required rehospitalization on 13 occasions, problems related to arrhythmias or the ICD. Overall SIP scores preimplant (11.2 +/- 9.3; P < 0.05) were significantly worse at 6-month follow-up (21.7 +/- 18.2), but returned to preimplant levels by 12-month follow-up (8.8 +/- 10.8; NS). This was primarily due to transient problems in the areas of emotional behavior, alertness, and social interaction. SIP psychosocial dimension scores: preimplant: 7.2 +/- 9.0; 6-month: 17.8 +/- 18.1 (P < 0.05); and 12-month: 8.6 +/- 10.3 (NS). Early retirement and hospitalizations due to arrhythmias may still be expected even after implantation of an ICD; however, quality-of-life appears only to temporarily decline.

The cost-effectiveness of treatment of supraventricular arrhythmias related to an accessory atrioventricular pathway: comparison of catheter ablation, surgical division and medical treatment

BACKGROUND

Treatment alternatives for patients with incapacitating supraventricular arrhythmias related to an accessory atrioventricular pathway include transcatheter radiofrequency (RF) ablation, surgical division and long-term antiarrhythmic therapy (medical).

AIM

The aim of this study was to compare in terms of cost and efficacy, transcatheter, surgical and medical treatment of patients with incapacitating supraventricular arrhythmias resulting from an accessory pathway.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 52 patients who underwent transcatheter RF ablation (20 consecutive patients), surgical treatment (20) and medical treatment (12). Two types of economic analysis were used. In all groups, a resource based costing method was used and in the medical and surgical treatment groups, a diagnostic related group (DRG) based costing method was used.

RESULTS

Eighteen out of 20 (90%) patients who underwent catheter ablation remained asymptomatic during 8.4 +/- 1.6 months of follow-up. All surgically treated patients remained asymptomatic during 54 +/- 15 months of follow-up. Only one of the 12 patients in the medical treatment group remained completely free of symptoms during the mean 58 +/- 23 month follow-up period. The mean cost (1992 Australian dollars) per patient, calculated on the basis of actual resources used (with a DRG based costing given in brackets), was $2746 +/- $800 for catheter ablation, $12141 +/- $4465 ($12880 +/- $3998) for surgical treatment and $1713 +/- $748 ($1967 +/- $33) for medical treatment. The total cost of management over 20 years is estimated to be: $2911 for catheter ablation, $17467 for surgery and $4959 for medical treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In the long term transcatheter RF ablation is the most cost-effective treatment strategy for patients with incapacitating supraventricular arrhythmias related to an accessory pathway.

Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia in patients with ventriculo-atrial conduction block

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the reversibility of retrograde ventriculo-atrial block by isoproterenol in patients with atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT).

DESIGN

Three case reports and their electrophysiological features.

PATIENTS

Three patients with documented or suspected paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.

INTERVENTIONS

At routine electrophysiology study, no supraventricular tachycardia was inducible in the baseline state. Infusion of isoproterenol (1 to 5 micrograms/min) was given and stimulation procedures were repeated.

RESULTS

At baseline, all three patients had discontinuous antegrade atrioventricular (AV) nodal conduction, but very poor (two patients) or absent (one patient) ventriculo atrial conduction prevented induction of AVNRT. During infusion of isoproterenol, retrograde conduction was enhanced so that 1:1 retrograde occurred to cycle lengths of 300, 340 and 260 ms. AVNRT was then inducible in all patients, reproducing their clinical symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Absent or poor ventriculo-atrial conduction in patients with suspected AV node reentry does not preclude the development of tachycardia with sympathomimetic enhancement. Isoproterenol should be given to attempt reversal of retrograde block in these patients.

Transcatheter radiofrequency ablation. Early experience with supraventricular tachyarrhythmias related to accessory atrioventricular and dual atrioventricular nodal pathways

OBJECTIVE

To describe our initial experience with transcatheter radiofrequency ablation, a useful new treatment for supraventricular tachyarrhythmias related to the presence of an accessory atrioventricular (AV) pathway or dual atrioventricular nodal pathways.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred and ten patients, including 77 with accessory pathways, 32 with dual atrioventricular (AV) nodal pathways and one with both, underwent electrophysiological studies and were treated with transcatheter radiofrequency ablation in a large metropolitan teaching hospital.

RESULTS

Ninety-five patients (86%) were without evidence of accessory pathway conduction or inducible supraventricular tachycardia and were free of symptoms after a mean follow-up of 13 months (range, 3.0-51 months). Sixty-six of 79 accessory pathways (83.5%) were ablated including 42 of 46 left-sided (91%), 14 of 21 posteroseptal (66%), six of seven anteroseptal (86%), three of four right-sided and one of one midseptal pathways. Thirty-one patients with AV nodal reentry were successfully treated by ablation of either the slow (12 patients) or fast (19 patients) conducting AV nodal pathway. There was a progressive improvement in the success rate of the first procedure from 17% to 64% with the use of large-tip catheters and from 64% to 91% when a purpose-built radiofrequency generator was employed. Complications occurred in nine patients: cardiac tamponade (two patients); mild mitral regurgitation (four); subclavian vein thrombosis (one); transient cerebral ischaemic attack (one); and non-thrombocytic purpuric rash (one). These occurred predominantly during the early experience and were without long-term sequelae. Late in our experience, one patient developed complete atrioventricular block requiring permanent pacemaker implantation.

CONCLUSIONS

In this institution, radiofrequency catheter ablation has been a safe and effective treatment strategy for patients with life-threatening or highly symptomatic supraventricular arrhythmias.

Propafenone-mexiletine combination for the treatment of sustained ventricular tachycardia

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of combined therapy with propafenone and mexiletine for control of sustained ventricular tachycardia.

BACKGROUND

Combination antiarrhythmic drug therapy may enhance efficacy and lead to control of ventricular arrhythmias in some patients. Few reports have studied the combination of class IB and class IC drugs. Thus, this study was designed to investigate a combination of mexiletine and propafenone in patients with refractory ventricular tachycardia.

METHODS

Sixteen patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia had their clinical arrhythmia induced by programmed stimulation. Procainamide and propafenone alone failed to prevent reinduction of tachycardia in all. Mexiletine was subsequently added to propafenone and programmed stimulation was repeated.

RESULTS

With combination therapy ventricular tachycardia was noninducible in three patients (19%). A fourth who had presented with polymorphic ventricular tachycardia had slow bundle branch reentry (cycle length 500 ms) induced. In the other 12, tachycardia cycle length increased from 262 +/- 60 ms at baseline to 350 +/- 82 ms with propafenone and to 390 +/- 80 ms with propafenone plus mexiletine (p less than 0.0001 compared with baseline). Hemodynamic deterioration requiring defibrillation occurred in six patients at baseline study, in five taking propafenone and in two taking both drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of propafenone and mexiletine is effective in suppressing the induction of ventricular tachycardia in some patients refractory to procainamide and propafenone alone. In those in whom ventricular tachycardia could still be induced, the rate was slower and hemodynamically tolerated.

Efficacy of flecainide for the reversion of acute onset atrial fibrillation

The efficacy and safety of intravenous flecainide to convert recent-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) (present for greater than or equal to 30 minutes and less than or equal to 72 hours and a ventricular response greater than or equal to 120 beats/min) was investigated. A total of 102 patients without severe heart or circulatory failure were randomized to receive either intravenous flecainide (2 mg/kg, maximum dose 150 mg; 51 patients) or placebo (51 patients) in a double-blind trial. Digoxin (500 micrograms intravenously) was administered to all patients who had not previously been receiving digoxin. The electrocardiogram was monitored continuously during the study. In 29 (57%) patients stable sinus rhythm was restored within 1 hour after flecainide and in only 7 (14%) given placebo (chi square 18.9; p = 0.000013; odds ratio 8.3; 95% confidence interval 2.9-24.8). Reversion to sinus rhythm within 1 hour after starting the trial medication was considered a pretrial end point and likely to be due to a drug effect. At the end of the 6-hour monitoring period, 34 patients (67%) in the flecainide group were in sinus rhythm whereas only 18 (35%) in the placebo group had reverted (chi square 8.83, p = 0.003; odds ratio 3.67; 95% confidence interval 1.5-9.1). Significant hypotension, although short lived, was more common in the flecainide group. One patient given flecainide developed torsades de pointes and was successfully electrically cardioverted. Flecainide is useful for the management of recent-onset AF both for control of the ventricular response and conversion to sinus rhythm.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Long term efficacy of propafenone for prevention of atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVE

Propafenone, a class IC antiarrhythmic drug, has been successful in the treatment of ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias. This study retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of propafenone in the prevention of recurrent atrial fibrillation.

DESIGN

Propafenone was given to 81 patients (49 males and 32 females, mean age 61 +/- 16 years) with recurrent atrial fibrillation. The mean dose of propafenone was 701 +/- 235 mg. Patients were monitored for recurrent arrhythmias.

MAIN RESULTS

Long term follow-up over 30 +/- 1.7 months showed 31 patients (38%) remained on propafenone with complete or partial control of atrial fibrillation. The drug was stopped in 35 due to inefficacy, in 12 due to adverse effects, and in three due to desire for ablation therapy.

CONCLUSION

Propafenone may be effective in some patients for long term prevention of atrial fibrillation, although efficacy may decrease over time.

Epicardial mapping in patients with "nodoventricular" accessory pathways

Some patients with electrophysiologic features suggesting nodoventricular fibers have been shown to have right parietal atrioventricular (AV) accessory pathways with decremental conduction properties intraoperatively. The experience with 11 patients (7 women and 4 men, mean age +/- standard deviation 25 +/- 5 years) who had electrophysiologic features consistent with a nodoventricular pathway and who underwent operative correction was reviewed. At electrophysiologic study, all patients had absent or minimal preexcitation in sinus rhythm. During atrial pacing and extrastimulus testing, maximal preexcitation with left bundle branch block morphology developed and the AH and AV intervals progressively prolonged. Preexcited tachycardia was initiated in all patients (AV reentrant tachycardia in 10 patients and AV node reentrant tachycardia in 1 patient). At operation all patients had a right parietal accessory pathway demonstrated. Intraoperative mapping demonstrated the earliest site of ventricular activation during anterograde preexcitation to be at the midanterior right ventricle, consistent with insertion of these pathways into the right bundle branch system, in 7 patients. The ventricular insertion was at the AV groove in 4 patients, in keeping with the typical Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Retrograde conduction over the pathway was not demonstrated in any patient. Two patients had evidence of a second accessory AV pathway in the left paraseptal region. Operative AV node ablation was electively performed in 2 patients without affecting preexcitation in either case. In 1 of these patients, accessory pathway conduction was temporarily abolished by ice mapping in the right anterolateral AV groove.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Characteristics of accessory pathways exhibiting decremental conduction

The prevalence, electrophysiologic characteristics and functional significance of decremental conduction over an accessory pathway were examined in this retrospective study of 653 patients who had an accessory pathway demonstrated at electrophysiologic study. Decremental conduction was identified in 50 patients (7.6%). In 15 patients with anterograde decremental conduction, the accessory pathway was right parietal or septal in 14 patients and left parietal in 1 patient. In the 40 patients with retrograde decrement, the accessory pathway was left parietal in 19, posteroseptal in 13, right parietal in 2 and right anteroseptal in 6 patients. Anterograde conduction over the accessory pathway was absent in 11 of the 40 patients with retrograde decrement. Retrograde conduction over the accessory pathway was absent in 9 patients with anterograde decrement. There was no significant difference in the accessory pathway effective refractory period, or shortest cycle length with 1:1 conduction over the accessory pathway in anterograde and retrograde directions. The shortest RR interval in atrial fibrillation between 2 preexcited QRS complexes was longer in patients with anterograde decremental conduction than in a control group of patients with anterograde-conducting accessory pathways without decremental properties. These data demonstrate that decremental conduction over accessory pathways is uncommon. Anterograde decremental conduction usually occurs in right-sided or septal pathways that often do not conduct in the retrograde direction.

Reversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm by intravenous flecainide

Spontaneous reversion to sinus rhythm is a frequent occurrence in recent-onset atrial fibrillation (AF). In a randomized, double-blind, controlled study, intravenous flecainide (2 mg/kg, maximum dose 150 mg) was compared with placebo in the treatment of recent-onset AF (present for greater than or equal to 30 minutes and less than or equal to 72 hours' duration and a ventricular response greater than or equal to 120 beats/min). Intravenous digoxin (500 micrograms) was administered concurrently to all patients in both groups who had not previously taken digoxin. The trial medication was administered over 30 minutes. Exclusion criteria included hemodynamic instability, severe heart failure, recent antiarrhythmic therapy, hypokalemia and pacemaker dependence. One hundred two consecutive patients with recent-onset AF were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent continuous electrocardiographic monitoring in the intensive care or coronary care unit. Twenty-nine (57%) patients given flecainide and digoxin, but only 7 (14%) given placebo and digoxin, reverted to sinus rhythm in less than or equal to 1 hour after starting the trial medication infusion and remained in stable sinus rhythm (chi-square 18.9, p = 0.000013; odds ratio 8.3, 95% confidence interval 2.9 to 24.8). At the end of the 6-hour monitoring period, 34 patients (67%) in the flecainide-digoxin group were in stable sinus rhythm, whereas only 18 patients (35%) in the placebo-digoxin group had reverted (chi-square 8.83, p = 0.003; odds ratio 3.67, 95% confidence interval 1.5 to 9.1).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Feasibility of long-term electrocardiographic monitoring with an implanted device for syncope diagnosis

Patients with infrequent recurrent syncope undiagnosed after extensive noninvasive and invasive testing pose a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of using an implanted, long-term monitor as an aid to diagnosis in these patients. This was done using commercially available pacemakers with monitoring functions. Sixteen patients (eight males and eight females), aged 59.7 +/- 17 years who had unexplained syncope despite a 12-lead electrocardiogram, repeated Holter monitoring, exercise testing, echocardiography, an electrophysiological study, and a tilt test (n = 6), were entered into the study. Patients had experienced a mean of 3.1 +/- 1 episodes of syncope in the 12 months prior to the study. All provided a history suggestive of Stokes-Adams attacks and were referred for consideration of pacemaker implantation. Two patients had ischemic heart disease and one patient had a long QT interval. Patients had an Intermedics Nova II or Medtronic Quintech DPG pulse generator capable of recording sensed and paced events implanted with a single right ventricular lead. Syncope or presyncope occurred in ten patients (62%) 4.9 +/- 4.2 months after pacemaker implantation. Bradycardia was detected in six patients and four patients had no arrhythmia. In addition to bradycardia, one patient also had tachycardia detected. Pacing therapy resulted in symptom relief in all six patients with syncope or presyncope due to bradycardia. Complications of pacemaker implantation (lead insulation failure) occurred in two patients. One of these patients subsequently had an infection of the generator pocket with associated systemic sepsis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Correlation between the ventricular electrogram amplitude in sinus rhythm and in ventricular fibrillation

During testing of implantable defibrillators, ability to sense ventricular fibrillation is assessed by observing electrograms and the emitted ECG interpretation channel during induced ventricular fibrillation. We hypothesized that ventricular electrogram amplitude in sinus rhythm could be used to predict the ventricular electrogram amplitude in ventricular fibrillation and serve as a first approximation of the "safety margin" for sensing ventricular fibrillation. We compared the peak-to-peak epicardial ventricular electrogram during sinus rhythm and ventricular fibrillation in 12 patients undergoing defibrillator implantation. The ventricular electrogram was recorded with an integrated bipolar lead and filtered at 10-50 Hz. Ventricular fibrillation was induced by alternating current and the ventricular electrogram measured from cessation of alternating current to the first countershock. The mean ventricular electrogram amplitude in sinus rhythm was 15.3 +/- 5.4 mV (range 7.1-25.5) and in 37 episodes of ventricular fibrillation was 8.3 +/- 3.6 mV (range 2.1-16.3). There was a significant relationship between the mean ventricular electrogram amplitude in sinus rhythm and in ventricular fibrillation (R = 0.7, P less than 0.001). There was wide variation among individuals in the decrease in the mean ventricular electrogram amplitude during ventricular fibrillation, with the ratio of mean ventricular electrogram in sinus rhythm to mean ventricular electrogram in ventricular fibrillation ranging from 0.29 to 1.05 (mean 0.55 +/- 0.20). This suggests that up to a fourfold decrease may be expected in the mean ventricular electrogram amplitude during ventricular fibrillation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Comparison of meglumine sodium diatrizoate, iopamidol, and iohexol for coronary angiography and ventriculography

Meglumine sodium diatrizoate (Urografin), iopamidol, and iohexol were compared in a double-blind, randomized study of 287 patients undergoing elective cardiac angiography. Ninety-six patients received Urografin, 98 received iopamidol, and 92 received iohexol. The groups were similar in all respects. Variables measured before and after contrast injection were left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), systolic arterial pressure (SAP), RR, PR, and QTc intervals, QRS duration, ST segment change greater than 2 mm, arrhythmias, and symptoms. The adequacy of coronary and ventricular opacification was assessed by two experienced observers. Following left ventriculography, small rises in LVEDP occurred with iopamidol and iohexol (mean +/- SD: 18 +/- 7 to 21 +/- 7 mmHg) and a moderate fall in LVSP with Urografin (150 +/- 32 to 133 +/- 32 mmHg). Following coronary angiography there was a progressive fall in SAP (130 +/- 26 to 117 +/- 30 mmHg) and prolongation of RR intervals (900 +/- 138 to 1,266 +/- 692 msec) and QTc (440 +/- 61 to 471 +/- 73 msec) and QRS duration (87 +/- 25 to 100 +/- 27 msec) with Urografin. There was a small fall in SAP with iopamidol (138 +/- 25 to 128 +/- 27 mmHg) and prolongation of QRS duration with iohexol (85 +/- 29 to 90 +/- 24 msec). Other parameters were not significantly affected. Frequent bradyarrhythmias (sinus pause 14.5%, asystole 6%) and ST segment depression occurred following Urografin. Urografin was less well tolerated, with 10% of patients experiencing severe nausea or vomiting and 30% of patients experiencing extreme heat sensation. Differences between iohexol and iopamidol were minor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Management of the patient with the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

Patients with ventricular preexcitation may have symptomatic arrhythmias (Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome) which can range from life-threatening, to disabling symptoms or minimal symptoms. Individuals may also be entirely asymptomatic. A rational approach to the management of these individuals is therefore dependent on the clinical circumstances. This review discusses the value and limitations of some of the available noninvasive and invasive investigations which may contribute to the successful management of these patients. In general, investigations are useful for establishing the diagnosis, identifying those patients at risk from life-threatening arrhythmias and providing a rational basis for therapy. The available pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapeutic options are discussed.

Effect of alpha 1-adrenoceptor blockade on ventricular ectopic beats inacute myocardial infarction

Experimental studies have shown that alpha1-adrenoceptor blockade can reduce ventricular arrhythmia associated with myocardial ischaemia. To examine the efficacy of prazosin in clinical acute infarction 38 patients were randomized, on presentation, to prazosin or placebo. Oral therapy was commenced at 0.5 mg, incremented and continued for seven days, Holter recordings being obtained for the first 48 hours and on day 7. The final dose of prazosin was 2.5 +/- 1.7 (SD) mg and placebo, 3.1 +/- 2.0 mg. During dose titration in the first 24 hours, and on day 7, there was no difference in ventricular ectopic beats. In the second 24 hours, ventricular ectopic beats averaged two per hour in the prazosin group (n = 9) and 60 per hour in placebo (n = 15) (P = 0.05, Mann-Whitney rank testing). The results indicate that alpha1-adrenoceptor blockade may reduce ventricular arrhythmia in clinical acute myocardial infarction. While early and adequate therapy is currently limited by vasodilation, this small study suggests that more extensive clinical trials will be warranted as relatively cardio-selective alpha1-adrenoceptor blocking drugs are developed.

Long term efficacy of transvenous catheter ablation of the atrioventricular junction for refractory supraventricular tachycardia

Twenty-four patients who underwent transvenous catheter ablation of the atrioventricular (A-V) junction between November 1982 and February 1987 were followed from 18-72 months (mean 47.9) to assess the long term efficacy and safety of the procedure. All had severely symptomatic supraventricular tachyarrhythmias refractory to standard treatment. Atrioventricular conduction was abolished in 23 patients, 22 having permanent pacemakers implanted. Conduction has recovered, though it is modified, in one patient who is asymptomatic on digoxin. Four patients have died; one suddenly 20 months following the procedure, one of progressive heart and liver failure due to hemochromatosis, and two of a stroke. Four patients have had complications related to permanent pacing; one patient has required generator replacement and one patient ventricular lead replacement, one patient had asystole and one patient had a pacemaker-related tachycardia. Two patients remain symptomatic but improved by the procedure. Seventeen patients are free of their original symptoms, 11 having no intervening morbid events. These results demonstrate that patients with severely symptomatic supraventricular tachyarrhythmias may gain long term symptomatic relief from the procedure, but permanent pacing is a cause of significant morbidity and there is a small incidence of late sudden cardiac death.

Day case cardiac catheterisation--a safe and economic alternative

Cardiac catheterisation, as a day procedure, has been performed at the Royal Perth Hospital since November 1985. During the 23 month period from November 1985 to September 1987, there have been 1398 day procedures carried out. One hundred and twelve patients (8%) required overnight admission as a consequence of the procedure--39 patients for routine observation, 41 patients for minor hemorrhage from the brachial arteriotomy or femoral artery puncture site; 12 patients for severe angina: three patients with reversible ischemic neurological deficits; two patients with stroke; four patients with transient brachial artery occlusion; two patients with arrhythmias and eight patients for miscellaneous reasons. One patient discharged on the day of the procedure required subsequent re-admission for treatment of an acute myocardial infarction. There were no deaths. The financial cost saving to the hospital in real terms is estimated to be $41.50 per patient and to the community a further saving of $25 per patient due to a reduction in sick leave. The minimum total cost saving to the taxpayer for the 1,285 patients managed as day cases was $85,000. Cardiac catheterisation can be performed as a day procedure with low morbidity, low mortality and modest cost savings to a major hospital.

Haemolytic disease of the newborn in Western Australia 1974 to 1976

The prophylactic use of anti-Rh (D) immunoglobulin has resulted in a marked decline in the incidence of Rh haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) since its introduction in 1968. Nevertheless, cases still occur. Those recorded in the metropolitan area of Western Australia in the 3 years, 1974 to 1976, have been studied in detail. There were 29 cases of ABO haemolytic disease, among which there were no deaths, and 56 cases of Rh haemolytic disease with 9 perinatal deaths. Nearly half of the mothers of the infants with Rh HDN were first immunised before anti-D became available; a quarter had not been given anti-D when it was required, and a few had formed Rh antibodies in their first pregnancy or despite treatment with anti-D.