Exclusive Oral Antibiotic Treatment for Hospitalized Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Post-Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we aimed to assess the efficacy of different ways of administration and types of beta-lactams for hospitalized community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

METHODS

In this post-hoc analysis of a RCT on patients hospitalized for CAP (PTC trial) comparing 3-day versus 8-day durations of beta-lactams, which concluded to non-inferiority, we included patients who received either amoxicillin-clavulanate (AMC) or third-generation cephalosporin (3GC) regimens, and exclusively either intravenous or oral treatment for the first 3 days (followed by either 5 days of oral placebo or AMC according to randomization). Choice of route and molecule was left to the physician in charge. The main outcome was failure at 15 days after first antibiotic intake, defined as temperature>37.9°C, and/or absence of resolution/improvement of respiratory symptoms, and/or additional antibiotic treatment for any cause. The primary outcome according to route of administration was evaluated through logistic regression. Inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) with a propensity score model was used to adjust for non-randomization of treatment route and potential confounders. The difference in failure rates was also evaluated among several sub-populations (AMC versus 3GC treatments, or intravenous versus oral AMC, patients with multi-lobar infection, patients aged ≥ 65 years old, and patients with CURB65 scores of 3-4).

RESULTS

We included 200 patients from the original trial, with 93/200 (46.5%) patients only treated with intravenous treatment and 107/200 (53.5%) patients only treated with oral therapy. Failure rate at Day 15 was not significantly different among patients treated with initial intravenous versus oral treatment (25/93 (26.9%) versus 28/107 (26.2%), aOR 0.973 (95%CI 0.519-1.823), p=0.932). Failure rates at Day 15 were not significantly different among the subgroup populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Among hospitalized patients with CAP, there was no significant difference in efficacy between initial intravenous and exclusive oral treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01963442.

Severe asthma exacerbation: Changes in patient characteristics, management, and outcomes from 1997 to 2016 in 40 ICUs in the greater Paris area

Background

Despite advances in asthma treatments, severe asthma exacerbation (SAE) remains a life-threatening condition in adults, and there is a lack of data derived from adult patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) for SAE. The current study investigated changes in adult patient characteristics, management, and outcomes of SAE over a 20-year period in 40 ICUs in the greater Paris area.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, admissions to 40 ICUs in the greater Paris area for SAE from January 1, 1997, to December 31, 2016 were analyzed. The primary outcome was the proportion of ICU admissions for SAE during 5-year periods. Secondary outcomes were ICU and hospital mortality, and the use of mechanical ventilation and catecholamine. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess factors associated with ICU mortality.

Results

A total of 7049 admissions for SAE were recorded. For each 5-year period, the proportion decreased over time, with SAE accounting for 2.84% of total ICU admissions (n=2841) between 1997 and 2001, 1.76% (n=1717) between 2002 and 2006, 1.05% (n=965) between 2007 and 2011, and 1.05% (n=1526) between 2012 and 2016. The median age was 46 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 32-59 years), 55.41% were female, the median Simplified Acute Physiology Score II was 20 (IQR: 13-28), and 19.76% had mechanical ventilation. The use of mechanical ventilation remained infrequent throughout the 20-year period, whereas the use of catecholamine decreased. ICU and hospital mortality rates decreased. Factors associated with ICU mortality were renal replacement therapy, catecholamine, cardiac arrest, pneumothorax, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Non-survivors were older, had more severe symptoms, and were more likely to have received IMV.

Conclusion

ICU admission for SAE remains uncommon, and the proportion of cases decreased over time. Despite a slight increase in symptom severity during a 20-year period, ICU and hospital mortality decreased. Patients requiring IMV had a higher mortality rate.

Risk of cardiovascular disease decreases over time in psoriatic arthritis but not in spondylarthritis: meta-analysis of longitudinal studies

OBJECTIVES

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) represent two frequent inflammatory rheumatic disorders, characterized by an increased burden on quality of life, due to the association of several comorbidities, especially cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The estimated prevalence of CVD ranges from 12-19% and differ between the two diseases, however, its incidence is not completely known. We aimed to systematically review the literature (SLR) and perform a meta-analysis of controlled observational studies to assess the incidence rate of CVD over time, separately in SpA and PsA.

METHODS

We performed a SLR of longitudinal studies with a study period of at least 5 years, including SpA/PsA patients and general population. The main outcome was the occurrence of CVD, including ischemic heart disease, stroke, and death from CV cause. We then performed a random-effect model for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The SLR included 34 articles, mainly focused on the association between SpA/PsA and CVD. Twenty-four articles were then selected for the meta-analysis. The overall incidence of CVD was increased in PsA (HR: 1.28, 95%CI: 1.15-1.43), and in SpA (HR: 1.45, 95%CI: 1.22-1.72) compared with the general population, with consistency across the different types of CVD; Interestingly the incidence tended to decrease over time in PsA, but not in SpA.

CONCLUSION

The SLR and meta-analysis confirmed the increased incidence of CVD in both SpA and PsA patients compared with the general population during the last years, although such increase seems to be less prominent in PsA than in SpA. Future studies are needed to confirm such tendence.

Development and initial validation of a screening tool for visual ability/performance of people with polyhandicap

BACKGROUND

Visual impairments are common in people with polyhandicap although they are poorly assessed. However, evaluation of the visual abilities of these people is critical to determining treatment for impairments.

OBJECTIVES

To develop and validate an easy-to-use visual-behavioural scale for assessing the visual abilities of people with polyhandicap.

METHODS

The development of the Visual Assessment for People with Polyhandicap (VA-PLH) involved 2 steps: i) construction of the scale and ii) field validation. Participant selection criteria were aged > 3 years, age at onset of cerebral lesion < 3 years, a combination of motor impairment and profound intellectual impairment associated with restricted mobility (Gross Motor Function Classification System levels [GMFCS] III, IV or V), and everyday life dependence (Functional Independency Measure [FIM] <55). Vision assessment by both an orthoptist and an ophthalmologist was the reference against which were analysed the items of the scale completed by local health care workers. Acceptability, validity, and reliability were analysed.

RESULTS

Amongst the 232 participants included, 217 had a complete assessment, and 33% were < 18 years of age. Ocular abnormalities were reported in 83% of participants. Visual ability was altered or insufficient in 60% of participants. The final version of the VA-PLH included 3 items related to visual reaction (Area Under Curve Receiver Operating Characteristic = 0.83). Participants were considered at-risk if they had at ≥ 1 of 3 signs present (sensitivity 83% and specificity 73%). The scale's reliability was satisfactory CONCLUSION: The VA-PLH scale provides an easy-to-use, reliable and valid measure of visual status for people with polyhandicap and may be used both in clinical practice and clinical research. In addition, this study provides an overview of the diversity of visual impairments in a large population of people with polyhandicap, showing that most experience visual challenges.

Effect of needle orientation during arteriovenous access puncture on needed compression time after hemodialysis: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

There are two techniques for puncturing an arteriovenous fistula: one where the needle is inserted bevel up and then rotated to a bevel down position, and another where the needle is inserted bevel down. The aim of this study was to compare these two methods of needle insertion on minimum compression time required for hemostasis after needle removal.

METHODS

This was a prospective, randomized, cross-over, blinded, single-center, routine care study. Each patient's average post-dialysis puncture site compression time was determined during a 2-week baseline period while using bevel-up access puncture. Subsequently, minimum post-dialysis puncture-site compression time was determined during each of two sequential follow-up periods, during which fistula puncture was done with needles inserted bevel up or down, respectively. The order of treatments (bevel up or bevel down insertion) was randomized. During each follow-up period, the minimum compression time necessary to avoid bleeding on needle removal was determined by progressively shortening the compression time. Puncture-associated pain was also assessed as prepump and venous pressures and ability to achieve desired blood flow rate during the dialysis session.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients were recruited. The baseline compression time after needle removal averaged 9.99 ± 2.7 min During the intervention periods, the minimum compression time was on average 10.8 min (9.23-12.4) when the access needles had been inserted bevel down versus 11.1 min (9.61-12.5) when the access needles had been inserted bevel up (p = 0.72). There was no difference in puncture-associated pain between the two insertion techniques, and no difference in prepump or venous pressures or ability to achieve the desired blood flow rate during the dialysis session.

CONCLUSION

Bevel-up and bevel-down needle orientation during arteriovenous fistula puncture are equivalent techniques in terms of achieving hemostasis on needle removal, and puncture-associated pain.

Construction of reference criteria to admit patients to intermediate care units in France: a Delphi survey of intensivists, anaesthesiologists and emergency medicine practitioners (first part of the UNISURC project)

OBJECTIVES

No consensus criteria describe the medical eligibility of the patients to intermediate care units (IMCUs). In this first part of the UNISURC project, we aimed to develop criteria based on a consensus of physicians from the main specialties involved in IMCU admission decisions.

DESIGN

We selected criteria from IMCU literature, scoring systems and intensive care unit nursing workload. We submitted these criteria to a panel of experts in a Delphi survey. We used a two-round Delphi survey procedure to assess the validity and feasibility of each criterion.

SETTING

Medical practitioners in either public or private French institutions and proposed by the national scientific societies of anaesthesiology, emergency medicine and intensive care. The Delphi rounds took place in 2015-2016.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Validity and feasibility of the proposed criteria; uniformity of the judgement across the primary specialty and the hospital category of the responders.

RESULTS

The criteria submitted to vote were classified as one of: chronic factor (CF); acute factor (AF); specific pathway (SP); nursing activity (NA) and hospital environment (HE). Of 189 experts invited, 81 (41%) responded to the first round and 62 of them (76%) responded to the second round. A definite selection of 63 items was made, distributed across 6 CF, 18 AF, 31 SP, 3 NA and 5 HE. Validity and feasibility were influenced by the specialty or the public/private status of the institution of the responders for a few items.

CONCLUSION

We created a set of 63 consensus criteria with acceptable validity and feasibility to assess the medical eligibility of the patients to IMCUs. The second part of the UNISURC project will assess the distribution of each criterion in a prospective multicentre national cohort.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02590172.

Correction: Impact of a Postintensive Care Unit Multidisciplinary Follow-up on the Quality of Life (SUIVI-REA): Protocol for a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.2196/30496.].

Assessing the implementation and effectiveness of early integrated palliative care in long-term care facilities in France: an interventional mixed-methods study protocol

BACKGROUND

Majority of residents in long-term care facilities (LTCF) have limited and delayed access to palliative care even though many suffer from incurable chronic illnesses that will likely require the provision of palliative care. We present the study protocol of "PADI-Palli", an intervention aims to advance early integrated palliative care into standard care delivered in LTCF. This study will assess the effectiveness of early integrated palliative care on palliative care accessibility for older persons in LTCF, and identify the key factors for the successful implementation of early integrated palliative care and its sustainability in the LTCF context.

METHODS

This multicentre interventional study utilises a pragmatic research design with a convergent parallel mixed-methods approach. The qualitative study will use a case study design and the quantitative study will use a stepped wedge cluster randomised trial. In total, 21 participating LTCF from three French regions will be randomly allocated to one of seven clusters. The clusters will cross over from the usual care to the active intervention condition over the course of the study. The primary outcome relates to the accurate identification of palliative care needs and early access to palliative care for LTCF residents. Secondary outcomes are quality of care, quality of life for residents and their families, and quality of life at work for professionals. Measurements will be performed before and after the intervention. Implementation and evaluation of PADI-Palli intervention is grounded in the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

DISCUSSION

Existing evidence demonstrates that early integrated palliative care in cancer care leads to a significant improvement in patient outcomes and processes of care. Little is known, however, about early integrated palliative care in the context of LTCF for older persons. This study has the potential to fill this gap in the literature by providing evidence on the effectiveness of early integrated palliative care for older persons in LTCF. Moreover, this study will provide a better understanding of the relevant contextual elements that facilitate or hinder early integrated palliative care implementation and transferability. If proven effective, this intervention can be scaled to other care settings in which older persons require palliative care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04708002; National registration: ID-RCB number: 2020-A01832-37.

Impact of corticosteroids on the duration of ventilatory support during severe acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients in the intensive care unit: a study protocol for a multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial

BACKGROUND

Patients who are admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for severe acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have poor outcomes. Although international clinical practice guidelines cautiously recommend the routine use of systemic corticosteroids for COPD exacerbations, data are scarce and inconclusive regarding their benefit for most severe patients who require mechanical ventilation in the ICU. Furthermore, corticosteroids may be associated with an increased risk of infection, ICU-acquired limb weakness, and metabolic disorders.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study is an investigator-initiated, multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial comparing systemic corticosteroids to placebo during severe acute exacerbations of COPD in patients who require mechanical ventilation in French ICUs. A total of 440 patients will be randomized 1:1 to methylprednisolone (1 mg/kg) or placebo for 5 days, and stratified according to initial mechanical ventilation (non-invasive or invasive), pneumonia as triggering factor, and recent use of systemic corticosteroids (< 48 h). The primary outcome is the number of ventilator-free days at day 28, defined as the number of days alive and without mechanical invasive and/or non-invasive ventilation between randomization and day 28. Secondary outcomes include non-invasive ventilation (NIV) failure rate, duration of mechanical ventilation (invasive and/or NIV), circulatory support (vasopressor), outcomes related to corticosteroid adverse events (severe hyperglycaemia, gastrointestinal bleeding, uncontrolled arterial hypertension, ICU-acquired weakness, ICU-acquired infections, and delirium), lengths of ICU and hospital stay, ICU and hospital mortality, day 28 and day 90 mortality, number of new exacerbation(s)/hospitalization(s) between hospital discharge and day 90, and dyspnoea and comfort at randomization, ICU discharge, and day 90. Subgroup analyses for the primary outcome are planned according to stratification criteria at randomization.

Impact of a Postintensive Care Unit Multidisciplinary Follow-up on the Quality of Life (SUIVI-REA): Protocol for a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Critically ill patients are at risk of developing a postintensive care syndrome (PICS), which is characterized by physical, psychological, and cognitive impairments and which dramatically impacts the patient’s quality of life (QoL). No intervention has been shown to improve QoL. We hypothesized that a medical, psychological, and social follow-up would improve QoL by mitigating the PICS.

Objective

This multicenter, randomized controlled trial (SUIVI-REA) aims to compare a multidisciplinary follow-up with a standard postintensive care unit (ICU) follow-up.

Methods

Patients were randomized to the control or intervention arm. In the intervention arm, multidisciplinary follow-up involved medical, psychological, and social evaluation at ICU discharge and at 3, 6, and 12 months thereafter. In the placebo group, patients were seen only at 12 months by the multidisciplinary team. Baseline characteristics at ICU discharge were collected for all patients. The primary outcome was QoL at 1 year, assessed using the Euro Quality of Life-5 dimensions (EQ5D). Secondary outcomes were mortality, cognitive, psychological, and functional status; social and professional reintegration; and the rate of rehospitalization and outpatient consultations at 1 year.

Results

The study was funded by the Ministry of Health in June 2010. It was approved by the Ethics Committee on July 8, 2011. The first and last patient were randomized on December 20, 2012, and September 1, 2017, respectively. A total of 546 patients were enrolled across 11 ICUs. At present, data management is ongoing, and all parties involved in the trial remain blinded.

Conclusions

The SUVI-REA multicenter randomized controlled trial aims to assess whether a post-ICU multidisciplinary follow-up improves QoL at 1 year.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01796509; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01796509

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/30496

Rheumatoid arthritis, as a clinical disease, but not rheumatoid arthritis-associated autoimmunity, is linked to cardiovascular events

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by increased cardiovascular (CV) mortality. CV events are particularly high in patients with RA-specific autoimmunity, including rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA), raising the question whether RA-specific autoimmunity itself is associated with CV events.

Methods

New CV events (myocardial infarction, stroke or death by CV cause) were recorded in 20,625 subjects of the Electricité de France – Gaz de France (GAZEL) cohort. Self-reported RA cases in the GAZEL cohort were validated by phone interview on the basis of a specific questionnaire. In 1618 subjects, in whom plasma was available, RF and ACPA were measured. A piecewise exponential Poisson regression was used to analyze the association of CV events with presence of RA as well as RA-specific autoimmunity (without RA).

Results

CV events in GAZEL were associated with age, male sex, smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus (HR from 1.06 to 1.87, p < 0.05). Forty-two confirmed RA cases were identified. Confirmed RA was significantly associated with CV risk increase (HR of 3.03; 95% CI: 1.13–8.11, p = 0.03) independently of conventional CV risk factors. One hundred seventy-eight subjects showed RF or ACPA positivity without presence of RA. CV events were not associated with ACPA positivity (HR: 1.52, 95% CI: 0.47–4.84, p = 0.48) or RF positivity (HR: 1.15, 95% CI: 0.55–2.40, p = 0.70) in the absence of RA.

Conclusions

RA, as a clinical chronic inflammatory disease, but not mere positivity for RF or ACPA in the absence of clinical disease is associated with increased CV risk.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13075-022-02722-z.

Treatment for multiple myeloma in hospital at home: clinical characteristics and patient care pathways

While most patients receive anticancer injection in a conventional hospital, some are treated in hospital at home. Given the lack of data, we seek to determine the clinical characteristics and care pathways of patients benefiting from hospital at home (HAH) for anticancer injection. A longitudinal scheme was conducted about patients with multiple myeloma (MM) starting bortezomib-based regimens in HAH in 2015 with a follow-up to September 2019. 154 patients received bortezomib at home with a mean age of 70.6 years, 72.7% over 65y-old and, a median Karnofsky Performans Status of 70. One-third of the elderly lived alone, 16.1% required domestic help. After a 24-month follow-up, 77.9% of patients were alive. The median overall survival was not reached at 4 years. Between 42.1% and 48.1% of patients returned to HAH for a new line of treatment. Patients were mainly independent and "fit." The involvement of HAH was achieved without safety issues nor compromise long-term outcomes. However, the real-world patterns highlighted that only a small proportion of patients returned to HAH for a new treatment line.

Cluster analysis in early axial spondyloarthritis predicts poor outcome in the presence of peripheral articular manifestations

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether two cluster analysis-based axial SpA (axSpA) endotypes (A for purely axial; B for both axial and peripheral) are stable over time and are associated with different long-term disease outcomes.

METHODS

K-means cluster analysis was performed at each visit (until 5 years) on 584 patients from the DESIR cohort, who completed all planned visits, and validated in 232 consecutive axSpA patients from the BeGiant cohort. Cluster stability overtime was assessed by kappa statistics. A generalized linear mixed-effect analysis was applied to compare outcomes between clusters. Classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was performed to determine a decision rule able to assign a given patient to a definite cluster at onset.

RESULTS

Both endotypes remained remarkably stable over time. In the DESIR cohort, patients in cluster B showed higher disease activity, worse functional outcome and higher need for anti-rheumatic drugs than patients in cluster A. CART analysis yielded three main clinical features (arthritis, enthesitis, and dactylitis) that accurately determined cluster assignment. These results could be replicated in the Be-GIANT cohort.

CONCLUSION

Cluster-based axSpA endotypes were reproducible in two different cohorts, stable over time and associated with different long-term outcome. The axSpA endotype with additional peripheral disease manifestations is associated with more severe disease and requires more intensive drug therapy.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01648907.

Screening for postoperative vital signs abnormalities, and particularly hemodynamic ones, by continuous monitoring: protocol for the Biobeat-Postop cohort study

Background: Postoperative hypotension associated with postoperative morbidity and early mortality has been studied previously. Hypertension and other hemodynamic, respiratory, and temperature abnormalities have comparatively understudied during the first postoperative days.

Methods: This bi-centre observational cohort study will include 114 adult patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery hospitalized on an unmonitored general care floor and wearing a multi-signal wearable sensor, allowing remote monitoring ( Biobeat Technologies Ltd, Petah Tikva, Israel). The study will cover the first 72 hours after discharge of the patient from the post-anaesthesia care unit. Several thresholds will be used for each variable (arterial pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and skin temperature). Data obtained using the sensor will be compared to data obtained during the routine nurse follow-up. The primary outcome is hemodynamic abnormality. The secondary outcomes are postoperative respiratory and temperature abnormalities, artefacts and blank/null outputs from the wearable device, postoperative complications, and finally, the ease of use of the device. We hypothesize that remote monitoring will detect abnormalities in vital signs more often or more quickly than the detection by nurses’ routine surveillance.

Discussion: A demonstration of the ability of wireless sensors to outperform standard monitoring techniques paves the way for the creation of a loop which includes this monitoring mode, the automated creation of alerts, and the sending of these alerts to caregivers.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04585178. Registered on October 14, 2020

Intravenous immunoglobulins in patients with COVID-19-associated moderate-to-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ICAR): multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial

Background

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a major complication of COVID-19 and is associated with high mortality and morbidity. We aimed to assess whether intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) could improve outcomes by reducing inflammation-mediated lung injury.

Methods

In this multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, done at 43 centres in France, we randomly assigned patients (1:1) receiving invasive mechanical ventilation for up to 72 h with PCR confirmed COVID-19 and associated moderate-to-severe ARDS to receive either IVIG (2 g/kg over 4 days) or placebo. Random assignment was done with a web-based system and was stratified according to the participating centre and the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation before inclusion in the trial (<12 h, 12–24 h, and >24–72 h), and treatment was administered within the first 96 h of invasive mechanical ventilation. To minimise the risk of adverse events, the IVIG administration was divided into four perfusions of 0·5 g/kg each administered over at least 8 hours. Patients in the placebo group received an equivalent volume of sodium chloride 0·9% (10 mL/kg) over the same period. The primary outcome was the number of ventilation-free days by day 28, assessed according to the intention-to-treat principle. This trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04350580.

Findings

Between April 3, and October 20, 2020, 146 patients (43 [29%] women) were eligible for inclusion and randomly assigned: 69 (47%) patients to the IVIG group and 77 (53%) to the placebo group. The intention-to-treat analysis showed no statistical difference in the median number of ventilation-free days at day 28 between the IVIG group (0·0 [IQR 0·0–8·0]) and the placebo group (0·0 [0·0–6·0]; difference estimate 0·0 [0·0–0·0]; p=0·21). Serious adverse events were more frequent in the IVIG group (78 events in 22 [32%] patients) than in the placebo group (47 events in 15 [20%] patients; p=0·089).

Interpretation

In patients with COVID-19 who received invasive mechanical ventilation for moderate-to-severe ARDS, IVIG did not improve clinical outcomes at day 28 and tended to be associated with an increased frequency of serious adverse events, although not significant. The effect of IVIGs on earlier disease stages of COVID-19 should be assessed in future trials.

Funding

Programme Hospitalier de Recherche Clinique.

Factors Associated With Treatment Failure in Moderately Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Failure of treatment is the most serious complication in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

OBJECTIVE

To assess the potential risk factors for treatment failure in clinically stable patients with CAP.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This secondary analysis assesses data from a randomized clinical trial on CAP (Pneumonia Short Treatment [PTC] trial) conducted from December 19, 2013, to February 1, 2018. Data analysis was performed from July 18, 2019, to February 15, 2020. Patients hospitalized at 1 of 16 centers in France for moderately severe CAP who were clinically stable at day 3 of antibiotic treatment were included in the PTC trial and analyzed in the per-protocol trial population.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) on day 3 of antibiotic treatment to receive β-lactam (amoxicillin-clavulanate [1 g/125 mg] 3 times daily) or placebo for 5 extra days.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The main outcome was failure at 15 days after first antibiotic intake, defined as a temperature greater than 37.9 °C and/or absence of resolution or improvement of respiratory symptoms and/or additional antibiotic treatment for any cause. The association among demographic characteristics, baseline clinical and biological variables available (ie, at the first day of β-lactam treatment), and treatment failure at day 15 among the per-protocol trial population was assessed by univariate and multivariable logistic regressions.

RESULTS

Overall, 310 patients were included in the study; this secondary analysis comprised 291 patients (174 [59.8%] male; mean [SD] age, 69.6 [18.5] years). The failure rate was 26.8%. Male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.74; 95% CI, 1.01-3.07), age per year (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.05), Pneumonia Severe Index score (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.02), the presence of chronic lung disease (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.03-3.30), and creatinine clearance (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98-1.00) were significantly associated with failure in the univariate analysis. When the Pneumonia Severe Index score was excluded to avoid collinearity with age and sex in the regression model, only male sex (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.08-3.49) and age (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.05) were associated with failure in the multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial, among patients with CAP who reached clinical stability after 3 days of antibiotic treatment, only male sex and age were associated with higher risk of failure, independent of antibiotic treatment duration and biomarker levels. Another randomized clinical trial is needed to evaluate the impact of treatment duration in populations at higher risk for treatment failure.

Limited impact of a top-down approach to improve enhanced recovery programme in French university hospitals: a before-after retrospective survey

Background

Enhanced recovery programme (ERP) after surgery needs development in Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP).

Methods

A retrospective before-and-after study was performed in 2015 and 2017 on three surgical models (total knee arthroplasty (TKA), colectomy and hysterectomy) in 17 hospitals including 29 surgical departments. Data were collected in one control intervention (total hip arthroplasty (THA), gastrectomy and ovariectomy). In 2016, Massive Open Online Course on ERP and a day meeting information were developed by APHP. A national update on ERP was also organized by HAS and a regional professional partnership programme was started. Primary outcomes were length of stay (LOS) and complications after surgery. Data on ERP items were collected in the patients’ chart and in anaesthetist and surgeon interview. Seventy percent application rate reflects application of ERP procedure.

Results

1321 patient’s files were analysed (812 in 2015 and 509 in 2017). The LOS (mean (SD)) is reduced by 1.6 day for TKA (2015, 8.7 (6.7) versus 7.1 (3.4) in 2017; p<0.001) but stable for colectomy and hysterectomy. Incidence of severe complications after surgery is unchanged in all types of surgical models. For TKA and hysterectomy respectively applied items of ERP (i.e. >70% application) increased respectively from 5 to 7 out of 17 and 16 in 2015 and 2017. For colectomy, they were stable at 6 out of 21 in 2015 and 2017. The mean application rates of ERP items stayed below 50% in all cases in 2017. The LOS was negatively correlated with ERP items’ application when data collected in 2015 and 2017 were analysed together.

Conclusion

ERP application did not significantly improved between 2015 and 2017 for three surgical models after an institutional information and diffusion of recommendations in 29 surgical departments of seventeen French University hospitals underlining the limit of a top-down approach.

Relationships between neuropsychological impairments and functional outcome eight years after severe traumatic brain injury: Results from the PariS-TBI study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The objective was to assess the relationships between neuropsychological impairments, functional outcome and life satisfaction in a longitudinal study of patients after a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) (PariS-TBI study).

PATIENTS

Out of 243 survivors, 86 were evaluated 8 years post-injury. They did not significantly differ from patients lost-to-follow up except for the latter being more frequently students or unemployed before the injury.

METHODS

Outcome measures included the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E), a functional independence questionnaire, employment, mood, fatigue and satisfaction with life. Neuropsychological outcome was assessed by two ways: performance-based outcome measures, using neuropsychological tests and patient and relative-based measures.

RESULTS

Neuropsychological measures were not significantly related to initial injury severity nor to gender, but were significantly related to age and education. After statistical correction for multiple comparisons, cognitive testing and cognitive questionnaires were significantly correlated with most outcome measures. By contrast, satisfaction with life was only related with patient-rated questionnaires. A regression analysis showed that the Trail-Making-Test-A was the best predictor of functional outcome, in addition to education duration.

CONCLUSIONS

Cognitive measures, particularly slowed information processing speed, were significant indicators of functional outcome at a long-term post-injury, beyond and above demographics or injury severity measures.

Home-based exercise in autoimmune myasthenia gravis: A randomized controlled trial

The tolerance of exercise and its effects on quality of life in myasthenia gravis are not currently backed up by strong evidence. The aim of this study was to determine whether exercise as an adjunct therapy is well tolerated and can improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in stabilized, generalized autoimmune myasthenia gravis (gMG). We conducted a parallel-group, multi-center prospective RCT using computer-generated block randomization. Adults with stabilized, gMG, and no contra-indication to exercise, were eligible. Participants received usual care alone or usual care and exercise. The exercise intervention consisted of 3-weekly 40 min sessions of an unsupervised, moderate-intensity home rowing program over 3 months. The primary endpoint was the change in HRQoL from randomization to post-intervention. Assessor-blinded secondary endpoints were exercise tolerance and effects on clinical, psychological and immunological status. Of 138 patients screened between October 2014 and July 2017, 45 were randomly assigned to exercise (n = 23) or usual care (n = 20). Although exercise was well tolerated, the intention-to-treat analysis revealed no evidence of improved HRQoL compared to usual care (MGQOL-15-F; mean adjusted between-groups difference of -0.8 points, 95%CI -5.4 to 3.7). Two patients hospitalized for MG exacerbation were from the usual care group.

Intrauterine fetoscopic laser surgery versus expectant management in stage 1 twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome: an international randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Selective fetoscopic laser coagulation of the intertwin anastomotic chorionic vessels is the first-line treatment for twin-twin transfusion syndrome. However, in stage 1 twin-twin transfusion syndrome, the risks of intrauterine surgery may be higher than those of the natural progression of the condition.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare immediate surgery and expectant follow-up in stage 1 twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a multicentric randomized trial, which recruited from 2011 to 2018 with a 6-month postnatal follow-up. The study was conducted in 9 fetal medicine centers in Europe and the Unites States. Asymptomatic women with stage 1 twin-twin transfusion syndrome between 16 and 26 weeks' gestation, a cervix of >15 mm, and access to a surgical center within 48 hours of diagnosis were randomized between expectant management and immediate surgery. In patients allocated to immediate laser treatment, percutaneous laser coagulation of anastomotic vessels was performed within 72 hours. In patients allocated to expectant management, a weekly ultrasound follow-up was planned. Rescue fetoscopic coagulation of anastomoses was offered if the syndrome worsened as seen during a follow-up, either because of progression to a higher Quintero stage or because of the maternal complications of polyhydramnios. The primary outcome was survival at 6 months without severe neurologic morbidity. Severe complications of prematurity and maternal morbidity were secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

The trial was stopped at 117 of 200 planned inclusions for slow accrual rate over 7 years: 58 women were allocated to expectant management and 59 to immediate laser treatment. Intact survival was seen in 84 of 109 (77%) expectant cases and in 89 of 114 (78%) (P=.88) immediate surgery cases, and severe neurologic morbidity occurred in 5 of 109 (4.6%) and 3 of 114 (2.6%) (P=.49) cases in the expectant and immediate surgery groups, respectively. In patients followed expectantly, 24 of 58 (41%) cases remained stable with dual intact survival in 36 of 44 (86%) cases at 6 months. Intact survival was lower following surgery than for the nonprogressive cases, although nonsignificantly (78% and 71% following immediate and rescue surgery, respectively).

CONCLUSION

It is unlikely that early fetal surgery is of benefit for stage 1 twin-twin transfusion syndrome in asymptomatic pregnant women with a long cervix. Although expectant management is reasonable for these cases, 60% of the cases will progress and require rapid transfer to a surgical center.

Development and Validation of the QUALI-PALLI-FAM Questionnaire for Assessing Relatives' Perception of Quality of Inpatient Palliative Care: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Survey

CONTEXT

Relatives of patients receiving palliative care are at risk for psychological and physical distress, and their perception of quality of care can influence patients' quality of life.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate the QUALI-PALLI-FAM questionnaire (QUAlity of PALLIative car from FAMilies' perspective) to measure families' perception of and satisfaction with palliative care.

METHODS

An exploratory factor analysis was conducted, and we evaluated the questionnaire's internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha, its stability across various strata, and the correlation between the QUALI-PALLI-FAM (factors, total score, and global satisfaction) and the total score of the FAMCARE (FAMily satisfaction with CARE) questionnaire.

RESULTS

This multicentric prospective cross-sectional survey was conducted in seven French hospitals, namely, three palliative care units and four standard medical units with a mobile palliative care team. The questionnaire was completed by 170 relatives of patients (more than 90% of patients had advanced cancer). The final questionnaire included 14 items across three domains: organization of care and availability of caregivers, medical information provision, and confidence and involvement of relatives. Internal consistency was good for all subscales (Cronbach's α = 0.74-0.86). Our questionnaire was stable across various strata: age and gender (patients and relatives), Palliative Performance Scale scores, and care settings. The QUALI-PALLI-FAM total score was correlated with the total FAMCARE score.

CONCLUSION

The QUALI-PALLI-FAM appears to be a valid, reliable, and well-accepted tool to explore relatives' perception of quality of inpatient palliative care and complements the QUALI-PALLI-PAT questionnaire. Further testing is required in various settings and countries.

COVID-19 outbreak: An experience to reappraise the role of hospital at home in the anti-cancer drug injection

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 outbreak has posed considerable challenges to the health care system worldwide, especially for cancer treatment. We described the activity and the care organisation of the Hospitalisation At Home (HAH) structure during the pandemic for treating patients with anti-cancer injections.

METHODS

We report the established organisation, the eligibility criteria, the patient characteristics, the treatment schemes and the stakeholders' role during two 5-week periods in 2020, before and during the French population's lockdown.

RESULTS

The increase of activity during the lockdown (+32% of treated patients, +156% of new patients and +28% of delivered preparations) concerned solid tumour, mainly breast cancer, even if haematological malignancies remained the most frequent. Thirty different drugs were delivered, including three new drugs administered in HAH versus 19 during the routine period (p < 0.01). For those clinical departments accustomed to using HAH, the usual organisation was kept, but with adjustments. Five clinical departments increased the number of patients treated at home and widened the panel of drugs prescribed. Three oncology departments and one radiotherapy department for the first time solicited HAH for anti-cancer injections, mainly for immunotherapy. We adjusted the HAH organisation with additional human resources and allowed to prescribe drugs with an infusion time of <30 min only for the new prescribers.

CONCLUSION

HAH allowed for the continuation of anti-cancer injections without postponement during the pandemic, and for a decrease in unnecessary patient travel to hospital with its concomitant COVID-19 transmission risk. Often left out of guidelines, the place of HAH in treating cancer patients should be reappraised, even more so during a pandemic.

Discontinuing β-lactam treatment after 3 days for patients with community-acquired pneumonia in non-critical care wards (PTC): a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, non-inferiority trial

BACKGROUND

Shortening the duration of antibiotic therapy for patients admitted to hospital with community-acquired pneumonia should help reduce antibiotic consumption and thus bacterial resistance, adverse events, and related costs. We aimed to assess the need for an additional 5-day course of β-lactam therapy among patients with community-acquired pneumonia who were stable after 3 days of treatment.

METHODS

We did this double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, non-inferiority trial (the Pneumonia Short Treatment [PTC]) in 16 centres in France. Adult patients (aged ≥18 years) admitted to hospital with moderately severe community-acquired pneumonia (defined as patients admitted to a non-critical care unit) and who met prespecified clinical stability criteria after 3 days of treatment with β-lactam therapy were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive β-lactam therapy (oral amoxicillin 1 g plus clavulanate 125 mg three times a day) or matched placebo for 5 extra days. Randomisation was done using a web-based system with permuted blocks with random sizes and stratified by randomisation site and Pneumonia Severity Index score. Participants, clinicians, and study staff were masked to treatment allocation. The primary outcome was cure 15 days after first antibiotic intake, defined by apyrexia (temperature ≤37·8°C), resolution or improvement of respiratory symptoms, and no additional antibiotic treatment for any cause. A non-inferiority margin of 10 percentage points was chosen. The primary outcome was assessed in all patients who were randomly assigned and received any treatment (intention-to-treat [ITT] population) and in all patients who received their assigned treatment (per-protocol population). Safety was assessed in the ITT population. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01963442, and is now complete.

FINDINGS

Between Dec 19, 2013, and Feb 1, 2018, 706 patients were assessed for eligibility, and after 3 days of β-lactam treatment, 310 eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive either placebo (n=157) or β-lactam treatment (n=153). Seven patients withdrew consent before taking any study drug, five in the placebo group and two in the β-lactam group. In the ITT population, median age was 73·0 years (IQR 57·0-84·0) and 123 (41%) of 303 participants were female. In the ITT analysis, cure at day 15 occurred in 117 (77%) of 152 participants in the placebo group and 102 (68%) of 151 participants in the β-lactam group (between-group difference of 9·42%, 95% CI -0·38 to 20·04), indicating non-inferiority. In the per-protocol analysis, 113 (78%) of 145 participants in the placebo treatment group and 100 (68%) of 146 participants in the β-lactam treatment group were cured at day 15 (difference of 9·44% [95% CI -0·15 to 20·34]), indicating non-inferiority. Incidence of adverse events was similar between the treatment groups (22 [14%] of 152 in the placebo group and 29 [19%] of 151 in the β-lactam group). The most common adverse events were digestive disorders, reported in 17 (11%) of 152 patients in the placebo group and 28 (19%) of 151 patients in the β-lactam group. By day 30, three (2%) patients had died in the placebo group (one due to bacteraemia due to Staphylococcus aureus, one due to cardiogenic shock after acute pulmonary oedema, and one due to heart failure associated with acute renal failure) and two (1%) in the β-lactam group (due to pneumonia recurrence and possible acute pulmonary oedema).

INTERPRETATION

Among patients admitted to hospital with community-acquired pneumonia who met clinical stability criteria, discontinuing β-lactam treatment after 3 days was non-inferior to 8 days of treatment. These findings could allow substantial reduction of antibiotic consumption.

FUNDING

French Ministry of Health.

Effect of early treatment with polyvalent immunoglobulin on acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections (ICAR trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

As of mid-June 2020, 7,500,000 people were infected with SARS-CoV-2 worldwide and 420,000 people died, mainly from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). COVID-19-related ARDS is subject to a mortality rate of 50% and prolonged period of mechanical ventilation, with no specific pharmacological treatment currently available (Infection au nouveau Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), COVID-19, France et Monde. https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/dossiers/coronavirus-covid-19 ). Because of its immunomodulatory action, we propose to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) administration in patients developing COVID-19-related ARDS.

METHODS

The trial is a phase III double-blind, randomized, multicenter, parallel group, concurrent, controlled study in hospitalized participants with COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation using a sequential design. Participants in the treatment group will receive infusions of polyvalent immunoglobulin for 4 consecutive days, and the placebo group will receive an equivalent volume of sodium chloride 0.9% for the same duration. The primary outcome is the number of ventilator-free days up to the 28th day. Secondary objectives are to evaluate the effect of IVIG on (1) organ failure according to the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score at 14 and 28 days, (2) lung injury score at 14 and 28 days, (3) the occurrence of grade 3 or 4 adverse events of IVIG, (4) length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, (5) length of hospital stay, (6) functional outcomes at day 90 defined by the activities of daily living and instrumental activities of the daily living scales, and (7) 90-day survival. One hundred thirty-eight subjects will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to IVIG or placebo groups (69 in each group), considering 90% power, alpha level 0.05 (two sides), and 0.67 effect size level.

DISCUSSION

The ICAR trial investigates the effect of IVIG in COVID-19-related ARDS. We expect an increase in the survival rate and a reduction in the duration of mechanical ventilation, which is associated with significant morbidity.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

EudraCT 2020-001570-30. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04350580 . Registered on 17 April 2020.

Effect of In-Hospital Remote Ischemic Perconditioning on Brain Infarction Growth and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke: The RESCUE BRAIN Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Treatment with remote ischemic perconditioning has been reported to reduce brain infarction volume in animal models of stroke. Whether this neuroprotective effect was observed in patients with acute ischemic stroke remains unknown.

Objective

To determine whether treatment with remote ischemic perconditioning administered to the leg of patients with acute ischemic stroke can reduce brain infarction volume growth.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This proof-of-concept multicenter prospective randomized open-label with blinded end point clinical trial was performed from January 12, 2015, to May 2, 2018. Patients were recruited from 11 stroke centers in France. Of the 188 patients who received magnetic resonance imaging within 6 hours of symptom onset and were confirmed to have carotid ischemic stroke, 93 were randomized to receive treatment with lower-limb remote ischemic perconditioning in addition to standard care (the intervention group), and 95 were randomized to receive standard care alone (the control group).

Interventions

Randomization on a 1:1 ratio to receive treatment with remote ischemic perconditioning (4 cycles of 5-minute inflations and 5-minute deflations to the thigh to 110 mm Hg above systolic blood pressure) in addition to standard care or standard care alone.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The change in brain infarction volume growth between baseline and 24 hours, measured by a diffusion-weighted sequence of magnetic resonance imaging scans of the brain.

Results

A total of 188 patients (mean [SD] age, 67.2 [15.7] years; 98 men [52.1%]) were included in this intention-to-treat analysis. At hospital admission, the median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 10 (interquartile range [IQR], 6-16) and the median brain infarction volume was 11.4 cm3 (IQR, 3.6-35.8 cm3); 164 patients (87.2%) received intravenous thrombolysis, and 64 patients (34.0%) underwent mechanical thrombectomy. The median increase in brain infarction growth was 0.30 cm3 (IQR, 0.11-0.48 cm3) in the intervention group and 0.37 cm3 (IQR, 0.19-0.55 cm3) in the control group (mean between-group difference on loge-transformed change, -0.07; 95% CI, -0.33 to 0.18; P = .57). An excellent outcome (defined as a score of 0-1 on the 90-day modified Rankin Scale or a score equal to the prestroke modified Rankin Scale score) was observed in 46 of 90 patients (51.1%) in the intervention group and 37 of 91 patients (40.7%) in the control group (P = .12). No significant differences in 90-day mortality were observed between the intervention and control groups (14 of 90 patients; Kaplan-Meier estimate, 15.8% vs 10 of 91 patients; Kaplan-Meier estimate, 10.4%, respectively; P = .45) or with symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (4 of 88 patients [4.5%] in both groups; P = .97).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, treatment with remote ischemic perconditioning, during or after reperfusion therapies, had no significant effect on brain infarction volume growth at 24 hours after symptom onset.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02189928.

Identification, localization and differentiation of erosions and physiological bone channels by ultrasound in rheumatoid arthritis patients

OBJECTIVES

Ultrasound (US) can detect cortical bone lesions in RA. However, not all cortical bone lesions are erosions. Herein, we aimed to define whether US can differentiate between physiological bone channels and pathological erosions in RA and to provide topographic description of their differential localization.

METHODS

RA patients and healthy controls (HC) received US examination of the metacarpophalangeal (MCPJ) and proximal inter-phalangeal (PIPJ) joints adjudicating cortical bone lesions as physiological bone channels or pathological erosions. In a subset of RA patients and HC, high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) of the hand was performed to validate the classification of lesions.

RESULTS

A total of 40 RA patients and 43 HC were enrolled and totally 771 MCPJ and 638 PIPJ were examined by US, and 94 and 51, respectively, by HR-pQCT. US-defined cortical bone lesions clustered in the lateral part of the MCP (50%) and the dorsal part of the PIPJ (66.7%) in RA. US-defined physiological bone channels clustered in the palmar parts of the MCPJ and PIPJ in both RA (78.8% and 100%, respectively) and HC (51.8% and 80%, respectively). HR-pQCT data confirmed US data with respect to adjudication of physiological bone channels and pathological erosions. Erosions were significantly (all P <0.000001) larger than physiological channels and preferentially localized at radial and ulnar sites, while physiological channels were clustered at palmar sites. Specificity of US was excellent for erosions in RA and for physiological bone channels in HC and RA.

CONCLUSION

US allows differentiation between physiological channels and bone erosions in RA.

Patch validation: an observational study protocol for the evaluation of a multisignal wearable sensor in patients during anaesthesia and in the postanaesthesia care unit

INTRODUCTION

Except for operating rooms, postanaesthesia care units and intensive care units, where the monitoring of vital signs is continuous, intermittent care is standard practice. However, at a time when only the patients with the most serious conditions are hospitalised and only a fraction of these patients are in intensive care units, this type of monitoring is no longer sufficient. Wireless monitoring has been proposed, but it requires rigorous validation. The aim of this observational study is to compare vital signs obtained from a precordial patch sensor to those obtained with conventional monitoring.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This patch validation trial will be an observational, prospective, single-centre open study of 115 anaesthetised adult patients monitored with both a wireless sensor (myAngel VitalSigns, Devinnova, Montpellier, France) and a standard bedside monitor (Carescape Monitor B850, GE Healthcare, Chicago, Illinois). Both sensors will be used to record peripheral oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure (systolic and diastolic). The main objective will be to assess the degree of agreement between the two systems during the patients' stay in the postanaesthesia care unit, both at the raw signal level and at the clinical parameter level. The secondary objectives will be to assess the same performance under anaesthesia, the frequency of missing data or artefacts, the diagnostic performance of the systems, the influence of patients' characteristics on agreement between the two systems, the adverse events and the acceptability of the patch to patients. Bland-Altman plots will be used in the main analysis to detect discrepancies and estimate the limits of agreement.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval was obtained from the Ethical Committee (Toulouse, France) on 10 April 2020. We are not yet recruiting subjects for this study. The results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04344093.

Economic model of albumin infusion in septic shock: The EMAISS study

BACKGROUND

The cost-effectiveness of albumin-based fluid support in patients with septic shock is currently unknown.

METHODS

In a simulation study, we compared standard medical practice and systematic 20% albumin infusion. The study population consisted of patients with septic shock admitted to one of the 28 ICUs belonging to the Cub-Réa regional database between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2016. Cost estimates were based on French diagnosis-related groups and fixed daily prices. Estimation of mortality reduction relied on ALBIOS trial data documenting a Risk Ratio of 0.87 in a non-preplanned subgroup of patients with septic shock. Life expectancy was estimated with follow up data of 184 patients with septic shock admitted in the year 2000 in the same ICUs. Several sensitivity analyses were performed including a one-way Deterministic Sensitivity Analysis (DSA) and a Probabilistic multivariate Sensitivity Analysis (PSA).

RESULTS

About 6406 patients were included. In the base-case scenario, the mean live years gained with albumin was 0.49. The mean extra cost of using albumin was €480 per year. The cost per year gained was €974. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results. The probability of albumin being cost-effective was 95% and 97% for a threshold fixed at €20 000 and €30 000 per life-year saved, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Based on the risk reduction observed in the septic shock subgroup analysis of the ALBIOS dataset, the application of the ALBIOS trial results to Cub-Réa data may suggest that albumin infusion is likely cost-effective in septic shock.

Effectiveness of a therapeutic multiple-lifestyle intervention taking into account the periconceptional environment in the management of infertile couples: study design of a randomized controlled trial - the PEPCI study

BACKGROUND

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse. It affects approximately one in six couples seeking pregnancy in France or western countries. Many lifestyle factors of the couples' pre and peri-conceptional environment (weight, diet, alcohol, tobacco, coffee, drugs, physical activity, stress, sleep…) have been identified as risk factors for infertility in both males and females. The high prevalence rates of unhealthy diets and lifestyles in the reproductive population of industrialized countries are worrisome. Nevertheless, adoption of a healthy lifestyle may improve fertility but lifestyle changes are difficult to achieve and to maintain due notably to behavioral factors.

METHODS

Consequently, we decided to propose an interventional study aimed at improving the quality of life of infertile couples before the start of assisted reproductive technology treatment. It is a randomized controlled multicentre trial. Both members of the couples are involved in an integrated global care program (PEPCI for "Parcours Environnement PériConceptionnel en Infertilité") vs. usual care. This global intervention not only considers diet and/or physical activity but follows a holistic approach, including a multidisciplinary assessment to address complete physical, psychological and social well-being. According to patient needs, this includes interventions on weight, exercise, diet, alcohol and drugs, mental and social health.

DISCUSSION

The main objective of trial is to demonstrate that periconceptional multidisciplinary care has a positive impact on reproductive functions. We will also focus on feasibility, acceptance, compliance and conditions of success of a multifaceted lifestyle intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT02961907 on November 11, 2016.

Prevalence of hypothermia on admission to recovery room remains high despite a large use of forced-air warming devices: Findings of a non-randomized observational multicenter and pragmatic study on perioperative hypothermia prevalence in France

BACKGROUND

Despite the availability of effective warming systems, the prevalence of hypothermia remains high in patients undergoing surgery. Occurrence of perioperative hypothermia may influence the rate of postoperative complications. Recommendations for the prevention of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia have been developed and are effective to reduce the frequency of perioperative hypothermia when professionals comply with. French Society of Anesthesiology (SFAR) decided to promote guidelines for the prevention of inadvertent hypothermia, and to conduct beforehand a pragmatic assessment of the prevalence of hypothermia in France. The hypothesis was that the rate of hypothermic patients (Tc<36°C) admitted to the RR remains high (around 50%), and that was the consequence of a warming device underutilization and/or was related to the type of health facilities.

METHODS

An observational, prospective and multi-centric study was conducted in France between October 2014 and May 2016 among patients over 45 years undergoing non-cardiac, non-outpatient surgery with anesthesia lasting >30 minutes in 52 centers. Patients undergoing pulmonary or proctologic surgery and those having non-invasive procedures performed under general anesthesia (for example, digestive endoscopy) were excluded from our study. Patients being operated under plexus anesthesia alone, surgeries involving hemorrhaging or infection, and patients presenting at least one organ failure were also excluded. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with a core temperature (Tc) <36°C on admission to the recovery room (RR).

RESULTS

Among 893 subjects (median age 66.9 years), prevalence of hypothermia on admission to the RR was 53.5%. At least one warming system was used for 90.4% of the patients. Identified risk factors for Tc<36°C included age≥70 years (OR = 1.41 [CI95%: 1.02-1.94]), duration of anesthesia from 1 to 2 hours (OR = 1.94 [CI95%: 1.04-3.64]) and a decrease in Tc of >0.5°C between anesthesia induction and surgical incision (OR = 1.82 [CI95%: 1.15-2.89]). Only a combination of pre-warming and intraoperative warming prevented a Tc<36°C (OR = 0.48 [CI95%: 0.24-0.96]).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of hypothermia among patients admitted to the RR remains high. Our results suggest that only the combination of pre-warming and intraoperative warming significantly decreases it.

Epidemiology of infective endocarditis in French intensive care units over the 1997-2014 period-from CUB-Réa Network

Background

Few studies focus only on severe forms of infective endocarditis, for which organ failure requires admission to an intensive care unit (ICU). This study aimed to describe demographical, comorbidities, organ failure, and pathogen-related characteristics in a population of critically ill patients admitted to ICU for infective endocarditis and to identify risk factors of in-ICU mortality.

Methods

Retrospective observational multicenter (N = 34) study of the CUB-Rea register, based on ICD-10 coding rules, between 1997 and 2014 in France including ICU patients managed for infective endocarditis. In-ICU mortality associated factors were assessed by multivariate logistic regression including an interrupted time analysis of three periods (1997–2003, 2004–2009, and 2010–2014).

Results

Four thousand four hundred five patients admitted in ICU for infective endocarditis were included. We observed an increase in endocarditis prevalence, as well as an increase in organ failure severity over the three periods. In addition, valve surgery was more frequently performed (27%, 31%, and 42%, P < 0.0001) while in-ICU mortality significantly decreased (28%, 29%, and 23%, P < 0.001). Since 2010, a significant increase in the trends’ slope of incidence for Streptococcus sp. and Staphylococcus sp. was observed with no change concerning intracellular bacteria, Enterococcus sp. or Candida sp. slope trends. In multivariate analysis, age, SAPS2, organ failure, stroke, and Staphylococcus sp. were associated with ICU mortality. Conversely, surgery, intracardiac devices, male gender, and Streptococcus sp.-related infective endocarditis were associated with a better outcome.

Conclusions

Our study reveals a shifting landscape of infective endocarditis epidemiology in French ICUs, characterized by reduced in-ICU mortality despite higher severity, more surgery, and substantial changes in microbial epidemiology.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13054-019-2387-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Lawsuit and Traumatic Brain Injury: The Relationship Between Long-Lasting Sequelae and Financial Compensation in Litigants. Results From the PariS-TBI Study

Purpose: People with traumatic brain injury are frequently involved in a litigation because another person was at fault for causing the accident. A compensation amount will often be settled to compensate the victim for the past, present, future damages and losses suffered. We report descriptive data about the full and final personal compensation amount and investigated its association with patient's outcomes.

Methods: We used a longitudinal prospective study of severe TBI patients injured in 2005–2007 (PariS-TBI). Questions regarding involvement in a litigation were asked concurrently with 4 and 8-year outcomes.

Results: Among 160 participants assessed 4 and/or 8 years post-injury, a total of 67 persons declared being involved in a litigation, among which 38 people reported a compensation amount of a mean €292,653 (standard deviation = 436,334; interquartile 25–50–75 = 37,000–100,000–500,000; minimum = 1,500-maximum = 2,000,000). A higher compensation amount was associated with more severe disability and cognitive impairment in patients, and with more informal care time provided by caregivers. However, no significant association related to patient's gender, age, years of education, motor/balance impairment, return to work status, mood and related to caregiver's subjective burden was found.

Conclusion: Financial compensation was related to victims' long-term severity of impairment, although some extreme cases with severe disability were granted very poor compensation.

A Detailed Overview of Long-Term Outcomes in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Eight Years Post-injury

Background and aims: Severe traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of acquired persistent disabilities, and represents an important health and economic burden. However, the determinants of long-term outcome have rarely been systematically studied in a prospective longitudinal study of a homogeneous group of patients suffering exclusively from severe TBI

Methods: Prospective observational study of an inception cohort of adult patients with severe traumatic brain injury in the Parisian area (PariS-TBI). Outcome was assessed with face-to-face interview 8 years after Traumatic Brain Injury, focusing on impairments, activity limitations, and participation restriction.

Results: Five hundred and four patients were included between 2005 and 2007. At 8-year follow-up, 261 patients were deceased, 128 were lost to follow-up, 22 refused to participate, and 86 were finally evaluated. Age, gender, initial injury severity did not significantly differ between evaluated patients and lost to follow-up, but the latter were more frequently students or unemployed. Mean age was 41.9 (SD 13.6), 79% were male, median initial Glasgow Coma Scale Score was 6. The most frequent somatic complaints concerned balance (47.5%), motricity (31%), and headaches (36%), but these were less frequent than cognitive complaints (Memory 71%, Slowness 68%, Concentration 67%). According to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), 25 % had a score >8 for anxiety and 23.7% for depression. According to the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale, 19.8% remained severely disabled, 46.5% moderately disabled, 33.7% had a good recovery. Older age, longer education duration, lower functional status upon intensive care discharge, and more severe 8-year dysexecutive problems were significantly associated with a lower Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale score in multivariable analysis. At 8 years, 48.7% of patients were employed in a productive job. Of those, 38% declared a salary loss since traumatic brain injury. Unemployment was significantly associated with lower 1-year GOSE score and more severe 8-year dysexecutive problems.

Conclusions: These results from an inception cohort study highlight the fact that long-term outcome after severe TBI is determined by a complex combination of injury-related, demographic and neuropsychological factors. Long after the injury, persisting impairments still interfere with social integration, and participation.

Association between Hospitalization and Change of Frailty Status in the GAZEL Cohort

OBJECTIVES

To assess the relationship between changes of frailty status and intervening hospitalizations, using information of the GAZEL cohort, matched with the data of the French National Health Data System.

DESIGN

Observational cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Community-dwelling adults of the GAZEL cohort (n = 12145; aged between 58 and 73 years in 2012).

MEASUREMENTS

Frailty was determined with the Strawbridge questionnaire in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Data regarding hospitalizations (notably their number, length of stay, emergency department use, and main diagnosis) were collected from the French National Health Data System. The relationship between intervening hospitalizations and changes of frailty status over time was assessed with multivariate Markov models.

RESULTS

The prevalence of frailty was 14% in 2012 and 2013 and 17% in 2014. A total of 2715 changes in frailty status were observed from 2012 to 2014. At least one hospitalization was recorded for 1453 people (12%) between the 2012 and 2013 questionnaires, and 1472 (13%) between the 2013 and 2014 questionnaires. No association was found between intervening hospitalizations and changes of frailty status (aHR 1.14 [0.97-1.35] for robust to frail transition and aHR 0.89 [0.73-1.08] for frail to robust transition). However, repeated hospitalizations, hospitalizations after emergency department use, surgery and several diagnosis groups were significantly associated with transitions towards frailty or its recovery.

CONCLUSION

Hospitalizations encompass a wide range of clinical situations, some of them being associated with incident frailty. An early recognition of these situations could help to better prevent and manage frailty in the early old age.

Reliability of a consensus-based ultrasound definition and scoring for enthesitis in spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis: an OMERACT US initiative

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the reliability of consensus-based ultrasound (US) definitions of elementary components of enthesitis in spondyloarthritis (SpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and to evaluate which of them had the highest contribution to defining and scoring enthesitis.

METHODS

Eleven sonographers evaluated 40 entheses from five patients with SpA/PsA at four bilateral sites. Nine US elementary lesions were binary-scored: hypoechogenicity, thickened insertion, enthesophytes, calcifications, erosions, bone irregularities, bursitis and Doppler signal inside and around enthesis. Kappa statistics were used to evaluate reliability. Sonographers were also asked to state which lesions can be considered as inflammatory or structural and should be included in the final definition of enthesitis. Only the lesions, scored as present in at least 75% of the entheses considered as having an enthesitis, were included in the final definition.

RESULTS

The prevalence of detected lesions was quite low except for enthesophytes (55%) and bone irregularities (54%). Reliability ranged from poor to good (the lowest for thickened enthesis (kappa 0.1 (95% CI 0 to 0.7)) and the highest for enthesophytes (kappa 0.6 (95% CI 0.5 to 0.7)). When adjusted for low prevalence, kappa values increased for all lesions, with the best result observed for detecting Doppler signal at insertion (0.9) and for bursitis (0.8). The US components included in the final definition were hypoechogenicity, increased thickness at enthesis, erosions and calcifications/enthesophytes and Doppler signal at insertion.

CONCLUSION

By using a consensus-based stepwise approach, a final reliable US score and definition of enthesitis in SpA/PsA were produced. Further studies are sought for implementing this score in clinical trials and practice.

Prediction of chronic kidney disease after acute kidney injury in ICU patients: study protocol for the PREDICT multicenter prospective observational study

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is frequent and associated with poor outcome in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Besides the association with short- and long-term mortality, the increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been recently highlighted in non-ICU patients. This study aims to describe the incidence and determinants of CKD after AKI and to develop a prediction score for CKD in ICU patients.

Methods

Prospective multicenter (n = 17) observational study included 1200 ICU patients who suffered from AKI (defined by an AKIN stage ≥ 1) during their ICU stay and were discharged alive from ICU. Preexisting end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and immunosuppressant treatments are the main exclusion criteria. Patients will be monitored by a nephrologist at day 90 and every year for 3 years. The main outcome is the occurrence of CKD defined by a creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) lower than 60 mL/min/1.73 m² or renal replacement therapy for ESRD in patients whose eGFR will be normalized (≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m²) at day 90. Secondary outcomes include albuminuria changes, eGFR decline slope and ESRD risk in patients with preexisting CKD, cardiovascular and thromboembolic events and health-related quality of life.

Discussion

This is the first study prospectively investigating kidney function evolution in ICU patients who suffered from AKI. Albuminuria and eGFR monitoring will allow to identify ICU patients at risk of CKD who may benefit from close surveillance after recovering from AKI. Major patient and AKI-related determinants will be tested to develop a prediction score for CKD in this population.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03282409. Registered on September 14, 2017

Impacts on health outcomes and on resource utilisation of home-based parenteral chemotherapy administration: a systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Despite the demonstrated feasibility and policies to enable more to receive chemotherapy at home, in a few countries, parenteral chemotherapy administration at home remains currently marginal. Of note, findings of different studies on health outcomes and resources utilisation vary, leading to conflicting results. This protocol outlines a systematic review that seeks to synthesise and critically appraise the current state of evidence on the comparison between home setting and hospital setting for parenteral chemotherapy administration within the same high standards of clinical care.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This protocol has been prepared following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols approach. Electronic searches will be conducted on bibliographic databases selected from the earliest available data through 15 November 2017 published in French and English languages. Additional potential papers in the selected studies and grey literature will be also included in the review. The review will include all types of studies exploring patients receiving anticancer drugs for injection at home compared with patients receiving the drugs in a hospital setting, and will assess at least one of the following criteria: patients' health outcomes, patients' or caregivers' satisfaction, resource utilisation with cost savings, and incentives and/or barriers of each admission setting according to patients' and relatives' points of view. Two reviewers will independently screen studies and extract relevant data from the included studies. Methodological quality of studies will be assessed using the 'Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies' developed by the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool, in addition to the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards statement for economic studies.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

As the review is focused on the analysis of secondary data, it does not require ethics approval. The results of the study will be disseminated through articles in peer-reviewed journals and trade publications, as well as presentations at relevant conferences.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42017068164.

An Intelligent Computer-Assisted Instruction System Designed for Rural Health Workers in Developing Countries

This paper describes an intelligent computer-assisted instruction system that was designed for rural health workers in developing countries. This system, called Consult-EAO, includes an expert module and a coaching module. The expert module, which is derived from the knowledge-based decision support system Tropicaid, covers most of medical practice in developing countries. It allows for the creation of outpatient simulations without the help of a teacher. The student may practice his knowledge by solving problems with these simulations. The system gives some initial facts and controls the simulation during the session by guiding the student toward the most efficient decisions. All student answers are analyzed and, if necessary, criticized. The messages are adapted to the situation due to the pedagogical rules of the coaching module. This system runs on PC-compatible computer.

The benefits and tolerance of exercise in myasthenia gravis (MGEX): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background

Research exploring the effects of physical exercise in auto-immune myasthenia gravis (MG) is scarce. The few existing studies present methodological shortcomings limiting the conclusions and generalisability of results. It is hypothesised that exercise could have positive physical, psychological as well as immunomodulatory effects and may be a beneficial addition to current pharmacological management of this chronic disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the benefits on perceived quality of life (QOL) and physical fitness of a home-based physical exercise program compared to usual care, for patients with stabilised, generalised auto-immune MG.

Methods

MGEX is a multi-centre, interventional, randomised, single-blind, two-arm parallel group, controlled trial. Forty-two patients will be recruited, aged 18–70 years. Following a three-month observation period, patients will be randomised into a control or experimental group. The experimental group will undertake a 40-min home-based physical exercise program using a rowing machine, three times a week for three months, as an add-on to usual care. The control group will receive usual care with no additional treatment. All patients will be followed up for a further three months. The primary outcome is the mean change in MGQOL-15-F score between three and six months (i.e. pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention periods). The MGQOL-15-F is an MG-specific patient-reported QOL questionnaire. Secondary outcomes include the evaluation of deficits and functional limitations via MG-specific clinical scores (Myasthenia Muscle Score and MG-Activities of Daily Living scale), muscle force and fatigue, respiratory function, free-living physical activity as well as evaluations of anxiety, depression, self-esteem and overall QOL with the WHO-QOL BREF questionnaire. Exercise workload will be assessed as well as multiple safety measures (ECG, biological markers, medication type and dosage and any disease exacerbation or crisis).

Discussion

This is the largest randomised controlled trial to date evaluating the benefits and tolerance of physical exercise in this patient population. The comprehensive evaluations using standardised outcome measures should provide much awaited information for both patients and the scientific community. This study is ongoing.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02066519. Registered on 13 January 2014.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-017-2433-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on locomotion and balance in patients with chronic stroke: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Following stroke, patients are often left with hemiparesis that reduces balance and gait capacity. A recent, non-invasive technique, transcranial direct current stimulation, can be used to modify cortical excitability when used in an anodal configuration. It also increases the excitability of spinal neuronal circuits involved in movement in healthy subjects. Many studies in patients with stroke have shown that this technique can improve motor, sensory and cognitive function. For example, anodal tDCS has been shown to improve motor performance of the lower limbs in patients with stroke, such as voluntary quadriceps strength, toe-pinch force and reaction time. Nevertheless, studies of motor function have been limited to simple tasks. Surprisingly, the effects of tDCS on the locomotion and balance of patients with chronic stroke have never been evaluated. In this study, we hypothesise that anodal tDCS will improve balance and gait parameters in patients with chronic stroke-related hemiparesis through its effects at cortical and spinal level.

METHODS/DESIGN

This is a prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, single-centre, cross-over study over 36 months. Forty patients with chronic stroke will be included. Each patient will participate in three visits: an inclusion visit, and two visits during which they will all undergo either one 30-min session of transcranial direct current stimulation or one 30-min session of placebo stimulation in a randomised order. Evaluations will be carried out before, during and twice after stimulation. The primary outcome is the variability of the displacement of the centre of mass during gait and a static-balance task. Secondary outcomes include clinical and functional measures before and after stimulation. A three-dimensional gait analysis, and evaluation of static balance on a force platform will be also conducted before, during and after stimulation.

DISCUSSION

These results should constitute a useful database to determine the aspects of complex motor function that are the most improved by transcranial direct current stimulation in patients with hemiparesis. It is the first essential step towards validating this technique as a treatment, coupled with task-oriented training.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02134158 . First received on 18 December 2013; last updated on 14 September 2016. Other study ID numbers: P120135 / AOM12126, 2013-A00952-43.

Self-awareness four years after severe traumatic brain injury: discordance between the patient’s and relative’s complaints. Results from the PariS-TBI study

Objective:

To evaluate the patient’s awareness of his or her difficulties in the chronic phase of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to determine the factors related to poor awareness.

Design/Setting/Subjects:

This study was part of a larger prospective inception cohort study of patients with severe TBI in the Parisian region (PariS-TBI study).

Intervention/Main measures:

Evaluation was carried out at four years and included the Brain Injury Complaint Questionnaire (BICoQ) completed by the patient and his or her relative as well as the evaluation of impairments, disability and quality of life.

Results:

A total of 90 patient-relative pairs were included. Lack of awareness was measured using the unawareness index that corresponded to the number of discordant results between the patient and relative in the direction of under evaluation of difficulties by the patient. The only significant relationship found with lack of awareness was the subjective burden perceived by the relative (Zarit Burden Inventory) ( r = 0.5; P < 0.00001). There was no significant relationship between lack of awareness and injury severity, pre-injury socio-demographic data, cognitive impairments, mood disorders, functional independence (Barthel index), global disability (Glasgow Outcome Scale), return to work at four years or quality of life (Quality Of Life after Brain Injury scale (QOLIBRI)).

Conclusion:

Lack of awareness four years post severe TBI was not related to the severity of the initial trauma, sociodemographic data, the severity of impairments, limitations of activity and participation, or the patient’s quality of life. However, poor awareness did significantly influence the weight of the burden perceived by the relative.

Impact of extended monitoring-guided intensive care on outcome after severe traumatic brain injury: A prospective multicentre cohort study (PariS-TBI study)

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated whether an integrated monitoring with systemic and specific monitoring affect mortality and disability in adults with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI).

METHODS

Adults with severeTBI (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] ≤ 8) admitted alive in intensive care units (ICUs) were prospectively included. Primary endpoints were in-hospital 30-day mortality and extended Glasgow outcome score (GOSE) at 3 years. Association with the intensity of monitoring and outcome was studied by comparing a high level of monitoring (HLM) (systemic and ≥3 specific monitoring) and low level of monitoring (LLM) (systemic and 0-2 specific monitoring) and using inverse probability weighting procedure.

RESULTS

476 patients were included and IPW was used to improve the balance between the two groups of treatments (HLM/LMM). Overall hospital mortality (at 30 days) was 43%, being significantly lower in HLM than LLM group (27% vs. 53%: RR, 1.63: 95% CI: 1.23-2.15). The 14-day hospital mortality was also lower in the HLM group than expected, based upon the CRASH prediction model (35%). At 3 years, disability was not significantly different between the monitoring groups.

CONCLUSIONS

After adjustment, HLM group improved short-term mortality but did not show any improvement in the 3-year outcome compared with LLM.

[Non-inferiority and equivalence trials: Key methodological issues]

Non-inferiority and equivalence trials aim to promote new treatments that are not expected to be superior to existing ones in a given indication. In order to compensate for a possible loss of efficacy, the new treatment should offer other advantages compared to the reference treatment, a better safety of use for example. Their methods somewhat differ from those of superiority trials, often better known to the medical community. This article presents the key points of the methodology of non-inferiority and equivalence trials in order to inform the readers of such trials about the issues and critical points. The general methodology (hypotheses, decision rules, number of subjects required, and strategy of analysis) is presented using examples and graphic illustrations. The issues and critical points are identified and discussed, in particular the choice of the comparator and of the margin of non-inferiority.

Scoring ultrasound synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis: a EULAR-OMERACT ultrasound taskforcePart 1: definition and development of a standardised, consensus-based scoring system

OBJECTIVES

To develop a consensus-based ultrasound (US) definition and quantification system for synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

A multistep, iterative approach was used to: (1) evaluate the baseline agreement on defining and scoring synovitis according to the usual practice of different sonographers, using both grey-scale (GS) (synovial hypertrophy (SH) and effusion) and power Doppler (PD), by reading static images and scanning patients with RA and (2) evaluate the influence of both the definition and acquisition technique on reliability followed by a Delphi exercise to obtain consensus definitions for synovitis, elementary components and scoring system.

RESULTS

Baseline reliability was highly variable but better for static than dynamic images that were directly acquired and immediately scored. Using static images, intrareader and inter-reader reliability for scoring PD were excellent for both binary and semiquantitative (SQ) grading but GS showed greater variability for both scoring systems (κ ranges: -0.05 to 1 and 0.59 to 0.92, respectively). In patient-based exercise, both intraobserver and interobserver reliability were variable and the mean κ coefficients did not reach 0.50 for any of the components. The second step resulted in refinement of the preliminary Outcome Measures in Rheumatology synovitis definition by including the presence of both hypoechoic SH and PD signal and the development of a SQ severity score, depending on both the amount of PD and the volume and appearance of SH.

CONCLUSION

A multistep consensus-based process has produced a standardised US definition and quantification system for RA synovitis including combined and individual SH and PD components. Further evaluation is required to understand its performance before application in clinical trials.

Scoring ultrasound synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis: a EULAR-OMERACT ultrasound taskforce-Part 2: reliability and application to multiple joints of a standardised consensus-based scoring system

Objectives

To test the reliability of new ultrasound (US) definitions and quantification of synovial hypertrophy (SH) and power Doppler (PD) signal, separately and in combination, in a range of joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using the European League Against Rheumatisms–Outcomes Measures in Rheumatology (EULAR-OMERACT) combined score for PD and SH.

Methods

A stepwise approach was used: (1) scoring static images of metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints in a web-based exercise and subsequently when scanning patients; (2) scoring static images of wrist, proximal interphalangeal joints, knee and metatarsophalangeal joints in a web-based exercise and subsequently when scanning patients using different acquisitions (standardised vs usual practice). For reliability, kappa coefficients (κ) were used.

Results

Scoring MCP joints in static images showed substantial intraobserver variability but good to excellent interobserver reliability. In patients, intraobserver reliability was the same for the two acquisition methods. Interobserver reliability for SH (κ=0.87) and PD (κ=0.79) and the EULAR-OMERACT combined score (κ=0.86) were better when using a ‘standardised’ scan. For the other joints, the intraobserver reliability was excellent in static images for all scores (κ=0.8–0.97) and the interobserver reliability marginally lower. When using standardised scanning in patients, the intraobserver was good (κ=0.64 for SH and the EULAR-OMERACT combined score, 0.66 for PD) and the interobserver reliability was also good especially for PD (κ range=0.41–0.92).

Conclusion

The EULAR-OMERACT score demonstrated moderate-good reliability in MCP joints using a standardised scan and is equally applicable in non-MCP joints. This scoring system should underpin improved reliability and consequently the responsiveness of US in RA clinical trials.

Employment outcome four years after a severe traumatic brain injury: results of the Paris severe traumatic brain injury study

OBJECTIVE

To describe employment outcome four years after a severe traumatic brain injury by the assessment of individual patients' preinjury sociodemographic data, injury-related and postinjury factors.

DESIGN

A prospective, multicenter inception cohort of 133 adult patients in the Paris area (France) who had received a severe traumatic brain injury were followed up postinjury at one and four years. Sociodemographic data, factors related to injury severity and one-year functional and cognitive outcomes were prospectively collected.

METHODS

The main outcome measure was employment status. Potential predictors of employment status were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

At the four-year follow-up, 38% of patients were in paid employment. The following factors were independent predictors of unemployment: being unemployed or studying before traumatic brain injury, traumatic brain injury severity (i.e., a lower Glasgow Coma Scale score upon admission and a longer stay in intensive care) and a lower one-year Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended score.

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed the low rate of long-term employment amongst patients after a severe traumatic brain injury. The results illustrated the multiple determinants of employment outcome and suggested that students who had received a traumatic brain injury were particularly likely to be unemployed, thus we propose that they may require specific support to help them find work. Implications for rehabilitation Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of persistent disablity and can associate cognitive, emotional, physical and sensory impairments, which often result in quality-of-life reduction and job loss. Predictors of post-traumatic brain injury unemployment and job loss remains unclear in the particular population of severe traumatic brain injury patients. The present study highlights the post-traumatic brain injury student population require a close follow-up and vocational rehabilitation. The study suggests that return to work post-severe traumatic brain injury is frequently unstable and workers often experience difficulties that caregivers have to consider.

Negative impact of litigation procedures on patient outcomes four years after severe traumatic brain injury: results from the PariS-traumatic brain injury study

PURPOSE

To analyze the effect of litigation procedures on long-term outcomes in severe traumatic brain injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective observational follow-up of an inception cohort including 504 adults with severe traumatic brain injury recruited in 2005-2007 in the Parisian area, France, with initial, one- and four-year outcomes measures.

RESULTS

Four years after the traumatic brain injury, 147 patients, out of 257 who survived the acute phase, were assessed. Among these patients, 53 patients declared being litigants and 78 nonlitigants (litigation status was unknown in 16 cases). Sociodemographic characteristics, type of injury and initial severity did not differ significantly between litigants and nonlitigants, except for Injury Severity Score (worse in litigants) and the proportion of road traffic accidents (higher in litigants). One- and four-year outcomes were significantly worse in litigants for autonomy, participation, psychiatric and cognitive function but not quality of life (measured with the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended, the working activity status, the Brain Injury Community Rehabilitation Outcome, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, the Neurobehavioral Rating Scale-revised and the Quality of Life after Brain Injury, respectively). Multivariate analyses highlighted litigation procedure as an independent significant predictor of lower autonomy, participation and psychiatric function and tended to predict lower cognitive function, but not lower quality of life, after adjustment for pretrauma characteristics, Injury Severity Score, road traffic accidents and work-related accident status.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with severe traumatic brain injury have a worse prognosis when involved in a litigation procedure and require special attention in clinical practice. Implications for rehabilitation The influence of litigation procedure on health and social outcomes in severe traumatic brain injury is a major issue that entail numerous levels of complexities. A wide range of interactions and factors related to the prolonged process of litigation against a third party may influence recovery. Results from the PariS-Traumatic Brain Injury study suggest that patients with a severe Traumatic Brain Injury who are involved in a litigation procedure within French jurisdiction compensation scheme have a worse prognosis than patients who do not. Health professionals should be aware of the potential adverse effects of litigation procedures on recovery, and provide appropriate interventions and information to patients and families in such cases.