1569 Paediatric Upper Limb Fracture Manipulation in A Children’s Emergency Department: Practice Changes During The COVID-19 Pandemic

Background

Trauma theatre time is valuable and previous studies reported cost of £24.77/minute. BSUH Children’s emergency department (CED) guidelines were implemented in December 2016, allowing reduction of forearm and distal radius (DR) fractures in CED using 70% nitrous (N2O) sedation. Due to COVID-19 pandemic and the risks associated with aerosol generating procedures as well as staffing levels, CED shifted to using 50%N2O with or without intranasal fentanyl.

Method

Relevant fractures presenting to CED from Feb-Dec 2020 were identified and compared to previous years. Demographics, treatment modality, timings, and outcomes were reviewed for 275 patients.

Results

In 2017-2018, 56% were manipulated in CED under 70%N2O (compared to only 3% in 2016). The main barrier identified was shortage of doctors trained in sedation to supervise use of 70%N20. In 2020, 101 patients were suitable for manipulation in CED. 64 had DR fractures, 37 midshaft fractures, 65 were male. Mean age: 10 years. 92 patients (91%) were manipulated in CED/fracture clinic. One was under 70%N2O; the rest used 50%N2O with or without intranasal fentanyl. 8 (9%) had manipulation under GA. Of those manipulated in CED, 3 were re-manipulated in clinic for cast problems. A typical MUA takes 30minutes indicating a saving of £743 per case; therefore, £68,356 over the study period.

Conclusions

Paediatric upper limb fracture manipulation in CED under N2O is effective and provides significant cost savings. Due to changes related to COVID-19 pandemic, considerably more patients in 2020 were safely treated in CED/clinic. Using 50%N2O improves uptake due to lower staffing requirements.

Using Evidence-Based Dentistry in the Clinical Management of Methadone Maintenance Therapy Patients

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

There is an increased interest to incorporate interprofessional educational models in the academic dental institutions to serve both student education and patient care. The aim of this report is to integrate evidence-based dentistry (EBD) with an interprofessional approach to treat methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) patients. Current example illustrates the case of a 26-year-old man receiving MMT who presented at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine with the chief complaint of "I want to fix my teeth." He presented with a collapsed vertical dimension of occlusion, extensive partial edentulism on both arches with bone loss, and a past history of drug abuse since the age of 16 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 5-step (ask, acquire, appraise, apply, assess) framework for the EBD process was used. First, the PICO (population, intervention, comparison, and outcome) question was asked, and then the literature was acquired and appraised. An expert librarian assisted in finding articles on the effects of methadone on the oral cavity and consequences that will affect dental treatment. The search was conducted on PubMed, using the following keywords: oral health, dentistry, dental health, and methadone. The search was performed from 1/1/2005 to 1/1/2018. After appraisal, the studies were applied in the clinical setting and treatment outcomes were assessed both subjectively and objectively.

RESULTS

The initial search identified there is sparse evidence on the topic. Only 34 articles were acquired. Based on the scientific evidence published, the interprofessional expertise of the clinical care team, and patient's perspective, 4 treatment plan options were proposed. The selected treatment plan was considered the best option considering an EBD person-centered approach. Progress of treatment, outcomes, and lessons learned were assessed.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that incorporating EBD concepts and an interprofessional approach, MMT patients can be successfully treated. Future studies on this topic are recommended, specially considering the growth of the opioid epidemic in the past years and the need to treat the MMT patients and educate students.

Black Americans' Perspectives of Barriers and Facilitators of Community Screening for Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Incidence of ESKD is three times higher in black Americans than in whites, and CKD prevalence continues to rise among black Americans. Community-based kidney disease screening may increase early identification and awareness of black Americans at risk, but it is challenging to implement. This study aimed to identify participants' perspectives of community kidney disease screening. The Health Belief Model provides a theoretic framework for conceptualization of these perspectives and optimization of community kidney disease screening activities.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

Researchers in collaboration with the Tennessee Kidney Foundation conducted three focus groups of adults in black American churches in Nashville, Tennessee. Questions examined views on CKD information, access to care, and priorities of kidney disease health. Content analysis was used. Guided by the Health Belief Model, a priori themes were generated, and additional themes were derived from the data using an inductive approach.

RESULTS

Thirty-two black Americans completed the study in 2014. Participants were mostly women (79%) with a mean age of 56 years old (range, 24-78). Two major categories of barriers to kidney disease screening were identified: (1) participant factors, including limited kidney disease knowledge, spiritual/religious beliefs, emotions, and culture of the individual; and (2) logistic factors, including lack of convenience and incentives and poor advertisement. Potential facilitators of CKD screening included provision of CKD education, convenience of screening activities, and use of culturally sensitive and enhanced communication strategies. Program recommendations included partnering with trusted community members, selecting convenient locations, tailored advertising, and provision of compensation.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings of this study suggest that provider-delivered culturally sensitive education and stakeholder engagement are critical to increase trust, decrease fear, and maximize participation and early identification of kidney disease among black Americans considering community screening.

The role of mycophenolate mofetil in kidney transplantation revisited

Since its regulatory approval in 1995, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has largely replaced azathioprine (AZA) as the anti-metabolite immunosuppressive of choice in kidney transplantation. While the initial industry-sponsored clinical trials suggested strong reductions in the incidence of acute rejection in the first six months post transplantation, long-term follow-up studies have failed to demonstrate a similar degree of benefit in overall graft and patient survival. In addition, several subsequent studies have raised questions on the potential attenuating effects of calcineurin inhibitor choice on MMF efficacy when compared to AZA. This review will revisit the question of whether the available evidence continues to support the superiority of MMF over AZA in kidney transplantation outcomes while comprehensively reviewing the available evidence from clinical trial data, systematic reviews, and registry studies.

Prevalence of pre-end-stage renal disease care and associated outcomes among urban, micropolitan, and rural dialysis patients

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Pre-end-stage renal disease (ESRD) care is associated with improved outcomes among patients receiving dialysis. It is unknown what proportion of US micropolitan and rural dialysis patients receive pre-ESRD care and benefit from such care when compared to urban.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed using data from the US Renal Data System. Patients ≥18 years old who initiated dialysis in 2006 and 2007 were classified as rural, micropolitan or urban and the prevalence of pre-ESRD care (early nephrology care >6 months, permanent vascular access, -dietary education) was determined using the medical evidence report. The association of pre-ESRD care with dialysis mortality and transplantation was assessed using Cox regression with stratification for geographic residence.

RESULTS

Of 204,463 dialysis patients, 80% were urban, 10.2% were micropolitan and 9.8% were rural. Overall attainment of pre-ESRD care was poor. After adjustment, there were no significant geographic differences in attainment of early nephrology care or permanent dialysis access. Receiving care reduced all-cause mortality and increased the likelihood of transplantation to a similar degree regardless of geographic residence. Both micropolitan and rural patients received less dietary education (relative risk = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.76-0.84 and relative risk = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.80-0.89, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Among patients who receive dialysis, the prevalence of early nephrology care and permanent dialysis access is poor and does not vary by geographic residence. Micropolitan and rural patients receive less dietary education despite an observed mortality benefit, suggesting that barriers may exist to quality dietary care in more remote locations.

Rural and micropolitan residence and mortality in patients on dialysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Micropolitan and rural patients face challenges when initiating dialysis, including healthcare access. Previous studies have shown little association of nonurban residence with dialysis outcomes but have not examined the association of dialysis modality with residence location.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

This retrospective cohort study used data from the U.S. Renal Data System. Adults who initiated maintenance dialysis between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2007, were classified as rural, micropolitan, or urban. Early and long-term mortality and kidney transplantation were examined with Cox regression stratified by dialysis modality.

RESULTS

Of 204,463 patients, 80% were urban; 10.2%, micropolitan; and 9.8%, rural. Micropolitan and rural patients were older, were less racially diverse, had more comorbid conditions, and were more likely to start peritoneal dialysis (PD). Median follow-up was 2.0 years. Early mortality or long-term hemodialysis (HD) mortality did not significantly differ by geographic residence. After adjustment, micropolitan and rural PD patients had higher risk for long-term mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.21 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09-1.35] and 1.12 [95% CI, 1.01-1.24], respectively) than urban PD patients. After adjustment, kidney transplantation was more likely in micropolitan and rural HD patients (HR, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.11-1.28] and 1.30 [CI, 1.21-1.40]) than urban HD patients, and micropolitan PD patients (HR, 1.31 [95%, CI 1.13-1.51]) than urban PD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Micropolitan and rural residence is associated with higher mortality in PD patients and similar or higher likelihood of kidney transplantation among HD and PD patients. Studies examining the underlying mechanisms of these associations are warranted.

Outpatient versus inpatient observation after percutaneous native kidney biopsy: a cost minimization study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Percutaneous kidney biopsy (PKB) is the primary diagnostic tool for kidney disease. Outpatient 'day surgery' (ODS) following PKB in low-risk patients has previously been described as a safe alternative to inpatient observation (IO). This study aims to determine if ODS is less costly compared to IO while accounting for all institutional costs (IC) associated with post-PKB complications, including death.

METHODS

A cost minimization study was performed using decision analysis methodology which models relative costs in relation to outcome probabilities yielding an optimum decision. The potential outcomes included major complications (bleeding requiring blood transfusion or advanced intervention), minor complications (bleeding or pain requiring additional observation), and death. Probabilities were obtained from the published literature and a base case was selected. IC were obtained for all complications from institutional activity-based cost estimates. The base case assumed a complication rate of 10% with major bleeding occurring in 2.5% of patients (for both arms) and death in 0.1 and 0.15% of IO and ODS patients, respectively.

RESULTS

ODS costs USD 1,394 per biopsy compared to USD 1,800 for IO inclusive of all complications. IC for ODS remain less when overall complications <20%, major complications <5.5%, and IC per death <USD 1.125 million. ODS remained favored through sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSION

Outpatient management after PKB for low-risk patients costs less from the institutional perspective compared to IO, inclusive of complications and death. ODS should be considered for low-risk patients undergoing native kidney biopsy.

Renal involvement in primary Sjögren's syndrome: a clinicopathologic study

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Renal pathology and clinical outcomes in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) who underwent kidney biopsy (KB) because of renal impairment are reported.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

Twenty-four of 7276 patients with pSS underwent KB over 40 years. Patient cases were reviewed by a renal pathologist, nephrologist, and rheumatologist. Presentation, laboratory findings, renal pathology, initial treatment, and therapeutic response were noted.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients (17 of 24; 71%) had acute or chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) as the primary lesion, with chronic TIN (11 of 17; 65%) the most common presentation. Two had cryoglobulinemic GN. Two had focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Twenty patients (83%) were initially treated with corticosteroids. In addition, three received rituximab during follow-up. Sixteen were followed after biopsy for more than 12 mo (median 76 mo; range 17 to 192), and 14 of 16 maintained or improved renal function through follow-up. Of the seven patients presenting in stage IV chronic kidney disease, none progressed to stage V with treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

This case series supports chronic TIN as the predominant KB finding in patients with renal involvement from pSS and illustrates diverse glomerular lesions. KB should be considered in the clinical evaluation of kidney dysfunction in pSS. Treatment with glucocorticoids or other immunosuppressive agents appears to slow progression of renal disease. Screening for renal involvement in pSS should include urinalysis, serum creatinine, and KB where indicated. KB with characteristic findings (TIN) should be considered as an additional supportive criterion to the classification criteria for pSS because it may affect management and renal outcome.