Academic Center Research Articles

Academic success centers at us universities as an effective factor in ensuring the quality of higher education

The aim of the work is theoretical analysis of the peculiarities of the activity of the Academic Success Centers in the U.S. universities. The methodological basis of the study are official websites of Academic Success Centers, scientific articles by Ukrainian and American researches and analytical reports. Results. The article is devoted to a review of the activities of Academic Success Centers in U.S. universities. It is found that there is no single definition of «Academic Success Center» due to the variety of services offered. It is determined that Academic Success Center is a structural institution that provides academic and social-psychological support to students, helps to reveal their potential and prepare them for a career. The author emphasizes the technologies of support for students of higher education institutions. The main support technologies are tutoring, mentoring, academic coaching and Supplemental Instruction. It is proven that these technologies contribute to the improvement of the academic achievements of students and increase students’ retention rate of the educational institution. Special emphasis is placed on the interaction of the Center with freshmen, who most often face a number of problems in a new academic environment for them. The Centers provide academic advising for students on choosing courses. Academic advising lasts from admission to graduation at the university. Moreover, Academic Success Centers provide an opportunity not only to learn, but also to teach. Seniors have the opportunity to become tutors, mentors and academic coaches. A special feature of Centers is career guidance work with applicants. Universities organize meetings of future first-year students with students, graduates, teachers and administration of the institution to provide complete information about admission, studies and further employment prospects. Conclusions. The conducted study proved the need for further thorough research of the basic principles and areas of activity of centers of academic success in US universities in order to introduce better experience into educational practice.

The Effects of the AGE Inhibitor Pyridoxamine on Bone in Older Women with Type 2 Diabetes: a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients have reduced bone turnover and increased fractures. Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) impair osteoblasts and are implicated in diabetic fractures. Pyridoxamine (PM) is a vitamin B6 metabolite which inhibits formation of AGEs. We hypothesized that PM treatment in older T2D patients, by inhibiting AGEs, would increase bone formation. Double-blind RCT. Academic center. Older T2D women (n=55). Oral PM 200 mg twice daily for one year. The primary outcome was the change in the bone formation marker P1NP. Other outcomes were changes in bone resorption, bone mineral density (BMD), HbA1c and skin autofluorescence (SAF), and in a bone biopsy sub-group, the correlation between bone fluorescent AGEs (fAGEs) and SAF. P1NP increased 23.0% with PM (95% CI: 9, 37; within-group p=0.028) vs. 4.1% with placebo (-9, 17; within-group p=0.576; between-groups p=0.056). BMD increased at the femoral neck (PM: 2.6±5% vs. placebo: -0.9±4%; between-groups p=0.007). Bone resorption markers and SAF did not change. HbA1c decreased (PM: -0.38 ± 0.7% vs. placebo: 0.05 ± 1.7%; between-groups p =0.04). Within the PM group, the HbA1c change correlated inversely with the % P1NP change (r =-0.50, p=0.034). Cortical bone biopsy fAGEs correlated with SAF (r=0.86, p=0.001). Adverse events were similar between groups. PM tended to increase P1NP in older T2D women, as well as increasing bone density and reducing HbA1c. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential of PM as a disease mechanism-directed approach to reduce fractures in T2D.

Optic Nerve Sheath Fenestration: A Retrospective Review of Its Safety, Efficacy, and Impact on Optical Coherence Tomography.

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of optic nerve sheath fenestration using visual acuity, perimetry, and optical coherence tomography. A retrospective review of patients who underwent an optic nerve sheath fenestration at an academic center between 2016 and 2021 was performed with institutional review board approval. Outcome measures included visual acuity, perimetric mean deviation, optic disc edema grade, improvement in symptoms, and intraoperative and postoperative complications. Optical coherence tomography data collected included macular ganglion cell volume and thickness, as well as retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. Preoperative baseline data and 1-, 6-, and 12-month postoperative data were collected. Repeated measures with a mixed-effects model were used for continuous data, and linear regression analyses were performed. A total of 55 patients (86 eyes) underwent optic nerve sheath fenestration, via a medial transconjunctival approach by the same orbital surgeon. After 12-month follow-up, visual acuity (P < 0.05), perimetric mean deviation (P < 0.05), and optic disc edema (P < 0.001) improved in the operative eye. Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness decreased from a mean of 165 to 92 µm (P < 0.001). Macular ganglion cell volume was found to have a small decrease from baseline and correlated well with visual acuity, contrast sensitivity testing, and perimetric mean deviation (P < 0.001). Optic nerve sheath fenestration performed via a medial transconjunctival approach is a safe and effective method to preserve vision in patients with papilledema, particularly in cases of fulminant or progressive idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Quantitative measurements of the macular ganglion cell layer can serve as a useful adjunct to other diagnostic testing.

A Validated Calculator to Estimate Risk of Chorioamnionitis in Laboring and Induced Patients at Term.

Chorioamnionitis is associated with neonatal morbidity and infection-related mortality, but our ability to predict intrapartum infection is limited. We sought to derive and validate a prediction model for chorioamnionitis among patients presenting to labor and delivery at term. This was a planned secondary analysis of a large cohort study from 2014 through 2018 at an academic tertiary care center. To derive a prediction model for chorioamnionitis, we limited our analysis to full-term (≥37 weeks) patients with a singleton gestation undergoing labor induction and presenting in labor. Both nulliparous and multiparous patients were included. Patients with a planned cesarean delivery, fever on admission, or missing data were excluded. The model was derived using multivariable logistic regression. Refinement of the prediction model with internal calibration was performed. External validation was performed utilizing a publicly available database (Consortium on Safe Labor) and applying the same inclusion and exclusion criteria. The discriminative power of each model was assessed using a bootstrap, bias-corrected area under the curve. The chorioamnionitis rates in the derivation and external validation groups were: 5% (1,005/19,966) and 5.8% (n = 3,005/52,171), respectively. In multivariable modeling, maternal age, nulliparity, gestational age, smoking status, group B streptococcus colonization, hours ruptured, number of cervical exams, length of labor, epidural use, internal monitoring, and meconium were significantly associated with infection. A calculator was created and externally validated with an area under the curve of 0.82 (95% confidence interval, 0.81-0.82). External validity was further confirmed with a calibration intercept of 0.81. This is the first infection calculator created and validated for the prediction of developing chorioamnionitis in patients undergoing induction of labor at term. This calculator can be used to augment patient counseling and guide intrapartum infection surveillance in laboring patients.

Genomic and epigenomic analysis of plasma cell-free DNA identifies stemness features associated with worse survival in lethal prostate cancer.

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) resistant to androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSIs) is often lethal. Liquid biopsy biomarkers for this deadly form of disease remain under investigation, and underpinning mechanisms remain ill-understood. We applied targeted cell-free DNA sequencing to 126 mCRPC patients from three academic cancer centers, and separately performed genome-wide cell-free DNA methylation sequencing on 43 plasma samples collected prior to the initiation of first-line ARSI treatment. To analyze the genome-wide sequencing data, we performed nucleosome-positioning and differential methylated region analysis. We additionally analyzed single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data from 14 and 80 mCRPC patients, respectively, to develop and validate a stem-like signature, which we inferred from cell-free DNA. Targeted cell-free DNA sequencing detected AR/enhancer alterations prior to first-line ARSIs which correlated with significantly worse PFS (p = 0.01; HR = 2.12) and OS (p = 0.02; HR = 2.48). Plasma methylome analysis revealed that AR/enhancer lethal mCRPC patients have significantly higher promoter-level hypomethylation than AR/enhancer wild-type mCRPC patients (p < 0.0001). Moreover, gene ontology and CytoTRACE analysis of nucleosomally more accessible transcription factors in cell-free DNA revealed enrichment for stemness-associated transcription factors in lethal mCRPC patients. The resulting stemness signature was then validated in a completely held-out cohort of 80 mCRPC patients profiled by tumor RNA sequencing. We analyzed a total of 220 mCRPC patients, validated the importance of cell-free AR/enhancer alterations as a prognostic biomarker in lethal mCRPC and showed that the underlying mechanism for lethality involves reprogramming developmental states toward increased stemness.

Leveling Up Learning: Game Based Learning Initiatives in Canadian Higher Education

Game based learning (GBL), the use of game design elements within non-game contexts such as education, became increasingly popular in the early 2000s, yet empirical evidence about the benefit of games on student learning remains inconclusive. The potential impact of GBL can be influenced, for example, by design elements, context, and discipline. In Canadian higher education, GBL may be housed within departments, the library, or centres for teaching and learning. At our institution, GBL initiatives have only recently begun to surface; for example, the Department of English and Drama has recently launched a games studies minor for undergraduate students, the library has an extensive collection of video games available to borrow, and the academic skills centre has a large collection of board games that are used primarily for social game cafés. While opportunities for curricular connections may exist, our academic skills centre currently lacks staff who have both capacity and expertise in GBL pedagogy. Exploring possibilities for expansion, we aimed to understand the landscape of GBL initiatives across Canadian post-secondary institutions. To achieve this aim, we conducted an environmental scan of over 100 Canadian post-secondary institutions, gathering data such as the existence of GBL programs, category and level of programming (curricular, co-curricular, or research), initiative types, research development, faculty involvement, and availability of additional resources. Findings indicate inconsistencies in definitions used to promote GBL and a concentration of GBL initiatives at the curricular and research levels. The majority of GBL in Canada is led by faculty through course and degree-level programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels. This research gives us insight into GBL program development, challenges, and opportunities for higher education in Canada and globally.

6482 Knowledge and comfort in addressing eating disorders in people living with Type 1 Diabetes in an academic Endocrinology center

Abstract Disclosure: N. Viera Felicino: None. D. Lam: None. Background: Eating disorders(ED) occur at twice the rate in people living with type 1 diabetes(PWT1D) compared to the general population. Early detection and prevention necessitate a high level of clinical suspicion, as the coexistence of ED and T1D is linked to compromised metabolic control, earlier onset of microvascular complications, elevated mortality rates and diminished quality of life. Despite this, healthcare providers often encounter multiple challenges, such as the tendency for ED/DEB to be well hidden and/or denied, as well as a general discomfort in broaching this sensitive topic. Compounding the issue is the scarcity of literature offering optimal methods for supporting and treating individuals suffering from this dual diagnosis. Here, we conducted a survey at an academic center to assess providers’ overall knowledge and comfort level regarding the intersection of ED/DEB in PWT1D. Methods: A 15 question anonymous survey was distributed to members of our Endocrinology division, including fellows, attendings, and advanced practice providers (APPs) across four practices within an academic center in New York City. The primary objectives of the survey were to gauge participants' understanding in three key areas: general knowledge regarding the prevalence of this dual diagnosis, awareness of associated morbidity, and their professional experiences in providing care to this population. Results: The survey was distributed to a total of 40 participants with 29 responses: 38% Endocrine fellows, 41% attending physicians, and 21% APPs. 97% acknowledged that ED are more prevalent in PWT1D compared to the general population and 25% could identify validated screening tools for ED. Regarding the association between ED in PWT1D and health outcomes, 67% accurately identified the increased risk of developing microvascular complications and 36% recognized the increase in the risk of all-cause mortality. 71% reported caring for a PWT1D who expressed concerns about insulin and weight gain. When asked to rate their comfort level in addressing these concerns, 13.8% and 3.4% reported feeling comfortable and very comfortable, respectively. 86% of respondents expressed unfamiliarity with available resources for providing support to individuals in this group. Discussion: The results of the survey show general acknowledgment of the heightened prevalence of ED among PWT1D and association with morbidity and mortality, but emphasizes gaps in knowledge, a general sense of discomfort, and a shortage of resources to effectively manage individuals within this patient demographic. Our survey highlights the need for enhanced education and resources to better equip healthcare professionals in managing the complex intersection of both disorders. Given that diabetes outcomes are heavily dependent on behavioral adherence, strategies for addressing ED are crucial for comprehensive patient care. Presentation: 6/2/2024

12351 Real World Performance of the Afirma Xpression Atlas in Bethesda V and Vi Thyroid Nodules: A Private Practice Experience

Abstract Disclosure: M.S. Tkach: None. E. Coughlin: None. A. Pinero-Pilona: None. Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) is a cornerstone of the diagnosis of thyroid cancer. The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (BS-TCP), developed in 2010, and genomic sequencing classifiers (GSC) now allow clinicians to objectively identify the risk of malignancy of thyroid nodules (“TN”) prior to surgical interventions. For further characterization, the Afirma Xpression Atlas (XA) was created and launched in May 2018, utilizing RNA sequencing to evaluate fusions and variants. As of 2023, the Afirma XA panel includes 905 genomic variants and 235 fusions from 593 genes. Post-validation studies for the Afirma XA have focused on large academic centers, but applicability or extrapolation to smaller endocrinology practices is less clear, potentially due to different patient population and thyroid cancer prevalence. This study was designed to analyze and measure the performance of the Afirma XA in BS-TCP V and VI TN classified as GSC suspicious for malignancy in a small endocrinology practice. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis comparing all BS-TCP V and VI TN with their respective final surgical pathology results between June 2018 and December 2023. 76 TN meeting the criteria for BS-TCP V or VI classification were identified. We excluded any TN (12 total) for which pathology data was unavailable; reasons ranged from lack of patient follow-up to patient's death with no autopsy available. Forty-seven thyroid TN were therefore included, and the BS-TCP VI category was the predominant cytopathology discovered, representing 78.7% of the TN in this group. Afirma XA was able to identify genomic alterations in 78.7% of all included TN (thus 78.7% is its sensitivity). Sensitivity of XA was found to be 70% in BS-TCP V (n=10) and 81.1% in BS-TCP VI (n=37). 83% of the analyzed TN were from female patients and 17% were from male patients; there was no statistically significant difference between XA frequency in TN from male vs. female patients. 100% of all BS-TCP V and VI TN (n=47) as determined by the cytopathologist were associated with cancer on pathology; thus, the sensitivity of the cytopathology itself is 100%, and positive predictive value of XA in both groups was 100%. Age and nodule size were not significantly associated with XA presence or absence overall. XA was overwhelmingly comprised of BRAF :p:V600E c.1799T&amp;gt;A mutations: 70.2% of of XA findings showed this mutation (50% in V and 75.6% in VI). Our percentage of XA on BS-TCP V and VI nodules reflects similarity to prior large studies in academic centers. Based on this data, we conclude that XA is a valuable tool for high-risk TN classification and treatment guidance; it can both aid in surgical planning and determine options for potential pharmacotherapy. We conclude that in our study, the relation between XA and cytopathology in BS-TCP V and VI nodules correlates well with data from large academic center studies, even in a small private practice. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Timing of Fracture Fixation in Ankle Fracture-Dislocations.

Ankle fracture-dislocations may require delayed internal fixation. Our aim was to compare acute open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with delayed ORIF, using external fixation or cast splint in ankle fracture-dislocations. Factors that affect the rates of re-operation and Surgical site infection (SSI) were identified. In this retrospective cohort study, patients were included with open and closed ankle fracture-dislocations treated with ORIF from two large peripheral hospitals and one academic center in the Netherlands. This study included 447 patients with an ankle fracture-dislocation. In the multivariate analysis, the difference between surgery <48 hours compared to bridging with cast or external fixation had no significant influence on unscheduled re-operation or SSI. Higher body mass index (BMI) and open fractures had a significant positive correlation with re-operation while diabetes mellitus (DM) and open fractures correlated with SSI. In patients with open fractures, there was also no significant difference in outcome between acute or delayed internal fixation. We suggest that it is safe to perform primary ORIF on all dislocated ankle fractures if the soft tissue injury allows surgery within 48 hours. When significant swelling is present, patients with well-reduced fractures and with no soft tissue injury could be treated safely with a cast until delayed ORIF is possible.Level of Evidence: Therapeutic level 2B (retrospective cohort study).

Promotion and Tenure Database Creation and Utilization: A 12-Year History.

Trends in faculty demographic composition, promotion success, and retention are important considerations in Academic Health Centers (AHC). This paper reviews the design, implementation, and utility of a faculty promotion and tenure (P&T) database (PROMO/TE©) over 12years in a large southwestern academic health center. Review of the system design, portfolio creation, P&T tracking, interface with other faculty databases, and lessons learned will be offered. PROMO/TE© was developed to improve the P&T packet creation, application, and review process in one College and was expanded to other colleges at the AHC. The PROMO/TE© system is integrated with Workday® and FACFACTS© to track trends in recruitment, attrition, and P&T trends across gender, underrepresented minorities, and other subgroups. PROMO/TE© has several advantages including improving communication, transparency, uniformity, and efficiency in the P&T packet creation, application, and review process. Increased cost savings ($217,198 annually) were noted with elimination of hard copy packets and decreased time spent. The first college reviewed 743 dossiers in the PROMO/TE© system since its creation in 2012 and there has been on average a 10% increase in P&T approvals since its inception. PROMO/TE© facilitates and tracks trends in the P&T process and has many benefits as well as significant cost savings. PROMO/TE© serves as a potential model for other institutions.

12288 Diabetes Wearable Technology In Children Less Than Six Years At A Large Urban Diabetes Center

Abstract Disclosure: K. Citron-Zafrin: None. L. Richter: None. K. Williams: None. R. Gandica: None. I. Vargas: None. N. Leibel: None. Introduction/Background: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is one of the most common chronic diseases in pediatrics. T1D is particularly challenging to manage in children under 6 years old due to unpredictable eating patterns, rapid growth, and risk of extreme blood glucose levels. Diabetes wearable technology (insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)) has become increasingly prominent, but its use has not been well described in this age group. Objectives: We sought to characterize our experience with technology use in children with T1D less than 6 years old. Design/Methods: Retrospective chart review of 82 youth diagnosed with T1D before 6 years old, seen at our center from 2019-2023. Data was collected on demographic information, insurance type, use of insulin pump and CGM, hemoglobin A1c (A1c), diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hypoglycemic events. We used chi-square statistics to compare variables in our population with reported national data. Results: In this cohort, 80% used insulin pumps and 100% used CGMs, an increase from previously reported data (56% insulin pump use and 44% CGM use in those less than 6yo, p&amp;lt;0.001). 54% had private insurance. There were more individuals with family members with T1D compared to reported data (35% vs. 22%, p=0.0041). The median age at diagnosis was 34 months, median time from diagnosis to pump start was 3.5 months. After diagnosis, 1 pump user and 1 multiple daily injections (MDI) user had DKA. One MDI user had hypoglycemia requiring intervention. Average A1C 12 months after diagnosis was 7.9% in the pump group and 8.2% in the MDI group. Hybrid closed loop pump users had an average A1C 6 months after placement of 7.7%. Conclusions: At our urban academic diabetes center, there was higher use of diabetes wearable technology as compared with previously reported data in this age group. There were more individuals with relatives with T1D compared to reported averages. The low rates of DKA and hypoglycemic events seen in this population support that these technologies can be used safely and soon after diagnosis. Although improved from national data, tight glycemic control remains a challenge in this very young age group. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Value of pharmaceuticals: Improving product demand through innovative research and development in Palestinian and Jordanian firms

This study investigates the sustainability of the pharmaceutical business in Palestine and Jordan by examining the impact of R&amp;D intensity on company performance. The study sample consisted of pharmaceutical companies listed on the Amman and Palestine Stock Exchanges, where the descriptive analytical approach was used to achieve the study's objectives, which numbered (6) companies for ten years from 2013 to 2022. The study's dependent variable, "Performance and value of the company’s Return on Assets (ROA), Earnings Per Share (EPS), and Tobin's Q, and the independent variables were R&amp;D intensity (RDI) and selling and marketing expenses (SMI). A statistical analysis package (STATA) was used to achieve the study's objectives and test its hypotheses. The study analyzed the impact of variables (RDI, SMI,) on the performance and value of pharmaceutical companies. Variables (RDI, SMI, FS, CP, and LEV) had no significant influence on these factors. However, the MS has a significant impact on these factors. The study also found that while variables (SMI and FS) had a significant effect on pharmaceutical companies' performance and value, the variables (RDI, MS, CP, and LEV) had no significant influence on either. This study offers significant implications for the sustainability of pharmaceutical companies, investors, and academic research centers. Governments, including health ministries, should reevaluate R&amp;D spending to bring about a qualitative change that will allow these businesses to innovate and sustainably contribute to the preservation of healthcare.

12382 A Prospective Analysis of De Novo Thyroglobulin Antibodies in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Using the Italian Thyroid Cancer Observatory Repository

Abstract Disclosure: B.S. Neutel: None. G. Grani: None. S. D'elia: None. C. Durante: None. A.G. Gianoukakis: None. The prevalence and significance of newly developed (de novo) thyroglobulin antibodies (dnTgAb) in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) who were initially thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) negative, is not well established. We sought to examine the phenomenon of dnTgAb using the Italian Thyroid Cancer Observatory (ITCO) database. Beginning in 2013, the ITCO repository prospectively collected clinical data on DTC management in a consecutive series of newly diagnosed patients treated in large academic centers distributed across Italy. Patients were managed by treating physicians based on perceived best practice. Pre-specified parameters were collected. Clinical status, investigations, and treatments were updated periodically. We formulated inclusion and exclusion criteria to mirror previously published literature studying dnTgAb. Patients included in the analysis were initially TgAb negative at their first postoperative check and had no evidence of persistent disease at their 1 year follow up visit. The dnTgAb group included patients who were initially TgAb negative and then developed TgAb on at least one measurement from the second postoperative check or later. All patients included in the study had at least 3 years of follow up and 3 TgAb measurements. At the time of analysis, 5360 patients were without persistent disease at 1 year. 2107 of these patients had a least 3 years of follow up and 3 TgAb measurements. 334 patients with positive TgAb at their first lab check and an additional 124 patient with incomplete data were excluded. 1649 patients met criteria for inclusion. Median follow up time was 1.85 years. DnTgAb occurred in 4.3% of patients (n=71). We found no statically significant difference in gender, tumor size, tumor focality, extrathyroidal extension, AJCC stage and ATA risk level between the persistently negative TgAb group and the dnTgAb group. Only primary tumor vascular invasion occurred at a higher rate in patients within the dnTgAb group when compared to the persistently negative group (p=0.012). Structural DTC recurrences occurred in 1.4% (n=22) of persistently TgAb negative patients and 5.6% (n=4) of patients with dnTgAb (p=0.02).This is the largest and first prospective cohort used to evaluate the prevalence and clinical significance of dnTgAb. DnTgAb occurred at a clinically relevant rate and there was a statistically significant relationship between detection of dnTgAb and structural DTC recurrence. The study is limited by the small overall recurrence rates and the exclusion of patients with less than 3 years of follow up. Presentation: 6/3/2024

6454 Identifying Gaps in Obtaining Germline RET Testing for Patients with Medullary Thyroid Cancer

Abstract Disclosure: A.N. Lim: None. J. Comeaux: None. C. Ricker: None. K.S. Wei: None. T.E. Angell: None. Background: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) occurs sporadically or from germline pathogenic variants of the RET proto-oncogene in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2). Current ATA guidelines recommend germline RET testing in all patients with C-cell hyperplasia or MTC. Because disparities may exist in the implementation of this recommendation, we analyzed records of patients with MTC to identify variables associated with germline RET testing. Methods: Patients with MTC were identified from a cohort study of all adult patients undergoing thyroid surgery from 2015-2022 at two affiliated academic centers: a private hospital or a safety-net hospital. Patients were categorized as RET-tested or not RET-tested. Data collection included: patient age, gender, ethnicity, nodule and lymph nodule findings on ultrasound (US), calcitonin and CEA levels, and surgical pathology results. Medical reports were reviewed for reasons that RET testing was or was not obtained. Results: Of 24 MTC patients, 50% were female, mean age ± SD was 50.8 ± 12.3, and 15 (62.5%) had Hispanic ethnicity. RET testing was performed in 14 (58.3%) patients and 3 (21.4%) had a pathogenic variant. RET-tested patients had a median nodule size of 3.45 cm (IQR 2.40-4.53) vs. 2.40 cm (IQR 0.98-3.25) in not-RET tested patients (p&amp;lt;0.05). There were no significant differences between groups in age, gender, ethnicity, preoperative US findings, preoperative calcitonin or CEA levels, or histopathologic status. RET testing was performed in 11/14 (78.6%) patients at the private hospital vs. only 5/10 (50.0%) patients at the safety-net hospital (p=0.20). Considering this, we further investigated the use of RET testing in the initial management of MTC patients. RET testing was performed or planned during initial management in 13/14 (92.9%) patients at the private hospital vs. only 5/10 (50%) patients at the safety-net hospital (p=0.05). At the private hospital, RET testing was requested for apparent sporadic disease (n=11), family history of MTC (n=1), and coexistent pheochromocytoma (n=1). At the safety-net hospital, RET testing was requested for apparent sporadic disease (n=4) and family history of MTC (n=1), but reportedly was not pursued in 5 patients because MTC appeared to be sporadic. Discussion: In this cohort of patients with MTC, larger nodule size was significantly associated with the rate of germline RET testing. Larger MTC tumor size alone may have prompted greater attention to germline testing, but also may have been associated with other findings, which could be further assessed with a larger sample size by multivariable analysis. The disparity in RET testing as part of initial management at the safety-net hospital may be multifactorial, but future analyses should explore provider decision-making, as well as facility and patient variables. Presentation: 6/1/2024

8091 Clinical Features Associated with ICU Admission and Mortality in Thyroid Storm and Impending Thyroid Storm

Abstract Disclosure: E.D. Zhang: None. I. Hussain: None. Introduction: Thyroid storm is a rare, life-threatening manifestation of thyrotoxicosis characterized by a clinical syndrome of acute multi-organ failure, which can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Impending thyroid storm is a stage of thyrotoxicosis that may progress to thyroid storm if untreated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the demographics and outcomes of patients with thyroid storm at our institution and determine the clinical features associated with severe complications and mortality. We also evaluated the differences in clinical features and outcomes in patients diagnosed with impending thyroid storm versus thyroid storm. Methods: This was a retrospective single-center cohort study evaluating patients aged 18 years or older who were clinically diagnosed with thyroid storm or impending storm at two affiliated tertiary academic centers from 2008-2021. A search of the electronic medical record system using ICD-10 codes for thyroid storm identified patient charts which were reviewed for eligibility. Results: This study included 121 admissions, with 75 (62.0%) patients with thyroid storm and 46 (38.0%) patients with impending thyroid storm. Our study cohort was notably more racially and ethnically diverse than prior U.S. studies with 5.0% non-Hispanic White, 52.9% Black, 33.9% Hispanic, and 8.3% Asian patients. The mortality rate was 4.7%, with all patient deaths occurring in the thyroid storm group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed atrial fibrillation (OR 4.09, 95% CI 1.21, 13.85, p=0.02) and acute respiratory failure (OR 22.18, 95% CI 2.29, 215.19, p=0.008) to be significantly associated with a composite outcome of intensive care unit (ICU) admission or death. Comparison of impending storm and thyroid storm groups showed fever (p=0.02), acute respiratory failure (p=0.03), and ICU admission (p=0.02) to be significantly different between groups. Conclusions: This study describes the largest published single-center cohort of patients treated for thyroid storm in the United States. Furthermore, our study contributes importantly to the data for racial/ethnic minorities who are under-represented in prior studies. The mortality rate in this study is lower than most recent studies. The presence of atrial fibrillation and acute respiratory failure were noted to be significantly associated with a composite outcome of ICU admission or death, and the five fatal cases had high rates of cardiac arrest and shock. These findings suggest that complications involving cardiopulmonary compromise are clinically important in predicting severe disease and poor outcomes. Acute respiratory failure was also noted to be significantly different between impending storm and thyroid storm groups indicating that while not currently included in existing diagnostic systems, it is an important complication of thyroid storm that may have prognostic value. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Management of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci and daptomycin-resistant Enterococci infections in liver transplant recipients in a single academic center.

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) infections cause significant morbidity and mortality in liver transplant (LT) recipients. Management is challenging, especially in the setting of daptomycin resistance (DR). Single-center retrospective review of patients who underwent LT between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022, and developed VRE infections. Descriptive statistics were used and Kaplan-Meier curves estimated freedom from treatment failure and survival. Forty-two patients (median age 58; 64% female; 67% white) were included. Alcohol-related cirrhosis (48%) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (31%) were the most common indications for LT, and most were from deceased donors (86%). VRE infection occurred at a median of 21 days after LT, and 16% had known prior VRE colonization. Common infection sites were blood (45%, n = 19), intraabdominal (36%, n = 15), and urine (36%, n = 15). Most were initially treated with daptomycin alone (64%) or in combination with other agents (21%); 7% received linezolid alone. Twelve (29%) developed breakthrough infections during treatment and 11 (26%) had recurrent infections after discontinuation of treatment. All-cause mortality was 36% (n = 15) at a median of 90 days after VRE infection diagnosis and was nearly twice as high in patients with DR (63%). VRE infection in LT recipients relapsed or recurred in over 25%. Mortality was high, especially in cases with DR. More data is needed to establish an optimal treatment approach, particularly for relapse and DR.

Impact of age on antimicrobial prescriptions in hospitalized children at three academic centres in South Africa: a point prevalence survey.

Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat in children, and the emergence of multi-drug-resistant organisms is of concern. This secondary analysis of an antimicrobial point prevalence survey (PPS) in children evaluates the impact of age on antimicrobial use. The mean antimicrobial prescriptions were assessed in neonates, infants, young children (1-5 years), school-going children (6-12 years), and adolescents (13-15 years) from a cross-sectional PPS at three academic hospitals between September 2021 and January 2022. Primary and secondary diagnoses, antibiotic type (World Health Organization AWaRe and Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classifications), and the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) were evaluated per age category. Multiple regression models were used to analyse age-related risk factors for HAI. The number of antimicrobials per child (1.7-1.9 per patient) was higher in neonates and infants compared to children 6-12 years old (1.4 per patient). Watch antibiotics, especially carbapenems, were commonly prescribed in neonates (32.5%) and infants (42.2%). Reserve antimicrobial use was notable in neonates (4.7%) and infants (4.1%). The incidence risk ratio (IRR) of HAI was higher in neonates and infants (IRR 2.13; 95% CI 1.23-3.70, IRR 2.20; 95% CI 1.40-3.45, respectively) compared to 6- to 12-year-olds. On multivariate analysis of participants according to age, being HIV infected, length of stay >6 days, high McCabe severity score, having surgery and receipt of blood transfusion were associated with an increased risk of HAI (P < .001 for all) while on univariate analysis only, being premature and/or underweight was associated with an increased risk of HAI in infants (P < .001 for both). Infants with risk factors for HAI significantly influenced antimicrobial prescribing, underscoring the necessity for tailored antimicrobial stewardship and enhanced surveillance. The increased use of Watch antibiotics, particularly carbapenems, in infants warrants closer scrutiny. Further research is required to identify inappropriate antimicrobial use in high-risk hospitalized young children.

Safety and efficacy of high thoracic epidural analgesia for chest wall surgery in young adolescents: A retrospective cohort analysis and a new standardised definition for success rate.

Chest wall surgery for the correction of pectus excavatum or pectus carinatum has gained increased interest in recent years. Adequate pain treatment, respiratory physiotherapy and early ambulation are key to improving the outcomes. Although thoracic epidural analgesia is highly effective, its safety is controversial, leading to extensive scrutiny and questioning of its role. We hypothesise that thoracic epidural analgesia is effective and well tolerated to use in adolescents, with a high success rate and low pain scores. Observational retrospective cohort study. All adolescent cases in a high-volume academic tertiary chest wall surgery centre between March 1993 and December 2017 were included. A total of 1117 patients aged from 12 to 19 years of age and receiving either Ravvitch, Nuss or Abramson chest wall reconstruction for pectus excavatum were identified in our institutional chest wall surgery database. After applying selection and exclusion criteria, 532 patients were included in the current analysis. The primary endpoint of this study was the safety of epidural analgesia, assessed by the incidence of acute adverse events. Secondary endpoints were block success rates using a specific novel definition, and analgesic efficacy using recorded postoperative pain scores. More than 60% of patients experienced one or more adverse events. However, all events were minor and without consequences. No serious or long-term adverse events were detected. The success rate of thoracic epidural placement was 81%. Low postoperative pain scores were observed. Thoracic epidural analgesia is an extremely effective pain control technique, with a surprisingly high number of minor adverse events but safe with regard to serious adverse events. The local research ethics committee approved and registered this study on 16 May 2022 (registration number: S66594).

The impact of routine cholangiography for asymptomatic patients after cholecystostomy insertion for acute cholecystitis

BackgroundWe aim to investigate the impact of routine cholangiography on asymptomatic patients with percutaneous cholecystostomy (PCC) for acute cholecystitis (AC). MethodsThe study included all patients treated with PCC for AC from 2017 to 2020 ​at a single academic center. Patients who underwent routine cholangiography within 30 days post-discharge while asymptomatic were compared to patients who were only followed clinically. ResultsThe groups (cholangiography group, n ​= ​44, and control group, n ​= ​145) were similar in terms of age, comorbidities, and clinical presentation. The readmission rate for biliary disease in the cholangiography group was nearly half that of the control group (22.7 ​% vs. 40.7 ​%, p ​= ​0.05) over an average follow-up of 10.4 months. The time to drain removal, cholecystectomy rate, and time to operation were comparable between the groups (42 vs. 40 days, p ​= ​0.47, 52.3 ​% vs 53.1 ​%, p ​= ​NS and 69 vs. 82 days, p ​= ​0.17, respectively). ConclusionsRoutine cholangiography can help reduce biliary disease readmissions among asymptomatic patients with PCC for AC without delaying further treatment.

Benefit of Whole-Pelvis Radiation for Patients With Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: An Inverse Probability Treatment Weighted Analysis.

The value of pelvic lymph node irradiation is debated for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) undergoing curative-intent radiation therapy (RT). We sought to compare the oncological outcomes between bladder-only (BO)-RT and whole-pelvis (WP)-RT using a large Canadian multicenter collaborative database. The study cohort consisted of 809 patients with MIBC (cT2-4aN0-2M0) who underwent curative RT at academic centers across Canada. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of the RT volume: WP-RT versus BO-RT. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and absolute standardized differences (ASDs) were used to balance covariates across treatment groups. Regression models were used to assess the effect of the RT volume on the rates of complete response (CR), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS). After exclusion criteria, 599 patients were included, of whom 369 (61.6%) underwent WP-RT. Patients receiving WP-RT were younger (ASD, 0.41) and more likely to have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-1 (ASD, 0.21), clinical node-positive disease (ASD, 0.40), and lymphovascular invasion (ASD, 0.25). In addition, WP-RT patients were more commonly treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (ASD, 0.29) and concurrent chemotherapy (ASD, 0.44). In the IPTW cohort, BO-RT and WP-RT groups were well balanced (all pretreatment parameters with an ASD <0.10). In multivariable analysis, WP-RT was not associated with CR rates post-RT (odds ratio, 1.14 [95 CI, 0.76 to 1.72]; P = .526) but was associated with both CSS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.66 [95% CI, 0.47 to 0.93]; P = .016) and OS (HR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.54 to 0.87]; P = .002), independent of other prognostic factors. Our study demonstrated that WP radiation was associated with better survival compared with bladder radiation alone after adjusted analysis. Additional randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm our findings.