At-risk Patient Populations Research Articles

Postoperative Infection Risk in Total Joint Arthroplasty After Perioperative IV Corticosteroid Administration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies

BackgroundPerioperative corticosteroid administration is associated with reduced postoperative nausea, pain, and enhanced recovery after surgery. However, potential complications including wound and periprosthetic joint infections remain a concern for surgeons after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). MethodsA systematic review of the search databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and EMBASE was made in January 2021 to identify comparative studies evaluating infection risk after perioperative corticosteroid administration in TJA. PRISMA guidelines were used for this review. Meta-analysis was used to assess infection risk in accordance with joint and corticosteroid dosing regimen used. Results201 studies were returned after initial search strategy, with 29 included for review after application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies were categorized as using low- or high-dose corticosteroid with single or repeat dosing regimens. Single low-dose corticosteroid administration was not associated with an increased risk of infection (P = .4; CI = 0.00-0.00). Single high-dose corticosteroid was not associated with an increased infection risk (P = .3; CI = 0.00-0.01) nor did repeat low-dose regimens result in increased risk of infection (P = .8; CI = −0.02-0.02). Studies assessing repeat high-dosing regimens reported no increased infection, with small numbers of participants included. No significant risk difference in infection risk was noted in hip (P = .59; CI = −0.03-0.02) or knee (P = .2; CI = 0.00-0.01) arthroplasty. Heterogeneity in patient profiles included in studies to date was noted. ConclusionUse of perioperative corticosteroid in TJA does not appear to be associated with increased risk of postoperative infection in patients with limited comorbidities. Further research is warranted to evaluate postoperative complications after TJA in these at-risk patient populations.

594. Characteristics of an At-Risk Patient Population Presenting to a Philadelphia Student-Run Free Clinic within 30 Days of Hospital Visit

Background30-day readmission rates are the parameter that hospitals and insurance companies use to measure clinical quality of care and set reimbursement levels for care (McCormack, et al., 2013). The 2019 readmission rate for United States hospitals was 14.9%; however, reported readmission rates vary in accuracy due to exclusion of at-risk populations or patients who seek care outside the hospital network (America’s Health Rankings, 2020; Gupta, et al., 2018). As coordinators of a student-run urgent care clinic operating within a Philadelphia syringe exchange and harm-reduction social services organization, we serve an at-risk patient population that includes a large portion of individuals who are transiently housed, people who engage in sex work, and people who use drugs (PWUD). We sought to determine our at-risk population’s impact on current readmission rates and the ability of hospitalization to meet their unique medical needs.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of 607 electronic charts for patients who sought care at our student run clinic associated with a syringe exchange in Kensington, Philadelphia from January 2017 to January 2020, and identified patients who visited our clinic within 30 days of self-reported hospitalization. We identified time since hospitalization, purpose for hospitalization, and reason for clinic visit.ResultsOf 607 visits, 100 (16.5%) self-reported hospitalization within 30 days clinic presentation. Of these 100 clinic visits, 64% presented with the same chief complaint as their reason for hospitalization, and 21% presented with a complication related to their hospital visit. 33% of visits associated with previous hospitalization were from infections associated with IV drug use, including abscess, cellulitis, and osteomyelitis. On average, patients presented 7.5 days following hospital departure.ConclusionWe identified a high incidence of clinic visits for medical needs associated with recent hospitalization, particularly injection-related infection, which suggests insufficient hospital care for this at-risk population. The number of readmissions for this population is underestimated due to their ability to seek medical care outside of the hospital network.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Differentiation of psychogenic nonepileptic attacks from status epilepticus among patients intubated for convulsive activity

Background and objectivePatients with psychogenic nonepileptic attacks (PNEA) sometimes receive aggressive treatment leading to intubation. This study aimed to identify patient characteristics that can help differentiate PNEA from status epilepticus (SE). MethodsWe retrospectively identified patients with a final diagnosis of PNEA or SE, who were intubated for emergent convulsive symptoms and underwent continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) between 2012 and 2017. Patients who had acute brain injury or progressive brain disease as the cause of SE were excluded. We compared clinical features and laboratory values between the two groups, and identified risk factors for PNEA-related convulsive activity. ResultsOver a six-year period, 24 of 148 consecutive patients (16%) intubated for convulsive activity had a final diagnosis of PNEA rather than SE. Compared to patients intubated for SE, intubated PNEA patients more likely were <50 years of age, female, white, had a history of a psychiatric disorder, had no history of an intracranial abnormality, and had a maximum systolic blood pressure <140 mm Hg (all P < 0.001). Patients with 0–2 of these six risk factors had a 0% (0/88) likelihood of having PNEA, those with 3–4 had a 15% (6/39) chance of having PNEA, and those with 5–6 had an 86% (18/21) chance of having PNEA. Sensitivity for PNEA among those with 5–6 risk factors was 75% (95% CI: 53–89%) and specificity was 98% (95% CI: 93–99%). ConclusionsIn the absence of a clear precipitating brain injury, approximately one in six patients intubated for emergent convulsive symptoms had PNEA rather than SE. Although PNEA cannot be diagnosed only by the presence of these risk factors, these simple characteristics could raise clinical suspicion for PNEA in the appropriate setting. Urgent neurological consultation may prevent unnecessary intubation of this at-risk patient population.

Fluoroquinolone-Induced Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Case Report.

Fluoroquinolones are antimicrobial agents that inhibit bacterial DNA synthesis by binding to DNA gyrase and DNA topoisomerase IV. Fluoroquinolones have also been associated with the development of tendinopathy, tendon rupture, and arthropathy. The postulated mechanisms for quinolone-associated tendinopathy are alteration of the tendon extracellular matrix, impairment of tenocyte proliferation, and enhanced apoptosis due to the quinolone cation chelation properties. We present a case of a man who developed multiple tears of the rotator cuff after exposure to levofloxacin. Although marketed quinolones are well tolerated, adverse events involving gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neurological, and tendinopathy and at-risk patient populations should be kept in mind by clinicians.

The impact of detection of respiratory viruses on at-risk patient populations

The impact of detection of respiratory viruses on at-risk patient populations

Social Determinants Predict Outcomes in Data From a Multi-Ethnic Cohort of 20,899 Patients Investigated for COVID-19.

Importance: The COVID-19 pandemic exploits existing inequalities in social determinants of health (SDOH) in disease burden and access to healthcare. Few studies have examined these emerging disparities using indicators of SDOH.Objective: To evaluate predictors of COVID-19 test positivity, morbidity, and mortality and their implications for inequalities in SDOH and for future policies and health care improvements.Design, Setting, and Participants: A cross sectional analysis was performed on all patients tested for COVID-19 on the basis of symptoms with either a history of travel to at risk regions or close contact with a confirmed case, across the Mount Sinai Health System (MSHS) up until April 26th 2020.Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcome was death from COVID-19 and secondary outcomes were test positivity, and morbidity (e.g., hospitalization and intubation caused by COVID-19).Results: Of 20,899 tested patients, 8,928 tested positive, 1,701 were hospitalized, 684 were intubated, and 1,179 died from COVID-19. Age, sex, race/ethnicity, New York City borough (derived from first 3 digits of zip-code), and English as preferred language were significant predictors of test positivity, hospitalization, intubation and COVID-19 mortality following multivariable logistic regression analyses.Conclusions and Relevance: People residing in poorer boroughs were more likely to be burdened by and die from COVID-19. Our results highlight the importance of integrating comprehensive SDOH data into healthcare efforts with at-risk patient populations.

Virtual care expansion in the Veterans Health Administration during the COVID-19 pandemic: clinical services and patient characteristics associated with utilization.

ObjectivesTo describe the shift from in-person to virtual care within Veterans Affairs (VA) during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify at-risk patient populations who require greater resources to overcome access barriers to virtual care.Materials and MethodsOutpatient encounters (N = 42 916 349) were categorized by care type (eg, primary, mental health, etc) and delivery method (eg, in-person, video). For 5 400 878 Veterans, we used generalized linear models to identify patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with: 1) use of virtual (phone or video) care versus no virtual care and 2) use of video care versus no video care between March 11, 2020 and June 6, 2020.ResultsBy June, 58% of VA care was provided virtually compared to only 14% prior. Patients with lower income, higher disability, and more chronic conditions were more likely to receive virtual care during the pandemic. Yet, Veterans aged 45–64 and 65+ were less likely to use video care compared to those aged 18–44 (aRR 0.80 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79, 0.82] and 0.50 [95% CI 0.48, 0.52], respectively). Rural and homeless Veterans were 12% and 11% less likely to use video care compared to urban (0.88 [95% CI 0.86, 0.90]) and nonhomeless Veterans (0.89 [95% CI 0.86, 0.92]).DiscussionVeterans with high clinical or social need had higher likelihood of virtual service use early in the COVID-19 pandemic; however, older, homeless, and rural Veterans were less likely to have video visits, raising concerns for access barriers.Conclusions and RelevanceWhile virtual care may expand access, access barriers must be addressed to avoid exacerbating disparities.

Predictors of appointment adherence following operative treatment of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures: which patients are not following up?

This study aims to identify characteristics associated with poor appointment adherence after surgical stabilization of supracondylar humerus fractures (SCHFX) in children. A retrospective review of 560 consecutive, surgically managed patients with SCHFX from 2010 to 2015 was performed. One missed follow-up appointment was classified as 'low adherence', whereas missing two or more appointments was classified as 'very low adherence'. Demographics, insurance status, estimated family income and distance from clinic were analyzed to identify differences in variables between adherent and low-adherent groups. Of 560, 121 (21.8%) missed one follow-up visit and 39/560 (7.1%) missed more than two visits. Age, gender, distance traveled, insurance status and primary language were nonpredictive. Estimated income <$50 000 was associated with a >200% increase in low adherence vs patients with estimated income >$50 000 (9.3 vs 3.8%; P = 0.012). African American patients had significantly lower adherence vs patients of other races (47.5 vs 19.6%; P < 0.0001). Ethnicity remained the only significant factor correlated to adherence after multivariate analysis. African Americans were three times more likely demonstrate low adherence (P = 0.0014). Ethnicity and estimated income <$50 000 were predictors of missing two or more visits. African American patients were four times more likely to miss two or more visits [odds ratio (OR), 4.17; P = 0.0026] than others; estimated income <$50 000 was associated with a two-fold increase in missing two or more visits (OR, 2.33; P = 0.035). By identifying at-risk patient populations, healthcare systems can adopt strategies to remove barriers of accessing follow-up care.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Treatment of Craniomaxillofacial Trauma and Head and Neck Infections.

There is no shortage of news, information, and guidelines with regards to novel coronavirus (COVID-19). However, there is none yet that is specific to the treatment of patients who have sustained trauma or active head and neck infections—frequently encountered from oropharyngeal sources such as peritonsillar abscess or odontogenic infections. The COVID outbreak has not diminished the incidence of these conditions, and in fact has exacerbated access to care by the closing of urgent care treatment centers as well as private dental offices. The purpose of this article is to outline a protocol to protect health care providers in the provision of this care for at-risk patient populations.

N2 in the time of COVID-19

This issue of Neurology ® Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation reflects the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with 15 studies related to inflammatory or autoimmune neurologic complications in patients with this disease, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, CNS inflammatory disorders, and several studies addressing the risk of COVID-19 in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) or multiple sclerosis (MS). Among the latter, a study conducted in New York by Parotta et al.1 included 72 patients with MS (55 relapsing and 17 progressive) or related disorders (4 patients) and confirmed (37 patients) or suspected COVID-19 illness. Most patients did not require hospitalization despite being on disease-modifying therapies; factors associated with critical illness were similar to those of the general at-risk patient population. On the other hand, most of the articles related to CNS disorders that occurred in association with COVID-19 are single cases describing acute necrotizing encephalitis or myelitis; acute disseminated encephalomyelitis; transient encephalitis with increased levels of interleukin 1 (IL1), IL6, and angiotensin-converting enzyme; and 2 cases of inflammatory vasculopathy (one of them with newly identified oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies). Unrelated to the topic of the neurologic complications of COVID-19, the current issue of N2 contains multiple interesting studies, among which I selected 3 for additional comments.

Analysis of the Effects of a Patient-Centered Rideshare Program on Missed Appointments and Timeliness for MRI Appointments at an Academic Medical Center.

The aim of this study was to assess the differences in timeliness to MRI appointments and missed MRI appointment rates before and after the implementation of a rideshare program. Retrospective analysis of a rideshare program was performed 9 months after implementation to compare the effects before and after implementation. Variables obtained included demographics, MRI appointment variables, and data related to rideshare use. Descriptive statistics and linear and logistic regression analyses were used to compare demographic characteristics among patients using the rideshare program with (1) those who did not use the rideshare program after implementation and (2) patients before rideshare implementation. Rates of missed appointments derived from patient-related, same-day appointment cancellations were analyzed using logistic regression analyses. Timeliness was analyzed using linear regression analyses. All analyses were adjusted for potential confounders. Of 7,707 patients scheduled for MRI appointments during the postintervention period, 151 patients used the rideshare service (1.95%). There were no statistically significant differences in missed appointment rates after rideshare implementation (adjusted odds ratio, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 0.93-1.27; P= .275). Patients using the rideshare service were more likely to be on time (adjusted coefficient= 13.0; 95% confidence interval, 5.4-20.5; P= .001). Older patients (P= .001), unemployed patients (P < .001), and patients without commercial insurance (P < .001) were more likely to use the rideshare service. Implementation of a rideshare program did not significantly decrease missed appointment rates, but it significantly improved timeliness to MRI appointments while assisting at-risk patient populations reporting transportation barriers.

How low should we go? Potential benefits and ramifications of the pulmonary hypertension hemodynamic definitions proposed by the 6th World Symposium.

The 6th World Symposium on Pulmonary Hypertension (WSPH) proposed lowering the mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) threshold that defines pulmonary hypertension from ≥ 25 to > 20 mmHg. The historical context and evolution of the pulmonary hypertension definition and the data used to rationalize recent changes are reviewed here. There are accumulating data on the clinical significance of mildly elevated mPAPs (21-24 mmHg). Studies have demonstrated lower exercise capacity and an increased risk of progression to overt pulmonary hypertension (mPAP ≥ 25 mmHg) in specific at-risk patient populations. Further, large registries across diverse pulmonary hypertension populations have identified increased mortality in patients with mPAPs 21-24 mmHg. Although the clinical sequelae of lowering the mPAP threshold remain unclear, this uncertainty has fueled recent debates within the pulmonary hypertension community. The changes to the pulmonary hypertension definition proposed by the 6th WSPH are supported by normative hemodynamic data in healthy individuals as well as studies demonstrating an association between mPAPs above this normal range and increased mortality. Whether the higher mortality observed in patients with mildly elevated mPAPs is directly attributable to pulmonary vascular disease that is amenable to therapeutic intervention remains to be determined.

COVID-19 outcomes in MS: Observational study of early experience from NYU Multiple Sclerosis Comprehensive Care Center.

ObjectiveTo report outcomes on patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and related disorders with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) illness.MethodsFrom March 16 to April 30, 2020, patients with MS or related disorders at NYU Langone MS Comprehensive Care Center were identified with laboratory-confirmed or suspected COVID-19. The diagnosis was established using a standardized questionnaire or by review of in-patient hospital records.ResultsWe identified 76 patients (55 with relapsing MS, of which 9 had pediatric onset; 17 with progressive MS; and 4 with related disorders). Thirty-seven underwent PCR testing and were confirmed positive. Of the entire group, 64 (84%) patients were on disease-modifying therapy (DMT) including anti-CD20 therapies (n = 34, 44.7%) and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators (n = 10, 13.5%). The most common COVID-19 symptoms were fever and cough, but 21.1% of patients had neurologic symptom recrudescence preceding or coinciding with the infection. A total of 18 (23.7%) were hospitalized; 8 (10.5%) had COVID-19 critical illness or related death. Features more common among those hospitalized or with critical illness or death were older age, presence of comorbidities, progressive disease, and a nonambulatory status. No DMT class was associated with an increased risk of hospitalization or fatal outcome.ConclusionsMost patients with MS with COVID-19 do not require hospitalization despite being on DMTs. Factors associated with critical illness were similar to the general at-risk patient population. DMT use did not emerge as a predictor of poor COVID-19 outcome in this preliminary sample.

Health Disparities in Incisional Hernia Presentation : An Analysis of HCUP-NIS Years 2012-2014.

Incisional hernias (IH) are iatrogenically created in 400 000 new patients annually. Without repair, IH-associated complications can result in major illness and death. The health disparities literature suggests that under-represented patients present more frequently with surgical emergencies. The health disparities associated with IH remain relatively unstudied. Inpatient admission data were obtained from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample for 2012-2014. Patients with IH International Classification of Diseases ninth revision were included. Analyses were completed using survey specific procedures (SAS v.9.4). Type of admission within groups was compared via Rao-Scott chi-square tests. The probability of an elective admission was modeled via SurveyLogistic Procedure. Of 39 296 cases, 38.5% IH admissions were urgent or emergent (nonelective). The proportion of nonelective admission was statistically higher (P < .0001) in patients >65 (40.9%) and females (40.3%). Among insurance types, self-paying patients had the highest proportion of nonelective admissions (64.3%). Racial disparities remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, and insurance. Compared with white patients, the odds of an admission being nonelective were significantly higher for black (odds ratio [OR] [95% CI]: 1.65 [1.53-1.77]], Hispanic (OR [95% CI]: 1.39 [1.28-1.51]), and other (OR [95% CI]: 1.2 [1.06-1.37]) patients. These data show that multiple at-risk patient populations are significantly more likely to require urgent admission for IH-related complications. These include older, female, non-white, and uninsured patients. Systematic efforts to ameliorate these disparities should be developed.

Acute Transverse Myelitis Secondary to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): A Case Report.

IntroductionRespiratory viral illnesses are associated with diverse neurological complications, including acute transverse myelitis (ATM). Among the respiratory viral pathogens, the Coronaviridae family and its genera coronaviruses have been implicated as having neurotropic and neuroinvasive capabilities in human hosts.1 Despite previous strains of coronaviruses exhibiting neurotropic and neuroinvasive capabilities, little is known about the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its involvement with the central nervous system (CNS). The current pandemic has highlighted the diverse clinical presentation of SARS-CoV-2 including a possible link to CNS manifestation with disease processes such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and cerebrovascular disease. It is critical to shed light on the varied neurological manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 to ensure clinicians do not overlook at-risk patient populations and are able to provide targeted therapies appropriately.Case ReportWhile there are currently no published reports on post-infectious ATM secondary to SARS-CoV-2, there is one report of parainfectious ATM attributed to SARS-CoV-2 in pre-print. Here, we present a case of infectious ATM attributed to SARS-CoV-2 in a 24-year-old male who presented with bilateral lower-extremity weakness and overflow urinary incontinence after confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed non-enhancing T2-weighted hyperintense signal abnormalities spanning from the seventh through the twelfth thoracic level consistent with acute myelitis.ConclusionThe patient underwent further workup and treatment with intravenous corticosteroids with improvement of symptoms and a discharge diagnosis of ATM secondary to SARS-CoV-2.

Digital technology for management of severe mental disorders in low-income and middle-income countries.

Increasingly, digital technologies, especially mobile telecommunications and smartphone apps, are seen as a novel tool for managing severe mental disorders (SMDs) in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, there is a need to identify best practices in the use of digital technologies to effectively reach, support, and manage care for patients living with SMDs. In this review, we summarize recent studies using digital technology to manage symptoms and support clinical care for this patient population and discuss new opportunities to advance digital psychiatry research and practice in LMICs. Studies evaluating digital interventions for clinical populations living with SMDs in LMICs are limited. Yet, across recent articles surveyed, digital technology appears to yield diverse benefits for this at-risk patient population. These benefits include improved medication adherence, appointment adherence, reduced instances of relapse, and fewer re-hospitalizations. Continued rigorous research evaluating effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of digital technologies in reaching, treating, and managing symptoms and supporting clinical care for patients with SMDs in LMICs is vital. The urgency for remote approaches for delivering specialized psychiatric care is particularly pronounced because of the immediate and long-term impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on access to in-person services. Future research should emphasize participatory approaches rooted in a process of codesign with target users, in order to achieve clinically effective remotely delivered digital mental health interventions.

HIV Screening During Pregnancy in a U.S. HIV Epicenter.

Background The CDC and ACOG have issued guidelines for HIV screening in pregnancy for patients living in areas with high prevalence of HIV in order to minimize perinatal vertical transmission. There is a lack of data examining providers' compliance with these guidelines in at-risk patient populations in the United States. Objective To evaluate if HIV screening in pregnant women was performed according to guidelines at a large, urban, tertiary care medical center in South Florida. Study Design. A retrospective review was performed on 1270 prenatal and intrapartum records from women who delivered a live infant in 2015 at a single institution. Demographic and outcome data were chart abstracted and analyzed using arithmetic means and standard deviations. Results Of the 1270 patients who met inclusion criteria, 1090 patients initiated prenatal care in the first or second trimester and delivered in the third trimester. 1000 (91.7%) patients were screened in the first or second trimester; however, only 822 (82.2%) of these were retested in the third trimester during prenatal care. Among the 178 patients lacking a third trimester test, 159 (89.3%) received rapid HIV testing upon admission for delivery. Of the 1090 patients who initiated prenatal care in the first or second trimester and delivered in the third trimester, 982 (90.1%) were screened in accordance with recommended guidelines. Of the 1270 patients initiating care in any trimester, 24 (1.9%) had no documented prenatal HIV test during prenatal care, however 22 (91.7%) had a rapid HIV test on admission for delivery. Two (0.16%) patients were not tested prenatally or prior to delivery. Conclusion Despite 99.8% of women having at least one HIV screening test during pregnancy, there is room for improvement in routine prenatal screening in both early pregnancy and third trimester prior to onset of labor in this high-risk population.

Modeling the impact of neurovascular coupling impairments on BOLD-based functional connectivity at rest

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signals during the resting-state is widely used to study functional connectivity (FC) of slowly fluctuating ongoing brain activity (BOLD-FC) in humans with and without brain diseases. While physiological impairments, e.g. aberrant perfusion or vascular reactivity, are common in neurological and psychiatric disorders, their impact on BOLD-FC is widely unknown and ignored. The aim of our simulation study, therefore, was to investigate the influence of impaired neurovascular coupling on resting-state BOLD-FC.Simulated BOLD signals comprising intra- and extravascular contributions were derived from an adjusted balloon model, which allows for independent definitions of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) responses, being elicited by a synthetic oscillatory input signal with low frequency (0.05 ​Hz) amplitude modulations. BOLD-FC was then defined by correlations between physiological reference BOLD time curves (seeds of seed-based BOLD-FC) and the test BOLD time curves (targets of BOLD-FC) featuring altered physiological variables (CMRO2, CBF, cerebral blood volume (CBV)). Impact of impaired neurovascular coupling on BOLD-FC was investigated for three different scenarios with independent changes in (1) CBF and CMRO2amplitudes, (2) CBF and CMRO2delays, and (3) coupling between CBF and CBV.For scenario 1, we found ‘linear’ influences of CMRO2 and CBF amplitudes on BOLD-FC: for a given CMRO2 amplitude, BOLD-FC changes from negative to positive FC with increasing CBF amplitude, and increasing CMRO2 amplitude simply shifts this dependence linearly. For scenario 2, CMRO2 and CBF delays had a complex ‘non-linear’ effect on BOLD-FC: for small CMRO2 delays, we found that BOLD-FC changes from positive to negative BOLD-FC with increasing CBF delays, but for large CMRO2 delays positive BOLD-FC simply diminishes with increasing CBF delay. For scenario 3, changes in CBF-CBV coupling have almost no effect on BOLD-FC. All these changes were not critically influenced by both signal-to-noise-ratio and temporal resolution modulations.Our results demonstrate the importance of alterations in neurovascular coupling for aberrant resting-state BOLD-FC. Based on our data, we suggest to complement BOLD-FC studies, at least of at-risk patient populations, with perfusion and oxygenation sensitive MRI. In cases where this is not available, we recommend careful interpretation of BOLD-FC results considering previous findings about hemodynamic-metabolic changes. In the future, accurate modeling of the hemodynamic-metabolic context might improve both our understanding of the crucial interplay between vascular-hemodynamic-neuronal components of intrinsic BOLD-FC and the evaluation of aberrant BOLD-FC in brain diseases with vascular-hemodynamic impairments.

552 Ten Year Mortality Trends in Stevens Johnsons Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Trends in a Single Burn Center

Abstract Introduction Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are a spectrum of rare, life-threatening drug reactions characterized by diffuse skin detachment and mucositis. Our objective was to describe and analyze mortality trends at our institution for patients with biopsy-proven SJS and TEN over the last decade. Methods Patients were identified using Institutional Burn Center registry, and linked to the clinical and administrative data. All patients admitted with biopsy proven SJS, SJS/TEN overlap, and TEN between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2018 were eligible for inclusion. Demographics, length of stay (LOS), co-morbid conditions and mortality were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed with Students’ t-test, chi-squared, and Fischer’s exact test. Results One hundred sixty-eight patients had biopsy-proven SJS, SJS/TEN overlap, or TEN. The average age was 48 years. Sixty-one percent of patients were female. The average length of stay was 30 days. Fifty-six percent of patients were Black. Twenty-seven percent of patients died. Increased mortality risk was significantly associated with female gender, age, underrepresented minorities, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The presence or absence of malignancy or chronic kidney disease was not evaluated. Conclusions Biopsy proven SJS, SJS/TEN overlap, and TEN are associated with increased mortality for females, underrepresented minority populations, and patients with comorbidities. Black patients represent 28% of our state’s population, but 56% of patients with biopsy proven SJS, SJS/TEN overlap, and TEN at our institution. Further study is warranted to investigate and mitigate these outcome disparities in these patient populations. Applicability of Research to Practice This study highlights the importance of acknowledging that these at-risk patient populations must be protected with higher vigilance during evaluation, assessment of the offending agent, and resuscitation.

A Systematic Review of Sodium Disorders in HHV-6 Encephalitis.

Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) encephalitis has a high mortality rate. Among those who survive, ~80% develop some type of permanent neurologic disorder. Early diagnosis and treatment may help prevent long-term sequelae. There have been several case reports as well as retrospective and prospective studies associating HHV-6 encephalitis with some form of sodium imbalance, either hyponatremia or hypernatremia; however, the exact frequency post-HCT is unknown, with reports ranging from 30% to 100%. We performed a systematic review of the literature and found 34 cases of HHV-6 encephalitis reported in conjunction with sodium imbalance that documented the timing of that imbalance relative to the onset of encephalitis. Sodium imbalance occurred before or at the onset of HHV-6 encephalitis in all but 2 cases (94%). This finding supports previous suggestions that sodium imbalance can be considered an early indicator of the potential development or presence of HHV-6 encephalitis in at-risk patient populations.