Consensus Definition Research Articles

Association between autonomic dysfunction, 12-year mortality and 10-year incident cardiovascular disease

Abstract Background Standing from a supine position requires a co-ordinated response in peripheral and central haemodynamic signals to protect the brain and body from sudden drops in blood pressure (BP) and has previously been shown to be an important measure of neuro-cardiovascular health (1-3). Previous studies have found an association between BP and heart rate recovery (HRR) to standing with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease and other health outcomes (4-8). However, almost all of these studies have exclusively investigated the association of consensus-defined HR/BP phenotypes measured at specific timepoints during standing. Purpose We hypothesised that assessing information from the entire haemodynamic response to orthostasis - instead of discrete timepoints or consensus definitions - may uncover novel associations between BP/HR responses to active stand and neuro-cardiovascular health in older adults. This may afford better physiological understanding of the longitudinal relationships between the response to standing and both Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and mortality. Methods We used functional Principal Components Analysis (FPCA) to examine the determinants of variability in the complete haemodynamic response to active stand and examine which components were related to mortality and incident CVD in >4500 community-dwelling adults aged 50+. Results Figure 1 shows the mean response curve according to mortality status and Figure 2 the mean curve for participants free of CVD at baseline who later have CVD vs those who remain CVD-free during 10 year follow-up. All-cause mortality was associated with functional principal components which discriminate higher baseline HR, blunted HR peak and impaired HRR up to ~25 seconds after standing. Components that discriminated high baseline and impaired recovery of SBP from the post-stand nadir to 60 seconds post stand were also associated with all-cause mortality. This association remained even after covariate adjustment. Interestingly, neither baseline SBP nor orthostatic hypotension (OH) were associated with mortality. Components which discriminate high baseline and blunted HR peak; elevated stroke volume index and impaired recovery of DBP from ~25 seconds post stand were associated with 10-year incident CVD. Conclusions To our knowledge this is the first study to incorporate data driven information over the entire trace of the haemodynamic response to standing to investigate associations with incident CVD and mortality. The fact that components which discriminated high BP and impaired recovery of BP were associated with 12-year mortality and 10-year incident CVD when traditional summary measures of OH and baseline BP were not; suggests that incorporating information across the entire response to standing allows for richer and more flexible associations with health outcomes to be uncovered and allows for a better understanding of the underlying physiology leading to such associations.Figure 1:Mean trace of Mortality StatusFigure 2:Mean Trace of CVD Status

Epidemiology of cardiogenic shock using the Shock Academic Research Consortium (SHARC) consensus definitions.

The Shock Academic Research Consortium (SHARC) recently proposed pragmatic consensus definitions to standardize classification of cardiogenic shock (CS) in registries and clinical trials. We aimed to describe contemporary CS epidemiology using the SHARC definitions in a cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) population. The Critical Care Cardiology Trials Network (CCCTN) is a multinational research network of advanced CICUs coordinated by the TIMI Study Group (Boston, MA). Cardiogenic shock was defined as a cardiac disorder resulting in SBP < 90 mmHg for ≥30 min [or the need for vasopressors, inotropes, or mechanical circulatory support (MCS) to maintain SBP ≥ 90 mmHg] with evidence of hypoperfusion. Primary aetiologic categories included acute myocardial infarction-related CS (AMI-CS), heart failure-related CS (HF-CS), and non-myocardial (secondary) CS. Post-cardiotomy CS was not included. Heart failure-related CS was further subcategorized as de novo vs. acute-on-chronic HF-CS. Patients with both cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic components of shock were classified separately as mixed CS. Of 8974 patients meeting shock criteria (2017-23), 65% had isolated CS and 17% had mixed shock. Among patients with CS (n = 5869), 27% had AMI-CS (65% STEMI), 59% HF-CS (72% acute-on-chronic, 28% de novo), and 14% secondary CS. Patients with AMI-CS and de novo HF-CS were most likely to have had concomitant cardiac arrest (P < 0.001). Patients with AMI-CS and mixed CS were most likely to present in more severe shock stages (SCAI D or E; P < 0.001). Temporary MCS use was highest in AMI-CS (59%). In-hospital mortality was highest in mixed CS (48%), followed by AMI-CS (41%), similar in de novo HF-CS (31%) and secondary CS (31%), and lowest in acute-on-chronic HF-CS (25%; P < 0.001). SHARC consensus definitions for CS classification can be pragmatically applied in contemporary registries and reveal discrete subpopulations of CS with distinct phenotypes and outcomes that may be relevant to clinical practice and future research.

Impact of various iron deficiency definitions on mortality risk in chronic heart failure across the spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction spectrum

Abstract Introduction Iron deficiency (ID) is prevalent in chronic heart failure (HF) but lacks a consensus definition. Purpose This study evaluates the prevalence of ID and its association with all-cause mortality and first hospitalization for HF, using current European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines, transferrin saturation (TSAT) &amp;lt;20%, ferritin &amp;lt;100 ng/ml, and serum iron ≤13 μmol/L as ID criteria. Methods and Results Of 8587 new-onset HF patients registered in the Danish Heart Failure Registry from April 2003 to July 2021, we found varying ID prevalence (35.4% to 67%) based on different definitions. In heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients, irrespective of anemia, ID defined by TSAT &amp;lt;20% and serum iron ≤13 μmol/L was associated with all-cause mortality (non-anemic, HR: 1.42, 95% CI:1.22-1.64 and HR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.1-1.43; anemic, HR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.1-1.35 and HR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.12-1.41, respectively) and first HF hospitalization (non-anemic, HR:1.41, 95% CI:1.23-1.62, HR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.18-1.51; anemic, HR:1.27, 95% CI:1.12-1.45 and HR: 1.26, 95% CI:1.09-1.45, respectively). ID per ESC guidelines was only associated to mortality in non-anemic HFrEF (HR: 1.24, 95% CI:1.09-1.42) and first HF hospitalization in HFrEF, irrespective of anemia (non- anemic, HR:1.24, 95% CI:1.09-1.42; anemic, HR:1.35, 95% CI:1.2-1.52). No association was observed between the various definitions and outcomes in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Conclusion ID, when defined by TSAT &amp;lt;20% or serum iron ≤13 μmol/L, is associated with increased mortality and first hospitalization in HFrEF patients, regardless of anemia. Conversely, ID as per ESC guidelines is associated with mortality in non-anemic HFrEF patients and first hospitalization in HFrEF, irrespective of anemia status.Figure 1:Forest plot mortalityFigure 2:Forest plot hospitalization

Preserved left ventricular ejection fraction with abnormal myocardial work in sepsis

Abstract Background Sepsis is a life-threatening condition associated with a dysregulated response to infection, leading to an increased risk of multi-organ dysfunction and death. Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction has been reported in up to 60% of patients with sepsis. Still, it’s true incidence is difficult to determine as defined by standard methods like left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) due to its dependency on loading conditions. Myocardial work (MW) is a validated novel parameter informing true LV contractility. MW is calculated using echocardiography strain data, noninvasive BP measurements, and GE Healthcare proprietary software. There are four MW indices; here, we evaluated the global work index (GWI), the indexed total work performed by the LV through mechanical systole, including isovolumic relaxation and contraction. Purpose To describe our patient population diagnosed with sepsis with GWI calculated as part of their echocardiography. We also sought to compare the GWI values with GWI normal reference values reported in current literature to determine whether our observed mean GWI in a cohort of patients with sepsis deviates significantly from these established benchmarks in an average healthy population. Methods This report was a retrospective analysis of 179 consecutive patients ≥18 years with sepsis as defined by the Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock who presented at our center from January 2020 to October 2023. LVEF (%) and GWI (mm Hg%) were reported as mean (±SD). A one-sample t-test was used to determine if the mean MWI for males and females diagnosed with sepsis at our center significantly differed from the reported GWI literature of reference patients without sepsis. Results Males (n=90, 50.3%) from our center had a significantly lower GWI mean (1353.06 ± 490.75) than the literature-reported male reference value of 2062 (P &amp;lt; 0.001) and a 95% confidence interval (1250 to 1455.84). See the Table. In 89 (49.7%) females with sepsis, mean GWI was also significantly lower, 1511 ± 595.79 (P &amp;lt; 0.001), than the normal reported female reference GWI value 2155 with a 95% CI (1385.57 to 1636.58). The pooled GWI mean was 1440.0±561.8 (ref: 2118±277). Septic males and females had preserved mean LVEF values of 51.6±13.11 and 56.8±14.4, respectively. The pooled mean LVEF was 54.0±13.8. Conclusion These findings revealed preserved LVEF alongside decreased global work index in patients with sepsis. To our knowledge, this is the first description of MW indices in septic patients. The results highlight the importance of further investigations into the role of MW indices in sepsis and the potential for these indices to enhance our understanding and clinical approach to myocardial dysfunction in sepsis.

Exploring the Potential of Electronic Patient-Generated Health Data for Evaluating Treatment Response to Intramuscular Steroids in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Case Series.

Mobile health devices are increasingly available, presenting exciting opportunities to remotely collect high-frequency, electronic patient-generated health data (ePGHD). This novel data type may provide detailed insights into disease activity outside usual clinical settings. Assessing treatment responses, which can be hampered by the infrequency of appointments and recall bias, is a promising, novel application of ePGHD. Drugs with short treatment effects, such as intramuscular steroid injections, illustrate the challenge, as patients are unlikely to accurately recall treatment responses at follow-ups, which often occur several months later. Retrospective assessment means that responses may be over- or underestimated. High-frequency ePGHD, such as daily, app-collected, patient-reported symptoms between clinic appointments, may bridge this gap. However, the potential of ePGHD remains untapped due to the absence of established definitions for treatment response using ePGHD or established methodological approaches for analyzing this type of data. This study aims to explore the feasibility of evaluating treatment responses to intramuscular steroid therapy in a case series of patients with rheumatoid arthritis tracking daily symptoms using a smartphone app. We report a case series of patients who collected ePGHD through the REmote Monitoring Of Rheumatoid Arthritis (REMORA) smartphone app for daily remote symptom tracking. Symptoms were tracked on a 0-10 scale. We described the patients' longitudinal pain scores before and after intramuscular steroid injections. The baseline pain score was calculated as the mean pain score in the 10 days prior to the injection. This was compared to the pain scores in the days following the injection. "Response" was defined as any improvement from the baseline score on the first day following the injection. The response end time was defined as the first date when the pain score exceeded the pre-steroid baseline. We included 6 patients who, between them, received 9 steroid injections. Average pre-injection pain scores ranged from 3.3 to 9.3. Using our definitions, 7 injections demonstrated a response. Among the responders, the duration of response ranged from 1 to 54 days (median 9, IQR 7-41), average pain score improvement ranged from 0.1 to 5.3 (median 3.3, IQR 2.2-4.0), and maximum pain score improvement ranged from 0.1 to 7.0 (median 4.3, IQR 1.7 to 6.0). This case series demonstrates the feasibility of using ePGHD to evaluate treatment response and is an important exploratory step toward developing more robust methodological approaches for analysis of this novel data type. Issues highlighted by our analysis include the importance of accounting for one-off data points, varying response start times, and confounders such as other medications. Future analysis of ePGHD across a larger population is required to address issues highlighted by our analysis and to develop meaningful consensus definitions for treatment response in time-series data.

Exploring the reliability and profile of frequent mental health presentations using different methods: An observational study using statewide ambulance data over a 4-year period.

A disproportionate number of mental health presentations to emergency services are made by frequent presenters. No current consensus definition of a frequent presenter exists. Using a statewide population-based ambulance database, this study (i) applied previous statistical methods to determine thresholds for frequent presenters, (ii) explored characteristics of the identified frequent presenter groups compared to non-frequent presenters and (iii) assessed the reliability of these methods in predicting continued frequent presenter status over time. Statistical methods utilised in previous studies to identify frequent presenters were applied to all ambulance attendances for mental health symptoms, self-harm and alcohol and other drug issues between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2020 in Victoria, Australia. Differences in characteristics between identified frequent and non-frequent presenter groups were determined by logistic regression analysis. The consistency of agreement of frequent presenter status over time was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients. Thresholds for frequent presenters ranged from a mean of 5 to 39 attendances per calendar year, with groups differing in size, service use and characteristics. Compared to non-frequent presenters, frequent presenters had greater odds of being female, presenting with self-harm, experiencing social disadvantage or housing issues, involving police co-attendance and being transported to hospital. All frequent presenter definitions had poor reliability in predicting ongoing frequent presentations over time. A range of methods can define frequent presenters according to thresholds of yearly service use. Reasons for identifying frequent presenters may influence the method chosen. Future studies should explore definitions that capture the dynamic nature of presentations by this group.

Reverse-transcriptase real-time PCR in the diagnostic strategy for invasive infections caused by Aspergillus fumigatus.

The aim was to develop an RT-qPCR targeting Aspergillus fumigatus and compare its performance to that of Aspergillus fumigatus qPCR for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA). Samples from patients of the Lyon University hospitals for whom a suspicion of IA led to the realization of an Aspergillus fumigatus qPCR molecular diagnostic test over a 2-year period were included. The patients were classified according to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group (EORTC-MSGERC) criteria for suspected IA; RT-qPCR and qPCR assays were performed on all included samples. The sensitivities and specificities of RT-qPCR and qPCR were calculated and compared using the results of the EORTC-MSGERC classification as reference. The cycle threshold (Ct) results were compared according to IA classification and sample type. Among the 193 samples analyzed, 91 were classified as IA excluded, 46 as possible IA, 53 as probable IA, and 3 as proven IA. For all sample types, RT-qPCR was significantly more sensitive than qPCR for all IA classifications with an additional 17/102 samples detected (P-value < 0.01). For plasma samples, sensitivity was significantly higher and specificity significantly lower using RT-qPCR for all IA classifications (P-value < 0.001). The mean Ct obtained with RT-qPCR were significantly lower than those obtained with qPCR for all IA classifications and all sample types (P-value < 0.001 and P-value < 0.0001, respectively). RT-qPCR presents a higher sensitivity than qPCR for the diagnosis of IA due to Aspergillus fumigatus, particularly in samples with an intrinsically low fungal load.IMPORTANCEAspergillus fumigatus belongs to the critical priority group of the World Health Organization fungal priority pathogens list. Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a life-threatening infection with poor prognosis and challenging diagnosis. PCR has been integrated into the 2020 European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group consensus definitions for IA diagnosis. However, due to frequent low fungal burdens, its sensitivity needs to be improved. This work presents an innovative method for detecting total nucleic acids, corresponding to both ribosomal RNA and DNA, that enables IA diagnosis with greater sensitivity than conventional techniques, especially in non-invasive samples such as blood, enhancing the monitoring of this infection in high-risk patients.

Effect of heart rate control with ivabradine on hemodynamic in patients with sepsis: study protocol for a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial

IntroductionSepsis, a life-threatening syndrome, is often accompanied by tachycardia in spite of hypovolemia and hypotension have been corrected. Recently, relevant studies have shown that sustained tachycardia in sepsis was related to high mortality, and appropriate control of heart rate (HR) could improve prognosis. Ivabradine reduces HR directly without a negative inotropic effect through inhibition of the If ionic current, which is different from the traditional rate control drug (beta-blockers).Methods and analysisThis is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, open label study designed to investigate the effect of heart rate control with ivabradine on hemodynamic in patients with sepsis. Our study will enroll 172 patients with sepsis as defined by The Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock criteria with sinus rate of 95 bpm or higher despite a hemodynamic optimization. Patients will be randomly assigned to standard treatment group (GS) or ivabradine group (GI, standard treatment for sepsis plus enteral ivabradine). Patients in GI will receive ivabradine to maintain HR between 70 and 94 bpm. The primary outcome is the difference of a reduction in HR below 95 bpm and the effect of ivabradine on hemodynamics between GI and GS group within the first 96 h after randomization. The secondary outcomes include organ function measures, the difference in SOFA score, incidence of adverse events, need for organ support, length of ICU stay, and 28-day overall mortality.DiscussionThere are limited studies on ivabradine to control heart rate in patients with sepsis. Our study aims to evaluate whether direct sinus node inhibition can improve hemodynamics, as well as its impact on organ function and prognosis in patients with sepsis, so as to provide evidence for the safe usage in clinical practice.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05882708. Registered on May 11, 2023, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05882708.

Large bore access for transcatheter aortic valve replacement, endovascular aortic repair, and thoracic endovascular aortic repair. A review of anatomic challenges and operative considerations.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), endovascular aortic repair (EVAR), and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) are standard and prolific procedures in the modern cardiovascular world, and appropriate delivery of these endoprostheses requires adequate understanding of the requisite large bore access. Percutaneous large bore access is the preferred route but may be accompanied by complications like thrombosis, hemorrhage, or inability to deliver the device. Anatomic limitations such as vessel tortuosity, small size, and heavy calcification may require alternative approaches for successful large bore access. This study aimed to better define large bore access, as well as to elucidate optimal adjuncts and alternatives to enable successful delivery of large bore endoprostheses. A systematic review for "large bore access" in the cardiovascular literature was conducted on PubMed and the Cochrane Library Central according to PRISMA guidelines. Identified articles were filtered and sub-selected for TAVR, EVAR, and TEVAR; studies related to other large bore interventions were excluded. A representative selection of 39 full-text studies included both cardiac and vascular studies and was critically interpreted to identify a consensus definition for large bore access, challenging anatomy, and adjuncts or alternative approaches to the standard transfemoral approach. Transfemoral access remains the first-line approach but in the setting of unfavorable anatomy, adjunct maneuvers (e.g. intravascular lithotripsy, endoconduits) or alternative approaches (supra-aortic, transcaval) help decrease morbidity, mortality, length of procedure, and overall health care cost in large bore access.

Cultural Factors, Social Structures, and Social Determinants of Health: The Need for Clarity in Assessing Psychopathology

Abstract Over the past decade, researchers translating anthropological theories for clinical use have debated how practitioners should assess cultural factors, social structures, and social determinants of health with patients. Advocates of structural competency have suggested that clinical cultural competency programs demonstrate limited effects on health outcomes because of the static understanding of culture employed. They recommend that cultural factors be reformulated with an emphasis on social structures. In response, researchers in cultural psychiatry specializing in cultural assessments have developed three models—sociocultural formulation (SCF), the cultural-ecosocial view, and the contextual developmental assessment—to integrate cultural and structural factors. Their methods for integration, however, differ, resulting in various understandings of psychopathology mechanisms. This paper analyzes arguments from all four positions in this debate. It reveals a lack of consensus about interrelationships among these constructs, their definitions, and methods for assessment. The article concludes with recommendations, such as developing consensus definitions with broad stakeholder involvement; adopting a data-driven approach to clarify how specific cultural, social, or structural factors interact; and identifying how extant assessments capture clinically relevant factors across constructs to develop additional assessment tools.

Taking Steps Toward a Consensus on Night Eating Syndrome Diagnostic Criteria.

Night eating syndrome (NES) is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, 5th edition, as an example of "Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders" with minimal guidance about how to define and operationalize NES. The literature suggests that research practices vary widely, making it difficult to draw conclusions about the public health burden of, effective interventions for, or policy implications relevant to NES. This Forum article seeks to illustrate the lack of definitional agreement to underscore the need for a consensus about NES diagnostic criteria, and to propose steps toward closing knowledge gaps and achieving consensus. We searched PubMed and PsycINFO titles and abstracts, using "NES" as the search term, for research articles published in English between January 1, 2013 to August 12, 2024 with sample sizes of NES > 10 and ages 18 or older. Eligible articles were coded for NES definitions and assessment method used to diagnose participants with NES and for information about comorbidity of NES and any other eating disorder (ED). Seventy-three articles met inclusion criteria. Most commonly, NES was diagnosed using a diagnostic criteria set (35/73) or a symptom score threshold (34/73); among the former, only eight studies employed DSM-5 NES criteria. Thirteen studies, varying widely in methodology, examined comorbidity with other EDs, most commonly binge-eating disorder where comorbidity was high. Heterogeneity of definitions and assessment impede progress in the study of NES. We propose strategies for developing a consensus definition and addressing research gaps.

Initial Assessment of Resectability of Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases Versus Clinical Outcome

BackgroundSurgery improves long-term survival for resectable, liver-only metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). With no consensus definition of “resectable” disease, decisions regarding resectability are reliant on the expertise and judgement of the treating clinician working in consultation with a multidisciplinary team (MDT). This study examines the clinical outcome versus initial assessment of resectability in an Australian population with mCRC. Patients and MethodsPatients with liver-only mCRC diagnosed January 2009 to December 2022 were identified from the Treatment of Recurrent and Advanced Colorectal Cancer (TRACC) registry. Patients were classified based on prospectively documented treatment assessment as “resectable,” “potentially resectable,” or “unresectable.” The correlation between initial assessment of resectability and clinical outcome, and any impact of clinicopathologic factors were examined. Kaplan-Meier analysis assessed overall survival based on initial resectability assessment and resection status. Results: Of 4437 patients with mCRC identified through TRACC, 1250 (28%) had liver-only disease at presentation, with 497 (43%), 277 (24%), and 374 (33%) classified as “unresectable,” “potentially resectable,” and “resectable,” respectively. In total, 516 (41%) ultimately underwent surgical resection, including 30 (6%) of the “initially unresectable,” 148 (53%) of the “potentially resectable,” and 338 (90%) of the “resectable” at a median of 9.5, 5.9, and 2.4 months from the diagnosis of liver metastases, respectively. Resection in the “unresectable” patient population was associated with younger age (mean age 63 vs. 69, P = .0006), better performance status (ECOG 0-1 100% vs. 74%, P = .0017), and fewer comorbidities (Charlson index 0-3 in 73% vs. 53%, P = .0296) compared with no resection. Median overall survival was longer for resected versus nonresected patients across all categories: “unresectable” (59.2 vs. 17.6 months, P < .0001), “potentially resectable” (57.2 vs. 22.8 months, P < .0001), and “resectable” (108 vs. 55 months, P < .0001). ConclusionsThis real-world study demonstrates the potential for “initially unresectable” patients to become surgical candidates following systemic therapy, more likely in younger and fitter patients, with overall excellent survival outcomes in resected patients. This highlights the value of routine, repeated MDT assessments for patients with liver-only disease who are continuing to respond to systemic therapy, even for those initially considered never to be surgical candidates.

Comparison of intraepidermal nerve fiber density and confocal corneal microscopy for neuropathy.

Compare the diagnostic characteristics of intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) and confocal corneal microscopy (CCM) for distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP) and small fiber neuropathy (SFN). Participants with obesity were recruited from bariatric surgery clinics and testing was performed prior to surgery. DSP and SFN were determined using the Toronto consensus definitions of probable neuropathy. IENFD was assessed from 3 mm punch biopsies of the distal leg and proximal thigh. CCM was performed on both eyes with manual and automated counting. The Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument questionnaire (MNSIq) was also completed. Diagnostic capability was determined using areas under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) from logistic regression. We enrolled 140 participants (mean [standard deviation [SD]] age: 50.3 years [7.1], 77.1% female, BMI: 44.4 kg/m2 [6.7]). In this population, 22.9% had DSP and 14.3% had SFN. Distal leg IENFD had the largest AUC (95% confidence interval) for DSP (0.78, 0.68-0.89) and SFN (0.85, 0.75-0.96). Proximal thigh IENFD (DSP: AUC: 0.59, 0.48-0.69, SFN: AUC: 0.59, 0.46-0.73) and CCM metrics (DSP: AUC range: 0.55-0.60, SFN: AUC range: 0.45-0.62) had poorer diagnostic capability than distal leg IENFD for DSP/SFN (P < 0.05). MNSIq had similar diagnostic capability to distal leg IENFD for both DSP/SFN (DSP: AUC: 0.76, 0.68-0.85, SFN: AUC: 0.81, 0.73-0.88). More participants (52%) preferred skin biopsies to CCM. Distal leg IENFD was the best quantitative measure of DSP/SFN. CCM had poor diagnostic characteristics and fewer patients preferred this test to IENFD. The MNSIq had similar diagnostic characteristics to distal leg IENFD, indicating its value as a diagnostic tool in the clinical setting. clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03617185.

Difficult-to-Treat Axial Spondyloarthritis: A New Challenge.

Axial spondyloarthritis is a common form of chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease in adults, the treatment of which is based on non-pharmacological elements on the one hand, and pharmacological options on the other, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the first line, followed by biological or targeted synthetic treatments. The therapeutic objective is remission or a low level of disease activity; if this objective is not achieved, the treatment is rotated or changed. Multiple changes is one factor illustrating the inability to achieve disease control and may lead to the notion of a difficult-to-treat disease (D2T). This requires a consensual definition including, beyond the number or therapeutic changes, the assessment of all the dimensions of the disease (objective signs of inflammation, residual pain, degenerative changes, psychosocial context). Recognising D2T patients will enable us to identify a particular population and the factors associated with this condition. When faced with a D2T disease, we need to analyse the causes of treatment failure and take into account the different components of the disease and the patient. In the absence of any prospect of new therapeutic targets in the short term for this disease, patient management may involve intensification of non-pharmacological means and evaluation of new therapeutic strategies such as combinations of targeted treatments.

IPNA consensus definitions for clinical trial outcomes in steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome.

Assessment of the true impact of therapeutic interventions is a challenge in the absence of universal, standardized definitions for clinical trial endpoints in children with kidney diseases. Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) is a difficult kidney disease to treat, with unremitting disease progressing to kidney failure. Currently, available therapies result in suboptimal cure rates. Clinical trials with innovative, targeted treatments will likely be conducted for this disease in the foreseeable future. An international consortium of the IPNA Best Practices and Standards Committee and the Pediatric Nephrology Expert Group of the conect4children (c4c) network developed through consensus, standardized, internationally acceptable definitions for trial outcomes for SRNS. The endpoint definitions were formulated for use with urine protein to creatinine ratios and estimated glomerular filtration rates. Definitions of complete remission, partial remission, non-remission of disease, reduction in proteinuria, kidney disease progression, kidney failure, and composite kidney outcome were refined using an iterative process until a consensus was achieved.

Definition and recommendations of advance care planning: A Delphi study in five Asian sectors.

In Confucian-influenced Asian societies, explicit end-of-life conversations are uncommon and family involvement in decision-making is crucial, which complicates the adoption of culturally sensitive advance care planning. To develop a consensus definition of advance care planning and provide recommendations for patient-centered and family-based initiatives in Asia. A five-round Delphi study was performed. The rating of a definition and 84 recommendations developed based on systematic reviews was performed by experts with clinical or research expertise using a 7-point Likert scale. A median = 1 and an inter-quartile range = 0-1 were considered very strong agreement and very strong consensus, respectively. The Delphi study was carried out by multidisciplinary experts on advance care planning in five Asian sectors (Hong Kong/Japan/Korea/Singapore/Taiwan). Seventy-seven of 115 (67%) experts rated the statements. Advance care planning is defined as "a process that enables individuals to identify their values, to define goals and preferences for future medical treatment and care, to discuss these values, goals, and preferences with family and/or other closely related persons, and health-care providers, and to record and review these preferences if appropriate." Recommendations in the domains of considerations for a person-centered and family-based approach, as well as elements, roles and tasks, timing for initiative, policy and regulation, and evaluations received high levels of agreement and consensus. Our definition and recommendations can guide practice, education, research, and policy-making in advance care planning for Asian populations. Our findings will aid future research in crafting culturally sensitive advance care planning interventions, ensuring Asians receive value-aligned care.

Barriers and Facilitators to Mental Health Service Integration: A Scoping Review.

Mental health service integration currently has no consensus definition and exists in a variety of settings, including primary care, addiction treatment and chronic disease management, and mental health nurses have often experienced efforts at service integration with varying degrees of success. The intent of mental health service integration is to enable collaboration between mental health services and other healthcare providers to improve service access and the care provided to individuals with mental health issues or mental illness. This scoping review aimed to explore service integration between mental health services and with a specific focus on those evaluated in peer-reviewed, primary literature, to determine facilitators and barriers to service integration. Using the Arksey and O'Malley's framework for scoping reviews, we located 3148 studies, with screening narrowing final papers for inclusion to 18. Facilitators to service integration included clinician education, adequate resourcing and an interdisciplinary approach, while barriers included staff factors such as a reluctance to work with individuals with mental illness, consumer level barriers such as poor mental health literacy, 'territorialism' among staff and organisational climate. Research indicates that service integration is an effective means to detect and treat mental health issues in settings that do not traditionally provide mental health care, lowering the costs of providing healthcare and providing improved care for mental health needs; however, there are several barriers to be addressed to achieve full implementation of integration models.

International Survey on Consensus Definition on Nutrition Impact Symptoms in Patients with Cancer

ABSTRACT A self-reported electronic questionnaire to advocate for a consensus definition of nutrition impact symptoms (NISs) was conducted in a diverse group of international healthcare providers. The questionnaire had 2 components: the definition of NISs and the relevance of each symptom as a NIS. Agreement on the tentative definition and 24 symptoms were evaluated using a seven-point Likert scale. For the factor validity and internal consistency of symptoms, an exploratory factor analysis was employed, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients (Cronbach’s α) were calculated in each domain. A total of 66 healthcare providers responded. Regarding the tentative definition of NISs, the percentages of the number of participants with agree and strongly agree were 40.9% and 42.4%. Three conceptual groups were extracted as follows: 1) symptoms that interfere with patients’ ability to ingest or digest nutrients, 2) symptoms that compromise patients’ desire to eat and take nutrients, and 3) symptoms that indirectly compromise patients’ food and nutrient intake. The values of Cronbach’s α were 0.91, 0.92, and 0.87. We proposed a new definition – NISs are symptoms that compromise patients’ desire or ability to eat, interfering with their nutritional needs and increasing the risk for malnutrition, loss of lean body mass, and impaired QOL.

Cancers bronchiques non à petites cellules de stade III : quel abord local optimal ?

The stage III grouping, in the international TNM classification, represents a heterogeneous group of diseases for which treatment strategy is multimodal generally including, whenever possible a local treatment, surgery or radiotherapy. Numerous trials comparing both local strategies have been published, not allowing a formal cut decision on the benefit – or absence of benefit – of including a surgical approach in the multimodal therapy. A major problem when integrating data issued from these randomized trials comes from the absence of consensual definition on what “resectable stage III disease” is, left at best at the discretion of the thoracic surgeon and the multidisciplinary team in charge of the patient.The aim of this article is to set up data relative to resectability status, integrating the EORTC Lung Cancer Group proposal and in the light of these results, to present a critical review of local treatments in stage III non-small cell lung cancer. 1877-1203/© 2024 SPLF. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Adaptation du plan thérapeutique en fonction de l’âge

Lung cancer is a very common disease of the elderly. Its incidence is expected to increase in Western countries because of the ageing of the population and the increase of cancer incidence with age. The purpose of this article is to synthesize the published data available to manage elderly patients with lung cancer at various stages: early-stage, locally advanced inoperable and metastatic. We will describe the indications of surgery and radiotherapy. We will also discuss, for each of the stage of the disease, the respective contributions of systemic therapies as chemotherapy, targeted therapies and immunotherapy and their use as sole therapy or in combination with local treatments. International recommendations have been published but they are difficult to apply because of the lack of consensual definition of frailties relevant to make treatment decision and to adapt it. We will also discuss data about the usefulness of geriatric assessment.1877-1203/© 2024 SPLF. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.