Prospective Cross-sectional Cohort Study Research Articles

Patient delay is the main cause of treatment delay in acute limb ischemia: an investigation of pre- and in-hospital time delay.

BackgroundThe prognosis of acute limb ischemia is severe, with amputation rates of up to 25% and in-hospital mortality of 9-15%. Delay in treatment increases the risk of major amputation and may be present at different stages, including patient delay, doctors´ delay and waiting time in the emergency department. It is important to identify existing problems in order to reduce time delay.The aim of this study was to collect data for patients with acute limb ischemia and to evaluate the time delay between the different events from onset of symptoms to specialist evaluation and further treatment with focus on pre-hospital and in-hospital time delays.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cross-sectional cohort study including all patients suspected with acute limb ischemia who were admitted to the emergency department of a community hospital in a six months period. Temporal delay in the different phases between the time of occurrence of symptoms and completion of treatment was recorded prospectively. All patients who underwent intervention had a 30 days follow-up with regard to major amputation of the leg and survival.ResultsA total of 42 patients (21 men and 21 women) age 73 (20–95) years (median (range)) was identified.From onset of symptoms to first contact with a doctor the time for all patients were 24 (0–1200) hours. Thirty patients needed immediate intervention. In the group of fourteen patients who had immediate operation, the median time from vascular evaluation to revascularization was 324.5 (122–873) minutes and in the group of eight patients that went through an imaging procedure before an operation the median delay was 822 (494–1185) minutes from specialist assessment to revascularization. The median time for revascularization among four patients, who were treated with arterial thrombolysis was 5621 (1686–8376) minutes.At 30 days follow up, six patients had had the ischemic limb amputated above the ankle and four patients had died.ConclusionsWe found that the largest time delay was between onset of symptoms and first contact to a medical doctor. A greater public awareness is needed, so as to facilitate urgent revascularisation and improve outcomes.

Risk factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia in infants and children: a cross-sectional cohort study.

The epidemiology of ventilator-associated pneumonia is well described for adults, but little information is available on risk factors for this disease in children. To identify predisposing factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia in children. A cross-sectional prospective cohort study of 96 patients in a 9-bed pediatric intensive care unit was performed. Variables examined were demographic characteristics, inpatient care, medications, nutrition, invasive procedures, and characteristics of mechanical ventilation. Data were analyzed by using Pearson χ(2) analysis, Fisher exact and Mann-Whitney tests, odds ratios, and forward stepwise logistic regression. Occurrence of ventilator-associated pneumonia correlated positively with use of nasoenteral tubes (odds ratio, 5.278; P < .001), intermittent administration of nutritional formula (odds ratio, 6.632; P = .005), emergency reintubation (odds ratio, 2.700; P = .02), use of vasoactive drugs (odds ratio, 5.108; P = .009), duration of mechanical ventilation (P < .001), and length of stay in the pediatric intensive care unit (P < .001) and in the hospital (P = .01). Use of vasoactive drugs, presence of a nasoenteral tube, and duration of stay in the pediatric intensive care unit were independent risk factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Mild Parkinsonian Signs in the Elderly – Is There an Association with PD? Crossectional Findings in 992 Individuals

BackgroundMild parkinsonian signs (MPS) are common in the elderly population, and have been associated with vascular diseases, mild cognitive impairment and dementia; however their relation to Parkinson's disease (PD) is unclear. Hypothesizing that individuals with MPS may reflect a pre-stage of PD, i.e. a stage in which the nigrostriatal system is already affected although to a milder degree than at the time of PD diagnosis, aim of this study was to evaluate the similarities between MPS and PD.MethodsThe TREND study is a prospective cross-sectional cohort study in individuals >50 years with biennial assessments designed to identify markers for an earlier diagnosis of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. For this substudy 992 individuals were included for analyses (892 controls, 73 MPS individuals, 27 PD patients). Parameters defining risk of PD (sex, age, positive family history), prodromal markers (hyposmia, REM sleep behavior disorder, depression and autonomic failure) as well as quantitative fine motor, axial motor and cognitive parameters were compared between the three cohorts.ResultsAs expected, PD patients differed from controls with regard to 12 of 15 of the assessed parameters. MPS individuals differed significantly from controls in 12 of the PD-associated parameters, but differed from PD only in 5 parameters.ConclusionThis study shows that individuals with MPS share many prodromal and clinical markers of PD with PD patients, implying that either a common dynamic process or similar constitutional factors occur in MPS individuals and PD patients.

Oscillometric 24-h ambulatory blood pressure reference values in Hong Kong Chinese children and adolescents

We aimed to establish community-based normal reference values of 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) for Chinese children and adolescents. Furthermore, we investigated how excluding overweight children affects BP percentiles and compared them with German references. In this territory-wide cross-sectional prospective cohort study, 1445 Hong Kong Chinese children and adolescents aged 8-17 years with body height between 119 and 185 cm were recruited. Their ABPM assessment was performed using validated arm oscillometric recorders (A&D TM-2430) and complied with American Heart Association's recommendations. The reference tables were constructed using the LMS method to normalize skewed distribution of ABP data to sex and age or height. The ambulatory BP was higher among boys and the difference between boys and girls progressively widened with age. An increasing trend in daytime and night-time SBP and DBP with age and height was observed in both sexes. The age-specific and sex-specific 95th percentiles from nonoverweight children (n=1147; 79%) were lower than the whole cohort by up to 2.5 and 1 mmHg for SBP and DBP, respectively. In comparison, our overall and nonoverweight reference standards were generally higher than corresponding German references. The study provides ambulatory BP standards for Chinese children, with sex-related age-specific and height-specific percentiles. Further longitudinal studies are required for investigating its clinical utility in Chinese.

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy in women: a cross-sectional cohort study

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy is the most common peroxisomal disorder. The disease is caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene that encodes the peroxisomal transporter of very long-chain fatty acids. A defect in the ABCD1 protein results in elevated levels of very long-chain fatty acids in plasma and tissues. The clinical spectrum in males with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy has been well described and ranges from isolated adrenocortical insufficiency and slowly progressive myelopathy to devastating cerebral demyelination. As in many X-linked diseases, it was assumed that female carriers remain asymptomatic and only a few studies addressed the phenotype of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy carriers. These studies, however, provided no information on the prevalence of neurological symptoms in the entire population of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy carriers, since data were acquired in small groups and may be biased towards women with symptoms. Our primary goal was to investigate the symptoms and their frequency in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy carriers. The secondary goal was to determine if the X-inactivation pattern of the ABCD1 gene was associated with symptomatic status. We included 46 X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy carriers in a prospective cross-sectional cohort study. Our data show that X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy carriers develop signs and symptoms of myelopathy (29/46, 63%) and/or peripheral neuropathy (26/46, 57%). Especially striking was the occurrence of faecal incontinence (13/46, 28%). The frequency of symptomatic women increased sharply with age (from 18% in women <40 years to 88% in women >60 years of age). Virtually all (44/45, 98%) X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy carriers had increased very long-chain fatty acids in plasma and/or fibroblasts, and/or decreased very long-chain fatty acids beta-oxidation in fibroblasts. We did not find an association between the X-inactivation pattern and symptomatic status. We conclude that X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy carriers develop an adrenomyeloneuropathy-like phenotype and there is a strong association between symptomatic status and age. X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy should be considered in the differential diagnosis in women with chronic myelopathy and/or peripheral neuropathy (especially with early faecal incontinence). ABCD1 mutation analysis deserves a place in diagnostic protocols for chronic non-compressive myelopathy.

Correlation between Perifollicular Vascularity and Outcome in Stimulated Intrauterine Insemination Treatment Cycles: A Study Using Two-Dimensional Transvaginal Power Doppler Ultrasound

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess any potential relationship between perifollicular vascularity and occurrence of pregnancy in cases of stimulated IUI cycles using the subjective grading system by 2D transvaginal power Doppler ultrasonography. Design: A prospective cross sectional cohort study. Method: This is a prospective cross-sectional cohort study of 90 stimulated IUI treatment cycles. Selected women were prescribed clomiphene citrate combined with highly purified urinary follicle stimulating hormone. All patients underwent serial transvaginal ultrasound scans starting from day 6 to 7 of the cycle. Perifollicular Doppler blood flows were assessed in dominant follicles ≥18 mm. The patients then were categorized into 3 groups (high vascularity group {G3 & G4}, low vascularity group {G1 & G2} and mixed grades group). Other parameters measured included number of follicles ≥ 18 mm in both ovaries, endometrial thickness and estradiol (E2) level . Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection 10,000 IU IM was given to the patient when the dominant follicle reached 18 mm in diameter. At that time, the endometrium was evaluated as regards endometrial thickness. IUI was carried out using prepared/“washed” semen (husband). All patients received luteal support in the form of progesterone from day of IUI for 14 days. Serum Β-hCG was estimated 2 weeks after insemination. Results: In this study, from all 90 cases only 8 cases got pregnant with pregnancy rate of 8.88% (6 cases got pregnant in high grade vascularity group; 2 cases in mixed grades group and no cases got pregnant in low grade group). There was statistically significant difference among the 3 groups as regarding the pregnancy rate (P value = 0.02). There is statistically significant difference in perifollicular resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) between pregnant and non pregnant cases (P value = 0.016 and 0.047 respectively). In this study, there is no statistically significant difference between pregnant and non pregnant cases as regarding endometrial thickness and E2 level at the day of hCG administration (P value = 0.39 and 0.76 respectively). Conclusion: Perifollicular blood-flow assessment by 2D transvaginal power Doppler is a good predictive for the outcome of stimulated IUI cycles.

Children’s and adolescent’s self - assessment of metabolic control versus professional judgment: a cross-sectional retrospective and prospective cohort study

BackgroundMorbidity and mortality in T1DM depend on metabolic control, which is assessed by HbA1c measurements every 3–4 months. Patients’ self-perception of glycemic control depends on daily blood glucose monitoring. Little is known about the congruence of patients’ and professionals’ perception of metabolic control in T1DM.ObjectiveTo assess the actual patients’ self-perception and objective assessment (HbA1c) of metabolic control in T1DM children and adolescents and to investigate the possible factors involved in any difference.MethodsPatients with T1DM aged 8 – 18 years were recruited in a cross-sectional, retrospective and prospective cohort study. Data collection consisted of clinical details, measured HbA1c, self-monitored blood glucose values and questionnaires assessing self and professionals’ judgment of metabolic control.Results91 patients participated. Mean HbA1c was 8.03%. HbA1c was higher in patients with a diabetes duration > 2 years (p = 0.025) and in patients of lower socioeconomic level (p = 0.032). No significant correlation was found for self-perception of metabolic control in well and poorly controlled patients. We found a trend towards false-positive memory of the last HbA1c in patients with a HbA1c > 8.5% (p = 0.069) but no difference in patients’ knowledge on target HbA1c between well and poorly controlled patients.ConclusionsT1DM patients are aware of a target HbA1c representing good metabolic control. Ill controlled patients appear to have a poorer recollection of their HbA1c. Self-perception of actual metabolic control is similar in well and poorly controlled T1DM children and adolescents. Therefore, professionals should pay special attention that ill controlled T1DM patients perceive their HbA1c correctly.

Rationale, design and methods for a community-based study of clustering and cumulative effects of chronic disease processes and their effects on ageing: the Busselton healthy ageing study.

BackgroundThe global trend of increased life expectancy and increased prevalence of chronic and degenerative diseases will impact on health systems. To identify effective intervention and prevention strategies, greater understanding of the risk factors for and cumulative effects of chronic disease processes and their effects on function and quality of life is needed.The Busselton Healthy Ageing Study aims to enhance understanding of ageing by relating the clustering and interactions of common chronic conditions in adults to function. Longitudinal (3–5 yearly) follow-up is planned.Methods/designPhase I (recruitment) is a cross-sectional community-based prospective cohort study involving up to 4,000 'Baby Boomers’ (born from 1946 to 1964) living in the Busselton Shire, Western Australia. The study protocol involves a detailed, self-administered health and risk factor questionnaire and a range of physical assessments including body composition and bone density measurements, cardiovascular profiling (blood pressure, ECG and brachial pulse wave velocity), retinal photography, tonometry, auto-refraction, spirometry and bronchodilator responsiveness, skin allergy prick tests, sleep apnoea screening, tympanometry and audiometry, grip strength, mobility, balance and leg extensor strength. Cognitive function and reserve, semantic memory, and pre-morbid intelligence are assessed. Participants provide a fasting blood sample for assessment of lipids, blood glucose, C-reactive protein and renal and liver function, and RNA, DNA and serum are stored. Clinically relevant results are provided to all participants. The prevalence of risk factors, symptoms and diagnosed illness will be calculated and the burden of illness will be estimated based on the observed relationships and clustering of symptoms and illness within individuals. Risk factors for combinations of illness will be compared with those for single illnesses and the relation of combinations of illness and symptoms to cognitive and physical function will be estimated.DiscussionThis study will enable a thorough characterization of multiple disease processes and their risk factors within a community-based sample of individuals to determine their singular, interactive and cumulative effects on ageing. The project will provide novel cross-sectional data and establish a cohort that will be used for longitudinal analyses of the genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors that determine whether an individual ages well or with impairment.

Neurovascular decoupling is associated with severity of cerebral amyloid angiopathy

We used functional MRI (fMRI), transcranial Doppler ultrasound, and visual evoked potentials (VEPs) to determine the nature of blood flow responses to functional brain activity and carbon dioxide (CO2) inhalation in patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), and their association with markers of CAA severity. In a cross-sectional prospective cohort study, fMRI, transcranial Doppler ultrasound CO2 reactivity, and VEP data were compared between 18 patients with probable CAA (by Boston criteria) and 18 healthy controls, matched by sex and age. Functional MRI consisted of a visual task (viewing an alternating checkerboard pattern) and a motor task (tapping the fingers of the dominant hand). Patients with CAA had lower amplitude of the fMRI response in visual cortex compared with controls (p = 0.01), but not in motor cortex (p = 0.22). In patients with CAA, lower visual cortex fMRI amplitude correlated with higher white matter lesion volume (r = -0.66, p = 0.003) and more microbleeds (r = -0.78, p < 0.001). VEP P100 amplitudes, however, did not differ between CAA and controls (p = 0.45). There were trends toward reduced CO2 reactivity in the middle cerebral artery (p = 0.10) and posterior cerebral artery (p = 0.08). Impaired blood flow responses in CAA are more evident using a task to activate the occipital lobe than the frontal lobe, consistent with the gradient of increasing vascular amyloid severity from frontal to occipital lobe seen in pathologic studies. Reduced fMRI responses in CAA are caused, at least partly, by impaired vascular reactivity, and are strongly correlated with other neuroimaging markers of CAA severity.

High Prevalence of Pseudotumors in Patients with a Birmingham Hip Resurfacing Prosthesis

Recently, concern has emerged about pseudotumors (lesions that are neither malignant nor infective in the soft tissues surrounding total hip arthroplasty components) after hip arthroplasties with metal-on-metal bearings. Patients treated in our hospital for degenerative arthritis of the hip with a Birmingham Hip Resurfacing (BHR) prosthesis were invited to return for follow-up evaluation. The prevalence and clinical relevance of pseudotumors were investigated. Risk factors for pseudotumor formation were sought. A single-center cross-sectional prospective cohort study was conducted and included all patients who received a BHR from 2005 to 2010 in Martini Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands. Data were collected on patient and surgical characteristics, clinical hip outcome scores (Harris hip score and Oxford score), serum metal ion levels (cobalt and chromium), and radiographs. A computed tomographic scan (without metal suppression) was made. In patients who had a revision, tissue samples were histologically examined. Originally, there were 129 patients with 149 BHRs. Four patients (six hips; 4%) were lost to follow-up. Our final cohort consisted of 125 patients (143 hips). From this final cohort, eleven patients (twelve hips) had a revision, and three of them (three hips) had the revision before the present study was conducted. Seven patients (eight hips; 5.6%) had a revision because of a symptomatic pseudotumor. Survival analysis showed an implant survival rate of 87.5% at five years (failure was defined as a revision for any reason). A pseudotumor was found on computed tomography in thirty-nine patients (forty hips; 28%). Of those patients, ten (eleven hips; 28%) had complaints involving groin pain and discomfort, a noticeable mass, or paresthesia. Symptomatic pseudotumors were significantly larger than asymptomatic pseudotumors (a mean volume of 53.3 cm3 compared with 16.3 cm3; p = 0.05). A serum cobalt level of >85 nmol/L was a predictor for pseudotumor formation (odds ratio, 4.9). Pseudotumor formation occurred in 28% of hips after an average follow-up of forty-one months. Most pseudotumors (72.5%) were asymptomatic. Larger pseudotumors were associated with more complaints. Survival analysis showed an implant survival of 87.5% at five years. Failure occurred in 5.6% (eight) of 143 hips because of a symptomatic pseudotumor.

The influence of speech stimuli contrast in cortical auditory evoked potentials

Studies about cortical auditory evoked potentials using the speech stimuli in normal hearing individuals are important for understanding how the complexity of the stimulus influences the characteristics of the cortical potential generated. ObjectiveTo characterize the cortical auditory evoked potential and the P3 auditory cognitive potential with the vocalic and consonantal contrast stimuli in normally hearing individuals. Method31 individuals with no risk for hearing, neurologic and language alterations, in the age range between 7 and 30 years, participated in this study. The cortical auditory evoked potentials and the P3 auditory cognitive one were recorded in the Fz and Cz active channels using consonantal (/ba/-/da/) and vocalic (/i/-/a/) speech contrasts. Design: A cross-sectional prospective cohort study. ResultsWe found a statistically significant difference between the speech contrast used and the latencies of the N2 (p = 0.00) and P3 (p = 0.00) components, as well as between the active channel considered (Fz/Cz) and the P3 latency and amplitude values. These correlations did not occur for the exogenous components N1 and P2. ConclusionThe speech stimulus contrast, vocalic or consonantal, must be taken into account in the analysis of the cortical auditory evoked potential, N2 component, and auditory cognitive P3 potential.

Long-term outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) significantly affects patient quality of life. Medical and surgical treatments aim to clinically manage the condition. ObjectiveTo assess the long-term quality of life and clinical management of CRS in patients submitted to endoscopic sinus surgery. MethodThis prospective cross-sectional cohort study enrolled 38 patients and looked into the follow-up data of subjects diagnosed with CRS before surgery, three months after surgery, and at least two years after surgery. The Sinonasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22) was used to assess response to treatment and long-term clinical management of the disease. ResultsSignificant improvements in the SNOT-22 scores were seen between the preoperative (61.3) and postoperative assessments with three (16.9) and 24 (32.3) months. No statistically significant differences were seen when patients with polyps were compared to polyp-free subjects. Few patients were controlled in both groups, and 7.89% of the subjects had revision surgery during the study. ConclusionEndoscopic sinus surgery significantly improved the quality of life of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. Clinical control of the condition was acceptable, with few patients requiring re-operation within two years of the first surgery.

Association between complaints of dizziness and hypertension in non-institutionalized elders.

Summary Introduction: Advancing age increases the risk for a number of chronic diseases. Hypertension and dizziness are highly prevalent in the elderly population and represent major health problems. Objective: To verify the association between complaints of dizziness and the presence of hypertension in non-institutionalized elders. Method: This was a prospective cross-sectional cohort study of the elderly population of Londrina, Paraná in terms of aging and longevity. The required sample size was calculated, and subjects e” 60 years of age of both genders were selected at random. Data were collected using a questionnaire covering socio-demographic information and self-reported cases of hypertension and dizziness. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test with p d” 0.05 as the level of significance. Results: The study included 493 elderly subjects, of whom 257 (52.1%) complained of dizziness and 308 (62.5%) reported a diagnosis of arterial systemic hypertension. Dizziness was significantly associated with hypertension (χ2 = 6.26, p = 0.01) and female sex. Conclusions: Hypertension and dizziness were both highly prevalent and were significantly associated, showing the great need for investments in preventive measures.

436 PATIENT SATISFACTION WITH NEUROGENIC BLADDER MANAGEMENT

436 PATIENT SATISFACTION WITH NEUROGENIC BLADDER MANAGEMENT

Exhaled nitric oxide measures allergy not symptoms in children with allergic rhinitis in primary care: a prospective cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort study

Background:Allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma are both inflammatory diseases and are often associated. Relationships between fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and asthma, atopy, and quality of life have been shown.Aims:This study aimed to determine whether FeNO in children with AR (n=158) or combined AR and asthma (n=93) was associated with clinical symptoms, house dust mite (HDM)-specific IgE, and rhinitis-specific quality of life, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally.Methods:Children with AR aged 6–18 years (n=251) in primary care were assessed for FeNO, nasal symptom scores, asthma symptom scores, quality of life, and HDM-specific IgE at baseline and 2 years later.Results:We found similarly elevated FeNO in children with only AR and in those with combined AR and asthma. No correlations were found between FeNO and nasal or asthma symptoms and rhinitis-related quality of life. Longitudinal correlations were strongest for HDM-specific IgE (r=0.91, p<0.0001).Conclusions:FeNO was similar in a selected group of children with AR with and without asthma in primary care and was unrelated to symptoms or quality of life in both groups. FeNO is unlikely to be a useful biomarker of the clinical severity of upper or lower airway disease in primary care.

Association between headache and temporomandibular joint disorders in children and adolescents

The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) and headache in children and adolescents. A prospective cross-sectional cohort study was carried out involving 93 children and adolescents (6 to 14 years of age) at the outpatient service of a dental school. All participants underwent a clinical examination involving Axis 1 of the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, along with a characterization of headache and an anthropometric evaluation. Statistical analysis involved the chi-squared test for quantitative variables and the Student's t-test, ANOVA and Tukey's test for quantitative data. An adjusted logistic regression model was used to determine significant associations among gender, age, TMJD and headache. Mild TMJD was identified in 35.8% of the sample and was not associated the presence of headache. Moderate TMJD was found in 25.8% of patients and severe TMJD was found in 11.8%; both forms of TMJD were associated with headache. A significant correlation was found between the intensity of TMJD and the risk of headache. The present findings demonstrate a positive correlation between TMJD and headache in children and adolescents, independently of gender and age.

Postconcussive Complaints, Anxiety, and Depression Related to Vocational Outcome in Minor to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

ObjectivesTo investigate the relation of postconcussive complaints, anxiety, and depression with vocational outcome in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) of various severities and to assess sex differences. DesignA prospective cross-sectional cohort study. SettingLevel I trauma center. ParticipantsAdults (N=242) with TBI of various severity. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresExtended Glasgow Outcome Scale, return to work (RTW), Head Injury Symptom Checklist, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. ResultsIn 67% of the patients, complaints were present; 22% were anxious, and 18% were depressed. The frequency of complaints increased significantly with injury severity, in contrast to anxiety and depression. Frequencies of patients with anxiety and depression (9% and 5%) were lower with complete RTW than with incomplete RTW (42% and 37%; P<.001). Patients with minor TBI with complaints were more anxious (50% vs 27%; P<.05) and depressed (46% vs 23%; P<.05) compared with patients with other severity categories and patients with incomplete RTW (67% vs 36% and 60% vs 30%, respectively). A higher percentage of women with minor TBI were depressed (45% vs 13%; P=.01) and had incomplete RTW (50% vs 18%; P<.05) compared with men. Multiple regression analysis showed that injury severity, complaints, anxiety, and depression were all predictive of RTW (explained variance 45%). In all severity categories, anxiety and depression were predictive of RTW, complaints, and sex only for minor TBI. ConclusionsAnxiety and depression are related to vocational outcome after TBI, with a different profile in the minor TBI category, partly due to sex differences.

Predictors of Vitamin D Status in Predialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: A Cross-sectional Analysis in a High Ultraviolet Climate

To determine vitamin D status in a subtropical climate among an unselected, referred predialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) population; assess risks and correlates; and review whether higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) concentration can mitigate the decrement in circulating 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25-OHD) normally encountered with advancing CKD. Prospective cross-sectional cohort study. Renal unit in Brisbane, Australia (27°28' S). Five hundred ninety-three consecutive CKD patients (stage 1 to 5). 25-OHD insufficiency (concentrations: 15 to 30 ng/mL) and deficiency (<15 ng/mL), bone-mineral parameters, including 1,25-OHD, calcium, and phosphate. Despite potentially higher environmental ultraviolet (UV) exposure, only 48% of patients with CKD were 25-OHD sufficient. Traditional risks for hypovitaminosis D were maintained, and sufficiency was independently predicted by testing in the summer/autumn period (odds ratio [OR]: 2.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.88 to 4.08, P < .001), male gender (OR: 2.18, 95%CI: 1.46 to 3.24, P < .001), Caucasian race (OR: 2.28, 95%CI: 1.37 to 3.78, P = .001), hypoalbuminemia (OR: 0.47, 95%CI: 0.25 to 0.85, P = .01), macroalbuminuria (OR: 0.60, 95%CI: 0.39 to 0.92, P = .02), and normal body mass index (OR: 1.94, 95%CI: 1.22 to 3.07, P = .005). Vitamin D sufficiency was also associated with higher corrected calcium (0.4 mg/dL increments; OR: 1.29, 95%CI: 1.08 to 1.55, P = .005). Although circulating 25-OHD concentrations were relatively maintained across the range of renal function observed, 1,25-OHD concentrations decreased with advancing CKD. 25-OHD insufficiency is mitigated but still highly prevalent in patients with CKD in a high ambient UV environment. Despite the maintenance of relatively higher 25-OHD concentrations with advancing CKD, substrate availability does not appear to be a major determinant of circulating 1,25-OHD.

Anesthesia Literature Review

Anesthesia Literature Review

Brief Intervention for Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

To compare two brief randomized computer-based interventions about perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV). The study was a prospective cross-sectional cohort study of patients during randomized 4-hour shifts in an urban hospital-based emergency department setting with an emergency medicine residency. The site is a level 1 trauma center emergency department with an annual census of 60,000 adults. A touch-screen computer program was developed in Visual Basic 2005 Studio with consecutive data entry screens. A series of questions to evaluative IPV knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) was given before and after the brief intervention. The subjects were randomized to one of two intervention groups. Both groups were shown a set of PowerPoint slides addressing IPV prevention, which was followed by either a control group with nothing further (control) or a five-minute simulation video depicting IPV perpetration in adults (SIM). The main outcome was the net improvement in KAP scores defined as number who improved minus number who did worse. Perpetrators and victims were assessed separately. Demographics were also obtained. For demographics, descriptive statistics and percentages were used. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for pre-post test paired data. A total of 239 patients, presenting during 52 randomized four-hour shifts, completed the study; 118 were in the control group, 121 in SIM; 115 (48%) were male and 124 (51 %) female (9 unknown). Most participants were from 21 to 30 years old (38%); 77 (32%) were Hispanic and 100 (42%) were white. There was an overall improvement in responses to KAP questions with correct answers to all questions in 46% before vs 59% after the computer intervention (Diff 13% 95% confidence interval [CI] 4-22). The net improvement in KAP score in the control group was 8% and in the SIM group it was 22% (Diff = 15%, 95% CI = 6-24). Forty subjects (17%, 95% CI = 12-21) were perpetrators and 52 subjects (22%, 95% CI = 17-27) were victims. KAP scores were not significantly improved in the SIM group over the control for either perpetrators or victims. An IPV simulation video resulted in a greater percent of subjects showing improvement in knowledge, attitudes, and practices about IPV perpetration. A brief IPV simulation video intervention can be performed in a busy emergency department setting.