Excellent Compliance Research Articles

Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Severe Spinal Deformity Correction: Comparison of Pediatric, Adolescent, and Adult Groups.

We compared the pre-, intra-, and postoperative characteristics among three groups of patients who underwent posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) to clarify age-related characteristics and to guide patient management, surgical planning, and complication avoiding. We compared and analyzed the etiology, surgical events, outcomes, and complications among pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients who underwent PVCR in a single-center database retrospectively. Patients were categorized into pediatric (0–12 yr), adolescent (13–19 yr), and adult (>20 yr) cohorts. Demographics, surgical events, clinical and radiographic results, and major complications were compared between groups. A total of 87 patients with a mean follow-up 42 (24–96) months were identified. Pediatric group (14) had a high frequency of congenital vertebral and cardiac abnormal, adolescents (47) presented more intracanal malformations, and idiopathic was common in the adult group (26). Although pediatric patients had shorter fusion levels than adolescent and adult, their mean resected vertebrae (1.91), percentage of blood loss (estimated blood loss per total blood volume) (201.9%), and operative time were much higher. The coronal/sagittal correction rate was significantly higher in the pediatric group (73.6%/72.3%). Overall, surgical complications were more frequent in adults, particularly neuromonitoring alert and implant failure. However, more severe complications were noted in younger patients. For pediatric patients with PVCR, poor physiological conditions and frequent comorbidities indicated cautious patient selection and sufficient preoperative preparation. The higher correction rate may be due to the excellent compliance of the spinal cord. For adult patients, preoperative traction and adjusting the tension of the spinal cord during surgery could contribute to neurological safety.

KS02.6.A Application of positive psychology intervention in continuous quality improvement of nursing care for patients with intracranial tumor

Abstract Background To investigate the effect of positive psychology intervention on continuous quality improvement of nursing care for patients with intracranial tumor Material and Methods A total of 124 patients with intracranial tumor who received surgical treatment in our hospital from October 2020 to December 2021 were selected by convenience sampling method, and the patients were randomly divided into control group and intervention group.Patients in the control group received continuous quality improvement of postoperative routine care, and patients in the intervention group received positive psychological intervention based on postoperative routine care. Postoperative treatment compliance, subjective well-being and daily living ability were compared between the two groups Results The excellent compliance rate of intervention group was 95.15%, significantly higher than that of control group 83.87% (P < 0.05). The subjective well-being in intervention group (56.73±3.42) was significantly higher than that in control group (53.81±2.76) (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in daily living ability score between 2 groups before intervention (P > 0.05). After intervention, the daily living ability score of the intervention group was (57.49±9.16), which was significantly higher than that of the control group and before intervention (P < 0.05). Conclusion Positive psychology intervention for patients with intracranial tumor can effectively improve the quality of nursing, increase the patient's treatment compliance, and improve the subjective well-being of patients and the ability of daily life is of great significance.

ACL Research Retreat IX Summary Statement: The Pediatric Athlete, March 17-19, 2022; High Point, North Carolina.

ACL Research Retreat IX Summary Statement: The Pediatric Athlete, March 17-19, 2022; High Point, North Carolina.

Low-cost Arduino-based temperature, relative humidity and CO2 sensors - An assessment of their suitability for indoor built environments

The growing development of digital twins (DT) in AEC industry is an opportunity for deepening the control and management of energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality (IEQ). DT will demand the deployment of many sensors, and low-cost solutions are the only way to achieve that. In this study, low-cost Arduino-compatible sensors were tested considering the indoor environment of Southern European countries. Five different sensors of the following parameters were tested: temperature (T), relative humidity (RH) and carbon dioxide (CO2). The T and RH tests comprise a combination of short-term and long-term exposures over 24 months, ranging between 10 °C and 35 °C, and 50%–95%, respectively. In short-term exposure, CO2 sensors were tested in six different CO2 concentrations from 400 to 2500 ppm. For each CO2 concentration, the values were compared, varying the T (15 °C to 25 °C) and the RH (50%–90%). The results highlighted that some low-cost sensors, open-source and easily connectable to Arduino, showed an excellent behaviour and general compliance with applicable standards. SHT85 T/RH sensor, stood out in the sample, and K30 and T6713-5K CO2 sensors showed good accordance with the reference. The equivalent CO2 sensors, that use algorithms to assess the CO2 value, showed results far from the reference equipment.

Combined dynamical and morphological characterisation of geodynamo simulations

Numerical dynamo simulations cannot operate at the physical conditions of Earth's core, yet they often produce fields that appear morphologically similar to the present geomagnetic field. A key issue is therefore to decipher under what conditions “Earth-like” simulations can be achieved. Recent work has shown that a set of simulations undertaken along a specific path in parameter space smoothly approach the QG-MAC dynamics that are expected in Earth's core, whereby the leading order force balance is Quasi-Geostrophic with Magnetic, Archimedean and Coriolis forces equilibrating at first order. However, a systematic link between QG-MAC balance and morphological features of the simulated fields has yet to be established. Here we assess a suite of 67 simulations using established compliance criteria for the field morphology and scale-dependent force balances to quantify the internal dynamics. Morphological compliance with the modern geomagnetic field does not imply a single underlying force balance or vice versa; however, the majority of compliant simulations, including all those approaching a realistic value of the magnetic Reynolds number Rm, are in QG-MAC balance. Simulations that simultaneously achieve excellent morphological compliance with Earth's modern field, QG-MAC balance, and high Rm, are confined to an intermediate range of dipolarity (the ratio of energy in the dipole field to the energy truncated at degree 12 at the outer boundary). Reversing simulations in this dipolarity range maintain dominant QG-MAC balance during polarity transition, though inertia makes a non-negligible contribution to the force balance.

Role of Distraction Osteogenesis in the Management of Postankylotic Deformity.

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) has evolved in maxillofacial surgery and gained popularity due to the limitations of orthognathic surgery in gross asymmetry cases. The primary aim of the paper was to determine if the use of DO for the management of severe deformities of the mandible secondary to temporomandibular joint ankylosis can achieve optimal results, with or without genioplasty, based on cephalometric norms. The secondary aim of this study was to evaluate the complications associated with DO in this group of patients. Six patients with postankylotic deformity were included. Both internal and external devices were used for an average mandibular corpus lengthening of 15mm with adjunctive procedure genioplasty. All patients had excellent outcome in terms of profile, functional occlusion, and mouth opening without deviation. Two patients had primary genioplasty showed excellent compliance and 2 as secondary at the time of device removal. Complications noted were, difficulty in vector control during distraction, paresthesia, occlusal discrepancy, scarring, and relapse of 2 to 3mm. Preorthodontics and postorthodontics were done in all patients to settle the occlusion, which was stable after 2-year follow-up. Case series shows such gross deformities pose a greater challenge due to undergrowth, gross midline shift, and discrepancy between soft and hard tissue growth pattern and the desired results can be achieved by precise planning. Genioplasty at the time of device placement has definitive positive effect on patient compliance. Though orthognathic surgery has a definitive role in minor deformity, whereas in gross deformities DO with precise planning using 3-dimensional model and vector controlled technique offers excellent outcome.

A Translational Randomized Trial of Perioperative Arginine Immunonutrition on Natural Killer Cell Function in Colorectal Cancer Surgery Patients.

Surgery results in severe impairment of natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity (NKC) and activity (NKA, cytokine secretion), and a dramatic drop in arginine levels. Postoperative immunosuppression is associated with increased complications and recurrence. Perioperative arginine is reported to reduce postoperative complications. Because arginine modulates NK cell function, this study aimed to determine whether perioperative consumption of arginine-enriched supplements (AES) can improve NK cell function in colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery patients. This study randomized 24 CRC patients to receive the AES or isocaloric/isonitrogenous control supplement three times a day for five days before and after surgery. The AES contained 4.2 g of arginine per dose (12.6 g/day). The primary objective was to determine whether AES improved NKC by 50 % compared with the control group after surgery. On surgery day (SD) 1, NKC was significantly reduced postoperatively in the control group by 50 % (interquartile range [IQR], 36-55 %; p = 0.02) but not in the AES group (25 % reduction; IQR, 28-75 %; p = 0.3). Furthermore, AES had no benefit in terms of NKA or NK cell number. Compliance was much greater preoperatively (>91 %) than postoperatively (<46 %). However, despite excellent preoperative compliance, arginine was rapidly cleared from the blood within 4 h after consumption and therefore, did not prevent the postoperative drop in arginine. Oral consumption of arginine immunonutrition resulted in a modest improvement in NKC after surgery but was unable to prevent postoperative arginine depletion or the suppression of NKA (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02987296).

Relapsing Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: Treatment with Oxygen Therapy and Hyaluronic Acid

OBJECTIVE. The aim of our open, anecdotical, retrospective, spontaneous trial has been to evaluate the efficacy of the association between high concentration oxygen and hyaluronic acid for treatment of relapsing candidiasis.METHODS. 45 women (30.9 ±4.4 years) with relapsing candidiasis, and complaining of dryness, dyspareunia, pain, appealing to our Second Opinion Medical Consultation Network, signed an informed consent form and were treated with oxygen/hyaluronic acid therapy treatment, once a week, for a total of five weeks at the outpatient clinic (Healthy Center, Sirio, Fidenza, Italy). The physicians of the Second Opinion Network followed up weekly from remote (WhatsApp, Skype) each treated patient as to state the effectiveness, tolerability, and side effects of the treatment.RESULTS. The mean VAS and VuAS scores measured at first visit were 2,660 and 2,622 and significantly (p&lt;0,0001) reduced to 1,311 and 0,77 at last visit. The measurements of the vaginal pH and of the vaginal swab after the last treatment session confirmed significantly (p&lt;0.0001) the absence of candidiasis. Three months later in the follow-up, the percentage of patients who had had only one VVC relapse was 4,44% (2/45), a percentage that increased just to 8,8% at six months (4/45). The elastography index was significantly (p&lt;0.0001) increased after the last treatment session (2,55 ± 0,545 vs 4,48 ± 0,505).CONCLUSIONS. The combined oxygen therapy with hyaluronic acid gave definite therapeutic benefits in this cohort of relapsing candidiasis in the acute phase of the infection. The 6-month follow up, also detected a lower reinfection rate compared with the historical available data. The procedure is totally painless with excellent compliance by patients and no untoward effects.

Design of a Compact Energy Storage with Rotary Series Elastic Actuator for Lumbar Support Exoskeleton

Lumbar support exoskeletons with active and passive actuators are currently the cutting-edge technology for preventing back injuries in workers while lifting heavy objects. However, many challenges still exist in both types of exoskeletons, including rigid actuators, risks of human–robot interaction, high battery consumption, bulky design, and limited assistance. In this paper, the design of a compact, lightweight energy storage device combined with a rotary series elastic actuator (ES-RSEA) is proposed for use in a lumbar support exoskeleton to increase the level of assistance and exploit the human bioenergy during the two stages of the lifting task. The energy storage device takes the responsibility to store and release passive mechanical energy while RSEA provides excellent compliance and prevents injury from the human body’s undesired movement. The experimental tests on the spiral spring show excellent linear characteristics (above 99%) with an actual spring stiffness of 9.96 Nm/rad. The results demonstrate that ES-RSEA can provide maximum torque assistance in the ascent phase with 66.6 Nm while generating nearly 21 Nm of spring torque during descent without turning on the DC motor. Ultimately, the proposed design can maximize the energy storage of human energy, exploit the biomechanics of lifting tasks, and reduce the burden on human effort to perform lifting tasks.

Oncological and functional outcomes after testis-sparing surgery in patients with germ cell tumors: a systematic review of 285 cases

Introduction and objectivesIn several urogenital cancers, organ-preserving surgery represents the preferred treatment approach, but in patients with testicular germ cell tumors (tGCTs), radical orchiectomy represents the standard of care. This study aimed to summarize published case series assessing oncological and functional outcomes after testis-sparing surgery (TSS) in patients with tGCTs.Materials and methodsA systematic literature review and individual patient data meta-analysis were conducted of published cases with tGCT treated with TSS.ResultsOf 2,333 reports, we included 32 reports providing data on 285 patients, including 306 testicles treated with TSS. Adjacent germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS) was described in 43%. Hypogonadism and infertility after TSS were diagnosed in 27% and 18%. In patients undergoing adjuvant testicular radiotherapy, hypogonadism was diagnosed in 40%. Patients treated with adjuvant testicular radiotherapy after TSS exhibited a significantly lower incidence of local recurrence (2% vs. 50%, p < 0.001). Distant metastases after TSS were observed in 2%.ConclusionThe current data questions the benefits of TSS in tGCT patients. If at all, TSS should only be offered to well-informed patients with a singular testicle, excellent compliance, a singular tumor less than 2 cm located at the lower pole of the testicle, and normal preoperative endocrine function. Unless patients plan to father a child within a short time frame, adjuvant testicular radiotherapy should be recommended after TSS. Radical orchiectomy remains the standard of care, but future studies may support the use of TSS in selected men.

A stretchable and helically structured fiber nanogenerator for multifunctional electronic textiles

Fiber-based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) possess advantages of good air permeability, excellent mechanical compliance, and easy integration into electronic textiles, and have wide application prospects in new-generation wearable electronics. However, few studies show the capability to unite favorable merits of excellent stretchability, high electrical generation, and conversion of multiple mechanical stimuli into a single fiber device. Here, we proposed a helically structured fiber-based triboelectric nanogenerator (HS-TENG) using Ti3C2Tx as the triboelectric coating. The unique architecture endows the HS-TENG with large stretchability (~ 200 % strain), and high electric output (52 V, 1.5 µA, 4.2 μW) under compression for a 2 cm long device, superior to most stretchable triboelectric yarns. The HS-TENG also realizes multi-mode (i.e., stretch, press, twist, and bend) mechano-electrical conversion. The HS-TENG fiber can be integrated into electronic textiles (E-textiles) for versatile applications, including an insole for energy harvesting, a kneepad for motion sensing, and a glove for wireless signal control. This work provides new capabilities for multifunctional wearable systems.

Cancer-related cognitive impairment in patients with newly diagnosed aggressive lymphoma undergoing standard chemotherapy: a longitudinal feasibility study

PurposeCancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a recognised adverse consequence of cancer and its treatment. This study assessed the feasibility of collecting longitudinal data on cognition in patients with newly diagnosed, aggressive lymphoma undergoing standard therapy with curative intent via self-report, neuropsychological assessment, peripheral markers of inflammation, and neuroimaging. An exploration and description of patterns of cancer-related cognitive impairment over the course of treatment and recovery was also undertaken and will be reported separately.MethodsEligible participants completed repeated measures of cognition including self-report and neuropsychological assessment, and correlates of cognition including blood cell–based inflammatory markers, and neuroimaging at three pre-specified timepoints, time 1 (T1) — pre-treatment (treatment naïve), time 2 (T2) — mid-treatment, and time 3 (T3) — 6 to 8 weeks post-completion of treatment.Results30/33 eligible patients (91%, 95% CI: 76%, 97%) were recruited over 10 months. The recruitment rate was 3 patients/month (95% CI: 2.0, 4.3 patients/month). Reasons for declining included feeling overwhelmed and rapid treatment commencement. Mean age was 57 years (SD = 17 years) and 16/30 (53%) were male. Most patients (20/30, 67%) had diffuse large B cell lymphoma or Hodgkin lymphoma (4/30, 13%). The neuroimaging sub-study was optional, 11/30 participants (37%) were eligible to take part, and all agreed. The remaining 19 participants were ineligible as their diagnostic PET/CT scan was completed prior. Retention and compliance with all assessments were 89 to 100% at all timepoints. Only one participant was withdrawn due to disease progression.ConclusionsFindings from this study including excellent recruitment, retention, and compliance rates demonstrate it is feasible to longitudinally assess cognition in people with newly diagnosed aggressive lymphoma during their initial treatment and recovery to inform the development of future research to improve patient experiences and cognitive outcomes.Trial registration.Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12619001649101.

Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons' Infrared Motion Camera Sensor for Training Manual Dexterity in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: The Nintendo Switch® (NS) is the ninth video game console developed by Nintendo®. Joy-Cons® are the primary game controllers for the NS® video game console, and they have an infrared motion camera sensor that allows capturing the patient’s hands without the need to place sensors or devices on the body. The primary aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the NS®, combined with a conventional intervention, for improving upper limb (UL) grip muscle strength, coordination, speed of movements, fine and gross dexterity, functionality, quality of life, and executive function in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Furthermore, we sought to assess satisfaction and compliance levels. Methods: A single-blinded, randomized clinical trial was conducted. The sample was randomized into two groups: an experimental group who received treatment based on Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training® for the NS® (20 min) plus conventional rehabilitation (40 min), and a control group who received the same conventional rehabilitation (60 min) for the ULs. Both groups received two 60 min sessions per week over an eight-week period. Grip strength, the Box and Blocks Test (BBT), the Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT), the QuickDASH, the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29), the Trail Making Test (TMT), and the Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT) were used pre- and post-treatment. Side effects and attendance rates were also recorded. Results: Intragroup analysis showed significant improvements for the experimental group in the post-treatment assessments for grip strength in the more affected side (p = 0.033), the BBT for the more (p = 0.030) and the less affected side (p = 0.022), the TMT (A section) (p = 0.012), and the QuickDASH (p = 0.017). No differences were observed for the control group in intragroup analysis, but they were observed in the NHPT for the more affected side (p = 0.012). The intergroup analysis did not show differences between both groups. Conclusions: Our results show that an eight-week experimental protocol, after using Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training® and the right-side Joy-Con controller for the NS®, combined with a conventional intervention, showed improvements in grip strength, coordination, fine and gross motor function, executive functions, and upper limb functionality in the experimental group. However, no differences were observed when both groups were compared in the intergroup analysis. The addition of Brain Training® for the NS® for the upper limb rehabilitation did not show side effects and was rated with a high satisfaction and excellent compliance in people with MS. Trial registration: This randomized controlled trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials Identifier: NCT04171908, November 2019.

A multicenter telemonitoring-telecare study with automatic assessment of physiological parameters and patient-reported outcomes in remote pancreatic cancer patients on mFOLFIRINOX: Interim technology report.

e13617 Background: There is an unmet need for improved treatment outcomes along with safer care of patients (pts) at home, at risk of severe adverse events from chemotherapy. Methods: MultiDom (NCT04263948; Ramsay Santé Research GCS) aims to reduce emergency hospitalisations of pancreatic adenocarcinoma pts on mFOLFIRINOX with a novel telemonitoring-telecare platform (Clinikali). Accelerometry and body temperature are measured q1-min using a continuously-worn telecommunicating chest surface sensor, daily body weight is self-measured with a telecommunicating balance, and 23 electronic pt-reported outcomes (ePROs) are self-rated using a tablet for 1 week before (baseline) and 6 weeks after the first course. Hidden Markov, spectrum and other algorithms automatically compute physical activity, sleep, temperature, body weight change, ePROs severity, and dichotomy index I&lt;O of the circadian rest-activity rhythm (% activity In-bed below median activity Out-of-bed), one to four times daily. Alerts are automatically generated and sent to a coordination platform of health professionals, with trackable follow-up. Results: From 6/2021 to 2/2022, 16 of 42 planned pts (38%) from 4 centers have been included (females/males, 10/6 pts; aged 64-79 years; PS 0/1, 8/8 pts; 2 borderline/locally-advanced, and 14 metastatic (liver, 9; lymph nodes, 8; lung, 4). This technology report involves 9 pts on study for a median duration of 57 days (d) (range, 49-70d), whilst receiving 3 mFOLFIRINOX courses, with tumor control in 8 pts. Nearly 1.2x107 data were teletransmitted. At baseline, rest-activity rhythm was robust for 7 pts (I&lt;O &gt;97.5%) and disrupted for 2 pts (I&lt;O &lt;96%). Median compliance rates per pt (range) were 81% (67-92%) for rest-activity and body temperature, 96% (53-100%) for body weight, and 89% (78-100%) for self-rated e-PROMs. The median number of alerts generated for each pt (range) was 3 (0-10) for disrupted rest-activity rhythm (I&lt;O &lt;96%) or high temperature (2.5oC above median), and 2 (0-9) for body weight loss &gt;5%, A median of 6 alerts per pt was generated for one or more severe ePROs (pain, 7 pts; fatigue, 6 pts; impact on activity, 5 pts; anorexia, 4 pts). Supportive treatment was mostly initiated at home, avoiding undue hospitalization. Pts rated the median global evaluation factor as 5 (4-5), i.e. the highest score, in the 23-items research participation questionnaire. Conclusions: Continuous multidimensional telemonitoring of physiology and e-PROs met excellent patient compliance, thus supporting exploration of biological mechanisms linking e-PROs to circadian rhythms and treatment activity. Study is ongoing to assess whether such telemonitoring-telecare platform may drive practice-changes in patient pathways and digitized clinical trials in the current era of precision medicine. Clinical trial information: NCT04263948.

Improving the Identification, Assessment and Management of Osteoporosis and Fragility Fracture Risk on a Later Life Psychiatry Ward: A Complete Audit Cycle

AimsOsteoporosis is common amongst elderly patient populations and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We aimed to assess whether national clinical guidelines regarding the identification, assessment and management of osteoporosis and fragility fracture risk were being adhered to on a female later life psychiatry ward. We then aimed to improve the detection and treatment of osteoporosis amongst this patient cohort and subsequently conducted a re-audit of adherence to relevant clinical guidelines.MethodsIn July 2021, the electronic health records of the 20 most recently discharged patients from a female later life psychiatry ward were reviewed. The proportion of patients who appropriately received FRAX screening, DEXA scanning and pharmacological management of osteoporosis and fragility fracture risk was recorded. The results were compared to standards identified in national clinical guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the National Osteoporosis Guideline Group (NOGG). In addition, the proportion of patients who had FRAX scores communicated to their general practitioners on discharge was recorded. Recommendations were made based on audit findings, and several changes to ward processes were implemented including incorporating fracture risk scoring in a structured ward round template and displaying information posters about osteoporosis in clinical areas. A re-audit was completed in February 2022 using the same methodology as baseline to re-assess adherence to the audit standards.ResultsAll included patients were female and aged &gt;65 years, and therefore eligible for consideration of fragility fracture risk according to NICE guidelines. 88% (15/17 patients) of those without pre-existing osteoporosis had FRAX scores calculated during their admission on re-audit compared to 50% (8/16 patients) at baseline. 73% (11/15 patients) had FRAX scores communicated to their GP on discharge at completion of the audit cycle compared to 25% (2/8 patients) at baseline. At completion of the audit cycle 10% (1/10 patients) with intermediate fragility fracture risk received measurement of bone mineral density during admission while 30% (3/10) had this recommended to their GP on discharge. None of the high-risk patients (n = 4) were started on bisphosphonate therapy.ConclusionOn completion of the audit cycle, we found excellent compliance with national guidelines regarding the identification of osteoporosis and fragility fracture risk, which demonstrates the feasibility of considering this aspect of physical health in the setting of a later-life psychiatry ward. Areas for improvement include the assessment and management of patients identified as having intermediate or high risk of osteoporosis and fragility fractures.

Compliance with Uresta (CURE) study; a 12 month follow-up of 40 women.

Introduction and hypothesisThe Uresta bladder support is an effective management option for women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), however, there is a lack of data assessing long-term compliance. The aim of this study was to assess compliance at 12 month follow-up in women using the Uresta bladder support for exercise related SUI.MethodsThis was a prospective study advertised on social media, running clubs and gyms. Participants were fitted with a Uresta bladder support and followed up over a 12 month period. Power calculation recommended a sample size of 43. Ethical approval was obtained. Outcomes were assessed using the PUQ, ICIQ-FLUTS, UDI-6, IIQ-7, QUID and PGI-I questionnaires.ResultsForty-six women were recruited with an average age, BMI and parity of 42, 24 and 2.3 respectively. The most common activities were running (48%) and CrossFit (22%). Six participants withdrew after 2 weeks. Compliance was 90% at 12 months (n=40). Uresta insertion and removal was ‘okay’, ‘easy’ or ‘very easy’ for 86% and 75% respectively. Leakage was improved (n=13), greatly improved (n=12) or stopped (n=5) for 83% of participants, 75% were ‘much better’ or ‘very much better’ on the PGI-I scale, and 94% would recommend Uresta to a friend. There were no adverse events.ConclusionsThe Uresta bladder support is a safe, effective, user-friendly management option for women who experience SUI during exercise with excellent long-term compliance. Further studies are required to identify predictors of successful fitting and efficacy, compare outcomes with different devices, and develop a validated questionnaire assessing SUI with exercise.

0861 Sleepy in the Mountains

IntroductionCentral sleep apnea (CSA) is a rare disorder caused by a reduction of airflow and ventilatory effort during sleep. CSA is rarely idiopathic and associated with medical conditions including heart failure, opioid medications, treatment emergent and high-altitude periodic breathing. At higher altitudes, hypoxemia induces periodic breathing with periods of deep and rapid breathing alternating with central apnea. Patients with high-altitude periodic breathing experience fragmented sleep, poor sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches and witnessed apnea. We discuss a patient with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who developed new-onset central sleep apnea after relocating to a higher altitude location. Report of Cases: A 75-year-old male with a history of moderate obstructive sleep apnea well controlled on CPAP for eight years, with no known cardiovascular or pulmonary disease, presented with new-onset excessive daytime sleepiness. He had recently relocated to an area in the Colorado mountains (7000 ft elevation) from his previous home in Los Angeles (sea level). His residual apneahypopnea index (r-AHI) displayed on his CPAP machine increased to 7-14/hr from his normal of 1-2/hr after his relocation. Review of his compliance data revealed his central apnea index was elevated, contributing to his high r-AHI. A one-night nocturnal oximeter was mailed to the patient to use while on CPAP. Data revealed oxygen desaturation to less than 88% for about 2 hours of the night, worse during the early morning hours. The patient was advised to undergo a polysomnography and adaptive servo-ventilation titration if significant central sleep apnea was present. The patient declined due to concern about the COVID-19 pandemic. Supplemental nocturnal oxygen was initiated at 2L/min with normalization of the r-AHI.ConclusionPatients with OSA who experience worsening symptoms or increased r-AHI despite excellent compliance with PAP therapy should be considered for repeat polysomnography or titration study. While it is expected that high-altitude central sleep apnea will improve with acclimatization, nocturnal supplemental oxygen in addition to PAP therapy is indicated for patients with high-altitude central sleep apnea to diminish hypoxemia and improve residual AHI and sleep quality.Support (If Any)

Prevention of early sudden cardiac death after myocardial infarction using the wearable cardioverter defibrillator - results from a real-life cohort

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Patients are at elevated risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) after acute myocardial infarction (MI). The VEST trial failed to show a significant reduction in arrhythmic mortality in patients prescribed with a wearable converter-defibrillator (WCD), having a lower than expected wearing compliance. We aimed to investigate the incidence of WCD treatments and outcomes of all patients with acute MI and LVEF ≤35% in a real life and well-compliant cohort in Austria. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients meeting the in- and exclusion criteria of the original VEST trial within the Austrian WCD registry between 2010 and 2021. Results 105/896 patients (12%) with an average age of 64±11 years (12% female; LVEF 28±6%) registered in the Austrian WCD registry met the VEST in- and exclusion criteria. 104/105 patients were revascularized and prescribed with a WCD prescription for 69 (1;277) days, the median wearing duration was 23.5 (0;24) hours/day. 4/105 (3.8%) patients received 9 appropriate WCD shocks, the per patient shock rate was 2 (1;5). No inappropriate shock was delivered. During follow-up, 46/105 patients (44%) received an ICD after the WCD period, 4/105 (3.8%) patients died during follow-up. Arrhythmic mortality (1.9% Austria vs. 1.6% VEST, p=ns), as well as all-cause mortality (3.8% vs. 3.1%, p=ns) in the Austrian cohort were comparable to the VEST cohort. Conclusion The WCD is a safe treatment option in a highly selected cohort of patients with a LVEF ≤35% after acute myocardial infarction. However, despite excellent WCD compliance as opposed to the VEST study, only 3.8% of patients receive appropriate WCD shocks and the arrhythmic mortality rate was not significantly improved.

P228 WEARABLE DEFIBRILLATOR IN CLINICAL PRACTICE. MULTIANNUAL MULTI–CENTER EXPERIENCE

Abstract Introduction Heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection function (LVEF) represents a life–threatening condition for patients (pts). A period of time of 40–90 days, in optimal medical therapy, is indicated to evaluate the recovery of the LVEF and the indication to ICD implantation. In this period, from 1% to 5% of pts can experience sudden death. We evaluated the usefulness of the wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) as a temporary antiarrhythmic therapy in the interval from discharge to the three–month follow–up. Methods From December 2015 to December 2021, 174 consecutive pts (141 M (81%); mean age 62 years ± 11.6 years) were discharged with reduced FE &amp;lt; 35% in OMT, with WCD and were re–evaluated within 3 months to establish indication for ICD implantation. Results 110 pts (63.2%) recovered LVEF at 3 months and left the indication to ICD. 9 pts refused and/or returned the WCD due to poor compliance (5.2%); 52 pts (29.9%) did not recover LVEF and were implanted with ICD. The WCD was worn continuously by the majority of pts with good compliance for 87.4 ± 52.0 days (range 1 ÷ 303 days), for 22.08 hours / day. 23 episodes of AF were correctly recognized; 10 TVNS&amp;gt; 10 sec; 1 episode of VF in 1 patient in which 1 shock was correctly delivered. 1 inappropriate shock was delivered on tachycardic AF. During the WCD wearing period, 3 deaths occurred (1.7%): in 2 pts due to refractory HF (one of these pts had VF correctly recognized and treated by the WCD but degenerated into pulseless activities); 1 death for terminal cancer). The use of WCD has progressively increased over the years (from 4.5 LV / yy in 2015–16 to 45 LV / yy in 2020–21). Conclusions The use of WCD has gradually increased in clinical practice for patients who have not yet developed clear indications for ICD implantation. In the majority of them, ventricular dysfunction is transient. Wearable cardioverter defibrillator represents additional security during this period. Continuous monitoring makes it possible to identify supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, improving therapeutic appropriateness and in general the patients have excellent compliance with the device. Further studies are needed to substantiate this strategy.

P370 INNOVATIVE TELEMONITORED MODEL OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE PRESCRIPTION IN SECONDARY PREVENTION DURING THE QUARANTINE

Abstract Introduction COVID–19 pandemic induced the emanation of extraordinary measures like quarantine, that can be considered a risk factor for both physical and mental health in the population. In particular, gym’s closure and the need to stay home didn’t allow people to perform physical activity easily, with a consequent worsening of cardiovascular risk factors. During quarantine some general recommendations have been disseminated, but little is known about specific guidelines for home–based exercise prescription in patients with cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop home–based physical exercise programs for cardiac patients referred to the Center for Exercise Science and Sports of University of Ferrara. Methods On the basis of exercise capacity obtained from the last functional evaluation, performed in presence before the closure, three structured workouts were realized following the guidelines. They are composed as follows: warm–up, strenght and balance exercises alternate to indoor walking, cool–down. Patients received an explicative iconographic via e–mail or smartphone. Some domiciliary sessions were supervised by an operator through video connection. Results All patients showed excellent compliance with the proposed program. Adherence has been verified through biweekly recalls. No adverse events occurred. Conclusions Telemonitored exercise prescription in cardiac outpatients was effective and safe, helping to prevent negative consequences of the abrupt cessation of physical activity due to COVID–19 pandemic. These evidence could be useful even after the end of pandemic, for all those patients that are less likely to participate in traditional cardiovascular rehabilitation programs because of difficulties in reaching facilities or leaving home.