Large Tertiary Care Center Research Articles

Reflex testing for anti-HDV in HBsAg-positive patients offers high diagnostic yield in a large Central European tertiary care center

Current guidelines recommend reflex testing for hepatitis D virus (HDV) coinfection in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive patients over risk-factor based screening. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and diagnostic yield of reflex anti-HDV testing at a Central European tertiary care center. We retrospectively included 560 consecutive patients who had a recorded (first) positive HBsAg test result at the Vienna General Hospital between 2018 and 2022. While reflex anti-HDV testing had been implemented in our hepatitis outpatient clinic (n = 153, ‘reflex testing cohort’), HDV screening needed to be manually ordered in the remaining patients (n = 407, ‘standard testing cohort’). Overall, 98.0% and 65.1% of patients in the reflex and standard testing cohort were screened for anti-HDV, respectively, and the overall seroprevalence of anti-HDV among screened patients was 6.7% (n = 28, reflex testing cohort: 9.3%, standard testing cohort: 5.3%). Risk factors for HDV were present in 49.1% of all included and in 89.3% of anti-HDV positive patients, respectively. Anti-HDV positive patients showed higher ALT (54 [33–83] vs. 29 [19–49] U/L; p = 0.005) and a higher proportion of low-to-undetectable HBV-DNA (61.5% vs. 33.2%; p < 0.001), as compared to anti-HDV negative patients. HDV-RNA PCR was ordered in n = 21/28 (75.0%) of anti-HDV positive patients, and 76.2% had detectable HDV-RNA. Among viremic patients, 75% and 37.5% had significant fibrosis (≥ F2) or cirrhosis (F4), respectively. The prevalence of anti-HDV among HBsAg-positive patients is considerable in a large hospital located in Central Europe. Double reflex testing, i.e., anti-HDV being triggered by the presence of HBsAg and HDV-PCR bring triggered by the presence of anti-HDV, seems warranted to increase the diagnostic yield.

Inflammation and cholesterol associated residual cardiovascular risk and its dependence on chronic kidney disease in statin treated patients with coronary artery disease

Abstract Background/Aim In statin-treated patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) there is uncertainty about the relative contribution of inflammation and dyslipidaemia to residual cardiovascular risk, particularly in the presence of chronic kidney disease. We thus aimed to evaluate high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) as predictors of future events in these patients, stratified by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Methods We identified patients with CCS on stable statin treatment from a contemporary all-comers cohort recruited at a large tertiary care center in Germany. We excluded patients with active malignancy, infectious disease or in a post-operative state. Cox regression for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke) and all-cause death was performed adjusting for age, sex, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, active smoking, body mass index and change in the intensity of statin therapy at discharge, with log(hsCRP) or LDL-C as the exposure variables. Interaction with eGFR (&amp;lt; vs. ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73m²) was investigated. Results 937 patients with CCS (mean age 71.1 years, 78.7% male, median hsCRP 2.0 mg/L, median LDL-C 73.0 mg/dl, median eGFR 71.3 ml/min/1.73m²) were followed-up over 4 years, with 101 cases of MACE and 171 cases of all-cause death recorded. The hazard ratios (HR) for MACE per standard deviation (SD) increase were as follows: log(hsCRP) 1.08 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87, 1.34; p = 0.48), LDL-C 1.10 (95% CI 0.89, 1.35; p = 0.37). For all-cause death the HRs for log(hsCRP) and LDL-C were 1.60 (95% CI 1.36, 1.88; p &amp;lt;0.001) and 0.88 (95% CI 0.74, 1.04; p = 0.14), respectively. Kaplan-Meier curves stratifying the cohort by median values of LDL-C and hsCRP consistently demonstrated a significantly higher risk of death in the subgroups with elevated hsCRP (Figure 1). Contrastingly for LDL-C, levels below (vs. above) the median were associated with a higher mortality rate. This is in part a reflection of a higher prevalence of high-intensity statin therapy in this subgroup (21.0 vs. 14.2%, p = 0.0081), in turn a reflection of greater severity of coronary artery disease (history of myocardial infarction 43.9 vs. 31.9%, p &amp;lt;0.001). Further confounding by unadjusted for diseases with a catabolic metabolism is possible. Interaction analysis with eGFR revealed that log(hsCRP) was predictive of all-cause mortality both in the presence and absence of chronic kidney disease, whilst lower LDL-C values were found to be predictive only at eGFR &amp;lt;60 ml/min/1.73m² (Table 1). Conclusion Residual inflammation as measured by hsCRP predicts all-cause mortality in statin-treated patients with CCS in this contemporary all-comers cohort, both in the presence and absence of chronic kidney disease. The predictive utility of LDL-C is limited, likely due to confounding e.g. by the intensity of lipid lowering medication.Kaplan-Meier curves (all-cause death)Interaction analysis with eGFR

Machine-learning based calculator for personalized risk following ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Abstract Background Despite recent advancements in the management of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), a high risk for adverse events remains during the first year following the event. There are several risk scores which estimate the risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) following STEMI. However, the most established risk scores are not contemporary, their diagnostic accuracy ranges across populations, and they are far from being personalized. Purpose We aimed to develop a machine learning (ML)-based calculator to provide patients and physicians with a personalized prognostic tool based on modern-world data to determine outcomes for patients following STEMI. Our goal was to predict mortality within 1-year post-STEMI and contribute personalized recommendations to reduce the risk of events. Additionally, we aimed to have the calculator provide a personalized risk assessment for each independent variable. Methods We included patients from two large tertiary care centers in Israel and Italy. 2888 patients who suffered STEMI between the years of 2000 – 2020 were included in our training model. Our calculator leveraged CatBoost for supervised machine learning, utilizing gradient boosting on decision trees. The model was subsequently tested on 321 patients from the Israeli center and 132 patients from the Italian center. Results The calculator was able to accurately predict 1-year mortality (96.5% accuracy, ROC 0.97 in the Israeli center and 93.2% accuracy, ROC 0.89 in the Italian center). In the full cohort, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) post-STEMI demonstrated the strongest contribution towards predicted outcome with a mean Shapley value (SHAP) of 0.978, with lower EFs correlating to higher likelihood of one-year mortality (figures 1 and 2). Other strong contributing factors were identified, including glomerular filtration rate (GFR), age, and Killip classification, with mean SHAPs of 0.580, 0.571, and 0.563, respectively. Importantly, the algorithm was designed to also output a personalized assessment of risk for each patient based on their individual variables. Conclusion ML-derived STEMI calculators can determine which risk factors and variables provide highest predictive value in determining outcomes in a personalized manner. They can be leveraged for high-accuracy prognostication and provide guidance for physicians and patients after STEMI.

New-onset complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus is alleged to enable a proinflammatory state, that leads to the activation of the coagulation and the complement cascade. In this study, we aimed to establish the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with new onset of cTMA/aHUS in the Vienna TMA cohort and whether COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations would pose a greater risk of initial manifestation of cTMA/aHUS. We used the Vienna TMA cohort database to examine the prevalence of COVID-19 related and of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination-related aHUS/cTMA during the first 3 years of the COVID-19 pandemic in a large single-center cohort. Between March 2020 and May 2023, a total of 7 patients experienced their first aHUS/cTMA episode. No patient experienced a TMA relapse or more than one episode during the follow-up period. Three TMA episodes were attributable to either COVID-19 (n=1; 33%) or SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (n=2; 66%), respectively. All three patients had systemic signs of TMA and TMA was confirmed by kidney biopsy in all cases. Among the seven patients we recorded five infections that triggered one TMA episode (20%) and 19 vaccinations triggered two TMA episodes (10%; p=0.52, odds ratio 0.47; 95% CI 0.04-8.39). We speculate, that both SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations and COVID-19 episodes can represent a triggering factor for aHUS/cTMA episodes in (genetically) vulnerable individuals. However, COVID-19 might have a stronger association and might be a stronger trigger than the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. The incidence of new aHUS cases did not differ from the pre-pandemic era in a large tertiary care centre cohort.

A retrospective audit of audiology encounters in patients undergoing Cisplatin treatment at a large Australian tertiary cancer care centre.

To identify the number and timing of audiology encounters for adult oncology patients in a tertiary care setting in Australia. A retrospective case review was completed for 149 patients who received Cisplatin chemotherapy (CT) at a large, publicly funded tertiary hospital in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia between 1st January and 31st December 2019. Patient data was extracted from the Queensland Oncology Repository (QOR) provided by Cancer Alliance Queensland (CAQ). The number of audiology encounters was low overall with a median of 0 and interquartile range (IQR) of 0-1. Of the entire patient cohort, there was a mean of 1.2 encounters with 56% of patients not engaging with audiology. Where audiology did occur, encounters were most likely before or early in the CT treatment period. This study has demonstrated engagement with audiology services for patients undergoing CT treatment was limited with the few audiology engagements occurring before or early in the CT treatment period. Further research is needed to identify the barriers and facilitators to accessing audiological ototoxic monitoring (OtoM) during chemotherapy treatment in hospitals in Australia. Early identification of ototoxic hearing loss offers the opportunity to minimise further exposure to the ototoxic agent, minimise functional and communication impacts for the patient and provide early opportunity for discussion, education and counselling with patients, carers and their treating team. This, in turn, is expected to improve health related quality of life.

Outcomes of Single versus Sequential Vein Grafts in Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Insights from a Large Tertiary Care Center

BackgroundSaphenous venous grafts (SVG) remain the most widely used conduits in coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Data comparing outcomes of single saphenous venous grafting (SinCABG) versus sequential venous grafting (SeqCABG), however, are limited. MethodsBetween 2002 and 2012, 2,375 patients with 3-vessel coronary artery disease underwent isolated elective CABG at the Leipzig Heart Center with a left internal mammary artery graft to left anterior descending artery and ≥2 distal SVG anastomoses. Of these, 1,278 received ≥2 singular saphenous venous grafts (SinCABG) and 563 received ≥1 sequential saphenous vein grafts with >1 distal anastomoses (SeqCABG). The primary end point was long term survival. Secondary outcomes included short-term survival, early postoperative outcomes as well as early and late graft patency. ResultsAt 30-days, mortality was 1.3% following SinCABG as compared to 2.3% after SeqCABG (p=0.13). The postoperative complications rate did not differ between groups. Early postoperative coronary angiographies were performed in 127 patients (7%), while clinically indicated follow-up coronary angiographies were performed in 372 patients (20%) over a median follow up of 5 years (IQR 1.7-8.9). No differences in early or late patency rates were found between both grafting techniques (p=0.79 and p=0.39, respectively). The median duration of long-term clinical follow-up was 8.4 years (IQR 5.6-11.4). Long-term survival rates at 1, 5, 10 and 15 years in SinCABG versus SeqCABG were 95% versus 94%, 83% versus 82%, 63% versus 62%, and 47% versus 41%, respectively (p=0.22). ConclusionsShort and long-term mortality as well as early and late graft patency rates did not differ in patients undergoing SinCABG as compared to patients undergoing SeqCABG.

A Deeper Look at Office Hysteroscopy in Asymptomatic Postmenopausal Patients: indications and outcomes of 822 Cases.

Study ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the prevalence of malignancy and other endometrial pathologies in asymptomatic postmenopausal women referred for office hysteroscopy, identify main referral indications, and assess their relationship with the risk of malignancy.Secondary objectives included evaluating the association between ultrasound variables and malignancy risk and assessing procedure validity, which encompasses duration, feasibility and patient comfort during office hysteroscopy. DesignRetrospective analysis. SettingThe study was conducted at the Department of Gynecology, Division of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia's largest tertiary care center. ParticipantsThe cohort consisted of 822 asymptomatic postmenopausal women referred for office hysteroscopy, excluding those with postmenopausal bleeding within the last year. InterventionsParticipants underwent office hysteroscopy with or without biopsy. Measurements and Main ResultsThe main indication for hysteroscopy was ultrasound abnormalities alone, with remaining indications including a combination of ultrasound and clinical findings. Among the cohort, 97.4% exhibited benign findings, while 2.6% were diagnosed with cancer or precancerous lesions. The analysis revealed that patients with indications based on ultrasound and clinical findings suggestive of malignancy had a higher risk of malignancy compared to those with ultrasound alone. In 387 patients with documented ultrasound variables, inhomogeneous endometrial appearance (OR: 8.2, 95% CI: 2.4-27.9, p<0.001) and significant liquid content within the uterine cavity (OR: 10.2, 95% CI: 3.6-28.9, p<0.001) exhibited strong associations with malignancy. Analysis of the procedure revealed a high feasibility rate (87.8%), with a median duration of 13,7 minutes and a median VAS pain score after the procedure of 3/10. ConclusionsThe prevalence of endometrial cancer and precancerous lesions in asymptomatic postmenopausal patients is likely low, with most intrauterine pathologies being benign. Our study demises the utility of routine endometrial surveillance for this population in the absence of specific risk factors. A holistic approach, considering individualized assessments and factors beyond endometrial thickness, is crucial in interpreting ultrasonic findings.

The effectiveness of vedolizumab in advanced therapy-experienced ulcerative colitis patients: Real world data from the Inflammatory Bowel Disease of the Middle East (IBD-ME) Registry group.

Vedolizumab is an approved ulcerative colitis (UC) treatment. Multiple large randomized clinical trials have demonstrated the drug's efficacy and safety. However, real-world data from Middle Eastern countries are spare. The study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of vedolizumab (VDZ) therapy in advanced therapy experienced UC patients. A retrospective electronic chart review of a cohort study of 153 moderately to severely active UC patients who failed or were intolerant to TNF antagonists and received vedolizumab from two large tertiary care centers was performed. Rates of clinical response and remission were retrospectively evaluated at 3,6, and 12 months post VDZ therapy using Patient Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (P-SCCAI); clinical response was defined as a decrease in P-SCCAI ≥3, and clinical remission was defined as a P-SCCAI score of ≤3 points. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of response to vedolizumab. A total of 153 UC patients had sufficient data for analysis. Clinical remission rates were 61.9% for patients on vedolizumab every 8 weeks and 89.3% for those receiving every 4 (Q4) weeks dosing. A significant reduction in CRP and improvement of albumin post vedolizumab treatment were observed, and corticosteroids were stopped in most patients. In a multiple logistic regression analysis, several factors were found to influence the clinical effectiveness of VDZ in inducing remission. Female gender was associated with a higher likelihood of remission [OR =3.09, 95% CI = (1.05-9.13), P = 0.04]. Conversely, a greater number of biologics used prior to VDZ treatment was associated with a lower likelihood of remission [OR =0.418, 95% CI = (0.203-0.859), P = 0.017]. Patients with extensive disease (E3) had an increased likelihood of remission [OR =3.81, 95% CI = (1.32-10.97), P = 0.0129]. Additionally, a VDZ dosing frequency of Q4 weeks was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of remission [OR =6.08, 95% CI = (1.73-21.39), P = 0.0049]. No significant safety signals were reported. In this current real-world study, vedolizumab effectively achieved clinical response and remission in most advanced therapy experienced UC patients treated for up to 12 months. Future studies with larger sample sizes and more robust study designs should be conducted to further validate the results of this study.

Lost opportunities: the underutilization of castrate-resistant prostate cancer treatment in real-world settings.

Various treatment regimens are now available for metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). This work evaluates the real-world prescription patterns of CRPC in a large tertiary care center and the factors influencing them. Health records of 330 patients with de novo metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC), treated and progressed to CRPC between 2016 and 2020, were reviewed from a prospective uro-oncological database. We studied their demographics, medical co-morbidities, treatment utilization patterns before and after progression to CRPC, and survival outcomes. The median age was 74 years [interquartile range (IQR), 67-80 years] at diagnosis of CRPC. At CRPC, beyond androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) monotherapy, 70.3% (n=232) of patients received at least one additional line, 21.5% (n=71) received two lines, and 5.5% (n=18) received three lines of systemic treatments. As first-line treatment, novel hormonal agents (NHAs) were the most prescribed at 57.6% (n=190). The likelihood of receiving treatment was associated with age <65 years [odds ratio (OR) 2.08, P=0.01, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22-3.57] and lower Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score (OR: 2.62, P=0.04, 95% CI: 1.07-6.45), treatment intensification for HSPC (OR 2.45, P=0.04, 95% CI: 1.07-5.62) and primary physician being an oncologist (OR 1.59, P=0.04, 95% CI: 1.04-2.48). Patients who received additional treatment lines at CRPC had longer survival (median: 23 vs. 17 months, OR 1.72, P<0.01, 95% CI: 1.23-2.38). More than one in four patients do not receive any additional treatment line beyond ADT monotherapy and have worse survival outcomes. Health status, prescribing physician, and treatment at HSPC appear to affect prescription patterns at the CRPC stage.

Evaluating Patient Experience with Food in a Hospital-Wide Survey.

Purpose: Patient dissatisfaction with hospital food is an important driver of poor food intake in hospitals. The objective of this study was to examine patient satisfaction with current menu offerings and explore patient preferences and values, in order to inform a patient-centred menu redesign.Methods: Between July and September 2021, a cross-sectional survey was distributed to inpatients receiving a lunch tray at Vancouver General Hospital, a large tertiary care centre in Vancouver, Canada. The survey was based on the Acute Care Hospital Foodservice Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire, with additional questions on food experience, factors impacting preferences for hospital meals, interest in plant-rich diets, and demographics.Results: The response rate was 5.5%, with 271 patients completing at least part of the survey. On a 5-point Likert scale, (5 - highest score; 1 - lowest score) satisfaction with food quality (mean = 3.09, p < 0.001) and the overall experience (mean = 3.54, p < 0.001) was lower than industry benchmark of 4, and qualitative feedback was generally negative. Open-ended responses indicated patients were interested in expanded cultural diversity in food provision, more fresh produce and better flavours, and were generally open to trying plant-rich foods.Conclusions: A number of opportunities for improvement were identified in this survey, which will inform an upcoming menu redesign in this institution.

Umbilical Artery Doppler and Adverse Outcomes in Severe Preeclampsia Without Fetal Growth Restriction: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background and objective Severe preeclampsia may be managed expectantly before 34 weeks gestation with close surveillance.Utilized in fetal growth restriction (FGR), evidence supports umbilical artery (UA) Dopplerpreventing neonatal morbidity from hypertensive disease and predicting adverse outcomes in preeclampsia. We evaluated the association of abnormal UA Doppler waveforms with early delivery (before 34 weeks gestation) and adverse maternal-fetal outcomes in patients with early severe preeclampsia without FGR. Methodology This is a retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies with International Classification of Diseases (ICD) Ninth or Tenth Revision, defined severe preeclampsia diagnosed before 34 weeks gestation without FGR from January 1, 2018, through January 27, 2023, at a large tertiary care center where S/D ratios were calculated from UA Doppler interrogation of a free loop of cord at least once weekly. This study was approved by the IRB (ID:00002216) and granted a full Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) waiver of consent. Exclusion criteria were major congenital anomalies, congenital infection, aneuploidy, leaving against medical advice >24 hours, and patient instability on admission defined as condition(s) precluding expectant management by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The primary outcome was delivery before 34 weeks gestation. Secondary outcomes were the mode of delivery and maternal/fetal complications. Patient characteristics and outcomes for normal versus abnormal UA Doppler groups were compared with chi-square, t-tests, and Fisher's exact test. Odds ratios and relative risks were calculated to compare outcomes. Results Of 194 patients with severe preeclampsia, 107 met inclusion criteria. Thirty-four patients had abnormal UA Doppler studies. There were no differences in demographic and clinical data between patients with normal and abnormal UA Doppler studies. Patients with abnormal UA Doppler studies were more likely to deliver before 34 weeks (OR=3.91; 95%CI 1.24-12.33) for worsening severe features (OR=3.85; 95% CI 1.42-10.41), and were less likely to deliver vaginally (OR=0.12; 95% CI 0.03-0.54). Abnormal UA Doppler studies were associatedwith an increased risk of neonatal complications (OR=6.46; 95% CI 1.42-29.42) and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (OR=4.75; 95%CI 1.32-17.16). Abnormal UA Doppler subgroups were divided into patients with elevated S/D >95% Acharya (N=22) and absent end-diastolic flow (EDF) (N=10). The elevated S/D group tended to deliver before 34 weeks gestation for worsening severe features (OR=3.71, 95% CI 1.144-12.050) and had a higher risk of neonatal complications (RR 1.404; 95% CI 1.213-1.624). The absent EDF subgroup was more likely to deliver before 34 weeks (RR=1.52; 95%CI 1.29-1.79) for abnormal fetal testing (OR=6.92; 95%CI 1.71-28.08) and undergo primary cesarean delivery (OR=7.23; 95%CI 1.43-36.61). Conclusion Pregnancies with severe preeclampsia without FGR displayed a high incidence of abnormal UA Doppler waveforms associated with loss of clinical stability and adverse fetal outcomes. The groups with more impedance to umbilical artery flow tended to deliver earlier, and as the Doppler shifted from elevated S/D to absent end-diastolic flow, the mode of delivery shifted to cesarean delivery with increased risk of abnormal fetal testing. These results support the utility of UA Doppler surveillance in severe preeclampsia.

Bacteriocin production facilitates nosocomial emergence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium.

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) is a prevalent healthcare-acquired pathogen. Gastrointestinal colonization can lead to difficult-to-treat bloodstream infections with high mortality rates. Prior studies have investigated VREfm population structure within healthcare centers. However, little is known about how and why hospital-adapted VREfm populations change over time. We sequenced 710 healthcare-associated VREfm clinical isolates from 2017-2022 from a large tertiary care center as part of the Enhanced Detection System for Healthcare-Associated Transmission (EDS-HAT) program. Although the VREfm population in our center was polyclonal, 46% of isolates formed genetically related clusters, suggesting a high transmission rate. We compared our collection to 15,631 publicly available VREfm genomes spanning 20 years. Our findings describe a drastic shift in lineage replacement within nosocomial VREfm populations at both the local and global level. Functional and genomic analysis revealed, antimicrobial peptide, bacteriocin T8 may be a driving feature of strain emergence and persistence in the hospital setting.

Labyrinthectomy Improves Dizziness in Patients with Vestibular Schwannoma

Abstract Objective Dizziness is one of the most prevalent and debilitating symptoms associated with vestibular schwannoma (VS), and there are little data on contributing or alleviating factors in the perioperative setting. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether vestibular nerve sectioning or labyrinthectomy concomitant with surgical resection would improve dizziness in the postoperative period. Methods This is a retrospective study of a consecutive series of VS patients who underwent resection at a large tertiary care center between 2009 and 2023. Dizziness at 6 months was the primary endpoint, whereas facial nerve and hearing outcomes were secondary endpoints. Fisher's exact test was used to identify significant differences between categorical variables, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of dizziness as well as facial nerve and hearing outcomes. Results A total of 333 patients underwent resection of VS at our institution. There was no significant difference in binary reported dizziness based on surgical approach (p = 0.14). However, patients reported significantly less dizziness at discharge (p &lt; 0.01) as well as 6-month (p = 0.02) and 1-year (p &lt; 0.01) follow-up in the translabyrinthine group. On the other hand, patients who underwent labyrinth-sparing approaches reported a significant increase in dizziness that remained up to 1 year from the time of surgery. Conclusions Our data suggest that labyrinthectomy may improve dizziness symptoms in patients with VS. Selective VN sectioning does not appear to affect dizziness or hearing outcomes. Finally, surgical approach does not affect facial nerve outcomes.

Epidemiology of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales carriage in a paediatric tertiary health care centre of Ontario, Canada

Introduction: The epidemiology of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) in hospitalized children in low endemicity settings is not well known. We aim to describe it in a large tertiary paediatric health care centre in Canada. Methods: A repeated point-prevalence study including all inpatients was conducted at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, for surveillance purposes over 3 days serially in April 2017, April 2019, and April 2022. Patients in the emergency department and medical day units were excluded. Stools or rectal swabs were analyzed for CPE identification, with confirmatory testing at the provincial reference laboratory. Results: We detected CPE colonization in 0.4% (1/242), 0.7% (2/278), and 0.9% (2/220) of inpatients in 2017, 2019, and 2022, respectively. Identified CPE included OXA-48-like and NDM beta-lactamases in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. All patients with CPE colonization had a history of travel or hospitalization outside of Canada, including in the Middle East and Asia. Discussion: CPE colonization in children hospitalized in this Canadian hospital was detected. A history of prolonged travel or hospitalization outside of Canada are risk factors that should be considered in targeted screening programs.

The Impact of Intraoperative Glucagon on the Diagnostic Accuracy of Intraoperative Cholangiogram for the Diagnosis of Choledocholithiasis: Experience from a Large Tertiary Care Center.

A proportion of patients who undergo intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) do not have bile duct stones at the time of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), either due to the spontaneous passage of stones or a false-positive IOC. Glucagon has been utilized as an inexpensive tool to allow the passage of micro-choledocholithiasis to the duodenum and resolve filling defects caused by stones or air bubbles. The purpose of our study is to understand the change in diagnostic accuracy of IOC to detect choledocholithiasis with intraoperative glucagon. We conducted a retrospective study at a tertiary care center on adult patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with IOC. The diagnostic accuracy of IOC was assessed before and after the administration of intravenous glucagon. Of 1455 patients, 374 (25.7%) received intraoperative glucagon, and 103 of these 374 patients (27.5%) showed resolution of the filling defect with the passage of contrast to the duodenum. Pre- and post-glucagon administration comparison showed enhancement in specificity from 78% to 83%, an increase in positive predictive value from 67.3% to 72.4%, and an improvement in the diagnostic accuracy of IOC from 81.5% to 84.3%. Our findings suggest that intraoperative glucagon administration carries the potential to reduce the rate of false-positive IOCs, thereby reducing the performance of unnecessary ERCPs.

Comparative Analysis Of CCTA And ICA In Diagnosing Coronary Artery Disease: Insights From A Large Tertiary Care Center

Comparative Analysis Of CCTA And ICA In Diagnosing Coronary Artery Disease: Insights From A Large Tertiary Care Center

Hip Dysplasia in Patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: Unraveling an Underrecognized Condition

BackgroundCharcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) hip disease is poorly understood, in part because the associated neuropathy may obfuscate symptoms, and little data exist to guide management or potential screening programs. The purpose of this study was to report our CMT hip experience from a single large tertiary care institution. MethodsA retrospective review of all patients diagnosed with CMT disease was performed after approval from our center’s institutional review board. Patient demographic data were gathered from the electronic medical record. Patient presentation and physical exam findings were recorded, and all available radiographic imaging were reviewed for signs of hip pathology. When performed, details of surgical treatment were recorded. Descriptive statistics were performed to summarize pathology, characteristics, and procedural outcomes. ResultsWe identified 358 patients diagnosed with CMT, of which 96 patients (27%) had imaging of their hips. Of this subcohort, 20 (21%) had evidence of acetabular dysplasia (AD). This subcohort of CMT patients with confirmed AD was referred to orthopaedics at a mean age of 11 ± 6 years. Diagnosis of AD in CMT patients was most common between the ages of 10 and 16. Treatment often consisted of complete redirectional acetabular osteotomy. At a mean follow-up of 33 ± 28 months, symptomatic resolution was achieved in all but 2 hips (88%) with no significant complications. ConclusionsIn our series, the incidence of AD among CMT patients with hip imaging was 21%. CMT patients were diagnosed with AD at 11 ± 6 years old, most commonly between the ages of 10 and 16. While the clinical presentation and age at presentation were variable, surgery (typically a complete redirectional osteotomy ± femoral derotation osteotomy) was generally successful, with the majority of patients achieving symptomatic resolution and a low complication rate at final follow-up. Key Concepts(1)Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) hip disease is poorly understood.(2)This study sought to report the rate of diagnosis and management of acetabular dysplasia in a CMT pediatric patient population at a single large tertiary care center.(3)While clinical presentation and age were variable, surgery was generally successful in the management of CMT hips. Level of EvidenceLevel IV: case series

Association of Area Deprivation Index with Adherence to Proposed Regimen in Patients with Sarcoidosis in Detroit, Michigan.

Social predictors affect severity of sarcoidosis, with Black patients, older individuals, those with lower income, and those without insurance having greater severity. This study aimed to explore potential disparities affecting access to care in sarcoidosis patients with a primary focus on metrics such as area deprivation index (ADI) and its association with adherence to the proposed regimen. A retrospective chart review study of all patients seen in pulmonary clinics at a large urban tertiary care center over 2 years with sarcoidosis patients identified with International Classification of Diseases diagnosis code D86. Data collected included age, race, sex, ADI, insurance, online patient portal usage, chest x-rays, pulmonary function tests, missed visits, hospitalizations, positive biopsy, communication and visits around bronchoscopy. Categorical variables were described using frequency and percentage. Numerical variables were described using median, mean and standard deviation. Statistical analysis included chi-square test, two-sample T-test and Wilcoxon rank sum test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to model independent association with 12 month no-show occurrence as a metric of adherence to the proposed regimen. Among sarcoidosis patients (N = 788), univariate models showed the presence of active online patient portal use among younger patients (58.6 years with portal vs. 65.1 years without portal, p < 0.001), those with lower ADI (73 with portal vs. 92 without portal, p < 0.001) and with commercial insurance (48.5% with portal vs. 20.7% without portal, p < 0.001); more x-rays (45.6% with x-rays vs. 36.6% without x-rays, p = 0.018) and hospitalizations (50.3% with hospitalizations vs. 36.2% without hospitalizations, p < 0.001) in Medicare patients. Sarcoidosis patients with positive biopsies on file from 2013-2023 were more likely to be male (44.19% with positive biopsy vs. 33.91% without positive biopsy, p = 0.006), White (36.29% with positive biopsy vs. 22.9% without positive biopsy, p < 0.001) or other races (3.23% with positive biopsy vs. 2.25% without positive biopsy, p < 0.001), younger (55.8 years with positive biopsy vs. 61.7 years without positive biopsy, p < 0.001) and belonged to lower national ADI ranks (73 with positive biopsy vs. 80 without biopsy, p = 0.041). A multivariate analysis was done with those variables found to be significant in the univariate analyses, which revealed that higher ADI national was associated with failure to adhere to the proposed regimen. We identified intricate patterns of sociodemographic variables affecting access to care in sarcoidosis patients, especially higher ADI national associated with failure to adhere to the proposed regimen, raising concerns for potential healthcare barriers. Understanding these barriers is vital for equitable high-quality care, assisting in timely and efficient management of the patient's disease.

Delayed Burr Hole Evacuation Compared With Acute Craniotomy for Acute Subdural Hematoma in Older Patients With Low-Energy Trauma.

Background Acute subdural hematomas commonly require emergent surgical decompression by craniotomy. There is currently limited research on alternative surgical strategies in the elderly population. This study investigates delayed surgical intervention for stable patients with low-energy trauma presenting with acute subdural hematomas. Methodology In this retrospective chart review, 45 patients over the age of 55 presenting with acute subdural hematomas with a Glasgow Coma Scale score greater than or equal to 13 in the setting of low-energy trauma were selected. Additionally, includedpatients had a maximal hematoma thickness of >10 mm and/or a midline shift size of >5 mm per the current Brain Trauma Foundations guidelines for surgical intervention of subdural hematomas. The study was performed at a large tertiary care center, with records being examined from 1995 to 2020. Comparison groups were immediate craniotomy (within 24 hours) or delayed burr hole (minimum of 48 hours passing since the initial presentation). Primary outcomes included minor complications, major complications, any complications, and any complications with mortality excluded. There was no significant difference in mortality between the two cohorts. Results The immediate craniotomy group consisted of 16 patients, while the delayed burr hole group consisted of 29 patients. The results demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the incidence of any complication including mortality (relative risk (RR) = 3.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.71-5.88, p < 0.0001), major complications (RR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.07-5.07, p = 0.031), and minor complications (RR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.02-5.74, p = 0.041) in the immediate craniotomy group compared to the delayed burr hole group. Conclusions Our study demonstrates the decreased risk of major and minor complications for delayed burr hole evacuation in stable patients >55 years old presenting with low-energy trauma and subdural hematoma. The results suggest that for this population of patients, it appears to be beneficial to delay surgery if the patient's clinical situation allows.

To evaluate the complication and patency rate of superficial femoral vein transposition in tertiary care center.

When all access options in the upper extremity have been exhausted, an autologous access can be created in lower extremity. The purpose of this study is to report our experience with superficial femoral vein transposition (SFVT) results in terms of postoperative complication and patency rate. In the time period from January 1, 2019 to April 30, 2021, thirty-five cases of SFVT performed at our large tertiary care center Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT). All patients had exhausted upper arm veins or had central vein obstructions. Medical records of all patients were traced, patients were interviewed using a standard proforma and evaluated the current AVF function in the OPD clinic or by telephone calls. Data including demographics and postoperative complications were collected. Thirty-nine cases of SFVT performed at our institute. Three were immediately lost to follow up so they were excluded from the study. Mean patient age was 30 ± 13.4 years. Most of our patients were females (57%) and 15 males (43%) with an average age of 29.05 years. The most common underlying renal diseasewas unknown in 16 (45%).Thirty-five patients included in the analysis; out of which primary failure observed in 4 patients, three patients were expired before fistula maturation and 3 were expired before 6 months. The remaining 25 fistulas patency rates were estimated. No any patient died due to fistulas related complication; patients died due to their primary disease. Our study shows that with appropriate patient selection, SFVT have low infection rates and patency that is comparable with other access types.