Median Number Of Days Research Articles

Prevalence, Characteristics, and Treatment Pattern of Menstrual-Related Headache Among Undergraduate Health Sciences Students at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia

Prevalence, Characteristics, and Treatment Pattern of Menstrual-Related Headache Among Undergraduate Health Sciences Students at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia

Tracheal Stenosis in Open Versus Percutaneous Tracheostomy.

This study aims to investigate if there is an increased risk of developing tracheal stenosis after tracheostomy with an open versus percutaneous tracheostomy. The patient cohort included patients receiving open or percutaneous tracheostomies at Catholic Health Initiatives Midwest facilities from January 2017 to June 2023. The primary aim was to compare the differences in the risk of developing tracheal stenosis between open and percutaneous tracheostomy techniques. Between-technique differences in the risk of developing tracheal stenosis were assessed via a Cox proportional hazard model. To account for death precluding patients from developing tracheal stenosis, death was considered a competing risk. A total of 828 patients met inclusion criteria (61.7% open, 38.3% percutaneous); 2.5% (N = 21) developed tracheal stenosis. The median number of days to develop tracheal stenosis was 84 (interquartile range: 60 to 243, range: 6 to 739). Tracheal stenosis was more frequent in patients who received a percutaneous tracheostomy (percutaneous: 3.5% vs. open: 2.0%); however, the risk of developing tracheal stenosis was statistically similar between open and percutaneous techniques (HR: 2.05, 95% CI: 0.86-4.94, p = 0.108). This study demonstrates no significant difference in the development of tracheal stenosis when performing an open versus a percutaneous tracheostomy. Tracheal stenosis is a long-term complication of tracheostomy and should not influence the decision about the surgical technique used.

Effect of Early vs Late Inguinal Hernia Repair on Serious Adverse Event Rates in Preterm Infants

Inguinal hernia repair in preterm infants is common and is associated with considerable morbidity. Whether the inguinal hernia should be repaired prior to or after discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit is controversial. To evaluate the safety of early vs late surgical repair for preterm infants with an inguinal hernia. A multicenter randomized clinical trial including preterm infants with inguinal hernia diagnosed during initial hospitalization was conducted between September 2013 and April 2021 at 39 US hospitals. Follow-up was completed on January 3, 2023. In the early repair strategy, infants underwent inguinal hernia repair before neonatal intensive care unit discharge. In the late repair strategy, hernia repair was planned after discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit and when the infants were older than 55 weeks' postmenstrual age. The primary outcome was occurrence of any prespecified serious adverse event during the 10-month observation period (determined by a blinded adjudication committee). The secondary outcomes included the total number of days in the hospital during the 10-month observation period. Among the 338 randomized infants (172 in the early repair group and 166 in the late repair group), 320 underwent operative repair (86% were male; 2% were Asian, 30% were Black, 16% were Hispanic, 59% were White, and race and ethnicity were unknown in 9% and 4%, respectively; the mean gestational age at birth was 26.6 weeks [SD, 2.8 weeks]; the mean postnatal age at enrollment was 12 weeks [SD, 5 weeks]). Among 308 infants (91%) with complete data (159 in the early repair group and 149 in the late repair group), 44 (28%) in the early repair group vs 27 (18%) in the late repair group had at least 1 serious adverse event (risk difference, -7.9% [95% credible interval, -16.9% to 0%]; 97% bayesian posterior probability of benefit with late repair). The median number of days in the hospital during the 10-month observation period was 19.0 days (IQR, 9.8 to 35.0 days) in the early repair group vs 16.0 days (IQR, 7.0 to 38.0 days) in the late repair group (82% posterior probability of benefit with late repair). In the prespecified subgroup analyses, the probability that late repair reduced the number of infants with at least 1 serious adverse event was higher in infants with a gestational age younger than 28 weeks and in those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (99% probability of benefit in each subgroup). Among preterm infants with inguinal hernia, the late repair strategy resulted in fewer infants having at least 1 serious adverse event. These findings support delaying inguinal hernia repair until after initial discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01678638.

Antibiotic Prescribing Patterns for Urinary Tract Infections and Pneumonia by Prescriber Type and Specialty in Nursing Home Care, 2016–2018

ObjectiveTo identify whether differences in antibiotic prescribing practices by prescriber type and specialization in nursing home (NH) care exist for urinary tract infection (UTI) and pneumonia. DesignRetrospective cohort. Setting and ParticipantsThis national study included antibiotic dispensings to traditional Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 years with UTI or pneumonia infections residing long-term (≥100 days) in US NHs between 2016 and 2018. MethodsMinimum Data Set assessment data were linked to Medicare data [Part D prescription drug, inpatient hospital (MedPAR), prescriber characteristics, and enrollment]. We compared antibiotic prescribing patterns by prescriber type [physician vs advanced practice practitioner (AP)] and NH specialization (≥90% vs <90% of all associated medication dispensings to NH residents). Antibiotic dispensing measures included the total number of dispensings and duration of therapy (median number of days supplied) by antibiotic class. ResultsThere were 264,735 antibiotic dispensings prescribed by 32,437 prescribers for 140,360 residents in 14,035 NHs. NH specialists were less likely to prescribe fluoroquinolones for UTI (22.9% NH specialist physician, 23.9% non-NH specialist physician, 21.3% NH specialist AP, 24.2% non-NH specialist AP), but more likely to prescribe fluoroquinolones for pneumonia (38.9%, 37.8%, 38.8%, 37.3%, respectively). Over time, NH specialists reduced fluoroquinolone prescribing for pneumonia to a greater extent than non-NH specialists. The duration of therapy was similar across prescriber groups for UTI, but longer among non-NH specialist APs for several antibiotic classes for pneumonia, including tetracyclines, glycopeptides and lipoglycopeptides, and metronidazole. Conclusions and ImplicationsThere were differences in antibiotic prescribing patterns by prescriber type and specialization in NH care between 2016 and 2018. Understanding how antibiotic prescribing differs based on prescriber characteristics is essential to inform antibiotic stewardship efforts. Tailoring antibiotic stewardship efforts to prescribers by NH specialization is rational given differences in antibiotic prescribing patterns based on NH specialization.

Persistent ADAMTS13 inhibitor delays recovery of ADAMTS13 activity in caplacizumab-treated Japanese patients with iTTP

AbstractFor patients with immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP), caplacizumab, a nanobody against von Willebrand factor A1 domain, has become crucial. Delayed normalization of ADAMTS13 activity during caplacizumab therapy has been identified. In a retrospective analysis, we compared platelet count, ADAMTS13 activity, its inhibitor, and anti-ADAMTS13 immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels in acute iTTP cases treated with caplacizumab (n = 14) or without it (n = 16). The median time from initial therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) to the first rituximab administration was 12 days in the caplacizumab group (n = 11) and 10 days in the group without caplacizumab (n = 13). We evaluated ADAMTS13-related parameters at onset and once a week until day 28 after the first TPE. The number of days until the platelet counts reached ≥150 × 109/L was significantly shorter in the caplacizumab group than in the non-caplacizumab group. The median ADAMTS13 activity levels on days 14, 21, and 28 were significantly lower in the caplacizumab group. The median titers of the ADAMTS13 inhibitor and anti-ADAMTS13 IgG on the same days were significantly higher in the caplacizumab group. Furthermore, the median number of days from the first TPE until finally achieving an ADAMTS13 activity of ≥10% was significantly longer in the caplacizumab group than in the non-caplacizumab group (42 vs 23 days, P = .014). We observed delayed ADAMTS13 activity recovery and continued inhibitor and anti-ADAMTS13 IgG detection in patients with acute iTTP on caplacizumab, possibly because of the decreased number of TPEs and delayed frontline rituximab.

Reporting of tumor lysis syndrome with targeted therapy for hepatic cancer in the FDA adverse events reporting system

ABSTRACT Background Hepatic cancer is a common cancer in clinical practice. Current drug therapies for this condition include targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is the most serious complication of oncology treatment. According to the literature, several cases reported TLS occurred with targeted therapies for hepatic cancer. Methods Reporting odds ratio and information component were used to measure the disproportionate signals for TLS associated with targeted therapies, using data from the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). A stepwise sensitivity analysis was conducted to test the robustness of signals. Time-to-onset analysis was used to describe the latency of TLS events associated with targeted therapies. The Bradford Hill criteria were used to perform a global assessment of the evidence. Results Sorafenib, lenvatinib, cabozantinib, and bevacizumab showed higher disproportionate signals for TLS than chemotherapy. The median number of days to TLS occurrence after drug therapy was 5.5, 6.5, and 6.5 days for sorafenib, lenvatinib, and bevacizumab, respectively. Conclusions There is a significant association between tumor lysis syndrome and targeted therapies for hepatic carcinoma, with particularly strong signals for sorafenib and lenvatinib. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for tumor lysis syndrome in targeted therapies for hepatic carcinoma.

Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Quetiapine in the Treatment of Delirium in Adult ICU Patients: A Retrospective Comparative Study

Background: Quetiapine is commonly prescribed off-label to manage delirium in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. However, limited studies comparing its efficacy and safety to those of other antipsychotics exist in the literature. Method: A retrospective, single-center chart review study was conducted on adults admitted to the ICU between January 2017 and August 2022, who were diagnosed with delirium and treated with a single antipsychotic and had no neurological medical conditions, active alcohol withdrawal, or prior use of antipsychotics. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 28, with p-values of &lt;0.05 indicating statistical significance. Results: In total, 47 patients were included, of whom 22 (46.8%), 19 (40.4%), 4 (8.5%), and 2 (4.3%) were on quetiapine, haloperidol, risperidone, and olanzapine, respectively. The median number of hours needed to resolve delirium were 12 (21.5), 23 (28), 13 (13.75), and 36 (10) (p = 0.115) for quetiapine, haloperidol, risperidone, and olanzapine, respectively, with haloperidol being used for a significantly shorter median number of days than quetiapine (3 (2.5) days vs. 7.5 (11.5) days; p = 0.007). Of the medication groups, only quetiapine-treated patients received a significantly higher median maintenance compared to the initiation dose (50 (50) mg vs. 50 (43.75) mg; p = 0.039). For the length of stay in the ICU and hospital, delirium-free days, % of ICU time spent in delirium, ventilator-free days, the difference between the highest and baseline QTc intervals, and ICU and hospital mortalities, no significant difference was observed between the groups. Conclusions: Overall, the use of quetiapine in our retrospective study seems to not be advantageous over the other drugs in terms of efficacy and safety outcomes.

A Real-World Prospective Study of the Effectiveness and Safety of Automated Insulin Delivery Compared With Other Modalities of Type 1 Diabetes Treatment During Ramadan Intermittent Fasting.

To compare the fasting experience and glycemic control during Ramadan among people with type 1 diabetes (PWT1D) who use automated insulin delivery (AID) versus other modalities of treatment. A total of 294 PWT1D who attempted fasting during Ramadan in 2022 were categorized on the basis of treatment modality into one of five groups: 1) AID (n = 62); 2) conventional pump + continuous glucose monitoring (CGM; n = 37); 3) pump + self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG; n = 8); 4) multiple daily injections (MDI) + CGM (n = 155); and 5) MDI + SMBG (n = 32). Predictors of fasting most days of Ramadan (i.e., breaking fast ≤2 days because of diabetes) were analyzed using uni- and multivariable logistic regression. The median numbers of days when fasting was broken because of diabetes were 2, 5, 3, 3.5, and 2.5 for AID, conventional pump + CGM, MDI + CGM, pump + SMBG, and MDI + SMBG users, respectively (P = 0.047). Users of AID had a significantly greater time in range (TIR) and lower glycemia risk index, time below range, and time above range compared with users of conventional pumps and MDI (both P < 0.05). Likewise, 53% of AID users attained the double target of 1) breaking fast ≤2 days because of diabetes and 2) maintaining TIR ≥70% during Ramadan compared with only 3% of the conventional pump users and 44% of the MDI + CGM users (both P < 0.05). Compared with MDI + CGM users, AID users were twice as likely to complete fasting most days of Ramadan. Use of AID is associated with the highest rates of fasting and best glycemic control during Ramadan fasting.

The impact of a pancreatic cancer multi-disciplinary clinic on patient-centric outcomes.

641 Background: A one-day multi-disciplinary clinic allows for a comprehensive evaluation of patients in a single-visit format. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a one-day pancreatic cancer multi-disciplinary clinic (PMDC) on patient-centric outcomes. Methods: Patients with pancreatic cancer who were seen at The Ohio State University PMDC from January 2021 to March 2023 were identified. Patient-centric outcomes were evaluated including time from diagnosis to first evaluation and treatment, number of supportive care referrals completed, and number of physical trips to the medical center leading up to the first treatment. Outcomes were compared to pancreatic cancer patients seen in the year prior to the opening of the PMDC (non-PMDC). Results: Among the 139 PMDC and 141 non-PMDC patients, the median number of days between referral and treatment initiation was similar (PMDC: 33 days (IQR: 22, 44) vs. non-PMDC: 32 days (IQR: 23, 42); p &gt;0.9). The median time between diagnosis and treatment initiation was also similar (PMDC: 28 days (IQR: 19, 37) vs. non-PMDC: 30 days (IQR: 21, 37); p=0.4). Of note, PMDC patients received more supportive care visits within 30 days of diagnosis (PMDC: 2 (IQR: 1, 2) vs. non-PMDC: 0 (IQR: 0, 1) ; p &lt;0.001) and completed more visits with cancer providers (PMDC: 7 (IQR: 6, 8) vs. non-PMDC: 5 (IQR: 4, 7); p &lt;0.001) compared with non-PMDC patients. In addition, PMDC patients also required fewer physical trips to the medical center (PMDC: 4 (IQR: 3, 5) vs. non-PMDC: 4 (IQR: 3, 6); p &lt;0.001). Conclusions: Pancreatic cancer patients seen in a one-day multi-disciplinary clinic attend a greater number of coordinated appointments and receive more supportive care services with fewer physical trips to the medical center compared with patients not seen in a PMDC clinic. Future studies should focus on the long-term patient-centric benefits of a multi-disciplinary approach for cancer patients.

Efficacy and safety of negative wound pressure in the treatment of surgical complications after radical cystectomy: a retrospective cohort study

Background: Negative pressure wound treatment (NPWT) is a relatively new, but promising method for management of surgical site infection (SSI). The literature data on the use of NPWT for complications in oncology surgery, and after radical cystectomy (RC) in particular, is scarce.&#x0D; Aim: To evaluate the short-term results of NPWT dressings in the management of SSI after RC.&#x0D; Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 446 patients who had RC with various uroderivation types in the Department of Oncourology of the N. N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology from January 2012 to December 2021. A total of 62 cases of SSI emerging up to day 30 after RC were identified with complete data. Thirty six (36) cases of SSI were managed according to standard procedures, and 26 patients with SSI were treated with NPWT (VivanoTec® S 042) at constant negative pressure mode. The physical condition of the patients before RC was assessed according to the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classification, and the severity of the patient's condition at SSI diagnosis within APACHE II scale. The following parameters were also analyzed: body mass index, median number of days in the hospital, number of program wound sanitations (surgical debridement) or frequency of changing NPWT dressings, changes over time in C-reactive protein and leukocyte index of intoxication, and events of clinical interest (intestinal fistulas and lateralization of the median wound margins, hernias).&#x0D; Results: Most cases of post-RC SSIs were identified in men (57/62, 91.93%). The standard management and NPWT study groups were well balanced for age, body mass index, and ASA physical status. The median time from the first surgical debridement of the wound to its closure was significantly shorter in the standard surgical management group: 4 days (0; 8.75) versus 8.5 days (3.25; 12.0) in the NPWT group (p = 0.026). However, this did not negatively affect the length of hospitalization (28.08 ± 12.80 and 30.03 ± 16.27 days, respectively, p = 0.599). The 30-day mortality rates were not significantly different between the groups (p = 0.137). In our series with NPWT dressings, there were no cases of intestinal fistulas in the early and late postoperative periods.&#x0D; Conclusion: Negative pressure wound treatment is a safe and effective method of SSI management. It is not inferior to the generally accepted treatment standard with surgical wound debridement, staged sanitations or dressings. NPWT dressings allow for early primary muscular-fascial closure of the abdominal cavity and does not increase the duration of hospital stay, postoperative death rates and the risk of intestinal fistulas.

Diagnostic pathways and treatment strategies in upper tract urothelial carcinoma in Sweden between 2015 and 2021: a population-based survey.

To report national data on diagnostics and treatment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) from the Swedish National Registry of Urinary Bladder Cancer (SNRUBC). Data from 2015 to 2021 were retrieved, and descriptive analyses were performed regarding incidence, diagnostic modalities, preoperative tumor staging, quality indicators for treatment including the use of standardized care pathways (SCP) and multidisciplinary tumor boards (MDTB). Time trends were explored for the study period. Registrations included 1,213 patients with renal pelvic cancer and 911 patients with ureteric cancer with a median age of 74 (interquartile range [IQR] 70-77) and 75 (IQR 71-78) years, respectively. Incidence rates of UTUC were stable, as were proportions of curative treatment intent. Median number of days from referral to treatment was 76 (IQR 57-99) and 90 (IQR 72-118) days, respectively, for tumors of the renal pelvis and ureter, which remained unchanged after introduction of SCP in 2016. Noticeable trends included stable use of kidney-sparing surgery and increased use of MDTB. For radical nephroureterectomy (RNU), robot-assisted technique usage increased even for non-organ-confined tumors (cT3-4) and in one out of three patients undergoing RNU a bladder cuff excision was not registered. The population-based SNRUBC with high coverage contributes to the knowledge about UTUC with granular and generalizable data. The present study reveals a high proportion of patients not subjected to curatively intended treatment and suggests unmet needs to shorten lead times to treatment and use of bladder cuff excision when performing radical surgery for UTUC in Sweden.

Autopsy findings in cases of fatal COVID-19 vaccine-induced myocarditis.

COVID-19 vaccines have been linked to myocarditis, which, in some circumstances, can be fatal. This systematic review aims to investigate potential causal links between COVID-19 vaccines and death from myocarditis using post-mortem analysis. We performed a systematic review of all published autopsy reports involving COVID-19 vaccination-induced myocarditis through 3 July 2023. All autopsy studies that include COVID-19 vaccine-induced myocarditis as a possible cause of death were included. Causality in each case was assessed by three independent physicians with cardiac pathology experience and expertise. We initially identified 1691 studies and, after screening for our inclusion criteria, included 14 papers that contained 28 autopsy cases. The cardiovascular system was the only organ system affected in 26 cases. In two cases, myocarditis was characterized as a consequence from multisystem inflammatory syndrome. The mean age of death was 44.4years old. The mean and median number of days from last COVID-19 vaccination until death were 6.2 and 3days, respectively. We established that all 28 deaths were most likely causally linked to COVID-19 vaccination by independent review of the clinical information presented in each paper. The temporal relationship, internal and external consistency seen among cases in this review with known COVID-19 vaccine-induced myocarditis, its pathobiological mechanisms, and related excess death, complemented with autopsy confirmation, independent adjudication, and application of the Bradford Hill criteria to the overall epidemiology of vaccine myocarditis, suggests that there is a high likelihood of a causal link between COVID-19 vaccines and death from myocarditis.

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales in Children at 18 US Health Care System Study Sites: Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology From a Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study.

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are an urgent public health threat in the United States. Describe the clinical and molecular epidemiology of CRE in a multicenter pediatric cohort. CRACKLE-1 and CRACKLE-2 are prospective cohort studies with consecutive enrollment of hospitalized patients with CRE infection or colonization between 24 December 2011 and 31 August 2017. Patients younger than age 18 years and enrolled in the CRACKLE studies were included in this analysis. Clinical data were obtained from the electronic health record. Carbapenemase genes were detected using polymerase chain reaction and whole-genome sequencing. Fifty-one children were identified at 18 healthcare system study sites representing all U.S. census regions. The median age was 8 months, with 67% younger than age 2 years. Median number of days from admission to culture collection was 11. Seventy-three percent of patients had required intensive care and 41% had a history of mechanical ventilation. More than half of children had no documented comorbidities (Q1, Q3 0, 2). Sixty-seven percent previously received antibiotics during their hospitalization. The most common species isolated were Enterobacter species (41%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (27%), and Escherichia coli (20%). Carbapenemase genes were detected in 29% of isolates tested, which was lower than previously described in adults from this cohort (61%). Thirty-four patients were empirically treated on the date of culture collection, but only 6 received an antibiotic to which the CRE isolate was confirmed susceptible in vitro. Thirty-day mortality was 13.7%. CRE infection or colonization in U.S. children was geographically widespread, predominantly affected children younger than age 2 years, associated with significant mortality, and less commonly caused by carbapenemase-producing strains than in adults.

Assessment of anti-Müllerian hormone levels as a reproductive indicator in Japanese Black cattle.

The size of the ovarian reserve, an indicator of the number of primordial follicles, varies widely among individuals, and declines with age. However, the association between the ovarian reserve and fertility remains unclear. Therefore, in the present study, we analyzed the relationship between plasma concentrations of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a marker of ovarian reserve, and reproductive outcomes in Japanese Black cattle. AMH level quartiles were positively associated with pregnancy following artificial insemination (AI), and the median number of days to pregnancy in Q4 (13 days, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 7-18 days) was significantly shorter than that in Q1 (21 days, 95% CI = 15-46 days). The odds ratio for the predicted pregnancy rate by logistic regression analysis in Q4 (4.06, 95% CI = 1.54-10.67) was also significantly higher than that in Q1. Plasma AMH concentrations were significantly higher in summer (June-August) than in winter (December-February). Furthermore, a strong correlation (r = 0.829, P < 0.001) was observed between plasma AMH concentrations at 2 and 14 months of age. Calves with plasma AMH concentrations of > 700 pg/ml at 2 months old showed a transient increase and maximum AMH concentration within 5 months of birth. Overall, the results of this study indicate that the plasma AMH concentration serves as a predictive marker for the probability of conception following AI in Japanese Black cattle. The current findings contribute to the reliable assessment of AMH production and the early prediction of reproductive performance in sexually mature heifers.

Rifaximin Treatment of Collagenous Colitis: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Introduction: Collagenous colitis (CC) is a disabling disease primarily affecting elderly women. Sparse, well-documented treatment modalities exist, except for budesonide. Long-term and repetitive treatment with budesonide is often necessary. Rifaximin is a poorly absorbed antibiotic with a positive modulatory effect on gut microbiota. In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled single-centre trial, we test the effect of adding rifaximin in continuation to budesonide on relapse rates in CC. Methods: Eligible patients with active, biopsy-verified CC received oral budesonide during a 6-week open-label induction phase. Patients in clinical remission after 4 weeks of treatment were randomised to receive either rifaximin or placebo for 4 weeks. Results: Fifteen patients were randomised to receive either rifaximin (n = 7) or placebo (n = 8). At 12-week follow-up, 2 patients in the rifaximin group were still in remission and none in the placebo group (p = 0.2). The median number of days in remission in the rifaximin group was 42 (interquartile range [IQR] 33–126) compared to 18.5 (IQR 10.5–51.5) in the placebo group (p = 0.189). At 12-week follow-up, the relapse rate per 100 person-days in the placebo group was higher (3.25 [1.40–6.41]) than in the rifaximin group (1.33 [0.43–3.10]). Conclusion: Although not statistically significant (p = 0.0996), the study suggests a potential improvement in relapse rates within the rifaximin group compared to the placebo group. A major limitation in the study is the small sample size.

Radiology weather forecast: A retrospective analysis of predictability of median daily polytrauma-CT occurrence based on weather data

ObjectivesResource planning is a crucial component in hospitals, particularly in radiology departments. Since weather conditions are often described to correlate with emergency room visits, we aimed to forecast the amount of polytrauma-CTs using weather information. DesignAll polytrauma-CTs between 01/01/2011 and 12/31/2022 (n = 6638) were retrieved from the radiology information system. Local weather data was downloaded from meteoblue.com. The data was normalized and smoothened. Daily polytrauma-CT occurrence was stratified into below median and above median number of daily polytrauma-CTs.Logistic regression and machine learning algorithms (neural network, random forest classifier, support vector machine, gradient boosting classifier) were employed as prediction models. Data from 2012 to 2020 was used for training, data from 2021 to 2022 for validation. ResultsMore polytrauma-CTs were acquired in summer compared with winter months, demonstrating a seasonal change (median: 2.35; IQR 1.60–3.22 vs. 2.08; IQR 1.36–3.03; p <.001).Temperature (rs = 0.45), sunshine duration (rs = 0.38) and ultraviolet light amount (rs = 0.37) correlated positively, wind velocity (rs = -0.57) and cloudiness (rs = -0.28) correlated negatively with polytrauma-CT occurrence (all p <.001).The logistic regression model for identification of days with above median number of polytrauma-CTs achieved an accuracy of 87 % on training data from 2011 to 2020.When forecasting the years 2021–2022 an accuracy of 65 % was achieved. A neural network and a support vector machine both achieved a validation accuracy of 72 %, whereas all classifiers regarded wind velocity and ultraviolet light amount as the most important parameters. ConclusionIt is possible to forecast above or below median daily number of polytrauma-CTs using weather data. Clincical Relevance statementPrediction of polytrauma-CT examination volumes may be used to improve resource planning.

Stopping antibacterial prophylaxis in pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: An internal audit.

Antibacterial prophylaxis in children and adolescents undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is controversial and not recommended by international guidelines. We analyzed relevant posttransplant outcomes following discontinuation of antibacterial prophylaxis at a major European pediatric transplant center. The single-center retrospective audit included all pediatric allogeneic HCT patients (pts) transplanted between 2011 and 2020 before (≤2014) and after (≥2015) stopping routine antibacterial prophylaxis with penicillin, metronidazole, and ciprofloxacin upon start of the conditioning regimen. The primary endpoint was overall survival until the first hospital discharge. Secondary endpoints included the occurrence of fever; bacterial infections; and cumulative days with antibacterial agents until discharge. A total of 257 HCT procedures were performed in 249 pts (median age: 10 years, range, 0.2-22.5) for leukemia/lymphoma (n = 150) and nonmalignant disorders (n = 107). Of these, 104 procedures were performed before (cohort 1) and 153 after (cohort 2) stopping prophylaxis. Overall survival until discharge was 90.4% in cohort 1 and 96.1% in cohort 2 (p = .06). No differences were observed in the occurrence of fever (92.3vs. 94.1%; p = .57) and bacterial infections (34.6vs. 25.5%; p = .11). The median number of days on antibacterial agents was significantly lower in cohort 2 (39vs. 34; p = .002). Detection rates of resistant organisms were overall low. In this single-center audit, the stop of routine antibacterial prophylaxis had no effect on the occurrence of fever, bacterial infections, resistant organisms, and GVHD. Overall antibiotic use was significantly reduced, and survival was noninferior to the historical control cohort.

Tube cystostomy is effective for urinary outflow management in dogs with intervertebral disk extrusion and ischemic myelopathy cranial to the L3 spinal cord segment: 61 dogs (2018-2022).

To describe the application and owner experience of tube cystostomy for management of upper motor neuron urinary bladder dysfunction secondary to intervertebral disk extrusion (IVDE) or ischemic myelopathy, and to report complications associated with cystostomy tube management. 61 dogs. Medical records of dogs with IVDE or ischemic myelopathy cranial to the L3 spinal cord segment that underwent tube cystostomy placement via a short, caudal ventral midline celiotomy were reviewed. Days from tube placement to hospital discharge, days from placement to tube removal, and complications were recorded. An owner questionnaire was distributed to ascertain ease of use and perceived time commitment. 58 dogs were diagnosed with IVDE, and 3 dogs were diagnosed with ischemic myelopathy. The modal neurologic grade at cystostomy tube placement was 4 (range, 3 to 5). The median number of days from cystostomy tube placement to hospital discharge was 1 (range, 0 to 3). Follow-up data was available for 56 dogs. The median number of days from cystostomy tube placement until removal was 19 (range, 3 to 74). Fifteen minor and 6 severe postoperative complications were reported, mainly inadvertent removal (n = 11) and peristomal urine leakage (6). Twenty-seven owners responded to the questionnaire and primarily reported that cystostomy tube use was easy (22/27) and perceived time commitment was low or minimal (20/27). Tube cystostomy facilitates early hospital discharge and allows at-home, extended urinary management in dogs recovering from upper motor neuron urinary bladder dysfunction secondary to IVDE or ischemic myelopathy. This technique is simple for owners to use.

Efficacy and viral dynamics of tecovirimat in patients with MPOX: A multicenter open-label, double-arm trial in Japan

IntroductionTecovirimat's application in treating mpox remains under-researched, leaving gaps in clinical and virological understanding. MethodsThe Tecopox study in Japan evaluated the efficacy and safety of tecovirimat in patients with smallpox or mpox, who were divided into oral tecovirimat and control groups. Patients with mpox enrolled between June 28, 2022, and April 30, 2023, were included. Demographic and clinical details along with blood, urine, pharyngeal swab, and skin lesion samples were gathered for viral analysis. A multivariable Tobit regression model was employed to identify factors influencing prolonged viral detection. ResultsNineteen patients were allocated to the tecovirimat group, and no patients were allocated to the control group. The median age was 38.5 years, and all patients were males. Ten patients (52.6%) were infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Sixteen patients (84.2%) had severe disease. Nine of the 15 patients (60.0%) (four patients withdrew before day 14) had negative PCR results for skin lesion specimens 14 days after inclusion. The mortality rates were 0% on days 14 and 30. No severe adverse events were reported. HIV status and the number of days from symptom onset to tecovirimat administration were associated with lower Ct values (p = 0.027 and p < 0.001, respectively). The median number of days when PCR testing did not detect the mpox virus in each patient was 19.5 days. ConclusionEarly tecovirimat administration might reduce viral shedding duration, thereby mitigating infection spread. Moreover, patients infected with HIV showed prolonged viral shedding, increasing the transmission risk compared to those without HIV.

Galician Experience with Avatrombopag: Galician Thrombosis and Hemostasis Group

Avatrombopag, an orally administered 2nd-generation thrombopoietin receptor agonist (TPO-RA), in Spain is indicated for the treatment of primary chronic (&amp;gt;12 months) immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in adults with inadecuate response or intolerance to other therapies, and has been the first agonist approved for adults with chronic liver disease (CLD) scheduled for surgery. It presents some advantages in relation to the present TPO-RA that make it a very attractive drug such as oral administration, non-interference of divalent cations, no need to monitor liver function or rapidity of response. To assess the effectiveness of Avatrombopag in patients with chronic ITP in real life, we carried out a retrospective observational study in which patients with chronic ITP and patients with secondary thrombocytopenia were included. Data are shown as percentage, median, interquartile range (IQR), and mean ± standard deviation (SD), as appropriate. Twenty-four patients were included (mean age of 60.04 years (SD 20.38), 58.33% female). The median follow-up was 135 days (IQR 96-180). 83.33% of patients had primary ITP and in 37.5% Avatrombopag was used in second-line. The rest of the patients (62.5%) had received at least two therapies previously, a median of 3 (IQR 2-4). 37.5% was in response under other agonist when started Avatrombopag. Twenty-three patients (95.83%) started Avatrombopag at 140 mg/week, one patient at a dose of 280 mg/week. 95.83% of patients reached or maintained response (&amp;gt;30,000 platelets/m3) with a median number of days to reach it of 7 (IQR 6-14). At the last visit, they presented a median platelet response of 102,000/mm3 (IQR 62,000 - 147,000) and marked weekly dose variability. One patient had previously received 12 lines of treatment and only one was primary refractory. Although drug tolerance was excellent, serious adverse effects include one patient with grade 2 medullary fibrosis and one pulmonary thromboembolism . Although the sample is small and the follow-up short due to the recent approval of the drug in Spain, Avatrombopag offers an effective alternative as a TPO-RA agonist for patients on second-line treatment, as well as for subsequent lines in case of inadecuate response or intolerance to other agonists.