Median Wear Time Research Articles

Advances in accelerometry for cardiovascular patients: a systematic review with practical recommendations.

AimsAccelerometers are becoming increasingly commonplace for assessing physical activity; however, their use in patients with cardiovascular diseases is relatively substandard. We aimed to systematically review the methods used for collecting and processing accelerometer data in cardiology, using the example of heart failure, and to provide practical recommendations on how to improve objective physical activity assessment in patients with cardiovascular diseases by using accelerometers.Methods and resultsFour electronic databases were searched up to September 2019 for observational, interventional, and validation studies using accelerometers to assess physical activity in patients with heart failure. Study and population characteristics, details of accelerometry data collection and processing, and description of physical activity metrics were extracted from the eligible studies and synthesized. To assess the quality and completeness of accelerometer reporting, the studies were scored using 12 items on data collection and processing, such as the placement of accelerometer, days of data collected, and criteria for non‐wear of the accelerometer. In 60 eligible studies with 3500 patients (of those, 536 were heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients), a wide variety of accelerometer brands (n = 27) and models (n = 46) were used, with Actigraph being the most frequent (n = 12), followed by Fitbit (n = 5). The accelerometer was usually worn on the hip (n = 32), and the most prevalent wear period was 7 days (n = 22). The median wear time required for a valid day was 600 min, and between two and five valid days was required for a patient to be included in the analysis. The most common measures of physical activity were steps (n = 20), activity counts (n = 15), and time spent in moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (n = 14). Only three studies validated accelerometers in a heart failure population, showing that their accuracy deteriorates at slower speeds. Studies failed to report between one and six (median 4) of the 12 scored items, with non‐wear time criteria and valid day definition being the most underreported items.ConclusionsThe use of accelerometers in cardiology lacks consistency and reporting on data collection, and processing methods need to be improved. Furthermore, calculating metrics based on raw acceleration and machine learning techniques is lacking, opening the opportunity for future exploration. Therefore, we encourage researchers and clinicians to improve the quality and transparency of data collection and processing by following our proposed practical recommendations for using accelerometers in patients with cardiovascular diseases, which are outlined in the article.

911Which patients are most likely to benefit from the wearable cardioverter-defibrillator? Findings from the Swiss WCD registry

Abstract OnBehalf Swiss WCD Registry Introduction The wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD) has established itself as a temporary protection from sudden arrhythmogenic death in selected patients at risk. However, it is still of debate which patients and for what duration benefit from its use. Therefore, appropriate patient selection is key. Purpose: This study reports the results of the Swiss WCD registry with an emphasis on implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation rate and ICD therapies. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the indications, baseline characteristics and administered therapies in patients prescribed a WCD at 12 participating centers rom 2014 until 2018 in Switzerland. Further data on medical therapy, WCD therapy adherence, and ICD implantation rates were collected. Results 456 patients were included in our study comprising of 66% of all Swiss patients prescribed a WCD in the examined time period. The mean age was 57 ±14 years, 18% were female and the mean ejection fraction (EF) was 32% ± 13. Indications for WCD use and appropriate shock rate are shown in the figure. Patients wore the WCD over a median of 58 days (range 1-455) with a median daily average wear-time of 22.6 hours (range 0.6-23.8). 17 appropriate therapies were administered by the WCD to a total of 12 patients leading to a therapy rate of 2.6% over a median wear-time of 16 days (range 2-79) and to a therapy rate of 3.9% in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) with an EF ≤35%. ICM with an EF ≤35% and bridging to ICD-implantation or heart transplantation as indication for WCD prescription were significantly associated with an appropriate therapy (p = 0.046 and 0.003, respectively). One patient with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) received an appropriate therapy (0.8%). The mean EF in patients receiving an appropriate therapy by the WCD was also significantly lower (p = 0.04). No patient with wearing the WCD for congenital/inherited heart disease or risk stratification with an EF >35% had a therapy administered by the WCD. There were no inappropriate therapies during the investigated time period. After cessation of WCD use EF improved to 38% ±13; ultimately, 212 patients (46%) were implanted with an ICD. During a follow-up of 476 days (range 7-2347) 22 (9.8%) patients received an appropriate therapy by their ICD. Four of the 22 had prior appropriate therapy by the WCD. Conclusions ICM with severely reduced EF was the most common indication for WCD use leading to a high rate of appropriate therapy by the WCD. This, however, did not translate in a higher rate of appropriate ICD-therapies during follow-up in this subpopulation possibly due to significant improvements in their ejection fractions. Patients with NICM or congenital/inherited heart disease seldom had an appropriate therapy by the WCD. Abstract Figure. Indications for WCD use and therapy rate

Physical Activity in Adults With Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillators in the Post-Myocardial Infarction Period.

Wearable cardioverter defibrillators (WCDs) provide lifesaving defibrillation and are equipped with accelerometers, capable of providing information on patient wear time and physical activity (PA). The purpose of this study was to report on patient PA while wearing a WCD. This study derived data from the WCD vendor in patients prescribed WCD post-myocardial infarction (MI) with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% in 2016. Using the device accelerometer, the relationship between wear time and PA was examined in a sample of consistent wearers of the WCD. Demographic variables, including sex and age, were examined for impact on wear time and PA. Changes in PA over time were also examined. A total of 1952 patients (71% male) with a median age of 63 yr were included. Descriptive analyses indicated that overall median wear time was 23.8 hr/d; PA was 5568 steps/d. Significant differences in PA over time were identified, with median steps increasing by 67% from the first week of wear to the last week of wear. Patient age and wear time significantly predicted PA; patient age also significantly predicted patient wear time. There were significant differences in median hours of wear time, as well as median steps, based on sex. PA in adults early after hospital discharge is modest and improves over the course of the 90-d WCD prescription in regular wearers. Improved health status may account for this change. The WCD accelerometer may have value in future clinical care and research by providing a window into daily patient PA levels via remote monitoring.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of a tailored mobile application in increasing the duration of wear of thermoplastic retainers: a randomized controlled trial.

The 'My Retainers' mobile application is a patient-informed intervention designed to enhance removable retainer wear and associated patient experiences during the retention phase. To evaluate the effect of receiving the 'My Retainers' application on objectively assessed thermoplastic retainer (TPR) wear time, stability, periodontal outcomes, patient experiences, and knowledge related to retainers. Eighty-four participants planned for removable retention with TPRs were assigned either to receive the 'My Retainers' application or to control not receiving electronic reminders during the 3-month period. Randomization was based on computer-generated random numbers and allocation was concealed using opaque, sealed envelopes. The primary outcome was objectively assessed retainer wear recorded using an embedded TheraMon® micro-electronic sensor. Secondary outcomes, including irregularity of the maxillary and mandibular incisors, plaque levels, bleeding on probing and probing depth, were assessed at baseline and 3-month follow-up; and analysed using a series of mixed models. Experiences and knowledge related to orthodontic retainers were recorded using questionnaires. The outcome assessor was blinded when possible. Receipt of the mobile application resulted in slightly higher median wear time (0.91 hours/day); however, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.19, 4.01). No significant differences were found between the treatment groups in terms of stability (P = 0.92; 95% CI: -0.03, 0.04), plaque levels (P = 0.44; 95% CI: -0.07, 0.03), bleeding on probing (P = 0.61; 95% CI: -0.05, 0.03) and probing depth (P = 0.79; 95% CI: -0.09, 0.07). Furthermore, similar levels of patient experiences (P = 0.94) and knowledge related to retainers (P = 0.26) were found. However, marginally better levels of knowledge were identified in the intervention group. No harms were observed. A relatively short follow-up period with the study confined to a single-center in a university-based hospital. Provision of the bespoke 'My Retainers' application did not lead to an improvement in adherence with TPR wear over a 3-month follow-up period. Further refinement and research are required to develop and investigate means of enhancing adherence levels. NCT03224481.

Time spent cycling, walking, running, standing and sedentary: a cross-sectional analysis of accelerometer-data from 1670 adults in the Copenhagen City Heart Study

BackgroundInformation about how much time adults spend cycling, walking and running can be used for planning and evaluating initiatives for active, healthy societies. The objectives of this study were to describe how much time adult Copenhageners cycle, walk, run, stand and spend sedentary using accelerometers, and to describe differences between population groups.MethodsIn the fifth examination of the Copenhagen City Heart Study, 2335 individuals gave consent to wear accelerometers (skin-attached; right thigh and iliac crest; 24 h/day, 7 consecutive days) of which 1670 fulfilled our inclusion criteria (≥16 h/day for ≥5 days; median wear time: 23.8 h/day). Daily time spent cycling, walking, running, standing and sedentary was derived from accelerometer-based data using the Acti4 software, and differences between sex, age groups, level of education and BMI were investigated using Kruskal-Wallis rank sum tests.ResultsAmong those cycling (61%), the median cycling time was 8.3 min/day. The median time walking, running, standing and sedentary was 82.6, 0.1, 182.5 and 579.1 min/day, respectively. About 88% walked fast (i.e., ≥100 steps/min) ≥30 min/day. The shortest duration and lowest prevalence of cycling, walking and running were found among older individuals, those with a low level of education, and individuals being overweight or obese.ConclusionsWe found a long duration and high prevalence of cycling and walking, but also that many adult Copenhageners spent much time sedentary. Population groups with low participation in physical activities such as cycling and walking should be targeted in future initiatives towards an active, healthy society.

2403Experience with the wearable cardioverter-defibrillator by disease etiology: results from the wearit-II registry

Abstract Background The use of the wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD) in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy has been less characterized. Objective We aimed to characterize WCD use and outcomes for patients with ischemic or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, enrolled in the WEARIT-II Registry. Methods In WEARIT-II, we stratified 1,732 patients into ischemic (n=805) and non-ischemic etiology (n=927). WCD wear time, arrhythmia events during WCD use, and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation rates, or ejection fraction (EF) improvement at the end of WCD were evaluated for etiology subgroups. Results The WCD median wear time was higher in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (93 vs. 87 days, p=0.003), however daily use was similar (22.4 vs. 22.6 hours, p=0.07). There were 24 ischemic patients (3%) with sustained VT/VF events compared to 10 patients (1%) with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (p=0.013). About 2/3 of these events were treated with WCD shock in ischemic patients, half of them in the non-ischemic group (1.9% vs. 0.4%). Atrial arrhythmias were frequent in both groups (3.1% vs. 3.1%, p=0.06). At the end of WCD use, 36% of the non-ischemic patients were implanted with an ICD compared to 42% in ischemic (p=0.01), likely due to the lower rate of sustained ventricular arrhythmias (Figure). Figure 1 Conclusions In WEARIT-II, patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy had longer WCD use than ischemic patients with good compliance. The rate of sustained ventricular arrhythmia events was lower in non-ischemic patients avoiding the need for an ICD implantation in more patients compared to ischemic, following a time period of risk stratification. Acknowledgement/Funding WEARIT-II was funded by an unrestricted research grant from ZOLL Inc.

295-OR: User Acceptance of the Eversense® CGM System in a Home Use Setting: The House Study

Background: The Eversense® CGM System is the first implantable CGM available for long-term continuous glucose measurement with a single sensor. The small sensor is indicated for subcutaneous wear in the upper arm. This study was conducted to assess usability and preference for arm or abdominal sensor wear. Methods: HOUSE was a prospective, single-arm, two-center study conducted in two sequential 90-day periods in subjects with T1D. During the first period, subjects were inserted with 2 sensors: one in upper arm and one in abdomen. After 90 days, both sensors were removed and subjects chose either the upper arm or abdominal location for the next sensor. Study visits occurred every 30 d up to 180 d for device downloads/safety assessment. At the 90-day and 180-day visit, subjects filled out a custom-designed questionnaire on their experience with the CGM system. Results: Eighteen subjects participated (83% male, age 40±12.5 years, BMI 25.6±4.4kg/m2, 23 years from diabetes diagnosis; mean±SD). Sixty-one percent were on MDI and 89% had prior CGM experience. Two subjects withdrew consent due to personal reasons and 100% of the remaining sensors lasted each 90-day cycle. Ninety-four percent preferred to wear the sensor in the upper arm with 72% highly agreed/agreed that the transmitter was comfortable on the arm and 23% highly agreed/agreed that the transmitter was comfortable on the abdomen. The majority of subjects reported that sensor insertion was painless (69%) and that they were able to wear the transmitter in their everyday setting (94%). Product likeability scores were high: 94% on displaying readings on a smartphone and 75% on predicted hypo-/hyperglycemic alerts. The median wear time was 23.4 hours/day and 88% of subjects reported reviewing their CGM glucose values at least every other hour while awake. Conclusion: In a home-use setting with experienced CGM users, subjects preferred wearing the Eversense on the arm compared to the abdomen. The system was rated high for usability on either the arm or abdomen. Disclosure M. Londahl: Advisory Panel; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Novo Nordisk A/S, Sanofi. Speaker's Bureau; Self; AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Novo Nordisk A/S, Sanofi. M. Landin-Olsson: None. S. Attvall: None.

A Randomized Cross-over Trial Comparing a Pressure-free, Adhesive to a Conventional Bone Conduction Hearing Device.

The main aim of this study was to compare the average daily wearing time of a conventional bone conduction device with a pressure-free, adhesive bone conduction device. Further, audiologic and quality-of-life outcome parameters were evaluated. An academic, prospective, randomized cross-over trial was performed at a single center.Thirteen subjects between 12 and 63 years with conductive hearing loss were included.Average daily wearing time and subjective observations were assessed in a diary. Sound field audiometry, Freiburg monosyllables word test, and Oldenburg sentence test in quiet and in noise were carried out after 2 weeks of habituation to each device. AQoL-8D and SSQ-12 questionnaires were completed at baseline and after a 2-week test interval. Median wearing time of the devices was 8.1 hours (5.8-10.2 interquartile range) for the adhesive and 4.3 hours (2.7-7.1) for the conventional bone conduction device, the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.033). There were no statistically significant differences in sound field audiometry, Freiburg monosyllables word test, and Oldenburg sentence test when comparing the two devices. AQoL-8D and SSQ-12 showed a significant improvement with the devices in comparison with baseline, with no significant difference between devices in the total scores. Ten subjects reported pain using the conventional device, two subjects reported skin irritations using the adhesive device. For patients with mixed or conductive hearing loss, the adhesive device is a valuable alternative with a significantly longer daily wearing time.

A Location-Based Objective Assessment of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Ambulatory Hemodialysis Patients.

Background:Dialysis patients have reduced moderate to vigorous physical activity, and light physical activity. This has been shown in self-reported surveys and objective accelerometer studies. Less attention has been directed toward sedentary behavior, which is characterized by low energy expenditure (≤1.5 metabolic equivalents). Furthermore, locations where physical activity and sedentary behavior occur are largely unknown for dialysis patients.Objectives:The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity, light physical activity, and sedentary behavior for hemodialysis patients; (2) to describe differences in moderate to vigorous physical activity, light physical activity, and sedentary behavior comparing dialysis versus nondialysis days; and (3) to describe the locations where moderate to vigorous physical activity, light physical activity, and sedentary behavior occur using global positioning system (GPS) data.Design:Cross-sectional study.Setting:The study was performed at a tertiary care hospital in Nova Scotia, Canada.Patients:A total of 50 adult in-center hemodialysis patients consented to the study.Measurements:Physical activity and sedentary behavior were measured with an Actigraph-GT3X accelerometer. Location was determined using a Qstarz BT-Q1000X GPS receiver.Methods:Minutes of daily activity were described as was percentage of wear time for each activity level across different locations during waking hours. Physical activity intensity, quantity, and location were also analyzed according to dialysis vs nondialysis days.Results:Forty-three patients met requirements for accelerometer analysis, of whom 42 had GPS data. Median wear time was 836.5 min/day (interquartile range [IQR]: 788.3-918.3). Median minutes of daily wear time spent in sedentary behavior, light physical activity, and moderate to vigorous physical activity was 636 minutes (IQR: 594.1-730.1), 178 minutes (IQR: 144-222.1), and 1.6 minutes (IQR: 0.6-7.7), respectively. Proportion of daily wear time spent in sedentary behavior, light physical activity, and moderate to vigorous physical activity was 78.4% (IQR: 70.7-84.0), 21.5% (IQR: 16.0-26.9), and 0.2% (IQR: 0.1-1.1), respectively. Home was the dominant location for total linked accelerometer-GPS time (59.4%, IQR: 46.9-69.5) as well as for each prespecified level of activity. Significantly more sedentary behavior and less light physical activity occurred on dialysis days compared with nondialysis days (P ≤ .01, respectively). Moderate to vigorous physical activity did not differ significantly between dialysis and nondialysis days.Limitations:Small sample size from a single academic center may limit generalizability. Difficult to engage population as less than half of eligible dialysis patients provided consent. Physical activity may have been underestimated as devices were not worn for all waking hours or aquatic activities, and hip-based accelerometers may not capture stationary exercise.Conclusions:Ambulatory, in-center hemodialysis patients exhibit substantial sedentary behavior and minimal physical activity across a limited range of locations. Given the sedentary tendencies of this population, focus should be directed on increasing physical activity at any location frequented. Home-based exercise programs may serve as a potential adjunct to established intradialytic-based therapies given the amount of time spent in the home environment.

Extended Use of the Wearable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: Which Patients Are Most Likely to Benefit?

Background Wearable cardioverter-defibrillators (WCD, LifeVest, ZOLL) can protect from sudden cardiac death bridging a vulnerable period until a decision on implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation can be reached. WCD is commonly used for 3 months or less. It is unknown, which patients use WCD longer and which patients are most likely to benefit from it. Hypothesis Extended use of WCD is reasonable in selected cases based on underlying heart disease and overall patient risk profile. Methods We conducted a systematic and comprehensive research of all published clinical studies on PubMed reporting on the use of the WCD. Only original articles reporting on wear times and time to appropriate shocks were included in our analysis. Results The search resulted in 127 publications. 14 parameters were reported necessary for inclusion in our analysis. Median wear times ranged from 16 to 394 days. The median wear time was especially long for patients suffering from nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) (range: 50–71 days) and specifically peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) (120 days) and for heart transplant candidates. There was a large variation of appropriate shocks according to indication for WCD use. In contrast to NICM in general, the number of appropriate shocks was particularly high in patients with PPCM (0 in 254 patients and 5 in 49 patients, respectively). The median and maximal time periods to the first appropriate shock were longest in patients with PPCM (median time to the first appropriate shock: 68 days). Conclusions Prolonged use of WCD is not uncommon in available literature. Patients suffering from NICM and specifically PPCM seem most likely to have longer therapy duration with WCD with success. Careful patient selection for prolonged use may decrease the need for ICD implantation in the future; however, prospective data are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Wear-Time Compliance with a Dual-Accelerometer System for Capturing 24-h Behavioural Profiles in Children and Adults.

To advance the field of time-use epidemiology, a tool capable of monitoring 24 h movement behaviours including sleep, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour is needed. This study explores compliance with a novel dual-accelerometer system for capturing 24 h movement patterns in two free-living samples of children and adults. A total of 103 children aged 8 years and 83 adults aged 20-60 years were recruited. Using a combination of medical dressing and purpose-built foam pouches, participants were fitted with two Axivity AX3 accelerometers—one to the thigh and the other to the lower back—for seven 24 h periods. AX3 accelerometers contain an inbuilt skin temperature sensor that facilitates wear time estimation. The median (IQR) wear time in children was 160 (67) h and 165 (79) h (out of a maximum of 168 h) for back and thigh placement, respectively. Wear time was significantly higher and less variable in adults, with a median (IQR) for back and thigh placement of 168 (1) and 168 (0) h. A greater proportion of adults (71.6%) achieved the maximum number of complete days when compared to children (41.7%). We conclude that a dual-accelerometer protocol using skin attachment methods holds considerable promise for monitoring 24-h movement behaviours in both children and adults.

Wearable Cardioverter-Defibrillators following Cardiac Surgery-A Single-Center Experience.

A wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD) can terminate ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardias via electrical shock and thus give transient protection from sudden cardiac death. We investigated its role after cardiac surgery. We retrospectively analyzed all patients who were discharged with a WCD from cardiac surgery department. The WCD was prescribed for patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≤35% or an explanted implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). A total of 100 patients were included in this study, the majority (n = 59) had received coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The median wearing time of a WCD patient was 23.5 hours per day. LVEF was 28.9 ± 8% after surgery and improved in the follow-up to 36.7 ± 11% (p < 0.001). Three patients were successfully defibrillated. Ten patients experienced ventricular tachycardias. No inappropriate shocks were given. An ICD was implanted in 25 patients after the WCD wearing period. Ventricular arrhythmias occurred in 13% of the investigated patients. LVEF improved significantly after 3 months, and thus a permanent ICD implantation was avoided in several cases. Sternotomy did not impair wearing time of the WCD. A WCD can effectively protect patients against ventricular tachyarrhythmias after cardiac surgery.

Complications of implant-supported full-arch immediate prosthesis: a retrospective analysis of 114 cases

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of long-term function of implant-supported full-arch immediate prosthesis via assessing the complications and risk factors. Methods: This historical cohort study included patients treated with implant-supported full-arch restoration under immediate loading protocol between April, 2008 to June, 2016 and wearing the immediate prosthesis for more than 6 months. Medical charts were reviewed for patients' general information, implant information, prosthetic information and details of prosthetic complications. COX proportional hazards ratio model was adopted to analyze the potential risk factors for prosthesis fracture. Results: A total of 114 patients with a mean age of (56.7±10.2) years old and 144 prostheses were included. The median wearing time of immediate prosthesis was 17.6 months. Sixty-two (54%) patients experienced prosthetic complication, 30 of them suffered more than once. Artificial teeth fractures were more common in anterior region while resin base fractured more often in the posterior region. The possibility of immediate prosthesis fracture in the first year was high but declined over the following years. COX regression analysis showed that fibre-reinforcement (HR=0.486, P=0.017) and rigid opposing dentition (HR=2.272, P=0.016) were significantly related to the prosthesis fracture. Conclusions: Long-term function of implant-supported full-arch immediate prosthesis renders a high prosthetic complication prevalence, featuring the prosthesis fracture as the most common complication and the first year of highest fracture probability. Fibre-reinforced acrylic immediate prosthesis may function well in cases with a removable denture restored opposing jaw.

RESEARCHING DEMENTIA-RELATED SLEEP PROBLEMS USING ACTI-WATCHES: PRELIMINARY INSIGHTS FROM THE DREAMS START STUDY

People with dementia often have sleep disturbances, which can be distressing for both the person with dementia and family members whose sleep is disturbed. There are no management strategies with demonstrated efficacy, although there are strategies and medications used, with anticipated benefits extrapolated from the general population. One of the problems is how to measure sleep in a population with difficulties in remembering and reporting their own experiences. The DREAMS-START study of people with dementia living in their own homes uses acti-watches to measure an individual's sleep, activity and light exposure, as part of developing and testing a manualised intervention to improve sleep disturbances. Here, we report on the acceptability and feasibility of using acti-watches to investigate sleep. We ask people with dementia and sleep problems to wear an acti-watch on their wrist for 14 days at baseline before randomisation to six sessions of DREAMS START intervention or their usual treatment, and again three months later. The outcomes were: the average number of days the acti-watch was worn, the percentage of participants wearing the watch for the full 14 days, the percentage wearing it for ≥7 days, and narrative accounts of any difficulties experienced. To date, we have baseline data from 36 participants (we will report on all 60 at the conference). They were 36.1% male and ethnically diverse: 14 white British (39%); 9 white other (25%); 13 black or minority ethnic (36%), with a mean age of 81 years (SD=8.0, ranging from 68–94). The median Clinical Dementia Rating was 2 (ranging from 0.5 to 3). Twenty-seven participants (75%) wore the watch for the full 14 days; 94% wore it for ≥7 days. The overall median wear time was 14 days (ranging from 3 to 14); the table shows the median times according to dementia severity and age. No major difficulties were encountered. Reasons for temporarily removing the watch included personal hygiene activities. Our preliminary results suggest that acti-watches are a useful objective method for studying sleep problems, across a diverse range of people with dementia living in the community.

The wearable cardioverter-defibrillator in a real-world clinical setting: experience in 102 consecutive patients.

The wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD) is used for temporary protection of patients deemed to be at high risk for sudden death (SCD) not yet meeting indications for the implantable defibrillator (ICD). To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and compliance of/to WCD use and subsequent medium-term outcome of patients in a single-center observational study. A total of 102 consecutive patients were fitted with the WCD from 2012 to 2015 and followed for a mean of 11months (±8months). The most common clinical indication for WCD-prescription (63%) was a new diagnosis of severely impaired LV function (LVEF ≤35%). The median wear time of the WCD was 54days with a daily use of 23h. Appropriate WCD therapy occurred in four patients (seven shocks for VF, one shock for VT). An ICD was finally implanted in 56 patients (55%). Improvement in LV function was the most common reason not to implant an ICD (HR 0.37; 95% CI 0.19-0.73; p=0.004). Two patients had inappropriate shocks from their WCD due to atrial fibrillation/flutter. Five patients fitted with an ICD after the end of WCD therapy suffered VT/VF episodes. After wearing the WCD, six patients died (five ICD recipients and one non-ICD recipient). WCD therapy was well accepted by patients and provided temporary protection against ventricular tachyarrhythmias in patients at risk for SCD. The WCD may help to avoid unnecessary ICD implantations in a significant proportion of patients.

Correlates of Physical Activity among Young Children with Moderate Acute Malnutrition

ObjectiveTo assess the levels of physical activity among young children with moderate acute malnutrition and to identify clinical, biochemical, anthropometric, and sociodemographic correlates of physical activity.Study designIn a cross-sectional study, 1609 children aged 6-23 months wore a triaxial accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3x+; ActiGraph, Pensacola, Florida) for 6 consecutive days, from which total physical activity were determined. Data on morbidity were collected based by history and physical examination, and serum C-reactive protein and α1-acid glycoprotein were measured.ResultsA total of 1544 (96%) children had physical activity measured, of whom 1498 (97%) completed 6 consecutive days of physical activity recording with a daily median wear time of 24 hours. The mean (±SD) total physical activity was 707 (±180) vector magnitude counts per minute (cpm). Age was negatively correlated with physical activity; compared with children below 12 months of age, those 12-17 months of age, and 18-23 months of age had 51 (95% CI, 26; 75) and 106 (95% CI, 71; 141) cpm lower physical activity, respectively. Fever and malaria were associated with 49 (95% CI, 27; 70) and 44 (95% CI, 27; 61) cpm lower activity, respectively. Elevated serum C-reactive protein and α1-acid glycoprotein were both negative correlates of physical activity, and hemoglobin was a positive correlate.ConclusionsPhysical activity declines with age in children with moderate acute malnutrition and is also inversely related to infection and inflammatory status. Future studies are needed to ascertain cause and effect of these associations.Trial registrationControlled-Trials.com: ISRCTN42569496.

Bracing After Surgical Stabilization of Thoracolumbar Fractures: A Systematic Review of Evidence, Indications, and Practices

The role of spinal orthotic braces after surgical stabilization is not clearly defined. We systematically reviewed the published literature to determine patterns of practice, indications, and current evidence for the use of orthotic braces after surgical thoracolumbar fracture stabilization. A search was performed for publications including descriptions of postoperative management and outcomes after surgical stabilization of thoracolumbar injuries. Differences between wearing versus not wearing a postoperative brace were examined with regard to loss of deformity correction, pain, return to previous work activity, functional improvement, instrumentation failure rate, pseudoarthrosis, and the percentage of reported complications. This search yielded 76 pertinent studies. Postoperative bracing (POB) was adopted in 62 studies for a median wear time of 13.3 weeks. No significant differences in terms of pain, return to work, Frankel score improvement, or instrumentation failure were found between the POB and non-POB groups. Loss of surgical kyphotic reduction was slightly greater in the POB group (4.79° vs. 3.77°; P < 0.001). The overall complication rate was also higher in the POB group (16.3% vs. 11.9%; P < 0.01). The pseudoarthrosis rate was lower in the braced group (2.4% vs. 6.0%; P < 0.001). Most surgeons use braces for 3 months after surgical thoracolumbar fracture stabilization. Given the lack of clinical or biomechanical evidence for this, and the additional costs and potential discomfort to patients, further investigation is warranted to determine when and if POB for surgically stabilized thoracolumbar fractures is indicated. Controlled studies should include a careful analysis of pseudoarthrosis and complication rates.

Incidence and timing of potentially high-risk arrhythmias detected through long term continuous ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring.

BackgroundAmbulatory electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring is the standard to screen for high-risk arrhythmias. We evaluated the clinical utility of a novel, leadless electrode, single-patient-use ECG monitor that stores up to 14 days of a continuous recording to measure the burden and timing of potentially high-risk arrhythmias.MethodsWe examined data from 122,815 long term continuous ambulatory monitors (iRhythm ZIO® Service, San Francisco) prescribed from 2011 to 2013 and categorized potentially high-risk arrhythmias into two types: (1) ventricular arrhythmias including non-sustained and sustained ventricular tachycardia and (2) bradyarrhythmias including sinus pauses >3 s, atrial fibrillation pauses >5 s, and high-grade heart block (Mobitz Type II or third-degree heart block).ResultsOf 122,815 ZIO® recordings, median wear time was 9.9 (IQR 6.8–13.8) days and median analyzable time was 9.1 (IQR 6.4–13.1) days. There were 22,443 (18.3 %) with at least one episode of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT), 238 (0.2 %) with sustained VT, 1766 (1.4 %) with a sinus pause >3 s (SP), 520 (0.4 %) with a pause during atrial fibrillation >5 s (AFP), and 1486 (1.2 %) with high-grade heart block (HGHB). Median time to first arrhythmia was 74 h (IQR 26–149 h) for NSVT, 22 h (IQR 5–73 h) for sustained VT, 22 h (IQR 7–64 h) for SP, 31 h (IQR 11–82 h) for AFP, and 40 h (SD 10–118 h) for HGHB.ConclusionsA significant percentage of potentially high-risk arrhythmias are not identified within 48-h of ambulatory ECG monitoring. Longer-term continuous ambulatory ECG monitoring provides incremental detection of these potentially clinically relevant arrhythmic events.

Residents' journal review

Residents' journal review

Validation Of Visual Inspection For Determining Accelerometer Wear Days

Visual inspection of accelerometer output may provide an alternative to needing participant-reported wear logs for ascertaining wear days when monitors are sent and returned by mail, for participants not completing logs. However, there are no data on the reliability and validity of visual inspection compared to wear logs. PURPOSE: To compare estimates of wear days and physical activity using visual inspection, with participant-reported wear logs. METHODS: Participants (N = 197, mean age = 71.0 years) were from the Women’s Health Study. In 2011-2014, women were mailed an accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X+) to be worn for 7 days and then returned in the mail. They also indicated on a log the days they wore the monitor. Accelerometer days were classified as “worn” or “not worn” based on participant-reported wear logs. For each participant, we created a series of line charts of accelerometer counts over the course of the day (1 chart per day of accelerometer data). Two raters independently inspected these graphs to identify each day as ‘worn’ or ‘not worn’. We calculated the sensitivity and specificity for each rater, compared against log determined wear days, as well as the percent agreement between raters. We tested for differences in median wear time and physical activity estimates between visual inspection and wear logs using Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) number of valid wear days for both visual inspection and log was 7 (7, 7). For rater 1, the sensitivity was 99.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 99.2%, 99.9%); specificity, 97.2% (95.2%, 98.6%). For rater 2, the sensitivity was 99.7% (99.2%, 99.9%); specificity, 97.0% (95% CI: 94.9%, 98.4%). The inter-rater percent agreement was 99.5%. There was no significant difference in the median number of minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day between the two methods (visual inspection: 20.7 (8.9, 37.4); wear logs: 20.0 (8.9, 37.4); P = 0.95). CONCLUSIONS: Visual inspection of accelerometer data is a valid and reliable alternative to participant-reported wear logs to determine accelerometer wear days, for those not providing logs, in direct mail study designs.