Multivariable Ordinal Regression Research Articles

Flow Diverter Performance for the Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms: An International Multicenter Comparative Study

Background Current evidence comparing flow diverters (FDs) for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms is limited to single‐arm head‐to‐head retrospective and prospective studies. Herein, we aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of four FDs for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Methods We performed a retrospective, multicenter international cohort study of adult patients treated with FDs (Pipeline embolization device, Surpass Streamline, Flow Redirection Endoluminal Device, and Silk) for intracranial aneurysms between 2015 and 2021. Efficacy was determined by aneurysm occlusion at final follow‐up. Safety was determined by ischemic/hemorrhagic events and mortality. Secondary safety was assessed by technical complications. A mixed‐effect multivariable ordinal and logistic regression were performed to evaluate variables that predicted the outcomes of interest. Results We included 235 patients with 274 aneurysms. Treatment was performed with either the Pipeline embolization device (92), Surpass Streamline (56), Flow Redirection Endoluminal Device (47), and Silk (40). Median age was 57 (47–65) years. Most patients were asymptomatic (76%), and 8% had previous rupture. Most aneurysms were saccular (85%) and anterior (94%). The Pipeline embolization device subgroup had the largest aneurysms (6 mm, P =0.005). Median follow‐up time was 9 (6–14) months. Final overall complete occlusion was 72% without significant differences between FDs ( P =0.5). Total ischemic (5%) and hemorrhagic (3%) events were also similar ( P =0.1 and P =0.06). One patient expired (0.4%, P =0.6). In multivariable analysis, device diameter predicted aneurysm persistence and ≥50% in‐stent stenosis predicted ischemic/hemorrhagic complications. Conclusions Our findings comparing 4commonly used FDs in a heterogeneous population with mainly small‐sized aneurysms confirmed a similar safety and efficacy profile between devices.

Efficacy and safety of early soluble urokinase plasminogen receptor plasma-guided anakinra treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia: a subgroup analysis of the SAVE-MORE randomised trial

The SAVE-MORE trial demonstrated that anakinra treatment in COVID-19 pneumonia with plasma soluble urokinase plasminogen activator (suPAR) levels of 6ng/mL or more was associated with 0.36 odds for a worse outcome compared to placebo when expressed by the WHO-Clinical Progression Scale (CPS) at day 28. Herein, we report the results of subgroup analyses and long-term outcomes. This prospective, double-blind, randomised clinical trial, recruited patients with a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, in need of hospitalisation, lower respiratory tract infection and plasma suPAR ≥6ng/mL from 37 academic and community hospitals in Greece and Italy. Patients were 1:2 randomised to subcutaneous treatment with placebo or anakinra (100mg) once daily for 10 days. Pre-defined subgroups of Charlson's comorbidity index (CCI), sex, age, level of suPAR, and time from symptom onset were analysed for the primary endpoint (overall comparison of distribution of frequencies of the scores from the WHO-CPS between treatments on day 28), by multivariable ordinal regression analysis in the intention to treat (ITT) population. This trial is registered with the EU Clinical Trials Register (2020-005828-11) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04680949). Patients were enrolled between 23 December 2020 and 31 March 2021; 189 patients in the placebo arm and 405 patients in the anakinra arm were the ITT population. Multivariable analysis showed that anakinra treatment was accompanied by significantly lower odds for worse outcome compared to placebo at day 28 for all studied subgroups (CCI ≥ 2, OR: 0.34, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.22-0.50; CCI < 2, OR: 0.38, 95% CI 0.21-0.68; suPAR > 9ng/mL, OR: 0.35, 95% CI 0.19-0.66; suPAR 6-9ng/mL, OR: 0.35, 95% CI 0.24-0.52; patients ≥65 years, OR: 0.41, 95% CI 0.25-0.66; and patients <65 years, OR: 0.29, 95% CI 0.19-0.45). The benefit was uniform, irrespective of the time from start of symptoms until the start of the study drug. At days 60 and 90, anakinra treatment had odds of 0.40 (95% CI 0.28-0.57) and 0.46 (95% CI 0.32-0.67) respectively, for a worse outcome compared to placebo. The costs of general ward stay, ICU stay, and drugs were lower with anakinra treatment. Anakinra represents an important therapeutic tool in the management of COVID-19 that may be administered in all subgroups of patients; benefits are maintained until day90. Hellenic Institute for the Study of Sepsis; Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB.

Comparison of the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) for identifying cognitive impairments and predicting rehabilitation outcomes in an inpatient rehabilitation facility.

The Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) is the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' primary cognitive assessment for multiple health care settings. However, research suggests that the BIMS has low sensitivity in detecting mild cognitive impairment in community samples and nursing home residents. To determine the sensitivity of the BIMS in identifying patients with mild or moderate cognitive impairments in an inpatient rehabilitation setting and the relationship of BIMS and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores with rehabilitation outcomes. Retrospective cohort. Inpatient rehabilitation facility. A total of 2252 patients admitted for orthopedic or general rehabilitation. The sensitivity and specificity of the BIMS for identification of cognitive impairments were determined using validated cutoff scores on the MoCA as criterion. Multivariable ordinal regression was employed to determine if MoCA and BIMS scores were independent predictors of rehabilitation outcomes. Functional independence at discharge (GG scores), rehabilitation efficiency (GG change per day), length of stay (LOS), and discharge destination. The BIMS had low sensitivity in identifying moderate (0.384) or mild (0.257) cognitive impairment. Patients classified as having moderate cognitive impairment on the MoCA had lower GG scores at discharge (odds ratio [OR] 0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30 to 0.46) and rehabilitation efficiency (OR 0.43, CI 0.34 to 0.53) compared to individuals identified as impaired on the BIMS (GG scores: OR 0.63, CI 0.52 to 0.78; efficiency: OR 0.71, CI 0.58 to 0.86). LOS (OR 1.49, CI 1.19 to 1.85) and discharge destination (OR 0.47, CI 0.28 to 0.77) were uniquely predicted in patients identified as moderately impaired on the MoCA but not the BIMS (LOS: OR 0.99, CI 0.80 to 1.21; discharge home: OR 0.93, CI 0.62 to 1.38). The BIMS had low sensitivity for detection of mild and moderate cognitive impairments. Compared to the MoCA, the BIMS was less effective at predicting rehabilitation outcomes.

567: OUTCOME PREDICTORS FOR INTERHOSPITAL OBSTETRIC PATIENTS TRANSFERRED DIRECTLY TO INTENSIVE CARE UNITS

Introduction: Medical complications among pregnant peripartum patients are not common. However, certain disease such as obstetric hemorrhage or respiratory failure could be associated with poor outcome among obstetric patients whose biological systems are already stretched. When a peripartum patients encounter a severe medical condition, they are frequently transferred to a tertiary center for management of these patients’ complex conditions. Our study investigated the outcomes of the peripartum patients who were transferred from other hospitals (Interhospital transfer [IHT]) to the Intensive Care Unit at an academic quaternary center. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all adult IHT peripartum patients to our institution’s ICU between Jan. 2017 to Dec. 2021. We presented descriptive analysis for our patients and used multivariable ordinal regressions for association between demographic, clinical factors, and patients’ length of stay (LOS) in the ICU (ICULOS), hospital (HLOS). Results: Among 1794 IHT peripartum patients, 59 patients were transferred directly to an ICU, 8 (13.6%) to Medical ICU, 2 (3.4%) Neuro ICU, 2 (3.4%) Surgical ICU and 47 (79.7%) to our Critical Care Resuscitation Unit. Patients’ mean (Standard Deviation) age was 32 (6) years, SOFA score 3 (3), APACHE II 8 (4), median Respiratory Oxygenation (ROx) index was 13 [Interquartile Range 4-22], and serum lactate 11 [9-15] mmol/L. Respiratory failure occurred in 19 (32%), postpartum hemorrhage 9 (15%), sepsis 8 (14%) patients. 16 (27%) patients were infected with COVID-19. 24 (41%) needed intubation, 13 (22%) vasopressor, 4 (7%) Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation. Median ICULOS and HLOS was 5 [2-12], 8 [5-17] days. Only 1 (1.7%) died, while 45 (76.3%) were discharged home directly. Having COVID-19 infection was associated with both ICULOS (Correlation Coefficient -2,23, OR 0.06, 95%CI 0.02-0.65, P = 0.016) and HLOS (Corr. Coeff. -2.75, OR 0.06, 95%CI 0.01-0.37, P = 0.002). Conclusions: Although severe medical conditions were uncommon among interhospital transferred peripartum patients, they could be severe, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, the mortality rate for peripartum patients in our study was very low. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm our observation.

Optimization of the outcome of percutaneous nephrolithotomy regarding urinary leakage, what should we do?

To evaluate the factors affecting urinary leakage post percutaneous nephrolithotomy. To define those at high risk in whom a double J stent for 4 weeks or external ureteral catheter fixation for at least 3 days is indicated at the end of procedure. A total of 140 patients who underwent single-stage Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) with single or multiple accesses were included between February 2014 and March 2019. A detailed history, laboratory and radiological investigations were performed on all patients. All patients were classified according to postoperative urinary leakage into three groups. We defined leakage as a leakage from percutaneous puncture site. Group 1 (90 patients), No leakage was defined as leakage < 12 hours. In group 2 (32 patients), short-term leakage was defined as leakage 12-48 hours, and in Group 3 (18 patients), prolonged urinary leakage > 48 hours. Patients with short-term and prolonged urinary leakage had a significantly shorter access tract. Most patients (93.8%) with short-term leakage had an access tract of 71-90 mm, while > 50% of patients (55.6) with prolonged leakage had an access tract of 51-70 mm (p <0.001). Multivariate ordinal regression revealed that Operative time, length of the access tract and parenchymal thicknesses significantly predict short-term and prolonged leakage. For predicting the prolonged urinary leakage, the length of access tract and parenchymalthickness showed significant areas under the curve (AUC); 78% (95% CI: 69 – 85, p = 0.002) and 94% (95% CI: 87 – 97, p <0.001), respectively. Operative time, length of the access tract and parenchymal thickness significantly predict short-term and prolonged leakage.

A corporate credit rating model with autoregressive errors

In this paper we propose a longitudinal credit rating model which accounts for the serial correlation in the ratings. We achieve this by imposing an autoregressive structure of order one on the errors of a multivariate ordinal regression model. The longitudinal structure of the model improves significantly both the goodness-of-fit and predictive performance compared to static models. By modeling the joint distribution of the ratings over time, the framework allows us to obtain predictions conditional on the past rating history of a firm, which clearly out-perform the unconditional predictions both in- and out-of-sample. This shows the importance of incorporating past rating information in the prediction. Another upside lies in the framework’s ability to deal with missing rating observations. A real data example is provided by using a sample of US publicly traded corporates rated by S&P for the years 1985–2016. The determinants of corporate credit ratings are pre-selected using the ordinal version of the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). Additionally, as a model extension we allow the regression coefficients of the selected variables to vary over time in the longitudinal model. This allows us to gain a better understanding of the drivers and evolution of the rating behavior over the sample period. Finally, based on the longitudinal model with LASSO selected variables, we find evidence that S&P exhibits procyclical aspects in their rating behavior. • A credit rating model accounting for the serial correlation in the ratings. • A variable selection exercise is performed using ordinal LASSO. • Predictions conditional on the past rating history of a firm. • Longitudinal structure improves goodness-of-fit and predictive performance. • Real data example of US corporates rated by S&P for the years 1985–2016.

Novel Data Analytics Identify Predictors of Quality-of-Life Trajectories in Patients with AML or High-Risk Myeloid Neoplasms

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains fatal in most patients (pts) with a 5-year survival probability of approximately 30% (less than 10% in pts aged 65 or older). Beyond survival, quality of life (QOL) can be significantly impaired by both disease and treatment-related factors. There is an urgent need to both characterize and identify factors predictive of QOL trajectories. Leveraging prospective data from 503 pts enrolled on an observational clinical trial, we implemented a novel statistical approach using non-supervised longitudinal clustering and ordinal logistic regression. We successfully identified: i) distinct QOL trajectories, ii) baseline factors independently associated with QOL trajectories. Methods: We analyzed data from pts with AML (90%) or high-risk myelodysplastic, myeloproliferative syndrome, or myelofibrosis (10%) enrolled on an observational clinical trial (NCT01929408) between 2013 and 2017 at 13 centers. QOL questionnaires were collected at the time of enrollment and approximately at months 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 after study enrollment. Pts with a least six longitudinal data points available for QOL were included (n=503). Missing QOL data were imputed using linear interpolation. QOL was evaluated using the visual analog scale of the EQ5D (0, worst imaginable health state; 100, best imaginable health state). Deceased pts were considered to have a QOL of 0. Disease risk was assessed using the ELN 2017 criteria. Comorbidities and frailty were measured using the hematopoietic cell transplant comorbidity index (HCT-CI) and the NIH Toolbox 4-Meter Walk Gait Speed Test, respectively. QOL trajectories were clustered using non-supervised k-means based on Euclidian distances (TimeSeriesKMeans function of the tslearn library). Optimal cluster number was determined using the silhouette plot approach. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression was applied to predict QOL trajectories as a function of baseline variables using the rms R package. All analyses were done in Python (3.5) or R (4.0.2). Results: Six distinct QOL trajectories could be clustered and ordered from very good (n=109, 22%), good (n=76, 15%), intermediate 1 (n=49, 10%), intermediate 2 (n=86, 17%), poor (n=88, 17%), and very poor (n=95, 19%), as shown in the Figure. Comparisons of extreme clusters showed that pts in the very good QOL trajectory group were at baseline significantly younger (median age, 60 versus 66, respectively, p<0.001), had fewer comorbidities (median HCT-CI, 2 versus 4, respectively, p<0.001), less adverse AML cytogenetic/molecular risk (26% versus 48%, respectively, p=0.004), and were less frail (median walking speed, 0.89 versus 0.69m/s, p=0.009) compared to those in the very poor QOL trajectory group. A higher proportion of very good QOL pts received intensive chemotherapy (91% versus 62%, p<0.001) followed by consolidative allo-HCT (68% versus 11%, p<0.001) after achieving complete response/complete response with incomplete hematologic recovery (94% versus 40%, p<0.001). Multivariable modeling including baseline variables showed that older age (OR per 1-year increase, 1.34; 95%CI, 1.09-1.66; p=0.006), higher HCT-CI (OR per 1-unit increase, 1.66; 95%CI, 1.27-2.16; p<0.001), and frailty (OR per m/s increase, 0.8; 95%CI, 1.09-1.66; p=0.06) were associated with worse QOL trajectories. Favorable disease risk (favorable versus adverse: OR, 0.45; 95%CI, 0.28-0.71; p<0.001) and intensive therapy (OR, 0.54; 95%CI, 0.36-0.83; p=0.004) were independently associated with more favorable QOL trajectories. Conclusion: Unsupervised k-means clustering identified groups of pts with distinct QOL trajectories. Multivariable ordinal regression identified age, HCT-CI, disease risk and treatment intensity as independently associated with QOL trajectories. Favorable QOL trajectories were more likely to be achieved in younger, non-comorbid pts with favorable disease risk and receiving intensive therapy. Intensive therapy was independently associated with more favorable QOL trajectories even in older pts and in those with higher comorbidity burden. Probabilities of achieving the most favorable QOL trajectory in pts aged ≥60 after intensive therapy were <40% (<25% in case of adverse disease risk), indicating a critically unmet need to improve outcomes in older pts with high-risk myeloid neoplasms. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Pre-emptive vs. classic criteria for initiation of dialysis in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) - A retrospective real-world study.

Guidelines recommend starting renal replacement therapy (RRT) in critically ill acute kidney injury (AKI) patients according to classic criteria for the initiation of dialysis (CCID). However, comparative data on the presence or absence of CCID in patients receiving continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (CVVHD) or intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) as the initial modality are scarce. Altogether 733 critically ill AKI patients receiving CVVHD or IHD at the research hospital between 2010 and 2019 were screened for this real-world study. All patients on maintenance dialysis were excluded. Patient survival was studied in 662 patients and adverse renal outcomes in 375 surviving patients at 90 days follow-up. The adverse renal outcome was defined as RRT requirement and the secondary outcome was estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 90 days follow-up. Altogether 472 (71.3%) patients received CVVHD and 190 (28.7%) IHD, and CCID was present at the time of RRT initiation in 250 (37.8%). The CCID was independently associated with mortality in a multivariable logistic regression analysis (odds ratio [OR] 2.226, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.455-3.407, p < 0.001) adjusted for age, sex, baseline eGFR, disease severity, RRT modality, hypertension, and diabetes. The presence of CCID at the start of RRT was not associated with adverse renal outcome (OR 0.548, 95% CI 0.230-1.305, p=1.74) nor eGFR (β=0.155, p=0.066) at 90 days follow-up. However, starting RRT in the presence of CCID was independently associated with eGFR at 90 days follow-up in a multivariable ordinal regression analysis (β=0.930, p=0.018) after adjusting for age, sex, baseline eGFR, disease severity markers, hypertension, and diabetes in patients receiving CVVHD but not IHD as the initial modality. The presence of CCID at the initiation of RRT was associated with mortality but not adverse renal outcomes in this large real-world study on critically ill AKI patients requiring RRT. Initiating RRT in the presence of CCID was associated with improved eGFR at 90 days follow-up in patients receiving CVVHD as the initial modality.

The association between body fat percentage and self-reported depression in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract Background The United Arab Emirates Healthy Future Study (UAEHFS) is one of the first large prospective cohort studies in the region which examines causes and risk factors for chronic diseases among adult UAE nationals. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between body fat percentage (BF%) and the eight-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) as a screening instrument for depression among the UAEHFS pilot study participants. Methods We analyzed the UAEHFS pilot data to investigate the association between BF% and PHQ-8 adjusted for age and gender. We used multivariate logistic ordinal regression model. To impute missing values, 100 multiple imputations (MI) were performed using multivariate imputation of classification and regression tree. The statistical analysis was performed using R Statistical Software (version 4.2.0) Results Out of 517 participants, data from 487 (94.2%) were analyzed after excluding participants who didn't fill out the questionnaires. The median age was 30 years (Interquartile Range: 23 - 38). There were more males (67.8%) than females in the UAEHF pilot data. Approximately, 64 (13.1%) of the participant reported depression. The prevalence of obesity was 35.2% in this study population. The estimated odds ratio of BF% from the fitted multivariate logistic ordinal regression model was OR = 1.046 (95% CI: 1.012-1.08), and OR = 1.03 (95% CI: 1.003-1.057) for the omitted data, and MI (sensitivity analysis) respectively. Conclusions High body fat percentage was statistically significantly associated with high risk of reporting depression. Additional research is needed, using the main UAEHFS data (after recruitment is complete), to further investigate the association between body fat percentage and depression. Key messages • Our results can help contribute to the knowledge based on current and potential population mental health in the UAE and Gulf Region. • The main finding of this study that excess body fat is associated with an increased risk of developing depression and vice versa; thus, this could add to the future direction of mental health research.

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among young adults in Canada.

ObjectivesVaccine hesitancy is a multifaceted decision process that encompasses various factors for which an individual may choose to get vaccinated or not. We aimed to identify the relationship between COVID-19 conspiracy theories, general attitudes towards vaccines, current COVID-19 vaccine factors, and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.MethodsThe present research is a multi-province cross-sectional study design. Survey data were collected in May and June 2021 (n=4905) in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. Multivariate ordinal regression models were used to assess the association between vaccine hesitant profiles and COVID-19 conspiracy theories, general attitudes towards vaccines, and specific factors pertaining to COVID-19 vaccines.ResultsParticipants were aged 18 to 40 years and 59% were women. Individuals with low income, with low educational attainment, and/or who are unemployed were more likely to be vaccine hesitant. COVID-19 conspiracy theory beliefs and general attitudes towards vaccines are significantly associated with greater hesitancy for the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine factors including pro-vaccine actions and opinions of friends and family and trust in scientists and government as well as the country in which a vaccine is manufactured are associated with less vaccine hesitancy.ConclusionConspiracy theories are distinct from criticism and concerns regarding the vaccine. Nevertheless, poverty, low level of education, and distrust towards the government are associated with higher odds of being vaccine hesitant. Results suggest it is imperative to deliver transparent and nuanced health communications to address legitimate distrust towards political and scientific actors and address the societal gap regarding general attitudes towards vaccines as opposed to focusing solely on COVID-19.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.17269/s41997-022-00693-x.

Risk factors of late lesion growth after acute ischemic stroke treatment.

BackgroundEven days after treatment of acute ischemic stroke due to a large vessel occlusion, the infarct lesion continues to grow. This late, subacute growth is associated with unfavorable functional outcome. In this study, we aim to identify patient characteristics that are risk factors of late, subacute lesion growth.MethodsPatients from the MR CLEAN trial cohort with good quality 24 h and 1-week follow up non-contrast CT scans were included. Late Lesion growth was defined as the difference between the ischemic lesion volume assessed after 1-week and 24-h. To identify risk factors, patient characteristics associated with lesion growth (categorized in quartiles) in univariable ordinal analysis (p < 0.1) were included in a multivariable ordinal regression model.ResultsIn the 226 patients that were included, the median lesion growth was 22 (IQR 10–45) ml. In the multivariable model, lower collateral capacity [aOR: 0.62 (95% CI: 0.44–0.87); p = 0.01], longer time to treatment [aOR: 1.04 (1–1.08); p = 0.04], unsuccessful recanalization [aOR: 0.57 (95% CI: 0.34–0.97); p = 0.04], and larger midline shift [aOR: 1.18 (95% CI: 1.02–1.36); p = 0.02] were associated with late lesion growth.ConclusionLate, subacute, lesion growth occurring between 1 day and 1 week after ischemic stroke treatment is influenced by lower collateral capacity, longer time to treatment, unsuccessful recanalization, and larger midline shift. Notably, these risk factors are similar to the risk factors of acute lesion growth, suggesting that understanding and minimizing the effects of the predictors for late lesion growth could be beneficial to mitigate the effects of ischemia.

Childhood anaemia levels among under-5 children in Namibia and their associated sociodemographic factors: A multivariate ordinal modelling approach.

Anaemia is a serious global public health problem with high prevalence (>40%) in children particularly in low- and middle-income countries including Namibia with a current 46.1% prevalence rate. This study was aimed at examining the sociodemographic factors influencing the occurrence of childhood anaemia levels in Namibia. A multivariate ordinal regression model was applied to statistically identify potential sociodemographic factors associated with anaemia levels among children under-5 years old using data collected from the 2013 NDHS. The odds of having mild anaemia level was lower for sociodemographic characteristics such as mother's age, total children ever born, health insurance coverage, child's residency, child's age and main language spoken at home. The odds of having moderate anaemia level was higher for characteristics such as mother's age, place of residence, highest education level and child's diarrhoea status, while it was lower for characteristics such as age of head of household, total children ever born, health insurance coverage and sex of child. Similarly, the odds of having severe anaemia level was higher for characteristics such as region, place of residence, highest education level, number of household members, wealth index, health insurance coverage, child's residency and child's diarrhoea status, while it was lower for characteristics such as total children ever born and sex of child. It is therefore recommended that the policies and practices concerning anaemia diagnosis, treatment and prevention in the country be substantially revised by policy-makers, starting with the known prevalent causes and identified sociodemographic factors from this study.

Pre-dialysis levels of inflammation andendotoxin in people receiving hemodialysis are not associated withblood pressure variability.

In this study, 165 patients receiving outpatient-based hemodialysis in a facility (FHD) or at home (HHD), were studied. Levels of inflammation were quantified by developing an inflammatory score derived from the measurement of pro-inflammatory cytokines, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Intradialytic blood pressure (BP) variability and hypotension events were recorded. This included the final session of dialysis, at the commencement of which the blood samples were drawn, as well as the five preceding sessions. The median inflammatory score was 2 (range 0 - 3), and 30% of patients had an inflammatory score of three suggesting significant levels of inflammation. Only 8.5% had an inflammatory score of 0. Endotoxin was measured in all participants and was only positive in N = 3. The mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 134 ± 20 mmHg and the BP variability was 11.7 ± 3.5. In a multivariable ordinal regression model, a higher inflammatory score was significantly associated with younger age (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.95 - 0.99, p = 0.03), higher ultrafiltration volume (OR 1.62, CI 1.04 - 2.54, p = 0.03) and lower body mass index (OR 0.9, CI 0.86 - 0.96, p = 0.01). There was no association between inflammatory score and dialysis modality, access type, kidney replacement therapy (KRT), BP variability, or endotoxin. Endotoxin was detected in only 3 of 165 patients and was not associated with inflammation. Pre-dialysis levels of inflammation are prevalent in the hemodialysis population after the long break but are not related to intradialytic BP variability or hypotension in the preceding 2 weeks. However, endotoxemia is uncommon and unlikely to be a significant driver of inflammation.

Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for HIV-associated Guillain–Barré syndrome

ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) added to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and ART alone in people living with human immunodeficiency virus-associated Guillain–Barré syndrome (HIV-associated GBS). MethodsThe study was a retrospective analysis of clinical records of HIV-associated GBS patients from department of neurology at West China Hospital between January 2015 and October 2020. Patients treated with ART alone were compared with those treated with IVIG + ART. The primary outcome was the GBS disability score at 4 weeks, which was assessed with multivariable ordinal regression. Additional outcomes include the GBS disability scale at 1 week, improvement of ≥ 1 point on the GBS disability score at 1 and 4 weeks, median change in the MRC sum score at 1 and 4 weeks, number of patients who were able to walk independently at 4 weeks. ResultsTwo hundred and fifty-two (252) individuals living with HIV were recruited in the study. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 HIV-associated GBS patients were finally included, of whom 8 were treated with IVIG + ART and 13 were treated with ART alone. At the fourth weeks after treatment, the GBS disability scale grade was significantly lower in patients treated with IVIG + ART than those with ART alone (1 vs. 2, P = 0.02). The adjusted OR for a lower GBS disability scale was 10.6 (95 % CI 1.15 to 98.05; P = 0.03) for the IVIG + ART group. Moreover, 6 of 8 (75 %) patients treated with IVIG + ART were able to walk independently at four weeks after treatment. ConclusionsThe introduction of IVIG combined with ART may be efficacious in the treatment of HIV-infected GBS and may provide better clinical outcomes.

Concurrent participation in breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening in the Netherlands

BackgroundMany European countries offer organised population-based breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening programmes. Around age 55 and 60, Dutch women are invited to all three screening programmes. We examined the extent to which participation concurs and identified factors influencing concurrent participation. Materials and methodsIndividual level data from breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening invitations between 2017 and 2019 were extracted from the Dutch screening registry. The percentages of women participating in all three, two, one, or none of the programmes around age 55 and 60, and before subsequent round invitation were determined. Multivariate ordinal regression analyses were performed to estimate whether population density, socio-economic status (SES) per postal code area, and time between the three invitations (<3, 3–6, >6 months) were associated with concurrent participation. ResultsData from 332,484 women were analysed. At age 55, 53.7% participated in all three programmes, 22.1% in two, 11.7% in one, and 12.6% did not participate at all. At age 60, a similar participation pattern was observed. Women living in areas with higher population density were less likely (odds ratios 0.75–0.94) and women in higher SES groups were more likely (odds ratios 1.12–1.60) to participate in more screening programmes, although this positive association was smaller for the highest SES group. No substantial association was found between concurrent participation and timing of invitations. ConclusionsMore than half of Dutch women participated in all three screening programmes and around 12% did not participate in any. Concurrent participation was lower in cities and lower SES groups.

Morphologic Analysis of Condyle among Different Disc Status in the Temporomandibular Joints by Three-dimensional Reconstructive Imaging: A Preliminary Study

ObjectivesMorphological study is a common approach in the field of anterior disc displacement (ADD) pathology; however, analysis based on three-dimensional reconstructive imaging has not been investigated. This study investigated the association between ADD and the status of the mandibular condyle and articular fossa.MethodsThirty-four patients were divided into three groups: normal articular disc position (NADP), anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDwR), and anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDwoR). Multiple grouped comparisons of three different disc statuses were performed by Kruskal–Wallis H test and variance analysis respectively. Receiver-operating characteristic curve was plotted to assess the diagnostic efficacy of the morphological parameters. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the interfering factors of ADD.ResultsThe condylar volume (CV) and condylar superficial area (CSA) in the NADP, ADDwR, and ADDwoR groups exhibited obvious changes (P < 0.05). Both CV and superior joint space (SJS) presented a good diagnostic accuracy for NADP-ADDwoR [area under the curve (AUC)CV = 0.813; AUCSJS = 0.855)], and ADDwR-ADDwoR (AUCCV = 0.858; AUCSJS = 0.801). CSA presented a good diagnostic accuracy for ADDwR-ADDwoR (AUC = 0.813). A multivariate logistic ordinal regression model showed that the CV [odds ratio (OR) = 1.011; regression coefficient (RC) = 0.011, P = 0.018], SJS (OR, 8.817; RC = 2.177; P < 0.001), and medial joint space (MJS) (OR, 1.492; RC = 0.400; P = 0.047) had a significantly impact on the groups.ConclusionCV, CSA, SJS, and MJS were significantly associated with the different disc status, and the condyle in ADD exhibited 3-dimensionally altered dimensions. They could be considered as promising biometric markers to assess the ADD.

Satisfaction with life and associated factors among elderly people living in two cities in northwest Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the level of life satisfaction and identify associated factors among elderly people living in two cities in northwest Ethiopia.DesignCommunity-based cross-sectional study.SettingTwo cities in northwest Ethiopia...

Statistical Literacy in the Orthopaedic Trauma Population.

To evaluate the baseline level and demographic predictors of statistical literacy in orthopaedic patients who sustained traumatic injuries. Prospective observational. Level 1 trauma center. One hundred ninety-eight patients presenting to the orthopaedic trauma clinic. Berlin Numeracy Test (BNT) and General Health Numeracy Test-6 (GHNT-6). When assessed using the BNT, 67% of patients had results that placed them into the lowest quartile of objective numeracy skills. Only 3.5% of patients had results that scored in the top quartile. Our multivariate ordinal regression model demonstrated lower education level ( P = 0.01), and older age ( P = 0.03) were significant predictors of poor performance on the BNT. The mean score on the GHNT-6 was 36% (SD 30%). In a cohort of traumatically injured patients, poor statistical literacy was common, occurring in more than two-thirds of patient surveyed. Older age and lower levels of education were predictive of poor BNT performance and should be considered when discussing surgical options, associated risks, and likelihood of potential complications.

33184 The variable burden and impact of atopic dermatitis: A multi-method analysis of the More Than Skin Deep survey

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is chronic and burdensome but the interplay between different elements of disease burden is poorly understood. To better understand the adult patient lived experience, we conducted a multi-methods study using data collected from participants in an externally led Patient-Focused Drug Development initiative between August 1 and October 11, 2019. We used multivariable ordinal regression to assess associations between demographic and clinical variables and overall AD impact scores, which participants rated from 1 (no impact) to 5 (significant impact).

Assessment of Methemoglobin, Hemoglobin, Ferritin and Lactate dehydrogenase in COVID-19 Patients

Today world is trying to cope with the biggest pandemic caused by Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The disease is graded as mild, moderate, serious and critical illness. Very few studies are done with methemoglobin along with other parameters for the assessment of the severity of COVID-19 disease. The objectives of the study were to estimate methemoglobin (Met-Hb), hemoglobin (Hb), ferritin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in patients with COVID-19 disease and to investigate the interaction between these parameters and the severity of the disease. This observational study was conducted in three groups of COVID-19 patients- moderate, severe and critical, each group containing 30 patients, between June 2021 and September 2021 in the biochemistry department of a tertiary care hospital. For all patients, Met-Hb, Hb, ferritin, and LDH levels were estimated on the 2nd-3rd day of hospital admission. Patients in the critical group were older and had significantly high values of Met-Hb, ferritin and LDH and significantly low values of Hb (P&lt;0.05). In multivariate ordinal regression analysis, older age (OR-3.08; 95%CI:1.19-7.19;P-0.019), higher values of LDH (OR-8.66; 95%CI:2.53-29.5; P-0.001) and ferritin (OR-3.08; 95%CI:1.09-8.7;P-0.033) were independently associated with severity of the disease. A cut-off value of 410.50 U/L for LDH predicted the severity of the disease with 90% sensitivity and 88.3% specificity. In conclusion, higher levels of LDH and ferritin were related to the severity of the disease in COVID-19 cases. Although Met-Hb showed a minimal increase without any association with severity, it may be an underlying cause of hypoxia that may go unnoticed. So, monitoring of all these parameters should be done at intervals.