Optimal Prevention Strategies Research Articles

#1060 Prevalence and adverse outcomes of hypokalemia and the role of potassium supplementation in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis

Abstract Background and Aims Hypokalemia is common and potentially life-threatening in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). The reported prevalence of hypokalemia in PD patients varies significantly across studies, with ongoing debate about its association to adverse outcomes and the effects of potassium supplementation. Method We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and references from eligible studies from database inception through September 2023 without language restriction for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, case-control studies, and cross-sectional studies on the prevalence and adverse outcomes (all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, infection-related mortality, and PD-associated peritonitis) of hypokalemia or the role of potassium supplementation in patients receiving PD. Random effects meta-analysis is conducted to pool Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the outcomes of interest. The certainty of findings was rated according to GRADE criteria. Results Out of 3 298 reports identified, 23 studies involving 59 433 participants met inclusion criteria. The prevalence of hypokalemia across all definitions was 37.9% (95% CI: 27.2-52.7%), 19.0% (95% CI: 13.0-27.6%) (Fig. 1), and 4.4% (95% CI: 1.9-10.2%) for patients with potassium level below 4.0, 3.5 and 3.0 mmol/L. Hypokalemia was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.18-1.89) (Fig. 2), cardiovascular mortality (HR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.19-1.88), and PD-associated peritonitis (HR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.23-1.88). These associations were consistent, but evidence was predominantly of low to very low certainty. Results for subgroup and sensitivity analyses were consistent with the primary finding. Only two studies examined the impact of correcting hypokalemia with potassium supplementation in PD patients, and the results are inconclusive. Conclusion Hypokalemia is common and portends poorer survival and higher risk of peritonitis among PD patients. Further research into the optimal prevention and treatment strategies for hypokalemia is warranted to improve outcomes.

Protecting the vulnerable: addressing the COVID-19 care needs of people with compromised immunity.

While the general population regained a certain level of normalcy with the end of the global health emergency, the risk of contracting COVID-19 with a severe outcome is still a major concern for people with compromised immunity. This paper reviews the impact of COVID-19 on people with immunocompromised status, identifies the gaps in the current management landscape, and proposes actions to address this unmet need. Observational studies have demonstrated that people with immune dysfunction have a higher risk of COVID-19-related hospitalization and death, despite vaccination, than the general population. More research is needed to define the optimal prevention and treatment strategies that are specific to people with immunocompromised status, including novel vaccination strategies, monoclonal antibodies that provide passive immunity and complement suboptimal vaccination responses, and improved and safer antiviral treatment for COVID-19. Preventive measures beyond vaccination alone are urgently needed to protect this vulnerable population.

Impact of the COVID‐19 Pandemic on Influenza Circulation During the 2020/21 and 2021/22 Seasons, in Europe

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe emergence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in late 2019 saw the implementation of public health and social measures (PHSM) by countries across Europe to reduce its transmission and impact on populations. Consequently, countries reported changes in influenza circulation and extensive disruptions to routine surveillance systems.MethodsWe describe the epidemiology of influenza in Europe between Weeks 40/2020 and 39/2022 compared to the 2016/17 to 2019/20 seasons, to assess the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic and PHSM on surveillance systems and influenza circulation.ResultsLow detections of influenza were observed through primary care sentinel sources during seasonal influenza periods (Week 40 to 20); 56 (of 39,457 specimens tested; < 1% positivity) in 2020/21 and 7261 (of 64,153 specimens tested; 11% positivity) detections in 2021/22 were observed, compared to an average of 18,383 (of 50,544 specimens tested; 36% positivity) detections in 2016/17 to 2019/20. Similarly, 11 (of 19,989 specimens tested; < 1% positivity) and 1488 (of 23,636 specimens tested; 6% positivity) detections were reported through SARI surveillance sources in 2020/21 and 2021/22, respectively, compared to an average of 2850 (of 10,389 specimens tested; 27% positivity) detections in 2016/17 to 2019/20. However, the 2021/22 interseasonal period saw unusual increases in influenza detections across surveillance site types when PHSM were easing.ConclusionIn conclusion, findings suggest that the restriction and easing of PHSM measures were associated with variations in influenza detections. Our observations of out‐of‐season influenza activity highlight the importance of an integrated respiratory surveillance strategy to monitor circulating respiratory viruses throughout the year to inform optimal prevention and control strategies.

Optimal strategies for prevention and preparation of medical personnel for emergency response to an active shooter attack in a healthcare facility - scoping review

Optimal strategies for prevention and preparation of medical personnel for emergency response to an active shooter attack in a healthcare facility - scoping review

An evaluation of outcomes and hospital readmissions among individuals with candidemia using statewide surveillance.

Using statewide surveillance, we describe candidemia in Connecticut during 2019-2020. Mortality was high among individuals with candidemia, and the readmission rate was high among survivors. Mortality and readmission were associated with hospital-onset candidemia. Understanding risk factors for mortality and readmission can optimize prevention strategies to reduce mortality and readmissions.

MODIFIABLE AND NON-MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS FOR TUBERCULOSIS AMONG ADULTS IN INDONESIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS.

Controlling tuberculosis (TB) determinant factors in Indonesia is one way to control TB in the community. A review is needed to explore risk factors for TB in Indonesia as the key strategies for accelerating the TB preventive program.The purpose of this review was to determine modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for TB among adults in Indonesia. A meta-analysis was undertaken to review current studies related to modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for TB among adults in Indonesia. A search of PubMed, ProQuest, and Google Scholar for related articles published (January 2000 until December 2023). The Pooled Odds Ratio (POR) from the acquired data were calculated with a 95% CI. The fixed and random effects analysis was performed. The results were presented as forest plots, and Begg's test and Egger's test were used to examine study bias. Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4 and Stata 14.2 were used to process and analyze all of the data. This study results revealed the POR of non-modifiable risk factor (family history of TB) for TB among adults in Indonesia was 6.08 (95% CI 2.99-12.34). Based on modifiable risk factors, it is known that household contact have the highest POR (6.01, 2.57-14.04), followed by malnutrition (5.86, 2.50-13.69), inappropriate ventilation (5.57, 1.74-17.86), diabetes mellitus (4.92, 3.04-7.96), smoking behavior (3.24, 2.22-4.72), and low-income level (2.34, 1.42-3.87). Based on significant factors that are related to TB incidence, the results of this review may be valuable to the government in identifying the optimal strategy for TB prevention among adults.

The role of targeting glucose metabolism in chondrocytes in the pathogenesis and therapeutic mechanisms of osteoarthritis: a narrative review.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that can affect almost any joint, mainly resulting in joint dysfunction and pain. Worldwide, OA affects more than 240 million people and is one of the leading causes of activity limitation in adults. However, the pathogenesis of OA remains elusive, resulting in the lack of well-established clinical treatment strategies. Recently, energy metabolism alterations have provided new insights into the pathogenesis of OA. Accumulating evidence indicates that glucose metabolism plays a key role in maintaining cartilage homeostasis. Disorders of glucose metabolism can lead to chondrocyte hypertrophy and extracellular matrix degradation, and promote the occurrence and development of OA. This article systematically summarizes the regulatory effects of different enzymes and factors related to glucose metabolism in OA, as well as the mechanism and potential of various substances in the treatment of OA by affecting glucose metabolism. This provides a theoretical basis for a better understanding of the mechanism of OA progression and the development of optimal prevention and treatment strategies.

Exploring anterion capsular contraction syndrome in cataract surgery: insights into pathogenesis, clinical course, influencing factors, and intervention approaches.

Anterior capsular contraction syndrome (ACCS) is a challenging complication that can occur following phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Characterized by capsular bag wrinkling, intraocular lens (IOL) decentration and tilt, ACCS can have negative effects on visual outcomes and patient satisfaction. This review aims to investigate the pathogenesis, clinical course, influencing factors, and intervention approaches for ACCS after cataract surgery. By understanding the underlying mechanisms and identifying factors that contribute to ACCS, surgeons can enhance their ability to predict and manage this complication. Various intervention strategies are discussed, highlighting their importance in reducing complications and improving surgical outcomes. However, further research is needed to determine optimal prevention and management strategies through long-term follow-up and comparative analyses. Advancements in this field will ultimately lead to improved visual outcomes and optimized cataract surgery for patients.

Cancer-associated thrombosis in hematologic malignancies.

Patients with hematologic malignancies are often complicated not only by severe bleeding due to thrombocytopenia and disseminated intravascular coagulation but also by thromboembolic events, just like in patients with solid cancers, and these events can negatively impact patient outcomes. Nevertheless, the prevention and treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) in hematologic malignancies has not been adequately investigated due to the limited size, heterogeneity, and unique pathophysiology of the patient population. This article summarizes the current understanding, risk factors, prediction models, and optimal prevention and treatment strategies of CAT in hematologic malignancies on a disease-by-disease basis, including acute leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and myeloproliferative neoplasms. Specific considerations of novel molecular targeted therapeutics introduced in recent years, such as immunomodulatory drugs and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, are also discussed based on the latest clinical trials.

Does Genotype-Specific Phenotype in Patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2 Occur as Current Guidelines Predict?

The clinical manifestation of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) in terms of developing medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), pheochromocytoma (PCC), and/or primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is related to the respective pathogenic variant of the RET proto-oncogene. The aim of this study is to retrospectively analyze the individual, genotype-dependent clinical manifestations of a large cohort of MEN2 patients. By comparing their clinical profile with currently existing evidence-based knowledge, an optimal therapy and prevention strategy in terms of prophylactic thyroidectomy and clinical follow-up could be ensured. This is a retrospective single-center study of 158 MEN2 patients who were diagnosed and/or surgically treated at a tertiary referral care center between 1990 and 2022. All participants were categorized according to their pathogenic variant of the RET proto-oncogene. Subsequently, the clinical manifestation of the disease and its time of occurrence was documented. Our analysis showed results in line with existing studies, except for a considerably lower-than-predicted occurrence of PCC in patients with V804M/L mutations. This study supports the current recommendation regarding the pathogenic variant-dependent management of this rare cancer-associated syndrome.

Comparative analysis of infective endocarditis in hemodialysis versus non-hemodialysis patients in Iran: implications for clinical practice and future research.

In hemodialysis (HD) patients, there is a larger frequency of mortality and morbidity associated with infective endocarditis (IE) as opposed to the general population. Despite the increased burden of IE in the HD population, optimal strategies for prevention and management still need to be clarified. Elucidating the distinguishing features and outcomes of IE in HD patients is crucial to guide clinical decision-making and improve prognosis in this high-risk group. However, the details of IE characteristics, specifically in HD patients in the Middle East, are limited. To compare the clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes of IE between HD and non-HD patients. A retrospective analysis was carried out on 139 patients with infective endocarditis who were referred to a tertiary cardiovascular center in Iran from 2006 to 2018. The participants were split into HD (n = 34) and non-HD (n = 105) groups. Data pertaining to demographic characteristics, comorbidities, microbiological findings, occurrence of complications, therapeutic interventions, and mortality rates during hospital stay were gathered. Diabetes, hypertension, and congestive heart failure were observed more frequently in HD patients. HD patients were more likely than non-HD patients to have involvement of the right valve (41.2% vs. 20.9%), larger vegetation, and extracardiac emboli. In-hospital mortality was 41.2% for HD patients versus 14.3% for non-HD patients. Mortality remained high after valve surgery in HD patients (38.2% vs. 10.5% in non-HD). HD patients exhibited a distinct clinical profile of IE with worse short-term outcomes, including higher mortality.

Optimizing prevention strategies for PM2.5-related health risks in Nakhon Ratchasima

The detrimental effects of PM2.5 on the health of urban populations, especially in developing countries, are being carefully addressed by governments worldwide. To mitigate the adverse health effects of air pollution, this paper presents a case study and suggests a three-phase plan for implementing a prediction and control approach in the Thai metro region of Nakhon Ratchasima (NRM). A data-driven assessment of the region's air pollution situation is conducted in the initial phase, which is then followed by an analysis of the health risks related to PM2.5 concentrations. It is therefore imperative to determine which machine learning model has the best capabilities to estimate PM2.5 concentration. With the help of this advanced predictive capability, decision-makers will have an important window of opportunity to put preventive measures in place to safeguard the population from the adverse effects of air pollution. The study showed that there were respiratory diseases in the NRM area because of high concentrations of PM2.5 particles, primarily from vehicle exhaust, which far exceeded Thailand's threshold of 15 μg m−3. A total of 10,379 people, or 16.91% of the affected population, lived in zones with PM2.5 concentrations >38 μg m−3 in 2019. Another 741 people, or 1.21% of the population, lived in zones with PM2.5 values between 36 and 37 μg m−3. The study finds that Extra-Trees regression combined with AdaBoost has the best-predicting capacity for PM2.5 ambient concentration in the NRM area out of the 13 machine-learning regression models examined. This case study presents an additional tool for policymakers to employ in controlling adverse health effects in urban areas.

Towards a personalized preventive strategy of Herpes zoster infection in patients with hematologic diseases or hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: a position paper from an <i>ad hoc</i> Italian expert panel

The identification of patients at high risk of herpes zoster (HZ) requiring a prevention strategy with antiviral prophylaxis and anti-HZ vaccine is a clinically relevant issue in patients with immunological impairment. Absence of trials comparing vaccination to pharmacological prophylaxis or defining their sequential use makes the optimal prevention strategy uncertain. This article presents the results of group discussion among an ad hoc constituted panel of experts aimed to review the literature regarding antiviral prophylaxis and vaccine efficacy and safety in populations with malignant and non-malignant hematological diseases, and submitted to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The panel used the consensus methodology and proposed solutions for prevention strategy producing advice for the management of the most relevant unmet clinical needs. Such a comprehensive overview aims to support at the practice of HZ pharmacological and vaccine prevention and informing the design and the need of implementation of new studies in the field.

Impact of recipient age on mortality among Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-seronegative lung transplant recipients with CMV-seropositive donors

BackgroundCytomegalovirus (CMV)-seronegative lung transplant recipients (LTRs) with seropositive donors (CMV D+/R-) have the highest mortality of all CMV serostatuses. Due to immunosenescence and other factors, we hypothesized CMV D+/R- status might disproportionately impact older LTRs. Thus, we investigated whether recipient age modified the relationship between donor CMV status and mortality among CMV-seronegative LTRs. MethodsAdult, CMV-seronegative first-time lung-only recipients were identified through the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients between 05/2005-12/2019. We used adjusted multivariable Cox regression to assess the relationship of donor CMV status and death. Interaction between recipient age and donor CMV was assessed via likelihood ratio testing of nested Cox models and by the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) and attributable proportion (AP) of joint effects. ResultsWe identified 11,136 CMV-seronegative LTRs. Median age was 59 years, 65.2% were male, with leading transplant indication of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (35.6%); 60.8% were CMV D+/R-. In multivariable modeling, CMV D+/R- status was associated with 27% increased hazard of death (adjusted HR, 1.27 [95%CI: 1.21-1.34]) compared to CMV D-/R-. Recipient age ≥60 years significantly modified the relationship between donor CMV-seropositive status and mortality on the additive scale, including RERI 0.24 and AP 11.4% (p=0.001), i.e., the interaction increased hazard of death by 0.24 and explained 11.4% of mortality in older CMV D+ recipients. ConclusionsAmong CMV-seronegative LTRs, donor CMV-seropositive status confers higher risk of post-transplant mortality which is amplified in older recipients. Future studies should define optimal strategies for CMV prevention and management in older D+/R- LTRs.

Epidemiology and Etiology of Community-Acquired CNS Infections in Iran: A Narrative Review

CNS infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The epidemiology of CNS infections shows striking differences in geographic regions. We reviewed the literature on clinico-epidemiological features of community-acquired CNS infections in Iran. Our review highlighted that the causes of CNS infections in Iran are diverse but information regarding the epidemiology and precise estimates of the burden of disease are lacking for most neuroinfections. Enteroviruses, S. pneumoniae, and Klebsiella species are the most commonly reported causes of viral, bacterial, and neonatal meningitis, respectively, whereas neurotuberculosis and neurobrucellosis place a huge burden. Improving the national surveillance system and implementing a nationwide data registry system for CNS infections are necessary to provide practically useful information regarding the microbial spectrum and the burden of CNS infections to suggest optimal preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies.

The Outcome of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Patients with Testicular Involvement - Real World Data

Introduction: Patients (pts) with testicular lymphoma (TL) have an increased risk of central nervous system (CNS) relapse. In rituximab era, the reported incidence vary from 10% (in limited disease) to 25% (advanced disease). More data is needed to guide the managment of TL pts in current era. Optimal strategy for CNS relapse prevention is uncertain. Methods: We studied consecutive pts diagnosed between 2000 and 2022 with testicular diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) prospectively observed in the Czech Lymphoma Study Group Project NiHiL (Clinical Trial gov. NCT03199066). Objectives were to analyze the cumulative incidence of CNS relapse, time to CNS relapse, PFS and OS. The impact of various treatment strategies on CNS relapse was analyzed. Results: We identified 229 pts with testicular involvement: 157 pts with primary testicular lymphoma (PTL) in clinical stage I or II and 72 pts in advanced stage (AD) III or IV. Median age was 70 years (range 33 - 87). Rituximab-based chemotherapy received 192 (83.8%) pts including 127 (81%) cases with PTL. Following localized treatments were used more often in PTL compared to AD: unilateral orchiectomy [148 (94.3%) vs. 47 (65.3%); p < 0.0001], testicular irradiation (RT) [116 (61.7%) vs. 40 (38.7%); p = 0.005]. Most patients (85%) received some form of CNS prophylaxis. There were similar rates in use of prophylactic methotrexate (MTX) between PTL and AD (p = 0.88): intrathecal (i.t.) MTX 64 (40.8%) vs. 29 (40.3%), intravenous (i.v.) MTX with or without cytarabine 20 (12.8%) vs. 7 (9.7%); combined i.t. and i.v. MTX 38 (24.2%) vs. 20 (27.8%). Out of 229 cases 25 (15.9%) PTL and 11 (15.3%) AD pts did not receive any CNS prophylaxis. Median follow-up was 51.8 months.Overall 63 (27.5%) pts relapsed including 14 (6.1%) relapses in CNS. Median time to CNS relapse was 21.9 months and to other systemic relapse was 14.7 months (p = 0.63). The 5-year cumulative incidence of CNS relapse in PTL was 4.55% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.1 - 28.6) and in AD 12.07% (95% CI 0.8 - 39.6), respectively. In univariate analyses, MTX prophylaxis (i.v. and/or i.t.) and testicular RT had no impact on CNS relapse (p = 0.49 and p = 0.60, respectively). Orchiectomy was the single significant factor associated with lower risk of CNS relapse in PTL (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.11[95% CI 0 - 0.124]; p = 0.001). Rituximab significantly reduced CNS relapse in AD with testicular involvement (HR = 0.1002 [95% CI 0.0 - 0.45]; p = 0.0005). Out of 14 pts with CNS relapse 8 died due to lymphoma progression. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in PTL was significantly better when compared to AD (PFS 92.9 vs. 28.1 months, p < 0.0006; OS 108.7 vs. 56.7 months, p = 0.0002). Median PFS2 and OS2 since CNS relapse was dismal in AD compared to PTL (PFS2 1.6 vs. 37.8 months, p = 0.04 and OS2 2.3 vs. 37.8 months, p = 0.05). Conclusions: The rate of CNS relapses in PTL and advanced disease with testicular involvement is lower than previously reported. This study confirmed a significant favorable impact of rituximab in prevention of CNS relapse. Notably, methotrexate prophylaxis i.v. or i.t. did not alter the CNS relapse risk. Prognosis of CNS relapse is particularly poor in advanced disease. This work was supported by grant AZV NU21-03-00411 from the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic and by the Cooperatio Program, research area “Oncology and Haematology”

Invasive Aspergillosis among Lung Transplant Recipients during Time Periods with Universal and Targeted Antifungal Prophylaxis-A Nationwide Cohort Study.

The optimal prevention strategy for invasive aspergillosis (IA) in lung transplant recipients (LTXr) is unknown. In 2016, the Danish guidelines were changed from universal to targeted IA prophylaxis. Previously, we found higher rates of adverse events in the universal prophylaxis period. In a Danish nationwide study including LTXr, for 2010-2019, we compared IA rates in time periods with universal vs. targeted prophylaxis and during person-time with vs. person-time without antifungal prophylaxis. IA hazard rates were analyzed in multivariable Cox models with adjustment for time after LTX. Among 295 LTXr, antifungal prophylaxis was initiated in 183/193 and 6/102 during the universal and targeted period, respectively. During the universal period, 62% discontinued prophylaxis prematurely. The median time on prophylaxis was 37 days (IQR 11-84). IA was diagnosed in 27/193 (14%) vs. 15/102 (15%) LTXr in the universal vs. targeted period, with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 0.94 (95% CI 0.49-1.82). The aHR of IA during person-time with vs. person-time without antifungal prophylaxis was 0.36 (95% CI 0.12-1.02). No difference in IA was found during periods with universal vs. targeted prophylaxis. Prophylaxis was protective of IA when taken. Targeted prophylaxis may be preferred over universal due to comparable IA rates and lower rates of adverse events.

Haemophilia and cardiovascular disease in Japan: Low incidence rates from ADVANCE Japan baseline data.

With the increasing life expectancy of people with haemophilia, the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and thrombotic events has become a growing concern. Longitudinal studies on the incidence and risk factors of CVD in this population are limited, and optimal prevention and treatment strategies are yet to be established. This study aimed to present the baseline data of a prospective longitudinal study focusing on a subset of Japanese patients with haemophilia, specifically investigated the incidence, risk factors and treatment modalities for CVD and thrombotic diseases in people aged 40 years in Japan over 10 years through the ADVANCE Japan study. The ADVANCE Japan study is a prospective multicentre cohort study involving 600 adult individuals with haemophilia A/B aged 40 years in Japan. The primary endpoint was the incidence of CVD, with secondary endpoints encompassing anticoagulant use, mortality rates, and comparison with the general population. Baseline data from the 600 participants revealed that thrombotic events occurred in 13 individuals (2.2%), mostly in those with haemophilia A. Atrial fibrillation was observed in 11 participants (1.8%). Hypertension and dyslipidaemia were identified as the prevalent risk factors. Various prophylactic treatments were employed, and no severe bleeding events were observed during the study period. This study provides vital baseline data for a 10-year prospective investigation of CVD and thrombotic disease risk in people with haemophilia. These findings will contribute to refining prevention and treatment approaches and improving patients' quality of life.

Trends of Odontogenic Sinusitis Incidence During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the epidemiology of several diseases. This study aims to compare the incidence of surgically treated odontogenic sinusitis (ODS) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify unique features. A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent at least maxillary antrostomy at a tertiary referral center was performed. The patients were divided into two cohorts: "pre-COVID" (March 2018 to February 2020) and "COVID" (March 2020 to February 2022). Data on demographics, comorbidities, and treatment interventions were collected and analyzed. Of the 734 patients who underwent maxillary antrostomy, 370 (50.4%) were operated on during the COVID period, with a mean age of 53.1 ± 15.7 years. ODS was found as the etiology of 22 (6%) and 45 (12.2%) of the pre-COVID and COVID cases, respectively (p = 0.006). Although no difference was found in the incidence of diabetes (p = 0.9) or obesity (p = 0.7) between groups, a trend toward higher incidence of immunosuppression was found in the pre-COVID patients (18.2% vs. 0%, p = 0.06). A higher incidence of sphenoid sinus involvement (31.8% vs. 8.9%, p < 0.05) was identified in the pre-COVID group; however, no differences in ethmoid (86.4% vs. 86.7%, p = 0.999) or frontal sinus involvement (54.5% vs. 37.8%, p = 0.3) were found between the groups. There was an increase in the incidence of ODS during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the 2 years prior. Similar clinical characteristics were found in both groups. Future studies focusing on specific etiologies to explain ODS preponderance may help determine optimal treatment and prevention strategies. 3 Laryngoscope, 134:1597-1602, 2024.

Stroke awareness among community health workers from rural health blocks of Thiruvananthapuram, India.

Secondary prevention of stroke largely depends on risk factor control and lifestyle modification. Optimal secondary prevention strategies are limited in rural settings due to the shortage of primary care physicians and neurologists. Awareness of community health workers (CHWs) regarding stroke and its management remains largely unexplored. The current cross-sectional study aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of CHWs regarding stroke care. A structured KAP questionnaire was administered among 510 CHWs from randomly selected rural health blocks of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. Knowledge assessment showed that the CHWs possessed an average knowledge of stroke care. The mean attitude and practice scores were higher, indicating a favorable attitude and good practice. The overall mean (standard deviation) KAP scores of CHWs were 13.54 (4.43) against a total score of 23. The KAP scores were highest among palliative care nurses. The stroke awareness of the accredited social health activists was comparatively lower than other CHWs. Factors such as age and years of work experience were not correlated to the KAP scores. Recurrent strokes remain a major challenge in primary care. Overall, the health workers demonstrated average knowledge, favorable attitudes, and positive practices. The study highlights the importance of training accredited social health activists (ASHAs) and other CHWs in stroke to improve secondary prevention strategies.