Part Of Normal Clinical Practice Research Articles

The effect of optical degradation from cataract using a new Deep Learning optical coherence tomography segmentation algorithm.

To assess the validity of the results of a freely available online Deep Learning segmentation tool and its sensitivity to noise introduced by cataract. The OCT images were collected with a Spectralis SD-OCT (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) as part of normal clinical practice. Data were segmented using a freely available online tool called Relayer ( https://www.relayer.online/ ), based on a cross-platform Deep Learning segmentation architecture specifically adapted for retinal OCT images. The segmentations were read into MATLAB (The MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA) and analyzed. There was an excellent agreement between the ETDRS measurements obtained from the two algorithms. Upon visual inspection, the segmentation based on Deep Learning obtained with Relayer appeared more accurate except in one case of apparent good quality image showing interrupted segmentations in some of the B-scans. A freely available online Deep Learning segmentation tool showed good and promising performance in healthy retinas before and after cataract surgery, proving robust to optical degradation of the image from media opacities.

Understanding the application of genomics knowledge in nursing and midwifery practice: A scoping study

BackgroundWith the increased realisation of the benefits of genomic testing, nurses and midwives are being exposed to genomic care as a part of normal clinical practice. AimTo explore how Queensland nurses and midwives are applying genomics knowledge in clinical practice to understand how best to support the workforce to meet patient needs in response to increased genomic testing rates. MethodsA scoping methodology was used whereby the research question was defined, relevant studies were identified for the purposes of a literature review, followed by interviews with 32 nurses and midwives to support the interpretation of the literature review and to understand the implications for practice. FindingsNurses and midwives are working in partnership with their patients and families to support genomic decision making. The emerging needs of patients to understand their diagnostic and treatment pathway is forcing nurses and midwives to self-educate to keep pace with current practice demands. This approach to upskilling is not adequate for those nurses and midwives currently who are regularly exposed to patients requiring genomic support. DiscussionDespite national and local policy documents identifying genomics workforce capacity as a strategic priority action and clinicians reporting their involvement in genomics care, there is a lack of succession planning, organisational support and educational opportunities to support these advances in practice. ConclusionThere is a need to address the emerging genomic workforce and education requirements to ensure nurses and midwives are capable of supporting patients undergoing genomic testing.

Asthma Control in Patients with Severe Eosinophilic Asthma Treated with Reslizumab: Spanish Real-Life Data.

BackgroundReslizumab is an anti-interleukin 5 monoclonal antibody that has demonstrated to reduce the risk of severe exacerbations and to improve symptoms, lung function, and quality of life in randomized controlled trials that included patients with severe eosinophilic uncontrolled asthma (SEUA) and a history of severe exacerbations.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of add-on reslizumab in a cohort of patients with SEUA under real-life conditions.MethodsThis was a multi-centre, retrospective, real-life study that included subjects with SEUA treated with reslizumab in 44 asthma units throughout Spain. Eligible patients were those who had received at least one dose of reslizumab as part of normal clinical practice. The primary endpoint was complete asthma control at 52 weeks, defined as absence of severe exacerbations, ACT ≥20 and no maintenance oral corticosteroids (OCS). Demographic, clinical, and functional data were collected at baseline (T0), after four to six months (T1); after 12 months (T2) and beyond 12 months of therapy (T3).ResultsTreatment with reslizumab achieved complete asthma control in 40% of the 208 included SEUA patients and led to a significant reduction in exacerbations (from 3.0; IQR: 2.0–4.0 at V0 to 0.0; IQR: 0.0–0.0 at V2), maintenance OCS use (from 54.8% (95% CI: 48.0–61.6 at T0 to 18.5% (95% CI: 12.5–24.5 at T2) and a meaningful improvement in symptoms in the entire treated population: ACT increased from 12.8 ± 4.5 at V0 to 20.0 ± 5.1 at V2 (p < 0.001). Most of the improvement achieved at 12 months was obtained at 4–6 months. The retention (continuation) rate of reslizumab was 75% through 2 years (95CI%: 1.9–2.1). Overall, reslizumab showed an adequate safety profile.ConclusionReslizumab is an effective therapy for SEUA with adequate safety profile in real-life conditions.

Haptoglobin as a Biomarker.

—Haptoglobin (Hp) is a glycoprotein that binds free hemoglobin (Hb) in plasma and plays a critical role in tissue protection and prevention of oxidative damage. Besides, it has some regulatory functions. Haptoglobin is an acute-phase protein, its concentration in plasma changes in pathology, and the test for its concentration is part of normal clinical practice. Haptoglobin is a conservative protein synthesized mainly in the liver and lungs and is the subject of research as a potential biomarker of many diseases, including various forms of malignant neoplasms. Haptoglobin has several unique biophysical characteristics. The human Нр gene is polymorphic, has three structural alleles that control the synthesis of three major phenotypes of haptoglobin: homozygous Нр1-1 and Нр2-2, and heterozygous Нр2-1, determined by a combination of allelic variants that are inherited. Numerous studies indicate that the phenotype of haptoglobin can be used to judge the individual predisposition of a person to various diseases. In addition, Hp undergoes various post-translational modifications (PTMs). These are structural transformations (removal of the signal peptide, cutting off the Pre-Hp precursor molecule into two subunits, α and β, limited proteolysis of α-chains, formation of disulfide bonds, multimerization), as well as chemical modifications of α-chains and glycosylation of the β-chain. Glycosylation of the β-chain of haptoglobin at four Asn sites is the most important variable PTM that regulates the structure and function of the glycoprotein. The study of modified oligosaccharides of the β-chain of Hp has become the main direction in the study of pathological processes, including malignant neoplasms. These characteristics indicate the possibility of the existence of Hp in the form of a multitude of proteoforms, probably performing different functions. This review is devoted to the description of the structural and functional diversity and the potential use of Hp as a biomarker of various pathologies.

Evaluation of Haptoglobin and Its Proteoforms as Glioblastoma Markers.

Haptoglobin (Hp) is a blood plasma glycoprotein that plays a critical role in tissue protection and the prevention of oxidative damage. Haptoglobin is an acute-phase protein, its concentration in plasma changes in pathology, and the test for its concentration is part of normal clinical practice. Haptoglobin is a conservative protein and is the subject of research as a potential biomarker of many diseases, including malignant neoplasms. The Human Hp gene is polymorphic and controls the synthesis of three major phenotypes—homozygous Hp1-1 and Hp2-2, and heterozygous Hp2-1, determined by a combination of allelic variants that are inherited. Numerous studies indicate that the phenotype of haptoglobin can be used to judge the individual’s predisposition to various diseases. In addition, Hp undergoes various post-translational modifications (PTMs). Glioblastoma multiform (GBM) is the most malignant primary brain tumor. In our study, we have analyzed the state of Hp proteoforms in plasma and cells using 1D (SDS-PAGE) and 2D electrophoresis (2DE) with the following mass spectrometry (LC ES-MS/MS) or Western blotting. We found that the levels of α2- and β-chain proteoforms are up-regulated in the plasma of GBM patients. An unprocessed form of Hp2-2 (PreHp2-2, zonulin) with unusual biophysical parameters (pI/Mw) was also detected in the plasma of GBM patients and glioblastoma cells. Altogether, this data shows the possibility to use proteoforms of haptoglobin as a potential GBM-specific plasma biomarker.

Haptoglobin as a biomarker

Haptoglobin (Hp) is a blood plasma glycoprotein that binds free hemoglobin (Hb) and plays a critical role in tissue protection and the prevention of oxidative damage. In addition, it has a number of regulatory functions. Haptoglobin is an acute phase protein, its concentration in plasma changes in pathology, and the test for its concentration is part of normal clinical practice. Haptoglobin is a conservative protein synthesized mainly in the liver and lungs and is the subject of research as a potential biomarker of many diseases, including various forms of malignant neoplasms. Haptoglobin has several unique biophysical characteristics. Only in humans, the Hp gene is polymorphic, has three structural alleles that control the synthesis of three major phenotypes of Hp, homozygous Hp1-1 and Hp2-2, and heterozygous Hp2-1, determined by a combination of allelic variants that are inherited. Numerous studies indicate that the phenotype of haptoglobin can be used to judge the individual's predisposition to various diseases. In addition, Hp undergoes various post-translational modifications (PTMs). These are structural transformations (removal of the signal peptide, cutting of the Pre-Hp precursor molecule into two subunits, α and β, limited proteolysis of α-chains, formation of disulfide bonds, multimerization), as well as chemical modifications of α-chains and glycosylation of the β-chain. Glycosylation of the β-chain of haptoglobin at four Asn sites is the most important variable PTM that regulates the structure and function of the glycoprotein. The study of modified oligosaccharides of the Hp β-chain has become the main direction in the study of pathological processes, including malignant neoplasms. Many studies are focused on the identification of PTM and changes in the level of the α2-chain of this protein in pathology. These characteristics of Hp indicate the possibility of the existence of this protein as different proteoforms, probably with different functions. This review is devoted to the description of the structural and functional diversity of Hp and its potential use as a biomarker of various pathologies.

Comparison of Denosumab Versus Intravenous (IV) Bisphosphonate Use for Hypercalcemia in Multiple Myeloma

Background Hypercalcemia (HC) is a frequent complication of multiple myeloma (MM) occurring in 20-30% of patients. This is often associated with renal dysfunction and both features are important myeloma defining events resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Denosumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that inhibits RANKL, has been evaluated in the prevention of skeletal related events in patients with newly diagnosed MM, as well as the treatment of bisphosphonate-refractory HC of malignancy (HCM). Cases of denosumab for HCM in MM patients with renal dysfunction have been described. Both denosumab and IV bisphosphonates (IVB) represent treatment options for HC in MM. We describe a comparison of patients with MM with HC who received denosumab vs IVBs. Methods We retrospectively identified patients age ≥18 with a diagnosis of MM with HC (corrected serum calcium level [CSC] &amp;gt;10.5 mg/dL). Patients were included if they received either denosumab or IVB (zoledronic acid [ZA] or pamidronate), between April 2016 and June 2020. The primary endpoint was complete response (CR), defined as normalization of CSC to less than 10.5 mg/dL. Secondary endpoints included HC relapse (CSC &amp;gt;10.5 mg/dL) and safety. Hypocalcemia was graded per CTCAE v5. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was defined using KGIDO criteria. Patients were followed-up for 56 days. Bivariate analyses were performed. Results A total of 40 patients were included with 18 in the denosumab group and 22 in the IVB group, of whom 15 (68%) received ZA and 7 (32%) received pamidronate. Baseline characteristics are described in Table 1. Patients with newly diagnosed MM composed 33% and 55% of the denosumab and IVB groups, respectively. All patients in the denosumab group received 120 mg except one who received 60 mg, while in the IVB group, dose reductions occurred in 5/15 patients who received ZA (median dose, 4 mg; range, 3.3-4) and 4/7 patients who received pamidronate (median dose, 60 mg; range, 30-90). Most patients received HC treatment as an inpatient (58% inpatient vs. 42% outpatient). A minority of patients had received IVBs in the past 90 days. The mean CSC was 12.5 mg/dL (standard deviation [SD], 1.40) and 13.3 mg/dL (SD, 2.39) in the denosumab and IVB groups, respectively. Baseline serum creatinine (SCr) was higher and creatinine clearance (CrCl) was lower in the denosumab group (median SCr, 2.06 vs. 1.24 mg/dL, p=0.048; median CrCl, 33 vs. 48 mL/min, p=0.048). The CR rate by day 3-4 was 92% and 94% in the denosumab and IVB groups, respectively (p=NS). HC relapse occurred in 2 (12%) and 6 (29%) patients in the denosumab and IVB groups, respectively (p=0.257). Incidence of grade 1 hypocalcemia was similar between groups; however, incidence of grade ≥2 hypocalcemia was higher in the denosumab group. Incidence of new AKI was 28% (5/18) in the denosumab group 23% (5/22) in the IVB group (p=0.71). No patients in the denosumab group received an additional dose of denosumab within 14 days of initial dose. Three patients in the IVB group received an additional dose of an IVB within 14 days of initial dose. One patient, who was in the denosumab group, had refractory hypercalcemia and had not achieved CR at day 56. Conclusions We describe our experience with denosumab and IVB for the management of HC in patients with MM. The CR rate at 3-4 days was similar with either agent in our MM only population that was not bisphosphonate refractory. A higher incidence of grade 2 hypocalcemia was noted in the denosumab group. Conclusions on renal safety are limited by the small sample size and that patients in the denosumab group had a higher SCr on presentation. Denosumab and IVB represent acceptable agents for the management of HC in MM patients with further investigation necessary in those with renal dysfunction. Disclosures Lei: Fresenius Kabi USA: Consultancy; Trapelo Health: Consultancy; Bluebird Bio: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Bristol Myers Squibb: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Clovis Oncology: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Blueprint Medicines: Divested equity in a private or publicly-traded company in the past 24 months. Lou:Fresenius Kabi USA: Consultancy. Raje:Bluebird, Bio: Consultancy, Research Funding; Takeda: Consultancy; Immuneel: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Caribou: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Amgen: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy; Celgene: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Karyopharm: Consultancy; Astrazeneca: Consultancy. Yee:Karyopharm: Consultancy; Oncopeptides: Consultancy; Sanofi: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy; Amgen: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding. OffLabel Disclosure: Denosumab is indicated for the treatment of hypercalcemia of malignancy refractory to bisphosphonate therapy. We describe the use of denosumab for hypercalcemia of malignancy in a multiple myeloma only patient population that is not bisphosphonate refractory. The use of denosumab for these patients was part of normal clinical practice in adherence to institutional policies and guidelines.

Prospective observational study on the complications and tolerability of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in neuro-oncological patients.

The use of central venous catheters with peripheral insertion (PICC) has increased rapidly in recent years, particularly in cancer patients. The benefits provided may occasionally be affected by relevant complications, such as infections and thrombotic events, especially in neuro-oncological patients. To date, the risk of PICC-related complications in this subset of patients is unknown, as is tolerability. As a primary objective, this study aimed to collect complications related to PICCs in primary neuro-oncological patients. As a secondary objective, the study aimed to evaluate PICC tolerability. Neuro-oncological patients with PICCs that were placed as part of normal clinical practice at IRCCS Neurologico C. Besta were consecutively enrolled in the study. PICC-related complications were recorded immediately (during the procedure), early (within 1week after PICC insertion), and late (1-3-5months after PICC placement). At the same time points, all patients were also evaluated for tolerability through interviews with semi-structured, open-ended questions. Sixty patients were enrolled (41 males and 19 females, with a median age of 56.2years). Excluding loss to follow-up, 33/49 patients developed at least one complication related to the PICC. Immediate complications mainly included hematoma (8), accidental arterial puncture (4), and primary malpositioning (3). Regarding early and late complications, 3 device-related infections, 8 thrombotic events, and 20 mechanical complications were registered. Semi-structured interviews revealed an overall positive experience with the device. The most negative impact was on hygiene habits, with 34 patients becoming caregiver-dependent. Over time, almost all patients became used to the device and perceived greater security during chemotherapy. A strongly negative issue was the difficulty of relying on competently trained healthcare personnel in outpatient setting. The results showed a nonnegligible increased thromboembolic risk in neuro-oncological patients with PICCs, almost double that in historical oncological populations. It is essential to extend the study to a greater number of patients to achieve reliable results and to identify patients at high risk. The device seems to be positively accepted by the majority of patients, without affecting activities of daily living.

Potential quality indicators for seriously ill home care clients: a cross-sectional analysis using Resident Assessment Instrument for Home Care (RAI-HC) data for Ontario

BackgroundCurrently, there are no formalized measures for the quality of home based palliative care in Ontario. This study developed a set of potential quality indicators for seriously ill home care clients using a standardized assessment.MethodsSecondary analysis of Resident Assessment Instrument for Home Care data for Ontario completed between 2006 and 2013 was used to develop quality indicators (QIs) thought to be relevant to the needs of older (65+) seriously ill clients. QIs were developed through a review of the literature and consultation with subject matter experts in palliative care. Serious illness was defined as a prognosis of less than 6 months to live or the presence of severe health instability. The rates of the QIs were stratified across Ontario’s geographic regions, and across four common life-limiting illnesses to observe variation.ResultsWithin the sample, 14,312 clients were considered to be seriously ill and were more likely to experience negative health outcomes such as cognitive performance (OR = 2.77; 95% CI: 2.66–2.89) and pain (OR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.53–1.64). Twenty subject matter experts were consulted and a list of seven QIs was developed. Indicators with the highest overall rates were prevalence of falls (50%) prevalence of daily pain (47%), and prevalence of caregiver distress (42%). The range in QI rates was largest across regions for prevalence of caregiver distress (21.5%), the prevalence of falls (16.6%), and the prevalence of social isolation (13.7%). Those with some form of dementia were most likely to have a caregiver that was distressed (52.6%) or to experience a fall (53.3%).ConclusionHome care clients in Ontario who are seriously ill are experiencing high rates of negative health outcomes, many of which are amenable to change. The RAI-HC can be a useful tool in identifying these clients in order to better understand their needs and abilities. These results contribute significantly to the process of creating and validating a standardized set of QIs that can be generated by organizations using the RAI-HC as part of normal clinical practice.

Measuring health related quality of life (HRQoL) in community and facility-based care settings with the interRAI assessment instruments: development of a crosswalk to HUI3

BackgroundHealth-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures are of interest because they can be used to describe health of populations and represent a broader health outcome for population health analyses than mortality rates or life expectancy. The most widely used measure of HRQoL for deriving estimates of health-adjusted life expectancy is the Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI3). The HUI3 is available in most national surveys administered by Statistics Canada, and has been used as part of a microsimulation model to examine the impact of neurological conditions over the life course. Persons receiving home care and nursing home services are often not well-represented in these surveys; however, interRAI assessment instruments are now used as part of normal clinical practice in these settings for nine Canadian provinces/territories. Building on previous research that developed a HUI2 crosswalk for the interRAI assessments, the present study examined a new interRAI HRQoL index crosswalked to the HUI3.MethodsinterRAI and survey data were used to examine the distributional properties of global and domain-specific interRAI HRQoL and HUI3 index scores, respectively. Three populations were considered: well-elderly persons not receiving home care, home care clients and nursing home residents.ResultsThe mean HUI3 and interRAI HRQoL index global scores declined from independent healthy older persons to home care clients, followed by nursing home residents. For the home care and nursing home populations, the interRAI HRQoL global estimates tended to be lower than HUI3 global scores obtained from survey respondents. While there were some statistically significant age, sex and diagnostic group differences in global scores and within attributes, the most notable differences were between populations from different care settings.DiscussionThe present study provides strong evidence for the validity of the interRAI HRQoL based on comparisons of distributional properties with those obtained with survey data based on the HUI3. The results demonstrate the importance of admission criteria for home care and nursing home settings, where function plays a more important role than demographic or diagnostic criteria. The interRAI HRQoL has a distinct advantage because it is gathered as part of normal clinical practice in care settings where interRAI instruments are mandatory and are used to assess all eligible persons in those sectors. In particular, those with severe cognitive and functional impairments (who tend to be under-represented in survey data) will be evaluated using the interRAI tools. Future research should build on this work by providing direct, person-level comparisons of interRAI HRQoL index and HUI3 scores, as well as longitudinal analyses to examine responsiveness to change.

The Evidence for Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA®).

A system for Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA®) has been developed in California. The purpose of this article is to summarize the science behind the methodology, the history of the development of CAMBRA, and the outcomes of clinical application. The CAMBRA caries risk assessment (CRA) tool for ages 6 y through adult has been used at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), for 14 y, and outcome studies involving thousands of patients have been conducted. Three outcomes assessments, each on different patient cohorts, demonstrated a clear relationship between CAMBRA-CRA risk levels of low, moderate, high, and extreme with cavitation or lesions into dentin (by radiograph) at follow-up. This validated risk prediction tool has been updated with time and is now routinely used at UCSF and in other settings worldwide as part of normal clinical practice. The CAMBRA-CRA tool for 0- to 5-y-olds has demonstrated similar predictive validity and is in routine use. The addition of chemical therapy (antibacterial plus fluoride) to the traditional restorative treatment plan, based on caries risk status, has been shown to reduce the caries increment by about 20% to 38% in high-caries-risk adult patients. The chemical therapy used for high-risk patients is a combination of daily antibacterial therapy (0.12% w/v chlorhexidine gluconate mouth rinse) and twice-daily high-concentration fluoride toothpaste (5,000 ppm F), both for home use. These outcomes assessments provide the evidence to use these CRA tools with confidence. Caries can be managed by adding chemical therapy, based on the assessed caries risk level, coupled with necessary restorative procedures. For high- and extreme-risk patients, a combination of antibacterial and fluoride therapy is necessary. The fluoride therapy must be supplemented by antibacterial therapy to reduce the bacterial challenge, modify the biofilm, and provide prevention rather than continued caries progression.

Treadmill training to improve mobility for people with sub-acute stroke: a phase II feasibility randomized controlled trial

Objective: This phase II study investigated the feasibility and potential effectiveness of treadmill training versus normal gait re-education for ambulant and non-ambulant people with sub-acute stroke delivered as part of normal clinical practice. Design: A single-blind, feasibility randomized controlled trial. Setting: Four hospital-based stroke units. Subjects: Participants within three months of stroke onset. Interventions: Participants were randomized to treadmill training (minimum twice weekly) plus normal gait re-education or normal gait re-education only (control) for up to eight weeks. Main Measures: Measures were taken at baseline, after eight weeks of intervention and at six-month follow-up. The primary outcome was the Rivermead Mobility Index. Other measures included the Functional Ambulation Category, 10-metre walk, 6-minute walk, Barthel Index, Motor Assessment Scale, Stroke Impact Scale and a measure of confidence in walking. Results: In all, 77 patients were randomized, 39 to treadmill and 38 to control. It was feasible to deliver treadmill training to people with sub-acute stroke. Only two adverse events occurred. No statistically significant differences were found between groups. For example, Rivermead Mobility Index, median (interquartile range (IQR)): after eight weeks treadmill 5 (4–9), control 6 (4–11) p = 0.33; or six-month follow-up treadmill 8.5 (3–12), control 8 (6–12.5) p = 0.42. The frequency and intensity of intervention was low. Conclusion: Treadmill training in sub-acute stroke patients was feasible but showed no significant difference in outcomes when compared to normal gait re-education. A large definitive randomized trial is now required to explore treadmill training in normal clinical practice.

European Academy of Neurology/European Association for Palliative Care Taskforce on Neurology Consensus recommendations on palliative care for patients with chronic and progressive neurological disease - acceptability for Belgian neurologists.

A Consensus document on palliative care and neurology has made recommendations on the care of people with chronic and progressive neurological disease. This study aimed to investigate whether these recommendations are understood by, acceptable to and used in practice by neurologists in Belgium. An online survey was undertaken of 100 neurologists in Belgium, asking for their opinion on all of the recommendations in the Consensus document. Sixty-four of the neurologists replied. Overall, they expressed support for the recommendations, in particular open communication with patients, open assessment of patient and family needs, and discussion of dying. There was less understanding of the role of palliative care in the implementation of palliative care early in disease progression and the role of palliative care multidisciplinary teams. The survey shows that many of the recommendations in the European Academy of Neurology/European Association for Palliative Care Taskforce on Neurology Consensus document are understood by neurologists, and several are now seen as part of normal clinical practice. However, there is still a need to develop a more collaborative approach between neurology and palliative care services, for the benefit of patients and families.

The diabetes counselling course at Knuston Hall: a 30‐year journey

The diabetes counselling course at Knuston Hall: a 30‐year journey

Impact of omalizumab on treatment of severe allergic asthma in UK clinical practice: a UK multicentre observational study (the APEX II study)

ObjectiveTo describe the impact of omalizumab on asthma management in patients treated as part of normal clinical practice in the UK National Health Service (NHS).DesignA non-interventional, mixed methodology study, combining...

Is it necessary to occlude the ear in bone-conduction testing at 4 kHz, in order to prevent air-borne radiation affecting the results?

Objective: To re-evaluate the current BSA recommendation that the test ear should be occluded during the bone-conduction procedure at frequencies above 2 kHz to prevent audible air-borne radiation. Design:: Pure-tone audiometry was undertaken during routine hearing tests. The audiograms of fifty-two ears met the criteria for the study and were included. Bone conduction at 4 kHz was tested in three different conditions: test ear open/occluded by earplug and occluded by circumaural earphone. Study sample: Forty-four adults aged 41–77 years with average hearing levels from normal to severe loss. All complied fully with the test procedure. No audiogram had a significant conductive element. Results: There was no significant difference in each of the three test situations. Only two audiograms showed any (5 dB) difference at 4 kHz when bone conduction was retested with the ear occluded. Conclusions: The errors that result in a false air-bone gap at 4 kHz would not appear to be due to air-borne radiation. Failure to occlude the ear canal at 4 kHz, where air-borne radiation is greatest, makes no significant difference to the audiometric results. It is therefore suggested that it is unnecessary to block the test ear during routine pure-tone bone-conduction testing to prevent audible air-borne radiation, and that this should no longer form part of normal clinical practice.

A Cross-Sectional Study to Compare Caregiver Distress Among Korean Canadian, Chinese Canadian, and Other Canadian Home Care Clients

This study examines the health of elderly Korean Canadians in home care and investigates the risk factors for caregiver distress of families caring for their elderly relatives. Korean Canadians, Chinese Canadians, and other Canadian home care clients were compared using the Resident Assessment Instrument–Home Care (RAI-HC). The assessments were done as a part of normal clinical practice between January 2002 and December 2010 within Ontario. A sample of 58,557 home care clients was analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis at the bivariate level and multiple logistic regression models. The major finding of the present study is that Korean clients had higher physical impairments and higher prevalence of major chronic diseases, but they were less likely to receive personal support or nursing services. Moreover, the results provide clear evidence of the importance of language barriers for all linguistic minorities, including Korean Canadians.

Predictors of emergency room visits or acute hospital admissions prior to death among hospice palliative care clients in Ontario: a retrospective cohort study.

BackgroundHospice palliative care (HPC) is a philosophy of care that aims to relieve suffering and improve the quality of life for clients with life-threatening illnesses or end of life issues. The goals of HPC are not only to ameliorate clients’ symptoms but also to reduce unneeded or unwanted medical interventions such as emergency room visits or hospitalizations (ERVH). Hospitals are considered a setting ill-prepared for end of life issues; therefore, use of such acute care services has to be considered an indicator of poor quality end of life care. This study examines predictors of ERVH prior to death among HPC home care clients.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of a sample of 764 HPC home care clients who received services from a community care access centre (CCAC) in southern Ontario, Canada. All clients were assessed using the Resident Assessment Instrument for Palliative Care (interRAI PC) as part of normal clinical practice between April 2008 and July 2010. The Andersen-Newman framework for health service utilization was used as a conceptual model for the basis of this study. Logistic regression and Cox regression analyses were carried out to identify predictors of ERVH.ResultsHalf of the HPC clients had at least one or more ERVH (n = 399, 52.2%). Wish to die at home (OR = 0.54) and advanced care directives (OR = 0.39) were protective against ERVH. Unstable health (OR = 0.70) was also associated with reduced probability, while infections such as prior urinary tract infections (OR = 2.54) increased the likelihood of ERVH. Clients with increased use of formal services had reduced probability of ERVH (OR = 0.55).ConclusionsFindings of this study suggest that predisposing characteristics are nearly as important as need variables in determining ERVH among HPC clients, which challenges the assumption that need variables are the most important determinants of ERVH. Ongoing assessment of HPC clients is essential in reducing ERVH, as reassessments at specified intervals will allow care and service plans to be adjusted with clients’ changing health needs and end of life preferences.

Use of the interRAI CHESS Scale to Predict Mortality among Persons with Neurological Conditions in Three Care Settings

BackgroundPersons with certain neurological conditions have higher mortality rates than the population without neurological conditions, but the risk factors for increased mortality within diagnostic groups are less well understood. The interRAI CHESS scale has been shown to be a strong predictor of mortality in the overall population of persons receiving health care in community and institutional settings. This study examines the performance of CHESS as a predictor of mortality among persons with 11 different neurological conditions.MethodsSurvival analyses were done with interRAI assessments linked to mortality data among persons in home care (n = 359,940), complex continuing care hospitals/units (n = 88,721), and nursing homes (n = 185,309) in seven Canadian provinces/territories.ResultsCHESS was a significant predictor of mortality in all 3 care settings for the 11 neurological diagnostic groups considered after adjusting for age and sex. The distribution of CHESS scores varied between diagnostic groups and within diagnostic groups in different care settings.ConclusionsCHESS is a valid predictor of mortality in neurological populations in community and institutional care. It may prove useful for several clinical, administrative, policy-development, evaluation and research purposes. Because it is routinely gathered as part of normal clinical practice in jurisdictions (like Canada) that have implemented interRAI assessment instruments, CHESS can be derived without additional need for data collection.

PWE-092 Symptom Response Following Advice On A Diet Low In Short-chain Fermentable Carbohydrates (fodmaps) For Functional Bowel Symptoms In Patients With Ibd

IntroductionThe low FODMAP diet is an effective dietary intervention for people with functional bowel disorders (FBD), which are common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). One study has reported...