Ramathibodi Hospital Research Articles

Outcomes and Risk Factors for Morbidity and Mortality of Systemic-to-Pulmonary Shunts in a Tertiary Hospital in Thailand.

A systemic-to-pulmonary shunt is the palliation of choice for many children with cyanotic congenital heart disease. However, significant morbidity and mortality related to these procedures and the postoperative course still exists. We aim to report our outcomes of systemic-to-pulmonary shunts as well as to define certain risk factors for adverse events. We retrospectively collected data from the electronic medical records of Ramathibodi hospital from January 01, 2013, to April 30, 2024. Demographic data, operative, and postoperative details were collected and reviewed. Inclusion criteria included patients whose primary operation was a systemic-to-pulmonary shunt. Exclusion criteria were patients diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and whose medical record data were missing significant information. There were initially 56 patients eligible for our study. After exclusion, the total number of patients enrolled was 42. Overall the results were excellent, with only one operative mortality, no discharge mortality, and four reinterventions. Outcomes between different shunt types, shunt sizes, surgical approaches, and diagnoses were statistically similar. We demonstrate that systemic-to-pulmonary shunts are a safe and reliable procedure based on our results at a tertiary hospital in Thailand. We emphasize meticulous surgical techniques as well as utilization of proper and reproducible postoperative care protocols to optimize patient outcomes.

The sevoflurane concentration for light sedation in critically ill patients: A protocol for experimental study

Background: Deep-inhaled sedation is increasingly used in Thai ICUs. However, there is a lack of information regarding the level of end-tidal sevoflurane concentration during light sedation. Objectives: The study aims to determine the effective dose (ED50 and ED95) of sevoflurane concentration for light sedation (RASS score -1 to 0) in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients. Methods: This is a prospective experimental single-center study. Mechanically ventilated patients with RASS ≥ 1 who required sedation in the medical and surgical intensive care unit were enrolled. Using an up-and-down sequential allocation technique, the inhaled sevoflurane level of each patient was allocated based on the previous patient’s response. RASS score and hemodynamic parameters were monitored. The primary outcome was the ED50 and ED 95 of end-tidal sevoflurane concentration. The secondary outcomes included the length of intensive care unit stay, duration of ventilator day, the incidence of delirium, hemodynamic status, and respiratory variables changed during the study period. Hypothesis: There exist specific end-tidal sevoflurane concentrations (ED50 and ED95) that will reliably induce a target RASS score of -1 to 0 in critically ill patients who are mechanically ventilated. Conclusion: This study will provide an effective dose of inhaled sevoflurane sedation for achieving targeted light sedation levels in critically ill patients, which may have minimal effects on hemodynamics. Ethics and dissemination: This study has been approved by the Office of Human Research Ethics Committee, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand, on 22nd May 2023 (COA.MURA2023/390). Trial registration: TCTR20230825001

The role of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole in preventing opportunistic infections in systemic lupus erythematosus patients receiving low-level immunosuppressive treatment: an open-label, randomized, controlled trial

Objective: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy are at risk for opportunistic infections (OIs), particularly Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) as primary prophylaxis against OIs and its adverse effects in SLE patients receiving low-level immunosuppressive treatment in a real-world setting. Methods: This open-label randomized controlled trial enrolled SLE patients receiving low-level immunosuppressive treatment at Ramathibodi Hospital between May 2021 and December 2022. Patient demographics and relevant clinical data were collected. Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive TMP/SMX or no prophylaxis, with dose adjustments according to renal function. The incidences of TMP/SMX-sensitive OIs and adverse events were monitored for 12 months post-enrollment. Results: The trial was terminated early due to a high rate of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with TMP/SMX. In total, 138 SLE patients receiving low-level immunosuppressive treatment were enrolled. Most patients (98.4%) were in disease remission. No TMP/SMX-sensitive OIs were observed in either group during the 12-month follow-up period. Among individuals receiving TMP/SMX, 10/70 (14.3%) developed ADRs. Of these 10 patients, eight experienced grade 1 ADRs, and two had grade 3 ADRs; all declined to resume prophylaxis. There were no deaths in the study. Conclusions: During the 12-month follow-up period, no TMP/SMX-sensitive OIs occurred in SLE patients receiving low-level immunosuppressive therapy, suggesting that primary prophylaxis with TMP/SMX may not significantly benefit this population. The high rate of ADRs observed underscores the need for clinicians to carefully consider the risks and benefits of TMP/SMX prophylaxis in these patients.

6967 Simple Prediction Model for Vitamin D Deficiency in Women with Osteoporosis or Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

Abstract Disclosure: T. Mullikapipat: None. N. Dumrongwongsuwinai: None. O. Vallibhakara: None. S. Rattanasiri: None. S. Vallibhakara: None. W. Wajanavisit: None. B. Ongphiphadhanakul: None. H. Nimitphong: None. Background: People at high risk of vitamin D deficiency, such as those at risk of osteoporosis, should have their 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels assessed. The availability and cost of 25(OH)D measurement in Thailand are both restricted. The objective of this study was to create a model for predicting vitamin D deficiency in women with osteoporosis or risk factors for osteoporosis. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of women with or at risk of osteoporosis who visited Ramathibodi Hospital's outpatient clinics (medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, and orthopedic) between August 2016 and August 2019. All participants were assessed their 25(OH)D using a chemiluminescent assay (Liaison, DiaSorin Inc.; Stillwater, MN). Each participant completed a questionnaire to determine vitamin D intake through supplementation and sun exposure, as well as the existence of factors impacting vitamin D status. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25(OH)D levels less than 30 ng/mL. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the predictors of vitamin D deficiency. In the vitamin D deficiency prediction model, odds ratios (OR) were converted into simple scores. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the different cutoffs in the total risk score were calculated and used to establish the optimum cutoff for those at high risk of vitamin D deficiency. Internal validation on this model was carried out using a bootstrap resampling method of 1000. Results: Sixty percent of participants had vitamin D deficiency. The final model (n=488) for the prediction of vitamin D deficiency consisted of BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 [OR 1.15, 95% confidence interval(CI) 0.99-2.30), no exercise (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.02-2.49), exercise 1-2 times/week (OR 1.40, 95% CI 0.79-2.46), sunlight exposure < 15 minutes/day (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.04-2.78), no vitamin D supplementation (OR 8.76, 95% CI 5.02-15.28), and vitamin D supplementation ≤ 20,000 IU/day (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.34-3.96). The area under the curve was 0.747. At a cutoff of 6.6 in total risk score (range 4-13.6), the model predicted vitamin D deficiency with a sensitivity of 71.9 and a specificity of 65.3. The internal validation by Bootstrap revealed a ROC of 0.752 (95%CI 0.751-0.754). Conclusions: In women at risk of osteoporosis, a simple questionnaire can uncover variables related to vitamin D deficiency. The risk score might be used in clinical practice to identify individuals who could benefit from vitamin D supplementation without requiring 25(OH)D levels to be measured. However, external validation in a different cohort is required before implementation. Presentation: 6/2/2024

MO14-4 Improving survival outcomes with ambulatory chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer in Ramathibodi Hospital

MO14-4 Improving survival outcomes with ambulatory chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer in Ramathibodi Hospital

Brief overview of Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University

Brief overview of Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University

Longitudinal study of association between quality of life and grit in internal medicine residents in Ramathibodi Hospital

BackgroundGrit refers to a combination of perseverance and passion, which is essential for long-term success. Grit is associated with higher education attainment and a lower likelihood of burnout. Understanding how grit evolves during internal medicine residency training is important for providing better support to residents. The primary objective of the current study was to evaluate potential changes in the level of grit throughout the training program and investigate the association between grit and stress levels, quality of life (QoL), and satisfaction of learning scores.MethodsWe conducted a prospective study involving internal medicine residents enrolled in training programs from July 2022 to July 2023, except for the second-third-year residents of dermatology and neurology programs and the third-year residents of haematology and oncology programs, which are not part of the same training regimen. Data collection was conducted using questionnaires at the beginning of the training year and every three months until the end. Collected data included age, gender, habitat, working experience, financial burden, marital status, rotations, grit scores, QoL, stress score, and satisfaction of learning score during each trimester. Changes in grit over the year were examined using repeated measures analysis of variance adjusted by training program, financial status, working experience, habitat, marital status, and age. We performed multivariable linear regression models to explore associations between grit and the following domains: QoL, ST-5, and SoLs.ResultsOf 122 internal medicine residents in all three years of training, one resident dropped out during training, and another declined to participate. A total of 120 residents were included. Grit did not significantly change over time. Subgroup analysis of the first-year resident group revealed that grit significantly decreased (P = 0.049). Multivariable analysis revealed that grit was positively associated with QoL (β = 0.01, P < 0.001) and satisfaction of learning score (β = 0.07, P < 0.001) but inversely associated with stress score (β = − 0.04, P < 0.001).ConclusionsOf all residents, grit did not change over a year. However, only the first-year residents reported a decrease in grit during a training year. Throughout first-year residents’ internal medicine residency training, grit was positively associated with QoL and satisfaction of learning score but negatively associated with stress level. These findings suggest the need for targeted interventions to support first-year residents and enhance their resilience throughout training.

Life Cycle Comparative Assessment of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Plastic Bottles: A Case Study of Drinking Bottled Water in Ramathibodi Hospital, Thailand

In the current context where all sectors aim to promote sustainable development, hospitals, as large organizations with significant human interactions, face challenges in managing not only medical waste but also general waste such as water bottles. Improper management of these wastes can lead to environmental problems and high disposal costs. This study performed a life cycle assessment (LCA) of regular (petroleum-based) and alternative (bio-based) polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles used in Ramathibodi Hospital, Thailand, to identify effective strategies for mitigating environmental impacts. The assessment was divided into three scenarios: label-free bottles, bio-based bottles, and 100% recycling. The results indicate that using label-free bottles instead of conventional ones merely reduces environmental impacts by 2%. Transitioning to 30% and 100% bio-based PET can decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 7 and 13 tons of CO2 eq per year, respectively. Currently, the hospital's PET bottles contribute 56.2 tons of CO2 eq annually. Health impacts associated with conventional PET bottles amount to 11.70 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), a comprehensive measure that includes both mortality and morbidity. Meanwhile, 30% and 100% bio-based bottles reduce this to 7.35 and 4.87 DALYs, respectively. Achieving 100% recyclability in bottle management can cut GHG emissions from disposal processes by up to 90%. Moreover, combining the use of 100% bio-based PET bottles with 100% recycling can lower GHG emissions by up to 40% compared to current practices. These findings highlight the potential for significant environmental and health benefits through improved bottled water management strategies in hospitals.

Relationship between strain energy and alveolar overdistension in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: The research protocol

Background: Energy produced during mechanical ventilation has been es¬tablished as a contributor to mortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients, elucidated through ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). How¬ever, the potential association between strain energy, an engineering-based concept, and the risk of VILI remains unexplored. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the correlation between strain en¬ergy and alveolar overdistension and the relationship between strain energy and single-breath mechanical power (MP) calculated by a simplified formula in patients with ARDS. Methods: A prospective observational study will be conducted on moderate to severe ARDS patients under sedation and paralysis. We will gradually reduce positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) by two cmH2O every two minutes from 20 to 8 cmH2O in pressure-controlled ventilation mode. During decremental PEEP titration, patients would be monitored simultaneously for esophageal pressure and electrical impedance tomography (EIT). Data gathered from the mechanical ventilator and EIT during the decrementing PEEP titration were fo¬cused on seven PEEP levels: 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, and 8 cmH2O, providing a dataset of 7 events per patient for analysis. Strain energy and single-breath MP were calculated from ventilator parameters, while EIT provided data on alveolar overdistension. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that strain energy and single-breath mechanical MP correlate with alveolar overdistension in ARDS patients. Conclusions: This study aims to assess the correlation between strain energy and alveolar overdistension, as well as the correlation between strain energy and single-breath MP in ARDS patients. Ethics and dissemination: The study protocol has been approved by the fac¬ulty of medicine ethics committee, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University (COA MURA2023/718). Trial registration: TCTR20240320001

2289 The association of heart rate and cholinesterase inhibitor use among elders living with dementia: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract Introduction Cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) are the primary medication for dementia treatment. Bradycardia is a potential adverse effect associated with ChEIs. However, the relationship between ChEIs and bradycardia has not been definitively established, particularly in the Asian population. We conducted a study investigating the association between ChEIs and heart rate. Methods We retrieved data from electronic medical records (EMR) of patients aged over 60 who were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or dementia at Ramathibodi Hospital between January 2009 and December 2022. These patients had outpatient records at 3, 6, and 12 months after the diagnosis. After filtering out by eligibility criterias, patients were categorised into ChEIs and non-ChEIs use, and then were 1:1 matched by baseline characteristics. We compared heart rate changes between the groups using Student’s t-tests or Mann Whitney U test depending on their distribution and Bayesian linear regression. Bradycardia was analysed using Kaplan–Meier Estimates and Cox proportional hazards model. Results 790 eligible patients were included, with 395 patients in each group. The median of difference of changes from baseline heart rate between group were − 0.5 BPM (p = 0.06), −1.5 BPM (p = 0.12), and − 1.5 BPM (p = 0.002) at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. The bradycardia incidence was higher in the ChEIs group (38.5%) compared with the non-ChEIs group (30.6%) at 12 months, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.2). Among all regarded variables, baseline heart rate, age and beta-blocker usage associated with bradycardia, with adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) = 0.888 (95% CI 0.873–0.904, p &amp;lt; 0.001), 1.019 (95% CI 1.001–1.037, p = 0.035) and 1.334 (95% CI 1.045–1.703, p = 0.021). Conclusions The use of ChEIs was found to be associated with a decrease in heart rate. However, the changes were minimal and may not have had clinical implications for the patient.

119 Treatment Outcomes of Craniopharyngioma in Ramathibodi Hospital

119 Treatment Outcomes of Craniopharyngioma in Ramathibodi Hospital

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Injection Laryngoplasty Using Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma or Autologous Fat With Platelet-Rich Fibrin for the Treatment of Patients With Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

ObjectivesUnilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) can be idiopathic or a result of surgery, cancer or neurological disease. The most common presentation is dysphonia, which causes problems with communication, and can lead to anxiety and depression. Injection laryngoplasty (IL) is a current means of treatment, but there have been few studies to determine the optimal material to use. Therefore, we aimed to compare the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma and autologous fat with platelet-rich fibrin for injection laryngoplasty under local anesthesia and general anesthesia respectively. Study designA prospective randomized controlled study was conducted at the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Department, Ramathibodi Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mahidol University. MethodsThirty-four patients with UVFP were recruited. All met the inclusion criteria and were randomized to two groups, to be treated using autologous platelet-rich plasma under local anesthesia or autologous fat with platelet-rich fibrin under general anesthesia. The primary outcome was the mean difference in the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) between the groups at 1- and 6-months post. The secondary outcomes were the mean differences in voice acoustic parameters [maximum phonation time (MPT), jitter, shimmer, and harmonic to noise ratio (HNR)] between the groups at these time points. ResultsAt the measured time points, there were no significant differences in the mean VHIs (P=0.462), MPT (P=0.79), jitter (P=0.234), shimmer (P=0.863), or HNR (P=0.096) between the groups. Few people who underwent the procedure under local anesthesia developed laryngospasm while some of those in the fat with platelet-rich fibrin developed postoperative abdominal contusion or hematoma which resolved spontaneously. ConclusionsWe have found no difference in the effectiveness of IL using autologous platelet-rich plasma under local anesthesia or autologous fat with platelet-rich fibrin performed under general anesthesia in patients with UVFP. No serious or life-threatening complications were found in both groups.

Effects of Very Low-Calorie Diet versus Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery on Body Composition in Patients with Obesity.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the most effective treatment for severe obesity. A very low-calorie diet (VLCD) is another effective dietary intervention to treat obesity. This study evaluated the effect of a VLCD versus RYGB on weight reduction, changes in body composition and the resolution of comorbidities during a 12-week period. Individuals with obesity at the obesity clinic, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 37.5 kg/m2 or ≥32.5 kg/m2 with obesity-related complications were recruited. Treatment options, either RYGB or VLCD, were assigned depending on patients' preferences and physicians' judgment. The analysis included 16 participants in the RYGB group and 15 participants in the VLCD group. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups; nevertheless, the participants in the VLCD group were significantly younger than those in the RYGB group. The number of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) was slightly higher in the RYGB group (43.8% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.552). Additionally, patients in the RYGB group had a longer duration of T2D and were treated with anti-diabetic agents, while VLCD patients received only lifestyle modifications. At 12 weeks, total and percentage weight loss in the RYGB and VLCD groups, respectively, were as follows: -17.6 ± 6.0 kg vs. -15.6 ± 5.1 kg (p = 0.335) and -16.2% ± 4.3% vs. -14.1% ± 3.6% (p = 0.147). Changes in biochemical data and the resolution of comorbidities were similar between the groups at 12 weeks. A 12-week VLCD resulted in similar weight loss and metabolic improvement compared with RYGB. Large-scale studies with long follow-up periods are needed to elucidate whether VLCD is a viable alternative treatment to bariatric surgery.

Individual treatment effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors on the risk of chronic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes: A counterfactual prediction model based on real-world data.

To estimate individual treatment effects (ITEs) of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) on lowering the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and to identify those most probable to benefit from treatment. This study followed a T2D cohort from Ramathibodi Hospital, Thailand, from 2015 to 2022. A counterfactual model was constructed to predict factual and counterfactual risks of CKD if patients did/did not receive SGLT2is. ITEs were estimated by subtracting the factual risk from the counterfactual risk of CKD. There were 1619 and 15 879 patients included in the SGLT2i and non-SGLT2i groups, respectively. The estimated ITEs varied from -1.19% to -17.51% with a median of -4.49%, that is, 50% of patients had a 4.49% or greater lower CKD risk if they received an SGLT2i. Patients who gained the greatest benefit from SGLT2is were more probable to be male, aged at least 60 years, with a history of diabetes duration of at least 3 months, hypertension, peripheral arterial disease, diabetic retinopathy and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Our prediction model provides individualized information that helps target T2D patients who may benefit more from SGLT2is. This could help clinical decision making and implementation of personalized medicine in clinical practice, especially in resource-limited settings.

Visual prognosis in retinoblastoma patients with multimodality treatments: Visual Prognosis in Retinoblastoma Patients

PurposeThis study evaluates factors associated with globe preservation and long-term visual outcomes according to clinical characteristics and treatment modalities in intraocular retinoblastoma patients. DesignA retrospective review of medical records enrolled intraocular retinoblastoma patients between January 1, 2007, and June 30, 2020. Methods•Setting: Single-centered.•Patient or study population: Intraocular retinoblastoma patients treated at Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.•Main outcome measure: A statistically significant factor associated with visual prognosis corresponds to baseline characteristics, staging, anatomical involvement, and multimodal treatments. Results86 patients (124 eyes) were included. Median age of disease bilaterality onset was significantly younger than unilaterality. Three-quarters of patients were in advanced stages (groups D or E in either ICRB or IIRC and up to cT2a from AJCC). Globe salvage rate was 54.0 % (67 eyes). ICRB Groups D-E, IIRC Groups D-E, and AJCC cT2a and more advanced stages are the globe removal-associated independent risk factors (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] [95 % CI] = 7.40 [1.36, 40.09], 8.33 [1.55, 44.73], 14.73 [1.55, 139.79], respectively). Compared to other classification, IIRC provided the highest statistical correlation from univariate analysis. IIRC Groups A-C is a good visual acuity-associated independent risk factor (AOR [95 % CI] = 4.64 [1.05, 20.43] and P = 0.042). Macular involvement is a worse visual acuity-associated independent risk factor (AOR [95 % CI] = 0.14 [0.02, 0.82] and P = 0.03). Systemic chemotherapy (86.29 %) is the mainstay treatment in our study and is the only good visual outcome-associated treatment. Subgroup analysis of all eyes receiving systemic chemotherapy reveals statistically significant preventive factors for globe removal for tumor staging with ICRB and IIRC groups A-C and AJCC stages cT1a–cT1b (odds ratio [95 % CI] = 15.75 [4.38, 56.65], 15.67 [4.34, 56.53], 9.97 [2.75, 36.18], respectively; P=<0.001) and prevents the worse visual outcome in these stages, (odds ratios [95 % CI] = 4.57 [1.28, 16.27], 6.61 [1.74, 25.11], and 7.50 [1.86, 30.16], respectively; P =< 0.05). ConclusionsAll recent advanced clinical stagings are globe removal outcome-associated independent risk factors. IIRC staging is the best visual results predictor. IIRC Groups A-C were associated with a good visual outcome. Macular involvement tumors are strongly associated with poor visual outcome, despite successful globe preservation from multimodality treatment. Systemic chemotherapy remains a crucial globe-saving treatment and prevents worse vision–especially in ICRB and IIRC Groups A-C and AJCC stage cT1a-cT1b.

Comparing Effectiveness of Online Text-based and Video-based Material in Anesthesia with Jet Ventilation and Microlaryngeal Surgery: A Multicenter Randomized Trial

Objective: Effective clinical training is essential for healthcare personnel with clinical skill requirements. This studyaimed to identify an effective learning medium for anesthesia residents by comparing text-based and video-based online training. Materials and Methods: This online, randomized, multicenter study was conducted between October 2020 and March 2021. Three Thai institutions were involved: the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University; the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University; and the Faculty of Medicine, Songklanagarind Hospital, Prince of Songkla University. In all, 126 anesthesia residents were randomized into a “text group” and a “video group.” Four residents were excluded due to contamination of their learning material. The 122 eligible students undertook 3 knowledge and skill assessments (“Pretest,” “24-hour posttest,” and “3-month posttest”). The primary outcome was the gain score after training. This was measured in 2 ways: the difference between the 24-hourposttest and Pretest scores and the difference between the 3-month posttest and Pretest scores. Results: The mean gain scores for Pretest and 24-hour posttest were higher in the text group with no significant difference (P = 0.347). The mean differences between the 3-month posttest and Pretest scores were higher in the text group without a significant difference (P = 0.488). The mean satisfaction score was higher in the video group. Conclusion: Video-based e-learning training provided better satisfaction without significantly improving gain scores compared to text-based e-learning training. Online video-based was beneficial over text-based for ease of understanding in clinical learning points.

The Effects of Changing Needles on Reducing Contamination of Postmortem Hemocultures

Background: Sepsis is a common cause of death and can be diagnosed through postmortem hemoculture. However, this method carries the risk of contamination. Some experts have argued that using a new needle before inoculation can help reduce the contamination rates. Objective: To evaluate the contamination rate from postmortem hemoculture in needle-changing and no-needle-changing groups. Methods: The present study analyzed postmortem hemoculture results from autopsy cases at Ramathibodi Hospital. Forty deceased individuals who had died within 24 hours and were not suspected of having an infection were included in the study. The blood samples were divided into 2 groups: one in which the needle was changed before inoculation and the other in which it was not. Differences in hemoculture results between the 2 methods were examined. Results: No statistically significant difference was detected in the positive culture rate between the needle-changing (57.5%) and non-needle-changing groups (57.5%) (P = 1.00). The Kappa coefficient was 0.795. Viridans group streptococci, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae complex, Enterobacter cloacae complex, and Acinetobacter baumannii complex were the most commonly cultured bacteria. Conclusions: Changing the needles did not reduce the contamination rate from postmortem hemocultures. Microorganisms commonly found in postmortem hemocultures are oral, gastrointestinal, and hospital-associated microorganisms.

Treatment Outcomes of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Early-stage Non-small Cell Lung Cancer and Lung Metastasis

Background and rationale: Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a highly precise localized high-dose per fraction radiation treatment used mainly in lung cancer. Despite SBRT's increasing use, no clear predictive factors of outcome exist. Objectives: To report local control rates, patterns of failure, and incidence of treatment-related toxicity, and to determine factors predicting SBRT outcomes for primary and secondary lung tumors at Ramathibodi Hospital using competing risk analysis. Materials and methods: This retrospective study included all patients diagnosed with primary early non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and lung metastasis in our radiosurgery and radiotherapy database registry between January 2009 and September 2018. Results: Fifty-nine patients (98 lung tumors) were studied; primary NSCLC and lung metastasis were 15.3% and 84.7%, respectively. Median follow-up was 16.8 months. The overall 1-year local control rate was 90.8%. The most common pattern of failure was distant failure (46.9%). The incidence of radiation pneumonitis (RP) grade ≥2 was 9.2%, and one of four patients with an ultra-central tumor developed grade 5 pulmonary toxicity. The predictive factor for local failure was the mean biological equivalent dose (BED) of the planning target volume (PTV), and for RP grade ≥2, the tumor's maximal diameter. BED PTV mean &lt;100 Gy had higher local failure than BED PTV mean ≥100 Gy (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio 8.26; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.76–38.68, p=0.007). Patients with tumors with maximal diameters ≥5 cm compared with those with maximal diameters &lt;5 cm had more RP grade ≥2 (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio 5.34; 95% CI 1.52–18.69, p=0.009). The overall 1-year survival rate was 73.5%. Conclusions: Local control of lung tumors using SBRT was high with acceptable toxicity. BED PTV mean was a local control predictor. Large tumors correlated with symptomatic RP grade ≥2. SBRT should be used judiciously for ultra-central lung tumors.

The role of integrating palliative care with systemic anticancer treatment at end-of-life: A single center experience.

e24067 Background: This study examines the utilization of systemic anticancer treatments, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, in advanced cancer patients. Specifically, it aims to underscore the impact of integrating palliative care in the administration of anticancer treatment during the last months of life. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients who received chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy at Ramathibodi Hospital and passed away between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2022. Demographic data, cancer type, modality, intent, and route of anticancer therapy, as well as health scheme and referral to palliative care services, were collected. Information regarding systemic anticancer treatments administered at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months preceding death underwent thorough analysis. Logistic regression was employed to assess odds ratios (OR) and 95% CIs for factors influencing decision-making regarding anticancer treatments. Results: Among the 542 deceased patients, 378 had received anticancer treatments within the last 6 months of life. The distribution of anticancer treatments categorized by timing—6 months, 3 months, 1 month, and 2 weeks before death—was 378 (69.7%), 388 (71.6%), 206 (38.0%), and 129 (23.8%), respectively. Older adults constituted nearly half of the population (45.2%). The utilization of anticancer treatments, particularly in the realms of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, at the terminal stages of life is showing a discernible upward trend. Palliative care consultations were present in 26.9% of cases during cancer care. The presence of palliative care consultation was significantly associated with lower odds ratios of receiving end-of-life anticancer treatments at 2 weeks and 1 month before death (OR: 0.55 [95% CI: 0.33 to 0.89], p = 0.016 and 0.54 [95% CI: 0.36 to 0.85], p = 0.004, respectively). Specifically, integrating palliative care reduced the use of chemotherapy in treatment at 2 weeks and 1 month before death (OR: 0.51 [95% CI: 0.27 to 0.98], p = 0.042 and OR: 0.55 [95% CI: 0.33 to 0.90], p = 0.019, respectively). However, the data showed a decrease in the number of patients; nonetheless, no statistically significant differences were observed in the utilization of targeted therapy and immunotherapy. In our analysis, we examine the factors influencing the utilization of anticancer treatments, reveal that there were no significant differences observed among other factors, including age, cancer type, and health scheme. Conclusions: Integration of palliative care into oncology services significantly correlated with a reduced risk of receiving anticancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy, within the last 30 days of life for advanced cancer patients. Insufficient evidence exists to ascertain the impact of palliative care on the utilization of targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

Model-Informed Precision Dosing of Intravenous Busulfan in Thai Pediatrics Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Conditioning bifunctional agent, busulfan, is commonly used on children before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Currently, at the Ramathibodi hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, initial dosing is calculated according to age and body surface area, and 7 samples per day are used for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). This study aimed to identify the best strategies for individual dosages a priori from patient characteristics and a posteriori based on TDM. The pharmacokinetic data set consisted of 2018 plasma concentrations measured in 135 Thai (n = 135) pediatric patients (median age = 8 years) and were analyzed using a population approach. Body weight, presence of malignant disease, and genetic polymorphism of Glutathione S-transferase Alpha-1 (GSTA1) were predictors of clearance. The optimum sampling times for TDM concentration measurements were 0.25, 2, and 5 hours after a 3-hour infusion. This was sufficient to obtain a Bayesian estimate of clearance a posteriori. Simulations showed the poor performance of a priori formula-based dose calculations with 90% of patients demonstrating a 69%-151% exposure interval around the target. This interval shrank to 85%-124% if TDM was carried out only at day 1 and to 90%-116% with TDM at days 1 and 3. This comprehensive study reinforces the interest of TDM in managing interindividual variability in busulfan exposure. Therapeutic drug monitoring can reliably be implemented from 3 samples using the Bayesian approach, preferably over 2 days. If using the latter is not possible, the formulas developed herein could present an alternative in Thai patients.