Retrospective Patient Record Review Research Articles

Renal diseases in children at the university of Gondar hospital, Ethiopia: pattern and outcome

Background: In developing countries, renal diseases in children are becoming common causes of morbidity and mortality. In Ethiopia, there are no adequate data about patterns and outcome of these disorders. We conducted this study to provide evidences on patterns and outcome of renal diseases in children admitted to a tertiary hospital in Gondar, Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective record review of all pediatric patients admitted with renal diseases over a period of two-years (January 2022-December 2023) to the university of Gondar hospital (UoGH), was conducted. Results: A total of 456, comprising 231 (50.7%) females and 225 (49.3%) males, patients were studied. Majority (37.7%) of patients were below 5 years of age. Renal diseases accounted for 3.6% of all admissions during the 2-years period. Common renal problems were urinary tract infection (UTI) (29%), acute glomerulonephritis (AGN) (24.1%), nephrotic syndrome (18.6%), acute kidney injury (AKI) (14.3%), nephroblastoma (9%) and chronic kidney diseases (CKD) (2.4%). Finally; 71.9% were discharged improved and 10.5% died. The highest case fatality rates were in patients with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (36.7%) followed by CKD (36.4%), and AKI (21.5%). Conclusions: This study revealed high prevalence and mortality rate of renal diseases in children. The major causes of death were AGN/RPGN, CKD and AKI. All the above evidences clearly disclosed that establishment of a pediatric nephrology unit and get a trained pediatric nephrologist in our university hospital is critical.

Outcomes of centrally versus laterally based tarsoconjuctival pedicle flap reconstruction for large full thickness lower eyelid defects.

To compare the outcomes of two types of tarsoconjunctival pedicle flaps for reconstruction of large lower eyelid defects. Retrospective medical record review of consecutive patients who underwent centrally-based or laterally-based tarsoconjunctival pedicle transconjunctival flap for lower eyelid reconstruction for defects greater than 50% of the lid margin. Full thickness skin grafts were used for anterior lamellar reconstruction in all cases. The primary outcome measure was eyelid position, function and satisfactory cosmesis. Forty-three patients were identified. Twenty-six patients underwent reconstruction with a centrally-based tarsoconjunctival pedicle flap; 17 patients underwent reconstruction with a laterally-based tarsoconjunctival pedicle flap. The average size of the lid defect was 77.7% (range 50-100%) in the central group and 75% (range 50-100%) in the lateral group (p=0.604). Mean follow up time was 61.5 weeks in the central group and 46.6 weeks in the lateral group (p=0.765). After division of the flap and during follow up, 27% of the centrally based group required revisional surgery with none in the laterally based group (p=0.03). 100% of the patients with centrally based flaps required second staged division of flap, whereas only 52% of patients with a laterally based flaps underwent second staged flap division. (p<0.001). Outcome suggests that for reconstruction of large lower lid defects requiring lid sharing procedures, both centrally and lateral-based procedures have equivalent functional outcome. However, the laterally based group has less need for revisional procedures and may not need a second stage division of the flap.

Abstract PO1-03-06: Older patients with Early Stage Triple Negative Breast Cancer: The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center experience

Abstract INTRODUCTION Approximately 15% cases of TNBC are diagnosed in individuals over the age of 70. Older patients remain under-represented in clinical trials. We conducted a retrospective review of patients 70 years of age and older with stage I-III TNBC who were treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), with the goal of describing the clinical practice patterns and outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective record review of patients 70 years of age and older with a diagnosis of stage I-III TNBC between January 2015-December 2019 was performed. We report the data on the utilization of systemic chemotherapy and survival analyses. We compared patient characteristics by chemotherapy type using Wilcoxon rank sum test, Pearson’s Chi-squared test, and Fisher’s exact test. Overall Survival (OS), Breast Cancer Specific Survival (BCSS), and Recurrence Free BCSS (RF-BCSS) were examined using Cox proportional hazards models. All statistical analyses were conducted using R. RESULTS A total of 147 patients were included. The median age was 75 years (range 70-96). The number of patients with stage I, II, and III disease was 64 (44%), 66 (45%), 17 (12%), respectively. Twenty-five (18%) patients underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment. Out of total patients, 93 (63%) patients received systemic Chemotherapy (C) while 54 (37%) received no chemotherapy (NC). Patients receiving C were younger (median age 74 years with C vs. 78 years with NC, p&amp;lt; 0.001) and had a higher disease stage (Stage II-III: 66% (C) vs. 41% (NC), p=0.005). There were no significant differences in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) difficulty between both arms. Amongst, Instrumental ADL (IADL) assessment, patients in the NC group reported statistically significant greater difficulty with meal preparation (17% in NC and 4.3% in C, p=0.016). The most common reasons for not receiving chemotherapy were low-risk disease i.e. pT1aN0 or microinvasive (33%), patient preference (29%), and frailty per the treating oncologist (19%). Rate of mastectomy was higher in the NC group (35% in NC vs. 20% in C, p=0.029). Among the 32 patients who had radiation data, breast irradiation rates were higher in the C group (70% in C and 17% in NC, p=0.003). Thirty patients (20%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and 65 (44%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. Anthracycline-based chemotherapy was the most common NAC (n=17, 57%). Patients who received Cyclophosphamide-Methotrexate-5-Fluorouracil (CMF) were older (age ≥75 years: 51% (CMF) vs. 17% (ACT),p=0.010), more likely treated in an adjuvant setting (87% CMF vs. 61% ACT, p=0.017), had earlier-stage disease (Stage 1: 54% (CMF) vs. 26% (ACT), p=0.028), and reported more ADL (31% in CMF vs. 0% in ACT, p=0.002) and IADL difficulties (31% CMF vs 4.3% in ACT, p=0.021). The use of Docetaxel/Cyclophosphamide (TC) and platinum-based regimens was low (8% and 5%, respectively). In the univariate analysis between the C and NC groups, there was no difference in OS (Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.78, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.42-1.43; p=0.4), BCSS (HR 1.39, 95% CI 0.57-3.39; p=0.5), and RF-BCSS (HR 1.60, 95% CI 0.67-3.83; p=0.3). There was no difference in OS (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.23-1.55; p=0.3), BCSS (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.17-1.32; p=0.2), and RF-BCSS (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.30-1.73; p=0.5) in patients receiving CMF vs. ACT. CONCLUSIONS In our single institutional experience, we observed that two-thirds of older patients with early-stage TNBC received systemic polychemotherapy. A third of patients with NC were very low risk (pT1a or microinvasive disease) which could explain lack of chemotherapy benefit in our study population. Use of CMF was more prevalent in patients aged ≥75, stage I disease, ADL/IADL difficulties, and in the adjuvant setting. We observed no difference in survival outcomes between the two chemotherapy regimens. CMF remains an efficacious option and a potentially viable alternative to ACT in TNBC, especially in the setting of early stage and advanced age. Citation Format: Jasmeet Singh, Diana Lake, West Dente-Ferguson, Yuan Chen, Fiona Erlich, Beatriz Korc-Grodzicki, Mark Robson, Larry Norton, W. Iris Zhi. Older patients with Early Stage Triple Negative Breast Cancer: The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center experience [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO1-03-06.

Quality of Outpatient Pediatric Palliative Care Telehealth: A Retrospective Chart Review

ContextStudies suggest the feasibility and acceptability of telehealth in outpatient pediatric palliative care. However, there is a need for data that describes the implementation and quality of telehealth, relying on objective and validated measures. ObjectiveWe sought to compare the provision of pediatric palliative care by delivery method. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective electronic health record review of patients seen by our outpatient palliative care team over a two-year period. Demographic, diagnostic, and health utilization data as well as encounter characteristics were compared between patients seen in person (IP), through telehealth (TH), and both (IP/TH). ResultsThree hundred ninety-four patients were evaluated with 889 outpatient pediatric palliative care encounters. Non-English speaking patients were less likely to receive palliative care through TH, as were patients without active patient portals. Median follow-up time was longer for patients seen through TH or IP/TH. Patients with malignancies were seen more frequently IP while children with neurologic diagnoses, technology dependence, and a higher number of complex chronic conditions were seen more frequently via TH. Health outcomes, end of life quality metrics, and encounter-level quality indicators were similar across care delivery methods. Review of systems, pain, and mood management, and advance care planning happened more frequently IP while goals of care discussions and medical decision-making happened more through TH. ConclusionDespite differences in patients seen and palliative interventions provided in person compared to telehealth, health outcomes, and quality indicators were similar across care delivery methods. These data support the continued practice of telehealth in palliative care and highlight the need for equity in its evolution.

Does the Difference in Axial Length Affect the Refractive Outcome?

The purpose of this study is to compare axial length (AL) and the refractive outcome after phacoemulsification surgery from 2014 to 2019 at Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Terengganu, Malaysia. This was a retrospective record review of all cataract patients who met the inclusion criteria and underwent uneventful superior wound phacoemulsification with nontoric intraocular lens (IOL) by a single surgeon from 2014 to 2019. Using optical biometry or immersion technique, the preoperative AL determined solely via the Sanders, Retzlaff and Kraff 2 (SRK2) formula was selected. The postoperative spherical equivalent (SE) at 6 weeks-12 weeks was retrieved. Using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 24.0, the mean differences between targeted and actual postoperative SE were analysed based on the AL. In this study, 490 eyes of 472 patients aged 25 years old-88 years old (mean age 65.72 years old [SD 8.83]) were involved. There were 162 eyes (33%) in Group A (< 23 mm), 189 eyes (39%) in Group B (23.01 mm-24.0 mm) and 139 eyes (28%) in Group C (> 24.0 mm). The mean AL was 23.63 mm (SD 1.19). The mean differences between the targeted and actual postoperative SE were: -0.09 D (SD 0.60) in Group A, -0.07 D (SD 0.53) in Group B and -0.16 D (SD 0.52) in Group C. No significant difference was found between these groups (P = 0.327). There was no significant difference in the refractive outcome using the SRK2 formula in different ALs after phacoemulsification surgery. Hence, there is no reason to modify or adjust the targeted SE based on AL.

Oral Clarithromycin Therapy for Perioral Dermatitis in Children: A Retrospective Case-series Study

Background: Effective treatments for pediatric periorificial dermatitis are limited. We assessed the clinical utility of oral Clarithromycin (CLR) in pediatric patients with periorificial dermatitis. Methods and Findings: A retrospective medical record review of pediatric patients with periorificial dermatitis was performed. A total of 39 pediatric patients with periorificial dermatitis received prescription of oral CLR during January 2021 and February 2023. The median age at diagnosis was 5.3 ± 3.9 years (interquartile rage 2-9). Except 8 who did not revisit the clinic and could not obtain safety data, none of 31 experienced adverse events during CLR meditation. Among 31 cases who revisited the clinic, we selected 25 cases for efficacy evaluation and excluded 6 cases who stopped medication by their own reason and/or did not take medication regularly as prescribed. Twenty-five cases included 13 females and 12 meles and average age was 6.2 ± 4.2 years (interquartile rage 2-9). Twenty-three cases achieved Complete Response (CR) by CLR: 18 achieved CR in 4 weeks and 5 achieved CR in 8 weeks. One case showed partial response (PR) by CLR and one case worsen after CLR administration with cessation of TCI. Among 23 CR cases, 7 cases (30%) had relapsed during 1.5 to 19 months after CR. All of relapse cases achieved CR by readministration of CLR. Conclusion: Oral clarithromycin is an effective and well tolerated therapeutic option for pediatric patients with periorificial dermatitis.

Effect of Antibiotic Administration Before Joint Aspiration on Synovial Fluid White Blood Cell Count in Native Joint Septic Arthritis.

This study was performed to assess the impact of preaspiration antibiotics on synovial fluid analysis and timing of operative treatment in native-joint septic arthritis. We performed a retrospective record review of adult patients from an urban level 1 trauma center with native joint septic arthritis in 2015-2019, identified by means of codes from the International Classification of Diseases (Ninth Revision and Tenth Revision). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine whether antibiotics were associated with lower synovial fluid white blood cell counts (WBCs), the percentage of polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMNs), and rate of culture positivity. Secondary analysis included time elapsed from aspiration to surgery. Of the 126 patients with septic joints included, nearly two-thirds (n = 80 [63.5%]) received antibiotics before joint aspiration. The synovial fluid WBC count, percentage of PMNs, and rate of culture positivity were significantly lower in patients who received preaspiration antibiotics than in those who did not (mean WBC count, 51 379.1/μL [standard deviation, 52 576.3/μL] vs 92 162.7/μL [59 330.6/μL], respectively [P < .001]; PMN percentage, 83.6% [20.5%] vs 91.9% [6.0%; P = .01]; and culture positivity, 32.5% vs 59.1% [P = .008]). Multivariable analyses revealed that these associations remained after controlling for potential confounders (change in PMNs, -42 784.60/μL [95% confidence interval, -65 355/μL to -20 213.90/μL [P < .001]; change in PMNs, -7.8% [-13.7% to -1.8%] [P = .01]; odds ratio, 0.39 [.18-.87; P = .02). Patients with a synovial fluid WBC count ≤50 000/μL experienced significant delay in time from joint aspiration to operative intervention (mean [standard deviation], 10.5 [11.3] vs 17.9 [17.2] hours; P = .02). The administration of antibiotics before joint aspiration for suspected septic arthritis appears to decrease the synovial fluid WBC count, the percentage of PMNs, and the rate of culture positivity. Efforts to limit antibiotic administration before joint aspiration are important to minimize diagnostic dilemmas and circumvent treatment delays.

The management of Chronic Hand Eczema: A retrospective patient record review.

Chronic Hand Eczema (CHE) is a heterogeneous fluctuating inflammatory disease that represents a significant burden. Effective treatment options for moderate to severe CHE are limited. To assess how patients with moderate to severe CHE are treated in clinical practice. A retrospective, physician-led patient record review assessed the demographic, clinical and treatment characteristics of patients aged ≥18 years with CHE across seven countries. Each participating physician was requested to review records for their three most recent patients with moderate to severe CHE treated with a topical or systemic therapy. A total of 264 physicians, of whom 88.6% were dermatologists and 70.1% were predominantly or partly hospital-based, reviewed the records of 792 patients. Signs were present on hands only in 56.4% of patients and the mean time on current treatment was 16.7 months. Overall, 62.9% of patients received systemic therapy and almost one-quarter (23.4%) were treated with a biologic; 28.6% of patients were only treated with topical corticosteroids and/or topical calcineurin inhibitors. In patients with moderate to severe CHE, most received systemic therapy with one-quarter on biologic therapy. However, given that many of these treatments have limited evidence of efficacy in CHE, there is a need for studies specifically in patients with CHE as well as new therapeutic options.

Exploring Treatment Options for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus through a Mixed Methods Approach

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major public health concern, demanding multifaceted treatment strategies due to its complex nature. This study aimed to bridge the gap in understanding MRSA's clinical presentation, management, and outcomes by employing a mixed-methods approach. Through an extensive literature review and a singlecenter retrospective patient record review, the study offered insights into MRSA management, from diagnosis to treatment. The analysis included 44 patients, who presented to an outpatient dermatology practice. Results found a broad age range, revealing that 68.2% were treated with both topical and oral medications. Antibiotic susceptibility tests showed high resistance to Penicillin (84.1%) and high susceptibility to drugs like Linezolid (95.5%) and Moxifloxacin (97.7%). The literature review examined 22 relevant articles from the past decade. The study's findings emphasize the diversity of MRSA infections and the challenges in treatment, highlighting variations in antibiotic susceptibility and the urgent need for innovative approaches. It serves as a substantial contribution to the existing body of knowledge on MRSA and may inform future research and clinical practice.

Outcomes and characteristics of patients on protease inhibitors at a tertiary level antiretroviral clinic.

Protease inhibitors (PIs) have been recommended as World Health Organization second-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) for low- to middle-income countries for two decades. As dolutegravir-based regimens have become widely available, the future role of PIs is uncertain. To describe the characteristics of patients on PI-based ART (in first-line and second-line regimens), double-boosted protease inhibitors (DBPI) and patients who received recycled nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) in second-line regimens at a tertiary level ART clinic. We conducted a descriptive retrospective record review of adult patients on PI-based ART who attended Nthabiseng Adult Infectious Diseases Clinic at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto, South Africa, between January 2021 and April 2022. Of the 900 patients sampled, 543 (60.3%) were female, the median age was 45 and 703 (79.1%) had viral loads (VL) below 1000 copies/mL. In contrast, 21 (58.3%) of 36 vertically infected patients had VLs below 1000 copies/mL. Thirty-seven (4.1%) patients were on DBPIs. The commonest reason for DBPI use in 24 (64.9%) patients was drug resistance test (DRT)-guided switch after virological failure. Forty-nine (5.4%) patients were on recycled NRTIs with no DRT, and 24 (2.6%) patients were on NRTIs to which there was documented resistance. Outcomes for these patients were similar to the total sample. PIs have long been a cornerstone of second-line ART. This study demonstrates the real-world utility of PIs, as well as their disadvantages. There was no difference in the outcomes of patients who received recycled NRTIs in second-line regimens.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia in an academic intensive care unit in Johannesburg, South Africa

Background. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) has an estimated incidence of 10 - 41.5 events per 1 000 ventilator days in developing countries, and carries high mortality. Little is known about the incidence and outcomes of VAP in Johannesburg, South Africa. Objectives. To describe VAP in a tertiary public hospital in Johannesburg, assess the microbiological pathogens associated with VAP (both early and late), and outline the outcomes of these patients. Methods. The study was a retrospective record review of patients admitted to the Helen Joseph Hospital intensive care unit (ICU) between March 2013 and January 2016. Results. VAP developed in 24/842 ventilated patients (2.9%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8 - 4.2), with an incidence of 23 events per 1 000 ventilator days, during the study period. Of these patients, one-third (29.2%) died and 70.8% were discharged from the ICU. Late-onset VAP (onset ≥5 days after intubation, incidence 45.8%) was associated with higher mortality (54.6%) than early-onset VAP (onset within 4 days after intubation, incidence 54.2% and mortality 7.7%). Commonly isolated organisms were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. There was a trend towards an increased risk of multidrug-resistant organisms with late-onset VAP (adjusted relative risk 2.26; 95% CI 0.92 - 5.57; p=0.077) and airway access through a tracheostomy (relative risk 1.68; 95% CI 0.78 - 3.57). Conclusion. The study showed a low to moderate incidence of VAP of 23 events per 1 000 ventilator days. A tracheostomy and late-onset VAP were associated with infection by drug-resistant organisms. The mortality rate was 29.2% in this setting, with a seven-fold increase in mortality with late-onset VAP.

Characteristics and management of patients with substance use disorders referred to a consultation-liaison psychiatry service in Lebanon

BackgroundThis study explores the characteristics and management of individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) who were referred to the consultation-liaison psychiatry (CLP) service in a tertiary care center in Lebanon. As part of the Consultation-Liaison at the American University of Beirut (CLAUB) analysis, we conducted a retrospective record review of patients referred to our CLP service between February 2019 and May 2020. We assessed differences between SUD and non-SUD consults using chi-square analysis, Fisher’s exact test, or Mann–Whitney U test, as appropriate.ResultsOf 1475 patients, 278 (18.8%) received a diagnosis of SUD. They were mostly males (73.7%) with an average age of 38.8 years. The most used substances were alcohol (60%) and cannabis (28.4%). Compared to non-SUD consults, patients with SUDs were more likely to be males (odds ratio OR = 3.18, p < 0.001) and to get intubated during admission (OR = 1.81, p = 0.048). Predictors of intensive care unit admission in patients with alcohol use disorder included pulmonary or endocrinological disease, benzodiazepine use disorder, and days until CLP referral.ConclusionsThe results of this study highlight the high prevalence of alcohol use among individuals with SUD referred to the CLP service. Additionally, they underscore the limited treatment avenues available in this part of the world. The institution of a comprehensive CLP service is crucial to address the unmet needs of patients with SUDs who present to a general hospital setting.

The use of emergency medical services for palliative situations in Western Cape Province, South Africa: A retrospective, descriptive analysis of patient records.

An estimated 56.8 million people require palliative care annually, while only 14% receive such care. This imbalance is particularly acute in low-to middle-income countries (LMICs), where up to 80% of patients requiring palliative care reside. To correct this imbalance, integration between palliative services and other disciplines has been recommended. While improved palliative care integration is a priority in the South African (SA) LMIC context, emergency medical services (EMS) and palliative care remain non-integrated. This has resulted in poor palliative situation management by EMS and a lack of research concerning their intersection. To examine EMS use for palliative situations in the Western Cape (WC) Province of SA by describing frequency of intersection, patient characteristics and outcomes. An observational, descriptive, retrospective patient record review was employed at two hospitals with palliative care services in the WC. All patient records of those who arrived at the hospitals between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020 via EMS conveyance leading to palliative care provision were included in the study. In total, 1 207 unique patients received palliative care services at both hospitals during the study period. Of these, 395 (33%) made use of EMS for hospital conveyance on 494 occasions. The median (range) patient age was 60 (20 - 93) years, and most transports involved male patients (54%, n=265). Family members were the primary caregivers in most instances (89%, n=440), dyspnoea was the chief complaint (36%, n=178) and cancer was the most frequent diagnosis (32%, n=159). The median length of hospital stay was 6 days, with most patients discharged home (60%, n=295). EMS in SA frequently encounter palliative situations for symptoms that may be managed within their scope of practice. Consequently, it appears that EMS have an important role to fulfil in the care of patients with palliative needs. Integrating EMS and palliative care may result in improved palliative care provision and, therefore, EMS and palliative care integration would be beneficial in SA.

Identification and Characterization of Avoidable Hospital Admissions in Patients With Lung Cancer.

More than 50% of patients with lung cancer are admitted to the hospital while receiving treatment, which is a burden to patients and the healthcare system. This study characterizes the risk factors and outcomes of patients with lung cancer who were admitted to the hospital. A multidisciplinary oncology care team conducted a retrospective medical record review of patients with lung cancer admitted in 2018. Demographics, disease and admission characteristics, and end-of-life care utilization were recorded. Following a multidisciplinary consensus review process, admissions were determined to be either "avoidable" or "unavoidable." Generalized estimating equation logistic regression models assessed risks and outcomes associated with avoidable admissions. In all, 319 admissions for 188 patients with a median age of 66 years (IQR, 59-74 years) were included. Cancer-related symptoms accounted for 65% of hospitalizations. Common causes of unavoidable hospitalizations were unexpected disease progression causing symptoms, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation, and infection. Of the 47 hospitalizations identified as avoidable (15%), the median overall survival was 1.6 months compared with 9.7 months (hazard ratio, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.34-3.19; P<.001) for unavoidable hospitalizations. Significant reasons for avoidable admissions included cancer-related pain (P=.02), hypervolemia (P=.03), patient desire to initiate hospice services (P=.01), and errors in medication reconciliation or distribution (P<.001). Errors in medication management caused 26% of the avoidable hospitalizations. Of admissions in patients receiving immunotherapy (n=102) or targeted therapy (n=44), 9% were due to adverse effects of treatment. Patients receiving immunotherapy and targeted therapy were at similar risk of avoidable hospitalizations compared with patients not receiving treatment (P=.3 and P=.1, respectively). We found that 15% of hospitalizations among patients with lung cancer were potentially avoidable. Uncontrolled symptoms, delayed implementation of end-of-life care, and errors in medication reconciliation were associated with avoidable inpatient admissions. Symptom management tools, palliative care integration, and medication reconciliations may mitigate hospitalization risk.

Dental extractions do not predict further use of dental general anesthesia in people with disabilities: A longitudinal analysis.

This paper describes treatments completed under dental general anesthesia (DGA) for a cohort of adults with disabilities. This patient cohort was followed up a number of years later to determine outcomes and identify factors that predict further use of DGA. A retrospective patient record review and cross-sectional survey was carried out on a convenience sample of 64 patients who had previously received dental treatment under general anesthesia. Patient record review extracted data on patient demographics and treatment provided under DGA. Cross-sectional survey a number of years post-DGA collected data on oral care habits and current oral health based on a standardized clinical examination. Statistical analysis was carried out to identify predictors of repeat DGA. Participants received extensive treatment under DGA including preventive care, restorations, extractions, and root canal treatment. At follow-up 89.1% of participants had gingival disease and 56.3% had active dental caries. The mean number of teeth present was 21.2 (SD 6.9, range 6-32). Only caries risk status was found to be a significant predictor (p=0.03) with those with a high caries risk status 6.9 times (95%CI 1.2-39.3) more likely to receive a second DGA. Dentists extract teeth for people with disabilities under DGA in the mistaken belief that this will avoid the need for further DGA. This study found that extraction of teeth does not prevent the need for repeated episodes of DGA. Therefore, dentists should stop extracting teeth for this reason. Rather, if dentists want to avoid further DGA, they should do the basics well: consistent, evidence-based caries risk assessment and risk reduction.

Clinical Characteristics of Ischemic Stroke Patients

Background Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability around the world. It is responsible for 10% of all fatalities and about 5% of all disabilities. Risk factors include age, hypertension (HTN), dyslipidemia, and atrial fibrillation. The incidence of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is increasing among young adults compared to older ones. It has a direct impact on their quality of life and working activities while also burdening the healthcare system. Aim The aim of this study is to investigate the possible risk factors for ischemic stroke in patients who are under 50 years old. Methods This is a single-center retrospective record review of patients with ischemic stroke from 2010 to 2022. Eighty patients who had an ischemic stroke at an age below 50 were included in the analysis. Patients above or equal to 50 years old who had ischemic stroke and all patients with hemorrhagic stroke were excluded. Baseline characteristics, length of hospitalization, and in-hospital mortality were compared with different comorbidities. Results The mean age was 36.65 among males and females who had an ischemic stroke. 56.8% of them were non-Saudi, while 43.2% were Saudis. Diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were among the most frequent comorbidities among patients who had ischemic stroke, with a percentage of 82.7%. Other comorbidities, such as autoimmune disease, thrombophilia, and heart failure, were present. Conclusion There are different comorbidities found in patients who have had an ischemic stroke and are under 50 years old. However, diabetes and hypertension remain the most common risk factors.

A real-world study of the first use of palbociclib for the treatment of advanced breast cancer within the UK National Health Service as part of the novel Ibrance® Patient Program.

The Ibrance® Patient Program was established to provide access to palbociclib for UK National Health Service (NHS) patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), pending a funding decision. Non-interventional cohort study involving a retrospective medical record review of patients commenced on palbociclib between April and December 2017 at eight UK centres. Primary outcomes included clinicopathological characteristics, treatment patterns, clinical outcomes and selected adverse events. Overall, 191 patients were identified, median age of 57.0 years (range 24.3-90.9); 30% were diagnosed with de novo MBC; 72% received first-line and 10% as ≥ second-line treatment. Median progression-free survival (95% CI) was 22.8 months (16.5-not reached [NR]) in first-line; NR in patients with de novo MBC; 7.8 months (6.8-NR) in ≥ second-line (median follow-up: 24 months). Median overall survival (OS) was NR in the overall cohort; OS rate (95% CI) at 24 months was 74.2% (67.1-81.9%) in first-line; 82.1% (72.6-92.8%) in patients with de novo MBC; 55.0% (37.0-81.8%) in ≥ second-line. Forty-seven per cent of patients developed grade 3-4 neutropenia; 3% febrile neutropenia. This study supports the effectiveness of palbociclib and demonstrates the benefit to patients of early access schemes that bridge the gap between regulatory approval and NHS funding for new medicines. Clinical trial: ClinicalTrial.gov:NCT03921866.

A Study Review of the Appropriateness of Oral Antibiotic Discharge Prescriptions in the Emergency Department at a Rural Hospital in Mississippi, USA.

Antimicrobial therapy in emergency departments (EDs) is usually empiric in nature. Due to workload and a goal to reduce patient wait times, providers often make rapid decisions regarding antibiotic prescriptions for discharge. A review of current empiric prescribing practices would determine the appropriateness of oral antibiotic discharge prescriptions from EDs. A single-center retrospective electronic health record review of all adult patients with an ED visit from 1 June 2019, to 30 June 2021 who received at least one oral antibiotic prescription at discharge from Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle was conducted. The primary outcome was the assessment of appropriate antibiotic discharge prescriptions. The parameters for appropriateness included empiric drug selection, dosage, frequency, duration, and subsequent cultures and sensitivities. Of the 18,289 identified records, 421 patients were randomly sampled with 400 patients included in the final analysis. Of these, 190 (47.8%) discharge oral antibiotic prescriptions were assessed as appropriate and 209 (52.3%) discharge oral antibiotic prescriptions were assessed as inappropriate based on the guideline recommendations. With approximately half of the patients receiving discharge antibiotics that did not fully follow the guideline recommendations, there is a need for provider education, pharmacist intervention, and antimicrobial stewardship programs focusing on this practice.

#4850 20 YEARS' EXPERIENCE OF PERITONEAL DIALYSIS IN SARAWAK, MALAYSIA

Abstract Background and Aims Peritoneal dialysis is a modality of renal replacement therapy first introduced in the 1960s. In the event of the recent COVID 19 pandemic, peritoneal dialysis is gaining popularity due to the increased preference of home dialysis. Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia with a population of more than 2 million. Unfortunately, 13% of households in the state are living in poverty. We present our experience with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for the past years in a geographically and socioeconomically challenging region. Method Sarawak General Hospital is the centre of referral for Tenckhoff catheter insertion from other districts in Sarawak. This is a retrospective record review of all CAPD patients who were under our clinic follow up from 2001 to 2022. Data examined included patient's demographic data, incidence of peritoneal dialysis related peritonitis and their outcome. Results All of the patients on CAPD were recorded by December of each year since we started our service in 2001 which shows a rising trend of patients on CAPD, with the highest in December 2022 at 399 patients. The number of patients with dialysis related peritonitis was also collected. Despite having more patients on CAPD, the number of peritonitis episodes per patient-year were in a decreasing trend. This was the result of the implementation of empirical first line intra-peritoneal antibiotics as part of the CAPD Peritonitis Management Protocol in 2015 and Decontamination Protocol in 2016. Conclusion Despite the headwinds of geographic and socioeconomic challenges, the number of patients on CAPD is on the rise. Over the years, peritonitis rate declined approaching to 0.2 episodes per patient-year. This was made possible with the introduction of local decontamination protocol and CAPD peritonitis management protocol, which helped improve the life expectancy and health of renal patients in the region.

Changes in medication regimen complexity index following medication-related hospital admissions: A retrospective single-centre study.

Medication-related hospitalisations present an opportunity for de-prescribing and simplification of medication regimens. The Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) is a tool for measuring the complexity of medication regimens. To evaluate whether MRCI changes following medication-related hospitalisations, and to evaluate the relationship between MRCI, length of stay (LOS) in hospital, and patient characteristics. A retrospective medical record review of patients admitted to a tertiary referral hospital in Australia for medication-related problems, January 2019 to August 2020. MRCI was calculated using pre-admission medication lists and discharge medication lists. There were 125 patients who met inclusion criteria. The median (IQR) age was 64.0 years (45.0-75.0) and 46.4% were female. Median MRCI decreased by 2.0 following hospitalisation: from median (IQR) 17.0 (7.0-34.5) on admission vs 15.0 (3.0-29.0) on discharge (p<0.001). Admission MRCI predicted LOS ≥2 days (OR 1.03, 95%CI 1.00-1.05, p=0.022). Allergic reaction-related hospitalisations were associated with lower admission MRCI. There was a decrease in MRCI following medication-related hospitalisation. Targeted medication reviews for high-risk patients (e.g., those with medication-related hospitalisations) could further reduce the burden of medication complexity following discharge from hospital and possibly prevent readmissions.