Individual Patient Risk Factors Research Articles

Risk Factors Associated with Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting Among Women with Breast Cancer Receiving Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy: Individual Patient-Based Analysis of Three Prospective Antiemetic Trials.

Although risk factors related to chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) have been identified in previous studies, only a few studies have evaluated the risk factors associated with contemporary antiemetic prophylaxis, including olanzapine/aprepitant- or NEPA-containing regimens. This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with CINV development in Chinese breast cancer patients receiving doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy. Data from 304 patients enrolled in 3 previously reported prospective antiemetic studies were included. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to predict risk factors associated with CINV occurrence. Additionally, the likelihood of treatment failure in relation to the number of risk factors in individual patients was evaluated. Multivariate analysis of the entire study group revealed that obesity status (defined as body mass index/= 25.0 kg/m2) and the use of olanzapine/aprepitant- or NEPA-containing anti-emetic regimens were associated with a high likelihood, while a history of motion sickness was associated with a lower likelihood, complete response (CR), and "no nausea" in the overall phase. A history of vomiting during pregnancy was also associated with a lower likelihood of an overall CR. Patients with an increasing number of risk factors had a higher likelihood of treatment failure and shorter time to first vomiting. Those who did not achieve CR and "no nausea" in the first cycle were less likely to achieve these parameters in the subsequent cycle of chemotherapy. The present study confirmed previously reported risk factors for CINV in Chinese breast cancer patients receiving doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide. Further optimization of CINV control is required for patients with identifiable risk factors; olanzapine/aprepitant- or NEPA- containing prophylaxis are the preferred contemporary anti-emetics regimens for Chinese breast cancer patients undergoing doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy.

Swallowing and feeding of young children on high-flow oxygen therapy.

Oral feeding practices of young patients on high-flow oxygen (HFO2) have been controversial. Limited literature exists on this topic, but new studies suggest introducing oral feeds. This study aims to describe the changes in swallowing and feeding of a group of young children on HFO2. Twelve participants (mean age 34.17 months [s.d. = 3.97]) on HFO2were assessed clinically at the bedside using the Schedule of Oral Motor Assessment. Assessments were conducted twice to determine the change in characteristics: upon approval from the managing doctor when respiratory stability on HFO2was achieved and for a second time on the last day of receiving HFO2(mean 2.6 days apart). Patients received standard in-patient care and speech therapy intervention. Most participants displayed typical oral motor function at initial and final assessments for liquid, puree and semi-solid consistencies. Purees and soft solid consistencies were introduced to most participants (n= 11, 91.7%). Solids and chewables were challenging for all participants during both assessments. Half of the participants displayed gagging and a wet vocal quality with thin liquids at the initial assessment only. This small-scale study found that HFO2should not preclude oral diets, but in this sample, small amounts of oral feeding could be introduced with caution, in an individualised manner, and with a collaborative multidisciplinary approach. Further research is essential.Contribution:Partial oral feeding of specific consistencies was possible during the assessment of young paediatric in-patients on HFO2. Monitoring of individual patient characteristics and risk factors by a specialist feeding team is essential.

Practices of falls risk assessment and prevention in acute hospital settings: a realist investigation.

Falls are the most common safety incident reported by acute hospitals. The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence recommends multifactorial falls risk assessment and tailored interventions, but implementation is variable. To determine how and in what contexts multifactorial falls risk assessment and tailored interventions are used in acute National Health Service hospitals in England. Realist review and multisite case study. (1) Systematic searches to identify stakeholders' theories, tested using empirical data from primary studies. Review of falls prevention policies of acute Trusts. (2) Theory testing and refinement through observation, staff interviews (n = 50), patient and carer interviews (n = 31) and record review (n = 60). Three Trusts, one orthopaedic and one older person ward in each. Seventy-eight studies were used for theory construction and 50 for theory testing. Four theories were explored. (1) Leadership: wards had falls link practitioners but authority to allocate resources for falls prevention resided with senior nurses. (2) Shared responsibility: a key falls prevention strategy was patient supervision. This fell to nursing staff, constraining the extent to which responsibility for falls prevention could be shared. (3) Facilitation: assessments were consistently documented but workload pressures could reduce this to a tick-box exercise. Assessment items varied. While individual patient risk factors were identified, patients were categorised as high or low risk to determine who should receive supervision. (4) Patient participation: nursing staff lacked time to explain to patients their falls risks or how to prevent themselves from falling, although other staff could do so. Sensitive communication could prevent patients taking actions that increase their risk of falling. Within the realist review, we completed synthesis for only two theories. We could not access patient records before observations, preventing assessment of whether care plans were enacted. (1) Leadership: There should be a clear distinction between senior nurses' roles and falls link practitioners in relation to falls prevention; (2) shared responsibility: Trusts should consider how processes and systems, including the electronic health record, can be revised to better support a multidisciplinary approach, and alternatives to patient supervision should be considered; (3) facilitation: Trusts should consider how to reduce documentation burden and avoid tick-box responses, and ensure items included in the falls risk assessment tools align with guidance. Falls risk assessment tools and falls care plans should be presented as tools to support practice, rather than something to be audited; (4) patient participation: Trusts should consider how they can ensure patients receive individualised information about risks and preventing falls and provide staff with guidance on brief but sensitive ways to talk with patients to reduce the likelihood of actions that increase their risk of falling. (1) Development and evaluation of interventions to support multidisciplinary teams to undertake, and involve patients in, multifactorial falls risk assessment and selection and delivery of tailored interventions; (2) mixed method and economic evaluations of patient supervision; (3) evaluation of engagement support workers, volunteers and/or carers to support falls prevention. Research should include those with cognitive impairment and patients who do not speak English. This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42020184458. This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR129488) and is published in full in Health and Social Care Delivery Research; Vol. 12, No. 5. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

Labor Induction in Women with Isolated Polyhydramnios at Term: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Analysis.

Background: With the increasing popularity of elective induction after 39 + 0 weeks, the question of whether induction of labor (IOL) is safe in women with isolated polyhydramnios has become more relevant. We aimed to evaluate the pregnancy outcomes associated with IOL among women with and without isolated polyhydramnios. Methods: This was a multicenter retrospective cohort that included women who underwent induction of labor at term. The study compared women who underwent IOL due to isolated polyhydramnios to low-risk women who underwent elective IOL due to gestational age only. The main outcome measure was a composite adverse maternal outcome, while the secondary outcomes included maternal and neonatal adverse pregnancy outcomes. Results: During the study period, 1004 women underwent IOL at term and met inclusion and exclusion criteria; 162 had isolated polyhydramnios, and 842 had a normal amount of amniotic fluid. Women who had isolated polyhydramnios had higher rates of the composite adverse maternal outcome (28.7% vs. 20.4%, p = 0.02), prolonged hospital stay, perineal tear grade 3/4, postpartum hemorrhage, and neonatal hypoglycemia. Multivariate analyses revealed that among women with IOL, polyhydramnios was significantly associated with adverse composite maternal outcome [aOR 1.98 (1.27-3.10), p < 0.01]. Conclusions: IOL in women with isolated polyhydramnios at term was associated with worse perinatal outcomes compared to low-risk women who underwent elective IOL. Our findings suggest that the management of women with polyhydramnios cannot be extrapolated from studies of low-risk populations and that clinical decision-making should take into account the individual patient's risk factors and preferences.

Clinician and patient views on janus kinase inhibitors in the treatment of inflammatory arthritis: a mixed methods study

BackgroundJanus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) are new targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) licenced in the UK to treat rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritides. Unlike currently often prescribed biological DMARDs, they target a different part of the inflammatory pathway and are taken orally. The aim of this study was to explore what UK-based rheumatology clinicians and inflammatory arthritis (IA) patients think about the awareness, prescription and use of JAKi; how they compare with biologics; and how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected how JAKi are viewed and prescribed.MethodsRheumatology clinicians and IA patients completed online surveys and participated in interviews/focus groups between September 2021 and January 2022. Survey data were analysed descriptively, and interview/focus group data underwent an inductive thematic analysis.Results66.6% of patients had at least some awareness of JAKi, 73.0% from their rheumatology team. Problems getting earlier access to these drugs were raised by some patients, with many being prescribed JAKi after multiple other therapies had failed. 91.5% of clinicians prescribed JAKi in keeping with their local guidelines, with 72.3% prescribing them frequently as a monotherapy. Some clinicians had lingering safety concerns over JAKi use. Despite experiencing side effects and knowing of possible long-term risks, patients felt overall the benefits of JAKi outweighed the risks. 39.3% of patients were ‘very satisfied’ on JAKi, compared with 25.0% on biologics. Patients on JAKi appreciated their short half-life when it comes to infections, and their convenience as an oral therapy. When JAKi were discontinued in patients, it was predominantly due to inefficacy and non-cardiovascular adverse events. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in increased prescription of JAKi as an alternative to injections and infusions, primarily to avoid potentially exposing patients to the coronavirus. Some patients believed their JAKi may confer some protection against developing severe COVID-19.ConclusionJAKi are an effective treatment option for IA and are liked by patients. The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have impacted their prescription favourably. However, clinicians have safety concerns over JAKi use. Any decision to go on a JAKi should be informed and take into account individual patient risk factors, circumstances and preferences.

Development of a Practical Nomogram for Personalized Anemia Management in Patients Treated with Ataxia Telangiectasia and Rad3-related Inhibitor Camonsertib.

Camonsertib is a highly selective and potent inhibitor of ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) kinase. Dose-dependent anemia is a class-related on-target adverse event often requiring dose modifications. Individual patient risk factors for the development of significant anemia complicate the selection of a "one-size-fits-all" ATR inhibitor (ATRi) dose and schedule, possibly leading to suboptimal therapeutic doses in patients at low risk of anemia. We evaluated whether early predictors of anemia could be identified to ultimately inform a personalized dose-modification approach. On the basis of preclinical observations and a mechanistic understanding of ATRi-related anemia, we identified several potential factors to explore in a multivariable linear regression modeling tool for predicting hemoglobin level ahead of day 22 (cycle 2) of treatment. In patients treated with camonsertib monotherapy (NCT04497116), we observed that hemoglobin decline is consistently preceded by reticulocytopenia, and dose- and exposure-dependent decreases in monocytes. We developed a nomogram incorporating baseline and day 8 hemoglobin and reticulocyte values that predicted the day 22 hemoglobin values of patients with clinically valuable concordance (within 7.5% of observations) 80% of the time in a cross-validation performance test of data from 60 patients. The prediction of future hemoglobin decrease, after a week of treatment, may enable a personalized, early dose modification to prevent development of clinically significant anemia and resulting unscheduled dose holds or transfusions.

Full-body skin examination in screening for cutaneous malignancy: a focus on concealed sites and the practices of Australian dermatologists.

Full-body skin examination (FSE) is a vital practice in the diagnosis of cutaneous malignancy. Precisely how FSE should be conducted with respect to concealed site inclusion remains poorly elucidated. To establish the approach of Australian dermatologists to concealed site examination (CSE). A cross-sectional study was performed consisting of an online self-administered 11-question survey delivered to fellows of the Australasian College of Dermatologists. There were 237 respondents. Anogenitalia was the least often examined concealed site (4.6%), and 59.9, 32.9, and 14.3% reported always examining the scalp, breasts, and oral mucosa, respectively. Patient concern was the most frequently cited factor prompting examination, while many cited low incidence of pathology and limited chaperone availability as the main barriers to routine examination of these sites. Most Australian dermatologists do not routinely examine breasts, oral mucosal, or anogenital sites as part of an FSE. Emphasis should be made on identifying individual patient risk factors and education regarding self-examination of sensitive sites. Aconsensus approach to the conduct of the FSE, including concealed sites, is needed to better delineate clinician responsibilities and address medicolegal implications.

Beyond the symptoms: Personalizing giant cell arteritis care through multidimensional patient reported outcome measure

BackgroundGiant Cell Arteritis (GCA) is the commonest form of systemic vasculitis in people over the age of 50. Published research highlighted the lack of a disease-specific patient reported outcomes (PROMs) for GCA. ObjectivesTo assess the validity, reliability and responsiveness to change of a devised disease specific patient self-reported outcome measures questionnaire for Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). MethodsThe GCA-PROMs was conceptualized based on frameworks outlined in the OMERACT developed core set of Outcome Measures for Large-Vessel Vasculitis and the guiding principles of the FDA guidance. Initially, cognitive interviews were conducted to identify item pool of questions. Item selection and reduction was achieved based on patients as well as an interdisciplinary group of specialists. Rasch and internal consistency reliability analyses were implemented. ResultsA total of 54 GCA patients completed the questionnaire. The GCA-PROMs questionnaire was reliable as demonstrated by a high standardized alpha (0.878–0.983). Content construct assessment of the GCA-PROMs functional disability and QoL revealed significant correlation (p< 0.01) with both HAQ and EQ-5D. Changes in functional disability, QoL showed significant (p< 0.01) variation with diseases activity status in response to therapy. ConclusionsThe developed GCA-PROMs questionnaire is a reliable and valid instrument for assessment of GCA patients. A stratified treatment regimen depending on the individual patient's risk factors as well as preferences and associated comorbidities is the best approach to tailored patient management.

Imaging and Management of Radial Scars and Complex Sclerosing Lesions.

Radial scars and complex sclerosing lesions, often collectively referred to as radial sclerosing lesions (RSLs), are breast lesions characterized by sclerotic stroma with entrapped epithelial elements. RSLs have imaging features that overlap with those of breast malignancy and often become the target of imaging-guided biopsy given their suspicious imaging appearance. These can be identified in isolation or can also be associated with atypia or other high-risk lesions that have intrinsic malignant potential, increasing the risk of carcinoma and affecting prognosis and management of RSLs. Because of this, management of these lesions remains controversial. Traditional management has been surgical excisional biopsy. However, as more RSLs are identified (because digital breast tomosynthesis allows identification of more architectural distortions), optimal management is evolving. Physicians in some practices are using a multidisciplinary approach to the management of RSLs when deciding on surgical excision of these lesions versus imaging follow-up. These discussions also incorporate individual patient risk factors and greater patient informed medical decision making. Reported upgrade rates of RSLs at core needle biopsy vary and can depend on the sampling method, number of samples, gauge of the needle, target being sampled, and radiologic-pathologic concordance or discordance. A precise sampling technique also allows greater accuracy of diagnosis and lower upgrade rates for these lesions, with radiologic-pathologic correlation as an integral component for further management decisions. The authors review the overall histopathologic, clinical, and imaging features of RSLs and discuss appropriate management based on currently available data regarding upgrade rates. ©RSNA, 2023 Quiz questions for this article are available through the Online Learning Center.

Crossroads of Antimicrobial and Diagnostic Stewardship: Assessing Risks to Develop Clinical Decision Support to Combat Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas.

Early detection of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRP) remains challenging. Existing risk prediction tools are difficult to translate to bedside application. The goal of this study was to develop a simple electronic medical record (EMR)-integrated tool for prediction of MDRP infection. This was a mixed-methods study. We conducted a split-sample cohort study of adult critical care patients with P aeruginosa infections. Two previously published tools were validated using c-statistic. A subset of variables based on strength of association and ease of EMR extraction was selected for further evaluation. A simplified tool was developed using multivariable logistic regression. Both c-statistic and theoretical trade-off of over- versus underprescribing of broad-spectrum MDRP therapy were assessed in the validation cohort. A qualitative survey of frontline clinicians assessed understanding of risks for MDRP and potential usability of an EMR-integrated tool to predict MDRP. The 2 previous risk prediction tools demonstrated similar accuracy in the derivation cohort (c-statistic of 0.76 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .69-.83] and 0.73 [95% CI, .66-.8]). A simplified tool based on 4 variables demonstrated reasonable accuracy (c-statistic of 0.71 [95% CI, .57-.85]) without significant overprescribing in the validation cohort. The risk factors were prior MDRP infection, ≥4 antibiotics prior to culture, infection >3 days after admission, and dialysis. Fourteen clinicians completed the survey. An alert providing context regarding individual patient risk factors for MDRP was preferred. These results can be used to develop a local EMR-integrated tool to improve timeliness of effective therapy in those at risk of MDRP infections.

P25 TB or not TB? An unusual case of inflammatory arthritis in an anti-CCP positive patient

P25 TB or not TB? An unusual case of inflammatory arthritis in an anti-CCP positive patient

Acute Pain and Development of Opioid Use Disorder: Patient Risk Factors.

Pharmacological therapy for acute pain carries the risk of opioid misuse, with opioid use disorder (OUD) reaching epidemic proportions worldwide in recent years. This narrative review covers the latest research on patient risk factors for opioid misuse in the treatment of acute pain. In particular, we emphasize newer findings and evidence-based strategies to reduce the prevalence of OUD. This narrative review captures a subset of recent advances in the field targeting the literature on patients' risk factors for OUD in the treatment for acute pain. Besides well-recognized risk factors such as younger age, male sex, lower socioeconomic status, White race, psychiatric comorbidities, and prior substance use, additional challenges such as COVID-19 further aggravated the opioid crisis due to associated stress, unemployment, loneliness, or depression. To reduce OUD, providers should evaluate both the individual patient's risk factors and preferences for adequate timing and dosing of opioid prescriptions. Short-term prescription should be considered and patients at-risk closely monitored. The integration of non-opioid analgesics and regional anesthesia to create multimodal, personalized analgesic plans is important. In the management of acute pain, routine prescription of long-acting opioids should be avoided, with implementation of a close monitoring and cessation plan.

Prevention of surgical site infections: a personal odyssey

Prevention of surgical site infections: a personal odyssey

Femoral shaft fractures in eldery patients – An epidemiological risk analysis of incidence, mortality and complications

ObjectivesThis work aimed at answering the following research questions: (1) What is the incidence of femoral shaft fractures in the geriatric population in the U.S.? (2) What is the rate of mortality, mechanical complications, nonunion and infection, and what are the associated risk factors? Study design and settingIn this cross-sectional study, femoral shaft fractures occurred between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2019, were identified from Medicare records. Rates of mortality, nonunion, infection, and mechanical complications were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method with Fine and Gray sub-distribution adaptation. Semiparametric Cox regression was applied with twenty-three covariates to determine risk factors. ResultsBetween 2009 through 2019 the incidence of femoral shaft fractures decreased by 12.07% to 40.8/100,000 inhabitants (p = 0.549). The 5-year mortality risk was 58.5%. Male sex, age over 75 years, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, tobacco dependence, and lower median household income were significant risk factors. The infection rate was 2.22% [95%CI: 1.90–2.58] and the union failure rate 2.52% [95%CI: 2.17–2.92] after 24 months. ConclusionAn early assessment of individual patient risk factors may be beneficial in the care and treatment of patients with these fractures.

Risk of relapse and readmission among hospitalized adults with carbapenem non-susceptible gram-negative infections

Background Infections caused by carbapenem-nonsusceptible gram-negative (C-NS) pathogens are associated with increased mortality and high treatment costs. Identification of potentially modifiable factors that may improve patient outcomes is important for better management of C-NS GN infections. Methods This was a retrospective study of hospitalized adults with electronic health record evidence of complicated urinary tract infection (cUTI), bacterial pneumonia (BP), complicated intra-abdominal infection (cIAI), or bacteremia (BAC) due to C-NS GN organisms from January 2013 to March 2018. Treatment patterns and clinical characteristics during the index hospitalization were analyzed descriptively and stratified by infection site(s). The effect of patient characteristics on index infection relapse during the postdischarge period and on readmission with 30 days was modeled using logistic regression. Results The study included 2,862 hospitalized patients with C-NS GN infections. Index infection sites were 38.4% cUTI ± BAC, 21.5% BP ± BAC, 18.7% cUTI + BP ± BAC, 14.7% any cIAI, and 6.7% BAC only. The majority of patients (83.6%) received an antibiotic during their index hospitalization; among these, the most common classes given were penicillins (52.9%), fluoroquinolones (50.7%), and carbapenems (38.9%). During the postdischarge period, 21.7% of patients had a relapse of the index infection and 63.9% of patients were readmitted to the hospital. Factors associated with increased adjusted odds ratio (OR) for relapse or readmission included Charlson comorbidity score of ≥3 relative to 0 (relapse: OR [95% CI] = 1.34 [1.01–1.76], p = .040; readmission: OR [95% CI] 1.92 [1.50–2.46], p < .001), preindex immunocompromised status (relapse: OR [95% CI] 1.37 [1.05–1.79], p = .019; readmission: OR [95% CI] = 1.60 [1.27–2.02], p < .001), and preindex carbapenem use (relapse: OR [95% CI] = 1.35 [1.07–1.72], p = .013; readmission: OR [95% CI] = 1.25 [1.00–1.57], p = .048). Conclusions Adverse postdischarge outcomes were common among hospitalized patients with C-NS GN infections and were significantly associated with previous carbapenem use and patient clinical characteristics such as higher comorbidity burden and immunocompromised status. Adoption of antimicrobial stewardship and consideration of individual patient risk factors in making treatment decisions may help improve clinical outcomes.

Cardiovascular Calcification Heterogeneity in Chronic Kidney Disease.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) exhibit tremendously elevated risk for cardiovascular disease, particularly ischemic heart disease, due to premature vascular and cardiac aging and accelerated ectopic calcification. The presence of cardiovascular calcification associates with increased risk in patients with CKD. Disturbed mineral homeostasis and diverse comorbidities in these patients drive increased systemic cardiovascular calcification in different manifestations with diverse clinical consequences, like plaque instability, vessel stiffening, and aortic stenosis. This review outlines the heterogeneity in calcification patterning, including mineral type and location and potential implications on clinical outcomes. The advent of therapeutics currently in clinical trials may reduce CKD-associated morbidity. Development of therapeutics for cardiovascular calcification begins with the premise that less mineral is better. While restoring diseased tissues to a noncalcified homeostasis remains the ultimate goal, in some cases, calcific mineral may play a protective role, such as in atherosclerotic plaques. Therefore, developing treatments for ectopic calcification may require a nuanced approach that considers individual patient risk factors. Here, we discuss the most common cardiac and vascular calcification pathologies observed in CKD, how mineral in these tissues affects function, and the potential outcomes and considerations for therapeutic strategies that seek to disrupt the nucleation and growth of mineral. Finally, we discuss future patient-specific considerations for treating cardiac and vascular calcification in patients with CKD-a population in need of anticalcification therapies.

Infectious Complications of Targeted Therapies for Solid Cancers or Leukemias/Lymphomas

Infections are well known complications of some targeted drugs used to treat solid organ cancer and hematological malignancies. Furthermore, Individual patient risk factors are associated with underlying pathologies, concomitant immunosuppressive treatment, prior treatment and use of anti-infective prophylaxis. Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are frequent among patients treated with new targeted drugs. In this narrative review, we present the current state of knowledge concerning the infectious complications occurring in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors, antiapoptotic protein BCL-2 inhibitors, Janus kinase inhibitors or CAR-T cell infusion. We searched for studies treating infectious complications of ICIs, BTK inhibitors, PI3K inhibitors, antiapoptotic protein BCL-2 inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy. We included randomized, observational studies and case reports. Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are frequent among patients treated with new targeted drugs. Treatment of irAEs with corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive agents can lead to opportunistic infections. Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors are associated with higher rate of infections, including invasive fungal infections. Infections, particularly fungal ones, are common in patients treated with BTK inhibitors even though most of the complications occurring among patients treated by ICIs or CART-cells infusion are associated with the treatment of side effects related to the use of these new treatments. The diagnosis of these infectious complications can be difficult and may require extensive investigations.

Risk factors for unexpected admission following arthroscopic and open treatment of shoulder instability: a national database study of 11,230 cases.

Shoulder instability procedures have low morbidity; however, complications can arise that result in readmission to an inpatient healthcare facility. The purpose of this study is to identify the demographics and risk factors associated with unplanned 30-day readmission and reoperation following arthroscopic and open treatment for shoulder instability. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried to find patients who underwent shoulder instability surgery from 2015 to 2019. Independent sample Student t-tests, chi-square, and (where appropriate) Fisher's exact tests were used in univariate analyses to identify demographic, lifestyle, and perioperative variables related to 30-day readmission and reoperation following repair for shoulder instability. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was subsequently performed. Of the 11,230 cases included in our sample, only 0.54% were readmitted, and 0.23% underwent reoperation within the 30-day postoperative period. Multivariate logistic regression modeling confirmed that the following patient variables were associated with statistically significantly increased odds of readmission and reoperation: open repair, congestive heart failure (CHF), and hospital length of stay. Unplanned 30-day readmission and reoperation after shoulder instability surgery is infrequent. Patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists class II, CHF, longer than average hospital length of stay, or an open procedure have higher odds of readmission than patients without those factors. Patients who have CHF, longer than average hospital length of stay, and open surgery have higher odds of reoperation than others. Arthroscopic procedures should be used to manage shoulder instability, if possible.

Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids: Advances in Treatment and Review of Established Therapies.

Hypertrophic scars and keloids can have significant detrimental effects on patients both psychosocially and functionally. A careful identification of patient risk factors and a comprehensive management plan are necessary to optimize outcomes. Patients with a history of dystrophic scarring should avoid unnecessary procedures and enhance the wound-healing process using various preventive strategies. As there is no single, fully efficacious treatment modality, prevention remains the best approach in reducing aberrant scar formation. When prevention therapies fail, keloids have been shown to be respond to a variety of therapies including topical and injectable corticosteroids, 5-fluorouracil, radiotherapy, lasers, and surgical excision, all with varying efficacies. As such, management should be tailored to the individual patient's risk factors with the use of combination therapies to reduce recurrence rates. Still, keloid and hypertrophic scar therapies are widely diverse with novel treatment modalities providing alternatives for recurring lesions. Laser-assisted drug delivery, skin priming, and novel topical therapies may provide alternative options for the management of hypertrophic scars and keloids.

Preoperative Workup, Staging, and Treatment Planning of Colorectal Cancer

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of death in the United States. CRC is the second to third most common cancer globally and it impacts both genders. Screening initiatives are of paramount importance to eradicate the disease at a precancerous or early stage. Recommendations for screening are based on multiple factors including age, ethnicity, individual patient risk factors, and family history. Short- and long-term outcomes and survival data correlate with the stage of disease at the time of diagnosis emphasizing the need for appropriate baseline staging. Furthermore, stage of disease determines the necessity for any neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy and provides recommendations for long-term oncologic follow-up. Preoperative workup includes physical examination, blood tests such as tumor markers and liver function tests, endoscopic evaluation, and cross-sectional imaging. In a select group of patients, genetic testing is part of the initial evaluation as it can impact the treatment plan, long-term follow-up, and testing of potential offspring. In general, surgical intervention remains the predominant treatment modality for stage I to III colon cancers with chemotherapy administration as adjuvant therapy for stages II to III to minimize recurrence or as a palliative modality for patients with stage IV disease. The treatment of rectal cancer remains more complex. Traditionally, early rectal cancer has been treated with surgical resection and locally advanced rectal cancer with neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by surgical resection and postoperative chemotherapy. In the last decade, several protocols have been implemented to modify the neoadjuvant treatment with a trend toward more extended chemotherapy with the intent to further downstage the rectal cancer. Furthermore, the introduction of various protocols of total neoadjuvant chemoradiation may offer in a select group of patients with complete pathologic response, the possibility of observation without surgery. Finally, the management of stage IV CRC is in continuous evolution with the palliative goal of prolonging survival in most patients while offering the opportunity in some patients with limited metastatic disease to become potential candidates for resection of the primary lesion in addition to the metastatic disease.