Routine Medical Care Research Articles

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Self-Reported COVID-19 Exposure Risks, Concerns, and Behaviors Among Diverse Participants in the Women's Health Initiative Study.

Racial and ethnic disparities in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) risk are well-documented; however, few studies in older adults have examined multiple factors related to COVID-19 exposure, concerns, and behaviors or conducted race- and ethnicity-stratified analyses. The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) provides a unique opportunity to address those gaps. We conducted a secondary analysis of WHI data from a supplemental survey of 48 492 older adults (mean age 84 years). In multivariable-adjusted modified Poisson regression analyses, we examined predisposing factors and COVID-19 exposure risk, concerns, and behaviors. We hypothesized that women from minoritized racial or ethnic groups, compared to non-Hispanic White women, would be more likely to report: exposure to COVID-19, a family or friend dying from COVID-19, difficulty getting routine medical care or deciding to forego care to avoid COVID-19 exposure, and having concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. Asian women and non-Hispanic Black/African American women had a higher risk of being somewhat/very concerned about risk of getting COVID-19 compared to non-Hispanic White women and each was significantly more likely than non-Hispanic White women to report forgoing medical care to avoid COVID-19 exposure. However, Asian women were 35% less likely than non-Hispanic White women to report difficulty getting routine medical care since March 2020 (adjusted relative risk 0.65; 95% confidence interval 0.57, 0.75). We documented COVID-related racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 exposure risk, concerns, and care-related behaviors that disfavored minoritized racial and ethnic groups, particularly non-Hispanic Black/African American women.

The Unique and Moderating Role of Social and Self-Evaluative Factors on Perinatal Eating Disorder and Depression Symptoms

Pregnancy and postpartum represent a critical transition period for changes in eating disorder (ED) symptoms and depression. Past research has established a relationship between ED and depressive symptoms during pregnancy. However, changes in depression and ED symptom across stages of pregnancy and postpartum, and factors that influence this relationship, remain understudied. Social factors and self-evaluative factors may be important given rapidly changing social pressures and expectations during this transitional time. The current study (N = 454 pregnant women) examined (1) differences in ED and depressive symptoms across pregnancy and postpartum and (2) whether social factors (social appearance anxiety; social support) and self-evaluative factors (maladaptive perfectionism; self-compassion) moderate the relationship between depression and ED symptoms cross-sectionally and prospectively. Study aims, hypotheses, and data analysis were preregistered on the Open Science Foundation (osf.io). This study did not identify differences in ED or depression symptoms across women at different stages of pregnancy; however, depression symptoms significantly improved within individuals from pregnancy to postpartum. ED symptoms and all social and self-evaluative factors were uniquely associated with depression during pregnancy. ED symptoms, maladaptive perfectionism, social appearance anxiety, and self-compassion during pregnancy significantly predicted postpartum depression, when accounting for prenatal depression. During pregnancy, but not postpartum, when social support and self-compassion were low, and when maladaptive perfectionism was high, there was a stronger relationship between ED and depression symptoms. ED symptoms and social and self-evaluative factors could be targeted in routine medical care and stepped-care interventions to improve maternal mental healthcare and prevent postpartum depression.

Preauricular sulcus: Radiological incidence in the female gender in a multicultural population.

The preauricular sulcus is a bony groove seen on the inferior aspect of the iliac bone. It is thought and accepted to be an indicator of female gender. To our knowledge, this study would be the first to examine the sulcal incidence in a multicultural population. To date, there are limited studies to also test the existing hypothesis that the sulcus is only seen in the female gender. The results of this study would be applicable to the field of forensic medicine and gender identification in the post-mortem setting. Retrospective review of 500 adult pelvic X-ray radiographs (250 female and 250 male) obtained as part of routine medical care in a metropolitan public health service (encompassing three hospitals) was performed. The radiographs were examined by two post-FRANZCR examination senior registrars who recorded their results independently. The mean age of the female population was 70.1 years, and the mean age of the male population was 75.5 years. This study found that the preauricular sulcus is only present in the female pelvis. The incidence was 41.2% (103 of 250) in the examined female patient population. The sulcal incidence in this study was also found to be significantly higher than previously reported in prior studies. This study supports the previous notion that the presence of preauricular sulcus in a pelvic specimen would indicate the female gender. The absence of the sulcus does not necessarily confer the male gender.

Re: WHO Classification of Tumours, 5th Edition, Volume 8: Urinary and Male Genital Tumours

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in midlife are strongly associated with the long-term risk of lethal prostate cancer in cohorts not subject to screening. This is the first study evaluating the association between PSA levels drawn as part of routine medical care in the Norwegian population and prostate cancer incidence and mortality.To determine the association between midlife PSA levels <4.0 ng/ml, drawn as part of routine medical care, and long-term risk of prostate cancer death.The Norwegian Prostate Cancer Consortium collected >8 million PSA results from >1 million Norwegian males ≥40 yr of age. We studied 176 099 men (predefined age strata: 40–54 and 55–69 yr) without a prior prostate cancer diagnosis who had a nonelevated baseline PSA level (<4.0 ng/ml) between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2005.Baseline PSA.We assessed the 16-yr risk of prostate cancer mortality. We calculated the discrimination (C-index) between predefined PSA strata (<0.5, 0.5–0.9, 1.0–1.9, 2.0–2.9, and 3.0–3.9 ng/ml) and subsequent prostate cancer death. Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method.The median follow-up time of men who did not get prostate cancer was 17.9 yr. Overall, 84% of men had a baseline PSA level of <2.0 ng/ml and 1346 men died from prostate cancer, with 712 deaths (53%) occurring in the 16% of men with the highest baseline PSA of 2.0–3.9 ng/ml. Baseline PSA levels were associated with prostate cancer mortality (C-index 0.72 for both age groups, 40–54 and 55–69 yr). The fact that the reason for any given PSA measurement remains unknown represents a limitation.We replicated prior studies that baseline PSA at age 40–69 yr can be used to stratify a man's risk of dying from prostate cancer within the next 15–20 yr.A prostate-specific antigen level obtained as part of routine medical care is strongly associated with a man’s risk of dying from prostate cancer in the next two decades.

Baseline Serum Prostate-specific Antigen Value Predicts the Risk of Subsequent Prostate Cancer Death—Results from the Norwegian Prostate Cancer Consortium

Background and objectiveProstate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in midlife are strongly associated with the long-term risk of lethal prostate cancer in cohorts not subject to screening. This is the first study evaluating the association between PSA levels drawn as part of routine medical care in the Norwegian population and prostate cancer incidence and mortality. The objective of the study was to determine the association between midlife PSA levels <4.0 ng/ml, drawn aspart of routine medical care, and long-term risk of prostate cancer death. MethodsThe Norwegian Prostate Cancer Consortium collected >8 million PSA results from >1 million Norwegian males (more than or equal to) 40 yr of age. We studied 176 099 men (predefined age strata: 40–54 and 55–69 yr) without a prior prostate cancer diagnosis who had a nonelevated baseline PSA level (<4.0 ng/ml) between January 1,1995 and December 31, 2005. We assessed the 16-yr risk of prostate cancer mortality. We calculated the discrimination (C-index) between predefined PSA strata (<0.5, 0.5–0.9, 1.0–1.9, 2.0–2.9, and 3.0–3.9 ng/ml) and subsequent prostate cancer death. Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method. Key findings and limitationsThe median follow-up time of men who did not get prostate cancer was 17.9 yr. Overall, 84% of men had a baseline PSA level of <2.0 ng/ml and 1346 men died from prostate cancer, with 712 deaths (53%) occurring in the 16% of men with the highest baseline PSA of 2.0–3.9 ng/ml. Baseline PSA levels were associated with prostate cancer mortality (C-index 0.72 for both age groups, 40–54 and 55–69 yr). The fact that the reason for any given PSA measurement remains unknown represents a limitation. Conclusions and clinical implicationsWe replicated prior studies that baseline PSA at age 40–69 yr can be used to stratify a man’s risk of dying from prostate cancer within the next 15–20 yr. Patient summaryA prostate-specific antigen level obtained as part of routine medical care is strongly associated with a man’s risk of dying from prostate cancer in the next two decades.

Improving uptake of advance care planning through education and training in a public hospital geriatric clinic.

Advance care planning (ACP) is an important part of routine medical care. However, Western Australia (WA) consistently demonstrates poor rates of completion. International and interstate ACP programs have previously led to an increase in ACP discussion and documentation. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of a multifaceted intervention on completion of ACP in a geriatric outpatient setting in WA. The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle was used for this audit. The components of the intervention comprised of education and communication skill training, improving access to ACP documents and patient resources. Pre- and post-intervention reviews of documented future care planning discussions were performed and compared. Of the 100 patients audited, there was an absolute increase of 23% (p = 0.02) in any form of future care planning. More specifically, discussions regarding ACP increased by 13% (p = 0.01), Advance Care Directive (ACD) by 23% (p < 0.001), Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) by 24% (p = 0.02), Enduring Power of Guardianship (EPG) by 31% (p = 0.002), together with a 10% (p = 0.02) increase in the provision of ACP resources to patients. Older patient age (p = 0.02) and abnormal cognitive testing (p = 0.02), but not established dementia, were patient-related factors associated with initiation of ACP discussions. A simple structured multifaceted intervention improved the uptake of ACP discussions in a hospital geriatric clinic.

Correlation of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures with unplanned healthcare resources utilization (HRU) among patients with epilepsy (PWE): a retrospective cohort study (P6-1.001)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To evaluate whether PROMIS scores correlate with unplanned HRU among PWE. <h3>Background:</h3> Mental, physical, and social health determinants have a significant effect on quality of life with sparse data on their effect on unplanned HRU. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> We utilized the PROMIS-16 questionnaire to assess patients’ mental, physical, and social health. Patients completed the questionnaire as part of routine medical care at outpatient neurology clinic visits. We performed a retrospective analysis of the PROMIS measures completed between June 2018, and August 2022. PROMIS data was combined with Health Plan claims data on utilization at 7, 30 and 90-day from the index clinic visit and analyzed using a logit model. A pathologic score in each of the 8 PROMIS measures (Anxiety&gt;62, Depression&gt;60, Fatigue &gt;65, Pain&gt;65, Sleep Disturbance&gt;65, Cognition&lt;35, Physical function&lt;35, Social scores&lt;35) was analyzed as an independent predictor of unplanned HRU in each of 4 domains (Mortality all causes, Hospitalization all causes, ED treat and release all causes and Urgent care all causes). <h3>Results:</h3> The cohort included 6485 unique PWE (13159 encounters; 53.1% females, 10.1% black, median age 46.4-years). The following statistically significant correlations emerged: 1) pathological Physical Function and Social Scores were associated with 90-day mortality; 2) pathological Fatigue, Pain, Sleep Disturbance, Physical Function, and Social Scores were associated with 7-day Hospitalization, 3) Pathological Anxiety, Depression, Fatigue, Pain, Physical Function, and Social Scores were associated with 7-day ED visits, 4) Pathological scores on each of the 8 measures correlated with 90-day Hospitalization (7 measures with a 30-day) and ED visits (5 measures with a 30-day), and 5) Pathological Fatigue scores correlated with 90-day urgent care utilization. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> PROMIS scores are associated with unplanned HRU at short index times from outpatient neurology clinic visits among PWE. This prognostic utility supports the routine collection of patient-reported health measures in clinical practice along with developing timely interventions. <b>Disclosure:</b> Dr. Urban has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Neuropace. The institution of Dr. Kirkpatrick has received research support from American Academy of Neurology. The institution of Dr. Kirkpatrick has received research support from Academic Pediatric Association. The institution of Dr. Kirkpatrick has received research support from American Academy of Pediatrics. The institution of Dr. Kirkpatrick has received research support from Society of Family Planning. The institution of Dr. Kirkpatrick has received research support from North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Dr. Rajasekaran has a non-compensated relationship as a PI with UCB Drug study that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Rajasekaran has a non-compensated relationship as a PI with Engrail Drug study that is relevant to AAN interests or activities. Dr. Fong has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hanmer has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bagic has nothing to disclose. The institution of Dr. Thirumala has received research support from University of Pittsburgh.

ILLUMINATE: Design of a Real-World, Non-Interventional Study Evaluating the Usability and Value of Integrated Digital Solutions for Routine Care of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (P3-3.003)

ILLUMINATE: Design of a Real-World, Non-Interventional Study Evaluating the Usability and Value of Integrated Digital Solutions for Routine Care of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (P3-3.003)

Indian Medicine Can Improve Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients: Case Studies

The present study was evaluated the QoL of breast cancer patients who were taking Body Revival, an Indian polyherbal medicine. A case study was conducted among 5 breast cancer patients, who were voluntarily treated with Body Revival for ≥6 months. The average age of 5 breast cancer patients was 48.6 yrs (range 35-64 yrs), out of them 3 suffered in Stage II and 2 in Stage IV with metastasis. 3 patients undergo surgery, 4 under chemotherapy treatment and 1 did not received any chemotherapy or surgery. All of them used Body Revival (average 13.2 months). A structured and validated interview schedule was used to gather data from cancer patients. The QOL of all the patient symptoms was significantly improved (p&lt;0.001) with Body Revival supplementation. It improved both the psychological and physical domains of day-to-day life, either by attenuating the adverse events of regular treatments for cancer or by enhancing vital energy in the body. Conclusions: With Body Revival supplements with routine medical care improve their day to day life. To strengthen the present findings, more research is required.

Drug-free remission is an achievable target with immunosuppressive treatment in idiopathic granulomatous mastitis.

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare inflammatory breast disease, in which there is no clear established treatment algorithm. Several physicians keep away from using immunosuppressive(IS) treatments in routine clinical practice. This study aimed to evaluate the rates of drug-free remission of the patients with IGM in a period of 3-year follow-up. This retrospective study conducted with 55 biopsy-proven IGM patients, who were followed up between February, 2011, and November, 2021, in rheumatology outpatient clinic of Gulhane Training and Research Hospital. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were obtained from patients' files. The 3-year follow-up data were assessed for long-term outcome analyses. There were 55 female patients with a mean age of 36.8 ± 6.3years. Fifty-four (98.1%) patients were in drug-free remission at the end of 3years. The median duration of drug-free remission in patients receiving methotrexate (MTX), only corticosteroid (CS), and azathioprine was 19.7, 32.9, and 14.7months, respectively. The drug-free remission duration for the patient who received cyclosporine A as IS was 28.3months. The median duration of IS treatment was 15.8months, and the median duration of treatment with CS and other IS combination was 6.7months. Recurrence was observed in 4 (80%) patients without IS therapy after surgery, of whom MTX was used in 3 (75%) patients and achieved remission. IS agents provide high rate of prolonged drug-free remission and should be considered a part of routine medical care of the patients with IGM.

Anxiety and Stress Related to COVID-19 Among the Community Dwelling Older Adults Residing in the Largest Refugee Camp of the World

The current cross-sectional study was conducted among 864 older adults aged ≥ 60 years residing in Rohingya refugee camp through face-to-face interviews during November–December 2021. COVID-19-related anxiety was measured using the five-point Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) and perceived stress using the 10-point Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The linear regression model identified the factors associated with COVID-19-related anxiety and perceived stress. The prevalence of COVID-19-related anxiety and perceived stress was 68% and 93%, respectively. The average COVID-19-related anxiety score expected to be significantly higher among those who were physically inactive, concerned about COVID-19, had a close friend/family member diagnosed with COVID-19, and had some difficulty in getting food and routine medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the average perceived stress score was expected to be significantly higher among those without partners, who were feeling overwhelmed by COVID-19, and who experienced COVID-19-related anxiety during the pandemic. The findings suggest providing immediate psychosocial support to older Rohingya adults.

Strongyloides stercoralis in the US Military Health System.

Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal nematode most commonly found in subtropical and tropical locations. Military service members are believed to be at increased risk of exposure due to their unique occupational exposures in endemic regions. Burden, clinical course, and risk factors associated with all Strongyloides infections within the US Military Health System from fiscal years 2012 to 2019 were assessed by manual chart review of records with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision/Tenth Revision codes for Strongyloides infection. Infection risk in demographic subgroups based on region of birth, military occupation, and age was quantified with univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. We reviewed 243 charts based on diagnosis coding, yielding 210 confirmed diagnoses (86.4%). Immigrant patients born in Latin America/Caribbean, sub-Saharan Africa, and East Asia/Pacific regions had statistically significant increased risk ratios of infection at 34.4, 32.0, and 22.4, respectively, when compared to patients born in Europe and North America. In univariate analysis, active duty members in the healthcare occupational category had a statistically significant increased risk ratio of infection at 2.31 compared to those outside this occupation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that occupational categories of healthcare, admininstrative/support, warfighter/combat specialist, and engineering/repair/maintenance occupations, being an immigrant patient, and age ≥65 were all associated with statistically significant increased odds ratios for infection. In the Military Health System, occupational exposures, region of birth, and age serve as risk factors for Strongyloides infection. Because infections may be chronic, the impact of targeted screening programs to complement routine medical care should be considered.

Deep-learning-based prognostic modeling for incident heart failure in patients with diabetes using electronic health records: A retrospective cohort study.

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have more than twice the risk of developing heart failure (HF) compared to patients without diabetes. The present study is aimed to build an artificial intelligence (AI) prognostic model that takes in account a large and heterogeneous set of clinical factors and investigates the risk of developing HF in diabetic patients. We carried out an electronic health records- (EHR-) based retrospective cohort study that included patients with cardiological clinical evaluation and no previous diagnosis of HF. Information consists of features extracted from clinical and administrative data obtained as part of routine medical care. The primary endpoint was diagnosis of HF (during out-of-hospital clinical examination or hospitalization). We developed two prognostic models using (1) elastic net regularization for Cox proportional hazard model (COX) and (2) a deep neural network survival method (PHNN), in which a neural network was used to represent a non-linear hazard function and explainability strategies are applied to estimate the influence of predictors on the risk function. Over a median follow-up of 65 months, 17.3% of the 10,614 patients developed HF. The PHNN model outperformed COX both in terms of discrimination (c-index 0.768 vs 0.734) and calibration (2-year integrated calibration index 0.008 vs 0.018). The AI approach led to the identification of 20 predictors of different domains (age, body mass index, echocardiographic and electrocardiographic features, laboratory measurements, comorbidities, therapies) whose relationship with the predicted risk correspond to known trends in the clinical practice. Our results suggest that prognostic models for HF in diabetic patients may improve using EHRs in combination with AI techniques for survival analysis, which provide high flexibility and better performance with respect to standard approaches.

Perspectives of people living with HIV and health workers about a point-of-care adherence assay: a qualitative study on acceptability

ABSTRACT Current antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence monitoring is premised on patients’ self-reported adherence behaviour (prone to recall error) and verified by blood viral load measurement (which can delay results). A newly developed Urine Tenofovir Rapid Assay (UTRA) assesses tenofovir in urine at point-of-care and is a novel tool to test and immediately respond to adherence levels of people living with HIV (PLHIV). We explored PLHIV and health workers’ initial perceptions about integrating the UTRA into routine medical care for adherence support. We conducted a series of once-off in-depth qualitative interviews with PLHIV (n = 25) and health workers (n = 5) at a primary care health facility in Cape Town, South Africa. Data analysis involved descriptive summaries of key emergent themes with illustrative case examples. We applied a deductive, outcomes-driven analytic approach to the summaries using the Implementation Outcomes Framework proffered by Proctor et al. (2011). The three relevant concepts from this framework that guided our evaluation were: acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility. We found positive perceptions about the UTRA from many PLHIV and health worker participants. Many PLHIV reported that the immediate results offered by the UTRA could enable them to have constructive discussions with health workers on how to resolve adherence challenges in real-time. Few PLHIV reported concerns that drinking alcohol could affect their UTRA results. Many health workers reported that the UTRA could help them identify patients at risk of treatment failure and immediately intervene through counselling, though some relayed that they would support the UTRA’s implementation if more staff members could be added in their busy facility. Overall, these findings show that the UTRA was widely perceived to be acceptable and actionable by many PLHIV and health workers in the study.

Well Child Wednesdays: An interprofessional pilot-program to increase pediatric immunizations Post-COVID

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic halted routine medical care, including well-child visits (WCVs) and immunizations. PurposeDescribe the development and impact of a multidisciplinary initiative on the number of WCVs and immunizations delivered in aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic over a four week period between April 14, 2021 and May 5, 2021. MethodsStudent pharmacists (SP), family medicine residents (FMRs), and nurses within a family medicine practice in a medically underserved community, developed a program to increase the number of pediatric patients up-to-date on WCVs and immunizations. “Well-child Wednesdays” used adjusted staffing to conduct visits with patients behind on vaccines. The 4-week pilot program utilized SPs to identify immunization gaps in patients less than 12 years old following chart review and to coordinate scheduling. During the visit, FMRs completed the components of the well-child visit; immunization gaps were communicated to the nurse who, after review, administered needed immunizations. DiscussionOf 193 patient charts reviewed for immunization needs, 68 were not up-to-date on routine vaccines and 29 patients (mean age 5 years old, 58.6% male) were able to be reached and agreed to schedule a visit. Of these, 20 kept their appointment and a total of 69 vaccines were administered, with DTaP as the most common with 13 doses administered followed by Hepatitis A with 10 doses given. ConclusionsAn interprofessional immunization program was an effective strategy to address the decline in immunizations and WCVs as a result of COVID-19.

Trends in emergency department visits associated with cannabis use among older adults in California, 2005-2019.

The use of cannabis among older adults is increasing in the United States. While cannabis use has been suggested to help alleviate chronic symptoms experienced by older adults, its potential adverse effects may lead to unintended consequences, including increased acute healthcare utilization related to its use. The objective of this study was to examine trends in cannabis-related emergency department (ED) visits in California. Using data from the Department of Healthcare Access and Information, we conducted a trend analysis of cannabis-related ED visits from all acute care hospitals in California from 2005 to 2019. For each calendar year, we determined the cannabis-related ED visit rate per 100,000 ED visits for adults aged ≥65 utilizing primary or secondary diagnosis codes. We estimated the absolute and relative changes in overall cannabis-related visit rates during the study period and by subgroup, including age (65-74, 75-84, ≥85), race/ethnicity, sex, payer/insurance, Charlson comorbidity index score, and cannabis-related diagnosis code. The cannabis-related ED visit rate increased significantly for adults aged ≥65 and all subgroups (p < 0.001). The overall rate increased from 20.7 per 100,000 visits in 2005 to 395.0 per 100,000 ED visits in 2019, a 1804% relative increase. By race/ethnicity, older Black adults had the highest ED visit rate in 2019 and the largest absolute increase while older males had a higher ED visit rate in 2019 and a greater absolute increase than older women. Older adults with a higher Charlson score had a higher ED visit rate in 2019 and a larger absolute increase during the study period. Cannabis-related ED visits are increasing among older adults in California and are an adverse effect of cannabis use. Asking about cannabis use and providing education about its use should be a part of routine medical care for older adults.

The use of Endo barrier for prevention of COVID-19 infection enables upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with high patient satisfaction in private clinic.

In the midst of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection pandemic, practitioners who perform endoscopic examinations need to prevent infections through procedures, along with routine medical care. By using continuous suction, Endo barrier is thought to be effective in preventing the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) droplets and aerosols. The study aimed to evaluate patient discomfort and satisfaction with the use of the Endo barrier during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The study evaluated the system's effectiveness as well as the system's preparation time and the amount of burden on the medical staff. EGD was performed on 788 consecutive cases using the Endo barrier. A questionnaire was used to survey patients after the procedure on four points: discomfort (feeling of pressure, breathlessness) and good points (feeling of relief and satisfaction) using a visual analog scale. In addition, patients were divided into two groups according to sedation status: with sedation (69.7%) and without sedation (30.3%), and their scores were compared. Additionally, the preparation time of the Endo barrier was measured. Patient discomfort was reported as minimal, resulting in a high level of satisfaction using this system. Although the overall results were better in the sedation group, the overall evaluation of the non-sedated group was also favorable. Furthermore, preparation time (30 s) was less burdensome for medical staff. The Endo barrier is an easy-to-implement tool to prevent COVID-19 infection in private clinics, and both patients and staff were highly satisfied with the device with or without the use of sedation during EGD.

Assessment of Quality of Life in Cancer Patients Supplemented with Ayurvedic Medicine (Body Revival): Case Reports

Background: Cancer patients experience a wide range of symptoms, which can affect their daily performance and quality of life (QoL). Objectives: The study’s goal was to evaluate the QoL of cancer patients who were taking natural polyherbal supplement (Body Revival). Methods: A small survey was conducted among 38 cancer patients, who were supplemented with Body Revival for ≥3 months. A structured and validated interview schedule was used to gather data from cancer patients. Results: Out of 38 cancer patients, 58.8% were male and 55% were in the age group of above 60, the majority with cancers in the breast (35%) and the reproductive system (male 27.8% and female 30%), and 44.4% male and 40% female had stage II disease. The QOL of the majority of patient symptoms was significantly improved (p&lt;0.001) with Body Revival supplementation. It improved both the psychological and physical domains of day-to-day life, either by attenuating the adverse events of regular treatments for cancer or by enhancing vital energy in the body. Conclusions: Combining Body Revival supplements with routine medical care may help patients better control their negative symptoms, take initiative with their disease and treatment, and lead healthier lives. To strengthen the present findings, more research is required.

Health disparities in Turner Syndrome: UTHealth Turner Syndrome Research Registry.

Turner Syndrome (TS) is caused by partial or complete absence of the second sex chromosome in a phenotypic female. TS is associated with recognizable congenital anomalies and chronic health conditions. The principal objective of this study was to evaluate the health-related knowledge and insight of participants. In 2015, we founded the UTHealth Turner Syndrome Research Registry for longitudinal follow-up of individuals with TS. Study participants were recruited from UTHealth Houston clinics and the Turner Syndrome Society of the United States. Participants completed a questionnaire about demographics, karyotype, congenital anomalies, health history, frequency of contact with care providers, and knowledge of care providers about TS. Forty percent of registry participants indicated that they did not know their karyotypes. Knowledge of karyotype, which can predict clinical outcomes in TS, markedly varied by self-reported race and ethnicity but not by age. Participants also reported significant gaps in routine medical and gynecologic care. We identified knowledge gaps and health disparities that could benefit from improved provider and patient education.

ПЕРЕШКОДИ У ДОСЯГНЕННІ КОНТРОЛЮ БРОНХІАЛЬНОЇ АСТМИ В КЛІНІЧНІЙ ПРАКТИЦІ В УМОВАХ ПАНДЕМІЇ COVID-19)

The main goals of bronchial asthma (BA) treatment are to achieve good symptoms control and to minimize future risk of asthma-related mortality, exacerbations, persistent airflow limitation and adverse effects of therapy. Despite the availability of effective treatments for asthma the real life asthma control is lower than expected. The aim of this study was to evaluate the barriers in achieving asthma control in clinical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic according to the literature data. There are both general and COVID-19-related barriers in achieving the goals of asthma treatment. In most patients, the causes for the lack of asthma control are incorrect inhaler technique, poor adherence to treatment, overuse of short-acting bronchodilators, comorbidities, the influence of adverse environmental conditions and psychosocial factors. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the asthma control through quarantine restrictions and the influence of post-acute COVID-19 disorders. On the one hand, quarantine restrictions had a positive effect on the asthma course: there was a decrease in the seasonal respiratory viral infections and the asthma exacerbations frequency. On the other hand, asthma patients were significantly affected by the pandemic due to a high level of anxiety, stress and limited access to routine medical care. Health disorders in post-COVID-19 period negatively affect the control of BA. After recovery from acute COVID-19 a proportion of asthma patients experienced poorer control and required increased asthma maintenance therapy. Approaches to improving asthma control include adherence to established asthma management guidelines, patient and healthcare professional education, regular asthma monitoring and assessment, review of inhaler technique, provision of a written asthma action plan, use of digital technologies. Key words: bronchial asthma, asthma control, COVID-19.