Clinic Study Research Articles

Improving Erectile Dysfunction Management Among Asian Men With Diabetes Using the Knowledge Translation Intervention.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is frequently undermanaged due to communication barriers, particularly among Asian men. We looked at how ED discussion and treatment were affected by the patient's prompt sheet and the Knowledge Translation Tools in the Management of Erectile Dysfunction (LASTED). We conducted a quasi-experimental study in a primary care clinic in Kedah, Malaysia involving 120 Asian men with diabetes. In the intervention group, patients were given a prompt sheet to indicate their intention to discuss or receive ED treatment, and physicians were provided with LASTED to assist with ED consultation. The control group patients received standard care from their physicians. The intervention increased the initiation of ED discussion up to 66.7% compared with 8.3% in the control group. In the intervention group, 57.5% of patients were prescribed phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and men with ED of moderate severity were more likely to be prescribed oral ED medication. Use of the LASTED flipchart was associated with prescription of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (P = .011) and patient satisfaction with ED consultation (P <.001). Our study suggests that using the LASTED flipchart and patient's prompt sheet together may encourage ED conversation and medication prescription particularly when working with Asian men who frequently view ED as a taboo subject.

3 Stricker Learning Span criterion validity: remote self-administration of a computer adaptive word list memory test shows similar ability to differentiate PET-defined biomarker groups as in-person Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test performance in cognitively unimpaired individuals on the Alzheimer’s continuum

Objective:The Stricker Learning Span (SLS) is a computer-adaptive word list memory test specifically designed for remote assessment and self-administration on a web-based multi-device platform (Mayo Test Drive). Given recent evidence suggesting the prominence of learning impairment in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the SLS places greater emphasis on learning than delayed memory compared to traditional word list memory tests (see Stricker et al., Neuropsychology in press for review and test details). The primary study aim was to establish criterion validity of the SLS by comparing the ability of the remotely-administered SLS and inperson administered Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) to differentiate biomarkerdefined groups in cognitively unimpaired (CU) individuals on the Alzheimer’s continuum.Participants and Methods:Mayo Clinic Study of Aging CU participants (N=319; mean age=71, SD=11; mean education=16, SD=2; 47% female) completed a brief remote cognitive assessment (∼0.5 months from in-person visit). Brain amyloid and brain tau PET scans were available within 3 years. Overlapping groups were formed for 1) those on the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) continuum (A+, n=110) or not (A-, n=209), and for 2) those with biological AD (A+T+, n=43) vs no evidence of AD pathology (A-T-, n=181). Primary neuropsychological outcome variables were sum of trials for both the SLS and AVLT. Secondary outcome variables examined comparability of learning (1-5 total) and delay performances. Linear model ANOVAs were used to investigate biomarker subgroup differences and Hedge’s G effect sizes were derived, with and without adjusting for demographic variables (age, education, sex).Results:Both SLS and AVLT performances were worse in the biomarker positive relative to biomarker negative groups (unadjusted p’s&lt;.05). Because biomarker positive groups were significantly older than biomarker negative groups, group differences were attenuated after adjusting for demographic variables, but SLS remained significant for A+ vs A- and for A+T+ vs A-T- comparisons (adjusted p’s&lt;.05) and AVLT approached significance (p’s .05-.10). The effect sizes for the SLS were slightly better (qualitatively, no statistical comparison) for separating biomarker-defined CU groups in comparison to AVLT. For A+ vs A- and A+T+ vs A-T- comparisons, unadjusted effect sizes for SLS were -0.53 and -0.81 and for AVLT were -0.47 and -0.61, respectively; adjusted effect sizes for SLS were -0.25 and -0.42 and for AVLT were -0.19 and -0.26, respectively. In secondary analyses, learning and delay variables were similar in terms of ability to separate biomarker groups. For example, unadjusted effect sizes for SLS learning (-.80) was similar to SLS delay (.76), and AVLT learning (-.58) was similar to AVLT 30-minute delay (-.55) for the A+T+ vs AT- comparison.Conclusions:Remotely administered SLS performed similarly to the in-person-administered AVLT in its ability to separate biomarker-defined groups in CU individuals, providing evidence of criterion validity. The SLS showed significantly worse performance in A+ and A+T+ groups (relative to A- and A-T-groups) in this CU sample after demographic adjustment, suggesting potential sensitivity to detecting transitional cognitive decline in preclinical AD. Measures emphasizing learning should be given equal consideration as measures of delayed memory in AD-focused studies, particularly in the preclinical phase.

Sonographer-guided frozen embryo transfer vs ultrasound-assisted frozen embryo transfer - A randomised controlled study.

The use of ultrasound to guide placement of the embryo during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) is important, but there are times where a good image cannot be obtained. Having a trained sonographer perform the ultrasound may therefore improve the success of embryo transfer. To determine whether the routine use of a sonographer to guide embryo transfer is superior to standard care. Randomised, controlled, prospective clinical study in a private infertility clinic. There were 113 women aged <38 years undergoing frozen embryo transfer (donor egg/embryo excluded) who were randomised to sonographer-guided embryo transfer or standard care (the doctor performs an ultrasound prior to embryo transfer and the patient holds the ultrasound probe). The primary outcome was visualisation of the air bubble, and secondary outcomes were distance of the air bubble from the fundal endometrium, pregnancy rate (gestational sac on ultrasound at seven weeks) and live birth rate. The bubble was visualised in 100% of embryo transfers with a sonographer compared to 83% in the ultrasound-assisted group, and this was statistically significant (P < 0.01). No statistically significant differences were found in terms of distance from the fundal endometrium or in pregnancy rate and live birth rate. Sonographer-guided embryo transfer leads to statistically higher rates of visualisation of the air bubble compared to ultrasound-assisted transfer.

Characteristics of elderly patients diagnosed with delusional disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic: A study in a memory clinic

Since the declaration of an emergency following the spread of COVID-19, the number of elderly patients complaining of delusions has increased. Therefore, we investigated the characteristics of patients diagnosed with delusional disorders in our clinic. A total of 1,884 patients ≥ 65 years old who visited the Center for Comprehensive Care on Memory Disorders at Kyorin University Hospital from January 2017 to December 2021 were included in the study. The 17 patients diagnosed with delusional disorders were divided into 2 groups based on the timing of the first declaration of emergency, and the characteristics of each group were investigated. Seven patients were diagnosed with delusional disorder before the first declaration of emergency and 10 after the declaration. The proportion of patients increased by approximately three-fold after the declaration. Post-emergency patients were less motivated to be active than those encountered before the declaration, and many had no history of mental illness. Seven of the 10 post-emergency patients visited the Memory Clinic within 1 year of the onset of delusions. After the first declaration of an emergency, elderly patients with no history of psychiatric disorders acutely developed delusional disorders.The physical and psychological effects of COVID-19 on the elderly should be considered.

A descriptive survey study in endocrinology clinic: evaluation of the use of natural products

Objective The use of herbal products/dietary supplements (HP/DS) in endocrinal chronic diseases is growing. However, no studies have evaluated their use in patients who present to endocrinology and metabolic diseases clinics. This descriptive study aims to investigate the rate of HP/DS use and the factors affecting this in patients who presented to Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) Farabi Hospital Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Clinic, Türkiye between 01.11.2021 and 01.05.2022. Methods Five hundred six questionnaires with acceptable data quality were included this investigation. The data were analyzed on SPSS version 23.0 software. The factors with the greatest effect on the use of HP/DS were determined using binary logistic regression analysis. Results Analysis showed that 49.4% of the participants used HP/DS. The main factors affecting the use of herbal products were age, diagnosis of the disease, and treatment compliance problems. The most frequently used products were lemon, cinnamon, black cumin, ginger, turmeric, and dill. The participants main sources of information about HP/DS were friends/relatives, the internet/social media, and television, respectively. 74.8% of the participants using HP/DS did not inform their physcisian/pharmacist about such use, although 81.8% of these nevertheless wished to receive information from these occupational groups. Conclusion Herbal product monitoring in patients should be performed in collaboration with pharmacists, herbal product use should be investigated, and counseling services should be made available in order to maintain and promote public health.

SAT548 Incidental Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Diagnosed After Total Thyroidectomy For Recurrent Grave's Disease

Abstract Disclosure: S.U. Perez-Martinez: None. S. Bao: None. Introduction: Whether Graves’ disease (GD) increases the risk of thyroid cancer (TC) has been a long-time topic of debate. Some studies reported increased risk of TC in GD, particularly when patients with GD have thyroid nodules. Other studies suggested the prevalence of incidental differentiated TC in GD is comparable to euthyroid goiter. Here we present a case of a 39-year-old female with a thyroid nodule and recurrent GD who underwent total thyroidectomy (TT) and was found to have a 0.4cm incidental papillary TC. Clinical case: 39 year-old female patient was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism due to GD and a 1.26x2.04x2.88cm complex right thyroid nodule at age 28, based on laboratory and thyroid ultrasound (US) studies, respectively. Fine needle aspiration showed a follicular lesion favoring colloid nodule. Patient preferred conservative measures at that time. She was treated with methimazole for 3 years and went into remission. Her thyroid nodule was monitored with serial thyroid US (every 1-2 years) for 7 years and remained stable. However, 7 years after discontinuation of methimazole, she developed recurrent hyperthyroidism, with laboratory findings of suppressed TSH of &amp;lt;0.04 (normal 0.35-5.5 mcu/mL), elevated free T4 of 2.4 (normal 0.8-1.8 ng/dL) and Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin of 8.01 (normal &amp;lt; 0.054 IU/L). Patient was restarted on Methimazole 10mg daily. Her TSH remained to be low at &amp;lt; 0.015 (normal 0.35-3.6 mcu/mL) 4 months later, at which point more definitive treatment options including radioactive iodine ablation or TT were again discussed, and the patient opted to undergo TT, which was performed successfully 2 months later. Surgical pathology was consistent with GD, an encapsulated, fibrotic, and calcified nodule consistent with infarcted follicular lesion but also a 0.4cm incidental Papillary TC in right thyroid lobe. Surgical margin was clean, no extrathyroidal extension, one perithyroidal lymph node was negative for malignancy. Patient has been doing well afterwards. Discussion: The prevalence and clinical significance of incidental differentiated TC in patients with GD have been controversial topics. Incidence of TC in GD was mostly reported to be 7-17%, but may be as high as 42%, based on thyroidectomy studies. However, a recent retrospective multicenter study suggested the concomitant TC in GD was considerably lower. No difference in TC aggressiveness, US findings, or prognosis were observed between nodular GD and non-nodular GD groups. The clinical outcomes of TC were also excellent. A Cleveland Clinic study suggested nodule size &amp;gt; 1cm predicted incidental TC whereas Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin titers and disease duration did not. These data argue for screening patients with GD more aggressively for TC or treating GD patients with coexisting thyroid nodule more aggressively; as in our case, even if incidental TC was found, prognosis is favorable. Presentation Date: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Pathophysiological mechanisms of adaptation of the mucosa of the gastric cardia to portal hypertension

The model of before- and intrahepatic blockage of the portal system was proposed. Modeling of before-hepatic blockage of the portal system after development of toxic liver dystrophy lead to formation of the liver cirrhosis with stable portal hypertension. Gastritis with signs of hyperplastic and atrophy processes of the mucosa, formation of erosia, inflammatory infiltration of intermediate tissue and rebuilding of the glandulae were the basis of morphological changes of gastric mucosa in rats with experimental before- and intrahepatic portal blockage. Transformation of the cardiac mucosa with expressed polymorphism occured in the patients with the portal liver cirrhosis. Dystrophic and necrobiotic changes typical of hepatic gastropathy with signs of acute or chronic gastritis, formation of inflammatory infiltrates and rebuilding of the cardial mucosa into intestinal type were established microscopically. It is possible to believe that a widening of the veins leads to venous hyperemia and stasis in the portal hypertension. Therefore the morphology of the gastric mucosa was disturbed. It was accompanied bythe indurate changes and cellular destruction with erosia formation. These erosia may be a cause of rupture of the gastric mucosa in strong vomiting in Mallory-Weiss syndrome. This hypothesis needs clinic and experimental study in the future.

Determination of the Trans-Lamina Cribrosa Pressure Difference in a Community-Based Population and its Association with Open-Angle Glaucoma

To determine the trans-lamina cribrosa pressure difference (TLCPD) in a cohort of normal community-based patients and the relationship to primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). Retrospective cohort study of the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging. The Mayo Clinic Study of Aging is a prospective study evaluating the normal aging population. Mayo Clinic Study of Aging patients who underwent routine lumbar puncture (LP) studies with eye examinations were reviewed. The trans-lamina cribrosa pressure difference was calculated in 2 contexts of intraocular pressure (IOP): (1) maximum IOP at eye visit closest in time to the LP (closest-in-time TLCPD); and (2) IOP before IOP-lowering treatment (pretreatment IOP and pretreatment TLCPD) in POAG and NTG patients. Glaucoma patients without POAG or NTG were excluded. Regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship with glaucoma. IOP, intracranial pressure, TLCPD, POAG, normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) diagnosis, glaucoma parameters. Five hundred forty-eight patients were analyzed. Of these, there were 38 treated glaucoma patients (14 POAG and 24 NTG) and 510 nonglaucomatous patients. Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) opening pressure was 155.0 ± 42.2 mmH2O in nonglaucomatous patients, 144.0 ± 34.0 mmH2O in POAG (P= 0.15 vs. nonglaucomatous patients), and 136.6 ± 29.3 mmH2O in NTG (P= 0.017 vs. nonglaucomatous patients). Intraocular pressure was 15.47 ± 2.9 mmHg in nonglaucomatous patients, 26.6 ± 3.7 mmHg in POAG, and 17.4 ± 3.4 mmHg in NTG. The closest-in-time TLCPD in the nonglaucomatous cohort was 4.07 ± 4.22 mmHg, which was lower than both the POAG cohort (7.19 ± 3.6 mmHg) and the NTG cohort (5.79 ± 4.5 mmHg, P= 0.04). Pretreatment TLCPD for the overall glaucoma cohort was 10.57 ± 6.1 mmHg. The POAG cohort had a higher pretreatment TLCPD (16.05 ± 5.2 mmHg) than the NTG cohort (7.37 ± 4.1 mmHg; P < 0.0001). Closest-in-time TLCPD for the nonglaucoma cohort (4.07± 4.2 mmHg) was significantly lower than pretreatment TLCPDs for both POAG (16.05 ± 5.2 mmHg; P < 0.0001) and NTG (7.37 ± 4.1 mmHg; P < 0.0001) cohorts. This study establishes the baseline TLCPD in a large cohort of normal, community-based patients. The differences in regression analysis between TLCPD and IOP suggests NTG pathophysiology is partially driven by TLCPD, but is also likely multifactorial. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

НАПРАВЛЕНИЯ ПСИХОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ ПОМОЩИ БОЛЬНЫМ С ПОСЛЕДСТВИЯМИ ИНСУЛЬТА В УСЛОВИЯХ РЕАБИЛИТАЦИИ С УЧАСТИЕМ МУЛЬТИДИСЦИПЛИНАРНОЙ БРИГАДЫ ПОЛИКЛИНИКИ

The disabling consequences of a stroke, impaired motor and cognitive functions, the unpredictability of the prognosis of their recovery, affective reactions to the disease can make it difficult to form adherence to treatment and acceptance of the disease, and therefore psychological assistance to patients after a stroke in the rehabilitation process is relevant. The aim of the study was to identify the direction of psychological assistance to patients with the consequences of a stroke in the conditions of rehabilitation in a polyclinic with the participation of a multidisciplinary team (MDB). The study involved 115 patients after a stroke, 63 men, 52 women; aged 38 to 94 years, with self-service disorders of varying severity. Rehabilitation measures were carried out with patients (drug therapy, exercise therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and psychological assistance) in a polyclinic at home. The psychological assistance was aimed at correcting attitudes towards the disease and treatment, at forming a positive therapeutic and life perspective in the mind of the patient, and at forming adherence to treatment. Family counseling was aimed at improving the interaction between relatives and patients. After carrying out rehabilitation measures and a psychological assistance program, there is a positive trend in self-care indicators (Bartel scale), cognitive functions (MMSE scale), and a decrease in anxiety and depression (HADS scale). Our study in a district clinic showed the relevance and extreme importance of including a psychological assistance program in the work of a multidisciplinary team. Directions of psychological assistance in a polyclinic included work with patients and with the micro-society (with relatives of patients).

Ocular drug delivery systems: glaucoma patient perceptions from a German university hospital eye clinic.

This study aimed to report on glaucoma patients' beliefs and illness perceptions and to investigate their opinion on ocular drug delivery devices (ODD). We performed a cross-sectional study in a large tertiary-referral outpatient glaucoma clinic, with 102 patients. Validated anonymized questionnaires were used. We investigated the awareness and acceptance regarding ODD (contact lenses (CLs), punctal plugs (PPs), subconjunctival implants, anterior chamber (AC) injections, and drug-emitting stents) and looked at factors that could influence a patient's decision for having an ODD. Sixty-three patients (61.8%) confirmed they would rather have ODD than keep their eye-drops (38.2%). The most important factors influencing their decision were effectiveness and long-lasting effect. A large proportion of patients reported a preference for CLs (48.0%), PPs (52.9%), or drug-emitting stents (44.1%). When comparing patients who preferred ODD (group-1) versus eye-drops (group-2), significantly more patients in group-1 were worried (p < 0.001) or felt disrupted (p < 0.001) by their use of eye-drops. A significantly greater share of patients in group-1 showed acceptance towards CLs (60.3% vs. 38.5%; p = 0.032), AC injections (38.1% vs. 12.8%, p = 0.006), or drug-emitting stents (54% vs. 28.2%, p = 0.023), whilst there were no significant differences regarding the acceptance of PPs (p = 0.363) or subconjunctival implants (p = 0.058). ODD for the treatment of glaucoma were broadly deemed acceptable by patients in this study. Effectiveness and long-lasting effect were the most important factors for a decision towards having an ODD. The majority of patients who preferred an ODD felt severely affected by their disease and were negatively influenced by their glaucoma medication intake.

Feasibility of psychological screening in a tertiary epilepsy clinic

ObjectivePeople with epilepsy (PWE) have a high prevalence of developing depression and anxiety. The objective is to determine the feasibility of brief screening tools to screen for depression and anxiety in epilepsy, and the predictive factors. MethodThis is a cross-sectional study in the neurology clinic in a tertiary teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur. The screening tools used were the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (NDDI-E) and the General Anxiety Disorder Form (GAD-7). ResultsFive hundred and eighty-five patients were recruited in this study, and 50.8% of them were male, predominantly Chinese (46.7%), with a mean age of seizure onset of 21.8 ± 16.1 years. The majority had focal seizures (75.0%), and 41.9% had seizure remission. There were 15.5% who scored ≥15 in the NDDI-E, and 17.0% had moderate or severe anxiety (scored ≥10 in the GAD-7). In a regression model to predict the NDDI-E score, the age of seizure onset recorded a higher beta value (β = −0.265, p =< 0.001), followed by the duration of epilepsy (β = −0.213, p =< 0.001), use of levetiracetam (LEV) (β = 0.147, p = 0.002), clonazepam (CLZ) (β = 0.127, p = 0.011), and lamotrigine (LTG) (β = 0.125, p = 0.011), number of current antiseizure medications (β = −0.124, p = 0.049), seizure remission for ≥1 year (β = −0.108, p = 0.011), and female (β = 0.082, p = 0.049). For the GAD-7 score, the predictors included current age (β = −0.152, p = 0.001), the use of LEV (β = 0.122, p = 0.011), Indian ethnicity (β = 0.114, p = 0.006), and the use of carbamazepine (β = −0.090, p = 0.043). ConclusionImplementation of simple psychological screening using self-administered questionnaires was feasible in a busy tertiary epilepsy clinic.

Characterizing Performance Gaps of a Code-Based Dementia Algorithm in a Population-Based Cohort of Cognitive Aging.

Multiple algorithms with variable performance have been developed to identify dementia using combinations of billing codes and medication data that are widely available from electronic health records (EHR). If the characteristics of misclassified patients are clearly identified, modifying existing algorithms to improve performance may be possible. To examine the performance of a code-based algorithm to identify dementia cases in the population-based Mayo Clinic Study of Aging (MCSA) where dementia diagnosis (i.e., reference standard) is actively assessed through routine follow-up and describe the characteristics of persons incorrectly categorized. There were 5,316 participants (age at baseline (mean (SD)): 73.3 (9.68) years; 50.7% male) without dementia at baseline and available EHR data. ICD-9/10 codes and prescription medications for dementia were extracted between baseline and one year after an MCSA dementia diagnosis or last follow-up. Fisher's exact or Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare characteristics between groups. Algorithm sensitivity and specificity were 0.70 (95% CI: 0.67, 0.74) and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.95, 0.96). False positives (i.e., participants falsely diagnosed with dementia by the algorithm) were older, with higher Charlson comorbidity index, more likely to have mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and longer follow-up (versus true negatives). False negatives (versus true positives) were older, more likely to have MCI, or have more functional limitations. We observed a moderate-high performance of the code-based diagnosis method against the population-based MCSA reference standard dementia diagnosis. Older participants and those with MCI at baseline were more likely to be misclassified.

APOEε4, in-hospital delirium and long-term cognitive impairment: A longitudinal memory clinic study

IntroductionDelirium is common among hospitalized elderly. Previous short-term studies reported inconsistent associations between APOEε4 allele, in-hospital delirium, and post-delirium cognitive impairment. We examined the association of APOEε4 allele with in-hospital delirium and long-term cognitive outcomes following delirium. MethodsThe electronic medical records were linked to the Korean National Health Insurance Service database of all citizens from January 2002 to July 2019. The study population consisted of 1057 memory clinic visitors with APOE genotype, longitudinal neuropsychological tests, and hospitalization records. Incident in-hospital delirium was defined as the initiation of antipsychotics during hospitalization after excluding prevalent users. Incidence analysis was conducted using Cox proportional hazards models, while longitudinal outcomes were analyzed using multivariable mixed models with an interrupted time series design. ResultsAt baseline, APOEε4 carriers (N = 298, 28.2%) performed poorly on cognitive tests compared to non-carriers (CDR-SB mean±SD: 3.3 ± 3.5 vs 2.8 ± 2.9, P = 0.016; MMSE 22.3 ± 5.8 vs 23.2 ± 5.2, P = 0.029). The carriers developed more in-hospital delirium than noncarriers after covariate adjustments (HR 1.96, 95%CI 1.30–2.96, P = 0.002). The APOEε4 allele also had a more detrimental impact on four out of the five cognitive and functional measurements after the delirium (beta estimates of post-delirium change by APOEε4 for CDR-SB = 3.20, P < 0.001; CDR = 0.60, P < 0.001; KIADL = 0.99, P < 0.001; SIADL = 14.07, P < 0.001). These findings remained robust even after adjusting for covariates. ConclusionsAPOEε4 carriers demonstrated robust associations with in-hospital delirium and exhibited more post-delirium cognitive and functional impairment compared to non-carriers. Individuals with APOEε4 allele may need more attention to prevent in-hospital delirium and post-delirium cognitive and functional deterioration.

Routine MRI Among Patients With a Suspected Scaphoid Fracture Risks Overdiagnosis.

In the setting of a suspected scaphoid fracture, MRI may result in overdiagnosis and potential overtreatment. This is in part because of the low prevalence of true fractures among suspected fractures, but also because of potentially misleading variations in signal that may be more common than fracture-related signal changes. To better understand the risk of overdiagnosis, we first need insight into the relative prevalence of useful and potentially distracting signal changes among patients with a suspected scaphoid fracture. What is the proportion of signal changes representing definite and possible scaphoid fractures relative to other types of signal changes on MRI among patients with a suspected scaphoid fracture? In a retrospective study in an orthopaedic trauma clinic associated with a Level I trauma center, we evaluated MR images of patients 16 years and older with a clinically suspected scaphoid fracture. At our institution, patients with symptoms and signs of a possible scaphoid fracture and negative radiographs undergo MRI scanning. Between January 1, 2012, and September 1, 2019, a total of 310 patients 16 years or older had an MRI to evaluate a suspected scaphoid fracture. Exclusion criteria included a scaphoid fracture that was visible on radiographs before MRI as reported by the radiologist (four patients), no available radiographs before MRI (two), MRI more than 3 weeks after injury (28), unknown date of injury (nine), and repeat or bilateral MRI scans (11), leaving 256 MR images for analysis. Sixty percent (153) of patients were women, and the median age was 34 years (IQR 21 to 50 years). The images were taken a median of 8 days (IQR 2 to 12 days) after injury. MR images were screened for the presence of scaphoid signal changes. We identified the following patterns of signal change with a reliability of kappa 0.62: definite scaphoid fracture, possible scaphoid fracture, signal in the waist area other than possible or definite fractures, and other signal changes. A definite scaphoid fracture was defined as a linear, focal, and bicortical signal abnormality, with adjacent edema and a relatively transverse orientation relative to the scaphoid long axis. The transverse linear signal was visible on more than one cut in multiple planes. A possible scaphoid fracture had a transverse linear signal on more than one cut on sagittal or coronal planes, with or without adjacent edema. Six percent (16 of 256) of MR images were categorized as revealing definite (2% [four of 256]) or possible (5% [12 of 256]) scaphoid fractures, whereas 29% (74 of 256) were categorized as revealing nonspecific signal changes at the waist (14% [35 of 256]) and other areas (15% [39 of 256]). Of the 51 patients with scaphoid waist signal changes, 69% (35) were categorized as having distracting and potentially misleading MRI findings. The high prevalence of signal changes that are distracting and potentially misleading, the low prevalence of signal changes that clearly represent a scaphoid fracture, and the low pretest odds of a true fracture among patients with a suspected scaphoid fracture illustrate that routine MRI of suspected scaphoid fractures carries a notable risk of overdiagnosis and potential overtreatment. Two alternative strategies are supported by preliminary evidence and merit additional attention: more-selective use of MRI in people deemed at higher risk according to a clinical prediction rule and strategies for involving the patient in decisions regarding how to manage the notably small risk of future symptomatic nonunion. Level IV, diagnostic study.

Clinic Study Completion Rate in Orthopedic Surgery

The primary aim of this study is to determine the rate of completion of clinic-based study orders. Secondarily, we attempt to determine factors associated with study incompletion. This retrospective study included 591 clinic-based studies that were ordered for 510 patients at the time of clinical evaluation at a single medical center between April 8, 2018 and August 22, 2019. Inclusion criteria were studies ordered in a hand clinic for consecutive adult patients to be completed after the visit. Exclusion criteria included pediatric patients and routine radiographs obtained prior to the visit. Invasive studies were defined as studies with a significant procedural component, such as aspirations, injections and electromyography/nerve conduction (electrodiagnostic) studies (EDS). Blood tests and imaging were considered noninvasive. Patient demographics and study completion rates were collected through chart reviews. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed, and P <.05 was considered significant. The overall clinic-based study completion rate was 94.2%, with the highest incompletion rates seen in invasive studies (8.3%, n= 34) compared to noninvasive studies (3.3%, n= 10). Within the invasive study category, EDS had the highest rate of incompletion (11.4%) and contributed to the majority of incompletions in the invasive cohort (20/24). The median time to study completion was 7 days (interquartile range [IQR] 2-21). Race, gender, English as primary language, marriage status, insurance type, and distance from facility were similar between completed and noncompleted studies. Study completion rates were similar between all patients regardless of race, gender, and other social economic variables. Invasive studies, particularly EDS, had higher rates of incompletion and can be barriers to patients receiving additional care. Therapeutic III.

Investigating the relationship between health service quality and patient satisfaction: A case study of Lima East clinics in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic

Quality assessment has emerged as a recurring consideration in individuals' preferences for healthcare services. As a result, many private healthcare institutions recognize their obligation to improve the services they provide, especially in response to the prevailing demand for care. This study seeks to elucidate the intricate relationship between service quality and patient satisfaction in the clinics of Lima East in the challenging context of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022. The research results show a remarkable mutual compatibility score and a substantial correlation coefficient of 0.696, indicating the concurrent validity of both variables. In conclusion, this study underscores its paramount importance by shedding light on the critical factors that clinics must prioritize in these challenging times. This illumination enables healthcare institutions to make informed decisions regarding service improvements, while at the same time shedding light on the relationship between service quality and patient satisfaction.

Neurodevelopmental outcome after nosocomial sepsis in preterm neonates: a retrospective cohort study

Background Nosocomial infections (NIs) are associated with significant mortality affecting up to 56% of all infants, as well as long-term morbidity, prolonged hospital stay, and increased healthcare costs. Objective This study aimed to compare neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 months of age in preterm infants exposed to nosocomial sepsis (NS) during neonatal ICU admission with the outcomes in unexposed preterm infants. Study design This was a retrospective study in the follow-up clinic of the neonatal ICU of a tertiary hospital. Participants Preterm infants who met the criteria were divided into: group A exposed to NS and group B not exposed to NS. Intervention All infants were examined across the three domains of neurodevelopment: cognitive function, language, and motor function. The examination was done at 18 months of corrected age, using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (III). Outcome The neurodevelopment of preterm infants at 18 months of age. Results Among the 61 former preterm infants at 18 months of age, who met the criteria, 31 were exposed and 30 were not exposed to NS. Male infants, low birth weight, and low APGAR score were significantly higher in the nosocomial group. Gram-negative organisms accounted for 60% of cases. Staphylococci accounted for 16.7% of the cultures. The neurodevelopmental delay was more in the sepsis group than in the nonsepsis group in all functions examined, and the difference was significant, and sepsis cases accounted for about 2/3 of the cases that had neurodevelopmental impairment. Conclusion This study showed that neurodevelopmental impairment was significantly increased in neonates who developed NI despite treatment with effective antibiotic therapy.

Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Women With Pregnancy-Related Risk Factors: A Prospective Women's Heart Clinic Study.

Background Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, and having a small-for-gestational-age baby are known to substantially increase a woman's risk of cardiovascular disease. Despite this, evidence for models of care that mitigate cardiovascular disease risk in women with these pregnancy-related conditions is lacking. Methods and Results A 6-month prospective cohort study assessed the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary Women's Heart Clinic on blood pressure and lipid control in women aged 30 to 55 years with a past pregnancy diagnosis of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, or a small-for-gestational age baby in Melbourne, Australia. The co-primary end points were (1) blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg or <130/80 mm Hg if diabetes and (2) total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio <4.5. The study recruited 156 women with a mean age of 41.0±4.2 years, 3.9±2.9 years from last delivery, 68.6% White, 20.5% South/East Asian, and 80.5% university-educated. The proportion meeting blood pressure target increased (69.2% to 80.5%, P=0.004), with no significant change in lipid targets (80.6% to 83.7%, P=0.182). Systolic blood pressure (-6.9 mm Hg [95% CI, -9.1 to -4.7], P<0.001), body mass index (-0.6 kg/m2 [95% CI, -0.8 to -0.3], P<0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-4.2 mg/dL [95% CI, -8.2 to -0.2], P=0.042), and total cholesterol (-4.6 mg/dL [95% CI, -9.1 to -0.2] P=0.042) reduced. Heart-healthy lifestyle significantly improved with increased fish/olive oil (36.5% to 51.0%, P=0.012), decreased fast food consumption (33.8% to 11.0%, P<0.001), and increased physical activity (84.0% to 92.9%, P=0.025). Conclusions Women at high risk for cardiovascular disease due to past pregnancy-related conditions experienced significant improvements in multiple cardiovascular risk factors after attending a Women's Heart Clinic, potentially improving long-term cardiovascular disease outcomes. Registration URL: https://www.anzctr.org.au; Unique identifier: ACTRN12622000646741.

Anti-IFI16 Antibodies in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Their Variation with Infliximab Therapy in Comparison to Other Modalities of Treatment

Abstract Background Amatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are remittent or progressive conditions that may affect the entire gastrointestinal tract and the colonic mucosa and are associated with an increased risk for colon cancer. Patients with mucosal lesions may not have clinical symptoms, or only present with mild symptoms. Objective measurements are required to assess and monitor IBD disease activity. Moreover responses to treatments must be closely monitored to determine effectiveness and avoid disease complications. Aim of the Work The aim of this study is to assess the utility of IFI16 antibodies as a predictor of infliximab-induced remission in IBD patients in comparison to other modalities of treatment. Patients and Methods A Comparative cross sectional study in internal medicine and gastroenterology outpatient clinic at Ain Shams University Hospital. With 60 IBD patients are included in this study divided into three groups. Results Patients with low levels of IgG antibodies against IFI16 at baseline had a higher probability of a clinical response or remission at the end of induction therapy with IFX (OR 1/4 0.143; 95% CI 0.027–0.761). The only statistically significant association found in patients with UC was that between anti-IFI16 IgG and extensive colitis (E3) (OR 1/4 7.255; 95% CI 2.452–21.463; P 1/4 0.0001) (data not shown). Conclusion Overall, the findings presented in this study deserve more investigation to verify the possibility of exploiting a patient’s reac- tivity against the IFI16 autoantigen as a predictive marker of response to IFX therapy. Anti-IFI16 IgG titers may be of great clinical relevance and provide guidance when tailoring therapeutic choices to individual patients.

Cognitive Performance, Sociodemographic Factors, Pure-Tone Audiometry, and their Association with Speech Discrimination: A Prospective Population-Based Study of 1,061 Older Adults.

Hearing loss is increasingly recognized as a chronic disease state with important health sequelae. Although considered a central component of routine audiometric testing, the degree to which various patient factors influence speech discrimination is poorly characterized to date. The primary objective of the current work was to describe associations of cognitive performance, sociodemographic factors, and pure-tone audiometry with speech discrimination in older adults. Prospective study. Olmsted County, Minnesota. There were 1,061 study participants 50 years or older at enrollment in the population-based Mayo Clinic Study of Aging between November 2004 and December 2019 who underwent formal audiometric and cognitive testing included in the current investigation. The primary outcome measure was word recognition scores (WRSs; measured as <100% vs 100% as well as continuous), with pure-tone averages (PTAs; 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 kHz), age, sex, years of education, state area deprivation index (ADI) quintiles, and global cognition z scores as explanatory features. The mean (SD) age among the 1,061 participants was 76 (9) years with 528 (50%) males. Participant age [OR (95% CI) for a 10-year increase of 1.8 (1.4-2.3), p < 0.001], male sex [OR = 2.6 (1.9-3.7), p < 0.001], and PTA [OR for a 10-dB hearing loss increase of 2.4 (2.1-2.8), p < 0.001] were all significantly associated with <100% WRSs, with the greatest explanatory ability attributable to the PTA. Years of education ( p = 0.9), state ADI quintile ( p = 0.6), and global cognitive performance ( p = 0.2) were not associated with WRS. The multivariable model demonstrated strong predictive ability for less than perfect WRSs, with a c index of 0.854. Similar results were seen for WRSs analyzed as continuous, with the multivariable model resulting in an R2 value of 0.433. Although PTA exhibited the greatest influence on speech discrimination, advancing age and male sex both independently increased the likelihood of having worse speech discrimination among older adults, even after accounting for years of education, neighborhood-level socioeconomic disadvantage, and cognitive function. These findings help identify patient factors that can be instrumental when designing screening programs for adult-onset hearing loss.