Tertiary Academic Medical Center Research Articles

Initial experience with the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in gynecologic surgery at an urban academic tertiary medical center.

The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been consistently associated with improved patient experience and surgical outcomes. Despite the release of ERAS Society guidelines specific to gynecologic oncology, the adoption of ERAS in gynecology on global level has been disappointingly low and some centers have shown minimal improvement in clinical outcomes after adopting ERAS. The aim of this study is to describe the development and early experience of ERAS protocols in gynecologic surgery at an urban academic tertiary medical center. This was an observational prospective cohort study. The target patient population included those with low comorbidities who were scheduled to undergo various types of gynecologic surgeries for both benign and malignant diseases between October 2020 and February 2021. Two attending surgeons implemented the protocols for their patients (ERAS cohort) while three attending surgeons maintained the conventional perioperative care for their patients (non-ERAS cohort). Baseline characteristics, surgical outcomes and patients' answers to a 12-question survey were compared. A case-matched comparative analysis was also performed between the ERAS cohort and the historical non-ERAS cohort (those who received the same types of surgical procedures from the two ERAS attending surgeons prior to the implementation of the protocols). A total of 244 patients were evaluated (122 in the ERAS cohort vs. 122 in the non-ERAS cohort). The number of vials of opioid analgesia used during the first two postoperative days was significantly lower whereas the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen was more frequent in the ERAS cohort group. The patients in the ERAS group reported less postoperative pain, feelings of hunger and thirst, and greater amount of exercise postoperatively. These benefits of the ERAS cohort were more pronounced in the patients who underwent laparotomic surgeries than those who underwent laparoscopic surgeries. The case-matched comparative analysis also showed similar results. The length of hospital stay did not differ between those who underwent the ERAS protocols and those who did not. The results of the study demonstrated the safety, clinical feasibility and benefits of the ERAS protocols for patients undergoing gynecologic surgeries for both benign and malignant indications.

Opioid Use in Patients With Cervical Cancer at a Tertiary Academic Medical Center.

Opioids are a common treatment for cancer-related pain and information is limited on the rates of opioid use for cervical cancer patients. This study aimed to analyze outpatient opioid use and various predictors among patients with cervical cancer at a tertiary academic medical center. Data from patients with cervical cancer receiving treatment at a single institution, from August 2019 to July 2022, were retrospectively collected. Women with unrelated chronic opioid use or opioid use associated with acute inpatient stays were excluded. Charts were reviewed for patient demographics, disease characteristics, treatment characteristics, disease outcomes, and opioid prescriptions. The primary endpoint was duration of opioid use ≥6 months. Pearson's chi-squared testing, Welch's two-sample t-testing and Fisher's exact testing were used to determine predictors of opioid use ≥6 months. In total, 108 patients with cervical cancer (76.1%) of the 142 that received treatment were prescribed opioids. In women who were prescribed outpatient opioids, the median duration of opioid use was 69 days (interquartile range=5-359 days). In total, 40 (37.0%) had prescriptions for ≥180 days and 27 (25.0%) had prescriptions ≥365 days. On bivariate analysis, lower stage and receipt of surgery were associated with opioid use duration <6 months. Age, race, histology, substance/tobacco/alcohol use, depression/anxiety, and the receipt of brachytherapy/radiation were not associated with length of opioid prescriptions. This study demonstrated that 37% of patients with cervical cancer were using opioids for cancer-related pain longer than 6 months. Higher stage was associated with opioid use duration ≥6 months.

The incidence and risk factors of proximal lower extremity deep vein thrombosis without pharmacologic prophylaxis in critically ill surgical Taiwanese patients: A prospective study.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) in critically ill patients has been well-studied in Western countries. Many studies have developed risk assessments and established pharmacological protocols to prevent deep venous thrombosis (DVT). However, the DVT rate and need for pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis in critically ill Taiwanese patients are limited. This study aimed to prospectively determine the DVT incidence, risk factors, and outcomes in critically ill Taiwanese patients who do not receive pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis. We conducted a prospective study in a surgical intensive care unit (SICU) of a tertiary academic medical center in Taiwan. Adult patients admitted to SICU from March 2021 to June 2022 received proximal lower extremities DVT surveillance with venous duplex ultrasound. No patient received pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis. The outcomes were the incidence and risk factors of DVT. Among 501 enrolled SICU patients, 21 patients (4.2%) were diagnosed with proximal lower extremities DVT. In a multivariate regression analysis, hypoalbuminemia (odd ratio (OR) = 6.061, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.067-34.421), femoral central venous catheter (OR = 4.515, 95% CI: 1.547-13.174), ICU stays more than 10 days (OR = 4.017, 95% CI: 1.270-12.707), and swollen leg (OR = 3.427, 95% CI: 1.075-10.930) were independent risk factors for DVT. In addition, patients with proximal lower extremities DVT have more extended ventilator days (p = 0.045) and ICU stays (p = 0.044). Our findings indicate critically ill Taiwanese patients have a higher incidence of DVT than results from prior retrospective studies in the Asian population. Physicians who care for this population should consider the specific risk factors for DVT and prescribe pharmacologic prophylaxis in high-risk groups.

Surgical Outcomes of Modified Technique for Transcutaneous Bone Conduction Hearing Aid Implantation.

To detail a modified surgical technique for implantation of the Osia 2 Bone Conduction Hearing Aid (BCHA) system and to assess intra- and postoperative outcomes of this technique. A retrospective review was performed for cases undergoing implantation of an Osia 2 BCHA at a tertiary academic medical center. Modifications were made to the surgical procedure including: horizontal or curvilinear incisions, placement of the osseointegrated screw slightly superior to the plane of the external auditory canal, and double layer wound closure. Data regarding outcomes including demographics, incision type, surgical time, drilling requirements, and complications were collected using the electronic medical record. A total of twenty-eight cases were evaluated with 57.1% and 42.9% utilizing horizontal and curved incisions, respectively. The median age for recipients was 43.1 years with six pediatric cases included in the study. Median operative time was 58 min (43-126 min). The majority of cases required minimal (60.7%) or no drilling (28.6%) with a significant increase in operative time for those requiring moderate drilling versus minimal to no drilling (F = 8.02, p = 0.002). There were no intraoperative complications. One (3.6%) postoperative seroma occurred which resolved with conservative management. The proposed modified surgical technique is a safe and effective method for implantation of the transcutaneous BCHA system with a low complication rate. Keys include incision design, implant placement, and two-layered closure to minimize wound tension. These modifications can improve ease of the procedure and reduce operative time. These techniques also appear to be applicable to the pediatric population. 3 Laryngoscope, 134:2401-2404, 2024.

CT predictors of sub-centimeter occult lymph node metastases in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: A case-control study.

For patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) without evidence of nodal metastasis (cN0) on pre-operative evaluation, there are no clear guidelines who should undergo elective neck dissection (END) versus clinical surveillance. To identify CT imaging characteristics of sub-centimeter lymph nodes that would help predict the likelihood of nodal metastases on pathology. Retrospective review of cN0 OCSCC patients at a tertiary academic medical center was performed. Inclusion criteria included elective neck dissection, pre-operative CT imaging and presence of metastatic disease within lymph nodes. Control group consisted of patients without nodal metastases on pathology. CT features that were evaluated included asymmetric size, disrupted fatty hilum, asymmetric number, presence of cortical nodule, cortical nodule size, and round/oval shape. We evaluated the associations between CT LN features and the presence of metastases using multi-level mixed-effects logistic regression models. Model evaluation was performed using 5-fold cross-validation. The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated. 26 patients in each study and control groups were included. Three-level mixed-effects logistic regression models indicated round/oval shape (OR = 1.39, p = .01), asymmetric number (OR = 7.20, p = .005), and disrupted fatty hilum (OR = 3.31, p = .04) to be independently predictive in a 3-variable model with sensitivity = 38.0%, specificity = 92.0%, and PPV = 93.8%. In cN0 OCSCC patients undergoing END, round/oval shape, asymmetric number, and disrupted fatty hilum of lymph nodes on pre-operative CT imaging are novel and highly predictive of occult nodal disease.

Ocular Manifestations among Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in the Southeast of Iran

Background: COVID-19 has a range of manifestations among different patients. Knowing the various manifestations of COVID-19 could help in better managing the infection. This study aimed to investigate the ocular manifestations of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods: In this study, 379 PCR-positive COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Afzalipour hospital, a tertiary care academic medical center in Kerman city, were recruited. Demographic variables (age and sex), history of systemic diseases (diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension), systemic COVID-19 signs and symptoms (respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurologic, and sensory), and the severity of the disease were evaluated. Patients were asked about ophthalmic symptoms. If a patient had serious ocular complaints, such as ocular pain or vision loss, and needed specialized examination, an ophthalmologist examined the patient. Results: The patients’ mean (standard deviation) age was 54.2 (15.8) years. Overall, 46 patients (12.1%, 95% confidence interval: 9.0–15.8) showed at least one ocular manifestation. The most common signs and symptoms among those with ocular manifestations were redness (n=37, 80.4%), discharge (n=35, 76.1%), lacrimation (n=31, 67.4%), itching (n=15, 32.6%), and dry eye sensation (n=15, 32.6%). Ocular manifestations were more prevalent among those≥60 years old, those with hospitalization days&gt;7 days, those with more severe respiratory system involvement, and diabetic patients. Conclusion: One out of eight COVID-19 inpatients showed at least one ocular manifestation. As tear and ocular secretions are considered a route for coronavirus transmission, it is essential to pay attention to the early detection of ocular manifestations.

Is weight trajectory a better marker of wound complication risk than BMI in hernia patients with obesity?

Complex ventral hernias are frequently repaired via an open transversus abdominis release (TAR). Obesity, particularly a BMI > 40, is a strong predictor of wound morbidity following this procedure. We aimed to determine if preoperative weight loss may still be beneficial in patients with persistently elevated BMIs. A retrospective chart review of patients with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) who underwent open TAR at a tertiary academic medical center from January 2018 to December 2021 was completed. Demographics, medical history, operative details, and postoperative data were analyzed. Weight and BMI were recorded at three time points: > 6months prior to initial surgical consultation, surgical consultation, and day of surgery. In total, 182 patients with obesity underwent an open TAR. Twenty-seven patients (14.8%) underwent surgery with a BMI > 40; they did not have any significant differences in surgical site occurrences (SSO, 48.1% vs 32.9%, p = 0.13) or surgical site infections (SSI, 25.9% vs 23.2%, p = 0.76) compared to those with a BMI ≤ 40.The average timeframe analyzed for preoperative weight loss was 592days. Patients who had at least a 3% weight loss (n = 49, 26.9%) had decreased rates of SSI compared to those who did not have this weight loss (12.2% vs 27.8%, p = 0.03), despite the groups having similar BMIs at the time of surgery (36.4 vs 36.0, p = 0.50). Patients who only had a 1% weight loss did not see a decrease in SSI rate compared to those who did not (20.6% vs 25.4%, p = 0.45). Weight loss may be a better indicator of a patient's risk for wound morbidity following TAR than BMI alone, as weight loss of at least 3% resulted in fewer SSIs despite similar BMIs at time of surgery. Further research into optimal timing and amount of weight loss, as well as effects on long-term outcomes, is needed to confirm these findings.

Impact of social determinants of health on access to rhinology care and patient outcomes: A pilot study.

This novel pilot study constructs a social deprivation index (SDI) and utilizes an area deprivation index (ADI) to evaluate the link between social determinants of health and rhinology patient experiences. Adult patients undergoing outpatient care of chronic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis at a tertiary academic medical center were recruited to participate in a telephone survey assessing symptoms, social/emotional consequences of disease, and barriers to care on a 5-point Likert scale. Sociodemographic characteristics were utilized to rate SDI on an 8-point scale. ADI was obtained by area code of residence. Ordered logistic regression was used to examine associations between the SDI/ADI and perceptions of rhinology care. Fifty patients were included. Individuals with higher SDI scores (i.e., more socially deprived) experienced more severe nasal congestion (p = .007). Furthermore, higher national ADI correlated with increased severity of smell changes (p = .050) and facial pressure (p = .067). No association was seen between either deprivation index and global/psychiatric symptoms. While no correlations were found between higher SDI and difficulties with the costs of prescriptions, rhinologist's visits, or saline, higher SDI was correlated with decreased difficulty with surgery costs (p = .029), and individuals with higher national ADI percentile had increased difficulties obtaining nasal saline (p = .029). Worse social deprivation is associated with difficulties obtaining saline rinses and increased severity of nasal/sinus symptoms in an urban, underserved, majority-Black population. These findings suggest social factors affect access to and quality of rhinology care in a complex and nuanced way and highlight the need for a specific SDI to further study social determinants of health in rhinology. 2c.

Enhanced family history-based algorithms increase the identification of individuals meeting criteria for genetic testing of hereditary cancer syndromes but would not reduce disparities on their own

ObjectiveThis study aimed to 1) investigate algorithm enhancements for identifying patients eligible for genetic testing of hereditary cancer syndromes using family history data from electronic health records (EHRs); and 2) assess their impact on relative differences across sex, race, ethnicity, and language preference. Materials and MethodsThe study used EHR data from a tertiary academic medical center. A baseline rule-base algorithm, relying on structured family history data (structured data; SD), was enhanced using a natural language processing (NLP) component and a relaxed criteria algorithm (partial match [PM]). The identification rates and differences were analyzed considering sex, race, ethnicity, and language preference. ResultsAmong 120,007 patients aged 25–60, detection rate differences were found across all groups using the SD (all P < 0.001). Both enhancements increased identification rates; NLP led to a 1.9 % increase and the relaxed criteria algorithm (PM) led to an 18.5 % increase (both P < 0.001). Combining SD with NLP and PM yielded a 20.4 % increase (P < 0.001). Similar increases were observed within subgroups. Relative differences persisted across most categories for the enhanced algorithms, with disproportionately higher identification of patients who are White, Female, non-Hispanic, and whose preferred language is English. ConclusionAlgorithm enhancements increased identification rates for patients eligible for genetic testing of hereditary cancer syndromes, regardless of sex, race, ethnicity, and language preference. However, differences in identification rates persisted, emphasizing the need for additional strategies to reduce disparities such as addressing underlying biases in EHR family health information and selectively applying algorithm enhancements for disadvantaged populations. Systematic assessment of differences in algorithm performance across population subgroups should be incorporated into algorithm development processes.

Clinical Outcomes and Systemic Complications Related to the Severity and Etiology of Status Epilepticus Using a Common Data Model.

Status epilepticus (SE) is a critical neurological emergency in patients with neurological and nonneurological diseases. Mortality rises with SE severity. However, whether brain injury or systemic organ dysfunction causes death after SE remains unclear. We studied clinical outcomes and systemic dysfunctions associated with SE using standardized data from the common data model. This model includes clinical evaluations and treatments that provide real-world evidence for standard practice. This retrospective cohort study used the common data model database of a single tertiary academic medical center. Patients diagnosed with SE (corresponding to G41 of the International Classification of Diseases 10 and administration of antiseizure medication) between January 1, 2001, and January 1, 2018, were enrolled. Demographics, classifications of SE severity, and outcomes were collected as operational definitions by using a common data model format. Systemic complications were defined based on the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment criteria. The electronic medical records of 1,825,196 patients were transformed into a common data model, and 410 patients were enrolled. The proportion of patients classified as having nonrefractory SE was 65.4% (268/410), followed by refractory (28.5%, 117/410) and super-refractory SE (6.1%, 25/410). Patients with more severe SE had longer intensive care unit and hospital stays. Renal dysfunction and thrombocytopenia were higher in the in-hospital death group (P = 0.002 and 0.003, respectively). In multivariable analysis, the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score and platelet count were significantly different in the in-hospital death group (odds ratio, 1.169, P = 0.004; and 0.989, P = 0.043). Systemic complications after SE, especially low platelet counts, were linked to worse outcomes and increased mortality in a common data model. The common data model offers expandability and comprehensive analysis, making it a potentially valuable tool for SE research.

Analyzing Surgical Technique in Diverse Open Surgical Videos With Multitask Machine Learning

To overcome limitations of open surgery artificial intelligence (AI) models by curating the largest collection of annotated videos and to leverage this AI-ready data set to develop a generalizable multitask AI model capable of real-time understanding of clinically significant surgical behaviors in prospectively collected real-world surgical videos. The study team programmatically queried open surgery procedures on YouTube and manually annotated selected videos to create the AI-ready data set used to train a multitask AI model for 2 proof-of-concept studies, one generating surgical signatures that define the patterns of a given procedure and the other identifying kinematics of hand motion that correlate with surgeon skill level and experience. The Annotated Videos of Open Surgery (AVOS) data set includes 1997 videos from 23 open-surgical procedure types uploaded to YouTube from 50 countries over the last 15 years. Prospectively recorded surgical videos were collected from a single tertiary care academic medical center. Deidentified videos were recorded of surgeons performing open surgical procedures and analyzed for correlation with surgical training. The multitask AI model was trained on the AI-ready video data set and then retrospectively applied to the prospectively collected video data set. Analysis of open surgical videos in near real-time, performance on AI-ready and prospectively collected videos, and quantification of surgeon skill. Using the AI-ready data set, the study team developed a multitask AI model capable of real-time understanding of surgical behaviors-the building blocks of procedural flow and surgeon skill-across space and time. Through principal component analysis, a single compound skill feature was identified, composed of a linear combination of kinematic hand attributes. This feature was a significant discriminator between experienced surgeons and surgical trainees across 101 prospectively collected surgical videos of 14 operators. For each unit increase in the compound feature value, the odds of the operator being an experienced surgeon were 3.6 times higher (95% CI, 1.67-7.62; P = .001). In this observational study, the AVOS-trained model was applied to analyze prospectively collected open surgical videos and identify kinematic descriptors of surgical skill related to efficiency of hand motion. The ability to provide AI-deduced insights into surgical structure and skill is valuable in optimizing surgical skill acquisition and ultimately improving surgical care.

A Multi‐disciplinary Team Approach for Educating Providers to Recognize Delirium in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit

AbstractBackgroundPostoperative delirium is common in older adults and has significant associated morbidity and mortality. However, screening is rarely performed in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU). For this reason, clinical researchers of delirium and a tertiary care interdisciplinary delirium Task Force Team proposed to address this area of patient safety.MethodA multidisciplinary team met to complete 3 hospital learning objectives. First, to develop an educational toolkit on PACU delirium identification with feedback from hospital stakeholders on topics to be trained, implementation into medical records, and finalizing training videos/powerpoint/quiz modules. Second, to train every PACU nurse on delirium identification. An EPIC form was created with detailed instructions for completing and documenting the CAM‐ICU and included in the PACU discharge checklist. All PACU nursing staff were assigned the module, and delirium screening was made mandatory for all patients aged 65 years or older. Following module assignment, perceived value, satisfaction, and barriers were surveyed to inform modification of training and implementation. Third, delirium screening rates were monitored.ResultsNurses (n = 110) were assigned postoperative delirium training modules across 3 PACUs starting July 2022 with a 2‐week deadline. Training completion rate was 83% after 3 months. Nurses provided positive feedback on the importance of delirium. Compliance in delirium screening in the PACU was low (&lt;10%). After meeting with nursing staff to hear concerns/barriers to training and implementation, 1 on 1 training with research staff was initiated and all PACU nursing staff completed additional training between September and October. Before project implementation, no delirium screening was performed in the PACU. Over 3 months following completion of training, of 683 patients aged 65 years and older discharged from the PACU, 83 (12%) had delirium screening documented, and 0% were flagged as positive. Rate of screening differed by surgical service and hospital location.ConclusionThis hospital learning study documents the challenges and promise of implementing a PACU delirium screening program in a tertiary care academic medical center. We present data on improved delirium recognition at the hospital level, but variation in compliance rates by surgical service. Future research needs to examine reasons for variable delirium compliance screening.

The value of cytology in diagnosis of body fluids with lymphoma involvement: a report of 29 cases

Abstract Introduction/Objective Lymphoma involving body fluids (pleural, abdominal or pericardial) can be secondary or primary (such as primary effusion lymphoma). The incident rate is variable depending on the hospital setting (general or specialty hospitals), and it is generally low. Due to the large specimen volume, relatively easy collecting sample and stable cellular preservation, body fluids are good sources for diagnosis and classification of lymphoproliferative diseases. Methods/Case Report A retrospective case search from a tertiary academic medical center during 2015 to 2023 were performed for body fluid cytology with diagnosis of lymphoma. The results of cytology, ancillary cellblock, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry were collected, and the synchronous or follow-up surgical biopsies/resections were cross examined. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Total 29 cases of body fluids with lymphoma involvement were identified in the study period. There were 22 patients including 9 males and 13 females and age ranged from 16 to 88 years (mean 64.5 years). Only 4 patients (4/22, 18.2%) had history of lymphoma when they presented with body fluids, and the remaining 18 patients (18/22, 81.8%) presented body fluids as the initial or synchronous sign of lymphoma. 26/29 cases had cellblock or flow cytometry done and 13/29 cases had both. All 22 cases had adequate lymphoma diagnosis and classification by combined cytology and ancillary tests and included 5 high grade B cell lymphoma, 3 diffuse large B cell lymphoma, 2 Burkitt, 2 CLL/SLL, 2 small mature B cell lymphoma, NOS, 1 mantel, 1 MYC and BCL-2 double hits lymphoma, 1 primary effusion lymphoma, 1 plasma cell myeloma, 2 T lymphoblastic lymphoma, 1 anaplastic large cell lymphoma, 1 angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma. 11 patients had synchronous or follow-up tissue biopsies, and cytology had 100% agreement with the histology diagnosis. Conclusion The majority (81.8%) cases of body fluid involvement with lymphomas presented as the initial or synchronous sign of lymphomas in our study series indicating that high pathologic suspicion and adequate cytomorphological skills for lymphoproliferative disorders are necessary for making the diagnosis. Body fluid samples are excellent sources for diagnosis and classification of lymphomas using the available ancillary tools including immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and molecular testing.

Safety and Efficacy of Inferior Vena Cava Filters in the Peri-Partum Period: Experiences at a Tertiary Care Facility

Background: Guidelines recommend placement of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters in patients with acute thrombotic episodes and a concurrent contraindication to anticoagulation, however filter placement during or immediately postpartum presents significant technical challenges. The use and complications of IVC filters in the peripartum period is poorly documented in current literature. Objective(s): To evaluate the use of and outcomes related to IVC filters in an obstetric population at a large tertiary care center. Study Design: Retrospective review of all patients at a tertiary academic medical center from 2001-2016 who either conceived with an IVC filter in place or underwent IVC filter placement during the antepartum or postpartum interval. Manual abstraction of each chart was performed, with data stored in a RedCap database. Results: A total of 24 patients were included in the final analysis: 5 with IVC filter placement prior to pregnancy, 7 with antepartum placement, and 12 with postpartum placement. One patient had multiple pregnancies during our study timeframe and was therefore included twice. The cohort of postpartum placement were the youngest mean age (23.7 years), had a higher number of IVC filters placed for polytrauma (n=4), and had the shortest time to removal (135.9 days). The vast majority (91.3%) of IVC filters placed during pregnancy were retrievable filters in the suprarenal position, while most deployed in an infrarenal position (83.3%) when placed prior to conception. Complications encountered included multiple attempts to remove IVC filter, severe angulation, embedded struts, fracture, and one case of cardiac tamponade during filter placement requiring emergent sternotomy and evacuation. Of the filters requiring multiple attempts for removal, in 1 patient (4%) it was unable to be removed despite multiple attempts and the filter was ultimately left in situ. Complications were more common when placement was performed prior to pregnancy or antepartum (40% and 57.1% respectively) versus postpartum (16.7%). From an obstetrical perspective, 1 patient (4%) required early preterm delivery due to preeclampsia; 1 maternal death occurred in a postpartum patient who experienced a massive pulmonary embolism and subsequently died despite emergent thrombectomy and IVC filter placement, and 1 neonatal death occurred due to congenital heart disease following periviable preterm delivery. Conclusion(s): In our study across 16 years at a large academic medical center we identified 23 patients who had an IVC filter placed prior to pregnancy or placed during the antepartum or postpartum periods. Data from our experience suggested a higher incidence of complications with preconceptual and antepartum placement, although the majority of these did not impact clinical outcomes. While not frequently needed, IVC filters remain an option for clinicians treating pregnant and postpartum patients but should be considered a last resource as they can lead to various complications.

Utilization and Barriers to Stem Cell Transplantation in Relapsed/Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma: A ‘Real-World’ Study of Treatment Patterns and Outcomes at a Safety-Net Versus a Tertiary Academic Hospital

Background About 20-30% of patients with classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) develop relapsed or refractory disease (R/R) after initial induction therapy. The standard of care for R/R cHL involves salvage chemo- and/or immuno-therapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT), with which up to 50% of patients achieve durable remission. However, ASCT is not readily available for all patients. Safety-net hospitals disproportionately take care of minority patients who face significant barriers to care due to lack of insurance or prohibitive medical costs. With novel therapies like brentuximab vedotin (BV) and immune checkpoint inhibitors increasingly used in treating cHL, the optimal timing and role of ASCT in R/R cHL requires ongoing investigation. This study compares the demographics, treatment patterns, and survival outcomes among R/R cHL patients treated at a safety-net versus a tertiary academic institution. Methods We conducted an IRB approved, retrospective review of adult patients with cHL treated within our healthcare system between 2009 and 2023. Hypothesis testing was performed using Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and t-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables, with a 2-tailed P value ≤ .05. Survival analysis for progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was performed using Kaplan-Meier method and evaluated by log-rank test. Univariate Cox proportional hazard regression was used to assess the relationship between pre-specified variables and the primary endpoints of PFS and OS. All statistical testing was done using R version 4.3.1. Results There was a total of 230 adult patients with cHL between the two hospital systems. Seventy-one patients (31%) in the study cohort had R/R cHL (safety-net hospital, n=30 [42%] and tertiary academic medical center, n=41 [58%]). Patients treated at the safety-net hospital were predominantly male (p=0.033), Hispanic (p=0.014) and uninsured (p&amp;lt;0.001) and had higher rates of HIV/AIDS (p&amp;lt;0.001). They also had more advanced stage disease (p=0.015), higher IPS score (p&amp;lt;0.001), and bone marrow involvement (p=0.031) (Table 1). Primary refractory cHL constituted 17/30 (57%) at the safety-net hospital and 22/41 (54%) at the academic medical center. Only 7/30 (23%) patients treated at the safety-net hospital received ASCT compared to 30/41 (73%) at the academic medical center (p&amp;lt;0.001). The main barriers to ASCT for the former were predominantly financial and social barriers (&amp;gt;50%) while those at the latter were based on patient/physician choice due to anticipated adverse effects and comorbid conditions. Following ASCT, 2/7 (29%) safety-net patients received BV maintenance therapy compared to 11/30 (37%) academic center patients. Rates of relapse post-ASCT were 29% (2/7) and 53% (16/30) respectively. Five patients (31%) at the academic center received allogeneic SCT at relapse post-ASCT. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that advanced age at diagnosis and EBER positivity were associated with inferior OS (HR=1.043, p=0.004; HR=4.205, p=0.014) but not PFS (HR=1.004, p=0.699; HR=1.317, p=0.352). Higher IPS score and high ECOG performance status adversely impacted OS (HR=1.578, p=0.011; HR=10.280, p=0.025) and PFS (HR=1.261, p=0.016; HR=1.930, p=0.05). Receipt of SCT significantly improved OS (HR=0.211, p=0.016) and PFS (HR=0.333, p&amp;lt;0.001). This was reflected in the five-year OS of 90.2% versus 57.8% in patients receiving SCT versus those who did not. Notably, safety-net patients receiving ASCT (n=7) had a 5-year OS comparable to SCT recipients at the academic center (100.0% vs 87.7%) (Figure 1). Conclusions Our results show significant differences in treatment patterns and outcomes for R/R cHL patients at a safety-net versus a tertiary academic hospital. Even in the era of novel agents, ASCT significantly improves survival outcomes in R/R cHL. Thus, all eligible patients should be offered this curative treatment. In practice, however, socioeconomic barriers still pose significant barriers to optimal care, with less than 25% of safety-net patients having access to ASCT. Cost effectiveness may be another consideration as eligible patients barred from ASCT may need further treatment with expensive immunotherapies. Urgent policy measures are needed to mitigate these disparities experienced by safety-net hospitals.

2842. Characteristics and Outcomes of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Caused by Enterococci at a Tertiary Academic Medical Center in Saudi Arabia

Abstract Background Enterococci are Gram-positive coccus bacteria that are normally present in the gastrointestinal tract and ordinarily function commensally with humans. They are generally considered opportunistic and often associated with healthcare-associated infections. We aimed to characterize patients with UTIs due to Enterococci and their outcomes. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study between June 2012 and November 2022 of patients who had clinically and microbiologically confirmed Enterococcal UTI. Inclusion criteria included a urine culture positive for E. faecalis or E. faecium with a count of ≥ 105 CFU/mL and having urinary tract symptoms. Results Of 4,094 patients screened, 125 were eligible and included. Patients had a median age of 63.3 years and were mostly females (60%). The most common characteristics were having a catheter, hospitalization in a non-ICU ward, and recent use of antibiotics within 90 days. Infection with E. faecalis was more common than E. faecium (78.4% vs. 21.6%). However, the latter exhibited higher rates of antibiotic resistance (P &amp;lt; 0.001) and was associated with significantly higher median temperature (38 vs. 37.1°C; P &amp;lt; 0.001), mortality rates (24% vs. 6.9%; P = 0.020), and median length of stay (32 vs. 13 days; P &amp;lt; 0.001). Conclusion Most patients with enterococcal UTIs had a history of catheter and recent antibiotic use and were mostly females and hospitalized in non-ICU wards. Patients infected with E. faecium had more severe episodes compared with patients infected with E. faecalis. Therefore, patients infected with E. faecium should be followed more closely and have their antibiotics evaluated by infectious diseases experts of physicians and clinical pharmacists to potentially improve their outcomes. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

696. Effectiveness of Oral Vancomycin as Prophylaxis against Clostridioides difficile Infection in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients

Abstract Background Patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT) are at increased risk for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) due to decreased immune function, frequent exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics and chemotherapy, prolonged hospitalizations, and alteration in gut microbiome. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of oral vancomycin prophylaxis (OVP) for CDI in all patients admitted for HSCT. Methods This was a single-center, retrospective, cohort study conducted at a tertiary care academic medical center in New Jersey. Medical records of patients admitted between June 2019 to August 2022 to undergo an allogeneic or autologous HSCT were reviewed. Universal OVP from admission to discharge for HSCT patients began December 2019. Patients ≥ 18 years at the time of admission for the HSCT were included. Patients who were admitted less than 72 hours or who were being treated for an active CDI prior to HSCT were excluded. The primary endpoint was the incidence of in-hospital CDI. Secondary endpoints included incidence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) bloodstream infections, VRE isolated from any clinical culture, gram-negative bloodstream infections, hospital survival, and hospital length of stay. Exploratory endpoints including one-year survival, relapse, and incidence of graft-versus-host disease were also collected. Confounding by relevant covariates were assessed and controlled for in a multivariable regression model. Results A total of 132 HSCT patients were included. There was one case (1/68, 1.47%) of CDI in the prophylaxis group compared to six CDI cases (6/64, 9.38%) in the no prophylaxis group (P=0.057). There were no significant (P&amp;gt;0.05) between-group differences of incidence of gram-negative bloodstream infections, hospital survival, and length of stay. There were zero clinical cultures positive for VRE in either group. Conclusion In-hospital incidence of CDI in HSCT patients was decreased with the use of OVP but did not meet statistical significance. Randomized controlled trials are needed in this high-risk patient population to assess the efficacy and long-term risks of OVP for CDI. Disclosures Pinki Bhatt, MD, Sanofi: Grant/Research Support Navaneeth Narayanan, PharmD, MPH, BCIDP, Astellas: Honoraria|Beckman Coulter: Honoraria|Merck: Grant/Research Support|Shionogi: Grant/Research Support

Pregnancy prediction via ultrasound-detected endometrial blood for hormone replacement therapy-frozen embryo transfer: a prospective observational study

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the predictive value of endometrial blood flow branches on pregnancy outcomes after hormone replacement therapy-frozen embryo transfer (HRT-FET).MethodsThis prospective observational study involved 292 reproductive-aged women who underwent endometrial receptivity assessment in a tertiary care academic medical center in southwest China using power Doppler ultrasonography during HRT-FET. Three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound was performed on the day of endometrial transformation and the day before embryo transfer. The endometrial blood flow branches of the endometrial and subendometrial regions were compared in the non-pregnant and pregnant groups at the two time points mentioned above.ResultsThe endometrial blood flow branches were higher in pregnant patients than in non-pregnant patients on the day of endometrial transformation (P = 0.009) and the day before embryo transfer (P = 0.001). Changes in endometrial blood flow pattern and endometrial blood flow branches at the two time points did not differ among the pregnancy outcome samples. After adjusting for age, antral follicles, and embryos transferred, the endometrial blood flow branches on the day before embryo transfer was the independent factor influencing the chance of clinical pregnancy, with an odds ratio of 3.001 (95% confidence interval: 1.448 − 6.219, P = 0.003).ConclusionsEndometrial blood flow perfusion during the peri-transplantation period of the HRT-FET cycle is a good indicator of pregnancy outcomes, suggesting that valuation of endometrial branches via power Doppler ultrasound is a simple and effective approach for achieving indicator measurements.

Grading reflective essays: the construct validity and reliability of a newly developed Tool- GRE-9

BackgroundThe main objective of this study is to assess the construct validity and reliability of the Grading Reflective Essays-9 (GRE-9).MethodsThis study took place in a major tertiary academic medical center in Beirut, Lebanon. 104 reflective essays written by years 1–3 residents in the department of Family Medicine at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) were graded by 2 trained raters who independently scored the essays using GRE-9. GRE-9 scores were then correlated with scores on communication skills OSCE stations and in-training examinations to investigate, respectively, convergent and divergent validity. One of the 2 raters scored the essays twice one month apart to assess the reliability of the GRE-9 using intra rater reliability and internal consistency.ResultsThere was a weak, non-significant correlation between GRE-9 score and In training examination (ITE) score (r = − .213, p = .395). There was a moderate, non-significant correlation between GRE-9 scores and the Objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) communication station scores (r = − .412 p = .162). The correlation coefficient between trails 1 and 2 was significant (r = .832, p = .000). Intra class correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis demonstrated almost perfect intra-rater agreement (0.819; 95% CI: 0.741–0.875) of the test ratings over time.ConclusionsGRE-9, is a short, concise, easy-to-use reliable grading tool for reflective essays that has demonstrated moderate to substantial intra-rater reliability and evidence of divergent validity. The study found non-significant correlations between reflective writing scores OSCE communication scores demonstrating a lack of relationship between reflective writing and this measure of performance.

Effectiveness of Nebulized Tranexamic Acid in Patients with Moderate-to-Massive Hemoptysis at a Tertiary Academic Medical Center.

Introduction: The management of severe hemoptysis mainly consists of invasive interventional procedures, including angiographic bronchial artery embolization, various endobronchial interventions, and sometimes surgery. However, there are limited effective noninvasive medical therapies available. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of nebulized tranexamic acid (TXA) administration compared with conventional management in patients with hemoptysis. Methods: This Institutional Review Board-approved, single-center, retrospective matched cohort study was performed from January 1, 2018 to March 31, 2021. Electronic health record data were used to identify all adult inpatients with hemoptysis (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, code R04.2). All patients who received ≥1 dose of nebulized TXA were matched with up to five controls based on available severity criteria (hemoptysis severity, need for mechanical ventilation, and sequential organ failure assessment score at the time of hemoptysis diagnosis) with coarsened exact matching. The primary outcome was the need for invasive interventions for the management of hemoptysis. Secondary outcomes included time to hemoptysis resolution, duration of mechanical ventilation, hemoptysis recurrence, and hospital length of stay. Results: A total of 14 patients were treated with nebulized TXA; they were matched with 58 controls. Patients were 59.7% male, had a median age of 65.5 years, with airway disease (36.1%) being the major etiology of hemoptysis. There was no difference in the number of patients who required an invasive intervention between the TXA (35.7%) versus control group (56.9%), p = 0.344. Additionally, no difference was found in the time to hemoptysis resolution (p = 0.050), duration on mechanical ventilation (p = 0.128), hemoptysis recurrence (p = 1.000), or hospital length of stay (p = 0.139). Conclusions: In patients with hemoptysis, nebulized TXA may be considered as a noninvasive option for the management of hemoptysis. However, a larger analysis is warranted to determine the impact of nebulized TXA on invasive interventions for management.