Tertiary Care Academic Center Research Articles

Redefining and capturing pre-analytic deficiencies in an anatomical pathology laboratory: a quality improvement initiative.

Pre-analytical deficiencies (PADs) are a major source of errors in anatomical pathology, accounting for about 70% of laboratory deficiencies. These can lead to incorrect diagnoses, delayed treatments, and increased healthcare costs. As part of a quality improvement initiative, we retrospectively identified and characterized 237 PADs documented over a 1-year period in a tertiary care academic center. The most common PADs were errors in specimen procurement (56%), handling of samples within the lab (16%), accessioning (10%), incomplete requisitions (9%), and transportation-related issues (7%). Strategies were then devised to mitigate these errors. Categorization of pre- and intra-laboratory PADs was refined into eight categories (collection, requisition, specimen container, transportation, receiving, accessioning, preparation, and communications) in the laboratory information system. Mandatory PAD documentation was implemented for accessioning staff. Post-implementation, prospective analysis identified that the most common PADs were related to surgical requisitions (75%). Among these, missing ordering physician's signature was the most common, accounting for 67.7% of requisition-related PADs and 50.8% of all PADs. Other common PADs included incomplete information of specimens, clinical information, patient information, physician information, source location, collection time, incorrect requisition forms, and illegible handwritten information. This study highlights the importance of identifying and addressing PADs in the anatomical pathology laboratory setting as well as the potential benefits of implementing standardized documentation and quality improvement processes to address these deficiencies.

Methylene Blue for the Treatment of Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis during Head and Neck Cancer Treatment: An Uncontrolled Cohort.

Pain from radiation-therapy-induced oral mucositis during head-neck cancer treatment is aggravated by concurrent chemotherapy and commonly fails traditional treatments. To explore safe and sustainable alternatives, we investigated methylene blue oral rinse to reduce radiation-therapy-related oral mucositis pain. For this, we conducted a retrospective observational cohort study in a tertiary-care academic care cancer center including 85 patients with refractory oral mucositis pain during radiation therapy for head-neck cancer. Changes in pain (scale 0-10), oral function burden (scale 0-6) and requirement for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube placement were measured. Among 58 patients, 60% received radiation therapy alone and 40% received concurrent chemotherapy-radiation therapy. Methylene blue oral rinse (MBOR) significantly decreased oral mucositis pain for at least 6.2 h (median + SD 8 ± 1.68 before vs. 2 ± 2.20 after; p < 0.0001) and oral function burden (3.5 ± 1.33 before vs. 0 ± 0.86 after; p < 0.0001). Eleven patients (19%) had percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes placed before using methylene blue oral rinse; subsequently, four (36%) resumed oral alimentation after methylene blue oral rinse. Two patients (3%) required percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes despite methylene blue oral rinse. Minimal adverse events were reported (n = 9, 15%). Our study showed that methylene blue oral rinse was an effective and safe topical treatment for opioid-refractory oral pain from oral mucositis associated with radiation therapy for head-neck cancer.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Mixed Aortic Valve Disease: A Multicenter Study

Mixed aortic valve disease (MAVD), defined by the concurrent presence of aortic stenosis (AS) and insufficiency is frequently seen in patients who have undergone transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). However, studies comparing the outcomes of TAVI in MAVD versus isolated AS have demonstrated conflicting results. Therefore, we aim to assess the outcomes of TAVI in patients with MAVD in comparison with those with isolated severe AS. Patients who underwent native valve TAVI for severe AS at 3 tertiary care academic centers between January 2012 and December 2020 were included and categorized into 3 groups based on concomitant aortic insufficiency (AI) as follows: group 1, no AI; group 2, mild AI; and group 3, moderate to severe AI. Outcomes of interest included all-cause mortality and all-cause readmission rates at 30days and 1year. Other outcomes include bleeding, stroke, vascular complications, and the incidence of paravalvular leak at 30days after the procedure. Of the 1,588 patients who underwent TAVI during the study period, 775 patients (49%) had isolated AS, 606 (38%) had mild AI, and 207 (13%) had moderate to severe AI. Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk scores were significantly different among the 3 groups (5% in group 1, 5.5% in group 2, and 6% in group 3, p=0.003). Balloon-expandable valves were used in about 2/3 of the population. No statistically significant differences in 30-day or 1-year all-cause mortality and all-cause readmission rates were noted among the 3 groups. Post-TAVI paravalvular leak at follow-up was significantly lower in group 1 (2.3%) and group 2 (2%) compared with group 3 (5.6%) (p=0.01). In summary, TAVI in MAVD is associated with comparable outcomes at 1 year compared with patients with isolated severe AS.

Endogenous Endophthalmitis Associated with Injection Drug Use Compared with Other Etiologies.

To compare features of endogenous endophthalmitis associated with injection drug use (IDU) to endogenous endophthalmitis from other etiologies. We retrospectively collected data on patients with endogenous endophthalmitis due to IDU or other causes from three academic tertiary care centers over a six-year period. Differences in presenting characteristics, culture results, treatment, and visual acuity (VA) were compared between groups. Thirty-eight (34%) patients had IDU-associated endogenous endophthalmitis, while 75 (67%) had endogenous endophthalmitis from other causes. Compared to patients in the non-IDU group, IDU patients were significantly younger, more frequently male, had longer duration of symptoms at diagnosis, and were less likely to have bilateral disease (p<0.05 for all). IDU patients were less likely to have a systemic infection source identified (29% vs 71%, p<0.001) or have positive cultures (47% vs 80%, p<0.001). The IDU group was less likely to be admitted to the hospital (71% vs 92%, p=0.005) and less likely to receive treatment with intravenous antimicrobials (55% vs 83%, p=0.003). VA did not significantly differ between groups. Endophthalmitis related to IDU presents in younger patients with less comorbidities and frequently without positive cultures or an identifiable systemic source; therefore, a high index of suspicion is needed to identify this disease.

Malignant Melanoma in a Retrospective Cohort of Immunocompromised Patients: A Statistical and Pathologic Analysis.

Malignant melanoma is the leading cause of death due to cutaneous malignancy. Immunocompromised individuals have an elevated risk of developing melanoma. We aimed to provide histopathologic and statistical characterization of melanoma development in immunocompromised patients. We reviewed our institution's databases to identify all patients with a confirmed history of immunosuppression who subsequently developed melanoma, focusing on diagnoses during the follow-up period of 2011-2019. A total of 93 patients with a combined 111 melanoma lesions were identified. Common causes of immunosuppression included transplantation and lymphoproliferative disorders. Superficial spreading and lentigo malignant melanoma were the most common malignant melanoma subtypes. Median Breslow depth was 0.7 mm, and the most common primary tumor stage was T1a. Our transplant sub-cohort had an overall melanoma incidence of 0.9 per 1000 person-years (95% CI 0.66 to 1.20) and a standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of 1.53 (95% CI 1.12 to 2.04) relative to a general population cohort from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER). We report histopathologic characteristics of immunocompromised patients developing melanoma at a large academic tertiary-care center. Differences in age, sex, time since transplantation, and transplant type may play a significant role in melanoma SIR in this patient demographic.

Presenting Symptoms and Imaging Features of Posterior Cerebral Artery Stroke Causing Homonymous Hemianopia.

Posterior cerebral artery (PCA) stroke is a common cause of homonymous hemianopia and other neurologic deficits associated with more proximal ischemia in the vertebrobasilar circuit. Localization of the process can be challenging unless the symptom complex is well recognized, yet early diagnosis is critical to forestall dangerous driving and repeated stroke. We undertook this study to provide additional detail about the presenting symptoms and signs and their correlation with imaging abnormalities and stroke etiology. Retrospective study of medical records of patients presenting to a single tertiary care academic center between 2009 and 2020 with homonymous hemianopia from PCA stroke. We excerpted data on symptoms, visual and neurologic signs, incident medical procedures and diagnoses, and imaging features. We determined stroke etiology using the Causative Classification Stroke system. In a cohort of 85 patients, 90% of strokes occurred without preceding symptoms. But in retrospect, 10% of strokes did have warning symptoms. In 20% of patients, strokes followed within 72 hours of a medical or surgical procedure or newly identified medical condition. In the subgroups of patients whose records contained a description of visual symptoms, 87% reported the visual sensation as negative, and 66% realized that it was located in a hemifield in both eyes. Concurrent nonvisual symptoms were present in 43% of patients, consisting commonly of numbness, tingling, and new headache. Infarction located outside the visual cortex affected primarily the temporal lobe, thalamus, and cerebellum, reflecting the widespread nature of ischemia. Nonvisual clinical manifestations and arterial cutoffs on imaging were associated with thalamic infarction, but the clinical features and location of the infarction did not correlate with the etiology of the stroke. In this cohort, clinical localization of the stroke was aided by the fact that many patients could lateralize their visual symptoms and had nonvisual symptoms suggestive of ischemia affecting the proximal vertebrobasilar circuit. Numbness and tingling were strongly linked to concurrent thalamic infarction. Clinical features and infarct location were not associated with the etiology of the stroke.

Using phenotypic data from the Electronic Health Record (EHR) to predict discharge

BackgroundTimely discharge to post-acute care (PAC) settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, requires early identification of eligible patients. We sought to develop and internally validate a model which predicts a patient’s likelihood of requiring PAC based on information obtained in the first 24 h of hospitalization.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational cohort study. We collected clinical data and commonly used nursing assessments from the electronic health record (EHR) for all adult inpatient admissions at our academic tertiary care center from September 1, 2017 to August 1, 2018. We performed a multivariable logistic regression to develop the model from the derivation cohort of the available records. We then evaluated the capability of the model to predict discharge destination on an internal validation cohort.ResultsAge (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.04 [per year]; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.03 to 1.04), admission to the intensive care unit (AOR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.27 to 1.79), admission from the emergency department (AOR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.31 to 1.78), more home medication prescriptions (AOR, 1.06 [per medication count increase]; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.07), and higher Morse fall risk scores at admission (AOR, 1.03 [per unit increase]; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.03) were independently associated with higher likelihood of being discharged to PAC facility. The c-statistic of the model derived from the primary analysis was 0.875, and the model predicted the correct discharge destination in 81.2% of the validation cases.ConclusionsA model that utilizes baseline clinical factors and risk assessments has excellent model performance in predicting discharge to a PAC facility.

Positive Psychological Well-Being in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Survivors

Positive thoughts and emotions contribute to overall psychological health in diverse medical populations, including patients undergoing HSCT. However, few studies have described positive psychological well-being (eg, optimism, gratitude, flourishing) in patients undergoing HSCT using well-established, validated patient-reported outcome measures. We conducted cross-sectional secondary analyses of baseline data in 156 patients at 100 days post-HSCT enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of a psychological intervention (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT05147311) and a prospective study assessing medication adherence at a tertiary care academic cancer center from September 2021 to December 2022. We used descriptive statistics to outline participant reports of positive psychological well-being (PPWB) using validated measures for optimism, gratitude, positive affect, life satisfaction, and flourishing. The participants had a mean age of 57.4 ± 13.1 years, and 51% were male (n=79). Many, but not all, participants reported high levels of PPWB (ie, optimism, gratitude, positive affect, life satisfaction, and flourishing), defined as agreement with items on a given PPWB measure. For example, for optimism, 29% of participants did not agree that "overall, I expect more good things to happen to me than bad." Aside from life satisfaction, mean PPWB scores were higher in the HSCT population than in other illness populations. Although many patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing HSCT report high levels of PPWB, a substantial minority of patients reported low PPWB (i.e., no agreement with items on a given PPWB measure). Because PPWB is associated with important clinical outcomes in medical populations, further research should determine whether an intervention to promote PPWB can improve quality of life in HSCT recipients.

Association of Core Biopsy With Extranodal Extension in Surgically Treated Human Papillomavirus–Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Extranodal extension (ENE) is an adverse feature in human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and is an indication for adjuvant treatment escalation. Preoperative core needle biopsy (CNB) may cause lymph node capsule disruption related to ENE development; however, evidence regarding this association in OPSCC is lacking. To assess whether preoperative nodal CNB is associated with presence of ENE in final pathology findings among patients with HPV-associated OPSCC targeted for primary surgical resection. This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single academic tertiary care center from 2012 to 2022. All patients with OPSCC treated with transoral robotic surgery were assessed for eligibility, and primary surgical patients with HPV-associated OPSCC and node-positive disease confirmed on neck dissection were included in analyses. Data were analyzed from November 28, 2022, to May 21, 2023. Preoperative nodal CNB. The primary outcome was presence of ENE in final pathology findings. Secondary outcomes included adjuvant chemotherapy and recurrence rates. Outcomes of interest were investigated against patient demographic, clinical, and pathologic features. Of 106 patients (mean [SD] age, 60.2 [10.9] years; 99 [93.4%] men) included in analyses, 23 patients (21.7%) underwent CNB. Mean (range) preoperative node size was 3.0 (0.9-6.0) cm. Pathologic node class was pN1 in 97 patients (91.5%) and pN2 in 9 patients (8.5%). A total of 49 patients (46.2%) had ENE identified in final pathology analysis. Of 94 patients who received adjuvant therapy, 58 (61.7%) underwent radiation therapy and 36 (38.3%) underwent chemoradiation therapy. There were 9 recurrences (8.5%). In univariate analysis, CNB was associated with ENE (odds ratio [OR], 2.70; 95% CI, 1.03-7.08), but there was no association in a multivariable model including pN class and preoperative node size (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 0.97-7.27). Compared with pN1 class, pN2 class was associated with ENE (OR, 10.93; 95% CI, 1.32-90.80). There were no associations of ENE with preoperative node size, presence of cystic or necrotic nodes, fine needle aspiration, tobacco or alcohol exposure, pathologic T class, prior radiation, or age. Furthermore, use of CNB was not associated with macroscopic ENE, adjuvant chemotherapy, or recurrence. This cohort study of patients with HPV-associated OPSCC found that preoperative nodal CNB was strongly associated with ENE in final pathology, supporting the possibility of an artifactual ENE component in this population.

Socioeconomic Influence on Speech Rehabilitation After Total Laryngectomy.

Speech rehabilitation following a total laryngectomy significantly impacts the quality of life. Indwelling prosthetic voice restoration provides optimal outcomes; however, the long-term maintenance of these devices carries considerable financial costs, which are not universally covered by insurance. This investigation aimed to analyze associations between socioeconomic factors and outcomes in postlaryngectomy speech rehabilitation. Retrospective cohort analysis. Academic tertiary-care center from May 2014 to September 2021. In patients undergoing total laryngectomy, the incidence of tracheoesophageal puncture with indwelling vocal prostheses (TEP-VP) placement within the first postoperative year was compared amonghousehold income, demographic factors, and disease characteristics. Functional and maintenance outcomes served as secondary endpoints. Seventy-seven patients were included. Forty-five (58%) underwent indwelling TEP-VP (41 primaries). Eighty-nine percentof patients with annual incomes greater than $50kunderwent TEP-VP compared to only 35% with incomes less than $50k/year. TEP-VP was performed in 85% of patients with commercial insurance, 70% with Medicare, 42% with Medicaid, and 0% with no insurance. On multivariate analysis, annual household incomes greater than $50k were predicted for TEP-VP placement (odds ratio: 12.7 [2.45-65.8], p = .002). The utilization of postoperative speech therapy and functional communication outcomes were similar amongsocioeconomic groups. Twelve patients were unable to afford supplies within the first year, with differences noted amonginsurance (p = .015) and income status (p = .003). Disparities in vocal and speech rehabilitation following laryngectomy may disproportionally affect underserved patients.

Perinatal outcomes in women referred to the West Virginia University Assist Connect and Encourage (ACE) – A program of the Drug Free Moms and Babies Project (DFMB) for women with substance use during pregnancy

The main objective of this study was to analyze perinatal outcomes of women with substance use disorder in pregnancy who participated in the West Virginia University Medicine Drug Free Moms and Babies Assist Connect and Encourage program (DFMB/ACE) compared to women who were not enrolled in the program. This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in an l Academic Tertiary Care Center. Women who enrolled in DFMB/ACE services from 2018 to 2019 were termed as the intervention group. Their outcomes were compared to 734 women who delivered at the hospital between July 2015 and December 2019 with a positive urine drug screen on admission but were not enrolled in the DFMB/ACE program.Perinatal outcomes evaluated include low birth weight, preterm labor, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, preterm birth, neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), cesarean delivery, cord toxicology result, hepatitis c prevalence, and breastfeeding at the time of discharge. Participants of the DFMB/ACE group had a lower risk of having a preterm birth (OR = 0.56 95% CI 0.36–0.86) compared to the control group. The DFMB/ACE group had higher birth weight compared to the non-DFMB group (2865.7 g. vs. 2657.9 g, p = 0.004). NICU admission, NAS, mode of delivery, cord toxicology, and breastfeeding rates were not statistically different between the two groups. Hepatitis C rates were significantly higher in the intervention vs. non-intervention group (OR = 2.74 95 %CI 1.80 – 4.16). We concluded that the DFMB/ACE program interventions for women with substance use in pregnancy improves some perinatal outcomes for mothers and their newborns.

Improving timely transfers from acute care to the local palliative care unit for patients at the end of life.

Despite evidence showing that nearly two thirds of the Canadian population prefer to die at home, the majority die in hospital. Honoring a patient's wish for their preferred location of death is an essential component in end-of-life care. Therefore, for those patients admitted to acute care whose choice is to transfer to a palliative care unit for end-of-life care, it is imperative that this occurs in a safe and timely manner. The General Internal Medicine ward at this local tertiary care academic center, did not have a standardized process for transferring patients at the end-of-life to the local palliative care unit. With bed calls made between Monday to Saturday at 8am, weekday and weekend transfer times ranged between 1 to 6 hours. The aim of this project was to establish a standardized, safe and efficient patient transfer from acute care to the palliative care unit for a daily standard arrival time. A multidisciplinary quality improvement team was formed to analyze the transfer process. Several Plan Do Study Act cycles were tested, targeting all steps of the transfer process and turnaround time. An outcome measure aiming for a turnaround time of two hours was set as the target. A total of fourteen patient transfers were included. Average transfer time during the weekday was reduced from a baseline average of 180.2 to 128.3 mins. This change was found to be statistically significant and sustained (P<0.003). The average transfer time on weekends remained stable at 234 mins. The outcome target of a 10:00 am arrival time to the palliative care unit was achieved 42% of the time. This project remains on-going and early data is encouraging as it met the targeted transfer time 42% of the time. Fidelity in the process measures helped to meet the targeted turnaround time of two hours for a safe and efficient transfer to the palliative care unit and ensured patients got to their preferred location for end of life care. The goal is to expand this project to other general internal medicine wards across the organization.

Cost analysis of robot-assisted versus open transthoracic esophagectomy for resectable esophageal cancer. Results of the ROBOT randomized clinical trial

BackgroundThe previously published ROBOT trial demonstrated that robot assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) is associated with a lower percentage of postoperative complications compared to open esophagectomy (OTE) for patients with esophageal cancer. The implications of these results on healthcare costs are important given the increased attention for cost-reduction in healthcare. Therefore the aim of this study was to report the hospital costs of RAMIE compared to OTE as treatment for esophageal cancer. MethodsThe ROBOT trial randomized 112 patients with esophageal cancer between RAMIE and OTE through January 2012 and August 2016 in a single tertiary care academic centre in the Netherlands. The primary outcome of the current study was hospital costs from the day of esophagectomy until 90 days after discharge based on Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing methodology. Secondary outcomes included the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per complication prevented and risk factors for increased hospital costs. ResultsOf the 112 included patients, 109 patients underwent an esophagectomy, of whom 54 RAMIE and 55 OTE. The mean total hospital costs were comparable between RAMIE €40211 and OTE €39495 (mean difference €-715; bias-corrected and accelerated confidence interval € −14831 to 14783, p = 0.932). At a willingness-to-pay threshold of €20.000 to €25.000 (i.e. estimated additional costs to the hospital to treat patients with a complication) RAMIE had a probability 62%–70% of being cost effective to prevent postoperative complications. In multivariable regression analysis, major postoperative complications were the main driver of hospital costs after esophagectomy (€31839, p = 0.009). ConclusionIn this randomized trial RAMIE resulted in fewer postoperative complications compared to OTE without increasing total hospital costs.

Hemolyzed Laboratory Specimens in the Emergency Department: An Underappreciated, but Frequent Problem

IntroductionHemolysis of blood samples from emergency department (ED) patients leads to delays in treatment and disposition. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of hemolysis and variables predictive of hemolysis. MethodsThis observational cohort study was conducted among three institutions: academic tertiary care center and two suburban community EDs, with an annual census of over 270,000 ED visits. Data were obtained from the electronic health record. Adults requiring laboratory analysis with at least one peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) inserted within the ED were eligible. Primary outcome was hemolysis of lab samples and secondary outcomes included variables related to PIVC failure. ResultsBetween January 8, 2021 and May 9, 2022, 141,609 patient encounters met inclusion criteria. The average age was 55.5 and 57.5% of patients were female. Hemolysis occurred in 24,359 (17.2%) samples. In a multivariate analysis, when compared to 20-gauge catheters, smaller 22-gauge catheters had an increased odds of hemolysis (OR 1.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.65-1.91; P < .001), while larger 18-gauge catheters had a lower odds of hemolysis (OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.90-0.98; P = .0046). Additionally, when compared to antecubital placement, hand/wrist placement demonstrated increased odds of hemolysis (OR 2.06; 95% CI 1.97-2.15; P < .001). Finally, hemolysis was associated with a higher rate of PIVC failure (OR 1.06; 95%CI 1.00-1.13; P = 0.043). DiscussionThis large observational analysis demonstrates that lab hemolysis of is a frequent occurrence among ED patients. Given the added risk of hemolysis with certain placement variables, clinicians should consider catheter gauge/placement location to avoid hemolysis that may result in patient care delays and prolonged hospital stays.

P-269 trophectoderm grade is associated with the risk of placenta previa in frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfer cycles

Abstract Study question Dose obstetric and perinatal complications differ among different blastocyst developmental parameters after frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfer (SBT) cycles? Summary answer Blastocysts with grade C trophectoderm (TE) were associated with an increased risk of placenta previa compared to those with grade A TE. What is known already Existing studies investigating the effect of blastocyst morphology grades on birth outcomes have mostly focused on fetal growth and have produced conflicting results, while the risk of obstetric complications has rarely been reported. Additionally, growing evidence have suggested that the appearance of TE cells could serve as the most important parameter for predicting implantation and live birth. Given that the TE ultimately develops into the placenta, it is plausible that this independent predictor may also impact placentation. Study design, size, duration This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a single tertiary-care academic reproductive center. A total of 6168 patients who underwent frozen-thawed SBT and resulted in singleton delivery beyond 20 weeks of gestation between January 2017 and December 2021 were analyzed. Participants/materials, setting, methods Main outcomes included placenta previa, placental abruption, placenta accreta, pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), preeclampsia, preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW) and small for gestational age (SGA). Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to evaluate the effect of blastocyst developmental stage (day 5 and 6), embryo expansion stage (stages 3, 4, 5 and 6), inner cell mass (ICM) grade (A, B and C), and TE grade (A, B and C) on measured outcomes adjusting for potential confounders. Main results and the role of chance The overall rates of placenta previa, placental abruption, placenta accreta, PIH, preeclampsia, PTB, LBW and SGA was 2.8% (n = 173), 0.4% (n = 26), 1.3% (n = 83), 5.3% (n = 328), 4.3% (n = 267), 6.8% (n = 417), 3.7% (n = 230), and 2.8% (n = 172), respectively. Specifically, the incidence of placenta previa derived from blastocyst with TE of grade C was higher compared with those derived from blastocyst with TE of grade A (1.8%, 2.5% and 3.9% for A, B and C, respectively, P = 0.003 for all comparisons). No such differences were observed for any other outcomes. After adjusting for potential covariates (maternal age, maternal BMI, maternal education, duration of infertility, gravidity, parity, previous caesarean section, infertility diagnosis, IVF or ICSI, previous embryo transfer, and type of endometrial preparation), TE grade C blastocyst had 2.58 times the likelihood of resulting in the risk of placenta previa compared to TE grade A blastocysts (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-6.31). No statistically significant associations were detected between any other measured outcomes and blastocyst developmental parameters. Furthermore, when restricted to pregnancies above 28 gestational weeks, the risk of placenta previa remained significantly higher with TE of grade C (AOR 2.56, 95% CI 1.05-6.27) than with TE of grade A. Limitations, reasons for caution The retrospective design, lack of controlling for residual confounding factors, and inter-observer variability limited this study. Wider implications of the findings The study extends our knowledge of the potential downstream effect of TE grade on placental abnormalities. Trial registration number not applicable

Inpatient Otolaryngology Consultations and COVID-19: The Surge and Lasting Effects at an Urban, Academic Institution.

Objective: This study aims to examine the lasting effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on inpatient otolaryngology consultations. Methods: In a retrospective analysis, inpatient otolaryngology consultations at an urban, academic tertiary care center were reviewed over the course of 2 years (Jun 2019-Jun 2021). The consultations were categorized by time period based on the local data for COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths as follows: pre-COVID (Jun 2019-Feb 2020), Surge 1 (Mar 2020-May 2020), Surge 2 (Oct 2020-Jan 2021), and Post Surge (Mar 2021-Jun 2021). Results: A total of 897 patients undergoing an inpatient otolaryngology consultation across all 4 time periods were included for analysis. The average consultations per day was 1.67 ± 0.24 in pre-COVID times, and dropped acutely to 0.86 ± 0.33 consultations per day during Surge 1. The consultation volume was not statistically different from pre-COVID levels during Surge 2 (1.33 ± 0.35) and Post Surge (1.60 ± 0.20). Reason for consultation and procedures performed did not vary significantly between pre-COVID times and Post Surge, except that consultation for postoperative complaint was less frequent in Post Surge (4.8% vs 1.0%, P = .02). More patients had been screened with rapid antigen COVID testing in Post Surge versus Surge 1 (20.1% vs 7.6%, P = .04). Conclusions: Inpatient otolaryngology consultation volumes, indications, and procedures performed at an urban, academic institution returned to pre-COVID levels after being significantly impacted during Surge 1.

Risk of midline catheter-related thrombosis due to catheter diameter: An observational cohort study

ObjectiveDeep vein thrombosis is a common and serious complication associated with midline catheters (MC). The aim of this investigation was to determine if catheter diameter is related to development of thrombosis. MethodsThis was an observational cohort study conducted at a tertiary care academic center in Southeastern Michigan. Hospitalized adults that required a MC were eligible participants. Primary outcome was symptomatic MC associated upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) comparing three catheter diameters. Secondary outcomes included complications based on size and DVT comparing catheter to vein ratio. ResultsBetween January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2021, 3088 MCs met inclusion criteria; the distribution of 3 French (Fr), 4 Fr, and 5 Fr MCs was 35.1 %, 57.0 %, and 7.9 %, respectively. The majority of the population was female (61.2 %) and the average age was 64.2 years old. DVT occurred in 4.4 %, 3.9 %, and 11.9 % of 3 Fr, 4 Fr, and 5 Fr MCs, respectively (p < 0.001). In multivariable regression analysis, there was no difference in the odds of developing DVT for the 4 Fr MC compared to the 3 Fr (aOR 0.88; 95 % CI 0.59–1.31; p = 0.5243), however, there was significantly higher odds for the 5 Fr (aOR 2.72; 95 % CI 1.62–4.51; p = 0.001). Additionally, for every additional day the MC was in place, the odds of DVT increased by 3 % (aOR 1.03; 95 % CI 1.01–1.05; p = 0.0039). When comparing accuracy of the size model versus catheter to vein ratio model for predicting DVT, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated the area under the curve for size was 73.70 % (95 % CI 68.04 %–79.36 %) compared to 73.01 % (95 % CI: 66.88 %–79.10 %) for catheter-to-vein ratio. ConclusionsSmaller diameter catheters should be preferentially chosen to mitigate the risk of thrombosis when therapy via midline catheters is required. Choosing a catheter based on reduced size or 1:3 catheter to vein ratio threshold has similar accuracy in predicting DVT.

Balloon Dilation Eustachian Tuboplasty for Dilatory Dysfunction With and Without Effusion: A Comprehensive Outcome Analysis.

This study aimed (1) to demonstrate the efficacy of balloon dilation Eustachian tuboplasty (BDET) for dilatory Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) and (2) to determine whether adjunctive ventilation tube insertion (VTI) is superior to myringotomy in relieving symptoms for patients with ETD and concurrent middle ear effusion (MEE) treated with BDET. A retrospective cohort study. Tertiary care academic center. Patients with dilatory ETD undergoing BDET with a≥6-month follow-up period were enrolled and evaluated mainly using Eustachian tube function (ETF) tests and Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 (ETDQ-7). Participants with concurrent MEE were further classified into 2 subgroups, BDET with VTI and BDET with myringotomy. An intergroup comparison and comprehensive outcome evaluation were performed. In total, 35 patients with 50 symptomatic ears were enrolled. According to ETF test results, the normalized ETF rate was 94% on the last visit. The mean ETDQ-7 scores decreased significantly from 3.7 ± 1.4 to 2.0 ± 0.9 after interventions, with the most improvement in symptoms occurring for "ear fullness" and "muffled hearing." For the final visit, strong correlations among ETF tests, tympanometry, and Valsalva results were noted. The aforementioned assessment results did not significantly differ between (1) the patients with MEE and patients without MEE and (2) "BDET with VTI" subgroup and "BDET with myringotomy" subgroup. BDET was effective for dilatory ETD, even in cases with concurrent MEE. For patients with ETD and MEE, further research is required to evaluate the benefits of adjunctive myringotomy with or without VTI.

Feasibility of a multidisciplinary Transitional Pain Service in spine surgery patients to minimise opioid use and improve perioperative outcomes: a quality improvement study

IntroductionSpine surgery patients have high rates of perioperative opioid consumption, with a chronic opioid use prevalence of 20%. A proposed solution is the implementation of a Transitional Pain Service (TPS),...

Referral Patterns Associated With Delayed Care for Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injuries

Traumatic brachial plexus injuries (BPI) are devastating, time-sensitive conditions that often require definitive treatment at academic tertiary care centers. Delays to presentation and surgery have been associated with inferior outcomes. In this study, we evaluate referral patterns associated with delayed presentation and late surgery in traumatic BPI patients. Patients diagnosed with a traumatic BPI at our institution from 2000 to 2020 were identified. Medical charts were reviewed for demographic characteristics, prereferral work-up, and referring provider characteristics. Delayed presentation was defined as greater than 3 months from date of injury to initial evaluation by our brachial plexus specialists. Late surgery was defined as greater than 6 months from date of injury. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with delayed presentation or surgery. A total of 99 patients were included, 71 of whom underwent surgery. Sixty-two patients presented delayed (62.6%), with 26 receiving late surgery (36.6%). There were similar rates of delayed presentation or late surgery by referring provider specialty. Patients whose initial diagnostic EMG was ordered by the referring provider prior to initial presentation at our institution were more likely to have a delayed presentation (76.2% vs 31.3%) and undergo late surgery (44.9% vs 10.0%). Delayed presentation and late surgery in traumatic BPI patients were associated with initial diagnostic EMG ordered by the referring provider. Delayed presentation and surgery have been associated with inferior outcomes in traumatic BPI patients. We recommend that providers direct patients with clinical concern of traumatic BPI directly to a brachial plexus center without further work-up before referral and encourage referral centers to accept these patients.