Urban Academic Medical Center Research Articles

Bringing community oriented primary care into an academic training setting: A qualitative study

ObjectivesIdentify patient-informed strategies through which an urban resident continuity clinic can implement the principles of community oriented primary care (COPC). MethodsAs part of a larger sequential mixed methods study supporting implementation evaluation of a new urban academic medical center in Cleveland, Ohio, semi-structured telephone interviews using a descriptive phenomenological approach were conducted spring 2021 with patients to explore perspectives regarding community involvement by healthcare providers and what they want clinicians to know about their community. A constant comparative analysis of emerging themes was used to analyze the thematic contents of interviews. ResultsTwenty-one participants completed interviews. Almost all thought clinicians’ community involvement is important. Thematic guidance from participants highlighted that clinicians should be: (1) knowledgeable about the Black experience, (2) seen in the community outside the clinic, and (3) aware that “knowing my community is knowing me.” ConclusionsDesign with a target community in mind is a necessary but not sufficient step to implement COPC in practice. The visibility of clinicians in community settings is essential for COPC.

440 Prevalence and burden of rhinoconjunctivitis in atopic dermatitis patients: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Allergic rhinoconjuncitivitis can be highly symptomatic and burdensome and complicates the management of eyelid and facial dermatitis in persons with atopic dermatitis (AD). However, little is known about the prevalence, burden and predictors of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms in patients with AD, particularly among adults. This study aims to determine the prevalence and predictors of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis severity in patients with AD. A cross-sectional, dermatology practice-based study was performed at an urban academic medical center (n = 507). Atopic dermatitis severity was assessed by investigator-assessed Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), body surface area (BSA), investigator’s global assessment (IGA), objective-SCORing AD and patient-reported Global Assessment (PtGA). Impact of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms was assessed by Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire. The cohort included children (<18 years; n = 36, 7.1%), young adults (18–49 years; n = 281, 55.4%) and older adults (≥50 years; n = 190, 37.5%), males (n = 219, 43.2%) and females (n = 288, 56.8%), Hispanics (n = 43, 8.5%), Blacks (n = 50, 9.9%), White non-Hispanics (n = 349, 68.8%), Asians (n = 51, 10.1%) and multiracial/other race (n = 14, 2.8%); 413 (81.5%) had private insurance. Overall, 246 (48.5%) reported a history of hay fever, and 15 (3.0%) and 416 (82.1%) of patients with AD reported having trouble with one or multiple rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms in the past 2 weeks; 30 (5.9%) and 365 (72.0%) of patients with AD had quite a bit or extreme trouble with one or multiple rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms, respectively. More severe AD overall (EASI, BSA, IGA and PtGA), as well as more severe facial dermatitis, flexural eczema and xerosis were associated with worse rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms, whereas, race, gender and presence of nummular dermatitis were generally not associated with rhinoconjunctivitis symptom severity. Quite a bit or extreme trouble from one or more rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms was reported in 39 (56.5%) patients with clear/almost clear, 85 (74.6%) mild, 135 (82.8%) moderate and 106 (84.8%) severe PtGA scores. In multivariable ordinal logistic regression models that controlled for demographics, AD severity was significantly associated with higher odds of a wide range of nasal and ocular symptoms, as well as rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms negatively impacting daily activities, causing sleep and practical problems, and negative emotions. Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms occurred in more than 4 out of 5 patients with AD overall, and almost 90% of patients with severe AD. Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis was more common in those with more severe AD, and particularly those with more severe facial dermatitis, flexural eczema and xerosis. Rhinconjunctivitis symptoms negatively impact the lives of patients with AD and warrant appropriate screening and management in clinical practice.

"I'd rather see action": Application and recruitment experiences of underrepresented in emergency medicine trainees.

The emergency medicine (EM) physician workforce is largely composed of white men. Despite recruitment efforts over the past decade, there has not been a significant increase of trainees with underrepresented racial and ethnic identities in EM (URM). Prior studies have focused on institutional strategies to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in EM residency recruitment but have been limited in describing URM trainees' perspectives. We sought to assess URM trainees' perspectives on DEI in the EM residency application and selection process. This study was conducted at an urban academic medical center in the United States from November 2021 to March 2022. Junior residents were invited to participate in individual semistructured interviews. We used a combined deductive-inductive approach to categorize responses in predetermined areas of interest then elicit dominant themes within each category through consensus discussions. Thematic saturation was reached after eight interviews, indicating adequate sample size. Ten residents participated in semistructured interviews. All identified as racial or ethnic minorities. Three dominant themes emerged relating to authenticity, representation, and being treated as a learner first. Participants assessed the authenticity of a program's DEI efforts by evaluating the time frame and scope of DEI efforts. Participants reported a desire for representation of other URM colleagues in a residency program and training environment. While participants wanted their lived experience as URM trainees acknowledged, they were wary of being viewed solely through the lens of future DEI leaders rather than as learners first. URM residents value multifaceted commitment to DEI efforts, representation, and being seen as learners first when assessing residency programs. Programs seeking to recruit URM residents should develop a department-wide, multipronged, comprehensive DEI plan and showcase how their program will contribute to an applicant's professional development.

Assessing inpatient antibiotic use during COVID-19 surges with or without infectious diseases consultation

Background: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, increased inappropriate antibiotic use (AU) drove concern for antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial stewardship efforts are critical for combatting antimicrobial resistance. Our objective was to compare AU between SARS-CoV-2 delta and omicron variant surge periods in COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Tufts Medical Center (TMC) in Boston. Infectious diseases consultation (IDC) was mandatory for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 throughout the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant surge. During the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant surge, IDC was optional for certain patient populations. Instead, the antibiotic stewardship program (ASP) reviewed these patients for appropriate medical management. We hypothesized that AU would increase during the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant surge compared to the delta variant surge due to optional IDC because IDC would reduce inappropriate AU for suspected viral pneumonia. Methods: Retrospective medical record review of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the SARS-CoV-2 delta and omicron variant surges was conducted. We collected data regarding vital signs, white blood cell count (WBC), length of stay (LOS), steroid use, IDC, and AU (defined as percentage of patients receiving at least 1 antibiotic dose), with a separate category for antibiotics commonly used for bacterial pneumonia (ampicillin-sulbactam, azithromycin, cefepime, cefpodoxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, doxycycline, piperacillin-tazobactam, vancomycin). We determined that 71 patients from each group were needed to detect an absolute difference of 20% in AU between surges with 75% power, based on the CDC estimate that 80% of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 receive an antibiotic. Unpaired t tests and χ2 analyses were conducted on demographic data. Inferential statistics assessed for differences between the 2 SARS-CoV-2 variant surges in AU and days of therapy (DOT), supplemental oxygen (SaO2), steroid use, and IDC utilizing a Wilcoxon rank-sum test and logistic regression analyses. Results: Results showed no significant differences in AU between surges (38.0% during the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant surge vs 42.3% during the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant surge; P = .131). Disease severity was not different between surges as measured by steroid use, initial WBC, and SaO2. WBC was a predictor for AU in both surges (delta surge, P = 0.007; omicron surge, P = .002). Average LOS was higher throughout the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant surge for all patients (11.58 days during the delta surge, vs 5.97 days during the omicron variant surge; P = .047) and those who received antibiotics (18.44 days during the delta variant surge vs 6.70 days dring the omicron variant surge; P = .210). Total DOT was significantly longer during the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant surge for all antibiotics (463 DOT during the delta variant surge vs 277 DOT during the omicron variant surge; P = .047) and antibiotics commonly used for bacterial pneumonia (315 DOT during the delta variant surge vs 202 DOT during the omicron variant surge; P = .021). Conclusions: Making IDC optional for certain patient populations diagnosed with COVID-19 did not affect AU in a large, urban academic medical center with a comprehensive ASP.Disclosures: None

Presenting symptoms, screening and diagnosis in asian and white patients with stage IV lung cancer.

e18687 Background: Lung cancer (LC) is a leading cancer diagnosis and cause of cancer death in Asian Americans, the fastest growing racial/ethnic group in the US. Some racial/ethnic groups are less likely to be eligible for guideline-recommended LC screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). Data on presenting symptoms (PS) and initial evaluation in Asian patients (AP) with stage IV LC in the US are limited. This retrospective study examines LDCT utilization and patterns of PS for AP and White patients (WP) with stage IV LC at an urban academic medical center serving a large proportion of AP. Methods: Patients newly diagnosed with stage IV LC from 01/01/2014 to 12/31/2019 were identified from Tufts Medical Center cancer registry. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and biomarker data were compared between AP and WP by Mann–Whitney U test and Chi-square/Fisher's exact tests for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to assess associations between PS and race. Results: Of 89 AP and 197 WP, AP had significantly more non-small cell (NSC) histology (85 vs 73%), never-smokers (36 vs 7%) and male representation (72 vs 48%). Similar rates of brain metastasis (35 vs 39%) were observed. Among 219 patients with NSCLC, AP had more driver mutations compared to WP (53 vs 29%), particularly more EGFR alterations (68 vs 15% of observed driver mutations). Similar PD-L1 positivity (34 vs 32%) was noted at diagnosis in AP and WP with stage IV NSCLC. At diagnosis, fewer AP (N = 14) vs WP (N = 47) met USPSTF 2013 eligibility criteria for LDCT screening (16 vs 24%, p = 0.162), however 21% (N = 3) of eligible AP completed LDCT screening compared to 9% (N = 4) of eligible WP (p = 0.336). AP tended to have more primary care (PC) visits prior to diagnosis (51 vs 38%, p = 0.064), but longer median duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis (8 vs 4 weeks, p = 0.003). More AP presented with respiratory symptoms (80 vs 54%, p < 0.001), namely cough (58 vs 33%, p < 0.001), chest pain (20 vs 8%, p = 0.004) and hemoptysis (15 vs 7%, p = 0.050). Fewer AP presented with symptoms due to metastatic disease (34 vs 51%, p = 0.011). Rates of constitutional symptoms (42 vs 35%, p = 0.311) and asymptomatic diagnoses (3.4 vs 3.0%) were similar. Adjusting for age, sub-stage, histology, and smoking status, multivariable logistic regression showed significant association between AP and respiratory symptoms presentation (OR = 3.43, p < 0.001). Conclusions: USPSTF 2013 LC screening criteria did not capture most of the AP and WP diagnosed with stage IV LC in this study and missed racial nuances in LC screening. Although limited in size, this study found that AP, more of whom are nonsmoking, are diagnosed with stage IV LC after longer preceding often respiratory symptoms, despite similar PC utilization and LDCT uptake as compared to WP. Awareness of race and associated PS should inform assessment for LC screening in AP.

An Anti-Racism and Equity Initiative Improves Residency Educational Conferences

ABSTRACT Background Graduate medical education curricula may reinforce systemic inequities and bias, thus contributing to health disparities. Curricular interventions and evaluation measures are needed to increase trainee awareness of bias and known inequities in health care. Objective This study sought to improve the content of core noontime internal medicine residency educational conferences by implementing the Department of Medicine Anti-Racism and Equity (DARE) educational initiative. Methods DARE best practices were developed from available anti-racism and equity educational materials. Volunteer trainees and faculty in the department of medicine of a large urban academic medical center were recruited and underwent an hourlong training to utilize DARE best practices to coach faculty on improving the anti-racist and equity content of educational conferences. DARE coaches then met with faculty to review the planned 2021-2022 academic year (AY) lectures and facilitate alignment with DARE best practices. A rubric was created from DARE practices and utilized to compare pre-intervention (AY21) and post-intervention (AY22) conferences. Results Using the DARE best practices while coaching increased the anti-racism and equity content from AY21 to AY22 (total rubric score mean [SD] 0.16 [1.19] to 1.38 [1.39]; P=.001; possible scores -4 to +5), with 75% (21 of 28) of AY22 conferences showing improvement. This included increased diversity of photographs, discussion of the racial or ethnic makeup of research study participants, appropriate use of race in case vignettes, and discussion of the impact of racism or bias on health disparities. Conclusions Training coaches to implement DARE best practices improved the anti-racism and equity content of existing noontime internal medicine residency educational conferences.

Survey Validation for Measuring Perceptions of Work-Related Factors That Influence Career Paths of Men and Women in Academic Anesthesiology.

Women's underrepresentation in positions of leadership in medicine has been attributed to environmental, structural, motivational, and situational factors. The purpose of this study was to design and validate a survey instrument based on these constructs, using a sample of men and women anesthesiologists from 3 urban academic medical centers. Following institutional review board review, survey domains were defined based on a literature review. Items were developed, and content validation was performed by external experts. Anesthesiologists at 3 academic institutions were invited to complete the anonymous survey. Validation measures were performed on the collected responses, including reliability, convergent, and discriminant validity. In addition, differences between men and women respondents were evaluated. Content validation by external experts yielded 38 items with 5-point Likert scales, defining 3 constructs: environmental (14 items), structural (13 items), and motivational (11 items) factors, with single-item measures on situational factors. Content validity indices used Cohen's Kappa coefficients, with 0.85 as the acceptance cutoff. Two hundred seventy-four anesthesiologists in 3 academic institutions received the online survey. One hundred fifteen responses were received (42% response rate), yielding 103 complete survey responses, of which 86 cases included gender. Cronbach's α reliability estimates for the environmental, structural, and motivational scale scores were .88, .84, and .64, respectively, after scale revision. Evidence of convergent (Pearson's r = 0.68; P < .001) and discriminant validity (Pearson's r = 0.017; P = .84) confirmed theoretical expectations. Gender group differences showed statistically significant differences in perceptions toward environmental but not toward structural and motivational factors. The iterative design and validation processes yielded a 3-scale survey instrument with parsimonious item sets. The preliminary evidence of construct validity and reliability fills a gap in the instrumentation literature for assessing gender issues in medicine. Findings were consistent with theoretical expectations. Women are more likely than men to experience challenges in the work environment for career advancement. No differences were found between men and women on perceived resources and overall motivation factors. Investigations should continue with larger and more diverse samples and medical specialties.

Outcomes of Patients With Type B Aortic Dissections Repaired With the Zenith Dissection Endovascular System Compared With Aortic Stentgraft

This study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Zenith Dissection Endovascular System (ZDES; Zenith TX2 Dissection Endovascular Graft with Pro-Form and Zenith Dissection Endovascular Stent), which uses a proximal stentgraft along with a distal bare metal stent compared with traditional stentgrafts alone in the repair of acute, complicated type B aortic dissection (TBAD). This institutional review board-approved, single-center retrospective study reviews the medical charts of 32 patients with acute, complicated TBAD repaired at an urban academic medical center. Sixteen of these TBAD cases were repaired with the dissection stent (62.5% male; mean age, 60.3 years), and 16 were repaired with a stentgraft (87.5% male; mean age, 63.1 years). Primary outcomes evaluated include 30-day and 3-year mortality, 30-day morbidity outcomes, false lumen thrombosis, and aneurysmal degeneration. A total of 12 postoperative major adverse events occurred in the ZDES group compared with 37 events in the stentgraft group (P = .0087). Most notable major adverse events included myocardial infarction (0 of 16 ZDES; 2 of 16 stentgraft), renal ischemia (0 of 16 ZDES; 5 of 16 stentgraft), stroke and spinal cord ischemia (2 of 16 ZDES; 5 of 16 stentgraft), transient extremity ischemia (1 of 16 ZDES; 5 of 16 stentgraft), and refractory pain (0 of 16 ZDES; 8 of 16 stentgraft). At the 6-month follow-up, complete or partial thrombosis of the false lumen was noted in 100% of patients (16 of 16) in the ZDES group and in 56.3% of patients (9 of 16) in the stentgraft group. At the 12-month follow-up, complete or partial thrombosis of the false lumen was noted in three additional patients in the stentgraft group for a total of 75% of patients (12 of 16). Growth (>5 mm) of the maximum transaortic diameter was noted in 33.3% of patients (5 of 15) in the ZDES group and in 54% of patients (7 of 13) in the stentgraft group at 12 months. Thirty-day mortality occurred in one patient (6.3%) in the ZDES group, and there was no 30-day mortality in the stentgraft group. This death was related to dissection repair. Three-year mortality occurred in four patients (25%) in the stentgraft group, and there was no 3-year mortality in the ZDES group. These deaths were related to aneurysmal degeneration of the repaired aorta. This study suggests that patients with TBAD repaired with the ZDES had better aortic remodeling and false lumen thrombosis as well as decreased aneurysmal degeneration than patients treated with the stentgraft alone.

Evaluation of microMend wound closure device in repairing skin lacerations

BackgroundmicroMend, a novel microstaple skin closure device, may be able to close simple lacerations. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of using microMend to close these wounds...

(168) Financial Toxicity of Erectile Dysfunction: The First Assessment of the Economic Stress Associated With the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

Abstract Introduction Financial toxicity (FT) describes the direct and indirect financial burden associated with disease treatment. FT has been associated with adverse outcomes, including medication-rationing, psychological distress, and bankruptcy. Despite the well-described psychosocial impact of erectile dysfunction (ED), limited work has been performed to characterize its financial impact on patients. Objective We present the first study to directly report on the FT associated with ED management. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study of patients treated for ED in a diverse, urban academic medical center. Patients were surveyed with the validated COST tool (COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity), the IIEF-5 (International Index of Erectile Function), and a 10-item social needs screener. The maximum score for the COST tool is 44, with lower scores indicating increased FT. Patients were stratified into “Moderate-to-Severe FT” (COST 25-0 points) and “Low FT” (COST &amp;gt;26 points). Lower IIEF-5 scores similarly indicate more severe ED. FT score distributions were analyzed by patient characteristics and ED severity. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, linear regression, and Mann-Whitney U tests were performed using SPSS v28. Results 48 patients were surveyed. 46% of patients identified as Hispanic, and 90% identified as non-white including 31% Black and 40% Latinx. Average age was 62.6 ± 9.0 years. Median ED severity was mild-moderate (IIEF5 Score = 13) and 73% of patients used oral ED medications. In the last year, 34% of respondents spent &amp;lt;$100 on these medications, 23% spent $100-$499, 26% spent $500-$1000, and 9% spent &amp;gt;$1000. Indirect costs of ED care were defined as cost of transportation to visits, copays, lab tests, or imaging. 40% of respondents spent nothing on indirect costs, 27% spent $100-$499, and 19% spent &amp;gt;$500. Mean COST score was 26.7 ± 9.2 and “Moderate-to-Severe FT” was found in 48% of patients. Compared to those with "Low FT", the “Moderate-to-Severe FT” cohort had lower income (OR for annual income &amp;lt;50,000 = 6.4, 95% CI 1.8 - 23.1, p=0.003), were less likely to have English as their first language (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.07 - 0.8, p=0.02), were less likely to self-drive (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.07 - 0.84, p=0.02), screened positively for more unmet social needs (mean difference 1.3, 95% CI 2.0 - 0.6, p&amp;lt;0.001) and had more severe ED (mean IIEF score difference of 3.1, 95% CI 0.2 - 6.0, p=0.035). IIEF score was significantly correlated with COST Score (Spearmans rho correlation coefficient = -0.302, p=0.039). Conclusions Our findings suggest FT and unmet social needs may be related to ED severity. In addition to medical interventions, these patients may benefit from financial social services. 48% of our patients reported moderate or severe FT. As even moderate FT has been associated with cost-coping behaviors, like medication rationing, the clinical implications of these findings are potentially significant. We recommend that urologists inquire and investigate the financial burden incurred on their patients. Disclosure No

A balancing act: sex selection after pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy for first versus second baby.

How often do patients undergoing frozen embryo transfer (FET) after preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) choose to select for sex and do sex selection rates differ before and after successful delivery of a first baby? When a choice was available between male and female embryos, patients selected the sex more frequently when trying to conceive the second child (62%) as compared to the first child (32.4%) and most commonly selected for the opposite sex of the first child. Sex selection is widely available in US fertility clinics. However, the rate of sex selection for patients undergoing FET after PGT-A is unknown. This is a retrospective cohort study of 585 patients that took place between January 2013 and February 2021. The study took place at a single, urban academic fertility center in the USA. Patients were included if they had a live birth after single euploid FET and returned for at least one subsequent euploid FET. The primary outcomes were the rates of sex selection for first versus second baby. Secondary outcomes were rate of selection for same versus opposite sex as first live birth and overall rate of selection for males versus females. Five hundred and eighty-five patients underwent a total of 1560 single euploid FETs resulting in either one or two live births. A choice between male and female euploid embryos was available for 919 FETs (first child: 67.5% (519/769) versus second child: 50.6% (400/791), P < 0.01). When a choice was available, patients selected the sex more frequently when trying to conceive the second child (first child: 32.4% (168/519) versus second child: 62.0% (248/400), P < 0.01). When sex was selected after first live birth, the opposite sex of the first child was selected 81.8% (203/248 FETs) of the time. Of transfers that involved sex selection, rates of male and female selection were similar for the first child, but selection for females was greater for the second child (first child: 51.2% (86/168) male versus 48.9% (82/168) female, second child: 41.1% (102/248) male versus 58.9% (146/248) female, P < 0.04). The study was performed at one urban academic medical center in the Northeastern US, which may limit generalizability to other settings where PGT-A may be performed less frequently, or sex selection may be limited or not permitted. In addition, we could not reliably account for whether patients or their partners had prior children and if so, of what sex. Patients undergoing PGT-A with both male and female euploid embryos were more likely to select for sex when attempting a second child and usually selected for the opposite sex of their first child. These findings highlight the potential for family balancing for patients who undergo PGT-A in settings where sex selection is permitted. This study received no funding. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. N/A.

Comparing the effects of four common drug classes on the progression of mild cognitive impairment to dementia using electronic health records

The objective of this study was to investigate the potential association between the use of four frequently prescribed drug classes, namely antihypertensive drugs, statins, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and proton-pump inhibitors, and the likelihood of disease progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia using electronic health records (EHRs). We conducted a retrospective cohort study using observational EHRs from a cohort of approximately 2 million patients seen at a large, multi-specialty urban academic medical center in New York City, USA between 2008 and 2020 to automatically emulate the randomized controlled trials. For each drug class, two exposure groups were identified based on the prescription orders documented in the EHRs following their MCI diagnosis. During follow-up, we measured drug efficacy based on the incidence of dementia and estimated the average treatment effect (ATE) of various drugs. To ensure the robustness of our findings, we confirmed the ATE estimates via bootstrapping and presented associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Our analysis identified 14,269 MCI patients, among whom 2501 (17.5%) progressed to dementia. Using average treatment estimation and bootstrapping confirmation, we observed that drugs including rosuvastatin (ATE = − 0.0140 [− 0.0191, − 0.0088], p value < 0.001), citalopram (ATE = − 0.1128 [− 0.125, − 0.1005], p value < 0.001), escitalopram (ATE = − 0.0560 [− 0.0615, − 0.0506], p value < 0.001), and omeprazole (ATE = − 0.0201 [− 0.0299, − 0.0103], p value < 0.001) have a statistically significant association in slowing the progression from MCI to dementia. The findings from this study support the commonly prescribed drugs in altering the progression from MCI to dementia and warrant further investigation.

Comparison of thrombotic and clinical outcomes in SARS-CoV-2-pneumonia versus other viral pneumonia in an urban academic medical center

BackgroundInfection with viral pneumonia (PNA) is known to offset the coagulation cascade. Recent studies assessing novel SARS-CoV-2 infection observed a high frequency of systemic thrombotic events resulting in ambiguity if severity of infection or specific viral strain drive thrombosis and worsen clinical outcomes. Furthermore, limited data exists addressing SARS-CoV-2 in underrepresented patient populations. ObjectivesAssess clinical outcomes events and death in patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia compared to patients with other types of viral pneumonia. MethodsRetrospective cohort study evaluated electronic medical records in adult patients admitted to University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System (UIHHSS) with primary diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 PNA or other viral (H1N1 or H3N2) PNA between 10/01/2017 and 09/01/2020. Primary composite outcome was the following event incidence rates: death, ICU admission, infection, thrombotic complications, mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy, and major bleeding. ResultsOf 257 patient records, 199 and 58 patients had SARS-CoV-2 PNA and other viral PNA, respectively. There was no difference in primary composite outcome. Thrombotic events (n = 6, 3%) occurred solely in SARS-CoV-2 PNA patients in the ICU. A significantly higher incidence of renal replacement therapy (8.5% vs 0%, p=0.016) and mortality (15.6% vs 3.4%, p=0.048) occurred in the SARS-CoV-2 PNA group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed age, presence of SARS-CoV-2, and ICU admission, aOR 1.07, 11.37, and 41.95 respectively, was significantly associated with mortality risk during hospitalization; race and ethnicity were not. ConclusionLow overall incidence of thrombotic events occurred only in the SARS-CoV-2 PNA group. SARS-CoV-2 PNA may lead to higher incidence of clinical events than those observed in H3N2/H1N1 viral pneumonia, and that race/ethnicity does not drive mortality outcomes.

The Impact of Language on Hospital Outcomes for COVID-19 Patients: A Study of Non-English Speaking Hispanic Patients.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated health inequities, as demonstrated by the disproportionate rates of infection, hospitalization, and death in marginalized racial and ethnic communities. Although non-English speaking (NES) patients have substantially higher rates of COVID-19 positivity than other groups, research has not yet examined primary language, as determined by the use of interpreter services, and hospital outcomes for patients with COVID-19. Data were collected from 1,770 patients with COVID-19 admitted to an urban academic health medical center in the Chicago, Illinois area from March 2020 to April 2021. Patients were categorized as non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, NES Hispanic, and English-speaking (ES) Hispanic using NES as a proxy for English language proficiency. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare the predicted probability for each outcome (i.e., ICU admission, intubation, and in-hospital death) by race/ethnicity. After adjusting for possible confounders, NES Hispanic patients had the highest predicted probability of ICU admission (p-value < 0.05). Regarding intubation and in-hospital death, NES Hispanic patients had the highest probability, although statistical significance was inconclusive, compared to White, Black, and ES Hispanic patients. Race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and language have demonstrated disparities in health outcomes. This study provides evidence for heterogeneity within the Hispanic population based on language proficiency that may potentially further contribute to disparities in COVID-19-related health outcomes within marginalized communities.

A dangerous appetite

To describe an experience with laryngeal oncocytic cystadenomas and review the published literature regarding this uncommon diagnosis.A clinical review of patients presenting with cystic laryngeal masses in an urban academic medical center between January and December 2013 was performed. Three patients, two female and one male, with a mean age of 68 years, were diagnosed with oncocytic cystadenomata of the larynx. Major presenting symptoms included dysphonia, globus, and ipsilateral otalgia. Endoscopic examinations revealed a cystic structure arising from varied subsites of the larynx: laryngeal ventricle, aryepiglottic fold, and pre-epiglottic space. Cross-sectional radiographic imaging was obtained in each case. The patients were treated with transoral (CO2) laser microsurgery (TLM). In all three cases, pathological analysis revealed oncocytic cystadenoma with clear margins.Oncocytic cystadenoma is a rare entity of the larynx predominantly affecting elderly patients. Clinical presentation and imaging may suggest the diagnosis of an internal laryngocele. Complete excision is both diagnostic and therapeutic, and typically can be achieved using TLM. When clear margins are obtained, no adjuvant therapy is indicated. Although laryngoceles and malignancies are more commonly encountered, oncocytic cystadenomas should remain in the differential of cystic laryngeal masses.

Antepartum depressive symptoms are associated with significant postpartum opioid use

Antepartum depression is common, and outside of childbirth preoperative anxiety and depression have been associated with heightened postoperative pain. In light of the national opioid epidemic, the relationship between antepartum depressive symptoms and postpartum opioid use is particularly relevant. This study evaluated the association between antepartum depressive symptoms and significant postpartum opioid use during birth hospitalization. This retrospective cohort study at an urban academic medical center from 2017 to 2019 included patients who received prenatal care at the medical center and linked pharmacy and billing data with electronic medical records. The exposure was antepartum depressive symptoms, defined as Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale ≥10 during the antepartum period. The outcome was significant opioid use, defined as: (1) any opioid use following vaginal birth and (2) the top quartile of total opioid use following cesarean delivery. Postpartum opioid use was quantified using standard conversions for opioids dispensed on postpartum days 1 to 4 to calculate morphine milligram equivalents. Poisson regression was used to calculate risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals, stratified by mode of delivery and adjusted for suspected confounders. Mean postpartum pain score was a secondary outcome. The cohort included 6094 births; 2351 births (38.6%) had an antepartum Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score. Of these, 11.5% had a maximum score ≥10. Significant opioid use was observed in 10.6% of births. We found that individuals with antepartum depressive symptoms were more likely to have significant postpartum opioid use, with an adjusted risk ratio of 1.5 (95% confidence interval, 1.1-2.0). When stratified by mode of delivery, this association was more pronounced for cesarean births, with an adjusted risk ratio of 1.8 (95% confidence interval, 1.1-2.7), and was no longer significant for vaginal births. Mean pain scores after cesarean delivery were significantly higher in parturients with antepartum depressive symptoms. Antepartum depressive symptoms were associated with significant postpartum inpatient opioid use, especially following cesarean delivery. Whether identifying and treating depressive symptoms in pregnancy may impact the pain experience and opioid use postpartum warrants further investigation.

The Majority of Urgent Cesarean Sections Had a Decision-to-Incision Time of Greater Than 30 Minutes [ID: 1377172

INTRODUCTION: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has recommended that hospitals providing obstetrical care should have the capability to begin cesarean deliveries within 30 minutes. This has been taken out of context in that failure to meet a 30-minute decision-to-incision time for urgent cesarean sections may be criticized litigiously if a poor neonatal outcome occurs. METHODS: After IRB approval, a retrospective chart review of 186 consecutive urgent cesarean deliveries during 2020 at an urban academic medical center was performed. Data were abstracted from patient and neonate charts. Statistical analysis was performed using χ2, t test, and Pearson’s r test. RESULTS: Sixty-seven percent of urgent cesarean section had a decision-to-incision time greater than 30 minutes. Mean time was 42 minutes and median time was 36 minutes (8–194 minutes). Seventy-one percent of patients with body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 had decision-to-incision times greater than 30 minutes, compared to 46% with BMI less than 30 (P=.03). Seventy-eight percent of patients without an epidural took more than 30 minutes, compared to 64% with an epidural (P=.09). Sixty-four percent of urgent cesarean sections occurring between 7 am and 5 pm had decision-to-incision times of greater than 30 minutes, compared to 69% between 5 pm and 7 am (P=.54). CONCLUSION: Sixty-seven percent of urgent cesarean sections had a decision-to-incision time greater than 30 minutes at an academic medical center. Deliveries with BMI greater than 30 were associated with failure to meet a 30-minute threshold. Not having an epidural trended towards failure to meet a 30-minute threshold. Whether delivering during the daytime or nighttime, race, and insurance status did not affect decision-to-incision times. Decision-to-incision time greater than 30 minutes did not affect umbilical cord arterial pH or neonatal intensive care unit admission.

Postpartum Readmission for Hypertension: The Patient Experience [ID: 1377602

INTRODUCTION: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are the most common cause of postpartum readmission. Prior research has led to the creation of clinical guidelines for postpartum management; however, the patient experience is often missing from this work. The objective of this project is to understand the perspective of patients readmitted for postpartum hypertension. METHODS: Institutional review board committee approval was obtained for the study. This was a qualitative study with data generated through semistructured interviews. Patients readmitted with postpartum HDP at an urban academic medical center were approached and consented for a single interview. The same researcher conducted all interviews and patient recruitment continued until thematic saturation was reached (n=9). Two coders coded all interviews using NVivo software with both deductive and inductive coding processes. Discrepancies were discussed and resolved with consensus. Researchers identified themes through grounded theory and were reflexive in their thematic generation. RESULTS: Five themes were generated through the grounded theory analysis: Every pregnancy is different, symptoms of preeclampsia are easily dismissed or often not taken seriously, miscommunication regarding medical changes can hinder patient care, readmission logistics are not baby-friendly, and patient well-being improved when conversations acknowledged the struggles of readmission. CONCLUSION: A qualitative research process revealed patient-identified gaps in care that may have led to readmission for HDP. The specific recommendations that emerge from these themes include: addressing barriers to blood pressure management prior to discharge, improving postpartum discharge follow-up, providing newborn care coordination, and improving counseling on the risk of postpartum preeclampsia during discharge. Incorporating these patient perspectives in hospital discharge policy can be helpful in creating patient-centered systems of care and may help reduce rates of readmission.

Assessing knowledge of end-stage kidney disease and treatment options in hospitalized African American patients undergoing hemodialysis.

African Americans are more likely to develop end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) than whites and face multiple inequities regarding ESKD treatment, renal replacement therapy (RRT), and overall care. This study focused on determining gaps in participants' knowledge of their chronic kidney disease and barriers to RRT selection in an effort to identify how we can improve health care interventions and health outcomes among this population. African American participants undergoing hemodialysis were recruited from an ongoing research study of hospitalized patients at an urban Midwest academic medical center. Thirty-three patients were interviewed, and the transcribed interviews were entered into a software program. The qualitative data were coded using template analysis to analyze text and determine key themes. Medical records were used to obtain demographic and additional medical information. Three major themes emerged from the analysis: patients have limited information on ESKD causes and treatments, patients did not feel they played an active role in selecting their initial dialysis unit, and interpersonal interactions with the dialysis staff play a large role in overall unit satisfaction. Although more research is needed, this study provides information and suggestions to improve future interventions and care quality, specifically for this population.

Validation of the AO Spine Thoracolumbar Injury Classification System Treatment Algorithm: Should it be used to Guide Fracture Management?

Retrospective Cohort Study. To determine how historical management of thoracolumbar spine injuries compares to the recently proposed AO Spine Thoracolumbar Injury Classification System treatment algorithm. Classifications of the thoracolumbar spine are not uncommon. The frequent advent of new classifications is typically due to previous classifications being primarily descriptive or unreliable. Thus, AO Spine created a classification with an associated treatment algorithm to guide injury classification and management. Thoracolumbar spine injuries were retrospectively identified from a prospectively collected spine trauma database at a single, urban, academic medical center during the years 2006 to 2021. Each injury was classified and assigned points based on the AO Spine Thoracolumbar Injury Classification System injury severity score. Patients were grouped into scores of 3 or less (preferred initial conservative treatment) and greater than 6 (preferred initial surgical intervention). Either operative or non-operative treatment was considered appropriate for injury severity scores of 4 or 5. A total of 815 patients (TL AOSIS 0-3: 486, TL AOSIS 4-5: 150, TL AOSIS 6+: 179) met inclusion status. Injury severity scores of 0-3 were more likely to undergo non-operative management compared to scores of 4-5 or 6+ (99.0% vs. 74.7% vs. 13.4%, P <0.001). Thus, guideline congruent treatment was 99.0%, 100%, and 86.6%, respectively ( P <0.001). Most injuries determined to be a 4 or 5 were treated non-operatively (74.7%). Based on the treatment algorithm, 97.5% of patients who received operative treatment and 96.1% who received non-operative treatment were managed in accordance with the algorithm. Of the 29 patients who did not receive algorithm congruent treatment, 5 (17.2%) were treated surgically. A retrospective review of thoracolumbar spine injuries at our urban academic medical center identified that patients are historically treated in accordance with the proposed AO Spine Thoracolumbar Injury Classification System treatment algorithm.