Showing papers by "New York Methodist Hospital published in 2017"

Development of international terminology and definitions for texture-modified foods and thickened fluids used in dysphagia management: the IDDSI framework

Abstract: Dysphagia is estimated to affect ~8% of the world’s population (~590 million people). Texture-modified foods and thickened drinks are commonly used to reduce the risks of choking and aspiration. The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) was founded with the goal of developing globally standardized terminology and definitions for texture-modified foods and liquids applicable to individuals with dysphagia of all ages, in all care settings, and all cultures. A multi-professional volunteer committee developed a dysphagia diet framework through systematic review and stakeholder consultation. First, a survey of existing national terminologies and current practice was conducted, receiving 2050 responses from 33 countries. Respondents included individuals with dysphagia; their caregivers; organizations supporting individuals with dysphagia; healthcare professionals; food service providers; researchers; and industry. The results revealed common use of 3–4 levels of food texture (54 different names) and ≥3 levels of liquid thickness (27 different names). Substantial support was expressed for international standardization. Next, a systematic review regarding the impact of food texture and liquid consistency on swallowing was completed. A meeting was then convened to review data from previous phases, and develop a draft framework. A further international stakeholder survey sought feedback to guide framework refinement; 3190 responses were received from 57 countries. The IDDSI Framework (released in November, 2015) involves a continuum of 8 levels (0–7) identified by numbers, text labels, color codes, definitions, and measurement methods. The IDDSI Framework is recommended for implementation throughout the world.

Serial Procalcitonin Predicts Mortality in Severe Sepsis Patients: Results From the Multicenter Procalcitonin MOnitoring SEpsis (MOSES) Study.

Abstract: Objectives:To prospectively validate that the inability to decrease procalcitonin levels by more than 80% between baseline and day 4 is associated with increased 28-day all-cause mortality in a large sepsis patient population recruited across the United States.Design:Blinded, prospective multicenter

Recommendations for optimizing methotrexate treatment for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: Methotrexate (MTX) remains the cornerstone therapy for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with well-established safety and efficacy profiles and support in international guidelines. Clinical and radiologic results indicate benefits of MTX monotherapy and combination with other agents, yet patients may not receive optimal dosing, duration, or route of administration to maximize their response to this drug. This review highlights best practices for MTX use in RA patients. First, to improve the response to oral MTX, a high initial dose should be administered followed by rapid titration. Importantly, this approach does not appear to compromise safety or tolerability for patients. Treatment with oral MTX, with appropriate dose titration, then should be continued for at least 6 months (as long as the patient experiences some response to treatment within 3 months) to achieve an accurate assessment of treatment efficacy. If oral MTX treatment fails due to intolerability or inadequate response, the patient may be "rescued" by switching to subcutaneous delivery of MTX. Consideration should also be given to starting with subcutaneous MTX given its favorable bioavailability and pharmacodynamic profile over oral delivery. Either initiation of subcutaneous MTX therapy or switching from oral to subcutaneous administration improves persistence with treatment. Upon transition from oral to subcutaneous delivery, MTX dosage should be maintained, rather than increased, and titration should be performed as needed. Similarly, if another RA treatment is necessary to control the disease, the MTX dosage and route of administration should be maintained, with titration as needed.

The Prevalence, Correlates, and Impact on Cardiac Mortality of Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy

Abstract: Objectives This study sought to determine the prevalence, correlates, and impact on cardiac mortality of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Background Current heart failure guidelines place little emphasis on RV assessment due to limited available data on determinants of RV function, mechanisms leading to its failure, and relation to outcomes. Methods We prospectively studied 423 patients with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). The pre-specified study endpoint was cardiac mortality. In 100 patients, right heart catheterization was performed as clinically indicated. Results During a median follow-up time of 6.2 years (interquartile range: 2.9 to 7.6 years), 101 patients (24%) died of cardiac causes. CMR right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) was a strong independent predictor of cardiac mortality after adjustment for age, heart failure–functional class, blood pressure, heart rate, serum sodium, serum creatinine, myocardial scar, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Patients with the lowest quintile of RVEF had a nearly 5-fold higher cardiac mortality risk than did patients with the highest quintile (hazard ratio: 4.68; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.43 to 9.02; p Conclusions CMR assessment of RVEF provides important prognostic information independent of established risk factors and LVEF in heart failure patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Right ventricular dysfunction is strongly associated with both indices of intrinsic myocardial contractility and increased afterload from pulmonary vascular dysfunction.

Diagnostic Accuracy of FebriDx: A Rapid Test to Detect Immune Responses to Viral and Bacterial Upper Respiratory Infections.

Abstract: C-reactive protein (CRP) and myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) are associated with bacterial and viral infections, respectively. We conducted a prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study of adults and children with febrile upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a rapid CRP/MxA immunoassay to identify clinically significant bacterial infection with host response and acute pathogenic viral infection. The reference standard for classifying URI etiology was an algorithm that included throat bacterial culture, upper respiratory PCR for viral and atypical pathogens, procalcitonin, white blood cell count, and bandemia. The algorithm also allowed for physician override. Among 205 patients, 25 (12.2%) were classified as bacterial, 53 (25.9%) as viral, and 127 (62.0%) negative by the reference standard. For bacterial detection, agreement between FebriDx and the reference standard was 91.7%, with FebriDx having a sensitivity of 80% (95% CI: 59–93%), specificity of 93% (89–97%), positive predictive value (PPV) of 63% (45–79%), and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 97% (94–99%). For viral detection, agreement was 84%, with a sensitivity of 87% (75–95%), specificity of 83% (76–89%), PPV of 64% (63–75%), and NPV of 95% (90–98%). FebriDx may help to identify clinically significant immune responses associated with bacterial and viral URIs that are more likely to require clinical management or therapeutic intervention, and has potential to assist with antibiotic stewardship.

Validation workflow for a clinical Bayesian network model in multidisciplinary decision making in head and neck oncology treatment

Abstract: Oncological treatment is being increasingly complex, and therefore, decision making in multidisciplinary teams is becoming the key activity in the clinical pathways. The increased complexity is related to the number and variability of possible treatment decisions that may be relevant to a patient. In this paper, we describe validation of a multidisciplinary cancer treatment decision in the clinical domain of head and neck oncology. Probabilistic graphical models and corresponding inference algorithms, in the form of Bayesian networks, can support complex decision-making processes by providing a mathematically reproducible and transparent advice. The quality of BN-based advice depends on the quality of the model. Therefore, it is vital to validate the model before it is applied in practice. For an example BN subnetwork of laryngeal cancer with 303 variables, we evaluated 66 patient records. To validate the model on this dataset, a validation workflow was applied in combination with quantitative and qualitative analyses. In the subsequent analyses, we observed four sources of imprecise predictions: incorrect data, incomplete patient data, outvoting relevant observations, and incorrect model. Finally, the four problems were solved by modifying the data and the model. The presented validation effort is related to the model complexity. For simpler models, the validation workflow is the same, although it may require fewer validation methods. The validation success is related to the model’s well-founded knowledge base. The remaining laryngeal cancer model may disclose additional sources of imprecise predictions.

Relation of Baseline Hemoglobin Levels and Adverse Events in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes (from the Acute Catheterization and Urgent Intervention Triage strategY and Harmonizing Outcomes with RevasculariZatiON and Stents in Acute Myocardial Infarction Trials).

Abstract: The association between anemia at admission and adverse outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has been incompletely studied. Anemia was defined as serum hemoglobin

Emergency Medicine Resident Assessment of the Emergency Ultrasound Milestones and Current Training Recommendations.

Abstract: Objectives Emergency ultrasound (EUS) has been recognized as integral to the training and practice of emergency medicine (EM). The Council of Emergency Medicine Residency-Academy of Emergency Ultrasound (CORD-AEUS) consensus document provides guidelines for resident assessment and progression. The Accredited Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) has adopted the EM Milestones for assessment of residents’ progress during their residency training which includes demonstration of procedural competency in bedside ultrasound. The objective of this study was to assess EM residents’ use of ultrasound and perceptions of the proposed ultrasound milestones and guidelines for assessment. Methods This study is a prospective stratified cluster sample survey of all United States EM residency programs. Programs were stratified based on their geographic location (Northeast, South, Midwest, West), presence/absence of ultrasound fellowship program, and size of residency with programs sampled randomly from each stratum. The survey was reviewed by experts in the field and pilot tested on EM residents. Summary statistics and 95% confidence intervals account for the survey design, with sampling weights equal to the inverse of the probability of selection, and represent national estimates of all EM residents. Results There were 539 participants from 18 residency programs with an overall survey response rate of 85.1%. EM residents considered several applications to be core applications that were not considered core applications by CORD-AEUS (quantitative bladder volume, diagnosis of joint effusion, interstitial lung fluid, peritonsillar abscess, fetal presentation, and gestational age estimation). Of several core and advanced applications, the Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma examination, vascular access and diagnosis of pericardial effusion and cardiac standstill were considered the most likely to be used in future clinical practice. Residents responded that procedural-guidance would be more crucial to their future clinical practice than resuscitative or diagnostic ultrasound. They felt that an average of 325 (301-350) ultrasound examinations would be required to be proficient, but felt that number of examinations poorly represented their competency. They reported high levels of concern about medicolegal liability while using EUS. Eighty-nine percent of residents agreed that EUS is necessary for the practice of EM. Conclusions EM resident physicians’ opinion of what basic and advanced skills they are likely to utilize in their future clinical practice differs from what has been set forth by various groups of experts. Their opinion of how many ultrasound examinations should be required for competency is higher than what is currently expected during training. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Defective ciliogenesis in INPP5E-related Joubert syndrome.

Abstract: Joubert syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by malformation of the mid and hindbrain leading to the pathognomonic molar tooth appearance of the brainstem and cerebellum on axial MRI. Core clinical manifestations include hypotonia, tachypnea/apnea, ataxia, ocular motor apraxia, and developmental delay of varying degrees. In addition, a subset of patients has retinal dystrophy, chorioretinal colobomas, hepatorenal fibrocystic disease, and polydactyly. Joubert syndrome exhibits genetic heterogeneity, with mutations identified in more than 30 genes, including INPP5E, a gene encoding inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase E, which is important in the development and stability of the primary cilium. Here, we report the detailed clinical phenotypes of two sisters with a novel homozygous variant in INPP5E (NM_019892.4: c.1565G>C, NP_063945.2: p.Gly552Ala), expanding the phenotype associated with Joubert syndrome type 1. Expression studies using patient-derived fibroblasts showed changes in mRNA and protein levels. Analysis of fibroblasts from patients revealed that a significant number of cells had shorter or no cilia, indicating defects in ciliogenesis, and cilia maintenance.

Comparison of Outcomes and Prognosis of Patients With Versus Without Newly Diagnosed Diabetes Mellitus After Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (the HORIZONS-AMI Study)

Abstract: A history of diabetes mellitus (DM) is an independent predictor for adverse events in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Outcomes of patients with STEMI and newly diagnosed DM (NDM) are less well described. We used the Harmonizing Outcomes with Revascularization and Stents in Acute Myocardial Infarction (HORIZONS-AMI) trial database to identify the outcomes at 30 days and 3 years according to no, known, and NDM in patients with STEMI. In HORIZONS-AMI, 3,602 patients with STEMI were randomized to bivalirudin versus heparin and a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor, and eligible patients were randomized again to a paclitaxel-eluting stent or a bare-metal stent. DM was defined as a history of hyperglycemia managed by insulin, oral hypoglycemic agents, or diet. NDM was defined as the absence of previous diagnosis or treatment for DM at baseline and its addition at discharge. DM was present in 593/3,599 patients (16.5%), and NDM was diagnosed in 130 cases (3.6%). Compared with nondiabetics, those with DM and NDM had higher 3-year rates of death (11.4% and 12.0% vs 5.6%, respectively, p

Neonatal cranial sonography: ultrasound findings in neonatal meningitis-a pictorial review.

Abstract: Neonatal bacterial meningitis is a common manifestation of late onset neonatal sepsis. Cranial sonography (CRS) has a crucial role in assessment of infants with clinical suspicion of bacterial meningitis as well as follows up of its complications. CRS is performed with high frequency transducer through anterior fontanelle in both coronal and sagittal planes. Various sonographic findings range from echogenic and widened sulci, ventriculomegaly, ventriculitis, hydrocephalus, extra-axial fluid collections, cerebritis and brain abscess. Sonography is extremely beneficial in evaluating intraventricular contents, especially debris and intraventricular septations. Linear high frequency probe along with color Doppler interrogation are of utmost importance in evaluating extra-axial fluid collection and helps differentiating it from benign subarachnoid space enlargement. Due to low cost, easy portability, speed of imaging, no need for sedation and above all lack of ionizing radiation make it superior to other cross sectional imaging, like CT and MRI, in evaluation of these sick neonates. Apart from textbooks, there is paucity of recently available literature on cranial sonographic findings in neonatal meningitis. This article is written with an educational intent to review the spectrum of findings in neonatal meningitis, with stress on findings that will be beneficial in the clinical practice.

Angiographic predictors of 2-year stent thrombosis in patients receiving drug-eluting stents: Insights from the ADAPT-DES study.

Abstract: Objectives We sought to identify angiographic predictors of 2-year stent thrombosis (ST) in the ADAPT-DES study. Background A strong relationship between platelet reactivity and ST after implantation of drug-eluting stents (DES) was recently confirmed in the prospective, multicenter ADAPT-DES study. Methods In a pre-specified analysis of patients enrolled in ADAPT-DES, an independent angiographic core laboratory performed detailed angiographic analyses for all cases of ST. Patients with Academic Research Consortium definite/probable target-lesion ST were matched with controls in a 1:2 ratio, and multivariable Cox regression models identified angiographic predictors of 2-year ST. Results Among 8,582 patients who had successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and were included in the ADAPT-DES study, 92 (1.1%) patients had ST at 2-year follow-up. Target lesion-related ST was identified in 77 patients (82 lesions) who were clinically matched with 153 patients (196 lesions) without ST. Patients with ST were more likely to have longer target lesions, thrombus, moderate/severe calcification, American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) type C lesions, and saphenous vein grafts. After adjustment for clinical covariates the angiographic variables that predicted ST were lesion complexity (ACC/AHA type C lesion, adjusted HR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.19 to 3.26, P = 0.01) and presence of thrombus on index PCI (HR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.40 to 3.59, P < 0.01). Conclusions Anatomically complex lesions and the presence of thrombus are strong predictors of 2-year ST in the DES era. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Lipid Profile in Diabetic Dyslipidaemia: Single Blind, Randomised Clinical Trial.

Abstract: Introduction Diabetic dyslipidaemia is characterised by hypertriglyceridaemia, low High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), postprandial lipimea, small and dense LDL particles is considered to be a major predisposing factor for various macrovascular complications. Omega-3 fatty acids are fish oil derivative introduced in the market for dyslipidaemia associated with increased triglyceride level. Aim To study the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on lipid profile in Type II diabetes patients. Materials and methods This study was prospective, single blind, randomized comparative trial. Hundred patients were randomized into three groups. Group I received metformin 500 mg twice daily and placebo, Group II received metformin 500 mg twice daily and omega-3 fatty acids (1 gram) once daily and the Group III received metformin 500 mg twice daily and omega-3 fatty acids (1 gram) twice daily. ANOVA test was applied for analysis. Results Group II was effective in reducing the triglyceride level from 144.59±14.18 mg/dl to 101±13.31 mg/dl which was significant as compared to Group I from 147.67±18.57 mg/dl to 145.8±19.86 mg/dl respectively. Group III containing 1 g of omega-3 fatty acids twice daily showed decrease from 144.83±22.17 mg/dl to 86±17.46 mg/dl and was more effective in reducing triglyceride levels than Group II containing 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids once daily. Conclusion Omega-3 fatty acids can be given in conjunction with metformin to reduce triglyceride levels in diabetic dyslipidaemia without any adverse drug reactions or any drug interaction. Omega-3 fatty acids were effective in reducing the triglyceride level significantly as compared to placebo. Two grams of omega-3 fatty acids were more effective than 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids in reducing triglyceride levels.

Erratum to: Pediatric emergency medicine point-of-care ultrasound: summary of the evidence.

Abstract: The utility of point‐of‐care ultrasound is well supported by the medical literature. Consequently, pediatric emergency medicine providers have embraced this technology in everyday practice. Recently, the American Academy of Pedi‐ atrics published a policy statement endorsing the use of point‐of‐care ultrasound by pediatric emergency medicine providers. To date, there is no standard guideline for the practice of point‐of‐care ultrasound for this specialty. This document serves as an initial step in the detailed “how to” and description of individual point‐of‐care ultrasound examinations. Pediatric emergency medicine providers should refer to this paper as reference for published research, objectives for learners, and standardized reporting guidelines.

Use of Electronic Clinical Decision Support and Hard Stops to Decrease Unnecessary Thyroid Function Testing

Abstract: NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital embarked on a Zero Unnecessary Study (ZEUS) initiative, whereby all aspects of clinical care were evaluated and strategies were implemented to mitigate waste. An opportunity was found in regards to thyroid function testing. It has been shown that certain TFTs are ordered far more often than clinically indicated. Free T3 (fT3) and Free T4 (fT4) are only indicated when the TSH is abnormal in the inpatient setting, with rare exceptions. Thus, a clinical algorithm for Clinical Decision Support (CDS) and Hard Stops (HS) were incorporated into the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) to prevent fT3 or fT4 to be ordered without an abnormal TSH, with certain predefined exceptions. In addition, a reflex rule was built which automatically orders (reflex) fT3 and fT4 if the TSH is abnormal. The pre and post-intervention ratios of fT3 and fT4 orders per total TSH orders were analyzed. Pre-intervention data revealed that fT4 was the most frequently ordered TFT laboratory test on admission, after TSH. Post-Intervention, there was a decrease in the ratio of fT4 to TSH orders (fT4/TSH) of 35.2%, from 44.6% to 28.9%. The percentage of fT4 ordered due to abnormal TSH increased by 126.1%, from 36.8% to 83.2%. The fT3 to TSH ordering ratio similarly decreased by 55.2%, from 6.2% to 2.9%. The decreases in both fT3/TSH and fT4/TSH ratios were statistically significant. Any unnecessary orders are a burden on healthcare. It is now possible to achieve goals that were not previously thought to be possible because of advancement in medicine and technology. By making small changes and saving costs, we can target our energy and resources toward effectively treating patients.

Renal Function and Scaled Troponin in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department with Symptoms of Myocardial Infarction.

Abstract: Background: Cardiac troponins are often found to be elevated in patients with renal dysfunction, even in the absence of acute myocardial injury. The objective of

Milestones: a rapid assessment method for the Clinical Competency Committee

Abstract: INTRODUCTION Educational milestones are now used to assess the developmental progress of all U.S. graduate medical residents during training. Twice annually, each program's Clinical Competency Committee (CCC) makes these determinations and reports its findings to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The ideal way to conduct the CCC is not known. After finding that deliberations reliant upon the new milestones were time intensive, our internal medicine residency program tested an approach designed to produce rapid but accurate assessments. MATERIAL AND METHODS For this study, we modified our usual CCC process to include pre-meeting faculty ratings of resident milestones progress with in-meeting reconciliation of their ratings. Data were considered largely via standard report and presented in a pre-arranged pattern. Participants were surveyed regarding their perceptions of data management strategies and use of milestones. Reliability of competence assessments was estimated by comparing pre-/post-intervention class rank lists produced by individual committee members with a master class rank list produced by the collective CCC after full deliberation. RESULTS Use of the study CCC approach reduced committee deliberation time from 25 min to 9 min per resident (p < 0.001). Committee members believed milestones improved their ability to identify and assess expected elements of competency development (p = 0.026). Individual committee member assessments of trainee progress agreed well with collective CCC assessments. CONCLUSIONS Modification of the clinical competency process to include pre-meeting competence ratings with in-meeting reconciliation of these ratings led to shorter deliberation times, improved evaluator satisfaction and resulted in reliable milestone assessments.

Real-World Effectiveness of Simeprevir-containing Regimens Among Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C Virus: The SONET Study.

Abstract: Background The Simeprevir ObservatioNal Effectiveness across practice seTtings (SONET) study evaluated the real-world effectiveness of simeprevir-based treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Methods The SONET study was a phase 4, prospective, observational, United States-based study enrolling patients ≥18 years of age with chronic genotype 1 HCV infection. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12), defined as HCV ribonucleic acid undetectable ≥12 weeks after the end of all HCV treatments. Results Of 315 patients (intent-to-treat [ITT] population), 275 (87.3%) completed the study. Overall, 291 were treated with simeprevir + sofosbuvir, 17 with simeprevir + sofosbuvir + ribavirin, and 7 with simeprevir + peginterferon + ribavirin. The majority of patients were male (63.2%) and white (60.6%); median age was 58 years, 71.7% had genotype/subtype 1a, and 39.4% had cirrhosis. The SVR12 was achieved by 81.2% (255 of 314) of ITT patients (analysis excluded 1 patient who completed the study but was missing SVR12 data); 2 had viral breakthrough and 18 had viral relapse. The SVR12 was achieved by 92.4% (255 of 276) of patients in the modified ITT (mITT) population, which excluded patients who discontinued treatment for nonvirologic reasons before the SVR12 time point or were missing SVR12 assessment data. Among mITT patients, higher SVR12 rates were associated with factors including age ≥65 years, non-Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, and employment status, but not genotype/subtype nor presence of cirrhosis. Simeprevir-based treatment was well tolerated; no serious adverse events were considered related to simeprevir. Conclusions In the real-world setting, simeprevir + sofosbuvir treatment was common and 92% of mITT patients achieved SVR12. Simeprevir-based treatment was effective and well tolerated in this cohort, including patients with cirrhosis.

Neurological Complications following Blood Transfusions in Sickle Cell Anemia.

Abstract: In Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) patient blood transfusions are an important part of treatment for stroke and its prevention. However, blood transfusions can also lead to complications such as Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS). This brief report highlights two cases of SCA who developed such neurological complications after a blood transfusion. RLPS should be considered as the cause of neurologic finding in patients with SCA and hypertension following a blood transfusion.

How Long Is Too Long? The Prespiked Intravenous Debate

Abstract: BACKGROUND:As the number of operative cases increases, there is a greater emphasis on reducing inefficiency while maintaining patient safety. Recently, the issue of prespiking intravenous (IV) bags was raised. No study has assessed whether the risk of infection is related to the length of time a ste

Evaluating Complications of Chronic Sinusitis

Abstract: Chronic sinusitis is a relatively common diagnosis throughout the US. In patients with an otherwise unremarkable medical history the treatment is typically supportive, requiring only clinical evaluation. We present the case of a 25-year-old male with a history of chronic sinusitis that was brought to our emergency department with new-onset seizure. Three days before he had presented to his usual care facility with two days of headache and fever and was discharged stating headache, subjective fever, and neck stiffness. After further investigation he was diagnosed with a mixed anaerobic epidural abscess. The evaluation and management of chronic sinusitis are based on the presence of symptoms concerning for complication. Prompt investigation of complicated sinusitis is essential in preventing debilitating and fatal sequelae. Our case study underscores the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management.

Meta-Analysis of the Optimal Percutaneous Revascularization Strategy in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction, Cardiogenic Shock, and Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease.

Abstract: The optimal percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) revascularization strategy in patients with multivessel (MV) coronary artery disease (CAD) who present with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock (CS) has not been systematically addressed. Accordingly, we performed a study-level meta-analysis comparing 2 PCI strategies in these patients—infarct-related artery (IRA) only versus MV revascularization. Studies including patients with AMI and MV CAD complicated with CS who received primary PCI were searched from 2000 to 2016. The primary end points were in-hospital/30-day and mid- to long-term (≥6 month) mortality. Fixed and random effects models were used for analysis. Ten studies (9 prospective and 1 retrospective) involving 6,068 patients met our inclusion criteria. IRA-only PCI was the most frequently used revascularization strategy (4,872 patients, 80%), while MV PCI was performed in 1,196 patients (20%). The MV PCI strategy was associated with higher short-term mortality compared with the IRA-only PCI strategy (odds ratio 1.41, 95% confidence interval 1.15 to 1.71, p = 0.008). There was no difference in mid- to long-term mortality between MV PCI and IRA-only strategies (odds ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval 0.65 to 1.58, p = 0.94). In conclusion, in patients with AMI and MV CAD complicated by CS, the IRA-only PCI strategy seems to be associated with lower short-term, but not mid- to long-term mortality compared with MV PCI. This finding is different from the revascularization strategy recommended by current professional guidelines and suggests the need for dedicated randomized clinical trials.

Methods to decrease variability in histological scoring in placentas from a cohort of preterm infants

Abstract: Objective Reliable semiquantitative assessment of histological placental acute inflammation is problematic, even among experts. Tissue samples in histology slides often show variability in the extent and location of neutrophil infiltrates. We sought to determine whether the variability in pathologists9 scoring of neutrophil infiltrates in the placenta could be reduced by the use of ‘regions of interest’ (ROIs) that break the sample into smaller components. Design ROIs were identified within stained H&E slides from a cohort of 56 women. ROIs were scored using a semiquantitative scale (0–4) for the average number of neutrophils by at least two independent raters. Setting Preterm singleton births at Yale New Haven Hospital. Participants This study used stained H&E placental slides from a cohort of 56 women with singleton pregnancies who had a clinically indicated amniocentesis within 24 hours of delivery. Primary and secondary outcome measures Interrater agreement was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and log-linear regression. Predictive validity was assessed using amniotic fluid protein profile scores (neutrophil defensin-2, neutrophil defensin-1, calgranulin C and calgranulin A). Results Excellent agreement by the ICC was found for the average neutrophil scores within a region of interest. Log-linear analyses suggest that even where there is disagreement, responses are positively associated along the diagonal. There was also strong evidence of predictive validity comparing pathologists9 scores with amniotic fluid protein profile scores. Conclusions Agreement among observers of semiquantitative neutrophil scoring through the use of digitised ROIs was demonstrated to be feasible with high reliability and validity.