Ohio Department of Health

About: Ohio Department of Health is a government organization based out in Columbus, Ohio, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Public health. The organization has 308 authors who have published 354 publications receiving 14493 citations.

Educational Needs of School Nurses Regarding the Evidence-Based Management of Sickle Cell Disease.

Abstract: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a rare blood disorder that can have life-threatening complications. This presents a challenge for school nurses who may have had limited experience managing complications in the school setting. This study assessed the experience, self-reported knowledge, confidence and ability of school nurses in managing SCD in the school-setting and identified continuing educational needs and preferences. This study used a qualitative, descriptive approach. A survey was previously administered to over 400 school nurses who worked in K-12 schools in Ohio. Those participants who reported experience with managing SCD were invited to participate in a focus group or semi-structured interview. Data were interpreted using thematic analysis strategy. Four overarching themes emerged from the data: (1) perceived lack of support and resources, (2) self-reported lack of knowledge about SCD, (3) importance of partnerships with parents, and (4) need for continuing education and networking with other school nurses. Easily accessible, educational interventions, along with peer networking, can be designed to improve school nurse knowledge and confidence levels in managing SCD. These types of on-demand interventions are important as many school nurses reported infrequent exposure to students with SCD.

354. Evidence of Aspergillosis Among Patients With Influenza-Associated Hospitalizations—United States, 2005–2017

Abstract: Abstract Background Invasive aspergillosis primarily affects immunosuppressed persons, but it has also been observed in immunocompetent patients with severe influenza. Several case series suggest that severe influenza infection might be an under-recognized risk factor for aspergillosis. We examined the frequency of aspergillosis-related hospital discharge codes in a national surveillance database of influenza hospitalizations. Methods We analyzed laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations reported during 2005–2017 to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network (FluSurv-NET), which includes children and adults in 13 states. We obtained data on underlying conditions and clinical course through medical chart abstraction. We defined invasive aspergillosis cases as influenza hospitalizations with ≥1 of the following the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 9th or 10th Clinical Modification discharge diagnosis codes: 117.3 (aspergillosis), 484.6 (pneumonia in aspergillosis), B44.0 (invasive pulmonary aspergillosis), B44.2 (tonsillar aspergillosis), and B44.7 (disseminated aspergillosis). Results Among 92,671 influenza hospitalizations, we identified 94 cases (0.1%) that had invasive aspergillosis codes. Characteristics of patients were: 60% male (56/94), 72% white race (60/83), and median age 58 years [interquartile range (IQR) 41–67]. Influenza A accounted for 80% (75/94) of cases. Seventy-nine percent (74/94) received antiviral therapy. Underlying conditions included 63% (59/94) immunocompromising condition, 51% (48/94) chronic lung disease, 22% (21/94) renal disease, and 15% (14/94) asthma. Forty-eight percent of patients (45/94) required intensive care. At the time of discharge, 60% (56/94) were diagnosed with pneumonia and 14% (13/94) died. Conclusion Over one-third of patients with invasive aspergillosis did not have a documented immunosuppressive condition. ICD codes are likely an imperfect way to identify invasive aspergillosis, and further studies are needed to characterize risk factors and verify diagnoses for aspergillosis among patients with severe influenza. Disclosures E. J. Anderson, NovaVax: Grant Investigator, Research grant. Pfizer: Grant Investigator, Research grant. AbbVie: Consultant, Consulting fee. MedImmune: Investigator, Research support. PaxVax: Investigator, Research support. Micron: Investigator, Research support. K. Talbot, sanofi pasteur: Investigator, Research support. Gilead: Investigator, Research support. MedImmune: Investigator, Research support. Seqirus: Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee. MedImmune: Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS): Update on a moving target

Abstract: A brief summary of what we know about SARS to date and web sites to get daily authoritative updates.

Determination of Mirex in human blood serum containing polychlorinated biphenyls by using packed column gas chromatography.

Abstract: An analytical method has been developed that uses electron capture/gas-liquid chromatography to determine Mirex in serum containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (Aroclor 1260). With this method, 0.2 ppb Mirex can be determined in 4 mL serum that also contains 10 ppb PCBs. The method provides approximately 70% recovery of Mirex at 1.0 and 3.5 ppb. The coefficients of variation are 4.5 and 4.6% at 1.0 and 3.5 ppb, respectively. In a cooperative study with the Ohio Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control used this method to determine the extent of exposure of Salem, OH, residents to Mirex. Confirmation of Mirex was obtained by using high resolution gas chromatography and high resolution mass spectrometry.