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A student's perspective on the relevance of anaesthesia and critical care to the medical school curriculum. Response to Br J Anaesth 2018; 121: 993-6.
No full textModified-release Hydrocortisone in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia.
No full textBACKGROUND
Standard glucocorticoid therapy in congenital adrenal hyperplasia regularly fails to control androgen excess, causing glucocorticoid over-exposure and poor health outcomes. We investigated whether modified-release hydrocortisone (MR-HC), which mimics physiologic cortisol secretion, could improve disease control.
METHODS
6-month randomized phase III study, MR-HC versus standard glucocorticoid, followed by single-arm MR-HC extension study. Primary outcomes were change in 24-hour standard deviation score (SDS) of androgen precursor 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) for phase III, and efficacy, safety and tolerability of MR-HC for the extension study.
RESULTS
The phase III study recruited 122 adult CAH patients. While the study failed its primary outcome at 6 months, there was evidence of better biochemical control on MR-HC, with lower 17OHP SDS at 4 (P=0.007) and 12 (P=0.019) weeks, and between 07:00h to 15:00h (P=0.044) at 6 months. The percentage of patients with controlled 09:00h serum 17OHP (<1200 ng/dl) was 52% at baseline, at 6 months 91% for MR-HC and 71% for standard therapy (P=0.002), and 80% for MR-HC at 18 months extension. The median daily hydrocortisone dose was 25mg at baseline, at 6 months 31mg for standard therapy and 30mg for MR-HC, and after 18 months 20mg MR-HC. Three adrenal crises occurred in phase III, none on MR-HC and 4 in extension study. MR-HC resulted in patient-reported benefit including menses restoration in eight patients (one on standard therapy), and 3 patient and 4 partner pregnancies (none on standard therapy).
CONCLUSION
MR-HC improved biochemical disease control in adults with reduction in steroid dose over time and patient-reported benefit
Administrative coding in electronic health care record-based research of NAFLD: an expert panel consensus statement.
No full textBACKGROUND AND AIMS
Electronic health record (EHR)-based research allows the capture of large amounts of data, which is necessary in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), where the risk of clinical liver outcomes is generally low. The lack of consensus on which International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes should be used as exposures and outcomes limits comparability and generalizability of results across studies. We aimed to establish consensus among a panel of experts on ICD codes that could become the reference standard and provide guidance around common methodological issues.
APPROACH AND RESULTS
Researchers with an interest in EHR-based NAFLD research were invited to collectively define which administrative codes are most appropriate for documenting exposures and outcomes. We used a modified Delphi approach to reach consensus on several commonly encountered methodological challenges in the field. After two rounds of revision, a high level of agreement (>67%) was reached on all items considered. Full consensus was achieved on a comprehensive list of administrative codes to be considered for inclusion and exclusion criteria in defining exposures and outcomes in EHR-based NAFLD research. We also provide suggestions on how to approach commonly encountered methodological issues and identify areas for future research.
CONCLUSIONS
This expert panel consensus statement can help harmonize and improve generalizability of EHR-based NAFLD research
Current process and outcomes of the surgical management of LUTS due to benign prostatic enlargement: how consistent are we? - results from the multi-institutional audit of surgical management of BPE (AuSuM BPE) in the United Kingdom.
No full textOBJECTIVE
In view of changing landscape of surgical treatment for LUTS secondary to BPE, this audit was undertaken to assess key aspects of the processes and outcomes of the current interventional treatments for BPE, across different units in the UK.
MATERIALS AND METHOD
A multi-institutional snapshot audit was conducted for patients undergoing interventions for LUTS/BPE over 8-week period. Using Delphi process two-part proforma was designed to capture data.
RESULTS
529 patients were included across 20 NHS trusts in England and Wales. Median age was 73 years. Indications for surgery were acute retention (47%) and LUTS (45%). 80% of patients had prior medical therapy. TURP formed the commonest procedure. 27% patients had <23 hour hospital stay. Immediate (21%) and delayed (18%) complications were Clavien-Dindo <2 category. High proportion of patients reported residual symptoms. Type and indication of surgery were significant predictor of complications, length of stay and failure of TWOC outcomes, on multivariate analyses. There were variations in departmental processes, 50% centres used PROMs.
CONCLUSION
Monopolar TURP still remains the commonest intervention for BPE. Most departments are adopting newer technologies. The audit identified opportunities for development of consistent, effective and patient centric practices as well as need for large-scale focused studies
The combination of malnutrition-inflammation and functional status limitations is associated with mortality in hemodialysis patients.
No full textThe identification of malnutrition-inflammation-complex (MIC) and functional status (FS) is key to improving patient experience on hemodialysis (HD). We investigate the association of MIC and FS combinations with mortality in HD patients. We analyzed data from 5630 HD patients from 9 countries in DOPPS phases 4-5 (2009-2015) with a median follow-up of 23 [IQR 11, 31] months. MIC was defined as serum albumin 3 mg/L in Japan and > 10 mg/L elsewhere. FS score was defined as the sum of scores from the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living and the Lawton-Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale. We investigated the association between combinations of MIC (+/-) and FS (low [< 11]/high [≥ 11]) with death. Compared to the reference group (MIC-/high FS), the adjusted hazard ratios [HR (95% CI)] for all-cause mortality were 1.82 (1.49, 2.21) for MIC-/low FS, 1.57 (1.30, 1.89) for MIC+/high FS, and 3.44 (2.80, 4.23) for MIC+/low FS groups. Similar associations were observed with CVD-related and infection-related mortality. The combination of MIC and low FS is a strong predictor of mortality in HD patients. Identification of MIC and poor FS may direct interventions to lessen adverse clinical outcomes in the HD setting
Mortality from esophagectomy for esophageal cancer across low, middle, and high-income countries: An international cohort study.
No full textBACKGROUND
No evidence currently exists characterising global outcomes following major cancer surgery, including esophageal cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to characterise impact of high income countries (HIC) versus low and middle income countries (LMIC) on the outcomes following esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.
METHOD
This international multi-center prospective study across 137 hospitals in 41 countries included patients who underwent an esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, with 90-day follow-up. The main explanatory variable was country income, defined according to the World Bank Data classification. The primary outcome was 90-day postoperative mortality, and secondary outcomes were composite leaks (anastomotic leak or conduit necrosis) and major complications (Clavien-Dindo Grade III - V). Multivariable generalized estimating equation models were used to produce adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
RESULTS
Between April 2018 to December 2018, 2247 patients were included. Patients from HIC were more significantly older, with higher ASA grade, and more advanced tumors. Patients from LMIC had almost three-fold increase in 90-day mortality, compared to HIC (9.4% vs 3.7%, p < 0.001). On adjusted analysis, LMIC were independently associated with higher 90-day mortality (OR: 2.31, CI: 1.17-4.55, p = 0.015). However, LMIC were not independently associated with higher rates of anastomotic leaks (OR: 1.06, CI: 0.57-1.99, p = 0.9) or major complications (OR: 0.85, CI: 0.54-1.32, p = 0.5), compared to HIC.
CONCLUSION
Resections in LMIC were independently associated with higher 90-day postoperative mortality, likely reflecting a failure to rescue of these patients following esophagectomy, despite similar composite anastomotic leaks and major complication rates to HIC. These findings warrant further research, to identify potential issues and solutions to improve global outcomes following esophagectomy for cancer
Brachial Plexus Neuropathies During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Case Series of 15 Patients in Critical Care.
No full textOBJECTIVE
The use of the prone position to treat patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who are critically ill and mechanically ventilated is well documented. This case series reports the location, severity, and prevalence of focal peripheral nerve injuries involving the upper limb identified in an acute COVID-19 rehabilitation setting. The purpose of this study was to report observations and to explore the challenges in assessing these patients.
METHODS
Participants were patients with suspected peripheral nerve injuries following discharge from COVID-19 critical care who were referred to the peripheral nerve injury multidisciplinary team. Data were collected retrospectively on what peripheral neuropathies were observed, with reference to relevant investigation findings and proning history.
RESULTS
During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom, 256 patients were admitted to COVID-19 critical care of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom. From March to June 2020, a total of 114 patients required prone ventilation. In this subgroup, a total of 15 patients were identified with clinical findings of peripheral nerve injuries within the upper limb. In total, 30 anatomical nerve injuries were recorded. The most commonly affected nerve was the ulnar nerve (12/30) followed by the cords of the brachial plexus (10/30). Neuropathic pain and muscle wasting were identified, signifying a high-grade nerve injury.
CONCLUSION
Peripheral nerve injuries can be associated with prone positioning on intensive care units, although other mechanisms, such as those of a neuroinflammatory nature, cannot be excluded.
IMPACT
Proning-related upper limb peripheral nerve injuries are not discussed widely in the literature and could be an area of further consideration when critical care units review their proning protocols. Physical therapists treating these patients play a key part in the management of this group of patients by optimizing the positioning of patients during proning, making early identification of peripheral nerve injuries, providing rehabilitation interventions, and referring to specialist services if necessary.
LAY SUMMARY
During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients who are very ill can be placed for long periods of time on their stomach to improve their chances of survival. The potential consequences of prolonged time in this position are weakness and pain in the arms due to potential nerve damage. There are some recommended treatments to take care of these problems
Supportive care in the acute phase of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: an international, multidisciplinary DELPHI-based consensus.
No full textBACKGROUND
Supportive care is the cornerstone of adult and pediatric management of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). However, consensus on the modalities of supportive care is lacking.
OBJECTIVES
Our aim in this international multicentric Delphi exercise was to establish a multidisciplinary expert consensus to standardize recommendations regarding supportive care in the acute phase of SJS/TEN.
METHODS
Participants were sent a survey via the online tool "Survey Monkey" consisting of 103 statements organized into 11 topics: multidisciplinary team composition, suspect drug management, infection prevention, fluid resuscitation and prevention of hypothermia, nutritional support, pain and psychological distress management, management of acute respiratory failure, local skin care, ophthalmological management, management of other mucosa, and additional measures. Participants evaluated the level of appropriateness of each statements on a scale of 1 (extremely inappropriate) to 9 (extremely appropriate). Results were analyzed according to the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method.
RESULTS
Forty-five participants from 13 countries (3 continents) participated. After the first round, a consensus was obtained for 84% of the 103 initially proposed statements. After the second round, a final consensus was obtained for 102 statements.
CONCLUSIONS
We have reached an international Delphi-based consensus on best supportive care practice for SJS/TEN. Our expert consensus should help guide physicians in treating patients with SJS/TEN and thereby improve short-term prognosis and the risk of sequelae
