Category: Statistics

Int Orthop. 2024 Dec 9. doi: 10.1007/s00264-024-06378-z. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: While surgical intervention of scoliosis in cerebral palsy (CP) patients has shown notable improvements in quality of life, the high risk of post-operative complications in CP patients necessitates careful preoperative optimization. A preoperative multidisciplinary (Multi-D) pathway at our tertiary pediatric hospital in effect since 2014 led to a significant reduction in mortality at one year. However, such a strategy delays surgery, potentially increasing the risk of curve progression. This study aims to elucidate the impact of the Multi-D screening process on curve progression in neuromuscular scoliosis among complex CP patients.

METHODS: A retrospective review of all CP patients with scoliosis at a tertiary care center from 2012 to 2020 was conducted. This assessment focused on the progression of the major Cobb angle from the time of the indications conference to surgery of patients who went through Multi-D screening. Patient demographics and perioperative variables were obtained from the electronic medical record (EPIC, Systems Verona, WI).

RESULTS: After exclusion criteria were met, there were 85 patients who went through Multi-D, 78 of whom had surgery, and seven who did not. Surgery was delayed an average of 202 days for Multi-D optimization. We found a trend in increasing Cobb angle over time, but this correlation did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.079). 45 Multi-D surgery participants had a decrease or no change in Cobb angle and had surgery an average of 5.6 months after indications. 33 Multi-D surgery participants had an increase in Cobb angle and had surgery an average of 8.5 months after indications. Cobb angle progressed an average of 13.4° in the increased group, and – 0.4° in the decrease or no change group. There were no associations with change in Cobb angle and GMFCS, starting major curve angle, number of referrals, or intrathecal baclofen pump use according to this analysis.

CONCLUSIONS: Multi-D optimization resulted in an average delay in surgery of 6.7 months. Patients that did not have a change in Cobb angle had surgery within 5.6 months vs. patients that had an increase in Cobb angle had surgery on average 8.5 months after indicated for surgery, with an average increase of Cobb angle of 13.4°.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

PMID:39648184 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-024-06378-z

J Pak Med Assoc. 2024 Nov;74(11 (Supple-12)):S19-S23. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.AKU-EPP-05.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To examine the perceived impact of incentive-linked prescribing (ILP) on the everyday lives of patients in Pakistan.

METHODS: Adopting a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 26 patients in Karachi. A convenient sampling method was used to recruit patients from different pharmacies located in all six districts of Karachi namely East, West, South, Central, Korangi, and Malir. The interviews were thematically analyzed using the software NVivo Version.12.

RESULTS: ILP was perceived to affect patients in three interrelated ways: financial difficulty, mental distress, and difficulty in adhering to medical treatments. Most of the participants reported experiencing financial difficulties and were unable to afford everyday household needs. ILP was believed to make physicians prescribe expensive brands, which in turn, added to patients’ financial difficulties. Due to expensive medications, some patients stopped seeking healthcare from physicians and instead relied on home remedies. ILP-related financial burden on patients was also perceived to be a contributor to their mental distress.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients are increasingly becoming aware of physicians’ engagement in ILP, and believe it harms them in different ways. It has important implications for physicians’ reputations in society. Physicians must adhere to the principles of patient-centred care by avoiding ILP.

PMID:39648171 | DOI:10.47391/JPMA.AKU-EPP-05

J Pak Med Assoc. 2024 Nov;74(11 (Supple-12)):S6-S10. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.AKU-EPP-03.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate private General Practitioners’ (GPs) interest in continuous professional development (CPD), with a focus on ethical practices.

METHOD: A mixed method study design conducted a cross-sectional survey of registered private GPs (n=419) in Karachi was conducted in the year 2022 on their professional and ethical practices with perspectives on engagement in training in the year 2022. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 28 GPs to get a deeper understanding of their views on professional development.

RESULTS: The median age of participants was 55 years (IQR 48-63 years) and 361 (86.2%) were males. The median number of years of professional experience was 31.0 years (IQR 24-37 years). It was observed that 116 (27.6%) of GPs saw more than 50 patients per day, and 377 (90%) met with pharmaceutical sales representative (PSR) regularly. Reported awareness of guidelines on ethical practices was 325 (77.6.0%), and willingness to sign a pledge committing to a code of ethics and to be part of a professional network of ethical doctors was high, 389 (~93.0%). However, both qualitative and quantitative data indicated that GPs had limited time for training, despite the interest in filling gaps in knowledge about ethical practice.

CONCLUSIONS: Most GPs were willing to engage in CPD activities with a focus on ethics. Many GPs met regularly with PSRs, and CPD may reduce the pharmaceutical industry influence on their prescribing practices.

PMID:39648169 | DOI:10.47391/JPMA.AKU-EPP-03

J Int AIDS Soc. 2024 Dec;27(12):e26395. doi: 10.1002/jia2.26395.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Disengagement and re-engagement with antiretroviral therapy (ART) are common in South Africa, but routine monitoring is insufficient to inform policy development. To address this gap, Anova implemented the 2020 National Adherence Guidelines’ re-engagement standard operating procedure (re-engagement SOP) and collected additional data to describe the characteristics of re-engagement visits to inform HIV programmes.

METHODS: Between July and December 2022, we conducted a study at nine primary healthcare facilities in Johannesburg. Staff were trained on the re-engagement SOP and provided with job aides to support implementation. Administration clerks categorized visits based on the time elapsed since the missed appointment: ≤14days and >14 days, with the latter identified as re-engaging. For these clients, clinicians filled out “re-engagement clinical assessment forms” that included visit dates, both clinician-assessed and self-reported treatment interruptions, and clinical details. Data on missed appointments and previous viral loads were extracted from medical records. The information was entered into REDCap. We present data from three out of the nine facilities, selected for their comprehensive data collection and high coverage of all re-engaging clients.

RESULTS: A total of 2342 clients returned following a missed scheduled appointment. The majority, 1523 (65%), missed their appointments by ≤ 14 days, while 819 (35%) were >14 days late (re-engaging). Among those re-engaging, 635 (78%) re-engagement clinical assessment forms were completed. A missed appointment date was available for 623 with 25% (n = 161) returning 2-4 weeks late, 47% (n = 298) 4-12 weeks and 26% (n = 164) >12 weeks late. Self-reported ART interruption, available for 89% (567/635), indicated the majority (54%, n = 304) experienced no interruption. Clinical concerns were identified in 65 (10%) cases. A majority (79%, 504/635) had prior viral load results, with 73% (370/504) below 50 copies/ml.

CONCLUSIONS: Clients frequently return to care shortly after missed appointments. Despite missing scheduled ART refill dates, many report not interrupting treatment, either having treatment on hand or sourcing ART elsewhere. Most re-engaging clients were adherent prior to disengagement, and clinical concerns are rare. A differentiated service delivery approach, prioritizing flexibility and reduced healthcare burden, is required to support client’s needs and preferences at re-engagement.

PMID:39648158 | DOI:10.1002/jia2.26395

Aust Health Rev. 2024 Dec 9. doi: 10.1071/AH24191. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveAllied health workforce planning faces challenges because of insufficient metrics that accurately reflect population need for services. This paper presents a method and proof-of-concept in the podiatry profession for developing population-based need indicators and indices suitable for allied health workforce planning and comparative benchmarking.MethodsPopulation-based indicators of podiatry need were selected and combined into an index of need by Statistical Area Level 3 (SA3) in Australia. Medicare patient age and sex distributions for relevant item numbers were used to determine the inclusion of specific population age groups and sex as indicators. Other indicators included diabetes, socioeconomic status, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status. The need index was calculated based by aggregating these indicators at the SA3 level. The resulting need index was compared with podiatry supply (per capita clinician counts) using a population-weighted correlation coefficient (pwCorr).ResultsAnalysis of Medicare usage data led to the inclusion of indicators: population aged 65 and over, and female gender. The need index had a small but significant negative correlation with supply at the SA3-level (pwCorr =-0.12, P=0.03) and positively, but not significantly, correlated at the state/territory-level (pwCorr=0.42, P=0.30).ConclusionsDeveloping profession-specific population-based need indices provides a valuable tool for allied health workforce planners to benchmark need and supply within professions. Combining single need indicators with supply metrics offers a concise framework for effective workforce planning and advocacy.

PMID:39648145 | DOI:10.1071/AH24191

Abdom Radiol (NY). 2024 Dec 8. doi: 10.1007/s00261-024-04701-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of a micro-enema on diagnostic performance, submucosal width, reader confidence, and tumor conspicuity using MRI to stage early rectal cancers (ERC).

METHODS: In this single-center study, we consecutively included 50 participants with assumed ERC who all completed MRI with (MRin) and without (MRex) a micro-enema. The diagnostic performance was recorded for two experienced radiologists using histopathology as the gold standard. In addition, the width of the submucosa in the tumor-bearing wall, reader confidence for T-staging, and tumor conspicuity were assessed. Significance levels were calculated using McNemar’s test (diagnostic performance) and Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test (reader confidence, submucosal width, and conspicuity). Interreader agreement was assessed using kappa statistics.

RESULTS: Sensitivity/specificity were for Reader1 91%/87% for both MRex and MRin and for Reader2 74%/87% and 89%/87%, both readers p > 0.05. The micro-enema induced a significant widening of the submucosa, p < 0.001, with a mean increase of 2.2/2.8 mm measured by Reader1/Reader2. Reader confidence in T-staging and tumor conspicuity increased for both readers, p < 0.005. The proportion of tumors with both correct staging and high reader confidence increased from 58% (29/50) to 80% (40/50) (p = 0.04) for Reader1 and from 42% (21/50) to 72% (36/50) (p = 0.002) for Reader2. Interreader agreement increased from moderate (kappa 0.58) to good (kappa 0.68).

CONCLUSION: The micro-enema significantly increased the submucosal width in the tumor-bearing wall, reader confidence, and tumor conspicuity and improved interreader agreement from moderate to good. Sensitivity and specificity in T-staging did not improve, but there was a significant increase in the proportion of tumors staged with both high confidence and correct T-stage.

PMID:39645641 | DOI:10.1007/s00261-024-04701-1

Eur Radiol. 2024 Dec 8. doi: 10.1007/s00330-024-11209-1. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Recent studies suggest the existence of an idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) phenotype affecting mostly patients with a smoking history, characterised by low diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (D_LCO) without clinically significant emphysema. This study’s objective was to test the hypothesis of a loss of pulmonary capillaries as an underlying mechanism by comparison to other patient groups with and without pulmonary hypertension (PH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2019 and June 2023, patients of four groups were recruited for this observational study: IPAH with preserved (1) and low D_LCO (2), combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema with PH (3), and emphysema without PH (4). Patients underwent clinical CT and ¹²⁹Xe MRI including dissolved-phase imaging yielding the ratio of ¹²⁹Xe in red blood cells and membrane tissues (RBC-M), chemical shift saturation recovery for determining RBC fraction η and diffusion-weighted imaging yielding surface-volume ratio. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: Twenty-nine participants were recruited, of which 22 (age 64 ± 10, 11 male, 5/5/7/5 for the individual groups) could be included in the analysis. RBC-M and η were reduced in IPAH with low versus preserved D_LCO and emphysema groups (p ≤ 0.01). CT low-attenuation area percentage was not increased in IPAH with low D_LCO compared to any group. ¹²⁹Xe MRI-derived surface-volume ratio was reduced in IPAH with low versus preserved D_LCO (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION: Results are consistent with a loss of pulmonary capillaries in patients with IPAH and low D_LCO along with destruction of alveolar tissue, likely due to early diffuse emphysema.

KEY POINTS: Question A loss of pulmonary capillaries has been suggested in patients with IPAH and low diffusion capacity without clinically significant emphysema on CT. Findings ¹²⁹Xe uptake in red blood cells and lung surface-volume ratio were reduced in IPAH patients with low compared to preserved diffusion capacity. Clinical relevance This study furthers the understanding of the underlying pathological mechanisms in IPAH with low diffusion capacity, providing evidence that loss of pulmonary capillaries is accompanied by alveolar tissue destruction despite near-normal CT.

PMID:39645621 | DOI:10.1007/s00330-024-11209-1

Drug Saf. 2024 Dec 8. doi: 10.1007/s40264-024-01502-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most popular drugs worldwide. Yet, there are concerns on long-term safety and poor adherence to prescription guidelines. Off-label use in children and increasing maintenance use in older adults may be particularly worrisome.

OBJECTIVES: To assess differences in PPI use by age, sex calendar year and PPI type, and to explore potential underlying indications (ulcerogenic drugs, and indications) in Sweden.

METHODS: Proton pump inhibitor drug utilisation study based on the Swedish nationwide prescribed drug (2006-2023) and patient registries (2006-2022).

RESULTS: Proton pump inhibitors were used by 14.4% (women) and 10.5% (men) of adults; and 1.0-1.5% of children and adolescents (aged < 20 years). Proton pump inhibitor use was higher in women in all age-groups except small children (aged < 5 years). Proton pump inhibitor use has increased in all age groups, especially in young children (aged < 10 years) and the oldest groups (aged > 65 years). Proton pump inhibitor users aged > 85 years filled most prescriptions with an annual average of 9.5 (men), 11.6 (women) prescriptions. Most prescriptions were for omeprazole and esomeprazole: 63.7% and 23.5% in adults; 23.5% and 44.7% in children (2023). Prescriptions for other drugs for peptic ulcers/reflux became rare, with 99% of prescriptions in this category being PPIs by 2023. Gastro-intestinal diagnoses were predominantly recorded in men, became less prevalent and only explained part of PPI use, while ulcerogenic drugs were common (particularly in women), suggesting PPIs are regularly used for gastroprotection.

CONCLUSION: Proton pump inhibitor use has doubled in children and increased 50% in adults over the study period, in both sexes, while recorded gastrointestinal indications decreased. Alternative therapies were rarely prescribed in Sweden.

PMID:39645619 | DOI:10.1007/s40264-024-01502-9

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol. 2025 Jan;30(1):e70032. doi: 10.1111/anec.70032.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Early repolarization (ER) is an electrocardiographic pattern characterized by J-point and ST-segment elevation, frequently observed in athletes. Initially deemed benign, recent studies suggest a possible association between ER and increased risks of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, necessitating a thorough examination of its clinical implications in athletes.

METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using MEDLINE (via PubMed) and EMBASE databases, focusing on articles related to ER in athletes. Search terms included “early repolarization,” and relevant studies were selected based on their focus on athletic populations. A total of 22 articles were included for detailed analysis.

RESULTS: The review encompassed 22 studies with a combined total of 44,326 athletes, revealing an overall mean ER prevalence of 31.6 ± 17.6 (p < 0.001). Most common location in the inferolateral region at 32.28%. The prevalence varied significantly across studies, ranging from 7% to 89%, influenced by factors such as age, gender distribution, and athletic discipline. Male athletes exhibited a higher incidence of ER compared with females, and endurance athletes showed a greater prevalence than strength athletes.

CONCLUSION: ER is notably prevalent among athletes, especially males and those engaged in endurance sports. Current studies do not establish a direct association between ER and increased mortality in athletes. Further research is essential to refine risk stratification criteria and develop appropriate management strategies to ensure athlete safety while maintaining optimal performance levels.

PMID:39645598 | DOI:10.1111/anec.70032

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol. 2025 Jan;30(1):e70031. doi: 10.1111/anec.70031.

ABSTRACT

QT/QTc prolongation is associated with an increased risk for torsade de pointes. In at-risk hospitalized patients, it is common to obtain a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) for this assessment, but this interrupts patient care. Our hospital recently introduced bedside monitors in the intensive care unit (ICU) with continuous QT/QTc software. However, only four of the seven available ECG leads are used.

PURPOSE: Evaluate the agreement between computerized QT/QTc measurements from the bedside monitor (four leads) and a time-matched standard 12-lead ECG.

DESIGN: Prospective observational study in three adult ICUs.

METHODS: QT/QTc measurements were obtained from a convenience sample, and the two ECG types were ≤ 30 min apart. Agreement was evaluated using Bland-Altman analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 120 patients were evaluated for inclusion, and 60 (50%) had a 12-lead ECG for comparison. The mean bias difference for QT measurements was not statistically different (β = -2.47, 95% CI = 5.50 to -11.05; p = 0.44; limits of agreement (LOA) = -64.37 to 59.44). Similar non-statistical differences were observed for QTc (β = -3.20, 95% CI = 5.50 to -11.05; p = 0.44; LOA = -67.43 to 61.03).

CONCLUSION: There was good agreement for both QT and QTc measurements between the two methods. These pilot data are promising and suggest QT/QTc measurements from bedside monitors (four leads) may be an acceptable alternative to obtaining additional standard 12-lead ECGs. Given that half of the ICU patients screened did not have a 12-lead ECG recorded, bedside monitor QT/QTc’s could identify at-risk patients. However, an evaluation in a larger sample and non-ICU patients is warranted.

PMID:39645597 | DOI:10.1111/anec.70031