Post-LASIK Exophiala jeanselmei Keratitis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a patient diagnosed with Exophiala jeanselmei keratitis. METHODS: We report a case of a patient who developed infectious keratitis following laser in situ keratomileusis and chronic topical steroid use for approximately six months in both eyes. An atypical infiltrate containing dark pigmentation was noted in the left eye on the initial presentation. During treatment, the infiltrates of the right eye began to exhibit a similar pigmentation. RESULTS: Early treatment with topical antifungals was initiated in the left eye and later in the right eye once culture results returned. Both eyes recovered with good vision after approximately one month. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with postoperative topical corticosteroids should be cautioned of potential adverse effects of chronic use and have close follow-up. If infectious keratitis develops, particularly after two weeks, then atypical organisms, such as fungi, should be considered. In addition, our case highlights the significance of recognizing and associating dark-pigmentation with fungal etiologies.

ChatGPT performance on the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons maintenance of certification exam.

BACKGROUND: While multiple studies have tested the ability of large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, to pass standardized medical exams at different levels of training, LLMs have never been tested on surgical sub-specialty examinations, such as the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Maintenance of Certification (MOC). The purpose of this study was to compare results of ChatGPT 3.5, GPT-4, and fellowship-trained surgeons on the 2023 ASES MOC self-assessment exam. METHODS: ChatGPT 3.5 and GPT-4 were subjected to the same set of text-only questions from the ASES MOC exam, and GPT-4 was additionally subjected to image-based MOC exam questions. Question responses from both models were compared against the correct answers. Performance of both models was compared to corresponding average human performance on the same question subsets. One sided proportional z-test were utilized to analyze data. RESULTS: Humans performed significantly better than Chat GPT 3.5 on exclusively text-based questions (76.4% vs. 60.8%, P = .044). Humans also performed significantly better than GPT 4 on image-based questions (73.9% vs. 53.2%, P = .019). There was no significant difference between humans and GPT 4 in text-based questions (76.4% vs. 66.7%, P = .136). Accounting for all questions, humans significantly outperformed GPT-4 (75.3% vs. 60.2%, P = .012). GPT-4 did not perform statistically significantly betterer than ChatGPT 3.5 on text-only questions (66.7% vs. 60.8%, P = .268). DISCUSSION: Although human performance was overall superior, ChatGPT demonstrated the capacity to analyze orthopedic information and answer specialty-specific questions on the ASES MOC exam for both text and image-based questions. With continued advancements in deep learning, LLMs may someday rival exam performance of fellowship-trained surgeons.

The Tightrope Study: A cadaveric, biomechanical comparison of generations of suspensory fixation with internal brace for Rockwood grade V AC joint injuries.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of Rockwood grade V AC joint injuries remains varied. We hypothesized that the addition of a second suspensory device between the clavicle and coracoid would yield superior biomechanical results over a single device. We also hypothesized that the addition of an internal brace across the AC joint to a suspensory device would yield superior results over the suspensory device in isolation. METHODS: A total of 24 cadaveric shoulders were dissected and randomized to four groups with four different constructs implanted: Group A: Single AC TightRope (Arthrex Inc., Naples, FL, USA) Group B: Double AC TightRope Group C: Single Knotless AC TightRope (Arthrex Inc., Naples, FL, USA) Group D: Single Knotless AC TightRope with AC InternalBrace Ligament Augmentation (Arthrex Inc., Naples, FL, USA) These were then loaded in the Robotic arm (SIMVITRO) where 250 cycles of 50N of force in the superior plane was applied. Dynamic creep, displacement, translation and stiffness were assessed. RESULTS: Testing was successfully completed for all specimens. There were no failures due to fracture or translation of the clavicle greater than 5mm from the starting position. Reduction was maintained with a mean superior displacement of 1.7 mm (± 1.4 mm). The mean peak to peak displacement, superior and posterior translation, dynamic creep and stiffness did not differ significantly between construct groups. CONCLUSION: This study did not demonstrate any significant biomechanical differences between groups in terms of displacement, translation, creep or stiffness.

Midterm follow-up of the Nexel total elbow arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Aseptic loosening is one of the most common complications of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA). Modern implants, such as the Nexel, have been designed in an attempt to decrease loosening. The present study aims to report implant survivorship, radiographic assessment of loosening and lucency, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients treated with the Nexel TEA at midterm follow-up. METHODS: Consecutive series of adult patients underwent TEA using the Nexel by a single surgeon via standardized technique. Patients with minimum 3-year follow-up with radiographic and PROM data were included. Survivorship was defined by the absence of revision. Loosening was assessed via the Wrightington method by 3 independent fellowship-trained shoulder and elbow surgeons. Lucency was analyzed across individual radiographic zones on orthogonal radiographs. PROMs included the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH), Patient-Rated Elbow Evaluation (PREE), and EuroQoL-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D). RESULTS: Thirty-eight consecutive patients (22 female, 16 male) with a mean age of 67 years underwent TEA via a triceps-sparing isolated medial window approach. Mean follow-up was 5.5 years (range 3-9). Primary diagnoses were as follows: 19 osteoarthritis (OA), 9 rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 9 post-traumatic arthritis (PA), and 1 conversion of elbow arthrodesis. Overall survivorship was 97.4%, with 1 patient undergoing revision for infection. Loosening was found in 5.3% of elbows, averaged across 3 observers. Lucency was most pronounced at the level of the humeral condyles. PROMs demonstrated significant and clinically meaningful improvements in 76%, 92%, and 73% of patients for QuickDASH, PREE, and EQ-5D, respectively. No significant correlations were found between patient age, gender, loosening, lucency, and PROMs. CONCLUSION: At midterm follow-up, the Nexel TEA demonstrated excellent overall survivorship and low rate of implant loosening. The single failure requiring revision for infection was conversion of a prior elbow arthrodesis. PROMs overall exhibited marked and consistent improvement from preoperative to final postoperative follow-up. Although promising, these results should be interpreted with some caution as long-term data regarding this prosthesis are still lacking.

Impact of flipped classroom model in increasing the achievement for medical students.

BACKGROUND: Over the past few years, there has been a parallel development in the use of the internet and technology for teaching purposes. The Flipped classroom model (FCM) used by the instructor aims at spending more time interacting with students rather than lecturing them. There are very few studies about the effectiveness of FCM on student performance and perception as compared to the traditional lecture in colleges of medicine. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the FCM on the academic achievement of students in terms of increased performance and perception as compared to the traditional lecture the medical students in Al-Neelain University-Sudan. METHOD: This case-control study compares using (FCM) in the medical students at Al-Neelain University and the traditional lecture and its effect on students' academic achievement. The students were randomly assigned into two groups (A & B), flipped classroom group A (30 students as a test), and traditional classroom group B (33students as control). Major outcome indexes were pretest and posttest results used for students' academic achievement performance assessment and a questionnaire used for student perception evaluation about the FCM. Finally, statistical analysis was performed using SPSS programs. RESULTS: Although the pretest and posttest scores showed highly statistically differences within each group (A&B) with P<.000, when comparing the pretest and posttest scores of the studied groups showed that, there were no statistically significant differences between the pretest and posttest scores between them with P=0.912 and 0.100 respectively. However, more than 80% of participants were satisfied with using a flipped classroom. While more than 90% of students were more motivated to learn in flipped classrooms meeting learning targets when they used FCM. CONCLUSION: There was a positive student perception towards using the FCM, despite no significant effect of FCM on medical students' academic achievement.

Intramedullary Metacarpal Fracture Fixation: A Biomechanical Study of Screw Diameter and Comparison With Intramedullary Wire Stabilization.

PURPOSE: Interest in intramedullary metacarpal fracture fixation (IMFF) with screws is increasing. However, the optimal screw diameter for fracture fixation is not yet established. In theory, larger screws should be more stable, but there is concern about long-term sequelae of larger metacarpal head defects and extensor mechanism injury created during insertion as well as implant cost. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare different diameter screws for IMFF to a popular and more cost-effective alternative of intramedullary wiring. METHODS: Thirty-two cadaveric metacarpals were used in a transverse metacarpal shaft fracture model. Treatment groups consisted of IMFF with 3.0 × 60 mm, 3.5 x 60 mm, and 4.5 x 60 mm screws as well as 4 1.1-mm intramedullary wires. Cyclic cantilever bending was performed with the metacarpals mounted at 45° to simulate physiologic loading. Cyclical loading at 10, 20, and 30 N was performed to determine fracture displacement, stiffness, and ultimate force. RESULTS: At 10, 20, and 30 N of cyclical loading, all screw diameters tested provided similar stability as measured by fracture displacement and were superior to the wire group. However, ultimate force under load to failure testing was similar between the 3.5- and 4.5-mm screws and superior to 3.0-mm screws and wires. CONCLUSIONS: For IMFF, 3.0, 3.5, and 4.5-mm diameter screws provide adequate stability for early active motion and are superior to wires. When comparing the different screw diameters, 3.5- and 4.5-mm diameter screws offer similar construct stability and strength superior to the 3.0-mm diameter screw. Therefore, to minimize metacarpal head morbidity, smaller screw diameters may be preferable. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study suggests that IMFF with screws is biomechanically superior to wires in cantilever bending strength in the transverse fracture model. However, smaller screws may be sufficient to permit early active motion while minimizing metacarpal head morbidity.

Trends and projections in surgical stabilization of glenohumeral instability in the United States from 2009 to 2030: rise of the Latarjet procedure and fall of open Bankart repair.

BACKGROUND: Advances in surgical techniques have improved the ability to address recurrent glenohumeral instability via arthroscopic capsulolabral repair and bone-restoring procedures such as the Latarjet procedure. Given the paucity of studies analyzing temporal trends in the surgical management of glenohumeral instability, the purpose of this study was to assess trends in the treatment of anterior, posterior, and multidirectional instability over a 10-year period and model projections to 2030. METHODS: Using the IBM Watson MarketScan national database, we identified all patients who underwent glenohumeral instability procedures from 2009 to 2018. Procedures were identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes for open Bankart, Latarjet, anterior bone block, posterior bone block, multidirectional capsular shift, and arthroscopic Bankart procedures. Sample weights provided by the database were used to calculate national estimates. US Census Bureau annual population data were used to calculate incidence. Future projections to 2030 were modeled using Poisson and linear regression. RESULTS: There were an estimated 446,072 glenohumeral instability cases from 2009 to 2018. The per capita incidence (per 100,000) remained constant, from 14.8 in 2009 to 14.5 in 2018. Arthroscopic Bankart procedures comprised the highest number of procedures throughout the study period, accounting for 89% of all procedures in 2009 and 93% in 2018. The number of open Bankart procedures decreased by 65% from 2009 to 2018, whereas the number of Latarjet procedures showed a 250% increase over the same period. Patient demographics did not change over the study period, and male patients aged 18-25 years comprised the largest demographic group undergoing anterior instability procedures. Multidirectional instability procedures exhibited the least pronounced sex differences. Future modeling from 2018 to 2030 projected a continued steady rise in arthroscopic Bankart procedures (from 40,000 to 49,000 cases/yr), rapid growth in Latarjet procedures (from 1370 to 4300 cases/yr), and continued decline in open Bankart procedures (from 1000 to 250 cases/yr). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic Bankart repair continues to be the most common glenohumeral instability procedure in the United States. From 2009 to 2018, the incidence of open Bankart procedures declined whereas the incidence of Latarjet procedures markedly increased. Future projections to 2030 mirrored these findings. These data may provide an enhanced understanding of the evolution of surgical treatment of glenohumeral instability within the United States, laying the foundation for continued prospective studies into the appropriate indications and advancements in surgical techniques.

Variation in scapulohumeral rhythm on dynamic radiography in pathologic shoulders: a novel diagnostic tool.

HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to analyze the SHR of patients diagnosed with small (SRCTs) and massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs), adhesive capsulitis (AC), and glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GH-OA) and compare their measurements to those of patient controls with healthy shoulders using DDR. We hypothesize that various diagnoses will vary with regards to SHR. METHODS: The sequences of pulsed radiographs collated in DDR to create a moving image were prospectively analyzed during humeral abduction in normal controls and in 4 distinct shoulder pathology groups: SRCT, MRCT, AC, and GH-OA. GH and ST joint angles were measured at 0°-30°, 30°-60°, 60°-90°, and maximal coronal plane humeral abduction. SHR was defined as the ratio of the change in humeral abduction over the change in scapula upward rotation during humeral abduction and was calculated within the above angle intervals. RESULTS: A total of 121 shoulders were analyzed. Forty normal controls were compared to 13 SRCTs, 29 MRCTs, 16 AC, and 23 GH-OA. SHR during humeral abduction differed significantly in patients with MRCT (1.91 ± 0.72), AC (1.55 ± 0.37), and GH-OA (2.31 ± 1.01) compared to controls (3.39 ± 0.79). When analyzed across 30° intervals of abduction, there was a significantly lower SHR found at 0°-30°, 30°-60°, and 60°-90° in MRCT, AC, and GH-OA across each motion range compared to controls. Control patients had an arc of abduction of 103° ± 32°, which was significantly larger than all other pathologies (MRCT: 76° ± 23°, SRCT: 81° ± 21°, AC: 65° ± 27°, GH-OA: 71° ± 35°) and an average scapular abduction of 33° ± 14°, which was significantly less than patients with an MRCT (46° ± 10°) and AC (65° ± 27°). CONCLUSION: SHR remained significantly lower throughout shoulder abduction in MRCT (43.65%), AC (-54.29%), and GH-OA (32.01%) compared to controls. When isolating for humeral and scapular motion, all 4 pathologies had decreased GH abduction, whereas AC and MRCT had an increased scapular compensatory motion compared to controls. Quantifying kinematic patterns like SHR using DDR can be implemented as a novel, safe, and cost-effective method to diagnose shoulder pathology and to monitor response to treatment.

Volar versus dorsal approach for supinator to posterior interosseous nerve transfer: An anatomical study in cadavers.

INTRODUCTION: Supinator to posterior interosseous nerve (SPIN) transfer allows reconstruction of finger/thumb extension and thumb abduction for low radial nerve palsy, incomplete C6 tetraplegia, and brachial plexus injury affecting C7-T1. No study has compared dorsal versus volar approach to perform SPIN transfer. This comparison is studied in the present work, assessing supinator motor branch length and ability to achieve nerve transfer from either approach. METHODS: Ten fresh frozen cadavers were randomly allocated to receive either a dorsal or volar approach to PIN and supinator radial and ulnar branches (RB = radial, UB = ulnar). Supinator head innervation patterns were documented. RB and UB lengths, forearm lengths measured from ulnar styloid to olecranon, visualization of extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) motor nerve without additional dissection, and ability to perform tension-free nerve transfer were assessed. RESULTS: Nine of 10 specimens had supinator branches innervating both heads. The ECRB nerve was visualized in all volar but only one dorsal approach. No significant differences in forearm length were found. Volar with elbow extended: mean RB length was 35 ± 7.8 mm and UB was 37.8 ± 9.3 mm. Dorsal with elbow extended: mean RB length was 30 ± 4.1 mm and UB was 38.8 ± 7.3 mm. Dorsal with elbow flexed 90°: RB was 25.6 ± 3.8 mm and UB was 34.8 ± 4.8 mm. No significant differences were found in branch lengths between approaches (dorsal vs. volar UB, p = .339; dorsal vs. volar RB, p = .117). All limbs achieved tension-free coaptation. CONCLUSION: Neither approach demonstrated superiority in achieving tension-free nerve transfer. Volar permitted immediate identification of ECRB nerve whereas this was only visualized in one dorsal specimen without additional dissection. Overall, the volar approach allows direct coaptation in elbow extension, mimicking maximal physiologic tension for neurorrhaphy. It simultaneously permits additional procedures for pinch reconstruction via single exposure, circumventing limb/microscope maneuvering, dorsal dissection, and increased operative time. Ultimate choice of approach should depend on surgeon familiarity and potential need for additional simultaneous transfers.

Selective CDK6 degradation mediated by cereblon, VHL, and novel IAP-recruiting PROTACs.

Inhibitors of CDK4 and CDK6 have emerged as important FDA-approved treatment options for breast cancer patients. The properties and pharmacology of CDK4/6 inhibitor medicines have been extensively profiled, and investigations into the degradation of these targets via a PROTAC strategy have also been reported. PROTACs are a novel class of small-molecules that offer the potential for differentiated pharmacology compared to traditional inhibitors by redirecting the cellular ubiquitin-proteasome system to degrade target proteins of interest. We report here the preparation of palbociclib-based PROTACs that incorporate binders for three different E3 ligases, including a novel IAP-binder, which effectively degrade CDK4 and CDK6 in cells. In addition, we show that the palbociclib-based PROTACs in this study that recruit different E3 ligases all exhibit preferential CDK6 vs. CDK4 degradation selectivity despite employing a selection of linkers between the target binder and the E3 ligase binder.

Formulation and evaluation of thymoquinone niosomes: application of developed and validated RP-HPLC method in delivery system.

A rapid, accurate, and sensitive reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method was developed and validated for the estimation of Thymoquinone (TMQ) in API as well as in noisome. The chromatograms were developed with the mobile phase - water: 2-propanol: methanol (50:45:5 v/v/v) as a solvent system at 254 nm. The method was validated as per ICH guidelines for different parameters and the recovery of TMQ was calculated in developed niosomes. Further, TMQ loaded niosomes (TMQNIOS) were prepared and evaluated for different parameters. The optimized TMQNIOS (F3) was further evaluated for surface morphology, in vitro drug release, permeation study, and confocal laser scanning microscopic (CLSM) study. The method showed linearity range between 6.25 and 100 µg/ml with low detection limit and quantitation limit with a value of 2.08 and 6.25 µg/ml. The developed formulations showed the vesicle size and encapsulation efficiency in the range of 157.32 ± 3.15 to 211.44 ± 5.23 nm and 59.32 ± 4.87 to 83.21 ± 3.55%, respectively. The drug release result showed the significant higher release from TMQNIOS in compared to TMQDIS, and the release kinetics data showed Higuchi's equation with highest regression coefficient values. The permeation study and the confocal laser microscopy study further confirmed the enhancement in permeation of TMQ in the intestinal mucosa.

Off-hour admission and outcomes for patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies have suggested that patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who are admitted during off-hours (weekends, nights and holidays) have higher mortality when compared with patients admitted during regular hours. METHODS: We analyzed consecutive patients with AMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI] and non-STEMI) who were treated with percutaneous coronary interventions from January 1998 to June 2010 at an academic medical center. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between off-hour admission and clinical outcomes adjusted for demographic and clinical variables. RESULTS: There were 3,422 and 2,664 patients with AMI admitted during off-hours and regular hours, respectively. Patients admitted during off-hours were more likely to have STEMI (56% vs 48%, P < .001), have cardiogenic shock at presentation (6% vs 4%, P = .002), and develop shock after presentation (6% vs 5%, P = .004). After multivariable analyses, off-hour admission was not significantly associated with in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.12, 95% CI 0.84-1.49), 30-day mortality (OR 1.12, 0.87-1.45), or 30-day readmissions (OR 1.01, 0.84-1.20) but was significantly associated with composite major complications and any of emergent coronary artery bypass graft surgery, ventricular arrhythmia, stroke/transient ischemic attack, and gastrointestinal/retroperitoneal/intracranial bleeding (OR 1.27, 1.05-1.55, P = .015). There was no significant time trend in the adjusted mortality difference between off-hours and regular hours. The results were not different between STEMI and non-STEMI. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who were admitted during off-hours did not have higher mortality or readmission rates as compared with ones admitted during regular hours at an academic medical center.

Six-month quality-of-life and functional status of acute respiratory distress syndrome survivors compared to patients at risk: a population-based study.

INTRODUCTION: The long-term attributable burden related to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is not fully investigated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) and functional status at 6 months after hospitalization in patients at risk for ARDS who did and did not develop the syndrome. METHOD: This is a population-based prospective cohort study of adult patients from Olmsted County, Minnesota, with or at risk for ARDS hospitalized from October 2008 to July 2011. The primary outcomes were changes in QOL and functional status, measured through 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12) and Barthel Index (BI) respectively, from baseline to 6 months, compared between survivors who did and did not develop ARDS. RESULTS: Of 410 patients with or at risk for ARDS, 98 had baseline surveys collected and 67 responded to a 6-month survey (26 ARDS, 41 non-ARDS). Both ARDS and non-ARDS groups had lower physical component of SF-12 at baseline compared to general population (P < 0.001 for both). ARDS patients had poorer baseline functional status compared to non-ARDS (mean BI 80 ± 25 vs. 88 ± 22, P = 0.03). No significant differences were observed for the change between 6 months and baseline BI (delta 2.3 for ARDS vs. 2.0 for non-ARDS, P = 0.5), or mental (delta 2.7 vs. 2.4, P = 0.9) or physical (delta -3 vs. -3.3, P = 0.9) component of SF-12 between survivors with and without ARDS. CONCLUSION: In this population-based study, decreased QOL and functional status 6 months after hospitalization were largely explained by baseline condition, with similar recovery in survivors who did and did not develop ARDS.

Neuromuscular and neuropsychological assessments in survivors of acute respiratory distress syndrome: exploratory comparisons with an at-risk cohort.

BACKGROUND: Long-term studies of survivors of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have reported neuromuscular, quality of life, and neuropsychological impairments. This study aims to determine if development of ARDS was associated with neuromuscular weakness and depression at 6-month following hospital discharge in a population-based cohort of patients at high risk for ARDS. METHODS: A validated lung injury prediction model prospectively identified adult patients at increased risk for ARDS admitted to Mayo Clinic between October 2008 and July 2011. Instruments for functional impairment [Overall Neuropathy Limitations Scale (ONLS)] and the presence of depressive symptoms (the Yale Single Question) were administered at baseline and at 6 months. RESULTS: Of 107 patients enrolled in the study, 98 (92 %) underwent baseline assessment. Of these, 83 (85 %) were admitted to intensive care, 41 (42 %) developed ARDS, and 67 (68 %) completed assessment at 6 months. Patients with ARDS had longer intensive care and hospital length of stay (7.9 vs. 3.1 days, p = 0.005 and 19.5 vs. 10.6 days, p = 0.004, respectively). There was no difference in reported functional impairment at 6 months from baseline in the ARDS group compared to the non-ARDS group-mean ONLS Total Score 2.95 versus 2.07 p = 0.09 and 3.0 versus 2.1 p = 027, respectively. There was also no difference in the prevalence of depression at 6 months between the ARDS and non-ARDS group (21.9 vs. 30.7 % p = 0.41). CONCLUSIONS: In this single-center population-based cohort study, survivors of ARDS in the community had similar reported functional impairment and depression prevalence compared to an at-risk cohort that did not develop ARDS.

Trends in the use of renal replacement therapy modality in intensive care unit: a 7 year study.

BACKGROUND: The use of renal replacement therapy (RRT) modality in the intensive care unit (ICU) depends primarily on provider preference and hospital resource. This study aims to describe the prevalence of RRT use and the trends in RRT modality use in the ICU over the past 7 years. METHODS: All ICU admissions, including medical, cardiac, and surgical ICUs from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013, were included in this study. RRT use was defined as the use of intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) or continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) within a given ICU day. The RRT use was reported as the proportion of ICU days on each RRT modality divided by the total ICU days with RRT usage. RESULTS: Over the course of this study (72,005 ICU admissions), 272,271 ICU days were generated. RRTs were used in 4110 ICU admissions (5.7%) and on 21,159 ICU days (7.8%). RRT use was 10,402 (49%) for IHD, and 10,954 (52%) for CRRT. The trend of IHD and CRRT use did not change from year 2007 to 2013. On ICU days with RRT, the choice of RRT modality was associated with the number of vasopressor use (p < 0.001). CRRT was more preferred on the ICU days with the increasing number of vasopressor use. CONCLUSIONS: RRTs were used in about 6% of ICU admission. The use of IHD and CRRT was similar and did not change over 7 years. The choice of RRT modality mainly depended on the number of vasopressors used on ICU days with RRT.

The role of potentially preventable hospital exposures in the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a common complication of critical illness, with high mortality and limited treatment options. Preliminary studies suggest that potentially preventable hospital exposures contribute to acute respiratory distress syndrome development. We aimed to determine the association between specific hospital exposures and the rate of acute respiratory distress syndrome development among at-risk patients. DESIGN: Population-based, nested, Matched case-control study. PATIENTS: Consecutive adults who developed acute respiratory distress syndrome from January 2001 through December 2010 during their hospital stay (cases) were matched to similar-risk patients without acute respiratory distress syndrome (controls). They were matched for 6 baseline characteristics. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Trained investigators blinded to outcome of interest reviewed medical records for evidence of specific exposures, including medical and surgical adverse events, inadequate empirical antimicrobial treatment, hospital-acquired aspiration, injurious mechanical ventilation, transfusion, and fluid and medication administration. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate the risk associated with individual exposures. During the 10-year period, 414 patients with hospital-acquired acute respiratory distress syndrome were identified and matched to 414 at-risk, acute respiratory distress syndrome-free controls. Adverse events were highly associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome development (odds ratio, 6.2; 95% CI, 4.0-9.7), as were inadequate antimicrobial therapy, mechanical ventilation with injurious tidal volumes, hospital-acquired aspiration, and volume of blood products transfused and fluids administered. Exposure to antiplatelet agents during the at-risk period was associated with a decreased risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Rate of adverse hospital exposures and prevalence of acute respiratory distress syndrome decreased during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Prevention of adverse hospital exposures in at-risk patients may limit the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Actual versus ideal body weight for acute kidney injury diagnosis and classification in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND: In the current acute kidney injury (AKI) definition, the urine output (UO) criterion does not specify which body weights (BW), i.e. actual (ABW) versus ideal (IBW), should be used to diagnose and stage AKI, leading to heterogeneity across research studies. METHODS: This is a single center, retrospective, observational study conducted at a tertiary referral hospital. All adult patients who were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) at our institution for a minimum of 6 continuous hours between January and March 2010 and had a urinary catheter for hourly urine output monitoring were eligible for this study. Patients' AKI stages, based on UO criterion, were assessed by calculating each milliliter of urine per kilogram per hour, using ABW versus IBW. RESULTS: A total of 493 ICU patients were included in the analysis. The median ABW and IBW were 82 (IQR 68-96) and 70 (IQR 60-77) kg, respectively. Using the IBW criterion, 154 patients (31.2%) were diagnosed with AKI, while 204 (41.4%) were diagnosed using the ABW measurement (P-value<.01). Patients who had AKI regardless of BW type had an adjusted odds ratio of 1.76 (95% CI 1.05-2.95) for 90-day mortality, whereas patients who had AKI according to ABW but not IBW had no significant increase in the risk of 90-day mortality, adjusted OR 0.76; (95% CI 0.25-1.91), compared to patients who had no AKI. CONCLUSIONS: Using ABW to diagnose and stage AKI by UO criterion is more sensitive and less specific than IBW. Based on the application of the definition, different BW types could be utilized.

Data utilization for medical decision making at the time of patient admission to ICU.

OBJECTIVES: Information overload in electronic medical records can impede providers' ability to identify important clinical data and may contribute to medical error. An understanding of the information requirements of ICU providers will facilitate the development of information systems that prioritize the presentation of high-value data and reduce information overload. Our objective was to determine the clinical information needs of ICU physicians, compared to the data available within an electronic medical record. DESIGN: Prospective observational study and retrospective chart review. SETTING: Three ICUs (surgical, medical, and mixed) at an academic referral center. SUBJECTS: Newly admitted ICU patients and physicians (residents, fellows, and attending staff). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The clinical information used by physicians during the initial diagnosis and treatment of admitted patients was captured using a questionnaire. Clinical information concepts were ranked according to the frequency of reported use (primary outcome) and were compared to information availability in the electronic medical record (secondary outcome). Nine hundred twenty-five of 1,277 study questionnaires (408 patients) were completed. Fifty-one clinical information concepts were identified as being useful during ICU admission. A median (interquartile range) of 11 concepts (6-16) was used by physicians per patient admission encounter with four used greater than 50% of the time. Over 25% of the clinical data available in the electronic medical record was never used, and only 33% was used greater than 50% of the time by admitting physicians. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians use a limited number of clinical information concepts at the time of patient admission to the ICU. The electronic medical record contains an abundance of unused data. Better electronic data management strategies are needed, including the priority display of frequently used clinical concepts within the electronic medical record, to improve the efficiency of ICU care.

Modern Treatment of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Evidence and Controversy.

Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common peripheral mononeuropathy in the upper extremity. However, the diagnosis and treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome remains controversial without a standard algorithm. Although diagnosis can often be made from the patient's history and physical examination alone, electrodiagnostic studies, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance image (MRI) can also be useful in diagnosing the disease and selecting the most appropriate treatment option. Treatment options include conservative nonoperative techniques as well as various surgical options, including in situ decompression with or without transposition, medial epicondylectomy, and nerve transfer in advanced disease. The purpose of this review is to summarize the most up-to-date literature regarding cubital tunnel syndrome and propose a treatment algorithm to provide clarity about the challenges of treating this complex patient population.

Novel Diagnostic and Treatment Techniques for Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome is a challenging condition to diagnose and treat, often precipitated by the triad of repetitive overhead activity, pectoralis minor contracture, and scapular dyskinesia. The resultant protracted scapular posture creates gradual repetitive traction injury of the suprascapular nerve via tethering at the suprascapular notch and decreases the volume of the brachial plexus cords and axillary vessels in the retropectoralis minor space. A stepwise and exhaustive diagnostic protocol is essential to exclude alternate pathologies and confirm the diagnosis of this dynamic pathologic process. Ultrasound-guided injections of local anesthetic or botulinum toxin are a key factor in confirming the diagnosis and prognosticating potential response from surgical release. In patients who fail over 6 months of supervised physical therapy aimed at correcting scapular posture and stretching of the pectoralis minor, arthroscopic surgical release is indicated. We present our diagnostic algorithm and technique for arthroscopic suprascapular neurolysis, pectoralis minor release, brachial plexus neurolysis, and infraclavicular thoracic outlet decompression.