Which indices of heart rate variability are the best predictors of mortality after acute myocardial infarction? Meta-analysis of observational studies.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the first cause of death globally with myocardial infarction as the main event. Heart rate variability (HRV) has been associated with an increased risk of mortality post-myocardial infarction. However, which indices of heart rate variability are the best predictors for total and cardiac mortality post-myocardial infarction remains unclear. We performed a systematic review to evaluate this association. METHODS AND RESULTS: PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched for studies with HRV as a predictive mortality marker. Two authors independently selected papers and extracted data and disagreements were solved with a third author. HRV indices included were SDNN, SDANN, HRV index, Total power, RMSSD, LF, HF, ULF, VLF, and LF/HF. For these clinical and statistical heterogeneity was assessed, forest and funnel plot graphs were made and sensitivity analysis, cumulative and regression meta-analysis were performed. Stata 16 was used for statistical analysis. Out of 19.960 articles found, 332 were initially selected for abstract screening and 27 finally fulfilled the criteria and allowed the extraction of data. After a sensitivity analysis, low values of SDNN, HRV index, ULF, VLF, Total Power, LF, LF/HF ratio and HF showed a statistically significant association with cardiac mortality, but SDNN index had the highest association (RR 4.19, CI95% 3.36-5.22, I2 39.7%). For total mortality, HRV index, VLF, ULF, LF, Total power, SDNNN, LF/HF ratio, HF were significantly associated, but HRV index was the index with highest association, (RR 3.60, CI95% 2.30-5.64, I2 27.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Based on a sensitivity analysis, the best index associated with cardiac mortality post-myocardial infarction is low values of SDNN and for total mortality is low values of HRV index.

How to Start and Build a Practice in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: Success and Sustainability in a Private Practice Setting.

The aim of this article is to provide a template for building and sustaining a microsurgical breast reconstruction practice in a private practice setting. The target audience including residents, microsurgical fellows, and reconstructive microsurgeons were currently employed in an academic setting, and reconstructive microsurgeons were currently employed in a private group entity. We present five pillars that initiate, support, and sustain a successful practice in microsurgical breast reconstruction. The five key concepts are (1) establishing a practice vision and culture, (2) obtaining funding, (3) assembling staff, (4) negotiating insurance and other contracts, and (5) striving for efficiency and sustainability. These concepts have been at the core of Plastic, Reconstructive and Microsurgical Associates of South Texas-a private practice eight-physician group based in San Antonio, Tex.-since its inception. However, these concepts have evolved as the practice has grown and as the economic landscape has changed for reconstructive microsurgeons. In the article, we will present what we have done well, what we could have done better, and some pitfalls to avoid.

Comparison of Outcomes and Survival of Two Cohorts of Patients with Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney Transplantation: A Retrospective Cohort Study in a Latin American Hospital.

Background: Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPKT) is a complex and demanding procedure with a considerable risk of morbidity and mortality. Advances in surgical techniques and organ preservation have introduced changes in care protocols. Two cohorts of patients receiving SPKT with two different protocols were compared to determine overall survival and pancreatic and renal graft failure-free survival. Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted in two cohorts of SPKT recipient patients that underwent surgery between 2001 and 2021. Outcomes were compared in transplant patients between 2001 and 2011 (cohort 1; initial protocol) and 2012-2021 (cohort 2; improved protocol). In addition to the temporality, the cohorts were defined by a protocolization of technical aspects and medical management in cohort 2 (improved protocol), compared to a wide variability in the procedures carried out in cohort 1 (initial protocol). Overall survival and pancreatic and renal graft failure-free survival were the primary outcomes. These outcomes were determined using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the log-rank test. Results: Fifty-five SPKT were performed during the study period: 32 in cohort 1 and 23 in cohort 2. In the survival analysis, an average of 2546 days (95% CI: 1902-3190) was found in cohort 1, while in cohort 2, it was 2540 days (95% CI: 2100-3204) (p > 0.05). Pancreatic graft failure-free survival had an average of 1705 days (95% CI: 1037-2373) in cohort 1, lower than the average in cohort 2 (2337 days; 95% CI: 1887-2788) (p = 0.016). Similarly, renal graft failure-free survival had an average of 2167 days (95% CI: 1485-2849) in cohort 1, lower than the average in cohort 2 (2583 days; 95% CI: 2159-3006) (p = 0.017). Conclusions: This analysis indicates that pancreatic and renal graft failure-free survival associated with SPKT decreased significantly in cohort 2, with results related to improvements in the treatment protocol implemented in that cohort.

Preoperative Assessment of the Breast Reconstruction Patient.

Through a multidisciplinary approach, as well as, a nuanced appreciation of patient goals and setting appropriate expectations, breast reconstruction can significantly improve the quality of life following mastectomy. A thorough review of the patient medical and surgical history in addition to oncologic treatments will facilitate discussion and recommendations for an individualized shared decision-making reconstructive process. Alloplastic reconstruction, although a highly popular modality, has important limitations. On the contrary, autologous reconstruction is more flexible but requires more thorough consideration.

Prevalence of anemia in pregnancy and its association with birth weight / Prevalencia de anemia en la gestación y su relación con el peso al nacer

Abstract Objectives: to assess the prevalence of maternal gestational anemia and its association with the birth weight. Methods: retrospective longitudinal observational study in a cohort of 370 pregnant women. Anthropometric, biochemical, ginecobstetric and sociodemographic data of both mothers and newborns were evaluated. The results of maternal erythrocyte indices were analyzed and contrasted with newborns anthropometrical data. Results: the mean age of the pregnant women was 27±6 years, with a mean gestational age of 32±6 weeks at the assessment moment, 56.2% were overweight. The prevalence of anemia was 28.6%. 47.2% women with anemia and 36% women without anemia had low birth weight/very low birth weight newborns (p=0.009). Of the children born to mothers with iron deficiency anemia, 20% had low birth weight and 15% very low birth weight. 54.3% newborns with global undernutrition or at risk of developing it were born to women with underweight(p=0.046), in addition, the higher the maternal weight, the lower the number of term newborns with risk of short height (p<0.001). Conclusions: there is relationship between the anemia, the maternal nutritional status and the birth weight.

Resumen Objetivos: evaluar la prevalencia de anemia gestacional materna y su relación con el peso al nacer. Métodos: estudio observacional longitudinal retrospectivo en una cohorte 370 mujeres gestantes. Se evaluaron variables demográficas clínicas y antropométricas tanto de las madres como de los recién nacidos. Se analizaron los resultados de los índices eritrocitarios maternos y se contrastaron con los datos antropométricos de los neonatos. Resultados: la edad promedio de las gestantes fue de 27±6 años con edad gestacional promedio al momento de la evaluación nutricional de 32±6 semanas, el 56,2% presentaron exceso de peso. La prevalencia de anemia fue de 28,6%. El 47,2% de gestantes con anemia y el 36% de gestantes sin anemia tuvieron neonatos con bajo peso/muy bajo al nacer (p=0,009). De los niños nacidos de madres con anemia ferropénica 20% tuvo bajo peso y 15% muy bajo peso al nacer. El 54,3% de neonatos con desnutrición global o en riesgo de desarrollarla fueron hijos de madres con bajo peso (p=0,046), además a mayor peso materno, menor cantidad de neonatos a término con riesgo de baja talla (p<0,001). Conclusiones: existe relación entre la anemia, el estado nutricional materno y el peso al nacer.

Análisis de costo-efectividad de intervención nutricional temprana comparado con la atención de rutina en pacientes con riesgo nutricional

RESUMEN Introducción: La desnutrición hospitalaria es un proceso multicausal y de alta prevalencia. La intervención nutricional temprana mejora el pronóstico de los pacientes afectados y reduce los costos sanitarios. Objetivo: Estimar la diferencia de costo efectividad de la atención de rutina comparado con la intervención nutricional temprana, en pacientes en riesgo nutricional, en un Hospital Universitario de alta complejidad entre marzo y octubre de 2012. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de evaluación económica en 165 pacientes adultos hospitalizados de especialidades médicas y quirúrgicas. Se tomó como referencia la información de un estudio de intervención cuasi experimental realizado en el año 2012. Se estratificaran los pacientes de acuerdo a días de estancia hospitalaria, complicaciones y estado nutricional según grupo de intervención y se obtuvieron los costos sanitarios. Resultados: La mediana en el costo por paciente con complicaciones fue de US$ 3.950 en el grupo de intervención nutricional temprana comparado con US$ 5.301 por la atención de rutina; para la estancia hospitalaria fue de US$ 2.462 vs US$ 4.201 y para los recursos derivados de optimización del peso fue de US$ 3.627 vs US$ 5.132 respectivamente. Conclusión: La intervención nutricional temprana en los pacientes en riesgo nutricional, disminuyó los costos derivados de complicaciones, estancia hospitalaria y optimización del estado nutricional.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Hospital malnutrition is a highly prevalent process with multiple causes. Early nutritional intervention improves the prognosis of affected patients and reduces health costs. Objective: To estimate the cost-effectiveness of routine care compared with early nutritional intervention, in patients at nutritional risk, in a high complexity university hospital between March and October 2012. Materials and methods: Economic evaluation study in 165 adult hospitalized medical and surgical specialty patients. The information from a quasi-experimental intervention study conducted in 2012 was taken as a reference. Patients were stratified by intervention group according to days of hospital stay, complications and nutritional status; health costs were also obtained. Results: For the early nutritional intervention group compared to routine care, the median cost per patient with complications was US$ 3,950 vs US$ 5,301; US$ 2,462 vs US$ 4,201 for hospital stay and US$ 3,627 vs US$ 5,132 for resources derived from weight optimization, respectively. Conclusion: The early nutritional intervention in patients at nutritional risk, decreased the costs derived from complications, hospital stay, and optimization of nutritional status.

Enhanced Recovery Pathway Reduces Hospital Stay and Opioid Use in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: A Single-Center, Private Practice Experience.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine benefits of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathway implementation in free flap breast reconstruction related to postoperative narcotic use and health care resource utilization. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients undergoing deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction from November of 2015 to April of 2018 was performed before and after implementation of the ERAS protocol. RESULTS: Four hundred nine patients met inclusion criteria. The pre-ERAS group comprised 205 patients, and 204 patients were managed through the ERAS pathway. Mean age, laterality, timing of reconstruction, and number of previous abdominal surgical procedures were similar ( p > 0.05) between groups. Mean operative time between both groups (450.1 ± 92.7 minutes versus 440.7 ± 93.5 minutes) and complications were similar ( p > 0.05). Mean intraoperative (58.9 ± 32.5 versus 31.7 ± 23.4) and postoperative (129.5 ± 80.1 versus 90 ± 93.9) morphine milligram equivalents used were significantly ( p < 0.001) higher in the pre-ERAS group. Mean length of stay was significantly ( p < 0.001) longer in the pre-ERAS group (4.5 ± 0.8 days versus 3.2 ± 0.6 days). Bivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that operative time was positively associated with total narcotic requirements ( p < 0.001) and length of stay ( p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: ERAS pathways in microsurgical breast reconstruction promote reduction in intraoperative and postoperative narcotic utilization with concomitant decrease in hospital length of stay. In this study, patients managed through ERAS pathways required 46 percent less intraoperative and 31 percent less postoperative narcotics and had a 29 percent reduction in hospital length of stay. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Thoracic Aortic Diameter and Cardiovascular Events and Mortality among Women and Men.

Background Thoracic aortic diameter may have a role as a biomarker for major adverse cardiovascular events. Purpose To evaluate the sex-specific association of the diameters of the ascending (AA) and descending (DA) thoracic aorta with risk of stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality. Materials and Methods Study participants from the population-based Rotterdam Study who underwent multidetector-row CT between 2003 and 2006 were evaluated. Cox proportional hazard models were conducted to evaluate the associations of AA and DA diameters indexed and not indexed for body mass index (BMI) with cardiovascular events and mortality for men and women. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated per 1-unit greater SD of aortic diameters. Results A total of 2178 participants (mean age, 69 years; 55% women) were included. Mean follow-up was 9 years. Each 0.23-mm/(kg/m2) larger BMI-indexed AA diameter was associated with a 33% higher cardiovascular mortality risk in women (HR, 1.33; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.73). Each 0.16-mm/(kg/m2) larger BMI-indexed DA diameter was associated with a 38% higher risk of stroke (HR, 1.38; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.78) and with a 46% greater risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR, 1.46; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.94) in women. Larger BMI-indexed AA and DA diameters were associated with greater risk of all-cause mortality in both sexes. Conclusion Larger ascending and descending thoracic aortic diameters indexed by body mass index were associated with greater risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in women and men. Clinical trial registration no. NTR6831 © RSNA, 2022 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Williams in this issue.

Prospective Longitudinal Patient-Reported Satisfaction and Health-Related Quality of Life following DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: Effects of Reconstruction Timing.

BACKGROUND: Without reconstruction, mastectomy alone can produce significant detrimental effects on health-related quality of life. The magnitude of quality-of-life benefits following breast reconstruction may be unique based on timing of reconstruction. Facilitated by the BREAST-Q questionnaire, characterization of how reconstruction timing differentially affects patient-reported quality of life is essential for improved evidence-based clinical practice. METHODS: Consecutive DIEP flap breast reconstruction patients prospectively completed BREAST-Q questionnaires preoperatively and at two different time intervals postoperatively. The first (postoperative time point A) and second (postoperative time point B) postoperative questionnaires were completed 1 month postoperatively and following breast revision/symmetry procedures, respectively. Postoperative flap and donor-site complications were recorded prospectively. Stratified by timing (immediate versus delayed) of reconstruction, preoperative clinical data, operative morbidity, and BREAST-Q scores were compared at all time points. RESULTS: Between July of 2012 and August of 2016, 73 patients underwent 130 DIEP flap breast reconstructions. Collectively, breast satisfaction, psychosocial well-being, and sexual well-being scores significantly (p < 0.001) increased postoperatively versus baseline. Chest and abdominal physical well-being scores returned to baseline levels by postoperative time point B. Preoperatively, patients undergoing delayed breast reconstruction reported significantly (p < 0.05) lower breast satisfaction, psychosocial well-being, and sexual well-being scores compared to immediate reconstruction patients. Postoperatively, delayed and immediate reconstruction patients reported similar quality-of-life scores. Outcome satisfaction and flap and donor-site morbidity were similar between groups irrespective of timing of reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective study, patient-reported outcomes demonstrate significant improvements in breast satisfaction, psychosocial well-being, and sexual well-being among patients following DIEP flap reconstruction. Moreover, preoperative differences in quality-of-life scores among delayed/immediate reconstruction patients were eliminated postoperatively. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

Perfil neuropsicológico en pacientes con trauma craneoencefálico atendidos en un hospital de alta complejidad de Medellín, Colombia / Neuropsychological profile of patients with traumatic brain injury evaluated in a high complexity hospital in Medellin, Colombia

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: El trauma craneoencefálico (TCE) es una de las principales causas de daño cerebral y discapacidad en personas menores de 40 años. Según su severidad, se puede clasificar en leve, moderado o grave, en función de la escala de coma de Glasgow. Muchos pacientes quedan con secuelas neuropsicológicas y comportamentales que pueden afectar en mayor o menor grado su funcionalidad. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar las diferencias en el perfil neuropsicológico, las características clínicas y el compromiso funcional en pacientes con TCE según la clasificación de la severidad. METODOLOGÍA: Se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico, de corte transversal. Se revisaron las historias clínicas y los reportes neuropsicológicos de adultos con TCE evaluados por neuropsicología entre los años 2014 y 2019. Se compararon los resultados de pruebas neuropsicológicas, síndromes neuropsicológicos y funcionalidad según la severidad del TCE. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 48 pacientes, 38 de ellos hombres (73 %), con una mediana de edad de 35 años (RI: 25-51). En 14 casos el TCE fue leve, en 18 moderado y en 16 severo. El síndrome neuropsicológico más frente fue el amnésico (100 %), seguido del disejecutivo (79 %) y el compromiso en la atención (77 %). No se encontraron diferencias según severidad del TCE. Cuarenta y un pacientes (85 %) presentaron cambios comportamentales, 14 (29 %) experimentaron alteración en las actividades básicas de la vida diaria y 32 (68 %) en las actividades instrumentales. CONCLUSIONES: Las alteraciones neuropsicológicas, comportamentales y funcionales posteriores a un TCE son frecuentes, sin embargo, no se encontraron diferencias significativas según severidad del trauma.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is one of the main causes of brain damage and disability in people under 40 years of age. The severity of TBI can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on the Glasgow coma scale. Many patients are left with neuropsychological and behavioral sequelae that can affect functionality to a greater or lesser degree. The objective of the study was to determine the differences in the neuropsychological profile, clinical characteristics and functional impairment in patients with TBI according to severity. METHODOLOGY: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was carried out. The clinical records and neuropsychological reports of adults with TBI evaluated between 2014 and 2019 were reviewed. The results of neuropsychological tests, neuropsychological syndromes, and functionality according to severity of TBI were compared. RESULTS: 48 patients were studied, 35 were males (73 %), the median age was 35 years (IR: 25-51). In 14 TBI was mild, in 18 moderate and 16 severe. The most common neuropsychological syndrome was amnesic (100 %) followed by dysexecutive (79 %) and attentional commitment (77 %). No differences were found according to severity of TBI. 41 patients (85 %) presented behavioral changes, 14 (29 %) presented alteration in basic activities of daily life and 32 (68 %) in instrumental activities. CONCLUSIONS: Neuropsychological, behavioral and functional alterations are frequent after TBI; however, no significant differences were found according to the severity of the trauma.

Longitudinal strain by speckle tracking and echocardiographic parameters as predictors of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy.

To analyze the prognostic value of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) and other echocardiographic parameters to predict adverse outcomes in chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCM). Prospective cohort study conducted in 177 consecutive patients with different CCM stages. Transthoracic echocardiography measurements were obtained following the American Society of Echocardiography recommendations. By speckle-tracking echocardiography, LV-GLS was obtained from the apical three-chamber, apical two-chamber, and apical four-chamber views. The primary composite outcome (CO) was all-cause mortality, cardiac transplantation, and a left ventricular assist device implantation. After a median follow-up of 42.3 months (Q1 = 38.6; Q3 = 52.1), the CO incidence was 22.6% (95% CI 16.7-29.5%, n = 40). The median LV-GLS value was - 13.6% (Q1 = - 18.6%; Q3 = - 8.5%). LVEF, LV-GLS, and E/e' ratio with cut-off points of 40%, - 9, and 8.1, respectively, were the best independent CO predictors. We combined these three echocardiographic markers and evaluated the risk of CO according to the number of altered parameters, finding a significant increase in the risk across the groups. While in the group of patients in which all these three parameters were normal, only 3.2% had the CO; those with all three abnormal parameters had an incidence of 60%. We observed a potential incremental prognostic value of LV-GLS in the multivariate model of LVEF and E/e' ratio, as the AUC increased slightly from 0.76 to 0.79, nevertheless, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.066). LV-GLS is an important predictor of adverse cardiovascular events in CCM, providing a potential incremental prognostic value to LVEF and E/e' ratio when analyzed using optimal cut-off points, highlighting the potential utility of multimodal echocardiographic tools for predicting adverse outcomes in CCM.

Cardiovascular biomarkers as predictors of adverse outcomes in chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy (CCM) is a unique form of cardiomyopathy compared to other etiologies of heart failure. In CCM, risk prediction based on biomarkers has not been well-studied. We assessed the prognostic value of a biomarker panel to predict a composite outcome (CO), including the need for heart transplantation, use of left ventricular assist devices, and mortality. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of 100 adults with different stages of CCM. Serum concentrations of amino-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), galectin-3 (Gal-3), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), high sensitivity troponin T (hs-cTnT), soluble (sST2), and cystatin-C (Cys-c) were measured. Survival analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 52 months, the mortality rate was 20%, while the CO was observed in 25% of the patients. Four biomarkers (NT-proBNP, hs-cTnT, sST2, and Cys-C) were associated with the CO; concentrations of NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT were associated with the highest AUC (85.1 and 85.8, respectively). Combining these two biomarkers above their selected cut-off values significantly increased risk for the CO (HR 3.18; 95%CI 1.31-7.79). No events were reported in the patients in whom the two biomarkers were under the cut-off values, and when both levels were above cut-off values, the CO was observed in 60.71%. CONCLUSION: The combination of NT-proBNP and hs-TnT above their selected cut-off values is associated with a 3-fold increase in the risk of the composite outcome among CCM patients. The use of cardiac biomarkers may improve prognostic evaluation of patients with CCM.

Factores sociales y clínicos asociados con el diagnóstico temprano de hipotiroidismo en el síndrome de Down

Objetivo: establecer los factores sociales y clínicos asociados con el diagnóstico temprano de hipotiroidismo en pacientes con síndrome de Down en un hospital de alta complejidad de Colombia. Metodología: se realizó un estudio observacional, transversal y analítico en pacientes con hipotiroidismo y síndrome de Down de tres años o menos, atendidos entre los años 2017 y 2018. Se tuvo como fuente secundaria la información de las historias clínicas. La fuente primaria fue una encuesta telefónica realizada al cuidador del paciente, se evaluaron variables demográficas, sociales y clínicas. Resultados: se evaluaron 144 historias clínicas. De estas, 78 lograron cumplir con las variables. 32 pacientes presentaron hipotiroidismo, con ellos se realizó el estudio. El diagnóstico temprano de hipotiroidismo, entendido como el anterior a los 6 meses de edad, fue del 59,4 %. El hipotiroidismo clínico fue del 71,1 % con relación al subclínico. El 87,5 % mostró niveles de hormona estimulante de la tiroides (TSH) inferiores a 15 mU/L neonatales y el 3 % de la población tuvo hipotiroidismo congénito. En el 50 % de los casos se logró diagnosticar hipotiroidismo en los tres primeros meses de vida. La talla al nacer con relación al diagnóstico temprano de hipotirodismo presentó un RP: 14, IC 95 %: 1,06-186. Conclusiones: el diagnóstico temprano de hipotiroidismo está asociado con la talla de los pacientes al nacer. Se debe realizar un control continuo de la función tiroidea en los primeros meses y años de vida de los pacientes con síndrome de Down, independiente de los valores de TSH neonatales.

SUMMARY Objective: To establish the social and clinical factors associated with the early diagnosis of hypothyroidism in patients with Down syndrome in a highly complex hospital in Colombia. Methodology: An observational, cross-sectional and analytic study was conducted in patients with hypothyroidism and Down syndrome aged three years old or younger, attended between the years 2017 - 2018. We had as secondary source the information of the clinical histories and as primary source a telephone survey carried out to the caregiver of the patient, we evaluated demographic, social and clinical variables. Results: 144 clinical histories were evaluated, of which 78 were able to comply with the variables; 32 patients presented hypothyroidism and with them the investigation was carried out. The early diagnosis of hypothyroidism, understood as that before 6 months of age, was 59. 4%. Clinical hypothyroidism was 71. 1% with connection to the subclinical, 87. 5% had thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels lower than 15 mU/L neonatal and 3% of the population had congenital hypothyroidism. 50% of cases were diagnosed with hypothyroidism in the first three months of life. The height at birth in relation to the early diagnosis of hypothyroidism presented an RP: 14, IC 95%: 1.06-186. Conclusions: Early diagnosis of hypothyroidism has an association by the size of the patients at birth. Continuous monitoring of thyroid function in the first months and years of life of patients with Down syndrome, independent of neonatal TSH values, should be performed.

Case Volume-Dependent Changes in Operative Morbidity following Free Flap Breast Reconstruction: A 15-Year Single-Center Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Operative morbidity is a common yet modifiable feature of complex surgical procedures. With increasing case volume, improvement in morbidity has been reported through designated procedural processes and greater repetition. Defined as a volume-outcome association, improvement in breast reconstruction morbidity with increasing free flap volume requires further characterization. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted among consecutive free flap patients using a two-microsurgeon model between January of 2002 and December of 2017. Patient demographics and operative characteristics were obtained from medical records. Complications including unplanned surgical intervention (take-back) and flap loss were obtained from prospectively kept databases. Individual surgeon operative volume was estimated by considering overall practice volume and correcting for the number of surgeons at any given time. RESULTS: During the study period, 3949 patients met inclusion criteria. A total of 6607 breasts underwent reconstruction with 6675 free flaps. Mean patient age was 50 ± 9.4 years and mean body mass index was 28.8 ± 5.0 kg/m2. Bilateral reconstruction was performed on 2633 patients (66.5 percent), with 4626 breasts (70.5 percent) reconstructed in the immediate setting. Overall, breast and donor-site complications were reported in 507 breasts (7.7 percent) and 607 cases (15.4 percent), respectively. Take-back was required in 375 cases (9.5 percent), with complete flap loss occurring in 57 cases (0.9 percent). Based on annual flaps per surgeon, the incidence of complications decreased with increasing volume (slope = -0.12; p = 0.056). CONCLUSION: Through procedural efficiency and execution of defined clinical processes using a two-microsurgeon model, increases in microsurgical breast reconstruction case volume result in decreased morbidity. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Carving Out Financial Success: The Power of Insurance Carve-Outs in a Private Plastic Surgery Practice.

BACKGROUND: Since the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed into law, there has been a push away from fee-for-service payment models. The rise of bundled payments has drastically impacted plastic surgeons' incomes, especially nonsalaried surgeons in private practice. As a result, physicians must now attempt to optimize contractual reimbursement agreements (carve-outs) with insurance providers. The aim of this article is to explain the economics behind negotiating carve-outs and to offer a how-to guide for plastic surgeons to use in such negotiations. METHODS: Based on work relative value units, Medicare reimbursement, overhead expenses, physician workload, and desired income, the authors present an approach that allows surgeons to evaluate the reimbursement they receive for various procedures. The authors then review factors that influence whether a carve-out can be pursued. Finally, the authors consider relevant nuances of negotiating with insurance companies. RESULTS: Using tissue expander insertion (CPT 19357) as an example, the authors review the mathematics, thought process required, and necessary steps in determining whether a carve-out should be pursued. Strategies for negotiation with insurance companies were identified. The presented approach can be used to potentially negotiate a carve-out for any reconstructive procedure that meets appropriate financial criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding practice costs will allow plastic surgeons to evaluate the true value of insurance reimbursements and determine whether a carve-out is worth pursuing. Plastic surgeons must be prepared to negotiate adequate reimbursement carve-outs whenever possible. Ultimately, by aligning the best quality patient care with insurance companies' financial motivations, plastic surgeons have the opportunity to improve reimbursement for some reconstructive procedures.

Post-mastectomy Breast Reconstruction with Autologous Tissue: Current Methods and Techniques.

Breast reconstruction is an option that should be considered for any patient facing a mastectomy. Autologous breast reconstruction provides the benefits of excellent longterm results, natural appearance, natural feel, and the best opportunity for sensory restoration. These factors lead many patients to choose autologous tissue over implant-based reconstruction. With improved anatomic and technical knowledge, the donor site morbidity previously associated with abdominally based autologous reconstruction has been significantly reduced. Today, the DIEP flap is the preferred autologous method allowing restoration of a "natural," aesthetic breast with potential for sensation while simultaneously minimizing abdominal donor site morbidity. Alternative flaps and adjunctive procedures provide options when dealing with patients who present with challenging clinical scenarios because of an inadequate abdominal donor site. This paper reviews current methods employed by a high volume breast reconstruction practice to achieve these goals.

Circulating Trypanosoma cruzi load and major cardiovascular outcomes in patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the effect of parasite load assessed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) in serum on the prognosis of patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCM) after a 2-year follow-up. METHODS: Prospective cohort study conducted between 2015 and 2017. One hundred patients with CCM were included. Basal parasitaemia levels of Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) were measured using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) test. The primary composite outcome (CO) was all-cause mortality, cardiac transplantation and implantation of a left ventricular assist device. Secondary outcomes were the baseline levels of serum biomarkers and echocardiographic variables. RESULTS: After a 2 years of follow-up, the primary CO rate was 16%. A positive qPCR was not associated with a higher risk of the CO. However, when parasitaemia was evaluated by comparing tertiles (tertile 1: undetectable parasitaemia, tertile 2: low parasitaemia and tertile 3: high parasitaemia), a higher risk of the CO (HR 3.66; 95% CI 1.11-12.21) was evidenced in tertile 2. Moreover, patients in tertile 2 had significantly higher levels of high-sensitivity troponin T and cystatin C and more frequently exhibited an ejection fraction <50%. CONCLUSION: Low parasitaemia was associated with severity markers of myocardial injury and a higher risk of the composite outcome when compared with undetectable parasitaemia. This finding could be hypothetically explained by a more vigorous immune response in patients with low parasitaemia that could decrease T. cruzi load more efficiently, but be associated with increased myocardial damage. Additional studies with a larger number of patients and cytokine measurement are required to support this hypothesis.

OBJECTIFS: Analyser l'effet de la charge parasitaire évaluée par PCR quantitative de transcription inverse (RT-qPCR) dans le sérum sur le pronostic des patients atteints de cardiomyopathie chronique de Chagas (CCM) après un suivi de deux ans. MÉTHODES: Etude de cohorte prospective menée entre 2015 et 2017. Une centaine de patients atteints de CCM ont été inclus. Les niveaux de parasitémie basale de Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) ont été mesurés en utilisant un test de réaction en chaîne de la polymérase quantitative (qPCR). Le principal résultat composite (RC) était la mortalité toutes causes, la transplantation cardiaque et l'implantation d'un dispositif d'assistance ventriculaire gauche. Les critères secondaires étaient les niveaux de base des biomarqueurs sériques et des variables échocardiographiques. RÉSULTATS: Après 2 ans de suivi, le taux de RC primaire était de 16%. Une qPCR positive n'était pas associée à un risque plus élevé de RC. Cependant, lorsque la parasitémie était évaluée en comparant les tertiles (tertile 1: parasitémie indétectable, tertile 2: parasitémie faible et tertile 3: parasitémie élevée), un risque plus élevé de RC (HR: 3,66; IC95%: 1,11-12,21) a été mis en évidence dans le tertile 2. De plus, les patients du tertile 2 avaient des niveaux significativement plus élevés de troponine T et de cystatine-C à haute sensibilité et présentaient plus fréquemment une fraction d'éjection <50%. CONCLUSION: Une faible parasitémie était associée à des marqueurs de sévérité des lésions myocardiques et à un risque plus élevé de résultat composite par rapport à une parasitémie indétectable. Cette découverte pourrait être hypothétiquement expliquée par une réponse immunitaire plus vigoureuse chez les patients présentant une faible parasitémie qui pourrait diminuer la charge de T. cruzi plus efficacement mais être associée à une augmentation des lésions myocardiques. Des études supplémentaires avec un plus grand nombre de patients et une mesure des cytokines sont nécessaires pour étayer cette hypothèse.

Arterial calcification at multiple sites: sex-specific cardiovascular risk profiles and mortality risk-the Rotterdam Study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence has pointed towards differences in the burden of arteriosclerosis according to its location and sex. Yet there is a scarcity of population-based data on aggregated sex-specific cardiovascular risk profiles, instead of single risk factors, and mortality risk according to the location of arteriosclerosis. We assessed sex-specific cardiovascular risk profiles and mortality risk associated with arteriosclerosis. METHODS: From the population-based Rotterdam Study, 2357 participants (mean age 69 years, 53% women) underwent non-contrast computed tomography to quantify calcification, as a proxy for arteriosclerosis, in the coronary arteries (CAC), aortic arch (AAC), extracranial (ECAC) and intracranial carotid arteries (ICAC), vertebrobasilar arteries (VBAC), and aortic valve (AVC). Principal component analysis (PCA) of eight distinct cardiovascular risk factors was performed, separately for women and men, to derive risk profiles based on the shared variance between factors. We used sex-stratified multivariable logistic regression to examine the associations between PCA-derived risk profiles and severe calcification at different locations. We investigated the associations of severe calcification with mortality risk using sex-stratified multivariable Cox regression. RESULTS: PCA identified three cardiovascular risk profiles in both sexes: (1) anthropometry, glucose, and HDL cholesterol; (2) blood pressure; and (3) smoking and total cholesterol. In women, the strongest associations were found for profile 2 with severe ECAC and ICAC (adjusted OR [95% CI] 1.32 [1.14-1.53]) and for profile 3 with severe at all locations, except AVC. In men, the strongest associations were found for profile 2 with VBAC (1.31 [1.12-1.52]) and profile 3 with severe AAC (1.28 [1.09-1.51]). ECAC and AVC in women and CAC in men showed the strongest, independent associations with cardiovascular mortality (HR [95% CI] 2.11 [1.22-3.66], 2.05 [1.21-3.49], 2.24 [1.21-3.78], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings further underline the existence of sex- and location-specific differences in the etiology and consequences of arteriosclerosis. Future research should unravel which distinct pathological processes underlie differences in risk profiles for arteriosclerosis.

Telemedicine and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic and Directions for the Future.

Telemedicine holds vast amounts of potential in changing the way outpatient plastic and reconstructive surgery is practiced. Before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, video conferencing was used by a small fraction of medical specialties. However, since the start of the pandemic, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the largest private health insurance companies have relaxed regulations to allow the majority of specialties to use video conferencing in lieu of in-person visits. Most importantly, video conferencing minimizes patient and physician exposure in situations such as these, and decreases risk in the immunocompromised population. Video conferencing, which has been shown to be just as safe and efficacious in treating patients, offers the ability to follow up with physicians while saving travel time and travel-related expenses. This in turn correlates with increased patient satisfaction. Video conferencing also allows physicians to expand their reach to patients in rural areas seeking advanced professional advice. Incorporating video conferencing into existing practices will make for a more efficient practice, improve patient satisfaction, and decrease cost to patients and the health care system.