Incidental Coronary Artery Calcification Seen on Low-Dose Computed Tomography Is a Risk Factor for Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease in Patients Undergoing Liver Transplant.

Incidental arterial calcification (Ca) on low-dose computed tomography (CT) prior to liver transplant (LT) may help identify those at risk for obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). A single-center retrospective study of 358 consecutive patients who had undergone LT was performed. Of the 296 patients who met inclusion criteria, 193 patients (65.2%) had CT Ca. Aortic Ca was seen in 116 (39.2%), coronary Ca in 141 (47.6%), and peripheral Ca in 8 patients (2.7%). Patients with coronary Ca were assigned ordinal coronary artery Ca scores and classified as mild, moderate, and severe. All-cause mortality was higher in patients with Ca in any location (14.5% vs 6.8%, P = .05). Of the patients who underwent coronary angiography, those with obstructive CAD were more likely to have aortic and coronary Ca than patients with nonobstructive or no CAD (85.7% vs 50.0%, P = .02 and 92.9% vs 37.9%, P = < .001, respectively). Severe coronary artery Ca scores were more frequent in patients with obstructive CAD (35.7% vs 0%, P < .001). Any severity coronary Ca had an odds ratio of 11.57 (95% CI, 1.61-244.92; P = .04) for obstructive CAD. In conclusion, incidental coronary Ca seen on low-dose CT is a risk factor for obstructive CAD in patients undergoing LT.

Who's Not Protected in the Herd? Factors Associated with Vaccine-Type HPV in Unvaccinated Women.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Evidence suggests that vaccine-type human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence may decrease in unvaccinated women after HPV vaccine introduction, indicating herd protection. The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with vaccine-type HPV (i.e. absence of herd protection) after vaccine introduction. DESIGN: We conducted three cross-sectional studies from 2006-2014 (n = 1180): wave 1 (2006-2007), wave 2 (2009-2010), and wave 3 (2013-2014). SETTING: Participants were recruited from a hospital-based teen health center and a community health department. PARTICIPANTS: We recruited 13-26 year-old young women; those included in this analysis had not received an HPV vaccine. INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The outcome measure was infection with at least one vaccine-type HPV (HPV6, 11, 16, 18). RESULTS: Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that in wave 1 (before vaccine introduction), history of anal intercourse (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1-3.0), age 18-21 vs 13-17 years (OR = 2.1, CI = 1.2-3.6), and Black/multiracial vs White race (OR = 1.8, CI = 1.1-3.0) were associated with vaccine-type HPV in unvaccinated women. In wave 2, no variables were associated with HPV. In wave 3, sexually transmitted infection history (OR = 3.6, CI = 1.3-9.7) was associated with HPV. CONCLUSION: We did not identify a consistent set of modifiable risk factors associated with vaccine-type HPV after vaccine introduction across the three study waves, underscoring the urgency of vaccination for primary HPV prevention and the limitations of relying on herd protection.

Incidence of sexually transmitted infections in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected adolescents in the USA.

Little is known about the incidence of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among HIV-infected versus HIV-uninfected adolescents. This secondary analysis of a national, multisite study included adolescents aged 12-18 years who were behaviourally HIV-infected (n = 346) or HIV-uninfected but at-risk (n = 182). Incidence rates of bacterial STIs (gonorrhoea, chlamydia [CT] and trichomonas [TV; women]) were calculated using Poisson modelling. Factors associated with incident STIs were explored using Cox proportional hazards modelling. HIV-infected versus HIV-uninfected women had higher TV incidence (1.3 versus 0.6/100 person-months; P = 0.002). HIV-uninfected versus HIV-infected women had higher CT incidence (1.6 versus 1.1/100 person-months; P = 0.04). Among women, demographic, behavioural and HIV-related factors were associated with incident STIs. Among men, there were no differences in incident STIs. In this first analysis comparing STI incidence between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected adolescents, bacterial STI incidence among women significantly differed by HIV status, and factors associated with incident STIs varied by STI and HIV status.

Do acetyl salicylic acid and terbutaline in combination increase the probability of a clinical pregnancy in patients undergoing IVF/ICSI?

The present study investigated if acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) and terbutaline in combination increased the clinical pregnancy rate in patients undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF)/intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). A randomised controlled trial was designed, in which 167 patients were randomised to taking ASA for 9 weeks after embryo transfer and terbutaline around the time of embryo transfer as adjuvant medication. A total of 112 patients were randomised to no adjuvant medication. The clinical pregnancy rate per controlled ovarian hyperstimulation was 30.5% in the intervention group and 42.0% in the control group. This difference was not statistically significant, and we conclude that ASA and terbutaline in combination do not increase the clinical pregnancy rate after IVF/ICSI treatment.

Adolescents' agreement to test for HIV when different testing methods are offered.

Offering rapid HIV testing improves rates of testing in adults, but little is known about whether offering adolescents a choice of testing methods increases rates of testing. The aims of the study were to determine rates of HIV testing in adolescents when different testing methods were offered and explore factors associated with agreement to be tested for HIV. Participants (n= 200, sexually experienced 13-22 year olds) were recruited from an urban adolescent clinic, completed a 99-item theory-based survey and were offered their choice of venipuncture, rapid fingerstick or rapid oral fluid HIV testing. Approximately half (49.5%) agreed to HIV testing. Male gender, parental completion of high school, intention to test for HIV if offered by clinician and higher perceived likelihood of current HIV infection were independently associated with agreement to test. Combining new strategies, such as opt-out testing, with routine testing may be needed to improve rates of adolescent HIV testing.

A comparison of sirolimus vs. calcineurin inhibitor-based immunosuppressive therapies in liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Sirolimus is a potent immunosuppressive agent whose role in liver transplantation has not been well-described. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and side-effects of sirolimus-based immunosuppression in liver transplant patients. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 185 patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation. Patients were divided into three groups: group SA, sirolimus alone (n = 28); group SC, sirolimus with calcineurin inhibitors (n =56) and group CNI, calcineurin inhibitors without sirolimus (n = 101). RESULTS: One-year patient and graft survival rates were 86.5% and 82.1% in group SA, 94.6% and 92.9% in group SC, and 83.2% and 75.2% in group CNI (P = N.S.). The rates of acute cellular rejection at 12 months were comparable among the three groups. At the time of transplantation, serum creatinine levels were significantly higher in group SA, but mean creatinine among the three groups at 1 month was similar. More patients in group SA required dialysis before orthotopic liver transplantation (group SA, 25%; group SC, 9%; group CNI, 5%; P = 0.008), but at 1 year, post-orthotopic liver transplantation dialysis rates were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Sirolimus given alone or in conjunction with calcineurin inhibitors appears to be an effective primary immunosuppressant regimen for orthotopic liver transplantation patients. Further studies to evaluate the efficacy and side-effect profile of sirolimus in liver transplant patients are warranted.

Attitudes about human papillomavirus vaccine among family physicians.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines will soon be available for clinical use, and the effectiveness of vaccine delivery programs will depend largely upon whether providers recommend the vaccine. The objectives of this study were to examine family physicians' attitudes about HPV immunization and to identify predictors of intention to recommend immunization. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey instrument assessing provider and practice characteristics, knowledge about HPV, attitudes about HPV vaccination, and intention to administer two hypothetical HPV vaccines. PARTICIPANTS: Surveys were mailed to a national random sample of 1,000 American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) members. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Intention to administer two hypothetical HPV vaccines (a cervical cancer/genital wart vaccine and a cervical cancer vaccine) to boys and girls of different ages. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-five surveys (15.5%) were returned and 145 were used in the final sample. Participants reported higher intention to recommend both hypothetical HPV vaccines to girls vs. boys (P < 0.0001) and to older vs. younger adolescents (P < 0.0001). They were more likely to recommend a cervical cancer/genital wart vaccine than a cervical cancer vaccine to boys and girls (P < 0.001). Variables independently associated with intention (P < 0.05) included: female gender of provider, knowledge about HPV, belief that organizations such as the AAFP would endorse vaccination, and fewer perceived barriers to vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Female gender, knowledge about HPV, and attitudes about vaccination were independently associated with family physicians' intention to recommend HPV vaccines. Vaccination initiatives directed toward family physicians should focus on modifiable predictors of intention to vaccinate, such as HPV knowledge and attitudes about vaccination.

Acceptability of human papillomavirus self testing in female adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: To develop scales assessing acceptability of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing in adolescents, to compare acceptability of self to clinician testing, and to identify adolescent characteristics associated with acceptability. METHODS: Female adolescents 14-21 years of age attending a hospital based teen health centre self collected vaginal samples and a clinician, using a speculum, collected cervicovaginal samples for HPV DNA. Acceptability of and preferences for self and clinician testing were assessed at baseline and 2 week visits. RESULTS: The mean age of the 121 participants was 17.8 years and 82% were black. The acceptability scales demonstrated good internal consistency, reliability, test-retest reliability, and factorial validity. Scores were significantly lower for self testing than clinician testing on the acceptability scale and three subscales measuring trust of the test result, confidence in one's ability to collect a specimen, and perceived effects of testing (p < 0.01). Of those who reported a preference, 73% preferred clinician to self testing. Acceptability scores for both self and clinician testing increased significantly pre-examination to post-examination (p < 0.01). Multivariable analyses demonstrated that race was independently associated with pre-examination and post-examination acceptability of self testing, and that sexual behaviours and gynaecological experiences were associated with specific acceptability subscales. CONCLUSIONS: This sample of adolescents found clinician testing for HPV to be more acceptable than self testing and preferred clinician to self testing. If self testing for HPV is offered in the future, clinicians should not assume that adolescent patients will prefer self testing. Instead, they should educate adolescents about available testing options and discuss any concerns regarding self collection technique or accuracy of test results.

Acute renal failure following IVF: case report.

IVF is one of the most comprehensively registered interventions in clinical medicine. IVF is regarded as safe with very few complications. We report a woman who developed acute renal failure due to compression of both ureters from enlarged stimulated ovaries. The condition was diagnosed using ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The condition was treated with insertion of double-J stents in both ureters and resolved without need of dialysis. Compression of the ureters due to enlarged ovaries should be considered if a patient develops acute renal failure following IVF.

Measurement of young women's attitudes about communication with providers regarding Papanicolaou smears.

PURPOSE: To describe the psychometric properties of a scale created to measure communication with the provider regarding Papanicolaou (Pap) smears. METHODS: A scale based on expectancy-value theory was developed and administered to 490 young women aged 12 to 24 years in an urban adolescent clinic. Psychometric properties were assessed using factor analysis to evaluate latent variables, intraclass correlation coefficient to evaluate test-retest reliability, and Cronbach coefficient alpha to evaluate internal consistency reliability. Content validity was assessed by qualitative interviews, feedback on a pilot survey, and expert review. Construct validity was evaluated by examining whether relevant health care characteristics, knowledge, and attitudes were significantly associated with perceived communication. RESULTS: Mean respondent age was 18.2 +/- 2.1 years; 50% were black and 22% Hispanic. The scale items loaded on one factor. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.83 and Cronbach alpha 0.95. Report of a consistent provider, report that a provider recommended a Pap smear, knowledge of Pap smears and Human Papillomavirus (HPV), intention to return for follow-up Pap smears, and positive attitudes about Pap follow-up were significantly associated with good communication. CONCLUSIONS: The scale appears to be reliable and valid as a measure of young women's communication with providers regarding Pap smears. Future research should focus on whether this newly developed scale is useful in the design and evaluation of cervical cancer prevention programs for young women.

An update on human papillomavirus infection and Papanicolaou smears in adolescents.

Human papillomavirus infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in young women, and may lead to clinical sequelae such as anogenital condylomata and cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Recent data on the biology and natural history of HPV infection in adolescents will have important implications for the development of adolescent-specific protocols for cervical cancer screening and for follow-up of abnormal cytology.

Intention to return for papanicolaou smears in adolescent girls and young women.

OBJECTIVE: Sexually active adolescent girls have high rates of abnormal cervical cytology. However, little is known about factors that influence intention to return for Papanicolaou screening or follow-up. The aim of this study was to determine whether a theory-based model that assessed knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors predicted intention to return. METHODS: The study design consisted of a self-administered, cross-sectional survey that assessed knowledge, beliefs, perceived control over follow-up, perceived risk, cues for Papanicolaou smears, impulsivity, risk behaviors, and past compliance with Papanicolaou smear follow-up. Participants were recruited from a hospital-based adolescent clinic that provides primary and subspecialty care, and the study sample consisted of all sexually active girls and young women who were aged 12 to 24 years and had had previous Papanicolaou smears. The main outcome measure was intention to return for Papanicolaou smear screening or follow-up. RESULTS: The enrollment rate was 92% (N = 490), mean age was 18.2 years, 50% were black, and 22% were Hispanic. Eighty-two percent of participants intended to return. Variables that were independently associated with intention to return included positive beliefs about follow-up (odds ratio [OR]: 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.11), perception that important others believe that the participant should obtain a Papanicolaou smear (OR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.38-2.74), perceived control over returning (OR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.06-1.46), and having received cues to obtain a Papanicolaou smear (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.08-1.60). CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of this novel theoretical framework demonstrated that knowledge and previous behaviors were not associated with intention to return for Papanicolaou smear screening and follow-up in this population of young women. However, modifiable attitudinal components, including personal beliefs, perception of others' beliefs, and cues to obtaining Papanicolaou smears, were associated with intention to return.

Work-family issues and perceptions of stress among pediatric faculty and house staff.

OBJECTIVES: To examine work-family balance issues and predictors of stress related to work-family balance among pediatric house staff and faculty. METHODS: Data were obtained through an anonymous mail survey. Univariate analyses assessed associations between work-family issues (work-related factors that affect work-family balance, perceived support, work-family--related stress, and proposed solutions) and the following variables: gender, parental status, working status of spouse, and academic rank. Multiple linear regression examined independent predictors of perceived stress. RESULTS: Fifty percent of the 327 respondents cared for dependent children, and 20% expected to care for an elderly person in the next 5 years. Only 5% strongly agreed that their division or department was concerned about supporting members' work-family balance, and 4% strongly agreed that existing programs supported their needs. Eighty-three percent reported feeling stressed as a result of efforts to balance work and family. Independent predictors of stress included perceived need to choose between career and family, increasing age, dependent children, less support from colleagues and supervisors, and female gender. CONCLUSIONS: Work-family balance issues are responsible for substantial perceived stress. Academic departments should consider a commitment to supporting faculty who are struggling with these issues, including creation of work-family policies and programs, development of mentoring systems, and reexamination of existing expectations for work practices.

Radiographic findings of ischemic hepatitis in a cirrhotic patient.

We report the radiographic findings of ischemic hepatitis in a patient with cirrhosis. The abdominal ultrasound exam showed multiple hypoechoic nodules in the liver measuring up to 2 cm, suggestive of diffuse metastatic disease. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan revealed multiple hypodense masses throughout the liver with no enhancement. Liver biopsy revealed coagulative hepatocyte necrosis at the center of the regenerative nodules. Repeat CT scan obtained 5 months later showed complete resolution of the hypodense nodules. Ischemic necrosis of regenerative nodules should be differentiated from diffuse hepatic metastatic disease in the setting of ischemic hepatitis in cirrhotic patients.

Validity of adolescent and young adult self-report of Papanicolaou smear results.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the validity of adolescent and young adult report of Papanicolaou smear results and to determine sociodemographic, cognitive, and behavioral factors associated with incorrect reporting. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 477 female subjects aged 12 to 24 years who attended an adolescent clinic and had a previous Papanicolaou smear. Subjects completed a self-administered survey assessing self-report of Papanicolaou smear results, knowledge about Papanicolaou smears and human papillomavirus (HPV), attitudes about Papanicolaou screening and follow-up, and risk behaviors. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of self-reported results were calculated using the cytology report as the standard. Variables significantly associated with incorrect reporting were entered into logistic regression models controlling for age and race to determine independent predictors for incorrect reporting. RESULTS: Of the 477 participants, 128 (27%) had abnormal cytology reports and 66 (14%) had incorrect self-reports. Sensitivity of self-report was 0.79, specificity 0.89, positive predictive value 0.72, negative predictive value 0.92, and kappa (kappa) 0.66. The adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the variables comprising a logistic regression model predicting incorrect reporting were an HPV knowledge source of zero (OR 2.4, CI 1.0, 5.8), low perceived communication with the provider (OR 2.1, CI 1.1, 4.0), and no contraception at last intercourse (OR 5.5, CI 2.7, 11.0). CONCLUSION: The validity of adolescent and young adult self-reported Papanicolaou smear result is high, except among those who lack knowledge of HPV, perceive poor communication with the provider, and use contraception inconsistently.

Gestational age in pregnancies conceived after in vitro fertilization: a comparison between age assessed from oocyte retrieval, crown-rump length and biparietal diameter.

OBJECTIVE: To compare gestational age (GA) and day of delivery estimated from the time of in vitro fertilization (IVF) (oocyte retrieval + 14 days), the ultrasonic measurement of the crown-rump length (CRL) and the biparietal diameter (BPD) in pregnancies conceived in an IVF setting. DESIGN: Included were 208 singletons and 72 twin pregnancies conceived after IVF. GA estimated from the time of IVF was compared with the GA estimated from the ultrasonic measurement of the CRL in the first trimester and the BPD in the second trimester. RESULTS: In singletons the mean difference in gestational age was 0.9 days between IVF and CRL estimates and 2.1 days between IVF and BPD estimates. The gestational age as estimated from CRL or BPD was shorter than the GA estimated from IVF. There was no systematic variation in the mean differences in GA between the methods. In three pregnancies there was a difference of more than 7 days between the gestational age estimated from IVF and CRL and in 22 pregnancies between gestational age estimated from IVF and BPD. A difference of > 14 days for any of the estimates was not found in any case. In singletons there was a high correlation in the gestational age at birth assessed from the time of IVF and from CRL, from the time of IVF and from BPD. CONCLUSION: Assessment of gestational age from the time of IVF, CRL and BPD in pregnancies conceived after IVF shows equally high agreement between the three methods. This supports the use of ultrasound as a reliable method for estimation of gestational age.

Microlaparoscopy with conscious sedation in adolescents with suspected pelvic inflammatory disease.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To develop a protocol for emergency department microlaparoscopy with conscious sedation in adolescents with clinically suspected pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and to evaluate the feasibility and tolerability of microlaparoscopy in this population. DESIGN: Prospective study involving adolescents and young adults age 13 to 24 meeting clinical criteria for uncomplicated PID. Laparoscopy subjects underwent microlaparoscopy in the Children's Hospital Emergency Department (ED) and comparison subjects were admitted for treatment of PID. Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U tests, Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests, and repeated measures of analysis of variance (MANOVA) were used for analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were enrolled: 6 laparoscopy subjects and 18 comparison subjects. Laparoscopy and comparison subjects did not differ with respect to age, mean white blood cell (WBC) count, mean temperature, or mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Mean surgical induction time was 13.5 minutes, operative time 19.0 minutes, and total procedure time 32.5 minutes. Mean requirement for midazolam was 2.8 mg and for fentanyl 225 microg. Pain assessment over the first 90 minutes did not differ significantly between laparoscopy and comparison subjects. Four of 6 laparoscopy subjects (67%) and 10 of 18 comparison subjects (56%) were diagnosed with PID (p = NS). CONCLUSIONS: ED microlaparoscopy appears to be feasible, safe, and well tolerated in this small sample of adolescents and young adults with suspected PID.