Humanism Rounds: A Multifaceted "Back to Bedside" Initiative to Improve Meaning at Work for Internal Medicine Residents.

Introduction: Burnout is an increasingly prevalent problem among resident physicians. To address this problem, the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) created the Back to Bedside initiative, supporting resident-driven projects focused on increasing direct interactions with patients. In 2017, Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) Internal Medicine Residency received a Back to Bedside grant to develop and implement "Humanism Rounds," a multifaceted program which sought to promote personal connections between residents and patients and foster reflection about patients' non-clinical stories, with the hopes of reducing burnout and increasing residents' sense of meaning at work. Materials and Methods: Between 2018 and 2020, internal medicine residents were instructed on and encouraged to participate in Humanism Rounds. The program included three components: taking a "human history," bedside rounds focused on non-clinical concerns, and sharing patient stories with colleagues ("celebrations"). Residents were surveyed using institutional and ACGME surveys regarding burnout, meaning at work, and the clinical learning environment. Results: Three hundred eleven institutional (response rate, 74%) and 328 AGCME (response rate, 78%) surveys were completed and analyzed. Residents who actively engaged with Humanism Rounds reported more meaning and fulfillment at work (p < 0.001). During the period of this project, ratings of the learning environment and personal callousness improved among subgroups of residents. Conclusions: Baylor College of Medicine Internal Medicine residents who engaged with Humanism Rounds reported more meaning and fulfillment in their work. This program describes a low-cost model for other specialties and institutions to strengthen human connections and improve residents' experience during training. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-024-02017-9.

Treatment preferences in diverticulitis are common and rarely change after a clinic visit.

With the increasing prevalence of diverticulitis, professional guidelines encourage the individualization of treatment. However, the frequency of treatment preferences of both surgeons, and patients, and the resultant impact of that preference on diverticulitis management is underexplored. We reviewed 27 consecutive patient visits of 3 colorectal surgeons at our institution to evaluate factors that drove their treatment, as well as their equipoise for patient randomization into medical or surgical treatments. Using standardized pre- and post-visit questionnaires, we investigated the impact of the clinic visit on treatment recommendations. Our results demonstrate that our surgeons have a practice bias towards complicated disease, and have a preference towards operative management of diverticulitis, in both complicated and uncomplicated disease. This preference was frequently unchanged after clinic visit, which has implications for guiding truly shared decision making, as it continues to be the recommendation.

Ceftriaxone Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamic Target Attainment for Three Pediatric Patients Receiving Continuous Kidney Replacement Therapy.

Ceftriaxone is used commonly for sepsis, including in children requiring continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT). No reports exist of pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters for children receiving ceftriaxone on CKRT. We enrolled children admitted to our pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) who received CKRT for >24 hours and received >1 dose of ceftriaxone while on and off CKRT. We measured free ceftriaxone -concentrations from residual blood samples then used Bayesian estimation with PK modeling software to generate concentration-time profiles and determine PK parameters and the percentage of time free ceftriaxone concentrations were above 1× or 4× MIC (% fT >MIC). Three patients aged 2 to 17 years were included; all were anuric at CKRT initiation and received 50 mg/kg (max 2000 mg) ceftriaxone every 12 to 24 hours. Total ceftriaxone clearance (CL) was 0.50 to 3.67 L/hr while receiving CKRT and 0.29 to 2.71 L/hr while off, indicating CKRT provided 25% to 42% of total ceftriaxone CL. All achieved 100% fT >1× and 4× MIC using an estimated MIC (1 mg/L) for patients 1 to 2 (no culture data) and a measured MIC (0.016 mg/L) for patient 3. Therefore, CKRT contributed significantly to total ceftriaxone clearance in 3 children though the dosing strategies used in each patient attained PD targets.

Cystatin C Outperforms Creatinine in Predicting Cefepime Clearance in Pediatric Stem Cell Transplant Recipients.

Pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients are at risk of developing both sepsis and altered kidney function. Cefepime is used for empiric coverage post-HSCT and requires dose adjustment based on kidney function. Since cefepime's antimicrobial efficacy is determined by the time free concentrations exceed bacterial minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), it is important to assess kidney function accurately to ensure adequate concentrations. Serum creatinine (SCr) is routinely used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) but varies with muscle mass, which can be significantly lower in HSCT patients, making SCr an inaccurate kidney function biomarker. Cystatin C (CysC) eGFR is independent of muscle mass, though steroid use increases CysC. Objectives of this study were to describe how eGFR impacts cefepime pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) target attainment in pediatric HSCT patients, to investigate which method of estimating GFR (SCr, CysC, combined) best predicts cefepime clearance, and to explore additional predictors of cefepime clearance. Patients admitted to the pediatric HSCT unit who received ≥2 cefepime doses were prospectively enrolled. We measured total cefepime peak/trough concentrations between the second and fourth cefepime doses and measured SCr and CysC if not already obtained clinically within 24h of cefepime samples. eGFRs were calculated with Chronic Kidney Disease in Children U25 equations. Bayesian estimates of cefepime clearance were determined with a pediatric cefepime PK model and PK software MwPharm++. Simple linear regression was used to compare cefepime clearance normalized to body surface area (BSA) to BSA-normalized SCr-, CysC-, and SCr-/CysC-eGFRs, while multiple linear regression was used to account for additional predictors of cefepime clearance. For target attainment, we assessed the percentage of time free cefepime concentrations exceeded 1x MIC (%fT>1x MIC) and 4x MIC (%fT>4x MIC) using a susceptibility breakpoint of 8 mg/L for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We enrolled 53 patients (ages 1 to 30 years, median 8.9 years). SCr- and CysC-eGFRs were lower in patients who attained 100% fT>1xMIC compared to those who did not attain this target: 115 versus 156 mL/min/1.73m2 (p = .01) for SCr-eGFR and 73.5 versus 107 mL/min/1.73m2 (p < .001) for CysC-eGFR. SCr-eGFR was weakly positively correlated with cefepime clearance (adjusted [a]r2= 0.14), while CysC-eGFR and SCr-/CysC-eGFR had stronger positive correlations (ar2 = 0.30 CysC, ar2 = 0.28 combo. There was a weak, significant linear association between increasing CysC-eGFR and decreased %fT>1xMIC (ar2 = 0.32) and %fT>4xMIC (ar2 = 0.14). No patients with a CysC-eGFR >120 mL/min/1.73 m2 achieved 100% fT>1xMIC or 50% fT>4x MIC. In multiple regression models, underlying diagnosis of hemoglobinopathy (in all models) and being pretransplant (in SCr and combined models) were associated with increased cefepime clearance, while concomitant use of calcineurin inhibitors was associated with decreased cefepime clearance in all models. Overall, the combo-eGFR model with timing pretransplant, hemoglobinopathy, and use of calcineurin inhibitors had the best performance (ar2 = 0.63). CysC-based eGFRs (CysC alone and combined) predicted cefepime clearance better than SCr-eGFR, even after considering steroid use. Increasing CysC eGFR correlated with decreased probability of PD target attainment, raising concerns for underdosing at high eGFRs. CysC should be included when estimating kidney function to provide adequate dosing of cefepime in pediatric HSCT patients.

The Impact of Prolonged Operative Time Associated With Minimally Invasive Colorectal Surgery: A Report From the Surgical Care Outcomes Assessment Program.

BACKGROUND: Increased operative time in colorectal surgery is associated with worse surgical outcomes. Laparoscopic and robotic operations have improved outcomes, despite longer operative times. Furthermore, the definition of "prolonged" operative time has not been consistently defined. OBJECTIVE: The first objective was to define prolonged operative time across multiple colorectal operations and surgical approaches. The second was to describe the impact of prolonged operative time on length of stay and short-term outcomes. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Forty-two hospitals in the Surgical Care Outcomes Assessment Program from 2011 to 2019. PATIENTS: There were a total of 23,098 adult patients (age 18 years or older) undergoing 6 common, elective colorectal operations: right colectomy, left/sigmoid colectomy, total colectomy, low anterior resection, IPAA, or abdominoperineal resection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prolonged operative time defined as the 75th quartile of operative times for each operation and approach. Outcomes were length of stay, discharge home, and complications. Adjusted models were used to account for factors that could impact operative time and outcomes across the strata of open and minimally invasive approaches. RESULTS: Prolonged operative time was associated with longer median length of stay (7 vs 5 days open, 5 vs 4 days laparoscopic, 4 vs 3 days robotic) and more frequent complications (42% vs 28% open, 24% vs 17% laparoscopic, 27% vs 13% robotic) but similar discharge home (86% vs 87% open, 94% vs 94% laparoscopic, 93% vs 96% robotic). After adjustment, each additional hour of operative time above the median for a given operation was associated with 1.08 (1.06-1.09) relative risk of longer length of stay for open operations and 1.07 (1.06-1.09) relative risk for minimally invasive operations. LIMITATIONS: Our study was limited by being retrospective, resulting in selection bias, possible confounders for prolonged operative time, and lack of statistical power for subgroup analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Operative time has consistent overlap across surgical approaches. Prolonged operative time is associated with longer length of stay and higher probability of complications, but this negative effect is diminished with minimally invasive approaches. See Video Abstract . EL IMPACTO DEL TIEMPO OPERATORIO PROLONGADO ASOCIADO CON LA CIRUGA COLORRECTAL MNIMAMENTE INVASIVA UN INFORME DEL PROGRAMA DE EVALUACIN DE RESULTADOS DE ATENCIN QUIRRGICA: ANTECEDENTES:El aumento del tiempo operatorio en la cirugía colorrectal se asocia con peores resultados quirúrgicos. Las operaciones laparoscópicas y robóticas han mejorado los resultados, a pesar de los tiempos operatorios más prolongados. Además, la definición de tiempo operatorio "prolongado" no se ha definido de manera consistente.OBJETIVO:Primero, definir el tiempo operatorio prolongado a través de múltiples operaciones colorrectales y enfoques quirúrgicos. En segundo lugar, describir el impacto del tiempo operatorio prolongado sobre la duración de la estancia y los resultados a corto plazo.DISEÑO:Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.ESCENARIO:42 hospitales en el Programa de Evaluación de Resultados de Atención Quirúrgica de 2011-2019.PACIENTES:23 098 pacientes adultos (de 18 años de edad y mayores), que se sometieron a seis operaciones colorrectales electivas comunes: colectomía derecha, colectomía izquierda/sigmoidea, colectomía total, resección anterior baja, anastomosis ileoanal con bolsa o resección abdominoperineal.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Tiempo operatorio prolongado definido como el cuartil 75 de tiempos operatorios para cada operación y abordaje. Los resultados fueron la duración de la estancia hospitalaria, el alta domiciliaria y las complicaciones. Se usaron modelos ajustados para tener en cuenta los factores que podrían afectar tanto el tiempo operatorio como los resultados en los estratos de abordajes abiertos y mínimamente invasivos.RESULTADOS:El tiempo operatorio prolongado se asoció con una estancia media más prolongada (7 vs. 5 días abiertos, 5 vs. 4 días laparoscópicos, 4 vs. 3 días robóticos), complicaciones más frecuentes (42 % vs. 28 % abiertos, 24 % vs. 17 % laparoscópica, 27% vs. 13% robótica), pero similar alta domiciliaria (86% vs. 87% abierta, 94% vs. 94% laparoscópica, 93% vs. 96% robótica). Después del ajuste, cada hora adicional de tiempo operatorio por encima de la mediana para una operación determinada se asoció con un riesgo relativo de 1,08 (1,06, 1,09) de estancia hospitalaria más larga para operaciones abiertas y un riesgo relativo de 1,07 (1,06, 1,09) para operaciones mínimamente invasivas.LIMITACIONES:Nuestro estudio estuvo limitado por ser retrospectivo, lo que resultó en un sesgo de selección, posibles factores de confusión por un tiempo operatorio prolongado y falta de poder estadístico para los análisis de subgrupos.CONCLUSIONES:El tiempo operatorio tiene una superposición constante entre los enfoques quirúrgicos. El tiempo operatorio prolongado se asocia con una estadía más prolongada y una mayor probabilidad de complicaciones, pero este efecto negativo disminuye con los enfoques mínimamente invasivos. ( Traducción-Dr. Mauricio Santamaria ).

Piperacillin pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in paediatric patients who received high frequency intra-operative piperacillin/tazobactam dosing.

Piperacillin/tazobactam (PTZ) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, typically dosed every six hours (q6h). Guidelines recommend dosing PTZ every 2 hours (q2h) intra-operatively for complex abdominal surgery, including liver transplant. The data supporting the guidelines for intra-operative dosing are sparse and the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) of q2h dosing has not been studied by simulation or in humans. In this study, PK/PD parameters of high-frequency intra-operative dosing and q6h post-operative dosing were compared in critically ill children. Paediatric patients who received PTZ during complex abdominal surgery or transplant and who had intra-operative and post-operative opportunistic samples were included. Using a published PK model and observed concentrations, individual piperacillin PK/PD parameters were estimated using Bayesian estimation. Alternative post-operative dosing strategies were simulated using the patients with the highest and lowest estimated piperacillin clearance. Thirteen patients were included (median age: 3.1 years, 85% liver transplant recipients). PK parameters in the intra-operative and post-operative phases were not significantly different (clearance: 15.8 ± 7.2 vs. 12.6 ± 6.3 L/h/70 kg, P=0.070; central volume: 13.4 [13.1, 13.8] vs. 15.2 [12.2, 16.0] L/70 kg, P=0.22). At an individual level, intra-operative clearance values were -35% to 139% of the post-operative values, whereas central volume intra-operative values were -40% to 77% of the post-operative values. Intra-operative piperacillin exposure was higher during high-frequency dosing compared with the post-operative period (AUC/h: 109 [93.4, 127] vs. 62.8 [41.6, 78.3] mg/L, P=0.002). Simulations showed great variation in optimal dosing strategies that would minimise toxicity and maximise efficacy, indicating a role for individualised dosing in paediatric surgical populations.

Derivation, validation, and transcriptomic assessment of pediatric septic shock phenotypes identified through latent profile analyses: Results from a prospective multi-center observational cohort.

Background: Sepsis poses a grave threat, especially among children, but treatments are limited due to clinical and biological heterogeneity among patients. Thus, there is an urgent need for precise subclassification of patients to guide therapeutic interventions. Methods: We used clinical, laboratory, and biomarker data from a prospective multi-center pediatric septic shock cohort to derive phenotypes using latent profile analyses. Thereafter, we trained a support vector machine model to assign phenotypes in a hold-out validation set. We tested interactions between phenotypes and common sepsis therapies on clinical outcomes and conducted transcriptomic analyses to better understand the phenotype-specific biology. Finally, we compared whether newly identified phenotypes overlapped with established gene-expression endotypes and tested the utility of an integrated subclassification scheme. Findings: Among 1,071 patients included, we identified two phenotypes which we named 'inflamed' (19.5%) and an 'uninflamed' phenotype (80.5%). The 'inflamed' phenotype had an over 4-fold risk of 28-day mortality relative to those 'uninflamed'. Transcriptomic analysis revealed overexpression of genes implicated in the innate immune response and suggested an overabundance of developing neutrophils, pro-T/NK cells, and NK cells among those 'inflamed'. There was no significant overlap between endotypes and phenotypes. However, an integrated subclassification scheme demonstrated varying survival probabilities when comparing endophenotypes. Interpretation: Our research underscores the reproducibility of latent profile analyses to identify clinical and biologically informative pediatric septic shock phenotypes with high prognostic relevance. Pending validation, an integrated subclassification scheme, reflective of the different facets of the host response, holds promise to inform targeted intervention among those critically ill.

External validation of the modified sepsis renal angina index for prediction of severe acute kidney injury in children with septic shock.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs commonly in pediatric septic shock and increases morbidity and mortality. Early identification of high-risk patients can facilitate targeted intervention to improve outcomes. We previously modified the renal angina index (RAI), a validated AKI prediction tool, to improve specificity in this population (sRAI). Here, we prospectively assess sRAI performance in a separate cohort. METHODS: A secondary analysis of a prospective, multicenter, observational study of children with septic shock admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit from 1/2019 to 12/2022. The primary outcome was severe AKI (≥ KDIGO Stage 2) on Day 3 (D3 severe AKI), and we compared predictive performance of the sRAI (calculated on Day 1) to the original RAI and serum creatinine elevation above baseline (D1 SCr > Baseline +). Original renal angina fulfillment (RAI +) was defined as RAI ≥ 8; sepsis renal angina fulfillment (sRAI +) was defined as RAI ≥ 20 or RAI 8 to < 20 with platelets < 150 × 103/µL. RESULTS: Among 363 patients, 79 (22%) developed D3 severe AKI. One hundred forty (39%) were sRAI + , 195 (54%) RAI + , and 253 (70%) D1 SCr > Baseline + . Compared to sRAI-, sRAI + had higher risk of D3 severe AKI (RR 8.9, 95%CI 5-16, p < 0.001), kidney replacement therapy (KRT) (RR 18, 95%CI 6.6-49, p < 0.001), and mortality (RR 2.5, 95%CI 1.2-5.5, p = 0.013). sRAI predicted D3 severe AKI with an AUROC of 0.86 (95%CI 0.82-0.90), with greater specificity (74%) than D1 SCr > Baseline (36%) and RAI + (58%). On multivariable regression, sRAI + retained associations with D3 severe AKI (aOR 4.5, 95%CI 2.0-10.2, p < 0.001) and need for KRT (aOR 5.6, 95%CI 1.5-21.5, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Prediction of severe AKI in pediatric septic shock is important to improve outcomes, allocate resources, and inform enrollment in clinical trials examining potential disease-modifying therapies. The sRAI affords more accurate and specific prediction than context-free SCr elevation or the original RAI in this population.

Obesity Alters cytokine signaling and gut microbiome in septic mice.

Sepsis is a leading cause of mortality. Plasma cytokine levels may identify those at increased risk of mortality from sepsis. Our aim was to understand how obesity alters cytokine levels during early sepsis and its correlation with survival. Six-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were randomized to control (non-obese) or high fat diet (obese) for 5-7 weeks. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and perforation (CLP). Cytokine levels were measured from cheek bleeds 8 h after CLP, and mice were monitored for survival. Other cohorts were sacrificed 1 h after CLP for plasma and tissue. Septic obese mice had higher survival. At 8 h after sepsis, obese mice had higher adiponectin, leptin, and resistin but lower TNFα and IL-6 compared to non-obese mice. When stratified by 24-h survival, adipokines were not significantly different in obese and non-obese mice. TNFα and IL-6 were higher in non-obese, compared to obese, mice that died within 24 h of sepsis. Diet and to sepsis significantly impacted the cecal microbiome. IL-6 is a prognostic biomarker during early sepsis in non-obese and obese mice. A plausible mechanism for the survival difference in non-obese and obese mice may be the difference in gut microbiome and its evolution during sepsis.

Ceftriaxone Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics in 2 Pediatric Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Critically ill patients with cardiac or respiratory failure may require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Antibiotics are frequently administered when the suspected cause of organ failure is an infection. Ceftriaxone, a ß-lactam antibiotic, is commonly used in patients who are critically ill. Although studies in adults on ECMO have suggested minimal impact on ceftriaxone pharmacokinetics, limited research exists on ceftriaxone pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) in pediatric ECMO patients. We report the PK profiles and target attainment of 2 pediatric patients on ECMO who received ceftriaxone. METHODS: Ceftriaxone concentrations were measured in 2 pediatric patients on ECMO using scavenged opportunistic sampling. PK profiles were generated and individual PK parameters were estimated using measured free ceftriaxone concentrations and a published population PK model in children who are critically ill, using Bayesian estimation. RESULTS: Patient 1, an 11-year-old boy on venovenous ECMO for respiratory failure received 2 doses of 52 mg/kg ceftriaxone 12 hours apart while on ECMO and additional doses every 12 hours off ECMO. On ECMO, ceftriaxone clearance was 13.0 L/h/70 kg compared with 7.6 L/h/70 kg off ECMO, whereas the model-predicted mean clearance in children who are critically ill without ECMO support was 6.54 L/h/70 kg. Patient 2, a 2-year-old boy on venoarterial ECMO due to cardiac arrest received 50 mg/kg ceftriaxone every 12 hours while on ECMO for >7 days. Only clearance while on ECMO could be estimated (9.1 L/h/70 kg). Trough concentrations in both patients were >1 mg/L (the breakpoint for Streptococcus pneumoniae ) while on ECMO. CONCLUSIONS: ECMO increased ceftriaxone clearance above the model-predicted clearances in the 2 pediatric patients studied. Twelve-hour dosing allowed concentrations to remain above the breakpoint for commonly targeted bacteria but not 4 times the breakpoint in one patient, suggesting that precision dosing may be beneficial to ensure target attainment in children on ECMO.

Characterizing Regionalization of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Hospitalizations and Operations in Washington State.

BACKGROUND: Hospitalizations for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are a major contributor of healthcare utilization. We assessed IBD hospitalizations and surgical operations in Washington State to characterize regionalization patterns. METHODS: We identified a cohort of hospitalizations for Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) from 2008 to 2019 using Washington State's Comprehensive Hospital Abstract Reporting System (CHARS). Hospitalizations were characterized by emergent or elective acuity and whether an operation or endoscopic procedure was performed. Facility volume and distance travelled by patients were used to determine regionalization. RESULTS: There were 20,494 IBD-related hospitalizations at 95 hospitals: 13,585 (66.3%) with CD and 6,909 (33.7%) with UC. Emergencies accounted for 78.2% of all IBD-related hospitalizations and did not differ between CD (78.3%) and UC (77.9%) (p = 0.54). Surgery was performed during 10.3% and endoscopy during 30.6% of emergent hospitalizations. 72.0% of emergent hospitalizations occurred at 22 facilities, while 71.1% of elective hospitalizations were concentrated at 9 facilities. Operations were performed during 78.5% of elective hospitalizations, and five hospitals performed 69% of all elective surgery. Laparoscopic surgery increased in both emergent (17% to 52%, p < 0.001) and elective operations (18% to 42%, p < 0.001) from 2008 to 2019. CONCLUSIONS: In Washington State, most IBD hospitalizations were emergent, which were decentralized and typically non-operative. By contrast, most elective admissions involved surgery and were centralized at a few high-volume centers. Further understanding the drivers behind IBD hospitalizations may help optimize emergent medical and elective surgical care at a state level.

Cefepime pharmacokinetics in critically ill children and young adults undergoing continuous kidney replacement therapy.

OBJECTIVES: Cefepime is an antibiotic commonly used to treat sepsis and is cleared by renal excretion. Cefepime dosing requires adjustment in patients with decreased kidney function and in those receiving continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT). We aimed to characterize cefepime PK in a diverse cohort of critically ill paediatric patients on CKRT. METHODS: Patients were identified from an ongoing pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) study of beta-lactam antibiotics, and were included if they had received at least two cefepime doses in the ICU and were on CKRT for at least 24 h. PK parameters were estimated using MwPharm++ with Bayesian estimation and a paediatric population PK model. Target attainment was assessed as time of free cefepime concentrations above minimum inhibitory concentration (fT > 1× or 4 × MIC). RESULTS: Seven patients were included in the study (ages 2 to 20 years). CKRT indications included liver failure (n = 1), renal failure (n = 4) and fluid overload (n = 2). Total effluent flow rates ranged from 1833 to 3115 (mean 2603) mL/1.73 m2/h, while clearance was 2.11-3.70 (mean 3.0) L/h/70 kg. Effluent flows were lower, but clearance and fT > MIC were similar to paediatric data published previously. Using Pseudomonas aeruginosa MIC breakpoints, all patients had 100% of dosing interval above MIC, but only one had 100% of dosing interval above 4× MIC. CONCLUSIONS: Since most patients failed to attain stringent targets of 100% fT > 4×  MIC, model-informed precision dosing may benefit such patients.

Diverticulitis is a population health problem: Lessons and gaps in strategies to implement and improve contemporary care.

The disease burden of diverticulitis is high across inpatient and outpatient settings, and the prevalence of diverticulitis has increased. Historically, patients with acute diverticulitis were admitted routinely for intravenous antibiotics and many had urgent surgery with colostomy or elective surgery after only a few episodes. Several recent studies have challenged the standards of how acute and recurrent diverticulitis are managed, and many clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have pivoted to recommend outpatient management and individualized decisions about surgery. Yet the rates of diverticulitis hospitalizations and operations are increasing in the United States, suggesting there is a disconnect from or delay in adoption of CPGs across the spectrum of diverticular disease. In this review, we propose approaching diverticulitis care from a population level to understand the gaps between contemporary studies and real-world practice and suggest strategies to implement and improve future care.

Implementation of a structured robotic colorectal curriculum for general surgery residents.

There is increasing demand for colorectal robotic training for general surgery residents. We implemented a robotic colorectal surgery curriculum expecting that it would increase resident exposure to the robotic platform and would increase the number of graduating general surgery residents obtaining a robotic equivalency certificate. The aim of this study is to describe the components of the curriculum and characterize the immediate impact of the implementation or residents. Our curriculum started in 2019 and consists of didactics, simulation, and clinical performance. Objectives are specified for both junior residents (post-graduate years [PGY]1-2) and senior residents (PGY3-5). The robotic colorectal surgical experience was characterized by comparing robotic to non-robotic operations, differences in robotic operations across post-graduate year, and percentage of graduates achieving an equivalency certificate. Robotic operations are tracked using case log annotation. From 2017 to 2021, 25 residents logged 681 major operations on the colorectal service (PGY1 mean = 7.6 ± 4.6, PGY4 mean = 29.7 ± 14.4, PGY5 mean = 29.8 ± 14.8). Robotic colorectal operations made up 24% of PGY1 (49% laparoscopic, 27% open), 35% of PGY4 (35% laparoscopic, 29% open), and 41% of PGY5 (44% laparoscopic, 15% open) major colorectal operations. Robotic bedside experience is primarily during PGY1 (PGY1 mean 2.0 ± 2.0 bedside operations vs 1.4 ± 1.6 and 0.2 ± 0.4 for PGY4 and 5, respectively). Most PGY4 and 5 robotic experience is on the console (PGY4 mean 9.1 ± 7.7 console operations, PGY5 mean 12.0 ± 4.8 console operations). Rates of robotic certification for graduating chief residents increased from 0% for E-2013 to 100% for E-2018. Our robotic colorectal curriculum for general surgery residents has facilitated earlier and increased robotic exposure for residents and increased robotic certification for our graduates.

Understanding the Geographic Distribution of Diverticulitis Hospitalizations in Washington State.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of diverticulitis in the United States is increasing, and hospitalization remains a surrogate for disease severity. State-level characterization of diverticulitis hospitalization is necessary to better understand the distribution of disease burden and target interventions. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of diverticulitis hospitalizations from 2008 through 2019 was created using Washington State's Comprehensive Hospital Abstract Reporting System. Hospitalizations were stratified by acuity, presence of complicated diverticulitis, and surgical intervention using ICD diagnosis and procedure codes. Patterns of regionalization were characterized by hospital case burden and distance travelled by patients. RESULTS: During the study period, 56,508 diverticulitis hospitalizations occurred across 100 hospitals. Most hospitalizations were emergent (77.2%). Of these, 17.5% were for complicated diverticulitis, and 6.6% required surgery. No single hospital received more than 5% (n = 235) of average annual hospitalizations. Surgeons operated in 26.5% of total hospitalizations (13.9% of emergent hospitalizations, and 69.2% of elective hospitalizations). Operations for complicated disease made up 40% of emergent surgery and 28.7% of elective surgery. Most patients traveled fewer than 20 miles for hospitalization, regardless of acuity (84% for emergent hospitalization and 77.5% for elective hospitalization). DISCUSSION: Hospitalizations for diverticulitis are primarily emergent, nonoperative, and broadly distributed across Washington State. Hospitalization and surgery occur close to patients' homes, regardless of acuity. This decentralization needs to be considered if improvement initiatives and research in diverticulitis are to have meaningful, population-level impact.

Total daily energy expenditure has declined over the past three decades due to declining basal expenditure, not reduced activity expenditure.

Obesity is caused by a prolonged positive energy balance1,2. Whether reduced energy expenditure stemming from reduced activity levels contributes is debated3,4. Here we show that in both sexes, total energy expenditure (TEE) adjusted for body composition and age declined since the late 1980s, while adjusted activity energy expenditure increased over time. We use the International Atomic Energy Agency Doubly Labelled Water database on energy expenditure of adults in the United States and Europe (n = 4,799) to explore patterns in total (TEE: n = 4,799), basal (BEE: n = 1,432) and physical activity energy expenditure (n = 1,432) over time. In males, adjusted BEE decreased significantly, but in females this did not reach significance. A larger dataset of basal metabolic rate (equivalent to BEE) measurements of 9,912 adults across 163 studies spanning 100 years replicates the decline in BEE in both sexes. We conclude that increasing obesity in the United States/Europe has probably not been fuelled by reduced physical activity leading to lowered TEE. We identify here a decline in adjusted BEE as a previously unrecognized factor.

SEX-DEPENDENT EFFECTS OF ADIPOCYTE STAT3 INHIBITION ON THE INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE DURING SEVERE SEPSIS.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Sepsis is a dysregulated host response to infection that can lead to life-threatening organ dysfunction. Clinical and animal studies consistently demonstrate that female subjects are less susceptible to the adverse effects of sepsis, demonstrating the importance of understanding how sex influences sepsis outcomes. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway are a major signaling pathway that facilitates inflammation during sepsis. STAT3 is abundantly expressed in white adipose tissue; however, little is known about the contribution of white adipose tissue STAT3 activation during sepsis. We hypothesize that adipocyte STAT3 inhibition during severe sepsis will exaggerate the inflammatory response and impact organ injury, in a sex-dependent manner. Methods: We generated STAT3 flox/flox (wild-type [WT]) and adipocyte STAT3 knock out (A-STAT3 KO) mice using Cre-lox technology. Studies were done in 12- to 16-week-old male and female mice. Polymicrobial sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Control nonseptic mice did not undergo CLP (0 h CLP). Tissues were harvested 18 h after CLP. Body composition was determined by echo magnetic resonance imaging. Energy metabolism was determined by indirect calorimetry. White adipose tissue morphology was determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining, while STAT3 activation in the white adipose tissue was determined by western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry staining of STAT3 activation/phosphorylation at tyrosine 705. Plasma cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and leptin) were determined by luminex assay. Neutrophil infiltration of the lung and liver was assessed by myeloperoxidase activity assay. Histological signs of organ injury on lung and liver tissue were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Liver injury was further assessed by measuring plasma alanine and aspartate aminotransferase. In a separate cohort of mice, sepsis was induced by CLP and mice were monitored every 6-12 h over a 7-day period to assess survival rate. Results: We demonstrate that neither body composition nor energy metabolism is altered with adipocyte STAT3 inhibition in male or female mice, under nonseptic conditions. Sepsis was associated with reduced adipocyte size in female WT and A-STAT3 KO mice, suggesting that this event is STAT3 independent. Sepsis did not alter adipocyte size in male WT and A-STAT3 KO mice, suggesting that this event is also sex dependent. Although STAT3 phosphorylation at tyrosine 705 expression is negligible in male and female A-STAT3 KO mice, septic female WT and A-STAT3 KO mice have higher white adipose tissue STAT3 activation than male WT and A-STAT3 KO mice. Adipocyte STAT3 inhibition did not alter the proinflammatory cytokine response during sepsis in male or female mice, as measured by plasma TNF-α, IL-6, and leptin levels. Adipocyte STAT3 inhibition reduced lung neutrophil infiltration and histological signs of lung injury during sepsis in male mice. On the contrary, adipocyte STAT3 inhibition had no effect on lung neutrophil infiltration or lung injury in female mice. We further demonstrate that neither liver neutrophil infiltration nor histological signs of liver injury are altered by adipocyte STAT3 inhibition during sepsis, in male or female mice. Lastly, adipocyte STAT3 inhibition did not affect survival rate of male or female mice during sepsis. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that sex influences white adipose tissue STAT3 activation and morphology during sepsis, which is not dependent on the presence of functional STAT3 in mature adipocytes. Furthermore, genetic inhibition of adipocyte STAT3 activation in male, but not female mice, results in reduced lung neutrophil infiltration and lung injury during sepsis. The results from our study demonstrate the importance of considering biological sex and the white adipose tissue as potential sources and targets of inflammation during sepsis.

Pharmacokinetic parameters over time during sepsis and the association of target attainment and outcomes in critically ill children and young adults receiving ceftriaxone.

INTRODUCTION: Early sepsis results in pharmacokinetic (PK) changes due to physiologic alterations. PK changes can lead to suboptimal drug target attainment, risking inadequate coverage from antibiotics like ceftriaxone. Little is known about how ceftriaxone PK and target attainment quantitatively change over time in patients with sepsis or the association between target attainment and outcomes in critically ill children and young adults. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a prospective study was conducted in a single-center pediatric intensive care unit. Septic patients given at least one ceftriaxone dose (commonly as 50 mg/kg every 12 h) and who had blood obtained in both the first 48 h of therapy (early) and afterwards (late) were included. Normalized clearance and central volume were estimated and compared in both sepsis phases. We evaluated target attainment, defined as concentrations above 1× or 4× the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for 100% of dosing intervals, and investigated the association between target attainment and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Fifty-five septic patients (median age: 7.5 years) were included. Normalized clearance and central volume were similar in both phases (6.18 ± 1.48 L/h/70 kg early vs. 6.10 ± 1.61 L/h/70 kg late, p = 0.60; 26.6 [IQR 22.3, 31.3] L/70 kg early vs. 24.5 [IQR 22.0, 29.4] L/70 kg late, p = 0.18). Individual percent differences in normalized clearance and central volume between sepsis phases ranged from -39% to 276% and -51% to 212% (reference, late sepsis), respectively. Fewer patients attained the 1× MIC target in late sepsis (82% late vs. 96% early, p = 0.013), which was associated with transition to once daily dosing, typically done due to transfer from the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) to a lower acuity unit. Failure to attain either target in late sepsis was associated with antibiotic broadening. CONCLUSION: Ceftriaxone PK parameters were similar between early and late sepsis, but there were large individual differences. Fewer patients attained MIC targets in late sepsis and all who did not attain the less stringent target received once daily dosing during this period. The failure to attain targets in late sepsis was associated with antibiotic broadening and could be an area for antibiotic stewardship intervention.