Point-of-care procalcitonin trends in suspected neonatal late-onset infection: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Procalcitonin-guided antimicrobial decision-making has been shown to be safe in adult intensive care settings. Most antimicrobial exposure in neonatal units is in culture-negative conditions. We hypothesise that Procalcitonin aids antimicrobial stewardship efforts in suspected Late-Onset Neonatal Sepsis. METHODS: Neonates were enrolled if they were aged over 72 h and were placed on antibiotics for a suspected infection. Procalcitonin levels were taken at set timepoints for the duration of antimicrobial exposure. Three subgroups were created: non-infectious episodes, blood culture-negative infectious episodes, and bloodstream infections. RESULTS: Eighty-five suspected infectious episodes were recruited across two tertiary neonatal and paediatric intensive care units. There was a significant difference between the median PCT in bloodstream infections (BSI) compared to non-infectious episodes (2.13 versus 0.26 µg/L, p < 0.001). A cut-off of 0.5 µg/L had sensitivity 92.9% and specificity 68% for bloodstream infections at 24 h. The difference between median PCT values at 24 h was significant (0.27 vs 7.08; p < 0.001) for feed intolerance vs. NEC Grade IIIa-IIIb subgroups. CONCLUSION: Procalcitonin levels taken 24 h following evaluation for late-onset neonatal infection are useful in out ruling BSI or severe Necrotising Enterocolitis. Up to 30% of antimicrobial exposure could be avoided with the use of Procalcitonin levels in low-risk neonates. IMPACT: This study demonstrates the utility of serial Procalcitonin measurements in antimicrobial stewardship efforts in the Neonatal Unit. Procalcitonin can be used to aid in antimicrobial decision making in suspected Late-Onset neonatal infection. Procalcitonin testing at twenty-four hours in episodes of Gastrointestinal deterioration can out rule Bells Grade III Necrotising Enterocolitis.

Retinal Dystrophies Associated With Peripherin-2: Genetic Spectrum and Novel Clinical Observations in 241 Patients.

Purpose: To describe the clinical, electrophysiological and genetic spectrum of inherited retinal diseases associated with variants in the PRPH2 gene. Methods: A total of 241 patients from 168 families across 15 sites in 9 countries with pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in PRPH2 were included. Records were reviewed for age at symptom onset, visual acuity, full-field ERG, fundus colour photography, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and SD-OCT. Images were graded into six phenotypes. Statistical analyses were performed to determine genotype-phenotype correlations. Results: The median age at symptom onset was 40 years (range, 4-78 years). FAF phenotypes included normal (5%), butterfly pattern dystrophy, or vitelliform macular dystrophy (11%), central areolar choroidal dystrophy (28%), pseudo-Stargardt pattern dystrophy (41%), and retinitis pigmentosa (25%). Symptom onset was earlier in retinitis pigmentosa as compared with pseudo-Stargardt pattern dystrophy (34 vs 44 years; P = 0.004). The median visual acuity was 0.18 logMAR (interquartile range, 0-0.54 logMAR) and 0.18 logMAR (interquartile range 0-0.42 logMAR) in the right and left eyes, respectively. ERG showed a significantly reduced amplitude across all components (P < 0.001) and a peak time delay in the light-adapted 30-Hz flicker and single-flash b-wave (P < 0.001). Twenty-two variants were novel. The central areolar choroidal dystrophy phenotype was associated with 13 missense variants. The remaining variants showed marked phenotypic variability. Conclusions: We described six distinct FAF phenotypes associated with variants in the PRPH2 gene. One FAF phenotype may have multiple ERG phenotypes, demonstrating a discordance between structure and function. Given the vast spectrum of PRPH2 disease our findings are useful for future clinical trials.

Impact of Prior Abdominal Procedures on Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Outcomes: Findings From the North American Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Registry.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: A history of prior abdominal procedures may influence the likelihood of referral for peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter insertion. To guide clinical decision making in this population, this study examined the association between prior abdominal procedures and outcomes in patients undergoing PD catheter insertion. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: Adults undergoing their first PD catheter insertion between November 1, 2011, and November 1, 2020, at 11 institutions in Canada and the United States participating in the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis North American Catheter Registry. EXPOSURE: Prior abdominal procedure(s) defined as any procedure that enters the peritoneal cavity. OUTCOMES: The primary outcome was time to the first of (1) abandonment of the PD catheter or (2) interruption/termination of PD. Secondary outcomes were rates of emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and procedures. ANALYTICAL APPROACH: Cumulative incidence curves were used to describe the risk over time, and an adjusted Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the association between the exposure and primary outcome. Models for count data were used to estimate the associations between the exposure and secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Of 855 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 31% had a history of a prior abdominal procedure and 20% experienced at least 1 PD catheter-related complication that led to the primary outcome. Prior abdominal procedures were not associated with an increased risk of the primary outcome (adjusted HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.68-1.84). Upper-abdominal procedures were associated with a higher adjusted hazard of the primary outcome, but there was no dose-response relationship concerning the number of procedures. There was no association between prior abdominal procedures and other secondary outcomes. LIMITATIONS: Observational study and cohort limited to a sample of patients believed to be potential candidates for PD catheter insertion. CONCLUSION: A history of prior abdominal procedure(s) does not appear to influence catheter outcomes following PD catheter insertion. Such a history should not be a contraindication to PD. PLAIN-LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a life-saving therapy for individuals with kidney failure that can be done at home. PD requires the placement of a tube, or catheter, into the abdomen to allow the exchange of dialysis fluid during treatment. There is concern that individuals who have undergone prior abdominal procedures and are referred for a catheter might have scarring that could affect catheter function. In some institutions, they might not even be offered PD therapy as an option. In this study, we found that a history of prior abdominal procedures did not increase the risk of PD catheter complications and should not dissuade patients from choosing PD or providers from recommending it.

The Association of Intra-Abdominal Adhesions with Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter-Related Complications.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the association of intra-abdominal adhesions with the risk of peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter complications. METHODS: Individuals undergoing laparoscopic PD catheter insertion were prospectively enrolled from eight centers in Canada and the United States. Patients were grouped based on the presence of adhesions observed during catheter insertion. The primary outcome was the composite of PD never starting, termination of PD, or the need for an invasive procedure caused by flow restriction or abdominal pain. RESULTS: Seven hundred and fifty-eight individuals were enrolled, of whom 201 (27%) had adhesions during laparoscopic PD catheter insertion. The risk of the primary outcome occurred in 35 (17%) in the adhesion group compared with 58 (10%) in the no adhesion group (adjusted HR, 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05 to 2.55) within 6 months of insertion. Lower abdominal or pelvic adhesions had an adjusted HR of 1.80 (95% CI, 1.09 to 2.98) compared with the no adhesion group. Invasive procedures were required in 26 (13%) and 47 (8%) of the adhesion and no adhesion groups, respectively (unadjusted HR, 1.60: 95% CI, 1.04 to 2.47) within 6 months of insertion. The adjusted odds ratio for adhesions for women was 1.65 (95% CI, 1.12 to 2.41), for body mass index per 5 kg/m 2 was 1.16 (95% CI, 1.003 to 1.34), and for prior abdominal surgery was 8.34 (95% CI, 5.5 to 12.34). Common abnormalities found during invasive procedures included PD catheter tip migration, occlusion of the lumen with fibrin, omental wrapping, adherence to the bowel, and the development of new adhesions. CONCLUSIONS: People with intra-abdominal adhesions undergoing PD catheter insertion were at higher risk for abdominal pain or flow restriction preventing PD from starting, PD termination, or requiring an invasive procedure. However, most patients, with or without adhesions, did not experience complications, and most complications did not lead to the termination of PD therapy.

Focused Jurisdictional Scan of Glomerulonephritis Medication Access in Canada: A Program Report.

Purpose of Program: Glomerulonephritis (GN) is a group of rare kidney diseases that is increasingly being managed with higher cost immunosuppressive (IS) agents in Canada. Ontario Health's Ontario Renal Network (ORN) oversees the management and delivery of GN services in the province. Stakeholder surveys previously conducted by ORN identified that both clinicians and patients do not perceive access to GN medications as comprehensive or timely. The program conducted a focused jurisdictional scan among 7 provinces to inform ORN initiatives to improve access to GN medications. Specifically, the program examined clinician experience with GN access, public drug coverage criteria, and timelines for public coverage for select IS agents (ie, tacrolimus, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil [MMF], mycophenolate sodium, rituximab, and eculizumab) used to manage GN in adults who live in Canada. Methods: For the selected IS agents, a focused jurisdictional scan on medication access was conducted by ORN in 2018 and updated in July 2022. Information was obtained by searching the gray literature and/or credible online sources for public funding policies and eligibility criteria. Findings were supplemented by personal communications with provincial drug programs and consulting GN clinical experts from 7 provinces (ie, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Quebec). Key Findings: Clinicians from different provinces prescribe IS agents similarly for GN indications, despite distinctions in public drug funding policies. While patients can obtain public funding for many IS agents, for GN, most provinces rely on case-by-case review processes. In addition, provinces can vary in their funding criteria and which IS agents are listed on the public formulary. For IS agents that require prior authorization or case-by-case review, timelines vary by province with decisions taking a few days to weeks. British Columbia, with a GN-specific drug formulary, had the most integrated and efficient system for patients and prescribers. Limitations: This scan primarily relied on publicly available information for drug coverage criteria and clinician experience with access in their province. Since this scan was conducted, public drug coverage criteria and/or application processes may have changed. Implications: While patients in most provinces have similar needs and nephrologists similar prescribing patterns, gaps still exist for publicly funded GN medications. Interprovincial differences in the drugs funded, funding criteria, and application process may affect timely and equitable access to GN medications across Canada. Given the rarity of GN, a pan-Canadian funding approach may be warranted to improve the current state.

Objectif du programme: Les glomérulonéphrites (GN) sont un groupe de néphropathies rares qui sont de plus en plus fréquemment traitées avec les agents immunosuppresseurs (IS) coûteux au Canada. Le Réseau rénal de l'Ontario (ORN­Ontario Renal Network) de Santé Ontario supervise la gestion et la prestation des services liés à la GN dans cette province. Des enquêtes menées précédemment par l'ORN auprès des parties prenantes ont révélé que tant les cliniciens que les patients ne percevaient pas l'accès aux médicaments pour traiter la GN comme complet ou opportun. Le programme a mené une analyse ciblée des territoires de compétences dans sept provinces afin d'orienter les initiatives de l'ORN ayant pour objectif d'améliorer l'accès aux médicaments pour traiter la GN. Plus précisément, le programme a examiné l'expérience des cliniciens en matière d'accès aux médicaments pour traiter la GN, les critères d'admissibilité au régime public d'assurance-médicaments et les délais de couverture publique de certains agents IS (p. ex., tacrolimus, cyclosporine, mycophénolate mofétil [MMF], mycophénolate sodique, Rituximab, éculizumab) utilisés pour traiter la GN chez les adultes canadiens. Méthodologie: Une analyse ciblée des territoires de compétences quant à l'accès aux médicaments a été réalisée par l'ORN en 2018 et mise à jour en juillet 2022. L'information quant aux politiques de financement public et aux critères d'admissibilité a été obtenue en effectuant une recherche dans la littérature grise et des sources crédibles en ligne. Les résultats ont été complétés par des communications directes avec les régimes provinciaux d'assurance-médicaments et des experts cliniques de la GN de sept provinces (Alberta, Colombie-Britannique, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Nouvelle-Écosse et Québec). Principaux résultats: Les cliniciens des différentes provinces prescrivent des agents IS de façon similaire pour les indications liées à la GN, malgré des distinctions dans les politiques publiques de financement des médicaments. Bien que les patients bénéficient d'une couverture publique pour de nombreux agents IS, pour le traitement de la GN, la plupart des provinces s'appuient sur des processus d'examen au cas par cas. De plus, il peut exister des différences entre les provinces en ce qui concerne les critères de financement et les agents IS qui figurent sur leur formulaire public. Dans le cas des agents IS nécessitant une autorisation au préalable ou un examen au cas par cas, les délais varient d'une province à l'autre; les décisions pouvant prendre de quelques jours à quelques semaines. La Colombie-Britannique, qui dispose d'un formulaire de médicaments pour traiter spécifiquement la GN, présente le système le plus intégré et le plus efficace pour les patients et les prescripteurs. Limites: Cette analyse s'est principalement appuyée sur des renseignements accessibles au public en ce qui concerne les critères de couverture des médicaments et l'expérience des cliniciens en matière d'accès dans leur province. Les critères de couverture des médicaments publics et les processus de demande pourraient avoir changé depuis que cette analyse a été effectuée. Conclusion: Bien que les patients de la plupart des provinces aient des besoins similaires et que les néphrologues aient des habitudes de prescription similaires, des lacunes subsistent en ce qui concerne le financement public des médicaments pour traiter la GN. Les différences interprovinciales entre les médicaments financés, les critères de financement et le processus de demande peuvent avoir une incidence sur l'accès opportun et équitable aux médicaments pour traiter la GN à travers le Canada. Étant donné la rareté de cette maladie, une approche de financement pancanadienne pourrait être justifiée afin d'améliorer l'état actuel.

The impact of a PDA on tissue oxygenation and haemodynamics following a blood transfusion in preterm infants.

BACKGROUND: To examine the impact of PRBC transfusion on pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), systemic vascular resistance and myocardial function using echocardiography and cerebral and splanchnic tissue oxygenation using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in premature babies with and without a PDA. METHODS: A prospective observational study of premature infants born <1500 g in receipt of PRBC transfusions beyond 10 days of age. Echocardiography and NIRS monitoring were performed at baseline, during the transfusion and 24 h after transfusion. RESULTS: Thirty infants with a median gestation of 26.4 [24.8-28.0] weeks were enrolled. Ten infants had a PDA. Following transfusion, a significant decrease in PVR markers occurred in all infants. Right ventricular (RV) function increased following transfusion in the PDA closed group only. Cerebral oxygen saturation increased following transfusion in all infants. Babies in the PDA open group had significantly lower splanchnic oxygen saturations at baseline compared to the PDA closed group which persisted over the study period and were unaltered by transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: PRBC transfusion lowers PVR irrespective of PDA status. Those with a PDA demonstrated a lack of improvement in RV function and splanchnic oxygenation highlighting the impact a PDA has on the neonatal circulation. IMPACT: The presence or absence of the PDA imposes differential effects on splanchnic oxygenation during red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion in the premature population. This is the first study to assess the impact of the PDA on splanchnic oxygenation via near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during red blood cell transfusion in premature neonates. New insights have been found into the impact of PRBC transfusion on pulmonary vascular resistance, right ventricular function, cerebral and splanchnic oxygenation in the presence and absence of a PDA and emphasises the ongoing impact of ductal patency on gut oxygenation.

Percutaneous Versus Surgical Insertion of Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Home-based peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an alternative to facility-based hemodialysis and has lower costs and greater freedom for patients with kidney failure. For a patient to undergo PD, a safe and reliable method of accessing the peritoneum is needed. However, different catheter insertion techniques may affect patient health outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To compare the risk of infectious and mechanical complications between surgical (open and laparoscopic) PD catheter insertion and percutaneous catheter insertion. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. SETTING: We searched for observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in CENTRAL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, and SCOPUS from inception until June 2018. Data were extracted by 2 independent reviewers based on a preformed template. PATIENTS: Adult (aged 18+) patients with kidney failure who underwent a PD catheter insertion procedure. MEASUREMENTS: We analyzed leak, malfunction, and bleed as early complications (occurring within 1 month of catheter insertion). Infectious complications (exit-site infections, tunnel infections, and peritonitis) were presented as both early complications and with the longest duration of follow-up. METHODS: Random effects meta-analyses with the generic inverse variance method to estimate pooled rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals. We quantified heterogeneity by using the I2 statistic for inconsistency and assessed heterogeneity using the χ2 test. Sensitivity analysis was performed by removing studies at high risk of bias as measured with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies (22 observational, 2 RCTs) with 3108 patients and 3777 catheter insertions were selected. Data from 2 studies were unable to be extracted and were qualitatively assessed. In the remaining 22 studies, percutaneous insertion was associated with a lower risk of both exit-site infections (risk ratio [RR] = 0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.24-0.53, I2 = 0%) and peritonitis (RR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.36-0.77, I2 = 3%) within 1 month of the procedure. There was no difference in mechanical complication rates between the 2 techniques. LIMITATIONS: Lack of consistency in the time periods for the various outcomes reported, risk of bias concerns with respect to population comparability, and the inability to analyze individual component causes of primary nonfunction (catheter obstruction, catheter migration, and leak). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis suggests differences in early infectious complications in favor of percutaneous insertion and no significant differences in mechanical complications compared with surgical insertion. These findings have implications on the direction of PD programs in terms of maximizing operating room resources.

CONTEXTE: La dialyse péritonéale à domicile (DPD) est une alternative plus économique à l'hémodialyse en centre et offre une plus grande liberté aux patients atteints d'insuffisance rénale. Or, pour qu'un patient soit traité par DPD, il est essentiel de recourir à une méthode d'accès au péritoine qui soit fiable et sûre. Les techniques existantes pour l'insertion du cathéter sont toutefois susceptibles d'affecter les résultats de santé du patient. OBJECTIFS: Comparer le risque de complications mécaniques et infectieuses entre l'insertion chirurgicale (incision et laparoscopie) et percutanée d'un cathéter de DP. TYPE D'ÉTUDE: Revue systématique et méta-analyse. CADRE: Nous avons consulté les bases de données CENTRAL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed et SCOPUS à la recherche d'études observationnelles et d'essais contrôlés à répartition aléatoire (ECRA) de la création à juin 2018. Deux réviseurs indépendants ont procédé à l'extraction des données en suivant un modèle préformé. SUJETS: Des adultes atteints d'insuffisance rénale ayant subi une procédure d'insertion d'un cathéter de DP. MESURES: Nous avons analysé les fuites, le dysfonctionnement et les saignements comme des complications précoces (survenant dans le mois suivant l'insertion du cathéter). Les complications infectieuses (infections au point de sortie, infections des tunnels, péritonite) ont été présentées comme complications précoces et avec la plus longue durée de suivi. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Nous avons procédé à des méta-analyses selon la méthode générique de l'inverse de la variance avec effets aléatoires pour estimer les rapports des taux combinés et les intervalles de confiance à 95 %. L'hétérogénéité a été quantifiée en utilisant la statistique I2 pour l'incohérence et a été évaluée par le test du Chi-Deux. L'analyse de sensibilité a été réalisée en retirant les études présentant un risque élevé de biais, lesquelles ont été définies à l'aide de l'échelle Newcastle-Ottawa et de l'outil Cochrane sur le risque de biais. RÉSULTATS: En tout, 24 études (22 études observationnelles, 2 ECRA) ont été sélectionnées, ce qui représente 3 108 patients et 3 777 insertions de cathéters. Les données de deux études n'ont pu être extraites et ont été évaluées qualitativement. Dans les 22 autres études, l'insertion percutanée a été associée, dans le mois suivant la procédure, à un risque plus faible d'infections au site de sortie (RR = 0,36; IC à 95 %: 0,24-0,53; I2 = 0 %) et de péritonite (RR = 0,52; IC à 95 %: 0,36-0,77; I2 = 3 %). Aucune différence dans les taux de complications mécaniques n'a été observée entre les deux techniques. LIMITES: Les résultats sont limités par le manque de cohérence dans les périodes associées aux divers résultats signalés, le risque de biais quant à la comparabilité des populations et l'incapacité d'analyser les causes individuelles du non-fonctionnement primaire (obstruction du cathéter, migration du cathéter, fuite). CONCLUSION: Notre méta-analyse suggère des différences en faveur de l'insertion percutanée par rapport à l'insertion chirurgicale pour les complications infectieuses précoces, mais aucune différence significative en ce qui concerne les complications mécaniques. Ces résultats ont des implications sur l'orientation des programmes de DP relativement à l'optimisation des ressources du bloc opératoire.

Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters to Treat Refractory Non-Malignant Ascites.

Refractory non-malignant ascites is associated with significant morbidity. Serial, large-volume paracentesis is a common treatment. Tunneled peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters are an effective treatment for refractory malignant ascites, but there are limited data on complications and effectiveness for non-malignant ascites. We reviewed all 13 PD catheter insertions between 2010 - 2015 for this indication at our center. The median catheter survival time was 146 days. No complications occurred during catheter insertion, and no mechanical complications occurred after catheter insertion. One case of peritonitis developed over 217 catheter months. Peritoneal dialysis catheters may be a safe and effective option to manage refractory non-malignant ascites. Prospective, randomized trials are needed to better evaluate potential risks and benefits.

An ethanol/sodium citrate locking solution compared to heparin to prevent hemodialysis catheter-related infections: a randomized pilot study.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to compare the initial safety and efficacy of a novel 30% ethanol/4% sodium citrate catheter-locking solution to heparin in a hemodialysis population. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, pilot study of 40 hemodialysis patients randomized to a 30% ethanol/4% sodium citrate or heparin 1000 units/mL locking solution. The primary outcome was identification of any serious adverse events over the study duration. Secondary outcomes included the rate per 1000 catheter days for catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI), alteplase use, catheter dysfunction, and catheter removal. RESULTS: Three serious adverse events were reported as possibly related to the catheter solutions. Only one CRBSI was observed during the study in the heparin arm. The rate of alteplase use was 1.5/1000 catheter days in the heparin arm compared to 2.8/1000 catheter days in the ethanol/citrate arm (rate ratio = 1.85, 90% CI 0.48, 7.07, p value = 0.45), while the rate of catheter dysfunction was 6.8/1000 catheter days in the heparin arm compared to 1.9/1000 catheter days in the ethanol citrate arm (rate ratio = 0.27, 90% CI 0.10, 0.74, p value = 0.04). Catheter survival to first catheter outcome was longer in the ethanol/citrate group compared to heparin and there were no catheter removals due to bacteremia or thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: The ethanol/sodium citrate locking solution was safely used in this study. It appears to prevent CRBSI and may improve catheter survival compared to heparin. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01394458.

Peritoneal Dialysis University for Surgeons: A Peritoneal Access Training Program.

UNLABELLED: ♦ BACKGROUND: A functioning catheter is vital to the success of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Catheter complications related to the insertion procedure remain a major hindrance to PD utilization. Most catheters are placed by surgeons. Suboptimal catheter outcomes appear to be related to inadequate training and experience during surgical residency and the absence of educational opportunities to remedy this deficit once the surgeon is in practice. ♦ OBJECTIVE: The aim of this report is to describe a 1-day comprehensive surgeon training program in PD access surgery and to convey the results of the first 7 courses. ♦ METHODS: Needs assessment data served as the foundation for formulating course objectives and content. A disease-based approach to PD was taken to provide both didactic instruction and laboratory exercises. Surgical simulators permitted skills development for each key task in catheter placement. Educational outcomes were measured with pre- and post-tests, course evaluation, and follow-up survey. ♦ RESULTS: Seven courses were attended by 134 surgeons with an average faculty to participant ratio of 1:4 during hands-on laboratory sessions. Pre- and post-testing demonstrated a class-average normalized educational gain of 50%. On a 5-point Likert scale, the course was scored highly on 14 areas of evaluation with average responses ranging from 4.4 to 4.9. A follow-up survey conducted a mean of 28 months after the programs revealed significantly increased utilization of all 10 course-targeted PD access skills. Participants gave mean scores of 4.6 for improved confidence in case management and 4.4 for better catheter outcomes. ♦ CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive 1-day peritoneal access training course can produce long-term self-assessed improvement in surgical management and PD catheter outcomes.

Use of an alteplase algorithm for the management of hemodialysis catheter dysfunction.

Hemodialysis (HD) catheter dysfunction compromises HD adequacy and increases the cost of patient care. Repeated administration of alteplase in HD catheters typically produces only short-term benefits. The purpose of this study was to design, implement, and evaluate the efficacy of an experimental alteplase algorithm to manage HD catheter dysfunction. This was a two-part prospective nonrandomized study. Baseline data of alteplase use and catheter exchange were collected during part 1 of the study. Part 2 consisted of the alteplase algorithm implementation and repeat collection of catheter data. Rates of alteplase use and catheter exchange per 1000 catheter-days were the primary and secondary outcomes of the study. One hundred and seventy-two catheters in 131 patients were followed prospectively during the course of the study. The adjusted relative rate (RR) of alteplase use showed no significant difference between both parts of the study, adjusted RR: 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.73-1.65). Similarly, catheter exchange rates were not significantly different over the duration of the study (1.12 vs. 1.03 per 1000 catheter-days). However, waiting time for catheter exchange increased from 20.36 ± 14 days in part 1 to 38.42 ± 28 days in part 2 (P < 0.05). The alteplase algorithm did not significantly reduce alteplase use. This may be partially explained by repeated use of alteplase in part 2, due to longer waiting times for catheter exchange procedures.

The dual nature of alcohol use and abuse in Mongolia: reflections through policy.

Alcohol abuse has become recognized by numerous organizations in Mongolia as one of their primary public health challenges. Despite the crisis of alcohol abuse in Mongolia, the dominance of narcology in shaping the health system's response has allowed the alcohol industry to control the debate. The Mongolian population largely interprets the World Health Organization's (WHO) "standard drink" as a consumption guideline rather than a measure of abuse. In addition, the focus on high levels of dependence, as defined by narcology, has allowed the WHO to officially write off the problem, stating that less than 1% of the adult population can be categorized as "alcoholics." As the government focuses on new policy-based approaches to the issue, the rhetoric undermines participation and support, while the industry finds new ways to learn from narcology in their efforts to grow. However, by reinvesting profits from alcohol and a public health-focused approach, solutions can be found.