Access to New Clinic Appointments for Patients With Cancer.

Importance: Racial and ethnic disparities have been observed in the outpatient visit rates for specialist care, including cancer care; however, little is known about patients' experience at the critical step of attempting to access new clinic appointments for cancer care. Objective: To determine simulated English-speaking, Spanish-speaking, and Mandarin-speaking patient callers' ability to access new clinic appointments for 3 cancer types (colon, lung, and thyroid cancer) that disproportionately impact Hispanic and Asian populations. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional audit study was conducted between November 2021 and March 2023 using 479 clinic telephone numbers that were provided by the hospital general information personnel at 143 hospitals located across 12 US states. Using standardized scripts, trained research personnel assigned to the roles of English-speaking, Spanish-speaking, and Mandarin-speaking patients called the telephone number for a clinic that treats colon, lung, or thyroid cancer to inquire about a new clinic appointment. Data analysis was conducted from June to September 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was whether the simulated patient caller was able to access cancer care (binary variable, yes or no), which was defined to include being provided with a clinic appointment date or scheduling information. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors independently associated with simulated patient callers being able to access cancer care. Results: Of 985 total calls (399 English calls; 302 Spanish calls; 284 Mandarin calls), simulated patient callers accessed cancer care in 409 calls (41.5%). Differences were observed based on language type, with simulated English-speaking patient callers significantly more likely to access cancer care compared with simulated Spanish-speaking and Mandarin-speaking patient callers (English, 245 calls [61.4%]; Spanish, 110 calls [36.4%]; Mandarin, 54 calls [19.0%]; P < .001). A substantial number of calls ended due to linguistic barriers (291 of 586 Spanish or Mandarin calls [49.7%]) and workflow barriers (239 of 985 calls [24.3%]). Compared with English-speaking simulated patient callers, the odds of accessing cancer care were lower for Spanish-speaking simulated patient callers (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.34; 95% CI, 0.25-0.46) and Mandarin-speaking simulated patient callers (aOR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.09-0.19). Compared with contacting clinics affiliated with teaching hospitals, callers had lower odds of accessing cancer care when contacting clinics that were affiliated with nonteaching hospitals (aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.40-0.70). Conclusions and Relevance: In this cross-sectional audit study, simulated patient callers encountered substantial barriers when attempting to access clinic appointments for cancer care. These findings suggest that interventions focused on mitigating these barriers are necessary to increase access to cancer care for all patients.

Survival Prognostication in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer and Distant Metastases: A SEER Population-Based Study.

Background: For patients with thyroid cancer, distant metastasis is a significant predictor of poor outcome. Since distant metastasis occur in less than 10% of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer, correlates of survival in this vulnerable patient population remain understudied. This study aimed to identify prognostic groups among patients with differentiated thyroid cancer and distant metastases; and to determine the role of, and interactions between, patient and tumor characteristics in determining survival. Methods: We identified adult patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid cancer with distant metastases from the U.S. SEER-17 cancer registry (2010-2019). Analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards regression, survival trees, and random survival forest. Relative importance of patient and tumor factors important for disease-specific and overall survival was assessed based on the random survival forest analyses. Results: Cohort consisted of 2,411 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer with distant metastases followed for a median of 62 months. Most common histopathologic subtype (86.0%) was papillary thyroid cancer, and the most common sites of distant metastasis were the lungs (33.7%) and bone (18.9%). Cox proportional hazards model illustrated significant associations between survival and: patient age (P<0.001), tumor size (P<0.01), and site of distant metastasis (P<0.05). Survival tree analyses identified three distinct prognostic groups based on disease-specific survival (DSS) (5-year survival of the prognostic groups was 92%, 64%, and 41%; P<0.001) and four distinct prognostic groups based on overall survival (OS) (5-year survival of the prognostic groups was 96%, 84%, 57%, and 31%; P<0.001). The first split in the survival trees for DSS and OS was by age at diagnosis (<57 years vs >58 years) with subsequent splits based on presence/absence of lung metastases, tumor size (<4 cm vs >4 cm), and patient age. A total of 558 patients (23.1%) died from thyroid cancer, and 757 patients (31.4%) died from all causes during the study period. Conclusions: This study identifies distinct prognostic groups for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer with distant metastases and highlights the importance of patient age, lung metastases, and tumor size to determining both disease-specific and overall survival. These findings inform risk stratification and treatment decision-making in this understudied patient population.

Cystatin C- and Creatinine-based Estimated GFR Differences: Prevalence and Predictors in the UK Biobank.

Rationale & Objective: Large differences between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on cystatin C (eGFRcys) and creatinine (eGFRcr) occur commonly. A comprehensive evaluation of factors that contribute to these differences is needed to guide the interpretation of discrepant eGFR values. Study Design: Cohort study. Setting & Participants: 468,969 participants in the UK Biobank. Exposures: Candidate sociodemographic, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, medication usage, and physical and laboratory predictors. Outcomes: eGFRdiff, defined as eGFRcys minus eGFRcr, categorized into 3 levels: lower eGFRcys (eGFRdiff, less than -15 mL/min/1.73 m2), concordant eGFRcys and eGFRcr (eGFRdiff, -15 to < 15 mL/min/1.73 m2), and lower eGFRcr (eGFRdiff, ≥15 mL/min/1.73 m2). Analytical Approach: Multinomial logistic regression models were constructed to identify predictors of lower eGFRcys or lower eGFRcr. We developed 2 prediction models comprising 375,175 participants: (1) a clinical model using clinically available variables and (2) an enriched model additionally including lifestyle variables. The models were internally validated in an additional 93,794 participants. Results: Mean ± standard deviation of eGFRcys was 88 ± 16 mL/min/1.73 m2, and eGFRcr was 95 ± 13 mL/min/1.73 m2; 25% and 5% of participants were in the lower eGFRcys and lower eGFRcr groups, respectively. In the multivariable enriched model, strong predictors of lower eGFRcys were older age, male sex, South Asian ethnicity, current smoker (vs never smoker), history of thyroid dysfunction, chronic inflammatory disease, steroid use, higher waist circumference and body fat, and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio >300 mg/g. Odds ratio estimates for these predictors were largely inverse of those in the lower eGFRcr group. The model's area under the curve was 0.75 in the validation set, with good calibration (1.00). Limitations: Limited generalizability. Conclusions: This study highlights the multitude of demographic, lifestyle, and health characteristics that are associated with large eGFRdiff. The clinical model may identify individuals who are likely to have discrepant eGFR values and thus should be prioritized for cystatin C testing.

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on cystatin C and creatinine may differ substantially within an individual. Although most clinicians are aware that creatinine is influenced by muscle mass, there are additional numerous lifestyle and health characteristics that may affect serum concentrations of either biomarker. Our analyses of 468,969 individuals in the UK Biobank identified independent predictors of large differences between eGFR based on cystatin C and eGFR based on creatinine, which may inform the interpretation of discrepant eGFR values within an individual. We developed models that may be implemented at a population level to help health systems identify individuals who are likely to have large differences between eGFR based on cystatin C and eGFR based on creatinine and thus should be prioritized for cystatin C testing.

Social Determinants of Health and Disparities in Thyroid Care.

BACKGROUND: There have been documented racial and ethnic disparities in the care and clinical outcomes of patients with thyroid disease. CONTEXT: Key to improving disparities in thyroid care is understanding the context for racial and ethnic disparities, which includes acknowledging and addressing social determinants of health. Thyroid disease diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship care are impacted by patient- and system-level factors, including socioeconomic status and economic stability, language, education, health literacy, and health care systems and health policy. The relationship between these factors and downstream clinical outcomes is intricate and complex, underscoring the need for a multifaceted approach to mitigate these disparities. CONCLUSION: Understanding the factors that contribute to disparities in thyroid disease is critically important. There is a need for future targeted and multilevel interventions to address these disparities, while considering societal, health care, clinician, and patient perspectives.

Modification of Association of Cystatin C With Kidney and Cardiovascular Outcomes by Obesity.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Cystatin C-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFRcys) has stronger associations with adverse clinical outcomes than creatinine-based eGFR (eGFRcr). Obesity may be associated with higher cystatin C levels, independent of kidney function, but it is unknown whether obesity modifies associations of eGFRcys with kidney and cardiovascular outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 27,249 US adults in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke Study. PREDICTORS: eGFRcys, eGFRcr, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI). OUTCOME: All-cause mortality, kidney failure, incident atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and incident heart failure (HF). ANALYTICAL APPROACH: Multivariable Cox and Fine-Gray models with multiplicative interaction terms were constructed to investigate whether waist circumference quartiles or BMI categories modified associations of eGFRcys with risks of 4 clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 65 years; 54% were women, 41% were Black, and 21% had an eGFRcys<60mL/min/1.73m2. The baseline prevalence of abdominal obesity (waist circumference≥88cm for women or≥102cm for men) was 48% and obesity was 38%. In multivariable adjusted analyses, each 15mL/min/1.73m2 lower eGFRcys was associated with higher HR and 95% CI of mortality in each waist circumference quartile (first quartile, 1.19 [1.15-1.24]; second quartile, 1.22 [1.18-1.26]; third quartile, 1.20 [1.16-1.24]; fourth quartile, 1.19 [1.15-1.23]) as well as within each BMI category (BMI<24.9: 1.21 [1.17-1.25]; BMI 25.0-29.9: 1.21 [1.18-1.25]; BMI 30.0-34.9: 1.20 [1.16-1.25]; BMI≥35: 1.17, [1.12-1.22]). Neither waist circumference nor BMI modified the association of eGFRcys with mortality, kidney failure, incident ASCVD, or incident HF (all Pinteraction>0.05). LIMITATIONS: Included only Black and White persons in the United States. CONCLUSION: Obesity did not modify the association of eGFRcys with all-cause mortality, kidney failure, incident ASCVD, or incident HF. Among individuals with obesity, cystatin C may be used to provide eGFR-based risk prognostication for adverse outcomes. PLAIN-LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Cystatin C is increasingly used in clinical practice to estimate kidney function, and cystatin C-based eGFR (eGFRcys) may be used to determine risk for adverse clinical outcomes. Adiposity may increase serum levels of cystatin C, independent of kidney function. This cohort study investigated whether associations of eGFRcys with adverse kidney and cardiovascular outcomes are modified by measures of obesity, waist circumference, and body mass index. We found that obesity does not modify associations of eGFRcys with 4 clinical outcomes and conclude that among individuals with obesity, cystatin C may be used to provide eGFR-based risk prognostication for adverse outcomes.

Hidden Disparities: How Language Influences Patients' Access to Cancer Care.

BACKGROUND: Patients with limited English proficiency, a vulnerable patient population, remain understudied in the literature addressing cancer disparities. Although it is well documented that language discordance between patients and physicians negatively impacts the quality of patient care, little is known about how patients' preferred spoken language impacts their access to cancer care. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between November 2021 and June 2022, we conducted an audit study of 144 hospitals located across 12 demographically diverse states. Using a standardized script, trained investigators assigned to the roles of English-speaking, Spanish-speaking, and Mandarin-speaking patients called the hospital general information telephone line seeking to access care for 3 cancer types that disproportionately impact Hispanic and Asian populations (colon, lung, and thyroid cancer). Primary outcome was whether the simulated patient caller was provided with the next steps to access cancer care, defined as clinic number or clinic transfer. We used chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis to test for associations between the primary outcome and language type, region type, hospital teaching status, and cancer care requested. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine factors associated with simulated patient callers being provided the next steps. RESULTS: Of the 1,296 calls, 52.9% (n=686) resulted in simulated patient callers being provided next steps to access cancer care. Simulated non-English-speaking (vs English-speaking) patient callers were less likely to be provided with the next steps (Mandarin, 27.5%; Spanish, 37.7%; English, 93.5%; P<.001). Multivariable logistic regression found significant associations of the primary outcome with language spoken (Mandarin: odds ratio [OR], 0.02 [95% CI, 0.01-0.04] and Spanish: OR, 0.04 [95% CI, 0.02-0.06] vs English) and hospital teaching status (nonteaching: OR, 0.43 [95% CI, 0.32-0.56] vs teaching). CONCLUSIONS: Linguistic disparities exist in access to cancer care for non-English-speaking patients, emphasizing the need for focused interventions to mitigate systems-level communication barriers.

Real-World Use of Systemic Therapies for the Treatment of Advanced Thyroid Cancers.

OBJECTIVE: In the last decade, new systemic treatment options have been made available for patients with advanced thyroid cancer. However, little is known about the real-world utilization of these systemic therapies. METHODS: We used Optum's de-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database to characterize trends in the use of 15 systemic therapies that are available for the treatment of advanced thyroid cancer between 2013 and 2021. Joinpoint regression was used to calculate annual percentage changes in the use of systemic therapy by patients' race/ethnicity. The sequence of therapies was determined by the date of prescription claims. RESULTS: Between 2013 and 2021, the annual number of patients treated for advanced thyroid cancer with systemic therapy increased from 45 patients in 2013 to 114 patients in 2021 (N of total cohort = 885). Most patients were female (54.7%) and non-Hispanic White (62.1%). Between 2013 and 2021, there was a significant decrease in the proportion of non-Hispanic White patients treated for advanced thyroid cancer with systemic therapy (annual percentage change -3.9%, 95% confidence intervals, -6.0% to -1.8%). Since its approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015, lenvatinib remains the most frequently prescribed first-line therapy for the treatment of radioiodine-refractory thyroid cancer (48.8% of patients between 2017 and 2021). Between 2017 and 2021, most patients (79.7%) were initiated on 1 of the 10 FDA-approved agents and 81.7% received only a first-line therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Between 2013 and 2021, the use of systemic treatment options for advanced thyroid cancer increased significantly, largely driven by the prescription of lenvatinib following its approval by the FDA in 2015, with an increasing trend for use in non-White patients.

Access Denied: Disparities in Thyroid Cancer Clinical Trials.

For thyroid cancer clinical trials, the inclusion of participants from diverse patient populations is uniquely important given existing racial/ethnic disparities in thyroid cancer care. Since 2011, a paradigm shift has occurred in the treatment of advanced thyroid cancer with the approval of multiple systemic therapies by the US Food and Drug Administration based on their use in the clinical trials setting. Although these clinical trials recruited patients from up to 164 sites in 25 countries, the inclusion of racial/ethnic minority patients remained low. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of barriers to accessing cancer clinical trials, framed in the context of why patients with thyroid cancer may be uniquely vulnerable. Multilevel interventions and increased funding for thyroid cancer research are necessary to increase access to and recruitment of under-represented patient populations into thyroid cancer clinical trials.

Thyroid cancer.

The past 5-10 years have brought in a new era in the care of patients with thyroid cancer, with the introduction of transformative diagnostic and management options. Several international ultrasound-based thyroid nodule risk stratification systems have been developed with the goal of reducing unnecessary biopsies. Less invasive alternatives to surgery for low-risk thyroid cancer, such as active surveillance and minimally invasive interventions, are being explored. New systemic therapies are now available for patients with advanced thyroid cancer. However, in the setting of these advances, disparities exist in the diagnosis and management of thyroid cancer. As new management options are becoming available for thyroid cancer, it is essential to support population-based studies and randomised clinical trials that will inform evidence-based clinical practice guidelines on the management of thyroid cancer, and to include diverse patient populations in research to better understand and subsequently address existing barriers to equitable thyroid cancer care.

Differential Associations of Cystatin C Versus Creatinine-Based Kidney Function With Risks of Cardiovascular Event and Mortality Among South Asian Individuals in the UK Biobank.

Background South Asian individuals have increased cardiovascular disease and mortality risks. Reliance on creatinine- rather than cystatin C-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFRcys) may underestimate the cardiovascular disease risk associated with chronic kidney disease. Methods and Results Among 7738 South Asian UK BioBank participants without prevalent heart failure (HF) or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, we investigated associations of 4 eGFRcys and creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate categories (<45, 45-59, 60-89, and ≥90 mL/min per 1.73 m2) with risks of all-cause mortality, incident HF, and incident atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The mean age was 53±8 years; 4085 (53%) were women. Compared with creatinine, cystatin C identified triple the number of participants with estimated glomerular filtration <45 (n=35 versus n=113) and 6 times the number with estimated glomerular filtration 45 to 59 (n=80 versus n=481). After multivariable adjustment, the eGFRcys 45 to 59 category was associated with higher risks of mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 2.38 [95% CI, 1.55-3.65]) and incident HF (sub-HR [sHR], 1.87 [95% CI, 1.09-3.22]) versus the eGFRcys ≥90 category; the creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate 45 to 59 category had no significant associations with outcomes. Of the 7623 participants with creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥60, 498 (6.5%) were reclassified into eGFRcys <60 categories. Participants who were reclassified as having eGFRcys <45 had higher risks of mortality (HR, 4.88 [95% CI, 2.56-9.31]), incident HF (sHR, 4.96 [95% CI, 2.21-11.16]), and incident atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (sHR, 2.29 [95% CI, 1.14-4.61]) versus those with eGFRcys ≥90; those reclassified as having eGFRcys 45 to 59 had double the mortality risk (HR, 2.25 [95% CI, 1.45-3.51]). Conclusions Among South Asian individuals, cystatin C identified a high-risk chronic kidney disease population that was not detected by creatinine and enhanced estimated glomerular filtration rate-based risk stratification for mortality, incident HF, and incident atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Advantages, Limitations, and Clinical Considerations in Using Cystatin C to Estimate GFR.

Cystatin C has been shown to be a reliable and accurate marker of kidney function across diverse populations. The 2012 Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines recommended using cystatin C to confirm the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) determined by creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and to estimate kidney function when accurate eGFR estimates are needed for clinical decision-making. In the efforts to remove race from eGFR calculations in the United States, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and American Society of Nephrology (ASN) Joint Task Force recommended increasing availability and clinical adoption of cystatin C to assess kidney function. This review summarizes the key advantages and limitations of cystatin C use in clinical practice. Our goals were to review and discuss the literature on cystatin C; understand the evidence behind the recommendations for its use as a marker of kidney function to diagnose CKD and risk stratify patients for adverse outcomes; discuss the challenges of its use in clinical practice; and guide clinicians on its interpretation.

Assessment of Cystatin C Level for Risk Stratification in Adults With Chronic Kidney Disease.

Importance: Kidney function is usually estimated from serum creatinine level, whereas an alternative glomerular filtration marker (cystatin C level) associates more closely with future risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. Objectives: To evaluate whether testing concordance between estimated glomerular filtration rates based on cystatin C (eGFRcys) and creatinine (eGFRcr) levels would improve risk stratification for future outcomes and whether estimations differ by age. Design, Setting, and Participants: A prospective population-based cohort study (UK Biobank), with participants recruited between 2006-2010 with median follow-up of 11.5 (IQR, 10.8-12.2) years; data were collected until August 31, 2020. Participants had eGFRcr greater than or equal to 45 mL/min/1.73 m2, albuminuria (albumin <30 mg/g), and no preexisting CVD or kidney failure. Exposures: Chronic kidney disease status was categorized by concordance between eGFRcr and eGFRcys across the threshold for hronic kidney disease (CKD) diagnosis (60 mL/min/1.73 m2). Main Outcomes and Measures: Ten-year probabilities of CVD, mortality, and kidney failure were assessed according to CKD status. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models tested associations between CVD and mortality. Area under the receiving operating curve tested discrimination of eGFRcr and eGFRcys for CVD and mortality. The Net Reclassification Index assessed the usefulness of eGFRcr and eGFRcys for CVD risk stratification. Analyses were stratified by older (age 65-73 years) and younger (age <65 years) age. Results: There were 428 402 participants: median age was 57 (IQR, 50-63) years and 237 173 (55.4%) were women. Among 76 629 older participants, there were 9335 deaths and 5205 CVD events. Among 351 773 younger participants, there were 14 776 deaths and 9328 CVD events. The 10-year probability of kidney failure was less than 0.1%. Regardless of the eGFRcr, the 10-year probabilities of CVD and mortality were low when eGFRcys was greater than or equal to 60 mL/min/1.73 m2; conversely, with eGFRcys less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, 10-year risks were nearly doubled in older adults and more than doubled in younger adults. Use of eGFRcys better discriminated CVD and mortality risk than eGFRcr. Across a 7.5% 10-year risk threshold for CVD, eGFRcys improved case Net Reclassification Index by 0.7% (95% CI, 0.6%-0.8%) in older people and 0.7% (95% CI, 0.7%-0.8%) in younger people; eGFRcr did not add to CVD risk estimation. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this study suggest that eGFRcr 45 to 59 mL/min/1.73 m2 includes a proportion of individuals at low risk and fails to capture a substantial proportion of individuals at high-risk for CVD and mortality. The eGFRcys appears to be more sensitive and specific for CVD and mortality risks in mild CKD.

Variation in the Diagnosis of Noninvasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasm with Papillary-like Nuclear Features.

CONTEXT: Noninvasive encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer was reclassified as noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) in January 2017. The impact of this nomenclature change at a population level remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: Examine use of NIFTP across different US regions and populations. DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study using SEER-22 data (2000-2019). PARTICIPANTS: Individuals diagnosed with papillary or follicular thyroid cancer (2000-2019) or NIFTP (2017-2019). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Annual incidence rates of thyroid cancer by subtype and NIFTP. Using 2018-2019 data, (1) rates of NIFTP at the 17 SEER-22 sites and (2) comparison of demographics for patients diagnosed with NIFTP vs papillary and follicular thyroid cancer. RESULTS: NIFTP comprised 2.2% and 2.6% of cases in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Between 2018 and 2019, large heterogeneity was observed in the regional use of NIFTP diagnosis, with site-specific incidence rates between 0.0% and 6.2% (median 2.8%, interquartile range 1.3-3.6%). A diagnosis of NIFTP (vs papillary and follicular thyroid cancer) in 2018 and 2019 was significantly associated with older age (P = 0.012 and P = 0.009, respectively), Black race (both Ps < 0.001), and non-Hispanic ethnicity (both Ps < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Marked variation exists in the use of the NIFTP diagnosis. The recent 2021 coding change that resulted in NIFTP, a tumor with uncertain malignant potential and for which there is no long-term outcome data available, no longer being a reportable diagnosis to SEER will disproportionately affect vulnerable patient groups such as older patients and Black patients, in addition to patients who reside in regions with higher rates of NIFTP diagnoses.

Association of Intra-individual Differences in Estimated GFR by Creatinine Versus Cystatin C With Incident Heart Failure.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is associated with heart failure (HF) risk. However, eGFR based on cystatin C (eGFRcys) and creatinine (eGFRcr) may differ substantially within an individual. The clinical implications of these differences for risk of HF among persons with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are unknown. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 4,512 adults with CKD and without prevalent HF who enrolled in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study. EXPOSURE: Difference in GFR estimates (eGFRdiff; ie, eGFRcys minus eGFRcr). OUTCOME: Incident HF hospitalization. ANALYTICAL APPROACH: Fine-Gray proportional subhazards regression was used to investigate the associations of baseline, time-updated, and slope of eGFRdiff with incident HF. RESULTS: Of 4,512 participants, one-third had eGFRcys and eGFRcr values that differed by over 15 mL/min/1.73 m2. In multivariable-adjusted models, each 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 lower baseline eGFRdiff was associated with higher risk of incident HF hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR], 1.20 [95% CI, 1.07-1.34]). In time-updated analyses, those with eGFRdiff less than -15 mL/min/1.73 m2 had higher risk of incident HF hospitalization (HR, 1.99 [95% CI, 1.39-2.86]), and those with eGFRdiff ≥15 mL/min/1.73 m2 had lower risk of incident HF hospitalization (HR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.49-0.91]) compared with participants with similar eGFRcys and eGFRcr. Participants with faster declines in eGFRcys relative to eGFRcr had higher risk of incident HF (HR, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.19-1.85]) compared with those in whom eGFRcys and eGFRcr declined in parallel. LIMITATIONS: Entry into the CRIC Study was determined by eGFRcr, which constrained the range of baseline eGFRcr-but not eGFRcys-values. CONCLUSIONS: Among persons with CKD who have large differences between eGFRcys and eGFRcr, risk for incident HF is more strongly associated with eGFRcys. Diverging slopes between eGFRcys and eGFRcr over time are also independently associated with risk of incident HF.

Disparities in Thyroid Care.

Thyroid disease affects an estimated 20 million Americans, with 1 in 8 women developing a thyroid disorder during her lifetime. Although most patients with thyroid cancer have a good prognosis and effective treatments for benign thyroid disease are available, disparities exist in thyroid care and result in worse outcomes for racial and ethnic minorities. Inequities in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease are due to the complex interplay of systems-, physician-, and patient-level factors. Thus, innovative strategies that take an ecological approach to addressing racial disparities are needed to achieve equitable care for all patients with thyroid disease.

Association of Intraindividual Difference in Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate by Creatinine vs Cystatin C and End-stage Kidney Disease and Mortality.

Importance: As cystatin C is increasingly adopted to estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), clinicians will encounter patients in whom cystatin C-based eGFR (eGFRcys) and creatinine-based eGFR (eGFRcr) differ widely. The clinical implications of these differences, eGFRdiffcys-cr, are unknown. Objective: To evaluate the associations of eGFRdiffcys-cr with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and mortality among individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Design, Setting, and Participants: This is a prospective cohort study of 4956 individuals with mild to moderate CKD from 7 clinical centers in the United States who enrolled in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study between 2003 to 2018. Statistical analyses were completed in December 2021. Exposures: eGFRdiffcys-cr (eGFRcys - eGFRcr) was calculated at baseline and annually thereafter for 3 years. Because 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 represents a clinically meaningful difference in eGFR that also distinguishes CKD stages, eGFRdiffcys-cr was categorized as: less than -15 mL/min/1.73 m2, -15 to 15 mL/min/1.73 m2, and 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 or greater. Main Outcomes and Measures: The outcomes of ESKD, defined as initiation of maintenance dialysis or receipt of a kidney transplant, and all-cause mortality were adjudicated from study entry until administrative censoring in 2018. Results: Among 4956 participants with mean (SD) age of 59.5 (10.5) years, 2152 (43.4%) were Black, 515 (10.4%) were Hispanic, and 2113 (42.6%) were White. There were 2156 (43.5%) women and 2800 (56.5%) men. At baseline, eGFRcys and eGFRcr values differed by more than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 in one-third of participants (1638 participants [33.1%]). Compared with participants with similar baseline eGFRcys and eGFRcr (eGFRdiffcys-cr -15 to 15 mL/min/1.73 m2), those in whom eGFRcys was substantially lower than eGFRcr (eGFRdiffcys-cr < -15 mL/min/1.73 m2) had a higher risk of mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.86; 95% CI, 1.40-2.48) while those with eGFRdiffcys-cr of 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 or greater had lower risks of ESKD (subHR [SHR], 0.73; 95% CI, 0.59-0.89) and mortality (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, CI 0.58-0.81). In time-updated analyses, participants with eGFRdiffcys-cr less than -15 mL/min/1.73 m2 had higher risks of ESKD (SHR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.10-3.04) and mortality (HR, 3.03; 95% CI, 2.19-4.19) compared with participants with similar eGFRcys and eGFRcr. Conversely, participants with eGFRdiffcys-cr of 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 or greater had lower risks of ESKD (SHR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.35-0.71) and mortality (HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.45-0.75). Longitudinal changes in eGFRdiffcys-cr were associated with mortality risk. Compared with participants who had similar slopes by eGFRcys and eGFRcr, those with smaller eGFRcr declines had an 8-fold increased mortality risk (HR, 8.20; 95% CI, 6.37-10.56), and those with larger apparent declines by eGFRcr had a lower mortality risk (HR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.08-0.24). Conclusions and Relevance: These findings suggest that large differences between eGFRcys and eGFRcr were common in persons with CKD. These differences and their changes over time may be informative of ESKD and mortality risks, warranting monitoring of both eGFRcys and eGFRcr in this high-risk population.

Change in worry over time among Hispanic women with thyroid cancer.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess change in worry over time in Hispanic women with thyroid cancer. METHODS: Worry about recurrence, quality of life, family at risk, death, and harm from treatments was assessed in 273 Hispanic women with thyroid cancer diagnosed in 2014-2015. Subjects were recruited from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Los Angeles. Participants were surveyed at two points in time (time 1: 2017-2018 and time 2: 2019). Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine correlates with high worry (somewhat, quite a bit, very much) versus low worry (not at all, a little) at time 2. RESULTS: For the five worry items, 20.1-39.6% had high worry at both time 1 and time 2. An additional 7.6-13.4% had low worry at time 1 that became high worry at time 2. In multivariable logistic regression controlling for age, recurrence status, education level, and number of complications or side effects symptoms, younger age (20-39) as compared to older (40-79) was associated with high worry about thyroid cancer recurrence (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.12-4.17). History of recurrent or persistent disease was associated with high worry about harms from treatment (OR 2.94, 95% CI 1.29-6.67). Greater number of complications or side effects of symptoms was associated with more worry across all five items. CONCLUSIONS: Some Hispanic women with thyroid cancer have persistently high worry, with young adult Hispanic women vulnerable to worry about recurrence. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Hispanic women with thyroid cancer may benefit from targeted psychosocial support during survivorship, with interventions informed by patient and cancer characteristics.

Physician Specialties Involved in Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: Implications for Improving Health Care Disparities.

CONTEXT: Little is known about provider specialties involved in thyroid cancer diagnosis and management. OBJECTIVE: Characterize providers involved in diagnosing and treating thyroid cancer. DESIGN/SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: We surveyed patients with differentiated thyroid cancer from the Georgia and Los Angeles County Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registries (N = 2632, 63% response rate). Patients identified their primary care physicians (PCPs), who were also surveyed (N = 162, 56% response rate). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: (1) Patient-reported provider involvement (endocrinologist, surgeon, PCP) at diagnosis and treatment; (2) PCP-reported involvement (more vs less) and comfort (more vs less) with discussing diagnosis and treatment. RESULTS: Among thyroid cancer patients, 40.6% reported being informed of their diagnosis by their surgeon, 37.9% by their endocrinologist, and 13.5% by their PCP. Patients reported discussing their treatment with their surgeon (71.7%), endocrinologist (69.6%), and PCP (33.3%). Physician specialty involvement in diagnosis and treatment varied by patient race/ethnicity and age. For example, Hispanic patients (vs non-Hispanic White) were more likely to report their PCP informed them of their diagnosis (odds ratio [OR]: 1.68; 95% CI, 1.24-2.27). Patients ≥65 years (vs <45 years) were more likely to discuss treatment with their PCP (OR: 1.59; 95% CI, 1.22-2.08). Although 74% of PCPs reported discussing their patients' diagnosis and 62% their treatment, only 66% and 48%, respectively, were comfortable doing so. CONCLUSIONS: PCPs were involved in thyroid cancer diagnosis and treatment, and their involvement was greater among older patients and patients of minority race/ethnicity. This suggests an opportunity to leverage PCP involvement in thyroid cancer management to improve health and quality of care outcomes for vulnerable patients.