Dual-eligible, dual-risk? A brief review on the impact of dual-eligible status on health disparities and peripheral artery disease.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) has been associated with poorer outcomes based on particular social determinants of health, including insurance status. A unique population to study treatment outcomes related to PAD is those with dual-eligible status-those who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid-comprising more than 12 million people. We performed a systematic review of the literature surrounding dual-eligible patients and impact on PAD, with final inclusion of six articles. Dual eligibility has been associated with higher rates of comorbidities; more severe symptoms at initial presentation for PAD; and poorer treatment outcomes, including mortality. Further studies are needed to specifically look at the association between PAD and dual-eligible status, but what is clear is that patients in this population would benefit from early identification to prevent disease progression and improve equity.

Impact of neighborhood social disadvantage on carotid artery disease presentation, management, and discharge outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have highlighted that race and socioeconomic status serve as important determinants of disease presentation and perioperative outcomes in carotid artery disease. However, these investigations only focus on individual factors of social disadvantage, and fail to account for community factors that may drive disparities. Area Deprivation Index (ADI) is a validated measure of neighborhood adversity that offers a more comprehensive assessment of social disadvantage. We examined the impact of ADI ranking on carotid artery disease severity, management, and postoperative outcomes. METHODS: We identified patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA), transfemoral carotid artery stenting (tfCAS), and transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) in the Vascular Quality Initiative registry between 2016 and 2020. Patients were assigned ADI scores of 1 to 100 based on zip codes and grouped into quintiles, with higher quintiles reflecting increasing adversity. Outcomes assessed included disease presentation, intervention type, and discharge patterns. Logistic regression was used to evaluate independent associations between ADI quintiles and these outcomes. RESULTS: Among 91,904 patients undergoing carotid revascularization, 9811 (10.7%) were in the lowest ADI quintile (Q1), 18,905 (20.6%) in Q2, 25,442 (27.7%) in Q3, 26,099 (28.4%) in Q4, and 11,647 (12.7%) in Q5. With increasing ADI quintiles, patients were more likely to present with symptomatic disease (Q5, 52.1% vs Q1, 46.6%; P < .001), and stroke vs transient ischemic attack (Q5, 63.1% vs Q1, 53.5%; P < .001); they also more frequently underwent CAS vs CEA (Q5, 46.4% vs Q1, 33.9%; P < .001), and specifically tfCAS vs TCAR (Q5, 54.2% vs Q1, 33.9%; P < .001). In adjusted analyses, higher ADI quintiles remained as independent risk factors for presenting with symptomatic disease and stroke and undergoing CAS and tfCAS. Across ADI quintiles, patients were more likely to experience death (Q5, 0.8% vs Q1, 0.4%; P < .001), stroke/death (Q5, 2.1% vs Q1, 1.6%; P = .001), failure to discharge home (Q5, 11.5% vs Q1, 8.0%; P < .001) and length of stay >2 days (Q5, 33.3% vs Q1, 26.3%; P < .001) following revascularization. CONCLUSIONS: Among carotid revascularization patients, those with greater neighborhood social disadvantage had greater disease severity and more frequently underwent tfCAS. These patients also had higher rates of death and stroke/death, were less frequently discharged home, and had prolonged hospital stays. Greater efforts are needed to ensure that patients in higher ADI quintiles undergo better carotid surveillance and are treated appropriately for their carotid artery disease.

Impact of neighborhood social disadvantage on the presentation and management of peripheral artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: Studies examining the relationship between socioeconomic disparities and peripheral artery disease (PAD) often focus on individual social health determinants and fail to account for the complex interplay between factors that ultimately impact disease severity and outcomes. Area deprivation index (ADI), a validated measure of neighborhood adversity, provides a more comprehensive assessment of social disadvantage. Therefore, we examined the impact of ADI on PAD severity and its management. METHODS: We identified all patients who underwent infrainguinal revascularization (open or endovascular) or amputation for symptomatic PAD in the Vascular Quality Initiative registry between 2003 and 2020. An ADI score of 1 to 100 was assigned to each patient based on their residential zip code, with higher ADI scores corresponding with increasing adversity. Patients were categorized by ADI quintiles (Q1-Q5). The outcomes of interest included indication for procedure (claudication, rest pain, or tissue loss) and rates of revascularization (vs primary amputation). Multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate for an independent association between ADI quintile and these outcomes. RESULTS: Among the 79,973 patients identified, 9604 (12%) were in the lowest ADI quintile (Q1), 14,961 (18.7%) in Q2, 19,800 (24.8%) in Q3, 21,735 (27.2%) in Q4, and 13,873 (17.4%) in Q5. There were significant trends toward lower rates of claudication (Q1: 39% vs Q5: 34%, P < .001), higher rates of rest pain (Q1: 12.4% vs Q5: 17.8%, P < .001) as the indication for intervention, and lower rates of revascularization (Q1: 80% vs Q5: 69%, P < .001) with increasing ADI quintiles. In adjusted analyses, there was a progressively higher likelihood of presenting with rest pain vs claudication, with patients in Q5 having the highest probability when compared with those in Q1 (relative risk: 2.0; 95% confidence interval: 1.8-2.2; P < .001). Patients in Q5, when compared with those in Q1, also had a higher likelihood of presenting with tissue loss vs claudication (relative risk: 1.4; 95% confidence interval: 1.3-1.6; P < .001). Compared with patients in Q1, patients in Q2-Q5 had a lower likelihood of undergoing any revascularization procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients who underwent infrainguinal revascularization or amputation in the Vascular Quality Initiative, those with higher neighborhood adversity had more advanced disease at presentation and lower rates of revascularization. Further work is needed to better understand neighborhood factors that are contributing to these disparities in order to identify community-level targets for improvement.

The impact of neighborhood social disadvantage on abdominal aortic aneurysm severity and management.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have highlighted socioeconomic disparities in the severity and management of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) disease. However, these studies focus on individual measures of social disadvantage such as income and insurance status. The area deprivation index (ADI), a validated measure of neighborhood deprivation, provides a more comprehensive assessment of social disadvantage. Therefore, we examined the impact of ADI on AAA severity and its management. METHODS: We identified all patients who underwent endovascular or open repair of an AAA in the Vascular Quality Initiative registry between 2003 and 2020. An ADI score of 1 to 100 was assigned to each patient based on their residential zip code, with higher ADI scores corresponding with increasing deprivation. Patients were categorized by ADI quintiles. Outcomes of interest included rates of ruptured AAA (rAAA) repair versus an intact AAA repair and rates of endovascular repair (EVAR) versus the open approach. Logistic regression was used to evaluate for an independent association between ADI quintile and these outcomes. RESULTS: Among 55,931 patients who underwent AAA repair, 6649 (12%) were in the lowest ADI quintile, 11,692 (21%) in the second, 15,958 (29%) in the third, 15,035 (27%) in the fourth, and 6597 (12%) in the highest ADI quintile. Patients in the two highest ADI quintiles had a higher proportion of rAAA repair (vs intact repair) compared with those in the lowest ADI quintile (8.8% and 9.1% vs 6.2%; P < .001). They were also less likely to undergo EVAR (vs open approach) when compared with the lowest ADI quintile (81% and 81% vs 88%; P < .001). There was an overall trend toward increasing rAAA and decreasing EVAR rates with increasing ADI quintiles (P < .001). In adjusted analyses, when compared with patients in the lowest ADI quintile, patients in the highest ADI quintile had higher odds of rAAA repair (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-1.8; P < .001) and lower odds of undergoing EVAR (odds ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.45-0.65; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients who underwent AAA repair in the Vascular Quality Initiative, those with higher neighborhood deprivation had significantly higher rates of rAAA repair (vs intact repair) and lower rates of EVAR (vs open approach). Further work is needed to better understand neighborhood factors that are contributing to these disparities to identify community-level targets for improvement.

Closing the Gaps in Racial Disparities in Critical Limb Ischemia Outcome and Amputation Rates: Proceedings from a Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation Research Consensus Panel.

Minority patients such as Blacks, Hispanics, and Native Americans are disproportionately impacted by critical limb ischemia and amputation due to multiple factors such as socioeconomic status, type or lack of insurance, lack of access to health care, capacity and expertise of local hospitals, prevalence of diabetes, and unconscious bias. The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation recognizes that it is imperative to close the disparity gaps and funded a Research Consensus Panel to prioritize a research agenda. The following research priorities were ultimately prioritized: (a) randomized controlled trial with peripheral arterial disease screening of at-risk patients with oversampling of high-risk racial groups, (b) prospective trial with the introduction of an intervention to alter a social determinant of health, and (c) a prospective trial with the implementation of an algorithm that requires criteria be met prior to an amputation. This article presents the proceedings and recommendations from the panel.

Moving Beyond Diversity: A Scoping Review of Inclusion Initiatives in the Surgical Workforce.

Addressing racial disparities within the surgical workforce is vital to provide quality care to all patients; inclusion is critical to do so. Inclusion signifies a move beyond numerical representation; tangible goals include reducing attrition and maximizing career development. The aims of this review were to (1) test whether there are academically published interventions or frameworks addressing inclusion in the surgical workforce and (2) characterize these interventions or frameworks. This review adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Three electronic databases (Medline, PubMed, Web of Science) were queried. Peer-reviewed full-text English-language articles focused on interventions or frameworks to achieve inclusion in the surgical workforce were considered. The initial search yielded 2243 papers; 15 met inclusion criteria. The published literature regarding interventions to achieve inclusion was sparse; the most common reasons for exclusion of full texts were papers not focused on interventions (42%; n = 51) or purely focused on diversity and representation (36%; n = 42). The most common field represented was broadly academic surgery (4/15; 47%), with seven other subspecialties represented. A small minority received funding (3/15; 20%). Common themes included systematic reform of recruitment policies and practices, increased access to targeted mentorship, gaining leadership support, and increased avenues for underrepresented faculty advancement. While limited, promising work has been undertaken through national collaboration and model institutional work. Future considerations may include incentivizing academic publication of inclusion work, increasing access to funding, and rewarding these efforts in career advancement.

Effect of postoperative antithrombotic therapy on lower extremity outcomes after infrapopliteal bypass for chronic limb-threatening ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: Although the current guidelines have recommended single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) for patients undergoing revascularization for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), antithrombotic management has varied by patient and provider. Our aim was to examine the effects of different postoperative antithrombotic regimens on 3-year clinical outcomes after infrapopliteal bypass for CLTI. METHODS: We identified patients who had undergone infrapopliteal bypass for CLTI in the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) registry from 2003 to 2017 with linkage to Medicare claims for long-term outcomes. We divided the patients into three cohorts according to the discharge antithrombotic regimen: SAPT (aspirin or clopidogrel), dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT; aspirin and clopidogrel), or anticoagulation (AC) plus any antiplatelet (AP) agent. To reduce selection bias, we restricted the analysis cohorts to patients treated by providers who discharged >50% of patients with each antithrombotic regimen. Our primary outcome was 3-year major adverse limb events (MALE; major amputation or reintervention). The secondary outcomes included 3-year major amputation, reintervention, and mortality. We used Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses to assess these outcomes stratified by antithrombotic regimen and adjusted for demographic, comorbid, clinical, and operative differences between the treatment groups with clustering at the center level. RESULTS: Among 1812 patients (median follow-up, >2 years), 693 (38%) were discharged with SAPT, 544 (30%) with DAPT, and 575 (32%) with AC+AP. At 3 years, the MALE rates were 75% with DAPT, 74% with AC+AP, and 68% with SAPT. In adjusted analyses with SAPT as the reference group, no differences were found in 3-year MALE with DAPT (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85-1.3; P = .71) or AC+AP (aHR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.96-1.3; P = .14). Across the treatment groups, we also found no differences in the individual end points of 3-year major amputation (DAPT: aHR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.72-1.3; AC+AP: aHR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.96-1.7), reintervention (DAPT: aHR, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.84-1.3; AC+AP: aHR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.96-1.3), or mortality (DAPT: aHR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.88-1.4; AC+AP: aHR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.74-1.2). In a sensitivity analysis evaluating patients treated by providers who discharged >60%, >70%, or >80% of patients with these regimens, the association between antithrombotic regimen and MALE was unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with SAPT, DAPT and anticoagulation therapy were not associated with improved outcomes among Medicare beneficiaries who had undergone infrapopliteal bypass for CLTI at VQI participating centers. These findings support current guidelines recommending SAPT after lower extremity bypass and suggest that the routine use of DAPT or anticoagulation therapy might not provide clinical benefit in this high-risk, elderly population. However, further evaluation of the risks and benefits of various antithrombotic regimens in relevant subgroups is warranted.

Health disparities attributed to Medicare-Medicaid dual-eligible status in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

OBJECTIVE: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a prevalent and debilitating disease that can be effectively treated by surgical revascularization. However, Medicare-Medicaid dual-eligible patients have experienced worse long-term outcomes, notably higher rates of amputation and mortality, relative to other insurance groups. In the present study, we investigated how insurance status can perpetuate health disparities in PAD outcomes. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample was queried from 2000 to 2011 for patients aged ≥18 years with PAD who had undergone surgical revascularization with hospitalization. Patients were stratified by insurance status, and dual-eligible patients were compared with Medicare-only, Medicaid-only, private insurance, and self-pay patients. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to assess the effect of dual-eligible status on postoperative outcomes such as inpatient mortality, complications, and favorable discharge (home or home with services). RESULTS: A total of 771,790 hospitalizations were included in the present analysis and stratified by insurance type. Dual-eligible patients had the highest rates of major (32%) and extreme (11%) severity of illness and the highest rates of major (19%) and extreme (6%) risk of mortality among all insurance groups (P < .001). Dual-eligibility status was independently associated with reduced odds of favorable discharge relative to all patients (P < .001) and increased length of stay relative to Medicare-only (P = .002) and private-payor groups (P < .001). Although dual-eligible patients had increased mortality odds relative to the Medicaid-only and self-pay groups, they did not have significantly different odds of perioperative complications relative to all other insurance groups. CONCLUSIONS: Medicare-Medicaid dual-eligible patients with PAD had had more severe clinical presentations, a greater risk of extended hospitalizations, and a lower likelihood of discharge to home, relative to patients without dual eligibility. Further studies are needed to examine the link between discharge disposition and disparities in healthcare outcomes and to investigate the interventions that effectively address the increased severity of PAD in dual-eligible patients.

Society for Vascular Surgery best practice recommendations for use of social media.

The use of social media (SoMe) in medicine has demonstrated the ability to advance networking among clinicians and other healthcare staff, disseminate research, increase access to up-to-date information, and inform and engage medical trainees and the public at-large. With increasing SoMe use by vascular surgeons and other vascular specialists, it is important to uphold core tenets of our commitment to our patients by protecting their privacy, encouraging appropriate consent and use of any patient-related imagery, and disclosing relevant conflicts of interest. Additionally, we recognize the potential for negative interactions online regarding differing opinions on optimal treatment options for patients. The Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) is committed to supporting appropriate and effective use of SoMe content that is honest, well-informed, and accurate. The Young Surgeons Committee of the SVS convened a diverse writing group of SVS members to help guide novice as well as veteran SoMe users on best practices for advancing medical knowledge-sharing in an online environment. These recommendations are presented here with the goal of elevating patient privacy and physician transparency, while also offering support and resources for infrequent SoMe users to increase their engagement with each other in new, virtual formats.

Alternative conduit for infrageniculate bypass in patients with critical limb ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Autologous great saphenous vein (GSV) has always been considered the gold standard conduit for infrainguinal revascularization. When GSV is inadequate or unavailable, alternative conduits have been used. In this study, we compared modern outcomes of different conduit types used in lower extremity bypass (LEB) for patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI). METHODS: The Vascular Study Group of New England database (2003-2014) was queried for patients who underwent infrageniculate bypass originating from the femoral arteries. Conduit types were categorized as single-segment GSV, alternative autologous conduit (AAC), and nonautologous conduit (NAC). Primary outcomes were 1-year freedom from major adverse limb event (MALE), MALE-free survival, and primary graft patency. Multivariable Cox regression was used to adjust for demographics and comorbidities. RESULTS: LEB was performed in 2148 patients, of which 1125 were to below-knee popliteal (BK-Pop) and 1023 to infrapopliteal artery (IPA) targets. The baseline characteristics differed among the conduit groups: Patients in the GSV group were younger and had fewer comorbidities than in the AAC groups. Patients undergoing BK-Pop bypass with NAC had higher rates of postoperative myocardial infarction (7.1%) and postoperative (5.8%) and 1-year death (40.8%) than in those with GSV (3.1%, 2%, and 31.7%, respectively) and AAC (0%, 0%, and 25%, respectively). In multivariable analysis, conduit type did not make a difference in 1-year MALE, MALE-free survival, or primary graft patency for BK-Pop bypasses. For IPA bypasses, NAC use was associated with higher rates of postoperative (6.4%) and in-hospital death (4.5%) compared with GSV (2.5% and 1.4%, respectively) and AAC (2.9% and 1.9%, respectively). In adjusted analysis, NAC was associated with higher risk of MALE (hazard ratio [HR], 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-2.20; P = .036) and primary patency loss (HR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.91-1.89), and lower MALE-free survival (HR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.03-2.09; P = .035) compared with GSV. There was no difference between the NAC and AAC groups. CONCLUSIONS: Conduit type does not affect outcomes in BK-Pop bypass. In the absence of single-segment GSV, the use of AAC for IPA bypass does not appear to confer any additional benefit of MALE, MALE-free survival, or graft patency compared with prosthetic grafts at 1-year follow-up.

The effect of trainee involvement on perioperative outcomes of abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: Although the effect of trainee involvement has been evaluated across different specialties, their effects on perioperative outcomes after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair have not been examined. Our goal was to examine the association between resident and fellow intraoperative participation with perioperative outcomes of endovascular AAA repair (EVAR), open infrarenal AAA repair (OIAR), and open juxtarenal AAA repair (OJAR). METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data set (2005-2012) was queried to identify all patients who underwent EVAR, OIAR, or OJAR. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the association of trainee involvement with perioperative morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: We identified 16,977 patients: 12,003 with EVAR, 3655 with OIAR, and 1319 with OJAR. Propensity matching and multivariate analyses revealed that there was no significant difference in perioperative death, cardiac arrest/myocardial infarction, pulmonary, renal, venous thromboembolic, or wound complications, or return to the operating room. However, trainee involvement in AAA repair led to a significant increase in operative time for EVAR (163 ± 77 vs 140 ± 67 minutes; P < .001), OIAR (217 ± 91 vs 185 ± 76 minutes; P < .001), and OJAR (267 ± 115 vs 214 ± 106 minutes; P < .001) and an extended length of stay for EVAR (3.1 ± 5.3 vs 2.8 ± 4.5 days; P < .001) and OIAR (10.6 ± 11.8 vs 9.1 ± 8.9 days; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Trainee participation in aneurysm repair was not associated with major adverse perioperative outcomes. However, it was associated with an increased operative time and length of stay and therefore may lead to increased resource utilization and cost.

The effect of anesthesia type on major lower extremity amputation in functionally impaired elderly patients.

OBJECTIVE: Patients undergoing major lower extremity amputations are at risk for a wide variety of perioperative complications. Elderly patients with any functional impairment have been shown to be at high risk for these adverse events. Our goal was to determine the association between the type of anesthesia-general anesthesia (GA) and regional/spinal anesthesia (RA)-on perioperative outcomes after lower extremity amputation in these elderly and functionally impaired patients. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) data set (2005-2012) was queried to identify all patients aged ≥75 years with partial or total functional impairment who underwent major lower extremity amputations. Propensity matching and multivariate analysis were performed to isolate the effect of anesthesia type. RESULTS: We identified 3260 patients (50% male), 2558 GA patients and 702 RA patients, who were a mean age of 82 years. Anatomic distribution was 59% above-the-knee and 41% below-the-knee amputations. Patients undergoing GA were more likely to have impaired sensorium (9% vs 6%; P = .035), be on anticoagulation or have a bleeding disorder (33% vs 17%; P < .001), have had a previous operation ≤30 days (16% vs 10%; P < .001), and be operated on by a nonvascular surgeon (16% vs 12%; P = .033). GA was associated with shorter anesthesia time to surgery (36 ± 48 vs 42 ± 49 minutes; P < .001) but a similar operative time (66 ± 33 vs 64 ± 33 minutes; P = .292) compared with RA. After propensity matching, rates of 30-day mortality (14% vs 12%; P = .135), postoperative myocardial infarction/cardiac arrest (2.9% vs 3.1%; P = .756), pulmonary complications (7.3% vs 6.7%; P = .632), stroke (0.7% vs 0.9%; P = .694), urinary tract infections (6.7% vs 6.5%; P = .887), and wound complications (7.6% vs 7.6%; P = .999) were similar in patients undergoing GA and RA, respectively. Median length of stay was similar in both groups (5 vs 5.5 days; P = .309). Multivariable analyses confirmed that anesthesia type did not significantly affect morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The mode of anesthesia, GA vs RA, did not have significant effect on perioperative outcomes after major lower extremity amputation in the functionally impaired geriatric population. These findings provide an evidence base that will allow surgeons, anesthesiologists, and patients to make an informed decision about anesthesia type for their procedure.

Racial Differences in Treatment Approaches and Mortality Following Arterial Trauma.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the impact of race on treatment approaches and mortality following arterial trauma. METHODS: The National Trauma Data Bank (version 7.2, American College of Surgeons) was queried from 2002 to 2012 to identify patients aged 18 to 65 years with arterial trauma. The association between race (white, black, and Hispanic) and mortality following arterial injury was assessed, stratified by penetrating or blunt injury. Temporal trends in the use of open and endovascular procedures were evaluated across the racial groups. Multivariable regression models adjusting for patient demographics, injury severity, hospital characteristics, insurance status, and type of intervention performed were used to evaluate potential contributors to the association of race with mortality. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 58 626 patients (52% white, 31% black, and 17% Hispanic). A majority (57%) of patients had penetrating injuries, with black and Hispanic patients being more likely to sustain penetrating injuries (80% and 65%, respectively) compared to white patients (41%, P < .001). Overall, black patients had higher mortality for penetrating injuries (16.8% vs 13.0% vs 7.8%, P < .001) when compared to Hispanic and white patients, correspondingly. Over the study period, there was increasing use of endovascular and decreasing open surgical procedures for treatment of arterial trauma. This finding was similar across all groups studied. In multivariable analysis, black race was found to be associated with higher mortality compared to white for both penetrating (odds ratio [OR] 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33-1.75, P < .001) and blunt (OR 1.27 95%CI 1.09-1.47, P = .002) arterial trauma. CONCLUSION: Even after adjusting for potential confounders, minority patients had increased odds of mortality following arterial trauma compared to their white counterparts. Further studies are needed to understand and to eliminate these observed disparities in outcome.

Altered passive eruption diagnosis and treatment: a cone beam computed tomography-based reappraisal of the condition.

AIM: To characterize anatomical features of altered passive eruption (APE)-affected teeth using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to present a novel combined surgical approach to its correction. CLINICAL INNOVATION REPORT: Eighty-four teeth from 14 subjects affected by APE were subjected to CBCT. Periodontal variables were recorded before surgery, and anatomical variables were measured on CBCTs. Clinical crown length was measured on study casts. Surgical treatment was carried out based on the lengths of the anatomical crowns transferred to a surgical guide that served as a reference for the incisions. The mean distance between the CEJ and the bone crest was on average <1 mm, facial bone thickness was ≥ 1 mm and soft tissue thickness was >1 mm for every tooth analysed; no association between the soft and the hard tissue thicknesses was observed. CONCLUSION: The CBCT can be used in the diagnosis and treatment planning of APE cases. Anatomically, the APE cases described often presented a thick facial bone plate.

Antiretroviral drug concentrations and HIV RNA in the genital tract of HIV-infected women receiving long-term highly active antiretroviral therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine antiretroviral drug concentrations and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) RNA rebound in cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) in relation to blood plasma (BP) in women receiving suppressive highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). METHODS: Thirty-four HIV-infected women who had plasma HIV RNA levels < or =80 copies/mL for at least 6 months were enrolled. Sixty-eight paired CVF and BP drug concentrations and HIV RNA levels were determined before and 3-4 h after drug administration. For each woman and antiretroviral drug, the CVF:BP drug concentration ratios before and after drug administration were calculated. The nonparametric Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to determine if these ratios were different from 1.0. RESULTS: Lamivudine (administered to 20 patients) and tenofovir (administered to 16) had significantly higher concentrations in CVF than in BP before drug administration, with mean CVF:BP concentration ratios of 3.19 (95% confidence interval, 1.2-8.5) and 5.2 (95% confidence interval, 1.2-22.6), respectively. Efavirenz (administered to 13 patients) and lopinavir (administered to 6) had significantly lower concentrations in CVF, with mean CVF:BP concentration ratios of 0.01 (95% confidence interval, 0.00-0.03) and 0.03 (0.01-0.11), respectively. During the study visit (median time after enrollment, 6 months), BP and CVF detectable HIV RNA levels were observed 7 patients (20.6%) and 1 patient (2.9%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Despite lower CVF concentrations of key HAART components, such as efavirenz and lopinavir, virologic rebound was rare. The high concentrations of tenofovir and lamivudine in CVF may have implications for the prevention of sexual transmission during HAART and for pre-exposure or postexposure prophylaxis.

A success story: HIV prevention for injection drug users in Rhode Island.

BACKGROUND: New HIV diagnoses related to injection drug use (IDU) have declined in the United States. Access to clean syringes and decreasing HIV transmission among injection drug users have been HIV prevention priorities of the Rhode Island (RI) HIV community. To examine trends in IDU-related new HIV diagnoses in RI, we performed a retrospective analysis of new HIV diagnoses according to HIV risk factor from 1990-2003. RESULTS: There has been an 80% absolute reduction in IDU-related new HIV diagnoses in RI coincident with IDU-specific prevention efforts. CONCLUSION: There has been a greater decline in IDU-related new HIV diagnoses in Rhode Island compared to national data reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We hypothesize that this dramatic decline in Rhode Island is related to extensive HIV prevention efforts targeting IDUs. Further research is needed to examine the impact of specific HIV prevention interventions for injection drug users.