Resident worklife and wellness through the late phase of the pandemic: a mixed methods national survey study.

BACKGROUND: System contributors to resident burnout and well-being have been under-studied. We sought to determine factors associated with resident burnout and identify at risk groups. METHODS: We performed a US national survey between July 15 2022 and April 21, 2023 of residents in 36 specialties in 14 institutions, using the validated Mini ReZ survey with three 5 item subscales: 1) supportive workplace, 2) work pace/electronic medical record (EMR) stress, and 3) residency-specific factors (sleep, peer support, recognition by program, interruptions and staff relationships). Multilevel regressions and thematic analysis of 497 comments determined factors related to burnout. RESULTS: Of 1118 respondents (approximate median response rate 32%), 48% were female, 57% White, 21% Asian, 6% LatinX and 4% Black, with 25% PGY 1 s, 25% PGY 2 s, and 22% PGY 3 s. Programs included internal medicine (15.1%) and family medicine (11.3%) among 36 specialties. Burnout (found in 42%) was higher in females (51% vs 30% in males, p = 0.001) and PGY 2's (48% vs 35% in PGY-1 s, p = 0.029). Challenges included chaotic environments (41%) and sleep impairment (32%); favorable aspects included teamwork (94%), peer support (93%), staff support (87%) and program recognition (68%). Worklife subscales were consistently lower in females while PGY-2's reported the least supportive work environments. Worklife challenges relating to burnout included sleep impairment (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) 2.82 (95% CIs 1.94, 4.19), absolute risk difference (ARD) in burnout 15.9%), poor work control (aOR 2.25 (1.42, 3.58), ARD 12.2%) and chaos (aOR 1.73 (1.22, 2.47), ARD 7.9%); program recognition was related to lower burnout (aOR 0.520 (0.356, 0.760), ARD 9.3%). These variables explained 55% of burnout variance. Qualitative data confirmed sleep impairment, lack of schedule control, excess EMR and patient volume as stressors. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide a nomenclature and systematic method for addressing well-being during residency. Work conditions for females and PGY 2's may merit attention first.

Liver transplant in primary sclerosing cholangitis: Current trends and future directions.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic and progressive immune-mediated cholangiopathy causing biliary tree inflammation and scarring, leading to liver cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. Diagnosis of PSC is challenging due to its nonspecific symptoms and overlap with other liver diseases. Despite the rising incidence of PSC, there is no proven medical therapy that can alter the natural history of the disease. While liver transplantation (LT) is the most effective approach for managing advanced liver disease caused by PSC, post-transplantation recurrence of PSC remains a challenge. Therefore, ongoing research aims to develop better therapies for PSC, and continued efforts are necessary to improve outcomes for patients with PSC. This article provides an overview of PSC's pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and management options, including LT trends and future aspects. It also highlights the need for improved therapeutic options and ethical considerations in providing equitable access to LT for patients with PSC. Additionally, the impact of liver transplant on the quality of life and psychological outcomes of patients with PSC is discussed. Ongoing research into PSC's pathogenesis and post-transplant recurrence is crucial for improved understanding of the disease and more effective treatment options.

A Rare Case of Opsoclonus Myoclonus Ataxia Syndrome Post Viral Illness.

Opsoclonus myoclonus ataxia syndrome (OMAS) is a rare inflammatory neurological disorder characterized by ocular, motor, behavioral, language, and sleep disturbances. It usually affects infants and young children but may affect adults. A 28-year-old male was brought to our emergency ward with complaints of involuntary spontaneous eye movements and jerky movements of limbs with imbalance while walking. He had a history of short febrile illness 10 days prior. His magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and other routine investigations were normal. The patient was treated with injectable methylprednisolone (1 g) given for five days along with other supportive therapy. A significant reduction in the opsoclonus, myoclonus, and ataxia was seen on a six-month follow-up. OMAS should be identified early to avoid the use of inappropriate medications, and immunotherapy must be provided as early as possible in order to prevent irreversible neurological damage.

Comparative Study Between Conventional Curettage Adenoidectomy Versus Endoscopic Microdebrider Assisted Adenoidectomy: Our Experience.

Adenoidectomy is one of the commonest surgical procedures performed by otolaryngologists however; its recurrence rates are very high. Our objective in this study was to compare safety and efficacy between conventional curettage and endoscopic assisted microdebrider adenoidectomy. This was a prospective comparative parallel randomized control trial conducted at a tertiary care hospital from April 2017 to December 2018. We divided patients (N = 42) into two groups i.e. conventional adenoidectomy (group A) (n1 = 21) and endoscopic microdebrider assisted adenoidectomy (group B) (n1 = 21) groups using the lottery method of randomization. Among 42 patients, 33 (79%) were male and 9 (21%) were female. The average operative time in group A was 16.15 min and in group B was 22.9 min with p value < 0.05. Average blood loss in group A was 35.57 ml and in group B was 37.14 ml. In group A, 1 (4.76%) of 21 patients developed temporary velopharyngeal insufficiency which was relieved after 4 weeks of surgery whereas in group B, 5 (23.8%) patients developed nasal bleed and 2 (9.52%) patients presented with nasal synechiae on follow-up. Eight (38%) patients in group A showed grade I adenoids after 3 weeks of surgery while group B showed complete clearance in all patients (p < 0.05). Conventional adenoidectomy has less intra-operative blood loss and shorter surgical time duration as compared to endoscopic assisted microdebrider adenoidectomy but with higher chances of residual adenoid tissue.

Trends in Clinician Burnout With Associated Mitigating and Aggravating Factors During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Importance: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected clinician health and retention. Objective: To describe trends in burnout from 2019 through 2021 with associated mitigating and aggravating factors. Design, Setting, and Participants: Cross-sectional surveys were sent to physicians and advanced practice clinicians throughout 120 large US health care organizations between February 2019 and December 2021. From 56 090 surveys, there were 20 627 respondents. Exposures: Work conditions and COVID-19. Main Outcomes and Measures: Surveys measured time pressure, chaos, work control, teamwork, electronic health record use, values alignment, satisfaction, burnout, intent to leave, and in 2021, feeling valued. Multivariate regressions controlling for gender, race and ethnicity, years in practice, and role determined burnout, satisfaction, and intent-to-leave correlates. Results: Of the 20 627 respondents (median response rate, 58% [IQR, 34%-86%; difference, 52%]), 67% were physicians, 51% female, and 66% White. Burnout was 45% in 2019, 40% to 45% in early 2020, 50% in late 2020, and 60% in late 2021. Intent to leave increased from 24% in 2019 to more than 40% as job satisfaction decreased. Higher burnout was seen in chaotic workplaces (odds ratio [OR], 1.51; 95% CI, 1.38-1.66; P < .001) and with low work control (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.91-2.30; P < .001). Higher burnout was associated with poor teamwork (OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.78-2.43; P < .001), while feeling valued was associated with lower burnout (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.18-0.27; P < .001). In time trends, burnout was consistently higher with chaos and poor work control. For example, in the fourth quarter of 2021 burnout was 36% (95% CI, 31%-42%) in calm environments vs 78% (95% CI, 73%-84%) if chaotic (absolute difference, 42%; 95% CI, 34%-49%; P < .001), and 39% (95% CI, 33%-44%) with good work control vs 75% (95% CI, 69%-81%) if poor (absolute difference, 36%; 95% CI, 27%-44%; P < .001). Good teamwork was associated with lower burnout rates (49%; 95% CI, 44%-54%) vs poor teamwork (88%; 95% CI, 80%-97%; absolute difference, 39%; 95% CI, 29%-48%; P < .001), as was feeling valued (37%; 95% CI, 31%-44%) vs not feeling valued (69%; 95% CI, 63%-74%; absolute difference, 32%; 95% CI, 22%-39%; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance: Results of this survey study show that in 2020 through 2021, burnout and intent to leave gradually increased, rose sharply in late 2021, and varied by chaos, work control, teamwork, and feeling valued. Monitoring these variables could provide mechanisms for worker protection.

Implications of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Patients with Acute Cholangitis: A Systematic Review of Current Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been associated with higher rates and poorer prognosis of infections, mainly due to poor glycemic control, reduced response of T-cells and neutrophils, and impaired migration, phagocytosis, and chemotaxis of leukocytes. However, the impact of T2DM on acute cholangitis (AC) has not been assessed so far. Thus, we aimed to explore this association by means of a systematic review of the literature. METHODS: This systematic review was carried out based on the recommendations stated in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science and SCOPUS databases to identify relevant publications depicting an association between T2DM and AC from the inception of these search services up to present. RESULTS: We detected a total of 435 eligible records. After we applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 14 articles were included in the present systematic review. Included manuscripts focused on the potential role of T2DM as a risk factor for the development of AC and on its contribution to a worse prognosis in AC, e.g., development of sepsis or other complications, the risk of AC recurrence and the impact on mortality. CONCLUSIONS: As compared to non-diabetic individuals, patients with T2DM have a higher risk of AC as a complication of choledocholithiasis or gallstone pancreatitis. Several oral hypoglycemic drugs used in the management of T2DM may also be involved in the onset of AC. Diabetic patients who suffer from AC have a higher likelihood of longer hospital stays and sepsis, as well as a higher risk of mortality and more severe forms of AC as compared to non-diabetic individuals.

Anesthetic Management of a Patient With Common Carotid Artery Stenosis Undergoing Laryngeal Carcinoma Surgery: A Case Report.

Laryngectomy is a common surgery for an oncosurgeon, but underlying carotid compromise is a serious concern for anesthesiologists, making this routine procedure a high-risk one. The utmost vigilance of the anesthesiologist is demanded by the surgery to prevent morbidities such as hemiplegia, hemiparesis, or speech abnormalities that may occur due to perfusion insufficiency secondary to the mechanical blockage of the carotid arteries. Hence, an undiagnosed case of carotid artery block may result in disastrous consequences for the patient, surgeon, and anesthesiologist. Hence, it is imperative to perform all the pre-operative investigations with due diligence. We present the case of a 74-year-old male who was admitted to our set-up for laryngeal carcinoma surgery. The patient had received chemoradiotherapy (CRT) six months earlier. He complained of hoarseness in his voice and a painless neck mass. He was a known case of hypertension for 14 years, controlled by oral medication, and had a history of stroke five years ago, when he was also diagnosed with a completely blocked right common carotid artery (CCA) and a partially blocked left common carotid artery.

Prevalence and Patterns of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Asian Indians With Congestive Heart Failure.

Background Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) has a potential association with the pathogenesis of congestive heart failure (CHF). We assessed the prevalence and patterns of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients presenting with CHF. Method This was a prospective, observational, all-comers study of consecutive 77 confirmed cases of CHF. All these patients were clinically assessed and evaluated for OSA with sleep study after routine blood testing, electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, and echocardiography. Results Of 77 patients with CHF 38 (49.4%) had apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) <5 while 39 (50.6%) had AHI >5. Of these 39, 37 (94.8%) patients showed the clinical features of OSA. The majority (64.9%) of them were males. The majority of OSA (64.9%) had coronary artery disease (CAD) (p<0.05) as the etiology of CHF, followed by dilated cardiomyopathy (32.4%) and valvular heart disease (2.7%). The prevalence of OSA was higher amongst New York Heart Association (NYHA) class 2 (51.4%) as compared to NYHA class 3 (37.8%) and NYHA class 4 (10.8%). There were 12 (32.8%) patients, each having OSA with a heart rate between 71 and 80 bpm and 81 and 90 bpm. Twenty-two (59.5%) had systolic blood pressure (BP) more than 120 mmHg and 20 (54.1%) had diastolic BP more than 80 mmHg. The majority (64.9%) patients had the lowest O2 saturation between 80% and 90%. A significantly large number of patients (62.2%) had ejection fraction 21%-30% (p<0.05). The majority (62.16%) of patients with OSA had AHI between 5 and 15. With 5-15 AHI, 20 (87%) patients with OSA had a snoring, tiredness, observed apnea, high BP, BMI, age, neck circumference, and male gender (STOP-Bang) score between 3 and 7 with AHI 5-15 (p<0.05). Conclusions In our cohort, the prevalence of OSA in CHF was 50.6%. Predictors of OSA in CHF were left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 20%-30% and NYHA class 2. The majority had AHI between 5 and 15. Sleep apnea screening should be routinely implemented in the evaluation and follow-up of heart failure patients.

Predictors of Arterial Stiffness Amongst the 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Variables in Hypertensive Patients.

Objective The objective of the study is to identify the predominant determinants of arterial stiffness as assessed by pulse-wave-velocity (PVW) amongst various 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) parameters in Indian hypertensive subjects. Method Subjects of both genders between 18-60 years with hypertension and who were either drug naïve or on stable anti-hypertensive treatment for at least three months were included in the study. All subjects underwent clinical evaluation with a medical history, biochemical investigations, and assessment of arterial stiffness by PWV along with 24-hour ABPM. Results We found the males were younger than females amongst hypertensive cohort (41.53 ± 10.89 years vs. 52.2 ± 5.17 years, respectively; p=0.001) and had shorter duration of hypertension (41.42 ± 49.14 months vs. 87.8 ± 74.55 months, respectively; p=0.012) and had lower 24-hour average pulse pressure (aPP; 49.1 ± 7.8 mm Hg vs. 57.83 ± 8.92 mm Hg, respectively; p=0.001) at baseline. Younger people (<40-years) as compared to those >40-years of age had the lower carotid-femoral (cf) PWV (972.8 ± 125.0 cm/sec vs. 1165.0 ± 208.4 cm/sec, respectively; p=0.001) and average brachial-ankle (ba) PWV (1413.7 ± 160.4 cm/sec and 1640.0 ± 227.1 cm/sec, respectively; p=0.001). Bivariate analysis revealed that amongst all the 24-hour ABPM parameters, 24-hour aPP had the strongest correlation (r=0.414, p=0.003) with arterial stiffness as assessed by PWV. Also, statistically significant correlation was found in age group <40 years between cf-PWV and both 24-hour aPP (r=0.54, p=0.025) as well as night-time aPP (r=0.59, p=0.013) Conclusion We conclude that 24-hour aPP showed the strongest correlation with arterial stiffness parameters and best correlated with arterial stiffness variables amongst 24-hour ABPM parameters, especially amongst subjects <40 years of age. The pulsatile blood pressure (BP) was a better predictor of aortic PWV than the continuous part of BP.