Early life adversity and obesity risk in adolescence: a 9-year population-based prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: There are few prospective studies of factors that mediate the association between exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and obesity in adolescence. Our aim was to address this limitation. METHODS: We used prospective data from the Growing up in Ireland cohort study, with measurements at 9, 13, and 18 years old. The exposures were 14 adverse experiences before age 9. The main outcome was body mass index (BMI) at 18 years. Mediators were daily activity, diet quality, self-image and behavioural difficulties at 13 years. RESULTS: Among the 4561 adolescents in the final cohort, 77.2% experienced any adversity, 50.5% were female and 26.7% were overweight/obese at 18 years. BMI Z was higher at ages 9 (0.54 vs 0.43, p < 0.05, 95% CI of difference: -0.22, -0.01) and 13 years (0.50 vs 0.35, p < 0.05, 95% CI of difference: -0.25, -0.06), in those exposed to an ACE, compared to those unexposed. Structural equation models revealed that behavioural difficulties (ß = 0.01; 95% CI: 0.007-0.018, p < 0.001) and self-concept (ß = 0.0027; 95% CI: 0.0004-0.0050, p = 0.026) indirectly mediate the association between exposure to ACEs and BMI at 18 years. CONCLUSIONS: The association between ACEs and BMI in adolescence is mediated by behavioural difficulties and self-concept. IMPACT: In a previous study, we found modest associations between exposure to a range of adverse childhood experiences and weight gain at 13 years of age. The strength of the association between adverse childhood experiences and weight gain was lower at 18 years of age compared to the association observed at 13 years and was no longer significant after controlling for confounding and including possible mediators. The association between adverse childhood experiences and BMI in adolescence is indirectly mediated by behavioural difficulties and self-concept.

Emergency airway management in a tertiary trauma centre (AIRMAN): a one-year prospective longitudinal study.

PURPOSE: Emergency airway management can be associated with a range of complications including long-term neurologic injury and death. We studied the first-pass success rate with emergency airway management in a tertiary care trauma centre. Secondary outcomes were to identify factors associated with first-pass success and factors associated with adverse events peri-intubation. METHODS: We performed a single-centre, prospective, observational study of patients ≥ 17 yr old who were intubated in the emergency department (ED), surgical intensive care unit (SICU), medical intensive care unit (MICU), and inpatient wards at our institution. Ethics approval was obtained from the local research ethics board. RESULTS: In a seven-month period, there were 416 emergency intubations and a first-pass success rate of 73.1%. The first-pass success rates were 57.5% on the ward, 66.1% in the intensive care units (ICUs) and 84.3% in the ED. Equipment also varied by location; videolaryngoscopy use was 65.1% in the ED and only 10.6% on wards. A multivariate regression model using the least absolute shrinkage and selection algorithm (LASSO) showed that the odds ratios for factors associated with two or more intubation attempts were location (wards, 1.23; MICU, 1.24; SICU, 1.19; reference group, ED), physiologic instability (1.19), an anatomically difficult airway (1.05), hypoxemia (1.98), lack of neuromuscular blocker use (2.28), and intubator inexperience (1.41). CONCLUSIONS: First-pass success rates varied widely between locations within the hospital and were less than those published from similar institutions, except for the ED. We are revamping ICU protocols to improve the first-pass success rate.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: La prise en charge d'urgence des voies aériennes peut être associée à une multitude de complications, y compris des lésions neurologiques à long terme et la mort. Nous avons étudié le taux de réussite à la première tentative lors de la prise en charge d'urgence des voies aériennes dans un centre de traumatologie tertiaire. Les critères d'évaluation secondaires étaient l'identification des facteurs associés à la réussite de la première tentative et des facteurs associés aux événements indésirables péri-intubation. MéTHODE: Nous avons réalisé une étude observationnelle prospective monocentrique sur des patients âgés de 17 ans ou plus qui avaient été intubés à l'urgence, à l'unité de soins intensifs chirurgicaux (USIC), à l'unité de soins intensifs médicaux (USIM) et aux étages dans notre établissement. L'approbation a été obtenue du comité d'éthique de la recherche local. RéSULTATS: Au cours d'une période de sept mois, il y a eu 416 intubations d'urgence et un taux de réussite à la première tentative de 73,1 %. Les taux de réussite à la première tentative étaient de 57,5 % aux étages, de 66,1 % dans les unités de soins intensifs (USI) et de 84,3 % à l'urgence. Le matériel variait également selon l'emplacement; l'utilisation de la vidéolaryngoscopie était de 65,1 % à l'urgence et de seulement 10,6 % aux étages. Un modèle de régression multivariée utilisant l'algorithme LASSO (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Algorithm) a montré que les rapports de cotes pour les facteurs associés à deux tentatives d'intubation ou plus étaient l'emplacement (étages, 1,23; USIM, 1,24; USIC, 1,19; groupe de référence, urgence), l'instabilité physiologique (1,19), des voies aériennes présentant des complications anatomiques (1,05), l'hypoxémie (1,98), la non-utilisation de bloqueurs neuromusculaires (2,28) et l'inexpérience de la personne pratiquant l'intubation (1,41). CONCLUSION: Les taux de réussite à la première tentative variaient considérablement d'un emplacement à l'autre au sein de l'hôpital et étaient inférieurs à ceux publiés par des établissements comparables, à l'exception du service des urgences. Nous retravaillons les protocoles des soins intensifs afin d'améliorer le taux de réussite à la première tentative.

Characterizing intubation practices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey of the Canadian COVID-19 Emergency Department Rapid Response Network (CCEDRRN) sites.

OBJECTIVE: The risk of occupational exposure during endotracheal intubation has required the global Emergency Medicine (EM), Anesthesia, and Critical Care communities to institute new COVID- protected intubation guidelines, checklists, and protocols. This survey aimed to deepen the understanding of the changes in intubation practices across Canada by evaluating the pre-COVID-19, early-COVID-19, and present-day periods, elucidating facilitators and barriers to implementation, and understanding provider impressions of the effectiveness and safety of the changes made. METHODS: We conducted an electronic, self-administered, cross-sectional survey of EM physician site leads within the Canadian COVID-19 Emergency Department Rapid Response Network (CCEDRRN) to characterize and compare airway management practices in the pre-COVID-19, early-COVID-19, and present-day periods. Ethics approval for this study was obtained from the University of Manitoba Health Research Ethics Board. The electronic platform SurveyMonkey ( www.surveymonkey.com ) was used to collect and store survey tool responses. Categorical item responses, including the primary outcome, are reported as numbers and proportions. Variations in intubation practices over time were evaluated through mixed-effects logistic regression models. RESULTS: Invitations were sent to 33 emergency department (ED) physician site leads in the CCEDRRN. We collected 27 survey responses, 4 were excluded, and 23 analysed. Responses were collected in English (87%) and French (13%), from across Canada and included mainly physicians practicing in mainly Academic and tertiary sites (83%). All respondents reported that the intubation protocols used in their EDs changed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (100%, n = 23, 95% CI 0.86-1.00). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a novel summary of changes to airway management practices in response to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Information from this study could help inform a consensus on safe and effective emergent intubation of persons with communicable respiratory infections in the future.

Maternal body mass index, offspring body mass index, and blood pressure at 18 years: a causal mediation analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Understanding the natural history of hypertension is key to identifying prevention strategies. Previous work suggests that in utero exposures and offspring anthropometrics may play a role. This study examined the relationship between maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and the mediating role of childhood and adolescent BMI on offspring blood pressure at 18 years. METHODS: We performed multivariable regression and causal mediation analyses within 3217 mother - offspring pairs from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children prospective birth cohort. The main exposure was maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, and the outcome was offspring blood pressure at 18 years of age categorized as normal or elevated. Latent trajectory analysis was used to quantify the mediator, offspring BMI trajectories, derived from multiple measurements throughout childhood and adolescence. Mediation analyses were repeated using current offspring BMI at 18 years as a continuous variable. RESULTS: Multivariable logistic regression revealed that for every 1 unit increase in maternal BMI, the risk of elevated blood pressure at 18 years of age increased by 5% (aOR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.03-1.07; p < 0.001). The strength of this association was reduced after adjusting for offspring BMI trajectory (aOR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00-1.05; p = 0.017) and eliminated after adjusting for offspring BMI at 18 years (aOR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.98-1.03; p = 0.70). Causal mediation analysis confirmed offspring BMI at 18 years as a mediator, where BMI trajectory accounted for 46% of the total effect of maternal BMI on elevated offspring blood pressure and current BMI account for nearly the entire effect. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI is associated with an increased risk of elevated blood pressure in offspring at 18 years of age although it appears to be entirely mediated by offspring BMI.

Analgesic duration of interscalene block after outpatient arthroscopic shoulder surgery with intravenous dexamethasone, intravenous dexmedetomidine, or their combination: a randomized-controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Both intravenous dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine prolong the analgesic duration of interscalene blocks (ISB) after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. This study compared their relative effectiveness and the benefit of their use in combination. METHODS: This single-centre, double-blinded, parallel three-group superiority trial randomized 198 adult patients undergoing ambulatory arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Patients received preoperative ISB with 30 mL 0.5% bupivacaine and 50 µg dexmedetomidine or 4 mg dexamethasone or both of these agents as intravenous adjuncts. The primary outcome was analgesic block duration. Secondary outcomes included the quality of recovery 15 score (range: 0-150) on day 1 and postoperative neurologic symptoms in the surgical arm. RESULTS: Block durations (n = 195) with dexamethasone (median [range], 24.5 [2.0-339.5] hr) and both adjuncts (24.0 [1.5-157.0] hr) were prolonged compared with dexmedetomidine (16.0 [1.5-154.0] hr). When analyzed by linear regression after an unplanned log transformation because of right-skewed data, the corresponding prolongations of block duration were 59% (95% confidence interval [CI], 28 to 97) and 46% (95% CI, 18 to 80), respectively (both P < 0.001). The combined adjuncts were not superior to dexamethasone alone (-8%; 95% CI, -26 to 14; P = 0.42). Median [IQR] quality of recovery 15 scores (n = 197) were significantly different only between dexamethasone (126 [79-149]) and dexmedetomidine (118.5 [41-150], P = 0.004), but by an amount less than the 8-point minimum clinically important difference. CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone is superior to dexmedetomidine as an intravenous adjunct for prolongation of bupivacaine-based ISB analgesic duration. There was no additional benefit to using both adjuncts in combination. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03270033); registered 1 September 2017.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: La dexaméthasone et la dexmédétomidine intraveineuses prolongent toutes deux la durée analgésique des blocs interscaléniques (BIS) après une chirurgie arthroscopique de l'épaule. Cette étude a comparé leur efficacité relative et les avantages d'une utilisation des deux agents en combinaison. MéTHODE: Cette étude de supériorité monocentrique en trois groupes parallèles à double insu a randomisé 198 patients adultes subissant une chirurgie arthroscopique de l'épaule en ambulatoire. Les patients ont reçu un BIS préopératoire composé de 30 mL de bupivacaïne 0,5 % avec 50 µg de dexmédétomidine, 4 mg de dexaméthasone, ou la combinaison de ces deux agents comme adjuvants intraveineux. Le critère d'évaluation principal était la durée analgésique du bloc. Les critères d'évaluation secondaires comprenaient le score de qualité de récupération (QoR) 15 (plage : 0-150) au jour 1 et les symptômes neurologiques postopératoires dans le bras opéré. RéSULTATS: Les durées des blocs (n = 195) avec la dexaméthasone (médiane [plage], 24,5 [2,0-339,5] heures) et la combinaison des deux adjuvants (24,0 [1,5-157,0] heures) ont été prolongées par rapport à la dexmédétomidine (16,0 [1,5-154,0] heures). Lorsqu'elles ont été analysées par régression linéaire après une transformation logarithmique non planifiée en raison de données biaisées vers la droite, les prolongations correspondantes de la durée du bloc étaient de 59 % (intervalle de confiance [IC] 95 %, 28 à 97) et de 46 % (IC 95 %, 18 à 80), respectivement (les deux P < 0,001). La combinaison des adjuvants n'était pas supérieure à la dexaméthasone seule (-8 %; IC 95 %, -26 à 14; P = 0,42). Les scores médians [ÉIQ] de qualité de récupération 15 (n = 197) n'étaient significativement différents qu'entre la dexaméthasone (126 [79-149]) et la dexmédétomidine (118,5 [41-150], P = 0,004), mais la différence observée était inférieure à la différence minimale de 8 points nécessaire pour être considérée cliniquement importante. CONCLUSION: La dexaméthasone est supérieure à la dexmédétomidine en tant qu'adjuvant intraveineux pour prolonger la durée analgésique d'un BIS à base de bupivacaïne. Aucun avantage supplémentaire n'a été observé lors de l'utilisation combinée des deux adjuvants. ENREGISTREMENT DE L'éTUDE: www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03270033); enregistrée le 1er septembre 2017.

Developing a crosswalk between the RAND-12 and the health utilities index for multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Researchers studying health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in multiple sclerosis (MS) can choose from many instruments, but findings from studies which use different instruments cannot be easily combined. We aimed to develop a crosswalk that associates scores from the RAND-12 to scores on the Health Utilities Index-Mark III (HUI3) in persons with MS. METHODS: In 2018, participants in the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) registry completed the RAND-12 and the HUI3 to assess HRQOL. We used item-response theory (IRT) and equipercentile linking approaches to develop a crosswalk between instruments. We compared predicted scores for the HUI3 from each crosswalk to observed scores using Pearson correlations, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: Of 11,389 invited participants, 7129 (62.6%) responded. Predicted and observed values of the HUI3 from the IRT-linking method were moderately correlated (Pearson r = 0.76) with good concordance (ICC = 0.72). However, the Bland-Altman plots suggested biased prediction. Predicted and observed values from the equipercentile linking method were also moderately correlated (Pearson r = 0.78, ICC = 0.78). The Bland-Altman plots suggested no bias. CONCLUSION: We developed a crosswalk between the RAND-12 and the HUI3 in the MS population which will facilitate data harmonization efforts.

Characterization of the Genital Mucosa Immune Profile to Distinguish Phases of the Menstrual Cycle: Implications for HIV Susceptibility.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation and immune activation are key factors in sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We sought to define the impact of hormonal cycling on the mucosal immune environment and HIV risk in sex workers with a natural menstrual cycle. METHODS: We compared soluble mucosal immune factors and cervical mononuclear cells during hormone titer-defined phases of the menstrual cycle among 37 sex workers from Nairobi, Kenya. Systemic and mucosal samples were collected 14 days apart to distinguish the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle, and phases were confirmed by hormone measurements. Vaginal concentrations of 19 immune modulators and cervical T-cell activation markers were measured. RESULTS: The follicular phase signature was characterized by an elevated CCL2 level, decreased interleukin 1α and interleukin 1ß cervical concentrations, and a significant increase in the proportion of CD4+ T cells that expressed CD69. The genital concentration of CCL2 was the best marker to distinguish the follicular from the luteal phase in univariate and multivariate analyses and remained independent of elevated genital inflammation and bacterial vaginosis. CONCLUSION: The follicular phase of the menstrual cycle was associated with an elevated CCL2 level and retention of resident memory CD4+ T cells, which has implications for increased susceptibility to HIV infection.

Informing antimicrobial stewardship: factors associated with inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing in primary care.

Background: Antimicrobial stewardship (AS) programs promote the optimal use of antimicrobials and safe patient care. With most antimicrobials prescribed in the ambulatory setting, establishing benchmark data is imperative to gauge the impact of future AS initiatives. Objectives: To determine the frequency of potentially inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing in primary care practices in Manitoba, Canada and to assess the association between potentially inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing and patient, prescriber and practice-related factors. Methods: A retrospective cohort study using the Manitoba Primary Care Research Network repository of de-identified Electronic Medical Records from consenting primary care practices. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions detailed patients with bacterial or viral infections of interest and antimicrobial prescriptions. Results: Eighteen percent (n = 35 574) of primary care visits for common infections were associated with a potentially inappropriate antimicrobial prescription. Among antimicrobials prescribed to patients diagnosed with bacterial infections, 37.8% (n = 2168) had a potentially inappropriate antimicrobial prescribed and 19.6% (n = 1126) had an antimicrobial prescribed for a duration outside of guideline-based ranges. Female patients, younger age and less office visits were associated with potentially inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing for bacterial infections. Among physician visits for viral infection, 15.9% (n = 29 833) were associated with an antimicrobial prescription. Older patients, those with more comorbidity, more office visits and those who were seen in larger or rural practices, were associated with potentially inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing for viral infections. Conclusions: High frequency of potentially inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing, especially in certain patient populations, suggests the need for coordinated community-based AS programs to optimize prescribing and improve patient care.

A multilevel analysis of risk and protective factors for Canadian youth injured or killed by interpersonal violence.

PURPOSE: The study's purpose was to determine individual-level and neighbourhood-level risk and protective factors for severe intentional injury among youth. METHODS: We conducted a multilevel case-control study using registry data to determine individual-level and neighbourhood-level social determinants associated with severe violent injury/homicide among youth from Winnipeg, Manitoba. RESULTS: The study includes 13 206 youth, aged 12-24 years (1222 cases, 11 984 controls). Individual-level risk predictors of being a victim of violence were male sex (OR 5.72 (95% CI 4.77 to 6.86)) and First Nations (OR 2.76 (95% CI 2.32 to 3.29)). Education was inversely associated with victimisation for individuals under (OR 0.36 (95% CI 0.26 to 0.51)) and over (OR 0.58 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.69)) 18 years. Ever having been in protective care (OR 1.66 (95% CI 1.39 to 1.99)), receiving income assistance from the government (OR 1.26 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.51)) or ever having criminal charges (OR 4.76 (95% CI 4.08 to 5.56)) were also significant predictors of being a victim of violence. Neighbourhood-level risk factors for victimisation included low socioeconomic status (OR 1.14 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.25)) and high levels of assault (OR 1.07 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.10)). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a complex web of risk and protective factors among youth injured by violence. It underscores the ongoing, injurious effects of historical trauma experienced by many Canadian First Nations people. Strong victim-perpetrator overlap suggests that intersectoral policies are needed to address these issues. Our findings highlight the need to improve education and family supports.

Effect of dexamethasone dose and route on the duration of interscalene brachial plexus block for outpatient arthroscopic shoulder surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Dexamethasone prolongs the duration of interscalene block, but the benefits of higher doses and perineural vs intravenous administration remain unclear. METHODS: This factorial design, double-blinded trial randomized 280 adult patients undergoing ambulatory arthroscopic shoulder surgery at a single centre in a 1:1:1:1 ratio. Patients received ultrasound-guided interscalene block with 30 mL 0.5% bupivacaine and 4 mg or 8 mg dexamethasone by either the perineural or intravenous route. The primary outcome (block duration measured as the time of first pain at the surgical site) and secondary outcomes (adverse effects, postoperative neurologic symptoms) were assessed by telephone. In this superiority trial, the predetermined minimum clinically important difference for comparisons between doses and routes was 3.0 hr. RESULTS: The perineural route significantly prolonged the mean block duration by 2.0 hr (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.4 to 3.5 hr; P = 0.01), but 8 mg of dexamethasone did not significantly prolong the mean block duration compared with 4 mg (1.3 hr; 95% CI, -0.3 to 2.9 hr, P = 0.10), and there was no significant statistical interaction (P = 0.51). The mean (95% CI) block durations, in hours, were 24.0 (22.9 to 25.1), 24.8 (23.2 to 26.3), 25.4 (23.8 to 27.0), and 27.2 (25.2 to 29.3) for intravenous doses of 4 and 8 mg and perineural doses of 4 and 8 mg, respectively. There were no marked differences in side effects between groups. At 14 postoperative days, 57 (20.4%) patients reported neurologic symptoms, including dyspnea and hoarseness. At six months postoperatively, only six (2.1%) patients had residual symptoms, with four (1.4%) patients' symptoms unlikely related to interscalene block. CONCLUSION: Compared with the intravenous route, perineural dexamethasone prolongs the mean interscalene block duration by a small amount that may or may not be clinically significant, regardless of dose. However, the difference in mean block durations between 8 mg and 4 mg of dexamethasone is highly unlikely to be clinically important, regardless of the administration route. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02426736). Registered 14 April 2015.

Clonal Clusters and Virulence Factors of Group C and G Streptococcus Causing Severe Infections, Manitoba, Canada, 2012-2014.

The incidence of group C and G Streptococcus (GCGS) bacteremia, which is associated with severe disease and death, is increasing. We characterized clinical features, outcomes, and genetic determinants of GCGS bacteremia for 89 patients in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, who had GCGS bacteremia during 2012-2014. Of the 89 patients, 51% had bacteremia from skin and soft tissue, 70% had severe disease features, and 20% died. Whole-genome sequencing analysis was performed on isolates derived from 89 blood samples and 33 respiratory sample controls: 5 closely related genetic lineages were identified as being more likely to cause invasive disease than non-clade isolates (83% vs. 57%, p = 0.002). Virulence factors cbp, fbp, speG, sicG, gfbA, and bca clustered clonally into these clades. A clonal distribution of virulence factors may account for severe and fatal cases of bacteremia caused by invasive GCGS.

Education, Employment, Income, and Marital Status Among Adults Diagnosed With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases During Childhood or Adolescence.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: We aimed to assess levels of education attained, employment, and marital status of adults diagnosed with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) during childhood or adolescence, compared with healthy individuals in Canada. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of adults diagnosed with IBD in childhood or adolescence at Children's Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba from January 1978 through December 2007. Participants (n = 112) answered a semi-structured questionnaire on educational achievements, employment, and marital status. Patients were matched for age and sex with random healthy individuals from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey (controls, 5 per patient). Conditional binary logistic regression and random-effects ordinal logistic regression models were used for analysis. RESULTS: Patients were followed for a mean duration of 14.3 years (range, 3.1-34.5 years). Persons with IBD were more likely to earn more money per annum and attain a post-secondary school degree or receive a diploma than controls (odds ratio, 1.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-2.60; P < .01 and odds ratio, 2.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.48-5.04; P < .01, respectively). There was no significant difference between patients and controls in employment or marital status. CONCLUSIONS: Adults diagnosed with IBD during childhood seem to achieve higher education levels than individuals without IBD. This observation should provide reassurance to children with IBD and their parents. ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT02152241.

Can Latent Class Analysis Be Used to Improve the Diagnostic Process in Pediatric Patients with Chronic Ataxia?

Chronic ataxia is a relatively common symptom in children. There are numerous causes of chronic ataxia, making it difficult to derive a diagnosis in a timely manner. We hypothesized that the efficiency of the diagnostic process can be improved with systematic analysis of clinical features in pediatric patients with chronic ataxia. Our aim was to improve the efficiency of the diagnostic process in pediatric patients with chronic ataxia. A cohort of 184 patients, aged 0-16 years with chronic ataxia who received medical care at Winnipeg Children's Hospital during 1991-2008, was ascertained retrospectively from several hospital databases. Clinical details were extracted from hospital charts. The data were compared among the more common diseases using univariate analysis to identify pertinent clinical features that could potentially improve the efficiency of the diagnostic process. Latent class analysis was then conducted to detect unique patterns of clinical features and to determine whether these patterns could be associated with chronic ataxia diagnoses. Two models each with three classes were chosen based on statistical criteria and clinical knowledge for best fit. Each class represented a specific pattern of presenting symptoms or other clinical features. The three classes corresponded to a plausible and shorter list of possible diagnoses. For example, developmental delay and hypotonia correlated best with Angelman syndrome. Specific patterns of presenting symptoms or other clinical features can potentially aid in the initial assessment and diagnosis of pediatric patients with chronic ataxia. This will likely improve the efficiency of the diagnostic process.

Data quality in electronic medical records in Manitoba: Do problem lists reflect chronic disease as defined by prescriptions?

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the problem list (health conditions) in primary care electronic medical records (EMRs) accurately reflects the conditions for which chronic medications are prescribed in the EMR. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of EMR data. SETTING: Eighteen primary care clinics across rural and urban Manitoba using the Accuro EMR. PARTICIPANTS: Data from the EMRs of active patients seen in an 18-month period (December 18, 2011, to June 18, 2013, or December 3, 2012, to June 3, 2014) were used. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The likelihood of documentation in the EMR problem list of those specific chronic diseases for which drug prescriptions were documented in the EMR. Regression modeling was performed to determine the effect of clinic patient load and remuneration type on the completeness of EMR problem lists. RESULTS: Overall problem-list completeness was low but was highest for diabetes and lowest for insomnia. Fee-for-service clinics generally had lower problem-list completeness than salaried clinics did for all prescription medications examined. Panel size did not affect problem-list completeness rates. CONCLUSION: The low EMR problem-list completeness suggests that this field is not reliable for use in quality improvement initiatives or research until higher reliability has been demonstrated. Further research is recommended to explore the reasons for the poor quality and to support improvement efforts.

Prevalence of Peripheral Eosinophilia at Diagnosis in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) encompasses 2 disorders of unknown etiology: Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). There has been a continuous search for markers for disease activity. Eosinophils are granulocytic leukocytes that are implicated in the pathogenesis of IBD. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and significance of peripheral eosinophilia (PE) at diagnosis in children with IBD. METHODS: A comprehensive chart review of all children with diagnosed as having IBD between January 2006 and August 2014 was performed. Patients with PE at diagnosis were compared with those without in relation to disease clinical activity and disease course. RESULTS: A total of 109 children (mean age 14.6 ± 2.77, range 4.5-17.9 years, 55 boys) with IBD (68 with CD and 41 with UC) who were studied for a mean duration of 2.82 ± 1.89 (range 0.1-9.2 years) were identified. At diagnosis, 44 (40.4%) children had PE, which was more prevalent in patients with UC compared with those with CD (61.3% vs 36.3%, P < 0.05). At diagnosis, PE was more common in patients with high eosinophilic count in colonic biopsy samples (P < 0.01) and was significantly associated with disease activity as indicated by Pediatric CD Activity Index for children with CD (P < 0.05), Pediatric UC Activity Index for children with UC (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: PE is a common finding at diagnosis in children with IBD especially in those with UC. Patients with PE at diagnosis are more likely to present with higher clinical activity indices. PE is associated with more eosinophils in colonic biopsy samples.

Central intake to improve access to physiotherapy for children with complex needs: a mixed methods case report.

BACKGROUND: Children with complex needs can face barriers to system access and navigation related to their need for multiple services and healthcare providers. Central intake for pediatric rehabilitation was developed and implemented in 2008 in Winnipeg Manitoba Canada as a means to enhance service coordination and access for children and their families. This study evaluates the process and impact of implementing a central intake system, using pediatric physiotherapy as a case example. METHODS: A mixed methods instrumental case study design was used. Interviews were completed with 9 individuals. Data was transcribed and analyzed for themes. Quantitative data (wait times, referral volume and caregiver satisfaction) was collected for children referred to physiotherapy with complex needs (n = 1399), and a comparison group of children referred for orthopedic concerns (n = 3901). Wait times were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, caregiver satisfaction was analyzed using Fisher exact test and change point modeling was applied to examine referral volume over the study period. RESULTS: Interview participants described central intake implementation as creating more streamlined processes. Factors that facilitated successful implementation included 1) agreement among stakeholders, 2) hiring of a central intake coordinator, 3) a financial commitment from the government and 4) leadership at the individual and organization level. Mean (sd) wait times improved for children with complex needs (12.3(13.1) to 8.0(6.9) days from referral to contact with family, p < 0.0001; 29.8(17.9) to 24.3(17.0) days from referral to appointment, p < 0.0001) while referral volumes remained consistent. A small but significant increase in wait times was observed for the comparison group (9.6(8.6) to 10.1(6.6) days from referral to contact with family, p < 0.001; 20.4(14.3) to 22.1(13.1) days from referral to appointment, p < 0.0001), accompanied by an increasing referral volume for this group. Caregiver satisfaction remained high throughout the process (p = 0.48). CONCLUSIONS: Central intake implementation achieved the intended outcomes of streamlining processes and improving transparency and access to pediatric physiotherapy (i.e., decreasing wait times) for families of children with complex needs. Future research is needed to build on this single discipline case study approach to examine changes in wait times, therapy coordination and stakeholder satisfaction within the context of continuing improvements for pediatric therapy services within the province.

Prevalence of Parastomal Hernia and Factors Associated With Its Development.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for development of a parastomal hernia (PH). DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING AND SUBJECTS: The target population comprised 2854 persons receiving services from the Manitoba Ostomy Program. Seven hundred sixty-four responses were received, yielding a response rate of 29.3%. Respondents average age was 70 years (SD = 12.8); 425 (55.6%) had a colostomy, 236 (30.8%) had an ileostomy, 63 (8.2%) had a urostomy, and 40 (5.2%) indicated other types of stomas or fistula. INSTRUMENTS: A questionnaire was developed by the authors that collected the following data: demographics, relevant medical history, personal and lifestyle factors, surgery-related factors, pre- and postoperative care factors, and information about the presence of a PH and physical and lifestyle effects related to a PH. Devices to enable respondents to measure the size of their stoma and abdominal girth were included in the survey package. The survey tool took approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete. METHODS: An informational pamphlet and introductory letter were mailed 2 weeks before the survey was mailed. This was followed by a reminder letter. Bivariate analyses were completed in order to identify potential associations between all variables and a diagnosis of a PH; multivariate analysis was then completed to determine which factors were associated with an increased likelihood of a PH. RESULTS: Significant univariate associations were found between a diagnosis of a PH and diverticulitis, cirrhosis, benign prostatic enlargement, previous diagnosis of hernia, a smoking history, type of ostomy, stoma size, and continuous variables age and abdominal girth. Multiple regression analysis indicated that patients who underwent stoma surgery for cancer had larger stomas (1.5 to >3 in), and a colostomy were more likely to develop a PH. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that PHs are prevalent. Additional research is needed to determine more effective intervention for preventing and managing a PH.

Identification of four latent classes of acute respiratory distress syndrome using PaO2/FIO2 ratio: an observational cohort study.

Biological phenotypes in patients with the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have previously been described. We hypothesized that the trajectory of PaO2/FIO2 ratio could be used to identify phenotypes of ARDS. We used a retrospective cohort analysis of an ARDS database to identify latent classes in the trajectory of PaO2/FIO2 ratio over time. We included all adult patients admitted to an intensive care unit who met the Berlin criteria for ARDS over a 4-year period in tertiary adult intensive care units in Manitoba, Canada. Baseline demographics were collected along with the daily PaO2/FIO2 ratio collected on admission and on days 1-7, 14 and 28. We used joint growth mixture modeling to test whether ARDS patients exhibit distinct phenotypes with respect to both longitudinal PaO2/FIO2 ratio and survival. The resulting latent classes were compared on several demographic variables. In our study group of 209 patients, we found that four latent trajectory classes of PaO2/FIO2 ratio was optimal. These four classes differed in their baseline PaO2/FIO2 ratio and their trajectory of improvement during the 28 days of the study. Despite similar baseline characteristics the hazard for death for the classes differed over time. This difference was largely driven by withdrawal of life sustaining therapy in one of the classes. Latent classes were identified in the trajectory of the PaO2/FIO2 ratio over time, suggesting the presence of different ARDS phenotypes. Future studies should confirm the existence of this finding and determine the cause of mortality differences between classes.

Long-term Survival Among Patients With De Novo Human Epidermal Growth Receptor 2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer in Manitoba.

OBJECTIVES: Although metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is considered incurable, human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2)-directed therapy has improved outcomes significantly, with some patients experiencing durable responses to treatment. The aim of this study was to identify potential predictors of long-term survival (LTS) among patients with de novo HER2-positive MBC who received HER2-directed treatment. METHODS: Eligible patients from 2008 to 2018 were identified using the Manitoba Cancer Registry. LTS was defined as survival ≥5 years from the time of diagnosis. Univariate logistic regression models were performed to assess variables of clinical interest and the odds of LTS. Overall survival (OS) was defined as the time from diagnosis of MBC to death of any cause. OS was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank comparative analyses as a univariate analysis. A Cox proportional hazards model was used for OS estimates in a univariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients were diagnosed with de novo HER2-positive MBC and received HER2-directed therapy. Eighteen (29%) achieved LTS. The median OS of the whole cohort was 50.2 months (95% CI: 28.6-not reached). Radiographic response to first-line treatment was associated with LTS; complete and partial responses were both associated with higher odds of LTS (odds ratio: 28.33 [95% CI: 2.47-4006.71, P = 0.0043] and odds ratio: 7.80 [95% CI: 0.7317-1072.00, P = 0.0972], respectively). The best radiographic response was associated with improved OS. CONCLUSIONS: Radiographic response to first-line HER2-directed therapy is a predictor for LTS in patients with de novo HER2-positive MBC. Larger studies are needed to identify patients who can safely discontinue HER2-targeted therapy.