State-Level Variation in Inferior Vena Cava Filter Utilization Across Medicare and Commercially Insured Populations.

OBJECTIVE. Recent research on inferior vena cava (IVC) filter utilization in the United States has largely focused on national aggregate Medicare datasets, showing recent declines. Whether these national Medicare trends are generalizable across regions and payer populations is unknown. We studied recent state-level variation in IVC filter utilization across both Medicare and private insurance populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Using large individual beneficiary claims-level Medicare research identifiable files and a proprietary U.S. research database of the commercially insured population, we identified all billed IVC filter placement procedures performed between 2009 and 2015. We compared population-adjusted utilization rates by state and payer type. RESULTS. Between 2009 and 2015, IVC filter utilization across the United States declined by 36.3% (from 177.9 to 113.3 procedures per 100,000 beneficiaries) in the Medicare population and by 26.6% (from 32.7 to 24.0 procedures per 100,000 beneficiaries) in the privately insured population. For the Medicare population, state-level utilization rates varied 5.2-fold, from 48.4 to 251.3 procedures per 100,000 beneficiaries in Alaska and New Jersey, respectively. For the private insurance population, rates varied 5.5-fold, from 10.8 to 59.5 procedures per 100,000 beneficiaries in Oregon and Michigan, respectively. Nationally, utilization in the Medicare population was 5.0 times higher than that in the private insurance population (range by state, from 2.0 times higher in Hawaii to 11.1 times higher in Utah). Despite the national decline, utilization in Medicare and private insurance populations increased in five and seven states, respectively. State-level IVC filter utilization rates for the Medicare population correlated strongly with those for the privately insured population (r = 0.74; p < 0.001). In both the Medicare and privately insured populations, utilization rates correlated moderately with beneficiary age (r = 0.44 and r = 0.50, respectively; p < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSION. IVC filter utilization rates vary dramatically by state and payer population, and they likely depend in part on the age of the covered population. To better identify demographic and socioeconomic drivers of utilization, future research should prioritize nonaggregate multipayer claims-level approaches.

Clinical impact & pathogenic mechanisms of human parvovirus B19: A multiorgan disease inflictor incognito.

Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) causes myriads of clinical diseases; however, owing to lack of awareness and undetermined clinical impact, it has failed to become a virus pathogen of global concern. Cryptically, B19V causes significant morbidity and mortality. Half of the world population and 60 per cent of Indians are known to be serologically naive and are at risk of acquiring B19V infections. Cumulatively, our data showed 21.3 per cent B19V-infected patients with juvenile chronic arthropathy, recurrent abortions, multi-transfused thalassaemia and leukaemia. In addition, B19V-infected cases that ended fatally included patients with pure red cell aplasia, fulminant hepatitis and haemophagocytic syndrome. Novel clinical associations of B19V observed were amegakaryocytic thrombocytopaenia, myositis and non-occlusive ischaemic gangrene of bowel. B19V possesses multiple receptors which are distributed widely in human tissues. Vascular endothelial cell infection by B19V causes endothelialitis and vasculitic injuries besides antibody-dependent enhancement which empowered B19V to cause multiorgan diseases. Owing to lack of suitable animal model for B19V, true causal role remains to be determined, but numerous reports on B19V infections substantiate a causal role in multiorgan diseases. Hence, B19V infections need to be recognized, investigated and treated besides making efforts on vaccine developments.

The Effect of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Sleep-dependent Emotional Memory Consolidation.

Rationale: A growing body of evidence suggests that sleep is critical for the adaptive processing and consolidation of emotional information into long-term memory. Previous research has indicated that emotional components of scenes particularly benefit from sleep in healthy groups, yet sleep-dependent emotional memory processes remain unexplored in clinical cohorts, including those with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This line of research is important as it will add to the understanding of how disrupted sleep in OSA contributes to both impaired cognition and emotion dysregulation. Objectives: To test the hypothesis that individuals with OSA will have impaired sleep-dependent memory consolidation, with the greatest impact being on memory for emotional content. Methods: In this study, a group of newly diagnosed patients with OSA (n = 26; 10 female; average age, 42.5 years) and a matched group of healthy control subjects (n = 24; 13 female; average age, 37 years) were enrolled in the study at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Participants encoded scenes with negative or neutral foreground objects placed on neutral backgrounds before a night of polysomnographically recorded sleep. In the morning, they completed a recognition test in which old and new scene objects and backgrounds, presented separately and one at a time, were judged as old, new, or similar compared with what had been previously viewed. Results: Patients with OSA had a deficit in recognition memory for the scenes. Overall recognition (the ability to recognize old items as either old or similar) was impaired across all scene elements, both negative and neutral objects and backgrounds, whereas specific recognition (correctly identifying old items as old) was impaired only for negative objects. Across all participants, successful overall recognition correlated positively with sleep efficiency and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, whereas successful specific memory recognition correlated only with REM sleep. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that fragmented sleep and reduced REM sleep, both hallmarks of OSA, are associated with disruptions in general memory impairment and veridical memory for emotional content, which could alter emotional regulation and contribute to comorbid emotional distress in OSA.

Characteristics of Radiologists Serving as Medical Malpractice Expert Witnesses for Defense Versus Plaintiff.

PURPOSE: Previous studies have reported higher qualification characteristics for anesthesiologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and otolaryngologists serving as defense (versus plaintiff) medical malpractice expert witnesses. We assessed such characteristics for radiologist expert witnesses. METHODS: Using the Westlaw legal research database, we identified radiologists serving as experts in all indexed medical malpractice cases between 2010 and 2019. Online databases were used to identify years of practice experience and scholarly bibliometrics. Using Medicare claims, individual radiologist practice types and mixes were ascertained. Radiologists testifying at least once each for defense and plaintiff were excluded from our defense-only versus plaintiff-only comparative analysis. RESULTS: Initial Boolean searches yielded 1,042 potential cases; subsequent manual review identified 179 radiologists testifying in 231 lawsuits: 143 testified in one case (58 defense, 85 plaintiff) and 36 testified in multiple cases (10 defense-only, 14 plaintiff-only, 12 both). The 68 defense-only experts had fewer years of practice experience than the 99 plaintiff-only experts (28.3 versus 31.8 years, P = .02), but the two groups were otherwise similar in both practice type (44.6% versus 54.9% academic, P = .62) and mix (63.8% versus 65.8% practiced as subspecialists, P = .37) and as well as numbers of publications (60.5 versus 62.8, P = .86), citations (1,994.1 versus 2,309.2, P = .56), and h-indices (17.2 versus 16.8, P = .89). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to other specialists, radiologists serving as medical malpractice expert witnesses for defense and plaintiff display similar qualifications across various characteristics. Published practice parameter guidelines and experts' ability to blindly review archived original images might together explain this interspecialty discordance.

Comparison of external versus diode laser conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy with lacrimal bypass tube placement in proximal canalicular blocks.

AIMS: Hyperlacrimation due to ocular surface or lid abnormality was ruled out and apposition of lower punctum to globe was checked. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a pilot study at a tertiary eye care center where 40 patients of proximal canalicular block <8 mm on probing were divided into two equal groups. The external CDCR group underwent routine dacryocystorhinostomy with partial carunculectomy. A tract was created from canthus to nasal cavity with von Graefe knife. In the laser CDCR group, the osteotomy was created using 980 mm diode laser with a power of 8 W. Glass tubes of appropriate length were placed and fixed using 5-0 polypropylene with our "mirror tuck technique." Results were analyzed using the Chi-square test for parametric and ANOVA test for nonparametric variables using SPSS software. RESULTS: Success defined as patency on syringing was achieved in 18 patients in the laser group and 16 in the external CDCR group which was comparable (P > 0.05). Complications include tube extrusion, dislocation, conjunctival overgrowth, and sump syndrome. CONCLUSION: Laser and external CDCRs are both effective and safe procedures for the treatment of proximal canalicular blocks with comparable success rates and complications.

Congenital third cranial nerve palsy with prenuclear dysinnervation involving otolithic pathways: Underpinnings of a novel congenital cranial dysinnervation disorder.

A 10-year-old boy with unilateral cryptorchidism and renal aplasia displayed features of unilateral congenital pupil sparing third cranial nerve palsy with exotropia manifesting novel dysinnervation encompassing synergistic divergence with upshoot, convergence on attempted upgaze, gaze-evoked phasic conjugate torsion, and gaze-evoked nystagmus. Congenital third nucleus/nerve hypoplasia with secondary dysinnervation is classfied as congenital cranial dysinnervation disorder (CCDD). It is speculated that miswiring between prenuclear structures, otolithic pathways, interstitial nucleus of Cajal (INC), nucleus prepositus hypoglossi, and third and sixth nerve nuclei likely resulted in this novel dysinnervation. Cryptorchidism and renal aplasia if seen may point towards an overlapping phenotype with Duane-radial ray syndrome and acro-renal-ocular/IVIC syndromes.

Imaging Utilization in Children With Headaches: Current Status and Opportunities for Improvement.

BACKGROUND: Despite a variety of evidence-based guidelines documents, imaging is anecdotally commonly used in the setting of children with headaches, but the frequency of such imaging is unknown. We assessed the use of and estimated costs of imaging utilization in children with headaches at a pediatric hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospectively reviewing charts of all relevant imaging examinations in 2015, we focused on radiology reports with indications containing the terms "headache" or "migraine" and excluded patients who fulfilled evidence-based criteria in support of obtaining imaging. All radiology results were recorded and categorized as normal, likely causative, possibly causative, or unlikely causative of headache. Societal costs were estimated using allowable Medicare fees, and losses of total facility time were estimated using scheduled examination slots. RESULTS: In 2015, 4,257 imaging studies were performed for indications of headache or migraine. Of these, 3,098 (73%) met our exclusion criteria, meaning they had appropriate indications, and 1,159 (27%) were presumably imaged outside of guideline recommendations. Overall, 19.8% (230 of 1,159) had diagnoses that were likely or potentially causative of headaches, and 71.2% (825 of 1,159) were normal. The remainder had findings unlikely to cause headaches. The total estimated societal cost of imaging studies for presumed primary headache imaging at our institution in 2015 was $322,422. The loss of imaging time was 845.3 hours. CONCLUSION: Given the large number of normal examinations and the inappropriate use of radiography, imaging utilization in children with headaches can likely be improved. In addition to reducing ionizing radiation and the need for sedation, reductions in unnecessary imaging would result in societal cost savings and increase imaging capacity for other patients.

Results of a new "mirror tuck technique" for fixation of lacrimal bypass tube in conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy.

CONTEXT: Conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR) is the procedure of choice for proximal canalicular blocks. However, the complications of tube migration and extrusion limit its widespread practice. AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and complications of the new "mirror tuck technique" for fixation of lacrimal bypass glass tube without holes in proximal canalicular blocks in laser CDCR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective interventional study was conducted in forty consecutive eyes of adult patients, undergoing 980 nm diode laser CDCR for proximal canalicular blocks. After creating the tract under endoscopic guidance, the collar of the glass tube was fixed to the conjunctiva with 6-0 prolene suture by "mirror tuck technique." Success was defined as the absence of extrusion of tube with patent tract and relief in epiphora at 1 year of follow-up. RESULTS: Both anatomical and functional success was achieved in 39 (97.5%) cases. Tube displacement occurred in one patient suffering from allergic conjunctivitis in which the tube had to be removed. A temporary heaviness was reported by 5 (12.5%) patients till about 2 weeks. Conjunctival overgrowth over the tube occurred in 1 (2.5%) eye at 5 months which was excised and treated with application of 0.02% mitomycin C with no subsequent recurrence. There were no cases of suture abscess or suture intolerance warranting tube removal. CONCLUSION: "Mirror tuck technique" is an effective method for tube fixation (for tube without holes) in CDCR. However, it is important to position the conjunctival opening so as to leave sufficient space for passage of sutures for anchorage medially.

The Relationship of Amount of Resection and Time for Recovery of Bell's Phenomenon after Levator Resection in Congenital Ptosis.

BACKGROUND: Recovery of Bell`s phenomenon after levator resection is unpredicatable. Delayed recovery can result in vision threatening corneal complications. AIM: To study the variability of Bell's phenomenon and time taken for its recovery following levator resection for blepharoptosis and to correlate it with the amount of resection. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted on 32 eyes of 32 patients diagnosed as unilateral simple congenital blepharoptosis who underwent levator resection at a tertiary care center between July 2013 and May 2015. Patients were followed up for 5 months and correction of ptosis, type of Bell`s, duration of Bell`s recovery and complications were noted. RESULTS: The study group ranged from 16-25 years with 15:17 male: female ratio. There were 9 mild, 16 moderate and 7 severe ptosis. Satisfactory correction was achieved in all cases. Good Bell`s recovery occurred in 13 eyes on first post-op day, in 2-14 days in 19 eyes and 28 days in 1 eye. Inverse Bell`s was noted along with lid oedema and ecchymosis in 2 patients. Large resections (23-26mm) were associated with poor Bell`s on the first postoperative day (p=0.027, Fisher`s exact test). However, the duration required for recovery of Bell`s phenomenon did not show any significant difference with the amount of resection. (p=0.248, Mann Whitney test). Larger resections resulted in greater lagophthalmos (correlation=0.830, p<0.0001). Patients with recovery of Bell`s delayed for more than 7 days were associated with greater number of complications (p=0.001 Fisher`s Exact Test). CONCLUSION: Close monitoring for Bell`s recovery is required following levator resection.

Malik`s Technique of Single Loop Fixation of Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lens in Presence of Partial Capsular Support.

Single loop fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lens in the presence of partial capsular support is usually performed by creation of additional scleral flap or tunnel. This extra port may expose the suture holding the intraocular lens or the tucked-in lens haptics to the outside environment thereby increasing the risk of endophthalmitis. We describe a technique of single loop fixation where the scleral tunnel is created adjacent to the site with the absent capsule, the leading haptic is placed on the capsular scaffold, the trailing haptic is tied to 9-0 polypropylene, and the suture is then secured to the inner edge of the scleral lip with enough tension to center the optics and the wound is then closed. The suture knot gets buried within the scleral tunnel with no external communication and does not require a separate port. It is an easy, safe, fast and reproducible technique with a lens tilt of less than 2°.

Rail-roading technique using 18 gauge intravenous catheter and silicon rod for frontalis suspension in blepharophimosis syndrome.

Silicon rods are widely employed for frontalis sling suspension. However, on passing through the tissues, at times, the silicon rod gets detached from the stainless steel needle. This occurs more commonly in patients of blepharophimosis syndrome, in which hypoplasia of superior orbital rim with deficiency of skin between lid and brow, causes difficulty in passage of the needle when it is manipulated upwards from lid towards the brow. To overcome these problems we describe the use of an 18 G intravenous catheter to railroad the needle with the silicon rod, obviating the blind upward maneuvers with the needle and protecting against the damage to the silicon rod -needle assembly. The technique is easily reproducible, safe and can be used in all silicon rod suspensions.

Case report of sump syndrome after laser conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy.

The sump syndrome was initially described in relation to patients who had undergone external dacryocystorhinostomy. Here we report a case of sump syndrome that developed following laser conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy (CDCR) due to tube displacement after a bout of forceful sneezing. Unlike cases of external dacryocystorhinostomy where flaps are sutured, there is a potential space created by the sac remnants in laser CDCR. Hence, any displacement of the tube will lead to the improper drainage of secretions with superadded infections of the contents (as occurred in this case). Therefore, in laser CDCR, it is imperative to create an appropriately placed osteotomy with a correctly sized tube that is well secured to avoid displacement along with patient education regarding tube care.