Improving the performance of peripheral arterial tonometry-based testing for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea.

Outside sleep laboratory settings, peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT, eg, WatchPat) represents a validated modality for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We have shown before that the accuracy of home sleep apnea testing by WatchPat 200 devices in diagnosing OSA is suboptimal (50%-70%). In order to improve its diagnostic performance, we built several models that predict the main functional parameter of polysomnography (PSG), Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI). Participants were recruited in our Sleep Center and underwent concurrent in-laboratory PSG and PAT recordings. Statistical models were then developed to predict AHI by using robust functional parameters from PAT-based testing, in concert with available demographic and anthropometric data, and their performance was confirmed in a random validation subgroup of the cohort. Five hundred synchronous PSG and WatchPat sets were analyzed. Mean diagnostic accuracy of PAT was improved to 67%, 81% and 85% in mild, moderate-severe or no OSA, respectively, by several models that included participants' age, gender, neck circumference, body mass index and the number of 4% desaturations/hour. WatchPat had an overall accuracy of 85.7% and a positive predictive value of 87.3% in diagnosing OSA (by predicted AHI above 5). In this large cohort of patients with high pretest probability of OSA, we built several models based on 4% oxygen desaturations, neck circumference, body mass index and several other variables. These simple models can be used at the point-of-care, in order to improve the diagnostic accuracy of the PAT-based testing, thus ameliorating the high rates of misclassification for OSA presence or disease severity.

Performance of peripheral arterial tonometry-based testing for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea in a large sleep clinic cohort.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT)-based technology represents a validated portable monitoring modality for the diagnosis of OSA. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of PAT-based technology in a large point-of-care cohort of patients studied with concurrent polysomnography (PSG). METHODS: During study enrollment, all participants suspected to have OSA and tested by in-laboratory PSG underwent concurrent PAT device recordings. RESULTS: Five hundred concomitant PSG and WatchPat tests were analyzed. Median (interquartile range) PSG AHI was 18 (8-37) events/h and PAT AHI3% was 25 (12-46) events/h. Average bias was + 4 events/h. Diagnostic concordance was found in 42%, 41%, and 83% of mild, moderate, and severe OSA, respectively (accuracy = 53%). Among patients with PAT diagnoses of moderate or severe OSA, 5% did not have OSA and 19% had mild OSA; in those with mild OSA, PSG showed moderate or severe disease in 20% and no OSA in 30% of patients (accuracy = 69%). On average, using a 3% desaturation threshold, WatchPat overestimated disease prevalence and severity (mean + 4 events/h) and the 4% threshold underestimated disease prevalence and severity by -6 events/h. CONCLUSIONS: Although there was an overall tendency to overestimate the severity of OSA, a significant percentage of patients had clinically relevant misclassifications. As such, we recommend that patients without OSA or with mild disease assessed by PAT undergo repeat in-laboratory PSG. Optimized clinical pathways are urgently needed to minimize therapeutic decisions instituted in the presence of diagnostic uncertainty.

Implementation of the Geriatric Patient-Aligned Care Team Model in the Veterans Health Administration (VA).

BACKGROUND: Here, we describe the implementation of a specialty primary care medical home (PCMH) model called Geriatric Patient-Aligned Care Teams (GeriPACT) in the Veterans' Health Administration (VA) that is focused on serving older complex patients. In particular, our aims in this article are to describe how the GeriPACT model was developed and implemented in VA sites, provide a closer look at how GeriPACT functions by presenting a case study, and highlight data showing national variation in the implementation of GeriPACT staffing models and PCMH practices. METHODS: Stakeholder feedback regarding the GeriPACT model was obtained from a GeriPACT team and the director of GeriPACT in VA. Here, we present national data regarding variations in GeriPACT staffing and PCMH practices. RESULTS: Following the adoption and implementation of the GeriPACT model and release of the GeriPACT handbook, sites were able to adopt the model's principles. The VA's adoption of PCMH reinforced the mission of patient-centered primary care by integrating psychosocial and environmental determinants of health. This was accomplished with enhancements to staff support through new full-time employment equivalents, but also by optimizing staff productivity through improved team function and interpersonal care. The GeriPACT model was implemented in a bottom-up fashion that has led to variation in how GeriPACTs are structured and staffed, as well as how they conform to various PCMH principles. CONCLUSIONS: GeriPACT is one approach for bringing an interdisciplinary, patient-centric perspective to primary care in a manner that can likely support the higher staffing costs with economies realized from diminished reliance on institutional placement and highly technologic health care. It is a model which can provide training for the next generation of providers and clinicians.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome with delayed onset of fever following risperidone administration.

OBJECTIVE: To report and discuss a case of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) with delayed onset of fever in a patient taking risperidone. CASE SUMMARY: A 59-year-old white female presented with progressive weakness, confusion, and disorientation 10 days after restarting risperidone 2 mg/day therapy for bipolar disorder. She had taken risperidone for several years prior to this episode and had stopped it for approximately 3 weeks; risperidone was discontinued on admission. The patient's creatine kinase (CK) level was elevated (901 IU/L; reference range 39-162) on admission and increased to 1991 IU/L the following day. She was initially afebrile and had no muscular rigidity. Elevated temperature (38.1 degrees C) did not occur until hospital day 2. The patient was successfully treated with diazepam, bromocriptine, and dantrolene and suffered no long-term sequelae. DISCUSSION: Other clinicians have reported atypical presentations of NMS in patients taking newer neuroleptic agents. Although this patient met diagnostic criteria for NMS, the hallmark symptoms of fever and muscle rigidity were delayed in onset. Also, the patient never remained febrile for more than 24 hours and her maximum temperature was only 38.6 degrees C. An objective causality assessment suggests that this case of NMS was probably related to restarting risperidone. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the life-threatening nature of this syndrome, clinicians should consider NMS in afebrile patients presenting with diaphoresis, changes in level of consciousness, mutism, tremors, tachycardia, leukocytosis, and elevated CK levels.

Pilot Results from a Randomized Trial in Men Comparing Alpha-Adrenergic Antagonist versus Behavior and Exercise for Nocturia and Sleep.

PURPOSE: Nocturia and sleep problems are common in older adults. We developed and tested a novel intervention, multicomponent behavioral treatment and exercise therapy (M-BET), that may reduce nocturia and improve sleep in men. We compared reductions in nocturia and improvement in sleep in men with M-BET versus an active drug comparator (α-blocker) used alone or in combination (M-BET + α-blocker) METHODS: This randomized, controlled trial was conducted in the ambulatory setting in 2 US Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers in men at least 40 years of age with nocturia (defined as ≥2 nightly episodes). Participants were randomized to receive either M-BET, including pelvic floor muscle training, urge-suppression techniques, delayed voiding, fluid management, sleep hygiene, and peripheral edema management; an active comparator of known efficacy (the α-blocker tamsulosin, one 0.4-mg tablet nightly); or both therapies combined. Participants received interventions over 12 weeks. Outcomes were assessed via voiding diaries, wrist actigraphy, and validated questionnaires. The primary outcome was change in diary-recorded nocturia, assessed using ANCOVA for the between-group changes and paired t tests for within-group changes. FINDINGS: A total of 72 men with a mean age of 65.8 years participated. At 12 weeks, mean diary-recorded nocturia changed with M-BET by -1.39 episodes/night (P < 0.001), with α-blocker therapy by -0.59 episodes/night (P < 0.01), and with combination therapy by -1.03 episodes/night (P < 0.01). Reductions were not statistically different across treatment groups (P = 0.41). M-BET also showed statistically significant improvements in sleep quality, bother from nocturia, and nocturia-specific quality of life. All treatment groups indicated global satisfaction with treatment. IMPLICATIONS: Behavioral therapy in men, alone or combined with α-blocker therapy, consistently showed large and statistically significant nocturia reductions and favorable effects on sleep and quality of life. Based on these findings, behavioral therapy, while not statistically superior to α-blocker therapy, may provide a meaningful treatment option for men with nocturia. Future research should include the development of behavioral treatment and exercise therapy interventions that could be more easily deployed. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00824200.