Sex-based disparities with cost-related medication adherence issues in patients with hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and heart failure.

IMPORTANCE AND OBJECTIVE: Identifying sources of sex-based disparities is the first step in improving clinical outcomes for female patients. Using All of Us data, we examined the association of biological sex with cost-related medication adherence (CRMA) issues in patients with cardiovascular comorbidities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective data collection identified the following patients: 18 and older, completing personal medical history surveys, having hypertension (HTN), ischemic heart disease (IHD), or heart failure (HF) with medication use history consistent with these diagnoses. Implementing univariable and adjusted logistic regression, we assessed the influence of biological sex on 7 different patient-reported CRMA outcomes within HTN, IHD, and HF patients. RESULTS: Our study created cohorts of HTN (n = 3891), IHD (n = 5373), and HF (n = 2151) patients having CRMA outcomes data. Within each cohort, females were significantly more likely to report various cost-related medication issues: being unable to afford medications (HTN hazards ratio [HR]: 1.68, confidence interval [CI]: 1.33-2.13; IHD HR: 2.33, CI: 1.72-3.16; HF HR: 1.82, CI: 1.22-2.71), skipping doses (HTN HR: 1.76, CI: 1.30-2.39; IHD HR: 2.37, CI: 1.69-3.64; HF HR: 3.15, CI: 1.87-5.31), taking less medication (HTN HR: 1.86, CI: 1.37-2.45; IHD HR: 2.22, CI: 1.53-3.22; HF HR: 2.99, CI: 1.78-5.02), delaying filling prescriptions (HTN HR: 1.83, CI: 1.43-2.39; IHD HR: 2.02, CI: 1.48-2.77; HF HR: 2.99, CI: 1.79-5.03), and asking for lower cost medications (HTN HR: 1.41, CI: 1.16-1.72; IHD HR: 1.75, CI: 1.37-2.22; HF HR: 1.61, CI: 1.14-2.27). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our results clearly demonstrate CRMA issues disproportionately affect female patients with cardiovascular comorbidities, which may contribute to the larger sex-based disparities in cardiovascular care. These findings call for targeted interventions and strategies to address these disparities and ensure equitable access to cardiovascular medications and care for all patients.

In-Hospital Triage.

The intensive care unit (ICU) is a finite and expensive resource with demand not infrequently exceeding capacity. Understanding ICU capacity strain is essential to gain situational awareness. Increased capacity strain can influence ICU triage decisions, which rely heavily on clinical judgment. Having an admission and triage protocol with which clinicians are very familiar can mitigate difficult, inappropriate admissions. This article reviews these concepts and methods of in-hospital triage.

Association of Visfatin gene polymorphism with obesity related metabolic disorders among Pakistani population: a case control study.

In recent years, the global prevalence of obesity and its associated metabolic disorders has reached alarming levels, presenting a significant challenge to public health worldwide. Visfatin, also known as pre-B cell colony-enhancing factor (PBEF) or nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), is an adipokine that has been implicated in various physiological processes, including glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and inflammation. The main objective of this proposed study is to find out the association between visfatin genetic variants and metabolic syndrome. The sample size of the study consisted of 300 blood samples (150 control and 150 cases). This study found that the genotypic frequency of visfatin SNPs, including rs2302559 (OD: 18.222; 95% CI 10.228-32.466; p-value < 0.001) and rs1215113036 (OD: 129.40; 95% CI 44.576-375.693; p-value < 0.001) were significantly associated with metabolic syndrome. Moreover, the frequency of the mutant alleles of both visfatin SNPs was found to be higher in patients with metabolic syndrome as compared to controls. Results of the current study indicate that people with any genetic variation of Visfatin, such as rs2302559 and rs1215113036, are more likely to develop metabolic syndrome. Visfatin genetic variants are linked to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, implying it's role in disease pathophysiology.

Fracture neck of the talus with isolated talonavicular dislocation: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Talar neck fractures are injuries which frequently result in adverse outcomes or impairment of functional activity. Four groups were identified according to Hawkins classification and Canale modification. We present a female patient with a fractured neck of the talus associated with talonavicular dislocation, but intact tibiotalar and subtalar joints; an injury pattern not fulfilling the criteria described in the Hawkins classification. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 46-year-old woman missed a step and fell down stairs with an immediate painful right ankle and inability to bear weight. DIAGNOSIS: Talar neck fracture with an unusual isolated talonavicular dislocation. INTERVENTIONS: Temporary closed reduction followed by open reduction and internal fixation were performed. OUTCOMES: The patient had excellent functional and radiological outcomes following surgical management. CONCLUSION: We discuss the management of this rare case in addition to a review of the current literature to provide the best evidence-based recommendations for this injury pattern.

Procedural, Short-Term, and Intermediate-Term Outcomes in Propensity-Matched Patients With Severe Mitral Valve Regurgitation Undergoing Urgent Versus Elective MitraClip Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair.

OBJECTIVE: The study authors sought to compare outcomes in patients with severe mitral valve regurgitation (MR) undergoing urgent, as compared to elective, mitral valve repair employing MitraClip. They hypothesized that, compared to elective cases, MitraClip procedures performed for urgent indications would be associated with increased intraoperative and postoperative complications but have similar long-term outcomes. DESIGN: A retrospective chart review with 3:1 propensity score matching of elective-to-urgent cases. SETTING: A single, large-volume tertiary care academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS: All consecutive patients with severe MR who underwent elective or urgent MitraClip procedures between December 15, 2015, and October 26, 2020. INTERVENTIONS: MR repair with MitraClip. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: As expected, patients in the urgent MitraClip group required a higher level of preprocedural care, and there were significant differences in baseline demographic and clinical variables as compared to the elective group. To reduce baseline characteristics heterogeneity, propensity matching was performed for age, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and smoking histories, using the nearest-neighbor matching with a caliper of 0.2 and with replacement. The final study cohort included 89 urgent and 252 matched elective cases, with a suitable alignment between the treatment groups. Propensity-matched urgent MitraClip patients experienced a longer hospital length of stay (p < 0.001), increased intensive care unit admissions (19% v 4%, p < 0.001) and mechanical ventilation (6.7% v 1.6%, p = 0.023), postprocedural atrial fibrillation (11% v 4.4%, p = 0.036), pericardial effusion (10% v 2.4%, p = 0.005), and acute kidney injury (7.9% v 2%, p = 0.016). Furthermore, patients in the urgent cohort incurred significantly higher 30-day cardiovascular mortality (6.7% v 2%, p = 0.039), increased 30-day (16% v 5.6%, p = 0.006), and 1-year (33% v 20%, p = 0.021) readmission rates. However, there were no statistically significant differences in 30-day and 1-year overall and 1-year cardiovascular mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Urgent MitraClip repairs can be performed successfully, when needed, in critically ill patients with severe MR. Despite the procedural success, patients undergoing urgent MitraClip repair remain at high risk for adverse outcomes in the short- and intermediate-term and incur increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Further efforts are required to develop strategies to optimize short and intermediate outcomes in this vulnerable group of patients.

Intraoperative practices to prevent wrong-level spine surgery: a survey among 105 spine surgeons in the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND: Current literature suggests that wrong-level spine surgery is relatively common with far-reaching consequences. This study aims to assess the current practices of spinal surgeons across the UK with respect to the techniques implemented for correct level verification. METHODS: To assess the current practices of spinal surgeons across the UK with respect to the techniques implemented for level verification. The authors hypothesise the absence of a standardised technique used across spine surgeons in the UK. Practices amongst respondents will be ascertained via an electronic questionnaire designed to evaluate current practices of spinal surgeons whom are members of the British Association of Spinal Surgeons (BASS). The study data will include key information such as; the level of surgical experience, specific techniques used to perform level checks for each procedure and prior involvement with wrong-level spine surgery. Responses were collected over the period of 1 month with a reminder sent 2 weeks prior to closure of the survey. The data were collated and descriptive analyses performed on multiple-choice question answers and common themes established from free text answers. RESULTS: A total of 27% (n = 105/383) members responded. The vast majority had greater than 10 years' experience. Intraoperative practices varied greatly with varying practices present for cervical, thoracic and lumbar level surgery. Only 38% (n = 40) of respondents re-checked the level intra-operatively, prior to instrumentation. Of the respondents 47.5% (n = 29/61) of surgeons had been involved in wrong level spinal surgery. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the varying practices amongst spinal surgeons and suggests root cause for wrong-level spine surgery; where the level identified pre-incision was subsequently not the level exposed. We describe a novel safety-check adopted at our institute using concepts and lessons learnt from the WHO Checklist.

Long-Term Follow up of Renal and Other Acute Organ Failure in Survivors of Critical Illness Due to Covid-19.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the long-term health sequelae and outcomes of various organ failures in ICU survivors of Covid-19. The aim of our research was to study the characteristics of 120-day ICU survivors of the initial pandemic surge and report their long term (>6 months) outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a telephone questionnaire-based follow up study of 120- day survivors of Covid-19 admitted to ICUs at Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY from 3/10/2020 to 4/11/2020. The study period was 2 months (11/1/2020-12/31/2020). RESULTS: 126 out of 300 (42%) survived to 120-days post-hospital discharge. The median age of survivors was 54 (47-61) years. Seventy-eight (62%) patients developed acute kidney injury (AKI); thirty-five (44.9%) of them required renal replacement therapy (RRT). One hundred-five (83.3%) required invasive mechanical ventilation; ten of them required tracheotomy. 103 (81.7%) completed the telephone questionnaire-based study, at a median (IQR) of 216.5 (200-234.5) days after hospital discharge. 29 (28.2%) patients reported persistent shortness of breath, 24, (23.3%) complained of persistent cough, and persistent anosmia in 9 (8.8%). AKI resolved completely in 58 (74.4%) patients. Of 35 AKI patients who required initiation of RRT during hospitalization, 27 (77%) were liberated from RRT and 20 (57%) had resolution of AKI. Of 20 patients without AKI resolution, 12 developed chronic kidney disease, whereas 8 still require RRT. Thirty-three (32.4%) patients developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and 10 (11.8%) reported major depression. Many of the patients (68%) regained baseline functional status. Readmissions occurred in 22.3% patients within first 6 months after discharge. CONCLUSION: Persistent symptoms of long Covid have been reported in ICU survivors of Covid-19 for extended durations. Outcomes of Covid-19 associated acute kidney injury are excellent. There is a high incidence of PTSD and depression in COVID-19 ICU survivors. Functional outcomes are good, but these patients remain at increased risk of hospital readmission.

Transient osteoporosis of the hip in pregnancy: the orthopaedic management of bilateral neck of femur fractures in the third trimester.

Transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH) is a rare cause of pelvic pain in the third trimester of pregnancy and post partum. Although several cases have been reported in literature, its aetiology is poorly understood. The diagnosis is commonly missed in pregnancy, as the presenting symptoms can be vague, and the risks of radiographic imaging deter clinicians from pursuing investigation. In extreme cases, this pathology presents with neck of femur fractures, with no current guidelines on optimal management. We describe the case of a 24-year-old woman who presented with bilateral neck of femur fractures at 34 weeks gestation. Following an emergency caesarean section, operative management consisted of bilateral closed reduction and internal fixation using dynamic hip screws. Postoperative radiographs demonstrated failure of fixation on the left side, which was revised to a complex primary arthroplasty. This case demonstrates both the diagnostic and management challenges associated with TOH.

Video laryngoscopy is associated with improved first-pass intubation success compared with direct laryngoscopy in emergency department trauma patients.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess differences in (1) first-pass intubation success, (2) frequency of a hypoxic event, and (3) time from decision to intubate to successful intubation among direct laryngoscopy (DL) versus video laryngoscopy (VL) intubations in emergency department (ED) patients with traumatic injuries. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was performed at a Level I trauma center ED where trauma activations are video recorded. All patients requiring a Level I trauma activation and intubation from 2016 through 2019 were included. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between initial method of intubation and first-pass success. Differences in frequency of a hypoxic event and time to successful intubation were assessed using bivariate tests. RESULTS: Of 164 patients, 68 (41.5%) were initially intubated via DL and 96 (58.5%) were initially intubated via VL. First-pass success for DL and VL were 63.2% and 79.2%, respectively. In multivariable regression analysis, VL was associated with higher odds of first-pass intubation success compared with DL (odds ratio: 2.28; 95% confidence interval: 1.04, 4.98), independent of mechanism of injury, presence of airway hemorrhage or obstruction, and experience of intubator. Frequency of a hypoxic event during intubation was not significantly different (13.2% for DL and 7.3% VL; P = 0.1720). Median time from decision to intubate to successful intubation was 7 minutes for both methods. CONCLUSIONS: Video laryngoscopy, compared with direct laryngoscopy, was associated with higher odds of first-pass intubation success among a sample of ED trauma patients. Frequency of a hypoxic event during intubation and time to successful intubation was not significantly different between the 2 intubation methods.

Predictors of Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: The Influence of Steep Lateral Posterior Tibial Slope and Its Relationship to the Lateral Meniscus.

PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between posterior tibial slope and lateral meniscal bone angle (LMBA) on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear risk in a pediatric population. METHODS: In this case-control study, non-contact ACL-injured pediatric patients with no significant lateral meniscal lesions were matched by age and sex in a 1:1 ratio to a group of radiologically normal controls. Knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies were analyzed by 3 independent, blinded observers measuring the medial posterior tibial slope (MTS), lateral posterior tibial slope (LTS), and LMBA. Sagittal slope asymmetry was calculated as the absolute difference in degrees between slopes, and the relationship between LMBA and LTS was calculated as a ratio. Binary logistic regressions identified independent predictors of ACL injury. Receiver operator characteristics were performed to determine predictive accuracy. RESULTS: 20 study patients were compared with 20 sex- and age-matched controls (age 14.8 ± 2.42, mean ± standard deviation). LTS was significantly higher in the ACL-injured group (11.30° ± 3.52° versus 7.00° ± 2.63°, P = .0001), as were the absolute slope difference (7.10 ± 2.92° versus 3.14 ± 3.25°, P = .0002) and LTS:LMBA ratio (0.46 ± 0.17 versus 0.26 ± 0.12, P = .0001). No significant differences were observed for MTS or LMBA. Independent predictors were LTS (odds ratio [OR] 1.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18 to 2.13, P = .002), LTS:LMBA ratio (OR 3.13, 95% CI 1.48 to 6.62, P = .003), and absolute slope difference (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.32, P = .005). LTS:LMBA ratio was the strongest predictor variable (area under the curve 0.86). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that LTS, absolute slope difference, and LTS:LMBA ratio are significant pediatric ACL-injury risk factors. All 3 demonstrate good predictive accuracy; however, the relationship between steep LTS and shallow LMBA was the strongest predictor. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, case-control study.

Cephalo-medullary nailing versus dynamic hip screw with trochanteric stabilisation plate for the treatment of unstable per-trochanteric hip fractures: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The use of cephalo-medullary nails (CMN) is a widely accepted management option for the treatment of unstable per-trochanteric hip fractures. A growing body of literature has reported good functional and radiological outcomes in patients managed with a dynamic hip screw supplemented with a trochanteric stabilisation plate (DHS w/ TSP). However, a robust meta-analysis does not exist in the current literature comparing the two fixation methods. PURPOSES: Management of these kinds of injuries is very challenging in orthopaedic practice, yet no strong evidence is in place to delineate which implant gives the best results. This meta-analysis is the first to determine the efficacy of CMN versus DHS w/ TSP. METHODS: An up-to-date literature search was performed using a predetermined search strategy and eligibility criteria. All suitable literature was appraised for methodological quality using the Cochrane's collaboration tool. Hospital stay, operative time, intra-operative complication rate, mechanical failure rate, infection rates, revision rates and functional outcomes were all considered. RESULTS: A total of five studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results of this analysis suggest that CMN is only associated with lower revision rates when compared to DHS w/ TSP; however, no significant difference was found in terms of hospital stay, operative time, blood transfusion, complications rate and functional outcome. CONCLUSION: Both CMN and DHS w/TSP proved to be reliable in the management of unstable per-trochanteric fractures; however, more extensive datasets are required to draw robust conclusions.

Intramedullary tibial nailing using infrapatellar and suprapatellar approaches: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Intramedullary nailing of diaphyseal tibial fractures has become the gold standard method of fixation with high rates of union and low complication rates reported. The suprapatellar (SP) approach may have many advantages over the traditional infrapatellar (IP) approach. Controversy exists due to potential damage to the patellofemoral joint leading to persistent anterior knee pain. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the clinical and procedural outcomes of the SP approach in comparison to the traditional IP approach. METHOD: In this PRISMA compliant systematic review and meta-analysis, five databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and CINAHL were searched from inception until May 2020. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative observational studies involving adults with tibial fractures treated with intramedullary nail fixation using either the suprapatellar or infrapatellar approach were included. Data extracted included demographics, functional knee scores, fluoroscopy exposure, insertional accuracy and adverse events. The primary outcome was validated functional knee scores. Risk of bias was calculated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool version 2 (RoB 2) and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). RESULTS: In total 16 studies were included consisting of 5 RCTs and 11 comparative observational studies. This included 1750 total operations with 810 in the SP group and 940 in the IP group. Meta-analysis was performed on the studies where appropriate data was reported. The SP approach demonstrated superior Lysholm scores (Mean Difference (MD) 5.63 [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 2.81 to 8.44]), reduced fluoroscopy times (MD -38.12 sec [95% CI: -47.96 to -28.28]) and increased entry point accuracy (Standard Mean Difference (SMD) -0.90 [95% CI: -1.22 to -0.59]). No differences in complication rates or blood loss were found. CONCLUSION: Based on the data presented in this review, intramedullary nailing of the tibia using the SP approach demonstrates superior Lysholm knee scores, greater entry point accuracy and reduced fluoroscopy exposure with equivalent risk of developing complications when compared to the IP approach.

Outcomes of severe Legionella pneumonia requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

BACKGROUND: Legionella pneumonia with acute respiratory failure may necessitate extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The medical literature in this area is comprised primarily of case reports and small case series. Our goal was to summarize published data and contribute our institutional experience regarding survival in severe Legionella pneumonia requiring ECMO. METHODS: A National Library of Medicine (PubMed) search was conducted, identifying reports of ECMO therapy in patients with severe Legionella pneumonia. Electronic health records of Montefiore Medical Center (Bronx, NY) captured all such patients treated at our institution during the 10-year period 2010-2019. RESULTS: 23 articles reported 73 patients. Survival to hospital discharge was 78.1%. In an attempt to avoid publication bias, we culled from the search four series (53 patients), reporting surviving and non-surviving patients. Survival in this group was 71.7%. Our institutional experience included 10 patients with survival rate 80%. CONCLUSIONS: Review of clinical experience with ECMO for severe Legionella pneumonia yields a survival rate of over 70%. The similarity in survival rates among all published cases (78.1%), case series reporting surviving and non-surviving patients (71.7%), our institutional experience (80%), and recently reported Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry data (71%) supports the veracity of this encouraging survival rate.

Investigation of Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop in Microchannel Heat Sink Using Al2O3 and ZrO2 Nanofluids.

A new micro heat exchanger was analyzed using numerical formulation of conjugate heat transfer for single-phase fluid flow across copper microchannels. The flow across bent channels harnesses asymmetric laminar flow and dean vortices phenomena for heat transfer enhancement. The single-channel analysis was performed to select the bent channel aspect ratio by varying width and height between 35-300 µm for Reynolds number and base temperature magnitude range of 100-1000 and 320-370 K, respectively. The bent channel results demonstrate dean vortices phenomenon at the bend for Reynolds number of 500 and above. Thermal performance factor analysis shows an increase of 18% in comparison to straight channels of 200 µm width and height. Alumina nanoparticles at 1% and 3% concentration enhance the Nusselt number by an average of 10.4% and 23.7%, respectively, whereas zirconia enhances Nusselt number by 16% and 33.9% for same concentrations. On the other hand, thermal performance factor analysis shows a significant increase in pressure drop at high Reynolds number with 3% particle concentration. Using zirconia for nanofluid, Nusselt number of the bent multi-channel model is improved by an average of 18% for a 3% particle concentration as compared to bent channel with deionized water.

ICU admission body composition: skeletal muscle, bone, and fat effects on mortality and disability at hospital discharge-a prospective, cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Reduced body weight at the time of intensive care unit (ICU) admission is associated with worse survival, and a paradoxical benefit of obesity has been suggested in critical illness. However, no research has addressed the survival effects of disaggregated body constituents of dry weight such as skeletal muscle, fat, and bone density. METHODS: Single-center, prospective observational cohort study of medical ICU (MICU) patients from an academic institution in the USA. Five hundred and seven patients requiring CT scanning of chest or abdomen within the first 24 h of ICU admission were evaluated with erector spinae muscle (ESM) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) areas and with bone density determinations at the time of ICU admission, which were correlated with clinical outcomes accounting for potential confounders. RESULTS: Larger admission ESM area was associated with decreased odds of 6-month mortality (OR per cm2, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.94-0.97; p < 0.001) and disability at discharge (OR per cm2, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96-0.99; p = 0.012). Higher bone density was similarly associated with lower odds of mortality (OR per 100 HU, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.49-0.96; p = 0.027) and disability at discharge (OR per 100 HU, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.37-0.74; p < 0.001). SAT area was not significantly associated with these outcomes' measures. Multivariable modeling indicated that ESM area remained significantly associated with 6-month mortality and survival after adjusting for other covariates including preadmission comorbidities, albumin, functional independence before admission, severity scores, age, and exercise capacity. CONCLUSION: In our cohort, ICU admission skeletal muscle mass measured with ESM area and bone density were associated with survival and disability at discharge, although muscle area was the only component that remained significantly associated with survival after multivariable adjustments. SAT had no association with the analyzed outcome measures.

Evaluating the performance of a low-cost mobile phone attachable microscope in cervical cytology.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer remains a global health problem especially in remote areas of developing countries which have limited resources for cervical cancer screening. In this study, we evaluated the performance of a low-cost, smartphone attachable paper-based microscope when used for classifying images of cervical cytology. METHODS: Cervical cytology samples included: 10 Normal, 10 Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), 10 High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), and 10 Malignant Pap Smears. The agreement between conventional microscopy vs. Foldscope imaging was calculated using a weighted kappa coefficient. A confusion matrix was created with three classes: Normal, LSIL, and HSIL/malignant, to evaluate the performance of the Foldscope by calculating the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. RESULTS: We observed a kappa statistic of 0.68 for the agreement. This translates into a substantial agreement between the cytological classifications by the Foldscope vs. conventional microscopy. The accuracy of the Foldscope was 80%, with a sensitivity and specificity of 85 and 90% for the HSIL/Mal category, 80 and 83.3%, for LSIL, and 70 and 96.7% for Normal. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the usefulness of the Foldscope in cervical cytology, demonstrating it has substantial agreement with conventional microscopy. Its use could improve cytologic interpretations in underserved areas and, thus, improve the quality of cervical cancer screening. Improvements in existing limitations of the device, such as ability to focus, could potentially increase its accuracy.

Active versus passive case finding for tuberculosis in marginalised and vulnerable populations in India: comparison of treatment outcomes.

Background: Community-based active case finding (ACF) for tuberculosis (TB) implemented among marginalised and vulnerable populations in 285 districts of India resulted in reduction of diagnosis delay and prevalence of catastrophic costs due to TB diagnosis. We were interested to know whether this translated into improved treatment outcomes. Globally, there is limited published literature from marginalised and vulnerable populations on the independent effect of community-based ACF on treatment outcomes when compared to passive case finding (PCF). Objectives: To determine the relative differences in unfavourable treatment outcomes (death, loss-to-follow-up, failure, not evaluated) of ACF and PCF-diagnosed people. Methods: Cohort study involving record reviews and interviews in 18 randomly selected districts. We enrolled all ACF-diagnosed people with new smear-positive pulmonary TB, registered under the national TB programme between March 2016 and February 2017, and an equal number of randomly selected PCF-diagnosed people in the same settings. We used log binomial models to adjust for confounders. Results: Of 572 enrolled, 275 belonged to the ACF and 297 to the PCF group. The proportion of unfavourable outcomes were 10.2% (95% CI: 7.1%, 14.3%) in the ACF and 12.5% (95% CI: 9.2%, 16.7%) in the PCF group (p = 0.468). The association between ACF and unfavourable outcomes remained non-significant after adjusting for confounders available from records [aRR: 0.83 (95% CI: 0.56, 1.21)]. Due to patient non-availability at their residence, interviews were conducted for 465 (81.3%). In the 465 cohort too, there was no association after adjusting for confounders from records and interviews [aRR: 1.05 (95% CI: 0.62, 1.77)]. Conclusion: We did not find significant differences in the treatment outcomes. Due to the wide CIs, studies with larger sample sizes are urgently required. Studies are required to understand how to translate the benefits of ACF to improved treatment outcomes.

Are we missing 'previously treated' smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis under programme settings in India? A cross-sectional study.

Background: In 2007, a field observation from India reported 11% misclassification among 'new' patients registered under the revised national tuberculosis (TB) control programme. Ten years down the line, it is important to know what proportion of newly registered patients has a past history of TB treatment for at least one month (henceforth called 'misclassification'). Methods: A study was conducted among new smear-positive pulmonary TB patients registered between March 2016 and February 2017 in 18 randomly selected districts to determine the effectiveness of an active case-finding strategy in marginalised and vulnerable populations. We included all patients detected through active case-finding. An equal number of randomly selected patients registered through passive case-finding from marginalised and vulnerable populations in the same districts were included. Before enrolment, we enquired about any history of previous TB treatment through interviews. Results: Of 629 patients, we interviewed 521, of whom, 11% (n=56) had past history of TB treatment (public or private) for at least a month: 13% (34/268) among the active case-finding group and 9% (22/253) among the passive case-finding group (p=0.18). No factors were found to be significantly associated with misclassification. Conclusion: Around one in every ten patients registered as 'new' had previous history of TB treatment. Corrective measures need to be implemented, followed by monitoring of any change in the proportion of 'previously treated' patients among all registered patients treated under the programme at national level.

Patient characteristics, health seeking and delays among new sputum smear positive TB patients identified through active case finding when compared to passive case finding in India.

BACKGROUND: Axshya SAMVAD is an active tuberculosis (TB) case finding (ACF) strategy under project Axshya (Axshya meaning 'free of TB' and SAMVAD meaning 'conversation') among marginalized and vulnerable populations in 285 districts of India. OBJECTIVES: To compare patient characteristics, health seeking, delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation among new sputum smear positive TB patients detected through ACF and passive case finding (PCF) under the national TB programme in marginalized and vulnerable populations between March 2016 and February 2017. METHODS: This observational analytic study was conducted in 18 randomly sampled Axshya districts. We enrolled all TB patients detected through ACF and an equal number of randomly selected patients detected through PCF in the same settings. Data on patient characteristics, health seeking and delays were collected through record review and patient interviews (at their residence). Delays included patient level delay (from eligibility for sputum examination to first contact with any health care provider (HCP)), health system level diagnosis delay (from contact with first HCP to TB diagnosis) and treatment initiation delays (from diagnosis to treatment initiation). Total delay was the sum of patient level, health system level diagnosis delay and treatment initiation delays. RESULTS: We included 234 ACF-diagnosed and 231 PCF-diagnosed patients. When compared to PCF, ACF patients were relatively older (≥65 years, 14% versus 8%, p = 0.041), had no formal education (57% versus 36%, p<0.001), had lower monthly income per capita (median 13.1 versus 15.7 USD, p = 0.014), were more likely from rural areas (92% versus 81%, p<0.002) and residing far away from the sputum microscopy centres (more than 15 km, 24% versus 18%, p = 0.126). Fewer patients had history of significant loss of weight (68% versus 78%, p = 0.011) and sputum grade of 3+ (15% versus 21%, p = 0.060). Compared to PCF, HCP visits among ACF patients was significantly lower (median one versus two HCPs, p<0.001). ACF patients had significantly lower health system level diagnosis delay (median five versus 19 days, p = 0.008) and the association remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders. Patient level and total delays were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Axshya SAMVAD linked the most impoverished communities to TB care and resulted in reduction of health system level diagnosis delay.

Utility of novel serum biomarkers to predict subclinical atherosclerosis: A sub-analysis of the EISNER study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Certain novel biomarkers may predict atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events; however, data on their relationship to coronary atherosclerosis and its progression as measured by coronary artery calcium (CAC) scanning is lacking. We evaluated the association between novel biomarkers and presence or progression of CAC. METHODS: The EISNER study was a prospective trial of patients without known ASCVD. Data on CAC and several biomarkers (hs-CRP, LTßR, osteopontin [OPN], RAGE, TNFR1α and TROY) were available at baseline and 4-year follow-up. Biomarkers were standardized and summed for a composite score. CAC progression was defined by the square-root (CACSQRT) method and rapid (top decile) progression. Adjusted regression models created a final prediction model for baseline CAC and CAC progression. RESULTS: 1207 subjects (mean age 58.4 ±â€¯8 years, 53% male) were evaluated; 621 had a baseline CAC >0, in whom 323 progressed by CACSQRT, and 121 rapidly progressed. Baseline CAC was associated only with OPN (p = 0.03), TROY (p = 0.0058) and TNFR1α (p = 0.0039) in unadjusted analyses. In adjusted analyses, only OPN was independently related to CAC progression using CACSQRT (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: OPN identifies progression of atherosclerosis in persons free of ASCVD at baseline and may be a useful predictive tool to guide ASCVD prevention management.