Ethical issues in residency education related to the COVID-19 pandemic: a narrative inquiry study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic introduced new challenges to provide care and educate junior doctors (resident physicians). We sought to understand the positive and negative experiences of first-year resident physicians and describe potential ethical issues from their stories. METHOD: We used narrative inquiry (NI) methodology and applied a semistructured interview guide with questions pertaining to ethical principles and both positive and negative aspects of the pandemic. Sampling was purposive. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Three members of the research team coded transcripts in duplicate to elicit themes. Discrepancies were resolved through discussion to attain consensus. A composite story with threads was constructed. RESULTS: 11 residents participated across several programmes. Three main themes emerged from the participants' stories: (1) complexities in navigating intersecting healthcare and medical education systems, (2) balancing public health and the public good versus the individual and (3) fair health systems planning/healthcare delivery. Within these themes, participants' journeys through the first wave were elicited through the threads of (1) engage us, (2) because we see the need for the duty to treat and (3) we are all in this together. DISCUSSION: Cases of the ethical issues that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic may serve as a foundation on which ethics teaching and future pandemic planning can take place. Principles of clinical ethics and their limitations, when applied to public health issues, could help in contrasting clinical ethics with public health ethics. CONCLUSION: Efforts to understand how resident physicians can navigate public health emergencies along with the ethical issues that arise could benefit both residency education and healthcare systems.

Cannabidiol as a Harm Reduction Strategy for People Who Use Drugs: A Rapid Review.

OBJECTIVE: The drug poisoning crisis throughout North America necessitates novel harm reduction approaches. Emerging evidence suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) may have some utility as a harm reduction modality for those with problematic substance use. This rapid review aimed to synthesize available evidence on CBD as a potential harm reduction tool for people who use drugs while providing clinical and research insights. METHOD: A systematic search in EMBASE, MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and CINAHL was completed in July 2022. For inclusion, studies had to meet the following criteria: (1) drawn from an adult population of people who use drugs; (2) investigates CBD as an intervention for problematic substance use or harm reduction-related outcomes; (3) be published after the year 2000 and in English; and (4) be primary research or a review article. A narrative synthesis was used to group outcomes relevant to harm reduction and provide clinical and research insights. RESULTS: We screened 3,134 records, of which 27 studies (5 randomized trials) were included. The evidence remains limited, but available studies support the potential utility of CBD to reduce drug-induced craving and anxiety in opioid use disorder. There were low-quality studies suggesting that CBD may improve mood and general well-being of people who use drugs. Evidence suggests that CBD monotherapy may not be an adequate harm reduction strategy for problematic substance use but rather an adjunct to the standard of care. CONCLUSION: Low-quality evidence suggests that CBD may reduce drug cravings and other addiction-related symptoms and that CBD may have utility as an adjunct harm reduction strategy for people who use drugs. However, there is a significant need for more research that accurately reflects CBD dosing and administration regimens used in a real-world context.

Eptacog beta efficacy and safety in the treatment and control of bleeding in paediatric subjects (<12 years) with haemophilia A or B with inhibitors.

INTRODUCTION: Eptacog beta is a new recombinant activated human factor VII bypassing agent approved in the United States for the treatment and control of bleeding in patients with haemophilia A or B with inhibitors 12 years of age or older. AIM: To prospectively assess in a phase 3 clinical trial (PERSEPT 2) eptacog beta efficacy and safety for treatment of bleeding in children <12 years of age with haemophilia A or B with inhibitors. METHODS: Using a randomised crossover design, subjects received initial doses of 75 or 225 µg/kg eptacog beta followed by 75 µg/kg dosing at predefined intervals (as determined by clinical response) to treat bleeding episodes (BEs). Treatment success criteria included a haemostasis evaluation of 'excellent' or 'good' without use of additional eptacog beta, alternative haemostatic agent or blood product, and no increase in pain following the first 'excellent' or 'good' assessment. RESULTS: Treatment success proportions in 25 subjects (1-11 years) who experienced 546 mild or moderate BEs were 65% in the 75 µg/kg initial dose regimen (IDR) and 60% in the 225 µg/kg IDR 12 h following initial eptacog beta infusion. By 24 h, the treatment success proportions were 97% for the 75 µg/kg IDR and 98% for the 225 µg/kg IDR. No thrombotic events, allergic reactions, neutralising antibodies or treatment-related adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Both 75 and 225 µg/kg eptacog beta IDRs provided safe and effective treatment and control of bleeding in children <12 years of age.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Immunoprophylaxis with Palivizumab: 12-Year Observational Study of Usage and Outcomes in Canada.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate palivizumab (PVZ) use, trends in indications, and outcomes of respiratory illness hospitalizations (RIH) and respiratory syncytial virus hospitalizations (RSVH). STUDY DESIGN: It involves a large, Canadian prospective (2005-2017) observational multicenter study of children at high risk for RSV infection. RESULTS: A total of 25,003 infants (56.3% male) were enrolled at 32 sites; 109,579 PVZ injections were administered. Indications included: prematurity (63.3%); "miscellaneous" (17.8%); hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease (10.5%); bronchopulmonary dysplasia/chronic lung disease (8.4%). The "miscellaneous" group increased over time (4.4% in 2005-2006 to 22.5% in 2016-2017) and included: trisomy 21, airway anomalies, pulmonary disorders, cystic fibrosis, neurological impairments, immunocompromised, cardiac aged >2 years, multiple conditions, and a residual "unclassified" group. Adherence measured by expected versus actual doses plus correct interdose interval was 64.7%. A total of 2,054 RIH occurred (6.9%); 198 (9.6%) required intubation. Three hundred thirty-seven hospitalized children were RSV-positive (overall RSVH 1.6%). Risk factors for RSVH included having siblings, attending daycare, family history of atopy, smoking exposure, and crowded household. Infants with 5 risk factors were 9.0 times (95% CI or confidence interval 4.4-18.2; p < 0.0005) more likely to have RSVH than infants without risk factors. Three adverse events occurred; none were fatal. CONCLUSION: Results are relevant to both clinicians and decision-makers. We confirmed the safety of PVZ. Use of PVZ increased steadily for children with miscellaneous conditions and medical complexity. Medical and social factors pose a risk for severe RIH and RSVH with accompanying burden of illness. A vaccine that protects against RSV is urgently required. KEY POINTS: · Main indications were prematurity (63.3%); "miscellaneous" (17.8%); hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease (10.5%); bronchopulmonary dysplasia/chronic lung disease (8.4%).. · The proportion of children in the "miscellaneous" group, comprised of those with trisomy 21, airway anomalies, pulmonary disorders, cystic fibrosis, neurological impairments, immunocompromised, cardiac aged >2 years, multiple conditions, and a residual "unclassified" group, increased over time (4.4% in 2005-2006 to 22.5% in 2016-2017).. · Respiratory illness-related hospitalization occurred in 2,054 children (6.9%); 198 (9.6%) required intubation. Three hundred thirty-seven hospitalized children were RSV-positive (overall RSVH: 1.6%)..

PERSEPT 3: A phase 3 clinical trial to evaluate the haemostatic efficacy of eptacog beta (recombinant human FVIIa) in perioperative care in subjects with haemophilia A or B with inhibitors.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical procedures in persons with haemophilia A or B with inhibitors (PwHABI) require the use of bypassing agents (BPA) and carry a high risk of complications. Historically, only two BPAs have been available; these are reported to have variable responses. AIM: To prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new bypassing agent, human recombinant factor VIIa (eptacog beta) in elective surgical procedures in PwHABI in a phase 3 clinical trial, PERSEPT 3. METHODS: Subjects were administered 200 µg/kg (major procedures) or 75 µg/kg eptacog beta (minor procedures) immediately prior to the initial surgical incision; subsequent 75 µg/kg doses were administered to achieve postoperative haemostasis and wound healing. Efficacy was assessed on a 4-point haemostatic scale during the intra- and postoperative periods. Anti-drug antibodies, thrombotic events and changes in clinical/laboratory parameters were monitored throughout the perioperative period. RESULTS: Twelve subjects underwent six major and six minor procedures. The primary efficacy endpoint success proportion was 100% (95% CI: 47.8%-100%) for minor procedures and 66.7% (95% CI: 22.3%-95.7%) for major procedures; 81.8% (95% CI: 48.2%-97.7%) of the procedures were considered successful using eptacog beta. There was one death due to bleeding from a nonsurgical site; this was assessed as unlikely related to eptacog beta. No thrombotic events or anti-eptacog beta antibodies were reported. CONCLUSION: Two eptacog beta dosing regimens in PwHABI undergoing major and minor surgical procedures were well-tolerated, and the majority of procedures were successful based on surgeon/investigator assessments. Eptacog beta offers clinicians a new potential therapeutic option for procedures in PwHABI.

A Comparison of Respiratory Syncytial Viral Prophylaxis in Multiple Births versus Singletons in the Canadian Registry of Palivizumab.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to compare respiratory illness-related hospitalization (RIH) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-related hospitalization (RSVH) in multiple births versus singletons, who received palivizumab during the RSV season and participated in the Canadian registry of palivizumab (CARESS). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, observational study of infants aged <2 years recruited across 32 centers over 12 RSV seasons from 2005 to 2017. Demographic data were collected at enrolment and RIH events were recorded monthly. RESULTS: A total of 25,003 infants were enrolled of whom 6,949 (27.8%) were of multiple birth, and 18,054 (72.2%) were singletons. A significantly larger proportion of the multiple births were premature (80.2%) compared with the singleton group (56.8%). Multiples had a lower gestational age (mean ± standard deviation): 31.2 ± 3.2 versus 33.2 ± 5.5 weeks and birth weight (mean: 1,590 ± 606.8 vs. 2,069.4 ± 1068.5 g; both p < 0.0005). They were younger at enrolment (4.5 ± 5.0 vs. 6.1 ± 6.8 months), and fewer attended daycare (1.9 vs. 4.6%), and experienced exposure to smoking (24.5 vs. 29.9%), but more lived in a crowded household (36.7 vs. 19.4%); all p < 0.0005. Multiples had a longer length of neonatal stay (51.1 ± 65.9 vs. 47.9 ± 67.8 days), and more required respiratory support (65.7 vs. 57.7%), but for shorter duration (22.6 ± 32.9 vs. 24.7 ± 40.6 days); all p < 0.001. RIH and RSVH rates (%) in multiples versus singletons were 4.7; 7.7 and 1.4; and 1.6, respectively. Cox regression showed that multiples had a lower risk of RIH compared with singletons (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.616, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.543-0.698, p < 0.0005), but not RSVH (HR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.57-1.02, p = 0.071). CONCLUSION: Multiple birth infants, who are known to be at greater risk for severe RSVH compared with singletons, are well protected by palivizumab, provided adherence to the monthly injection scheme is guaranteed.

What risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome are preterm and term medically complex infants exposed to at home?

OBJECTIVES: Risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome include premature birth, maternal smoking, prone or side sleeping position, sleeping with blankets, sharing a sleeping surface with an adult, and sleeping without an adult in the room. In this study, we compare parents' responses on sleep patterns in premature and term infants with medical complexity. METHODS: Parents of children enrolled in the Canadian Respiratory Syncytial Virus Evaluation Study of Palivizumab were phoned monthly regarding their child's health status until the end of each respiratory syncytial virus season. Baseline data were obtained on patient demographics, medical history, and neonatal course. Responses on adherence to safe sleep recommendations were recorded as part of the assessment. RESULTS: A total of 2,526 preterms and 670 term infants with medical complexity were enrolled. Statistically significant differences were found in maternal smoking rates between the two groups: 13.3% (preterm); 9.3% (term) infants (χ 2=8.1, df=1, P=0.004) and with respect to toys in the crib: 12.3% (term) versus 5.8% preterms (χ 2=24.5, df=1, P<0.0005). Preterm infants were also significantly more likely to be placed prone to sleep (8.8%), compared with term infants (3.3%), (χ 2=18.1, df=1, P<0.0005). CONCLUSION: All the infants in this study had frequent medical contacts. There is a greater prevalence of some risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome in preterm infants compared to term infants with medical complexity. Specific educational interventions for vulnerable infants may be necessary.

The Implementation of a Pediatric Nonaccidental Trauma Evaluation Protocol: A Quality Improvement Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric nonaccidental trauma (NAT) accounts for more than 1500 deaths annually and is a source of incalculable lifelong morbidity. Evidence-based NAT evaluation protocols are available; however, compliance studies are lacking. Here, we analyze the quality of implementation of a new NAT evaluation protocol. METHODS: A review of registry data from a level 3 trauma center was performed for patients with a suspicion of NAT from September 2014 to May 2016. Compliance rates and results of 2 new age-based evaluation protocols were examined before (phase 1) and after (phase 2) a multidisciplinary conference was initiated to improve performance. RESULTS: Seventy-five children underwent evaluation for NAT during the study period. In phase 1, median compliance rates with all of the protocol elements were low (63%). After a bimonthly multidisciplinary conference was initiated, compliance rates improved to 75%. Some elements, which were often missed, were found to be clinically irrelevant. If only clinically relevant elements were included, median compliance in phase 2 is 86%. CONCLUSIONS: Compliance with a new protocol for NAT was improved with the institution of a multidisciplinary conference. Protocol elements, which are shown to be clinically unnecessary, have also been identified and will be eliminated.

Compassion fatigue in healthcare providers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Compassion fatigue is recognized as impacting the health and effectiveness of healthcare providers, and consequently, patient care. Compassion fatigue is distinct from "burnout." Reliable measurement tools, such as the Professional Quality of Life scale, have been developed to measure the prevalence, and predict risk of compassion fatigue. This study reviews the prevalence of compassion fatigue among healthcare practitioners, and relationships to demographic variables. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using key words in MEDLINE, PubMed, and Ovid databases. Data were extracted from a total of 71 articles meeting inclusion criteria, from studies measuring compassion fatigue in healthcare providers using a validated instrument. Quantitative and qualitative data were extracted and compiled by three independent reviewers into an evidence table that included basic study characteristics, study strength and quality determination, measurements of compassion fatigue, and general findings. Meta-analysis, where data allowed, was stratified by Professional Quality of Life version, heterogeneity was quantified, and pooled means were reported with 95% confidence interval. A table of major study characteristics and results was created. ETHICAL CONSIDERATION: This paper contains no primary data obtained directly from research participants. Data obtained from previously published resources have been acknowledged within references. Psychological distress, particularly compassion fatigue, can be insidious, no health profession is immune, and may significantly impact the ability to provide care. RESULTS: A total of 71 studies were included. Compassion fatigue was reported across all practitioner groups studied. Relationships to most demographic variables such as years of experience and specialty were either not statistically significant or unclear. Variability in reporting of Professional Quality of Life results was found. INTERPRETATION: Compassion fatigue exists across diverse practitioner groups. Prevalence is highly variable, and its relationship with demographic, personal, and/or professional variables is inconsistent. Questions are raised about how to mitigate compassion fatigue.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prophylaxis in Infants With Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia in the Canadian Respiratory Syncytial Virus Evaluation Study of Palivizumab, 2005-2017.

BACKGROUND: Infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) are at an increased risk of respiratory morbidity from recurrent respiratory tract infections including those from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Prospective studies on RSV prophylaxis in CDH infants are limited. We determined the risk of respiratory illness- and RSV-related hospitalizations (RIH and RSVH, respectively) among infants prophylaxed for CDH, standard indications (SIs) and those without increased risk (NR). METHODS: The prospective Canadian Respiratory Syncytial Virus Evaluation Study of Palivizumab (CARESS) registry was searched for infants who received palivizumab during 12 RSV seasons (2005-2017) in Canada. Cox proportional hazards analyses were conducted to compare RIH and RSVH risks across the groups adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: In total, 21 107 infants (201 CDH, 389 NR, and 20 517 SI) were included. RIH incidences were 10.0% (CDH), 2.1% (NR), and 6.2% (SI). CDH patients had a significantly higher RIH hazard compared with NR (hazard ratio [HR], 3.6 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.5-8.8]; P = .005) but not SI (HR, 1.2 [95% CI, .8-2.0]; P = .379). RSVH incidences were 0.6%, 0.3%, and 1.5% for CDH, NR, and SI, respectively. RSVH risk was similar across groups (SI: HR, 0.0, P = .922; NR: HR, 0.0, P = .934). CONCLUSIONS: CDH infants had a 3-fold increased risk of RIH compared to NR but not SI infants. RSVH risk was similar with low RSVH incidences across all groups, implying that CDH infants may benefit from palivizumab during the RSV season, similar to other high-risk groups. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT00420966.

Localized Outbreaks of Epidemic Polyarthritis among Military Personnel Caused by Different Sublineages of Ross River Virus, Northeastern Australia, 2016-2017.

Two outbreaks of epidemic polyarthritis occurred among Australian Defence Force personnel during and following short military exercises in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, northeastern Australia, in 2016 and 2017. Ross River virus (RRV) IgM was detected in acute-phase serum samples from most patients (28/28 in 2016 and 25/31 in 2017), and RRV was recovered from 4/38 serum samples assayed (1/21 in 2016 and 3/17 in 2017). Phylogenetic analyses of RRV envelope glycoprotein E2 and nonstructural protein nsP3 nucleotide sequences segregated the RRV isolates obtained in 2016 and 2017 outbreaks into 2 distinct sublineages, suggesting that each outbreak was caused by a different strain of RRV. The spatiotemporal characteristics of the 2016 outbreak suggested that some of the infections involved human-mosquito-human transmission without any intermediate host. These outbreaks highlight the importance of personal protective measures in preventing vectorborne diseases for which no vaccine or specific prophylaxis exists.

Respiratory illness and respiratory syncytial virus hospitalization in infants with a tracheostomy following prophylaxis with palivizumab.

Data on respiratory-related illness and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in children with a tracheostomy are sparse. We determined respiratory illness hospitalization (RIH) and RSV-related hospitalization (RSVH) hazard ratios in children with a tracheostomy following prophylaxis compared with infants' prophylaxed for standard indications (prematurity ≤ 35 weeks' gestational age, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and significant congenital heart disease) and children with complex medical disorders. Children who received ≥ 1 injection of palivizumab were prospectively enrolled across 32 Canadian sites during the RSV season. Respiratory illness event data were collected monthly. Data were analyzed using t tests, chi-square tests, and Cox proportional hazards adjusted for confounders. A total of 23,597 infants were enrolled; 220 tracheostomy, 19,402 standard indications, 3975 complex medical disorders. Of the 220 tracheostomy infants, 30 had bronchopulmonary dysplasia, 18 were premature, 12 had congenital heart disease, and 160 had other medical complexities. RIH and RSVH incidences (tracheostomy, standard indications, complex medical disorders) were 24.5%, 6.2%, and 9.8% and 2.0%, 1.5%, and 1.8% respectively. RIH hazard was significantly higher in tracheostomy infants compared with standard indications (HR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.1-3.0, p = 0.02) but was similar between the tracheostomy and complex medical disorders groups (HR = 1.3, 95% CI 0.7-2.2, p = 0.37). RSVH hazard was also similar in tracheostomy infants relative to standard indications and complex medical disorders (both p > 0.75). Children with tracheostomies who received palivizumab had an increased RIH hazard compared with the standard indications group. Similar RSVH hazard between tracheostomy, standard indications, and complex medical disorders groups suggests that children with tracheostomies may benefit from palivizumab by reducing RSVH during the RSV season.

Respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis in infants with congenital airway anomalies compared to standard indications and complex medical disorders.

An observational study was conducted of children < 2 years who received ≥ 1 dose of palivizumab in 32 Canadian institutions from 2005 to 2017. We compared respiratory illness (RIH) and respiratory syncytial virus-related hospitalization (RSVH) hazards in children with a congenital airway anomaly (CAA) versus those prophylaxed for standard indications (SI) and serious medical disorders (SMD). Data were assembled on neonatal course, demographics, palivizumab utilization and adherence, and respiratory illness events, and analyzed using ANOVA, chi-square tests and Cox proportional hazards. Twenty-five thousand three children (1219 CAA, 3538 SMD, and 20,246 SI) were enrolled. Palivizumab adherence was 74.8% overall and similar across groups. For 2054 respiratory-related events, 1724 children were hospitalized. RIH rates were 13.6% (CAA), 9.6% (SMD), and 6.0% (SI). RSVH rates were 2.4% (CAA), 1.6% (SMD), and 1.5% (SI). After adjustment for demographic and neonatal differences, children with a CAA had a significantly increased RIH and RSVH hazard relative to SI (RIH, HR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.2, p = 0.002; RSVH, HR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.0-4.4, p = 0.037) but similar to SMD (RIH, HR = 1.3, 95% CI 0.9-1.9, p = 0.190; RSVH, HR = 1.7, 95% CI 0.7-4.1, p = 0.277).Conclusion: Children with a CAA experience higher RIH risk. RSVH hazard was similar between CAA and SMD but higher for CAA compared to SI, implying that this population requires surveillance for RSV prophylaxis. What is Known: • Children with congenital airway anomalies (CAA) are at risk for respiratory tract illness and respiratory syncytial virus-related hospitalization (RSVH) with accompanying morbidity and mortality • RSV prophylaxis may be useful in children with a CAA, but is not routinely recommended What is New: • Children with a CAA had a 1.6-2.3 fold greater risk of respiratory-related hospitalization and RSVH compared to those prophylaxed for standard, approved indications and serious medical disorders. • RSVH risk in children aged < 2 years with either upper or lower airway anomalies is similar. Children with a CAA require careful surveillance during the RSV season and prophylaxis may be appropriate.

Palivizumab prophylaxis for respiratory syncytial virus in infants with cystic fibrosis: is there a need?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) infants is associated with significant morbidities. This study's objective is to evaluate the effectiveness and adverse events related to palivizumab (PVZ) in CF infants. Data on respiratory-related illness (RIH) and RSV hospitalizations (RSVH) were collected retrospectively in CF infants aged < 2 years in Alberta, Canada, from 2000 to 2017. Logistic regression models were used to compare the odds of RSVH or RIH in PVZ infants from the Canadian registry of palivizumab (CARESS) versus untreated (UPVZ) infants from Alberta, after adjusting for potential confounders. Illness severity was compared between cohorts using χ2 and t tests. A total of 267 CF infants were included: 183 (PVZ) and 84 (UPVZ). A total of 53.3% were tested for RSV. Fifty-five infants experienced a RIH and 10 had a RSVH. The PVZ cohort experienced similar odds of RSVH but decreased odds of RIH versus UPVZ, adjusting for gestational age, birth weight, birth during RSV peak months, and presence of siblings (Exp(B) = 0.23 [0.11-0.49], p < 0.0005). In RSVH-related subjects, PVZ subjects experienced shorter length of overall stay (LOS; t = 2.39 [df = 7], p = 0.048). In those with a RIH, the PVZ group had shorter overall intensive care unit (t = 3.52 [df = 15], p = 0.003) and hospital LOS (t = 2.11 [df = 52], p = 0.04). No serious adverse events were related to PVZ. The odds of RSVH were similar between groups, but PVZ subjects had decreased odds of RIH. The low number of RSV tests performed may explain the similarity in RSVH rates. Significant differences in LOS may indicate decreased RSVH and RIH illness severity in the PVZ versus UPVZ groups.

Respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis in cystic fibrosis: the Canadian registry of palivizumab data (2005-2016).

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) may cause severe illness in cystic fibrosis (CF) children, but recommendations vary on prophylaxis. CARESS is a prospective registry of children who received palivizumab in 32 Canadian sites from 2005 to 2016. Demographic data were collected at enrollment and respiratory illness-related events recorded monthly. We reviewed respiratory illness hospitalization (RIH) and RSV hospitalization (RSVH) in CF children aged < 24 months versus those prophylaxed for standard indications (SI; prematurity, chronic lung disease [CLD] and congenital heart disease [CHD]), and complex medical disorders (CM). Of 23,228 children analyzed, 19,452 (83.8%) were SI, 3349 (14.4%) were CM, and 427 (1.8%) were CF. CF children were more likely to be Caucasian, heavier at birth and enrollment, and less likely to have a sibling or live in crowded conditions. CF children were similar to the other groups in daycare attendance, history of atopy, and exposure to smoking. RIH incidences were 4.3% (premature), 13.8% CLD, 11.5% CHD, 11.7% CM, and 6.8% CF. RSVH incidence in CF children was similar to that in the SI and CM groups: 1.1, 1.5, and 2.0% groups respectively. Cox regression analyses showed that compared to CF children, the HRs for RSVH in SI (HR 2.0 95% CI 0.5-8.3, p = 0.3) and CM (HR 2.4, 95% CI 0.6-9.8, p = 0.2) did not differ. CF children are equally at risk for RSVH relative to those prophylaxed for other indications. Pending robust evidence from prospective trials, palivizumab could perhaps be considered in the interim, for young CF patients born early during the RSV season with evidence of serious lung disease.

What does mainstream media say about enzyme replacement therapies?

INTRODUCTION: Enzyme replacement therapies (ERTs) are expensive drugs that can be used to treat certain inherited diseases. ERTs are not universally covered across provinces and costs are beyond the means of most patients. Media reports are commonly used to lobby for provincial ERT funding for specific patients. As physicians may be confronted with these media reports by patients, this study explored medical reporting regarding ERTs in print media. METHODS: Canadian Newsstream database was searched for articles about three ERTs-Elaprase™, Naglazyme™ and Vimizim™. Articles meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed for data regarding efficacy and adverse events, mention of role of health care professionals and medical information sources. Thematic analysis explored how efficacy was described within the articles. Data from product monographs and recent meta-analyses served as a basis for comparison. RESULTS: Of 57 articles retained for the study, 9% mentioned clinical trial data regarding drug efficacy; 7% mentioned adverse events. Only 23% of opinions about medical necessity or efficacy of the drug were from a physician. The majority were those of politicians. Information describing the condition was accurate in 90% of cases, although usually incompletely. DISCUSSION: Incomplete or inaccurate reporting about efficacy and safety may influence families that appear to be candidates for ERT. Poor reporting of medical information may also influence the social pressures placed on the government and affect funding approval for these drugs. Physicians should be aware that their patients may be exposed to misleading information.

First versus second year respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis in chronic lung disease (2005-2015).

Children aged <2 years with chronic lung disease (CLD) have a 10-fold higher risk for respiratory syncytial virus-positive hospitalization (RSVH) compared to healthy term infants. Based on the updated position statements, we compared respiratory-related illness hospitalization (RIH) and RSVH risks in CLD children who received palivizumab during the first year (FY) versus second year (SY) of life in the Canadian Registry of Palivizumab (CARESS). Demographic data were collected at enrolment and RIH events recorded monthly from 2005 to 2015. Eight hundred forty-seven FY and 450 SY children with CLD were identified. SY children had a lower gestational age (27 versus 29 weeks) and required more days of respiratory support (64 versus 43), oxygen therapy (108 versus 55), and length of stay (118 versus 73) during the neonatal course compared to FY children; all p < 0.0005. RIH rates were 12.2 (FY) and 18.2 (SY), and RSVH rates were 2.3 (FY) and 3.9 (SY). Cox regression showed similar hazards for both RIH (hazard ratio 0.9, 95% CI 0.6-1.6, p = 0.812) and RSVH (hazard ratio 1.1, 95% CI 0.4-2.9, p = 0.920). CONCLUSIONS: SY and FY children had similar risks for RIH and RSVH. The findings imply that SY children with CLD are correctly selected for palivizumab based on neonatal illness severity and merit prophylaxis. What is Known: • Children with chronic lung disease have a 10-fold higher risk for RSV-positive hospitalization in comparison to healthy term infants and commonly receive palivizumab prophylaxis as a preventative measure against serious RSV-related lower respiratory tract infections. • The American Academy of Pediatrics [ 2 ] and the Canadian Paediatric Society [ 30 ] have recently modified their recommendations for RSV prophylaxis in children with chronic lung disease, limiting palivizumab to either those <32 weeks gestation or those in the first year of life who are oxygen dependent or require medical therapy for the treatment of their condition. What is New: • Children with chronic lung disease receiving an additional course of palivizumab in their second year of life were determined to be at similar risk for both respiratory illness-related hospitalization and RSV-positive hospitalization as palivizumab-naïve children enrolled in the first year of life in the Canadian Registry for palivizumab (CARESS). • CARESS physicians are correctly identifying high-risk children with chronic lung disease in their second year of life, whom they believe will benefit from an additional year of palivizumab prophylaxis, based on neonatal illness severity.

Clinicians' and Researchers' Perspectives on Manual Wheelchair Data Loggers.

Recent studies have used data loggers to record a wide range of, sometimes differing, objective outcomes associated with the use of manual wheelchairs. To identify which outcomes are broadly perceived to be the most important to measure when objectively documenting manual wheelchair use, a cross-sectional survey was conducted with groups of researchers and clinicians in the field of wheeled mobility. We also surveyed the challenges these groups experienced when using data loggers. The survey was informed by a previous scoping review of the scientific and gray literature. Seventy-four people with various academic and professional backgrounds completed the survey: 57 researchers (77.0%) and 17 clinicians (23.0%). Regarding the importance they attributed to commonly measured outcomes, the most highly rated outcome identified by both groups was "distance traveled." There were significant differences between the groups' perspectives in rating and ranking the importance of "pressure-relief activities," "seat pressure," and "acceleration." In terms of challenges or barriers associated with the use of data loggers for monitoring manual wheelchair use, it appears that researchers and clinicians have relatively similar needs and preferences. However, only clinicians reported that the time they wanted to, or could, allocate to review recorded information was a potential hardship. Our hope is that these results will help further development and increase the functionality and applicability of data loggers for manual wheelchairs in research and clinical contexts.

Predictive factors for successful colonic stenting in acute large-bowel obstruction: a 15-year cohort analysis.

BACKGROUND: Colonic stenting has failed to show an improvement in mortality rates in comparison with emergency surgery for acute large-bowel obstruction. However, it remains unclear which patients are more likely to benefit from this procedure. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to identify factors that may be predictive of successful outcome of colonic stenting in acute large-bowel obstruction. DESIGN: All patients undergoing colonic stenting for acute large-bowel obstruction between 1999 and 2013 were studied. The demographics and characteristics of the obstructing lesion were analyzed. SETTINGS: This investigation was conducted at a district general hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 126 (76 men; median age, 76 y; range, 42-94 y) with acute large-bowel obstruction were included in the analysis. INTERVENTION: The insertion of a self-expanding metal stent was attempted for each patient to relieve the obstruction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes measured were technical success in the deployment of the stent, clinical decompression, and perforation rates. RESULTS: Technical deployment of the stent was accomplished in 108 of 126 (86%) patients; however, only 89 (70%) achieved clinical decompression. Successful deployment and clinical decompression was associated with colorectal cancer (p = 0.03), shorter strictures (p = 0.01), and wider angulation distal to the obstruction (p = 0.049). Perforation was associated with longer strictures (p = 0.03). LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its retrospective nature. CONCLUSION: Colonic stenting in acute large-bowel obstruction is more likely to be successful in shorter, malignant strictures with less angulation distal to the obstruction. Longer benign strictures are less likely to be successful and may be associated with an increased risk of perforation.