Consensus recommendations for the assessment and management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension in children and young people.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a potentially disabling condition. There is a lack of evidence and national guidance on how to diagnose and treat paediatric IIH, leading to variation in clinical practice. We conducted a national Delphi consensus via the Children's Headache Network to propose a best-practice diagnostic and therapeutic pathway. METHODS: The Delphi process was selected as the most appropriate methodology for examining current opinion among experts in the UK. 104 questions were considered by 66 healthcare professionals, addressing important aspects of IIH care: assessment, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up and surveillance. General paediatricians, paediatric neurologists, ophthalmologists, opticians, neuroradiologists and neurosurgeons with a clinical interest or experience in IIH, were invited to take part. RESULTS: The Delphi process consisted of three rounds comprising 104 questions (round 1, 67; round 2, 24; round 3 (ophthalmological), 13) and was completed between March 2019 and August 2021. There were 54 and 65 responders in the first and second rounds, respectively. The Delphi was endorsed by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, which engaged 59 ophthalmologists for round 3. CONCLUSIONS: This UK-based Delphi consensus process reached agreement for the management of paediatric IIH and has been endorsed by the Children's Headache Network and more broadly, the British Paediatric Neurology Association. It provides a basis for a pragmatic clinical approach. The recommendations will help to improve clinical care while minimising under and over diagnosis.

The BLISTER Score: A Novel, Externally Validated Tool for Predicting Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Infections, and Its Cost-Utility Implications for Antimicrobial Envelope Use.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial envelopes reduce the incidence of cardiac implantable electronic device infections, but their cost restricts routine use in the United Kingdom. Risk scoring could help to identify which patients would most benefit from this technology. METHODS: A novel risk score (BLISTER [Blood results, Long procedure time, Immunosuppressed, Sixty years old (or younger), Type of procedure, Early re-intervention, Repeat procedure]) was derived from multivariate analysis of factors associated with cardiac implantable electronic device infection. Diagnostic utility was assessed against the existing PADIT score (Prior procedure, Age, Depressed renal function, Immunocompromised, Type of procedure) in both standard and high-risk external validation cohorts, and cost-utility models examined different BLISTER and PADIT score thresholds for TYRX (Medtronic; Minneapolis, MN) antimicrobial envelope allocation. RESULTS: In a derivation cohort (n=7383), cardiac implantable electronic device infection occurred in 59 individuals within 12 months of a procedure (event rate, 0.8%). In addition to the PADIT score constituents, lead extraction (hazard ratio, 3.3 [95% CI, 1.9-6.1]; P<0.0001), C-reactive protein >50 mg/L (hazard ratio, 3.0 [95% CI, 1.4-6.4]; P=0.005), reintervention within 2 years (hazard ratio, 10.1 [95% CI, 5.6-17.9]; P<0.0001), and top-quartile procedure duration (hazard ratio, 2.6 [95% CI, 1.6-4.1]; P=0.001) were independent predictors of infection. The BLISTER score demonstrated superior discriminative performance versus PADIT in the standard risk (n=2854, event rate: 0.8%, area under the curve, 0.82 versus 0.71; P=0.001) and high-risk validation cohorts (n=1961, event rate: 2.0%, area under the curve, 0.77 versus 0.69; P=0.001), and in all patients (n=12 198, event rate: 1%, area under the curve, 0.8 versus 0.75, P=0.002). In decision-analytic modeling, the optimum scenario assigned antimicrobial envelopes to patients with BLISTER scores ≥6 (10.8%), delivering a significant reduction in infections (relative risk reduction, 30%; P=0.036) within the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence cost-utility thresholds (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, £18 446). CONCLUSIONS: The BLISTER score (https://qxmd.com/calculate/calculator_876/the-blister-score-for-cied-infection) was a valid predictor of cardiac implantable electronic device infection, and could facilitate cost-effective antimicrobial envelope allocation to high-risk patients.

Heart size disparity drives sex-specific response to cardiac resynchronization therapy: a post-hoc analysis of the MORE-MPP CRT trial.

Background: Studies have reported that female sex predicts superior cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) response. One theory is that this association is related to smaller female heart size, thus increased "relative dyssynchrony" at given QRS durations (QRSd). Objective: To investigate the mechanisms of sex-specific CRT response relating to heart size, relative dyssynchrony, cardiomyopathy type, QRS morphology, and other patient characteristics. Methods: A post-hoc analysis of the MORE-CRT MPP trial (n=3739, 28% female), with a sub-group analysis of patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) and left bundle branch block (LBBB) (n=1308, 41% female) to control for confounding characteristics. A multivariable analysis examined predictors of response to 6 months of conventional CRT, including sex and relative dyssynchrony, measured by QRSd/LVEDV (left ventricular end-diastolic volume). Results: Females had a higher CRT response rate than males (70.1% vs. 56.8%, p<0.0001). Subgroup analysis: Regression analysis of the NICM LBBB subgroup identified QRSd/LVEDV, but not sex, as a modifier of CRT response (p<0.0039). QRSd/LVEDV was significantly higher in females (0.919) versus males (0.708, p<0.001). CRT response was 78% for female patients with QRSd/LVEDV>median value, compared to 68% < median value (p=0.012). Association between CRT response and QRSd/LVEDV was strongest at QRSd<150ms. Conclusions: In the NICM LBBB population, increased relative dyssynchrony in females, who have smaller heart sizes than their male counterparts, is a driver of sex-specific CRT response, particularly at QRSd <150ms. Females may benefit from CRT at a QRSd <130ms, opening the debate on whether sex-specific QRSd cut-offs or QRS/LVEDV measurement should be incorporated into clinical guidelines.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of leadless cardiac resynchronization therapy.

BACKGROUND: The Wireless Stimulation Endocardially for CRT (WiSE-CRT) system is a novel technology used to treat patients with dyssynchronous heart failure (HF) by providing leadless cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Observational studies have demonstrated its safety and efficacy profile, however, the treatment cost-effectiveness has not previously been examined. METHODS: A cost-effectiveness evaluation of the WiSE-CRT System was performed using a cohort-based economic model adopting a "proportion in state" structure. In addition to the primary analysis, scenario analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed to test for uncertainty in input parameters. Outcomes were quantified in terms of quality-adjusted life year (QALY) differences. RESULTS: The primary analysis demonstrated that treatment with the WiSE-CRT system is likely to be cost-effective over a lifetime horizon at a QALY reimbursement threshold of £20 000, with a net monetary benefit (NMB) of £3781 per QALY. Cost-effectiveness declines at time horizons shorter than 10 years. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that average system battery life had the largest impact on potential cost-effectiveness. CONCLUSION: Within the model limitations, these findings support the use of WiSE-CRT in indicated patients from an economic standpoint. However, improving battery technology should be prioritized to maximize cost-effectiveness in times when health services are under significant financial pressures.

Corrigendum: Assessing Inequalities in Wellbeing at a Neighbourhood Scale in Low-Middle-Income-Country Secondary Cities and Their Implications for Long-Term Livability.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2021.729453.].

Assessing Inequalities in Wellbeing at a Neighbourhood Scale in Low-Middle-Income-Country Secondary Cities and Their Implications for Long-Term Livability.

To ensure future sustainability, cities need to consider concepts of livability and resident wellbeing alongside environmental, economic and infrastructure development equity. The current rapid urbanization experienced in many regions is leading to sustainability challenges, but also offers the opportunity to deliver infrastructure supporting the social aspects of cities and the services that underpin them alongside economic growth. Unfortunately, evidence of what is needed to deliver urban wellbeing is largely absent from the global south. This paper contributes to filling this knowledge gap through a novel interdisciplinary mixed methods study undertaken in two rapidly changing cities (one Thai and one Kenyan) using qualitative surveys, subjective wellbeing and stress measurements, and spatial analysis of urban infrastructure distribution. We find the absence of basic infrastructure (including waste removal, water availability and quality) unsurprisingly causes significant stress for city residents. However, once these services are in place, smaller variations (inequalities) in social (crime, tenure) and environmental (noise, air quality) conditions begin to play a greater role in determining differences in subjective wellbeing across a city. Our results indicate that spending time in urban greenspaces can mitigate the stressful impacts of city living even for residents of informal neighborhoods. Our data also highlights the importance of places that enable social interactions supporting wellbeing-whether green or built. These results demonstrate the need for diversity and equity in the provision of public realm spaces to ensure social and spatial justice. These findings strengthen the need to promote long term livability in LMIC urban planning alongside economic growth, environmental sustainability, and resilience.

Clinical effectiveness of a dedicated cardiac resynchronization therapy pre-assessment clinic incorporating cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and cardiopulmonary exercise testing on patient selection and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Pre-procedural assessment of patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is heterogenous and patients implanted with unfavorable characteristics may account for non-response. A dedicated CRT pre-assessment clinic (CRT PAC) was developed to standardize the review process and undertake structured pre-procedural evaluation. The aim of this analysis was to determine the effectiveness on patient selection and outcomes. METHODS: A prospective database of consecutive patients attending the CRT PAC between 2013 and 2018 was analyzed. Pre-operative assessment included cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Patients were considered CRT responders based on improvement in clinical composite score (CCS) and/or reduction in left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) ≥ 15% at 6-months follow-up. RESULTS: Of 252 patients reviewed in the CRT PAC during the analysis period, 192 fulfilled consensus guidelines for implantation. Of the patients receiving CRT, 82% showed improvement in their CCS and 57% had a reduction in LVESV ≥ 15%. The presence of subendocardial scar on CMR and a peak VO2 ≤ 12 ml/kg/min on CPET predicted CRT non-response. Two patients were unsuitable for CRT as they had end-stage heart failure and died during follow-up. The majority of patients initially deemed unsuitable for CRT did not suffer from unexpected hospitalization for decompensated heart failure or died from cardiovascular disease; only 8 patients (13%) received CRT devices during follow-up because of symptomatic left ventricular systolic impairment. CONCLUSION: A dedicated CRT PAC is able to appropriately select patients for CRT. Pre-procedural investigation/imaging can identify patients unlikely to respond to, or may not yet be suitable for CRT.

Noninvasive electrocardiographic assessment of ventricular activation and remodeling response to cardiac resynchronization therapy.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) produces acute changes in electric resynchronization that can be measured noninvasively with electrocardiographic body surface mapping (ECGi). The relation between baseline acute electrophysiology metrics and their manipulation with CRT and reverse remodeling is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To test (ECGi) derived parameters of electrical activation as predictors of volumetric response to CRT. METHODS: ECGi was performed in 21 patients directly following CRT implant. Activation parameters (left ventricular total activation time [LVtat], global biventricular total activation time [VVtat], global left/right ventricular electrical synchrony [VVsync], and global left ventricular dispersion of activation times [LVdisp]) were measured at baseline and following echocardiographically optimized CRT. Remodeling response (>15% reduction left ventricular end-systolic volume) was assessed 6 months post CRT. RESULTS: Patients were aged 68.9 ± 12.1 years, 81% were male, and 57% were ischemic. Baseline measures of dyssynchrony were more pronounced in left bundle branch block (LBBB) vs non-LBBB. ECGi demonstrated a trend of greater interventricular dyssynchrony between responders and nonresponders that did not reach statistical significance (VVsync: -45.7 ± 22.4 ms vs -25.1 ± 29.3 ms, P = .227). Remaining activation parameters were similar between responders and nonresponders (VVtat 101 ± 22.0 ms vs 98.9 ± 23.4 ms, P = .838; LVtat 86.4 ± 17.1 ms vs 85.1 ± 27.7 ms, P = .904; LVdisp 28.2 ± 6.3 ms vs 27.0 ± 8.7 ms, P = .726). In volumetric responders activation parameters were significantly improved with CRT compared to nonresponders: VV sync (-45.67 ± 22.41 ms vs 2.33±18.87 ms, P = .001), VVtat (101 ± 22.04 ms vs 71 ± 14.01 ms, P = .002), LVtat (86.44 ± 17.15 ms vs 67.67 ± 11.31 ms, P = .006), and LVdisp (28.22 ± 6.3 ms vs 21.56 ± 4.45 ms, P = .008). CONCLUSION: Baseline ECGi activation times did not predict CRT volumetric response. Volumetric responders exhibited significant improvements in ECGi-derived metrics with CRT. ECGi does not select CRT candidates but may be a useful adjunct to guide left ventricle lead implants and to perform postimplant CRT optimization.

Cost-effectiveness of a management strategy based on exercise echocardiography versus exercise electrocardiography in patients presenting with suspected angina during long term follow up: A randomized study.

INTRODUCTION: Exercise ECG (Ex-ECG) is advocated by guidelines for patients with low - intermediate probability of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, there are no randomized studies comparing Ex-ECG with exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) evaluating long term cost-effectiveness of each management strategy. METHODS: Accordingly, 385 patients with no prior CAD and low-intermediate probability of CAD (mean pre-test probability 34%), were randomized to undergo either Ex-ECG (194 patients) or ESE (191 patients). The primary endpoint was clinical effectiveness defined as the positive predictive value (PPV) for the detection of CAD of each test. Cost-effectiveness was derived using the cumulative costs incurred by each diagnostic strategy during a mean of follow up of 3.0 years. RESULTS: The PPV of ESE and Ex-ECG were 100% and 64% (p = 0.04) respectively for the detection of CAD. There were fewer clinic (31 vs 59, p < 0.01) and emergency visits (14 vs 30, p = 0.01) and lower number of hospital bed days (8 vs 29, p < 0.01) in the ESE arm, with fewer patients undergoing coronary angiography (13.4% vs 6.3%, p = 0.02). The overall cumulative mean costs per patient were £796 for Ex-ECG and £631 for ESE respectively (p = 0.04) equating to a >20% reduction in cost with an ESE strategy with no difference in the combined end-point of death, myocardial infarction, unplanned revascularization and hospitalization for chest pain between ESE and Ex-ECG (3.2% vs 3.7%, p = 0.38). CONCLUSION: In patients with low to intermediate pretest probability of CAD and suspected angina, an ESE management strategy is cost-effective when compared with Ex-ECG during long term follow up.