Microaggression in Academia: Consequences and Considerations.

ABSTRACT: Microaggression as a concept has received significant attention in the popular media as well as in literature. The concept has yet to be addressed, however, in the context of health care education or academia. In this article, current thoughts on racial microaggressions are reviewed with a focus on implications for nursing faculty and academia. The role of implicit bias and microaggressions on faculty diversity and promotion is discussed, and recommendations for next steps are reviewed.

Are We Out of the Woods Yet? The Aftermath of Resuscitative Thoracotomy.

BACKGROUND: After traumatic arrest, resuscitative thoracotomy is lifesaving in appropriately selected patients, yet data are limited regarding hospital course after intensive care unit (ICU) admission. The objective of this study was to describe the natural history of resuscitative thoracotomy survivors admitted to the ICU. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review (January 1, 2012-June 30, 2017) of all adult trauma patients who underwent resuscitative thoracotomy after traumatic arrest at two adult level 1 trauma centers. Data evaluated include demographics, injury characteristics, hospital course, and outcome. RESULTS: Over 66 mo, there were 52,624 trauma activations. Two hundred ninety-eight patients underwent resuscitative thoracotomy and 96 (32%) survived to ICU admission. At ICU admission, mean age was 35.8 ± 14.5 y, 79 (82%) were male, 36 (38%) sustained blunt trauma, and the mean injury severity score was 32.3 ± 13.7. Eight blunt and 20 penetrating patients (22% and 34% of ICU admissions, respectively) survived to discharge. 67% of deaths in the ICU occurred within the first 24 h, whereas 90% of those alive at day 21 survived to discharge. For the 28 survivors, mean ICU length of stay was 24.1 ± 17.9 d and mean hospital length of stay was 43.9 ± 32.1 d. Survivors averaged 1.9 ± 1.5 complications. Twenty-four patients (86% of hospital survivors) went home or to a rehabilitation center. CONCLUSIONS: After resuscitative thoracotomy and subsequent ICU admission, 29% of patients survived to hospital discharge. Complications and a long hospital stay should be expected, but the functional outcome for survivors is not as bleak as previously reported.

Evidence Versus Practice in Early Drain Removal After Pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Early drain removal when postoperative day (POD) one drain fluid amylase (DFA) was ≤5000 U/L reduced complications in a previous randomized controlled trial. We hypothesized that most surgeons continue to remove drains late and this is associated with inferior outcomes. METHODS: We assessed the practice of surgeons in a prospectively maintained pancreas surgery registry to determine the association between timing of drain removal with demographics, comorbidities, and complications. We selected patients with POD1 DFA ≤5000 U/L and excluded those without drains, and subjects without data on POD1 DFA or timing of drain removal. Early drain removal was defined as ≤ POD5. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty four patients met inclusion criteria. Only 90 (37%) had drains removed early. Estimated blood loss was greater in the late removal group (190 mL versus 100 mL, P = 0.005) and pathological findings associated with soft gland texture were more frequent (97 [63%] versus 35 [39%], P < 0.0001). Patients in the late drain removal group had more complications (84 [55%] versus 30 [33%], P = 0.001) including pancreatic fistula (55 [36%] versus 4 [4%], P < 0.0001), delayed gastric emptying (27 [18%] versus 3 [3%], P = 0.002), and longer length of stay (7 d versus 5 d, P < 0.0001). In subset analysis for procedure type, complications and pancreatic fistula remained significant for both pancreatoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Despite level one data suggesting improved outcomes with early removal when POD1 DFA is ≤ 5000 U/L, experienced pancreas surgeons more frequently removed drains late. This practice was associated with known risk factors (estimated blood loss, soft pancreas) and may be associated with inferior outcomes suggesting potential for improvement.

Intraoperative blood loss and transfusion during primary pediatric liver transplantation: A single-center experience.

Children undergoing liver transplantation are at a significant risk for intraoperative hemorrhage and thrombotic complications, we aim to identify novel risk factors for massive intraoperative blood loss and transfusion in PLT recipients and describe its impact on graft survival and hospital LOS. We reviewed all primary PLTs performed at our institution between September 2007 and September 2016. Data are presented as n (%) or median (interquartile range). EBL was standardized by weight. Massive EBL and MT were defined as greater than the 85th percentile of the cohort. 250 transplantations were performed during the study period. 38 (15%) recipients had massive EBL, and LOS was 31.5 (15-58) days compared to 11 (7-21) days among those without massive EBL (P < 0.001). MT median LOS was 34 (14-59) days compared to 11 (7-21) days among those without MT (P = 0.001). Upon backward stepwise regression, technical variant graft, operative time, and transfusion of FFP, platelet, and/or cryoprecipitate were significant independent risk factors for massive EBL and MT, while admission from home was a protective factor. Recipient weight was a significant independent risk factor for MT alone. Massive EBL and MT were not statistically significant for overall graft survival. MT was, however, a significant risk factor for 30-day graft loss. PLT recipients with massive EBL or MT had significantly longer LOS and increased 30-day graft loss in patients who required MT. We identified longer operative time and technical variant graft were significant independent risk factors for massive EBL and MT, while being admitted from home was a protective factor.

Desired and received support as experienced by faculty of color in nursing academia: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Faculty of color are crucial to the development of a diverse nursing workforce but remain underrepresented in nursing academia. PURPOSE: The purpose of this current study is to identify elements of support received and desired by nursing faculty of color for retention and promotion in academia. METHODS: A semi-structured interview was used to collect data from 16 faculty of color from nursing schools across the United States. Conventional content analysis was used to identify emerging themes. RESULTS: An analysis of the interviews revealed six major themes pertaining to mechanisms of support for faculty of color: Instill inclusive excellence; value diversity in leadership; intentional faculty development; mentoring to belong; uniqueness of the lived experience; and harnessing the power of networks. CONCLUSION: This study identifies insights important to the support and development of a diverse nursing academia and discusses implications for academic institutions seeking to enhance support for nursing faculty of color.

Perceptions of support by nursing faculty of color.

BACKGROUND: Racial and ethnic minority faculty members within nursing academia are critical to the recruitment and training of a diverse health care workforce. Effective strategies and opportunities for the success of minorities within nursing faculty must be identified and explored. PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to identify strategies for support being utilized by nursing faculty of color, and support systems that practicing faculty of color believe would aid their success in academia. METHOD: This descriptive survey used an 18-item online survey distributed to faculty of color in nursing academic institutions throughout the United States. Of the completed surveys, 116 responses met inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Common themes from faculty of color emerged regarding the importance of mentorship, faculty development, networking and acknowledgement. CONCLUSION: Respondents noted their experience with successful support systems and strategies and support systems they found to be lacking. Strategies were recommended for promoting faculty of color in schools and colleges of nursing.

Scoping review of traumatic hemothorax: Evidence and knowledge gaps, from diagnosis to chest tube removal.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic hemothorax is a common injury that invites diagnostic and management strategy debates. Evidence-based management has been associated with improved care efficiency. However, the literature abounds with long-debated, re-emerging, and new questions. We aimed to consolidate up-to-date evidence on traumatic hemothoraces, focusing on clinical conundra debated in literature. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review of 21 clinical conundra in traumatic hemothorax diagnosis and management according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Experimental and observational studies evaluating patients (aged ≥18 years) with traumatic hemothoraces were identified through database searches (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library; database inception to Sep, 26 2020) and bibliography reviews of selected articles. Three reviewers screened and selected articles using standardized forms. RESULTS: We screened 1,440 articles for eligibility, of which 71 met criteria for synthesis. The review comprises 6 sections: (1) Presumptive antibiotics before tube thoracostomy; (2) Initial diagnostic and intervention decisions; (3) Chest tubes; (4) Retained hemothoraces; (5) Delayed hemothoraces; and (6) Chest tube removal). The 21 conundra across these sections follow the format of a question, our recommendation based on interpretation of available evidence, and succinct rationale. Rationale sections detail knowledge gaps and opportunities for future research. CONCLUSION: Even practices engrained into surgical dogma, such as obtaining chest x-rays after inserting or removing chest tubes and mandating operation for patients who develop chest tube output above a certain threshold, deserve re-evaluation. Some knowledge gaps require rigorous future investigation; sound clinical judgment can likely supplement others.

Hepatic separation of conjoined twins: Operative technique and review of three-dimensional model utilization.

BACKGROUND: The separation of conjoined twins is a challenging and rare operation. Recent technological advances in imaging and three-dimensional printing (3DP) have allowed for enhancements in preoperative surgical planning and intraoperative anatomical orientation for complex operations. This report aims to consolidate the current clinical evidence utilizing 3DP models as an effective tool for surgical planning of conjoined twin separation and to detail our surgical approach for complex hepatic separation and management. METHODS: A literature review was conducted for conjoined twin separations with preoperative use of 3D models including age at attempted separation, operative outcome, 3D modality, and postoperative course between 1998 and 2020. We also conducted a chart review of our electronic medical record for conjoined twin separations between January 2015 and December 2019. RESULTS: We report two cases of conjoined twin separation with preoperative use of 3DP models from our institution: one set in the thoracoomphaloischiopagus orientation and the other set in the thoracoomphalopagus orientation with the presence of intrahepatic vascular anomalies. The literature review produced 10 case reports of conjoined twin separation with use preoperative 3D models accounting for 17 individual separation procedures. We summarize our preoperative radiological planning, the evidence of 3DP models as an educational and preoperative tool, ideal timing for separation, and our surgical approach for complex hepatic separation. CONCLUSIONS: Conjoined twin separation requires a multidisciplinary effort to address the multisystem surgical and medical needs of these patients. These complex patients require extensive preoperative imaging for planning separation, and we strongly recommend utilizing 3D printed models when possible for better surgeon understanding of complex variable anatomy. We have found numerous reports of successful conjoined twin separation using 3DP technology in preoperative planning. The use of three-dimensional printed models for preoperative assessments is an invaluable tool and is rapidly improving in fidelity. TYPE OF STUDY: Operative technique and case series. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Most pediatric transplant centers are low volume, adult-focused, and in proximity to higher volume pediatric centers.

BACKGROUND: Independent studies provide evidence that low volume pediatric solid organ transplant centers have inferior outcomes compared to high volume pediatric centers. The study assessed whether patients treated at low volume pediatric centers have access to higher volume pediatric centers, which offer potentially better outcomes. METHODS: We analyzed center specific data on 467 pediatric solid organ transplant centers in the U.S using the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database from 2002 to 2014. The proximities of low volume pediatric centers to high volume pediatric centers were determined using Maptive, a tool based on Google Maps. RESULTS: Most low volume pediatric transplant centers focused on transplantation of adults (84% heart, 83% liver, and 93% kidney programs). A majority of low volume pediatric centers (77% for heart, 53% for lung, 68% for liver and 90% for kidney) were within 150 miles of high volume centers. Among all children listed for transplantation, 30.7% were listed in low volume pediatric centers. Most low volume pediatric centers are adult focused and near high volume pediatric centers. CONCLUSION: We need greater scrutiny of outcomes, particularly waitlist outcomes, of low volume pediatric solid organ transplant centers located close to high volume pediatric solid organ transplant centers. TYPE OF STUDY AND LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective Comparative Study, Level III.

Combined Lung-Liver and Delayed Kidney Transplantation for Cystic Fibrosis Clinical Approach and Outcome: A Case Report.

Reports on the long-term outcomes and immunosuppressive regimens of multiorgan transplant patients are limited. Here, we describe a patient with cystic fibrosis complicated by multiorgan failure who was successfully treated with combined liver lung transplant and delayed kidney transplant, resulting in excellent outcomes. Delayed kidney transplant was done to reduce the operative stress of a single procedure, giving time for adequate resuscitation and weaning from vasopressors. Our patient's postoperative course was complicated by post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease, which was successfully treated with rituximab and reduced dosages of immunosuppression.

Cutaneous Mucormycosis in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients after Hurricane Harvey: Short- and Long-term Management.

In the fall of 2017, Hurricane Harvey, one of the most costly hurricanes in American history, ravaged the Texas Gulf Coast, interrupting basic sanitation systems to hundreds of thousands of Texas residents. In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, our Houston hospitals noted an uptick in the incidence of cases of mucormycosis. Among the most vulnerable and affected have been immunocompromised transplant recipients. Here, we describe the successful management of 2 patients with atypical presentations of mucormycosis, 2 cutaneous infections after liver transplantation. Our comprehensive treatment strategy based upon guidelines and experience included coordinating aggressive surgical and medical therapies. We discuss our approach to surgical management including the extent and frequency of debridement, the methods of assessing disease-free margins, and minimizing the morbidity of radical debridement with temporary coverage and forethought to long-term reconstruction. Additionally, we describe the concurrent medical management, including type, route, and duration of antifungal therapy, minimizing suppression of the innate immune system, and optimizing the wound healing environment through maintaining nutritional status.

A Case of Drug-Induced Severe Endocrinopathies: What Providers in the Emergency Department Need to Know.

The purpose of this article is to present a discussion of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) that are relatively new, yet growing, form of cancer therapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors increase host immune response against neoplastic cells. Strengthened immunological response increases the potential for adverse events such as life-threatening endocrinopathies. The case of a 66-year-old man with metastatic melanoma treated with nivolumab and ipilimumab presented to the emergency department with marked hyperglycemia and elevated anion gap 19 days after receiving both agents is discussed. The patient received a diagnosis of immune-mediated diabetes requiring ongoing insulin even after discontinuation of ICIs. As treatment with this class of agents expands, emergency department providers will need to become familiar with the identification of their adverse reactions to provide the proper management of care.

Clozapine Intoxication Mimicking Acute Stroke.

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic drug prescribed for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. The risk of adverse hematologic, cardiovascular, and neurologic effects has tempered its use, and reports of overdoses remain rare. We report a case of accidental acute clozapine intoxication in a clozapine-naïve patient, who presented with symptoms mimicking acute stroke and later developed status epilepticus. Clozapine intoxication is a rare presentation in the emergency department with potential for iatrogenic harm if not correctly identified.

Loperamide dependence and abuse.

Loperamide is a common over-the-counter antidiarrheal considered safe in a broad range of dosages and thought devoid of abuse potential. We describe the first case of a patient with loperamide dependence due to misuse of its opiate-like effects achieved by chronic massive oral ingestions. A 26-year-old man who was taking 800 mg of loperamide per day presented requesting detoxification referral. Loperamide has potential for euphoric effects and information on how to facilitate such effects is easily available. It is important for physicians to be aware of the potential for misuse of and dependence on loperamide, with symptoms mimicking opiate use.