Transmission of Hepatitis A Virus through Combined Liver-Small Intestine-Pancreas Transplantation.

Although transmission of hepatitis A virus (HAV) through blood transfusion has been documented, transmission through organ transplantation has not been reported. In August 2015, state health officials in Texas, USA, were notified of 2 home health nurses with HAV infection whose only common exposure was a child who had undergone multi-visceral organ transplantation 9 months earlier. Specimens from the nurses, organ donor, and all organ recipients were tested and medical records reviewed to determine a possible infection source. Identical HAV RNA sequences were detected from the serum of both nurses and the organ donor, as well as from the multi-visceral organ recipient's serum and feces; this recipient's posttransplant liver and intestine biopsy specimens also had detectable virus. The other organ recipients tested negative for HAV RNA. Vaccination of the donor might have prevented infection in the recipient and subsequent transmission to the healthcare workers.

Notes from the Field: Health Care-Associated Hepatitis A Outbreak - Texas, 2015.

On August 27-28, 2015, the Texas Department of State Health Services received calls from Fort Bend County and Harris County health departments requesting postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) recommendations for contacts of two nurses (patients A and B) with confirmed hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection. Both nurses had symptom onset during August 15-19 and worked for the same pediatric home health care agency in another jurisdiction. Because of the proximity of the onset dates, a common source exposure was suspected. The state and local health departments began an investigation to identify potentially exposed patients, their families, and other agency personnel; offer PEP; and identify the source of exposure.

Notes from the field: measles transmission at a domestic terminal gate in an international airport - United States, January 2014.

In March 2014, CDC identified a possible cluster of four laboratory-confirmed measles cases among passengers transiting a domestic terminal in a U.S. international airport. Through epidemiologic assessments conducted by multiple health departments and investigation of flight itineraries by CDC, all four patients were linked to the same terminal gate during a 4-hour period on January 17, 2014. Patient 1, an unvaccinated man aged 21 years with rash onset February 1, traveled on two domestic flights on January 17 and 18 that connected at the international airport. Patient 2, an unvaccinated man aged 49 years with rash onset February 1, traveled from the airport on January 17. Patient 3, an unvaccinated man aged 19 years with rash onset January 30, traveled domestically with at least a 4-hour layover at the airport on January 17. Patient 4, an unvaccinated man aged 63 years with rash onset February 5, traveled on a flight to the airport on January 17.

Hypoxemia in healthy subjects at moderate altitude.

BACKGROUND: Healthy individuals are known to have significantly reduced oxygen saturations at rest when acutely exposed to moderate altitudes, such as during commercial flight. There is a paucity of data on the response of healthy individuals to exercise at these altitudes. The aim of this study was to establish the normal response to exercise during acute, moderate altitude exposure with regard to oxygen saturations. Secondary aims were to establish if this response can be predicted from pulmonary function measurements at sea level. METHODS: At sea level, 20 subjects performed pulmonary function tests, including submaximal steady state exercise, followed by replication of submaximal steady state exercise during acute altitude exposure at 6844 ft (2086 m). RESULTS: Mean resting oxygen saturation at 6844 ft (2086 m) was 96%, a significant reduction from the sea level value of 99%. Mean nadir oxygen saturation during steady state exercise at moderate altitude was 89%. There was a weak negative correlation between aerobic capacity and end exercise oxygen saturation at altitude. Modified BORG dyspnea scores were unchanged at rest at 6844 ft (2086 m) and higher post-exercise at 6844 ft (2086 m) when compared to sea level, although absolute values were low. DISCUSSION: Healthy individuals desaturate at rest and upon exercise during acute altitude exposure at 6844 ft (2086 m). A quarter of participants experienced SpO2 < or = 85% upon exercise at altitude, although this had no correlation with dyspnea scores or baseline pulmonary function measurements. The weak negative correlation between aerobic capacity and end exercise oxygen saturation is unexplained and merits further research.

Chronic refractory dyspnoea--evidence based management.

BACKGROUND: Chronic refractory dyspnoea is defined as breathlessness daily for 3 months at rest or on minimal exertion where contributing causes have been treated maximally. Prevalent aetiologies include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, advanced cancer and interstitial lung diseases. OBJECTIVE: To distil from the peer reviewed literature (literature search and guidelines) evidence that can guide the safe, symptomatic management of chronic refractory dyspnoea. DISCUSSION: Dyspnoea is mostly multifactorial. Each reversible cause should be managed (Level 4 evidence). Non-pharmacological interventions include walking aids, breathing training and, in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary rehabilitation (Level 1 evidence). Regular, low dose, sustained release oral morphine (Level 1 evidence) titrated to effect (with regular aperients) is effective and safe. Oxygen therapy for patients who are not hypoxaemic is no more effective than medical air. If a therapeutic trial is indicated, any symptomatic benefit is likely within the first 72 hours.

Impact of Hurricane Harvey on Inpatient Asthma Hospitalization Visits Within Southeast Texas, 2016-2019.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to estimate inpatient asthma hospital visit rates among impacted Texans in Public Health Region 6/5S during the year of and after Hurricane Harvey. METHODS: Asthma inpatient hospitalization discharges were collected from the Texas Health Care Information Collection database (2016-2019). RESULTS: Females (age-adjusted rates [AARs] = 4.8-5.0) and Black Texans (AARs = 5.0-8.1) experienced significantly higher AARs compared with males and White Texans during the year of and after Harvey. During the year of Hurricane Harvey, females were 1.49 times as likely to have an inpatient asthma visit compared with males, while Black Texans were 2.78 times as likely to have an inpatient asthma hospitalization compared with White Texans. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study may assist public health professionals and local officials to allocate future resources to the most impacted subgroups as well as establish effective processes to mitigate consequences.

Dying in hospital-staff perceptions on providing quality care.

AIM: To understand what healthcare staff perceive contributes to the quality of patient and family/whanau experiences of dying and death on a hospital inpatient ward. METHOD: A survey was created, piloted and sent to all staff members who had cared for a deceased patient within two working days of their death, at Christchurch Hospital (CH), New Zealand. The survey comprised questions evaluating whether the patients physical, emotional, social or family/whanau needs were met, using both a Likert scale and free-text options. The survey was sent over a three-month period in 2016/2017. RESULTS: A total of 169 staff responded to the deaths of 51 patients. The majority (71.3%) of staff agreed that "end-of-life care was of a high standard", with the physical symptoms domain holding the highest score for both agreement (68%) and disagreement (13%) that "physical symptoms were well managed". Qualitative analysis of free-text responses revealed three themes: coordinated care (service delivery, complex case or communication needs, teamwork); culture of practice (dignity, trust, respect and relationships); and complexity of care (encompassing complex physical symptoms or patient or family/whanau interpersonal dynamics). CONCLUSION: Evaluation of quality of death in hospitals can be enhanced by routine use of surveys of staff who cared for the deceased person. Such surveys could comprise part of a suite of tools to provide a holistic view of dying and death, complementing methods such as retrospective audits and family/whanau interviews.

Achievements and challenges during the development of an advance care planning program.

A nationwide program to promote preparation of advance care plans (AC Plans) was introduced in Canterbury, New Zealand, in 2013. The program was developed by local facilitators who provided support and organised education seminars and an accredited training program for health-care professionals. Information and templates for an AC Plan were available to these professionals and the community on local health-care websites and secure online systems designed to allow plans to be viewed across all health-care sectors. The number of AC Plans prepared has increased steadily, although people in minority ethnic populations or in the most deprived socioeconomic quintile are less likely to have a plan. While nurses have become the predominant group guiding people through the process of preparing an AC Plan, the involvement of staff in residential care homes has remained low. Local audit showed that 82% of people with an AC Plan died in a community setting, frequently their preferred place of death.

What can we learn from patients to improve their non-invasive ventilation experience? 'It was unpleasant; if I was offered it again, I would do what I was told'.

OBJECTIVES: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is widely used as a lifesaving treatment in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; however, little is known about the patients' experience of this treatment. This study was designed to investigate the experiences and perceptions of participants using NIV. The study interprets the participants' views and explores implications for clinical practice. METHODS: Participants with respiratory failure requiring NIV were interviewed 2 weeks after discharge. A grounded theory methodology was used to order and sort the data. Theoretical sufficiency was achieved after 15 participants. RESULTS: Four themes emerged from the data: levels of discomfort with NIV, cognitive experiences with NIV, NIV as a life saver and concern for others. NIV was uncomfortable for participants and affected their cognition; they still reported considering NIV as a viable option for future treatment. Participants described a high level of trust in healthcare professionals and delegated decision-making to them regarding ongoing care. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insights into ways clinicians could improve the physical experience for patients with NIV. It also identifies a lack of recall and delegation of decision-making, highlighting the need for clinical leadership to advocate for patients.

Mapping non-malignant respiratory palliative care services in Australia and New Zealand.

Objective Despite needs, people with advanced non-malignant respiratory disease are infrequently referred to palliative care services. Integrated models of palliative care and respiratory service delivery have been advocated to address this inequity of access. This study mapped current ambulatory palliative care service provision for patients with advanced non-malignant respiratory disease in Australia and New Zealand. Methods An online survey was distributed to the palliative care physician membership of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine. Information was sought regarding access to specific breathlessness and integrated respiratory and palliative care services, and their operation. Data were described using descriptive statistics. Results In all, 133 respondents (93 from Australia, 40 from New Zealand; representing 55 Australian and 26 New Zealand discrete sites) with complete data were available for analysis. More than half the respondents reported seeing patients with advanced non-malignant respiratory disease frequently (56/97; 58%), and 18 of 81 services (22%) reported having breathlessness or integrated respiratory and palliative care services caring for this patient group. Such services were mostly staffed by respiratory and palliative care doctors and nurses and based in the clinic environment, with limited support available outside this setting. Of the 63 respondents without existing breathlessness or integrated services, 49 (78%) expressed interest in their establishment, with limited resources cited as the most common barrier. Conclusions There is limited availability of integrated respiratory and palliative care or specialised breathlessness services in Australia and New Zealand despite widespread support by palliative care physicians. This study provides a snapshot to inform strategic service development. What is known about the topic? People with advanced respiratory disease have very significant morbidity with complex needs equivalent to, and in many cases more intense than, people with end-stage lung cancer; they also have significant mortality. Yet, these people frequently do not access palliative care services. The establishment of integrated respiratory and palliative care services has been advocated as an effective means to overcome the barriers to palliative care access. Such services have demonstrated improved patient and family-reported outcomes, as well as service-level improvements. What does this paper add? This paper maps the availability of integrated respiratory palliative care services in Australia and New Zealand. We reveal that although most palliative care physicians report seeing patients with advanced respiratory disease in practice, just one-fifth of services report having an integrated service approach. There was high interest and enthusiasm for such services (78%), but resources limited their establishment. What are the implications for practitioners? Palliative care services recognise the needs of patients with advanced respiratory disease and the benefits of integrated respiratory and palliative care services to address these needs, but scarcity of resources limits the ability to respond accordingly. This study provides a snapshot of current service level to inform strategic development.

An evaluation of the contents of advance care plans and their use in patients admitted to a public hospital.

AIM: This retrospective review examined the influence of age and severity of comorbidities on goals-of-care in advance care plans (ACPlans) and concordance between these wishes and care received during hospital admission. METHODS: The medical records of 149 people with an ACPlan admitted to a public hospital were reviewed to evaluate concordance with treatment. The associations between age and comorbidities and goals-of-care were determined using contingency tables and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The majority of the review cohort were Caucasian and elderly, with people from minority ethnic groups under-represented compared to census data. Increasing age had a measurable influence on the choice of goal-of-care, whereas comorbidity severity had less influence on this decision. In 60 of the 411 hospital admissions the patient was classified as incompetent, with the goal-of-care adhered to in 59 of these cases and treatment preferences adhered to in six of seven cases. Fifty-five people had died since writing their ACPlan, with 63% dying at their preferred place or with no preference stated. CONCLUSIONS: Age and to a lesser extent the severity of comorbidities influence the choice of goal-of-care in an ACPlan. Our review also showed that end-of-life care appeared to adhere to the instructions in the plan.

An audit of patients with a diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in Canterbury, New Zealand.

AIM: In light of new therapies and guidelines for the management of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and in the absence of local epidemiological data, we sought to ascertain a current estimate of the prevalence of IPF in Canterbury and to audit local practices. METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational study of patients with IPF in Canterbury, New Zealand and the wider region. Patients were identified through a systematic search of hospital records and included if they were alive on 1 January 2017, had a histological or radiological diagnosis of usual interstitial pneumonia and clinical correlation consistent with a diagnosis of IPF. Clinical data was extracted from the clinical record. Follow up was complete until April 2018. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were included, median follow up 33 (14-49) months. Fifteen (22.1%) patients died during follow up, median survival 19 (6.5-54) months. Estimated prevalence of IPF was 6.53/100,000 persons. Six (8.8%) patients were discussed at the Interstitial lung disease multi-disciplinary meeting. Resting Sp02 and end-of-life discussions were documented in 44 (64.7%) and 19 (27.9%) patients respectively, while oxygen therapy was prescribed to 15 (22.7%). 20/36 (55.5%) patients eligible for pirfenidone were treated. Those treated were more likely to have undergone a six-minute walk test (5/20 vs 3/48, p<0.05) or have been hospitalised in the last 12 months (12/20 vs 3/48, p<0.05). 7/20 patients remained on treatment at the end of follow-up (eight discontinued, five deceased). CONCLUSION: In this study the estimated prevalence of IPF in the Canterbury region is 6.53/100,000 persons. Furthermore, we have identified limitations in local practice relevant for service development.

Severe COPD and the transition to a palliative approach.

Patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have a chaotic trajectory towards death. Research has focused on identifying a "transition point" that would allow identification of those patients who may benefit from a palliative approach to their care, or referral to a specialist palliative care service. This article aims to outline difficulties in identifying this transition point, summarise current literature on this topic and suggests a model based on clinical milestones. EDUCATIONAL AIMS: To outline the difficulties associated with identifying patients with severe COPD who are at risk of dying.To summarise current research on this topic. KEY POINTS: A specific transition point is difficult to identify in severe COPD.Tools are available that may assist the physician in identifying those at risk of dying.It is essential that the patient voice is heard, patients can describe specific events that may be used as a "trigger" for a palliative approach.Specialist palliative care services may only be required for a subgroup of patients whose needs cannot be managed by the primary care team.

Patient perceptions of severe COPD and transitions towards death: a qualitative study identifying milestones and developing key opportunities.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a slowly disabling illness, with functional limitations and a high burden of symptoms. Palliative care services focus on quality of life for those facing life-limiting illness. Patients with COPD often see their illness as a 'way of life', not as a life-threatening illness, which makes the interface difficult. AIMS: The aim of this study was to explore the experience of patients with advanced COPD after a life-threatening event, particularly focusing on end-of-life issues. METHODS: Qualitative methods were used to capture patient experiences. Patients admitted for noninvasive ventilation for COPD were recruited and interviewed in their homes following discharge. The interview schedule explored the participants' understanding of their illness, concerns and plans, exploring end-of-life issues and perceptions of palliative care. RESULTS: Participants were recruited until themes were saturated. Six transition points or milestones emerged: loss of recreation, home environment, episodes of acute care, long-term oxygen treatment, panic attacks, and assistance with self-care were common themes throughout the narratives. CONCLUSIONS: Milestones accumulate in no particular order. They can be easily recognised and allow health professionals to develop a common language with their patients. In advancing COPD, milestones may trigger the reassessment of goals of care and integration of a palliative approach.

Impact of the US Two-dose Varicella Vaccination Program on the Epidemiology of Varicella Outbreaks: Data from Nine States, 2005-2012.

BACKGROUND: A routine 2-dose varicella vaccination program was adopted in 2007 in the US to help further decrease varicella disease and prevent varicella outbreaks. We describe trends and characteristics of varicella outbreaks reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during 2005-2012 from 9 states. METHODS: Data on varicella outbreaks collected by 9 state health departments were submitted to CDC using the CDC outbreak reporting worksheet. Information was collected on dates of the outbreak, outbreak setting and number of cases by outbreak; aggregate data were provided on the numbers of outbreak-related cases by age group, vaccination status and laboratory confirmation. RESULTS: Nine hundred and twenty-nine outbreaks were reported from the 6 states, which provided data for each year during 2005-2012. Based on data from these 6 states, the number of outbreaks declined by 78%, decreasing from 147 in 2005 to 33 outbreaks in 2012 (P = 0.0001). There were a total of 1015 varicella outbreaks involving 13,595 cases reported by the 9 states from 2005 to 2012. The size and duration of outbreaks declined significantly over time (P < 0.001). The median size of outbreaks was 12, 9 and 7 cases and median duration of outbreaks was 38, 35 and 26 days during 2005-2006, 2007-2009 and 2010-2012, respectively. Majority of outbreaks (95%) were reported from schools, declining from 97% in 2005-2006 to 89% in 2010-2012. Sixty-five percent of outbreak-related cases occurred among 5-year to 9-year olds, with the proportion declining from 76% in 2005-2006 to 45% during 2010-2012. CONCLUSIONS: The routine 2-dose varicella vaccination program appears to have significantly reduced the number, size and duration of varicella outbreaks in the US.

Rare variant APOC3 R19X is associated with cardio-protective profiles in a diverse population-based survey as part of the Epidemiologic Architecture for Genes Linked to Environment Study.

BACKGROUND: A founder mutation was recently discovered and described as conferring favorable lipid profiles and reduced subclinical atherosclerotic disease in a Pennsylvania Amish population. Preliminary data have suggested that this null mutation APOC3 R19X (rs76353203) is rare in the general population. METHODS AND RESULTS: To better describe the frequency and lipid profile in the general population, we as part of the Population Architecture using Genomics and Epidemiology I Study and the Epidemiological Architecture for Genes Linked to Environment Study genotyped rs76353203 in 1113 Amish participants from Ohio and Indiana and 19 613 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES III, 1999 to 2002, and 2007 to 2008). We found no carriers among the Ohio and Indiana Amish. Of the 19 613 NHANES participants, we identified 31 participants carrying the 19X allele, for an overall allele frequency of 0.08%. Among fasting adults, the 19X allele was associated with lower triglycerides (n=7603; ß=-71.20; P=0.007) and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (n=8891; ß=15.65; P=0.0002) and, although not significant, lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (n=6502; ß= -4.85; P=0.68) after adjustment for age, sex, and race/ethnicity. On average, 19X allele participants had approximately half the triglyceride levels (geometric means, 51.3 to 69.7 versus 134.6 to 141.3 mg/dL), >20% higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (geometric means, 56.8 to 74.4 versus 50.38 to 53.36 mg/dL), and lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (geometric means, 104.5 to 128.6 versus 116.1 to 125.7 mg/dL) compared with noncarrier participants. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate that APOC3 19X exists in the general US population in multiple racial/ethnic groups and is associated with cardio-protective lipid profiles.

Management of extensive subcutaneous emphysema with a subcutaneous drain.

We present a case of a gentleman in his 70s with extensive subcutaneous emphysema. Usually self-limiting, subcutaneous emphysema around the thoracic inlet can rarely lead to airway and cardiovascular compromise by compression of structures in the neck. This patient presented with a large pneumothorax on a background of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This was initially treated with an intrapleural chest drain. However, after removal of this drain, the patient developed subcutaneous emphysema and later signs of tension pneumothorax. Further intrapleural chest drains were required. One of these chest drains produced a broncho-subcutaneous fistula, which contributed to extensive subcutaneous emphysema. He developed symptoms of dysphonia and dysphagia. A subcutaneous drain was inserted for palliation of his symptoms and to improve his quality of life. His symptoms improved significantly after insertion of this subcutaneous drain. There are only a handful of case reports published on interventions to relieve subcutaneous emphysema.

Challenges in confirming a varicella outbreak in the two-dose vaccine era.

BACKGROUND: A second dose of varicella vaccine was recommended for U.S. children in 2006. We investigated a suspected varicella outbreak in School District X, Texas to determine 2-dose varicella vaccine effectiveness (VE). METHODS: A varicella case was defined as an illness with maculopapulovesicular rash without other explanation with onset during April 1-June 10, 2011, in a School District X student. We conducted a retrospective cohort in the two schools with the majority of cases. Lesion, saliva, and environmental specimens were collected for varicella-zoster virus (VZV) PCR testing. VE was calculated using historic attack rates among unvaccinated. RESULTS: In School District X, 82 varicella cases were reported, including 60 from Schools A and B. All cases were mild, with a median of 14 lesions. All 10 clinical specimens and 58 environmental samples tested negative for VZV. Two-dose varicella vaccination coverage was 66.4% in Schools A and B. Varicella VE in affected classrooms was 80.9% (95% CI: 67.2-88.9) among 1-dose vaccinees and 94.7% (95% CI: 89.2-97.4) among 2-dose vaccinees in School A, with a second dose incremental VE of 72.1% (95% CI: 39.0-87.3). Varicella VE among School B students did not differ significantly by dose (80.1% vs. 84.2% among 1-dose and 2-dose vaccinees, respectively). CONCLUSION: Laboratory testing could not confirm varicella as the etiology of this outbreak; clinical and epidemiologic data suggests varicella as the likely cause. Better diagnostics are needed for diagnosis of varicella in vaccinated individuals so that appropriate outbreak control measures can be implemented.