Determining the validity of non-invasive spot-check hemoglobin co-oximetry testing to detect anemia in postpartum women at a tertiary care centre, a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Spot-check hemoglobin co-oximetry analyzers measure hemoglobin transcutaneously and offer the benefit of a hemoglobin measurement without phlebotomy. The objective of this study was to determine the validity of non-invasive spot-check hemoglobin co-oximetry testing for the detection of postpartum anemia (hemoglobin < 10 g/dL). METHODS: Five hundred eighty-four women aged 18 and over were recruited on postpartum day one following a singleton delivery. Two non-invasive spot-check hemoglobin co-oximetry monitors, Masimo Pronto Pulse CO-Oximeter (Pronto) and Masimo Rad-67 Pulse CO-Oximeter (Rad-67), were evaluated and compared to the postpartum phlebotomy hemoglobin value. RESULTS: Of 584 participants, 31% (181) had postpartum anemia by phlebotomy hemoglobin measurement. Bland-Altman plots determined a bias of + 2.4 (± 1.2) g/dL with the Pronto and + 2.2 (± 1.1) g/dL with the Rad-67. Low sensitivity was observed: 15% for the Pronto and 16% for the Rad-67. Adjusting for the fixed bias, the Pronto demonstrated a sensitivity of 68% and specificity of 84%, while the Rad-67 demonstrated a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 88%. CONCLUSION: A consistent overestimation of hemoglobin by the non-invasive spot-check hemoglobin co-oximetry monitors compared to phlebotomy hemoglobin result was observed. Even after adjusting for the fixed bias, the sensitivity for detecting postpartum anemia was low. Detection of postpartum anemia should not be based on these devices alone.

Evaluation of Radiofrequency Endometrial Ablation: A 17-year Canadian Experience.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to better elucidate radiofrequency endometrial ablation (REA) durability by assessing the probability of failure as defined by need for postablation hysterectomy. Age at index REA, duration from REA until hysterectomy, and REA failure (REAF) risk factors were analyzed. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using patient data between April 1, 2002, and March 31, 2019. REAF cases were identified using operative procedure codes. Cox proportional hazard regression assessed the effect of age at index REA on time to postablation hysterectomy. Kaplan-Meier survival curve evaluated timing of postablation hysterectomy, stratified by age at index REA. SETTING: This study was conducted at Regina General Hospital in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. PATIENTS: Patient population included those who were 21 years of age or older, were premenopausal, and had a history of heavy menstrual bleeding at the time of REA. INTERVENTIONS: The intervention under investigation was REA. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The overall probability of postablation hysterectomy was 22.6%. The probabilities of postablation hysterectomy were 36.1% for women younger than 30 years (n = 128), 28% for women 30 to 34.9 years old (n = 528), 29.6% for women 35 to 39.9 years old (n = 1152), and 17.6% for women 40 years and older (n = 2221). Characteristics associated with REAF included tubal occlusion, cesarean section, dysmenorrhea, and chronic pelvic pain (p <.01) among women younger than 40 years. Leiomyomas accounted for higher failure rates in women 40 years and older (p <.01). CONCLUSION: Postablation hysterectomy is more likely to occur in women younger than 40 years. REA can be considered in women aged 30 to 39.9 years old, who have no known REAF risk factors. Women younger than 40 years with REAF risk factors will experience higher rates of hysterectomy. Thus, the decision to proceed with REA should be individualized with careful consideration for the underlying causes of abnormal uterine bleeding, while respecting patient autonomy.

Implementation of Episcissors-60 for Prevention of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIS) in a Centre with Low Episiotomy Rates.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether introduction of Episcissors-60 into a labour and birth unit would decrease the incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS). METHODS: A before and after quality improvement study was conducted between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021. All patients who had a vaginal delivery were included in this study. All healthcare providers who perform vaginal deliveries were offered an educational session. Episcissors-60 were then introduced into a labour and birth unit. The primary outcome measure was the change in incidence of OASIS before and after introduction of Episcissors-60. Secondary outcome measures were episiotomy rates before and after introduction of Episcissors-60, device-related adverse events, and provider satisfaction and feedback. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests, independent t tests, and Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: A total of 1383 vaginal deliveries occurred before and 1254 vaginal deliveries after introduction of Episcissors-60. There was a decrease in the total OASIS rate from 7.37% of all vaginal deliveries before and 5.37% after introduction of Episcissors-60 (P = 0.037). The episiotomy rate was 11.42% before and 9.97% after introduction of Episcissors-60 (P = 0.228). OASIS rate in women who had an episiotomy was 12.02% before and 13.60% after introduction of Episcissors-60 (P = 0.421). CONCLUSION: Although introduction of Episcissors-60 was associated with a statistically significant decrease in total OASIS rate, there was no difference in OASIS rate within the subgroup that received an episiotomy. Therefore, reduction in the total OASIS rate in this study cannot be attributed to the use of Episcissors-60.

Continuation of Contraception Following Termination of Pregnancy in a Canadian Urban Centre.

OBJECTIVE: Minimal evidence exists on the continuation of contraception following termination of pregnancy. Continuation of effective contraception is important because it has been found to reduce unintended pregnancies. This study aims to determine the rate of continuation and choice of contraception following termination of pregnancy. METHODS: A cross-sectional analytic study was undertaken of 400 patients undergoing termination of pregnancy over 2 years. Demographic information and contraception choice prior to, at time of, and 6 months following termination were collected. Data were analyzed to assess relationships between patient characteristics and contraceptive choice. RESULTS: Prior to termination, 58.5% of patients were not using contraception and 22.4% used a less effective method (e.g., barrier or fertility awareness). Following termination, 99.7% of patients chose a method of contraception, and 95.2% chose a more effective method (e.g., long acting reversible contraception, permanent sterilization, combined hormonal contraceptives, progesterone-only contraceptive). Six months following termination, 85.8% of patients were using contraception. A more effective method was continued by 37.8%. There were no significant relationships between choice of contraception and age, previous pregnancies, or social determinants of health. Patients living with their sexual partner were significantly more likely to switch to a less effective method of contraception at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Following termination of pregnancy, almost all patients chose a method of contraception and most continued using contraception 6 months following termination.

Hormone Therapy Use Among Young Patients with Cervical Cancer in Southern Saskatchewan.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment for cervical cancer can cause cessation of ovarian function in young patients. Physician counselling practices related to premature menopause and hormonal therapy (HT) for young cervical cancer patients is not well known. The primary objective of this study was to assess the frequency of HT counselling and usage among young cervical cancer patients. The secondary objective was to assess clinical and demographic factors associated with HT use. METHODS: This retrospective review included adult women younger than age 50 years who received treatment for cervical cancer between 2007 and 2017. Patient and disease characteristics, disease outcome, and documentation of HT and bone health counselling were collected from electronic records. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed for the primary objective, and independent t tests and χ2 tests were used for secondary objective data analysis. RESULTS: In this study, 67 premenopausal women with cervical cancer (stages I-III) lost ovarian function from cancer treatment, of whom 52% had received counselling on HT from their oncologists. Thirty-nine percent of patients were using HT at the time of their last review. Younger women were more likely than older women to receive HT counselling (mean age 37.3 ± 6.6 y vs. 42.4 ± 6.0 y; P = 0.001). Counselling frequency and usage of HT were not affected by cancer stage, body mass index, or smoking status. CONCLUSION: Young asymptomatic patients should receive HT if not contraindicated, yet half of qualified cervical cancer patients in this study received counselling on premature menopause and HT. Structured counselling on HT should be implemented as an integral part of cervical cancer care.

A randomized comparison of training programs using a pelvic model designed to enhance pelvic floor examination in patients presenting with chronic pelvic pain.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic floor myalgia is a common cause and contributor to chronic pelvic pain [Neurourol Urodyn 4:984-1008 (2017)]. The purpose of this study was to compare in-person versus video-based teaching methods of a comprehensive assessment of the pelvic floor musculature on a pelvic model. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial of 46 participants was conducted. The participants were randomized into two groups. Both groups were taught by the same pelvic floor physiotherapist using two different teaching methods on a pelvic model. Group 1 watched an instructional video, whereas group 2 had in-person training. Both groups underwent pre- and post-training assessments consisting of a written examination and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Primary outcome measure was the change in participants' pre- and post-training assessment scores. Secondary outcome measures were perceived changes in both participants' comfort level in performing pelvic floor examination and applicability of the training program to clinical practice. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the teaching methods in the degree of improvement of the participants' mean written assessment scores (p = 0.58), OSCE scores (p = 0.15), and perceived comfort level (p = 0.19). Participants' mean pre- and post-assessment scores improved significantly (p < 0.001). Participants reported the training program to be applicable towards their clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that learners' assessment of pelvic floor musculature can be enhanced using varied teaching methods on a pelvic model.

Evaluation of Adjunctive Azithromycin Prophylaxis in Women Undergoing Cesarean Delivery in a Setting With Low Baseline Incidence of Surgical Site Infection.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this quality improvement study was to determine the effect of adding azithromycin to standard antibiotic prophylaxis on the rates surgical site infection (SSI) in women undergoing both elective and non-elective cesarean deliveries at our centre. METHODS: A before-and-after quality improvement study was conducted at the Regina General Hospital in Regina, Saskatchewan. Data collected from 989 women who had a caesarean delivery between June 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017 were compared with those from 1033 women who had a caesarean delivery between August 1, 2017 and July 31, 2018, after the introduction of adjunctive azithromycin prophylaxis. The primary outcome measure was the change in the incidence of SSI up to 30 days following surgery. Secondary outcome measures included timing of azithromycin prophylaxis and the number of women who did not receive azithromycin. RESULTS: Surgical site infection rates decreased from 3.5% to 2.9% after adjunctive azithromycin prophylaxis was introduced. The absolute reduction in SSIs of 0.6% was not statistically significant (P = 0.42). There were no differences in SSI rates between the elective and non-elective subgroups. CONCLUSION: Adding azithromycin to the standard antibiotic prophylaxis for cesarean delivery showed no statistically significant reduction in SSI rates in a population with low baseline rates of SSI.

Effects of an Early Pregnancy Assessment Clinic (EPAC) on the Management of Spontaneous Abortions.

OBJECTIVE: Patients who experience spontaneous abortion often present to the emergency department (ED), which may restrict the physician's recommendations for and the patient's choice of therapy. With support provided by an early pregnancy assessment clinic (EPAC), expectant and medical management may become more feasible options for spontaneous abortion. This study aimed to compare the therapeutic choices before and after the establishment of an EPAC and hypothesized that the proportion of miscarriages treated expectantly or medically would increase. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study that compared patients presenting to the ED and the EPAC with spontaneous abortion. We excluded patients with hemodynamic instability, complete abortions, ectopic pregnancies, and molar pregnancies. The primary outcome was the initial chosen treatment. The retrospective chart review included demographics, type of spontaneous abortion and management, procedural dictations, ED notes, and EPAC clinic documentation. Secondary end points included wait times, repeat visits, and success rates for the initial treatment option. RESULTS: We reviewed 103 ED and 92 EPAC patient records. Patients in the ED were 1.52 times more likely to choose surgery over expectant or medical management (P = 0.004). Patients in the ED were 1.41 times more likely to have surgery as their final treatment compared with patients in the EPAC (P = 0.006). There were no significant differences in length of stay, number of visits required, or adverse outcomes. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that an EPAC results in more patients choosing and successfully being treated by expectant or medical management for spontaneous abortion.

Review of Stillbirth in a Canadian Tertiary Care Centre.

OBJECTIVE: Because literature on stillbirth in Canada and its related factors is scarce, the objective of this study was to determine the causes of stillbirth in a Canadian tertiary care centre and to identify the risk factors present in these deliveries. METHODS: The charts of 180 stillbirth deliveries with a gestational age greater than or equal to 20 weeks or a birth weight greater than or equal to 500 g between 2011 and 2016 were reviewed. Information collected from maternal charts included maternal demographics, known risk factors for stillbirth during pregnancy, delivery parameters, and pathologic examination (Canadian Task Force Classification III). RESULTS: The autopsy rate was 42.5%, placental pathology rate was 100%, and karyotype was completed in 20.2% of the reviewed cases. Often, the cause of stillbirth was unexplained (43.2%). The most common causes were preterm birth (9.8%) and abruption (9.3%). The most common risk factors in this population were maternal obesity (37.6%), late prenatal care (35.0%), and maternal smoking (22.4%). CONCLUSION: Most stillbirths were unexplained in this Canadian tertiary care centre, and the rates of autopsy and karyotype were low. Identified risk factors present in this population may contribute to the significantly higher rate of stillbirth in this centre compared with the provincial rate.

Occult Leiomyosarcomas in a Canadian Province: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: The risk of unexpected uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) following surgery for presumed benign leiomyoma is quoted to be between 1 in 498 and 1 in 5000. The objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalence of uterine LMS in a specific patient population and the rate of diagnosis of occult uterine LMS and to evaluate the risk of unintended morcellation of LMS in Saskatchewan. METHODS: This study was a Canadian Task Force Classification II-2 multicentre retrospective cohort study in academic-affiliated tertiary care centres. All women with the histopathologic diagnosis of uterine LMS in Saskatchewan between January 2000 and December 2014 were included. Women with metastatic LMS at diagnosis or other types of uterine sarcomas were excluded. Data including patients' characteristics, clinical presentation, physical examination findings, imaging, pathology reports, surgical interventions, and survival outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients had a confirmed histopathologic diagnosis of LMS over the 15-year study period. Approximately 26 212 hysterectomies were performed in Saskatchewan over the same time frame. The prevalence of uterine LMS in this patient population over the study time frame is estimated to be one in 853. Mean age at diagnosis was 53.8 ± 10.0. Medical records of 25 patients could be retrieved, and 15 cases (60%) had an occult diagnosis. There were five cases of unintended morcellation (one power, four mechanical). Survival outcomes were comparable in women with unintended morcellation of occult disease and in those without morcellation. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to the existing body of literature on morcellation of occult LMS, and it ascertains the rate of LMS in a patient population. The results of this study provide valuable information to health care professionals, policy makers, and women in Saskatchewan so that they may make more informed decisions concerning uterine masses.

Does Essure Cause Significant De Novo Pain? A Retrospective Review of Indications for Second Surgeries After Essure Placement.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To examine the surgical indications and pathologic findings in patients undergoing a second surgery after placement of the Essure permanent birth control system to determine the role of Essure in developing new-onset pelvic pain. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Tertiary-level hospital. PATIENTS: Women who have had Essure placement and subsequent second surgery. INTERVENTION: Charts from women undergoing pelvic surgery after Essure placement from June 2002 to June 2013 were reviewed and the indication for the procedure, surgical and pathologic findings noted. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of 1430 patients, 62 (4.3%) had a second surgery after Essure placement, and 24 of these (1.6%) had a surgical indication not related to pain. The remaining 38 patients (2.7%) had either new-onset (n = 27) or worsening pre-existing pain (n = 11). In the new-onset pain group, 15 (1%) had surgical findings or pathology consistent with a painful gynecologic condition. In the remaining 12, 8 (0.5%) seemed to be related to some perforation or migration of the Essure device. In 4 patients (0.3%) with no other obvious cause for the new-onset pain, it was thus attributed to the Essure microinsert. CONCLUSION: Essure sterilization can be associated with new-onset pain or a worsening of a pre-existing painful gynecologic condition, although both are very rare. A careful and complete consent before placement and a thorough examination if pain does occur usually show some etiology for the pain other than the Essure insert.

Factors associated with delay in carotid endarterectomy for patients with symptomatic severe internal carotid artery stenosis: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The Canadian Best Practice Recommendations for Stroke Care (2008 update) recommend that patients with neurologic symptoms secondary to severe internal carotid artery stenosis undergo carotid endarterectomy within 14 days of symptom onset to prevent stroke. The purpose of this study was to identify patient and system factors associated with meeting, or failing to meet, the guideline. METHODS: In this case-control study, potential study participants were identified through an electronic search of the Discharge Abstract Database. We reviewed the charts of patients who presented to our centre with neurologic symptoms ipsilateral to internal carotid artery stenosis of 70%-99% and underwent carotid endarterectomy in our centre between Jan. 1, 2009, and Dec. 31, 2014. We performed logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with meeting, or failing to meet, the guideline. RESULTS: Of the 412 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy during the study period, 219 met the inclusion criteria. Sixty-seven patients (30.6%) met the 14-day guideline. Thirty (14.2%) of the 212 patients who could be classified as case or control subjects did not access the health care system within 14 days. Once in the health care system, failure to meet the guideline was associated with a presentation of amaurosis fugax (odds ratio [OR] 0.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.05-0.96 compared to completed minor stroke) and presentation to a nonemergency outpatient setting (OR 9.08, 95% CI 2.51-32.80 compared to emergency department). INTERPRETATION: Improvements in meeting the goal of carotid endarterectomy within 14 days of symptom onset for severe internal carotid artery stenosis should be directed at patient and system factors. A system for rapid diagnosis and referral of symptomatic patients to an appropriate surgeon should be established.

Characterizing the Long-term Care and Community-dwelling Elderly Patients' Use of the Emergency Department.

Introduction Elderly patients, particularly those in long-term care (LTC), are a growing proportion of patients who present to the emergency department (ED). This population is medically complex, with high burdens on ED resources and patient flow. This study sought to characterize how elderly LTC and community-dwelling (CD) patients use ED services.  Materials and methods This was a retrospective cohort study that assessed approximately 200 senior (age>65) ED visits. These patients were either residing in LTC facilities or they were CD. All participants lived in the same, medium-sized Canadian city. Data indicating demographic information, acuity of presentation, and administrative parameters (such as disposition status or length of stay) were collected and analyzed. Results A few statistically significant differences between the populations were noted. This included mean age, which was 82.6 years in the LTC population and 77.3 for the CD group (p<0.001). There were 27 repeat visits among patients in the LTC group, compared to six from the CD patients (p<0.001). In the LTC population, 75 patients required transport from emergency medical services (EMS) compared to 41 from the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion LTC patients re-present to the ED and use EMS services more frequently than their CD counterparts. This difference indicates potential areas to target for future quality improvement work to help enhance care to this vulnerable population.

Automated External Defibrillators and Survival After Nonresidential Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest in a Small North American City.

Most studies demonstrate that the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) during out of hospital cardiac arrest is associated with survival, but the majority of these studies were performed in large cities. With this in mind, the aims of our study were to examine AED placement and variables associated with survival after nonresidential out of hospital cardiac arrest (NROHCA) in a small North American city. Cases of NROHCA and locations with AEDs, in Regina, between January 2010 and December 2014 were reviewed. Common locations for NROHCA were identified, the frequency of AED availability was determined, and the relations between survival and AED presence, bystander initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), or shockable rhythms were determined. Only 20% of cases of NROHCA had an AED present on the premise. The presence of an AED (p = 0.94) was not associated with survival to the emergency department, whereas bystander initiated CPR (p <0.01) and shockable rhythm (p <0.01) were associated with survival to the emergency department. The presence of an AED (p = 0.86) and bystander initiated CPR (p = 0.06) were not associated with survival to discharge from the hospital, whereas the presence of a shockable rhythm was (p <0.01). Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the presence of a shockable rhythm was independently associated with survival to the emergency department (OR 11.78, p <0.01) and discharge from the hospital (OR 6.08, p <0.01). The optimal locations for AED placement in cities of similar size and density may need to be reexamined, as the findings may have implications for public policies surrounding AED placement.

Early mortality on continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT): the prairie CRRT study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) have an increased short-term and long-term risk of mortality. In most North American intensive care units (ICUs), these patients receive continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). OBJECTIVE: We aim to identify clinical and demographic factors associated with mortality within 24 h of initiating CRRT. DESIGN: This paper is a prospective cohort study. SETTING: The setting involves three ICUs (12-bed surgical ICU, 10-bed medical ICU, and a 7-bed combined ICU for both medical and surgical patients) of the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region (RQHR) Saskatchewan, Canada. PATIENTS: The patients were 106 individuals with AKI who were admitted to the ICUs and received CRRT from April 2013 to September 2014. MEASUREMENTS: Date and time of admission, transfer to, and initiation of CRRT were documented. Demographic data, use of vasoactive medications, ventilator settings, pH, urine output, and chronic disease comorbidities were measured. METHODS: The methods involved a stepwise multiple variable logistic regression model using death within 24 h of starting CRRT as the dependent variable, with significant variables derived from univariate analysis as covariates. RESULTS: Of the 2634 patients admitted to the ICUs in the study period (April 2013 to September 2014), 83.6 % (2201/2634) had no AKI. Two hundred and sixty-nine or 10.2 % of the patients had stage 3 AKI. One hundred six of the 269 patients (40%) were started on CRRT. Of those on CRRT, 66/106 died in the ICU while on CRRT. Seventeen of the 66 patients (26%) died within 24 h of initiating therapy. In univariate logistic regression models, factors associated with early mortality included fraction of inspired oxygen (per 0.1 unit) (OR 1.39, 95 % CI 1.09-1.77); epinephrine dose >10 µg/min (OR 5.81, 95 % CI 1.86-18.16); vasopressin >0.02 µg/min (OR 3.99, 95 % CI 1.07-14.84); and norepinephrine dose >20 µg/min (OR 11.04, 95 % CI 2.38-51.24) which were associated with early mortality. When included in stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis, only FiO2 (per 0.1 unit) and the dose of norepinephrine of >20 µg/min were independently associated with early mortality. LIMITATIONS: The small sample size was a limitation of this study. CONCLUSION: Patients admitted to the ICU with AKI requiring CRRT have a high risk of early mortality. In these patients, vasopressor use and hypoxia were independently associated with adverse short-term survival.

MISE EN CONTEXTE: Les patients souffrant d'insuffisance rénale aiguë (IRA) nécessitant un traitement de suppléance rénale voient leur risque de mortalité augmenter à plus ou moins long terme. Dans la plupart des unités de soins intensifs (USI) d'Amérique du Nord, on soigne ces patients en leur prodiguant un traitement de suppléance rénale en continu (TRSC). OBJECTIF DE L'ÉTUDE: L'étude visait à identifier les facteurs cliniques et démographiques associés à un décès du patient dans les 24 heures suivant l'amorce d'un TSRC. CADRE ET TYPE D'ÉTUDE: Il s'agit d'une étude de cohorte rétrospective qui s'est tenue au sein de trois USI de centres hospitaliers associés au Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region de Regina (SK) au Canada. Les unités participantes se composaient d'une unité de soins intensifs chirurgicaux composée de 12 lits, une unité de soins intensifs médicaux comptant 10 lits et d'une USI composée de 7 lits combinant les deux types de soins. PATIENTS: La cohorte comptait un total de 106 patients souffrant d'IRA ayant été admis à l'une ou l'autre des trois USI, et ayant reçu un TSRC entre avril 2013 et septembre 2014. MESURES: Pour chaque patient, on a consigné la date et l'heure de l'admission à l'hôpital, du transfert en USI et du moment où le TSRC a été amorcé. Les données démographiques ainsi que des renseignements cliniques tels que la prise ou non de médicaments vasoactifs, les paramètres de ventilation, la mesure du pH à l'amorce du TSRC, la diurèse et les maladies chroniques en comorbidité, lorsque présentes, ont également été enregistrées pour chaque participant à l'étude. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Un modèle par étapes de régression logistique à variables multiples a été utilisé pour l'analyse des données. Le décès du patient à l'intérieur des 24 heures suivant l'amorce de la dialyse en continu a servi de variable dépendante lors de l'analyse alors que les données significatives dérivant de l'analyse univariée ont été utilisées comme covariables. RÉSULTATS: Des 2634 patients admis au sein de l'une ou l'autre des USI participantes au cours de la période de l'étude, 83,6 % (2201/2634) n'étaient pas en situation d'insuffisance rénale aiguë. Un total de 269 patients (10,2 %) souffraient d'IRA de stade 3 et un TSRC a été amorcé pour 106 (40 %) d'entre eux. De ces 106 patients, 66 sont décédés à l'unité de soins intensifs, dont 17 (26 %) dans les 24 premières heures. Dans le modèle de régression logistique univariée, les facteurs associés à une mortalité précoce incluaient la fraction d'oxygène dans l'air inspiré (FiO2) par 0,1 unité (risque relatif [RR] : 1,39 ; intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 % entre 1,09 et 1,77), une dose d'épinéphrine > 10 µg/minute (RR : 5,81 ; IC à 95 % entre 1,86 et 18,16), la vasopressine à > 0,02 µg/minute (RR : 3,99 ; IC à 95 % entre 1,07 et 14,84) et une dose de norépinéphrine > 20 µg/minute (RR : 11,04 ; IC à 95 % entre 2,38 et 51,24). Quant la FiO2 (par 0,1 unité) et la dose de norépinéphrine > 20 µg/minute, elles ont été associées de manière indépendante à de la mortalité précoce lorsqu'analysées uniquement à l'aide un modèle progressif de régression logistique multivariée,. LIMITES DE L'ÉTUDE: Le faible échantillonnage de patients limite la portée des résultats de cette étude. CONCLUSION: Les patients souffrant d'IRA et nécessitant un traitement de suppléance rénale qui sont admis dans les unités de soins intensifs ont un risque accru de mortalité précoce à la suite de l'amorce du traitement. On a de plus observé chez ces patients que la prise de médicaments vasopresseurs ainsi que l'hypoxie étaient deux facteurs associés de manière indépendante à des effets néfastes sur leur survie à court terme.

Essure microinsert imaging: does abnormal shape on ultrasound predict complications on HSG?

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesize that the shape of the Essure microinsert on ultrasound is able to predict complications evident on hysterosalpingogram (HSG), the accepted gold standard. METHOD AND MATERIALS: From July 2, 2009 to July 2, 2012, 441 women at our institution received Essure microinsert placement for the purpose of permanent sterilization. 2D and 3D coronal plane transvaginal ultrasounds were performed three months after Essure microinsert placement. Those patients with complications identified on ultrasound, a non-diagnostic ultrasound, or following a difficult insertion were referred for HSG. Patients with both HSG and ultrasound performed were retrospectively selected and anonymized. The ultrasounds were reviewed by a single, blinded radiologist. A total of 122 microinserts in 65 patients were described on ultrasound using a numeric grading system and compared to HSG findings. RESULTS: Microinsert placement resulted in 37 complications, 31 of which were identified on ultrasound, including uterine and tubal perforations and placement in the endometrial cavity. The sensitivity of Essure microinsert shape on ultrasound in predicting complications, compared with standard HSG, was 94%, with a positive predictive value of 85%; specificity was 95%, with a negative predictive value of 98%. The Kappa coefficient was 0.85 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that ultrasound may be used as a frontline imaging modality for patients after Essure microinsert placement.

Overall Quality of Life Assessment in the Patients Undergoing External Beam Radiation in Outpatient Radiation Oncology Department.

BACKGROUND: The impact of treatment on cancer patients' quality of life (QoL) has been the focus of a variety of longitudinal studies in English literature for past decade. The measurement of patient-reported outcomes which includes health-related quality of life is a new important initiative which has emerged and grown over the past three decades. Following the development of reliable and valid self-reported questionnaires, health-related quality of life has been assessed in tens of thousands of patients and a wide variety of cancers. With growing information, feedback and experience, the quality of the health-related QOL studies has improved a lot. We expect in near future more methodologically robust studies will be done in a scientific way to answer unanswered questions. METHODS: As part of a Dean's summer project, a survey was undertaken to facilitate a more complete description of the quality of life experience in patients with histological diagnosis of cancer undergoing external beam radiation as an outpatient at Allan Blair Cancer Center, Regina, Canada. The questionnaires had two major components: depression and global QOL. The depression was measured by the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale which is a short self-administered survey to quantify the depression status of a patient. RESULTS: Overall, only the equation associated with the outcome of QoL - Physical well-being was significant. That data indicated that only the variable of age was a significant predictor. A positive relationship was present indicating higher levels of depression when patients received chemotherapy or narcotics. Breast cancer patients were less depressed than lung cancer patients. CONCLUSION: Cancer and its related treatment is an important health issue influencing QoL. The study has revealed that the use of chemotherapy and narcotics has a significant impact on the quality of life (QoL).

Comparing technical dexterity of sleep-deprived versus intoxicated surgeons.

BACKGROUND: The evidence on the effect of sleep deprivation on the cognitive and motor skills of physicians in training is sparse and conflicting, and the evidence is nonexistent on surgeons in practice. Work-hour limitations based on these data have contributed to challenges in the quality of surgical education under the apprentice model, and as a result there is an increasing focus on competency-based education. Whereas the effects of alcohol intoxication on psychometric performance are well studied in many professions, the effects on performance in surgery are not well documented. To study the effects of sleep deprivation on the surgical performance of surgeons, we compared simulated the laparoscopic skills of staff gynecologists "under 2 conditions": sleep deprivation and ethanol intoxication. We hypothesized that the performance of unconsciously competent surgeons does not deteriorate postcall as it does under the influence of alcohol. METHODS: Nine experienced staff gynecologists performed 3 laparoscopic tasks in increasing order of difficulty (cup drop, rope passing, pegboard exchange) on a box trainer while sleep deprived (<3 hours in 24 hours) and subsequently when legally intoxicated (>0.08 mg/mL blood alcohol concentration). Three expert laparoscopic surgeons scored the anonymous clips online using Global Objective Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills criteria: depth perception, bimanual dexterity, and efficiency. Data were analyzed by a mixed-design analysis of variance. RESULTS: There were large differences in mean performance between the tasks. With increasing task difficulty, mean scores became significantly (P < .05) poorer. For the easy tasks, the scores for sleep-deprived and intoxicated participants were similar for all variables except time. Surprisingly, participants took less time to complete the easy tasks when intoxicated. However, the most difficult task took less time but was performed significantly worse compared with being sleep deprived. Notably, the evaluators did not recognize a lack of competence for the easier tasks when intoxicated; incompetence surfaced only in the most difficult task. CONCLUSIONS: Being intoxicated hinders the performance of more difficult simulated laparoscopic tasks than being sleep deprived, yet surgeons were faster and performed better on simple tasks when intoxicated.