Epidemiology of Reported HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections During the COVID-19 Pandemic, New York City.

Early in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, a statewide executive order (PAUSE) severely restricted the movement of New Yorkers from 23 March to 7 June 2020. We used New York City surveillance data for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis to describe trends in diagnosis and reporting surrounding PAUSE. During PAUSE, the volume of positive HIV/sexually transmitted infection tests, and diagnoses of HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis declined substantially, reaching a nadir in April before rebounding. Some shifts in characteristics of reported cases were identified.

Neural Tube Defects in Pregnancies Among Women With Diagnosed HIV Infection - 15 Jurisdictions, 2013-2017.

In May 2018, a study of birth defects in infants born to women with diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Botswana reported an eightfold increased risk for neural tube defects (NTDs) among births with periconceptional exposure to antiretroviral therapy (ART) that included the integrase inhibitor dolutegravir (DTG) compared with other ART regimens (1). The World Health Organization* (WHO) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services† (HHS) promptly issued interim guidance limiting the initiation of DTG during early pregnancy and in women of childbearing age with HIV who desire pregnancy or are sexually active and not using effective contraception. On the basis of additional data, WHO now recommends DTG as a preferred treatment option for all populations, including women of childbearing age and pregnant women. Similarly, the U.S. recommendations currently state that DTG is a preferred antiretroviral drug throughout pregnancy (with provider-patient counseling) and as an alternative antiretroviral drug in women who are trying to conceive.§ Since 1981 and 1994, CDC has supported separate surveillance programs for HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (2) and birth defects (3) in state health departments. These two surveillance programs can inform public health programs and policy, linkage to care, and research activities. Because birth defects surveillance programs do not collect HIV status, and HIV surveillance programs do not routinely collect data on occurrence of birth defects, the related data have not been used by CDC to characterize birth defects in births to women with HIV. Data from these two programs were linked to estimate overall prevalence of NTDs and prevalence of NTDs in HIV-exposed pregnancies during 2013-2017 for 15 participating jurisdictions. Prevalence of NTDs in pregnancies among women with diagnosed HIV infection was 7.0 per 10,000 live births, similar to that among the general population in these 15 jurisdictions, and the U.S. estimate based on data from 24 states. Successful linking of data from birth defects and HIV/AIDS surveillance programs for pregnancies among women with diagnosed HIV infection suggests that similar data linkages might be used to characterize possible associations between maternal diseases or maternal use of medications, such as integrase strand transfer inhibitors used to manage HIV, and pregnancy outcomes. Although no difference in NTD prevalence in HIV-exposed pregnancies was found, data on the use of integrase strand transfer inhibitors in pregnancy are needed to understand the safety and risks of these drugs during pregnancy.

Role of ultrasound guided epidural anesthesia for lower limb surgery in children with previously repaired meningomyelocele.

BACKGROUND: Children that have had a meningomyelocele repair often present for hip and bilateral lower limb surgeries. Due to vertebral, epidural, and nerve root abnormalities, placement of epidural catheter is difficult. AIMS: We aim to describe the potential role of ultrasound in delineating the most appropriate intervertebral space for central neuroaxial blocks in these patients. METHODS: Twelve children with previous meningomyelocele repair, in the age group of 6-12 years posted for hip or bilateral lower limb surgeries were included. After induction of anesthesia, an ultrasound scan was done with the patient in the left lateral position. The central neuroaxial block was performed in the most appropriate intervertebral space seen on transverse scan of spine. These patients were studied with regard to visibility of the osseous framework of the spine, the anterior and posterior dural complexes, ease of insertion of catheter, evidence of dural puncture, and possibility of identification of the extent of peri-incisional fibrosis. RESULTS: One case required 2 attempts. There was no evidence of dural puncture. We could confirm the soft tissue shadow, the osseous framework, and the anterior and posterior dural complexes in all 12 patients. Ultrasonography guided in selecting the most appropriate space for epidural catheter placement. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound guidance aids in identification of normal intervertebral space and explicitly shows the abnormal space. It can be used as an aid to differentiate between normal and abnormal space in post-meningomyelocele repair.

Optimizing Prophylactic CPAP in Patients Without Obstructive Sleep Apnoea for High-Risk Abdominal Surgeries: A Meta-regression Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Prophylactic continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can prevent pulmonary adverse events following upper abdominal surgeries. The present meta-regression evaluates and quantifies the effect of degree/duration of (CPAP) on the incidence of postoperative pulmonary events. METHODS: Medical databases were searched for randomized controlled trials involving adult patients, comparing the outcome in those receiving prophylactic postoperative CPAP versus no CPAP, undergoing high-risk abdominal surgeries. Our meta-analysis evaluated the relationship between the postoperative pulmonary complications and the use of CPAP. Furthermore, meta-regression was used to quantify the effect of cumulative duration and degree of CPAP on the measured outcomes. RESULTS: Seventy-three potentially relevant studies were identified, of which 11 had appropriate data, allowing us to compare a total of 362 and 363 patients in CPAP and control groups, respectively. Qualitatively, Odds ratio for CPAP showed protective effect for pneumonia [0.39 (0.19-0.78)], atelectasis [0.51 (0.32-0.80)] and pulmonary complications [0.37 (0.24-0.56)] with zero heterogeneity. For prevention of pulmonary complications, odds ratio was better for continuous than intermittent CPAP. Meta-regression demonstrated a positive correlation between the degree of CPAP and the incidence of pneumonia with a regression coefficient of +0.61 (95 % CI 0.02-1.21, P = 0.048, τ (2) = 0.078, r (2) = 7.87 %). Overall, adverse effects were similar with or without the use of CPAP. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic postoperative use of continuous CPAP significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative pneumonia, atelectasis and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing high-risk abdominal surgeries. Quantitatively, increasing the CPAP levels does not necessarily enhance the protective effect against pneumonia. Instead, protective effect diminishes with increasing degree of CPAP.

Health outcomes for HIV-infected persons released from the New York City jail system with a transitional care-coordination plan.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess 6-month outcomes for HIV-infected people released from New York City jails with a transitional care plan. METHODS: Jail detainees in New York City living with HIV who accepted a transitional care plan during incarceration were asked to participate in a multi-site evaluation aimed at improving linkages to community-based care. The evaluation included a 6-month follow-up; HIV surveillance data were used to assess outcomes for those considered lost to follow-up. RESULTS: Participants (n=434) completed baseline surveys during incarceration in a jail in New York City. Of those seen at 6 months (n=243), a greater number were taking antiretroviral medications (92.6% vs 55.6%), had improved antiretroviral therapy adherence (93.2% vs 80.7%), and reported significant reductions in emergency department visits (0.20 vs 0.60 visits), unstable housing (4.15% vs 22.4%), and food insecurity (1.67% vs 20.7%) compared with baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Transitional care coordination services facilitate continuity of care and improved health outcomes for HIV-positive people released from jail.

Confirmation of local anesthetic distribution by radio-opaque contrast spread after ultrasound guided infraclavicular catheters placed along the posterior cord in children: a prospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: The needle tip placed at the level of posterior cord under ultrasound guidance is described as the most effective way to obtain single shot successful block in adults, for forearm and hand surgeries. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research was to study the spread of dye (depicting the local anesthetic) through catheters placed along the posterior cord. This was performed with continuous infraclavicular blocks placed under ultrasound guidance in children. METHODS: Twenty-four ASA 1 and 2 children, aged 7 months to 8 years old, scheduled for upper limb orthopedic surgeries were included in this prospective descriptive study. They received continuous infraclavicular block under ultrasound guidance. Skin markings were obtained from catheters that were placed below the posterior cord inserted 2-3 cm beyond the tip of the Tuohy needle. A radio-opaque dye was injected into the catheters and 5 min later, the dye spread was evaluated fluoroscopically. Postoperatively, all patients received a continuous infusion of 0.125% bupivacaine for pain relief. RESULTS: All 24 cases showed the presence of the dye along the neurovascular bundle in the infraclavicular region suggesting successful blocks. The mean ± standard deviation of the skin marking for the catheter was 5.61 ± 1.77 cm. Postoperatively, all patients had adequate pain relief with the catheters. One patient had break through pain on day 1 and four catheters were accidentally dislodged on day 2. CONCLUSION: We conclude that continuous infraclavicular catheters can be accurately and effectively placed along the posterior cord exclusively under ultrasound guidance in infants and small children.

Comparison of dexamethasone and clonidine as an adjuvant to 1.5% lignocaine with adrenaline in infraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper limb surgeries.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The role of clonidine as an adjuvant to regional blocks to hasten the onset of the local anesthetics or prolong their duration of action is proven. The efficacy of dexamethasone compared to clonidine as an adjuvant is not known. We aimed to compare the efficacy of dexamethasone versus clonidine as an adjuvant to 1.5% lignocaine with adrenaline in infraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper limb surgeries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty three American Society of Anaesthesiologists-I and II patients aged 18-60 years scheduled for upper limb surgery were randomized to three groups to receive 1.5% lignocaine with 1:200,000 adrenaline and the study drugs. Group S (n = 13) received normal saline, group D (n = 20) received dexamethasone and group C (n = 20) received clonidine. The time to onset and peak effect, duration of the block (sensory and motor) and postoperative analgesia requirement were recorded. Chi-square and ANOVA test were used for categorical and continuous variables respectively and Bonferroni or post-hoc test for multiple comparisons. P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The three groups were comparable in terms of time to onset and peak action of motor and sensory block, postoperative analgesic requirements and pain scores. 90% of the blocks were successful in group C compared to only 60% in group D (P = 0.028). The duration of sensory and motor block in group S, D and C were 217.73 ± 61.41 min, 335.83 ± 97.18 min and 304.72 ± 139.79 min and 205.91 ± 70.1 min, 289.58 ± 78.37 min and 232.5 ± 74.2 min respectively. There was significant prolongation of sensory and motor block in group D as compared to group S (P < 0.5). Time to first analgesic requirement was significantly more in groups C and D as compared with group S (P < 0.5). Clinically significant complications were absent. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that clonidine is more efficacious than dexamethasone as an adjuvant to 1.5% lignocaine in brachial plexus blocks.

Improving outcomes for patients with proximal femoral fractures.

A peri-operative bay was created to treat all patients with proximal femoral fractures admitted to one trauma ward at the Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham. All patients had urinary catheterisation and their fluid intake and output was recorded; patients had daily blood tests and were cared for on pressure-relieving mattresses. In addition, a study day was provided for all nursing staff on the management of patients with proximal femoral fractures. These measures resulted in a significant decrease in the incidence of acute kidney injury, reduced the length of hospital stay for patients on this ward and reduced the numbers of falls and pressure-related injuries for these patients.

Comparison of success rate of ultrasound-guided sciatic and femoral nerve block and neurostimulation in children with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Arthrogryposis multiplex congenital is hallmarked with immobile joints and muscle fibrosis. The main objective of this study was to compare the success rate of ultrasound-guided sciatic and femoral nerve blocks with nerve stimulations in children diagnosed with distal arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. METHOD: Sixty children aged 8 months to 2 years posted for foot surgery were randomly assigned to group NS and group US of 30 each. Under general anesthesia, femoro-sciatic block was performed with nerve stimulator guidance in group NS and ultrasound guidance in group US. RESULTS: Group NS: 23 of 30 (76.7%) children showed ankle movement with sciatic neurostimulation. In 7 (23.6%), distal motor response could not be elicited and the block was abandoned. Out of 23 children who could be given femoral block, in 12 (52%) patients quadriceps contractions were not elicited and fascia iliaca block was given. All 23 blocks were successful. CHIPPS score at 1, 4, 6, 8, and 10 h was 1.05 ± 0.90, 1.82 ± 1.18, 3.36 ± 1.65, 2.23 ± 2.02, and 1.18 ± 1.14, respectively. Group US: In 29 of 30 patients (96.6%), sciatic nerve was visualized with ultrasonography. All 29 children received femoral block, and they were successful. The odds of success in group US were 8.9 (95% confidence interval [1.0, 77.9]) as compared with NS group. The difference in success rate was statistically significant (P = 0.026). The analgesic duration difference in the US and NS groups was a mean 7.62 ± 0.57 h in group NS and 8.60 ± 0.66 h in group US (statistically significant [P < 0.001]). CHIPPS score at 1, 4, 6, 8, and 10 h was 0.79 ± 0.96, 1.61 ± 0.92, 2.96 ± 1.04, 2.36 ± 2.54, and 1.14 ± 1.01, respectively. The difference between the CHIPPS score was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography significantly increases the success rate of sciatic and femoral block in arthrogryposis.

Circumpsoas block ... an anterior myofascial plane block for lumbar plexus elements: case report.

In an attempt to improvise the analgesia in patients with femoral fractures, we aimed at depositing local anesthetic deep to anterior psoas fascia (APf) under ultrasound (US) guidance to block lumbar plexus elements which emerge lateral, anterior, and medial to the psoas major muscle. We termed this as circumpsoas block (CPB). Clinical and computed tomography contrast studies revealed that a continuous CPB infusion with a catheter provided a reliable block of the lumbar plexus elements. No adverse were events noted. We conclude that US guided CPB is a reliable technique for managing postoperative pain after surgery of femur fractures.

Recurrent intraoperative silent ST depression responding to phenylephrine.

Intraoperative myocardial ischemia is attributed to decreased myocardial oxygen supply. We present an unusual case of recurrent, symptomless inferior wall ischemia in an apparently healthy male with no history of coronary artery disease after a spinal block. The recurring episodes were linked to tachycardia and presented with significant ST depression in Lead II with reciprocal elevation in lead aVL. The episodes responded to phenylephrine and subsided without residual sequelae.

Ultrasound determination of the dural sac to sacrococcygeal membrane distance in premature neonates.

BACKGROUND: Caudal epidural analgesia is the most common regional anesthetic performed in infants. Dural puncture, the most common serious complication, is inversely proportional to age. Measuring the distance from the sacrococcygeal membrane to the dural sac may prevent dural puncture. This study measures the sacrococcygeal membrane to dural sac distance using ultrasound imaging to determine feasibility of imaging and obtaining measurements. METHODS: Sacral ultrasound imaging of 40 preterm neonates was obtained in left lateral decubitus, a typical position for caudal blockade. No punctures were made. The sacrococcygeal membrane and termination of the dural sac were visualized, and the distance measured. The spinal levels of the conus medullaris and dural sac termination were recorded. RESULTS: 20 males and 20 females former preterm neonates with an average weight (SD; range) of 1740 (290; 860-2350) g and average age (SD; range) of 35.0 (1.35; 32.2-39) weeks gestational age at the time of imaging. The average sacrococcygeal membrane to distal dural sac distance (SD; range) was 17.4 (3.1; 10.6-26.3) mm. Overall, the weights correlated positively with the distance but the coefficient of variation was large at 23%. The conus medularis terminated below the L3 level and dural sac below the S3 level in 20% and 10% of subjects respectively with hip flexion. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound can be used to measure the sacrococcygeal membrane to dura distance in preterm neonates prior to needle insertion when performing caudal block and demonstrates large variability. Ultrasound imaging may identify patients at risk for dural puncture. When ultrasound is not available, needle insertion less than 3 mm/kg beyond the puncture of the sacrococcygeal membrane should prevent dural contact in 99.9% of neonates.

Bullous Pemphigoid Complicated by Sepsis.

Patients with bullous pemphigoid face many challenges when managing their disorder, one of which is balancing medication with their ailments. Because the patient population with bullous pemphigoid are primarily elderly, the current first-line treatment of corticosteroids tends to increase their rates of morbidity and mortality. During the acute process of the disease, providers must also consider the increased chance of infections caused by the opening in the skin. These patient cases are often complicated further by secondary symptoms such as pruritis and pain. Here we present a case in which we provided care to a 38-year-old female with a history of bullous pemphigoid and multiple medical problems who presented to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting, fevers, abdominal pain, and blisters on her forearm. Due to concern for sepsis and her past failure of outpatient therapy, the patient was hospitalized and treated for her possible infection, bullous pemphigoid, nausea, and pain.

Postpartum Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV in a Breastfeeding Infant.

This article is an examination of MTCT of HIV through breastfeeding in a mother who seroconverted postnatally.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Healthcare Providers.

Objective: Vaccine hesitancy among healthcare providers can compromise public confidence in vaccination during the ongoing COVID-19 global epidemic and increase susceptibility to life-threatening disease. We sought to investigate predictors of openness to vaccination among healthcare workers who choose not to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to explore potential solutions. Methods: Physicians, physician assistants, and nurses who chose not to be vaccinated were surveyed to decipher reasons for vaccine refusal and personal loss due to the virus along with demographic variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis evaluated whether provider role, parenthood, and death of family or friends were associated with strong versus relative vaccine refusal. Results: The predominant reasons for vaccine hesitancy in this cohort of health care workers who had access to, but chose not to be vaccinated (n=500) were a concern for vaccine side effects (69.6%) and the belief that the vaccines are inadequately studied (61.6%). Being a physician, a parent, and having no experience of death in the family or friends had 2.64 times (95% CI: 1.65-4.23, p < 0.001), 1.72 times (95% CI: 1.05-2.81, p = 0.032), and 1.70 times (95% CI: 1.06-2.72, p = 0.028) the odds of strong vaccine refusal, respectively. Older age (35 and up) respondents were 1.83 times (95% CI: 1.24-2.68, p = 0.002) more likely to be open to vaccination.

Feasibility and efficacy of placement of continuous sciatic perineural catheters solely under ultrasound guidance in children: a descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: Placement of sciatic catheters with ultrasound and stimulating catheters is known. Literature regarding catheter placements with only ultrasound is limited. We aimed to investigate the feasibility of performing continuous sciatic nerve block exclusively with ultrasound guidance and minimal equipment. METHOD: Forty ASA 1 and 2 patients aged 8 months-10 years posted for congenital talipoequinovarus surgery were included in the study. Continuous sciatic catheters were placed under ultrasound guidance with 18- gauge Tuohy needle at the infragluteal fold. Then, 0.25% of bupivacaine 0.5 ml·kg(-1) bolus was injected followed by continuous infusion later. Half the volume of the drug was injected prior to catheter insertion to improve visibility. The sciatic nerve, needle tip and shaft, catheter tip and the drug spread were visualized. The efficacy of the block intraoperatively and postoperatively was evaluated. RESULTS: The sciatic nerve, needle shaft, and tip were well visualized in all 40 patients. The catheter tip was seen in 72.5% of patients. The effect of block was complete intraoperatively and postoperatively. Clinically significant complications were absent. CONCLUSION: We conclude that in children, continuous sciatic catheters can be accurately and efficaciously placed with minimal equipment with ultrasound alone.

An Ominous Cause of Headache in a Teenager.

We present the case of an adolescent male who presented to the emergency department with headache and vomiting. We discuss the differential diagnosis and the need to maintain a high index of suspicion to avoid missing ominous causes of headache. In this case, the patient had a pineoblastoma, detected on a noncontrast CT scan. The CT scan was done as part of the emergency department workup to evaluate headache accompanied by vomiting in this otherwise healthy teenager.

An Uncommon Rash in the Emergency Department: Sporothrix schenckii.

The authors present a case of Sporothrix schenckii diagnosed in the emergency department, based on a thorough history. The patient presented with skin nodules that had spread proximally up the arm in various stages of healing. He reported minimal pain for the unhealed ulcer and no pain for the healing ulcers, and no other concerning symptoms. The history of a thorn prick followed by the initial red nodule on the forearm has led to the diagnosis - as it was consistent with the classic presentation of lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis. A high index of suspicion and carefully noting occupational history is required for a diagnosis of sporotrichosis. Clinicians should recommend long sleeves and gloves to their patients when they are handling soil.

Anatomic and radiological correlation of injectate spread from first thoracic costotransverse junction in cervical erector spinae plane.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical erector spinae plane block (ESPB) provides postoperative pain relief when administered at the level of first thoracic costotransverse junction (CTJ) for surgeries on the proximal shoulder and cervical spine. We propose to describe the spread of 20 ml radiocontrast - dye solution administered at this level from caudad to cephalad direction in a fresh frozen cadaveric model through imaging and cross-sections. METHODS: An observational study with four thoracic to cervical ESP blocks at the level of first thoracic CTJ level on two fresh cadavers (total 4 specimens) was conducted using 20 ml of radiocontrast- methylene blue combination (10 ml through the needle and 10 ml through the catheter). Both cadavers were subjected to computed tomography (CT) scan. An anatomist and radiologist, respectively, analyzed cross-sections of cadavers and CT contrasted images. RESULTS: The spread was assessed in axial, sagittal, and coronal at the levels of C4, C5, C6, C7and T1. The medial limit was articular processes in both cadavers. The lateral limits were the outer border of the middle scalene muscle in cadaver 1 and posterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle in cadaver 2. Contrast spread was visualized on the superior and anterior aspect of anterior scalene muscle in cadaver 2. An epidural spread was observed at the level of C5-6 and C6-7 in axial and coronal planes in cadaver 1. CONCLUSIONS: The cervical ESPB administered at the first thoracic CTJ with injections directed cephalad has a consistent action on the dorsal spinal nerves of thoracic and cervical area, and spreads in the paravertebral space dorsal to the ventral cervical roots.

Abnormal Bedside Ultrasound Findings in a Complex Patient With Kawasaki Disease.

We herein report a case of an 18-year-old female with Kawasaki disease who presented to the emergency department with epigastric abdominal pain and was subsequently found to have free fluid present in her abdomen visualized on bedside Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) exam. Kawasaki disease is an acute vasculitis syndrome that primarily affects children and can have serious complications such as coronary artery aneurysms. The use of ultrasound in emergency departments is rapidly increasing, with the FAST being one of the most commonly performed bedside ultrasound examinations. FAST exams are most commonly performed in trauma patients as well as being part of the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocol. However, this case demonstrated that the FAST exam can also have application in other clinical scenarios and patient presentations where there is clinical suspicion of free intra-abdominal fluid.