Bringing the "Joy of Healthy Eating" to Advanced Medical Students: Utilizing a Remote Learning Platform to Teach Culinary Medicine: Findings from the First Online Course Based on the ACLM's Whole-Food Plant-Based Culinary Medicine Curriculum.

Over 80% of chronic disease is caused by lifestyle practices, including an unhealthy diet. Despite this, most medical students in the United States graduate having received minimal nutrition education, guidance towards improving their nutrition, or skills needed to coach patients to adopt a healthier diet. This study aimed to educate fourth-year medical students in evidence-based knowledge regarding a delicious, whole-food plant-based diet while introducing practical culinary skills and patient coaching skills. We adapted an open-source culinary medicine curriculum designed for in-person teaching of pre-clinical medical students to provide a novel 1-month online elective to fourth-year medical students. We used a 26-item pre/post questionnaire to assess change in evidence-based knowledge regarding nutrition, culinary skills, patient coaching skills, and attitudes toward a whole-food plant-based diet. In addition, we reviewed narrative comments by the student participants, course directors, and medical-school administrators. Scores in all 4 domains were tested, and for all individual questions, they showed statistically significant improvement following the course. Most narrative responses were positive, and areas for improvement were also identified. We successfully adapted an open-source whole-food plant-based culinary medicine curriculum for advanced medical students into a 1-month elective taught on a virtual platform. This course filled a need for training in nutrition and counseling for these students as they start their professional careers.

Hypothesis: Bolus jejunal feeding via an enteral feeding tube simulates key features of gastric bypass to initiate similar clinical benefits.

BACKGROUND: Therapy for obesity and related comorbidities should be clinically effective, widely available and acceptable, and used in conjunction with an optimized lifestyle. Dieting is widely available and acceptable but has poorly sustained clinical efficacy. By contrast, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GB) is highly effective but cost and safety concerns limit widespread use. In this article this we discuss the hypothesis that bolus jejunal feeding (BJ) via an enteral feeding tube simulates key features of GB with the potential for similar clinical benefits. We further hypothesize that a practical manner of providing BJ therapeutically is via an externally inapparent orojejunal feeding tube. RATIONALE: The first hypothesis is underpinned by the outcomes of research in three fields: 1) investigations into the mechanisms underlying the benefit of GB, 2) studies investigating gastrointestinal physiology and pathophysiology using enteral feeding tubes, and3) investigations into the mechanism underlying involuntary anorexia and weight loss in clinical situations that entail rapid nutrient delivery to the jejunum. There is compelling evidence that a supraphysiologic rate of delivery of nutrient to the jejunum suppresses appetite and energy intake and improves glucose homeostasis, and that these effects can be achieved non-surgically using an enteral feeding tube. The second hypothesis is supported by clinical demonstration of the feasibility of administering intermittent cycles of bolus feeds via an intraorally anchored feeding tube in ambulatory obese adults. CONCLUSION: The hypotheses are testable in clinical studies. If validated, BJ could be used to induce the clinical benefits of GB, but without its costs or safety concerns.

Impact of Gastric Banding Versus Metformin on ß-Cell Function in Adults With Impaired Glucose Tolerance or Mild Type 2 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) results from progressive loss of ß-cell function. The BetaFat study compared gastric banding and metformin for their impact on ß-cell function in adults with moderate obesity and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or recently diagnosed, mild T2D. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Eighty-eight people aged 21-65 years, BMI 30-40 kg/m2, with IGT or diabetes known for <1 year, were randomized to gastric banding or metformin for 2 years. Hyperglycemic clamps (11.1 mmol/L) followed by arginine injection at maximally potentiating glycemia (>25 mmol/L) were performed at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months to measure steady-state C-peptide (SSCP) and acute C-peptide response to arginine at maximum glycemic potentiation (ACPRmax) and insulin sensitivity (M/I). RESULTS: At 24 months, the band group lost 10.7 kg; the metformin group lost 1.7 kg (P < 0.01). Insulin sensitivity increased 45% in the band group and 25% in the metformin group (P = 0.30 between groups). SSCP adjusted for insulin sensitivity fell slightly but not significantly in each group (P = 0.34 between groups). ACPRmax adjusted for insulin sensitivity fell significantly in the metformin group (P = 0.002) but not in the band group (P = 0.25 between groups). HbA1c fell at 12 and 24 months in the band group (P < 0.004) but only at 12 months (P < 0.01) in the metformin group (P > 0.14 between groups). Normoglycemia was present in 22% and 15% of band and metformin groups, respectively, at 24 months (P = 0.66 between groups). CONCLUSIONS: Gastric banding and metformin had similar effects to preserve ß-cell function and stabilize or improve glycemia over a 2-year period in moderately obese adults with IGT or recently diagnosed, mild T2D.

Physical Function Following a Long-Term Lifestyle Intervention Among Middle Aged and Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: The Look AHEAD Study.

Background: Lifestyle interventions have been shown to improve physical function over the short term; however, whether these benefits are sustainable is unknown. The long-term effects of an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) on physical function were assessed using a randomized post-test design in the Look AHEAD trial. Methods: Overweight and obese (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2) middle-aged and older adults (aged 45-76 years at enrollment) with type 2 diabetes enrolled in Look AHEAD, a trial evaluating an ILI designed to achieve weight loss through caloric restriction and increased physical activity compared to diabetes support and education (DSE), underwent standardized assessments of performance-based physical function including a 4- and 400-m walk, lower extremity physical performance (expanded Short Physical Performance Battery, SPPBexp), and grip strength approximately 11 years postrandomization and 1.5 years after the intervention was stopped (n = 3,783). Results: Individuals randomized to ILI had lower odds of slow gait speed (<0.8 m/s) compared to those randomized to DSE (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 0.84 [0.71 to 0.99]). Individuals randomized to ILI also had faster gait speed over 4- and 400-m (adjusted mean difference [95% CI]: 0.019 [0.007 to 0.031] m/s, p = .002, and 0.023 [0.012 to 0.034] m/sec, p < .0001, respectively) and higher SPPBexp scores (0.037 [0.011 to 0.063], p = .005) compared to those randomized to DSE. The intervention effect was slightly larger for SPPBexp scores among older versus younger participants (0.081 [0.038 to 0.124] vs 0.013 [-0.021 to 0.047], p = .01). Conclusions: An intensive lifestyle intervention has modest but significant long-term benefits on physical function in overweight and obese middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00017953.

The effects of body mass index on complications and mortality after emergency abdominal operations: The obesity paradox.

BACKGROUND: Recent literature suggests that obesity is protective in critically illness. This study addresses the effect of BMI on outcomes after emergency abdominal surgery (EAS). METHODS: Retrospective, ACS-NSQIP analysis. All patients that underwent EAS were included. The study population was divided into five groups based on BMI; regression models were used to evaluate the role of obesity in morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: 101,078 patients underwent EAS; morbidity and mortality were 19.5% and 4.5%, respectively. Adjusted mortality was higher in underweight patients (AOR 1.92), but significantly lower in all obesity groups (AOR's 0.73, 0.66, 0.70, 0.70 respectively). Underweight and class III obesity was associated with increased complications (AOR 1.47 and 1.30), while mild obesity was protective (AOR 0.92). CONCLUSIONS: Underweight patients undergoing EAS have increased morbidity and mortality. Although class III obesity is associated with increased morbidity, overweight and class I obesity were protective. All grades of obesity may be protective against mortality after EAS relative to normal weight patients.

Early pancreatic dysfunction after resection in trauma: An 18-year report from a Level I trauma center.

BACKGROUND: Early pancreatic dysfunction after resection in trauma has not been well characterized. The objective of this study was to examine the incidence and clinical impact of new-onset endocrine and exocrine dysfunction after pancreatic resection for trauma. METHODS: All patients sustaining a pancreatic injury from 1996 to 2013 were identified. Patients with preinjury diabetes were excluded. Survivors were divided into three groups according to the extent of anatomic resection-distal, proximal, or total pancreatectomy. Clinical demographics and outcome data were abstracted. Blood glucose levels, hemoglobin A1c, and insulin requirements were used to assess endocrine pancreatic function. Reported steatorrhea, diarrhea, or supplemental pancreatic enzyme requirements were used to assess exocrine pancreatic function. RESULTS: During the study period, 331 pancreatic injuries were identified, of which 109 (33%) required resection and 84 survived to hospital discharge. Four were excluded. Of 80 cases analyzed, 73 (91%) underwent distal pancreatectomy, 7 (9%) proximal pancreatectomy, and none a total pancreatectomy. The distal resection group was predominantly male (88%), median age 24 years, and mean BMI 27 (kg/m). Thirty-eight (52%) required insulin postoperatively, with the greatest proportion (47%) requiring insulin for ≤1 day; no patients were discharged on insulin. The proximal resection group was predominantly male (86%), median age 31 years, and mean BMI 32 (kg/m). Six of seven required insulin postoperatively and two of seven were insulin dependent at time of hospital discharge. For both distal and proximal resections, none had evidence of exocrine dysfunction or received pancreatic enzyme supplementation at discharge. CONCLUSION: Exocrine dysfunction after distal or proximal pancreatectomy for trauma is rare. The incidence of early onset endocrine dysfunction after traumatic distal pancreatectomy is also rare; however, it can be seen after proximal resection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, level IV.

Designing a Text Messaging Intervention to Improve Physical Activity Behavior Among Low-Income Latino Patients With Diabetes: A Discrete-Choice Experiment, Los Angeles, 2014-2015.

INTRODUCTION: Automated text messaging can deliver self-management education to activate self-care behaviors among people with diabetes. We demonstrated how a discrete-choice experiment was used to determine the features of a text-messaging intervention that are important to urban, low-income Latino patients with diabetes and that could support improvement in their physical activity behavior. METHODS: In a discrete-choice experiment from December 2014 through August 2015 we conducted a survey to elicit information on patient preferences for 5 features of a text-messaging intervention. We described 2 hypothetical interventions and in 7 pairwise comparisons asked respondents to indicate which they preferred. Respondents (n = 125) were recruited in person from a diabetes management program of a safety-net ambulatory care clinic in Los Angeles; clinicians referred patients to the research assistant after routine clinic visits. Data were analyzed by using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: We found 2 intervention features that were considered by the survey respondents to be important: 1) the frequency of text messaging and 2) physical activity behavior-change education (the former being more important than the latter). Physical activity goal setting, feedback on physical activity performance, and social support were not significantly important. CONCLUSION: A discrete-choice experiment is a feasible way to elicit information on patient preferences for a text-messaging intervention designed to support behavior change. However, discrepancies may exist between patients' stated preferences and their actual behavior. Future research should validate and expand our findings.

Insulin-Treated Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Undergoing Emergency Abdominal Surgery Have Worse Outcomes than Patients Treated with Oral Agents.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a known risk factor for worse outcomes after emergency abdominal surgery (EAS). However, it is unclear if the type of diabetes treatment (insulin or oral agents) has any effect on outcomes after EAS. METHODS: Matched cohort study utilizing the ACS NSQIP database. Patients with DM undergoing EAS were divided into insulin and oral agent treatment groups. A 1:1 cohort matching of insulin-treated and oral agent-treated patients was performed (matched for sex, age, ASA score, BMI category, operative procedure, and preoperative acute renal failure, pneumonia, SIRS, sepsis, septic shock, and corticosteroid use). Outcomes of matched insulin- and oral agent-treated patients were compared with univariable and multivariable regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 7401 patients with DM underwent EAS, 3182 (43 %) of which were insulin treated and 4219 (57 %) were treated with oral agents. Matching resulted in 2280 matched cases, which formed the basis of this analysis. Insulin-treated patients were more likely to have postoperative complications (OR 1.279, CI 1.119-1.462), had a higher 30-day mortality rate in patients with sepsis at hospital admission (OR 3.421, CI 1.959-5.974), and a longer total hospital length of stay (RC 1.115, CI 1.065-1.168) and postoperative LOS (RC 1.082, CI 1.031-1.135). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with DM undergoing emergency abdominal surgery, insulin-treated patients have worse outcomes than oral agent-treated patients. Insulin-treated patients with DM therefore should be monitored and treated more intensively in anticipation of potential complications after emergency abdominal surgery.

Diabetes Mellitus in Patients Presenting with Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction: Delaying Surgical Intervention Results in Worse Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on outcomes in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy for adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) remains unknown. METHODS: Low-risk (ASA class of I and II) patients requiring emergency operation for ASBO were identified using the ACS NSQIP database. Propensity score matching was used to match patients with DM to those without DM in a ratio of 1:3. Mortality, infectious complications, acute renal failure (ARF), and myocardial infarction (MI) were compared between the two groups. The impact of delaying OR ≥ 24 h was also analyzed in the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 1,608 patients were matched, 402 with DM and 1,204 without DM. Overall, patients with DM were significantly more likely to develop infections, ARF and MI. Diabetes had no negative impact on outcomes if the operation was performed within 24 h of admission. However, delaying surgery >24, significantly increased infections, ARF and MI. CONCLUSIONS: DM in low-risk patients has no negative impact on outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for ASBO within 24 h. However, delaying surgery >24 h resulted in worse outcomes.

The effect of diabetes on outcomes following emergency appendectomy in patients without comorbidities: a propensity score-matched analysis of National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.

BACKGROUND: The effect of diabetes and the role of laparoscopic surgery on outcomes following appendectomy for acute appendicitis are not known. METHODS: National Surgical Quality Improvement Program study, including patients with acute appendicitis and no significant comorbidities (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I or II) who underwent appendectomy. Diabetic patients were matched (1:3) with nondiabetic patients. The primary outcomes were 30-day mortality, surgical site infections (SSIs), and systemic infectious complications. RESULTS: SSI was encountered more frequently in the diabetic group as compared with the nondiabetic group (6.1% vs 4.3%, P = .010). Also, the hospital length of stay was significantly longer in the diabetic group. In the diabetic group, laparoscopic appendectomy did not affect mortality, reoperation, SSI, and systemic infectious complication rates in patients with or without peritonitis (P > .05), but the hospital length of stay was significantly shorter when compared with the open procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with diabetes and no significant comorbidities have a higher risk of developing SSIs and longer hospital stay than patients without diabetes. Laparoscopic appendectomy had no effect on SSIs in patients with diabetes.

Genetic variation in MTNR1B is associated with gestational diabetes mellitus and contributes only to the absolute level of beta cell compensation in Mexican Americans.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: MTNR1B is a type 2 diabetes susceptibility locus associated with cross-sectional measures of insulin secretion. We hypothesised that variation in MTNR1B contributes to the absolute level of a diabetes-related trait, temporal rate of change in that trait, or both. METHODS: We tested rs10830963 for association with cross-sectional diabetes-related traits in up to 1,383 individuals or with rate of change in the same phenotypes over a 3-5 year follow-up in up to 374 individuals from the family-based BetaGene study of Mexican Americans. RESULTS: rs10830963 was associated cross-sectionally with fasting glucose (p = 0.0069), acute insulin response (AIR; p = 0.0013), disposition index (p = 0.00078), glucose effectiveness (p = 0.018) and gestational diabetes mellitus (OR 1.48; p = 0.012), but not with OGTT 30 min Δinsulin (the difference between the 30 min and fasting plasma insulin concentration) or 30 min insulin-based disposition index. rs10830963 was also associated with rate of change in fasting glucose (p = 0.043), OGTT 30 min Δinsulin (p = 0.01) and AIR (p = 0.037). There was no evidence for an association with the rate of change in beta cell compensation for insulin resistance. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: We conclude that variation in MTNR1B contributes to the absolute level of insulin secretion but not to differences in the temporal rate of change in insulin secretion. The observed association with the rate of change in insulin secretion reflects the natural physiological response to changes in underlying insulin sensitivity and is not a direct effect of the variant.

Effects of diabetes mellitus in patients presenting with diverticulitis: clinical correlations and disease characteristics in more than 1,000 patients.

BACKGROUND: The epidemic increase in the incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) worldwide represents a potential source of surgical morbidity. The impact of DM on the need for surgical management and its effect on surgical outcomes for colonic diverticulitis have not been well defined. METHODS: We investigated all DM versus non-DM patients admitted with a diagnosis of acute diverticulitis between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2011, to a large urban safety net hospital. An administrative database search for patients with diverticulitis was divided into two groups: those with and without DM. They were retrospectively analyzed for severity of diverticulitis (Hinchey and Ambrosetti scores), mortality, length of hospital stay, need for operation, postoperative complications, and readmission rates. RESULTS: There were 1,019 admissions with acute diverticulitis, 164 (16.1%) of which had DM. DM versus non-DM patients presented with a higher Hinchey score of 3 or 4 (12.2% vs. 9.2%, p < 0.001), a more severe computed tomographic Ambrosetti score (43.9% vs. 31.7%, p < 0.001), older age, and significantly more comorbid conditions. There was no significant difference in the failure of nonoperative management (2.2% DM vs. 2.5% non-DM, p = 1.000), readmission, or death rates. Operated DM patients had a higher incidence of in-hospital infectious complications (28.7% vs. 8.2%, p < 0.001) and a higher incidence of acute renal failure (5.5% vs. 0.7%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Although diabetic patients with colonic diverticulitis present at a more advanced level (as measured by Hinchey and Ambrosetti scores), the nonoperative success rate is similar to non-DM patients. Surgical management in DM patients is associated with a higher incidence of infectious complications and acute kidney injury. However, DM did not appear to increase operative mortality in surgically managed patients. These data suggest that greater attention should be placed on steps to reduce the negative impact of DM on both immune response and renal function in patients requiring surgery of colonic diverticulitis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Epidemiologic study, level III.

Effect of diabetes on outcomes in patients undergoing emergent cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of diabetes and its effect on surgical outcomes in patients undergoing emergent, in-patient cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. Some 8.3 % of the U.S. population has diabetes and this number is projected to rise to 21-33 % by 2050. Diabetes is considered to be associated with a higher incidence of acute cholecystitis; however, its impact on outcomes is unknown. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried to identify all patients with acute cholecystitis who underwent emergent in-patient cholecystectomy from 2004 to 2010. The study population was divided into two groups: diabetics and non-diabetics. Diabetics were further subdivided into those taking oral medication and those on insulin. Demographics, co-morbidities, and wound classification were compared with univariate analysis, and 30-day outcomes were compared with univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: A total of 5,460 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these 770 (14.10 %) had a diagnosis of diabetes. Mortality was higher for diabetics than for non-diabetics [4.4 vs 1.4 %, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (95 % CI): 1.79 (1.09, 2.94), adj-p = 0.022]. Preoperative perforation rates were 25.1 and 13.0 %, respectively [AOR (95 % CI): 1.34 (1.09, 1.65), adj-p = 0.005]. The adjusted risk of cardiovascular events and renal failure was significantly higher for diabetics. Insulin treatment, but not oral medication, was associated with a significant increase in mortality, preoperative perforation, superficial surgical site infection, septic shock, cardiovascular incidents, and renal insufficiency. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis, diabetes increases the risk of mortality, cardiovascular events, and renal failure. Insulin-treated diabetics have more co-morbidities and poorer outcomes.

Subcutaneous adipose tissue macrophage infiltration is associated with hepatic and visceral fat deposition, hyperinsulinemia, and stimulation of NF-κB stress pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To examine in obese young adults the influence of ethnicity and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) inflammation on hepatic fat fraction (HFF), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) deposition, insulin sensitivity (SI), ß-cell function, and SAT gene expression. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: SAT biopsies were obtained from 36 obese young adults (20 Hispanics, 16 African Americans) to measure crown-like structures (CLS), reflecting SAT inflammation. SAT, VAT, and HFF were measured by magnetic resonance imaging, and SI and ß-cell function (disposition index [DI]) were measured by intravenous glucose tolerance test. SAT gene expression was assessed using Illumina microarrays. RESULTS: Participants with CLS in SAT (n = 16) were similar to those without CLS in terms of ethnicity, sex, and total body fat. Individuals with CLS had greater VAT (3.7 ± 1.3 vs. 2.6 ± 1.6 L; P = 0.04), HFF (9.9 ± 7.3 vs. 5.8 ± 4.4%; P = 0.03), tumor necrosis factor-α (20.8 ± 4.8 vs. 16.2 ± 5.8 pg/mL; P = 0.01), fasting insulin (20.9 ± 10.6 vs. 9.7 ± 6.6 mU/mL; P < 0.001) and glucose (94.4 ± 9.3 vs. 86.8 ± 5.3 mg/dL; P = 0.005), and lower DI (1,559 ± 984 vs. 2,024 ± 829 × 10(-4) min(-1); P = 0.03). Individuals with CLS in SAT exhibited upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and monocyte antigen CD14 genes, as well as several other genes belonging to the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) stress pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Adipose tissue inflammation was equally distributed between sexes and ethnicities. It was associated with partitioning of fat toward VAT and the liver and altered ß-cell function, independent of total adiposity. Several genes belonging to the NF-κB stress pathway were upregulated, suggesting stimulation of proinflammatory mediators.

Clinical review: Thyroid hormone therapy for postoperative nonthyroidal illnesses: a systematic review and synthesis.

CONTEXT: Effects of thyroid hormone therapy on postoperative morbidity and mortality in adults remain controversial. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to conduct a systematic review evaluating effects and risks of postoperative T(3) therapy in adults. DATA SOURCES: Electronic databases and reference lists through March 2010 were searched. STUDY SELECTION: Studies with comparable control groups comparing T(3) to placebo therapy in randomized controlled trials were selected. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently screened and reviewed titles, abstracts, and articles. Data were abstracted from 14 randomized controlled trials (13 cardiac surgery and one renal transplantation). In seven studies, iv T(3) was given in high doses (0.175-0.333 µg/kg · h) for 6 to 9 h, in four studies iv T(3) was given in low doses (0.0275-0.0333 µg/kg · h for 14 to 24 h), and in three studies T(3) was given orally in variable doses and durations. DATA SYNTHESIS: Both high- and low-dose iv T(3) therapy increased cardiac index after coronary artery bypass surgery. Mortality was not significantly altered by high-dose iv T(3) therapy and could not be assessed for low-dose iv or oral T(3). Effects on systemic vascular resistance, heart rate, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, new onset atrial fibrillation, inotrope use, serum TSH and T(4) were inconclusive. LIMITATIONS: Numbers of usable unique studies and group sizes were small. Duration of T(3) therapy was short, and dosages and routes of administration varied. CONCLUSIONS: Short duration postoperative iv T(3) therapy increases cardiac index and does not alter mortality. Effects on other parameters are inconclusive.

Thyroid hormone therapy for obesity and nonthyroidal illnesses: a systematic review.

CONTEXT: Thyroid hormone therapy to enhance weight loss in obesity during caloric deprivation and to improve morbidity and mortality in adults with nonthyroidal illnesses remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review evaluating effectiveness and risks of T(3) and/or T(4) therapy in these populations. DATA SOURCES: Electronic databases and reference lists were searched. STUDY SELECTION: Studies with comparable control groups comparing T(3) and/or T(4) therapy to placebo in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or prospective observational studies were selected. DATA EXTRACTION: Three reviewers performed serial abstraction. DATA SYNTHESIS: During caloric deprivation of obese subjects, T(3) therapy decreased serum TSH and T(4) concentrations. Consistent effects of T(3) or T(4) on weight loss, protein breakdown, metabolic rate, and heart rate could not be established. In euthyroid cardiac patients, T(3) decreased TSH and free T(4) levels, without consistent effects of T(3) or T(4) on heart rate, cardiac output, or systemic vascular resistance. Mortality increased 3.3-fold with T(4) therapy in acute renal failure patients, whereas an effect in cardiac, critically ill, and burn patients could not be established. Equivalence testing indicated that larger RCTs are required to determine whether thyroid hormone therapy alters end-points in obesity or nonthyroidal illnesses. LIMITATIONS: Numbers of usable unique studies were small, numbers of patients in each study were inadequate, end-points were variable, few RCTs were performed, and study quality of non-RCTs was poor. CONCLUSIONS: Available data are inconclusive regarding effectiveness of thyroid hormone therapy in treating obesity or nonthyroidal illnesses, whereas data support that such therapy induces subclinical hyperthyroidism.

Patient outcomes in the acute recovery phase following robotic-assisted prostate surgery: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted minimally invasive urologic surgery was developed to minimise surgical trauma resulting in quicker recovery. It has many potential benefits for patients with localised prostate cancer over traditional surgical techniques without taking a risk with the oncological result. OBJECTIVES: To report the specific surgical outcomes for the first Australian cohort of patients with localised prostate cancer that had undergone robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) surgery. The outcomes represent the acute (in-hospital) recovery phase and include pain, length of stay (LOS), urinary catheter management and wound management. METHODS: Prospective descriptive survey of 214 consecutive patients admitted to a large metropolitan private hospital in Melbourne, Australia between December 2003 and June 2005. Patients had undergone RARP surgery for localised prostate cancer. Data were collected from the medical records and through interview at the time of discharge. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the frequency and proportion of outcomes. Patient characteristics were tabulated using cross tabulation frequency distribution and measures of central tendency. RESULTS: The findings from this study are highly encouraging when compared to outcomes associated with traditional surgical techniques. Transurethral catheter duration (median 7 days (IQ range 2)) and LOS (median 3 days (IQ range 2)) were considerably reduced. While operation time (median 3.30 h (IQ range 1.07)) was marginally reduced we would expect a further reduction as the surgical team becomes more skilled. CONCLUSION: The findings from this study contribute to building a comprehensive picture of patient outcomes in the acute (in-hospital) recovery phase for a cohort of Australian patients who have undergone RARP surgery for localised prostate cancer. As such, these findings will provide valuable information with which to plan care for patients' who undergo robotic-assisted surgery.

Acute diabetes insipidus in severe head injury: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The incidence and risk factors for acute diabetes insipidus after severe head injury and the effect of this complication on outcomes have not been evaluated in any large prospective studies. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a prospective study of all patients admitted to the surgical ICU of a Level I trauma center with severe head injury (head Abbreviated Injury Score [AIS] >or= 3). The following potential risk factors with p < 0.2 on bivariate analysis were included in a stepwise logistic regression to identify independent risk factors for diabetes insipidus and its association with mortality: age, mechanism of injury (blunt or penetrating), blood pressure, Glasgow Coma Scale, Injury Severity Score, head and other body area AIS, skull fracture, cerebral edema and shift, intracranial hemorrhage, and pneumocephaly. RESULTS: There were 436 patients (blunt injuries, 392; penetrating injuries, 44); 387 patients had isolated head injury. Diabetes insipidus occurred in 15.4% of all patients (blunt, 12.5%; penetrating, 40.9%; p < 0.0001) and in 14.7% of patients with isolated head injury (blunt, 11.8%; penetrating, 39.5%; p < 0.0001). The presence of major extracranial injuries did not influence the incidence of diabetes insipidus. Independent risk factors for diabetes insipidus in isolated head injury were Glasgow Coma Scale3. Diabetes insipidus was an independent risk factor for death (adjusted odds ratio, 3.96; 95% CI [1.65, 9.72]; adjusted p value = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of acute diabetes insipidus in severe head injury is high, especially in penetrating injuries. Independent risk factors for diabetes insipidus include a Glasgow Coma Scale3. Acute diabetes insipidus was associated with significantly increased mortality.

Beta-blockers in isolated blunt head injury.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of beta-blockers on patients sustaining acute traumatic brain injury. Our hypothesis was that beta-blocker exposure is associated with improved survival. STUDY DESIGN: The trauma registry and the surgical ICU databases of an academic Level I trauma center were used to identify all patients sustaining blunt head injury requiring ICU admission from July 1998 to December 2005. Patients sustaining major associated injuries (Abbreviated Injury Score > or = 4 in any body region other than the head) were excluded. Patient demographics, injury profile, Injury Severity Score, and beta-blocker exposure were abstracted. The primary outcomes measure evaluated was in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: During the 90-month study period, 1,156 patients with isolated head injury were admitted to the ICU. Of these, 203 (18%) received beta-blockers and 953 (82%) did not. Patients receiving beta-blockers were older (50 +/- 21 years versus 38 +/- 20 years, p < 0.001), had more frequent severe (Abbreviated Injury Score > or = 4) head injury (54% versus 43%, p < 0.01), Glasgow Coma Scale < or = 8 less often (37% versus 47%, p = 0.01), more skull fractures (20% versus 12%, p < 0.01), and underwent craniectomy more frequently (23% versus 4%, p < 0.001). Stepwise logistic regression identified beta-blocker use as an independent protective factor for mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 0.54; 95% CI, 0.33 to 0.91; p = 0.01). On subgroup analysis, elderly patients (55 years or older) with severe head injury (Abbreviated Injury Score > or = 4) had a mortality of 28% on beta-blockers as compared with 60% when they did not receive them (odds ratio: 0.3; 96% CI, 0.1 to 0.6; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Beta-blockade in patients with traumatic brain injury was independently associated with improved survival. Older patients with severe head injuries demonstrated the largest reduction in mortality with beta-blockade.

Blood transfusion in critically injured patients: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Despite evolving evidence that transfusion risks outweigh benefits in some patients, the critically injured continue to receive large quantities of blood. The present study evaluated patterns of red blood cell transfusions and risk factors for transfusions at various stages of admission in trauma patients. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, observational study of transfusion practices in patients (n = 120) admitted to a single Level 1 academic trauma centre. Patients were expected to remain in the surgical intensive care unit for greater than 48 h. RESULTS: Patients had a mean age of 34.1+/- 16.0 years, a mean injury severity score (ISS) of 21.5 +/- 9.5, and were equally distributed by major injury type (48% blunt, 52% penetrating). One hundred and four patients (87%) received a total of 324 transfusions, 20 (6%) of which were given in the emergency room, 186 (57%) in the SICU, 22 (7%) post-SICU and 96 (30%) in the operating room. The mean volume of blood per patient transfused was 3144 +/- 2622 mL. One hundred and one patients received an allogeneic transfusion (mean volume 3126 +/- 2639 mL) and 10 patients received an autotransfusion (844 +/- 382 mL). The mean pre-transfusion Hb level was 9.1 +/- 1.4 g/dL. Transfusion volumes correlated with injury severity score (p = 0.011). Patients with an admission Hb < or =12 g/dL or age >55 years were at significant risk to receive increased transfusions (P < .001 and P = .035, respectively). An admission Hb < or =12 g/dL and any mention of long bone orthopedic operations or laparotomy or thoracotomy were associated with increased risk of blood transfusion during the first week of admission. Logistic regression analysis identified transfusion of >4 units of blood as a significant risk factor for SIRS. After 1 week of ICU stay, ISS > 20 and blunt injury were associated with increased risk of transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Trauma patients are heavily transfused with allogeneic blood throughout the course of their hospital stay and transfusions are administered at relatively high pre-transfusion haemoglobin levels (mean of 9 g/dL). Transfusion of >4 units of blood is an independent risk factor for SIRS. Strategies to limit blood transfusions should be investigated in this population.