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1.
Mil Med ; 2024 May 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38743577

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The integration of Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) into the care of trauma patients, specifically the E-FAST, has improved the accuracy of initial diagnoses and improved time to surgical intervention in critically ill patients. Physician assistants (PAs) are critically important members of any military trauma resuscitation team and are often team leaders in a pre-hospital setting. They may receive training in ultrasound but there are little data to support their use or evaluate their effectiveness in using POCUS. We designed a study to evaluate the image quality of an E-FAST Exam performed by Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant (EMPA) Fellows and Emergency Medicine (EM) Interns following identical training. Our hypothesis is that image quality obtained by EMPAs will be non-inferior to those images obtained by EM Interns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective single-blinded study comparing the image quality of E-FAST exams performed by first year EM interns and first year EMPA fellows. All participants completed standard POCUS training prior to enrollment in the study. A total of 8 EMPAs and 8 EM first year residents completed 10 recorded E-FAST exams to be used as study images. Participants also viewed a 15-question slide show containing images of positive (6) and negative (9) E-FAST exams and recorded their interpretations. Images were reviewed by expert reviewers who were blinded to which images were collected by which group. An image quality score was recorded for each view as well as an overall image quality score. Image quality was rated on a 1 to 5 image quality scale. RESULTS: For overall image quality, the mean score for EMPAs was 3.6 ± 0.5 and for EM residents was 3.2 ± 0.5 with statistical significance favoring better image quality from the EMPAs. The time to completion for the EFAST exam for EMPAs was 4.8 ± 1.3 minutes and for interns it was 3.4 ± 1.4 minutes (P value = 0.02). There was no difference in image interpretation quiz scores between the groups (mean score 92% among interns and 95% among PAs). CONCLUSIONS: POCUS is an imaging modality which is very portable and relatively inexpensive which makes it ideal for military medicine. PAs are essential members of military trauma teams, and often run an initial trauma resuscitation. Being able to correctly identify patients who have free fluid early in the course of treatment allows for more correct evacuation criteria to ensure the sickest patients get to care the fastest. Although there are limited data to support POCUS use by non-physicians, our data support a growing body of evidence that it is not the profession or baseline medical education that determines an individual's ability to use and incorporate ultrasound into bedside and clinical practice. Our study shows that with training and experience PAs or other members of the military health care team can use the EFAST to better care for trauma patients.

2.
Blood Adv ; 8(3): 513-522, 2024 02 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37871306

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT: Outcomes in patients with relapsed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who undergo autologous stem cell transplant (auto-SCT) are poor. Blinatumomab is a CD3/CD19 bispecific T-cell engager that directs cytotoxic T cells to CD19+ cells. Here, we performed a pilot study of blinatumomab consolidation after auto-SCT for 14 patients with DLBCL or transformed follicular lymphoma. All patients underwent standard-of-care auto-SCT with carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan (BEAM) conditioning followed by 1 cycle (4 weeks continuous infusion) of blinatumomab consolidation starting at day 42 after auto-SCT. All 14 patients treated on study completed BEAM auto-SCT and 1 cycle of posttransplant blinatumomab. Five patients developed grade 1 cytokine release syndrome (CRS), with no grade 2 or higher CRS. Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome was not observed. Patients were followed up for 3 years after auto-SCT, with median follow-up of 37 (range, 12-65) months. One-hundred days after auto-SCT (1 month after blinatumomab consolidation), 12 patients (86%) had achieved complete remission. At 1 year after auto-SCT, 7 patients (50%) remained in CR, and 1 patient had died of progressive disease. Patients who relapsed had a lower CD8:CD4 T-cell ratio before starting blinatumomab than patients who remained in remission. This pilot study demonstrates blinatumomab consolidation after auto-SCT is safe and well tolerated. Strategies to increase the CD8:CD4 ratio and use additional cycles of consolidation in a larger randomized trial are needed to confirm the efficacy of consolidation with blinatumomab after auto-SCT. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03072771.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Bispecific , Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse , Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin , Humans , Pilot Projects , Remission Induction , Transplantation, Autologous , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Stem Cell Transplantation
4.
Dev Neurorehabil ; 26(4): 223-233, 2023 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36949647

ABSTRACT

Elopement is one of the most common forms of problem behavior for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is associated with the greatest probability of a lethal outcome. This study evaluated the effects of a function-based treatment package on elopement for two teenage boys with ASD who eloped frequently from caregivers. Functional analyses (FA) identified the variables that evoked and maintained each teen's elopement. Treatment involved a chained schedule comprised primarily of empirically derived differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO), functional communication training (FCT), and extinction procedures. The treatment produced clinically significant decreases in elopement for both teens. Decreases in elopement maintained when the treatment evaluation was extended to additional contexts. The current study extends the literature on assessment and treatment of elopement and chained schedule treatments that involve both DRO and FCT.


Subject(s)
Autism Spectrum Disorder , Problem Behavior , Male , Humans , Adolescent , Autism Spectrum Disorder/therapy , Behavior Therapy/methods
6.
Cancer J ; 28(5): 377-380, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36165726

ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT: Preclinical data support investigation of selective CDK4/6 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for human papillomavirus (HPV)-unrelated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Phase 1 clinical trials established the feasibility of combining palbociclib with cetuximab in patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC. Nonrandomized phase II trials showed that palbociclib plus cetuximab resulted in efficacy outcomes better than cetuximab in biomarker-unselected, platinum-resistant or cetuximab-resistant, HPV-unrelated HNSCC. A double-blind, randomized phase II trial (PALATINUS) evaluated the efficacy of palbociclib or placebo and cetuximab in patients with biomarker-unselected, platinum-resistant, cetuximab-naive, HPV-unrelated HNSCC. Palbociclib and cetuximab did not significantly prolong overall survival compared with placebo and cetuximab. However, correlative biomarker analyses identified that trends for better overall survival with palbociclib and cetuximab were observed in certain prespecified subsets; the largest reduction in risk of death with palbociclib versus placebo and cetuximab occurred in the subset with CDKN2A mutations. Several phase II-III trials are underway investigating palbociclib in biomarker-selected patients with HPV-unrelated locally advanced or recurrent or metastatic HNSCC.


Subject(s)
Head and Neck Neoplasms , Papillomavirus Infections , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Cetuximab/pharmacology , Cetuximab/therapeutic use , Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4/genetics , Head and Neck Neoplasms/drug therapy , Humans , Papillomaviridae , Papillomavirus Infections/genetics , Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck/drug therapy
7.
Expert Rev Anticancer Ther ; 22(9): 903-914, 2022 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35786133

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Axicabtagene ciloleucel is an autologous anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy that was recently approved for relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma following progression on two or more lines of therapy including an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody with an alkylating agent, providing a therapeutic breakthrough in a subset of indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma associated with poor clinical outcomes. AREAS COVERED: In this article, we outline the drug profile of axicabtagene ciloleucel in comparison to currently approved agents and other CAR T-cell and T-cell redirecting therapies under investigation for the treatment of relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma. We also review the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetic data from the ZUMA-5 phase II trial, which forms the basis of the recent approval of axicabtagene ciloleucel. EXPERT OPINION: Axicabtagene ciloleucel is the first cellular therapy approved for relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma, demonstrating high rates of durable responses and a manageable toxicity profile in heavily pre-treated patients.


Subject(s)
Biological Products , Lymphoma, Follicular , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Antigens, CD19/adverse effects , Biological Products/adverse effects , Drug Approval , Humans , Immunotherapy, Adoptive/adverse effects , Lymphoma, Follicular/drug therapy , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/drug therapy
8.
Med J (Ft Sam Houst Tex) ; (PB 8-21-07/08/09): 13-19, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34449855

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Correct diagnosis of pneumothorax in trauma patients is essential. Under-diagnosis can lead to development of life-threatening tension pneumothorax, but overdiagnosis leads to placement of unnecessary chest tubes with potential related morbidity and pain. It is unclear from previous work if there is a benefit to switching from the phased array (low frequency) probe to the linear (high frequency) probe. Is the improvement in image quality worth the time lost changing probes? METHODS: We compared the sensitivity and specificity of a low frequency and high frequency ultrasound probe for the detection of pneumothorax. Images were obtained using swine models and were interpreted by Emergency Medicine residents, attendings, and physician assistants. RESULTS: We found a specificity of 89% and sensitivity of 99% for the low frequency probe and specificity of 96% and sensitivity of 99% for the high frequency probe. There was a statistically different specificity between the two probes, suggesting that the linear probe may be the superior probe for confirming the presence of pneumothorax. CONCLUSION: We conclude switching to the linear probe for the thoracic portion of the Extended-Focused Assessment in Trauma will lead to more accurate diagnosis of pneumothorax and decreased false-positive exams.


Subject(s)
Pneumothorax , Animals , Humans , Pneumothorax/diagnosis , Sensitivity and Specificity , Swine , Ultrasonography
9.
Med J (Ft Sam Houst Tex) ; (PB 8-21-07/08/09): 20-24, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34449856

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound is a portable and adaptable imaging modality used widely in the care of trauma patients. The initial exam, known as the "Focused Assessment in Trauma (FAST) exam focused on the evaluation for hemoperitoneum and hemopericardium. In recent years, the exam has expanded to include evaluate for thoracic pathology, including pneumothorax, and is now known as the "Extended Focused Assessment in Trauma" (E-FAST) exam. METHODS: We reviewed after-action reviews (AAR) from the Joint Trauma System Prehospital Trauma Registry from 2013-2014 in which the use of an ultrasound exam was noted. Given the largely unstructured nature of the AARs, we selected relevant information from the free text available. RESULTS: Our initial dataset contained 705 casualties, of which we identified 45 cases containing the key words with AAR data for review: 39 cases involved the use of the FAST exam, three explicitly described the use of pulmonary ultrasound and they were categorized as E-FAST exams, two cases described the use of point of care echo to evaluate for cardiac standstill, and two cases described the use of ultrasound to evaluate for vascular injury. Of those with vital signs documented, 25% (11) reported at least one episode of tachycardia (≥120/min) and 16% (7) with at least one episode of systolic hypotension (less than 90mmHg). Of the 45 cases reviewed, six were recorded as equivocal, which we interpreted to indicate more training in either performance or interpretation of the exam was needed. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that training in both the FAST exam and E-FAST has the potential to improve patient care for military trauma patients. A performance improvement system would enable real-time confirmation of findings and feedback for training and quality improvement.


Subject(s)
Emergency Medical Services , Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma , Humans , Point-of-Care Systems , Registries , Ultrasonography
10.
Clin Cancer Res ; 27(20): 5566-5575, 2021 10 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34285062

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), TP53 mutations are associated with reduced survival and resistance to standard chemoimmunotherapy (CIT). Nevertheless, the clinical impact of subclonal TP53 mutations below 10% to 15% variant allele frequency (VAF) remains unclear. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Using a training/validation approach, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical and biological features of TP53 mutations above (high-VAF) or below (low-VAF) the previously reported 10.0% VAF threshold, as determined by deep next-generation sequencing. Clinical impact of low-VAF TP53 mutations was also confirmed in a cohort (n = 251) of CLL treated with fludarabine-cyclophosphamide-rituximab (FCR) or FCR-like regimens from two UK trials. RESULTS: In the training cohort, 97 of 684 patients bore 152 TP53 mutations, while in the validation cohort, 71 of 536 patients had 109 TP53 mutations. In both cohorts, patients with the TP53 mutation experienced significantly shorter overall survival (OS) than TP53 wild-type patients, regardless of the TP53 mutation VAF. By combining TP53 mutation and 17p13.1 deletion (del17p) data in the total cohort (n = 1,220), 113 cases were TP53 mutated only (73/113 with low-VAF mutations), 55 del17p/TP53 mutated (3/55 with low-VAF mutations), 20 del17p only, and 1,032 (84.6%) TP53 wild-type. A model including low-VAF cases outperformed the canonical model, which considered only high-VAF cases (c-indices 0.643 vs. 0.603, P < 0.0001), and improved the prognostic risk stratification of CLL International Prognostic Index. Clinical results were confirmed in CIT-treated cases (n = 552) from the retrospective cohort, and the UK trials cohort. CONCLUSIONS: TP53 mutations affected OS regardless of VAF. This finding can be used to update the definition of TP53 mutated CLL for clinical purposes.


Subject(s)
Gene Frequency , Genetic Variation , Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics , Mutation , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics , Humans , Prognosis , Retrospective Studies , Survival Rate , Time Factors
11.
Turk J Anaesthesiol Reanim ; 48(5): 391-398, 2020 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33103144

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of heated irrigation fluids in the risk of hypothermia and related complications in patients undergoing transurethral procedures. METHODS: The medical records of all patients who underwent transurethral procedures between 2000 and 2016 at the VA Hospital were reviewed. Irrigation fluids have been heated to 42°C since 2013, as per the institutional policy (Group II). Prior to this date, room temperature solutions were used (Group I). The perioperative body temperature, use of warming devices, procedure length, and anaesthesia type were extracted from records and compared for both groups. In addition, demographic and anthropometric data, preoperative comorbidities, laboratory data, admission information and postoperative complications were obtained from the quality improvement database. RESULTS: There were 1,363 patients in Group I and 269 patients in Group II. Perioperative temperature was decreased by 0.10°C in Group I compared to a temperature gain of 0.32°C in Group II (p<0.001). Three hundred and forty-eight (21%) patients undergoing transurethral procedures developed hypothermia <36°C. There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative mortality or complications between the normothermic and hypothermic patients. CONCLUSION: The replacement of room temperature solutions with warmed solutions for irrigation during transurethral procedures reduced the risk of temperature loss and hypothermia following these procedures. Available heating strategies effectively prevented the perioperative heat loss; however, such strategies did not affect the incidence of postoperative complications.

12.
Br J Anaesth ; 125(3): 346-357, 2020 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32611524

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and intensity of persistent post-surgical pain (PPSP) after breast cancer surgery are uncertain. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to further elucidate this issue. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, from inception to November 2018, for observational studies reporting persistent pain (≥3 months) after breast cancer surgery. We used random-effects meta-analysis and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations approach to rate quality of evidence. RESULTS: We included 187 observational studies with 297 612 breast cancer patients. The prevalence of PPSP ranged from 2% to 78%, median 37% (inter-quartile range: 22-48%); the pooled prevalence was 35% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 32-39%). The pooled pain intensity was 3.9 cm on a 10 cm visual analogue scale (95% CI: 3.6-4.2 cm). Moderate-quality evidence supported the subgroup effects of PPSP prevalence for localized pain vs any pain (29% vs 44%), moderate or greater vs any pain (26% vs 44%), clinician-assessed vs patient-reported pain (23% vs 36%), and whether patients underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy vs axillary lymph node dissection (26% vs 43%). The adjusted analysis found that the prevalence of patient-reported PPSP (any severity/location) was 46% (95% CI: 36-56%), and the prevalence of patient-reported moderate-to-severe PPSP at any location was 27% (95% CI: 10-43%). CONCLUSIONS: Moderate-quality evidence suggests that almost half of all women undergoing breast cancer surgery develop persistent post-surgical pain, and about one in four develop moderate-to-severe persistent post-surgical pain; the higher prevalence was associated with axillary lymph node dissection. Future studies should explore whether nerve sparing for axillary procedures reduces persistent post-surgical pain after breast cancer surgery.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms/surgery , Chronic Pain/epidemiology , Observational Studies as Topic , Pain, Postoperative/epidemiology , Breast Neoplasms/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Prevalence , Severity of Illness Index
13.
Cancers (Basel) ; 12(4)2020 Apr 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32272636

ABSTRACT

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a heterogeneous disease with a variable clinical course. Novel biomarkers discovered over the past 20 years have revolutionized the way clinicians approach prognostication and treatment especially in the chemotherapy-free era. Herein, we review the best established prognostic and predictive biomarkers in the setting of chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) and novel targeted therapy. We propose that TP53 disruption (defined as either TP53 mutation or chromosome 17p deletion), unmutated immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region gene status (UM IGHV), NOTCH1 mutation, and CD49d expression are the strongest prognosticators of disease progression and overall survival in the field of novel biomarkers including recurrent gene mutations. We also highlight the predictive role of TP53 disruption, UM IGHV, and NOTCH1 mutation in the setting of CIT and TP53 disruption and CD49d expression in the setting of novel targeted therapy employing B-cell receptor (BCR) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2) inhibition. Finally, we discuss future directions in the field of biomarker development to identify those with relapsed/refractory disease at risk for progression despite treatment with novel therapies.

14.
J Surg Educ ; 77(4): 986-990, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32217126

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine baseline knowledge of emergency medicine (EM) residents at 2 different residency training programs and assess if a 4-week orthopedic surgery rotation would improve musculoskeletal (MSK) knowledge as assessed by the basic competency exam (BCE). This study also sought to compare variations of the BCE to determine how emergency physicians would perform on the full 25-question assessment vs a modified 18-question test. DESIGN: Residents from 2 different EM residency training programs were given the BCE to determine baseline MSK knowledge prior to their orthopedic surgery rotations. A postrotation BCE was given to the residents from both EM training programs upon completion of their orthopedic surgery rotation. Both prerotation and postrotation tests were reviewed and scored independently by a panel of experts and later assessed by 2 independent reviewers. SETTING: San Antonio Military Medical Center, SA Tx Level I Trauma, Tertiary Care Center University of Texas Health, SA, Tx, Level 1 Trauma, Tertiary Care Center. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 54 EM residents completed both the prerotation test and pos-rotation test. RESULTS: EM residents at both programs had significantly improved test scores after an orthopedic surgery rotation. Baselines scores of PGY-2 residents were higher than PGY-1 residents. CONCLUSIONS: EM residents can improve their competency in MSK education with a 4-week rotation in orthopedic surgery. Further studies are needed to determine knowledge retention and to identify components of an optimal orthopedic rotation.


Subject(s)
Emergency Medicine , Internship and Residency , Orthopedic Procedures , Orthopedics , Clinical Competence , Education, Medical, Graduate , Emergency Medicine/education , Humans , Orthopedics/education
15.
J Eval Clin Pract ; 26(1): 50-55, 2020 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31012211

ABSTRACT

RATIONALE AND AIMS: Sugammadex is a novel neuromuscular blockade reversal agent which rapidly reverses the effects of rocuronium and vecuronium. Compared with the first-generation neuromuscular blockade reversal agent, neostigmine, sugammadex has a number of superior properties; however, sugammadex is significantly more expensive per dose compared with neostigmine (~CAD$95 vs $4). Given the high cost of sugammadex, many Ontario hospitals either do not stock the drug or have specific policies on when the drug can be administered. This study was designed to determine access to sugammadex in Ontario hospitals, as well as the prevalence and content of institutional policies on its use. METHODS: We designed a survey assessing the availability of sugammadex and institutional policies on its use. We identified 60 Ontario hospitals with surgical services and obtained contact information for 45 of the anaesthesia departments. Surveys were sent to each department chief, and results were collected from July to October 2018. RESULTS: Thirty-four (75.6%) hospitals responded to the survey. Twenty-seven (79.4%) of the 34 respondent hospitals had sugammadex. Of the seven hospitals that did not have sugammadex, six were group B hospitals, and one was a paediatric hospital. Of the 27 hospitals with sugammadex, 16 (59.3%) hospitals had specific policies on when sugammadex may be used. Based on policies, sugammadex was most frequently allowed to be used in emergency situations, especially failed intubations or "can't intubate, can't ventilate" situations where 100% of policies allowed its use. Policies on specific patient populations for sugammadex use were uncommon, with 43.8% of existing hospital policies not specifying any patient populations. CONCLUSIONS: Though most hospitals have sugammadex available, there is a marked heterogeneity in hospital policies on its use. Given the high cost of sugammadex use, it is worthwhile to have evidence-based policies on its use. Judicious use of sugammadex may also have secondary cost-saving benefits, through improved operating room efficiency and decreased complication rates.


Subject(s)
Neuromuscular Blockade , Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents , gamma-Cyclodextrins , Child , Hospitals , Humans , Ontario , Organizational Policy , Sugammadex
16.
Haematologica ; 105(6): 1613-1620, 2020 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31582547

ABSTRACT

We present a laboratory-based prognostic calculator (designated CRO score) to risk stratify treatment-free survival in early stage (Rai 0) chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) developed using a training-validation model in a series of 1,879 cases from Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States. By means of regression analysis, we identified five prognostic variables with weighting as follows: deletion of the short arm of chromosome 17 and unmutated immunoglobulin heavy chain gene status, 2 points; deletion of the long arm of chromosome 11, trisomy of chromosome 12, and white blood cell count >32.0x103/microliter, 1 point. Low-, intermediate- and high-risk categories were established by recursive partitioning in a training cohort of 478 cases, and then validated in four independent cohorts of 144 / 395 / 540 / 322 cases, as well as in the composite validation cohort. Concordance indices were 0.75 in the training cohort and ranged from 0.63 to 0.74 in the four validation cohorts (0.69 in the composite validation cohort). These findings advocate potential application of our novel prognostic calculator to better stratify early-stage CLL, and aid case selection in risk-adapted treatment for early disease. Furthermore, they support immunocytogenetic analysis in Rai 0 CLL being performed at the time of diagnosis to aid prognosis and treatment, particularly in today's chemofree era.


Subject(s)
Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell , Humans , Italy , Laboratories , Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/diagnosis , Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics , Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/therapy , Mutation , Prognosis , United Kingdom
17.
Transfusion ; 59(S2): 1601-1607, 2019 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30980751

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable trauma-related mortality and is frequently aggravated by acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC). Viscoelastic tests such as rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) may improve identification and management of ATC. This study aimed to prospectively evaluate changes in ROTEM among combat casualties during the first 24 hours and compare the capabilities of our conventional clotting assay (international normalized ratio [INR], >1.2) to a proposed integrated ROTEM model (INR >1.2 with the addition of tissue factor pathway activation thromboelastometry [EXTEM] A5 ≤35 mm and/or EXTEM LI30 <97% on admission) to identify ATC and predict massive transfusion (MT). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a prospective observational study of trauma patients treated in NATO hospitals in Afghanistan between January 2012 and June 2013. ROTEM (EXTEM, functional fibrinogen thromboelastometry, APTEM, EXTEM with the addition of a fibrinolysis inhibitor) was performed on admission and at 6 and 24 hours by a designated research team. Treatment teams did not have access to the ROTEM results. RESULTS: ROTEM values were available for 40 male casualties. The integrated ROTEM model classified 15% more patients with ATC than with INR alone and increased the detection of those that required MT by 22%. The sensitivity of the integrated ROTEM model to predict MT was higher than with INR greater than 1.2 (86% vs. 64%); however, specificity with both definitions for predicting MT was poor (38% vs. 50%, respectively). CONCLUSION: These observations support the importance of early identification of and intervention in ATC. Integrating ROTEM into the definition of ATC would increase detection of those requiring MT arguing for its use as an adjunct to clinical presentation in the ultimate decision to initiate MT.


Subject(s)
Blood Coagulation Disorders , Clinical Decision-Making , Hemorrhage , International Normalized Ratio , Models, Biological , Thrombelastography , Wounds and Injuries , Adolescent , Adult , Afghan Campaign 2001- , Afghanistan , Blood Coagulation Disorders/blood , Blood Coagulation Disorders/therapy , Hemorrhage/blood , Hemorrhage/therapy , Hospitals, Military , Humans , Male , Military Personnel , Predictive Value of Tests , Prospective Studies , Wounds and Injuries/blood , Wounds and Injuries/therapy
18.
J Endourol ; 33(5): 383-388, 2019 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30869541

ABSTRACT

Introduction: There is paucity of literature about the validation of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP®) surgical risk calculator for prediction of outcomes after robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). We sought to evaluate the accuracy of the ACS NSQIP surgical risk calculator in the patients who underwent RARC at our institute. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our prospectively maintained database for patients who underwent RARC between 2005 and 2017. Accuracy of the ACS NSQIP surgical risk calculator was assessed, by comparing the rate of actual complication events after surgery with the receiver operating characteristics curve analysis by calculating the fractional area under the curve (AUC) and the Brier score (BS). We utilized the code number 51595 and 51596 in the ACS NSQIP calculator for the patients undergoing radical cystectomy and reconstructed with the ileal conduit and neobladder, respectively. Results: A total of 462 patients were included in this study: 99 (22%) had diabetes, 302 (66%) had hypertension requiring medication, and 241 (52%) were classified as high American Society of Anesthesiologists (≥3) class. The actual observed rates of any complication and serious complications were 48% and 11%, vs 29% and 25% predicted by the ACS NSQIP, respectively. The actual mean length of hospital stay (10.6 ± 7.8 days) was longer compared with the predicted length (8.5 ± 1.6 days). AUC values were low and the BSs were high for any complication (AUC: 0.50 and BS: 0.29), serious complication (AUC: 0.53 and BS: 0.12), urinary tract infection (AUC: 0.61 and BS: 0.14), renal insufficiency (AUC: 0.64 and BS: 0.08), return to operation room (AUC: 0.58 and BS: 0.07), and early readmission (AUC: 0.55 and BS: 0.11, respectively). Conclusions: The ACS NSQIP calculator demonstrated low accuracy in predicting postoperative outcomes after RARC. These findings highlight the need for development of procedure- and technique-specific RARC calculators.


Subject(s)
Cystectomy/standards , Decision Support Techniques , Robotics/standards , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Area Under Curve , Female , Humans , Male , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Quality Improvement , ROC Curve , Retrospective Studies , Risk Assessment , Sensitivity and Specificity , United States
19.
Clin Pract Cases Emerg Med ; 2(2): 173-174, 2018 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29849243
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