Impacto en la calidad de vida y bienestar emocional de pacientes con cáncer de próstata según el tratamiento recibido / Impact on the quality of life and emotional well-being of patients with prostate cancer according to the treatment received

Describir y sintetizar la evidencia existente sobre el impacto en la calidad de vida y el bienestar emocional de los pacientes con cáncer de próstata según la intervención recibida. Realizamos una revisión de la literatura en cuatro bases de datos (Medline, Embase, Bolsa de Valores en Salud [BVS] y PsycNet), incluyendo términos relacionados con cáncer de próstata, calidad de vida y bienestar emocional, y su tratamiento. Incluimos 36 artículos, los cuales señalan un impacto por parte de todas las terapias evaluadas, que, a la vez, puede estar mediado en parte por el curso natural de la enfermedad u otros factores asociados. Se encontró a los síntomas relacionados con la función urinaria y sexual de los pacientes a largo plazo como más prevalentes en el impacto negativo de la calidad de vida. No obstante, algunos estudios mostraron una mejoría en la calidad de vida de los pacientes años después de iniciar el tratamiento, lo cual puede estar relacionado con un proceso adaptativo, y con el fenómeno de response shift. Los diferentes tratamientos para el cáncer de próstata tienen un efecto en la calidad de vida impactando en las actividades de la vida cotidiana, lo cual hace pertinente la valoración y el seguimiento en salud mental periódico y oportuno, con enfoques cognitivos y educativos para tratar los síntomas de salud mental y disminuir su carga de la enfermedad.

To describe and synthesize the existing evidence on the impact on the quality of life and emotional well-being of patients with prostate cancer according to the intervention received. We reviewed the literature in four databases (Medline, Embase, Bolsa de Valores en Salud [BVS], and PsycNet), including terms related to the treatment of prostate cancer, quality of life, and emotional well-being, and prostate cancer. We include 36 articles, which indicate an impact on the part of all the therapies evaluated, which, at the same time, may be mediated in part by the natural course of the disease or other associated factors. Symptoms related to urinary and sexual function of long-term patients were found to be more prevalent in negatively impacting the quality of life. However, some studies showed improved patient quality of life years after starting treatment, which may be related to an adaptive process and the response shift phenomenon. The different treatments for prostate cancer affect the quality of life due to the impact on activities of daily living. It makes periodic and timely assessment and follow-up in mental health pertinent, with cognitive and educational approaches for treating mental health symptoms and decreasing their symptoms burden of disease.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound for the Evaluation of Neck Masses in the Pediatric Emergency Department: A Case Series.

ABSTRACT: Point-of-care ultrasound can be an effective tool for pediatric emergency medicine providers in the evaluation of soft tissue lesions. We present a series of 4 pediatric patients with neck lesions in whom point-of-care ultrasound identified the type of lesion, guided decision-making on the need for computed tomography imaging, and led to definitive management.

Replacing Computed Tomography with "Rapid" Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Ventricular Shunt Imaging.

INTRODUCTION: Children with ventricular shunts undergo frequent neuroimaging, and therefore, radiation exposures, to evaluate shunt malfunctions. The objective of this study was to safely reduce radiation exposure in this population by reducing computed tomography (CT) and increasing "rapid" magnetic resonance imaging (rMRI-shunt) among patients warranting neuroimaging for possible shunt malfunction. METHODS: This was a single-center quality improvement study in a tertiary care pediatric emergency department (ED). We implemented a multidisciplinary guideline for ED shunt evaluation, which promoted the use of rMRI-shunt over CT. We included patients younger than 18 years undergoing an ED shunt evaluation during 11 months of the preintervention and 25 months of the intervention study periods. The primary outcome was the CT rate, and we evaluated the relevant process and balancing measures. RESULTS: There were 266 encounters preintervention and 488 during the intervention periods with similar neuroimaging rates (80.7% versus 81.5%, P = 0.8.) CT decreased from 90.1% to 34.8% (difference -55.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -71.1, -25.8), and rMRI-shunt increased from 9.9% to 65.2% (difference 55.3%, 95% CI: 25.8, 71.1) during the preintervention and intervention periods, respectively. There were increases in the mean time to neuroimaging (53.1 min; [95% CI: 41.6, 64.6]) and ED length of stay (LOS) (52.3 min; [95% CI: 36.8, 67.6]), without changes in total neuroimaging, 72-hour revisits, or follow-up neuroimaging. CONCLUSIONS: Multidisciplinary implementation of a standardized guideline reduced CT and increased rMRI-shunt use in a pediatric ED setting. Clinicians should balance the reduction in radiation exposure with ED rMRI-shunt for patients with ventricular shunts against the increased time of obtaining imaging and LOS.

Association of Clinical Guidelines and Decision Support with Computed Tomography Use in Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the presence of clinical guidelines and clinical decision support (CDS) for mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) are associated with lower use of head computed tomography (CT). STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 45 pediatric emergency departments (EDs) in the Pediatric Hospital Information System from 2015 through 2019. We included children discharged with mTBI and surveyed ED clinical directors to ascertain the presence and implementation year of clinical guidelines and CDS. The association of clinical guidelines and CDS with CT use was assessed, adjusting for relevant confounders. As secondary outcomes, we evaluated ED length of stay and rates of 3-day ED revisits and admissions after revisits. RESULTS: There were 216 789 children discharged with mTBI, and CT was performed during 20.3% (44 114/216 789) of ED visits. Adjusted hospital-specific CT rates ranged from 11.8% to 34.7% (median 20.5%, IQR 17.3%, 24.3%). Of the 45 EDs, 17 (37.8%) had a clinical guideline, 9 (20.0%) had CDS, and 19 (42.2%) had neither. Compared with EDs with neither a clinical guideline nor CDS, visits to EDs with CDS (aOR 0.52 [0.47, 0.58]) or a clinical guideline (aOR 0.83 [0.78, 0.89]) had lower odds of including a CT for mTBI. ED length of stay and revisit rates did not differ based on the presence of a clinical guideline or CDS. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical guidelines for mTBI, and particularly CDS, were associated with lower rates of head CT use without adverse clinical outcomes.

Low-Value Diagnostic Imaging in Children with Medicaid.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate rates and settings of low-value imaging among pediatric Medicaid beneficiaries and estimate the associated expenditures. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective longitudinal cohort study from 2014 to 2016 of children <18 years enrolled in Pennsylvania Medicaid. Outcomes were rates of low-value imaging for 5 conditions identified by diagnosis codes, healthcare settings of imaging performance, and cost based on paid amounts. RESULTS: Of the 645 767 encounters for the 5 conditions, there were 37 525 (5.8%) low-value imaging services. Per 1000 encounters, there were 246.0 radiographs for bronchiolitis, 174.0 head computed tomography (CT) studies for minor head trauma, 155.0 and 33.3 neuroimaging studies for headache and simple febrile seizure, respectively, and 19.5 abdominal CT scans (without prior ultrasound examination) for abdominal pain. Rates of low-value imaging were highest in non-Hispanic White children and those in rural areas. In adjusted analysis, non-Hispanic White children were more likely to receive a CT scan for abdominal pain, and Black children were more likely to have imaging for bronchiolitis and minor head trauma. For individual conditions, up to 87.9% of low-value imaging (CT scan for minor head trauma) was in the emergency department (ED), with most imaging across all conditions occurring in nonpediatric EDs, up to 42.2% was in the outpatient setting (neuroimaging for headache), and up to 20.7% was during inpatient encounters (neuroimaging for febrile seizure). Outpatient and ED low-value imaging resulted in more than $7 million in Medicaid expenditures. CONCLUSIONS: Among the studied conditions, more than 1 in 20 encounters included low-value imaging, mostly in nonpediatric EDs and for bronchiolitis, head trauma, and headache. Interventions are needed to decrease the future performance of these low-value services.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound Diagnosis of Perforated Appendicitis in the Pediatric Emergency Department: A Case Series.

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is being used for clinical decision making with increasing frequency across a broad range of indications in pediatric emergency medicine (PEM). We present a series of 4 patients in whom POCUS was used to facilitate a diagnosis of perforated appendicitis.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Targeted Assessment of Shock: Remember HIPP in Children.

The differential diagnosis for patients presenting in shock can be broad, making rapid diagnosis and management challenging. We present a case of a medically complex patient with presumed septic shock, diagnosed with a large pericardial effusion with evidence of tamponade using the rapid ultrasound in shock and hypotension protocol. The point-of-care ultrasound examination allowed for more timely and definitive management.

Focused Cardiac Ultrasound in Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension.

We present 2 cases of pediatric pulmonary hypertension presenting with respiratory distress. Focused cardiac ultrasound revealed findings consistent with right ventricular dilatation and elevated right ventricular pressure. These findings, in conjunction with the clinical presentation, allowed for early identification and rapid evaluation of a pathologic process that can often go unidentified. In this report, we review the relevant aspects of focused cardiac ultrasound in the setting of pulmonary hypertension.

Referring Hospital Characteristics Associated With Potentially Avoidable Emergency Department Transfers.

OBJECTIVE: Many emergency department (ED) transfers of children may be avoidable. Identifying hospital-level variables associated with avoidable transfers may guide system-level interventions to improve pediatric emergency care. We sought to examine hospital characteristics associated with ED transfers deemed "probably avoidable" in a large state Medicaid program. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study using 2009 to 2013 claims data for Pennsylvania Medicaid beneficiaries. We categorized all ED transfers of children < 17 years old as "probably avoidable," "possibly avoidable", or "unavoidable" based on ultimate disposition and procedures (including subspecialty consultations) at the receiving ED. Using descriptive statistics and multivariable regression, we examined hospital characteristics associated with probably avoidable transfers. RESULTS: Among 2,839,379 pediatric visits to EDs across 158 Pennsylvania hospitals, 20,304 resulted in transfer. Among these, 3,764 (18.5%) were categorized as probably avoidable and 6,091 (30.0%) as possibly avoidable transfers. In adjusted analysis, compared to hospitals with no pediatric-specific capabilities, probably avoidable transfers were less likely from referring hospitals with pediatric-specific EDs and no other pediatric-specific capabilities (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.38, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.21-0.71) and from referring hospitals with pediatric-specific EDs and inpatient capabilities (aOR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.20-0.64). Probably avoidable transfers were more likely from referring hospitals in large metropolitan areas (aOR = 2.64, 95% CI = 1.46-4.80) compared to those in rural areas. CONCLUSIONS: Among pediatric emergency transfers in a large state Medicaid program with a nearly 20% probably avoidable transfer rate, there was significant hospital-level variation in the proportion of probably avoidable transfers. Transfers from hospitals in large metropolitan areas and transfers from hospitals without pediatric-specific capabilities had increased odds of being probably avoidable transfers, such that these hospitals may represent targets for interventions to reduce these transfers.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Acute Neonatal Ascites.

We present a 4-week-old neonate with acute onset of bloody stools and abdominal distention. Point-of-care ultrasound performed in the emergency department allowed for rapid diagnosis of a large amount of free intra-abdominal fluid, which together with the physical findings, prompted emergent operative exploration revealing chylous ascites. Although no areas of active volvulus were identified intraoperatively, findings in the case were suggestive of small bowel volvulus and deemed as the most likely etiology for this patient's presentation. In this report, we review the relevant aspects of ultrasonography for ascites and discuss the diagnosis of chylous ascites.

Delayed Diagnoses in Children with Constipation: Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: The use of abdominal radiographs contributes to increased healthcare costs, radiation exposure, and potentially to misdiagnoses. We evaluated the association between abdominal radiograph performance and emergency department (ED) revisits with important alternate diagnosis among children with constipation. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study of children aged <18 years diagnosed with constipation at one of 23 EDs from 2004 to 2015. The primary exposure was abdominal radiograph performance. The primary outcome was a 3-day ED revisit with a clinically important alternate diagnosis. RAND/University of California, Los Angeles methodology was used to define whether the revisit was related to the index visit and due to a clinically important condition other than constipation. Regression analysis was performed to identify exposures independently related to the primary outcome. RESULTS: A total of 65.7% (185 439/282 225) of children with constipation had an index ED visit abdominal radiograph performed. Three-day revisits occurred in 3.7% (10 566/282 225) of children, and 0.28% (784/282 225) returned with a clinically important alternate related diagnosis. Appendicitis was the most common such revisit, accounting for 34.1% of all 3-day clinically important related revisits. Children who had an abdominal radiograph performed were more likely to have a 3-day revisit with a clinically important alternate related diagnosis (0.33% vs 0.17%; difference 0.17%; 95% CI 0.13-0.20). Following adjustment for covariates, abdominal radiograph performance was associated with a 3-day revisit with a clinically important alternate diagnosis (aOR: 1.39; 95% CI 1.15-1.67). Additional characteristics associated with the primary outcome included narcotic (aOR: 2.63) and antiemetic (aOR: 2.35) administration and underlying comorbidities (aOR: 2.52). CONCLUSIONS: Among children diagnosed with constipation, abdominal radiograph performance is associated with an increased risk of a revisit with a clinically important alternate related diagnosis.

Splenic Rupture and Liver Laceration in an Adolescent With Autism Spectrum Disorder.

We report a case of a 16-year-old adolescent boy with autism who presented to the pediatric emergency department after falling from a standing position, with a relatively benign examination, who was found to have significant hemoperitoneum on the focused assessment with sonography in trauma examination.

An Infant Diagnosed With Hydrocephalus by Point-of-Care Ultrasound.

Point-of-care ultrasound has become a valuable tool for pediatric emergency physicians, with an increasing number of indications being described. In this case presentation, we demonstrate the use of point-of-care ultrasound in the pediatric emergency department to diagnose ventriculomegaly in an infant presenting with a seizure.

Impact of Chronic Conditions on Emergency Department Visits of Children Using Medicaid.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of chronic conditions on children's emergency department (ED) use. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of 1 850 027 ED visits in 2010 by 3 250 383 children ages 1-21 years continuously enrolled in Medicaid from 10 states included in the Truven Marketscan Medicaid Database. The main outcome was the annual ED visit rate not resulting in hospitalization per 1000 enrollees. We compared rates by enrollees' characteristics, including type and number of chronic conditions, and medical technology (eg, gastrostomy, tracheostomy), using Poisson regression. To assess chronic conditions, we used the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Chronic Condition Indicator system, assigning chronic conditions with ED visit rates ≥75th percentile as having the "highest" visit rates. RESULTS: The overall annual ED visit rate was 569 per 1000 enrollees. As the number of the children's chronic conditions increased from 0 to ≥3, visit rates increased by 180% (from 376 to 1053 per 1000 enrollees, P < .001). Rates were 174% higher in children assisted with vs without medical technology (1546 vs 565, P < .001). Sickle cell anemia, epilepsy, and asthma were among the chronic conditions associated with the highest ED visit rates (all ≥1003 per 1000 enrollees). CONCLUSIONS: The highest ED visit rates resulting in discharge to home occurred in children with multiple chronic conditions, technology assistance, and specific conditions such as sickle cell anemia. Future studies should assess the preventability of ED visits in these populations and identify opportunities for reducing their ED use.

The Burden of Ionizing Radiation Studies in Children with Ventricular Shunts.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the number of shunt-related imaging studies that patients with ventricular shunts undergo and to calculate the proportion of computed tomography (CT) scans associated with a surgical intervention. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective longitudinal cohort analysis of patients up to age 22 years with a shunt placed January 2002 through December 2003 at a pediatric hospital. Primary outcome was the number of head CT scans, shunt series radiograph, skull radiographs, nuclear medicine, and brain magnetic resonance imaging studies for 10 years following shunt placement. Secondary outcome was surgical interventions performed within 7 days of a head CT. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. RESULTS: Patients (n = 130) followed over 10 years comprised the study cohort. The most common reasons for shunt placement were congenital hydrocephalus (30%), obstructive hydrocephalus (19%), and atraumatic hemorrhage (18%), and 97% of shunts were ventriculoperitoneal. Patients underwent a median of 8.5 head CTs, 3.0 shunt series radiographs, 1.0 skull radiographs, 0 nuclear medicine studies, and 1.0 brain magnetic resonance imaging scans over the 10 years following shunt placement. The frequency of head CT scans was greatest in the first year after shunt placement (median 2.0 CTs). Of 1411 head CTs in the cohort, 237 resulted in surgical intervention within 7 days (17%, 95% CI 15%-19%). CONCLUSIONS: Children with ventricular shunts have been exposed to large numbers of imaging studies that deliver radiation and most do not result in a surgical procedure. This suggests a need to improve the process of evaluating for ventricular shunt malfunction and minimize radiation exposure.

Emergency Department Point-of-Care Hip Ultrasound and Its Role in the Diagnosis of Septic Hip Arthritis: A Case Report.

We present a case of an 11-year-old girl with eye swelling and hip pain and the use of point-of-care hip ultrasound (US) to facilitate diagnosis of a septic hip. We review the US technique, sonographic findings, and relevant literature regarding point-of-care hip US.

Diagnosis of Cystic Teratoma Facilitated by Point-of-Care Ultrasonography.

Abdominal pain and constipation are common chief complaints in the pediatric emergency department. We present a case of a child with pain, abdominal distention, and constipation ultimately diagnosed with an ovarian teratoma and the role of point-of-care ultrasonography in the evaluation.