Association of day of surgery and distance traveled with length of stay in patients undergoing robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) at a tertiary medical center.

The objective of this study is to analyze the association between surgical day of the week and distance traveled with prolonged length of stay (LOS) following robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). 563 consecutive RAPN performed by a single surgeon were evaluated. Early week RAPN was considered Monday through Wednesday, while late-week RAPN was defined as surgery performed Thursday through Friday. Distance traveled for RAPN was evaluated as greater than or less than 60 miles. The respective groups were compared to see if the surgical day of the week or distance traveled influenced the hospital stay or prolonged hospital stay (defined as hospital length of stay equal or greater than 3 days). Overall, 213 patients (38.0%) undergoing RAPN experienced a prolonged LOS. A total of 380 patients underwent early week RAPN compared to 183 late-week RAPN. Patients undergoing late-week RAPN were more likely to have a prolonged LOS compared to early week RAPN (n = 81, 44% vs. n = 133, 35%, respectively; p = 0.004). 229 patients traveled less than 60 miles, while 332 patients traveled more than 60 miles to receive RAPN. 135 patients (40.7%) traveling more than 60 miles experienced a prolonged stay compared to 78 patients (34.1%) traveling less than 60 miles, although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.128). Patients who underwent RAPN at the end of the week were more likely to have a prolonged LOS, while distance traveled for RAPN did not appear to affect likelihood of prolonged LOS.

Factors Associated With Half- and Full-Marathon Race-Related Injuries: A 3-Year Review.

OBJECTIVE: To better evaluate the relationships between training, demographics, and injury, this study sought to define race-related injury risk factors for half- and full-marathon runners. DESIGN: This 3-year, observational cross-sectional study included adults who participated in a half or full marathon. Prerace and 2-week postrace surveys collected data on demographics, training factors, and injuries. SETTING: This study took place during a nationally recognized marathon affiliated with a local hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Runners were recruited during the Expo in the days before the race. Postrace surveys were returned by 1043 half marathoners and 624 full marathoners (response rate, 83%). INTERVENTIONS: This was an observational study; independent variables included demographic data and race year. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The primary outcome was race-related injury that occurred during the race or within 2 weeks after the race. RESULTS: Race-related injuries were reported by 24% of half marathoners and 30% of full marathoners. For half and full marathoners, respectively, significant factors for injuries were previous injury, lower peak weekly training mileage, and lower weekly mileage before race training. Factors significant for only half-marathon injuries were younger age, female sex, shorter distance of longest training run, and no formal training program. Factors significant for only full-marathon injuries were higher body mass index, fewer days running per week, and fewer years of running experience. CONCLUSIONS: Previous running injuries, undertraining, and inexperience increased race-related injury risk; women had higher risk than men. Decreased risk of injury was associated with training loads of greater than 23 miles/week for half marathoners and 40 miles/week for full marathoners.

Use of a simulation-based advanced resuscitation training curriculum: Impact on cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality and patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Despite a continued focus on improved cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality, survival remains low from in-hospital cardiac arrest. Advanced Resuscitation Training has been shown to improve survival to hospital discharge and survival with good neurological outcome following in-hospital cardiac arrest at its home institution. We sought to determine if Advanced Resuscitation Training implementation would improve patient outcomes and cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality at our institution. METHODS: This was a prospective, before-after study of adult in-hospital cardiac arrest victims who had cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed. During phase 1, standard institution cardiopulmonary resuscitation training was provided. During phase 2, providers received the same quantity of training, but with emphasis on Advanced Resuscitation Training principles. Primary outcomes were return of spontaneous circulation, survival to hospital discharge, and neurologically favorable survival. Secondary outcomes were cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality parameters. RESULTS: A total of 156 adult in-hospital cardiac arrests occurred during the study period. Rates of return of spontaneous circulation improved from 58.1 to 86.3% with an adjusted odds ratios of 5.31 (95% CI: 2.23-14.35, P < 0.001). Survival to discharge increased from 26.7 to 41.2%, adjusted odds ratios 2.17 (95% CI: 1.02-4.67, P < 0.05). Survival with a good neurological outcome increased from 24.8 to 35.3%, but was not statistically significant. Target chest compression rate increased from 30.4% of patients in P1 to 65.6% in P2, adjusted odds ratios 4.27 (95% CI: 1.72-11.12, P = 0.002), and target depth increased from 23.2% in P1 to 46.9% in P2, adjusted odds ratios 2.92 (95% CI: 1.16-7.54, P = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: After Advanced Resuscitation Training implementation, there were significant improvements in cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality and rates of return of spontaneous circulation and survival to discharge.

Demographic, Clinical, and Radiologic Characteristics of a Cohort of Patients with Takayasu Arteritis.

BACKGROUND: Takayasu arteritis is a rare large-vessel vasculitis that predominantly affects females of Asian descent. This retrospective analysis was performed to increase understanding of the epidemiology of the disease in the United States. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study in 2 tertiary centers. Patients were selected according to the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for Takayasu arteritis. Data collected included demographic characteristics and details of physical examinations, treatments, and surgical interventions. Data were managed with REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) tools. RESULTS: The study included 57 patients. The female:male ratio was 4.2:1, the median age at diagnosis was 29 years, 61.4% of the patients were Caucasians, and 86% of the patients had stenosis on imaging. Hata V was the most common angiographic classification (37.5% of patients). Vascular interventions were required in 43.9% of patients. The most frequent complications were hypertension (56.1%), renal artery stenosis (28.1%), and aortic insufficiency (19.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Takayasu arteritis continues to be a rare large-vessel vasculitis. In the United States, it tends to affect predominantly Caucasian females, with cervicobrachial involvement. This cohort reflects the morbidity, multiple interventions, and complications experienced by patients with Takayasu arteritis.

The effect of scoliosis on surface landmarks for lumbar plexus block: a MRI-based retrospective case-control series.

BACKGROUND: Degenerative scoliosis (DS) may affect surface landmarks for performance of lumbar plexus (LP) block. We hypothesized the extent of any difference in surface landmarks could be calculated by a formula based on measured degree of DS, body mass index, sex, and age. METHODS: We retrospectively searched our radiology database until 113 consecutive adult patients with DS were identified with lumbar spine radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging examinations performed. Pertinent surface landmark measurements at the L4 vertebral body level were recorded and compared to 50 controls. RESULTS: In patients with severe DS, there is a mean lateral deviation of the needle tip of 1.53 cm (0-3 cm) on the concave side and mean medial deviation of the needle tip of 0.35 cm (0-1.5 cm) on the convex side using typical bony landmarks. We found a significant correlation between body mass index and LP depth with a correlation coefficient ranging between 0.53 and 0.71. We found potential risk of organ injury in two of 13 patients with severe DS using traditional surface landmarks. CONCLUSIONS: There is a larger degree of lateral deviation of the LP on the concave side of scoliosis compared to medial deviation on the convex side. These deviations remained consistent irrespective of the direction of scoliosis. A review of the imaging studies and preprocedural ultrasound assessment of anatomy should be strongly considered prior to needle puncture. In patients with severe DS, an alternative approach may be considered to avoid the possibility of visceral organ injury.

Simulation: An Effective Method of Teaching Cosmetic Botulinum Toxin Injection Technique.

BACKGROUND: Learning to inject botulinum toxin for cosmetic purposes is difficult for beginners, given the nature of the procedure and patient population. Simulation training is an effective modality for medical professionals to acquire skills in an environment that provides low stress and ample opportunity for questions and correction of mistakes. OBJECTIVES: Compare posttraining comfort, knowledge, and practical botulinum toxin injection scores among trainees who underwent simulation vs video training only. METHODS: A total of 20 nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and resident physicians underwent cosmetic botulinum toxin injection training either through lecture and video, or lecture and hands-on simulation training. Comfort, knowledge, and practical test scores were recorded and compared between the groups. RESULTS: There was no evidence of a statistically significant difference in comfort or knowledge scores between simulation and video groups. The median (range) practical score was significantly higher in the simulation group compared to the video group (59.0 [31-60] vs 44.5 [27-57]; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Despite feeling similarly comfortable and having similar written knowledge test scores, the trainees who underwent simulation training had significantly higher hands-on practical test scores compared to trainees who underwent video training only for cosmetic botulinum toxin injections.

Von Willebrand factor multimer quantitation for assessment of cardiac lesion severity and bleeding risk.

BACKGROUND: von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimer quantitation has been utilized in the assessment of valvular heart disease, however, there is no standardized method for quantitation. We compared three methods of assessment which utilized a normal plasma control. METHODS: We analyzed 476 samples and their control plasma from 368 patients with valvular heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or LVAD therapy, and 27 normal subjects. VWF multimers were assessed as normalized VWF multimer ratios (NMR) of gel bands >15/2-15 (NMR15) or gel bands >10/2-10 (NMR10). Associations of VWF laboratory and multimeric assessments with cardiac lesion severity and acquired bleeding were investigated. RESULTS: Abnormal multimers were present in 78% of patients with moderate to severe hemodynamic abnormalities compared to 19% of patients with normal or mildly abnormal hemodynamics. NMR showed strong association with severe cardiac lesions (NMR15: OR 15.29, CI 9.04-27.18; NMR10: OR 14.18, CI 8.88-23.21). PFA-CADP was strongly associated with moderate to severe cardiac lesions (OR 14.91, CI 9.08-24.50). PFA-CADP and NMR15 showed excellent ability to discriminate ≥moderate (AUC 0.86, CI 0.83-0.89 and 0.83, CI 0.79-0.87 respectively) and severe cardiac lesions (AUC 0.84, CI 0.81-0.88 and 0.85, CI 0.81-0.88 respectively). NMR was less strongly associated with bleeding (OR 4.01 for NMR10, CI 2.49-6.58). CONCLUSION: Quantification of VWF multimers may provide clinical utility in circumstances where clinical estimation of cardiac lesion severity is challenging, such as with dysfunctional prosthetic valves. The presence of abnormal VWF multimers is associated with bleeding, however further quantitation provided only modest improvement in risk stratification.

Platelet Function Analyzer 100 and Brain Natriuretic Peptide as Biomarkers in Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

To test dual blood biomarkers compared with electrocardiogram (ECG) for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC) screening, we performed 3 analyses and cut-point assessments. First, we measured platelet function analyzer (PFA)-100 (n = 99) and normalized B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) or NT-proBNP (BNP/upper limit of normal [ULN], n = 92) in 64 patients with HC and 29 normal controls (NCs). Second, from the regression equation between PFA and gradient (r = 0.77), we derived estimated PFA in a population of 189 patients with functional class I HC in whom measured BNP/ULN and ECG were available, and calculated single and dual biomarker sensitivity and specificity compared with ECG. Finally, we compared BNP/ULN in class I patients based on mutation and familial history status. In 42 patients with obstructive HC versus NCs, there was a slight overlap of PFA and BNP/ULN, but for the product of PFA × BNP/ULN, there was near-complete separation of values. Among patients with class I obstructive HC, estimated PFA × BNP/ULN had a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 100%; in latent and nonobstructive HC, sensitivity dropped to 61% and 72%; for ECG in obstructive, latent, and nonobstructive HC, sensitivity was 71%, 34%, and 67%. Functional class I patients with positive (n = 28) and negative (n = 36) sarcomere mutations and a positive (n = 71) or a negative (n = 109) family history had significant elevations of BNP/ULN versus NC, with no between-group differences. In conclusion, PFA and BNP were highly associated with obstructive HC and could potentially be used for screening; BNP was not uniquely elevated in patients with familial versus nonfamilial or mutation-positive versus mutation-negative HC.

Patient portal use and hospital outcomes.

Objectives: To determine whether use of a patient portal during hospitalization is associated with improvement in hospital outcomes, 30-day readmissions, inpatient mortality, and 30-day mortality. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective propensity score-matched study that included all adult patients admitted to Mayo Clinic Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, from August 1, 2012, to July 31, 2014, who had signed up for a patient portal account prior to hospitalization (N = 7538). Results: Out of the admitted patients with a portal account, 1566 (20.8%) accessed the portal while in the hospital. Compared to patients who did not access the portal, patients who accessed the portal were younger (58.8 years vs 62.3 years), had fewer elective admissions (54.2% vs 64.1%), were more frequently admitted to medical services (45.8% vs 35.2%), and were more likely to have liver disease (21.9% vs 12.9%) and higher disease severity scores (0.653 vs 0.456). After propensity score matching, there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 cohorts with respect to 30-day readmission (P = .13), inpatient mortality (P = .82), or 30-day mortality (P = .082). Conclusion: Use of the patient portal in the inpatient setting may not improve hospital outcomes. Future research should examine the association of portal use with more immediate inpatient health outcomes such as patient experience, patient engagement, medication reconciliation, and prevention of adverse events.

Development and validation of a prediction model for adenoma detection during screening and surveillance colonoscopy with comparison to actual adenoma detection rates.

OBJECTIVE: The adenoma detection rate (ADR) varies widely between physicians, possibly due to patient population differences, hampering direct ADR comparison. We developed and validated a prediction model for adenoma detection in an effort to determine if physicians' ADRs should be adjusted for patient-related factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Screening and surveillance colonoscopy data from the cross-sectional multicenter cluster-randomized Endoscopic Quality Improvement Program-3 (EQUIP-3) study (NCT02325635) was used. The dataset was split into two cohorts based on center. A prediction model for detection of ≥1 adenoma was developed using multivariable logistic regression and subsequently internally (bootstrap resampling) and geographically validated. We compared predicted to observed ADRs. RESULTS: The derivation (5 centers, 35 physicians, overall-ADR: 36%) and validation (4 centers, 31 physicians, overall-ADR: 40%) cohort included respectively 9934 and 10034 patients (both cohorts: 48% male, median age 60 years). Independent predictors for detection of ≥1 adenoma were: age (optimism-corrected odds ratio (OR): 1.02; 95%-confidence interval (CI): 1.02-1.03), male sex (OR: 1.73; 95%-CI: 1.60-1.88), body mass index (OR: 1.02; 95%-CI: 1.01-1.03), American Society of Anesthesiology physical status class (OR class II vs. I: 1.29; 95%-CI: 1.17-1.43, OR class ≥III vs. I: 1.57; 95%-CI: 1.32-1.86), surveillance versus screening (OR: 1.39; 95%-CI: 1.27-1.53), and Hispanic or Latino ethnicity (OR: 1.13; 95%-CI: 1.00-1.27). The model's discriminative ability was modest (C-statistic in the derivation: 0.63 and validation cohort: 0.60). The observed ADR was considerably lower than predicted for 12/66 (18.2%) physicians and 2/9 (22.2%) centers, and considerably higher than predicted for 18/66 (27.3%) physicians and 4/9 (44.4%) centers. CONCLUSION: The substantial variation in ADRs could only partially be explained by patient-related factors. These data suggest that ADR variation could likely also be due to other factors, e.g. physician or technical issues.

Intra-operative predictors of postoperative Takotsubo syndrome in liver transplant recipients-An exploratory case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy or stress-induced cardiomyopathy, has been described following a variety of surgeries and disease states. The relationship between intra-operative anesthesia management and the development of this syndrome has never been fully elucidated. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to determine the relationship of multiple intra-operative factors on the pathogenesis of TTS. METHODS: A single-center retrospective review of all liver transplants performed at Mayo Clinic Florida from January 2005 to December 2014. Patients developing left ventricular dilation and a concomitant decrease in ejection fraction, a negative cardiac catheterization, or stress test within 30 days of transplantation were identified. Cases were matched 2:1 to controls with respect to MELD, age, sex, and indication for transplantation. Our evaluation included liver graft characteristics, intra-operative medications, and intra-operative hemodynamic measurements. RESULTS: We identified 24 cases of TTS from a pool of 1752 transplants, for an incidence of 1.4%. No statistically significant differences in intra-operative measures between the two groups were identified (all P ≥ .08). CONCLUSION: Our exploratory, single-center retrospective review evaluating 46 intra-operative characteristics found no association with the development of TTS.

Impact of an Endoscopic Quality Improvement Program Focused on Adenoma Detection on Sessile Serrated Adenoma/Polyp Detection.

BACKGROUND: Sessile serrated adenomas/polyps (SSA/P) are an under-recognized disease with a unique malignant pathway. Improved endoscopic recognition and pathological interpretation is needed. AIMS: To determine whether an educational intervention that improved adenoma detection rate (ADR) could improve SSA/P detection rate after reclassification of previously termed "hyperplastic" polyps. METHODS: We reanalyzed data from a prospective randomized trial of an educational intervention aimed at increasing ADR. All hyperplastic polyps ≥6 mm reported in a previously published study were rereviewed and reclassified using standardized criteria for serrated lesions. Detection rates of sessile serrated adenomas/polyps and other clinically relevant serrated polyps were calculated in the baseline and post-training phases of the original study. RESULTS: Of 263 available for rereview, 33 (12.5%) were reclassified as SSA/P (N = 32) or traditional serrated adenoma (TSA) (N = 1). Reclassification was more common in the right colon (18 vs. 8%, p = 0.02). Baseline SSA/P detection rate was 0.7% in the untrained group and 1.3% in the trained group. Post-training, the SSA/P detection rate increased to 2.1 and 1.5%, respectively. The clinically relevant serrated polyp detection rate at baseline was 14.2% in the untrained group and 11.3% in the trained group. After the educational intervention, the clinically relevant serrated polyp detection rates increased to 16.5 and 14.8% in the untrained and trained groups, respectively. The estimated odds of an endoscopist detecting either a SSA/P or other clinically relevant serrated polyp during colonoscopy increased by only 3% with the educational intervention (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.61-1.74, p = 0.91). CONCLUSIONS: Pathological re-interpretation of larger serrated polyps resulted in the reclassification of 12.5% of lesions. Quality improvement methods focused on adenoma detection did not impact SSA/P detection, and thus specific methods for serrated polyp detection are needed.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with pulmonary hypertension.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) - a potential phenotypical risk for pulmonary hypertension (PH) - in patients with PH and by PH diagnostic group including group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH); group 1.1 idiopathic PAH, groups 1.2 heritable PAH, 1.3 drug and toxin induced, 1.4 associated PAH, group 2 PH with left heart disease, group 3 PH associated with lung disease and/or hypoxemia, group 4 PH owing to chronic thrombotic and/or embolic disease, and group 5 PH from multifactorial mechanisms. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients referred to Mayo Clinic in Florida from January 1990 to October 2013 (N = 1287). Only patients whom PH was confirmed by right heart catheterization were included (N = 640). MetS was defined with at least three of the following: systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia and body mass index > 30. RESULTS: MetS was prevalent in 247 of 640 (39%) with PH: 13% in group 1.1 PAH, 12% in groups 1.2-1.4 PAH, 54% in group 2, 55% in group 3, 23% in group 4 and 24% in group 5. After adjusting for age, sex and race, diagnostic subgroup analysis revealed a higher prevalence of MetS in WHO Group 2 PH patients [adjusted odd ratios (OR): 2.58, P < 0.0001] and WHO group 3 PH (adjusted OR: 2.77, P < 0.0001) when compared to group 1 PH. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MetS was observed in 39% of patients with PH; however, among PH patients, the prevalence was higher in group 2 and 3 PH.

Prevalence of BCL-2/J(H) Translocation in Healthy African Americans.

The translocation t(14;18)(q32;q21) (BCL-2/J(H)) is present in over 80 % of all follicular lymphomas and is detectable in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of healthy individuals. The prevalence of this translocation has not been studied in African Americans (AAs). Given the higher incidence of follicular lymphomas in whites compared to AAs in the United States (USA), we hypothesized that the translocation prevalence in the blood of AAs would be lower. DNA was isolated from PBL from blood samples collected from participants from FL. Polymerase chain reaction was performed on the BCL-2/J(H) major (MBC) and minor breakpoint cluster (mBC) regions. Eight of the 77 (10.4 %) blood samples from AA participants were positive for MBC (95 % CI, 4.6-19.5 %), and three (3.9 %) were positive for mBC (95 % CI, 0.81-10.97 %) of BCL-2/J(H), with a total of 11 (14.3 %) participants with positive samples (95 % CI, 7.35-24.13 %). In 167 white patient samples, 22 (13.2 %; 95 % CI, 8.44-19.26 %) were positive for MBC, and five (3.0 %; 95 % CI, 0.98-6.85 %) were positive for mBC, with a total of 25 (15 %) participants with positive samples (CI, 9.93-21.30 %). The prevalence of t(14;18)(q32;q21) is not significantly different among AAs and whites from the USA. The lower prevalence of follicular lymphomas in AAs compared with whites is likely a result of differences in secondary molecular alterations involved in follicular lymphoma development. This study is the first report of prevalence of t(14;18) in an AA cohort.

Predictors of Suboptimal Gain in Exercise Capacity After Cardiac Rehabilitation.

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves exercise capacity (EC), but not all CR participants achieve such improvements. Our primary aim was to develop a tool to identify those with suboptimal improvement in EC after CR. We retrospectively analyzed 541 patients enrolled in a phase-II CR program after a cardiac event or intervention from 2003 to 2014. EC was assessed with the 6-minute walk test. We developed a multivariate linear regression model and corresponding nomogram to predict EC after CR. The predictors included in the final model were age, gender, baseline EC, primary referral diagnosis, body mass index, systolic blood pressure at rest, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipid-lowering medication use, and an interaction term of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with lipid-lowering therapy. The prediction model was internally validated using bootstrap methods, and a nomogram was created for ease of use. In conclusion, this tool helps to identify those patients with suboptimal improvement in EC who could be targeted for individualized interventions to increase their performance.

Effect of an endoscopic quality improvement program on adenoma detection rates: a multicenter cluster-randomized controlled trial in a clinical practice setting (EQUIP-3).

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopy is protective against colorectal cancer, but its quality and protective benefits can vary. Adenoma detection rate (ADR) is associated with quality and the degree of protection against colorectal cancer and death. In a previous, single academic center, randomized, controlled trial, we demonstrated that an endoscopic quality improvement program increased ADR (EQUIP-1) and that those increases were durable (EQUIP-2). We hypothesized that EQUIP training would increase ADR in a multicenter clinical practice setting. METHODS: Nine large clinical practice sites were recruited. After a baseline period (phase I), 5 sites were randomized to receive supplemental in-person EQUIP training with active feedback. After follow-up (phase II), the changes in ADRs at these sites were compared with the changes at 4 control sites that did not receive training or feedback until after study completion. RESULTS: Twenty-two thousand three hundred sixteen colonoscopies were included. There was a statistically significant increase in ADR at the training sites (odds ratio [OR], 1.28; P = .004) with a raw ADR of 31% in phase I and 42% in phase II after the intervention. However, raw ADRs also increased at the control sites (from 36% to 39%). As a result, there was limited evidence of a training effect (OR, 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84-1.25; P = .78). CONCLUSIONS: ADRs increased at the sites participating in the endoscopic quality improvement program. However it is not clear to what extent the training program is responsible for the changes, because raw ADRs also increased at the control sites but to a lesser extent. (Clinical Trials Registration number: NCT02325635.).

Preoperative Clinical Characteristics That Identify Potential Low-Volume Transfusion Candidates Among Orthotopic Liver Transplant Patients.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study was to determine whether specific preoperative clinical characteristics were associated with low-volume transfusion in liver transplant recipients. Low-volume transfusion was defined as transfusion of < 2100 mL of packed red blood cells intraoperatively during liver transplant. The ability to accurately predict low-volume transfusion could increase patient safety, decrease complications associated with transfusion, improve blood management, and decrease transplant case cost. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were retrieved by retrospective chart review of 266 patients who received a liver transplant at the Mayo Clinic (Jacksonville, FL, USA). The primary outcome was low-volume transfusion. Associations of preoperative information with low-volume transfusion were explored using single-variable and multivariable logistic regression models; missing data were imputed with the sample median for continuous data and the most frequent category for categorical variables. RESULTS: Low-volume transfusion occurred in 23% of first-time liver transplant recipients (62/266 patients; 95% confidence interval, 18%-29%). History of hepatitis C virus infection (P = .048), history of hepatocellular carcinoma (P = .050), short cold ischemia time (P = .006), and low international normalized ratio (P = .002) were independently associated with low-volume transfusion during liver transplant in a multivariable logistic regression model. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple studies have shown increased morbidity and mortality after orthotopic liver transplant when more than 6 U of packed red blood cells are administered within 24 hours of surgical incision. A method to identify low-volume transfusion candidates could help predict patient outcomes, decrease blood handling, and reduce costs. If patients with low-volume transfusion could be identified, fewer blood products would need to be prepared in advance. Although elevated preoperative coagulation parameters decrease the probability of low-volume transfusion, a definitive profile of a low-volume transfusion liver transplant recipient was not established.

von Willebrand Factor Abnormalities and Heyde Syndrome in Dysfunctional Heart Valve Prostheses.

IMPORTANCE: Limited data suggest that von Willebrand factor (VWF) abnormalities may accompany the high-shear state associated with prosthetic valve dysfunction. If true, laboratory testing could add value in quantifying prosthesis dysfunction and could suggest a pathophysiological explanation for acquired bleeding in some patients. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether dysfunctional valve prostheses are associated with VWF abnormalities compared with normally functioning valve prostheses, to identify the severity of the VWF abnormality relative to other conditions, and to describe associated bleeding and the occurrence of gastrointestinal angiodysplasia. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Cohort study in a multispecialty practice setting from August 2010 through November 2015. To assess the severity of VWF dysfunction, data were compared with those from previously reported healthy controls and patients with aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, and left ventricular assist devices. Patients underwent assessment of multiple VWF laboratory tests and echocardiography. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Loss of high-molecular-weight multimers of VWF. RESULTS: A total of 136 patients were included in this study. During the study period, we assessed 26 patients with normally functioning surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement, 24 patients with dysfunctional aortic valve replacement, 36 patients with normally functioning mitral valve replacement or repair, 19 patients with dysfunctional mitral valve replacement or repair, and 31 patients with native aortic regurgitation without coexisting aortic stenosis. von Willebrand factor multimers were abnormal in 1 of 26 normal aortic valve replacements and in 2 of 36 normal mitral valve replacements or repairs but were abnormal in 20 of 24 dysfunctional aortic valve replacements and in 14 of 19 dysfunctional mitral valve replacements or repairs (P < .001 for both). Normal aortic valve replacement also had a higher VWF activity to antigen ratio, mean (range) 0.94 (0.84-0.99) compared to dysfunctional aortic valve replacement, 0.78 (0.73-0.87), P < .001, as did normal mitral valve replacement or repair, 0.90 (0.86-0.93) compared to dysfunctional mitral valve replacement or repair, 0.78 (0.70-0.90), P = .005. Platelet function analyzer closure times were lower with normal aortic valve replacement, mean (range) 92 (82-112) seconds compared to dysfunctional aortic valve replacement, 139 (122-177) seconds, P < .001, and also in normally functioning mitral valve replacement or repair, 85 (74-96) seconds compared to dysfunctional mitral valve replacement or repair, 143 (128-192) seconds, P < .001. Gastrointestinal bleeding was noted in 6 of 24 patients with aortic prosthesis dysfunction and in 5 of 19 patients with mitral prosthesis/repair dysfunction and was associated with a lower normalized VWF multimer ratio than in patients without bleeding. Gastrointestinal angiodysplasia was noted in 5 of 6 bleeding patients with dysfunctional aortic prostheses and in 3 of 5 bleeding patients with dysfunctional mitral prostheses/repair. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Acquired abnormalities of VWF multimers are associated with aortic and mitral prosthesis dysfunction, with occasional gastrointestinal bleeding and gastrointestinal angiodysplasia. Quantitative VWF tests may provide adjunctive value in the difficult assessment of prosthetic valve dysfunction.

Contrast-induced nephropathy in outpatients with preexisting renal impairment: a comparison between intravenous iohexol and iodixanol.

BACKGROUND: Concern for contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) may result in administration of more costly agents. We prospectively compared outpatient CIN incidence of iodixanol to iohexol. METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive 100ml of iohexol (n=47) or iodixanol (n=55). We compared patients who developed CIN using the Wilson score interval and also calculated an odds ratio for the development of CIN. RESULTS: CIN rate for iohexol was 2% compared to 9% for iodixanol. Those receiving iodixanol were almost 5 times more likely to experience CIN. CONCLUSION: These results do not suggest a benefit of iodixanol over iohexol in the study population.

Descriptive Analysis of Medication Administration During Inpatient Cardiopulmonary Arrest Resuscitation (from the Mayo Registry for Telemetry Efficacy in Arrest Study).

Advanced cardiovascular life support guidelines exist, yet there are variations in clinical practice. Our study aims to describe the utilization of medications during resuscitation from in-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest. A retrospective review of patients who suffered a cardiopulmonary arrest from May 2008 to June 2014 was performed. Clinical and resuscitation data, including timing and dose of medications used, were extracted from the electronic medical record and comparisons made. A total of 94 patients were included in the study. Patients were divided into different groups based on the medication combination used during resuscitation: (1) epinephrine; (2) epinephrine and bicarbonate; (3) epinephrine, bicarbonate, and calcium; (4) epinephrine, bicarbonate, and epinephrine drip; and (5) epinephrine, bicarbonate, calcium, and epinephrine drip. No difference in baseline demographics or clinical data was present, apart from history of dementia and the use of calcium channel blockers. The number of medications given was correlated with resuscitation duration (Spearman's rank correlation = 0.50, p <0.001). The proportion of patients who died during the arrest was 12.5% in those who received epinephrine alone, 30.0% in those who received only epinephrine and bicarbonate, and 46.7% to 57.9% in the remaining groups. Patients receiving only epinephrine had shorter resuscitation durations compared to that of the other groups (p <0.001) and improved survival (p = 0.003). In conclusion, providers frequently use nonguideline medications in resuscitation efforts for in-hospital cardiopulmonary arrests. Increased duration and mortality rates were found in those resuscitations compared with epinephrine alone, likely due to the longer resuscitation duration in the former groups.