Identification of provider and patient characteristics associated with antibiotic prescription in the treatment of acute sinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Inappropriate antibiotic use contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance. Sinusitis is the fifth most common diagnosis responsible for antibiotic use. Appropriate antibiotic prescribing for acute sinusitis treatment is crucial to mitigate antibiotic resistance threats. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify patient and provider characteristics associated with antibiotic prescription and to assess provider adherence to antibiotic prescribing guidelines for acute sinusitis treatment. METHODOLOGY: Retrospective chart review including acute sinusitis cases diagnosed over 12 months, at two express care clinics in the Southwestern United States. Data extraction identified 371 cases meeting inclusion criteria (age >18 years). Descriptive statistical data analyses included Chi square tests. RESULTS: A majority of cases received antibiotic prescriptions (90.8%, n = 337). Sociodemographic characteristics significantly associated with antibiotic prescription ( p < .05) included race, ethnicity, insurance type, and smoking status. Patient-reported nature of symptoms, sinus tenderness, and erythema/edema nasal turbinates were also significantly associated with antibiotic prescription ( p < .05). Antibiotic prescription and watchful waiting for acute sinusitis treatment were significantly associated with provider types ( p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: A gap exists between current guidelines and clinical practice for acute sinusitis treatment in outpatient settings. Antibiotic prescription occurred, although not indicated, along with incorrect antibiotic choice, dose, and duration of therapy. IMPLICATIONS: Outpatient antimicrobial stewardship programs for acute sinusitis treatment with a focus on educational interventions for providers may reduce antibiotic overprescribing for acute sinusitis.

Pseudomyxoma Peritonei - A Case Report.

A 53-year-old lady presented with post-menopausal bleeding (spotting) for two days and abdominal pain for three months. CT scan revealed bilateral adnexal mass and ascites; and CEA and CA19.9 was raised. Histopathology of the resected tissues revealed mucinous carcinoma of bilateral ovaries and colon with omental metastasis. Generally, pseudomyxoma peritonei arises from primary ovarian or appendiceal adenomas or adenocarcinomas. Keywords: Adenocarcinomas; ascites; metastases; mucinous carcinoma; pseudomyxoma peritonei.

Surgical management of ovarian tumors without the support of intraoperative pathology readings in Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital.

Intraoperative frozen section plays an important role in surgical management of ovarian masses. Many hospitals in low- and middle-income countries lack this intraoperative pathologic guidance. In this retrospective analysis, we assessed the management of 62 patients who underwent surgical treatment for ovarian masses at Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital in Nepal in light of the final histopathology results. Final histopathology found that 64.5% of the ovarian masses were malignant, 1.0% were borderline, and 30.6% were benign. 55 of the 62 total cases were considered "clinically suspicious" and 52 of the 62 cases underwent hysterectomy and staging procedures in addition to oophorectomy. There was no significant difference in the surgical management or in the postoperative complications when comparing benign, borderline, and malignant masses. Without the support of intraoperative frozen section, benign and malignant masses were treated the same way. The majority of benign cases were overtreated and were exposed to additional risks of postoperative complications. Several malignant cases were undertreated and required additional surgery to appropriately treat and stage malignant ovarian masses. Improved pathology support in Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital would result in better patient outcomes, fewer complications, and avoidance of additional staging surgeries.