Telemedicine During COVID-19 Pandemic: Endocrine Surgery Patient Perspective.

INTRODUCTION: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many medical providers have turned to telemedicine as an alternative method to provide ambulatory patient care. Perspectives of endocrine surgery patients regarding this mode of healthcare delivery remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the opinions and perspectives of endocrine surgery patients regarding telemedicine. METHODS: The first 100 adult patients who had their initial telemedicine appointment with two endocrine surgeons were contacted at the conclusion of their visit. The survey administered assessed satisfaction with telemedicine, the provider, and whether attire or video background played a role in their perception of the quality of care received using a 5-point Likert scale. Differences in responses between new and returning patients were also evaluated. RESULTS: Telemedicine endocrine surgery patients stated excellent satisfaction with their visit (4.89 out of 5) and their provider (4.96 out of 5). Although there was less consensus that telemedicine was equivalent to in-person or face-to-face clinic visits (4.15 out of 5), patients would recommend a telemedicine visit to others and most agreed that this modality made it easier to obtain healthcare (4.7 out of 5). Attire of the provider and video background did not influence patient opinion in regard to the quality of care they received. Returning patients were more likely to be satisfied with this modality (4.94 versus 4.73, P = 0.02) compared to new patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that telemedicine does not compromise patient satisfaction or healthcare delivery for patients and is a viable clinic option for endocrine surgery.

Outcomes of same admission cholecystectomy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for common bile duct stones: A post hoc analysis of an Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The optimal timing for cholecystectomy after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for common bile duct (CBD) stones is unknown. We hypothesized that a delay between procedures would correlate with more biliary complications and longer hospitalizations. METHODS: We prospectively identified patients who underwent same admission cholecystectomy after ERCP for CBD stones from 2016 to 2019 at 12 US medical centers. The cohort was stratified by time between ERCP and cholecystectomy: ≤24 hours (immediate), >24 to ≤72 hours (early), and >72 hours (late). Primary outcomes included operative duration, postoperative length of stay, (LOS), and hospital LOS. Secondary outcomes included rates of open conversion, CBD explorations, biliary complications, and in-hospital complications. RESULTS: For the 349 patients comprising the study cohort, 33.8% (n = 118) were categorized as immediate, 50.4% (n = 176) as early, and 15.8% (n = 55) as late. Rates of CBD explorations were lower in the immediate group compared with the late group (0.9% vs. 9.1%, p = 0.01). Rates of open conversion were lower in the immediate group compared with the early group (0.9% vs. 10.8%, p < 0.01) and in the immediate group compared with the late group (0.9% vs. 10.9%, p < 0.001). On a mixed-model regression analysis, an immediate cholecystectomy was associated with a significant reduction in postoperative LOS (ß = 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.65-0.96; p = 0.02) and hospital LOS (ß = 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.62-0.75; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: An immediate cholecystectomy following ERCP correlates with a shorter postoperative LOS and hospital LOS. Rates of CBD explorations and conversion to open appear more common after 24 hours. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, level III.

Acute Kidney Injury Risk in Patients Treated with Vancomycin Combined with Meropenem or Cefepime.

Background: No previous studies have determined the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in trauma patients treated with vancomycin + meropenem (VM) versus vancomycin + cefepime (VC). The purpose of this study was to fill this gap. Methods: A series of 99 patients admitted to an American College of Surgeons-verified level 1 trauma center over a two-year period who received VC or VM for >48 hours were reviewed retrospectively. Exclusion criteria were existing renal dysfunction or on renal replacement therapy. The primary outcome was AKI as defined by a rise in serum creatinine (SCr) to 1.5 times baseline. Multi-variable analysis was performed to control for factors associated with AKI (age, obesity, gender, length of stay [LOS], nephrotoxic agent(s), and baseline SCr), with significance defined as p < 0.05. Results: The study population was 50 ± 19 years old, 76% male, with a median LOS of 21 [range 15-39] days, and baseline SCr of 0.9 ± 0.2 mg/dL. Antibiotics, diabetes mellitus, and Injury Severity Score were independent predictors of AKI (odds ratio [OR] 4.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4-12; OR 9.3; 95% CI 1-27; OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.023-1.985, respectively). The incidence of AKI was higher with VM than VC (10/26 [38%] versus 14/73 [19.1%]; p = 0.049). Conclusions: The renal toxicity of vancomycin is potentiated by meropenem relative to cefepime in trauma patients. We recommend caution when initiating vancomycin combination therapy, particularly with meropenem.

Heart Rate Complexity in US Army Forward Surgical Teams During Pre Deployment Training.

INTRODUCTION: For trauma triage, the US Army has developed a portable heart rate complexity (HRC) monitor, which estimates cardiac autonomic input and the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. We hypothesize that autonomic/HPA stress associated with predeployment training in U.S. Army Forward Surgical Teams will cause changes in HRC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in 80 soldiers and 10 civilians at the U.S. Army Trauma Training Detachment. Heart rate (HR, b/min), cardiac output (CO, L/min), HR variability (HRV, ms), and HRC (Sample Entropy, unitless), were measured using a portable non-invasive hemodynamic monitor during postural changes, a mass casualty (MASCAL) situational training exercise (STX) using live tissue, a mock trauma (MT) STX using moulaged humans, and/or physical exercise. RESULTS: Baseline HR, CO, HRV, and HRC averaged 72 ± 11b/min, 5.6 ± 1.2 L/min, 48 ± 24 ms, and 1.9 ± 0.5 (unitless), respectively. Supine to sitting to standing caused minimal changes. Before the MASCAL or MT, HR and CO both increased to ~125% baseline, whereas HRV and HRC both decreased to ~75% baseline. Those values all changed an additional ~5% during the MASCAL, but an additional 10 to 30% during the MT. With physical exercise, HR and CO increased to >200% baseline, while HRV and HRC both decreased to 40 to 60% baseline; these changes were comparable to those caused by the MT. All the changes were P < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Various forms of HPA stress during Forward Surgical Team STXs can be objectively quantitated continuously in real time with a portable non-invasive monitor. Differences from resting baseline indicate stress anticipating an impending STX whereas differences between average and peak responses indicate the relative stress between STXs. Monitoring HRC could prove useful to field commanders to rapidly and objectively assess the readiness status of troops during STXs or repeated operational missions. In the future, health care systems and regulatory bodies will likely be held accountable for stress in their trainees and/or obliged to develop wellness options and standardize efforts to ameliorate burnout, so HRC metrics might have a role, as well.

Risk factors for complications after cholecystectomy for common bile duct stones: An EAST multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: We sought to prospectively identify risk factors for biliary complications and 30-day readmission after cholecystectomy for choledocholithiasis and gallstone pancreatitis across multiple US hospitals. METHODS: We performed a prospective, observational study of patients who underwent same admission cholecystectomy for choledocholithiasis and gallstone pancreatitis between 2016 and 2019 at 12 US centers. Patients with prior history of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or diagnosis of cholangitis were excluded. We used logistic regression to determine associations between preoperative demographics, labs, and imaging on primary outcomes: postoperative biliary complications and 30-day readmission. RESULTS: There were 989 patients in the cohort. There were 16 (1.6%) patients with postoperative biliary complications, including intra-abdominal abscesses, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-induced pancreatitis, and biliary leaks. Increasing operative time (odds ratio 1.01, 95% confidence interval 1.00-1.01, P = .02), worsening leukocytosis (odds ratio 1.16, 95% confidence interval 1.07-1.25, P = .0002), and jaundice (odds ratio 3.25, 95% confidence interval 1.01-10.42, P = .04) were associated with postoperative biliary complications. There were 36 (3.6%) patients readmitted within 30 days owing to a surgical complication. A prior postoperative biliary complication (odds ratio 7.8, 95% confidence interval 1.63-37.27, P = .01), male sex (odds ratio 2.42, 95% confidence interval 1.2-4.87, P = .01), and index operative duration (odds ratio 1.01, 95% confidence interval 1.00-1.01, P = .03) were associated with 30-day readmission. CONCLUSION: Among patients undergoing cholecystectomy for common bile duct stones, jaundice, worsening leukocytosis, and longer operations are associated with postoperative biliary complications. A prior biliary complication is also predictive of a 30-day readmission. Surgeons should recognize these factors and avoid prematurely discharging at-risk patients given their propensity to develop complications and require readmission.

The unborn fetus: The unrecognized victim of trauma during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Trauma is the leading cause of non-obstetric death in pregnancy. While maternal management is defined, few studies have examined the effects on the fetus. METHODS: Following IRB approval, all pregnant females (2010-2017) at a level-1 trauma center were retrospectively reviewed. Maternal and fetal demographics, interventions, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 188 pregnancies in 5654 females. Maternal demographics were 26 ±â€¯7 years old, gestational age at trauma 21 ±â€¯12 weeks, 81% blunt mechanism, and maternal mortality 6%. Forty-one (22%) fetuses were immediately affected by the trauma including 20 (11%) born alive, 12 (7%) fetal demise, and 9 (5%) stillbirths. Of those that initially survived (n = 20), 5 (25%) expired during neonatal hospitalization. Two mothers returned immediately after trauma discharge with stillbirths for an overall infant mortality of 14% (n = 26). There were 84 patients with complete data to delivery including the 41 born at trauma and 43 born on a subsequent hospitalization. Those born at the time of trauma had significantly more delivery/neonatal complications and worse outcomes. Overall trauma burden to the fetus (preterm delivery, stillbirth, delivery/neonatal complication, or long-term disability) was 66% (56/84). CONCLUSIONS: Trauma during pregnancy has significant immediate mortality and delayed effects on the unborn fetus. This study has uncovered a previously hidden burden and mortality of trauma during pregnancy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Continuous Indirect Calorimetry in Critically Injured Patients Reveals Significant Daily Variability and Delayed, Sustained Hypermetabolism.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have used using Indirect Calorimetry (IC) with solitary or sparse measurements of resting energy expenditure (REE). This "snapshot" may not capture the dynamic nature of metabolic requirements. Using continuous IC, we describe the variation of REE during the first days in the intensive care unit. METHODS: Injured adults (≥18 years) requiring mechanical ventilation from March 2018 to September 2018 were enrolled. IC was initiated within 4 days of admission and continuous REE recorded until 14 days, extubation, or death. Multiple 10-minute periods collected during steady state were used to calculate daily REE maximum, minimum, average, and variability [(REEmax - REEmin/2)/average REE]. RESULTS: We included 55 patients. Median age was 38 [27-58] years, 38 (69%) were male, body mass index was 28 [25-33] kg/m2 , and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II was 17 [14-24]. Mechanism of injury was: blunt (n = 38, 69%), penetrating (n = 9, 16%), and burn (n = 8, 15%). Average REE increased gradually from 1,663 kcal [1,435-2,143] to a maximum of 2,080 [1,701-2,336] on day 7, a relative 25% increase, which was sustained through day 14. REE variability ranged 8%-13% and was not reliably predicted by fever, tachycardia, elevated intracranial pressures, hypertension, or hypotension. CONCLUSION: In critically injured patients, steady-state REE measurements display fluctuations over a 24-hour period and demonstrate a gradual rise over the first few days after injury. Continuous REE, if available, is recommended for more precise matching of energy delivery to metabolic requirements.

Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis May Lower Accuracy of AUS/FLUS Cytopathology in Surgical Patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT) increases cytologic atypia on fine-needle aspiration of thyroid nodules, and its effect on rate of malignancy in atypia of undetermined significance (AUS)/follicular lesions of undetermined significance (FLUS) thyroid nodules remains unclear. This study evaluates the effect of concomitant CLT on malignancy rates of AUS/FLUS thyroid nodules in surgical patients. METHODS: Retrospective review of 1061 patients who underwent thyroidectomy for a dominant thyroid nodule from a single institution was performed. Fine-needle aspiration was classified according to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology. Patients with AUS/FLUS cytopathology were classified into two cohorts: AUS/FLUS with CLT and AUS/FLUS without CLT. Final pathology was reviewed, and the cohorts were further stratified into benign and malignant subgroups. When applicable, patients with gene expression classifier (GEC) testing were reviewed and the positive predictive value (PPV) was calculated. RESULTS: Of the entire surgical series, 293 (28%) patients had AUS/FLUS cytopathology with a rate of malignancy of 56% (163/293) on final pathology. Seventy-three (25%) patients had AUS/FLUS with CLT, of which 44% (n = 32) were malignant by final pathology. The remaining 75% (n = 220) had AUS/FLUS without CLT, 60% (n = 131) of which were malignant. GEC testing was performed in 36 of the AUS/FLUS with CLT patients, where of the 33 suspicious results, 17 were malignant on final pathology, yielding a PPV of 52%. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of malignancy for AUS/FLUS thyroid nodules is lower with coexisting CLT, and similar to previous studies, the PPV of GEC testing is approximately 50%. Cytologic atypia due to CLT may increase more AUS/FLUS results in thyroid nodules, which may lead to overestimation of malignancy rates in this patient population.

Use of Predictive Equations for Energy Prescription Results in Inaccurate Estimation in Trauma Patients.

BACKGROUND: Overfeeding and underfeeding are associated with poor clinical outcomes. In the absence of indirect calorimetry (IC), the Society of Critical Care Medicine/ASPEN recommend prescribing 25-30 kcal/kg. The Harris-Benedict equation (HBE) multiplied by a stress factor is commonly applied in critically ill patients. We describe the difference between estimated and actual energy needs in critically injured patients. METHODS: From March to November 2018, we collected demographics and energy needs determined by continuous IC (started within 4 days) in intubated adults. Ideal or adjusted body weight was used for 25-30 kcal/kg, and HBE was multiplied by a 1.3 stress factor (1.3HBE). Daily requirements up to 14 days, extubation, or death were calculated using all 3 methods and compared with IC. RESULTS: Fifty-five subjects were included. Median age was 38 [27-58] years, 38 (69%) were male, body mass index was 28 [25-33] kg/m2 , and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was 17 [14-24] Mechanism of injury was blunt (38, 69%), penetrating (9, 16%), and burn (8, 15%). By day 14, compared with measured energy requirements by IC, the other methods could result in a cumulative 1827-kcal (+7%) surplus (1.3HBE), a 1313-kcal (-5%) deficit (25 kcal/kg), or a 3950-kcal (+14%) surplus (30 kcal/kg) per patient over a median 9 days. CONCLUSION: In critically injured patients, predictive equations for energy needs do not account for dynamic metabolic changes over time and could result in underfeeding or overfeeding. Adjusting daily prescription based on continuous IC may result in better individualized treatment.

Exercise-Induced Changes in Compensatory Reserve and Heart Rate Complexity.

BACKGROUND: Portable noninvasive Heart Rate Complexity (HRC) and Compensatory Reserve Measurement (CRM) monitors have been developed to triage supine combat casualties. Neither monitor has been tested in upright individuals during physical exercise. This study tests the hypothesis that exercise evokes proportional changes in HRC and CRM.METHODS: Two instruments monitored volunteers (9 civilian and 11 soldiers) from the Army Trauma Training Department (ATTD) before, during, and following physical exercise. One recorded heart rate (HR, bpm), cardiac output (CO, L · min-1), heart rate variability (HRV, root mean square of successive differences, ms), and HRC (Sample Entropy, unitless). The other recorded HR, pulse oximetry (Spo2, %), and CRM (%).RESULTS: Baseline HR, CO, HRV, HRC, and CRM averaged 72 ± 1 bpm, 5.6 ± 1.2 L · min-1, 48 ± 24 ms, 1.9 ± 0.5, and 85 ± 10% in seated individuals. Exercise evoked peak HR and CO at > 200% of baseline, while HRC and CRM were simultaneously decreased to minimums that were ≤ 50% of baseline (all P < 0.001). HRV changes were variable and unreliable. Spo2 remained consistently above 95%. During a 60 min recovery, HR and CRM returned to baseline on parallel tracks (t1/2=11 ± 8 and 18 ± 14 min), whereas HRC recovery was slower than either CRM or HR (t1/2=40 ± 18 min, both P < 0.05).DISCUSSION: Exercise evoked qualitatively similar changes in CRM and HRC. CRM recovered incrementally faster than HRC, suggesting that vasodilation, muscle pump, and respiration compensate faster than cardiac autonomic control in young, healthy volunteers. Both HRC and CRM appear to provide reliable, objective, and noninvasive metrics of human performance in upright exercising individuals.Mulder MB, Eidelson SA, Buzzelli MD, Gross KR, Batchinsky AI, Convertino VA, Schulman CI, Namias N, Proctor KG. Exercise-induced changes in compensatory reserve and heart rate complexity. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2019; 90(12):1009-1015.

The role of the American Society of anesthesiologists physical status classification in predicting trauma mortality and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Trauma prediction scores such as Revised Trauma Score (RTS) and Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS)) are used to predict mortality, but do not include comorbidities. We analyzed the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA PS) for predicting mortality in trauma patients undergoing surgery. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective study compared the mortality predictive ability of ASA PS, RTS, Injury Severity Score (ISS), and TRISS using a complete case analysis with mixed effects logistic regression. Associations with mortality and AROC were calculated for each measure alone and tested for differences using chi-square. RESULTS: Of 3,042 patients, 230 (8%) died. The AROC for mortality for TRISS was 0.938 (95%CI 0.921, 0.954), RTS 0.845 (95%CI 0.815, 0.875), and ASA PS 0.886 (95%CI 0.864, 0.908). ASA PS + TRISS did not improve mortality predictive ability (p = 0.18). CONCLUSIONS: ASA PS was a good predictor of mortality in trauma patients, although combined with TRISS it did not improve predictive ability.

Hypercoagulability After Resection of Thoracic Malignancy: A Prospective Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Rates of venous thromboembolism are increased in thoracic malignancy; however, coagulation patterns are not established. We hypothesize that patients with esophageal and lung malignancy have similar hypercoagulable pre- and postoperative profiles as defined by rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM). METHODS: Prospective study was conducted in 47 patients with esophageal and lung cancer undergoing surgical resection. ROTEM evaluated pre/postoperative coagulation status. RESULTS: Patients with thoracic malignancy were hypercoagulable by ROTEM, but not by conventional coagulation tests. Preoperative hypercoagulability was higher in lung versus esophageal cancer (64 vs. 16%, p = 0.001). Lung cancer patients that were hypercoagulable preoperatively demonstrated decreased maximum clot firmness (MCF) (p = 0.044) and increased clot time (p = 0.049) after surgical resection, suggesting reversal of hypercoagulability. Resection of esophageal cancer increased hypercoagulability (16 vs. 56%, p = 0.002) via elevated MCF (reflecting platelet activity). Hypercoagulability remained at follow-up clinic for both lung and esophageal cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS: Hypercoagulability in patients with lung malignancies reversed following complete surgical resection, whereas hypercoagulability occurred only postoperatively in those with esophageal malignancies. In both, hypercoagulability was associated with fibrin and platelet function.

Outcomes of Pediatric Pelvic Fractures: A Level I Trauma Center's 20-Year Experience.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric pelvic fractures are rare. The contribution of pelvic fracture pattern, risk factors for associated injuries, and mortality are poorly defined in this population. METHODS: Patients aged 0-17 with pelvic fractures at a level I trauma center over a 20-y period were reviewed. Fracture patterns were classified according to the Young-Burgess classification when applicable. Fractures were analyzed for location, pubic symphysis or sacroiliac widening, and contrast extravasation. RESULTS: There were 163 pelvic fractures in 8758 admissions (incidence 2%). The most common associated injures were extremity fractures (60%, n = 98), abdominal solid organ (55%, n = 89), and chest (48%, n = 78), with the majority (61%, n = 99) sustaining injuries to multiple organs. Unstable fractures were associated with injures to the thorax (70% versus 40%), heart (15% versus 2%), and spleen (40% versus 18%), all P < 0.05. Nonpelvic operative interventions were required in 45% (n = 73) and were more common in unstable fractures (36% versus 19%), contrast extravasation (63% versus 26%), sacroiliac widening (36% versus 20%), and sacral fractures (39% versus 13%), all P < 0.05. Mortality was 13% and higher in males versus females (18% versus 5%), contrast extravasation (50% versus 3%), or sacroiliac/pubic symphysis widening (13% versus 2%) (all P < 0.05). Male gender (OR 6.03), brain injury (OR 6.18), spine injury (OR 5.06), and cardiac injury (OR 35.0) were independently associated with mortality (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric pelvic fractures are rare but critical injuries associated with significant morbidity and need for interventions. Increasing fracture severity corresponds to injuries to other body systems and increased mortality.

Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes Associated With Augmented Renal Clearance in Trauma Patients.

BACKGROUND: Augmented renal clearance (ARC; i.e., creatinine clearance [CLCr] ≥ 130 mL/min) has an incidence of 14%-80% in critically ill patients and has been associated with therapy failures for renally cleared drugs. However, the clinical implications of ARC are poorly defined. We hypothesize that modifiable risk factors that contribute to ARC can be identified in severely injured trauma patients and that these risk factors influence clinical outcome. METHODS: In 207 trauma intensive care unit patients, 24-h CLCr was correlated with clinical estimates of glomerular filtration rate (by Cockroft-Gault, modification of diet in renal disease, or chronic kidney disease epidemiology), and clinical outcomes (infection, venous thromboembolism [VTE], length of stay, and mortality). RESULTS: The population was 45 ± 20 y, 68% male, 77% blunt injury with injury severity score of 24 (17-30). Admission serum creatinine was 1.02 ± 0.35 mg/dL, CLCr was 154 ± 77 mL/min, VTE incidence was 15%, ARC incidence was 57%, and mortality was 11%. Clinical estimates of glomerular filtration rate by Cockroft-Gault, modification of diet in renal disease, chronic kidney disease epidemiology underestimated actual CLCr by 20%, 22%, or 15% (all P < 0.01). CLCr was higher in males and those who survived, and lower in those with hypertension, diabetes, positive cultures, receiving transfusions, or pressors (all P < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, male gender (odds ratio [OR] 2.9 [1.4-6.1]), age (OR 0.97 [0.95-0.99]), and packed red blood cells transfusion (OR 0.31 [0.15-0.66]) were the only independent predictors of ARC. CONCLUSIONS: ARC occurs in more than half of all high-risk trauma intensive care unit patients and is underestimated by standard clinical equations. ARC was not associated with increased incidence of VTE or infection but rather is associated with younger healthier males and reduced mortality. ARC seems to be a beneficial compensatory response to trauma.