Lack of Correlation Between Serum Ferritin Levels and Patient Outcome in Israeli Adults with Hepatitis A Infection.

BACKGROUND: In developed countries, hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection occurs mainly in adults. It is usually symptomatic and may cause acute liver failure (ALF). In patients with chronic liver disease, serum ferritin levels (SFL) can predict short-term prognosis. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether admission SFL can serve as a prognostic marker in patients with HAV infection. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 33 adults with HAV infection was conducted. Because none of our patients presented with ALF, the parameter "length of hospital stay," was used as a surrogate marker of disease severity. RESULTS: The mean (± SD) at admission SFL was 2529 ± 4336 ng/ml. SFL correlated with the levels of international normalized ratio (INR), liver enzymes, and degree of hemolysis that occurred during the disease course. SFL did not correlate with the levels of either albumin or bilirubin or with the length of the hospital stay. The mean length of hospital stay was 5.1 ± 2.0 days, which correlated with the levels of INR, albumin, and bilirubin as well as the degree of hemolysis. However, in multivariate analysis only albumin and bilirubin predicted the length of the hospital stay. Follow-up SFL, which were available only in eight patients, decreased during the hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: In adults with acute HAV infection, SFL may be increased. SFL correlated with the degree of liver injury and hemolysis that occur during the disease. However, in our cohort of HAV patients, who had a relatively benign disease course, SFL were of no prognostic value.

Prospective Observational Investigation of Capnography and Pulse Oximetry Monitoring After Cesarean Delivery With Intrathecal Morphine.

BACKGROUND: Intrathecal morphine provides excellent analgesia after cesarean delivery; however, respiratory events such as apnea, bradypnea, and hypoxemia have been reported. The primary study aim was to estimate the number of apneas per subject, termed "apnea alert events" (AAEs) defined by no breath for 30-120 seconds, using continuous capnography in women who underwent cesarean delivery. METHODS: We performed a prospective, observational study with institutional review board approval of women who underwent cesarean delivery with spinal anesthesia containing 150-µg intrathecal morphine. A STOP-Bang obstructive sleep apnea assessment was administered to all women. Women were requested to use continuous capnography and pulse oximetry for 24 hours after cesarean delivery. Nasal sampling cannula measured end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) and respiratory rate (RR), and oxygen saturation (SpO2) as measured by pulse oximetry. Capnography data were defined as "valid" when EtCO2 >10 mm Hg, RR >5 breaths per minute (bpm), SpO2 >70%, or during apnea (AAE) defined as "no breath" (EtCO2, <5 mm Hg) for 30-120 seconds. Individual respiratory variable alerts were 10-second means of EtCO2 <10 mm Hg, RR <8 bpm, and SpO2 <94%. Nurse observations of RR (hourly and blinded to capnography) are reported. RESULTS: We recruited 80 women, mean (standard deviation [SD]) 35 (5) years, 47% body mass index >30 kg/m2/weight >90 kg, and 11% with suspected obstructive sleep apnea (known or STOP-Bang score >3). The duration of normal capnography and pulse oximetry data was mean (SD) (range) 8:28 (7:51) (0:00-22:32) and 15:08 (6:42) (1:31-23:07) hours:minutes, respectively; 6 women did not use the capnography. There were 198 AAEs, mean (SD) duration 57 (27) seconds experienced by 39/74 (53%) women, median (95% confidence interval for median) (range) 1 (0-1) (0-29) per subject. Observation of RR by nurses was ≥14 bpm at all time-points for all women, r = 0.05 between capnography and nurse RR (95% confidence interval, -0.04 to 0.14). There were no clinically relevant adverse events for any woman. Sixty-five women (82%) had complaints with the capnography device, including itchy nose, nausea, interference with nursing baby, and overall inconvenience. CONCLUSIONS: We report 198 AAEs detected by capnography among women who underwent cesarean delivery after receiving intrathecal morphine. These apneas were not confirmed by the intermittent hourly nursing observations. Absence of observer verification precludes distinction between real, albeit nonclinically significant alerts with capnography versus false apneas. Discomfort with the nasal sampling cannula and frequent alerts may impact capnography application after cesarean delivery. No clinically relevant adverse events occurred.

Changes in Adenoma Detection Rate With Implementation of Full-spectrum Endoscopy: A Report of 3998 Screening Colonoscopies.

GOALS: To investigate the effect of implementing full-spectrum endoscopy (Fuse) on adenoma detection rate (ADR) at an ambulatory surgical center (ASC). BACKGROUND: Traditional forward viewing (TFV) endoscopes have 1 camera and provide an angle of view of 140 to 170 degrees, whereas Fuse provides a 330 degrees view through the addition of 2 side cameras. Although randomized studies have shown that Fuse decreases adenoma miss rates, its impact on ADR in a screening population is currently unknown. STUDY: We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from average risk screening colonoscopies at a 5-room ASC. This ASC transitioned from TFV to Fuse in April 2014. The primary outcome was ADR defined as the percentage of patients who underwent screening colonoscopy and were found to have at least 1 adenomatous polyp. RESULTS: A total of 1696 screening colonoscopies were performed with TFV and 2302 with Fuse. Overall ADR was 23.7% with TFV and 29.0% with Fuse (P<0.01), an absolute increase of 5.3%. ADR for the proximal colon increased from 13.0% with TFV to 16.7% with Fuse (3.8% increase, P<0.01). ADR for advanced adenomas improved from 3.8% with TFV to 6.0% with Fuse (2.2% increase; P<0.01). The mean number of adenomas detected per colonoscopy increased from 0.32 to 0.41 (P<0.01). In multivariate analysis, the adjusted odds ratio for detecting an adenoma with Fuse versus TFV was 1.30 (P<0.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.51). CONCLUSIONS: ADR significantly increased after adopting Fuse endoscopes at an ASC. Further studies are warranted to further understand the effects of Fuse on ADR in real-world settings.

Standard errors and confidence intervals for correlations corrected for indirect range restriction: A simulation study comparing analytic and bootstrap methods.

A frequent topic of psychological research is the estimation of the correlation between two variables from a sample that underwent a selection process based on a third variable. Due to indirect range restriction, the sample correlation is a biased estimator of the population correlation, and a correction formula is used. In the past, bootstrap standard error and confidence intervals for the corrected correlations were examined with normal data. The present study proposes a large-sample estimate (an analytic method) for the standard error, and a corresponding confidence interval for the corrected correlation. Monte Carlo simulation studies involving both normal and non-normal data were conducted to examine the empirical performance of the bootstrap and analytic methods. Results indicated that with both normal and non-normal data, the bootstrap standard error and confidence interval were generally accurate across simulation conditions (restricted sample size, selection ratio, and population correlations) and outperformed estimates of the analytic method. However, with certain combinations of distribution type and model conditions, the analytic method has an advantage, offering reasonable estimates of the standard error and confidence interval without resorting to the bootstrap procedure's computer-intensive approach. We provide SAS code for the simulation studies.

Gastric Polyp Growth during Endoscopic Surveillance for Esophageal Varices or Barrett's Esophagus.

BACKGROUND: We recently observed patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) or chronic reflux symptoms (CRS) who developed gastric polyps (GPs) while undergoing surveillance gastroscopies for the detection of esophageal varices or Barrett's esophagus, respectively. OBJECTIVES: To identify risk factors for GP growth and estimate its growth rate. METHODS: GP growth rate was defined as the number of days since the first gastroscopy (without polyps) in the surveillance program, until the gastroscopy when a GP was discovered. RESULTS: Gastric polyp growth rates in CLD and CRS patients were similar. However, hyperplastic gastric polyps (HGPs) were detected more often (87.5% vs. 60.5%, P = 0.051) and at a higher number (2.57 ± 1.33 vs. 1.65 ± 0.93, P = 0.021) in the CLD patients. Subgroup analysis revealed the following findings only in CLD patients with HGPs: (i) a positive correlation between the GP growth rate and the patient's age; the older the patient, the higher the GP growth rate (r = 0.7, P = 0.004). (ii) A negative correlation between the patient's age and the Ki-67 proliferation index value; the older the patient, the lower the Ki-67 value (r = -0.64, P = 0.02). No correlation was detected between Ki-67 values of HGPs in CLD patients and the presence of portal hypertension, infection with Helicobacter pylori, or proton pump inhibitor use. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with CRS patients, CLD patients developed HGPs more often and at a greater number. Young CLD patients may have a tendency to develop HGPs at a faster rate than elderly CLD patients.

The multiple mini-interviews as a predictor of peer evaluations during clinical training in medical school.

BACKGROUND: Multiple Mini-Interviews (MMI) is an admissions tool being used for more than a decade by medical schools worldwide to assess non-cognitive skills. In Israel, in addition to the MMI tool, two questionnaires are given to the candidates. It has been necessary to find a relevant criterion to examine the predictive validity of the MMI test. The measure developed in this study was a peer assessment tool which was filled out during clerkship. AIMS: The study aims at evaluating the predictive validity of the MMI and two questionnaires when compared with the peer assessment tool. METHOD: Ninety nine fourth-year medical students were included in this study. All of them went through the MMI test before the beginning of their studies. The students participated in two clinical rotations and were divided into 10 groups, each consisting of 9-12 students. This study is based on assessments given to 99 students. Every member of a group evaluated his fellow members on a number of attribute. The questionnaire included 10 statements, related to a particular attributes. In addition two concluding questions were included. Pearson correlations were used to test the relationships between pre-admission variables (MMI and two questionnaires) and the peer assessments. RESULTS: Statistically significant, moderate correlations between the general MOR and MIRKAM scores and the sum of the questionnaire assessments were 0.39 and 0.37, respectively (P-value <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The study provides important evidence for the validity of the MMI. Additional studies are required to reevaluate the predicted validity of the MMI.

Demonstrating the validity of three general scores of PET in predicting higher education achievement in Israel / Demostrando la validez de tres puntuaciones generales del PET para predecir el rendimiento en la educación superior en Israel

BACKGROUND: The Psychometric Entrance Test (PET), used for admission to higher education in Israel together with the Matriculation (Bagrut), had in the past one general (total) score in which the weights for its domains: Verbal, Quantitative and English, were 2:2:1, respectively. In 2011, two additional total scores were introduced, with different weights for the Verbal and the Quantitative domains. This study compares the predictive validity of the three general scores of PET, and demonstrates validity in terms of utility. METHOD: Sample: 100,863 freshmen students of all Israeli universities over the classes of 2005-2009. Regression weights and correlations of the predictors with FYGPA were computed. Simulations based on these results supplied the utility estimates. RESULTS: On average, PET is slightly more predictive than the Bagrut; using them both yields a better tool than either of them alone. Assigning differential weights to the components in the respective schools further improves the validity. CONCLUSION: The introduction of the new general scores of PET is validated by gathering and analyzing evidence based on relations of test scores to other variables. The utility of using the test can be demonstrated in ways different from correlations

ANTECEDENTES: el Psychometric Entrance Test (PET), utilizado para la admisión a la educación superior en Israel junto con la Matriculation (Bagrut), tuvo en el pasado una puntuación general en la que los pesos para sus dominios: Verbal, Cuantitativo e Inglés eran 2:2:1, respectivamente. En 2011 se introdujeron dos puntuaciones totales adicionales, con pesos diferentes para los dominios Verbal y Cuantitativo. Este estudio compara la validez predictiva de las tres puntuaciones generales del PET y demuestra la validez en términos de utilidad. MÉTODO: muestra: 100.863 estudiantes de primer año de todas las universidades israelíes en los cursos de 2005 a 2009. Se calcularon los coeficientes de regresión y las correlaciones de los predictores con FYGPA. Las simulaciones basadas en estos resultados aportaron la utilidad de las estimaciones. RESULTADOS: en promedio, PET es ligeramente más predictivo que el «Bagrut». Asignar pesos diferentes a los componentes en las escuelas respectivas mejora más la validez. CONCLUSIONES: la introducción de las nuevas puntuaciones generales del PET es validada mediante la obtención y análisis de evidencia basada en las relaciones de las puntuaciones del test con otras variables. Puede demostrarse la utilidad del uso del test en formas diferentes de las correlacio

Demonstrating the validity of three general scores of PET in predicting higher education achievement in Israel.

BACKGROUND: The Psychometric Entrance Test (PET), used for admission to higher education in Israel together with the Matriculation (Bagrut), had in the past one general (total) score in which the weights for its domains: Verbal, Quantitative and English, were 2:2:1, respectively. In 2011, two additional total scores were introduced, with different weights for the Verbal and the Quantitative domains. This study compares the predictive validity of the three general scores of PET, and demonstrates validity in terms of utility. SAMPLE: 100,863 freshmen students of all Israeli universities over the classes of 2005-2009. Regression weights and correlations of the predictors with FYGPA were computed. Simulations based on these results supplied the utility estimates. RESULTS: On average, PET is slightly more predictive than the Bagrut; using them both yields a better tool than either of them alone. Assigning differential weights to the components in the respective schools further improves the validity. CONCLUSION: The introduction of the new general scores of PET is validated by gathering and analyzing evidence based on relations of test scores to other variables. The utility of using the test can be demonstrated in ways different from correlations.

The changing histological pattern of gastric polyps in an ethnically heterogeneous population.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Variation in the prevalence of various types of gastric polyps worldwide may reflect different etiologies. Here, the authors report the dynamic changes in histological distribution of gastric polyps over time and by ethnicity for individuals who underwent gastroscopies between 1994 and 2009 at two hospitals in Jerusalem, Israel. During this time period, the proportion of patients receiving proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) increased while the proportion of patients infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) decreased. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Pathological reports of biopsies from 50,071 consecutive gastroscopies were reviewed. RESULTS: Gastric polyps were detected in 727 individuals. The yearly prevalence of gastric polyps was ≤ 1% between 1994 and 2001 and ≥ 2% from 2004 to 2009, of which overall 66% were hyperplastic polyps and 23% fundic gland polyps (FGPs). FGPs were diagnosed exclusively in the Jewish population. From 2001 to 2004, an increase in the absolute number of newly discovered hyperplastic and FGPs per year was observed. However from 2005, a divergent trend of changes was observed: While the proportion of patients with hyperplastic polyps dropped from 0.72 during the 2001-2004 period to 0.62 during the 2005-2009 period (p = 0.02), the proportion of patients with FGPs at these time periods increased from 0.16 to 0.33 (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The yearly prevalence of gastric polyps in Jerusalem has recently doubled. This occurred mainly due to the increasing prevalence of FGPs. The changing epidemiology of gastric polyps is probably related to the interaction between genetic factors and fluctuating environmental factors like H. pylori infection rates and exposure to PPIs.

Characteristics of patients with sulphonurea-induced hypoglycemia.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Sulphonylurea (SU) agents continue to be a cornerstone of the therapy of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Hypoglycemia is the most dangerous side effect of SU. Identifying the characteristics of patients with SU-induced hypoglycemia (SUIH) may help in reducing its frequency. METHODS: All consecutive admissions of patients with SUIH, between 2000 and 2008, were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Over the study period, 4702 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were admitted to the department of medicine. Of these, 155 patients were admitted because of SUIH. Most of these patients were elderly, had multiple comorbid situations, and were taking multiple medications. Almost a third of the patients had a history of recent changes in the use of their medications. Various infectious complications (urinary, lung, skin, and peritoneal) occurred in 43% of patients. Renal failure was a frequent finding at admission (44% of patients had creatinine plasma levels > 120 µmol/L). Poor oral intake before admission was reported by 31% of patients. Markers of malnutrition (low serum levels of albumin, iron, vitamin B-12, and folic acid) were frequently found in most patients. Mean hemoglobin A1C levels were in the low abnormal levels. A major vascular event during hospitalization co-occurred in 11% of patients. Three patients died during the hospital admission for SUIH. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly fragile patients with multiple comorbid situations including renal failure and tight glycemic control are prone to develop SUIH. Sulphonylurea agents should be avoided in such patients. An episode of SUIH should be considered as an alarming prognostic marker.