Current trends in the acute treatment of ischemic stroke: analysis from the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program.

BACKGROUND: The intra-arterial treatment (IAT) of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is now evidence-based and given the highest level of recommendation among eligible patients. Using a multi-state stroke registry, we studied the trend in IAT among patients with AIS over 11 years and its impact on the utilization of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) within the same 11 years. METHODS: Using data from the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program (PCNASP), we studied trends in IVT and IAT for patients with AIS between 2008 and 2018. Trends over time were examined for rates of IVT only, IAT only, or a combination of IVT and IAT (IVT+IAT). Favorable outcome was defined as discharge to home. RESULTS: During the study period there were 595 677 patients (mean age 70.4 years, 50.4% women) from 646 participating hospitals with a clinical diagnosis of AIS in the PCNASP. Trends for IVT only, IAT only, and IVT+IAT all significantly increased over time (P<0.001). Total use of IVT and IAT increased from 7% in 2008 to 19.1% in 2018. The rate of patients discharged to home increased significantly over time among all treatment groups (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: In our large registry-based analysis, we observed a significant increase in the use of IAT for the treatment of AIS, with continued increases in the use of IVT. Concurrently, the percent of patients with favorable outcomes continued to increase.

Short and sporadic injecting cessation episodes as predictors of incident hepatitis C virus infection: findings from a cohort study of people who inject drugs in Montréal, Canada.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: For most people who inject drugs (PWID), drug injecting follows a dynamic process characterized by transitions in and out of injecting. The objective of this investigation was to examine injecting cessation episodes of 1-3-month duration as predictors of hepatitis C virus (HCV) acquisition. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Montréal, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 372 HCV-uninfected (HCV RNA-negative, HCV antibody-positive or -negative) PWID (mean age = 39.3 years, 82% male, 45% HCV antibody-positive) enrolled between March 2011 and June 2016. MEASUREMENTS: At 3-month intervals, participants completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire and were tested for HCV particles (HCV RNA). At each visit, participants indicated whether they injected in each of the past 3 months (defined as three consecutive 30-day periods). Injecting cessation patterns were evaluated on a categorical scale: persistent injecting (no injecting cessation in the past 3 months), sporadic injecting cessation (injecting cessation in 1 of 3 or 2 of 3 months) and short injecting cessation (injecting cessation in 3 of 3 months). Their association with HCV infection risk was examined using Cox regression analyses with time-dependent covariates, including age, gender, incarceration, opioid agonist treatment and other addiction treatments. FINDINGS: At baseline, 61, 26 and 13% of participants reported persistent injecting, sporadic injecting cessation and short injecting cessation, respectively. HCV incidence was 7.5 per 100 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.9-9.5; 916 person-years of follow-up]. In adjusted Cox models, sporadic injecting cessation and short injecting cessation were associated with lower risks of incident HCV infection compared to persistent injecting (adjusted hazard ratios = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.30-1.04 and 0.24, 95% CI = 0.09-0.61), respectively. CONCLUSION: Short and sporadic injecting cessation episodes were common among a cohort of people who inject drugs in Montréal, Canada. Injecting cessation episodes appear to be protective against hepatitis C virus acquisition, particularly when maintained for at least 3 months.

Home care use of intravenous and subcutaneous immunoglobulin for primary immunodeficiency in the United States.

PURPOSE: Utilization reports on immunoglobulin (Ig) use for immunodeficiency in the United States (U.S.) have focused on prescribing practices in hospitals. There have been no large-scale reports on Ig use for immune deficiency in the home. We investigated the use of Ig in 3,187 subjects diagnosed with primary immunodeficiency. METHODS: Cross-sectional data on 4,580 subjects in the U.S. receiving Ig in 2011 was obtained from a major home care provider. Demographics, route, dose, and frequency of Ig use by subjects with ICD-9 coded primary immunodeficiencies were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 4,580 subjects, 3,187 had ICD-9 codes suggesting primary immunodeficiencies; 1,939 (60.8 %) were females and 1,248 (39.2 %) were males, with age ranging from 0 to 95 years. The predominant diagnoses were: common variable immunodeficiency (279.06; n=1,764; 55.3 %), hypogammaglobulinemia (279.00; n=635; 19.9 %), unspecified immunity deficiency (279.3; n=286; 9 %), other selective Ig deficiencies (279.03; n=171; 5.4 %), and agammaglobulinemia (279.04; n=127; 4 %). 54 % of subjects received Ig by the subcutaneous (SC) route, and 46 % by intravenous (IV) route, with more SC use by older subjects. The mean dose prescribed was 483 mg/kg/month, but less Ig was ordered for subjects on SCIg (409 mg/kg/month), as compared to subjects on IVIg (568 mg/kg/month). A highly significant inverse correlation between increasing age and dosage of Ig ordered was found (P= <.0001). CONCLUSION: Analysis of home care use of Ig in primary immune deficiency revealed that the SC route was prescribed more than the IV route, especially for older patients. By either method of administration, less immunoglobulin was prescribed for older subjects.

Social networks and HCV viraemia in anti-HCV-positive rural drug users.

Although social networks are known to play an important role in drug-using behaviours associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, literature on social networks and HCV is inconsistent. This exploratory study examined HCV RNA distribution within a social network of anti-HCV-positive non-medical prescription opioid users (NMPOUs) in rural Appalachia. Participants were tested serologically for HCV RNA, and behavioural, demographic, and network data were collected using interview-administered questionnaires. Multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression. Behavioural and demographic characteristics did not differ by RNA status. In the multivariate model, recent injecting drug users (IDUs) were more likely to be RNA positive [odds ratio (OR) 4·06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·04-15·83], and turnover into an IDU's drug network was significantly protective (OR 0·15, 95% CI 0·03-0·75). This is the first study to date to examine HCV distribution in rural NMPOUs from a network perspective and demonstrates that network characteristics significantly contribute to the epidemiology of HCV in this understudied, high-risk population.

Nivel de conocimientos y práctica adquiridos durante un curso-taller de terapia intravenosa / Level of knowledge and practice acquired during a workshop on intravenous therapy

Objetivo: Analizar el nivel de conocimientos adquiridos durante el desarrollo de un curso-taller de terapia intravenosa y su relación con la aplicación práctica del procedimiento. Material y métodos: Estudio cuasiexperimental, descriptivo y de corte transversal. Muestra total de 30 enfermeras operativas de los servicios donde se realiza esta técnica. Se utilizó como instrumentó de evaluación un cuestionario y una guía de observación estructurada que se aplicó en 3 ocasiones. El procesamiento estadístico se realizo a través del programa Excel y SPSS, utilizándose un análisis descriptivo. Resultados: el 63.3% del profesional de enfermería obtuvo un nivel medio de conocimiento, en lo que respecta al mantenimiento y prevención de complicaciones predominó el nivel alto con un 83.8%. Conclusión: El presente estudio permite identificar que la preparación constante del personal de enfermería mediante la aplicación de cursos-talleres incrementa de manera positiva el manejo de conocimiento y la práctica pero sobre todo garantiza al usuario una atención con el menor riesgo y una mayor calidad (AU)

Aim: To analyse the level of knowledge acquired during the development of a workshop on intravenous therapy and its relation to the practical application of the procedure. Material and methods: quasi-experimental, descriptive, transversal study applied to 30 operational nurses who worked in the services where this technique is carried ou. For evaluation a questionnaire and a structured guide of observation was used, which was applied on 3 occasions. The statistical analysis was performed in Excel and SPSS, using descriptive analysis. Results: 63.3% of nursing professional obtained a mean level of knowledge, with regard to maintenance and prevention of complications, thee was a high level, 83.8%. Conclusion: This study identifies that the constant preparation of nurses through the implementation of workshops increases positively management knowledge and practice but especially guarantees the user a lower risk and higher quality attentio (AU)

Evaluación del Programa de Intercambio de Jeringuillas en el Centro Penitenciario de Pereiro de Aguiar (Ourense): diez años de experiencia / Evaluation of needle exchange program at Pereiro de Aguiar prison (Ourense, Spain): ten years of experience

Objetivos: Evaluar la eficacia de un programa de intercambio de jeringuillas (PIJ) en una prisión para reducir la prevalencia de infecciones asociadas al uso de drogas intravenosas, y conocer la aceptación del programa por internos y funcionarios del centro penitenciario. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional con cortes transversales al inicio, 6 y 12 meses y 10 años de desarrollo del programa. Se realizaron entrevistas a los usuarios del programa y encuestas a muestras accidentales de funcionarios en los distintos cortes, y a una muestra aleatoria de internos a los 10 años. Se registraron diariamente los indicadores de actividad del programa, y se valoró la prevalencia de infección por VIH, hepatitis B y C al inicio y a los 10 años. Para el análisis estadístico utilizamos la prueba ji-cuadrado con la corrección de Yates en caso necesario. Resultados: Durante estos diez años se suministraron 15.962 jeringuillas a 429 usuarios (media de 20,2 usuarios/mes), recuperándose 11.327 (70,9%). La prevalencia de infección por VIH pasó del 21% en 1999 al 8,5% en 2009, la de VHC del 40% al 26,1% (p<0,01). La mayoría de internos y funcionarios consideran que el programa no incrementa el consumo de drogas intravenosas y que mejora las condiciones higiénicas de vida en la prisión. Conclusiones: Tras diez años de PIJ, se observa un significativo descenso en la prevalencia de infección por VIH y por VHC en la población reclusa del centro, y el programa es aceptado como beneficioso por la mayoría de los internos y funcionarios encuestados(AU)

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of NEPs in prison to reduce the prevalence of infections associated with intravenous drug use and to know more about acceptance of the program by inmates and staff. Material and methods: cross-sectional observational study at baseline, 6 and 12 months and 10 years of program development. Interviews were conducted with program users, as well as random sample surveys of officials at the various cuts, and a random sample of inmates from the centre after10 years. Activity indicators of the program were recorded continuously, and the prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV at baseline and after 10 years was evaluated. For the statistical analysis, the chi-square test was used with the Yates correction when necessary. Results: In ten years we have supplied a total of 15,962 syringes to 429 users, (average 20.2 users/month), and 11,327 (70.9%) were returned. The prevalence of HIV infection decreased from 21% in 1999 to 8.5% in 2009, HCV prevalence from 40% to 26.1% (p <0.01), finding no significant differences in the prevalence of HBsAg +. Most of the inmates and civil servants believe that the program did not increase intravenous drug use and improves hygienic living conditions in prison. Conclusions: After ten years of development of the NEP, there was a significant decrease in the prevalence of HIV and HCV in the prison population at the centre, and the program is accepted as beneficial by most of the inmates and staff participating in the survey(AU)

Hospital arrival time and intravenous t-PA use in US Academic Medical Centers, 2001-2004.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Prompt care-seeking behavior is a focus of US national public stroke educational campaigns. We determined whether the time between symptom onset and hospital arrival and the receipt of intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator (IV t-PA) changed for ischemic stroke patients evaluated at US academic centers between 2001 and 2004. METHODS: Medical records were abstracted for consecutive ischemic stroke patients admitted from the Emergency Department within 48 hours of symptom onset at 35 academic medical centers participating in the University HealthSystem Consortium Ischemic Stroke Benchmarking Project between January 1, 2001 and March 31, 2001, and 32 centers between January 1, 2004 and June 30, 2004. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients who presented within and after 2 hours of symptom onset were compared. Multivariate logistic regression was used to compare time to arrival by year and to identify patient characteristics associated with earlier hospital arrival. RESULTS: The study included 428 patients from 2001 and 481 from 2004. Although there was no difference in the percentage of patients who arrived within 2 hours between the 2 periods (37% in 2001 vs 38% in 2004, P=0.63), the percentage of these patients treated with IV t-PA increased (14.0% to 37.5%, P<0.0001). In risk-adjusted analysis, black patients had a lower odds of arriving within 2 hours (odds ratio=0.55; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.78), whereas those with severe strokes were more likely to arrive promptly (odds ratio=2.17; 95% CI, 1.49 to 3.15). CONCLUSIONS: There was no change in the proportion of stroke patients arriving at hospitals within 2 hours of symptom onset between 2001 and 2004; however, the rate of IV t-PA use increased, indicating system-level improvements of in-hospital care.

Pediatric surgeons and pediatric emergency physicians' attitudes towards analgesia and sedation for incarcerated inguinal hernia reduction.

UNLABELLED: Inguinal hernias become incarcerated in 10% to -15% of children and reduction of the hernia is an urgent painful procedure. No recommendations exist for analgesia during this procedure. We surveyed pediatric emergency physicians (PEP) and pediatric surgeons (PS) for their analgesia and sedation use during the reduction. The survey was mailed to 19 centers in North America. A total of 56% (185/331) surveys were completed by PEP and 56% (68/122) from PS. A total of 96.7% (245/253) of responders reported giving analgesia or sedation during reduction. PS were more likely to use intravenous drugs, try for a longer time, wait longer between trials, and conduct more trials compared to the PEP. Clinically related variables were more important for PEPs than PS for analgesia and sedation. System-related variables were more important by PS for admission. PERSPECTIVE: This survey shows significant variability between specialties in the drugs, route, and number of attempts during reduction of a painful incarcerated hernia in children. Development of a sedation and analgesia protocol may be useful in order to unify management of pain and discomfort during hernia reduction.

Educação sem distâncias: utilização do WebCT como ferramenta de apoio para o ensino da terapia intravenosa na graduação de enfermagem

Esta investigação focalizou o ambiente de aprendizagem através da Internet, onde foi abordado o ensino da terapia intravenosa (TIV). Dentre os vários conteúdos que poderiam ser ministrados por meio de um am biente de aprendizagem através da Internet foi escolhida a TIV pois se trata de um tema complexo que abrange não apenas os procedimentos técnicos m as também os aspectos conceituais e que podem ser discutidos em um ambiente virtual de aprendizagem....