Reoperations are few and confined to the most valgus phenotypes 4 years after unrestricted calipered kinematically aligned TKA.

PURPOSE: The present study determined the postoperative phenotypes after unrestricted calipered kinematically aligned (KA) total knee arthroplasty (TKA), whether any phenotypes were associated with reoperation, implant revision, and lower outcome scores at 4 years, and whether the proportion of TKAs within each phenotype was comparable to those of the nonarthritic contralateral limb. METHODS: From 1117 consecutive primary TKAs treated by one surgeon with unrestricted calipered KA, an observer identified all patients (N = 198) that otherwise had normal paired femora and tibiae on a long-leg CT scanogram. In both legs, the distal femur-mechanical axis angle (FMA), proximal tibia-mechanical axis angle (TMA), and the hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA) were measured. Each alignment angle was assigned to one of Hirschmann's five FMA, five TMA, and seven HKA phenotype categories. RESULTS: Three TKAs (1.5%) underwent reoperation for anterior knee pain or patellofemoral instability in the subgroup of patients with the more valgus phenotypes. There were no implant revisions for component loosening, wear, or tibiofemoral instability. The median Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) was similar between phenotypes. The median Oxford Knee Score (OKS) was similar between the TMA and HKA phenotypes and greatest in the most varus FMA phenotype. The phenotype proportions after calipered KA TKA were comparable to the contralateral leg. CONCLUSION: Unrestricted calipered KA's restoration of the wide range of phenotypes did not result in implant revision or poor FJS and OKS scores at a mean follow-up of 4 years. The few reoperated patients had a more valgus setting of the prosthetic trochlea than recommended for mechanical alignment. Designing a femoral component specifically for KA that restores patellofemoral kinematics with all phenotypes, especially the more valgus ones, is a strategy for reducing reoperation risk. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level III.

Incidence and predictors of iron deficiency anaemia in parturients undergoing elective caesarean section at a tertiary hospital in New Zealand: a retrospective, observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy is a significant problem which can be especially problematic when delivery is by caesarean section, a procedure associated with significant blood loss. Optimising iron stores pre-delivery remains an overarching goal. We aim to measure the incidence of iron deficiency anaemia in patients undergoing elective caesarean section at our institution and determine any associated predictors, as well as adverse outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective, observational cohort study of patients presenting for elective caesarean section over a two-year period. Patient data was collected from hospital electronic records. Iron deficiency anaemia was defined a haemoglobin < 110 g/L and a ferritin < 30 µg/L in the three-month period prior to delivery. The primary aim was to establish the incidence of iron deficiency anaemia at the time of delivery and any associated predictors. Secondary outcomes included any association between the primary outcome and complications defined by the hospital discharge complication coding system, as well as an evaluation of the number of blood tests carried out antenatally per trimester. RESULTS: One thousand and ninety-three women underwent caesarean section over the study period and 16.2% had iron deficiency anaemia. Patients with iron deficiency anaemia were more likely to be of Maori and Pacific Island ethnicity, have a greater booking body mass index, be younger and have a greater parity. Pre-operative anaemia was associated with a greater likelihood of post-operative blood transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: There remains potential for optimisation of iron deficiency anaemia in our local population undergoing elective caesarean section.

A cruciate-retaining implant can treat both knees of most windswept deformities when performed with calipered kinematically aligned TKA.

PURPOSE: Surgeons performing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on the osteoarthritic valgus deformity often use a posterior stabilized (PS) and semi-constrained implants to substitute for the release of a contracted posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) instead of a cruciate retaining (CR) implant. Calipered kinematic alignment (KA) strives to retain the PCL and use a CR implant. The aim of this study of the windswept deformity was to determine whether the level of implant constraint, outcome scores, and alignment after bilateral calipered KA TKA are different between a pair of knees with a varus and valgus deformity in the same patient. METHODS: A review of a prospectively collected database identified all patients with a windswept deformity treated with bilateral TKA (n = 19) out of 2430 consecutive primary TKAs performed between 2014 and 2019. Operative reports determined the level of implant constraint. Patient response to the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) assessed outcomes at a mean follow-up of 2.3 years. Postoperative alignment was measured on an A-P computer tomographic scanogram of the limb. RESULTS: CR implants were used in 15 of 19 (79%) valgus deformities and 17 of 19 (89%) of varus deformities (n.s.). No knees required a semi-constrained implant. There was no difference in the median postoperative FJS and OKS (n.s.), and a 1° or less difference in the mean postoperative distal lateral femoral angle (p = 0.005) and proximal medial tibial angle (n.s.) between the paired varus and valgus knee deformity. CONCLUSION: Based on this small series, surgeons that use calipered KA TKA can expect to use CR implants in most patients with windswept deformity and achieve comparable outcome scores and alignment between the paired varus and valgus deformity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

N-acetylcysteine in the Treatment of Internet Gaming Disorder.

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is the persistent and recurrent use of the internet to engage in video gaming through a single or multiplayer interface that can lead to significant impairment or distress. With technological advancements in the last decade via portable handheld devices, along with their global availability, video games have found a new medium in which they can provide instantaneous access for casual and enthusiastic users alike. Unfortunately, this exponentially increases the possibility of addiction. IGD shares a similar pathophysiological etiology to addiction as drugs or gambling. However, it can be challenging to manage IGD due to the ease of video game access and limited understanding of the newly recognized disorder. This study aims to fill in the knowledge gap concerning the limited research on internet gaming addiction, its consequential effects on human cognitive-behavioral functioning, and pharmacotherapy management as observed in our patient, who developed IGD, starting initially as a casual recreational hobby among peers. This case also highlights the lack of social awareness and seriousness attributed to this disorder. It focuses on using N-acetylcysteine in the management as well as other psychological and psychotropic drugs.

Use of Fluoxetine in Treating Compulsive Sexual Behavior: A Case Report.

Compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) disorder is generally characterized by recurrent and intense sexually arousing fantasies, sexual urges, and behaviors that cause individual distress or impair daily functioning. CSB has significant consequences, including but not limited to personal distress, depression, anxiety, and a high risk of sexually transmitted diseases. CSB is often seen along with other psychiatric disorders, most commonly with major depressive and substance use disorders.  A primary goal of treatment for CSB is to help manage the uncontrollable impulses and urges a patient endures by reducing excessive sexual behavior with the use of psychotherapy, self-help groups, and medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are well-known for their pharmacotherapeutic role in many psychiatric and medical conditions; however, symptoms of hyposexuality are notable side effects.  Here we report our findings on a patient, a 36-year-old male who classified himself as a sex addict since late adolescence, participating in various forms of sexual-related activities at high frequency. He presented to the outpatient clinic for treatment for depression alongside his CSB. He was successfully treated with an SSRI, fluoxetine.

Use of Bupropion in the Management of Negative Symptom Schizophrenia: A Case Series.

Antipsychotic treatment has been documented as the mainstay for the management of schizophrenia. Evidence in literature has suggested that the management of negative symptoms of schizophrenia continues to be a treatment challenge. Therefore, residual negative symptoms can become more pervasive and visible after the treatment of positive symptoms, leading to an impaired marked deficit in the vital daily functions of patients. We present a case series of three patients with a past psychiatric history of schizophrenia who presented to the psychiatric emergency with acute symptoms of schizophrenia. Following antipsychotic treatment, all these patients showed improvement of positive symptoms, however, profound negative symptoms of schizophrenia became visible. The negative symptoms include anhedonia, amotivation, alogia, affective flattening, and passive social withdrawal. We added bupropion to manage the negative symptoms, and all three patients achieved a good treatment response. This case series suggests that the anti-depressive effects of bupropion might be a valuable treatment option in the treatment of negative symptoms of schizophrenia.

Reduction of urea test ordering in the emergency department: multicomponent intervention including education, electronic ordering, and data feedback.

INTRODUCTION: In the emergency department (ED), laboratory testing accounts for a significant portion of the medical assessment. Although excess laboratory test ordering has been proven to be prevalent, different types of interventions have been used to encourage a behavioural change in how physicians order tests. In one western Canadian hospital medicine program, a quality improvement project aimed to reduce the total monthly blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test ordered by physicians was found to be successful. The objective of this project was to evaluate a similar multicomponent intervention aimed at ED physician ordering, with the primary goal of reducing the number of monthly BUN tests ordered per ED visit. METHODS: A pre post intervention design was conducted over 12-months. The first intervention component was an educational presentation conducted by physician leaders. Second, a regularly used order panel within the ED electronic order system was modified, removing the BUN test. The third component involved audit and feedback; the total monthly BUN test ordered for the ED department post intervention start was shared with all ED physicians twice (at 5 and 12 months).An interrupted time series analysis was completed to evaluate the multicomponent intervention effect. RESULTS: The total monthly ordered BUN test declined from an average of 1905 pre-intervention to 448 post-intervention, and the total monthly BUN test to total ED visit ratio declined from 0.46 to 0.1. These results were a statistically significant reduction in physician BUN test ordering. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted education, order panel design and data feedback interventions can impact physician ordering behaviour in the emergent healthcare context, where diagnostic tests are often over used.

RéSUMé: INTRODUCTION: Dans les services d'urgence (SU), les analyses de laboratoire représentent une part importante de l'évaluation médicale. Bien qu'il ait été prouvé que la prescription excessive d'examens de laboratoire est répandue, différents types d'interventions ont été utilisés pour encourager un changement de comportement dans la façon dont les médecins commandent des examens. Dans un programme de médecine hospitalière de l'Ouest canadien, un projet d'amélioration de la qualité visant à réduire le nombre total de tests mensuels d'azote uréique du sang (BUN) demandés par les médecins s'est avéré fructueux. L'objectif de ce projet était d'évaluer une intervention similaire à plusieurs composantes visant les ordonnances des médecins des urgences, avec pour objectif principal de réduire le nombre d'analyses mensuelles de BUN commandés par visite aux urgences. MéTHODE: Une conception pré-post-intervention a été menée sur 12 mois. Le premier volet de l'intervention consistait en une présentation éducative menée par des médecins chefs de file. Deuxièmement, un panneau de commande régulièrement utilisé dans le système de commande électronique du SU a été modifié, supprimant le test BUN. Le troisième volet concernait l'audit et le retour d'information : le nombre total de tests mensuels d'azote uréique sanguin commandés pour le service des urgences après le début de l'intervention a été communiqué à tous les médecins des urgences à deux reprises (à 5 et 12 mois). Une analyse de séries chronologiques interrompues a été réalisée pour évaluer l'effet de l'intervention multicomposante. RéSULTATS: Le nombre total mensuel d'analyses BUN commandés a baissé d'une moyenne de 1905 avant l'intervention à 448 après l'intervention, et le rapport entre le nombre total mensuel de test BUN et le nombre total de visites aux urgences a baissé de 0,46 à 0,1. Ces résultats représentaient une réduction statistiquement significative des ordonnances de test BUN par les médecins. CONCLUSIONS: Des interventions ciblées en matière d'éducation, de conception de panels de commandes et de retour d'informations peuvent avoir un impact sur le comportement des médecins en matière de commandes dans le contexte des soins de santé émergents, où les tests de diagnostic sont souvent surutilisés.

Sociodemographic Attributes and Prevalence of Arrest With Possession of Substances in Incarcerated Population in the United States.

Background and objectives In recent years, there has been an increase in the US imprisonment rate. A substantial percentage of those incarcerations are for drug-related offenses. The authors investigated the relationship between the pattern of substance use and drug-related offenses across a broad spectrum of various sociodemographic attributes of the incarcerated population in the United States. Methods Cross-sectional data from the 2016 Survey of Prison Inmates conducted by the Bureau of Judicial Statistics were extracted with inmates who reported possession of a drug at the time of arrest as a primary outcome of interest. Using SAS 9.4 statistical software (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, USA), the authors used multivariate analyses to determine the odds ratios between various sociodemographic attributes of the inmates and possession of substance at the time of the arrest. Logistic regression analysis for age groups in relation to substance possession at the time of arrest is presented in the form of an adjusted odds ratio and their respective confidence interval at p ≤0.5. Results Out of the total 23,798 inmates who reported possession of a drug at the time of arrest, 34.07% were Non-Hispanic Whites, and 31.5% were within the age group of 25-34 years. Only 59.47% of inmates were employed 30 days before the arrest, and 58.02% had less than a high school education. Different patterns of drug use were linked with different types of drugs found in their possession at the time of the arrest. Possession of cannabis at the time of arrest was highest in the age group 18-24 years compared to other age groups (odds ratio: 1.362; 95% CI: 1.159 - 1.602). Inmates with a history of stimulant or hypnotic use were more likely to have another psychoactive substance during a time of the arrest. Only 8.46% of inmates had psychiatric and psychological treatment as part of their sentence. Conclusions A large proportion of incarcerations in the US is because of drug-related offenses, with most of the burden on the younger age group. Inmates should receive psychiatric and psychological treatments for substance use as part of their sentencing while in prison and after release as a form of targeted intervention for this vulnerable group.

Revision of a Medial UKA to a Kinematic Aligned TKA: Comparison of Operative Complexity, Postoperative Alignment, and Outcome Scores to a Primary TKA.

Revision of a medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) to a mechanically aligned total knee arthroplasty (MA TKA) is inferior to a primary TKA; however, revision with kinematic alignment (KA) has not been well studied. The present study determined whether patients revised with KA had a higher use of revision components, different postoperative alignment, and different clinical outcome scores from patients with a primary KA TKA. From 2006 to 2017, all patients suitable for a revision of a failed medial UKA to a TKA and a primary TKA were treated with KA. Reasons for the revision performed in ten females and six males at a mean age 67 ± 8 years included progression of osteoarthritis in the lateral hemi-joint (n = 6), aseptic loosening (n = 4), unremitting medial pain without loosening (n = 4), and insert wear (n = 2). Patients with a revision were matched 1:3 with a control cohort treated with a primary KA TKA. Revisions were performed with primary components without augments, stem extensions, or bone grafts. Seven postoperative alignment parameters of the limb and components were comparable to the control cohort (p > 0.05). At a mean follow-up of 5 years (1-10), implant survival was 100%, and the revision/primary group clinical outcome scores were 39/43 points for the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), 2.2/1.0 cm for the Visual Analog Pain Score, and 12/7 points for the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index score. When compared with primary KA TKA, surgeons that revise a failed medial UKA to a TKA with use of KA can expect similar operative complexity, comparable postoperative alignments, and a mean OKS of 39 points, which is higher than the mean 27 to 30 point range reported for revision of a failed UKA to a TKA with the use of MA.

Outcomes in Patients with a Calipered Kinematically Aligned TKA That Already Had a Contralateral Mechanically Aligned TKA.

Prior studies suggest kinematically aligned (KA) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) provides some clinical benefits. There are no reports of self-reported outcome measures in patients treated with a calipered KA TKA that already had a contralateral mechanically aligned (MA) TKA. We performed a retrospective study and asked the following questions: (1) Were you satisfied with your MA TKA when you were treated with the KA TKA? (2) What are the Forgotten Joint Scores (FJS) and Oxford Knee Scores (OKS) in each of your knees? (3) Do you favor one knee? and (4) Did one knee recover faster? From January 2013 to January 2017, 2,378 consecutive primary TKAs were performed of which all were treated with calipered KA that uses serial verification checks incorporating measurements of bone resections and positions to restore the prearthritic or native joint lines accurately. A records review identified patients with a prior primary MA TKA in the contralateral limb. Excluded were those with a history of fracture, osteotomy, infection, or revision knee surgery in either limb. In September 2018, 78 patients (57 females) with a mean age of 73 years (range, 50-91 years) completed a follow-up evaluation consisting of the FJS and OKS questionnaires and three anchor questions. A total of 83% of patients were satisfied with the MA TKA and 92% were satisfied with the KA TKA. The KA TKA had a 15 point higher median FJS and a comparable OKS to that of the MA TKA. Also, 56% of patients favored the KA TKA, and 8% favored the MA TKA. Seventy four percent of patients favored the recovery of the KA TKA, and 6% favored the recovery of the MA TKA. Accordingly, a patient considering a contralateral KA TKA can expect that more often than not the KA TKA will have a higher FJS, a similar OKS, be their favorite knee, and recover faster. Present study is therapeutic and reflects level IV evidence.

Substance Use Patterns and Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Retrospective Study of Inpatients at a Community Teaching Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is one of the chronic mental illnesses, characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, grossly disorganized or catatonic behavior, and cognitive decline. It frequently leads to a lifetime of impairment and disability that span the entire lifespan of the patients. Several epidemiologic studies have shown that schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) contribute significantly to years lived with disability. Additionally, substance use disorders have been reported to co-occur commonly among patients with SSD (a comorbidity also known as dual diagnosis), attracting notable attention over the past few decades. This dual diagnosis often requires treatment modifications to ensure for best patient outcomes. METHODS: This study was a retrospective review of the electronic medical charts. The patients included in the study were discharged from the psychiatric unit of our hospital between July 1, 2017 and October 31, 2017. Patients were included in the study using three inclusion criteria: 1) age ≥18 years; 2) had a diagnosis of SSD at discharge; and 3) had urine drug screen performed. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were abstracted. Univariate analysis and summary statistics were performed. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were done via logistic regression models to determine the odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding P values (P). RESULTS: A total of 365 (52.2%) patients had a diagnosis of SSD at discharge. Of these, 349 met the inclusion criteria. The age ranged from 19 to 79 years, with a mean age of 42.2 years, and 76.8% of the patients used substances. Out of the 269 patients who used substances, 199 (74%) used two or more substances. Tobacco use was most prevalent (62.3%), followed by cannabis use (41.5%), alcohol use (40.2%), and cocaine use (27.4%). Patients who reported using tobacco, were more likely to have comorbid alcohol use (OR = 7.24; P = 0.000), cannabis use (OR = 2.80; P = 0.000), cocaine use (OR = 5.00; P = 0.000), and synthetic cannabis (K2) use (OR = 4.62; P = 0.048). Results of the multivariate analyses supported the other findings. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found a high association between schizophrenia spectrum disorders and substance use, with three out of four patients with SSD using a substance. This prevalence is higher than previously reported by other studies. Among those who use substances, about three in four use multiple substances. These point to some interaction between the substances and appear to be heavily influenced by significant social determinants of mental health that continue to plague the community. It is important to establish if a patient with schizophrenia has a comorbid substance use disorder, because addressing both generally leads to better patient outcomes.

Bowel obstruction following appendectomy: what is the true incidence?

INTRODUCTION: Appendicitis is a common problem that is typically treated with an appendectomy. Following abdominal surgery, adhesions may form and may cause a subsequent small bowel obstruction (SBO). The purpose of our study was to determine the rate of post-appendectomy SBO in an adult population, and to observe any difference in SBO rates between open versus laparoscopic appendectomies. METHODS: All patients who underwent an appendectomy at an adult hospital in the Calgary Health Region between 1999 and 2002 were identified by using the administrative discharge database. Pathology and operative technique (laparoscopic, McBurney incision, midline laparotomy) were reviewed. Using those regional health numbers, any further admissions with a diagnostic code for bowel obstruction were identified. Medical charts (n = 1777) were reviewed to confirm the rate of post-appendectomy SBO. A logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors of post-appendectomy SBO and expressed as odds ratios (95% confidence interval). RESULTS: The overall SBO rate was 2.8% over an average 4.1-year follow-up period. The risk factors for developing SBO following appendectomy for appendicitis included, perforated appendicitis (odds ratio [OR] = 3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5-6.6), and midline incisions (OR = 5.4, 95% CI: 2.8-10.4). Those with pathology of cancer or chronic appendicitis conferred the greatest overall risk of SBO (OR = 7.4, 95% CI: 2.7-20.3). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of SBO following appendectomy in adults was 2.8%, or 0.0069 cases per person-year. The greatest risk factors for developing SBO were midline incision and nonappendicitis pathology. There is no statistically significant difference in SBO rates following laparoscopic appendectomy compared with open approaches.

The use of PET/CT in pregnancy: A case report of malignant parathyroid carcinoma and a review of the literature.

Positron emission tomography scanning is not commonly performed in pregnancy but can be done if required. Fetal doses of radiation can be minimized, and our case exemplifies the safe application of positron emission tomography/computed tomography in pregnancy. A 38-year-old woman in her first ongoing pregnancy presented at 28 weeks' gestation with symptomatic hypercalcemia. Given a history of parathyroid carcinoma, recurrence was suspected. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging failed to locate the lesion. However, positron emission tomography/computed tomography identified a culprit supraclavicular lymph node. This was excised under local anesthesia resulting in normalization of parathyroid hormone and calcium levels. A term, healthy baby was delivered. The literature provides support that the use of positron emission tomography/computed tomography is acceptable when indicated, and there are modifications to protocols that can further limit risk.

A Low-Cost Stove Use Monitor to Enable Conditional Cash Transfers.

Conditional cash transfers (CCTs)-cash payments provided to households or specific household members who meet defined conditions or fulfill certain behaviors-have been extensively used in India to encourage antenatal care, institutional delivery, and vaccination. This paper describes the social design and technical development of a low-cost, meal-counting stove use monitor (the Pink Key) that enables a CCT based on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) usage and presents pilot data from its testing and the initial deployment. The system consists of a sensing harness attached to a two-burner LPG stove and an easily removable datalogger. For each cooking event with LPG, households receive 2 rupees-less than the cost of fuel, but enough to partially defray LPG refill costs. The system could enable innovative "self-monitoring" at a large scale-participants initiate the CCT by bringing their Pink Key to antenatal clinic visits, where care providers download data and initiate payments, and participants return the sensor to their stove at home. The system aligns with existing Indian programs to improve health among poor, pregnant women, and contributes a new method to encourage the use of clean cooking technologies.

Carbamazepine-induced dystonia in an adolescent.

Dystonia is sustained muscle contraction, which may be primary or secondary to other causes. Drugs comprise one of the most important causes for the secondary dystonia, the usual mechanism being a dopaminergic blockade. There are very few reports describing dystonia resulting from carbamazepine (CBZ) administration. In this case report, a 16-year-old male with mental retardation and seizure disorder developed dystonia at therapeutic blood levels of CBZ.