A Standard Set for Outcome Measurement in Patients With Hand and Wrist Conditions: Consensus by the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement Hand and Wrist Working Group.

PURPOSE: To describe the principles, process, and results of creating the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM) standard set for hand and wrist conditions. METHODS: Following the standardized methods of ICHOM, an international working group of hand surgeons, therapists, and researchers was assembled to develop an evidence-based, patient-centered, standard set of outcome measures for patients with hand and wrist conditions. Multiple systematic reviews were performed to support our choices of outcome domains and tools for hand and wrist conditions. Fourteen video conferences were held between March 2018 and March 2020, and a modified Delphi process was used. RESULTS: A consensus was reached on 5 measurement tracks: the thumb, finger, wrist, nerve, and severe hand trauma tracks, with a distinction between regular and extended tracks for which specific allocation criteria applied. The standard set contains a selection of outcome tools and predefined time points for outcome measurement. Additionally, we developed a hierarchy for using the tracks when there are multiple conditions, and we selected risk-adjustment, case-mix variables. CONCLUSIONS: The global implementation of the ICHOM standard set for hand and wrist conditions may facilitate value-based health care for patients with hand and wrist conditions. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The ICHOM standard set for hand and wrist conditions can enable clinical decision making, quality improvement, and comparisons between treatments and health care professionals.

Influenza A (H1N1pdm09)-Related Critical Illness and Mortality in Mexico and Canada, 2014.

OBJECTIVES: The 2009-2010 influenza A (H1N1pdm09) pandemic caused substantial morbidity and mortality among young patients; however, mortality estimates have been confounded by regional differences in eligibility criteria and inclusion of selected populations. In 2013-2014, H1N1pdm09 became North America's dominant seasonal influenza strain. Our objective was to compare the baseline characteristics, resources, and treatments with outcomes among critically ill patients with influenza A (H1N1pdm09) in Mexican and Canadian hospitals in 2014 using consistent eligibility criteria. DESIGN: Observational study and a survey of available healthcare setting resources. SETTING: Twenty-one hospitals, 13 in Mexico and eight in Canada. PATIENTS: Critically ill patients with confirmed H1N1pdm09 during 2013-2014 influenza season. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The main outcome measures were 90-day mortality and independent predictors of mortality. Among 165 adult patients with H1N1pdm09-related critical illness between September 2013 and March 2014, mean age was 48.3 years, 64% were males, and nearly all influenza was community acquired. Patients were severely hypoxic (median PaO2-to-FIO2 ratio, 83 mm Hg), 97% received mechanical ventilation, with mean positive end-expiratory pressure of 14 cm H2O at the onset of critical illness and 26.7% received rescue oxygenation therapy with prone ventilation, extracorporeal life support, high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, or inhaled nitric oxide. At 90 days, mortality was 34.6% (13.9% in Canada vs 50.5% in Mexico, p < 0.0001). Independent predictors of mortality included lower presenting PaO2-to-FIO2 ratio (odds ratio, 0.89 per 10-point increase [95% CI, 0.80-0.99]), age (odds ratio, 1.49 per 10 yr increment [95% CI, 1.10-2.02]), and requiring critical care in Mexico (odds ratio, 7.76 [95% CI, 2.02-27.35]). ICUs in Canada generally had more beds, ventilators, healthcare personnel, and rescue oxygenation therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Influenza A (H1N1pdm09)-related critical illness still predominantly affects relatively young to middle-aged patients and is associated with severe hypoxemic respiratory failure. The local critical care system and available resources may be influential determinants of patient outcome.

Predictors of laboratory-confirmed mpox in people with mpox-like illness.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to identify predictors of confirmed monkeypox (mpox) among people with mpox-like illness and to develop a multivariable model for confirmed mpox. METHODS: We performed an observational study using national epidemiologic surveillance data in Mexico from May to November 2022. People with mpox-like illness were reported to the Mexican Ministry of Health and real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed in clinical samples to confirm mpox. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected with a case report form. We performed univariable logistic regressions to estimate the predictive capability of individual characteristics, reported with ORs and 95% CIs. Variables of interest were included in multivariable logistic regression models and Akaike information criterion was used to retain variables for the final model. Discrimination and calibration of the model were estimated in bootstrap resamples. RESULTS: A total of 5078 people were reported with mpox-like illness. Of 5078 people, 3291 (64.8%) had confirmed mpox. The strongest clinical predictors of confirmed mpox in univariable models were proctitis (OR 6.54, 5.93-7.21), inguinal adenopathy (OR 5.91, 5.36-6.52), and anogenital lesions (OR 5.45, 4.94-6.02). The final model included being a man who has sex with men (8.75, 7.37-10.38), HIV diagnosis (3.04, 2.51-3.69), inguinal adenopathy (2.24, 1.81-2.77), anogenital lesions (2.32, 1.97-2.74), and pustules (1.55, 1.32-1.81). Discrimination capability was excellent (c-statistic 0.88, 95% CI 0.87-0.89) and it was well calibrated (calibration slope 1, 95% CI 0.95-1.05). DISCUSSION: A third of people with mpox-like illness do not have mpox. Factors such as being a man who has sex with men, HIV diagnosis, inguinal adenopathy, pustules, and anogenital lesions are associated with confirmed mpox.

H1N1 Influenza Pandemic of 2009 Compared With Other Influenza Pandemics: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Management, Pulmonary Complications, and Outcomes.

Influenza pandemics are complex events that have occurred frequently throughout human history, three during the past century alone. Now the world is facing the first 21st century pandemic, and the comparison among them is essential to identify common epidemiologic patterns, clinical characteristics, and outcomes. The evolution of medicine, including diagnostic and treatment options, the critical care advances, and global responses are new interventions that could modify the general outcome of the pandemic. Learning from past and current events could lead to a plan for prompt and efficient response in future pandemics and may be help us to predict the unpredictable.

[Influenza A H1N1 (2009): considerations at the time of declaring the end of the contingency in Mexico]. / La influenza A H1N1 (2009): el recuento al declararse el término de la contingencia en México.

We review important aspects of the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) at the time of declaring the end of the contingency in Mexico. The pre-established surveillance system had to be modified during the course of the epidemic. From the first epidemic weeks, viral monitoring recorded the displacement of other pathogens by the pandemic virus. Patients at high risk for complications were identified together with the need for early treatment with antiviral drugs, thus avoiding the saturation of intensive care beds. The difficulties of surging services for seriously ill patients are described. Preventive measures such as the use of masks and hand hygiene are reviewed, as well as the vaccination drive and the difficulties for its application in health personnel. The review concludes with the need to learn the teachings of the pandemic, describing the necessary elements to prepare against the next one.

Critically Ill patients with 2009 influenza A(H1N1) in Mexico.

CONTEXT: In March 2009, novel 2009 influenza A(H1N1) was first reported in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The population and health care system in Mexico City experienced the first and greatest early burden of critical illness. OBJECTIVE: To describe baseline characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of consecutive critically ill patients in Mexico hospitals that treated the majority of such patients with confirmed, probable, or suspected 2009 influenza A(H1N1). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: Observational study of 58 critically ill patients with 2009 influenza A(H1N1) at 6 hospitals between March 24 and June 1, 2009. Demographic data, symptoms, comorbid conditions, illness progression, treatments, and clinical outcomes were collected using a piloted case report form. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was mortality. Secondary outcomes included rate of 2009 influenza (A)H1N1-related critical illness and mechanical ventilation as well as intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay. RESULTS: Critical illness occurred in 58 of 899 patients (6.5%) admitted to the hospital with confirmed, probable, or suspected 2009 influenza (A)H1N1. Patients were young (median, 44.0 [range, 10-83] years); all presented with fever and all but 1 with respiratory symptoms. Few patients had comorbid respiratory disorders, but 21 (36%) were obese. Time from hospital to ICU admission was short (median, 1 day [interquartile range {IQR}, 0-3 days]), and all patients but 2 received mechanical ventilation for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and refractory hypoxemia (median day 1 ratio of Pao(2) to fraction of inspired oxygen, 83 [IQR, 59-145] mm Hg). By 60 days, 24 patients had died (41.4%; 95% confidence interval, 28.9%-55.0%). Patients who died had greater initial severity of illness, worse hypoxemia, higher creatine kinase levels, higher creatinine levels, and ongoing organ dysfunction. After adjusting for a reduced opportunity of patients dying early to receive neuraminidase inhibitors, neuraminidase inhibitor treatment (vs no treatment) was associated with improved survival (odds ratio, 8.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-62.8). CONCLUSION: Critical illness from 2009 influenza A(H1N1) in Mexico occurred in young individuals, was associated with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and shock, and had a high case-fatality rate.

An International Collaborative Standardizing Patient-Centered Outcome Measures in Pediatric Facial Palsy.

IMPORTANCE: Standardization of outcome measurement using a patient-centered approach in pediatric facial palsy may help aid the advancement of clinical care in this population. OBJECTIVE: To develop a standardized outcome measurement set for pediatric patients with facial palsy through an international multidisciplinary group of health care professionals, researchers, and patients and patient representatives. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A working group of health care experts and patient representatives (n = 21), along with external reviewers, participated in the study. Seven teleconferences were conducted over a 9-month period between December 3, 2016, and September 23, 2017, under the guidance of the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement, each followed with a 2-round Delphi process to develop consensus. This process defined the scope, outcome domains, measurement tools, time points for measurements, and case-mix variables deemed essential to a standardized outcome measurement set. Each teleconference was informed by a comprehensive review of literature and through communication with patient advisory groups. Literature review of PubMed was conducted for research published between January 1, 1981, and November 30, 2016. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The study aim was to develop the outcomes and measures relevant to children with facial palsy as opposed to studying the effect of a particular intervention. RESULTS: The 21 members of the working group included pediatric facial palsy experts from 9 countries. The literature review identified 1628 papers, of which 395 (24.3%) were screened and 83 (5.1%) were included for qualitative evaluation. A standard set of outcome measurements was designed by the working group to allow the recording of outcomes after all forms of surgical and nonsurgical facial palsy treatments among pediatric patients of all ages. Unilateral or bilateral, congenital or acquired, permanent or temporary, and single-territory or multiterritory facial palsy can be evaluated using this standard set. Functional, appearance, psychosocial, and administrative outcomes were selected for inclusion. Clinimetric and psychometric outcome measurement tools (clinician-, patient-, and patient proxy-reported) and time points for measuring patient outcomes were established. Eighty-six independent reviews of the standard set were completed, and 34 (85%) of the 40 patients and patient representatives and 44 (96%) of the 46 health care professionals who participated in the reviews agreed that the standard set would capture the outcomes that matter most to children with facial palsy. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This international collaborative study produced a free standardized set of outcome measures for evaluating the quality of care provided to pediatric patients with facial palsy, allowing benchmarking of clinicians, comparison of treatment pathways, and introduction of value-based reimbursement strategies in the field of pediatric facial palsy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA.

Organization of a third-level care hospital in Mexico City during the 2009 influenza epidemic.

An outbreak caused by the novel swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus was identified in Mexico in late March 2009. The objective of this report is to describe the organization of a tertiary care center in Mexico City during the contingency. We describe the education program, the hospital organization and triaging, and unforeseen overwhelming circumstances. Educational plans were directed to follow standard, contact, and droplet precautions and to condition behavior to avoid touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. N95 respirators were distributed only to perform respiratory procedures. By the fifth month into the epidemic, four patients with hospital-acquired influenza, 467 workers with respiratory symptoms suggestive of influenza (16% of our staff), and 96 workers with confirmed novel influenza A (3% of our staff) were identified. During the first 2 months of the epidemic, 44,225 people went through the triages and only 1503 (3.3%) reached the emergency room. By the fifth month into the epidemic, four small institutional influenza outbreaks (<10 workers each) had been identified, two of them in areas with no patient contact. Molecular testing for influenza was used mainly for epidemiological purposes. Even though we had a supply, we had difficulties in meeting the demand of masks, N-95 respirators, and hand sanitizers. Due to absenteeism, the nursing administration experienced difficulties in covering shifts. Preparation is mandatory for facing an influenza epidemic. The correct use of precautions is an economic measure to limit institutional transmission. Adequate triaging is essential to meet unusual attention demands.