Defining and Applying Locally Relevant Benchmarks for the Adenoma Detection Rate.

INTRODUCTION: The adenoma detection rate (ADR) is the best validated colonoscopy performance quality indicator. The ASGE/ACG Task Force on Colonoscopy Quality set an ADR benchmark of ≥25% in a mixed male/female population. We propose a novel means for defining locally relevant ADR benchmarks using data from the population of interest and for applying ADR benchmarks using 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of an endoscopist's ADR. We further propose that ADR benchmarks should be raised to reflect what can be achieved by high-performing endoscopists. METHODS: We used endoscopists' performance in a baseline year to develop and apply benchmarks in an assessment year. We defined assessment year benchmarks (Minimally Acceptable, Standard of Care, and Aspirational) based on the average ADR of performance groups defined by baseline year ADR quartiles. We demonstrated the use of these benchmarks in endoscopists performing screening colonoscopies by determining if the upper bound of the 95% CI of the endoscopist's ADR included the ADR benchmark. RESULTS: The study included 8,492 colonoscopies (mean ADR 29%) in 2014 and 5,193 colonoscopies (mean ADR 32%) in 2015, completed at a regional screening center in Calgary, Canada. The Minimally Acceptable, Standard of Care, and Aspirational benchmarks for 2015 were 25%, 30%, and 39%, respectively. The 95% CI of the ADR of 1 (3%), 3 (10%), and 12 (39%) endoscopists did not include the benchmark. DISCUSSION: We have proposed methods for defining and applying benchmarks for ADR in average-risk patients that go beyond the "minimally acceptable" threshold currently recommended.

Hypophosphatemia is Prevalent among Preterm Infants Less than 1,500 Grams.

OBJECTIVE: This article identifies the prevalence and associated factors of hypophosphatemia (HP) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants in the first week of life. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective exploratory cohort study of 106 consecutive VLBW infants admitted to neonatal intensive care at Foothills Hospital, Calgary, Canada. HP was defined as at least one measurement of serum phosphate < 1.5 mmol/L (4.5 mg/dL). RESULTS: Seventy-seven percent (82/106) of the VLBW infants had HP, with significantly higher prevalence in infants < 1,000 g (94%) compared to infants ≥ 1,000 g (61%) (p < 0.001). Hypophosphatemic infants had lower birth weight (p < 0.001), gestational age (p < 0.001), and their increase in phosphate intake was slower (p = 0.003). Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (p = 0.002), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) ≥ grade III (p = 0.020), and hyperglycemia (p = 0.013) were more frequent among hypophosphatemic infants, especially among those < 1,000 g. Mortality, seizures, arrhythmias, and need for transfusion were not different between groups. Birth weight modified the association between RDS, IVH, hyperglycemia, and HP. CONCLUSION: HP was ubiquitous among infants < 1,000 g and highly prevalent among those weighing 1,000 to 1,500 g. While the direction of effect was not clear, RDS, IVH, and hyperglycemia were associated with HP. Prevention of HP in these physiologically immature neonates might improve neonatal outcomes.

Defining Benchmarks for Adenoma Detection Rate and Adenomas Per Colonoscopy in Patients Undergoing Colonoscopy Due to a Positive Fecal Immunochemical Test.

OBJECTIVES: Although there is an accepted benchmark for adenoma detection rate (ADR) in average risk screening colonoscopy, a benchmark for ADR or the associated quality indicator, adenomas per colonoscopy (APC), for colonoscopies performed for a positive fecal immunochemical test (FIT+) has not been established. The purpose of this study was to propose methods for establishing a benchmark ADR and APC for FIT+ patients. METHODS: In this historical cohort study, we included 15,329 patients aged 50-74 years who underwent a colonoscopy at Alberta Health Services' Colon Cancer Screening Centre, Calgary, Canada, from 1 January 2014 to 30 June 2015 for either investigation of a positive FIT or average risk screening. Using meta-regression, we estimated for FIT+ patients the ADR and APC that corresponded to (Method #1: minimally acceptable) an ADR of 25% in average risk individuals, (Method #2: standard of care) the average ADR or APC in all FIT+ patients, and (Method #3: aspirational) the average FIT+ ADR or APC in colonoscopies performed by endoscopists with an ADR of ≥35% in average risk patients. RESULTS: At least one adenoma was detected in 30% of average risk patients and 58% of FIT+ patients. The calculated benchmark FIT+ ADRs for the three methods were 55, 60, and 65%, respectively. The calculated benchmarks for FIT+ APC were 1.2, 1.4, and 1.7, respectively. To account for expected random variation in individual endoscopists' ADR or APC, we propose using the upper bound of the 95% confidence interval of an endoscopist's ADR or APC to determine if they fall below a given benchmark. CONCLUSIONS: We have proposed methods of defining benchmarks for ADR and APC in FIT+ patients that go beyond the current "minimally acceptable" threshold currently recommended in average risk patients. These new thresholds represent results obtained by all peers and by a group of expert adenoma detectors defined in an independent patient cohort (average risk). Because the true adenoma burden in FIT+ patients could vary based on factors such as the threshold used to define a positive FIT, screening programs or endoscopy units may need to calculate their own benchmarks using local data.

Ventricular high-rate episodes in pacemaker diagnostics identify a high-risk subgroup of patients with tachy-brady syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency and clinical significance of ventricular high-rate (VHR) episodes (ventricular rate >162 bpm) in patients with symptomatic bradycardia and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). BACKGROUND: Newer pacemakers have enhanced diagnostic features that permit detection and storage of detailed information about the frequency, duration, and time of onset of multiple episodes of AF, atrial tachycardia (AT), and ventricular tachycardia (VT). However, the prevalence and prognostic value of AF associated with rapid ventricular rates in the pacemaker population are unknown. METHODS: We prospectively followed 125 patients who received a Medtronic AT 500/501 pacemaker for symptomatic bradycardia and paroxysmal AF. RESULTS: AF recurred in 112 patients (90%) during 22 +/- 8 months of follow-up. A total of 1,324 VHR episodes occurred in 38 patients (30%). Episodes with available electrograms (n = 560) were reviewed and classified as AF (n = 279; 50%), AT (n = 266; 47%) or VT (n = 15; 3%). AF burden was higher in patients with VHR episodes (median 1.9 vs 0.2 hours/day; P < .001). After controlling for AT/AF burden and heart disease, VHR episodes were a significant independent predictor of hospitalization for cardiovascular symptoms (odds ratio 2.92, 95% confidence interval 1.33-6.38; P = .007). Heart rate control improved over time in the cohort, and the frequency of VHR episodes decreased during follow-up (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: VHR episodes documented in the pacemaker diagnostics identify a high-risk subgroup of patients with AF. Monitoring VHR episodes may be useful for identifying pacemaker patients with AF who require more vigilant monitoring, additional investigations, and/or additional interventions.