Application of a cost-effectiveness analysis of pathogen-specific vaccines against gastroenteritis to a military population in a developing country setting.

Vaccine implementation planning in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) often focuses on children without considering special adult populations. We adapted an economic model developed by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of vaccine acquisition strategies for Campylobacter-, ETEC-, Shigella-, and norovirus-associated gastroenteritis. We compared implementation costs with current medical management in the Peruvian armed forces, a special population of low- and middle-income (LMIC) adults with a high incidence of infectious gastroenteritis. Pathogen-specific vaccine implementation resulted in calculated cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) per duty day lost averted (CERDDL) of $13,741; $1,272; $301; and $803, and a CER per diarrhea day averted of $2,130; $215; $51; and $199 for Campylobacter, ETEC, Shigella, and norovirus, respectively. These estimates compare favorably to CERDDL estimates from high-income military population and suggest that implementing vaccines gastroenteritis may be cost-effective in the Peruvian military population.

First-line ibrutinib for Bing-Neel syndrome.

The authors present a case of an elderly man with a history of Waldenstrom macroglobulinaemia in remission who presented with progressively worsening gait abnormalities and falls for several months. His examination was notable for bilateral lower extremity weakness and an unsteady gait. Brain and spinal MRI showed focal leptomeningeal enhancement in the brain and spinal column. Lumbar puncture was performed and cerebrospinal fluid flow cytometry demonstrated a monoclonal CD5/CD10-negative, CD20-positive B-cell lymphocyte population consistent with a diagnosis of Bing-Neel syndrome. He was started on ibrutinib, an oral Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and had marked improvement in his weakness and gait. Repeat imaging 2 months after starting ibrutinib showed improvement in his leptomeningeal enhancement. During subsequent follow-up, he continued to tolerate ibrutinib and had a sustained clinical response.

Spontaneous pneumoperitoneum in pediatric patients: A case series.

INTRODUCTION: Pneumoperitoneum frequently results in emergent surgery because it typically indicates an abdominal viscus perforation. However, this may not always be the case. There have been few recent reports in the pediatric population that document cases of pneumoperitoneum which could be considered for non-surgical management. PRESENTATION OF CASE: This case series presents three different instances of pediatric patients with radiographic evidence of pneumoperitoneum who were subsequently found to have no perforated viscus following surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: We recommend that in the absence of peritoneal signs, fever, leukocytosis, significant abdominal pain, distension, or clinical deterioration, non-operative management be considered in pediatric patients with radiographic signs of pneumoperitoneum.

Relative cost-effectiveness of a norovirus vaccine in the deployed military setting compared to a vaccine against Campylobacter sp., ETEC, and Shigella sp.

Norovirus (NoV) has been identified as a significant cause of acute gastrointestinal illness among deployed military troops. We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis for the use of a NoV vaccine in the military using a previously developed model that evaluated vaccines for ETEC, Campylobacter, and Shigella for prevention of non-outbreak associated travelers' diarrhea. Under conservative assumptions, acquisition of a NoV vaccine by the Department of Defense is estimated to result in a cost-effectiveness ratio per duty day lost to illness (CERDDL) of $1344 compared to a CERDDL of $776, $800, and $1275 for ETEC, Campylobacter sp., and Shigella sp., respectively compared to current management strategies. The absolute value of avoiding a duty day lost is likely to vary under different scenarios, and further study is needed to evaluate how improved diagnostics and prevention of outbreaks may impact the relative value of this vaccine. Overall, this study demonstrates the utility of a previously established evidence-based decision tool for prioritization of vaccine acquisition in an important target population.