Information acquisition and dissemination among a sample of people who inject drugs in Australia

INTRODUCTION

This paper examines the acquisition and dissemination of harm reduction information among people who inject drugs, as well as preferred sources of information.

METHODS

Data were obtained from 862 people who inject drugs, recruited from Australian capital cities for the 2021 Illicit Drug Reporting System. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to assess potential factors associated with knowledge sharing.

RESULTS

Almost two-fifths (37%) reported that they had received information about how to keep themselves safe when using drugs within the past 6 months. Reporting on their last occasion of receiving information, participants stated that it was commonly about injecting practices (56%), overdose prevention (26%) and injection-related injuries (22%), and was mostly received from an alcohol and other drug worker (54%), followed by other health professional (24%) and social network (18%). Among those who reported receiving information, 50% shared this information with other people, predominantly with their social network: no factors were found to be significantly associated with sharing information. The majority reported that peer workers and/or people with lived experience would be the first person they would talk to for information about a range of topics (e.g., injecting/harm reduction practices, overdose prevention).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Two in five participants had recently obtained information about how to keep themselves safe while using drugs, with half sharing this information with their social network. Peer workers were the preferred source of information, suggesting that the peer educator workforce should be expanded to embrace the capacities and expertise of people who inject drugs.

The effect of bariatric surgery type on cardiac reverse remodelling

INTRODUCTION

Bariatric surgery is effective in reversing adverse cardiac remodelling in obesity. However, it is unclear whether the three commonly performed operations; Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB), Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) and Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band (LAGB) are equal in their ability to reverse remodelling.

METHODS

Fifty-eight patients underwent CMR to assess left ventricular mass (LVM), LV mass:volume ratio (LVMVR) and LV eccentricity index (LVei) before and after bariatric surgery (26 RYGB, 22 LSG and 10 LAGB), including 46 with short-term (median 251-273 days) and 43 with longer-term (median 983-1027 days) follow-up. Abdominal visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) were also assessed.

RESULTS

All three procedures resulted in significant decreases in excess body weight (48-70%). Percentage change in VAT and EAT was significantly greater following RYGB and LSG compared to LAGB at both timepoints (VAT:RYGB -47% and -57%, LSG -47% and -54%, LAGB -31% and -25%; EAT:RYGB -13% and -14%, LSG -16% and -19%, LAGB -5% and -5%). Patients undergoing LAGB, whilst having reduced LVM (-1% and -4%), had a smaller decrease at both short (RYGB: -8%, p < 0.005; LSG: -11%, p < 0.0001) and long (RYGB: -12%, p = 0.009; LSG: -13%, p < 0.0001) term timepoints. There was a significant decrease in LVMVR at the long-term timepoint following both RYGB (-7%, p = 0.006) and LSG (-7%, p = 0.021), but not LAGB (-2%, p = 0.912). LVei appeared to decrease at the long-term timepoint in those undergoing RYGB (-3%, p = 0.063) and LSG (-4%, p = 0.015), but not in those undergoing LAGB (1%, p = 0.857). In all patients, the change in LVM correlated with change in VAT (r = 0.338, p = 0.0134), while the change in LVei correlated with change in EAT (r = 0.437, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

RYGB and LSG appear to result in greater decreases in visceral adiposity, and greater reverse LV remodelling with larger reductions in LVM, concentric remodelling and pericardial restraint than LAGB.

Expectations and outcomes of varying treatment strategies for CML presenting during pregnancy

Diagnosing chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) during pregnancy is rare. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have traditionally been contraindicated owing to their teratogenicity. Management decisions should consider the risks to mother and foetus of uncontrolled disease and teratogenic medications. Further cases are required to build upon the paucity of current literature. We report 22 cases of CML diagnosed during pregnancy from 2002 to date. Twenty-one pregnancies resulted in healthy babies and one patient miscarried. Some patients remained untreated throughout pregnancy but the majority received one or both of interferon-α and leucapheresis. One patient was started on imatinib at Week 26, and one on hydroxycarbamide in the third trimester. We report haematological parameters during pregnancy to provide clinicians with realistic expectations of management. There were no fetal abnormalities related to treatment during pregnancy. Seventeen patients achieved at least major molecular response on first-line TKI. A diagnosis of CML during pregnancy can be managed without significant consequences for mother or child. Leucapheresis and interferon-α are generally safe throughout pregnancy. Despite having been avoided previously, there is growing evidence that certain TKIs may be used in particular circumstances during the later stages of pregnancy. Future work should aim to further elucidate this safety profile.

The effect of surgical complications on long-term prognosis following oesophagectomy

INTRODUCTION

Complications are frequent after oesophagectomy, and there is evidence these adversely impact long-term prognosis. However, the effect of multiple complications, and the absolute magnitude of effect on survival is unclear. This study aimed to examine these effects in a single high-volume UK unit.

METHODS

Patients undergoing oesophagectomy for cancer and who survived to 90 days post-oesophagectomy were analysed. Complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification and the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI). The effect and magnitude of effect of complications on survival were assessed using multivariable cox regression and the risk-adjusted population attributable fraction.

RESULTS

In total, 380 patients were included. Complications occurred in 251 (66.1%). Suffering ≥3 complications (HR 1.89, 95%CI 1.13-3.16, p = 0.015) or an unplanned escalation in care (HR 2.22, 95%CI 1.43-3.45, p < 0.001) significantly reduced survival whereas pulmonary complications and anastomotic leak did not. Patients with a CCI>30 had worse overall survival (HR 1.91, 95%CI 1.32-2.76, p < 0.001) and CCI>30 due to multiple minor complications gave a worse prognosis compared to CCI>30 due to major complications (HR 2.44, 95%CI 1.14-5.20, p = 0.022). An estimated 9.1% (95%CI 3.4-14.4%) of deaths at 5 years were attributable to a CCI>30.

CONCLUSION

Long-term survival following oesophagectomy for cancer is significantly affected by complications and the cumulative effect of multiple complications. Interestingly, multiple minor complications had a worse effect on survival than major complications. The absolute magnitude of effect is substantial: minimising all types of postoperative complications could have significant benefit to overall outcomes.

Changes in epicardial and visceral adipose tissue depots following bariatric surgery and their effect on cardiac geometry

Introduction

Obesity affects cardiac geometry, causing both eccentric (due to increased cardiac output) and concentric (due to insulin resistance) remodelling. Following bariatric surgery, reversal of both processes should occur. Furthermore, epicardial adipose tissue loss following bariatric surgery may reduce pericardial restraint, allowing further chamber expansion. We investigated these changes in a serial imaging study of adipose depots and cardiac geometry following bariatric surgery.

Methods

62 patients underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) before and after bariatric surgery, including 36 with short-term (median 212 days), 37 medium-term (median 428 days) and 32 long-term (median 1030 days) follow-up. CMR was used to assess cardiac geometry (left atrial volume (LAV) and left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV)), LV mass (LVM) and LV eccentricity index (LVei - a marker of pericardial restraint). Abdominal visceral (VAT) and epicardial (EAT) adipose tissue were also measured.

Results

Patients on average had lost 21kg (38.9% excess weight loss, EWL) at 212 days and 36kg (64.7% EWL) at 1030 days following bariatric surgery. Most VAT and EAT loss (43% and 14%, p<0.0001) occurred within the first 212 days, with non-significant reductions thereafter. In the short-term LVM (7.4%), LVEDV (8.6%) and LAV (13%) all decreased (all p<0.0001), with change in cardiac output correlated with LVEDV (r=0.35,p=0.03) and LAV change (r=0.37,p=0.03). Whereas LVM continued to decrease with time (12% decrease relative to baseline at 1030 days, p<0.0001), both LAV and LVEDV had returned to baseline by 1030 days. LV mass:volume ratio (a marker of concentric hypertrophy) reached its nadir at the longest timepoint (p<0.001). At baseline, LVei correlated with baseline EAT (r=0.37,p=0.0040), and decreased significantly from 1.09 at baseline to a low of 1.04 at 428 days (p<0.0001). Furthermore, change in EAT following bariatric surgery correlated with change in LVei (r=0.43,p=0.0007).

Conclusions

Cardiac volumes show a biphasic response to weight loss, initially becoming smaller and then returning to pre-operative sizes by 1030 days. We propose this is due to an initial reversal of eccentric remodelling followed by reversal of concentric remodelling. Furthermore, we provide evidence for a role of EAT contributing to pericardial restraint, with EAT loss improving markers of pericardial restraint.

Lessons learned from automated screening of COVID-19 preprints

Preprints occupied the spotlight early in the pandemic, as scientists, the media and the public sought information on the evolving pandemic. While some in the scientific community embraced this shift, others were concerned about the quality of these papers, which had not yet undergone peer review. Furthermore, the flood of COVID-19 preprints quickly overwhelmed the scientific community's ability to monitor and assess new preprints. Automated screening tools that detect beneficial practices, or common problems, in preprints are one potential solution to this problem. These tools could potentially provide individualized feedback, allowing authors to improve their manuscripts prior to publication in a peer-reviewed journal. We have combined many tools into a single pipeline, called ScreenIT. ScreenIT assess factors such as open data and open code, blinding, randomization, power calculations, limitations sections, and data visualization problems. Since June 2020, we have used ScreenIT to screen and post daily reports on more than 23,000 new COVID-19 preprints deposited on bioRxiv and medRxiv. Results show that practices such as sharing data and code are relatively uncommon. Sample size calculations, blinding and randomization are rarely reported and most papers do not report the sex of participants, animals or samples. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using automated tools to rapidly screen many preprints in real time, and provide authors and readers with rapid feedback. However, this approach has important limitations. Automated screening tools can make mistakes. Tools can't always determine whether an item is relevant to a particular manuscript. Further studies are needed to determine whether feedback from automated tools is effective in encouraging authors to improve reporting.

Changes in adipose tissue depots and cardiac geometry following bariatric surgery

Introduction

Cardiac geometry is affected by body composition, with total body adipose volume being related to left ventricular (LV) dilatation (due to increased intravascular volume and cardiac output), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) to smaller LV cavity size and concentric remodelling (because of insulin resistance) [1]. As such we hypothesised that changes in VAT and total body weight during weight loss would have a differential impact on cardiac geometry. Alongside this, we hypothesised that, as the pericardium is a fixed volume, changes in epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), may have an additional mechanical effect by reducing pericardial restraint.

Purpose

We sought to investigate long term changes in VAT, total weight and EAT following bariatric surgery and relate them to changes in cardiac geometry.

Methods

Forty patients underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging before and after bariatric surgery, including 21 who underwent short-term (median 209 days), 28 medium-term (median 428 days) and 12 long-term (median 1030 days) imaging follow up. Cardiac volumes (left atrial (LA), LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and stroke volume (LVSV)) were assessed using cardiac MRI. VAT was assessed at L5 using a T1 weighted, water suppressed sequence. EAT volumes were calculated by manual contouring in end-ventricular systole on short axis slices from the mitral valve to the apex. Percentage changes in volumes were calculated between scans for each individual.

Results

Patients on average lost 32kg within the first 428 days following bariatric surgery (54% excess weight loss, p&lt;0.0001), with no significant change in weight at the longer-term time point (Figure 1A). Most VAT loss occurred in the first 209 days (−42%, p&lt;0.0001) with no subsequent change observed at the final two timepoints (Figure 1B). Similarly, EAT loss occurred in the first 209 days (−13%, mean 10ml, p&lt;0.0001) with non-significant changes thereafter (Figure 1C).

There was a significant decrease in both LA (13%, mean 12ml, p&lt;0.0001) and LVEDV (4%, mean 8ml, p=0.0249) at 209 days post-surgery. Both LA volume and LVEDV had returned to baseline by the longest term time point of 1030 days (Figure 2). LVSV followed a similar pattern being reduced at 209 days (by 10%, mean 9ml, p=0.0019), then returning to levels similar to those pre-weight loss at 1030 days (p=0.44) (Figure 2C).

Conclusions

Cardiac volumes show a biphasic response to weight loss, initially becoming smaller and then returning to baseline by 1030 days. We hypothesise that the early drop in LA and LV cavity size is a response to reduced volume from body mass reduction. In contrast, we propose that the increase in LA and LVEDV that follows results from the longer-term effects of reducing VAT, and increased space within the pericardium resulting from EAT loss allowing expansion to occur.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): We acknowledge support from the British Heart Foundation Oxford Center of Research Excellence

Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People, Version 8

Background: Transgender healthcare is a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field. In the last decade, there has been an unprecedented increase in the number and visibility of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people seeking support and gender-affirming medical treatment in parallel with a significant rise in the scientific literature in this area. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) is an international, multidisciplinary, professional association whose mission is to promote evidence-based care, education, research, public policy, and respect in transgender health. One of the main functions of WPATH is to promote the highest standards of health care for TGD people through the Standards of Care (SOC). The SOC was initially developed in 1979 and the last version (SOC-7) was published in 2012. In view of the increasing scientific evidence, WPATH commissioned a new version of the Standards of Care, the SOC-8. Aim: The overall goal of SOC-8 is to provide health care professionals (HCPs) with clinical guidance to assist TGD people in accessing safe and effective pathways to achieving lasting personal comfort with their gendered selves with the aim of optimizing their overall physical health, psychological well-being, and self-fulfillment. Methods: The SOC-8 is based on the best available science and expert professional consensus in transgender health. International professionals and stakeholders were selected to serve on the SOC-8 committee. Recommendation statements were developed based on data derived from independent systematic literature reviews, where available, background reviews and expert opinions. Grading of recommendations was based on the available evidence supporting interventions, a discussion of risks and harms, as well as the feasibility and acceptability within different contexts and country settings. Results: A total of 18 chapters were developed as part of the SOC-8. They contain recommendations for health care professionals who provide care and treatment for TGD people. Each of the recommendations is followed by explanatory text with relevant references. General areas related to transgender health are covered in the chapters Terminology, Global Applicability, Population Estimates, and Education. The chapters developed for the diverse population of TGD people include Assessment of Adults, Adolescents, Children, Nonbinary, Eunuchs, and Intersex Individuals, and people living in Institutional Environments. Finally, the chapters related to gender-affirming treatment are Hormone Therapy, Surgery and Postoperative Care, Voice and Communication, Primary Care, Reproductive Health, Sexual Health, and Mental Health. Conclusions: The SOC-8 guidelines are intended to be flexible to meet the diverse health care needs of TGD people globally. While adaptable, they offer standards for promoting optimal health care and guidance for the treatment of people experiencing gender incongruence. As in all previous versions of the SOC, the criteria set forth in this document for gender-affirming medical interventions are clinical guidelines; individual health care professionals and programs may modify these in consultation with the TGD person.

Examining the cost and impact of dosing fees among clients in opioid agonist treatment: Results from a cross-sectional survey of Australian treatment clients

INTRODUCTION

Opioid agonist treatment (OAT) clients frequently bear costs associated with their treatment, including dosing fees. This study aimed to explore the financial and social impact of dosing fees upon clients.

METHODS

Cross-sectional survey of people who use opioids regularly (N = 402) between December 2017 and March 2018, conducted in Australia. Dosing fees were calculated and expressed as percentage of income, by OAT type. Consequences and strategies for difficulties making payments were examined as proportions.

RESULTS

A total of N = 360 participants had ever been in OAT and N = 245 participants currently engaged in OAT reported data on dosing fees, of them 53% (n = 129) reported paying dosing fees. Compared to clients with high levels of dosing supervision, those with moderate or low levels of supervision were more likely to pay dosing fees. The median 28-day dosing fee was AUD$110 (interquartile range AUD$80); median 28-day income was AUD$1520 (interquartile range AUD$700). For those who paid dosing fees, the fee comprised <10% of total monthly income for 70% of participants; however, 23% of participants paid fees comprising 10% to <20%, and 7% of participants paid fees comprising 20% or more of monthly income. Among those that had ever been in OAT, 72% experienced difficulties in paying treatment costs; 36% left treatment earlier than intended and 25% had been excluded due to payment difficulties.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Negative consequences of treatment costs to clients, particularly dosing fees, are evident. These costs impact treatment access and retention that may negatively impact clients' physical health, mental health and social wellbeing.

Complete Revascularisation is associated with Improved Survival after Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Introduction

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is common in patients with Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OOHCA) but the clinical relevance of burden of CAD and evidence for revascularisation strategies in relation to outcomes and modes of death remains unclear.

Purpose

This study sought to assess the extent of CAD as defined by the SYNTAX score and prognostic value of complete compared with incomplete revascularisation by evaluating the SYNTAX revascularisation index (SRI) in patients with OOHCA.

Methods

619 patients with OOHCA were admitted at our centre between 1st May 2012 and 31st December 2017. 237 were excluded for having a non-cardiac aetiology or prior neurological disability. 398 patients were included into the study and of these 272 (68.3%) had early coronary angiography (CAG) and were included in the final analysis.

The baseline SYNTAX score (bSS) and residual SYNTAX score (rSS) were determined from the coronary angiograms by a cardiologist blinded to the outcome. Patients were subdivided into 4 subgroups according to quartiles of the baseline syntax score (bSS) of 0, Group A: 1–10, Group B: 11–20 and Group C: ≥21. Complete revascularisation (CR) was defined as SRI of 1 and incomplete (IR) as SRI &lt;1 where the SRI=(1-[rSS/bSS]) ×100 (Figure 1).

Results

Patients with a bSS of 0 were younger, had less shockable initial arrest rhythms and worse lactate and pH on arrival.Patients with bSS&gt;0 (i.e., those with coronary artery disease) had similar cardiac arrest circumstances in terms of rates of witnessed, bystander CPR and shockable rhythms. Admission metabolic status reflected by pH and lactate and rates of ST elevation/LBBB were also identical for all three groups. However, LVEF on admission decreased significantly as coronary complexity increased (P&lt;0.0001). While early angiography was more preferentially performed in those with higher coronary complexity, paradoxically, those with bSS 1–4 had highest rates of culprit lesions which was reflected in higher rates of PCI (Figure 1).

124 (45.4%) had CR compared with 54.2% with IR. CR was most likely to be achieved as the coronary complexity reduced (Group A – 71.7%, Group B – 41.1%, Group C - 23.3%). There was no difference in rates of cardiogenic shock between both groups (CR 61.1% vs. IR 69% p=ns), but patients with complete revascularisation were younger (58.8 vs 67.8, p&lt;0.0001), lower rates of hypertension and previous CABG (16.2% vs 3.2%, p≤0.0001)

CR was associated with decreased mortality at 30 days (45.9% vs 34.6%, p=0.046) and 12 months (49.3% vs 35.4%, p=0.022). The lower mortality rate in CR appeared to partly be driven by lower cardiac deaths though this was not statistically significant (22% vs 7%, p=0.1) (Figure 2).

Conclusions

CR in a primary coronary aetiology OOHCA group is associated with reduced early and long-term mortality, which may be driven by a reduction in cardiac deaths. Prospective randomised trials in this population are warranted.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1Figure 2

Clinical significance of early echocardiography after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest on arrival to a heart attack centre

Background

Left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) is common after out of hospital cardiac arrest (OOHCA) and can manifest as global or regional change.

Purpose

We evaluated the extent of global and regional LVSD and its association with coronary artery disease (CAD) and outcome in those undergoing coronary angiography after OOHCA.

Methods

619 patients with OOHCA were admitted at our centre between 1st May 2012 and 31st December 2017. 398 patients were included. Rates of cardiogenic shock and extent of CAD, as classified by the SYNTAX score were measured. The primary endpoint was 12-month mortality. Patients with incomplete data were excluded from the analysis.

Results

Two hundred and sixty-six patients (median age 62 [53–71] 76.3% male) underwent both trans-thoracic echocardiography andcoronary angiography on arrival and were included in the final analysis. 81.6% had ventricular fibrillation, 83.5% were witnessed and 51.9% occurred at residence.

Ninety-six patients (36%) had significant LVSD (Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction [LVEF] &lt;40%) and 139 (52.2%) patients had regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMAs) on arrival. Patients were classified into 4 groups (Group A: LVEF &lt;40%/Global, Group B: LVEF &lt;40%/RWMA, Group C: LVEF ≥40%/Global and Group D: LVEF ≥40%/RWMA) with frequencies of 10.9%, 25.2%, 41.4% and 22.6%).

Patients in Group D had the shortest low-flow times and lowest rates of epinephrine administration, with most favourable metabolic status on arrival, based on lactate and creatinine values. In Groups B and D (RWMAs), patients were significantly more likely to have a post-ROSC ECG demonstrating ST elevation/LBBB and absence of epinephrine administration during resuscitation with shorter low flow times. Extent of CAD was similar between the four groups. From patients with LVEF ≥40%, patients in Group C had substantially lower SYNTAX scores than compared with Group D (0.5 vs 13.5, p&lt;0.001). However, both Group B and C (RWMA) groups had highest rates of culprit lesions compared with matched global groups which was reflected in higher PCI rates (Figure 1).

The primary endpoint of 12-month mortality was lowest in Group D and highest in the Group A group. A similar effect was observed for poor neurological outcome and 30-day mortality. Patients with regional LVSD had significantly improved survival at 12 months compared with those with global LVSD (70.5% vs 48.3%, p&lt;0.001) vs 51). Those in Group D had highest survival at 12 months, while this was similar for Groups B and C and lowest in Group A (Figure 2). Cardiac aetiology death was significantly higher in those with LVEF &lt;40% compared to those with LVEF ≥40% (70.5% vs 48.3%, p&lt;0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with significant LVEF &lt;40% have higher rates of cardiogenic shock and mortality which was driven by cardiac aetiology death, while presence of RWMAs are associated with a higher rate of culprit coronary lesions and improved outcome

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1Figure 2

Role of inpatient coronary CT angiography on clinical decision making during COVID- 19 pandemic

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on healthcare delivery. Here we describe the effect of repurposing of a research Computed Tomography scanner on clinical care of cardiology patients in an urban academic medical centre which did not have routine access to CCTA prior to the pandemic. 

Patients requiring invasive coronary angiography require transfer to a regional cardiac centre (no ICA available on site).

Purpose

We investigated the effect of CCTA on i) diagnostic certainty ii) avoidance of clinician defined unnecessary invasive angiography in hospitalised patients.

Methods

This was a prospective, longitudinal cohort study involving hospitalized patients admitted to an urban academic medical centre (catchment population 650 000) between March 29 and September 21, 2020. Routinely collected (usual care) data were gathered by clinicians who were members of the usual care medical team and ethics approval or explicit patient consent was not required. High-sensitivity Troponin-I was measured on admission and 3- and 6– hours after if mandated (Abbott Architect TnI assay).

A 320-detector scanner (Aquilon ONE, Canon) was used. Intravenous metoprolol was used where required to control the heart rate (target 60 b.p.m.) and sublingual glyceryl trinitrate will be given to all patients immediately before the scan acquisition.

Results

Forty-three patients underwent inpatient CCTA, mean age: 61 ± 13 years (range 30-88y), 54% female. The presenting complaint was typical chest pain in 28 (65%), atypical chest pain in 10 (23%), and a variety of symptoms in 5 (12%) including palpitations, syncope, breathlessness.

Thirty-six (84%) of patients had a detectable TnI above the 99% centile. Median(IQR) peak TnI was 127 (33-635)ng/L.

CCTA was carried out on average 1 day post request. 

CCTA resulted in an improvement in clinician diagnostic certainty (Initial review: 21% yes, 79% probable, post-CCTA review: 84% yes, 16% probable) in providing a diagnosis.

21 (49%) of invasive coronary angiograms were avoided due to CCTA, whilst an inpatient invasive coronary angiogram (ICA) was performed in 4(9%) due to CCTA demonstrating significant disease, and in 2(%) the ICA was changed from out-patient to in-patient. Three ICA tests were requested as OP due to CCTA findings. CCTA did not overestimate disease severity in this cohort. 

We saved 21 inter hospital transfers for ICA during this time period. 

Using NHS England cost tariffs, a cost saving of &gt;£36,000 was made for using CCTA instead of ICA in these 21 patients who would have required ICA.

Conclusion

Inpatient CCTA resulted in greater clinician diagnostic confidence, avoidance of unnecessary invasive angiograms and a significant cost saving. This also reduced the duration of patient stay, reducing the potential exposure of patients to COVID-19.

TCERG1L allelic variation is associated with cisplatin-induced hearing loss in childhood cancer, a PanCareLIFE study

In children with cancer, the heterogeneity in ototoxicity occurrence after similar treatment suggests a role for genetic susceptibility. Using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach, we identified a genetic variant in TCERG1L (rs893507) to be associated with hearing loss in 390 non-cranial irradiated, cisplatin-treated children with cancer. These results were replicated in two independent, similarly treated cohorts (n = 192 and 188, respectively) (combined cohort: P = 5.3 × 10-10, OR 3.11, 95% CI 2.2-4.5). Modulating TCERG1L expression in cultured human cells revealed significantly altered cellular responses to cisplatin-induced cytokine secretion and toxicity. These results contribute to insights into the genetic and pathophysiological basis of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.

Positive effects of community attachment on internalised stigma and wellbeing among people who inject drugs

BACKGROUND

Internalised stigma experienced by people who inject drugs (PWID) is known to have negative health consequences. Research has explored factors that may protect or buffer individuals from the negative consequences of internalised stigma. Community attachment, or perceived connection to a community of like people, can have numerous health-related benefits. However, this relationship may be complex for PWID; being part of a social network of PWID may provide opportunity for more frequent drug use and equipment sharing. This study investigated the relationships between community attachment, internalised stigma, and wellbeing among PWID, while also addressing potential health risks associated with PWID community attachment.

METHODS

PWID (n=603) were recruited through nine peer-based drug user organisations across Australia with assistance from the peak consumer organisation. Participants completed a survey measuring community attachment, internalised stigma, personal wellbeing, injecting frequency, and equipment sharing.

RESULTS

Greater attachment to a PWID community was associated with lower internalised stigma, but also with sharing of injecting equipment and increased frequency of injecting behaviour. The relationship between community attachment and personal wellbeing was mediated by internalised stigma, however this was only the case for PWID who reported no sharing of injecting equipment.

CONCLUSIONS

This research highlights the significance of community attachment for PWID while also noting the complexity of this relationship and the potential negative consequences. It is important to view networks of PWID communities as sources of positive social capital, where norms about health behaviours and harm reduction can be promoted and which can buffer community members from the harms associated with stigma.

Treatment-related fertility impairment in long-term female childhood, adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: investigating dose-effect relationships in a European case-control study (PanCareLIFE)

STUDY QUESTION

Which chemotherapeutic agents and body site-specific radiation fields are dose-dependently associated with an increased risk of fertility impairment in long-term female childhood, adolescent and young adulthood (CAYA) cancer survivors?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Busulfan, lower abdominal radiotherapy (RT) and total body irradiation (TBI) seem to be associated with fertility impairment at any dose, whereas gonadotoxicity of melphalan and procarbazine is suggested at medium/high (>140 mg/m2) or high dose (>5600 mg/m2) therapy, respectively.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Several treatment-related fertility deficits, as assessed by both self-reported outcomes and hormonal markers are known to occur following treatment of CAYA cancer. However, knowledge regarding precise dose-related estimates of these treatment-related risks are scarce.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

The current case-control study was nested within the PanCareLIFE cohort study. In total, 1332 CAYA survivors from 8 countries, 9 institutions and 11 cohorts, participated in and contributed data to the study.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

All participants were female 5-year CAYA cancer survivors. In total, 450 cases (fertility impaired survivors) and 882 matched controls (not fertility impaired survivors) were included. Fertility impairment was defined using both questionnaire data (primary or secondary amenorrhea; use of artificial reproductive techniques; unfulfilled wish to conceive) and hormonal data (FSH and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate the effect of (i) alkylating agent exposure, and (ii) dose categories for individual chemotherapeutic agents and for RT-exposed body sites.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

A positive dose-effect relationship between cyclophosphamide equivalent dose (CED) score and fertility impairment was found, with survivors with a CED score > 7121 mg/m2 being at a significantly increased risk of fertility impairment (odds ratio (95% CI) = 2.6 (1.9-3.6) P < 0.001). Moreover, cumulative dose variables of the following treatments were significantly associated with fertility impairment: busulfan, carmustine, cyclophosphamide, melphalan, procarbazine, lower abdominal RT and TBI. Busulfan, lower abdominal RT and TBI seem to be associated with fertility impairment at any dose, whereas gonadotoxicity of melphalan and procarbazine is suggested at medium/high (>140 mg/m2) or high dose (>5600 mg/m2) therapy, respectively.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Our study may have been subject to selection bias since data from about half of the original base cohorts were available for the current study. This could impact the generalizability of our study results.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

We identified survivors at high risk for fertility impairment and, consequently, for a reduced or even absent reproductive life span. Both girls and young women who are about to start anti-cancer treatment, as well as adult female survivors, should be counselled about future parenthood and referred to a reproductive specialist for fertility preservation, if desired.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This study has received funding from the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement no. 602030. There are no competing interests.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

n/a.

O42: THE ROLE OF TOURNIQUETS IN TRANSTIBIAL AMPUTATION FOR PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW & META-ANALYSIS

Introduction

The use of lower limb tourniquets is traditionally discouraged in severe atherosclerotic disease. However, blood loss and increased transfusion requirements are associated with post-operative morbidity in patients undergoing major lower limb amputation. The aim of this systematic review is to summarise and pool the available data to determine the impact of tourniquet application when performing trans-tibial amputation for peripheral vascular disease.

Method

This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. A systematic search of Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library was undertaken for articles which compared the use of a tourniquet versus no tourniquet in patients undergoing trans-tibial amputation for peripheral vascular disease. The main outcomes included intra-operative blood loss, post-operative transfusion requirement, need for revision surgery and 30-day mortality.

Result

Four studies met the inclusion criteria for quantitative analysis with a total of 267 patients. A tourniquet was used in 130 patients. Both groups were matched for age, gender, co-morbidities and pre-operative haemoglobin. In patients undergoing trans-tibial amputation, tourniquets were associated with significantly lower intra-operative blood loss (Mean difference= -147.6mls; P=0.03) and lower transfusion requirements (pooled odds ratio (OR), 0.12, p=0.03). The need for stump revision (OR, 0.7; p=0.48), proceeding to transfemoral amputation within 30 days (OR, 0.67; p=0.25) and 30-day mortality (OR, 0.65; p=0.41) all favoured tourniquet use but the differences were not found to be significant.

Conclusion

Tourniquets can reduce intra-operative blood loss and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing trans-tibial amputation without increasing ischaemic complications and need for revision surgery.

Take-home message

Tourniquets are safe to use in trans-tibial amputation for severe peripheral vascular disease and can reduce intra-operative blood loss without increasing ischaemic complications.

Developing and testing a principle-based fidelity index for peer support in mental health services

PURPOSE

Evidence suggests that the distinctive relational qualities of peer support-compared to clinical-patient relationships-can be eroded in regulated healthcare environments. Measurement of fidelity in trials of peer support is lacking. This paper reports the development and testing of a fidelity index for one-to-one peer support in mental health services, designed to assess fidelity to principles that characterise the distinctiveness of peer support.

METHODS

A draft index was developed using expert panels of service user researchers and people doing peer support, informed by an evidence-based, peer support principles framework. Two rounds of testing took place in 24 mental health services providing peer support in a range of settings. Fidelity was assessed through interviews with peer workers, their supervisors and people receiving peer support. Responses were tested for spread and internal consistency, independently double rated for inter-rater reliability, with feedback from interviewees and service user researchers used to refine the index.

RESULTS

A fidelity index for one-to-one peer support in mental health services was produced with good psychometric properties. Fidelity is assessed in four principle-based domains; building trusting relationships based on shared lived experience; reciprocity and mutuality; leadership, choice and control; building strengths and making connections to community.

CONCLUSIONS

The index offers potential to improve the evidence base for peer support in mental health services, enabling future trials to assess fidelity of interventions to peer support principles, and service providers a means of ensuring that peer support retains its distinctive qualities as it is introduced into mental health services.