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Guay CS, Kafashan M, Huels ER, Jiang Y, Beyoglu B, Spencer JW, Geczi K, Apakama G, Ju YES, Wildes TS, Avidan MS, Palanca BJA. Postoperative Delirium Severity and Recovery Correlate With Electroencephalogram Spectral Features. Anesth Analg 2023; 136:140-151. [PMID: 36130079 PMCID: PMC9653519 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000006075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delirium is an acute syndrome characterized by inattention, disorganized thinking, and an altered level of consciousness. A reliable biomarker for tracking delirium does not exist, but oscillations in the electroencephalogram (EEG) could address this need. We evaluated whether the frequencies of EEG oscillations are associated with delirium onset, severity, and recovery in the postoperative period. METHODS Twenty-six adults enrolled in the Electroencephalography Guidance of Anesthesia to Alleviate Geriatric Syndromes (ENGAGES; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02241655) study underwent major surgery requiring general anesthesia, and provided longitudinal postoperative EEG recordings for this prespecified substudy. The presence and severity of delirium were evaluated with the confusion assessment method (CAM) or the CAM-intensive care unit. EEG data obtained during awake eyes-open and eyes-closed states yielded relative power in the delta (1-4 Hz), theta (4-8 Hz), and alpha (8-13 Hz) bands. Discriminability for delirium presence was evaluated with c-statistics. To account for correlation among repeated measures within patients, mixed-effects models were generated to assess relationships between: (1) delirium severity and EEG relative power (ordinal), and (2) EEG relative power and time (linear). Slopes of ordinal and linear mixed-effects models are reported as the change in delirium severity score/change in EEG relative power, and the change in EEG relative power/time (days), respectively. Bonferroni correction was applied to confidence intervals (CIs) to account for multiple comparisons. RESULTS Occipital alpha relative power during eyes-closed states offered moderate discriminability (c-statistic, 0.75; 98% CI, 0.58-0.87), varying inversely with delirium severity (slope, -0.67; 98% CI, -1.36 to -0.01; P = .01) and with severity of inattention (slope, -1.44; 98% CI, -2.30 to -0.58; P = .002). Occipital theta relative power during eyes-open states correlated directly with severity of delirium (slope, 1.28; 98% CI, 0.12-2.44; P = .007), inattention (slope, 2.00; 98% CI, 0.48-3.54; P = .01), and disorganized thinking (slope, 3.15; 98% CI, 0.66-5.65; P = .01). Corresponding frontal EEG measures recapitulated these relationships to varying degrees. Severity of altered level of consciousness correlated with frontal theta relative power during eyes-open states (slope, 11.52; 98% CI, 6.33-16.71; P < .001). Frontal theta relative power during eyes-open states correlated inversely with time (slope, -0.05; 98% CI, -0.12 to -0.04; P = .002). CONCLUSIONS Presence, severity, and core features of postoperative delirium covary with spectral features of the EEG. The cost and accessibility of EEG facilitate the translation of these findings to future mechanistic and interventional trials.
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Abraham J, Bartek B, Meng A, Ryan King C, Xue B, Lu C, Avidan MS. Integrating machine learning predictions for perioperative risk management: Towards an empirical design of a flexible-standardized risk assessment tool. J Biomed Inform 2023; 137:104270. [PMID: 36516944 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbi.2022.104270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgical patients are complex, vulnerable, and prone to postoperative complications that can potentially be mitigated with quality perioperative risk assessment and management. Several institutions have incorporated machine learning (ML) into their patient care to improve awareness and support clinician decision-making along the perioperative spectrum. Recent research suggests that ML risk prediction can support perioperative patient risk monitoring and management across several situations, including the operating room (OR) to intensive care unit (ICU) handoffs. OBJECTIVES Our study objectives were threefold: (1) evaluate whether ML-generated postoperative predictions are concordant with clinician-generated risk rankings for acute kidney injury, delirium, pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism, and establish their associated risk factors; (2) ascertain clinician end-user suggestions to improve adoption of ML-generated risks and their integration into the perioperative workflow; and (3) develop a user-friendly visualization format for a tool to display ML-generated risks and risk factors to support postoperative care planning, for example, within the context of OR-ICU handoffs. METHODS Graphical user interfaces for postoperative risk prediction models were assessed for end-user usability through cognitive walkthroughs and interviews with anesthesiologists, surgeons, certified registered nurse anesthetists, registered nurses, and critical care physicians. Thematic analysis relying on an explanation design framework was used to identify feedback and suggestions for improvement. RESULTS 17 clinicians participated in the evaluation. ML estimates of complication risks aligned with clinicians' independent rankings, and related displays were perceived as valuable for decision-making and care planning for postoperative care. During OR-ICU handoffs, the tool could speed up report preparation and remind clinicians to address patient-specific complications, thus providing more tailored care information. Suggestions for improvement centered on electronic tool delivery; methods to build trust in ML models; modifiable risks and risk mitigation strategies; and additional patient information based on individual preferences (e.g., surgical procedure). CONCLUSIONS ML estimates of postoperative complication risks can provide anticipatory guidance, potentially increasing the efficiency of care planning. We have offered an ML visualization framework for designing future ML-augmented tools and anticipate the development of tools that recommend specific actions to the user based on ML model output.
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Abraham J, Meng A, Montes de Oca A, Politi M, Wildes T, Gregory S, Henrichs B, Kannampallil T, Avidan MS. An ethnographic study on the impact of a novel telemedicine-based support system in the operating room. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2022; 29:1919-1930. [PMID: 35985294 PMCID: PMC10161534 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocac138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Anesthesiology Control Tower (ACT) for operating rooms (ORs) remotely assesses the progress of surgeries and provides real-time perioperative risk alerts, communicating risk mitigation recommendations to bedside clinicians. We aim to identify and map ACT-OR nonroutine events (NREs)-risk-inducing or risk-mitigating workflow deviations-and ascertain ACT's impact on clinical workflow and patient safety. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used ethnographic methods including shadowing ACT and OR clinicians during 83 surgeries, artifact collection, chart reviews for decision alerts sent to the OR, and 10 clinician interviews. We used hybrid thematic analysis informed by a human-factors systems-oriented approach to assess ACT's role and impact on safety, conducting content analysis to assess NREs. RESULTS Across 83 cases, 469 risk alerts were triggered, and the ACT sent 280 care recommendations to the OR. 135 NREs were observed. Critical factors facilitating ACT's role in supporting patient safety included providing backup support and offering a fresh-eye perspective on OR decisions. Factors impeding ACT included message timing and ACT and OR clinician cognitive lapses. Suggestions for improvement included tailoring ACT message content (structure, timing, presentation) and incorporating predictive analytics for advanced planning. DISCUSSION ACT served as a safety net with remote surveillance features and as a learning healthcare system with feedback/auditing features. Supporting strategies include adaptive coordination and harnessing clinician/patient support to improve ACT's sustainability. Study insights inform future intraoperative telemedicine design considerations to mitigate safety risks. CONCLUSION Incorporating similar remote technology enhancement into routine perioperative care could markedly improve safety and quality for millions of surgical patients.
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Chang AY, Aaby P, Avidan MS, Benn CS, Bertozzi SM, Blatt L, Chumakov K, Khader SA, Kottilil S, Nekkar M, Netea MG, Sparrow A, Jamison DT. One vaccine to counter many diseases? Modeling the economics of oral polio vaccine against child mortality and COVID-19. Front Public Health 2022; 10:967920. [PMID: 36276367 PMCID: PMC9580701 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.967920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Recent reviews summarize evidence that some vaccines have heterologous or non-specific effects (NSE), potentially offering protection against multiple pathogens. Numerous economic evaluations examine vaccines' pathogen-specific effects, but less than a handful focus on NSE. This paper addresses that gap by reporting economic evaluations of the NSE of oral polio vaccine (OPV) against under-five mortality and COVID-19. Materials and methods We studied two settings: (1) reducing child mortality in a high-mortality setting (Guinea-Bissau) and (2) preventing COVID-19 in India. In the former, the intervention involves three annual campaigns in which children receive OPV incremental to routine immunization. In the latter, a susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered model was developed to estimate the population benefits of two scenarios, in which OPV would be co-administered alongside COVID-19 vaccines. Incremental cost-effectiveness and benefit-cost ratios were modeled for ranges of intervention effectiveness estimates to supplement the headline numbers and account for heterogeneity and uncertainty. Results For child mortality, headline cost-effectiveness was $650 per child death averted. For COVID-19, assuming OPV had 20% effectiveness, incremental cost per death averted was $23,000-65,000 if it were administered simultaneously with a COVID-19 vaccine <200 days into a wave of the epidemic. If the COVID-19 vaccine availability were delayed, the cost per averted death would decrease to $2600-6100. Estimated benefit-to-cost ratios vary but are consistently high. Discussion Economic evaluation suggests the potential of OPV to efficiently reduce child mortality in high mortality environments. Likewise, within a broad range of assumed effect sizes, OPV (or another vaccine with NSE) could play an economically attractive role against COVID-19 in countries facing COVID-19 vaccine delays. Funding The contribution by DTJ was supported through grants from Trond Mohn Foundation (BFS2019MT02) and Norad (RAF-18/0009) through the Bergen Center for Ethics and Priority Setting.
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Fuller BM, Pappal RD, Mohr NM, Roberts BW, Faine B, Yeary J, Sewatsky T, Johnson NJ, Driver BE, Ablordeppey E, Drewry AM, Wessman BT, Yan Y, Kollef MH, Carpenter CR, Avidan MS. Awareness With Paralysis Among Critically Ill Emergency Department Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study. Crit Care Med 2022; 50:1449-1460. [PMID: 35866657 PMCID: PMC10040234 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0000000000005626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In mechanically ventilated patients, awareness with paralysis (AWP) can have devastating consequences, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and thoughts of suicide. Single-center data from the emergency department (ED) demonstrate an event rate for AWP factors higher than that reported from the operating room. However, there remains a lack of data on AWP among critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients. The objective was to assess the proportion of ED patients experiencing AWP and investigate modifiable variables associated with its occurrence. DESIGN An a priori planned secondary analysis of a multicenter, prospective, before-and-after clinical trial. SETTING The ED of three academic medical centers. PATIENTS Mechanically ventilated adult patients that received neuromuscular blockers. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS All data related to sedation and analgesia were collected. AWP was the primary outcome, assessed with the modified Brice questionnaire, and was independently adjudicated by three expert reviewers. Perceived threat, in the causal pathway for PTSD, was the secondary outcome. A total of 388 patients were studied. The proportion of patients experiencing AWP was 3.4% ( n = 13), the majority of whom received rocuronium ( n = 12/13; 92.3%). Among patients who received rocuronium, 5.5% ( n = 12/230) experienced AWP, compared with 0.6% ( n = 1/158) among patients who did not receive rocuronium in the ED (odds ratio, 8.64; 95% CI, 1.11-67.15). Patients experiencing AWP had a higher mean ( sd ) threat perception scale score, compared with patients without AWP (15.6 [5.8] vs 7.7 [6.0]; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS AWP was present in a concerning proportion of mechanically ventilated ED patients, was associated with rocuronium exposure in the ED, and led to increased levels of perceived threat, placing patients at greater risk for PTSD. Studies that aim to further quantify AWP in this vulnerable population and eliminate its occurrence are urgently needed.
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Kafashan M, Brian Hickman L, Labonte AK, Huels ER, Maybrier H, Guay CS, Subramanian S, Farber NB, Ching S, Hogan RE, Kelz MB, Avidan MS, Mashour GA, Palanca BJA. Quiescence during burst suppression and postictal generalized EEG suppression are distinct patterns of activity. Clin Neurophysiol 2022; 142:125-132. [PMID: 36030576 PMCID: PMC10287541 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2022.07.493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Periods of low-amplitude electroencephalographic (EEG) signal (quiescence) are present during both anesthetic-induced burst suppression (BS) and postictal generalized electroencephalographic suppression (PGES). PGES following generalized seizures induced by electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been previously linked to antidepressant response. The commonality of quiescence during both BS and PGES motivated trials to recapitulate the antidepressant effects of ECT using high doses of anesthetics. However, there have been no direct electrographic comparisons of these quiescent periods to address whether these are distinct entities. METHODS We compared periods of EEG quiescence recorded from two human studies: BS induced in 29 healthy adult volunteers by isoflurane general anesthesia and PGES in 11 patients undergoing right unilateral ECT for treatment-resistant depression. An automated algorithm allowed detection of EEG quiescence based on a 10-microvolt amplitude threshold. Spatial, spectral, and temporal analyses compared quiescent epochs during BS and PGES. RESULTS The median (interquartile range) voltage for quiescent periods during PGES was greater than during BS (1.81 (0.22) microvolts vs 1.22 (0.33) microvolts, p < 0.001). Relative power was greater for quiescence during PGES than BS for the 1-4 Hz delta band (p < 0.001), at the expense of power in the theta (4-8 Hz, p < 0.001), beta (13-30 Hz, p = 0.04) and gamma (30-70 Hz, p = 0.006) frequency bands. Topographic analyses revealed that amplitude across the scalp was consistently higher for quiescent periods during PGES than BS, whose voltage was within the noise floor. CONCLUSIONS Quiescent epochs during PGES and BS have distinct patterns of EEG signals across voltage, frequency, and spatial domains. SIGNIFICANCE Quiescent epochs during PGES and BS, important neurophysiological markers for clinical outcomes, are shown to have distinct voltage and frequency characteristics.
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Vail EA, Avidan MS. Trials with 'non-significant' results are not insignificant trials: a common significance threshold distorts reporting and interpretation of trial results. Br J Anaesth 2022; 129:643-646. [PMID: 35871898 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2022.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
We discuss a newly published study examining how phrases are used in clinical trials to describe results when the estimated P-value is close to (slightly above or slightly below) 0.05, which has been arbitrarily designated by convention as the boundary for 'statistical significance'. Terms such as 'marginally significant', 'trending towards significant', and 'nominally significant' are well represented in biomedical literature, but are not actually scientifically meaningful. Acknowledging that 'statistical significance' remains a major determinant of publication, we propose that scientific journals de-emphasise the use of P-values for null hypothesis significance testing, a purpose for which they were never intended, and avoid the use of these ambiguous and confusing terms in scientific articles. Instead, investigators could simply report their findings: effect sizes, P-values, and confidence intervals (or their Bayesian equivalents), and leave it to the discerning reader to infer the clinical applicability and importance. Our goal should be to move away from describing studies (or trials) as positive or negative based on an arbitrary P-value threshold, and rather to judge whether the scientific evidence provided is informative or uninformative.
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Riedel B, Dubowitz J, Yeung J, Jhanji S, Kheterpal S, Avidan MS. On the horns of a dilemma: choosing total intravenous anaesthesia or volatile anaesthesia. Br J Anaesth 2022; 129:284-289. [PMID: 35835606 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
There are two established techniques of delivering general anaesthesia: propofol-based total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) and volatile agent-based inhaled anaesthesia. Both techniques are offered as standard of care and have an established safety track record lasting more than 30 years. However, it is not currently known whether the choice of anaesthetic technique results in a fundamentally different patient experience or affects early, intermediate-term, and longer-term postoperative outcomes. This editorial comments on a recently published study that suggests that inhaled volatile anaesthesia might be associated with fewer postoperative surgical complications than propofol-based TIVA for patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. We consider the strengths and limitations of the study, place these findings in the context of the broader evidence, and discuss how the current controversies regarding anaesthetic technique can be resolved, thereby helping to bring precision medicine into the modern practice of perioperative care.
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Wixson MC, Mitchell AD, Markowitz SD, Malicke KM, Avidan MS, Mashour GA. Raising Anesthesiology Diversity and Antiracism: Launching a National Initiative. Anesth Analg 2022; 134:1185-1188. [PMID: 35595691 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000005817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Jiao Y, Xue B, Lu C, Avidan MS, Kannampallil T. Continuous real-time prediction of surgical case duration using a modular artificial neural network. Br J Anaesth 2022; 128:829-837. [PMID: 35090725 PMCID: PMC9074795 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2021.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Real-time prediction of surgical duration can inform perioperative decisions and reduce surgical costs. We developed a machine learning approach that continuously incorporates preoperative and intraoperative information for forecasting surgical duration. METHODS Preoperative (e.g. procedure name) and intraoperative (e.g. medications and vital signs) variables were retrieved from anaesthetic records of surgeries performed between March 1, 2019 and October 31, 2019. A modular artificial neural network was developed and compared with a Bayesian approach and the scheduled surgical duration. Continuous ranked probability score (CRPS) was used as a measure of time error to assess model accuracy. For evaluating clinical performance, accuracy for each approach was assessed in identifying cases that ran beyond 15:00 (commonly scheduled end of shift), thus identifying opportunities to avoid overtime labour costs. RESULTS The analysis included 70 826 cases performed at eight hospitals. The modular artificial neural network had the lowest time error (CRPS: mean=13.8; standard deviation=35.4 min), which was significantly better (mean difference=6.4 min [95% confidence interval: 6.3-6.5]; P<0.001) than the Bayesian approach. The modular artificial neural network also had the highest accuracy in identifying operating theatres that would overrun 15:00 (accuracy at 1 h prior=89%) compared with the Bayesian approach (80%) and a naïve approach using the scheduled duration (78%). CONCLUSIONS A real-time neural network model using preoperative and intraoperative data had significantly better performance than a Bayesian approach or scheduled duration, offering opportunities to avoid overtime labour costs and reduce the cost of surgery by providing superior real-time information for perioperative decision support.
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Fritz BA, King CR, Mehta D, Somerville E, Kronzer A, Ben Abdallah A, Wildes T, Avidan MS, Lenze EJ, Stark S. Association of a Perioperative Multicomponent Fall Prevention Intervention With Falls and Quality of Life After Elective Inpatient Surgical Procedures. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e221938. [PMID: 35275166 PMCID: PMC8917421 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.1938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Falls after elective inpatient surgical procedures are common and have physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Close interactions between patients and health care teams before and after surgical procedures may offer opportunities to address modifiable risk factors associated with falls. OBJECTIVE To assess whether a multicomponent intervention that incorporates education, home medication review, and home safety assessment is associated with reductions in the incidence of falls after elective inpatient surgical procedures. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This prospective propensity score-matched cohort study was a prespecified secondary analysis of data from the Electroencephalography Guidance of Anesthesia to Alleviate Geriatric Syndromes (ENGAGES) randomized clinical trial, which was conducted at a single academic medical center between January 16, 2015, and May 7, 2018. Patients in the intervention group of the present study were enrolled in either arm of the ENGAGES clinical trial. Patients in the control group were selected from the Systematic Assessment and Targeted Improvement of Services Following Yearly Surgical Outcomes Surveys prospective observational cohort study, which created a registry of patient-reported postoperative outcomes at the same single center. The propensity score-matched cohort in the present study included 1396 patients (698 pairs) selected from a pool of 2013 eligible patients. All patients underwent elective surgical procedures with general anesthesia and had a hospital stay of 2 or more days. Data were analyzed from January 2, 2020, to January 11, 2022. INTERVENTIONS The multicomponent safety intervention (offered to all patients in the ENGAGES clinical trial) included patient education on fall prevention techniques, home medication review by a geriatric psychiatrist (with communication of recommended changes to the surgeon), a self-administered home safety assessment, and targeted occupational therapy home visits with home hazard removal (offered to patients with a preoperative history of falls). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was patient-reported falls within 1 year after an elective inpatient surgical procedure. The secondary outcome was quality of life 1 year after an elective surgical procedure, which was measured using the physical and mental composite summary scores on the Veterans RAND 12-item health survey (score range, 0-100 points, with 0 indicating lowest quality of life and 100 indicating highest quality of life). RESULTS Among 1396 patients, the median age was 69 years (IQR, 64-75 years), and 739 patients (52.9%) were male. With regard to race, 5 patients (0.4%) were Asian, 97 (6.9%) were Black or African American, 2 (0.1%) were Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 1237 (88.6%) were White, 3 (0.2%) were of other race, and 52 (3.7%) were of unknown race; with regard to ethnicity, 12 patients (0.9%) were Hispanic or Latino, 1335 (95.6%) were non-Hispanic or non-Latino, and 49 (3.5%) were of unknown ethnicity. Adherence to individual intervention components was modest (from 22.9% for completion of the self-administered home safety assessment to 28.2% for implementation of the geriatric psychiatrist's recommended medication changes). Falls within 1 year after surgical procedures were reported by 228 of 698 patients (32.7%) in the intervention group and 225 of 698 patients (32.2%) in the control group. No significant difference was found in falls between the 2 groups (standardized risk difference, 0.4%; 95% CI, -4.5% to 5.3%). After adjusting for preoperative quality of life, patients in the intervention group had higher physical composite summary scores (3.8 points; 95% CI, 2.4-5.1 points) and higher mental composite summary scores (5.7 points; 95% CI, 4.7-6.7 points) at 1 year compared with patients in the control group. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cohort study, a multicomponent safety intervention was not associated with reductions in falls within the first year after an elective surgical procedure; however, an increase in quality of life at 1 year was observed. These results suggest a need for other interventions, such as those designed to increase adherence, to lower the incidence of falls after surgical procedures.
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Schulman-Green D, Hshieh T, Adamis D, Avidan MS, Blazer DG, Fick DM, Oh E, Morandi A, Price C, Verghese J, Schmitt EM, Jones RN, Inouye SK. Domains of delirium severity in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. J Am Geriatr Soc 2021; 70:1495-1503. [PMID: 34951704 PMCID: PMC9106827 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.17624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ability to rate delirium severity is key to providing optimal care for persons with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). Such ratings would allow clinicians to assess response to treatment, recovery time and prognosis, nursing burden and staffing needs, and to provide nuanced, appropriate patient-centered care. Given the lack of existing tools, we defined content domains for a new delirium severity instrument for use in individuals with mild to moderate ADRD, the DEL-S-AD. METHODS We built upon our previous study in which we created a content domain framework to inform development of a general delirium severity instrument, the DEL-S. We engaged a new expert panel to discuss issues of measurement in delirium and dementia and to determine which content domains from the prior framework were useful in characterizing delirium severity in ADRD. We also asked panelists to identify new domains. Our panel included eight interdisciplinary members with expertise in delirium and dementia. Panelists participated in two rounds of review followed by two surveys over 2 months. RESULTS Panelists endorsed the same content domains as for general delirium severity, including Cognitive, Level of Consciousness, Inattention, Psychiatric-Behavioral, Emotional Dysregulation, Psychomotor Features, and Functional; however, they excluded six of the original subdomains which they considered unhelpful in the context of ADRD: cognitive impairment; anxiety; fear/sense of unease; depression; gait/walking; and incontinence. Debated measurement challenges included assessment at one point in time versus over time, accounting for differences in clinical settings, and accurate assessment of symptoms related to delirium versus dementia. CONCLUSIONS By capturing a range of characteristics of delirium severity potentially present in patients with ADRD, a population that may already have attention, functional, and emotional changes at baseline, the DEL-S-AD provides a novel rating tool that will be useful for clinical and research purposes to improve patient care.
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Holzer KJ, Haroutounian S, Meng A, Wilson EA, Steinberg A, Avidan MS, Kozower BD, Abraham J. Ascertaining Design and Implementation Requirements for a Perioperative Neurocognitive Training Intervention for the Prevention of Persistent Pain After Surgery. PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 23:1355-1365. [PMID: 34931687 PMCID: PMC9607951 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnab347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent postsurgical pain (PPSP) is a common complication that impacts quality of life, often necessitating long-term opioid treatment. Certain neurocognitive factors, including reduced performance on cognitive flexibility tasks, are associated with increased risk of PPSP. We examine the perceptions of surgical patients and clinicians with regard to perioperative pain management activities and needs; patient acceptance and use of a perioperative neurocognitive training intervention; and implementation feasibility. METHODS We conducted both individual and focus group interviews with patients undergoing thoracic surgery and clinicians in an academic medical center. The Consolidated Framework for Intervention Research guided the development of interview questions related to the adoption and implementation of a neurocognitive intervention to mitigate PPSP. A thematic analysis was used to analyze the responses. RESULTS Forty patients and 15 clinicians participated. Interviews revealed that there is minimal discussion between clinicians and patients about PPSP. Most participants were receptive to a neurocognitive intervention to prevent PPSP, if evidence demonstrating its effectiveness were available. Potential barriers to neurocognitive training program adoption included fatigue, cognitive overload, lack of familiarity with the technology used for delivering the intervention, and immediate postoperative pain and stress. Implementation facilitators would include patient education about the intervention, incentives for its use, and daily reminders. CONCLUSION The study identified several guiding principles for addressing patients' and clinicians' barriers to effectively implementing a neurocognitive training intervention to mitigate PPSP after surgery. To ensure the sustainability of neurocognitive interventions for preventing PPSP, such interventions would need to be adapted to meet patients' and clinicians' needs within the perioperative context.
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Oberhaus J, Wang W, Mickle AM, Becker J, Tedeschi C, Maybrier HR, Upadhyayula RT, Muench MR, Lin N, Schmitt EM, Inouye SK, Avidan MS. Evaluation of the 3-Minute Diagnostic Confusion Assessment Method for Identification of Postoperative Delirium in Older Patients. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2137267. [PMID: 34902038 PMCID: PMC8669542 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.37267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Delirium is a common postoperative complication in older patients that often goes undetected and might lead to worse outcomes. The 3-Minute Diagnostic Confusion Assessment Method (3D-CAM) might be a practical tool for routine clinical diagnosis of delirium. OBJECTIVE To assess the 3D-CAM for detecting postoperative delirium compared with the long-form CAM used for research purposes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cohort study of older patients enrolled in ongoing clinical trials between 2015 and 2018 was conducted at a single tertiary US hospital. Included participants were aged 60 years or older undergoing major elective surgical procedures that required at least a 2-day hospital stay. Data were analyzed between February and April 2019. EXPOSURES Surgical procedures of at least 2 hours in length requiring general anesthesia with planned extubation. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Patients were concurrently assessed for delirium using the 3D-CAM assessment and the long-form CAM, scored based on a standardized cognitive assessment. Agreement between these 2 methods was tested using Cohen κ with repeated measures, a generalized linear mixed-effects model, and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS Sixteen raters conducted 471 concurrent CAM and 3D-CAM interviews including 299 patients (mean [SD] age, 69 [6.5] years), the majority of whom were men (152 [50.8%]), were White (263 [88.0%]), and had noncardiac operations (211 [70.6%]). Both instruments had good intraclass correlation (0.84 for the CAM and 0.98 for the 3D-CAM). Cohen κ demonstrated good overall agreement between the CAM and 3D-CAM (κ = 0.71; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.83). According to the mixed-effects model, there was statistically significant disagreement between the 3D-CAM and CAM (estimated difference in fixed effect, -0.68; 95% CI, -1.32 to -0.05; P = .04). Bland-Altman analysis showed the probability of a delirium diagnosis with the 3D-CAM was more than twice the probability of a delirium diagnosis with the CAM (probability ratio, 2.78; 95% CI, 2.44 to 3.23). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The 3D-CAM instrument demonstrated agreement with the long-form CAM and might provide a pragmatic and sensitive clinical tool for detecting postoperative delirium, with the caveat that the 3D-CAM might overdiagnose delirium.
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Holzer KJ, Avidan MS, Lenze EJ. Perioperative Mental Health in Older Adults: New Research on Epidemiology and Outcomes. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2021; 29:1222-1224. [PMID: 33653599 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2021.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Avidan MS, Mashour GA. Repurposing Propofol as a Prognostic Probe for Return of Consciousness. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2021; 205:140-142. [PMID: 34818124 PMCID: PMC8787254 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202111-2504ed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Rokos A, Mišić B, Berkun K, Duclos C, Tarnal V, Janke E, Picton P, Golmirzaie G, Basner M, Avidan MS, Kelz MB, Mashour GA, Blain-Moraes S. Distinct and Dissociable EEG Networks Are Associated With Recovery of Cognitive Function Following Anesthesia-Induced Unconsciousness. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:706693. [PMID: 34594193 PMCID: PMC8477048 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.706693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The temporal trajectories and neural mechanisms of recovery of cognitive function after a major perturbation of consciousness is of both clinical and neuroscientific interest. The purpose of the present study was to investigate network-level changes in functional brain connectivity associated with the recovery and return of six cognitive functions after general anesthesia. High-density electroencephalograms (EEG) were recorded from healthy volunteers undergoing a clinically relevant anesthesia protocol (propofol induction and isoflurane maintenance), and age-matched healthy controls. A battery of cognitive tests (motor praxis, visual object learning test, fractal-2-back, abstract matching, psychomotor vigilance test, digital symbol substitution test) was administered at baseline, upon recovery of consciousness (ROC), and at half-hour intervals up to 3 h following ROC. EEG networks were derived using the strength of functional connectivity measured through the weighted phase lag index (wPLI). A partial least squares (PLS) analysis was conducted to assess changes in these networks: (1) between anesthesia and control groups; (2) during the 3-h recovery from anesthesia; and (3) for each cognitive test during recovery from anesthesia. Networks were maximally perturbed upon ROC but returned to baseline 30-60 min following ROC, despite deficits in cognitive performance that persisted up to 3 h following ROC. Additionally, during recovery from anesthesia, cognitive tests conducted at the same time-point activated distinct and dissociable functional connectivity networks across all frequency bands. The results highlight that the return of cognitive function after anesthetic-induced unconsciousness is task-specific, with unique behavioral and brain network trajectories of recovery.
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Whitlock EL, Gross ER, King CR, Avidan MS. Anaesthetic depth and delirium: a challenging balancing act. Br J Anaesth 2021; 127:667-671. [PMID: 34503835 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This editorial highlights the findings of the Balanced Anaesthesia Delirium study, a 515-patient substudy of the 6644 patient Balanced Anaesthesia trial, which found that targeting deep anaesthesia in patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery was not associated with significantly increased postoperative death or major morbidity. The substudy found that using bispectral index (BIS) guidance with the intention of deliberately achieving deep volatile agent-based anaesthesia (target BIS reading 35 vs 50) significantly increased delirium incidence (28% vs 19%), although not subsyndromal delirium incidence (45% vs 49%). We discuss the implications of these findings for anaesthetic practice, and address whether the BIS should be used as a guide to deliver precision anaesthesia for delirium prevention. We posit that subpopulation-based differences within this multicentre substudy could have affected delirium occurrence, since the findings appeared to rest on outcomes in patients from East Asia. We conclude that questions of whether and for whom deep anaesthesia is deliriogenic remain unanswered.
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Vlisides PE, Li D, McKinney A, Brooks J, Leis AM, Mentz G, Tsodikov A, Zierau M, Ragheb J, Clauw DJ, Avidan MS, Vanini G, Mashour GA. The Effects of Intraoperative Caffeine on Postoperative Opioid Consumption and Related Outcomes After Laparoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Anesth Analg 2021; 133:233-242. [PMID: 33939649 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000005532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgical patients are vulnerable to opioid dependency and related risks. Clinical-translational data suggest that caffeine may enhance postoperative analgesia. This trial tested the hypothesis that intraoperative caffeine would reduce postoperative opioid consumption. The secondary objective was to assess whether caffeine improves neuropsychological recovery postoperatively. METHODS This was a single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Participants, clinicians, research teams, and data analysts were all blinded to the intervention. Adult (≥18 years old) surgical patients (n = 65) presenting for laparoscopic colorectal and gastrointestinal surgery were randomized to an intravenous caffeine citrate infusion (200 mg) or dextrose 5% in water (40 mL) during surgical closure. The primary outcome was cumulative opioid consumption through postoperative day 3. Secondary outcomes included subjective pain reporting, observer-reported pain, delirium, Trail Making Test performance, depression and anxiety screens, and affect scores. Adverse events were reported, and hemodynamic profiles were also compared between the groups. RESULTS Sixty patients were included in the final analysis, with 30 randomized to each group. The median (interquartile range) cumulative opioid consumption (oral morphine equivalents, milligrams) was 77 mg (33-182 mg) for caffeine and 51 mg (15-117 mg) for placebo (estimated difference, 55 mg; 95% confidence interval [CI], -9 to 118; P = .092). After post hoc adjustment for baseline imbalances, caffeine was associated with increased opioid consumption (87 mg; 95% CI, 26-148; P = .005). There were otherwise no differences in prespecified pain or neuropsychological outcomes between the groups. No major adverse events were reported in relation to caffeine, and no major hemodynamic perturbations were observed with caffeine administration. CONCLUSIONS Caffeine appears unlikely to reduce early postoperative opioid consumption. Caffeine otherwise appears well tolerated during anesthetic emergence.
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Fritz BA, King CR, Mickle AM, Wildes TS, Budelier TP, Oberhaus J, Park D, Maybrier HR, Ben Abdallah A, Kronzer A, McKinnon SL, Torres BA, Graetz TJ, Emmert DA, Palanca BJ, Stevens TW, Stark SL, Lenze EJ, Avidan MS. Effect of electroencephalogram-guided anaesthesia administration on 1 yr mortality: 1 yr follow-up of a randomised clinical trial. Br J Anaesth 2021; 127:386-395. [PMID: 34243940 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2021.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intraoperative EEG suppression duration has been associated with postoperative delirium and mortality. In a clinical trial testing anaesthesia titration to avoid EEG suppression, the intervention did not decrease the incidence of postoperative delirium, but was associated with reduced 30 day mortality. The present study evaluated whether the EEG-guided anaesthesia intervention continued to be associated with reduced 1 yr mortality. METHODS This manuscript reports 1 yr follow-up of patients from a single-centre RCT, including a post-hoc secondary outcome (1 yr mortality) in addition to pre-specified secondary outcomes. The trial included patients aged 60 yr or older undergoing surgery with general anaesthesia between January 2015 and May 2018. Patients were randomised to receive EEG-guided anaesthesia or usual care. The previously reported primary outcome was postoperative delirium. The outcome of the current study was all-cause 1 yr mortality. RESULTS Of the 1232 patients enrolled, 614 patients were randomised to EEG-guided anaesthesia and 618 patients to usual care. One year mortality was 57/591 (9.6%) in the guided group and 62/601 (10.3%) in the usual-care group. No significant difference in mortality was observed (adjusted absolute risk difference, -0.7%; 99.5% confidence interval, -5.8% to 4.3%; P=0.68). CONCLUSIONS An EEG-guided anaesthesia intervention aiming to decrease duration of EEG suppression during surgery did not significantly decrease 1 yr mortality. These findings, in the context of other studies, do not provide supportive evidence for EEG-guided anaesthesia to prevent intermediate term postoperative death. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02241655.
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Kaiser HA, Knapp J, Sleigh J, Avidan MS, Stüber F, Hight D. [The quantitative EEG in electroencephalogram-based brain monitoring during general anesthesia]. Anaesthesist 2021; 70:531-547. [PMID: 33970302 PMCID: PMC8108440 DOI: 10.1007/s00101-021-00960-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The electroencephalogram (EEG) is increasingly being used in the clinical routine of anesthesia in German-speaking countries. In over 90% of patients the frontal EEG changes somewhat predictably in response to administration of the normally used anesthetic agents (propofol and volatile gasses). An adequate depth of anesthesia and appropriate concentrations of anesthetics in the brain generate mostly frontal oscillations between 8 and 12 Hz as well as slow delta waves between 0.5 and 4 Hz. The frontal EEG channel is well-suited for avoidance of insufficient depth of anesthesia and excessive administration of anesthetics. This article explains the clinical interpretation of the most important EEG patterns and the biophysical background. Also discussed are important limitations and pitfalls for the clinical routine, which the anesthetist should know in order to utilize the EEG as an admittedly incomplete but clinically extremely important parameter for the level of consciousness.
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Sindhar S, Kallogjeri D, Wildes TS, Avidan MS, Piccirillo JF. Association of Preoperative Functional Performance With Outcomes After Surgical Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer: A Clinical Severity Staging System. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021; 145:1128-1136. [PMID: 31045219 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2019.1035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance Patients with head and neck cancers have comorbidities and other constitutional symptoms known to be associated with adverse postoperative outcomes, but the role of functional performance is not well studied. Objective To explore the addition of functional performance to other clinical factors for association with 3 patient outcomes: 30-day unplanned readmission (UR), 90-day medical complications, and overall survival (OS). Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a single tertiary care center with patients surgically treated for squamous cell cancer of the lip, oral cavity, pharynx, or larynx from January 2012 to December 2016. All analysis took place between January 2018 and November 2018. Data from 2 registries were analyzed, supplemented with medical record review. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore association of preoperative functional performance with outcomes. Conjunctive consolidation was used to create a useful clinical severity staging system, which included functional performance (estimated from metabolic equivalent [MET] score: <4, light-intensity activities; ≥4 at least moderate-intensity activities); overall comorbidity severity; preoperative weight loss; and TNM tumor staging. Logistic regression was used to assess the prognostic accuracy of the clinical severity staging system for 30-day UR and 90-day complications, and Cox proportional hazard regression for OS. Exposures All patients underwent surgical treatment for head and neck cancer. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcomes were 30-day UR and 90-day complications; the secondary outcome was OS. Results For the 657 patients included, the mean (SD) age was 62.0 (11.3) years; 73% were men (n = 477), and 88% were white (n = 580). A total of 75 (11%) had a 30-day UR; 204 (31%) developed a 90-day complication; and 127 (19%) patients died during the observation period. Individually, poor functional performance (<4 METs), high comorbidity burden, preoperative weight loss, and advanced TNM stage were associated with all 3 outcomes; the increased risk for each outcome ranged from 1.5 to 3.0 times the reference range. Using these 4 variables in combination, the 4-category clinical severity staging system demonstrated a strong association between severity stage and all 3 adverse outcomes: 30-day UR (C statistic, 0.63), 90-day complications (C statistic, 0.63), and OS (C statistic, 0.68). Conclusions and Relevance Poor preoperative functional performance, high comorbidity burden, preoperative weight loss, and advanced tumor stage were all associated with worse patient outcomes after head and neck cancer surgery. The model incorporating all 4 of these factors developed in this study may facilitate patient-centered risk assessment and patient-physician shared preoperative decision making.
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Chumakov K, Avidan MS, Benn CS, Bertozzi SM, Blatt L, Chang AY, Jamison DT, Khader SA, Kottilil S, Netea MG, Sparrow A, Gallo RC. Old vaccines for new infections: Exploiting innate immunity to control COVID-19 and prevent future pandemics. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2101718118. [PMID: 34006644 PMCID: PMC8166166 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2101718118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered an unparalleled pursuit of vaccines to induce specific adaptive immunity, based on virus-neutralizing antibodies and T cell responses. Although several vaccines have been developed just a year after SARS-CoV-2 emerged in late 2019, global deployment will take months or even years. Meanwhile, the virus continues to take a severe toll on human life and exact substantial economic costs. Innate immunity is fundamental to mammalian host defense capacity to combat infections. Innate immune responses, triggered by a family of pattern recognition receptors, induce interferons and other cytokines and activate both myeloid and lymphoid immune cells to provide protection against a wide range of pathogens. Epidemiological and biological evidence suggests that the live-attenuated vaccines (LAV) targeting tuberculosis, measles, and polio induce protective innate immunity by a newly described form of immunological memory termed "trained immunity." An LAV designed to induce adaptive immunity targeting a particular pathogen may also induce innate immunity that mitigates other infectious diseases, including COVID-19, as well as future pandemic threats. Deployment of existing LAVs early in pandemics could complement the development of specific vaccines, bridging the protection gap until specific vaccines arrive. The broad protection induced by LAVs would not be compromised by potential antigenic drift (immune escape) that can render viruses resistant to specific vaccines. LAVs might offer an essential tool to "bend the pandemic curve," averting the exhaustion of public health resources and preventing needless deaths and may also have therapeutic benefits if used for postexposure prophylaxis of disease.
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