In-person versus remote CBT groups during COVID-19 for adolescents with mood disorders or psychosis-risk syndromes

BACKGROUND

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, psychosocial therapies have been provided in varying formats, including remote, in-person, and hybrid services. It is unclear whether varying formats are similarly efficacious in improving psychiatric symptoms and functioning, lead to similar rates of treatment retention, and are equally acceptable to patients. This study compared youth with mood disorders and/or psychosis-risk syndromes who participated in a group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in-person prior to COVID-19, to youth in the same treatment given remotely during the pandemic.

METHODS

Adolescents ages 13-17 years participated in 9 sessions of group-based CBT given in-person (2018-2019) or remotely (2020-2021). Youth participants provided self-report ratings of psychiatric symptoms, psychosocial functioning, and emotional regulation at the study baseline and post-treatment and ratings of treatment satisfaction and burden at post-treatment.

RESULTS

There were no differences between in-person and remote treatment improvements in psychiatric symptoms, psychosocial functioning or emotional regulation. However, youth in remote treatment had increased retention compared to youth who received treatment in person. Youth in the remote treatment reported similar levels of satisfaction but reported lower burden compared to those who received in-person treatment.

LIMITATIONS

Participants were not randomized into remote or in-person treatment. Participants prior to COVID did not have the same frame of reference for alternative treatment delivery options as those during or post-COVID.

CONCLUSIONS

Remote group treatment can provide similar levels of psychiatric benefit but less burden than in-person treatment for youth with mood disorders and/or psychosis-risk syndromes.

Correlation analysis of clinical, pathological, imaging and genetic features of ground-glass nodule featured lung adenocarcinomas between high-risk and non-high-risk individuals

BACKGROUND

Early stage lung adenocarcinomas manifested as ground-glass nodules (GGNs) are increasingly being detected, but screening and diagnosis for GGN-featured lung adenocarcinomas in different risk populations reach no agreement.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the clinical, pathological, imaging and genetic features of GGN-featured lung adenocarcinomas on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in different risk groups.

METHODS

Include patients with GGNs on HRCT surgically diagnosed as lung adenocarcinoma in the West China Hospital, Sichuan University from 2009 to 2021, and their clinical, pathological, imaging and gene sequencing data.

RESULTS

According to Chinese Expert Consensus on Screening and Management of Lung Cancer, 1,800 patients with GGN-featured lung adenocarcinoma, 545 males (incl. 269 smokers) and 1,255 females (incl. 16 smokers), were divided into high-risk (509) and non-high-risk (1,291) groups. Among them, 1,095 were detected via physical examination. The mean age at diagnosis was 54.78 (23-84) and the mean time from detection to diagnosis was 9.59 months. There were more males than females in the high-risk group [288 (56.58%) vs 221 (43.42%)], just the opposite in the non-high-risk group [1,034 (80.09%) vs 257 (19.91%)] (both P < 0.001). No statistical difference was found in GGN detection way (P > 0.05). The frequency of invasive adenocarcinoma was higher in the high-risk group, while those of precursor lesions and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma were higher in the non-high-risk group (all P < 0.001). The preoperative follow-up time in the non-high-risk group was shorter (P < 0.05). A total of 711 gene mutations were observed in 473 patients with a ratio of non-high-risk to high-risk of 494:217. The incidence of EGFR mutation was not statistically significant (P = 0.824), while those of TP53 and KRAS mutations were higher in the high-risk group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

GGN-featured lung adenocarcinoma is dominated by non-high-risk female patients. Shorter preoperative follow-up in the non-high-risk group and no statistical difference in GGN detection way suggests the existing screening criteria for high-risk population may not suit GGN-featured lung cancer. In addition, the incidences of KRAS and TP53 mutations are higher in the high-risk group.

Prospective multicenter online testing of the carotid endarterectomy risk stratification calculator carotidscore.ru

Aim

To evaluate the incidence of complications, including fatal outcomes, ischemic strokes, and transient ischemic attacks, associated with carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in patients categorized as low-, medium-, and high-risk based on their CarotidSCORE (carotidscore.ru).

Material and Methods

This prospective, multicenter study was conducted from January 1, 2022, to December 20, 2022, and enrolled 5,496 patients with stenosis of the internal carotid artery (ICA), who were categorized into four groups according to their risk level. Group 1 (n=1,759) included patients at low risk; Group 2 (n=2,483) included those at medium risk; Group 3 (n=429) included those at high risk, who underwent carotid angioplasty with stenting (CAS) due to the high risk of complications associated with carotid endarterectomy (CEA); and Group 4 (n=825) did not use CarotidSCORE (carotidscore.ru). Patients in Groups 1, 2, and 4 underwent CEA.

Results

During the postoperative hospital stay, the highest number of complications, including fatal outcomes (p=0.0007), ischemic strokes (p<0.0001), and the combined endpoints (p<0.0001) were observed in Group 4. No complications were reported in Group 1.

Conclusion

The use of CarotidSCORE (carotidscore.ru) allows for the identification of high-risk patients, enabling clinicians to opt for CAS instead of CEA and reduce the incidence of complications.

Time-based reperfusion in haemodynamically unstable pulmonary embolism patients: does early reperfusion therapy improve survival?

High-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Systemic thrombolysis remains the most evidenced-based treatment for haemodynamically unstable PE, but in daily clinical practice, it remains largely underused. In addition, unlike acute myocardial infarction or stroke, a clear time window for reperfusion therapy, including fibrinolysis, for high-risk PE has not been defined either for fibrinolysis or for the more recently incorporated options of catheter-based thrombolysis or thrombectomy. The aim of the present article is to review the current evidence supporting the potential benefit of earlier administration of reperfusion in haemodynamically unstable PE patients and suggest some potential strategies to further explore this issue.

Adjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors associated with higher recurrence-free survival in postoperative hepatocellular carcinoma (PREVENT): a prospective, multicentric cohort study

BACKGROUND

Adjuvant therapy may improve survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after curative resection. This study compared safety and efficacy outcomes between patients at high risk of recurrence who received different types of adjuvant therapy or no such therapy after hepatic resection for HCC.

METHODS

Recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival, and adverse events were compared among patients who received adjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) alone, ICIs with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), or no adjuvant therapy between 13 March 2019 and 19 March 2022. This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05221398).

RESULTS

Of the 517 patients in final analysis, 432 (83.6%) received no adjuvant therapy, 53 (10.2%) received ICIs alone, and 32 (6.2%) received adjuvant ICIs and TKIs. During median follow-up of 34.0 months (IQR 27.8 to 41.6 months), RFS was significantly longer among patients who received either type of adjuvant therapy (25.2 months, 95%CI 16.4-34.0) than among those who received none (16.1 months, 95%CI 12.9-19.4), and this difference remained significant after propensity score matching (HR 0.52, 95%CI 0.35-0.76, P = 0.004). Overall survival was unaffected by either type of adjuvant therapy, while significant difference was observed between patients who received adjuvant therapy or not after propensity score matching (HR 0.31, 95%CI 0.17-0.59, P = 0.005). The rate of grade 3 or 4 adverse events was similar between the two types of adjuvant therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

ICIs alone or with TKIs may improve RFS of patients at high risk of HCC recurrence after curative resection.

Comparison of the neurocognitive profile of the children of parents with bipolar disorder and controls: A transnational cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Studies that have compared the cognitive alterations of the children of parents with bipolar disorder (CPBD) versus the children of control parents (CCP), present heterogeneous results due to the studies' methodological differences, the age of the population studied, and the lack of standardisation of the measures used for the different neurocognitive domains. The objective was to compare the neurocognitive profile of CPBD versus CCP to observe if there are differences that could be proposed as possible endophenotypes of BD.

RESULTS

A total of 107 individuals (51 CPBD, and 56 CCP) with ages between 6 and 16 (mean, 12.2±2.80) years of age were evaluated. Seventy-four point five percent of the CPBD group had some disorder compared to 67.9% of the CCP group. Tests such as letter-F phonemic verbal fluency, letter-S phonemic verbal fluency, overall F-A-S phonemic verbal fluency, story recall and retrieval, and Wisconsin perseverative errors showed a difference with a small effect size, but with a high degree of uncertainty.

CONCLUSIONS

The CPBD did not have differences in their neurocognitive profile in comparison with CCP. Both groups have a high prevalence of psychopathology, which is a factor that could explain the lack of differences in neurocognitive performance.

Individualizing Breast Cancer Risk Assessment in Clinical Practice

Multiple tools exist to assess a patient's breast cancer risk. The choice of risk model depends on the patient's risk factors and how the calculation will impact care. High-risk patients-those with a lifetime breast cancer risk of ≥20%-are, for instance, eligible for supplemental screening with breast magnetic resonance imaging. Those with an elevated short-term breast cancer risk (frequently defined as a 5-year risk ≥1.66%) should be offered endocrine prophylaxis. High-risk patients should also receive guidance on modification of lifestyle factors that affect breast cancer risk.

Efficacy of ivabradine in heart failure patients with a high-risk profile (analysis from the SHIFT trial)

AIMS

Early start and patient profile-oriented heart failure (HF) management has been recommended. In this post hoc analysis from the SHIFT trial, we analysed the treatment effects of ivabradine in HF patients with systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 110 mmHg, resting heart rate (RHR) ≥ 75 b.p.m., left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 25%, New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III/IV, and their combination.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The SHIFT trial enrolled 6505 patients (LVEF ≤ 35% and RHR ≥ 70 b.p.m.), randomized to ivabradine or placebo on the background of guideline-defined standard care. Compared with placebo, ivabradine was associated with a similar relative risk reduction of the primary endpoint (cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization) in patients with SBP < 110 and ≥110 mmHg [hazard ratio (HR) 0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74-1.08 vs. HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.72-0.89, P interaction = 0.34], LVEF ≤ 25% and >25% (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.72-1.01 vs. HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.71-0.90, P interaction = 0.53), and NYHA III-IV and II (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.74-0.94 vs. HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.69-0.94, P interaction = 0.79). The effect was more pronounced in patients with RHR ≥ 75 compared with <75 (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.68-0.85 vs. HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.81-0.1.16, P interaction = 0.02). When combining these profiling parameters, treatment with ivabradine was also associated with risk reductions comparable with patients with low-risk profiles for the primary endpoint (relative risk reduction 29%), cardiovascular death (11%), HF death (49%), and HF hospitalization (38%; all P values for interaction: 0.40). No safety concerns were observed between study groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis shows that RHR reduction with ivabradine is effective and improves clinical outcomes in HF patients across various risk indicators such as low SBP, high RHR, low LVEF, and high NYHA class to a similar extent and without safety concern.

Characterising depression trajectories in young people at high familial risk of depression

BACKGROUND

Parental depression is a common and potent risk factor for depression in offspring. However, the developmental course of depression from childhood to early-adulthood has not been characterized in this high-risk group.

METHODS

Using longitudinal data from 337 young people who had a parent with a history of recurrent major depressive disorder (MDD), we characterized trajectories of broadly defined depressive disorder using latent class growth analysis. We used clinical descriptions to further characterise trajectory classes.

RESULTS

Two trajectory classes were identified: childhood-emerging (25 %) and adulthood-emerging (75 %). The childhood-emerging class showed high rates of depressive disorder from age 12.5, which persisted through the study period. The adulthood-emerging class showed low rates of depressive disorder until age 26. Individual factors (IQ and ADHD symptoms) and parent depression severity (comorbidity, persistence and impairment) differentiated the classes but there were no differences in family history score or polygenic scores associated with psychiatric disorder. Clinical descriptions indicated functional impairment in both classes, but more severe symptomatology and impairment in the childhood-emerging class.

LIMITATIONS

Attrition particularly affected participation in young adulthood. Factors associated with attrition were low family income, single parent household status and low parental education.

CONCLUSIONS

The developmental course of depressive disorder in children of depressed parents is variable. When followed up to adult life, most individuals exhibited some functional impairment. An earlier age-of-onset was associated with a more persistent and impairing course of depression. Access to effective prevention strategies is particularly warranted for at-risk young people showing early-onsetting and persistent depressive symptoms.

Genotypic characterization of HPV serotypes in cervical samples from Indian women: a multi centric study

Human papilloma virus (HPV infection) plays a important role in causing cervical cancer. Out of 184 different HPV genotypes, 40 diverse types only can cause anogenital infection. HPV present in >99% of cervical cancers with high risk types (16, 18) associated with cancer and Low risk types (6, 11) are associated with genital warts. Aim of the study is to determine the epidemiology of HPV infection in Indian women's population. Three hundred and thirty four liquid based cytology (LBC) samples were collected across India from the different age groups of Indian women. Pap smear, PCR and gene sequencing tests were performed for the collected LBC samples. Low risk serotype 6 (16.7%) were detected compared to other high risk serotypes. Majority of positive cases were observed in the age group between 19 and 39 groups. Northern part of India contributes high (7.1%) in HPV infection compared to other regions of India. Reports from these studies covered few regions of India showing a wide range in the prevalence of HPV infection and serotype distribution due to diversified socio economic and geo climatic conditions. This study aims to identify the epidemiology of HPV in the Indian population and concludes that early and periodic screening of women for HPV can avoid the risk of cervical cancer at the early stage of infection.

Comparative effectiveness and safety for the treatments despite optimized renin-angiotensin system blockade among IgA nephropathy patients at high-risk of disease progression: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

Approximately 20-40% of IgA nephropathy patients would develop end-stage renal disease, for whom safety concerns remained a major setback when using conventional pharmaceutical treatments. Evidence is lacking for optimal selection of effective and safe pharmaceuticals to slow the disease progression. To compare the effectiveness and safety profile of different treatments despite optimized RAS blockade for IgA nephropathy patients at high-risk of disease progression.

STUDY DESIGN

PubMed, ScienceDirect and Web of science databases published from 1990 to March 18th, 2023 without language restriction. Immunosuppressant and cortico-steroid treatments were considered as two independent regimens.

RESULTS

Fifteen trials with 1,983 participants were evaluated for the occurrence of five outcomes. For ESRD, dapagliflozin was superior to placebo (RR: 0.30; 95% CI 0.11, 0.80), immunosuppressant (RR:0.14; 95% CI 0.02,0.81) and RAS (RR:0.10; 95% CI 0.01,0.69). Glucocorticoid was superior to placebo (RR: 0.71; 95%CI 0.52,0.99). For clinical remission, immunosuppressant was superior to placebo (RR: 2.71; 95%CI 1.16, 6.31) and RAS monotherapy (RR: 2.87; 95%CI 1.60, 5.17). For 50% reduction in 24 h proteinuria or UPCR, immunosuppressant was superior to placebo (RR: 2.71; 95%CI 1.16, 6.31) and RAS monotherapy (RR: 2.40; 95%CI 1.04, 5.55). For SAE, dapagliflozin was superior to glucocorticoid (RR: 0.22; 95%CI 0.09, 0.54), whereas glucocorticoid was inferior to placebo (RR: 2.91; 95%CI 1.39, 6.07). Cluster ranking showed dapagliflozin appeared to have the lowest SAE risk and the best comparative therapeutic efficacy in preventing ESRD.

CONCLUSIONS

The current findings highlighted dapagliflozin was a promising pharmaceutical treatment alternative to achieve optimal outcomes for IgA nephropathy patients at high risk of disease progression.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42022374418.

Efficacy of intrathecal methotrexate in children with high-risk medulloblastoma over three years: a retrospective study from a single center

PURPOSE

Chemotherapy is commonly used for treatment in children over three years old with high-risk medulloblastoma(MB). However, little is currently known about the therapeutic benefits and side effects of intrathecal methotrexate(MTX), warranting further research.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, patients who received intrathecal MTX during chemotherapy were included in the MTX group (n = 32), and patients that only underwent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology analysis were assigned to the control group (n = 14).

RESULTS

In the MTX group, 27(84.38%) patients had metastatic disease, 3(9.38%) had diffuse anaplasia, and 3(9.38%) had residual disease greater than 1.5 cm2. Molecular subgroup classification was available for 28(87.5%) patients. In the control group, 8(57.14%) patients had metastatic disease, 3(27.27%) had diffuse anaplasia, and 6(42.86%) had residual disease greater than 1.5 cm2. Molecular subgroup classification was available for 6(42.86%) patients. The 5-year progression-free survival was 70.99% and the 5-year overall survival was 72.99% for the MTX group, and the corresponding values were 41.67% and 50% for the control group, respectively. 6 (18.75%) patients in the MTX group with group 4 disease developed MTX-related acute leukoencephalopathy and one of them died.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support the addition of intrathecal MTX during chemotherapy as the optimal management for children with group 3 and SHH high-risk MB. However, it is not recommended for group 4 MB patients, especially in resource-limited regions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Retrospective registered No.(2020 - 117).

Early intervention in youth psychosis: Novel approaches to understanding change

Untreated psychosis in adolescents and young adults is associated with significant and progressive impairment. Early intervention to provide support and treatment for those at risk of psychosis is essential. Several early intervention models have been developed for those at-risk and those who are victims of a recent episode - including the Portland Identification and Early Referral model (PIER; McFarlane, 2001). This study extends previous work demonstrating a variety of positive treatment outcomes achieved by PIER in the context of a large-scale implementation across the state of Delaware. The sample included 108 youth and young adults who were either at risk for psychosis or had already experienced a first episode within the past two years. Participants received the PIER treatment model and were followed from baseline to six months after they were discharged from treatment. Researchers predicted that PIER participants would experience an increase in functioning and a decrease in positive psychosis symptoms. Change over time was examined through the lens of two analytic techniques: the Reliable Change Index (RCI) analyses and Growth Curve Modeling (GCM). Results show improvement on a number of outcomes over the course of the intervention as expected. Clinical implications, limitations, and suggestions for further research are discussed.

Yield and cost of government-organized colorectal cancer screening in young high-risk population in Northeast China

Guidelines for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening recommend screening at age 40 for high-risk population in China. However, the yield and cost of CRC screening in younger population are lacking. This analysis aimed to evaluate the yield and cost of CRC screening in high-risk 40- to 54-year-olds. Individuals aged 40-54 years who were determined to have a high risk of CRC were recruited from December 2012 to December 2019. We calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the detection rate of colorectal lesions among the three age groups and further calculated number of colonoscopies needed to screen (NNS) to detect one advanced lesion and cost of each group. The detection rates of advanced colorectal neoplasm in men aged 45-49 years (OR = 2.00, 95% CI: 0.93-4.30) and 50-54 years (OR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.04-4.62) were higher than that aged 40-44 years. The detection rates of colorectal adenoma in women aged 50-54 years was higher than that aged 40-44 years (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.23-2.19). Among the male screening population, NNS and cost to detect one advanced lesion in participants aged 45-49 years were similar to that aged 50-54 years, saving approximately half endoscopic resources and financial expenses compared with screening that aged 40-44 years. From the perspective of screening results and costs, it might be beneficial to delay the starting age of screening by gender. This study may provide reference for optimizing CRC screening strategies.

Adjuvant therapy for renal cell carcinoma in 2023: hopes and disappointments

PURPOSE

It is known that 30% of clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCC) will develop progressive disease after surgical treatment. These patients with high-risk ccRCC require adjuvant therapy after nephrectomy or resection of metastases. The article presents an overview of the results of recent studies in adjuvant therapy.

METHODS

We analyzed the results of randomized trials of targeted therapy and checkpoint inhibitors in high-risk ccRCC patients.

RESULTS

Targeted therapy did not significantly reduce this risk or/and did not affect overall survival. Three randomized studies investigating nivolumab, ipilimumab, and atezolizumab in the adjuvant setting also failed without improving disease-free survival. Pembrolizumab had a significant impact on the disease-free survival in the entire population, with the greatest effect in patients after metastasectomy, but mature overall survival data are not yet available.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, it must be noted that, at present, it has not been possible to achieve magnificent success in adjuvant therapy of RCC in patients at high risk of relapse after surgical treatment. There remains hope for adjuvant pembrolizumab, which has been used for high-risk population including patients with removed metastases who may benefit more from therapy.

Multidisciplinary conference for complex surgery leads to improved quality and safety

INTRODUCTION

Complex surgery for adult spinal deformity has high rates of complications, reoperations, and readmissions. Preoperative discussions of high-risk operative spine patients at a multidisciplinary conference may contribute to decreased rates of these adverse outcomes through appropriate patient selection and surgical plan optimization. With this goal, we implemented a high-risk case conference involving orthopedic and neurosurgery spine, anesthesia, intraoperative monitoring neurology, and neurological intensive care.

METHODS

Included in this retrospective review were patients ≥ 18 years old meeting one of the following high-risk criteria: 8 + levels fused, osteoporosis with 4 + levels fused, three column osteotomy, anterior revision of the same lumbar level, or planned significant correction for severe myelopathy, scoliosis (> 75˚), or kyphosis (> 75˚). Patients were categorized as Before Conference (BC): surgery before 2/19/2019 or After Conference (AC): surgery after 2/19/2019. Outcome measures include intraoperative and postoperative complications, readmissions, and reoperations.

RESULTS

263 patients were included (96 AC, 167 BC). AC was older than BC (60.0 vs 54.6, p = 0.025) and had lower BMI (27.1 vs 28.9, p = 0.047), but had similar CCI (3.2 vs 2.9 p = 0.312), and ASA Classification (2.5 vs 2.5, p = 0.790). Surgical characteristics, including levels fused (10.6 vs 10.7, p = 0.839), levels decompressed (1.29 vs 1.25, p = 0.863), 3 column osteotomies (10.4% vs 18.6%, p = 0.080), anterior column release (9.4% vs 12.6%, p = 0.432), and revision cases (53.1% vs 52.4%, p = 0.911) were similar between AC and BC. AC had lower EBL (1.1 vs 1.9L, p < 0.001) and fewer total intraoperative complications (16.7% vs 34.1%, p = 0.002), including fewer dural tears (4.2% vs 12.6%, p = 0.025), delayed extubations (8.3% vs 22.8%%, p = 0.003), and massive blood loss (4.2% vs 13.2%, p = 0.018). Length of stay (LOS) was similar between groups (7.2 vs 8.2 days, 0.251). AC had a lower incidence of deep surgical site infections (SSI, 1.0% vs 6.6%, p = 0.038), but a higher rate of hypotension requiring vasopressor therapy (18.8% vs 4.8%, p < 0.001). Other postoperative complications were similar between groups. AC had lower rates of reoperation at 30 (2.1% vs 8.4%, p = 0.040) and 90 days (3.1 vs 12.0%, p = 0.014) and lower readmission rates at 30 (3.1% vs 10.2%, p = 0.038) and 90 days (6.3 vs 15.0%, p = 0.035). On logistic regression, AC patients had higher odds of hypotension requiring vasopressor therapy and lower odds of delayed extubation, intraoperative RBC, and intraoperative salvage blood.

CONCLUSIONS

Following implementation of a multidisciplinary high-risk case conference, 30- and 90-day reoperation and readmission rates, intraoperative complications, and postoperative deep SSIs decreased. Hypotensive events requiring vasopressors increased, but did not result in longer LOS or greater readmissions. These associations suggest a multidisciplinary conference may help improve quality and safety for high-risk spine patients. particularly through minimizing complications and optimizing outcomes in complex spine surgery.

Hospital characteristics associated with nurse staffing during labor and birth: Inequities for the most vulnerable maternity patients

BACKGROUND

Evidence is limited on nurse staffing in maternity units.

PURPOSE

To estimate the relationship between hospital characteristics and adherence with Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses nurse staffing guidelines.

METHODS

We enrolled 3,471 registered nurses in a cross-sectional survey and obtained hospital characteristics from the 2018 American Hospital Association Annual Survey. We used mixed-effects linear regression models to estimate associations between hospital characteristics and staffing guideline adherence.

FINDINGS

Overall, nurses reported strong adherence to AWHONN staffing guidelines (rated frequently or always met by ≥80% of respondents) in their hospitals. Higher birth volume, having a neonatal intensive care unit, teaching status, and higher percentage of births paid by Medicaid were all associated with lower mean guideline adherence scores.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Important gaps in staffing were reported more frequently at hospitals serving patients more likely to have medical or obstetric complications, leaving the most vulnerable patients at risk.

Combined analysis of clinical features, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) value, and hCG ratios for early prediction of postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia

PURPOSE

To investigate factors predicting postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) by combined analysis of clinical features, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) value, and hCG ratios.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled patients with histopathologically proven molar pregnancy. Patients lost to follow-up before remission or developing postmolar GTN were excluded. Demographic and clinical characteristics and hCG data obtained before and after molar evacuation were collected. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis was used to identify the hCG and hCG ratio cutoff values that predict postmolar GTN. Multivariate analysis was employed to identify independent predictors of GTN.

RESULTS

There were 113 complete moles, 11 partial moles, and 52 unspecified moles included in the final analysis. Of the 176 cases, 90 achieved remission and 86 developed post-molar GTN. The incidence of postmolar GTN was 48.9%, with a median time to GTN development of 5 weeks. Univariate analysis showed age, molar evacuation performed elsewhere, pre-evacuation hCG, hCG at 2nd week post-evacuation, and ratio of hCG at 2nd week post-evacuation to post-evacuation hCG significantly predict GTN. Multivariate analysis revealed an hCG value ≥ 1400 IU/L at 2nd week post-evacuation (AUC: 0.92, aOR: 6.51, 95% CI 1.28-33.16; p = 0.024) and a ratio of hCG at 2nd week post-evacuation to post-evacuation hCG of ≥ 0.02 (AUC: 0.88, aOR: 12.27, 95% CI 2.15-70.13; p = 0.005) to independently predict GTN.

CONCLUSIONS

An hCG value ≥ 1400 IU/L at 2nd week post-evacuation and a ratio of hCG at 2nd week post-evacuation to post-evacuation hCG of ≥ 0.02 independently and reliably predict postmolar GTN.

Implementation of Early Detection and Intervention for Cerebral Palsy in High-Risk Infant Follow-Up Programs: U.S. and Global Considerations

Early detection and intervention for cerebral palsy is best practice for all high-risk infants according to international guidelines, consensus statements and research-supported evidence. It allows support for families and optimization of developmental trajectories into adulthood. All phases of implementation of CP early detection can be found across the world in high-risk infant follow-up programs, demonstrating feasibility and acceptability through standardized implementation science. The largest clinical network for CP early detection and intervention in the world has now sustained an average age at detection less than 12 months corrected age for more than 5 years. Targeted referrals and interventions for CP can now be offered to patients in optimal periods of neuroplasticity, and new therapies researched as the age of detection decreases. Implementation of guidelines and incorporation of rigorous CP research studies both allow high-risk infant follow-up programs to fulfill their mission of improving outcomes of those with the most vulnerable developmental trajectories from birth.

Preeclampsia: Narrative review for clinical use

Aim

Preeclampsia is a very complex multisystem disorder characterized by mild to severe hypertension.

Methods

PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched from January 1, 2002 to March 31, 2022, with the search terms "pre-eclampsia" and "hypertensive disorders in pregnancy". We also look for guidelines from international societies and clinical specialty colleges and we focused on publications made after 2015.

Results

The primary issue associated with this physiopathology is a reduction in utero-placental perfusion and ischemia. Preeclampsia has a multifactorial genesis, its focus in prevention consists of the identification of high and moderate-risk clinical factors. The clinical manifestations of preeclampsia vary from asymptomatic to fatal complications for both the fetus and the mother. In severe cases, the mother may present renal, neurological, hepatic, or vascular disease. The main prevention strategy is the use of aspirin at low doses, started from the beginning to the end of the second trimester and maintained until the end of pregnancy.

Conclusion

Preeclampsia is a multisystem disorder; we do not know how to predict it accurately. Acetylsalicylic acid at low doses to prevent a low percentage, especially in patients with far from term preeclampsia. There is evidence that exercising for at least 140 min per week reduces gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Currently, the safest approach is the termination of pregnancy. It is necessary to improve the prediction and prevention of preeclampsia, in addition, better research is needed in the long-term postpartum follow-up.

Roles and reported practices of paediatricians in the early identification and monitoring of hearing impairment in high-risk newborns and infants

BACKGROUND

The paediatrician is often the first professional who provides care for the infant and their families, hence having a vital role in the early identification and intervention of hearing impairment.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the role and reported practices of paediatricians in the early identification and monitoring of hearing impairment in high-risk newborns and infants.

METHODS

The sample comprised 30 paediatricians in South Africa. Data were collected by means of an online survey and analysed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Variability was noted in the early identification protocols, with most participants conducting objective measures. Although most participants refer newborns and infants for audiological evaluation when hearing impairment is suspected, there is variability with regard to the age at which they are referred. Approximately 98% of participants believe that they form part of the multidisciplinary team; however, only 69% reported that they have actually been part of a multidisciplinary team.

CONCLUSIONS

Paediatricians had sufficient knowledge regarding the assessment of hearing impairment and their role in the early hearing detection and intervention programme. There is however a need for information sharing regarding appropriate hearing screening measures.

Disrupted white matter microstructure correlates with impulsivity in children and adolescents with bipolar disorder

Altered white matter (WM) microstructure likely occurs in children with bipolar disorder (BD) with impulsivity representing one of the core features. However, altered WM microstructures and their age-related trendlines in children with BD and those at high-risk of developing BD, as well as correlations of WM microstructures with impulsivity, have been poorly investigated. In this study, diffusion MRI, cognitive, and impulsivity assessments were obtained from children/adolescents diagnosed with BD, offspring of individuals with BD (high-risk BD) and age-matched healthy controls. A novel atlas-based WM skeleton measurement approach was used to quantify WM microstructural integrity with all diffusion-tensor-imaging (DTI) metrics including fractional anisotropy, axial, mean and radial diffusivity to survey entire WM tracts and ameliorate partial volume effects. Among all DTI-derived metric measures, radial diffusivity quantifying WM myelination was found significantly higher primarily in corpus callosum and in the corona radiata in children with BD compared to controls. Distinguished from age-related progressively decreasing diffusivities and increasing fractional anisotropy in healthy controls, flattened age-related trendlines were found in BD group, and intermediate developmental rates were observed in high-risk group. Larger radial diffusivity in the corpus callosum and corona radiata significantly correlated with shorter response times to affective words that indicate higher impulsivity in the BD group, whereas no such correlation was found in the healthy control group. This work corroborates the progressive nature of pediatric BD and suggests that WM microstructural disruption involved in affective regulation and sensitive to impulsivity may serve as a biomarker of pediatric BD progression.

A nomogram for the preoperative estimation of neuroblastoma risk despite inadequate biopsy information

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

If the preoperative pathological information is inadequate, a risk classification may not be able to be determined for some patients with neuroblastoma. Our objectives were to include imaging factors, serum biomarkers, and demographic factors in a nomogram to distinguish high-risk patients before surgical resection based on the COG classification.

METHOD

A total of 106 patients were included in the study. Of these, patients with clinicopathologically confirmed neuroblastoma at Tianjin Children's Hospital from January 2013 to November 2021 formed the training cohort (n = 82) for nomogram development, and those patients from January 2010 to December 2013 formed the validation cohort (n = 24) to confirm the model's performance.

RESULT

On multivariate analysis of the primary cohort, independent factors for high risk were the presence of distant metastasis (p = 0.004), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (p = 0.009), and tumor volume (p = 0.033), which were all selected into the nomogram. The calibration curve for probability showed good agreement between prediction by nomogram and actual observation. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.95 95% [0.916-0.99]. Application of the nomogram in the validation cohort still gave good discrimination and good calibration.

CONCLUSION

Three independent factors including the presence of distant metastasis, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and tumor volume are associated with high-risk neuroblastoma and selected into the nomogram. The novel nomogram has the flexibility to apply a clinically suitable cutoff to identify high-risk neuroblastoma patients despite inadequate preoperative pathological information. The nomogram can allow these patients to be offered suitable induction chemotherapy regimens and surgical plans.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Association of Brachytherapy Boost with Overall Survival for Gleason 9-10 Prostate Cancer: The Impact of Primary versus Secondary Pattern 5

PURPOSE

The addition of a brachytherapy (BT) boost to external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) reduces recurrence risk in men with high-risk prostate cancer (PCa) and may reduce PCa-mortality for Gleason grade group 5 (GG5). Whether the extent of pattern five, a risk factor for distant metastases, impacts the benefit of a BT boost is unclear.

METHODS

Men with localized GG5 PCa treated with (1) EBRT or (2) EBRT+BT between 2010 and 2016 were identified in the National Cancer Database. EBRT monotherapy group received conventionally fractionated (1.8-2.0 Gy per fraction) ≥74 Gy or moderately hypofractionated (2.5-3.0 Gy per fraction) ≥60 Gy. EBRT + BT group received conventionally fractionated ≥45 Gy or moderately hypofractionated ≥37.5 Gy, and either LDR or HDR BT. All patients received concomitant ADT; none received chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or surgery. OS was compared using Kaplan-Meier, log-rank test, and multivariable Cox proportional hazards in the overall cohort, followed by subgroups based on primary versus secondary pattern 5. Propensity score- and exact-matching was used to corroborate results.

RESULTS

A total of 8260 men were eligible: EBRT alone (89%) versus EBRT + BT (11%). 5-year OS for EBRT versus EBRT + BT was 76.3% and 85.0%, respectively (p = 0.002; multivariable adjusted HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.65-0.98; p = 0.04). These results remained consistent after propensity score and exact matching. The OS advantage of a BT boost was more prominent in men with Gleason 4 + 5 PCa (p = 0.001) and not observed in men with Gleason 5 + 5 or 5 + 4 PCa.

CONCLUSIONS

Extent of pattern five may be useful in appropriately selecting men for EBRT+BT and should be considered as a pre-randomization stratification variable for future clinical trial design.