Comparing school environments with and without legislation for the prevention and management of anaphylaxis

BACKGROUND

  School personnel in contact with students with life-threatening allergies often lack necessary supports, creating a potentially dangerous situation. Sabrina's Law, the first legislation in the world designed to protect such children, requires all Ontario public schools to have a plan to protect children at risk. Although it has captured international attention, the differences a legislative approach makes have not been identified. Our study compared the approaches to anaphylaxis prevention and management in schools with and without legislation.

METHODS

  Legislated (Ontario) and nonlegislated (Alberta, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Quebec) environments were compared. School board anaphylaxis policies were assessed for consistency with Canadian anaphylaxis guidelines. Parents of at-risk children and school personnel were surveyed to determine their perspectives on school practices. School personnel's EpiPen5 technique was assessed.

RESULTS

  Consistency of school board policies with anaphylaxis guidelines was significantly better in a legislated environment (P=0.009). Parents in a legislated environment reported more comprehensive anaphylaxis emergency forms (P<0.001), while school personnel in nonlegislated environments reported more comprehensive forms (P=0.004). Despite school personnel in both environments receiving EpiPen5 training (>80%), suboptimal technique was commonly observed. However, school personnel in the legislated environment had better technique (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

  Our results suggest that school boards in legislated environments have made greater efforts to support students at risk for anaphylaxis compared to nonlegislated environments. However, significant gaps exist in both environments, especially with respect to EpiPen5 administration, content, and distribution of anaphylaxis emergency forms, and awareness of school procedures by school personnel and parents.

Accelerated BEP: a phase I trial of dose-dense BEP for intermediate and poor prognosis metastatic germ cell tumour

Background:

We used bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin (BEP), the most effective regimen in the treatment of germ cell tumours (GCTs) and increased dose-density by using pegfilgrastim to shorten cycle length. Our aim was to assess safety and tolerability.

Methods:

Sixteen male patients with intermediate or poor prognosis metastatic GCT were treated with four cycles of 3-day BEP with G-CSF on a 14-day cycle for a planned relative dose-density of 1.5 compared with standard BEP.

Results:

Eleven intermediate and five poor prognosis patients were treated. In all, 14 of 16 patients completed the study treatment. Toxicities were comparable to previous studies using standard BEP, except for mucositis and haematological toxicity that were more severe. The overall relative dose-density for all 16 patients was mean 1.38 (range 0.72–1.5; median 1.46). Complete response was achieved after chemotherapy alone in two patients (13%) and following chemotherapy plus surgery in nine additional patients (56%). Four patients (25%) had a partial response and normalised their marker levels. At a median follow-up of 4.4 years (range 2.1–6.8) the estimated 5-year progression-free survival probability is 81% (95% CI 64–100%).

Conclusion:

Accelerated BEP is tolerable without major additional toxicity. A randomised controlled trial will be required to obtain comparative efficacy data.

Using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire to screen psychological distress from survivorship to end-of-life care: dimensionality and item quality

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed (i) to determine the factor structure of the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) across the cancer trajectory represented by samples from three cancer care settings and (ii) to appraise the item misfit and differential item functioning (DIF) of the GHQ-12.

DATA AND METHODS

Data were from cancer outpatient (n = 200), general community (n = 364) and palliative care (n = 150) settings. The factor structure was tested using exploratory factor analysis followed by confirmatory factor analysis. The factors were assessed for correlation using Spearman's ρ. The analyses were run separately for standard GHQ, Likert, modified Likert and chronic GHQ scoring and for the individual cancer settings. The best scoring method within the cancer setting was determined by Akaike's information criterion (AIC). Item misfit (mean square, MNSQ; standardised z-score, ZSTD) and DIF were assessed using the Rasch model.

RESULTS

The best scoring method was the chronic GHQ for the cancer outpatient (AIC = -45.8), modified Likert for the general community (AIC = 9.6) and standard GHQ for the palliative care (AIC = -43.0). The GHQ-12 displayed a correlated two-factor structure ('social dysfunction' and 'distress'); Spearman ρ values were 0.69, 0.82 and 0.88 in the cancer outpatient, the general community and the palliative care, respectively. One item in the palliative care indicated misfit (MNSQ = 1.62, ZSTD = 3.0). Five items in the cancer outpatient showed DIF by gender and age. Two items in the palliative care showed DIF by gender.

CONCLUSIONS

The GHQ-12 was more problematic (less clear factor structure and evidence of item bias) for newly diagnosed patients, less problematic for patients approaching end-of-life and satisfactory for patients between those times.

A simple practical patient-reported clinic satisfaction measure for young adults

Background:

The development of practical patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) to assess the user view of health programmes is increasingly important. Valid, shorter instruments are more likely to be used and completed than extensive questionnaires.

Methods:

Consecutive adult outpatient attendees who were long-term survivors of childhood cancer completed the 16-item Patient Satisfaction with Communication Questionnaire (PSCQ). These data were used to develop a three-item questionnaire. The brief PROM was validated against data from a second, independent survey conducted in a similar fashion.

Results:

In all, 93 individuals contributed PSCQ data, a response rate of 63%. The brief PROM was highly correlated with the original PSCQ in derivation (ρ=0.87, P<0.001) and validation (ρ=0.82, P<0.001) data sets. Using a cutoff of scores <9 to indicate dissatisfaction showed fair discrimination in derivation (sensitivity 85%, specificity 80%) and validation data sets (sensitivity 75%, specificity 78%).

Conclusion:

It is possible to quickly and efficiently assess satisfaction with follow-up clinics with three questions. This brief PROM could prove useful in monitoring services quality by allowing clinic users to provide timely feedback on their care.

Pharmacokinetics and safety of subcutaneous immune globulin (human), 10% caprylate/chromatography purified in patients with primary immunodeficiency disease

Subcutaneous administration of intravenous immunoglobulin G (IgG) preparations provides an additional level of patient convenience and more options for patients with poor venous access or a history of intravenous IgG reactions. An open-label, pharmacokinetic trial (n = 32) determined the non-inferiority of the subcutaneous versus intravenous route of 10% caprylate/chromatography purified human immune globulin intravenous (IGIV-C; Gamunex®) administration by comparing the steady-state area under the concentration-versus-time curve (AUC) of total plasma IgG in patients with primary immunodeficiency disease. Patients on stable IGIV-C received two intravenous infusions (administered 3 or 4 weeks apart). Seven to 10 days after the second intravenous infusion, all patients switched to a weekly infusion of subcutaneous IGIV-C, with the dose equal to 137% of the previous weekly equivalent intravenous dose, for up to 24 weeks. Samples for pharmacokinetic analysis were collected during steady state for intravenous and subcutaneous IGIV-C treatments. The AUC(0-) τ geometric least-squares mean ratio was 0·89 (90% confidence interval, 0·86-0·92) and met the criteria for non-inferiority. The overall mean steady-state trough concentration of plasma total IgG with subcutaneous IGIV-C was 11·4 mg/ml, 18·8% higher than intravenous IGIV-C (9·6 mg/ml). Subcutaneous IGIV-C was safe and well tolerated. Subcutaneous IGIV-C infusion-site reactions were generally mild/moderate and the incidence decreased over time. No serious bacterial infections were reported. Weekly subcutaneous IGIV-C infusion using 137% of the weekly equivalent intravenous immunoglobulin dose provides an AUC comparable to intravenous administration, thus allowing patients to maintain the same IgG preparation/formulation if switching between intravenous and subcutaneous infusions.

Importance of nonenteric protozoan infections in immunocompromised people

There are many neglected nonenteric protozoa able to cause serious morbidity and mortality in humans, particularly in the developing world. Diseases caused by certain protozoa are often more severe in the presence of HIV. While information regarding neglected tropical diseases caused by trypanosomatids and Plasmodium is abundant, these protozoa are often not a first consideration in Western countries where they are not endemic. As such, diagnostics may not be available in these regions. Due to global travel and immigration, this has become an increasing problem. Inversely, in certain parts of the world (particularly sub-Saharan Africa), the HIV problem is so severe that diseases like microsporidiosis and toxoplasmosis are common. In Western countries, due to the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), these diseases are infrequently encountered. While free-living amoebae are rarely encountered in a clinical setting, when infections do occur, they are often fatal. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential to the survival of patients infected with these organisms. This paper reviews information on the diagnosis and treatment of nonenteric protozoal diseases in immunocompromised people, with a focus on patients infected with HIV. The nonenteric microsporidia, some trypanosomatids, Toxoplasma spp., Neospora spp., some free-living amoebae, Plasmodium spp., and Babesia spp. are discussed.

Cancer incidence among the south Asian and non-south Asian population under 30 years of age in Yorkshire, UK

Background:

Few studies have examined epidemiological differences between ethnic groups for children and young adults with cancer.

Methods:

Subjects aged 0–29 years, diagnosed between 1990 and 2005 in the former Yorkshire Regional Health Authority, were included in the analysis. Ethnicity (south Asian or not) was assigned using name analysis program and Hospital Episode Statistics data. Differences in incidence (per 1 000 000 person-years) rates and trends were analysed using joinpoint and Poisson regression analysis.

Results:

Overall cancer incidence was similar for south Asians (12.1, 95% CI: 10.7–13.5; n=275) and non-south Asians (12.6, 95% CI: 12.2–13.1; n=3259). Annual incidence rates increased significantly by 1.9% per year on average (95% CI: 1.2–2.6%), especially for south Asians (7.0% 95% CI: 4.2–9.9%).

Conclusion:

If present trends continue, the higher rate of increase seen among south Asians aged 0–29 years in Yorkshire will result in three times higher cancer incidence than non-south Asians by 2020.

Management of anaphylaxis in primary care: Canadian expert consensus recommendations

BACKGROUND

Anaphylaxis is often managed inadequately. We used findings from a systematic review of gaps in anaphylaxis management to develop evidence-based recommendations for gaps rated as clinically important by a panel of Canadian allergy experts.

METHODS

The nominal group technique (NGT) consensus methodology was used to develop evidence-based recommendations for the management of anaphylaxis in primary care. Physician-specific gaps from our systematic review were prioritized by consensus meeting participants in two rounds, which involved the rating, discussion, and re-rating of gaps. Using current anaphylaxis guidelines, recommendations were then developed for each category of gaps that were identified by the panel as clinically important.

RESULTS

Thirty unique physician gaps from the systematic review were categorized according to gaps of knowledge and anaphylaxis practice behaviors. The panel rated diagnosis of anaphylaxis, and when and how to use epinephrine auto-injectors as clinically important knowledge gaps; and rated infrequent or delayed epinephrine administration, low rate of auto-injector prescription, and infrequent or no referrals to allergy specialists after a reaction as important practice behavior gaps. Evidence from four guidelines was used to support the consensus recommendation statements for three resulting categories of gap themes: anaphylaxis management, epinephrine use, and follow-up care.

CONCLUSION

We used an NGT consensus methodology to develop an educational resource for primary care physicians and allergists to better understand how to manage patients with anaphylaxis. Next steps include testing our findings against observed data in primary care settings and to develop other strategies or tools to overcome gaps in anaphylaxis management.

Psychological distress in cancer from survivorship to end of life care: prevalence, associated factors and clinical implications

AIMS

Understanding how psychological distress changes over the cancer trajectory is essential to target interventions and care, but is little researched because of difficulties in conducting longitudinal studies. We aimed to determine the prevalence of psychological distress, its associated factors and clinical implications at three different stages in the cancer trajectory.

DATA AND METHODS

Cancer patients from cancer outpatients (n=200), the general community (n=364) and specialist palliative care (n=150) were included. Psychological distress was assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Associated factors and clinical prognostic value were investigated using logistic regression and Cox regression.

RESULTS

Overall prevalence of psychological distress was 24.5% (95% CI: 18.5-30.5%) in cancer outpatients during or soon after treatment, 16.5% (95%CI: 12.7-20.3%) in the general community and rose to 59.3% (95%CI: 51.4-67.2%) in specialist palliative care. Cancer type was the best predictor for psychological distress in both specialist palliative care (PR(prostate cancer versus other cancers)=5.61; 95%CI: 1.21-26.04; p=0.008) and general community samples (PR(lung cancer versus other cancers)=3.64; 95%CI: 1.08-12.35; p=0.003). Higher scores on GHQ-12 items predicted shorter survival in palliative care patients and showed weak protective or no association with survival in cancer outpatients.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing oncological treatment and then again as they approaching death have increased levels of psychological distress. Assessing psychological distress through survivorship and especially at these times may identify unmet psychological needs and allow targeted psychological support.

Clinical significance of enteric protozoa in the immunosuppressed human population

Globally, the number of immunosuppressed people increases each year, with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic continuing to spread unabated in many parts of the world. Immunosuppression may also occur in malnourished persons, patients undergoing chemotherapy for malignancy, and those receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Components of the immune system can be functionally or genetically abnormal as a result of acquired (e.g., caused by HIV infection, lymphoma, or high-dose steroids or other immunosuppressive medications) or congenital illnesses, with more than 120 congenital immunodeficiencies described to date that either affect humoral immunity or compromise T-cell function. All individuals affected by immunosuppression are at risk of infection by opportunistic parasites (such as the microsporidia) as well as those more commonly associated with gastrointestinal disease (such as Giardia). The outcome of infection by enteric protozoan parasites is dependent on absolute CD4(+) cell counts, with lower counts being associated with more severe disease, more atypical disease, and a greater risk of disseminated disease. This review summarizes our current state of knowledge on the significance of enteric parasitic protozoa as a cause of disease in immunosuppressed persons and also provides guidance on recent advances in diagnosis and therapy for the control of these important parasites.

Validation of the stroke aphasic depression questionnaire using the brief assessment schedule depression cards in an acute stroke sample

OBJECTIVE

To validate the Stroke Aphasic Depression Questionnaire (hospital version: SADQ H10), an observer-rated measure of depression, against the brief assessment schedule depression cards (BASDEC) in acute stroke.

METHOD

This naturalistic audit utilized a cross-sectional design. As part of routine care, 125 patients on an acute in-patient stroke unit were assessed with the BASDEC and SADQ H10.

RESULTS

The BASDEC classified 40 patients as depressed and 85 as non-depressed. The SADQ H10 and BASDEC significantly correlated. An ROC (receiver operating curve) analysis showed that the SADQ H10 discriminated between depressed and non-depressed acute stroke patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The results support the use of the SADQ H10 as a depression screen in acute stroke.

Validation of the stroke aphasic depression questionnaire using the brief assessment schedule depression cards in an acute stroke sample

OBJECTIVE

To validate the Stroke Aphasic Depression Questionnaire (hospital version: SADQ H10), an observer-rated measure of depression, against the brief assessment schedule depression cards (BASDEC) in acute stroke.

METHOD

This naturalistic audit utilized a cross-sectional design. As part of routine care, 125 patients on an acute in-patient stroke unit were assessed with the BASDEC and SADQ H10.

RESULTS

The BASDEC classified 40 patients as depressed and 85 as non-depressed. The SADQ H10 and BASDEC significantly correlated. An ROC (receiver operating curve) analysis showed that the SADQ H10 discriminated between depressed and non-depressed acute stroke patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The results support the use of the SADQ H10 as a depression screen in acute stroke.