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Thakur KT, Vareta J, Carson KA, Kampondeni S, Potchen MJ, Birbeck GL, MacCormick I, Taylor T, Sullivan DJ, Seydel KB. Cerebrospinal fluid Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein-2 in pediatric cerebral malaria. Malar J 2018; 17:125. [PMID: 29566695 PMCID: PMC5865338 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2272-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral malaria (CM) causes a rapidly developing coma, and remains a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in malaria-endemic regions. This study sought to determine the relationship between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Plasmodium falciparum histidine rich protein-2 (PfHRP-2) and clinical, laboratory and radiographic features in a cohort of children with retinopathy-positive CM. METHODS Patients included in the study were admitted (2009-2013) to the Pediatric Research Ward (Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi) meeting World Health Organization criteria for CM with findings of malarial retinopathy. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine plasma and CSF PfHRP-2 levels. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and multivariable logistic regression analysis assessed the association of clinical and radiographic characteristics with the primary outcome of death during hospitalization. RESULTS In this cohort of 94 patients, median age was 44 (interquartile range 29-62) months, 53 (56.4%) patients were male, 6 (7%) were HIV-infected, and 10 (11%) died during hospitalization. Elevated concentrations of plasma lactate (p = 0.005) and CSF PfHRP-2 (p = 0.04) were significantly associated with death. On multivariable analysis, higher PfHRP-2 in the CSF was associated with death (odds ratio 9.00, 95% confidence interval 1.44-56.42) while plasma PfHRP-2 was not (odds ratio 2.05, 95% confidence interval 0.45-9.35). CONCLUSIONS Elevation of CSF, but not plasma PfHRP-2, is associated with death in this paediatric CM cohort. PfHRP-2 egress into the CSF may represent alteration of blood brain barrier permeability related to the sequestration of parasitized erythrocytes in the cerebral microvasculature.
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Rock C, Curless MS, Carson KA, Nowakowski E, Scheeler V, Maragakis LL. Patient and health care worker perceptions of daily use of ultraviolet-C technology as an adjunct to daily cleaning in an academic hospital: Secondary study of Ultra Violet-C Light Evaluation as an Adjunct to Removing Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms. Am J Infect Control 2018; 46:348-349. [PMID: 29056329 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2017.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A cluster randomized crossover trial is in progress at The Johns Hopkins Hospital to investigate the impact of daily ultraviolet (UV)-C light disinfection on the acquisition of health care-associated pathogens. To understand perceptions and challenges to daily use of UV-C, we surveyed health care workers (HCWs) and patients. Most HCWs think daily UV-C decreases the patients' risk of acquiring infection. Daily UV-C is acceptable to patients and may enhance their overall hospital experience.
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Hines AL, Roter D, Ghods Dinoso BK, Carson KA, Daumit GL, Cooper LA. Informed and patient-centered decision-making in the primary care visits of African Americans with depression. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2018; 101:233-240. [PMID: 28779910 PMCID: PMC5785566 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2017.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined the prevalence and extent of informed decision-making (IDM) and patient-centered decision-making (PCDM) in primary care visits of African Americans with depression. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional analysis of audiotaped clinical encounters and post-visit surveys of 76 patients and their clinicians. We used RIAS to characterize patient-centeredness of visit dialogue. IDM entailed discussion of 3 components: the nature of the decision, alternatives, and pros/cons. PCDM entailed discussion of: lifestyle/coping strategies, knowledge/beliefs, or treatment concerns. We examined the association of IDM and PCDM with visit duration, overall patient-centeredness, and patient/clinician interpersonal ratings. RESULTS Approximately one-quarter of medication and counseling decisions included essential IDM elements and 40% included at least one PCDM element. In high patient-centered visits, IDM was associated with patients feeling respected in counseling and liking clinicians in medication decisions. IDM was not related to clinician ratings. In low patient-centered visits, PCDM in counseling decisions was positively associated with patients feeling respected and clinicians respecting patients. CONCLUSIONS The associations between IDM and PCDM with interpersonal ratings was moderated by overall patient-centeredness of the visit, which may be indicative of broader cross-cultural communication issues. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Strengthening partnerships between depressed African Americans and their clinicians may improve patient-engaged decision-making.
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Boonyasai RT, Carson KA, Marsteller JA, Dietz KB, Noronha GJ, Hsu YJ, Flynn SJ, Charleston JM, Prokopowicz GP, Miller ER, Cooper LA. A bundled quality improvement program to standardize clinical blood pressure measurement in primary care. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2017; 20:324-333. [PMID: 29267994 DOI: 10.1111/jch.13166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated use of a program to improve blood pressure measurement at 6 primary care clinics over a 6-month period. The program consisted of automated devices, clinical training, and support for systems change. Unannounced audits and electronic medical records provided evaluation data. Clinics used devices in 81.0% of encounters and used them as intended in 71.6% of encounters, but implementation fidelity varied. Intervention site systolic and diastolic blood pressure with terminal digit "0" decreased from 32.1% and 33.7% to 11.1% and 11.3%, respectively. Improvement occurred uniformly, regardless of sites' adherence to the measurement protocol. Providers rechecked blood pressure measurements less often post-intervention (from 23.5% to 8.1% of visits overall). Providers at sites with high protocol adherence were less likely to recheck measurements than those at low adherence sites. Comparison sites exhibited no change in terminal digit preference or repeat measurements. This study demonstrates that clinics can apply a pragmatic intervention to improve blood pressure measurement. Additional refinement may improve implementation fidelity.
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Yasar S, Jusue-Torres I, Lu J, Robison J, Patel MA, Crain B, Carson KA, Hoffberger J, Batra S, Sankey E, Moghekar A, Rigamonti D. Alzheimer's disease pathology and shunt surgery outcome in normal pressure hydrocephalus. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0182288. [PMID: 28786990 PMCID: PMC5546572 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0182288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to determine whether presence of AD neuropathology predicted cognitive, gait and balance measures in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) after shunt surgery. This is a prospective study of gait and balance measured by Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Tinetti tests, and cognitive function measured by Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE), before and after shunt surgery in participants 65 years and older with iNPH at the Johns Hopkins University. Random effects models were used and adjusted for confounders. 88 participants were included in the analysis with a median (IQR) time of 104 (57–213) days between surgery and follow-up. 23 (25%) participants had neuritic plaques present (NP+) and were significantly older [76.4 (6.0) years], but were otherwise similar in all demographics and outcome measures, when compared to the group without neuritic plaques (NP-). NP- and NP+ participants equally improved on measures of TUG (β = -3.27, 95% CI -6.24, -0.30, p = 0.03; β = -2.37, 95% CI -3.90, -0.86, p = 0.02, respectively), Tinetti-total (β = 1.95, 95% CI 1.11, 2.78, p<0.001; β = 1.72, 95% CI 0.90, 2.53, p<0.001, respectively), -balance (β = 0.81, 95% CI 0.23, 1.38, p = 0.006; β = 0.87, 95% CI 0.40, 1.34, p<0.001, respectively) and -gait (β = 1.03, 95% CI 0.61, 1.45, p<0.001; β = 0.84, 95% CI 0.16, 1.53, p = 0.02, respectively), while neither NP- nor NP+ showed significant improvement on MMSE (β = 0.10, 95% CI -0.27, 0.46, p = 0.61, β = 0.41, 95% CI -0.27, 1.09, p = 0.24, respectively). In summary, 26% of participants with iNPH had coexisting AD pathology, which does not significantly influence the clinical response to shunt surgery.
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Sankey EW, Elder BD, Liu A, Carson KA, Goodwin CR, Jusué-Torres I, Rigamonti D. Predictors of admission and shunt revision during emergency department visits for shunt-treated adult patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. J Neurosurg 2017; 127:233-239. [DOI: 10.3171/2016.5.jns151303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVEFactors associated with emergency department admission and/or shunt revision for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) are unclear. In this study, the associations of several factors with emergency department admission and shunt revision for IIH were explored.METHODSThe authors performed a retrospective review of 31 patients (169 total emergency department visits) who presented to the emergency department for IIH-related symptoms between 2003 and 2015. Demographics, comorbidities, symptoms, IIH diagnosis and treatment history, ophthalmological examination, diagnostic lumbar puncture (LP), imaging findings, and data regarding admission and management decisions were collected. Multivariable general linear models regression analysis was performed to assess the predictive factors associated with admission and shunt revision.RESULTSThirty-one adult patients with a history of shunt placement for IIH visited the emergency department a total of 169 times for IIH-related symptoms, with a median of 3 visits (interquartile range 2–7 visits) per patient. Five patients had more than 10 emergency department visits. Baseline factors associated with admission included male sex (OR 10.47, 95% CI 2.13–51.56; p = 0.004) and performance of an LP (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.31–7.31; p = 0.01). Contrastingly, older age at presentation (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90–0.99; p = 0.01), and a greater number of prior emergency department visits (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89–0.99; p = 0.02) were slightly protective against admission. The presence of papilledema (OR 11.62, 95% CI 3.20–42.16; p < 0.001), Caucasian race (OR 40.53, 95% CI 2.49–660.09 p = 0.009), and systemic hypertension (OR 7.73, 95% CI 1.11–53.62; p = 0.03) were independent risk factors for shunt revision. In addition, a greater number of prior emergency department visits (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77–0.96; p = 0.009) and older age at presentation (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87–0.99; p = 0.02) were slightly protective against shunt revision, while there was suggestive evidence that presence of a programmable shunt (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.05–1.14; p = 0.07) was a protective factor against shunt revision. Of note, location of the proximal catheter in the ventricle or lumbar subarachnoid space was not significantly associated with admission or shunt revision in the multivariable analyses.CONCLUSIONSThe decision to admit a shunt-treated patient from the emergency department for symptoms related to IIH is challenging. Knowledge of factors associated with the need for admission and/or shunt revision is required. In this study, factors such as male sex, younger age at presentation, lower number of prior emergency department visits, and performance of a diagnostic LP were independent predictors of admission. In addition, papilledema was strongly predictive of the need for shunt revision, highlighting the importance of an ophthalmological examination for shunt-treated adults with IIH who present to the emergency department.
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Ibe C, Bowie J, Roter D, Carson KA, Lee B, Monroe D, Cooper LA. Intensity of exposure to a patient activation intervention and patient engagement in medical visit communication. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2017; 100:1258-1267. [PMID: 28162812 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2016.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined associations between intensity of exposure to a community health worker (CHW) delivered communication activation intervention targeting low-income patients with hypertension. METHODS We analyzed question-asking behaviors of patients assigned to the intervention arms (n=140) in a randomized controlled trial. Intensity of exposure to the intervention was operationalized as the duration of face-to-face coaching and number of protocol-specified topics discussed. Mixed effects models characterized the relationship between intensity of exposure and patients' communication in a subsequent medical visit. RESULTS The number of topics discussed during the coaching session was positively associated with patients' asking psychosocial-related questions during their visit. The duration of the coaching session was positively associated with patients' use of communication engagement strategies to facilitate their participation in the visit dialogue. Exposure to a physician trained in patient-centered communication did not influence these relationships. CONCLUSIONS A dose-response relationship was observed between exposure to a CHW- delivered communication activation intervention and patient-provider communication. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS This study supports the use of CHWs in activating patients toward greater communication in the therapeutic exchange.
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Adam A, Robison J, Lu J, Jose R, Badran N, Vivas-Buitrago T, Rigamonti D, Sattar A, Omoush O, Hammad M, Dawood M, Maghaslah M, Belcher T, Carson K, Hoffberger J, Jusué Torres I, Foley S, Yasar S, Thai QA, Wemmer J, Klinge P, Al-Mutawa L, Al-Ghamdi H, Carson KA, Asgari M, de Zélicourt D, Kurtcuoglu V, Garnotel S, Salmon S, Balédent O, Lokossou A, Page G, Balardy L, Czosnyka Z, Payoux P, Schmidt EA, Zitoun M, Sevestre MA, Alperin N, Baudracco I, Craven C, Matloob S, Thompson S, Haylock Vize P, Thorne L, Watkins LD, Toma AK, Bechter K, Pong AC, Jugé L, Bilston LE, Cheng S, Bradley W, Hakim F, Ramón JF, Cárdenas MF, Davidson JS, García C, González D, Bermúdez S, Useche N, Mejía JA, Mayorga P, Cruz F, Martinez C, Matiz MC, Vallejo M, Ghotme K, Soto HA, Riveros D, Buitrago A, Mora M, Murcia L, Bermudez S, Cohen D, Dasgupta D, Curtis C, Domínguez L, Remolina AJ, Grijalba MA, Whitehouse KJ, Edwards RJ, Eleftheriou A, Lundin F, Fountas KN, Kapsalaki EZ, Smisson HF, Robinson JS, Fritsch MJ, Arouk W, Garzon M, Kang M, Sandhu K, Baghawatti D, Aquilina K, James G, Thompson D, Gehlen M, Schmid Daners M, Eklund A, Malm J, Gomez D, Guerra M, Jara M, Flores M, Vío K, Moreno I, Rodríguez S, Ortega E, Rodríguez EM, McAllister JP, Guerra MM, Morales DM, Sival D, Jimenez A, Limbrick DD, Ishikawa M, Yamada S, Yamamoto K, Junkkari A, Häyrinen A, Rauramaa T, Sintonen H, Nerg O, Koivisto AM, Roine RP, Viinamäki H, Soininen H, Luikku A, Jääskeläinen JE, Leinonen V, Kehler U, Lilja-Lund O, Kockum K, Larsson EM, Riklund K, Söderström L, Hellström P, Laurell K, Kojoukhova M, Sutela A, Vanninen R, Vanha KI, Timonen M, Rummukainen J, Korhonen V, Helisalmi S, Solje E, Remes AM, Huovinen J, Paananen J, Hiltunen M, Kurki M, Martin B, Loth F, Luciano M, Luikku AJ, Hall A, Herukka SK, Mattila J, Lötjönen J, Alafuzoff I, Jurjević I, Miyajima M, Nakajima M, Murai H, Shin T, Kawaguchi D, Akiba C, Ogino I, Karagiozov K, Arai H, Reis RC, Teixeira MJ, Valêncio CG, da Vigua D, Almeida-Lopes L, Mancini MW, Pinto FCG, Maykot RH, Calia G, Tornai J, Silvestre SSS, Mendes G, Sousa V, Bezerra B, Dutra P, Modesto P, Oliveira MF, Petitto CE, Pulhorn H, Chandran A, McMahon C, Rao AS, Jumaly M, Solomon D, Moghekar A, Relkin N, Hamilton M, Katzen H, Williams M, Bach T, Zuspan S, Holubkov R, Rigamonti A, Clemens G, Sharkey P, Sanyal A, Sankey E, Rigamonti K, Naqvi S, Hung A, Schmidt E, Ory-Magne F, Gantet P, Guenego A, Januel AC, Tall P, Fabre N, Mahieu L, Cognard C, Gray L, Buttner-Ennever JA, Takagi K, Onouchi K, Thompson SD, Thorne LD, Tully HM, Wenger TL, Kukull WA, Doherty D, Dobyns WB, Moran D, Vakili S, Patel MA, Elder B, Goodwin CR, Crawford JA, Pletnikov MV, Xu J, Blitz A, Herzka DA, Guerrero-Cazares H, Quiñones-Hinojosa A, Mori S, Saavedra P, Treviño H, Maitani K, Ziai WC, Eslami V, Nekoovaght-Tak S, Dlugash R, Yenokyan G, McBee N, Hanley DF. Abstracts from Hydrocephalus 2016. Fluids Barriers CNS 2017; 14:15. [PMID: 28929972 PMCID: PMC5471936 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-017-0054-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Lemmon ME, Wagner MW, Bosemani T, Carson KA, Northington FJ, Huisman TAGM, Poretti A. Diffusion Tensor Imaging Detects Occult Cerebellar Injury in Severe Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy. Dev Neurosci 2017; 39:207-214. [PMID: 28095379 DOI: 10.1159/000454856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the benefits of whole-body hypothermia therapy, many infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) die or have significant long-term neurodevelopmental impairment. Prospectively identifying neonates at risk of poor outcome is essential but not straightforward. The cerebellum is not classically considered to be a brain region vulnerable to hypoxic-ischemic insults; recent literature suggests, however, that the cerebellum may be involved in neonatal HIE. In this study, we aimed to assess the microstructural integrity of cerebellar and linked supratentorial structures in neonates with HIE compared to neurologically healthy neonatal controls. METHODS In this prospective cohort study, we performed a quantitative diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) analysis of the structural pathways of connectivity, which may be affected in neonatal cerebellar injury by measuring fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) within the superior, middle, and inferior cerebellar peduncles, dentate nuclei, and thalami. All magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies were grouped into 4 categories of severity based on a qualitative evaluation of conventional and advanced MRI sequences. Multivariable linear regression analysis of cerebellar scalars of patients and controls was performed, controlling for gestational age, age at the time of MRI, and HIE severity. Spearman rank correlation was performed to correlate DTI scalars of the cerebellum and thalami. RESULTS Fifty-seven (23 females, 40%) neonates with HIE and 12 (6 females, 50%) neonatal controls were included. There were 8 patients (14%) in HIE severity groups 3 and 4 (injury of the basal ganglia/thalamus and/or cortex). Based on a qualitative analysis of conventional and DTI images, no patients had evidence of cerebellar injury. No significant differences between patients and controls were found in the FA and MD scalars. However, FA values of the middle cerebellar peduncles (0.294 vs. 0.380, p < 0.001) and MD values of the superior cerebellar peduncles (0.920 vs. 1.007 × 10-3 mm/s2, p = 0.001) were significantly lower in patients with evidence of moderate or severe injury on MRI (categories 3 and 4) than in controls. In patients, cerebellar DTI scalars correlated positively with DTI scalars within the thalami. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that infants with moderate-to-severe HIE may have occult injury of cerebellar white-matter tracts, which is not detectable by the qualitative analysis of neuroimaging data alone. Cerebellar DTI scalars correlate with thalamic measures, highlighting that cerebellar injury is unlikely to occur in isolation and may reflect the severity of HIE. The impact of concomitant cerebellar injury in HIE on long-term neurodevelopmental outcome warrants further study.
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Poretti A, Snow J, Summers AC, Tekes A, Huisman TAGM, Aygun N, Carson KA, Doherty D, Parisi MA, Toro C, Yildirimli D, Vemulapalli M, Mullikin JC, Cullinane AR, Vilboux T, Gahl WA, Gunay-Aygun M. Joubert syndrome: neuroimaging findings in 110 patients in correlation with cognitive function and genetic cause. J Med Genet 2017; 54:521-529. [PMID: 28087721 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2016-104425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Joubert syndrome is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous ciliopathy. Neuroimaging findings have not been systematically evaluated in a large cohort of patients with Joubert syndrome in correlation with molecular genetic cause and cognitive function. METHODS Brain MRI of 110 patients with Joubert syndrome was included in this study. A comprehensive evaluation of brain MRI studies for infratentorial and supratentorial morphological abnormalities was performed. Genetic cause was identified by whole-exome sequencing, and cognitive functions were assessed with age-appropriate neurocognitive tests in a subset of patients. RESULTS The cerebellar hemispheres were enlarged in 18% of the patients, mimicking macrocerebellum. The posterior fossa was enlarged in 42% of the patients, resembling Dandy-Walker malformation. Abnormalities of the brainstem, such as protuberance at the ventral contour of the midbrain, were present in 66% of the patients. Abnormalities of the supratentorial brain were present in approximately one-third of the patients, most commonly malrotation of the hippocampi. Mild ventriculomegaly, which typically did not require shunting, was present in 23% of the patients. No correlation between neuroimaging findings and molecular genetic cause was apparent. A novel predictor of outcome was identified; the more severe the degree of vermis hypoplasia, the worse the neurodevelopmental outcome was. CONCLUSIONS The spectrum of neuroimaging findings in Joubert syndrome is wide. Neuroimaging does not predict the genetic cause, but may predict the neurodevelopmental outcome. A high degree of vermis hypoplasia correlates with worse neurodevelopmental outcome. This finding is important for prognostic counselling in Joubert syndrome.
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Srinath R, Gottesman RF, Hill Golden S, Carson KA, Dobs A. Association Between Endogenous Testosterone and Cerebrovascular Disease in the ARIC Study (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities). Stroke 2016; 47:2682-2688. [PMID: 27729576 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.116.014088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Epidemiological studies in men suggest a relationship between endogenous testosterone and ischemic vascular events. We hypothesized that low testosterone is independently associated with ischemic stroke and ischemic brain changes. METHODS In 1558 male participants (mean [SD] age, 63.1 [5.6] years; body mass index, 28.2 [4.3] kg/m2) from visit 4 (1996-1998) of the ARIC study (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) without cardiovascular disease, stroke, and previous testosterone therapy, we measured plasma total testosterone by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry using morning samples and divided levels into tertiles (median [25th-75th percentile], 377.6 [288.4-480.1] ng/dL). General linear models, for cross-sectional analyses, and proportional hazards regression, for time-to-event analysis, examined the association of testosterone with participant characteristics and incident stroke through 2011. Linear and logistic regression models examined the association of testosterone with percentage white matter hyperintensities and prevalent infarcts in participants (n=257) who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging at visit 5 (2011-2013). Analyses were adjusted for age, race, and ARIC center, body mass index, waist circumference, smoking status, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein. RESULTS Lower testosterone was significantly associated with higher body mass index, greater waist circumference, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, lower high-density lipoprotein, and never smoking. After adjustment, no association of testosterone with incident stroke was found (hazard ratios [95% confidence intervals] for tertile 1 or 3 versus 2, 1.47 [0.83-2.61], 1.15 [0.62-2.14]; median follow-up, 14.1 years), nor with percentage white matter hyperintensities, cortical infarcts, or subcortical infarcts. CONCLUSIONS After controlling for atherosclerotic risk factors, there was no association between endogenous testosterone and incident clinical stroke or ischemic brain changes in community-dwelling men.
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Pham JC, Carson KA, Benson J, Doyle PA, Ijagbemi M, Ravitz A, Wyskiel R, Tran G. Comparison of Automated versus Manual Programming of Infusion Pumps. Biomed Instrum Technol 2016; 50:242-51. [PMID: 27413828 DOI: 10.2345/0899-8205-50.4.242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Hussain T, Franz W, Brown E, Kan A, Okoye M, Dietz K, Taylor K, Carson KA, Halbert J, Dalcin A, Anderson CAM, Boonyasai RT, Albert M, Marsteller JA, Cooper LA. The Role of Care Management as a Population Health Intervention to Address Disparities and Control Hypertension: A Quasi-Experimental Observational Study. Ethn Dis 2016; 26:285-94. [PMID: 27440967 PMCID: PMC4948794 DOI: 10.18865/ed.26.3.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We studied whether care management is a pragmatic solution for improving population blood pressure (BP) control and addressing BP disparities between Blacks and Whites in routine clinical environments. DESIGN Quasi-experimental, observational study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS 3,964 uncontrolled hypertensive patients receiving primary care within the last year from one of six Baltimore clinics were identified as eligible. INTERVENTION Three in-person sessions over three months with registered dietitians and pharmacists who addressed medication titration, patient adherence to healthy behaviors and medication, and disparities-related barriers. MAIN MEASURES We assessed the population impact of care management using the RE-AIM framework. To evaluate effectiveness in improving BP, we used unadjusted, adjusted, and propensity-score matched differences-in-differences models to compare those who completed all sessions with partial completers and non-participants. RESULTS Of all eligible patients, 5% participated in care management. Of 629 patients who entered care management, 245 (39%) completed all three sessions. Those completing all sessions on average reached BP control (mean BP 137/78) and experienced 9 mm Hg systolic blood pressure (P<.001) and 4 mm Hg DBP (P=.004) greater improvement than non-participants; findings did not vary in adjusted or propensity-score matched models. Disparities in systolic and diastolic BP between Blacks and Whites were not detectable at completion. CONCLUSIONS It may be possible to achieve BP control among both Black and White patients who participate in a few sessions of care management. However, the very limited reach and patient challenges with program completion should raise significant caution with relying on care management alone to improve population BP control and eliminate related disparities.
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Cooper LA, Purnell TS, Ibe CA, Halbert JP, Bone LR, Carson KA, Hickman D, Simmons M, Vachon A, Robb I, Martin-Daniels M, Dietz KB, Golden SH, Crews DC, Hill-Briggs F, Marsteller JA, Boulware LE, Miller ERI, Levine DM. Reaching for Health Equity and Social Justice in Baltimore: The Evolution of an Academic-Community Partnership and Conceptual Framework to Address Hypertension Disparities. Ethn Dis 2016; 26:369-78. [PMID: 27440977 DOI: 10.18865/ed.26.3.369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular health disparities persist despite decades of recognition and the availability of evidence-based clinical and public health interventions. Racial and ethnic minorities and adults in urban and low-income communities are high-risk groups for uncontrolled hypertension (HTN), a major contributor to cardiovascular health disparities, in part due to inequitable social structures and economic systems that negatively impact daily environments and risk behaviors. This commentary presents the Johns Hopkins Center to Eliminate Cardiovascular Health Disparities as a case study for highlighting the evolution of an academic-community partnership to overcome HTN disparities. Key elements of the iterative development process of a Community Advisory Board (CAB) are summarized, and major CAB activities and engagement with the Baltimore community are highlighted. Using a conceptual framework adapted from O'Mara-Eves and colleagues, the authors discuss how different population groups and needs, motivations, types and intensity of community participation, contextual factors, and actions have shaped the Center's approach to stakeholder engagement in research and community outreach efforts to achieve health equity.
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El Zein M, Kumbhari V, Ngamruengphong S, Carson KA, Stein E, Tieu A, Chaveze Y, Ismail A, Dhalla S, Clarke J, Kalloo A, Canto MI, Khashab MA. Learning curve for peroral endoscopic myotomy. Endosc Int Open 2016; 4:E577-82. [PMID: 27227118 PMCID: PMC4874807 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-104113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS Although peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is being performed more frequently, the learning curve for gastroenterologists performing the procedure has not been well studied. The aims of this study were to define the learning curve for POEM and determine which preoperative and intraoperative factors predict the time that will be taken to complete the procedure and its different steps. PATIENTS AND METHODS Consecutive patients who underwent POEM performed by a single expert gastroenterologist for the treatment of achalasia or spastic esophageal disorders were included. The POEM procedure was divided into four steps: mucosal entry, submucosal tunneling, myotomy, and closure. Nonlinear regression was used to determine the POEM learning plateau and calculate the learning rate. RESULTS A total of 60 consecutive patients underwent POEM in an endoscopy suite. The median length of procedure (LOP) was 88 minutes (range 36 - 210), and the mean (± standard deviation [SD]) LOP per centimeter of myotomy was 9 ± 5 minutes. The total operative time decreased significantly as experience increased (P < 0.001), with a "learning plateau" at 102 minutes and a "learning rate" of 13 cases. The mucosal entry, tunneling, and closure times decreased significantly with experience (P < 0.001). The myotomy time showed no significant decrease with experience (P = 0.35). When the mean (± SD) total procedure times for the learning phase and the corresponding comparator groups were compared, a statistically significant difference was observed between procedures 11 - 15 and procedures 16 - 20 (15.5 ± 2.4 min/cm and 10.1 ± 2.7 min/cm, P = 0.01) but not thereafter. A higher case number was significantly associated with a decreased LOP (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION In this single-center retrospective study, the minimum threshold number of cases required for an expert interventional endoscopist performing POEM to reach a plateau approached 13.
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Pham JC, Hoffman C, Popescu I, Ijagbemi OM, Carson KA. A Tool for the Concise Analysis of Patient Safety Incidents. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf 2016; 42:26-33. [PMID: 26685931 DOI: 10.1016/s1553-7250(16)42003-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient safety incidents, sometimes referred to as adverse events, incidents, or patient safety events, are too common an occurrence in health care. Most methods for incident analysis are time and labor intensive. Given the significant resource requirements of a root cause analysis, for example, there is a need for a more targeted and efficient method of analyzing a larger number of incidents. Although several concise incident analysis tools are in existence, there are no published studies regarding their usability or effectiveness. METHODS Building on previous efforts, a Concise Incident Analysis (CIA) methodology and tool were developed to facilitate analysis of no- or low-harm incidents. Staff from 11 hospitals in five countries-Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, and the United States-pilot tested the tool in two phases. The tool was evaluated and refined after each phase on the basis of user perceptions of usability and effectiveness. RESULTS From September 2013 through January 2014, 52 patient safety incidents were analyzed. A broad variety of incident types were investigated, the most frequent being patient falls (25%). Incidents came from a variety of hospital work areas, the most frequent being from the medical ward (37%). Most incidents investigated resulted in temporary harm or no harm (94%). All or most sites found the tool "understandable" (100%), "easy to use" (89%), and "effective" (89%). Some 95% of participants planned to continue to use all or some parts of the tool after the pilot. Qualitative feedback suggested that the tool allowed analysis of incidents that were not currently being analyzed because of insufficient resources. The tool was described as simple to use, easy to document, and aligned with the flow of the incident analysis. CONCLUSION A concise tool for the investigation of patient safety incidents with low or no harm was well accepted across a select group of hospitals from five countries.
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Wagner MW, Bell WR, Kern J, Bosemani T, Mhlanga J, Carson KA, Cohen KJ, Raabe EH, Rodriguez F, Huisman TAGM, Poretti A. Diffusion tensor imaging suggests extrapontine extension of pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas. Eur J Radiol 2016; 85:700-6. [PMID: 26971411 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2016.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To apply DTI to detect early extrapontine extension of pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma along the corticospinal tracts. METHODS In children with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, low-grade brainstem glioma, and age-matched controls, DTI metrics were measured in the posterior limb of the internal capsule and posterior centrum semiovale. Histological examination was available in one patient. RESULTS 6 diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, 8 low-grade brainstem glioma, and two groups of 25 controls were included. In diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma compared to controls, fractional anisotropy was lower in the bilateral posterior limb of the internal capsule, axial diffusivity was lower in the bilateral posterior centrum semiovale and posterior limb of the internal capsule, while radial diffusivity was higher in the bilateral posterior limb of the internal capsule. No significant differences were found between low-grade brainstem glioma and controls. In diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma compared to low-grade brainstem glioma, axial diffusivity was lower in the bilateral posterior limb of the internal capsule. Histological examination in one child showed tumor cells in the posterior limb of the internal capsule. CONCLUSION Reduction in fractional anisotropy and axial diffusivity and increase in radial diffusivity in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma may reflect tumor extension along the corticospinal tracts as shown by histology. DTI may detect early extrapontine tumor extension in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma before it becomes apparent on conventional MRI sequences.
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Miller ER, Cooper LA, Carson KA, Wang NY, Appel LJ, Gayles D, Charleston J, White K, You N, Weng Y, Martin-Daniels M, Bates-Hopkins B, Robb I, Franz WK, Brown EL, Halbert JP, Albert MC, Dalcin AT, Yeh HC. A Dietary Intervention in Urban African Americans: Results of the "Five Plus Nuts and Beans" Randomized Trial. Am J Prev Med 2016; 50:87-95. [PMID: 26321012 PMCID: PMC4691550 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2015.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Revised: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Unhealthy diets, often low in potassium, likely contribute to racial disparities in blood pressure. We tested the effectiveness of providing weekly dietary advice, assistance with selection of higher potassium grocery items, and a $30 per week food allowance on blood pressure and other outcomes in African American adults with hypertension. DESIGN We conducted an 8-week RCT with two parallel arms between May 2012 and November 2013. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS We randomized 123 African Americans with controlled hypertension from an urban primary care clinic in Baltimore, Maryland, and implemented the trial in partnership with a community supermarket and the Baltimore City Health Department. Mean (SD) age was 58.6 (9.5) years; 71% were female; blood pressure was 131.3 (14.7)/77.2 (10.5) mmHg; BMI was 34.5 (8.2); and 28% had diabetes. INTERVENTION Participants randomized to the active intervention group (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension [DASH]-Plus) received coach-directed dietary advice and assistance with weekly online ordering and purchasing of high-potassium foods ($30/week) delivered by a community supermarket to a neighborhood library. Participants in the control group received a printed DASH diet brochure along with a debit account of equivalent value to that of the DASH-Plus group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was blood pressure change. Analyses were conducted in January to October 2014. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the DASH-Plus group increased self-reported consumption of fruits and vegetables (mean=1.4, 95% CI=0.7, 2.1 servings/day); estimated intake of potassium (mean=0.4, 95% CI=0.1, 0.7 grams/day); and urine potassium excretion (mean=19%, 95% CI=1%, 38%). There was no significant effect on blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS A program providing dietary advice, assistance with grocery ordering, and $30/week of high-potassium foods in African American patients with controlled hypertension in a community-based clinic did not reduce BP. However, the intervention increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, and urinary excretion of potassium.
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Kan AWG, Hussain T, Carson KA, Purnell TS, Yeh HC, Albert M, Cooper LA. The Contribution of Age and Weight to Blood Pressure Levels Among Blacks and Whites Receiving Care in Community-Based Primary Care Practices. Prev Chronic Dis 2015; 12:E161. [PMID: 26402051 PMCID: PMC4584478 DOI: 10.5888/pcd12.150069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined whether race and age, risk factors for obesity and hypertension, affect the association of obesity with elevated blood pressure (BP). Using electronic medical record data, we conducted a cross-sectional study of adult patients seen at 6 Maryland primary care clinics from September 2011 through June 2012. The risk for higher BP among patients younger than 65 years and in an elevated weight category was greater for both races but was higher for whites than blacks. For patients aged 65 years or older, weight had little impact on systolic BP, suggesting that approaches involving weight loss to address elevated BP should focus on populations younger than 65.
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Schneider ALC, Lutsey PL, Selvin E, Mosley TH, Sharrett AR, Carson KA, Post WS, Pankow JS, Folsom AR, Gottesman RF, Michos ED. Vitamin D, vitamin D binding protein gene polymorphisms, race and risk of incident stroke: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. Eur J Neurol 2015; 22:1220-7. [PMID: 25962507 PMCID: PMC4496275 DOI: 10.1111/ene.12731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Low vitamin D levels, measured by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], are associated with increased stroke risk. Less is known about whether this association differs by race or D binding protein (DBP) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) status. Our objective was to characterize the associations of and interactions between 25(OH)D levels and DBP SNPs with incident stroke. It was hypothesized that associations of low 25(OH)D with stroke risk would be stronger amongst persons with genotypes associated with higher DBP levels. METHODS 25(OH)D was measured by mass spectroscopy in 12 158 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study (baseline 1990-1992, mean age 57 years, 57% female, 23% black) and they were followed through 2011 for adjudicated stroke events. Two DBP SNPs (rs7041, rs4588) were genotyped. Cox models were adjusted for demographic/behavioral/socioeconomic factors. RESULTS During a median of 20 years follow-up, 804 incident strokes occurred. The lowest quintile of 25(OH)D (<17.2 ng/ml) was associated with higher stroke risk [hazard ratio (HR) 1.34 (1.06-1.71) versus highest quintile]; this association was similar by race (P interaction 0.60). There was weak evidence of increased risk of stroke amongst those with 25(OH)D < 17.2 ng/ml and either rs7041 TG/GG [HR = 1.29 (1.00-1.67)] versus TT genotype [HR = 1.19 (0.94-1.52)] (P interaction 0.28) or rs4588 CA/AA [HR = 1.37 (1.07-1.74)] versus CC genotype [HR = 1.14 (0.91-1.41)] (P interaction 0.11). CONCLUSIONS Low 25(OH)D is a risk factor for stroke. Persons with low 25(OH)D who are genetically predisposed to high DBP (rs7041 G, rs4588 A alleles), who therefore have lower predicted bioavailable 25(OH)D, may be at greater risk for stroke, although our results were not conclusive and should be interpreted as hypothesis generating.
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Dalesio NM, McMichael DH, Benke JR, Owens S, Carson KA, Schwengel DA, Schwartz AR, Ishman SL. Are nocturnal hypoxemia and hypercapnia associated with desaturation immediately after adenotonsillectomy? Paediatr Anaesth 2015; 25:778-785. [PMID: 26149770 PMCID: PMC4944843 DOI: 10.1111/pan.12647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children who undergo adenotonsillectomy for sleep-disordered breathing frequently have postoperative oxygen desaturations. Nocturnal hypoxia has been shown to predict postoperative respiratory complications; however, other gas exchange abnormalities detected on polysomnography (PSG) have not been evaluated. AIM We sought to determine whether hypercapnia seen on preoperative nocturnal PSG can predict postoperative hypoxemia. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of 319 children who underwent polysomnography before adenotonsillectomy. Saturation levels were recorded for at least 2 h postoperatively, and the primary outcome was desaturation (<90%). RESULTS The median patient age was 5 years (range, 5 months-17 years). Patients who desaturated postoperatively had higher median peak endtidal CO2 (EtCO2 ) levels (55.5 vs 52 mmHg; P = 0.02), lower saturation nadirs (80.5% vs 88%; P = 0.048), and were younger (2 vs 6 years; P < 0.001) than those without desaturation. Age was significantly correlated with peak EtCO2 (r = -0.16), respiratory disturbance index (RDI; r = -0.23), and oxygen saturation nadir (r = 0.25; all P < 0.01). In unadjusted analysis, age <3 years compared to ≥9 years (odds ratio [OR] = 10.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.13-96.26), peak EtCO2 > 55 mmHg (OR = 3.38; 95% CI = 1.21-9.47), and RDI ≥ 10 (OR = 2.89; 95% CI = 1.05-8.42) were associated with increased odds of desaturation. Multivariable logistic regression on age, race, sex, peak EtCO2 , RDI, opioid use, and saturation nadir showed that only age was significantly associated with postoperative desaturation. Patients 0-2 years old were 10.43 (95% CI = 1.89-110.9) times more likely to have desaturation than patients 9-17 years old. CONCLUSION Patients <3 years of age are most likely to have postoperative hypoxemia after adenotonsillectomy. Gas exchange abnormalities did not correlate with postoperative desaturations, although age and peak EtCO2 did strongly correlate.
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Srinath R, Hill Golden S, Carson KA, Dobs A. Endogenous testosterone and its relationship to preclinical and clinical measures of cardiovascular disease in the atherosclerosis risk in communities study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2015; 100:1602-8. [PMID: 25584720 PMCID: PMC5393511 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2014-3934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Epidemiologic studies suggest that endogenous testosterone (T) levels in males may be implicated in cardiovascular disease (CVD), however further clarification is needed. OBJECTIVE We assessed the cross-sectional relationship between endogenous plasma T and mean carotid intima media thickness (cIMT), and the longitudinal relationship with incident clinical CVD events, cardiac mortality, and all-cause mortality using male participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. DESIGN This study involved a subset of men from visit 4 of the ARIC study. SETTING The study was conducted in a community based cohort. PARTICIPANTS Males who provided a morning blood sample excluding those taking androgen therapy, with prevalent coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, or heart failure (HF) (n = 1558). INTERVENTION None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Plasma T by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and carotid IMT using high resolution B-mode ultrasound were obtained at visit 4. Incident CHD, HF, cardiac mortality, and all-cause mortality were identified by surveillance through 2010 (median 12.8 years). RESULTS Lower T was significantly associated with higher body mass index, greater waist circumference, diabetes, hypertension, lower HDL, and never smoking (P = 0.01). T was not associated with mean cIMT in unadjusted or adjusted analyses. Following multivariable adjustment, there was no association of quartile (Q) of T with incident CHD [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.87 (95% CI = 0.60-1.26) for Q1; 0.97 (95% CI = 0.69-1.38) for Q2; 0.97 (95% CI = 0.69-1.36) for Q3 compared to reference of Q4] or for incident HF [HR = 0.77 (95% CI = 0.46-1.29) for Q1; 0.72 (95% CI = 0.43-1.21) for Q2; 0.87 (95% CI = 0.53-1.42) for Q3 compared to reference of Q4]. Similarly there was no association of Q of T with mortality or cardiac-associated mortality. CONCLUSIONS Low male plasma T is cross-sectionally associated with key CVD risk factors, but after adjustment there was no association with mean cIMT, incident cardiac events, or mortality. Our results are reassuring that neither high nor low T levels directly predict atherosclerosis, but are a marker for other cardiovascular risk factors.
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Hillman BA, Tabrizi MN, Gauda EB, Carson KA, Aucott SW. The Neonatal Pain, Agitation and Sedation Scale and the bedside nurse's assessment of neonates. J Perinatol 2015; 35:128-31. [PMID: 25144158 PMCID: PMC5526063 DOI: 10.1038/jp.2014.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Revised: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the reliability of an objective measure of pain, agitation and sedation using the Neonatal Pain, Agitation and Sedation Scale (N-PASS) compared with nursing bedside assessment. STUDY DESIGN Neonates admitted in neonatal intensive care unit over a 6-month period were eligible. Pain and sedation were assessed with N-PASS, and a subjective questionnaire was administered to the bedside nurse. RESULT A total of 218 neonates were eligible (median: gestational age 34.6 weeks, age at assessment 7 days). N-PASS pain score correlated significantly with both nurses' pain score (Spearman coefficient (r)=0.37; P<0.001) and agitation score (r=0.56; P<0.001). N-PASS sedation score correlated with nurses' sedation score (r=-0.39; P<0.001). Adjusting for gestational age, day of life, intrauterine drug exposure and use of high frequency ventilation only slightly attenuated the correlations (r=0.36, 0.55 and -0.31, respectively). CONCLUSION The N-PASS captures nursing assessment of pain, agitation and sedation in this broad population and provides a quantitative assessment of subjective descriptions that often drives patient therapy.
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Bosemani T, Orman G, Hergan B, Carson KA, Huisman TAGM, Poretti A. Achondroplasia in children: correlation of ventriculomegaly, size of foramen magnum and jugular foramina, and emissary vein enlargement. Childs Nerv Syst 2015; 31:129-33. [PMID: 25249421 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-014-2559-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Achondroplasia is a skeletal dysplasia with diminished growth of the skull base secondary to defective enchondral bone formation. This leads to narrowing of the foramen magnum and jugular foramina, which further leads to ventricular dilatation and prominence of the emissary veins. The primary goal of our study was to determine a correlation between the degree of ventricular dilatation, jugular foramina and foramen magnum narrowing, as well as emissary vein enlargement. METHODS Conventional T2-weighted MR images were evaluated for surface area of the foramen magnum and jugular foramina, ventricular dilatation, and emissary veins enlargement in 16 achondroplasia patients and 16 age-matched controls. Ratios were calculated for the individual parameters using median values from age-matched control groups to avoid age as a confounder. RESULTS Compared to age-matched controls, in children with achondroplasia, the surface area of the foramen magnum (median 0.50 cm(2), range 0.23-1.37 cm(2) vs. 3.14 cm(2), 1.83-6.68 cm(2), p < 0.001) and jugular foramina (median 0.02 cm(2), range 0-0.10 cm(2) vs. 0.21 cm(2), 0.03-0.61 cm(2), p < 0.001) were smaller, whereas ventricular dilatation (0.28, 0.24-0.4 vs. 0.26, 0.21-0.28, p < 0.001) and enlargement of emissary veins (6, 0-11 vs. 0, p < 0.001) were higher. Amongst the patients, Spearman correlation and multiple regression analysis did not reveal correlation for severity between the individual parameters. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that in children with achondroplasia, (1) the variation in ventricular dilatation may be related to an unquantifiable interdependent relationship of emissary vein enlargement, venous channel narrowing, and foramen magnum compression and (2) stable ventricular size facilitated by interdependent factors likely obviates the need for ventricular shunt placement.
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Orman G, Bosemani T, Higgins L, Carson KA, Huisman TA, Poretti A. Pediatric Cerebellar Tumors: Does ADC Analysis of Solid, Contrast-Enhancing Tumor Components Correlate Better with Tumor Grade than ADC Analysis of the Entire Tumor? J Neuroimaging 2014; 25:785-91. [DOI: 10.1111/jon.12199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 10/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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