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Keane OA, Motley T, Robinson J, Smith A, Short HL, Santore MT. Standardization of Antibiotic Management and Reduction of Opioid Prescribing in Pediatric Complicated Appendicitis: A Quality Improvement Initiative. J Pediatr Surg 2024; 59:1058-1065. [PMID: 38030531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appendicitis is one of the most common pediatric surgical procedures in the United States. However, wide variation remains in antibiotic prescribing and pain management across and within institutions. We aimed to minimize variation in antibiotic usage and decrease opioid prescribing at discharge for children with complicated appendicitis by implementation of a quality improvement (QI) initiative. METHODS On December 1st, 2021, a QI initiative standardizing postoperative care for complicated appendicitis was implemented across a tertiary pediatric healthcare system with two main surgical centers. QI initiative focused on antibiotic and pain management. An extensive literature search was performed and a total of 20 articles matching our patient population were critically appraised to determine the best evidence-based interventions to implement. Antibiotic regimen included: IV or PO ceftriaxone/metronidazole immediately post-operatively and transition to PO amoxicillin-clavulanic acid for completion of 7-day total course at discharge. Discharge pain control regimen included acetaminophen, ibuprofen, as needed gabapentin, and no opioid prescription. Guideline compliance were closely monitored for the first six months following implementation. RESULTS In the first 6-months post-implementation, compliance with use of ceftriaxone/metronidazole as initial post-operative antibiotics was 75.6 %. Transition to PO amoxicillin-clavulanic acid prior to discharge increased from 13.7 % pre-implementation to 73.7 % 6-months post-implementation (p < 0.001). Compliance with a 7-day course of antibiotics within the first 6-months post-implementation was 60 % across both sites. After QI intervention, overall opioid prescribing remained at 0 % at one surgical site and decreased from 17.6 % to 0 % at the second surgical site over the study timeframe (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Antibiotic use can be standardized and opioid prescribing minimized in children with complicated appendicitis using QI principles. Continued monitoring of the complicated appendicitis guideline is needed to assess for further progress in the standardization of post-operative care. STUDY TYPE Quality improvement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia A Keane
- Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Theresa Motley
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jenny Robinson
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alexis Smith
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Heather L Short
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Matthew T Santore
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Sikes KL, Hart RJ, Feygin Y, Penrod CH. Effect of an Evaluation Algorithm on CT Utilization in Identifying Appendicitis in Children. Pediatr Emerg Care 2024; 40:191-196. [PMID: 38366654 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000003141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our objective was to determine if there was a significant change in computed tomography (CT) utilization or length of stay (LOS) among patients evaluated for acute appendicitis after implementation of an appendicitis evaluation algorithm. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients aged 3-18 years in an urban, tertiary pediatric emergency department with acute abdominal pain, evaluated for appendicitis. Data were collected for 6 months preimplementation and postimplementation of the evaluation algorithm with a 3-month washout period between September 2018 and November 2019. Main outcomes were rate of CT utilization and LOS preimplementation and postimplementation and were analyzed using χ 2 test and Mann-Whitney U test, respectively. Descriptive analysis of demographics was performed, in addition to logistic regression to assess differences between the 2 study periods. RESULTS A total of 2872 charts were identified with a chief complaint inclusive of "abdominal pain." Of these, 1510 met age requirements but did not meet at least 1 inclusion criteria; 229 more were excluded upon chart review for a final study sample of 1133 patients. Of these, 648 (57.2%) were female, 747 (65.9%) were White, and 988 (87.2%) were non-Hispanic. The majority of patients (770, 68%) were discharged home from the emergency department without a diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Neither CT (25.7% to 24.8%; P = 0.794) nor ultrasound (59.5% to 59.7%; P = 1.000) utilization significantly changed postimplementation. Total ED median LOS increased significantly (333.50 to 362.00 minutes; P = 0.011). Significant factors associated with CT utilization included fever, migration of pain, and right lower quadrant tenderness. Significant factors associated with appendicitis diagnosis included right lower quadrant pain, nausea/vomiting, migration of pain, and peritoneal signs. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the appendicitis evaluation algorithm did not significantly decrease CT utilization or LOS. Equivocal grade 2 or 3 ultrasound finding rates were high, likely leading to higher rates of CT utilization and increasing LOS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca J Hart
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Norton Children's Research Institute, Affiliated With the University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY
| | | | - Cody H Penrod
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Norton Children's Research Institute, Affiliated With the University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY
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Gil LA, Deans KJ, Minneci PC. Appendicitis in Children. Adv Pediatr 2023; 70:105-122. [PMID: 37422289 DOI: 10.1016/j.yapd.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
The management of pediatric appendicitis continues to advance with the development of evidence-based treatment algorithms and a recent shift toward patient-centered treatment approaches. Further research should focus on development of standardized institution-specific diagnostic algorithms to minimize rates of missed diagnosis and appendiceal perforation and refinement of evidence-based clinical treatment pathways that reduce complication rates and minimize health care resource utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay A Gil
- Pediatric Surgery Research Fellow, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43206, USA
| | - Katherine J Deans
- Department of Surgery, Nemours Children's Health, Delaware Valley, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Peter C Minneci
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 611 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus, OH 43206, USA.
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Lemmons J, Adindu E, Igwe M, Godfrey C, Booker A, Dongarwar D, Salihu HM. Racial and insurance status disparities in imaging modality among pediatric patients diagnosed with appendicitis. J Natl Med Assoc 2023; 115:66-72. [PMID: 36588062 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnma.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have assessed the type of diagnostic imaging used in the treatment of appendicitis in children. Few studies investigated racial/ethnic and insurance disparities in imaging modalities used in pediatric patients diagnosed with appendicitis. Our study seeks to determine whether race/ethnicity and insurance status are associated with imaging modality chosen for pediatric patients diagnosed with appendicitis in the emergency department. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study utilizing data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) from 2010 to 2019. We included children <18 years old with a ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM diagnosis of appendicitis. Exposures were patient race/ethnicity and insurance status. Outcome of interest was imaging modality. We conducted adjusted survey logistic regression to evaluate the patient characteristics and receipt each of the imaging modalities among those with a diagnosis of appendicitis. RESULTS Of 308,140,115 emergency department (ED) visits, 1,126,865 (0.37%) had a diagnosis of appendicitis. Overall, male patients were more likely to receive CAT scan in comparison to female children (OR=2.52, 95% CI= 1.16-5.49). Additionally, Hispanic children who had significantly greater odds of obtaining ultrasound (OR= 4.56, 95% CI=1.09-19.12). Hispanic children were also less likely to receive x-ray (OR= 0.31, 95% CI=0.11-0.89) or computed tomography (CT) scans (OR= 0.23, 95% CI=0.07-0.76). Children diagnosed with appendicitis who had insurance other than private, Medicare, Medicaid, or self-pay were significantly more likely to receive x-ray studies (OR=4.39, 95% CI= 1.23-15.69). CONCLUSIONS AND GLOBAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS This study demonstrated the presence of racial/ethnic and insurance status disparities in the imaging modality chosen to assist in diagnosing appendicitis in pediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Lemmons
- Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training, and Research, Baylor College o Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Ebubechi Adindu
- Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training, and Research, Baylor College o Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael Igwe
- Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training, and Research, Baylor College o Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chelsea Godfrey
- Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training, and Research, Baylor College o Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Aleah Booker
- Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training, and Research, Baylor College o Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Deepa Dongarwar
- Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training, and Research, Baylor College o Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hamisu M Salihu
- Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training, and Research, Baylor College o Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Hu A, Chaudhury AS, Fisher T, Garcia E, Berman L, Tsao K, Mackow A, Shew SB, Johnson J, Rangel S, Lally KP, Raval MV. Barriers and facilitators of CT scan reduction in the workup of pediatric appendicitis: A pediatric surgical quality collaborative qualitative study. J Pediatr Surg 2022; 57:582-588. [PMID: 34972565 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite ongoing efforts to decrease ionizing radiation exposure from computed tomography (CT) use in pediatric appendicitis, high CT utilization rates are still observed across many hospitals. This study aims to identify factors influencing CT use and facilitators and barriers to quality improvement efforts. METHODS The Pediatric Surgery Quality Collaborative is a voluntary consortium of 42 children's hospitals participating in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project - Pediatric. Hospitals were compared based on CT utilization from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with surgeons, radiologists, emergency medicine physicians, and clinical data abstractors from 7 hospitals with low CT use rates (high performers) and 6 hospitals with high CT use rates (low performers). A mixed deductive and inductive coding approach for analysis of the interview transcripts was used to develop a codebook based on the Theoretical Domains Framework and subsequently identify prominent barriers and facilitators to CT reduction. RESULTS Thematic saturation was achieved after 13 interviews. We identified four factors that distinguish high-performing from low-performing hospitals: (1) consistent availability of resources such as ultrasound technicians, pediatric radiologists, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); (2) presence of and adherence to protocols guiding imaging modality decision making and imaging execution; (3) culture of inter-departmental collaboration; and (4) presence of a radiation reduction champion. CONCLUSIONS Significant barriers to reducing the use of CT in pediatric appendicitis exist. Our findings highlight that future quality improvement efforts should target resource availability, protocol adherence, collaborative culture, and radiation reduction champions. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE Level III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Hu
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Azraa S Chaudhury
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Terry Fisher
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Elisa Garcia
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Loren Berman
- Division of Pediatric General Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Nemours - Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Kuojen Tsao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anne Mackow
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital School of Medicine, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Stephen B Shew
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Julie Johnson
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shawn Rangel
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kevin P Lally
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mehul V Raval
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Hu A, Iwaniuk M, Thompson V, Grant C, Matthews A, Byrd C, Saito J, Hall B, Raval MV. The influence of decreasing variable collection burden on hospital-level risk-adjustment. J Pediatr Surg 2022; 57:9-16. [PMID: 34801250 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2021.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Risk-adjustment is a key feature of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric (NSQIP-Ped). Risk-adjusted model variables require meticulous collection and periodic assessment. This study presents a method for eliminating superfluous variables using the congenital malformation (CM) predictor variable as an example. METHODS This retrospective cohort study used NSQIP-Ped data from January 1st to December 31st, 2019 from 141 hospitals to compare six risk-adjusted mortality and morbidity outcome models with and without CM as a predictor. Model performance was compared using C-index and Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL) statistics. Hospital-level performance was assessed by comparing changes in outlier statuses, adjusted quartile ranks, and overall hospital performance statuses between models with and without CM inclusion. Lastly, Pearson correlation analysis was performed on log-transformed ORs between models. RESULTS Model performance was similar with removal of CM as a predictor. The difference between C-index statistics was minimal (≤ 0.002). Graphical representations of model HL-statistics with and without CM showed considerable overlap and only one model attained significance, indicating minimally decreased performance (P = 0.058 with CM; P = 0.044 without CM). Regarding hospital-level performance, minimal changes in the number and list of hospitals assigned to each outlier status, adjusted quartile rank, and overall hospital performance status were observed when CM was removed. Strong correlation between log-transformed ORs was observed (r ≥ 0.993). CONCLUSIONS Removal of CM from NSQIP-Ped has minimal effect on risk-adjusted outcome modelling. Similar efforts may help balance optimal data collection burdens without sacrificing highly valued risk-adjustment in the future. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level II prognosis study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Hu
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 633 N. Saint Clair St, 20th Floor, Chicago, IL 60011, USA.
| | - Marie Iwaniuk
- Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care, American College of Surgeons, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Vanessa Thompson
- Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care, American College of Surgeons, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Catherine Grant
- Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care, American College of Surgeons, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alaina Matthews
- Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care, American College of Surgeons, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Claudia Byrd
- Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care, American College of Surgeons, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jacqueline Saito
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Bruce Hall
- Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care, American College of Surgeons, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, and BJC Healthcare, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Mehul V Raval
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 633 N. Saint Clair St, 20th Floor, Chicago, IL 60011, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine He
- Department of General Surgery, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street CA-034, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Shawn J Rangel
- Department of Pediatric & Thoracic Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue - Fegan 3, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Salem A, Elamir H, Alfoudri H, Shamsah M, Abdelraheem S, Abdo I, Galal M, Ali L. Improving management of hospitalised patients with COVID-19: algorithms and tools for implementation and measurement. BMJ Open Qual 2020; 9:e001130. [PMID: 33199287 PMCID: PMC7670554 DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2020-001130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic represents an unprecedented challenge to healthcare systems and nations across the world. Particularly challenging are the lack of agreed-upon management guidelines and variations in practice. Our hospital is a large, secondary-care government hospital in Kuwait, which has increased its capacity by approximately 28% to manage the care of patients with COVID-19. The surge in capacity has necessitated the redeployment of staff who are not well-trained to manage such conditions. There was a great need to develop a tool to help redeployed staff in decision-making for patients with COVID-19, a tool which could also be used for training. METHODS Based on the best available clinical knowledge and best practices, an eight member multidisciplinary group of clinical and quality experts undertook the development of a clinical algorithm-based toolkit to guide training and practice for the management of patients with COVID-19. The team followed Horabin and Lewis' seven-step approach in developing the algorithms and a five-step method in writing them. Moreover, we applied Rosenfeld et al's five points to each algorithm. RESULTS A set of seven clinical algorithms and one illustrative layout diagram were developed. The algorithms were augmented with documentation forms, data-collection online forms and spreadsheets and an indicators' reference sheet to guide implementation and performance measurement. The final version underwent several revisions and amendments prior to approval. CONCLUSIONS A large volume of published literature on the topic of COVID-19 pandemic was translated into a user-friendly, algorithm-based toolkit for the management of patients with COVID-19. This toolkit can be used for training and decision-making to improve the quality of care provided to patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Salem
- Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Department, Sabah Al Ahmad Urology Centre, Ministry of Health, Sabah, Kuwait
- Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Department, Faculty of Medicine, Banha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Hossam Elamir
- Quality and Accreditation Directorate, Ministry of Health, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Huda Alfoudri
- Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management Department, Adan Hospital, Ministry of Health, Hadiya, Kuwait
| | - Mohammed Shamsah
- Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management Department, Adan Hospital, Ministry of Health, Hadiya, Kuwait
| | - Shams Abdelraheem
- Critical Care Department, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK
| | - Ibtissam Abdo
- Quality and Accreditation Directorate, Ministry of Health, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Mohammad Galal
- Quality and Accreditation Directorate, Ministry of Health, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Lamiaa Ali
- Quality and Accreditation Directorate, Ministry of Health, Safat, Kuwait
- Public Health Department, Fayoum University Faculty of Medicine, Fayoum, Egypt
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