Evaluating Osteoarthritis Management Programs: outcome domain recommendations from the OARSI Joint Effort Initiative

OBJECTIVE

To develop sets of core and optional recommended domains for describing and evaluating Osteoarthritis Management Programs (OAMPs), with a focus on hip and knee Osteoarthritis (OA).

DESIGN

We conducted a 3-round modified Delphi survey involving an international group of researchers, health professionals, health administrators and people with OA. In Round 1, participants ranked the importance of 75 outcome and descriptive domains in five categories: patient impacts, implementation outcomes, and characteristics of the OAMP and its participants and clinicians. Domains ranked as "important" or "essential" by ≥80% of participants were retained, and participants could suggest additional domains. In Round 2, participants rated their level of agreement that each domain was essential for evaluating OAMPs: 0 = strongly disagree to 10 = strongly agree. A domain was retained if ≥80% rated it ≥6. In Round 3, participants rated remaining domains using same scale as in Round 2; a domain was recommended as "core" if ≥80% of participants rated it ≥9 and as "optional" if ≥80% rated it ≥7.

RESULTS

A total of 178 individuals from 26 countries participated; 85 completed all survey rounds. Only one domain, "ability to participate in daily activities", met criteria for a core domain; 25 domains met criteria for an optional recommendation: 8 Patient Impacts, 5 Implementation Outcomes, 5 Participant Characteristics, 3 OAMP Characteristics and 4 Clinician Characteristics.

CONCLUSION

The ability of patients with OA to participate in daily activities should be evaluated in all OAMPs. Teams evaluating OAMPs should consider including domains from the optional recommended set, with representation from all five categories and based on stakeholder priorities in their local context.

POS0160 THE EMPLOYMENT GAP IN PEOPLE WITH RHEUMATIC AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASES COMPARED WITH THE GENERAL POPULATION: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Background

Many people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) experience problems at work and some may even have to stop working due to ill health. In most countries, RMDs are a major cause of worker productivity loss. The peak age of onset of many adult onset RMDs is between ~30-50 years, meaning that the majority of patients are still in employment when diagnosed with their chronic disease. Uncertainty about employment prospects and job attainment is also a major concern for young adults with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) for whom their first job may influence their future employment prospects. From both a societal and patient perspective it is important to gain an understanding about the impact of juvenile and adult onset RMDs on work outcomes. Data comparing productivity loss with the general population are more relevant for care and healthcare planning. However, these data are more scarce and have not been summarized recently across RMDs.

Objectives

To systematically summarize the literature on work outcomes in people with RMDs compared with the general population.

Methods

A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to compare work outcomes in people with various RMDs (i.e. JIA, RA, PsA, AxSpA, SSc, SLE, gout, FM, and OA) with the general population or healthy controls as part of the EULAR Task Force on work. A search for eligible observational studies was performed in Medline, Embase and PsycInfo between 2000 and May 2021. Work outcomes were categorizedaccortding to employment status, work disability/stopped working due to ill health, absenteeism, presenteeism and other.

Results

541 abstracts were extracted and screened for eligibility. Results of 65 studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria were evaluated for this study, including 28 prospective/retrospective longitudinal cohort studies, 34 cross-sectional studies and 3 (nested) case-control studies. The majority of the studies were conducted in Europe (63.1%). The most common RMD evaluated was RA (26.2%) followed by OA (15.4%), SLE (15.4%), AxSpA (12.3%), FM (9.2%), mixed population (7.7%), JIA (7.7%), PsA (3.1%), SSc (1.5%), and gout (1.5%). In papers reporting disease duration (n=38), the majority of the study population had established disease (76.3%). Several work outcomes were evaluated with some papers reporting more than one work outcome: employment/work status (41.5%), unemployment (9.2%), work disability/pension or stopping work due to ill health (38.5%), absenteeism (52.3%), presenteeism (10.8%), and other (e.g. reduced working hours) (29.2%). Fifty-two papers applied statistical tests (e.g. indirect standardisation, logistic regression analysis, Cox regression analysis) to compare work outcomes in people with RMDs with a control/general population. The percentage of papers reporting the work outcomes to be worse, not significantly different or better in the RMD population compared to the control population (n papers included per work outcome; %) was, respectively: employment/work status (n=26; 73.1%, 23.0%, 3.8%), unemployment (n=6; 66.7%, 33.3%, 0%), work disability/stopping work (n=22; 90.9%, 9.4%, 0%), absenteeism (n=26; 92.3%, 7.7%, 0%), presenteeism (n=8; 87.5%, 12.2%, 0%), other (n=19; 84.2%, 15.8%, 0%).

Conclusion

Despite better disease management during the last two decades there is still a significant employment gap between people with RMDs and the general population. It is therefore essential that health professional organisations, policy makers, patient organisations and employers should collaborate to minimize the employment gap and optimize employment opportunities among people with juvenile and adult onset RMDs.

Disclosure of Interests

Suzanne Verstappen Consultant of: EUOSHA, Grant/research support from: BMS, AbbVie, Pfizer, EULAR, Annelies Boonen Speakers bureau: Abbvie / Galapagos, Consultant of: Galapagos, Nicola Goodson Consultant of: UCB, Lilly, Abbvie, Novartis and Janssen, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Casper Webers: None declared, Maarten Butink: None declared, Neil Betteridge Consultant of: Amgen, Eli Lilly, EULAR, GAfPA, Grunenthal, Heart Valve Voice and Sanofi, Tanja Stamm Consultant of: AbbVie and Sanofi Genzyme, Grant/research support from: AbbVie and Roche, Dieter Wiek: None declared, Anthony Woolf: None declared, Hans Bijlsma: None declared, Gerd Rüdiger Burmester: None declared

OP0169-PARE DEVELOPMENT OF POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN SUPPORTING PERSONS WITH REUMATIC AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASES TO PARTICIPATE IN HEALTHY AND SUSTAINABLE PAID WORK

Background:

Despite earlier diagnosis and improved management of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), a work participation gap remains when compared to the general population. To bridge this work participation gap, EULAR’s current strategy states that ‘by 2023, EULAR’s activities and related advocacy will have increased participation in work by people with RMDs’. To achieve this goal, guidance is needed how to support people with RMDs to remain in paid work or (re)-enter the labour force.

Objectives:

To develop Points to Consider (PtC) when supporting people with RMD to participate in healthy and sustainable paid work.

Methods:

An international expert group, established by Eular in 2019, convened twice to agree on a protocol for the development of PtC. EULAR’s standard operating procedures were followed. The group (a) defined the target audience, (b) identified areas from which knowledge should be derived to enable formulation of the PtC, (c) agreed on a strategy to collect evidence, (d) established an international taskforce to formulate and agree on the PtC, and (e) proposed an implementation plan.

Results:

The target audience are professionals involved in clinical care for patients with RMDs as well as their organisations, persons with RMDs and their organisations, and administrators responsible for healthcare and work policies. Six knowledge areas are identified (Table). Depending on the specific knowledge area, strategies for collecting evidence comprise synthesis of published and grey literature, surveys among various organisations and collection of case studies from employers. Whenever evidence in RMDs is limited, evidence from other chronic diseases will be sought. The international taskforce includes experts from different disciplines in rheumatology (one in other chronic diseases), EU policy makers, and representatives of PARE, HCP, EULAR Public Affairs and EMEUNET. As part of the implementation, close cooperation with national professional and patients societies is planned. Additionally, results will be included in EULAR‘s activities at the EU policy level.

Table 1.

Knowledge areas and strategy to retrieve evidence

In persons with RMDs:Sources of evidence1Is work relevant for the clinical outcome of diseaseLR; Review of managament recommendations and Care Standards2What are barriers and facilitators to enter or stay in the labor forceSLR3What is the effectiveness of interventions to enter or stay in the labor forceSLR; Survey among professional and patient organisations4Which social security systems are more effective when entering or staying in the labor forceLR5How does disease influence the cycle of workSLR; Grey literature6What (not) to do by employers to let patients enter or stay in the work forceSLR; Survey among large companies; case studies

LR: Literature review; SLR: Systematic literature review

Conclusion:

The proposed initiative to develop PtC should ultimately result in improvement of healthy and sustainable labor force participation of people with RMDs.

Disclosure of Interests:

Annelies Boonen Grant/research support from: Abbvie, Suzanne Verstappen: None declared, Maarten Butink: None declared, Casper Webers: None declared, Neil Betteridge: None declared, Tanja Stamm: None declared, Dieter Wiek: None declared, Anthony Woolf: None declared, Gerd Rüdiger Burmester: None declared, Hans Bijlsma: None declared

Use of The Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health survey module for estimating the population prevalence of musculoskeletal pain: findings from the Solomon Islands

Background

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are common and the biggest global cause of physical disability. The objective of the current study was to estimate the population prevalence of MSK-related pain using a standardized global MSK survey module for the first time.

Methods

A MSK survey module was constructed by the Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health Surveillance Taskforce and the Global Burden of Disease MSK Expert Group. The MSK module was included in the 2015 Solomon Islands Demographic and Health Survey. The sampling design was a two-stage stratified, nationally representative sample of households.

Results

A total of 9214 participants aged 15–49 years were included in the analysis. The age-standardized four-week prevalence of activity-limiting low back pain, neck pain, and hip and/or knee pain was 16.8, 8.9, and 10.8%, respectively. Prevalence tended to increase with age, and be higher in those with lower levels of education.

Conclusions

Prevalence of activity-limited pain was high in all measured MSK sites. This indicates an important public health issue for the Solomon Islands that needs to be addressed. Efforts should be underpinned by integration with strategies for other non-communicable diseases, aging, disability, and rehabilitation, and with other sectors such as social services, education, industry, and agriculture. Primary prevention strategies and strategies aimed at self-management are likely to have the greatest and most cost-effective impact.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12891-018-2198-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Better arthritis care: Patients' expectations and priorities, the competencies that community-based health professionals need to improve their care of people with arthritis?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to identify the competencies that patients think non-specialist community-based nurses and allied health professionals (AHPs) need to enable them to assess, care for and manage arthritis appropriately.

METHODS

Four face-to-face focus groups were held with a total of 16 women and nine men with arthritis, to discuss the care they received from community-based health professionals, the skills and knowledge they expected from community-based health professionals and what they prioritized.

RESULTS

People with arthritis wanted health providers to have an understanding of the difference between inflammatory arthritis (IA) and osteoarthritis (OA), of how serious OA can be, and of the unpredictability of IA and flares. They emphasized the need for nurses and AHPs to understand the psychosocial impact of arthritis on individuals, family and friends, and the psychological adjustment needed when diagnosed with IA. They wanted community-based health professionals to have some knowledge of the types of drug treatments that people with IA receive and the implications of taking immunosuppressive drugs. They also wanted them to understand the pain associated with arthritis, particularly OA, which participants felt was not taken seriously enough. They wanted nurses and AHPs in the community to be able to give basic advice on pacing and pain management, to make multidisciplinary referrals, to communicate effectively between referral points and to be able to signpost people to sources of help and good, reliable sources of education and information (especially for OA). They also wanted them to understand that patients who have had a diagnosis for a long time are the experts in their own disease. Other areas which were emphasized as being important were good communication skills and taking a holistic approach to caring for people with arthritis.

CONCLUSIONS

OA and IA differ significantly, both in their nature and their management. However, patients with arthritis want health professionals working in the community to be able to take a holistic approach to arthritis, with an understanding not just of the physical effects, but also their impact on the lives of patients, their family and their wider social circle, and on their ability to participate. People with OA want their condition to be taken seriously and to be offered appropriate management options, while people with IA want professionals to understand the unpredictability of their condition and to have a basic understanding of the drugs used for its treatment.

Better arthritis care: What training do community-based health professionals need to improve their care of people with arthritis? A Delphi study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to identify the competencies that non-specialist community-based nurses and allied health professionals (AHPs) need to enable them to assess, care for and manage arthritis appropriately.

METHODS

A Delphi survey with an expert panel of 43 rheumatology specialists and expert patients was used to identify the competencies needed by community-based nurses and AHPs to enable them to improve their care of people with arthritis. The process was informed by feedback from focus groups with arthritis patients, community-based nurses and AHPs.

RESULTS

The core competencies in arthritis care needed by non-specialist community-based nurses and AHPs were identified. The key goals identified were to increase the understanding of arthritis and its impact on patients' lives, and to increase the ability to help patients to self-manage their condition and access support. Competencies included an understanding of the pathology underlying inflammatory and non-inflammatory arthritis, the ability to distinguish between the two and the ability to recognize early warning signs, with an emphasis on osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis, gout and septic arthritis. Essential competencies included the ability to engage in shared decision making, goal setting and signposting, to provide patients with education and information and to make appropriate referrals.

CONCLUSIONS

Health professionals working in the community commonly encounter arthritis as a presenting problem or as a co-morbidity. The quality of care provided to people with inflammatory arthritis and OA in the community is currently variable. The present study identified the core competencies that all community-based nurses and AHPs should have in relation to OA and inflammatory arthritis.

EULAR/EFORT recommendations for management of patients older than 50 years with a fragility fracture and prevention of subsequent fractures

The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and the European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (EFORT) have recognised the importance of optimal acute care for the patients aged 50 years and over with a recent fragility fracture and the prevention of subsequent fractures in high-risk patients, which can be facilitated by close collaboration between orthopaedic surgeons and rheumatologists or other metabolic bone experts. Therefore, the aim was to establish for the first time collaborative recommendations for these patients. According to the EULAR standard operating procedures for the elaboration and implementation of evidence-based recommendations, 7 rheumatologists, a geriatrician and 10 orthopaedic surgeons met twice under the leadership of 2 convenors, a senior advisor, a clinical epidemiologist and 3 research fellows. After defining the content and procedures of the task force, 10 research questions were formulated, a comprehensive and systematic literature search was performed and the results were presented to the entire committee. 10 recommendations were formulated based on evidence from the literature and after discussion and consensus building in the group. The recommendations included appropriate medical and surgical perioperative care, which requires, especially in the elderly, a multidisciplinary approach including orthogeriatric care. A coordinator should setup a process for the systematic investigations for future fracture risk in all elderly patients with a recent fracture. High-risk patients should have appropriate non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment to decrease the risk of subsequent fracture.

High incidence of vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in the OSTRA cohort study: a 5-year follow-up study in postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis

A 5-year follow-up study was performed in female RA patients with established disease looking at vertebral fractures, scored on spinal X-rays, and non-vertebral fractures. We found a high incidence rate of vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in these patients compared to population-based studies.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence of vertebral and non-vertebral fractures over a 5-year period in a cohort of postmenopausal patients with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

One hundred and fifty female patients with established RA were included into the OSTRA cohort. The cohort was assessed at baseline and at 5 years for incident vertebral and non-vertebral fractures. Spinal X-rays were taken at baseline and at follow-up and scored using the semi-quantitative method according to Genant.

RESULTS

At 5 years, 102 patients (68%) were examined and included in the present analysis. At baseline, the mean age was 61 years, disease duration 17 years, body mass index 25.5 kg/m(2) and 65% of the patients were rheumatoid factor positive. Fifteen percent were treated with bisphosphonates, 25% received calcium supplementation and 20% vitamin-D supplementation at baseline. During the 5-year follow-up, a total of 16 patients out of 102 patients (16%) had a new non-vertebral fracture [annual incidence of 3.2 (95% CI 1.8-5.5) per 100 patients/year]. In 18 patients out of 97 patients (19%), new vertebral fractures were identified on spinal X-ray [annual incidence of 3.7 (95% C.I. 2.2-5.8) per 100 patients/year].

CONCLUSIONS

We found a high incidence of vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in a cohort of women with established RA compared to population-based studies.

Information in environmental data grids

Providing homogeneous access ('services') to heterogeneous environmental data distributed across heterogeneous computing systems on a wide area network requires a robust information paradigm that can mediate between differing storage and information formats. While there are a number of ISO standards that provide some guidance on how to do this, the information landscape within domains is not well described. In this paper, we present an information taxonomy and two information components, which have been built for a specific application. These two components, one to aid data understanding and the other to aid data manipulation, are both deployed in the UK NERC DataGrid as described elsewhere.

The NERC DataGrid services

This short paper outlines the key components of the NERC DataGrid: a discovery service, a vocabulary service and a software stack deployed both centrally to provide a data discovery portal, and at data providers to provide local portals and data and metadata services.

Childhood methanol ingestion treated with fomepizole and hemodialysis

Fomepizole (4-methylpyrazole; Antizol) is used increasingly in the treatment of methanol toxicity in adults. Little experience exists with this drug in the pediatric population, however. We present a case of methanol poisoning in a child in whom the use of fomepizole averted intravenous ethanol infusion and the attendant side effects of this therapy.

Adolescent occupational toxic exposures: a national study

BACKGROUND

While many previous studies describe workplace-associated injuries in adolescents, few focus on toxic exposures. Such incidents are unlikely to be reported to either federal or state agencies. However, poison control centers often get called about these poisonings and might serve as a resource for monitoring their occurrence.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the frequency and severity of job-related toxic exposures involving adolescents, the specific toxic agents involved, and trends over time.

METHODS

Occupational toxic exposures occurring in the United States between 1993 and 1997 were analyzed using the Toxic Exposure Surveillance System database compiled by the American Association of Poison Control Centers. Contingency tables with the chi(2) statistic were used to test bivariate associations. Logistic regression was performed to investigate trends over time.

RESULTS

Of 301 228 workplace toxic exposures reported over 5 years, 8779 (3%) involved adolescents younger than 18 years. The most common agents involved were alkaline corrosives (13.2%), gases and fumes (12.0%), cleaning agents (9.7%), bleaches (8.3%), drugs (7.4%), acids (7.2%), and hydrocarbons (6.9%). The injuries were rated as severe in 14.2% of exposures, life-threatening in 0.3%, and there were 2 deaths. The proportionate frequency of occupational exposures occurring among adolescents vs adults increased over time (odds ratio, 1.003; P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescent occupational toxic exposures are an underrecognized hazard in the United States. Poison control center experience can be used to fill a gap in the surveillance of such injuries.

Severe ethylene glycol ingestion treated without hemodialysis

Fomepizole (4-methylpyrazole, Antizol) is being increasingly used in the treatment of ethylene glycol toxicity in adults. Little experience exists with this drug, however, in the pediatric population. We present a case of ethylene glycol poisoning in a child where use of fomepizole averted intravenous ethanol infusion and hemodialysis, limited the duration of intensive care monitoring, and decreased the overall cost of treatment.

A 4-year-old girl with manifestations of multiple chemical sensitivities

Multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) syndrome, also known as idiopathic environmental intolerance, is a controversial diagnosis that encompasses a wide range of waxing and waning, subjective symptoms referable to more than one body system and provoked by exposure to low levels of chemicals, foods, or other agents in the environment. Although MCS has been studied extensively, a unifying mechanism explaining the illness remains obscure, and clinicians are divided as to whether such a medical entity exists separately from psychosomatic syndromes. MCS is an adult diagnosis; there is little reference to pediatric cases in the scientific literature. In this case from the Pediatric Environmental Health Subspecialty Unit at Boston's Children's Hospital, I present the case of a preschool child who had suffered from milk allergy and poor weight gain as an infant, and then later developed asthma, allergic symptoms, sinusitis, headaches, fatigue, and rashes precipitated by an expanding variety of chemicals, foods, and allergens. I review definitions, mechanisms, diagnostic strategies, and management, and discuss some uniquely pediatric features of MCS as illustrated by this case.

The long-term effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used to treat osteoarthritis (OA), though their long-term efficacy is uncertain. We report a comparison of the symptomatic responses to therapy with tiaprofenic acid, indomethacin and placebo over 5 yr.

METHODS

A parallel-group, randomized, single-blind trial of patients with knee OA recruited 812 patients from 20 centres; 307 patients received tiaprofenic acid (300 mg b.d.), 202 indomethacin (25 mg t.d.s.) and 303 matching placebo for up to 5 yr. At the end of the parallel-group study, patients receiving tiaprofenic acid or placebo entered a 4-week blinded cross-over study of tiaprofenic acid or placebo, both given for 2 weeks. Assessments were at baseline, 4 weeks, then at 6-month intervals for up to 5 yr in the parallel group study and at 2-week intervals in the cross-over study. They comprised pain scores, duration of morning stiffness, patients' global assessments, paracetamol consumption, adverse reactions, withdrawals and functional outcomes.

RESULTS

There were significant falls in overall pain scores in patients receiving NSAIDs compared with placebo at 4 weeks in the parallel-group phase. Thereafter there were no advantages favouring active therapy. In the cross-over phase, pain scores were significantly lower in patients receiving tiaprofenic acid than placebo. Patients who had been receiving long-term tiaprofenic acid showed significant rises in their pain scores when receiving placebo therapy and vice versa. Adverse events were reported by 61% of patients receiving tiaprofenic acid, 63% on indomethacin and 51% on placebo. Potentially severe side-effects were rare; for example, there were only three cases of gastrointestinal bleeding on NSAIDs. The pattern of withdrawal was similar in patients taking NSAIDs and placebo in the parallel-group study; at 48 weeks 53% of the patients remained on tiaprofenic acid, 50% on indomethacin and 54% on placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

NSAIDs significantly reduce overall pain over 4 weeks. This short-term responsiveness is retained, and even after several years of therapy with tiaprofenic acid pain scores increased over 2 weeks when it was changed to placebo. Our results do not show long-term benefits from the use of NSAIDs in OA and the majority of patients had persisting pain and disability despite therapy.

Witchcraft or mycotoxin? The Salem witch trials

BACKGROUND

The Salem witchcraft trials of 1692 have been studied by many historians looking for the complex social, political, and psychological determinants behind the community-wide hysteria that led to a travesty of justice and the deaths of 20 innocent Puritans. Recently, ergot poisoning has been put forth by some as a previously unsuspected cause of the bizarre behaviors of the young adolescent girls who accused the townsfolk of witchcraft. In this essay the circumstances behind the ergot poisoning theory for this historical event are described. When the evidence is weighed carefully both pro and con, it seems unlikely that ergotism explains much of what went on in colonial Salem.

The links between joint damage and disability in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

The characteristic joint damage and disability of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) increase slowly over 10-20 yr. Although it is generally believed that persisting inflammatory synovitis causes joint damage and subsequent disability, the strength of their relationship has not been systematically evaluated. This review describes their progression and interrelationship in treated RA.

METHODS

MEDLINE and Current Contents databases were searched for the combined terms of rheumatoid arthritis AND X-rays, Health Assessment Questionnaire, slow-acting anti-rheumatic drugs and all identifiable synonyms. This search identified 1303 articles and from these we evaluated in detail 23 reports on the progression of joint damage, 12 reports on the progression of disability and 25 reports dealing with their interrelationship. Additional information was obtained from four data sets comprising 725 RA patients studied cross-sectionally and 33-126 cases followed prospectively for 1-5 yr. X-ray damage was primarily assessed by Larsen and Sharp indices, and disability by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ).

RESULTS

Joint damage and disability both increase throughout the duration of RA. Although disability (HAQ score) is correlated with disease duration (correlation coefficients between 0.27 and 0.30), the link between X-ray damage and disability is stronger (correlation coefficients between 0.30 and 0.70). In the earliest phases of RA, X-ray damage and HAQ scores are not related. By 5-8 yr, there are significant correlations with correlation coefficients between 0.30 and 0.50. In late RA (>8 yr), most studies show highly significant correlations between 0.30 and 0.70.

CONCLUSIONS

Joint damage progresses constantly over the first 20 yr of RA. It accounts for approximately 25% of disability in established RA. The link between damage and disability is strongest in late (>8 yr) RA. However, avoiding or reducing joint damage in both early and established/late RA is likely to maintain function.

Use of partial liquid ventilation to manage pulmonary complications of acute verapamil-sustained release poisoning

INTRODUCTION

Verapamil is a papaverine-derived calcium channel blocker widely used for the treatment of hypertension and supraventricular tachyarrhythmias. It is one of the leading agents involved in pharmaceutical poisoning-related deaths among adults.

CASE REPORT

We report a case of severe sustained-release verapamil poisoning associated with respiratory failure in an adult man who survived after receiving 4 days of partial liquid ventilation as a part of his medical management.

Reactive airways dysfunction and systemic complaints after mass exposure to bromine

Occasionally children are the victims of mass poisoning from an environmental contaminant that occurs due to an unexpected common point source of exposure. In many cases the contaminant is a widely used chemical generally considered to be safe. In the following case, members of a sports team visiting a community for an athletic event were exposed to chemicals while staying at a local motel. Bromine-based sanitizing agents and other chemicals such as hydrochloric acid, which were used in excess in the motel's swimming pool, may have accounted for symptoms experienced by the boy reported here and at least 16 other adolescents. Samples of pool water contained excess bromine (8.2 microg/mL; ideal pool bromine concentration is 2-4 microg/mL). Symptoms and signs attributable to bromine toxicity included irritative skin rashes; eye, nose, and throat irritation; bronchospasm; reduced exercise tolerance; fatigue; headache; gastrointestinal disturbances; and myalgias. While most of the victims recovered within a few days, the index case and several other adolescents had persistent or recurrent symptoms lasting weeks to months after the exposure.

Airway edema following household bleach ingestion

Household bleach is a frequent nonpharmaceutical childhood ingestion in the US. It is regarded as a benign ingestion. A rare presentation is reported of poisoning by low-concentration hypochlorite household bleach in a toddler that led to severe respiratory sequelae. The literature on respiratory and nonrespiratory sequelae of liquid household bleach ingestion is reviewed.

Mortality associated with vertebral deformity in men and women: results from the European Prospective Osteoporosis Study (EPOS)

Clinically apparent vertebral deformities are associated with reduced survival. The majority of subjects with radiographic vertebral deformity do not, however, come to medical attention. The aim of this study was to determine the association between radiographic vertebral deformity and subsequent mortality. The subjects who took part in the analysis were recruited for participation in a multicentre population-based survey of vertebral osteoporosis in Europe. Men and women aged 50 years and over were invited to attend for an interviewer-administered questionnaire and lateral spinal radiographs. Radiographs were evaluated morphometrically and vertebral deformity defined according to established criteria. The participants have been followed by annual postal questionnaire--the European Prospective Osteoporosis Study (EPOS). Information concerning the vital status of participants was available from 6480 subjects, aged 50-79 years, from 14 of the participating centres. One hundred and eighty-nine deaths (56 women and 133 men) occurred during a total of 14,380 person-years of follow-up (median 2.3 years). In women, after age adjustment, there was a modest excess mortality in those with, compared with those without, vertebral deformity: rate ratio (RR) = 1.9 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0,3.4). In men, the excess risk was smaller and non-significant RR = 1.3 (95% CI 0.9,2.0). After further adjusting for smoking, alcohol consumption, previous hip fracture, general health, body mass index and steroid use, the excess risk was reduced and non-significant in both sexes: women, RR = 1.6 (95% CI 0.9,3.0); men RR = 1.2 (95% CI 0.7,1.8). Radiographic vertebral deformity is associated with a modest excess mortality, particularly in women. Part of this excess can be explained by an association with other adverse health and lifestyle factors linked to mortality.

Childhood injuries from artificial nail primer cosmetic products

BACKGROUND

Methacrylic acid-containing primers used in artificial nail cosmetic products are typically not contained in child-resistant packaging, although they are sold to the general public.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the type and severity of childhood poisoning injuries involving methacrylic acid-containing artificial nail primers.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of 2 national, population-based injury data sets.

SETTING

The 1991 through 1993 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System data on emergency department visits compiled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the 1993 through 1995 Toxic Exposure Surveillance System data on calls to poison control centers compiled by the American Association of Poison Control Centers.

SUBJECTS

Children younger than 6 years with injuries associated with exposures to nail primers.

RESULTS

In the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System, there were 769 exposures to nail preparations, 32 (4.2%) of which involved nail primers. Twenty-eight (87.5%) of 32 nail primer exposures involved children younger than 6 years. Of the severe nail primer injuries, 80% involved preschoolers; most of the injuries were dermal burns. In the Toxic Exposure Surveillance System data set, there were 759 methacrylic acid-containing nail product exposures, of which 567 (74.7%) occurred in children younger than 6 years. Of exposures in preschool children, 56 (9.9%) resulted in moderate severity injuries and 3 (0.5%) in "major" injuries; there were no deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Artificial nail primers containing methacrylic acid represent a corrosive hazard to young children and have been associated with severe injuries. New product labeling and packaging regulations and public education measures that recognize this hazard are recommended.

Serial electrocardiogram changes in acute tricyclic antidepressant overdoses

OBJECTIVES

To describe the changes over time of the QRS interval and terminal 40-msec QRS frontal axis (T40-ms) in patients with acute tricyclic antidepressant poisoning, to identify clinical factors and treatment associated with these changes, and to determine if patients with tricyclic antidepressant-related complications (seizures and/or arrhythmias) had differences in such serial electrocardiogram (ECG) changes when compared with patients without complications.

DESIGN

Prospective, observational, cohort study.

SETTING

Emergency departments of community and university-based hospitals in Massachusetts that consulted a large regional poison center.

PATIENTS

Thirty-six patients who presented with an acute ingestion (< 24 hrs) of a tricyclic antidepressant, who had at least three electrocardiograms in the first 8 hrs and serial ECGs until discharge, and who had a peak tricyclic antidepressant concentration of > 300 ng/mL.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The maximal limb-lead QRS interval and T40-ms axis were measured manually in all ECGs. The maximum recorded QRS interval occurred at the time of presentation for 24(80%) of 30 patients whose QRS was > or = 100 msecs and a median time of 3 hrs (range 1 to 9) for the other six patients. The maximum recorded T40-ms axis occurred at the time of presentation for 31(86%) of 36 patients and at a median time of 3 hrs (range 1 to 5) for the remaining five patients. The minimum QRS interval observed remained > or = 100 msecs in 15 patients (range 100 to 140 msecs) and decreased to < 100 msecs in 15 patients. The median time from presentation to the first ECG with a QRS < 100 msecs was 20 hrs (range 1 to 153) in those 15 patients. There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics and treatment (including sodium bicarbonate therapy) between the two groups. The minimum recorded T40-ms remained > or = 120 degrees in 30 patients and decreased to < 120 degrees in six patients. The median time from presentation until the first ECG with a T40-ms axis < 120 degrees was 13 hrs (range 2 to 30) for the six patients. All ECG measurements were greater and remained abnormal for a significantly longer duration in those patients who developed seizures and/or ventricular arrhythmias. These two ECG parameters demonstrated ongoing changes and persistent abnormalities despite clinical improvement in all patients except one.

CONCLUSIONS

The conduction abnormalities seen in severe tricyclic antidepressant toxicity vary widely in the time observed for resolution of these abnormalities and sometimes remain persistently abnormal. All ECG parameters were significantly more abnormal in those patients who developed seizures and/or arrhythmias. Clinical improvement occurred both before and during these ECG changes.

Humoral immune response of cottontail rabbits naturally infected with Francisella tularensis in southern Illinois

Cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus) usually are thought to succumb to infection with Francisella tularensis. Reports of a rabbit population from southern Illinois (USA) with a high prevalence of F. tularensis antibodies suggested that some cottontails survived infection with this typically fatal bacterium. Our goal was to examine the humoral response of cottontails from a study area in southern Illinois for which multiple serum samples existed. Multiple sera were collected from 79 cottontails from 1986 to 1990 and 63% gained, lost, or maintained ELISA titers of IgM and IgG isotype antibodies. The typical pattern of antibody response appeared to be IgM isotype antibodies first, followed by IgG isotype antibodies, with both generally increasing to high titers. Negative culture attempts of liver tissue from 51 cottontails with varying antibody responses suggested that chronic infection did not occur in rabbits that developed antibody. The significance of the cottontail antibody response in resolution or prevention of tularemia infection remains unclear.

Costs of poison-related hospitalizations at an urban teaching hospital for children

BACKGROUND

Childhood poisonings continue to exact a notable toll in injury-related morbidity and economic cost. Because a substantial portion of this morbidity and economic cost is associated with hospitalization, an analysis of the cost of poisoning hospitalizations might help to identify areas in which medical care could be improved and costs could be reduced.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the aggregate cost of poison-related hospitalizations and to analyze the trends in categorical poisoning costs during a 4-year period.

DESIGN

Cost-benefit analysis of charge data and length of stay (LOS) for poison-related hospitalizations.

SETTING

Admissions to one urban children's hospital.

PATIENTS

Case mix data were reviewed to identify those children whose hospitalizations had a primary discharge diagnosis related to poisoning in fiscal years 1992 to 1995.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Mean aggregate hospital charges and LOS for poisonings were compared for each of the 4 years of the study. Comparisons were also made with charges and LOS for hospitalizations for all other diagnoses during the same period. Trends in hospital charges and LOS for the most common specific types of poisoning were analyzed individually. Linear regression statistics were used to compare the costs and LOS of specific types of poisoning.

RESULTS

There were 638 poison-related hospitalizations during the 4-year study (0.9% of all pediatric hospital admissions). Charges per case decreased from $7934 in fiscal year 1992 to $4968 in fiscal year 1995 (z = -2.74, P = .006); mean LOS decreased from 5.85 days in 1992 to 3.45 days in 1995 (z = 2.84, P = .005). These trends exceeded smaller trends toward decreasing charges and LOS seen also for non-poison-related hospitalizations. Acetaminophen, lead, and antidepressant medications were the most common and most costly specific agents implicated in poison-related hospitalizations during the study period. Linear regression analysis showed a significant decrease in charges (F = 6.35, R2 = 0.09, P = .014) and LOS for acetaminophen (F = 4.30, R2 = 0.063, P < .04) but not for lead or antidepressant poison-related hospitalizations.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite an increasing number of children hospitalized for poisoning at one institution during a 4-year period, per case hospital charges decreased substantially. The cost savings were associated with a marked decrease in LOS. Still, poison-related admissions to a single pediatric facility accounted for almost $1 million in hospital charges in fiscal year 1995. A few agents are overrepresented; new poisoning prevention measures aimed at these toxic agents are warranted. We conclude that further outcomes studies are needed to delineate cost-effective improvements in patient care targeted toward poisonings owing to those agents.

Childhood poisoning involving transdermal nicotine patches

OBJECTIVE

To describe the circumstances, medical complications, and outcomes of children exposed to a transdermal nicotine patch (TNP).

DESIGN

Prospective case series; postmarketing surveillance study over a 24-month period.

SETTING

Thirty-four United States poison centers. Patients. Children 0 to 15 years old exposed to a TNP.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Exposure circumstances, symptoms and signs of toxicity, complications, disposition, and hospital length of stay.

RESULTS

Reports were received concerning 36 exposures to TNP in children younger than 16 years old (mean: 3 years old). Eighteen of these TNP exposures were dermal; 18 additional children had bitten, chewed, or swallowed part of a patch. All four commercial brands of TNP were represented; no brand was associated with more symptoms or an increased severity of illness. Fourteen children (39%) developed symptoms, including gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain), weakness, dizziness, or localized rashes. Occurrence of symptoms after a dermal exposure to a TNP was associated with an estimated nicotine dose >/=.10 mg (>/=.01 mg/kg body weight). Ten children were seen in the emergency department; two were admitted overnight. All recovered fully.

CONCLUSIONS

In this series, unintentional exposures to TNPs among young children usually involved used patches, were transient (<20 minutes duration), and required only skin decontamination and supportive care. Continued monitoring of inadvertent childhood exposures to TNPs is recommended to confirm these observations.

Contaminant concentrations in Illinois mink and otter

: Mink and otters are valuable wildlife resources and management efforts in North America and Europe have been directed towards re-establishing extirpated populations or expanding existing populations. The similarity of otter and mink habits and trophic status may allow inferences about the suitability of the habitat that is occupied by one species (mink) for the other species that is absent (otter). Remnant otter populations in Illinois have not expanded even though suitable habitat appears to be available and is occupied by mink. Low contaminant concentrations in tissues of mink trapped in a habitat where otters are not found and metal and organochlorine concentrations in tissues of otters incidentally collected by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, suggest that environmental contaminants should not hinder natural expansion of otters in Illinois.

Self-poisoning among adults using multiple transdermal nicotine patches

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the characteristics and outcomes of poisoning cases involving the dermal application of multiple transdermal nicotine patches.

DESIGN

Case series; prospective postmarketing surveillance over a 24 month period.

SETTING

Telephone reports from 34 participating US poison centers.

PATIENTS

Human poisonings involving more than one transdermal nicotine patch applied simultaneously.

RESULTS

Nine cases of dermal exposure to 2-20 transdermal nicotine patches were reported. Cases resulted from either intentional misuse or suicide attempts and included concomitant exposure to other drugs in 7 of 9 cases. Mean age was 45 years; seven of nine patients were female. All suffered medical complications including seizures (3 subjects), other central nervous system changes (8 subjects), cardiovascular effects (6 subjects), and respiratory failure (4 subjects). Eight patients were hospitalized; all recovered. Plasma nicotine/cotinine concentrations did not correlate with the severity of illness.

CONCLUSIONS

This case series demonstrated that simultaneous application of several transdermal nicotine patches can be implicated in adult suicide attempts. While signs of toxicity included gastrointestinal complaints, changes in level of consciousness, seizures and parasympathetic effects typical of nicotine poisoning, the frequent presence of co-intoxicants complicated the clinical course. As the accessibility of transdermal nicotine patches increases, increasing misuse of these products by suicidal adults is likely.