Delivering Cancer Care During a Pandemic: Patient and Healthcare Staff Experience in a High-Volume Radiation Oncology Department

Purpose/Objective(s)

Materials/Methods

Results

Conclusion

Particulate matter granulomas masquerading as sarcoidosis: a diagnostic dilemma

Sarcoidosis is a multiorgan disease with no single etiology. Evidence over the years points to complex interactions between environmental and genetic factors and a hypersensitive immune response to these insults. This brief overview discusses the uncertainty in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis versus other granulomatous diseases masquerading as sarcoidosis. The diagnostic dilemma is highlighted by a brief case review. The development of newer techniques in molecular biology and the identification of a panel of biomarkers in the future with appreciable specificity and sensitivity would help in the process. Future studies to determine receiver operating curves (ROC) using multiple biomarker combinations would help develop robust testing. More in-depth studies are also needed for defining the immunological basis of sarcoidosis because recent studies implicate Th17 cells in addition to the Th1 cell pathway. It is very likely that direct exposure to environmental agents and systemic distribution of these agents can elicit an exaggerated immune response leading to multiorgan granuloma formation mimicking sarcoidosis. A genetically susceptible host may be necessary to complete the granulomatous response to the particulate matter.

Effect of procedure volume on outcomes after iliac artery angioplasty and stenting

Background

Service reorganization to concentrate complex vascular services in hospitals with high caseload volume aims to reduce mortality and complication rates. The present study assessed the relationship between caseload volume and outcome for iliac artery angioplasty and stenting in England using a routinely available national data set (Hospital Episode Statistics, HES).

Methods

Routine administrative data for iliac artery angioplasty and stent procedures performed in England between 2007 and 2011 were analysed. Associations between centre volume and outcomes (death, complications and duration of hospital stay) were tested and compared for two methods of stratification (quartiles and quintiles) and two statistical tests (odds ratios and the Cochran–Armitage test for trend). Multivariable analysis was also performed.

Results

There were 23 308 episodes of care recorded in HES with Office of Population Censuses and Surveys Classification of Surgical Operations and Procedures, fourth revision, codes L54.1 or L54.4 corresponding to iliac artery intervention. There was a gradual increase year by year in number of procedures performed. Univariable and multivariable analysis showed no association between centre volume and either death or complications (multivariable odds ratio, OR 1·00, 95 per cent confidence interval 1·00 to 1·00) for elective and non-elective procedures. Age was associated with higher mortality and complication rates in elective procedures, and with mortality in non-elective procedures. The risk of death after elective iliac angioplasty or stenting was significantly higher in women (multivariable OR 4·98, 2·09 to 13·26).

Conclusion

There was no association between the outcomes of endovascular iliac artery intervention and centre volume, but outcomes were significantly worse with increasing age and female sex.

Monitoring of nonsteroidal immunosuppressive drugs in patients with lung disease and lung transplant recipients: American College of Chest Physicians evidence-based clinical practice guidelines

OBJECTIVES

Immunosuppressive pharmacologic agents prescribed to patients with diffuse interstitial and inflammatory lung disease and lung transplant recipients are associated with potential risks for adverse reactions. Strategies for minimizing such risks include administering these drugs according to established, safe protocols; monitoring to detect manifestations of toxicity; and patient education. Hence, an evidence-based guideline for physicians can improve safety and optimize the likelihood of a successful outcome. To maximize the likelihood that these agents will be used safely, the American College of Chest Physicians established a committee to examine the clinical evidence for the administration and monitoring of immunosuppressive drugs (with the exception of corticosteroids) to identify associated toxicities associated with each drug and appropriate protocols for monitoring these agents.

METHODS

Committee members developed and refined a series of questions about toxicities of immunosuppressives and current approaches to administration and monitoring. A systematic review was carried out by the American College of Chest Physicians. Committee members were supplied with this information and created this evidence-based guideline.

CONCLUSIONS

It is hoped that these guidelines will improve patient safety when immunosuppressive drugs are given to lung transplant recipients and to patients with diffuse interstitial lung disease.

Evaluation of innovations in nursing practice: report and discussion

AIM

To assess whether a pilot study conducted in the UK achieved its objective to reduce admissions to hospital and bed days in patients identified as suitable recipients of case management by community matrons.

BACKGROUND

The Department of Health has advocated the use of nurse-led case management to improve the coordination of care and prevent inappropriate hospital admissions.

METHOD

66 patients and another 66 controls were identified for the 'Evercare' caseload according to criteria set by United Healthcare. Admissions data for the six months after entry into the study were collected from the hospital information system.

FINDINGS

admission rates in both the control and intervention group decreased over time and there was no significant difference in rates between the two groups at six months. There was no demonstrable effect on length of stay either. Users were satisfied with the service and nurses cited several clinical stories implying benefits for individual patients.

Severe refractory hypoxemia following a gunshot injury

We describe the case of a 57-year-old man with severe refractory hypoxemia, despite receiving ventilation therapy with 100% oxygen, following a gunshot wound to his left chest. A limited CT scan of the chest with contrast raised the suspicion of an arteriovenous (AV) fistula. Contrast-enhanced transthoracic echocardiography confirmed the presence of a pulmonary AV fistula. Traumatic pulmonary AV fistula is a rare, but serious and life-threatening condition that should be suspected in patients with thoracic injuries with persistent unexplained hypoxemia. Contrast echocardiography is a relatively simple, inexpensive, and readily available bedside test that can be used to confirm this diagnosis.

CSF-ACE activity in probable CNS neurosarcoidosis

OBJECTIVE

To redefine the utility of CSF-ACE as a selective indicator of probable CNS neurosarcoidosis.

METHODS

The diagnosis of probable CNS neurosarcoidosis required: (a) biopsy evidence of systemic sarcoidosis, (b) cortical, brainstem, and/or spinal cord deficits, (c) enhancing lesions on brain and/or spinal cord MRI, and (d) exclusion of other etiologies which could account for the neurological deficits. Radioassay measurement of CSF-ACE activity was performed in 11 patients who met our criteria for probable CNS neurosarcoidosis and 207 control patients.

RESULTS

The M +/- SD for CSF-ACE activity was significantly higher (p < 0.05) for the 11 probable CNS neurosarcoidosis patients (9.5 +/- 6.9 nmol/mL/min) than for the control patients (2.9 +/- 2.7 nmol/mL/min). The optimal CSF-ACE activity discriminator value was 8 nmol/mL/min. At this value, the sensitivity and specificity of CSF-ACE activity was 55% and 94%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

CSF-ACE activity is a useful biochemical marker of probable CNS neurosarcoidosis when brain and/or spinal cord MRI show diffuse enhancing lesions.

Treatment of gram-positive nosocomial pneumonia. Prospective randomized comparison of quinupristin/dalfopristin versus vancomycin. Nosocomial Pneumonia Group

Nosocomial pneumonia is a frequent complication in hospitalized patients. Gram-positive pathogens, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, are responsible for the increasing frequency of nosocomial pneumonia. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous quinupristin/dalfopristin (Synercid) in the treatment of nosocomial pneumonia caused by gram-positive pathogens we conducted a prospective, randomized, open-label, international, multicenter, comparative clinical trial. Two hundred ninety-eight patients with nosocomial pneumonia were enrolled in 74 active centers in five countries: a subgroup of 171 (87 quinupristin/dalfopristin-treated and 84 vancomycin-treated patients) were evaluable for the major efficacy end points. One hundred fifty received 7.5 mg/kg of quinupristin/dalfopristin every 8 h; 148 patients received 1 g of vancomycin every 12 h. Aztreonam at a dose of 2 g every 8 h could be administered in both groups for coverage of gram-negative organisms, and tobramycin was added for coverage against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The primary efficacy end point was the clinical response between the seventh and the thirteenth day after the end of treatment in clinically evaluable patients with documented causative pathogen(s) at baseline (bacteriologically evaluable population). Therapy was clinically successful (cure or improvement) in 49 (56.3%) of patients receiving quinupristin/dalfopristin and 49 (58.3%) patients receiving vancomycin (difference, -2.0% [95% CI, -16.8% to 12.8%]) in the bacteriologically evaluable population. Equivalent clinical success rates were also observed in the all-treated population (n = 298), and in the bacteriologically evaluable patients intubated in baseline (39/72 [54%] compared with 36/67 [54%]). The by-pathogen bacteriologic response was similar in both treatment groups, with equivalent clinical success rates for Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Adverse events (venous and nonvenous) were equally distributed between groups; 15.3% of quinupristin/dalfopristin patients and 9.5% of vancomycin patients discontinued therapy because of an adverse clinical event. In this study quinupristin/dalfopristin was shown to be equivalent to vancomycin in the treatment of nosocomial pneumonia caused by gram-positive pathogens. Quinupristin/dalfopristin merits further evaluation for the treatment of nosocomial pneumonia caused by methicillin-resistant S. aureus.

Pulmonary hypertension in patients with myelofibrosis secondary to myeloproliferative diseases

We examined the clinical characteristics of six patients with myelofibrosis secondary to myeloproliferative diseases whose clinical courses were complicated by pulmonary hypertension to determine possible causal links between the two disorders. Six patients (four male, two female), with diagnoses of myeloproliferative disease, myelofibrosis (one with polycythemia vera, three with agnogenic myeloid metaplasia, one with unclassified myeloproliferative syndrome, one with essential thrombocytosis), and pulmonary hypertension are presented. Measurement of the pulmonary artery pressure was performed by Doppler echocardiography in all patients and by right sided heart catheterization in four patients. The range of resting pulmonary artery systolic pressure was 35 to 47 mmHg above the mean right atrium by echocardiography. One patient had autopsy evidence of pulmonary myeloid metaplasia and interstitial fibrosis; another had acute leukemic infiltration of the lung parenchyma. All patients had thrombocytosis; symptomatology in one patient with marked thrombocytosis improved with plateletpheresis. Two patients suffered systemic thrombosis. All patients had severe hepatomegaly. Two patients had evidence of left ventricular dysfunction. The interval between the development of dyspnea and death was less than seven months in five of the patients. A causal link between pulmonary hypertension and myelofibrosis secondary to myeloproliferative diseases is suggested for each patient. Hematopoietic infiltration of the pulmonary parenchyma, portal hypertension, thrombocytosis, hypercoagulability, and left ventricular failure may account in part for the development of pulmonary hypertension in these patients. Patients with myelofibrosis and dyspnea should have Doppler echocardiography to evaluate pulmonary artery pressures.

Pulmonary hypertension in patients with myelofibrosis secondary to myeloproliferative diseases

We examined the clinical characteristics of six patients with myelofibrosis secondary to myeloproliferative diseases whose clinical courses were complicated by pulmonary hypertension to determine possible causal links between the two disorders. Six patients (four male, two female), with diagnoses of myeloproliferative disease, myelofibrosis (one with polycythemia vera, three with agnogenic myeloid metaplasia, one with unclassified myeloproliferative syndrome, one with essential thrombocytosis), and pulmonary hypertension are presented. Measurement of the pulmonary artery pressure was performed by Doppler echocardiography in all patients and by right sided heart catheterization in four patients. The range of resting pulmonary artery systolic pressure was 35 to 47 mmHg above the mean right atrium by echocardiography. One patient had autopsy evidence of pulmonary myeloid metaplasia and interstitial fibrosis; another had acute leukemic infiltration of the lung parenchyma. All patients had thrombocytosis; symptomatology in one patient with marked thrombocytosis improved with plateletpheresis. Two patients suffered systemic thrombosis. All patients had severe hepatomegaly. Two patients had evidence of left ventricular dysfunction. The interval between the development of dyspnea and death was less than seven months in five of the patients. A causal link between pulmonary hypertension and myelofibrosis secondary to myeloproliferative diseases is suggested for each patient. Hematopoietic infiltration of the pulmonary parenchyma, portal hypertension, thrombocytosis, hypercoagulability, and left ventricular failure may account in part for the development of pulmonary hypertension in these patients. Patients with myelofibrosis and dyspnea should have Doppler echocardiography to evaluate pulmonary artery pressures.

Outcome in sarcoidosis. The relationship of relapse to corticosteroid therapy

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine the demographic, clinical, and radiographic characteristics of corticosteroid-treated patients with sarcoidosis who developed relapse following a period of clinical stability lasting longer than 1 month, and to compare these characteristics with those of a group of patients with sarcoidosis who were not treated.

DESIGN

Historic, concurrent and prospective, nonrandomized, observational study.

SETTING

Ambulatory sarcoidosis clinic in a university city hospital.

PATIENTS

Over a 4-year calendar period, 337 patients with sarcoidosis were prospectively enrolled in a registry. One hundred eighteen patients were assigned to a spontaneous remission group when symptoms resolved without treatment, and 103 were assigned to an induced remission group when symptoms resolved following corticosteroid therapy and successful discontinuation. In 116 patients assigned to a recalcitrant group, therapy could not be stopped for 1 month or more owing to severity of symptoms or lack of compliance. We defined relapse as a recurrence of symptoms of sufficient severity to warrant treatment with corticosteroids, following a remission without treatment lasting greater than 1 month.

INTERVENTION

Patients who were judged to be sufficiently symptomatic to preclude observation without treatment or who failed to respond to conservative treatment with topical or inhaled corticosteroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents were treated with systemic corticosteroids at a target dose of 20 mg prednisone per day for 1 year.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

We observed a 74% relapse rate in the induced remission group, but only an 8% relapse rate in the spontaneous remission group (p < 0.01). Relapse occurred with similar frequency in whites and African-Americans (20% vs 28%), despite a lower treatment rate in white patients than in African-Americans (43% vs 76%; p < 0.01). White patients maintained a sustained remission with twice the frequency of African-Americans (58% vs 29%; p < 0.01). During relapse, 40% of chest radiographs showed no change in type, but there was a significant increase in interstitial profusion (p < 0.05). Initial presentation with asymptomatic chest radiographic abnormalities, erythema nodosum, or peripheral adenopathy portended a favorable prognosis, with sustained remission in 60% of such patients lasting 130 +/- 226 months from time of diagnosis. In contrast, patients who presented with musculoskeletal complaints were nine times, and those with symptoms from hepatic involvement were three times more likely to suffer relapse than to sustain remission without receiving corticosteroids. Most relapses (50%) occurred between 2 and 6 months after discontinuing steroid therapy, but late relapse was not unusual, occurring more than 12 months after discontinuing steroid therapy in 20% of patients with induced remission.

CONCLUSIONS

Relapse occurred frequently in patients with sarcoidosis who had been treated with corticosteroids, and rarely occurred in patients who had not been treated with corticosteroids in the past. The striking difference in relapse rate between treated and untreated patients suggests that patients with disease that would later be severe and protracted were almost unerringly identified early in their course. One explanation is that severe presenting symptoms portend a protracted and recurrent course; an alternative explanation is that corticosteroids contributed to the prolongation of the disease by delaying resolution.