Risk factors for complications after emergency surgery for paediatric appendicitis: a national prospective observational cohort study

Appendicectomy is a common procedure in children with a low risk of mortality, however, complication rates and risk factors are largely unknown. This study aimed to characterise the incidence and epidemiology of postoperative complications in children undergoing appendicectomy in the UK. This multicentre prospective observational cohort study, which included children aged 1-16 y who underwent surgery for suspected appendicitis, was conducted between November 2019 and January 2022. The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative morbidity. Data collected included: patient characteristics; comorbidities; and physiological status. Multivariable regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for poor outcomes. Data from 2799 children recruited from 80 hospitals were analysed, of which 185 (7%) developed postoperative complications. Children from black and 'other' minority ethnic groups were at significantly higher risk of poor outcomes: OR (95%CI) 4.13 (1.87-9.08), p < 0.001 and 2.08 (1.12-3.87), p = 0.021, respectively. This finding was independent of socio-economic status and type of appendicitis found on histology. Other risk factors for complications included: ASA physical status ≥ 3 (OR (95%CI) 4.05 (1.70-9.67), p = 0.002); raised C-reactive protein (OR 95%CI 1.01 (1.00-1.01), p < 0.001); pyrexia (OR (95%CI) 1.77(1.20-2.63), p = 0.004); and peri-operative oxygen supplementation (OR (95%CI) 4.20 (1.44-12.24), p = 0.009). In the UK NHS, which is a universally accessible healthcare system, ethnicity, but not socio-economic status, was associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications in children having surgery for acute appendicitis. Further evaluations and interventions are required to address this health inequality in keeping with NHS and international priorities.

Evaluating Gabapentin Dosing, Efficacy and Safety in Infants

OBJECTIVE

Gabapentin for management of neuropathic pain, irritability, neonatal abstinence syndrome, rescue sedation, feeding intolerance and visceral hyperalgesia in infants has grown over the past decade. There remains little guidance for indications, initiation, titration and maintenance dosing trends and assessment of outcomes. The primary objective was to describe gabapentin dosing, and the secondary objectives were to identify outcomes to assess efficacy and describe weaning practices.

METHODS

A retrospective single-center study was performed in infants younger than 1 year who received gabapentin at Boston Children's Hospital between 2015 and 2021. The primary outcome was indication, initiation and maximum gabapentin dose. Secondary outcomes included mortality, adverse reactions and impact on feeding volumes, weight-for-age Z-scores and face, legs, activity, cry, consolability (FLACC) scores. Descriptive statistics were utilized.

RESULTS

Sixty-six infants received gabapentin at a mean ± SD age of 5.5 ± 2.7 months (range of 0-11 months). The mean ± SD initiation dose of gabapentin was 8.6 ± 5.4 mg/kg/day with a median interval of 24 hours (8-24 hours). The maximum mean dose was 23.2 ± 14.4 mg/kg/day at a median interval of every 8 hours (8 hours). The most common indications for initiation were irritability, rescue sedation, and visceral hyperalgesia. There was a statistical improvement in weight-for-age Z scores from 24 hours prior to gabapentin initiation to 2 weeks after the maximum dose of gabapentin (-2.23 ± 1.78 to -1.66 ± 1.91, p < 0.001) and a reduction in FLACC scores (2.29 ± 1.64 to 1.52 ± 1.76, p = 0.007) from 24 hours prior to gabapentin initiation to 3 days after the maximum dose of gabapentin. Three patients experienced minor adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Gabapentin was well tolerated in infants. Initial gabapentin dosing of 5 mg/kg/dose every 24 hours appears safe and consistent with other published studies in infants. The improvement in outcomes with few adverse events suggests a beneficial role for gabapentin.

Inequities in Technology Access and Digital Health Literacy Among Patients With Dermatologic Conditions: Cross-Sectional Analysis of the National Health Interview Survey

Certain sociodemographic factors are associated with low technology access and digital healthy literacy.

Developing a Decision Aid for Clinical Obesity Services in the Real World: the DACOS Nationwide Pilot Study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to develop a decision aid tool using "real-world" data within the Australian health system to predict weight loss after bariatric surgery and non-surgical care.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed patient record data (aged 16+years) from initial review between 2015 and 2020 with 6-month (n=219) and 9-/12-month (n=153) follow-ups at eight clinical obesity services. Primary outcome was percentage total weight loss (%TWL) at 6 months and 9/12 months. Predictors were selected by statistical evidence (p<0.20), effect size (±2%), and clinical judgment. Multiple linear regression and bariatric surgery were used to create simple predictive models. Accuracy was measured using percentage of predictions within 5% of the observed value, and sensitivity and specificity for predicting target weight loss of 5% (non-surgical care) and 15% (bariatric surgery).

RESULTS

Observed %TWL with bariatric surgery vs. non-surgical care was 19% vs. 5% at 6 months and 22% vs. 5% at 9/12 months. Predictors at 6 months with intercept (non-surgical care) of 6% include bariatric surgery (+11%), BMI>60 (-3%), depression (-2%), anxiety (-2%), and eating disorder (-2%). Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 58%, 69%, and 56%. Predictors at 9/12 months with intercept of 5% include bariatric surgery (+15%), type 2 diabetes (+5%), eating disorder (+4%), fatty liver (+2%), atrial fibrillation (-4%), osteoarthritis (-3%), sleep/mental disorders (-2-3%), and ≥10 alcohol drinks/week (-2%). Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 55%, 86%, and 53%.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians may use DACOS to discuss potential weight loss predictors with patients after surgery or non-surgical care.

Effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease: a prespecified secondary analysis from the empa-kidney trial

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce progression of chronic kidney disease and the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in a wide range of patients. However, their effects on kidney disease progression in some patients with chronic kidney disease are unclear because few clinical kidney outcomes occurred among such patients in the completed trials. In particular, some guidelines stratify their level of recommendation about who should be treated with SGLT2 inhibitors based on diabetes status and albuminuria. We aimed to assess the effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease both overall and among specific types of participants in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA), and included individuals aged 18 years or older with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or with an eGFR of 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher. We explored the effects of 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily versus placebo on the annualised rate of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR slope), a tertiary outcome. We studied the acute slope (from randomisation to 2 months) and chronic slope (from 2 months onwards) separately, using shared parameter models to estimate the latter. Analyses were done in all randomly assigned participants by intention to treat. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and then followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroups of eGFR included 2282 (34·5%) participants with an eGFR of less than 30 mL/min per 1·73 m2, 2928 (44·3%) with an eGFR of 30 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, and 1399 (21·2%) with an eGFR 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2 or higher. Prespecified subgroups of uACR included 1328 (20·1%) with a uACR of less than 30 mg/g, 1864 (28·2%) with a uACR of 30 to 300 mg/g, and 3417 (51·7%) with a uACR of more than 300 mg/g. Overall, allocation to empagliflozin caused an acute 2·12 mL/min per 1·73 m2 (95% CI 1·83-2·41) reduction in eGFR, equivalent to a 6% (5-6) dip in the first 2 months. After this, it halved the chronic slope from -2·75 to -1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (relative difference 50%, 95% CI 42-58). The absolute and relative benefits of empagliflozin on the magnitude of the chronic slope varied significantly depending on diabetes status and baseline levels of eGFR and uACR. In particular, the absolute difference in chronic slopes was lower in patients with lower baseline uACR, but because this group progressed more slowly than those with higher uACR, this translated to a larger relative difference in chronic slopes in this group (86% [36-136] reduction in the chronic slope among those with baseline uACR <30 mg/g compared with a 29% [19-38] reduction for those with baseline uACR ≥2000 mg/g; ptrend<0·0001).

INTERPRETATION

Empagliflozin slowed the rate of progression of chronic kidney disease among all types of participant in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial, including those with little albuminuria. Albuminuria alone should not be used to determine whether to treat with an SGLT2 inhibitor.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly.

Adaptation of sea turtles to climate warming: Will phenological responses be sufficient to counteract changes in reproductive output?

Sea turtles are vulnerable to climate change since their reproductive output is influenced by incubating temperatures, with warmer temperatures causing lower hatching success and increased feminization of embryos. Their ability to cope with projected increases in ambient temperatures will depend on their capacity to adapt to shifts in climatic regimes. Here, we assessed the extent to which phenological shifts could mitigate impacts from increases in ambient temperatures (from 1.5 to 3°C in air temperatures and from 1.4 to 2.3°C in sea surface temperatures by 2100 at our sites) on four species of sea turtles, under a "middle of the road" scenario (SSP2-4.5). Sand temperatures at sea turtle nesting sites are projected to increase from 0.58 to 4.17°C by 2100 and expected shifts in nesting of 26-43 days earlier will not be sufficient to maintain current incubation temperatures at 7 (29%) of our sites, hatching success rates at 10 (42%) of our sites, with current trends in hatchling sex ratio being able to be maintained at half of the sites. We also calculated the phenological shifts that would be required (both backward for an earlier shift in nesting and forward for a later shift) to keep up with present-day incubation temperatures, hatching success rates, and sex ratios. The required shifts backward in nesting for incubation temperatures ranged from -20 to -191 days, whereas the required shifts forward ranged from +54 to +180 days. However, for half of the sites, no matter the shift the median incubation temperature will always be warmer than the 75th percentile of current ranges. Given that phenological shifts will not be able to ameliorate predicted changes in temperature, hatching success and sex ratio at most sites, turtles may need to use other adaptive responses and/or there is the need to enhance sea turtle resilience to climate warming.

Complications and degree of difficulty of orotracheal intubation in the Intensive Care Unit before and after the establishment of an intubation protocol for critically ill patients: a prospective, observational study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to compare the degree of difficulty and complications related to tracheal intubation in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) before and after the introduction of an intubation protocol based on the Difficult Airway Society guidelines for the management of tracheal intubation in critically ill adults, published in 2018.

METHODS

Prospective, observational study comparing all intubations performed in our ICU over 2 periods: pre-protocol (January 2015-January 2019) and post-protocol (February 2019-July 2022). The material used for intubation, the degree of difficulty, and intubation-related complications were recorded.

RESULTS

During the study period, 661 patients were intubated - 437 in the pre-protocol period (96% by direct laryngoscopy) and 224 in the post-protocol period (53% with direct laryngoscopy, 46% with video laryngoscopy). We observed an improvement in laryngeal view in the post-protocol period compared to the pre-protocol period (Cormack-Lehane ≥ 2b in 7.6% vs. 29.8%, p < 0.001), and a decrease in the number of moderate-to-severely difficult intubations (6.7% vs. 17.4%, p < 0.001). The first-pass success rate was 92.8% in the post-protocol period compared to 90.2% pre-protocol (p = 0.508). We did not find significant differences in complications between the periods studied.

CONCLUSIONS

Intubations performed in the post-protocol period were associated with improved laryngeal view and fewer cases of difficult intubation compared with the pre-protocol period.

"It felt like I had an old fashioned telephone ringing in my breasts": An online survey of UK Autistic birthing parents' experiences of infant feeding

Around 3% of people are Autistic. Autistic people communicate differently from non-Autistic people and experience the sensory world differently. There is limited evidence that Autistic people can face additional barriers to breastfeeding. We are an Autistic-led research team that developed an online survey following consultation with the Autistic community. Autistic people from the UK who had been pregnant were eligible to take part in the survey, which focused on the entire maternity journey. A total of 193 people participated, of whom 152 had experiences of infant feeding (137 breastfeeding, 82 formula feeding). Participants were highly motivated to breastfeed, and almost half of those who breastfed found it positive always or most of the time. However, breastfeeding-and in particular the milk let-down reflex-could result in pain and sensory difficulties, including 'feeling odd'. Expressing breastmilk always or most of the time was reported by 10% of breastfeeding participants. The intensity and unpredictability of both breast and formula feeding were challenging to manage. Parents reported that it was easy to understand how to prepare infant formula, but that it could also be a negative and anxiety-inducing experience. Support for breast and formula feeding was often considered inadequate. When parents did access breastfeeding support, this significantly improved a range of breastfeeding experiences. However, participants recommended more tailored support and continuity of carer. To meet the needs of Autistic birthing parents, those providing infant feeding support should receive training on Autism through a neurodiversity-affirming lens, which should be delivered by Autistic people.

Impact of primary kidney disease on the effects of empagliflozin in patients with chronic kidney disease: secondary analyses of the EMPA-KIDNEY trial

BACKGROUND

The EMPA-KIDNEY trial showed that empagliflozin reduced the risk of the primary composite outcome of kidney disease progression or cardiovascular death in patients with chronic kidney disease mainly through slowing progression. We aimed to assess how effects of empagliflozin might differ by primary kidney disease across its broad population.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA). Patients were eligible if their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher at screening. They were randomly assigned (1:1) to 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily or matching placebo. Effects on kidney disease progression (defined as a sustained ≥40% eGFR decline from randomisation, end-stage kidney disease, a sustained eGFR below 10 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or death from kidney failure) were assessed using prespecified Cox models, and eGFR slope analyses used shared parameter models. Subgroup comparisons were performed by including relevant interaction terms in models. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroupings by primary kidney disease included 2057 (31·1%) participants with diabetic kidney disease, 1669 (25·3%) with glomerular disease, 1445 (21·9%) with hypertensive or renovascular disease, and 1438 (21·8%) with other or unknown causes. Kidney disease progression occurred in 384 (11·6%) of 3304 patients in the empagliflozin group and 504 (15·2%) of 3305 patients in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·71 [95% CI 0·62-0·81]), with no evidence that the relative effect size varied significantly by primary kidney disease (pheterogeneity=0·62). The between-group difference in chronic eGFR slopes (ie, from 2 months to final follow-up) was 1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (95% CI 1·16-1·59), representing a 50% (42-58) reduction in the rate of chronic eGFR decline. This relative effect of empagliflozin on chronic eGFR slope was similar in analyses by different primary kidney diseases, including in explorations by type of glomerular disease and diabetes (p values for heterogeneity all >0·1).

INTERPRETATION

In a broad range of patients with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression, including a wide range of non-diabetic causes of chronic kidney disease, empagliflozin reduced risk of kidney disease progression. Relative effect sizes were broadly similar irrespective of the cause of primary kidney disease, suggesting that SGLT2 inhibitors should be part of a standard of care to minimise risk of kidney failure in chronic kidney disease.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, and UK Medical Research Council.

Registry-derived stage (RD-Stage) for capturing cancer stage at diagnosis for endometrial cancer

BACKGROUND

Capture of cancer stage at diagnosis is important yet poorly reported by health services to population-based cancer registries. In this paper we describe current completeness of stage information for endometrial cancer available in Australian cancer registries; and develop and validate a set of rules to enable cancer registry medical coders to calculate stage using data available to them (registry-derived stage or 'RD-Stage').

METHODOLOGY

Rules for deriving RD-stage (Endometrial carcinoma) were developed using the American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) TNM (tumour, nodes, metastasis) Staging System (8th Edition). An expert working group comprising cancer specialists responsible for delivering cancer care, epidemiologists and medical coders reviewed and endorsed the rules. Baseline completeness of data fields required to calculate RD-Stage, and calculation of the proportion of cases for whom an RD stage could be assigned, was assessed across each Australian jurisdiction. RD-Stage (Endometrial cancer) was calculated by Victorian Cancer Registry (VCR) medical coders and compared with clinical stage recorded by the patient's treating clinician and captured in the National Gynae-Oncology Registry (NGOR).

RESULTS

The necessary data completeness level for calculating RD-Stage (Endometrial carcinoma) across various Australian jurisdictions varied from 0 to 89%. Three jurisdictions captured degree of spread of cancer, rendering RD-Stage unable to be calculated. RD-Stage (Endometrial carcinoma) could not be derived for 64/485 (13%) cases and was not captured for 44/485 (9%) cases in NGOR. At stage category level (I, II, III, IV), there was concordance between RD-Stage and NGOR captured stage in 393/410 (96%) of cases (95.8%, Kendall's coefficient = 0.95).

CONCLUSION

A lack of consistency in data captured by, and data sources reporting to, population-based cancer registries meant that it was not possible to provide national endometrial carcinoma stage data at diagnosis. In a sample of Victorian cases, where surgical pathology was available, there was very good concordance between RD-Stage (Endometrial carcinoma) and clinician-recorded stage data available from NGOR. RD-Stage offers promise in capturing endometrial cancer stage at diagnosis for population epidemiological purposes when it is not provided by health services, but requires more extensive validation.

Poor dental service utilization in those with clinically severe obesity: A neglected issue with solutions needed

Data linking body mass index (BMI) and dental service utilization with oral and general health, quality of life, wellbeing, and mental health are lacking. Adult patients with clinically severe obesity attending a hospital-based obesity service in Greater Western Sydney were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey that collected data on dental utilization and visiting patterns, dental anxiety, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). General health data were obtained from participants' medical records. Of the 82 individuals who consented to participate, 81 (98.8%) completed the study questionnaire, and 74 (91.3%) answered additional screening questions related to their general wellbeing and mental health. Of the participants, 50 (61.7%) reported that their last dental visit was more than 1 year ago, 43 (53.1%) visited only as needed and 22 (27.2%) participants reported favourable dental visiting patterns. Twenty-four (29.6%) participants reported high levels of dental anxiety, and low levels of OHRQoL compared with national data. Screening questions suggested low general wellbeing and poor mental health in this patient cohort. Within this group, BMI was not significantly correlated with any of the variables of dental service utilization, dental anxiety, OHRQoL, wellbeing, or mental health (p > .05). There was a negative correlation between dental anxiety and dental utilization (p < .05). Patients with clinically severe obesity reported poor dental utilization, low OHRQoL, and high levels of dental anxiety. This study highlighted the frequency of medical complications, lack of wellbeing, and poor mental health, which were evident in this cohort and may complicate dental management.

Weight stigma among dental professionals and in the dental setting: a scoping review

Background Weight stigma refers to discriminatory acts and ideologies targeted towards individuals because of their body weight and/or size. Weight stigma in healthcare settings generates major health disparities. To date, there have been no previous reviews exploring the issue of weight stigma among dental professionals (DPs) and in the dental setting.Aims To synthesise current evidence on weight stigma among DPs and in dental care settings via a scoping review.Methods A comprehensive search was carried out across four relevant electronic databases (Medline, Scopus, Psychinfo and Cinahl). A total of 25 full-text papers were included in the scoping review.Results Most papers addressed the subject of weight stigma as a secondary finding (20 papers). Both quantitative and qualitative study methods were used to explore weight stigma across the broad categories of attitudes and beliefs about obesity, weight-based discussions, obesity education and training and service implications of obesity. Recommendations regarding weight stigma among DPs and in the dental setting were proposed but have not been formally assessed.Conclusion Further studies addressing weight stigma in dental settings, including causes and consequences among DPs, are required to better inform and address this issue.

The clinical utility of routine postoperative hemoglobin and creatinine after reconstructive surgery for apical pelvic organ prolapse

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Postoperative laboratory tests are routinely ordered after apical prolapse repair on asymptomatic patients. We hypothesize that routine serum hemoglobin (Hb) and creatinine (Cr) have limited clinical utility in the postoperative period in asymptomatic patients.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent surgical repair of apical prolapse between 2017 and 2019 at our institution. Subjects were divided into two groups postoperatively: symptomatic and asymptomatic anemia. Symptomatic patients were defined as having one or more of the following: blood pressure (BP) <90/60, heart rate (HR) >100, urine output <30 cc/h, subjective dizziness, flank pain, or abdominal pain. The primary aim was to evaluate the utility of postoperative serum Hb and Cr in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney tests analyzed categorical and continuous data respectively. A total of 325 patients were included.

RESULTS

Patients with symptomatic anemia had a larger decrease in Hb on postoperative day 1 (POD1) with a mean decrease of -18.11% (± 6.64) compared with asymptomatic patients, who had a mean difference of -15.49% (± 5.63; p < 0.001). The total cost of tests evaluating Hb was US$61,745. Patients with symptomatic acute kidney injury had an increase in Cr on POD1 compared with asymptomatic patients, with a mean increase of 0.23% (± 16.06) and -3.07% (± 13.10) respectively (p < 0.05). The total cost of tests including Cr was US$131,812.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that routine postoperative Hb and Cr testing for apical prolapse should be reserved for symptomatic patients as it has minimal clinical value in asymptomatic patients and contributes to increased overall health care cost.

Impact of specialized obesity management services on the reduction in the use of acute hospital services

Severe obesity affects 4% of Australians and is associated with increased use of healthcare services and higher healthcare costs. This study evaluates the effect of attending a public tertiary obesity service on acute hospital use. This record-linkage study included people aged ≥16 years with severe obesity who attended the Nepean Blue Mountains Family Metabolic Health Service (FMHS), New South Wales, Australia between January 2017, and September 2021. Emergency department (ED) presentations and acute hospital admissions and respective costs in the 1-year and 3-years pre-and-post first FMHS attendance were compared, overall and for adequate attendance (≥5 visits). A total of 640 patients (74% female, 50% <45 years) attended the FMHS, totalling 15 303 occasions of service, average 24 per person. There was a 31.0% and 17.6% reduction in acute admissions and ED presentations, respectively, translating into 34.0% and 23.4% decrease in costs. Adequate engagement was associated with a 48% decreased risk of acute admission (odds ratio 0.52; 95% confidence interval 0.29-0.94). Over 3-years, there was a 19.8% and 20.7% reduction in acute hospital admissions and ED presentations, respectively. Findings indicate that tertiary obesity services reduce acute hospital use. Improved access to specialized obesity management may offload hospitals and contribute to acute healthcare cost avoidance.

A realist review of health passports for Autistic adults

BACKGROUND

Autism is a normal part of cognitive diversity, resulting in communication and sensory processing differences, which can become disabling in a neurotypical world. Autistic people have an increased likelihood of physical and mental co-occurring conditions and die earlier than neurotypical peers. Inaccessible healthcare may contribute to this. Autism Health Passports (AHPs) are paper-based or digital tools which can be used to describe healthcare accessibility needs; they are recommended in UK clinical guidance. However, questions remained as to the theoretical underpinnings and effectiveness of AHPs.

METHODS

We undertook a systematic literature search identifying studies focused on AHPs for adults (aged over 16 years) from five databases. Included literature was subjected to realist evaluation. Data were extracted using a standardised form, developed by the research team, which considered research design, study quality for realist review and the Context, Mechanisms and Outcomes (CMOs) associated with each AHP tool.

FINDINGS

162 unique records were identified, and 13 items were included in the review. Only one item was considered high quality. Contextual factors focused on the inaccessibility of healthcare to Autistic patients and staff lack of confidence and training in supporting Autistic needs. Interventions were heterogeneous, with most sources reporting few details as to how they had been developed. The most frequently included contents were communication preferences. Mechanisms were often not stated or were inferred by the reviewers and lacked specificity. Outcomes were included in four studies and were primarily focused on AHP uptake, rather than Outcomes which measured impact.

CONCLUSION

There is insufficient evidence to conclude that AHPs reduce the health inequalities experienced by Autistic people. Using an AHP tool alone in a healthcare Context that does not meet Autistic needs, without the inclusion of the local Autistic community developing the tool, and a wider intervention to reduce known barriers to health inequality, may mean that AHPs do not trigger any Mechanisms, and thus cannot affect Outcomes.

Prediction of obstructive sleep apnoea in children and adolescents with Down syndrome

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is common in children and adolescents with Down syndrome (DS). Clinical guidelines recommend that all children with DS have polysomnography (PSG) for assessment of OSA by the age of 4 years, but access is limited and testing may be burdensome for children and families.

METHODS

The purpose of this prospective cross-sectional cohort study was to identify a model to predict OSA in this group that could be tested in an external population to triage children and adolescents with DS for PSG. These models were based on a comprehensive set of potential predictive demographic, anthropometric, quality of life and sleep-related variables.

RESULTS

The results of this study show the predictive power of a model based on the sleep disordered breathing subscale of the Pediatric Sleep Survey Instrument and sleep fragmentation quantified using actigraphy in determining moderate-severe OSA in children and adolescents with DS. This model exhibits high sensitivity (82%), specificity (80%), positive predictive value (75%) and negative predictive value (86%).

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate the utility of a tool containing the sleep disordered breathing subscale of the Pediatric Sleep Survey Instrument and sleep fragmentation quantified using actigraphy in identifying children and adolescents with DS who have moderate/severe OSA.

Adherence to Tympanostomy Tube Clinical Practice Guidelines in an Advanced Practice Provider Clinic

OBJECTIVE

We compared adherence rates by attending otolaryngologists (OTOs) and advanced practice providers (APPs) to the 2013 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation clinical practice guideline (CPG) for children with recurrent acute otitis media (RAOM) undergoing bilateral myringotomy and tympanostomy tube placement (BMT).

METHODS

Patients aged 6 months to 12 years old undergoing BMT for RAOM who had a pre-operative visit with an independent APP or OTO were reviewed. Patients satisfied CPG criteria if middle ear effusion was identified at the pre-operative visit (pre-op) or if they did not have effusion but met exception criteria based on their risk for developmental difficulties and contraindications to medical therapy. Adherence rates between APPs and OTOs were compared. Agreement between pre-op and time-of-surgery middle ear effusion identification was assessed.

RESULTS

Nine hundred twenty-three patients were included. Six hundred one patients were seen by OTOs and 322 by APPs. Middle ear effusion was identified at pre-op in 84% of APP patients and in 76% of OTO patients (P = .005). Eight percent of APP patients and 11% of OTO patients met exception criteria (P = .138). Overall, 87% of OTO patients and 92% of APP patients met either CPG or exception criteria for BMT (P = .037). A logistic regression model demonstrated that pre-op provider type did not significantly impact rates of agreement between pre-op visit and time-of-surgery middle ear effusion identification.

CONCLUSIONS

Independent APP-led clinics can reliably and effectively deliver evidence-based care for prevalent conditions such as RAOM at similar rates of adherence to CPGs as OTOs.

Insurance Status and Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor Initiation Among Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in the CARRA Registry

OBJECTIVE

Prompt escalation to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFis) is recommended for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and ongoing disease activity despite treatment with conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (cDMARDs). It is unknown whether these recommendations are equitably followed for children with different insurance types. We assessed the association of insurance coverage on the odds and timing of TNFi use.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of children with newly diagnosed JIA in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Registry. We compared the odds of starting a TNFi in the first year and time from cDMARD to TNFi initiation between those with public and private insurance.

RESULTS

We identified 1086 children with new JIA diagnoses. Publicly insured children had significantly higher active joint counts and parent/patient global assessment scores at the enrollment visit. They were also more likely to have polyarticular arthritis compared to those with private insurance. Odds of any TNFi use in the first year did not differ between publicly and privately insured children. Publicly insured children were escalated from cDMARD to TNFi more quickly than privately insured children.

CONCLUSION

Children who were publicly insured had more severe disease and polyarticular involvement at registry enrollment compared to those who were privately insured. Whereas overall TNFi use did not differ between children with different insurance types, publicly insured children were escalated more quickly, consistent with their increased disease severity. Further research is needed to determine why insurance coverage type is associated with disease severity, including how other socioeconomic factors affect presentation to care.

Barriers to progression through Australian obesity management pathways: Survey data from the ACTION-IO study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Our previous work uncovered a nine-year delay, from when Australian people with obesity (PwO) first began struggling with excess weight and first discussed weight with a healthcare professional (HCP). In this study we explore barriers to having an obesity consultation, making and discussing the diagnosis of obesity and arranging a management plan, including a follow-up appointment.

METHOD

Australian PwO (n = 1000) and HCPs (n = 200; 50% general practitioners [GPs]), completed the Awareness, Care & Treatment In Obesity Management - An International Observation (ACTION-IO) online survey.

RESULTS

Of Australian PwO, 53% had discussed weight with an HCP in the past five years, 25% were informed of their obesity diagnosis and 15% had weight-related follow-up appointments scheduled. Fewer GPs than other specialists reported recording obesity diagnoses, but GPs scheduled more follow-up appointments. Receiving formal obesity training was reported by 22% of GPs and 44% of other specialists.

DISCUSSION

Barriers to obesity care in Australia include unrealistic expectations from both PwO and HCPs, lack of evidence-based strategies and insufficient training. Further exploration of barriers is required.

Effect of Age and Sex on Psychological Readiness and Patient-Reported Outcomes 6 Months After Primary ACL Reconstruction

Background

Successful return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) can be affected by a patient's physical and psychological state throughout the rehabilitation process.

Purpose

To prospectively compare differences in patients at 6 months after primary ACLR with the ACL-Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) or pediatric (Pedi)-IKDC, Hospital for Special Surgery Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale (Pedi-FABS), and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Psychological Stress Experiences (PROMIS-PSE) scores.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

Patients enrolled were 8 to 35 years old who underwent primary ACLR and had their 6-month follow-up appointments between December 2018 and March 2020. Patients were divided into 3 age groups as follows: (1) preadolescents (10-14 years); (2) adolescents (15-18 years); and (3) adults (>18 years). Outcomes on the ACL-RSI, IKDC/Pedi-IKDC, Pedi-FABS, and PROMIS-PSE were compared according to age group, graft type (hamstring, patellar tendon, quadriceps, or iliotibial band autograft), and sex.

Results

A total of 176 patients (69 male, 107 female), with a mean age of 17.1 ± 3.1 years were included in the study. The mean ACL-RSI scores were significantly different among age groups (preadolescents, 75 ± 18.9; adolescents, 61.5 ± 20.4; and adults, 52.5 ± 19.8 [P < .001]) and graft types (P = .024). The IKDC and PROMIS-PSE scores were also significantly different among age groups (P < .001 and P = .044, respectively) and graft types (P = .034 and P < .001, respectively), with the iliotibial graft and the younger age group performing the best. There was no significant difference in the Pedi-FABS either by age group (P = .127) or graft type (P = .198). Female patients had lower ACL-RSI scores and higher (worse) scores on PROMIS-PSE than their male counterparts (P = .019 and P < .001, respectively), with no sex-based differences on IKDC or Pedi-FABS scores. The ACL-RSI and IKDC were positively correlated (Spearman r = 0.57; P < .001), while the ACL-RSI and PROMIS-PSE were negatively correlated (Pearson r = -0.34; P < .001).

Conclusion

This study suggests that psychological profiles and subjective perceptions of knee function 6 months after ACLR may vary in patients of different ages and between the sexes. Preadolescent patients had better scores on a majority of patient-reported outcomes compared with adolescent and adult patients.

A mixed-methods study exploring women's perceptions and recommendations for a pregnancy app with monitoring tools

Digital health tools such as apps are being increasingly used by women to access pregnancy-related information. Conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study investigated: (i) pregnant women's current usage of digital health tools to self-monitor and (ii) their interest in theoretical pregnancy app features (a direct patient-to-healthcare-professional communication tool and a body measurement tool). Using a mixed methods approach, 108 pregnant women were surveyed and 15 currently or recently pregnant women were interviewed online. We found that pregnant women used digital health tools to mainly access pregnancy related information and less so to self-monitor. Most participants were interested and enthusiastic about a patient-to-healthcare-professional communication tool. About half of the survey participants (49%) felt comfortable using a body measurement tool to monitor their body parts and 80% of interview participants were interested in using the body measurement to track leg/ankle swelling. Participants also shared additional pregnancy app features that they thought would be beneficial such as a "Digital Wallet" and a desire for a holistic pregnancy app that allowed for more continuous and personalised care. This study highlights the gaps and needs of pregnant women and should inform all stakeholders designing pregnancy digital healthcare. This study offers a unique insight into the needs of pregnant women during a very particular and unique period in human history.

Clinician and healthcare managers' perspectives on the delivery of secondary and tertiary pediatric weight management services

Clinician and healthcare managers' (HCMs) views on weight management service delivery are imperative for informing the nature of future services to treat children with obesity. This qualitative study used semi-structured focus groups and one-on-one semi-structured interviews. Participants were 27 clinicians (medical, nursing, or allied health) and nine HCMs (senior executives in the hospital) who worked in six secondary or tertiary pediatric weight management clinics across five public hospitals in New South Wales, Australia. Clinicians reported that using a combination of group and individual sessions improved engagement with families and reduced attrition rates. Clinicians and HCMs recommended integrating clinics into community centers and providing specific programs for sub-groups, such as children from culturally and linguistically diverse communities or children with developmental delay. Many clinicians and HCMs stressed the importance of pediatric weight clinics using a holistic approach to treatment. To improve the likelihood of future funding for pediatric weight management clinics and to optimize models of care, centers must embed research into their practice. Addressing common barriers to current pediatric weight management services and designing future models of care based on key stakeholders' preferences is critical to achieving optimal care provision for this high-risk population.

2D versus 3D comparison of angiographic imaging biomarkers using computational fluid dynamics simulations of contrast injections

Quantitative angiography (QAngio) may provide hemodynamic information during neurointerventional procedures through imaging biomarkers related to contrast flow. The standard clinical implementation of QAngio is limited by projection imaging: analysis of contrast motion within complex 3D geometries is restricted to 1-2 projection views, truncating the potential wealth of imaging biomarkers related to disease progression or efficacy of treatment. To understand the limitations of 2D biomarkers, we propose the use of in-silico contrast distributions to investigate the potential benefits of 3D-QAngio within the context of neurovascular hemodynamics. Ground-truth in-silico contrast distributions were generated in two patient-specific intracranial aneurysm models, accounting for the physical interactions of contrast media and blood. A short bolus of contrast was utilized to obtain full a wash-in/ wash-out cycle within the aneurysm ROI. Simulated angiograms mimicking clinical cone-beam CT (CBCT) acquisitions were then generated, and volumetric contrast distributions were reconstructed to analyze bulk contrast flow. The ground-truth 3D-CFD, reconstructed 3D-CBCT-DSA, and 2D-DSA projections were used to extract QAngio parameters related to contrast time dilution curves, such as area under the curve (AUC), peak height (PH), mean-transit-time (MTT), time-to-peak (TTP), and time to arrival (TTA). An initial comparison of quantitative flow parameters in both 2D and 3D, in a smaller and larger aneurysm, indicated that 3D-QAngio can provide a good description of bulk flow characteristics (TTA, TTP, MTT), but recovery of integral parameters (PH, AUC) aneurysms is limited. Nonetheless, incorporation of 3D-QAngio methods may provide additional insight into our understanding of abnormal vascular flow patterns.

Support needs of people living with obesity during transition from tertiary obesity treatment to community care

BACKGROUND

As the number of people living with obesity increases, the maintenance of treatment outcomes is especially pertinent. Treatment at tertiary obesity services have proven to be successful, but patients need to be transitioned out of these services to community-based care to accommodate the influx of new patients. Little is known about the support needs of patients after transition from acute tertiary obesity services. It is important to establish the supports needed by these patients, especially in the context of maintaining treatment outcomes and ensuring continuity of care.

METHODS

A qualitative study was conducted to identify the support needs of people with obesity as they transition to community care. Patients and clinicians recruited from a tertiary obesity clinic participated in semi-structured interviews and focus groups to explore factors influencing transition and supports needed in the community. Data was collected through audio recordings, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.

RESULTS

A total of 16 patients and 7 clinicians involved in the care of these patients participated between July 2020 and July 2021. Themes identified included the influence of clinic and individual factors on transition, the benefits of phased transition, patient-centred communication, and the role of social support. It was found that dependency and lack of self-efficacy, as well as low social support, hindered transition efforts. It was also identified that patients required substantial integrated professional and social support structures in the community to adequately address their care needs both during and following transition.

CONCLUSION

Interventions are needed to provide social community services following transition to ensure adequate community care that can support the maintenance of treatment outcomes. Such services should be integrated and address the social needs of people living with obesity.

Perspectives of clinicians and patients on community-based maintenance care for adults with obesity

Background

Tertiary metabolic health services are in high demand as people with severe obesity increase. Once predetermined health goals have been achieved patients must transition to community-based care to urgently free up capacity in tertiary services. Maintenance of successful outcomes achieved via tertiary services is therefore important to limit rates of relapse back to these services.

Methods

This qualitative project explored community-based care needs to help individuals living with obesity maintain health gains. An interview schedule guided one-on-one interviews with patients and staff from metabolic clinics in Sydney, Australia.

Results

We interviewed 22 patients and 13 clinicians. A lack of appropriate and consistent clinical support in the community was identified by patients and clinicians. Most clinicians agreed primary care was key to successful maintenance care. Lack of primary care understanding of appropriate management and support for patients with obesity, lack of bariatric equipment and limited funding for allied health were all seen barriers to appropriate support beyond their clinics. Patients were highly reluctant to transition from tertiary clinics and reluctant to engage with community-based care due to experience of limited clinical/social support and bariatric equipment, demeaning clinical interactions, lack of care coordination and being stigmatised. Support groups outside of the clinic were also identified important in mitigating social isolation and stigma. Both patients and clinicians felt support groups have potential to provide important supplementary help to individuals with obesity outside tertiary settings.

Conclusions

Currently, individuals aiming to maintain their weight are likely to struggle in the context of existing community care provisions. Integrated, community-based and affordable models of care are needed now to allow tertiary metabolic services discharge their patients safely.

Key messages

• Tertiary obesity services are at capacity.

• Subsequent community care for people wth obesity needs to be mote appropriate tp promote weight maintenance.

Presentation, clinical course and complications in trauma patients with concomitant COVID-19 infection

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 infection on hospitalized trauma patients.

METHODS

A retrospective review of hospitalized trauma patients at a level I trauma center was performed from March-December 2020. Data pertaining to patient demographics, presentation and hospital course was compared between COVID positive and negative trauma patients.

RESULTS

There were 4,912 patients and 179 (3.64%) were COVID-19 positive. Demographics and clinical presentation did not differ significantly between those with and without concomitant COVID-19. However, COVID positive trauma patients had higher rates of acute kidney injury (p = 0.016), sepsis (p = 0.016), unplanned intubation (p = 0.002) and unplanned return to the ICU (p = 0.01). The COVID positive cohort also had longer hospital stays (p < 0.01) with no significant difference in mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In the setting of an ongoing pandemic, awareness of the complications COVID positive trauma patients are predisposed to is important for providers.

Development and internal validation of the Edmonton Obesity Staging System-2 Risk screening Tool (EOSS-2 Risk Tool) for weight-related health complications: a case-control study in a representative sample of Australian adults with overweight and obesity

OBJECTIVE

Excess weight and related health complications remain under diagnosed and poorly treated in general practice. We aimed to develop and validate a brief screening tool for determining the presence of unknown clinically significant weight-related health complications for potential application in general practice.

DESIGN

We considered 14 self-reported candidate predictors of clinically significant weight-related health complications according to the Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS score of ≥2) and developed models using multivariate logistic regression across training and test data sets. The final model was chosen based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and the Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic; and validated using sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

We analysed cross-sectional data from the Australian Health Survey 2011-2013 sample aged between 18 and 65 years (n=7518) with at least overweight and obesity.

RESULTS

An EOSS≥2 classification was present in 78% of the sample. Of 14 candidate risk factors, 6 (family history of diabetes, hypertension, high sugar in blood/urine, high cholesterol and self-reported bodily pain and disability) were automatically included based on definitional or obvious correlational criteria. Three variables were retained in the final multivariate model (age, self-assessed health and history of depression/anxiety). The EOSS-2 Risk Tool (index test) classified 89% of those at 'extremely high risk' (≥25 points), 67% of those at 'very high risk' (7-24 points) and 42% of those at 'high risk' (<7 points) of meeting diagnostic criteria for EOSS≥2 (reference).

CONCLUSION

The EOSS-2 Risk Tool is a simple, safe and accurate screening tool for diagnostic criteria for clinically significant weight-related complications for potential application in general practice. Research to determine the feasibility and applicability of the EOSS-2 Risk Tool for improving weight management approaches in general practice is warranted.

Influence and effects of weight stigmatisation in media: A systematic

BACKGROUND

The lack of a comprehensive understanding of the role of mass media in perpetuating weight stigma hinders policy formulation. We reviewed the influence of mass media on weight stigmatisation and the effectiveness of media-based interventions designed to prevent or reduce stigma.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review across seven databases from inception to December 2021. Included studies assessed exposure to or impact of weight stigma in mass media or examined interventions to reduce stigma through media in populations 12+ years. We synthesised data narratively, categorising studies based on similarity in focus to produce a set of integrated findings. The systematic review is registered in PROSPERO (No. CRD42020176306).

FINDINGS

One-hundred-and-thirteen records were eligible for inclusion from 2402 identified; 95 examined the prevalence of stigmatising content in mass media and its impact on stigma. Weight stigma was prevalent across media types, with the dominant discourse viewing overweight and obesity as an individual responsibility and overlooking systemic factors. Exposure to stigmatising content was found to negatively influence attitudes towards people with overweight or obesity. Few studies considered methods of reducing stigma in the media, with only two testing media-based interventions; their results were promising but limited.

INTERPRETATION

Weight stigma in media content is prevalent and harmful, but there is little guidance on reducing it. Future research focus needs to shift from assessing prevalence and impacts to weight stigma interventions.

FUNDING

None.

Autistic women's views and experiences of infant feeding: A systematic review of qualitative evidence

Low breastfeeding rates are driven by multiple bio-psycho-social factors. Experience of breastfeeding is known to differ by maternal demographic factors (age, education and ethnicity) but there is less recognition of factors such as neurodivergence. This review, prospectively registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42021271465), systematically identified qualitative research, commentaries and personal accounts related to Autistic mothers and infant feeding. Database searching identified 1225 records, with thematic synthesis undertaken on 22 (eight peer-reviewed studies and 14 grey literature) pieces. Our analysis identified that maternity and infant feeding services were built on a lack of understanding of Autistic needs, and were often inaccessible at a time when Autistic mothers already felt a loss of control and lack of social support. Specifically relating to breastfeeding, knowledge and determination were often high, and a minority of mothers reported positive breastfeeding experiences. However, sensory challenges, pain and interoceptive differences (exacerbated by a lack of support) made breastfeeding impossible for some. Infant formula was viewed as second-best to breastmilk, but a minority of mothers found the ritual of preparing bottles of formula positive. There is an urgent need for maternity and infant feeding services to accommodate the needs of Autistic mothers, including service design and staff training.

Flights and Perchings of the BrainMind: A Temporospatial Approach to Psychotherapy

This article introduces a process-oriented approach for improving present moment conceptualization in psychotherapy that is in alignment with neuroscience: the Temporospatial movements of mind (TSMM) model. We elaborate on seven temporal movements that describe the moment-to-moment morphogenesis of emotional feelings and thoughts from inception to maturity. Temporal refers to the passage of time through which feelings and thoughts develop, and electromagnetic activity, that among other responsibilities, bind information across time. Spatial dynamics extend from an undifferentiated to three dimensional experiences of emotional and cognitive processes. Neurophysiologically, spatial refers to structures within the brain and their varying interactions with one another. This article culminates in the development of an atheoretical temporospatial grid that may help clinicians conceptualize where patients are in their cognitive and emotional development to further guide technique.

Excess Deaths during COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta, Canada

Purpose

To determine if there was excess mortality in Alberta, Canada during the pandemic. We sought to confirm if excess mortality affected all age groups equally and determine what proportion of excess deaths is directly related to COVID-19.

Methods & Materials

Excess mortality was calculated by comparing observed to expected number of deaths. Monthly Crude death rates (CDR) for 2015 to 2019 was calculated by dividing monthly deaths by the mid-year population. Expected deaths was calculated by multiplying mean monthly CDR by the mid-year population in 2020 and the projected mid-year population in 2021 to calculate expected deaths. Age-adjusted monthly mortality rates for January 2020 to March 2021 was compared to the previous 5 years.

Results

From January 2020 to May 2021 there was a 11% excess mortality corresponding to an average of 248 monthly excess deaths with a minimum of 49 deaths in January 2020 (no COVID-19-related deaths) and a maximum of 781 excess deaths in December 2020. COVID-19 related deaths (n=2266) account for 53.8 % of the total excess deaths (n=4214) that occurred in the 17 months.

Increase in all cause -excess deaths was proportionately higher, and in significantly greater numbers, in the younger age groups. Deaths directly linked to COVID-19 were: 8 (20-29 years), 12 (30-39 years), 32 (40-49 years), 74 (50-59 years), 225 (60-69 years), 409 (70-79 years), and 1274 (>80 years)

Statistically significant increases in monthly drug poisoning deaths from March 2020 to April 2021 with a total of 1819 deaths. Excess 731 drug poisoning deaths representing 18.2 % of total all-cause excess mortality affected mostly those age 25-60. 53.9 % of all excess deaths is directly related to COVID-19 and 18.2% are drug poisoning related excess deaths. The remaining 27.9 % of excess deaths are likely due other factors such as limited access to urgent medical care.

Conclusion

There was statistically significant increase in all-cause mortality. Although older adults are more likely to die of COVID-19, there was massive increase in non-COVID-19 related mortality among the youth. These should be factored in public policy decisions on epidemic/pandemic management.

Initial evaluation of 2D and 3D simulated high-speed 1000 fps vascular contrast-flow image sequences using computational fluid dynamics (CFD)

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) remains the clinical standard for detailed visualization of the neurovasculature due to its high-spatial resolution; however, detailed blood-flow quantification is impaired by its low-temporal resolution. Advances in photon-counting detector technology have led us to develop High-Speed Angiography (HSA), where x-ray images are acquired at 1000 fps for more accurate visualization and quantification of blood flow. We have implemented a physics-based optical flow method to extract such information from HSA, but validation of the angiography-derived velocity distributions is not straightforward. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is widely regarded as the benchmark for hemodynamic analysis, as it provides a multitude of quantitative flow parameters throughout the volume of interest. However, there are several limitations with this method related to over-simplification of boundary conditions and suboptimal meshing (spatial resolution), that make CFD simulation results an inexact criterion for validation. To overcome this issue for HSA validation, CFD was used to generate both simulated high-speed angiograms and the corresponding ground-truth 3D flow fields to better understand the relationship between the 3D volumetric-flow distribution and the 2D projected-flow distribution as is obtained with angiography, and the subsequent 2D approximation of flow velocity. Several geometries were investigated, ranging from simple pipe models to complex patient-specific aneurysms. Simulated datasets were analyzed with the optical flow algorithm, and the effects of flow divergence, quantum mottle, and intensity gradient on the calculation were evaluated. From these simulations, we can evaluate whether flow fields reconstructed from HSA are representative of significant flow patterns in the 3D vasculature.

Real-time Detection of Patient Head Position and Cephalometric Landmarks from Neuro-Interventional Procedure Images Using Machine Learning for Patient Eye-Lens Dose Prediction

A deep learning (DL) model has been developed to estimate patient-lens dose in real-time for given exposure and geometric conditions during fluoroscopically-guided neuro-interventional procedures. Parameters input into the DL model for dose prediction include the patient head shift from isocenter and cephalometric landmark locations as a surrogate for head size. Machine learning (ML) models were investigated to automatically detect these parameters from the in-procedure fluoroscopic image. Fluoroscopic images of a Kyoto Kagaku anthropomorphic head phantom were taken at various known X (transverse) and Y (longitudinal) shifts, as well as different magnification modes, to create an image database. For each image, anatomical landmark coordinate locations were obtained manually using ImageJ and are used as ground-truth labels for training. This database was then used to train the two separate ML models. One ML model predicts the patient head shift in both the X and Y directions and the other model predicts the coordinates of the anatomical landmarks. From the coordinates, the distance between these anatomical landmarks is calculated, and input into the DL dose-prediction model. Model performance was evaluated using mean absolute error (MAE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) for the head-shift and landmark-coordinate models, respectively. The goal is to implement these two separate models into the Dose Tracking System (DTS) developed by our group. This would allow the DTS to automatically detect the patient head size and position for eye-lens dose prediction and eliminate the need for manual input by the clinical staff.

Peritonsillar Abscess at a Dedicated Otolaryngology Emergency Department

Aim Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is the most common suppurative complication of acute tonsillitis. It requires urgent specialist treatment due to the risk of progression to airway compromise. We aimed to review referral pathways to a dedicated otolaryngology emergency department (ORL-ED), identify causative organisms and discuss COVID-19 implications. Methods A retrospective review of patients presenting to the ORL-ED between January 2018 and December 2019 was undertaken. Data extracted included demographics, referral source, treatment, microbiology results and length of stay. Statistical analysis of seasonal variation of presentation and causative organisms employed Chi-Square and Fisher's Exact Test, respectively. Results There were 53 PTA presentations. 51 were admitted accounting for 44.3% (51/115) of ED admissions. The median patient age was 31 years (IQR 20-40yrs). GP referral accounted for 48/53 (90.6%). There was no statistically significant seasonality (χ2=5.94, p=0.11) in presentation. Microbiology samples were available for 44 patients. Streptococcus was identified in 19/44 (43.2%) patients. 85% (45/53) of patients received Co-amoxiclav. Discussion PTA is a perennial condition with diverse causative organisms. Antibiotic choice should reflect this. The majority of patients are referred from primary care, emphasising the role of the GP in initial diagnosis and the importance of clinical education in this regard.

Understanding and breaking the intergenerational cycle of abuse in families enrolled in routine mental health services: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial and two non-interventional trials investigating mechanisms of change within the UBICA II consortium

Background

Parents’ mental illness (MI) and parental history of early life maltreatment (ELM) are known to be significant risk factors for poor parenting while poor parenting is a crucial mediator of the intergenerational continuity of child maltreatment. Hence, maltreatment prevention programs for families with an MI parent, which pay particular attention to experiences of ELM in the parent, are urgently needed. Parental mentalizing was previously found to mediate successful parenting. Interventions aimed at improving the parental mentalizing capacity reduced maltreatment risk in parents. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of a mentalization-based parenting-counseling in acutely mentally ill parents currently treated at a psychiatric hospital.

Methods

Mentalization-based parenting-counseling (MB-PC) vs. enhanced standard clinical care (SCC+) will be administered in a cluster-randomized-controlled trial (RCT). Patients treated at psychiatric hospitals with children between 1.5 and 15 years will be included in the trial. MB-PC will be administered as a 12-h combined individual and group program enriched by social counseling (over a course of 5 weeks) as add-on to standard clinical care, while the control condition will be standard clinical care plus a 90-min psychoeducation workshop on positive parenting. Primary efficacy endpoint is self-reported parenting practices at follow-up. Embedded within the RCT will be two sub-studies investigating social cognition and dyadic synchrony as biobehavioral mechanisms of change.

Discussion

The main goal of the present study is to investigate ways to break the intergenerational continuity of maltreatment by assessing the benefits of a prevention program which aims at improving parenting in vulnerable mothers and fathers. MB-PC is a short, low-cost intervention which can be delivered by nurses and social workers and is applicable to MI patients with children with a broad range of diagnoses. If it is shown to be effective, it can be directly implemented into standard psychiatric hospital care thereby providing help to prevent child maltreatment.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00017398. Registered on 5 July 2019

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Patient Navigation Intervention to Prevent Suicide in LGBTQ Youth and Young Adults

Background

Across Western countries, young LGBTQ+ individuals are at a four to seven-fold increased risk of attempting suicide, compared to the general public. Despite these substantial health disparities, no known empirically supported suicide prevention programs exist for this highly vulnerable population. Patient navigation (PN), as an intervention to assist people in overcoming barriers to care, paired with the Safety Planning Intervention (SPI), may be a promising intervention to target mechanisms (e.g., thwarted belongingness and suicide-related coping skills) that theoretically underlie suicide. The purpose of this presentation is to describe the developed intervention and present initial data on its feasibility and acceptability.

Methods

In collaboration with a Participatory Planning Group (PPG), an iterative process was used to develop a PN+SPI intervention to prevent suicide among at-risk LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. A mixed-methods case series was used to examine feasibility and acceptability of implementing the PN+SPI intervention over a three-month period of time.

Results

Theoretical models regarding suicidality and LGBTQ+ mental health along with PPG feedback have informed the development of the PN+SPI intervention, with 7 modules included in feasibility evaluation: 1) Introduction + SPI; 2) Minority Stress Psychoeducation; 3) Barriers to Mental Health Services; 4) Barriers to Community Resources; 5) Decision Making; 6) Crisis Intervention; and 7) Wrap Up.

Conclusions

This project has the potential for reducing mortality and morbidity due to suicide attempts among LGBTQ+ youth/emerging adults, who are one of the most vulnerable groups for attempting suicide globally. Given the brevity of the PN+SPI intervention and its emphasis on safety planning and accessing community resources, the PN+SPI intervention has high potential for wide dissemination and public health impact, should it demonstrate feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy.

Marketing mortality? Healthy vs. unhealthy food in television advertising

Background

Cardiovascular disease has been the leading killer of Americans since the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, despite recent COVID-19 mortality. During this global pandemic, the social distancing and stay-at-home requests, there was increased television (TV) engagement, and media marketing has become more impactful in modifying consumer behaviors.

Purpose

We evaluated the healthfulness of food marketing in the United States (US), based on TV commercials most frequently aired on American primetime networks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We reviewed a total of 104 TV commercials between 2020–2021 on network and cable programs dividing them into 4 categories: 1) fast-food chains, 2) brand-recognized individual items, 3) grocery chains, and 4) home-delivery meals. The food items displayed in each commercial were recorded and scored based on the previously validated healthful versus unhealthful nutrition scoring system (Sajita, et al., JACC 2017), assigning either positive or negative values for each food item in the commercial.

Results

We found that 58% of the commercials advertised food from fast-food chains (mean score = −2.82, indicating an average of nearly 3 more unhealthy items than healthy items per commercial), 27% were brand-recognized individual items (−0.86), 9% were grocery chains (−0.90), and 6% were for home-delivery meals (−0.33), with significant differences noted between fast-food and individual items, home deliveries and grocery chains (each p&lt;0.0001).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that commercial TV in the US routinely promotes the consumption of foods that are known in published medical literature to be unhealthy, particularly those underpinning cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. In order to prevent an increase in cardiovascular mortality during and after this global pandemic, we suggest regulation and or legislation to curtail the frequency and/or content of these commercials, and consider a ban on such advertising to children, similar to that previously employed in Canada and the European Union.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.