Multiorgan MRI findings after hospitalisation with COVID-19 in the UK (C-MORE): a prospective, multicentre, observational cohort study

INTRODUCTION

The multiorgan impact of moderate to severe coronavirus infections in the post-acute phase is still poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate the excess burden of multiorgan abnormalities after hospitalisation with COVID-19, evaluate their determinants, and explore associations with patient-related outcome measures.

METHODS

In a prospective, UK-wide, multicentre MRI follow-up study (C-MORE), adults (aged ≥18 years) discharged from hospital following COVID-19 who were included in Tier 2 of the Post-hospitalisation COVID-19 study (PHOSP-COVID) and contemporary controls with no evidence of previous COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antibody negative) underwent multiorgan MRI (lungs, heart, brain, liver, and kidneys) with quantitative and qualitative assessment of images and clinical adjudication when relevant. Individuals with end-stage renal failure or contraindications to MRI were excluded. Participants also underwent detailed recording of symptoms, and physiological and biochemical tests. The primary outcome was the excess burden of multiorgan abnormalities (two or more organs) relative to controls, with further adjustments for potential confounders. The C-MORE study is ongoing and is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04510025.

FINDINGS

Of 2710 participants in Tier 2 of PHOSP-COVID, 531 were recruited across 13 UK-wide C-MORE sites. After exclusions, 259 C-MORE patients (mean age 57 years [SD 12]; 158 [61%] male and 101 [39%] female) who were discharged from hospital with PCR-confirmed or clinically diagnosed COVID-19 between March 1, 2020, and Nov 1, 2021, and 52 non-COVID-19 controls from the community (mean age 49 years [SD 14]; 30 [58%] male and 22 [42%] female) were included in the analysis. Patients were assessed at a median of 5·0 months (IQR 4·2-6·3) after hospital discharge. Compared with non-COVID-19 controls, patients were older, living with more obesity, and had more comorbidities. Multiorgan abnormalities on MRI were more frequent in patients than in controls (157 [61%] of 259 vs 14 [27%] of 52; p<0·0001) and independently associated with COVID-19 status (odds ratio [OR] 2·9 [95% CI 1·5-5·8]; padjusted=0·0023) after adjusting for relevant confounders. Compared with controls, patients were more likely to have MRI evidence of lung abnormalities (p=0·0001; parenchymal abnormalities), brain abnormalities (p<0·0001; more white matter hyperintensities and regional brain volume reduction), and kidney abnormalities (p=0·014; lower medullary T1 and loss of corticomedullary differentiation), whereas cardiac and liver MRI abnormalities were similar between patients and controls. Patients with multiorgan abnormalities were older (difference in mean age 7 years [95% CI 4-10]; mean age of 59·8 years [SD 11·7] with multiorgan abnormalities vs mean age of 52·8 years [11·9] without multiorgan abnormalities; p<0·0001), more likely to have three or more comorbidities (OR 2·47 [1·32-4·82]; padjusted=0·0059), and more likely to have a more severe acute infection (acute CRP >5mg/L, OR 3·55 [1·23-11·88]; padjusted=0·025) than those without multiorgan abnormalities. Presence of lung MRI abnormalities was associated with a two-fold higher risk of chest tightness, and multiorgan MRI abnormalities were associated with severe and very severe persistent physical and mental health impairment (PHOSP-COVID symptom clusters) after hospitalisation.

INTERPRETATION

After hospitalisation for COVID-19, people are at risk of multiorgan abnormalities in the medium term. Our findings emphasise the need for proactive multidisciplinary care pathways, with the potential for imaging to guide surveillance frequency and therapeutic stratification.

FUNDING

UK Research and Innovation and National Institute for Health Research.

Measurement of the Positive Muon Anomalous Magnetic Moment to 0.20 ppm

We present a new measurement of the positive muon magnetic anomaly, a_{μ}≡(g_{μ}-2)/2, from the Fermilab Muon g-2 Experiment using data collected in 2019 and 2020. We have analyzed more than 4 times the number of positrons from muon decay than in our previous result from 2018 data. The systematic error is reduced by more than a factor of 2 due to better running conditions, a more stable beam, and improved knowledge of the magnetic field weighted by the muon distribution, ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'}, and of the anomalous precession frequency corrected for beam dynamics effects, ω_{a}. From the ratio ω_{a}/ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'}, together with precisely determined external parameters, we determine a_{μ}=116 592 057(25)×10^{-11} (0.21 ppm). Combining this result with our previous result from the 2018 data, we obtain a_{μ}(FNAL)=116 592 055(24)×10^{-11} (0.20 ppm). The new experimental world average is a_{μ}(exp)=116 592 059(22)×10^{-11} (0.19 ppm), which represents a factor of 2 improvement in precision.

Vaccine hesitancy educational tools for healthcare providers and trainees: A scoping review

In the era of vaccine hesitancy, highlighted by the current SARS-CoV2 pandemic, there is an acute need to develop an approach to reduce and address apprehension towards vaccinations. We sought to map and present an overview of existing educational interventions for healthcare providers (HCPs) on strategies to engage in effective vaccine discussion. We applied the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology framework in this scoping review. We searched five relevant databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycInfo, and SCOPUS) and grey literature through the Google search engine using keywords and subject headings that were systematically identified. We identified 3384 citations in peer-reviewed literature and 41 citations in grey literature. After screening for our inclusion criteria, we included 28 citations from peer reviewed literature and 16 citations from grey literature for analysis. We identified a total of 41 unique education interventions. Interventions were available from multiple disciplines, training levels, clinical settings, and diseases/vaccines. Interventions predominantly centered around two foci: knowledge sharing and communication training. Most interventions identified from peer-reviewed literature were facilitated and were applied with multiple modes of delivery. Interventions from grey literature were more topical and generally self-directed. We identified several gaps in knowledge. Firstly, accessibility and generalizability of interventions was limited. Secondly, distribution of interventions did not adequately address nursing and pharmacy disciplines, and did not cover the breadth of medical specialties for whom vaccine discussions apply. Thirdly, no interventions addressed self monitoring and the clinicians' recognition and management of emotions during difficult conversations. There is a need to address this gap and provide available, credible and comprehensive educational interventions that will support our healthcare providers in effective communication with vaccine hesitant patients.

Clinical characteristics with inflammation profiling of long COVID and association with 1-year recovery following hospitalisation in the UK: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

No effective pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions exist for patients with long COVID. We aimed to describe recovery 1 year after hospital discharge for COVID-19, identify factors associated with patient-perceived recovery, and identify potential therapeutic targets by describing the underlying inflammatory profiles of the previously described recovery clusters at 5 months after hospital discharge.

METHODS

The Post-hospitalisation COVID-19 study (PHOSP-COVID) is a prospective, longitudinal cohort study recruiting adults (aged ≥18 years) discharged from hospital with COVID-19 across the UK. Recovery was assessed using patient-reported outcome measures, physical performance, and organ function at 5 months and 1 year after hospital discharge, and stratified by both patient-perceived recovery and recovery cluster. Hierarchical logistic regression modelling was performed for patient-perceived recovery at 1 year. Cluster analysis was done using the clustering large applications k-medoids approach using clinical outcomes at 5 months. Inflammatory protein profiling was analysed from plasma at the 5-month visit. This study is registered on the ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN10980107, and recruitment is ongoing.

FINDINGS

2320 participants discharged from hospital between March 7, 2020, and April 18, 2021, were assessed at 5 months after discharge and 807 (32·7%) participants completed both the 5-month and 1-year visits. 279 (35·6%) of these 807 patients were women and 505 (64·4%) were men, with a mean age of 58·7 (SD 12·5) years, and 224 (27·8%) had received invasive mechanical ventilation (WHO class 7-9). The proportion of patients reporting full recovery was unchanged between 5 months (501 [25·5%] of 1965) and 1 year (232 [28·9%] of 804). Factors associated with being less likely to report full recovery at 1 year were female sex (odds ratio 0·68 [95% CI 0·46-0·99]), obesity (0·50 [0·34-0·74]) and invasive mechanical ventilation (0·42 [0·23-0·76]). Cluster analysis (n=1636) corroborated the previously reported four clusters: very severe, severe, moderate with cognitive impairment, and mild, relating to the severity of physical health, mental health, and cognitive impairment at 5 months. We found increased inflammatory mediators of tissue damage and repair in both the very severe and the moderate with cognitive impairment clusters compared with the mild cluster, including IL-6 concentration, which was increased in both comparisons (n=626 participants). We found a substantial deficit in median EQ-5D-5L utility index from before COVID-19 (retrospective assessment; 0·88 [IQR 0·74-1·00]), at 5 months (0·74 [0·64-0·88]) to 1 year (0·75 [0·62-0·88]), with minimal improvements across all outcome measures at 1 year after discharge in the whole cohort and within each of the four clusters.

INTERPRETATION

The sequelae of a hospital admission with COVID-19 were substantial 1 year after discharge across a range of health domains, with the minority in our cohort feeling fully recovered. Patient-perceived health-related quality of life was reduced at 1 year compared with before hospital admission. Systematic inflammation and obesity are potential treatable traits that warrant further investigation in clinical trials.

FUNDING

UK Research and Innovation and National Institute for Health Research.

Process and strategies for patient engagement and outreach in the Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) community to promote clinical trial participation

INTRODUCTION

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States. The Cure Sickle Cell Initiative (CureSCi) was created by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to improve the lives of people with SCD by accelerating the advancement of safe and promising genetic therapies, engaging the SCD community and healthcare providers, and encouraging collaboration among stakeholders. CureSCi is a collaborative, patient-focused research effort that includes patients at every level of the Initiative. Patient engagement is a key component, particularly during the development of clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the processes and strategies utilized by the CureSCi to engage individuals living with SCD about genetic therapy clinical trials.

METHODS

The CureSCi Patient Engagement team conducted nine Community Outreach visits in 2019, each of which was structured to include separate group interviews with patients and medical providers. A set of guidance questions was developed for each audience and the interviews lasted approximately 60 minutes.

RESULTS

Patients were asked about their participation in a clinical trial, and approximately 50% had participated in a trial. SCD individuals reported trusting their medical provider to provide them with information relevant to trials. Medical providers emphasized the individual, family, and health aspects of SCD that warrant additional investigation. Providers reported barriers encountered by patients as transportation, childcare support, infertility, and trust in the healthcare system.

CONCLUSION

Lessons learned from the community have helped to influence recommendations for clinical trial design and key messaging development for the Cure Sickle Cell Initiative.

166 HEALTH TRAJECTORIES OF FRAIL, OLDER PEOPLE WHILE COCOONING DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Background

Cocooning, i.e. staying at home and reducing interaction with others, was a key part of the strategy to protect older people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unfortunately, there are concerns this has had a negative impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of those who have been isolated.

Methods

We completed a survey of 150 patients (55% female, mean age 79.8 years, average Clinical Frailty Scale 4.8) attending ambulatory medical services in a large university hospital.

Questions were focused on: access to healthcare services, mental health, physical health, and attitudes to COVID-19 restrictions.

Results

Almost 40% reported that their mental health was ‘worse’ or ‘much worse’ while cocooning, while over 40% reported a decline in their physical health.

Over 57% had a scheduled healthcare-related visit cancelled while cocooning, most frequently hospital outpatient appointments.

Worryingly, almost 1/6 reported not seeking medical attention for an illness that they would usually. Of these, half did not as they were worried about catching COVID and 46% did not as this service was not currently available to them.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic and lack of access to essential services, both medical and social, has had a devastating impact on older people.

This is evident in both the acute presentations to hospital and the longer-term impact it has had on health and function.

It is important that in the future clear policies are in place to enable older people to access care when they need it.

Physical and mental health of older people while cocooning during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

Cocooning or shielding, i.e. staying at home and reducing face-to-face interaction with other people, was an important part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic for older people. However, concerns exist regarding the long-term adverse effects cocooning may have on their physical and mental health.

AIM

To examine health trajectories and healthcare utilization while cocooning in a cohort of community-dwelling people aged ≥70 years.

DESIGN

Survey of 150 patients (55% female, mean age 80 years and mean Clinical Frailty Scale Score 4.8) attending ambulatory medical services in a large urban university hospital.

METHODS

The survey covered four broad themes: access to healthcare services, mental health, physical health and attitudes to COVID-19 restrictions. Survey data were presented descriptively.

RESULTS

Almost 40% (59/150) reported that their mental health was 'worse' or 'much worse' while cocooning, while over 40% (63/150) reported a decline in their physical health. Almost 70% (104/150) reported exercising less frequently or not exercising at all. Over 57% (86/150) of participants reported loneliness with 1 in 8 (19/150) reporting that they were lonely 'very often'. Half of participants (75/150) reported a decline in their quality of life. Over 60% (91/150) agreed with government advice for those ≥70 years but over 40% (61/150) reported that they disliked the term 'cocooning'.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the likelihood of further restrictions in coming months, clear policies and advice for older people around strategies to maintain social engagement, manage loneliness and continue physical activity and access timely medical care and rehabilitation services should be a priority.

Prevalence and Disparities in Folate and Vitamin B12 Deficiency Among Preschool Children in Guatemala

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies can impair proper growth and brain development in children. Data on the folate and vitamin B12 status of children aged 6-59 months in Guatemala are scarce. Identification of factors associated with higher prevalence of these micronutrient deficiencies within the population is needed for national and regional policymakers.

OBJECTIVE

To describe national and regional post-fortification folate and vitamin B12 status of children aged 6-59 months in Guatemala.

METHODS

A multistage, cluster probability study was carried out with national and regional representation of children aged 6-59 months. Demographic and health information was collected for 1246 preschool children, but blood samples for red blood cell (RBC) folate and vitamin B12 were collected and analyzed for 1,245 and 1143 preschool children, respectively. We used the following deficiency criteria as cutoff points for the analyses: < 305 nmol/L for RBC folate, < 148 pmol/L for vitamin B12 deficiency, and 148-221 pmol/L for marginal vitamin B12 deficiency. Prevalence of RBC folate deficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency and marginal deficiency were estimated. Prevalence risk ratios of RBC folate and vitamin B12 deficiency were estimated comparing subpopulations of interest.

RESULTS

The national prevalence estimates of RBC folate deficiency among children was 33.5% [95% CI 29.1, 38.3]. The prevalence of RBC folate deficiency showed wide variation by age (20.3-46.6%) and was significantly higher among children 6-11 months and 12-23 months (46.6 and 37.0%, respectively), compared to older children aged 48-59 months (20.3%). RBC folate deficiency also varied widely by household wealth index (22.6-42.0%) and geographic region (27.2-46.7%) though the differences were not statistically significant. The national geometric mean for RBC folate concentrations was 354.2 nmol/L. The national prevalences of vitamin B12 deficiency and marginal deficiency among children were 22.5% [95% CI 18.2, 27.5] and 27.5% [95% CI 23.7, 31.7], respectively. The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was significantly higher among indigenous children than among non-indigenous children (34.5% vs. 13.1%, aPRR 2.1 95% CI 1.4, 3.0). The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency also significantly varied between the highest and lowest household wealth index (34.3 and 6.0%, respectively). The national geometric mean for vitamin B12 concentrations was 235.1 pmol/L. The geometric means of folate and B12 concentrations were significantly lower among children who were younger, had a lower household wealth index, and were indigenous (for vitamin B12 only). Folate and vitamin B12 concentrations showed wide variation by region (not statistically significant), and the Petén and Norte regions showed the lowest RBC folate and vitamin B12 concentrations, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, a third of all children had RBC folate deficiency and half were vitamin B12 deficient. Folate deficiency was more common in younger children and vitamin B12 deficiency was more common in indigenous children and those from the poorest families. These findings suggest gaps in the coverage of fortification and the need for additional implementation strategies to address these gaps in coverage to help safeguard the health of Guatemalan children.

137 Specialist Medication Review as Part of the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment in the Day Hospital Setting

Introduction

Medication use in older people is complex. Consequently, regular medication reviews as an integral part of healthcare provision for older people are necessary. Patients attending consultant-led, multidisciplinary, day hospital clinics have specialist medication reviews undertaken by our senior clinical pharmacist. “Pharmacy Interventions” (PIs) are suggested and typed prior to physician-led patient review.

Method

Data collected by our senior clinical pharmacist were reviewed including patient demographics, clinical characteristics, types of prescribed drugs and PIs. Clinical severity of PIs was assessed using the NCC MERP Medication error index and American Journal Health-Syst Pharm Medication error index. Scores, ranging in clinical severity from A-I (A = capacity to cause error, I = may have contributed to death) and 0–10 (0 = no potential effect, 10 = death) were assigned by the pharmacist and two physicians.

Results

100 patients were included, mean age 82y (range 65-99y). 62% were female and 63% were first time attenders. Mean number of regularly prescribed medications was 7.2 (range 1–16), 10% reported compliance issues. The most commonly prescribed drugs belonged to the “Alimentary tract and metabolism” class (24%), including PPIs, laxatives and blood-glucose lowering medications. 16% and 15% were on regularly prescribed neuroactive and psychoactive medications, respectively. Of suggested PIs, 46% were acted upon during physician review, a further 4% were acknowledged in clinical notes. PIs covered many prescribing issues including drug–drug interactions, incorrect dosing, drug monitoring and administration timing. The average PI scores assigned by the pharmacist, physicians 1 and 2 differed, at 6.4, 3.2 and 4.8, respectively.

Conclusion

PIs suggested at senior pharmacy level are an important component of the comprehensive geriatric assessment, highlighting multiple complex prescribing issues. Clinical severity of PIs was scored lower by physicians, perhaps indicating an underestimation of prescribing errors. Senior pharmacy involvement in the care of frail older outpatients is an invaluable resource.

THU0175 REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE OF SWITCHING FROM ORIGINATOR TO BIOSIMILAR RITUXIMAB IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

Pre-clinical and trial data confirm biosimilar rituximab (RTX-B) has equivalent physicochemical properties, function, efficacy and safety as originator (RTX-O)1,2. However, real-world data are lacking, including non-medical switch to RTX-B in patients established on RTX-O. Loss of response (LOR) has been observed following open-label switch to other biosimilars3, and it is unclear how patients who develop LOR after switching should be managed.

Objectives:

To describe our real-world experience of non-medical switch from RTX-O to RTX-B in RA and explore treatment strategies for patients developing LOR to RTX-B (switch back to RTX-O versus other b/tsDMARDs).

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective observational study of RTX-treated RA patients in Leeds from May 2002–Jan 2020. From Oct 2017, all patients on RTX-O were switched to RTX-B unless specified by treating clinician or informed consent not obtained. Demographic and clinical data were collected from electronic health records. Effectiveness was assessed by DAS28-CRP and RTX retention (using Kaplan-Meier method). Changes in treatment were based on clinician judgment.

Results:

944 patients with RA received ≥1 cycle of RTX in Leeds over the past 17 years. Of these, 358 required RTX re-treatment during the study period (Oct 2017–Jan 2020); 263 (73.5%) switched to RTX-B, whilst 95 (26.5%) remained on RTX-O (medical reason=46.3%; patient decision=53.7%). 256/263 patients on RTX-B with 4-month data were analysed. 201/256 (78.5%) were female, mean (SD) age 63.1 (12.4), 97.7% seropositive, 81.6% on csDMARD (62.9% methotrexate), 14.8% oral steroid, 58.6% had previous bDMARDs, and mean (SD) RTX-O cycles pre-switch was 6 (3.6). Total follow-up was 378 patient-years. Mean (SD) DAS28-CRP was 3.01 (1.17) 4 months post-last cycle RTX-O and 3.32 (1.31) post-switch to RTX-B (mean diff +0.30, 95% CI 0.004-0.60; p=0.047), with increase in VAS (+5.7, 95% CI 0.09-11.37; p=0.047), but not SJC, TJC or CRP. At last follow-up, 185/256 (72.3%) patients remained on RTX-B [median (range) RTX-B cycles 2 (1-4)]. RTX-B retention rate estimates were 79.4% and 71.3% at 12 and 18 months respectively. Following RTX-B discontinuation, 33/256 patients (12.8%) switched back to RTX-O [LOR=30 (11.7%), adverse effects (AEs)=3 (1.2%)], 13/256 (5.1%) started other b/tsDMARDs, and 25/256 (9.7%) stopped treatment (no longer indicated=7, deaths=7, loss to follow-up=6, patient choice=3, new contraindication=2). Of 46 patients with LOR/AE to RTX-B, 39 discontinued after cycle 1 (C1), 5 after C2 and 2 after C3. 31/33 patients switched back to RTX-O remained on treatment but follow-up was limited [mean (SD) 7.5 (5.2) months; 23/33 had 1 cycle only]. Compared with patients treated with other b/tsDMARDs, those switched back to RTX-O had more previous RTX-O cycles [mean (SD) 6.67 (3.28) versus 2.62 (2.10); p<0.0001]. Compared with patients who remained on RTX-B (n=185), those who discontinued for LOR/AE/death (n=53) had more previous bDMARDs (mean 1.26 vs 0.83; difference 0.43, 95% CI 0.10-0.77, p=0.01), but no differences in other clinical characteristics, treatment or B-cell numbers.

Conclusion:

Our real-world single-centre experience of non-medical switch from RTX-O to RTX-B in RA showed approx. three quarters of patients remained on RTX-B and maintained stable disease activity. However, apparent LOR occurred in 16%. Of >10% switched back to RTX-O, the majority remained on treatment at short-term follow-up.

References:

[1]Lee at al, MAbs 2018.

[2]Shim et al, Rheumatology 2019.

[3]Tweehuysen et al, AR 2018.

Disclosure of Interests:

Andrew Melville: None declared, Md Yuzaiful Md Yusof: None declared, John Fitton Speakers bureau: Pfizer, Lynda Bailey Speakers bureau: Chugai, Sanofi, Paul Emery Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Pfizer, Roche (all paid to employer), Consultant of: AbbVie (consultant, clinical trials, advisor), Bristol-Myers Squibb (consultant, clinical trials, advisor), Lilly (clinical trials, advisor), Merck Sharp & Dohme (consultant, clinical trials, advisor), Novartis (consultant, clinical trials, advisor), Pfizer (consultant, clinical trials, advisor), Roche (consultant, clinical trials, advisor), Samsung (clinical trials, advisor), Sandoz (clinical trials, advisor), UCB (consultant, clinical trials, advisor), Maya H Buch Grant/research support from: Pfizer, Roche, and UCB, Consultant of: Pfizer; AbbVie; Eli Lilly; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Merck-Serono; Sandoz; and Sanofi, Shouvik Dass Consultant of: Roche, Speakers bureau: Roche, Benazir Saleem Speakers bureau: Sanofi

Identical and Nonidentical Twins: Risk and Factors Involved in Development of Islet Autoimmunity and Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

There are variable reports of risk of concordance for progression to islet autoantibodies and type 1 diabetes in identical twins after one twin is diagnosed. We examined development of positive autoantibodies and type 1 diabetes and the effects of genetic factors and common environment on autoantibody positivity in identical twins, nonidentical twins, and full siblings.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Subjects from the TrialNet Pathway to Prevention Study (N = 48,026) were screened from 2004 to 2015 for islet autoantibodies (GAD antibody [GADA], insulinoma-associated antigen 2 [IA-2A], and autoantibodies against insulin [IAA]). Of these subjects, 17,226 (157 identical twins, 283 nonidentical twins, and 16,786 full siblings) were followed for autoantibody positivity or type 1 diabetes for a median of 2.1 years.

RESULTS

At screening, identical twins were more likely to have positive GADA, IA-2A, and IAA than nonidentical twins or full siblings (all P < 0.0001). Younger age, male sex, and genetic factors were significant factors for expression of IA-2A, IAA, one or more positive autoantibodies, and two or more positive autoantibodies (all P ≤ 0.03). Initially autoantibody-positive identical twins had a 69% risk of diabetes by 3 years compared with 1.5% for initially autoantibody-negative identical twins. In nonidentical twins, type 1 diabetes risk by 3 years was 72% for initially multiple autoantibody-positive, 13% for single autoantibody-positive, and 0% for initially autoantibody-negative nonidentical twins. Full siblings had a 3-year type 1 diabetes risk of 47% for multiple autoantibody-positive, 12% for single autoantibody-positive, and 0.5% for initially autoantibody-negative subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk of type 1 diabetes at 3 years is high for initially multiple and single autoantibody-positive identical twins and multiple autoantibody-positive nonidentical twins. Genetic predisposition, age, and male sex are significant risk factors for development of positive autoantibodies in twins.

International validation of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-BRECON23 quality-of-life questionnaire for women undergoing breast reconstruction

Background

The aim was to carry out phase 4 international field-testing of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) breast reconstruction (BRECON) module. The primary objective was finalization of its scale structure. Secondary objectives were evaluation of its reliability, validity, responsiveness, acceptability and interpretability in patients with breast cancer undergoing mastectomy and reconstruction.

Methods

The EORTC module development guidelines were followed. Patients were recruited from 28 centres in seven countries. A prospective cohort completed the QLQ-BRECON15 before mastectomy and the QLQ-BRECON24 at 4–8 months after reconstruction. The cross-sectional cohort completed the QLQ-BRECON24 at 1–5 years after reconstruction, and repeated this 2–8 weeks later (test–retest reliability). All participants completed debriefing questionnaires.

Results

A total of 438 patients were recruited, 234 in the prospective cohort and 204 in the cross-sectional cohort. A total of 414 reconstructions were immediate, with a comparable number of implants (176) and donor-site flaps (166). Control groups comprised patients who underwent two-stage implant procedures (72, 75 per cent) or delayed reconstruction (24, 25 per cent). Psychometric scale validity was supported by moderate to high item-own scale and item-total correlations (over 0·5). Questionnaire validity was confirmed by good scale-to-sample targeting, and computable scale scores exceeding 50 per cent, except nipple cosmesis (over 40 per cent). In known-group comparisons, QLQ-BRECON24 scales and items differentiated between patient groups defined by clinical criteria, such as type and timing of reconstruction, postmastectomy radiotherapy and surgical complications, with moderate effect sizes. Prospectively, sexuality and surgical side-effects scales showed significant responsiveness over time (P &lt; 0·001). Scale reliability was supported by high Cronbach's α coefficients (over 0·7) and test–retest (intraclass correlation more than 0·8). One item (finding a well fitting bra) was excluded based on high floor/ceiling effects, poor test–retest and weak correlations in factor analysis (below 0·3), thus generating the QLQ-BRECON23 questionnaire.

Conclusion

The QLQ-BRECON23 is an internationally validated tool to be used alongside the EORTC QLQ-C30 (cancer) and QLQ-BR23 (breast cancer) questionnaires for evaluating quality of life and satisfaction after breast reconstruction.

Risk factors for osteoporotic fractures in persons with spinal cord injuries and disorders

Clinical risk factors for fracture were explored among Veterans with a spinal cord injury. At the end of 11 years of follow-up, the absolute risk of fracture was approximately 20 %. Among the clinical and SCI-related factors explored, a prior history of fracture was strongly associated with incident fracture.

INTRODUCTION

Few studies to date have comprehensively addressed clinical risk factors for fracture in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for incident osteoporotic fractures in persons with a SCI that can be easily determined at the point of care.

METHODS

The Veteran's Affairs Spinal Cord Dysfunction Registry, a national database of persons with a SCI, was used to examine clinical and SCI-related risk factors for fracture. Incident fractures were identified in a cohort of persons with chronic SCI, defined as SCI present for at least 2 years. Cox regression models were used to estimate the risk of incident fractures.

RESULTS

There were 22,516 persons with chronic SCI included in the cohort with 3365 incident fractures. The mean observational follow-up time for the overall sample was 6.2 years (median 6.0, IQR 2.9-11.0). The mean observational follow-up time for the fracture group was 3.9 years (median 3.3, IQR 1.4-6.1) and 6.7 years (median 6.7, IQR 3.1-11.0) for the nonfracture group. By the end of the study, which included predominantly older Veterans with a SCI observed for a relatively short period of time, the absolute (i.e., cumulative hazard) for incident fractures was 0.17 (95%CI 0.14-0.21). In multivariable analysis, factors associated with an increased risk of fracture included White race, traumatic etiology of SCI, paraplegia, complete extent of SCI, longer duration of SCI, use of anticonvulsants and opioids, prevalent fractures, and higher Charlson Comorbidity Indices. Women aged 50 and older were also at higher risk of sustaining an incident fracture at any time during the 11-year follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

There are multiple clinical and SCI-related risk factors which can be used to predict fracture in persons with a SCI. Clinicians should be particularly concerned about incident fracture risk in persons with a SCI who have had a previous fracture.

Evaluating different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide in an automated room disinfection system

A comparative study was made on the efficacy of 5, 10 and 35% weight by weight (w/w) hydrogen peroxide solutions when applied using an automated room disinfection system. Six-log biological indicators of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Geobacillus stearothermophilus were produced on stainless steel coupons and placed within a large, sealed, environmentally controlled enclosure. Five percent hydrogen peroxide was distributed throughout the enclosure using a Bioquell hydrogen peroxide vapour generator (BQ-50) for 40 min and left to reside for a further 200 min. Biological indicators were removed at 10-min intervals throughout the first 120 min of the process. The experiment was repeated for 10 and 35% hydrogen peroxide solutions. Five percent and 10% hydrogen peroxide solutions failed to achieve any reduction of MRSA, but achieved full kill of G. stearothermophilus spores at 70 and 40 min respectively. Thirty-five percent hydrogen peroxide achieved a 6-log reduction of MRSA after 30 min and full kill of G. stearothermophilus at 20 min. The concentration of 5% hydrogen peroxide within the enclosure after the 200-min dwell was measured at 9·0 ppm. This level exceeds the 15-min Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL) for hydrogen peroxide of 2·0 ppm. Users of automated hydrogen peroxide disinfection systems should review system efficacy and room re-entry protocols in light of these results.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This research allows hospital infection control teams to consider the impact and risks of using low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide for disinfection within their facilities, and to question automated room disinfection system providers on the efficacy claims they make. The evidence that low concentration hydrogen peroxide solutions do not rapidly, autonomously break down, is in contradiction to the claims made by some hydrogen peroxide equipment providers and raises serious health and safety concerns. Facilities using hydrogen peroxide systems that claim autonomous break down of hydrogen peroxide should introduce monitoring procedures to ensure rooms are safe for re-entry and patient occupation.

Effects of serum indices interference on hormonal results from the Abbott Architect i2000 immunoassay analyser

The routine chemical assays are affected by sample haemolysis, icterus and lipaemia, collectively known as serum indices; however, little attention has been given to the consequences of these conditions on hormonal assays (immunoassays). In this study, we assess the impact of interferences from exogenous serum indices on various endocrine assays performed on the Abbott Architect i2000 system. The pool of 20 serum samples was derived from a hospitalised population. The diluted serum samples were spiked with red cell haemolysate, Intralipid and bilirubin. The interferences were studied at baseline; 12.5%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of 5.0 g/L haemoglobin; 1% of 20% Intralipid; and 0.342 mmol/L of bilirubin according to the EP7-A2 guideline (Interference Testing in Clinical Chemistry; CLSI, USA). Aliquots were analysed in duplicate and/or triplicate for various hormones on the Abbott Architect i2000 immunoassay analyser. Serum ferritin (r2=0.84; P=0.074) and TSH (r2=0.81; P=0.52) levels showed a direct relationship with haemolysis and therefore overestimated because of the effects of haemolysis. The vitamin B12 level progressively decreased as the amount of haemolysis increased (r2=-0.76; P=0.136). There was a significant decrease in progesterone concentration owing to lipaemia (r2=-0.983; P=0.003). For icteric interferences, a strong inverse correlation was observed for folic acid and was shown to be statistically significant (r2=-0.94; P=0.017). Assays for ferritin, TSH, vitamin B12, folic acid and progesterone showed various degrees of interference because of the variability in serum indices.

Safety and efficacy of the addition of bevacizumab (BV) to temozolomide (TMZ) and radiation therapy (RT) followed by BV, TMZ, and irinotecan (CPT-11) for newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)

2015

Background: Standard GBM treatment includes TMZ and RT, and results in a median progression-free survival and median survival of 6.9 and 15.8 months, respectively. GBM have high concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), higher levels are associated with poorer prognosis. BV is a humanized antibody to VEGF with activity in recurrent GBMs. This study aims to improve the survival of newly diagnosed GBM patients by incorporating an anti-angiogenic agent with RT and TMZ, and adding a topoisomerase I inhibitor, and an anti-angiogenic agent to TMZ post-RT therapy. Methods: Patients received standard RT and TMZ at 75 mg/m2/day, with BV at 10 mg/kg every 14 days beginning a minimum of 28 days post-operatively. Following the completion of RT, patients received 6 cycles of BV, TMZ and CPT-11. Each cycle was 28 days. BV was given at a dose of 10 mg/kg on days 1 and 15, TMZ at 200 mg/m2 on days 1–5 and CPT-11 on days 1 and 15 at 125 mg/m2 for patients not on an enzyme inducing anti-epileptic drug (EIAED) and 340 mg/m2 for patients on an EIAED. The study was designed to differentiate between a 16-month survival rate of 45% and 60% with type I and II error rates of 0.05. Results: 75 patients were enrolled between 8/07 and 9/08. All the patients have completed RT; 40 patients continue to receive BV, TMZ, and CPT-11. Twenty-two patients have completed 6 cycles of BV, TMZ, and CPT-11; 17 of them had a cold PET One patient developed a CNS hemorrhage (grade 2) necessitating stopping BV. Five patients developed thrombocytopenia for which TMZ was held (grade 3, n = 1; grade 4, n = 4). There were no other ≥ grade 3 toxicities, including no wound dehiscence during RT. Twelve patients had tumor progression, and 14 stopped because of toxicity, including: 6 with fatigue; 3 with PEs; 2 with grade 4 thrombocytopenia; the patient with CNS hemorrhage, and one each with a rectal abscess and sepsis. There have been 7 deaths: 5 from tumor progression; one each from sepsis and PEs. At a median follow-up of 9 months, 81% remain alive and progression-free. Conclusions: Adding BV to TMZ and RT followed by BV, TMZ with CPT-11 is tolerable and efficacious.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Temozolomide (TMZ) and bevacizumab (BV) as initial treatment for unresectable or multifocal glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)

e13025

Background: GBMs are vascular tumors and inherently resistant to therapy. The prognosis for patients is poor with a median survival of 9–15 months. Patients with unresectable or multifocal GBMs have an even poorer prognosis, with a median survival of 6–8 months. Given the angiogenic phenotype of GBM, we conducted a phase II trial of upfront BV and 5-day TMZ in newly diagnosed unresectable or multifocal GBMs. Methods: Patients had histologically documented newly diagnosed GBMs that were unresectable or multifocal. Patients received up to 4 cycles of temozolomide at 200 mg/m2/d days 1–5 and BV at 10 mg/kg on days 1 and 14 in a 28 day cycle. An MRI was performed after every cycle and patients continued on therapy as long as there was no tumor progression, grade 4 non-hematologic toxicity or recurrent grade 4 hematologic toxicity after a dose reduction to 150 mg/m2/d. The primary endpoint was tumor response using the modified MacDonald criteria plus FLAIR and T2 sequences to evaluate non-enhancing tumor. Results were evaluated by two independent reviewers. Results: 41 patients were enrolled between October 2007 and September 2008 and 31 patients were analyzed after completion of cycle 2. As the best response, there were 8 (25.8%) partial responses, 19 (61.3 %) patients with stable disease, and 4(12.9 %) had disease progression. 19 of the 41 patients enrolled completed four cycles without tumor progression. The regimen was tolerable, with 3 grade 4 hematologic toxicities including neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. There were 2 grade 4 non-hematologic toxicities, including pulmonary embolism. There were two CNS hemorrhages. The median PFS was 3.6 months (2.9 months, 4.4 months) and the median OS was 4.5 months (3.7 months, 5.3 months). Conclusions: Upfront temozolomide and bevacizumab was well tolerated, but synergistic chemotherapy or growth factor inhibitors need to be added to produce meaningful clinical benefit, particularly for unresectable or multifocal GBM.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.