Impact and recovery of the COVID-19 pandemic on weight status of children and adolescents

Recent evidence suggests the immediate effects of the COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions have resulted in increased weight in children and adolescents. However, the longer-term effects have not been assessed. The aim of this study was to examine the impact and longer-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on BMI and weight status of children and adolescents. This study used routinely collected clinical data from the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, comprising two socio-demographically diverse children's hospitals in New South Wales, Australia from 2018 to 2021. Of 245 836 individuals ≤18-years assessed, mean BMI percentile increased from 58.7 (SD 31.6) pre-COVID-19 to 59.8 (SD 31.7) (p < .05) post-restrictions and overweight/obesity increased by 5.5% (obesity alone 6.3%), predominantly in children <12-years and from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The trend in BMI percentile was steady pre-COVID-19 (β = -0.03 [95% CI -0.07, 0.01]), peaked immediately following COVID-19 restrictions (β = 1.28 [95% CI 0.24, 2.32]) and returned to pre-pandemic levels over ensuing 21 months (β = -0.04 [95% CI -0.13, 0.04]). Routine anthropometric measurement facilitates ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the weight status of children and adolescents, helping to identify those at-risk. Despite initial BMI and weight increases among children and adolescents, longer-term follow-up highlighted a return to pre-pandemic rates, possibly attributed to state-wide policies aimed at reducing childhood obesity.

Cardiac Autonomic Nerve Dysfunction Predicts Incident Retinopathy and Early Kidney Dysfunction in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) may contribute to vascular complications in diabetes. We hypothesized that adolescents with CAN are at greater risk of diabetic retinopathy and early kidney dysfunction.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this prospective longitudinal study of 725 adolescents with type 1 diabetes without retinopathy and albuminuria at baseline, early CAN was defined as one or more abnormalities in seven heart rate tests derived from a 10-min electrocardiogram. Retinopathy was defined as the presence of one or more microaneurysms, early kidney dysfunction as an albumin excretion rate (AER) >7.5 μg/min, and albuminuria as an AER >20 μg/min. Multivariable generalized estimating equations were used to examine the association between CAN and retinopathy or early kidney dysfunction. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to assess cumulative risks of incident retinopathy and albuminuria.

RESULTS

At baseline, the mean age of the sample was 13.6 ± 2.6 years, 52% were male, and mean diabetes duration was 6.1 ± 3.3 years. Over a median follow-up of 3.8 (interquartile range 2.2-7.5) years, the complication rate 27% for retinopathy, 16% for early kidney dysfunction, and 3% for albuminuria. The mean study HbA1c was 72.3 ± 16 mmol/mmol (8.6 ± 1.4%). CAN predicted incident retinopathy (odds ratio 2.0 [95% CI 1.4, 2.9]) and early kidney dysfunction (1.4 [1.0, 2.0]) after adjusting for HbA1c and diabetes duration. CAN also predicted retinopathy (hazard ratio 1.57 [95% CI 1.09, 2.26]) and albuminuria (2.30 [1.05, 5.04]) independently of HbA1c.

CONCLUSIONS

CAN predicted incident retinopathy and kidney dysfunction in adolescents with type 1 diabetes, likely reflecting autonomic microvascular dysregulation contributing to complications. Therefore, screening and interventions to reduce CAN may influence the risk of complications.

Universal Subsidized Continuous Glucose Monitoring Funding for Young People With Type 1 Diabetes: Uptake and Outcomes Over 2 Years, a Population-Based Study

OBJECTIVE

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is increasingly used in type 1 diabetes management; however, funding models vary. This study determined the uptake rate and glycemic outcomes following a change in national health policy to introduce universal subsidized CGM funding for people with type 1 diabetes aged <21 years.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Longitudinal data from 12 months before the subsidy until 24 months after were analyzed. Measures and outcomes included age, diabetes duration, HbA1c, episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis and severe hypoglycemia, insulin regimen, CGM uptake, and percentage CGM use. Two data sources were used: the Australasian Diabetes Database Network (ADDN) registry (a prospective diabetes database) and the National Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS) registry that includes almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes nationally.

RESULTS

CGM uptake increased from 5% presubsidy to 79% after 2 years. After CGM introduction, the odds ratio (OR) of achieving the HbA1c target of <7.0% improved at 12 months (OR 2.5, P < 0.001) and was maintained at 24 months (OR 2.3, P < 0.001). The OR for suboptimal glycemic control (HbA1c ≥9.0%) decreased to 0.34 (P < 0.001) at 24 months. Of CGM users, 65% used CGM >75% of time, and had a lower HbA1c at 24 months compared with those with usage <25% (7.8 ± 1.3% vs. 8.6 ± 1.8%, respectively, P < 0.001). Diabetic ketoacidosis was also reduced in this group (incidence rate ratio 0.49, 95% CI 0.33-0.74, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Following the national subsidy, CGM use was high and associated with sustained improvement in glycemic control. This information will inform economic analyses and future policy and serve as a model of evaluation diabetes technologies.

Robust estimation of quantitative perfusion from multi-phase pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling

PURPOSE

Multi-phase PCASL has been proposed as a means to achieve accurate perfusion quantification that is robust to imperfect shim in the labeling plane. However, there exists a bias in the estimation process that is a function of noise in the data. In this work, this bias is characterized and then addressed in animal and human data.

METHODS

The proposed algorithm to overcome bias uses the initial biased voxel-wise estimate of phase tracking error to cluster regions with different off-resonance phase shifts, from which a high-SNR estimate of regional phase offset is derived. Simulations were used to predict the bias expected at typical SNR. Multi-phase PCASL in 3 rat strains (n = 21) at 9.4 T was considered, along with 20 human subjects previously imaged using ASL at 3 T. The algorithm was extended to include estimation of arterial blood flow velocity.

RESULTS

Based on simulations, a perfusion estimation bias of 6-8% was expected using 8-phase data at typical SNR. This bias was eliminated when a high-precision estimate of phase error was available. In the preclinical data, the bias-corrected measure of perfusion (107 ± 14 mL/100g/min) was lower than the standard analysis (116 ± 14 mL/100g/min), corresponding to a mean observed bias across strains of 8.0%. In the human data, bias correction resulted in a 15% decrease in the estimate of perfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a retrospective algorithmic approach, it was possible to exploit common information found in multiple voxels within a whole region of the brain, offering superior SNR and thus overcoming the bias in perfusion quantification from multi-phase PCASL.

Renal and Cardiovascular Risk According to Tertiles of Urinary Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio: The Adolescent Type 1 Diabetes Cardio-Renal Intervention Trial (AdDIT)

OBJECTIVE

Baseline data from the Adolescent Type 1 Diabetes Cardio-Renal Intervention Trial (AdDIT) indicated that tertiles of urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratios (ACRs) in the normal range at age 10-16 years are associated with risk markers for diabetic nephropathy (DN) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to determine whether the top ACR tertile remained associated with DN and CVD risk over the 2-4-year AdDIT study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

One hundred fifty adolescents (mean age 14.1 years [SD 1.6]) with baseline ACR in the upper tertile (high-ACR group) recruited to the AdDIT trial, who remained untreated, and 396 (age 14.3 years [1.6]) with ACR in the middle and lower tertiles (low-ACR group), who completed the parallel AdDIT observational study, were evaluated prospectively with assessments of ACR and renal and CVD markers, combined with carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) at baseline and end of study.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 3.9 years, the cumulative incidence of microalbuminuria was 16.3% in the high-ACR versus 5.5% in the low-ACR group (log-rank P < 0.001). Cox models showed independent contributions of the high-ACR group (hazard ratio 4.29 [95% CI 2.08-8.85]) and HbA_1c (1.37 [1.10-1.72]) to microalbuminuria risk. cIMT change from baseline was significantly greater in the high- versus low-ACR group (mean difference 0.010 mm [0.079], P = 0.006). Changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate, systolic blood pressure, and hs-CRP were also significantly greater in the high-ACR group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

ACR at the higher end of the normal range at the age of 10-16 years is associated with an increased risk of progression to microalbuminuria and future CVD risk, independently of HbA_1c.

Towards Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Models of Chemotherapy-Induced Neutropenia

Neutropenia is a serious toxic complication of chemotherapeutic treatment. For years, mathematical models have been developed to better predict hematological outcomes during chemotherapy in both the traditional pharmaceutical sciences and mathematical biology disciplines. An increasing number of quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) models that combine systems approaches, physiology, and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics have been successfully developed. Here, I detail the shift towards QSP efforts, emphasizing the importance of incorporating systems-level physiological considerations in pharmacometrics.

Should There Be an Age Split for Stroke DRGs? Analysing a Large Clinical Data Set of a Principal Teaching Hospital over a Five-Year Period

The aim of this study was to analyse the inpatient statistics collection relating to stroke patients admitted to a major teaching hospital, with particular reference to length of stay, and to assess the adequacy of the diagnosis related group (DRG) as a predictor of length of stay. The study subjects were selected by DRG to identify all stroke inpatients admitted and discharged between 1 July 1995 and 30 June 2000. There were 1365 stroke discharges (half of whom were over 75 years of age at discharge) over the period of the study. The median length of stay was 8 days, and 67% of the subjects experienced complications and/or comorbidities. Age was significantly associated with increased length of stay of stroke patients, independent of complications or comorbidities.

These findings raise the question of whether casemix-based funding should be based solely on DRGs for complicated conditions such as stroke, or whether additional measures such as age should be used for funding allocation. This study provides a model that health information managers and other researchers could use to analyse inpatient statistics collections at state, territory or national levels.

Australasian Diabetes Data Network: Building a Collaborative Resource

Australasia is a region with a high incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D). There are approximately 140 000 individuals with T1D, and of these 10 000 are children. Although the region covers a huge geographical area, most children with T1D are managed by tertiary academic centers in the major capital cities. Local longitudinal data collection has been in place for several decades in most of these centers, however ongoing national data collection had not been attempted. In 2012, with funding from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Australian Type 1 Clinical Research Network, a national collaboration was formed to provide ongoing longitudinal collection of T1D patient characteristics and outcomes. The initial phase of this collaboration, known as the Australasian Diabetes Data Network or ADDN, was led by the Australasian Paediatric Endocrine Group (APEG) and thus included only children and adolescents. The next phase, commenced in 2016, will see adult sites added through collaboration with the Australian Diabetes Society (ADS). As most of the initial centers had longitudinal data collection in place the model employed was to establish the transfer and collation of data already collected into a central database. This required the definition of a common data dictionary, ethics and governance procedures and the employment of technology to enable efficient and accurate information transfer and accessibility. The ADDN project received widespread support from the diabetes research community with study investigators representing 20 pediatric centers across the region. The first phase focused on the 5 largest centers and at the end of 2015 these centers were uploading patient data to the ADDN database on a quarterly basis resulting in 5271 patients with 83 506 diabetes visits.

A Mathematical Model of Granulopoiesis Incorporating the Negative Feedback Dynamics and Kinetics of G-CSF/Neutrophil Binding and Internalization

We develop a physiological model of granulopoiesis which includes explicit modelling of the kinetics of the cytokine granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) incorporating both the freely circulating concentration and the concentration of the cytokine bound to mature neutrophils. G-CSF concentrations are used to directly regulate neutrophil production, with the rate of differentiation of stem cells to neutrophil precursors, the effective proliferation rate in mitosis, the maturation time, and the release rate from the mature marrow reservoir into circulation all dependent on the level of G-CSF in the system. The dependence of the maturation time on the cytokine concentration introduces a state-dependent delay into our differential equation model, and we show how this is derived from an age-structured partial differential equation model of the mitosis and maturation and also detail the derivation of the rest of our model. The model and its estimated parameters are shown to successfully predict the neutrophil and G-CSF responses to a variety of treatment scenarios, including the combined administration of chemotherapy and exogenous G-CSF. This concomitant treatment was reproduced without any additional fitting to characterize drug-drug interactions.

Approaching Pharmacometrics as a Paleontologist Would: Recovering the Links Between Drugs and the Body Through Reconstruction

Our knowledge of dinosaurs comes primarily from the fossil record. Notwithstanding the condition of these vestiges, paleontologists reconstruct early reptilian life by comparison to previously discovered specimens. When relics are missing, reasonable deductions are used to fill in the gaps.

Neuraxial analgesia effects on labour progression: facts, fallacies, uncertainties and the future

Approximately 60% of women who labour in the USA receive some form of neuraxial analgesia, but concerns have been raised regarding whether it negatively impacts the labour and delivery process. In this review, we attempt to clarify what has been established as truths, falsities and uncertainties regarding the effects of this form of pain relief on labour progression, negative and/or positive. Additionally, although the term 'epidural' has become synonymous with neuraxial analgesia, we discuss two other techniques, combined spinal-epidural and continuous spinal analgesia, that are gaining popularity, as well as their effects on labour progression.

An integrated pressure and pathway approach to the spatial analysis of groundwater nitrate: a case study from the southeast of Ireland

Excess nitrogen in soil, aquatic and atmospheric environments is an escalating global problem. Eutrophication is the principal threat to surface water quality in the Republic of Ireland. European Union Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) water quality status assessments found that 16% of Irish groundwater bodies were 'at risk' of poor status due to the potential deterioration of associated estuarine and coastal water quality by nitrate from groundwater. This paper presents a methodology for evaluating pressure and pathway parameters affecting the spatial distribution of groundwater nitrate, investigated at a regional scale using existing national spatial datasets. The potential for nitrate transfer to groundwater was rated based on the introduced concepts of Pressure Loading and Pathway Connectivity Rating, each based on a combination of selected pressure and pathway parameters respectively. In the region studied, the South Eastern River Basin District of Ireland, this methodology identified that pathway parameters were more important than pressure parameters in understanding the spatial distribution of groundwater nitrate. Statistical analyses supported these findings and further demonstrated that the proportion of poorly drained soils, arable land, karstic flow regimes, regionally important bedrock aquifers and high vulnerability groundwater within the zones of contribution of the monitoring points are statistically significantly related to groundwater nitrate concentrations. Soil type was found to be the most important parameter. Analysis of variance showed that a number of the pressure and pathway parameters are interrelated. The parameters identified by the presented methodology may provide useful insights into the best way to manage and mitigate the influence of nitrate contamination of groundwater in this region. It is suggested that the identification of critical source areas based on the identified parameters would be an appropriate management tool, enabling planning and enforcement resources to be focussed on areas which will yield most benefit.

Extended follow-up of an antibiotic cycling program for the management of febrile neutropenia in a hematologic malignancy and hematopoietic cell transplantation unit

BACKGROUND

Febrile neutropenia is a common complication during treatment of hematological malignancies and hematopoietic cell transplantation. Empiric antibiotic therapy in this setting, while standard of care, commonly leads to microbial resistance. We have previously shown that cycling antibiotics in this patient population is feasible. This report provides long-term follow-up of cycling antibiotics in this patient population.

METHODS

In a prospective cohort of hematological malignancy patients with neutropenic fever, we sought to evaluate the role of empiric antibiotic cycling in preventing antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic cycling was initiated in March 2002 and, until June 2005, antibiotics were cycled every 8 months (Cycling Period A). From July 2005 to December 2009, antibiotics were cycled every 3 months (Cycling Period B). The rates of bacteremia, resistance, and complications were compared to a retrospective cohort (Pre-cycling Period).

RESULTS

The rate of gram-negative bacteremia decreased when compared to Cycling Periods A and B (5.3 vs. 2.1 and 3.3 episodes/1000 patient-days, respectively, P < 0.0001), most likely owing to implementation of quinolone prophylaxis. The resistance profile of the gram-negative organisms isolated remained stable over the 3 time periods, with the exception of an increase in quinolone resistance during the cycling periods. Gram-positive bacteremia rates remained stable, but vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) increased significantly (0.1 vs. 1.0 and 1.6 episodes/1000 patient-days, respectively, P = 0.005) during cycling periods. Mortality rates were comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

Antibiotic cycling for neutropenic fever was effectively implemented and followed over an extended time period. Gram-negative resistance remained stable, but there is some concern for selection of resistant gram-positive bacteria, specifically VRE. Although antibiotic cycling did not seem to cause resistance in our study, further study is necessary to clarify the effect of cycling on antibiotic resistance, patient outcomes, and hospital cost.

Onset and complications of varicella zoster reactivation in the autologous hematopoietic cell transplant population

BACKGROUND

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections are a common complication in patients receiving autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT). Recent guideline revisions suggest extending VZV prophylaxis to 1 year after autologous HCT. We retrospectively evaluated reactivation at our center, before implementation of extended acyclovir prophylaxis, to determine onset and outcome in the autologous HCT population.

METHODS

Inclusion criteria consisted of adult patients who received an autologous HCT with documentation for at least 1 year post transplant. Those excluded from review were patients who received acyclovir prophylaxis for >30 days post transplant or subsequently received an allogeneic transplant within 1 year. For patients in whom reactivation occurred, the severity of infection, the timing of onset, treatment of the reactivation, and any complications were recorded.

RESULTS

In the final analysis, 56 patients were assessed. Reactivation of zoster occurred in 16% of recipients with a median onset of 4.5 months post transplant. Complications that were observed include postherpetic neuralgia, severe pain, scarring, and motor weakness. Two patients required hospitalization for treatment, with 1 patient requiring 6 months of rehabilitation for motor weakness following the infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed a 16% incidence of VZV reactivation in our autologous HCT population. The onset of these occurrences ranged from 2 to 10 months post transplant, with significant VZV-associated complications. We consider VZV reactivation a serious concern in the autologous transplant setting, requiring extended prophylaxis.