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Titus LJ, Reisch LM, Tosteson ANA, Nelson HD, Frederick PD, Carney PA, Barnhill RL, Elder DE, Weinstock MA, Piepkorn MW, Elmore JG. Malpractice Concerns, Defensive Medicine, and the Histopathology Diagnosis of Melanocytic Skin Lesions. Am J Clin Pathol 2019; 150:338-345. [PMID: 30007278 DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqy057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The impact of malpractice concerns on pathologists' use of defensive medicine and interpretations of melanocytic skin lesions (MSLs) is unknown. Methods A total of 207 pathologists interpreting MSLs responded to a survey about past involvement in malpractice litigation, influence of malpractice concerns on diagnosis, and use of assurance behaviors (defensive medicine) to alleviate malpractice concerns. Assurance behaviors included requesting second opinions, additional slides, additional sampling, and ordering specialized tests. Results Of the pathologists, 27.5% reported that malpractice concerns influenced them toward a more severe MSL diagnosis. Nearly all (95.2%) pathologists reported practicing at least one assurance behavior due to malpractice concerns, and this practice was associated with being influenced toward a more severe MSL diagnosis (odds ratio, 2.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.41-5.26). Conclusions One of four US skin pathologists upgrade MSL diagnosis due to malpractice concerns, and nearly all practice assurance behaviors. Assurance behaviors are associated with rendering a more severe MSL diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda J Titus
- Department of Epidemiology and Pediatrics, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Hanover, NH
| | - Lisa M Reisch
- Department of Medicine, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Hanover, NH
| | - Anna N A Tosteson
- Departments of Medicine and Community and Family Medicine, Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Hanover, NH
| | - Heidi D Nelson
- Departments of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology and Medicine, Portland
| | - Paul D Frederick
- Department of Medicine, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Hanover, NH
| | - Patricia A Carney
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland
| | - Raymond L Barnhill
- Department of Pathology, Institut Curie, Paris Sciences and Letters Research University, University of Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - David E Elder
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Martin A Weinstock
- Center for Dermatoepidemiology, VA Medical Center, Providence Department of Dermatology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence.,Departments of Dermatology and Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Michael W Piepkorn
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle.,Dermatopathology Northwest, Bellevue, WA
| | - Joann G Elmore
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
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Davidson TM, Rendi MH, Frederick PD, Onega T, Allison KH, Mercan E, Brunyé TT, Shapiro LG, Weaver DL, Elmore JG. Breast Cancer Prognostic Factors in the Digital Era: Comparison of Nottingham Grade using Whole Slide Images and Glass Slides. J Pathol Inform 2019; 10:11. [PMID: 31057980 PMCID: PMC6489380 DOI: 10.4103/jpi.jpi_29_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: To assess reproducibility and accuracy of overall Nottingham grade and component scores using digital whole slide images (WSIs) compared to glass slides. Methods: Two hundred and eight pathologists were randomized to independently interpret 1 of 4 breast biopsy sets using either glass slides or digital WSI. Each set included 5 or 6 invasive carcinomas (22 total invasive cases). Participants interpreted the same biopsy set approximately 9 months later following a second randomization to WSI or glass slides. Nottingham grade, including component scores, was assessed on each interpretation, providing 2045 independent interpretations of grade. Overall grade and component scores were compared between pathologists (interobserver agreement) and for interpretations by the same pathologist (intraobserver agreement). Grade assessments were compared when the format (WSI vs. glass slides) changed or was the same for the two interpretations. Results: Nottingham grade intraobserver agreement was highest using glass slides for both interpretations (73%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%, 78%) and slightly lower but not statistically different using digital WSI for both interpretations (68%, 95% CI: 61%, 75%; P= 0.22). The agreement was lowest when the format changed between interpretations (63%, 95% CI: 59%, 68%). Interobserver agreement was significantly higher (P < 0.001) using glass slides versus digital WSI (68%, 95% CI: 66%, 70% versus 60%, 95% CI: 57%, 62%, respectively). Nuclear pleomorphism scores had the lowest inter- and intra-observer agreement. Mitotic scores were higher on glass slides in inter- and intra-observer comparisons. Conclusions: Pathologists’ intraobserver agreement (reproducibility) is similar for Nottingham grade using glass slides or WSI. However, slightly lower agreement between pathologists suggests that verification of grade using digital WSI may be more challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara M Davidson
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mara H Rendi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Paul D Frederick
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tracy Onega
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Kimberly H Allison
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ezgi Mercan
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tad T Brunyé
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Linda G Shapiro
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Donald L Weaver
- Department of Pathology, University of Vermont Cancer Center, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Joann G Elmore
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Carney PA, Frederick PD, Reisch LM, Titus L, Knezevich SR, Weinstock MA, Piepkorn MW, Barnhill RL, Elder DE, Weaver DL, Elmore JG. Complexities of perceived and actual performance in pathology interpretation: A comparison of cutaneous melanocytic skin and breast interpretations. J Cutan Pathol 2018; 45:478-490. [PMID: 29603324 PMCID: PMC6013368 DOI: 10.1111/cup.13147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about how pathologists process differences between actual and perceived interpretations. OBJECTIVE To compare perceived and actual diagnostic agreement before and after educational interventions. METHODS Pathologists interpreted test sets of skin and/or breast specimens that included benign, atypical, in situ and invasive lesions. Interventions involved self-directed learning, one skin and one breast, that showed pathologists how their interpretations compared to a reference diagnoses. Prior to the educational intervention, participants estimated how their interpretations would compare to the reference diagnoses. After the intervention, participants estimated their overall agreement with the reference diagnoses. Perceived and actual agreements were compared. RESULTS For pathologists interpreting skin, mean actual agreement was 52.4% and overall pre- and postinterventional mean perceived agreement was 72.9% vs 54.2%, an overestimated mean difference of 20.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 17.2% to 24.0%) and 1.8% (95% CI -0.5% to 4.1%), respectively. For pathologists interpreting breast, mean actual agreement was 75.9% and overall pre- and postinterventional mean perceived agreement was 81.4% vs 76.9%, an overestimation of 5.5% (95% CI 3.0% to 8.0%) and 1.0% (95% CI 0.0% to 2.0%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Pathologists interpreting breast tissue had improved comprehension of their performance after the intervention compared to pathologists interpreting skin lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A. Carney
- Professor of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Paul D. Frederick
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Lisa M. Reisch
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Linda Titus
- Departments of Epidemiology and of Pediatrics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH
| | | | - Martin A. Weinstock
- Professor of Dermatology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Michael W. Piepkorn
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA; Dermatopathology Northwest, Bellevue, WA
| | - Raymond L. Barnhill
- Department of Pathology, Institut Curie, University of Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - David E. Elder
- Department of Pathology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Joann G. Elmore
- Professor of Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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Radick AC, Phipps AI, Piepkorn MW, Nelson HD, Barnhill RL, Elder DE, Reisch LM, Frederick PD, Elmore JG. Characteristics and diagnostic performance of pathologists who enjoy interpreting melanocytic lesions. Dermatol Online J 2018; 24:13030/qt96g5q3sz. [PMID: 30142708 PMCID: PMC6463485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Diagnostic discrepancy among pathologists interpreting melanocytic skin lesions (MSL) is an ongoing concern for patient care. Given that job satisfaction could impact patient care, this study aimed to characterize which pathologists enjoy interpreting MSL and estimate the association between enjoyment and diagnostic accuracy. Pathologists' demographics, training, and experience were obtained by a cross-sectional survey. Associations between these characteristics and self-reported enjoyment when interpreting MSL were estimated by Pearson's Chi-square tests. Diagnostic accuracy was determined by comparing pathologists' MSL interpretations with reference standard diagnoses. Associations between enjoyment and diagnostic accuracy were evaluated by generalized estimating equations (GEE) models. One hundred and eighty-seven (90%) pathologists completed the study. Seventy percent agreed that interpreting MSL is enjoyable. Pathologists who enjoyed interpreting MSL were more likely to be board certified and/or fellowship trained in dermatopathology (P=0.008), have ?10 years of experience (P=0.010) and have an MSL caseload of ?60 per month (P=<0.001). After adjustment, there was no association between enjoyment and diagnostic accuracy. Our data suggest that job dissatisfaction does not adversely affect diagnostic accuracy in the interpretation of melanocytic lesions, which is of importance given the progressive increase in annual biopsy rates and the attendant work demands imposed on pathologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Radick
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington.
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Radick AC, Phipps AI, Piepkorn MW, Nelson HD, Barnhill RL, Elder DE, Reisch LM, Frederick PD, Elmore JG. Characteristics and diagnostic performance of pathologists who enjoy interpreting melanocytic lesions. Dermatol Online J 2018. [DOI: 10.5070/d3246040708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Onega T, Weaver DL, Frederick PD, Allison KH, Tosteson ANA, Carney PA, Geller BM, Longton GM, Nelson HD, Oster NV, Pepe MS, Elmore JG. The diagnostic challenge of low-grade ductal carcinoma in situ. Eur J Cancer 2017; 80:39-47. [PMID: 28535496 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2017.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnostic agreement among pathologists is 84% for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Studies of interpretive variation according to grade are limited. METHODS A national sample of 115 pathologists interpreted 240 breast pathology test set cases in the Breast Pathology Study and their interpretations were compared to expert consensus interpretations. We assessed agreement of pathologists' interpretations with a consensus reference diagnosis of DCIS dichotomised into low- and high-grade lesions. Generalised estimating equations were used in logistic regression models of rates of under- and over-interpretation of DCIS by grade. RESULTS We evaluated 2097 independent interpretations of DCIS (512 low-grade DCIS and 1585 high-grade DCIS). Agreement with reference diagnoses was 46% (95% confidence interval [CI] 42-51) for low-grade DCIS and 83% (95% CI 81-86) for high-grade DCIS. The proportion of reference low-grade DCIS interpretations over-interpreted by pathologists (i.e. categorised as either high-grade DCIS or invasive cancer) was 23% (95% CI 19-28); 30% (95% CI 26-34) were interpreted as a lower diagnostic category (atypia or benign proliferative). Reference high-grade DCIS was under-interpreted in 14% (95% CI 12-16) of observations and only over-interpreted 3% (95% CI 2-4). CONCLUSION Grade is a major factor when examining pathologists' variability in diagnosing DCIS, with much lower agreement for low-grade DCIS cases compared to high-grade. These findings support the hypothesis that low-grade DCIS poses a greater interpretive challenge than high-grade DCIS, which should be considered when developing DCIS management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Onega
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Department of Epidemiology, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice and Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA.
| | - Donald L Weaver
- Department of Pathology, University of Vermont and UVM Cancer Center, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Paul D Frederick
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kimberly H Allison
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Anna N A Tosteson
- Department of Medicine, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice and Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Patricia A Carney
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Berta M Geller
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05401, USA
| | - Gary M Longton
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Heidi D Nelson
- Providence Cancer Center, Providence Health and Services Oregon, and Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology and Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Natalia V Oster
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Margaret S Pepe
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Joann G Elmore
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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Samples LS, Rendi MH, Frederick PD, Allison KH, Nelson HD, Morgan TR, Weaver DL, Elmore JG. Surgical implications and variability in the use of the flat epithelial atypia diagnosis on breast biopsy specimens. Breast 2017; 34:34-43. [PMID: 28475933 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Flat epithelial atypia (FEA) is a relatively new diagnostic term with uncertain clinical significance for surgical management. Any implied risk of invasive breast cancer associated with FEA is contingent upon diagnostic reproducibility, yet little is known regarding its use. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pathologists in the Breast Pathology Study interpreted one of four 60-case test sets, one slide per case, constructed from 240 breast biopsy specimens. An electronic data form with standardized diagnostic categories was used; participants were instructed to indicate all diagnoses present. We assessed participants' use of FEA as a diagnostic term within: 1) each test set; 2) 72 cases classified by reference as benign without FEA; and 3) six cases classified by reference as FEA. 115 pathologists participated, providing 6900 total independent assessments. RESULTS Notation of FEA ranged from 0% to 35% of the cases interpreted, with most pathologists noting FEA on 4 or more test cases. At least one participant noted FEA in 34 of the 72 benign non-FEA cases. For the 6 reference FEA cases, participant agreement with the case reference FEA diagnosis ranged from 17% to 52%; diagnoses noted by participating pathologists for these FEA cases included columnar cell hyperplasia, usual ductal hyperplasia, atypical lobular hyperplasia, and atypical ductal hyperplasia. CONCLUSIONS We observed wide variation in the diagnosis of FEA among U.S. pathologists. This suggests that perceptions of diagnostic criteria and any implied risk associated with FEA may also vary. Surgical excision following a core biopsy diagnosis of FEA should be reconsidered and studied further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura S Samples
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, 325 Ninth Ave, Box 359780, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Mara H Rendi
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St., Box 356100, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Paul D Frederick
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, 325 Ninth Ave, Box 359780, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Kimberly H Allison
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Lane 235, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Heidi D Nelson
- Providence Cancer Center, Providence Health and Services Oregon, and Departments of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology and Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Mail Code FM, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Thomas R Morgan
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, 325 Ninth Ave, Box 359780, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
| | - Donald L Weaver
- Department of Pathology and University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont, Given Courtyard, 89 Beaumont Ave, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Joann G Elmore
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, 325 Ninth Ave, Box 359780, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.
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Geller BM, Nelson HD, Weaver DL, Frederick PD, Allison KH, Onega T, Carney PA, Tosteson ANA, Elmore JG. Characteristics associated with requests by pathologists for second opinions on breast biopsies. J Clin Pathol 2017; 70:947-953. [PMID: 28465449 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2016-204231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Second opinions in pathology improve patient safety by reducing diagnostic errors, leading to more appropriate clinical treatment decisions. Little objective data are available regarding the factors triggering a request for second opinion despite second opinion consultations being part of the diagnostic system of pathology. Therefore we sought to assess breast biopsy cases and interpreting pathologists characteristics associated with second opinion requests. METHODS Collected pathologist surveys and their interpretations of 60 test set cases were used to explore the relationships between case characteristics, pathologist characteristics and case perceptions, and requests for second opinions. Data were evaluated by logistic regression and generalised estimating equations. RESULTS 115 pathologists provided 6900 assessments; pathologists requested second opinions on 70% (4827/6900) of their assessments 36% (1731/4827) of these would not have been required by policy. All associations between case characteristics and requesting second opinions were statistically significant, including diagnostic category, breast density, biopsy type, and number of diagnoses noted per case. Exclusive of institutional policies, pathologists wanted second opinions most frequently for atypia (66%) and least frequently for invasive cancer (20%). Second opinion rates were higher when the pathologist had lower assessment confidence, in cases with higher perceived difficulty, and cases with borderline diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS Pathologists request second opinions for challenging cases, particularly those with atypia, high breast density, core needle biopsies, or many co-existing diagnoses. Further studies should evaluate whether the case characteristics identified in this study could be used as clinical criteria to prompt system-level strategies for mandating second opinions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta M Geller
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Heidi D Nelson
- Departments of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology and Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University; and Providence Cancer Center, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Donald L Weaver
- Department of Pathology, University of Vermont and UVM Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Paul D Frederick
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kimberly H Allison
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Tracy Onega
- Departments of Biomedical Data Science and Epidemiology, Norris Cotton Cancer Center and The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Patricia A Carney
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Anna N A Tosteson
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center and The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Joann G Elmore
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Onega T, Reisch LM, Frederick PD, Geller BM, Nelson HD, Lott JP, Radick AC, Elder DE, Barnhill RL, Piepkorn MW, Elmore JG. Use of Digital Whole Slide Imaging in Dermatopathology. J Digit Imaging 2017; 29:243-53. [PMID: 26546178 DOI: 10.1007/s10278-015-9836-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital whole slide imaging (WSI) is an emerging technology for pathology interpretation, with specific challenges for dermatopathology, yet little is known about pathologists' practice patterns or perceptions regarding WSI for interpretation of melanocytic lesions. A national sample of pathologists (N = 207) was recruited from 864 invited pathologists from ten US states (CA, CT, HI, IA, KY, LA, NJ, NM, UT, and WA). Pathologists who had interpreted melanocytic lesions in the past year were surveyed in this cross-sectional study. The survey included questions on pathologists' experience, WSI practice patterns and perceptions using a 6-point Likert scale. Agreement was summarized with descriptive statistics to characterize pathologists' use and perceptions of WSI. The majority of participating pathologists were between 40 and 59 years of age (62%) and not affiliated with an academic medical center (71%). Use of WSI was seen more often among dermatopathologists and participants affiliated with an academic medical center. Experience with WSI was reported by 41%, with the most common type of use being for education and testing (CME, board exams, and teaching in general, 71%), and clinical use at tumor boards and conferences (44%). Most respondents (77%) agreed that accurate diagnoses can be made with this technology, and 59% agreed that benefits of WSI outweigh concerns. However, 78% of pathologists reported that digital slides are too slow for routine clinical interpretation. The respondents were equally split as to whether they would like to adopt WSI (49%) or not (51%). The majority of pathologists who interpret melanocytic lesions do not use WSI, but among pathologists who do, use is largely for CME, licensure/board exams, and teaching. Positive perceptions regarding WSI slightly outweigh negative perceptions. Understanding practice patterns with WSI as dissemination advances may facilitate concordance of perceptions with adoption of the technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Onega
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Department of Epidemiology, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH, USA.
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, NH, USA.
| | | | | | - Berta M Geller
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Vermont Burlington, Burlington, VT, USA
| | | | | | | | - David E Elder
- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Raymond L Barnhill
- Department of Pathology, Institut Curie, Paris, France
- University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael W Piepkorn
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Dermatopathology Northwest, Bellevue, WA, USA
| | - Joann G Elmore
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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10
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Titus L, Barnhill RL, Lott JP, Piepkorn MW, Elder DE, Chb MB, Frederick PD, Nelson HD, Carney PA, Knezevich SR, Weinstock MA, Elmore JG. The influence of tumor regression, solar elastosis, and patient age on pathologists' interpretation of melanocytic skin lesions. J Transl Med 2017; 97:187-193. [PMID: 27892931 PMCID: PMC5280085 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2016.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
It is not known whether patient age or tumor characteristics such as tumor regression or solar elastosis influence pathologists' interpretation of melanocytic skin lesions (MSLs). We undertook a study to determine the influence of these factors, and to explore pathologist's characteristics associated with the direction of diagnosis. To meet our objective, we designed a cross-sectional survey study of pathologists' clinical practices and perceptions. Pathologists were recruited from diverse practices in 10 states in the United States. We enrolled 207 pathologist participants whose practice included the interpretation of MSLs. Our findings indicated that the majority of pathologists (54.6%) were influenced toward a less severe diagnosis when patients were <30 years of age. Most pathologists were influenced toward a more severe diagnosis when patients were >70 years of age, or by the presence of tumor regression or solar elastosis (58.5%, 71.0%, and 57.0%, respectively). Generally, pathologists with dermatopathology board certification and/or a high caseload of MSLs were more likely to be influenced, whereas those with more years' experience interpreting MSL were less likely to be influenced. Our findings indicate that the interpretation of MSLs is influenced by patient age, tumor regression, and solar elastosis; such influence is associated with dermatopathology training and higher caseload, consistent with expertise and an appreciation of lesion complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Titus
- Departments of Epidemiology and of Pediatrics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH
| | - Raymond L. Barnhill
- Departments of Pathology, Institut Curie and Faculty of Medicine, University of Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | | | - Michael W. Piepkorn
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA; Dermatopathology Northwest, Bellevue, WA
| | | | - MB Chb
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Paul D. Frederick
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Heidi D. Nelson
- Providence Cancer Center, Providence Health and Services Oregon, and Departments of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology and Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Patricia A. Carney
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | | | - Martin A. Weinstock
- Center for Dermatoepidemiology, VA Medical Center, Providence Department of Dermatology, Rhode Island Hospital; Departments of Dermatology and Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Joann G. Elmore
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
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Jackson SL, Frederick PD, Pepe MS, Nelson HD, Weaver DL, Allison KH, Carney PA, Geller BM, Tosteson ANA, Onega T, Elmore JG. Diagnostic Reproducibility: What Happens When the Same Pathologist Interprets the Same Breast Biopsy Specimen at Two Points in Time? Ann Surg Oncol 2016; 24:1234-1241. [PMID: 27913946 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-016-5695-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgeons may receive a different diagnosis when a breast biopsy is interpreted by a second pathologist. The extent to which diagnostic agreement by the same pathologist varies at two time points is unknown. METHODS Pathologists from eight U.S. states independently interpreted 60 breast specimens, one glass slide per case, on two occasions separated by ≥9 months. Reproducibility was assessed by comparing interpretations between the two time points; associations between reproducibility (intraobserver agreement rates); and characteristics of pathologists and cases were determined and also compared with interobserver agreement of baseline interpretations. RESULTS Sixty-five percent of invited, responding pathologists were eligible and consented; 49 interpreted glass slides in both study phases, resulting in 2940 interpretations. Intraobserver agreement rates between the two phases were 92% [95% confidence interval (CI) 88-95] for invasive breast cancer, 84% (95% CI 81-87) for ductal carcinoma-in-situ, 53% (95% CI 47-59) for atypia, and 84% (95% CI 81-86) for benign without atypia. When comparing all study participants' case interpretations at baseline, interobserver agreement rates were 89% (95% CI 84-92) for invasive cancer, 79% (95% CI 76-81) for ductal carcinoma-in-situ, 43% (95% CI 41-45) for atypia, and 77% (95% CI 74-79) for benign without atypia. CONCLUSIONS Interpretive agreement between two time points by the same individual pathologist was low for atypia and was similar to observed rates of agreement for atypia between different pathologists. Physicians and patients should be aware of the diagnostic challenges associated with a breast biopsy diagnosis of atypia when considering treatment and surveillance decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L Jackson
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Paul D Frederick
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Margaret S Pepe
- Program in Biostatistics and Biomathematics, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, USA
| | - Heidi D Nelson
- Providence Cancer Center, Providence Health and Services Oregon, Portland, USA.,Departments of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology and Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, USA
| | - Donald L Weaver
- Department of Pathology and University of Vermont Cancer Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Kimberly H Allison
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, USA
| | - Patricia A Carney
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, USA
| | - Berta M Geller
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, USA
| | - Anna N A Tosteson
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Lebanon, USA.,Department of Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, USA
| | - Tracy Onega
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Lebanon, USA
| | - Joann G Elmore
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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12
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Lott JP, Elmore JG, Zhao GA, Knezevich SR, Frederick PD, Reisch LM, Chu EY, Cook MG, Duncan LM, Elenitsas R, Gerami P, Landman G, Lowe L, Messina JL, Mihm MC, van den Oord JJ, Rabkin MS, Schmidt B, Shea CR, Yun SJ, Xu GX, Piepkorn MW, Elder DE, Barnhill RL. Evaluation of the Melanocytic Pathology Assessment Tool and Hierarchy for Diagnosis (MPATH-Dx) classification scheme for diagnosis of cutaneous melanocytic neoplasms: Results from the International Melanoma Pathology Study Group. J Am Acad Dermatol 2016; 75:356-63. [PMID: 27189823 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2016.04.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathologists use diverse terminology when interpreting melanocytic neoplasms, potentially compromising quality of care. OBJECTIVE We sought to evaluate the Melanocytic Pathology Assessment Tool and Hierarchy for Diagnosis (MPATH-Dx) scheme, a 5-category classification system for melanocytic lesions. METHODS Participants (n = 16) of the 2013 International Melanoma Pathology Study Group Workshop provided independent case-level diagnoses and treatment suggestions for 48 melanocytic lesions. Individual diagnoses (including, when necessary, least and most severe diagnoses) were mapped to corresponding MPATH-Dx classes. Interrater agreement and correlation between MPATH-Dx categorization and treatment suggestions were evaluated. RESULTS Most participants were board-certified dermatopathologists (n = 15), age 50 years or older (n = 12), male (n = 9), based in the United States (n = 11), and primary academic faculty (n = 14). Overall, participants generated 634 case-level diagnoses with treatment suggestions. Mean weighted kappa coefficients for diagnostic agreement after MPATH-Dx mapping (assuming least and most severe diagnoses, when necessary) were 0.70 (95% confidence interval 0.68-0.71) and 0.72 (95% confidence interval 0.71-0.73), respectively, whereas correlation between MPATH-Dx categorization and treatment suggestions was 0.91. LIMITATIONS This was a small sample size of experienced pathologists in a testing situation. CONCLUSION Varying diagnostic nomenclature can be classified into a concise hierarchy using the MPATH-Dx scheme. Further research is needed to determine whether this classification system can facilitate diagnostic concordance in general pathology practice and improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason P Lott
- Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Joann G Elmore
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington.
| | - Ge A Zhao
- Division of Dermatology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Paul D Frederick
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Lisa M Reisch
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Emily Y Chu
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Martin G Cook
- University of Surrey Division of Clinical Medicine, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Lyn M Duncan
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rosalie Elenitsas
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Pedram Gerami
- Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Gilles Landman
- Department of Pathology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lori Lowe
- Department of Pathology and Dermatology, University of Michigan Hospital and Health Systems, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jane L Messina
- Departments of Anatomic Pathology and Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Center, and Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida
| | - Martin C Mihm
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joost J van den Oord
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Birgitta Schmidt
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Christopher R Shea
- Section of Dermatology, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sook Jung Yun
- Department of Dermatology, Chonnam National University School of Medicine, Gwangju, Korea
| | - George X Xu
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael W Piepkorn
- Division of Dermatology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - David E Elder
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Raymond L Barnhill
- Department of Pathology, Institut Curie and Faculty of Medicine, University of Paris Descartes, Paris, France
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13
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Zhao G, Lee KC, Kwon G, Frederick PD, Onega TL, Piepkorn MW, Knezevich S, Barnhill RL, Elder DE, Elmore JG. The self-reported use of immunostains and cytogenetic testing in the diagnosis of melanoma by practicing U.S. pathologists of 10 selected states. J Cutan Pathol 2016; 43:492-7. [PMID: 26968847 DOI: 10.1111/cup.12705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS The diagnosis of melanoma can be challenging, especially in lesions for which the histopathologic criteria bridge two or more taxonomic categories. Newer genomic analytical methods of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) have been introduced as ancillary techniques to differentiate benign and malignant melanocytic proliferations. METHODS We evaluated how pathologists perceive and are incorporating these new cytogenetic testing technologies into their practices. We conducted a study of 207 U.S. pathologists who interpret melanocytic lesions in clinical practice in 10 SEER states. Pathologists were surveyed regarding perceptions and utilization of FISH and/or CGH in their clinical practices. RESULTS Results showed that 38% of pathologists use FISH and/or CGH in interpreting melanocytic lesions. Pathologists reporting FISH and/or CGH use were significantly younger (p < 0.05), were fellowship trained or board certified in dermatopathology (p < 0.001) and were affiliated with an academic institute (p < 0.001). Pathologists reporting that their colleagues consider them an expert in the assessment of melanocytic lesions were more likely to employ FISH and/or CGH in their practices than non-experts. CONCLUSIONS Early users of cytogenetic testing technologies in cutaneous pathology are more likely to be younger, affiliated with an academic institution and fellowship trained or board certified in dermatopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Zhao
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kachiu C Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gina Kwon
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Paul D Frederick
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tracy L Onega
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH, USA.,Department of Community and Family Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Michael W Piepkorn
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.,Dermatopathology Northwest, Bellevue, WA, USA
| | | | - Raymond L Barnhill
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Paris Descartes, Paris, France.,Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - David E Elder
- Department of Pathology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joann G Elmore
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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Frederick PD, Nelson HD, Carney PA, Brunyé TT, Allison KH, Weaver DL, Elmore JG. The Influence of Disease Severity of Preceding Clinical Cases on Pathologists' Medical Decision Making. Med Decis Making 2016; 37:91-100. [PMID: 27037007 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x16638326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical decision making may be influenced by contextual factors. We evaluated whether pathologists are influenced by disease severity of recently observed cases. METHODS Pathologists independently interpreted 60 breast biopsy specimens (one slide per case; 240 total cases in the study) in a prospective randomized observational study. Pathologists interpreted the same cases in 2 phases, separated by a washout period of >6 months. Participants were not informed that the cases were identical in each phase, and the sequence was reordered randomly for each pathologist and between phases. A consensus reference diagnosis was established for each case by 3 experienced breast pathologists. Ordered logit models examined the effect the pathologists' diagnoses on the preceding case or the 5 preceding cases had on their diagnosis for the subsequent index case. RESULTS Among 152 pathologists, 49 provided interpretive data in both phases I and II, 66 from only phase I, and 37 from phase II only. In phase I, pathologists were more likely to indicate a more severe diagnosis than the reference diagnosis when the preceding case was diagnosed as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or invasive cancer (proportional odds ratio [POR], 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-1.42). Results were similar when considering the preceding 5 cases and for the pathologists in phase II who interpreted the same cases in a different order compared with phase I (POR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.05-1.31). CONCLUSION Physicians appear to be influenced by the severity of previously interpreted test cases. Understanding types and sources of diagnostic bias may lead to improved assessment of accuracy and better patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul D Frederick
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA (PDF, JGE)
| | - Heidi D Nelson
- Providence Cancer Center, Providence Health and Services Oregon, and Departments of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology and Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA (HDN)
| | - Patricia A Carney
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA (PAC)
| | - Tad T Brunyé
- Center for Applied Brain & Cognitive Sciences, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA (TTB)
| | - Kimberly H Allison
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA (KHA)
| | - Donald L Weaver
- Department of Pathology, University of Vermont and UVM Cancer Center, Burlington, VT, USA (DLW)
| | - Joann G Elmore
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA (PDF, JGE)
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15
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Reisch LM, Carney PA, Oster NV, Weaver DL, Nelson HD, Frederick PD, Elmore JG. Medical malpractice concerns and defensive medicine: a nationwide survey of breast pathologists. Am J Clin Pathol 2015; 144:916-22. [PMID: 26572999 DOI: 10.1309/ajcp80lyimooujif] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES "Assurance behaviors" in medical practice involve providing additional services of marginal or no medical value to avoid adverse outcomes, deter patients from filing malpractice claims, or ensure that legal standards of care were met. The extent to which concerns about medical malpractice influence assurance behaviors of pathologists interpreting breast specimens is unknown. METHODS Breast pathologists (n = 252) enrolled in a nationwide study completed an online survey of attitudes regarding malpractice and perceived alterations in interpretive behavior due to concerns of malpractice. Associations between pathologist characteristics and the impact of malpractice concerns on personal and colleagues' assurance behaviors were determined by χ(2) and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Most participants reported using one or more assurance behaviors due to concerns about medical malpractice for both their personal (88%) and colleagues' (88%) practices, including ordering additional stains, recommending additional surgical sampling, obtaining second reviews, or choosing the more severe diagnosis for borderline cases. Nervousness over breast pathology was positively associated with assurance behavior and remained statistically significant in a multivariable logistic regression model (odds ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-6.1; P = .043). CONCLUSIONS Practicing US breast pathologists report exercising defensive medicine by using assurance behaviors due to malpractice concerns.
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16
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Carney PA, Frederick PD, Reisch LM, Knezevich S, Piepkorn MW, Barnhill RL, Elder DE, Geller BM, Titus L, Weinstock MA, Nelson HD, Elmore JG. How concerns and experiences with medical malpractice affect dermatopathologists' perceptions of their diagnostic practices when interpreting cutaneous melanocytic lesions. J Am Acad Dermatol 2015; 74:317-24; quiz 324.e1-8. [PMID: 26559597 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Revised: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to identify characteristics associated with past malpractice lawsuits and how malpractice concerns may affect interpretive practices. METHODS We surveyed 207 of 301 (68.8%) eligible dermatopathologists who interpret melanocytic skin lesions in 10 states. The survey assessed dermatopathologists' demographic and clinical practice characteristics, perceptions of how medical malpractice concerns could influence their interpretive practices, and past malpractice lawsuits. RESULTS Of dermatopathologists, 33% reported past malpractice experiences. Factors associated with being sued included older age (57 vs 48 years, P < .001), lack of board certification or fellowship training in dermatopathology (76.5% vs 53.2%, P = .001), and greater number of years interpreting melanocytic lesions (>20 years: 52.9% vs 20.1%, P < .001). Of participants, 64% reported being moderately or extremely confident in their melanocytic interpretations. Although most dermatopathologists believed that malpractice concerns increased their likelihood of ordering specialized pathology tests, obtaining recuts, and seeking a second opinion, none of these practices were associated with past malpractice. Most dermatopathologists reported concerns about potential harms to patients that may result from their assessments of melanocytic lesions. LIMITATIONS Limitations of this study include lack of validation of and details about the malpractice suits experienced by participating dermatopathologists. In addition, the study assessed perceptions of practice rather than actual practices that might be associated with malpractice incidents. CONCLUSIONS Most dermatopathologists reported apprehension about how malpractice affects their clinical practice and are concerned about patient safety irrespective of whether they had actually experienced a medical malpractice suit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Carney
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon; Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon.
| | - Paul D Frederick
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Lisa M Reisch
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Michael W Piepkorn
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington; Dermatopathology Northwest, Bellevue, Washington
| | - Raymond L Barnhill
- Department of Pathology, University of California, Los Angeles, California; Department of Pathology, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - David E Elder
- Pathology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Berta M Geller
- Family Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Linda Titus
- Epidemiology and of Pediatrics, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Martin A Weinstock
- Dermatology and Epidemiology, Center for Dermatoepidemiology, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island; Department of Dermatology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island; Departments of Dermatology and Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Heidi D Nelson
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon; Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon; Cancer Prevention and Screening, Providence Cancer Center, Providence Health and Services Oregon, Portland, Oregon
| | - Joann G Elmore
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
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17
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Geller BM, Nelson HD, Carney PA, Weaver DL, Onega T, Allison KH, Frederick PD, Tosteson ANA, Elmore JG. Second opinion in breast pathology: policy, practice and perception. J Clin Pathol 2014; 67:955-60. [PMID: 25053542 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2014-202290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To assess the laboratory policies, pathologists' clinical practice and perceptions about the value of second opinions for breast pathology cases among pathologists practising in the USA. METHODS Cross-sectional data were collected from 252 pathologists who interpret breast specimens in eight states using a web-based survey. Descriptive statistics were used to characterise findings. RESULTS Most participants had >10 years of experience interpreting breast specimens (64%), were not affiliated with academic centres (73%) and were not considered experts by their peers (79%). Laboratory policies mandating second opinions varied by diagnosis: invasive cancer 65%; ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) 56%; atypical ductal hyperplasia 36% and other benign cases 33%. 81% obtained second opinions in the absence of policies. Participants believed they improve diagnostic accuracy (96%) and protect from malpractice suits (83%), and were easy to obtain, did not take too much time and did not make them look less adequate. The most common (60%) approach to resolving differences between the first and second opinion is to ask for a third opinion, followed by reaching a consensus. CONCLUSIONS Laboratory-based second opinion policies vary for breast pathology but are most common for invasive cancer and DCIS cases. Pathologists have favourable attitudes towards second opinions, adhere to policies and obtain them even when policies are absent. Those without a formal policy may benefit from supportive clinical practices and systems that help obtain second opinions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta M Geller
- Department of Family Medicine, OHPR, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Heidi D Nelson
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Patricia A Carney
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Donald L Weaver
- Department of Pathology, University of Vermont and Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Tracy Onega
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center and The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Kimberly H Allison
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Paul D Frederick
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Anna N A Tosteson
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center and The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Joann G Elmore
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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18
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Canto JG, Kiefe CI, Rogers WJ, Peterson ED, Frederick PD, French WJ, Gibson CM, Pollack CV, Ornato JP, Zalenski RJ, Penney J, Tiefenbrunn AJ, Greenland P. Atherosclerotic risk factors and their association with hospital mortality among patients with first myocardial infarction (from the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction). Am J Cardiol 2012; 110:1256-61. [PMID: 22840346 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2012.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Revised: 06/05/2012] [Accepted: 06/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have examined associations between atherosclerotic risk factors and short-term mortality after first myocardial infarction (MI). Histories of 5 traditional atherosclerotic risk factors at presentation (diabetes, hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia, and family history of premature heart disease) and hospital mortality were examined among 542,008 patients with first MIs in the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction (1994 to 2006). On initial MI presentation, history of hypertension (52.3%) was most common, followed by smoking (31.3%). The least common risk factor was diabetes (22.4%). Crude mortality was highest in patients with MI with diabetes (11.9%) and hypertension (9.8%) and lowest in those with smoking histories (5.4%) and dyslipidemia (4.6%). The inclusion of 5 atherosclerotic risk factors in a stepwise multivariate model contributed little toward predicting hospital mortality over age alone (C-statistic = 0.73 and 0.71, respectively). After extensive multivariate adjustments for clinical and sociodemographic factors, patients with MI with diabetes had higher odds of dying (odds ratio [OR] 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20 to 1.26) than those without diabetes and similarly for hypertension (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.11). Conversely, family history (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.73), dyslipidemia (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.64), and smoking (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.88) were associated with decreased mortality (C-statistic = 0.82 for the full model). In conclusion, in the setting of acute MI, histories of diabetes and hypertension are associated with higher hospital mortality, but the inclusion of atherosclerotic risk factors in models of hospital mortality does not improve predictive ability beyond other major clinical and sociodemographic characteristics.
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Canto AJ, Kiefe CI, Goldberg RJ, Rogers WJ, Peterson ED, Wenger NK, Vaccarino V, Frederick PD, Sopko G, Zheng ZJ, Canto JG. Differences in symptom presentation and hospital mortality according to type of acute myocardial infarction. Am Heart J 2012; 163:572-9. [PMID: 22520522 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2012.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2011] [Accepted: 01/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chest pain/discomfort (CP) is the hallmark symptom of acute myocardial infarction (MI), but some patients with MI present without CP. We hypothesized that MI type (ST-segment elevation MI [STEMI] or non-STEMI [NSTEMI]) may be associated with the presence or absence of CP. METHODS We investigated the association between CP at presentation and MI type, hospital care, and mortality among 1,143,513 patients with MI in the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction (NRMI) from 1994 to 2006. RESULTS Overall, 43.6% of patients with NSTEMI and 27.1% of patients with STEMI presented without CP. For both MI type, patients without CP were older, were more frequently female, had more diabetes or history of heart failure, were more likely to delay hospital arrival, and were less likely to receive evidence-based medical therapies and invasive cardiac procedures. Multivariable analysis indicated that NSTEMI (vs STEMI) was the strongest predictor of atypical symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI], 1.93 [1.91-1.95]). Within the 4 CP/MI type categories, hospital mortality was highest for no CP/STEMI (27.8%), followed by no CP/NSTEMI (15.3%) and CP/STEMI (9.6%), and was lowest for CP/NSTEMI (5.4%). The adjusted odds ratio of mortality was 1.38 (1.35-1.41) for no CP (vs CP) in the STEMI group and 1.31 (1.28-1.34) in the NSTEMI group. CONCLUSIONS Hospitalized patients with NSTEMI were nearly 2-fold more likely to present without CP than patients with STEMI. Patients with MI without CP were less quickly diagnosed and treated and had higher adjusted odds of hospital mortality, regardless of whether they had ST-segment elevation.
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20
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Shroff GR, Frederick PD, Herzog CA. Renal failure and acute myocardial infarction: clinical characteristics in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, on dialysis, and without chronic kidney disease. A collaborative project of the United States Renal Data System/National Institutes of Health and the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction. Am Heart J 2012; 163:399-406. [PMID: 22424010 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2011.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2011] [Accepted: 12/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience poor outcomes after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We sought to compare clinical characteristics of advanced CKD, dialysis, and non-CKD patients hospitalized with AMI. METHODS This observational study used record-linked data from the US Renal Data System and Third National Registry of Myocardial Infarction to identify 2,390 dialysis patients with AMI hospitalizations between April 1998 and June 2000. Advanced CKD patients (n = 29,319) were identified by baseline creatinine level ≥2.5 mg/dL. Clinical characteristics of CKD, dialysis, and non-CKD patients (n = 274,777) were compared using the χ(2) test. RESULTS Clinically significant differences among patients with advanced CKD (dialysis and non-CKD, respectively) on admission were chest pain, 40.4% (41.1% and 61.6%); diagnosis other than acute coronary syndrome, 44% (47.7% and 25.8%); and ST elevation, 15.9% (17.6% and 32.5%). In-hospital adverse outcomes were mortality, 23% (21.7% and 12.6%); unexpected cardiac arrest, 8.9% (12.3% and 6%); congestive heart failure, 41% (25.8% and 21.1%); and major bleeding, 4.9% (4.4% and 3%); P < .001 for all comparisons. In a logistic regression model, the adjusted odds ratio for in-hospital mortality for CKD (vs non-CKD) patients was 1.44 (95% CI 1.39-1.49). CONCLUSIONS The clinical characteristics of non-dialysis-dependent, advanced CKD patients with AMI are similar to characteristics of dialysis patients and likely contribute to poor outcomes. Intensive efforts for timely, accurate recognition of AMI in advanced CKD patients are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gautam R Shroff
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center and University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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21
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Canto JG, Rogers WJ, Goldberg RJ, Peterson ED, Wenger NK, Vaccarino V, Kiefe CI, Frederick PD, Sopko G, Zheng ZJ. Association of age and sex with myocardial infarction symptom presentation and in-hospital mortality. JAMA 2012; 307:813-22. [PMID: 22357832 PMCID: PMC4494682 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2012.199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 432] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Women are generally older than men at hospitalization for myocardial infarction (MI) and also present less frequently with chest pain/discomfort. However, few studies have taken age into account when examining sex differences in clinical presentation and mortality. OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between sex and symptom presentation and between sex, symptom presentation, and hospital mortality, before and after accounting for age in patients hospitalized with MI. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS Observational study from the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction, 1994-2006, of 1,143,513 registry patients (481,581 women and 661,932 men). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We examined predictors of MI presentation without chest pain and the relationship between age, sex, and hospital mortality. RESULTS The proportion of MI patients who presented without chest pain was significantly higher for women than men (42.0% [95% CI, 41.8%-42.1%] vs 30.7% [95% CI, 30.6%-30.8%]; P < .001). There was a significant interaction between age and sex with chest pain at presentation, with a larger sex difference in younger than older patients, which became attenuated with advancing age. Multivariable adjusted age-specific odds ratios (ORs) for lack of chest pain for women (referent, men) were younger than 45 years, 1.30 (95% CI, 1.23-1.36); 45 to 54 years, 1.26 (95% CI, 1.22-1.30); 55 to 64 years, 1.24 (95% CI, 1.21-1.27); 65 to 74 years, 1.13 (95% CI, 1.11-1.15); and 75 years or older, 1.03 (95% CI, 1.02-1.04). Two-way interaction (sex and age) on MI presentation without chest pain was significant (P < .001). The in-hospital mortality rate was 14.6% for women and 10.3% for men. Younger women presenting without chest pain had greater hospital mortality than younger men without chest pain, and these sex differences decreased or even reversed with advancing age, with adjusted OR for age younger than 45 years, 1.18 (95% CI, 1.00-1.39); 45 to 54 years, 1.13 (95% CI, 1.02-1.26); 55 to 64 years, 1.02 (95% CI, 0.96-1.09); 65 to 74 years, 0.91 (95% CI, 0.88-0.95); and 75 years or older, 0.81 (95% CI, 0.79-0.83). The 3-way interaction (sex, age, and chest pain) on mortality was significant (P < .001). CONCLUSION In this registry of patients hospitalized with MI, women were more likely than men to present without chest pain and had higher mortality than men within the same age group, but sex differences in clinical presentation without chest pain and in mortality were attenuated with increasing age.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G Canto
- Watson Clinic and Lakeland Regional Medical Center, Lakeland, Florida 33805, USA.
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22
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Canto JG, Kiefe CI, Rogers WJ, Peterson ED, Frederick PD, French WJ, Gibson CM, Pollack CV, Ornato JP, Zalenski RJ, Penney J, Tiefenbrunn AJ, Greenland P. Number of coronary heart disease risk factors and mortality in patients with first myocardial infarction. JAMA 2011; 306:2120-7. [PMID: 22089719 PMCID: PMC4494683 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2011.1654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Few studies have examined the association between the number of coronary heart disease risk factors and outcomes of acute myocardial infarction in community practice. OBJECTIVE To determine the association between the number of coronary heart disease risk factors in patients with first myocardial infarction and hospital mortality. DESIGN Observational study from the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction, 1994-2006. PATIENTS We examined the presence and absence of 5 major traditional coronary heart disease risk factors (hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and family history of coronary heart disease) and hospital mortality among 542,008 patients with first myocardial infarction and without prior cardiovascular disease. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE All-cause in-hospital mortality. RESULTS A majority (85.6%) of patients who presented with initial myocardial infarction had at least 1 of the 5 coronary heart disease risk factors, and 14.4% had none of the 5 risk factors. Age varied inversely with the number of coronary heart disease risk factors, from a mean age of 71.5 years with 0 risk factors to 56.7 years with 5 risk factors (P for trend < .001). The total number of in-hospital deaths for all causes was 50,788. Unadjusted in-hospital mortality rates were 14.9%, 10.9%, 7.9%, 5.3%, 4.2%, and 3.6% for patients with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 risk factors, respectively. After adjusting for age and other clinical factors, there was an inverse association between the number of coronary heart disease risk factors and hospital mortality adjusted odds ratio (1.54; 95% CI, 1.23-1.94) among individuals with 0 vs 5 risk factors. This association was consistent among several age strata and important patient subgroups. CONCLUSION Among patients with incident acute myocardial infarction without prior cardiovascular disease, in-hospital mortality was inversely related to the number of coronary heart disease risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G Canto
- Center for Cardiovascular Prevention, Research and Education, Watson Clinic, 1600 Lakeland Hill Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33805, USA.
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23
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Pinto DS, Frederick PD, Chakrabarti AK, Kirtane AJ, Ullman E, Dejam A, Miller DP, Henry TD, Gibson CM. Benefit of transferring ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients for percutaneous coronary intervention compared with administration of onsite fibrinolytic declines as delays increase. Circulation 2011; 124:2512-21. [PMID: 22064592 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.111.018549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although randomized trials suggest that transfer for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (X-PCI) in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction is superior to onsite fibrinolytic therapy (O-FT), the generalizability of these findings to routine clinical practice is unclear because door-to-balloon (XDB) times are rapid in randomized trials but are frequently prolonged in practice. We hypothesized that delays resulting from transfer would reduce the survival advantage of X-PCI compared with O-FT. METHODS AND RESULTS ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients enrolled in the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction (NRMI) within 12 hours of pain onset were identified. Propensity matching of patients treated with X-PCI and O-FT was performed, and the effect of PCI-related delay on in-hospital mortality was assessed. PCI-related delay was calculated by subtracting the XDB from the door-to-needle time in each matched pair. Conditional logistic regression adjusted for patient and hospital variables identified the XDB door-to-needle time at which no mortality advantage for X-PCI over O-FT was present. Eighty-one percent of X-PCI patients were matched (n=9506) to O-FT patients (n=9506). In the matched cohort, X-PCI was performed with delays >90 minutes in 68%. Multivariable analysis found no mortality advantage for X-PCI over O-FT when XDB door-to-needle time exceeded ≈120 minutes. CONCLUSION PCI-related delays are extensive among patients transferred for X-PCI and are associated with poorer outcomes. No differential excess in mortality was seen with X-PCI compared with O-FT even with long PCI-related delays, but as XDB door-to-needle time times increase, the mortality advantage for X-PCI over O-FT declines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duane S Pinto
- Division of Cardiology, Interventional Section, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 185 Pilgrim Rd., Boston MA 02115, USA.
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Pride YB, Canto JG, Frederick PD, Gibson CM. Outcomes Among Patients With ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction Presenting to Interventional Hospitals With and Without On-Site Cardiac Surgery. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2009; 2:574-82. [DOI: 10.1161/circoutcomes.108.841296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background—
Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) is the preferred reperfusion strategy for patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The quality of care and safety and efficacy of pPCI at hospitals without on-site open heart surgery (No-OHS hospitals) remains an area of active investigation.
Methods and Results—
The National Registry of Myocardial Infarction enrolled 58 821 STEMI patients from 214 OHS hospitals (n=54 076) and 52 No-OHS hospitals (n=4745) with PCI capabilities from 2004 to 2006. Patients presenting to OHS hospitals had substantially lower in-hospital mortality (7.0% versus 9.8%,
P
<0.001) and were more likely to receive any form of acute reperfusion therapy (80.8% versus 70.8%,
P
<0.001). Patients who presented to OHS hospitals were more likely to receive guideline recommended medications within 24 hours of arrival. In a propensity score model matching for patient characteristics and transfer status, in-hospital mortality remained significantly lower among patients presenting to OHS hospitals (7.2% versus 9.3%,
P
=0.025). When this model was further adjusted for differences in the use of acute reperfusion therapy, medications administered within 24 hours and hospital characteristics, the mortality difference was of borderline significance (hazard ratio, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.75 to 1.01;
P
=0.067). When the propensity score analysis was restricted to patients who underwent pPCI, there was no significant difference in mortality (3.8% versus 3.3%,
P
=0.44).
Conclusions—
STEMI patients presenting to No-OHS hospitals have substantially higher mortality, are less likely to receive guideline recommended medications within 24 hours, and are less likely to undergo acute reperfusion therapy, although this difference was of borderline significance after adjusting for hospital and treatment variables. There was no difference in mortality among patients undergoing pPCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri B. Pride
- From the Department of Medicine (Y.B.P.) and Division of Cardiology (C.M.G.), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass; the Center for Cardiovascular Prevention, Research, and Education (J.G.C.), Watson Clinic, Lakeland, Fla; and ICON Clinical Research (P.D.F.), San Francisco, Calif
| | - John G. Canto
- From the Department of Medicine (Y.B.P.) and Division of Cardiology (C.M.G.), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass; the Center for Cardiovascular Prevention, Research, and Education (J.G.C.), Watson Clinic, Lakeland, Fla; and ICON Clinical Research (P.D.F.), San Francisco, Calif
| | - Paul D. Frederick
- From the Department of Medicine (Y.B.P.) and Division of Cardiology (C.M.G.), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass; the Center for Cardiovascular Prevention, Research, and Education (J.G.C.), Watson Clinic, Lakeland, Fla; and ICON Clinical Research (P.D.F.), San Francisco, Calif
| | - C. Michael Gibson
- From the Department of Medicine (Y.B.P.) and Division of Cardiology (C.M.G.), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass; the Center for Cardiovascular Prevention, Research, and Education (J.G.C.), Watson Clinic, Lakeland, Fla; and ICON Clinical Research (P.D.F.), San Francisco, Calif
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Champney KP, Frederick PD, Bueno H, Parashar S, Foody J, Merz CNB, Canto JG, Lichtman JH, Vaccarino V. The joint contribution of sex, age and type of myocardial infarction on hospital mortality following acute myocardial infarction. Heart 2009; 95:895-9. [PMID: 19147625 DOI: 10.1136/hrt.2008.155804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Younger, but not older, women have a higher mortality than men of similar age after a myocardial infarction (MI). We sought to determine whether this relationship is true for both ST elevation MI (STEMI) and non-ST elevation MI (NSTEMI). DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING 1057 USA hospitals participant in the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction between 2000 and 2006. PATIENTS 126 172 STEMI and 235 257 NSTEMI patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Hospital death. RESULTS For both STEMI and NSTEMI, the younger the patient's age, the greater the excess mortality risk for women compared with men, while older women fared similarly (STEMI) or better (NSTEMI) than men (p<0.0001 for the age-sex interaction). In STEMI, the unadjusted women-to-men RR was 1.68 (95% CI 1.41 to 2.01), 1.78 (1.59 to 1.99), 1.45 (1.34 to 1.57), 1.08 (1.02 to 1.14) and 1.03 (0.98 to 1.07) for age <50 years, age 50-59, age 60-69, age 70-79 and age 80-89, respectively. For NSTEMI, corresponding unadjusted RRs were 1.56 (1.31 to 1.85), 1.42 (1.27 to 1.58), 1.17 (1.09 to 1.25), 0.92 (0.88 to 0.96) and 0.86 (0.83 to 0.89). After adjusting for risk status, the excess risk for younger women compared with men decreased to approximately 15-20%, while a better survival of older NSTEMI women compared with men persisted. CONCLUSIONS Sex-related differences in short-term mortality are age-dependent in both STEMI and NSTEMI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- K P Champney
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30306, USA
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26
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Fonarow GC, French WJ, Frederick PD. Trends in the use of lipid-lowering medications at discharge in patients with acute myocardial infarction: 1998 to 2006. Am Heart J 2009; 157:185-194.e2. [PMID: 19081417 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2008.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2008] [Accepted: 09/02/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compelling evidence demonstrates that certain lipid-lowering medications improve outcomes after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but to what extent national utilization has increased in response to trials and guidelines has not been well studied. The objective of this study is to determine trends in the use of lipid-lowering medications at discharge for AMI. METHODS A time trend analysis was conducted on treatment rates with lipid-lowering medications from 1998 to 2006 in 996,364 patients with AMI hospitalized in 1,669 hospitals participating in the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction (NRMI) 3, 4, and 5. RESULTS Between 1998 and 2006, use of lipid-lowering medications at discharge increased from 29.3% to 83.8%, (relative risk [RR] 2.86, 95% CI 2.84-2.89, P < .0001). Increased use was observed in men (RR 2.71) and women (RR 3.17); age younger than 65 years (RR 2.32) and 65 years or older (RR 3.46); teaching (RR 2.47) and nonteaching hospitals (RR 2.96); and in all regions of the country. After adjusting for multiple other independent predictors, the temporal increase in use of lipid-lowering medications remained highly significant (RR 2.70, 95% CI 2.68-2.73, P < .0001). A significant upward jump in the rate of lipid-lowering medication use was observed most notably in month 72, corresponding to the publication on the PROVE-IT trial (Pravastatin or Atorvastatin Evaluation and Infection Therapy trial). CONCLUSIONS Use of lipid-lowering medications in patients hospitalized with AMI has increased substantially in the United States in the past 8 years. The increase in the lipid-lowering medication use was possibly accelerated by certain randomized clinical trial evidence demonstrating improved outcomes in this high-risk population.
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Rogers WJ, Frederick PD, Stoehr E, Canto JG, Ornato JP, Gibson CM, Pollack CV, Gore JM, Chandra-Strobos N, Peterson ED, French WJ. Trends in presenting characteristics and hospital mortality among patients with ST elevation and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction in the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction from 1990 to 2006. Am Heart J 2008; 156:1026-34. [PMID: 19032996 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2008.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 283] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2008] [Accepted: 07/16/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although ST elevation (STEMI) and non-ST elevation (NSTEMI) myocardial infarction (AMI) have been the focus of intense clinical investigation, limited information exists on characteristics and hospital mortality of patients not enrolled in clinical trials. Previous large databases have reported declining mortality of patients with STEMI but have not noted substantial mortality change among those with NSTEMI. METHODS The National Registry of Myocardial Infarction enrolled 2,515,106 patients at 2,157 US hospitals from 1990 to 2006. Of these, we evaluated 1,950,561 with diagnoses reflecting acute myocardial ischemia on admission. RESULTS From 1990 to 2006, the proportion of NSTEMI increased from 14.2% to 59.1% (P < .0001), whereas the proportion of STEMI decreased. Mean age increased (from 64.1 to 66.4 years, P < .0001) as did the proportion of females (from 32.4% to 37.0%, P < .0001). Patients were less likely to report prior angina, prior AMI, or family history of coronary artery disease but more likely to report history of diabetes, hypertension, current smoking, heart failure, prior revascularization, stroke, and hyperlipidemia. From 1994 to 2006, hospital mortality fell among all patients (10.4% to 6.3%), STEMI (11.5% to 8.0%), and NSTEMI (7.1% to 5.2%), (all P < .0001). After adjustment for baseline covariates, hospital mortality fell among all patients by 23.6% (odds ratio [OR] 0.764, 95% CI 0.744-0.785), STEMI by 24.2% (OR 0.758, 0.732-0.784), and NSTEMI by 22.6% (OR 0.774, 0.741-0.809), all P < .001. CONCLUSIONS This large, observational database from 1990 to 2006 shows increasing prevalence of NSTEMI and, despite higher risk profile on presentation, falling risk-adjusted hospital mortality in patients with either STEMI or NSTEMI.
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Gibson CM, Pride YB, Frederick PD, Pollack CV, Canto JG, Tiefenbrunn AJ, Weaver WD, Lambrew CT, French WJ, Peterson ED, Rogers WJ. Trends in reperfusion strategies, door-to-needle and door-to-balloon times, and in-hospital mortality among patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction enrolled in the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction from 1990 to 2006. Am Heart J 2008; 156:1035-44. [PMID: 19032997 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2008.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2008] [Accepted: 07/09/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), rapid reperfusion is associated with improved mortality. As such, door-to-needle (D2N) and door-to-balloon (D2B) times have become metrics of quality of care and targets for intense quality improvement. METHODS The National Registry of Myocardial Infarction (NRMI) collected data regarding reperfusion therapy, its timing and in-hospital mortality among STEMI patients from 1990 through 2006. RESULTS Since 1990, NRMI has enrolled 1,374,232 STEMI patients at 2,157 hospitals. Among those, 774,279 (56.3%) were eligible for reperfusion upon arrival. The proportion receiving fibrinolytic therapy fell from 52.5% in 1990 to 27.6% in 2006 (P < .001), while the proportion undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) increased from 2.6% to 43.2%. Among reperfusion-eligible patients who received fibrinolytic therapy, there was a nearly linear decline in median D2N time from 59 minutes in 1990 to 29 minutes in 2006 (P < .001 for trend) as well as a decrease in mortality from 7.0% in 1994 to 6.0% in 2006 (P < .001). Among those undergoing pPCI, D2B time among nontransfer patients declined linearly from 111 minutes in 1994 to 79 minutes in 2006 (P < .001) with a decline in mortality from 8.6% to 3.1% (P < .001). The relative improvement in mortality attributable to improvements in D2N time was 16.3% and to D2B time was 7.5%. CONCLUSIONS Since 1990, there has been a progressive decline in D2N and D2B time among reperfusion-eligible STEMI patients. These improvements have contributed, at least in part, to a progressive decline in mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Michael Gibson
- Cardiovascular Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Steinberg BA, French WJ, Peterson E, Frederick PD, Cannon CP. Is coding for myocardial infarction more accurate now that coding descriptions have been clarified to distinguish ST-elevation myocardial infarction from non-ST elevation myocardial infarction? Am J Cardiol 2008; 102:513-7. [PMID: 18721504 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2008.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2008] [Revised: 04/17/2008] [Accepted: 04/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Outcomes are typically graded on the basis of diagnoses coded according to the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9). To facilitate performance measurement, the ICD-9 codes for acute myocardial infarction changed in October 2005 to completely separate non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI; code 410.71) and ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI; all other codes 410.x), yet it is unclear whether these changes have been implemented by coders. Patients in the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction (NRMI), version 5, were categorized in 2 ways: by electrocardiographic (ECG) findings and ICD-9 codes. Agreement between ECG findings and ICD-9 codes for type of myocardial infarction (STEMI or NSTEMI) was assessed before and after ICD-9 revision. Mortality rates were measured in a subgroup of patients discharged without transfer after the coding change. There were 102,679 hospitalizations before October 2005 and 63,012 hospitalizations after the coding change, among which the mean age was 66.7 years. Previously, 81% of NSTEMIs (by ECG diagnosis) were coded ICD-9 410.71; after the reclassification of code 410.71 to reflect NSTEMI, 82% of NSTEMIs were coded 410.71 (p <0.001). Overall, the correlation of ECG diagnosis with ICD-9 code improved only slightly after the coding change. In conclusion, despite more distinctly separated definitions of STEMI and NSTEMI in the new ICD-9 coding system as of October 2005, there appears to be little change in coding, which may reflect a lack of awareness of this substantial change in classification.
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Herzog CA, Littrell K, Arko C, Frederick PD, Blaney M. Clinical characteristics of dialysis patients with acute myocardial infarction in the United States: a collaborative project of the United States Renal Data System and the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction. Circulation 2007; 116:1465-72. [PMID: 17785621 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.107.696765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is catastrophic for dialysis patients. This study set out to determine the clinical characteristics of dialysis patients hospitalized for AMI in the United States. METHODS AND RESULTS This retrospective cohort study used data from the US Renal Data System (USRDS) database (n=1,285,177) and the third National Registry of Myocardial Infarction (NRMI 3) (n=537,444). AMI hospitalizations from April 1, 1998, through June 30, 2000, were identified using International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition, clinical modification, codes 410, 410.x, 410.x0, and 410.x1. The 9418 unique dialysis patients identified with AMI hospitalizations in the USRDS database were cross-matched with the NRMI registry, creating a cohort for analysis that consisted of 3049 matching patients. Clinical characteristics of dialysis and nondialysis (n=534,395) AMI patients were compared by use of the chi2 test. Of clinical significance, 44.8% of dialysis patients were diagnosed as not having acute coronary syndrome on admission, versus 21.2% of nondialysis patients; 44.4% presented with chest pain, versus 68.3% of nondialysis patients; and 19.1% had ST elevation, versus 35.9% of nondialysis patients. Cardiac arrest was twice as frequent for dialysis patients (11.0% versus 5.0%), and in-hospital death was nearly so (21.3% versus 11.7%). In a logistic regression model, the odds ratio for in-hospital death for dialysis versus nondialysis patients was 1.498 (95% CI, 1.340 to 1.674). CONCLUSIONS Dialysis patients hospitalized for AMI differ strikingly from nondialysis patients, which possibly explains their poor outcomes. Intensive efforts for early, accurate recognition of AMI in dialysis patients are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A Herzog
- Cardiovascular Special Studies Center, US Renal Data System, 914 S 8th St, Ste S-206, Minneapolis, MN 55404, USA.
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Dauerman HL, Frederick PD, Miller D, French WJ. Current incidence and clinical outcomes of bivalirudin administration among patients undergoing primary coronary intervention for stent thrombosis elevation acute myocardial infarction. Coron Artery Dis 2007; 18:141-8. [PMID: 17301606 DOI: 10.1097/mca.0b013e328010a4b2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple antithrombotic options are available for patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary interventions for stent thrombosis elevation acute myocardial infarction. Current utilization and outcomes of antithrombotic agents for primary percutaneous coronary intervention, including bivalirudin, have not been defined. METHODS A total of 84 471 patients were reported from 439 hospitals to the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction-5 registry between April 2004 and June 2005. Consecutive patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary interventions for stent thrombosis elevation acute myocardial infarction (n=7629 at 231 United States percutaneous coronary intervention capable hospitals) comprised the population analyzed. We examined antithrombotic strategies and the occurrence of adverse cardiac events stratified according to the use of bivalirudin. Logistic regression was performed to control for differences between three antithrombotic therapy treatment groups. RESULTS Glycoprotein IIbIIIa inhibitors were used nearly ubiquitously, but given prior to percutaneous coronary interventions in only 36% of patients. Less than one-quarter of patients received clopidogrel prior to percutaneous coronary interventions. Bivalirudin was used in 4.2% of patients (n=320) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention during this time period. Patients treated with bivalirudin were more likely to be elderly (P=0.03), have a history of prior bleeding (P=0.003) and stroke (P=0.06). Major adverse events and bleeding complications were similar in antithrombotic therapy groups (bleeding: bivalirudin 7.8% versus nonbivalirudin 7.5%, P=0.85). The adjusted outcomes were also similar after confining the analysis to bivalirudin patients who had not received any glycoprotein IIbIIIa inhibitors (n=143). CONCLUSIONS Contemporary primary percutaneous coronary intervention includes mainly clopidogrel and eptifibatide initiated at the time of percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients who received bivalirudin were at higher risk and had similar adjusted outcomes as patients in the nonbivalirudin group. Optimization of primary percutaneous coronary intervention pharmacology requires future randomized clinical trials, examining the timing and type of adjunctive antithrombotic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold L Dauerman
- University of Vermont College of Medicine, Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington, Vermont 05401, USA.
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Pinto DS, Kirtane AJ, Nallamothu BK, Murphy SA, Cohen DJ, Laham RJ, Cutlip DE, Bates ER, Frederick PD, Miller DP, Carrozza JP, Antman EM, Cannon CP, Gibson CM. Hospital Delays in Reperfusion for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction. Circulation 2006; 114:2019-25. [PMID: 17075010 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.106.638353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 327] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background—
It has been suggested that the survival benefit associated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction may be attenuated if door-to-balloon (DB) time is delayed by >1 hour beyond door-to-needle (DN) times for fibrinolytic therapy. Whereas DB times are rapid in randomized trials, they are often prolonged in routine practice. We hypothesized that in clinical practice, longer DB-DN times would be associated with higher mortality rates and reduced PPCI survival advantage. We also hypothesized that in addition to PPCI delays, patient risk factors would significantly modulate the relative survival advantage of PPCI over fibrinolysis.
Methods and Results—
DB-DN times were calculated by subtracting median DN time from median DB time at a hospital using data from 192 509 patients at 645 National Registry of Myocardial Infarction hospitals. Hierarchical models that adjusted simultaneously for both patient-level risk factors and hospital-level covariates were used to evaluate the relationship between PCI-related delay, patient risk factors, and in-hospital mortality. Longer DB-DN times were associated with increased mortality (
P
<0.0001). The DB-DN time at which mortality rates with PPCI were no better than that of fibrinolysis varied considerably depending on patient age, symptom duration, and infarct location.
Conclusions—
As DB-DN times increase, the mortality advantage of PPCI over fibrinolysis declines, and this advantage varies considerably depending on patient characteristics. As indicated in the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines, both the hospital-based PPCI-related delay (DB-DN time) and patient characteristics should be considered when a reperfusion strategy is selected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duane S Pinto
- TIMI Study Group and the Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 185 Pilgrim Rd, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Van de Graaff E, Dutta M, Das P, Shry EA, Frederick PD, Blaney M, Pasta DJ, Steinhubl SR. Early Coronary Revascularization Diminishes the Risk of Ischemic Stroke With Acute Myocardial Infarction. Stroke 2006; 37:2546-51. [PMID: 16960095 DOI: 10.1161/01.str.0000240495.99425.0f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Purpose—
Ischemic stroke is an uncommon but devastating complication of myocardial infarction (MI). It is possible that delay in the acute revascularization of these patients influences the risk of peri-MI ischemic stroke independent of size of infarction or residual ventricular function. The influence of the timing and type of revascularization on risk of ischemic stroke in the patient with MI has not previously been assessed.
Methods—
We used the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction 3 and 4 databases to identify 45 997 subjects who received thrombolytic therapy and 47 876 patients who were treated with primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for MI. In-hospital ischemic stroke occurred in 248 (0.54%) and 150 (0.31%) patients in the two groups, respectively. Patients were stratified based on time from presentation to initial therapy.
Results—
A statistically significant linear relationship between time to revascularization therapy and risk of in-hospital ischemic stroke was seen on univariate analysis. A multivariate model incorporating 26 other variables showed thrombolytic therapy within 15 minutes was associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke (odds ratio, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.36–0.94). Primary angioplasty within 90 minutes of arrival was associated with a nonsignificant trend toward lower stroke risk (odds ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.41–1.12). Interestingly, his benefit of early reperfusion therapy did not appear to be related to improvements in left ventricular function.
Conclusion—
Risk of in-hospital ischemic stroke with MI is closely tied to the time to revascularization with both thrombolytic and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty therapies. Early revascularization is independently predictive of a lower risk of ischemic stroke, but the mechanism of this does not appear to be related to improved cardiac function. The records of 45 997 subjects who received thrombolytic therapy and 47 876 patients who were treated with primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for myocardial infarction were analyzed to determine the relationship between time to revascularization and the occurrence of ischemic stroke. A statistically significant linear relationship between time to revascularization therapy and risk of in-hospital ischemic stroke was seen on univariate analysis. A multivariate model incorporating 26 other variables showed thrombolytic therapy within 15 minutes of presentation was associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke, and angioplasty within 90 minutes was similarly associated with a nonsignificant trend toward lower stroke risk.
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McNamara RL, Wang Y, Herrin J, Curtis JP, Bradley EH, Magid DJ, Peterson ED, Blaney M, Frederick PD, Krumholz HM. Effect of door-to-balloon time on mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. J Am Coll Cardiol 2006; 47:2180-6. [PMID: 16750682 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2005.12.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 560] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2005] [Revised: 12/15/2005] [Accepted: 12/19/2005] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We sought to determine the effect of door-to-balloon time on mortality for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). BACKGROUND Studies have found conflicting results regarding this relationship. METHODS We conducted a cohort study of 29,222 STEMI patients treated with PCI within 6 h of presentation at 395 hospitals that participated in the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction (NRMI)-3 and -4 from 1999 to 2002. We used hierarchical models to evaluate the effect of door-to-balloon time on in-hospital mortality adjusted for patient characteristics in the entire cohort and in different subgroups of patients based on symptom onset-to-door time and baseline risk status. RESULTS Longer door-to-balloon time was associated with increased in-hospital mortality (mortality rate of 3.0%, 4.2%, 5.7%, and 7.4% for door-to-balloon times of < or =90 min, 91 to 120 min, 121 to 150 min, and >150 min, respectively; p for trend <0.01). Adjusted for patient characteristics, patients with door-to-balloon time >90 min had increased mortality (odds ratio 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24 to 1.62) compared with those who had door-to-balloon time < or =90 min. In subgroup analyses, increasing mortality with increasing door-to-balloon time was seen regardless of symptom onset-to-door time (< or =1 h, >1 to 2 h, >2 h) and regardless of the presence or absence of high-risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Time to primary PCI is strongly associated with mortality risk and is important regardless of time from symptom onset to presentation and regardless of baseline risk of mortality. Efforts to shorten door-to-balloon time should apply to all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L McNamara
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Improvements in the health and survival of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have led to increasingly normal lifestyles, including successful pregnancies in women with CF. Concern exists among care providers about the impact of pregnancy on the health of women with CF. STUDY OBJECTIVES We examined data from a large longitudinal observational study, the Epidemiologic Study of Cystic Fibrosis (ESCF), to characterize health outcomes and CF-related therapies in women who became pregnant. DESIGN This analysis was conducted using ESCF data from 1995 to 2003. PATIENTS A total of 216 women, aged 15 to 38 years, who met the criteria for a qualifying pregnancy, were compared with a matched group of never-pregnant women during three time periods (ie, baseline, during pregnancy, and follow-up). INTERVENTIONS None. RESULTS The baseline pulmonary function (FEV(1)) values were 74.5% and 66.4% predicted, respectively, in the pregnant and nonpregnant women. Declines in FEV(1) values of 6.8% and 4.7%, respectively, were observed from baseline to follow-up in the pregnant and nonpregnant women (p = 0.61). During pregnancy, outpatient visits were 33% more frequent compared to baseline and 62% more frequent than in the nonpregnant group (7.19 vs 4.45, respectively, visits annually). Annual rates of respiratory exacerbation and hospitalization were similar at baseline but increased during pregnancy. The prevalence of treatment for diabetes more than doubled, from 9.3% at baseline to 20.6% during pregnancy, and was 14.4% at follow-up. In contrast, 18.7% of the never-pregnant women were being treated for diabetes at baseline, rising to 25.2% at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that, over the same time period, women with CF who become pregnant experienced similar respiratory and health trends as nonpregnant women. However, pregnant women use a greater number of therapies and receive more intense monitoring of their health. These findings have implications for clinicians providing prepregnancy counseling for women with CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann H McMullen
- University of Rochester School of Nursing, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
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Wiviott SD, Morrow DA, Frederick PD, Antman EM, Braunwald E. Application of the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction risk index in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: evaluation of patients in the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction. J Am Coll Cardiol 2006; 47:1553-8. [PMID: 16630990 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2005.11.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2005] [Revised: 11/11/2005] [Accepted: 11/20/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this research was to evaluate the Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction risk index (TRI) to characterize the risk of death among patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). BACKGROUND The TRI, calculated from baseline age, systolic pressure, and heart rate, was established in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and is predictive of mortality. Patients presenting with NSTEMI are increasing compared to STEMI and constitute a group with varied risk. METHODS The TRI was calculated in 337,192 patients from the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction with NSTEMI. Values and outcomes were compared with 153,486 patients with STEMI classified by reperfusion status. Comparisons of baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes stratified by TRI were made. RESULTS There was a graded relationship between the TRI and mortality in patients with NSTEMI with a >30-fold difference in mortality rates between lowest and highest deciles (p < 0.0001). The index showed good discrimination (c = 0.73). Overall mortality in the group with NSTEMI was higher (10.9%) than patients with STEMI treated with (6.6%) but lower than for STEMI patients not receiving reperfusion therapy (18.7%). The higher risk in comparison to patients with STEMI treated with reperfusion therapy was explained largely by the higher-risk profile of the population with NSTEMI. CONCLUSIONS There is a graded relationship between TRI and mortality in patients with NSTEMI. This simple risk index provides important information about mortality in patients across the spectrum of myocardial infarction, STEMI and NSTEMI. Early identification of NSTEMI patients who are at high risk of in-hospital mortality may provide clinicians with important information for initial triage and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D Wiviott
- TIMI Study Group, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
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Spencer FA, Frederick PD, Goldberg RJ, Gore JM, Tiefenbrunn AJ. Use of combination evidence-based medical therapy prior to acute myocardial infarction (from the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction-4). Am J Cardiol 2005; 96:922-6. [PMID: 16188517 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2005.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2005] [Revised: 05/16/2005] [Accepted: 05/16/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Utilization rates of aspirin, beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and statins singly and as part of a multidrug regimen before hospitalization were measured in 109,540 patients with a history of coronary artery disease presenting with acute myocardial infarction to 1,283 hospitals participating in the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction-4. The profile of patients receiving none or only 1 of these therapies was compared with that of patients receiving any 3 or all 4 agents. Most patients (58%) with a history of coronary artery disease presenting with acute myocardial infarction were on none or only 1 of these effective medications at hospital admission. Only 21% of patients were on >or=3 of these therapies. Older age, female gender, and Medicare or no insurance coverage was significantly associated with previous receipt of <or=1 agent. Patients from New England or with a history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia were more likely to have received >or=3 of these therapies. In conclusion, data from this large national registry have indicated that most patients with a history of CAD were not receiving the recommended combination of cardiac medications before their AMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick A Spencer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
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Vaccarino V, Rathore SS, Wenger NK, Frederick PD, Abramson JL, Barron HV, Manhapra A, Mallik S, Krumholz HM. Sex and racial differences in the management of acute myocardial infarction, 1994 through 2002. N Engl J Med 2005; 353:671-82. [PMID: 16107620 PMCID: PMC2805130 DOI: 10.1056/nejmsa032214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 415] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although increased attention has been paid to sex and racial differences in the management of myocardial infarction, it is unknown whether these differences have narrowed over time. METHODS With the use of data from the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction, we examined sex and racial differences in the treatment of patients who were deemed to be "ideal candidates" for particular treatments and in deaths among 598,911 patients hospitalized with myocardial infarction between 1994 and 2002. RESULTS In the unadjusted analysis, sex and racial differences were observed for rates of reperfusion therapy (for white men, white women, black men, and black women: 86.5, 83.3, 80.4, and 77.8 percent, respectively; P<0.001), use of aspirin (84.4, 78.7, 83.7, and 78.4 percent, respectively; P<0.001), use of beta-blockers (66.6, 62.9, 67.8, and 64.5 percent; P<0.001), and coronary angiography (69.1, 55.9, 64.0, and 55.0 percent; P<0.001). After multivariable adjustment, racial and sex differences persisted for rates of reperfusion therapy (risk ratio for white women, black men, and black women: 0.97, 0.91, and 0.89, respectively, as compared with white men) and coronary angiography (relative risk, 0.91, 0.82, and 0.76) but were attenuated for the use of aspirin (risk ratio, 0.97, 0.98, and 0.94) and beta-blockers (risk ratio, 0.98, 1.00, and 0.96); all risks were unchanged over time. Adjusted in-hospital mortality was similar among white women (risk ratio, 1.05; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.03 to 1.07) and black men (risk ratio, 0.95; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.89 to 1.00), as compared with white men, but was higher among black women (risk ratio, 1.11; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.06 to 1.16) and was unchanged over time. CONCLUSIONS Rates of reperfusion therapy, coronary angiography, and in-hospital death after myocardial infarction, but not the use of aspirin and beta-blockers, vary according to race and sex, with no evidence that the differences have narrowed in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Vaccarino
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30306, USA.
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Babaev A, Frederick PD, Pasta DJ, Every N, Sichrovsky T, Hochman JS. Trends in management and outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock. JAMA 2005; 294:448-54. [PMID: 16046651 DOI: 10.1001/jama.294.4.448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 516] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Early mechanical revascularization in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock is a therapeutic strategy that reduces mortality. It has been a class I recommendation in guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association since 1999 for patients younger than 75 years. However, little is known about implementation of these guidelines in practice. OBJECTIVES To assess trends in early revascularization and mortality for patients with cardiogenic shock complicating AMI and to determine whether the national guidelines affect revascularization rates. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS Prospective, observational study of 293,633 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (25,311 [8.6%] had cardiogenic shock; 7356 [29%] had cardiogenic shock at hospital presentation) enrolled in the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction (NRMI) from January 1995 to May 2004 at 775 US hospitals with revascularization capability (defined as the capability to perform cardiac catheterization, percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI], and open-heart surgery). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Management patterns and in-hospital mortality rates. RESULTS There was an increase in primary PCI rates from 27.4% to 54.4% (P<.001) in hospitals with revascularization capability that paralleled the change in PCI for ST-elevation myocardial infarction. There was no significant change in rates of immediate coronary artery bypass graft surgery (from 2.1% to 3.2%). Propensity-adjusted multivariable analyses demonstrated that primary PCI was associated with a decreased odds of death during hospitalization (odds ratio, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.40-0.53). There were no differences in the rates of change in revascularization rates based on the date when the guidelines were released regardless of patient age. Overall in-hospital cardiogenic shock mortality decreased from 60.3% in 1995 to 47.9% in 2004 (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS The use of PCI for patients with cardiogenic shock was associated with improved survival in a large group of hospitals with revascularization capability. The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines had no detectable temporal impact on revascularization rates. These findings support the need for increased adherence to these guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anvar Babaev
- Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
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Rathore SS, Frederick PD, Every NR, Barron HV, Krumholz HM. Racial differences in reperfusion therapy use in patients hospitalized with myocardial infarction: a regional phenomenon. Am Heart J 2005; 149:1074-81. [PMID: 15976791 PMCID: PMC2790272 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2004.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial differences in reperfusion therapy use among patients hospitalized with myocardial infarction (MI) have been previously reported as national phenomenon. However, it is unclear whether racial differences in treatment vary by region. METHODS Using data from the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction-2 and -3, a cohort of patients hospitalized with MI in the United States between 1994 and 2000, we sought to determine whether racial differences in reperfusion therapy use varied by geographic region in patients eligible for reperfusion therapy with no clinical contraindications to treatment (n = 204 230). RESULTS Black patients had lower crude rates of reperfusion therapy than white patients (66.5% vs 69.9%, -3.3% racial difference, 99% CI -4.4% to -2.2%) overall. However, racial differences in reperfusion therapy use varied by geographic region. Reperfusion therapy rates were similar for black patients and white patients in the Northeast (67.9% black vs 65.3% white, +2.7% racial difference, 99% CI -0.5% to 5.8%) and statistically comparable for patients in the Midwest (68.3% black vs 69.0% white, -0.7% racial difference, 99% CI -2.9% to 1.5%) and West (70.7% black vs 72.6% white, -1.9% racial difference, 99% CI -5.1% to 1.2%). Racial differences in reperfusion therapy use were greatest for patients hospitalized in the South (64.5% black vs 71.7% white, -7.1% racial difference, 99% CI -8.7% to -5.6%). Racial differences were reduced, but geographic variations in racial differences persisted after multivariable adjustment. CONCLUSIONS Lower rates of reperfusion therapy use among black patients with MI do not reflect a national pattern of racial differences in treatment, but a practice pattern predominantly attributable to the South.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saif S. Rathore
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
- MD/PhD Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| | | | | | | | - Harlan M. Krumholz
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
- Section of Health Policy and Administration, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
- Yale-New Haven Hospital Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, New Haven, Conn
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Pitta SR, Grzybowski M, Welch RD, Frederick PD, Wahl R, Zalenski RJ. ST-segment depression on the initial electrocardiogram in acute myocardial infarction-prognostic significance and its effect on short-term mortality: A report from the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction (NRMI-2, 3, 4). Am J Cardiol 2005; 95:843-8. [PMID: 15781012 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2004.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2004] [Revised: 12/01/2004] [Accepted: 12/01/2004] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study analyzed 255,256 patients who had acute myocardial infarction and were enrolled in the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction 2, 3, and 4 (1994 to 2002). The objective was to determine in-hospital mortality rate among patients who had ST-segment depression on the initial electrocardiogram. Patients who had ST-segment depression had an in-hospital mortality rate (15.8%) similar to that of patients who had ST-segment elevation or left bundle branch block (15.5%). After adjusting for observed differences, ST-segment depression was associated with only a slightly lower odds ratio (0.91) of mortality compared with ST-segment elevation or left bundle branch block.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sridevi R Pitta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Spencer FA, Fonarow GC, Frederick PD, Wright RS, Every N, Goldberg RJ, Gore JM, Dong W, Becker RC, French W. Early Withdrawal of Statin Therapy in Patients With Non–ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction National Registry of Myocardial Infarction. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 164:2162-8. [PMID: 15505131 DOI: 10.1001/archinte.164.19.2162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing interest in the non-lipid-lowering effects of statins and their effect on outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome. It has been suggested that withdrawal of statin therapy during an acute coronary syndrome may attenuate any benefits of pretreatment, thereby providing indirect evidence of the importance of their non-lipid-lowering effects. METHODS This observational study compared the demographic and clinical characteristics and hospital outcomes in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction enrolled in the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction 4. Comparison groups consisted of patients previously receiving statins who also received statins within 24 hours of hospital admission (n = 9,001), patients previously using statins in whom therapy was discontinued (n = 4,870), and patients who did not receive statins at any time before or during hospitalization (n = 54,635). RESULTS Of 13,871 patients receiving statins before hospital admission, 35.1% had treatment withdrawn during the first 24 hours of hospitalization. These patients had increased hospital morbidity and mortality rates relative to patients in whom therapy was continued, with higher rates of heart failure, ventricular arrhythmias, shock, and death. In multivariate analyses, these patients were at statistically significant increased risk of hospital death compared with those continuing statin therapy and at similar risk compared with those not receiving statins before or during hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS Withdrawal of statin therapy in the first 24 hours of hospitalization for non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction is associated with worse hospital outcomes. In the absence of data from randomized clinical trials, our findings suggest that statin therapy should be continued during hospitalization for myocardial infarction unless strongly contraindicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick A Spencer
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.
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Wiviott SD, Morrow DA, Frederick PD, Giugliano RP, Gibson CM, McCabe CH, Cannon CP, Antman EM, Braunwald E. Performance of the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction risk index in the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction-3 and -4: a simple index that predicts mortality in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. J Am Coll Cardiol 2004; 44:783-9. [PMID: 15312859 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2004.05.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2003] [Revised: 05/12/2004] [Accepted: 05/18/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We sought to evaluate a simple risk index based on age and vital signs in a community sample of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). BACKGROUND A simple risk index based on age and vital signs (heart rate x [age/10](2)/systolic blood pressure) developed from patients with STEMI accurately predicts mortality in clinical trials of fibrinolysis. The application of such a tool in an unselected population is necessary to evaluate its utility in clinical practice. METHODS To evaluate the Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk index for routine practice, we tested it in the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction (NRMI)-3 and -4. The risk index was evaluated as a continuous variable in patients with STEMI from NRMI and in subgroups based on age and reperfusion status. RESULTS A total of 153,486 patients with STEMI were eligible. As anticipated, STEMI patients in NRMI had a higher risk index profile, as compared with those in the clinical trial (median 26.9 vs. 20, p < 0.0001). Classification of NRMI patients with STEMI into risk groups revealed a significant graded relationship with mortality (0.9% to53.2%, p(trend) < 0.0001, c statistic 0.79). The discriminatory capacity of the risk index was particularly strong in the 81,679 patients receiving reperfusion therapy (0.6% to60%, p(trend) < 0.0001, c statistic 0.81). For the 71,807 patients not receiving reperfusion therapy, a strong graded relationship remained (1.9% to 52.2%, p(trend) < 0.0001, c statistic 0.71). Among the elderly, although the distribution of scores was shifted toward higher risk, the performance remained (0% to 53.1%, p(trend)< 0.0001, c statistic 0.71). CONCLUSIONS A simple risk index from baseline clinical variables routinely obtained at the first patient encounter predicted mortality in a large unselected heterogeneous group of patients with STEMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D Wiviott
- TIMI Study Group, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
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Sanborn TA, Jacobs AK, Frederick PD, Every NR, French WJ. Comparability of quality-of-care indicators for emergency coronary angioplasty in patients with acute myocardial infarction regardless of on-site cardiac surgery (report from the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction). Am J Cardiol 2004; 93:1335-9, A5. [PMID: 15165910 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2004.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2003] [Revised: 02/19/2004] [Accepted: 02/19/2004] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Initial reports have suggested that primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) can be performed safely in selected hospitals without on-site cardiac surgery; however, quality-of-care indicators for primary PCI in these institutions is unknown. Therefore, symptom onset-to-door intervals, door-to-balloon times, compliance with American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) management guidelines, and in-hospital mortality were evaluated in 108,132 patients in 3 hospital settings in the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction: (1) diagnostic laboratories only (n = 47), (2) elective PCI only (n = 50), and (3) elective PCI and cardiac surgery (n = 562). Mean symptom onset-to-door intervals (127 minutes, 95% confidence interval 118 to135; 134 minutes, 95% confidence interval 125 to 142; and 140 minutes, 95% confidence intervals 138 to 141; p = 0.01) and door-to-balloon intervals (104 minutes, 95% confidence interval 101 to 108; 116 minutes, 95% confidence interval 112 to 119; and 119 minutes, 95% confidence interval 118 to 120; p <0.0001) were shorter in hospitals without cardiac surgery. Adherence to ACC/AHA guidelines for medications within the first 24 hours (aspirin, beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) was greater in hospitals without cardiac surgery. There were comparable in-hospital mortality rates (3.2%, 4.2%, and 4.8%, respectively; p = 0.07) for patients with similar Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction risk scores; however, 4.7% of patients treated with primary PCI in hospitals without cardiac surgery were transferred to another institution. Thus, hospitals performing primary PCI without on-site cardiac surgery that participated in this registry have quality-of-care indicators and adherence to ACC/AHA management guidelines that are comparable to hospitals with on-site cardiac surgery. The lack of on-site cardiac surgery does not appear to adversely affect quality-of-care indicators in primary PCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy A Sanborn
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston Northwestern Healthcare, Burch 300, 2650 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201, USA.
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Shavelle D, Leila Rasouli M, Frederick PD, Michael Gibson C, French WJ. 852-4 The effects of treatment delay in patients transferred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. J Am Coll Cardiol 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(04)90405-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Bradley EH, Holmboe ES, Wang Y, Herrin J, Frederick PD, Mattera JA, Roumanis SA, Radford MJ, Krumholz HM. What are hospitals doing to increase beta-blocker use? Jt Comm J Qual Saf 2003; 29:409-15. [PMID: 12953605 DOI: 10.1016/s1549-3741(03)29049-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the many proposed methods for improving quality, little is known about which methods are being applied in practice across the United States or their perceived effectiveness. METHODS A descriptive, cross-sectional analysis of data from a telephone survey of quality improvement staff in 234 randomly selected hospitals participating in the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction was conducted to examine the prevalence and perceived effectiveness of various quality improvement interventions directed at increasing beta-blocker use after acute myocardial infarction. RESULTS The mean and median number of quality improvement interventions directed at beta-blocker use in the past 4 years was 5.0 per hospital. The most commonly reported effort was performance reporting about beta-blocker use (87.9%), although only 26.7% used physician-specific performance reporting. More than half the hospitals implemented clinical pathways (58.1%), standing orders (56.8%), or care coordinators (50.4%). Care coordinators (63.4%) and computer support systems (61.6%) were most frequently rated as "very effective." Clinical pathways (24.2%), counseling physicians who had poor performance (26.9%), and reminder forms (23.0%) were most frequently rated as not effective. CONCLUSIONS Substantial variation in the types of quality improvement efforts implemented to increase beta-blocker use and perceived effectiveness were evident.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth H Bradley
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Van De Graaff E, Shry EA, Frederick PD, Every N, Blaney M, Cheeks M, Steinhubl SR. Gender-specific risk factors for thromboembolic stroke with acute myocardial infarction. J Am Coll Cardiol 2003. [DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(03)81061-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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ban De Graaff E, Shry EA, Frederick PD, Every N, Blaney M, Cheeks M, Steinhubl SR. Delays in revascularization are associated with an increased risk of stroke in patients with myocardial infarction. J Am Coll Cardiol 2003. [DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(03)82071-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Wiviott SD, Morrow DA, Giugliano RP, Frederick PD, McCabe CH, Cannon CP, Antman EM, Braunwald E. Performance of the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction risk index for early acute coronary syndrome in the national registry of myocardial infarction: A simple risk index predicts mortality in both ST and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. J Am Coll Cardiol 2003. [DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(03)82152-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Canto JG, Zalenski RJ, Ornato JP, Rogers WJ, Kiefe CI, Magid D, Shlipak MG, Frederick PD, Lambrew CG, Littrell KA, Barron HV. Use of emergency medical services in acute myocardial infarction and subsequent quality of care: observations from the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction 2. Circulation 2002; 106:3018-23. [PMID: 12473545 DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.0000041246.20352.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND National practice guidelines strongly recommend activation of the 9-1-1 Emergency Medical Systems (EMS) by patients with symptoms consistent with an acute myocardial infarction (MI). We examined use of the EMS in the United States and ascertained the factors that may influence its use by patients with acute MI. METHODS AND RESULTS From June 1994 to March 1998, the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction 2 enrolled 772 586 patients hospitalized with MI. We excluded those who transferred in, arrived at the hospital >6 hours from symptom onset, or who were in cardiogenic shock. We compared baseline characteristics and initial management for patients who arrived by ambulance versus self-transport. EMS was used in 53.4% of patients with MI, a proportion that did not vary significantly over the 4-year study period. Nonusers of the EMS were on average younger, male, and at relatively lower risk on presentation. In addition, payer status was significantly associated with EMS use. Use of EMS was independently associated with slightly wider use of acute reperfusion therapies and faster time intervals from door to fibrinolytic therapy (12.1 minutes faster, P<0.001) or to urgent PTCA (31.2 minutes faster, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Only half of patients with MI were transported to the hospital by ambulance, and these patients had greater and significantly faster receipt of initial reperfusion therapies. Wider use of EMS by patients with suspected MI may offer considerable opportunity for improvement in public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G Canto
- Chest Pain Center and Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294-0012, USA
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