Factors guiding gastrostomy tube decision-making for caregivers of children with cystic fibrosis: a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCTION

While ensuring appropriate growth is essential for all children, optimising nutritional status in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) is critical for improving health outcomes. Nutritional challenges in CF are multifactorial and malnutrition is common. While gastrostomy tubes (G-tubes) can improve weight status in individuals with CF, they also have common and chronic complications resulting in clinical equipoise. To date, factors influencing G-tube decision-making among caregivers of children with CF have not been systematically explored. This review aims to chart existing knowledge about caregivers' decisional needs related to G-tube placement, with a focus on caregivers of children with CF, as well as known medical and psychosocial benefits and risks of G-tube feedings in paediatric care.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This scoping review will follow the JBI methodological framework. We will include articles published between 1 January 1985 and 1 November 2023 in English and Spanish from MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Web of Science related to G-tube decision-making. Articles published in languages besides English and Spanish will be excluded. Articles will be screened for final eligibility and inclusion according to title and abstract, followed by full texts. Articles will be independently reviewed by two reviewers and any disagreements discussed with a third reviewer for consensus. We will map themes and concepts, and data extracted will be presented in tabular, diagrams and descriptive summaries.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

As a form of secondary analysis, scoping reviews do not require ethics approval. This review will inform future research with caregivers involved in G-tube decision-making for children with CF. The final review will be submitted to a peer-reviewed scientific journal, disseminated at relevant academic conferences and will be shared with patients and clinicians.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Center for Open Science. https://osf.io/g4pdb.

Prognostic value of echocardiographic parameters in congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Prognostication of mortality and decision to offer extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) can inform clinical management.

OBJECTIVE

To summarise the prognostic value of echocardiography in infants with CDH.

METHODS

Electronic databases Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library and conference proceedings up to July 2022 were searched. Studies evaluating the prognostic performance of echocardiographic parameters in newborn infants were included. Risk of bias and applicability were assessed using the Quality Assessment of Prognostic Studies tool. We used a random-effect model for meta-analysis to compute mean differences (MDs) for continuous outcomes and relative risk (RR) for binary outcomes with 95% CIs. Our primary outcome was mortality; secondary outcomes were need for ECMO, duration of ventilation, length of stay, and need for oxygen and/or inhaled nitric oxide.

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies were included that were of acceptable methodological quality. Increased diameters of the right and left pulmonary arteries at birth (mm), MD 0.95 (95% CI 0.45 and 1.46) and MD 0.79 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.99), respectively) were associated with survival. Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, RR 2.40, (95% CI 1.98 to 2.91), right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, RR 1.83 (95% CI 1.29 to 2.60) and severe pulmonary hypertension (PH), RR 1.69, (95% CI 1.53 to 1.86) were associated with mortality. Left and RV dysfunctions, RR 3.30 (95% CI 2.19 to 4.98) and RR 2.16 (95% CI 1.85 to 2.52), respectively, significantly predicted decision to offer ECMO treatment. Limitations are lack of consensus on what parameter is optimal and standardisation of echo assessments.

CONCLUSIONS

LV and RV dysfunctions, PH and pulmonary artery diameter are useful prognostic factors among patients with CDH.

Behavioral weight-loss interventions for patients with NAFLD: A systematic scoping review

BACKGROUND

Clinically significant weight loss-which requires sustained dietary and physical activity changes-is central to treating NAFLD. Although behavioral interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in promoting weight loss among primary prevention populations, the data are limited among patients with NAFLD who need weight loss for treatment. We undertook this scoping review to map the existing data on the characteristics, weight-loss outcomes, and determinants of success of interventions evaluated among patients with NAFLD.

METHODS

We searched Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane, PsycINFO, and Web of Science from inception to January 1, 2023 to identify publications reporting weight loss among adults with NAFLD in behavioral weight-loss interventions. We summarized interventions and classified them as successful if there was an average weight loss of ≥ 5% from baseline across enrolled participants or achieved by ≥ 50% of enrolled participants.

RESULTS

We included 28 studies: 10 randomized control trials, ten quasi-experimental, and 8 observational studies. Intervention delivery, duration, and counseling frequency varied; 12 were successful. Retention was highest among telephone interventions and lowest among "real-world" face-to-face interventions. Patients who were women, younger, and/or had multiple metabolic conditions were most likely to dropout. Successful interventions had biweekly counseling, specific physical activity, and calorie targets, behavioral theory grounding, and promoted goal-setting, self-monitoring, and problem-solving.

CONCLUSION

There are limited data on behavioral weight-loss interventions in NAFLD. Research is needed to develop effective interventions generalizable to diverse patient populations and that maximize adherence, particularly among patients who are diabetic, women, and younger.

Viral Infections and Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating intestinal disease affecting preterm infants. Studies implicate viral infections in etiopathogenesis.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the association of viral infections with NEC by systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

We searched Ovid-Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases in November 2022.

STUDY SELECTION

We included observational studies that examined the association between viral infections and NEC in newborn infants.

DATA EXTRACTION

We extracted data regarding the methodology, participant characteristics, and outcome measures.

RESULTS

We included 29 and 24 studies in the qualitative review and meta-analysis, respectively. The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant association between viral infections and NEC (odds ratio [OR], 3.81, 95% confidence interval: 1.99-7.30, 24 studies). The association remained significant after excluding the outliers (OR, 2.89 [1.56-5.36], 22 studies) and studies with poor methodology (OR, 3.33 [1.73-6.43], 22 studies). In subgroup analysis based on participants' birth weight, studies including very low birth weight infants only (OR, 3.62 [1.63-8.03], 8 studies) and non-very low birth weight infants only (OR, 5.28 [1.69-16.54], 6 studies) showed a significant association. In subgroup analysis based on specific viruses, infection with rotavirus (OR, 3.96 [1.12-13.95], 10 studies), cytomegalovirus (OR, 3.50 [1.60-7.65], 5 studies), norovirus (OR, 11.95 [2.05-69.84], 2 studies), and astrovirus (OR, 6.32 [2.49-16.02], 2 studies) was significantly associated with NEC.

LIMITATIONS

Heterogeneity of the included studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Viral infection is associated with an increased risk of NEC in newborn infants. We need methodologically sound prospective studies to assess the effect of preventing or treating viral infections on NEC incidence.

Association between modifiable social determinants and mental health among post-9/11 Veterans: A systematic review

Introduction

As U.S. Veterans reintegrate from active duty to civilian life, many are at risk for negative modifiable social determinants of health. The prevalence of mental health conditions among Veterans is also high. Awareness of the associations between these two factors is growing. This systematic review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of knowledge of the associations between modifiable social determinants and mental health among U.S. Veterans.

Methods

The authors systematically searched four databases and identified 28 articles representing 25 unique studies that met inclusion criteria. Findings from the studies were extracted and synthesized on the basis of modifiable social determinants. Study quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Methodological Quality Questionnaire.

Results

The studies identified in the systematic review examined three modifiable social determinants of health: 1) housing stability, 2) employment and finances, and 3) social support. Although the lack of validity for measures of housing stability, employment, and finances compromised study quality, the overall evidence suggests that Veterans with access to supportive social determinants had better mental health status. Evidence was particularly robust for the association between strong social support and lower symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder.

Discussion

Current evidence suggests the need to consider modifiable social determinants of health when designing mental health interventions. However, more research encompassing a wider range of modifiable social determinants such as food security, education, and transportation and using comprehensive methods and validated instruments is needed. Future research also needs to intentionally include Veterans from diverse racial-ethnic groups.

Assessing the Gap in Adolescent Emergency Care Training for Emergency Medicine Residents: A Systematic Review

Over 1.5 million U.S. adolescents rely on emergency services for the majority of their healthcare, with increasing presentations (particularly for mental health complaints) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, a majority of physicians practicing emergency medicine report feeling unprepared to care for adolescent patients. In turn, adolescent patients often report feeling uncomfortable or unsafe when attempting to access emergency care. Despite this deficiency, the extent to which adolescent medicine is addressed during emergency residency medical training remains unclear. Our objective in this systematic review was to identify any existing, publicly available curriculum targeted to teach adolescent emergency care during emergency medicine residency. We conducted a keyword search within the Medline Ovid, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases to identify relevant literature published between the years of 1968 and 2021; publications meeting inclusion criteria were then analyzed for content. Despite an extensive review of the existing literature, we identified no systematized curriculum and only seven individual papers describing educational efforts to promote competency in adolescent care among emergency medicine residents. Of the resources available, none provide instruction on the management of multiple adolescent presentations, nor common conditions that should be included in a more comprehensive general emergency residency curriculum. No standardized curricula exist for the instruction of relevant adolescent care in an emergency medicine residency. We conclude that the available education for emergency medicine residents is lacking in the area of adolescent care and future work is needed to identify specific competencies to target with further intervention.

Validated assessment tools for screen media use: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Accurate measurement of adult and child screen media use are needed to robustly assess its impact on health outcomes. Our objective was to systematically review screen media use measurement tools that have been validated against an objective "gold standard" tool.

METHODS

The search strategy was initially conducted in Medline Ovid and translated to Embase, Web of Science, PsychInfo and Cochrane. A modified natural language search was conducted in Google Scholar and IEEE. The initial search was conducted in March 2021, and an updated search was conducted in June 2022. Additional studies were included from the references. Studies had to describe the validation of a tool to measure screen media use on participants of any age against a 'gold standard' or comparable objective measure. The COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) was used to assess the criterion validity. Four authors reviewed the titles in two rounds and extracted data.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine articles were included in the review. Studies measured TV, computer, mobile device and social media site screen media use through: self or parent report, direct or video observation, computer and mobile device use tracking programs, and through other novel devices such as wearable devices and cameras. Correlations of self or parent report of screen media with the gold standard were lower than correlations of technology-based measures, and video observation with the gold standard. The COSMIN criterion validity ratings ranged from poor to excellent; most of the studies received a global score of fair or poor.

CONCLUSIONS

Technology based validated tools that more directly measure screen use are emerging that have been validated against a gold standard for measuring screen use. However, practical, objective measures of diverse types of screen media use that have been tested on diverse populations are needed to better understand the impact of screen media use on the development and physical and mental health of children and adults.

Outcomes of Exercise Interventions in Patients With Advanced Liver Disease: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials

INTRODUCTION

Frailty and sarcopenia are common complications of advanced liver disease. Owing to associated morbidity/mortality, there have been targeted efforts to prevent and/or improve both by enrolling these patients in focused exercise programs. This review systematically analyzes the data of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on anthropometric, physical fitness, quality-of-life, and safety outcomes of exercise interventions in patients with advanced liver disease.

METHODS

Two authors independently searched trials on PubMed and EMBASE from inception up to November 18, 2021. A third independent arbitrator adjudicated all disagreements. We qualitatively summarized these outcomes as follows: (i) muscular fitness (maximal inspiratory/expiratory pressures, muscle size, muscle strength, and bioimpedance testing), (ii) cardiorespiratory fitness (cardiopulmonary exercise testing and 6-minute walk distance), (iii) quality of life, and (iv) others (safety or frailty indices).

RESULTS

There were 11 RCTs (4 home-based interventions) with 358 participants. Interventions ranged from 8 to 14 weeks and included cycling, walking, resistance exercises, balance and coordination training, and respiratory exercises. All described outcomes compared preintervention with postintervention measurements. Nine studies showed statistically significant improvements in at least 1 physical fitness variable. Ten studies showed statistically significant improvements in at least 1 muscular fitness variable. Six studies showed statistically significant improvements in at least 1 quality-of-life variable. Attrition rates ranged from 5% to 36%, and adherence rates ranged very widely from 14% to 100%. Only 1 study reported frailty indices. Notably, no complications of portal hypertension were seen in intervention groups in the 9 studies that reported these data.

DISCUSSION

A review of 11 RCTs with 358 participants with advanced liver disease demonstrates that exercise interventions can have favorable outcomes on muscular/cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life. Although attrition and adherence varied, these interventions seem to be safe in patients with cirrhosis and are well tolerated.

Components of interprofessional education programs in neonatal medicine: A focused BEME review: BEME Guide No. 73

BACKGROUND

Care delivery in neonatology is dependent on an interprofessional team. Collaborative learning and education amongst professionals can lead to successful management of critically ill patients. This focused BEME review synthesized the components, outcomes, and impact of such interprofessional education (IPE) programs in neonatal medicine.

METHODS

The authors systematically searched four online databases and hand-searched MedEdPublish up to 10 September 2020. Two authors independently screened titles, abstracts, full-texts, performed data extraction and risk of bias assessment related to study methodology and reporting. Discrepancies were resolved by a third author. We reported our findings based on BEME guidance and the STORIES (STructured apprOach to the Reporting in health education of Evidence Synthesis) statement.

RESULTS

We included 17 studies on IPE in neonatal medicine. Most studies were from North America with varying learners, objectives, instruction, and observed outcomes. Learners represented nurses, respiratory therapists, neonatal nurse practitioners, patient care technicians, parents, early interventionists, physicians, and medical trainees amongst others. Risk of bias assessment in reporting revealed poor reporting of resources and instructor training. Bias assessment for study methodology noted moderate quality evidence with validity evidence as the weakest domain. IPE instruction strategies included simulation with debriefing, didactics, and online instruction. Most studies reported level 1 Kirkpatrick outcomes (76%) and few reported level 3 or 4 outcomes (23%). Challenges include buy-in from leadership and the negative influence of hierarchy amongst learners.

CONCLUSIONS

This review highlights IPE program components within neonatal medicine and exemplary practices including a multimodal instructional approach, asynchronous instruction, an emphasis on teamwork, and elimination of hierarchy amongst learners. We identified a lack of reporting on program development and instructor training. Future work should address long term knowledge and skill retention and impact on patient outcomes and organizations.

Predictors of Delayed Enophthalmos After Orbital Fractures: A Systematic Review

Background: Orbital fractures are a commonly encountered problem with 7-10% of patients developing delayed enophthalmos when managed conservatively with observation. Objective: To characterize the literature regarding incidence of delayed enophthalmos among patients with untreated unilateral isolated orbital wall fractures and determine what factors may predict this untoward outcome. Materials and Methods: Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were adhered to and a literature search was conducted using multiple medical subject headings (MeSH) headings. The publications were screened by two independent reviewers using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklist and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) quality assessment tools. Results: Sixteen articles met criteria for inclusion in the study. The systematic review showed five factors that may affect development of delayed enophthalmos: linear measurements, involvement of specific intraorbital structures, rounding of the inferior rectus muscle, orbital fracture area, and volumetric analysis stratified by fracture site. Conclusion: There is a paucity of level I and II evidence driving the current management of orbital fractures that may lead to delayed enophthalmos. Additional prospective trials are needed to build upon the existing literature to improve the quality of care for this patient population.

Ultrasound for the diagnosis of malrotation and volvulus in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Despite the advantages of ultrasound (US), upper gastrointestinal contrast series (UGI) remains the first-line diagnostic modality in the diagnosis of midgut malrotation and volvulus in children.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of US in the diagnosis of malrotation with or without volvulus in children and adolescents aged 0-21 years, compared with the reference standard (diagnosis by surgery, UGI, CT, MRI, and clinical follow-up individually or as a composite).

DATA SOURCES

We searched the electronic databases Ovid-MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and the Cochrane library in October 2019 and updated on 18 August 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies evaluating the diagnostic performance of US for diagnosis of midgut malrotation with or without volvulus in children (0-21 years).

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

The data were extracted independently by two authors and a bivariate model was used for synthesis.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis of 17 cohort or cross-sectional studies and 2257 participants estimated a summary sensitivity of 94% (95% CI 89% to 97%) and summary specificity of 100% (95% CI 97% to 100%) (moderate certainty evidence) for the use of US for the diagnosis of malrotation with or without midgut volvulus compared with the reference standard. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression revealed better diagnostic accuracy in malrotation not complicated by volvulus, in the neonatal population and enteric fluid administration before US.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate certainty evidence suggests excellent diagnostic accuracy and coupled with the advantages, a strong case exists for the use of abdominal US as the first-line diagnostic test for suspected midgut malrotation with or without volvulus in children and adolescents.

Women Have a Lower Risk of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease but a Higher Risk of Progression vs Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progression may differ between men and women. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the relationship between sex and NAFLD, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and advanced NAFLD fibrosis.

METHODS

Studies reporting sex-stratified NAFLD prevalence among population-based samples and either NASH or advanced fibrosis among patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD were identified from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases through December 2017. We calculated pooled relative risk ratios comparing women vs men for each outcome.

RESULTS

Our final analysis comprised 54 studies. Samples sizes were 62,239 for the NAFLD analysis, 5428 for the NASH analysis, and 6444 for the advanced fibrosis analysis. Women had a 19% lower risk of NAFLD than men in the general population (pooled risk ratio [RR], 0.81; 95% CI, 0.68-0.97; I² = 97.5%). Women had a similar risk of NASH (RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.88-1.14; I² = 85.1%), and a 37% higher risk of advanced fibrosis (RR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.12-1.68; I² = 74.0%) than men. Age modified the effect of sex on NAFLD severity. Risks of NASH (RR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.01-1.36) and advanced fibrosis (RR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.36-1.80; I² = 0) were substantially higher in women in study populations with average ages of 50 years and older; sex differences in NASH and advanced fibrosis were attenuated in younger populations.

CONCLUSIONS

In a systematic review and meta-analysis, we found women to have a lower risk of NAFLD than men. However, once NAFLD is established, women have a higher risk of advanced fibrosis than men, especially after age 50 years.

Positional Installation of Intranasal Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Systematic Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVES

First-line treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis includes topical corticosteroids aimed at decreasing inflammation of sinonasal mucosa. No guidelines exist regarding the effect of head position during administration of corticosteroids. We hypothesize certain positions enhance delivery to the paranasal sinuses, with further improvement in delivery after sinus surgery.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was conducted using Medline Ovid, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. All studies evaluating intranasal medications administered in 2 or more head positions were included. Study population, head position(s), method/volume of delivery, and outcome metrics were recorded.

RESULTS

Twenty-four studies compared head positions and their role in distribution of intranasal medication. Of 12 papers studying surgically naive subjects, 6 found improvement in delivery to specific sinonasal regions (middle meatus; lateral, superior, or posterior nasal cavity) and/or symptomatic improvement, in the lying head back (LHB) or head down and forward (HDF) positions, but only 3 reached statistical significance. Of 12 papers studying surgically altered patients, 10 found delivery improved in the HDF, LHB, and head forward 45° or 90° positions. Of 5 studies of extended frontal sinus procedures (Draf IIb/III), a majority found distribution to the frontal sinus improved with the head forward 90° position. Patients found the HDF position most uncomfortable.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies found no statistically significant difference in distribution to unoperated sinuses among different head positions. A minority of studies supported the use of the LHB and HDF positions. This suggests that in surgically naive patients, intranasal corticosteroid delivery to sinonasal regions and/or symptomatic improvement may be best achieved with the sinuses positioned inferior to the delivery device. Surgery improved distribution to the paranasal sinuses regardless of head position, although tilting the head forward 90° was particularly effective in delivery to the frontal sinus after extended frontal sinus procedures.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: prevalence of prior and concurrent Barrett's oesophagus in oesophageal adenocarcinoma patients

BACKGROUND

The proportions of patients with oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) diagnosed by Barrett's oesophagus surveillance or with pre-existing Barrett's oesophagus are unclear.

AIM

To estimate the prevalence of prior and concurrent Barrett's oesophagus diagnosis among patients with OAC or oesophagogastric junction adenocarcinomas (OGJAC).

METHODS

We searched PubMed and Embase to identify studies published 1966-1/8/2020 that examined the prevalence of prior (≥6 months) or concurrent Barrett's diagnosis (at cancer diagnosis) among OAC and OGJAC patients. Random effects models estimated overall and stratified pooled prevalence rates.

RESULTS

A total of 69 studies, including 33 002 OAC patients (53 studies) and 2712 patients with OGJAC (28 studies) were included. The pooled prevalence of prior Barrett's oesophagus diagnosis in OAC was 11.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 8.4%-15.6%). The prevalence of prior Barrett's oesophagus diagnosis was higher in single-centre resection studies (16.0%, 95% CI 8.7%-24.9%) than population-based cancer registry studies (8.4%, 95% CI 5.5%-11.9%). The prevalence of concurrent Barrett's oesophagus in OAC was 56.6% (95% CI 48.5%-64.6%). Studies with 100% early stage OAC had higher prevalence of concurrent Barrett's oesophagus (91.3%, 95% CI 82.4%-97.6%) than studies with <50% early OAC (39.7%, 95% CI 33.7%-45.9%). In OGJAC, the prevalence of prior and concurrent Barrett's oesophagus was 23.2% (95% CI 7.5%-44.0%) and 26.3% (95% CI 17.8%-35.7%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients with OAC have Barrett's oesophagus. Our meta-analysis found ~12% of OAC patients had prior Barrett's diagnosis, but concurrent Barrett's oesophagus was found in ~57% at the time of OAC diagnosis. This represents a considerable missed opportunity for Barrett's oesophagus screening.

Airway Microbiome and Development of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

To summarize evidence regarding microbial dysbiosis of the airway associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and to explore heterogeneity among studies.

STUDY DESIGN

We included studies that evaluated the airway microbiome in preterm infants who developed BPD using culture-independent molecular techniques and reported alpha- and beta-diversity metrics and microbial profiles.

RESULTS

The 6 included studies had substantial clinical and methodological heterogeneity. Most studies reported the presence of an airway microbiome early after birth and an evolution in the first weeks of life with increasing bacterial loads. The early airway microbiome was dominated by Staphylococcus and Ureaplasma spp. Two studies reported differences in alpha- and beta- diversity indices in preterm infants with BPD compared with those who did not develop BPD. Increased microbial community turnover, changes in the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, and decreased Lactobacilli were reported with BPD progression. Most included infants were born by cesarean delivery, and a majority were exposed to postnatal antibiotics. No data regarding feeding human milk or correlations with the development of gut microbiota (gut-lung axis) were available.

CONCLUSIONS

Microbial dysbiosis may be associated with BPD progression and severity, and further study of microbiome optimization in preterm infants at risk for BPD is warranted.

Meta-analysis of the incidence and patterns of second neoplasms after photon craniospinal irradiation in children with medulloblastoma

BACKGROUND

Second neoplasms (SNs) are a well-established long-term adverse effect of radiation therapy (RT), but there are limited data regarding their incidence and location relative to the radiation field, specific to medulloblastoma (MB) survivors after craniospinal irradiation (CSI).

METHODS

A systematic literature review, per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, identified six studies reporting the incidence and locations of SNs for 1,114 patients with MB, after CSI, with a median follow-up of ∼9 years (7.6-15.4 years). The study-specific cumulative incidence (CI) of SNs, second benign neoplasms (SBNs), and second malignant neoplasms (SMNs) were standardized to a 10-year time frame. Meta-analysis was performed using random effects models, with pooled data from selected studies and an institutional cohort of 55 patients.

RESULTS

The 10-year CI was 6.1% for all SNs (excluding skin cancer and leukemia), 3.1% for SBNs, and 3.7% for SMNs. Fifty-eight percent of SNs were malignant; high-grade glioma was the most common SMN (15/33; 45%) and meningioma, the most common SBN (16/24; 67%). Forty percent of SNs occurred outside the target central nervous system (CNS) field, with a majority in areas of exit RT dose. Seventy-four percent of extra-CNS tumors (17/23) were malignant, most commonly thyroid carcinoma (7/17; 41%) and bone and soft-tissue tumors (6/17, 35%).

CONCLUSIONS

Survivors of MB are at risk of SNs both within and outside the CNS. A significant proportion of SNs occur in areas of exit RT dose. Studies are needed to determine whether the use of proton therapy, which has no exit RT dose, is associated with a lower incidence of SNs.

Patient evaluation of a physician conveying a more optimistic versus a less optimistic message: A randomized controlled trial

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Background: Information regarding treatment options and prognosis is essential for patient decision making near end of life. However, physicians are frequently reluctant to deliver bad news due to multiple factors, including fear of being perceived as less compassionate. This randomized controlled double blind trial aimed to examine the patient’s perception of physician compassion after being exposed to a more optimistic vs. a less optimistic message. Methods: 100 patients were randomized to observe 2 standardized videos, depicting a physician discussing treatment and prognostic information (more optimistic message and less optimistic message) with a patient with advanced cancer. Both physicians displayed identical number of empathetic statements (5) and posture. Three sets of surveys were completed including the Physician Compassion Questionnaire (0=best, 50=worst). Actors and patients were blinded to the purpose of the study. Investigators were blinded to the video observed by the patient. Results: Patients reported significantly better compassion scores after watching the more optimistic video as compared to the less optimistic video [median (Q1-Q3): 15 (5-23) vs. 23 (10-31), p=0.0002]. Results were equally significant after parallel analysis of first video only and after cross-over analysis. There was also an order effect with compassion scores (p=0.0002) favoring the second video. Univariate analysis showed that degree of trust in the medical profession, ESAS fatigue, ESAS anxiety and ESAS depression had significant association with compassion perception independent of message observed. After applying Bonferonni correction, only degree of trust in the medical profession reached the corrected p value of p=0.0014 (p=0.0002). Conclusions: A more optimistic message resulted in a physician being perceived as more compassionate by the patient. The physician seen in second order is also perceived to be more compassionate. More research is needed to better understand patient perception of compassion in communication with physicians.