Guidance for the gastrointestinal evaluation and management of iron deficiency in Sub-Saharan Africa

BACKGROUND

Over 30% of the world's population is anaemic, with a significant proportion of these being iron deficient. As iron deficiency (ID) anaemia in men and post-menopausal women is mostly caused by gastrointestinal blood loss or malabsorption, the initial evaluation of a patient with ID anaemia involves referral to a gastroenterologist. The current drive towards patient blood management in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)prescribes that we regulate not only the use of blood transfusion but also the management of patients in whom the cause of iron loss or inadequate iron absorption is sought. Recommendations have been developed to: (i) aid clinicians in the evaluation of suspected gastrointestinal iron loss and iron malabsorption, and often a combination of these; (ii) improve clinical outcomes for patients with gastrointestinal causes of ID; (iii) provide current, evidence-based, context-specific recommendations for use in the management of ID; and (iv) conserve resources by ensuring rational utilisation of blood and blood products.

METHOD

Development of the guidance document was facilitated by the Gastroenterology Foundation of Sub-Saharan Africa and the South African Gastroenterology Society. The consensus recommendations are based on a rigorous process involving 21 experts in gastroenterology and haematology in SSA. Following discussion of the scope and purpose of the guidance document among the experts, an initial review of the literature and existing guidelines was undertaken. Thereafter, draft recommendation statements were produced to fulfil the outlined purpose of the guidance document. These were reviewed in a round-table discussion and were subjected to two rounds of anonymised consensus voting by the full committee in an electronic Delphi exercise during 2022 using the online platform, Research Electronic Data Capture. Recommendations were modified by considering feedback from the previous round, and those reaching a consensus of over 80% were incorporated into the final document. Finally, 44 statements in the document were read and approved by all members of the working group.

CONCLUSION

The recommendations incorporate six areas, namely: general recommendations and practice, Helicobacter pylori, coeliac disease, suspected small bowel bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease, and preoperative care. Implementation of the recommendations is aimed at various levels from individual practitioners to healthcare institutions, departments and regional, district, provincial and national platforms. It is intended that the recommendations spur the development of centre-specific guidelines and that they are integrated with the relevant patient blood management protocols. Integration of the recommendations is intended to promote optimal evaluation and management of patients with ID, regardless of the presence of anaemia.

Mortality estimates and excess mortality in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVES

To determine long-term (20 year) survival in RA patients enrolled in the Australian Rheumatology Association Database (ARAD).

METHODS

ARAD patients with RA and data linkage consent who were diagnosed from 1995 onwards were included. Death data were obtained through linkage to the Australian National Death Index. Results were compared with age-, gender- and calendar year-matched Australian population mortality rates. Analysis included both the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and relative survival models. Restricted mean survival time (RMST) at 20 years was calculated as a measure of life lost. Cause-specific SMRs (CS-SMRs) were estimated for International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision cause of death classifications.

RESULTS

A total of 1895 RA patients were included; 74% were female, baseline median age 50 years (interquartile range 41-58), with 204 deaths. There was no increase in mortality over the first 10 years of follow up, but at 20 years the SMR was 1.49 (95% CI 1.30, 1.71) and the relative survival was 94% (95% CI 91, 97). The difference between observed (18.41 years) and expected (18.68 years) RMST was 4 months. Respiratory conditions were an important underlying cause of death in RA, primarily attributable to pneumonia [CS-SMR 5.2 (95% CI 2.3, 10.3)] and interstitial lung disease [CS-SMR 7.6 (95% CI 3.0, 14.7)], however, coronary heart disease [CS-SMR 0.82 (95% CI 0.42, 1.4)] and neoplasms [CS-SMR 1.2 (95% CI 0.89, 1.5)] were not.

CONCLUSION

Mortality risk in this RA cohort accrues over time and is moderately increased at 20 years of follow-up. Respiratory diseases may have supplanted cardiovascular diseases as a major contributor to this mortality gap.

Trajectories of self-reported pain-related health outcomes and longitudinal effects on medication use in rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective cohort analysis using the Australian Rheumatology Association Database (ARAD)

OBJECTIVE

To determine distinct trajectories of self-reported pain-related health status in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), their relationship with sociodemographic factors and medication use.

METHODS

988 Australian Rheumatology Association Database participants with RA (71% female, mean age 54 years, mean disease duration 2.3 years) were included. Distinct multi-trajectories over 15-year follow-up for five different self-reported pain-related health outcome measures (Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, visual analogue scores for pain, arthritis, global health and the Assessment of Quality of Life utility index) were identified using latent variable discrete mixture modelling. Random effects models were used to determine associations with medication use and biologic therapy modification during follow-up.

RESULTS

Four, approximately equally sized, pain/health status groups were identified, ranging from 'better' to 'poorer', within which changes over time were relatively small. Important determinants of those with poorer pain/health status included female gender, obesity, smoking, socioeconomic indicators and comorbidities. While biologic therapy use was similar between groups during follow-up, biologic therapy modifications (p_linear<0.001) and greater tendency of non-tumour necrosis factor inhibitor use (p_linear<0.001) were observed in those with poorer pain/health status. Similarly, greater use of opioids, prednisolone and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was seen in those with poorer pain/health status.

CONCLUSION

In the absence of disease activity information, distinct trajectories of varying pain/health status were seen from the outset and throughout the disease course in this RA cohort. More biologic therapy modifications and greater use in anti-inflammatories, opioids and prednisolone were seen in those with poorer pain/health status, reflecting undesirable lived experience of persistent pain in RA.

Management of chronic rheumatic diseases in women 18-45 years of age in Asia Pacific: insights from patient and clinician surveys

OBJECTIVE

Perspectives of women aged 18-45 years with chronic rheumatic diseases (CRD), and clinicians, in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region are reported.

METHODS

Online surveys were completed by women, pregnant in the past 2-5 years, with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), and rheumatologists, obstetricians, orthopaedic surgeons who medically manage CRDs.

RESULTS

Among 210 (RA 122, PsA 48, axSpA 40) patients, 52% (n = 109/210) delayed their decision to have children, most commonly due to concerns of passing on disease to offspring. 33% (n = 70/210) discussed family planning with a healthcare professional at diagnosis. Patients most often initiated discussions. 94% (n = 193/205) stopped treatment around pregnancy due to fear of fetal harm. 66% (n = 139/210) of patients felt they did not receive all relevant information on the impact of CRDs and treatment on pregnancy. Among 335 clinicians who participated, 82% (n = 143/174) of rheumatologists, 86% (n = 72/84) of obstetricians and 43% (n = 33/77) of orthopaedic surgeons agreed good disease control during pregnancy was their primary goal. 69% (n = 120/174) of rheumatologists were 'very comfortable' with prescribing tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) for women aged 18-45 years. Comfort levels generally decreased with the onset of family planning. More obstetricians and orthopaedic surgeons supported avoiding TNFi during pregnancy than rheumatologists (40% [n = 34/84]/38% [n = 29/77] versus 16% [n = 28/174]). Access to more TNFi safety data during pregnancy was considered paramount for increasing clinician comfort.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients and physicians need current information and multidisciplinary discussions for improved management of CRD in women in APAC.

The association between clinical and laboratory characteristics on the short-term outcome of acute promyelocytic leukaemia patients at a central South African tertiary hospital

Background: Targeted therapies combined with anthracycline chemotherapy have improved the survival of patients with acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL). High short-term mortality has been demonstrated in low- and upper-middle-income countries, with limited local data.Aim: This study aimed to describe the demographic variables, clinical characteristics and laboratory features associated with the short-term mortality of patients with APL.Setting: The Division of Clinical Haematology, Universitas Academic Hospital (UAH), Bloemfontein, South Africa.Methods: Demographic and clinical data were obtained from the patients’ files and the MEDITECH electronic filing system. Laboratory data were retrieved from TrakCare, the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) electronic database. Data were analysed to report the demographic variables, clinical characteristics and laboratory features, and the short-term mortality of all newly diagnosed patients treated for APL during the 5-year period, 2015–2019.Results: Twenty-seven patients were included in this study. The 7-day mortality rate was 18.5%, and the 30-day mortality rate was 33.3%. Sanz and modified Sanz scores were significantly associated with 7-day mortality but not 30-day mortality. Creatinine ≥ 105 µmol/L was significantly associated with both 7- and 30-day mortalities. Patients who died within the first 30 days of admission had significantly higher median white cell counts and partial thromboplastin times. Hypogranular APL was identified in 55.6% of patients.Conclusion: The short-term mortality of APL at UAH is in keeping with findings at other treatment centres in middle-income countries. Despite being considered rare, hypogranular APL was the predominant type in this cohort.Contribution: This study highlights the need for practices pertaining to peripheral smear utility and interpretation to be reviewed outside of tertiary centres. 

Vaccination Rates, Perceptions, and Information Sources Used by People With Inflammatory Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To determine vaccination rates, perceptions, and information sources in people with inflammatory arthritis.

METHODS

Participants enrolled in the Australian Rheumatology Association Database were invited to participate in an online questionnaire, conducted in January 2020, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Included questions were about vaccination history, modified World Health Organization Vaccination Hesitancy Scale, views of the information sources consulted, the Beliefs About Medicines Questionnaire, education, and the Single-Item Health Literacy Screener.

RESULTS

Response rate was 994 of 1498 (66%). The median age of participants was 62 years, with 67% female. Self-reported adherence was 83% for the influenza vaccine. Participants generally expressed positive vaccination views, particularly regarding safety, efficacy, and access. However, only 43% knew which vaccines were recommended for them. Vaccine hesitancy was primarily attributable to uncertainty and a perceived lack of information about which vaccines were recommended. Participants consulted multiple vaccination information sources (median 3, interquartile range 2-7). General practitioners (89%) and rheumatologists (76%) were the most frequently used information sources and were most likely to yield positive views. Negative views of vaccination were most often from internet chatrooms, social media, and mainstream media. Factors of younger age, male gender, and having more concerns about the harms and overuse of medicines in general were associated with lower adherence and greater uncertainty about vaccinations, whereas education and self-reported literacy were not.

CONCLUSION

Participants with inflammatory arthritis generally held positive views about vaccination, although there was considerable uncertainty as to which vaccinations were recommended for them. This study highlights the need for improved consumer information about vaccination recommendations for people with inflammatory arthritis.

Attitudes of Australians with inflammatory arthritis to biologic therapy and biosimilars

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the knowledge and beliefs of Australian patients with inflammatory arthritis regarding biologic/targeted synthetic DMARDs (b/tsDMARDs) and biosimilars and their sources of information.

METHODS

Participants enrolled in the Australian Rheumatology Association Database (ARAD) with RA, PsA and axial SpA were sent an online survey. They were asked about information sources for b/tsDMARDs and how positive or negative this information was. The Beliefs about Medicine Questionnaire (BMQ) was used to measure beliefs about b/tsDMARDs with scores ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Participants were asked about their knowledge of biosimilars and willingness to switch to biosimilar.

RESULTS

There was a response rate of 66% (994/1498; 67% female, median age 62 years). Participants currently taking b/tsDMARDs (n = 794) had a high b/tsDMARD-specific BMQ 'necessity' score {median 4.2 [interquartile range (IQR) 3.6-4.8]}, with a lower specific 'concerns' score [median 2.4 (IQR 2.0- 3.0)]. Participants consulted multiple information sources [median 3 (IQR 2-5)]. Positive sources were rheumatologists and educational websites and negative were chat rooms and social media. Only 18% were familiar with biosimilars, with half knowing of availability in Australia. Following a short paragraph describing biosimilars, 75% (744) of participants indicated they would consider switching if recommended by their rheumatologist, with nearly half identifying safety and efficacy of biosimilars as an important concern.

CONCLUSION

Australian patients have positive attitudes towards b/tsDMARDs overall, although little knowledge of biosimilars specifically. They have a high degree of trust in their rheumatologist regarding treatment decisions, even if they are unfamiliar with the medication recommended.

Convalescent plasma in the treatment of moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia: a randomized controlled trial (PROTECT-Patient Trial)

There is a need for effective therapy for COVID-19 pneumonia. Convalescent plasma has antiviral activity and early observational studies suggested benefit in reducing COVID-19 severity. We investigated the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in a population with a high HIV prevalence and where few therapeutic options were available. We performed a double-blinded, multicenter, randomized controlled trial in one private and three public sector hospitals in South Africa. Adult participants with COVID-19 pneumonia requiring non-invasive oxygen were randomized 1:1 to receive a single transfusion of 200 mL of either convalescent plasma or 0.9% saline solution. The primary outcome measure was hospital discharge and/or improvement of ≥ 2 points on the World Health Organisation Blueprint Ordinal Scale for Clinical Improvement by day 28 of enrolment. The trial was stopped early for futility by the Data and Safety Monitoring Board. 103 participants, including 21 HIV positive individuals, were randomized at the time of premature trial termination: 52 in the convalescent plasma and 51 in the placebo group. The primary outcome occurred in 31 participants in the convalescent plasma group and and 32 participants in the placebo group (relative risk 1.03 (95% CI 0.77 to 1.38). Two grade 1 transfusion-related adverse events occurred. Participants who improved clinically received convalescent plasma with a higher median anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody titre compared with those who did not (298 versus 205 AU/mL). Our study contributes additional evidence for recommendations against the use of convalescent plasma for COVID-19 pneumonia. Safety and feasibility in this population supports future investigation for other indications.

OUP accepted manuscript

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe treatment patterns in RA, including the frequency and reasons for switching or stopping biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDs (b/tsDMARDs).

Methods

The reasons for switching or stopping b/tsDMARDs were extracted from the Australian Rheumatology Association Database (ARAD) from 2003 to 2018 for RA participants. Switching patterns for each b/tsDMARD and time on first-, second- and third-line b/tsDMARDs were evaluated using Sankey diagrams and survival methods.

Results

A total of 2839 participants were included in the analysis. The first-line b/tsDMARDs were etanercept (n = 1414), adalimumab (n = 1024), infliximab (n = 155), golimumab (n = 98), abatacept (n = 66), certolizumab (n = 38), tocilizumab (n = 21) and tofacitinib (n = 23). Of those starting first-, second- and third-line biologic therapy, 24.0%, 31.8% and 24.4% switched to another b/tsDMARD within 12 months, respectively. Inefficacy or adverse effects were the most common reasons for stopping therapy, irrespective of line of treatment. Compared with first-line etanercept, participants were more likely to stop adalimumab [Hazard ratio (HR) 1.16, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.29] and infliximab (HR 1.77, 95% CI: 1.46, 2.16). No differences were seen for other b/tsDMARDs. For second-line therapies compared with etanercept, the risk of stopping was lower for tocilizumab (HR 0.41, 95% CI: 0.25, 0.70), rituximab (HR 0.51, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.85) and tofacitinib (HR 0.29, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.57). Participants taking rituximab, tocilizumab and tofacitinib were also less likely to stop third-line therapy in comparison with participants taking etanercept.

Conclusions

Switching between b/tsDMARDs was common among ARAD participants with RA, most commonly due to inefficacy or adverse effects. Durability of exposure and reasons for switching varied between b/tsDMARDs.

Evaluation of patient satisfaction for telehealth (phone and video) in rheumatology outpatients during COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

Telehealth in rheumatology has been a topic of interest for many years, but the COVID-19 pandemic placed it in the forefront.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate patient perception of rheumatology telehealth and determine predictive factors for future telehealth acceptability.

METHOD

A questionnaire containing 30 questions was sent to public and private rheumatology patients who attended telehealth appointments between April and May 2020. The questionnaire aimed to obtain information on baseline demographics, traditional appointment details, telehealth appointment details, and appointment satisfaction using a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

The questionnaire was sent to 1452 patients, of whom 494 patients responded (34%). More than 70% of responses indicated overall satisfaction in specialist care via telehealth, and 88.7% perceived this suitable during a pandemic. Less than 50% of patients were agreeable for future telehealth either via phone or video conference after the pandemic is over. Higher odds ratio for future telehealth acceptability was associated with visual impairment, perceived cost effectiveness and previous time lost at work for a face-to-face appointment.

CONCLUSION

During the unprecedented time of the pandemic, telehealth appointments (phone/ video) assisted in providing ongoing patient care remotely, with high level of satisfaction seen in this study. The patient experience and perception of telehealth was strongly influenced by financial incentives, and certain subgroups of patients were more accepting for future telehealth appointments. Nevertheless, low level of future telehealth acceptability also highlighted the potential dissatisfaction amongst patients in telehealth compared to the traditional appointments. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Fractional flow reserve derived from computed tomography coronary angiography in the assessment and management of stable chest pain: the FORECAST randomized trial

Aims 

Fractional flow reserve (FFR_CT) using computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) determines both the presence of coronary artery disease and vessel-specific ischaemia. We tested whether an evaluation strategy based on FFR_CT would improve economic and clinical outcomes compared with standard care.

Methods and results 

Overall, 1400 patients with stable chest pain in 11 centres were randomized to initial testing with CTCA with selective FFR_CT (experimental group) or standard clinical care pathways (standard group). The primary endpoint was total cardiac costs at 9 months. Secondary endpoints were angina status, quality of life, major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, and use of invasive coronary angiography. Randomized groups were similar at baseline. Most patients had an initial CTCA: 439 (63%) in the standard group vs. 674 (96%) in the experimental group, 254 of whom (38%) underwent FFR_CT. Mean total cardiac costs were higher by £114 (+8%) in the experimental group, with a 95% confidence interval from −£112 (−8%) to +£337 (+23%), though the difference was not significant (P = 0.10). Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events did not differ significantly (10.2% in the experimental group vs. 10.6% in the standard group) and angina and quality of life improved to a similar degree over follow-up in both randomized groups. Invasive angiography was reduced significantly in the experimental group (19% vs. 25%, P = 0.01).

Conclusion 

A strategy of CTCA with selective FFR_CT in patients with stable angina did not differ significantly from standard clinical care pathways in cost or clinical outcomes, but did reduce the use of invasive coronary angiography.

OP0274-PARE EVALUATION OF PATIENT SATISFACTION FOR TELEHEALTH (PHONE AND VIDEO) IN RHEUMATOLOGY OUTPATIENTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Background:

Telehealth via phone (TPhone) or video conference (TVideo) in rheumatology has been a topic of interest for many years. Its use was rapidly expanded due to the international public health emergency of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) outbreak in 2020. Australian Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) swiftly enabled temporary MBS telehealth items on 13 March 2020, currently extended until 31 March 20211. In the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, Antony et al. conducted a single-centre public survey to assess patient perception of rheumatology telehealth. Their results showed that 98.4% of patients consider telehealth acceptable during the pandemic2. It is unclear, however, whether this positive perception persists after patients experience a telehealth. In addition, a survey data in 2019 suggested more than half of Australian rheumatologists work in private practice3. Therefore, inclusion of private patients will better represent patient perception of telehealth.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to evaluate patient satisfaction with telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. This would determine its feasibility to be integrated in future rheumatology outpatient model.

Methods:

A questionnaire containing 30 questions was sent to rheumatology patients who attended telehealth appointments at a level 2 public hospital and a local private clinic between April and May 2020. The questionnaires aimed to obtain information on baseline demographics (sex, age, public or private patient, employment status, visual or auditory impairment), appointment details (TPhone or TVideo, usual arrangement for face-to-face (F2F) appointment, cost effectiveness) and appointment satisfaction using a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted.

Results:

The questionnaire was sent to 1452 patients, of which 494 patients responded (34%). Female predominance (77.1%) and a higher proportion of TPhone (79.1%) was seen in the respondents. A majority of patients were existing patients known to the services (90.9%). More than 70% of responses indicated overall satisfaction in specialist care via telehealth, and 88.7% perceived this suitable during a pandemic. Of all respondents, 21.7% were prescribed new medication, and the majority of these patients were confident in taking the new medication after the telehealth appointment. Future acceptability for TPhone was significantly lower in private patients compared to public patients (p= 0.01). Subgroup analysis revealed that higher telehealth satisfaction was associated with needing to take time off work to attend face-to-face appointment (p= 0.02), perception of cost effectiveness (p<0.001) and TVideo (p=0.03).

Conclusion:

This is the first study which included both public and private rheumatology patients to evaluate patient satisfaction for telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall high level of satisfaction was seen in telehealth most notably associated with its cost effectiveness. A higher percentage of patients who had TVideo compared to TPhone were receptive to future telehealth via TVideo, supportive of the importance of visual cues. This in turn will have significant administrative and technological burdens to coordinate in comparison to a F2F or TPhone review. This qualitative study provides valuable insight of patient perception of telehealth, which has the potential to compliment the traditional rheumatology outpatient model of care following the pandemic.

References:

[1]COVID-19 Temporary MBS Telehealth Services 2020 [Available from: http://www.mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/Factsheet-TempBB.

[2]Antony A, Connelly K, De Silva T, Eades L, Tillett W, Ayoub S, et al. Perspectives of Patients With Rheumatic Diseases in the Early Phase of COVID-19. Arthritis Care & Research. 2020;72(9):1189-95.

[3]Association AR. Workforce Survey Exective Summary 2019 2019 [Available from: https://rheumatology.org.au/members/documents/WorkforceSurveyExecutiveSummary-websiteMay2019.pdf.

Acknowledgements:

University of Queensland

Nursing staff at Redcliffe Hospital and Administration officers at Redcliffe & Northside Rheumatology

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Perspectives of Glucocorticoid Use in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective

Prednisolone is an effective oral glucocorticoid for managing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but has predictable and common adverse effects. We explored patient perspectives of prednisolone use in RA.

Methods

Patients with RA registered with the Australian Rheumatology Association Database (ARAD) who had completed an ARAD questionnaire in the preceding 12 months were invited to participate in an online survey. Responses were linked to already collected respondent demographics, medication use, and patient‐reported outcome measures. The Beliefs about Medicine Questionnaire (BMQ) measured patient beliefs on medication necessity and concerns. Free‐text responses outlining reasons for stopping or declining prednisolone underwent thematic analysis using NVivo 12.

Results

The survey response rate was 79.6% (804/1010), including 251 (31.2%) reporting current prednisolone use and 432 (53.7%) reporting previous use. Compared with previous users, current users were older (P = 0.0002) and had worse self‐reported pain, disease activity, health‐related quality of life, and function (all P < 0.001). Current users had higher BMQ scores for prednisolone‐specific necessity (3.6 versus 1.7; P <0.001) and concerns (2.7 versus 2.3; P <0.001). In previous prednisolone users (n = 432), the most frequent themes identified in free‐text responses for cessation were adequate disease control (30.3%), adverse effects (25.2%), and predetermined short courses (21.3%). Of respondents citing adverse effects for cessation (n = 131), weight gain (27.5%), osteoporosis (14.7%), and neuropsychiatric issues (13.8%) were most frequent.

Conclusions

In our cohort, patients with RA taking prednisolone believed it was necessary yet remained concerned about its use. Adequate disease control and adverse effects were important considerations for patients using prednisolone.

Group Mapping in a 4-H Camp Mixed-Methods Evaluation

A week-long residential 4-H Agri-science youth camp had the goal of increasing understanding of agriculture as a system, however evaluating such a complex construct is difficult by adopting any one data-collection method. This paper presents the methods used in the evaluation of the camp and how these methods enhanced the overall program evaluation. The camp introduced 28 students, who were about 12 years of age from rural and urban counties of Wisconsin to the different aspects of the agricultural system, and promoted understanding of the connections among the various system components. The study utilized a mixed-methods triangulation design with group mapping (qualitative and quantitative), participant observation (qualitative), student reflections in the form of group presentations (qualitative), and retrospective post-then-pre surveys (quantitative) to measure and assess the anticipated outcomes. The qualitative assessment of the maps from Days 1 to 5 showed a significant improvement in students’ understandings of the interconnections of farm systems, which was validated by quantitative assessment of maps. Participant observation revealed that the camp provided students with a rich experiential learning experience and identified areas of improvement such as coordination of efforts between the different camp instructors. Student reflections and the end-of-camp survey indicated that the students increased their knowledge and skill levels as a result of attending the camp. The mixed-methods design used in this study serves as an example for designing better quality youth and Extension education program evaluations, as well as programs where the goal is to increase participants’ understandings of complex systems.

The knowledge of transfusion and related practices among doctors at Universitas Academic Complex, Bloemfontein, South Africa

OBJECTIVES

To determine the knowledge of transfusion and related practices among doctors working at Universitas Academic Complex (UAC), Bloemfontein, South Africa. We aimed to describe training history, transfusion knowledge and reported haemovigilance reporting habits.

METHODS

A cross-sectional descriptive study was performed using an anonymous questionnaire distributed at departmental meetings. The study population included doctors working in adult disciplines that frequently transfuse blood from the UAC. Ethics approval was obtained from the University of the Free State, Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the Free State Department of Health. Results were summarised by frequencies and percentages.

RESULTS

Questionnaires of 152 respondents were analysed. Most of the respondents (31.5 %) were registrars and medical officers with less than 5 years' experience, followed by specialists (19.9 %). Although prescribing habits varied, 43.3 % of respondents prescribe blood at least weekly. Almost a third (29.9 %) of respondents had never received any transfusion training. A haemoglobin-based transfusion trigger is used by 76.2 % of respondents. Almost 80 % of respondents reported using a single unit of blood followed by clinical reassessment before ordering a second unit. Cost of laboratory investigations and lack of human resources were the main reported obstacles to adequately investigating anaemia. Forty percent of respondents involved with the care of patients who suffered a transfusion related adverse event reported the event to the blood service.

CONCLUSION

At the (UAC), where blood is frequently transfused, we note infrequent training, poor knowledge of some basic transfusion principles and poor haemovigilance reporting.

Factors associated with commencing and ceasing opioid therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To determine factors associated with opioid use in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

METHODS

Adult RA patients (n = 3225, 73% female, mean age 57 years, median follow-up 54 months) were recruited into the Australian Rheumatology Association Database (ARAD) between 2001-2015. A logistic regression examining both within- and between-patient effect sizes for time-varying covariates, and transition-state analysis for covariates associated with opioid commencement or cessation were used to examine determinants of current opioid use.

RESULTS

The population-averaged prevalence of any opioid use was 33% (95%CI 32-34), 9% (95% CI 8, 10) for high potency opioid use, and 62% (95% 60, 64) of patients reported opioid ever-use after five years of follow-up. Opioid use was higher in females and decreased with older baseline age. Within-patients opioid use was associated with higher self-reported pain and HAQ scores (p < 0.001), and NSAID (OR 1.88; 1.67-2.10), oral glucocorticoid (2.23;1.93-2.58), csDMARD (2.08;1.78-2.44) and bDMARD (1.22;1.06-1.40) treatment. Younger baseline age, higher pain scores, HAQ scores and oral GC use were important determinants of change in opioid use, associated with both a higher probability of commencing opioid use, and a lower probability of cessation. Paradoxically, NSAID and DMARD treatments were associated with both a lower probability of commencing opioids, and a lower probability of cessation.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a high prevalence of opioid use among RA patients, which was associated with pain, function and GC treatment. NSAID, and DMARD treatments obviate the need for opioids in some, but not all, patients.

EVOLVE: The Australian Rheumatology Association's 'top five' list of investigations and interventions doctors and patients should question

BACKGROUND

The EVOLVE (evaluating evidence, enhancing efficiencies) initiative aims to drive safer, higher-quality patient care through identifying and reducing low-value practices.

AIMS

To determine the Australian Rheumatology Association's (ARA) 'top five' list of low-value practices.

METHODS

A working group comprising 19 rheumatologists and three trainees compiled a preliminary list. Items were retained if there was strong evidence of low value and there was high or increasing clinical use and/or increasing cost. All ARA members (356 rheumatologists and 72 trainees) were invited to indicate their 'top five' list from a list of 12-items through SurveyMonkey in December 2015 (reminder February 2016).

RESULTS

A total of 179 rheumatologists (50.3%) and 19 trainees (26.4%) responded. The top five list (percentage of rheumatologists, including item in their top five list) was: Do not perform arthroscopy with lavage and/or debridement for symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee nor partial meniscectomy for a degenerate meniscal tear (73.2%); Do not order anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) testing without symptoms and/or signs suggestive of a systemic rheumatic disease (56.4%); Do not undertake imaging for low back pain for patients without indications of an underlying serious condition (50.8%); Do not use ultrasound guidance to perform injections into the subacromial space as it provides no additional benefit in comparison to landmark-guided injection (50.3%) and Do not order anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies in ANA negative patients unless the clinical suspicion of systemic lupus erythematosus remains high (45.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

This list is intended to increase awareness among rheumatologists, other clinicians and patients about commonly used low-value practices that should be questioned.

A practical approach to vaccination of patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases in Australia

Autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD), such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are often complicated by infection, which results in significant morbidity and mortality. The increased risk of infection is probably due to a combination of immunosuppressive effects of the AIIRD, comorbidities and the use of immunosuppressive conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and more recently, targeted synthetic DMARDs and biologic DMARDs that block specific pro-inflammatory enzymes, cytokines or cell types. The use of these various DMARDs has revolutionised the treatment of AIIRD. This has led to a marked improvement in quality of life for AIIRD patients, who often now travel for prolonged periods. Many infections are preventable with vaccination. However, as protective immune responses induced by vaccination may be impaired by immunosuppression, where possible, vaccination may need to be performed prior to initiation of immunosuppression. Vaccination status should also be reviewed when planning overseas travel. Limited data regarding vaccine efficacy in patients with AIIRD make prescriptive guidelines difficult. However, a vaccination history should be part of the initial work-up in all AIIRD patients. Those caring for AIIRD patients should regularly consider vaccination to prevent infection within the practicalities of routine clinical practice.

Factors associated with oral glucocorticoid use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a drug use study from a prospective national biologics registry

Background

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are used in ~ 60% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although disease-modifying, they also have significant adverse effects. Understanding factors associated with GC use may help minimise exposure. The aims of the present study were to describe oral GC use in RA; determine any change in use over time; and determine factors associated with oral GC use, commencement or cessation.

Methods

Adult patients with RA were identified in the Australian Rheumatology Association Database (ARAD), a national Australian registry that collects long-term outcome data from patients with inflammatory arthritis. Patients were categorised by their ARAD date of entry (DOE), with population-averaged logistic regression and transition state analysis used to determine any change in GC use over time. Fixed-effects panel regression was used to examine whether GC current use was associated with pain/arthritis activity/Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) scores or medication use. Transition state analysis was used to assess whether these factors influenced the commencement or cessation of GCs.

Results

A total of 3699 patients with RA completed a baseline ARAD questionnaire (73% female, mean age 57 years). The probability of GC use decreased over time according to ARAD DOE: September 2001 to March 2005, 55% (95% CI 52–58%); March 2005 to September 2008, 47% (45–49%); September 2008 to March 2012, 42% (39–45%); and March 2012 to October 2015, 39% (34–43%) (p < 0.001). Conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (OR 10.13; 95% CI 8.22–12.47), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (1.18; 1.02–1.37) and opioids (2.14; 1.84–2.48) were associated with GC current use, as were lower pain scores (0.94; 0.90–0.98), higher arthritis activity scores (1.09; 1.05–1.14) and poorer HAQ scores (1.52; 1.30–1.79). Use of biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) was not associated with GC current use (0.98; 0.83–1.15) or GC cessation (HR 0.87; 95% CI 0.75–1.01), but it was associated with GC commencement (0.54; 0.47–0.62).

Conclusions

The probability of oral GC use decreased over time, with reduced commencement and increased cessation of GCs. The modest effect of bDMARDs on GC cessation was not statistically significant.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-017-1461-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Epithelioid Angiomyolipoma - a case report and review of the literature

Herein we present the case of a 43-year-old female in whom a left renal mass was identified incidentally on imaging performed for staging of a newly diagnosed breast carcinoma. The mass was resected and histologic examination and immunohistochemistry confirmed a diagnosis of epithelioid angiomyolipoma.

Australian and New Zealand recommendations for the diagnosis and management of gout: integrating systematic literature review and expert opinion in the 3e Initiative

AIM

To develop evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of gout in Australia and New Zealand as part of the multi-national 3e Initiative.

METHOD

Using a formal voting process, a panel of 78 international rheumatologists selected 10 key clinical questions pertinent to the diagnosis and management of gout. An additional question was also developed by participating Australian and New Zealand rheumatologists. Each question was investigated with a systematic literature review. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL and abstracts from 2010 to 2011 European League Against Rheumatism and American College of Rheumatology meetings were searched in each review. Relevant studies were independently reviewed by two individuals for data extraction and synthesis and risk of bias assessment. Using this evidence, 47 Australian and New Zealand rheumatologists developed national recommendations. For each recommendation the level of agreement was assessed and the level of evidence graded.

RESULT

Eleven recommendations were produced relating to the diagnosis of gout, different aspects of the management of gout, cardiovascular and renal comorbidities and the management of asymptomatic hyperuricemia. The mean level of agreement with the recommendations was 9.1 on a 1-10 scale, with 10 representing full agreement.

CONCLUSION

Eleven Australian and New Zealand recommendations on the diagnosis and management of gout were developed combining systematically reviewed evidence with local expertise, enhancing their utility in clinical practice.

Australian and New Zealand evidence-based recommendations for pain management by pharmacotherapy in adult patients with inflammatory arthritis

AIM

To develop Australian and New Zealand evidence-based recommendations for pain management by pharmacotherapy in adult patients with optimally treated inflammatory arthritis (IA).

METHODS

Four hundred and fifty-three rheumatologists from 17 countries including 46 rheumatologists from Australia and New Zealand participated in the 2010 3e (Evidence, Expertise, Exchange) Initiative. Using a formal voting process, rheumatologists from 15 national scientific committees selected 10 clinical questions regarding the use of pain medications in IA. Bibliographic fellows undertook a systematic literature review for each question, using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL and 2008-09 EULAR/ACR abstracts. Relevant studies were retrieved for data extraction and risk of bias assessment. Rheumatologists from Australia and New Zealand used the evidence to develop a set of national recommendations. These recommendations were then formulated and assessed for agreement and the potential impact on clinical practice. The Oxford Levels of Evidence and Grade of Recommendation were applied to each recommendation.

RESULTS

The systematic reviews identified 49 242 references, from which 167 studies which met the pre-specified inclusion criteria. Combining this evidence with expert opinion led to the development of 10 final Australian and New Zealand recommendations. The recommendations relate to pain measurement, and the use of analgesic medications in patients with and without co-morbidities and during pregnancy and lactation. The recommendations reflect the clinical practice of the majority of the participating rheumatologists (mean level of agreement 7.24-9.65).

CONCLUSIONS

Ten Australian and New Zealand evidence-based recommendations regarding the management of pain by pharmacotherapy in adults with optimally treated IA were developed. They are supported by a large panel of rheumatologists, thus enhancing their utility in everyday clinical practice.