Major trauma care at a regional trauma centre during the COVID-19 lockdown in England

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the presentation of many medical and surgical conditions, including major trauma. We aimed to assess how lockdown changed the presentation, severity and management of major trauma patients at our level 1 trauma centre in England.

METHODS

Data were collected retrospectively from the Trauma Audit and Research Network's database between 23 March and 28 April 2020 and compared with the same period in 2019. Collected data included patient demographics, and the mechanism, severity and management of injuries.

RESULTS

We experienced a 56.4% reduction in major trauma admissions during the lockdown period when compared with 2019. In 2020, more patients arrived in haemodynamic shock (25.3% vs 12.2%, p=0.02); however, Glasgow Coma Scale and Injury Severity Score were unchanged. A higher proportion of incidents occurred at home (37.2% vs 53.5%, p=0.018), with no difference in trauma secondary to substance abuse or assault. During lockdown, patients had a significantly shorter hospital (17 vs 10 days, p=0.029) and critical care stay (2 vs 1 day, p=0.033). A higher proportion of major trauma patients were assessed by specialty trainees in the emergency department in 2020 (12.8% vs 53.1%, p=0.0001) with a lower proportion assessed by a consultant (69.8% vs 46.7%, p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown drastically changed human behaviour, as reflected in the change in presentation of major trauma. Changes in the management of these patients reflect adaptive measures to manage the pressures generated by the worldwide pandemic.

1319 Factors Associated with Mortality in Older Patients Sustaining Pelvic or Acetabular Fractures

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate potential factors, including delay to surgical stabilisation, affecting mortality in older patients sustaining pelvic or acetabular (PA) fractures.

Method

A retrospective review of the Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN) database was performed to identify older patients (aged 65 and over) sustaining PA fractures treated surgically in a UK Major Trauma Centre (MTC) between 2015 and 2019. Chi-squared and Fisher tests were used to compare 1-year mortality rates following operative intervention between patients treated within 72-hours and after 72-hours. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to visualise survival probability; significant predictors of survival were found using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Of 564 older patients with PA fractures, 70 met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 76.1 years. The overall 1-year mortality rate was 20%. When patients were grouped by time to surgery, there was no statistically significant difference in 1-year mortality. Patients whose surgery was delayed more than 72-hours were more likely to have longer hospital stays (p = 0.002) or to have suffered from polytrauma (p = 0.025). Age, Charlson Co-morbidities Index and pre-op mobility status were associated with statistically significant differences in overall mortality. Patient gender, mechanism of injury, polytrauma and head injury were not significant predictors of mortality.

Conclusions

Surgical intervention within 72-hours of injury did not result in decreased mortality in older patients with PA fractures. The 1–year mortality rate between older PA fractures and hip fractures was comparable. Consideration should be given to a combined multidisciplinary approach to managing these patients.

1022 Equivalent Management for All Fragility Fractures Occurring in The Older Patient

Aim

Neck of femur fractures (NOFs) are painful and occur in a vulnerable group of our population. Complications occur if their pain is under treated. Optimal management in the United Kingdom is governed by Best Practice Tariff (BPT). This was extended in 2020 without supporting published evidence to include all femur fractures (ROFs).

We sought to compare PRPS for NOFs and ROFs throughout hospital admission.

Method

We performed a retrospective matched analysis of all isolated osteoporotic ROFs to NOFs at our centre between 2018-2019. We analysed electronic patient records for relevant data. Matching criteria included Age +/- 2 years; cognition; walking aids; ASA; and social residence. Primary outcome measure was patient-reported pain scores (PRPS) at set time points. Secondary outcome measures were peripheral nerve blocks (PNB); patient controlled analgesia (PCA); time to surgery; anaesthetic type; length of stay (LOS); weightbearing status and 30-day mortality. Data was statistically analysed.

Results

11 ROFs were matched to 104 NOFs. There was no statistical difference between the two groups for age, sex, nor cognition and no difference in time to surgery; anaesthetic type; LOS; nor 30-day mortality. ROFs were more painful at all time points although not statistically significant. ROFs were more likely to have traction; PCA both pre- and post-operatively and not to weight bear. NOFs were more likely to have a PNB.

Conclusions

ROFs are as painful if not more so than NOFs. Few ROFs receive PNB and require PCA. Better control of symptoms may improve outcomes. We support the extension of BPT.

613 The Floating Hip: A Distinct Injury Pattern? A Descriptive Study and Case-Control Analysis

Aim

A “Floating Hip” injury describes a simultaneous ipsilateral fracture of the femur and pelvis. We performed a descriptive study of the injury patterns, management, and outcomes of floating hip patients, and compared these patients to those with similar pelvic fractures without femoral involvement.

Method

This was a retrospective case-series review with secondary case-control analysis. Medical records of patients presenting with a floating hip injury to our tertiary orthopaedics department between 2015 and 2020 were reviewed. The control group comprised of patients with pelvic fractures but without associated femoral fractures, matched by age, sex, pelvic fracture classification, and mechanism of injury.

Results

46 Floating Hip cases were identified (34 males), of average age 39 (15-86) years. 20 had acetabular fractures, 21 had pelvic ring fractures and 5 had both fractures, concomitant with ipsilateral femoral fractures. The most common site of femoral fracture was mid-shaft (21.7%), followed by distal (19.6%). 69.6% of P/A fractures were managed surgically, with ORIF (43%) the most common option. 4 (12.50%) patients suffered complications, including 2 infections and 1 DVT. Compared to controls, Floating Hip patients were more likely to require surgical management (67.6% vs 47.8%, p = 0.03), and had higher rates of surgical complications (12.5% vs 4.6%), though not statistically significant (p = 0.3).

Conclusions

Our study describes the patterns, management, and outcomes of Floating Hip injuries, and observes differences in the management and complications compared to similar pelvic fractures without femoral involvement. These findings suggest Floating Hip cases may warrant consideration as a distinct injury pattern.

1085 Equestrian Related Pelvic and Acetabular Fractures – Experience from a Major Trauma Centre in England

Introduction

Equestrianism is enjoyed by three million people in the UK; however, there is a lack of literature on pelvic and acetabular (P&A) injuries incurred through the sport. We aim to describe P&A injuries sustained in equestrian accidents, discuss management, and establish their outcomes.

Method

Data was extracted from a prospectively collected database of referrals to the P&A Service of a Major Trauma Centre (MTC) from 01/01/2016 to 31/12/2020 and cross-referenced with medical records.

Results

60 of the 1,218 P&A referrals were secondary to horse-riding accidents. Mean age 45 (SD 16.59); 46 female; 33 managed non-operatively and 27 managed operatively at the MTC. There was sufficient information for 59 cases to be classified; 46 of the injuries were pelvic fractures (10 anterior-posterior compression; 29 lateral compression; 4 sacral and 3 pubic rami fractures) and 13 were acetabular (2 anterior column; 1 anterior wall; 2 associated both columns; 1 posterior column and posterior wall; 1 posterior wall; 2 T-shaped and 4 transverse fractures). The operative group were managed by examination under anaesthesia (n = 3), open reduction internal fixation (n = 22) or percutaneous fixation (n = 2). Mean hospitalisation was 9.2 days (SD 5.44). 81% were non-weight-bearing post-operatively and mean time to independent mobilisation was 12.6 weeks (SD 7.09). Return-to-riding information was available for 8 patients with a mean of 29.5 weeks (SD 11.55).

Conclusions

Equestrianism can result in significant P&A injuries. Patients should be counselled that they may have a long recovery, a protracted return-to-riding time and some may never return to the sport.

1514 Higher Mortality in Pelvic Acetabular Fractures Is Associated with Lower Body Mass Index

Aim

Fractures of the pelvis and acetabulum can be life-threatening or life changing injuries. Multiple factors can contribute to outcome including age, frailty, and baseline nutritional status. The aim of this study was to identify if low BMI (<18.5) was a predictor of outcome for patients with such injuries in terms of morbidity and mortality.

Method

We retrospectively analysed 1033 patients with pelvic or acetabular fractures referred to a single level 1 major trauma centre over a 4.5-year period (August 2015 - January 2020). Of these patients, 569 were admitted to the centre and included in our analysis. Data was collected on demographics, injury pattern, operative intervention, and complications. Comparison was made between patients that were underweight (BMI<18.5) and patients that were not, for in-hospital and post discharge complications including pulmonary embolus (PE), deep venous thrombosis (DVT), ileus, infection, loss of reduction and mortality at 6 months.

Results

Underweight patients had a statistically significant increase in mortality both in-hospital (p = 0.019) and at 6 months post injury (p = 0.039) when compared to other BMI groups. No statistical significance was found between these BMI groups comparing morbidity: DVT (p = 0.712), PE (p = 0.736) nor ileus (p = 0.149). Covariate analysis showed that a low BMI was associated with 3 times increased in-hospital mortality after correction for age and energy of injury (adjusted OR 3.028, 95% CI 1.059-8.659).

Conclusions

This study suggests increased mortality in patients with pelvic or acetabular fractures who are underweight. Surgeons should consider these findings in initiating appropriate peri-operative optimisation for these patients.

1213 Cycling-related Trauma Admissions to the Major Trauma Centre in the Cycling Capital of the United Kingdom

Aim

The number of cyclists travelling on roads in the United Kingdom (UK) is increasing. The government has recently introduced initiatives to promote cycling uptake and so these numbers are likely to increase. This study aims to characterise cycling related injuries presenting to a major trauma centre located within a region with the highest rates of cycling in the UK.

Method

A retrospective review of cycling related trauma admissions occurring between January 2012 and June 2020 was performed. All patients were split into three groups based on the mechanism of injury. Our institution’s electronic patient record system was used to collect data including age, gender, mechanism of injury, Glasgow coma scale score on arrival, incident date and time, injured body regions, 30-day mortality, helmet use, and length of stay.

Results

A total of 606 cycling related trauma cases were identified, with 52 being excluded due to incomplete data. The ‘cyclist v vehicle’ group was associated with a significantly higher Injury Severity score (ISS), lower GCS and longer hospital stay than the other two groups. Helmet wearers were significantly older than non-wearers and helmet use was associated with a significantly reduced risk of head injury, lower ISS and higher GCS.

Conclusions

With a likely increase in future cycling uptake, it is crucial that effective interventions are put in place to improve the safety of cyclists. A multi-faceted strategy involving driver and cyclist education, road infrastructure changes and helmet promotion campaigns targeting the younger generation could be employed.

1550 Experience from A Level-1 Major Trauma Centre in England of Trauma Epidemiology After Easing of Lockdown Restrictions

Aim

The COVID-19 pandemic transformed trauma care. We examined the effect of lockdown easing on trauma presentation and management.

Method

Data was retrospectively analysed from Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN) on patients presenting to one Major Trauma Centre in the East of England with trauma. The first 47 days of lockdown (23rd March-9th May 2020, period 1) were compared with the next (10th May- 26th June 2020, period 2) and last 47 (27th June- 13th August 2020, period 3). Data collected included demographics, mechanism and severity of injury, management, and length of stay.

Results

1,249 patients were included; 62.2% were male with a mean age of 57.73. Footfall declined in April 2020 compared with 2019 (56 vs 143) but rebounded by May (123 v 120 patients). Road traffic collisions increased over periods 1-3 (18.8% v 23% v 30.1%, p = 0.038); deliberate self-harm (DSH) increased in period 2 compared with 1 and 3 (6.3% v 3.4% v 1.4%, p = 0.03) respectively. The 2020 patient age was younger than 2019, with less trauma relating to alcohol (7.3% v 13.2%, p = 0.009). Compared with 2019 reductions in total length of stay (14.1 v 17.4 days, p = <0.001), critical care length of stay (2.3 v 2.9 days, p = 0.04) and consultant driven care (54.9% v 64.9%, p < 0.001) were noted in lockdown.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that after lockdown easing, trauma footfall rapidly rebounded to 2019 levels. This should be acknowledged in resource allocation decisions if future lockdowns are necessitated.

1036 Operative Versus Non-Operative Management of Osteoporotic Femoral Fractures

Background

he incidence of diaphyseal and distal osteoporotic femoral fractures (OFFs) is increasing. This cohort of patients is often frail with multiple medical co-morbidities. No published data exists neither reporting severity of pain associated with these fractures nor pain in managing their fractures. There are no comparative studies investigating outcomes between conservative (CM) and surgical management (SM). We investigated pain and outcomes between CM and SM OFFs.

Method

We retrospectively analysed all OFFs admitted to our unit between 2018-2019. We analysed electronic patient records including patient-reported pain scores (PRPS). PRPS were calculated for set time periods: admission; 0-24hours CM versus day 1 post-operative; day 2-3; day 4-5. Primary outcome measure was PRPS. Secondary outcome measures included use of traction; PCA use; weightbearing status; length of stay (LOS); 30 day and 1 year mortality. Data was statistically analysed using SPSS software.

Results

22 patients were recruited (11CM, 11SM). There was no statistical difference between groups in terms of age; sex; cognition; Charlson Index; nor pre-morbid mobility status. There was no statistical difference for pain at admission nor PCA use. SM were less painful in the first 24-hour period postoperatively and in the first 3-day postoperative period compared to the same time period in CM. There was no difference in PRPS for the 72–120-hour period. There was no statistical difference between LOS; NWB status; 30 day nor 1 year mortality.

Conclusions

Operating on OFFs reduces pain in the perioperative period without increasing mortality or LOS in this frail population.

657 Comparison of the Intramedullary Nail and Dynamic Hip Screw in the Treatment of Subtrochanteric Femoral Fractures

Introduction

A subtrochanteric femoral fracture occurs in the 5cm of bone distal to the lesser trochanter. This study aims to compare peri-operative outcomes of patients with such fractures treated with either an IMN or a dynamic hip screw (DHS).

Method

We retrospectively reviewed subtrochanteric fractures presenting to our institution between October 2014 -May 2019, classifying them into two treatment groups: IMN and DHS. These groups

were compared using outcomes including surgical time, blood loss, radiation dose area product (DAP), stay length, re-operation rate and mortality.

Results

During the study period, 86 patients presented with a subtrochanteric fracture, 74 (86%) receiving an IMN and 12 (14%) receiving a DHS. The DHS group showed a significantly lower blood loss (776.19 ml) and DAP (150.30 mGy.cm2) compared to the IMN group (1028.74 ml and 288.86 mGy.cm2 respectively). All other outcome measures failed to reach statistical significance.

Conclusions

Although National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines recommend treating all subtrochanteric fractures with an IMN; the outcomes assessed did not show use of an IMN to be superior. This, along with the reduced financial cost associated with a DHS; may support the use of DHS over IMN for certain subtrochanteric fractures.

Elimination of cervical cancer in U.S. Hispanic populations: Puerto Rico as a case study

Cervical cancer remains a major burden for women around the world. In 2018, the World Health Organization called for the elimination of cervical cancer worldwide (<4 cases per 100,000 women-years), within the 21st century. In the U.S., despite great progress toward this goal, existing disparities among racial/ethnic groups in cervical cancer raise concerns about whether elimination can be achieved for all women. We describe: 1) disparities in cervical cancer among Hispanics in the U.S. and factors that contribute to their increased risk, 2) prevention and control efforts to increase equity in the elimination of cervical cancer in this population, and 3) cervical cancer control efforts in Puerto Rico (PR), a U.S. territory, as a case study for cervical cancer elimination among a minority and underserved Hispanic population. Hispanics have the highest incidence rates of cervical cancer among all racial/ethnic groups in the U.S. Despite being more likely to complete HPV vaccination series, lower cervical cancer screening and access to treatment may lead to a higher cervical cancer mortality in Hispanics compared to non-Hispanic White women. These disparities are influenced by multiple individual-, sociocultural-, and system-level factors. To achieve the goal of cervical cancer elimination in the U.S., systematic elimination plans that consider the needs of Hispanic populations should be included within the Comprehensive Cancer Control Plans of each state. Because PR has implemented coordinated efforts for the prevention and control of cervical cancer, it represents a notable case study for examining strategies that can lead to cervical cancer elimination among Hispanics.

The global burden of trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review

Purpose; The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated profound adaptations in the delivery of healthcare to manage a rise in critically unwell patients. In an attempt to slow the spread of the virus nationwide lockdown restrictions were introduced. This review aims to scope the literature on the impact of the pandemic and subsequent lockdown on the presentation and management of trauma globally. Methods; A scoping review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A systematic search was carried out on the Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane databases to identify papers investigating presentation and management of trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic. All studies based on patients admitted with orthopaedic trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic were included. Exclusion criteria were opinion-based reports, reviews, studies that did not provide quantitative data and papers not in English. Results; 665 studies were screened, with 57 meeting the eligibility criteria. Studies reported on the footfall of trauma in the UK, Europe, Asia, USA, Australia and New Zealand. A total of 29,591 patients during the pandemic were considered. Mean age was 43.7 years (range <1-103); 54.8% were male. Reported reductions in trauma footfall ranged from 20.3% to 84.6%, with a higher proportion of trauma occurring secondary to interpersonal violence, deliberate self-harm and falls from a height. A decrease was seen in road traffic collisions, sports injuries and trauma occurring outdoors. There was no significant change in the proportion of patients managed operatively, and the number of trauma patients reported to be COVID-19 positive was low. Conclusion; Whilst the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has caused a reduction in the number of trauma patients; the services managing trauma have continued to function despite infrastructural, personnel and pathway changes in health systems. The substantial effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on elective orthopaedics is well described, however the contents of this review evidence minimal change in the delivery of effective trauma care despite resource constraints during this global COVID-19 pandemic.

The impact of frailty in major trauma in older patients

As our population ages and increasing numbers of older patients experience major trauma it is important to understand factors that influence outcomes in this patient cohort. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of frailty in older patients who experience major trauma (Injury Severity Score (ISS) greater than 15). A retrospective cohort review using the national trauma registry data (Trauma Audit and Research Network) and an institutional database was carried out on all patients aged 60 years or older with an ISS> 15 who were treated at the regional Major Trauma Centre from 2014 to 2017 following major trauma. Frailty was assessed using the modified frailty index (mFI). Outcomes assessed included mortality, complications, hospital stay, functional outcome and discharge destination. 819 patients were included in the study. The most common mechanism of injury was fall from a height less than 2m (57.4%). 412 (51.3%) patients had a low frailty score, 280 (35%) had an intermediate frailty score and 110 (14%) had high frailty score. Increased frailty was associated with increased mortality at discharge (18.7%, 14.6% and 26.4% for low, intermediate and high frailty groups) and at one year (26.2%, 35.2% and 51%, respectively). Other predictors of mortality included male sex, age >90 years and the occurrence of a serious complication. Increasing frailty was also associated with an increased risk of serious complications including unplanned intubation, infection and progressive renal failure, and discharge to a destination other than home. This is the first study that has delineated the impact of frailty in older patients who experience major trauma and provides important information for patients, their families and healthcare providers. Future studies should focus on identifying care pathways that counteract the impact of frailty in this setting.

Improving Community Advisory Board Engagement in Precision Medicine Research to Reduce Health Disparities

Community Advisory Boards (CABs) are used in efforts to reduce health disparities; however, there is little documentation in the literature regarding their use in precision medicine research. In this case study, an academic-CAB partnership developed a questionnaire and patient educational materials for two precision smoking cessation interventions that involved use of genetic or genetically-informed information. The community-engaged research (CEnR) literature provided a framework for enhancing benefits to CAB members involved in developing research documents for use with a low-income, ethnically diverse population of smokers.The academic partners integrated three CEnR strategies: 1) in-meeting statements acknowledging their desire to learn from community partners, 2) in-meeting written feedback to and from community partners, and 3) a survey to obtain CAB member feedback post-meetings. Strategies 1 and 2 yielded modifications to pertinent study materials, as well as suggestions for improving meeting operations that were then adopted, as appropriate, by the academic partners. The survey indicated that CAB members valued the meeting procedure changes which appeared to have contributed to improvements in attendance and satisfaction with the meetings. Further operationalization of relevant partnership constructs and development of tools for measuring these aspects of community-academic partnerships is warranted to support community engagement in precision medicine research studies.

Future Burden of Cancer Attributable to Current Modifiable Behaviours: A Pooled Study of Seven Australian Cohorts

Background: The Population Attributable Fraction (PAF) quantifies the fraction of cancer cases attributable to specific exposures. PAF estimates for the future burden of cancer preventable through modifications to current exposure distributions are lacking. Previous PAF studies have also not compared population subgroup differences. Aim: To apply a novel PAF method and i) assess the future burden of cancer in Australia preventable through modifications to current behaviors, and ii) compare the distribution of the preventable cancer burden between population subgroups. Methods: We harmonized and pooled data from seven Australian cohort studies (N=367058) and linked them to national registries to identify cancers and deaths. We estimated the strength of the associations between behaviors and cancer incidence and death using a proportional hazards model, adjusting for age, sex, study and other risk factors. Exposure prevalence was estimated from contemporary national health surveys. We then combined these estimates to calculate PAFs and their 95% confidence intervals for both individual and joint behavior modifications using a novel method accounting for competing risk of death and risk factor interdependence. We also compared PAFs between population subgroups by calculating the 95% confidence interval of the difference in PAF estimates. Results: During the first 10 years of follow-up, there were 22078 deaths and 27483 incident cancers, including 2025 lung, 3471 colorectal, 640 premenopausal and 2632 postmenopausal breast cancers. The leading preventable cause for lung cancer is current smoking (PAF = 53.7%), for colorectal and postmenopausal breast cancer body fatness or BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (PAF = 11.1% and 10.9% respectively), and for premenopausal breast cancer regular alcohol intake (PAF = 12.3%). Three in five lung cancers, but only one in five colorectal and breast cancers, are jointly attributable to potentially modifiable exposures, which also included physical inactivity and inadequate fruit intake for lung, excessive alcohol intake and current smoking for colorectal, regular alcohol intake and current menopausal hormone therapy for 1 year or more for postmenopausal breast and current oral contraceptive use for 5 years or more for premenopausal breast cancer. The cancer burden attributable to modifiable factors is markedly higher in certain population subgroups, including men (lung, colorectal), people with risk factor clustering (lung, colorectal, breast), and individuals with low educational attainment (lung, breast). Conclusion: We provided up-to-date estimates of the future Australian cancer burden attributable to modifiable risk factors, and identified population subgroups that experience the highest preventable burden. Application of the novel PAF method can inform timely public health action to improve health and health equity, by identifying those with the most to gain from programs that support behavior change and early detection.

A Community-Driven Intervention for Improving Biospecimen Donation in African American Communities

INTRODUCTION

Human biospecimens are an invaluable resource for addressing cancers and other chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of an educational intervention on biospecimen knowledge and attitudes.

METHODS

The participants consisted of 112 African Americans, 18 years and older, and who had not provided biospecimens for any health-related research in the past. A total of 55 participants received the educational brochure, and 57 received the educational video. The main outcomes of the study were knowledge and attitudes for biospecimen donation. This information was collected pre- and post-intervention.

RESULTS

The average knowledge scores increased (p < 0.0001) and the average attitude scores for biospecimen donation improved (p < 0.0001) post-intervention for both the video and brochure conditions. There was an interaction between the intervention condition and knowledge where the participants who received the educational video showed a greater increase in knowledge pre-to-post compared to those who received the educational brochure (p = 0.0061). There were no significant interactions between the two intervention conditions for attitudes toward biospecimen donation.

DISCUSSION

The results of this study demonstrated the feasibility and efficacy of an academic institution collaborating with the African American community in developing educational tools for biospecimen donation.

A Smartphone App for Families With Preschool-Aged Children in a Public Nutrition Program: Prototype Development and Beta-Testing

Background

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in the United States provides free supplemental food and nutrition education to low-income mothers and children under age 5 years. Childhood obesity prevalence is higher among preschool children in the WIC program compared to other children, and WIC improves dietary quality among low-income children. The Children Eating Well (CHEW) smartphone app was developed in English and Spanish for WIC-participating families with preschool-aged children as a home-based intervention to reinforce WIC nutrition education and help prevent childhood obesity.

Objective

This paper describes the development and beta-testing of the CHEW smartphone app. The objective of beta-testing was to test the CHEW app prototype with target users, focusing on usage, usability, and perceived barriers and benefits of the app.

Methods

The goals of the CHEW app were to make the WIC shopping experience easier, maximize WIC benefit redemption, and improve parent snack feeding practices. The CHEW app prototype consisted of WIC Shopping Tools, including a barcode scanner and calculator tools for the cash value voucher for purchasing fruits and vegetables, and nutrition education focused on healthy snacks and beverages, including a Yummy Snack Gallery and Healthy Snacking Tips. Mothers of 63 black and Hispanic WIC-participating children ages 2 to 4 years tested the CHEW app prototype for 3 months and completed follow-up interviews.

Results

Study participants testing the app for 3 months used the app on average once a week for approximately 4 and a half minutes per session, although substantial variation was observed. Usage of specific features averaged at 1 to 2 times per month for shopping-related activities and 2 to 4 times per month for the snack gallery. Mothers classified as users rated the app’s WIC Shopping Tools relatively high on usability and benefits, although variation in scores and qualitative feedback highlighted several barriers that need to be addressed. The Yummy Snack Gallery and Healthy Snacking Tips scored higher on usability than benefits, suggesting that the nutrition education components may have been appealing but too limited in scope and exposure. Qualitative feedback from mothers classified as non-users pointed to several important barriers that could preclude some WIC participants from using the app at all.

Conclusions

The prototype study successfully demonstrated the feasibility of using the CHEW app prototype with mothers of WIC-enrolled black and Hispanic preschool-aged children, with moderate levels of app usage and moderate to high usability and benefits. Future versions with enhanced shopping tools and expanded nutrition content should be implemented in WIC clinics to evaluate adoption and behavioral outcomes. This study adds to the growing body of research focused on the application of technology-based interventions in the WIC program to promote program retention and childhood obesity prevention.

The decline of elective operating at major trauma centres

INTRODUCTION Major trauma is a leading cause of death in those aged under 40 years. In order to improve the care for multiply injured patients, the major trauma network was activated in April 2012 in England. Its goal was to link all district hospitals to major trauma centres (MTCs) and allow for rapid transfer of patients. Anecdotally, this has affected elective orthopaedic operating at MTCs. The aim of this study was to compare the number of lower limb arthroplasty procedures performed before and after the establishment of the trauma network. METHODS Data on hip and knee arthroplasties in England during the two years prior to and the two years following the introduction of the trauma network were obtained from the National Joint Registry. These were broken down by type of unit (MTCs vs non-MTCs). Differences between the number of hip and knee arthroplasties undertaken in the two time periods were analysed. The chi-squared test was used to assess statistical significance. RESULTS The total number of lower limb arthroplasties increased after the activation of the trauma network by 5.5% (from 211,453 to 223,119). When stratifying the data by type of unit, this increasing trend was present for non-MTCs; however, in MTCs, a reduction occurred: the number reduced by 13.6% (from 13,492 to 11,657). This reversal of trend was seen in both hip and knee procedures independently (both p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS The introduction of the trauma network has led to a reduction in the total number of lower limb arthroplasty procedures performed in MTCs. Various reasons have been postulated for this but its impact on surgical training and hospital finances must be scrutinised in future research.

Abstract B64: Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to identify potential facilitators and barriers of an intervention to increase HPV vaccine uptake

Background: African American and Hispanic women have substantially higher rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality than White women.

Methods: A community-based participatory research (CBPR) project was undertaken to develop, implement and evaluate a culturally-tailored provider intervention to increase uptake of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine among African American and Hispanic adolescents aged 9-18 years and appropriate cervical cancer screening in their mothers. This CBPR is a collaboration between Meharry Medical College, Tennessee State University (TSU), three community health centers in Nashville, Memphis and Chattanooga, and a Community Advisory Board. The current project re-examined provider interview data obtained for developing the intervention to seek information about potential facilitators and barriers to implementation. The study was also undertaken to inform development of follow-up provider interview questions to assess organizational, provider, and intervention characteristics that might enhance or impede implementation with the aim of improving implementation outcomes.

Investigators conducted 20-30 minute interviews in-person or via telephone with 38 providers from four project sites. Three were community health centers located in Memphis, Chattanooga, and Nashville TN, and one was at a historically Black medical school in Nashville. Individuals in the convenience sample were interviewed between August 2009 and July 2001.

Narrative analysis of transcribed interviews was used to identify (a) provider attitudes, beliefs, and practices related to HPV vaccine, and (b) provider perceptions of organizational or cultural factors that might affect implementation outcomes of acceptability, adoption, and sustainability of the intervention. The approach was primarily holistic (as contrasted with a categorical) approach in that provider remarks were interpreted in the overall context of the project. A coding framework based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was developed in Excel. Two investigators completed the coding of all interviews and generated composite analyses of each interview and of each coding category. The results of all 38 interviews were summarized as responses to the research objectives.

Results: While initial interview questions were developed to inform design of the intervention, this study determined that narrative analysis of interview transcriptions yielded information about all five CFIR domains that may be related to facilitators and barriers of implementation: (1) Intervention: Provider support for HPV vaccine and engaging educational material was strong. (2) Outer setting: Providers described a variety of their patient population's needs, preferences, and cultural/social contexts that may impact implementation. (3) Inner setting: The intervention takes into account provider workflow needs. However, there are likely to be implementation challenges associated with clinic structures and procedures. (4) Provider characteristics: Some provider beliefs and provider-patient communication strategies may facilitate implementation more than others. (5) Process: The CBPR approach may enhance the adoption of the intervention.

Conclusion: Narrative analysis of provider interviews yields rich information regarding facilitators and barriers to implementing a comprehensive provider intervention to facilitate receipt of the HPV vaccine in project sites. Additional provider training in strategic listening and motivational interviewing may improve individual and organizational capacity to increase HPV vaccine uptake in African American and Hispanic adolescents in settings in which the intervention is offered.

Citation Format: Rebecca Selove, Maya Foster, Maureen Sanderson, Pamela Hull. Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to identify potential facilitators and barriers of an intervention to increase HPV vaccine uptake. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Sixth AACR Conference: The Science of Cancer Health Disparities; Dec 6–9, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B64. doi:10.1158/1538-7755.DISP13-B64

Abstract C36: Psychosocial outcomes in cancer survivors treated at a comprehensive cancer center or a minority-serving institution

Background: Cancer health disparities are well described for incidence, diagnosis and treatment. Little is known about disparities among long-term survivors.

Methods: At Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC), an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center and Meharry Medical College (MMC), minority serving institutional partner, we evaluated quality of life (QOL) using the FACT-G, FACT-B, FACT-L, and FACT-P; posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using the PTSD Checklist (PCL); and posttraumatic growth (PTG) using the PTG Inventory (PTGI) among breast, lung or prostate cancer survivors. We used linear regression to compare the scale mean values by institution while adjusting for confounding variables.

Results: Among 111 breast, 53 lung and 68 prostate cancer survivors, mean age was 62 years, 61% were female, 33% were black, 65% were married, 22% and 67% respectively had a high school degree or some college/higher education, 36% were employed and 94% were insured. MMC survivors were younger (p = 0.0005), more likely to be black (p &lt;0.0001), less likely to be married (p &lt; 0.0001), less educated (p&lt;0.0001) and more likely to be uninsured (p &lt; 0.0001). After adjusting for race, insurance status and educational level, there were no significant differences in cancer-related QOL between VICC and MMC survivors. MMC survivors did score significantly higher than VICC survivors on the PCL (33.9 vs. 28.3; p = 0.01) and the PTGI (75.9 vs. 62.5; p = 0.002). A total of 19 (8.3%) survivors met criteria for PTSD with a score of 50 or more (18.1% MMC, 3.8% VICC, p =0.003). Scores were significantly increased for MMC survivors relative to VICC survivors on all PTG subscales, especially the appreciation for life subscale (p = 0.0005).

Conclusion: Cancer health disparities extend into the survivorship period. Although overall QOL did not differ, survivors treated at an underserved institution had significantly higher PTSD than those treated at a comprehensive cancer center. Underserved survivors also exhibited higher degrees of PTG. Further evaluation will identify the most significant sources of stress and resilience in order to design interventions to improve psychosocial wellbeing and decrease disparities.

Citation Format: Debra L. Friedman, Maureen Sanderson, Pamela Hull, Debra Wujcik, Dira R. Ashworth, Amaka Okafor, Jane Kennedy, Paula Hill, David Shen-Miller. Psychosocial outcomes in cancer survivors treated at a comprehensive cancer center or a minority-serving institution. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Sixth AACR Conference: The Science of Cancer Health Disparities; Dec 6–9, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr C36. doi:10.1158/1538-7755.DISP13-C36

Prophylactic radiotherapy against heterotopic ossification following internal fixation of acetabular fractures: a comparative estimate of risk

OBJECTIVE

Radiotherapy (RT) is effective in preventing heterotopic ossification (HO) around acetabular fractures requiring surgical reconstruction. We audited outcomes and estimated risks from RT prophylaxis, and alternatives of indometacin or no prophylaxis.

METHODS

34 patients underwent reconstruction of acetabular fractures through a posterior approach, followed by a 8-Gy single fraction. The mean age was 44 years. The mean time from surgery to RT was 1.1 days. The major RT risk is radiation-induced fatal cancer. The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) method was used to estimate risk, and compared with a method (Trott and Kemprad) specifically for estimating RT risk for benign disease. These were compared with risks associated with indometacin and no prophylaxis.

RESULTS

28 patients (82%) developed no HO; 6 developed Brooker Class I; and none developed Class II-IV HO. The ICRP method suggests a risk of fatal cancer in the range of 1 in 1000 to 1 in 10,000; the Trott and Kemprad method suggests 1 in 3000. For younger patients, this may rise to 1 in 2000; and for elderly patients, it may fall to 1 in 6000. The risk of death from gastric bleeding or perforation from indometacin is 1 in 180 to 1 in 900 in older patients. Without prophylaxis risk of death from reoperation to remove HO is 1 in 4000 to 1 in 30,000.

CONCLUSION

These results are encouraging, consistent with much larger series and endorse our multidisciplinary management. Risk estimates can be used in discussion with patients.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

The risk from RT prophylaxis is small, it is safer than indometacin and substantially overlaps with the range for no prophylaxis.

Psychosocial outcomes in cancer survivors treated at a comprehensive cancer center or a minority-serving institution

e20523

Background: Cancer health disparities are well described for incidence, diagnosis and treatment. Little is known about disparities among long-term survivors. Methods: At Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC), an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center and Meharry Medical College (MMC), minority serving institutional partner, we evaluated quality of life (QOL) using the FACT-G, FACT-B, FACT-L, and FACT-P; posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using the PTSD Checklist (PCL); and posttraumatic growth (PTG) using the PTG Inventory (PTGI) among breast, lung or prostate cancer survivors. We used linear regression to compare the scale mean values by institution while adjusting for confounding variables. Results: Among 111 breast, 53 lung and 68 prostate cancer survivors, mean age was 62 years, 61% were female, 33% were black, 65% were married, 22% and 67% respectively had a high school degree or some college/higher education, 36% were employed and 94% were insured. MMC survivors were younger (p = 0.0005), more likely to be black (p <0.0001), less likely to be married (p < 0.0001), less educated (p<0.0001) and more likely to be uninsured (p < 0.0001). After adjusting for race, insurance status and educational level, there were no significant differences in cancer-related QOL between VICC and MMC survivors. MMC survivors did score significantly higher than VICC survivors on the PCL (33.9 vs. 28.3; p = 0.01) and the PTGI (75.9 vs. 62.5; p = 0.002). A total of 19 (8.3%) survivors met criteria for PTSD with a score of 50 or more (18.1% MMC, 3.8% VICC, p =0.003). Scores were significantly increased for MMC survivors relative to VICC survivors on all PTG subscales, especially the appreciation for life subscale (p = 0.0005). Conclusions: Cancer health disparities extend into the survivorship period. Although overall QOL did not differ, survivors treated at an underserved institution had significantly higher PTSD than those treated at a comprehensive cancer center. Underserved survivors also exhibited higher degrees of PTG. Further evaluation will identify the most significant sources of stress and resilience in order to design interventions to improve psychosocial wellbeing and decrease disparities.

When the tumour is not the culprit: avascular necrosis of the hip in a patient with castration-resistant prostate cancer

Avascular necrosis (avn) of the hip is a well-documented side effect of corticosteroid therapy, but it has also been described as a complication of radiation and chemotherapy. Many prostate cancer patients undergo treatment with all three of those therapeutic modalities, and yet reported cases of avn of the hip in prostate cancer patients are rare. Symptoms that might potentially alert physicians to this complication are nonspecific and may be attributed to cancer progression, in particular to progressive bone metastasis.Here, we report on a 79-year-old man diagnosed with castration-resistant prostate cancer whose diagnosis of avn of the hip was confounded by his underlying malignancy. We discuss risk factors and diagnostic clues in this differential diagnosis of acute hip pain in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer. Physicians might maintain a high index of suspicion for avn of the hip in prostate cancer patients presenting with new-onset hip pain. Surgical intervention may help to prevent the appearance of avn-associated pain and the negative impact of advanced avn on overall quality of life.

DORSALLY DISPLACED FRACTURES OF THE DISTAL RADIUS — A STUDY OF PREFERRED TREATMENT OPTIONS AMONG UK TRAUMA AND ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS

Distal radius fractures are common, and surgeons have in their armament a variety of ways of treating them. In this study, 50 orthopaedic surgeons in the UK were shown five clinical scenarios and radiographs from patients with various fracture patterns of the distal radius, and were asked for their preferred management. There was a wide variation in the preferred treatment for each scenario presented. Across all of the cases, 52% of surgeons preferred to use a volar locking-plate compared with 21% who chose fixation with Kirschner wires. There was very little consensus among surgeons with regard to the optimal method of fixation for patients sustaining dorsally displaced fractures of the distal radius. This disagreement is not surprising as there is currently no high level evidence to guide surgeons as to the best management option for this common and potentially debilitating injury.

Factors associated with specialist assessment and treatment for hepatitis C virus infection in New South Wales, Australia

Assessment and treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the community remains low. We evaluated factors associated with HCV specialist assessment and treatment in a cross-sectional study to evaluate treatment considerations in a sample of 634 participants with self-reported HCV infection in New South Wales, Australia. Participants having received HCV specialist assessment (n = 294, 46%) were more likely to be have been older (vs <35 years; 35-44 OR 1.64, P = 0.117; 45-54 OR 2.00, P = 0.024; ≥55 OR 5.43, P = 0.002), have greater social support (vs low; medium OR 3.07, P = 0.004; high OR 4.31, P < 0.001), HCV-related/attributed symptoms (vs none; 1-10 OR 3.89, P = 0.032; 10-21 OR 5.01, P = 0.010), a diagnosis of cirrhosis (OR 2.40, P = 0.030), have asked for treatment information (OR 1.91, P = 0.020), have greater HCV knowledge (OR 2.49, P = 0.001), have been told by a doctor to go onto treatment (OR 3.00, P < 0.001), and less likely to be receiving opiate substitution therapy (OR 0.10, P < 0.001) and never to have seen a general practitioner (OR 0.24, P < 0.001). Participants having received HCV treatment (n = 154, 24%) were more likely to have greater fibrosis (vs no biopsy; none/minimal OR 3.45, P = 0.001; moderate OR 11.47, P < 0.001; severe, OR 19.51, P < 0.001), greater HCV knowledge (OR 2.57; P = 0.004), know someone who has died from HCV (OR 2.57, P = 0.004), been told by a doctor to go onto treatment (OR 3.49, P < 0.001), were less likely to have been female (OR 0.39, P = 0.002), have recently injected (OR 0.42, P = 0.002) and be receiving opiate substitution therapy (OR 0.22, P < 0.001). These data identify modifiable patient-, provider- and systems-level barriers associated with HCV assessment and treatment in the community that could be addressed by targeted interventions.

Temporary intra-operative reduction techniques for tibial fracture fixation: A review of the literature

Accurate intra-operative reduction and maintenance of reduction is essential for successful fixation of tibial fractures. Although many tibial fractures can be reduced with minimal manipulation, numerous techniques have been described to facilitate fixation of more difficult fractures. These include use of a traction table, manual traction techniques, temporary distracters, reduction clamps and temporary unicortical plating. This article reviews the literature and assesses the options available for the temporary reduction and maintenance of reduction of tibial fractures prior to definitive fixation.

The physiological cost of restricted weight bearing

BACKGROUND

To identify the energy cost of placing restrictions on weight bearing status.

METHODS

Measurement of the Physiological cost index (PCI) for 11 healthy volunteers carrying out three types of mobilisation over a 100 m course in a physiology laboratory: normal walking fully weight bearing (FWB); non-weight bearing (NWB) and feather touch weight bearing (FTWB). NWB and FTWB were performed using a walking frame for support. FTWB was defined as mobilisation with the foot flat, as in normal gait, but with less than 100 N force generated through the limb.

RESULTS

Both NWB and FTWB developed significantly greater PCI than normal walking. There was no physiological cost benefit of FTWB over NWB, p=0.67, but FTWB was perceived by all participants to be less tiring.

CONCLUSIONS

Restricting weight bearing status significantly increases energy expenditure; the PCI. FTWB may be a more tolerable form of restricted weight bearing, although the PCI does not reflect this perception. These findings should be borne in mind when recommending such restrictions in clinical practice and encouraging a patient to mobilise early and effectively.

Balancing the role of the dental school in teaching, research and patient care; including care for underserved areas

Inequalities within dentistry are common and are reflected in wide differences in the levels of oral health and the standard of care available both within and between countries and communities. Furthermore there are patients, particularly those with special treatment needs, who do not have the same access to dental services as the general public. The dental school should aim to recruit students from varied backgrounds into all areas covered by the oral healthcare team and to train students to treat the full spectrum of patients including those with special needs. It is essential, however, that the dental student achieves a high standard of clinical competence and this cannot be gained by treating only those patients with low expectations for care. Balancing these aspects of clinical education is difficult. Research is an important stimulus to better teaching and better clinical care. It is recognized that dental school staff should be active in research, teaching, clinical work and frequently administration. Maintaining a balance between the commitments to clinical care, teaching and research while also taking account of underserved areas in each of these categories is a difficult challenge but one that has to be met to a high degree in a successful, modern dental school.

Management of left sided colorectal emergencies. Results of a postal questionnaire

AIM

Controversy continues over management of left sided colorectal emergencies. Historically, management was by a three-staged procedure but more recently a two-staged procedure (Hartmann's) was adopted. Since Dudley's description of the safety of peroperative antegrade colonic irrigation and primary anastomosis (PA) in the 1980s, some surgeons have adopted this one staged procedure. Studies have reported good outcomes. However, uptake of a one-staged approach is by no means universal. The aim of this study was to establish the operative choices of surgeons for emergency left sided colonic pathologies. We also compared the operative choices of colorectal surgeons, with non-colorectal surgeons.

METHODS

A paper questionnaire was sent out to 300 consultant surgeons, equally to colorectal and non-colorectal surgeons practising in UK. They were asked to state their specialist surgical interest and which operation they would perform for: obstructed sigmoid carcinoma; obstructed sigmoid colon due to diverticular stricture; perforated sigmoid carcinoma; diverticulitis and purulent peritonitis; perforated diverticulitis with faecal peritonitis.

RESULTS

Of the 300 questionnaires sent out 145 (48%) were returned. Of these 72 (50%) were colorectal surgeons, 58 (40%) were non colorectal surgeons. For obstructed sigmoid carcinoma, obstruction due to diverticular stricture and purulent diverticulitis, colorectal surgeons were statistically more likely to perform PA than non-colorectal surgeons.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that colorectal surgeons are more likely to perform a single stage operation for all scenarios examined. It also shows that the attitude of surgeons in UK is changing and more are accepting the concept of specialistic management in complex colonic pathologies.

Do dental anxiety questionnaires raise anxiety in dentally anxious adult patients? A two-wave panel study

OBJECTIVE

To test whether or not dentally anxious patients attending the dentist for an appointment become more anxious when completing a dental anxiety questionnaire.

BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN

Patients were initially screened to include only those who were dentally anxious. A pre- and post-test was planned with the completion of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) questionnaire as the intervention.

CLINICAL SETTING

Two dental access centres in the North West of England.

PARTICIPANTS

Initially, 583 patients were screened. Of these, 182 (31%) were found to be dentally anxious and were recruited into the study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Scale Short Form.

RESULTS

State anxiety did not change with the completion of the MDAS questionnaire in either designated dental phobics (MDAS >or=19) or those classified as non-phobics (MDAS <19).

CONCLUSIONS

The MDAS can be used to assess dental anxiety without raising anxiety in patients with or without self-reported dental phobia.

Patients treated by dental students in outreach: the first year of a pilot project

This paper describes the patients treated by 4th year undergraduate students during the first year of a pilot outreach course to teach Restorative Dentistry in community clinics in 2001-02. Data were collected from 908 summaries of patient treatment completed by the students, and from 139 patient questionnaires. Some 75% of patients were aged between 16 and 64, 58% were female, and 16% had dental phobia or anxiety. Most lived locally to the clinic and 41% made their initial contact as an emergency or drop-in. Some 37% made only a single visit (including children treated as emergencies) but 22% made six or more visits. Did not attend (DNA) was a problem and 18% of patients DNA to complete their treatment. Students undertook the full range of restorative procedures, with the emphasis on direct restorations, preventive treatment and advice, scaling, extractions and emergency treatment. Patients' main reasons for attending the clinic were lay recommendation, the need for treatment, convenience, free treatment, or the lack of access to a dentist. Some 30% said they did not have or did not know of an alternative source of dental care, and half had not seen a dentist for at least 2 years. The study demonstrates that despite difficulties related to attendance, a suitable patient base can be established offering students the opportunity to provide comprehensive care for adults in a primary care setting.

Regular salbutamol use increases CXCL8 responses in asthma: relationship to the eosinophil response

Regular salbutamol use can exacerbate allergen-induced airway eosinophilia in asthmatics, but its effect on airway eosinophil chemokine responses is unknown. Asthmatic subjects (n=14) were treated for 10 days with placebo or salbutamol in a double-blind, cross-over study, then given same-dose allergen challenges. Their sputa were then analysed 1 and 7 h later for a panel of eosinophil-related cytokines. Eosinophils from five test and three control subjects were tested for expression of CXCL8/interleukin (IL)-8, and its receptors and responsiveness to CCL11/eotaxin and CXCL8/IL-8. Sputum CXCL8/IL-8, but not IL-5, CCL5/regulated on activation, T-cell expressed and secreted, CCL7/monocyte chemotactic protein-3, CCL11/eotaxin, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor or tumour necrosis factor levels, were increased (42%) by the salbutamol treatments. The CXCL8/IL-8 levels correlated with the proportions of sputum eosinophils and these cells, but not other sputum cells, stained strongly for CXCL8/IL-8. The circulating eosinophils of the tested subjects (n=5) expressed CXCL8/IL-8 receptors and secreted high levels of this chemokine. Neutralisation of sputum CXCL8/IL-8 reduced eosinophil chemotactic responses to these samples by 19 +/- 5%. These data suggest that regular use of salbutamol can augment airway CXCL8/interleukin-8 responses to allergen challenge and that this CXCL8/interleukin-8 could contribute to the airway inflammatory response.

The story of the rebuilding of a team

There once was a team that dreamed of being highly functional. Team members believed they knew the path--they knew their expected results, their goals, and their decision-making authority. Yet, the team was miserable in its work. In order to find out what was wrong, the team contacted the team expert in the organization whose job was to build teams. The team expert determined that the process components of personal interaction criteria were being overlooked and, instead, content work was being pursued. As a result of these findings, the team rebuilt itself by defining its purpose in terms of goals and objectives, determining a set of team values and behaviors, and setting ground rules for meeting management.

The role of Apligraf in the treatment of venous leg ulcers

A cultured, allogeneic, bi-layered human skin equivalent has recently become available to help clinicians manage difficult-to-heal venous ulcers. This skin equivalent has an epidermis and dermis similar to human skin. Its living keratinocytes and fibroblasts are from cultured cell banks derived from human neonatal foreskin. Because the skin equivalent is made up of viable human cells, it cannot be terminally sterilized. Safety concerns, which have been addressed, include the risk of possible transmission of infection, immunogenicity, immunological graft rejection, and tumor formation. However, the maternal blood of the neonatal donor and the master cell banks are screened for infectious agents. Additionally, the human skin equivalent is produced under strict aseptic control, with sterility continuously monitored by the Good Manufacturing Processes. This paper reviews the characteristics of this human skin equivalent and provides practice guidelines.

Oral terbinafine in the treatment of toenail onychomycosis: North American multicenter trial

BACKGROUND

Onychomycosis is an increasing problem with limited therapeutic options.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the safety and efficacy, of oral terbinafine, a new fungicidal antimycotic, in patients with toenail onychomycosis.

METHODS

A North American multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the mycologic and clinical efficacy of oral terbinafine 250 mg/day for 12 or 24 weeks in 358 patients with toenail onychomycosis.

RESULTS

A total of 74% of patients treated with 12 or 24 weeks of terbinafine achieved a successful clinical outcome. Approximately 11% of terbinafine responders showed evidence of relapse 18 of 21 months after cessation of treatment. Terbinafine was well tolerated; most adverse events were transient and mild to moderate in severity.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study confirm that oral terbinafine is a safe and effective therapy for the treatment of onychomycosis.

Localization of the gene causing keratolytic winter erythema to chromosome 8p22-p23, and evidence for a founder effect in South African Afrikaans-speakers

Keratolytic winter erythema (KWE), also known as "Oudtshoorn skin disease," or "erythrokeratolysis hiemalis," is an autosomal dominant skin disorder of unknown etiology characterized by a cyclical erythema, hyperkeratosis, and recurrent and intermittent peeling of the palms and soles, particularly during winter. Initially KWE was believed to be unique to South Africa, but recently a large pedigree of German origin has been identified. The disorder occurs with a prevalence of 1/7,000 in the South African Afrikaans-speaking Caucasoid population, and this high frequency has been attributed to founder effect. After a number of candidate regions were excluded from linkage to KWE in both the German family and several South African families, a genomewide analysis was embarked on. Linkage to the microsatellite marker D8S550 on chromosome 8p22-p23 was initially observed, with a maximum LOD score (Z(max)) of 9.2 at a maximum recombination fraction (theta(max)) of .0 in the German family. Linkage was also demonstrated in five of the larger South African families, with Z(max) = 7.4 at theta(max) = .02. When haplotypes were constructed, 11 of 14 South African KWE families had the complete "ancestral" haplotype, and 3 demonstrated conservation of parts of this haplotype, supporting the hypothesis of founder effect. The chromosome segregating with the disease in the German family demonstrated a different haplotype, suggesting that these chromosomes do not have a common origin. Recombination events place the KWE gene in a 6-cM interval between D8S550 and D8S552. If it is assumed that there was a single South African founder, a proposed ancestral recombinant suggests that the gene is most likely in a 1-cM interval between D8S550 and D8S265.

Pharmaceutical published literature databases: a survey

Pharmaceutical companies often maintain a bibliographic database of published articles on their products. Although such databases share the common purpose of providing the company with a centralized source of published information, the databases themselves vary in scope, uses, and technologies. In order to explore the current status of these databases, a survey was conducted in early 1995. This article provides an overview of pharmaceutical product literature databases and the results from that survey.

Familial occurrence of pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy

BACKGROUND

The occurrence of pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP) was noted in four women with unusual family relationships.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to document the occurrence of PUPPP in these families and to make observations on their possible relevance.

METHODS

Case reports of the four patients are detailed. Histologic and HLA studies are recorded.

RESULTS

In both families, sisters were married to brothers. A common paternal influence is suggested.

CONCLUSION

We postulate that PUPPP may be a maternal response to a circulating paternal factor for which tolerance develops in subsequent pregnancies.