Barbed Versus Nonbarbed Suture for Posterior Colporrhaphy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

IMPORTANCE

There is limited literature or even consensus on the suture material used for posterior vaginal repairs.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compare outcomes of barbed versus nonbarbed delayed absorbable suture used for posterior colporrhaphy.

STUDY DESIGN

This study conducted a randomized controlled trial of 72 women undergoing posterior repair using standardized technique-concurrent procedures permitted with barbed (n = 36) or nonbarbed (n = 36) suture. Standardized examinations, validated questionnaires, and a visual analog scale (VAS) were completed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 months, and a telephone interview was conducted at 6 months. The primary outcome was posterior compartment pain at 6 weeks, measured by a VAS.

RESULTS

Seventy-two women enrolled, with follow-up rates 6 weeks (100%), 6 months (90.3%), and 12 months (73.6%). Demographics were similar between groups. A VAS with movement was not different between groups at 6 weeks. The odds of experiencing vaginal pain, having myofascial pain on examination, or being sexually active postoperatively were not different between the groups. There were no differences in the length of posterior colporrhaphy, surgical times, or hospital length of stay between the groups. Suture passes were lower in the nonbarbed group (median, 4 vs 7; P = <0.001), and suture burden was higher in the nonbarbed group (median, 26.9 vs 10.5 cm; P = <0.001). There was overall improvement in Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory Short Form 20 prolapse and colorectal subscores but no differences between groups. Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire Short Form 12 scores improved, and dyspareunia decreased at 6 and 12 months in both groups. In addition, there were few anatomic recurrences at 6 weeks (0%) and 12 months (3.4%) and few adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found no differences in primary or secondary outcomes; however, both suture types resulted in clinical improvements in quality-of-life measures and sexual function.

Outcomes and antibiotic use in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) admitted to an intensive care unit

Antibiotic overuse is high in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) despite a low documented prevalence of bacterial infections in many studies. In this study evaluating 65 COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit, empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics were often overutilized with an inertia to de-escalate despite negative culture results.

285. Outcomes and Antibiotic Use in Patients with COVID-19 Admitted to an Intensive Care Unit

Background

Studies have shown the proportion of critically ill patients with COVID-19 receiving empiric antibiotics (ABX) greatly exceeds those with culture-proven bacterial co-infections. However, the benefits of continuing ABX in culture-negative (CxN) cases is unknown; this practice may increase the risks associated with ABX overuse. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes and antibiotic use (AU) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with COVID-19 based on culture results.

Methods

This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study evaluating adults in an ICU for the first episode of ABX initiated following a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis between September to December 2020. Blood and/or respiratory cultures must have been obtained within 24 hours (h) of ABX initiation. Patients were categorized into three groups: 1) CxN, ABX discontinued ≤ 72 h, 2) CxN, ABX continued > 72 h, or 3) Culture-positive (CxP). Data on AU was obtained from electronic medication administration records. The primary outcome was clinical success, defined as being discharged alive or > 2-point decrease in the World Health Organization Clinical Progression Scale score from day of ABX initiation to day 30.

Results

A total of 65 patients were included with 35.4% being CxP. ABX were discontinued ≤ 72 h in 23.8% of CxN patients. Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism in 52.2% of CxP patients (66.7% respiratory; 16.7% blood; 16.7% both). Anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and anti-pseudomonal antibiotics were the most prescribed for the initial regimen (Table 1). ABX de-escalation occurred in 58.5% of patients. Initial ABX duration was significantly longer in the CxP group (P < 0.01). No significant difference in clinical success was observed (Table 2). Although not significantly different, the highest rate of adverse events occurred in the CxN and ABX continued > 72 h group (40.6%).

Table 1. Antibiotic Use in ICU Patients with COVID-19

Table 2. Clinical Outcomes and Adverse Events in ICU Patients with COVID-19

Conclusion

In ICU patients with COVID-19, empiric broad-spectrum ABX are often overutilized with an inertia to de-escalate despite negative culture results, potentially increasing the risk of adverse events. This remains an important area for focused antimicrobial stewardship efforts to mitigate the development of multidrug resistance.

Disclosures

Christopher Polk, MD, Atea (Research Grant or Support)Gilead (Advisor or Review Panel member, Research Grant or Support)Humanigen (Research Grant or Support)Regeneron (Research Grant or Support)

Pediatric Pain Assessment in the Emergency Department: Patient and Caregiver Agreement Using the Wong-Baker FACES and the Faces Pain Scale-Revised

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the agreement between patients presenting to the pediatric emergency department (ED) with acute pain and their caregivers when using the Wong-Baker FACES (WBF) and Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R).

METHODS

This was a prospective, observational study examining patients 3 to 7.5 years old presenting to a pediatric ED with acute pain. Participants completed the WBF and FPS-R twice during their ED evaluation. Caregivers rated their child's pain using both the WBF and FPS-R at the same time points. Intraclass correlations (ICCs) were calculated between caregiver and child reports at each time point, and Bland-Altman plots were created.

RESULTS

Forty-six subjects were enrolled over 5 months. Mean age was 5.5 ± 1.2 years. Average initial child pain scores were 6.6 ± 2.8 (WBF) and 6.1 ± 3.3 (FPS-R), and repeat scores were 3.3 ± 3.4 (WBF) and 3.1 ± 3.3 (FPS-R). Average initial caregiver pain scores were 6.3 ± 2.4 (WBF) and 6.2 ± 2.3 (FPS-R), and repeat scores were 3.4 ± 2.0 (WBF) and 3.4 ± 2.1 (FPS-R). On initial assessment, ICCs between children and caregivers using the FPS-R and WBF were 0.33 and 0.22, respectively. On repeat assessment, the ICCs were 0.31 for FPS-R and 0.26 for WBF. Bland-Altman plots showed poor agreement but no systematic bias.

CONCLUSION

There was poor agreement between caregivers and children when using the WBF and FPS-R for assessment of acute pain in the ED. Caregiver report should not be used as a substitute for self-report of pain if possible.

Empiric aztreonam is associated with increased mortality compared to beta-lactams in septic shock

PURPOSE

To determine if aztreonam as initial empiric treatment of adult septic shock is associated with increased mortality compared to the use of anti-pseudomonal beta-lactam agents.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of 582 adult emergency department patients admitted to 12 acute care facilities within a single health system from January 2014 to December 2017 with septic shock receiving either aztreonam or an anti-pseudomonal beta-lactam for empiric treatment and discharged with an infection-related ICD-9 or ICD-10 code. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

Initial exposure to aztreonam was associated with increased hospital mortality compared to treatment with an anti-pseudomonal beta-lactam agent (22.7% vs. 12.9%, OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.27-3.11). When adjusted for APACHE II score, the treatment group effect on mortality remained statistically significant (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.08-2.80). Aztreonam use was also associated with increased utilization of aminoglycosides (28.9% vs. 12.4%, p < 0.0001) and fluoroquinolones (50.5% vs. 25.8%, p < 0.01). There was no difference in hospital or intensive care unit length of stay in surviving patients between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to anti-pseudomonal beta-lactams, empiric treatment with aztreonam is associated with increased mortality and greater antibiotic exposure among patients with acute septic shock. These findings suggest that treatment with anti-pseudomonal beta-lactams should be prioritized over allergy avoidance whenever feasible.

The Association Between Antibiotic Delay Intervals and Hospital Mortality Among Patients Treated in the Emergency Department for Suspected Sepsis

OBJECTIVES

Rapid delivery of antibiotics is a cornerstone of sepsis therapy, although time targets for specific components of antibiotic delivery are unknown. We quantified time intervals comprising the task of antibiotic delivery and evaluated the association between interval delays and hospital mortality among patients treated in the emergency department for suspected sepsis.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

SETTING

Twelve hospitals in Southeastern United States from 2014 to 2017.

PATIENTS

Twenty-four thousand ninety-three encounters among 20,026 adults with suspected sepsis in 12 emergency departments.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We divided antibiotic administration into two intervals: time from emergency department triage to antibiotic order (recognition delay) and time from antibiotic order to infusion (administration delay). We used generalized linear mixed models to evaluate associations between these intervals and hospital mortality. Median time from emergency department triage to antibiotic administration was 3.4 hours (interquartile range, 2.0-6.0 hr), separated into a median recognition delay (time from emergency department triage to antibiotic order) of 2.7 hours(interquartile range, 1.5-4.7 hr) and median administration delay (time from antibiotic order to infusion) of 0.6 hours (0.3-1.2 hr). Adjusting for other risk factors, both recognition delay and administration delay were associated with mortality, but pairwise comparison with a no-delay reference group was not significant for up to 6 hours of recognition delay or up to 1.5 hours of administration delay.

CONCLUSIONS

Both recognition delays and administration delays were associated with increased hospital mortality, but only for longer delays. These results suggest that both metrics may be important to measure and improve for patients with suspected sepsis but do not support targets less than 1 hour.

Impact of 5-ALPHA reductase inhibitor use on prostate cancer risk at the time of urology referral

226

Background: 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) are commonly used medications for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. One of the consequences of 5-ARI use is a 50% drop in serum PSA without a concomitant reduction in prostate cancer (PCa) risk. Previous work has suggested that 5-ARI use is associated with worse PCa-specific outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of 5-ARI use on patients’ PCa risk at the time of referral from primary care to urology. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included all men ≥ 40 years who had a PSA resulted between 2018-2019 and were seen in an ambulatory setting. PSA testing was determined through laboratory data in the electronic health record (EHR). Clinical and demographic data were collected for all men. 5-ARI use was determined through orders in the EHR. Men were assigned PCa risk according to both the Prostate Biopsy Collaborative Group (PBCG) and Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) risk calculators. PSA values were doubled for 5-ARI users prior to calculating risk. Referral to urology for PCa risk was determined using the narrative reason for referral associated with the referral order. Results: Between 2018-2019, 91,368 men had a PSA test, including 2,939 5-ARI users, and 88,429 non-users. Uncorrected median PSA and the proportion of men referred to urology for PCa risk were similar between the two groups (p = 0.60 and p = 0.17, respectively). Of men referred to urology for PCa risk, 5-ARI users had similar uncorrected PSA to non-users (p=0.86) but higher risk for high grade PCa once PSA correction was performed, median (IQR) 48% (24%) vs 28% (18%) using the PBCG and 21% (17%) vs 10% (10%) using the PCPT (p < 0.01 for both) (Table). Conclusions: Men taking 5-ARIs have significantly higher risk for high-grade PCa at time of referral to urology than non-users in this cohort. As the unadjusted PSA at referral to urology for PCa risk was the same between 5-ARI users and non-users, this indicates that the effect of 5-ARI use on serum PSA levels is not routinely accounted for when assessing PCa risk. Further study on interventions to account for 5-ARI use when screening for PCa are warranted. [Table: see text]

239. Outcomes Associated with Empiric Aztreonam Use Compared to Anti-Pseudomonal β-lactams in Patients with Sepsis: An Opportunity for Allergy Stewardship

Background

Aztreonam is often given to patients with a documented β-lactam allergy in lieu of a first-line anti-pseudomonal β-lactam (APBL). However, aztreonam offers no gram positive coverage and data suggest that gram negative organisms have lower susceptibility rates to this antibiotic than to APBLs. Septic patients are especially vulnerable to poor outcomes since inappropriate initial antimicrobial therapy has been shown to be an independent predictor of increased mortality. The purpose of this study was to determine whether septic patients treated with aztreonam experience inferior outcomes compared to those treated with an APBL.

Methods

This was a retrospective, multicenter, cohort study of all adult patients in metro Charlotte Atrium Health facilities treated for sepsis or septic shock from January 2014 to October 2017. Patients receiving either aztreonam or an APBL were identified using the system-wide sepsis database and enrolled in a 1:2 ratio. Patients were excluded if there was no infection-related discharge ICD-9 or ICD-10 code, if they received both aztreonam and an APBL in the first 8 hours, or if they received fewer than 2 doses of the study antibiotic. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality.

Results

A total of 194 patients received aztreonam and 388 patients received an APBL. β-lactam allergies were more common in patients who received aztreonam compared to APBL (97% vs. 14.2%, p < 0.01). In-hospital mortality rates were greater in the patients who received aztreonam vs. APBL (22.7% vs. 12.9%, p = 0.0025). After adjusting for APACHE II score, initial aztreonam exposure remained independently associated with hospital mortality (OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.0 – 2.8, p = 0.02). Additionally, we identified an increase in combination therapy with the use of aminoglycosides (28.9% vs. 12.4%, p < 0.0001) and fluoroquinolones (50.5% vs. 25.8%, p < 0.0001) in patients receiving aztreonam. No difference was found in overall length of stay or ICU length of stay.

Conclusion

In septic patients, the use of aztreonam as the backbone of antimicrobial therapy may result in increased mortality. This highlights the importance of stewardship interventions that obtain an accurate allergy history and encourage the use of APBL antibiotics whenever feasible.

Disclosures

Kelly E. Pillinger, PharmD, BCIDP, Pharmacy Times (Other Financial or Material Support, Speaker)

Contemporary racial disparities in PSA screening in a large, integrated health care system

308

Background: The USPSTF prostate cancer screening guidelines have changed significantly in the past decade, from a recommendation of do not screen in 2012 to a 2018 recommendation that focuses on shared decision making. Additionally, most guidelines further acknowledge that African American men should be screened more intensively than Caucasian men due to increased incidence of prostate cancer and increased prostate cancer mortality. Our objective was to characterize racial disparities in PSA screening in a large healthcare system with a diverse patient population to understand contemporary trends. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used data from the Atrium Health Enterprise Data Warehouse, which includes clinical records from over 900 care locations across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Participants included all men ≥ 40 years seen in the ambulatory or outpatient setting during 2014-2018. PSA testing was determined through laboratory data. Clinical and demographic data were collected. Between-group comparisons were conducted using generalized estimating equations models to account for within-subject correlation. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Results: There were 582,846 individual men seen from 2014-2018, including 416,843 Caucasians (71.5%) and 85,773 African Americans (14.7%). Screening rates declined among all groups from 2014-2018 (see table). African American men were screened at a similar or lower rate than Caucasian men in each year (from 18.6% vs 19.0% in 2014 to 11.9% vs 12.2% in 2018, respectively). Conclusions: PSA screening declined significantly between 2014 and 2018. African American men screened at a similar or lower rate than Caucasian men each year. Given the consensus that African American men should be more intensively screened for prostate cancer, significant racial disparities remain in prostate cancer screening. Further study is warranted to understand patient, provider, and system factors that contribute to disparities in prostate cancer care and outcomes.[Table: see text]

Effect of a Virtual Patient Navigation Program on Behavioral Health Admissions in the Emergency Department: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

The number of patients presenting to emergency departments (EDs) for psychiatric care continues to increase. Psychiatrists often make a conservative recommendation to admit patients because robust outpatient services for close follow-up are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether the availability of a 45-day behavioral health-virtual patient navigation program decreases hospitalization among patients presenting to the ED with a behavioral health crisis or need.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This randomized clinical trial enrolled 637 patients who presented to 6 EDs spanning urban and suburban locations within a large integrated health care system in North Carolina from June 12, 2017, through February 14, 2018; patients were followed up for up to 45 days. Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older, with a behavioral health crisis and a completed telepsychiatric ED consultation. The availability of the behavioral health-virtual patient navigation intervention was randomly allocated to specific days (Monday through Friday from 7 am to 7 pm) so that, in a 2-week block, there were 5 intervention days and 5 usual care days; 323 patients presented on days when the program was offered, and 314 presented on usual care days. Data analysis was performed from March 7 through June 13, 2018, using an intention-to-treat approach.

INTERVENTIONS

The behavioral health-virtual patient navigation program included video contact with a patient while in the ED and telephonic outreach 24 to 72 hours after discharge and then at least weekly for up to 45 days.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was the conversion of an ED encounter to hospital admission. Secondary outcomes included 45-day follow-up encounters with a self-harm diagnosis and postdischarge acute care use.

RESULTS

Among 637 participants, 358 (56.2%) were men, and the mean (SD) age was 39.7 (16.6) years. The conversion rates were 55.1% (178 of 323) in the intervention group vs 63.1% (198 of 314) in the usual care group (odds ratio, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.54-1.02; P = .06). The percentage of patient encounters with follow-up encounters having a self-harm diagnosis was significantly lower in the intervention group compared with the usual care group (36.8% [119 of 323] vs 45.5% [143 of 314]; P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Although the primary result did not reach statistical significance, there is a strong signal of potential positive benefit in an area that lacks evidence, suggesting that there should be additional investment and inquiry into virtual behavioral health programs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03204643.

2117. Fluconazole vs. Echinocandins as Initial Therapy for Candidemia Caused by Fluconazole-Susceptible Species in the Era of Rapid Diagnostic Testing

Background

Echinocandins (ECH) are recommended first-line for initial therapy (IT) of candidemia (CD) over fluconazole (FLU) due to their broad spectrum of activity. This recommendation was made prior to widespread implementation of rapid diagnostic testing (RDT), allowing prompt species identification and targeted therapy. The objective of this study was to compare clinical outcomes in patients with CD caused by FLU-susceptible species who received either FLU or ECH as IT.

Methods

This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of adults with CD caused by C. albicans, C. tropicalis, or C. parapsilosis. Patients who received FLU or ECH as IT for at least 48 hours from May 2012 to October 2018 were included. Patients who died within 48 hours of first positive blood culture were excluded. The primary endpoint was the rate of clinical failure (persistent CD for >72 hours, recurrent infection within 30 days, change in therapy, and all-cause mortality within 30 days). Secondary endpoints included 90-day all-cause mortality and time to culture clearance. A subgroup analysis in critically ill patients was conducted.

Results

Of the 371 patients evaluated, 128 met criteria for inclusion, 57 received FLU and 71 received ECH. Patients in the ECH group had a higher incidence of sepsis at the time of first positive blood culture (45.1% vs. 19.3%, P = 0.002). A line-associated source was more common in the ECH group (56.3%) vs. urinary source in the FLU group (21.1%). C. albicans was most common in both groups (63%). Clinical failure was similar in the FLU and ECH groups (38.6% vs. 35.2%, P = 0.69). 90-day mortality and time to culture clearance (1.6 vs. 1.5 days, P = 0.63) did not yield significant differences. In the subgroup analysis of critically ill patients, there was a trend suggesting higher rate of failure in patients who received FLU vs. an ECH (60.9% vs. 47.7%, P = 0.31), though underpowered to detect such a difference. Length of stay (LOS) was shorter in patients who received FLU (12 vs. 18 days, P = 0.018).

Conclusion

FLU as IT for FLU-susceptible CD may be a reasonable option in non-critically ill patients in the setting of RDT. This may lead to shorter LOS given the availability of an oral formulation. Additional prospective studies are needed to validate these conclusions.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.

662. Recurrence of Infection and Emergence of Drug Resistance After Treatment with Meropenem/Vaborbactam Compared with Ceftazidime/Avibactam in Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Infections

Background

Options for treatment of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections were historically limited to antibiotics with limited efficacy and significant toxicities. Ceftazidime/avibactam (CA) and meropenem/vaborbactam (MV) are superior to older regimens; however, a direct comparison of the agents is lacking. This study compared clinical outcomes including recurrence of infection and emergence of drug resistance in patients who received CA vs. MV for CRE infections.

Methods

This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of adults with CRE infections who received CA or MV for ≥72 hours from February 2015 to October 2018. Patients with localized urinary tract infection were excluded. The primary endpoint was clinical success (30-day survival, resolution of signs and symptoms of infection, sterilization of blood cultures within 7 days in patients with bacteremia, absence of recurrent infection). Secondary endpoints included 30- and 90-day mortality, adverse events (AE), recurrent CRE infection within 90 days, and development of resistance in patients with recurrent infection. We conducted a post hoc subgroup analysis in patients with recurrence to compare development of resistance in those who received CA monotherapy, CA combination therapy, and MV monotherapy.

Results

131 patients were included (CA: 105 patients, MV: 26 patients), 40% had bacteremia. No statistical difference in clinical success was observed between groups (62% vs. 69%, respectively, P = 0.49). Patients in the CA arm received combination therapy more often than patients in the MV arm (61% vs. 15%, P < 0.01). No difference in 30- and 90-day mortality resulted among groups, but numerically higher rates of AE were observed in the CA group (38% vs. 23%, P = 0.17). In patients with recurrent infection, development of resistance occurred more often with CA monotherapy, though not statistically significant (Table 1). One case of MV resistance was observed in a patient who had received 4 prior courses of MV, but this episode was outside of the study period.

Conclusion

Clinical success was similar between the groups despite MV being used more often as monotherapy. Development of resistance and rates of AE were higher in the CA group compared with MV therapy.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.

Effectiveness of oral antibiotics for definitive therapy of non-Staphylococcal Gram-positive bacterial bloodstream infections

Background:

Data on the effectiveness of definitive oral (PO) antibiotics for BSIs in preparation for discharge from hospital are lacking, particularly for Gram-positive bacterial BSIs (GP-BSI). The objective of this study was to determine rates of treatment failure based on bioavailability of PO antimicrobial agents used for GP-BSI.

Methods:

This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study of adult inpatients admitted to an academic medical center over a three-year period. Patients with a non-staphylococcal GP-BSI who received intravenous antibiotics and were then switched to PO antibiotics for at least a third of their treatment course were included. The cohort was stratified into high (⩾90%) and low (<90%) bioavailability groups. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients experiencing clinical failure in each group. Secondary endpoints included clinical failure stratified by antibiotic group, bactericidal versus bacteriostatic PO agents, and organism.

Results:

A total of 103 patients met criteria for inclusion, which failed to reach the a priori power calculation. Of the patients included, 26 received high bioavailability agents and 77 received low bioavailability agents. Infections originated largely from a pulmonary source (30%) and were caused primarily by streptococcal species (75%). Treatment failure rates were 19.2% in the high bioavailability group and 23.4% in the low bioavailability group (p = 0.66). Clinical failure stratified by subgroups also did not yield statistically significant differences.

Conclusions:

Clinical failure rates were similar among patients definitively treated with high or low bioavailability agents for GP-BSI, though the study was underpowered to detect such a difference.

Aiming to Improve Readmissions Through InteGrated Hospital Transitions (AIRTIGHT): a Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Despite years of intense focus, inpatient and observation readmission rates remain high and largely unchanged. Hospitals have little, robust evidence to guide the selection of interventions effective at reducing 30-day readmissions in real-world settings.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate if implementation of recent recommendations for hospital transition programs is effective at reducing 30-day readmissions in a population discharged to home and at high-risk for readmission.

DESIGN

A non-blinded, pragmatic randomized controlled trial ( Clinicaltrials.gov : NCT02763202) conducted at two hospitals in Charlotte, North Carolina.

PATIENTS

A total of 1876 adult patients, under the care of a hospitalist, and at high risk for readmissions.

INTERVENTION

Random allocation to a Transition Services (TS) program (n = 935) that bridges inpatient, outpatient, and home settings, providing patients virtual and in-person access to a dedicated multidisciplinary team for 30-days, or usual care (n = 941).

MAIN MEASURE

Thirty-day, unplanned, inpatient, or observation readmission rate.

KEY RESULTS

The 30-day readmission rate was 15.2% in the TS group and 16.3% in the usual care group (RR 0.93; 95% [CI, 0.76 to 1.15]; P = 0.52). There were no significant differences in readmissions at 60 and 90 days or in 30-day Emergency Department visit rates. Patients, who were referred to TS and readmitted, had less Intensive Care Unit admissions 15.5% vs. 26.8% (RR 0.74; 95% [CI, 0.59 to 0.93]; P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

An intervention inclusive of contemporary recommendations does not reduce a high-risk population's 30-day readmission rate. The high crossover to usual care (74.8%) reflects the challenge of non-participation that is ubiquitous in the real-world implementation of population health interventions.

TRIAL REGISTRY

ClinicalTrials.gov ; registration ID number: NCT02763202, URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02763202.

An evaluation of patient-specific characteristics on attainment of target sedation in an intensive care unit

BACKGROUND

Sedation of mechanically ventilated patients should optimize comfort and safety while avoiding over-sedation and adverse outcomes. To our knowledge, characteristics associated with attaining target sedation are unknown.

OBJECTIVES

Evaluate current sedation practice at a single center and explore which patient characteristics are associated with attaining target sedation.

METHODS

This is a single-center, retrospective chart review of sedated, ventilated patients in a medical/surgical ICU. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used with attaining target sedation as the dependent variable.

RESULTS

Of the 100 patients included (median 60.5 years), 50 attained target sedation. Univariate analyses (a = 0.10) revealed factors associated with target sedation were age (P = 0.08), history of alcohol abuse (P = 0.08), multiple comorbidities (P = 0.09), and delirium monitoring (P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis revealed an association between delirium monitoring/documentation and attaining target sedation (P = 0.005; OR 9.2; 95% CI 2.3-36.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients without appropriate delirium monitoring/documentation had significantly reduced likelihood of achieving target sedation.

Analysis of Plasma Tenascin-C in Post-HCV Cirrhosis: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis, one of the most common etiologies of liver cirrhosis in the Western world, is a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. To confirm and improve current effectiveness of screening and prognosis of patients with established cirrhosis, a credible, simple plasma biomarker is needed. Hepatic stellate cell activation, a pivotal event in cirrhosis development, results in increased secretion of extracellular matrix proteins, including tenascin-C (TnC). Herein, we tested TnC as a simple biomarker to identify cirrhotic patients with active HCV infection from those with HCV eradication.

METHODS

A prospective study of subjects with HCV-related cirrhosis, stratified into two groups, HCV or virologic cure, was conducted. Plasma TnC expression was measured by ELISA and Western blots. TnC values were correlated with markers of liver injury and ROC analyses performed between groups.

RESULTS

The HCV cirrhotic cohort, consisting mostly of men (56%), Caucasians (76%), and genotype 1a or 1b (84%), was compared to healthy controls (HCs). Plasma TnC was significantly higher in HCV cirrhotic patients with active infection compared to HCs (P < 0.0001) and virologic cure (P < 0.0001). TnC concentrations in virologic cure subjects were not statistically different from HCs. TnC levels correlated with AST, platelets, MELD, APRI, FIB-4, and Child-Pugh score. TnC and AST together were significantly better indicators of cirrhosis in patients with active HCV infection than other markers tested.

CONCLUSIONS

TnC and AST provided the best model for discriminating HCV cirrhotics with active infection from HC and virologic cure cohorts over current liver injury markers, suggesting TnC as a potential indicator of ongoing hepatic injury and inflammation.

Predictors and Outcomes of Nondiagnostic Ultrasound for Acute Appendicitis in Children

Ultrasound assessments of children with possible acute appendicitis (AA) are often nondiagnostic. We aimed to identify the predictors of nondiagnostic ultrasound and to investigate the outcomes. A retrospective review was conducted on children aged 4 to 17 years evaluated in 2013 for AAwith ultrasound at a tertiary hospital pediatric emergency department. Demographics, clinical data, and outcomes were analyzed. Of 528 children, 194 (36.7%) had diagnostic ultrasounds and 334 (63.3%) had nondiagnostic ultrasounds. Nondiagnostic ultrasounds were more common after-hours (7 pm–7 am weekdays and on weekends, 70.7%) than during business hours (7 am–7 pm weekdays; 29.3%). After-hours timing and female sex were identified as independent predictors of non-diagnostic ultrasounds (P < 0.05 for both). AA was diagnosed in 35 children with a nondiagnostic ultrasound (10.5%; P < 0.05). No child who underwent a nondiagnostic ultrasound was found to have AA with laboratory values of white blood cell < 11 x 103/μL and c-reactive protein (CRP) < 5 mg/dL. Children with nondiagnostic ultrasounds have a low likelihood of AA if white blood cell < 11 and CRP < 5. We propose a management algorithm that we hope will help reduce admissions and decrease the use of computed tomography scans.

Predictors and Outcomes of Nondiagnostic Ultrasound for Acute Appendicitis in Children

Ultrasound assessments of children with possible acute appendicitis (AA) are often nondiagnostic. We aimed to identify the predictors of nondiagnostic ultrasound and to investigate the outcomes. A retrospective review was conducted on children aged 4 to 17 years evaluated in 2013 for AA with ultrasound at a tertiary hospital pediatric emergency department. Demographics, clinical data, and outcomes were analyzed. Of 528 children, 194 (36.7%) had diagnostic ultrasounds and 334 (63.3%) had nondiagnostic ultrasounds. Nondiagnostic ultrasounds were more common after-hours (7 pm-7 am weekdays and on weekends, 70.7%) than during business hours (7 am-7 pm weekdays; 29.3%). After-hours timing and female sex were identified as independent predictors of nondiagnostic ultrasounds (P < 0.05 for both). AA was diagnosed in 35 children with a nondiagnostic ultrasound (10.5%; P < 0.05). No child who underwent a nondiagnostic ultrasound was found to have AA with laboratory values of white blood cell < 11 × 103/µL and c-reactive protein (CRP) < 5 mg/dL. Children with nondiagnostic ultrasounds have a low likelihood of AA if white blood cell < 11 and CRP < 5. We propose a management algorithm that we hope will help reduce admissions and decrease the use of computed tomography scans.

A model combustor for studying a reacting jet in an oscillating crossflow

This paper discusses a novel model combustion experiment that was built for studying the structure and dynamics of a reacting jet in an unsteady crossflow. A natural-gas-fired dump combustor is used to generate and sustain an acoustically oscillating vitiated flow that serves as the crossflow for transverse jet injection. Unlike most other techniques that are limited in operating pressure or acoustic amplitude, this method of generating an unsteady flow field is demonstrated at a pressure of 10 atm with peak-to-peak oscillation amplitudes approaching 20% of the mean pressure. An optically accessible test section designed for these conditions provides access for advanced laser and optical diagnostic measurements. Detailed measurements provide insight into the complex acoustic-hydrodynamic-combustion coupling processes and offer high-quality, high-resolution validation data for numerical simulations. Careful instrumentation port design considerations for the higher amplitude acoustics are detailed. As a whole, this paper focuses on select representative segments of the experiment operational space that highlight our strategy of providing an oscillatory flowfield. This includes presenting the acoustic operational space such as acoustic amplitudes, frequencies, and mode shapes. Select imaging results are then reported to support our strategies capability to produce high-fidelity measurements.

Profiles of miRNAs in serum in severe acute drug induced liver injury and their prognostic significance

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Drug induced liver injury (DILI) is challenging because of the lack of biomarkers to predict mortality. Our aim was to describe miRNA changes in sera of subjects with acute idiosyncratic DILI and determine if levels of miRNAs were associated with 6 month mortality.

METHODS

Clinical data and sera were collected from subjects enrolled in the Drug Induced Liver Injury Network prospective study. miRNAs were isolated from serum obtained from 78 subjects within 2 weeks of acute DILI and followed up for 6 months or longer. miRNAs were compared to 40 normal controls and 6 month survivors vs non-survivors.

RESULTS

The mean age of the DILI cohort was 48 years, and 55% were female. Eleven (14.1%) subjects died, 10 within 6 months of DILI onset, 5 (45%) liver related. Lower levels of miRNAs-122, -4463 and -4270 were associated with death within 6 months (P<.05). None of the subjects with miRNA-122 greater than the median value died within 6 months for a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 57%. In subjects with a serum albumin <2.8 g/dL and miR-122<7.89 RFU the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for death within 6 months were 100%, 57%, 38% and 100% respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum miRNA-122 combined with albumin accurately identified subjects who died within 6 months of drug induced liver injury. If confirmed prospectively, miRNA-122 and albumin may be useful in identifying patients at high risk for mortality or liver transplantation.

Validation of a Screening Tool to Identify Undernutrition in Ambulatory Patients With Liver Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of chronic liver disease is increasing in the United States. Malnutrition is common as liver disease progresses. However, an accepted method to screen these patients for malnutrition is lacking. The 6-question undernutrition screening tool was developed for professionals without nutrition training to identify a decline in the nutrition status of patients with liver cirrhosis. A 3-phase validation study was completed to assess face, content, and clinical validity of the screening tool in ambulatory patients with liver cirrhosis.

METHODS

In phase I, face validity was determined by surveying 13 liver disease professionals. In phase II, content validity was assessed by surveying 12 registered dietitians who specialize in liver disease. In phase III, a cross-sectional investigation was completed to compare the agreement between the undernutrition screening tool and nutrition assessment by a registered dietitian (RD).

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients with a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis participated in phase III of the investigation. The RD assessment identified undernutrition in 82% of patients (95% CI, 60%-95%). The κ statistic indicated a fair agreement between the screening tool and RD assessment. Sensitivity and specificity of the tool were 72% and 75%, respectively, and positive predictive value was 93%.

CONCLUSIONS

Feedback from phase I, II, and III indicate that the undernutrition screening tool is simple, is easy to use, and measures the constructs that have the strongest link with undernutrition in liver disease. Additional minor adjustments to the screening tool and a multicenter investigation are indicated to confirm clinical effectiveness and cross-validity of the tool.

Outcome of Patients Discharged From a Heart Failure Disease Management Program following Their Clinical and Echocardiographic Recovery

<b><i>Objectives:</i></b> Heart failure (HF) is associated with high mortality and frequent hospitalizations. Disease management programs (DMPs) have a favorable impact on patients with HF. No data exist regarding the outcomes of patients discharged from such a program. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We examined the outcome of patients with severe systolic HF who were discharged from a DMP following full clinical and echocardiographic recovery. Data were reviewed for mortality, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, medication adherence and left ventricular ejection fraction (EF). <b><i>Results:</i></b> At enrollment and discharge, the mean EF was 19 and 53%, respectively. At follow-up 46.2 months after discharge, 56% of patients had been to the emergency room, 34% were hospitalized a total of 41 times and 20% had died. In the patients who required hospitalization for HF, the mean EF upon rehospitalization had dropped to 23.4%. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Many patients with initially severe systolic HF who had an almost full recovery in a multidisciplinary DMP had very poor outcomes once they were discharged from the program. It may be appropriate to revisit the practice of discharging patients from DMPs once they have reached a specific clinical target.

A randomized, prospective study comparing once-daily gentamicin versus thrice-daily gentamicin in the treatment of puerperal infection

OBJECTIVE

The efficacy, safety, and antibiotic-related charges for once-daily gentamicin with twice-daily clindamycin were compared with those of thrice-daily dosing of these antibiotics.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients with puerperal endometritis or with chorioamnionitis in labor assessed to be at risk for endometritis were randomized to receive gentamicin 4 mg/kg intravenously every 24 hours with clindamycin 1200 mg intravenously every 12 hours (experimental arm) or gentamicin 1.33 mg/kg intravenously and clindamycin 800 mg intravenously every 8 hours (conventional dosing interval arm). Primary outcomes included cure rates, mean length of treatment, antibiotic-related charges, and nephrotoxicity. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to control for confounding variables.

RESULTS

There were 135 and 137 patients randomized to the experimental and conventional interval arms, respectively. Cures were obtained in 94.1% and 87.6% of patients in the experimental and conventional arms, respectively (p = 0.06). The experimental arm had mean antibiotic charges of $250.79 versus $442.49 in the conventional arm (p < 0.0001). There was no permanent nephrotoxicity in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Once-daily gentamicin dosing with twice-daily clindamycin dosing is as efficacious and safe as the thrice-daily dosing of gentamicin and clindamycin for peripartum uterine infection. The experimental regimen results in substantial cost savings. The incidence of nephrotoxicity is low.

First-trimester growth patterns of aneuploid fetuses

First-trimester growth restriction has been reported in certain aneuploid pregnancies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate this association further by comparing the crown-rump lengths (CRLs) and growth rates from 196 chromosomally abnormal fetuses with a control population of 1929 euploid fetuses. The mean CRLs and growth rates were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in the groups of fetuses with trisomy 18 (n = 49), trisomy 13 (n = 19), and triploidy (n = 8). Using a fifth percentile cut-off, growth rate was a better discriminator than a single CRL in identifying fetuses affected with these aneuploidies. These growth parameters were not significantly reduced in fetuses with trisomy 21 (n = 92), sex chromosome trisomies (n = 20), or 45,X (n = 8). We conclude that fetal growth restriction associated with an underlying chromosome abnormality can occur as early as the first trimester. This phenomenon results from intrinsic fetal factors and not delayed ovulation. Such information is important to establish as first-trimester serum screening evolves.

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Calibration of Voltage Transformers and High- Voltage Capacitors at NIST

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) calibration service for voltage transformers and high-voltage capacitors is described. The service for voltage transformers provides measurements of ratio correction factors and phase angles at primary voltages up to 170 kV and secondary voltages as low as 10 V at 60 Hz. Calibrations at frequencies from 50-400 Hz are available over a more limited voltage range. The service for high-voltage capacitors provides measurements of capacitance and dissipation factor at applied voltages ranging from 100 V to 170 kV at 60 Hz depending on the nominal capacitance. Calibrations over a reduced voltage range at other frequencies are also available. As in the case with voltage transformers, these voltage constraints are determined by the facilities at NIST.

Spontaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture in a patient on hemodialysis

Since the initiation of maintenance dialysis and renal transplantation, the course of patients with chronic renal disease has been altered. One of the frequent complications found in such patients is the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism, which is commonly associated with metastatic calcification and a variety of bone lesions collectively referred to as renal osteodystrophy. Bilateral rupture of the quadriceps tendon is a rare complication and previous reports have prescribed surgical correction of the ruptured tendon. The present case is that of a patient on chronic hemodialysis with secondary hyperparathyroidism and bilateral spontaneous rupture of the quadriceps tendon who was treated successfully without surgery.

Post-fracture avascular necrosis of the femoral head: correlation of experimental and clinical studies

Both extraosseous and intraosseous blood supply of the femoral head are susceptible to injury in patients with femoral neck fractures. The injury to the extraosseous vessels is proportional to the amount of displacement at the time of fracture. The major intraosseous vessels are damaged if the fracture extends through the superior lateral portion of the neck or head. There is no apparent significant age difference in adults who develop avascular necrosis following a femoral neck fracture that unites compared with those who do not develop avascular necrosis. The difference in reported incidence of avascular necrosis following femoral neck fracture is probably due to several factors. Impacted and nondisplaced fractures should be reported separately from displaced fractures. Avascular necrosis should be reported following united fractures to avoid the confusion in diagnosis when associated with nonunion. At least two years of follow-up are necessary to diagnose 80% of patients who develop avascular necrosis. The type of internal fixation used does not significantly alter the incidence of avascular necrosis. The amount of vascular damage produced at the time of fracture predetermines which patient will develop avascular necrosis. Additional vascular damage may be produced at the time of internal fixation, especially malrotation of the head. The arthritic changes seen in some patients three or more years after femoral neck fracture seem to be initiated by collapse and fragmentation of small areas of avascular necrosis in or near the weight-bearing portion of the head. The various methods currently available for predicting the vascularity of the head at the time of fracture are not sufficiently quantitative to be used on a routine clinical basis. Biologic factors may explain the difference in the incidence of avascular necrosis in the adult femoral head epiphysis compared with that in the metaphysis and explain why the area of revascularization and reossification of avascular bone is so limited.

DIET AND BODY FAT

Rats first fed soybean oil and peanut oil diets, then subjected to the process of fat depletion through selective starvation, involving 23 to 27 per cent. loss in body weight, before being fed a "hardening" diet, yielded "harder" fats-fats of lower iodine number values-than the fats of rats which were not starved before being fed the carbohydrate-rich diet. In other words, through the process of starvation, the "soft" oily fat produced on diets containing soybean' or peanut oils is very largely removed, thereby permitting the deposit of a "hard" fat. To obtain a fat of equal "hardness" from rats which were not subjected to the starvation treatment would have required a much longer period of feeding of the diet rich in starch than was found necessary with rats after first being starved. The growth of recovery made by the rats of the starved lots was made on a low food intake. With the starved rats flrst fed peanut oil, the food intake of the carbohydrate-rich diet was less than with the non-starved group. The possible application of these findings to practical animal husbandry is obvious.