Co-development of breast cancer health promotion educational materials for ethnically diverse women working with hairdressing and beauty salons: BELONG study.

BACKGROUND: Improved screening uptake is essential for early breast cancer detection, women's health and reducing health disparities. However, minority ethnic and deprived communities often face lower breast cancer screening rates and limited access to culturally tailored educational materials. A recent review found limited culturally tailored materials for breast cancer education. AIM: To investigate the culturally appropriate interfaces and preferences of salon staff in educating their clients about breast cancer METHOD: We used a two-stage approach, following the Double Diamond framework; discover and define phases. Relevant breast cancer materials (i.e., based on cultural appropriateness, English language presentation, and alignment with the UK context) were assessed using the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) toolkit. Interviews with ethnically diverse salon staff provided insights into their needs and preferences for client education materials. Thematic analysis was applied to interview transcripts. RESULTS: Cultural appropriateness was evident in 9/14 (64%) of the materials identified (e.g., targeting black ethnicities with positive representations). Of those, six of them demonstrated an overall SAM rating of 76% ("Superior"). Thematic analysis of interviews identified seven key themes, including the importance of engagement strategies, education and awareness for health promotion, salon staff's role, preferred training methods, supportive materials, inclusivity, representation, and participant satisfaction. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the SAM toolkit's role in selecting suitable educational materials for breast cancer prevention. The research offers prospects for improving breast cancer awareness in ethnically diverse communities and addressing healthcare access disparities, with salon hairdressers emerging as crucial advocates for health promotion.

HbA1c variability is independently associated with progression of diabetic kidney disease in an urban multi-ethnic cohort of people with type 1 diabetes.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The role of HbA1c variability in the progression of diabetic kidney disease is unclear, with most studies to date performed in White populations and limited data on its role in predicting advanced kidney outcomes. Our aim was to evaluate if long-term intra-individual HbA1c variability is a risk factor for kidney disease progression (defined as an eGFR decline of ≥50% from baseline with a final eGFR of <30 ml/min per 1.73 m2) in an ethnically heterogeneous cohort of people with type 1 diabetes with a preserved eGFR ≥45 ml/min per 1.73 m2 at baseline. METHODS: Electronic health record data from people attending outpatient clinics between 2004 and 2018 in two large university hospitals in London were collected. HbA1c variability was assessed using three distinct methods: (1) SD of HbA1c (SD-HbA1c); (2) visit-adjusted SD (adj-HbA1c): SD-HbA1c/√n/(n-1), where n is the number of HbA1c measurements per participant; and (3) CV (CV-HbA1c): SD-HbA1c/mean-HbA1c. All participants had six or more follow-up HbA1c measurements. The eGFR was measured using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation and clinical/biochemical results from routine care were extracted from electronic health records. RESULTS: In total, 3466 participants (50% female, 78% White, 13% African Caribbean, 3% Asian and 6% of mixed heritage or self-reporting as 'other') were followed for a median (IQR) of 8.2 (4.2-11.6) years. Of this cohort, 249 (7%) showed kidney disease progression. Higher HbA1c variability was independently associated with a higher risk of kidney disease progression, with HRs (95% CIs) of 7.76 (4.54, 13.26), 2.62 (1.75, 3.94) and 5.46 (3.40, 8.79) (lowest vs highest HbA1c variability quartile) for methods 1-3, respectively. Increasing age, baseline HbA1c, systolic BP and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio were also associated with kidney disease progression (p<0.05 for all). African Caribbean ethnicity was associated with an increased risk of kidney disease progression (HR [95% CI] 1.47 [1.09, 1.98], 1.76 [1.32, 2.36] and 1.57 [1.17, 2.12] for methods 1-3, respectively) and this effect was independent of glycaemic variability and other traditional risk factors. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: We observed an independent association between HbA1c variability, evaluated using three distinct methods, and significant kidney disease progression in a multi-ethnic type 1 diabetes cohort. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms that may explain our results and evaluate if HbA1c variability is a modifiable risk factor for preventing diabetic kidney disease progression.

The IMPROVE trial: study protocol for a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of using lay health workers to improve uptake and completion of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a programme of exercise and education and the most effective treatment for the symptoms and disability associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, the benefits of PR are limited by poor uptake and completion. This trial will determine whether using trained volunteer lay health workers, called "PR buddies," improves uptake and completion of PR and is cost-effective. This trial protocol outlines the methods for evaluating effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and acceptability. METHODS: The IMPROVE trial is a pragmatic, open, cluster randomised controlled trial planned in 38 PR services across England and Wales. PR services will be randomised to either intervention arm-offering support from PR buddies to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-or to usual care as the control arm. PR staff in trial sites randomised to the intervention arm will receive training in recruiting and training PR buddies. They will deliver training to volunteers, recruited from among people who have recently completed PR in their service. The 3-day PR-buddy training programme covers communication skills, confidentiality, boundaries of the PR-buddy role and behaviour change techniques to help patients overcome obstacles to attending PR. An internal pilot will test the implementation of the trial in eight sites (four intervention sites and four in control arm). The primary outcome of the trial is the uptake and completion of PR. A process evaluation will investigate the acceptability of the intervention to patients, PR staff and the volunteer PR buddies, and intervention fidelity. We will also conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis. DISCUSSION: Improving outcomes for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and access to PR are priorities for the UK National Health Service (NHS) in its long-term plan. The trial hypothesis is that volunteer PR buddies, who are recruited and trained by local PR teams, are an effective and cost-effective way to improve the uptake and completion rates of PR. The trial is pragmatic, since it will test whether the intervention can be incorporated into NHS PR services. Information obtained in this trial may be used to influence policy on the use of PR buddies in PR and other similar services in the NHS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN12658458. Registered on 23/01/2023.

Protocol for the STEADY intervention for type 1 diabetes and disordered eating: Safe management of people with Type 1 diabetes and EAting Disorders studY.

This paper describes the protocol to test the feasibility of the Safe management of people with Type 1 diabetes and EAting Disorders studY (STEADY) intervention. STEADY is a novel complex intervention for people with type 1 diabetes and disordered eating (T1DE) of mild to moderate severity. The STEADY intervention integrates cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with diabetes education, and was developed using Experience-Based Co-Design. METHODS: The feasibility of STEADY will be tested using a randomised controlled feasibility trial. Forty adults with T1DE will be recruited and randomised into the STEADY intervention or treatment as usual control group. We will collect demographic, biomedical and psychometric data, routine glucose metrics and conduct the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5. Participants randomised to the STEADY intervention will receive 12 STEADY therapy sessions with a diabetes specialist nurse trained in CBT, delivered via videoconference and an optional smartphone app. The main outcome at 6 months will be the feasibility of STEADY (recruitment, dropout rates, feasibility of delivery). The secondary outcomes are biomedical (HbA1c and glucose time in range) and psychological (person-reported outcome measures in disordered eating, diabetes distress, depression and anxiety). A process evaluation will evaluate the fidelity, feasibility, acceptability and appropriateness of STEADY, and participant experiences. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol was approved by the East of England-Essex Research Ethics Committee (21/EE/0235). Study findings will be shared with study participants and disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Assessment of ethnic inequalities in diagnostic coding of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH): A cross-sectional database study in Lambeth, South London.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Differences in the perceived prevalence of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) by ethnicity are unclear. In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence, determinants and management of diagnostically-coded FH in an ethnically diverse population in South London. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of 40 practices in 332,357 adult patients in Lambeth was undertaken. Factors affecting a (clinically coded) diagnosis of FH were investigated by multi-level logistic regression adjusted for socio-demographic and lifestyle factors, co-morbidities, and medications. RESULTS: The age-adjusted FH % prevalence rate (OR, 95%CI) ranged from 0.10 to 1.11, 0.00-1.31. Lower rates of FH coding were associated with age (0.96, 0.96-0.97) and male gender (0.75, 0.65-0.87), p < 0.001. Compared to a White British reference group, a higher likelihood of coded FH was noted in Other Asians (1.33, 1.01-1.76), p = 0.05, with lower rates in Black Africans (0.50, 0.37-0.68), p < 0.001, Indians (0.55, 0.34-0.89) p = 0.02, and in Black Caribbeans (0.60, 0.44-0.81), p = 0.001. The overall prevalence using Simon Broome criteria was 0.1%; we were unable to provide ethnic specific estimates due to low numbers. Lower likelihoods of FH coding (OR, 95%CI) were seen in non-native English speakers (0.66, 0.53-0.81), most deprived income quintile (0.68, 0.52-0.88), smokers (0.68,0.55-0.85), hypertension (0.62, 0.52-0.74), chronic kidney disease (0.64, 0.41-0.99), obesity (0.80, 0.67-0.95), diabetes (0.31, 0.25-0.39) and CVD (0.47, 0.36-0.63). 20% of FH coded patients were not prescribed lipid-lowering medications, p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: Inequalities in diagnostic coding of FH patients exist. Lower likelihoods of diagnosed FH were seen in Black African, Black Caribbean and Indian ethnic groups, in contrast to higher diagnoses in White and Other Asian ethnic groups. Hypercholesterolaemia requiring statin therapy was associated with FH diagnosis, however, the presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors lowered the diagnosis rate for FH.

Determinants of lipid clinic referral and attendance in a multi-ethnic adult population in south London: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Primary dyslipidaemias, including familial hypercholesterolaemia, are underdiagnosed genetic disorders that substantially increase risk for premature coronary artery disease in adults. Early identification of primary dyslipidaemias via lipid clinic referral optimises patient management and enables cascade screening of relatives. Improving the identification of primary dyslipidaemias, and understanding disparities in ascertainment and management, is an NHS priority. We aimed to assess determinants of lipid clinic referral or attendance (LCR) in ethnically diverse adults. METHODS: We did a retrospective cross-sectional study using the Lambeth DataNet containing anonymised data from 41 general practitioner (GP) practices in south London. We looked at referral data for adult patients aged 18 years and older from Jan 1, 1995, until May 14, 2018. LCR was the main outcome. We used sequential multilevel logistic regression models adjusted for practice effects to estimate the odds of LCR assessed across six ethnic groups (reference group White) and patient-level factors (demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, comorbidities, total cholesterol [TC] >7·5mmol/L, statin prescription, and practice factors). The study was approved by NHS South East London Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Lambeth CCG. FINDINGS: 780 (0·23%) of 332 357 adult patients were coded as referred (n=538) or seen (n=252) in a lipid clinic. 164 487 (46·49%) were women (appendix). The fully adjusted model for odds of LCR showed the following significant associations for age (odds ratio [OR] 0·96, 95% CI 0·96-0·97, p<0·001); Black, African, Caribbean, or Black-British ethnicity (0·67, 0·53-0·84, p=0·001); ex-smoker status (1·29, 1·05-1·57, p=0·014); TC higher than 7·5 mmol/L (12·18, 9·60-15·45, p<0·001); statin prescription (14·01, 10·85-18·10, p<0·001); diabetes (0·72, 0·58-0·91, p=0·005); high-frequency GP attendance at seven or more GP consultations in the past year (1·49, 1·21-1·84, p<0·001); high GP-density (0·5-0·99 full-time equivalent GPs per 1000 patients; 2·70, 1·23-5·92, p=0·013). Sensitivity analyses for LCR restricted to familial hypercholesterolaemia-coded patients (n=581) found associations with TC higher than 7·5 mmol/L (4·26, 1·89-9·62, p<0·001), statin prescription (16·96, 2·19-131·36, p=0·007), and high GP-density (5·73, 1·27-25·93, p=0·023), with no significant associations with ethnicity. The relative contribution of GP practices to LCR was 6·32% of the total variance. There were no significant interactions between ethnicity and deprivation, age, or obesity. INTERPRETATION: While interpretation is limited by the accuracy and completeness of coded records, the study showed factors associated with a higher likelihood of LCR included individuals recorded as having TC higher than 7·5 mmol/L, statin prescription, ex-smoker status, high-frequency GP attendance, and registration at a GP practice with 0·5-0·99 GP density. Patients with increasing age; Black, African, Caribbean, or Black-British ethnicity patients; and patients with diabetes had lower odds of LCR. Finally, the difference in odds of LCR between Black and White patients highlights potential health inequalities. FUNDING: NHS Race & Health Observatory.

Factors affecting the delivery of community-based salon interventions to prevent cardiovascular disease and breast cancer among ethnically diverse women in South London: a concept-mapping approach.

BACKGROUND: In the UK, women from ethnically diverse and socioeconomically deprived communities are at increased risk of underdiagnosis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and breast cancer. Promoting CVD prevention and awareness of breast cancer screening via community salons and primary health care partnerships can improve uptake of screening services and early detection. METHODS: Concept mapping is a multistage mixed methods participatory approach comprised of six stages: preparation, brainstorming, structuring of statements, representing statements, interpretation and utilisation of maps using Group wisdom software. A target of 20 salons, excluding male-only salons were approached. Salons included Salons included hairdressing or hairdressing and beauty salons. Purposeful and convenience sampling (online and face to face) among UK salons (hair and beauty) was conducted. Participants were given a focus prompt "What would be some factors that can influence the ability of salons to deliver this service?" and required to generate statements, which were sorted into categories based on similarity and rated for importance and feasibility. Concept maps using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analyses were produced. FINDINGS: Of 35 participants invited, 25 (71%) consented and agreed to take part in concept mapping. Reported ages were 26-35 years (n=5, 20%), 36-45 years (n=12, 48%), 46-55 years (n=3, 12%), 56-65 years (n=5, 20%), and no age reported (n=10, 40%). Around 36% (n=9) of participants were from non-White ethnic groups, with 12% (n=3) being male and 88% (n=22) female. Seven clusters emerged. Salon staff capabilities and capacities and engaging in health conversations in community salons scored average bridging values of 0·09 and 0·2 respectively, indicating good cluster homogeneity (similar meaning statements were closely sorted). Facilitating health-care access with GP practices was rated highly important to effectively promote the intervention. Engaging in health conversations in community salons and salon incentives for participation were examples of factors that were highly feasible to address. The r correlation coefficient was 0·68 between importance and feasibility to address factors affecting community health interventions. INTERPRETATION: Salons are well positioned to support health promotion interventions. Actionable priorities were identified for a salon-GP surgery partnership to promote CVD prevention through lifestyle changes and health check uptake, raising breast cancer screening awareness and address issue of equity. FUNDING: National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR), Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) Programme NIHR202769.

Heterogeneity of treatment responses in rheumatoid arthritis using group based trajectory models: secondary analysis of clinical trial data.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally rheumatoid arthritis (RA) trials classify patients as responders and non-responders; they ignore the potential range of treatment responses. Group Based Trajectory Models (GBTMs) provide a more refined approach. They identify patient subgroups with similar outcome trajectories. We used GBTMs to classify patients into subgroups of varying responses and explore factors associated with different responses to intensive treatment in a secondary analysis of intensive treatment in the TITRATE clinical trial. METHODS: The TITRATE trial enrolled 335 patients with RA: 168 patients were randomised to receive intensive management, which comprised monthly assessments including measures of the disease activity score for 28 joints (DAS28), treatment escalation when patients were not responding sufficiently and psychosocial support; 163 of these patients completed the trial. We applied GBTMs to monthly DAS28 scores over one year to these patients who had received intensive management. The control group had standard care and were assessed every 6 months; they had too few DAS28 scores for applying GBTMs. RESULTS: GBTMs identified three distinct trajectories in the patients receiving intensive management: good (n = 40), moderate (n = 76) and poor (n = 47) responders. Baseline body mass index (BMI), disability, fatigue and depression levels were significantly different between trajectory groups. Few (10%) good responders were obese, compared to 38% of moderate, and 43% of poor responders (P = 0.002). Few (8%) good responders had depression, compared to 14% moderate responders, and 38% poor responders (P < 0.001). The key difference in treatments was using high-cost biologics, used in only 5% of good responders but 30% of moderate and 51% of poor responders (P < 0.001). Most good responders had endpoint remissions and low disability, pain, and fatigue scores; few poor responders achieved any favourable outcomes. CONCLUSION: GBTMs identified three trajectories of disease activity progression in patients receiving intensive management for moderately active RA. Baseline variables like obesity and depression predicted different treatment responses. Few good responders needed biologic drugs; they responded to conventional DMARDs alone. GBTMs have the potential to facilitate precision medicine enabling patient-oriented treatment strategies based on key characteristics. REGISTRATION: TITRATE Trial ISRCTN 70160382.

A Randomized Trial of Intravenous Iron Supplementation and Exercise on Exercise Capacity in Iron-Deficient Nonanemic Patients With CKD.

Introduction: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are often iron deficient, even when not anemic. This trial evaluated whether iron supplementation enhances exercise capacity of nonanemic patients with CKD who have iron-deficiency. Methods: Prospective, multicenter double-blind randomized controlled trial of nondialysis patients with CKD and iron-deficiency but without anemia (Hemoglobin [Hb] >110 g/l). Patients were assigned 1:1 to intravenous (IV) iron therapy, or placebo. An 8-week exercise program commenced at week 4. The primary outcome was the mean between-group difference in 6-minute walk test (6MWT) at 4 weeks. Secondary outcomes included 6MWT at 12 weeks, transferrin saturation (TSAT), serum ferritin (SF), Hb, renal function, muscle strength, functional capacity, quality of life, and adverse events at baseline, 4 weeks, and at 12 weeks. Mean between-group differences were analyzed using analysis of covariance models. Results: Among 75 randomized patients, mean (SD) age for iron therapy (n = 37) versus placebo (n = 38) was 54 (16) versus 61 (12) years; estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (34 [12] vs. 35 [11] ml/min per 1.73 m2], TSAT (23 [12] vs. 21 [6])%; SF (57 [64] vs. 62 [33]) µg/l; Hb (122.4 [9.2] vs. 127 [13.2] g/l); 6MWT (384 [95] vs. 469 [142] meters) at baseline, respectively. No significant mean between-group difference was observed in 6MWT distance at 4 weeks. There were significant increases in SF and TSAT at 4 and 12 weeks (P < 0.02), and Hb at 12 weeks (P = 0.009). There were no between-group differences in other secondary outcomes and no adverse events attributable to iron therapy. Conclusion: This trial did not demonstrate beneficial effects of IV iron therapy on exercise capacity at 4 weeks. A larger study is needed to confirm if IV iron is beneficial in nondialysis patients with CKD who are iron-deficient.

The additive effect of vitamin K supplementation and bisphosphonate on fracture risk in post-menopausal osteoporosis: a randomised placebo controlled trial.

This study assessed whether vitamin K, given with oral bisphosphonate, calcium and/or vitamin D has an additive effect on fracture risk in post-menopausal women with osteoporosis. No difference in bone density or bone turnover was observed although vitamin K1 supplementation led to a modest effect on parameters of hip geometry. PURPOSE: Some clinical studies have suggested that vitamin K prevents bone loss and may improve fracture risk. The aim was to assess whether vitamin K supplementation has an additive effect on bone mineral density (BMD), hip geometry and bone turnover markers (BTMs) in post-menopausal women with osteoporosis (PMO) and sub-optimum vitamin K status receiving bisphosphonate, calcium and/or vitamin D treatment. METHODS: We conducted a trial in 105 women aged 68.7[12.3] years with PMO and serum vitamin K1 ≤ 0.4 µg/L. They were randomised to 3 treatment arms; vitamin K1 (1 mg/day) arm, vitamin K2 arm (MK-4; 45 mg/day) or placebo for 18 months. They were on oral bisphosphonate and calcium and/or vitamin D. We measured BMD by DXA, hip geometry parameters using hip structural analysis (HSA) software and BTMs. Vitamin K1 or MK-4 supplementation was each compared to placebo. Intention to treat (ITT) and per protocol (PP) analyses were performed. RESULTS: Changes in BMD at the total hip, femoral neck and lumbar spine and BTMs; CTX and P1NP did not differ significantly following either K1 or MK-4 supplementation compared to placebo. Following PP analysis and correction for covariates, there were significant differences in some of the HSA parameters at the intertrochanter (IT) and femoral shaft (FS): IT endocortical diameter (ED) (% change placebo:1.5 [4.1], K1 arm: -1.02 [5.07], p = 0.04), FS subperiosteal/outer diameter (OD) (placebo: 1.78 [5.3], K1 arm: 0.46 [2.23] p = 0.04), FS cross sectional area (CSA) (placebo:1.47 [4.09],K1 arm: -1.02[5.07], p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: The addition of vitamin K1 to oral bisphosphonate with calcium and/or vitamin D treatment in PMO has a modest effect on parameters of hip geometry. Further confirmatory studies are needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at Clinicaltrial.gov:NCT01232647.

The role of depression in the association between physiotherapy frequency and duration and outcomes after hip fracture surgery: secondary analysis of the physiotherapy hip fracture sprint audit.

PURPOSE: It is not known whether the association between the frequency and duration of physiotherapy and patient outcomes varies for those with and without depression. This study aims to evaluate whether the associations between the frequency and duration of physiotherapy after hip fracture surgery and discharge home, surviving at 30 days post-admission, and being readmitted 30 days post discharge vary by depression diagnosis. METHODS: Data were from 5005 adults aged 60 and over included in the UK Physiotherapy Hip Fracture Sprint Audit who had undergone surgery for a nonpathological first hip fracture. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals for the associations between physiotherapy frequency and duration and outcomes. RESULTS: Physiotherapy frequency and duration were comparable between patients with and without depression (42.1% and 44.6%). The average adjusted odds for a 30-min increase in physiotherapy duration for those with and without depression for discharge home were 1.05 (95% CI 0.85-1.29) vs 1.16 (95% CI 1.05-1.28, interaction p = 0.36), for 30-day survival were 1.26 (95% CI 1.06-1.50) vs 1.11 (95% CI 1.05-1.17, interaction p = 0.45) and for readmission were 0.89 (95% CI 0.81-0.98) vs 0.97 (95% CI 0.93-1.00, interaction p = 0.09). None of the interaction tests reached formal significance, but the readmission models were close (p = 0.09). CONCLUSION: Results suggest physiotherapy duration may be negatively associated with readmission in those with depression but not those without depression, while no clear difference in the other outcomes was noted.

Frequency, duration, and type of physiotherapy in the week after hip fracture surgery - analysis of implications for discharge home, readmission, survival, and recovery of mobility.

PURPOSE: To examine the association between physiotherapy access after hip fracture and discharge home, readmission, survival, and mobility recovery. METHODS: A 2017 Physiotherapy Hip Fracture Sprint Audit was linked to hospital records for 5383 patients. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between physiotherapy access in the first postoperative week and discharge home, 30-day readmission post-discharge, 30-day survival and 120-days mobility recovery post-admission adjusted for age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiology grade, Hospital Frailty Risk Score and prefracture mobility/residence. RESULTS: Overall, 73% were female and 40% had high frailty risk. Patients who received ≥2 hours of physiotherapy (versus less) had 3% (95% Confidence Interval: 0-6%), 4% (2-6%), and 6% (1-11%) higher adjusted probabilities of discharge home, survival, and outdoor mobility recovery, and 3% (0-6%) lower adjusted probability of readmission. Recipients of exercise (versus mobilisation alone) had 6% (1-12%), 3% (0-7%), and 11% (3-18%) higher adjusted probabilities of discharge home, survival, and outdoor mobility recovery, and 6% (2-10%) lower adjusted probability of readmission. Recipients of 6-7 days physiotherapy (versus 0-2 days) had 8% (5-11%) higher adjusted probability of survival. For patients with dementia, improved probability of survival, discharge home, readmission and indoor mobility recovery were observed with greater physiotherapy access. CONCLUSION: Greater access to physiotherapy was associated with a higher probability of positive outcomes. For every 100 patients, greater access could equate to an additional eight patients surviving to 30-days and six avoiding 30-day readmission. The findings suggest a potential benefit in terms of home discharge and outdoor mobility recovery. CONTRIBUTION OF THE PAPER.

People With Type 1 Diabetes of African Caribbean Ethnicity Are at Increased Risk of Developing Sight-Threatening Diabetic Retinopathy.

OBJECTIVE: There is limited information on the effect of ethnicity on the development of referable sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR) in people with type 1 diabetes. This study describes the risk factors for STDR in a diverse cohort of people with type 1 diabetes attending a regional diabetes eye screening service. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Clinical and digital retinal imaging data from 1,876 people with type 1 diabetes (50% women, 72.1% Caucasian, 17.3% African Caribbean, 2.9% Asian, and 7.6% other) with no retinopathy at baseline, attending surveillance eye screening were reviewed. Referable STDR was defined as the presence of any moderate to severe nonproliferative or preproliferative diabetic retinopathy or proliferative diabetic retinopathy or maculopathy in either eye as per U.K. National Diabetic Eye Screening criteria. Median follow-up was 6 years. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) age of the cohort was 29 (21, 41) years. Of the cohort of 1,876 people, 359 (19%) developed STDR. People who developed STDR had higher baseline HbA1c, raised systolic blood pressure (SBP), longer diabetes duration, and were more often of African Caribbean origin (24% vs. 15.6%; P < 0.05 for all). In multivariable Cox regression analyses, African Caribbean ethnicity (hazard ratio [HR] 1.39, 95% CI 1.09-1.78, P = 0.009), baseline SBP (HR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.01, P = 0.033), and baseline HbA1c (HR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.01, P = 0.0001) emerged as independent risk factors for STDR. CONCLUSIONS: We observed that people with type 1 diabetes of African Caribbean ethnicity are at significantly greater risk of STDR. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms that explain this novel observation.

Effect of active vitamin-D on left ventricular mass index: Results of a randomized controlled trial in type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Active vitamin-D deficiency is a potential modifiable risk factor for increased ventricular mass. We explored the effects of active vitamin-D (calcitriol) treatment on left ventricular mass in patients with type-2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: We performed a 48-week duration single center randomized double-blind parallel group trial examining the impact of calcitriol, 0.5 mcg once daily, as compared to placebo on a primary endpoint of change from baseline in left ventricular mass index (LVMI) measured by magnetic resonance imaging . Patients with T2D, CKD stage-3 and raised left ventricular mass on stable renin angiotensin aldosterone system blockade, who all had elevated intact parathyroid hormone were eligible. Secondary endpoints included interstitial myocardial fibrosis, assessed with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. In total, 45 (male 73%) patients with T2D and stage-3 CKD were studied (calcitriol n = 19, placebo n = 26). RESULTS: Following 48-weeks calcitriol treatment, the median difference and the (95% CI) of LVMI between the 2 treatment arms was 1.84 (-1.28, 4.96), similar between the 2 groups studied. Intact parathyroid hormone fell only in the calcitriol group from 142 pg/mL (80-293) to 76 pg/mL (41-204)(median, interquartile range, P= .04). No significant differences were observed in interstitial myocardial fibrosis or other secondary endpoints. CONCLUSIONS: The study did not provide evidence that treatment with calcitriol as compared to placebo might improve LVMI in patients with T2D, mild left ventricular hypertrophy and stable CKD. Our data does not support the routine use of active vitamin-D for LVMI regression and cardiovascular protection in patients with T2D and stage-3 CKD.

Trends in COVID-19-related in-hospital mortality in women and men.

INTRODUCTION: Whether political, scientific and medical development in a country is associated with better clinical results according to gender in patients with COVID-19 has not yet been clearly elucidated. OBJECTIVE: To determine the trends of COVID-19-related in-hospital mortality in women and men from March 2020 to February 2022. METHODS: Clinical data of all patients with COVID-19 cared for at 21 Spanish hospitals were used, both of those who were discharged and of those who died during hospitalization. The association between hospital length of stay and mortality was analyzed with logistic regression models. RESULTS: Out of 7,974 patients that were included, 3,234 were women; 928 patients died. A significant decreasing trend in mortality was identified. When the analysis was carried out by gender, no significant mortality trend was found in women (OR = 0.96 [0.90-1.03], p = 0.239), while in men there was a significant decreasing trend identified (OR = 0.87 [0.82-0.92], p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Health policies, together with clinical and preventive interventions, may explain these results. Response to treatment and behavioral differences may explain why mortality does not decrease for women.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Todavía no se comprende si el desarrollo político, científico y médico en un país se asocia a mejores resultados clínicos de los pacientes con COVID-19 según el sexo. OBJETIVO: Determinar las tendencias de mortalidad hospitalaria asociada a COVID-19 en mujeres y hombres entre marzo de 2020 y febrero de 2022. MÉTODOS: Se utilizaron los datos clínicos de todos los pacientes con COVID-19 atendidos en 21 hospitales españoles, tanto de quienes fueron dados de alta como de quienes fallecieron durante el ingreso. La asociación entre la fecha del ingreso y la mortalidad se analizó con modelos de regresión logística. RESULTADOS: Fueron incluidos 7974 pacientes, de los cuales 3234 fueron mujeres y 928 fallecieron. Se encontró una tendencia significativa y decreciente en la mortalidad según avanzaba la fecha del ingreso. Cuando el análisis se realizó por sexos, no se halló una tendencia significativa en las mujeres (RM = 0.96 [0.90-1.03], p = 0.239), pero sí en los hombres (RM = 0.87 [0.82-0.92], p < 0.001). CONCLUSIÓN: Las políticas de salud, junto con las intervenciones clínicas y preventivas, pueden dar cuenta de los resultados. Diferencias en la respuesta al tratamiento o en los comportamientos pueden explicar por qué la mortalidad no disminuye en las mujeres.

Development and Validation of Multivariable Prediction Models for In-Hospital Death, 30-Day Death, and Change in Residence After Hip Fracture Surgery and the "Stratify-Hip" Algorithm.

BACKGROUND: To develop and validate the stratify-hip algorithm (multivariable prediction models to predict those at low, medium, and high risk across in-hospital death, 30-day death, and residence change after hip fracture). METHODS: Multivariable Fine-Gray and logistic regression of audit data linked to hospital records for older adults surgically treated for hip fracture in England/Wales 2011-14 (development n = 170 411) and 2015-16 (external validation, n = 90 102). Outcomes included time to in-hospital death, death at 30 days, and time to residence change. Predictors included age, sex, pre-fracture mobility, dementia, and pre-fracture residence (not for residence change). Model assumptions, performance, and sensitivity to missingness were assessed. Models were incorporated into the stratify-hip algorithm assigning patients to overall low (low risk across outcomes), medium (low death risk, medium/high risk of residence change), or high (high risk of in-hospital death, high/medium risk of 30-day death) risk. RESULTS: For complete-case analysis, 6 780 of 141 158 patients (4.8%) died in-hospital, 8 693 of 149 258 patients (5.8%) died by 30 days, and 4 461 of 119 420 patients (3.7%) had residence change. Models demonstrated acceptable calibration (observed:expected ratio 0.90, 0.99, and 0.94), and discrimination (area under curve 73.1, 71.1, and 71.5; Brier score 5.7, 5.3, and 5.6) for in-hospital death, 30-day death, and residence change, respectively. Overall, 31%, 28%, and 41% of patients were assigned to overall low, medium, and high risk. External validation and missing data analyses elicited similar findings. The algorithm is available at https://stratifyhip.co.uk. CONCLUSIONS: The current study developed and validated the stratify-hip algorithm as a new tool to risk stratify patients after hip fracture.