Geographical variation in orthopedic procedures in Norway: Cross-sectional population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Standardized surgery rates for common orthopedic procedures vary across geographical areas in Norway. We explored whether area-level factors related to demand and supply in publicly funded healthcare are associated with geographical variation in surgery rates for six common orthopedic procedures. METHODS: The present study is a cross-sectional population-based study of hospital referral areas in Norway. We included adult admissions for arthroscopy for degenerative knee disease, arthroplasty for osteoarthritis of the knee and hip, surgical treatment for hip fracture, and decompression with/without fusion for lumbar disk herniation and lumbar spinal stenosis in 2012-2016. Variation in age and sex standardized rates was estimated using extremal quotients, coefficients of variation, and systematic components of variation (SCV). Associations between surgery rates and the socioeconomic factors urbanity, unemployment, low-income, high level of education, mortality, and number of surgeons and hospitals were explored with linear regression analyses. RESULTS: Knee arthroscopy showed highest level of variation (SCV 10.3) and decreased in numbers. Variation was considerable for spine surgery (SCV 3.8-4.9), moderate to low for arthroplasty procedures (SCV 0.8-2.6), and small for hip fracture surgery (SCV 0.2). Higher rates of knee arthroscopy were associated with more orthopedic surgeons (adjusted coefficient 24.8, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.7-47.0), and less urban population (adjusted coefficient -13.3, 95% CI: -25.4 to -1.2). Higher spine surgery rates were associated with more hospitals (adjusted coefficient 22.4, 95% CI: 4.6-40.2), more urban population (adjusted coefficient 2.1, 95% CI: 0.4-3.8), and lower mortality (adjusted coefficient -192.6, 95% CI: -384.2 to -1.1). Rates for arthroplasty and hip fracture surgery were not associated with supply/demand factors included. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopy for degenerative knee disease decreased in line with guidelines, but showed high variation of surgery rates. Socioeconomic factors included in this study did not explain geographical variation in orthopedic surgery.

Adaptación transcultural y validación del cuestionario STOP-bang del inglés al español como herramienta de detección precoz del síndrome de apnea del sueño en el paciente quirúrgico y en la población general / Cross-cultural adaptation and Validation of the STOP-bang Questionnaire from English to Spanish as a tool for the early detection of sleep apnea syndrome in the surgical patient and in the general population

Introduccion: El síndrome de apnea obstructiva del sueño (SAOS) o síndrome de apnea-hipoapnea (SAHS) es uno de los trastornos del sueño más prevalentes en la población general. Está asociado a un aumento en la prevalencia de intubación orotraqueal difícil y de las complicaciones postoperatorias. Se recomienda la aplicación de tests de detección precoz validados como el test en inglés de STOP-bang (STBC); un test de alta calidad metodológica, sensibilidad y especificidad en la detección precoz del SAHS tanto en la población quirúrgica como general. Objetivo: La validación, traducción y adaptación cultural del test STBC a la población española. Material y metodos: Se realizó la adaptación transcultural del STBC al español y un estudio de validación posterior con 77 pacientes consecutivos. El análisis estadístico evaluó la fiabilidad, la validez y la factibilidad de la versión traducida y adaptada culturalmente. Resultados: Se incluyeron el 44% de mujeres y el 56% de varones con una edad media de 53,58±12,88 años. Los resultados en la fiabilidad fueron: un coeficiente alfa de Cronbach de 0,767, una correlación de Pearson r=0,777 (p<0,001) y una correlación de Sperman rho=0,455 (p=0,044). La factibilidad del estudio fue del 100%. La validez de criterio se evaluó mediante el coeficiente Kappa que fué de 0,444. Para una puntuación >3 del cuestionario adaptado al español los resultados de sensibilidad y de especificidad según los distintos niveles de corte del índice apnea hipoapnea (IAH)>5, >15 y >30) fueron: sensibilidad del 87, 91 y 100%, respectivamente, y de especificidad del 50, 31 y 22%, respectivamente.(AU)

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) or apnea-hypoapnea syndrome (SAHS) is one of the most prevalent sleep disorders in the general population. It is associated with an increase in the prevalence of difficult orotracheal intubation and postoperative complications. The application of validated early detection tests,such the STOP-Bang test in English (STBC), is recommended; a test of high methodological quality, sensitivity and specificity in the early detection of SAHS in both surgical and general populations. Objective: The validation, translation, cross-cultural adaptation of the STBC to the Spanish population. Material and methods: The transcultural adaptation of the STBC to Spanish was carried out and a subsequent validation study with 77 consecutive patients was carried out. The statistical analysis evaluated the reliability, validity and feasibility of the translated and culturally adapted version. Results: 44% of women and 56% of men were included,with a mean age of 53.58±12.88 years. The reliability results were: a Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient of 0.767, a Pearson correlation r=.777 (P<.001) and a Sperman correlation rho=.455 (P=.044). The feasibility of the study was 100%. Criterion validity was evaluated using the Kappa coefficient, which was 0.444. For a score >3 of the questionnaire adapted to Spanish, the results of sensitivity, specificity according to the different cut-off levels of the apnea hypopnea index (AHI)>5, >15, >30) were: Sensitivity 87%, 91% and 100% respectively and Specificity of 50%, 31% and 22%. Conclusions: The STBC questionnaire translated, adapted and validated into Spanish, evaluated in the present study, is reliable and valid with respect to the original design of the questionnaire. It is a useful tool that is easy to understand and implement, which can be used rigorously to stratify surgical risk and carry out adequate perioperative planning of those patients at risk of SAHS.(AU)

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the STOP-bang Questionnaire from English to Spanish as a tool for the early detection of sleep apnea syndrome in the surgical patient and in the general population.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) or Apnea-Hypoapnea Syndrome (SAHS) is one of the most prevalent sleep disorders in the general population. It is associated with an increase in the prevalence of difficult orotracheal intubation and postoperative complications. The application of validated early detection tests, such the STOPbang test in English (STBC), is recommended; a test of high methodological quality, sensitivity and specificity in the early detection of SAHS in both surgical and general populations. OBJECTIVE: The validation, translation, cross-cultural adaptation of the STBC to the Spanish population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The transcultural adaptation of the STBC to Spanish was carried out and a subsequent validation study with 77 consecutive patients was carried out. The statistical analysis evaluated the reliability, validity and feasibility of the translated and culturally adapted version. RESULTS: 44% of women and 56% of men were included, with a mean age of 53.58 ± 12.88 years. The reliability results were: a Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient of 0.767, a Pearson correlation r = 0.777 (P < .001) and a Sperman correlation rho = 0.455 (P = .044). The feasibility of the study was 100%. Criterion validity was evaluated using the Kappa coefficient, which was 0.444. For a score >3 of the questionnaire adapted to Spanish, the results of sensitivity, specificity according to the different cut-off levels of the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) >5, >15, >30) were: Sensitivity 87%, 91% and 100% respectively and Specificity of 50%, 31% and 22%. CONCLUSIONS: The STBC questionnaire translated, adapted and validated into Spanish, evaluated in the present study, is reliable and valid with respect to the original design of the questionnaire. It is a useful tool that is easy to understand and implement, which can be used rigorously to stratify surgical risk and carry out adequate perioperative planning of those patients at risk of SAHS.

Targeted elimination of species-rich larval habitats can rapidly collapse arbovirus vector mosquito populations at hotel compounds in Zanzibar.

Understanding the dynamics of larval habitat utilization by mosquito communities is crucial for the design of efficient environmental control strategies. The authors investigated the structure of mosquito communities found at hotel compounds in Zanzibar, networks of mosquito interactions with larval habitats and robustness of mosquito communities to elimination of larval habitats. A total of 23 698 mosquitoes comprising 26 species in six genera were found. Aedes aegypti (n = 16 207), Aedes bromeliae/Aedes lillie (n = 1340), Culex quinquefasciatus (n = 1300) and Eretmapodites quinquevitattus (n = 659) were the most dominant species. Ecological network analyses revealed the presence of dominant, larval habitat generalist species (e.g., A. aegypti), exploiting virtually all types of water holding containers and few larval habitat specialist species (e.g., Aedes natalensis, Orthopodomyia spp). Simulations of mosquito community robustness to systematic elimination of larval habitats indicate that mosquito populations are highly sensitive to elimination of larval habitats sustaining higher mosquito species diversity. This study provides insights on potential foci of future mosquito-borne arboviral disease outbreaks in Zanzibar and underscores the need for detailed knowledge on the ecological function of larval habitats for effective mosquito control by larval sources management.

From high to low malaria transmission in Zanzibar-challenges and opportunities to achieve elimination.

BACKGROUND: Substantial global progress in the control of malaria in recent years has led to increased commitment to its potential elimination. Whether this is possible in high transmission areas of sub-Saharan Africa remains unclear. Zanzibar represents a unique case study of such attempt, where modern tools and strategies for malaria treatment and vector control have been deployed since 2003. METHODS: We have studied temporal trends of comprehensive malariometric indices in two districts with over 100,000 inhabitants each. The analyses included triangulation of data from annual community-based cross-sectional surveys, health management information systems, vital registry and entomological sentinel surveys. RESULTS: The interventions, with sustained high-community uptake, were temporally associated with a major malaria decline, most pronounced between 2004 and 2007 and followed by a sustained state of low transmission. In 2015, the Plasmodium falciparum community prevalence of 0.43% (95% CI 0.23-0.73) by microscopy or rapid diagnostic test represented 96% reduction compared with that in 2003. The P. falciparum and P. malariae prevalence by PCR was 1.8% (95% CI 1.3-2.3), and the annual P. falciparum incidence was estimated to 8 infections including 2.8 clinical episodes per 1000 inhabitants. The total parasite load decreased over 1000-fold (99.9%) between 2003 and 2015. The incidence of symptomatic malaria at health facilities decreased by 94% with a trend towards relatively higher incidence in age groups > 5 years, a more pronounced seasonality and with reported travel history to/from Tanzania mainland as a higher risk factor. All-cause mortality among children < 5 years decreased by 72% between 2002 and 2007 mainly following the introduction of artemisinin-based combination therapies whereas the main reduction in malaria incidence followed upon the vector control interventions from 2006. Human biting rates decreased by 98% with a major shift towards outdoor biting by Anopheles arabiensis. CONCLUSIONS: Zanzibar provides new evidence of the feasibility of reaching uniquely significant and sustainable malaria reduction (pre-elimination) in a previously high endemic region in sub-Saharan Africa. The data highlight constraints of optimistic prognostic modelling studies. New challenges, mainly with outdoor transmission, a large asymptomatic parasite reservoir and imported infections, require novel tools and reoriented strategies to prevent a rebound effect and achieve elimination.

Interpreting diaphragmatic movement with bedside imaging, review article.

The diaphragm is the most important muscle of respiration. At equilibrium, the load imposed on the diaphragmatic muscles from transdiaphragmatic pressure balances the force generated by diaphragmatic muscles. However, procedural and nonprocedural thoracic and abdominal conditions may disrupt this equilibrium and impair diaphragmatic function. Diaphragmatic dysfunction is associated with respiratory insufficiency and poor outcome. Therefore, rapid diagnosis and early intervention may be useful. Ultrasound imaging provides quick and accurate bedside assessment of the diaphragm. Various imaging techniques have been suggested, using 2-dimensional and M-mode technology. Diaphragm viewing depends on the degree of robe movement, determined by the angle of incidence of the ultrasound beam and by the direction of probe movement. In this review, we will discuss the function of the diaphragm focusing on clinically important anatomical and physiological properties of the diaphragm. We will review the literature regarding various sonographic techniques for diaphragm assessment. We will also explore the evidence for the role of the tidal displacement of subdiaphragmatic organs as a surrogate for diaphragm movement.

The Effect of Treatment Delays Associated with Inpatient Inter-hospital Transfer from Peripheral to Tertiary Hospitals for the Surgical Treatment of Cardiology Patients.

BACKGROUND: Nearly 100,000 presentations to non-tertiary hospitals per year result in an inpatient transfer [1]. The timely inter-hospital transfer of patients for cardiothoracic surgery is significant to their overall outcomes. We hypothesised that patients with a prolonged pre-operative admission were at risk of nosocomial infection, leading to prolonged hospitalisation, morbidity and mortality. METHODS: Patients admitted to a non-tertiary centre (Frankston Hospital, Group 1) and requiring transfer to tertiary centres for cardiac surgery were compared to patients presenting directly to tertiary centres (Alfred Hospital, Group 2; St Vincent's Hospital, Group 3) from June 2011-July 2012. Data was obtained from medical records and the National Cardiac Surgery Database. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients in Group 1, 78 patients in Group 2 and 65 patients in Group 3 were identified. A higher proportion of total admission time was spent awaiting surgery in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (52.8% vs. 38.3%, p≤0.001) and Group 3 (52.8% vs. 26.3%, p≤0.001). Nosocomial infections occurred more frequently in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (20.7% vs. 5.1%, p=0.04) and Group 3 (20.7% vs. 6%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Presentation to a non-tertiary centre requiring inpatient cardiothoracic surgery is associated with longer pre-operative waiting time and higher rates of hospital-acquired infections.

Management of severe hypercapnia post cardiac arrest with extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal.

Normocapnia is recommended in intensive care management of patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. While normocapnia is usually achievable, it may be therapeutically challenging, particularly in patients with airflow obstruction. Conventional mechanical ventilation may not be adequate to provide optimal ventilation in such patients. One of the recent advances in critical care management of hypercapnia is the advent of newer, low-flow extracorporeal carbon dioxide clearance devices. These are simpler and less invasive than conventional extracorporeal devices. We report the first case of using a novel, extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal device in Australia on a patient with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest where mechanical ventilation failed to achieve normocapnia.

Inguinoscrotal lymphatic reflux detected by lymphoscintigraphy.

We performed lymphoscintigraphy with 99mTc-human serum albumin in a case of suspected lymphedema of the right leg after inguinal lymph node dissection. Dermal backflow of the leg and lymphocele at the inguinal chain were observed, and lymphatic reflux into the scrotum was also delineated. The scintigraphy could demonstrate a persistent lymphatic problem under conservative treatment, and could lead the physician to conduct surgical treatment. Scintigraphic demonstration of the inguinoscrotal lymphatic reflux has not been previously reported.