Sex and Racial Differences in High-Density Lipoprotein Levels in Acute Coronary Syndromes.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess sex and racial differences related to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in those presenting with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). METHODS: Records from patients with ACS presenting to the Emergency Department of University of Florida Hospital Jacksonville from 2009 to 2012, were reviewed. Detailed medical history was obtained. HDL-C levels were measured within 72 h of presentation. Pearson chi-square and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to compare groups in univariate analysis. Analysis of variance was performed to determine independent predictors of higher HDL-C levels using variable selection. RESULTS: Of 2400 patients screened, 614 (382 men and 232 women) met inclusion criteria. Hypertension, chronic kidney disease or prior CAD history was similar between sexes and races. Women were more likely to be older (62.4 vs 58.4 years), diabetic (56.5 vs 36.5%) and have higher body mass index (31.2 vs 30.1 kg/m2). Blacks were more likely to be diabetic (50.3 vs 41.3%). After adjusting for all clinical markers, women and blacks along with absence of CAD or diabetes, were significantly associated with higher HDL-C levels. CONCLUSIONS: High HDL-C levels (> 40 mg/dL), considered cardio-protective, were seen in women and blacks with ACS more often than in men and whites. Significant differences in HDL-C levels between sexes were seen in whites but not in blacks. Relevance and quality of HDL-C levels in racial groups need further study as this may have important implications in the interpretation of current guidelines.

Effect of atorvastatin on lipogenic, inflammatory and thrombogenic markers in women with the metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Specific drug therapy to target the underlying proinflammatory and prothrombotic state in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) is lacking. We sought to study the effect of high-intensity atorvastatin on markers of lipogenesis, inflammation and thrombogenesis, in women with MS in the absence of cardiovascular disease or diabetes. METHODS AND RESULTS: This randomized double-blinded controlled trial included 88 women with MS (according to National Cholesterol Education Panel Adult Treatment Panel III criteria) and low atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk. Participants were randomized to receive atorvastatin 80 mg or matching placebo. Thrombogenic, lipogenic and inflammatory markers were collected at the time of enrollment, after a 6-week dietary run-in phase (time of randomization), and at 6- and 12-weeks after randomization. At 6 weeks post-randomization, there was significant reduction in total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein-B (Apo-B) and Apo-B/Apo-A1 ratio in the atorvastatin arm compared to placebo. This difference persisted at 12-weeks post randomization. There was no significant difference in fasting blood glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, serum leptin, Apo-A1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and platelet activity. A significant increase in vascular adhesion molecule 1 at 6 and 12 weeks was seen within the atorvastatin arm. No difference was observed in blood pressure and waist circumference. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, high-intensity atorvastatin has an early and significant impact on lipoproteins and apolipoproteins but did not lower inflammatory, thrombogenic or biomarkers of platelet activity and aggregation in women with MS. The use of statins for primary prevention in these patients should be further explored.

Vitamin C to Pregnant Smokers Persistently Improves Infant Airway Function to 12†Months of Age: A Randomised Trial.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin C (500 mg·day-1) supplementation for pregnant smokers has been reported to increase newborn pulmonary function and infant forced expiratory flows (FEFs) at 3 months of age. Its effect on airway function through 12 months of age has not been reported. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether vitamin C supplementation to pregnant smokers is associated with a sustained increased airway function in their infants through 12 months of age. METHODS: This is a prespecified secondary outcome of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that randomised 251 pregnant smokers between 13 and 23 weeks of gestation: 125 to 500 mg·day-1 vitamin C and 126 to placebo. Smoking cessation counselling was provided. FEFs performed at 3 and 12 months of age were analysed by repeated measures analysis of covariance. RESULTS: FEFs were performed in 222 infants at 3 months and 202 infants at 12 months of age. The infants allocated to vitamin C had significantly increased FEFs over the first year of life compared to those allocated to placebo. The overall increased flows were: 40.2 mL·sec-1 for FEF75 (adjusted 95% CI for difference 6.6 to 73.8; p=0.025); 58.3 mL·sec-1 for FEF50 (95% CI 10.9 to 105.8; p=0.0081); and 55.1 mL·sec-1 for FEF25-75 (95% CI, 9.7 to 100.5; p=0.013). CONCLUSIONS: In offspring of pregnant smokers randomised to vitamin C versus placebo, vitamin C during pregnancy was associated with a small but significantly increased airway function at 3 and 12 months of age, suggesting a potential shift to a higher airway function trajectory curve. Continued follow-up is underway.

A Simulated Approach to Fostering Competency in End-of-Life Care Among Pharmacy Students.

Objective. To determine if pharmacy students participating in simulation-based scenarios reported fewer learning needs about the transition from acute to end-of-life (EOL) care compared to students participating in solely case-based scenario delivery. Methods. Four end-of-life cases were developed for both paper-based case study and simulation delivery. Pharmacy students on three distant campuses were exposed to the case study approach while four teams of nine to ten pharmacy students were exposed to simulated versions of the same cases. A validated questionnaire was administered before and after exposure to assess end-of-life care learning needs. Results were analyzed following a Bonferroni-adjustment for multiple testing. Results. The case study groups produced similar pre/post changes on the questionnaire. After results were pooled and compared to the simulation only group, significantly higher changes in pre/post scores were found for the simulation group. Conclusion. Pharmacy students exposed to simulated EOL scenarios experienced significantly reduced learning needs following the scenarios, unlike their classroom-based counterparts.

Oral Vitamin C (500 mg/d) to Pregnant Smokers Improves Infant Airway Function at 3 Months (VCSIP). A Randomized Trial.

Rationale: We reported a randomized trial demonstrating daily supplemental vitamin C to pregnant smokers significantly improved newborn pulmonary function tests. The current study tests these results in a new cohort using infant pulmonary function tests. Objectives: To determine if infants of pregnant smokers randomized to daily supplemental vitamin C would have improved forced expiratory flows (FEFs) at 3 months of age compared with those randomized to placebo, and to investigate the association of the α5 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at three centers. Two hundred fifty-one pregnant smokers were randomized at 13-23 weeks of gestation: 125 randomized to vitamin C (500 mg/d) and 126 to placebo. Measurements and Main Results: The primary outcome was FEF75 at 3 months of age performed with the raised volume rapid thoracic compression technique (Jaeger/Viasys). FEF50 and FEF25-75 obtained from the same expiratory curves were prespecified secondary outcomes. The infants of pregnant smokers randomized to vitamin C (n = 113) had the following FEFs at 3 months of age compared with those randomized to placebo (n = 109) as measured by FEF75 (200.7 vs. 188.7 ml/s; adjusted 95% confidence interval [CI] for difference, -3.33 to 35.64; P = 0.10), FEF50 (436.7 vs. 408.5 ml/s; adjusted 95% CI for difference, 6.10-61.30; P = 0.02), and FEF25-75 (387.4 vs. 365.8 ml/s; adjusted 95% CI for difference, 0.92-55.34; P = 0.04). Infant FEFs seemed to be negatively associated with the maternal risk alleles for the α5 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (rs16969968). Conclusions: Although the primary outcome of FEF75 was not improved after vitamin C supplementation to pregnant smokers, the predetermined secondary outcomes FEF50 and FEF25-75 were significantly improved. These results extend our previous findings and demonstrate improved airway function (FEF50 and FEF25-75) at 3 months of age in infants after vitamin C supplementation to pregnant smokers. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01723696).

Immunomodulator and Biologic Agent Effects on Sleep Quality in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can disrupt normal sleep physiology and amplify a negative perception about quality of life. Evidence suggests increased circulation of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1, may play a role. METHODS: A total of 56 patients completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to measure 7 sleep domains: sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep efficacy, sleep disturbance, sleep medications, and daytime dysfunction. Domain scores were summed to determine the presence or absence of sleep impairment. We compared patients taking immunomodulators or biologic agents to patients not on immunomodulator or biologic agent therapy. Demographics and IBD-related clinical information were collected to adjust for potential confounders that may secondarily affect sleep, such as body mass index, depression/anxiety, and sleep-affecting medications. RESULTS: The majority of patients with IBD (46 [82%]) reported poor sleep quality; 22 (79%) of the patients taking immunomodulators or biologic agents and 24 (86%) of the patients not on these therapies had a global PSQI score ≥5, suggestive of poor sleep quality. However, we found no significant difference between the 2 groups. When we analyzed the 7 PSQI sleep domains individually, we found improved sleep duration in the group taking immunomodulators or biologic agents compared to the group not on therapy, although the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients with IBD experience some degree of sleep impairment, and treatment with immunomodulators and biologic agents does not appear to improve sleep quality. A multicenter study with a larger sample size is warranted to better assess the diverse population of patients with IBD and the factors that impact their sleep. Routine assessment of sleep quality during IBD clinical encounters is recommended.

Teaching End-of-Life Care Using Interprofessional Simulation.

BACKGROUND: Competency in end-of-life (EOL) care is a growing expectation for health professions students. This study assessed the impact of four EOL care scenarios, using high-fidelity simulation, on the perceived learning needs and attitudes of pharmacy and nursing students. METHOD: On three campuses, pharmacy students (N = 158) were exposed to standard paper EOL case scenarios, while a fourth campus exposed eight graduate nursing and 37 graduate pharmacy students to simulated versions of the same cases. RESULTS: The paper-based groups produced similar pre-post changes on the End of Life Professional Caregiver Survey. Results were pooled and compared with the simulation-only group, revealing significantly higher changes in pre-post scores for the simulation group. CONCLUSION: Students participating in the simulation group showed some significant differences in attitudes toward EOL care, compared with students in the classroom setting. [J Nurs Educ. 2017;56(4):205-210.].

Managing sepsis: Electronic recognition, rapid response teams, and standardized care save lives.

PURPOSE: Sepsis can lead to poor outcomes when treatment is delayed or inadequate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes after initiation of a hospital-wide sepsis alert program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of patients ≥18years treated for sepsis. RESULTS: There were 3917 sepsis admissions: 1929 admissions before, and 1988 in the after phase. Mean age (57.3 vs. 57.1, p=0.94) and Charlson Comorbidity Scores (2.52 vs. 2.47, p=0.35) were similar between groups. Multivariable analyses identified significant reductions in the after phase for odds of death (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.39-0.99, p=0.046), mean intensive care unit LOS (2.12days before, 95%CI 1.97, 2.34; 1.95days after, 95%CI 1.75, 2.06; p<0.001), mean overall hospital LOS (11.7days before, 95% CI 10.9, 12.7days; 9.9days after, 95% CI 9.3, 10.6days, p<0.001), odds of mechanical ventilation use (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.39, 0.99, p=0.007), and total charges with a savings of $7159 per sepsis admission (p=0.036). There was no reduction in vasopressor use (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.75, 0.1.06, p=0.18). CONCLUSION: A hospital-wide program utilizing electronic recognition and RRT intervention resulted in improved outcomes in patients with sepsis.

Group-Wide, Prospective Study of Ototoxicity Assessment in Children Receiving Cisplatin Chemotherapy (ACCL05C1): A Report From the Children's Oncology Group.

Purpose Optimal assessment methods and criteria for reporting hearing outcomes in children who receive treatment with cisplatin are uncertain. The objectives of our study were to compare different ototoxicity classification systems, to evaluate the feasibility of including otoacoustic emissions and extended high frequency audiometry, and to evaluate a central review mechanism for audiologic results for cisplatin-treated children in the cooperative group setting. Patients and Methods Eligible participants were 1 to 30 years, with planned cisplatin-containing treatment. Hearing evaluations were conducted at baseline, before each cisplatin cycle, and at the end of therapy. Audiologic results were assessed and graded by the testing audiologist and by two central review audiologists using the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Ototoxicity Criteria (ASHA), Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 3.0 (CTCAE), and Brock Ototoxicity Grades (Brock). One central reviewer also used the International Society of Pediatric Oncology Ototoxicity Scale (SIOP). Results At the end of treatment, the prevalence of any degree of ototoxicity ranged from 40% to 56%, and severe ototoxicity ranged from 7% to 22%. Compared with CTCAE, SIOP detected significantly more ototoxicity ( P = .004), whereas Brock criteria detected significantly fewer patients with any or severe ototoxicity ( P < .001 for both). SIOP detected ototoxicity earlier than did the other scales. Agreement between the central reviewers and the institutional audiologist was almost perfect for ASHA and Brock, whereas the poorest agreement occurred with CTCAE. Conclusion The SIOP scale may be superior to ASHA, Brock, and CTCAE scales for classifying ototoxicity in pediatric patients who were treated with cisplatin. Future studies should evaluate inter-rater reliability of the SIOP scale.

The effects of neoadjuvant therapy on morbidity and mortality of esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: American college of surgeons national surgical quality improvement program (ACS-NSQIP) 2005-2012.

OBJECTIVE: This study used a multi-center database to evaluate the impact of neoadjuvant therapy on the 30-day morbidity and mortality following esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. METHODS: The NSQIP database was queried for 2005-2012 for patients, who had esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Patients were divided into two groups: neoadjuvant therapy and esophagectomy only. RESULTS: The neoadjuvant group had a lower rates of sepsis (8% vs. 13%, unadjusted P = 0.004) and acute renal failure (0.4% vs. 2%, unadjusted P = 0.01), and a higher rate of pulmonary embolism (PE) (3% vs. 1%, unadjusted P = 0.04). The adjusted odds of PE for patients, who received neoadjuvant therapy were 2.8 times the odds of PE for patients in the esophagectomy group, controlling for BMI. The association with renal failure was not significant, when one adjusted for race. There was no difference in the rates of reoperation, readmission, stroke, cardiac arrest, MI, surgical site and deep organ infections, anastomosis failure, blood transfusions, DVT, septic shock, pneumonia, UTI, respiratory failure, and 30-day mortality between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that neoadjuvant therapy followed by esophagectomy for esophageal cancer does not have a negative impact on 30-day mortality. Neoadjuvant therapy is associated with increased odds of PE. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:296-300. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Vitamin D Deficiency in HIV-Infected Children.

OBJECTIVES: Improvement in life expectancy with the use of combination antiretroviral therapy has come with the recognition of the complications associated with chronic human immunodeficiency virus infection. Vitamin D has been of particular interest because of its effect on bone health and immune functions. The purpose of this study was to assess vitamin D status in children in relation to the duration and severity of their human immunodeficiency virus infection and nutritional status, as well as to determine whether there was any effect of seasonality. METHODS: The study design was cross-sectional and all children 0 to 21 years of age were eligible to participate. RESULTS: A total of 59 participants provided informed consent, with 54 subjects completing all study activities. Thirteen (24.1%) had sufficient vitamin D levels, 13 (24.1%) had insufficient levels, and 28 (51.9%) had deficient levels per the guidelines of the Endocrine Society. In our univariate analysis, younger age was associated with higher vitamin D levels (P = 0.030). Higher CD4 counts were associated with higher vitamin D levels (P = 0.018). A significant association between the vitamin D intake per day and vitamin D level was seen (P = 0.013). In the multivariate analysis, the best ordinal logistic regression model had the CD4 count as predictor (P < 0.005), higher CD4 counts were associated with decreased odds of vitamin D deficiency (odds ratio 0.47, 95% confidence interval 0.28-0.80). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency was common among the patients included in this study.

An Elephant in the Emergency Department: Symptom of Disparities in Cancer Care.

Reliance on emergency departments (EDs) by economically disadvantaged people for initial cancer diagnosis in place of primary care and early diagnosis and treatment is 1 obvious plausible explanation for cancer disparities. Claims data from a safety net hospital for the years 2009-2010 were merged with hospital tumor registry data to compare hospitalizations for ED-associated initial cancer diagnoses to non-ED associated initial diagnoses. The proportion of initial cancer diagnoses associated with hospital admissions through the ED was relatively high (32%) for all safety net hospital patients, but disproportionately higher for African Americans and residents of the impoverished urban core. Use of the ED for initial diagnosis was associated with a 75% higher risk of stage 4 versus stage 1 cancer diagnosis, and a 176% higher risk of dying during the 2-year study period. Findings from this study of ED use within a safety net hospital documented profound disparities in cancer care and outcomes with major implications for monitoring disparities, Affordable Care Act impact, and safety net hospital utilization. (Population Health Management 2016;19:95-101).

Impact of Video Discharge Instructions for Pediatric Fever and Closed Head Injury from the Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND: Lack of understanding of diagnosis and disease process remains a major complaint of caregivers who bring their children to the pediatric emergency department (PED). Misunderstanding of diagnosis and discharge instructions can lead to unnecessary return visits and health disparities. OBJECTIVE: We attempted to determine if video discharge instructions when added to standard of care written and verbal instruction improved caregivers' comprehension of their child's diagnosis, disease process, and discharge instructions. METHODS: Caregivers who presented to the PED with a child's chief complaint of fever or closed head injury (CHI) were included and randomized into a control or intervention group. Each group received standard discharge instructions, and the intervention group additionally viewed a video. Participants completed a post-test on knowledge and were followed 2 weeks post-visit to determine follow-up care. RESULTS: Sixty-three caregivers participated in the study. Eleven participants had less than a high school (HS) education and 52 had more than a HS education. Thirty-one children presented with fever and 32 with CHI. The intervention group had significantly higher percentage of correct answers on postintervention tests (median [Mdn] = 88.89) than the control (Mdn = 75.73; p < 0.0001). Participants in the intervention group with less than a HS education (Mdn = 89.47) and more than HS education (Mdn = 88.89) had similar test scores (p = 0.13), whereas those in the control group with less than a HS education (Mdn = 66.67) had significantly lower test scores than those with more than a HS education (Mdn = 77.78; p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: For caregivers with children who presented to the PED with fever and CHI, video discharge instructions improved caregiver comprehension of the child's diagnosis and disease process when added to verbal and written instructions.

Predicting the limits of the endoscopic endonasal approach in children: a radiological anatomical study.

OBJECT The endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) has been established as an alternative approach to craniovertebral junction (CVJ) pathology in adults. The authors have previously described the nasoaxial line (NAxL) as an accurate predictor of the lower limit of the EEA to the CVJ in adults. The surgical anatomy limiting the EEA to the pediatric CVJ has not been well studied. Furthermore, predicting the lower limit of the EEA in various pediatric age groups is important in surgical planning. To better understand the anatomy affecting the EEA to the CVJ, the authors examined the skull base anatomy relevant to the EEA in children of different age groups and used the NAxL to predict the EEA lower limit in children. METHODS Axial brain CT scans of 39 children with normal skull base anatomy were reconstructed sagittally. Children were divided into 4 groups according to age: 3-6, 7-10, 11-14, and 15-18 years old. The intersection of the NAxL with the odontoid process of C-2 was described for each group. Analyses of variance were used to estimate the effect of age, sex, interaction between age and sex on different anatomical parameters relevant to the endonasal corridor (including the length of the hard palate [HPLe]), dimensions of choana and piriform aperture, and the length of the NAxL to C-2. The effect of the HPLe on the working distance of NAxL to the odontoid was also estimated using analysis of covariance, controlling for age, sex, and their interaction. RESULTS The NAxL extended to the odontoid process in 38 of the 39 children. Among the 39 children, the NAxL intersected the upper third of the odontoid process in 25 while intersecting the middle third in the remaining 13 children. The measurements of the inferior limits did not differ with age, varying between 9 and 11 mm below the hard palate line at the ventral surface of C-2. Significant increases in the size of the piriform aperture and choana and the HPLe were observed after age 10. The HPLe predicted the length of the NAxL (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The caudal limit of the EEA extends as far as the middle third of the odontoid process in children, as predicted by the NAxL. The most prominent increase in the size of the choana and piriform aperture occurs after age 10. The HPLe is a significant predictor of the working distance to C-2. Utilizing the NAxL preoperatively may help in planning the EEA to the CVJ in children.

Providing Our Fellows in Training with Education on Inflammatory Bowel Disease Health Maintenance to Improve the Quality of Care in Our Health Care System.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) quality measures were established in an effort to standardize IBD health care. Despite effort to improve clinical performance, considerable variations in practice still exist. To further improve IBD health care, we propose incorporating an in-service educational session on IBD health maintenance to provide trainees with increasing awareness and knowledge on IBD management. METHODS: Fifty electronic medical charts were randomly selected, and the level of quality documentation was assessed for 15 core IBD quality measures. Data were reported as the percentage of charts meeting audit criteria (compliance score). Fellows then attended an in-service educational session to review IBD quality measures and reinforce practice expectations. A second audit was then performed on an additional 50 patient charts to determine whether documentation practices improved after the educational session. RESULTS: We found a positive correlation between an in-service educational session and fellows' compliance with IBD health maintenance. Overall, the fellows' compliance score increased by 18% (before intervention, 65%; after intervention, 83%; P < 0.0001). The intervention was equally beneficial irrespective of training level. Although the magnitude of improvement was comparable, the mean compliance score was highest in year 2 at 81% (year 1: 72% [P = 0.019] and year 3: 70% [P = 0.002]). Fellows expressed a high degree of satisfaction with the educational intervention and emphasized the value in reviewing the conceptual bases for IBD health maintenance. CONCLUSION: Incorporating a standard curriculum on IBD health maintenance provides fellows in training with increased awareness and guidance on managing the unique preventive care needs of patients with IBD.

Assessing patient activation and health literacy in the ED.

BACKGROUND: Low health literacy and patient activation are linked to unmet health needs, excess emergency department (ED) use, and hospital admission. However, most studies have assessed these measures in non-ED populations. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to assess health literacy and patient activation in the ED. METHODS: A cross-sectional study in adults older than 18 years presenting to an ED were selected using systematic sampling. Demographic data and reason for ED visit were collected. Health literacy was assessed using Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM). Patient activation was assessed using Patient Activation Measure. Kruskal-Wallis tests compared groups. Spearman rank correlations compared numeric variables. RESULTS: A total of 140 patients were approached, and 108 enrolled. Average age was 51 years. Most were unemployed (71%), were unmarried (80%), had a primary physician (62%), were male (60%), were African American (63%), and were on public insurance (58%). Most had an activation level of 3 or 4. The mean REALM score was 52. Patients with higher REALM scores had higher activation levels (rs = 0.30; P = .0017), although, when adjusted for age, this association was no longer significant. Sex, education, insurance status, and race were not significantly associated with REALM or activation levels. Activation levels decreased with increasing age (rs = -0.24; P = .01). Low activation levels and limited health literacy were significantly associated with admission (odds ratio, 4.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-12.6; P = .0061). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to assess Patient Activation Measure in the ED. Low activation levels and limited REALM scores assessed in the ED population were significantly associated with hospital admission. Assessing activation levels of ED patients could lead to better education and tailored discharge planning by ED clinicians potentially reducing ED revisits.

Clinical and Biochemical Markers of Cardiovascular Structure and Function in Women With the Metabolic Syndrome.

The pathobiological impact of individual components of the metabolic syndrome (MS) on cardiac structural and functional parameters in women with isolated MS is not known. The objectives of this study were (1) to compare biochemical (prothrombotic, lipogenic, and inflammatory) and imaging (carotid intima-media thickening and basic cardiac structural measurements) markers in women with and without MS and (2) to examine if any of these markers associated or predicted cardiac structural differences between the 2 groups. This cross-sectional pilot study included 88 women with MS and 35 women without it. MS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Patients with diagnosis of diabetes were excluded. Compared with healthy subjects, women with MS had higher levels of intercellular adhesion molecule, myeloperoxidase, C-reactive protein, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, leptin, apolipoprotein-B, and lower levels of apolipoprotein-A1 (p <0.001 for all). They also had higher mean ventricular septum, posterior wall thickness, left ventricular (LV) mass, carotid intima-media thickness (p <0.001 for all), and left atrial diameter (p = 0.015). In multivariable regression models, waist circumference and systolic blood pressure (BP) were significant predictors of: ventricular septum (p = 0.005 and p = 0.001, respectively), posterior wall thickness (p = 0.008 and p = 0.040, respectively), and LV mass (p <0.001 and p = 0.013, respectively). Significant predictors for carotid intima-media thickness were systolic BP, glucose, and leptin (p <0.0001, p = 0.034, and p = 0.002, respectively). In conclusion, there are significant clinical, biochemical, and cardiovascular structural differences in women with isolated MS compared with those without. Waist circumference and systolic BP had the strongest association with cardiac structural differences in this group of women.

The impact of endocrine supplementation on adverse events in septic shock.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of severe adverse events of vasopressin vs hydrocortisone for endocrine support therapy in patients with septic shock. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective, propensity-matched cohort of patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit with septic shock between February 2012 and February 2015. Patients were included if vasopressin or hydrocortisone was administered for hemodynamic support secondary to norepinephrine. RESULTS: In the unmatched cohort of 124 patients, vasopressin was associated with a significant decrease in the number of severe adverse events (P=.03). In the matched cohort, severe adverse events occurred 3 times as often in patients receiving hydrocortisone; however, this difference was not statistically significant. (odds ratio, 3.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.92-12.11; P=.06). In the matched cohort, vasopressin was associated with a faster time to hemodynamic stability (P<.05) and discontinuation of hemodynamic support (P<.01) with an increased requirement for third-line therapy (P<.01). No statistical differences were seen in length of stay (intensive care unit and hospital), length of mechanical ventilation, and in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: Given the lower incidence of adverse events and faster time to hemodynamic stability, vasopressin appears to be the most advantageous endocrine agent for hemodynamic support in septic shock.

Poisonings with Suicidal Intent Aged 0-21 Years Reported to Poison Centers 2003-12.

INTRODUCTION: Few studies explore the clinical features of youth suicide by poisoning. The use of both social and clinical features of self-poisoning with suicidal intent could be helpful in enhancing existing and creating new prevention strategies. We sought to characterize self-poisonings with suicide intent in ages 0 to 21 years reported to three regional poison control centers from 2003-2012. METHODS: This study was a blinded retrospective review of intentional self-poisonings by those age 21 or younger captured by the Poison Information Control Network. Age, sex, substance(s) used, medical outcome, management site, clinical effects, and therapies were described using counts and percentages and analyzed using chi-square tests. We analyzed the medical outcome ranging from no effect to death using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Serious medical outcome was defined as death or major outcome. RESULTS: We analyzed a total of 29,737 cases. The majority were females (20,945;70.5%), of whom 274 (1.3%) were pregnant. Most cases were 15-18 year olds (15,520;52.2%). Many experienced no effects (9,068;30.5%) or minor medical outcomes (8,612;29%). Males had more serious medical outcomes (p<0.0001), but females were more likely to be admitted to a critical care unit (p<0.0001). There were 17 deaths (0.06%), most in males (10;p=0.008). Of the 52 substances reported in the death cases, 12 (23.1%) were analgesics. In eight (47.1%) of the deaths, over two substances were used. Overall, drowsiness/lethargy (7,097;19.3%) and single-dose charcoal (8,815;16.3%) were frequently reported. Nearly 20% were admitted to critical care units (5,727;19.3%) and 28.7% went to psychiatric facilities (8,523). Of those admitted to hospitals (8,203), nearly 70% (5,727) required critical care units. Almost half <10 years old were evaluated and released (43;47.2%). Of the 114 reported substances for this population, 22.8% involved psychotropic medications, 15.8% analgesics, and 14% Attention Deficit-Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) medications. Analgesics (13,539;33.6%) were the most common medication category used by all age groups. Typically only one substance (20,549;69.1%) was used. CONCLUSION: Undiagnosed ADHD may be a potential underlying cause for self-harming behaviors in the very young. Gender-specific suicide prevention strategies may be more effective at identifying those at risk than traditional measures alone. Further study into admitting practices by emergency physicians is needed to understand the difference in critical care admission rates based on gender. Once identified to be at-risk for suicidal behavior, access to analgesics and psychotropics should be monitored by care-givers especially in those between the ages of 15-18.