Prevalence and predictors of elbow flexion contractures during early childhood following brachial plexus birth injury.

BACKGROUND: Elbow flexion contracture development in school-age children with a brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) is common. Reports indicate onset between 2 and 4 years; however, little is known about early childhood prevalence, development, and trajectory of these contractures. PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and predictors of BPBI elbow flexion contractures during early childhood. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cross-sectional study. METHODS: Demographic, diagnostic, treatment, and elbow contracture data were collected for children with a BPBI <4 years between 2015 and 2019 from a prospectively collected database. Spinal root motor contributions and injury were determined using Active Movement Scale (AMS) scores at 6 weeks of age and used to predict contracture development. RESULTS: Of the 171 children that met inclusion criteria, 87% (n = 149) had upper plexus injuries. The mean age at the time of evaluation for an elbow contracture was 21.4 ± 12.7 months. The prevalence of elbow flexion contractures was 22% (n = 38), with mean onset at 13.4 ± 11.0 months. Mean contracture degree was -10.8 ± -6.9 degrees with 76% (n = 29) <-10 degrees. AMS shoulder abduction, flexion, and external rotation; elbow flexion; forearm supination; and wrist extension scores at a mean 2.3 ± 1.4 months were significantly lower in children who developed elbow flexion contractures (p < 0.001). Logistic regression found that low AMS elbow flexion with high elbow extension scores were a significant (p < 0.003) predictor of elbow contracture development. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of elbow flexion contractures in early childhood is greater than previously understood. These findings indicate that C5-C6 injury affecting elbow flexion with relative preservation of elbow extension is a predictor of contracture development. Further research is needed to investigate the nature and sequelae of C5-C6 injury and its effects on elbow flexion contracture development.

Severe hypercalcemia as a result of disseminated Candida krusei infection.

Candida krusei disseminated infection is a rare complication of protracted neutropenia. Herein, we report a case of a 31-year-old male with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia who developed Candida krusei fungemia with cutaneous, ocular, splenic, renal, bone marrow and osseous involvement leading to severe hypercalcemia, treated with parenteral antifungals followed by oral ibrexafungerp.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Access to Cancer Surgery: Analysis of Surgical Wait Times in British Columbia, Canada.

OBJECTIVE: As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread, efforts were made to preserve resources for the anticipated surge of COVID-19 patients in British Columbia, Canada. However, the relationship between COVID-19 hospitalizations and access to cancer surgery is unclear. In this project, we analyze the impact of COVID-19 patient volumes on wait time for cancer surgery. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study using population-based datasets of regional surgical wait times and COVID-19 patient volumes. Weekly median wait times for urgent, nonurgent, cancer, and noncancer surgeries, and maximum volumes of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were studied. The results were qualitatively analyzed. RESULTS: A sustained association between weekly median wait time for priority and other cancer surgeries and increase hospital COVID-19 patient volumes was not qualitatively discernable. In response to the first phase of COVID-19 patient volumes, relative to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, wait time were shortened for urgent cancer surgery but increased for nonurgent surgeries. During the second phase, for all diagnostic groups, wait times returned to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. During the third phase, wait times for all surgeries increased. CONCLUSION: Cancer surgery access may have been influenced by other factors, such as policy directives and local resource issues, independent of hospitalized COVID-19 patient volumes. The initial access limitations gradually improved with provincial and institutional resilience, and vaccine rollout.

Penicillin de-labelling in vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: comparison of approaches, outcomes and future directions.

BACKGROUND: Inaccurate penicillin allergy labels lead to inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions and harmful patient consequences. System-wide efforts are needed to remove incorrect penicillin allergy labels, but more health services research is required on how to best deliver these services. METHODS: Data was extracted from five hospitals in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada from October 2018-May 2022. The primary outcomes of this study were to outline de-labelling protocol designs, identify the roles of various healthcare professionals in de-labelling protocols and identify rates of de-labelling penicillin allergies and associated adverse events at various institutions. Our secondary outcome was to describe de-labelling rates for special populations, including pediatric, obstetric and immunocompromised subpopulations. To achieve these outcomes, participating institutions provided their de-labelling protocol designs and data on program participants. Protocols were then compared to find common themes and differences. Furthermore, adverse events were reviewed and percentages of patients de-labelled at each institution and in total were calculated. RESULTS: Protocols demonstrated a high level of variability, including different methods of participant identification, risk-stratification and roles of providers. All protocols used oral and direct oral challenges, heavily involved pharmacists and had physician oversight. Despite the differences, of the 711 patients enrolled in all programs, 697 (98.0%) were de-labelled. There were 9 adverse events (1.3%) with oral challenges with mainly minor symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrates that de-labelling programs effectively and safely remove penicillin allergy labels, including pediatric, obstetric and immunocompromised patients. Consistent with current literature, most patients with a penicillin allergy label are not allergic. De-labelling programs could benefit from increasing clinician engagement by increasing accessibility of resources to providers, including guidance for de-labelling of special populations.

Web-Based System Navigation Database to Support Equitable Access to Assistive Technology: Usability Testing Study.

BACKGROUND: Assistive technology (AT) can contribute to how individuals participate and engage in everyday activities, such as communication and mobility, and facilitates access to the services they require. Navigating Canada's AT system has been described as fragmented and complex, presenting barriers for individuals who require AT, caregivers, and health service providers. AccessATCanada was developed as a centralized web-based resource to help support access to AT by providing information about the existing jurisdictional funding programs and services. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the usability of AccessATCanada by gathering feedback about its features, functionality, and areas of strength and opportunity from potential end users. METHODS: A usability testing study using a think-aloud approach and semistructured interviews was conducted to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of and user satisfaction with AccessATCanada and to identify issues with the interface during end-user interaction. A qualitative thematic analysis was used to generate insights into and core themes about user experiences. User feedback was used to inform subsequent updates of the database with the goal of enhancing website friendliness and functionality before its official launch. RESULTS: A total of 10 participants (6 consumers, 1 caregiver, and 3 providers) participated in the usability testing study. The usability performance and scores tended to improve between the 2 testing cycles. Most participants were able to successfully complete all the tasks independently. The efficiency scores tended to improve as the users continued to engage with the interface. The website received an overall System Usability Score of 62.22, which was ranked as "OK/fair to good." The users provided an overall positive evaluation of the beta version of the web-based resource tested over 2 cycles and helped to identify areas for improvement. They commented on the functionality and added value of the website, discovery of new programs and resources, and design aesthetics. Most usability issues were reported as minor challenges related to presentation, functionality, and language, and feedback was adopted into later iterations of the website. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides reflections on the value of usability testing and elements that are key to the creation of user-centered resources, such as the inclusion of participants with various abilities and considerations regarding website design and accessibility in an increasingly web-based world. AccessATCanada is now part of a growing global response to expand the reach of AT programs and services, improve the equity of access to AT, and reduce the complexity of navigating AT systems.

Safety and Immunogenicity After a Three-Dose SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Schedule in Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients.

In allogeneic stem cell transplant (Allo-SCT) recipients, the cell-mediated and humoral immunogenicity of the 3-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccination schedule has not been investigated in prospective studies. In a prospective cohort, we recruited 122 Allo-SCT recipients since August 2021, when Ontario began offering a 3-dose vaccine schedule for Allo-SCT recipients. We determined humoral and cell-mediated immunity and adverse effects of the 3-dose SARS-COV-2 vaccination schedule in Allo-SCT recipients. In immunogenicity analysis (n = 95), the median (interquartile range [IQR]) antibody titer against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike (S) protein after the third dose (10,358.0 U/mL [IQR = 673.9-31,753.0]) was significantly higher than that after the first (10.2 U/mL [IQR = 0.6-37.0]) and the second doses (125.6 U/mL [IQR = 2.8-1251.0]) (P < .0001). The haploidentical donor status was an independent risk factor (adjusted odds ratio = 7.67, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.86-31.60) for suboptimal antibody response (anti-RBD < 100 U/mL). S-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses were measured in a subset of Allo-SCT recipients (n = 20) by flow cytometry. Most developed antigen-specific CD4+ (55%-80%) and CD8+ T-cells (80%) after 2 doses of vaccine. Frequencies of CD4+ polyfunctional (P = .020) and IL-2 monofunctional (P = .013) T-cells significantly increased after the third dose. Twenty-three episodes (23/301 doses [7.6%]) of new-onset or worsening pre-existing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) occurred, including 4 episodes after the third dose. We observed 4 relapses (3.27%). Seven patients developed SARS-CoV-2 infection despite vaccination, although none required hospitalization. In conclusion, the 3-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccine schedule provided immunity associated with a low risk of GVHD and other adverse effects. This prospective cohort showed that the third dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients promoted better humoral and cellar immune responses than after the initial series without increasing the risk of GVHD or severe adverse effects.

The association between bacterobilia and the risk of postoperative complications following pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Pre-operative biliary bacterial colonisation (bacterobilia) is considered a risk factor for infectious complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). This study aimed to investigate the role of the PD biliary microbiome grown in the development of post-PD complications. METHODS: In a retrospective study of 162 consecutive patients undergoing PD (2008-2018), intra-operative bile cultures were analyzed and sensitivities compared to pre-anesthetic antibiotics and thirty-day post-surgery complications. RESULTS: Bacterobilia was present in 136 patients (84%). Most bile cultures grew bacteria resistant to pre-operative antibiotics (n = 112, 82%). Patients with bacterobilia had significantly higher rates of major complication than patients without (P = 0.017), as well as higher rates of surgical-site infections (SSI) (P = 0.010). Patients with negative bile cultures (n = 26) had significantly lower rates of major complication and SSI than those growing sensitive (n = 24) or non-sensitive (n = 112) bacteria (major complication P = 0.029 and SSI P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Positive bile cultures were associated with a higher incidence of major complications and SSI. Patients with sterile bile cultures had the lowest risk of post-operative complications and efforts to reduce rates of bacterobilia, such as limitation of biliary instrumentation, should be considered. Sensitivity to antibiotics had no effect upon the rate of post-operative complications, but this may reflect low cohort numbers.

Clinical Practice Guideline for Solid Organ Donation and Transplantation During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted health systems worldwide, including solid organ donation and transplantation programs. Guidance on how best to screen patients who are potential organ donors to minimize the risks of COVID-19 as well as how best to manage immunosuppression and reduce the risk of COVID-19 and manage infection in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTr) is needed. METHODS: Iterative literature searches were conducted, the last being January 2021, by a team of 3 information specialists. Stakeholders representing key groups undertook the systematic reviews and generation of recommendations using a rapid response approach that respected the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations frameworks. RESULTS: The systematic reviews addressed multiple questions of interest. In this guidance document, we make 4 strong recommendations, 7 weak recommendations, 3 good practice statements, and 3 statements of "no recommendation." CONCLUSIONS: SOTr and patients on the waitlist are populations of interest in the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, there is a paucity of high-quality evidence to guide decisions around deceased donation assessments and the management of SOTr and waitlist patients. Inclusion of these populations in clinical trials of therapeutic interventions, including vaccine candidates, is essential to guide best practices.

Summary of International Recommendations for Donation and Transplantation Programs During the Coronavirus Disease Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted all aspects of the international organ donation and transplantation (ODT) system. Multiple organizations have developed guidance, but to date, no comparative summary has emerged to understand differences in existing recommendations. METHODS: We developed and applied a comparative methodology to a convenience sample of recommendations available on The Transplantation Society website. Document types were classified according to characteristics such as type of organization (eg, governing body or professional society) and geographic region. Recommendations were grouped according to content, and summaries were posted on a public website. This process is ongoing and will be updated as new recommendations become available. RESULTS: Eighteen documents were extracted in the initial review. All documents were based on expert opinion, and none described a formal literature review or adherence with clinical guideline development processes. Recommendation categories included screening of potential donors, risk assessment of potential recipients, posttransplant risk, living/paired donation, protection of ODT professionals, and ethics/logistics. While many documents included similar recommendations, such as the need to screen and test patients who are potential donors, there was variation on some topics. Type of recommended laboratory testing varied with 64% recommending nasopharyngeal swabs, 43% oropharyngeal, and 24% bronchial aspirates. Updated results are available at https://cdtrp.ca/en/covid-19-international-recommendations-for-odt/. CONCLUSIONS: The current state of COVID-19 ODT recommendations is limited to expert opinion. Substantial variation exists regarding recommendations, which are based on emerging but currently low-quality evidence. This summary of existing recommendations will serve to inform priorities for evidence-based recommendations.

Case Report: Ivermectin and Albendazole Plasma Concentrations in a Patient with Disseminated Strongyloidiasis on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy.

Disseminated strongyloidiasis is often fatal, despite treatment with oral albendazole and parenteral ivermectin (IVM). Here, we report elevated plasma IVM and albendazole sulfoxide concentrations in the context of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and continuous renal replacement therapy in a patient with disseminated strongyloidiasis treated with subcutaneous IVM and nasogastric albenzadole. Despite elevated drug plasma concentrations, live filariform larvae were detected in endotracheal aspirates after 2 weeks of treatment.

Graft loss attributed to possible transfusion-transmitted ehrlichiosis following cord blood stem cell transplant.

We present a case of possible transfusion-transmitted Ehrlichia chaffeensis infection in a heavily transfused cord blood transplant recipient, resulting in severe infection and graft loss. Transfusion-transmitted, vector-borne infections in immunocompromised individuals can have severe consequences, and should be considered in hospitalized patients receiving blood products with unexplained fever or sepsis.

Antimicrobial stewardship for hospitalized patients with viral respiratory tract infections.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to implement a targeted antimicrobial stewardship intervention for patients with a viral respiratory tract infection. METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental before and after audit and feedback intervention of adult inpatients with a positive polymerase chain reaction for a respiratory virus in 2 acute care hospitals in Vancouver, Canada. Audit and feedback was implemented based on 2 criteria: microbiology (no positive bacterial cultures) and chest imaging (absence of pneumonia or consolidation on radiology dictation). A chart review was conducted to assess for days of antibiotics postviral diagnosis. Outcomes including length of stay, intensive care unit admission within 14 days, mechanical ventilation within 14 days, antibiotics prescribed within 14 days, Clostridium difficile infection diagnosed within 30 days, and readmission within 30 days were also reviewed in comparison with the previous year. RESULTS: Antimicrobial stewardship recommendations for hospitalized patients with viral respiratory tract infections were accepted for 77% of cases. This targeted approach based on easily assessed parameters translated into a 1.3-day (95% confidence interval, 0.3-2.3; P < .01) decrease in mean days of antibiotics postviral diagnosis compared with the previous year without systematic interventions. Compared with the previous year, no differences were identified for adverse outcomes associated with the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: A targeted antimicrobial stewardship intervention integrating virology testing with the treating physician facilitated a reduction in duration of antibiotic treatment for viral respiratory tract infections.

Knowledge of hepatitis C and treatment willingness amongst people who inject drugs in an era of direct acting antivirals.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is believed to be important in altering risk behaviour, improving engagement in care, and promoting willingness to initiate HCV treatment. We assessed factors associated with HCV knowledge and treatment willingness amongst people who inject drugs (PWID) in an era of direct acting antivirals. METHODS: Data were derived from three prospective cohort studies of PWID in Vancouver, Canada, between June 2014 and May 2015. HCV knowledge and treatment willingness were assessed using a Likert scale. Multivariable linear regression identified factors associated with higher HCV knowledge and treatment willingness. RESULTS: Amongst 630 participants, mean scores for HCV knowledge and treatment willingness were 25.41 (standard deviation [SD]: 2.52) out of 30, and 6.83 (SD: 1.83) out of 10, respectively. In multivariable analyses, Caucasian ancestry (adjusted linear regression model estimate [ß] 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.17, 0.82), employment (ß 0.76; 95% CI: 0.38, 1.13), diagnosed mental health disorder (ß 0.44; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.78) and previous HCV treatment (ß 0.94; 95% CI: 0.46, 1.43) were independently associated with higher knowledge. Downtown Eastside (DTES) residence (i.e., epicenter of Vancouver's drug scene) was independently associated with lower knowledge (ß -0.48; 95% CI: -0.81, -0.15). Greater HCV knowledge (ß 0.12; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.17) was independently associated with higher HCV treatment willingness. DTES residence (ß -0.31; 95% CI: -0.56, -0.06) and daily crack cocaine smoking (ß -0.52; 95% CI: -0.92, -0.13) were independently associated with lower treatment willingness. CONCLUSION: Socioeconomic factors, such as neighborhood residence and employment, were associated with HCV knowledge. Higher HCV knowledge was associated with more HCV treatment willingness. Our findings suggest that increasing HCV knowledge amongst PWID may be an integral component of the HCV cascade of care and that efforts might be best targeted to individuals with greater socioeconomic disadvantage.

Systematic Review of Factors Associated with Antibiotic Prescribing for Respiratory Tract Infections.

Antibiotic use is a modifiable driver of antibiotic resistance. In many circumstances, antibiotic use is overly broad or unnecessary. We systematically assessed factors associated with antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infections (RTI). Studies were included if they used actual (not self-reported or intended) prescribing data, assessed factors associated with antibiotic prescribing for RTIs, and performed multivariable analysis of associations. We searched Medline, Embase, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts using keyword and MeSH (medical subject headings) search terms. Two authors reviewed each abstract and independently appraised all included texts. Data on factors affecting antibiotic prescribing were extracted. Our searches retrieved a total of 2,848 abstracts, with 97 included in full-text review and 28 meeting full inclusion criteria. Compared to other factors, diagnosis of acute bronchitis was associated with increased antibiotic prescribing (range of adjusted odds ratios [aOR], 1.56 to 15.9). Features on physical exam, such as fever, purulent sputum, abnormal respiratory exam, and tonsillar exudate, were also associated with higher odds of antibiotic prescribing. Patient desire for an antibiotic was not associated or was modestly associated with prescription (range of aORs, 0.61 to 9.87), in contrast to physician perception of patient desire for antibiotics, which showed a stronger association (range of aORs, 2.11 to 23.3). Physician's perception of patient desire for antibiotics was strongly associated with antibiotic prescribing. Antimicrobial stewardship programs should continue to expand in the outpatient setting and should emphasize clear and direct communication between patients and physicians, as well as signs and symptoms that do and do not predict bacterial etiology of upper respiratory tract infections.

Infectious Considerations in the Pre-Transplant Evaluation of Cirrhotic Patients Awaiting Orthotopic Liver Transplantation.

The incidence of end-stage liver disease (ESLD) is increasing and many of these patients may be considered for orthotopic liver transplantation. As patients with ESLD are at risk of a number of infections, infectious disease physicians should be aware of the management of these infections in order to provide optimal patient care and ensure transplantation success. We present a review of the literature pertaining to infectious disease considerations in the liver transplant candidate. It highlights several topics with recent developments including the management of hepatitis C virus infection prior to transplantation, treatment of hepatitis B virus infection, colonization and infection with multidrug resistant organisms, and management of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

Photochemistry of 5-fluorouracil dideoxyribonucleoside monophosphate.

5-Fluorouracil is an artificial nucleobase analog of thymine and uracil, with a substituent in the 5-position that has a mass similar to the methyl group in thymine, but very different electronic, steric and vibrational coupling properties. UVC irradiation of 5-fluorouracil dideoxyribonucleoside monophosphate (dXpdX) is examined here with mass spectrometry and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and is compared to the UV photochemistry of other pyrimidine dideoxyribonucleoside monophosphates. The results show that the photochemical products and kinetics of dXpdX are similar to those of uracil dideoxyribonucleoside monophosphate and similar to those of the isolated 5-fluorouracil nucleobase. The photochemistry of dXpdX is compared to the photochemistry of thymine and uracil dideoxyribonucleoside monophosphates.