Incontinence-associated dermatitis in older adults in residential care settings: a point prevalence study.

Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is a skin inflammation caused by contact with urine or faeces or both. It has a negative effect on the patient's quality of life and is indicative of the care provided. However, globally there is a lack of empirical data on the prevalence of IAD. AIM: To identify, for the first time, the proportion of older adults in extended care settings in Ireland affected by IAD. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, multisite, point prevalence survey, across three community extended care settings for older people in Ireland. METHODS: Two clinical nurse specialists, using the Scottish Excoriation and Moisture Related Skin Damage Tool, identified the presence of IAD through clinical observation and visual skin inspection. IAD prevalence was calculated for the total population and incontinent population sets using percentages and confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: The prevalence of incontinence was 86.4% (n=165), a significantly higher proportion were female (P=0.003). The point prevalence of IAD across the total population and incontinent population was 11.5% (22/191; 95% CI, 7.4-19.9%) and 13.3% (22/164; 95% CI, 8.5-19.5%), respectively. Being incontinent was associated with being female, more dependent (Barthel), having possible cognitive impairment, poorer mobility (Braden and Waterlow) and a high risk of pressure ulcers (Waterlow). A logistic regression analysis found no predictor variables for IAD among the variables that met the cut-off point for this analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides the first point prevalence empirical data on the occurrence of IAD in Ireland. It can inform decision-making on future planning and budgeting of new quality improvement projects and act as a benchmark for ongoing auditing of IAD.

Impact of unscheduled nurse-led virtual care for people with diabetes on nursing practices and patient satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic and its social restrictions accelerated the expansion of virtual clinical care, and this has been reported to be safe, low cost and flexible. AIM: This study aimed to examine nursing practices and patient satisfaction with unscheduled nurse-led virtual care for people with diabetes. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive survey of clinical nurse specialists and patients was carried out, using an activities log for nursing practices and a satisfaction and enablement survey for callers. FINDINGS: Patients reported high satisfaction levels and greater self-confidence in keeping themselves healthy after receiving virtual care. Most calls (74.8%) from patients were for advice and education. Each call led to an average of 2.5 actions for the clinical nurse specialist. CONCLUSION: The service is highly valued and is effective, but adds to the nurse workload burden.

Intramedullary melanotic schwannoma: a rare presentation of a rare tumor. Illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Intramedullary melanotic schwannomas (IMSs) are rare spinal cord tumors, and a hemorrhagic IMS is an even rarer presentation of this uncommon lesion. The authors describe the second known case of a hemorrhagic IMS and briefly review the characteristics of IMSs. OBSERVATIONS: The patient's initial presentation and imaging indicated an intramedullary thoracic spinal cord tumor impairing lower extremity function. Intraoperatively, the lesion appeared pigmented and hemorrhagic. Pathologic analysis determined the tumor to be an IMS. LESSONS: Melanotic schwannomas vary in presentation and can resemble malignant melanoma but are differentiated by pathologic markers. Lesions typically present as extramedullary masses in the thoracic cord. Intramedullary presentation is rare but should be considered for pigmented tumors.

Nurses knowledge, attitudes and education needs towards acute pain management in hospital settings: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Effective pain assessment and management is widely reported as sub optimal due to inadequate knowledge and negative attitudes among nurses. AIM: To determine nurses' attitudes, knowledge and education needs towards acute pain management in acute hospital settings METHODS: PRISMA (2021) and guidelines from the University of York, CRD (2009) informed the design and conduct of this review. We included studies with registered nurses involved in direct adult patient care and acute pain management in hospital settings. Seven databases were searched (10 June 2020 and 21 January 2022): Medline (EBSCO), EMBASE (Ovid), CINAHL Complete (EBSCO), PsycINFO (EBSCO), Applied Social Science Index and Abstracts (ASSIA), Web of Science and the WHO Library Global Index Medicus. The review outcomes were nurses' knowledge, attitudes and education needs towards acute pain assessment and management. The CASP Cohort Assessment tool was used to independently conduct a quality assessment of included studies. Data extraction was conducted by paired reviewers working independently of each other. A meta-analysis of findings relating to nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards acute pain management was undertaken using MedCalc software. RESULTS: Ten articles with 1,478 participants met the inclusion criteria. Five studies addressed the review items of knowledge and attitudes while the remaining studies focused on knowledge alone. No study measured educational needs. This meta-analysis found that only 45.59% (95% CI: 20.46-71.97) of the 1090 respondents had adequate or above adequate levels of knowledge about acute pain management. The proportion of participants with positive attitudes was 25.76% (95% CI: 11.01-44.12). DISCUSSION: High levels of variability exists across the included studies which reduces their comparability. To improve homogeneity and comparability, adaptation of instruments should be kept to a minimum. Reporting knowledge and attitudes separately may highlight education, both theoretical and clinical as the focus for improving assessment and management of acute pain.

Development of the key performance indicators for digital health interventions: A scoping review.

Background: Digital health interventions offer new methods for delivering healthcare, with the potential to innovate healthcare services. Key performance indicators play a role in the evaluation, measurement, and improvement in healthcare quality and service performance. The aim of this scoping review was to identify current knowledge and evidence surrounding the development of key performance indicators for digital health interventions. Methods: A literature search was conducted across ten key databases: AMED - The Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, CINAHL - Complete, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, EMBASE, EBM Reviews - Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EBM Reviews - Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, EBM Reviews - Health Technology Assessment, and IEEE Xplore. Results: Five references were eligible for the review. Two were articles on original research studies of a specific digital health intervention, and two were overviews of methods for developing digital health interventions (not specific to a single digital health intervention). All the included reports discussed the involvement of stakeholders in developing key performance indicators for digital health interventions. The step of identifying and defining the key performance indicators was completed using various methodologies, but all centred on a form of stakeholder involvement. Potential options for stakeholder involvement for key performance indicator identification include the use of an elicitation framework, a factorial survey approach, or a Delphi study. Conclusions: Few articles were identified, highlighting a significant gap in evidence-based knowledge in this domain. All the included articles discussed the involvement of stakeholders in developing key performance indicators for digital health interventions, which were performed using various methodologies. The articles acknowledged a lack of literature related to key performance indicator development for digital health interventions. To allow comparability between key performance indicator initiatives and facilitate work in the field, further research would be beneficial to develop a common methodology for key performance indicators development for digital health interventions.

Knowledge, attitudes and self-reported practices of healthcare professionals on Carbapenemase Producing Enterobacterales (CPE): A cross sectional study.

A self-administered validated questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge, attitude and self-reported practices among 109 healthcare professionals in an acute hospital in Ireland on Carbapenemase Producing Enterobacterales. Respondents mean knowledge and self-reported practices scores of CPE were 11.27 (±2.076) and 6.35 (±.846), respectively. Nurses self-reported practice scores were significantly higher than doctors (P<.001). The mean positive attitude score towards CPE management was 10.06 (±1.252). This study demonstrated that healthcare professionals were knowledgeable on the topic of CPE, however there was deficiency in some aspects of knowledge that is relevant to control of CPE transmission.

Community nurses' attitudes, knowledge and educational needs in relation to urinary continence, continence assessment and management: A systematic review.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To identify, appraise and summarise the available evidence relating to community nurses' attitudes, knowledge and educational needs in relation to urinary continence. BACKGROUND: Community nurses play a pivotal role in identifying and supporting individuals who experience urinary continence issues. Gaps in nurses' continence-related education and knowledge may contribute to sub-optimal assessment and management across the continuum of care. DESIGN: A systematic review. METHODS: MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete and EMBASE were searched from inception to November 2020; keywords used included community nurses, urinary continence, incontinence, knowledge, attitude and education needs. Given the degree of heterogeneity between included studies, a meta-analysis was not feasible. Included studies were critically evaluated; key study characteristics and findings pertinent to the review purpose were summarised. The review adhered to the PRISMA 2020 checklist. RESULTS: Four studies reported in six papers were included. Community nurses lacked knowledge in certain areas of urinary continence and incontinence. Nurses reported they were adequately prepared but without sufficient knowledge to effectively care for those with urinary incontinence. Community nurses' attitudes to urinary incontinence were generally positive, but they demonstrated misconceptions that urinary incontinence was inevitable and less distressing for older people. CONCLUSIONS: There is limited research exploring community nurses' knowledge, attitudes and education needs in relation to urinary continence and incontinence care. Community nurses may have knowledge gaps and less favourable attitudes to some aspects of urinary continence care.

Impact of Nurse-Led Asthma Intervention on Child Health Outcomes: A Scoping Review.

Given the leading role school nurses occupy within the school setting, they are often the most suited health care professionals to lead asthma programs. However, most school-based asthma programs have been conducted by researchers outside the school setting. Thus, we aim to determine what is currently known about the type of school nurse-led asthma intervention programs and their impact on children's asthma-related outcomes. This article describes published literature on school nurse-led asthma intervention programs for the school-aged population using Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework. A search strategy was developed and implemented in six electronic databases from 1980 to 2020. Results showed that school nurse-led asthma programs were predominantly educational interventions. Yet given the positive outcomes of school nurse-led asthma interventions reported across the articles reviewed, it is important to emphasize the leadership role school nurses assume in asthma programs, to promote more positive asthma-related outcomes in school children.

Online interprofessional education related to chronic illness for health professionals: a scoping review.

This scoping review focuses on identifying the quantity and quality of research evidence available with regard to online interprofessional education related to chronic disease management. Recent advances have seen the emergence of information communication technology and digital health solutions that may improve monitoring of and self-management of chronic disease. With the growing chronic disease burden globally, and the advancement of information communication technology, digital health solutions may improve chronic disease monitoring and self-management. However, health professionals are slow to utilize this technology in chronic disease management. Online education has the potential to enhance utilization of digital health solutions across interprofessional healthcare teams. This scoping review focuses on online interprofessional education and eLearning strategies used to promote engagement and achievement of learning outcomes between health care professionals in chronic disease management. A systematic search of the literature yielded 3112 papers; 15 studies were included in the review following an independent screening process. The review found very limited research for online interprofessional education related to chronic disease so it is not feasible to comment or draw conclusions in relation to its impact on interprofessional learning, student engagement in education or its impact in practice, services or health outcomes. Research methodology and online eLearning strategies varied across studies, highlighting the need for further rigorous studies that include consistency in online interprofessional education strategies, evaluations and study methods.

A nurse prescriber-led protocol for anaemia management in established haemodialysis patients: A retrospective study.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a nurse prescriber-led protocol compared to a traditional physician-led nonprotocol-based approach had on maintaining targeted haemoglobin levels in patients on maintenance haemodialysis. BACKGROUND: Anaemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease and has a profound impact on the patients' well-being. Current practices place a greater emphasis on the decision-making role of nurses in renal anaemia management. The introduction of nurse prescribing in this area is a relatively new concept. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort design, covering an eight-month period pre- and post introduction of a nurse prescriber-led anaemia protocol; study adheres to the STROBE Statement. METHODS: Using a nonprobability convenience sample, data extracted from the medical records and electronic patient records system (eMed) related to 74 patients at a single outpatient haemodialysis centre located within an acute general teaching hospital. The primary outcome was patients' haemoglobin level pre- and post introduction of the protocol. Secondary outcomes included erythropoietin-stimulating agent and iron dosage, and serum ferritin and transferrin saturation levels. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between pre- and post protocol serum haemoglobin level and erythropoietin-stimulating agent dosage. Under the management of the nurse prescriber, patients experienced a significant improvement in serum ferritin and transferrin saturation levels and required significantly less intravenous iron dosage. CONCLUSIONS: This study, the first of its kind, found that patients receiving haemodialysis experience a significant improvement in iron indices while receiving a significantly lower amount of intravenous iron when managed by a nurse prescriber. Furthermore, the nurse prescribers' decision-making capacity is as effective as a physician-led nonprotocol-based approach in achieving haemoglobin target levels. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Nurse prescribers have a role in implementing a safe, standardised and sustained approach to anaemia management in outpatient haemodialysis settings without compromising patient care.

An overview of the qualitative descriptive design within nursing research.

BACKGROUND: Qualitative descriptive designs are common in nursing and healthcare research due to their inherent simplicity, flexibility and utility in diverse healthcare contexts. However, the application of descriptive research is sometimes critiqued in terms of scientific rigor. Inconsistency in decision making within the research process coupled with a lack of transparency has created issues of credibility for this type of approach. It can be difficult to clearly differentiate what constitutes a descriptive research design from the range of other methodologies at the disposal of qualitative researchers. AIMS: This paper provides an overview of qualitative descriptive research, orientates to the underlying philosophical perspectives and key characteristics that define this approach and identifies the implications for healthcare practice and policy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using real-world examples from healthcare research, the paper provides insight to the practical application of descriptive research at all stages of the design process and identifies the critical elements that should be explicit when applying this approach. CONCLUSIONS: By adding to the existing knowledge base, this paper enhances the information available to researchers who wish to use the qualitative descriptive approach, influencing the standard of how this approach is employed in healthcare research.

Somatosensory corticospinal tract axons sprout within the cervical cord following a dorsal root/dorsal column spinal injury in the rat.

The corticospinal tract (CST) is the major descending pathway controlling voluntary hand function in primates, and though less dominant, it mediates voluntary paw movements in rats. As with primates, the CST in rats originates from multiple (albeit fewer) cortical sites, and functionally different motor and somatosensory subcomponents terminate in different regions of the spinal gray matter. We recently reported in monkeys that following a combined cervical dorsal root/dorsal column lesion (DRL/DCL), both motor and S1 CSTs sprout well beyond their normal terminal range. The S1 CST sprouting response is particularly dramatic, indicating an important, if poorly understood, somatosensory role in the recovery process. As rats are used extensively to model spinal cord injury, we asked if the S1 CST response is conserved in rodents. Rats were divided into sham controls, and two groups surviving post-lesion for ~6 and 10 weeks. A DRL/DCL was made to partially deafferent one paw. Behavioral testing showed a post-lesion deficit and recovery over several weeks. Three weeks prior to ending the experiment, S1 cortex was mapped electrophysiologically, for tracer injection placement to determine S1 CST termination patterns within the cord. Synaptogenesis was also assessed for labeled S1 CST terminals within the dorsal horn. Our findings show that the affected S1 CST sprouts well beyond its normal range in response to a DRL/DCL, much as it does in macaque monkeys. This, along with evidence for increased synaptogenesis post-lesion, indicates that CST terminal sprouting following a central sensory lesion, is a robust and conserved response.

The "Mikidney" smartphone app pilot study: Empowering patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: Successful management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) depends on patients' self-management efforts. Mobile health applications can empower patients with CKD to manage their own condition. We developed, with patient involvement, the MiKidney smartphone application. AIM: Evaluate the MiKidney app as an aid to empowering patients with CKD to become more engaged in the management of their condition. DESIGN: Pilot single group pre- and post-test intervention study. SETTING: Renal clinic of an urban University Hospital in Ireland. PATIENTS: Aged over 18 years with CKD and able to use a smartphone. Sample size based on expression of interest and availability of free smartphones (n = 23); three patients withdrew prior to T3 data collection (n = 20). MEASUREMENTS: Data were collected at T1 (baseline), T2 (week 6) and when exiting the study (T3, 12 weeks) on physical activity, body measurements and blood parameters. Information on app usage and patient satisfaction collected at T2 and T3. RESULTS: There was significant improvement in the six-minute walking test (p = 0.02), total cholesterol (p = 0.023) and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.005) serum levels and a significant decrease in waist circumstance (p = 0.00) and body fat (p = 0.01) measurements. Eighteen participants found the MiKidney app easy to navigate. CONCLUSION: The MiKidney study highlights the viability and usability of the MiKidney app. It has the potential to empower and motivate patients to understand and self-manage their condition by providing them with the necessary information on renal diet and symptom management. Additionally, tools such as exercise tracker and reminder alerts are available on a readily accessible user-friendly platform.

Computer and mobile technology interventions for self-management in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by airflow obstruction due to an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles or gases, for example, cigarette smoke. The pattern of care for people with moderate to very severe COPD often involves regular lengthy hospital admissions, which result in high healthcare costs and an undesirable effect on quality of life. Research over the past decade has focused on innovative methods for developing enabling and assistive technologies that facilitate patient self-management. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions delivered by computer and by mobile technology versus face-to-face or hard copy/digital documentary-delivered interventions, or both, in facilitating, supporting, and sustaining self-management among people with COPD. SEARCH METHODS: In November 2016, we searched the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register (CAGR), which contains trial reports identified through systematic searches of bibliographic databases including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, AMED, and PsycINFO, and we handsearched respiratory journals and meeting abstracts. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials that measured effects of remote and Web 2.0-based interventions defined as technologies including personal computers (PCs) and applications (apps) for mobile technology, such as iPad, Android tablets, smart phones, and Skype, on behavioural change towards self-management of COPD. Comparator interventions included face-to-face and/or hard copy/digital documentary educational/self-management support. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors (CMcC and MMcC) independently screened titles, abstracts, and full-text study reports for inclusion. Two review authors (CMcC and AMB) independently assessed study quality and extracted data. We expressed continuous data as mean differences (MDs) and standardised mean differences (SMDs) for studies using different outcome measurement scales. MAIN RESULTS: We included in our review three studies (Moy 2015; Tabak 2013; Voncken-Brewster 2015) with a total of 1580 randomised participants. From Voncken-Brewster 2015, we included the subgroup of individuals with a diagnosis of COPD (284 participants) and excluded those at risk of COPD who had not received a diagnosis (1023 participants). As a result, the total population available for analysis included 557 participants; 319 received smart technology to support self-management and 238 received face-to-face verbal/written or digital information and education about self-management. The average age of participants was 64 years. We included more men than women because the sample from one of the studies consisted of war veterans, most of whom were men. These studies measured five of our nine defined outcomes. None of these studies included outcomes such as self-efficacy, cost-effectiveness, functional capacity, lung function, or anxiety and depression.All three studies included our primary outcome - health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as measured by the Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ) or St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). One study reported our other primary outcomes - hospital admissions and acute exacerbations. Two studies included our secondary outcome of physical activity as measured by daily step counts. One study addressed smoking by providing a narrative analysis. Only one study reported adverse events and noted significant differences between groups, with 43 events noted in the intervention group and eight events in the control group (P = 0.001). For studies that measured outcomes at week four, month four, and month six, the effect of smart technology on self-management and subsequent HRQoL in terms of symptoms and health status was significantly better than when participants received face-to-face/digital and/or written support for self-management of COPD (SMD -0.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.40 to -0.03; P = 0.02). The single study that reported HRQoL at 12 months described no significant between-group differences (MD 1.1, 95% CI -2.2 to 4.5; P = 0.50). Also, hospitalisations (logistic regression odds ratio (OR) 1.6, 95% CI 0.8 to 3.2; P = 0.19) and exacerbations (logistic regression OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.7 to 2.8; P = 0.33) did not differ between groups in the single study that reported these outcomes at 12 months. The activity level of people with COPD at week four, month four, and month six was significantly higher when smart technology was used than when face-to-face/digital and/or written support was provided (MD 864.06 daily steps between groups, 95% CI 369.66 to 1358.46; P = 0.0006). The only study that measured activity levels at 12 months reported no significant differences between groups (mean -108, 95% CI -720 to 505; P = 0.73). Participant engagement in this study was not sustained between four and 12 months. The only study that included smoking cessation found no significant treatment effect (OR 1.06, 95%CI 0.43 to 2.66; P = 0.895). Meta-analyses showed no significant heterogeneity between studies (Chi² = 0.39, P = 0.82; I² = 0% and Chi² = 0.01, P = 0.91; I² = 0%, respectively). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Although our review suggests that interventions aimed at facilitating, supporting, and sustaining self-managment in people with COPD and delivered via smart technology significantly improved HRQoL and levels of activity up to six months compared with interventions given through face-to-face/digital and/or written support, no firm conclusions can be drawn. This improvement may not be sustained over a long duration. The only included study that measured outcomes up to 12 months highlighted the need to ensure sustained engagement with the technology over time. Limited evidence suggests that using computer and mobile technology for self-management for people with COPD is not harmful and may be more beneficial for some people than for others, for example, those with an interest in using technology may derive greater benefit.The evidence, provided by three studies at high risk of bias, is of poor quality and is insufficient for advising healthcare professionals, service providers, and members of the public with COPD about the health benefits of using smart technology as an effective means of supporting, encouraging, and sustaining self-management. Further research that focuses on outcomes relevant to different stages of COPD is needed. Researchers should provide clear information on how self-management is assessed and should include longitudinal measures that allow comment on behavioural change.

Is 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl alcohol more effective at preventing central venous catheter-related infections than routinely used chlorhexidine gluconate solutions: A pilot multicenter randomized trial (ISRCTN2657745)?

A pilot randomized trial in 3 Irish outpatient hemodialysis units compared 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) in 70% isopropyl alcohol with routinely used CHG solutions for central venous catheter exit site antisepsis. We found no significant difference between the groups for the prevention of catheter-related bloodstream infections (1/53 vs 2/52; relative risk [RR], 0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05-5.25; P = .55) and catheter-associated bloodstream infections (1/53 vs 4/52; RR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.03-2.12; P = .16).

Utility of a Single 3-Vessel View in the Evaluation of the Ventricular Outflow Tracts.

OBJECTIVES: Prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease can improve neonatal outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of an isolated 3-vessel view image in evaluating the ventricular outflow tracts. METHODS: Three-vessel view images were prospectively collected from consecutive patients referred to a regional fetal heart center for fetal echocardiography between gestational ages of 18 weeks and 23 weeks 6 days. Cardiac malformations were categorized as anomalies of the outflow tracts, the 4-chamber view, or combined lesions. A single representative still-frame 3-vessel view image was reviewed by 2 independent and blinded observers who were asked to label each image as "normal" or "abnormal." Test characteristics of the isolated 3-vessel view were calculated. RESULTS: During the study period, 122 consecutive patients (139 fetuses) underwent fetal echocardiography. Eight fetuses with fetal chest anomalies and 12 fetuses with oblique images were excluded. Thirty-four of 119 fetuses (28.6%) had abnormal echocardiograms, including 11 outflow tract anomalies and 16 combined anomalies. Using the 3-vessel view alone, both reviewers achieved 91% sensitivity for the detection of isolated outflow tract anomalies and mean sensitivity of 88% for combined anomalies. All cases of tetralogy of Fallot and transposition of the great arteries were identified in the 3-vessel view. CONCLUSIONS: A single 3-vessel view image can serve as a representative view of the outflow tracts and can show ventricular outflow tract anomalies with high sensitivity. Given that the conventional outflow tract views can be difficult to obtain, the 3-vessel view may serve as an effective first-line view when evaluating the ventricular outflow tracts for congenital heart disease.

Anatomic variability and outcome in prenatally diagnosed absent pulmonary valve syndrome.

BACKGROUND: We sought to describe current outcomes and risk factors for mortality for fetuses diagnosed with absent pulmonary valve syndrome (APV). Fetuses with APV were divided into two cohorts, those with underlying tetralogy of Fallot (TOF/APV) and those without underlying TOF and either an intact ventricular septum or small ventricular septal defect (APV/IVS). METHODS: The fetal echocardiographic database was reviewed from January 1, 2001, until June 1, 2010, and all subjects with a diagnosis of APV were included. Multiple clinical and fetal echocardiographic measurements were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed by χ2 analysis and t tests. Survival analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Significant relationships between variables were explored by regression analysis. Significance was set at p=0.05. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 15 fetuses with TOF/APV and 6 fetuses with APV/IVS. There were no fetal demises in either cohort. Survival to birth was 71% in the TOF/APV cohort and 83% in the APV/IVS cohort (p=0.62). Of subjects born alive, survival was 80% for both cohorts (p=0.95). However, in the APV/IVS cohort, transplantation-free survival was only 20%. Underlying single-ventricle physiology strongly predicted those who underwent heart transplantation (p=0.003, R2=0.50). For the entire APV cohort, left ventricular dysfunction (p=0.005, R2=0.41) and a higher pulmonary artery valve-to-aortic valve ratio (p=0.02, R2=0.34) predicted mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Postnatal outcomes continue to improve for fetuses with APV syndrome. Left ventricular dysfunction and higher pulmonary artery valve-to-aortic valve ratio accurately predict postnatal mortality for fetuses with APV.

Right ventricular mechanics in the fetus with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular mechanics influence outcomes in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). The aim of this study was to determine whether differences in right ventricular performance have their origins in fetal life and if the architectural character of the hypoplastic left ventricle affects right ventricular mechanics. METHODS: The first complete fetal echocardiograms after 17 weeks' gestation were reviewed in 84 fetuses with HLHS and in 115 gestational age-matched normal controls. Inflow, outflow, and myocardial tissue Doppler velocities were measured. E/A and E/e' ratios and right ventricular myocardial performance index were calculated. RESULTS: In fetuses with HLHS, there were lower tricuspid E/A ratios (mean, 0.6 ± 0.1 vs 0.7 ± 0.1; P < .001), higher E/e' ratios (mean, 8.1 ± 2.6 vs 7.0 ± 1.3; P = .006), and higher right ventricular myocardial performance indices (mean, 0.47 ± 0.14 vs 0.40 ± 0.10; P < .001) compared with controls. Among fetuses with HLHS grouped according to left ventricular architecture, those with left ventricular endocardial fibroelastosis had the most striking differences in right ventricular mechanics. CONCLUSIONS: Right ventricular mechanics are different from normal in fetuses with HLHS and are influenced by the presence of left ventricular endocardial fibroelastosis. These differences precede the imposition of undue loading conditions as a consequence of surgical palliation and may offer clues to the development of later right ventricular failure.

Vascular access and infection prevention and control: a national survey of routine practices in Irish haemodialysis units.

BACKGROUND: National and international guidelines recommend the use of effective vascular access (VA) and infection prevention and control practices within the haemodialysis environment. Establishing an arterio-venous fistula (AVF) and preventing central venous catheter (CVC)-related infections are ongoing challenges for all dialysis settings. We surveyed VA and routine infection prevention and control practices in dialysis units, to provide national data on these practices in Ireland. METHODS: A descriptive survey was emailed to nurse managers at all adult (n = 19) and children (n = 1) outpatient haemodialysis units in the Republic of Ireland. Data collected included AVF formation, CVC insertion and maintenance practices, VA use and surveillance of infection and screening protocols. Nineteen of the 20 units responded to the survey. RESULTS: The AVF prevalence was 49% for 1370 patients in 17 units who provided these data [mean prevalence per unit: 45.7% (SD 16.2)]; the CVC mean prevalence per unit was 52.5% (SD 16.0). Fourteen dialysis units experienced inadequate access to vascular surgical procedures either due to a lack of dedicated theatre time or hospital beds. Six units administered intravenous prophylactic antimicrobials prior to CVC insertion with only two units using a CVC insertion checklist at the time of catheter insertion. CONCLUSION: In general, dialysis units in Ireland show a strong adherence to national guidelines. Compared with the 12 countries participating in the Dialysis Outcomes Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS 4), in 2010, AVF prevalence in Irish dialysis units is the second lowest. Recommendations include establishing an AVF national prevalence target rate, discontinuing the administration of intravenous prophylactic antimicrobials prior to CVC insertion and promoting the use of CVC insertion checklists.