Long-term risk of death in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa.

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is associated with substantial morbidity. Few studies have addressed the natural history and mortality rates associated with HS. A higher risk of cardiovascular death in patients with HS has been reported. We investigated whether patients with HS have an increased overall risk of death compared with age- and gender-matched referents. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, with incident HS between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 2008, and age- and gender-matched referents. The main outcomes and measures were the overall and cause-specific risks of death. RESULTS: We identified 226 incident cases of HS and 678 age- and gender-matched referents among Olmsted County residents during the study period. Compared to referents, patients with HS had a significantly higher risk of all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.53-4.03, P < 0.001) and cardiovascular- or cerebrovascular-related death (HR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.10-7.40, P = 0.03). However, these risks were attenuated by adjusting for smoking history: all-cause HR, 1.65 (95% CI, 0.97-2.82, P = 0.07) and cardiovascular- or cerebrovascular-related HR, 2.03 (95% CI, 0.71-5.81, P = 0.18). The 71% of patients were former or current smokers at the time of HS diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Hidradenitis suppurativa patients have a substantially increased risk of death from any cause, including cardiovascular or cerebrovascular causes; the risk is especially dependent on smoking history.

Aspirin, Statins, Non-aspirin NSAIDs, Metformin, and the Risk of Biliary Cancer: A Swedish Population-Based Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Chemoprevention for biliary tract cancers (BTC), which comprise intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (eCCA), and gallbladder cancer, is controversial. We examined associations between low-dose aspirin, statins, NSAIDs, and metformin with BTC risk. METHODS: We used a population-based cohort of 5.7 million persons over age 18 without personal history of cancer (except nonmelanoma skin cancer), receiving at least one commonly prescribed drug between July 1, 2005, and December 31, 2012, from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Registry. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated using age-scaled multivariable-adjusted Cox models. RESULTS: 2,160 individuals developed BTC. Low-dose aspirin was not associated with BTC risk [HR, 0.93; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.81-1.07], iCCA (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.93-1.57), eCCA (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.60-1.07), or gallbladder cancer (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.71-1.06). Statins were associated with lower risk of BTC (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.56-0.78), iCCA (HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.50-0.95), eCCA (HR 0.54; 95% CI, 0.38-0.76), and gallbladder cancer (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.57-0.91). For all BTC subtypes, combined low-dose aspirin and statins were not associated with lower risk than statins alone. NSAIDs were associated with higher risk of BTC and its subtypes. Metformin was not associated with BTC risk (HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.82-1.18), iCCA (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.77-1.48), eCCA (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.82-1.61), or gallbladder cancer (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.63-1.11). CONCLUSIONS: Statins were associated with a decreased risk of BTC and its subtypes. Low-dose aspirin alone was not associated with a decreased risk, and use of both was not associated with further decrease in risk beyond statins alone. IMPACT: Statins were most consistently associated with a decreased risk of BTC and its subtypes.

The Natural History of Chronic Unexplained Gastrointestinal Disorders and Gastroesophageal Reflux During 20 Years: A US Population-Based Study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the natural history of chronic unexplained gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and to determine the longitudinal trends of prevalence during a 20-year period in a single US community. METHODS: Between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2009, valid self-report questionnaires of GI symptoms were mailed to randomly selected cohorts of a community. The study used respondents who answered questions on 1 or more of 3 surveys (initial, 1990-1992; second, 2003-2004; and third, 2008-2009). The trends of prevalence of GI symptoms over time were analyzed in responders who completed 3 surveys, and the natural history or transition was evaluated. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of major symptom groupings including gastroesophageal reflux disease was consistent among residents in a community on 3 survey time points (1990-1992, 2003-2004, and 2008-2009). The transitions of GI symptoms were common in 228 patients who responded to all 3 surveys; only 29% had the same symptom category in 3 surveys; otherwise, symptoms changed over time, resolving, recurring, or transitioning to another disorder. Observed proportions of symptom transitions were significantly different from expected during 20 years (P<.001). Higher non-GI somatic symptom scores were significantly associated with both symptom transitions (odds ratio, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.38 to 10.77) and having sustained symptoms (odds ratio, 12.7; 95% CI, 4.62 to 34.90). CONCLUSION: The overall population prevalence of chronic unexplained GI symptoms is stable, but in individuals, transitions seem to be the rule. As these various GI syndromes appear to be so intimately interconnected, the common underlying pathogenesis may account for a major subgroup of chronic unexplained GI disorders.

The relationship between learner engagement and teaching effectiveness: a novel assessment of student engagement in continuing medical education.

BACKGROUND: Continuing medical education (CME) often uses passive educational models including lectures. However, numerous studies have questioned the effectiveness of these less engaging educational strategies. Studies outside of CME suggest that engaged learning is associated with improved educational outcomes. However, measuring participants' engagement can be challenging. We developed and determined the validity evidence for a novel instrument to assess learner engagement in CME. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional validation study at a large, didactic-style CME conference. Content validity evidence was established through review of literature and previously published engagement scales and conceptual frameworks on engagement, along with an iterative process involving experts in the field, to develop an eight-item Learner Engagement Instrument (LEI). Response process validity was established by vetting LEI items on item clarity and perceived meaning prior to implementation, as well as using a well-developed online platform with clear instructions. Internal structure validity evidence was based on factor analysis and calculating internal consistency reliability. Relations to other variables validity evidence was determined by examining associations between LEI and previously validated CME Teaching Effectiveness (CMETE) instrument scores. Following each presentation, all participants were invited to complete the LEI and the CMETE. RESULTS: 51 out of 206 participants completed the LEI and CMETE (response rate 25%) Correlations between the LEI and the CMETE overall scores were strong (r = 0.80). Internal consistency reliability for the LEI was excellent (Cronbach's alpha = 0.96). To support validity to internal structure, a factor analysis was performed and revealed a two dimensional instrument consisting of internal and external engagement domains. The internal consistency reliabilities were 0.96 for the internal engagement domain and 0.95 for the external engagement domain. CONCLUSION: Engagement, as measured by the LEI, is strongly related to teaching effectiveness. The LEI is supported by robust validity evidence including content, response process, internal structure, and relations to other variables. Given the relationship between learner engagement and teaching effectiveness, identifying more engaging and interactive methods for teaching in CME is recommended.

Cost analysis and complication profile of primary shoulder arthroplasty at a high-volume institution.

BACKGROUND: Paralleling the increased utilization of shoulder arthroplasty, bundled-payment reimbursement is becoming increasingly common. An understanding of the costs of each element of care and detailed information on the frequency of and reasons for readmission and reoperation are keys to developing bundled-payment initiatives. The purpose of this study was to perform a comprehensive analysis of complications, readmission rates, and costs of primary shoulder arthroplasty at a high-volume institution. METHODS: Between 2012 and 2016, 2 shoulder surgeons from a single institution performed 1794 consecutive primary shoulder arthroplasties: 636 anatomic total shoulder arthroplasties (TSAs), 1081 reverse shoulder arthroplasties (RSAs), and 77 hemiarthroplasties. A cost analysis was designed to include a period of 60 days preoperatively, the index surgical hospitalization, and 90 days postoperatively, including costs of any readmission or reoperation. RESULTS: The 90-day complication, reoperation, and readmission rates were 2.3%, 0.6%, and 1.8%, respectively. The 90-day readmission risk was higher among patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 3 or greater; a 1-unit increase in the American Society of Anesthesiologists score was associated with a $429 increase in index cost. Of the hospital readmissions, 10 were directly related to the index arthroplasty whereas 21 were not. The median standardized costs were as follows: preoperative evaluation, $481; index surgical hospitalization, $15,758; and postoperative care, $183. The median standardized costs for index surgical hospitalization were different for each procedure: TSA, $14,010; RSA, $16,741; and hemiarthroplasty, $12,709. CONCLUSION: In this study, primary shoulder arthroplasty was associated with low 90-day reoperation and complication rates. The median standardized costs inclusive of preoperative workup and 90-day postoperative recovery were $14,675 and $17,407 for TSA and RSA, respectively.

Injury Rate and Patterns in Group Strength-Endurance Training Classes.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the injury rate during high-intensity functional training. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Adults (N=100; 82 [82%] female) in group strength-endurance training at the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center from January 9, 2017, through April 19, 2018, were recruited for the study. Participants were recruited before the class start date. Those who consented received a preclass survey and another survey 6 weeks after the class started to obtain data on demographic characteristics, baseline joint problems or pain, injuries in the preceding 6 weeks, class satisfaction, and exercise habits. Classes lasted 6 weeks and were led by a trainer for 60 minutes, once weekly. Participants were encouraged to perform similar exercise on 2 additional nonconsecutive days throughout the week. Injury was self-reported and defined as experiencing new pain or sustaining injury while exercising during the 6-week time frame. The primary outcome measure was the number of injuries per 1000 training hours. RESULTS: The injury rate was 9.0 injuries per 1000 training hours (95% CI, 5.8-13.4 injuries per 1000 training hours) during the 6-week training and 5.0 injuries per 1000 training hours (95% CI, 2.8-8.2 injuries per 1000 training hours) during the 6 weeks preceding enrollment (P=.08). Injury occurred in 18 (18%) of participants during the 6-week training, and 9 of 24 injuries (37.5%) occurred during a training class. The most commonly injured regions were knees (n=7) and back (n=6). Burpees and squats were the most common movements causing injury. CONCLUSION: The increased injury rate during the study was not statistically significant. It was higher than rates reported in previous retrospective studies of high-intensity functional training, weight lifting, or power lifting but comparable with rates reported in prospective studies of novice and recreational runners.

Chinese physician perceptions regarding industry support of continuing medical education programs: a cross-sectional survey.

Background: Industry funding in continuing medical education has been extensively studied in the USA. Although continuing medical education is also a requirement for Chinese physicians, little is known about Chinese physician perceptions of industry support in continuing medical education.Objective: We aim to determine perceptions regarding industry support for CME among Chinese physicians at a large CME course, examine potential associations between Chinese physicians' perceptions and their demographic characteristics, and compare Chinese and US physicians' perceptions of industry support for CME.Design: We performed a cross-sectional survey of physicians at a nephrology continuing medical education conference in China. All participants received a previously published, anonymous survey consisting of 4 items, with questions asked in English and Mandarin Chinese. Responses were compared with those of a previous cohort in the USA.Results: The response rate was 24% (128/541). Most respondents were nephrologists (112/126, 89%), women (91/128, 71%), and aged 20 to 40 years (79/127, 62%). Most respondents preferred industry-supported continuing medical education (84/123, 68%) or had no preference (33/123, 27%). More clinicians than clinical researchers supported industry offsetting costs (76.9% vs 58.3%; P = .03). Almost half of participants (58/125, 46%) stated that industry-supported continuing medical education was biased in support of industry. Compared with US physicians, Chinese physicians were more likely to believe, or had no opinion, that industry-supported courses were biased (67.2% vs 47.0%; P < .001).Conclusions: Chinese continuing medical education participants preferred industry-sponsored continuing medical education and were strongly in favor of industry offsetting costs, but almost half believed that such education was biased in favor of supporting companies. Concern for bias was higher among Chinese than US physicians. Given participants' concerns, further study examining industry bias in Chinese continuing medical education is recommended.Abbreviations: CME: Continuing medical education; US: USA.

Changes in Liver Stiffness, Measured by Magnetic Resonance Elastography, Associated With Hepatic Decompensation in Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Single measurements of liver stiffness (LS) by magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) have been associated with outcomes of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), but the significance of changes in LS over time are unclear. We investigated associations between changes in LS measurement and progression of PSC. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 204 patients with patients who underwent 2 MREs at a single center between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2018. We collected laboratory data and information on revised Mayo PSC risk and model for end-stage liver disease scores, the PSC risk estimate tool, and levels of aspartate transferase at the time of each MRE. The ΔLS/time was determined by the change in LS between the second MRE compared to the first MRE divided by the time between examinations. The primary endpoint was development of hepatic decompensation (ascites, variceal hemorrhage or hepatic encephalopathy). RESULTS: The median LS measurement was 2.72 kPa (interquartile range, 2.32-3.44 kPa) and the overall change in LS was 0.05 kPa/y. However, ΔLS/y was 10-fold higher in patients anticipated to have cirrhosis (0.31 kPa/y) compared to patients with no fibrosis (0.03 kPa/y). The median LS increased over time in patients who ultimately developed hepatic decompensation (0.60 kPa/y; interquartile range, 0.21-1.26 kPa/y) vs but remained static in patients who did not (reduction of 0.04/y; interquartile range, reductions of 0.26 to 0.17 kPa/y) (P < .001). The ΔLS/y value associated with the highest risk of hepatic decompensation was Δ0.34 kPa/y (hazard ratio [HR], 13.29; 95% CI, 0.23-33.78). After we adjusted for baseline LS and other risk factors, including serum level of alkaline phosphatase and the Mayo PSC risk score, ΔLS/y continued to be associated with hepatic decompensation. The optimal single LS cut-off associated with the hepatic decompensation was 4.32 kPa (HR, 60.41; 95% CI, 17.85-204.47). A combination of both cut-off values was associated with risk of hepatic decompensation (concordance score, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88-0.98) CONCLUSIONS: A single LS measurement and changes in LS over time are independently associated with hepatic decompensation in patients with PSC. However, changes in LS occur slowly in patients without advanced fibrosis or hepatic decompensation.

Reconstructive operations for enteric and colonic fistulas: Low mortality and recurrence in a single-surgeon series with long follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of 100 consecutive patients undergoing reconstructive operation for enteric and colonic fistulas. These fistulas cause dramatic morbidity and profoundly diminish quality of life. Fistula takedown has been associated with high rates of recurrence. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing definitive fistula reconstruction by a single surgeon were reviewed retrospectively. Major adverse outcomes included bowel leak, fistula recurrence, death, total parenteral nutrition dependence, and incidence of new stomas. RESULTS: Among the 100 patients, median follow-up was 2.7 years. A total of 11 patients had postoperative leaks that evolved to 5 fistula recurrences. Of these patients 3 underwent successful secondary or tertiary takedown. The 30-day mortality rate was 1%, and the combined postoperative and fistula-related mortality rate at follow-up was 3%. New postoperative total parenteral nutrition dependence occurred in 2 patients (2%), and 9 (9%) had placement of a new stoma. Leaks were more frequent for patients who had a history of open abdomen than for patients who did not. CONCLUSIONS: With minimal patient selection and a methodic approach to evaluation and management, we achieved a 96% fistula-free survival rate. Few patients acquired new total parenteral nutrition dependence or a new stoma. These results compare favorably with outcomes published elsewhere.

Randomised clinical trial: pregabalin vs placebo for irritable bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Pregabalin is a calcium channel α2δ ligand that modifies visceral hypersensitivity in IBS patients. Clinical data for pregabalin in IBS are lacking. AIM: To test the efficacy of pregabalin on gastrointestinal symptoms in IBS patients. METHODS: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed. Adults meeting IBS Rome III criteria with ≥3 pain attacks per month were randomised to pregabalin 225 mg vs placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. Questionnaires were completed weekly. The primary endpoint was average pain Bowel Symptom Scale (BSS) scores weeks 9-12. An intention-to-treat analysis of covariance evaluated treatment effects on quantitative endpoints, adjusting for age and gender. Adequate relief and change in pain score were assessed using a chi-squared test. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients were recruited and randomised. Sample characteristics include: mean age 39.4 (SD = 14.6); 73 (86%) female; 37 (44%) IBS-D, 29 (35%) IBS-M, 18 (21%) IBS-C. The pregabalin arm had lower average pain-BSS scores weeks 9-12 (25 vs 42, P = 0.008). Compared with placebo, the overall IBS BSS severity score was lower in the pregabalin arm (26 vs 42, P = 0.009). Differences were observed for the diarrhoea-BSS and bloating-BSS scores (P = 0.049 and 0.016, respectively). No differences between groups were seen for constipation-BSS scores. Adequate relief was not different between the two arms (46% vs 36%, P = 0.35). 63% pregabalin vs 45% placebo had a change in pain score ≥30 at week 12 from baseline (P = 0.10). Post-treatment IBS-QoL scores did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: This trial suggests that pregabalin may be beneficial for IBS abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhoea.

Cross-Cultural Medical Care Training and Education: a National Survey of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellows-in-Training and Fellowship Program Directors.

Pediatric hematologists/oncologists face complex situations such as breaking bad news, treatment/clinical trials discussions, and end-of-life/hospice care. With increasing diversity in patient and physician populations, cultural competency and sensitivity training covering different aspects of pediatric hematology/oncology (PDHO) care can help improve health care delivery and reduce disparities. Though it is considered a required component of fellowship training, there is no clearly defined curriculum meant specifically for PDHO fellows-in-training (PDHO-F). A national online survey of 356 PDHO-F and 67 PDHO program directors (PDHO-PD) was conducted to assess the educational experience, perceptions about identifying barriers including one's own biases and trainee comfort in delivering culturally sensitive care in various PDHO relevant clinical situations. One hundred and eleven (31.2%) PDHO-F and 27 (40.3%) PDHO-PD responded. 30.6% of PDHO-F "strongly agreed/agreed" they received comprehensive cross-cultural communication (CCC) training. The top two teaching methods were faculty role modeling and informal teaching. Majority of CCC training is in medical school or residency and only 10.8% of PDHO-F reported that most of their CCC training was in fellowship. In most clinical situations, there was a modest direct correlation between the fellow's level of agreement that they received comprehensive CCC training and their comfort level. Comfort level with some clinical situations was also significantly different based on year of training. Fellowship training programs should have CCC curricula which use experiential learning models and lay the foundation for promoting cultural awareness, self-reflection, and better patient-physician partnerships which can eventually adapt to and surmount the challenges unique to the physician's chosen field of practice.

A cross-sectional study of learning styles among continuing medical education participants.

PURPOSE: Experiential learning has been suggested as a framework for planning continuing medical education (CME). We aimed to (1) determine participants' learning styles at traditional CME courses and (2) explore associations between learning styles and participant characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study of all participants (n = 393) at two Mayo Clinic CME courses who completed the Kolb Learning Style Inventory and provided demographic data. RESULTS: A total of 393 participants returned 241 surveys (response rate, 61.3%). Among the 143 participants (36.4%) who supplied complete demographic and Kolb data, Kolb learning styles included diverging (45; 31.5%), assimilating (56; 39.2%), converging (8; 5.6%), and accommodating (34; 23.8%). Associations existed between learning style and gender (p = 0.02). For most men, learning styles were diverging (23 of 63; 36.5%) and assimilating (30 of 63; 47.6%); for most women, diverging (22 of 80; 27.5%), assimilating (26 of 80; 32.5%), and accommodating (26 of 80; 32.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Internal medicine and psychiatry CME participants had diverse learning styles. Female participants had more variation in their learning styles than men. Teaching techniques must vary to appeal to all learners. The experiential learning theory sequentially moves a learner from Why? to What? to How? to If? to accommodate learning styles.

Patient-reported activities after bilateral reverse total shoulder arthoplasties.

PURPOSE: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) improves pain and function with very good satisfaction. Concerns exist about some activities of daily living (ADLs) involving internal rotation. The purpose of this study was to report how patients with bilateral RSA perform various ADLs. METHODS: Thirty-one primary bilateral RSA patients (average age 76 years; 21 women and 10 men) completed a survey to assess various outcomes. The average time between the second arthroplasty and the survey was 2.7 years (range 1.0-7.8 years). RESULTS: All clinical parameters were favorable. All patients reported being able to easily manage toileting and 87% reaching their back pocket. However, 29% found difficulty and 39% were unable to wash their back or put on bra. In comparison with various unilateral arthroplasty types, there was no statistical difference in overall activities ( p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Bilateral RSA can provide good functional outcome and high satisfaction. Patients manage most ADLs easily with some limitations in activities requiring extreme internal rotation.

Effect of Physical Parameters on Outcomes of Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Increasing body mass index (BMI) has been shown to correlate with increased rates of complications after total knee arthroplasty. To our knowledge, body surface area, body mass, and height have not been investigated in this manner. BMI and body surface area are affected differently by changes in height, and they are affected similarly by changes in weight. The purpose of this study was to quantify revision for any reason, mechanical failure, aseptic loosening, polyethylene wear, reoperation, and any infection after total knee arthroplasty using BMI, body surface area, body mass, and height as continuous variables. METHODS: Prospectively collected data from a single institution's total joint registry were used to analyze 22,243 consecutive knees, in 16,106 patients, treated with a primary total knee arthroplasty from 1985 to 2012. The Kaplan-Meier survival method was used to evaluate revision and other common complications, with outcomes assessed using Cox regression analysis. Smoothing spline parameterization was used on physical parameters in these models. RESULTS: Increasing BMI, body surface area, body mass, and height were associated with an increased risk of any revision surgical procedure, mechanical failure, and aseptic loosening after total knee arthroplasty. The risk of a revision surgical procedure was directly associated with each 1 standard deviation increase in BMI (hazard ratio [HR], 1.19; p < 0.01), body surface area (HR, 1.37; p < 0.01), body mass (HR, 1.30; p < 0.01), and height (HR, 1.22; p < 0.01). This association was especially demonstrated with revision for mechanical failure (BMI: HR, 1.15; p < 0.01; body surface area: HR, 1.35; p < 0.01; body mass: HR, 1.27; p < 0.01; and height: HR, 1.23; p < 0.01). The risk of failure in the subgroups of mechanical failure including a revision surgical procedure for aseptic loosening or polyethylene wear was also associated with increasing body surface area, body mass, and height. Increasing BMI (HR, 1.22; p < 0.01), body surface area (HR, 2.56; p < 0.01), and body mass (HR, 2.54; p < 0.01) were also associated with increased risk of any infection. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing BMI, body surface area, body mass, and height were strongly associated with the rates of revision, aseptic loosening, and other common complications following total knee arthroplasty. Body surface area and body mass appear to correlate more strongly with mechanical failure outcomes than BMI or height. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Food Allergy: A Comprehensive Population-Based Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and temporal trends of food allergies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a historical cohort study to describe the epidemiology of food allergies among residents of all ages in Olmsted County, Minnesota, during a 10-year period from January 2, 2002, through December 31, 2011, using the Rochester Epidemiology Project database. Overall incidence and trends in biannual incidence rates over time were evaluated. RESULTS: During the 10-year study period, 578 new cases of food allergies were diagnosed. The average annual incidence rate was significantly higher among males compared with females (4.1 [95% CI, 3.6-4.5] vs 3.0 [95% CI, 2.7-3.4]; P<.001; per 10,000 person-years; 3.6 per 10,000 person-years overall). The pediatric incidence rate of food allergy increased from 7.0 (95% CI, 6.2-8.9) to 13.3 (95% CI, 10.9-15.7) per 10,000 person-years between the 2002-2003 and 2006-2007 calendar periods and then stabilized at 12.5 and 12.1 per 10,000 person-years in the last 2 calendar periods. Milk, peanut, and seafood were the most common allergen in infancy, in children between ages 1 and 4 years, and in the adult population, respectively. CONCLUSION: This is one of the first population-based studies to examine the temporal trends of food allergies. The incidence of food allergies increased markedly between 2002 and 2009, with stabilization afterward. Additional longitudinal studies are warranted to assess for epidemiological evidence of changes in food allergy incidence with changing recommendations for allergenic food introduction.

Significance of Perioperative Tests to Diagnose the Infection in Revision Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of perioperative tests for the diagnosis of infection in revision shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 537 shoulder arthroplasties (429 patients) that underwent revision shoulder arthroplasty at our institution. Periprosthetic tissue cultures were positive in 169/537 surgeries. RESULTS: White-blood cell count (WBC) was elevated in 3.8% revision arthroplasties. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was elevated in 23.1% revision arthroplasties. The C-reactive protein (CRP) was elevated in 20.8% revision arthroplasties. Bone scans (technetium, indium) were performed on 9.9% patients and it was positive for osteomyelitis in just one revision arthroplasty. Intra-operative pathology was read as consistent with acute inflammation in 11.9% revision arthroplasties. The positive and negative predictive values for intra-operative pathology were 56.7% and 71.6% respectively. CONCLUSION: All of the perioperative tests had a high specificity and negative predictive value, but low sensitivity and positive predictive value.

Validation of a clinical rotation evaluation for physician assistant students.

BACKGROUND: We conducted a prospective validation study to develop a physician assistant (PA) clinical rotation evaluation (PACRE) instrument. The specific aims of this study were to 1) develop a tool to evaluate PA clinical rotations, and 2) explore associations between validated rotation evaluation scores and characteristics of the students and rotations. METHODS: The PACRE was administered to rotating PA students at our institution in 2016. Factor analysis, internal consistency reliability, and associations between PACRE scores and student or rotation characteristics were determined. RESULTS: Of 206 PACRE instruments sent, 124 were returned (60.2% response). Factor analysis supported a unidimensional model with a mean (SD) score of 4.31 (0.57) on a 5-point scale. Internal consistency reliability was excellent (Cronbach α=0.95). PACRE scores were associated with students' gender (P = .01) and rotation specialty (P = .006) and correlated with students' perception of being prepared (r = 0.32; P < .001) and value of the rotation (r = 0.57; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first validated instrument to evaluate PA rotation experiences. Application of the PACRE questionnaire could inform rotation directors about ways to improve clinical experiences. The findings of this study suggest that PA students must be adequately prepared to have a successful experience on their rotations. PA programs should consider offering transition courses like those offered in many medical schools to prepare their students for clinical experiences. Future research should explore whether additional rotation characteristics and educational outcomes are associated with PACRE scores.

Prepectoral Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction with Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Two-stage subpectoral implant-based breast reconstruction is the most common method for breast reconstruction. Recent advances in surgical techniques and technology have made prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction feasible. There are limited data on outcomes after prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction and postmastectomy radiation therapy. METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing immediate two-stage prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction with postmastectomy radiation therapy was performed. Outcomes of irradiated breasts were compared with nonirradiated breasts in bilateral cases. RESULTS: Ninety-three cases of prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction in 54 women who underwent immediate two-stage reconstruction (39 bilateral and 15 unilateral) and unilateral postmastectomy radiation therapy were identified. Mean follow-up was 19 months from mastectomy and tissue expander reconstruction and 9 months from implant placement. Crude complication rates in irradiated versus nonirradiated sides were as follows: surgical-site infection, 18.5 percent versus 7.7 percent; seroma, 5.6 percent versus 5.1 percent; mastectomy skin flap necrosis, 1.9 percent versus 2.6 percent; wound dehiscence, 1.9 percent versus 7.7 percent; capsular contracture, 1.9 percent versus 0 percent; hematoma, 1.9 percent versus 2.6 percent; and extrusion, 1.9 percent versus 0 percent. On univariate analysis, there were no risk factors associated with any complication, including radiation therapy, surgical-site infection, unplanned readmissions, and unplanned return to the operating room. To date, reconstruction has been completed in 96 percent of patients, with successful implant-based breast reconstruction in 81 breasts (45 irradiated breasts and 36 nonirradiated breasts). CONCLUSIONS: Early data of prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction in patients with postmastectomy radiation therapy show promising results. Postmastectomy radiation therapy should not be an absolute contraindication to prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Effects of Amitriptyline and Escitalopram on Sleep and Mood in Patients With Functional Dyspepsia.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Tricyclic antidepressants are effective in reducing symptoms of functional dyspepsia (FD). We performed a post hoc analysis of data from a previous randomized clinical trial to determine whether the benefits of an antidepressant on gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with FD were mediated by improving sleep or reducing anxiety. We explored the relationships between psychological measures, quality of sleep, and relief of symptoms. METHODS: We analyzed data from a multicenter, double-blind trial that evaluated the efficacy of antidepressants on symptoms of FD, from October 2006 through October 2012. Patients (n = 292) were randomly assigned to groups given 50 mg amitriptyline, 10 mg escitalopram, or placebo for 12 weeks. During the study, participants completed the following validated psychological questionnaires: Symptom Check List 90, Symptom Somatic Checklist, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, Profile of Mood States, State Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index at baseline and 12 weeks following treatment. RESULTS: Baseline scores for the psychological and sleep measures were similar among groups; after 12 weeks there were no significant differences in scores among groups. Baseline mean global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores indicated poor sleep quality in all groups at baseline and after 12 weeks. Overall, antidepressants affected sleep duration scores: patients given amitriptyline had lower (better) scores than patients given placebo or escitalopram (P = .019). In all groups, responders had decreased anxiety and improvements in some sleep components. CONCLUSIONS: In a post hoc analysis of data from a clinical trial that evaluated the effects of antidepressants in patients with FD, amitriptyline was found to reduce symptoms of FD, but its mechanism is unlikely to involve reductions in psychological distress. The drug may modestly improve sleep. Clinicaltrials.gov no: NCT00248651.

Identification and validation of functional gastrointestinal disorder subtypes using latent class analysis: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: Attempts to categorize distinct functional gastrointestinal disorders based on reported symptoms continue but symptoms frequently overlap. The study objective was to use latent class analysis (LCA) which accommodates both continuous and discrete manifest variables to determine mutually exclusive subgroup assignments of a population-based sample using gastrointestinal symptom and patient data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A validated bowel disease questionnaire and somatic symptom questionnaire were mailed to an age and gender stratified randomly selected community sample. Responses to the symptom questions were dichotomized as frequent vs. infrequent based on Rome IV criteria. A LCA model was developed using a calibration subset and the results applied to the validation subset. RESULTS: There were 3831 total respondents (48%) with 3425 having complete data. The LCA algorithm was run for each of 10 (random) splits of the dataset and 2-6 latent classes were specified. Using the values of Akaike's Information Criterion coefficient c to determine fit of the data, 4 latent classes yielded better values resulting in four subgroups: 'asymptomatic,' 'upper' abdominal symptoms, 'lower' abdominal symptoms, and 'mixed' (upper and lower abdomen). CONCLUSIONS: Latent class analysis identified 4 groups based on symptoms. This approach resulted in differentiation by anatomical region rather than the Rome IV classification of symptoms.