Factors Associated With Acceptance of Telehealth-Based Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Recommendations in a Community Hospital Health System.

Background: Telehealth-based antimicrobial stewardship programs (TeleASPs) have led to reduced broad-spectrum antimicrobial utilization. Data on factors associated with acceptance of stewardship recommendations are limited. Methods: A TeleASP, facilitated by remote infectious disease physicians and local pharmacists, was implemented in 2 community hospitals from February 2018 through July 2020. Variables potentially affecting acceptance of TeleASP recommendations were tracked. Odds ratios of acceptance were determined utilizing multiple logistic regression. Results: During the 30-month period, 4863 (91.2%) of the total 5333 recommendations were accepted. Factors associated with a higher odds of acceptance in multivariable analysis were recommendations for antimicrobial dose/frequency adjustment (odds ratio [OR], 2.63; 95% CI, 1.6-4.3) and order for labs/tests (OR, 3.30; 95% CI, 2.1-5.2), while recommendations for antimicrobial de-escalation (OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.60-0.95) and antimicrobial discontinuation (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.42-0.76) were associated with lower odds of acceptance. Female physicians were more likely to accept recommendations compared with males (93.1% vs 90.3% acceptance; OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.3-2.2). Compared with physicians with <3 years of experience, who had the highest acceptance rate (96.3%), physicians with ≥21 years of experience had the lowest (87.1%; OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.15-0.45). Conclusions: TeleASP recommendations were accepted at a high rate. Acceptance rates were higher among female physicians, and recommendations to stop or de-escalate antimicrobials led to lower acceptance. Recommendations made to the most experienced physicians were the least accepted, which may be an important factor for stewardship programs to consider in education and intervention efforts.

Outdoor Community Ambulation Interventions to Improve Physical and Mental Health in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Limited community ambulation, defined as independent mobility outside the home, predicts adverse outcomes in older adults. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine outdoor community ambulation intervention effectiveness in older adults. We searched six databases until October 2021. Studies with an evaluative research objective, older adult population, and outdoor community ambulation interventions were eligible. After reviewing 23,172 records, five studies were included. The meta-analysis found no significant difference in walking endurance and depression outcomes between outdoor community ambulation and comparison interventions. For outcomes not suitable for meta-analysis, studies showed no significant difference in walking activity, anxiety, and general and health-related quality of life, and possible improvements in gait speed and lower extremity function and strength. Most evidence was of low to very low certainty. Considering the limited evidence base, the design, implementation, and evaluation of outdoor community ambulation interventions in older adults should be prioritized in primary research.

Safety and efficacy of bone-modifying agents among multiple myeloma patients: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of skeletal-related events among multiple myeloma patients who received chemotherapy without a bone-modifying agent (zoledronic acid and denosumab) versus those who received chemotherapy with a bone-modifying agent. The secondary objective was to determine the incidence of skeletal-related events in patients without any prior history of skeletal-related events and who were treated with zoledronic acid every four weeks versus those who received zoledronic acid at an extended interval of every twelve weeks. Additional secondary objectives included the incidence of nephrotoxicity, hypocalcemia and osteonecrosis of the jaw in all patients. METHODS: This institutional review board-approved, retrospective cohort study included patients 18 to 89 years old with a diagnosis of multiple myeloma, who were being treated with chemotherapy between July 1, 2016 and October 31, 2019. Safety and efficacy were assessed through analysis of pertinent data collected: patient demographics, baseline skeletal-related events, development of new skeletal-related events, number and type of bone-modifying agent doses administered, and drug-related toxicities such as nephrotoxicity, hypocalcemia, and osteonecrosis of the jaw. RESULTS: A total of 73 patients were included. New skeletal-related events occurred in 12 patients (27%) in the chemotherapy without a bone-modifying agent group and in 5 patients (17%) in the chemotherapy with a bone-modifying agent group (OR = 0.56, 95% CI [0.172-1.8]; P = 0.32). The incidence of skeletal-related events was similar among patients receiving zoledronic acid every four weeks versus every twelve weeks in patients without a prior skeletal-related event (N = 0 vs. N = 2 respectively; P = 0.47). There were no statistically significant differences observed in each of the three secondary safety endpoints: incidence of hypocalcemia, nephrotoxicity and osteonecrosis of the jaw. CONCLUSION: Multiple myeloma patients receiving chemotherapy without a bone-modifying agent had higher rates of skeletal-related events compared to those being treated with chemotherapy and a bonemodifying agent. Our results highlight the benefit of utilizing bonemodifying agents for the prevention of skeletal-related events in all multiple myeloma patients being treated with chemotherapy.

Can preoperative radiographs predict hardware complication or fracture displacement after operative treatment of pelvic ring injuries?

INTRODUCTION: Operative fixation of pelvic ring injuries is associated with a high risk of hardware failure and loss of reduction. The purpose of this study was to determine whether preoperative radiographs can predict failure after operative treatment of pelvic ring injuries and if the method of fixation effects their risk. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 143 patients with pelvic ring injuries treated with operative fixation at a level 1 trauma center. Preoperative radiographs were examined for the presence of the following characteristics: bilateral rami fractures, segmental or comminuted rami fractures, contralateral anterior and posterior injuries, complete sacral fracture, and displaced inferior ramus fractures. The method of fixation was classified based on the presence of anterior, posterior, or combined anterior and posterior fixation as well as whether or not posterior fixation was performed at a single or multiple sacral levels. Post-operative radiographs were examined for hardware failure or loss of reduction. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (14.7%) demonstrated either hardware complication or fracture displacement within 6 months of surgery. Male sex was associated with a decreased risk of hardware complication (OR 0.11 [0.014, 0.86]; p=0.03). Posterior pelvic ring fixation at multiple sacral levels was associated with a decreased risk of fracture displacement (OR 0.21 [0.056, 0.83]; p=0.02). We were unable to demonstrate a significant association between preoperative radiographic characteristics and risk of hardware failure or fracture displacement. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that both gender and the method of posterior fixation are associated with hardware failure or displacement.

Real world prognosis in MS: does early versus late diagnosis matter?

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) often presents soon after the onset of a recognized clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). In order to interpret data from CIS trials, it is important to know whether patients presenting as classical CIS provide group data representative of RRMS. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine whether or not MS patients presenting soon after the onset of symptoms with clinically isolated syndromes have an identifiable clinical profile, including worse outcomes, versus MS patients presenting later. METHODS: Chart review of consecutive patients with newly diagnosed relapsing MS, diagnosed in our clinic between 1989 and 2005. We divided patients into an early presentation group (EP), versus the remaining late presenting group (LP), and analyzed the impact of delay in presentation on 10- and 15-year disability outcomes. We also sought to identify reasons for later presentation. RESULTS: The two groups were similar in terms of many demographics, clinical risk factors, and long-term disability outcomes (median EDSS 2.25 versus EDSS 2.0 at 10 years). Exceptionally, patients in the EP group had more frequent attacks in the first few years after onset and were diagnosed and treated earlier. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in our MS clinic with EP versus LP were more likely to have multiple attacks in the first 2 years after onset and were treated earlier, but did not have a better 10- or 15-year outcome.

Neurosensory Recovery Following Mental Nerve Skeletonization in Intraoral Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Mandible Fractures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate neurosensory recovery after mental nerve skeletonization in open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of mandible fractures. METHODS: This was a prospective nonrandomized observation study of adult subjects treated at a Level I trauma center between April 1, 2016 and December 31, 2019, with mental nerve skeletonization for ORIF of mandible fractures. Age, sex, and mandibular injury severity score (MISS), and functional sensory recovery (FSR) and subjective neurosensory recovery of skeletonized mental nerve were recorded at preoperative and regularly scheduled follow-up appointments. Uninomial and multinomial logistic regressions were conducted with a significance level of < 0.05. RESULTS: Twenty-six subjects (all male) completed all the postoperative protocol requirements and were included in this study. All subjects had a loss of FSR (S0) and subjective neurosensation immediately after surgery. Half of the subjects achieved FSR (S3) and subjective neurosensory recovery (VAS < 4) an average of 42 days after surgery. All subjects improved FSR (S4) by 57 days and subjective neurosensory recovery by 90 days after surgery. These were independent of MISS but had decreased recovery time with increased age. No incidences of mental nerve neuropathic pain during the trial period were found. CONCLUSIONS: FSR and subjective neurosensory recovery from mental nerve skeletonization in intraoral ORIF of mandible fractures was achieved in all subjects by the end of this study. Neurosensory recovery was independent of MISS but decreased with increased age. Initial inverse correlations between objective and subjective neurosensory assessments were insignificant at study completion. No incidences of neuropathic pain were identified during the time of this study. Mental nerve skeletonization in ORIF of mandible fracture may be performed with an anticipated return of functional and subjective neurosensory recovery within 3 months of surgery.

Patient Reported Clinical Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Sacroiliac Joint Arthrodesis.

OBJECTIVE: To report patient-reported outcomes of minimally invasive sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion as a case series. METHODS: This study was a retrospective cohort study of patients 18 years of age and older who underwent a minimally invasive SI joint fusion by a single surgeon between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2015. Routine demographic data, characteristics, and relevant surgical and clinical data were all collected for this group. In addition, patients completed preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) and Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaires to assess outcomes. Patient selection for SI fusion was based on short-term resolution of symptoms (80% or greater relief) with an image-guided intra-articular injection of local anesthetic. Routine statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test, Fisher's exact test, or χ2 analysis as appropriate. RESULTS: This study included 19 patients comprising 24 SI fusions, with a mean follow-up of 58 months. The average patient age was 50 years and the average surgical blood loss was 25 cc. Men comprised 79% of the cohort. The VAS score improved from 7 to 3 (P = 0.0001). SF-36 physical function, role limitations due to physical health, and role limitations due to emotional health improved to a statistically significant extent. General health was not significantly changed. Every patient showed improvement in their SF-36 physical function scores (mean 40 preoperatively to 55 at final follow up) and 18 of 19 showed improvement in the VAS score (mean 7 preoperatively to 3 at final follow-up). CONCLUSION: In appropriately selected patients, minimally invasive SI joint fusion results in decreased pain and improved physical functioning of patients, which is sustained for more than 4 years post-procedure.

Edentulism Is Associated With More Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

PURPOSE: The relationship between edentulism and the severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is not well established. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship of edentulism on the severity of OSAS compared with equally at-risk dentate subjects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective matched cohort study of edentulous and dentate subjects with OSAS matched by age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). The primary predictor variable was dentate status (dentate vs edentulous) and the primary outcome variable was the OSAS severity measured using apnea hypopnea index (AHI). The secondary outcome variables were the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) score and nadir oxygen level. Inferential, univariate, and multivariate statistical analyses were completed. RESULTS: A total of 26 subjects (13 edentulous and 13 dentate) were included in the present study. The edentulous subjects had more severe OSAS compared with the equally at-risk dentate subjects, with statistically significant differences between the 2 groups for AHI (47 ± 25 vs 23 ± 11; P = .0044) and ESS score (16 ± 4.2 vs 11 ± 5.2; P = .0094). A significant multivariate effect for OSAS was only found for the covariates of gender (female vs male; P = .016) and edentulism status (yes vs no; P = .01), with no significant interaction between them (P = .24). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of the present study, edentulous subjects, compared with dentate subjects, and controlling for age, gender, and BMI, had more severe OSAS, as evidenced by the significantly increased AHI and ESS. Male gender and edentulism are significant risk factors for more severe OSAS compared with equally at-risk dentate patients.

Investigating the Bias in Orthopaedic Patient-reported Outcome Measures by Mode of Administration: A Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are critical and frequently used to assess clinical outcomes to support medical decision-making. QUESTIONS/PURPOSE: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare differences in the modes of administration of PROMs within the field of orthopaedics to determine their impact on clinical outcome assessment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The PubMed database was used to conduct a review of literature from 1990 to 2018 with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol. All articles comparing PROMs for orthopaedic procedures were included and classified by the mode of administration. Each specific survey was standardized to a scale of 0 to 100, and a repeated random effectsmodel meta-analysis was conducted to determine the mean effect of each mode of survey. RESULTS: Eighteen studies were initially included in the study, with 10 ultimately used in the meta-analysis that encompassed 2384 separate patient survey encounters. Six of these studies demonstrated a statistically notable difference in PROM scores by mode of administration. The meta-analysis found that the standardized mean effect size for telephone-based surveys on a 100-point scale was 71.7 (SE 5.0) that was significantly higher (P , 0.0001) than survey scores obtained via online/tech based (65.3 [SE 0.70]) or self-administered/paper surveys (61.2 [SE 0.70]). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study demonstrated that a documented difference exists in PROM quality depending on the mode of administration. PROM scores obtained via telephone (71.7) are 8.9% higher than scores obtained online (65.3, P , 0.0001), and 13.8% higher than scores obtained via self-administered on paper (61.8, P , 0.0001). Few studies have quantified statistically notable differences between PROM scores based solely on the mode of acquisition in orthopaedic.

Periprocedural Dynamics of Aortic Regurgitation in Patients Supported With an Impella Left Ventricular Assist Device.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the presence of and periprocedural changes caused by aortic regurgitation (AR) in patients supported with an Impella (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) left ventricular assist device. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Tertiary academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Patients who underwent insertion of an Impella device at Allegheny General Hospital from January 2015 to December 2018. INTERVENTIONS: Analysis of patient electronic medical records. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Demographic information; comorbidities; duration of support; and the presence and severity of AR pre-procedure and post-procedure, as reported by echocardiography, were analyzed. The electronic medical records of 69 patients were included in the present study. Before placement of the Impella device, 25 (35%) patients showed detectable AR, with 18 (26%) showing mild AR and 7 (10%) showing moderate AR. After the removal of the Impella device, AR remained steady or increased in 61 patients. Fifteen patients (22%) demonstrated mild AR, 6 (8.7%) demonstrated moderate AR, and 2 (2.9%) demonstrated severe AR. An increase in severity of AR was noted in 9 patients (14.7%), and 52 patients (85%) had no change in the severity of AR. The duration of support with the Impella device, demographic variables, and comorbidities were not associated with a statistically significant risk for increased severity of post-procedural AR in multiple multivariable logistic regression analyses. CONCLUSIONS: The presented data suggest that after Impella device support, a significant proportion of patients may show evidence of increased AR. Additional studies are needed to understand the etiology and significance of this observation.