Comprehensive and reliable sonographic assessment and scoring system for inflammatory lesions of the paediatric ankle.

OBJECTIVE: The clinical decision-making process in paediatric arthritis lacks an objective, reliable bedside imaging tool. The aim of this study was to develop a US scanning protocol and assess the reliability of B-mode and Doppler scoring systems for inflammatory lesions of the paediatric ankle. METHODS: As part of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) US group, 19 paediatric rheumatologists through a comprehensive literature review developed a set of standardized views and scoring systems to assess inflammatory lesions of the synovial recesses as well as tendons of the paediatric ankle. Three rounds of scoring of still images were followed by one practical exercise. Agreement among raters was assessed using two-way single score intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). RESULTS: Of the 37 initially identified views to assess the presence of ankle synovitis and tenosynovitis, nine views were chosen for each B-mode and Doppler mode semi-quantitative evaluation. Several scoring exercises and iterative modifications resulted in a final highly reliable scoring system: anterior tibiotalar joint ICC: 0.93 (95% CI 0.92, 0.94), talonavicular joint ICC: 0.86 (95% CI 0.81, 0.90), subtalar joint ICC: 0.91 (95% CI 0.88, 0.93) and tendons ICC: 0.96 (95% CI 0.95, 0.97). CONCLUSION: A comprehensive and reliable paediatric ankle US scanning protocol and scoring system for the assessment of synovitis and tenosynovitis were successfully developed. Further validation of this scoring system may allow its use as an outcome measure for both clinical and research applications.

Reliability of the Pediatric Specific Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Scoring Systems for the Elbow, Wrist, and Finger Joints.

OBJECTIVE: Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) is increasingly being used in the evaluation of pediatric musculoskeletal diseases. In order to provide objective assessments of arthritis, reliable MSUS scoring systems are needed. Recently, joint-specific scoring systems for arthritis of the pediatric elbow, wrist, and finger joints were proposed by the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) MSUS workgroup. This study aimed to assess the reliability of these scoring systems when used by sonographers with different levels of expertise. METHODS: Members of the CARRA MSUS workgroup attended training sessions for scoring the elbow, wrist, and finger. Subsequently, scoring exercises of B mode and power Doppler (PD) mode still images for each joint were performed. Interreader reliability was determined using 2-way single-score intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for synovitis and Cohen [Formula: see text] for tenosynovitis. RESULTS: Seventeen pediatric rheumatologists with different levels of MSUS expertise (1-15 yrs) completed a 2-hour training session and calibration exercise for each joint. Excellent reliability (ICC > 0.75) was found after the first scoring exercise for all the finger and elbow views evaluated on B mode and PD mode, and for all of the wrist views on B mode. After a second training session and a scoring exercise, the wrist PD mode views reached excellent reliability as well. CONCLUSION: The preliminary CARRA MSUS scoring systems for assessing arthritis of the pediatric elbow, wrist, and finger joints demonstrate excellent reliability among pediatric MSUS sonographers with different levels of expertise. With further validation, this reliable joint-specific scoring system could serve as a clinical tool and scientific outcome measure.

Finding some seagrass optimism in Wales, the case of Zostera noltii.

There exists limited understanding of the long-term dynamics of the seagrass Zostera noltii and how this is influenced by anthropogenic pressures. Milford Haven is a heavily industrialised estuary and also one of the important sites for Zostera sp. in the UK. In this study we examine all available long-term spatial variability and abundance data of Zostera noltii within Milford Haven using historic datasets. Results show that Z. noltii in all sites have shown meadow expansion when compared to the first obtainable records. Little change in abundance over the past 10-15years for the two sites confirms certain seagrass populations to be robust and thriving. We hypothesise that these populations are showing a level of resilience to the high nutrient levels, disturbance and high turbidity present within the water column of the Haven.

Long-term conditions 5: meeting the needs of highly complex patients.

This article is the last in the series focusing on long-term conditions. It explores the educational needs and preparation of district nurses in order to meet the drive to efficiently and effectively care for people with long-term conditions in the home setting. It encompasses the findings of a small scale exploratory study conducted with district nurses from one PCT. The findings reveal a well informed and flexible workforce who value their core skills, some of whom are already adopting case management principles in their daily activities. However, the district nurses also expressed feelings of immense insecurity and change associated with their role. Educational deficits relating to long-term conditions and district nurses were discovered, indicating that educational and clinical leadership is paramount in order to meet the needs of this group of patients.