Comparative analysis of symptom profile and risk of death associated with infection by SARS-CoV-2 and its variants in Hong Kong.

The recurrent multiwave nature of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) necessitates updating its symptomatology. We characterize the effect of variants on symptom presentation, identify the symptoms predictive and protective of death, and quantify the effect of vaccination on symptom development. With the COVID-19 cases reported up to August 25, 2022 in Hong Kong, an iterative multitier text-matching algorithm was developed to identify symptoms from free text. Multivariate regression was used to measure associations between variants, symptom development, death, and vaccination status. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator technique was used to identify a parsimonious set of symptoms jointly associated with death. Overall, 70.9% (54 450/76 762) of cases were symptomatic with 102 symptoms identified. Intrinsically, the wild-type and delta variant caused similar symptoms among unvaccinated symptomatic cases, whereas the wild-type and omicron BA.2 subvariant had heterogeneous patterns, with seven symptoms (fatigue, fever, chest pain, runny nose, sputum production, nausea/vomiting, and sore throat) more frequent in the BA.2 cohort. With ≥2 vaccine doses, BA.2 was more likely than delta to cause fever among symptomatic cases. Fever, blocked nose, pneumonia, and shortness of breath remained jointly predictive of death among unvaccinated symptomatic elderly in the wild-type-to-omicron transition. Number of vaccine doses required for reducing occurrence varied by symptoms. We substantiate that omicron has a different clinical presentation compared to previous variants. Syndromic surveillance can be bettered with reduced reliance on symptom-based case identification, increased weighing on symptoms predictive of death in outcome prediction, individual-based risk assessment in care homes, and incorporating free-text symptom reporting.

Temporal variations of vaccine hesitancy amid the COVID-19 outbreaks in Hong Kong.

To inform the dynamic adjustments of vaccination campaigns, this study examined the transitions among vaccine hesitancy profiles over the COVID-19 pandemic progression and their predictors and outcomes. The transition patterns among hesitancy profiles over three periods were identified using a latent transition analysis with individuals from a longitudinal cohort study since the emergence of COVID-19 in Hong Kong. Four profiles (i.e., skeptics, apathetics, fence-sitters, and believers) emerged consistently over time. From Period 1 (third and fourth pandemic waves) to Period 2 (dormant period, vaccine rollout), 14.17% of believers became fence-sitters (ambivalization), and 12.11% of fence-sitters became apathetics (apathetization). From Period 2 to Period 3 (omicron surge and vaccine mandates), 20.21% of believers became fence-sitters. Lower trust in government predicted a transition to skepticism, whereas higher trust predicted the opposite. Staying as believers was associated with decreased hygienic and social distancing behavior. The stable hesitancy profiles amid the rapid vaccine uptake suggest that structural factors rather than personal agency may drive the surge. Ambivalization and apathetization may signal disengagement in preventive behaviors. Trust in the government is crucial in the pandemic response. Public health interventions may improve compliance with guidelines and prevent skepticism and apathy.

Survival outcomes of myeloid leukemia associated with Down syndrome and de novo acute myeloid leukemia in children: Experience from a single tertiary center in Thailand.

Few studies have reported the survival outcomes of myeloid leukemia associated with Down syndrome (DS) in resource-limited countries. This study aimed to compare characteristics and survival outcomes of children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) between those with and without DS in Thailand. The medical records of AML patients aged 0-15 years treated in a major tertiary center in Southern Thailand between October 1978 and December 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. The overall (OS) and event-free survivals (EFS) rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. A total of 362 AML patients were included, of which 41 (11.3%) had DS. The mean age at diagnosis of the DS patients was 2.5 ± 1.9 years and most of them (90.2%) were under the age of five. The DS patients had lower initial white blood cell counts and peripheral blasts compared to the non-DS patients. The AML-M7 subtype was more common in the DS than in the non-DS patients (80.5% vs. 9.1%, p < 0.01, respectively). The 5-year OS and EFS rates of the DS patients were lower compared to the non-DS patients (12.9% vs. 20.5%, p = 0.05 and 13.7% vs. 18.4%, p = 0.03, respectively). DS patients had a significantly higher rate of early and treatment-related deaths compared to non-DS patients (30.3% vs. 13.5%, p < 0.01 and 39.4% vs. 19.5%, p = 0.02, respectively). Over the study period, there were a decrease in early death rate and an increase in survival rates of DS patients, which suggests that chemotherapy regimens and supportive care have improved over time.

Revisiting Vaccine Hesitancy in Residential Care Homes for the Elderly for Pandemic Preparedness: A Lesson from COVID-19.

Residents in residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) are at high risk of severe illnesses and mortality, while staff have high exposure to intimate care activities. Addressing vaccine hesitancy is crucial to safeguard vaccine uptake in this vulnerable setting, especially amid a pandemic. In response to this, we conducted a cross-sectional survey to measure the level of vaccine hesitancy and to examine its associated factors among residents and staff in RCHEs in Hong Kong. We recruited residents and staff from 31 RCHEs in July-November 2022. Of 204 residents, 9.8% had a higher level of vaccine hesitancy (scored ≥ 4 out of 7, mean = 2.44). Around 7% of the staff (n = 168) showed higher vaccine hesitancy (mean = 2.45). From multi-level regression analyses, higher social loneliness, higher anxiety, poorer cognitive ability, being vaccinated with fewer doses, and lower institutional vaccination rates predicted residents' vaccine hesitancy. Similarly, higher emotional loneliness, higher anxiety, being vaccinated with fewer doses, and working in larger RCHEs predicted staff's vaccine hesitancy. Although the reliance on self-report data and convenience sampling may hamper the generalizability of the results, this study highlighted the importance of addressing the loneliness of residents and staff in RCHEs to combat vaccine hesitancy. Innovative and technology-aided interventions are needed to build social support and ensure social interactions among the residents and staff, especially amid outbreaks.

Hyperleukocytosis in Childhood Acute Leukemia: Early Complications and Survival Outcomes.

Hyperleukocytosis and extreme hyperleukocytosis, defined as initial white blood cell counts greater than 100 × 109/L and 200 × 109/L, respectively, have been associated with unfavorable outcomes. This study aimed to determine the early complications and survival outcomes of childhood leukemia patients with hyperleukocytosis. The medical records of 690 children newly diagnosed with acute leukemia between January 1998 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to assess and compare the survival outcomes. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was used to determine associated risk factors for overall survival. We found that 16.6% of 483 childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients and 20.3% of 207 childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients had hyperleukocytosis at diagnosis. ALL patients with hyperleukocytosis had more early complications than those without hyperleukocytosis (p < 0.05). Among the ALL group, the 5-year overall survival rate for those with hyperleukocytosis was significantly lower than for those without hyperleukocytosis (37.2% vs. 67.8%, p < 0.0001), while the difference was not statistically significant in the AML group (19.0% vs. 30.2%, respectively, p = 0.26). Hyperleukocytosis (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.04), extreme hyperleukocytosis (HR: 2.71), age less than 1 year (HR: 3.05), age greater than 10 years (HR: 1.64), and male sex (HR: 1.37) were independently associated with poorer overall survival in childhood ALL patients. Extreme hyperleukocytosis (HR: 2.63) and age less than 1 year (HR: 1.82) were independently associated with poorer overall survival in AML patients. Hyperleukocytosis was associated with adverse survival outcomes in childhood leukemia.

The Association Between Household Financial Burden and Patient Mobility and Their Impact on Loss to Follow-Up Among Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Patients in Guizhou, China.

Purpose: We aimed to assess the household financial burden due to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment and its predictors, examine its association with patient mobility, and test their impact on patient loss to follow-up (LTFU). Methods: A cross-sectional study combining follow-up data collection was conducted at the largest designated MDR-TB hospital in Guizhou. Data were collected from medical records and questionnaires. Household financial burden was measured by the incidence of 2 indicators: catastrophic total costs (CTC) and catastrophic health expenditure (CHE). Mobility was classified as mover or non-mover after the patient's address was verified twice. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify associations between variables. Model I and Model II were separated by CHE and CTC. Results: Out of 180 households, the incidence of CHE and CTC was 51.7% and 80.6%, respectively. Families with low income and patients who were primary income earners were significantly associated with catastrophic costs. 42.8% of patients were movers. Patients from households with CHE (ORadj=2.2, 95% CI: 1.1-4.1) or with CTC (ORadj=2.6, 95% CI: 1.1-6.3) were more likely to move. Finding a job against financial difficulty (58.4%) was the top reason for movers. 20.0% of patients experienced LTFU. Patients from households with catastrophic payments (CHE: ORadj=4.1, 95% CI 1.6-10.5 in Model I; CTC: ORadj=4.8, 95% CI 1.0-22.9 in Model II), patients who were movers (ORadj=6.1, 95% CI 2.5-14.8 in Model I; ORadj=7.4, 95% CI 3.0-18.7 in Model II) and primary income earners (ORadj=2.5, 95% CI: 1.0-5.9 in Model I; ORadj=2.7, 95% CI 1.1-6.6 in Model II) had an increased risk of LTFU. Conclusion: There is a significant association between household financial burden due to MDR-TB treatment and patient mobility in Guizhou. They impact patients' treatment adherence and cause LTFU. Being a primary breadwinner increases the risk for catastrophic household payments and LTFU.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Childhood Cancer Survivors: Results from Southern Thailand.

There is limited information on vitamin D deficiency among childhood cancer survivors (CSS), especially in tropical countries. The aims of this study are to determine the prevalence and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in CCSs. This study was conducted at the long-term follow-up clinic for CCSs at Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand. All CCSs who were followed up between January 2021 and March 2022 were enrolled. Demographic data, dietary dairy intake, average weekly duration of outdoor activities, total 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels, parathyroid hormone levels, and blood chemistry were collected. A total of 206 CCSs with a mean age at follow-up of 10.8 ± 4.7 years were included. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 35.9%. Female gender (odds ratio (OR): 2.11, 95% CI: 1.08-4.13), obesity (OR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.00-4.04), lack of outdoor activities (OR: 4.14, 95% CI: 2.08-8.21), and lower dietary dairy intake (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.44-0.80) were independent risk factors for vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency was common in CCSs and associated with female gender, obesity, lack of outdoor activities, and lower dietary dairy intake. Regular 25(OH)D screening should be established in long-term care to identify those who require vitamin D supplements.

Inferring potential non-disclosed men who have sex with men among self-reported heterosexual men with HIV in Southwest China: A genetic network study.

BACKGROUND: In Guangxi province of China, there is a high prevalence of HIV in the general population and in men who have sex with men (MSM). However, there is still a low proportion of MSM among people living with HIV. This apparent contradiction could be due to the high proportion of potential non-disclosed MSM (pnMSM) among reported heterosexual men. We analyzed the genetic linkage of HIV specimens to address this problem aiming to (1) identify the optimal genetic distance threshold, which gave the highest number of genetic clusters, (2) document the proportion of potential non-disclosed MSM (pnMSM) among self-reported heterosexual men, and (3) determine predictors for pnMSM. METHODS: Pairwise genetic distances were computed among all samples. The genetic distance threshold giving the highest number of genetic clusters was identified. Self-reported heterosexual men were identified as belonging to the pnMSM group if they could be linked to any MSM in their cluster. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine associated factors of being pnMSM. RESULTS: The optimal genetic distance threshold was 0.75% substitutions/site. Among 896 self-reported heterosexual men, the frequency (percentage and 95% confidence interval) was 62 (6.9%, 5.2-8.6%) for pnMSM, 779 (86.9%, 84.7-89.1%) for indeterminate men and 55 (6.1%, 4.5-7.7%) for potential heterosexual men, respectively. Self-reported heterosexual men who were younger, single and more educated were more likely to be pnMSM. CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, there is a need to pay more attention to sexually active, young and educated self-reported heterosexual men and provide them with voluntary counselling and testing and specific HIV prevention services.

Treatment outcomes in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: 40-year experience from a single tertiary center in Thailand.

Studies on the long-term treatment outcomes of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in resource-limited countries are scarce. The purpose of this study was to assess the evolution of survival outcomes of pediatric ALL in a tertiary care center in Thailand over a 40-year period. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of pediatric patients who were diagnosed with ALL and treated at our center between June 1979 and December 2019. We classified the patients into 4 study periods depending on the therapy protocol used to treat the patients (period 1: 1979-1986, period 2: 1987-2005, period 3: 2006-2013, and period 4: 2014-2019). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine overall and event-free survival (EFS) for each group. The log-rank test was used to identify statistical differences. Over the study period, 726 patients with ALL were identified, 428 boys (59%) and 298 girls (41%), with a median age at diagnosis of 4.7 years (range: 0.2-15 years). The study periods 1, 2, 3, and 4 had 5-year EFS rates of 27.6%, 41.6%, 55.9%, and 66.4%, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates of 32.8%, 47.8%, 61.5%, and 69.3%, respectively. From periods 1 to 4, both the EFS and OS rates increased significantly (p <. 0001). Age, study period, and white blood cell (WBC) count were all significant prognostic indicators for survival outcomes. The OS of patients with ALL treated in our center improved significantly over time from 32.8% in period 1 to 69.3% in period 4.

Transient abnormal myelopoiesis in Down syndrome: Experience of long term follow up from a single tertiary center in Thailand.

Transient abnormal myelopoiesis (TAM) is a unique disease occurring in Down syndrome (DS) infants from which most patients have spontaneous remission. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and outcomes of TAM in a tertiary center in Thailand. We reviewed the records of 997 DS patients diagnosed between June 1993 and October 2019. From the 997 DS patients, 32 had been diagnosed with TAM. The incidence of TAM was 3.2% and an overall survival rate of 87.5%. A total of 2/28 who survived (7.1%) subsequently developed AML-DS at the ages of 2.1 and 4.5 years, respectively. The risk factors related with death included maternal multiparity, sepsis, skin bleeding, subcutaneous nodules, high WBC count, low hemoglobin, and elevated AST level.Abbreviations.

Relapsed Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Experience from a Single Tertiary Center in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined survival outcomes in relapsed childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in resource-limited countries. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic factors and survival outcomes of relapsed childhood AML in Thailand. METHODS: The medical records of AML patients aged 0-15 years treated in a major tertiary center in Southern Thailand between December 1979 and December 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. The overall survival (OS) was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: A total of 316 AML patients were included and relapse occurred in 98 (31%) patients. Of these, 57 (58.2%) and 41 (41.8%) patients had early [≤1 year from first complete remission (CR1)] and late (>1 year from CR1) relapses, respectively. Only 54 (55.1%) patients received chemotherapy after relapse. The 3-year OS of all relapsed patients was 3.5%. The 3-year OS of patients with early and late relapse were 0% and 8.5%, respectively (p=0.002). The 3-year OS of patients who received chemotherapy and those who did not were 6.5% and 0%, respectively (p <0.0001). The median survival time of patients who did not receive chemotherapy was 1.7 months. The 3-year OS of patients who achieved second complete remission (CR2) and those who did not were 12.6% and 0%, respectively (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: The relapsed AML rate was 31% and the survival outcome was poor with a 3-year OS of 3.5%. The adverse prognostic factors were early relapse, failure to achieve CR2 and those who did not receive chemotherapy after relapse.

The way forward to achieve high COVID-19 vaccination and revaccination coverage in a city amid a period of tranquility.

Background: Amid the current COVID-19 pandemic, there is an urgent need for both vaccination and revaccination ("boosting"). This study aims to identify factors associated with the intention to receive a booster dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine among individuals vaccinated with two doses and characterize their profiles in Hong Kong, a city with a low COVID-19 incidence in the initial epidemic waves. Among the unvaccinated, vaccination intention is also explored and their profiles are investigated. Methods: From December 2021 - January 2022, an online survey was employed to recruit 856 Hong Kong residents aged 18 years or over from an established population-based cohort. Latent class analysis and multivariate logistic regression modeling approaches were used to characterize boosting intentions. Results: Of 638 (74.5%) vaccinated among 856 eligible subjects, 42.2% intended to receive the booster dose. Four distinct profiles emerged with believers having the highest intention, followed by apathetics, fence-sitters and skeptics. Believers were older and more likely to have been vaccinated against influenza. Older age, smoking, experiencing no adverse effects from a previous COVID-19 vaccination, greater confidence in vaccines and collective responsibility, and fewer barriers in accessing vaccination services were associated with higher intentions to receive the booster dose. Of 218 unvaccinated, most were fence-sitters followed by apathetics, skeptics, and believers. Conclusion: This study foretells the booster intended uptake lagging initial vaccination across different age groups and can help refine the current or future booster vaccination campaign. Given the fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose may be offered to all adults, strategies for improving boosting uptake include policies targeting young adults, individuals who experienced adverse effects from previous doses, fence-sitters, apathetics, and the general public with low trust in the health authorities.

Relapsed Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Experience from a Single Tertiary Center in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: The outcomes of relapsed childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in developed countries have improved over time as a result of risk-adapted, minimal residual disease-directed therapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and immunotherapy. There are few studies that have examined survival in relapsed childhood ALL in resource-limited countries. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prognostic factors and survival outcome of relapsed childhood ALL in a major tertiary center in Southern Thailand. METHODS: The medical records of patients with ALL aged <15 years between January 2000 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to depict the overall survival (OS). RESULTS: A total of 472 patients with ALL were enrolled and relapsed ALL was found in 155 (32.8%) patients. Of these, 131 (84.5%) and 24 (15.5%) had B-cell and T-cell phenotypes, respectively. One hundred thirteen (72.9%) and 42 (27.1%) patients had early and late relapses, respectively. The most common site of relapse was bone marrow in 102 patients (65.8%). One hundred twenty-eight (82.6%) patients received treatment while 27 (17.4%) patients refused treatment. The 5-year OS of all relapsed patients was 11.9%. The 5-year OS among the patients with early relapse was significantly lower than in the patients with late relapse (5.3% vs. 29.1%, respectively, p <0.0001). Site and immunophenotype were not associated with survival of relapsed ALL. The median survival times among the patients who received and refused relapse chemotherapy were 11.8 and 3.1 months, respectively (p <0.0001). CONCLUSION: The relapse rate accounted for one third of patients with ALL with the 5-year OS of 12%. Early relapse and those who refused treatment were associated with poor survival outcome.

The Association between mHealth App Use and Healthcare Satisfaction among Clients at Outpatient Clinics: A Cross-Sectional Study in Inner Mongolia, China.

Mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) have been developed in hospital settings to allocate and manage medical care services, which is one of the national strategies to improve health care in China. Little is known about the comprehensive effects of hospital-based mHealth app use on client satisfaction. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the full range of mHealth app use and satisfaction domains among clients attending outpatient clinics. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to February 2021 in twelve tertiary hospitals in Inner Mongolia. After the construction of the mHealth app use, structural equation modeling was used for data analysis. Of 1889 participants, the standardized coefficients ß on environment/convenience, health information, and medical service fees were 0.11 (p < 0.001), 0.06 (p = 0.039), and 0.08 (p = 0.004), respectively. However, app use was not significantly associated with satisfaction of doctor−patient communication (ß = 0.05, p = 0.069), short-term outcomes (ß = 0.05, p = 0.054), and general satisfaction (ß = 0.02, p = 0.429). Clients of the study hospitals were satisfied with the services, but their satisfaction was not much associated with mHealth use. The limitation of the mHealth system should be improved to enhance communication and engagement among clients, doctors, and healthcare givers, as well as to pay more attention to health outcomes and satisfaction of clients.

Musculoskeletal involvement in childhood leukemia: Characteristics and survival outcomes.

BACKGROUND : Childhood leukemia with musculoskeletal (MSK) involvement mimics various conditions, which consequently leads to diagnostic delays. The clinical implication of MSK involvement in this disease on survival outcomes is inconclusive. This study aimed to compare characteristics and survival outcomes between MSK and non-MSK involvement in childhood leukemia. METHODS: The medical records of children newly diagnosed with acute leukemia of an age under 15 years were retrospectively reviewed. Two-to-one nearest-neighbor propensity score-matching was performed to obtain matched groups with and without MSK involvement. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were then used to assess the effect of MSK involvement on survival outcomes. RESULTS: Of 1042 childhood leukemia cases, 81 (7.8%) children had MSK involvement at initial presentation. MSK involvement was more likely in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia than acute myeloid leukemia (p < 0.05). Hematologic abnormalities were less frequent in the MSK involvement group (p < 0.05). The absence of peripheral blast cells was significantly higher in the MSK involvement group (17.3% vs 9.6%, p = 0.04). Normal complete blood counts with absence of peripheral blast cells were found 2.5% of the children with MSK involvement. By propensity score-matching for comparable risk groups of children with and without MSK involvement, the 5-year overall survival was not significantly different (48.2% vs 57.4%, respectively, p = 0.22), nor was event-free survival (43.3% vs 51.8%, respectively, p = 0.31). CONCLUSION: Childhood leukemia with MSK involvement had the characteristics of minimal or absent hematologic abnormalities and peripheral blast counts.

The Sociodemographic Digital Divide in Mobile Health App Use Among Clients at Outpatient Departments in Inner Mongolia, China: Cross-sectional Survey Study.

BACKGROUND: Mobile health (mHealth) apps have become part of the infrastructure for access to health care in hospitals, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known about the effects of sociodemographic characteristics on the digital divide regarding the use of hospital-based mHealth apps and their benefits to patients and caregivers. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to document the cascade of potential influences from digital access to digital use and then to mHealth use, as well as the potential influence of sociodemographic variables on elements of the cascade. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to February 2021 among adult clients at outpatient departments in 12 tertiary hospitals of Inner Mongolia, China. Structural equation modeling was conducted after the construct comprising digital access, digital use, and mHealth use was validated. RESULTS: Of 2115 participants, the ß coefficients (95% CI) of potential influence of digital access on digital use, and potential influence of digital use on mHealth use, were 0.28 (95% CI 0.22-0.34) and 0.51 (95% CI 0.38-0.64), respectively. Older adults were disadvantaged with regard to mHealth access and use (ß=-0.38 and ß=-0.41), as were less educated subgroups (ß=-0.24 and ß=-0.27), and these two factors had nonsignificant direct effects on mHealth use. CONCLUSIONS: To overcome the mHealth use divide, it is important to improve digital access and digital use among older adults and less educated groups.

Acute kidney injury and childhood acute myeloid leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) appears to be particularly common in children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), although the epidemiology data on this patient population is sparse. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with AKI in childhood AML during chemotherapy treatment. METHODS: The medical records of 112 children aged under 15 years diagnosed with AML who received chemotherapy in a major tertiary-care referral center in southern Thailand were reviewed. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with AKI. RESULTS: Fifty-six (50%) children had AKI events. The median time from AML diagnosis to the first AKI was 29.5 days (interquartile range: 11.0-92.8) and the median follow-up time was 10.9 months (interquartile range: 3.6-31.1). Age at diagnosis ≥ 10 years (OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.09-6.93), glomerular filtration rate < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 at AML diagnosis (OR 7.58, 95% CI 1.89-30.5), and septic shock (OR 22.0, 95% CI 4.63-104.3) were independently associated with AKI. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood AML has a high rate of kidney injury with 50% having AKI. Age ≥ 10 years at diagnosis, impaired kidney function before treatment, and septic shock were strongly associated with AKI. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

Estimation of the Proportion of Potential Nondisclosed Men Who Have Sex With Men Among Self-Reported Heterosexual Men With HIV Using a Randomized Response Technique.

BACKGROUND: Because of HIV-related stigma and gender minority stigma, the number of men who have sex with men (MSM) among registered HIV/AIDS cases may be underreported in Guangxi, China. In addition to the sensitivity of direct inquiry of sexual identity and behavior, our study aims to determine the proportion of potential nondisclosed MSM (pnMSM) among self-reported heterosexual men with HIV. METHOD: The study subjects were self-reported heterosexual men with HIV who were diagnosed in recent 20 years in Guangxi, China. A randomized response technique was executed by randomly putting them to secretly answer either whether their birthday was odd or even day, or whether they experienced anal sex in the last 3 years. Personal characteristics were linked with randomized response technique answers for subgroup analysis. RESULTS: The proportion of pnMSM ever having anal sex was estimated to be 14.3% in Guangxi, China. Being younger, having a college or above education level, single, employed, of Han ethnicity, diagnosed with HIV in the past 6 years, and not on antiretroviral therapy were associated with giving positive answer. CONCLUSIONS: The reported number of MSM cases with HIV in the past may have been underestimated in Guangxi, China. Information about preexposure and postexposure prophylaxis should be provided to this stigmatized subgroup-pnMSM, especially those who are younger and with a higher socioeconomic status among self-reported heterosexual men with HIV.