Results From the Big Ten COVID-19 Cardiac Registry: Impact of SARS-COV-2 on Myocardial Involvement.

OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 has been associated with myocardial involvement in collegiate athletes. The first report from the Big Ten COVID-19 Cardiac Registry (Registry) was an ecological study that reported myocarditis in 37 of 1597 athletes (2.3%) based on local clinical diagnosis. Our objective was to assess the relationship between athlete and clinical characteristics and myocardial involvement. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: We analyzed data from 1218 COVID-19 positive Big Ten collegiate athletes who provided informed consent to participate in the Registry. PARTICIPANTS: 1218 athletes with a COVID-19-positive PCR test before June 1, 2021. ASSESSMENT OF INDEPENDENT VARIABLES: Demographic and clinical characteristics of athletes were obtained from the medical record. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Myocardial involvement was diagnosed based on local clinical, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), electrocardiography, troponin assay, and echocardiography. We assessed the association of clinical factors with myocardial involvement using logistic regression and estimated the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: 25 of 1218 (2.0%) athletes met criteria for myocardial involvement. The logistic regression model used to predict myocardial involvement contained indicator variables for chest pain, new exercise intolerance, abnormal echocardiogram (echo), and abnormal troponin. The area under the ROC curve for these indicators was 0.714. The presence of any of these 4 factors in a collegiate athlete who tested positive for COVID-19 would capture 55.6% of cases. Among noncases without missing data, 86.9% would not be flagged for possible myocardial involvement. CONCLUSION: Myocardial involvement was infrequent. We predicted case status with good specificity but deficient sensitivity. A diagnostic approach for myocardial involvement based exclusively on symptoms would be less sensitive than one based on symptoms, echo, and troponin level evaluations. Abnormality of any of these evaluations would be an indication for CMR.

Nutritional Supplement Use and Athletic Characteristics among a Sample of NCAA Division I and Division III Student-Athletes.

Due to documented adverse events, understanding the prevalence of nutritional supplements commonly used by athletes is essential. This cross-sectional study used data from a web-based survey conducted in February-March 2022. Participants were Division I (DI) and Division III (DIII) student-athletes of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Chi-square tests were conducted to identify the differences in the prevalence of demographic and athletic characteristics between the divisions. Multivariable odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using logistic regression adjusting for potential confounders to determine the predictors of supplement usage. A total of 247 NCAA student-athletes (72.5% Division I, 27.5% Division III) completed the survey, yielding a 24.5% response rate. There were no significant differences between nutritional supplementation and NCAA divisions. Instead, all student-athletes used supplements regardless of division. There were significant differences in race, ethnicity, sports dietitian access, name, image, and likeness (NIL), advisement to consume NS, and knowledge of NS between the divisions (all P-values < 0.01). Unadjusted regression models showed that being in an upper-level academic standing was associated with higher odds of using sports food and ergogenic supplements than student-athletes with a lower-level academic standing. However, multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that none of the demographic and athletic characteristics significantly affected supplement usage. Allocating resources for access to sports dietitians and supplement education for all divisions may benefit student-athletes knowledge and safety.

Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Adults: Rapid Evidence Review.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common condition with a hospitalization rate of about 2% in people 65 years or older and is associated with a 30-day mortality rate of 6% in hospitalized patients. In studies conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic, a bacterial pathogen was identified in 11% of patients, a viral pathogen in 23% of patients, and no organism in 62% of patients. Certain signs and symptoms can be helpful in diagnosing CAP and selecting imaging studies. Diagnosis is usually made with a combination of history, physical examination, and findings on chest radiography, lung ultrasonography, or computed tomography. Procalcitonin measurement is not recommended. CRB-65 (confusion, respiratory rate, blood pressure, 65 years of age) is a well-validated risk stratification tool in the primary care setting and does not require laboratory testing. For outpatients without comorbidities, treatment with amoxicillin, doxycycline, or a macrolide is recommended (the latter only in areas where pneumococcal resistance to macrolides is less than 25%). In outpatients with comorbidities and inpatients with nonsevere pneumonia, a combination of a beta-lactam or third-generation cephalosporin plus a macrolide, or monotherapy with a respiratory fluoroquinolone is recommended. Patients should be treated for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas infection only if they present with risk factors for those pathogens. All adults 65 years or older or those 19 to 64 with underlying conditions should receive the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine alone or the 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine followed by 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine one year later. The 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is no longer recommended for routine administration. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination against influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses for all adults.

Post-COVID-19 Cardiovascular Evaluation in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Athletes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the necessity of cardiac testing after a COVID-19 diagnosis as it relates to myocarditis in collegiate athletes. DESIGN: Cross-sectional retrospective case series. SETTING: National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I University. PATIENTS: One hundred sixty-five collegiate athletes diagnosed with COVID-19 by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction or immunoglobulin G antibody between August and December 2020 without exclusion. INTERVENTIONS: All participants underwent cardiac workup consisting of serum troponin, electrocardiogram, transthoracic echocardiogram, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). All results were reviewed by team physicians and sports cardiologists. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of myocarditis and abnormality on cardiac testing after COVID-19 infection at a single institution. RESULTS: One (0.61% [95% CI, 0.02%-3.3%] asymptomatic athlete had CMR findings of an age-indeterminate myocardial injury with further cardiac testing being otherwise normal. No athlete had CMR abnormalities consistent with acute myocarditis by the modified Lake Louise Criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Occurrence of myocarditis was lower in this population compared with other studies. No student athlete was permanently disqualified from participation because of testing. A stratified, risk-based testing strategy with CMR may be more appropriate than a universal screening strategy.

Comparison of Concurrent and Same-Day Balance Measurement Approaches in a Large Sample of Uninjured Collegiate Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Measures of postural stability are useful in assisting the diagnosing and managing of athlete concussion. Error counting using the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) is the clinical standard, but has notable limitations. New technologies offer the potential to increase precision and optimize testing protocols; however, whether these devices enhance clinical assessment remains unclear. PURPOSE: To examine the relationships between metrics of balance performance using different measurement systems in uninjured, healthy collegiate athletes. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: Five hundred and thirty uninjured collegiate athletes were tested using the C3Logix app, which computes ellipsoid volume as a measure of postural stability during the six standard BESS conditions, while concurrently, errors were manually counted during each condition per standard BESS protocols. The association between concurrently measured ellipsoid volumes and error counts were examined with Spearman's correlations. From this sample, 177 participants also performed two double-leg conditions on the Biodex BioSway force plate system on the same day. This system computes Sway Index as a measure of postural stability. The association of ellipsoid volume (C3Logix) and Sway Index (Biodex) was examined with Spearman's correlations. Individual-level data were plotted to visually depict the relationships. RESULTS: C3Logix ellipsoid volume and concurrently recorded error counts were significantly correlated in five of the six BESS conditions (rs:.22-.62; p< 0.0001). C3Logix ellipsoid volume and Biodex Sway Index were significantly correlated in both conditions (rs=.22-.27, p< 0.004). However, substantial variability was shown in postural stability across all three measurement approaches. CONCLUSION: Modest correlation coefficients between simultaneous and same-day balance assessments in uninjured collegiate athletes suggest a need to further optimize clinical protocols for concussion diagnosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.

Prevalence of Clinical and Subclinical Myocarditis in Competitive Athletes With Recent SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Results From the Big Ten COVID-19 Cardiac Registry.

Importance: Myocarditis is a leading cause of sudden death in competitive athletes. Myocardial inflammation is known to occur with SARS-CoV-2. Different screening approaches for detection of myocarditis have been reported. The Big Ten Conference requires comprehensive cardiac testing including cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging for all athletes with COVID-19, allowing comparison of screening approaches. Objective: To determine the prevalence of myocarditis in athletes with COVID-19 and compare screening strategies for safe return to play. Design, Setting, and Participants: Big Ten COVID-19 Cardiac Registry principal investigators were surveyed for aggregate observational data from March 1, 2020, through December 15, 2020, on athletes with COVID-19. For athletes with myocarditis, presence of cardiac symptoms and details of cardiac testing were recorded. Myocarditis was categorized as clinical or subclinical based on the presence of cardiac symptoms and CMR findings. Subclinical myocarditis classified as probable or possible myocarditis based on other testing abnormalities. Myocarditis prevalence across universities was determined. The utility of different screening strategies was evaluated. Exposures: SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction testing. Main Outcome and Measure: Myocarditis via cardiovascular diagnostic testing. Results: Representing 13 universities, cardiovascular testing was performed in 1597 athletes (964 men [60.4%]). Thirty-seven (including 27 men) were diagnosed with COVID-19 myocarditis (overall 2.3%; range per program, 0%-7.6%); 9 had clinical myocarditis and 28 had subclinical myocarditis. If cardiac testing was based on cardiac symptoms alone, only 5 athletes would have been detected (detected prevalence, 0.31%). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for all athletes yielded a 7.4-fold increase in detection of myocarditis (clinical and subclinical). Follow-up CMR imaging performed in 27 (73.0%) demonstrated resolution of T2 elevation in all (100%) and late gadolinium enhancement in 11 (40.7%). Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study of 1597 US competitive athletes with CMR screening after COVID-19 infection, 37 athletes (2.3%) were diagnosed with clinical and subclinical myocarditis. Variability was observed in prevalence across universities, and testing protocols were closely tied to the detection of myocarditis. Variable ascertainment and unknown implications of CMR findings underscore the need for standardized timing and interpretation of cardiac testing. These unique CMR imaging data provide a more complete understanding of the prevalence of clinical and subclinical myocarditis in college athletes after COVID-19 infection. The role of CMR in routine screening for athletes safe return to play should be explored further.

Individual Baseline Balance Assessments in a Large Sample of Incoming NCAA Division I Athletes Using a Force Plate System.

BACKGROUND: Individualized baseline testing is resource and time intensive. The use of normative data to approximate changes after a suspected concussion is thus an appealing alternative. Yet, few peer-reviewed, large-sample studies are available from which to develop accurate normative averages of balance using force-plate technology. PURPOSE: This study sought to validate a normative dataset from the force-plate manufacturer and examine the magnitude and nature of sample variability. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: Baseline balance and self-reported sex, sport, and concussion history were assessed in 533 prospective collegiate athletes (45% female) during pre-participation physical examinations. Balance was measured using four stances from the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance and quantified as Sway Index Scores with the Biodex Biosway Portable Balance System. Group averages are contrasted to data from the force-plate manufacturer. Individual variability around these averages was visualized and analyzed by sex and sport. RESULTS: Male student athletes showed significantly more sway in the eyes open, soft stance condition than female athletes. These differences were maintained when concussion history was included as a covariate. Athletes, particularly male athletes, in the high versus low contact sport group showed significantly more sway in the eyes open, soft surface and the eyes closed, hard and soft surface stances. CONCLUSION: There was substantial individual variability that was partially explained by sex differences and sport differences. The development of normative averages for sway may benefit from consideration of sex and sport. Further studies should characterize other factors that influence baseline balance in collegiate athletes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.

Bigger Necks Are Not Enough: An Examination of Neck Circumference in Incoming College Athletes.

Neck circumference is quick and simple to measure and thus an attractive proxy of neck strength, a putative mechanism underlying risk of sport-related concussion (SRC). Research, however, is limited on the relationship of neck circumference to SRC. Our study examined differences in neck circumference based on sex, concussion history, concussions experienced subsequent to college entry, and participation in sports with high versus low risk for contact. Neck circumference was measured in incoming NCAA Division I athletes (N = 324) from a large northeastern university during athlete pre-participation physicals. Sex, sport team, and self-reported concussion history were obtained from retrospective pre-participation questionnaires and medical chart review. Concussion diagnoses during college were collected subsequent to neck measurements from medical chart review. Proportional neck circumference (normalized by body mass index) was computed. Each sport was categorized as involving high or low risk of contact (as a proxy of risk for injury). Sex differences in neck circumference and proportional neck circumference were assessed. Differences in neck circumference and proportional neck circumference were also characterized by contact risk and SRC history (with biological sex included as a covariate). Differences in neck circumference and proportional neck circumference were explored among those who did versus did not experience subsequent SRC diagnosis. Males had significantly larger neck circumference and proportional neck circumference than females. Neck circumference and proportional neck circumference were not related to SRC history or subsequent SRC. Neck circumference is a quick and simple measure; however, even when considered in proportion to body mass, it was unrelated to SRC. Future studies are needed to assess whether this is due to a lack of relationship between the neck and injury or limitations in circumference as a proxy measure of cervical spine characteristics and biomechanics.

Epistaxis: Outpatient Management.

Epistaxis is a common emergency encountered by primary care physicians. Up to 60% of the general population experience epistaxis, and 6% seek medical attention for it. More than 90% of cases arise from the anterior nasal circulation, and most treatments can be easily performed in the outpatient setting. Evaluation of a patient presenting with epistaxis should begin with assessment of vital signs, mental status, and airway patency. When examining the nose, a nasal speculum and a good light source, such as a headlamp, can be useful. Compressive therapy is the first step to controlling anterior epistaxis. Oxymetazoline nasal spray or application of cotton soaked in oxymetazoline or epinephrine 1: 1,000 may be useful adjuncts to compressive therapy. Directive nasal cautery, most commonly using silver nitrate, can be used to control localized continued bleeding or prominent vessels that are the suspected bleeding source. Finally, topical therapy and nasal packing can be used if other methods are unsuccessful. Compared with anterior epistaxis, posterior epistaxis is more likely to require hospitalization and twice as likely to need nasal packing. Posterior nasal packing is often associated with pain and a risk of aspiration if it is dislodged. After stabilization, patients with posterior packing often require referral to otolaryngology or the emergency department for definitive treatments.

Common questions about infectious mononucleosis.

Epstein-Barr is a ubiquitous virus that infects 95% of the world population at some point in life. Although Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections are often asymptomatic, some patients present with the clinical syndrome of infectious mononucleosis (IM). The syndrome most commonly occurs between 15 and 24 years of age. It should be suspected in patients presenting with sore throat, fever, tonsillar enlargement, fatigue, lymphadenopathy, pharyngeal inflammation, and palatal petechiae. A heterophile antibody test is the best initial test for diagnosis of EBV infection, with 71% to 90% accuracy for diagnosing IM. However, the test has a 25% false-negative rate in the first week of illness. IM is unlikely if the lymphocyte count is less than 4,000 mm3. The presence of EBV-specific immunoglobulin M antibodies confirms infection, but the test is more costly and results take longer than the heterophile antibody test. Symptomatic relief is the mainstay of treatment. Glucocorticoids and antivirals do not reduce the length or severity of illness. Splenic rupture is an uncommon complication of IM. Because physical activity within the first three weeks of illness may increase the risk of splenic rupture, athletic participation is not recommended during this time. Children are at the highest risk of airway obstruction, which is the most common cause of hospitalization from IM. Patients with immunosuppression are more likely to have fulminant EBV infection.

Septic arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint.

Septic arthritis is a medical emergency that requires immediate action to prevent significant morbidity and mortality. The sternoclavicular joint may have a more insidious onset than septic arthritis at other sites. A high index of suspicion and judicious use of laboratory and radiologic evaluation can help solidify this diagnosis. The sternoclavicular joint is likely to become infected in the immunocompromised patient or the patient who uses intravenous drugs, but sternoclavicular joint arthritis in the former is uncommon. This case series describes the course of 2 immunocompetent patients who were treated conservatively for septic arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint.

Successful retrieval of an intrauterine device with "missing strings" using a manual vacuum aspirator in a desired early pregnancy: case report.

Intrauterine pregnancy in the presence of an intrauterine device (IUD) is a rare event. If the pregnancy is desired, IUD removal must be negotiated so that the risk of pregnancy disruption is minimized. Cases in which the IUD strings are "missing" present further challenges. We report successful removal of a copper T380A IUD with missing strings using a hand-held manual vacuum aspirator in the setting of a desired pregnancy. Under real-time abdominal ultrasound guidance, the IUD was removed from the lower cervical canal using a 6-mm cannula attached to a manual vacuum aspirator. Fetal cardiac activity was undisturbed throughout the procedure. The patient subsequently delivered a healthy full-term infant via spontaneous vaginal delivery. Manual vacuum aspiration, a simple office-based procedure, may be a useful approach to removal of an IUD with missing strings.

Give your sports physicals a performance boost.

Cover the 12 components of the preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE) recommended by the American Heart Association to screen young athletes for potentially life-threatening cardiovascular disease. Perform a genitourinary exam as part of the PPE for young men; assess young women for the criteria associated with the female athlete triad. Perform auscultation while the patient is squatting and while doing the Valsalva maneuver to determine whether any murmurs you detected on examination are associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.