scholarly journals Evaluation of Procalcitonin Use in Patients Discharged from the Emergency Department with Acute Respiratory Infection

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (S1) ◽  
pp. s33-s34
Author(s):  
Garrett Fontaine ◽  
David Banach ◽  
Jeffrey Aeschlimann
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Antibiotic Prescription ◽  
Severity Of Illness ◽  
Severe Infection ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Antibiotic Consumption ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Patients At Risk

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) contribute significantly to inappropriate antimicrobial prescription. The rate of such prescriptions in US emergency departments (EDs) has remained stable over time. The use of procalcitonin (PCT) testing has been shown to lower risk of mortality and to reduce antibiotic consumption. It also has the potential to aid ED physicians in stratifying ARI patients who may require antibiotics but do not require hospital admission. In this study, we described the characteristics and proportion of antibiotic prescription in patients evaluated in and discharged from the ED with ARI. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with ARI and discharged from a single academic ED between January 2018 and January 2020. We compared those for whom a PCT test was ordered to those without a PCT test ordered at ARI diagnosis. Charts were reviewed until there were 110 subjects in each of the 2 study groups. The main outcome variable was receipt of an antibiotic prescription. The χ2 test was used to compare the proportion of patients who received an antibiotic prescription, demographics, and clinical characteristics between the 2 groups. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the distribution of ages between the 2 groups. Results: Among patients in the PCT group, 87 (79.0%) received antibiotics versus 69 (62.7%) in the non-PCT group (P ± 18.8 vs 52.7 years ± 17.6; P = .0002); more likely to have preexisting heart and lung disease (28.2% vs 15.5%; P = .02); more often male (58.2% vs 40%; p < 0.01); had more subjective fevers (47.3% vs 33.6%, p=0.04), sputum production (49.1% vs 28.2%, p < 0.01), and nausea (17.3% vs 8.2%, p=0.04). PCT results were low (≤0.25) in 82.7% (91) of patients, of whom 70.3% (64) received antibiotics. Conclusions: Patients for whom PCT testing was ordered were older, had more underlying conditions and increased severity of illness. This finding may reflect that PCT testing was more likely to be ordered in patients at risk of severe infection but not requiring admission. The proportion of antibiotics prescriptions was higher for patients who had a PCT test. For patients with a low PCT result, the proportion of patients prescribed antibiotics was high. This finding may suggest that clinical characteristics were more influential than PCT result in the decision to prescribe antibiotics. More research is needed on the role of PCT testing in antibiotic prescription decisions for patients presenting to the ED with ARI.Funding: NoDisclosures: None

scholarly journals Clinical features and outcomes of COVID-19 in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunny Singhal ◽  
Pramod Kumar ◽  
Sumitabh Singh ◽  
Srishti Saha ◽  
Aparajit Ballav Dey
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Clinical Features ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Severe Infection ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Pooled Prevalence

Abstract Background Few studies have focused on exploring the clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 in older patients. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to have a better understanding of the clinical characteristics of older COVID-19 patients. Methods A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus was performed from December 2019 to May 3rd, 2020. Observational studies including older adults (age ≥ 60 years) with COVID-19 infection and reporting clinical characteristics or outcome were included. Primary outcome was assessing weighted pooled prevalence (WPP) of severity and outcomes. Secondary outcomes were clinical features including comorbidities and need of respiratory support. Result Forty-six studies with 13,624 older patients were included. Severe infection was seen in 51% (95% CI– 36-65%, I2–95%) patients while 22% (95% CI– 16-28%, I2–88%) were critically ill. Overall, 11% (95% CI– 5-21%, I2–98%) patients died. The common comorbidities were hypertension (48, 95% CI– 36-60% I2–92%), diabetes mellitus (22, 95% CI– 13-32%, I2–86%) and cardiovascular disease (19, 95% CI – 11-28%, I2–85%). Common symptoms were fever (83, 95% CI– 66-97%, I2–91%), cough (60, 95% CI– 50-70%, I2–71%) and dyspnoea (42, 95% CI– 19-67%, I2–94%). Overall, 84% (95% CI– 60-100%, I2–81%) required oxygen support and 21% (95% CI– 0-49%, I2–91%) required mechanical ventilation. Majority of studies had medium to high risk of bias and overall quality of evidence was low for all outcomes. Conclusion Approximately half of older patients with COVID-19 have severe infection, one in five are critically ill and one in ten die. More high-quality evidence is needed to study outcomes in this vulnerable patient population and factors affecting these outcomes.

scholarly journals Comparing Patient Characteristics, Clinical Outcomes, and Biomarkers of Severe Asthma Patients in Taiwan

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 764
Author(s):  
Shih-Lung Cheng ◽  
Kuo-Chin Chiu ◽  
Hsin-Kuo Ko ◽  
Diahn-Warng Perng ◽  
Hao-Chien Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Asthma ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Emergency Department Visits ◽  
Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Asthma Patients ◽  
Patients At Risk

Purpose: To understand the association between biomarkers and exacerbations of severe asthma in adult patients in Taiwan. Materials and Methods: Demographic, clinical characteristics and biomarkers were retrospectively collected from the medical charts of severe asthma patients in six hospitals in Taiwan. Exacerbations were defined as those requiring asthma-specific emergency department visits/hospitalizations, or systemic steroids. Enrolled patients were divided into: (1) those with no exacerbations (non-exacerbators) and (2) those with one or more exacerbations (exacerbators). Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the optimal cut-off value for biomarkers. Generalized linear models evaluated the association between exacerbation and biomarkers. Results: 132 patients were enrolled in the study with 80 non-exacerbators and 52 exacerbators. There was no significant difference in demographic and clinical characteristics between the two groups. Exacerbators had significantly higher eosinophils (EOS) counts (367.8 ± 357.18 vs. 210.05 ± 175.24, p = 0.0043) compared to non-exacerbators. The optimal cut-off values were 292 for EOS counts and 19 for the Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) measure. Patients with an EOS count ≥ 300 (RR = 1.88; 95% CI, 1.26–2.81; p = 0.002) or FeNO measure ≥ 20 (RR = 2.10; 95% CI, 1.05–4.18; p = 0.0356) had a significantly higher risk of exacerbation. Moreover, patients with both an EOS count ≥ 300 and FeNO measure ≥ 20 had a significantly higher risk of exacerbation than those with lower EOS count or lower FeNO measure (RR = 2.16; 95% CI, 1.47–3.18; p = < 0.0001). Conclusions: Higher EOS counts and FeNO measures were associated with increased risk of exacerbation. These biomarkers may help physicians identify patients at risk of exacerbations and personalize treatment for asthma patients.

scholarly journals 369. Clinical Characteristics of the First 177 Patients Admitted with COVID-19 at a Bronx Community Hospital

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S254-S254
Author(s):  
Victoria Bengualid ◽  
Maria Martinez ◽  
Zhenisa Hysenaj ◽  
Debra M Willner ◽  
Judith Berger
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Saturation ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Altered Mental Status ◽  
Channel Blockers ◽  
First Case ◽  
Overall Mortality

Abstract Background The first case of COVID-19 was admitted on March 15th 2020 to our community based hospital in the Bronx, NY. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics and outcome of these first COVID-19 patients. Patient Characteristics and Outcome Methods IRB approved retrospective chart review study of all COVID-19 patients admitted during March 2020 focusing on patient characteristics, co-morbidities, clinical manifestations and outcome. Results A total of 177 patients were admitted during March 2020: 57% African American 23.1% Hispanic and 16.9% White. 44.9% female, average age 60 years, and 90% had at least one comorbidity. Outcome was available on all patients except for one who was transferred to another institution for ECMO. Overall mortality was 33%. Clinical presentation: 69.4% presented with cough or shortness of breath, 15.8% with diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain, and 14.6% with myalgia, dizziness or altered mental status. 6.2% presented only with fever. However 59.8% of patients presented with fever and respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms. Mortality The table compares patients who died vs discharged (either home or to a short term facility). Those that were 65 years or older, hypertensive or presented to the ER with an oxygen saturation of 94% or lower, were more likely to die. Ventilated patients: 31.6% of patients were intubated with a mortality rate of 77%. 22% of these patients were intubated in the first 24 hours. Compared to non-intubated patients, there was no difference in BMI, diabetes, hypertension, COPD/Asthma, use of statins, aspirin or calcium channel blockers. Intubated patients older than 64 years had significantly higher mortality rates (p=0.0001). Conclusion This cohort of COVID-19 patients is unique as almost all received Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin. Only 9% received steroids and even fewer received an interleukin-6 inhibitor, convalescent plasma or Remdesivir. African Americans and Hispanics accounted for 80% of patients. Greater than 90% received Medicaid. Overall mortality was 33%. The most common presentation was respiratory followed by gastrointestinal symptoms. The overall mortality was 33% but increased to 77% in intubated patients. Age, hypertension, and ER oxygen saturation correlated with mortality. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Implementing a Protocol to Reduce Opioid Prescriptions in Military Otolaryngology: A Quality Improvement Initiative

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
CindyLee P Neighbors ◽  
Michael W Noller ◽  
Michael P Avillion ◽  
John W Neighbors ◽  
Mark C Spaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Quality Improvement Initiative ◽  
New Order ◽  
Opioid Prescription ◽  
Medication Refill ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Patient Pain ◽  
Prescription Rates ◽  
Order Set

ABSTRACT Introduction To compare pain medication refill rates for adult septoplasty and rhinoplasty patients before and after initiating a multimodal analgesic protocol for reducing opioid prescriptions (PROP). Materials and Methods Data from 58 adult patients were retrieved by retrospective chart review (19 septoplasties and 10 rhinoplasties before initiating PROP in September 2018 and 21 septoplasties and 8 rhinoplasties after PROP). We selected consecutive septoplasties and rhinoplasties, at which time a new discharge order set was implemented. The new order set consisted of 10 oxycodone tabs (5 mg), 100 acetaminophen tabs (325 mg), and 28 celecoxib tabs (200 mg). The primary outcome variable was the number of initial opioid prescriptions and refills filled by any provider. Results Among the septoplasties, there was a 46% decrease in total morphine milligram equivalent (MME) prescribed, from a mean of 202.0 mg in the non-PROP group (95% CI, 235.4, 174.6) to 108.6 mg in the PROP group (95% CI, 135.8, 81.4), with no difference in refill rates. Among the rhinoplasties, there was a 51% decrease in total MME prescribed, from a mean of 258.8 mg in the non-PROP group (95% CI, 333.4, 184.1) to 126.6 mg in the PROP group (95% CI, 168.1, 85.0) with no difference in refill rates. Conclusions The outcomes after PROP implementation for septoplasty and rhinoplasty at our institution suggest that opioid prescription rates can be significantly decreased to manage postoperative pain, with no difference in opioid refill rates. The results also warrant further investigation into patient pain, satisfaction, provider efficiency, and healthcare costs.

scholarly journals Tackling antimicrobial resistance in the community

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Tonkie-Crine ◽  
L Abel ◽  
O Van Hecke ◽  
K Wang ◽  
C Butler
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Resistance ◽  
Community Care ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Antibiotic Prescription ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Acute Respiratory Infections ◽  
Community Settings ◽  
The Public ◽  
Need Support

Abstract Antibiotic prescription is a major driver of antibiotic resistance. The majority of antibiotic prescribing occurs in community care settings, often for respiratory infections. A substantial proportion of prescriptions are issued not according to guidelines, particularly for acute respiratory infections which can be self-limiting. Prescribers in these settings need support to prescribe antibiotics more prudently. Patients and the public also need support to manage infections which are self-limiting. This presentation presents a summary of how antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) activities are being used in community settings. Firstly, types of community-level interventions are discussed, including those aimed at clinicians, patients and the public. Next, we assess interventions based on their effectiveness at reducing antibiotic prescriptions or use and their cost-effectiveness. Finally, we discuss directions for future research and consider how the research to date could influence policy.

scholarly journals Clinical characteristics and course of oral somatic delusions: a retrospective chart review of 606 cases in 5 years

2018 ◽  
Vol Volume 14 ◽  
pp. 2057-2065 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yojiro Umezaki ◽  
Anna Miura ◽  
Yukiko Shinohara ◽  
Lou Mikuzuki ◽  
Shiori Sugawara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review

Abstract 16010: Congestive Heart Failure and Coronavirus Disease 2019 Illness Severity

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Max Ruge ◽  
Joanne Michelle D Gomez ◽  
Gatha G Nair ◽  
Setri Fugar ◽  
Jeanne du Fay de Lavallaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Congestive Heart Failure ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
Severity Of Illness ◽  
Severe Infection ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of ◽  
Male Sex

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has killed hundreds of thousands worldwide. Those with cardiovascular disease represent a vulnerable population with higher risk for contracting COVID-19 and worse prognosis with higher case fatality rates. Congestive heart failure (CHF) may lead to worsening COVID-19 symptoms. However, it is unclear if CHF is an independent risk factor for severe COVID-19 infection or if other accompanying comorbidities are responsible for the increased risk. Methods: From March to June 2020, data was obtained from adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19 infection who were admitted in the Rush University System for Health (RUSH) in Illinois. Heart failure patients, determined by ICD code assignments extracted from the electronic medical records, were identified. Multivariable logistic regression was performed between predictor variables and a composite outcome of severe infection consisting of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, intubation, or in-hospital mortality. Results: In this cohort (n=1136), CHF [odds ratio (OR) 1.02] alone did not predict a more severe illness. Prior myocardial infarction [(MI), OR 3.55], history of atrial fibrillation [(AF), OR 2.14], and male sex (OR 1.55) were all significantly (p<0.001) associated with more severe COVID-19 illness course when controlling for CHF (Figure 1). In the 178 CHF patients, more advanced age (68.8 years vs. 63.8 years; p<0.05) and female sex (54.5% vs. 39.1%; p<0.05) were associated with increased severity of illness. Conclusions: Prior MI, history of AF, and male sex predicted more severe COVID-19 illness course in our cohort, but pre-existing heart failure alone did not. However, CHF patients who are females and older in age are at risk for severe infection. These findings help clinicians identify patients with comorbidities early at risk for severe COVID-19 illness.

scholarly journals The Use of Telehealth Technology in Assessing the Accuracy of Self-Reported Weight and the Impact of a Daily Immediate-Feedback Intervention among Obese Employees

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolaas P. Pronk ◽  
A. Lauren Crain ◽  
Jeffrey J. VanWormer ◽  
Brian C. Martinson ◽  
Jackie L. Boucher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Outcome Variable ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Immediate Feedback ◽  
The Impact

Objective.To determine the accuracy of self-reported body weight prior to and following a weight loss intervention including daily self-weighing among obese employees.Methods.As part of a 6-month randomized controlled trial including a no-treatment control group, an intervention group received a series of coaching calls, daily self-weighing, and interactive telemonitoring. The primary outcome variable was the absolute discrepancy between self-reported and measured body weight at baseline and at 6 months. We used general linear mixed model regression to estimate changes and differences between study groups over time.Results.At baseline, study participants underreported their weight by an average of 2.06 (se=0.33) lbs. The intervention group self-reported a smaller absolute body weight discrepancy at followup than the control group.Conclusions.The discrepancy between self-reported and measured body weight appears to be relatively small, may be improved through daily self-monitoring using immediate-feedback telehealth technology, and negligibly impacts change in body weight.

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