scholarly journals Clinical frailty independently predicts early mortality after ischaemic stroke

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 588-591 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas R Evans ◽  
Jasmine Wall ◽  
Benjaman To ◽  
Stephen J Wallis ◽  
Roman Romero-Ortuno ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Clinical frailty is an important syndrome for clinical care and research, independently predicting mortality and rates of institutionalisation in a range of medical conditions. However, there has been little research into the role of frailty in stroke. Objective This study investigates the effect of frailty on 28-day mortality following ischaemic stroke and outcomes following stroke thrombolysis. Methods Frailty was measured using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) for all ischaemic stroke admissions aged ≥75 years. Stroke severity was measured using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). 28-day mortality and clinical outcomes were collected retrospectively. Analysis included both dichotomised measures of frailty (non-frail: CFS 1–4, frail: 5–8) and CFS as a continuous ordinal scale. Results In 433 individuals with ischaemic stroke, 28-day mortality was higher in frail versus non-frail individuals (39 (16.7%) versus 10 (5%), P < 0.01). On multivariable analysis, a one-point increase in CFS was independently associated with 28-day mortality (OR 1.03 (1.01–1.05)). In 63 thrombolysed individuals, median NIHSS reduced significantly in non-frail individuals (12.5 (interquartile range (IQR) 9.25) to 5 (IQR 10.5), P < 0.01) but not in frail individuals (15 (IQR 11.5) to 16 (IQR 16.5), P = 0.23). On multivariable analysis, a one-point increase in CFS was independently associated with a one-point reduction in post-thrombolysis NIHSS improvement (coefficient 1.07, P = 0.03). Conclusion Clinical frailty is independently associated with 28-day mortality after ischaemic stroke and appears independently associated with attenuated improvement in NIHSS following stroke thrombolysis. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and how frailty may be utilised in clinical decision-making.

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. e26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah J Cohen ◽  
Sara R Keller ◽  
Gillian R Hayes ◽  
David A Dorr ◽  
Joan S Ash ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashwin Subramaniam ◽  
Christopher Anstey ◽  
J Randall Curtis ◽  
Sushma Ashwin ◽  
Mallikarjuna PONNAPA REDDY ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose: Frailty is often used in clinical decision-making for patients with COVID-19, yet studies have found variable influence of frailty on outcomes in those admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). In this individual patient data meta-analysis, we evaluated the characteristics, and outcomes of frail patients admitted to ICU with COVID-19.Methods: We contacted the corresponding authors of sixteen eligible studies published between December 1st 2019 and February 28th 2021 reporting the clinical frailty scale (CFS) in patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted to ICU. Individual patient data was obtained from 7 studies. We classified patients as non-frail (CFS=1-4) or frail (CFS=5-8). The primary outcome was hospital mortality. We also compared the use of mechanical ventilation (MV) and the proportion of ICU bed-days between frailty categories. Results: Of the 2001 patients admitted to ICU, 388 (19.4%) were frail. Increasing age and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, CFS ≥4, use of MV, vasopressors, renal replacement therapy and hyperlactatemia were risk factors for death in a multivariable analysis. Hospital mortality was higher in frail patients (65.2% vs. 41.8%; p<0.001), with adjusted mortality increasing with a rising CFS score beyond 3. Younger and non-frail patients were more likely to receive MV. Frail patients spent less time on MV (median days [IQR] 9 [5-16] vs. 11 [6-18]; p=0.012) and accounted for only 12.3% of total ICU bed-days. Conclusion: Frail patients with COVID-19 were commonly admitted to ICU and had greater hospital mortality but spent relatively fewer days in ICU when compared with non-frail patients. Frail patients receiving MV were at greater risk of death than non-frail patients. Systematic review registration: Registration protocol in PROSPERO (CRD42020224255).


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Géza Kogler ◽  
Christopher Hovorka

This position paper outlines the important role of academia in shaping the orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) profession and preparing for its future. In the United States, most healthcare professions including O&P are under intense pressure to provide cost effective treatments and quantifiable health outcomes. Pivotal changes are needed in the way O&P services are provided to remain competitive. This will require the integration of new technologies and data driven processes that have the potential to streamline workflows, reduce errors and inform new methods of clinical care and device manufacturing. Academia can lead this change, starting with a restructuring in academic program curricula that will enable the next generation of professionals to cope with multiple demands such as the provision of services for an increasing number of patients by a relatively small workforce of certified practitioners delivering these services at a reduced cost, with the expectation of significant, meaningful, and measurable value. Key curricular changes will require replacing traditional labor-intensive and inefficient fabrication methods with the integration of newer technologies (i.e., digital shape capture, digital modeling/rectification and additive manufacturing). Improving manufacturing efficiencies will allow greater curricular emphasis on clinical training and education – an area that has traditionally been underemphasized. Providing more curricular emphasis on holistic patient care approaches that utilize systematic and evidence-based methods in patient assessment, treatment planning, dosage of O&P technology use, and measurement of patient outcomes is imminent. Strengthening O&P professionals’ clinical decision-making skills and decreasing labor-intensive technical fabrication aspects of the curriculum will be critical in moving toward a digital and technology-centric practice model that will enable future practitioners to adapt and survive. Article PDF Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/36673/28349 How To Cite: Kogler GF, Hovorka CF. Academia’s role to drive change in the orthotics and prosthetics profession. Canadian Prosthetics & Orthotics Journal. 2021; Volume 4, Issue 2, No.21. https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v4i2.36673 Corresponding Author: Géza F. KoglerOrthotics and Prosthetics Unit, Kennesaw State University.E-Mail: [email protected] ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0212-5520


2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (11) ◽  
pp. 3507-3522 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena B. Thomaides-Brears ◽  
Rita Lepe ◽  
Rajarshi Banerjee ◽  
Carlos Duncker

Abstract Accurate diagnosis, monitoring and treatment decisions in patients with chronic liver disease currently rely on biopsy as the diagnostic gold standard, and this has constrained early detection and management of diseases that are both varied and can be concurrent. Recent developments in multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) suggest real potential to bridge the diagnostic gap between non-specific blood-based biomarkers and invasive and variable histological diagnosis. This has implications for the clinical care and treatment pathway in a number of chronic liver diseases, such as haemochromatosis, steatohepatitis and autoimmune or viral hepatitis. Here we review the relevant MRI techniques in clinical use and their limitations and describe recent potential applications in various liver diseases. We exemplify case studies that highlight how these techniques can improve clinical practice. These techniques could allow clinicians to increase their arsenals available to utilise on patients and direct appropriate treatments.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (14) ◽  
pp. 3295-3301
Author(s):  
Joaquin Martinez-Lopez ◽  
Sandy W. Wong ◽  
Nina Shah ◽  
Natasha Bahri ◽  
Kaili Zhou ◽  
...  

Abstract Few clinical studies have reported results of measurable residual disease (MRD) assessments performed as part of routine practice. Herein we present our single-institution experience assessing MRD in 234 multiple myeloma (MM) patients (newly diagnosed [NDMM = 159] and relapsed [RRMM = 75]). We describe the impact of depth, duration, and direction of response on prognosis. MRD assessments were performed by next-generation sequencing of immunoglobulin genes with a sensitivity of 10−6. Those achieving MRD negativity at 10−6, as well as 10−5, had superior median progression-free survival (PFS). In the NDMM cohort, 40% of the patients achieved MRD negativity at 10−6 and 59% at 10−5. Median PFS in the NDMM cohort was superior in those achieving MRD at 10−5 vs &lt;10−5 (PFS: 87 months vs 32 months; P &lt; .001). In the RRMM cohort, 36% achieved MRD negativity at 10−6 and 47% at 10−5. Median PFS was superior for the RRMM achieving MRD at 10−5 vs &lt;10−5 (PFS: 42 months vs 17 months; P &lt; .01). Serial MRD monitoring identified 3 categories of NDMM patients: (A) patients with ≥3 MRD 10−6 negative samples, (B) patients with detectable but continuously declining clonal numbers, and (C) patients with stable or increasing clonal number (≥1 log). PFS was superior in groups A and B vs C (median PFS not reached [NR], NR, 55 respectively; P &lt; .001). This retrospective evaluation of MRD used as part of clinical care validates MRD as an important prognostic marker in NDMM and RRMM and supports its use as an endpoint in future clinical trials as well as for clinical decision making.


2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (S1) ◽  
pp. 33-33
Author(s):  
Magdalena Moshi ◽  
Jacqueline Parsons ◽  
Rebecca Tooher ◽  
Tracy Merlin

IntroductionAustralians are adjusting to mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) being used in clinical care. The nature of apps presents unique challenges (e.g. rapid lifecycle) to mHealth regulation. The risks they pose are mainly through the information they provide and how it is used in clinical decision-making. This study explores the international regulation of mHealth apps. It assesses whether the approach used in Australia to regulate apps is consistent with international standards and suitable to address the unique challenges presented by the technology.MethodsA policy analysis was conducted of all nine member jurisdictions of the International Medical Device Regulator's Forum (IMDRF), to determine if their regulatory agencies addressed the IMDRF recommendations relevant to the clinical evaluation of mHealth apps. Case-studies (submission to regulatory agencies) were also selected on varying types of regulated apps (standalone, active implantable, etc.) and assessed relative to the principles in the IMDRF's software as a medical device (SaMD): Clinical evaluation (2017) guidance document.ResultsAll included jurisdictions evaluated the effectiveness of mHealth apps, assessing the majority of the key sub-categories recommended by SaMD: Clinical evaluation. The submissions and jurisdictional regulatory bodies did not address the IMDRF safety principles in terms of the apps’ information security (cybersecurity). Furthermore, by failing to use the method recommended by the IMDRF (risk-classification), none of the submissions or jurisdictions recognized the potential dangers of misinformation on patient safety.ConclusionsNone of the approaches used by global regulatory bodies adequately address the unique challenges posed by apps. Australia's approach is consistent with app regulatory procedures used internationally. We recommend that mHealth apps are evaluated for cybersecurity and are also classified using the IMDRF risk-categories so as to fully protect the public.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (03) ◽  
pp. 170-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin B. Brodsky ◽  
Emily B. Mayfield ◽  
Roxann Diez Gross

AbstractClinicians often perceive the intensive care unit as among the most intimidating environments in patient care. With the proper training, acquisition of skill, and approach to clinical care, feelings of intimidation may be overcome with the great rewards this level of care has to offer. This review—spanning the ages of birth to senescence and covering oral/nasal endotracheal intubation and tracheostomy—presents a clinically relevant, directly applicable review of screening, assessment, and treatment of dysphagia in the patients who are critically ill for clinical speech–language pathologists and identifies gaps in the clinical peer-reviewed literature for researchers.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 963-966 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Fantasia ◽  
Katherine Modzelewski ◽  
Devin Steenkamp

In this commentary, we briefly review the currently recommended approaches to interpretation and management of continuous glucose monitor (CGM) rate of change (ROC) trend arrows and discuss the inherent difficulty in incorporating practical recommendations for their application into routine clinical care. We have limited our review and discussion to the currently available Dexcom G5 and G6 CGM systems and Abbott’s Freestyle Libre flash glucose monitor (FGM) system, as they are the most widely used and currently approved for nonadjunctive use in the United States.


2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 167-167
Author(s):  
Edoardo Francini ◽  
Fang-Shu Ou ◽  
Stefano Lazzi ◽  
Roberto Petrioli ◽  
Andrea Giovanni Multari ◽  
...  

167 Background: Previous studies have reported high TILs are a favorable prognostic factor in stage II CC. However, whether the impact of TILs on overall survival (OS) differs among pts who did or did not receive ADJ is still to be determined. We assessed the prognostic value of CD3+ TILs in pts with stage II CC according to whether they received ADJ or not (no-ADJ). Methods: Pts treated with curative surgery for stage II CC (2002-2013) were identified through the Santa Maria alle Scotte Hospital database. CD3+ TILs at the invasive front, center of tumor, and stroma, were determined by immunohistochemistry and manually quantified as the rate of TILs/total tissue areas. High TILs (H-TILs) was defined as > 20%. Pts were classified as high or low TILs (L-TILs) and ADJ or no-ADJ. Cox models were used to assess OS with hazard ratio estimates (95% CI). Results: Of the 678 pts included (356 deaths), 137 (20%) received ADJ while 541 (80%) did not. ADJ comprised fluoropyrimidine +/- oxaliplatin. Median follow-up was 8.5 years. The distributions of the 4 groups were: 16% (L-TIL/ADJ), 64% (L-TIL/no-ADJ), 5% (H-TIL/ADJ), 15% (H-TIL/no-ADJ). Compared to H-TILs/no-ADJ, ADJ pts had a significantly longer OS (P < .0001) regardless of the TILS rate while L-TILs/no ADJ had significantly shorter OS and higher risk of death (HR = 1.41; 95% CI, 1.06-1.88; P < .0001) [See table]. On multivariable analysis, adjusting for perforation, obstruction, T-stage, grade, < 12 lymph nodes resected, lymphovascular and perineural invasion, the adverse prognostic impact of L-TILs (vs H-TILs) in no-ADJ pts was confirmed (HR = 1.36; 95% CI 1.02, 1.82; P = .0373). Conclusions: Low CD3+ TILs rate was independently associated with shorter OS in stage II CC pts who did not receive ADJ, but was not prognostic among pts who had ADJ. These data suggest a potentially different impact of TILs in chemo-treated vs -untreated stage II CC which could affect clinical decision making. [Table: see text]


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Virginie Rollet-Cohen ◽  
Philippe Sachs ◽  
Pierre-Louis Léger ◽  
Zied Merchaoui ◽  
Jérôme Rambaud ◽  
...  

Background: The use and perceived value of transcranial Doppler (TCD) scope in paediatric critical care medicine has not been extensively documented.Objective: To describe the use of TCD to assess non-traumatic brain injury in patients admitted to four paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in France.Methods: We prospectively included all children (aged under 18) assessed with inpatient TCD between November 2014 and October 2015 at one of the four PICUs. The physicians completed a questionnaire within 4 h of performing TCD.Results: 152 children were included. The primary diagnosis was neurological disease in 106 patients (70%), including post ischemic-anoxic brain insult (n = 42, 28%), status epilepticus (n = 19, 13%), and central nervous system infection/inflammation (n = 15, 10%). TCD was the first-line neuromonitoring assessment in 110 patients (72%) and was performed within 24 h of admission in 112 patients (74%). The most common indications for TCD were the routine monitoring of neurological disorders (n = 85, 56%) and the detection of asymptomatic neurological disorders (n = 37, 24). Concordance between the operator's interpretation of TCD and the published normative values was observed for 21 of the 75 (28%) TCD abnormal findings according to the published normative values. The physicians considered that TCD was of value for the ongoing clinical management of 131 (86%) of the 152 patients.Conclusion: TCD is commonly used in French PICUs and tends to be performed early after admission on patients with a broad range of diseases. The physicians reported that the TCD findings often helped their clinical decision making. In view of the subjectivity of bedside interpretation, true TCD contribution to clinical care remains to be determined. Objective studies of the impact of TCD on patient management and clinical outcomes are therefore warranted.


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