P1574EFFECTS OF BRAZILIAN GREEN PROPOLIS EXTRACT (EPP-AF) ON INFLAMMATION IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo Silveira ◽  
Flavio Teles ◽  
Erica Melo ◽  
Valeria Borges ◽  
Filipe Miranda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Control Period ◽  
Prospective Trial ◽  
Hemodialysis Patients ◽  
Intermittent Hemodialysis ◽  
Plant Materials ◽  
Propolis Extract ◽  
End Point ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Brazilian Green Propolis

Abstract Background and Aims End-stage chronic kidney disease is associated with the condition of chronic inflammation, impacting increased cardiovascular mortality in this specific population. Patients on hemodialysis are known to be predisposed to several factors that predispose to inflammation: dialysis membranes, central venous catheters, oxidative stress, fluid overload, sodium overload, uraemic toxins. Propolis, a natural resin produced by bees from plant materials, has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-oxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of Brazilian green propolis extract on inflammation in hemodialysis patients. Here we present preliminary results of the trial NCT04072341. Method We performed a prospective trial, open-label 9-week crossover study examining the effect of Brazilian green propolis (250mg/day, in capsules) on inflammation in hemodialysis patients. We included patients over 18 years, under intermittent hemodialysis (thrice per week), on hemodialysis for at least 1 month and until now 37 patients were included. We excluded pregnant women, cancer carried and patients who developed infection or underwent any surgical procedure during the study period. Each period was 4 weeks in duration with a 1-week washout period in between. The primary end point was change in serum level of high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (HsCRP). Secondary end point evaluated the safety of propolis use in hemodialysis patients. Results Their mean age was 58.6 ± 15.2 years (mean ± SD), and 22 (59.4%) were men. The proportion of patients with hypertension was 14 (37.8%) and diabetes was 9 (24.3%). The number of patients using arteriovenous fistula were 26 (70.2%). The HsCRP presented (mean ± SE) 5.31 ± 1.02 mg/L at baseline, 4.26 ± 0.76 mg/L after propolis period and 4.56 ± 1.32 mg/L in control period, p = 0.0042. Safety parameters were analyzed such as amylase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatine phosphokinase (CPK); there was no difference between them before and after the use of propolis. None of the participants reported any adverse effects or allergic reactions during the treatment. Conclusion Patients on hemodialysis have an increased inflammatory state. For the best of our knowledge it was the first clinical trial who demonstrated the safety of propolis in hemodialysis patients. Brazilian green propolis demonstrated a tendency to reduce inflammation in these patients.

scholarly journals COVID-19 lock-down significantly reduced the number of surgical presentations in an emergency department

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
René Fahrner ◽  
Stefan Bähler ◽  
Gregor Lindner
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Control Period ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Medical Specialty ◽  
World Health ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact

Abstract IntroductionCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute virus infection that was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a pandemic. As a consequence, the Swiss government decreed a public lock-down to reduce and restrict further infections. The aim of this investigation was to provide the impact of the COVID-19 lock-down on the presentations of patients in an interdisciplinary emergency department (ED).Patients, Materials and MethodsA retrospective study was performed at an interdisciplinary Swiss ED during the lock-down period. All patients who presented to the ED were enrolled in this investigation and compared to a control cohort during the same time period in 2019. Data regarding patient characteristics, medical specialty, time course of presentations during the observation period, and outpatient or hospital admission were analyzed.ResultsIn total, 7,072 patients were included in the final analysis. During the lock-down period, the number of ED presentations significantly decreased by 29% in comparison to the control period in the previous year (p<0.0001). The analysis of the time course revealed that in each week, the number of patients was lower, with a 13% to 43% reduction. Irrespective of the medical specialty, the number of presentations decreased during the COVID-19 situation, whereas this decrease was higher in surgical diseases (31%, p<0.0001) than in non-surgical presentations (3.6%, p=0.4).DiscussionThe socio-economic lock-down impacted the number of presentations in an ED. Mainly, surgical diseases and injuries were affected in terms of a reduction of presentations during the COVID-19 lock-down period.

scholarly journals Suicidal ideations and suicide attempts prior to admission to a psychiatric hospital in the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic: interrupted time-series analysis to estimate the impact of the lockdown and comparison of 2020 with 2019

BJPsych Open ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Hörmann ◽  
Annatina Bandli ◽  
Anna Bankwitz ◽  
Mateo De Bardeci ◽  
Annia Rüesch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Time Series ◽  
Suicide Attempt ◽  
Control Period ◽  
Public Mental Health ◽  
Interrupted Time Series ◽  
Patient Admissions ◽  
Populations At Risk ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
The Impact

Background There is a substantial burden on global mental health as a result of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that has become putting pressure on healthcare systems. There is increasing concern about rising suicidality consequential to the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken. Existing research about the impact of earlier epidemics and economic crises as well as current studies about the effects of the pandemic on public mental health and populations at risk indicate rising suicidality, especially in the middle and longer term. Aims This study investigated the early impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicidality by comparing weekly in-patient admissions for individuals who were suicidal or who attempted suicide just before admission, for the first 6 months after the pandemic's onset in Switzerland with corresponding 2019 control data. Method Data was collected at the Psychiatric University Hospital of Zurich. An interrupted time-series design was used to analyse the number of patients who were suicidal. Results Instead of a suggested higher rate of suicidality, fewer admissions of patients with suicidal thoughts were found during the first 6-months after the COVID-19 outbreak. However, the proportion of involuntary admissions was found to be higher and more patients have been admitted after a first suicide attempt than in the corresponding control period from 2019. Conclusions Although admissions relating to suicidality decreased during the pandemic, the rising number of patients admitted with a first suicide attempt may be an early indicator for an upcoming extra burden on public mental health (and care). Being a multifactorial process, suicidality is influenced in several ways; low in-patient admissions of patients who are suicidal could also reflect fear of contagion and related uncertainty about seeking mental healthcare.

scholarly journals Midodrine for Prevention of Intradialytic Hypotension in High Risk Patients at a Tertiary Referral Hospital: A Retrospective Study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saja M alhabardi ◽  
Maryam Aldhaefi ◽  
Mohammed Alessa ◽  
Maha Alammari ◽  
Yousef Alrajhi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Prospective Trial ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Hemodialysis Patients ◽  
Considerable Proportion ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Intradialytic Hypotension ◽  
Tertiary Referral Hospital ◽  
Number Of Patients

Abstract Background: Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is the most common complication during hemodialysis procedure. Midodrine, an oral α-1 adrenergic agonist, is commonly used to prevent IDH. However, limited data is available to demonstrate midodrine effectiveness in prevention of IDH in high-risk hemodialysis patients. Objective: To describe the clinical outcomes of using midodrine in patients receiving hemodialysis concerning the incidence of IDH. Also, we aimed to explore the appropriate dose for midodrine use to prevent IDH. Methodology A retrospective cohort of adult with end-stage-renal failure. Exposure: Midodrine. Outcomes measure: IDH was defined as a decline in systolic blood pressure (SBP) by ≥20 mmHg or a decline in main arterial pressure (MAP) by ≥10 mmHg during hemodialysis session. Recurrent IDH was defined as three or more episodes of IDH throughout a year of starting midodrine. Analysis: A descriptive analysis of the frequency of IDH and recurrent IDH. We also, compared the risk of recurrent IDH across various doses of midodrine use. Result: From a total of 68-screened patients’ charts, 45 patients were included in the final analysis. 41.8% (n=28) of the study population had an IDH that required additional interventions to restore the SBP and MAP. IDH occurred in 68% (n=19, P=0.03) of patients with hypoalbuminemia. Recurrent IDH occurred in 36% (n=16) of the patients over their hemodialysis procedure. Incidence of treatment failure (57%, p= 0.02) and recurrent IDH (36%, p=0.04) were statistically significant in patients who received midodrine three time per week (57%) in comparison to those who received more than three days per week Conclusion: This exploratory study shows that a considerable proportion of patients receiving midodrine did not develop IDH or recurrent IDH. A long-term follow-up study with larger number of patients in comparison to the control group would be useful to evaluate the magnitude of efficacy of midodrine in hemodialysis patients with high risk for IDH. Moreover, a future prospective trial that focus on an important clinical outcomes such as cardiovascular events and mortality with midodrin is warranted.

Impact of Michigan’s new opioid prescribing laws on spine surgery patients: analysis of the Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Paul Park ◽  
Victor Chang ◽  
Hsueh-Han Yeh ◽  
Jason M. Schwalb ◽  
David R. Nerenz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spine Surgery ◽  
Spinal Surgery ◽  
Readmission Rate ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Readmission Rates ◽  
Opioid Prescribing ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact

OBJECTIVEIn 2017, Michigan passed new legislation designed to reduce opioid abuse. This study evaluated the impact of these new restrictive laws on preoperative narcotic use, short-term outcomes, and readmission rates after spinal surgery.METHODSPatient data from 1 year before and 1 year after initiation of the new opioid laws (beginning July 1, 2018) were queried from the Michigan Spine Surgery Improvement Collaborative database. Before and after implementation of the major elements of the new laws, 12,325 and 11,988 patients, respectively, were treated.RESULTSPatients before and after passage of the opioid laws had generally similar demographic and surgical characteristics. Notably, after passage of the opioid laws, the number of patients taking daily narcotics preoperatively decreased from 3783 (48.7%) to 2698 (39.7%; p < 0.0001). Three months postoperatively, there were no differences in minimum clinically important difference (56.0% vs 58.0%, p = 0.1068), numeric rating scale (NRS) score of back pain (3.5 vs 3.4, p = 0.1156), NRS score of leg pain (2.7 vs 2.7, p = 0.3595), satisfaction (84.4% vs 84.7%, p = 0.6852), or 90-day readmission rate (5.8% vs 6.2%, p = 0.3202) between groups. Although there was no difference in readmission rates, pain as a reason for readmission was marginally more common (0.86% vs 1.22%, p = 0.0323).CONCLUSIONSThere was a meaningful decrease in preoperative narcotic use, but notably there was no apparent negative impact on postoperative recovery, patient satisfaction, or short-term outcomes after spinal surgery despite more restrictive opioid prescribing. Although the readmission rate did not significantly increase, pain as a reason for readmission was marginally more frequently observed.

Graves' disease and radioiodine therapy

2008 ◽  
Vol 47 (04) ◽  
pp. 153-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Weber ◽  
W. Eschner ◽  
F. Sudbrock ◽  
M. Schmidt ◽  
M. Dietlein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Success Rate ◽  
Thyroid Function ◽  
Therapeutic Dose ◽  
Radioiodine Therapy ◽  
Antithyroid Drugs ◽  
Graves Disease ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
End Point ◽  
Point Measure ◽  
The Impact

SummaryAim: This study was performed to analyse the impact of the choice of antithyroid drugs (ATD) on the outcome of ablative radioiodine therapy (RIT) in patients with Graves' disease. Patients, material, methods: A total of 571 consecutive patients were observed for 12 months after RIT between July 2001 and June 2004. Inclusion criteria were the confirmed diagnosis of Graves' disease, compensation of hyperthyroidism and withdrawal of ATD two days before preliminary radioiodine-testing and RIT. The intended dose of 250 Gy was calculated from the results of the radioiodine test and the therapeutically achieved dose was measured by serial uptake measurements. The end-point measure was thyroid function 12 months after RIT; success was defined as elimination of hyperthyroidism. The pretreatment ATD was retrospectively correlated with the results achieved. Results: Relief from hyperthyroidism was achieved in 96 % of patients. 472 patients were treated with carbimazole or methimazole (CMI) and 61 with propylthiouracil (PTU). 38 patients had no thyrostatic drugs (ND) prior to RIT. The success rate was equal in all groups (CMI 451/472; PTU 61/61; ND 37/38; p=0.22). Conclusion: Thyrostatic treatment with PTU achieves excellent results in ablative RIT, using an accurate dosimetric approach with an achieved post-therapeutic dose of more than 200 Gy.

Cost Avoidance and Clinical Benefits Derived from a Pharmacy-Managed Anemia Program

2000 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. Quercia ◽  
Ronald Abrahams ◽  
C. Michael White ◽  
John D'Avella ◽  
Mary Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Cost Savings ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Hemodialysis Patients ◽  
Cost Avoidance ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Epoetin Alpha ◽  
Clinical Benefits ◽  
Unit Dose ◽  
One Year ◽  
Alpha Therapy

A pharmacy-managed anemia program included distribution and clinical components, with the goal of making epoetin alpha therapy for hemodialysis patients more cost-effective. The Pharmacy Department prepared epoetin alpha doses for patients in unit-dose syringes, utilizing and documenting vial overfill. Pharmacists dosed epoetin alpha and iron (oral and intravenous) per protocol for new and established patients. Baseline data were obtained in 1994, one year prior to implementation of the program, and were re-evaluated in 1995 and 1998. Cost avoidance from utilization of epoetin alpha vial overfill in 1995 and 1998 was $83,560 and $91,148 respectively. In 1995 and 1998, cost avoidance from pharmacy management of anemia was $191,159 and $203,985 respectively. The total cost avoidance from 1995 through 1998 was estimated at $1,018,638. The number of patients with hematocrits under 31% decreased from 32% in 1994 to 21% and 14% in 1995 and 1998 respectively. We conclude that a pharmacy-managed anemia program for hemodialysis patients results in significant cost savings and better achievement of target hematocrits.

scholarly journals Biomarkers-based personalized follow-up in chronic heart failure improves patient’s outcomes and reduces care associate cost

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Leon-Justel ◽  
Jose I. Morgado Garcia-Polavieja ◽  
Ana Isabel Alvarez-Rios ◽  
Francisco Jose Caro Fernandez ◽  
Pedro Agustin Pajaro Merino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Ed Visits ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Heart failure (HF) is a major and growing medical and economic problem, with high prevalence and incidence rates worldwide. Cardiac Biomarker is emerging as a novel tool for improving management of patients with HF with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods This is a before and after interventional study, that assesses the impact of a personalized follow-up procedure for HF on patient’s outcomes and care associated cost, based on a clinical model of risk stratification and personalized management according to that risk. A total of 192 patients were enrolled and studied before the intervention and again after the intervention. The primary objective was the rate of readmissions, due to a HF. Secondary outcome compared the rate of ED visits and quality of life improvement assessed by the number of patients who had reduced NYHA score. A cost-analysis was also performed on these data. Results Admission rates significantly decreased by 19.8% after the intervention (from 30.2 to 10.4), the total hospital admissions were reduced by 32 (from 78 to 46) and the total length of stay was reduced by 7 days (from 15 to 9 days). The rate of ED visits was reduced by 44% (from 64 to 20). Thirty-one percent of patients had an improved functional class score after the intervention, whereas only 7.8% got worse. The overall cost saving associated with the intervention was € 72,769 per patient (from € 201,189 to € 128,420) and €139,717.65 for the whole group over 1 year. Conclusions A personalized follow-up of HF patients led to important outcome benefits and resulted in cost savings, mainly due to the reduction of patient hospitalization readmissions and a significant reduction of care-associated costs, suggesting that greater attention should be given to this high-risk cohort to minimize the risk of hospitalization readmissions.

scholarly journals How Risky Is That Risk Sharing Agreement? Mean-Variance Tradeoffs and Unintended Consequences of Six Common Risk Sharing Agreements

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 238146832199040
Author(s):  
Gregory S. Zaric
Keyword(s):  
Risk Sharing ◽  
Financial Risk ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Drug Costs ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Total Drug ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Clinical Benefits ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mean Variance

Background. Pharmaceutical risk sharing agreements (RSAs) are commonly used to manage uncertainties in costs and/or clinical benefits when new drugs are added to a formulary. However, existing mathematical models of RSAs ignore the impact of RSAs on clinical and financial risk. Methods. We develop a model in which the number of patients, total drug consumption per patient, and incremental health benefits per patient are uncertain at the time of the introduction of a new drug. We use the model to evaluate the impact of six common RSAs on total drug costs and total net monetary benefit (NMB). Results. We show that, relative to not having an RSA in place, each RSA reduces expected total drug costs and increases expected total NMB. Each RSA also improves two measures of risk by reducing the probability that total drug costs exceed any threshold and reducing the probability of obtaining negative NMB. However, the effects on variance in both NMB and total drug costs are mixed. In some cases, relative to not having an RSA in place, implementing an RSA can increase variability in total drug costs or total NMB. We also show that, for some RSAs, when their parameters are adjusted so that they have the same impact on expected total drug cost, they can be rank-ordered in terms of their impact on variance in drug costs. Conclusions. Although all RSAs reduce expected total drug costs and increase expected total NMB, some RSAs may actually have the undesirable effect of increasing risk. Payers and formulary managers should be aware of these mean-variance tradeoffs and the potentially unintended results of RSAs when designing and negotiating RSAs.

scholarly journals 288. Follow-Up Blood Cultures in Gram-Negative Bacteremia: How Do They Impact Outcomes

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S144-S144
Author(s):  
Azza Elamin ◽  
Faisal Khan ◽  
Ali Abunayla ◽  
Rajasekhar Jagarlamudi ◽  
aditee Dash
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Antibiotic Treatment ◽  
Readmission Rate ◽  
Blood Cultures ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background As opposed to Staphylococcus. aureus bacteremia, there are no guidelines to recommend repeating blood cultures in Gram-negative bacilli bacteremia (GNB). Several studies have questioned the utility of follow-up blood cultures (FUBCs) in GNB, but the impact of this practice on clinical outcomes is not fully understood. Our aim was to study the practice of obtaining FUBCs in GNB at our institution and to assess it’s impact on clinical outcomes. Methods We conducted a retrospective, single-center study of adult patients, ≥ 18 years of age admitted with GNB between January 2017 and December 2018. We aimed to compare clinical outcomes in those with and without FUBCs. Data collected included demographics, comorbidities, presumed source of bacteremia and need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Presence of fever, hypotension /shock and white blood cell (WBC) count on the day of FUBC was recorded. The primary objective was to compare 30-day mortality between the two groups. Secondary objectives were to compare differences in 30-day readmission rate, hospital length of stay (LOS) and duration of antibiotic treatment. Mean and standard deviation were used for continuous variables, frequency and proportion were used for categorical variables. P-value &lt; 0.05 was defined as statistically significant. Results 482 patients were included, and of these, 321 (67%) had FUBCs. 96% of FUBCs were negative and 2.8% had persistent bacteremia. There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality between those with and without FUBCs (2.9% and 2.7% respectively), or in 30-day readmission rate (21.4% and 23.4% respectively). In patients with FUBCs compared to those without FUBCs, hospital LOS was longer (7 days vs 5 days, P &lt; 0.001), and mean duration of antibiotic treatment was longer (14 days vs 11 days, P &lt; 0.001). A higher number of patients with FUBCs needed ICU care compared to those without FUBCs (41.4% and 25.5% respectively, P &lt; 0.001) Microbiology of index blood culture in those with and without FUBCs Outcomes in those with and without FUBCs FUBCs characteristics Conclusion Obtaining FUBCs in GNB had no impact on 30-day mortality or 30-day readmission rate. It was associated with longer LOS and antibiotic duration. Our findings suggest that FUBCs in GNB are low yield and may not be recommended in all patients. Prospective studies are needed to further examine the utility of this practice in GNB. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals 309. The Impact of Addiction Medicine Consultation on Discharges Against Medical Advice in Patients with Opioid Use Disorder and Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteremia

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S152-S152
Author(s):  
Stephanie Spivack ◽  
Daniel Mueller ◽  
Peter Axelrod ◽  
Joseph D’Orazio
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Patient Population ◽  
Medical Advice ◽  
Index Admission ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Urban Hospital ◽  
Addiction Medicine ◽  
Against Medical Advice ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background People who inject drugs (PWID) are at risk for infectious complications of their injection practices, including Staphylococcus aureus (SA) bacteremia. Prolonged hospitalization is sometimes required; however, rates of discharges against medical advice (AMA) are elevated in this patient population. Inadequate control of pain and opioid withdrawal are commonly cited. Our aim was to assess the effectiveness of addiction medicine consultation for preventing AMA discharges. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of adult PWID admitted to an urban hospital with SA bacteremia between August 2016 and May 2018. Demographics, HIV and HCV status, and presence or absence of addiction medicine consultation were recorded. We assessed whether discharges were planned or AMA; the number of hospitalizations at 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year from index admission; and death within one year. EpiInfo6 was used for data analysis. Results A total of 360 patients with SA bacteremia were reviewed. Of these, 101 reported intravenous opioid use at admission. Average age was 37 years, and 64% were male. HIV and HCV were present in 13% and 82% of patients, respectively. Addiction medicine was consulted on 29 patients. Of these, 4/29 (13.8%) left AMA, compared to 27/72 (37.5%) of patients without an addiction consult (RR = 0.3678 [95% CI = 0.1412 - 0.9583], p = 0.02). Patients receiving addiction medicine consultation averaged 0.17 readmissions within 30 days of their index admission, compared to 0.39 readmissions in the group without addiction medicine consult (p = 0.27). Readmissions at 90 days and 1 year were also lower but not statistically significant. At 1 year, 6 deaths were observed; 2 who had addiction medicine consultation and 4 who did not. Conclusion Consultation with an addiction medicine specialist significantly reduced the number of patients discharged AMA in a high-risk cohort of PWID presenting with SA bacteremia. Numerically fewer readmissions occurred after consultation, though this difference was not statistically significant. Mortality in both groups was low. There were high rates of HIV and HCV in this patient population, suggesting a particularly vulnerable patient population, which warrants further study. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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