scholarly journals Incidence, duration and risk factors associated with delayed and missed diagnostic opportunities related to tuberculosis: a population-based longitudinal study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e045605
Author(s):  
Aaron C Miller ◽  
Alan T Arakkal ◽  
Scott Koeneman ◽  
Joeseph E Cavanaugh ◽  
Alicia K Gerke ◽  
...  

ObjectivesMissed opportunities to diagnose tuberculosis are costly to patients and society. In this study, we (1) estimate the frequency and duration of diagnostic delays among patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis and (2) determine the risk factors for experiencing a diagnostic delay.DesignA retrospective cohort study of patients with tuberculosis using longitudinal healthcare encounters prior to diagnosis.SettingCommercially insured enrollees from the Commercial Claims and Encounters or Medicare Supplemental IBM Marketscan Research Databases, 2001–2017.ParticipantsAll patients diagnosed with, and receiving treatment for, pulmonary tuberculosis, enrolled at least 365 days prior to diagnosis.Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe estimated the number of visits with tuberculosis-related symptoms prior to diagnosis that would be expected to occur in the absence of delays and compared this estimate to the observed pattern. We computed the number of visits representing a delay and used a simulation-based approach to estimate the number of patients experiencing a delay, number of missed opportunities per patient and duration of delays (ie, time between diagnosis and earliest missed opportunity). We also explored risk factors for missed opportunities.ResultsWe identified 3371 patients diagnosed and treated for active tuberculosis that could be followed up for 1 year prior to diagnosis. We estimated 77.2% (95% CI 75.6% to 78.7%) of patients experienced at least one missed opportunity; of these patients, an average of 3.89 (95% CI 3.65 to 4.14) visits represented a missed opportunity, and the mean duration of delay was 31.66 days (95% CI 28.51 to 35.11). Risk factors for delays included outpatient or emergency department settings, weekend visits, patient age, influenza season presentation, history of chronic respiratory symptoms and prior fluoroquinolone use.ConclusionsMany patients with tuberculosis experience multiple missed diagnostic opportunities prior to diagnosis. Missed opportunities occur most commonly in outpatient settings and numerous patient-specific, environment-specific and setting-specific factors increase risk for delays.

Author(s):  
Aaron C Miller ◽  
Scott Koeneman ◽  
Alan T Arakkal ◽  
Joseph E Cavanaugh ◽  
Philip M Polgreen

Abstract Background Delays in diagnosing herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this paper is to determine the frequency and duration of diagnostic delays for HSE and risk factors for diagnostic delays. Methods Using data from the IBM Marketscan Databases, 2001-2017, we performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with HSE. We estimated the number of visits with HSE-related symptoms prior to diagnosis that would be expected to occur in the absence of delays and compared this estimate to the observed pattern of visits. Next, we used a simulation-based approach to compute the number of visits representing a delay, the number of missed diagnostic opportunities per case patient and the duration of delays. We also investigated potential risk factors for delays. Results We identified 2667 patients diagnosed with HSE. We estimated 45.9% (95% CI 43.6%-48.1%) of patients experienced at least one missed opportunity; 21.9% (95% CI 17.3%-26.3%) of these patients had delays lasting >7 days. Risk factors for delays included being seen only in the emergency department, age < 65, a history of sinusitis or schizophrenia. Conclusions Many patients with HSE experience multiple missed diagnostic opportunities prior to diagnosis.


Blood ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 124 (21) ◽  
pp. 1532-1532
Author(s):  
Alejandro Lazo-Langner ◽  
Michael J. Kovacs ◽  
Ben Hedley ◽  
Fatimah Al-Ani ◽  
Michael Keeney ◽  
...  

Abstract Background. Paroxsymal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an uncommon disease with an estimated population prevalence of 0.002%, however the estimated prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), comprising deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), in PNH patients is 25 to 33%. Small PNH clones have been identified in patients with unexplained splanchnic vein thrombosis and in people with apparently normal blood counts and might predispose these patients to thrombosis. Furthermore, only about 40-50% of idiopathic VTE patients are affected by one or more thrombophilias. The presence of PNH clones as a contributing factor to a hypercoagulable state has never been examined in this population. Patients and Methods. In order to determine the prevalence of PNH clones in patients with prevalent idiopathic DVT/PE we conducted a cross-sectional study at the Thrombosis Clinic of the London Health Sciences Centre in London, Ontario, Canada, between May 2011 and June 2014. We included patients with at least one episode of objectively demonstrated DVT or PE according to previously published criteria. Patients were excluded if they had: a) a previous diagnosis of PNH, b) well established predisposing risk factors for VTE in the 3 months preceding the VTE, c) active cancer other than non-melanoma skin cancer within 6 months of VTE, or if they were unable to provide written informed consent. Clinical and laboratory information was abstracted from the patient charts. Patients were screened for PNH using a high sensitivity flow cytometric assay which can detect at least 0.01% GPI deficient erythrocytes using CD235a and CD59 in a 2 color assay. Additionally, a modification of our previously developed fluorescent aerolysin (FLAER) assay was used to detect GPI deficient neutrophils using FLAER, the GPI linked protein CD24, CD45 and CD15 (a mature neutrophil marker) in a 4 color flow cytometric assay. A control group of 30 normal donors was used to standardize, determine and validate the level of sensitivity of both the red and white cell assays. The primary outcome of the study was the presence of a PNH clone >0.02% in erythrocytes or neutrophils. Secondary outcome was the presence a PNH clone of any size. Assuming an underlying PNH proportion in the population of 0.002%, we estimated that a sample size of 402 patients achieved 80% power to detect a proportion of 0.4%. Confidence intervals for proportions were calculated using the Wilson score method. Results We included 394 patients of which 388 had samples available for flow cytometry. The characteristics of the included patients are shown in Table 1. One patient (0.26%; 95% CI 0.05 to 1.45) had a detectable PNH clone in the neutrophil population (0.02%) whereas another patient had a detectable PNH clone below the positivity threshold (<0.01%). Neither patient had evidence of hemolysis or cytopenias. Conclusion Very small PNH clones can be detected in a small proportion of patients with unexplained VTE but without clinical manifestations of hemolytic PNH. Their relation with the development of VTE is yet to be determined. Table 1. Patients’ characteristics Demographics [n/N (%; 95% CI)] Age (years) [Mean (SD)] 57(16.6) Body Mass Index [Mean (SD)] 31.5 (8.5) Male Gender 216/388 (55.7;50.7-60.5) Caucasian ethnicity 365/388 (94.1;91.3-96.0) Family History of VTE 102/370 (27.6;23.3-32.3) Comorbidities [n/N (%; 95% CI)] Hypertension 125/386 (32.4;27.9-37.2) Diabetes 48/386 (12.4;9.5-16.1) Coronary artery disease 33/381 (8.7;6.2-11.9) Stroke / TIA 33/381 (8.7;6.2-11.9) Dyslipidemia 104/340 (30.6;25.9-35.7) COPD 22/380 (5.8;3.9-8.6) Peripheral vascular disease 35/310 (11.3;8.2-15.3) Inflamatory bowel disease 13/383 (3.4;2.0-5.7) Rheumatic disease 100/362 (27.6;23.3-32.4) Risk factors for VTE [n/N (%; 95% CI)] Oral contraceptive use 43/171 (25.1;19.2-32.1) Hormone replacement therapy 14/171 (8.2;4.9-13.3) Thrombophilia 127/388 (32.7;28.3-37.6) Diagnosis [n/N (%; 95% CI)] DVT 175/388 (45.1;40.2-50.1) PE 148/388 (38.1;33.4-43.1) DVT + PE 63/388 (16.2;12.9-20.2) Upper extremity DVT 2/388 (0.5;0.1-1.9) n, Number of patients with risk factor; N, number of patients with valid information; SD standard deviation; CI confidence interval Disclosures Lazo-Langner: Alexion Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Keeney:Alexion Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding. Chin-Yee:Alexion Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding.


2020 ◽  
Vol 86 (4) ◽  
pp. 346-353
Author(s):  
Zhizhao Jiang ◽  
Jianan Ren ◽  
Huajian Ren ◽  
Zhiwu Hong ◽  
Gefei Wang ◽  
...  

Enterocutaneous fistulas (ECFs) requiring admission to ICU is a serious surgical complication. A growing number of patients survive ECFs but remain chronically critically ill. The aim of our study was to investigate the risk factors of hospital death in patients with chronic critical illness attributed to ECFs. A retrospective single-center study was conducted in 163 ECF patients between 2013 and 2017. Patient-specific baseline characteristics, outcomes, and process of care variables were collected. Risk factors for hospital mortality were determined using univariate and multi-variate analyses. Patients were divided into the following two groups according to the hospital discharge outcome: group survivors (n = 106) and group nonsurvivors (n = 57). Patients who received active irrigation-suction drainage (AISD) within 24 hours after the diagnosis of ECFs had a significantly lower hospital mortality rate than those who received AISD after more than 24 hours (17.9% vs 46.9%, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that delayed AISD (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 10.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.03234.59; P < 0.001) and no rehabilitation therapy (AOR, 4.77; 95% CI, 1.43215.98; P = 0.011) were independently associated with a greater risk of hospital mortality. The hospital mortality rate in patients with more than or equal to four risk factors was 92.6 per cent (n = 57), compared with a mortality rate of 9.4 per cent (n = 106) in patients who did not have these risk factors ( P < 0.001). The risk of hospital death is exceptionally high among patients with chronic critical illness attributed to ECFs. Efforts aimed at early AISD and rehabilitation therapy are likely to be associated with improved clinical outcomes.


Author(s):  
Pauline Kiswendsida Yanogo ◽  
Clarisse Balima ◽  
Nicolas Meda

Abstract Introduction Long diagnosis delay contributes significantly to the failure to eradicate tuberculosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the total, patient and system delays in diagnosis of pulmonary bacilliferous in the six tuberculosis Diagnostic and Treatment Centers in the five health districts of the central region in Burkina Faso. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 microscopy-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in 2018 to address this objective. It concerned the socio-demographic, clinical, microbiological characteristics, and referral location/pathway characteristics of the patients. We then calculated the different delays. The “patient” (time from first symptoms to first consultation), “system” (time from first consultation to first diagnosis) and total (time from first symptoms to diagnosis) median diagnostic delay were estimated. Results The median “total”, “patient” and “system” diagnostic times were 37, 21 and 7 days, respectively. Of the 384 patients surveyed, 158 patients or 41.25% of patients had a long total diagnostic delay (> 45 days). The number of patients with a long system diagnostic delay was 125 patients (32.55%; p < 0.001) and those with a long patient diagnostic delay were 105 patients (27.34%; p < 0.001). Conclusion The total diagnosis delay of pulmonary tuberculosis was long for almost half of the patients. Awareness of the signs of tuberculosis among patients and caregivers, and consultation in a health center must be intensified to help considerably reduce these delays.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Snigdha Shubham ◽  
Manisha Nepal ◽  
Ravish Mishra ◽  
Kishor Dutta

Abstract BackgroundThe concept of instrumentation beyond the apical foramen by small flexible file to prevent apical blockage is apical patency. However, this procedure might endow postoperative pain, thus to maintain apical patency or not is the matter of dilemma. Hence, the primary objective of this study was to compare postoperative pain between apical patency and non-patency groups and secondary objective was to evaluate the influence of number of visits, vitality of teeth, group of teeth and preoperative pain on post-operative pain.MethodsOne hundred sixty patients were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into: Group A (n = 80) contained apical patency maintained and Group B (n = 80) contained those treated without apical patency. Each group was subdivided into equal number of patients treated in single visit (n = 40) and multiple visits (n = 40), including vital (n=20) and non-vital teeth (n=20) and single- rooted (n=10) and multiple-rooted teeth (n=10). Apical patency was maintained with a size 10 K-file during conventional hand filing step-back shaping procedure. Intensity of pain was recorded before treatment and on days 1, 2, and 7 after treatment using a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS-11). Statistical analysis was done using Mann -Whitney U test, Spearman correlation and Multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsThe primary outcome of this study showed statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in postoperative pain scores between patency and non-patency groups with higher pain scores in patency group on 1st, 2nd and 7th day follow up. The secondary outcome showed postoperative pain in patency maintained group was influenced by status of the pulp and preoperative pain only. Vital teeth of patency-maintained group treated in multiple visits showed statistically significant (p=0.02) post-operative pain in day 1 follow up. Pre-operative pain showed positive correlation with postoperative pain with statistically significant difference.ConclusionsOur study concluded that maintenance of apical patency increased postoperative pain. Evaluation of influence of number of visits, status of pulp, group of tooth and preoperative pain revealed status of pulp and preoperative pain as influencing factors for postoperative pain in patency group.


2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (9) ◽  
pp. 2465-2466
Author(s):  
Iustin Olariu ◽  
Roxana Radu ◽  
Teodora Olariu ◽  
Andrada Christine Serafim ◽  
Ramona Amina Popovici ◽  
...  

Osseointegration of a dental implant may encounter a variety of problems caused by various factors, as prior health-related problems, patients� habits and the technique of the implant inserting. Retrospective cohort study of 70 patients who received implants between January 2011- April 2016 in one dental unit, with Kaplan-Meier method to calculate the probability of implants�s survival at 60 months. The analysis included demographic data, age, gender, medical history, behavior risk factors, type and location of the implant. For this cohort the implants�survival for the first 6 months was 92.86% compared to the number of patients and 97.56% compared to the number of total implants performed, with a cumulative failure rate of 2.43% after 60 months. Failures were focused exclusively on posterior mandible implants, on the percentage of 6.17%, odds ratio (OR) for these failures being 16.76 (P = 0.05) compared with other localisations of implants, exclusively in men with median age of 42 years.


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 ◽  
...  

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.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 566
Author(s):  
Masato Ise ◽  
Eiji Nakata ◽  
Yoshimi Katayama ◽  
Masanori Hamada ◽  
Toshiyuki Kunisada ◽  
...  

Psychological distress is common in patients with soft tissue and bone tumors. We first investigated its frequency and the associated risk factors in patients with pre-operative bone and soft tissue tumors. Participants included 298 patients with bone and soft tissue tumors who underwent surgery in our institution between 2015 and 2020. Psychological distress was evaluated by the Distress and Impact Thermometer (DIT) that consists of two types of questions (questions about the severity of the patient’s distress (DIT-D) and its impact (DIT-I)). We used a cut-off point of 4 on the DIT-D and 3 on the DIT-I for screening patients with psychological distress. We therefore investigated: (1) the prevalence of psychological distress as assessed with DIT or distress thermometer (DT), which can be decided by DIT-D ≥ 4, (2) what are the risk factors for the prevalence of psychological distress, and (3) what is the number of patients who consulted a psychiatrist for psychological distress in patients with pre-operative bone and soft tissue tumors. With DIT and DT, we identified 64 patients (21%) and 95 patients (32%), respectively, with psychological distress. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that older age, sex (female), malignancy (malignant or intermediate tumor), a lower Barthel Index, and higher numeric rating scale were risk factors for psychological distress. Two patients (3%) consulted a psychiatrist after surgery. In conclusion, careful attention to psychological distress is needed, especially for female patients, older patients, and those with malignant soft or bone tissue tumors who have more than moderate pain.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie H. Bots ◽  
Klaske R. Siegersma ◽  
N. Charlotte Onland-Moret ◽  
Folkert W. Asselbergs ◽  
G. Aernout Somsen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Despite the increasing availability of clinical data due to the digitalisation of healthcare systems, data often remain inaccessible due to the diversity of data collection systems. In the Netherlands, Cardiology Centers of the Netherlands (CCN) introduced “one-stop shop” diagnostic clinics for patients suspected of cardiac disease by their general practitioner. All CCN clinics use the same data collection system and standardised protocol, creating a large regular care database. This database can be used to describe referral practices, evaluate risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in important patient subgroups, and develop prediction models for use in daily care. Construction and content The current database contains data on all patients who underwent a cardiac workup in one of the 13 CCN clinics between 2007 and February 2018 (n = 109,151, 51.9% women). Data were pseudonymised and contain information on anthropometrics, cardiac symptoms, risk factors, comorbidities, cardiovascular and family history, standard blood laboratory measurements, transthoracic echocardiography, electrocardiography in rest and during exercise, and medication use. Clinical follow-up is based on medical need and consisted of either a repeat visit at CCN (43.8%) or referral for an external procedure in a hospital (16.5%). Passive follow-up via linkage to national mortality registers is available for 95% of the database. Utility and discussion The CCN database provides a strong base for research into historically underrepresented patient groups due to the large number of patients and the lack of in- and exclusion criteria. It also enables the development of artificial intelligence-based decision support tools. Its contemporary nature allows for comparison of daily care with the current guidelines and protocols. Missing data is an inherent limitation, as the cardiologist could deviate from standardised protocols when clinically indicated. Conclusion The CCN database offers the opportunity to conduct research in a unique population referred from the general practitioner to the cardiologist for diagnostic workup. This, in combination with its large size, the representation of historically underrepresented patient groups and contemporary nature makes it a valuable tool for expanding our knowledge of cardiovascular diseases. Trial registration: Not applicable.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunny S. Lou ◽  
Charles W. Goss ◽  
Bradley A. Evanoff ◽  
Jennifer G. Duncan ◽  
Thomas Kannampallil

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a transformation of clinical care practices to protect both patients and providers. These changes led to a decrease in patient volume, impacting physician trainee education due to lost clinical and didactic opportunities. We measured the prevalence of trainee concern over missed educational opportunities and investigated the risk factors leading to such concerns. Methods All residents and fellows at a large academic medical center were invited to participate in a web-based survey in May of 2020. Participants responded to questions regarding demographic characteristics, specialty, primary assigned responsibility during the previous 2 weeks (clinical, education, or research), perceived concern over missed educational opportunities, and burnout. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between missed educational opportunities and the measured variables. Results 22% (301 of 1375) of the trainees completed the survey. 47% of the participants were concerned about missed educational opportunities. Trainees assigned to education at home had 2.85 [95%CI 1.33–6.45] greater odds of being concerned over missed educational opportunities as compared with trainees performing clinical work. Trainees performing research were not similarly affected [aOR = 0.96, 95%CI (0.47–1.93)]. Trainees in pathology or radiology had 2.51 [95%CI 1.16–5.68] greater odds of concern for missed educational opportunities as compared with medicine. Trainees with greater concern over missed opportunities were more likely to be experiencing burnout (p = 0.038). Conclusions Trainees in radiology or pathology and those assigned to education at home were more likely to be concerned about their missed educational opportunities. Residency programs should consider providing trainees with research or at home clinical opportunities as an alternative to self-study should future need for reduced clinical hours arise.


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