Abstract WMP89: Stroke Code De-escalation: Safety and Outcomes

Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Jarnot ◽  
Christopher Streib ◽  
Angela Heyer ◽  
Amy Reichert ◽  
David Anderson ◽  
...  

Introduction: “Stroke codes” (SCs) facilitate the timely treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with IV tPA or intra-arterial thrombectomy (IAT), but are inherently resource-intensive and can expose patients to unnecessary and potentially harmful interventions. While all healthcare providers are encouraged to activate SCs, this might lead to low SC-to-treatment-ratios (SCTR). We examined the impact of de-escalation of stroke codes (DSCs) on SCTR. Methods: DSCs were initiated in our institution in January 2015. All DSCs were reviewed for the patient’s eligibility for IV tPA or IAT, and reason for de-escalation. We reviewed all stroke codes 12 months before and after the initiation of this process and compared the SCTR by chi-squared testing. Results: In 2014, prior to DSCs, 253 SCs resulted in 22 AIS interventions (22 IV tPA) for a SCTR of 8.7%. In 2015, 348 SCs were activated with 64 subsequent DSCs (18.4%) and 45 AIS interventions (38 IV tPA, 7 IAT, 7 both), for a SCTR of 15.8%. The improvement in SCTR after introducing DSCs was statistically significant (p=0.012). When restricting the analysis to IV tPA interventions alone, there remained a trend (p=0.068) towards improvement in SCTR. Retrospective chart review did not reveal any DSC cases that resulted in missed opportunity for IV TPA or IAT treatment. No DSCs were due to an acute ICH. Justifications for de-escalations are summarized in figure 1. Conclusions: The introduction of DSCs resulted in a statistically significant absolute improvement in SCTR of 7.1%. Importantly, DSCs did not result in any eligible AIS patient forgoing IV tPA or IAT, nor missed ICH. More research is needed to increase the yield of stroke codes, refine the criteria for both activating and de-escalating them, and quantify the resource and cost implications of such de-escalations.

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (26_suppl) ◽  
pp. 160-160
Author(s):  
Yaser Alkhatib ◽  
Derar Albashaireh ◽  
Tameem Abdul Hamid Al-Aqtash ◽  
Rana Awdish ◽  
Amr S. Hanbali

160 Background: Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) and cancer share growth factor and protein kinase signaling pathways that result in smooth muscle cell proliferation and vasculopathy. A number of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) have been developed for the treatment of cancer, and some of these like Imatinib have been investigated in PAH. There is little known about the impact of other TKI on the pulmonary vasculature. After reporting a case of lapatinib-induced PAH that reversed after withdrawal of the drug, we investigated the association of lapatinib with the development of PAH in our institution. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted, in accordance with IRB protocol, of all patients treated with lapatinib over the past five years at our institution. Patients who had undergone 2-D echocardiogram both prior to and after treatment were included in the analysis. Systolic Pulmonary Artery Pressures (PASP), right-sided chamber dilation and function, TAPSE were each evaluated. Through chart review, patients were evaluated in terms of risk factors for non-Group 1 PAH. A Wilcoxon signed-rank sum test was used to compare the changes in PASP before and after the initiation of lapatinib. Results: A total of 27 patients were found to have 2-D echo done before and after starting treatment with lapatinib. All patients had normal PASP before starting treatment. Eight patients developed elevated PASP following treatment. Two patients had evidence of left-sided heart disease felt to contribute to their elevated pressures, while the remaining 6 patients had no evidence for Group 2 (associated with left heart disease), 3 (associated with lung disease or hypoxemia) or chronic thromboembolic PAH. Right heart catheterization was available in one patient, confirming the diagnosis of PAH. The median pre-treatment and post treatment PASP in those 6 patients was 29.5 mmHg and 65.5 mmHg respectively (N=6; p = 0.03). Conclusions: Lapatinib is a TKI with a selective inhibition to EGFR and HER2, approved by FDA in 2007 as a second line agent in advanced breast cancer. Given the potential of TKIs as anti-proliferative agents in PAH, a number are currently under study, but little is yet known. This is the first study in the literature to show that PAH is a potential side effect of lapatinib.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naikhoba Munabi ◽  
Allyn Auslander ◽  
Meredith D. Xepoleas ◽  
Libby D. Bunker ◽  
Kella L. Vangsness ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have the greatest need for additional healthcare providers, and women outside the workforce could help address the need. Women in healthcare need more mentorship and leadership training to advance their careers. This study evaluates how women working together on a medical team impacts mentorship, leadership and empowerment. Methods: An all-female volunteer team participating in a cleft surgery mission in Oujda, Morocco were surveyed before and after the mission. Responses were analyzed according to country of origin, national gender equality ranking, volunteer role, and prior mentorship experiences. Statistical analysis with student’s t-test or chi-squared were performed with significance defined as p<0.05. Results: 95 female volunteers from 23 countries participated and 85% completed surveys. Volunteers from HICs (32%) and LMICs (68%) had similar mission roles (p=0.58) and duration of volunteerism (p=0.69). Experience as a mission volunteer (p=0.47), team leader (p=0.28), and educator (p=0.18) were equivalent between cohorts. 73% of women had previously received mentorship but 98% wanted more. 75% had previously mentored others, but 97% wanted to be mentors. Over 90% of past mentor-mentee relationships were between women. 73% of volunteers who had no prior mentorship found their first mentor during the mission. All participants found a long-term peer relationship and felt motivated to mentor women at home. All volunteers felt empowered and enjoyed the mission. Over 95% were inspired to pursue leadership positions, advance professionally, and work with other women at home.Conclusion: Female healthcare professionals in HICs and LMICs desire more mentorship than is available. An all-female healthcare environment can provide opportunities for mentorship and create lasting motivation to teach, lead, and advance professionally. Increasing the visibility of female professionals may effectively empower women in healthcare.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naikhoba Munabi ◽  
Allyn Auslander ◽  
Meredith D. Xepoleas ◽  
Libby D. Bunker ◽  
Kella L. Vangsness ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have the greatest need for additional healthcare providers, and women outside the workforce could help address the need. Women in healthcare need more mentorship and leadership training to advance their careers. This study evaluates how women working together on a medical team impacts mentorship, leadership and empowerment. Methods: An all-female volunteer team participating in a cleft surgery mission in Oujda, Morocco were surveyed before and after the mission. Responses were analyzed according to country of origin, national gender equality ranking, volunteer role, and prior mentorship experiences. Statistical analysis with student’s t-test or chi-squared were performed with significance defined as p<0.05. Results: 95 female volunteers from 23 countries participated and 85% completed surveys. Volunteers from HICs (32%) and LMICs (68%) had similar mission roles (p=0.58) and duration of volunteerism (p=0.69). Experience as a mission volunteer (p=0.47), team leader (p=0.28), and educator (p=0.18) were equivalent between cohorts. 73% of women had previously received mentorship but 98% wanted more. 75% had previously mentored others, but 97% wanted to be mentors. Over 90% of past mentor-mentee relationships were between women. 73% of volunteers who had no prior mentorship found their first mentor during the mission. All participants found a long-term peer relationship and felt motivated to mentor women at home. All volunteers felt empowered and enjoyed the mission. Over 95% were inspired to pursue leadership positions, advance professionally, and work with other women at home.Conclusion: Female healthcare professionals in HICs and LMICs desire more mentorship than is available. An all-female healthcare environment can provide opportunities for mentorship and create lasting motivation to teach, lead, and advance professionally. Increasing the visibility of female professionals may effectively empower women in healthcare.


Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma M Loebel ◽  
Mary Rojas ◽  
Connor Mensching ◽  
Danielle Wheelwright ◽  
Laura K Stein

Introduction: Studies have demonstrated that aphasia may negatively impact morbidity and mortality among ischemic stroke (IS) patients. However, the association between post-stroke aphasia and readmission with infection (RI) is poorly understood. We sought to assess the impact of aphasia on post-stroke RI. We hypothesized that aphasic patients are at increased risk of infection in the 30-day post-stroke period. Methods: We performed retrospective chart review of the Mount Sinai Hospital IS patients with 30-day all cause readmission from January 2016 - December 2019. All variables were abstracted from the index admission (IA) electronic medical records except for aspects related to the readmission (RA). Aphasia was present if a neurologist diagnosed the patient with acquired language dysfunction during IA. We performed chi square and logistic regression analyses to compare readmitted patients with and without aphasia at IA. Our fully adjusted model controlled for age, sex, medical comorbidities, NIHSS ≥ 8, IA LOS > 7, IA infection, discharge to facility. We completed all analyses with SPSS. Results: During IA, 36% (n=42) were diagnosed with aphasia. At IA, there were no significant differences in age (dichotomized at 65), sex, or medical comorbidities between aphasic and non-aphasic cohorts. However, more aphasic patients had admission NIHSS ≥ 8 (89% vs 35%, p<0.0001), LOS > 7 (76% vs 42%, p=0.0004), discharge to facility (79% vs 49%, p=0.0016), and RI (52% vs 19%, p=0.002). The presence of aphasia predicted RI in both unadjusted (OR=4.6, p<0.001) and adjusted (OR= 3.3, p=0.014) multivariate analyses. The Kappa inter-reliability ranged from 0.7-1.0 for the key variables included in our adjusted model. Conclusions: The adjusted odds of 30-day readmission with infection were significantly greater in those with diagnosis of aphasia at the time of index admission compared to those without. Our study provides preliminary evidence that the presence of aphasia may have negative consequences on a patient’s health beyond the language disturbance. Further study is needed to better understand the reasons and risk reduction strategies in this vulnerable population.


2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron Burnett ◽  
Dolly Panchal ◽  
Bjorn Peterson ◽  
Eric Ernest ◽  
Kent Griffith ◽  
...  

IntroductionAgitated patients who present a danger to themselves or emergency medical services (EMS) providers may require chemical restraints.  Haloperidol is employed for chemical restraint in many EMS services.  Recently, ketamine has been introduced as an alternate option for prehospital sedation.  On-scene time is a unique metric in prehospital medicine which has been linked to outcomes in multiple patient populations. When used for chemical restraint, the impact of ketamine relative to haloperidol on on-scene time is unknown.Objective: To evaluate whether the use of ketamine for chemical restraint was associated with a clinically significant (≥5 minute) increased on-scene time compared to a haloperidol based regimen.MethodsPatients who received haloperidol or ketamine for chemical restraint were identified by retrospective chart review.  On-scene time was compared between groups using an unadjusted Student t-test powered to 80% to detect a ≥5 minute difference in on-scene time.Results110 cases were abstracted (Haloperidol = 55; Ketamine = 55). Of the patients receiving haloperidol, 11/55 (20%) were co-administered a benzodiazepine, 4/55 (7%) received diphenhydramine and 34/55 (62%) received the three drugs in combination. There were no demographic differences between the haloperidol and ketamine groups.  On-scene time was not statistically different for patients receiving a haloperidol based regimen compared to ketamine (18.2 minutes, [95% CI 15.7-20.8] vs. 17.6 minutes, [95% CI 15.1-20.0]; p = 0.71).ConclusionsThe use of prehospital ketamine for chemical restraint was not associated with a clinically significant (≥5 minute) increased on-scene time compared to a haloperidol based regimen.  


2008 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 80-87
Author(s):  
Bethany A. Lynch ◽  
Peter Gal ◽  
J. Laurence Ransom ◽  
Rita Q. Carlos ◽  
Mary Ann V.T. Dimaguila ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE Aminophylline is a methylxanthine with multiple physiologic actions. At low doses, aminophylline can antagonize adenosine and improve renal function via increased glomerular filtration rate. Despite its clinical use, little data exists in neonates for this indication. Therefore, the objective of this report is to describe the impact of aminophylline on renal function indices in a series of neonates with acute renal failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a retrospective chart review of 13 neonates with acute renal failure who received aminophylline during a 15-month study period. Aminophylline was administered at 1 mg/kg intravenously or orally every twelve hours. Forty-six percent (n = 6) of the patients received a 5 mg/kg loading dose before initiation of maintenance therapy. Most patients had already received other treatments for renal failure, including diuretics and dopamine. RESULTS Resolution of acute renal failure (with normalization of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen) was documented in 10 patients (77%). Four of the thirteen patients died from complications due to their prematurity. Failure of low-dose aminophylline was observed in 3 of the 4 patients who died. CONCLUSIONS Low-dose aminophylline in neonates with acute renal failure is associated with an improvement in renal function indices.


Author(s):  
Ruben Berrocal Timmons

Objective: Treatment of joint pain with an injection of the amniotic membrane has not been adequately studied. This study retrospectively reviewed Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and analgesic usage data from patients treated with the injection of cryopreserved amniotic membrane (CAM) in their knees to determine the impact of treatment on patients’ pain, quality of life, and analgesic usage. Methods: Chart review was conducted on 40 patients. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was obtained prior to initiation of the project. The membrane was utilized as per the FDA guidance of 21CFR1271. Retrospective data, including demographics, medical history, pain score, quality of life score, analgesic usage and adverse events, were collected from their medical records for each consenting patient through 6 months after CAM injection. Results: A total of 40 patients were considered in the final analysis. Mean VAS for pain level improved from 7.0 to 2.6 (p<0.001). WOMAC daily activity function score improved from a mean score of 52 to 28 (p<0.001). Opioid and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) usage decreased from 97% to 25% (p<0.001). No adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Mean values for VAS and WOMAC scores significantly improved at all time points and the number of patients who used analgesics decreased as compared to baseline. CAM injection into painful knee joints decreases pain, improves physical function, and decreases the use of analgesics in the absence of adverse events.


2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S395-S395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Hitchcock ◽  
Marisa Holubar ◽  
Lucy Tompkins ◽  
Niaz Banaei

Abstract Background Literature suggests that toxin detection differentiates those who require treatment for C. difficile infection (CDI) from those who do not. In-house studies have shown that free toxin can be predicted with high negative predictive value at a predefined cycle threshold (CT) using Xpert tcdB PCR (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA). In October 2016, CT-toxin was added to the PCR result and a comment recommends against CDI therapy if CT-toxin is negative (CTtox-). Here we evaluate the effect of this reporting on treatment rates and outcomes of CTtox- patients. Methods Patients tested from October 2016 to Apr. 2017 with a positive Xpert PCR and CTtox- result were included. Clinical data were collected by retrospective chart review and analyzed with the Chi squared and Student t-tests using SPSS. Due to multiple comparisons, α=0.01. Results Of 1516 Xpert PCR tests, 248 (16.4%) were positive and 98 (39.5%) were CTtox-. Of these, 54 (55.7%) were treated. Patient characteristics and data at testing are shown below. There were no cases of CDI-related septic shock or toxic megacolon on review. Time to diarrhea resolution was significantly shorter in untreated patients and there was no difference in crude mortality or later onset of CTtox+ CDI. Conclusion This study demonstrates the impact of stand-alone PCR assay with toxin prediction on reducing CDI therapy rates and provides further evidence that PCR+/toxin- patients are at low risk for CDI-related complications and do not require treatment, though more data is needed in transplant populations. Disclosures N. Banaei, Cepheid: Collaborator, Research Contractor and Scientific Advisor, honorarium for advisory role and Research support


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S880-S880
Author(s):  
Amy Chang ◽  
Stan Deresinski ◽  
Aruna Subramanian ◽  
Bruno Medeiros ◽  
Emily Mui, PharmD ◽  
...  

Abstract Background In a retrospective chart review of 211 first episodes of febrile neutropenia (FN) in in-patients with acute myelogenous leukemia evaluating rates of appropriate vs. inappropriate management, we identified frequent noncompliance with national guidelines for the management of FN. We utilized these data to develop an educational intervention targeting front-line providers. Methods Based on findings from our chart review, we developed and implemented an interactive, case-based didactic session for advanced practice providers (APPs) and medical students/residents rotating on hematology, targeting inappropriate antibiotic use. Pretest questions were embedded into the lecture, preceding content related to each learning objective. Lecture material included content from national guidelines, literature addressing misconceptions (e.g., vancomycin usage for persistent fever), and data from our institutional antibiogram (Figure 1). A post-test was given directly after the lecture to evaluate knowledge gained. Results Five inappropriate behaviors were identified (Figure 2): (1) changing empiric therapy despite clinical stability, (2) misunderstanding piperacillin/tazobactam’s spectrum of activity, (3) inappropriate initiation of antibiotics active against resistant Gram-positive organisms; (4) failure to de-escalate therapy at 72 hours and (5) failure to add Gram-positive coverage when using aztreonam. Lectures were provided to 13 APPs and 17 medical students/residents over 6 sessions. An improvement in knowledge was noted for most learning objectives except for the third, for which misconceptions remained, especially regarding need for vancomycin in the setting of mucositis (Figures 3 and 4). Higher baseline knowledge was noted for medical students/residents than APPs. 93% of learners rated the lecture very/extremely helpful. Learners recommended future content focus on antifungal therapy. Conclusion We utilized local practice data to develop educational content for front-line providers. We will convert this lecture into a video-format to be incorporated into hematology rotations to reinforce key concepts. A prospective cohort study to evaluate the impact on prescribing behavior is underway. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fardod O'Kelly ◽  
Kristen McAlpine ◽  
Nishard Abdeen ◽  
Melise A. Keays ◽  
Luis A. Guerra ◽  
...  

Introduction: The first description of epididymal cysts in children appears from a 1976 case study. Since then, there have been a total of 24 indexed publications relating to pediatric epididymal cysts. Risk factors that may exist for children presenting with epididymal cyst remain unknown, as has the best method of management. And there have not been any studies looking at the cost implications of this diagnosis. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence, clinico-demographics, outcomes, and costs of epididymal cysts in pre-pubertal boys compared with a post-pubertal epididymal cyst cohort, and to assess whether this cohort requires continued surveillance. Methods: Our institutional ultrasound (US) database was searched for all scrotal US. From these, a filtered, institution review board-approved search was performed for any reports containing the word “cyst.” These were then cross-referenced with a retrospective chart review (October 2006 to September 2017). Clinico-demographics, cyst characteristics, and outcomes were analyzed for both pre- and post-pubertal boys using descriptive and non-parametric statistical methods. Results: Of 4508 boys undergoing scrotal US during the study period, 191 were indicated to contain cysts. This was manually reduced to 109 scans (2.4%) that met inclusion criteria (85 pre-pubertal; 24 post-pubertal). Thirty-one scans were ordered by urology, including all those with abnormal testicular echotexture (n=5). The average age of the post-pubertal cohort was 15.8 years, compared with 3.8 years in the pre-pubertal cohort. Most (70.5%) epididymal cysts were incidental. There was no difference between the pre- and post-pubertal cohorts in terms of presence of hydrocoeles (p=0.9), symptoms (p=0.9), ordering service (p=0.61), rate of resolution (4.2% vs. 8.2%; p=0.68), or length of followup (4 vs. 4.5 years; p=0.44). Pre-pubertal cysts were significantly smaller in size (3.35 vs. 14.52 mm; p=0.025) and more likely to trigger repeat scanning (67 vs. 10; p=0.008). There were no operative interventions and no subsequent clinical deterioration occurred with observation. At a cost of $71.10 CAD per US, $15 002.10 CAD was expended on epididymal cyst surveillance in direct cost to the healthcare system. Conclusions: Epididymal cysts are comparable in both pre- and post-pubertal boys and can be safely managed non-operatively without the use of continued US surveillance or urological referral. The higher than expected rate of detection may be a result of the improved ultra-resolution of modern scanners. These children should not require continued followup with repeat surveillance imaging solely for epididymal cysts and could be managed in the primary care setting as part of routine clinical examination


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