Syphilis in heterosexual women: case characteristics and risk factors for recent syphilis infection in Tokyo, Japan, 2017–2018

In response to an increase in heterosexual syphilis notifications in Tokyo, we conducted a questionnaire-based case–control study among women aged ≥20 years and sexually active in the past six months who sought a syphilis test in Tokyo during 2017–2018. Cases were women diagnosed as recent syphilis infection based on serological tests. Controls were serologically non-reactive or those with only a past syphilis infection. We described cases and assessed for risk factors of recent syphilis using logistic regression. A total of 524 women (60 cases, 464 controls) were enrolled. Notably, among cases, 10 (16.7%) were students, 3 (5.0%) had a history of syphilis, and 14 (23.3%) had a single sex partner in the past six months. Female sex worker (FSW) status was strongly associated with syphilis (odds ratio [OR] = 3.40; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.96–5.90). In multivariable analysis, recent syphilis was associated with inconsistent condom use for vaginal/anal sex among FSWs (adjusted OR [aOR] = 3.42; 95%CI = 0.92–12.70) and among non-FSWs, with younger age (aOR = 0.36; 95%CI = 0.19–0.70; increase per category from 20–24, 25–29 to ≥30 years) and ≤high school education (aOR = 5.24; 95%CI = 1.95–14.10). A notable proportion of cases were those with first time infection and those with only a single partner. Moreover, risk factors differed between FSWs and non-FSWs, and a multi-pronged approach to prevent syphilis is required.

Download Full-text

Incidence of postural headache after lumbar puncture requiring epidural blood patch: Effects of needle caliber; 2-year experience

The Neuroradiology Journal ◽

10.1177/19714009211000630 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 197140092110006

Author(s):

Warren Chang ◽

Ajla Kadribegic ◽

Kate Denham ◽

Matthew Kulzer ◽

Tyson Tragon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Lumbar Puncture ◽

Conservative Management ◽

Epidural Blood Patch ◽

Female Gender ◽

Regional Hospital ◽

Younger Age ◽

Blood Patch ◽

History Of ◽

The Difference

Purpose A common complication of lumbar puncture (LP) is postural headaches. Epidural blood patches are recommended if patients fail conservative management. Owing to a perceived increase in the number of post-lumbar puncture headaches (PLPHs) requiring epidural blood patches at a regional hospital in our network, the decision was made to switch from 20 to 22 gauge needles for routine diagnostic LPs. Materials and methods Patients presenting for LP and myelography at one network regional hospital were included in the study. The patients were contacted by nursing staff 3 days post-procedure; those patients who still had postural headaches after conservative management and received epidural blood patches were considered positive cases. In total, 292 patients were included; 134 underwent LP with 20-gauge needles (53 male, 81 female, average age 57.7) and 158 underwent LP with 22-gauge needles (79 male, 79 female, average age 54.6). Results Of 134 patients undergoing LP with 20-gauge needles, 15 (11%) had PLPH requiring epidural blood patch (11 female, 3 male, average age 38). Of 158 patients undergoing LP with 22-gauge needles, only 5 (3%) required epidural blood patches (all female, average age 43). The difference was statistically significant ( p < 0.01). Risk factors for PLPH included female gender, younger age, lower body mass index, history of prior PLPH and history of headaches. Conclusion Switching from 20-gauge to 22-gauge needles significantly decreased the incidence of PLPH requiring epidural blood patch. Narrower gauge or non-cutting needles should be considered in patients with risk factors for PLPH, allowing for CSF requirements.

Download Full-text

Pattern of Congenital Heart Diseases and Associated Risk Factors among Children at a Tertiary Care Hospital

10.53350/pjmhs211592451 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (9) ◽

pp. 2451-2453

Author(s):

Shahid Iqbal ◽

Muhammad Fareed Khan ◽

Raja Imtiaz Ahmed ◽

Shahab Saidullah ◽

Nisar Ahmed ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Folic Acid ◽

Congenital Heart ◽

Tertiary Care Hospital ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Febrile Illness ◽

Care Hospital ◽

Younger Age ◽

History Of ◽

Associated Risk Factors

Objective: To find out the pattern of CHD and associated risk factors among children presenting at a tertiary care hospital. Study Design: A case-control study. Place and Duration of the Study: The Department of Pediatrics and Department of Cardiology, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Hospital, Rawlakot from July 2020 to June 2021. Material and Methods: A total of 207 children of both genders, screened by ECG along with chest x-ray and further confirmed with the diagnosis of CHD through echocardiography were enrolled as cases. Same number of healthy controls (n=207) were recruited from immunization center of the study institution. Among cases, types of CHD were noted. For cases and controls, demographic, antenatal and maternal risk factors including maternal age, gender of the child, history of consanguinity, history of febrile illness in pregnancy, use or multi-vitamin or folic acid in pregnancy, bad obstetrical history and maternal diabetes mellitus were noted. Results: In a total of 414 children (207 cases and 207 controls), there were 219 (53.8%) male. In terms of CHD types among cases, VSD was the most noted in 62 (30.0%), ASD 35 (16.9%), TOF 33 (15.9%) and PDA in 30 (14.5%). Cases were found to have significant association with younger age (78.3% cases below 1 year of age vs. 64.7% in controls, p=0.0085), bad obstetrical history (p=0.0002), history of febrile illness in 1st trimester of pregnancy (p=0.0229) and lack of multivitamins and folic acid in the 1st trimester of pregnancy (p=0.0147). Conclusion: Majority of the children with CHDs were male and aged below 1 year. VSD, ASD, TOF and PDA were the most frequent types of CHD. Younger age, bad obstetrical history, history of febrile illness in 1st trimester of pregnancy and lack of multivitamins and folic acid in the 1st trimester of pregnancy were found to have significant association with CHDs among children. Keywords: Congenital heart disease, echocardiography, ventricular septal defect.

Download Full-text

The Risk of Seizure Recurrence After a First Unprovoked Afebrile Seizure in Childhood: An Extended Follow-up

PEDIATRICS ◽

10.1542/peds.98.2.216 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 98 (2) ◽

pp. 216-225 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Shlomo Shinnar ◽

Anne T. Berg ◽

Solomon L. Moshe ◽

Christine O'Dell ◽

Marta Alemany ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Age Of Onset ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Cumulative Risk ◽

Febrile Seizures ◽

Recurrence Risk ◽

Early Recurrence ◽

Seizure Recurrence ◽

Unprovoked Seizure ◽

History Of

Objective. To assess the long-term recurrence risks after a first unprovoked seizure in childhood. Methods. In a prospective study, 407 children who presented with a first unprovoked seizure were then followed for a mean of 6.3 years from the time of first seizure. Results. One hundred seventy-one children (42%) experienced subsequent seizures. The cumulative risk of seizure recurrence was 29%,37%,42%, and 44% at 1,2,5, and 8 years, respectively. The median time to recurrence was 5.7 months, with 53% of recurrences occurring within 6 months, 69% within 1 year, and 88% within 2 years. Only 5 recurrences (3%) occurred after 5 years. On multivariable analysis, risk factors for seizure recurrence included a remote symptomatic etiology, an abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG), a seizure occurring while asleep, a history of prior febrile seizures, and Todd's paresis. In cryptogenic cases, the risk factors were an abnormal EEG and an initial seizure during sleep. In remote symptomatic cases, risk factors were a history of prior febrile seizures and age of onset younger than 3 years. Risk factors for late recurrences (after 2 years) were etiology, an abnormal EEG, and prior febrile seizures in the overall group and an abnormal EEG in the cryptogenic group. These are similar to the risk factors for early recurrence. Conclusions. The majority of children with a first unprovoked seizure will not have recurrences. Children with cryptogenic first seizures and a normal EEG whose initial seizure occurs while awake have a particularly favorable prognosis, with a 5-year recurrence risk of only 21%. Late recurrences do occur but are uncommon.

Download Full-text

Inconsistent Condom Use among Public Primary Care Patients with Tuberculosis in South Africa

The Scientific World JOURNAL ◽

10.1100/2012/501807 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2012 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Gladys Matseke ◽

Karl Peltzer ◽

Julia Louw ◽

Pamela Naidoo ◽

Gugu Mchunu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Primary Care ◽

Condom Use ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

High Rate ◽

Consistent Condom ◽

Consistent Condom Use ◽

Inconsistent Condom ◽

The Past ◽

Inconsistent Condom Use

The high rate of HIV infections among tuberculosis (TB) patients in South Africa calls for urgent HIV reduction interventions in this subpopulation. While correct and consistent condom use is one of the effective means of HIV prevention among sexually active people, there is insufficient research on condom use among TB patients in South Africa. The aim of this paper was to determine the prevalence of inconsistent condom use among public primary care TB patients and its associated factors using a sample of 4900 TB patients from a cross-sectional survey in three health districts in South Africa. Results indicated that when asked about their consistency of condom use in the past 3 months, 63.5% of the participants reported that they did not always use condoms. In the multivariable analysis, being married (OR=1.66; 95% CI 1.25–2.20) or cohabitating or separated, divorced, or widowed (OR=3.67; 1.85–7.29), lower educational level (OR=0.66; 0.46–0.94), greater poverty (OR=1.60; 1.25–2.20), not having HIV status disclosed (OR=0.34; 0.25–0.48), sexual partner on antiretroviral treatment (OR=0.38; 0.23–0.60), and partner alcohol use before sex (OR=1.56; 1.30–1.90) were significantly associated with inconsistent condom use in the past 3 months. The low proportion of consistent condom use among TB patients needs to be improved.

Download Full-text

The influence of thrombophilia on the long-term survival of patients with a history of venous thromboembolism

Thrombosis and Haemostasis ◽

10.1160/th12-05-0361 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 109 (01) ◽

pp. 79-84 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Sylvia Reitter-Pfoertner ◽

Thomas Waldhoer ◽

Michaela Mayerhofer ◽

Ernst Eigenbauer ◽

Cihan Ay ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Venous Thromboembolism ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Factor V Leiden ◽

Arterial Disease ◽

Factor V ◽

Term Survival ◽

Long Term Survival ◽

History Of

SummaryData on the long-term survival following venous thromboembolism (VTE) are rare,and the influence of thrombophilia has not been evaluated thus far. Our aim was to assess thrombophilia-parameters as predictors for long-term survival of patients with VTE. Overall, 1,905 outpatients (99 with antithrombin-, protein C or protein S deficiency, 517 with factor V Leiden, 381 with elevated factor VIII and 160 with elevated homocysteine levels, of these 202 had a combination and 961 had none of these risk factors) were included in the study between September 1, 1994 and December 31, 2007. Retrospective survival analysis showed that a total of 78 patients (4.1%) had died during the analysis period, among those four of definite or possible pulmonary embolism and four of bleeding. In multivariable analysis including age and sex an association with increased mortality was found for hyperhomocysteinemia (hazard ratio 2.0 [1.1.-3.5]) whereas this was not the case for all other investigated parameters. We conclude that the classical hereditary thrombophilia risk factors did not have an impact on the long-term survival of patients with a history of VTE. Thus our study supports the current concept that thrombophilia should not be a determinant for decision on long term anticoagulation. However, hyperhomocysteinaemia, known as a risk factor for recurrent VTE and arterial disease, might impact survival.

Download Full-text

Relapse predictors and serologically unstable condition of IgG4-related disease: a large Chinese cohort

Rheumatology ◽

10.1093/rheumatology/kez669 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 59 (8) ◽

pp. 2115-2123 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yanying Liu ◽

Qiaozhu Zeng ◽

Lijuan Zhu ◽

Jingyuan Gao ◽

Ziqiao Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Relapse Rate ◽

Unstable Condition ◽

Serum Igg4 Level ◽

Related Disease ◽

Igg4 Related Disease ◽

Younger Age ◽

Serum Igg4 ◽

History Of ◽

Igg4 Level

Abstract Objectives Patients with IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) typically respond well to initial glucocorticoid therapy, but always relapse with tapered or maintenance dosage of steroid. We aimed to identify the risk factors for relapse of IgG4-RD and explore the impact of active intervention on the serologically unstable condition. Methods We performed a retrospective study of 277 IgG4-RD patients at Peking University People’s Hospital from February 2012 through February 2019. They were all followed for >4 months. The primary outcome was patient relapse. Data on recurrence of IgG4-RD symptoms, laboratory and image findings were recorded, along with information on treatment in the serologically unstable condition. Results The cumulative relapse rate was 12.86%, 27.84% and 36.1% at 12, 24 and 36 months, respectively. Younger age at onset, younger age at diagnosis, longer time from diagnosis to treatment and history of allergy were associated with relapse. Identified independent risk factors were longer time from diagnosis to treatment and history of allergy. When serum IgG4 level was 20%, 50% or 100% higher than that of the remission period, similar percentages of patients finally relapsed, regardless of whether they were in the immunosuppression intensified or non-intensified group. Median duration from serum IgG4 level instability to relapse in the intensified and non-intensified group was not statistically different. Conclusion The risk factors of relapse were longer time from diagnosis to treatment and history of allergy. Intervention in the serologically unstable condition was not helpful for reducing relapse rate.

Download Full-text

Correlates of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in a primary care sentinel surveillance network

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh11019 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 247 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Megan S. C. Lim ◽

Jane L. Goller ◽

Rebecca Guy ◽

Judy Gold ◽

Mark Stoove ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Control Strategies ◽

Routine Data ◽

Sex Partners ◽

Surveillance Network ◽

Inconsistent Condom ◽

Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection ◽

Multiple Sex Partners ◽

The Past ◽

Younger Age ◽

The Impact

Background Chlamydia is the most commonly notified infection in Australia. Prevention strategies should be informed by routine data on at-risk populations. Methods: We calculated chlamydia positivity and correlates of infection using multivariable logistic regression for data collected between April 2006 and June 2009. Results: Chlamydia positivity was 5.6% in 12 233 females, 7.7% in 10 316 heterosexual males and 6.2% in 7872 men who have sex with men (MSM). Correlates of chlamydia positivity among females included younger age (odds ratio (OR) 2.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.92–2.69), being born overseas (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.25–1.82), multiple sex partners in the past year (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.40–2.11) and inconsistent condom use with regular sex partners (OR 3.44 ,95% CI 1.65–7.20). Sex work was protective for females (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.53–0.86). Among heterosexual males, correlates of positivity were younger age (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.62–2.17), being born overseas (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.16–1.58), symptoms at the time of testing (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.40–1.92) and multiple sex partners in the past year (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.46–2.30). Correlates of positivity among MSM were being born overseas (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.00–1.51), being HIV-positive (OR 1.80, 95%CI 1.32–2.47), and reporting six or more anal sex partners in the past 6 months (OR 4.45, 95% CI 1.37–14.5). Conclusions: Our analysis identified subgroups at the highest risk of chlamydia in Victoria. These estimates will provide important baseline information to measure the impact of chlamydia control strategies.

Download Full-text

186. Risk Factors for Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase Bacteremia and External Application of a Clinical Prediction Tool

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofz360.261 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. S113-S114

Author(s):

Jacqueline Burnell ◽

Rebecca Fallis ◽

Peter Axelrod ◽

Daniel Mueller

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Antibiotic Therapy ◽

Klebsiella Oxytoca ◽

Significant Risk ◽

University Hospital ◽

Prediction Tool ◽

External Application ◽

The Past ◽

Extended Spectrum ◽

History Of

Abstract Background Extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) bacteria are resistant to many antibiotics, which increases the risk of inadequate early antibiotic therapy. A previous single-center study had created a prediction tool to assist clinicians in identifying patients at risk for ESBL bloodstream infections. The purpose of our research project was to assess validity of this tool while also identifying risk factors for ESBL bacteremia within our own institution, which would allow for assessment of alternative prediction tools. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of adult patients admitted to an urban university hospital who were found to have bacteremia with Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and/or Klebsiella oxytoca between October 2016 and April 2018. Demographics and comorbidities were assessed, along with other potential risk factors including exposure to antibiotics and hospitalizations within the past 6 months. Results A total of 214 instances of bacteremia were identified and 14% were due to ESBL organisms. Risk factors for ESBL bacteremia in our cohort included history of positive culture for ESBL (RR = 5.9) or MRSA (RR = 3.5) and antibiotic usage in the past 6 months (RR = 2.3). Patients with ESBL bacteremia were hospitalized longer (mean 16 days vs. 6 days for non-ESBL), received longer durations of antibiotic therapy (11.7 days vs. 5.3 days), and were exposed to greater numbers of different antibiotics (1.9 vs. 0.7) in the previous 6 months. Multivariate logistic regression showed that history of prior ESBL infection (OR 14.7, CI 1.8–120) and increasing number of different antibiotic classes administered in the prior 6 months (OR 4.3, CI 1.7–11.2) were significant risk factors for ESBL bacteremia. The previously created prediction tool did not sufficiently differentiate higher and lower risk for ESBL bacteremia in our cohort. Conclusion Although risk factors were similar, the previously derived stepwise prediction tool did not predict ESBL bacteremia in our external cohort. Point-based prediction modeling might better assess risk across institutions. Additionally, the number of different antibiotics received was associated with risk for ESBL bacteremia and should be investigated further. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Download Full-text

Incidence of Dysplasia in Patients with Barrett’s Esophagus

QJM ◽

10.1093/qjmed/hcaa050.030 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 113 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

H A Elakkad ◽

A M M Elhefny ◽

M A Alsayed ◽

K W Shawky

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Barrett’S Esophagus ◽

Esophageal Adenocarcinoma ◽

Barrett's Esophagus ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Upper Gi ◽

The Past ◽

History Of ◽

Upper Gi Endoscopy ◽

Malignant Condition

Abstract Background Barrett’s esophagus is a condition which predisposes towards development of dysplasia and finally towards esophageal adenocarcinoma, a highly lethal tumour which has been increasing in incidence over the past three decades. Although BE is the single best identified risk factor for the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma, yet the overwhelming majority of Barrett’s patients will never develop this cancer. Objective To evaluate the incidence of dysplasia in patients with BE regarding risk factors such as gender, smoking, obesity, patient’s age, duration of reflux, treatment received, associated disease as DM and esophageal histopathology. Patients and Methods The study was conducted on 30 patients previously diagnosed with BE. The patients were selected according to some inclusion criteria such as being diagnosed by upper GI endoscopy and a biopsy was taken. Patients with history of previous anti-reflux surgery were excluded. Results A strong correlation was found between the incidence of dysplasia and male gender, mean age 58.17 years, smoking, DM, hiatus hernia and esophagitis. Conclusion As the incidence of dysplasia and esophageal adenocarcinoma continues to rise at an alarming rate, widespread endoscopic surveillance of Barrett’s esophagus patients is performed in order to detect any abnormality at an earlier and potentially curable stage. In addition to highlighting the risk factors that aggravates this pre-malignant condition.

Download Full-text

Trending Towards Safer Breast Cancer Surgeries? Examining Acute Complication Rates from A 13-Year NSQIP Analysis

Cancers ◽

10.3390/cancers11020253 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 253 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Michael Jonczyk ◽

Jolie Jean ◽

Roger Graham ◽

Abhishek Chatterjee

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Breast Cancer Surgery ◽

Partial Mastectomy ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Acute Complication ◽

Younger Age ◽

History Of ◽

Muscular Flap ◽

Predictive Risk

As breast cancer surgery continues to evolve, this study highlights the acute complication rates and predisposing risks following partial mastectomy (PM), mastectomy(M), mastectomy with muscular flap reconstruction (M + MF), mastectomy with implant reconstruction (M + I), and oncoplastic surgery (OPS). Data was collected from the American College of Surgeons NSQIP database (2005–2017). Complication rate and trend analyses were performed along with an assessment of odds ratios for predisposing risk factors using adjusted linear regression. 226,899 patients met the inclusion criteria. Complication rates have steadily increased in all mastectomy groups (p < 0.05). Cumulative complication rates between surgical categories were significantly different in each complication cluster (all p < 0.0001). Overall complication rates were: PM: 2.25%, OPS: 3.2%, M: 6.56%, M + MF: 13.04% and M + I: 5.68%. The most common predictive risk factors were mastectomy, increasing operative time, ASA class, BMI, smoking, recent weight loss, history of CHF, COPD and bleeding disorders (all p < 0.001). Patients who were non-diabetic, younger (age < 60) and treated as an outpatient all had protective OR for an acute complication (p < 0.0001). This study provides data comparing nationwide acute complication rates following different breast cancer surgeries. These can be used to inform patients during surgical decision making.

Download Full-text