THE UTILITY OF A MULTIDIRECTIONAL SUBMAXIMAL EXERTIONAL STEP AS PART OF AN EXERTIONAL REHABILITATION PROTOCOL AFTER CONCUSSION

Background: This study aimed to identify whether a 5 Step Exertional Rehabilitation Protocol including a submaximal multi-directional stage (Step 5) has clinical utility for functional activity and sport clearance. Exertional Rehabilitation (EP) is a graded protocol of aerobic exercise ranging from light linear exertion (Step 1) to submaximal linear exertion (Step 4)1,2. In our 5 Step Protocol, Step 4 is followed by standardized multi-directional functional movements at high intensity intervals (Step 5) to rule out ongoing exertional intolerance. Hypothesis/Purpose: We aim to investigate if Step 5 testing demonstrates statistical evidence for its use in determining concussion recovery timelines and its diagnostic usefulness. Methods: This retrospective-chart review analyzed 60 Step 5 EP test attempts in post-concussion patients, ages 21 or younger, between Jun2019-Jun2020. Tolerance was determined by a concussion specialist who evaluated for the onset of signs/symptoms by surveying the patient throughout exercise and autonomic assessment with cardiac monitoring and pre/post orthostatic testing. Pre/Post exertion King-Devic (K-D) and vestibular testing on Force Plate were completed following Balance Error Scoring System positions. A positive change in K-D was defined as a ≥2 second delay in score on two of three reading cards from the pre-exertion testing. A positive change in vestibular testing was defined as a ≥0.2deg/sec change in the composite balance score from the pre-exertion testing. Results: The total number of failed Step 5 attempts was 21.7%. Of the failed attempts, 38.5% demonstrated dysautonomia, 92.35% had symptoms, and 30.8% demonstrated both dysautonomia and symptoms. Force Plate balance scores significantly worsened in failed attempts 15.4% of the time while passed attempts only 2.1% of the time. K-D scores did not show a statistically significant difference although failed attempts did have slightly worsened scores. Conclusion: Formal Step 5 testing is a useful diagnostic tool for understanding recovery stage, activity tolerance, and sport clearance. Autonomic, visual, and vestibular testing can be useful as objective markers of test tolerance. Tables/Figures: [Figure: see text][Figure: see text] Citations: 1) Leddy JJ, Haider MN, Ellis MJ, Mannix R, Darling SR, Freitas MS, Suffoletto HN, Leiter J, Cordingley DM, Willer B. Early Subthreshold Aerobic Exercise for Sport-Related Concussion: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Pediatr. 2019 Apr 1;173(4):319-325. 2) Gagnon etal. Another look at active rehabilitation for slow-to-recover sport-related concussion in children and adolescents: further evidence to support its effectiveness. BJSM, 2013.

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Percutaneous glycerol rhizotomy for trigeminal neuralgia in patients with multiple sclerosis: a long-term retrospective cohort study

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2019.1.jns183093 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 132 (5) ◽

pp. 1405-1413 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Michael D. Staudt ◽

Holger Joswig ◽

Gwynedd E. Pickett ◽

Keith W. MacDougall ◽

Andrew G. Parrent

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Pain Relief ◽

Trigeminal Neuralgia ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Medication Usage ◽

Free Response ◽

Free Survival ◽

Time To Recurrence ◽

Significant Difference

OBJECTIVEThe prevalence of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS-TN) is higher than in the general population (idiopathic TN [ITN]). Glycerol rhizotomy (GR) is a percutaneous lesioning surgery commonly performed for the treatment of medically refractory TN. While treatment for acute pain relief is excellent, long-term pain relief is poorer. The object of this study was to assess the efficacy of percutaneous retrogasserian GR for the treatment of MS-TN versus ITN.METHODSA retrospective chart review was performed, identifying 219 patients who had undergone 401 GR procedures from 1983 to 2018 at a single academic institution. All patients were diagnosed with medically refractory MS-TN (182 procedures) or ITN (219 procedures). The primary outcome measures of interest were immediate pain relief and time to pain recurrence following initial and repeat GR procedures. Secondary outcomes included medication usage and presence of periprocedural hypesthesia.RESULTSThe initial pain-free response rate was similar between groups (p = 0.726): MS-TN initial GR 89.6%; MS-TN repeat GR 91.9%; ITN initial GR 89.6%; ITN repeat GR 87.0%. The median time to recurrence after initial GR was similar between MS-TN (2.7 ± 1.3 years) and ITN (2.1 ± 0.6 years) patients (p = 0.87). However, there was a statistically significant difference in the time to recurrence after repeat GR between MS-TN (2.3 ± 0.5 years) and ITN patients (1.2 ± 0.2 years; p < 0.05). The presence of periprocedural hypesthesia was highly predictive of pain-free survival (p < 0.01).CONCLUSIONSPatients with MS-TN achieve meaningful pain relief following GR, with an efficacy comparable to that following GR in patients with ITN. Initial and subsequent GR procedures are equally efficacious.

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Incidence of nonaccidental head trauma in infants: a call to revisit prevention strategies

Journal of Neurosurgery Pediatrics ◽

10.3171/2019.7.peds195 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 24 (6) ◽

pp. 689-696 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

LaVerne W. Thompson ◽

Kathryn D. Bass ◽

Justice O. Agyei ◽

Hibbut-Ur-Rauf Naseem ◽

Elizabeth Borngraber ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New York ◽

Parent Education ◽

Shaken Baby Syndrome ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Educational Interventions ◽

Significant Rise ◽

Significant Incidence ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Icd 10 ◽

Parent Education Programs

OBJECTIVETraumatic brain injury is a major sequela of nonaccidental trauma (NAT) that disproportionately affects young children and can have lasting sequelae. Considering the potentially devastating effects, many hospitals develop parent education programs to prevent NAT. Despite these efforts, NAT is still common in Western New York. The authors studied the incidence of NAT following the implementation of the Western New York Shaken Baby Syndrome Education Program in 1998.METHODSThe authors performed a retrospective chart review of children admitted to our pediatric hospital between 1999 and 2016 with ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM codes for types of child abuse and intracranial hemorrhage. Data were also provided by the Safe Babies New York program, which tracks NAT in Western New York. Children with a diagnosis of abuse at 0–24 months old were included in the study. Children who suffered a genuine accidental trauma or those with insufficient corroborating evidence to support the NAT diagnosis were excluded.RESULTSA total of 107 children were included in the study. There was a statistically significant rise in both the incidence of NAT (p = 0.0086) and the incidence rate of NAT (p = 0.0235) during the study period. There was no significant difference in trendlines for annual NAT incidence between sexes (y-intercept p = 0.5270, slope p = 0.5263). When stratified by age and sex, each age group had a distinct and statistically significant incidence of NAT (y-intercept p = 0.0069, slope p = 0.0374).CONCLUSIONSDespite educational interventions targeted at preventing NAT, there is a significant rise in the trend of newly reported cases of NAT, indicating a great need for better injury prevention programming.

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INFLUENCE OF FOOT INSOLE ON THE GAIT PERFORMANCE IN SUBJECTS WITH FLAT FOOT DISORDER

Journal of Mechanics in Medicine and Biology ◽

10.1142/s0219519419500507 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (06) ◽

pp. 1950050

Author(s):

M. T. KARIMI ◽

R. B. TAHMASEBI ◽

B. SATVATI ◽

F. FATOYE

Keyword(s):

Range Of Motion ◽

Ankle Joint ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Walking Speed ◽

Force Plate ◽

Flat Foot ◽

Gait Performance ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Foot Disorder

Flat foot is the most common foot disorder that influences the alignment of the lower limb structure. It is controversial whether the use of foot insole influences kinetic and kinematic of the leg or not. Therefore, this study investigated the influence of foot insole on the gait performance in subjects with flat foot disorder. A group of flat foot subject was recruited into this study (the number of subjects was 15). The motion of the leg joints was determined using the Qualysis motion analysis system. Moreover, the force applied on the lower limb was recorded by a Kistler force plate. The range of motion of the lower limb joints, the moments applied on the lower limb joints and force transmitted through the leg were the parameters used in this study. The difference between these parameters during walking with and without insole was evaluated using the paired [Formula: see text]-test. Significant value was set at [Formula: see text]. There was no significant difference between the range of motion of ankle joint while walking with and without insole. However, the medial directed force applied on the leg decreased significantly [Formula: see text]. The use of foot insole did not influence the moments transmitted through the hip and knee joints. The walking speed of the subjects improved while walking with foot insole. Use of foot insole influenced the magnitude of the force applied on the leg and the adductor moment of ankle joint due to its influence on foot alignment. As the walking speed of the improved subjects follows the use of insole, it can be concluded that it may have a positive effects on the performance of flat foot subjects.

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A novel approach utilizing laser acupuncture teletherapy for management of elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized clinical trial

Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare ◽

10.1177/1357633x211009861 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1357633X2110098

Author(s):

Aya Sedky Adly ◽

Afnan Sedky Adly ◽

Mahmoud Sedky Adly ◽

Mohammad F Ali

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Virtual Reality ◽

Elderly Patients ◽

Aerobic Exercise ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Post Treatment ◽

Laser Acupuncture ◽

Virtual Reality Training ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Elderly Onset

Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease is a systemic progressive inflammatory autoimmune disorder. Elderly-onset RA can be assumed as a benign form of RA. Until recently, face-to-face therapeutic sessions between health professionals and patients are usually the method of its treatment. However, during pandemics, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), teletherapeutic sessions can extensively increase the patient safety especially in elderly patients who are more vulnerable to these infections. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate a novel teletherapy approach for management of elderly patients suffering from RA by utilizing laser acupuncture. Methods A teletherapy system was used for management of elderly patients suffering from RA. Sixty participants were allocated randomly into two groups and the ratio was 1:1. Patients in the first group were treated with laser acupuncture and telerehabilitation sessions, which consisted of aerobic exercise and virtual reality training. Patients in the second group received telerehabilitation sessions, which consisted of aerobic exercise and virtual reality training. Evaluation of patients was done by using the Health Assessment questionnaire (HAQ), the Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life (RAQoL) questionnaire, and the analysis of interleukin-6 (IL-6), serum C-reactive protein (CRP), plasma adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA). Results A statistically significant difference was found in CRP, RAQoL, IL-6 and MDA between the pre- and post-treatments in the first group ( p < 0.05) favouring the post-treatment group, while the HAQ showed a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-treatments ( p < 0.05) in both groups. Statistically significant post-treatment differences were also observed between the two groups ( p < 0.05) in RAQoL, CRP, ATP and MDA, favouring the first group. Discussion Laser acupuncture teletherapy could be suggested as a reliable treatment method for elderly patients suffering from RA, as it can provide a safe and effective therapeutic approach. Teletherapy provided safer access to health professionals and patients while giving a high patient satisfaction value with a relatively lower cost (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04684693).

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Comparative Morbidity Profile of Elective vs Therapeutic Neck Dissection

Otolaryngology ◽

10.1177/01945998211008915 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 019459982110089

Author(s):

Quinn Dunlap ◽

James Reed Gardner ◽

Amanda Ederle ◽

Deanne King ◽

Maya Merriweather ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Neck Dissection ◽

Surgical Complications ◽

Chart Review ◽

Care Center ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Neck Surgery ◽

Continuous Variables ◽

Significant Difference ◽

History Of

Objective Neck dissection (ND) is one of the most commonly performed procedures in head and neck surgery. We sought to compare the morbidity of elective ND (END) versus therapeutic ND (TND). Study Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Academic tertiary care center. Methods Retrospective chart review of 373 NDs performed from January 2015 to December 2018. Patients with radical ND or inadequate chart documentation were excluded. Demographics, clinicopathologic data, complications, and sacrificed structures during ND were retrieved. Statistical analysis was performed with χ2 and analysis of variance for comparison of categorical and continuous variables, respectively, with statistical alpha set a 0.05. Results Patients examined consisted of 224 males (60%) with a mean age of 60 years. TND accounted for 79% (n = 296) as compared with 21% (n = 77) for END. Other than a significantly higher history of radiation (37% vs 7%, P < .001) and endocrine pathology (34% vs 2.6%, P < .001) in the TND group, no significant differences in demographics were found between the therapeutic and elective groups. A significantly higher rate of structure sacrifice and extranodal extension within the TND group was noted to hold in overall and subgroup comparisons. No significant difference in rate of surgical complications was appreciated between groups in overall or subgroup analysis. Conclusion While the significantly higher rate of structure sacrifice among the TND population represents an increased morbidity profile in these patients, no significant difference was found in the rate of surgical complications between groups. The significant difference seen between groups regarding history of radiation and endocrine pathology likely represents selection bias.

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1692. Retrospective Review on the Safety and Efficacy of Nitrofurantoin for the Treatment of Cystitis in the Veteran Population With or Without Renal Insufficiency

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofaa439.1870 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S829-S830

Author(s):

Elwyn W Welch ◽

Shaila Sheth ◽

Chester Ashong ◽

Caroline Pham

Keyword(s):

Renal Function ◽

Renal Dysfunction ◽

Clinical Cure ◽

Clinical Cure Rate ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Outpatient Setting ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Cure Rate ◽

Acute Cystitis ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Background Nitrofurantoin has been used to treat cystitis in women; however, data supporting its use in men is lacking. In addition, recent retrospective studies have challenged the manufacturer’s recommendation to avoid nitrofurantoin with creatinine clearances (CrCl) less than 60 mL/min. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of nitrofurantoin for the treatment of acute cystitis in male and female veterans with variable degrees of renal dysfunction. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted in adult patients who received nitrofurantoin for acute cystitis in the outpatient setting between May 1, 2018 and May 1, 2019. The primary outcomes were rates of clinical cure as compared between males and females, and across various renal function groups (CrCl greater than 60 mL/min, 30 to 60 mL/min, and less than 30 mL/min) following treatment with nitrofurantoin. The secondary outcome was adverse event rates. Results A total of 446 patients were included with 278 females and 168 males. Overall clinical cure rate was 86.5% (n=386). Clinical cure rate did not vary between genders (p=0.0851) or CrCl ranges (p=1.0) as shown in the tables. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) was associated with decreased odds of clinical cure (OR 0.50 [95% CI 0.26-0.97], p=0.0404) in addition to cirrhosis (OR 0.22 [95% CI 0.06-0.91], p=0.0357). Adverse events occurred in 2% of patients and did not vary based on gender or renal function. RATES OF CLINICAL CURE Conclusion There was no statistically significant difference in clinical cure with nitrofurantoin between genders and various renal impairments. However, history of BPH and cirrhosis were associated with decreased efficacy. Subgroup analysis also revealed lower efficacy in males with CrCl greater than 60 mL/min versus females with similar renal function. This study adds to the growing body of literature suggesting that renal dysfunction with CrCl of 30 to 60 mL/min may not carry the risk of treatment failure and adverse effects previously associated with nitrofurantoin, but large randomized trials are needed to confirm these results. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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Influenza With an Infiltrate: Investigating the New Community-Acquired Pneumonia Guidelines

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1017/ice.2020.884 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. s302-s302

Author(s):

Amanda Barner ◽

Lou Ann Bruno-Murtha

Keyword(s):

Demographic Data ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Vaccination Rate ◽

Community Acquired Pneumonia ◽

Teaching Hospitals ◽

Antibiotic Prescribing ◽

Supporting Evidence ◽

Radiographic Findings ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Impact

Background: The Infectious Diseases Society of America released updated community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) guidelines in October 2019. One of the recommendations, with a low quality of supporting evidence, is the standard administration of antibiotics in adult patients with influenza and radiographic evidence of pneumonia. Procalcitonin (PCT) is not endorsed as a strategy to withhold antibiotic therapy, but it could be used to de-escalate appropriate patients after 48–72 hours. Radiographic findings are not indicative of the etiology of pneumonia. Prescribing antibiotics for all influenza-positive patients with an infiltrate has significant implications for stewardship. Therefore, we reviewed hospitalized, influenza-positive patients at our institution during the 2018–2019 season, and we sought to assess the impact of an abnormal chest x-ray (CXR) and PCT on antibiotic prescribing and outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all influenza-positive admissions at 2 urban, community-based, teaching hospitals. Demographic data, vaccination status, PCT levels, CXR findings, and treatment regimens were reviewed. The primary outcome was the difference in receipt of antibiotics between patients with a negative (<0.25 ng/mL) and positive PCT. Secondary outcomes included the impact of CXR result on antibiotic prescribing, duration, 30-day readmission, and 90-day mortality. Results: We reviewed the medical records of 117 patients; 43 (36.7%) received antibiotics. The vaccination rate was 36.7%. Also, 11% of patients required intensive care unit (ICU) admission and 84% received antibiotics. Moreover, 109 patients had a CXR: 61 (55.9%) were negative, 29 (26.6%) indeterminate, and 19 (17.4%) positive per radiologist interpretation. Patients with a positive PCT (OR, 12.7; 95% CI, 3.43–60.98; P < .0007) and an abnormal CXR (OR, 7.4; 95% CI, 2.9–20.1; P = .000003) were more likely to receive antibiotics. There was no significant difference in 30-day readmission (11.6% vs 13.5%; OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.21–3.08; P = 1) and 90-day mortality (11.6% vs 5.4%; OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 0.48–12.75; P = .28) between those that received antibiotics and those that did not, respectively. Furthermore, 30 patients (62.5%) with an abnormal CXR received antibiotics and 21 (43.7%) had negative PCT. There was no difference in 30-day readmission or 90-day mortality between those that did and did not receive antibiotics. Conclusions: Utilization of PCT allowed selective prescribing of antibiotics without impacting readmission or mortality. Antibiotics should be initiated for critically ill patients and based on clinical judgement, rather than for all influenza-positive patients with CXR abnormalities.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

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Stereotactic Electroencephalography Is Associated With Reduced Pain and Opioid Use When Compared with Subdural Grids: A Case Series

Operative Neurosurgery ◽

10.1093/ons/opab040 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jonathan P Scoville ◽

Evan Joyce ◽

Joshua Hunsaker ◽

Jared Reese ◽

Herschel Wilde ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hospital Stay ◽

Chart Review ◽

Statistical Tests ◽

Case Series ◽

Length Of Hospital Stay ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Opioid Use ◽

Pain Scores ◽

Surgical Methods ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract BACKGROUND Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been shown to decrease length of hospital stay and opioid use. OBJECTIVE To identify whether surgery for epilepsy mapping via MIS stereotactically placed electroencephalography (SEEG) electrodes decreased overall opioid use when compared with craniotomy for EEG grid placement (ECoG). METHODS Patients who underwent surgery for epilepsy mapping, either SEEG or ECoG, were identified through retrospective chart review from 2015 through 2018. The hospital stay was separated into specific time periods to distinguish opioid use immediately postoperatively, throughout the rest of the stay and at discharge. The total amount of opioids consumed during each period was calculated by transforming all types of opioids into their morphine equivalents (ME). Pain scores were also collected using a modification of the Clinically Aligned Pain Assessment (CAPA) scale. The 2 surgical groups were compared using appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS The study identified 43 patients who met the inclusion criteria: 36 underwent SEEG placement and 17 underwent craniotomy grid placement. There was a statistically significant difference in median opioid consumption per hospital stay between the ECoG and the SEEG placement groups, 307.8 vs 71.5 ME, respectively (P = .0011). There was also a significant difference in CAPA scales between the 2 groups (P = .0117). CONCLUSION Opioid use is significantly lower in patients who undergo MIS epilepsy mapping via SEEG compared with those who undergo the more invasive ECoG procedure. As part of efforts to decrease the overall opioid burden, these results should be considered by patients and surgeons when deciding on surgical methods.

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106 Frailty Assessment in the Burn Population: A Single Center Retrospective Review

Journal of Burn Care & Research ◽

10.1093/jbcr/irab032.110 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S71-S72

Author(s):

Erin Wolf Horrell ◽

Ronnie Mubang ◽

Sarah A Folliard ◽

Robel Beyene ◽

Stephen Gondek ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Length Of Stay ◽

Chart Review ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Level Of Care ◽

Post Discharge ◽

Patients Âgés ◽

Injury Characteristics ◽

Frail Patients ◽

Discharge Care ◽

Patients Experience

Abstract Introduction Burn morbidity and mortality increases with advancing age. Frailty is characterized by reduced homeostatic reserves and is associated with an increased biological age compared to chronological age. Our primary aim was to determine whether frailty as assessed on admission would be predictive of outcomes in the burn population. Methods We conducted a single institution 7-month retrospective chart review of all admitted acute burn patients ages 45 and older. Patient and injury characteristics were collected and compared using standard statistical analysis. Frailty scores were assessed upon admission using the FRAIL Scale. Results Eighty-five patients met inclusion criteria and were able to complete the FRAIL assessment. Patient and injury characteristics are listed in Table 1. Mean burn size was 6.7%TBSA (95%CI 4.9–8.4%). 34 patients (40%) were classified as robust (FRAIL score 0), 26(30.6%) as pre-frail (FRAIL score 1-Patients in the pre-frail/frail cohort received more palliative care consultations (p=.096) and had a longer length of stay (3.3d vs 7.55d p = .002), while prefrail patients had a similar LOS to frail patients (7.46 vs 7.64d p =.938). Patients in the pre-frail/frail cohort were also more likely to be discharged to a higher level of care than they were admitted from(p=.032) with prefrail patients experience an escalation in level of care more frequently than frail patients. The distribution by age by half-decade ranges is in Figure 1. By age 55–59, the majority of patients were prefrail or frail. Conclusions We demonstrated that frailty as assessed by the FRAIL score was predictive of increased length of stay and an escalation in post discharge care. In addition, patients characterized as pre-frail experience outcomes similar to frail patients and should be managed as such. Given the prevalence of frailty and prefrailty in the younger group of patients, we advocate for routine frailty screening beginning at age 55.

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1010. Effective Management of HIV in Rural Georgia Using Telemedicine

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofaa439.1196 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S533-S533

Author(s):

Folake J Lawal ◽

Arni S R Srinivasa Rao ◽

Jose A Vazquez

Keyword(s):

Rural Areas ◽

Viral Suppression ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Cd4 Count ◽

Hiv Care ◽

Resistance Mutations ◽

Remote Communities ◽

Hiv Viral Load ◽

Viral Control ◽

Significant Difference

Abstract Background The increasing incidence of HIV and lack of care in rural areas contributes to the ongoing epidemic. The dearth of specialized health services within remote communities and access of this population to available services poses a challenge to HIV care. Telemedicine (TM) is a potential tool to improve HIV care in these remote communities, but little is known about its effectiveness when compared to traditional (face-to-face) (F2F) care. The objective of this study is to examine the effectiveness of HIV care delivered through TM, and compare to F2F care. Methods This is a retrospective chart review of all HIV positive patients who attended either the F2F clinic (Augusta, GA) or the TM clinic (Dublin, GA) between May 2017 to April 2018. Data extracted included demographics, CD4 count, HIV PCR, co-morbidities, dates of clinic attendance, HIV resistance mutations and ART changes. Viral suppression and gain in CD4 counts were compared. T-test was conducted to test differences in characteristics and outcomes between the two groups. Results 385 cases were included in the study (52.5% black, 82% females, F2F=200, TM=185). Mean CD4 count in the TM group was statistically higher (643.9 cells/mm3) than the F2F group (596.3 cells/mm3) (p< 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in mean HIV viral load (F2F= 416.8 cp/ml, TM=713.4 cp/ml, p=0.3) and rates of year-round viral control (F2F= 73% vs TM = 77% p= 0.54). 38 patients achieved viral suppression during the study period (F2F= 24, TM =14) with a mean change of -3.34 x 104 vs -1.24 x 104, respectively. The difference in mean change was not statistically significant by Snedacor’s W Statistics. This indicates there was no significant difference between the two populations in terms of mean viral suppression among patients who were otherwise not suppressed before the study period. Conclusion To achieve an HIV cure, HIV care is required to extend to rural areas of the country and the world. Through delivery of care using TM, trained specialists can target communities with little or no health care. Moreover, use of TM achieves target outcome measures comparable to F2F clinics. Increase in the use of TM will improve the access to specialty HIV care and help achieve control of HIV in rural communities. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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