The Use of Sonography in Pediatrics: The Bioethical Concerns in Clinical and Research Practice

2021 ◽  
pp. 875647932110350
Author(s):  
Nicole Weikle
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Setting ◽  
Imaging Modality ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Ethical Principles ◽  
Pediatric Care ◽  
Research Practice ◽  
Ethical Guidelines ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Clinical Pediatric

Sonography has been widely used in both a clinical and non-clinical setting. This imaging modality is a common tool of choice for both physicians and researchers. Although sonography is a non-ionizing and non-invasive tool for imaging, special considerations need to be made when working with the pediatric population. Ethical guidelines for clinical pediatric care and research need to consider the varying ethical guidelines and bioethical concerns in children. As sonographers, researchers, educators and clinicians, pediatric care and research must balance the protection of children and the need for imaging to improve pediatric well-being. The discussion of this paper will delve into The Principles Approach developed by Beauchamp and Childress. Each principle will be explored and how those ethical principles could be considered in pediatric care.

scholarly journals Advancing Ethical Principles for Non-Invasive, Respectful Research with Nonhuman Animal Participants

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-190
Author(s):  
Lauren E. Van Patter ◽  
Charlotte Blattner
Keyword(s):  
Informed Consent ◽  
Animal Studies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Nonhuman Animal ◽  
Ethical Principles ◽  
Voluntary Participation ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Nonhuman Animals

Abstract Animal studies scholars are increasingly engaging with nonhuman animals firsthand to better understand their lifeworlds and interests. The current 3R framework is inadequate to guide respectful, non-invasive research relations that aim to encounter animals as meaningful participants and safeguard their well-being. This article responds to this gap by advancing ethical principles for research with animals guided by respect, justice, and reflexivity. It centers around three core principles: non-maleficence (including duties around vulnerability and confidentiality); beneficence (including duties around reciprocity and representation); and voluntary participation (involving mediated informed consent and ongoing embodied assent). We discuss three areas (inducements, privacy, and refusing research) that merit further consideration. The principles we advance serve as a starting point for further discussions as researchers across disciplines strive to conduct multispecies research that is guided by respect for otherness, geared to ensuring animals’ flourishing, and committed to a nonviolent ethic.

An Overview of Digital Health in the Transition of Pediatric to Adult Epilepsy Care

2020 ◽  
Vol 09 (04) ◽  
pp. 106-113
Author(s):  
Ysabeau Bernard-Willis ◽  
Emily De Oliveira ◽  
Shaheen E Lakhan
Keyword(s):  
Health Management ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Pediatric Care ◽  
Medical Mistrust ◽  
Patient Portals ◽  
Language Therapy ◽  
Adult Care ◽  
Care Systems

AbstractChildren with epilepsy often have impairments in cognitive and behavioral functioning which may hinder socio-occupational well-being as they reach adulthood. Adolescents with epilepsy have the added worry of health problems while starting the transition from family-centered pediatric care into largely autonomous adult care. If this transition is not appropriately planned and resourced, it may result in medical mistrust, nonadherence, and worsening biopsychosocial health as an adult. In recent years, there has been increased availability of digital health solutions that may be used during this stark change in care and treating teams. The digital health landscape includes a wide variety of technologies meant to address challenges faced by patients, caregivers, medical professionals, and health care systems. These technologies include mobile health products and wearable devices (e.g., seizure monitors and trackers, smartphone passive data collection), digital therapeutics (e.g., cognitive/behavioral health management; digital speech–language therapy), telehealth services (e.g., teleneurology visits), and health information technology (e.g., electronic medical records with patient portals). Such digital health solutions may empower patients in their journey toward optimal brain health during the vulnerable period of pediatric to adult care transition. Further research is needed to validate and measure their impact on clinical outcomes, health economics, and quality of life.

A novel use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in uterine artery embolization

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 8
Author(s):  
Jemianne Bautista Jia ◽  
Eric Mastrolonardo ◽  
Mateen Soleman ◽  
Ilya Lekht
Keyword(s):  
Uterine Artery Embolization ◽  
Uterine Artery ◽  
Imaging Modality ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound ◽  
Artery Embolization ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Contrast Enhanced

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a cost-effective, quick, and non-invasive imaging modality that has yet to be incorporated in uterine artery embolization (UAE). We present two cases that demonstrate the utility of CEUS in UAE for the identification of uterine-ovarian collaterals which otherwise can result in ineffective fibroid treatment and non-target embolization.

scholarly journals Role of MRI in the diagnosis of adult traumatic and obstetric brachial plexus injury compared to intraoperative findings

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Doria Mohammed Gad ◽  
Mostafa Thabet Hussein ◽  
Nagham Nabil Mahmoud Omar ◽  
Mohamed Mostafa Kotb ◽  
Mohamed Abdel-Tawab ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brachial Plexus ◽  
Tissue Characterization ◽  
Brachial Plexus Injury ◽  
Imaging Modality ◽  
Preoperative Evaluation ◽  
Diagnostic Modality ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Upper Limb Function ◽  
Obstetric Brachial Plexus ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Abstract Background Brachial plexus injury occurs following birth trauma or adult trauma as well, surgical repair is important to regain upper limb function, and preoperative evaluation with MRI is important and considered the accurate and safe imaging modality. Thirty-seven patients with clinically suspected obstetric (15 patients) or adult traumatic (22 patients) brachial plexus injury were included in our study; all of them underwent MRI examination including T1WI, T2WI, STIR, DWIBS, 3D STIR SPACE, and MR myelography sequences. Results In obstetric cases, MRI sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for preganglionic injury were 63%, 89%, and 82%, respectively, while for postganglionic lesions, MRI sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 60%, 99%, and 95%, respectively. In adult cases, MRI sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for preganglionic injury were 96%, 95%, and 95% respectively, while for postganglionic injury, MRI sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 60%, 100%, and 99%, respectively. Conclusion MRI represents a safe, non-invasive, diagnostic modality having the multiplanar capability and better soft tissue characterization.

scholarly journals Medication of Hydroxychloroquine, Remdesivir and Convalescent Plasma during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany—An Ethical Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 5685
Author(s):  
Katja Voit ◽  
Cristian Timmermann ◽  
Florian Steger
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Drug Distribution ◽  
Experimental Treatment ◽  
Ethical Analysis ◽  
Ethical Principles ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Ethical Guidelines ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Experimental Drug

This paper aims to analyze the ethical challenges in experimental drug use during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, using Germany as a case study. In Germany uniform ethical guidelines were available early on nationwide, which was considered as desirable by other states to reduce uncertainties and convey a message of unity. The purpose of this ethical analysis is to assist the preparation of future guidelines on the use of medicines during public health emergencies. The use of hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir and COVID-19 convalescent plasma in clinical settings was analyzed from the perspective of the ethical principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, justice and autonomy. We observed that drug safety and drug distribution during the pandemic affects all four ethical principles. We therefore recommend to establish ethical guidelines (i) to discuss experimental treatment options with patients from all population groups who are in urgent need, (ii) to facilitate the recording of patient reactions to drugs in off-label use, (iii) to expand inclusion criteria for clinical studies to avoid missing potentially negative effects on excluded groups, and (iv) to maintain sufficient access to repurposed drugs for patients with prior conditions.

scholarly journals Cardiac MRI and Myocardial Injury in COVID-19: Diagnosis, Risk Stratification and Prognosis

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 130
Author(s):  
Saagar K. Sanghvi ◽  
Logan S. Schwarzman ◽  
Noreen T. Nazir
Keyword(s):  
Risk Stratification ◽  
Myocardial Injury ◽  
Cardiac Tissue ◽  
Contractile Function ◽  
Imaging Modality ◽  
Acute Myocarditis ◽  
Myocardial Inflammation ◽  
Critical Data ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Risk Of Exposure

Myocardial injury is a common complication of the COVID-19 illness and is associated with a worsened prognosis. Systemic hyperinflammation seen in the advanced stage of COVID-19 likely contributes to myocardial injury. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is the preferred imaging modality for non-invasive evaluation in acute myocarditis, enabling risk stratification and prognostication. Modified scanning protocols in the pandemic setting reduce risk of exposure while providing critical data regarding cardiac tissue inflammation and fibrosis, chamber remodeling, and contractile function. The growing use of CMR in clinical practice to assess myocardial injury will improve understanding of the acute and chronic sequelae of myocardial inflammation from various pathological etiologies.

scholarly journals Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Earlier Detection of Pancreatic Cancer—A Comprehensive Review

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 2722
Author(s):  
Greta Brezgyte ◽  
Vinay Shah ◽  
Daria Jach ◽  
Tatjana Crnogorac-Jurcevic
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Setting ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Reporting Quality ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Ductal Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Index Test ◽  
Delayed Presentation ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Study Selection

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) carries a deadly diagnosis, due in large part to delayed presentation when the disease is already at an advanced stage. CA19-9 is currently the most commonly utilized biomarker for PDAC; however, it lacks the necessary accuracy to detect precursor lesions or stage I PDAC. Novel biomarkers that could detect this malignancy with improved sensitivity (SN) and specificity (SP) would likely result in more curative resections and more effective therapeutic interventions, changing thus the present dismal survival figures. The aim of this study was to systematically and comprehensively review the scientific literature on non-invasive biomarkers in biofluids such as blood, urine and saliva that were attempting earlier PDAC detection. The search performed covered a period of 10 years (January 2010—August 2020). Data were extracted using keywords search in the three databases: MEDLINE, Web of Science and Embase. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool was applied for study selection based on establishing the risk of bias and applicability concerns in Patient Selection, Index test (biomarker assay) and Reference Standard (standard-of-care diagnostic test). Out of initially over 4000 published reports, 49 relevant studies were selected and reviewed in more detail. In addition, we discuss the present challenges and complexities in the path of translating the discovered biomarkers into the clinical setting. Our systematic review highlighted several promising biomarkers that could, either alone or in combination with CA19-9, potentially improve earlier detection of PDAC. Overall, reviewed biomarker studies should aim to improve methodological and reporting quality, and novel candidate biomarkers should be investigated further in order to demonstrate their clinical usefulness. However, challenges and complexities in the path of translating the discovered biomarkers from the research laboratory to the clinical setting remain and would have to be addressed before a more realistic breakthrough in earlier detection of PDAC is achieved.

scholarly journals In Vivo Imaging of Biodegradable Implants and Related Tissue Biomarkers

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 2348
Author(s):  
Leon Riehakainen ◽  
Chiara Cavallini ◽  
Paolo Armanetti ◽  
Daniele Panetta ◽  
Davide Caramella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Imaging Modality ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Tissue Remodelling ◽  
Biodegradable Implant ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Positron Emission ◽  
Longitudinal Imaging

Non-invasive longitudinal imaging of osseointegration of bone implants is essential to ensure a comprehensive, physical and biochemical understanding of the processes related to a successful implant integration and its long-term clinical outcome. This study critically reviews the present imaging techniques that may play a role to assess the initial stability, bone quality and quantity, associated tissue remodelling dependent on implanted material, implantation site (surrounding tissues and placement depth), and biomarkers that may be targeted. An updated list of biodegradable implant materials that have been reported in the literature, from metal, polymer and ceramic categories, is provided with reference to the use of specific imaging modalities (computed tomography, positron emission tomography, ultrasound, photoacoustic and magnetic resonance imaging) suitable for longitudinal and non-invasive imaging in humans. The advantages and disadvantages of the single imaging modality are discussed with a special focus on preclinical imaging for biodegradable implant research. Indeed, the investigation of a new implant commonly requires histological examination, which is invasive and does not allow longitudinal studies, thus requiring a large number of animals for preclinical testing. For this reason, an update of the multimodal and multi-parametric imaging capabilities will be here presented with a specific focus on modern biomaterial research.

Ethical impact of suboptimal referrals on delivery of care in radiology department

2021 ◽  
pp. medethics-2021-107335
Author(s):  
Catherine Chilute Chilanga ◽  
Kristin Bakke Lysdahl
Keyword(s):  
Imaging Modality ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Correct Choice ◽  
Radiology Department ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Patient Anxiety ◽  
Missed Opportunities ◽  
Delivery Of Care ◽  
Lack Of Information

The referral is the key source of information that enables radiologists and radiographers to provide quality services. However, the frequency of suboptimal referrals is widely reported. This research reviews the literature to illuminate the challenges suboptimal referrals present to the delivery of care in radiology departments. The concept of suboptimal referral includes information, that is; missing, insufficient, inconsistent, misleading, hard to interpret or wrong. The research uses the four ethical principles of non-maleficence, beneficence, Autonomy and Justice as an analytic framework.Suboptimal referrals can cause harm by hindering safe contrast-media administration, proper radiation protection by justification of procedures, and compassionate patient care. Suboptimal referrals also hinder promoting patient benefits from the correct choice of imaging modality and protocol, an optimal performed examination, and an accurate radiology report. Additionally, patient autonomy is compromised from the lack of information needed to facilitate benefit–risk communication. Finally, suboptimal referrals challenge justice based on lack of reasonable patient prioritising and the unfairness caused by unnecessary examinations.These findings illuminate how suboptimal referrals can inhibit good health and well-being for patients in relation to safety, missed opportunities, patient anxiety and dissatisfaction. The ethical challenges identified calls for solutions. Referral-decision support tools and artificial intelligence may improve referral quality, when implemented. Strategies addressing efforts of radiology professionals are inevitable, including gatekeeping, shared decision-making and inter-professional communication; thereby raising awareness of the importance of good referral quality and promoting commitment to ethical professional conduct.

scholarly journals Pediatric Integrative Medicine: Vision for the Future

Children ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (8) ◽  
pp. 111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Esparham ◽  
Sanghamitra Misra ◽  
Erica Sibinga ◽  
Timothy Culbert ◽  
Kathi Kemper ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Integrative Medicine ◽  
Professional Education ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Family Education ◽  
Pediatric Care ◽  
The Past ◽  
Significant Interest ◽  
Important Time ◽  
Ecologically Sustainable

Pediatric integrative medicine (PIM) is of significant interest to patients, with 12% of the general pediatric population and up to 80% of children with chronic conditions using PIM approaches. The field of PIM has evolved over the past 25 years, approaching child health with a number of guiding principles: preventive, context-centered, relationship-based, personalized, participatory, and ecologically sustainable. This manuscript reviews important time points for the field of PIM and reports on a series of meetings of PIM leaders, aimed at assessing the state of the field and planning for its future. Efforts in the first decade of the 2000s led to increased visibility in academic and professional pediatric organizations and through international listservs, designed to link those interested in and practicing PIM, all of which continue to flourish. The PIM leadership summits in recent years resulted in specific goals to advance PIM further in the following key areas: research, clinical practice, professional education, patient and family education, and advocacy and partnerships. Additionally, goals were developed for greater expansion of PIM professional education, broader support for pediatric PIM research, and an expanded role for PIM approaches in the provision of pediatric care.

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