Decision Making for Anti-VEGF Inhibitor Continuation: Dip Stick? or Urine Protein/Creatinine Ratio? (VERSiON UP Study)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michio Nakamura ◽  
Taro Funakoshi ◽  
Shigeki Kataoka ◽  
Takahiro Horimatsu ◽  
Yoshitaka Nishikawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Gastrointestinal Cancer ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Concordance Rate ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Vegf Receptor ◽  
Creatinine Ratio ◽  
Urine Protein ◽  
Dipstick Test ◽  
Anti Vegf

Abstract Background: Monitoring proteinuria is important for the management of patients with cancer treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or anti-VEGF receptor (VEGFR) inhibitors (VEGF/Ri). Here we investigated the difference between the urine protein/creatinine ratio (UPCR) and a qualitative value test (QV) on the decision making of treatment continuation and the usefulness of UPCR testing in patients with gastrointestinal cancer treated with anti-VEGF/Ri.Methods: From January 2017 to December 2018, a survey was conducted based on the medical records of patients with gastrointestinal cancer with a QV of ≥ 2+ during the use of anti-VEGF/Ri at seven Japanese institutions participating in the Onco-nephrology Consortium. The primary endpoint was the ratio of the worst UPCR < 2.0 (low UPCR) in cases with a QV2+ at the point of the first proteinuria onset. The secondary endpoints were a comparison of low UPCR and worst UPCR ≥ 2.0 (high UPCR), the concordance rate between UPCR and QV in the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grading, and the differences in the decision making for anti-VEGF/Ri continuation.Results: Among the 71 patients enrolled, the proportion of low UPCR in onset QV2+ (n = 53) was 66% (n = 35). In a comparison between low (n=36) and high UPCR cases (n = 24), body weight (P = 0.036), onset QV status (P = 0.0134), and worst QV status (P < 0.0001) were significantly associated with UPCR levels. The concordance rate for CTCAE Grade 2 of both the QV and UPCR was 83%. Regarding the judgment of anti-VEGF/Ri continuation, treatment was continued in 42.4% of cases when the QV became 3+, whereas only 25% continued treatment when the UPCR value became high.Conclusion: Urine dipstick test results may overestimate proteinuria, and the UPCR result tended to be more critical than the QV when deciding the treatment policy.Trial registration: This study is a multiple institutional retrospectively registered observational trial. Clinical Trial number: University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) Clinical Trials Registry (protocol ID UMIN000042545)

Clinical Judgment Revisited

1999 ◽  
Vol 38 (04/05) ◽  
pp. 279-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. L. Weed
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Medical Practice ◽  
Clinical Judgment ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Patient Records ◽  
Practice Of Medicine ◽  
The Way

AbstractIt is widely recognised that accessing and processing medical information in libraries and patient records is a burden beyond the capacities of the physician’s unaided mind in the conditions of medical practice. Physicians are quite capable of tremendous intellectual feats but cannot possibly do it all. The way ahead requires the development of a framework in which the brilliant pieces of understanding are routinely assembled into a working unit of social machinery that is coherent and as error free as possible – a challenge in which we ourselves are among the working parts to be organized and brought under control.Such a framework of intellectual rigor and discipline in the practice of medicine can only be achieved if knowledge is embedded in tools; the system requiring the routine use of those tools in all decision making by both providers and patients.

scholarly journals Impact of cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate condition: a randomised crossover simulation research study of the interaction between two algorithms

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. e030430
Author(s):  
Thomas Ott ◽  
Jascha Stracke ◽  
Susanna Sellin ◽  
Marc Kriege ◽  
Gerrit Toenges ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Research Study ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Simulated Patients ◽  
Stressful Situation ◽  
Simulation Research ◽  
Simulation Centre

ObjectivesDuring a ‘cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate’ situation, asphyxia can lead to cardiac arrest. In this stressful situation, two complex algorithms facilitate decision-making to save a patient’s life: difficult airway management and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. However, the extent to which competition between the two algorithms causes conflicts in the execution of pivotal treatment remains unknown. Due to the rare incidence of this situation and the very low feasibility of such an evaluation in clinical reality, we decided to perform a randomised crossover simulation research study. We propose that even experienced healthcare providers delay cricothyrotomy, a lifesaving approach, due to concurrent cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a ‘cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate’ situation.DesignDue to the rare incidence and dynamics of such a situation, we conducted a randomised crossover simulation research study.SettingWe collected data in our institutional simulation centre between November 2016 and November 2017.ParticipantsWe included 40 experienced staff anaesthesiologists at our tertiary university hospital centre.InterventionThe participants treated two simulated patients, both requiring cricothyrotomy: one patient required cardiopulmonary resuscitation due to asphyxia, and one patient did not require cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was the intervention. Participants were evaluated by video records.Primary outcome measuresThe difference in ‘time to ventilation through cricothyrotomy’ between the two situations was the primary outcome measure.ResultsThe results of 40 participants were analysed. No carry-over effects were detected in the crossover design. During cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the median time to ventilation was 22 s (IQR 3–40.5) longer than that without cardiopulmonary resuscitation (p=0.028), including the decision-making time.ConclusionCricothyrotomy, which is the most crucial treatment for cardiac arrest in a ‘cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate’ situation, was delayed by concurrent cardiopulmonary resuscitation. If cardiopulmonary resuscitation delays cricothyrotomy, it should be interrupted to first focus on cricothyrotomy.

scholarly journals P005 Rheumatology virtual clinics during COVID-19: are our patients satisfied?

Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 60 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fajer A Altamimi ◽  
Una Martin
Keyword(s):  
Medical Information ◽  
Worker Safety ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Further Training ◽  
Return Envelope ◽  
The Right ◽  
Reduced Risk

Abstract Background/Aims  Telemedicine can be broadly defined as the use of telecommunication technologies to provide medical information and services. It can be audio, visual, or text. Its use has increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure patient and healthcare worker safety. Any healthcare professional can engage with it. It carries benefits like reduced stress and expense of traveling, maintenance of social distancing, and reduced risk of infection. There are some potential drawbacks such as lack of physical examination, liability and technological issues. Methods  A questionnaire was sent to 200 patients, selected from different virtual clinics (new and review, doctor and ANP led) run between March and May 2020 in the rheumatology department of University Hospital Waterford. We formulated 14 questions to cover the following aspects: demography, the purpose of the consult, punctuality, feedback, medico-legal concerns, and free text for comments. A self-addressed return envelope was included. Results  83 responses were received. 2 were excluded. The ratio of females to male respondents was 59: 41, with the majority over 60 years old. The main appointment type was review 67 (83%). 80% of patients were called either before or at the time of their scheduled appointment. The vast majority (98.8%) of our patients had confidence in our data protection and trusted our system to maintain their confidentiality. 95% stated that they felt comfortable, were given enough time to explain their health problem and felt free from stress. The respondents who preferred attending the clinic in person (17 in total) compared to the virtual were mostly follow up patients- 12 vs. 5 new. Conclusion  Patient satisfaction among those surveyed was high, despite having to introduce the service abruptly during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are many improvements we can adopt to improve our service and even maintain after the pandemic as a way of communicating with our stable patients. As we are covering a large geographical catchment, we can continue to implement the virtual clinic for some appointments. We should prioritize our efforts on identifying the right patient and the type of service we can offer, further training of staff, and increasing awareness of the patients as to how to get the most out of a virtual appointment. Disclosure  F.A. Altamimi: None. U. Martin: None. C. Sheehy: None.

scholarly journals Alterations of Serum Biochemical and Urinary Parameters in a Canine Population before and after Intravenous Contrast Administration

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 146
Author(s):  
Federica Cagnasso ◽  
Barbara Bruno ◽  
Claudio Bellino ◽  
Antonio Borrelli ◽  
Ilaria Lippi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ct Scan ◽  
Urine Specific Gravity ◽  
Reference Ranges ◽  
Creatinine Ratio ◽  
Urine Protein ◽  
Intravenous Contrast ◽  
Creatinine Concentration ◽  
Iodinated Contrast ◽  
Serum Biochemical ◽  
Urinary Parameters

Intravenous iodinated contrast (IVIC) medium is routinely administered to dogs. Scattered information exists regarding the serum biochemical or urinary profiles associated with the administration of IVIC in dogs. The aim of the study was to describe, compare, and discuss from the perspective of previous studies the alterations in serum biochemical and urinary parameters before (T0) and within one week (T1) of the IVIC administration during routine computed tomography (CT) scan evaluation of 22 dogs. Mature dogs presenting for CT scan evaluation for preoperative oncology staging/surgical planning were included. T1 evaluation was performed within one week of IVIC administration. Statistically significant differences in serum total protein, albumin, chloride, calcium, and phosphorus concentrations, urine protein to creatinine ratio, and urine specific gravity were found between T1 and T0. At T1, the serum creatinine concentration was within reference ranges in all dogs but one. An increase in the urine protein to creatinine ratio was observed in four samples, one of which was non-proteinuric at T0. Changes in biochemistry and urine parameters between T0 and T1 were not considered clinically significant.

scholarly journals The ratio and difference of urine protein-to-creatinine ratio and albumin-to-creatinine ratio facilitate risk prediction of all-cause mortality

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Ray Chang ◽  
Hung-Chieh Yeh ◽  
I-Wen Ting ◽  
Chen-Yuan Lin ◽  
Han-Chun Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Daily Practice ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
P Value ◽  
Urine Specimen ◽  
Creatinine Ratio ◽  
Urine Protein ◽  
Protein Ratio ◽  
Discriminative Performance ◽  
Prognostic Assessment ◽  
All Cause Mortality

AbstractThe role of the difference and ratio of albuminuria (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, uACR) and proteinuria (urine protein-to-creatinine ratio, uPCR) has not been systematically evaluated with all-cause mortality. We retrospectively analyzed 2904 patients with concurrently measured uACR and uPCR from the same urine specimen in a tertiary hospital in Taiwan. The urinary albumin-to-protein ratio (uAPR) was derived by dividing uACR by uPCR, whereas urinary non-albumin protein (uNAP) was calculated by subtracting uACR from uPCR. Conventional severity categories of uACR and uPCR were also used to establish a concordance matrix and develop a corresponding risk matrix. The median age at enrollment was 58.6 years (interquartile range 45.4–70.8). During the 12,391 person-years of follow-up, 657 deaths occurred. For each doubling increase in uPCR, uACR, and uNAP, the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of all-cause mortality were 1.29 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24–1.35), 1.12 (1.09–1.16), and 1.41 (1.34–1.49), respectively. For each 10% increase in uAPR, it was 1.02 (95% CI 0.98–1.06). The linear dose–response association with all-cause mortality was only observed with uPCR and uNAP. The 3 × 3 risk matrices revealed that patients with severe proteinuria and normal albuminuria had the highest risk of all-cause mortality (aHR 5.25, 95% CI 1.88, 14.63). uNAP significantly improved the discriminative performance compared to that of uPCR (c statistics: 0.834 vs. 0.828, p-value = 0.032). Our study findings advocate for simultaneous measurements of uPCR and uACR in daily practice to derive uAPR and uNAP, which can provide a better mortality prognostic assessment.

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