Outpatient follow-up of nonoperative cerebral contusion and traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage: does repeat head CT alter clinical decision-making?

2014 ◽  
Vol 121 (4) ◽  
pp. 944-949 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Rubino ◽  
Rifat A. Zaman ◽  
Caleb R. Sturge ◽  
Jessica G. Fried ◽  
Atman Desai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Neurological Symptoms ◽  
Cerebral Contusion ◽  
Head Ct ◽  
Ct Findings ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Object Many neurosurgeons obtain repeat head CT at the first clinic follow-up visit for nonoperative cerebral contusion and traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (tSAH). The authors undertook a single-center, retrospective study to determine whether outpatient CT altered clinical decision-making. Methods The authors evaluated 173 consecutive adult patients admitted to their institution from April 2006 to August 2012 with an admission diagnosis of cerebral contusion or tSAH and at least 1 clinic follow-up visit with CT. Patients with epidural, subdural, aneurysmal subarachnoid, or intraventricular hemorrhage, and those who underwent craniotomy, were excluded. Patient charts were reviewed for new CT findings, new patient symptoms, and changes in treatment plan. Patients were stratified by neurological symptoms into 3 groups: 1) asymptomatic; 2) mild, nonspecific symptoms; and 3) significant symptoms. Mild, nonspecific symptoms included minor headaches, vertigo, fatigue, and mild difficulties with concentration, short-term memory, or sleep; significant symptoms included moderate to severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, focal neurological complaints, impaired consciousness, or new cognitive impairment evident on routine clinical examination. Results One hundred seventy-three patients met inclusion criteria, with initial clinic follow-up obtained within approximately 6 weeks. Of the 173 patients, 104 (60.1%) were asymptomatic, 68 patients (39.3%) had mild, nonspecific neurological symptoms, and 1 patient (1.0%) had significant neurological symptoms. Of the asymptomatic patients, 3 patients (2.9%) had new CT findings and 1 of these patients (1.0%) underwent a change in treatment plan because of these findings. This change involved an additional clinic appointment and CT to monitor a 12-mm chronic subdural hematoma that ultimately resolved without treatment. Of the patients with mild, nonspecific neurological symptoms, 6 patients (8.8%) had new CT findings and 3 of these patients (4.4%) underwent a change in treatment plan because of these findings; none of these patients required surgical intervention. The single patient with significant neurological symptoms did not have any new CT findings. Conclusions Repeat outpatient CT of asymptomatic patients after nonoperative cerebral contusion and tSAH is very unlikely to demonstrate significant new pathology. Given the cost and radiation exposure associated with CT, imaging should be reserved for patients with significant symptoms or focal findings on neurological examination.

scholarly journals Impact of Grade Groups on Prostate Cancer-Specific and Other-Cause Mortality: Competing Risk Analysis from a Large Single Institution Series

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1963
Author(s):  
Daimantas Milonas ◽  
Tomas Ruzgas ◽  
Zilvinas Venclovas ◽  
Mindaugas Jievaltas ◽  
Steven Joniau
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Competing Risk ◽  
Grade Group ◽  
Tertiary Center ◽  
Stable Performance ◽  
Cancer Specific Mortality ◽  
Risk Of Cancer

Objective: To assess the risk of cancer-specific mortality (CSM) and other-cause mortality (OCM) using post-operative International Society of Urological Pathology Grade Group (GG) model in patients after radical prostatectomy (RP). Patients and Methods: Overall 1921 consecutive men who underwent RP during 2001 to 2017 in a single tertiary center were included in the study. Multivariate competing risk regression analysis was used to identify significant predictors and quantify cumulative incidence of CSM and OCM. Time-depending area under the curve (AUC) depicted the performance of GG model on prediction of CSM. Results: Over a median follow-up of 7.9-year (IQR 4.4-11.7) after RP, 235 (12.2%) deaths were registered, and 52 (2.7%) of them were related to PCa. GG model showed high and stable performance (time-dependent AUC 0.88) on prediction of CSM. Cumulative 10-year CSM in GGs 1 to 5 was 0.9%, 2.3%, 7.6%, 14.7%, and 48.6%, respectively; 10-year OCM in GGs was 15.5%, 16.1%, 12.6%, 17.7% and 6.5%, respectively. The ratio between 10-year CSM/OCM in GGs 1 to 5 was 1:17, 1:7, 1:2, 1:1, and 7:1, respectively. Conclusions: Cancer-specific and other-cause mortality differed widely between GGs. Presented findings could aid in personalized clinical decision making for active treatment.

scholarly journals Choice of faecal immunochemical test matters: comparison of OC-Sensor and HM-JACKarc, in the assessment of patients at high risk of colorectal cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline J. Chapman ◽  
Ayan Banerjea ◽  
David J Humes ◽  
Jaren Allen ◽  
Simon Oliver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
Faecal Immunochemical Test ◽  
Specimen Collection ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Immunochemical Test

AbstractObjectivesCurrently, NICE recommends the use of faecal immunochemical test (FIT) at faecal haemoglobin concentrations (f-Hb) of 10 μg Hb/g faeces to stratify for colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in symptomatic populations. This f-Hb cut-off is advised across all analysers, despite the fact that a direct comparison of analyser performance, in a clinical setting, has not been performed.MethodsTwo specimen collection devices (OC-Sensor, OC-S; HM-JACKarc, HM-J) were sent to 914 consecutive individuals referred for follow up due to their increased risk of CRC. Agreement of f-Hb around cut-offs of 4, 10 and 150 µg Hb/g faeces and CRC detection rates were assessed. Two OC-S devices were sent to a further 114 individuals, for within test comparisons.ResultsA total of 732 (80.1%) individuals correctly completed and returned two different FIT devices, with 38 (5.2%) CRCs detected. Median f-Hb for individuals diagnosed with and without CRC were 258.5 and 1.8 µg Hb/g faeces for OC-S and 318.1 and 1.0 µg Hb/g faeces for HM-J respectively. Correlation of f-Hb results between OC-S/HM-J over the full range was rho=0.74, p<0.001. Using a f-Hb of 4 µg Hb/g faeces for both tests found an agreement of 88.1%, at 10 µg Hb/g faeces 91.7% and at 150 µg Hb/g faeces 96.3%. A total of 114 individuals completed and returned two OC-S devices; correlation across the full range was rho=0.98, p<0.001.ConclusionsWe found large variations in f-Hb when different FIT devices were used, but a smaller variation when the same FIT device was used. Our data suggest that analyser-specific f-Hb cut-offs are applied with regard to clinical decision making, especially at lower f-Hb.

Between a logic of disruption and a logic of continuation: Negotiating the legitimacy of algorithms used in automated clinical decision-making

2021 ◽  
pp. 136345932199674
Author(s):  
Rikke Torenholt ◽  
Henriette Langstrup
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Patient Reported Outcomes ◽  
Patient Involvement ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Diagnostic Procedures ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Pro Tools

In both popular and academic discussions of the use of algorithms in clinical practice, narratives often draw on the decisive potentialities of algorithms and come with the belief that algorithms will substantially transform healthcare. We suggest that this approach is associated with a logic of disruption. However, we argue that in clinical practice alongside this logic, another and less recognised logic exists, namely that of continuation: here the use of algorithms constitutes part of an established practice. Applying these logics as our analytical framing, we set out to explore how algorithms for clinical decision-making are enacted by political stakeholders, healthcare professionals, and patients, and in doing so, study how the legitimacy of delegating to an algorithm is negotiated and obtained. Empirically we draw on ethnographic fieldwork carried out in relation to attempts in Denmark to develop and implement Patient Reported Outcomes (PRO) tools – involving algorithmic sorting – in clinical practice. We follow the work within two disease areas: heart rehabilitation and breast cancer follow-up care. We show how at the political level, algorithms constitute tools for disrupting inefficient work and unsystematic patient involvement, whereas closer to the clinical practice, algorithms constitute a continuation of standardised and evidence-based diagnostic procedures and a continuation of the physicians’ expertise and authority. We argue that the co-existence of the two logics have implications as both provide a push towards the use of algorithms and how a logic of continuation may divert attention away from new issues introduced with automated digital decision-support systems.

scholarly journals Challenges in treatment of renal echinococcosis with gross hydatiduria and unsalvageable kidney: a case report

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sameera Shuaibi ◽  
Abdelrahman AlAshqar ◽  
Munirah Alabdulhadi ◽  
Wasl Al-Adsani
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Renal Involvement ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Standards Of Care ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Positive Serology ◽  
Grape Skin

Abstract Introduction Renal echinococcosis is of rare occurrence, and although often asymptomatic, it can present with various mild to drastic presentations, of which hydatiduria is pathognomonic. Diagnosis can be preliminarily established by imaging, and treatment is primarily surgical. We present a patient with renal echinococcosis treated successfully with exclusive antiparasitic pharmacotherapy after refusing surgery despite extensive renal involvement. We hope through this report to help establish future solid guidelines regarding this uncommon therapeutic approach. Case presentation This is a case of a 49-year-old Syrian shepherd presenting with flank pain and passage of grape-skin-like structures in urine. A diagnosis of renal echinococcosis with hydatiduria and significant parenchymal destruction was established based on exposure history, positive serology, imaging findings, and renal scintigraphy. After proper counseling, the patient refused nephrectomy and was therefore started on dual pharmacotherapy (albendazole and praziquantel) and is having an uneventful follow-up and a satisfactory response to treatment. Conclusion This case embodies the daily challenges physicians navigate as they uphold the ethical principles of their practice and support their patients’ autonomy while delivering the best standards of care and consulting the scientific evidence. Although surgery is the cornerstone of renal echinococcosis treatment, treating physicians should be prepared to tackle situations where surgery cannot be done and offer the best next available option for patients who refuse surgery. As data on exclusive pharmacotherapy are limited, future research should thoroughly investigate the efficacy of this uncommon approach and outline reliable recommendations, facilitating future clinical decision-making in this avenue.

P83 Improving patient care through a collaborative effort in the Leeds Combined Psoriatic Service: an effective provision of multi-specialty input

Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Vandevelde ◽  
Kate Harnden ◽  
Jane Freeston ◽  
Andrew Barr ◽  
Kave Shams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Satisfaction Survey ◽  
Tnf Inhibitor ◽  
Patient Satisfaction Survey ◽  
Dermatology Clinic ◽  
Nice Guidance

Abstract Background NICE guidance (NG65) endorses the need for a multi-specialist approach in spondyloarthritis. The Leeds Combined Psoriatic Service has been running rheumatology and dermatology clinics in parallel since 2011, where patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and psoriasis from both services are reviewed on request by both teams. Methods Prospective survey to assess the potential benefits of the current combined review over a 17-month period (May 2018-September 2019). In addition, a patient satisfaction survey was performed in the rheumatology setup. Results In a standard month, 120 patients with PsA and 180 with psoriasis are reviewed in each clinic. A total of 136 combined consultations took place during this study period with dermatologists reviewing rheumatology patients on 87 occasions and rheumatology reviewing dermatology patients on 49 occasions. Overall, the combined review had a direct impact on the other specialty’s clinical treatment plan in 32% (44/136). This included altering csDMARDs (16%; 7/44), switching or starting a TNF inhibitor (20%; 9/44), new IL-17 inhibition (41%; 18/44); IL-23 inhibition (19%; 8/44), apremilast (5%; 2/44). Furthermore, 12 Rheumatology patients with PsA were able to access a biological medication for which they didn't fulfil NICE criteria or which is not yet approved for use in PsA, based on their skin involvement (1 secukinumab, 2 ixekizumab, 3 adalimumab, 1 rizankizumab, 5 guselkumab); 2 dermatology patients were able to access biological medication prescribed by rheumatology (1 adalimumab, 1 apremilast). Objectively, combined reviews avoided a separate out-patient appointment on 82 occasions averaging a saving of £21,080 to the CCG. A new rheumatological diagnosis was given to 18 people attending the dermatology clinic (4 spondyloarthritis; osteoarthritis, gout, fibromyalgia or mechanical joint pains) and 34 people were given a new skin diagnosis (3 new psoriasis, 9 fungal rash or possible psoriasis, 2 vasculitis, 17 eczema, rosacea or other). During the past year, 196 patients were recruited to clinical trials in rheumatology and 170 in dermatology conducted studies. The patient satisfaction survey was returned by 108 rheumatology patients. In total, 24% (26 of 108) reported benefitting from a dermatologist’s review whilst attending a rheumatology appointment. 70% of rheumatology patients with psoriasis, who were not already under dermatology, had either seen or would like to have seen a dermatologist whilst attending rheumatology clinic. Conclusion Combined clinics give clear patient benefits, with improved clinical decision making, enhanced diagnosis and access to therapies. In addition, they carry substantial savings for the CCGs and lead to high patient satisfaction. These specialised services support pioneering clinical practice and deliver cutting-edge care acting as hubs for translational research within the NHS, and as such should be eligible for high tariff commissioning to allow for fine tuning on the delivery of quality of care and cost control. Disclosures C. Vandevelde: None. K. Harnden: None. J. Freeston: None. A. Barr: None. K. Shams: None. P. Laws: None. H. Marzo-Ortega: None.

scholarly journals Routine Follow-Up Radiographs for Ankle Fractures Seldom Add Value to Clinical Decision-Making: A Retrospective, Observational Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 57 (5) ◽  
pp. 957-960 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pieter van Gerven ◽  
Nikki L. Weil ◽  
Marco F. Termaat ◽  
Sidney M. Rubinstein ◽  
Mostafa El Moumni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Retrospective Observational Study

Reversibility of Delirium in Palliative Care (DRAFT)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiffany Shaw ◽  
Eric Prommer
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Clinical Case ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Frequent Event ◽  
Study Intervention

Delirium is a frequent event in patients with advanced cancer. Untreated delirium affects assessment of symptoms, impairs communication including participation in clinical decision-making. This study used specific diagnostic criteria for delirium and prospectively identified precipitating causes of delirium. The study identified factors associated with reversible and irreversible delirium. Impact of delirium on prognosis was evaluated. This chapter describes the basics of the study, including funding, year study began, year study was published, study location, who was studied, who was excluded, how many patients, study design, study intervention, follow-up, endpoints, results, and criticism and limitations. The chapter briefly reviews other relevant studies and information, gives a summary and discusses implications, and concludes with a relevant clinical case. Topics covered include delirium, neoplasms, palliative care, polypharmacy, risk factors, and therapeutics.

scholarly journals INNV-34. PATTERNS OF FAILURE AND DEVELOPMENT OF A NOVEL PROGNOSTIC SCORING SYSTEM IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH GLIOBLASTOMA – FOLLOW UP ON 10 YEAR ANALYSIS OF THE BC CANCER AGENCY POPULATION

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_6) ◽  
pp. vi137-vi137
Author(s):  
Jonathan Zeng ◽  
Kimberly DeVries ◽  
Andra Krauze
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Scoring System ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Radiographic Progression ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Patient Stratification ◽  
Patterns Of Failure ◽  
Resection Status ◽  
Cancer Agency

Abstract PURPOSE Glioblastomas (GBM) are the most common primary brain tumour recurring in most patients despite maximal management. Patient selection for appropriate treatment modality remains challenging resulting in heterogeneity in management. We examined the patterns of failure and developed a scoring system for patient stratification to optimise clinical decision making. METHODS 822 adults (BC Cancer Agency registry) diagnosed 2005–2015 age ≥60 with histologically confirmed GBM ICD-O-3 codes (9440/3, 9441/3, 9442/3) were reviewed. Univariate and Kaplan-Meier analysis were performed. Performance status (PS), age and resection status were assigned a score, cummulative maximal (favorable) score of 10 and minimum (unfavorable) score of 3. Patterns of failure were further analysed in the subset of patients with radiographic follow-up. RESULTS PS score of 3(KPS >80, ECOG 0/1), 2 (KPS 60–70, ECOG 2), 1 (KPS < 60, ECOG 3/4) (median OS 11, 6, 3 months respectively), age score and resection status were prognostic for OS with PS resulting in the most significant curve separation (p< 0.0001). Biopsy as compared to STR/GTR resulted in poorer OS in patients over 70 (age score 1/2) but had less impact in patients younger than 70 (age scores 3/4). The median OS for cumulative scores of 9/10 (123 patients), 7/8 (286 patients), 5/6 (313 patients), and 3/4 (55 patients) were 14, 8, 4 and 2 months respectively (p< 0.0001) allowing for stratification into 4 prognostic groups. 133 patients had >3 MRIs following diagnosis allowing for clinical and radiographic analysis of progression. Clinical/radiographic progression occurred within 3 months (29%/45%), 6 months (50%/66%), 9 months (70%/81%). Progression type (radiographic, clinical, both was not associated with OS. CONCLUSION Our novel prognostic scoring system is effective in achieving patient stratification and may guide clinical decision making. Early radiographic progression appears to precede clinical deterioration and may represent true progression in the elderly.

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