Two Cases of Feigned Homicidality: Assessing the Third Dimension in Homicidal Threats

Although data and research on the topic are lacking, the phenomenon of feigned homicidality in short-term hospitalization appears to have increased in recent years. Inpatient psychiatrists not only assess the seriousness of homicidal threats, but also whether such threats are authentic. However, specific literature and diagnostic manuals provide virtually no clinical guidance for this. The authors present two case examples of homicidality feigned for self-serving purposes that had little to do with hostility against the would-be victim. They recommend an approach to assessment that first takes any threat of homicide seriously, and involves an attempt to assess the seriousness of the threat and risk of harm. Secondly, if feigned homicidality is suspected, clinicians can methodically assess for this using criterion that have been applied to the assessment of malingering.

Medical Simulation in High-Risk AML Improves Clinical Decision Making of Hematologists/Oncologists

Background: Our understanding of the biology of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has increased dramatically with the use of next-generation sequencing. The identification of recurrently mutated genes in AML has allowed for better risk stratification and provided novel therapeutic targets. The European Leukemia Network (ELN) 2017 prognostic system divides patients into favorable, intermediate, and adverse groups based on genetic abnormalities.[Döhner 2017] Patients with features including MDS related changes, complex karyotype and adverse molecular features including mutations in FLT3 are at high risk (HR AML) for treatment failure and relapse. Aim: This study was conducted to determine if an online, simulation-based continuing medical education (CME)-certified intervention could improve clinical decision making of hematologists/oncologists (hem/oncs) regarding treatment selection for patients with HR AML. Description of Intervention: A CME-certified virtual patient simulation (VPS) was made available via a website dedicated to continuous professional development. The VPS consisted of 2 cases of HR AML presented in a platform that allows hem/oncs to assess the patients and make clinical decisions supported by an extensive database of diagnostic and treatment possibilities, matching the scope and depth of actual practice. *CASE 1* 63-year-old male with AML-MRC, mutations detected: RUNX1, TET2, SRSF2; no mutations detected in NPM1, CEBPA, IDH1, IDH2, KIT, KRAS, NRAS, ASXL1, ASXL2, BCR-ABL1, WT1. *CASE 2* 57-year-old female with FLT3-ITD mutated AML who is a candidate for intensive induction therapy. Methods: Clinical decisions were analyzed using a sophisticated decision engine, and tailored clinical guidance (CG) employing up-to-date evidence-base and faculty recommendations was provided after each decision. Decisions were collected post-CG and compared with each user's baseline (pre-CG) decisions using McNemar's test to determine p-values (P < .05 indicates significance). Data were collected between October 8, 2020 and July 22, 2021. Results: At the time of assessment, 186 hem/oncs who made clinical decisions were included in the analysis (112 case 1, 74 case 2). From pre- to post-CG in the VPS, hem/oncs were significantly more likely to make evidence-based practice decisions across all learning objectives, see the Table. *CASE 1* For the case of AML-MRC, the VPS led to a higher percentage of community-based hem/oncs ordering necessary diagnostic tests and ordering an appropriate treatment. After clinical guidance, slightly more academic-based hem/oncs identified the correct diagnosis for the patient. *CASE 2* For the patient with FLT3-ITD mutated AML, the VPS led to a higher percentage of community-based hem/oncs ordering and correctly interpreting diagnostic tests in order to make an accurate diagnosis. After clinical guidance, a higher percentage of academic-based hem/oncs ordered an appropriate treatment for the patient based on the FLT3-ITD mutation and their fitness assessment. Treatment rationales were collected and can be presented. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that VPS that immerses and engages hem/oncs in an authentic learning experience improved evidence-based clinical decisions related to the management of HR AML. Clinical guidance in the VPS improved hem/oncs clinical decision making for all learning objectives and the improvements were statistically significant. For almost all learning objectives, the activity had a significant and larger impact on improving clinical decision making of community-based hem/oncs compared to hem/oncs from other practice settings. This study indicates that unique educational methodologies and platforms, which are available on-demand, can be effective tools for promoting guideline-based therapy selection and clinical decision making. Additional education is recommended about the role for FLT3 inhibitors and the optimal treatment for AML-MRC. Acknowledgement: This CME activity was supported by an independent educational grant from Jazz Pharmaceuticals. References: 1. Döhner H, Estey E, Grimwade D, et al. Diagnosis and management of AML in adults: 2017 ELN recommendations from an international expert panel. 2017. 129(4):424-447. 2. MedSims Activity: https://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/936156 Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Stone: AbbVie Inc, Actinium Pharmaceuticals Inc, Aprea Therapeutics, BerGenBio ASA, ElevateBio, Foghorn Therapeutics, GEMoaB, GlaxoSmithKline, Innate Pharma, Syndax Pharmaceuticals Inc, Syros Pharmaceuticals Inc, Takeda Oncology: Other: Advisory Committee; Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc, Novartis;: Research Funding; ACI Clinical, Syntrix Pharmaceuticals, Takeda Oncology: Other: Data Safety & Monitoring. Uy: GlaxoSmithKline: Consultancy; AbbVie: Consultancy; Agios: Consultancy; Macrogenics: Research Funding; Astellas: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy; Genentech: Consultancy; Jazz: Consultancy.

Machine learning aids clinical decision making in patients presenting with angina and non-obstructive coronary artery disease

Aims The current gold-standard comprehensive assessment of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is through a limited-access invasive catheterization lab procedure. We aimed to develop a point-of-care tool to assist clinical guidance in patients presenting with chest pain and/or an abnormal cardiac functional stress test and with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (NOCAD). Methods and Results This study included 1,893 NOCAD patients (<50% angiographic stenosis) who underwent CMD evaluation as well as an ECG up to 1-year prior. Endothelial-independent CMD was defined by coronary flow reserve (CFR)≤2.5 in response to intracoronary adenosine. Endothelial-dependent CMD was defined by a maximal percent increase in coronary blood flow (%ΔCBF) ≤50% in response to intracoronary acetylcholine infusion. We trained algorithms to distinguish between the following outcomes: CFR ≤ 2.5, %ΔCBF ≤ 50, and the combination of both. Two classes of algorithms were trained, one depending on ECG waveforms as input, and another using tabular clinical data. Mean age was 51 ± 12 years and 66% were females (n = 1,257). AUC values ranged from 0.49–0.67 for all the outcomes. The best performance in our analysis was for the outcome CFR ≤ 2.5 with clinical variables. AUC and accuracy were 0.67 and 60%. When decreasing the threshold of positivity, sensitivity and NPV increased to 92% and 90% respectively, while specificity and PPV decreased to 25% and 29% respectively. Conclusion An AI-enabled algorithm may be able to assist clinical guidance by ruling out CMD in patients presenting with chest pain and/or an abnormal functional stress test. This algorithm needs to be prospectively validated in different cohorts.

Caring for the Patient with Severe or Very Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) can cause a wide range of severity and functional impairment, leaving some patients able to work while others are homebound or bedbound. The most severely ill patients may need total care. Yet, patients with severe or very severe ME/CFS struggle to receive appropriate medical care because they cannot travel to doctors’ offices and their doctors lack accurate information about the nature of this disease and how to diagnose and manage it. Recently published clinical guidance provides updated information about ME/CFS but advice on caring for the severely ill is limited. This article is intended to fill that gap. Based on published clinical guidance and clinical experience, we describe the clinical presentation of severe ME/CFS and provide patient-centered recommendations on diagnosis, assessment and approaches to treatment and management. We also provide suggestions to support the busy provider in caring for these patients by leveraging partnerships with the patient, their caregivers, and other providers and by using technology such as telemedicine. Combined with compassion, humility, and respect for the patient’s experience, such approaches can enable the primary care provider and other healthcare professionals to provide the care these patients require and deserve.

Infertility and subsequent recurrent miscarriage: Current state of the literature and future considerations for practice and research

Background: Recurrent miscarriage (RM) and infertility are independently associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, in addition to psychological sequelae. Experiencing pregnancy loss alongside infertility is particularly difficult. International guidance regarding RM is conflicting, and applicability to women with infertility is undetermined. The aim of this study was to: (i) establish if women/couples with a history of infertility are recognised in the literature on the investigation and management of RM, and (ii) determine if the specific needs of women/couples experiencing RM and infertility are ascertained and incorporated into clinical management strategies. Methods: We examined the wide-ranging literature to ascertain what gaps existed. Studies were retrieved through searches of PubMed and Google Scholar up to 21 January 2021 using appropriate controlled vocabulary and combinations of key words. No language or study design restrictions were applied. Results: While women/couples experiencing RM after infertility appear in studies evaluating investigations and proposed treatments, high-quality studies are lacking. Furthermore, they are largely excluded from international clinical guidance and qualitative research. Conclusions: The experiences of women/couples with RM and infertility and their specific care needs within maternity and fertility services are underexplored. It is unclear from current RM guidelines how best to manage and support this complex cohort. Women/couples with infertility and RM are underserved in the literature and in clinical guidance. Further robust studies are warranted to examine pregnancy outcomes, investigations and treatments currently used. Qualitative research is also required to identify their medical and psychological needs to better support this vulnerable group.