Effect of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Well-Baby Nursery

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is associated with fewer deliveries and premature births; however, the impact of this pandemic on the well-baby nursery (WBN) is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on infants admitted to the WBN by comparing pandemic and pre-pandemic cohorts. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective study of infants admitted to a WBN during the pandemic period (March 18, 2020-to-March 17, 2021) and compared them to those during the pre-pandemic period (March 18, 2019-to-March 17, 2020). Maternal (age, parity, gestation, method of delivery, and COVID-19 status) and neonatal (sex, weight, Apgar score, feeding pattern, urine toxicology, and neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] admission) data were collected and compared between the two periods. The results were statistically analyzed, and significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: There were 824 and 859 WBN admissions during the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods, respectively; a 4% decrease in WBN admissions during the pandemic period. During the pandemic period, the number of deliveries among nulliparous women increased (from 40.3% to 45.1%; p=0.01), and deliveries among multiparous women decreased (from 59.2% to 53.1%; p=0.01). The number of infants exposed to marijuana in-utero increased (24/149 screened vs. 12/146 screened; p=0.038), and transfers from WBN to NICU decreased (from 9% to 6%; p=0.044) during the pandemic period. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the pre-pandemic period, the number of WBN admissions, multiparous deliveries, and NICU admissions decreased, while the number of nulliparous deliveries and infants exposed to marijuana in-utero increased during the pandemic period.

Qua-Alluding to the Past: A Case of Methaqualone Analog Ingestion

Methaqualone, known previously under the brand name Quaalude, is a Schedule I sedative hypnotic drug that may cause neurotoxicity in overdose, characterized by somnolence, hyperreflexia and muscular hyperactivity. We present a case of a 21-year-old male who reportedly ingested methaqualone in addition to insufflation of street cocaine. He subsequently developed hypoxia, hyperreflexia, myoclonus, and altered mental status. His laboratory results were notable for the presence of methemoglobinemia, which was most likely due to a cocaine contaminant. Laboratory analysis of the alleged methaqualone pills identified the substance as SL-164, a dichlorinated methaqualone analog. Urine toxicology results were positive for SL-164 (and presumed metabolites) as well as for cocaine and tetrahydrocannabinol metabolites. The patient was treated with supplemental oxygen and a benzodiazepine (lorazepam) and observed in the Emergency Department (ED) until his symptoms resolved. This case highlights current community access to methaqualone analogs. The case also focuses on laboratory techniques used to identify the methaqualone analog.

Towards cross-Canada monitoring of the unregulated street drug supply

Background The well-being of people who use drugs (PWUD) continues to be threatened by substances of unknown type or quantity in the unregulated street drug supply. Current efforts to monitor the drug supply are limited in population reach and comparability. This restricts capacity to identify and develop measures that safeguard the health of PWUD. This study describes the development of a low-barrier system for monitoring the contents of drugs in the unregulated street supply. Early results for pilot sites are presented and compared across regions. Methods The drug content monitoring system integrates a low-barrier survey and broad spectrum urine toxicology screening to compare substances expected to be consumed and those actually in the drug supply. The system prototype was developed by harm reduction pilot projects in British Columbia (BC) and Montreal with participation of PWUD. Data were collected from harm reduction supply distribution site clients in BC, Edmonton and Montreal between May 2018–March 2019. Survey and urine toxicology data were linked via anonymous codes and analyzed descriptively by region for trends in self-reported and detected use. Results The sample consisted of 878 participants from 40 sites across 3 regions. Reported use of substances, their detection, and concordance between the two varied across regions. Methamphetamine use was reported and detected most frequently in BC (reported: 62.8%; detected: 72.2%) and Edmonton (58.3%; 68.8%). In Montreal, high concordance was also observed between reported (74.5%) and detected (86.5%) cocaine/crack use. Among those with fentanyl detected, the percentage of participants who used fentanyl unintentionally ranged from 36.1% in BC, 78.6% in Edmonton and 90.9% in Montreal. Conclusions This study is the first to describe a feasible, scalable monitoring system for the unregulated drug supply that can contrast expected and actual drug use and compare trends across regions. The system used principles of flexibility, capacity-building and community participation in its design. Results are well-suited to meet the needs of PWUD and inform the local harm reduction services they rely on. Further standardization of the survey tool and knowledge mobilization is needed to expand the system to new jurisdictions.

Effects of Maternal Cannabis Use on the Newborn at Delivery and the Perinatal Period

Background To evaluate if Activity Pulse Grimace Appearance Respiration (APGAR) scores and birthweight at delivery are different amongst newborns exposed to cannabis in utero compared to those who were not exposed to cannabis in utero. Also the rate of perinatal complications to the newborn was also examined. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study utilizing patient’s electronic health records that gave birth at a community hospital in the central valley of California in 2019. Exposure was defined as cannabis detected on universal urine toxicology testing completed on admission to hospital prior to birth/delivery. This was compared with urine toxicology testing that was negative for cannabis exposure. Results No significant difference between mothers who use cannabis and mothers who do not use cannabis during pregnancy in terms of the newborn’s one minute or five minute APGAR score. A significant difference between mothers who use cannabis compared to mothers who did not was found, in terms of the newborn’s birthweight. The rate of perinatal complications to the newborn was negligible at delivery and in the immediate perinatal period in our particular study. Conclusion To guide interventions in women of child bearing age in regards to illicit drug use in pregnancy particularly cannabis utilization. The medical knowledge of cannabis use in pregnancy is growing steadily and through continued further research; the body of knowledge can continue to grow in regards to outcomes in the newborn and the growing child.

Crystal methamphetamine use in British Columbia, Canada: A cross-sectional study of people who access harm reduction services

Introduction Increased use of crystal methamphetamine (“crystal meth”) has been observed across North America and international jurisdictions, including a notable increase in the presence of methamphetamines in illicit drug toxicity deaths in British Columbia (BC), Canada. We used data from a cross-sectional survey and urine toxicology screening to report the prevalence, correlates, and validity of self-reported crystal meth use among clients of harm reduction sites in BC. Materials and methods Survey data were collected from 1,107 participants across 25 communities in BC, through the 2018 and 2019 Harm Reduction Client Survey. We described reported substance use and used a multivariate logistic regression model to characterize crystal meth use. Urine samples provided by a subset of participants were used to derive validity of self-reported three-day crystal meth use compared to urine toxicology screening. Results Excluding tobacco, crystal meth was the most frequently reported substance used in the past three days in 2018 and 2019 (59.7% and 71.7%, respectively). Smoking was the dominant route of administration for crystal meth, crack, heroin, and fentanyl. Multivariate analysis determined significantly higher odds of crystal meth use among those who used opioids (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 3.13), cannabis (AOR = 2.10), and alcohol (1.41), and among those who were not regularly housed (AOR = 2.08) and unemployed (AOR = 1.75). Age ≥50 was inversely associated with crystal meth use (AOR = 0.63). Sensitivity of self-reported crystal meth use was 86%, specificity was 86%, positive predictive value was 96%, and negative predictive value was 65%. Conclusions Crystal meth was the most commonly used substance among clients of harm reduction sites in BC in 2018 and 2019, and was frequently used concurrently with opioids. Comparison to urine samples demonstrated high validity of self-reported crystal meth use. Understanding evolving patterns of substance use will be imperative in tailoring harm reduction and substance use services for individuals that use crystal meth.

Opioid screening and urine toxicology results in outpatient oncology palliative medicine.

e24068 Background: Opioid misuse is a major public health issue. Given widespread opioid prescribing in cancer patients (pts), screening for potential misuse is critical. There is lack of real-world data on opioid screening and urine toxicology testing in outpatient oncology palliative medicine. Methods: This is a retrospective clinical analysis of adult cancer pts previously consented for a pharmacogenomics specimen collection study between August 2019-March 2020. Pts completing ≥ 1 outpatient palliative medicine visit with at least half undergoing urine toxicology screening (UTS) per standard practice were included. Pt demographics, medication(s), UTS results, symptoms using Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale, and opioid screening using Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patients with Pain - Short Form (SOAPP-SF) were collected at baseline and follow up visits, if available. The primary endpoint was the frequency and type(s) of non-compliant (NC) UTS. Secondarily, risk factors for NC UTS were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Of 189 pts (632 visits), 113 underwent UTS, 125 SOAPP-SF, and 75 had both. The median age was 56, 56% were female, 58% white, 40% black, 48% had stage IV disease, and median pain score was 7. More black pts (72%) underwent UTS compared to white pts (53%) (p = 0.001). The mean age of pts with a UTS was 53 compared to 59 in those without UTS (p = 0.002). Oxycodone was the most prescribed drug (N = 125). Median SOAPP-SF was 3 (range 0-11); 38% had a score ≥ 4 (considered high risk). About half (54%; N = 61) who underwent a UTS were NC. Of these, 32 had 1 NC UTS, whereas 29 had 2 or more. The most common reason was presence of a substance not prescribed (N = 44 pts and 128 results), whereas 33 pts (53 results) were NC for substance(s) not present but prescribed. Four had presence of marijuana only and 21 with marijuana plus another NC substance; presence of cocaine and alcohol were the 2nd and 3rd most frequent aberrant result. Of those with a NC UTS and SOAPP-SF score (N = 44), 59% had a score ≥ 4. In univariate analyses, SOAPP-SF ≥ 4 (p = 0.004), nausea (p = 0.05), depression (p = 0.02), anxiety (p = 0.01), and prescriptions for antidepressants (p = 0.006), acetaminophen (p = 0.03), and/or dronabinol (p = 0.04), were associated with NC UTS. In multivariate analyses, SOAPP-SF Q4 (use of illegal drugs) (OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.64 to 5.02; p < 0.001) and prescription with muscle relaxants (OR 2.90, 95% CI 1.19 to 7.09; p = 0.019) were associated with increased odds of a NC UTS. Conclusions: About half of those undergoing UTS were NC. SOAPP-SF Q4 and prescription with muscle relaxants were associated with a NC UTS. Overall, pt demographics (e.g. younger, more female, more black patients, severe pain) varied from the typical cancer population. Screening using SOAPP-SF, UTS, pain contracts, prescription drug monitoring databases, and evaluating pt-specific risk factors is important to reduce opioid misuse risk.

Laboratory-Generated Urine Toxicology Interpretations: A Mixed Methods Study

BACKGROUND: Clinicians frequently order urine drug testing (UDT) for patients on chronic opioid therapy (COT), yet often have difficulty interpreting test results accurately. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of a laboratory-generated urine toxicology interpretation service for clinicians prescribing COT. STUDY DESIGN: Type II hybrid–convergent mixed methods design (implementation) and pre–post prospective cohort study with matched controls (effectiveness). SETTING: Four ambulatory sites (2 primary care, 1 pain management, 1 palliative care) within 2 US academic medical institutions. METHODS: Interpretative reports were generated by the clinical chemistry laboratory and were provided to UDT ordering providers via inbox message in the electronic health record (EHR). The Partners Institutional Review Board approved this study. Participants were primary care, pain management, and palliative care clinicians who ordered liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry UDT for COT patients in clinic. Intervention was a laboratory-generated interpretation service that provided an individualized interpretive report of UDT results based on the patient’s prescribed medications and toxicology metabolites for clinicians who received the intervention (n = 8) versus matched controls (n = 18). Implementation results included focus group and survey feedback on the interpretation service’s usability and its impact on workflow, clinical decision making, clinician-patient relationships, and interdisciplinary teamwork. Effectiveness outcomes included UDT interpretation concordance between the clinician and laboratory, documentation frequency of UDT results interpretation and communication of results to patients, and clinician prescribing behavior at follow-up. RESULTS: Among the 8 intervention clinicians (median age 58 [IQR 16.5] years; 2 women [25%]) on a Likert scale from 1 (“strongly disagree”) to 5 (“strongly agree”), 7 clinicians reported at 6 months postintervention that the interpretation service was easy to use (mean 5 [standard deviation {SD}, 0]); improved results comprehension (mean 5 [SD, 0]); and helped them interpret results more accurately (mean 5 [SD, 0]), quickly (mean 4.67 [SD, 0.52]), and confidently (mean 4.83 [SD, 0.41]). Although there were no statistically significant differences in outcomes between cohorts, clinician-laboratory interpretation concordance trended toward improvement (intervention 22/32 [68.8%] to 29/33 [87.9%] vs. control 21/25 [84%] to 23/30 [76.7%], P = 0.07) among cases with documented interpretations. LIMITATIONS: This study has a low sample size and was conducted at 2 large academic medical institutions and may not be generalizable to community settings. CONCLUSIONS: Interpretations were well received by clinicians but did not significantly improve laboratory-clinician interpretation concordance, interpretation documentation frequency, or opioid-prescribing behavior. KEY WORDS: Compliance monitoring, chronic pain, urine drug testing, opioid, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, palliative care, primary care, substance use disorder, diagnostic error, clinical decision support

Marijuana: An Underappreciated Risk Factor for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection?

Background: Stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines are well-established risk factors for acute aortic dissection. Despite the fact that marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States, its relationship to acute aortic syndromes has not been well studied. Methods: A comprehensive retrospective review was undertaken of all consecutive patients who presented with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection from January 2017 to December 2019. Of 152 patients identified, 51 (33.6%) underwent comprehensive urine toxicology screening at clinical presentation. The characteristics and outcomes of the patients with urine results positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (n = 9, 17.6%) were compared with the 42 patients who had no evidence of recent marijuana consumption. Results: Of the 51 dissection patients who underwent broad-spectrum urine toxicology screening upon presentation, 9 (17.6%) returned positive results for THC, a proportion higher than would be expected for the general population. All THC patients were male; 3 concurrently tested positive for cocaine, and 3 others had evidence of recent amphetamine use. The THC patients were significantly younger than the non-THC patients (mean ± standard deviation age 48 ± 11.3 versus 61.4 ± 12.3 years, respectively, P = .004). A greater proportion of the THC cohort had a known diagnosis of aortic aneurysm before the dissection (44.4% versus 4.8%, P = .006). All patients underwent expeditious surgical repair. Thirty-day mortality for the entire cohort of 51 patients was 19.6% (10 deaths); for the THC group, it was 11.1% (1 death). There was no difference in the incidence of major postoperative complications between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Marijuana is the third most commonly used substance in the United States, after alcohol and tobacco. Although marijuana use is understudied, our results suggest that marijuana may be a contributing risk factor for acute type A aortic dissection, particularly in patients with other predisposing risk factors. Given the recent national trend to legalize marijuana, with the concomitant potential for exponential increases in its consumption, we suggest that the diagnosis of aortic dissection be considered earlier in any younger patient who presents with suggestive symptoms, especially if there is a history of recent marijuana use.