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Background. Annual lung cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans is associated with a survival benefit, but it is also associated with potential harm. Unlike descriptive probability formats, experienced tasks have been shown to decrease perceptions of rare events. The objective of this study was to compare descriptive versus experienced probability formats on patients’ knowledge, beliefs, endorsement of screening for heavy smokers, and preference (choice predisposition) to undergo screening. Methods. A total of 276 patients attending an outpatient pulmonary practice were randomized to learn about screening using 1 of 3 formats: numbers only, numbers + icon arrays, numbers + a set of slides illustrating LDCT scans of 250 people in random order that displayed the number of normal scans, false-positive lung nodules, cancers found leading to a life saved, and cancers found leading to death despite treatment. Results. Knowledge differed between the 3 formats (P = 0.001), with participants randomized to the numbers + icon array format having the highest knowledge score. Beliefs were more favorable among participants randomized to the numbers + experienced format compared with the numbers + icon array format (difference between means [95% confidence interval]= 1.6 [0.4–2.8]). Differences in participants’ endorsement of screening (P = 0.4) and choice predisposition (P = 0.6) across probability format mirrored those of beliefs but were not statistically significant. Discussion. Contrary to what we expected, the experienced format increased propensity toward screening compared with the numbers + icon array format, as indicated by more favorable beliefs and nonsignificant trends toward stronger choice predisposition and endorsement. Experienced risk formats may not be a practical approach to improve risk communication for patients deciding whether or not to undergo annual lung cancer screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To substantiate the clinical impression of an increased incidence of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in term and near-term infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH), a retrospective chart review of 35 affected patients was performed. ICH was diagnosed in 40 percent of the patients. Multiple regions of the brain were affected; in many patients, at more than one location. In addition, 43 percent of ICH victims had hemorrhages of the type associated with peri ventricular bleeding in preterm new horns. Of multiple obstetric and neonatal factors analyzed, many of which are identified risk factors for periventricular hemorrhage, only thrombocytopenia (p = 0.02) was significantly associated with ICH. We conclude that the risk of ICH in newborns with PPH is significant and warrants consideration by clinicians caring for this population. Risk factors (except thrombocytopenia) previously implicated in other types of neonatal ICH, particularly periventricular hemorrhage, do not significantly correlate with ICH in infants with PPH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Editorial. Comments on the occurrence of neonatal endocarditis. Forms of the disease; Prevalence in older, premature newborns; Diagnosis; Signs and symptoms; Mortality rate.