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Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare vascular tumor with metastatic potential and estimated prevalence of less than one case per million. Among the musculoskeletal system, the long bones are commonly involved with approximately half patients experiencing multicentric involvement. Clinical course of EHE is often variable and nonspecific. Poorly demarcated osteolytic lesions are most commonly seen radiologically. Diagnostic confirmation is usually obtained by biopsy and histopathological exam, including immunostaining for endothelial markers. We present a rare case of unicentric EHE involving the calcaneum. Our patient had an indolent course of disease after surgical resection and no recurrence in seven years on clinical and radiological surveillance.

Purpose Determine the impact of upper eyelid weight placement at 3 months post onset of idiopathic facial paralysis (IFP) on the recovery of facial function in patients with lagophthalmos. Methods This is a retrospective review of patients with incomplete recovery of IFP—defined as a Sunnybrook Facial Grading Scale (FGS) score of less than 100, 3 months after onset. Only patients with FGS and Facial Clinimetric Evaluation (FaCE) scores recorded at 3 and 12 months were included. Patients were categorized into 3 groups: Group A, lagophthalmos with eyelid weight placement; Group B, lagophthalmos without eyelid weight placement; Group C, complete eye closure (CEC) without eyelid weight placement. The eye comfort domain and composite score of the FaCE questionnaire were analyzed. Voluntary eye closure, synkinesis with eye closure, overall synkinesis and the composite score of the FGS were also analyzed. Paired two-tailed t-test was used to evaluate the data comparing the 3 and 12 month FaCE and FGS scores within and between the 3 groups. Results The change in composite FGS score significantly increased from month 3 to month 12 in Group A as compared to Group B (37 vs 4.25, P = 0.01). While Group A had significantly lower eye comfort (−12.5, P = 0.01), voluntary eye closure (−1.75, P = 0.05) and overall FGS scores (−28.75, P = 0.04) at 3 months compared to those in Group C, there were no differences between these two groups at 12 month follow-up. Conclusions For patients with lagophthalmos at 3 months, early eyelid weight placement may lead to improved facial function at 12 months.

Background Mechanistic studies have shown that morphine blunts the antiplatelet effects of oral adenosine diphosphate receptor blockers. However, the clinical relevance of this interaction is controversial. Objectives This study sought to explore the association between morphine and ischemic events in 5,438 patients treated with concomitant clopidogrel presenting with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTEACS) in the EARLY ACS (Early Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibition in Patients With Non–ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome) trial. Patients not treated with clopidogrel (n = 3,462) were used as negative controls. Methods Endpoints were the composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), recurrent ischemia, or thrombotic bailout at 96 h (4-way endpoint) and the composite of death or MI at 30 days. Results In patients treated with clopidogrel, morphine use was associated with higher rates of the 4-way endpoint at 96 h (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04 to 1.87; p = 0.026). There was a trend for higher rates of death or MI at 30 days (adjusted OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 0.98 to 1.70; p = 0.072), driven by events in the first 48 h (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.07 to 2.23; p = 0.021). In patients not treated with clopidogrel, morphine was not associated with either the 4-way endpoint at 96 h (adjusted OR: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.74 to 1.49; p = 0.79; pinteraction = 0.36 ) or death or MI at 30 days (adjusted OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.77 to 1.48; p = 0.70; pinteraction = 0.46). Conclusions When used concomitantly with clopidogrel pre-treatment, morphine was associated with higher rates of ischemic events in patients with NSTEACS. (EARLY ACS: Early Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibition in Patients With Non–ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome; NCT00089895 )

Background Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an arboviral disease that is focally endemic in parts of Europe and Asia. TBE cases among US travellers are rare, with previous reports of only six cases among civilian travellers through 2009 and nine military-related cases through 2020. A TBE vaccine was licenced in the USA in August 2021. Understanding TBE epidemiology and risks among US travellers can help with the counselling of travellers going to TBE-endemic areas. Methods Diagnostic testing for TBE in the USA is typically performed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) because no commercial testing is available. Diagnostic testing for TBE at CDC since 2010 was reviewed. For individuals with evidence of TBE virus infection, information was gathered on demographics, clinical presentations and risk factors for infection. Results From 2010–20, six patients with TBE were identified. Cases occurred among both paediatric and adult travellers and all were male. Patients were diagnosed with meningitis (n = 2) or encephalitis (n = 4); none died. Cases had travelled to various countries in Europe or Russia. Three cases reported visiting friends or relatives. Activities reported included hiking, camping, trail running, or working outdoors, and two cases had a recognized tick bite. Conclusions TBE cases among US travellers are uncommon, with these six cases being the only known TBE cases among civilian travellers during this 11-year period. Nonetheless, given potential disease severity, pre-travel counselling for travellers to TBE-endemic areas should include information on measures to reduce the risk for TBE and other tick-borne diseases, including possible TBE vaccine use if a traveller’s itinerary puts them at higher risk for infection. Clinicians should consider the diagnosis of TBE in a patient with a neurologic or febrile illness recently returned from a TBE-endemic country, particularly if a tick bite or possible tick exposure is reported.

Objective This study seeks to evaluate the test characteristics of D‐dimer for pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with a concurrent diagnosis of COVID‐19. We hypothesized that the sensitivity of D‐dimer for PE at current institutional cut points would be similar to those without COVID‐19. Methods This is a multicenter retrospective observational cohort study across five urban and suburban EDs in the same health care system. The electronic health record was queried for all computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) studies from December 1, 2019, to October 22, 2020. All ED patients who underwent CTPA had D‐dimer and COVID‐19 testing completed in a single encounter were included in the study. Baseline demographics were obtained. Test characteristics of D‐dimer for PE were calculated for patients with and without COVID‐19. Additionally, receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curves were constructed for two different D‐dimer assays. Results There were 1158 patient encounters that met criteria for analysis. Performance of D‐dimer testing for PE was similar between COVID‐19–positive and –negative patients. In COVID‐19–positive patients, the sensitivity was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 87.6%–100%), specificity was 11.9% (95% CI = 7.9%–17.1%), and negative predictive value (NPV) was 100%. In COVID‐19–negative patients the sensitivity was 97.6% (95% CI = 91.5%–99.7%), specificity was 14.4% (95% CI = 12.1%–17%), and NPV was 98.3% (95% CI = 93.8%–99.6%). For assay 1 the area under the curve (AUC) for COVID‐19–positive patients was 0.76 (95% CI = 0.68–0.83), and for COVID‐19–negative patients, 0.73 (95% CI = 0.69–0.77). For assay 2, AUC for COVID‐19–positive patients was 0.85 (95% CI = 0.77–0.92), and for COVID‐19–negative patients, 0.80 (95% CI = 0.77–0.84). Inspection of the ROC curve for assay 1 revealed that 100% sensitivity was maintained up to a threshold of 0.67 FEU (fibrinogen equivalent units; from 0.50 FEU) with an increase in specificity to 29% (from 18.7%), and for assay 2, 100% sensitivity was maintained up to a threshold of 662 D‐dimer units (DDU; from 230 DDU) with an increased specificity to 59% (from 6.1%). Conclusion Results from this multicenter retrospective study did not find a significant difference in sensitivity of D‐dimer for PE due to concomitant COVID‐19 infection. Further study is required to determine if PE can safely be excluded based on D‐dimer results alone in patients with suspected or proven COVID‐19 or if adjusted D‐dimer levels could have a role in management.

Objective Cardiogenic syncope can present as a seizure. The distinction between seizure disorder and cardiogenic syncope can only be made if one considers the diagnosis. Our main objective was to identify whether patients presenting with a chief complaint (reason for visit) as seizure or syncope received an electrocardiogram in the emergency department across all age groups. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of data collected in the 2010 to 2014 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey comparing patients presenting with a chief complaint of syncope versus seizure to determine likelihood of getting an evaluation for possible life threatening cardiovascular disease. The primary endpoint was receiving an electrocardiogram in the emergency department; secondary endpoint was receiving cardiac biomarkers. Results There was a total of 144,094 patient encounters. Of these visits, 1,553 had syncope and 1,470 had seizure (60.3% vs. 44.2% female, 19.9% vs. 29.0% non-white). After adjusting for age, sex, mode of arrival and insurance, patients with syncope were more likely to receive an electrocardiogram compared to patients with seizure (odds ratio, 10.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 8.52 to 13.84). This was true across all age groups (0 to 18 years, 56% vs. 7.5%; 18 to 44 years, 60% vs. 27%; 45 to 64 years, 82% vs. 41%; ≥65 years, 85% vs. 68%; P

Syncope is a common chief complaint in the ED, and the electrocardiogram (ECG) is a routine diagnostic tool in the evaluation of syncope. We assessed whether increasingly prolonged QTc intervals are associated with composite 30-day serious outcomes in older adults presenting to the ED with syncope.This is a secondary analysis of a prospective, observational study at 11 EDs in adults 60 years or older who presented with syncope or near syncope. We excluded patients presenting without an ECG, measurement of QTc, non-sinus rhythm, bundle branch block or those without 30-day follow-up. We categorized QTc cutoffs into values of451; 451-470; 471-500, and500 ms. We determined the rate of composite 30-day serious outcomes including ED serious outcomes and 30-day arrhythmias not identified in ED.The study cohort included 2609 patients. There were 1678 patients (64.3%) that had QTc intervals451 ms; 544 (20.8%) were 451-470 ms; 302 (11.6%) were 471-500 ms, and 85 (3.3%) had intervals500 ms. Composite 30-day serious outcomes was associated with increasingly prolonged QTc intervals (13.0%, 15.3%, 18.2%, 22.4%, p = 0.01), but this association did not persist in multivariate analysis.In a cohort of older patients presenting with syncope, increased QTc interval was a marker of but was not independently predictive of composite 30-day serious outcomes.

"Hearing loss in the pediatric population can have significant social and developmental implications. Early auditory rehabilitation by at least 6 months of age is imperative. Although traditional hearing aids are often a first-line treatment option, there is a wide array of implantable auditory devices available. This article describes the indications for such devices as they pertain to the pediatric population, including osseointegrated bone-conduction devices, middle ear implants, cochlear implants, and auditory brainstem implants."

We conducted a longitudinal study of cryptosporidiosis from birth to three years of age in an urban slum of Dhaka Bangladesh. Fecal DNA was extracted from monthly surveillance samples and diarrheal stool samples collected from 392 infants from birth to three years. A pan-Cryptosporidium qPCR assay was used to identify sub-clinical and symptomatic cryptosporidiosis. Anthropometric measurements were collected quarterly to assess child nutritional status. 31% (121/392) of children experienced a single and 57% (222/392) multiple infections with Cryptosporidium. Repeat infections had a lower burden of parasites in the stool (Cq slope = -1.85; p, Author summary Cryptosporidium is one of the top causes of diarrhea and growth faltering in Bangladesh infants. We discovered that a prior infection resulted in incomplete immunity that protected from diarrhea and growth faltering but not infection and was associated with mucosal IgA against a sporozoite surface protein Cp23. The most important implication of these findings is that a cryptosporidiosis vaccine may not need to achieve complete protection from infection to have a beneficial impact on child health.

Study objective Ventricular paced rhythm is thought to obscure the electrocardiographic diagnosis of acute coronary occlusion myocardial infarction. Our primary aim was to compare the sensitivity of the modified Sgarbossa criteria (MSC) to that of the original Sgarbossa criteria for the diagnosis of occlusion myocardial infarction in patients with ventricular paced rhythm. Methods In this retrospective case-control investigation, we studied adult patients with ventricular paced rhythm and symptoms of acute coronary syndrome who presented in an emergency manner to 16 international cardiac referral centers between January 2008 and January 2018. The occlusion myocardial infarction group was defined angiographically as thrombolysis in myocardial infarction grade 0 to 1 flow or angiographic evidence of coronary thrombosis and peak cardiac troponin I ≥10.0 ng/mL or troponin T ≥1.0 ng/mL. There were 2 control groups: the "non-occlusion myocardial infarction-angio" group consisted of patients who underwent coronary angiography for presumed type I myocardial infarction but did not meet the definition of occlusion myocardial infarction; the "no occlusion myocardial infarction" control group consisted of randomly selected emergency department patients without occlusion myocardial infarction. Results There were 59 occlusion myocardial infarction, 90 non-occlusion myocardial infarction-angio, and 102 no occlusion myocardial infarction subjects (mean age, 72.0 years; 168 [66.9%] men). For the diagnosis of occlusion myocardial infarction, the MSC were more sensitive than the original Sgarbossa criteria (sensitivity 81% [95% confidence interval [CI] 69 to 90] versus 56% [95% CI 42 to 69]). Adding concordant ST-depression in V4 to V6 to the MSC yielded 86% (95% CI 75 to 94) sensitivity. For the no occlusion myocardial infarction control group of ED patients, additional test characteristics of MSC and original Sgarbossa criteria, respectively, were as follows: specificity 96% (95% CI 90 to 99) versus 97% (95% CI 92 to 99); negative likelihood ratio (LR) 0.19 (95% CI 0.11 to 0.33) versus 0.45 (95% CI 0.34 to 0.65); and positive LR 21 (95% CI 7.9 to 55) versus 19 (95% CI 6.1 to 59). For the non-occlusion myocardial infarction-angio control group, additional test characteristics of MSC and original Sgarbossa criteria, respectively, were as follows: specificity 84% (95% CI 76 to 91) versus 90% (95% CI 82 to 95); negative LR 0.22 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.38) versus 0.49 (95% CI 0.35 to 0.66); and positive LR 5.2 (95% CI 3.2 to 8.6) versus 5.6 (95% CI 2.9 to 11). Conclusion For the diagnosis of occlusion myocardial infarction in the presence of ventricular paced rhythm, the MSC were more sensitive than the original Sgarbossa criteria; specificity was high for both rules. The MSC may contribute to clinical decisionmaking for patients with ventricular paced rhythm.

Background To explore the lived experience of chronic pain and dyskinesia in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. Methods A convergent parallel mixed methods design was undertaken. First, a quantitative cross-sectional study of participants able to self-report their quality of life was undertaken. This study characterised pain chronicity, intensity, body locations, and quality of life. Second, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with a subset of children and adolescents experiencing chronic pain. Results Twenty-five children and adolescents took part in the cross-sectional study, 23 of whom experienced chronic pain and 13 of moderate intensity. Pain was often located in multiple bodily regions (6/21), with no trends in quality of life outcomes detected. Eight participated in semi-structured interviews, which identified three key themes including ‘lives embedded with dyskinesia’, ‘real world challenges of chronic pain’, and ‘still learning strategies to manage their pain and dyskinesia’. Conclusions A high proportion of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy and dyskinesia who were able to self-report experienced chronic pain. The physical and emotional impacts of living with chronic pain and dyskinesia existed along a spectrum, from those with lesser to greater extent of their impacts. Children and adolescents may benefit from targeted chronic pain education and management within bio-psychosocial models.

Background Transfusion-transmitted malaria (TTM) is a rare occurrence with serious consequences for the recipient. A case study is presented as an example of best practices for conducting a TTM investigation. Case report A 15-year-old male with a history of sickle cell disease developed fever after a blood transfusion. He was diagnosed with Plasmodium falciparum malaria and was successfully treated. The American Red Cross, New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigated the eight donors who provided components to the transfusion. The investigation to identify a malaria-positive donor included trace back of donors, serologic methods to identify donor(s) with a history of malaria exposure, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, microsatellite analysis to identify the parasite in a donor and match its genotype to the parasite in the recipient, and reinterview of all donors to clarify malaria risk factors. Results One donor had evidence of infection with P. falciparum by PCR, elevated antibody titers, and previously undisclosed malaria risk factors. Reinterview revealed that the donor immigrated to the United States from Togo just short of 3 years before the blood donation. The donor was treated for asymptomatic low parasitemia infection. Conclusion This investigation used standard procedures for investigating TTM but also demonstrated the importance of applying sensitive laboratory techniques to identify the infected donor, especially a donor with asymptomatic infection with low parasitemia. Repeat interview of all donors identified as having contributed to the transfused component provides complementary epidemiologic information to confirm the infected donor.

BACKGROUND Babesiosis is a potentially life-threatening zoonotic infection most frequently caused by the intraerythrocytic parasite Babesia microti. The pathogen is usually tickborne, but may also be transfusion or vertically transmitted. Healthy persons, including blood donors, may be asymptomatic and unaware they are infected. Immunocompromised patients are at increased risk for symptomatic disease. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS All reported community-acquired babesiosis cases in New York from 2004 to 2015 were evaluated, enumerated, and characterized. All potential transfusion-transmitted babesiosis (TTB) cases reported through one or more of three public health surveillance systems were investigated to determine the likelihood of transfusion transmission. In addition, host-seeking ticks were actively collected in public parks and other likely sites of human exposure to B. microti. RESULTS From 2004 to 2015, a total of 3799 cases of babesiosis were found; 55 (1.4%) of these were linked to transfusion. The incidence of both community-acquired babesiosis and TTB increased significantly during the 12-year study period. The geographic range of both ticks and tickborne infections also expanded. Among TTB cases, 95% of recipients had at least one risk factor for symptomatic disease. Implicated donors resided in five states, including in 10 New York counties. More than half of implicated donors resided in counties known to be B. microti endemic. CONCLUSION The increasing incidence of TTB correlated with increases in community-acquired babesiosis and infection of ticks with B. microti. Surveillance of ticks and community-acquired cases may aid identification of emerging areas at risk for Babesia transfusion transmission.

Background: Patients who experience an acute coronary syndrome are at heightened risk of recurrent ischemic events, including stroke. Ezetimibe improved cardiovascular outcomes when added to statin therapy in patients stabilized after acute coronary syndrome. We investigated the efficacy of the addition of ezetimibe to simvastatin for the prevention of stroke and other adverse cardiovascular events in IMPROVE-IT (Improved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial), with a focus on patients with a stroke before randomization. Methods: Patients who experienced acute coronary syndrome were randomized to a placebo/simvastatin or ezetimibe/simvastatin regimen and followed for a median of 6 years. Treatment efficacy was assessed for the entire population and by subgroups for the first and total (first and subsequent) events for the end points of stroke of any etiology, stroke subtypes, and the primary trial end point at 7 years. Results: Of 18 144 patients, 641 (3.5%) experienced at least 1 stroke; most were ischemic (527, 82%). Independent predictors of stroke included prior stroke, older age, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction, and renal dysfunction. There was a nonsignificant reduction in the first event of stroke of any etiology (4.2% versus 4.8%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73–1.00; P =0.052) with ezetimibe/simvastatin versus placebo/simvastatin, driven by a significant 21% reduction in ischemic stroke (3.4% versus 4.1%; HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.67–0.94; P =0.008) and a nonsignificant increase in hemorrhagic stroke (0.8% versus 0.6%; HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.93–2.04; P =0.11). Evaluating total events, including the first and all recurrent strokes, ezetimibe/simvastatin reduced stroke of any etiology (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70–0.98; P =0.029) and ischemic stroke (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.63–0.91; P =0.003). Patients who had experienced a stroke prior to randomization were at a higher risk of recurrence and demonstrated an absolute risk reduction of 8.6% for stroke of any etiology (10.2% versus 18.8%; number needed to treat=12; HR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.38–0.95; P =0.030) and 7.6% for ischemic stroke (8.7% versus 16.3%; number needed to treat=13; HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.31–0.86; P =0.011) with ezetimibe added to simvastatin therapy. Conclusions: The addition of ezetimibe to simvastatin in patients stabilized after acute coronary syndrome reduces the frequency of ischemic stroke, with a particularly large effect seen in patients with a prior stroke. Clinical Trial Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT00202878.

Background Ezetimibe improves cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in patients stabilized after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) when added to statin therapy. After ACS, patients vary considerably in their risk for recurrent CV events. Objectives This study tested the hypothesis that atherothrombotic risk stratification may be useful to identify post-ACS patients who have the greatest potential for benefit from the addition of ezetimibe to statin therapy. Methods The TIMI (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction) Risk Score for Secondary Prevention (TRS 2°P) is a simple 9-point risk stratification tool, previously developed in a large population with atherothrombosis to predict CV death, myocardial infarction (MI), and ischemic stroke (CV death/MI/ischemic cerebrovascular accident [iCVA]). The current study applied this tool prospectively to 17,717 post-ACS patients randomized either to ezetimibe and simvastatin or to placebo and simvastatin in IMPROVE-IT (Improved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial). Treatment efficacy was assessed by baseline risk for CV death/MI/iCVA, the IMPROVE-IT composite endpoints (CE), and individual component endpoints at 7 years. Results All 9 clinical variables in the TRS 2°P were independent risk indicators for CV death/MI/iCVA (p Conclusions Atherothrombotic risk stratification using the TRS 2°P identifies high-risk patients who derive greatest benefit from the addition of ezetimibe to statin therapy for secondary prevention after ACS. (Improved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial [IMPROVE-IT]; NCT00202878)

Objectives To examine the effectiveness of low-dose lithium carbonate for managing carbamazepine-induced hyponatremia. Methods Single case study in an 88 year old man with bipolar illness and vascular dementia who had failed to respond to other mood stabilizers. Results The patient had developed hyponatremia on two separate occasions when treated with carbamazepine. Introduction of low-dose lithium resulted in prompt normalization of serum sodium levels, which was maintained for the subsequent 8 weeks. Conclusions Carbamazepine may sometimes be the best or only viable treatment option for patients with bipolar illness or other conditions. When its use is complicated by syndrome of inappropriate ADH, dose reduction and fluid restriction are the simplest options but, if ineffective, addition of lithium may be a feasible, albeit somewhat complicated, alternative.

High-quality imaging data are critical when echocardiography is used for serial assessments of study and safety endpoints for regulatory decision-making. Although core laboratories (ECL) improve analytic consistency [(1–3)][1], site image quality is also required and was suboptimal in up to 50%

Background The evolution and clinical impact of cardiac remodeling after large ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is not well delineated in the current therapeutic era. Methods The PRESERVATION I trial longitudinally assessed cardiac structure and function in STEMI patients receiving primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Echocardiograms were performed immediately post-PCI and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after STEMI. The extent of cardiac remodeling was assessed in patients with ejection fraction (EF) ≤ 40% after PCI. Patients were stratified by the presence or absence of reverse remodeling, defined as an increase in end-diastolic volume (EDV) of ≤10 mL or decrease in EDV at 1 month, and evaluated for an association with adverse events at 1 year. Results Of the 303 patients with large STEMI enrolled in PRESERVATION I, 225 (74%) had at least moderately reduced systolic function (mean EF 32 ± 5%) immediately after primary PCI. In the following year, there were significant increases in EF and LV volumes, with the greatest magnitude of change occurring in the first month. At 1 month, 104 patients (46%) demonstrated reverse remodeling, which was associated with a significantly lower rate of death, recurrent myocardial infarction and repeat cardiovascular hospitalization at 1 year (HR 0.44; 95% CI: 0.19–0.99). Conclusion Reduced EF after large STEMI and primary PCI is common in the current therapeutic era. The first month following primary reperfusion is a critical period during which the greatest degree of cardiac remodeling occurs. Patients demonstrating early reverse remodeling have a significantly lower rate of adverse events in the year after STEMI.

Sudden cardiac death in the young is devastating for the family and the community. Although it has diverse etiologies, many are inherited. Discovering the disease in 1 patient offers the chance to save otherwise asymptomatic family members. Although some diseases can be discovered during autopsy, others require electrocardiograms for diagnosis, making it difficult to estimate the prevalence of disease and cause of death. Careful assessment of the history of present illness, family history, and electrocardiogram can guide clinical teams toward sometimes rare and difficult diagnoses. The purpose of this review article is to summarize the bench to bedside diagnosis of inherited dysrhythmia syndromes, which if missed on first presentation to the emergency department, have significant implications for the patient and the entire family.

Muscle-related events, including less severe muscle complaints without a clear pharmacological relationship to the treatment, may hamper compliance with lipid-lowering therapy and increase the risk of drug discontinuation ([1][1]). In IMPROVE-IT (Improved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy

Background Syncope is a common chief complaint among older adults in the Emergency Department (ED), and orthostatic vital signs are often a part of their evaluation. We assessed whether abnormal orthostatic vital signs in the ED are associated with composite 30-day serious outcomes in older adults presenting with syncope. Methods We performed a secondary analysis of a prospective, observational study at 11 EDs in adults ≥ 60 years who presented with syncope or near syncope. We excluded patients lost to follow up. We used the standard definition of abnormal orthostatic vital signs or subjective symptoms of lightheadedness upon standing to define orthostasis. We determined the rate of composite 30-day serious outcomes, including those during the index ED visit, such as cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, cardiac intervention, new diagnosis of structural heart disease, stroke, pulmonary embolism, aortic dissection, subarachnoid hemorrhage, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, hemorrhage/anemia requiring transfusion, with major traumatic injury from fall, recurrent syncope, and death) between the groups with normal and abnormal orthostatic vital signs. Results The study cohort included 1974 patients, of whom 51.2% were male and 725 patients (37.7%) had abnormal orthostatic vital signs. Comparing those with abnormal to those with normal orthostatic vital signs, we did not find a difference in composite 30-serious outcomes (111/725 (15.3%) vs 184/1249 (14.7%); unadjusted odds ratio, 1.05 [95%CI, 0.81–1.35], p = 0.73). After adjustment for gender, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure (CHF), history of arrhythmia, dyspnea, hypotension, any abnormal ECG, physician risk assessment, medication classes and disposition, there was no association with composite 30-serious outcomes (adjusted odds ratio, 0.82 [95%CI, 0.62–1.09], p = 0.18). Conclusions In a cohort of older adult patients presenting with syncope who were able to have orthostatic vital signs evaluated, abnormal orthostatic vital signs did not independently predict composite 30-day serious outcomes.

Surgical endoscopy in the neonate requires a high level of technical skills, diagnostic acumen, and proper instrumentation to ensure a safe outcome. Prenatal development and physiological response to anesthetic agents will be dependent on the patient’s age and associated medical comorbidities. Neonatal laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy can be quite challenging for care providers because of this increased risk of hypoxemia. Neonates requiring bronchoscopy for respiratory failure are innately at higher surgical risk, secondary to possible underlying congenital anomalies and/or the precipitating factors that occur during the endoscopic evaluation of their airway. In addition, specific sizes of the laryngoscopes and bronchoscopes utilized must be available and functioning properly, preferably in at least duplicate sizes. Neonatal airway distress is apparent in the first minutes or hours of life. Therefore, the first attempts to secure and maintain the airway in the delivery room or the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provide essential information for the airway team (anesthesiologists, otolaryngologists, pediatric surgeons, respiratory therapists, and perioperative nurses). A thorough cardiac and pulmonary evaluation should be performed to assess for congenital abnormalities that may prevent or limit proper oxygenation of the neonate’s blood. Hypoventilation may result from combined factors including the primary airway pathology, associated anomalies, anesthesia, airway manipulation, or trauma, in addition to those specific factors related to the physiology of neonates. Premature neonates are even more susceptible and vulnerable to these challenges.

Difficulty has been encountered when trying to identify ante mortem prognostic indicators for dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology (MUE). Identifying MRI imaging parameters associated with prognosis may impact treatment decision-making for clinician and owner. Our hypotheses for this retrospective cohort study are that dogs diagnosed with MUE that had midline shift on brain MRI would have a poorer survival compared to dogs without midline shift; and that younger age, lower weight, and low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cell count would be correlated with improved survival. Medical records were reviewed from two institutions. Inclusion criteria included: clinical signs referable to intracranial disease, brain MRI at presentation, abnormal CSF analysis, and negative infectious disease testing. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were evaluated for midline shift using the T2-weighted transverse image at the interthalamic adhesion and at the site of maximal deviation. Fifty-two dogs met the inclusion criteria. Median midline deviation was 0.12 cm. Median survival for dogs with no shift was 906 days and with shift was 84 days. Survival was not significantly different between groups (P = 0.11). This remained true when correcting for age (P = 0.22) and CSF TNCC (total nucleated cell count) (P = 0.12). Age at the time of diagnosis (P = 0.02) and CSF TNCC (P = 0.03) were significantly associated with survival. Cerebrospinal fluid protein value (P = 0.84) and weight (P = 0.82) were not significantly associated with survival. In this study of 52 dogs with MUE, MRI evidence of midline brain shift between 0.04 and 0.3 cm at the level of the interthalamic adhesion was not associated with shorter survival.

Despite the mandatory nature of Lyme disease (LD) reporting in New York State (NYS), it is believed that only a fraction of the LD cases diagnosed annually are reported to public health authorities. Lack of complete LD case reporting generally stems from (i) lack of report of provider-diagnosed cases where supportive laboratory testing is not ordered or results are negative (i.e. provider underreporting) and (ii) incomplete case information (clinical laboratory reporting only with no accompanying clinical information) such that cases are considered 'suspect' and not included in national and statewide case counts (i.e. case misclassification). In an attempt to better understand LD underreporting in NYS, a two-part study was conducted in 2011 using surveillance data from three counties. Case misclassification was assessed by obtaining medical records on suspect cases and reclassifying according to the surveillance case definition. To assess provider underreporting, lists of patients for whom ICD-9-CM code 088.81 (LD) had been used were reported to NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH). These lists were matched to the NYSDOH case reporting system, and medical records were requested on patients not previously reported; cases were then classified according to the case definition. When including both provider underreporting and case misclassification, approximately 20% (range 18.4-24.6%) more LD cases were identified in the three-county study area than were originally reported through standard surveillance. The additional cases represent a minimum percentage of unreported cases; the true percentage of unreported cases is likely higher. Unreported cases were more likely to have a history of erythema migrans (EM) rash and were more likely to be young paediatric cases. Results of the study support the assertion that LD cases are underreported in NYS. Initiatives to increase reporting should highlight the importance of reporting clinically diagnosed EM and be targeted to those providers most likely to diagnose LD, specifically providers treating paediatric patients.

Aims To examine the efficacy and safety of ezetimibe added to statin in patients with prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) following hospitalization for an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods and results In the IMPROVE-IT trial, post-ACS patients with mean low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of 93.8 mg/dL at presentation were randomized to simvastatin/ezetimibe or simvastatin/placebo. The primary endpoint was cardiovascular death, major coronary event or stroke, and the median follow-up was 6 years. Efficacy and safety endpoints were examined by prior CABG status. Among 18 134 patients, 1684 (9.3%) had a prior CABG (median age 69 years, 82% male). During the trial, the median time-weighted LDL-C level was 55.0 mg/dL with simvastatin/ezetimibe vs. 69.9 mg/dL with simvastatin/placebo in patients with prior CABG ( P

Background Intensive low-density lipoprotein cholesterol therapy with ezetimibe/simvastatin in IMPROVE-IT (IMProved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial) significantly reduced the first primary endpoint (PEP) in patients post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS) compared to placebo/simvastatin. Objectives This analysis tested the hypothesis that total events, including those beyond the first event, would also be reduced with ezetimibe/simvastatin therapy. Methods All PEP events (cardiovascular [CV] death, myocardial infarction [MI], stroke, unstable angina [UA] leading to hospitalization, coronary revascularization ≥30 days post-randomization) during a median 6-year follow-up were analyzed in patients randomized to receive ezetimibe/simvastatin or placebo/simvastatin in IMPROVE-IT. Negative binomial regression was used for the primary analysis. Results Among 18,144 patients, there were 9,545 total PEP events (56% were first events and 44% subsequent events). Total PEP events were significantly reduced by 9% with ezetimibe/simvastatin vs placebo/simvastatin (incidence-rate ratio [RR]: 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.85 to 0.97; p = 0.007), as were the 3 pre-specified secondary composite endpoints and the exploratory composite endpoint of CV death, MI, or stroke (RR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.81 to 0.96; p = 0.002). The reduction in total events was driven by decreases in total nonfatal MI (RR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.79 to 0.96; p = 0.004) and total NF stroke (RR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.65 to 0.93; p = 0.005). Conclusions Lipid-lowering therapy with ezetimibe plus simvastatin improved clinical outcomes. Reductions in total PEP events, driven by reductions in MI and stroke, more than doubled the number of events prevented compared with examining only the first event. These data support continuation of intensive combination lipid-lowering therapy after an initial CV event. (IMProved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial [IMPROVE-IT]; NCT00202878 )

Background In the northeastern United States, tick-borne diseases are a major public health concern. In controlled studies, a single springtime application of acaricide has been shown to kill 68%-100% of ticks. Although public health authorities recommend use of acaricides to control tick populations in yards, the effectiveness of these pesticides to prevent tick bites or human tick-borne diseases is unknown. Methods We conducted a 2-year, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial among 2727 households in 3 northeastern states. Households received a single springtime barrier application of bifenthrin or water according to recommended practices. Tick drags were conducted 3-4 weeks after treatment on 10% of properties. Information on human-tick encounters and tick-borne diseases was collected through monthly surveys; reports of illness were validated by medical record review. Results Although the abundance of questing ticks was significantly lower (63%) on acaricide-treated properties, there was no difference between treatment groups in human-tick encounters, self-reported tick-borne diseases, or medical-record-validated tick-borne diseases. Conclusions Used as recommended, acaricide barrier sprays do not significantly reduce the household risk of tick exposure or incidence of tick-borne disease. Measures for preventing tick-borne diseases should be evaluated against human outcomes to confirm effectiveness.

BackgroundThe clinical findings among children with postnatally acquired Zika virus disease are not well characterized. We describe and compare clinical signs and symptoms for children aged MethodsZika virus disease cases were included if they met the national surveillance case definition, had illness onset in 2016 or 2017, resided in a participating state, and were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pediatric cases were aged ResultsA total of 141 pediatric Zika virus disease cases were identified; none experienced neurologic disease. Overall, 28 (20%) were treated in an emergency department, 1 (ConclusionsThis report supports previous findings that Zika virus disease is generally mild in children. The most common symptoms are similar to other childhood infections, and clinical findings and outcomes are similar to those in adults. Healthcare providers should consider a diagnosis of Zika virus infection in children with fever, rash, arthralgia, or conjunctivitis, who reside in or have traveled to an area where Zika virus transmission is occurring.

As the world learned of the emerging Zika virus outbreak in Brazil in 2015 and of the astutely identified association with microcephaly, questions quickly arose regarding the dramatic increase in reported microcephaly and the level of risk to pregnant women. There were 2 overarching questions at that time: how large was the increase in the incidence of microcephaly in Brazil, and how much of it could be attributed to Zika virus? Appropriate concern regarding this new association abounded, along with questions regarding whether increased awareness may have led to increased reporting. Initial assessments were further compounded by comparison with a pre-Zika baseline that relied on a passive surveillance system with likely significant underreporting.1,2 Further complicating the situation was the lack of an internationally accepted, standardized approach to the measurement and definition of microcephaly, making comparisons of rates across regions and time periods difficult. Although several advances in the response to Zika virus required the use of cutting-edge technologies (eg, diagnostic advances, vaccine development), these urgent, first, and overarching questions that arose during the Zika virus … Address correspondence to Elizabeth Dufort, MD, Division of Epidemiology, New York State Department of Health, Corning Tower Room 503, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237. E-mail: elizabeth.dufort{at}health.ny.gov

Background: Ezetimibe, when added to simvastatin, reduces cardiovascular events after acute coronary syndrome. We explored outcomes stratified by diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: In IMPROVE-IT (Improved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial), 18 144 patients after acute coronary syndrome with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol 50 to 125 mg/dL were randomized to 40 mg ezetimibe/simvastatin (E/S) or 40 mg placebo/simvastatin. The primary composite end point was cardiovascular death, major coronary events, and stroke. DM was a prespecified subgroup. Results: The 4933 (27%) patients with DM were more often older and female, had had a prior myocardial infarction and revascularization, and presented more frequently with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome compared with patients without DM (each P P P P int =0.02). The largest relative reductions in patients with DM were in myocardial infarction (24%) and ischemic stroke (39%). No differences in safety outcomes by treatment were present regardless of DM. When stratified further by age, patients ≥75 years of age had a 20% relative reduction in the primary end point regardless of DM ( P int =0.91), whereas patients P int =0.011). When stratified by the TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) Risk Score for Secondary Prevention, all patients with DM demonstrated benefit with E/S regardless of risk. In contrast, among patients without DM, those with a high risk score experienced a significant (18%) relative reduction in the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke with E/S compared with placebo/simvastatin, whereas patients without DM at low or moderate risk demonstrated no benefit with the addition of ezetimibe to simvastatin ( P int =0.034). Conclusions: In IMPROVE-IT, the benefit of adding ezetimibe to statin was enhanced in patients with DM and in high-risk patients without DM. Clinical Trial Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT00202878.

The extent to which microorganisms impair wound healing is an ongoing controversy in the management of chronic wounds. Because the high diversity and extreme variability of the microbiota between individual chronic wounds lead to inconsistent findings in small cohort studies, evaluation of a large number of chronic wounds using identical sequencing and bioinformatics methods is necessary for clinicians to be able to select appropriate empiric therapies. In this study, we utilized 16S rDNA pyrosequencing to analyze the composition of the bacterial communities present in samples obtained from patients with chronic diabetic foot ulcers (N = 910), venous leg ulcers (N = 916), decubitus ulcers (N = 767), and nonhealing surgical wounds (N = 370). The wound samples contained a high proportion of Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas species in 63 and 25% of all wounds, respectively; however, a high prevalence of anaerobic bacteria and bacteria traditionally considered commensalistic was also observed. Our results suggest that neither patient demographics nor wound type influenced the bacterial composition of the chronic wound microbiome. Collectively, these findings indicate that empiric antibiotic selection need not be based on nor altered for wound type. Furthermore, the results provide a much clearer understanding of chronic wound microbiota in general; clinical application of this new knowledge over time may help in its translation to improved wound healing outcomes.

Background— Statins lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP); addition of ezetimibe to statins further reduces LDL-C and hs-CRP. An analysis of the relationship between achieved LDL-C and hs-CRP targets and outcomes for simvastatin and ezetimibe/simvastatin was prespecified in Improved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial (IMPROVE-IT). Methods and Results— The IMPROVE-IT trial randomly assigned 18 144 patients stabilized after acute coronary syndrome to simvastatin or ezetimibe/simvastatin. LDL-C and hs-CRP were measured at baseline and 1 month after randomization. Outcomes were assessed in those achieving one or both of the prespecified targets of LDL-CP P P -interaction=0.65). Similar findings were observed using the exploratory targets. Conclusions— Significantly more patients treated with ezetimibe/simvastatin met prespecified and exploratory dual LDL-C and hs-CRP targets than patients treated with simvastatin alone. Reaching both LDL-C and hs-CRP targets was associated with improved outcomes after multivariable adjustment. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT00202878.

Background A standard approach to recent onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in the emergency department (ED) in the United States has not been established. Purpose The purpose of this prospective clinical trial was to determine how an ED protocol emphasizing rhythm control for recent onset AF compared similar patients receiving standard therapy in the same facility. Methods We enrolled consecutive patients presenting to our community hospital with recent onset AF into a protocol, which called for rhythm control with procainamide and if unsuccessful electrical cardioversion and discharge home. We compared this prospective cohort with matched historical controls. Primary outcome was admission rate. We also compared ED conversion rates and lengths of stay (LOS). We reported 30-day data on the study group including ED recidivism, recurrent AF, outpatient follow-up, and any important adverse events. Results Fifty-four patients were enrolled in the study group with 4 being admitted compared with 30 of 50 in the historical control group. Ninety-four percent of the study group converted compared with 28% in the historical control. Both hospital and ED LOS were significantly shorter for the study group. Six patients had recurrent AF, and 4 of those returned to the ED. Conclusion An ED protocol that uses rhythm control decreased hospital admission and LOS, and there were no adverse events at 30 days.

Background: Though minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) offers many advantages over traditional thyroid surgery, its adoption in North America has been limited. This study analyzes the largest series of MIVAT in North America to explore its safety. Methods: A prospectively maintained database of all patients undergoing thyroid surgery by a single surgeon from 2003 to 2011 at an academic tertiary care medical center was evaluated. Demographic information, surgical and pathologic data, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. Results: Beginning in 2005, a total of 260 MIVATs were performed during the study period. Outpatient surgery was accomplished in 234 MIVATs (90%). MIVAT patients were predominantly young (46.8 ± 14.8 years vs 52.4 ± 14.6 years for conventional thyroidectomy) and female (88.5% vs 75.5% for conventional thyroidectomy). There were no cases of permanent hypoparathyroidism or permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve dysfunction. Observed complications included transient recurrent laryngeal nerve dysfunction (n = 10; 3.8%), cellulitis (n = 1; 0.4%), and temporary hypocalcemia (n = 6; 2.3%). The overall complication rate for MIVAT (6.5%) was lower than the overall complication rate in conventional thyroidectomy (18.5%, P < .0001). Conclusion: MIVAT can be performed safely with a low complication profile in a high-volume practice. The safety of MIVAT represented by this experience supports broader adoption across surgical practices.

Background IMPROVE ‐ IT (Improved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial) showed that adding the nonstatin ezetimibe to statin therapy further reduced cardiovascular events in patients after an acute coronary syndrome. In a prespecified analysis, we explore results stratified by sex. Methods and Results In IMPROVE ‐ IT , patients with acute coronary syndrome and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol of 50 to 125 mg/dL were randomized to placebo/simvastatin 40 mg or ezetimibe/simvastatin 10/40 mg. They were followed up for a median of 6 years for the primary composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, hospitalization for unstable angina, coronary revascularization ≥30 days, and stroke. Among 18 144 patients in IMPROVE ‐ IT , 4416 (24%) were women. At 12 months, the addition of ezetimibe to simvastatin significantly reduced low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol from baseline compared with simvastatin monotherapy in men and women equally (absolute reduction, 16.7 mg/dL in men and 16.4 mg/dL in women). Women receiving ezetimibe/simvastatin had a 12% risk reduction over those receiving placebo/simvastatin for the primary composite end point (hazard ratio, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.79–0.99) compared with a 5% reduction for men (hazard ratio, 0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.90–1.01; P =0.26 for interaction). When the total number of primary events was considered, women had an 18% reduction with the addition of ezetimibe (relative risk, 95% confidence interval, 0.81; 0.71–0.94) and men had a 6% reduction (relative risk, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.87–1.02; P =0.08 for interaction). The addition of ezetimibe did not increase the rates of safety events in either women or men. Conclusions IMPROVE ‐ IT demonstrated that the benefit of adding ezetimibe to statin is present in both women and men, with a good safety profile supporting the use of intensive, combination, lipid‐lowering therapy to optimize cardiovascular outcomes. Clinical Trial Registration URL : http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT 00202878.

The value of using diagnostic codes in Lyme disease (LD) surveillance in highly endemic states has not been well studied. Surveys of healthcare facilities in Maryland (MD) and New York (NY) regarding coding practices were conducted to evaluate the feasibility of using diagnostic codes as a potential method for LD surveillance. Most respondents indicated that their practice utilized electronic medical records (53%) and processed medical/billing claims electronically (74%). Most facilities were able to search office visits associated with specific ICD-9-CM and CPT codes (74% and 73%, respectively); no discernible differences existed between the healthcare facilities in both states. These codes were most commonly assigned by the practitioner (82%), and approximately 70% of respondents indicated that these codes were later validated by administrative staff. These results provide evidence for the possibility of using diagnostic codes in LD surveillance. However, the utility of these codes as an alternative to traditional LD surveillance requires further evaluation.

The performance and interpretation of laboratory tests for Zika virus (ZKV) continue to be evaluated. Serology is cross-reactive, laborious, and frequently difficult to interpret, and serum was initially solely recommended for molecular diagnosis. ZKV testing was initiated in January 2016 in New York State for symptomatic patients, pregnant women, their infants, and patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome who had traveled to areas with ZKV transmission. Subsequently, eligibility was expanded to pregnant women with sexual partners with similar travel histories. Serum and urine collected within 4 weeks of symptom onset or within 6 weeks of travel were tested with real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assays targeting the ZKV envelope and NS2B genes. In this review of lessons learned from the first 80 positive cases in NYS, ZKV RNA was detected in urine only in 50 patients, in serum only in 19 patients, and in both samples concurrently in 11 patients, with average viral loads in urine a log higher than those in serum. Among 93 positive samples from the 80 patients, 41 were positive on both gene assays, 52 were positive on the envelope only, and none were positive on the NS2B only. Of the 80 infected patients, test results for 74 (93%) would have defined their infection status as not detected or equivocal if the requirement for positive results from two assay targets (two-target-positive requirement) in the initial federal guidance to public health laboratories was enforced, if urine was not tested, or if the extended eligibility time for molecular testing was not implemented. These changes facilitated more extensive molecular diagnosis of ZKV, reducing reliance on time-consuming and potentially inconclusive serology.

We report a case as a patient apology as a means of teaching other physicians about a unique presentation of a rare disease. Salmonella species are unusually isolated organisms in urine. In the case described, appreciation for the rarity of Salmonella species in the urine facilitated recognition of a serious disseminated Salmonella infection. Physicians should consider disseminated Salmonella infection, as was found in a patient with an aortic mycotic an eurysm, after isolation of Salmonella in urine despite an initially benign clinical presentation.

Purpose: An. understanding of primary care provider (PCP) workload is an important consideration in establishing optimal PCP panel size. However, no widely acceptable measure of PCP workload exists that incorporates the effort involved with both non–face-to-face patient care activities and face-to-face encounters. Accounting for this gap is critical given the increase in non–face-to-face PCP activities that has accompanied electronic health records (EHRs) (eg, electronic messaging). Our goal was to provide a comprehensive assessment of perceived PCP workload, accounting for aspects of both face-to-face and non–face-to-face encounters. Methods: Internal medicine, family medicine, and pediatric PCPs completed a self-administered survey about the perceived workload involved with face-to-face and non–face-to-face panel management activities as well as the perceived challenge associated with caring for patients with particular biomedical, demographic, and psychosocial characteristics (n = 185). Survey results were combined with EHR data at the individual patient and PCP service levels to assess PCP panel workload, accounting for face-to-face and non–face-to-face utilization. Results: Of the multiple face-to-face and non–face-to-face activities associated with routine primary care, PCPs considered hospital admissions, obstetric care, hospital discharges, and new patient preventive health visits to be greater workload than non–face-to-face activities such as telephone calls, electronic communication, generating letters, and medication refills. Total workload within PCP panels at the individual patient level varied by overall health status, and the total workload of non–face-to-face panel management activities associated with routine primary care was greater than the total workload associated with face-to-face encounters regardless of health status. Conclusions: We used PCP survey results coupled with EHR data to assess PCP workload associated with both face-to-face as well as non–face-to-face panel management activities in primary care. The non–face-to-face workload was an important contributor to overall PCP workload for all patients regardless of overall health status. This is an important consideration for PCP workload assessment given the changing nature of primary care that requires more non–face-to-face effort, resulting in an overall increase in PCP workload.

Laboratory testing is helpful when evaluating patients with suspected Lyme disease (LD). A 2-tiered antibody testing approach is recommended, but single-tier and nonvalidated tests are also used. We conducted a survey of large commercial laboratories in the United States to assess laboratory practices. We used these data to estimate the cost of testing and number of infections among patients from whom specimens were submitted.Large commercial laboratories were asked to report the type and volume of testing conducted nationwide in 2008, as well as the percentage of positive tests for 4 LD-endemic states. The total direct cost of testing was calculated for each test type. These data and test-specific performance parameters available in published literature were used to estimate the number of infections among source patients.Seven participating laboratories performed approximately 3.4 million LD tests on approximately 2.4 million specimens nationwide at an estimated cost of $492 million. Two-tiered testing accounted for at least 62% of assays performed; alternative testing accounted for3% of assays. The estimated frequency of infection among patients from whom specimens were submitted ranged from 10% to 18.5%. Applied to the total numbers of specimens, this yielded an estimated 240 000 to 444 000 infected source patients in 2008.LD testing is common and costly, with most testing in accordance with diagnostic recommendations. These results highlight the importance of considering clinical and exposure history when interpreting laboratory results for diagnostic and surveillance purposes.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) reduces mortality in Heart Failure (HF) and coronary artery disease (CAD) patients (pts). There is a paucity of data on the utilization of optimal medical therapy (OMT) in HF and CAD pts after revascularization and the impact on long term outcomes. We evaluate

Background We assessed the incidence and timing of post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS) atrial fibrillation (AF) related and not related to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG); described the use of antithrombotic therapy; and evaluated the association of AF with mortality. Methods We studied 9242 high-risk non-ST-segment elevation (NSTE) ACS patients enrolled in EARLY ACS. Logistic regression with a landmark approach examined the association between AF within 7days post-ACS and 30-day death. Cox proportional hazards modeling assessed the association of AF with 1-year mortality. Results Overall, 551 patients (6.0%) had AF at a median of 4 (25th, 75th percentiles: 2, 8) days post-ACS. CABG-related AF occurred in 2.6% (N=242) of the overall population, representing 44% of all AF episodes. At discharge, patients with AF received aspirin (87%), clopidogrel (48%), or warfarin (19%). Aspirin plus clopidogrel plus warfarin was used in 5.7% of the overall AF population and in 10.0% of patients with non-CABG-related AF. In-hospital AF within 7days post-ACS was associated with an adjusted hazard ratio for death between 7 and 30days of 4.83 (95% confidence interval, 3.06–7.62) as well as higher 1-year mortality (2.40 [1.90–3.03]). Conclusions Overall, AF complicated the in-hospital course of 6% of patients with NSTE ACS and was associated with substantially greater risk for 30-day and 1-year mortality. Most patients with AF did not receive oral anticoagulation at discharge, highlighting an unexplored area of antithrombotic therapy at hospital discharge in these high-risk patients.

Elderly patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are at high risk for death and recurrent thrombotic events. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of intensive treatment with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors in an elderly population, and the relationships between age, timing of administration, and clinical outcomes.We used data from high-risk non-ST-segment elevation ACS patients randomized to early eptifibatide vs. delayed provisional use at percutaneous coronary intervention. In multivariable models, we included age×treatment interaction terms to assess whether treatment effect varied by age after adjusting for confounders.Of 9406 patients, 13.9% were aged55 years; 27.6%, 55-64 years; 33.2%, 65-74 years; and 25.3%, ≥ 75 years. For each 10-year age increase, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) for 96-hour death, myocardial infarction (MI), recurrent ischemia requiring urgent revascularization, or thrombotic bailout was 1.13 (1.04-1.23) and for 30-day death or MI was 1.13 (1.04-1.22). Increasing age was also associated with greater 1-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio per 10 years: 1.44, 95% CI 1.30-1.60). There was no interaction between age and treatment (p interaction=0.99, 0.54, and 0.87, respectively). Increasing age was associated with more non-coronary artery bypass grafting-related TIMI major bleeding (adjusted OR and 95% CI per 10 years: 1.54 [1.24-1.92]), GUSTO moderate/severe bleeding (1.52 [1.33-1.75]), and transfusion (1.25 [1.07-1.45]). The amount by which TIMI major bleeding was increased with early vs. delayed provisional eptifibatide use was significantly greater with increasing age (p interaction=0.02), but the age×treatment interactions were not significant for GUSTO moderate/severe bleeding or transfusion (p interaction=0.33 and 0.54, respectively).Increasing age was associated with greater risk for ischemic events and more bleeding. Despite higher baseline ischemic risk in older patients, there was no preferential benefit of early vs. delayed provisional eptifibatide use for ischemic outcomes as age increased, but the incremental bleeding risk was amplified.

Objectives This study sought to review cardiac troponin (cTn) trends during non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE ACS) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the EARLY ACS (Early Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibition in Non–ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes) and SYNERGY (Superior Yield of the New Strategy of Enoxaparin, Revascularization and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors) studies and to study the relationship between post-PCI cTn and mortality. Background The prognostic value of cTn post-PCI is controversial. In patients with NSTE ACS, it is especially difficult to distinguish between cTn elevations due to PCI or index myocardial infarction (MI). Methods Time and cTn (indexed by upper limit of normal [ULN]) data pairs were plotted for 10,199 patients and independently reviewed by 2 physicians to identify patients in whom post-PCI cTn elevation could be distinguished from that of index MI. Post-PCI cTn peak was identified for each plot, and its relationship with 1-year mortality was evaluated using Cox modeling, correcting for 15 clinical variables from the EARLY ACS 1-year mortality model (including baseline cTn). We used an identical methodology to assess the association between creatine kinase-myocardial band and 1-year mortality. Results Patients with cTn (re-)elevation post-PCI not evaluable were identified and excluded from further analysis (4,198 [41%] with cTn rising prior to PCI; 229 [2%] with missing cTn). Among the remainder (n = 5,772 [57%]), in the multivariable model, peak cTn post-PCI was associated with a 7% increase in mortality (hazard ratio [HR] for 10× ULN increase: 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02 to 1.11; p = 0.0038). Peak post-PCI creatine kinase-myocardial band was significantly associated with 1-year mortality (HR for 1× ULN increase: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.21; p = 0.0013). Conclusions We used a methodology that differentiated post-PCI cTn (re-)elevation from that of presenting MI in more than one-half of patients with NSTE ACS undergoing PCI. This identified a highly significant relationship between post-PCI cTn and 1-year mortality, with implications for both incorporating a cTn post-PCI MI definition and preventing PCI-related myonecrosis.

Distal radius fractures represent 1 of every 6 fractures treated in emergency departments (EDs) each year. This injury has a peak incidence within both the 5- to 24-year-old age group and the elderly female population aged 65 years and older. An understanding of the functional anatomy of the wrist fracture will greatly aid the practitioner in proper treatment and referral for these injuries. After obtaining wrist radiographs, a thorough examination must be performed. Once anesthesia is achieved (via hematoma block, sedation, or Bier block), the first line of treatment of distal radius fractures is to reduce the fracture and stabilize the bone alignment, even if it is expected that the patient will require surgical intervention. Up to 50% of patients are at risk of losing reduction, and 20%-50% of distal radius fractures will eventually require surgical fixation. Referral to an orthopedist can be made during the ED visit or done on an outpatient status.

Objective Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of microcephaly and other fetal brain abnormalities. Reports indicate that the duration of detectable viral RNA in serum after symptom onset is brief. In a recent case report involving a severely affected fetus, Zika virus RNA was detected in maternal serum 10 weeks after symptom onset, longer than the duration of RNA detection in serum previously reported. This report summarizes the clinical and laboratory characteristics of pregnant women with prolonged detection of Zika virus RNA in serum that were reported to the U.S. Zika Pregnancy Registry. Methods Data were obtained from the U.S. Zika Pregnancy Registry, an enhanced surveillance system of pregnant women with laboratory evidence of confirmed or possible Zika virus infection. For this case series, we defined prolonged detection of Zika virus RNA as Zika virus RNA detection in serum by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) 14 or more days after symptom onset or, for women not reporting signs or symptoms consistent with Zika virus disease (asymptomatic), 21 or more days after last possible exposure to Zika virus. Results Prolonged Zika virus RNA detection in serum was identified in four symptomatic pregnant women up to 46 days after symptom onset and in one asymptomatic pregnant woman 53 days postexposure. Among the five pregnancies, one pregnancy had evidence of fetal Zika virus infection confirmed by histopathologic examination of fetal tissue, three pregnancies resulted in live births of apparently healthy neonates with no reported abnormalities, and one pregnancy is ongoing. Conclusion Zika virus RNA was detected in the serum of five pregnant women beyond the previously estimated timeframe. Additional real-time RT-PCR testing of pregnant women might provide more data about prolonged detection of Zika virus RNA and the possible diagnostic, epidemiologic, and clinical implications for pregnant women.

Purpose Mercy Medical Center (MMC), a community hospital in Baltimore Maryland, has undertaken a community initiative to reduce low birth weight (LBW) deliveries by 10 % in 3 years. MMC partnered with a School of Public Health to evaluate characteristics associated with LBW deliveries and formulate collaborations with obstetricians and community services to improve birth outcomes. Description As part of the initiative, a case control study of LBW was undertaken of all newborns weighing