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Cureus Jul 2023Twitter has been adopted by physicians across most medical specialties; it allows for the wide dissemination of information and calls to action, brings new stakeholders... (Review)
Review
Twitter has been adopted by physicians across most medical specialties; it allows for the wide dissemination of information and calls to action, brings new stakeholders into collations, promotes academic engagement, and fosters collaboration between academia and private practice. In this review of the literature, we briefly outline the state of advocacy in health care and summarize current Twitter-based advocacy efforts in the major specialties of health care, identifying both successful strategies as well as gaps in Twitter advocacy research. Relevant articles were obtained via PubMed and Google Scholar searches using the phrases "Twitter advocacy healthcare," "[specialty name] Twitter" and "[specialty name] Twitter advocacy." Several overarching themes were found to be widely utilized in specialty-specific discussions of Twitter advocacy efforts: organizing under a specific hashtag, fostering dialogue between stakeholders, and tweeting using personalized, action-oriented language. Fields such as pediatrics, heme/onc, ENT, and ophthalmology have most thoroughly embraced the desire to learn how to most effectively advocate on Twitter. Other fields such as OBGYN, cardiology, and surgery have less academic focus on online advocacy. Outside of advocacy efforts, the research and academic benefits of Twitter are well described in nearly every specialty. In conclusion, while clinicians are encouraged to advocate online, only broad strategies for online engagement are currently offered. Additional research into the details of how to successfully create an online profile and Twitter presence is needed to ensure all physicians are able to maximize their advocacy efforts, with clarification of the goals and objectives of this engagement also required.
PubMed: 37565125
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41632 -
AANA Journal Aug 2023Organ procurement is a complex and unique procedure that warrants the creation of an evidence-based practice guideline. Anesthesia care of the donor may adversely impact... (Review)
Review
Organ procurement is a complex and unique procedure that warrants the creation of an evidence-based practice guideline. Anesthesia care of the donor may adversely impact the fate of organs once transplanted. The following article gives a brief review of the literature, and a guideline for providing anesthesia during an organ procurement which was created for a large, level-one, academic facility. Care of the organ donor during the preoperative phase is frequently discussed in the literature; however, there remains a need for further information on the care of the organ donor intraoperatively.
Topics: Humans; Brain Death; Tissue and Organ Procurement; Tissue Donors; Anesthesia; Evidence-Based Practice
PubMed: 37527169
DOI: No ID Found -
JAMA Ophthalmology Jan 2024Pediatric blepharokeratoconjunctivitis (PBKC) is a chronic, sight-threatening inflammatory ocular surface disease. Due to the lack of unified terminology and diagnostic...
IMPORTANCE
Pediatric blepharokeratoconjunctivitis (PBKC) is a chronic, sight-threatening inflammatory ocular surface disease. Due to the lack of unified terminology and diagnostic criteria, nonspecific symptoms and signs, and the challenge of differentiation from similar ocular surface disorders, PBKC may be frequently unrecognized or diagnosed late.
OBJECTIVE
To establish a consensus on the nomenclature, definition, and diagnostic criteria of PBKC.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This quality improvement study used expert panel and agreement applying the non-RAND modified Delphi method and open discussions to identify unified nomenclature, definition, and definitive diagnostic criteria for PBKC. The study was conducted between September 1, 2021, and August 14, 2022. Consensus activities were carried out through electronic surveys via email and online virtual meetings.
RESULTS
Of 16 expert international panelists (pediatric ophthalmologists or cornea and external diseases specialists) chosen by specific inclusion criteria, including their contribution to scientific leadership and research in PBKC, 14 (87.5%) participated in the consensus. The name proposed was "pediatric blepharokeratoconjunctivitis," and the agreed-on definition was "Pediatric blepharokeratoconjunctivitis is a frequently underdiagnosed, sight-threatening, chronic, and recurrent inflammatory eyelid margin disease associated with ocular surface involvement affecting children and adolescents. Its clinical spectrum includes chronic blepharitis, meibomitis, conjunctivitis, and corneal involvement ranging from superficial punctate keratitis to corneal infiltrates with vascularization and scarring." The diagnostic criteria included 1 or more suggestive symptoms accompanied by clinical signs from 3 anatomical regions: the eyelid margin, conjunctiva, and cornea. For PBKC suspect, the same criteria were included except for corneal involvement.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
The agreements on the name, definition, and proposed diagnostic criteria of PBKC may help ophthalmologists avoid diagnostic confusion and recognize the disease early to establish adequate therapy and avoid sight-threatening complications. The diagnostic criteria rely on published evidence, analysis of simulated clinical cases, and the expert panel's clinical experience, requiring further validation with real patient data analysis.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Humans; Keratoconjunctivitis; Blepharitis; Eyelids; Conjunctiva; Cornea; Chronic Disease
PubMed: 38127333
DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2023.5750 -
Clinical Journal of the American... Sep 2023Reduced kidney function is common among patients with heart failure. In patients with heart failure and/or kidney disease, iron deficiency is an independent predictor of... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Reduced kidney function is common among patients with heart failure. In patients with heart failure and/or kidney disease, iron deficiency is an independent predictor of adverse outcomes. In the AFFIRM-AHF trial, patients with acute heart failure with iron deficiency treated with intravenous ferric carboxymaltose demonstrated reduced risk of heart failure hospitalization, with improved quality of life. We aimed to further characterize the impact of ferric carboxymaltose among patients with coexisting kidney impairment.
METHODS
The double-blind, placebo-controlled AFFIRM-AHF trial randomized 1132 stabilized adults with acute heart failure (left ventricular ejection fraction <50%) and iron deficiency. Patients on dialysis were excluded. The primary end point was a composite of total heart failure hospitalizations and cardiovascular death during the 52-week follow-up period. Additional end points included cardiovascular hospitalizations, total heart failure hospitalizations, and days lost to heart failure hospitalizations or cardiovascular death. For this subgroup analysis, patients were stratified according to baseline eGFR.
RESULTS
Overall, 60% of patients had an eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 (the lower eGFR subgroup). These patients were significantly older, more likely to be female and to have ischemic heart failure, and had higher baseline serum phosphate levels and higher rates of anemia. For all end points, event rates were higher in the lower eGFR group. In the lower eGFR group, the annualized event rates for the primary composite outcome were 68.96 and 86.30 per 100 patient-years in the ferric carboxymaltose and placebo arms, respectively (rate ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.54 to 1.06). The treatment effect was similar in the higher eGFR subgroup (rate ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.42 to 1.02; Pinteraction = 0.60). A similar pattern was observed for all end points ( Pinteraction > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
In a cohort of patients with acute heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, and iron deficiency, the safety and efficacy of ferric carboxymaltose were consistent across a range of eGFR values.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NAME AND REGISTRATION NUMBER
Study to Compare Ferric Carboxymaltose With Placebo in Patients With Acute Heart Failure and Iron Deficiency (Affirm-AHF), NCT02937454 .
Topics: Adult; Humans; Female; Male; Iron; Stroke Volume; Quality of Life; Ventricular Function, Left; Ferric Compounds; Iron Deficiencies; Renal Insufficiency; Heart Failure; Kidney; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency
PubMed: 37382961
DOI: 10.2215/CJN.0000000000000223 -
American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy Nov 2023Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a heterogeneous condition characterized by differing inflammatory endotypes. The identification of suitable biomarkers could enable...
BACKGROUND
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a heterogeneous condition characterized by differing inflammatory endotypes. The identification of suitable biomarkers could enable personalized approaches to treatment selection.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to identify and summarize clinical studies of biomarkers in adults with CRS in order to inform future research into CRS endotypes.
METHODS
We conducted systematic searches of MEDLINE and Web of Science from inception to January 30, 2022 and included all clinical studies of adult CRS patients and healthy controls measuring biomarkers using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays or Luminex immunoassays. Outcomes included the name and tissue type of identified biomarkers and expression patterns within CRS phenotypes. Study quality was assessed using the National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies. A narrative synthesis was performed.
RESULTS
We identified 78 relevant studies involving up to 9394 patients, predominantly with CRS with nasal polyposis. Studies identified 80 biomarkers from nasal tissue, 25 from nasal secretions, 14 from nasal lavage fluid, 24 from serum, and one from urine. The majority of biomarkers found to distinguish CRS phenotypes were identified in nasal tissue, especially in nasal polyps. Serum biomarkers were more commonly found to differentiate CRS from controls. The most frequently measured biomarker was IL-5, followed by IL-13 and IL-4. Serum IgE, IL-17, pentraxin-3 and nasal phospho-janus kinase 2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-17A, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, and interferon gamma were identified as correlated with disease severity.
CONCLUSION
We have identified numerous potential biomarkers to differentiate a range of CRS phenotypes. Future studies should focus on the prognostic role of nasal tissue biomarkers or expand on the more limited studies of nasal secretions and nasal lavage fluid.We registered this study in PROSPERO (CRD42022302787).
Topics: Humans; Adult; Rhinitis; Interleukin-5; Cross-Sectional Studies; Sinusitis; Biomarkers; Nasal Polyps; Chronic Disease
PubMed: 37491901
DOI: 10.1177/19458924231190568 -
Sports Health 2024In June 2021, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) adopted a new policy allowing NCAA athletes the opportunity to benefit and profit from their name,... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
In June 2021, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) adopted a new policy allowing NCAA athletes the opportunity to benefit and profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Several state high-school associations have established policies to guide their members and students through the new era of NIL. While the potential benefits cannot be ignored, NIL presents novel responsibilities and stressors to athletes. This paper will review the paucity of literature on the effect of NIL on youth athletes and bring attention to mental health, well-being, or academic performance impacted by NIL.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
Articles were identified through Google and PubMed search starting from NIL policy approval (June 30, 2021). Search terms included "name, image and likeness" and "NIL."
STUDY DESIGN
Clinical commentary.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level 5.
RESULTS
Although 1 article was identified through PubMed search and numerous articles were identified through Google search, no articles directly evaluated the effects of NIL on the mental health, well-being, or academic performance of youth athletes.
CONCLUSION
It is critical for sports medicine providers and other members of the athletic healthcare network to familiarize themselves with these emerging topics to best serve their patients and communities. The athletic healthcare network must be prepared to address possible NIL-related health ramifications for our patients and their families and help them navigate a confusing and predatory landscape. We must provide resources to youth athletes to minimize the risks associated with NIL involvement and related activities, and to ensure that athletes with NIL contracts are able to balance their academic and athletic responsibilities. Fostering strong relationships between stakeholders and sports medicine staff is paramount to creating an environment that permits honest discussions about NIL and the health of athletes from youth to adulthood.
STRENGTH-OF-RECOMMENDATION TAXONOMY
N/A.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Athletic Injuries; Universities; Sports Medicine; Sports; Athletes; Delivery of Health Care
PubMed: 37982455
DOI: 10.1177/19417381231212645 -
Autism : the International Journal of... Feb 2024
Topics: Child; Humans; Autistic Disorder; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Child Development Disorders, Pervasive
PubMed: 37997793
DOI: 10.1177/13623613231213300 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research Aug 2023New approaches to the treatment of depression are necessary for patients who do not respond to current treatments or lack access to them because of barriers such as... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
New approaches to the treatment of depression are necessary for patients who do not respond to current treatments or lack access to them because of barriers such as cost, stigma, and provider shortage. Digital interventions for depression are promising; however, low patient engagement could limit their effectiveness.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic literature review (SLR) assessed how participant adherence to and engagement with digital interventions for depression have been measured in the published literature, what levels of adherence and engagement have been reported, and whether higher adherence and increased engagement are linked to increased efficacy.
METHODS
We focused on a participant population of adults (aged ≥18 years) with depression or major depressive disorder as the primary diagnosis and included clinical trials, feasibility studies, and pilot studies of digital interventions for treating depression, such as digital therapeutics. We screened 756 unique records from Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane published between January 1, 2000, and April 15, 2022; extracted data from and appraised the 94 studies meeting the inclusion criteria; and performed a primarily descriptive analysis. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc (Princeton, New Jersey, United States) funded this study.
RESULTS
This SLR encompassed results from 20,111 participants in studies using 47 unique web-based interventions (an additional 10 web-based interventions were not described by name), 15 mobile app interventions, 5 app-based interventions that are also accessible via the web, and 1 CD-ROM. Adherence was most often measured as the percentage of participants who completed all available modules. Less than half (44.2%) of the participants completed all the modules; however, the average dose received was 60.7% of the available modules. Although engagement with digital interventions was measured differently in different studies, it was most commonly measured as the number of modules completed, the mean of which was 6.4 (means ranged from 1.0 to 19.7) modules. The mean amount of time participants engaged with the interventions was 3.9 (means ranged from 0.7 to 8.4) hours. Most studies of web-based (34/45, 76%) and app-based (8/9, 89%) interventions found that the intervention group had substantially greater improvement for at least 1 outcome than the control group (eg, care as usual, waitlist, or active control). Of the 14 studies that investigated the relationship between engagement and efficacy, 9 (64%) found that increased engagement with digital interventions was significantly associated with improved participant outcomes. The limitations of this SLR include publication bias, which may overstate engagement and efficacy, and low participant diversity, which reduces the generalizability.
CONCLUSIONS
Patient adherence to and engagement with digital interventions for depression have been reported in the literature using various metrics. Arriving at more standardized ways of reporting adherence and engagement would enable more effective comparisons across different digital interventions, studies, and populations.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Adolescent; Depression; Depressive Disorder, Major; Patient Compliance; Mobile Applications
PubMed: 37566447
DOI: 10.2196/43727