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Insights Into Imaging Jun 2016The typical presentation of early stage lung cancers on low-dose CT screening are non-calcified pulmonary nodules. However, there is a wide spectrum of unusual focal... (Review)
Review
The typical presentation of early stage lung cancers on low-dose CT screening are non-calcified pulmonary nodules. However, there is a wide spectrum of unusual focal abnormalities that can be early presentations of lung cancer. These abnormalities include, for example, cancers associated with 'cystic airspaces' or scar-like cancers. The detection of lung cancer with low-dose CT can be affected by the absence of intravenous contrast medium. As a consequence, endobronchial and central lesions can be difficult to recognize, raising the potential for missed cancers. Focal lesions arising within pre-existing lung disease, such as lung fibrosis or apical scars, can also be early lung cancer manifestations and deserve particular consideration as recognition of these lesions may be hindered by the underlying disease. Furthermore, the unpredictable growth rate of lung cancer, which ranges from indolent to aggressive cancers, necessitates attention to the wide spectrum of progression in lung cancer appearance on serial low-dose CT scans. In this pictorial review we discuss the spectrum of early lung cancer presentation in low-dose CT screening, highlighting typical as well as unusual radiological features and the varied growth rates of early lung cancer. Teaching Points • There is a wide spectrum of early presentations of lung cancer on LDCT. • Low radiation dose and the absence of contrast medium injection can affect lung cancer detection. • Lung cancer growth shows various behaviours, ranging from indolent to aggressive cancers. • Familiarity with LDCT technique can improve CT screening effectiveness and avoid missed diagnosis.
PubMed: 27188380
DOI: 10.1007/s13244-016-0487-4 -
Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice 2020The objectives of this study were to investigate the frequency and reasons for missing doses and impact of a pharmacist-led intervention to reduce the missed doses in...
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of this study were to investigate the frequency and reasons for missing doses and impact of a pharmacist-led intervention to reduce the missed doses in intensive care units.
METHODS
This study was completed in two phases. In the first phase, a retrospective quality assurance audit was conducted to quantify the problem of missed doses from the pharmacist/nurse communication slip record. The frequency and potential reasons for missing dose occurrences were identified and listed, and respective solutions were finalized by a joint health-care team. In the second phase of the study, post-intervention analysis was done for a period of 1 month to check the impact of intervention. The data were recorded from pharmacy/nursing communication forms for medication, dosage form, route of administration (ROA), frequency of missed doses, and underlying reasons for missing doses.
FINDINGS
There was a substantial reduction in the number of incidences of missed doses in post-intervention phase. The number of events decreased from 190 (pre-intervention; 2 months) to 11 (post-intervention; 1 month), 389 to 87, and 133 to 12 for automatic stop order, unknown reason, and late mix medication, respectively. No missed dose event was recorded secondary to order overseen and inactive patient status in post-intervention phase. Moreover, identified reasons, ROA, frequency, and the system status were the significant predictors of missing doses.
CONCLUSION
The findings of this study emphasized the need to introduce better documentation procedures and continuous surveillance system to decrease the number of missing doses and further improve already established drug distribution service.
PubMed: 32489959
DOI: 10.4103/jrpp.JRPP_19_95 -
Pharmacological Research Oct 2015Every transplant patient will, at least occasionally, miss immunosuppressive drug doses or take them outside the prescribed times. This study aims at quantifying the...
Every transplant patient will, at least occasionally, miss immunosuppressive drug doses or take them outside the prescribed times. This study aims at quantifying the impact of poor execution on tacrolimus exposure in renal transplant patients. Validated pharmacokinetic tools applied in clinical setting were used to simulate the steady-state pharmacokinetic profiles of the drug when given as the immediate-release formulation to renal transplant patients, being CYP3A5 expressors or not, and who have reached either a standard or a minimized exposure. Situations of interruption due to a missed or delayed dose were simulated and the impact on drug exposure was explored. In case of a missed dose, it was observed that: (i) a single forgotten dose can greatly impact exposure: up to 49% decrease for tacrolimus trough concentration and 70% for AUC0-12 h in patients with the highest clearance values; (ii) patients with a minimized exposure are the most affected by a missed dose; and (iii) a dose of 1.5 times the usual dose may be recommended after a total dose oversight. Considering that intra-patient exposure variability is a predictive factor of poor graft outcome, these modeling results may serve as recommendations for patients, both preventively and in response to their questions.
Topics: Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A; Drug Monitoring; Genotype; Graft Rejection; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney; Kidney Transplantation; Tacrolimus
PubMed: 26316426
DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2015.08.020 -
Immunotherapy Oct 2023This study aimed to develop a novel dose strategy for subcutaneous immunotherapy to reduce medical waste and financial burdens for patients who are required to restart...
This study aimed to develop a novel dose strategy for subcutaneous immunotherapy to reduce medical waste and financial burdens for patients who are required to restart subcutaneous immunotherapy. A prospective, nonrandomized concurrent controlled trial was performed to assess the safety and advantages of the novel dose-adjustment protocol compared with the conventional one. 76 subjects were grouped to receive novel or conventional dose-adjustment protocols. The injections, visits and time needed to reach the pre-established dose with the novel regimen were decreased. Furthermore, there were no differences in side reactions between the two groups. The novel protocol seemed safe and well tolerated, offering the advantages of time efficiency and reduced healthcare costs.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Allergens; Pyroglyphidae; Prospective Studies; Rhinitis, Allergic; Injections, Subcutaneous; Immunotherapy; Desensitization, Immunologic; Sublingual Immunotherapy
PubMed: 37585664
DOI: 10.2217/imt-2023-0051 -
Frontiers in Oncology 2023One in three high-risk prostate cancer patients treated with radiotherapy recur. Detection of lymph node metastasis and microscopic disease spread using conventional...
BACKGROUND
One in three high-risk prostate cancer patients treated with radiotherapy recur. Detection of lymph node metastasis and microscopic disease spread using conventional imaging is poor, and many patients are under-treated due to suboptimal seminal vesicle or lymph node irradiation. We use Image Based Data Mining (IBDM) to investigate association between dose distributions, and prognostic variables and biochemical recurrence (BCR) in prostate cancer patients treated with radiotherapy. We further test whether including dose information in risk-stratification models improves performance.
METHOD
Planning CTs, dose distributions and clinical information were collected for 612 high-risk prostate cancer patients treated with conformal hypo-fractionated radiotherapy, intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), or IMRT plus a single fraction high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy boost. Dose distributions (including HDR boost) of all studied patients were mapped to a reference anatomy using the prostate delineations. Regions where dose distributions significantly differed between patients that did and did-not experience BCR were assessed voxel-wise using 1) a binary endpoint of BCR at four-years (dose only) and 2) Cox-IBDM (dose and prognostic variables). Regions where dose was associated with outcome were identified. Cox proportional-hazard models with and without region dose information were produced and the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) was used to assess model performance.
RESULTS
No significant regions were observed for patients treated with hypo-fractionated radiotherapy or IMRT. Regions outside the target where higher dose was associated with lower BCR were observed for patients treated with brachytherapy boost. Cox-IBDM revealed that dose response was influenced by age and T-stage. A region at the seminal vesicle tips was identified in binary- and Cox-IBDM. Including the mean dose in this region in a risk-stratification model (hazard ratio=0.84, p=0.005) significantly reduced AIC values (p=0.019), indicating superior performance, compared with prognostic variables only. The region dose was lower in the brachytherapy boost patients compared with the external beam cohorts supporting the occurrence of marginal misses.
CONCLUSION
Association was identified between BCR and dose outside of the target region in high-risk prostate cancer patients treated with IMRT plus brachytherapy boost. We show, for the first-time, that the importance of irradiating this region is linked to prognostic variables.
PubMed: 37397380
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1200676 -
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology... Nov 2008To provide evidence-based guidance for women and their health care providers on the management of missed or delayed hormonal contraceptive doses in order to prevent...
OBJECTIVE
To provide evidence-based guidance for women and their health care providers on the management of missed or delayed hormonal contraceptive doses in order to prevent unintended pregnancy.
EVIDENCE
Medline, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database were searched for articles published in English, from 1974 to 2007, about hormonal contraceptive methods that are available in Canada and that may be missed or delayed. Relevant publications and position papers from appropriate reproductive health and family planning organizations were also reviewed. The quality of evidence is rated using the criteria developed by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care.
BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS
This committee opinion will help health care providers offer clear information to women who have not been adherent in using hormonal contraception with the purpose of preventing unintended pregnancy.
SPONSORS
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. SUMMARY STATEMENTS: 1. Instructions for what women should do when they miss hormonal contraception have been complex and women do not understand them correctly. (I) 2. The highest risk of ovulation occurs when the hormone-free interval is prolonged for more than seven days, either by delaying the start of combined hormonal contraceptives or by missing active hormone doses during the first or third weeks of combined oral contraceptives. (II) Ovulation rarely occurs after seven consecutive days of combined oral contraceptive use. (II) RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Health care providers should give clear, simple instructions, both written and oral, on missed hormonal contraceptive pills as part of contraceptive counselling. (III-A) 2. Health care providers should provide women with telephone/electronic resources for reference in the event of missed or delayed hormonal contraceptives. (III-A) 3. In order to avoid an increased risk of unintended pregnancy, the hormone-free interval should not exceed seven days in combined hormonal contraceptive users. (II-A) 4. Back-up contraception should be used after one missed dose in the first week of hormones until seven consecutive days of correct hormone use are established. In the case of missed combined hormonal contraceptives in the second or third week of hormones, the hormone-free interval should be eliminated for that cycle. (III-A) 5. Emergency contraception and back-up contraception may be required in some instances of missed hormonal contraceptives, in particular when the hormone-free interval has been extended for more than seven days. (III-A) 6. Back-up contraception should be used when three or more consecutive doses/days of combined hormonal contraceptives are missed in the second and third week until seven consecutive days of correct hormone use are established. For practical reasons, the scheduled hormone-free interval should be eliminated in these cases. (II-A) 7. Emergency contraception is rarely indicated for missed combined hormonal contraceptives in the second or third week of the cycle unless there are repeated omissions or failure to institute back-up contraception after the missed doses. In cases of repeated omissions of combined hormonal contraceptives, emergency contraception may be required, and back-up contraception should be used. Health care professionals should counsel women in these situations on alternative methods of contraception that do not demand such stringent compliance. (III-A).
Topics: Contraceptive Agents, Female; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Humans; Medication Adherence; Ovulation Inhibition; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Unplanned
PubMed: 19126288
DOI: 10.1016/S1701-2163(16)33001-8 -
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B Oct 2020Delayed or missed doses are unavoidable in the pharmacotherapy of epilepsy and significantly compromise the efficacy of antiepileptic drug treatment. An inappropriate...
OBJECTIVE
Delayed or missed doses are unavoidable in the pharmacotherapy of epilepsy and significantly compromise the efficacy of antiepileptic drug treatment. An inappropriate remedial regimen can cause seizure relapse or serious adverse events. This study investigated the effect of delayed or missed doses on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of valproic acid (VPA) in patients with epilepsy and established remedial dosing recommendations for nonadherent patients.
METHODS
Monte Carlo simulations are based on all previous population pharmacokinetic models for pediatric, adult and elderly patients with epilepsy. The following four remedial strategies were investigated for each delayed dose: A) A partial dose or a regular dose is taken immediately; a regular dose is taken at the next scheduled time. B) The delayed dose was administered immediately, followed by a partial dose at the next scheduled time. C) The delayed dose and a partial dose are taken; the next scheduled time is skipped, and the regular regimen is resumed. D) Double doses are taken when missed one dose or two doses, and the regular regimen at the subsequent scheduled time is resumed.
RESULTS
The recommended remedial dose was related to the delay duration and daily dose. Remedial dosing strategies A and B were almost equivalent, whereas Strategy C was recommended when the delayed dose was close to the next scheduled dose. Strategy D was only suggested for delayed two doses.
CONCLUSION
Simulations provide quantitative insight into the remedial regimens for nonadherent patients, and clinicians should select the optimal regimen for each patient based on the individual's status.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Anticonvulsants; Child; Child, Preschool; Drug Administration Schedule; Epilepsy; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Monte Carlo Method; Seizures; Valproic Acid
PubMed: 32640410
DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107265 -
The Journal of Rural Health : Official... Apr 2024Adolescent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates continue to remain lower than other adolescent vaccines, both nationwide and in Iowa. This study examined...
PURPOSE
Adolescent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates continue to remain lower than other adolescent vaccines, both nationwide and in Iowa. This study examined predictors of missed opportunities for first-dose HPV vaccine administrations in Iowa in order to conduct more targeted outreach and improve adolescent HPV vaccine uptake.
METHODS
A retrospective study was conducted to identify predictors of missed opportunities for first-dose HPV vaccination in Iowa adolescents using Iowa's Immunization Registry Information System. The study population included 154,905 adolescents aged 11-15 years between 2019 and 2022. Missed opportunity for first-dose HPV vaccination was defined as a vaccination encounter where an adolescent received a Tdap and/or MenACWY vaccine but did not receive the first-dose HPV vaccine during the same encounter.
FINDINGS
Over a third of the study population experienced a missed opportunity for HPV vaccination between 2019 and 2022. Missed opportunity for vaccination was most common among individuals living in a rural county (aOR = 1.36), underinsured adolescents (aOR = 1.74), males (aOR = 1.12), teens 13-15 years of age (aOR = 1.76), and White race and non-Hispanic ethnicity.
CONCLUSION
This study builds on previously reported predictors of missed opportunity for HPV vaccination in adolescents. Increased understanding of provider needs and barriers to administering HPV vaccination and further analysis of how the Vaccines for Children Program can play a role in HPV vaccination uptake is necessary to improve HPV vaccination rates among adolescents in Iowa and more specifically in rural communities.
PubMed: 38683043
DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12839 -
Journal of Endourology Feb 2020Classically, abdominal X-ray (KUB), ultrasound, or a combination of both have been routinely used for ureteral stone surveillance after initial diagnosis. More...
Classically, abdominal X-ray (KUB), ultrasound, or a combination of both have been routinely used for ureteral stone surveillance after initial diagnosis. More recently, ultra-low-dose CT (ULD CT) has emerged as a CT technique that reduces radiation dose while maintaining high sensitivity and specificity for urinary stone detection. We aim to evaluate our initial experience with ULD CT for patients with ureterolithiasis, measuring real-world radiation doses and stone detection performance. We reviewed all ULD CT scans performed at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System between 2016 and 2018. We included patients with ureteral stones and calculated the mean effective radiation dose per scan. We determined stone location and size, if the stone was visible on the associated KUB or CT scout film, and if hydronephrosis was present. We performed logistic regression to identify variables associated with visibility on KUB or CT scout film and hydronephrosis. One hundred eighteen ULD scans were reviewed, of which 50 detected ureteral stones. The mean effective radiation dose was 1.04 ± 0.41 mSv. Of the ULD CTs that detected ureterolithiasis, 38% lacked visibility on KUB/CT scout film and had no associated hydronephrosis, suggesting that they would be missed with a combination of KUB and ultrasound. Larger stones (odds ratio [OR]: 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08, 1.96 for every 1 mm increase in stone size) were more likely to be detected by KUB/CT scout film or ultrasound, while stones in the distal ureter (OR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.81) were more likely to be missed by KUB/CT scout film or hydronephrosis. Based on our institutions' initial experience, ULD CT detects small and distal ureteral stones that would likely be missed by KUB or ultrasound, while maintaining a low effective radiation dose. An ULD CT protocol should be considered when reimaging for ureteral stones is necessary.
Topics: Aged; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Hydronephrosis; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Odds Ratio; Radiography, Abdominal; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Ureter; Ureteral Calculi; Urinary Calculi; Urolithiasis
PubMed: 31663371
DOI: 10.1089/end.2019.0574 -
BMC Medicine Jan 2019Recently, studies have examined the underlying patient and practice factors for missed appointments, but less is known about the impact on patient health. People with...
BACKGROUND
Recently, studies have examined the underlying patient and practice factors for missed appointments, but less is known about the impact on patient health. People with one or more long-term conditions who fail to attend appointments may be at risk of premature death. This is the first study to examine the effect of missed primary healthcare appointments on all-cause mortality in those with long-term mental and physical health conditions.
METHODS
We used a large, nationwide retrospective cohort (n = 824,374) extracted from routinely collected general practice data across Scotland over a 3-year period from September 2013 until September 2016. This data encompasses appointment history for approximately 15% of the Scottish population, and was linked to Scottish deaths records for patients who had died within a 16-month follow-up period. We generated appointment attendance history, number of long-term conditions and prescriptions data for patients. These factors were used in negative binomial and Cox's proportional hazards modelling to examine the risk of missing appointments and all-cause mortality.
RESULTS
Patients with a greater number of long-term conditions had an increased risk of missing general practice appointments despite controlling for number of appointments made, particularly among patients with mental health conditions. These patients were at significantly greater risk of all-cause mortality, and showed a dose-based response with increasing number of missed appointments. Patients with long-term mental health conditions who missed more than two appointments per year had a greater than 8-fold increase in risk of all-cause mortality compared with those who missed no appointments. These patients died prematurely, commonly from non-natural external factors such as suicide.
CONCLUSIONS
Missed appointments represent a significant risk marker for all-cause mortality, particularly in patients with mental health conditions. For these patients, existing primary healthcare appointment systems are ineffective. Future interventions should be developed with a particular focus on increasing attendance by these patients.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Appointments and Schedules; Chronic Disease; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders; Middle Aged; Patient Compliance; Retrospective Studies; Scotland
PubMed: 30630493
DOI: 10.1186/s12916-018-1234-0