patient

Exercise Could Help Fight 'Chemo Brain' in Breast Cancer Patients

Title: Exercise Could Help Fight 'Chemo Brain' in Breast Cancer Patients
Category: Health News
Created: 8/25/2021 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/25/2021 12:00:00 AM




patient

COVID Symptoms Haunt Nearly Half of Patients a Year Later

Title: COVID Symptoms Haunt Nearly Half of Patients a Year Later
Category: Health News
Created: 8/27/2021 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/27/2021 12:00:00 AM




patient

Bioengineered Pig Skin Is Turned Into Corneas, Restoring Patients' Sight

Title: Bioengineered Pig Skin Is Turned Into Corneas, Restoring Patients' Sight
Category: Health News
Created: 8/11/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/12/2022 12:00:00 AM




patient

What Therapeutic Options Are Available for Treating an Antiretroviral Naive Patient?

Title: What Therapeutic Options Are Available for Treating an Antiretroviral Naive Patient?
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 6/16/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 6/16/2022 12:00:00 AM




patient

When Hospital Patient & Doctor Speak Same Language, Outcomes Improve

Title: When Hospital Patient & Doctor Speak Same Language, Outcomes Improve
Category: Health News
Created: 7/11/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/11/2022 12:00:00 AM




patient

U.S. Hospitals Are Getting Safer for Patients, Study Finds

Title: U.S. Hospitals Are Getting Safer for Patients, Study Finds
Category: Health News
Created: 7/20/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/20/2022 12:00:00 AM




patient

Hepatitis C Infection Can Kill, But Less Than a Third of Patients Get Treatment

Title: Hepatitis C Infection Can Kill, But Less Than a Third of Patients Get Treatment
Category: Health News
Created: 8/10/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/10/2022 12:00:00 AM




patient

Patient-managed interventions for adults with bronchiectasis: evidence, challenges and prospects

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung condition which is characterised by recurrent chest infections, chronic sputum production and cough, and limited exercise tolerance. While bronchiectasis may be caused by various aetiologies, these features are shared by most patients with bronchiectasis regardless of the cause. This review consolidates the existing evidence on patient-managed interventions for adults with bronchiectasis, while also outlining areas for future research. Airway clearance techniques and hyperosmolar agents are key components of the bronchiectasis management and consistently recommended for clinical implementation. Questions around their prescription, such as optimal sequence of delivery, are still to be answered. Pulmonary rehabilitation and exercise are also recommended for patients with bronchiectasis. Relatively strong evidence underpins this recommendation during a clinically stable stage of the disease, although the role of pulmonary rehabilitation following an exacerbation is still unclear. Additionally, self-management programmes feature prominently in bronchiectasis treatment, yet the lack of consensus regarding their definition and outcomes presents hurdles to establishing a cohesive evidence base. Moreover, cough, a cardinal symptom of bronchiectasis, warrants closer examination. Although managing cough in bronchiectasis may initially appear risky, further research is necessary to ascertain whether strategies employed in other respiratory conditions can be safely and effectively adapted to bronchiectasis, particularly through identifying patient responder populations and criteria where cough may not enhance airway clearance efficacy and its control is needed. Overall, there is a growing recognition of the importance of patient-managed interventions in the bronchiectasis management. Efforts to improve research methodologies and increase research funding are needed to further advance our understanding of these interventions, and their role in optimising patient care and outcomes.




patient

Assessing Patient Readiness for Hospital Discharge, Discharge Communication, and Transitional Care Management

Background:

Discharge communication between hospitalists and primary care clinicians is essential to improve care coordination, minimize adverse events, and decrease unplanned health services use. Health-related social needs are key drivers of health, and hospitalists and primary care clinicians value communicating social needs at discharge.

Objective:

To 1) characterize the current state of discharge communications between an academic medical center hospital and primary care clinicians at associated clinics; 2) seek feedback about the potential usefulness of discharge readiness information to primary care clinicians.

Design:

Exploratory, convergent mixed methods.

Participants:

Primary care clinicians from Family Medicine and General Internal Medicine of an academic medical center in the US Intermountain West.

Approach:

Literature-informed REDCap survey. Semistructured interview guide developed with key informants, grounded in current literature. Survey data were descriptively summarized; interview data were deductively and inductively coded, organized by topics.

Results:

Two key topics emerged: 1) discharge communication, with interrelated topics of transitional care management and follow-up appointment challenges, and recommendations for improving discharge communication; and 2) usefulness of the discharge readiness information, included interrelated topics related to lack of shared understanding about roles and responsibilities across settings and ethical concerns related to identifying problems that may not have solutions.

Conclusions:

While reiterating perennial discharge communication and transitional care management challenges, this study reveals new evidence about how these issues are interrelated with assessing and responding to patients’ lack of readiness for discharge and unmet social needs during care transitions. Primary care clinicians had mixed views on the usefulness of discharge readiness information. We offer recommendations for improving discharge communication and transitional care management (TCM) processes, which may be applicable in other care settings.




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Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Multicomponent Intervention to Increase Uptake in Patients Aged 45-49

Purpose:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is recommended starting at age 45, but there has been little research on strategies to promote screening among patients younger than 50. This study assessed the effect of a multicomponent intervention on screening completion in this age group.

Methods:

The intervention consisted of outreach to patients aged 45 to 49 (n = 3,873) via mailed fecal immunochemical test (FIT) (sent to 46%), text (84%), e-mail (53%), and the extension to this age group of an existing standing order protocol allowing primary care nurses and medical assistants to order FIT at primary care clinics in an urban safety-net system. We used segmented linear regression to assess changes in CRC screening completion trends. Patients aged 51 to 55 were included as a comparison group (n = 3,943). Data were extracted from the EHR.

Results:

The percentage of patients aged 45 to 49 who were up-to-date with CRC screening (colonoscopy in 10 years or FIT in last year) increased an average of 0.4% (95% CI 0.3, 0.6)) every 30 days before intervention rollout and 2.8% (95% CI 2.5, 3.1) after (slope difference 2.3% [95% CI 2.0, 2.7]). This difference persisted after accounting for small changes in the outcome observed in the comparison group (slope difference 1.7% [95% CI 1.2, 2.2]).

Conclusions:

These results suggest that the intervention increased CRC screening completion among patients 45 to 49. Health care systems seeking to improve CRC screening participation among patients aged 45 to 49 should consider implementing similar interventions.




patient

Implementation of an Opt-Out Outpatient HIV Screening Program

Background:

Screening rates for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remain low despite guidelines by both the CDC and USPSTF recommending that all adolescents and adults be screened at least once. The aim of this quality improvement study was to increase HIV screening among eligible patients.

Methods:

This quality improvement study assessed the impact of interventions to increase HIV screening in an outpatient population at a large urban safety-net hospital. Outcomes were compared from the preintervention (December 2020 to November 2021) to postintervention years (December 2021 to November 2022). Stepwise electronic alerts to prompt HIV screening paired with provider financial incentives were implemented. The proportion of eligible individuals screened for HIV were compared after intervention implementation.

Results:

Average monthly HIV screening increased from 506 ± 97 to 2484 ± 663 between the pre- and postintervention periods, correlating to a 5.1-fold increase in screening (7.8% to 39.8%, P < .01). Increases were seen across all ages, and those aged 55 to 64 and 65+ had the highest relative increase in screening at 7.5 and 9.3-fold, respectively (P < .01). Screening rates increased for Hispanics (7.9% preintervention vs 43.6% postintervention, P < .01). In the pre- and postintervention periods, 41 patients with new HIV diagnoses were identified (13 preintervention and 28 postintervention) and 85.4% were linked to care within 30 days.

Conclusions:

Stepwise interventions targeted at primary care clinicians are an effective way to increase HIV screening rates, particularly in older demographics. Earlier HIV diagnosis coupled with linkage to care is an important strategy in ending the HIV epidemic.




patient

Associations Between Patient/Caregiver Trust in Clinicians and Experiences of Healthcare-Based Discrimination

Background:

Higher trust in healthcare providers has been linked to better health outcomes and satisfaction. Lower trust has been associated with healthcare-based discrimination.

Objective:

Examine associations between experiences of healthcare discrimination and patients’ and caregivers of pediatric patients’ trust in providers, and identify factors associated with high trust, including prior experience of healthcare-based social screening.

Methods:

Secondary analysis of cross-sectional study using logistic regression modeling. Sample consisted of adult patients and caregivers of pediatric patients from 11 US primary care/emergency department sites.

Results:

Of 1,012 participants, low/medium trust was reported by 26% identifying as non-Hispanic Black, 23% Hispanic, 18% non-Hispanic multiple/other race, and 13% non-Hispanic White (P = .001). Experience of any healthcare-based discrimination was reported by 32% identifying as non-Hispanic Black, 23% Hispanic, 39% non-Hispanic multiple/other race, and 26% non-Hispanic White (P = .012). Participants reporting low/medium trust had a mean discrimination score of 1.65/7 versus 0.57/7 for participants reporting high trust (P < .001). In our adjusted model, higher discrimination scores were associated with lower trust in providers (aOR 0.74, 95%CI = 0.64, 0.85). A significant interaction indicated that prior healthcare-based social screening was associated with reduced impact of discrimination on trust: as discrimination score increased, odds of high trust were greater among participants who had been screened (aOR = 1.28, 95%CI = 1.03, 1.58).

Conclusions:

Patients and caregivers reporting more healthcare-based discrimination were less likely to report high provider trust. Interventions to strengthen trust need structural antiracist components. Increased rapport with patients may be a potential by-product of social screening. Further research is needed on screening and trust.




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Reply to Letter to Editor Concerning &#x201C;Nocturnal Pressure Controlled Ventilation Improves Sleep Efficiency in Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation&#x201D;




patient

Comparing Highs and Flows in Patients With COPD With Chronic Hypercapnic Respiratory Failure




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Home Respiratory Strategies in Patients With COPD With Chronic Hypercapnic Respiratory Failure

BACKGROUND:Home noninvasive ventilation (NIV) may improve chronic hypercarbia in COPD and patient-important outcomes. The efficacy of home high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) as an alternative is unclear.METHODS:We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized trials of subjects from inception to March 31, 2023, and updated the search on July 14, 2023. We performed a frequentist network meta-analysis and assessed the certainty of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. We analyzed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing NIV, HFNC, or standard care in adult subjects with COPD with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure. Outcomes included mortality, COPD exacerbations, hospitalizations, and quality of life (St George Respiratory Questionnaire [SGRQ]).RESULTS:We analyzed 24 RCTs (1,850 subjects). We found that NIV may reduce the risk of death compared to standard care (relative risk 0.82 [95% CI 0.66–1.00]) and probably reduces exacerbations (relative risk 0.71 [95% CI 0.58–0.87]). HFNC probably reduces exacerbations compared to standard care (relative risk 0.77 [0.68–0.88]), but its effect on mortality is uncertain (relative risk 1.20 [95% CI 0.63–2.28]). HFNC probably improves SGRQ scores (mean difference −7.01 [95% CI −12.27 to −1.77]) and may reduce hospitalizations (relative risk 0.87 [0.69–1.09]) compared to standard care. No significant difference was observed between HFNC and NIV in reducing exacerbations.CONCLUSIONS:Both NIV and HFNC reduce exacerbation risks in subjects with COPD compared to standard care. HFNC may offer advantages in improving quality of life.




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Effect of Fasting Prior to Extubation on Prevalence of Empty Stomach in Enterally Fed and Mechanically Ventilated Patients

BACKGROUND:Practice on fasting prior to extubation in critically ill patients is variable. Efficacy of fasting in reducing gastric volume has not been well established. The primary objective of this study was to assess the effect of 4 h of fasting on prevalence of empty stomach using gastric ultrasonography in critically ill subjects who are fasted for extubation. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the change in gastric volumes during 4 h of fasting and to determine factors associated with empty stomach after fasting.METHODS:This was a single-center, prospective, observational study on adult ICU subjects who were enterally fed for at least 6 h continuously and mechanically ventilated. Gastric ultrasound was performed immediately prior to commencement of fasting, after 4 h of fasting, and after nasogastric (NG) aspiration after 4 h of fasting. An empty stomach was defined as a gastric volume ≤ 1.5 mL/kg.RESULTS:Forty subjects were recruited, and 38 (95%) had images suitable for analysis. The prevalence of empty stomach increased after 4 h of fasting (25 [65.8%] vs 31 [81.6%], P = .041) and after 4 h of fasting with NG aspiration (25 [65.8%] vs 34 [89.5%], P = .008). There was a significant difference in median (interquartile range) gastric volume per body weight between before fasting and 4 h after fasting (1.0 [0.5–1.8] mL/kg vs 0.4 [0.2–1.0] mL/kg, P < .001). No patient factors were associated with higher prevalence of empty stomach after 4 h of fasting.CONCLUSIONS:Most mechanically ventilated subjects had empty stomachs prior to fasting for extubation. Fasting for 4 h further increased the prevalence of empty stomach at extubation to > 80%.




patient

Improving Patient Outcomes through the Diagnostic and Care Planning Process




patient

The noninvasive ventilation outcomes score in patients requiring NIV for COPD exacerbation without prior evidence of airflow obstruction

Introduction

Exacerbation of COPD complicated by respiratory acidaemia is the commonest indication for noninvasive ventilation (NIV). The NIV outcomes (NIVO) score offers the best estimate of survival for those ventilated. Unfortunately, two-thirds of cases of COPD are unrecognised, and patients may present without COPD having been confirmed by spirometry.

Methods

In the 10-centre NIVO validation study there was no pre-admission spirometry in 111 of 844 consecutive patients (termed "clinical diagnosis" patients). We compared the performance of the NIVO, DECAF and CURB-65 scores for in-hospital mortality in the clinical diagnosis cohort. Usual clinical practice was not influenced, but confirmation of COPD in the year following discharge was captured.

Results

In the clinical diagnosis cohort, in-hospital mortality was 19.8% and rose incrementally across the NIVO risk categories, consistent with the NIVO validation cohort. NIVO showed good discrimination in the clinical diagnosis cohort: area under the receiver operating curve 0.724, versus 0.79 in the NIVO validation cohort. At 1 year after discharge, 41 of 89 clinical diagnosis patients had undertaken diagnostic spirometry; 33 of 41 had confirmation of airflow obstruction (forced expiratory volume in 1 s/(forced) vital capacity <0.7), meaning the diagnosis of COPD was incorrect in 19.5% of cases.

Discussion

These data support the use of the NIVO score in patients with a "clinical diagnosis" of COPD. NIVO can help guide shared decision-making, assess risk-adjusted outcomes by centre and challenge prognostic pessimism. Accurate diagnosis is critical to ensure that acute and long-term treatment is optimised; this study highlights failings in the follow-up of such patients.




patient

Multidisciplinary management of adult patients with chylothorax: a consensus statement

The management of chylothorax remains challenging given the limited evidence and significant heterogeneity in practice. In addition, there are no practical guidelines on the optimal approach to manage this complex condition. We convened an international group of 27 experts from 20 institutions across five countries and four specialties (pulmonary, interventional radiology, thoracic surgery and nutrition) with experience and expertise in managing adult patients with chylothorax. We performed a literature and internet search for reports addressing seven clinically relevant PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome) questions pertaining to the management of adult patients with chylothorax. This consensus statement, consisting of best practice statements based on expert consensus addressing these seven PICO questions, was formulated by a systematic and rigorous process involving the evaluation of published evidence, augmented with provider experience. Panel members participated in the development of the final best practice statements using the modified Delphi technique. Our consensus statement aims to offer guidance in clinical decision making when managing patients with chylothorax while also identifying gaps in knowledge and informing future research.




patient

Characterization and Prediction of Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptide 1B Activity in Prostate Cancer Patients on Abiraterone Acetate Using Endogenous Biomarker Coproporphyrin I [Articles]

Organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1B1 and OATP1B3 are important hepatic transporters. We previously identified OATP1B3 being critically implicated in the disposition of abiraterone. We aimed to further investigate the effects of abiraterone on the activities of OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 utilizing a validated endogenous biomarker coproporphyrin I (CP-I). We used OATP1B-transfected cells to characterize the inhibitory potential of abiraterone against OATP1B-mediated uptake of CP-I. Inhibition constant (Ki) was incorporated into our physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling to simulate the systemic exposures of CP-I among cancer populations receiving either our model-informed 500 mg or clinically approved 1000 mg abiraterone acetate (AA) dosage. Simulated data were compared with clinical CP-I concentrations determined among our nine metastatic prostate cancer patients receiving 500 mg AA treatment. Abiraterone inhibited OATP1B3-mediated, but not OATP1B1-mediated, uptake of CP-I in vitro, with an estimated Ki of 3.93 μM. Baseline CP-I concentrations were simulated to be 0.81 ± 0.26 ng/ml and determined to be 0.72 ± 0.16 ng/ml among metastatic prostate cancer patients, both of which were higher than those observed for healthy subjects. PBPK simulations revealed an absence of OATP1B3-mediated interaction between abiraterone and CP-I. Our clinical observations confirmed that CP-I concentrations remained comparable to baseline levels up to 12 weeks post 500 mg AA treatment. Using CP-I as an endogenous biomarker, we identified the inhibition of abiraterone on OATP1B3 but not OATP1B1 in vitro, which was predicted and observed to be clinically insignificant. We concluded that the interaction risk between AA and substrates of OATP1Bs is low.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

The authors used the endogenous biomarker coproporphyrin I (CP-I) and identified abiraterone as a moderate inhibitor of organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1B3 in vitro. Subsequent physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) simulations and clinical observations suggested an absence of OATP1B-mediated interaction between abiraterone and CP-I among prostate cancer patients. This multipronged study concluded that the interaction risk between abiraterone acetate and substrates of OATP1Bs is low, demonstrating the application of PBPK-CP-I modeling in predicting OATP1B-mediated interaction implicating abiraterone.




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First-in-Human Total-Body PET/CT Imaging Using 89Zr-Labeled MUC5AC Antibody in a Patient with Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma




patient

Correlation of FAPI PET Uptake with Immunohistochemistry in Explanted Lungs from Patients with Advanced Interstitial Lung Disease

Recent studies have demonstrated promising results of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) inhibitor (FAPI) PET in prognosticating and monitoring interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). As a first step toward successful translation, our primary aim was to validate the FAPI PET uptake through immunohistochemistry in patients with advanced ILD who underwent lung transplantation after a FAPI PET scan. Methods: This is a preliminary analysis of a single-center, open-label, single-arm, prospective exploratory biodistribution study of 68Ga-FAPI-46 PET imaging in patients with ILD (NCT05365802). Patients with ILD confirmed by high-resolution CT and scheduled for lung transplant were included. Tissue samples of explanted lungs were obtained from both the central and peripheral lung parenchyma of each lobe. Additional samples were obtained from areas of the lung corresponding to regions of FAPI PET activity. Immunohistochemical staining was performed with an anti-FAP antibody. Percentages of FAP immunohistochemistry-positive area were measured semiautomatically using QuPath software. SUVs in the areas of pathologic samples were measured on FAPI PET/CT by referencing the gross photomap of the explanted lung. A Spearman correlation coefficient test was used to assess the relationship between FAPI PET uptake and FAP immunohistochemical expression in each specimen. Results: Four patients with advanced ILD who underwent FAPI PET/CT before lung transplantation were included. The types of ILD were idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (n = 2), rheumatoid arthritis–associated ILD (n = 1), and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (n = 1). FAPI uptake was visualized mainly in the fibrotic area on CT. Twenty-nine surgical pathology samples from 3 patients were analyzed. FAP staining was predominantly positive in fibroblastic foci. FAPI PET SUVmax and SUVmean showed a positive correlation with the immunohistochemical FAP expression score (SUVmax: r = 0.57, P = 0.001; SUVmean: r = 0.54, P = 0.002). Conclusion: In this analysis conducted in patients who underwent lung transplantation after a FAPI PET scan, FAPI PET uptake was positively correlated with FAP immunohistochemistry. These findings provide a rationale for further investigation of FAPI PET as a potential imaging biomarker for ILD.




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Association of Free-to-Total PSA Ratio and 18F-DCFPyL Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen PET/CT Findings in Patients with Biochemical Recurrence After Radical Prostatectomy: A Prospective Single-Center Study

In Canada and across the globe, access to PSMA PET/CT is limited and expensive. For patients with biochemical recurrence (BCR) after treatment for prostate cancer, novel strategies are needed to better stratify patients who may or may not benefit from a PSMA PET scan. The role of the free-to-total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ratio (FPSAR) in posttreatment prostate cancer, specifically in the PSMA PET/CT era, remains unknown. Our aim in this study was to determine the association of FPSAR in patients referred for 18F-DCFPyL PSMA PET/CT in the BCR setting and assess the correlation between FPSAR and 18F-DCFPyL PSMA PET/CT positivity (local recurrence or distant metastases). Methods: This prospective study included 137 patients who were referred for 18F-DCFPyL PSMA PET/CT and had BCR with a total PSA of less than 1 ng/mL after radical prostatectomy (RP) (including adjuvant or salvage radiotherapy). Blood samples were collected on the day of 18F-DCFPyL PSMA PET/CT. FPSAR was categorized as less than 0.10 or as 0.10 or more. A positive 18F-DCFPyL PSMA PET/CT scan was defined by a PROMISE classification lesion score of 2 or 3, irrespective of the site of increased tracer uptake (e.g., prostate, pelvic nodes, bone, or viscera). Results: Overall, 137 blood samples of patients with BCR after RP were analyzed to calculate FPSAR. The median age at 18F-DCFPyL PSMA PET/CT was 68.6 y (interquartile range, 63.0–72.4 y), and the median PSA at 18F-DCFPyL PSMA PET/CT was 0.3 ng/mL (interquartile range, 0.3–0.6 ng/mL). Eighty-six patients (62.8%) had an FPSAR of less than 0.10, whereas 51 patients (37.2%) had an FPSAR of 0.10 or more. An FPSAR of 0.10 or more was identified as an independent predictor of a positive 18F-DCFPyL PSMA PET/CT scan, with an odds ratio of 6.99 (95% CI, 2.96–16.51; P < 0.001). Conclusion: An FPSAR of 0.10 or more after RP independently correlated with increased odds of a positive 18F-DCFPyL PSMA PET/CT scan among BCR post-RP patients. These findings may offer an inexpensive method by which to triage access to 18F-DCFPyL PSMA PET/CT in jurisdictions where availability is not replete.




patient

Intrapatient Intermetastatic Heterogeneity Determined by Triple-Tracer PET Imaging in mCRPC Patients and Correlation to Survival: The 3TMPO Cohort Study

Intrapatient intermetastatic heterogeneity (IIH) has been demonstrated in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients and is of the utmost importance for radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) eligibility. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of IIH and RPT eligibility in mCRPC patients through a triple-tracer PET imaging strategy. Methods: This was a multisite prospective observational study in which mCRPC patients underwent both 18F-FDG and 68Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)–617 PET/CT scans. A third scan with 68Ga-DOTATATE, a potential biomarker of neuroendocrine differentiation, was performed if an 18F-FDG–positive/68Ga-PSMA–negative lesion was found. Per-tracer lesion positivity was defined as having an uptake at least 50% above that of the liver. IIH prevalence was defined as the percentage of participants having at least 2 lesions with discordant features on multitracer PET. Results: IIH was observed in 81 patients (82.7%), and at least 1 18F-FDG–positive/68Ga-PSMA–negative lesion was found in 45 patients (45.9%). Of the 37 participants who also underwent 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT, 6 (16.2%) had at least 1 68Ga-DOTATATE–positive lesion. In total, 12 different combinations of lesion imaging phenotypes were observed. On the basis of our prespecified criteria, 52 (53.1%) participants were determined to be eligible for PSMA RPT, but none for DOTATATE RPT. Patients with IIH had a significantly shorter median overall survival than patients without IIH (9.5 mo vs. not reached; log-rank P = 0.03; hazard ratio, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.1–6.8). Conclusion: Most mCRPC patients showed IIH, which was associated with shorter overall survival. On the basis of a triple-tracer PET approach, multiple phenotypic combinations were found. Correlation of these imaging phenotypes with genomics and treatment response will be relevant for precision medicine.




patient

Best Patient Care Practices for Administering PSMA-Targeted Radiopharmaceutical Therapy

Optimal patient management protocols for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) are poorly defined and even further complexified with new therapy approvals, such as radiopharmaceuticals. The prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)–targeted agent 177Lu vipivotide tetraxetan ([177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617), approved after the phase III VISION study, presents physicians with additional aspects of patient management, including specific adverse event (AE) monitoring and management, as well as radiation safety. Drawing on our experience as VISION study investigators, here we provide guidance on best practices for delivering PSMA-targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) to patients with mCRPC. After a comprehensive review of published evidence and guidelines on RPT management in prostate cancer, we identified educational gaps in managing the radiation safety and AEs associated with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617. Our results showed that providing sufficient education on AEs (e.g., fatigue and dry mouth) and radiation safety principles is key to effective delivery and management of patient expectations. Patient counseling by health care professionals, across disciplines, is a cornerstone of optimal patient management during PSMA-targeted RPT. Multidisciplinary collaboration is crucial, and physicians must adhere to radiation safety protocols and counsel patients on radiation safety considerations. Treatment with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 is generally well tolerated; however, additional interventions may be required, such as dosing modification, medications, or transfusions. Urinary incontinence can be challenging in the context of radiation safety. Multidisciplinary collaboration between medical oncologists and nuclear medicine teams ensures that patients are monitored and managed safely and efficiently. In clinical practice, the benefit-to-risk ratio should always be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.




patient

The Costs to Our Patients




patient

Low-Field (64 mT) Portable MRI for Rapid Point-of-Care Diagnosis of Dissemination in Space in Patients Presenting with Optic Neuritis [CLINICAL PRACTICE]

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Low-field 64 mT portable brain MRI has recently shown diagnostic promise for MS. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of portable MRI (pMRI) in assessing dissemination in space (DIS) in patients presenting with optic neuritis and determine whether deploying pMRI in the MS clinic can shorten the time from symptom onset to MRI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Newly diagnosed patients with optic neuritis referred to a tertiary academic MS center from July 2022 to January 2024 underwent both point-of-care pMRI and subsequent 3T conventional MRI (cMRI). Images were evaluated for periventricular (PV), juxtacortical (JC), and infratentorial (IT) lesions. DIS was determined on brain MRI per 2017 McDonald criteria. Test characteristics were computed by using cMRI as the reference. Interrater and intermodality agreement between pMRI and cMRI were evaluated by using the Cohen . Time from symptom onset to pMRI and cMRI during the study period was compared with the preceding 1.5 years before pMRI implementation by using Kruskal-Wallis with post hoc Dunn tests.

RESULTS:

Twenty patients (median age: 32.5 years [interquartile range {IQR}, 28–40]; 80% women) were included, of whom 9 (45%) and 5 (25%) had DIS on cMRI and pMRI, respectively. Median time interval between pMRI and cMRI was 7 days (IQR, 3.5–12.5). Interrater agreement was very good for PV (95%, = 0.89), and good for JC and IT lesions (90%, = 0.69 for both). Intermodality agreement was good for PV (90%, = 0.80) and JC (85%, = 0.63), and moderate for IT lesions (75%, = 0.42) and DIS (80%, = 0.58). pMRI had a sensitivity of 56% and specificity of 100% for DIS. The median time from symptom onset to pMRI was significantly shorter (8.5 days [IQR 7–12]) compared with the interval to cMRI before pMRI deployment (21 days [IQR 8–49], n = 50) and after pMRI deployment (15 days [IQR 12–29], n = 30) (both P < .01). Time from symptom onset to cMRI in those periods was not significantly different (P = .29).

CONCLUSIONS:

In patients with optic neuritis, pMRI exhibited moderate concordance, moderate sensitivity, and high specificity for DIS compared with cMRI. Its integration into the MS clinic reduced the time from symptom onset to MRI. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the role of pMRI in expediting early MS diagnosis and as an imaging tool in resource-limited settings.




patient

Probabilistic Presurgical Language fMRI Atlas of Patients with Brain Tumors [CLINICAL PRACTICE]

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Patients with brain tumors have high intersubject variation in putative language regions, which may limit the utility of straightforward application of healthy subject brain atlases in clinical scenarios. The purpose of this study was to develop a probabilistic functional brain atlas that consolidates language functional activations of sentence completion and Silent Word Generation language paradigms using a large sample of patients with brain tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The atlas was developed using retrospectively collected fMRI data from patients with brain tumors who underwent their first standard-of-care presurgical language fMRI scan at our institution between July 18, 2015, and May 13, 2022. Three hundred seventeen patients (861 fMRI scans) were used to develop the language functional atlas. An independent presurgical language fMRI data set of 39 patients with brain tumors from a previous study was used to evaluate our atlas. Family-wise error–corrected binary functional activation maps from sentence completion, letter fluency, and category fluency presurgical fMRI were used to create probability overlap maps and pooled probabilistic overlap maps in Montreal Neurological Institute standard space. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to determine a significant difference in the maximum Dice coefficient for our atlas compared with a meta-analysis-based template with respect to expert-delineated primary language area activations.

RESULTS:

Probabilities of activating the left anterior primary language area and left posterior primary language area in the temporal lobe were 87.9% and 91.5%, respectively, for sentence completion, 88.5% and 74.2%, respectively, for letter fluency, and 83.6% and 67.6%, respectively, for category fluency. Maximum Dice coefficients for templates derived from our language atlas were significantly higher than the meta-analysis-based template in the left anterior primary language area (0.351 and 0.326, respectively, P < .05) and the left posterior primary language area in the temporal lobe (0.274 and 0.244, respectively, P < .005).

CONCLUSIONS:

Brain tumor patient- and paradigm-specific probabilistic language atlases were developed. These atlases had superior spatial agreement with fMRI activations in individual patients compared with the meta-analysis-based template.




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NeuroMix with MRA: A Fast MR Protocol to Reduce Head and Neck CTA for Patients with Acute Neurologic Presentations [RESEARCH]

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Overuse of CT-based cerebrovascular imaging in the emergency department and inpatient settings, notably CTA of the head and neck for minor and nonfocal neurologic presentations, stresses imaging services and exposes patients to radiation and contrast. Furthermore, such CT-based imaging is often insufficient for definitive diagnosis, necessitating additional MR imaging. Recent advances in fast MRI may allow timely assessment and a reduced need for head and neck CTA in select populations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We identified inpatients or patients in the emergency department who underwent CTAHN (including noncontrast and postcontrast head CT, with or without CTP imaging) followed within 24 hours by a 3T MRI study that included a 2.5-minute unenhanced multicontrast sequence (NeuroMix) and a 5-minute intracranial time of flight MRA) during a 9-month period (April to December 2022). Cases were classified by 4 radiologists in consensus as to whether NeuroMix and NeuroMix + MRA detected equivalent findings, detected unique findings, or missed findings relative to CTAHN.

RESULTS:

One hundred seventy-four cases (mean age, 67 [SD, 16] years; 56% female) met the inclusion criteria. NeuroMix alone and NeuroMix + MRA protocols were determined to be equivalent or better compared with CTAHN in 71% and 95% of patients, respectively. NeuroMix always provided equivalent or better assessment of the brain parenchyma, with unique findings on NeuroMix and NeuroMix + MRA in 35% and 36% of cases, respectively, most commonly acute infarction or multiple microhemorrhages. In 8/174 cases (5%), CTAHN identified vascular abnormalities not seen on the NeuroMix + MRA protocol due to the wider coverage of the cervical arteries by CTAHN.

CONCLUSIONS:

A fast MR imaging protocol consisting of NeuroMix + MRA provided equivalent or better information compared with CTAHN in 95% of cases in our population of patients with an acute neurologic presentation. The findings provide a deeper understanding of the benefits and challenges of a fast unenhanced MR-first approach with NeuroMix + MRA, which could be used to design prospective trials in select patient groups, with the potential to reduce radiation dose, mitigate adverse contrast-related patient and environmental effects, and lessen the burden on radiologists and health care systems.




patient

Differences in Cervical Spine Fractures in Patients Younger or Older Than 65 Years of Age: Implications for the Canadian C-Spine Rule [CLINICAL PRACTICE]

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

There has been a distinction made in the 2001 Canadian C-Spine Rule regarding patients 65 and older and younger than 65 years of age as far as indications for cervical spine CT scanning. We sought to determine if there are differences in the symptoms, mechanisms of injury, fracture locations, and types that are still relevant in 2024.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The institutional review board approved this retrospective study of cervical spine CT emergency department results from 2 hospitals in our health system after reviewing 5 years of data in patients experiencing trauma. In addition to the primary variable of age (younger than 65 years and 65 years and older), we looked at injury mechanism, fracture types, sites, symptoms, and operative or medical treatments. Because the demographics of our home site is different from most towns in the United States, we provide race/ethnicity data.

RESULTS:

Of 21,986 cervical spine CTs, 190/9455 (2.0%) participants 65 years of age and older and 199/12,531 (1.6%) participants younger than 65 years of age had fractures (total, 389/21,986, 1.8%). There were more cases of falls from standing (106, 55.8%) and falls from a height (46, 4.2%) in those 65 years and older and this mechanism was associated with a higher risk of C1 and C2 fractures (52, 27.4%; and 78, 41.1%, respectively). Among the C1 fractures, anterior and posterior arch fractures predominated (37, 19.5%). For C2 fractures, types 2 and 3 odontoid fractures (39, 20.5%; and 12, 6.3%) were more common in the older cohort. Motor vehicle collisions were more common in the younger cohort (89, 44.7%), and they were associated with more C5–C7 fractures (47, 23.6%; 60, 30.2%; and 66, 33.2%, respectively) including the facets (49, 24.6%), spinous processes (31, 15.6%), and transverse processes (52, 26.1%). Overall, the rates of instability, surgical intervention, and asymptomatic fractures were similar in the 2 age groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

Cervical spine fractures appear in about 1.8% of the CT scans performed in a busy emergency department environment. Fractures in the elderly occur more commonly due to falls, are located at C1 and C2, and may involve ligamentous injuries. Younger patients incur trauma more commonly due to motor vehicle collisions, and they are more likely to affect the posterior elements, especially C5–C7. The differences in trends for fractures in the 65 years of age and older and younger than 65 years of age groups have persisted since the Canadian C-Spine Rule 1996–1998 data were collected.




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The diagnostic odyssey of a patient with dihydropyrimidinase deficiency: a case report and review of the literature [RESEARCH REPORT]

Dihydropyrimidinase (DHP) deficiency is an autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by biallelic pathogenic variants of DPYS. Patients with DHP deficiency exhibit a broad spectrum of phenotypes, ranging from severe neurological and gastrointestinal involvement to cases with no apparent symptoms. The biochemical diagnosis of DHP deficiency is based on the detection of a significant amount of dihydropyrimidines in urine, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid samples. Molecular genetic testing, specifically the identification of biallelic pathogenic variants in DPYS, has proven instrumental in confirming the diagnosis and facilitating family studies. This case study documents the diagnostic journey of an 18-yr-old patient with DHP deficiency, highlighting features at the severe end of the clinical spectrum. Notably, our patient exhibited previously unreported skeletal features that positively responded to bisphosphonate treatment, contributing valuable insights to the clinical characterization of DHP deficiency. Additionally, a novel DPYS variant was identified and confirmed pathogenicity through metabolic testing, further expanding the variant spectrum of the gene. Our case emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach using genetic sequencing and metabolic testing for accurate diagnosis.




patient

Common clonal origin of three distinct hematopoietic neoplasms in a single patient: B-cell lymphoma, T-cell lymphoma, and polycythemia vera [RESEARCH ARTICLE]

The potential for more than one distinct hematolymphoid neoplasm to arise from a common mutated stem or precursor cell has been proposed based on findings in primary human malignancies. Particularly, angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL), which shares a somatic mutation profile in common with other hematopoietic malignancies, has been reported to occur alongside myeloid neoplasms or clonal B-cell proliferations, with identical mutations occurring in more than one cell lineage. Here we report such a case of an elderly woman who was diagnosed over a period of 8 years with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, polycythemia vera, and AITL, each harboring identical somatic mutations in multiple genes. Overall, at least five identical nucleotide mutations were shared across multiple specimens, with two identical mutations co-occurring at variable variant allele frequencies in all three specimen types. These findings lend credence to the theory that a common mutated stem cell could give rise to multiple neoplasms through parallel hematopoietic differentiation pathways.




patient

Deep molecular tracking over the 12-yr development of endometrial cancer from hyperplasia in a single patient [RESEARCH REPORT]

Although the progressive histologic steps leading to endometrial cancer (EndoCA), the most common female reproductive tract malignancy, from endometrial hyperplasia are well-established, the molecular changes accompanying this malignant transformation in a single patient have never been described. We had the unique opportunity to investigate the paired histologic and molecular features associated with the 12-yr development of EndoCA in a postmenopausal female who could not undergo hysterectomy and instead underwent progesterone treatment. Using a specially designed 58-gene next-generation sequencing panel, we analyzed a total of 10 sequential biopsy samples collected over this time frame. A total of eight pathogenic/likely pathogenic mutations in seven genes, APC, ARID1A, CTNNB1, CDKN2A, KRAS, PTEN, and TP53, were identified. A PTEN nonsense mutation p.W111* was present in all samples analyzed except histologically normal endometrium. Apart from this PTEN mutation, the only other recurrent mutation was KRAS G12D, which was present in six biopsy samplings, including histologically normal tissue obtained at the patient's first visit but not detectable in the cancer. The PTEN p.W111* mutant allele fractions were lowest in benign, inactive endometrial glands (0.7%), highest in adenocarcinoma (36.9%), and, notably, were always markedly reduced following progesterone treatment. To our knowledge, this report provides the first molecular characterization of EndoCA development in a single patient. A single PTEN mutation was present throughout the 12 years of cancer development. Importantly, and with potential significance toward medical and nonsurgical management of EndoCA, progesterone treatments were consistently noted to markedly decrease PTEN mutant allele fractions to precancerous levels.




patient

Prostate cancer patient stratification by molecular signatures in the Veterans Precision Oncology Data Commons [RESEARCH REPORT]

Veterans are at an increased risk for prostate cancer, a disease with extraordinary clinical and molecular heterogeneity, compared with the general population. However, little is known about the underlying molecular heterogeneity within the veteran population and its impact on patient management and treatment. Using clinical and targeted tumor sequencing data from the National Veterans Affairs health system, we conducted a retrospective cohort study on 45 patients with advanced prostate cancer in the Veterans Precision Oncology Data Commons (VPODC), most of whom were metastatic castration-resistant. We characterized the mutational burden in this cohort and conducted unsupervised clustering analysis to stratify patients by molecular alterations. Veterans with prostate cancer exhibited a mutational landscape broadly similar to prior studies, including KMT2A and NOTCH1 mutations associated with neuroendocrine prostate cancer phenotype, previously reported to be enriched in veterans. We also identified several potential novel mutations in PTEN, MSH6, VHL, SMO, and ABL1. Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed two subgroups containing therapeutically targetable molecular features with novel mutational signatures distinct from those reported in the Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer database. The clustering approach presented in this study can potentially be used to clinically stratify patients based on their distinct mutational profiles and identify actionable somatic mutations for precision oncology.




patient

The importance of escalating molecular diagnostics in patients with low-grade pediatric brain cancer [PRECISION MEDICINE IN PRACTICE]

Pilocytic astrocytomas are the most common pediatric brain tumors, typically presenting as low-grade neoplasms. We report two cases of pilocytic astrocytoma with atypical tumor progression. Case 1 involves a 12-yr-old boy with an unresectable suprasellar tumor, negative for BRAF rearrangement but harboring a BRAF p.V600E mutation. He experienced tumor size reduction and stable disease following dabrafenib treatment. Case 2 describes a 6-yr-old boy with a thalamic tumor that underwent multiple resections, with no actionable driver detected using targeted next-generation sequencing. Whole-genome and RNA-seq analysis identified an internal tandem duplication in FGFR1 and RAS pathway activation. Future management options include FGFR1 inhibitors. These cases demonstrate the importance of escalating molecular diagnostics for pediatric brain cancer, advocating for early reflexing to integrative whole-genome sequencing and transcriptomic profiling when targeted panels are uninformative. Identifying molecular drivers can significantly impact treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.




patient

Collaborative discussions between GPs and pharmacists to optimise patient medication: a qualitative study within a UK primary care clinical trial

BackgroundThere has been significant investment in pharmacists working in UK general practice to improve the effective and safe use of medicines. However, evidence of how to optimise collaboration between GPs and pharmacists in the context of polypharmacy (multiple medication) is lacking.AimTo explore GP and pharmacist views and experiences of in-person, interprofessional collaborative discussions (IPCDs) as part of a complex intervention to optimise medication use for patients with polypharmacy in general practice.Design and settingA mixed-method process evaluation embedded within the Improving Medicines use in People with Polypharmacy in Primary Care (IMPPP) trial conducted in Bristol and the West Midlands, between February 2021 and September 2023.MethodAudio-recordings of IPCDs between GPs and pharmacists, along with individual semi-structured interviews to explore their reflections on these discussions, were used. All recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.ResultsA total of 14 practices took part in the process evaluation from February 2022 to September 2023; 17 IPCD meetings were audio-recorded, discussing 30 patients (range 1–6 patients per meeting). In all, six GPs and 13 pharmacists were interviewed. The IPCD was highly valued by GPs and pharmacists who described benefits, including: strengthening their working relationship; gaining in confidence to manage more complex patients; and learning from each other. It was often challenging, however, to find time for the IPCDs.ConclusionThe model of IPCD used in this study provided protected time for GPs and pharmacists to work together to deliver whole-patient care, with both professions finding this beneficial. Protected time for interprofessional liaison and collaboration, and structured interventions may facilitate improved patient care.




patient

Using the Electronic Health Record to Facilitate Patient-Physician Relationship While Establishing Care [Innovations in Primary Care]




patient

Lack of Knowledge of Antibiotic Risks Contributes to Primary Care Patients Expectations of Antibiotics for Common Symptoms [Research Briefs]

Patient expectations of receiving antibiotics for common symptoms can trigger unnecessary use. We conducted a survey (n = 564) between January 2020 to June 2021 in public and private primary care clinics in Texas to study the prevalence and predictors of patients’ antibiotic expectations for common symptoms/illnesses. We surveyed Black patients (33%) and Hispanic/Latine patients (47%), and over 93% expected to receive an antibiotic for at least 1 of the 5 pre-defined symptoms/illnesses. Public clinic patients were nearly twice as likely to expect antibiotics for sore throat, diarrhea, and cold/flu than private clinic patients. Lack of knowledge of potential risks of antibiotic use was associated with increased antibiotic expectations for diarrhea (odds ratio [OR] = 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.4) and cold/flu symptoms (OR = 2.9; 95% CI, 2.0-4.4). Lower education and inadequate health literacy were predictors of antibiotic expectations for diarrhea. Future antibiotic stewardship interventions should tailor patient education materials to include information on antibiotic risks and guidance on appropriate antibiotic indications.




patient

Digital Innovation to Grow Quality Care Through an Interprofessional Care Team (DIG IT) Among Underserved Patients With Hypertension [Original Research]

PURPOSE

The impact of digital health on medically underserved patients is unclear. This study aimed to determine the early impact of a digital innovation to grow quality care through an interprofessional care team (DIG IT) on the blood pressure (BP) and 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score of medically underserved patients.

METHODS

This was a 3-month, prospective intervention study that included patients aged 40 years or more with BP of 140/90 mmHg or higher who received care from DIG IT from August through December 2021. Sociodemographic and clinical outcomes of DIG IT were compared with historical controls (controls) whose data were randomly extracted by the University of California Data Warehouse and matched 1:1 based on age, ethnicity, and baseline BP of the DIG IT arm. Multiple linear regression was performed to adjust for potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

A total of 140 patients (70 DIG IT, 70 controls) were included. Both arms were similar with an average age (SD) of 62.8 (9.7) years. The population was dominated by Latinx (79.3%) persons, with baseline mean BP of 163/81 mmHg, and mean ASCVD risk score of 23.9%. The mean (SD) reduction in systolic BP at 3 months in the DIG IT arm was twice that of the controls (30.8 [17.3] mmHg vs 15.2 [21.2] mmHg; P <.001). The mean (SD) ASCVD risk score reduction in the DIG IT arm was also twice that of the controls (6.4% [7.4%] vs 3.1% [5.1%]; P = .003).

CONCLUSIONS

The DIG IT was more effective than controls (receiving usual care). Twofold improvement in the BP readings and ASCVD scores in medically underserved patients were achieved with DIG IT.




patient

Challenges in Receiving Care for Long COVID: A Qualitative Interview Study Among Primary Care Patients About Expectations and Experiences [Original Research]

BACKGROUND

For many patients with post–COVID-19 condition (long COVID), primary care is the first point of interaction with the health care system. In principle, primary care is well situated to manage long COVID. Beyond expressions of disempowerment, however, the patient’s perspective regarding the quality of long COVID care is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the expectations and experiences of primary care patients seeking treatment for long COVID.

METHODS

A phenomenological approach guided this analysis. Using purposive sampling, we conducted semistructured interviews with English-speaking, adult primary care patients describing symptoms of long COVID. We deidentified and transcribed the recorded interviews. Transcripts were analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

This article reports results from 19 interviews (53% female, mean age = 54 years). Patients expected their primary care practitioners (PCPs) to be knowledgeable about long COVID, attentive to their individual condition, and to engage in collaborative processes for treatment. Patients described 2 areas of experiences. First, interactions with clinicians were perceived as positive when clinicians were honest and validating, and negative when patients felt dismissed or discouraged. Second, patients described challenges navigating the fragmented US health care system when coordinating care, treatment and testing, and payment.

CONCLUSION

Primary care patients’ experiences seeking care for long COVID are incongruent with their expectations. Patients must overcome barriers at each level of the health care system and are frustrated by the constant challenges. PCPs and other health care professionals might increase congruence with expectations and experiences through listening, validating, and advocating for patients with long COVID.

Annals Early Access article




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Con: indwelling pleural catheters cause harm to patients

Indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) have rapidly grown in popularity since their introduction for the management of recurrent pleural effusions. In malignant pleural effusions especially, there has been a shift away from measuring pleurodesis success and towards more patient-centred outcomes. Multiple randomised controlled trials have shown that despite lower rates of pleurodesis, symptom control and quality of life outcomes are comparable when compared to alternatives such as talc pleurodesis. IPCs have the added benefit of minimising inpatient hospital stays and reducing the need for recurrent pleural interventions, key priorities for patients with palliative disease. As a result, IPC treatment is associated with excellent patient satisfaction coupled with acceptably low complication rates. Furthermore, in patients with a short life expectancy they confer a cost benefit for the healthcare system.

Far from causing harm, IPCs are now recommended as first-line treatment by current clinical guidelines. In malignant pleural disease, guidance advocates IPCs should be offered as a first-line option with the focus on patient priorities and preferences. Ultimately IPCs provide a safe, effective, ambulatory option for managing recurrent pleural effusions.




patient

Pro: indwelling pleural catheters cause harm to patients

Malignant pleural effusions (MPE) tend to recur and require definitive treatment with either chest drain and talc pleurodesis or indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs), which offer similar symptomatic benefits. In recent years, IPCs have become popular due to the presumed convenience of an outpatient procedure followed by home drainage leading to a misconception of IPCs being an ideal treatment for MPE. However, IPCs predispose the patient to multiple complications and have significant physical and psychological implications that are under-recognised. Patients require additional clinical reviews, hospital admissions and treatment for these complications related to IPCs. Additionally, there is a huge psychological impact of living with a home catheter that is a constant reminder of their cancer and this has been shown to affect quality of life negatively. Hence, IPCs should not be considered the "ideal" treatment for MPE management and clinicians should reflect the equipoise of the evidence for the benefits and accurately reflect the adverse effects of IPCs in their discussions with patients to facilitate informed decision making.




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Ransomware attack’s devastating toll on hospital patients’ health

Ransomeware attacks against health care organizations are happening at an alarmingly high rate in 2024, putting patient health at risk.



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Winnipeg hospital apologizes after patient says wrong leg amputated

A 48-year-old man in Winnipeg who says his right leg was to be amputated due to an infection came out of the medical procedure to find out his left leg was amputated instead. Jason Kennedy knew he may eventually lose both legs to the infection but he still has questions about what happened.



  • News/Canada/Manitoba

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Indian healthcare industry to invest further in computational infrastructure for data integration in patient care

The Indian healthcare industry is looking to invest further in computational infrastructure as data integration frameworks and regulatory compliance are pivotal to ensure intelligent clinical support




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Best Practices for Successfully Transitioning a Patient Services Hub

Today’s guest post comes from Josh Marsh, Vice President and General Manager, Sonexus™ Access and Patient Support at Cardinal Health

Josh discusses challenges manufacturers may face when outsourcing patient support programs. He outlines a process that smoothly transitions hubs and minimizes disruptions for patients and healthcare providers.

To learn more, download the 3-step guide to patient hub transitions.

Read on for Josh’s insights.
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Drug Channels News Roundup, September 2024: Inside JNJ’s Gross-to-Net Bubble, Optum Rx’s Private Label Biosimilars, Where Biosimilars Boom, Accumulators vs. Patients, and Steve Collis Retires

Autumn is here! Curl up with your favorite pumpkin-spiced blog and savor these acorns that we’ve squirrelled away for you:
  • Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicines gives a peek inside its $43 billion gross-to-net bubble
  • Optum Rx joins the private label biosimilar bandwagon
  • Biosimilars boom for provider-administered drugs
  • Fresh evidence of how copay accumulators hurt patients
Plus, words of wisdom from Cencora's soon-to-be-former CEO Steve Collis.

P.S. Join my more than 58,000 LinkedIn followers for daily links to neat stuff along with thoughtful and provocative commentary from the DCI community.

There’s still time to request an invite to the inaugural Drug Channels Leadership Forum. Attendance will be highly limited. We have already begun extending invitations, so apply now to be considered. Click here to view the full agenda.

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The Pivotal Role of Technology in Delivering Effective Patient Services

Today’s guest post comes from George Moore, Chief Information Technology Officer at CareMetx.

As George explains using novel survey data, manufacturers view new technologies  as crucial for patient services. He then explains how digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML) can be used to improve patient adherence and increase hub efficiencies.

To learn more, download CareMetx’s new 2024 Patient Services ReportRevealing Manufacturer Priorities: Patients Naturally Take Center Stage.

Read on for George’s insights.
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Another IRA Surprise: Part B Coinsurance Inflation Adjustments Are Increasing Patient Costs (rerun)

This week, I’m rerunning some popular posts while we put the finishing touches on DCI’s new 2024-25 Economic Report on Pharmaceutical Wholesalers and Specialty Distributors.

The article below highlights an underappreciated consequence of the Inflation Reduction Act’s inflation rebates for Medicare Part B drugs. Last night, I posted an updated analysis showing that the volatility in seniors' coinsurance rates continues. For the fourther quarter of 2024, coinsurance rates for 51 drugs increased, while rates for only 19 drugs decreased. What's more, rates for 17 drugs returned to their original 20% level. Click here to see our original post from May 2024.



Contrary to what you may have heard, the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) inflation rebates for Medicare Part B drugs do not always save money for seniors.

As we document below, a growing share of Part B drugs have inflation-adjusted coinsurance rates that have been increasing, not declining. In many cases, the coinsurance rate declines only briefly before rebounding back to the standard 20% rate. What’s more, these fluctuations have triggered huge jumps in patients’ out-of-pocket obligations for some drugs—even when a drug’s costs were falling.

Chalk off these coinsurance surprises to yet another unintended consequence of the IRA. Seniors who are expecting to see costs drop may find they are instead being taken for a rollercoaster ride.
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The Promise of a Direct-to-Patient Model—Breaking Down What’s Really Needed for Better Patient Access

Today’s guest post comes from Greg Skalicky, President, EVERSANA and Faruk Abdullah, President, Professional Services & Chief Business Officer, EVERSANA

Greg and Faruk walk through the marketplace pressures driving Direct-to-Patient commercialization models. They argue that a technology-enabled infrastructure,  combined with clinical and reimbursement support specialists, can improve  patients' access to new therapies, shorten the time to therapy, and enable better overall clinical outcomes.

Click here to learn more about EVERSANA’s Direct-to-Patient care model.

Read on for Greg and Faruk’s insights.
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