bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nerve blocks in paediatric and adolescent headache disorders
Authors: Lambrinakos-Raymond Kristen , Dubrovsky Alexander Sasha
Published: September 2018

Purpose of review

Headaches in children and adolescents are common, causing debilitating symptoms in many. Treatment of headache disorders can be complex and standard lifestyle changes as well as oral medications may offer inadequate relief. The purpose of this article is to review the mechanism of action, efficacy and technique of peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) and the role they play in treating paediatric headache disorders.

Recent findings

Evidence for the use of PNBs in youth is limited. However, available studies show evidence of benefit in both primary and secondary headache disorders. Variability exists in the type of block, medication choice, volume infused and frequency of this treatment. There are no serious side effects associated with PNBs.

PNBs are well tolerated and effective as adjunctive therapy for many disabling paediatric headache disorders. The technique can be easily learned by frontline and specialty practitioners. Prospective placebo-controlled studies are needed to determine how to best maximize PNBs for headache management (i.e. medication choice, timing and so on).
The role of genomic approaches in diagnosis and management of primary immunodeficiency
Authors: Chinn Ivan K. , Bostwick Bret L.
Published: September 2018

Purpose of review

Genetic testing serves an increasingly important role in the diagnosis and management of primary immunodeficiency. In this review, the strengths and limitations of various genetic testing methods are summarized, providing a foundation for the clinical approach to achieving a molecular diagnosis.

Recent findings

Rapid advances in sequencing technology have enabled the incorporation of comprehensive genetic testing into first-line clinical diagnostics. Recent articles enable comparisons of the diagnostic utility of new testing strategies while simultaneously reminding clinicians of the strengths of traditional methods.

Genetic testing in primary immunodeficiency cannot be standardized, but instead needs to be personalized based on the presenting phenotype and a basic understanding of the utility of different molecular methods. These tools, when correctly employed, can achieve a molecular diagnosis and inform the natural history, prognosis, recurrence risk, and therapeutic options.
Pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis: updates for the primary care setting
Authors: Ruffner Melanie A. , Spergel Jonathan M.
Published: September 2018

Purpose of review

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a multifactorial, non-IgE-mediated inflammatory disorder of the esophagus and is the most common cause of food impaction in the pediatric population. The purpose of this review is to describe the current recommendations for diagnosis and management of EoE.

Recent findings

New data has associated EoE with other allergic disorders of the atopic march as well as several risk factors, which predispose to allergic conditions. A subset of patients with esophageal eosinophilia respond to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy with a partial or complete resolution of esophageal eosinophilia. Therefore, some patients can be treated with PPI alone. If this is unsuccessful, dietary elimination and swallowed steroid therapy are recommended for long-term management. There is a growing appreciation that untreated esophageal inflammation can lead to complications of fibrosis and stricture formation.

The current review will focus on the diagnosis and management of EoE in the pediatric population. Identification and diagnosis of pediatric patients with EoE is critical to prevent long-term esophageal complications.
Bioengineering the innate vasculature of complex organs: what have we learned so far
Authors: Wijesekara Piyumi , Ng Wai Hoe , Feng Minrui , Ren Xi
Published: September 2018

Purpose of review

Engineering vasculature that meets an organ's specific physiology and function is a fundamental step in organ bioengineering. In this article, we review approaches for engineering functional vasculature for organ bioengineering, with an emphasis on the engineering of organ-specific endothelium and vasculature.

Recent findings

Recent advances in hydrogel-based engineering of vascularized organ bud enable vascular regeneration in self-assembled cellular niche containing parenchymal and stromal cells. The emerging technology of whole-organ decellularization provides scaffold materials that serve as extracellular niche guiding vascular regeneration to recapitulate native organ's vascular anatomy. Increasing morphological and molecular evidences suggest endothelial heterogeneity across different organs and across different vascular compartments within an organ. Deriving organ-specific endothelium from pluripotent stem cells has been shown to be possible by combining endothelial induction with parenchymal differentiation.

Engineering organ-specific vasculature requires the combination of organ-specific endothelium with its unique cellular and extracellular niches. Future investigations are required to further delineate the mechanisms for induction and maintenance of organ-specific vascular phenotypes, and how to incorporate these mechanisms to engineering organ-specific vasculature.
What will it take before a bioengineered heart will be implanted in patients?
Authors: Taylor Doris A. , Elgalad Abdelmotagaly , Sampaio Luiz C.
Published: September 2018

Purpose of review

Heart transplantation is the only curative treatment option for end-stage heart failure. However, a shortage of donor organs is a major limitation of this approach. Regenerative medicine targets the goal of increasing the number of available hearts for transplantation. In this review, we highlight the state of the art of building a bioartificial heart. We summarize the components needed, the hurdles, and likely translational steps to make the dream of transplanting a totally functional bioartificial heart a possibility.

Recent findings

The therapies being developed in regenerative medicine aim not only to repair, but also to regenerate or replace failing tissues and organs. The engineering of bioartificial hearts utilizing patient-derived cells could theoretically solve the two main complications of heart transplantations: graft rejection and lifelong immunosuppression. Although many hurdles remain, scientists have reached a point in which some of these hurdles have been overcome. Decellularized heart scaffolds have emerged over the past decade as one of the most promising biofabrications. Two possible options for organ scaffolds exist: nontransplantable human hearts and porcine hearts. The use of these scaffolds could lead to the availability of an unlimited number of transplantable organs. The current challenge remains improving processes required for recellularization – including those for cells, bioreactors, and physiologic conditioning. Researchers should focus to solve these hurdles and pave the way toward the dream of in-vivo bioengineered heart maturation.

Regenerative medicine has emerged as one of the most promising fields of translational research and has the potential to both minimize the need for donor organs and increase their availability. Meeting the challenge of implanting a totally functional bioengineered heart lies in solving multiple issues simultaneously. Dwarfing the technical hurdles, cost is the largest barrier to success. The scientific hurdles mainly involve scaling up and scaling out of laboratory cell processes, building bioreactors, and delivering cells into every needed region of an organ scaffold. Maintaining sterility and quantifying readiness of the nascent organs are also critical for success.
Development and Pilot Implementation of a Nutrition Curriculum and Rotation in Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellowships
Authors: Shaikhkhalil Ala , Jump Candi , Goday Praveen S.
Published: September 2018

Structured nutrition rotations are rarely offered in pediatric gastroenterology fellowships. The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) Nutrition Committee developed a curriculum to serve as the basis for a rotation in clinical nutrition. We worked directly with 5 fellowship programs to tailor the experience to individual institutions. As part of our pilot study, fellows completed knowledge assessments and self‐assessment of comfort level at the start and end of the experience. We saw a trend in improvement of comfort level and increase in mean score on knowledge assessments, but the differences did not meet statistical significance. Fellows who completed the rotation had an increase in comfort level in all topics with most dramatic increases in nutrition management of cystic fibrosis, refeeding syndrome, and cholestasis. Objective measures of nutrition knowledge attainment and use of programmatic feedback to continually improve the learners’ experience will help expand the nutrition curriculum to a broader audience.
Bladder Symptoms in Children With Functional Constipation
Authors: van Summeren Jojanneke J.G.T. , Holtman Gea A. , van Ommeren Sonja C. , Kollen Boudewijn J. , Dekker Janny H. , Berger Marjolein Y.
Published: September 2018

Objective:

The aim of the review is to perform a systematic review of the literature examining the prevalence of bladder symptoms in children with functional constipation (FC) and to compare the prevalence of those symptoms between children with and without FC.

Methods:

In this systematic review 4 databases were searched to July 2018. Studies investigating the prevalence of bladder symptoms in children aged 4 to 17 years with FC were included. There was no language restriction. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality. Clinical heterogeneity between studies was investigated. Prevalence rates of bladder symptoms in children with FC were calculated. Relative risks were calculated to compare the prevalence of bladder symptoms between children with and without FC.

Results:

Among 23 studies of children with FC, 22 reported the prevalence bladder symptoms (12,281 children) and 7 reported the prevalence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) (687 children). The prevalence rates of single bladder symptoms, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and UTI varied between 2% to 47%, 37% to 64%, and 6% to 53%. The relative risks were 1.24 to 6.73 for 20 single bladder symptoms (12 studies) and 2.18 to 6.55 for UTI (2 studies). The 95% confidence intervals indicated significance in 14 of 20 single bladder symptoms.

Conclusions:

Bladder symptoms seem common in children with FC, but the reported prevalence varies greatly. Children with FC are more likely to have bladder symptoms than children without FC. We recommend that clinicians be aware of concomitant bladder symptoms in children presenting with FC.
Classification and Nutrition Management of Acute Pancreatitis in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Cole Sarah , Wakeham Martin , Werlin Steven , Goday Praveen S.
Published: September 2018

The aims of this retrospective cohort study were to classify the severity of patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with acute pancreatitis (AP) and to identify how many patients received appropriate nutritional management in accordance with more recent guidelines and the outcomes of those patients. Of the 54 children with AP, 12 (22.2%) had a primary diagnosis of AP (50% severe, 17% moderate) whereas 42 (77.8%) had a secondary diagnosis of AP (81% severe, 11.9% moderate). Just under half of the patients (48.1%) had enteral nutrition commenced before the third day of admission (50% with primary AP, 47.6% with secondary AP). The average time to initiation of enteral feeds was 2.3 days for those that received enteral nutrition. 51.8% of patients received parenteral nutrition (25% with primary AP, 59.5% with secondary AP). Most patients received enteral nutrition late and parenteral nutrition was overused in patients with AP admitted to the PICU.
Early Testing of Serum Ferritin Facilitates Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Diagnosis in Children
Authors: Agarwal Hemant S. , Kuttesch John F.
Published: September 2018

The clinical and laboratory features of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) are nonspecific that makes the definitive diagnosis of HLH very challenging. The disease is almost universally fatal in the absence of early recognition and appropriate therapy. Elevated serum ferritin level is one of the diagnostic markers of HLH disease. We report the value of testing serum ferritin level early in the disease process in 3 pediatric patients who presented with persistent fever and sepsis-like features. Detection of elevated serum ferritin levels facilitated further testing to confirm the diagnosis of HLH and initiate early therapy with good outcomes.
Antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic activities of some medicinal plants against multidrug resistance pathogens
Authors: Zare Banadkoki Abbas , Kouhsari Ebrahim , Amirmozafari Nour , Roudbary Maryam , Boujary Nasrabadi Mohammad R.
Published: September 2018

Medicinal plants are traditionally used for the treatment of human infections. The aim of the current study was to evaluate antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic activities; the crude of hexane, methanol and chloroform extracts from the leaves of Catharanthus roseus, Bixa orellana, Azadirachta indica and Dracaena sanderiana was assayed against two fungi and four bacteria using broth microdilution method and MTT assay. The methanol leaf extracts of B. orellana showed a significant activity against Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans with minimum inhibitory concentrations 5.36, 7.12, 2.63 and 2.57 mg/ml, respectively. The half maximal inhibitory concentration extracts of C. roseus, B. orellana, A. indica and D. sanderiana against Huansen's skin fibroblast cell line were 50, 22, 19 and 37 mg/ml, respectively. The methanol extract of the four medicinal plants with minimum inhibitory concentration values from 2.57 to 47.85 mg/ml showed a significant antibacterial and antifungal activity against bacteria and fungi.
Assessing Severity of Psychological Distress Among Refugees With the Refugee Health Screener, 13-Item Version
Authors: Bjärtå Anna , Leiler Anna , Ekdahl Johanna , Wasteson Elisabet
Published: September 2018

The recent inflow of refugees to Sweden has put pressure on health care as well as revealing a need for methods regarding assessment of refugees' mental health status. The present study investigated the use of the Refugee Health Screener (RHS; Hollifield et al., 2013) to distinguish among severity levels of symptoms of psychological distress in refugees. Refugees residing in asylum accommodations (n = 510) were screened with RHS-13, together with screeners for depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Risk for mild, moderate, or severe levels of depression, anxiety, or/and PTSD was used as screening proxy. Receiver operating characteristic analysis rendered cutoff scores of 11, 18, and 25, for mild, moderate, and severe symptoms, respectively. Evaluated against each symptom scale separately, cutoffs performed well. Cutoff 11, previously identified by Hollifield et al. (2016), was also confirmed. However, utilization of additional cutoffs could improve refugee mental health by guiding clinical decision making.
Measuring Community Prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis Infection to Guide Local Screening Practices: A Process Improvement Project
Authors: Weger Benjamin O. , Klein David A. , Bowsher Barbara L. , Weir Larissa F. , Roberts Timothy A.
Published: September 2018

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests screening for Trichomonas vaginalis infection might be considered in high-prevalence populations. High asymptomatic infection rates and poor sensitivity of clinical diagnosis make it difficult to estimate local prevalence. Testing of ThinPrep samples can provide an estimate of local Trichomonas vaginalis infection rates and guide screening practices.
Comparison of Tumor Regression Grading of Residual Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Without Radiation
Authors: Kim Sunhee S. , Ko Andrew H. , Nakakura Eric K. , Wang Zhen J. , Corvera Carlos U. , Harris Hobart W. , Kirkwood Kimberly S. , Hirose Ryutaro , Tempero Margaret A. , Kim Grace E.
Published: September 2018

To assess whether the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the Evans grading systems for neoadjuvant chemotherapy without radiation-treated pancreatectomy specimens are prognostic, and if a 3-tier stratification scheme preserves data granularity. Conducted retrospective review of 32 patients with ordinary pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma treated with neoadjuvant therapy without radiation followed by surgical resection. Final pathologic tumor category (AJCC eighth edition) was 46.9% ypT1, 34.4% ypT2, and 18.7% ypT3. Median follow-up time was 29.8 months, median disease-free survival (DFS) was 19.6 months, and median overall survival (OS) was 34.2 months. CAP score 1, 2, 3 were present in 5 (15.6%), 18 (56.3%), and 9 (28.1%) patients, respectively. Evans grade III, IIb, IIa, and I were present in 10 (31.2%), 8 (25.0%), 7 (21.9%), and 7 (21.9%) patients, respectively. OS (CAP: P=0.005; Evans: P=0.001) and DFS (CAP: P=0.003; Evans: P=0.04) were statistically significant for both CAP and Evans. Stratified CAP scores 1 and 2 versus CAP score 3 was statistically significant for both OS (P=0.002) and DFS (P=0.002). Stratified Evans grades I, IIa, and IIb versus Evans grade III was statistically significant for both OS (P=0.04) and DFS (P=0.02). CAP, Evans, and 3-tier stratification are prognostic of OS and DFS.
Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma With Indolent T-Lymphoblastic Proliferation Is Associated With Paraneoplastic Autoimmune Multiorgan Syndrome
Authors: Walters Matthew , Pittelkow Mark R. , Hasserjian Robert P. , Harris Nancy Lee , Macon William R. , Kurtin Paul J. , Rech Karen L.G.
Published: September 2018

Nonclonal expansions of immature T cells outside of the thymus, termed indolent T-lymphoblastic proliferation (iT-LBP), have been identified in rare lymphoproliferative disorders. We report that iT-LBP is a frequent finding in cases of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS), and shows an association with paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome (PAMS). We studied 31 cases of FDCS by paraffin immunohistochemistry using antibodies to CD21, CD23, CD35, clusterin, CXCL13, podoplanin, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD1a, and TdT. Chart review was performed to characterize the clinical behavior including evidence of autoimmune disease. FDCS occurred in a wide variety of nodal and extranodal sites. Fourteen of 31 (45%) cases contained immature TdT-positive T cells; in 5 cases these cells were numerous and present throughout the tumor. Four of these 5 patients with numerous immature T cells developed autoimmune disease, clinically categorized as PAMS and/or myasthenia gravis. PAMS persisted after tumor resection, causing severe morbidity and mortality. These findings suggest that the neoplastic follicular dendritic cells can recruit or foster the proliferation of immature T cells and that these cells may play a role in mediating PAMS. Recognition of iT-LBP in FDCS is important to avoid misdiagnosis as thymoma or T-lymphoblastic lymphoma, and may predict serious autoimmune complications in some patients.
Pediatric Conditions Requiring Interfacility Transport From Emergency Departments
Authors: Aledhaim Ali , Fishe Jennifer N. , Hirshon Jon Mark , Anders Jennifer F.
Published: September 2018

Objectives

Pediatric care is increasingly regionalized, increasing rates of interfacility transport (IFT). However, it is unknown what conditions most frequently require IFT. This study's objective was to identify high-frequency pediatric conditions requiring IFT.

Methods

This is a statewide retrospective observational study from 2010 to 2012 of pediatric patients (<18 years of age) who underwent IFT in Maryland. Patients were identified from the Health Care Utilization Project's database using probabilistic linkage. This study identified the 20 most common pediatric IFT conditions, and the conditions with the highest IFT rates.

Results

Probabilistic linkage was successful for 2254 records. The largest age category was 0 to 4 years (43%). The top 3 IFT conditions were asthma (13.5%), epilepsy (8.5%), and diabetes mellitus (6.6%). Diabetes mellitus had the highest IFT rate (24%), followed by appendicitis (15.5%) and internal obstruction (14.4%).

Conclusions

Specific pediatric conditions commonly require IFT and had high IFT rates in this statewide study. In addition, the largest age group undergoing IFT was young children (0 to 4 years of age). This study provides specific detail regarding conditions and ages impacted by IFT, and emergency medical services should consider incorporating these findings into transport destination algorithms. In addition, public health stakeholders should address implications of the concentration of care for these common pediatric conditions and younger age groups.
Lazarus Syndrome — Challenges Created by Pediatric Autoresuscitation
Authors: Mullen Stephen , Roberts Zöe , Tuthill David , Owens Laura , Te Water Naude Johann , Maguire Sabine
Published: September 2018

Pediatric autoresuscitation is extremely rare, with only 4 documented cases in the literature. The longest recorded time between stopping cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and return of spontaneous circulation is 2 minutes. We report a previously well 18-month-old who attended the emergency department after an unexplained cardiac arrest. After 10 cycles of CPR, resuscitation was stopped; 6 minutes later, the patient had a return of spontaneous circulation and was transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit. The patient remains alive but with significant neurological impairment. There are a variety of theories regarding the pathology of pediatric autoresuscitation. The most commonly accepted model is that there is a degree of autopositive end-expiratory pressure impending venous return as a consequence of vigorous ventilation during CPR. This case challenges clinicians to reassess our current definition of death and reaffirms the need for clearer guidelines surrounding the certification of death.
Repeat Laboratory Testing in the Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Fieldston Evan S. , Fakeye Oludolapo A. , Friedman David F.
Published: September 2018

Background

Little is known about repeat testing for patients admitted to children's hospitals from the emergency department (ED).

Objective

The objective of this study was to describe the trend of repeat laboratory testing from a children's hospital ED.

Methods

Laboratory studies were analyzed for July 2002 to June 2010 for complete blood counts (CBCs; 7 years), basic metabolic panels (BMPs; 2.5 years), and coagulation studies (7 years) ordered and reordered in the ED within 8 hours for patients admitted to the hospital. Results for tests were generated and classified into high, low, and normal based on reference ranges. To reflect actual practice, we expanded the normal range from 95% of lower bound to 105% of upper bound.

Results

A total of 37,035 CBCs, 11,414 BMPs, and 3903 coagulation studies were ordered. Proportions of these tests repeated were 0.9%, 1.9%, and 1.9%, respectively. Mean time to repeat was 2 hours. For CBCs, 25% of repeats were for a missing component; 35% were for low platelet counts. Sixty-eight percent of initial BMPs were repeated for high potassium. Half of coagulation studies were repeated for high prothrombin time; 36% were repeated for a missing component. On repeat, 75% of BMPs with high potassium levels and 65% of CBCs with low platelet count returned normal values, but 16% of coagulation studies repeated for high prothrombin time returned normal values.

Conclusions

Repeat ED laboratory testing occurs infrequently at a children's hospital, and a large proportion of repeats is attributed to missing results. When repeated, abnormal results on initial studies are often returned as normal.
What Do We Know About Pediatric Palliative Care Patients Consulting to the Pediatric Emergency Department?
Authors: Gaucher Nathalie , Humbert Nago , Gauvin France
Published: September 2018

Objectives

The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of pediatric palliative care (PPC) patients presenting to a pediatric emergency department (ED) and these patients' ED visits.

Methods

This retrospective chart review was conducted from April 1, 2007, to March 31, 2012, in a tertiary care pediatric university-affiliated hospital. Eligible patients had initial PPC consultations during the study period; all ED visits by these patients were included. Data were drawn from the ED's electronic data system and patient's medical chart.

Results

A total of 290 new patients were followed by the PPC team, and 94 (32.4%) consulted the ED. Pediatric palliative care patients who consulted the ED had a median age of 7 years and baseline diagnoses of cancer (39.4%) or encephalopathy (27.7%). No patients died in the ED, but 36 (38.3%) died in hospital after an ED visit and 18 (19.1%) within 72 hours of admission. Pediatric palliative care patients consulted 219 times, with a median number of visits per patient of 2 (range, 1–8). They presented acutely ill as per triage scales. Reasons for consultation included respiratory distress/dyspnea (30.6%), pain (12.8%), seizure (11.4%), and fever (9.1%). Patients were often admitted to wards (61.2%) and the pediatric intensive care unit (7.3%). Two thirds (65.7%) of patients had signed an advanced care directive at the time of their visit. Discussions about goals of care occurred in 37.4% of visits.

Conclusions

Pediatric palliative care patients present to the ED acutely ill, often at their end of life, and goals of care are not always discussed. This is a first step toward understanding how to improve PPC patients' ED care.
Histologic Features of Hysterectomy Specimens From Female-Male Transgender Individuals
Authors: Khalifa Mahmoud A. , Toyama Aimi , Klein Molly E. , Santiago Victor
Published: September 2018

Histologic changes in the female genital tract after prolonged androgen stimulation have been described in the past. However, these changes have not been systematically addressed in hysterectomy specimens from subjects undergoing surgical gender-reassignment, typically after treatment with exogenous androgens. The current study aims to provide practicing pathologists with a list of expected histologic features in hysterectomy specimens from female-male transgender individuals. Twenty-seven hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy specimens were identified from our Laboratory Information System. Slides were retrieved and reviewed for features associated with androgen exposure. Clinical information for the 27 subjects (20–46 yr old, mean=29 yr) was obtained from the electronic medical records. Twenty-four subjects had received androgen 19 mo to 24 yr preoperatively. Focal decidua-like endometrial stromal change with glandular paucity was present in 16/27 (59%) uteri associated with predominantly inactive endometrial glands. Ectocervical or transformation zone transitional cell metaplasia was present in 17/27 (63%) subjects. Bilateral cystic follicles were present in all 23 subjects who underwent bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and had preoperative androgen exposure. In these ovaries, follicular density appeared higher than that expected for age with counts ranging from 1.5 to 32.5 follicles/mm2 (average=10.7 follicles/mm2). Predominantly inactive, sparse endometrial glands with focal decidua-like stromal change, cervical transitional cell metaplasia, bilateral cystic follicles and higher follicular density are observed in the majority of specimens from female-male transgender individuals. These histologic changes correlate with prolonged preoperative androgen administration. The significance of these findings relies on recognizing the spectrum of androgen-related histologic alterations and not confusing transitional cell metaplasia with cervical dysplasia.
Expanding Contraceptive Access for Women With Substance Use Disorders: Partnerships Between Public Health Departments and County Jails
Authors: McNeely Clea A. , Hutson Sadie , Sturdivant Tara L. , Jabson Jennifer M. , Isabell Brittany S.
Published: September 2018

Context:

Law enforcement has been the primary strategy for addressing the opioid epidemic. As a result, the incarceration rate for women in county jails has increased more than 800% since 1980, and most women inmates struggle with substance use disorders. There is a large unmet need for contraception among women in county jails.

Program:

The East Region of the Tennessee Department of Health partnered with county correctional facilities to provide comprehensive family planning education and voluntary long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) to women in 15 jails.

Implementation:

Incarcerated women were invited to attend a comprehensive family planning education session conducted in the jail by health department nurses. The sessions included information on neonatal abstinence syndrome. The nurses explained that the women could receive intrauterine devices, implants, and injectable progesterone while incarcerated and come to the health department for all contraceptive methods upon release. Between January 2014 and June 2017, nurses conducted 182 education sessions, and 794 women received a LARC. Method placement occurred in the jails or at the local health department. No adverse effects were known to have occurred.

Evaluation:

We collected pilot data to explore the accuracy and the comprehensiveness of the family planning education session and whether the incarcerated women experienced the program as voluntary. All 18 women inmates interviewed reported experiencing the program as voluntary. Using published and administrative data, we roughly estimated that the program prevented between 270 and 460 unintended pregnancies and between 40 and 52 cases of neonatal abstinence syndrome in the first year after the women received a method. This represents a cost savings to Medicaid of $1.4 million.

Discussion:

The partnership demonstrated the feasibility of providing voluntary comprehensive family planning education and access to highly effective contraception for women inmates who, as a group, face a host of political, socioeconomic, and personal barriers to reproductive health care.
Surgical Treatment of Migraine Headache: Back to the Future
Authors: Gfrerer Lisa , Raposio Edoardo , Ortiz Ricardo , Austen William Gerald
Published: September 2018

Understanding the history and evolution of ideas is key to developing an understanding of complex phenomena and is the foundation for surgical innovation. This historical review on migraine surgery takes us back to the beginnings of interventional management for migraine centuries ago, and reflects on present practices to highlight how far we have come. From Al-Zahrawi and Ambroise Paré to Bahman Guyuron, two common themes of the past and present have emerged in the treatment of migraine headache. Extracranial treatment of both nerves and vessels is being performed and analyzed, with no consensus among current practitioners as to which structure is involved. Knowledge of past theories and new insights will help guide our efforts in the future. One thing is clear: Where we are going, there are no roads. At least not yet.
The Functional Influence of Breast Implant Outer Shell Morphology on Bacterial Attachment and Growth
Authors: Jones Phoebe , Mempin Maria , Hu Honghua , Chowdhury Durdana , Foley Matthew , Cooter Rodney , Adams William P. , Vickery Karen , Deva Anand K.
Published: September 2018

Background:

The introduction of texture to the outer shell of breast implants was aimed at increasing tissue incorporation and reducing capsular contracture. It has also been shown that textured surfaces promote a higher growth of bacteria and are linked to the development of breast implant–associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

Methods:

The authors aimed to measure the surface area and surface roughness of 11 available implants. In addition, the authors aimed to subject these implant shells to an in vitro bacterial attachment assay with four bacterial pathogens (Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Ralstonia pickettii) and study the relationship among surface area, surface roughness, and bacterial growth.

Results:

Surface area measurement showed grouping of implants into high, intermediate, low, and minimal. Surface roughness showed a correlation with surface area. The in vitro assay showed a significant linear relationship between surface area and bacterial attachment/growth. The high surface area/roughness implant texture grew significantly more bacteria at 24 hours, whereas the minimal surface area/roughness implant textures grew significantly fewer bacteria of all types at 24 hours. For implants with intermediate and low surface areas, some species differences were observed, indicating possible affinity of specific bacterial species to surface morphology.

Conclusions:

Implant shells should be reclassified using surface area/roughness into four categories (high, intermediate, low, and minimal). This classification is superior to the use of descriptive terms such as macrotexture, microtexture, and nanotexture, which are not well correlated with objective measurement and/or functional outcomes.
Defining the Aesthetic Units of the Male Chest and How They Relate to Gynecomastia Based on 635 Patients
Authors: Caridi Robert C.
Published: September 2018

Gynecomastia awareness and treatment have increased significantly. Treatment of gynecomastia is now one of the most popular procedures requested by men. There are many gynecomastia classification systems that have been described. The usefulness of these classifications in the diagnosis and treatment of modern gynecomastia is unknown and has fostered confusion among surgeons and patients. This article elucidates the topographic pattern consistently seen in gynecomastia patients and relates this to the diagnosis and treatment of gynecomastia. The proposed gynecomastia zone classification is a simple and objective method to clinically describe gynecomastia and direct appropriate treatment.
The Price of Medical Tourism: The Legal Implications of Surgery Abroad
Authors: Davison Steven P. , Hayes Kylie D. , LaBove Gabrielle , Shaffer Peter
Published: September 2018

Medical tourism, or traveling abroad to obtain medical services, has evolved into a global health care phenomenon, with over 15 million U.S. patients each year seeking medical care internationally, representing a $50 billion dollar industry in 2017. Speculation and media fascination about the growing industry, diverse destinations, and rationale behind the medical tourists is rampant; however, the legal implications of tourism medicine, particularly when it goes wrong, are often unclear. On the international stage, accreditation agencies are limited in scope and practice, legal jurisdiction is difficult to establish, and the enforcement of rulings is nearly impossible. Patients seeking tourism medicine have little legal recourse and shoulder all the legal burden.
Autologous Fat Grafting to the Chin: A Useful Adjunct in Complete Aesthetic Facial Rejuvenation
Authors: Rohrich Rod J. , Sanniec Kyle , Afrooz Paul N.
Published: September 2018

The chin makes up the central unit of the face and neck, and is a significant factor in facial harmony and aesthetics. Historically, correction of microgenia required surgical intervention with a sliding genioplasty, or placement of a permanent implant. However, these techniques require more extensive surgical intervention, prolonged downtime, with higher costs and complications. Furthermore, chin rhytides and descent of chin fat lead to an aged appearance of the chin and lower face that is difficult to correct with a chin implant alone. Autologous fat grafting in facial rejuvenation has expanded in its application and can serve as an effective technique to correct and enhance chin aesthetics, including lateral chin hollowing, asymmetry, mild microgenia, and correction of deep labiomental sulcus or a bifid chin. This article and accompanying video demonstrate the authors’ technique for chin augmentation and refinement with autologous fat.
Incision Choices in Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy: A Comparative Analysis of Outcomes and Evolution of a Clinical Algorithm
Authors: Frey Jordan D. , Salibian Ara A. , Levine Jamie P. , Karp Nolan S. , Choi Mihye
Published: September 2018

Background:

Nipple-sparing mastectomy allows for preservation of the entire nipple-areola complex using various incision patterns. Reconstructive trends and overall risk associated with these diverse nipple-sparing mastectomy incisions have yet to be fully elucidated.

Methods:

All nipple-sparing mastectomies from 2006 to 2017 were identified; outcomes were stratified by type of mastectomy incision: lateral or vertical radial, inframammary fold, Wise pattern, previous, and periareolar.

Results:

A total of 1207 nipple-sparing mastectomies were included for final analysis. Of these, 638 (52.9 percent) used an inframammary fold incision, 294 (24.4 percent) used a lateral radial incision, 161 (13.3 percent) used a vertical radial incision, 60 (5.0) used a Wise pattern incision, 35 (2.9 percent) used a previous incision, and 19 (1.6 percent) used a periareolar incision. The groups were heterogeneous and differed significantly with regard to various factors, including age (p < 0.001), body mass index (p < 0.001), reconstruction modality (p < 0.001), and others. In crude multivariate logistic regression analysis, vertical radial (16.1 percent) and inframammary fold incisions (21.0 percent) were associated with lower overall complication rates. In a reduced multivariate logistic regression model, inframammary fold incisions (p = 0.001) emerged as significantly protective of overall complications after controlling all variables.

Conclusions:

Nipple-sparing mastectomy may be safely performed using various mastectomy incisions, each with unique advantages and limitations. Overall, inframammary fold incisions appear to be associated with the lowest risk, whereas Wise pattern incisions may increase risk.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, III.
Development of the BODY-Q Chest Module Evaluating Outcomes following Chest Contouring Surgery
Authors: Klassen Anne F. , Kaur Manraj , Poulsen Lotte , Fielding Craig , Geerards Daan , van de Grift Tim C. , Hoogbergen Maarten , Juhl Claus Bogh , Lorenzen Mike Mikkelsen , McEvenue Giancarlo , McLean Hugh , Moliver Clayton , Mullender Margriet G. , Panchapakesan Vivek , Repo Jussi P. , Rose Michael , Sørensen Jens Ahm , Støving René Klinkby , Pusic Andrea L.
Published: September 2018

Background:

Plastic surgery to improve chest appearance is becoming increasingly popular. The BODY-Q is a patient-reported outcome instrument designed for weight loss and/or body contouring. In this article, the authors describe the development of a new module for masculinizing chest contouring surgery.

Methods:

Qualitative methods were used to develop the BODY-Q Chest Module, which was subsequently field-tested in Canada, the United States, The Netherlands, and Denmark between June of 2016 and June of 2017. Participants were aged 16 years or older and seen for gynecomastia, weight loss, or transman chest surgery. Data were collected using either a Web-based application or paper questionnaire. Rasch measurement theory analysis was performed.

Results:

The sample included 739 participants (i.e., 174 gynecomastia, 224 weight loss, and 341 gender-affirming). Rasch measurement theory analysis refined a 10-item chest scale and a five-item nipple scale. All items had ordered thresholds and good item fit, and scales evidenced reliability [i.e., person separation index and Cronbach alpha values were 0.95 and 0.98 (chest scale) and 0.87 and 0.94 (nipple scale), respectively]. Scores for both scales correlated more strongly with similar (satisfaction with the body) versus dissimilar (psychological and social function) BODY-Q scales. The mean scores for the chest and nipple scales were significantly higher (p < 0.001 on independent samples t tests) in participants who were postoperative compared with preoperative.

Conclusion:

This new BODY-Q Chest Module is a clinically meaningful and scientifically sound patient-reported outcome instrument that can be used to measure outcomes for masculinizing chest contouring surgery.
Identifying Predictors of Time to Soft-Tissue Reconstruction following Open Tibia Fractures
Authors: Shammas Ronnie L. , Mundy Lily R. , Truong Tracy , Weber Jeremy M. , Grier A. Jordan , Cho Eugenia H. , Peskoe Sarah B. , Gage Mark J. , Hollenbeck Scott T.
Published: September 2018

Background:

Controversy remains regarding the optimal timing of soft-tissue coverage following severe lower extremity trauma. This study identifies nationwide practice patterns and factors associated with discrepancies in time to first flap surgery following open tibia fractures.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was performed on the National Trauma Databank from 2008 to 2015 to identify patients who presented with an open tibia fracture and underwent subsequent flap reconstruction. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm was performed, revealing those factors most significantly associated with differences in time to flap surgery from hospitalization.

Results:

A total of 3297 patients were included in the analysis. Mean ± SD and median times to first flap surgery were 230.1 ± 246.7 hours and 169.1 hours, respectively. Older age, nonwhite race, treatment in the South, and non–private insurance status were all independently associated with an increased time to flap surgery. In addition, more surgical débridements; a higher Injury Severity Score and/or Abbreviated Injury Scale score; and a nerve, vascular, and/or crush injury were independent predictors of an increased time to flap surgery.

Conclusions:

Most patients who present with open tibia fractures requiring soft-tissue coverage undergo flap reconstruction after the historical 72-hour window. Specific sociodemographic and clinical factors were independently predictive of an increased time to flap surgery. These findings suggest that not all patients in the United States are receiving the same level of care in lower extremity trauma reconstruction, emphasizing the need to develop more explicit national standards.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Risk, III.
Optimal Sites for Supermicrosurgical Lymphaticovenular Anastomosis: An Analysis of Lymphatic Vessel Detection Rates on 840 Surgical Fields in Lower Extremity Lymphedema Patients
Authors: Yamamoto Takumi , Yamamoto Nana , Fuse Yuma , Narushima Mitsunaga , Koshima Isao
Published: September 2018

Background:

Supermicrosurgical lymphaticovenular anastomosis is becoming a useful treatment option for progressive lower extremity lymphedema because of its minimal invasiveness. Finding a lymphatic vessel is a minimum requirement for lymphaticovenular anastomosis surgery, but no study has reported comprehensive analysis on factors associated with lymphatic vessel detection.

Methods:

One hundred thirty-four female secondary lower extremity lymphedema patients who underwent indocyanine green lymphography and lymphaticovenular anastomosis without a history of lymphedema surgery were included. Medical charts were reviewed to obtain clinical, indocyanine green lymphographic, and intraoperative findings. Lymphatic vessel detection was defined as positive when one or more lymphatic vessels were found in a surgical field of lymphaticovenular anastomosis. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent factors associated with lymphatic vessel detection.

Results:

Patient age ranged from 36 to 81 years, duration of edema ranged from 3 to 324 months, and body mass index ranged from 16.2 to 33.3 kg/m2. Forty-eight patients (35.8 percent) had a history of radiation therapy, and 76 patients (56.7 percent) had a history of cellulitis. Lymphaticovenular anastomoses were performed in 840 surgical fields, among which lymphatic vessel detection was positive in 807 fields; the overall lymphatic vessel detection rate was 96.1 percent. Multivariate analysis revealed inverse associations in higher body mass index (OR, 0.323; p = 0.008) and the S-region/D-region on indocyanine green lymphography compared with the L-region (OR, 1.049 × 10–8/1.724 × 10–9; p < 0.001/p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Independent factors associated with lymphatic vessel detection were clarified. Lower body mass index and L-region on indocyanine green lymphography are favorable conditions for finding lymphatic vessels in lower extremity lymphedema patients.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Risk, III.
Toward the Assessment of Core Procedural Competencies among Canadian Plastic Surgery Residents
Authors: Shih Jessica G. , Knox Aaron D. C. , Zhygan Nick , Courtemanche Douglas J. , Fish Joel S. , Brown Mitchell H.
Published: September 2018

Background:

Plastic surgery residency training programs are working toward integrating competency-based education into program curriculum and training, a key component of which involves establishing core procedural competencies. This study aims to determine the exposure of graduating Canadian plastic surgery residents to established core procedural competencies.

Methods:

A retrospective review of case log procedure data using three databases (T-Res, POWER, and New Innovations) from graduating residents at all 10 Canadian English-speaking plastic surgery training programs between 2004 and 2014 was completed. Case logs were coded according to 177 core procedural competencies identified as “core” by the Delphi method among an expert panel of Canadian plastic surgeons.

Results:

A total of 59,405 procedures were logged by 55 graduating residents across Canada between 2004 and 2014 (average, 1080 ± 352 procedures per resident). Of 13 plastic surgery domains, 44 percent of all procedures were within either hand, upper extremity, and peripheral nerve (28.3 percent) or nonaesthetic breast (16.1 percent). The most frequently performed core procedural competencies (average case logs per resident) included breast reduction (65.3 ± 33.9); open carpal tunnel release (46.7 ± 34.2); breast reconstruction, implant-based (39.6 ± 20.5); and wound management (35.7 ± 28.6). Sixty-two of 177 procedures were logged on average less than once in 5 years of residency, including escharotomy, temporal parietal fascia flap, Guyon canal release, and soft-tissue fillers.

Conclusion:

This study identifies areas of exposure and underexposure to plastic surgery core procedural competencies, and can help focus surgical education on areas of greater need for surgical skills training and acquisition.