bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eculizumab, a novel potential treatment for acute kidney injury associated with preeclampsia/HELLP syndrome
Authors: Elabd Hatem , Elkholi Mennallah , Steinberg Lewis , Acharya Anjali
Published: September 2019

The kidney is one of the major organs affected in preeclampsia. There is evidence suggesting a role for excessive complement activation in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. We describe a case of preeclampsia with severe features, including HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) and acute kidney injury (AKI) that developed following caesarian section. The patient required renal replacement therapy. A trial of daily plasma exchange was not effective. The patient received a single dose of eculizumab, a humanised monoclonal IgG antibody that binds to complement protein C5. One week post administration of eculizumab, there was significant improvement in haematologic, hepatic and renal function. Blood pressure had normalised and renal replacement therapy was discontinued. The use of eculizumab may have contributed to recovery of kidney function further supporting the role of complement activation in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and associated AKI.
Metastatic porocarcinoma achieving complete radiological and clinical response with pembrolizumab
Authors: Lee Karla A , Cioni Margherita , Robson Alistair , Bataille Veronique
Published: September 2019

A 67-year-old woman presented in 2012 with a crusty nodule on the left lower limb. Histopathological examination at this time reported a poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Two years later, she underwent lymphadenectomy and radiotherapy due to unilateral inguinal and pelvic sidewall nodal metastases. The following year she required excision of two subcutaneous lesions, reported pathologically to be SCC metastases. Further imaging following cyberknife radiotherapy to new brain metastases demonstrated widespread metastatic visceral disease. Twelve cycles of carboplatin and capecitabine failed to halt disease progression. In February 2017, she commenced pembrolizumab, achieving an excellent response and currently has no clinical or radiological evidence of disease. Given the unusual behaviour of her cancer, a histopathological review was requested. The diagnosis was revised to that of porocarcinoma (PC). This represents the first documented case of PC treated with immunotherapy. As of March 2019, the patient remains free of disease.
Spontaneous intracardiac microcavitations in a patient with a colonic carcinoma
Authors: Graf Alexander , Steffen Christian , Frick Sonia
Published: September 2019

Intracardiac microcavitations consist of airy microbubbles. They are typically found in patients with an intravascular line or device, mechanical heart valves or in decompression sickness. We report a case of a patient in mid-70s who was admitted due to weakness in both legs, left-thoracic pain and fever. Despite the lack of any of the risk factors mentioned above, spontaneous microcavitations were detected in the right sided cardiac cavities. After the detection of liver lesions suspicious for a metastatic disease, a colonoscopy was performed. An ulcerated colonic carcinoma at the ileocoecal valve was diagnosed and highly suspicious for being the entry port of the microcavitations. This unusual presentation of microcavitations together with a colonic neoplasia leads to hypotheses about the journey of the microbubbles from the ascending colon into the right heart. Gastrointestinal tumours are described as being the causes of microbubbles. Translocation of microbubbles through hepatopulmonary shunting are described in the context of locally applied particles of similar size during radioembolisation. A thorough aetiological workup is of importance since the underlying cause is potentially dangerous due to its own nature of disease and due the complications of the microcavitations such as paradoxical emboli or pulmonary sequelae.
A case of fever of unknown origin and recurrent hospital admissions in a cardiac patient: emergence of Enterobacter cloacae
Authors: Wafa Syed Emir Irfan , Ahmed Raheel , Ling Kay Teck , Carey Peter
Published: September 2019

A 72-year-old gentleman with significant cardiac history and a pacemaker in situ initially presented to the emergency department 5 days after he had his pacemaker-unit batteries changed. He had deranged vital signs, productive cough and fever. His chest plain radiograph did not show evidence of infection; however, he had right basal crackles on auscultation, which suggested a lower respiratory tract infection. He was treated with intravenous co-amoxiclav and supportive therapy, which led to his improvement. The patient was discharged but had to be readmitted a total of four times over the span of 4 months due to recurrent fever and associated symptoms. Transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiograms and CT of the neck/thorax/abdomen/pelvis were done to look for endocarditis, pacemaker-unit infection and other sources of infection. However, these did not show any evidence of infection. He did have persistent raised inflammatory markers and two blood cultures growingEnterobacter cloacae.A fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scan was done, which showed evidence of pacemaker lead infection. His pacemaker unit was removed, which led to cessation of his symptoms and normalisation of his inflammatory markers. He had no further hospital admissions to date and has been regularly followed up in an outpatient cardiology clinic.
Selective laser trabeculoplasty versus topical medication as initial glaucoma treatment: the glaucoma initial treatment study randomised clinical trial
Authors: Ang Ghee Soon , Fenwick Eva K , Constantinou Marios , Gan Alfred Tau Liang , Man Ryan Eyn Kidd , Casson Robert J , Finkelstein Eric A , Goldberg Ivan , Healey Paul R , Pesudovs Konrad , Sanmugasundram Sutha , Xie Jing , McIntosh Rachel , Jackson Jonathan , Wells Anthony P , White Andrew , Martin Keith , Walland Mark J , Crowston Jonathan G , Lamoureux Ecosse Luc
Published: September 2019

Background/Aims

To determine if selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is superior to topical medication as a first-line treatment for glaucoma on quality of life (QoL) and clinical outcomes.

Methods

In this international, longitudinal, multisite randomised controlled trial, treatment naïve mild-to-moderate primary open angle or exfoliation glaucoma patients were randomised 1:1 to SLT or topical medication. Glaucoma-specific QoL (primary outcome) was measured using the Glaucoma Outcomes Assessment Tool (GOAT; 342 items, 12 domains). Secondary outcomes included rate of successful intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction (>25% reduction from baseline) and presence of ocular surface disease including conjunctival hyperaemia and eyelid erythema. Our intention-to-treat analysis was performed at months 12 and 24.

Results

Of 167 enrolled patients, 83 and 84 were randomised to SLT and topical medication, respectively; and 145 (n=75 SLT, n=70 medication) completed 24-month follow-up. While both treatment arms achieved significant within-group gains in GOAT outcomes at both endpoints, SLT patients reported a greater between-group improvement in ‘social well-being’ compared with medication patients (mean±SE=0.28±0.13; p=0.034) at 24 months. At month 24, the rate of successful IOP reduction was 18.6% (95% CI 3.0% to 34.3%, p=0.022) higher (absolute difference) in the medication compared with SLT group. More individuals in the medication group had conjunctival hyperaemia and eyelid erythema compared with SLT at 24 months.

Conclusion

Overall, we did not find evidence that SLT was superior to medication in improving glaucoma-specific QoL. While we found superior IOP reduction in the medication arm, eyelid erythema and conjunctival hyperaemia were more prevalent in these patients compared with the SLT group.

Trial registration

ACTRN12611000720910.
Cluster containment strategy: addressing Zika virus outbreak in Rajasthan, India
Authors: Singh Ruchi , Gupta Veenu , Malhotra Bharti , Singh Sujeet , Ravindran P , Meena Deepa , Gupta Jyoti , Mathur VK , Mathur Ravi Prakash , Singh Sunil , Sharma Pratibha , Sharma Himanshu , Bhandari Sudhir , Gupta Nivedita , Sapkal Gajanan , Mourya Devendera T , Speer Maclane Davis
Published: September 2019

India is at risk of Zika virus transmission due to high prevalence of its vectorAedes aegypti. Rajasthan, a state in the north-west region of India, has also high prevalence ofAedesmosquito. First laboratory confirmed case of Zika virus disease in Rajasthan was reported on 21 September 2018 in Jaipur. The Government of Rajasthan quickly implemented a containment strategy to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of this disease. Strategy included active human and mosquito surveillance, laboratory testing and sequencing of the virus, integrated vector control measures, intersectoral coordination, risk communication and social mobilisation, all in a predefined geographic area around the epicentre. Timely action with appropriate coordination at all levels with multiple stakeholders contained the outbreak successfully. In all, 159 confirmed cases were reported from in and around the 3 km containment zone in Shastri Nagar area of Jaipur City and routine surveillance. Following this, a specially developed laboratory-based surveillance strategy was put in place to ensure that the disease does not spread beyond the containment zone. No fresh case was reported subsequently within or beyond the containment zone.
Strength training as a supplemental therapy for androgen deficiency of the aging male (ADAM): study protocol for a three-arm clinical trial
Authors: Kralik Michal , Cvecka Jan , Buzgo Gabriel , Putala Matus , Ukropcova Barbara , Ukropec Jozef , Killinger Zdenko , Payer Juraj , Kollarik Boris , Bujdak Peter , Raastad Truls , Sedliak Milan
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Androgen deficiency of the ageing male is a clinical syndrome resulting from the low production of androgens (testosterone levels <6.9 nmol/L) with symptoms including decline in lean mass, muscle strength, increases in body mass and overall fat mass. The aim of the study is to examine the effect of a 12 week strength training intervention on body composition, physical function, muscle cellular and molecular and selected biochemical markers of metabolic health in hypogonadal patients.

Methods and analysis

The study is three-group controlled 12-week experiment to assess the effect of strength training on hypogonadal patients with testosterone replacement therapy and newly diagnosed males without testosterone replacement therapy. Age matched healthy eugonadal males are also engaged in strength training. Lean mass is used to determine sample size indicating, that 22 subjects per group will be sufficient to detect intervention related changes at the power of 0.90. All outcomes are collected before the intervention (pre-intervention assessments) and after the intervention (post-intervention assessments). Clinical outcomes are body composition (lean mass, fat mass and total body mass) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, physical functioning assessed by physical tests and psychosocial functioning. The most important haematological and biochemical parameters included are glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, sexhormone-binding globulin, insulin and prostate-specific antigen. Muscle cellular and molecular outcomes are muscle fibre size and regulators of muscle fibre size. Muscle cellular outcomes are measured from muscle biopsies obtained from musculus vastus lateralis.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial is approved by Ethics Committee of the University Hospital in Bratislava, Slovakia, (ref. trial number: 127/2017) and all subjects will be fully informed on the rationale, risks and benefits of the study and sign the written informed consent prior to entering the study. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented in scientific conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT03282682
Congenital anomalies and associated risk factors in a Saudi population: a cohort study from pregnancy to age 2 years
Authors: Kurdi Ahmed M , Majeed-Saidan Muhammad Ali , Al Rakaf Maha S , AlHashem Amal M , Botto Lorenzo D , Baaqeel Hassan S , Ammari Amer N
Published: September 2019

Objective

To assess the three key issues for congenital anomalies (CAs) prevention and care, namely, CA prevalence, risk factor prevalence and survival, in a longitudinal cohort in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Setting

Tertiary care centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Participants

Saudi women enrolled during pregnancy over 3 years and their 28 646 eligible pregnancy outcomes (births, stillbirths and elective terminations of pregnancy for foetal anomalies). The nested case-control study evaluated the CA risk factor profile of the underlying cohort. All CA cases (1179) and unaffected controls (1262) were followed through age 2 years. Referred mothers because of foetal anomaly and mothers who delivered outside the study centre and their pregnancy outcome were excluded.

Primary outcome measures

Prevalence and pattern of major CAs, frequency of CA-related risk factors and survival through age 2 years.

Results

The birth prevalence of CAs was 412/10 000 births (95% CI 388.6 to 434.9), driven mainly by congenital heart disease (148 per 10 000) (95% CI 134 to 162), renal malformations (113, 95% CI 110 to 125), neural tube defects (19, 95% CI 25.3 to 38.3) and chromosomal anomalies (27, 95% CI 21 to 33). In this study, the burden of potentially modifiable risk factors included high rates of diabetes (7.3%, OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.04 to 2.12), maternal age >40 years (7.0%, OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.35 to 3.3), consanguinity (54.5%, OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.28 to 1.81). The mortality for live births with CAs at 2 years of age was 15.8%.

Conclusions

This study documented specific opportunities to improve primary prevention and care. Specifically, folic acid fortification (the neural tube defect prevalence was >3 times that theoretically achievable by optimal fortification), preconception diabetes screening and consanguinity-related counselling could have significant and broad health benefits in this cohort and arguably in the larger Saudi population.
Medicines shortages in Pakistan: a qualitative study to explore current situation, reasons and possible solutions to overcome the barriers
Authors: Atif Muhammad , Malik Iram , Mushtaq Irem , Asghar Saima
Published: September 2019

Objective

This study was conducted to assess current situation of medicines shortages in Pakistan and to identify its impact, reasons and possible solutions to overcome the barriers.

Design

A qualitative study.

Setting

The study was conducted between May 2018 and July 2018 in three cities of Pakistan including Islamabad, Karachi and Bahawalpur, depending on the availability of most relevant key informants.

Participants

Health regulators, pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmaceutical distributors and pharmacists.

Primary and secondary outcome measure

Study primarily explored current situation, reasons and potential solutions of medicines shortages in Pakistan. Secondary outcome was the issue of particular brand shortage.

Method

Semistructured interviews were conducted. Sample size was determined by using saturation point criteria. Convenient sampling techniques were used to recruit the participants. The interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

A total of 41 stakeholders including 12 health regulators, 6 pharmaceutical manufacturers, 8 pharmaceutical distributors and 15 pharmacists participated in this study. Data analysis yielded 4 themes, 16 subthemes, 51 categories. Essential and life-saving medicines were in short supply. The major reasons of short supply of medicines were active pharmaceutical ingredient and raw material availability issues, lack of traditional distribution system and sudden demand fluctuation. Among proposed solutions, three most common were the facilitation and regulation of manufacturers, reasonable price fixation and improvements in the inventory control system.

Conclusion

Medicines were short in supply, and this may have clinical and financial impact on the patients in Pakistan. There were multiple and complex reasons of medicines shortages. Mandatory government leadership is required to resolve the issue on priority basis for improving the access of medicines to the patients.
Discontinuation, persistence and adherence to subcutaneous biologics delivered via a homecare route to Scottish adults with rheumatic diseases: a retrospective study
Authors: Alvarez-Madrazo Samantha , Kavanagh Kimberley , Siebert Stefan , Semple Yvonne , Godman Brian , Maciel Almeida Alessandra , Acurcio Francisco de Assis , Bennie Marion
Published: September 2019

Objectives

To understand patterns of subcutaneous (SC) biologics use over time in adults with inflammatory rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases receiving a homecare delivery service.

Design

Retrospective cohort.

Setting

Patients in secondary care receiving SC biologics in the largest Scottish Health Board.

Participants

A new bespoke cohort was created from routine data gathered as part of a health board Homecare Service Database. Patients over 18 years who received a supply of SC biologic from January 2012 to May 2015 with a diagnosis for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) or ankylosing spondylitis (AS) were included.

Outcomes measured

A standardised framework was applied by measuring discontinuation rates, persistence using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression and adherence using medication refill adherence (MRA) and compliance rate (CR).

Results

751 patients were identified (AS: 105, PsA: 227, RA: 419) of whom 89.3% had more than one biologic delivery (median days’ follow-up: AS: 494; PsA: 544; RA: 529) and 83.2% did not switch biologic. For all conditions, approximately half were persistent on their index biologic (52% AS, 54% PsA, 48%RA). Of patients who discontinued treatment, the majority reinitiated with the same biologic (19% AS, 18% PsA and 21% RA). Overall adherence during the period of treatment was over 80% when calculated using MRA (median %MRA: AS: 84.0%, PsA: 85.0%, RA: 82.4%) or CR (median %CR: AS: 96.6%, PsA: 97%, RA: 96.6%).

Conclusion

Use of linked routine data is a sustainable pathway to enable ongoing evaluation of biologics use. A more consistent approach to studying use (discontinuation, persistence and adherence metrics) should be adopted to enable comparability of studies.
WHO guidance for refugees in camps: systematic review
Authors: Blundell Harriet , Milligan Rachael , Norris Susan L , Garner Paul
Published: September 2019

Objectives

The circumstances of people living in refugee camps means that they have distinct medical care requirements. Our objective is to describe clinical guidance in published WHO guidelines that refer to people living in refugee camps; and how evidence and context are used and reported in making recommendations.

Design

Systematic review and analysis of WHO guidelines approved by the organisation’s quality oversight body and published between 2007 and 2018. We sought for key terms related to camps and humanitarian settings, and identified text that included guidance. We compared this to Mèdecins Sans Frontièrs (MSF) guidelines.

Results

No WHO guideline published in the last 10 years focused exclusively on clinical guidance for healthcare in camp settings. Seven guidelines contained guidance about camps; three made recommendations for camps—but only two used formal evidence summaries. We did not find any structured consideration of the situation in camps used in the decision-making process. We examined seven WHO guidelines and six chapters within guidelines that concerned humanitarian settings: none of these documents contained recommendations based on formal evidence summaries for camp settings. One of the eight MSF guidelines was devoted to clinical care in refugees and the authors had clearly linked the health problems and recommendations to the setting, but this guideline is now >20 years old.

Conclusions

There is an absence of up-to-date, evidence-based medical treatment guidelines from WHO and MSF that comprehensively address the clinical needs for people living in camps; and there is no common framework to help guideline groups formulate recommendations in these settings. WHO may wish to consider context of special populations more formally in the evidence to decision-making approach for clinical guidelines relevant to primary care.
Prevalence of maternal psychological disorders after immediate postpartum haemorrhage: a repeated cross-sectional study - the PSYCHE* study protoco
Authors: Pranal Marine , Legrand Anne , de Chazeron Ingrid , Llorca Pierre-Michel , Vendittelli Françoise
Published: September 2019

Introduction

The main objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of depression at 2, 6 and 12 months postpartum in women who have had an immediate postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) (blood loss ≥500 mL within 24 hours of delivery). The secondary objectives are to assess the prevalence of anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder among these women and to evaluate the prevalence of psychological disorders according to the severity of the PPH.

Methods and analysis

This repeated, cross-sectional, single-centre study will take place at the Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital (France). The population will comprise a cohort of women giving birth at a term ≥22 weeks of gestation.

For each woman with a PPH (exposed), two women without PPH (unexposed) will be included: the women who give birth immediately before and immediately after her. The PPH will be managed according to French guidelines. The principal endpoint is the prevalence of depression, measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The intervention will consist of four surveys including various self-completed questionnaires: the first during the immediate postpartum (Post-Delivery Perceived Stress Inventory (PDPSI), Spielberger'sState-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)-Y-A and Y-B and Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.) 5.0.0), then at 2 months (EPDS, STAI-Y-A, Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and Revised Impact of Event Scale (IES-R)), and finally at 6 months and 1 year postpartum (EPDS, STAI-Y-A, GAD-7, M.I.N.I. 5.0.0 and IES-R). The study will include 1542 women — 514 with PPH.

Ethics and dissemination

The institutional review board (IRB) approved the study on 14 February 2017 (IRB Sud Est VI: N°AU1243).

Results will be reported in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific meetings. Findings from the study will be useful for individualising medical follow-up after childbirth, especially for woman who experienced a PPH, but also more generally in increasing birth professionals' awareness of effects of trauma. The evidence obtained might also lead to modifying practices and including this recommendation in French guidelines on PPH.

Trial registration number

NCT03120208.
Impact of depression and/or anxiety on patients with percutaneous coronary interventions after acute coronary syndrome: a protocol for a real-world prospective cohort study
Authors: Xiao Yihui , Li Wenyuan , Zhou Juan , Zheng Jie , Cai Xiaojie , Guo Manyun , Hao Xiang , Zhang Zhanyi , Liu Yan , Yuan Zuyi
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is one of the leading causes of death. Depression and/or anxiety after ACS is common. Studies from developed countries have reported that the occurrence of anxiety or depression after ACS might increase the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. However, the results varied, and are limited in developing countries. Therefore, well designed large-scale real-world study is needed to make further clarification. The main objective of this study is to evaluate whether depression or anxiety could affect the prognosis of patients with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) post-ACS.

Method and analysis

The study is a prospective, multicentre, cohort study, which will be performed at 12 large hospitals in northwest China and led by the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. A total of 5000 patients with PCI post-ACS will be enrolled and followed up for 2 years. Their depression and anxiety status will be evaluated with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 or Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 Assessment scales during the follow-up. A Cox proportional hazard model will be used to determine if depression/anxiety after PCI increase the risk of cardiovascular events. The impact of antidepression or antianxiety treatment on the cardiac prognosis will be explored as well among the patients with ACS who received the treatment after PCI.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the ethics committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University (approval number: XJTU1AF2016LSL-036). The results will be published in research articles or conference papers.

Trial registration number

NCT03057691.
Prevalence of self-reported knee symptoms and management strategies among elderly individuals from Frederiksberg municipality: protocol for a prospective and pragmatic Danish cohort study
Authors: Ginnerup-Nielsen Elisabeth Marie , Henriksen Marius , Christensen Robin , Heitmann Berit Lilienthal , Altman Roy , March Lyn , Woolf Anthony , Karlsen Hanne , Bliddal Henning
Published: September 2019

Introduction

The Global Burden of Disease 2010 study ranked osteoarthritis (OA) as a leading cause of years lived with disability. With an ageing population, increasing body weight and sedentary lifestyle, a substantial increase especially in knee OA (KOA) is expected. Management strategies for KOA include non-pharmacological, pharmacological and surgical interventions. Meanwhile, over-the-counter pain medications have been discredited as they are associated with several risks with long-term usage. By consequence, the use of exercise and all sorts of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for joint pain has increased. The available self-management strategies are plenty, but there is no overview of their use at a population level and whether they are used along with doctors’ prescriptions or replace these. The aim of this study is to estimate the population incidence of developing knee symptoms and analyse the association between (and impact of) the use of self-reported preventive measures and knee symptoms.

Methods and analysis

This prospective cohort study pragmatically recruits individuals from the municipality of Frederiksberg, Denmark. All citizens aged 60–69 years old will be contacted annually for 10 years and asked to participate in a web-based survey. The major outcomes are self-reported knee symptoms and their association with use of various management strategies, including use of non-pharmacological treatments and CAM. Secondary outcomes include the influence of treatments on use of healthcare system and surgical procedures. Descriptive and analytic statistics (eg, logistic regression) will be used to provide summaries about the sample and observations made and the associations between self-management and development of knee symptoms.

Ethics and dissemination

This study can be implemented without permission from the Health Research Ethics Committee. Permission has been obtained from the Danish Data Protection Agency. Study findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and presented at relevant conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT03472300.
Investigation of the demand for a 7-day (extended access) primary care service: an observational study from pilot schemes in England
Authors: Whittaker William , Anselmi Laura , Nelson Pauline , O'Donnell Caroline , Ross Natalie , Rothwell Katy , Hodgson Damian
Published: September 2019

Objectives

To understand how the uptake of an extended primary care service in the evenings and weekend varied by day of week and over time. Secondary objectives were to understand patient demographics of users of the service and how these varied by type of appointment and to core hour users.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

Primary care extended access appointments data in 13 centres in Greater Manchester, England, during 2016.

Participants

Appointments could be booked by 1 261 326 patients registered with a family practitioner in five Clinical Commissioning Group geographic areas.

Main outcome measures

Primary outcome measure was whether an appointment was used (booked and attended), secondary outcome measures included whether used appointments were prebooked or booked the same day, and delivered by a family or nurse practitioner. Additional analyses compared patient demographics with patients reporting the use of core hour primary care services.

Results

65.33% of 42 472 appointments were booked and attended (used). Usage of appointments was lowest on a Sunday at 46.73% (18.07 percentage points lower usage than on Mondays (95% CI −32.46 to −3.68)). Prebooked appointments were less likely to be booked among age group 0–9 and to result in patients not attending an appointment. Family practitioner appointments were increasingly less likely to be booked with age in comparison to nurse appointments. Patients attending extended access appointments tended to be younger in comparison to core hour patients.

Conclusions

There is spare capacity in the extended access service, particularly on Sundays, suggesting reconfigurations of the service may be needed to improve efficiency of delivering the service. Patient demographics suggest the service is used by a relatively younger population than core hour services. Patient demographics varied with the types of appointment provided, these findings may help healthcare providers improve usage by tailoring appointment provision to local populations.
Effect modification by gender of the influence of obstructive sleep apnoea characteristics on dyslipidaemia in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xia Yunyan , Zou Juanjuan , Xu Huajun , Yi Hongliang , Guan Jian , Yin Shankai
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) characteristics differ by gender, possibly affecting any association between OSA and dyslipidaemia. We explored whether gender influenced any association between OSA characteristics and dyslipidaemia.

Methods/Design

This was a cross-sectional, large-scale hospital-based study. Male and female risks of dyslipidaemia by OSA characteristics were assessed with logistic regression. Additive interactions were measured using three indices: the relative excess risk due to interaction, the attributable proportion due to interaction and the synergy index. Multiplicative interaction was evaluated via logistic regression.

Setting

A single secondary-care setting in China.

Participants

3760 patients with OSA.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Outcomes were male and female risks of dyslipidaemia, and the associated additive and multiplicative interactions between the apnoea–hypopnea index (AHI), the oxygen-desaturation index (ODI), the microarousal index (MAI), and gender.

Results

After controlling for confounding factors, males (but not females) with AHIs>30 were at higher risk of hyper-total cholesterol (TC), hypo-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) status and a hyper-TC/HDL-C ratio than males with AHIs≤30. Positive additive interactions were evident between the male gender and AHI on a hyper-TC/HDL-C ratio and hypo-HDL-C status. Males with ODIs>40.1 were at higher risk of hypo-HDL-C status and a hyper-TC/HDL-C ratio than males with ODIs≤40.1. Positive additive and multiplicative interactions were evident between male gender and ODI on hyper-TC/HDL-C ratio. Males with MAIs>28.6 were at higher risk of hyper-TC and hyper-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol status than males with MAIs≤28.6, but no statistically significant interactions were apparent between gender and MAI.

Conclusions

Males (but not females) with higher AHIs, ODIs or MAIs were at higher risks of some measures of dyslipidaemia. Positive interactions between male and severe OSA or intermittent hypoxia on some measures of dyslipidaemia were apparent. Thus, dyslipidaemia should be evaluated in patients with OSA, especially males with severe OSA or intermittent hypoxia.
Physical activity and sport participation among adolescents: associations with mental health in different age groups. Results from the Young-HUNT study: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Guddal Maren Hjelle , Stensland Synne Øien , Småstuen Milada Cvancarova , Johnsen Marianne Bakke , Zwart John-Anker , Storheim Kjersti
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Knowledge of how physical activity (PA) and sport participation are related to mental health throughout adolescence is scarce. Our objective was to describe PA levels and sport participation in a population-based sample of adolescents, and to explore how they relate to mental health in different age groups.

Design

A population-based cross-sectional study.

Setting and participants

The adolescent part of the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study, a Norwegian population-based health survey, conducted from 2006 to 2008. Of 10 464 invited participants (age 13–19 years), 7619 (73%) participated, of whom 3785 (50%) were boys.

Outcome measures

Mental health outcomes included psychological distress assessed using a short version of the Hopkins Symptom Check List Five items, self-esteem assessed using a short version of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and life satisfaction assessed with a single-item satisfaction with life measure.

Method

Logistic regression models were used to estimate the likelihood of psychological distress, low self-esteem and low life satisfaction, according to self-reported PA level and type of sport participation, stratified by gender and school level (junior vs senior high school).

Results

Fewer senior high school students participated in team sports compared with junior high school students (p<0.001). Physically active adolescents and participants in team sports had higher self-esteem and life satisfaction. A high PA level, compared with a low PA level, was associated with reduced odds of psychological distress among senior high school students (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.86 for girls and OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.79 for boys). Team sport participation was associated with reduced odds of psychological distress in senior high school girls.

Conclusion

A high PA level was favourably associated with various dimensions of mental health, especially for adolescents in senior high school. Team sport participation may have a positive impact on mental health and should, therefore, be encouraged.
Assessment of cardiovascular risk in a slum population in Kenya: use of World Health Organisation/International Society of Hypertension (WHO/ISH) risk prediction charts - secondary analyses of a household survey
Authors: Vusirikala Amoolya , Wekesah Frederick , Kyobutungi Catherine , Oyebode Oyinlola
Published: September 2019

Objectives

Although cardiovascular disease (CVD) is of growing importance in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), there are conflicting views regarding CVD as a major public health problem for the urban poor, including those living in slums. We examine multivariable risk prediction in a slum population and assess the number of cardiovascular related deaths within 10 years of application of the tool.

Setting

We use data from the Nairobi Urban Health and Demographic Surveillance System (NUHDSS) population (residents of two slum communities) between May 2008 and April 2009.

Design

This is a secondary data analysis from a cross-sectional survey. We use the WHO/International Society of Hypertension (WHO/ISH) cardiovascular risk prediction tool to examine 10-year risk of major CVD events in a slum population. CVD deaths in the cohort, reported up until June 2018 and identified through verbal autopsy are also presented.

Participants

3063 men and women aged over 40 years with complete data for variables needed for the WHO/ISH risk prediction tool were eligible to take part.

Results

The majority of study members (2895, 94.5%) were predicted to have ‘low’ risk (<10%) of a cardiovascular event over the next 10 years and just 51 (1.7%) to have ‘high’ CVD risk (≥20%). 91 CVD deaths were reported for the cohort up until June 2018. Of individuals classified as low risk, 74 (2.6%) were identified as having died of CVD. Nine (7.7%) individuals classified at 10% to 20% risk and eight (15.9%) classified at >20% were identified as dying of CVD.

Conclusions

This study shows that there is a low risk profile of CVD in this slum population in Nairobi, Kenya, in comparison to results from application of multivariable risk prediction tools in other LMIC populations. This has implications for health service planning in these contexts.
Comparison of ventilatory modes to facilitate liberation from mechanical ventilation: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Lewis Kimberley A , Chaudhuri Dipayan , Guyatt Gordon , Burns Karen E A , Bosma Karen , Ge Long , Karachi Tim , Piraino Thomas , Fernando Shannon M , Ranganath Nischal , Brochard Laurent , Rochwerg Bram
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Timely liberation from invasive mechanical ventilation is important to reduce the risk of ventilator-associated complications. Once a patient is deemed ready to tolerate a mode of partial ventilator assist, clinicians can use one of multiple ventilatory modes. Despite multiple trials, controversy regarding the optimal ventilator mode to facilitate liberation remains. Herein, we report the protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis comparing modes of ventilation to facilitate the liberation of a patient from invasive mechanical ventilation.

Methods and analysis

We will search MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, the Cochrane Library from inception to April 2019 for randomised trials that report on critically ill adults who have undergone invasive mechanical ventilation for at least 24 hours and have received any mode of assisted invasive mechanical ventilation compared with an alternative mode of assisted ventilation. Outcomes of interest will include: mortality, weaning success, weaning duration, duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of stay in the acute care setting and adverse events. Two reviewers will independently screen in two stages, first titles and abstracts, and then full texts, to identify eligible studies. Independently and in duplicate, two investigators will extract all data, and assess risk of bias in all eligible studies using the Modified Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Reviewers will resolve disagreement by discussion and consultation with a third reviewer as necessary. Using a frequentist framework, we will perform random-effect network meta-analysis, including all ventilator modes in the same model. We will calculate direct and indirect estimates of treatment effect using a node-splitting procedure and report effect estimates using OR and 95% CI. We will assess certainty in effect estimates using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology.

Ethics and dissemination

Research ethics board approval is not necessary. The results will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019137786
Prevalence and correlates of cardiometabolic multimorbidity among hypertensive individuals: a cross-sectional study in rural South Asia—Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka
Authors: Feng Liang , Jehan Imtiaz , de Silva H Asita , Naheed Aliya , Farazdaq Hamida , Hirani Samina , Kasturiratne Anuradhani , Ranasinha Channa D , Islam Md Tauhidul , Siddiquee Ali Tanweer , Jafar Tazeen H
Published: September 2019

Objective

To determinate the prevalence and correlates of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM), and their cross-country variation among individuals with hypertension residing in rural communities in South Asia.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Rural communities in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Participants

A total of 2288 individuals with hypertension aged ≥40 years from the ongoing Control of Blood Pressure and Risk Attenuation- Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka clinical trial.

Main outcome measures

CMM was defined as the presence of ≥2 of the conditions: diabetes, chronic kidney disease, heart disease and stroke. Logistic regression was done to evaluate the correlates of CMM.

Results

About 25.4% (95% CI 23.6% to 27.2%) of the hypertensive individuals had CMM. Factors positively associated with CMM included residing in Bangladesh (OR 3.42, 95% CI 2.52 to 4.65) or Sri Lankan (3.73, 95% CI 2.48 to 5.61) versus in Pakistan, advancing age (2.33, 95% CI 1.59 to 3.40 for 70 years and over vs 40–49 years), higher waist circumference (2.15, 95% CI 1.42 to 3.25) for Q2–Q3 and 2.14, 95% CI 1.50 to 3.06 for Q3 and above), statin use (2.43, 95% CI 1.84 to 3.22), and higher levels of triglyceride (1.01, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.02 per 5 mg/dL increase). A lower odds of CMM was associated with being physically active (0.75, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.97). A weak inverted J-shaped association between International Wealth Index and CMM was found (p for non-linear=0.058), suggesting higher risk in the middle than higher or lower socioeconomic strata.

Conclusions

CMM is highly prevalent in rural South Asians affecting one in four individuals with hypertension. There is an urgent need for strategies to concomitantly manage hypertension, cardiometabolic comorbid conditions and associated determinants in South Asia.
Comparison of the outcomes of warfarin therapy and economics by online and offline anticoagulation management models: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Xia Xiaotong , Fu Jinglan , Wu Tingting , Chen Wenjun , Jinhua Zhang
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Warfarin is widely used in the world as oral anticoagulant, but it is difficult to manage patients after medication due to its narrow treatment window and individualised differences. Therefore, every region uses network means to carry out online anticoagulant therapy services. The purpose of this paper is to compare monitoring results and randomised controlled studies of the complications of warfarin treated by offline or online management in a Chinese population.

Methods and analysis

This is a randomised controlled, multicentre clinical trial. Taking the Union Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University as the main centre, a randomised controlled study of several subcentres around China produced a nationally representative sample. 496 participants who took warfarin will be recruited and then randomly divided into two groups at a ratio of 1:1. We will collect data on patient characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, hospitalisation results and later complications.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Union Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University. All cooperative hospitals have been approved by the Central Ethics Committee. The results of the survey will be disseminated in future peer review documents and will provide the basis for a management model for patients in China taking warfarin.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR1900021920.
Natural aging course of paraspinal muscle and back extensor strength in community-dwelling older adults (sarcopenia of spine, SarcoSpine): a prospective cohort study protocol
Authors: Kim Ju Chan , Lee Shi-Uk , Jung Se Hee , Lim Jae-Young , Kim Dong Hyun , Lee Sang Yoon
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Sarcopenia in the lumbar paraspinal muscles is receiving renewed attention as a cause of spinal degeneration. However, there are few studies on the precise concept and diagnostic criteria for spinal sarcopenia. Here, we develop the concept of spinal sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults. In addition, we aim to observe the natural ageing process of paraspinal and back muscle strength and investigate the association between conventional sarcopenic indices and spinal sarcopenia.

Methods and analysis

This is a prospective observational cohort study with 120 healthy community-dwelling older adults over 4 years. All subjects will be recruited in no sarcopenia, possible sarcopenia or sarcopenia groups. The primary outcomes of this study are isokinetic back muscle strength and lumbar paraspinal muscle quantity and quality evaluated using lumbar spine MRI. Conventional sarcopenic indices and spine specific outcomes such as spinal sagittal balance, back performance scale and Sorenson test will also be assessed.

Ethics and dissemination

Before screening, all participants will be provided with oral and written information. Ethical approval has already been obtained from all participating hospitals. The study results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT03962530
Mental wellbeing in bereaved carers: A Health Survey for England population study
Authors: Hodiamont Farina , Allgar Victoria , Currow David C , Johnson Miriam J
Published: September 2019

Objectives

The experience of caregiving may affect carers’ well-being into bereavement. We explored associations between mental well-being and previous experience of bereavement of, and caring for, someone close at the end-of-life.

Methods

An end-of-life set of questions was included in population-based household survey administered to adults (age 16 years and above). We used univariable regression to explore the cross-sectional relationship between our primary outcome (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS)) and possible explanatory variables: sociodemographic; death and bereavement including ability to continue with their life; disease and carer characteristics; service use and caregiving experience.

Results

The analysis dataset included 7606 of whom 5849 (77%) were not bereaved, 1174 (15%) were bereaved but provided no care and 583 (8%) were bereaved carers. WEMWBS was lower in the oldest age class (85 years and above) in both bereaved groups compared with not bereaved (p<0.001). The worst WEMWBS scores were seen in the ‘bereaved but no care’ group who had bad/very bad health self-assessed general health (39.8 (10.1)) vs 41.6 (9.5)) in those not bereaved and 46.4 (10.7) in bereaved carers. Among the bereaved groups, those who would not be willing to care again had lower WEMWBS scores than those who would (48.3 (8.3) vs 51.4 (8.4), p=0.024).

Conclusion

Mental well-being in bereavement was worse in people with self-reported poor/very poor general health and those with a worse caregiving experience. Although causality cannot be assumed, interventions to help people with worse mental and physical health to care, so that their experience is as positive as possible, should be explored prospectively.