bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retreatment with Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2a and Ribavirin in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Who Have Relapsed or Not Responded to a First Course of Pegylated Interferon-Based Therapy
Authors: Yoshida Eric M , Sherman Morris , Bain Vincent G , Cooper Curtis L , Deschênes Marc , Marotta Paul J , Lee Samuel S , Krajden Mel , Witt-Sullivan Helga , Bailey Robert J , Usaty Christopher , Peltekian Kevork , the Canadian Pegasys Study Group  
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Pegylated interferon (pegIFN) and ribavirin combination therapy remains the first-line treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In contrast to the wealth of studies in treatment-naive patients, the effectiveness of retreatment in patients who have previously failed pegIFN-based therapy is largely unreported.AIM: To assess the effectiveness of the retreatment of patients who have previously failed an initial course of pegIFN-based therapy with pegIFNα-2a and ribavirin.METHODS: A post-hoc analysis of a multicentre open-label study was performed. Patients received pegIFNα-2a and ribavirin at a dose of 800 mg/day and later 1000 mg/day to 1200 mg/day for 24 to 48 weeks at the discretion of the investigator. Outcomes at week 12 (early virological response [EVR]) and week 24 (sustained virological response [SVR]) were analyzed.RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients who had relapsed after previous pegIFN-based therapy (n=28; 78% genotype 1) or were nonresponders (n=59; 71% genotype 1) were analyzed. Of the relapsers, 86% achieved an EVR and 68% achieved an SVR. In relapsers to pegIFN monotherapy (n=15) or pegIFN plus ribavirin (n=13), 60% and 77% achieved an SVR, respectively. Fibrosis and genotype did not affect the likelihood of SVR in relapsers although this may be the result of the relatively small number of patients. In previous nonresponders, an EVR was achieved in 53% but an SVR occurred in only 17%. In nonresponders to pegIFN monotherapy (n=9) and pegIFN plus ribavirin (n=50), 33% and 14% achieved an SVR, respectively. Genotype did not affect SVR in nonresponders. Only 10% with a METAVIR score of F3 or F4 on liver biopsy achieved an SVR.CONCLUSIONS: Relapse after previous pegIFN-based therapy is associated with a strong probability of treatment success whereas retreatment of those with previous nonresponse does not.
Predictors of Medication Adherence in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients at the Stollery Children’s Hospital
Authors: Kitney L , Turner JM , Spady D , Malik B , El-Matary W , Persad R , Huynh HQ 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often do not take their medications as prescribed.OBJECTIVE: To examine self-reported adherence rates in IBD patients at the Stollery Children’s Hospital (Edmonton, Alberta) and to determine predictors of medication adherence.METHODS: A survey was mailed to 212 pediatric IBD patients of the Stollery Children’s Hospital. A chart review was completed for those who returned the survey.RESULTS: A total of 119 patients completed the survey. The nonresponders were significantly older than responders (14.5 years versus 13.2 years; P=0.032). The overall adherence rate was 80%. Nonadherence was associated with older age (14.6 years versus 13.0 years; P=0.04), longer disease duration (5.0 years versus 3.1 years; P=0.004) and reported use of herbal medications (40.0% versus 13.6%; P=0.029). The most common reasons reported for missing medications were forgetfulness, feeling better and too many medications. In addition, patients reported being more likely to take anti-inflammatory medications and less likely to take herbal medicines.CONCLUSION: Identified predictors of nonadherence such as age, disease duration and use of herbal treatments may enable the development of specific strategies to improve adherence in adolescents with IBD.
Prevalence and Incidence of Hepatitis C Virus in Hemodialysis Patients in British Columbia: Follow‐up after a Possible Breach in Hemodialysis Machines
Authors: Tu Andrew W , Buxton Jane A , Whitlock Mandy , Djurdjev Ognjenka , Chong Mei , Krajden Mel , Beaulieu Monica , Levin Adeera 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: A possible breach of the transducer protector in specific dialysis machines was reported in June 2004 in British Columbia (BC), which led to testing of hemodialysis patients for hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HIV. This testing provided an opportunity to examine HCV incidence, prevalence and coinfection with HBV and HIV, and to compare anti‐HCV and HCV polymerase chain reaction (PCR).METHODS: The results of hemodialysis patients who were dialyzed on the implicated machines (65% of BC dialysis patients), and tested for HCV, HBV and HIV, between June 1, 2004, and December 31, 2004, were reviewed and compared with available previous results.RESULTS: Of 1286 hemodialysis patients with anti‐HCV and/or HCV‐PCR testing, 69 (5.4%) tested positive. Two HCV genotype 4 seroconversions were identified. HCV incidence rate on dialysis was 78.8 cases per 100,000 person‐years. Younger age, history of renal transplant and past HBV infection were associated with HCV infection. No occult infection was identified using HCV‐PCR.INTERPRETATION: Hemodialysis patients had three times the HCV prevalence rate of the general BC population, and more than 20 times the incident rate of the general Canadian population. One of the two seroconversions occurred before the testing campaign; the patient was likely infected during hemodialysis in South Asia. The other was plausibly a late seroconversion following renal transplant in South Asia. Nosocomial transmission cannot be ruled out because both patients were dialyzed in the same centre. Baseline and annual anti‐HCV testing is recommended. HCV‐PCR should be considered at baseline for persons with HCV risk factors, and for returning travellers who received dialysis in HCV‐endemic countries to identify HCV infection occurring outside the hemodialysis unit.
Canadian Consensus Guidelines for the Optimal Use of Etravirine in the Treatment of HIV‐Infected Adults
Authors: Harris Marianne , Angel Jonathan B , Baril Jean-Guy , Rachlis Anita , Trottier Benoit 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A group of five Canadian physicians with significant experience in HIV management was convened. Their goal was to develop guidance specifically for Canadian HIV‐treating physicians on the appropriate use of etravirine (TMC125, Intelence, Tibotec BVBA, Belgium) in adult HIV‐infected patients.METHODS: Evidence from the published literature, conference presentations and expert opinions of the group members were used to develop the recommendations. Feedback on the draft recommendations was obtained from this core group, and from seven other physicians across Canada with clinical HIV treatment expertise and experience in the use of etravirine, as well as two Canadian scientists with HIV expertise. The final recommendations represent the core group’s consensus agreement, taking all feedback into consideration.RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The recommendations were developed to guide physicians in the optimal use of etravirine. The issues considered included HIV disease status, antiretroviral treatment history, drug resistance profiles, predictors of response to etravirine, background antiretroviral regimen and drug‐drug interactions.
Lack of Effect of Lactose Digestion Status on Baseline Fecal Microflora
Authors: Szilagyi Andrew , Shrier Ian , Chong George , Je Jung Sung , Park Sunghoon , Heilpern Debra , Lalonde Catherine , Cote Louis-Francois , Lee Byong 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: The genetics of intestinal lactase divide the world’s population into two phenotypes: the ability (a dominant trait) or inability (a recessive trait) to digest lactose. A prebiotic effect of lactose may impact the colonic flora of these phenotypes differently.OBJECTIVE: To detect and evaluate the effects of lactose on subjects divided according to their ability to digest lactose.METHODS: A total of 57 healthy maldigesters (n=30) and digesters (n=27) completed diet questionnaires, genetic and breath hydrogen testing, and quantitative stool analysis for species of bacteria. Log10transformation of bacterial counts was compared with lactose intake in both groups using multiple regression analysis.RESULTS: There was a significant relationship between genetic and breath hydrogen tests. Daily lactose intake was marginally lower in lactose maldigesters (median [interquartile range] 12.2 g [31 g] versus 15 g [29.6 g], respectively). There was no relationship between lactose intake and breath hydrogen tests in either group. There were no differences in bacterial counts between the two groups, nor was there a relationship between bacterial counts and lactose intake in either group.CONCLUSION: The differential bacterial effects of lactose were not quantitatively detected in stool samples taken in the present study.
Positive Urine Cultures: A Major Cause of Inappropriate Antimicrobial Use in Hospitals?
Authors: Silver Samuel A , Baillie Laura , Simor Andrew E 
Published: March 2016

INTRODUCTION: Urine specimens are among the most common samples submitted for culture to microbiology laboratories. The objectives of the present study were to describe the indications for obtaining urine cultures in a cohort of hospitalized patients, and to determine the appropriateness of antimicrobial therapy in response to urine culture results.METHODS: The study was performed at a teaching hospital with an adjoining long‐term care facility from June 1 to July 31, 2006. The medical records of nonpregnant adult patients with and without bacteriuria were reviewed. A symptomatic urinary tract infection was defined as the presence of bacteriuria in a patient with fever or urinary symptoms; asymptomatic bacteriuria was defined as bacteriuria without urinary symptoms and no infection evident at another site.RESULTS: Medical records of 335 eligible patients (64% male; mean age 68 years) were reviewed, including all 137 with bacteriuria, and 198 with negative urine cultures. In total, 51% of the urine specimens were obtained from an indwelling urinary catheter, and 28% were voided urine samples. Confusion (57%) and fever (36%) were the most common indications noted for obtaining the urine cultures. Only 34 patients (25% of those with positive urine cultures) met the criteria for a symptomatic urinary tract infection; 67 (49%) had asymptomatic bacteriuria and 36 (26%) had infection at a nonurinary site. Of those with asymptomatic bacteriuria, 64% received antimicrobial therapy for a total of 347 days. Confused patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria were more likely to be treated than were bacteriuric patients without altered mental status (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2 to 4.1; P=0.03).CONCLUSIONS: Urine cultures are frequently obtained from hospitalizedpatients,evenintheabsenceofurinarysymptoms.Asymptomatic bacteriuria is often treated in these patients, and accounts for a substantial burden of inappropriate antimicrobial use in hospitals. Effective strategies to improve urine culture ordering and antimicrobial utilization in hospitals need to be implemented.
Do Patients Undergo Prostate Examination while Having a Colonoscopy?
Authors: Hammett Tess , Hookey Lawrence C , Kawakami Jun 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVES: To determine the rate at which physicians report performing a digital rectal examination and comment on the prostate gland before performing colonoscopy in men 50 to 70 years of age.METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all men 50 to 70 years of age who had a colonoscopy in Kingston, Ontario, in 2005 was completed. It was noted whether each physician described performing a digital rectal examination before the colonoscopy, and if so, whether he or she commented on the prostate.RESULTS: In 2005, 846 eligible colonoscopies were performed by 17 physicians in Kingston, Ontario. In 29.2% of cases, the physician made no comment about having performed a digital rectal examination; in 55.8% of cases, the physician commented on having completed a digital rectal examination but said nothing about the prostate; and in 15.0% of cases, the physician made a comment regarding the prostate. No physician consistently commented on the prostate for all patients, and in no circumstances was direct referral to another physician or follow-up suggested.DISCUSSION: A colonoscopy presents an ideal opportunity for physicians to use a digital rectal examination to assess for prostate cancer. Physicians performing colonoscopies in men 50 to 70 years of age should pay special attention to the prostate while performing a digital rectal examination before colonoscopy. This novel concept may help maximize resources for cancer screening and could potentially increase the detection rate of clinically palpable prostate cancer.
Use of Lidocaine Patches for Neuropathic Pain in a Comprehensive Cancer Centre
Authors: Fleming Julia Ann , O’Connor Bradley David 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: There are few reports of the use of the lidocaine 5% patch (L5%P) for neuropathic pain (NP) in the cancer patient. Within a comprehensive cancer centre, L5%P has been prescribed by the Pain and Palliative Care Service (Peter McCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) for selected patients with NP since 2001.OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively audit the use of L5%P within a comprehensive cancer centre.METHODS: All L5%P prescriptions up to January 2009 were listed and patient medical records were searched to determine neuropathic pain syndromes treated, the presence of allodynia, previous analgesic medications, treatment duration and outcome.RESULTS: L5%P was prescribed for 97 patients, most frequently for persistent postsurgical NP (n=26), postherpetic neuralgia (n=24) and cancer‐related NP (n=18). Six patients had no history of cancer and two patients never applied L5%P. Reviewers classed L5%P analgesic efficacy as ‘potent’ in 38% of patients with postherpetic neuralgia, 35% of patients with postsurgical pain, 27% of patients with NP after other treatments for cancer and 12% of patients with NP attributed to cancer alone. Allodynia featured in at least 60% of patients. Where allodynia was present, the efficacy of L5%P was assessed as ‘potent’ in 38% and ‘partial’ in 24%, but ‘ineffective’ in 26%, and ‘causing worse pain’ in 3.4% of patients. Treatment duration extended longer than one month in 52 patients, longer than two months in 29 patients and longer than one year in 13 patients. Therapy was ceased due to skin irritation in seven patients. The outcomes in relation to other reports are discussed.CONCLUSION: The present data support trials of L5%P for cancer patients with NP syndromes associated with allodynia.
A Single‐Centre 10‐Year Experience with Candida Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Labbé Annie-Claude , Pépin Jacques , Patiño Carlos , Castonguay Stéphanie , Restieri Christiane , Laverdiere Michel 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and microbiological features associated with Candida bloodstream infections observed at Hôpital Maisonneuve‐Rosemont (Montreal, Quebec) between August 1996 and July 2006.METHODS: Episodes were retrieved from the microbiology laboratory. Different patient episodes and different isolate episodes in the same patient were selected. Antifungal susceptibility was determined by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute’s (USA) M27A2 method.RESULTS: A total of 190 different episodes of candidemia in 185 patients were identified. Eleven (6%) episodes occurred in outpatients. Candida albicans was identified in the majority of episodes (57%). Its frequency remained stable over the years. The proportion of Candida krusei candidemia episodes increased between 2003 and 2006, but this was not statistically significant. A central venous indwelling catheter or a peripherally inserted central catheter line was present in the majority of patients (167 [88%]). Of the indwelling catheters removed at the time of diagnosis, 39% were positive for Candida species on culture. Overall, voriconazole was the most active agent (the minimum inhibitory concentration required to inhibit the growth of 90% of organisms was 0.5 mg/L). Resistance to fluconazole was observed in 26 (14%) isolates (C albicans, 4%; versus non‐albicans Candida species, 27%; P<0.001). Being on the hematology‐oncology unit at the time of diagnosis (adjusted OR 7.8; 95% CI 2.3 to 27.1; P=0.001) and having received fluconazole or itraconazole within the past three months (adjusted OR 8.3; 95% CI 2.8 to 24.4; P<0.001) were significantly associated with resistance to fluconazole in multivariate analysis.CONCLUSIONS: At Hôpital Maisonneuve‐Rosemont, the frequency and species distribution of blood isolates of Candida remained stable over the past decade. In vitro resistance of C albicans to fluconazole and itraconazole remained minimal; resistance of non‐albicans Candida species to fluconazole did not increase significantly. The new antifungal agents all had high in vitro activity against the bloodstream Candida isolates.
Adrenaline Injection Plus Argon Plasma Coagulation versus Adrenaline Injection Plus Hemoclips for Treating High-Risk Bleeding Peptic Ulcers: A Prospective, Randomized Trial
Authors: Taghavi Seyed Alireza , Soleimani Seyed Mohammad , Hosseini-Asl Seyed Mohammad Kazem , Eshraghian Ahad , Eghbali Hajar , Dehghani Seyed Mohsen , Ahmadpour Bita , Saberifiroozi Mehdi 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Several combination endoscopic therapies are currently in use. The present study aimed to compare argon plasma coagulation (APC) + adrenaline injection (AI) with hemoclips + AI for the treatment of high-risk bleeding peptic ulcers.METHODS: In a prospective randomized trial, 172 patients with major stigmata of peptic ulcer bleeding were randomly assigned to receive APC + AI (n=89) or hemoclips + AI (n=83). In the event of rebleeding, the initial modality was used again. Patients in whom treatment or retreatment was unsuccessful underwent emergency surgery. The primary end point of rebleeding rate and secondary end points of initial and definitive hemostasis need for surgery and mortality were compared between the two groups.RESULTS: The two groups were similar in all background variables. Definitive hemostasis was achieved in 85 of 89 (95.5%) of the APC + AI and 82 of 83 (98.8%) of the hemoclips + AI group (P=0.206). The mean volume of adrenaline injected in the two groups was equal (20.7 mL; P=0.996). There was no significant difference in terms of initial hemostasis (96.6% versus 98.8%; P=0.337), rate of rebleeding (11.2% versus 4.8%; P=0.124), need for surgery (4.5% versus 1.2%; P=0.266) and mortality (2.2% versus 1.2%; P=0.526). When compared for the combined end point of mortality plus rebleeding and the need for surgery, there was an advantage for the hemoclip group (6% versus 15.7%, P=0.042).CONCLUSION: Hemoclips + AI has no superiority over APC + AI in treating patients with high-risk bleeding peptic ulcers. Hemoclips + AI may be superior when a combination of all negative outcomes is considered.
Computed Tomographic Scan Evaluation of Pulmonary Blastomycosis
Authors: Ronald Suzanne , Strzelczyk Jacek , Moore Sean , Trepman Elly , Cheang Mary , Limerick Bill , Wiebe Lyle , Sarsfield Pete , MacDonald Kerry , Meyers Michael , Embil John M 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Blastomycosis is an uncommon granulomatous pulmonary and extrapulmonary infectious disease caused by the thermally dimorphic fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis. Diagnosis may be delayed or difficult because of varied presentation. The characteristics of blastomycosis on computed tomographic (CT) scan of the chest are not well characterized.METHODS: The images from 34 chest CT scans from patients with confirmed pulmonary blastomycosis were retrospectively reviewed.RESULTS: The most common CT findings were air bronchograms in 22 patients (65%), consolidation in 21 patients (62%), nodules (smaller than 3 cm) in 21 patients (62%) and lymph node enlargement (mediastinal and hilar nodes combined) in 12 patients (35%). Only four patients (12%) had a miliary pattern.CONCLUSIONS: A specific abnormality characteristic of pulmonary blastomycosis was not identified on CT scanning. The diagnosis can only be made in the context of a high index of clinical suspicion with histological or culture confirmation.
Gastrostomy Tube Placement by Radiological versus Endoscopic Methods in an Acute Care Setting: A Retrospective Review of Frequency, Indications, Complications and Outcomes
Authors: Galaski Amy , Peng Wei Wei , Ellis Michelle , Darling Pauline , Common Andrew , Tucker Emma 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVES: To describe the current practice of placing gastrostomy tubes (endoscopic and radiological), patient characteristics, indications for enteral support, complications and outcomes over a 13-month period, and explore factors that influenced complications and outcomes. Second, to provide Canadian data regarding feeding tube placement because no current literature reflecting these practices for Canadian hospitals is available.METHODS: Retrospective chart reviews were conducted. Patients who had initial percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) or percutaneous radiological gastrostomy (PRG) tubes inserted for nutritional purposes were included in the study.RESULTS: A total of 136 charts which included 30 PEG and 44 PRG procedures were reviewed. The PRG group was older than the PEG group (mean [± SD] age 68±19 years versus 55±21 years, respectively; P=0.008). Patients in PEG group had longer lengths of hospital stay and more intensive care unit admissions than the PRG group (P=0.029). The main reason for tube insertion was dysphagia/aspiration (PEG [60%] and PRG [77%]). Minor complications were comparable between the two groups (P=0.678). There were three cases of major complications overall. More subjects in the PRG group died (18%) while in hospital than in the PEG group (3%) (P=0.055). No procedure-related deaths occured in either group.CONCLUSIONS: Both methods of tube insertion provided a safe route for nutrition delivery despite a significant cost differential with PEGs costing 44% more than PRGs. Characteristics such as age, presence of ascites and severity of disease influenced the method of insertion despite the lack of current guidelines. Overall, the present study provides new descriptive data in a Canadian context.
Occult Dysplasia in a Localized Giant Pseudopolyp in Crohn’s Colitis: A Case Report
Authors: Wyse Jonathan , Lamoureux Esther , Gordon Philip H , Bitton Alain 
Published: March 2016

Localized giant pseudopolyposis of the colon (pseudopolyp larger than 1.5 cm in size) is a rare complication of inflammatory bowel disease. There is one report of an occult carcinoma within such a lesion, and no reports of sole dysplasia. A case of a 42-year-old man with longstanding Crohn’s colitis who underwent a colonoscopy revealing a large, multilobulated mass at the splenic flexure that was not amenable to endoscopic removal, is described. Multiple biopsies showed no dysplasia and histology was consistent with an inflammatory pseudopolyp. Computed tomographic colonography demonstrated a mass resembling a large villous tumour. A decision for surgery was made. The surgical specimen was a complex anastomosing inflammatory pseudopolyp 5 cm × 4 cm × 3 cm in size, with a focus of low-grade dysplasia in an area free of inflammation.The present case is the first reported occult dysplasia in a giant pseudopolyp. Occult dysplasia without superficial dysplasia may exist in these lesions and further studies are needed to examine risk factors that make a giant pseudopolyp more likely to harbour dysplasia and/or carcinoma.