Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Modestly Enhance Prediction of Readmission in Patients with Cirrhosis

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Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders and Associated Health Impairment in Individuals with Celiac Disease

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Regression of Left Ventricular Mass After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: The PARTNER Trials and Registries

BackgroundGreater early left ventricular mass index (LVMi) regression is associated with fewer hospitalizations 1 year after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The association between LVMi regression and longer-term post-TAVR outcomes is unclear.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine the association between LVMi regression at 1-year post-TAVR and clinical outcomes between 1 and 5 years.MethodsAmong intermediate- and high-risk patients who received TAVR in the PARTNER (Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valves) I, II, and S3 trials or registries and were alive at 1 year, we included patients with baseline moderate or severe left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and paired measurements of LVMi at baseline and 1 year. The associations between LVMi regression (percent change between baseline and 1 year) and death or rehospitalization from 1 to 5 years were examined.ResultsAmong 1,434 patients, LVMi was 146 g/m² (interquartile range [IQR]: 133 to 168 g/m²) at baseline and decreased 14.5% (IQR: 4.2% to 26.1%) to 126 g/m² (IQR: 106 to 148 g/m²) at 1 year. After adjustment, greater LVMi regression at 1 year was associated with lower all-cause death (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.95 per 10% decrease in LVMi; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.91 to 0.98; p = 0.004; aHR of the quartile with greatest vs. least LVMi regression: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.86; p = 0.005). Severe LVH at 1 year was observed in 39%, which was independently associated with increased all-cause death (aHR of severe LVH vs. no LVH: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.20 to 2.44; p = 0.003). Similar associations were found for rates of cardiovascular mortality and rehospitalization.ConclusionsAmong patients with moderate or severe LVH treated with TAVR who are alive at 1 year, greater LVMi regression at 1 year is associated with lower death and hospitalization rates to 5 years. These findings may have implications for the timing of valve replacement and the role of adjunctive medical therapy after TAVR.     

Self-reported risk factors related to the most frequent musculoskeletal complaints among Czech dentists

The purpose of the study was to describe the occurrence of the most common complaints related to MSDs in Czech dentists and to assess the risk factors affecting them. A questionnaire survey of 581 Czech dentists (the response rate 72.6%) was conducted in 2011. The questionnaire ascertained general information about the respondents, their work habits and environment along with the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders. The respondents filled out the questionnaires during the educational events organized by the Czech Dental Chamber. At least mild difficulties associated with the motoric system were reported by 96.9% of the respondents, with 66.3% of respondents reporting moderate or major difficulties. Back and neck pain followed by shoulder pain and headache were the most common complaints in our sample. According to our data: age, gender, length of practice, a history of serious MSDs, the occurrence of MSDs in blood relatives, the perception of work as psychologically demanding, and especially a perceived moderate/bad general health were significantly associated with the four most common musculoskeletal complaints. Some of the factors were found as protective. This study suggests that MSDs represent a significant burden for Czech dentists and further research is needed to elucidate this issue.     

北京三家医院患儿家长抗生素知识的调查

目的：通过对患儿家长抗生素知识的调查,了解他们对抗生素知识的掌握情况。方法随机选取2011年8~10月在北京三家医院就诊的1500名患儿家长,进行有关抗生素知识的问卷调查,回收有效回卷1416份。结果被调查者中46.00%知道细菌感染时要用抗生素,34.20%认为病毒感染要用抗生素。儿童普通伤风感冒(鼻塞、流涕及打喷嚏)时,认为需要使用抗生素的人占16.83%,一般咽炎或扁桃体炎(非化脓性)时该比例为36.92%,气管炎时为51.13%,肺炎时为68.90%。男性家长与女性家长答题的正确率分别为41.27%、42.55%,两者相比无明显差异(Χ2=40.059,P=0.021)。三级医院与二级医院患儿家长的答题正确率分别为43.44%、40.52%。两者相比差异有显著性(Χ2=82.969,P<0.01)。结论目前抗生素仍存在一定程度滥用情况,患儿家长对于抗生素应用指征认知不足,需进一步加强对于患儿家长抗生素知识的教育工作。     

A Before and After Analysis of Health Care Utilization by Patients Enrolled in Opioid Controlled Substance Agreements for Chronic Noncancer Pain

Objective

To evaluate the impact of opioid controlled substance agreements (CSAs) enrollment on health care utilization.

Developing Item Response Theory–Based Short Forms to Measure the Social Impact of Burn Injuries

Objective

To develop self-reported short forms for the Life Impact Burn Recovery Evaluation (LIBRE) Profile.