Evaluating meniscus allograft transplant using a cost-effectiveness threshold analysis

Background

It is unknown if meniscal allograft transplant (MAT) delays progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Cost-effectiveness threshold analysis can demonstrate the necessary delay in OA progression required by MAT to be considered cost-effective compared to non-operative management. The purpose of this study is to identify the efficacy MAT requires in delaying progression to OA in previously meniscectomized knees in order to be considered cost-effective compared to non-operative treatment. A secondary goal is to demonstrate the influence of age and BMI on the required efficacy of MAT for cost-effectiveness.

Estimation of seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness using data collected in primary care in France: comparison of the test-negative design and the screening method

ObjectivesWe discussed which method between the test-negative design (TND) and the screening method (SM) could provide more robust real-time and end-of-season vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates using data collected from routine influenza surveillance in primary care.MethodsWe used data collected during two influenza seasons, 2014–15 and 2015–16. Using the SM, we estimated end-of-season VE in preventing medically attended influenza-like illness and laboratory-confirmed influenza among the population at risk. Using the TND, we estimated end-of-season VE in preventing influenza among both the general and the at-risk population. We estimated real-time VE using both methods.ResultsFor the SM, the overall adjusted end-of-season VE was 24% (95% confidence interval (CI), 16 to 32) and 12% (95% CI, −16 to 33) during season 2014–15, and 53% (95% CI, 44 to 60) and 47% (95% CI, 23 to 64) during season 2015–16, in preventing influenza-like illness and laboratory-confirmed influenza, respectively. For the TND, the overall adjusted end-of-season VE was −17% (95% CI, −79 to 24) and −38% (95% CI, −199 to 13) in 2014–15, and 10% (95% CI, −31 to 39) and 18% (95% CI, −33 to 50) in 2015–16, among the general and at-risk population, respectively. Real-time VE estimates obtained through the TND showed more variability across each season and lower precision than those estimated with the SM.ConclusionsAlthough the worldwide use of the TND allows for comparison of overall VE estimates among countries, the SM performs better in providing robust real-time VE estimates among the population at risk.     

EAACI guidelines on allergen immunotherapy: Hymenoptera venom allergy

Hymenoptera venom allergy is a potentially life‐threatening allergic reaction following a honeybee, vespid, or ant sting. Systemic‐allergic sting reactions have been reported in up to 7.5% of adults and up to 3.4% of children. They can be mild and restricted to the skin or moderate to severe with a risk of life‐threatening anaphylaxis. Patients should carry an emergency kit containing an adrenaline autoinjector, H₁‐antihistamines, and corticosteroids depending on the severity of their previous sting reaction(s). The only treatment to prevent further systemic sting reactions is venom immunotherapy. This guideline has been prepared by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology's (EAACI) Taskforce on Venom Immunotherapy as part of the EAACI Guidelines on Allergen Immunotherapy initiative. The guideline aims to provide evidence‐based recommendations for the use of venom immunotherapy, has been informed by a formal systematic review and meta‐analysis and produced using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) approach. The process included representation from a range of stakeholders. Venom immunotherapy is indicated in venom‐allergic children and adults to prevent further moderate‐to‐severe systemic sting reactions. Venom immunotherapy is also recommended in adults with only generalized skin reactions as it results in significant improvements in quality of life compared to carrying an adrenaline autoinjector. This guideline aims to give practical advice on performing venom immunotherapy. Key sections cover general considerations before initiating venom immunotherapy, evidence‐based clinical recommendations, risk factors for adverse events and for relapse of systemic sting reaction, and a summary of gaps in the evidence.     

腹腔镜免钉合经腹部分腹膜外网片植入术与经腹腹膜前修补术的疗效比较

目的:对比分析腹腔镜免钉合经腹部分腹膜外网片植入术(transabdominal partial extraperitoneal,TAPE)与腹腔镜经腹腹膜前修补术(transabdominal preperitoneal,TAPP)的并发症及临床疗效。方法:回顾分析2007年7月至2010年6月为38例患者行免钉合TAPE(TAPE组)及为65例患者行TAPP(TAPP组)的临床资料,对比两组手术时间、住院时间、住院费用、疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue scales,VAS)及3年复发率。结果:两组患者手术时间差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);住院时间、住院费用、术后1周VAS评分差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);术后半年TAPE组及TAPP组VAS评分分别为(0.37±0.13)分及(1.62±0.44)分,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);3年复发率分别为2.63%、3.08%,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:免钉合TAPE及TAPP治疗腹股沟疝均是安全、有效的,免钉合TAPE在缩短手术时间及减少慢性疼痛方面具有一定优势。     

腹腔镜辅助与传统手术治疗右半结肠癌近期疗效比较

目的:探讨腹腔镜辅助与传统手术治疗结肠癌的短期疗效。方法:回顾分析16例腹腔镜辅助下结肠癌根治术(腹腔镜组)及20例传统结肠癌根治术(开腹组)的临床资料,对比两组患者手术及术后情况。结果:腹腔镜组切口长度、术后止痛时间、下床活动时间、胃肠道功能恢复时间、住院时间均优于开腹组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01),但开腹组手术时间、住院费用优于腹腔镜组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);两组患者术中出血量、淋巴结清除数量差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:腹腔镜辅助右半结肠癌根治术安全、可行,具有患者创伤小、术后康复快的优点,根治效果可达到开腹手术的水平。     

Tolerability,quality of life,and persistency of use in patients with glaucoma who are switched to the fixed combination of latanoprost and timolol

This study was undertaken to assess tolerability, quality of life, and persistency of use and to monitor changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) during the first 6 mo after a switch to fixed combination latanoprost/timolol. In Germany, 271 general ophthalmology practices enrolled patients who were switched from previous ocular hypotensive therapies to latanoprost/timolol for medical reasons. Usual care routines were followed, and IOP was measured at baseline and approximately 6 mo later. Adverse events were recorded throughout. Immediately before switching and at follow-up, patients completed a 29-item quality-of-life questionnaire. Of 1052 patients who met analysis criteria, 748 (71%) switched from combination therapy and 304 (29%) from monotherapy. An insufficient IOP reduction with the previous therapy was a reason for switching in 71% of patients; the desire to simplify to once-daily administration was cited in 66%. Ocular adverse events were reported in 19 patients after the switch, and 97% remained on therapy throughout the follow-up period. After switching, patients were less likely to forget to instill their eyedrops or to feel that their drops had adverse effects; they found it easier to include eyedrop administration in their routine; they were more satisfied with the frequency of instillation; and they were more likely to want to continue with the drops. Across all previous therapies, mean IOP decreased from 20.6±3.7 mm Hg to 17.2±2.8 mm Hg after the switch (P < .001)—a 14.8% difference. Fixed combination latanoprost/timolol is well tolerated and effective in patients who are switched from other monotherapies or combination therapies for medical reasons. Such a switch may be associated with improved quality of life.     

异维A酸联合超脉冲CO2点阵激光治疗Ⅱ、Ⅲ期酒渣鼻的疗效观察

目的:观察异维A酸联合超脉冲CO2点阵激光治疗Ⅱ、Ⅲ期酒渣鼻的疗效。方法:将49例酒渣鼻患者随机分为两组:药物组:24例,单纯药物治疗;联合组:25例,药物联合激光治疗,治疗后进行疗效判定和比较。结果:联合组治疗后皮损评分显著低于药物组;药物组总有效率62.5%,联合组为92.0%,联合组疗效优于药物组,差异具有统计学意义。结论:药物联合点阵激光治疗Ⅱ、Ⅲ期酒渣鼻,效果显著,安全可靠。     

How trust affects performance of interprofessional health-care teams.

ABSTRACT

Interprofessional teamwork in health-care settings is considered a valuable means of enhancing patient management. Literature has highlighted the importance of trust in building effective health-care teams. The present study aimed to investigate and further understand the perceptions of health-care professionals regarding trust and performance within their working team, as well as to assess the association between them and team performance. “TRUST” questionnaire, a valid instrument for measuring the relationship of trust and team performance was distributed to the members of the perioperative teams located in two different hospitals (a University and a General Hospital) in Greece. Two multivariate linear regression models were developed to reveal the significant predictors of high performance per hospital. Among the major findings revealed were 1) trust and performance were closely related 2) slight yet significant variations were observed between the University and the General Hospital and 3) trust level, years of previous experience and number of team members were among the key predictors of effective team performance. This study conveys new knowledge on trust and performance within health-care settings with limited resources and is expected to guide future interventions aiming to enhance team performance.