Factors associated with provision of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate to adolescents by US health care providers

ObjectiveIdentify factors associated with healthcare providers' frequency of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) provision to adolescents.Study designWe analyzed data from surveys mailed to a nationally representative sample of public-sector providers and office-based physicians (n=1984). We estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of factors associated with frequent DMPA provision to adolescents in the past year.ResultsAlthough most providers (>95%) considered DMPA safe for adolescents, fewer reported frequent provision (89% of public-sector providers; 64% of office-based physicians). Among public-sector providers, factors associated with lower odds of frequent provision included working in settings without Title X funding (aOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.30–0.64), reporting primary care as their primary clinical focus versus reproductive or adolescent health (aOR 0.42, 95% CI 0.28–0.61), and providing fewer patients with family planning services. Among office-based physicians, factors associated with lower odds of frequent provision included specializing in obstetrics/gynecology (aOR 0.50, 95% CI 0.27–0.91) and family medicine (aOR 0.21, 95% CI 0.09–0.47) versus adolescent medicine, completing training ≥15 versus <5 years ago (aOR 0.27, 95% CI 0.09–0.83), and reporting that 0–24% of patients pay with Medicaid or other government healthcare assistance versus ≥50% (aOR 0.23, 95% CI 0.09–0.61). The reason most commonly reported by providers for infrequent DMPA provision was patient preference for another method.ConclusionsWhile most providers reported frequently providing DMPA to adolescents, training on evidence-based recommendations for contraception, focused on subgroups of providers with lower odds of frequent DMPA provision, may increase adolescents' access to contraception.ImplicationsAlthough >95% of providers considered depot medroxyprogesterone (DMPA) a safe contraceptive for adolescents, only 89% of public-sector providers and 64% of office-based physicians reported frequently providing DMPA to adolescents. Provider training on evidence-based recommendations for contraception counseling and provision may increase adolescents' access to DMPA and all methods of contraception.     

Improving Prenatal Diagnosis of Coarctation of the Aorta

Background

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the association between fetal echocardiographic measurements and the need for intervention (primary coarctation repair, staged coarctation repair, or catheter intervention) in prenatally diagnosed coarctation of the aorta.

The DAGMAR Score: D-dimer assay-guided moderation of adjusted risk. Improving specificity of the D-dimer for pulmonary embolism

We generated a novel scoring system to improve the test characteristics of D-dimer in patients with suspected PE (pulmonary emboli).Electronic Medical Record data were retrospectively reviewed on Emergency Department (ED) patients 18?years or older for whom a D-dimer and imaging were ordered between June 4, 2012 and March 30, 2016. Symptoms (dyspnea, unilateral leg swelling, hemoptysis), age, vital signs, medical history (cancer, recent surgery, medications, history of deep vein thrombosis or PE, COPD, smoking), laboratory values (quantitative D-dimer, platelets, and mean platelet volume (MPV)), and imaging results (CT, VQ) were collected.Points were designated to factors that were significant in two multiple regression analyses, for PE or positive D-dimer. Points predictive of PE were designated positive values and points predictive of positive D-dimer, irrespective of presence of PE, were designated negative values.The DAGMAR (D-dimer Assay-Guided Moderation of Adjusted Risk) score was developed using age and platelet adjustment and points for factors associated with PE and elevated D-dimer.Of 8486 visits reviewed, 3523 were unique visits with imaging, yielding 2253 (26.5%) positive D-dimers. 3501 CT scans and 156 VQ scans were completed, detecting 198 PE.In our cohort, a DAGMAR Score?<?2 equated to overall PE risk?<?1.2%. Specificity improved (38% to 59%) without compromising sensitivity (94% to 96%). Use of the DAGMAR Score would have reduced CT scans from 2253 to 1556 and lead to fewer false negative results.By considering factors that affect D-dimer and also PE, we improved specificity without compromising sensitivity.     

Contemporary Outcomes and Factors Associated With Mortality After a Fetal or Postnatal Diagnosis of Common Arterial Trunk

Background

Common arterial trunk (CAT) is a rare anomaly with a spectrum of pathology. We sought to identify current trends and factors associated with postnatal outcomes.

Health outcomes and the healthcare and societal cost of optimizing pediatric surgical care in the United States

Background

There is a movement to ensure that pediatric patients are treated in appropriately resourced hospitals through the ACS Children’s Surgery Verification (CSV) program. The objective of this study was to assess the potential difference in care provision, health outcomes and healthcare and societal costs after implementation of the CSV program.