Assessing the quality of clinical and administrative data extracted from hospitals: the General Medicine Inpatient Initiative (GEMINI) experience

ObjectiveLarge clinical databases are increasingly used for research and quality improvement. We describe an approach to data quality assessment from the General Medicine Inpatient Initiative (GEMINI), which collects and standardizes administrative and clinical data from hospitals.MethodsThe GEMINI database contained 245 559 patient admissions at 7 hospitals in Ontario, Canada from 2010 to 2017. We performed 7 computational data quality checks and iteratively re-extracted data from hospitals to correct problems. Thereafter, GEMINI data were compared to data that were manually abstracted from the hospital’s electronic medical record for 23 419 selected data points on a sample of 7488 patients.ResultsComputational checks flagged 103 potential data quality issues, which were either corrected or documented to inform future analysis. For example, we identified the inclusion of canceled radiology tests, a time shift of transfusion data, and mistakenly processing the chemical symbol for sodium (“Na”) as a missing value. Manual validation identified 1 important data quality issue that was not detected by computational checks: transfusion dates and times at 1 site were unreliable. Apart from that single issue, across all data tables, GEMINI data had high overall accuracy (ranging from 98%–100%), sensitivity (95%–100%), specificity (99%–100%), positive predictive value (93%–100%), and negative predictive value (99%–100%) compared to the gold standard.Discussion and ConclusionComputational data quality checks with iterative re-extraction facilitated reliable data collection from hospitals but missed 1 critical quality issue. Combining computational and manual approaches may be optimal for assessing the quality of large multisite clinical databases.     

Haploidentical transplantation has a superior graft-versus-leukemia effect than HLA-matched sibling transplantation for Ph– high-risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Background:Compared with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched sibling donor (MSD) transplantation, it remains unclear whether haploidentical donor (HID) transplantation has a superior graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect for Philadelphia-negative (Ph–) high-risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). This study aimed to compare the GVL effect between HID and MSD transplantation for Ph– high-risk B-ALL.Methods:This study population came from two prospective multicenter trials ({"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT01883180","term_id":"NCT01883180"}}NCT01883180, {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT02673008","term_id":"NCT02673008"}}NCT02673008). Immunosuppressant withdrawal and prophylactic or pre-emptive donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) were administered in patients without active graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) to prevent relapse. All patients with measurable residual disease (MRD) positivity posttransplantation (post-MRD+) or non-remission (NR) pre-transplantation received prophylactic/pre-emptive interventions. The primary endpoint was the incidence of post-MRD+.Results:A total of 335 patients with Ph– high-risk B-ALL were enrolled, including 145 and 190, respectively, in the HID and MSD groups. The 3-year cumulative incidence of post-MRD+ was 27.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 20.2%–34.7%) and 42.6% (35.5%–49.6%) in the HID and MSD groups (P = 0.003), respectively. A total of 156 patients received DLI, including 60 (41.4%) and 96 (50.5%), respectively, in the HID and MSD groups (P = 0.096). The 3-year cumulative incidence of relapse was 18.6% (95% CI: 12.7%–25.4%) and 25.9% (19.9%–32.3%; P = 0.116) in the two groups, respectively. The 3-year overall survival (OS) was 67.4% (95% CI: 59.1%–74.4%) and 61.6% (54.2%–68.1%; P = 0.382), leukemia-free survival (LFS) was 63.4% (95% CI: 55.0%–70.7%) and 58.2% (50.8%–64.9%; P = 0.429), and GVHD-free/relapse-free survival (GRFS) was 51.7% (95% CI: 43.3%–59.5%) and 37.8% (30.9%–44.6%; P = 0.041), respectively, in the HID and MSD groups.Conclusion:HID transplantation has a lower incidence of post-MRD+ than MSD transplantation, suggesting that HID transplantation might have a superior GVL effect than MSD transplantation for Ph– high-risk B-ALL patients.Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov: {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT01883180","term_id":"NCT01883180"}}NCT01883180, {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT02673008","term_id":"NCT02673008"}}NCT02673008.     

Outcomes of tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients in National Guard Health Affairs,Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Objectives:To evaluate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient tracheostomy outcomes.Methods:All COVID-19 patients at the National Guard Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were retrospectively recruited. Those who had tracheostomies between April and December 2020 were included.Results:The population was 45 patients, of which 30 (66.7%) were males, 15 (33.3%) were females and the mean age was 66.76±12.74 years. The tracheostomy indications were anticipated prolonged weaning in 40 (88.9%) and failed extubation in 5 (11.1%) of the patients. The mean intubation to tracheostomy duration was 20.62±7.21 days. Mortalities were high, with most attributed to COVID-19. Mortality and a pre-tracheostomy C-reactive protein (CRP) uptrend were significantly related (p=0.039). Mortality and intubation to tracheostomy duration were not significantly related. The mean post-tracheostomy time to death was 10.64±6.9 days. Among the survivors, 20 (44.4%) males and 11 (24.4%) females were weaned off mechanical ventilation; 9 (20%) remained on ventilation during the study. The mean ventilation weaning time was 27.92±20 days.Conclusion:The high mortality rate was attributed to COVID-19. Mortality and a pre-tracheostomy CRP uptrend were significantly related; uptrend patients experienced far more mortalities than downtrend patients. Unlike previous findings, mortality and intubation to tracheostomy duration were not significantly related.     

河南省皮肤病患者对中欧国际远程皮肤病会诊知晓率调查

目的:为开展国际远程皮肤病会诊提供指导性背景信息.方法:在河南省12家省市级医院皮肤科随机选择500名皮肤病患者就在中国和欧洲间开展国际远程皮肤病会诊方面的问题进行问卷调查,最后对其中476份有效问卷进行汇总和分析.结果:7.6%的患者对远程会诊有所了解;6.0%的患者有亲身经历;3.6%的患者以前看过欧洲皮肤病医生;87.3%的患者认为在中国开展国际远程皮肤病会诊时会或可能会请欧洲医生会诊.患者对国际远程皮肤病会诊的最大期望是通过远程会诊得到负担得起的、能彻底治愈他们疾病的服务.77.9%的患者认为可接受的价格在500～2 000元.患者了解医疗信息的主要媒体是电视、报纸和互联网.结论:虽然中国皮肤患者对远程会诊和欧洲医生缺乏了解,但对远程会诊和欧洲皮肤病医生仍有较高的认可度.他们对国际远程皮肤病会诊的最大希望是通过远程会诊得到负担得起的能彻底治愈他们疾病的医疗服务.因此在尽可能地满足患者对国际远程皮肤病会诊需求的同时,应该使患者对远程皮肤病会诊持有合理的期待.     

Caveoline-1蛋白在慢性神经痛大鼠背根神经节和脊髓背角表达的变化

目的 观察Caveolin-1蛋白在神经痛大鼠中不同作用时间脊髓背角和背根神经节表达量的变化。方法 实验动物分组和动物模型制作：对照组28只,神经痛模型组（L5脊神经结扎）28只,按处理时间不同又各分为1、3、5、7、10、14、21天共7组,每组各4只,制备动物模型。痛行为学检测：术后1、3、5、7、10、14、21天,测定各组机械撤足阈值和热撤足潜伏期,神经痛模型组和对照组对比,确定疼痛模型制作成功。神经痛模型组和对照组大鼠均在第22天处死,按同侧和对侧分别提取L5脊髓和背根神经节组织总蛋白,利用蛋白印迹法检测Caveolin-1在各实验分组脊髓背角和背根神经节同侧和对侧的表达量。结果 同侧背根神经节Caveolin-1的表达量在L5脊神经结扎后的第5、7、10、14、21天与对照组比较,分别升高了40.4%±3.67%、126.9%±5.46%、159.7%±4.89%、119.1%±5.77%和91.4%±5.31%,其中术后第10天差异有统计学意义（P<0.01）,同侧脊髓背角Caveolin-1的表达量在L5脊神经结扎后的第5、7、10、14、21天与对照组相比分别升高了33.3%±4.89%、152.8%±3.56%、142.1%±5.43%、103.2%±6.21%、175.6%±4.81%,其中第10、14、21天差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。对照组之间Caveolin-1的表达无明显变化。结论 慢性神经痛可诱导Caveolin-1在同侧脊髓背角和背根神经节表达量的增加。     

中枢神经系统血管外皮细胞瘤的磁共振成像表现回顾性分析

目的总结中枢神经系统血管外皮细胞瘤的磁共振成像(MRI)表现。方法回顾性分析经手术后病理证实的9例中枢神经系统血管外皮细胞瘤的MRI影像资料。结果 7例位于颅内脑外,1例位于侧脑室三角区内,1例位于髓外硬膜内。MRI上,4例(44.4%)呈类圆形或椭圆形结节、团块,5例(55.6%)呈分叶状团块。T1WI上,5例(55.6%)呈与脑白质等信号的稍短T1信号,3例(33.3%)呈与脑灰质等信号的等T1信号,1例与灰质对比呈稍长T1信号。T2WI上,8例(88.9%)呈与脑灰质等信号的T2信号,1例呈稍长T2信号;6例(66.7%)伴囊变;8例(88.9%)与脑膜或脊膜相连,5例(55.6%)以宽基底相连,3例(33.3%)以窄基底相连;5例(55.6%)伴流空血管影;增强后9例均有不均匀明显强化,囊变坏死区无强化,4例(44.4%)有典型脑膜尾征;7例(77.8%)颅内病灶伴轻度水肿,2例伴骨质破坏。9例患者最终均通过病理确诊。结论中枢神经系统血管外皮细胞瘤的MRI表现具有一定特征性,最终诊断需依靠病理。     

P53、C-erbB-2、及ER、PR在乳腺癌中的表达及其临床病理意义

目的 :探讨乳腺癌中P5 3、C -erbB - 2基因蛋白及雌激素受体 (ER)、孕激素受体 (PR)的表达及其临床病理意义。方法 :应用S -P方法 ,对 75例乳腺癌及乳腺良性病变组织进行了P5 3、C -erbB - 2、ER、PR检测。结果 :在 75例乳腺癌及乳腺良性病变组织标本中P5 3、C -erbB - 2、ER、PR的阳性表达率分别为乳腺单纯癌 6 0 %、70 %、85 %、80 % ,导管内癌 33.3%、5 5 .6 %、4 4 .4 %、4 4 .4 % ,浸润性导管癌 6 6 .7%、72 .2 %、72 .2 %、6 6 .7% ,粘液腺癌5 0 %、6 6 .7%、5 0 %、5 0 % ,髓样癌 5 7.1%、71.1%、71.1%、5 7.1% ,乳腺良性病变 0 0 .0 %、33.3%、4 6 .7%、4 0 %。乳腺癌组织与乳腺良性病变组织相比较 ,二者差异显著 (P <0 .0 5 )。在浸润型与非浸润型之间比较差异均无显著性(P >0 .0 5 )。结论 :P5 3、C -erbB - 2基因蛋白及ER、PR联合检测有利于更好地评估乳腺癌的生物学行为 ,对乳腺癌术后治疗方案有着重要的指导意义。     

Benzoyl Peroxide and Sulfur: Foundation for Acne Management

One hundred and thirteen consecutive patients with acne were studied by qualified dermatologists during a trial of topical 10% benzoyl peroxide and 2%-5% sulfur cream. The results were considered “good” to “excellent” in both office and clinic situations. The method was remarkably free of undesirable side effects. The program has been adopted as a standard acne regimen at the dermatology clinic of the Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal.     

Prevalence and correlates of common mental disorders among children and adolescents in Blantyre-Urban,Malawi

BackgroundThe high global prevalence of mental disorders justifies the need to quantify their burden in the sub-Saharan Africa where there is a dearth of information. These mental disorders are linked to different socio-demographic factors.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of, and factors associated with mental disorders among children and adolescents in Blantyre City, Malawi.MethodsChildren and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years were interviewed to determine their socio-demographic characteristics and assess their mental health status using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS). Associations between mental disorders and socio-demographic characteristics were tested using Chi-square and logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of symptoms of psychopathology on the SDQ was 7.3% (95%CI 4.8–10.5%) while for the K-SADS was 5.9% (95% CI 3.7%–8.9%). The prevalence of mental disorders across the age ranges of 6 to 12 years and 13 to 17 years was 5.4% and 7.9 % respectively. Males had a higher prevalence (7.1%) compared to females (4.7%). Conduct disorder was most prevalent (3.4%), followed by either type of ADHD-Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorders (2.0%). Having a single parent (p<0.001), staying with a non-biological guardian (p<0.030), engaging in paid work (p<0.039), not attending school (p<0.019) and having teacher difficulties(p<0.028) were positively associated with a mental disorder.ConclusionThe socio-demographic factors associated with the risk of developing mental disorders may be important targets for mental health intervention programs.     

霜天蛾昆虫变应原的变应原性及免疫原性分析

目的 分析霜天蛾主要变应原的变应原性和免疫原性,为进一步制备霜天蛾标准化变应原疫苗和基因工程重组霜天蛾昆虫变应原奠定基础.方法 应用不连续聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳对霜天蛾变应原蛋白成分进行分离,对9例霜天蛾过敏患者血清分别进行IgE、IgG免疫印记分析,并对比分析IgE、IgG反应变应原成分.结果 霜天蛾提取液经SDS-PAGE染色后显示出20余种蛋白质成分,相对分子质量12 000～128 000.免疫印迹分析结果显示具有变应原性的蛋白相对分子质量及反应率分别为:74 000(88.9%),66 000(22.2%),49 000(22.2%),36 000(77.8%),25 000(33.3%),具有免疫原性的蛋白相对分子质量及反应率分别为:79 000(33.3%),74 000(66.7%),66 000(22.2%),49 000(22.2%),36 000(44.4%),25 000(55.6%).结论 霜天蛾变应原中具有较强变应原活性的蛋白质相对分子质量为74000和36000,具有较强免疫原活性的蛋白质相对分子质量为74 000和25 000的蛋白质,是霜天蛾过敏患者特异性过敏诊断和治疗的主要成分.     

Research letter: How should abridged scientific articles be presented in journals? A survey of readers and authors

SEVERAL SCIENTIFIC AND GENERAL MEDICAL JOURNALS publish full-length articles on their Web sites and abridged versions in their print journals. We surveyed a stratified random sample of BMJ readers and authors to elicit their preferred format for the abridged print version. Each participant received a research paper abridged in 3 different formats: conventional abridged version, journalistic version and enhanced-abstract version. Overall, 45% (95% confidence interval [CI] 42%–48%) of the respondents said they liked the conventional version most, 31% (95% CI 28%–34%) preferred the journalistic version and 25% (95% CI 22%–27%) preferred the enhanced-abstract version. Twenty-eight percent (95% CI 25%–32%) indicated that use of the journalistic format for abridged articles would very likely stop them from submitting papers to BMJ, and 13% (95% CI 11%–16%) said the use of the enhanced-abstract version would stop them from submitting to BMJ. Publishers of general medical journals who publish shortened articles should consider that authors and readers prefer a more conventional style of abridged papers.     

Evaluation of interactive teaching for undergraduate medical students using a classroom interactive response system in India

Background

The classical didactic lecture has been the cornerstone of the theoretical undergraduate medical education. Their efficacy however reduces due to reduced interaction and short attention span of the students. It is hypothesized that the interactive response pad obviates some of these drawbacks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an interactive response system by comparing it with conventional classroom teaching.

Methods

A prospective comparative longitudinal study was conducted on 192 students who were exposed to either conventional or interactive teaching over 20 classes. Pre-test, Post-test and retentions test (post 8–12 weeks) scores were collated and statistically analysed. An independent observer measured number of student interactions in each class.

Results

Pre-test scores from both groups were similar (p = 0.71). There was significant improvement in both post test scores when compared to pre-test scores in either method (p < 0.001). The interactive post-test score was better than conventional post test score (p < 0.001) by 8–10% (95% CI-difference of means – 8.2%–9.24%–10.3%). The interactive retention test score was better than conventional retention test score (p < 0.001) by 15–18% (95% CI-difference of means – 15.0%–16.64%–18.2%). There were 51 participative events in the interactive group vs 25 in the conventional group.

Conclusions

The Interactive Response Pad method was efficacious in teaching. Students taught with the interactive method were likely to score 8–10% higher (statistically significant) in the immediate post class time and 15–18% higher (statistically significant) after 8–12 weeks. The number of student–teacher interactions increases when using the interactive response pads.     

Assessment of dermatologists’ perception of utilizing teledermatology during COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia

Objectives:To assess teledermatology (TD) perception among dermatologists in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify the most common advantages and disadvantages of TD.Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional survey-based study to address Saudi dermatologist perceptions of TD from July 2020 to December 2020, during Covid-19 pandemic.Results:Out of 664 emails sent, 107 complete responses were returned. Approximately 40.2% used TD through phone calls, followed by those who used a virtual clinic (32.7%). Also, the best way to use TD, according to respondents, was for triage before inpatient and outpatient visits. When we compared the use of TD in the outpatient and inpatient settings, outpatient responses always had more positive attitudes than inpatients. The most important benefit of TD is to reduce the risk of pandemic infections (69%). More than half of the participants sometimes used TD for diagnosis (n=63, 58.9%) and management (n=59, 55.1%), and 69 (64.5%) considered using it in the future.Conclusion:Our survey-based study indicates that TD is an important part in the future dermatology because our participants agreed that TD decreases cost, increases access to dermatology care, and reduces the risk of pandemic infections. And it is necessary to establish an infrastructure for TD that protects patient’s privacy and ensures accurate diagnosis.     

Epidemiology of Open Tibia fractures presenting to a tertiary referral centre in Southern Malawi: a retrospective study

BackgroundRoad traffic accidents in Malawi have increased in recent years resulting in a high incidence of trauma seen in the hospitals as well as a high prevalence of musculoskeletal impairment in the community. Open fractures are a common consequence of road traffic accidents and the tibia is the most common long bone open fracture.ObjectiveEpidemiology of open tibia fractures at the largest tertiary level hospital in Malawi and incidence of infections of open fractures managed at the institution.MethodologyThis was a retrospective study of consecutive open tibia fracture patients seen and admitted to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital''s (QECH) orthopedic department from 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2019. Patients with life-threatening head, chest, or abdominal injuries were excluded as management takes priority over any limb-threatening injury.ResultsThere were 72 open tibia fractures screened, and 60 of these met our entry criteria; 6 patients did not, while 6 patient files were missing. The median age of patients was 36 years, IQR (27–44.75) with Males making up 82%(n=49) of open fractures. Most of the open tibia fractures were caused by road traffic accidents 63%(n=38), followed by assaults 18%(n=11), falls 17%(n=10), and industrial accidents 2%(n=1). 26.7% (n=16) of open tibia fractures developed an infection. We found that patients'' average length of stay was 16. 9(IQR 9.5–31.25) days. Most of the injuries (68.3%, n=41) were moderate to high energy injuries being Gustilo et al. grade II and III open tibia fractures.ConclusionThis study identified that open tibia fractures were common in our hospital and that were often high energy injuries requiring an extended hospital stay to manage. The infection rate noted was higher than that reported on average in lower- and middle-income countries. There is a need to do more robust prospective studies in the area to gather more information.     

Inviting patients to identify diagnostic concerns through structured evaluation of their online visit notes

BackgroundThe 21st Century Cures Act mandates patients’ access to their electronic health record (EHR) notes. To our knowledge, no previous work has systematically invited patients to proactively report diagnostic concerns while documenting and tracking their diagnostic experiences through EHR-based clinician note review.ObjectiveTo test if patients can identify concerns about their diagnosis through structured evaluation of their online visit notes.MethodsIn a large integrated health system, patients aged 18–85 years actively using the patient portal and seen between October 2019 and February 2020 were invited to respond to an online questionnaire if an EHR algorithm detected any recent unexpected return visit following an initial primary care consultation (“at-risk” visit). We developed and tested an instrument (Safer Dx Patient Instrument) to help patients identify concerns related to several dimensions of the diagnostic process based on notes review and recall of recent “at-risk” visits. Additional questions assessed patients’ trust in their providers and their general feelings about the visit. The primary outcome was a self-reported diagnostic concern. Multivariate logistic regression tested whether the primary outcome was predicted by instrument variables.ResultsOf 293 566 visits, the algorithm identified 1282 eligible patients, of whom 486 responded. After applying exclusion criteria, 418 patients were included in the analysis. Fifty-one patients (12.2%) identified a diagnostic concern. Patients were more likely to report a concern if they disagreed with statements “the care plan the provider developed for me addressed all my medical concerns” [odds ratio (OR), 2.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.45–4.87) and “I trust the provider that I saw during my visit” (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.19–3.71) and agreed with the statement “I did not have a good feeling about my visit” (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.09–2.01).ConclusionPatients can identify diagnostic concerns based on a proactive online structured evaluation of visit notes. This surveillance strategy could potentially improve transparency in the diagnostic process.     

Incidence of high altitude pulmonary edema in low-landers during re-exposure to high altitude after a sojourn in the plains

Background

There is uncertainty whether acclimatized low-landers who return to high altitude after a sojourn at low altitude have a higher incidence of pulmonary edema than during the first exposure to high altitude.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study consisting of men ascending to 3400 m by road (N = 1003) or by air (N = 4178). The study compared the incidence of high altitude pulmonary edema during first exposure vs the incidence during re-exposure in each of these cohorts.

Results

Pulmonary edema occurred in 13 of the 4178 entries by air (Incidence: 0.31%, 95% CI: 0.18%–0.53%). The incidence during first exposure was 0.18% (0.05%–0.66%) and 0.36% (0.2%–0.64%) during re-exposure (Fisher Exact Test for differences in the incidence (two-tailed) p = 0.534). The relative risk for the re-exposure cohort was 1.95 (95% CI, 0.43%–8.80%). Pulmonary edema occurred in 3 of the 1003 road entrants (Incidence: 0.30%, 95% CI: 0.08%–0.95%). All three cases occurred in the re-exposure cohort.

Conclusion

The large overlap of confidence intervals between incidence during first exposure and re-exposure; the nature of the confidence interval of the relative risk; and the result of the Fisher exact test, all suggest that this difference in incidence could have occurred purely by chance. We did not find evidence for a significantly higher incidence of HAPE during re-entry to HA after a sojourn in the plains.     

Effectiveness of near-peer simulation for managing the acutely deteriorating patient among residents of an internal medicine junior residency programme

INTRODUCTIONNear-peer teaching is gaining popularity as a teaching modality, as it improves the learner’s understanding, is targeted at an appropriate level and promotes familiarisation. This study was initiated to evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating near-peer instruction into simulation-based training within a junior residency programme.METHODS42 first-year residents from an internal medicine junior residency programme were recruited. Participants underwent a simulation-based training programme conducted over five weeks. Each week involved either an emergency or acute clinical scenario. A structured questionnaire was administered prior to and after the course to compare participants’ perceived knowledge, experience and confidence in managing the clinical scenarios.RESULTSIn our study, 83% of participants agreed/strongly agreed that the scenarios were realistic. There were improvements in perceived knowledge, experience and confidence after the course. The greatest improvement was seen for experience (post-simulation: median 7.00 [interquartile range (IQR) 6.00‒8.00] vs. pre-simulation: median 5.00 [IQR 3.00–6.25]). 65% of participants were keen to help with future training.CONCLUSIONNear-peer simulation training was found to be a viable and valuable method of instruction for first-year residents for increasing experience, instilling confidence and improving perceived knowledge. Integration of such programmes within medical education curricula shows good promise of continuity, with many first-year residents inspired to organise subsequent sessions.     

Incorporating real-world evidence into the development of patient blood glucose prediction algorithms for the ICU

ObjectiveGlycemic control is an important component of critical care. We present a data-driven method for predicting intensive care unit (ICU) patient response to glycemic control protocols while accounting for patient heterogeneity and variations in care.Materials and MethodsUsing electronic medical records (EMRs) of 18 961 ICU admissions from the MIMIC-III dataset, including 318 574 blood glucose measurements, we train and validate a gradient boosted tree machine learning (ML) algorithm to forecast patient blood glucose and a 95% prediction interval at 2-hour intervals. The model uses as inputs irregular multivariate time series data relating to recent in-patient medical history and glycemic control, including previous blood glucose, nutrition, and insulin dosing.ResultsOur forecasting model using routinely collected EMRs achieves performance comparable to previous models developed in planned research studies using continuous blood glucose monitoring. Model error, expressed as mean absolute percentage error is 16.5%–16.8%, with Clarke error grid analysis demonstrating that 97% of predictions would be clinically acceptable. The 95% prediction intervals achieve near intended coverage at 93%–94%.DiscussionML algorithms built on observational data sources, such as EMRs, present a promising approach for personalization and automation of glycemic control in critical care. Future research may benefit from applying a combination of methodologies and data sources to develop robust methodologies that account for the variations seen in ICU patients and difficultly in detecting the extremes of observed blood glucose values.ConclusionWe demonstrate that EMRs can be used to train ML algorithms that may be suitable for incorporation into ICU decision support systems.     

Quality of life assessment among patients suffering from different dermatological diseases

Objectives:To assess the quality of life (QoL) of patients with different dermatological diseases. Multiple international studies have evaluated the QoL among patients with different dermatological diseases; however, few studies of this kind have been conducted in Saudi Arabia.Methods:This quantitative, observational, cross-sectional study was carried out in the dermatology outpatient clinics of King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from September 2019 until February 2020. Data was collected using the validated Arabic version of the Dermatology of Life Quality Index (DLQI).Results:A total of 391 patients ≥18 years participated in the study. The mean age of participants was 33 years (18-75 years). Most participants in this study reported that their dermatological disease had a small or no effect on their QoL (62.5%). The majority of patients who had acne vulgaris (79.7%), vitiligo (79.3%), hair disorders (76.9%), or rosacea (71.5%) reported a small to no effects on their QoL. However, diseases that reflected the largest percentages of a large to extremely large effect on QoL were urticaria (37.1%), eczema (26.6%), and psoriasis (24%). A total of 42.9% of the participants suffered from lichen planus and 66.7% of participants suffered from cutaneous neoplasms reported a moderate effect on their QoL.Conclusion:Understanding the impact of different dermatological diseases on QoL can help dermatologists to improve thier patients’ QoL. Therefore, we recommend that further studies on this topic be conducted in multiple health centers.     

Delivery room resuscitation and short-term outcomes of extremely preterm and extremely low birth weight infants: a multicenter survey in North China

Background:Delivery room resuscitation assists preterm infants, especially extremely preterm infants (EPI) and extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWI), in breathing support, while it potentially exerts a negative impact on the lungs and outcomes of preterm infants. This study aimed to assess delivery room resuscitation and discharge outcomes of EPI and ELBWI in China.Methods:The clinical data of EPI (gestational age [GA] <28 weeks) and ELBWI (birth weight [BW] <1000 g), admitted within 72 h of birth in 33 neonatal intensive care units from five provinces and cities in North China between 2017 and 2018, were analyzed. The primary outcomes were delivery room resuscitation and risk factors for delivery room intubation (DRI). The secondary outcomes were survival rates, incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and risk factors for BPD.Results:A cohort of 952 preterm infants were enrolled. The incidence of DRI, chest compressions, and administration of epinephrine was 55.9% (532/952), 12.5% (119/952), and 7.0% (67/952), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that the risk factors for DRI were GA <28 weeks (odds ratio [OR], 3.147; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.082–4.755), BW <1000 g (OR, 2.240; 95% CI, 1.606–3.125), and antepartum infection (OR, 1.429; 95% CI, 1.044–1.956). The survival rate was 65.9% (627/952) and was dependent on GA. The rate of BPD was 29.3% (181/627). Multivariate analysis showed that the risk factors for BPD were male (OR, 1.603; 95% CI, 1.061–2.424), DRI (OR, 2.094; 95% CI, 1.328–3.303), respiratory distress syndrome exposed to ≥2 doses of pulmonary surfactants (PS; OR, 2.700; 95% CI, 1.679–4.343), and mechanical ventilation ≥7 days (OR, 4.358; 95% CI, 2.777–6.837). However, a larger BW (OR, 0.998; 95% CI, 0.996–0.999), antenatal steroid (OR, 0.577; 95% CI, 0.379–0.880), and PS use in the delivery room (OR, 0.273; 95% CI, 0.160–0.467) were preventive factors for BPD (all P < 0.05).Conclusion:Improving delivery room resuscitation and management of respiratory complications are imperative during early management of the health of EPI and ELBWI.