Prognostic impact of hospital volume on familial adenomatous polyposis: a nationwide multicenter study

Purpose

Many studies have shown that hospital volume is significantly associated with short- and long-term outcomes in various diseases, including cancer. However, there have been no reports discussing the relationship between hospital volume and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). This study aimed to clarify whether hospital volume affects short- and long-term outcomes in FAP patients.

Methods

We established a retrospectively collected database of FAP patients who underwent initial surgical treatment at 23 Japanese institutions during 2000–2012. Factors associated with short- and long-term outcomes were analyzed.

Results

The study cohort included 303 FAP patients. These patients were classified into tertile categories according to hospital volume: low (n = 31), middle (n = 72), and high volume (n = 200). The proportion of only adenoma/stage 0 was comparable among tertile categories. The adoption of operative procedure significantly differed among tertile categories; specifically, high-volume institutions preferred handsewn ileal pouch-anal anastomosis without diverting ileostomy (P < 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively). Nevertheless, the frequency of complications with Clavien-Dindo classification grade ≥ 3 was not significantly different among tertile categories. Functional results were acceptable in every category. Wexner scores were significantly lower in high-volume compared to low-volume institutions (P = 0.02). Multivariate analyses showed that UICC stage and hospital volume were significantly associated with overall survival (P = 0.04 and 0.03, respectively).

Conclusions

Hospital volume was significantly associated with short- and long-term outcomes in FAP patients.

     

Relationship between epicardial adipose tissue volume and atrial fibrillation

Background

Several studies have suggested that epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume may be associated with the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, these studies have reported conflicting results. We therefore aimed to investigate the relationship between EAT volume and AF.

Methods

We systematically retrieved the relevant studies reporting on the relationship between EAT volume and AF using the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Medline, EBSCO, and Embase databases. Data were extracted from applicable articles, and mean differences were pooled using the RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

Ten case-control studies were identified. With regard to the relationship between EAT volume and AF, both total-EAT volume (24.23 ml, 95?% CI: 19.40–29.06, p?<?0.00001) and EAT volume surrounding the left atrium (LA-EAT; 16.35 ml, 95?%CI: 12.73–19.98, p?<?0.00001) were significantly increased in patients with AF. With regard to the relationship between the different types of AF and EAT volume, there was a significant difference in the total-EAT volume subgroup (19.38 ml, 95?% CI: 11.45–27.31, p?<?0.0001) and in the LA-EAT volume subgroup (17.91 ml, 95?% CI: 15.13–20.69, p?<?0.00001) between patients with persistent AF (PeAF) and paroxysmal AF (PAF). However, there was no significant difference between the total-EAT and LA-EAT volume subgroups (χ ² ?=?0.12, p?=?0.70).

Conclusion

EAT volume may be associated with an increased risk of AF. Additionally, the EAT volume in patients with PeAF was larger than that in PAF patients, independent of the location of EAT.

     

Nocturnal hypoxemic burden is associated with epicardial fat volume in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Background

Increased epicardial fat volume (EFV) is a common feature of patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), is considered as an established marker of cardiovascular risk, and is associated with adverse cardiovascular events after myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods

To investigate the association between different measures of SDB severity and EFV after acute MI, we enrolled 105 patients with acute MI in this study. Unattended in-hospital polysomnography was performed to determine the number of apneas and hypopneas per hour during sleep (apnea-hypopnea index, AHI). To determine nocturnal hypoxemic burden, we used pulse oximetry and applied a novel parameter, the hypoxia load representing the integrated area of desaturation divided by total sleep time (HL_TST). Of 105 patients, 56 underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance to define EFV.

Results

HL_TST was significantly associated with EFV (r²?=?0.316, p?=?0.025). Multivariate linear regression analysis accounting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, and left ventricular mass demonstrated that the HL_TST was an independent modulator of EFV (B-coefficient 0.435 (95% CI 0.021–0.591); p?=?0.015). In contrast, AHI or established measures of hypoxemia did not correlate with EFV.

Conclusions

HL_TST, a novel parameter to determine nocturnal hypoxemic burden, and not AHI as an event-based measure of SDB, was associated with EFV in patients with acute MI. Further studies are warranted to confirm the link between nocturnal hypoxemia and EFV and to determine the prognostic value of a more detailed characterization of nocturnal hypoxemic burden in patients with high cardiovascular risk.

     

Laparoscopic versus open surgery for rectal cancer: a meta-analysis of 3-year follow-up outcomes

purpose

We wished to evaluate the effectiveness of laparoscopic and open surgery for patients with rectum cancer through a meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane database until June 30, 2015, to identify eligible studies. Randomized controlled trials comparing laparoscopic with open surgery for rectum cancer were included. Meta-analysis was performed using the search strategy following the requirement of the Cochrane Library Handbook. Three-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were the main endpoints.

Results

Eight randomized controlled trials comprising 3145 patients matched the selection criteria. Meta-analysis showed no significant difference between laparoscopic and open surgery in 3-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) (hazard ratio (HR)_{3-year OS} = 0.83, 95 % CI [0.68–1.01]; P = 0.06; HR_{3-year DFS} = 0.89, 95 % CI [0.75,1.05]; P = 0.16). No evidence of publication bias was observed.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis supported the notion that based on the 3-year DFS and OS, oncological outcomes are comparable after laparoscopic and open surgery for rectal cancer.

     

Long-term efficacy of comprehensive multidisciplinary antibiotic stewardship programs centered on weekly prospective audit and feedback

Objective

To evaluate the long-term effects of comprehensive antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs) on antibiotic use, antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, and clinical outcomes.

Design

Before–after study.

Setting

National university hospital with 934 beds.

Intervention

Implementation in March 2010 of a comprehensive ASPs including, among other strategies, weekly prospective audit and feedback with multidisciplinary collaboration.

Methods

The primary outcome was the use of antipseudomonal antibiotics as measured by the monthly mean days of therapy per 1000 patient days each year. Secondary outcomes included overall antibiotic use and that of each antibiotic class, susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the proportion of patients isolated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among all patients isolated S. aureus, the incidence of MRSA, and the 30-day mortality attributable to bacteremia.

Results

The mean monthly use of antipseudomonal antibiotics significantly decreased in 2011 and after as compared with 2009. Susceptibility to levofloxacin was significantly increased from 2009 to 2016 (P = 0.01 for trend). Its susceptibility to other antibiotics remained over 84% and did not change significantly during the study period. The proportion of patients isolated MRSA and the incidence of MRSA decreased significantly from 2009 to 2016 (P < 0.001 and = 0.02 for trend, respectively). There were no significant changes in the 30-day mortality attributable to bacteremia during the study period (P = 0.57 for trend).

Conclusion

The comprehensive ASPs had long-term efficacy for reducing the use of the targeted broad-spectrum antibiotics, maintaining the antibiotic susceptibility of P. aeruginosa, and decreasing the prevalence of MRSA, without adversely affecting clinical outcome.

     

A novel <Emphasis Type="Italic">SLC12A3</Emphasis> homozygous c2039delG mutation in Gitelman syndrome with hypocalcemia

Background

Gitelman syndrome (GS) is a rare autosomal recessive renal tubular disease, caused by mutations in the SLC12A3 gene, which encodes the renal thiazide-sensitive Na/Cl cotransporter (NCCT) in the distal renal tubule.

Case presentation

A 23-year-old woman was admitted with limb numbness, recurrent tetany and palpitation. Laboratory tests showed hypokalemic alkalosis, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia and secondary hyperaldosteronism, as well as hypocalciuria and transient decreased PTH. Next-generation sequencing detected a novel homozygous mutations c.2039delG in the SLC12A3 gene, and her father and children were all heterozygous carriers.

Conclusion

We reported a case of GS with a novel homozygous frame-shift mutation of SLC12A3, and reviewed recent literatures about diagnosis, differential diagnosis and treatments. Hypocalcemia in Gitelman syndrome is rare, and may be related to inhibited PTH secretion induced by hypomagnesemia.

     

Influence of hospital type on survival in stage IV colorectal cancer

Purpose

Hospital factors along with various patient and surgeon factors are considered to affect the prognosis of colorectal cancer. Hospital volume is well known, but little is known regarding other hospital factors.

Methods

We reviewed data on 853 patients with stage IV colorectal cancer who underwent elective palliative primary tumor resection between January 2006 and December 2007. To detect the hospital factors that could influence the prognosis of incurable colorectal cancer, the relationships between patient/hospital factors and overall survival were analyzed. Among hospital factors, hospital type (Group A: university hospital or cancer center; Group B: community hospital), hospital volume, and number of colorectal surgeons were examined.

Results

In univariate analysis, Group A hospitals showed significantly better prognosis than Group B hospitals (p?=?0.034), while hospital volume and number of colorectal surgeons were not associated with overall survival. After adjustment for patient factors in multivariate analysis, hospital type was significantly associated with overall survival (hazard ratio: 1.31; 95 % confidence interval: 1.05–1.63; p?=?0.016). However, there was no significant difference in short-term outcomes between hospital types.

Conclusions

Hospital type was identified as a hospital factor that possibly affects the prognosis of stage IV colorectal cancer patients.

     

Relation between duration of the prodromal phase and renal damage in ANCA-associated vasculitis

Background

In ANCA-associated vasculitis the acute phase of the disease is often preceded by prodromal symptoms. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relation between the duration of the prodromal phase and renal damage.

Methods

Patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis and renal involvement from a retrospective single-center cohort were divided into two equal groups based on the duration of the prodromal phase. The prodromal phase was defined as the time between first vasculitis related symptoms and the date of diagnosis. Clinical characteristics at diagnosis and renal items on the vasculitis damage index at 6 months were compared between the two groups. In addition, the relation between a long prodromal phase and 3-year end-stage renal disease and mortality as a composite outcome was studied.

Results

A total of 72 patients were included (age 64?±?12 years; 74% male; 96% Caucasian). At diagnosis, in patients with a prodromal phase ≤22 weeks versus >22 weeks estimated glomerular filtration rate and proteinuria did not differ significantly (35 (interquartile range 50) versus 30 (50) ml/min p?=?0.84; 75% versus 87%, p?=?0.21 respectively). Furthermore, Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Scores were comparable (7 (3), p?=?0.71). At 6 months, a long prodromal phase was associated with proteinuria (odds ratio 5.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.47–19.62), but not with an estimated glomerular filtration rate?≤?50 ml/min (odds ratio 0.89, 95% CI 0.33–2.37) in multivariable analyses. In addition, a long prodromal phase was associated with end-stage renal disease/mortality (hazard ratio 5.22, 95% CI 1.13–24.20).

Conclusions

A long prodromal phase was associated with proteinuria and 3-year end-stage renal disease/mortality, but not with a reduced renal function at 6 months. These results underline the importance of an early diagnosis in ANCA-associated vasculitis patients in order to improve renal outcomes.

     

A core outcome set for studies evaluating the effectiveness of prepregnancy care for women with pregestational diabetes

Aims/hypothesis

The aim of this study was to develop a core outcome set (COS) for trials and other studies evaluating the effectiveness of prepregnancy care for women with pregestational (pre-existing) diabetes mellitus.

Methods

A systematic literature review was completed to identify all outcomes reported in prior studies in this area. Key stakeholders then prioritised these outcomes using a Delphi study. The list of outcomes included in the final COS were finalised at a face-to-face consensus meeting.

Results

In total, 17 outcomes were selected and agreed on for inclusion in the final COS. These outcomes were grouped under three domains: measures of pregnancy preparation (n = 9), neonatal outcomes (n = 6) and maternal outcomes (n = 2).

Conclusions/interpretation

This study identified a COS essential for studies evaluating prepregnancy care for women with pregestational diabetes. It is advocated that all trials and other non-randomised studies and audits in this area use this COS with the aim of improving transparency and the ability to compare and combine future studies with greater ease.

     

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Residents: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Burnout is highly prevalent in residents. No randomized controlled trials have been conducted measuring the effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on burnout in residents.

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of MBSR in reducing burnout in residents.

Design

A randomized controlled trial comparing MBSR with a waitlist control group.

Participants

Residents from all medical, surgical and primary care disciplines were eligible to participate. Participants were self-referred.

Intervention

The MBSR consisted of eight weekly 2.5-h sessions and one 6-h silent day.

Main Measures

The primary outcome was the emotional exhaustion subscale of the Dutch version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Human Service Survey. Secondary outcomes included the depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment subscales of burnout, worry, work–home interference, mindfulness skills, self-compassion, positive mental health, empathy and medical errors. Assessment took place at baseline and post-intervention approximately 3 months later.

Key Results

Of the 148 residents participating, 138 (93%) completed the post-intervention assessment. No significant difference in emotional exhaustion was found between the two groups. However, the MBSR group reported significantly greater improvements than the control group in personal accomplishment (p?=?0.028, d?=?0.24), worry (p?=?0.036, d?=?0.23), mindfulness skills (p?=?0.010, d?=?0.33), self-compassion (p?=?0.010, d?=?0.35) and perspective-taking (empathy) (p?=?0.025, d?=?0.33). No effects were found for the other measures. Exploratory moderation analysis showed that the intervention outcome was moderated by baseline severity of emotional exhaustion; those with greater emotional exhaustion did seem to benefit.

Conclusions

The results of our primary outcome analysis did not support the effectiveness of MBSR for reducing emotional exhaustion in residents. However, residents with high baseline levels of emotional exhaustion did appear to benefit from MBSR. Furthermore, they demonstrated modest improvements in personal accomplishment, worry, mindfulness skills, self-compassion and perspective-taking. More research is needed to confirm these results.

     

Familial aggregation of albuminuria and arterial hypertension in an Aboriginal Australian community and the contribution of variants in <Emphasis Type="Italic">ACE</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">TP53</Emphasis>

Background

Aboriginal Australians are at high risk of cardiovascular, metabolic and renal diseases, resulting in a marked reduction in life expectancy when compared to the rest of the Australian population. This is partly due to recognized environmental and lifestyle risk factors, but a contribution of genetic susceptibility is also likely.

Methods

Using results from a comprehensive survey of one community (N?=?1350 examined individuals), we have tested for familial aggregation of plasma glucose, arterial blood pressure, albuminuria (measured as urinary albumin to creatinine ratio, UACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and quantified the contribution of variation at four candidate genes (ACE; TP53; ENOS3; MTHFR).

Results

In the subsample of 357 individuals with complete genotype and phenotype data we showed that both UACR (h²?=?64%) and blood pressure (sBP h²?=?29%, dBP, h²?=?11%) were significantly heritable. The ACE insertion-deletion (P?=?0.0009) and TP53 codon72 polymorphisms (P?=?0.003) together contributed approximately 15% of the total heritability of UACR, with an effect of ACE genotype on BP also clearly evident.

Conclusions

While the effects of the ACE insertion-deletion on risk of renal disease (especially in the setting of diabetes) are well recognized, this is only the second study to implicate p53 genotype as a risk factor for albuminuria - the other being an earlier study we performed in a different Aboriginal community (McDonald et al., J Am Soc Nephrol 13: 677-83, 2002). We conclude that there are significant genetic contributions to the high prevalence of chronic diseases observed in this population.

     

Longitudinal volumetric and 2D assessment of cerebellar atrophy in a large cohort of children with phosphomannomutase deficiency (PMM2-CDG)

Objective

We aim to delineate the progression of cerebellar atrophy (the primary neuroimaging finding) in children with phosphomannomutase-deficiency (PMM2-CDG) by analyzing longitudinal MRI studies and performing cerebellar volumetric analysis and a 2D cerebellar measurement.

Methods

Statistical analysis was used to compare MRI measurements [midsagittal vermis relative diameter (MVRD) and volume] of children with PMM2-CDG and sex- and age-matched controls, and to determine the rate of progression of cerebellar atrophy at different ages.

Results

Fifty MRI studies of 33 PMM2-CDG patients were used for 2D evaluation, and 19 MRI studies were available for volumetric analysis. Results from a linear regression model showed that patients have a significantly lower MVRD and cerebellar volume compared to controls (p?<?0.001 and p?<?0.001 respectively). There was a significant negative correlation between age and MVRD for patients (p?=?0.014). The rate of cerebellar atrophy measured by the loss of MVRD and cerebellar volume per year was higher at early ages (r?=??0.578, p?=?0.012 and r?=??0.323, p?=?0.48 respectively), particularly in patients under 11 years (p?=?0.004). There was a significant positive correlation between MVRD and cerebellar volume in PMM2-CDG patients (r?=?0.669, p?=?0.001).

Conclusions

Our study quantifies a progression of cerebellar atrophy in PMM2-CDG patients, particularly during the first decade of life, and suggests a simple and reliable measure, the MVRD, to monitor cerebellar atrophy. Quantitative measurement of MVRD and cerebellar volume are essential for correlation with phenotype and outcome, natural follow-up, and monitoring in view of potential therapies in children with PMM2-CDG.

     

Update on the Gastrointestinal Microbiome in Systemic Sclerosis

Purpose of Review

Accumulating evidence suggests that gut microbiota affect the development and function of the immune system and may play a role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent studies reporting gastrointestinal microbiota aberrations associated with the systemic sclerosis disease state.

Recent Findings

The studies described herein have identified common changes in gut microbial composition. Specifically, patients with SSc have decreased abundance of beneficial commensal genera (e.g., Faecalibacterium, Clostridium, and Bacteroides) and increased abundance of pathobiont genera (e.g., Fusobacterium, Prevotella, Erwinia). In addition, some studies have linked specific genera with the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms in systemic sclerosis.

Summary

More research is needed to further characterize the gastrointestinal microbiota in systemic sclerosis and understand how microbiota perturbations can affect inflammation, fibrosis, and clinical outcomes. Interventional studies aimed at addressing/correcting these perturbations, either through dietary modification, pro/pre-biotic supplementation, or fecal transplantation, may lead to improved outcomes for patients with systemic sclerosis.

     

A comparison of laparoscopic and open D3 lymphadenectomy for transverse colon cancer

Purpose

The type of surgery or surgical approach for transverse colon cancer treatment largely depends on the tumor location or surgeon’s preference. However, extensive lymphadenectomy appears to improve the long-term outcomes of locally advanced colon cancers. This study was designed to compare the short- and long-term outcomes after surgery via the laparoscopic or open approach with radical D3 lymph node dissection in patients with stage II and III transverse colon cancer.

Methods

Patients were treated for stage II and III transverse colon cancer between May 2006 and December 2014. This retrospective study evaluated data collected prospectively at a tertiary teaching hospital. Radical D3 lymphadenectomy included the principal middle colic artery nodes.

Results

The study included 144 patients among whom 118 (81.9%) underwent laparoscopic surgery. Significantly more patients in the laparoscopic group underwent extended right hemicolectomy compared with the open group (90.7 vs. 65.4%, p = 0.005). The operative time was longer in the laparoscopic group (151.3 vs. 131.2 min, p = 0.021), and the open group had a greater estimated blood loss volume (160.8 vs. 289.3 ml, p = 0.011). Although the groups differed in terms of tumor size (5.8 vs 7.9 cm, p = 0.007), other pathologic outcomes did not differ. The groups did not differ regarding postoperative parameters or disease-free, overall, and cancer-specific survivals.

Conclusion

Despite differences in surgical methods and related factors, no long-term differences in outcomes were observed between laparoscopic and open approaches to radical D3 lymphadenectomy in patients with stage II and III transverse colon cancer.

     

Long-term outcomes after stenting as a bridge to surgery in patients with obstructing left-sided colorectal cancer

Purpose

Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) may be used in acute, obstructing, left-sided colorectal cancer (CRC) to avoid high-risk emergency surgery. However, the data regarding the long-term effects of SEMS as a bridge to surgery are limited and contradictory. Our aim is to analyze the long-term oncological outcomes of SEMS compared with surgery.

Methods

Between January 2006 and November 2013, a total of 855 patients with stage III CRC were regularly followed at the CRC clinic of Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea. We retrospectively evaluated their 5-year disease-free survival (DFS), 5-year overall survival (OS), and 5-year cancer-specific survival (CSS).

Results

There were 94 patients in the SEMS group, 17 in the emergent-surgery group, and 744 in the elective-surgery group. In the short term, the rate of permanent stoma formation was significantly higher in the emergent-surgery group than in the SEMS group (p?=?0.030), although the median hospital stay and overall complication rate were comparable. During the long-term follow-up period, oncological outcomes including 5-year DFS (70.2 vs 52.9%; p?=?0.210), OS (70.2 vs 52.9%; p?=?0.148), and CSS (79.8 vs 70.6%; p?=?0.342) were not different between the SEMS group and the emergent-surgery group. Multivariate analysis showed emergent operation to be a significant risk factor of DFS (hazard ratio [HR], 3.117; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.498–6.489; p?=?0.002).

Conclusions

Preoperative SEMS insertion does not adversely affect long-term oncological outcomes or patient survival.

     

The Use of Oral Beta-Blockers and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes: a Long-Term Follow-Up Study

Background

The role of beta-blockers in patients with acute coronary syndromes is mainly derived from studies including patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Little is known about the use of beta-blockers and associated long-term clinical outcomes in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTEACS).

Methods

We analyzed short- and long-term clinical outcomes of 2921 patients with NSTEACS using or not oral beta-blockers in the first 24 h of the acute coronary syndromes (ACS) presentation. The association between beta-blocker use and mortality was assessed using a propensity score adjusted analysis (N =?1378).

Results

Patients starting oral beta-blockers in the first 24 h of hospitalization, compared with patients who did not, had lower rates of in-hospital mortality (OR?=?0.52, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.74, P =?0.002) and higher mean survival times in the long-term follow-up (11.86±0.4 years vs. 9.92±0.39 years, P <?0.001).

Conclusion

The use of beta-blockers in the first 24 h of patients presenting with NSTEACS was associated with better in-hospital and long-term mortality outcomes.

     

Urinary mitochondrial DNA level as a biomarker of tissue injury in non-diabetic chronic kidney diseases

Background

Urinary mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) fragment level has been proposed as a biomarker of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this study, we determine the relation between urinary mtDNA level and rate of renal function deterioration in non-diabetic CKD.

Methods

We recruited 102 non-diabetic CKD patients (43 with kidney biopsy that showed non-specific nephrosclerosis). Urinary mtDNA level was measured and compared to baseline clinical and pathological parameters. The patients were followed 48.3?±?31.8?months for renal events (need of dialysis or over 30% reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]).

Results

The median urinary mtDNA level was 1519.42 (inter-quartile range 511.81–3073.03) million copy/mmol creatinine. There were significant correlations between urinary mtDNA level and baseline eGFR (r?=?0.429, p?<?0.001), proteinuria (r?=?0.368, p?<?0.001), severity of glomerulosclerosis (r?=???0.537, p?<?0.001), and tubulointerstitial fibrosis (r?=???0.374, p?=?0.014). The overall rate of eGFR decline was ??2.18?±?5.94?ml/min/1.73m² per year. There was no significant correlation between the rate of eGFR decline and urinary mtDNA level. By univariate analysis, urinary mtDNA level predicts dialysis-free survival, but the result became insignificant after adjusting for clinical and histological confounding factors.

Conclusion

Urinary mtDNA levels have no significant association with the rate of renal function decline in non-diabetic CKD, although the levels correlate with baseline renal function, proteinuria, and the severity of histological damage. Urinary mtDNA level may be a surrogate marker of permanent renal damage in non-diabetic CKD.

     

Determinants of bacteriological outcomes in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Purpose

Changes in sputum microbiology following antibiotic treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), including patterns of bacteriological relapse and superinfection are not well understood. Sputum microbiology at exacerbation is not routinely performed, but pathogen presence and species are determinants of outcomes. Therefore, we determined whether baseline clinical factors could predict the presence of bacterial pathogens at exacerbation. Bacterial eradication at end of treatment (EOT) is associated with clinical resolution of exacerbation. We determined the clinical, microbiological and therapeutic factors that were associated with bacteriological eradication in AECOPD at EOT and in the following 8 weeks.

Methods

Sputum bacteriological outcomes (i.e., eradication, persistence, superinfection, reinfection) from AECOPD patients (N = 1352) who were randomized to receive moxifloxacin or amoxicillin/clavulanate in the MAESTRAL study were compared. Independent predictors of bacterial presence in sputum at exacerbation and determinants for bacteriological eradication were analyzed by logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses.

Results

Significantly greater bacteriological eradication with moxifloxacin was mainly driven by superior Haemophilus influenzae eradication (P = 0.002, EOT). Baseline clinical factors were a weak predictor of the presence of pathogens in sputum (AUC_ROC = 0.593). On multivariate analysis, poorer bacterial eradication was associated with antibiotic resistance (P = 0.0001), systemic steroid use (P = 0.0024) and presence of P. aeruginosa (P = 0.0282).

Conclusions

Since clinical prediction of bacterial presence in sputum at AECOPD is poor, sputum microbiological analysis should be considered for guiding antibiotic therapy in moderate-to-severe AECOPD, particularly in those who received concomitant systemic corticosteroids or are at risk for infection with antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

     

The Effects of Housing Status on Health-Related Outcomes in People living with HIV: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Introduction

HIV infection is increasingly characterized as a chronic condition that can be managed through adherence to a healthy lifestyle, complex drug regimens, and regular treatment and monitoring. The location, quality, and/or affordability of a person’s housing can be a significant determinant of his or her ability to meet these requirements. The objective of this systematic review is to inform program and policy development and future research by examining the available empirical evidence on the effects of housing status on health-related outcomes in people living with HIV/AIDS.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched from dates of inception through November 2005. A total of 29 studies met inclusion criteria for this review. Seventeen studies received a “good” or “fair” quality rating based on defined criteria.

Results

A significant positive association between increased housing stability and better health-related outcomes was noted in all studies examining housing status with outcomes of medication adherence (n = 9), utilization of health and social services (n = 5), and studies examining health status (n = 2) and HIV risk behaviours (n = 1).

Conclusions

Healthcare, support workers and public health policy should recognize the important impact of affordable and sustainable housing on the health of persons living with HIV.