The Health and Safety in Employment Act and the influenza vaccination of healthcare workers

Despite studies demonstrating that the annual influenza vaccination of healthcare workers has a statistically significant reduction of morbidity and mortality among the patients they care for, and District Health Boards (DHBs) establishing voluntary programs to provide the influenza vaccine to healthcare workers free of charge, vaccination rates among healthcare workers are dismal, with only about 20%-40% coverage rates being achieved. With these low rates posing a serious health threat to the vulnerable patient populations that are entrusted into healthcare workers' care, and the current voluntary programmes clearly failing to adequately address this issue, we believe the time has come for the annual influenza vaccination to be made a mandatory requirement for all healthcare workers with direct patient contact unless a medical contraindication exists. Indeed, a compelling case may be made that the duties imposed on DHBs and healthcare workers under the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 requires making the annual influenza vaccination an occupational requirement.     

Duodenal–jejunal bypass liners are superior to optimal medical management in ameliorating metabolic dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates metabolic and anthropometric outcomes of duodenal–jejunal bypass liners (DJBLs) compared to optimal medical management for the treatment of obesity and its associated metabolic complications. A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted. Studies were reviewed and data were extracted following the PRISMA guidelines. The primary outcome was glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) change at device explant with secondary outcomes including body mass index (BMI), weight, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and adverse events. Twenty-eight studies met inclusion criteria evaluating a total of 1229 patients undergoing DJBL treatment. When compared to medical management, DJBLs provided superior reductions in HbA1c (mean difference, MD −0.96%; 95% CI −1.43, −0.49; p < 0.0001), FPG (MD −1.76 mmol/L; 95% CI −2.80, −0.72; p = 0.0009), BMI (MD −2.80 kg/m²; 95% CI −4.18, −1.41; p < 0.0001), and weight (MD −5.45 kg; 95% CI −9.80, −1.09, p = 0.01). Post-explant data reveals a gradual return to baseline status. Incidence of early device explant was 20.2%. Complications were resolved conservatively or with device explant without long-term morbidity or mortality. We conclude that DJBLs provide significant metabolic and anthropometric improvements for patients with obesity. Uncertainty about the extent to which improvements are maintained after device removal may limit the use of DJBLs as a standalone treatment for obesity and associated metabolic complications.     

Laryngeal Plasmacytosis Responsive to Inhaled Budesonide

Mucous membrane plasmacytosis (MMP) is rare condition characterized by diffuse plasma cell infiltration of upper aero-digestive tract mucosa. It results in epithelial hyperplasia that has a classic papillary appearance. We describe a case of MMP primarily affect laryngeal and oropharyngeal mucosa resulting in progressive airway obstruction. We highlight airway management and histopathology. The patient had near complete clinical response with inhaled budesonide, which has not yet been described as a treatment option in the literature. Laryngoscope, 133:70–72, 2023