Type of publication:
National guidance
Author(s):
Laura-Jane Smith, Henry Marshall, Thomas Medveczky, *Jennifer Nixon, Gerrard Phillips, Ravijyot Saggu, Lewis Standing, Ruth Wiggans, Alexander Wilkinson
Citation:
British Thoracic Society 2024
Link to full-text [no password required]
Type of publication:
Conference abstract
Author(s):
Gillessen S.; Murphy L.R.; James N.D.; Sachdeva A.; Attard G.; Jones R.J.; Adler A.; El-Taji O.; Varughese M.; Gale J.; Brown S.J.; Srihari N.N.; Millman R.; Matheson D.; Amos C.L.; Murphy C.; McAlpine C.; Parmar M.K.; Brown L.C.; Clarke N.
Citation:
Annals of Oncology. Conference: ESMO Congress 2024. Barcelona Spain. 35(Supplement 2) (pp S1258-S1259), 2024. Date of Publication: September 2024.
Abstract:
Background: Metformin is a widely used, well tolerated anti-diabetic agent. Several studies suggest metformin has anti-cancer activity in different malignancies, including prostate cancer. We hypothesised that metformin also reduces the development of ADT-induced metabolic adverse effects, possibly improving OS via these mechanisms. Method(s): Non-diabetic pts with mHSPC were randomly allocated 1:1 to standard of care (SOC) or SOC+metformin within STAMPEDE. SOC included ADT +/- radiotherapy +/- docetaxel +/- androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (ARPI). The primary outcome was OS. Target hazard ratio (HR) 0.8 (92% power, 2.5% 1-sided significance). 7 subgroup analyses were pre-specified but not pre-powered. Result(s): 1874 pts with mHSPC were randomised Sep2016-Mar2023. Arms were well balanced: median age 69 years, IQR 63-73; median PSA 84ng/ml, IQR 24-352; de novo 1758 (94%) vs relapsed 116 (6%). Planned SOC included 82% Docetaxel and 3% ARPI. After a median follow-up of 60 months, the HR for OS between arms was 0.91 (p=0.148; 95% CI 0.80-1.03). The median (95%CI) OS was 63 (58-69) and 69 (63-73) months in the SOC and SOC+metformin arms respectively. In patients with high versus low volume disease (CHAARTED def), HR was 0.79 (p=0.006; 0.66-0.93) and 1.0 (p=0.992; 0.79-1.26) respectively. The interaction p-value = 0.086. For progression-free survival: Overall HR was 0.92 (p=0.164; 0.81-1.04) with HRs of 0.76 (p=0.001; 0.64-0.89) and 1.10 (p=0.401; 0.88-1.37) in the high and low volume subgroups respectively, interaction p-value = 0.006. Metabolic parameters that improved significantly with metformin included reduced weight gain, fasting glucose, HbA1c and total and LDL cholesterol. Fewer patients developed a metabolic syndrome. Adverse events (AE) >=grade 3 were reported in 52% and 57% in the SOC and SOC+metformin arms, respectively; Gastrointestinal AEs increased with metformin. Conclusion(s): Metformin does not improve survival in unselected metastati
Type of publication:
Journal article
Author(s):
Daniel E.C.; Tirunagari S.; Batth K.; Windridge D.; *Balla Y.
Citation:
medRxiv. (no pagination), 2024. Date of Publication: 19 Jul 2024. [preprint]
Abstract:
Background: Machine learning (ML) prediction of clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) conversion to multiple sclerosis (MS) could be used as a remote, preliminary tool by clinicians to identify high-risk patients that would benefit from early treatment. Objective(s): This study evaluates ML models to predict CIS to MS conversion and identifies key predictors. Method(s): Five supervised learning techniques (Naive Bayes, Logistic Regression, Decision Trees, Random Forests and Support Vector Machines) were applied to clinical data from 138 Lithuanian and 273 Mexican CIS patients. Seven different feature combinations were evaluated to determine the most effective models and predictors. Result(s): Key predictors common to both datasets included sex, presence of oligoclonal bands in CSF, MRI spinal lesions, abnormal visual evoked potentials and brainstem auditory evoked potentials. The Lithuanian dataset confirmed predictors identified by previous clinical research, while the Mexican dataset partially validated them. The highest F1 score of 1.0 was achieved using Random Forests on all features for the Mexican dataset and Logistic Regression with SMOTE Upsampling on all features for the Lithuanian dataset. Conclusion(s): Applying the identified high-performing ML models to the CIS patient datasets shows potential in assisting clinicians to identify high-risk patients.
Link to full-text [open access - no password required]
Type of publication:
Journal article
Author(s):
Cockburn N.; Osborne C.; Withana S.; *Elsmore A.; *Nanjappa R.; South M.; *Parry-Smith W.; Taylor B.; Chandan J.S.; Nirantharakumar K.
Citation:
eClinicalMedicine. 76 (no pagination), 2024. Article Number: 102822. Date of Publication: October 2024.
Abstract:
Background: The use of Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) is increasing throughout healthcare and may be able to improve safety and outcomes in maternity care, but maternity care has key differences to other disciplines that complicate the use of CDSS. We aimed to identify evaluated CDSS and synthesise evidence of their impact on maternity care. Method(s): We conducted a systematic review for articles published before 24th May 2024 that described i) CDSS that ii) investigated the impact of their use iii) in maternity settings. Medline, CINAHL, CENTRAL and HMIC were searched for articles relating to evaluations of CDSS in maternity settings, with forward- and backward-citation tracing conducted for included articles. Risk of bias was assessed using the Mixed Methods Assessment Tool, and CDSS were described according to the clinical problem, purpose, design, and technical environment. Quantitative results from articles reporting appropriate data were meta-analysed to estimate odds of a CDSS achieving its desired outcome using a multi-level random effects model, first by individual CDSS and then across all CDSS. PROSPERO ID: CRD42022348157. Finding(s): We screened 12,039 papers and included 87 articles describing 47 unique CDSS. 24 articles (28%) described randomised controlled trials, 30 (34%) described non-randomised interventional studies, 10 (11%) described mixed methods studies, 10 (11%) described qualitative studies, 7 (8%) described quantitative descriptive studies, and 7 (8%) described economic evaluations. 49 (56%) were in High-Income Countries and 38 (44%) in Low- and Middle-Income countries, with no CDSS trialled in both income categories. Meta-analysis of 35 included studies found an odds ratio for improved outcomes of 1.69 (95% confidence interval 1.24-2.30). There was substantial variation in effects, aims, CDSS types, context, study designs, and outcomes. Interpretation(s): Most CDSS evaluations showed improvements in outcomes, but there was heterogeneity in all aspects of design and evaluation of systems. CDSS are increasingly important in delivering healthcare, and Electronic Health Records and mHealth will increase their availability, but traditional epidemiological methods may be limited in guiding design and demonstrating effectiveness due to rapid CDSS development lifecycles and the complex systems in which they are embedded. Development methods that are attentive to context, such as Human Centred Design, will help to meet this need.
Link to full-text [open access - no password required]
Altmetrics:
Type of publication:
Journal article
Author(s):
Gilani S.S.; *Shahzeb M.; Salman D.M.; Nadeem M.; Khan S.; Thomas J.J.; Almesri A.
Citation:
Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology. 31(8) (pp 853-858), 2024. Date of Publication: 01 Aug 2024.
Abstract:
Background and Aim: Gastrointestinal stomas main function is to divert the flow away from a difficult anastomoses or intestinal obstruction. There is now a trend toward avoiding permanent stomas, and temporary loop stomas often used to protect anastomotic or distal bowel segments in high-risk patients. The present study aimed to determine the morbidity-mortality after ileostomy or colostomy closure. Patients and Methods: This comparative observational study investigated 42 cases of ileostomy and colostomy closure in the Surgical Unit of Jinnah Hospital, Lahore from January 2020 to January 2024. Patients were divided into two groups; Group-I (Ileostomy closure) and Group-II (Colostomy closure). Demographic details such as age and gender, Clinical details such as indications, types of stoma technique used, and operative times, length of hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality recorded. SPSS version 26 was used for data analysis. Result(s): The overall mean age was 46.8+/-6.52 years (15-75 years). Out of 42 cases, 28 (66.7%) underwent ileostomy and 14 (33.3%) underwent colostomy closure. The most prevalent indication for closure was protection of anastomosis in both stoma groups. The interval between creation and closure of stoma was shorter (117.8 days) in Group-I than Group-II (162.4 days). The incidence of hand sewing sutures and stapled technique was 32 (76.2%) and 10 (23.8%), respectively. The Group-II patients took 107.9+/-5.24 minutes as operative time which was significantly higher than 82.96+/-8.84 minutes in Group-I. The prevalence of morbidity in Group-I and Group-II was 10.7% (n=3) and 14.3% (n=2), respectively. Prolong hospital stay was required in Group-II. No mortality case reported in both stoma groups. Conclusion(s): The present study observed that Stomatal closure well tolerated procedure, with low morbidity and mortality. The results suggest that ileostomy closure is a relatively simple procedure.
Link to full-text [open access - no password required]
Type of publication:
Systematic Review
Author(s):
Mortada, Hatan; Hussain, Samar Ali; Liyanage, Dinithi Dilruvi; Zou, Yutong; Subbiah, Praveen; *George, Jefferson; Mansour, Hamid Reza Khademi; Khajuria, Ankur.
Citation:
British Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. 2024 Jul 09.
Abstract:
Tranexamic acid (TXA) is acknowledged for reducing blood loss and transfusion requirements in various surgical specialties, yet its role in orthognathic procedures is less defined. Our study seeks to fill this knowledge gap by reviewing the available data and summarising the efficacy and clinical outcomes of TXA in orthognathic surgery. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis, searching five databases for studies until 16 April, 2023. Our key outcome measures were intraoperative blood loss, postoperative bleeding, and transfusion rate. Previous weaknesses in systematic review and meta-analyses (SRMA) were identified using Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR-2). The risk of bias was evaluated with the RoB-2 tool. A total of 15 studies were included, involving a combined total of 1060 patients. Compared with the control, the TXA group demonstrated significant reductions in intraoperative blood loss (mean difference -135.60 mL; p < 0.00001; 95% CI, -177.51 to -93.70 mL), Hb level drop (mean difference: 2.67 [-0.63, 5.98]), and improved surgical field visibility [p < 0.00001. (MD -0.99) (CI -1.11 to -0.86)]. No significant differences were observed in postoperative haematocrit levels (mean difference: -0.42 [-2.19, 1.35]; p = 0.003; I2 = 75%), operation duration (p = 0.21), or duration of hospital stay (p = 0.63) between TXA and control groups. In orthognathic surgery, TXA effectively minimises blood loss, demonstrating both safety and efficiency. Well-designed, larger studies and comparisons with other haemostatic agents could solidify TXA evidence.
Type of publication:
Journal article
Author(s):
Mandavia, Rishi; Joshi, Nikhil; Hannink, Gerjon; Ahmed, Muhammad Nayeem; *Parmar, Dilen; Di Bonaventura, Silvia; Gomes, Paola; Iqbal, Isha; Lyles, James; Schilder, Anne G M; Mehta, Nishchay
Citation:
JAMA Otolaryngology– Head & Neck Surgery. 2024 Oct 1;150(10):896-906.
Abstract:
Importance: The prognosis of idiopathic sudden onset sensorineural hearing loss (iSSNHL) is uncertain, which creates challenges in clinical decision-making for ear, nose, and throat (ENT) physicians and adds to the burden of the condition experienced by patients. Objective: To develop and internally validate a prognostic model for hearing recovery among patients with iSSNHL to support ENT surgeons in making informed and individualized treatment decisions. Design, Settings, and Participants: This prognostic study and model used cohort data from the Sudden Onset Sensorineural Hearing Loss study, which included 812 patients (age >=16 years) diagnosed with iSSNHL at 76 National Health Service ENT departments in the UK from December 2019 to May 2022. Nine variables previously reported as independent prognostic factors for complete recovery of patients with iSSNHL were selected for inclusion. The final model was internally validated using bootstrapping with 500 repetitions, then coefficients were adjusted for the degree of optimism in the model. The model intercept was reassessed after adjustment of model coefficients. Impact of individual predictors was evaluated by estimating odds ratios with corresponding 95% CIs. Model performance was re-evaluated after internal validation and expressed by discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility. Data analyses were performed from March 2022 to April 2024. Intervention: Routine treatment (per National Health Service standards), including oral steroids and intratympanic steroid injections. Main Outcome and Measures: Complete hearing recovery defined as a return to within 10 dB of the patient's before iSSNHL hearing levels at all frequencies in the affected ear at 6 to 16 weeks after iSSNHL symptom onset. Results: The study sample included 498 patients (mean [SD] age, 58.7 [16.0] years; 215 [46.9%] females and 243 [53.1%] males) who met the criteria for inclusion in the model. Of those, 210 (46%) were classified as having experienced complete hearing recovery. Five variables were found to be independent predictors for complete hearing recovery: steroid treatment within 7 days from symptom onset (OR, 5.23 vs no treatment ), lower severity of hearing loss at presentation (OR, 0.19 if loss is mild), absence of vertigo (OR, 0.56 vs no vertigo), younger patient age (OR, 0.64 per year), and a history of cardiovascular disease (OR, 1.84 vs no cardiovascular disease). The model showed good performance after internal validation with a c-index of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.7-0.81). Predictions for complete recovery aligned well with observed complete recovery rates, and greater clinical utility than treat all or treat none strategies was shown. Conclusion and Relevance: This prognostic model evaluated in this study may be able to assist ENT surgeons in making informed treatment decisions for individual patients with iSSNHL. It is available online at no cost.
Altmetrics:
Type of publication:
Conference abstract
Author(s):
*Andrew O.; Jones L.; *Farley A.;
Citation:
Archives of Disease in Childhood. Conference: Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Conference, RCPCH 2024. Birmingham United Kingdom. 109(Supplement 1) (pp A280), 2024. Date of Publication: August 2024.
Abstract:
Objectives Despite the ongoing efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM), the shift towards medicalised FGM is concerning. It is advocated that eliminating medicalised FGM is an important component in the holistic approach to end FGM. This review therefore aimed to systematically identify literatures to determine the global prevalence of medicalised FGM. Methods Studies included were cross-sectional studies that reported the prevalence of FGM in a female population of any age and the performer of the FGM to be a health care professional (HCP). Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and a range of grey sources were searched between March and April 2020. In duplicates, eligible papers were screened, quality assessed using JBI tool and data extracted using a proforma. The main outcome extracted was the prevalence of medicalised FGM and this was defined as FGM performed by any category of HCP irrespective of the location. A meta-analysis using a random- effect model was carried out to synthesise the global prevalence of medicalised FGM. Subgroup analysis by country's level of income, study setting, continent and study date was undertaken to investigate heterogeneity (I2). Results Out of 4875 records obtained after a systematic search, 21 papers and one piece of grey literature were included, all describing medicalised FGM in 26 countries. Most of the studies (93.3%) were conducted in low and lowmiddle income countries. Overall, the global prevalence of medicalised FGM was 13% (95% confidence interval (CI) 7%-21%, I2 = 100%). The high heterogeneity observed was explored using subgroup analysis; however, there was little change in I2 value. Conclusion Amidst the high heterogeneity, this research highlights that the prevalence of medicalised FGM worldwide can be as high as 21% (~1 in 5 survivors). Further research is required to investigate the various context where the prevalence of medicalised FGM is high. Specific nationally representative data across several settings are necessary in all regions to ensure surveillance of the problem. There is need for interventions to prevent HCP from cutting women and girls thereby strengthening the path to eradicate FGM.
Type of publication:
Systematic Review
Author(s):
*Selim, Amr; Ponugoti, Nikhil; Daoub, Ahmed; Johnson-Lynn, Sarah; *Rhee, Shin Jae.
Citation:
Hip International. 2024 Aug 26.[epub ahead of print]
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Thin lateral femoral wall has been investigated as a sign of instability in trochanteric hip fractures, necessitating lateral wall reconstruction or the use of a cephalomedullary nail (CMN). Various cut-off values have been proposed to guide implant choice. This review aims to determine the clinical significance of the lateral femoral wall thickness (LWT) in trochanteric hip fractures and identify an optimal cut-off value for increased risk of lateral wall (LW) fracture when using Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS). METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in databases including Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane library up to July 2023. A predefined strategy was employed, with 5 eligible studies critically appraised using the methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) criteria. Outcomes assessed encompassed the standardised mean difference (SMD) of LWT between the LW fracture and non LW fracture groups, aggregate LWT mean in LW fracture group, and the relation between AO/OTA fracture type with LW fracture utilising the chi-square test. RESULTS: Among 481 patients from 5 studies, 112 experienced LW fractures, while 369 did not postoperatively. Analysis indicated a significantly lower LWT in the LW fracture group (SMD -1.13, I2 = 41.3%, p = 0.146). The mean LWT in the LW fracture group was 18.2 mm, with a 95% confidence interval of 17.29-19.10 mm. CONCLUSIONS: A preoperative thin lateral femoral wall is a critical predictor of fixation failure and suboptimal functional outcomes when using a DHS. Thorough evaluation of pre- and intraoperative x-rays is essential. CMN is recommended over DHS in cases with LWT measurements <19 mm.
Type of publication:
Journal article
Author(s):
*Jones, Becky
Citation:
LabMedNews. August 2024 p.29-30
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