Internal Medicine Commons^™

Exome Sequencing Identifies Gene Variants And Networks Associated With Extreme Respiratory Outcomes Following Preterm Birth, Aaron Hamvas, Rui Feng, Yingtao Bi, Fan Wang, Soumyaroop Bhattacharya, Jared Mereness, Madhurima Kaushal, C Michael Cotten, Philip L Ballard, Thomas J Mariani

Journal Articles

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have identified genetic variants associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in extremely preterm infants. However, findings with genome-wide significance have been rare, and not replicated. We hypothesized that whole exome sequencing (WES) of premature subjects with extremely divergent phenotypic outcomes could facilitate the identification of genetic variants or gene networks contributing disease risk.

RESULTS: The Prematurity and Respiratory Outcomes Program (PROP) recruited a cohort of > 765 extremely preterm infants for the identification of markers of respiratory morbidity. We completed WES on 146 PROP subjects (85 affected, 61 unaffected) representing extreme phenotypes of early respiratory morbidity. We tested for …

Effect Of Aspirin On All-Cause Mortality In The Healthy Elderly, John J Mcneil, Mark R Nelson, Robyn L Woods, Jessica E Lockery, Rory Wolfe, Christopher M Reid, Brenda Kirpach, Raj C Shah, Diane G Ives, Elsdon Storey, Joanne Ryan, Andrew M Tonkin, Anne B Newman, Jeff D Williamson, Karen L Margolis, Michael E Ernst, Walter P Abhayaratna, Nigel Stocks, Sharyn M Fitzgerald, Suzanne G Orchard, Ruth E Trevaks, Lawrence J Beilin, Geoffrey A Donnan, Peter Gibbs, Colin I Johnston, Barbara Radziszewska, Richard Grimm, Anne M Murray

Journal Articles

BACKGROUND: In the primary analysis of the Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial, now published in the Journal, we report that the daily use of aspirin did not provide a benefit with regard to the primary end point of disability-free survival among older adults. A numerically higher rate of the secondary end point of death from any cause was observed with aspirin than with placebo.

METHODS: From 2010 through 2014, we enrolled community-dwelling persons in Australia and the United States who were 70 years of age or older (or ≥65 years of age among blacks and Hispanics …

Effect Of Aspirin On Cardiovascular Events And Bleeding In The Healthy Elderly, John J Mcneil, Rory Wolfe, Robyn L Woods, Andrew M Tonkin, Geoffrey A Donnan, Mark R Nelson, Christopher M Reid, Jessica E Lockery, Brenda Kirpach, Elsdon Storey, Raj C Shah, Jeff D Williamson, Karen L Margolis, Michael E Ernst, Walter P Abhayaratna, Nigel Stocks, Sharyn M Fitzgerald, Suzanne G Orchard, Ruth E Trevaks, Lawrence J Beilin, Colin I Johnston, Joanne Ryan, Barbara Radziszewska, Michael Jelinek, Mobin Malik, Charles B Eaton, Donna Brauer, Geoff Cloud, Erica M Wood, Suzanne E Mahady, Suzanne Satterfield, Richard Grimm, Anne M Murray

Journal Articles

BACKGROUND: Aspirin is a well-established therapy for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. However, its role in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease is unclear, especially in older persons, who have an increased risk.

METHODS: From 2010 through 2014, we enrolled community-dwelling men and women in Australia and the United States who were 70 years of age or older (or ≥65 years of age among blacks and Hispanics in the United States) and did not have cardiovascular disease, dementia, or disability. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 100 mg of enteric-coated aspirin or placebo. The primary end point was a …

Effect Of Aspirin On Disability-Free Survival In The Healthy Elderly, John J Mcneil, Robyn L Woods, Mark R Nelson, Christopher M Reid, Brenda Kirpach, Rory Wolfe, Elsdon Storey, Raj C Shah, Jessica E Lockery, Andrew M Tonkin, Anne B Newman, Jeff D Williamson, Karen L Margolis, Michael E Ernst, Walter P Abhayaratna, Nigel Stocks, Sharyn M Fitzgerald, Suzanne G Orchard, Ruth E Trevaks, Lawrence J Beilin, Geoffrey A Donnan, Peter Gibbs, Colin I Johnston, Joanne Ryan, Barbara Radziszewska, Richard Grimm, Anne M Murray

Journal Articles

BACKGROUND: Information on the use of aspirin to increase healthy independent life span in older persons is limited. Whether 5 years of daily low-dose aspirin therapy would extend disability-free life in healthy seniors is unclear.

METHODS: From 2010 through 2014, we enrolled community-dwelling persons in Australia and the United States who were 70 years of age or older (or ≥65 years of age among blacks and Hispanics in the United States) and did not have cardiovascular disease, dementia, or physical disability. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 100 mg per day of enteric-coated aspirin or placebo orally. The primary end …

Precision Oncology Decision Support: Current Approaches And Strategies For The Future, Katherine C Kurnit, Ecaterina E Ileana Dumbrava, Beate Litzenburger, Yekaterina B Khotskaya, Amber M Johnson, Timothy A Yap, Jordi Rodon, Jia Zeng, Md Abu Shufean, Ann M Bailey, Nora S Sánchez, Vijaykumar Holla, John Mendelsohn, Kenna Mills Shaw, Elmer V Bernstam, Gordon B Mills, Funda Meric-Bernstam

Journal Articles

With the increasing availability of genomics, routine analysis of advanced cancers is now feasible. Treatment selection is frequently guided by the molecular characteristics of a patient's tumor, and an increasing number of trials are genomically selected. Furthermore, multiple studies have demonstrated the benefit of therapies that are chosen based upon the molecular profile of a tumor. However, the rapid evolution of genomic testing platforms and emergence of new technologies make interpreting molecular testing reports more challenging. More sophisticated precision oncology decision support services are essential. This review outlines existing tools available for health care providers and precision oncology teams and …

A Behavioral Lifestyle Intervention Enhanced With Multiple-Behavior Self-Monitoring Using Mobile And Connected Tools For Underserved Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes And Comorbid Overweight Or Obesity: Pilot Comparative Effectiveness Trial, Jing Wang, Chunyan Cai, Nikhil Padhye, Philip Orlander, Mohammad Zare

Journal Articles

BACKGROUND: Self-monitoring is a cornerstone of behavioral lifestyle interventions for obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Mobile technology has the potential to improve adherence to self-monitoring and patient outcomes. However, no study has tested the use of a smartphone to facilitate self-monitoring in overweight or obese adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus living in the underserved community.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of and compare preliminary efficacy of a behavioral lifestyle intervention using smartphone- or paper-based self-monitoring of multiple behaviors on weight loss and glycemic control in a sample of overweight or obese adults …

Racial/Ethnic Disparities Among Asian Americans In Inpatient Acute Myocardial Infarction Mortality In The United States, E. J. Kim, N. R. Kressin, M. K. Paasche-Orlow, L. Lopez, J. E. Rosens, M. Lin, A. D. Hanchate

Journal Articles

No abstract provided.

Understanding The Digital Gap Among Us Adults With Disability: Cross-Sectional Analysis Of The Health Information National Trends Survey 2013, E. J. Kim, Y. Yuan, J. Liebschutz, H. Cabral, L. Kazis

Journal Articles

©Eun Ji Kim, Yiyang Yuan, Jane Liebschutz, Howard Cabral, Lewis Kazis. Background: Disabilities affect more than 1 in 5 US adults, and those with disabilities face multiple barriers in accessing health care. A digital gap, defined as the disparity caused by differences in the ability to use advanced technologies, is assumed to be prevalent among individuals with disabilities. Objective: This study examined the associations between disability and use of information technology (IT) in obtaining health information and between trust factors and IT use. We hypothesized that compared to US adults without disabilities, those with disabilities are less likely to refer …

Fertility Information Needs And Concerns Post-Treatment Contribute To Lowered Quality Of Life Among Young Adult Female Cancer Survivors, C. Benedict, B. Thom, D. N. Friedman, E. Pottenger, N. Raghunathan, J. F. Kelvin

Journal Articles

No abstract provided.

Alk-Negative Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Presenting As Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation And Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Potentially Fatal Presentation., U. Ibrahim, A. Saqib, M. Rehan, J. P. Atallah

Journal Articles

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening disorder that can be familial in etiology or a result of infections, malignancy, and autoimmune or inflammatory disorders. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is common in patients admitted to intensive care units and can confound and delay the diagnosis of HLH. We present a case of a 69-year-old female who presented with dyspnea and malaise. Her condition declined rapidly with laboratory parameters consistent with DIC. In addition, she had a ferritin of 32,522 ng/mL, low haptoglobin, and elevated LDH, and bone marrow biopsy showed hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytes. She was started on HLH-directed therapy, and later, a …

Racial And Ethnic Disparities In Diagnosis Of Chronic Medical Conditions In The Usa, E. J. Kim, T. Kim, J. Conigliaro, J. M. Liebschutz, M. K. Paasche-Orlow, A. D. Hanchate

Journal Articles

No abstract provided.

Is 30-Day Posthospitalization Mortality Lower Among Racial/Ethnic Minorities?: A Reexamination, M. Lin, N. R. Kressin, M. K. Paasche-Orlow, E. J. Kim, L. Lopez, J. E. Rosen, A. D. Hanchate

Journal Articles

No abstract provided.

Indwelling Pleural Catheters: Complications And Management Strategies, M. Chalhoub, A. Saqib, M. Castellano

Journal Articles

©Journal of Thoracic Disease. Indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) are increasingly being used for patients with recurrent malignant pleural effusions. They are simple to place and can be done on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. IPCs uniformly relieve dyspnea and improve quality of life of patients with malignant pleural effusions. In some patients with recurrent non-malignant pleural effusions, IPCs proved to be effective as well. With increasing use of IPCs, physicians and patients are faced with complications related to the presence of an indwelling catheter for extended periods of time. The purpose of this review is to describe the various …

The Intersection Of Financial Toxicity And Family Building In Young Adult Cancer Survivors, B. Thom, C. Benedict, D. N. Friedman, J. F. Kelvin

Journal Articles

No abstract provided.

Disparities In Potentially Preventable Hospitalizations: Near-National Estimates For Hispanics, C. Feng, M. K. Paasche-Orlow, N. R. Kressin, J. E. Rosen, L. López, E. J. Kim, M. Y. Lin, A. D. Hanchate

Journal Articles

© Health Research and Educational Trust Objective: To obtain near-national rates of potentially preventable hospitalization (PPH)—a marker of barriers to outpatient care access—for Hispanics; to examine their differences from other race-ethnic groups and by Hispanic national origin; and to identify key mediating factors. Data Sources/Study Setting: Data from all-payer inpatient discharge databases for 15 states accounting for 85 percent of Hispanics nationally. Study Design: Combining counts of inpatient discharges with census population for adults aged 18 and older, we estimated age-sex-adjusted PPH rates. We examined county-level variation in race-ethnic disparities in these rates to identify the mediating role of area-level …

A Computerized Method For Measuring Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography Yield In The Emergency Department: Validation Study., S. Richardson, P. Solomon, A. O'Connell, S. Khan, J. Gong, A. Makhnevich, G. Qiu, M. Zhang, T. Mcginn

Journal Articles

BACKGROUND:Use of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) in the assessment of pulmonary embolism (PE) has markedly increased over the past two decades. While this technology has improved the accuracy of radiological testing for PE, CTPA also carries the risk of substantial iatrogenic harm. Each CTPA carries a 14% risk of contrast-induced nephropathy and a lifetime malignancy risk that can be as high as 2.76%. The appropriate use of CTPA can be estimated by monitoring the CTPA yield, the percentage of tests positive for PE. This is the first study to propose and validate a computerized method for measuring the CTPA …

Improvement In Parameters Of Hematologic And Immunologic Function And Patient Well-Being In The Phase Iii Resonate Study Of Ibrutinib Versus Ofatumumab In Patients With Previously Treated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma., J. C. Barrientos, S. O'Brien, J. R. Brown, N. E. Kay, N. M. Reddy, S. Coutre, C. Tam, S. Mulligan, U. Jaeger, P. Hillmen, +18 Additional Authors

Journal Articles

BACKGROUND: Ibrutinib compared with ofatumumab significantly improves progression-free and overall survival in patients with previously treated chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL).

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Measures of well-being were assessed in RESONATE, where previously treated patients with CLL/SLL were randomized to receive ibrutinib 420 mg/day (n = 195) or ofatumumab (n = 196) for up to 24 weeks. Endpoints included hematologic function, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F), disease-related symptoms, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaires Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), and medical resource utilization.

RESULTS: With up to 24 months' follow-up (median, 16.4 …

Postthrombotic Syndrome In Patients Treated With Rivaroxaban Or Warfarin For Venous Thromboembolism., C. I. Coleman, J. Beyer-Westendorf, T. J. Bunz, C. E. Mahan, A. C. Spyropoulos

Journal Articles

Postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a frequent complication of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Using MarketScan claims data from January 2012 to June 2015, we identified adults with a primary diagnosis code for VTE during a hospitalization/emergency department visit, ≥6 months of insurance coverage prior to the index event and newly started on rivaroxaban or warfarin within 30 days of the index VTE. Patients with

Young Adult Female Cancer Survivors' Concerns About Future Children's Health And Genetic Risk, N. J. Raghunathan, C. Benedict, B. Thom, D. N. Friedman, J. F. Kelvin

Journal Articles

No abstract provided.

The Relationship Of Physical Performance And Osteoporosis Prevention With Vitamin D In Older African Americans (Poda), R. Dhaliwal, M. Mikhail, G. Usera, A. Stolberg, S. Islam, L. Ragolia, J. F. Aloia

Journal Articles

© 2017 Elsevier Inc. Rationale Vitamin D deficiency is associated with bone loss, poor muscle strength, falls and fracture. This information in older African Americans (AAs) is sparse. Objective The study of the relationship of Physical performance, Osteoporosis prevention with vitamin D in older African Americans (PODA) is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 3-year trial examining the effect of vitamin D on bone loss and physical performance in older AA women. Methods 260 healthy AA women aged > 60 years were assigned to receive placebo or vitamin D3. Initial vitamin D3dose was determined by the baseline serum 25OHD level, and adjusted further …

Successful Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy In A Patient With Sickle Cell Disease And Associated Resolution Of A Leg Ulcer, A. Agrawal, R. Shah, M. D. Bacchetta, A. Talwar

Journal Articles

© 2017 Indian Chest Society | Published by Wolters Kluwer -Medknow. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a relatively frequent and severe complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). PH associated with SCD is classified as Group 5 PH. The exact pathogenesis of PH in SCD in not known. There are also very limited treatment options available at this time for such patients with Group 5 PH. Patients with SCD are predisposed to a hypercoagulable state and thus can also suffer from chronic thromboembolism. These patients can have associated chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), thus being classified as Group 4 PH. We present …

Computerized Cognitive Training In Prostate Cancer Patients On Androgen Deprivation Therapy: A Pilot Study, L. M. Wu, A. Amidi, M. L. Tanenbaum, G. Winkel, W. A. Gordon, S. J. Hall, K. Bovbjerg, M. A. Diefenbach

Journal Articles

© 2017, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature. Purpose: Prostate cancer patients who have undergone androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) may experience cognitive impairment, yet there is an unmet need for nonpharmacological interventions to address cognitive impairment in this population. This study examines the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a home-based computerized cognitive training (CCT) program to treat cancer-related cognitive impairment. Methods: Sixty men who had received ≥ 3 months of ADT were screened for at least mild cognitive or neurobehavioral impairment and randomized to 8 weeks of CCT or usual care. Follow-up assessments occurred immediately post-intervention or equivalent …

Examining The Impact Of A Multimedia Intervention On Treatment Decision-Making Among Newly Diagnosed Prostate Cancer Patients: Results From A Nationwide Rct., M. A. Diefenbach, C. Benedict, S. M. Miller, A. L. Stanton, M. E. Ropka, K. Wen, N. E. Mohamed, S. J. Hall

Journal Articles

Men diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer face multiple treatment options, each with distinctive side effects that have significant implications for post-treatment quality of life. Healing Choices for Men with Prostate Cancer is a multimedia educational and decision aid program. This nation-wide randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of Healing Choices on reducing decisional conflict and distress. Eligible prostate cancer patients who called the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service (CIS) were invited to participate. After a baseline interview, participants were randomized to usual personalized consultation with a CIS specialist (comparison condition) or CIS personalized consultation plus the Healing Choices …

Prostate Cancer Patients’ Understanding Of The Gleason Scoring System: Implications For Shared Decision-Making, E. K. Tagai, S. M. Miller, A. Kutikov, M. A. Diefenbach, R. A. Gor, T. Al-Saleem, D. Y. Chen, S. Fleszar, G. Roy

Journal Articles

© 2018 American Association for Cancer Education The Gleason scoring system is a key component of a prostate cancer diagnosis, since it indicates disease aggressiveness. It also serves as a risk communication tool that facilitates shared treatment decision-making. However, the system is highly complex and therefore difficult to communicate: factors which have been shown to undermine well-informed and high-quality shared treatment decision-making. To systematically explore prostate cancer patients’ understanding of the Gleason scoring system (GSS), we assessed knowledge and perceived importance among men who had completed treatment (N = 50). Patients were administered a survey that assessed patient knowledge and …

Reduction In Social Activities Mediates The Relationship Between Diarrhea And Distress In Rectal/Anal Cancer Survivors, C. Benedict, K. Duhamel, C. J. Nelson

Journal Articles

No abstract provided.

Streptococcus Intermedius Brain And Diverticular Abscesses After Dental Manipulation: A Case Report., H. Al Moussawi, M. Krzyzak, Z. Awada, J. M. Chalhoub

Journal Articles

A brain abscess is defined as a focal intracerebral infection consisting of an encapsulated collection of pus, which can be a life-threatening complication of infections, trauma, or surgery. While immunocompromised patients can have a wide array of causative organisms, bacterial species represent the most common etiology in immunocompetent individuals. The incidence of brain abscesses ranges from 0.4 to 0.9 per 100,000, with a high predisposition among immunocompromised patients and in those with disruption of the blood-brain barrier. The most common causative organisms found were Streptococcus species, particularly S. viridians and S. pneumonia, Enterococcus, and Staphylococcus species, mainly S. aurieus and …

Vitamin E Status Is Inversely Associated With Risk Of Incident Tuberculosis Disease Among Household Contacts, Omowunmi Aibana, Molly F Franke, Chuan-Chin Huang, Jerome T Galea, Roger Calderon, Zibiao Zhang, Mercedes C Becerra, Emily R Smith, Carmen Contreras, Rosa Yataco, Leonid Lecca, Megan B Murray

Journal Articles

BACKGROUND: Few studies have previously assessed how pre-existing vitamin E status is associated with risk of tuberculosis (TB) disease progression.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the association between baseline plasma concentrations of 3 vitamin E isomers (α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and δ-tocopherol) and TB disease risk.

METHODS: We conducted a case-control study nested within a longitudinal cohort of household contacts (HHCs) of pulmonary TB cases in Lima, Peru. We defined cases as HHCs who developed active TB disease ≥15 d after the diagnosis of the index patient, and we matched each case to 4 control cases who did not develop active TB based on …