Digital Commons Network^™

The American Society Of Extracorporeal Technology Standards And Guidelines For Pediatric And Congenital Perfusion Practice: 2025 Update☆., Molly Elisabeth Oldeen, Carrie Whittaker Striker, Ronald Angona, Dafne Andrea Chianella, Chelsea Capone, Ashley B Walczak, Thomas Klein

Heart and Vascular Articles

Background: In 2019, the American Society of ExtraCorporeal Technology (AmSECT) approved the inaugural Standards and Guidelines for Pediatric and Congenital Perfusion Practice. These standards and guidelines were created with the intent of periodic revision to ensure continued alignment with evolving best practices. In 2023, an AmSECT subcommittee initiated this review in consideration of current literature and contemporary clinical practices.

Methods: The subcommittee, consisting of pediatric and congenital perfusionists, conducted a systematic literature review assessing each standard and guideline to determine if current evidence supports elevation of guidelines to standards, incorporation of new guidelines or standards, or whether existing standards and …

Bridging The Dermatology Divide: A Literature Review Of Artificial Intelligence–Enabled Point-Of-Care Tools For Skin Cancer Detection In Primary Care, Jared Hensley, Smaran Marupudi, Maria Villegas

School of Medicine Publications

The United States faces a critical dermatology workforce shortage, with more than 60% of counties lacking specialist access. Primary care providers (PCPs) are often tasked with managing suspicious skin lesions but demonstrate lower diagnostic accuracy than dermatologists. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools offer potential solutions, and meta-analytic evidence demonstrates that AI assistance improves PCP sensitivity by 13 percentage points and specificity by 11 percentage points. Yet only 1 Food and Drug Administration–authorized device (January 2024) is cleared for nondermatologist use in the United States. This device achieves 96% sensitivity but only 21% specificity, meaning most positive results are false alarms. A …

Closing Gaps In Urban Trauma Systems: Outcomes Of An Inner-City Community Emergency Department Multidisciplinary Trauma Protocol, Kory S. London, Alan Cherney, Sulabh Neupane, H. Alex Tomlinson, Joseph Cervone, Elaine Qian, Casey Fishman, Jennifer Davis, Sean Mcgann, Varsha Goswami, George Koenig, Frederick Randolph

Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Non-trauma center (NTC) emergency departments (EDs) play regular but underappreciated roles in the management of severely injured patients, yet many lack formal protocols to guide care. We describe the implementation and outcomes of a structured trauma evaluation and transfer protocol at an urban NTC emergency department.

METHODS: A multidisciplinary trauma protocol was implemented on April 1, 2023, at an urban NTC, supported by a Level I trauma center, 2.5 miles apart. The study period ran from January 1, 2019, to June 30, 2025. Using pre-post study design, 62 patients treated prior to implementation were compared with 49 post-intervention patients. …

A National Study Of Tetanus Vaccine Knowledge, Receipt And Acceptance Among Emergency Department Patients, Francesco Sergi, Elisa Vaezazizi, Shaokui Ge, Christopher Alvarez, Jesus Torres, Brian Chinnock, Michael Gottlieb, Vijaya Arun Kumar, Kristin L. Rising, Efrat Kean, Stephanie Eucker, Robert M. Rodriguez

Department of Emergency Medicine Faculty Papers

OBJECTIVE: The Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap, "tetanus") vaccine is recommended for adults every 10 years. In a national sample of adult emergency department (ED) patients, we sought to determine (1) knowledge and up-to-date status of the tetanus vaccine; (2) reasons for nonreceipt of the vaccine; (3) vaccine acceptability if offered in the ED; and (4) reasons for nonacceptance in the ED if offered.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey study among non-critically ill adults at 10 US EDs, asking questions about knowledge, receipt, and acceptability of the tetanus vaccine. Vaccine receipt was determined by self-report. Aggregate responses are reported as …

Nf1 Loss In Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer Induces Osteoclast Formation And Immunosuppression To Promote Bone Metastasis, Zifan Zhao, Ze-Yi Zheng, Jonathan T Lei, Matthew J Baik, Yi-Hsuan Wu, Lauren K Somes, Andres F Mosquera Paternina, Omar A Harb, Owen A Chang, Fengshuo Liu, Matthew V Holt, Junkai Wang, Igor Bado, Hai Wang, George Miles, Zbigniew Gugala, Meenakshi Anurag, Ahmed Elkhanany, Yi Li, Valentina Hoyos, Xiang H-F Zhang, Eric C Chang

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer exhibits a marked propensity for skeletal metastasis; however, the molecular drivers of bone colonization remain incompletely defined. We investigated the tumor suppressor neurofibromin (NF1), a dual repressor for RAS and ER signaling, whose inactivation promotes endocrine therapy (ET) resistance and is associated with inferior relapse-free survival. NF1 copy number loss was detected in 62% of ER+ patients who subsequently developed metastases and was associated with an increased likelihood of bone metastases at initial diagnosis. In mouse xenograft models, NF1-depleted ER+ breast cancer cells demonstrated enhanced dissemination to skeletal sites following surgical resection of primary tumors. …

Cerebellar Atrophy In Pediatric-Onset Opsoclonus-Myoclonus-Ataxia Syndrome: A Large International Cohort Study, Rebecca Macrae, Kierstin Hederstedt, Christopher Cortina, Kumaran Deiva, Andrea Klein, Ming Lim, Thomas Rossor, Elizabeth A Sokol, Yasmin Khakoo, Nikita Malani Shukla, Timothy E Lotze, Wendy G Mitchell, Sarah Hopkins, Bo Zhang, Mark P Gorman

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background and objectives: Pediatric-onset opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia syndrome (POOMAS) is a rare, neuroinflammatory syndrome that targets the cerebellum and can cause irreversible cerebellar structural changes, namely cerebellar atrophy. We investigated the frequency of cerebellar atrophy, as well as associated risk factors and functional outcome measures, using the largest active POOMAS registry.

Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of participants with POOMAS with disease onset from 1995 to 2025 using data from the multinational, multicenter POOMAS registry. Variables were compared between the cerebellar atrophy subgroups using the Fisher exact test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test.

Results: Of participants with follow-up imaging, cerebellar atrophy …

We Grow Accustomed To The Light, Minh Q. Nguyen

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Drawing inspiration from Emily Dickinson’s exploration of the unknown in "We Grow Accustomed to the Dark," this poem, "We Grow Accustomed to the Light," re-examines the final transition of life through a clinical and humanist lens. While Dickinson focused on the bravery required to navigate the "Dark," this piece explores the courage needed to face the "Light," representing the clarity of terminal illness, the shedding of medical "fetters," and the shared experience of the "final goodbye." It challenges the traditional medical impulse to "push forward" at all costs, instead advocating for a "Wise" acceptance of the natural end of the …

Beyond Drainage: Can Pleural Effusion Naturally Tamponade Tumor Hemorrhage? Literature Review Of Hypotheses For Possible Mechanisms, Pratyush Kumar, Kumar Abhishek, Pankti Shah, Amelia Goslin, Archana Machavarapu, Catherine Joyce, Michael J. Waxman, Kari Nilsen

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common complication of advanced lung cancer and is typically treated with therapeutic drainage to relieve symptoms. Although this is a well-established palliative approach, removing pleural fluid—especially in cases of necrotic or post-radiation tumors—may disturb the fragile pressure balance within the thoracic cavity. The question of whether pleural effusion can act as a natural tamponade against tumor-related vascular fragility has not been thoroughly investigated.

Case Presentation

We report a case of a 49-year-old man with stage IIIB non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who experienced a catastrophic hemorrhage shortly after pleural fluid removal via a …

Myxedema Coma With Cardiogenic Shock: Diagnostic Challenges And Risks Of Amiodarone In Acute Thyroid Failure, Jean Carlos Ramos Cardona, Gunjan Mundhra, Munachiso Egbo, Veniamin Melnychuk, Suzanne Quinn Martinez

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Myxedema coma is a rare but life-threatening manifestation of severe hypothyroidism characterized by altered mental status, hypothermia, bradycardia, and multiorgan dysfunction. Delayed diagnosis is common, particularly in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities. Cardiac complications, including malignant arrhythmias, are underrecognized contributors to morbidity and mortality. Profound hypothyroidism compromises cardiac myocyte function through reduced activity of enzymes involved in calcium uptake, leading to impaired myocardial contraction and relaxation. This results in decreased heart rate, reduced cardiac output, and altered left ventricular function, which may be further exacerbated in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Prolongation of the ventricular action …

Neuromotor Compromise As A Presenting Symptom In Advanced Lower Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma: A Case Series, Adam Maestas, Parsa Charkhchi, Farbod Malek

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare malignant tumors of mesenchymal origin, representing less than 1% of adult cancers. Approximately half arise in the extremities, most often presenting as a painless, enlarging mass. Symptoms are often misattributed to benign neuropathic or musculoskeletal causes, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Neurological deficits such as foot drop or distal weakness are exceptionally uncommon presenting signs and generally indicate advanced local invasion or compression of major peripheral nerves. Recognizing acute neuromotor compromise as a potential manifestation of soft tissue malignancy is crucial for timely oncologic evaluation and limb-sparing management.

Case Presentation

This series …

Blaschko-Linear Lupus Erythematosus In A Pediatric Patient, Marshall Hall, Olivia Mayer, Henry Lim, Dustin V. Wilkes, Michael Carletti, Stephen E. Weis

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

The lines of Blaschko represent epithelial cell migration during embryonic development. Rare forms of cutaneous lupus erythematosus may manifest along these lines, and lesions are termed Blaschko-linear lupus erythematosus (BLE). The purpose of this case study is to present a rare manifestation of linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus following the lines of Blaschko in a pediatric patient. To date, there are very few reports of BLE. We present a 17-year-old female with a 2-month history of a mildly tender growing lesion along the right nasofacial sulcus. The patient denied lesions elsewhere and any systemic, joint, or mucosal symptoms. A biopsy of …

Presentations Of Cutaneous Disease In Various Skin Pigmentations: Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Jamie Y. Choe, Henry Lim, Marshall Hall, Christian Scheufele, Dustin V. Wilkes, Michael Carletti, Stephen E. Weis

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by recurrent deep-seated nodules and painful abscesses with scars, fistulae, and sinus tracts that predominately affect the intertriginous sites. Onset typically occurs soon after puberty. Depending on disease severity, HS can lead to varying levels of pain, disability, and disfiguration with significant impacts on quality of life. Hidradenitis suppurativa is diagnosed clinically, and no diagnostic tests are specific to the disease. Therefore, clinicians must have the knowledge and competence to identify the clinical features of HS accurately. The purpose of this report is to provide descriptions of characteristic clinical presentations …

Sebaceous Gland Heterotopia Of The Esophagus: A Rare Incidental Finding During Upper Endoscopy, Samuel Ramos, Margaret-Anne Huntley, Eric Vargas, Jignesh Parikh, Vania Zayat

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Esophageal heterotopic sebaceous glands (EHSG) are an extremely rare finding within the esophageal epithelium. These glands are typically benign, presenting as small, yellow-white plaques or lesions observed on endoscopy, often in the middle third of the esophagus. Esophageal heterotopic sebaceous glands are generally asymptomatic, and surveillance is not required. While their origin is unclear, proposed mechanisms include metaplastic transformation and congenital development. Recognition and histologic confirmation are essential to distinguish EHSG from other esophageal lesions and to avoid unnecessary interventions. We report the case of a 55-year-old man in whom multiple diminutive plaques were identified in the mid-esophagus during esophagogastroduodenoscopy …

Comparing The Expression Of Estrogen Receptors, Progesterone Receptors, And Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 Between Initial Biopsy And Excision Specimens In Invasive Breast Carcinoma Cases. Is There A Need For Universal Repeat Testing? Experience From A Community Hospital, Astrid M. Sacasa, Gul Emek Wymer, Susana Ferra

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

The current national recommendation is that breast biomarkers estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) testing should be done on all primary invasive breast carcinomas and on recurrent or metastatic tumors. Repeat testing on a subsequent excision specimen is not indicated unless results appear discordant with the histopathologic findings. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the need for adopting universal reflex re-testing of breast biomarkers in excision specimens in our institution.

Methods

The study population included 70 sequential invasive breast cancer patients where the results of ER, PR, and …

Opioid Free Anesthesia In Arthroscopic Knee Surgery: A Feasible Approach To Patient Care, Carson Gifford, Denise Vidal, Dail Kim, Austin Goff, Paul Reynolds

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

The opioid epidemic has prompted exploration of opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) techniques, but the optimal approach is still debated. While some OFA protocols substitute opioids with other agents, these alternatives can introduce their own risks. The objective of this study was to investigate whether eliminating intraoperative opioids without analgesic substitution in arthroscopic knee procedures affects postoperative pain control and opioid requirements.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 205 patients who underwent arthroscopic knee procedures between August and November 2023. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those who received intraoperative fentanyl (25-200 mcg, n = 144) and those who received …

Psychological Adaptation In Colorectal Cancer Survivors: Pilot Study Findings, Anuja L. Sarode, Emily M. Su, Amber Kerstetter-Fogle, Steve Paciorek, Erica L. Laipply

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

In this pilot study, we examined psychological impacts of colorectal cancer (CRC), focusing on cancer-related posttraumatic stress disorder (CR-PTSD) symptoms, posttraumatic growth (PTG), and their relationship with coping strategies in surgically treated CRC patients.

Methods

This prospective pre- and postoperative pilot study assessed CRC patients at 2 time points, pre- and postoperative. Psychological symptoms were evaluated using the PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (PCL-5) and the PTG Inventory Short Form (PTGI-SF). Coping strategies were assessed using the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) instrument. Changes in CR-PTSD, PTG, and coping …

Coping Beyond Cancer: Exploring Fear Of Recurrence In Colorectal Cancer Survivors—A Pilot Investigation, Emily M. Su, Steve Paciorek, Erica L. Laipply, Anuja L. Sarode

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Evidence is limited on the fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors in the US, especially regarding patterns and trends of post-recovery coping mechanisms. This pilot mixed-methods study quantified FCR, examined its associations with Brief COPE domains, and contextualized coping through qualitative analysis.

Methods

Twenty-three patients who successfully underwent CRC surgery were included in this pilot study. Fear of cancer recurrence was measured using the FCR Inventory (FCRI) Short Form, and coping strategies were assessed with the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) survey. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics, FCR, and COPE scores. Spearman correlation …

Identifying Pyle's Metaphyseal Dysplasia – An Incidental Finding Of Skeletal Pathology On A Dental Checkup, Shruthi Parthasarathy, Amudhan Azhagan, Arthisri Anandhi Sekar, Poongodi V, Ram Shankar

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Introduction:

Pyle's disease, also known as familial metaphyseal dysplasia, is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder that primarily affects the skeletal system, particularly in children and adolescents. Characterized by distinctive radiographic features such as Erlenmeyer flask deformity and metaphyseal widening, Pyle's disease often goes underdiagnosed due to its mild clinical manifestations.

Case report:

This case report details a 15-year-old female patient presenting with retained milk teeth and unerupted permanent teeth, alongside notable skeletal abnormalities including genu valgum and kyphosis. Clinical and radiographic evaluations revealed significant dental anomalies, including multiple impacted permanent teeth and mild dysmorphic facial features. Although genetic testing …

Factors Associated With Colorectal Cancer Screening Decision-Making Among Older Adults At The Comprehensive Geriatric Clinic, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Chalisa Thanapura, Nawasiri Siriprasert, Thacha Pithayapibulpong, Bhorn-Ake Manasvanich, Vichai Viriyautsahakul

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Abstract

Background: The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Thailand is constantly increasing, and is highest in individuals aged 60-75 years. However, the number of older individuals undergoing CRC screening remains suboptimal.

Objective: This study aimed to identify factors associated with CRC screening decision-making among Thai older adults attending the Comprehensive Geriatric Clinic at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. The secondary objective was to identify factors associated with the choice of screening method—colonoscopy versus fecal occult blood testing (FOBT)

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a data record form at the Comprehensive Geriatrics Clinic, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital in Bangkok, …

Machine Learning-Based Gene Signature Detection Highlights Cxcl12 As A Key Marker For Aml Prediction, Selahattin Alperen Uysal, Burçin Kaymaz

Chulalongkorn Medical Journal

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a severe hematologic malignancy marked by uncontrolled proliferation and impaired differentiation of myeloid cells, disrupting normal hematopoiesis and resulting in poor clinical outcomes. Conventional diagnostic approaches often lack the precision to accurately classify AML subtypes, necessitating the integration of advanced computational methods to improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Objectives: This study aimed to apply machine learning (ML) techniques to transcriptomic data in order to identify a concise and informative gene signature capable of distinguishing AML cases from normal samples. Additionally, the study sought to evaluate the performance of predictive models in supporting AML prediction …

Responding To Medetomidine In Philadelphia: Narrative Summary Of The Public Health Response To A New Psychoactive Substance, Tareva Warrick-Stone, Serge-Emile Simpson, Phil Durney, Dennis Goodstein, Catherine Abrams, Raymond Bobb, Kory London, Daniel Teixeira Da Silva

Division of Internal Medicine Faculty Papers & Presentations

BACKGROUND: Despite the emergence of medetomidine as the dominant adulterant in Philadelphia's illicit opioid supply, coordinated public health responses are limited or non-existent in the literature. Thus, we summarize a recent Summit in Philadelphia of outpatient and inpatient service providers who specialize in the care of persons who use drugs to discuss medetomidine response readiness and building ongoing community readiness for potential destabilizing drug supply changes.

PURPOSE: Describe a public health intervention that distributed information about practices across health care settings and mobilized key informants to identify and address barriers to treatment.

METHODS: Descriptive summary of the in-person Summit organized …

Genomic Characterization Of Er-Positive Primary Tumors And Corresponding Relapses Identifies Potentially Targetable Alterations, Caroline Schagerholm Stanev, Stephanie Robertson, Hosein Toosi, Emmanouil G. Sifakis, Jens Lagergren, Johan Hartman

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

The majority of breast cancer patients have tumors expressing estrogen receptor α (ER) and receive endocrine therapy. However, around one-third relapse in their disease, predominantly with retained ER expression. Molecular alterations are proposed to be contributors to the resistance mechanisms. Patients with ER-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative primary breast cancer with an ER-positive relapse <  5 years of ongoing endocrine therapy were retrospectively assessed. Extracted DNA was analyzed through panel sequencing, and RNA by microarray, from patients’ primary (n = 58), and paired relapse tumors (n = 54), and tumor-free lymph nodes (DNA germline controls, n = 62). Several single-nucleotide variations and copy number variations showed nominal exploratory associations with worse overall survival. Copy number correlations with intrinsic subtypes and …

Independent Associations With Research Productivity Among U.S. Academic Ophthalmologists Using The Us-Aofd, Brenton T. Bicknell, Josephine Rudd Zhong Manis, Yejin Heo, Haley Chishom, Lance Dzubinski, Taylor L. Aaserud, Alvina Liang, Shayan Massoumi, Thanushri Srikantha, John Stoffer, Guihua Zhai, Basil K. Williams Jr, Steven E. Brooks, Robert Tauscher

Journal of Academic Ophthalmology

Background: Scholarly productivity is a key marker of achievement in academic ophthalmology, influencing promotion, research support, and leadership opportunities. Prior studies have reported variation by gender, subspecialty, and rank, but few applied regression methods to identify independent predictors.

Purpose: To evaluate demographic, academic, and subspecialty factors associated with research productivity among U.S. academic ophthalmologists and to identify independent predictors through multivariable regression.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 4,028 ophthalmologists across 126 accredited U.S. residency programs using the U.S. Academic Ophthalmology Faculty Database (US-AOFD). Faculty demographics and academic information were obtained from institutional websites, and bibliometric data (publications, …

Breaking The Cycle: From Victimization To Offending Through The Lens Of Human Services, Colette R. Penalosa

Master of Arts in Human Services

The victim-offender overlap challenges the common view that victims and offenders are separately labeled by recognizing that both groups have experienced significant childhood trauma, physical, emotional, and psychological abuse, neglect, and other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Current research implies these experiences can increase the risk of offending as they all influence cognitive and behavioral development while leaving criminal behavior undetermined. The purpose of this capstone is to analyze the relationship between childhood victimization and offending from a human service perspective; analyzing the pathways a victim takes on the road to offending. Research conducted will focus on exploring the victim-offender overlap, …

Allograft Tendon Pretensioning Technique Guide., Joseph R Brown, Robert W Mendicino

Surgery Articles

In foot and ankle surgery, allograft tendons are frequently used in both primary and revision cases to enhance stability and function. However, postoperative complications, such as creep, can compromise the intended correction and stability over time. This paper presents a practical guide on pretensioning techniques prior to implantation, aiming to reduce creep and improve long-term outcomes. Using two common allograft specimens, we demonstrate pretensioning methods with specific focus on tendon stitching, techniques for securing the allograft to the graft board, optimal tensioning and time parameters. We recommend pretensioning at 80 N for approximately 30 min to effectively decrease creep and …

Neuronal Expression Of Bromodomain Proteins Alters Neuronal Health And Peripheral Protein Homeostasis To Promote Longevity, Naibedya Dutta, Daniel Hicks, Edgar Esparza, Anna Entin, Priyadharshini Vijayakumar, Caitlin M Lange, Tripti Nair, Elijah A Roditi, Athena Alcala, Maxim Averbukh, Matthew Vega, Rebecca Aviles Barahona, Caitlin Mctygue, Veronica Kuo, Juri Kim, Herbert Anson, Aeowynn J Coakley, George Wang, Steven E Pilley, Max A Thorwald, Whitaker Cohn, Sean P Curran, Nicolas Brouilly, Caroline Kumsta, Rachel N Arey, Peter J Mullen, Gilberto Garcia, Ryo Higuchi-Sanabria

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Longevity and stress resilience require precise coordination of gene expression programs across tissues. Here, we demonstrate that overexpression of the chromatin reader bet-1 specifically in neurons of Caenorhabditis elegans promotes organismal longevity and stress resistance via cell-nonautonomous signaling. Neuronal bet-1 elicits a neurotransmitter-dependent signal that activates the conserved stress-responsive transcription factor HSF-1 in the intestine, enhancing proteostasis, oxidative stress resistance, metabolic remodeling, and immune defense. Life span extension by neuronal bet-1 requires both hsf-1 and daf-16 in neurons but only requires hsf-1 in peripheral tissues. Using bulk RNA sequencing, we reveal distinct prolongevity pathways that include enhanced heat-shock response, proteostasis, …

Valvular Heart Failure Is A Distinct Heart Transplant Phenotype With Comparable Adjusted Survival To Other Heart Failure Etiologies, Devon Kelley, Varun Kathawate, Joyce Ho, Andrew Belec, Takahiro Tashima, Kazuhiro Ueno, Jessica Dominic, Pavan Atluri

Division of Cardiology Faculty Papers

PURPOSE: Valvular heart failure (VHF) accounts for 1-5% of heart transplant listings. Comparative outcomes relative to other heart failure etiologies remain poorly characterized. This study defines the VHF phenotype and compares waitlist and transplant outcomes to other heart failure recipients.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study uses the UNOS thoracic transplant database to analyze adult, first-time, heart-only listings with a diagnosis of heart disease. Patients were grouped by diagnosis as VHF or non-VHF. The primary outcome was waitlist events; post-transplant survival and outcomes were secondary analyses. Subgroup analysis was performed in the post-2018 allocation era.

RESULTS: VHF recipients were older (55.3 …

Optimizing Heart Failure-Specific Disease Management Programs And Patient Care In Saudi Arabia: A Saudi Heart Association Position Statement, Abeer Bakhsh, Fakhr Al Ayoubi, Fayez Elshaer, Hanan B. Albackr, Hanin A. Bogari, Ibrahim Jelaidan, Ismail Raslan, Kamal Al Ghalayini, Maryam Alqaseer, Waleed Alhabeeb

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background: Heart failure (HF) represents a major and growing health burden in Saudi Arabia, with high morbidity, frequent hospitalizations, and substantial system-level costs. Despite advances in guideline-directed medical therapy, gaps in diagnosis, care coordination, and longitudinal management persist. Structured, multidisciplinary heart failure–specific disease management programs (HF-DMPs) have been shown to improve outcomes and healthcare efficiency, yet their implementation remains inconsistent across the Kingdom.

Methods: The Saudi Heart Association (SHA) convened a multidisciplinary expert panel to develop a national position statement on HF-DMPs. Recommendations were formulated through structured consensus, informed by a comprehensive review of international guidelines, clinical trials, real-world evidence, …

Measuring Family Involvement In Early Intervention Services For Children Who Are Dhh: A Scoping Review, Marie Martinez, Blair Richlin, Kristina Blaiser

Journal of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

Background: Family involvement after a child has been identified as deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) is often recommended as “best practice” for Family Centered Early Intervention (FCEI; Szarkowski et al., 2024) and a catalyst for improved outcomes. Defining actions of a family will inform high-quality family support programs. This scoping review aims to explore and document family involvement as well as the current systems of measurement used in early intervention DHH family-centered services.

Purpose: The specific aim of this scoping review was to identify the operational definitions of family involvement and metrics used with families of children who are …

Mean Platelet Volume As A Marker Of Disease Severity In Hospitalized Children With Acute Bronchiolitis., Kedar Tilak, Trisha Sunderajan, Lewis Krata

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Bronchiolitis is one of the most common lower respiratory tract infections affecting children less than two years of age and is a leading cause of hospitalization. Mean platelet volume (MPV), a readily available component of the complete blood count, has been investigated as an inflammatory biomarker in various conditions. Our present study evaluated the association between MPV values and the severity of acute bronchiolitis in hospitalized children.    Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the association between MPV, severity of respiratory distress, and need for oxygen support in hospitalized children under two years of age with acute bronchiolitis. …