Medical Specialties Commons^™

Design Of The Strive-Ipf Trial-Study Of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange, Rituximab, And Intravenous Immunoglobulin For Acute Exacerbations Of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, Tejaswini Kulkarni, Gerard Criner, Daniel Kass, Ivan Rosas, Mary Beth Scholand, Daniel Dilling, Ross Summer, Steven Duncan

Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Acute exacerbations of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE-IPF) affect a significant proportion of patients with IPF. There are limited data to inform therapeutic strategies for AE-IPF, despite its high mortality. We discuss the rationale and design of STRIVE-IPF, a randomized, multi-center, open-label Phase IIb clinical trial to determine the efficacy of combined therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), rituximab, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), in comparison to treatment as usual (TAU), among patients with acute IPF exacerbations.

METHODS: The STRIVE-IPF trial will randomize 51 patients among five sites in the United States. The inclusion criteria have been designed to select a study population …

Increase In Hnrnpa1 Expression Suffices To Kill Motor Neurons In Transgenic Rats, Xionghao Liu, Tingting Zhang, Qinxue Wu, Cao Huang, Xu-Gang Xia, Hongxia Zhou, Bo Huang

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

A dominant mutation in hnRNPA1 causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but it is not known whether this mutation leads to motor neuron death through increased or decreased function. To elucidate the relationship between pathogenic hnRNPA1 mutation and its native function, we created novel transgenic rats that overexpressed wildtype rat hnRNPA1 exclusively in motor neurons. This targeted expression of wildtype hnRNPA1 caused severe motor neuron loss and subsequent denervation muscle atrophy in transgenic rats that recapitulated the characteristics of ALS. These findings demonstrate that the augmentation of hnRNPA1 expression suffices to trigger motor neuron degeneration and the manifestation of ALS-like phenotypes. …

Increased Glucose Availability Sensitizes Pancreatic Cancer To Chemotherapy, Ali Vaziri-Gohar, Jonathan J. Hue, Ata Abbas, Hallie J. Graor, Omid Hajihassani, Mehrdad Zarei, George Titomihelakis, John Feczko, Moeez Rathore, Sylwia Chelstowska, Alexander W. Loftus, Rui Wang, Mahsa Zarei, Maryam Goudarzi, Renliang Zhang, Belinda Willard, Li Zhang, Adam Kresak, Joseph E. Willis, Gi-Ming Wang, Curtis Tatsuoka, Joseph M. Salvino, Ilya Bederman, Henri Brunengraber, Costas A. Lyssiotis, Jonathan R. Brody, Jordan M. Winter

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is highly resistant to chemotherapy. Effective alternative therapies have yet to emerge, as chemotherapy remains the best available systemic treatment. However, the discovery of safe and available adjuncts to enhance chemotherapeutic efficacy can still improve survival outcomes. We show that a hyperglycemic state substantially enhances the efficacy of conventional single- and multi-agent chemotherapy regimens against PDAC. Molecular analyses of tumors exposed to high glucose levels reveal that the expression of GCLC (glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit), a key component of glutathione biosynthesis, is diminished, which in turn augments oxidative anti-tumor damage by chemotherapy. Inhibition of GCLC phenocopies …

A Review Of Isomirs In Colorectal Cancer, Molly A. Lausten, Bruce M. Boman

Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Faculty Papers

As advancements in sequencing technology rapidly continue to develop, a new classification of microRNAs has occurred with the discovery of isomiRs, which are relatively common microRNAs with sequence variations compared to their established template microRNAs. This review article seeks to compile all known information about isomiRs in colorectal cancer (CRC), which has not, to our knowledge, been gathered previously to any great extent. A brief overview is given of the history of microRNAs, their implications in colon cancer, the canonical pathway of biogenesis and isomiR classification. This is followed by a comprehensive review of the literature that is available on …

Test-Retest Reliability Of Virtual Reality Devices In Quantifying For Relative Afferent Pupillary Defect, Prithul Sarker, Nasif Zaman, Joshua Ong, Phani Paladugu, Molly Aldred, Ethan Waisberg, Andrew G. Lee, Alireza Tavakkoli

Student Papers, Posters & Projects

Background: The swinging flashlight test (SFT) is one of the most prominent clinical tests for detecting the relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD). A positive RAPD localizes the lesion to the affected afferent pupil pathway and is a critical part of any ophthalmic exam. Testing for an RAPD, however, can be challenging (especially when small), and there is significant intrarater and interrater variability.

Methods: Prior studies have shown that the pupillometer can improve the detection and measurement of RAPD. In our previous research, we have demonstrated an automatic SFT by utilizing virtual reality (VR), named VR-SFT. We applied our methods to …

Protocol Of A Multicentre Randomised Controlled Trial Assessing Transperineal Prostate Biopsy To Reduce Infectiouscomplications, Jim Hu, Alec Zhu, Andrew Vickers, Mohamad Ezzeddine Allaf, Behfar Ehdaie, Anthony Schaeffer, Christian Pavlovich, Ashley E. Ross, David A. Green, Gerald Wang, Serge Ginzburg, Jeffrey S. Montgomery, Arvin George, John N. Graham, Benjamin T. Ristau, Andres Correa, Jonathan E. Shoag, Keith J. Kowalczyk, Tenny R. Zhang, E.M. Schaeffer

Einstein Health Papers

Introduction Approximately one million prostate biopsies are performed annually in the USA, and most are performed using a transrectal approach under local anaesthesia. The risk of postbiopsy infection is increasing due to increasing antibiotic resistance of rectal flora. Single-centre studies suggest that a clean, percutaneous transperineal approach to prostate biopsy may have a lower risk of infection. To date, there is no high-level evidence comparing transperineal versus transrectal prostate biopsy. We hypothesise that transperineal versus transrectal prostate biopsy under local anaesthesia has a significantly lower risk of infection, similar pain/discomfort levels and comparable detection of non-low-grade prostate cancer.

Methods and …

Persistently Elevated Hbv Viral-Host Junction Dna In Urine As A Biomarker For Hepatocellular Carcinoma Minimum Residual Disease And Recurrence: A Pilot Study, Selena Y Lin, Dina Halegoua-De Marzio, Peter Block, Yu-Lan Kao, Jesse M. Civan, Fwu-Shan Shieh, Wei Song, Hie-Won Hann, Ying-Hsiu Su

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-host junction sequences (HBV-JSs) has been detected in the urine of patients with HBV infection. This study evaluated HBV-JSs as a marker of minimum residual disease (MRD) and tumor recurrence after treatment in HBV-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Archived serial urine DNA from two HBV–HCC with recurrence as confirmed by MRI and four HBV-related cirrhosis (LC) patients were used. Urinary HBV-JSs were identified by an HBV-targeted NGS assay. Quantitative junction-specific PCR assays were developed to investigate dynamic changes of the most abundant urinary HBV-JS. Abundant urinary HBV-JSs were identified in two cases of tumor recurrence. In case 1, …

Glut1 Is Redundant In Hypoxic And Glycolytic Nucleus Pulposus Cells Of The Intervertebral Disc, Shira N. Johnston, Elizabeth S. Silagi, Vedavathi Madhu, Duc H. Nguyen, Irving M. Shapiro, Makarand V. Risbud

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

Glycolysis is central to homeostasis of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in the avascular intervertebral disc. Since the glucose transporter, GLUT1, is a highly enriched phenotypic marker of NP cells, we hypothesized that it is vital for the development and postnatal maintenance of the disc. Surprisingly, primary NP cells treated with 2 well-characterized GLUT1 inhibitors maintained normal rates of glycolysis and ATP production, indicating intrinsic compensatory mechanisms. We showed in vitro that NP cells mitigated GLUT1 loss by rewiring glucose import through GLUT3. Of note, we demonstrated that substrates, such as glutamine and palmitate, did not compensate for glucose restriction resulting …

Regulation Of Airway Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation By Diacylglycerol Kinase: Relevance To Airway Remodeling In Asthma, Miguel Angel Hernandez-Lara, Santosh K Yadav, Sushrut D. Shah, Mariko Okumura, Yuichi Yokoyama, Raymond B. Penn,, Taku Kambayashi, Deepak A. Deshpande

Center for Translational Medicine Faculty Papers

Airway remodeling in asthma involves the hyperproliferation of airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells. However, the molecular signals that regulate ASM growth are not completely understood. Gq-coupled G protein-coupled receptor and receptor tyrosine kinase signaling regulate ASM cell proliferation via activation of phospholipase C, generation of inositol triphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG). Diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) converts DAG into phosphatidic acid (PA) and terminates DAG signaling while promoting PA-mediated signaling and function. Herein, we hypothesized that PA is a pro-mitogenic second messenger in ASM, and DGK inhibition reduces the conversion of DAG into PA resulting in inhibition of ASM cell proliferation. We …

Grk2 Regulates Adp Signaling In Platelets Via P2y1 And P2y12., Xuefei Zhao, Matthew Cooper, James V Michael, Yanki Yarman, Aiden Baltz, J Kurt Chuprun, Walter J Koch, Steven E. Mckenzie, Maurizio Tomaiuolo, Timothy J Stalker, Li Zhu, Peisong Ma

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

The critical role of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) in regulating cardiac function has been well documented for >3 decades. Targeting GRK2 has therefore been extensively studied as a novel approach to treating cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about its role in hemostasis and thrombosis. We provide here the first evidence that GRK2 limits platelet activation and regulates the hemostatic response to injury. Deletion of GRK2 in mouse platelets causes increased platelet accumulation after laser-induced injury in the cremaster muscle arterioles, shortens tail bleeding time, and enhances thrombosis in adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP)-induced pulmonary thromboembolism and in FeCl3-induced carotid …

Ogr1-Dependent Regulation Of The Allergen-Induced Asthma Phenotype, Ajay P Nayak, Deepak A. Deshpande, Phd, Sushrut D. Shah, Dominic R Villalba, Roslyn Yi, Nadan Wang, Raymond B. Penn

Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Faculty Papers

The proton-sensing receptor, ovarian cancer G protein-coupled receptor (OGR1), has been shown to be expressed in airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells and is capable of promoting ASM contraction in response to decreased extracellular pH. OGR1 knockout (OGR1KO) mice are reported to be resistant to the asthma features induced by inhaled allergen. We recently described certain benzodiazepines as OGR1 activators capable of mediating both procontractile and prorelaxant signaling in ASM cells. Here we assess the effect of treatment with the benzodiazepines lorazepam or sulazepam on the asthma phenotype in wild-type (WT) and OGR1KO mice subjected to inhaled house dust mite (HDM; …

Circumcision As An Intervening Strategy Against Hiv Acquisition In The Male Genital Tract, Adhikarimayum Lakhikumar Sharma, Joseph Hokello, Mudit Tyagi

Center for Translational Medicine Faculty Papers

Unsafe sex with HIV-infected individuals remains a major route for HIV transmission, and protective strategies, such as the distribution of free condoms and pre-or post-prophylaxis medication, have failed to control the spread of HIV, particularly in resource-limited settings and high HIV prevalence areas. An additional key strategy for HIV prevention is voluntary male circumcision (MC). International health organizations (e.g., the World Health Organization, UNAIDS) have recommended this strategy on a larger scale, however, there is a general lack of public understanding about how MC effectively protects against HIV infection. This review aims to discuss the acquisition of HIV through the …

Chloroquine: Autophagy Inhibitor, Antimalarial, Bitter Taste Receptor Agonist In Fight Against Covid-19, A Reality Check?, Pawan Sharma, Kielan D. Mcalinden, Saeid Ghavami, Deepak A. Deshpande

Center for Translational Medicine Faculty Papers

The recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic poses one of the greatest challenges to modern medicine. Therefore, identification of new therapeutic strategies seems essential either based on novel vaccines or drugs or simply repurposing existing drugs. Notably, due to their known safety profile, repurposing of existing drugs is the fastest and highly efficient approach to bring a therapeutic to a clinic for any new indication. One such drug that has been used extensively for decades is chloroquine (CQ, with its derivatives) either for malaria, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Accumulating body of evidence from experimental pharmacology suggests that CQ and related analogues also activate …

Timing Of Preoperative Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis Prior To One-To-Three Level Elective Lumbar Fusion, Akash Singh, Gregory Schroeder, Md, Jose Canseco, Md, Alexander Vaccaro, Md, Parthik Patel, Md, Ariana Reyes, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients who have undergone lumbar fusion surgery can be a devastating complication. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between timing of preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis and adverse outcomes such as SSIs with subgroup analysis stratified by antibiotic type.

Methods: This retrospective cohort included patients having undergone a 1-3 level lumbar fusion who were allocated into 5 groups based on the time from antibiotic administration to incision (Group A = 0-15 min, Group B = 16-30 min, Group C = 31-45 min, Group D = 46 – 60 min, and Group …

Establishing The Relationship Between Mendelian Nafld And Skin Pathology, Anthony Medvedev, Hassan Vahidnezhad, Phd, Leila Youssefian, Phd, Jouni Uitto, Md, Phd

Phase 1

Introduction:

It is estimated that 25% of the world’s population has some form of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), a pathology associated with the development of cirrhosis, varices, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The discovery of a biallelic mutation in ABHD5 established the link between NAFLD and Chanarin-Dorfman syndrome. Consequently, it was hypothesized that additional NAFLD-inducing mutations could be associated with dermatologic manifestations.

Methods:

International NAFLD patients from consanguineous families underwent whole exome sequencing. These results were then filtered by frequency and pathogenicity prediction algorithms (e.g. Mutation Taster, Polyphen, CADD) to yield novel mutations. Concurrently, a literature review via PubMed identified …

Postoperative Opioid-Prescribing Practices In Nasal Surgery: A Prospective Study, Brian M. Yan, S. Hamad Sagheer, Cory D. Bovenzi, Uche Nwagu, David Cognetti, Howard Krein, Ryan Heffelfinger

Phase 1

Introduction: Within facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (FPRS), prescription practices have trended toward prescribing larger amounts of perioperative opioids. However, there is limited literature regarding the postoperative pain experience and opioid consumption for FPRS. The purpose of our study was to investigate opioid prescription and consumption following procedures of the nose, with the aim of developing evidence-based guidelines for postoperative pain management.

Methods: In this prospective single center study, morphine milligram equivalents (MME) consumption and pain scores were collected in 72 patients who underwent nasal surgery. Patient demographics, MME use, and pain scores were examined. MME use was compared …

Contrast-Enhanced Endoscopic Ultrasound For Identification Of Sentinel Lymph Nodes In Esophageal Cancer, Bethanne Venkatesan, Ji-Bin Liu, Md, John R. Eisenbrey, Phd, Sriharsha Gummadi, Md, Thomas Kowalski, Md, Robert Coben, Md, Flemming Forsberg, Phd, Corinne Wessner, Priscilla Machado, Md, David Loren, Md

Phase 1

Introduction:

In esophageal carcinoma, lymph node involvement is a crucial aspect of nodal staging and determining treatment strategies. Although grayscale endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is the standard of care for staging, it is unable to identify lymph node drainage from primary tumors or sentinel lymph nodes (SLN). The goal of this study was to determine if Contrast Enhanced Endoscopic Ultrasound (CE- EUS) is superior to EUS in the identification of SLNs and nodal staging in esophageal carcinoma.

Methods:

In the unblinded pilot study, patients with newly diagnosed esophageal carcinoma were recruited to undergo CE-EUS and standard EUS. EUS was performed …

Comparison Of Endovascular Therapy Versus Medical Therapy In The Management Of Descending Thoracic Aortic Dissection, Eli Cehelyk, Babak Abai, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: This retrospective review aimed to compare clinical outcomes between patients with descending aortic dissections, with and without organ malperfusion, who were managed with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) or best medical therapy (BMT).

Methods: Thirty-eight patients diagnosed with descending aortic dissections between 2013 and 2020 were identified for analysis. Patients with dissection secondary to trauma and death unrelated to cardiothoracic pathology were excluded. Participants were divided into three groups based on their management: TEVAR (without side branch stenting), TEVAR+ (with additional branch stenting) and BMT. The primary outcome measure was length of hospital stay (LOS) and statistics were analyzed …

Identifying The Roadblocks To Successful Pediatric Imaging Without Sedation Or Anesthesia, Iman Soliman, Ammie M. White, Md, J. Christopher Edgar, Phd, Laura Cadge, Ccls, Margaret Hamel-Daymon, Crnp, Sandra Saade-Lemus, Md, Rochelle Bagatell, Md, Elizabeth T. Drum, Md, Lisa States, Md

Phase 1

Background: Modern imaging modalities allow for assessment of a wide array of medical conditions. Because it is difficult for young children to remain still during lengthy imaging studies, there is a need for sedation and general anesthesia (GA). A growing literature, however, suggests that there may be deleterious neurocognitive effects of sedation/GA in young children. As such, it is in our patients’ best interest to critically evaluate the use of sedation/GA.

Objective: To identify the roadblocks to obtaining clinical pediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams without sedation/GA.

Materials and Methods: Participants included 63 parents/guardians of 5- to 9-year-old patients who …

Reliability Of Surgical Margin Labels Using 3d Radiographic Software, Heather Ross, Raphael Banoub, Md, Brian Swendseid, Md, Joseph Curry, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Surgical resection is a primary treatment for head and neck cancers that improves prognosis and quality of life for patients. Margin assessment is a critical component in this process as positive margins are associated with poor clinical outcomes. However, there is a lack of consensus on how surgical margins should be labeled for accurate origin identification. The objective of this project is to determine the difference in interpretation of surgical margin labels between and within Thomas Jefferson otolaryngologists and pathologists.

Methods: Adults with head and neck cancer who underwent surgical resection were identified. Pre-operative head and neck CT DICOM …

The Impact Of Patient Characteristics On Quality Of Life In Keloid Patients, Jonathan Wang, Romsin Zaya, Rachel Zachian, Mary Metkus, Neda Nikbakht

Phase 1

Introduction: Quality of life (QoL) is an important metric in assessing dermatological diseases such as keloids. This study evaluated the effects of patient characteristics on QoL in keloid patients.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. 36 patients presenting to the keloid clinic at TJUH were surveyed. QoL subscale scores for emotion, symptom, and function were calculated in addition to a total score for each patient using a keloid-specific questionnaire. The association between the QoL scores and patient characteristics of sex, ethnicity, as well as keloid location, duration, visibility, size, number, pain score, and pruritis score were evaluated using t-tests. …

Total Knee Arthroplasty In Patients With Prior Meniscus Surgery: A Matched Case Control Study, Lasya Rangavajjula, Steven B. Cohen, Md, Meghan E. Bishop, Md, Shyam Brahmabhatt, Md, Michael G. Ciccotti, Md, Ashley Bassett, Md, Christopher Hadley

Phase 1

Introduction: Meniscus surgery is one of the most commonly performed orthopedic surgical procedures in the United States. However, outcomes following a Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with a history of prior knee arthroscopy are varied with small patient cohorts, warranting further research. The research question investigates how the clinical outcomes of TKA compare between patients with and without prior meniscectomy history. It is hypothesized that there will be no significant difference in clinical outcomes between the two cohorts.

Methods: The study design is a retrospective case-control study. The study population included patients from Rothman Institute with TKA and …

Reduced Recovery Times With Total Intravenous Anesthesia In Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Leonard Estephan, Matthew Stewart, Maurits Boon, Colin Huntley

Phase 1

Introduction: There are currently no specific anesthetic guidelines for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) undergoing upper airway surgery. Two consistently utilized anesthetic approaches during such procedures include inhalational gas anesthesia and total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), however whether either is more efficacious remains undefined. We hypothesize that administration of TIVA will lead to reduced post-operative recovery time in patients with comorbid OSA undergoing upper airway surgery.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients with comorbid OSA that underwent surgery (upper airway stimulation, nasal surgery, palate surgery) between January 2019 and December 2019. Included patients received either inhaled …

Effects Of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (Cpap) Sleep Apnea Treatment On Mild Cognitive Impairment (Mci) And Cardiovascular Risk, Olivia Taylor, Cynthia Cheng, Md, Phd

Phase 1

There is a documented association between sleep apnea and earlier onset of cognitive impairment later in life. We hypothesize that nightly treatment with CPAP therapy will improve MCI status as estimated by a panel of neuropsychiatry tests in patients >55 with OSA and concomitant memory complaints. With a prospective cohort design, patients compliant with CPAP therapy are being compared to noncompliant patients and a non-OSA control group. My role in this multi-site project was to screen potential patients from Jefferson’s sleep clinic for eligibility for study enrollment. This study is still ongoing. OSA’s high prevalence makes it a worthwhile endeavor …

Coronary Artery Disease And Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Clinical Correlation Using Ct Coronary Calcium Scans, Richard S. Kirby, Dina Halegoua-De Marzio

Phase 1

Introduction: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) have been explored with coronary angiography which showed a link between severe NAFLD and CVD risk. This study’s aim is to determine if CT coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores used to determine CAD severity in asymptomatic populations can help predict presence of NAFLD.

Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study of positive CT CAC scores and liver imaging with either CT, ultrasound, or MRI of the abdomen or CT of the chest. Drinking 7 or 14 drinks per week for a woman or man respectively and chronic viral hepatitis diagnosis …

Treatment Of Distal Radius Fractures In Patients Over 80 Years Of Age: Functional Outcomes After Open Reduction And Internal Fixation Versus Nonoperative Treatment, Robert Gallivan, Lili E. Schindelar, Md, Mph, Richard Mcentee, Pedro K. Beredjiklian, Md

Phase 1

INTRODUCTION

Distal radius fractures are one of the most common fractures seen in the elderly. With the younger physiological age of patients over 60 years, the expectation of functional outcomes is changing. The management of distal radius fractures in the elderly patient, especially those over the age of 80, has not been well defined. The purpose of this study was to compare operative to nonoperative treatment of distal radius fractures in patients older than 80 years to determine if there is any difference in functional outcomes or complications.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed to identify patients 80 years or …

Factors Influencing Efficacy And Satisfaction In Prenatal Counseling For Families With Single Ventricle Heart Disease, Taylor Hartzel Houlihan, Jack Rychik, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: The Fetal Heart Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia offers prenatal counseling to families with congenital heart disease diagnoses. This center has yet to examine family satisfaction with counseling, especially those with complicated single ventricle diagnoses. While families may receive sufficient education about their child’s condition, better communication may be needed to prepare them for potential neurological and behavioral complications.

Methods: Through chart review, 355 patient families with single ventricle diagnoses who utilized CHOP prenatal counseling within the past 10 years were identified. Retrospective surveys including Likert scales and open-ended questions were distributed by email. 65 responses were …

Efficacy Of An Appointment Specialist In Reducing Loss To Follow Up In A Retina Practice, Turner D. Wibbelsman, Michael Ammar, Md, Anthony Obeid, Md, Mph, Jason Hsu, Md

Phase 1

Introduction:

Although a new armamentarium has greatly benefitted patients with retinal disease, novel therapeutic approaches require more frequent clinic visits, which may lead to missed treatments and vision loss. This study characterizes patient-reported reasons for missed visits and assesses the efficacy of calling patients for rescheduling missed visits.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study included patients who missed an appointment for an intravitreal injection between January 2018 and February 2020 at the Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital. Two calls were made to each patient by an appointment specialist to reschedule the visit and record a reason for the …

Expanding The Whipple Accelerated Recovery Pathway (Warp) To All Patients Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Pd), Taylor R. Kavanagh, Clifford Yudkoff, Ava Torjani, Geoffrey W. Krampitz, Wilbur Bowne, Hamza Rshaidat, Cyrus J. Sholevar, Alexandra C. Leto, William Preston, Elwin Tham, Mandeep Shergill, Shawnna Cannaday, Theresa Yeo, Harish Lavu, Charles J. Yeo

Phase 1

Introduction:

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a complex abdominal procedure with high rates of perioperative morbidity. The Whipple Accelerated Recovery Pathway (WARP) was developed for highly selected patients undergoing PD to reduce hospital length of stay (LOS) and time to adjuvant therapy (TTAT), without increasing post-operative complications (POC) or readmission rates (RR). The purpose of this study was to determine if WARP could be implemented for all-risk patients undergoing PD.

Methods:

A single-institution, retrospective analysis of 281 patients implemented on the WARP between 2017-2020 was performed. 119 patients were categorized as WARP-eligible (WEPs) according to original inclusion criteria, and 162 were …

Effects Of Intravenous Iron Versus Oral Iron For Treatment Of Anemia In Pregnancy On Maternal And Fetal Outcomes: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Sarah Chen, Julia Burd, Md, Rupsa Boelig, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: Anemia during pregnancy can lead to preterm birth, low fetal birthweight, and poorer neonatal neurological outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare maternal and fetal outcomes following intravenous (IV) versus oral iron supplementation for iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, OVID, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing IV versus oral iron supplementation for iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy. Studies were included in this meta-analysis if they reported maternal and fetal hematologic outcomes. The relative risk (RR) or standard mean difference (SMD) of IV iron supplementation …