Medical Specialties Commons^™

From The Desk Of The Residency Program Director, Emily Stewart, Md

The Medicine Forum

It has been another wonderful year in the Jefferson Internal Medicine Residency Program. Our program continues to train the best and brightest residents in the country. This publication is just one example of the passion, dedication and creativity our residents continue to provide to the Jefferson Community. The residents are not just outstanding clinicians but excel in all aspects of medicine including: research, humanities and medical education.

The Medicine Forum: Volume 20

The Medicine Forum

The Journal of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital - Department of Internal Medicine, Volume 20, 2018-2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Clinical Images

Case Reports

• Cardiology
• Endocrinology
• Gastroenterology and Hepatology
• Hematology and Oncology
• Infectious Disease
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Rheumatology

Original Article

Editorial

Literature Review

Creative Writing

Immunomodulatory And Neuroprotective Mechanisms Of Huangqi Glycoprotein Treatment In Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis., Yanxia Xing, Binyu Liu, Yijin Zhao, Lihong Zhang, Rodolfo Thome, Huiqing Xue, Peijun Zhang, Cungen Ma

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

Previous studies have shown that Huangqi glycoprotein (HQGP) has an anti-inflammatory effect in vitro, and suppressed experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis; however, the mechanism underlying its effect is largely unknown. In this manuscript we investigated the mechanisms by which HQGP protect mice from EAE. HQGP was extracted from Astragalus membranaceus and purified by anion-exchange and gel filtration chromatography. HQGP delayed disease onset, reduced disease severity and alleviated inflammation and demyelination in the central nervous system (CNS). Moreover, HQGP reduced the infiltration of pathogenic immune cells and increased the expression of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2) and …

Antibiotics For Operative Vaginal Delivery: Practice-Changing Data., Vincenzo Berghella, Federica Bellussi

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Obstetrical Providers’ Comfort And Knowledge Of Screening, Brief Intervention, And Referral To Treatment, Dennis J. Hand, Aasta Mehta, Emily Rosenthal, Alice C. Fischer, Tamara Tatevosian, Carrie Malanga, Laura Hart, Debra Dalessandro, Kristin Walker

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Posters

Background

Rates of substance use during pregnancy have continued to rise through 2017. It is likely that obstetrical providers are encountering many pregnant persons who use substances either during prenatal care or postpartum. Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence-based model that has been successfully implemented in some obstetrical settings, but its implementation has been sporadic. The objective of this study was to determine the baseline level of familiarity and use of SBIRT elements among obstetrical providers to identify needs for future SBIRT implementation efforts.

Methods

Participants were physicians, medical students, nurses, and other staff attending …

Extreme Peripheral Blood Plasmacytosis Mimicking Plasma Cell Leukemia As A Presenting Feature Of Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma (Aitl)., Kelsey Sokol, Saritha Kartan, William T. Johnson, Onder Alpdogan, Neda Nikbakht, Bradley M. Haverkos, Jerald Z. Gong, Pierluigi Porcu

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is one of four major subtypes of nodal peripheral T cell lymphoma, characterized by its cell of origin, the follicular helper T-cell (TFH). Patients typically present with prominent constitutional (B) symptoms, generalized lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenias, and rash. Here we present a case of a 62-year-old male with progressive cervical adenopathy, fevers and weight loss presenting with extreme polyclonal plasmacytosis and high plasma EBV viral load. While the initial presentation appeared to mimic plasma cell leukemia or severe infection, lymph node biopsy and bone marrow biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of AITL. This case highlights the heterogeneity of …

Solutions To Reduce Unnecessary Imaging., David C. Levin, Vijay M. Rao

Department of Radiology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of Cholesterol Deposits On The Fibrillar Architecture Of The Achilles Tendon In A Rabbit Model Of Hypercholesterolemia., Andrzej Steplewski, Jolanta Fertala, Ryan Tomlinson, Kevth'er Hoxha, Lin Han, Ocean Thakar, Jason Klein, Joseph A. Abboud, Andrzej Fertala

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Increased tendon pain and tendon damage is a significant complication related to hyperlipidemia. Unlike the well-established pathogenesis associated with increased serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, the role of hyperlipidemia in promoting tendon damage remains controversial and requires mechanistic clarity.

METHODS: In this study, we analyzed the consequences of hypercholesterolemia on the integrity of the collagen-based architecture of the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendons from rabbits fed with normal-cholesterol (nCH) and high-cholesterol (hCH) diets were analyzed. We studied the morphology of tendons, distribution of lipids within their collagen-rich milieu, the relative amounts …

C1q/Tnf-Related Protein 3 (Ctrp3) And 9 (Ctrp9) Concentrations Are Decreased In Patients With Heart Failure And Are Associated With Increased Morbidity And Mortality., Chao Gao, Shasha Zhao, Kun Lian, Baibing Mi, Rui Si, Zhijun Tan, Feng Fu, Shuai Wang, Rutao Wang, Xin-Liang Ma, Ling Tao

Center for Translational Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Biochemical marker has revolutionized the approach to the diagnosis of heart failure. However, it remains difficult to assess stability of the patient. As such, novel means of stratifying disease severity are needed. C1q/TNF-Related Protein 3 (CTRP3) and C1q/TNF-Related Protein 9 (CTRP9) are novel adipokines that contribute to energy homeostasis with additional anti-inflammatory and anti-ischemic properties. The aim of our study is to evaluate concentrations of CTRP3 and CTRP9 in patients with HFrEF (heart failure with reduced ejection fraction) and whether associated with mortality.

METHODS: Clinical data and plasma were obtained from 176 healthy controls and 168 patients with HFrEF. …

Gm1 Ganglioside Modifies Α-Synuclein Toxicity And Is Neuroprotective In A Rat Α-Synuclein Model Of Parkinson's Disease., Jay S. Schneider, Radha Aras, Courtney K. Williams, James B. Koprich, Jonathan M. Brotchie, Vikrant Singh

Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology Faculty Papers

While GM1 may interact with α-synuclein in vitro to inhibit aggregation, the ability of GM1 to protect against α-synuclein toxicity in vivo has not been investigated. We used targeted adeno-associated viral vector (AAV) overexpression of human mutant α-synuclein (A53T) in the rat substantia nigra (SN) to produce degeneration of SN dopamine neurons, loss of striatal dopamine levels, and behavioral impairment. Some animals received daily GM1 ganglioside administration for 6 weeks, beginning 24 hours after AAV-A53T administration or delayed start GM1 administration for 5 weeks beginning 3 weeks after AAV-A53T administration. Both types of GM1 administration protected against loss of SN …

Multi-Institutional Dosimetric Evaluation Of Modern Day Stereotactic Radiosurgery (Srs) Treatment Options For Multiple Brain Metastases., Irina Vergalasova, Haisong Lui, Michelle Alonso-Basanta, Lei Dong, Jun Li, Ke Nie, Wenyin Shi, Boon-Keng Kevin Teo, Yan Yu, Ning Jeff Yue, Wei Zou, Taoran Li

Department of Radiation Oncology Faculty Papers

Purpose/Objectives: There are several popular treatment options currently available for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) of multiple brain metastases: 60Co sources and cone collimators around a spherical geometry (GammaKnife), multi-aperture dynamic conformal arcs on a linac (BrainLab Elements™ v1.5), and volumetric arc therapy on a linac (VMAT) calculated with either the conventional optimizer or with the Varian HyperArc™ solution. This study aimed to dosimetrically compare and evaluate the differences among these treatment options in terms of dose conformity to the tumor as well as dose sparing to the surrounding normal tissues.

Methods and Materials: Sixteen patients and a total of 112 metastases …

Increasing Awareness For The Opioid Aftercare Coordination Service (Oacs), Michael Weintraub, Md, Harry Wang, Md, Sean Dikdan, Md, Mph, Alexys Monoson, Md, Shalini Krishnasamy, Jillian Zavodnick, Md

House Staff Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Conference (2016-2019)

Background

• The United States is in a crisis of opiate related adverse events. From 1999 2017, more than 700,000 people in the U.S. died from drug related overdose; 68% of those involved opioids
• Admissions at Jefferson Hospital for opioid abuse complications are common among the medicine services. Treating patients for their opiate addiction is essential to prevent future opioid overdoses and other complications
• Jefferson has initiated an Opioid Aftercare Coordination Service (OACS) consult system in response to this crisis in order to increase the number of patients who receive medications for opioid use disorder on discharge
• OACS serves both Jefferson …

Improving Residents’ Response Time To Inbox Results, Sean Hurt, Md, Rose Onyeali, Md, Jason Ojeda, Md

House Staff Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Conference (2016-2019)

Study Aims

• We aimed to improve the response times to inbox results of the residents and interns at Jefferson Internal Medicine Associates. A standard measure in EPIC is the percentage of inbox results responded to within 24 hours. At the time of project initiation, 50% of all results assigned to resident and intern inboxes were being responded to in this time frame . We aimed to improve this number to 70%
• There is no expectation that residents and interns could respond to all results within 24 hours. Trainee schedules are very crowded, and not all inbox results need to be …

Moisture Chamber For Eye Care After Facial Nerve Injury, Ryan Rimmer, Md, Lauren Bogdan, Md, Gregory Epps, Md, Nikolaus Hjelm, Md, Erin Reilly, Md

House Staff Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Conference (2016-2019)

Introduction

• Patients with various lesions of the head and neck may have compromise of facial nerve function.
• Facial nerve (CN VII) has various roles, including movement of facial muscles and, importantly, eye closure.
• When facial nerve is sacrificed or damaged during a surgical cases, steps are often taken intraop to surgically correct the deficit and allow eye closure. However, these patients may not immediately realize the benefit of these interventions.
• In the postop period, appropriate eye care is critical to prevent exposure keratopathy due to inability to close eye.
• Exposure keratopathy is damage to the cornea that occurs primarily due …

Creation Of An Institutional Toolkit For Evaluation Of Multidisciplinary Handoffs, Richard F. Schmidt, Md, Courtney Devin, Md, Nicholas Tarangelo, Md, Andrew Mendelson, Md, Bracken Babula, Md, Rebecca Jaffe, Md

House Staff Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Conference (2016-2019)

Objectives

1. Create a method for analyzing different handoffs in a variety of clinical settings and scenarios at TJUH.
2. Develop a set of standardized survey tools using existing validated language to quantify the perceptions, quality, and needs for different patient care transitions.
3. Use results from these tools to cater focused handoff improvement interventions for specific patient care settings.

Improving Ed Door To Puncture Times For Endovascular Thrombectomy In Acute Ischemic Stroke, Richard F. Schmidt, Md, Nabeel Herial, Md, Robin D'Ambrosio, Bsn, Erin Simko, Bsn, Fred Rincon, Md, Maria Aini, Md, Pascal Jabbour, Md, Stavropoula Tjoumakaris, Md, M. Reid Gooch, Md, Robert H. Rosenwasswer, Md, Robin Dharia, Md

House Staff Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Conference (2016-2019)

Objectives

• Optimize the management of patients presenting to TJUH with AIS who are candidates for ET.
• Enable continued process improvement through improved data collection methods and identification of new process metrics.

We Got The Beat: Improving Cpr Quality With Real-Time Metrics, Juergen Kloo, Md, Frances Mae West, Md, Michael Haviland, Rn, Bsn

House Staff Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Conference (2016-2019)

Introduction

High quality chest compressions have been linked to improved survival from sudden cardiac arrest.

The 2015 AHA guidelines recommend the following:

• Rate of compressions between 100 120 CPM
• Depth of compressions between 2 2.4 inches
• Allow full recoil between compressions
• Target CPR fraction at least 60% of the time, ideally 80%
• Avoid hyperventilation
• Collect and use data to improve performance

We set out to show that our clinicians would have a minimum 25% improvement in CPR quality with the use of real time feedback using the new R series ZOLL defibrillators.

Spinal Cord Injury Activation Alert: Revisiting And Revamping Protocols, Ritam Ghosh, Md, Ralph Marino, Md, Michael Wolf, Md, James S. Harrop, Md

House Staff Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Conference (2016-2019)

Objective

Our objective was to look at the current protocol for spinal cord injury activation alerts and to highlight deficiencies in the system. Currently, any physician at Jefferson can call this alert, which often leads to a misuse of resources and wrongful identification of true spinal cord injury.

In order to refine the protocol, we believe that the Cord System should be used for the following guidelines:

1. Identify patients w Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
2. Identify patients for SCI research trials
3. Identify patients who require surgery

The Implementation And Efficacy Of A Breast Cancer Wellness Group At Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Steven Woodward, Md, Peter Altshuler, Md, Theodore N. Tsangaris, Md

House Staff Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Conference (2016-2019)

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is not only a physical disease but something that affects our patients’ mental, spiritual, emotional and social wellbeing. There has been literature that demonstrates the positive benefits of exercise, social support, and nonmedical adjuncts for breast cancer patients. There is currently a lack of wellness support within the Jefferson breast cancer community.

Methods: A wellness survey will be distributed throughout the breast surgery and breast oncology clinics to assess the current level of wellness and interest in a breast cancer wellness group at TJUH. This survey will be used both before and after implementation …

A Qi Initiative To Reduce Time To Antibiotics In Oncologic Neutropenic Fever, Adam Binder, Jordan Villars

House Staff Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Conference (2016-2019)

Problem Statement

Neutropenic fever (NF) (defined as temperature of 101o F on one occasion, or 100.4o F sustained over 60 minutes in a patient with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) less than 500, or suspected drop below 500 within 48 hours) is relatively common oncologic emergency, particularly in hematologic malignancy patients. Expert consensus is that anti-pseudomonas gram-negative antibiotics (abx) should be administered within 60 minutes of detecting neutropenic fever.

At Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH), internal guidelines for time to treatment in neutropenic fever are in line with expert consensus - 60 minutes. We found that from July 1st – …

Speed And Safety: Emergency Department Ultrasound Lockboxes For Peripheral Iv’S, M. Trifan, S. Schiff, D. Devlin, B. Warden, M. Magee

House Staff Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Conference (2016-2019)

Objectives

• To decrease the average amount of time needed to place an USGIV by installing lock-boxes with all necessary materials on the ultrasound carts.
• To eliminate a time-consuming step in gathering materials for USGIV, while satisfying safety standards for securing sharps in the department

A Strategy For Noise Reduction To Improve Patient Experiences With Sleep (Snores), Vikas Sunder, Eitan Frankel, Neelam Upadhyaya, Merlin Mathew, Ritu Nahar, Michael Brister, Nicholas Young, Yair Lev, Md

House Staff Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Conference (2016-2019)

Aim

Our aim was to improve patient-reported sleep satisfaction on the 5 W telemetry unit at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital over a 4 month time period (11/2018 to 2/2019) using a Marpac white noise machine.

Rapid Response Checklists - A Pilot Study For A Novel Approach, Ali Rafiq, Md, Purujit Thacker, Md, Doron Schneider, Md

House Staff Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Conference (2016-2019)

Objective

Our goal was to assess residents' ability to think of adequate differential diagnoses in a high-pressure scenario, and their perception of the utility of a checklist during rapid responses.

Lack Of Utility And Excess Cost Of Routine Perioperative Hematologic Testing In Patients Undergoing Elective Neurosurgical Procedures Of The Spine, Lucas Philipp, Md, Mph, Catriona Harrop, Md, David Wyler, Md, James Harrop, Md

House Staff Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Conference (2016-2019)

Objective

To prospectively conduct a "mock trial" among 100% (minimum n=200) of elective neurosurgery spine patients to estimate the total projected cost, savings, risk, and feasibility of a redefined/restricted lab testing protocol over the next 12 months

Treatment Summaries For Head And Neck Cancer Survivors: Improving Patient Self Efficacy And Survivorship Care, Michael C. Topf, Md, Jena Patel, Ramez Philips, Md, David Cognetti, Md

House Staff Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Conference (2016-2019)

Objective

• To determine if receiving treatment summaries enhances patient understanding and recall of cancer and treatment details, improves patient self efficacy, and serves as a useful patient tool after completion of head and neck (HNC) therapy

“Can You Send Over The Imaging?” Analyzing The Patient Transfer Process At Tjuh, Walker Lyons, Md, Peter Altshuler, Md, Andrew Hallett, Md, Lindsay Lynch, Md, Tommy O'Malley, Md, Steven Woodward, Md, Alicja Zalewski, Md, Scott Cowan, Md

House Staff Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Conference (2016-2019)

Objective

Our goal was to investigate possible ways to improve the transition of care when patients are transferred to Jefferson Center City. As a quaternary care hospital with a large transfer volume, it is especially important to look for ways to optimize this process because it can improve timely patient care, reduce and eliminate unnecessary studies and diagnostic tests and save time and work that could be better spent in other aspects of treating the patient.

Developing A Neurosurgical Spine Post-Operative Note Template On Epic For Improved Multi-Disciplinary Care, Omaditya Khanna, Md, Geoffrey P. Stricsek, Md, Giuliana Labella, Rn, James Harrop, Md, Jesse Edwards, Md

House Staff Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Conference (2016-2019)

Introduction

The care of neurosurgical spine patients often involves a multi-disciplinary team, including neurosurgery residents, hospitalists, nursing staff, and physical/occupational therapists.

Oftentimes, post-op spine patients are on a non-neurosurgical service (hospitalist, MICU/SICU, medicine), who are provided with scant sign out on the procedure(s) performed.

The treatment team(s) that are helping manage patient care post-operatively are often unaware of the procedure performed, and what are the salient clinical signs/symptoms, radiographic findings, and laboratory values that need to be closely monitored

Neuroimaging Protocol In Patients Presenting With Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage, Kevin Hines, Md, Nikolaos Mouchtouris, Md, Karim Hafazalla, Jacob M. Mazza, Phillip Phan, Giuliana Labella, Muhammad Athar, Md, Adam Flanders, Md, Pascal Jabbour, Md

House Staff Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Conference (2016-2019)

Introduction

While lacking evidence based recommendations, most institutions must evaluate spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhages (sICH) for hematoma expansion (HE). If unrecognized, it can be a devastating complication. However, because of the lack of general recommendations for serial imaging, many hospitals, including Thomas Jefferson, have arbitrarily instituted 6 hour an 24 hour stability head CT’s to evaluate for HE.

In our project, we examine the impact of this imaging protocol on the safety and quality of patient care and provide revised recommendations for imaging in sICH at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience.

Aspiration Pneumonia After Spine Surgery At Tjuh, Daniel Franco, Md, Jesse Edwards, Md, Kristen Vogl, Pt, Barbara Baskin, Slp, James Harrop, Md

House Staff Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Conference (2016-2019)

Problem Definition

Aspiration Pneumonia after Spine Surgery at TJUH has a disproportionately high incidence, compared to other major academic centers When Aspiration Pneumonia is diagnosed in the immediate post operative period, this cascades into increased length of stay, increased overall cost and possibility negative impact for physician and hospital reimbursement At this time, it is unclear which criteria are used by physicians to determine whether an aspiration event has happened.

Improving Preventive Care In Patients With Improving Preventive Care In Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Through Use Of A Standardized Checklist Tool, Andrew Elden, Richard Denicola, Amy Javia, Raja Dhanekula, Raina Shivashankar, Patricia Kozuch, Stephanie Moleski, Jorge Prieto

House Staff Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Conference (2016-2019)

Study Aims

• Improve communication to referring PCP of the preventive care screening needs for IBD patients seen in the ambulatory setting.
• Implement system wide change through the use of a progressively modified EPIC based smart tool integrated directly into our provider notes.
• Increase adherence to guidelines for immunization, cancer screening, infectious screening, osteoporosis screening (DEXA scans), and smoking cessation counseling.