Medical Specialties Commons^™

Complete Versus Subtotal Resection Of Paediatric Craniopharyngioma, Wardah Pervez, Saqib Kamran Bakhshi, Farhan A. Mirza, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim

Section of Neurosurgery

Optimal management of craniopharyngioma is challenging and requires multidisciplinary efforts for a successful outcome. The debate over radical versus a conservative resection followed by radiotherapy, continues. Current literature reports no difference in disease freedom and overall survival between the two surgical viewpoints, and favours conservative resection and radiotherapy, leading to lower morbidity and superior functional outcomes.

Eccrine Spiradenoma: A Rare Adnexal Tumour With Atypical Presentation: A Case Report, Adnan Salim, Muhammad Usman Tariq, Sana Zeeshan

Section of Neurosurgery

First described in 1934, eccrine spiradenoma (ES) is a rare, benign adnexal tumour arising from eccrine sweat glands. It commonly presents as a slow-growing nodule on the upper trunk, and head and neck region, mostly in the age bracket of 15-35 years, with no gender preference. While no established guidelines exist for optimal management of malignant ES, some therapies have been studied. The diagnosis of this entity is extremely important as it can harbour a malignant component with disastrous outcomes which may be missed due to its strong resemblance to benign lesions, such as a papilloma. Here, we present the …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Needs Analysis For Breastfeeding Education At Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Michal Norry, Julia Switzer, Md

Phase 1

Purpose: There are currently gaps in breastfeeding education for OB/GYN and Family Medicine residents, consequently affecting their confidence in this area of patient care. To address this issue, we are conducting an analysis of the efficacy of the current curriculum to highlight areas for future improvement.

Methods: PGY1-4 residents in the departments of Family Medicine (FM) and Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) completed a pre-test before their required annual breastfeeding education on August 6, 2020. We used a validated pre-test from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) which included items assessing the training. Learners self-selected one of two didactic sessions: in …

Urosim, Robert Abishek, Bryan Nardone, Jasmine Wang, Christopher Wetzel, Rob Pugliese

Phase 1

Designing a more cost-efficient method for ureteroscopy simulation training that involves 3D printing an anatomically-accurate model of a patient’s renal pelvicalyceal system.

Strategic Design Development For Malawian Public Health Center Labor & Delivery Suites, Kayla Holston, Mph, Meghan Gannon, Phd, Msph, Christopher Harnish, March, Zayithwa Fabiano, Mbbs, Luis Gadama, Mbbs, Mmed

Phase 1

Introduction: Maternity ward pre-, peri-, and postnatal room sharing creates concerns regarding maternal privacy (particularly confidentiality and dignity), paternal involvement in birthing process, and staff workflow efficiency. This study aimed to understand the current state of the aforementioned concerns and their impact on maternal child bonding and maternal mental health at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH).

Methods: At discharge, mothers of birth (MOBs) were surveyed on pre-, peri-, and postnatal experience with regard to privacy and paternal involvement in the birthing process, and then assessed using the Mother to Infant Bonding Scale and Edinburg Depression Scale. Father of births (FOBs) …

Rapid Decline In Telestroke Consults In The Setting Of Covid-19., Syed O. Shah., Robin Dharia, Jaime Stazi, Maureen Deprince, Robert H. Rosenwasswer

Farber Institute for Neuroscience Faculty Papers

Background and Purpose: As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to be a global pandemic, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that incidence of diseases that require emergent care, particularly myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke, has declined rapidly. The objective of this study is to quantify our experience of telestroke (TS) consults at a large tertiary comprehensive stroke center during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed TS consults of patients presenting to our neuroscience network. Those with a confirmed diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemia attack were included. Data were compared from April 1, 2019, to …

Sarcoidosis Presenting As Fatigue And Weakness, Syed Muhammad Zubair, Naveed Haroon Rashid

Section of Pulmonary & Critical Care

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disorder of unknown cause that occurs in both men and women of all races. It typically presents in patients after 20 years of age. Sarcoidosis most frequently involves the lung, but up to 30 percent of patients present with extra-thoracic manifestations. It can involve multiple organs to a variable extent and degree. In areas, where tuberculosis is endemic, the diagnosis of sarcoidosis may be overlooked and misdiagnosed because of clinical and radiographic resemblance. Herein, we present a case of a middle-aged man who visited multiple physicians with constitutional symptoms and was treated symptomatically but did …

Health In Environment: Reduce Surgical Site Infections By Applying Florence Nightingale's Environmental Theory, Anna Rana

School of Nursing & Midwifery

Surgical site infection is one of the most common causes of readmission in hospitals and it also leads to an overall increased burden. This can be decreased by applying basic concepts of Nightingale (1860) "Environmental Theory" while giving care to the patients. Keeping in view Nightingale's environmental theory, this paper aims to discuss the case of a patient suffering from a surgical site infection. It will help readers to understand the environmental factors which affect the patients' health and provide a way to promote healing and fast recovery by modifying their environment.

Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices And Perceived Barriers Of Emergency Health Care Providers Regarding Sepsis And Septic Shock In A Tertiary Care Centre: A Cross-Sectional Study, Madiha Ismail, Umaira Aftab, Kiran Azizi, Badar Afzal Khan

Department of Emergency Medicine

This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers of emergency healthcare providers regarding the management of sepsis and septic shock. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Emergency Department of Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan from August to October 2017. A total of 53 healthcare providers participated in the study. Overall, 42(79%) of the participants demonstrated correct knowledge of the sepsis bundle. The most common barrier reported in the compliance of the sepsis bundle was a shortage of staff (62%), followed by delayed presentation of patients (58%) and overcrowding (42%). Furthermore, better staffing was perceived by …

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy In Hiv-Associated Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Case Series Of 3 Patients., Song Y Park, Candice Church, Nora A Alexander, Michi M Shinohara, Kelly G Paulson, Karl D Lewis, Nancy S Lee, Paul Nghiem

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

Computer Automation For Physics Chart Check Should Be Adopted In Clinic To Replace Manual Chart Checking For Radiotherapy, Edward L. Clouser, Quan Chen, Yi Rong

Radiation Medicine Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Rapid, Successful Adoption Of Virtual Outpatient Cardiology Care During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Lesley Jones Larson, D Christensen, S Long, Lian Wang, Kateri Spinelli, Xiaoyan Huang

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

Use Of Platelet-Rich Plasma In Treating Low Back Pain: A Review Of The Current Literature, Mirza Zain Baig, Umme E Hani Abdullah, Aun Muhammad, Abeer Aziz, Maryam Jamil Syed, Aneela Darbar

Medical College Documents

Low back pain (LBP) is a common problem encountered by physicians. It is a considerable cause of morbidity and socioeconomic loss and is one of the most expensive musculoskeletal disorders. Conventional treatments include bed rest, analgesics, therapeutic exercises, lumbar or caudal epidural corticosteroids, and surgery. Several new biological therapies are being investigated for use in LBP and one of these is platelet-rich plasma (PRP). In this article, we summarize the current literature published on PRP concerning its composition, classification, and application in LBP. We believe our review will prove useful to clinicians and academics alike, interested in new developing therapies …

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings In Childhood Epilepsy At A Tertiary Hospital In Kenya, Pauline Samia, Nicholas Odero, Maureen Njoroge, Shem Ochieng, Jacqueline Mavuti, Sheila Waa, Samson Gwer

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Background: Neuroimaging is important for determining etiology and guiding care in early childhood epilepsy. However, access to appropriate imaging in sub-Saharan Africa is modest, and as a consequence, etiological descriptions of childhood epilepsy in the region have been limited. We sought to describe MRI findings in children with epilepsy presenting to a tertiary hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, over a 6-year period of routine care.

Materials and Methods: We undertook a retrospective review of MRI findings of children aged between 0 and 18 years with a diagnosis of epilepsy presenting to the pediatric neurology department of Aga Khan University Hospital in …

Endovascular Coil Embolization Of Ruptured And Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: Review Of A 15 Year Single Center Experience In Pakistan, Misha Khalid Khan, Muhammad Danish Barakzai, Mustafa Belal Hafeez Chaudhry, Tanveer Ul Haq, Muhammad Ehsan Bari, Raza Sayani

Department of Radiology

Objective: To assess the outcome of endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysm over 15 years.
Methods: The retrospective study was conducted at the at Radiology Department of Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised medical records from April 2003 to April 2018 of patients who received endovascular treatment for intracranial aneurysm. Multiple variables reviewed included demographics, clinical presentation, aneurysm morphology, technique used, technique outcome and clinical outcome. Data was analysed using SPSS 22.
Results: Of the 242 patients, 111(45.8%) were males and 131(54.1%) were female. The overall mean age was 46.3+/-13.543 years (range: 9-78years). Aneurysm size was <5mm in 95(40.4%) patients, 5-10mm in 98(41.7%) and >10mm in 42(17.9%) patients. …

Short- And Long-Term Outcomes For Single-Port Risk-Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy With And Without Hysterectomy For Women At Risk For Gynecologic Cancer, Caitlin E. Carr, Laura Chambers, Amelia Marie Jernigan, Lindsey Freeman, Pedro F. Escobar, Chad M. Michener

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

Introduction Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy has been established as one of the most effective strategies in risk reduction for ovarian and breast cancers among women at increased genetic risk. However, there are limited data regarding the single-port laparoscopic platform in the field of risk-reducing surgery. Our objective was to describe outcomes after single-port risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy with or without hysterectomy for reduction of ovarian, breast, or endometrial cancer risk. Methods A retrospective, single institution (Canadian Task Force Classification II.2) analysis was performed in women at high genetic or familial risk for ovarian/tubal/primary peritoneal cancer or with personal history of breast cancer who underwent …

Allocation Of Anchors During Labral Repair: A Multicenter Cohort Analysis Of Labral Treatment In Hip Arthroscopy., Ryan P Mcgovern, John J Christoforetti, Benjamin R Kivlan, Shane J Nho, Andrew B Wolff, John P Salvo, Dean Matsuda, Thomas J Ellis, Allston J Stubbs, Dominic S Carreira

Ambulatory and Primary Care Articles

BACKGROUND: While previous studies have established several techniques for suture anchor repair of the acetabular labrum to bone during arthroscopic surgery, the current literature lacks evidence defining the appropriate number of suture anchors required to effectively restore the function of the labral tissue.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: To define the location and size of labral tears identified during hip arthroscopy for acetabular labral treatment in a large multicenter cohort. The secondary purpose was to differentiate the number of anchors used during arthroscopic labral repair. The hypothesis was that the location and size of the labral tear as well as the number of anchors …

Two-Year Outcomes Of The Artisan-Snm Study For The Treatment Of Urinary Urgency Incontinence With The Axonics Rechargeable Sacral Neuromodulation System, Andrea Pezzella, Rebecca Mccrery, Felicia Lane, Kevin Benson, Chris Taylor, Kenneth M. Peters

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction: Sacral neuromodulation is a guideline-recommended therapy for treatment of urinary urgency incontinence (UUI) patients [1]. The Axonics® System is the first FDA-approved rechargeable SNM system that is qualified to delivery therapy for at least 15 years. The ARTISAN-SNM study is a prospective, pivotal study, designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Axonics System for UUI treatment. Clinical outcomes at 2 years are presented. Methods: 129 UUI participants across 19 centers in the US and Europe were implanted with the Axonics System in a single, non-staged procedure. Clinical outcomes were reported from 3-day bladder diaries, a validated quality …

Concordance Between Antibiotic Resistance Genes By Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction And Antibiotic Susceptibility By Pooled Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing In Symptomatic Patients With Urinary Tract Infection, Annah Vollstedt, Dakun Wang, Natalie Luke, David Baunoch, Kirk J. Wojno, Kevin Cline, Natalie Gaines, Howard Korman, S Mohammad Jafri, David Wenzler, Frank Burks, Larry Sirls

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction: Studies have shown many genes influence antibiotic resistance, and the relationship between genotypic and phenotypic antibiotic resistance is unclear. We sought to analyze the concordance between the presence of antibiotic resistance (ABR) genes and antibiotic susceptibility results in urine samples collected from symptomatic UTI patients. Methods: Urine samples were collected from patients presenting with possible UTI to 37 geographically disparate Urology clinics from July 2018 to February 2019. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) was used to test for 33 different ABR genes. Samples in which at least one organism was identified at a quantity of ≥104 cells per mL, …

Changes In Patient Reported Outcome Measures After Treatment Of Female Urethral Stricture, Alyssa Gracely, Giulia I. Lane, Pansy Uberoi, Una Lee, Ariana Smith, Priya Padmanabhan

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction: There is a paucity of patient reported outcome measures (PROM) data for women with urethral strictures. Prior literature focuses on anatomic success, with almost no data describing patient centered outcomes. To fill this critical gap, we aim to evaluate change in PROM among women who underwent surgery for stricture. Methods: Data were collected as part of a multiinstitutional retrospective cohort study of women treated for urethral stricture between 2010-19. Median change between baseline and postoperative follow-up on the American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUA-SI) and Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI-6) were assessed using paired Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: Of the …

Fractional Carbon Dioxide Vaginal Laser For The Treatment Of Urinary Symptoms: Preliminary Short-Term Results, Annah Vollstedt, Lauren Tennyson, Michael Rezaee, Ly Hoang Roberts, Larry Sirls, Priya Padmanabhan, Kenneth M. Peters

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction: Previous studies have shown that the fractional carbon dioxide (fCO2) vaginal laser improves genitourinary symptoms of menopause. It has been proposed that fCO2 vaginal laser can also treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) by increasing collagen production. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of vaginal fCO2 laser therapy in patient complaining of SUI. Methods: Women over 18 years old with complaints of urogenital symptoms who had been off vaginal estrogen for at least three months were enrolled in this open-label prospective trial. Participants received 3 laser treatments approximately 6 weeks apart. Stress test was performed on …

Are Consortia Polymicrobial Urinary Tract Infections More Symptomatic Than Monomicrobial? Results From A Multi-Institutional Study, Annah Vollstedt, Dakun Wang, Natalie Luke, David Baunoch, Kirk J. Wojno, Kevin Cline, Natalie Gaines, Howard Korman, S Mohammad Jafri, David Wenzler, Frank Burks, Larry Sirls

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been shown to be more sensitive in the detection of polymicrobial infections in patients with urinary tract infection (UTI). Bacterial consortia are non-random communities of microbes that may act synergistically to provide growth and survival advantages. We aim to investigate the relationship between bacteria detected by PCR, and the presence of consortia, with clinical findings in patients with symptomatic UTI. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 2493 UTI-symptomatic patients over the age of 60 from 37 geographically disparate urology clinics in the U.S. from July 2018 to February 2019. Clinical findings, including UA …

Defining And Detecting Bacterial Consortia Within Urine Samples Of Patients With Symptomatic Urinary Tract Infection, Annah Vollstedt, Dakun Wang, Natalie Luke, David Baunoch, Kirk J. Wojno, Kevin Cline, Natalie Gaines, Howard Korman, S Mohammad Jafri, David Wenzler, Frank Burks, Larry Sirls

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction: Bacterial consortia are non-random patterns of bacterial communities that work synergistically to provide growth and survival advantages over planktonic, free-floating, microbes. In this study, we aim to characterize bacterial consortia identified by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) in symptomatic patients with polymicrobial urinary tract infections (UTI). Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 2493 UTI-symptomatic patients over the age of 60 from 37 geographically disparate urology clinics from July 2018 to February 2019. M-PCR was performed to detect 24 different bacterial species. A cutoff of 10 detections was used to distinguish a bacterial consortium from a random association of …

Fractional Carbon Dioxide Vaginal Laser For The Treatment Of Urinary Symptoms: Preliminary Short-Term Results, Annah Vollstedt, Lauren Tennyson, Michael Rezaee, Ly Hoang Roberts, Larry Sirls, Priya Padmanabhan, Kenneth M. Peters

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction: It has been proposed that fractional carbon dioxide (fCO2) vaginal laser can also treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) by increasing collagen production. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of vaginal fCO2 laser therapy in patients complaining of SUI. Methods: This is a prospective, open-label study of women over 18 years old with complaints of urogenital symptoms. Women with a history of vaginal estrogen use within the last 3 months were excluded. Participants received 3 laser treatments 6 weeks apart. Cough stress test (CST) was performed at each visit. Incontinence-Quality of Life (I-QOL), Questionnaire for Urinary …

Stimwave For Pudendal Neuralgia, Ly Hoang Roberts, Joshua Volin, Teresa Mccartney, Annah Vollstedt, Kenneth M. Peters

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction: Pudendal neuralgia is a chronic and debilitating condition with 10- 25% of patients refractory to traditional therapies including sacral neuromodulation. Prior studies have shown chronic pudendal nerve stimulation with Interstim® (Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN) is effective for this patient population. This study reports on a wireless system to power an implanted lead at the pudendal nerve, StimWave®, to treat pudendal neuralgia. Methods: Retrospective chart review identified patients with pudendal neuralgia who had a lead placed at the pudendal nerve and powered wirelessly according to patient need. Clinical outcomes were assessed at post-operative visits as well as phone calls. Non-validated …

Parental Leave Satisfaction In Physicians Compared To Non-Physicians, Aryana Sharrak, Ly Hoang Roberts, Annah Vollstedt, Melissa Fischer, Esther Han

Conference Presentation Abstracts

Introduction: United States is one of the last two countries without a national parental leave mandate. Professional women of child-bearing age are uniquely impacted by the lack of a robust standardized policy. The purpose of this study is to investigate parental leave satisfaction amongst physicians versus non-physicians. Methods: After IRB approval, a 34-question electronic survey was developed through Qualtrics®, to ascertain satisfaction across professions. This was distributed via Facebook to Physician Moms Group, Beaumont Parenting Group, and Nurse Moms Group. Descriptive characteristics are reported. Statistical analysis included t- test and chi-square test. Results: Out of 816 respondents, 96% (n= 782) …