Internal Medicine Commons^™

From Pre-Copd To Copd: A Simple, Low Cost And Easy To Implement (Slim) Risk Calculator, Miguel J Divo, Congjian Liu, Francesca Polverino, Peter J Castaldi, Bartolome R Celli, Yohannes Tesfaigzi

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: The lifetime risk of developing clinical COPD among smokers ranges from 13% to 22%. Identifying at-risk individuals who will develop overt disease in a reasonable timeframe may allow for early intervention. We hypothesised that readily available clinical and physiological variables could help identify ever-smokers at higher risk of developing chronic airflow limitation (CAL).

METHODS: Among 2273 Lovelace Smokers' Cohort (LSC) participants, we included 677 (mean age 54 years) with normal spirometry at baseline and a minimum of three spirometries, each 1 year apart. Repeated spirometric measurements were used to determine incident CAL. Using logistic regression, demographics, anthropometrics, smoking history, …

Top Ten Tips Palliative Care Clinicians Should Know About Working With Adults Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, Astrid Grouls, Krista Dobbie, Kathleen Neuendorf, Shunichi Nakagawa, Alisha Young, William E Rosa, Bindu Akkanti

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an invasive intervention that is both resource- and labor-intensive. It can also be emotionally challenging for all involved. Palliative care (PC) clinicians can support adult patients, families, surrogate decision makers, and the interdisciplinary team (IDT) throughout ECMO, starting at the time of ECMO initiation through discontinuation and to bereavement in the event of a patient's death. In addition to knowing the basics of ECMO circuitry, indications to start ECMO, and the complex decision points throughout treatment, PC clinicians must understand the critical need for specialist and IDT coordination when discussing prognosis and resuscitation, clarifying goals …

Complete Enucleation Of A Complicated Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm Of Pancreas: A Case Report, Mohammad Saydul Aman, Bidhan Chandra Das, Md Najmul Haque, Sarwar Ahmed Sobhan, Ashis Saha

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

INTRODUCTION: Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas is a rare pancreatic tumor, usually affecting young females. It is categorized as a low-grade malignant tumor without any specific epithelial differentiation, which can occur anywhere in the pancreas.

CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we present the case of a 35-year-old lady who presented to us with abdominal pain and a pancreatic mass. She had a prior laparotomy at a different center without any specific intervention for the lump. After presenting to our center, she was managed through proper evaluation and adequate preparation for surgery. The diagnosis was challenging, and so was the surgery. …

Early Prediction Of Massive Transfusion For Patients With Traumatic Hemorrhage: Development Of A Multivariable Machine Learning Model, Andrew J Benjamin, Andrew J Young, John B Holcomb, Erin E Fox, Charles E Wade, Chris Meador, Jeremy W Cannon

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

OBJECTIVE: Develop a novel machine learning (ML) model to rapidly identify trauma patients with severe hemorrhage at risk of early mortality.

BACKGROUND: The critical administration threshold (CAT, 3 or more units of red blood cells in a 60-minute period) indicates severe hemorrhage and predicts mortality, whereas early identification of such patients improves survival.

METHODS: Patients from the PRospective, Observational, Multicenter, Major Trauma Transfusion and Pragmatic, Randomized Optimal Platelet, and Plasma Ratio studies were identified as either CAT+ or CAT-. Candidate variables were separated into 4 tiers based on the anticipated time of availability during the patient's assessment. ML models were …

Trial Participation And Outcomes Among English-Speaking And Spanish-Speaking Patients With Appendicitis Randomized To Antibiotics: A Secondary Analysis Of The Coda Randomized Clinical Trial, Elina Serrano, Emily C Voldal, David Machado-Aranda, Daniel A Deugarte, Lillian Kao, Thurston Drake, Robert Winchell, Joseph Cuschieri, Anusha Krishnadasan, David A Talan, Nicole Siparsky, Patricia Ayoung-Chee, Wesley H Self, Patrick Mcgonagill, Katherine A Mandell, Mike K Liang, Shan-Jahan Dodwad, Callie M Thompson, Reynaldo M Padilla, Ross Fleischman, Thea P Price, Alan Jones, Karla Bernardi, Luis Garcia, Heather L Evans, Sabrina E Sanchez, Stephen Odom, Bryan A Comstock, Patrick J Heagerty, Sarah O Lawrence, Sarah E Monsell, Erin E C Fannon, Larry G Kessler, David R Flum, Giana H Davidson

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

IMPORTANCE: Spanish-speaking participants are underrepresented in clinical trials, limiting study generalizability and contributing to ongoing health inequity. The Comparison of Outcomes of Antibiotic Drugs and Appendectomy (CODA) trial intentionally included Spanish-speaking participants.

OBJECTIVE: To describe trial participation and compare clinical and patient-reported outcomes among Spanish-speaking and English-speaking participants with acute appendicitis randomized to antibiotics.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This study is a secondary analysis of the CODA trial, a pragmatic randomized trial comparing antibiotic therapy with appendectomy in adult patients with imaging-confirmed appendicitis enrolled at 25 centers across the US from May 1, 2016, to February 28, 2020. The trial …

Rare Case Of Pediatric Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder Presenting With Pleural Masses Complicated By Pleural Effusions, Erini Nessim Kostandy, David Wan, Essam Imseis

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder is a complication in organ transplant recipients characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of B-lymphocytes, occurring in 6% of pediatric patients, with risk factors including primary Epstein-Barr virus infection, intensity of immunosuppression, and cytomegalovirus infection. The clinical symptoms are often nonspecific, and it is associated with a high mortality rate if left untreated. We describe a rare case of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder who presented with pleural-based masses resulting in pleural effusions.

Interstitial Lung Abnormalities After Hospitalization For Covid-19 In Patients With Cancer: A Prospective Cohort Study, Sungryong Noh, Christopher Bertini, Isabel Mira-Avendano, Maryam Kaous, Bela Patel, Saadia A Faiz, Vickie R Shannon, Diwakar D Balachandran, Lara Bashoura, Roberto Adachi, Scott E Evans, Burton Dickey, Carol Wu, Girish S Shroff, Joanna-Grace Manzano, Bruno Granwehr, Shannon Holloway, Kodwo Dickson, Alyssa Mohammed, Mayoora Muthu, Hui Song, Caroline Chung, Jia Wu, Lyndon Lee, Ying Jiang, Fareed Khawaja, Ajay Sheshadri

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

INTRODUCTION: Survivors of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia often develop persistent respiratory symptom and interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) after infection. Risk factors for ILA development and duration of ILA persistence after SARS-CoV-2 infection are not well described in immunocompromised hosts, such as cancer patients.

METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 95 patients at a major cancer center and 45 patients at a tertiary referral center. We collected clinical and radiographic data during the index hospitalization for COVID-19 pneumonia and measured pneumonia severity using a semi-quantitative radiographic score, the Radiologic Severity Index (RSI). Patients were evaluated in post-COVID-19 clinics at 3 and …

Rare Variants In Ano1, Encoding A Calcium-Activated Chloride Channel, Predispose To Moyamoya Disease, Amélie Pinard, Wenlei Ye, Stuart M Fraser, Jill A Rosenfeld, Pavel Pichurin, Scott E Hickey, Dongchuan Guo, Alana C Cecchi, Maura L Boerio, Stéphanie Guey, Chaker Aloui, Kwanghyuk Lee, Markus Kraemer, Saleh Omar Alyemni, Michael J Bamshad, Deborah A Nickerson, Elisabeth Tournier-Lasserve, Shozeb Haider, Sheng Chih Jin, Edward R Smith, Kristopher T Kahle, Lily Yeh Jan, Mu He, Dianna M Milewicz

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Moyamoya disease, a cerebrovascular disease leading to strokes in children and young adults, is characterized by progressive occlusion of the distal internal carotid arteries and the formation of collateral vessels. Altered genes play a prominent role in the aetiology of moyamoya disease, but a causative gene is not identified in the majority of cases. Exome sequencing data from 151 individuals from 84 unsolved families were analysed to identify further genes for moyamoya disease, then candidate genes assessed in additional cases (150 probands). Two families had the same rare variant in ANO1, which encodes a calcium-activated chloride channel, anoctamin-1. Haplotype analyses …

Atopic Dermatitis And The Risk Of Myocardial Infarction And All-Cause Mortality: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study, Yu Ri Woo, Minah Cho, Kyung Do Han, Sang Hyun Cho, Ji Hyun Lee

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

PURPOSE: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder associated with various comorbidities. However, inconsistent results on the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and mortality have been reported in patients with AD. This study was aimed to evaluate the risk of MI and all-cause mortality in patients with AD.

METHODS: This nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study enrolled 56,205 adults ≥ 20 years of age with AD and 3,825,609 controls without AD from the Korean National Health Service (NHIS) database from 2009 to 2016.

RESULTS: The risk of MI (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.111, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.050-1.176) was …

Outcomes Of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement In Patients With Cardiogenic Shock, Kashish Goel, Pinak Shah, Brandon M Jones, Ethan Korngold, Anju Bhardwaj, Biswajit Kar, Colin Barker, Molly Szerlip, Richard Smalling, Abhijeet Dhoble

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

AIMS: The safety and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with contemporary balloon expandable transcatheter valves in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) remain largely unknown. In this study, the TAVRs performed for CS between June 2015 and September 2022 using SAPIEN 3 and SAPIEN 3 Ultra bioprosthesis from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons/American College of Cardiology Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry were analysed.

METHODS AND RESULTS: CS was defined as: (i) coding of CS within 24 h on Transcatheter Valve Therapy Registry form; and/or (ii) pre-procedural use of inotropes or mechanical circulatory support devices and/or (iii) cardiac arrest within 24 …

Differences In Hyperandrogenism Related To Early Detection Of Non-Classical Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia On Second Newborn Screen, Bonnie Mccann-Crosby, Mark C Liang, Mitchell E Geffner, Christina M Koppin, Nicole R Fraga, V Reid Sutton, Lefkothea P Karaviti, Gagandeep Bhullar, Mimi S Kim

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) remains heterogenous across geographies—we sought to determine the proportion of non-classical CAH (NCAH) detection by one vs. two newborn screens (NBS) in two U.S. regions. Data were collected at tertiary centers in Houston (HOU) and Los Angeles (LA) on 35 patients with NCAH, comparing patients identified via the NBS vs. during childhood, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) levels, genotype, and phenotype. The NBS filter-paper 17-OHP levels and daily cutoffs were recorded on initial and second screens. In all, 53% of patients with NCAH in the HOU cohort were identified as infants via the second NBS. Patients identified …

Kidney Health And Function With Left Ventricular Assist Devices, Leonardo Pozo Garcia, Carl P Walther

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is a group of evolving therapies used for indications ranging from temporary support during a cardiac procedure to permanent treatment of advanced heart failure. MCS is primarily used to support left ventricle function, in which case the devices are termed left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Kidney dysfunction is common in patients requiring these devices, yet the impact of MCS itself on kidney health in many settings remains uncertain.

RECENT FINDINGS: Kidney dysfunction can manifest in many different forms in patients requiring MCS. It can be because of preexisting systemic disorders, acute illness, procedural …

Deficiencies With Cage-Aid Questionnaire In Identifying Nonmedical Opioid Use-A Report Of Two Cases, Jaya Amaram-Davila, Patricia Bramati, Laura Gammon, Tarun Mallipeddi, Olivia Jastrzemski, Matthew D Clark, Joseph Arthur, Akhila Reddy, Eduardo Bruera

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background: The CAGE-AID questionnaire (Cut-down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener scale Adapted to Include Drugs) is used to screen patients for substance use disorder and nonmedical opioid use (NMOU). Major pain guidelines encourage using such screening tools for all patients including cancer patients before initiating opioids. We present two cases where the CAGE-AID results did not accurately identify the risk for NMOU.

Case description: Patient 1 is a male in his 60s with metastatic prostate cancer was admitted for uncontrolled pain. Imaging revealed extensive spinal metastasis, needing initiation of methadone and hydromorphone. The CAGE-AID score was positive, placing him at risk for …

Life’S Essential 8: Optimizing Health In Older Adults, Manish Kumar, Ariela Orkaby, Caitlan Tighe, Dennis T Villareal, Hayley Billingsley, Michael G Nanna, Min Ji Kwak, Namit Rohant, Shreya Patel, Parag Goyal, Scott Hummel, Christina Al-Malouf, Amie Kolimas, Ashok Krishnaswami, Mike W Rich, James Kirkpatrick, Abdulla A Damluji, George A Kuchel, Daniel E Forman, Karen P Alexander

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

The population worldwide is getting older as a result of advances in public health, medicine, and technology. Older individuals are living longer with a higher prevalence of subclinical and clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD). In 2010, the American Heart Association introduced a list of key prevention targets, known as "Life's Simple 7" to increase CVD-free survival, longevity, and quality of life. In 2022, sleep health was added to expand the recommendations to "Life's Essential 8" (eat better, be more active, stop smoking, get adequate sleep, manage weight, manage cholesterol, manage blood pressure, and manage diabetes). These prevention targets are intended to …

Who Left The Hospital Against Medical Advice During The Early Covid-19 Pandemic?, Bryan Werner, Se Won Lee

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Patients leaving against medical advice (AMA) presents a challenge to hospitals as they try to manage costs and improve patient outcomes in an ever-increasing competitive market. Investigating AMA discharges that occurred during the early COVID-19 pandemic presents a unique opportunity to better understand this phenomenon and be better prepared for the future.

Methods

This retrospective analysis of 34 379 patients from a nationwide private healthcare system across 20 states analyzed patients during the early stages of the pandemic who chose to leave against medical advice (AMA) after being admitted with COVID-19 infection and identified several patient characteristics associated with …

An Unusual Presentation Of Infective Endocarditis, Ethan J. Peterson, Jordan Jackson, Syed M. Zaidi, Jorge Perez

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Introduction

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis is the inflammation of small blood vessels due to leukocyte migration that comprises a wide range of differentials. It can be caused by autoimmune disorders, infections, neoplasms, or certain medications and warrants prompt recognition and therapy for optimal patient outcomes.

Case Presentation

Here we present a case of a 37-year-old male who presented with a painful, petechial rash on his torso and extremities. Skin biopsy revealed leukocytoclastic vasculitis, thereby prompting a comprehensive investigation into the underlying etiology leading to the diagnosis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infective endocarditis.

Conclusion

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a rare cause of infective endocarditis with …

Sex-Specific Associations Between Adipokine Profiles And Carotid-Intima Media Thickness In The Cameron County Hispanic Cohort (Cchc), Daeeun Kim, Aylin Memili, Hung-Hsin Chen, Heather M Highland, Hannah G Polikowsky, Mohammad Yaser Anwar, Susan T Laing, Miryoung Lee, Joseph B Mccormick, Susan P Fisher-Hoch, Jennifer E Below, Kari E North, Absalon D Gutierrez

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Background: Adipokines are hormones secreted from adipose tissue and are associated with cardiometabolic diseases (CMD). Functional differences between adipokines (leptin, adiponectin, and resistin) are known, but inconsistently reported associations with CMD and lack of studies in Hispanic populations are research gaps. We investigated the relationship between subclinical atherosclerosis and multiple adipokine measures.

Methods: Cross-sectional data from the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort (N = 624; mean age = 50; Female = 70.8%) were utilized to assess associations between adipokines [continuous measures of adiponectin, leptin, resistin, leptin-to-adiponectin ratio (LAR), and adiponectin-resistin index (ARI)] and early atherosclerosis [carotid-intima media thickness (cIMT)]. We adjusted …

Lanthanide-Mofs As Multi-Responsive Photoluminescence Sensor For Sensitively Detecting Fe3+, Cr2o72− And Nitrofuran Antibiotics, Jingjuan Feng, Cunding Kong, Yunhui Chen, Peipei Cen, Yi Ding, Yan Guo, Fengyuan Zhang, Xiangyu Liu

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Fast and selective detection of contaminants plays a key role in meeting human health and environmental concerns. Herein, two groups of isostructural lanthanide MOFs, [Ln(Hpta)(oxalic acid)]·H

Burnout As Chronic Disease, Benjamin Doolittle

Journal of Wellness

Burnout is endemic. The prevalence of burnout (~50%) among healthcare providers has been stable over the past 20 years. Acknowledging variability from year to year, burnout is pervasive, with no signs of abating. Despite increased awareness of mental health issues, the rise of Chief Wellness Officers, and the expansion of Employee Assistance Programs, there has not been much improvement. We are even burned out from burnout. Survey responses are low and often do not result in action. Longitudinal intervention trials are often small and of short duration. We need a new paradigm to manage physician burnout. A chronic care management …

Investigating The Complications And Causes Of Failure Of The Angiovac System: A Post-Marketing Surveillance From The Maude Database, Chaitu Dandu, Sardar Muhammad Alamzaib, Dhruvil Patel, Ryan Naughton, Aws Polina, Maria Najam, Rashid Alhusain, Neel Patel, Yasar Sattar, M. Chadi Alraies

School of Medicine Publications

Background Aspiration thrombectomy devices, such as the AngioVac, allow the removal of thrombus, especially in patients with contraindications to anticoagulation use. The AngioVac was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to remove fresh, soft thrombi or emboli during extracorporeal bypass for up to six hours. Real-world data on the most common modes of failure and complications associated with the AngioVac are unavailable.

Methods The Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database was queried for reports of the AngioVac device failure and adverse events from April 2013 to March 2022. Categorical variables were described as numbers, and all statistical …