Construct validity of a continuous metabolic syndrome score in children

Objective: The primary purpose of this study was to examine the construct validity of a continuous metabolic syndrome score (cMetS) in children. The secondary purpose was to identify a cutpoint value(s) for an adverse cMetS based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Methods: 378 children aged 7 to 9 years were assessed for the metabolic syndrome which was determined by age-modified cutpoints. High-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, the homeostasis assessment model of insulin resistance, mean arterial pressure, and waist circumference were used to create a cMetS for each subject. Results: About half of the subjects did not possess any risk factors while about 5% possessed the metabolic syndrome. There was a graded relationship between the cMetS and the number of adverse risk factors. The cMetS was lowest in the group with no adverse risk factors (-1.59 ± 1.76) and highest in those possessing the metabolic syndrome (≥3 risk factors) (7.05 ± 2.73). The cutoff level yielding the maximal sensitivity and specificity for predicting the presence of the metabolic syndrome was a cMetS of 3.72 (sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 93.9%, and the area of the curve = 0.978 (0.957-0.990, 95% confidence intervals). Conclusion: The results demonstrate the construct validity for the cMetS in children. Since there are several drawbacks to identifying a single cut-point value for the cMetS based on this sample, we urge researchers to use the approach herein to validate and create a cMetS that is specific to their study population

Hurricane Impact on Emergency Services and Use of Telehealth to Support Prehospital Care

The impact of hurricanes on emergency services is well-known. Recent history demonstrates the need for prehospital and emergency department coordination to serve communities during evacuation, storm duration, and cleanup. The use of telehealth applications may enhance this coordination while lessening the impact on health-care systems. These applications can address triage, stabilization, and diversion and may be provided in collaboration with state and local emergency management operations through various shelters, as well as during other emergency medical responses

Parameters for successful nonoperative management of traumatic aortic injury

ObjectiveBlunt traumatic aortic injury is associated with significant mortality, and increased computed tomography use identifies injuries not previously detected. This study sought to define parameters identifying patients who can benefit from medical management.MethodsWe reviewed 4.5 years of blunt traumatic aortic injuries. Injury was classified as grade I (intimal flap or intramural hematoma), II (small pseudoaneurysm <50% circumference), III (large pseudoaneurysm >50% circumference), and IV (rupture/transection). Secondary signs of injury included pseudocoarctation, extensive mediastinal hematoma, and large left hemothorax. Follow-up, including computed tomography, was reviewed.ResultsWe identified 97 patients: 31 grade I, 35 grade II, 24 grade III, and 7 grade IV; 67(69%) male; mean age 47 ± 18.8 years, mean Injury Severity Score 38.8 ± 14.6; overall survival 76 (78.4%). Secondary signs of injury were found in 30 patients. Overall, 52 (53.6%) underwent repair, 45 undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair, with 2 (2.22%) procedure-related deaths, and 7 undergoing open repair. Five patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair required 7 additional procedures. In 45 medically managed patients, there were 14 deaths (31%), all secondary to associated injuries. Injury Severity Scores of survivors and nonsurvivors were 33 ± 10.8 and 48.6 ± 12.8, respectively (P < .001). Follow-up showed resolution or no change in 21 (91%) and a small increase in 2 grade I injuries.ConclusionsAll blunt traumatic aortic injury does not necessitate repair. Stratification by injury grade and secondary signs of injury identifies patients appropriate for medical management. Grade IV injury necessitates emergency procedures and carries high mortality. Grade III injury with secondary signs of injury should be urgently repaired; patients without secondary signs of injury may undergo delayed repair. Grade I and II injuries are amenable to medical management

Systemic anticoagulation in the setting of vascular extremity trauma

Introduction There is conflicting data regarding if patients with vascular extremity trauma who undergo surgical treatment need to be systematically anticoagulated. We hypothesized that intraoperative systemic anticoagulation (ISA) decreased the risk of repair thrombosis or limb amputation after traumatic vascular injury of the extremities. Methods We analyzed a composite risk of repair thrombosis and/or limb amputation (RTLA) between patients who did and did not undergo ISA during arterial injury repair. Patient data was collected in the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma PROspective Vascular Injury Treatment (PROOVIT) registry. This registry contains demographic, diagnostic, treatment, and outcome data. Results Between February 2013 and August 2015, 193 patients with upper or lower extremity arterial injuries who underwent open operative repair were entered into the PROOVIT registry. The majority were male (87%) with a mean age of 32.6 years (range 4–91) and 74% injured by penetrating mechanism. 63% of the injuries were described as arterial transection and 37% had concomitant venous injury. 62% of patients underwent ISA. RTLA occurred in 22 patients (11%) overall, with no significant difference in these outcomes between patients who received ISA and those that did not (10% vs. 14%, p = 0.6). There was, however, significantly higher total blood product use noted among patients treated with ISA versus those that did not receive ISA (median 3 units vs. 1 unit, p = 0.002). Patients treated with ISA also stayed longer in the ICU (median 3 days vs. 1 day, p = 0.001) and hospital (median 9.5 days vs. 6 days, p = 0.01). Discussion In this multicenter prospective cohort, intraoperative systemic anticoagulation was not associated with a difference in rate of repair thrombosis or limb loss; but was associated with an increase in blood product requirements and prolonged hospital stay. Our data suggest there is no significant difference in outcome to support use of ISA for repair of traumatic arterial injuries

Substrate utilization during submaximal exercise in children with a severely obese parent

Background We have reported a reduction in fatty acid oxidation (FAO) at the whole-body level and in skeletal muscle in severely obese (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) individuals; this defect is retained in cell culture suggesting an inherent component. The purpose of the current study was to determine if an impairment in whole-body fatty acid oxidation (FAO) was also evident in children with a severely obese parent. Methods Substrate utilization during submaximal exercise (cycle ergometer) was determined in children ages 8–12 y with a severely obese parent (OP, n = 13) or two lean/non-obese (BMI range of 18 to 28 kg/m2) parents (LP, n = 13). A subgroup of subjects (n = 3/group) performed 4 weeks of exercise training with substrate utilization measured after the intervention. Results The children did not differ in age (LP vs. OP, respectively) (10.7 ± 0.5 vs. 10.2 ± 0.5 y), BMI percentile (65.3 ± 5.2 vs. 75.9 ± 7), Tanner Stage (1.4 ± 0.2 vs. 1.5 ± 0.2), VO2peak (40.3 ± 2.7 vs. 35.6 ± 2.6 ml/kg/min) or physical activity levels (accelerometer). At the same absolute workload of 15 W (~38% VO2peak), RER was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) lower in LP vs. OP (0.83 ± 0.02 vs. 0.87 ± 0.01) which was reflected in a reduced reliance on FAO for energy production in the OP group (58.6 ± 5.1 vs. 43.1 ± 4.0% of energy needs during exercise from FAO). At a higher exercise intensity (~65% VO2peak) there were no differences in substrate utilization between LP and OP. After exercise training RER tended to decrease (P = 0.06) at the 15 W workload, suggesting an increased reliance on FAO regardless of group. Conclusions These findings suggest that the decrement in FAO with severe obesity has an inherent component that may be overcome with exercise training

Outcomes after endovascular repair of arterial trauma

BackgroundEndovascular repair of peripheral arterial trauma using covered stent grafts is a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery in selected patients. Although the technical feasibility of endovascular repair has been established, there are a paucity of data regarding outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term outcomes of endovascular repair in patients with peripheral arterial trauma.MethodsA review of a prospectively collected institutional trauma registry captured all patients with peripheral arterial injury who underwent endovascular repair from August 2004 to June 2012. Data collected included demographics, Injury Severity Score (ISS), mechanism, location and type of injury, imaging modality, intervention type, complications and reintervention, length of stay, and follow-up. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis.ResultsDuring the study period, we performed endovascular repair in 28 patients with peripheral arterial injuries. There were 20 male patients (71%) with a median age of 39 years (range, 13-88 years). The mean ISS was 17.2 (range, 9-41). The mechanism of injury was penetrating in 21 (75%) and blunt in seven (25%). The anatomic locations of the 28 arterial injuries were carotid (3 [11%]), subclavian (7 [25%]), axillary (6 [22%]), iliac (3 [11%]), and femoral/popliteal (9 [32%]). Findings consistent with injury on imaging included pseudoaneurysms (9 [32%]), extravasations (9 [32%]), occlusions (6 [22%]), and arteriovenous fistulas (4 [14%]). Technical success was achieved in all patients. The overall complication rate was 21%, with six patients requiring a secondary procedure. Two patients underwent a planned, elective conversion to open repair during the initial hospitalization. Four patients required conversion secondary to stent graft thrombosis. Three conversions were early (<30 days) and one was late (>30 days). The mean length of stay was 18.4 ± 22.9 days (range, 1-93 days), with a median follow-up of 13 months (range, 1-60 months). The overall limb salvage rate was 92% at 45 days and 79% at 93 days.ConclusionsThe present study outlines our early experience with endovascular repair of peripheral arterial injuries in a variety of anatomic locations. Overall complication rates are appreciable but can be effectively detected and managed with additional intervention. The inclusion of endovascular modalities in algorithms of trauma care holds considerable promise. The need to better define optimal algorithms for utilization and determine long-term outcomes of intervention requires significant additional study

Circulation first – the time has come to question the sequencing of care in the ABCs of trauma; an American Association for the Surgery of Trauma multicenter trial

Background The traditional sequence of trauma care: Airway, Breathing, Circulation (ABC) has been practiced for many years. It became the standard of care despite the lack of scientific evidence. We hypothesized that patients in hypovolemic shock would have comparable outcomes with initiation of bleeding treatment (transfusion) prior to intubation (CAB), compared to those patients treated with the traditional ABC sequence. Methods This study was sponsored by the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma multicenter trials committee. We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients that presented to trauma centers with presumptive hypovolemic shock indicated by pre-hospital or emergency department hypotension and need for intubation from January 1, 2014 to July 1, 2016. Data collected included demographics, timing of intubation, vital signs before and after intubation, timing of the blood transfusion initiation related to intubation, and outcomes. Results From 440 patients that met inclusion criteria, 245 (55.7%) received intravenous blood product resuscitation first (CAB), and 195 (44.3%) were intubated before any resuscitation was started (ABC). There was no difference in ISS, mechanism, or comorbidities. Those intubated prior to receiving transfusion had a lower GCS than those with transfusion initiation prior to intubation (ABC: 4, CAB:9, p = 0.005). Although mortality was high in both groups, there was no statistically significant difference (CAB 47% and ABC 50%). In multivariate analysis, initial SBP and initial GCS were the only independent predictors of death. Conclusion The current study highlights that many trauma centers are already initiating circulation first prior to intubation when treating hypovolemic shock (CAB), even in patients with a low GCS. This practice was not associated with an increased mortality. Further prospective investigation is warranted. Trial registration IRB approval number: HM20006627. Retrospective trial not registered

Intentional left subclavian artery coverage during thoracic endovascular aortic repair for traumatic aortic injury

BackgroundThoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is widely used for treatment of traumatic aortic injury (TAI). Stent graft coverage of the left subclavian artery (LSA) may be required in up to 40% of patients. We evaluated the long-term effects of intentional LSA coverage (LSAC) on symptoms and return to normal activity in TAI patients compared with a similarly treated group whose LSA was uncovered (LSAU).MethodsPatients were identified from a prospective institutional trauma registry between September 2005 and July 2012. TAI was confirmed using computed tomography angiography. The electronic medical records, angiograms, and computed tomography angiograms were reviewed in a retrospective fashion. In-person or telephone interviews were conducted using the SF-12v2 (Quality Metrics, Lincoln, RI) to assess quality of life. An additional questionnaire was used to assess specific LSA symptoms and the ability to return to normal activities. Data were analyzed by Spearman rank correlation and multiple linear and logistic regression analysis with appropriate transformations using SAS software (SAS Institute, Cary, NC).ResultsDuring the study period, 82 patients (57 men; mean age 40.5 ± 20 years, mean Injury Severity Score, 34 ± 10.0) underwent TEVAR for treatment of TAI. Among them, LSAC was used in 32 (39.5%) and LSAU in 50. A group of the LSAU patients (n = 22) served as matched controls in the analysis. We found no statistically significant difference in SF-12v2 physical health scores (ρ = −0.08; P = .62) between LSAC and LSAU patients. LSAC patients had slightly better mental health scores (ρ = 0.62; P = .037) than LSAU patients. LSAC patients did not have an increased likelihood of experiencing pain (ρ = −0.0056; P = .97), numbness (ρ = −0.12; P = .45), paresthesia (ρ = −0.11; P = .48), fatigue (ρ = −0.066; P = .69), or cramping (ρ = −0.12; P = .45). We found no difference between groups in the ability to return to activities. The mean follow-up time was 3.35 years. Six LSAC patients (19%) died during the follow-up period of unrelated causes.ConclusionsIntentional LSAC during TEVAR for TAI appears safe, without compromising mental or physical health outcomes. Furthermore, LSAC does not increase the long-term risk of upper extremity symptoms or impairment of normal activities

Physical activity across the curriculum: year one process evaluation results

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Physical Activity Across the Curriculum (PAAC) is a 3-year elementary school-based intervention to determine if increased amounts of moderate intensity physical activity performed in the classroom will diminish gains in body mass index (BMI). It is a cluster-randomized, controlled trial, involving 4905 children (2505 intervention, 2400 control).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We collected both qualitative and quantitative process evaluation data from 24 schools (14 intervention and 10 control), which included tracking teacher training issues, challenges and barriers to effective implementation of PAAC lessons, initial and continual use of program specified activities, and potential competing factors, which might contaminate or lessen program effects.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Overall teacher attendance at training sessions showed exceptional reach. Teachers incorporated active lessons on most days, resulting in significantly greater student physical activity levels compared to controls (p < 0.0001). Enjoyment ratings for classroom-based lessons were also higher for intervention students. Competing factors, which might influence program results, were not carried out at intervention or control schools or were judged to be minimal.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In the first year of the PAAC intervention, process evaluation results were instrumental in identifying successes and challenges faced by teachers when trying to modify existing academic lessons to incorporate physical activity.</p