Impact of lung allocation policy change on Hispanic lung transplant outcomes: Addressing disparities and improving access.

Objective: Racial disparities in organ allocation may result in differential survival for marginalized groups. This study aims to examine the impact of the November 2017 lung allocation policy change (LAPC) on trends and outcomes of Hispanic lung transplant (LT) recipients.

Methods: The United Network for Organ Sharing database was used to identify adult (older than age 18 years) LT recipients between January 2010 and March 2023.

Evidence-based radiology 5 years on-a single-centre review of image referral appropriateness.

Background: The iRefer guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations on imaging and are designed to facilitate appropriate referrals and limit unnecessary radiation exposure. In 2017, a review at this institution assessed the appropriateness of imaging referrals. This study provides an update 5 years later on the referral appropriateness and aims to assess what impact the previous review has had on referral appropriateness.

Comparison of international guidelines for CT prior to lumbar puncture in patients with suspected meningitis.

Purpose: To compare the performance of multiple international guidelines in selecting patients for head CT prior to lumbar puncture (LP) in suspected meningitis, focusing on identification of potential contraindications to immediate LP.

Methods: Retrospective study of 196 patients with suspected meningitis presenting to an emergency department between March 2013 and March 2023 and undergoing head CT prior to LP. UK Joint Specialist Society Guidelines (UK), European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) and Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines were evaluated by cross-referencing imaging criteria with clinical characteristics present at time of presentation.