Validation of Lactational Mastitis Diagnosis Codes in Electronic Health Care Data.

Background: Electronic health record (EHR) data are an underused source for lactation-related research. The validity of ICD-10-CM-coded lactational mastitis is unknown.

Methods: We assessed lactational mastitis diagnosis code validity by medical record review.

Intracholecystic Papillary Neoplasm: A Case Report.

We present a case of a 30-year-old female with symptomatic gallstones and associated gallbladder polyps. An incidental finding of intracholecystic papillary neoplasm (ICPN) with high-grade dysplasia was found after pathological examination of the gallbladder after robotic cholecystectomy. This rare condition can be associated with malignant transformation.

Characterisation and validation of lactation information from structured electronic health records for use in pharmacoepidemiological studies.

Background: Breastfeeding information stored within electronic health records (EHR) has recently been used for pharmacoepidemiological research, however the data are primarily collected for clinical care.

Objectives: To characterise breastfeeding information recorded in structured fields in EHR during infant and postpartum health care visits, and to assess the validity of lactation status based on EHR data versus maternal report at research study visits.

Methods: We assessed breastfeeding information recorded in structured fields in EHR from one health system for a subset of 211 patients who were also enrolled in a study on breast milk composition between 2014 and 2017 that required participants to exclusively breastfeed their infants until at least 1 month of age.

Minnesota Data Sharing May Be Model For Near-Real-Time Tracking Of Drug Overdose Hospital And ED Trends.

The drug overdose epidemic in the US necessitates detailed and timely data to inform public health responses. In this article we describe how an electronic health record (EHR) data-sharing collaboration across health systems in Minnesota that was developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic was adapted to monitor trends in substance use-related hospital and emergency department (ED) visits. We found large increases in methamphetamine- and opioid-involved hospital and ED visits.

Understanding COVID-19 Health Disparities With Birth Country and Language Data.

Introduction: Understanding of COVID-19-related disparities in the U.S. is largely informed by traditional race/ethnicity categories that mask important social group differences.

Evaluation of Preferred Language and Timing of COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Disease Outcomes.

Importance: Beyond traditional race and ethnicity demographic characteristics, additional discrete data variables are needed for informed health interventions in the US.

Objective: To examine whether COVID-19 vaccine uptake patterns and associated disease outcomes differ among language preference groups.

Design, Setting, And Participants: A cohort study of 851 410 individuals aged 18 years or older in a large multispecialty health system in Minnesota and western Wisconsin was conducted between December 15, 2020, and March 31, 2022.

Transmission Dynamics of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in High-Density Settings, Minnesota, USA, March-June 2020.

Coronavirus disease has disproportionately affected persons in congregate settings and high-density workplaces. To determine more about the transmission patterns of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in these settings, we performed whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis on 319 (14.4%) samples from 2,222 SARS-CoV-2-positive persons associated with 8 outbreaks in Minnesota, USA, during March-June 2020.

First Identified Cases of SARS-CoV-2 Variant P.1 in the United States - Minnesota, January 2021.

Since December 2020, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Public Health Laboratory has been receiving 100 specimens per week (50 from each of two clinical partners) with low cycle threshold (Ct) values for routine surveillance for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. On January 25, 2021, MDH identified the SARS-CoV-2 variant P.1 in one specimen through this surveillance system using whole genome sequencing, representing the first identified case of this variant in the United States.

First Identified Cases of SARS-CoV-2 Variant B.1.1.7 in Minnesota - December 2020-January 2021.

On January 9, 2021, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced the identification of the SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (VOC) B.1.1.

Identifying Vaccine-associated Rash Illness Amidst a Large Measles Outbreak: Minnesota, 2017.

Characteristics of vaccine-associated rash illness (VARI) and confirmed measles cases were compared during a measles outbreak. Although some clinical differences were noted, measles exposure and identification of the vaccine strain were helpful for public health decision-making. Rapid, vaccine strain-specific diagnostic assays will more efficiently distinguish VARI from measles.

Containing a measles outbreak in Minnesota, 2017: methods and challenges.

Aims: We report on a measles outbreak largely occurring in Minnesota's under-vaccinated Somali community in the spring of 2017. The outbreak was already into its third generation when the first two cases were confirmed, and rapid public health actions were needed. The aim of our response was to quickly end transmission and contain the outbreak.

Pertussis and the Minnesota State Fair: Demonstrating a Novel Setting for Efficiently Conducting Seroepidemiologic Studies.

Seroepidemiologic studies, which measure serum antibody levels produced in response to infection and/or vaccination, can be valuable tools for gaining insight into population level dynamics of infectious diseases. However, because seroepidemiologic studies are expensive and logistically challenging, they are not routinely conducted for surveillance purposes. We have identified a novel venue, state fairgrounds, in which annual sera samples from a population may be rapidly collected with minimal recruitment expenses.

Cardiotoxicity associated with bortezomib: A single-center experience.

Background: Studies evaluating the prevalence of cardiotoxicity associated with bortezomib are limited. We proposed this study to evaluate the prevalence of cardiotoxicity associated with bortezomib and its relation to multiple myeloma and other malignancies.

Materials And Methods: This is a retrospective, chart review study.

Measles Outbreak - Minnesota April-May 2017.

On April 10, 2017, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) was notified about a suspected measles case. The patient was a hospitalized child aged 25 months who was evaluated for fever and rash, with onset on April 8. The child had no history of receipt of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and no travel history or known exposure to measles.

Predictors of Pertussis Polymerase Chain Reaction Positive Results in Minnesota, 2005-2009.

Predictors of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity for pertussis were assessed using Minnesota active surveillance data. Report of an exposure to pertussis and testing within the optimal time frame of ≤2 weeks were significantly associated with testing PCR positive, emphasizing the importance of asking about epidemiological factors when assessing patients for pertussis, and timely PCR testing.

Understanding Trends in Pertussis Incidence: An Agent-Based Model Approach.

Objectives: We examined the impact of undetected infections, adult immunity, and waning vaccine-acquired immunity on recent age-related trends in pertussis incidence.

Methods: We developed an agent-based model of pertussis transmission in Dakota County, Minnesota using case data from the Minnesota Department of Health. For outbreaks in 2004, 2008, and 2012, we fit our model to incidence in 3 children's age groups relative to adult incidence.

Assessing the impact of a pertussis active surveillance program on provider testing behavior, Minnesota 2005-2009.

Objectives: The Minnesota Department of Health, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, implemented the Pertussis Active Surveillance Project to better understand pertussis epidemiology. We evaluated the program's impact.

Methods: Clinics in 2 counties were offered free diagnostic testing and an educational presentation covering pertussis epidemiology.

2009 H1N1 vaccination in Minnesota: an evaluation by ZIP code.

According to Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC) data, 23% of Minnesotans were vaccinated against 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza. We analyzed 2009 H1N1 vaccination data at the ZIP code level to learn more about who received the vaccine between 2009 and 2010. We found significant differences in H1N1 vaccination rates by percentage of residents living below the family poverty line, percentage of non-Caucasian residents in a ZIP code and median family income.

Hepatitis A infection in recent international adoptees and their contacts in Minnesota, 2007-2009.

Objective: The goal of this study was to describe hepatitis A-infected adoptees and the risk of transmission to their contacts.

Methods: This was a retrospective review of adoptee-associated cases of hepatitis A and hepatitis A-infected adoptees identified in Minnesota from 2007 through 2009.

Results: From 2007 through 2009 in Minnesota, 10 cases of hepatitis A, including 1 fulminant case, were associated with international adoptees.

Evaluating hepatitis B universal birth dose vaccination at Minnesota birthing hospitals by utilizing immunization information systems, birth certificates, and chart reviews, 2007-2008.

Objectives: The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) examined hospital practices as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice in 2005 that hepatitis B vaccine should be administered universally to newborn infants prior to hospital discharge and within 12 hours of birth if their mothers test positive or are admitted with unknown status for hepatitis B surface antigen.

Methods: The MDH conducted a survey of perinatal hepatitis B birth dosing policies in Minnesota birthing hospitals, which prompted (1) and investigation of hospital birth dose rates from the Immunization Information System (IIS) and (2) a chart review of three selected hospitals with low rates.

Results: The (IIS) records of children born in Minnesota during 2007 and the first 5 months of 2008 showed a hepatitis B birth dose rate that was lower than expected (2007: 37%; 2008: 48%).

Transmission of imported vaccine-derived poliovirus in an undervaccinated community in Minnesota.

Background: Oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) has not been used in the United States since 2000. Type 1 vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) was identified in September 2005, from an unvaccinated Amish infant hospitalized in Minnesota with severe combined immunodeficiency. An investigation was conducted to determine the source of the virus and its means of transmission.

Investigations of 2 cases of diphtheria-like illness due to toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans.

Background: We present 2 case reports in the United States and investigations of diphtheria-like illness caused by toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans. A fatal case occurred in a 75-year-old male Washington resident who was treated with clindamycin but did not receive equine diphtheria antitoxin. A second, nonfatal case occurred in a 66-year-old female Tennessee resident who received erythromycin and diphtheria antitoxin.

A local and state partnership for influenza preparedness: The Minnesota influenza vaccine inventory log.

When Chiron announced its inability to provide influenza vaccine during the 2004-05 season, state and local public health agencies in Minnesota immediately took action to assess and redistribute existing influenza vaccine supplies to those at the highest risk. This experience in 2004, coupled with product delivery delays and shortages in other years, prompted development of a Web-based tool to inventory influenza vaccine orders prior to the start of the 2005-06 influenza season. The resulting data were summarized by region of the state, and the proportion of coverage for the priority risk group population was computed.