Factors affecting radiation exposure in patients undergoing endoscopic treatment for urolithiasis.

Imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) and fluoroscopy, are essential for the diagnosis and treatment of urolithiasis. There is increasing concern regarding the cumulative radiation dose associated with medical imaging and its adverse effects. This study aimed to assess radiation exposure in patients undergoing endoscopic management of urolithiasis and to identify factors associated with increased exposure.

Trends in transcatheter aortic valve implantation practice and clinical outcomes at an Irish tertiary referral centre.

Objective: A paucity of data exists on how transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) practice has evolved in Ireland. This study sought to analyse temporal trends in patient demographics, procedural characteristics, and clinical outcomes at an Irish tertiary referral centre.

Methods: The prospective Mater TAVI database was divided into time tertiles based on when TAVI was performed: Group A, November 2008-April 2013; Group B, April 2013-September 2017; and Group C, September 2017-February 2022.

Hemostatic Efficacy and Safety of Weight-Based Versus Fixed-Dose 4F-PCC for Vitamin K Antagonist Reversal.

Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) is indicated for vitamin K antagonist (VKA) reversal but is associated with thrombotic events (TE). In 2018, the institution revised 4F-PCC dosing for VKA reversal from INR and weight-based dosing to a fixed-dose of 1500 units. The purpose of this study was to compare hemostatic efficacy and TE rate of fixed-dose 4PCC to weight-based dosing.

Undertaking multi-centre randomised controlled trials in primary care: learnings and recommendations from the PULsE-AI trial researchers.

Background: Conducting effective and translational research can be challenging and few trials undertake formal reflection exercises and disseminate learnings from them. Following completion of our multicentre randomised controlled trial, which was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, we sought to reflect on our experiences and share our thoughts on challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations for researchers undertaking or considering research in primary care.

Methods: Researchers involved in the Prediction of Undiagnosed atriaL fibrillation using a machinE learning AlgorIthm (PULsE-AI) trial, conducted in England from June 2019 to February 2021 were invited to participate in a qualitative reflection exercise.

Membranous urethral length and urinary incontinence following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To provide an update on the association between preoperative membranous urethral length (MUL) and postoperative urinary incontinence (UI) in men who undergo robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP)/robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP).

Materials And Methods: Urinary incontinence is common after RARP/RALP, and early recovery of continence is one of the most important functional outcomes following surgery. MUL has been identified as a factor associated with continence recovery after RARP/RALP.

A prospective evaluation of the effect of transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) on low anterior resection syndrome.

Purpose: Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) is a surgical alternative to transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM), transanal excision and proctectomy in the management of benign rectal polyps and early rectal cancers. Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) describes the constellation of symptoms which result from and are common after distal colorectal resection. Symptoms include incontinence, frequency, urgency and evacuatory dysfunction.

Identification of undiagnosed atrial fibrillation using a machine learning risk-prediction algorithm and diagnostic testing (PULsE-AI) in primary care: a multi-centre randomized controlled trial in England.

Aims: The aim of the PULsE-AI trial was to assess the effectiveness of a machine learning risk-prediction algorithm in conjunction with diagnostic testing for identifying undiagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF) in primary care in England.

Methods And Results: Eligible participants (aged ≥30 years without AF diagnosis;  = 23 745) from six general practices in England were randomized into intervention and control arms. Intervention arm participants, identified by the algorithm as high risk of undiagnosed AF ( = 944), were invited for diagnostic testing ( = 256 consented); those who did not accept the invitation, and all control arm participants, were managed routinely.

Correlation of aortic valve annular plane assessment by on-table three-dimensional rotational angiography and preprocedural computed tomography.

Objectives: To assess the correlation between the aortic valve annular plane (AVAP) obtained by preprocedural computed tomography (CT) with on-table three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA), in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Background: Accurate assessment of the AVAP is critical during TAVR procedures to enable optimal positioning and minimize complications. Most commonly, preprocedural CT has been used to determine the AVAP.

Identification of undiagnosed atrial fibrillation using a machine learning risk prediction algorithm and diagnostic testing (PULsE-AI) in primary care: cost-effectiveness of a screening strategy evaluated in a randomized controlled trial in England.

Objective: The PULsE-AI trial sought to determine the effectiveness of a screening strategy that included a machine learning risk prediction algorithm in conjunction with diagnostic testing for identification of undiagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF) in primary care. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of implementing the screening strategy in a real-world setting.

Methods: Data from the PULsE-AI trial - a prospective, randomized, controlled trial conducted across six general practices in England from June 2019 to February 2021 - were used to inform a cost-effectiveness analysis that included a hybrid screening decision tree and Markov AF disease progression model.

Real-world treatment sequencing and survival in previously treated advanced renal cell carcinoma patients receiving nivolumab monotherapy: a UK retrospective cohort study.

Background: The CheckMate 025 trial established nivolumab monotherapy as one of the standards of care in previously treated advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (aRCC). However, supporting real-world data is lacking. This study investigated characteristics, treatment sequences and clinical outcomes of patients who received nivolumab monotherapy for previously treated aRCC in the UK.

The cost of testicular torsion care in Ireland 2009-2018: a novel cost estimation model using a national database.

Activity-based funding (ABF) is a reimbursement model for public hospitals in Ireland. Little data exist regarding cost estimates for acute surgical admissions in Ireland. This study presents a novel method of direct cost estimation for testicular torsion (TT) care in Ireland.

Testicular torsion in Ireland: a 10-year analysis of incidence and risk of orchidectomy.

Background: The estimated incidence of testicular torsion (TT) is 4 per 100,000 males under 25 years [1]. Age, region and health insurance status have been associated with a higher risk of orchidectomy following TT [2].

Aims: This study aimed to establish incidence rates for TT in Ireland for the first time.

Levocarnitine supplementation for management of hypertriglyceridemia in patients receiving parenteral nutrition.

Background: Levocarnitine deficiency has been observed in patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) and can cause or worsen hypertriglyceridemia. The objective was to characterize use of levocarnitine supplementation in PN and evaluate its effect on triglyceride levels in hospitalized adults.

Methods: This retrospective, single-center study included patients with triglyceride levels ≥175 mg/dl while receiving PN who had a subsequent reduction in lipid injectable emulsion dose.

Cost Effectiveness of Screening for Hepatitis C Virus in Iraq in the Era of Simplified Testing and Treatment.

Background And Objective: Recent advances in hepatitis C virus (HCV) diagnostic testing methods allow for a one-stop simplified 'test and cure' approach. The cost effectiveness of incorporating this simplified approach into HCV screening in Iraq remains uncertain. This study aimed to compare the cost effectiveness of different HCV testing and diagnostic approaches, and screening strategies in Iraq from a health service perspective.

Management of a ureteric stricture post ureteroileal anastomosis of a renal transplant.

A 58-year-old woman with a prior radical cystectomy and ileal conduit underwent a living-related donor renal transplant for end-stage renal disease secondary to autoimmune glomerulonephritis. She subsequently developed an ischaemic stricture of the transplant ureter. A successful ureteropyelostomy was performed with the native right ureter anastomosed to the pelvis of the renal transplant.

Visible haematuria-an unusual presentation of metastatic testicular mixed germ cell tumour.

A 29-year-old male patient presented to the emergency department with haematuria and flank pain. Ten months agopreviously, he had undergone orchidectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy for a testicular mixed germ cell tumour. Cystoscopy revealed a large bladder wall mass.

Outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with abatacept: a UK multi-centre observational study.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes chronic synovitis, resulting in progressive joint destruction and functional disability and affects approximately 400,000 people in the UK. This real-world study aimed to describe the characteristics, treatment patterns and clinical outcomes of patients who received abatacept in UK clinical practice.

Methods: This was a multi-centre, retrospective, observational study of patients with RA treated with abatacept at four UK centres between 01 January 2013 and 31 December 2017.

The effect of hyperkalemia and long inter-dialytic interval on morbidity and mortality in patients receiving hemodialysis: a systematic review.

Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease, especially those receiving hemodialysis (HD), are at risk of hyperkalemia (HK). This systematic review aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HK in patients with renal disease receiving HD and collate evidence on the effect of HK and differing HD patterns (i.e.

Costs and Healthcare Resource Use Associated with Risk of Cardiovascular Morbidity in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: Evidence from a Systematic Literature Review.

Introduction: The management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) costs in excess of $114 billion in the USA and £1.45 billion in the UK annually and is projected to increase alongside the increasing disease prevalence. The aim of this review was to evaluate the risks of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity, CV mortality or all-cause mortality based on KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) 2012 categorisations and estimate the additional costs and healthcare resource utilisation associated with CV morbidity linked to CKD severity in US and UK settings.

Risk factors associated with the incidence and recurrence of hyperkalaemia in patients with cardiorenal conditions.

Introduction: Hyperkalaemia (HK) is associated with increased mortality risk. Prior studies suggest that the causes of HK are multifactorial. This study aimed to examine risk factors for incident and recurrent HK in six large real-world cohorts of UK patients that could be considered at elevated HK risk because of underlying disease pathology and/or medication use.

Identification of undiagnosed atrial fibrillation patients using a machine learning risk prediction algorithm and diagnostic testing (PULsE-AI): Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of stroke, enhanced stroke severity, and other comorbidities. However, AF is often asymptomatic, and frequently remains undiagnosed until complications occur. Current screening approaches for AF lack either cost-effectiveness or diagnostic sensitivity; thus, there is interest in tools that could be used for population screening.

Serum potassium as a predictor of adverse clinical outcomes in patients with increasing comorbidity burden.

Aims: The aim of this study was to establish whether patients with multiple comorbidities may be at elevated risk of hyperkalaemia (HK), a potentially life-threatening electrolyte imbalance, and the associated adverse clinical outcomes.

Methods And Results: This was a retrospective, observational cohort study using UK primary and secondary care data. Adult patients with at least one of: resistant hypertension, chronic kidney disease stage 3+, dialysis, heart failure (HF), and diabetes, were eligible for inclusion.

Aminoglycoside Dosing and Volume of Distribution in Critically Ill Surgery Patients.

At a tertiary referral and Level I trauma center, current institutional guidelines suggest initial aminoglycoside doses of gentamicin or tobramycin 4 mg/kg and amikacin 16 mg/kg for patients admitted to surgical intensive care units (SICUs) with suspected gram-negative infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate initial aminoglycoside dosing and peak serum drug concentrations in critically ill surgery patients to characterize the aminoglycoside volume of distribution (V) and determine an optimal standardized dosing strategy. This retrospective, observational, single-center study included adult SICU patients who received an aminoglycoside for additional gram-negative coverage.