Trends in Respiratory Viral Testing in Pediatric Emergency Departments Following the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Study Objective: To evaluate for increases in the use and costs of respiratory viral testing in pediatric emergency departments (EDs) because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study using the pediatric health information system. Eligible subjects were children (90 days to 18 years) who were discharged from a pediatric ED and included in the pediatric health information system from October 2016 through March 2024.

Research prioritization in hernia surgery: a modified Delphi ACHQC and VHOC expert consensus.

Purpose: Numerous clinical practice guidelines and consensus statements have been published in hernia surgery, however, there is still a need for high-quality evidence to address remaining unanswered questions. The aim of this study was to conduct research priority setting through a modified Delphi process to identify a list of top research priorities in hernia surgery.

Methods: A structured literature review of clinical practice guidelines was performed by the steering committee.

Perioperative Management of Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Therapy in Patients Undergoing Interventional Techniques: 2024 Updated Guidelines from the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP).

Background: The frequency of performance of interventional techniques in chronic pain patients receiving anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy continues to increase. Understanding the importance of continuing chronic anticoagulant therapy, the need for interventional techniques, and determining the duration and discontinuation or temporary suspension of anticoagulation is crucial to avoiding devastating complications, primarily when neuraxial procedures are performed. Anticoagulants and antiplatelets target the clotting system, increasing the bleeding risk.

Results From Complex Abdominal Reconstruction at Non-Academic Institution can Favorably Compare to Major Academic Centers: An Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative Database Review.

Background: Many complex abdominal hernias are referred to tertiary academic institutions for evaluation and treatment. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes from complex abdominal hernia repairs and abdominal wall reconstructions at a community hospital vs high volume academic centers participating in Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative (ACHQC).

Methods: Patients undergoing elective complex abdominal hernia repair were identified in our community setting and treated between 2016 and 2019.

Emotional Distress, Anxiety, and General Health Status in Patients With Newly Identified Small Pulmonary Nodules: Results From the Watch the Spot Trial.

Background: Anxiety and emotional distress have not been studied in large, diverse samples of patients with pulmonary nodules.

Research Question: How common are anxiety and distress in patients with newly identified pulmonary nodules, and what factors are associated with these outcomes?

Study Design And Methods: This study surveyed participants in the Watch the Spot Trial, a large, pragmatic clinical trial of more vs less intensive strategies for radiographic surveillance of patients with small pulmonary nodules. The survey included validated instruments to measure patient-centered outcomes such as nodule-related emotional distress (Impact of Event Scale-Revised) and anxiety (Six-Item State Anxiety Inventory) 6 to 8 weeks following nodule identification.

Vertebral augmentation-related osteomyelitis.

We present a case of vertebral osteomyelitis following multiple vertebral augmentations in a patient with an insidious presentation. Vertebral augmentation (kyphoplasty and/or vertebroplasty) is a minimally invasive procedure that has become a fairly common and highly effective method in treating compression fractures. A large majority of patients that undergo this procedure suffer from osteoporosis.

Impact of Automated Information Sharing on Health Care Delivery to Youths in Foster Care.

Children in foster care have higher health care costs and poor care coordination, often due to inconsistent information exchanged between health care and child welfare systems. This study implemented secure automated information sharing and detected improvements in time spent gathering information, health care services delivered, and billing practices at participating health care systems.

Upper Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis Risk Factors, Associated Morbidity and Mortality in Trauma Patients.

Background: The literature on upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT) is not as abundant as that on lower extremities. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for UEDVT, associated mortality and morbidity in trauma patients and the impact of pharmacological prophylaxis therein.

Methods: A 3-year retrospective review of patients admitted to a Level 1 trauma center was conducted.

Recurrent Fevers and Neuro-ophthalmic Disorders in a Mathematical Genius.

Horner's syndrome coexisting with an ipsilateral fourth cranial nerve palsy is a rare occurrence and likely localises to pathology in the cavernous sinus. One such case may have occurred in the 18 century affecting the renowned mathematician Leonhard Euler. A review of his biographies, eulogies, and three finely detailed facial portraits suggest that these two neuro-ophthalmic conditions, along with visual loss and a decades-long intermittent febrile illness, may have been the result of an orbital cellulitis and septic cavernous sinus thrombosis, from an underlying chronic brucellosis infection.

Stethoscope hygiene: A call to action. Recommendations to update the CDC guidelines.

Healthcare-acquired infections are a tremendous challenge to the US medical system. Stethoscopes touch many patients, but current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not support disinfection between each patient. Stethoscopes are rarely disinfected between patients by healthcare providers.

Is Treating Patients With Stage 4 Pressure Ulcers With Vitamins A and C, Zinc, and Arginine Justified?

Introduction: Management of patients with pressure wounds often may entail the administration of vitamins A and C, zinc, and arginine. Supplementing these nutrients as part of a standard wound care protocol may increase the risk for toxicity and unnecessarily increase the cost of health care.

Objective: This study aimed to correlate the nutritional status represented by albumin and prealbumin levels with aforementioned nutrient levels.

Seeing C. diff Differently: A Case of Clostridioides difficile Bacteremia in Metastatic Melanoma.

BACKGROUND Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a common community-acquired and nosocomial infection that usually presents as colitis. C. difficile bacteremia (CDB) is a rare blood infection, with only a few cases recorded in the literature.