Loor-Torres, Ricardo

Abstract Context Incidental thyroid findings (ITFs) are increasingly detected on imaging performed for non-thyroid indications. Their prevalence, features, and consequences remain undefined. Objective To develop, validate, and deploy a natural language processing (NLP) pipeline to identify ITFs in radiology reports and assess their prevalence, features, and clinical outcomes. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Mayo Clinic sites (Rochester, Arizona, Florida, Mayo Clinic Health System). Participants Adults without prior thyroid disease undergoing thyroid-capturing imaging from July 1, 2017, to September 30, 2023. A transformer-based NLP pipeline identified ITFs and extracted nodule characteristics from image reports from multiple modalities and body regions. Outcomes ITF prevalence, downstream thyroid ultrasound, biopsy, thyroidectomy, and cancer diagnosis. Logistic regression identified demographic and imaging-related factors. Results Among 115 683 patients (mean age, 56.8 [SD 17.2]; 52.9% women), 9077 (7.8%) had an ITF (92.9% nodular). ITFs were more likely in women, older adults, higher BMI, and in imaging ordered by specialties different from Emergency Medicine. Compared with chest CT, ITFs were more likely via neck CT, PET, and nuclear medicine scans. Nodule characteristics were poorly documented, with size reported in 44% and other features in fewer than 15%. Compared with patients without ITFs, those with ITFs had higher odds of thyroid nodule diagnosis (OR 45, 95%CI 41.1-49.3), biopsy (OR 46.8, 95%CI 39.0-56.2) thyroidectomy (OR 55.8, 95%CI 31.3-99.3), and thyroid cancer diagnosis (OR 61.7, 95%CI 38.6-98.5). Most cancers were papillary (88.5%) and larger when detected after ITFs (2 cm SD 1.4) vs no ITF (1.3 cm SD 0.8). Conclusion ITFs were common and strongly associated with cascades leading to the detection of small, low-risk cancers, highlighting their role in overdiagnosis and the need for standardized reporting and more selective follow-up.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of death and neurological disability worldwide. The search for biomarkers that indicate TBI severity and prognosis with greater accuracy is ongoing. This study aimed to evaluate the significance of several neuroinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, assessing their potential as biomarkers in pediatric TBI (pTBI). This was an exploratory analysis of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines measured in a subset of 26 children aged 0–18 years with TBI and 21 controls. TBI severity was determined by GCS. The functional outcome was measured via the GOS-E score at 6 weeks and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-injury. Serum samples were analyzed for ICAM-1, VCAM-1, SAA, CRP, IFN-g, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-1b, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-a, TNF-b, eotaxin, eotaxin-3, IP-10, MCP-1, MCP-4, MDC, MIP-1a, MIP-1b and TARC. Levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, IL-16, MDC, and GM-CSF were increased, and IFN-γ, IL-5, IL-8, and eotaxin-3 were decreased at enrollment when compared with controls. Elevated IL-6 and IL-10 at enrollment were associated with severe TBI (AUC of 1, p = 0.0002 and p = <0.0001, respectively). IL-6, IL-10, IL-16, and TNF-β at enrollment and IL-5 at 24 h were elevated in children with unfavorable outcomes, with an AUC > 0.8, suggesting biomarker potential. Our data indicate that several cytokines and chemokines measured after TBI may aid in the assessment of pTBI severity and prognosis. IL-6, IL-10, and IL-16 may show potential as biomarkers for pTBI severity and outcomes.

Abstract Purpose Overuse of thyroid ultrasound (TUS) has contributed to rising thyroid cancer diagnoses and is projected to increase US healthcare costs from $1.5 billion to $3.5 billion by 2030. This study evaluated the healthcare cost of inappropriately ordered TUS in a national multicenter academic system. Methods This is a secondary cost analysis of a retrospective cohort study across 4 Mayo Clinic sites (Rochester, MN; Jacksonville, FL; Scottsdale, AZ; and the Midwest Mayo Clinic Health System). Adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing their first TUS between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2021, with at least 1 year of follow-up were included. TUS indications were classified as appropriate or inappropriate using a guideline-based natural language processing algorithm. The primary outcome was a comparison of adjusted 1-year all-cause healthcare costs. A secondary analysis calculated the direct procedural costs of the inappropriate TUS cascade. Results Among 6984 patients (mean age 56 [SD 16.4]; 76.2% female; 90.9% White), 546 (7.8%) underwent TUS for inappropriate indications. These patients were younger (mean age 53.0 vs 56.3 years, P &lt; .0001) but otherwise demographically similar. Adjusted total healthcare costs over 90 days and 1 year were comparable: $4842 vs $5794 and $13 748 vs $14 257 for inappropriate vs appropriate TUS, respectively. The inappropriate TUS cascade, including an estimated 56 subsequent biopsies and 22 thyroidectomies, resulted in a minimum of $576 134 in direct procedural costs. Conclusion While adjusted total costs were similar, inappropriate TUS represents potentially avoidable spending and remains a viable target for cost-reduction strategies. Reducing low-value imaging remains a critical target for cost-saving interventions.

ImportanceThyroid cancer incidence has tripled in the past 3 decades, largely driven by increased detection of small, indolent papillary thyroid cancers. Overuse of thyroid ultrasonography (TUS) contributes to overdiagnosis, leading to unnecessary biopsies, procedures, and potential patient harm.ObjectiveTo evaluate the frequency of and factors associated with inappropriate TUS (iTUS) orders and assess related clinical outcomes.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis retrospective cohort study analyzed adult patients 18 years and older who underwent their first TUS from January 1, 2017, to December 30, 2021, at 4 Mayo Clinic sites. Patients with previous thyroid nodule, thyroid cancer, thyroid surgery, or TUS were excluded. Based on documented clinical indications, a validated natural language processing model classified TUS orders as appropriate or inappropriate. Data were analyzed from April 2024 to May 2025.ExposuresBaseline characteristics of patients, clinicians, and clinical encounters investigated for their association with an iTUS order.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was the proportion of iTUS orders. Secondary outcomes included factors associated with iTUS (sociodemographic, clinical, order-specific, and clinician-related factors) and clinical outcomes following iTUS, including the detection of thyroid nodules, thyroid procedures, and thyroid cancer diagnoses.ResultsOf 11 442 included patients, 8422 (73.6%) were female, and the mean (SD) age was 57.3 (15.8) years with a mean (SD) body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) of 29.7 (7.0). Among 11 442 TUS orders, 866 (7.6%) were classified as inappropriate. In multivariable analysis, younger age (age of 18 to 54 years vs older than 65 years; odds ratio [OR], 1.86; 95% CI, 1.56-2.22), hyperthyroidism (OR, 9.04; 95% CI, 6.75-12.11), ordering by nonendocrinology specialties (eg, oncology/hematology; OR, 3.43; 95% CI, 2.47-4.76), and orders not linked to an in-person appointment (eg, portal messages; OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 2.08-2.82) were strongly associated with increased odds of iTUS. Compared with appropriate TUS, iTUS led to lower rates of thyroid nodule detection (202 of 866 [23.3%] vs 6885 of 10 576 [65.1%]; OR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.14-0.19), biopsies (89 [10.3%] vs 2647 [25.0%]; OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.27-0.43), partial thyroidectomies (14 [1.6%] vs 424 [4.0%]; OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.23-0.67), and confirmed thyroid cancer cases (16 [1.8%] vs 425 [4.0%]; OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.27-0.74).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort study, approximately 1 in 13 TUS orders were inappropriate. iTUS was more common in younger patients, those with thyroid dysfunction, those not seen in person, and in those referred by nonendocrinology specialties. These findings highlight the need for targeted strategies to optimize TUS use and mitigate overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

Abstract Aims Congenital heart disease (CHD) presents lifelong challenges that require effective self-management skills, particularly for youth transitioning to adulthood. This systematic review evaluates the impact of self-management interventions, grounded in self-efficacy, on both health and patient-reported outcomes in youths with CHD. Methods and results Adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines, we conducted a systematic review and registered the protocol in PROSPERO. We included interventional studies targeting youth aged 15–24 years with CHD that employed self-management interventions based on self-efficacy. Comprehensive searches were performed in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, CINAHL, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus from January 1973 to March 2024, with an update to include studies published until December 2024. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts, resolving disagreements by consensus. Data extraction followed Template for Intervention Description and Replication guidelines, and risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions and Risk of Bias 2 tools. Out of 54 potential studies, 4 met the eligibility criteria, representing 150 patients aged 16–19 years. The studies reported improvements in condition-related knowledge, self-management skills, and social support, although data on clinical health outcomes were limited. A narrative synthesis of the selected interventions was performed. Conclusion Self-management interventions using self-efficacy frameworks show promise for improving patient-reported outcomes among youth with CHD. However, there is a scarcity of data on their impact on health outcomes. Further research is needed to develop and implement interventions tailored to this population, potentially improving both self-management and clinical outcomes. Registration PROSPERO: CRD42024499008

Key Points Patient-centered care in an interdisciplinary CKD clinic addresses complex needs and supports comprehensive CKD management. Implementation of an interdisciplinary CKD clinic reduced hospital admissions by 26%, emergency department visits by 30%, and increased nephrology consultations. Comprehensive care models with integrated registries enhance tailored interventions, leading to improved CKD management outcomes. Background CKD is a significant public health issue globally. Its progressive nature calls for innovative care models to mitigate disease progression and enhance patient outcomes. An interdisciplinary clinic model may offer comprehensive care tailored to the needs of patients with CKD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an interdisciplinary CKD clinic on disease progression, health care utilization, and social determinants of health (SDOH). Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The study included 534 patients enrolled in the CKD clinic between March 5, 2021, and May 31, 2022, excluding those who opted out of research. The intervention involved a clinical registry and an interdisciplinary team delivering evidence-based care pathways, patient education, shared decision making, and care coordination. The primary outcomes assessed were CKD progression and health care utilization, while secondary outcomes examined the effect of SDOH. Results At entry, the median age was 73 (interquartile range, 64–79) years, with 60% at stage 4 or lower. Clinic implementation correlated with a 26% decrease in hospital admissions (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60 to 0.91; P = 0.004) and a 30% reduction in emergency visits (IRR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.57 to 0.87; P = 0.001). Nephrology consultations increased by 46% (IRR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.34 to 1.60; P < 0.001), reflecting enhanced specialized care. Lower exercise frequency and unemployment were linked to increased CKD progression and health care usage. Conclusions An interdisciplinary CKD clinic supported by a registry can potentially reduce health care utilization among patients with CKD, with SDOH playing a critical role in disease management.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a major cause of morbidity and death among the pediatric population. Timely diagnosis, however, remains a complex task because of the lack of standardized methods that permit its accurate identification. The aim of this study was to determine whether serum levels of brain injury biomarkers can be used as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in this pathology. This prospective, observational study collected and analyzed the serum concentration of neuronal injury biomarkers at enrollment, 24h and 48h post-injury, in 34 children ages 0–18 with pTBI and 19 healthy controls (HC). Biomarkers included glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neurofilament protein L (NfL), ubiquitin-C-terminal hydrolase (UCH-L1), S-100B, tau and tau phosphorylated at threonine 181 (p-tau181). Subjects were stratified by admission Glasgow Coma Scale score into two categories: a combined mild/moderate (GCS 9–15) and severe (GCS 3–8). Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E) Peds was dichotomized into favorable (≤4) and unfavorable (≥5) and outcomes. Data were analyzed utilizing Prism 9 and R statistical software. The findings were as follows: 15 patients were stratified as severe TBI and 19 as mild/moderate per GCS. All biomarkers measured at enrollment were elevated compared with HC. Serum levels for all biomarkers were significantly higher in the severe TBI group compared with HC at 0, 24, and 48h. The GFAP, tau S100B, and p-tau181 had the ability to differentiate TBI severity in the mild/moderate group when measured at 0h post-injury. Tau serum levels were increased in the mild/moderate group at 24h. In addition, NfL and p-tau181 showed increased serum levels at 48h in the aforementioned GCS category. Individual biomarker performance on predicting unfavorable outcomes was measured at 0, 24, and 48h across different GOS-E Peds time points, which was significant for p-tau181 at 0h at all time points, UCH-L1 at 0h at 6–9 months and 12 months, GFAP at 48h at 12 months, NfL at 0h at 12 months, tau at 0h at 12 months and S100B at 0h at 12 months. We concluded that TBI leads to increased serum neuronal injury biomarkers during the first 0–48h post-injury. A biomarker panel measuring these proteins could aid in the early diagnosis of mild to moderate pTBI and may predict neurological outcomes across the injury spectrum.