Citations

Abstract Electronic health record (EHR) algorithms for defining patient cohorts are commonly shared as free-text descriptions that require human intervention both to interpret and implement. We developed the Phenotype Execution and Modeling Architecture (PhEMA, http://projectphema.org) to author and execute standardized computable phenotype algorithms. With PhEMA, we converted an algorithm for benign prostatic hyperplasia, developed for the electronic Medical Records and Genomics network (eMERGE), into a standards-based computable format. Eight sites (7 within eMERGE) received the computable algorithm, and 6 successfully executed it against local data warehouses and/or i2b2 instances. Blinded random chart review of cases selected by the computable algorithm shows PPV ≥90%, and 3 out of 5 sites had >90% overlap of selected cases when comparing the computable algorithm to their original eMERGE implementation. This case study demonstrates potential use of PhEMA computable representations to automate phenotyping across different EHR systems, but also highlights some ongoing challenges.

Oropharyngeal stenosis can manifest as a rare complication after surgery for obstructive sleep apnea or tonsillectomy. Scar tissue formation from oropharyngeal stenosis may impede tracheal intubation or laryngeal mask airway insertion. We report the case of an asymptomatic adult woman found to have oropharyngeal stenosis after induction of anesthesia and discuss the management of this challenging scenario. We also contrast oropharyngeal stenosis with nasopharyngeal stenosis, another rare complication of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.