Citations

Background: Multiple enchodromatosis of bone, termed Ollier’s disease, or Maffucci syndrome when associated with hemangiomas, is a rare disease that can affect the pediatric hand. This condition often causes a finger mass, deformity, pain and possible pathologic fractures, and has been associated with malignant transformation to chondrosarcoma. The aim of our study is to describe the long-term sequela of multiple enchondromatosis of the hand in the pediatric population, specifically the rates of malignant transformation, tumor recurrence, rates of pathologic fracture, and phalangeal growth arrest. Methods: We examined 15 pediatric patients who were treated in our institute with a total of 127 phalanges and metacarpals lesions. Only patients with follow-up of at least 4 years were included. We retrospectively reviewed patients’ chart and hand radiograph for symptoms including pathologic fractures, indications for surgery, and postoperative complications including tumor recurrence, and malignant transformation. We assessed phalangeal growth arrest with radiographs and normalized phalangeal growth charts. Results: Mean age of diagnosis was 5.8 years and mean follow-up time was 15.4 years. Pathologic fractures were common at 46% of pediatric patients, but ceased to occur once reaching adulthood. Outcomes of pathologic fractures were excellent, regardless of treatment. Malignant transformation occurred in 1 patient and did not occur during childhood. A total of 80% of patients and 29% of lesions underwent surgical treatment of curettage and bone graft for the lesion, yet recurrence was common and affected 33% of treated patients. Phalangeal growth arrest was the most common long-term sequela and affected 11% of phalanxes and metacarpals. This sequela was significantly more prevalent in patients who had surgical excision of the tumor. Conclusions: Our findings reassure that malignant transformation of enchodromatosis of the hand is unlikely in the pediatric population. Pathologic fracture is common, but has excellent outcomes. When considering surgery, parents should be counseled about the possibility of phalangeal growth arrest and recurrence of the lesion. Type of Study/Level of Evidence: Level IV—therapeutic.

Objectives: In the last decade, the practice of intubation in the intensive care unit (ICU) has evolved. To further examine the current intubation practice in the ICU, we administered a survey to critical care physicians. Design: Cross-sectional survey study design. Setting: Thirty-two academic/nonacademic centers nationally and internationally. Measurements and Main Results: The survey was developed among a core group of physicians with the assistance of the Survey Research Center at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. The survey was pilot tested for functionality and reliability. The response rate was 82 (51%) of 160 among the 32 centers. Although propofol was the induction drug of choice, there was a significant difference with actual ketamine use and those who indicated a preference for it (ketamine: 52% vs 61%; P < .001). The most common airway device used for intubation was direct laryngoscopy (Miller laryngoscope blade) at 56 (68%) followed by video laryngoscopy at 26 (32%). Most (>90%) indicated that they have a difficult airway cart, but only 55 (67%) indicated they have a documented plan to handle a difficult airway with even lower results for documented review of adverse events (49%). Conclusion: Although propofol was the induction drug of choice, ketamine was a medication that many preferred to use, possibly relating to the fact that the most common complication postintubation is hypotension. Direct laryngoscopy remains the primary airway device for endotracheal intubation. Finally, although the majority stated they had a difficult airway cart available, most did not have a documented plan in place when encountering a difficult airway or a documented process to review adverse events surrounding intubation.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Apart from a case series of 100 subjects in 1996 and several small cohorts, there have been no large retrospective series of cranial nerve XII (CN XII) palsy. Methods: From 1984 to 2014, 245 cases of CN XII palsy were identified via retrospective chart review using historical and exam findings that confirmed the diagnosis. In addition to clinical characteristics, univariate and multivariate models were investigated to predict neoplastic CN XII palsy. Results: Major etiologic categories included: postoperative (29.3%), idiopathic (15.1%), primary neoplastic (14.2%), metastatic malignancy (13.0%), inflammatory (7.3%), radiation (6.1%), and traumatic (4.1%). A multivariate model revealed male gender and a personal history of cancer as predictive of neoplastic CN XII palsy. Conclusions: The most frequent etiologies and disease categories of CN XII palsy were identified, and male gender and personal history of cancer were found to be predictive of a neoplastic cause of CN XII palsy. Muscle Nerve 54: 1050–1054, 2016

One of the most controversial health decisions facing women is deciding upon the use of hormonal treatments for symptoms of menopause. This brief review focuses on the historical context of use of menopausal hormone treatments (MHT), summarizes results of major observational, primary and secondary prevention studies of MHT and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes, provides evidence for how sex steroids modulate CV function and identifies challenges for future research. As medicine enters an era of personalization of treatment options, additional research into sex differences in the aetiology of CV diseases will lead to better risk identification for CV disease in women and identify whether a woman might receive CV benefit from specific formulations and doses of MHT.

Abstract Background: African immigrants in the US have substantially higher prevalences of viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma than the general population. In Minnesota, which has the third largest state population of African immigrants in the US, the incidence and mortality for hepatocellular carcinoma among Blacks is 3 times higher than Caucasians (The 2012 Minnesota Department of Health Cancer Report). Most African immigrants are unaware of their risk for hepatocellular carcinoma which contributes to substantial liver health disparities. Limited research exists on the burden of viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma among African immigrants. Thus, we conducted a pilot study to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) of African immigrants related to liver disease. Methods: The study used a community-engaged research framework. The research team consisted of stakeholders from an academic medical center and Ethiopian, Liberian, and Kenyan community-based organizations and faith-based centers. A semi-structured focus group guide was developed using a KAB approach with open-ended questions. Content analysis was used to thematically code the transcribed data. Qualitative analysis software (ATLAS.TI) was used to organize codes and highlight major themes contributing to liver health disparities. Results: We enrolled 63 participants and conducted 9 focus groups (1 in Amharic, 2 in Oromo, and 6 in English) in Rochester and Minneapolis, Minnesota. The mean age was 47±19; 32 participants (51%) were male; the median years lived in the US was 12 years. General knowledge of the modes of transmission of viral hepatitis and of the prevention and development of liver cancer was minimal. Themes related to barriers to viral hepatitis screening and vaccination included perceived cultural stigma and use of traditional remedies. Common sources of general health information included internet, pamphlets, friends, family, spiritual leaders and healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals are the source for information on screening, prevention, transmission and treatment of viral hepatitis and liver cancer. Most participants sought healthcare at reputable medical institutions. Media sources and community-based events at faith-centers were preferred modes of information dissemination on viral hepatitis and liver cancer screening and prevention. Conclusions: Participants identified several factors contributing to the increased burden of hepatocellular carcinoma in Minnesota including lack of knowledge of disease transmission and progression, cultural stigma/taboos, and lack of preventive care. Culturally and linguistically appropriate interventions are needed to increase awareness, prevention, early detection, and treatment of viral hepatitis and liver cancer among African immigrants in Minnesota. Citation Format: Essa A. Mohamed, Nasra H. Giama, Hassan M. Shaleh, Linda M. Kerandi, Abdul M. Oseini, Hager F. Ahmed Mohammed, Henry M. Kerandi, Dekermue Togbah, Abdiwahab O. Ali, Ibrahim A. Waaeys, Hamdi A. Ali, Safra A. Mohamed, Hawa M. Ali, Joyce E. Balls-Berry, Lewis R. Roberts. Evaluating knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma among recent African immigrants in Minnesota: A community-engaged qualitative study. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr C01.