Citations

Abstract Abstract 1238 Background: SNPs within genes encoding factor XI (F11), fibrinogen genes (FGA, FGG) and other candidate genes within the procoagulant, anticoagulant, fibrinolytic, innate immunity and endocrine pathways have been reported as associated with VTE. However, the independent risk of VTE associated with many of these SNPs after controlling for factor V Leiden, Prothrombin G20210A and ABO blood group non-O carrier status is uncertain. Objective: To replicate candidate gene SNPs previously reported as associated with VTE. Methods: As part of a large replication study, we included 17 SNPs previously reported as associated with VTE in a custom Illumina Golden gate (total n=1093 SNPs) genotyping array. We genotyped 1270 non-Hispanic adults of European ancestry with objectively-diagnosed VTE (cases; no cancer, venous catheter or antiphospholipid antibodies) and 1302 controls (frequency-matched on case age, gender, race, MI/stroke status). Genotyping results from high-quality control DNA (SNP call rate ≥ 95%) was used to generate a cluster algorithm. The primary outcome was VTE status, a binary measure. The covariates were age at interview or blood sample collection, sex, stroke and/or MI status, and state of residence. To adjust for population stratification, we performed the multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis option in PLINK v 1.07 to identify outliers in our population using the ancestry informative markers. We tested for an association between each SNP and VTE using unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, stroke/MI status, state of residence and ABO rs514659 (in high linkage disequilibrium with non-O blood type). The analyses were corrected for multiple comparisons using an extension of false discovery rates. The false discovery rate (reported as a Q-value) is an analogue measure of the p-value that takes into account the number of statistical tests and estimates the expected proportion of false positive tests incurred when a particular SNP is significant. All analyses were performed using PLINK v 1.07. Results: MDS gave no evidence of population stratification. Genotyping was unsuccessful for two of the 17 SNPs. We found significant associations between VTE and SNPs in F11, FGG, TC2D and FGA (Table). However, the false discovery rates for all significant SNPs except F11 rs3756008 were >0.05, suggesting that the observed associations were likely falsely positive due to multiple comparisons. Even at a false discovery rate of Q-value=0.0099, one would expect ∼13 SNPs (0.0099 × 1302 SNPs) to be falsely associated with VTE due to multiple comparisons. Consequently, even our observed association between F11 rs3756008 and VTE remains tentative. Conclusions: We were unable to replicate reported associations between 15 SNPs and VTE. Our results emphasize the necessity of replication studies in different populations to confirm reported associations of SNPs with VTE. Disclosures: Heit: Daiichi Sankyo: Consultancy, Honoraria.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopy- related injury (ERI) is common in gastroenterologists. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of self-reported ERI, patterns of injury and knowledge of ergonomic strategies in endoscopists who are ACG physician members. METHODS: A 38-item survey was developed and initially piloted at three academic medical centers. Through the ACG Women in GI Committee and ACG Governing Board sponsorship, the survey was administered to ACG physician members. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS Enterprise Guide 7.0 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC); chi-square tests and descriptive analysis evaluating associations between multiple variables and ERI. RESULTS: Of the 14759 total surveys sent, 5940 were opened, and only completed surveys were included (n = 1133). ERI was reported by 71% of the respondents including 49% of trainees. More than half of the respondents reported pain in the thumbs (64%), hand/fingers (59%), neck (57%), and lower back (54 %). The most common causes of ERI reported were torqueing with the right hand (64%), adjusting tip angulation with left hand (53%), standing for prolonged periods of time (59%), and standing in awkward positions while supporting an endoscope (58 %). While no differences were noted in characteristics associated with overall ERI, including sex ( P = 0.77), performance of interventional endoscopy or a focus in another GI domain ( P = 0.55) women were more likely to have upper extremity pain and upper back pain (see Table 2). There were statistically significant differences between genders in the mechanisms of ERI (see Table 3). Most respondents did not receive training during fellowship (68%), or discuss ergonomic strategies in their current practice (63%). Those without training in ergonomics were more likely to report ERI ( P = 0.02). 81 % of respondents noted a desire for more training in ergonomic strategies to reduce ERI. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show an overwhelming occurrence of ERI in all GI physicians and in nearly half of the trainee respondents. Preliminary analysis shows a significant difference between men and women with regards to specific areas of ERI and contributing mechanisms. Results strongly support training and a desire for continued education in ergonomic strategies as a preventative strategy. Education and prevention of ERI represent rich opportunities for improving key aspects of clinical practice, reducing burden on physicians, and decreasing interruptions to clinical care.

The biphasic cuirass ventilation (BCV) device is an alternative respiratory support device for patients with chronic respiratory failure. Considered by some a “forgotten” mode of supportive ventilation, the device is portable, lightweight, and easy to operate. Biphasic cuirass ventilation can also be used to rapidly resuscitate patients in acute respiratory distress and requires minimal technical skill to operate. Biphasic cuirass ventilation can be employed by the patient’s caregiver in the home setting, making it a viable alternative to other forms of mechanical ventilation (e.g., BiPAP) for patients enrolled in home hospice or palliative care. The article reviews current knowledge and aims to enhance awareness and encourage further study about cuirass ventilation, particularly with regard to its use in treating patients in the palliative care setting and in the home.

ABSTRACTAntibodies against the 65‐kDa isoform of the intracellular enzyme, glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65), have been found in patients with limbic encephalitis and drug‐resistant autoimmune epilepsy. We report a 22‐year‐old female who presented with new‐onset seizures and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Video‐EEG captured unique, independent bitemporal‐onset focal seizures with impaired awareness and ictal asystole. An autoimmune epilepsy panel revealed elevated GAD65 antibodies in the serum (225 nmol/l) and CSF (2.78 nmol/l), while [18F]‐fluoro‐deoxy‐glucose positron emission tomography showed bitemporal hypometabolism (left > right). The patient was diagnosed with GAD65 antibody‐associated autoimmune epilepsy. Our observation adds to the spectrum of neurocardiac syndromes associated with autoimmune epilepsy.

Objective: To perform a feasibility pilot study comparing the usefulness of EEG electrode cap versus standard scalp EEG for acquiring emergent EEGs in emergency department, inpatient, and intensive care unit patients. Background: Nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) is a neurological emergency diagnosed exclusively by EEG. Nonconvulsive status epilepticus becomes more resistant to treatment 1 hour after continued seizure activity. EEG technologists are alerted “stat” when there is immediate need for an EEG during oncall hours, yet delays are inevitable. Alternatively, EEG caps can be quickly placed by in-house residents at bedside for assessment. Design/Methods: EEG caps were compared with standard-of-care “stat” EEGs for 20 patients with suspected NCSE. After the order for a stat EEG was placed, neurology residents were simultaneously alerted and placed an EEG cap prior to the arrival of the on-call out-of-hospital technologist. Both EEG cap recordings and standard EEG recordings were visually reviewed at 10 and 20 minutes in a blinded manner by two electroencephalographers. The timing, accuracy of interpretation, and diagnosis between the two techniques were then compared. Results: Of the 20 adult patients, 70% (14 of 20) of EEG cap recordings were interpretable, whereas 95% (19 of 20) standard EEGs were interpretable; three had findings consistent with NCSE on both the EEG cap and standard EEG recordings. In the time analysis, 16 patients were included. EEG cap placement was significantly more time efficient than an EEG performed by technologist using the usual “stat” EEG protocol, with the median EEG cap electrode placement occurring 86 minutes faster than standard EEG (22.5 minutes vs. 104.5 minutes; P < 0.0001; n = 16). Conclusions: New rapid EEG recording using improved EEG caps may allow for rapid diagnosis and clinical decision making in suspected NCSE.

Human ocular Dirofilariasis is a relatively rare, zoonotic disease, caused by a filarial nematode, Dirofilaria repens. This parasitic infestation usually presents as a subconjunctival nodule with hyperemia. The authors present a case of subconjunctival dirofilariasis in a 91-year-old gentleman, who presented with manifestations of orbital cellulitis. The live worm was surgically removed and identified to be D. repens.

Abstract Background: Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an intervention to treat patients with chronic knee pain who have failed previous conservative, pharmacologic, and surgical interventions. Vascular complications following interventional procedures of the knee are extremely rare. A delay in diagnosis may be detrimental for the viability of the affected limb and may ultimately require amputation. Case Presentation: A 76-year-old man with a history of severe bilateral knee osteoarthritis and grade 4 chondromalacia presented to our clinic with refractory, severe bilateral knee pain and received a bilateral genicular nerve RFA. He returned 4 days later with right medial thigh pain and a magnetic resonance imaging study revealing a hematoma along the anteromedial aspect of the right distal femoral diaphysis measuring 13.3 × 4.5 × 3.0 cm. After collaboration between pain medicine and orthopedic surgery services, decision was made to treat patient conservatively with rest, compression, elevation, ice application, tramadol, and gabapentin, but with close follow-up and a low threshold to intervene with diagnostic and therapeutic angiography with embolization if bleeding worsened; he reported resolution of his pain after a 4-day and 1-month follow-up. Conclusion: This is the first report describing iatrogenic vascular injury in the knee after a genicular RFA procedure. Pain medicine physicians should be aware of the vascular anatomy of the knee, particularly paying close attention to variations after previous surgeries. Future trials should investigate modalities that minimize vascular complications including concomitant use of ultrasonography with fluoroscopy and other forms of RFA including pulsed or cooled RFA.

Manually delivered intermittent bolus (MIB) and programmable intermittent bolus (PIB), alternatives to continuous infusion (CI), involve administering a set volume of solution at a set interval of time. The benefits of intermittent bolus techniques in truncal and peripheral nerve blockade (TPNB) are unclear, and studies have largely demonstrated conflicting results. Using MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library, we conducted an evidenced-based review of published randomized controlled trials comparing intermittent bolus and CI methods in TPNB. In total, 13 randomized controlled trials were identified and evaluated. Outcomes data addressed in these studies included assessments of pain, opioid and local anesthetic consumption, patient satisfaction, adverse events, and physical therapy metrics. The overall quality of current evidence was found to be low given the small sample sizes, heterogeneity of data, and the variations in intermittent bolus techniques between studies. At this time, we found limited supportive data to endorse MIB or PIB over CI in TPNB. While unable to provide data-driven conclusions for local anesthetic delivery methods at this time, we propose that future studies and quantitative analysis between techniques should be on an anatomic, site-specific basis, with greater focus on evaluation of opioid use, adverse events, patient satisfaction, and rehabilitative metrics.