Study objective To evaluate the clinical effect, safety, and clinical outcomes of focused transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the evaluation of critically ill patients in the emergency department (ED) and ICUs. Methods We established a prospective, multicenter, observational registry involving adult critically ill patients in whom focused TEE was performed for evaluation of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), inhospital cardiac arrest, evaluation of undifferentiated shock, hemodynamic monitoring, and/or procedural guidance in the ED, ICU, or operating room setting. The primary objective of the current investigation was to evaluate the clinical influence and safety of focused, point-of-care TEE in critically ill patients. Data elements included patient and procedure characteristics, laboratory values, timing of interventions, clinical outcomes, and TEE video images. Results A total of 1,045 focused TEE studies were collected among 916 patients from 28 hospitals, including 585 (64%) intraarrest and postarrest OHCA and inhospital cardiac arrest, 267 (29%) initial evaluation of undifferentiated shock, 101 (11%) procedural guidance, and 92 (10%) hemodynamic monitoring. TEE changed management in 85% of patients with undifferentiated shock, 71% of patients with inhospital cardiac arrest, and 62% of patients with OHCA. There were no reported esophageal perforations or oropharyngeal injuries, and other procedural complications were rare. Conclusions A prospective, multicenter, and multidisciplinary TEE registry was successfully implemented, and demonstrated that focused TEE is safe and clinically impactful across multiple critical care applications. Further studies from this research network will accelerate the development of outcome-oriented research and knowledge translation on the use of TEE in emergency and critical care settings.
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a classical hallucinogen originally synthesized by Albert Hoffman. He accidentally concocted the drug while making experimental substances from ergots to create circulatory and respiratory stimulants. The most pronounced effect on the animals allowed him to create a model for psychosis and study the induced temporary psychotic-like states. During the psychotic state, he also noted permitted recall and produced improved insight.
Purpose Aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy reduces risk of recurrence and death for postmenopausal women with breast cancer (BC); however, AI-induced arthralgia (AIIA) can lead to discontinuation of treatment. Curcumin, a bioactive polyphenolic substance, may help ameliorate inflammation-related conditions including osteoarthritis and pain. Methods We conducted a multisite randomized placebo-controlled, double-blind pilot trial (Alliance A22_Pilot9) to evaluate the effects of nanoemulsion curcumin (NEC, 200 mg/day) in postmenopausal women experiencing AIIA for ≥ 3 months. The primary objective was to determine the feasibility of using Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment-Endocrine Symptoms (FACT-ES) to detect changes from 0 (T0) to 3 months (T3) of NEC treatment in AI-induced symptoms and well-being; secondary objectives included evaluation of changes in Disabilities of the Shoulder, Arm, and Hand (DASH), Brief Pain Inventory-short form (BPI-SF), grip strength, and biomarkers at T0 and T3. Results Forty-two patients were randomized to NEC or placebo; 34 women completed the 3-month study. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs: FACT-ES, DASH, BPI-SF) and biospecimens were collected at T0-T3 in > 80% of participants. Adherence was ≥ 90% for both arms. PROMs and grip strength did not differ significantly by treatment arm. Plasma curcumin was detected only in NEC arm participants. Serum estradiol and estrone levels were below detection or low on study agent. Gastrointestinal adverse effects were commonly reported in both arms. Conclusion NEC versus placebo in a multisite randomized trial is feasible and well-tolerated. Additional studies with larger sample size are needed to further evaluate the efficacy and safety of NEC in treatment of AIIA. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03865992, first posted March 7, 2019.
Background The 10-week Nuevo Amanecer-II intervention, tested through a randomized controlled trial, reduced anxiety and improved stress management skills among Spanish-speaking Latina breast cancer survivors. This paper describes the implementation and equity evaluation outcomes of the Nuevo Amanecer-II intervention delivered in three California rural communities. Methods Using implementation and equity frameworks, concurrent convergent mixed methods were applied to evaluate implementation (feasibility, fidelity, acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, and sustainability) and equity (shared power and capacity building) outcomes. Quantitative data were collected using tracking forms, fidelity rating forms, and program evaluation surveys; qualitative data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews. Respondents included community-based organization (CBO) administrators, recruiters, compañeras (interventionists), and program participants. Results Of 76 women randomized to the intervention, 65 (86%) completed at least 7 of 10 sessions. Participants’ knowledge (85% correct of 7 questions) and skills mastery were high (85% able to correctly perform 14 skills). Mean fidelity ratings across compañeras ranged from 3.8 (modeled skills) to 5.0 (used supportive/caring communication); 1–5 scale. The program was rated as very good/excellent by 90% of participants. Participants and compañeras suggested including family members; compañeras suggested expanding content on managing thoughts and mood and healthy living and having access to participant’s survivorship care plan to tailor breast cancer information. CBOs adopted the program because it aligned with their priority populations and mission. Building on CBOs’ knowledge, resources, and infrastructure, implementation success was due to shared power, learning, responsibility, and co-ownership, resulting in a co-created tailored program for community and organizational contexts. Building intervention capacity prior to implementation, providing funding, and ongoing technical support to CBOs were vital for fidelity and enhancement of recruiter and compañera professional skills. Two of three CBOs created plans for program sustainability beyond the clinical trial; all administrators discussed the need for new funding sources to sustain the program as delivered. Conclusions Building on community assets and using equitable participatory research processes were central to the successful implementation of a peer-delivered psychosocial intervention in three rural communities among Spanish-speaking Latinas with breast cancer.
Postoperative muscle spasm is a common complaint in the post-anesthesia care unit. Management of postoperative muscle spasm remains a major challenge as first-line anti-spasmodic agents are not without risk. Due to the adverse effects of sedation and risk for respiratory depression and pulmonary aspiration, conventional anti-spasmodic agents may not be an ideal choice for patients who are recovering from anesthesia. In this case series, we present three patients who underwent nonemergent surgeries with subsequent postoperative cervical muscle spasm that went unresolved with conventional PACU pain medications. Below, we demonstrate the potential utility of dexmedetomidine for management of postoperative muscle spasm. This is most notable when oral anti-spasmodic formulations are contraindicated in sedated patients and intravenous skeletal muscle relaxants are inaccessible in the PACU. After receiving incremental boluses of dexmedetomidine, the patients demonstrated immediate improvement in their cervical range of motion and their cervical muscle spasms were markedly reduced. Dexmedetomidine’s unique qualities, such as its quick onset, intravenous route of administration, and minimal effect on respiratory physiology, make it an ideal choice for management of postoperative muscle spasm.
