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Longitudinal changes in physiological, radiological, and health status measurements in alpha(1)-antitrypsin deficiency and factors associated with decline.

The FEV(1) declines rapidly in alpha(1)-antitrypsin deficiency (alpha(1)-ATD) but less is known about other measures of disease severity and the factors, other than smoking, that are associated with progression of emphysema. The natural history of alpha(1)-ATD was studied prospectively in 43 patients with the PiZ phenotype and emphysema at a single center over 2 yr. The mean +/- SE change in FEV(1) was -67 +/- 14 ml/yr, accompanied by a reduction in transfer factor (mean change in diffusing capacity of the lung for CO [DL(CO)] -1.07 +/- 0.21 ml/min/mm Hg/yr; p < 0.001) and lung density in the upper zones as assessed by quantitative high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) (mean change in voxel index 2.8 +/- 0.6%/yr; p < 0.001). The decline in FEV(1) related to baseline FEV(1) (r = -0.56, p < 0.001), bronchodilator reversibility (r = 0.52, p < 0.001), and (for patients with FEV(1) > 35% predicted) exacerbation frequency (r = -0.38, p = 0.02). There was also a decline in the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) Activity score (mean change -4.3 +/- 1.2 units/yr, p < 0.001) that correlated with FEV(1) decline (r = 0.45, p = 0.002). Progression of emphysema in alpha(1)-ATD is dependent on baseline physiology and exacerbation frequency and may be detected by several different measurements of which HRCT density mask analysis and DL(CO) appear most sensitive.

Adult↗

The socio-economic impact of telehealth: a systematic review.

We reviewed the socio-economic impact of telehealth, focusing on nine main areas: paediatrics, geriatrics, First Nations (i.e. indigenous peoples), home care, mental health, radiology, renal dialysis, rural/remote health services and rehabilitation. A systematic search led to the identification of 4646 citations or abstracts; from these, 306 sources were analysed. A central finding was that telehealth studies to date have not used socio-economic indicators consistently. However, specific telehealth applications have been shown to offer significant socio-economic benefit, to patients and families, health-care providers and the health-care system. The main benefits identified were: increased access to health services, cost-effectiveness, enhanced educational opportunities, improved health outcomes, better quality of care, better quality of life and enhanced social support. Although the review found a number of areas of socio-economic benefit, there is the continuing problem of limited generalizability.

Bias↗

The relationship of chronic sputum expectoration to physiologic, radiologic, and health status characteristics in alpha(1)-antitrypsin deficiency (PiZ).

STUDY OBJECTIVES: First, to determine the relationships among chronic sputum expectoration (CSE), exacerbations, airflow obstruction, and emphysema in patients with alpha(1)-antitrypsin deficiency (alpha(1)-ATD) [PiZ]. Second, to use multivariate analysis to determine how these factors influence health status. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, single-center. SETTING: UK center for alpha(1)-ATD, university teaching hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred seventeen nonsmoking patients underwent lung function testing, high-resolution CT (HRCT) scanning with density mask analysis, and health status assessment using the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and short form 36 (SF-36) health survey questionnaire. RESULTS: Patients with CSE (n = 50) had worse postbronchodilator airflow obstruction than those who did not (p = 0.03), with a median FEV(1) of 1.15 L (interquartile range [IQR], 0.76 to 1.82) vs 1.44 L (IQR, 0.99 to 2.93), respectively, and higher HRCT scan voxel index (VI) values indicating more extensive emphysema (patients with CSE: median lower zone VI, 50; IQR, 28 to 61; patients without CSE: median lower zone VI, 41; IQR, 5 to 53; p = 0.04). Patients with CSE also had worse health status, as assessed by the SGRQ (p < 0.01 for all domains) and SF-36 questionnaire (p < 0.05 for seven of nine domains). Exacerbation frequency was greater in those patients with CSE (p < 0.001), with a median of two episodes per year (IQR, 1 to 3) vs 0.66 episodes per year (IQR, 0 to 2) for those without CSE. Stepwise linear regression analysis revealed FEV(1), exacerbation frequency, and lower zone VI to be the most important predictors of health status. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with alpha(1)-ATD, those with CSE expectoration exhibit greater physiologic impairment and more extensive emphysema than those without. This is reflected in an inferior health status, which is also influenced independently by an increased exacerbation frequency in those with CSE.

Adult↗

Evaluation of radiation exposure from diagnostic radiology examination; availability of final recommendations--FDA. Notice.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing the availability of a document entitled "Recommendations for Evaluation of Radiation Exposure from Diagnostic Radiology Examinations". The recommendations, prepared by FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), encourage diagnostic radiology facilities to take voluntary action to: Become aware of the radiation levels experienced by patients undergoing the projections commonly given in the facility; compare their radiation levels to generally accepted levels for these projections; and bring the exposures back into line if their levels fall consistently outside these generally accepted levels.

Hospital Departments↗

RADIATION PROTECTION IN CANADA: VII. THE ROLE OF INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE IN THE FIELD OF RADIATION PROTECTION.

The main emphasis of a provincial radiation protection program is on ionizing radiation produced by machines, although assistance is given to the Federal Radiation Protection Division in its program relating to radioactive substances. The basis for the Saskatchewan program of radiation protection is the Radiological Health Act 1961. An important provision of the Act is annual registration of radiation equipment. The design of the registration form encourages a "do-it-yourself" radiation and electrical safety inspection.Installations are inspected every two years by a radiation health officer. Two hundred and twenty-one deficiencies were found during inspection of 224 items of radiation equipment, the commonest being failure to use personal film badges. Insufficient filtration of the beam, inadequate limitation of the beam, and unnecessary exposure of operators were other common faults.Physicians have a responsibility to weigh the potential advantages against the hazards when requesting radiographic or fluoroscopic procedures.

Canada↗

Radon-222 in the gastrointestinal tract: a proposed modification of the ICRP Publication 30 model.

The New England states have a long involved history of radon in individual well water supplies. As a result of these previous findings on the abundance of radon, coupled with its potential health impact, the New England Radiological Health Committee (NERHC) formulated a technical working group in 1980 which was charged with evaluating the possibility of developing uniform concentration guidelines for radon in individual domestic water supplies. This working group determined that the current ICRP Publication 30 metabolic model for the gastrointestinal (GI) tract was inadequate to address the empirically observed rates of 222Rn removal from the body. A modification to the ICRP Publication 30 GI tract model is proposed which attempts to resolve these differences. Calculations are presented, using both the original and modified ICRP Publication 30 models, which indicate that individual potable water supplies containing 222Rn concentrations as high as 400,000 pCi/l. do not significantly increase the probability of stomach or intestinal cancer, as defined by the BEIR III risk estimates. Since this paper deals exclusively with the GI tract, no attempt is made to address the lung burden imposed by the contribution of radon released into the household air by aeration at the tap or other fixtures. Only when the contribution of the radon water source term to both the respiratory and ingestion pathways is evaluated as a whole can any meaningful standard for 222Rn in individual domestic water supplies be established.

Digestive System↗

Some thoughts on interdisciplinary science.

The development of the "new biology" is largely a story of developments in interdisciplinary science. This paper considers a few of these of special interest to the author and active at the University of Rochester; namely, dental research, biophysics, radiation biology, health physics, biomedical engineering, and space biology. Rochester pioneered advanced academic training in radiation biology, a field which, despite some earlier tendencies to become associated with techniques rather than scientific problems, is now clearly a substantive discipline. Using biophysics as an example, the paper points to the futility of trying to define in detail the exact nature of each new "interdisciplinary discipline," yet it also decries the coining of new names without due cause. Health physics and its related field, radiological health, are described as centered on problems of radiation protection and as professional in their overtones. The interrelationships between engineering and bioscience are seen most clearly in biomedical engineering and the growing programs in space biology which require complete cooperation and mutual understanding between engineers and bioscientists for their ultimate success. After presenting some implications for medical libraries, the paper closes with a plea that the developers of new interdisciplinary fields and their powerful tools maintain historical perspective, simplicity of approach, and respect for nature's infinite resourcefulness.

Education, Dental, Graduate↗

The knowledge and attitudes of radiologic technologists and allied health students regarding AIDS and AIDS patients.

Two questionnaires on AIDS knowledge and attitudes were administered to allied health and radiologic technology students, and a group of radiologic technologists. Generally negative attitudes and poor knowledge prevailed. No correlation could be found between knowledge scores and attitudes. Implications for entry-level and continuing education are also discussed.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Diagnostic radiology: geography of a high technology.

A survey was made of the manpower employed, facilities available and utilization of radiology in countries in tropical Africa and Southeast Asia. The data obtained are compared with those from industralized societies in temperate climates. The level of use of radiographic services varied by a factor as high as 40. The differences between the level of radiology manpower available could be over a hundredfold and for x-ray technologists, many hundred times. The concentration of services in capital cities is characteristic of many tropical societies. Measures to improve radiologic health care in tropical countries, with particular emphasis on rural areas, are discussed. The main need is for availability of radiodiagnosis close to the primary care level in rural areas to deal with the important clinical problems of trauma, chest infections, and obstetrics. Simplification of equipment and employment of technicians with short training can help relieve maldistribution of services.

Africa↗

Prevalence of latex-specific IgE antibodies in hospital personnel.

BACKGROUND: Rubber latex hypersensitivity is an important concern for health care workers. PURPOSE: The Center for Devices and Radiological Health, in collaboration with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, conducted a multicenter study of the prevalence of latex-specific IgE antibodies among United States hospital personnel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine hospitals participated in the cross-sectional study. A total of 504 hospital personnel completed questionnaires that provided an array of demographic, occupational, and clinical information, including a history, if any, of allergies and the use of latex and nonlatex gloves. More than three-quarters (76.5%) of the participants were tested for total IgE and latex specific IgE. RESULTS: A total of 21 (5.5%, 95% CI = 3%-7%) of the tested participants were positive for the presence of latex specific IgE antibodies, defined as a latex IgE level of > or = 0.6 ng/mL. Latex specific IgE antibodies were more prevalent in participants who reported tachycardia, palpitations, flushing, or wheezing associated with latex gloves (Odds Ratio = 10.2, 95% CI = 3.7-28.6). CONCLUSION: The study's results suggest that the prevalence of latex-specific IgE antibodies among hospital personnel is appreciable and these personnel and their health care providers should be aware of this entity.

Adult↗

Glove use by health care workers: results of a tristate investigation.

The Center for Devices and Radiological Health, in collaboration with the state health departments of Iowa, Maryland, and Massachusetts, conducted a multi-state, multi-institutional investigation of glove use by health care workers (HCWs). Twenty-two hospitals and four ambulatory care centers were included in the investigation. All 26 health care facilities were found to have adopted universal precautions policies for glove use by HCWs, per Centers for Disease Control guidelines. Four hundred five observations were made of HCWs performing procedures that may involve contact with patient body fluids, particularly blood. The prevalence of glove use during selected procedures was as follows: arterial blood gas procedures, 92.3%; intravenous line initiation/maintenance, 77.6%; and phlebotomy, 70.6%. Glove use during phlebotomy (p less than 0.001) and intravenous line procedures (p less than 0.05) was significantly lower in the state with a prevalence of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) below the national average than in the states with a higher AIDS prevalence. The investigation suggests that health care facilities have responded to the Centers for Disease Control and Occupational Safety and Health Administration campaign to adopt universal precaution policies for glove use by HCWs. Actual glove use by HCWs appears to be substantial but not universal. Glove use by HCWs is significantly related to statewide AIDS prevalence.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Health services research in radiology: opportunities and imperatives.

"Health services research is a field of inquiry that examines the impact of the organization, financing, and management of health care services on the delivery, quality, cost, access to, and outcomes of such services." This organizational definition, from the Association for Health Services Research (AHSR; membership services, personal communication), is a new buzz word in the current era of health care reform. Radiologists will be asked or expected to become active participants in this field. If they do not take part, they will be shut out of important policy making. The process and outcome of this research often determine whether examinations and procedures will be reimbursed in the future and at what level. This article addresses the particular need for trained health service researchers in radiology, opportunities for formal research training, and available sources of funding for health services training and research. It is not intended to be a definitive resource for those wishing to enter this field; rather, it provides a foundation for beginning pursuit of this evolving academic discipline.

Education, Medical, Graduate↗

Use of diagnostic imaging procedures and fetal monitoring devices in the care of pregnant women.

Medical devices and diagnostic imaging procedures such as ultrasound, X-rays, and electronic fetal monitoring devices are used in the medical care of many pregnant women today. The responsibility for the safety and effectiveness of these diagnostic technologies is shared by a number of Public Health Service agencies, one of which is the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), a unit within the Food and Drug Administration. The CDRH collaborated with the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) in conducting a study of recent trends in the uses of diagnostic ultrasound, medical X-rays, and electronic fetal monitoring devices in the medical care of pregnant women. This study used data from the 1980 National Natality and Fetal Mortality Surveys and the 1987 pretest to the National Maternal and Infant Health Survey. Hospitals and prenatal care providers of the pregnant women contributed information regarding the use of these medical devices. Between 1980 and 1987, ultrasound use more than doubled, increasing from 33.5 percent of pregnancies in 1980 to 78.8 percent in 1987 (P less than 0.001). More ultrasound examinations were performed earlier in gestation in 1987 than in 1980, with 10.1 percent being performed during the first trimester in 1987, compared with 6.9 percent in 1980 (P less than 0.001). Use of external electronic fetal monitoring devices during delivery also increased significantly between 1980 and 1987, from 33.5 percent to 74.6 percent (P less than 0.001). Use of medical X-rays among women with live births remained relatively unchanged, 15.0 percent in 1980 and 15.3 percent in 1987 (P = .282). The implications of these trends are discussed.

Diagnostic Imaging↗

The X Raying of America.

Up to 30 percent of the 278 million medical and dental diagnostic x rays made yearly really aren't needed, and since any x ray increases a person's risk of getting cancer, these excess radiations are an unnecessary peril to public health. So says FDA's John C. Villforth, director of the Bureau of Radiological Health, who outlines the health problems and excess medical costs that result from ignorance, laxity, and misplaced medical judgments involving x rays and tells what the Agency is doing to reduce the threat.

Humans↗

ICU incident reporting systems.

Intensive care is one of the largest and most expensive components of American health care. Studies suggest that errors and resulting adverse events are common in intensive care units (ICUs). The incidence may be as high as 2 errors per patient per day; 1 in 5 ICU patients may sustain a serious adverse event, and virtually all are exposed to serious risk for harm. Theories of error developed in aviation and other high-risk industries suggest that errors are likely to occur in all complex systems. Reporting of incidents, including both adverse events and near misses, is an essential component for improving safety. Voluntary, confidential reporting is likely to be more important than mandatory reporting. There have been a few efforts to apply such systems in medicine. In intensive care, the Australian Incident Monitoring System (AIMS)-ICU has been the most prominent. We have designed a Web-based ICU Safety Reporting System (ICUSRS). The goal is to identify high-risk situations and working conditions, to help change systems, and reduce the risk for error. The analysis and feedback of reports will inform the design of interventions to improve patient safety. The effort is aided substantially by collaboration with the 30 participating ICUs and important stakeholders including the Society of Critical Care Medicine, the American Society for Health-care Risk Management, the Food and Drug Administration Center for Devices and Radiological Health, the Foundation for Accountability, and the Leapfrog Group. A demonstration and evaluation of the system is underway, funded by the Agency for Healthcare Re-search and Quality.

Disclosure↗