Faculty Bibliography

IMPORTANCE/UNASSIGNED:Hospital course (HC) summarization represents an increasingly onerous discharge summary component for physicians. Literature supports large language models (LLMs) for HC summarization, but whether physicians can effectively partner with electronic health record-embedded LLMs to draft HCs is unknown. OBJECTIVES/UNASSIGNED:To compare the editing effort required by time-constrained resident physicians to improve LLM- vs physician-generated HCs toward a novel 4Cs (complete, concise, cohesive, and confabulation-free) HC. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS/UNASSIGNED:Quality improvement study using a convenience sample of 10 internal medicine resident editors, 8 hospitalist evaluators, and randomly selected general medicine admissions in December 2023 lasting 4 to 8 days at New York University Langone Health. EXPOSURES/UNASSIGNED:Residents and hospitalists reviewed randomly assigned patient medical records for 10 minutes. Residents blinded to author type who edited each HC pair (physician and LLM) for quality in 3 minutes, followed by comparative ratings by attending hospitalists. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES/UNASSIGNED:Editing effort was quantified by analyzing the edits that occurred on the HC pairs after controlling for length (percentage edited) and the degree to which the original HCs' meaning was altered (semantic change). Hospitalists compared edited HC pairs with A/B testing on the 4Cs (5-point Likert scales converted to 10-point bidirectional scales). RESULTS/UNASSIGNED:Among 100 admissions, compared with physician HCs, residents edited a smaller percentage of LLM HCs (LLM mean [SD], 31.5% [16.6%] vs physicians, 44.8% [20.0%]; P < .001). Additionally, LLM HCs required less semantic change (LLM mean [SD], 2.4% [1.6%] vs physicians, 4.9% [3.5%]; P < .001). Attending physicians deemed LLM HCs to be more complete (mean [SD] difference LLM vs physicians on 10-point bidirectional scale, 3.00 [5.28]; P < .001), similarly concise (mean [SD], -1.02 [6.08]; P = .20), and cohesive (mean [SD], 0.70 [6.14]; P = .60), but with more confabulations (mean [SD], -0.98 [3.53]; P = .002). The composite scores were similar (mean [SD] difference LLM vs physician on 40-point bidirectional scale, 1.70 [14.24]; P = .46). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE/UNASSIGNED:Electronic health record-embedded LLM HCs required less editing than physician-generated HCs to approach a quality standard, resulting in HCs that were comparably or more complete, concise, and cohesive, but contained more confabulations. Despite the potential influence of artificial time constraints, this study supports the feasibility of a physician-LLM partnership for writing HCs and provides a basis for monitoring LLM HCs in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVES/OBJECTIVE:Pleural effusions often require invasive sampling to establish underlying etiologies. Transthoracic ultrasound (TUS) has shown promise in the diagnostics of pleural effusions; however, there lacks consensus regarding its clinical application. We evaluated the diagnostic utility of specific TUS findings for exudative effusions, specifically complex parapneumonic effusion and empyema. METHODS:Ultrasound-guided pleural effusion drainage cases were retrospectively reviewed at a single university-based medical center from July 2015 to May 2023. Procedure-related images were reviewed for specific ultrasound findings: anechoic, fibrin, septation, loculation, plankton/swirl sign, hematocrit sign, jellyfish sign, and visceral pleura thickening. Exudative or transudative nature, underlying etiology, and other patient data were collected from chart review. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and positive likelihood ratio (LR+) were calculated for these findings, either individually or in combination, to predict nature and specific etiology for pleural effusion. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to analyze the association between TUS findings and complicated parapneumonic effusion and empyema. RESULTS:A total of 389 cases included, 252 (64.8%) were exudative and 137 (35.2%) were transudative effusions. Findings of anechoic and jellyfish sign were more common in the transudative group, while septation, loculation, and pleural thickening appeared more commonly in exudative effusion (P < 0.05). Absence of all three signs of fibrin, septation, and loculation had 83% sensitivity (95% CI 77-90) and 78% NPV (95% CI 70-86) for transudative effusion. Septation and loculation had 98% specificity (95% CI 95-100) and 94% PPV (95% CI 88-100) for exudative effusion. Fibrin, loculation, and septation, when found concurrently, had 99% specificity (95% CI 98-100) and 96% PPV (95% CI 88-100) for exudative effusion. Multivariable logistic regression showed the presence of septation (odds ratio [OR] 5.3, 95% CI 1.7-16.3, P = 0.0038) and loculation (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.1-10.0, P = 0.0327) were each independently associated with the likelihood of complicated parapneumonic and empyema cases. CONCLUSIONS:TUS features of loculation or septation are specific and predictive for exudative pleural effusion. The presence of septation and loculation was each associated with a higher likelihood of complicated parapneumonic effusion or empyema. Further studies are needed to validate diagnostic models that incorporate both TUS and clinical features to predict the nature and etiology of pleural effusions.

The directionality of the relationship between adolescent alcohol consumption and mental health difficulties remains poorly understood. This study investigates the longitudinal relationship between alcohol use frequency, internalizing and externalizing symptoms from the ages of 11 to 17. We conducted a random-intercept cross-lagged panel model across three timepoints (ages: 11yrs, 14yrs, 17yrs; 50.4% female) in the Millennium Cohort Study (N = 10,647). Survey weights were used to account for attrition. At each timepoint, past month alcohol use frequency was self-reported, parents and cohort members reported internalizing/externalizing symptoms using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. We controlled for alcohol expectancies, sex, and four cumulative risk indices (perinatal risk, early childhood adverse parenting, longitudinal parent-level risk occurrence, and persistent household socioeconomic deprivation). More frequent past month alcohol use at age 11 predicted increased internalizing symptoms at age 14 (β = 0.06; p =.01). More frequent past month alcohol use at age 14 predicted increased externalizing symptoms at age 17 (β = 0.11; p <.001). Increased internalizing symptoms consistently predicted reduced alcohol use at the next timepoint throughout the study period (11 years: β= -0.04; p =.03; 14 years: β= -0.09; p <.001). Increased externalizing symptoms at age 11 predicted increased alcohol consumption at age 14 (β = 0.06; p =.004). Frequent adolescent alcohol consumption represents a significant risk for subsequent mental health difficulties. Externalizing symptoms and alcohol use frequency appear to exacerbate one another. Internalizing symptoms may reduce the risk of frequent alcohol consumption. Incorporating routine alcohol screening into adolescent mental health treatment settings could reduce the risk of comorbid externalizing and alcohol use disorders.

We present a case highlighting innominate vein reconstruction for resection of Hurthle cell carcinoma with complex vascular invasion. A 69-year-old man presented with a rapidly enlarging neck mass, dysphagia and dysphonia. Workup demonstrated a 11.2 × 7.0 × 6.5 cm Hurthle cell carcinoma invading the oropharynx and superior mediastinum. We proceeded with left thyroid lobectomy and modified left radical neck dissection. Median sternotomy, resection of the left clavicular head, and partial resection of the left manubrium were performed to circumferentially expose the innominate vein. Tumor thrombus was extruded from the innominate vein followed by patch angioplasty, which remains patent 14 months postoperatively.

PURPOSE:Consistent, accurate postoperative guidance is crucial for early recovery and patient satisfaction in urology, especially for radical prostatectomy (RP) patients. However, patients often receive inconsistent information, highlighting the need for standardized, evidence-based postoperative care guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS:We conducted a comprehensive review and evaluation of current postoperative practices for RP. This involved (1) reviewing existing discharge information at Josie Robertson Surgery Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to identify areas of improvement; (2) systematically evaluating inconsistencies in discharge instructions and their impact on patient care; (3) distributing an anonymous survey to urologists in the US and Europe via REDCap to gather insights into global postoperative care practices. The survey included questions on various aspects of postoperative care, such as catheter use, medication regimens, dietary restrictions, and physical activity guidelines. RESULTS:We received 247 survey responses. Despite some consensus on certain postoperative practices and recommendations, significant variability existed, underscoring the lack of standardized guidelines. Notable differences were observed between US and European cohorts, particularly in postoperative length of stay and discharge practices. Only 1.4% of US responders discharged patients 3 or more days postsurgery compared to 46% in Europe. Variability was also noted in recommendations for erectile function medications and postoperative activity restrictions. CONCLUSION:This study underscores the significant variability in postoperative care recommendations for RP and the urgent need for standardized, evidence-based guidelines. Implementing such guidelines will enhance patient recovery, satisfaction, and overall outcomes, improving postoperative care across various surgical procedures.

Allergic Contact dermatitis (ACD) is effectively diagnosed and treated through the identification of causative allergens via patch testing (PT). Selection of allergens, along with the application and interpretation of PT results, necessitates specialized education and training. Our objective was to investigate the extent to which contact dermatitis (CD) education and PT training are components of the curriculum in Allergy and Immunology (A/I) training programs in the United States, and to assess where knowledge gaps may exist. A voluntary 16 item survey was sent to Program and Associate Program Directors (PDs) in A/I associated with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) in 2021. A total of 23 out of 84 (27%) A/I training programs responded. Of the responding programs, 22% did not have a faculty member who performs PT and 25% do not have fellows perform PT. However, programs that performed more patch tests tended to use custom and expanded series, used the patient's personal products, and provided patients with a personal avoidance plan (loadings > 0.65). With respect to scholarly activity, 30% of programs had published an article on CD in the last 3 years. In conclusion, the key findings of our survey include that programs that perform PT are more likely to provide expanded and customized panels, provide patients with an individualized avoidance plan, and present scholarly activity on the topic. Given the importance of CD in allergy practices, our results indicate that more instruction in this topic is needed in A&I fellowship programs.

OBJECTIVE:Surgery for mitral valve disease in patients with mitral annular calcification (MAC) remains challenging. There is no consensus on the ideal management strategy or patient selection, and perioperative and periprocedural morbidity and mortality rates remain high. The recent surge of patients presenting with MAC has been accompanied by increased interest in MAC surgery and interventions. This expert consensus document is meant to provide a simplified outline for managing MAC, including patient selection, imaging, and surgical and transcatheter therapeutic options, with a particular focus on conventional surgical techniques and hybrid approaches. METHODS:The American Association for Thoracic Surgery Clinical Practice Standards Committee assembled an international panel of cardiac surgeons and structural heart interventionalists with established expertise in the field of MAC. A comprehensive literature review was performed by the panel and a medical librarian. Clinical recommendations were developed utilizing a modified Delphi method. RESULTS:Expert consensus was reached on 33 recommendations, with class of recommendation and level of evidence, for each of 5 main topics: (1) preoperative evaluation for patients with MAC, patient selection, and indications for intervention; (2) standard surgical techniques in MAC; (3) hybrid procedures in MAC; (4) transcatheter MAC interventions; and (5) complications and bailout of MAC surgery and interventions. CONCLUSIONS:Despite the complexity and heterogenicity of patients presenting with MAC, consensus on several key recommendations was reached by this American Association for Thoracic Surgery expert panel. These recommendations provide guidance for cardiac surgeons and structural heart interventionists in treating most patients who present with MAC.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:Cancer screening trends and associations with statewide containment policies during the COVID-19 pandemic are not fully understood. We sought to examine trends in screening rates for prostate, breast, cervical, colon, and lung cancer from March to December 2020, and to examine whether statewide containment policies were associated with screening rates. METHODS:We performed a retrospective cohort studying using the Healthjump dataset, which comprises encounter-level data for more than 40 million patients across the United States. Individuals with at least one cancer screening test between 1/2016 and 12/2020 were included. Expected screenings during the pandemic were calculated using a seasonally-adjusted model and compared with observed values. The association with containment policies was estimated by comparing these ratios to statewide stringency indices measured by the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker. RESULTS:There was a negative, significant association between statewide stringency policies and observed-to-expected screening ratios for all cancers. In addition, there was a rapid decrease in the observed-to-expected screening ratios for all cancers in April 2020 followed by a rise in screening for all cancers in the latter half of 2020. Prostate, cervical, colon, and lung cancer screening increased beyond expected counts, while breast cancer screening approached expected counts. CONCLUSIONS:More stringent statewide containment policies were negatively associated with screening rates. These rates decreased during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, but subsequently increased to normal or near-normal.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:Offering the benefits of rigid fixation while minimizing soft tissue dissection, intramedullary implants have become a popular choice among hand surgeons. Their placement often requires traversing or passing in proximity to joint surfaces. This study aimed to assess the damage to the articular cartilage of the base of the proximal phalanx resulting from antegrade placement of threaded headless intramedullary nails. METHODS:A cadaveric study comparing two techniques for antegrade placement of threaded headless intramedullary nails was conducted in 56 digits. The first entailed a single 2.1 mm intramedullary nail placed via the dorsal base of the proximal phalanx, whereas the second used two 1.8 mm intramedullary nails inserted via the collateral recesses of the phalangeal base. All specimens were analyzed for articular surface damage with the cartilage defect measured as a percentage of total joint surface area. Damage to the extensor tendons was also assessed in a subset of specimens. RESULTS:No significant difference in the percentage of articular surface damage was observed, with an average 3.21% ± 2.34% defect in the single 2.1 mm nail group and a 2.71% ± 3.42% mean defect in the two 1.8 mm nails group. There was no articular surface injury in 18% of digits in each group. Damage to extensor tendons was seen in three (9.4%) specimens and in all cases involved either the extensor indicis proprius or extensor digiti minimi. CONCLUSIONS:Hardware insertion using either the dorsal base of the proximal phalanx or the collateral recesses of the phalangeal base both demonstrated minimal articular cartilage damage and infrequent injury to the extensor tendons. CLINICAL RELEVANCE/CONCLUSIONS:With proper technique for antegrade insertion into the proximal phalanx, the cartilage defect observed often encompasses only a small percentage of the overall joint surface area.