Faculty Bibliography

We estimated the extent to which different pain management practices, considered together as well as individually, mediated the relationship between chronic pain or physical disability and new-onset opioid use disorder (OUD) in a large cohort of adult Medicaid patients. Considering the plausibility of the assumptions required to identify different mediational estimands, we estimated natural indirect effects when considering mediation through the group of mediators together and estimated interventional indirect effects when considering mediation through each pain management practice individually. We estimated each effect using a nonparametric one-step estimator. The pain management variables we examined mediated all of the total effect of chronic pain on OUD risk and nearly half of the total effect of physical disability on OUD risk. High-dose, long-duration opioid prescribing and co-prescription of opioids with benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids, and muscle relaxants each contributed substantially to the increased risk of OUD due to chronic pain (contributing to 10-37% of the overall effect) and more moderately to the increased risk of OUD due to physical disability (contributing to 3-19% of the overall effect). Antidepressant or anti-inflammatory prescribing and physical therapy generally did not contribute to increased OUD risk, and, in some cases, even contributed to small reductions in risk.

Qualitative research methods are frequently described as "compatible" with quantitative epidemiological methods. Instead of simply "compatible," we argue that qualitative methods are epidemiological methods. Especially in social epidemiology, which embraces the relationships between psychosocial, historical, contextual, and intersectional factors and health, qualitative research methods have the potential to provide a more complete picture of the distribution of health and disease within a population and contexts contributing to population health. To this end, this paper compares qualitative research and epidemiological research definitions, outlines epidemiological uses of qualitative data, and addresses common concerns and misconceptions about qualitative research. We emphasize the shared characteristics and champion the use of shared standards across qualitative and quantitative approaches in epidemiology.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE/BACKGROUND:Rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is an aggressive fungal infection involving the paranasal sinuses, orbit, and intracranial cavity, with a propensity for vascular invasion. This can lead to complications such as internal carotid artery (ICA) thrombosis and occlusion, presenting major neurosurgical challenges. Although surgical debridement and antifungal therapy are the mainstays of treatment, cases with significant neurovascular involvement require specialized intervention. We report a case of ROCM with severe flow-limiting ICA stenosis treated by direct extracranial-intracranial bypass. CLINICAL PRESENTATION/METHODS:tA 65-year-old man with diabetes presented with progressive left-sided blindness and facial numbness. Imaging revealed a left orbital mass extending into the paranasal sinuses and intracranially. Empiric antifungal therapy was started. Pathology confirmed Rhizopus species. Despite extensive surgical debridement and antifungal therapy, the patient developed progressive severe cavernous ICA stenosis, leading to watershed territory strokes. To restore cerebral perfusion, protect from distal emboli, and prepare for potential aggressive debridement, a flow-replacing direct (superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery (M2)) bypass was performed, and the supraclinoid carotid was trapped. Intraoperative angiography confirmed robust flow through the bypass. The patient was discharged on antifungal therapy and aspirin. At 6-month follow-up, the patient was neurologically intact with an modified Rankin Scale score of 1. Computed tomography angiography and transcranioplasty Doppler ultrasonography confirmed good flow through the bypass. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:In addition to antifungal therapy and surgical debridement, superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery bypass can be a lifesaving intervention in the management of ROCM with severe cerebrovascular compromise. This case highlights the critical role of cranial bypass in preserving cerebral perfusion in patients with flow-limiting ROCM-associated ICA invasion.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS:Retrospective database study. OBJECTIVE:Compare the revision rates of 2-level ACDF, CDR, and hybrid ACDF/CDR. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA/BACKGROUND:While single-level CDR has been extensively studied, multilevel CDR and hybrid ACDF/CDR constructs have been less well studied. METHODS:This study utilized a large commercial insurance database of patients 65 years old or younger. Patients undergoing 2-level ACDF, 2-level CDR, and hybrid 2-level ACDF/CDR were identified. Patients age 18 years or older with malignant, infectious, or neoplastic etiologies were excluded, as were those undergoing revision surgery or any concomitant posterior cervical surgery. Study follow-up was terminated at 5 years postoperatively. The primary outcome was revision surgery, including anterior and posterior decompression, fusion, and arthroplasty. RESULTS:A total of 99,282 patients were included. The mean age was 51.3 years old (SD 8.1). The mean maximum follow-up was 2.1 years (SD 1.7). In all 3.2% (n=3197) underwent 2-level CDR, 0.5% (n=448) underwent hybrid 2-level ACDF/CDR, and 96.3% (n=95,637) underwent 2-level ACDF. At 5 years postoperatively, in Kaplan-Meier analysis, revision occurred in 10.0% of the CDR group, 12.4% of the hybrid group, and 10.0% of the ACDF group. In multivariable regression analysis, no significant differences in revision occurrence were observed between the CDR, hybrid, and ACDF groups (P<0.15 for all comparisons). In multivariable regression analysis stratified by plate versus stand-alone cage, patients with plated hybrid constructs had higher revision rates than those with both plated ACDF constructs (HR: 1.5, P=0.0387) and 2-level CDR (HR: 1.5, P=0.0477). CONCLUSIONS:In this retrospective database study of patients 65 years old or younger undergoing 2-level anterior cervical surgery, there were no significant differences at 5-year follow-up in revision rates for patients undergoing 2-level CDR, 2-level ACDF, and hybrid ACDF/CDR surgeries. In subanalysis, patients specifically with a plated hybrid ACDF/CDR had a higher occurrence of revision versus those undergoing plated 2-level ACDF or 2-level CDR. Future multicenter, prospective research is necessary to further assess these findings.

BACKGROUND:Despite recent improvements in radiation safety, interventionalists are increasingly exposed to radiation during cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL) procedures. The RADPAD was designed as a protective scatter-radiation absorbing shield with the goal of reducing scatter radiation. Early studies demonstrated between a 20 and 62 % relative reduction in scatter radiation. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the RADPAD through a randomized controlled trial in a large contemporary CCL. DESIGN/METHODS:The ATTENUATE (v) Trial is an investigator-initiated, prospective, randomized controlled trial which will randomize 1000 CCL procedures 1:1 to use of the RADPAD vs. no use of the RADPAD. The primary outcome of interest is the most proximal operator's dose-area product (DAP)-normalized operator dose (E) defined as E divided by DAP. Additional subgroup analysis comparing types of procedure will also be performed. Every case will utilize contemporary radiation safety equipment. SUMMARY/CONCLUSIONS:The ATTENUATE Trial is the largest randomized controlled trial to evaluate the utility of the RADPAD in reducing relative operator exposure in a contemporary CCL including coronary and structural interventions.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS:Retrospective cohort study of prospectively enrolled cervical deformity patients. OBJECTIVE:To investigate patients in whom fusion to the thoracic spine was warranted. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA/BACKGROUND:Thoracolumbar malalignment is often seen in patients presenting with cervical deformities. For cervical deformity (CD) patients, it is not always clear where in the thoracic spine to end the construct. METHODS:Patients were stratified into upper and lower thoracic groups: T1-T4 [Short Fusion], beyond T4 [Long Fusion]. Optimal outcome (OO) at 2 years postop was defined as: (1) did not have DJF and (2) had Virk et al good clinical outcome [≥2 of the following: NDI <20 or meeting MCID, mild myelopathy (mJOA ≥14), NRS-Neck ≤5 or improved by ≥2 points from baseline]. Univariate analysis compared variables between short and long fusion groups. Multivariate analysis analyzed associations between groups and factors related to treatment success and failures. RESULTS:One hundred forty-four cervical deformity patients were included (60.3±9.0 y, 60% F, 29.4±7.6 kg/m2, levels fused: 7.8±3.2). Eighty-two percent of patients had short fusions, whereas 18% had long fusions. 44.4% met the optimal outcome criteria, with no difference by fusion length (P=0.171). Factors associated with achieving OO in long fusions: baseline sacral slope ≤33.5 degrees (OR: 15.0), not undergoing high-grade osteotomy (OR: 12.3) and being Ames descriptor type C (OR: 13.5); all P<0.05. Factors associated with failure to achieve OO in short fusions: levels fused >6 (OR: 4.3), Ames descriptor type CT (OR: 11.5), Ames cSVA modifier grade 1 or 2 at BL (OR: 4.56), and Flatneck sagittal morphotype (OR: 4.5); all P<0.05. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:The choice of lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) in cervical deformity fusions may be influenced by multiple factors. In patients with global malalignment, severe frailty, flatneck deformity morphotype, and Ames type CT descriptor types, LIVs beyond T4 are associated with treatment success. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/METHODS:Level III.

OBJECTIVE:Preeclampsia remains one of the leading causes of perinatal mortality worldwide. Little is known of the modifiable risk factors that can be identified and addressed early in pregnancy to reduce the risk of preeclampsia and its associated adverse outcomes. We sought to determine if there is a synergistic effect of pre-pregnancy body-mass index and obstructive sleep apnea on the risk of preeclampsia. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS:We conducted a retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies delivered in Kaiser Permanente Southern California hospitals between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2020 (n=342,349). Preeclampsia and sleep apnea were ascertained using clinical diagnosis codes. Body-mass index in kg/m2 measured during prenatal care visits was categorized as normal (18.5 to 24.9), overweight (25 to 29.9), and obese (≥30). Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted relative risks (adjusted RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS:Compared to normal weight in a pregnancy, overweight (adjusted RR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.5, 1.7) and obese body mass index (adjusted RR: 2.5; 95% CI: 2.4, 2.6) were associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. Independent of pre-pregnancy body-mass index, a pregnancy with obstructive sleep apnea was associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia (adjusted RR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.8, 2.6). Compared to normal weight without the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea in a pregnancy, overweight (adjusted RR: 4.6; 95% CI: 2.9, 7.4) and obese body mass index (adjusted RR: 3.8; 95% CI: 3.2, 4.6) with the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea were associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia. CONCLUSIONS:Obstructive sleep apnea and elevated body-mass index have independent and additive relationship with preeclampsia. Overweight women at-risk of preeclampsia should be advised of a higher likelihood of developing preeclampsia when both conditions occur together and may benefit from close monitoring and early interventions for these modifiable risk factors.

OBJECTIVE:This study evaluates Black and AIAN individuals' self-reported history of being screened for firearm access by healthcare providers, and identifies factors that influence screening. METHODS:A cross-sectional, nationally representative survey of included 3015 Black and 527 AIAN adults in the US. Participants were recruited via probability-based sampling. RESULTS:Among Black participants, 13.1% and among AIAN participants, 18.4% reported being screened for firearm access. Of the participants who reported being screened, most have been by mental healthcare providers or primary care physicians. Factors associated with higher screening odds in Black adults included history of suicidal ideation or mental health treatment, current firearm access, younger age, and having children at home. For AIAN participants, a lifetime history of mental health treatment or identifying as female increased screening odds. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Black adults report infrequently being screened for firearm access by healthcare providers. Identifying screening barriers and fostering discussions on firearm safety in healthcare settings are important next steps for firearm injury prevention efforts.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:Predicting graft failure risk in pediatric liver transplantation (LT) recipients could identify areas for improving management. Persistent cognitive, motor, academic, and functional deficits are common in recipients and their impact on graft survival following LT helps inform risk prediction. METHODS:Using SRTR data 2008-2023, we evaluated the cognitive, motor, academic, and functional deficits of LT recipients at time of transplant to 14 years post-LT. We compared all cause graft failure (ACGF) among patients with versus without pre-LT and 1-year post-LT deficits using Cox regression, adjusting for recipient characteristics. We calculated an individual risk score for ACGF. RESULTS:In 8062 pediatric LT recipients median age 3 (IQR: 1, 10), 28.0%, 29.5%, 35.0%, and 79.8% of recipients had pre-LT deficits in cognition, motor, academic activity, and functional status respectively. This decreased to 23.0%, 18.1%, 14.2%, and 38.7% 1-year post-LT. Increased hazard of ACGF was noted in recipients with pre-LT decreased functional status (aHR = 1.13 (per 10% decrease), 95% CI: 1.10-1.15, p < 0.001), definite motor delay (aHR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.21-2.10, p < 0.001), and inability to participate in academics (aHR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.08-1.89, p = 0.01), but not delays in cognition (aHR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.69-1.21, p = 0.19). Our risk score predicting ACGF demonstrated improved predictive performance compared to clinical parameters alone (C-statistic = 0.70 (0.67, 0.72) vs. 0.66 (0.64, 0.69), p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:Pediatric LT recipients with pre- or post-LT motor, academic, and functional deficits are at higher risk for ACGF. Care should be taken to assess deficits to identify patients who may benefit from functional intervention to potentially reduce ACGF risk.