Individual-level and community-level determinants of use of maternal health services in Northwest Ethiopia: a prospective follow-up study

Objective
The use of maternal health services is an important indicator of maternal health and socioeconomic development. Evidence on individual-level and community-level determinants of use of maternal health services in Benishangul Gumuz Region was not well known so far. Hence, this study fills this gap.

Design
A prospective follow-up study

Setting
This study was conducted from March 2020 to January 2021 in Northwest Ethiopia.

Participants
A total of 2198 pregnant women participated in the study.

Main outcome measures
A multistage random sampling technique was used to select study subjects. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using pretested semistructured questionnaires. Collected data were coded, cleaned and analysed using Stata software. Multilevel regression models were applied to determine individual-level and community-level factors of use of maternal health services.

Results
This study found that the proportions of women who visited recommended antenatal care (ANC), received skilled delivery care and postnatal care (PNC) were 66.1%, 58.3% and 58.6%, respectively. Being rural (adjusted OR (AOR)=3.82, 95% CI 1.35 to 10.78), having information on maternal health services (AOR=2.13, 95% CI 1.21 to 3.75), with a history of pregnancy-related problems (AOR=1.83, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.92) and women with decision-making power (AOR=1.74, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.68) were more likely to attend fourth ANC visits. Similarly, women who attended tertiary school (AOR=4.12, 95% CI 1.49 to 11.33) and who initiated the first ANC visit within 4–6 months of pregnancy (AOR=0.66, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.96) were determinants of skilled delivery care. Finally, women whose partners attended tertiary education (AOR=3.67, 95% CI 1.40 to 9.58), women with decision-making power (AOR=1.8, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.97), women who attended the fourth ANC visit (AOR=10.8, 95% CI 6.79 to 17.2), women received iron–folic acid during pregnancy (AOR=1.96, 95% CI 1.11 to 3.49) and women who received skilled delivery care (AOR=1.63, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.42) were more likely to get PNC services.

Conclusion
The proportion of women who attended ANC, received skilled delivery services and PNCs was low. Different individual-level and community-level factors that influenced the use of these services were discovered. Therefore, community-based interventions should target those identified factors to improve maternal health services.

Leggi
Novembre 2022

Mixed-methods implementation study of a virtual culturally tailored diabetes self-management programme for African and Caribbean communities (HEAL-D) in south London and its scaling up across NHS regions in England: study protocol

Introduction
The National Health Service Insight Prioritisation Programme was established to accelerate the implementation and evaluation of innovation that supports post-pandemic working. Supporting this, the Academic Health Science Network and National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration in South London are testing and evaluating the implementation and scale-up of a type 2 diabetes (T2D) intervention.
T2D is estimated to be three times more prevalent in UK African and Caribbean communities than in white Europeans. To tackle ethnic inequities in T2D healthcare access, an evidence-based, culturally tailored self-management and education programme for African and Caribbean adults (Healthy Eating & Active Lifestyles for Diabetes, HEAL-D) has been codeveloped with people with lived experience. Initially a face-to-face programme, HEAL-D pivoted to virtual delivery in response to COVID-19.
The purpose of this study is to explore the (1) feasibility and acceptability of a virtual delivery model for HEAL-D in south London and (2) factors affecting its scale-up across other areas in England.

Methods and analysis
The study will have two strands: (1) mixed-methods prospective evaluation of HEAL-D virtual delivery in south London using routinely collected service-level data, service delivery staff and service user interviews and observations; and (2) prospective qualitative study of the scale-up of this virtual delivery comprising interviews and focus groups with members of the public, and diabetes services commissioners and providers across England. Qualitative data will be analysed using thematic analysis. Quantitative analysis will use descriptive statistics and reporting summary tables and figures. The study will be grounded in well-established implementation frameworks and service user involvement.

Ethics and dissemination
‘Minimal Risk Registration’ ethical clearance was granted by King’s College London’s Research Ethics Office (ref: MRA-21/22-28498). Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and summaries provided to the study funders and participants.

Leggi
Novembre 2022

Lack of inflammatory bowel disease flare-up following two-dose BNT162b2 vaccine: a population-based cohort study

We read with interest the recent paper by Cannatelli et al1 describing the adverse events (AEs) following COVID-19 vaccination from a large inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cohort, which showed that patients with IBD had a similar rate of reported AEs to the general population but with a slightly higher rate of self-limiting gastrointestinal symptoms. However, the effects of COVID-19 vaccine on IBD activity, particularly severe flare resulting in hospitalisation and the interplay with the use of immunotherapy remain unknown. To address these questions, we analysed the territory-wide electronic medical records with vaccination linkage database in Hong Kong2–7 to examine the association between BNT162b2 vaccination and IBD flare. From 4 161 762 patient records with affirmed vaccination status between 6 March 2021 and 30 September 2021, we identified 941 patients with IBD with two completed doses of BNT162b2,…

Leggi
Novembre 2022

Abstract 15218: Hereditary Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis in a Patient at High Risk for Plasma Cell Dyscrasias: A Complex Diagnostic Work-Up

Circulation, Volume 146, Issue Suppl_1, Page A15218-A15218, November 8, 2022. Background:Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is most commonly caused by the infiltration of misfolded amyloid transthyretin (ATTR) or light chain (AL) molecules in the myocardium. The workup for CA requires serum assessment to exclude the rapidly progressive AL subtype before imaging to assess the more common and indolent ATTR form. The diagnostic algorithm has the potential to become complex as in this case about a woman with Sjogren’s syndrome which predisposes to plasma cell dyscrasias.Case:A 68-year-old female with congenital long QT syndrome requiring implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), bilateral carpal tunnel, and recent diagnosis of Sjogren’s syndrome was found to have new systolic heart failure during workup for interstitial lung disease. Labs revealed pancytopenia, abnormal kappa/lambda ratio (2.25), and polyclonal gammopathy on immunofixation. Echocardiogram showed moderately reduced systolic function with an ejection fraction of 35-40% and moderate concentric left ventricular hypertrophy.Decision-making:Cardiology obtained cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) that returned indeterminate due to ICD artifact. Hematology performed a bone marrow biopsy that was negative for plasma cell dyscrasia, though stained positive for amyloid on congo red with mass spectrometry revealing the valine 142 isoleucine (Val142Ile) amino acid substitution consistent with hereditary ATTR-CA. To definitively assess for endomyocardial ATTR involvement the patient was sent for cardiac scintigraphy using 99mTc-labeled pyrophosphate which returned negative with a cardiac to contralateral lung uptake ratio of 1.001 and visual grade of 0. With suspicion still high, an endomyocardial biopsy was pursued and stained positive for congo red with mass spectrometry confirming hereditary Val142Ile ATTR-CA, allowing for tafamidis initiation.Conclusion:We present a complex diagnostic case of ATTR amyloid in a patient who is at high risk for plasma cell dyscrasias with an abnormal kappa/lambda ratio, non-diagnostic CMR, and negative nuclear scan. Despite significant advances in imaging techniques allowing for less invasive diagnostics, this case highlights the role of endomyocardial biopsy in complicated cases.

Leggi
Ottobre 2022

Abstract 10067: Association of Race and Education With Postpartum Cardiology and Primary Care Follow-Up Among Women With Preeclampsia

Circulation, Volume 146, Issue Suppl_1, Page A10067-A10067, November 8, 2022. Introduction:Preeclampsia is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), and follow-up in women for CVD prevention is essential. We examined racial differences in follow-up with primary or cardiology care and assessed if social factors modified that association.Methods:We conducted our analysis in an administrative database (Optum’s de-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart) and identified women with preeclampsia diagnosed from 9/2014-9/2019. Odds of a follow-up visit with a primary care provider or cardiologist within 6 months after delivery were compared among Black versus White women using multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for age, comorbidities (by Elixhauser score), income, education, insurance type, and number of adults per household. We examined the effect modification of education and income on follow-up by race. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to compare time to follow-up.Results:Of 22,887 women with a diagnosis of preeclampsia (age 31.7±5.6 years), 2,736 (12.0%) were identified as Black race and 3440 (15.0%) Hispanic. Education, income, and comorbidities differed by race and ethnicity. Black women had lower odds of follow-up with a primary care provider or cardiologist within 6 months after delivery: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.85 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78-0.92] compared with White women and were 13% less likely to have follow-up in adjusted time to event models. Hispanic women also had lower odds of follow-up: aOR 0.84 [95% CI 0.78-0.91] and were 12% less likely to have follow-up compared with white women. There was an effect modification of education by race on follow-up (p for interaction=0.001), but not income (p for interaction=0.14).Conclusions:Black and Hispanic women have decreased odds of follow-up with a primary care provider or cardiologist than White women in the 6 months postpartum, a disparity that may be modified by socioeconomic factors. Improving follow-up care for Black women, particularly those with less than a college-level education, may enhance CVD prevention.

Leggi
Ottobre 2022

Abstract 14713: Long-Term Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Total Occlusion of Single Coronary Artery Treated With Percutaneous Coronary Intervention versus Optimal Medical Therapy: A Ten-Year Follow Up Study

Circulation, Volume 146, Issue Suppl_1, Page A14713-A14713, November 8, 2022. INTRODUCTION : Only limited data are available and long term follow up studies are insufficient about optimal treatment in patients with chronic total occlusion of a single coronary artery.METHODS : A total of 2,024 patients with CTO were retrospectively enrolled in Samsung Medical Center CTO registry between March 2003 and February 2012 and followed-up for 10 years. Patients underwent coronary artery bypass graft (n = 477) and Patients with multi-vessel CTO (n = 1,112) were excluded. Finally patients with chronic total occlusion of a single coronary artery (n = 435) were analyzed. Divided into two groups, optimal medical group (OMT, n = 147) and percutaneous coronary intervention group (PCI, n = 288) in accordance with initial treatment strategy. Cox regression analysis and propensity score matching was performed to adjust for confounding factors. Primary outcome was cardiac death.RESULT : During the follow up 10 years, we identified that there were no significant differences between OMT group and PCI group in rate of cardiac death (adjusted HR, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.26-1.24]; P=0.16) as well as rate of major adverse cardiac event (adjusted HR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.52-1.19]; P=0.26) . After propensity score matching analyses, OMT group and PCI group still have no significant differences in rate of cardiac death (adjusted HR, 0.54 [95% CI, 0.24-1.19]; P=0.13) and rate of MACE (adjusted HR, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.62-1.52]; P=0.89).CONCLUSION : This retrospective observational study supported that as an initial treatment strategy in patients of single vessel CTO, PCI did not decrease the rate of cardiac death or MACE.KEYWORD : Chronic total occlusion, Optimal medical treatment, Percutaneous coronary intervention

Leggi
Ottobre 2022

Abstract 9409: Risk Factors and Outcomes Associated With Loss of Follow-Up in Children With Congenital Heart Disease

Circulation, Volume 146, Issue Suppl_1, Page A9409-A9409, November 8, 2022. Introduction:Adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) benefit from cardiology follow-up. However, benefit for children is less clear as studies of follow-up patterns in children with CHD are limited.Hypothesis:There are identifiable risks for loss to cardiology follow-up in children with CHD, and loss to follow-up changes healthcare utilization and outcomes.Methods:Our cohort included children

Leggi
Ottobre 2022

Abstract 10049: Outcome of Telemedicine Compared With Traditional In-Person Follow-Up Visits in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes. Virtual Heart Study

Circulation, Volume 146, Issue Suppl_1, Page A10049-A10049, November 8, 2022. Introduction:Telemedicine offers considerable opportunities to bring high-quality cardiovascular care. Its role in the ischemic-heart disease continuum in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) has not been previously evaluated.Hypothesis:Virtual visits (VV) can be used as an alternative to in-person (IV) follow-up office visits in patients with ACS.Methods:418 patients undergoing angiography for ACS (104 STEMI/314 NSTEMI) were randomized to follow-up via VV (n=208) using a free patient commercial platform or IV (n=210) between February and December 2020. Primary endpoints included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 1,6 and12 months and 1-year all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints included 1-year adherence to guideline based-medical therapy including LDL-c < 70 mg/dl, dual antiplatelet therapy, beta-blockers, ACE/ARB/ARNI, Aldosterone antagonists for patients with EF

Leggi
Ottobre 2022

Abstract 11732: Assessing Efficacy of Post-Acute Heart Failure Discharge Follow-Ups at a Safety-Net Hospital

Circulation, Volume 146, Issue Suppl_1, Page A11732-A11732, November 8, 2022. Introduction:Recent data shows that when adults are discharged after hospitalization for acute heart failure (HF), a clinic follow up with either cardiology or general medicine within 7 days results in significantly lower chances of 30 day readmissions. We sought to analyze the trends of clinic follow up after acute HF hospitalization and the associated barriers and facilitators at our safety net hospital.Methods:Data was extracted from the electronic medical records using ICD 9,10 codes for acute HF admissions between Jan 2019 and Dec 2021. Quarterly trends of rates of clinic follow up were analyzed over the past 3 years; t-test was used to assess for statistical significance. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to test the association between patient level factors and clinic follow up after adjusting for sociodemographic factors. A p value < 0.05 was used to establish significance.Results:Of 1,037 patients admitted for acute HF between 2019-2021, 29.5% were 65 years or older, 64.7% were males, 48.7% were Black and 16.6% were uninsured. Only 8% and 23.1% had a 7 and 14 day clinic follow up respectively. Of those with scheduled follow up 65% and 56% showed up to their appointments at 7 and 14 days respectively. Overtime we noted an increase in the proportion of encounters with a 7 day follow up although the effective follow up (after accounting for no-shows) remained unchanged. Patients that had an inpatient cardiology consult had higher odds of getting a 7 day follow up (OR=1.42, p value = 0.001) after adjusting for age, gender, insurance status and race (black > white, OR = 1.34, p

Leggi
Ottobre 2022

Abstract 13131: Three-Dimensional Echocardiography Left Atrial Appendage Dimensions is a Reflect of Cardiac Rhythm at Mid-Term Follow-Up in Atrial Fibrillation Patients

Circulation, Volume 146, Issue Suppl_1, Page A13131-A13131, November 8, 2022. Introduction:Few studies have described the characteristics of the left atrial appendage (LAA) using three dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in atrial fibrillation (AF).Hypothesis:We hypothesized that 3D characteristics of the LAA could further characterize patients in AF.Methods:We prospectively evaluated 156 patients hospitalized for AF with two-dimensional (2D) transthoracic and 3D TEE of the LAA within 24 hours of admission. 3D parameters were off-line analysed with Tomtec software (4D Cardio-View, Generic Volume, Philips) (Figure 1A). Patients were divided into two groups according to the cardiac rhythm at 2 years of follow up: restoration of sinus rhythm (SR group, 107 patients) or persistence of atrial fibrillation (AF group, 49 patients).Results:The mean age of the population was 66±11 years and 95 (61%) patients were male. At admission using 2D transthoracic echocardiography, AF group had in comparison with SR group higher left atrial end-systolic volume indexed (respectively 48.0 (38.7-57.0) versus 41.8 (35.0-51.5) ml/m2, p=0.0096), higher E velocity (respectively 0.90 (0.78-1.00) versus 0.76 (0.62-0.91) m/s, p= 0.0001) and higher pulmonary arterial pressure (respectively 31 (25-38) versus 28 (23-33) mmHg, p=0.0142). There were no significant differences in left ventricle ejection fraction and right atrial end-systolic volume indexed. At admission using 2D TEE, AF group had in comparison with SR group lower emptying flow velocity (29 (20-38) versus 38 (26-53) cm/s, p=0.002) and filling flow velocity (29 (20-39) versus 40 (29-56) cm/s, p=0.001) of the LAA. In 3D TEE, AF group had higher 3D end-systolic and end-diastolic LAA volumes (non-indexed and indexed) and no significant differences in LAA ostium in comparison with SR group (Figure 1B).Conclusions:3D evaluation of the LAA reflects a degree of cardiac cavities remodeling in AF and seems to be associated with the evolution of cardiac rhythm at two-years follow-up.

Leggi
Ottobre 2022

Abstract 12737: Baseline Carotid Sinus Massage in the Supine Position Predicts Outcome of Head Up Tilt Table Testing: Potential for Abbreviating the Tilt Table Test Protocol

Circulation, Volume 146, Issue Suppl_1, Page A12737-A12737, November 8, 2022. Introduction:Carotid sinus massage (CSM) has been used to evaluate carotid sinus hypersensitivity. Its role in evaluating a vasodepressor response has not been well studied. CSM can also result in a vasodepressor response in the absence of significant bradycardia. Its role in predicting the subsequent outcome of head-up tilt testing (HUT) is not well defined.Hypothesis:A vasodepressor response elicited with baseline carotid sinus massage (CSM) may predict the subsequent outcome of HUT.Methods:In this prospective study Consecutive patients with a history suggestive of a reflex neurocardiogenic etiology underwent HUT. Patients underwent HUT testing using a standard protocol, including baseline CSM in the supine posture followed by HUT testing at 60 degrees for 30 minutes. If negative, a repeat of CSM was performed in the upright posture. Then, isoproterenol was infused in incremental dose 1 to 3 mcg/minute.Results:25 patients (20 females and 5 males) with a mean age of 52.87±6.77 years underwent HUT. 5 out of 25 (20%) patients had a positive tilt result for a vasodepressor response. 4 of these 5 patients had a significant vasodepressor response (symptomatic hypotension BP drop less than 30 mmHg) without significant bradycardia (HR less than 50 BPM) during CSM in the supine posture. Of these patients, 3 patients became positive during HUT and 1 patient became positive during isoproterenol infusion. The positive predictive value was 0.8. Sensitivity was 67%. 20 out of 25 (80%) patients had a negative tilt result for a vasodepressor response despite protocol completion. 18 of these 20 patients had no drop in BP during CSM and no significant bradycardia. The negative predictive value was 0.9. The specificity was 94.74%. 2 of these patients had a negative response on CSM but a borderline response at HUT with borderline symptoms with the isoproterenol. These 2 had a transient drop in BP when CSM was repeated at the end of 30 minutes during the head-up position.Conclusions:In this population of patients, a negative CSM in the supine posture predicted a subsequent negative Tilt test. Baseline CSM can be performed at the bedside and may obviate the need for full tilt table testing even for patients with a clinical diagnosis of reflex syncope (vasodepressor).

Leggi
Ottobre 2022

Abstract 11762: Increased Body Mass Index/Obesity is Associated With Higher Mortality and Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Patients With Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM) on a Long-Term Follow-Up – A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Circulation, Volume 146, Issue Suppl_1, Page A11762-A11762, November 8, 2022. Background:Considering a paucity of pooled data on the influence of Body Mass Index (BMI) on long-term cardiac outcomes in individuals with Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy(HOCM), we conducted this systematic review.Methods:PUBMED, Scopus, EMBASE and Google Scholar were used to screen studies reporting Mortality/Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE) and Sudden Cardiac Death(SCD) among obese vs nonobese HOCM patients. Pooled odds ratios(OR) and heterogeneity were assessed with random-effects models and I2statistics. Subgroup analysis was performed to assess the risk by study type, sample size, country and procedure. The leave-one-study-out method was used for sensitivity analysis.Results:Of the 178 titles screened, we included 13 studies published between 2016-2022 with a total of 2,409,397 HOCM patients followed for a median of 6 years (1.8-8.2 year range). The sample had a higher proportion of males (61.33%) with a mean age of 56.3 years (37-78 year range). The unadjusted [OR=1.55(1.09-2.21), I2=96%] and adjusted [OR=1.28 (1.06-1.54), I2=82.7%] pooled odds of all-cause mortality were significantly higher with increased BMI. On subgroup analyses, prospective studies showed higher odds [n=3, 1.79 (1.23-2.6), p=1000:OR=1.39(1.24-1.57)] but lower sample sizes from other countries [n

Leggi
Ottobre 2022

Abstract 12852: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement for Aortic Stenosis in Small Aortic Annulus: Medium-Term Follow-Up

Circulation, Volume 146, Issue Suppl_1, Page A12852-A12852, November 8, 2022. Introduction:Small aortic annulus (SAA) is a clinical challenge in managing aortic stenosis (AS). The SAA has been associated with poorer outcomes after surgical AVR with an increased risk of perioperative and overall mortality, suboptimal valvular hemodynamics, and adverse cardiovascular events.Hypothesis:TAVI could be a therapeutic alternative in these patients.Methods:We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients with AS treated with TAVI from 2015 to 2021 in our center, with SAA defined as the aortic annulus of ≤22mm perimeter-derived diameter (PDD), measured by CT.Results:Sixty-eight patients were included (85.3% women, 83.2± 6.5 years) with a mean PDD of 20.7 ± 1.1 mm. The 14.7% had LVEF 23mm in 17.7%. The perioperative implant success rate was 100% defined as single prosthesis implantation with a mean gradient

Leggi
Ottobre 2022