Embedded PC was well-received by patients and oncologists, increased early PC referrals, and improved EOL care. Avoidable, unnecessary health care utilization at the end of life, such as ICU stays in the last month of life, represent an important potential reduction in patient suffering and system costs.
PURPOSE
There is controversy about relative contributions of ictal scalp video EEG recording (vEEG), routine scalp outpatient interictal EEG (rEEG), intracranial EEG (iEEG) and MRI for predicting seizure-free outcomes after temporal lobectomy. We reviewed NIH experience to determine contributions at specific time points as well as long-term predictive value of standard pre-surgical investigations.
METHODS
Raw data was obtained via retrospective chart review of 151 patients. After exclusions, 118 remained (median 5 years follow-up). MRI-proven mesial temporal sclerosis (MTSr) was considered a separate category for analysis. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios at 6-months, 1-year, and 2 years; proportional hazard models estimated long-term comparisons. Subset analysis of the proportional hazard model was performed including only patients with commonly encountered situations in each of the modalities, to maximize statistical inference.
RESULTS
Any MRI finding, MRI proven MTS, rEEG, vEEG and iEEG did not predict two-year seizure-free outcome. MTSr was predictive at six months (OR=2.894, p=0. 0466), as were MRI and MTSr at one year (OR=10.4231, p=0. 0144 and OR=3.576, p=0.0091). Correcting for rEEG and MRI, vEEG failed to predict outcome at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years. Proportional hazard analysis including all available follow-up failed to achieve significance for any modality. In the subset analysis of 83 patients with commonly encountered results, vEEG modestly predicted long-term seizure-free outcomes with a proportional hazard ratio of 1.936 (p=0.0304).
CONCLUSIONS
In this study, presurgical tools did not provide unambiguous long-term outcome predictions. Multicenter prospective studies are needed to determine optimal presurgical epilepsy evaluation.
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a frequent complication in cirrhotic patients undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). Hyponatremia (HN) is a known contributing risk factor for the development of HE. Predictive factors, especially the effect of HN, for the development of overt HE within one week of TIPS placement were assessed. A single-center, retrospective chart review of 71 patients with cirrhosis who underwent TIPS creation from 2006–2011 for non-variceal bleeding indications was conducted. Baseline clinical and laboratory characteristics were collected. Factors associated with overt HE within one week were identified, and a multivariate model was constructed. Seventy one patients who underwent 81 TIPS procedures were evaluated. Fifteen patients developed overt HE within one week. Factors predictive of overt HE within one week included pre-TIPS Na, total bilirubin and Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD)-Na. The odds ratio for developing HE with pre-TIPS Na <135 mEq/L was 8.6. Among patients with pre-TIPS Na <125 mEq/L, 125–129.9 mEq/L, 130–134.9 mEq/L and ≥135 mEq/L, the incidence of HE within one week was 37.5%, 25%, 25% and 3.4%, respectively. Lower pre-TIPS Na, higher total bilirubin and higher MELD-Na values were associated with the development of overt HE post-TIPS within one week. TIPS in hyponatremic patients should be undertaken with caution.
154 Background: The Advanced Breast Cancer (ABC) program at UCSF aims to improve metastatic breast cancer outcomes through early integration of palliative and oncologic care. Oncologists now routinely refer stage 4 patients to a palliative care physician and social worker. Thus this initiative translates ASCO policy recommendations into clinical practice. We report early results from our development, implementation, and evaluation of this novel program. Methods: To evaluate ABC, we used the RE-AIM framework (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance), and Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations theory. Results: Reach: From 10/2014 to 6/2015, 43 women participated out of 64 invited. Decliners’ main reason for refusal was to avoid additional appointments. Effectiveness: 36 patients reported improvements in 13 of 15 quality criteria, including care coordination, emotional support, and propensity to recommend the program. 34 patients responded to ESAS, QUAL-E and Steinhauser Spiritualty Screen questionnaires, with improvement in 10 out of 14 outcomes at 1-2 month follow-up. Improvements included reduction of anxiety, improved quality of life, and decreased nausea. Adoption: Early integration of palliative care is complex and requires additional coordination among busy clinicians. To address this, we embedded a palliative care physician in the oncology clinic two half-days per week; relied on an oncology fellow to facilitate ongoing cross-disciplinary collaboration; and leveraged the program coordinator’s capacity for following up on both project and patient issues. We also instituted a monthly team meeting to review patient cases. Implementation: Overall, our program design succeeded. Challenges included how to best communicate about patient prognosis and reason for referral. We also struggled to determine what patient eligibility criteria should trigger a referral. Maintenance: The program is currently sustained by grants and intramural cancer center funding. We are seeking continued investment. Conclusions: The ABC program demonstrates that early integration of palliative and oncologic care is feasible and associated with the psychosocial benefits previously found in efficacy studies.
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