Life Healthcare

Background: Student nurse education focusses on preparing competent professionals integral to nursing teams.Aim: To develop strategic actions to include student nurses within the nursing team.Setting: A private healthcare group in South Africa.Methods: A qualitative approach in three phases was used. Thirty purposively sampled participants recorded reflective journals in phase one. Tesch’s eight steps were utilised for analysis. Phase two involved non-probability volunteer sampling of 11 participants for the nominal group technique analysis. In phase three, total population sampling recruited nine panellists for an e-Delphi technique that provided data that were open coded.Results: Phase one identified themes, including perceptions of responsibilities, support needs, recognition, conflict and communication issues. Phase two revealed five strategic actions: fair treatment, aligned work allocation, active participation, respect and acknowledgement of contributions. Phase three validated 19 strategic statements underpinning the strategic actions.Conclusion: Unit managers play a key role in fostering inclusivity, impacting student nurse retention.Contribution: Enhancing team cohesion can improve workplace wellness and patient outcomes while aiding in retention and recruitment efforts.

Background Columnar cell papillary thyroid carcinoma (CC-PTC) is a morphologic subtype of papillary thyroid carcinoma with a variable prognosis. It is characterized by neoplastic thyroid follicular-derived cells with pseudostratified columnar morphology arranged in papillary or follicular structures with supranuclear or subnuclear vacuoles. The molecular profile of this subtype has only recently come under scrutiny, with mixed results. The aim of this study is to further explore the morphologic, immunohistochemical, and genetic profile of CC-PTC, as well as to correlate these features with clinical outcomes. Methods CC-PTC cases were identified from 3 institutions. Immunohistochemistry (ER, CDX2) and molecular testing (DNA and RNA sequencing) were performed. Clinicopathologic parameters and patient outcomes were recorded. Results Twelve cases (2006–2023) were identified, all in adults (age 45–91). Two presented with disease outside the thyroid gland (neck and mediastinum) and two presented with distant metastasis. Four were high-grade differentiated thyroid carcinomas (necrosis or mitoses), one of which died of disease. Four were noninvasive or minimally invasive, one of which locally recurred. Three patients had lymph node metastases. ER and CDX2 were positive in 73% and 50%, respectively. Pathogenic mutations were found in TERT promoter (n = 3), RAS (n = 2), ATM, NOTCH1, APC, and ESR1, along with cases bearing AGK::BRAF fusion (n = 1), BRAF VE1 expression (n = 1), and NF2 loss (n = 1). Conclusions This study represents the largest molecularly defined cohort of non-oncocytic thyroid carcinomas with columnar cell morphology. These tumors represent a genetically and behaviorally heterogeneous group of neoplasms, some of which have RAS-like or follicular neoplasm-like genetics, some of which have BRAF-p.V600E-like or classic papillary thyroid carcinoma-like genetics, and some of which remain unclear. Noninvasive or minimally invasive tumors showed an indolent course compared to those with angioinvasion, gross extrathyroidal growth, or high-grade morphology. Consideration could be given to reclassification of this neoplasm outside of the subtyping of papillary thyroid carcinoma in light of its genetic diversity, distinct morphology, and clinical behavior more closely aligned with follicular thyroid neoplasms.

In cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules undergoing molecular testing, estimated risk of malignancy is variable. Identification of a non-cancer-specific mutation (RAS-like) confirms a neoplastic process but does not differentiate between benign, malignant, and low-risk neoplasms. This study aims to retrospectively evaluate institutional experience of Interpace (ThyGeNEXT® and ThyraMIR®; Pittsburgh, PA) testing and to determine the rate of malignancy in resected nodules, stratified by mutational analysis and microRNA profile. Of 1917 fine need aspirations, 140 (7.3%) underwent Interpace testing: 47 (33.6%) were molecular-not-benign (harbored mutation, fusion, and/or positive miRNA) and 93 (66.4%) were molecular-benign (no mutations or fusions and negative microRNA). Surgery was spared in 79.6% of molecular-benign and 61.4% of all tested patients. Fifty-four (38.6%) underwent resection. Seventeen (89.5%) of the resected molecular-benign were benign and 2 were malignant. Thirteen (37.1%) of the resected molecular-not-benign were benign, 7 (20%) were noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP), and 15 (42.9%) were malignant (p < 0.05, negative predictive value (NPV) 89.4–95.6%, positive predictive value (PPV) 22.3–42.8%). Most molecular-not-benign (72.3%) had RAS-like mutation. Twenty-three were resected: 3 were malignant and 7 were NIFTP. Nodules with non-RAS-like mutations (BRAF V600E-like, others) were more likely to be malignant than RAS-like (H/N/KRAS, BRAF K601E) (p < 0.05, NPV 86.9–96.5%, PPV 100%). Most nodules had RAS-like mutations and most were benign or low-risk neoplasms (NIFTP). This study supports the role of histologic examination in the distinction of malignancy in RAS-like thyroid neoplasms and underscores the role of molecular testing in risk stratification, patient counseling, and operative management.

Intussusception from a testicular germ cell tumour is extremely rare. Metastatic gastrointestinal implants outgrow their blood supply leading to central necrosis. This results in erosions and ulcerations, which can be visualised as submucosal polypoid masses. These masses can then serve as a lead point for intussusception. We report a case of a 25-year-old patient with small bowel obstruction due to an intussuscepted choriocarcinoma in the absence of any other apparent retroperitoneal disease. Urologists must exclude gastrointestinal tract (GIT) involvement in testicular cancers, and similarly, surgeons need to exclude testicular tumours in young men with unexplained GIT haemorrhage, bowel obstruction or intussusception.

Original article: https://doi.org/10.17159/sajs.2022/13323 The following terminology was erroneously reported: “non-white race” should be “people of colour”, or “black African, coloured and people of Indian descent”.

Older age, male sex, and non-white race have been reported to be risk factors for COVID-19 mortality. Few studies have explored how these intersecting factors contribute to COVID-19 outcomes. This study aimed to compare demographic characteristics and trends in SARS-CoV-2 admissions and the health care they received. Hospital admission data were collected through DATCOV, an active national COVID-19 surveillance programme. Descriptive analysis was used to compare admissions and deaths by age, sex, race, and health sector as a proxy for socio-economic status. COVID-19 mortality and healthcare utilisation were compared by race using random effect multivariable logistic regression models. On multivariable analysis, black African patients (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2, 1.3), coloured patients (aOR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1, 1.3), and patients of Indian descent (aOR 1.2, 95% CI 1.2, 1.3) had increased risk of in-hospital COVID-19 mortality compared to white patients; and admission in the public health sector (aOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.5, 1.6) was associated with increased risk of mortality compared to those in the private sector. There were higher percentages of COVID-19 hospitalised individuals treated in ICU, ventilated, and treated with supplemental oxygen in the private compared to the public sector. There were increased odds of non-white patients being treated in ICU or ventilated in the private sector, but decreased odds of black African patients being treated in ICU (aOR 0.5; 95% CI 0.4, 0.5) or ventilated (aOR 0.5; 95% CI 0.4, 0.6) compared to white patients in the public sector. These findings demonstrate the importance of collecting and analysing data on race and socio-economic status to ensure that disease control measures address the most vulnerable populations affected by COVID-19. Significance: • These findings demonstrate the importance of collecting data on socio-economic status and race alongside age and sex, to identify the populations most vulnerable to COVID-19. • This study allows a better understanding of the pre-existing inequalities that predispose some groups to poor disease outcomes and yet more limited access to health interventions. • Interventions adapted for the most vulnerable populations are likely to be more effective. • The national government must provide efficient and inclusive non-discriminatory health services, and urgently improve access to ICU, ventilation and oxygen in the public sector. • Transformation of the healthcare system is long overdue, including narrowing the gap in resources between the private and public sectors.

Use of nyaope amongst South Africans has risen dramatically. Concerns have been expressed about the negative effects this illicit drug has on communities. Currently, there is a dearth of scientific evidence on the challenges facing social workers rendering services to nyaope users. This study adopted a qualitative approach guided by ecological systems theory; data were collected through semi-structured interviews through purposive sampling and analysed through identifying themes. The study established that there are many challenges facing social workers working with nyaope substance users such as dishonesty and unreliability of clients; dealing with reluctant and non-voluntary clients and dealing with clients who return to using illicit opioids.

Management of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) during the COVID-19 pandemic poses unique therapeutic challenges. An online survey was conducted to understand physician's choices for treating AAV during the COVID-19 pandemic. Web-based survey featuring nineteen questions was circulated amongst physicians across various specialties. The responses regarding immunosuppressive therapy for remission induction and maintenance, COVID-19 testing, and preventive measures were recorded. A total of 304 responses were recorded. Most of the respondents were from India (83.9%) and comprised rheumatologists (66%) in practice for ≥ 5 years (71%). Though a majority preferred Rituximab or intravenous cyclophosphamide (CYC) as a remission induction agent, a significant proportion opted for oral CYC and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) also. Only one-third wanted to test for COVID-19 before initiating immunosuppressive therapy in patients with organ/life-threatening manifestations. Rituximab was the most favored maintenance therapy (47%), followed by azathioprine, MMF, and methotrexate. The results of this focused survey of managing AAV patients depict the real-world dilemmas and physicians' choices in this setting.

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a problem in both developed and developing countries and is a common hospital-acquired infection. This guideline provides evidence-based practical recommendations for South Africa and other developing countries. The scope of the guideline includes CDI diagnostic approaches; adult, paediatric and special populations treatment options; and surveillance and infection prevention and control recommendations.

BACKGROUND. The unpredictability of any illness at birth, and recovery from such an illness after birth, create challenges for nurses involved in neonatal care, and require competent nurses in the period following birth in both resource-limited and technologically advanced contexts. Neonatal nursing emerged worldwide as a nursing specialty over the last five decades to meet these challenges through in-depth knowledge of healthy, preterm and ill neonates. There is a high demand for neonatal nurses to lower neonatal mortality and morbidity, negative media exposure and litigation.OBJECTIVES. To reflect on a competency framework for nurses in neonatal practice to enhance professional development that is context specific.METHODS. A competency framework for nurses involved in neonatal practice was developed and validated through nominal group techniques, literature control and Delphi techniques.RESULTS. Although nurse training is done at tertiary education institutions, there is a gap in ensuring consistencies in clinical performance and professional development from novice to expert, especially in a field such as neonatal care. Professional development can enhance the standard of neonatal care, especially if linked to competencies that are specific to the neonatal context.CONCLUSION. A competency framework has an important role to play in equipping nurses in neonatal practice with the knowledge and skills required to reduce the persistent neonatal mortality and morbidity rates in South Africa.

Objective: To develop a regional antibiogram within the Chicagoland metropolitan area and to compare regional susceptibilities against individual hospitals within the area and national surveillance data. Design: Multicenter retrospective analysis of antimicrobial susceptibility data from 2017 and comparison to local institutions and national surveillance data. Setting and participants: The analysis included 51 hospitals from the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin Metropolitan Statistical Area within the state of Illinois. Overall, 18 individual collaborator hospitals provided antibiograms for analysis, and data from 33 hospitals were provided in aggregate by the Becton Dickinson Insights Research Database. Methods: All available antibiogram data from calendar year 2017 were combined to generate the regional antibiogram. The final Chicagoland antibiogram was then compared internally to collaborators and externally to national surveillance data to assess its applicability and utility. Results: In total, 167,394 gram-positive, gram-negative, fungal, and mycobacterial isolates were collated to create a composite regional antibiogram. The regional data represented the local institutions well, with 96% of the collaborating institutions falling within ±2 standard deviations of the regional mean. The regional antibiogram was able to include 4-5-fold more gram-positive and -negative species with ≥30 isolates than the median reported by local institutions. Against national surveillance data, 18.6% of assessed pathogen-antibiotic combinations crossed prespecified clinical thresholds for disparity in susceptibility rates, with notable trends for resistant gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Conclusions: Developing an accurate, reliable regional antibiogram is feasible, even in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States. The biogram is useful in assessing susceptibilities to less commonly encountered organisms and providing clinicians a more accurate representation of local antimicrobial resistance rates compared to national surveillance databases.

Candida auris has been detected at almost 100 South African hospitals, causing large outbreaks in some facilities, and this pathogen now accounts for approximately 1 in 10 cases of candidaemia. The objective of this guideline is to provide updated, evidence-informed recommendations outlining a best-practice approach to prevent, diagnose and manage C. auris disease in public- and private-sector healthcare settings in South Africa. The 18 practical recommendations cover five focus areas: laboratory identification and antifungal susceptibility testing, surveillance and outbreak response, infection prevention and control, clinical management and antifungal stewardship.

Protein S (PS) deficiency is associated with a well documented risk of venous thromboembolism. However, the relation between PS deficiency itself to arterial thrombotic events (ATEs) is not clearly established. In our case, we report an ATE in a patient with a documented novel PROS1 mutation and a family history of PS deficiency. Other etiologies for arterial thrombosis were excluded. The role of precise diagnosis with levels of PS and documentation for mutational analysis are discussed. We highlight the problems with diagnosis in previously reported cases with arterial thrombotic events and discuss the potential for treatment with antiplatelet therapy in a subset of patients with PS deficiency.

Objective To examine temporal trends in guideline adherence for breast cancer local therapy, by race/ethnicity, socioeconomic and insurance status. Background Treatment guidelines recommend breast conserving therapy (BCT) for women with small cancers, but have been unevenly applied. A better understanding of time-trends in guideline adherence may point to interventions for correction. Methods Patients with tumors ≤2 cm (n = 1,081,075) were identified from 1123 NCDB hospitals, dividing the interval 1998–2011 into 5 segments. Significant differences in rates of guideline adherence over time for race/ethnicity, quartiles of income, education, and insurance status were identified using Chi-square tests. Random effects logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios (OR) for the likelihood of guideline adherence controlling for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, hospital type and region. Results Multivariate models revealed disparities in use of BCT for women ≤39 years (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.48–0.50); for Asians (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.65–0.69); for women in the lowest education quartile (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.87–0.91); and for women in rural regions, (OR 0.79 95% CI 0.76–0.81). The largest radiotherapy disparity was for the oldest women (OR 0.37, 95%CI 0.37–0.38), and in rural regions OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.63–0.71. Over time, differences persisted in BCT use (for race, income, education, insurance type); and for endocrine therapy (by race and education). Conclusion There was mixed progress in reducing disparities in guideline adherence. These results are conservative, since the most favorable tumor stages were analyzed in the NCDB, which reflects higher quality of care than non-participating hospitals.

Metastasis is a rare presentation of non-secretory paraganglioma. Consequently, there is no standard of care for the treatment of metastatic malignant paraganglioma. The most widely used chemotherapy regimen for non-resectable cases includes cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and dacarbazine (CVD). CVD has been previously studied with variable therapeutic response. However, yttrium-90 (Y90) radioembolization has not been previously studied in the treatment of hepatic metastasis in patients diagnosed with malignant paraganglioma. This case report follows the treatment of a patient with stage IV mediastinal paraganglioma with metastasis to the liver. Treatment consisted of the CVD chemotherapy regimen and Y90 radioembolization of the hepatic lesions. After 10 cycles of CVD, the tumor size has decreased from 6.0 × 8.8 to 5.5 × 3.0 × 3.4 cm on computed tomography scan. The prominent metastatic liver lesions responded after Y90 radioembolization of both the right and left hepatic arteries. The prominent right hepatic lobe lesion has decreased in size from 2.6 × 3.4 × 3.0 cm to 2.6 × 2.8 × 2.9 cm. The prominent left hepatic lobe lesion originally measuring 1.6 cm in diameter completely resolved on follow-up imaging studies. After completion of 12 cycles of chemotherapy, the most recent positron emission testing scan determined no evidence of disease regarding both the primary mass and the hepatic lesions. This study demonstrates the first case of combination chemotherapy and Y90 radioembolization with a complete response per response evaluation criteria in solid tumors criteria. The approaches toward diagnosis and treatment corresponding to this case of malignant metastatic paraganglioma are also reviewed in this study.

The rotator cuff (RC) insertions according to most anatomical texts are described as being separate from one another. However, clear fusion of the RC tendon fibres exists with prior studies showing this interdigitation forming a common, continuous insertion onto and around the lesser and greater tubercles (LT and GT) of the humerus. Current surgical repair methods (especially arthroscopic techniques) rarely mention or consider these connections during repair and suture anchor implantation. The general principles of RC surgery remain a controversial subject, due to various available techniques, surgeon experience and preference, and the contradicting success rates. This results from old-fashioned knowledge of the anatomy of the RC complex and its functional aspects. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to visualise and define the RC footprint and extension insertions with the aim of enhancing and improving knowledge of the basic anatomy in the hopes that this will be considered during orthopaedic repair. Twenty shoulders (16 cadaveric and 4 fresh) were used in the study. The fresh shoulders were received from the National Tissue Bank, and ethical clearance was obtained (239/2015). Reverse dissection was performed to better visualise the RC unit exposing the interdigitated rotator hood (extension insertions), as well as the complete RC unit (tendons + internal capsule) separated from the scapula and humerus. Once the insertions were exposed and documented, the RC muscle footprint (articular surface area) was measured and recorded, using AutoCAD 2016. No statistical significant difference between left and right (p = 0.424) was noted, but a significant difference between males and females (p = 0.000) was. Collectively, these findings indicate and strengthen evidence towards the notion that the RC muscles/tendons and the internal capsule are one complete and inseparable unit/complex. The fact that the RC unit is more complex in its structure and attachment places importance on the biomechanical stresses encountered after repair. Functions of one RC muscle are not necessarily isolated but instead can be influenced by surrounding muscles as well. In addition to providing greater understanding of the basic anatomy of the RC unit, these findings also provide clarity for surgeons with the goal of improving and enhancing surgical methods for better post-operative patient outcome.