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Measles virus is one of the most infectious pathogenic agents and has a basic reproduction number ([R.sub.0]) of 12-18, indicating that each infected person could infect 12-18 other susceptible persons [...]

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing public health problem that affects health, the economy, and human development (1). A 2016 review of AMR showed that drug-resistant infections will kill 10 [...]

: Introduction: Pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective medication to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV. PrEP is available free of charge in the UK from sexual health clinics. Expanding PrEP delivery to community pharmacies holds promise and aligns with UK government goals to eliminate new cases of HIV by 2030. The aim of this scoping review was to describe the existing evidence about the barriers to and facilitators of community pharmacy oral PrEP delivery, for pharmacists and pharmacy clients, as aligned with the Capacity Opportunity, Motivation Behaviour (COM‐B) Model. Methods: Five bibliographic and five review databases were searched from inception to August 2023. Literature of any study design was included if it discussed barriers and facilitators of community pharmacy PrEP delivery. Trial registrations, protocols and news articles were excluded. Results: A total of 649 records were identified, 73 full texts were reviewed and 56 met the inclusion criteria, predominantly from high‐income/westernized settings. Most of the included literature was original research (55%), from the United States (77%) conducted during or after the year 2020 (63%). Barriers to PrEP delivery for pharmacists included lack of knowledge, training and skills (capability), not having the necessary facilities (opportunity), concern about the costs of PrEP and believing that PrEP use could lead to risk behaviours and sexually transmitted infections (motivation). Facilitators included staff training (capability), time, the right facilities (opportunity), believing PrEP could be a source of profit and could reduce new HIV acquisitions (motivation). For clients, barriers included a lack of PrEP awareness (capability), pharmacy facilities (opportunity) and not considering pharmacists as healthcare providers (motivation). Facilitators included awareness of PrEP and pharmacist's training to deliver it (capability), the accessibility of pharmacies (opportunity) and having an interest in PrEP (motivation). Discussion: To effectively enhance oral PrEP delivery in UK community pharmacies, the identified barriers and facilitators should be explored for UK relevance, addressed and leveraged at the pharmacy team, client and care pathway level. Conclusions: By comprehensively considering all aspects of the COM‐B framework, community pharmacies could become crucial providers in expanding PrEP accessibility, contributing significantly to HIV prevention efforts., INTRODUCTION The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic remains a significant public health concern worldwide. In 2021, it was estimated that there were 105,200 people living with HIV in the UK, [...]

: Introduction: Disengagement from antiretroviral therapy (ART) care is an important reason why people living with HIV do not achieve viral load suppression become unwell. Methods: We searched two databases and conference abstracts from January 2015 to December 2022 for studies which reported reasons for disengagement from ART care. We included quantitative (mainly surveys) and qualitative (in‐depth interviews or focus groups) studies conducted after “treat all” or “Option B+” policy adoption. We used an inductive approach to categorize reasons: we report how often reasons were reported in studies and developed a conceptual framework for reasons. Results: We identified 21 studies which reported reasons for disengaging from ART care in the “Treat All” era, mostly in African countries: six studies in the general population of persons living with HIV, nine in pregnant or postpartum women and six in selected populations (one each in people who use drugs, isolated indigenous communities, men, women, adolescents and men who have sex with men). Reasons reported were: side effects or other antiretroviral tablet issues (15 studies); lack of perceived benefit of ART (13 studies); psychological, mental health or drug use (13 studies); concerns about stigma or confidentiality (14 studies); lack of social or family support (12 studies); socio‐economic reasons (16 studies); health facility‐related reasons (11 studies); and acute proximal events such as unexpected mobility (12 studies). The most common reasons for disengagement were unexpected events, socio‐economic reasons, ART side effects or lack of perceived benefit of ART. Conceptually, studies described underlying vulnerability factors (individual, interpersonal, structural and healthcare) but that often unexpected proximal events (e.g. unanticipated mobility) acted as the trigger for disengagement to occur. Discussion: People disengage from ART care for individual, interpersonal, structural and healthcare reasons, and these reasons overlap and interact with each other. While HIV programmes cannot predict and address all events that may lead to disengagement, an approach that recognizes that such shocks will happen could help. Conclusions: Health services should focus on ways to encourage clients to engage with care by making ART services welcoming, person‐centred and more flexible alongside offering adherence interventions, such as counselling and peer support., INTRODUCTION Since 2015, WHO has recommended that people living with HIV be offered antiretroviral therapy (ART) irrespective of clinical staging or CD4 count [1]. The rollout of this “Treat All” [...]

Byline: Revikrishnan. Sreekumar, Ajay. Hrishi, Manikandan. Sethuraman Patients undergoing complex intracranial neurovascular procedures continue to have a high mortality rate. Individualised goal-directed cerebral resuscitation employing multimodality neuromonitoring may impact these [...]

: Introduction: Pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an important HIV prevention option. Two randomized trials have provided efficacy evidence for long‐acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB‐LA) as PrEP. In considering CAB‐LA as an additional PrEP modality for people at substantial risk of HIV, it is important to understand community response to injectable PrEP. We conducted a systematic review of values, preferences and perceptions of acceptability for injectable PrEP to inform global guidance. Methods: We searched nine databases and conference websites for peer‐reviewed and grey literature (January 2010−September 2021). There were no restrictions on location. A two‐stage review process assessed references against eligibility criteria. Data from included studies were organized by constructs from the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Results: We included 62 unique references. Most studies were observational, cross‐sectional and qualitative. Over half of the studies were conducted in North America. Men who have sex with men were the most researched group. Most studies (57/62) examined injectable PrEP, including hypothetical injectables (55/57) or placebo products (2/57). Six studies examined CAB‐LA specifically. There was overall interest in and often a preference for injectable PrEP, though there was variation within and across groups and regions. Many stakeholders indicated that injectable PrEP could help address adherence challenges associated with daily or on‐demand dosing for oral PrEP and may be a better lifestyle fit for individuals seeking privacy, discretion and infrequent dosing. End‐users reported concerns, including fear of needles, injection site pain and body location, logistical challenges and waning or incomplete protection. Discussion: Despite an overall preference for injectable PrEP, heterogeneity across groups and regions highlights the importance of enabling end‐users to choose a PrEP modality that supports effective use. Like other products, preference for injectable PrEP may change over time and end‐users may switch between prevention options. There will be a greater understanding of enacted preference as more end‐users are offered anti‐retroviral (ARV)‐containing injectables. Future research should focus on equitable implementation, including real‐time decision‐making and how trained healthcare providers can support choice. Conclusions: Given overall acceptability, injectable PrEP should be included as part of a menu of prevention options, allowing end‐users to select the modality that suits their preferences, needs and lifestyle., PROSPERO number: CRD42021285299 INTRODUCTION Despite the availability of HIV prevention tools, HIV remains a significant public health issue, with approximately 1.5 million people acquiring HIV in 2021 [1]. Pre‐exposure prophylaxis [...]

: Introduction: Several low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) are preparing to introduce long‐acting pre‐exposure prophylaxis (LAP). Amid multiple pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) options and constrained funding, decision‐makers could benefit from systematic implementation planning and aligned costs. We reviewed national costed implementation plans (CIPs) to describe relevant implementation inputs and activities (domains) for informing the costed rollout of LAP. We assessed how primary costing evidence aligned with those domains. Methods: We conducted a rapid review of CIPs for oral PrEP and family planning (FP) to develop a consensus of implementation domains, and a scoping review across nine electronic databases for publications on PrEP costing in LMICs between January 2010 and June 2022. We extracted cost data and assessed alignment with the implementation domains and the Global Health Costing Consortium principles. Results: We identified 15 implementation domains from four national PrEP plans and FP‐CIP template; only six were in all sources. We included 66 full‐text manuscripts, 10 reported LAP, 13 (20%) were primary cost studies‐representing seven countries, and none of the 13 included LAP. The 13 primary cost studies included PrEP commodities (n = 12), human resources (n = 11), indirect costs (n = 11), other commodities (n = 10), demand creation (n = 9) and counselling (n = 9). Few studies costed integration into non‐HIV services (n = 5), above site costs (n = 3), supply chains and logistics (n = 3) or policy and planning (n = 2), and none included the costs of target setting, health information system adaptations or implementation research. Cost units and outcomes were variable (e.g. average per person‐year). Discussion: LAP planning will require updating HIV prevention policies, technical assistance for logistical and clinical support, expanding beyond HIV platforms, setting PrEP achievement targets overall and disaggregated by method, extensive supply chain and logistics planning and support, as well as updating health information systems to monitor multiple PrEP methods with different visit schedules. The 15 implementation domains were variable in reviewed studies. PrEP primary cost and budget data are necessary for new product introduction and should match implementation plans with financing. Conclusions: As PrEP services expand to include LAP, decision‐makers need a framework, tools and a process to support countries in planning the systematic rollout and costing for LAP., INTRODUCTION Of the nearly 1.5 million annual new HIV acquisitions globally, most occur in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), and 70% of acquisitions occur in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) [1–3]. In [...]

: Introduction: Co‐trimoxazole prophylaxis is recommended for children born to women with HIV to protect those who acquire HIV from opportunistic infections, severe bacterial infections and malaria. With scale‐up of maternal antiretroviral therapy, most children remain HIV‐exposed uninfected (HEU) and the benefits of universal co‐trimoxazole are uncertain. We assessed the effect of co‐trimoxazole on mortality and morbidity of children who are HEU. Methods: We performed a systematic review (PROSPERO number: CRD42021215059). We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Global Health, CINAHL Plus, Africa‐Wide Information, SciELO and WHO Global Index Medicus for peer‐reviewed articles from inception to 4th January 2022 without limits. Ongoing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified through registries. We included RCTs reporting mortality or morbidity in children who are HEU receiving co‐trimoxazole versus no prophylaxis/placebo. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane 2.0 tool. Data were summarized using narrative synthesis and findings were stratified by malaria endemicity. Results: We screened 1257 records and included seven reports from four RCTs. Two trials from Botswana and South Africa of 4067 children who are HEU found no difference in mortality or infectious morbidity in children randomized to co‐trimoxazole prophylaxis started at 2–6 weeks of age compared to those randomized to placebo or no treatment, although event rates were low. Sub‐studies found that antimicrobial resistance was higher in infants receiving co‐trimoxazole. Two trials in Uganda investigating prolonged co‐trimoxazole after breastfeeding cessation showed protection against malaria but no other morbidity or mortality differences. All trials had some concerns or a high risk of bias, which limited the certainty of evidence. Discussion: Studies show no clinical benefit of co‐trimoxazole prophylaxis in children who are HEU, except to prevent malaria. Potential harms were identified for co‐trimoxazole prophylaxis leading to antimicrobial resistance. The trials in non‐malarial regions were conducted in populations with low mortality potentially reducing generalizability to other settings. Conclusions: In low‐mortality settings with few HIV transmissions and well‐performing early infant diagnosis and treatment programmes, universal co‐trimoxazole may not be required., INTRODUCTION Vertical transmission of HIV has declined enormously over recent years due to the widespread scale‐up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) among pregnant and breastfeeding women. However, despite this marked progress, [...]

Context.--Point-of-care test (POCT) instruments produce lab results with rapid turnaround times. Based on that fact, emergency department (ED) POCT requests are predicated on the belief that rapid test turnaround times lead to improved care, typically a decreased ED length of stay (LOS). Objective.--To compile the available peer-reviewed data regarding use of POCT in the ED with an emphasis on ED-LOS. Data Sources.--An English-language PubMed search using the following free text terms: ('EMERGENCY' AND 'POINT OF CARE') NOT ULTRASOUND as well as 'RAPID INFECTIOUS DISEASE TESTING.' In addition, the PubMed 'similar articles' functionality was used to identify related articles that were not identified on the initial search. Conclusions.--Seventy-four references were identified that studied POCT ED use to determine if they resulted in significant changes in ED processes, especially ED-LOS. They were divided into 3 groups: viral-influenza (n = 24), viral-respiratory not otherwise specified (n = 8), and nonviral (n = 42). The nonviral group was further divided into the following groups: chemistry, cardiac, bacterial/ strep, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, drugs of abuse, lactate, and pregnancy. Across all groups there was a trend toward a significantly decreased ED-LOS; however, a number of studies showed no change, and a third group was not assessed for ED-LOS. For POCT to improve ED-LOS it has to be integrated into existing ED processes such that a rapid test result will allow the patient to have a shorter LOS, whether it is to discharge or admission. (Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2021;145:308-319; doi: 10.5858/arpa.2020-0495-RA), Point-of-care test (POCT) instrument requests are typically predicated on the premise that faster results will a priori lead to better inpatient care secondary to quicker and targeted treatment. Rapid test [...]

: Introduction: Sexualized drug use (SDU), the use of psychoactive drugs in the context of sexual intercourse, has been identified as a risk factor for HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Asia. Given the distinct social and cultural context of same‐sex relationships and drug‐using practice in Asia, we aimed to describe the prevalence of SDU in East and South Asian countries and its associations with condomless anal sex (CAI) and HIV status. Synthesizing SDU research in this region, including SDU definitions, prevalence and outcomes, provides insights to inform future research and improved programme planning, resourcing and advocacy. Methods: We systematically searched OVID Medline, OVID EMBASE, OVID Global Health, CINAHL, PsycINFO and SCOPUS publication databases for scientific articles published from 1990 to 2022 measuring SDU among MSM in East and South Asian countries. A narrative synthesis was utilized to describe key study attributes and findings, and meta‐analyses using random pooled effect models were used to estimate SDU prevalence and its associations with CAI and HIV status. Subgroup meta‐analyses, sensitivity analysis and assessment of publication bias examined potential sources of heterogeneity for the pooled SDU prevalence estimates. Results and discussion: Of the 1788 publications screened, 49 publications met the selection criteria and 18 were suitable for meta‐analyses. Findings highlight SDU definitions distinct from other regions but inconsistencies in the definition of SDU between studies that have been highlighted in research elsewhere. The pooled prevalence of recent SDU (past 12 months) was 13% (95% CI = 10–16%; I[sup.2] = 97.6) but higher when studies utilized self‐administered surveys (15%; 95% CI = 12–19%; p Conclusions: SDU is common among MSM in East and South Asian countries, but varying SDU definitions limit between‐study comparisons. Responses to SDU‐related harms should consider local contexts, including specific drug types used and their relative risks., INTRODUCTION The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes has recently emphasized the urgency of addressing intersecting drug use and sexual practices by recommending targeted interventions for HIV prevention, particularly [...]

Context: Care home residents in the UK care homes account for almost 1.5 million emergency bed days each year. Avoidance of unnecessary hospital transfers benefits residents, and reduces demand on the healthcare systems but is difficult to implement. Objective: We synthesized evidence on interventions that influence unplanned hospital admissions or attendances by care home residents. Study design: This is a Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials. Dataset: PUBMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library were searched from 2012 to 2021, building on a review published in 2013. Population studied: Care home residents over the age of sixty-five years old. Intervention: Interventions that influence (decrease or increase) acute hospital admissions or attendances from care home residents. Outcome measures: Hospitalization, Emergency Department Attendance, and Rehospitalization. Results Thirty-eight randomized studies were included in this review. A narrative synthesis was conducted and the weight of evidence was described with vote counting. Advance care planning and goals of care setting appear to be effective at reducing hospitalizations from care homes. Other effective interventions, in order of increasing risk of bias, were: nurse practitioner/specialist input, palliative care intervention, influenza vaccination, and enhancing access to intravenous therapies in care homes. Factors that affect hospitalization and emergency department attendances of care home residents are complex. This review supports the already established use of advanced care planning and influenza vaccination to reduce unscheduled hospital attendances. It is likely that more than one intervention will be needed to impact on healthcare utilization across the care home population. The findings of this review are useful to identify effective interventions that can be combined, as well as highlighting interventions that either need evaluation or are not effective at decreasing healthcare utilization., Presenters Ben Searle, MBBS, MSc, MRCGP, Robert Barker, Daniel Stow, Gemma Spiers, Fiona Pearson, Barbara Hanratty, MBChB, MPH, MSc, [...]

Background: Clinicians may be less inclined to consider long-term left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy in end-stage heart failure (ESHF) as a result of nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) versus ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) owing to potentially greater right ventricular involvement in the former; however, it is unknown whether the cause of heart failure has a clinically meaningful effect on outcomes following LVAD implantation. In this systematic review, we aimed to determine whether ischemic versus nonischemic etiology has any impact on patient-relevant outcomes. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed and the Cochrane Library for studies published in English between Jan. 1, 2000, and Nov. 22, 2018, that examined survival and transplantation rates following LVAD implantation in patients with NICM or ICM. Randomized clinical trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, cross-sectional studies and case series with a sample size of at least 8 patients were eligible for inclusion. To be included in the meta-analysis, outcomes had to include at least death reported at 30 days or 1 year after LVAD implantation. Quality of included studies was assessed by 2 independent reviewers using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for Cohort Studies. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) quality-assessment tool was used to assess outcomes (30-d survival, 1-yr survival and cardiac transplantation following LVAD therapy) across studies. Results: From a total of 2843 citations identified, 7 studies met all inclusion criteria. Studies were generally of good quality, but reporting of patient demographic characteristics, outcomes and complications was heterogeneous. We found no significant difference in 30-day or 1-year survival or in cardiac transplantation rates after device implantation between the NICM and ICM groups. Patients in the 2 groups had similar outcomes up to 1 year with LVAD therapy. Conclusion: Early outcomes of LVAD therapy do not appear to be affected by heart failure etiology. Ongoing investigation is required to determine the long-term outcomes of LVAD therapy in ICM and NICM. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO register, record ID 76483. Contexte : Les professionnels de la santé peuvent être moins enclins à envisager un traitement à long terme par dispositif d'assistance ventriculaire gauche (DAVG) en cas d'insuffisance cardiaque terminale résultant d'une myocardiopathie non ischémique plutôt que d'une myocardiopathie ischémique, en raison du risque potentiellement accru d'atteinte du ventricule droit dans le premier cas. Cependant, on ne sait pas si la cause de l'insuffisance cardiaque a un effet clinique significatif sur les issues après l'implantation d'un DAVG. Dans cette revue systématique, nous avons voulu déterminer si l'étiologie ischémique ou non ischémique a une incidence sur les issues pour les patients. Méthodes : Nous avons interrogé MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed et la Bibliothèque Cochrane pour trouver les études publiées en anglais entre le 1er janvier 2000 et le 22 novembre 2018 qui examinaient la survie et le taux de greffe après l'implantation d'un DAVG chez les patients atteints d'une insuffisance cardiaque ischémique ou non ischémique. Les essais cliniques randomisés, les études de cohorte, les études cas--témoins, les études transversales et les séries de cas ayant un échantillon d'au moins 8 patients étaient admissibles pour inclusion. Pour qu'une publication soit incluse dans la méta-analyse, les issues à l'étude devaient comprendre au minimum les décès dans les 30 jours ou dans l'année suivant l'implantation du DAVG. La qualité des études retenues a été évaluée par 2 évaluateurs indépendants au moyen de l'échelle Newcastle--Ottawa pour l'évaluation de la qualité des études de cohorte. L'outil GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) a servi à évaluer la qualité des données sur les issues (survie après 30 jours, survie après 1 an et greffe cardiaque après le traitement par DAVG) dans l'ensemble des études. Résultats : Sur les 2843 citations recensées, 7 études respectaient tous les critères d'inclusion. Elles étaient généralement de bonne qualité, mais l'indication des caractéristiques démographiques des patients, des issues et des complications était hétérogène. Nous n'avons trouvé aucune différence significative dans la survie après 30 jours ou après 1 an, ni dans le taux de greffe cardiaque après l'implantation du dispositif entre les groupes ischémique et non ischémique. Les patients des 2 groupes avaient des issues similaires jusqu'à 1 an après le traitement par DAVG. Conclusion : Les issues à court terme du traitement par DAVG ne semblent pas influencées par l'étiologie de l'insuffisance cardiaque. Il faudra faire d'autres études pour caractériser les issues à long terme en présence d'insuffisance cardiaque ischémique et non ischémique. Enregistrement de la revue systématique : Registre PROSPERO, numéro 76483., The advent of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), with increased reliability and fewer complications than older-generation pulsatile devices, has led to a rise in the use of LVADs for [...]

Background: The incidence of colorectal cancer in North America is rising among patients younger than 50 years. Available data are conflicting regarding presentation and outcomes in this population. This review aimed to synthesize literature regarding young patients with colorectal cancer with respect to patient demographics, disease extent and survival, compared with patients older than 50 years. Methods: We searched Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and PubMed for articles published between 1990 and the time of search. Articles comparing North American patients with colorectal cancer younger and older than 50 years were eligible for inclusion. We used a random-effects model to pool odds ratios. Results: Eight retrospective studies were eligible for inclusion (n = 790 959). Mean age was 42.6 years (standard deviation [SD] 5.07) in the younger group, and 69.1 years (SD 9.25) in the older group. Young patients were more likely to present with regional (odds ratio [OR] 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16-1.40) and distant disease (OR 1.47, 95%CI 1.30-1.67). Considering patients at all stages of disease, differences in 5-year overall survival (OR 1.54, 95%CI 0.96-2.47) and cancer-specific survival (OR 1.01, 95%CI 0.91-1.13) were not statistically significant between groups. However, when controlling for disease extent, 5-year cancer-specific survival was significantly higher among young patients with local (OR 1.69, 95%CI 1.43-1.99), regional (OR 1.37, 95%CI 1.16-1.63) and distant disease (OR 1.79, 95%CI 1.45-2.21). Conclusion: North American patients presenting with colorectal cancer before the age of 50 years are more likely to have advanced disease. Although overall and cancer-specific survival is not significantly different between these groups, younger patients have improved survival when controlling for cancer stage. Contexte : L'incidence du cancer colorectal en Amérique du Nord est en hausse chez les patients de moins de 50 ans. Les données disponibles quant à la présentation et aux issues de la maladie dans cette population sont contradictoires. La présente revue systématique vise à synthétiser les données de la littérature sur les jeunes patients atteints d'un cancer colorectal, entre autres les caractéristiques démographiques des patients, le stade de la maladie et le taux de survie, et à les comparer aux données des patients de plus de 50 ans. Méthodes : Nous avons interrogé les bases de données Medline, Embase, PubMed et le Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials pour repérer les articles publiés entre 1990 et le moment de la recherche. Les études comparants les patients nord-américains atteints d'un cancer colorectal de moins de 50 ans et ceux de plus de 50 ans ont été incluses. Nous avons utilisé un modèle à effets aléatoires pour regrouper les rapports de cotes. Résultats : Huit études rétrospectives ont été retenues (n = 790 959). L'âge moyen était de 42,6 ans (écart type [É. T.] 5,07) pour le groupe des moins de 50 ans, et de 69,1 ans (É.-T. 9,25) pour l'autre groupe. Les jeunes patients étaient plus susceptibles de présenter un cancer régional (rapport de cotes [RC] 1,27; intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95% 1,16-1,40) ou un cancer à distance (RC 1,47; IC à 95% 1,30-1,67). Si on ne tenait pas compte du stade de la maladie, la différence entre le taux de survie globale à 5 ans (RC 1,54; IC à 95% 0,96-2,47) et le taux de survie au cancer à 5 ans (RC 1,01; IC à 95% 0,91-1,13) n'était pas statistiquement significative. Toutefois, si on tenait compte de l'étendue de la maladie, le taux de survie lié au cancer à 5 ans était significativement plus élevé chez les jeunes patients ayant un cancer localisé (RC 1,69; IC à 95% 1,43-1,99), régional (RC 1,37; IC à 95% 1,16-1,63) ou à distance (RC 1,79; IC à 95% 1,45-2,21). Conclusion : Les patients nord-américains de moins de 50 ans présentant un cancer colorectal sont plus susceptibles d'être à un stade avancé de la maladie. Bien que le taux de survie globale et le taux de survie au cancer ne diffèrent pas de manière significative entre les 2 groupes, les jeunes patients présentaient un meilleur taux de survie lorsqu'on tenait compte du stade de la maladie., Colorectal cancer remains the second most common cancer and third highest cause of cancer-related death in Canada. (1) Screening programs across the country have contributed to earlier diagnoses and a [...]

Background: There is a growing trend toward verification of trauma centres, but its impact remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to synthesize available evidence on the effectiveness of trauma centre verification. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of the CINAHL, Embase, HealthStar, MEDLINE and ProQuest databases, as well as the websites of key injury organizations for grey literature, from inception to June 2019, without language restrictions. Our population consisted of injured patients treated at trauma centres. The intervention was trauma centre verification. Comparison groups comprised nonverified trauma centres, or the same centre before it was first verified or re-verified. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality; secondary outcomes included adverse events, resource use and processes of care. We computed pooled summary estimates using random-effects meta-analysis. Results: Of 5125 citations identified, 29, all conducted in the United States, satisfied our inclusion criteria. Mortality was the most frequently investigated outcome (n = 20), followed by processes of care (n = 12), resource use (n = 12) and adverse events (n = 7). The risk of bias was serious to critical in 22 studies. We observed an imprecise association between verification and decreased mortality (relative risk 0.74, 95% confidence interval 0.52 to 1.06) in severely injured patients. Conclusion: Our review showed mixed and inconsistent associations between verification and processes of care or patient outcomes. The validity of the published literature is limited by the lack of robust controls, as well as any evidence from outside the US, which precludes extrapolation to other health care jurisdictions. Quasiexperimental studies are needed to assess the impact of trauma centre verification. Systematic reviews registration: PROSPERO no. CRD42018107083 Contexte : Le processus d'audit des centres de traumatologie gagne en popularité, mais ses effets concrets ne sont pas bien connus. La présente revue systématique a cherché à résumer les données probantes disponibles sur l'efficacité de l'audit des centres de traumatologie. Méthodes : Nous avons effectué des recherches systématiques dans les bases de données CINAHL, Embase, HealthSTAR, MEDLINE et ProQuest, de même qu'une recherche dans la littérature grise sur les sites Web d'organisations majeures du domaine des traumas, de leur création à juin 2019, sans restriction de langue. La population à l'étude était l'ensemble des patients blessés traités en centre de traumatologie. L'intervention était l'audit du centre de traumatologie. Les groupes de comparaison correspondaient aux centres de traumatologie n'ayant pas subi d'audit, ou le même centre, avant son premier audit ou un audit subséquent. Le principal résultat à l'étude était la mortalité en milieu hospitalier; les résultats secondaires étaient les événements indésirables, l'utilisation des ressources et les processus de soins. Nous avons calculé des estimations sommaires par méta-analyse à effets aléatoires sur données groupées. Résultats : Sur les 5125 citations retenues, 29 publications sur des études menées aux États-Unis répondaient à nos critères d'inclusion. La mortalité était le résultat le plus souvent à l'étude (n = 20), puis suivaient les processus de soins (n = 12), l'utilisation des ressources (n = 12) et les événements indésirables (n = 7). Le risque de biais était important ou critique dans 22 études. Nous avons observé une association imprécise entre l'audit et une baisse de la mortalité (risque relatif 0,74; intervalle de confiance à 95% 0,52 à 1,06) chez les patients ayant subi un trauma grave. Conclusion : Notre revue a conclu qu'il y avait des associations mitigées et manquant d'uniformité entre l'audit et les processus de soins ou les issues pour les patients. La validité des données à l'étude était limitée par un manque de contrôles fiables, ainsi que par l'absence de données provenant d'autres pays que les États-Unis, ce qui empêche l'extrapolation à d'autres systèmes de santé. Des études quasi expérimentales devront être menées pour évaluer les effets de l'audit des centres de traumatologie. Enregistrement de la revue systématique : Registre PROSPERO, numéro CRD42018107083., The introduction of trauma systems, defined as an organized and multidisciplinary response to injury from prehospital care to rehabilitation and community integration, has led to important reductions in injury burdens [...]

Introduction: Screening for acute and early HIV infections (AEHI) among men who have sex with men (MSM) remains uncommon in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Yet, undiagnosed AEHI among MSM and subsequent failure to link to care are important drivers of the HIV epidemic. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of AEHI yield among MSM mobilized for AEHI testing; and assessed which risk factors and/or symptoms could increase AEHI yield in MSM. Methods: We systematically searched four databases from their inception through May 2020 for studies reporting strategies of mobilizing MSM for testing and their AEHI yield, or risk and/or symptom scores targeting AEHI screening. AEHI yield was defined as the proportion of AEHI cases among the total number of visits. Study estimates for AEHI yield were pooled using random effects models. Predictive ability of risk and/or symptom scores was expressed as the area under the receiver operator curve (AUC). Results: Twenty-two studies were identified and included a variety of mobilization strategies (eight studies) and risk and/or symptom scores (fourteen studies).The overall pooled AEHI yield was 6.3% (95% CI, 2.1 to 12.4; [I.sup.2] = 94.9%; five studies); yield varied between studies using targeted strategies (11.1%; 95% CI, 5.9 to 17.6; [I.sup.2] = 83.8%; three studies) versus universal testing (1.6%; 95% CI, 0.8 to 2.4; two studies). The AUC of risk and/or symptom scores ranged from 0.69 to 0.89 in development study samples, and from 0.51 to 0.88 in validation study samples. AUC was the highest for scores including symptoms, such as diarrhoea, fever and fatigue. Key risk score variables were age, number of sexual partners, condomless receptive anal intercourse, sexual intercourse with a person living with HIV, a sexually transmitted infection, and illicit drug use. No studies were identified that assessed AEHI yield among MSM in SSA and risk and/or symptom scores developed among MSM in SSA lacked validation. Conclusions: Strategies mobilizing MSM for targeted AEHI testing resulted in substantially higher AEHI yields than universa AEHI testing. Targeted AEHI testing may be optimized using risk and/or symptom scores, especially if scores include symptoms. Studies assessing AEHI yield and validation of risk and/or symptom scores among MSM in SSA are urgently needed. Keywords: acute HIV infection; early HIV infection; men who have sex with men; targeted screening; risk score; mobilization; systematic review, 1 | INTRODUCTION In 2018, sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faced approximately one million new HIV infections [1]. Although HIV disproportionally affects men who have sex with men (MSM) globally [2,3], HIV [...]

In the spring of 217 BCE, shortly after Hannibal's famous elephant-borne crossing of the Alps, the general was afflicted by an acute, painful eye condition that has never been adequately [...]