The Implications of Increasing Physician Hospital Employment

By: Robbins RA

Abstract: No abstract available. Article truncated after 150 words. Several years ago, Dr. Jack had a popular, solo internal medicine practice in Phoenix. However, over a period of about 15-20 years, the profitability of Jack’s private practice dwindled and he was working 60+ hours per week to keep his head above water. This is not what he planned in his mid-50’s when he hoped to be settling into a comfortable lifestyle in anticipation of retirement. Jack eventually closed his practice and took a job as a hospital-employed physician. Jack’s story has become all too common. The majority of physicians are now hospital-employed (1).

The increase in hospital-employed physicians raises at least 2 questions: 1. How can a busy private practice not be profitable? and 2. Is it good to have most physicians hospital-employed? Like Jack, it seems most physicians seek hospital employment for financial and lifestyle reasons. But how can a primary care practice like Jack’s not be profitable …

URL: http://www.swjpcc.com/editorials/2019/5/13/the-implications-of-increasing-physician-hospital-employment.html 

Management of Refractory Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure secondary to Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage with Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

By: Gill E, Fayed MA, Ho E

Abstract: Uncontrolled bleeding has been a relative contraindication for the use of venovenous extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO), but current practice is relatively institution dependent. With the recent advances in circuit technology and anticoagulation practices, the ability to manage patients with ongoing bleeding with ECMO support has increased. We report the case of a 66-year-old patient with refractory hypoxemic respiratory failure secondary to diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) from underlying anti neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis who was successfully supported through his acute illness with VV ECMO. ECMO is often used to manage patients with refractory hypoxemic respiratory failure but the usage in the setting of DAH is less known given the risk of bleeding while receiving anticoagulation. Our patient was successfully managed without anticoagulation during his initial ECMO course and his respiratory failure rapidly improved after cannulation. Once managed through the acute phase of his illness and treatment started for his underlying disease process, anticoagulation was started. After being de-cannulated from ECMO and a 3 week stay in the acute rehabilitation unit, our patient was discharged home with complete recovery from his illness. We highlight that patients with refractory hypoxemic respiratory failure and suspicion of DAH as an etiology, ECMO without anticoagulation should be considered as supportive salvage therapy until the underlying process can be treated.

URL: http://www.swjpcc.com/critical-care/2019/5/10/management-of-refractory-hypoxemic-respiratory-failure-secon.html 

Impact of Sleep and Dialysis Mode on Quality of Life in a Mexican Population

By: Reynaga-Ornelas L, Baldwin CM,Arcoleo K, Quan SF

Abstract: 

Background: Health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) is reduced with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) but little is known about the impact of sleep disorders, dialysis modality and demographic factors on HR-QOL of Mexican patients with ESRD.

Methods: 121 adults with ESRD were enrolled from 4 dialysis units in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico, stratified by unit and dialysis modality (hemodialysis [HD], continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis [CAPD] and automated peritoneal dialysis [APD]). Analysis included clinical information and data from the Sleep Heart Health Study Sleep Habits Questionnaire, the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) short form (SF-36) HR-QOL measure and Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

Results: Overall, sleep symptoms and disorders were common (e.g., 37.2% insomnia). SF-36 scores were worse versus US and Mexican norms. HD patients reported better, while CAPD patients poorer HR-QOL for Vitality. With multivariate modelling dialysis modality, sleep disorders as a group and lower income were significantly associated with poorer overall SF-36 and mental health HR-QOL. Overall and Mental Composite Summary models showed HR-QOL was significantly better for both APD and HD with small to moderate effect sizes. Cost-effectiveness analysis demonstrated an advantage for APD.

Conclusions: Mexican ESRD patients have reduced HR-QOL, and sleep disorders may be an important driver of this finding. APD should be the preferred mode of dialysis in Mexico.

URL: http://www.swjpcc.com/sleep/2019/5/3/impact-of-sleep-and-dialysis-mode-on-quality-of-life-in-a-me.html 

Medical Image of the Month: Double Aortic Arch

By: Wickstrom K, Sears SP, Meinke L

Abstract: No abstract available. Article truncated after 150 words. A 78-year-old gentleman presented to the hospital via EMS with altered mental status. An urgent CT of the head performed in the emergency room demonstrated a large, right intraparenchymal hemorrhage with intraventricular extension into the right lateral ventricle. His Glascow Coma Scale score was 6, and he was intubated for airway protection.  A chest radiograph performed to verify placement of the endotracheal tube demonstrated prominence of the upper mediastinum in the region of the right paratracheal strip (Figure 1). A CT of the chest (Figure 2) demonstrated a double aortic arch corresponding to the upper mediastinal abnormality noted on the chest radiograph. In speaking with the patient’s family after acquiring the CT of the chest, they stated that the patient had long-term issues with dysphagia – specifically choking with solid foods. Unfortunately, the patient passed away from complications of his large intraparenchymal hemorrhage.

A double aortic arch results from persistence of …

URL: http://www.swjpcc.com/imaging/2019/5/2/medical-image-of-the-month-double-aortic-arch.html 

May 2019 Imaging Case of the Month: Asymptomatic Pulmonary Nodules and Cysts in a 47-Year-Old Woman

By: Gotway MB

Abstract: No abstract available. Article truncated after 150 words. Clinical History: A 47-year-old previously healthy woman presented to her new physician for a routine physical examination. The patient had no complaints. The patient’s physical examination showed normal vital signs and clear lungs; the physical examination was essentially unremarkable. The patient’s past medical history included a brief smoking history, having quit over 20 years earlier, as well as seasonal allergies. Her past surgical history included an appendectomy nearly 20 years earlier and a hysterectomy for bleeding related to uterine leiomyomas approximately 12 years prior to presentation. The patient was not taking any prescription medications.

Basic laboratory data, including a complete blood count, electrolyte panel, and liver function studies were all within the normal range. An electrocardiogram revealed normal findings. Frontal and lateral chest radiography (Figure 1) was performed.

Which of the following statements regarding the chest radiograph is most accurate?

1. The chest radiograph shows mediastinal and hilar lymph node …

URL: http://www.swjpcc.com/imaging/2019/5/1/may-2019-imaging-case-of-the-month-asymptomatic-pulmonary-no.html