J Natl Med Assoc
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Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has been shown to be an important predictor of the occurrence of various inflammatory and infectious diseases. However, the predictive value of RDW for pulmonary infection in elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation remains unclear. ⋯ RDW at admission had predictive value for pulmonary infection in elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation.
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Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is the most prevalent hemoglobinopathy, impacting around 5% of the global population. The Indian tribal population, which has been a key focus of the Indian SCD program, can experience health-related stigma due to the multidimensional impact of the disease. This preliminary qualitative inquiry delves into the lived experiences of individuals and synthesizes domains to identify the sources of stigma. ⋯ Our study highlights the importance of addressing stigma at various levels. Policies, programs, and healthcare interventions must target stigma across these levels. Culturally adaptive tools for identifying stigma, implementing appropriate interventions, and improving healthcare participation are essential for enhancing the quality of life and reducing the disease burden.
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With data available since 1981, firearm death rates in American children and adolescents can be evaluated for trends during the 13 years before, the decade of, and during 16 years since the United States (U.S.) 1994-2004 Federal Assault Weapons Ban (FAWB). ⋯ Firearm death rates in 0-14 year-olds before, during, and after the FAWB, and no other type of injury, implicate the FAWB as having had a beneficial effect. Legislation to mitigate firearm mortality and injury inclusive of a FAWB should be especially beneficial to children and young adolescents, and regardless of sex, race/ethnicity or region in the U.S.
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Systemic injustice has resulted in significant baseline inequality amongst populations according to gradients of privilege. What is the ethical approach to situations wherein equity may require differential treatment to correct for baseline disadvantages as a necessary means to its attainment? We explore this concept through the issue of patient requests for clinician identity concordance, when patients request a clinician who matches their race, ethnicity, or gender. ⋯ Next, we explore the ethics surrounding conditional acceptance through the frames of intent and clinical outcomes. We note the legacy of trauma experienced by marginalized patients at the hands of medicine and the abundance of data suggesting that identity concordance can mitigate disparities.
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Comparative Study
Racial disparity in the utilization of immunotherapy for advanced prostate cancer.
To identify whether there was a disparity in the utilization of immunotherapy in the treatment of black patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). ⋯ FDA approval of Sipuleucel-T for mCRPC led to increased utilization of immunotherapy shortly thereafter, but this was mainly noted in white patients. Black patients comparatively did not exhibit increased utilization of this novel agent after 2010. Further studies are necessary to help understand barriers to access to new treatment in mCRPC and eliminate the burden of disease in minority populations."