Introduction: This study aims to develop a simple diagnostic criterion that could be used to justify arthrocentesis in adults with suspected septic arthritis. Our hypothesis is that no single factor will be predictive for a decision to aspirate a questionable septic joint. Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was performed at a Level 1 Trauma institution including all patients over the age of 18 years referred to Orthopaedics through the Emergency Department or inpatient orthopaedic consultations for a suspected septic joint. Patient information recorded was age, laboratory markers (white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, physical exam findings (fever, pain with range-of-motion), and presence of smoking, diabetes, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis, and body mass index > 30. Continuous data was analyzed using logistic regression, and nominal data was analyzed using a two-tailed Fisher’s exact test. Results: A total of 128 patients met inclusion criteria for this study; 71 patients underwent arthrocentesis for suspected septic joint. On analysis of risk factors, the demographics, laboratory markers, physical exam and comorbidities were not significant between the two groups. On subset analysis of the septic joints, we found the only risk factor to be significantly predictive of whether a joint was septic was the presence of ESRD on dialysis ( p = 0.042). Conclusion: Past data have looked solely at predictive risk factors for septic arthritis; however, this study aims to predict what drives physicians towards aspirating a joint even before it is determined to be septic. We found no single factor was predictive of joint aspiration. Only ESRD on dialysis is predictive of whether a joint with concern for septic arthritis would ultimately be septic in our institution. The decision to aspirate continues to be best determined by clinician judgment in light of experience and available clinical information.

No abstract

Background. Older and sicker adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) were underrepresented in randomized trials of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor-agonist (GLP1RA) and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2I), and thus, health benefits are uncertain in this population. Objective. To assess the impact of age, health status, and life expectancy in older adults with T2D on health benefits of GLP1RA and SGLT2I. Design. We used the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) model to simulate lifetime health outcomes. We calibrated the UKPDS model to improve mortality prediction in older adults using a common geriatric prognostic index. Participants. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013–2018 participants 65 y and older with T2D, eligible for GLP1RA or SGLT2I according to American Diabetes Association guidelines. Interventions. GLP1RA or SGLT2I use versus no additional medication. Main Measures. Lifetime complications and weighted life-years (LYs) and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) across overall treatment arms and life expectancies. Key Results. The overall older adult population was predicted to experience significant health benefits from GLP1RA (+0.29 LY [95% confidence interval: 0.27, 0.31], +0.15 QALYs [0.14, 0.16]) and SGLT2I (+0.26 LY [0.24, 0.28], +0.13 QALYs [0.12, 0.14]) as compared with no added medication. However, expected benefits declined in subgroups with shorter life expectancies. Participants with <4 y of life expectancy had minimal gains of <0.05 LY and <0.03 QALYs from added medication. Accounting for injection-related disutility, GLP1RA use reduced QALYs (−0.03 QALYs [−0.04, −0.02]). Conclusions. While GLP1RA and SGLT2I have substantial health benefits for many older adults with type 2 diabetes, benefits are not clinically significant in patients with <4 y of life expectancy. Life expectancy and patient preferences are important considerations when prescribing newer diabetes medications. Highlights On average, older adults benefit significantly from SGLT2I and GLP1RA use. However, the benefits of these drugs are not clinically significant among older patients with life expectancy less than 4 y. There is potential harm in injectable GLP1RA use in the oldest categories of adults with type 2 diabetes. Heterogeneity in life expectancy and patient preferences for injectable versus oral medications are important to consider when prescribing newer diabetes medications

Aim To evaluate the U.S. population-level impact of two alternatives for initial type 2 diabetes screening [opportunistic random plasma glucose (RPG) > 6.7 mmol/l and a 1-h 50-g glucose challenge test (GCT) > 8.9 mmol/l] compared with American Diabetes Association (ADA)-recommended tests. Methods Using a sample (n = 1471) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2014 that represented 145 million U.S. adults at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes, we simulated a two-test screening process. We compared ADA-recommended screening tests [fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), HbA 1c ] vs. initial screening with opportunistic RPG or GCT (followed by FPG, OGTT or HbA 1c). After simulation, participants were entered into an individual-level Monte Carlo-based Markov lifetime outcomes model. Primary outcomes were representative number of U.S. adults correctly identified with type 2 diabetes, societal lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Results In NHANES 2013-2014, 100 individuals had undiagnosed diabetes [weighted estimate: 8.4 million, standard error (SE): 1.1 million]. Among ADA-recommended screening tests, FPG followed by OGTT (FPG-OGTT) was most sensitive, identifying 35 individuals with undiagnosed diabetes (weighted estimate: 3.2 million, SE: 0.9 million). Four alternative screening strategies performed superior to FPG-OGTT, with RPG followed by OGTT being the most sensitive overall, identifying 72 individuals with undiagnosed diabetes (weighted estimate: 6.1 million, SE: 1.0 million). There was no increase in average lifetime costs and comparable QALYs. Conclusions Initial screening using opportunistic RPG or a GCT may identify more U.S. adults with type 2 diabetes without increasing societal costs.