Research from UAB published in the June New England Journal of Medicine shows that adding a midurethral sling to support the urethra during surgery to repair pelvic organ prolapse reduces the chances of developing stress urinary incontinence. However, the procedure carries greater risk of complications than previous techniques.
Previous research looked at women who had abdominal repair for pelvic organ prolapse. Surgery patients who also received a bladder-neck suspension had a significantly reduced risk of developing stress urinary incontinence.
“However, the majority of prolapse repairs are now performed transvaginally, instead of through the abdomen, and midurethral slings have largely replaced bladder-neck suspensions,” says study co-author Holly Richter, PhD, MD, director of the UAB Division of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery.
The study sought to determine if adding the midurethral sling during vaginal prolapse surgery would reduce the risk of incontinence as much as the bladder-neck suspensions did with the abdominal procedure.
Of the 337 women who participated in the trial, 165 had a vaginal prolapse repair and a midurethral sling placed and 172 had a vaginal prolapse repair but did not have a sling placed. At three months, the rate of urinary incontinence was significantly less in the sling group, 23.6 percent compared to 49.4 percent in the group that did not have a sling placed. At 12 months, this benefit was maintained with urinary incontinence present in 27.3 percent and 43 percent of patients, respectively.
Although there were no significant differences between the two vaginal surgery groups in serious adverse events, the rate of bladder perforation was higher in the sling group than in group that did not receive a sling, as were rates of urinary tract infection, major bleeding complications and incomplete bladder emptying six weeks after surgery, all significant differences, but complications previously known to occur in women undergoing midurethral slings.
“While placement of the sling in women undergoing vaginal prolapse repair improved continence outcomes, using a sling in these women also increases the likelihood of these types of complications, although the majority of them resolve,” Richter says.
Biomarker Test for Rheumatoid Arthritis Proves Effective
In a paper published online in Arthritis Care and Research, a UAB-led research team says that a blood test measuring 12 biomarkers for rheumatoid arthritis is a valid tool in managing the disease.
“Previously, the disease activity of RA was assessed through clinical observation by a physician, noting the number of tender and swollen joints and assessing pain and functional abilities,” said Jeffrey Curtis, MD, associate professor in the Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology. “This blood test measures the underlying amount of RA activity within the joints using biochemical means intended to reflect the underlying pathophysiology of the disease.”
Curtis says the test emphasizes the activity of underlying biological pathways rather than external symptoms and should therefore provide information that is different from, and complementary to, clinical assessment. He suggests the test may also help assess treatment response in patients. The test could show in just a few weeks whether a particular therapy is effective, rather than within three to four months as in current practice.
The blood test, called Vectra DA, is a multi-biomarker disease activity, or MBDA, test. It is basically a measure of inflammation, looking for the presence of 12 cytokines, which are biomarkers that can indicate the presence of disease.
Curtis says previous studies had selected the 12 biomarkers from a list of 396 candidates and determined an algorithm that weighted the significance of each biomarker and produced a composite score.
DSI Renal Unveils Newly Relocated Birmingham South Dialysis Clinic
DSI Renal has opened a new dialysis clinic, DSI South Dialysis. The new facility, which replaces the former DSI Norwood clinic, is located on 3rd Avenue South in the established medical district across from Baptist Health System and near St. Vincent’s, UAB and Brookwood medical centers. Patient amenities include heated massage chairs, individual station flat-screen TVs, flexible scheduling and plenty of free, private parking. DSI South also offers peritoneal dialysis training for in-home treatment.
Princeton Baptist First Accredited Stroke Center in Birmingham
The Joint Commission, in conjunction with The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, has recognized Princeton Baptist Medical Center with Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers. Achievement of Primary Stroke Center Certification signifies an organization’s dedication to fostering better outcomes for stroke patients
Princeton underwent a rigorous on-site review in April. A Joint Commission expert reviewed Princeton’s compliance with the requirements for The Joint Commission’s Disease-Specific Care Certification program as well as primary stroke center requirements.
“Achieving this accreditiation took leadership, commitment and effective teamwork among all disciplines,” said Betsy Postlethwait, Princeton president. “The hard work put forth by Princeton’s medical, nursing and ancillary staff to earn this accreditation underscores our commitment to providing excellent stroke care.”
“It is quite an accomplishment to acquire this certification, but even better to know we are giving our patients the best care possible,” said Keith Parrott, Baptist Health System chief operating officer.
Medical West Surgeons Use New Technology
Surgeons at Medical West Hospital are the first in Alabama to adopt a new technology for surgical procedures and reconstructions called the SPY Elite™ System. In real time, the SPY Elite™ System enhances intraoperative visualization of tissue perfusion, or the amount of blood that a tissue receives which is critical in assessing the body’s ability to heal and to reduce complications after surgery.
The SPY Elite™ System features a display monitor which provides real-time perfusion mapping during surgery, a maneuverable imaging head for convenient use in the operating room, and an enhanced software package.
Surgeons at Medical West are using the technology for various procedures including skin flaps, hernia repair, colon resections, and breast reconstruction.
“The surgical outcome improvements we have seen are amazing,” said John Issis, MD. “This technology allows us to better assess tissue perfusion during surgery, which ultimately improves the patient healing and recovery process.
Oncology Chaplain Joins DCH Staff
The Rev. Kimberly S. Russell, M.Div., has joined the clinical staff of the Department of Pastoral Care Services at DCH Regional Medical Center.
Russell specializes in the spiritual and emotional care of patients, families and staff at the DCH Cancer Center and the inpatient oncology units at the Regional Medical Center and Northport Medical Center.
She also serves as a leader for the Bigger C Encouragers, a faith-based program of DCH Pastoral Care and supporting congregations.
Prior to joining the DCH Pastoral Care Services, Russell served as a chaplain with Hospice Advantage in Kennesaw, Georgia.
She graduated from Kennesaw State University with a bachelor’s degree in theatre and performance studies. She earned a master of divinity from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University. While there, Russell completed a clinical pastoral education internship at Children’s Medical Center. Russell completed her clinical pastoral education residency at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Scottish Rite.
St. Vincent’s Birmingham Opens State’s First Heart Valve Clinic
The first heart valve clinic in the state, the St. Vincent’s Heart Valve Clinic, has opened its doors on the St. Vincent’s Birmingham campus.
The clinic brings together a team of experienced physicians from multiple disciplines to offer the most complete care for patients with complex valvular heart disease.
St. Vincent’s Heart Valve Clinic patients will meet with an experienced team of surgeons, cardiologists, and other specialists to provide the most comprehensive diagnostic assessment for him/her. The Valve Clinic team will make a recommendation for treatment that is tailored specifically for the patient. Additionally, the clinic nursing staff will meet with the patient to coordinate treatment plans. In an effort to fully integrate the multidisciplinary approach, the patient’s referring physician will be updated on the recommended plan and asked for input in managing the patient’s condition.
“The clinic is a testament to St. Vincent’s commitment to providing expert quality heart care to our patients,” said Andy Davis, president and COO of St. Vincent’s Birmingham. “The clinic will be a onestop shop for patients with valvular heart disease.”
American Family Care Marks 30 Years in Business
American Family Care, Inc. is celebrating 30 years in business. On June 14, 1982, AFC opened its first clinic in Hoover, Alabama. On December 12, 2011, AFC opened the 30th clinic in Mobile - 30 clinics in 30 years.
By the end of 2012, there will be another eight clinics open for a total of 38 medical clinics. With this growth, AFC will have clinics in Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia with plans to expand into Florida and Texas in 2013. This growth will create over 500 new healthcare jobs. This year AFC will treat over 550,000 patients and will have treated over 10 million patients in its 30 year history.
“We could not have accomplished this without our outstanding employees,” said D. Bruce Irwin, MD, Founder and CEO of AFC.
Urology Centers of Alabama Performs Over 5,300 Robotic Prostate Surgeries
Since 2002, The Urology Centers of Alabama have now performed over 5,300 robotic prostate surgeries. The robotic radical prostatectomy is performed by using the da Vinci computer system.
As Urology Centers of Alabama strives to stay at the forefront of care, their robotic program has grown to include numerous other procedures such partial nephrectomies, UPJ repair/pyeloplasty, pelvic prolapsed repair, pyelolithotomy, radical and partial cystectomy, subtotal prostatectomy for BPH and ureteral reimplantation.
UAB Biotechnology Program Approved as a Master’s Degree
The UAB System Board of Trustees approved the biotechnology program as a stand-alone master’s degree. The program, in the School of Health Professions, has been a certificate option in Clinical Laboratory Sciences since 2009.
“Today’s biotechnology companies have matured to the point that there is a growing need in the workplace for employees specifically trained for this industry,” said Kathy Nugent, PhD, director of the program. “This program is therefore comprised of an innovative new curriculum and training models that will prepare students to meet the demands of a successful career in the biotechnology field.”
Nugent is also president of BioAlabama, a statewide organization representing Alabama’s bio related industries, research scientists, clinicians and business professionals.
UAB Cancer Center Grant Aims to Lower Cost of Cancer Care
A three-year, $15 million federal grant to the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center will help create a national model for decreasing the cost of cancer care.
With the Health Care Innovation Challenge Award from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation, UAB will develop a new program called the Deep South Cancer Navigation Network aimed at providing as much as $49.8 million in savings in cancer care costs over three years while creating more than 50 new jobs to carry out the work.
Through the Deep South Cancer Navigation Network, the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, UAB Medicine and participating UAB Cancer Care Network affiliates will focus on helping cancer patients make the most appropriate choices for their treatment, reduce the use of ineffective therapies and maximize the appropriate use of healthcare resources.
Princeton Hyperbaric Program is First in Birmingham to Receive Accreditation
The Princeton Baptist Hyperbaric Medicine Department recently became the first hyperbaric program in Birmingham and only the second in the state to be accredited by the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), an organization that has had a clinical hyperbaric facility accreditation program since 2001.
“Clinical hyperbaric medicine facility accreditation is the gold standard to provide patients with the knowledge that a facility has demonstrated compliance to both a broad range of quality of care and patient safety standards,” said Tom Workman, MS, CAsP, Director of Quality Assurance for UHMS. “Only about 12% of hospitals in the country with hyperbaric medicine programs have achieved this voluntary milestone.”
The UHMS survey team, consisting of a hyperbaric physician, hyperbaric technician, and hyperbaric nurse surveyors, examined Princeton’s staffing and training, equipment operation and maintenance, facility and patient safety, and standards of care.
CRMC & CEMS Restore a Piece of History
Cullman Regional Medical Center and Cullman Emergency Medical Service (CEMS) Ambulance Service are showcasing a newly refurbished 1967 Pontiac Superior Coach ambulance at the hospital’s main entrance. The ambulance, the only one remaining from the original Cullman County fleet, was donated by Crane Hill rapid responder Tommy Mitchell.
Mitchell completed the. According to research by the CRMC and the CEMS Ambulance staff, there were only 112 of these ambulances manufactured in the United States.
CEMS Ambulance crews plan to use the refurbished ambulance at community events and in parades to showcase what ambulance transportation was prior to today’s modern technology.
