Lung Cancer Screening Outreach Program in an Urban Native American Clinic

Objectives: To evaluate uptake of lung cancer screening in an urban Native American clinic using 2 culturally targeted promotion strategies. Methods: Patients eligible for lung cancer screening from July 2019 to July 2021 were randomized to receive either a single culturally-targeted mailer from the clinic regarding possible eligibility for screening, or the same mailer plus a follow-up text message and additional mailing. Results: Overall, there were low rates of shared decision-making visit scheduling (8.5%) with no difference between promotion strategy groups (9.4% in control group vs 7.7% in culturally-targeted outreach group). Only about 50% of the lung cancer screening CT exams ordered were completed and returned to the clinic. Conclusions: While there was no difference between arms in this intervention, 8.5% of the sample did complete a shared decision-making visit after these low-cost interventions. The gap between the number of screening CTs ordered and number who completed the CT represents an area where further interventions should focus

Serratus Anterior Plane Block for Pain Management After Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgeries: A Narrative Review

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure utilized in various thoracic conditions. VATS has grown in popularity with ever-expanding knowledge of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols and its benefits regarding patient care and outcomes. Pain control following VATS is of utmost importance to minimize the complication risk. Options for pain control following VATS have traditionally included systemic IV analgesia but have evolved to include loco-regional analgesia as well. The serratus anterior plane block (SAPB) is one form of loco-regional analgesia utilized in VATS that has been shown to provide effective pain control of the anterolateral chest wall. Patients who received SAPB compared to control methods of anesthesia demonstrated significant decreases in postoperative pain and postoperative opioid consumption. SAPB is effective and offers a promising safety profile as the block is typically more superficial than other types of loco-regional analgesia. This review outlines the recent literature surrounding the use of SAPB for pain control in VATS

Fake Xanax: Designer Emerging Benzodiazepine Epidemic Linked to Morbidity and Mortality a Narrative Review

Abstract Etizolam is a thienodiazepine derivative which produces an anxiolytic effect similar to benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax). Like classic benzodiazepines, etizolam has a high affinity towards the GABAA receptor, and allosterically potentiates the effects of GABA resulting in neuronal hyperpolarization related to chloride influx. When taken in therapeutic doses, etizolam produces a similar effect to Xanax. Counterfeit Xanax tablets contain variable amounts of etizolam. Tablets with high amounts of etizolam can cause toxicity if ingested, especially when combined with other substances. When toxic symptoms occur in patients, they may include severe sedation, unconsciousness, and depression of the medullary respiratory center. In this regard, there is the potential for death. Additionally, the rise in fake Xanax tablets containing etizolam and other counterfeit medications has been exacerbated by the difference in regulations regarding these substances in different countries as well as the illegal drug trade. Healthcare providers may also play a role through the over- or underprescribing of certain medications. Thus, in order to combat the rise in counterfeit medications such as fake Xanax, international cooperation, regulation, and enforcement of laws pertaining to the manufacture, prescription, and distribution of these substances are needed