- News & Press Releases, Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogPeer-reviewed publication in New England Journal of Medicine validates findings first announced in December The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) has published final results of a nationwide multicenter study led by researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health that show plasma from patients who have recovered from COVID-19 and whose blood contains antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, the causative virus, is an effective and safe option as an early outpatient treatment for the disease. Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center was one of twenty-two academic medical centers nationwide that participated in the study. The research showed that antibody-rich COVID-19 convalescent plasma —collected from recovered patients and administered to COVID-19 outpatients within nine days after testing positive — reduced the need for hospitalization by more than half. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently authorizes this plasma as a treatment option for inpatients and outpatients with immunocompromised status. “Based on our findings and conclusions — which are now validated through the peer-review process — we encourage health care professionals to keep SARS-CoV-2 antibody-rich blood plasma available in their blood banks as part of the treatment arsenal against early-stage COVID-19,” says study co-lead author David Sullivan, M.D., professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health with a joint appointment in infectious diseases at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “We believe that the best role for convalescent plasma is extending its use to early outpatient treatment when other therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies or drugs, are either not readily available — as in low- and middle-income countries — or ineffective, as with SARS-CoV-2 variants that are resistant to certain monoclonal antibodies,” Sullivan adds. “The research team at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC) honors the patients involved in this study who are among the more than 400 patients at LHAAMC who have participated in research studies for COVID-19,” said Barry Meisenberg, M.D., chair of the department of medicine at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center and local principal investigator for the study. “Their voluntary participation has led the search for lifesaving therapies, not just for themselves, but for future patients all around the world.” In the outpatient early-treatment study conducted between June 2020 and October 2021, the researchers provided 1,181 randomized patients with one dose each of either high antibody containing convalescent plasma (containing a concentrated mixture of antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2) or placebo control plasma (with no SARS-CoV-2 antibodies). The patients were 18 and older, and had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within eight days prior to transfusion. The study found that 17 patients out of 592 (2.9%) who received the convalescent plasma required hospitalization within 28 days of their transfusion, compared with 37 out of 589 (6.3%) who received placebo control plasma. This translated to a relative risk reduction for hospitalization of 54%. Patients treated within 5 days of the positive test appeared to have an even better outcome: reduction of 80% in the risk of hospitalization, similar to other authorized therapies. The next step, the researchers say, is to make convalescent more accessible to those who might need it. As part of that effort, they have provided clinicians with a guide for implementing a plasma transfusion center for outpatients with COVID-19, including logistical, staffing and blood banking requirements. The team also continues to seek more understanding of how convalescent plasma works. A soon-to-be published study will look at the ability of plasma to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants, including delta and omicron, despite no previous donor exposure to those viruses. You can read the pre-print manuscript here.
- News & Press ReleasesGeneral Page Tier 3BlogLuminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center has received an evaluation of 95 out of 100 and the designation of “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Top Performer” in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 15th anniversary edition of the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey of healthcare facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ+ patients, visitors, and employees. “This recognition reaffirms our responsibility to treat everyone equally, and reflects the value we, as an organization, place on recognizing and respecting the differences that everyone has to offer,” said Sherry Perkins, president of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. “Thank you to our LGBTQ+ Business Resource Group for developing policies that create an inclusive environment for our patients and teammates. Discrimination has no place in this hospital and we will continue to make positive changes that benefit the communities we serve.” “Every person deserves to have access to quality healthcare, be respected and heard by their doctor, and feel safe in the facility where they are receiving care. But LGBTQ+ people are often subject to discrimination in all spaces, including healthcare facilities, which leads to members of the community avoiding care and anticipating our voices will not be respected in an incredibly vulnerable environment,” said Tari Hanneman, Director of Health & Aging at The Human Rights Campaign. “The Healthcare Equality Index, at its core, strives to ensure LGBTQ+ people are protected and affirmed by their healthcare providers and feel safe seeking services. Our HEI active participants are truly pioneering the healthcare industry by implementing robust, comprehensive LGBTQ+ inclusive policies that hopefully, because of their work, will become standard practice.” The HEI evaluates and scores healthcare facilities on detailed criteria falling under four central pillars: Foundational Policies and Training in LGBTQ+ Patient-Centered Care; LGBTQ+ Patient Services and Support; Employee Benefits and Policies; and, Patient and Community Engagement. “This designation demonstrates our commitment to our RISE values – Respect, Inclusion, Service, & Excellence. We RISE by lifting others,” said Manny Ocasio, chief human resource officer for Luminis Health. “One of the strategic goals of Vision 2030 is to become the number one employer of choice in the region where 100 percent of our team members find joy at work. This honor signifies that we remain true to our vision.” In the 2022 report, an impressive 496 facilities earned HRC’s “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader” designation, receiving the maximum score in each section and earning an overall score of 100. Another 251 facilities earned the “Top Performer” designation with scores between 80 to 95 points and at least partial credit in each section. With 82% of participating facilities scoring 80 points or more, health care facilities are demonstrating concretely that they are going beyond the basics when it comes to adopting policies and practices in LGBTQ+ care.
- Plastic Surgery & Skin Care, WellnessGeneral Page Tier 3BlogThere is a variety of skin care products on the market, and many of us have several products at home for everything from acne to dark circles. Our goal is to have healthy skin, but what does that really mean? Telisha Johnson, a plastic surgery nurse practitioner at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, explains what to look for in healthy skin. Healthy skin is smooth, firm/tight, even in color, hydrated, tolerant and free from disease. Smooth skin has a soft and compact outer layer that has unbroken cell renewal and a regulated skin repair cycle Firm/tight skin is full and has an abundance of optimally functioning collagen and elastin Even in color skin has properly functioning pigment with even production and distribution Hydrated skin has a barrier function that produces natural moisturizing factors that are formed within the structural proteins of the skin Tolerant skin has a functional barrier that is tolerant to the surrounding environment Free from disease skin is not sensitive nor does it have pre-cancer or cancerous lesions It doesn’t take dozens of products to address skin-care concerns. “I cannot stress enough the importance of having a few simple products like a cleanser, exfoliator, toner and sunscreen. That’s only four products!” says Johnson. Cleansers remove oils, dirt and makeup without damaging the skin Exfoliators are necessary to remove dead skin cells and increase new cell regeneration—this helps produce more even skin, helping to ensure better distribution of your other skin care products Toners help to balance the pH of your skin, remove impurities, reduce pores, and keep your skin feeling fresh and hydrated Finally, daily use of sunscreen (30 SPF or higher) will decrease the risk of sunspots, skin cancers and wrinkled skin Those core products will build a solid foundation of basic skin care. To request a consultation about specific skin concerns, visit Luminis.Health/PlasticSurgery Authors Telisha Johnson is a plastic surgery nurse practitioner at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center.
- Plastic Surgery & Skin Care, Wound CareGeneral Page Tier 3BlogOne concern that many patients have when they undergo surgery is “what will the scar look like?” All surgeries result in scars, and sometimes scars can become unsightly or painful for certain patients. This article discusses a bit more about what a scar is and different treatments for scars. What is a scar? A scar is the body’s natural way of healing itself after injury. Scars are formed from a protein in your body called collagen. A scar can take up to a full 2 years to heal. Scars often start out as red and raised and will gradually flatten over time. Some patients have keloid scarring, which is characterized by round, irregular, and thick scars that grow beyond the edges of a wound. Keloid scars are most common in darker-skinned people and can occur anywhere on the body. In comparison, a hypertrophic scar is one that is thick, red, and raised, however, it has not grown beyond the edges of a wound. How do you treat a scar? For most patients, time and patience will heal all scars. It can be difficult to wait and watch you scar, but one of the most important factors for overall scar health is allowing the body to heal naturally. Some patients like to modulate the scarring process by introducing scar creams, such as ones that contain silicone and sunscreen. Silicone helps a scar heal by providing moisture and reducing collagen production, meaning it helps a scar become softer and flatter. Sunscreen is essential for all scars, as they are very susceptible to sun exposure and burning. Most patients respond well to topical scar creams, however, some patients need additional therapy. For patients who have hypertrophic or keloid scars, a steroid injection will help to flatten and lighten the area. Other patients respond well to laser therapies where the top layer of the scar can be removed and lightened. If all the non-invasive scar treatments do not work, the most definitive way to treat a scar is to perform surgery to remove the old scar and create a new one. Surgeons often use different material during a secondary procedure that produces less inflammation and lessens the chances of a reactive scar. Takeaway All patients, and all scars, are different. No two patients will have the same outcome and every treatment is unique. If you have a scar that you wish was different, please contact the plastic surgery team at Luminis Health to discuss different options. Authors Tripp Holton, MD, is a plastic surgeon and the director of microvascular surgery at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center. He has extensive expertise in reconstructive microsurgery, including reconstruction of the head and neck, breast, and extremities.
- Infectious DiseaseGeneral Page Tier 3BlogCostumes, candy, spooky stories – whether you are young, or just young at heart, Halloween is a holiday many of us love to celebrate every year. But the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed everything these last few months. Including our favorite holiday traditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidelines that recommend against trick-or-treating this year, along with other high-risk activities, such as attending Halloween parties inside someone’s house, visiting indoor haunted houses or attending other large, crowded events. We may not be bobbing for apples together. But there are still things you can do to celebrate safely at home with your immediate family. Here are some ideas, courtesy of the CDC. Carve pumpkins with your family. Gather everyone who lives in your home together and have fun carving your spookiest jack-o-lanterns. Take pictures and share them on social media. You could even host an online photo contest and see which ones gets the most likes. Or, you and your neighbors could have a socially distant carving party and carve pumpkins on your front porches. Organize a virtual costume party. Thanks to Zoom and other technology platforms, you can still get together with your friends from the safety of your own home. Log onto your computer, dress up in your best Halloween costume, and let the celebration begin. Hold a Halloween scavenger hunt. Buy some Halloween treats and toys and hide them all around your home or yard for your kids to find. Have a movie night. Halloween is the best time to binge watch scary movies. Cuddle up on the couch and put on your favorite flick. You could even host a group virtual watch party. You could use Zoom and share your screen with your friends. Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime also have remote streaming capabilities. Outside is safer than inside Outdoor activities are safer than indoor ones, as long as you are following COVID-19 safety guidelines. That includes wearing masks, washing hands often and staying at least six feet apart from those who aren’t in your household. The CDC classifies several Halloween activities as moderate risk, such as going to a pumpkin patch or an apple orchard, visiting an open-air haunted forest or having a costume party outside. If you are going to be screaming, stay more than six feet apart. Setting up a table with individually wrapped treats at the end of your driveway or yard for children to take is also a less risky way to participate in Halloween. Make sure you wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after you put together any goodie bags. Remember that a Halloween mask isn’t the same as wearing a cloth mask. Your mask should have two or more layers of breathable fabric, and cover your mouth and nose. It should not leave gaps around your face. Do not wear a costume mask over your cloth mask, as it may make it difficult to breathe and is a safety hazard. Most importantly, if anyone in your family is sick with COVID-19 symptoms—stay home. From all of us at Luminis Health, we wish you a healthy and safe Halloween with more treats than tricks. Author Jean Murray is the director of Infection Control at Anne Arundel Medical Center.
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